News Story not available This story has been published on: 2022-10-28. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. This story is no longer available on our site. 23 2021 , 3 2021 2022 ". 2000 - 2022 24 .- . focus-news.net, () . 24 . 24 . . 24 . WASHINGTON Donald Trump's new running mate and other Republicans are wrongly accusing Hillary Clinton of speaking with indifference about the death of Americans in Benghazi, Libya twisting her comments out of context to make their indictment. A look at some of the claims from the stage of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night and how they compare with the facts: INDIANA GOV. MIKE PENCE, Trump's choice for vice president:"It was Hillary Clinton who left Americans in harm's way in Benghazi and after four Americans fell, said: What difference, at this point, does it make?" TEXAS SEN. TED CRUZ:"Theirs is the party that ... responds to the death of Americans at Benghazi by asking, What difference does it make?" THE FACTS:At no point has Clinton said or even implied that it makes no difference whether Americans died in the Benghazi attacks. ADVERTISEMENT Clinton's well-known quote came at a January 2013 Senate hearing when she was pressed about the motive for the attack that killed four Americans, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens. Her point was that it was less important to understand the reason for the attack than in knowing what to do about it. Republicans have persistently criticized the Obama administration for initially and wrongly blaming the attack on an anti-U.S. protest. Clinton' fuller remarks on that subject from the hearing: "With all due respect, the fact is we had four dead Americans. Was it because of a protest or was it because of guys out for a walk one night who decided that they'd they go kill some Americans? What difference at this point does it make? It is our job to figure out what happened and do everything we can to prevent it from ever happening again, senator." She went on: "It is, from my perspective, less important today looking backwards as to why these militants decided they did it than to find them and bring them to justice, and then maybe we'll figure out what was going on in the meantime." Whether Clinton as secretary of state acted properly in that crisis is a matter of enduring debate. But she was not, as Pence and Cruz suggested, cold about the fact that Americans died. --- NEWT GINGRICH, former House speaker:"Iran the world's leading sponsor of terrorism is close to having nuclear weapons." THE FACTS:It's not as close at it had been before a nuclear pact completed a year ago between Iran and world powers. The deal suspends oil, trade and financial sanctions in return for Iran rolling back its nuclear program. Before the deal, Iran was just a few months away from having enough weapons-grade uranium to build 10 to 12 nuclear weapons, according to the U.S. government. Now, if Iran were to race toward an atomic weapon, the Obama administration and most independent experts say it would need at least a year, which they say would be enough time to discover the effort and intervene. ADVERTISEMENT --- GINGRICH:"So when you hear about Hillary's dishonesty, or the emails, or taking millions from the Saudis and other Middle Eastern dictatorships remember, this is not about politics." THE FACTS:Clinton was not personally paid for making any speeches in Saudi Arabia or other Mideast nations. Instead, it was the Clinton Foundation, the family charity that she briefly headed after leaving the State Department, that received millions in donations from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and several other Mideast nations. Most of those donations were made before she took a leadership role in the charity after stepping down as secretary of state in 2013. Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, was personally paid $300,000 each for speeches to two companies in Saudi Arabia and $600,000 for a speech sponsored by a UAE government initiative. --- CRUZ:"There is a better vision for our future: A return to freedom. ... On health care, your freedom to choose your own doctor, without Obamacare." THE FACTS:Without "Obamacare" or some replacement, millions of people would lose health insurance, which could make it tough for them to choose a doctor. About 20 million people have gained health insurance since the law passed, and experts attribute most of that to the law. --- FLORIDA GOV. RICK SCOTT:"We've allowed our military to decay, and we project weakness on the international stage." ADVERTISEMENT THE FACTS:The U.S. continues to have the most powerful military in the world. Although defense spending has declined with the end of the war in Iraq and the drawdown of NATO forces in Afghanistan, in 2015 the United States still spent nearly $600 billion on its armed forces more than the spending by the next seven biggest-spending nations combined. China, the second-biggest spender, has a defense budget less than a third of the Pentagon's. --- GINGRICH:The terrorism danger to the United States "is even worse than September 11th, when 19 hijackers murdered almost 3,000 Americans." THE FACTS:Such an assertion fits the GOP convention's theme of raising fears about the nation's current political leadership, but it's a stretch to say the danger has escalated since the 9/11 attacks. Terrorist groups such as the Islamic State have exploited social media to promote sudden and frightening acts of violence, and some mass killers in the last year have publicly espoused radical ideology. But in the last 15 years the nation has spent massively on new security systems. The FBI has reinvented itself into a terrorism-fighting agency, securing surveillance powers that have diminished the likelihood of a coordinated attack in multiple cities. The FBI says it's tracking roughly 1,000 people it views as having terrorist aspirations. And airline security measures have made it much tougher to hijack planes. --- Associated Press writers Michael Biesecker, Stephen Braun, Deb Riechmann, Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar and Eric Tucker contributed to this report. EDITOR'S NOTE - A look at the veracity of claims by public officials CLEVELAND A night after being booed off the Republican National Convention stage, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz remained defiant about Donald Trump today, saying he is not a "servile puppy dog" and vowing not to support anyone who wages personal attacks against his family. But two Southeast Minnesota delegates took issue with Cruz's approach. Aaron Miller, of Byron, a Trump delegate and chairman of the Republican Party of Olmsted County, said Cruz's speech should have been Monday afternoon instead of in prime time. "As I predicted last night, we're talking about (Cruz) and not the exciting introduction of (vice presidential candidate) Gov. (Mike) Pence." Speaking to an incensed Texas delegation, Cruz recalled an answer he gave at a Republican debate this year, when he enthusiastically said he would support the party's official nominee. "The day that was abdicated was the day this became personal," Cruz said. "I'm not going to get into criticizing or attacking Donald Trump, but I'll give you this response: I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father." ADVERTISEMENT "And that pledge was not a blanket commitment that if you go and slander and attack Heidi, I'm going to nonetheless come like a servile puppy dog and say thank you very much for maligning my wife and my father," he added. Cruz tried to link arms with Republicans at the party's national convention Wednesday but was booed lustily by delegates when he ended his speech without offering Trump his endorsement or even saying he would vote for the New York billionaire. The blatant sign of disunity in prime time angered the Trump campaign, with top adviser Paul Manafort saying Cruz "used very bad judgment" and was "not respectful to the invitation by the convention to come and speak." Manafort told NBC's "Today" on Thursday that Cruz "understood what the responsibilities are, someone in his position." Chuck Bradford, of Mantorville, a bound alternate delegate for Cruz, said Cruz had other ways to make his point. "Come to the convention. Be gracious and endorse Trump," Bradford said. "I can respect standing by your principles and not selling out as some may say, but there are different avenues to do that in." Trump repeatedly mocked Cruz throughout the campaign as "Lyin' Ted." Trump also took jabs at the appearance of Cruz's wife, Goldman Sachs executive Heidi Cruz, and the Texas senator responded that Trump is a "sniveling coward." Trump also made suggestions that Cruz's father had indirect links to John F. Kennedy's assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald. As he appeared on stage Wednesday night, Cruz basked in a minute-long standing ovation. Cruz finished second to Trump in the crowded Republican primary campaign and congratulated the GOP nominee on his victory. ADVERTISEMENT But the closest as Cruz came to saying he wanted Trump to win the White House was when he said: "I want to see the principles that our party believes in prevail in November." Cruz didn't tell the convention crowd that he plans to vote for Trump. Nor did he ask his supporters, hundreds of whom encouraged him to run for president in four years at an event on Wednesday afternoon, to vote for the newly minted Republican nominee. Interrupted by chants of "Trump, Trump, Trump," Cruz paused and said with a smile, "I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation." But as Cruz ended his remarks, and as the crowd of more than 2,000 delegates at the Quicken Loans Arena waited for Cruz to say something anything kind about Trump, he demurred. "And to those listening, please, don't stay home in November," Cruz said. "Stand and speak, and vote your conscience. Vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution." Democrat Hillary Clinton, in a tweet, quickly echoed Cruz, saying, "Vote your conscience." The delegates responded with angry boos, and Cruz backer and former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli escorted Heidi Cruz off the convention floor as she was heckled by Trump delegates. But Trump said later on Twitter that Cruz's lack of an endorsement was "no big deal!" But he said Cruz "didn't honor" the pledge that Republican primary candidates had made to support the eventual GOP nominee. ADVERTISEMENT "He's a chicken," said Eugene Delgaudio, a delegate from Sterling, Virginia, who clucked like a chicken when asked about Cruz's decision. "He needed to toughen up like every other Republican loser of any nomination battle in the last 100 years since Abraham Lincoln and just suck it up, be a man and back the nominee that he was beaten by, fair and square." "If we're not going to do that, why do we have elections? Because Ted Cruz has decided that he knows better? Than all of the people who voted in the elections?" he said. NEW YORK Roger Ailes is out as chief executive at Fox News Channel and Fox Business, his career at the networks he built from scratch and ran with an iron hand for nearly 20 years over with stunning swiftness following allegations that he forced out a former anchor after she spurned his sexual advances. Hours before the final night of the Republican National Convention, network parent 21st Century Fox announced Thursday that Ailes would resign immediately. Rupert Murdoch, the executive chairman of 21st Century Fox, will assume the role of chairman and acting CEO of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network until a replacement is named. Murdoch and 21st Century Fox and Murdoch did not address the widening scandal in the statement on the resignation but lauded Ailes for his contributions. "It is always difficult to create a channel or a publication from the ground up and against seemingly entrenched monopolies," Murdoch said in a statement. "(Ailes') grasp of policy and his ability to make profoundly important issues accessible to a broader audience stand in stark contrast to the self-serving elitism that characterizes far too much of the media." ADVERTISEMENT Fox is heading into a general election campaign in its customary spot at the top of the ratings, but without the man who sets its editorial tone every day. The blustery, 76-year-old media executive built a network that both transformed the news business and changed the political conversation. Fox News Channel provided a television home to conservatives who had felt left out of the media, and played a part in advancing a rough-and-tumble style of politics that left many concerned that it was impossible to get things done in government. Ailes' downfall began with the July 6 filing of a lawsuit by Gretchen Carlson, who charged that Ailes sabotaged her career because she refused his suggestions for sex and had complained about a pervasive atmosphere of sexual harassment at Fox. Ailes has denied the charges, but 21st Century Fox hired a law firm to investigate. Several Fox employees jumped to Ailes' defense, but notably not Megyn Kelly, one of Fox's top personalities. In rapid succession, it was reported that Kelly was among other women who had told investigators about harassment again denied by Ailes and that corporate heads Rupert Murdoch and his sons, James and Lachlan, determined that Ailes had to go. Within two weeks of the court filing, Carlson's lawyers also said more than 20 women had contacted the firm with stories of alleged harassment by Ailes either against themselves or someone they knew. Two came forward publicly. Before the charges, Fox's sheer success had insulated Ailes despite some previous scrapes with the Murdoch sons. Fox News Channel is the parent company's single most important property, said Pivotal Research Group analyst Brian Wieser, with some estimates that it accounted for nearly a quarter of the company's profits. Ailes was a prominent Republican media consultant who later ran CNBC before Murdoch asked him to create a cable news network to compete with CNN at the same time MSNBC was starting. Ailes' slogans, "fair and balanced" and "we report, you decide," appealed to an audience that believed mainstream outlets didn't live up to those promises. "He was ahead of his time in recognizing that dividing, not uniting, an audience would be the key to commercial success in the 21st Century cable news business," said Matt Sienkiewicz, communications professor at Boston College. Ailes blew apart the notion that public affairs programming should target a broad audience with civil debates, he said. ADVERTISEMENT Ailes hired a combative broadcast journeyman in Bill O'Reilly and turned him into the star of an opinionated prime-time lineup. He directed news coverage and emphasized issues like the so-called "war on Christmas" or the Benghazi investigation that otherwise got little attention. Republican politicians considered Fox the first stop for reaching their intended audience, and they learned to talk tough. "We're not going to be defensive about anything," Ailes said at the network's launch. "Rupert Murdoch is a conservative, but the Republican intensity, the conservative passion including the viciousness toward the Democrats that we now see against Hillary Clinton and has been going on against Obama all these years, all that is Roger Ailes," said Paul Levinson, communications professor at Fordham University and author of the book "New New Media." He was also a showman. Fox had flashier graphics, brighter colors and a vitality its staid rivals lacked. The daytime show "Outnumbered" is a classic Ailes concept: four women in dresses, their legs prominently displayed, debating issues with a single male panelist. In 2011, Ailes told The Associated Press that he hired Sarah Palin as an analyst a decision that later gave him headaches "because she was hot and got ratings." Ailes demanded and usually received loyalty from a team that knew there could be hell to pay otherwise. When Paula Zahn left Fox for a job at CNN, Ailes retaliated by saying that a dead raccoon could have done her show and gotten the same ratings. Critics scoffed at Ailes' promise that he'd lift Fox to first place. By 2002, he did, and Fox hasn't looked back. Ailes groomed no obvious successors, and has been so identified with the brand that many have a hard time envisioning the network without him. Will his successor lack Ailes' political instincts, or tone down aggressive opinion? That could make Fox more broadly palatable, but also risks alienating the audience that has grown to love Fox and made it such a success. "Whoever invented the Coca-Cola formula has long since passed this Earth, but the brand keeps selling because people like the taste," said Mark Feldstein, a journalism professor at the University of Maryland. "I think that's how it's going to be with Roger Ailes. He invented this winning formula and all you have to do is not mess with it too much and it will continue to mint money for you." ADVERTISEMENT While ratings are soaring in an election year, a newly aggressive CNN is making inroads among younger viewers that advertisers seek. Fox faces the challenge of trying to inject youth into an audience that is among the oldest in television, and viewership is expected to inevitably fall without the excitement of a campaign. The network has also been remarkably stable, with personalities bonded from loyalty to Ailes. O'Reilly has recently mused about retirement, and he and Sean Hannity reportedly have contract provisions that would allow them to leave if Ailes does. Kelly's contract ends later this year and it would be a huge blow to the network if she left. Bill Shine, Jay Wallace and Michael Clemente are current Fox executives who could be considered possible successors. CBS News President David Rhodes is well-regarded and worked at Fox in the past. The Murdoch sons may also seek to make a statement by reaching outside the current Fox News culture. We have reached many milestones and witnessed plenty of success stories at the Guam Department of Labor during my current tenure, but I will b Read moreGDOL wants to be a part of your employment solutions Tonights Republican convention was strong in the 10:00 hour, thanks to solid speeches by Eric Trump (but hadnt Trump already received enough praise from his kids?), Newt Gingrich (but was the intro by his wife necessary?), and Mike Pence. The speech of Trumps running mate didnt match those of Sarah Palin (2008) or Paul Ryan (2012), but these were both A grade speeches, in my view. Id give the Hoosier a B+ and I believe he will be an asset to the ticket. Indeed, if Pence does nothing else, he has already done Trump a favor by closing a bizarre evening on a sane, comfortable, and conventionally conservative note. Doing so became crucial because of what happened in the 9:00 hour, when Ted Cruz was booed off the stage after refusing to endorse Donald Trump. Cruz was greeted by a big ovation. He immediately congratulated Trump on his victory and said that he wants to see GOP principles prevail in the election. This was the first hint the audience had that the Texas Senator might not endorse Trump. But the faithful must have hoped the endorsement would come at the end or, at a minimum, that Cruz would not again go to brink of an endorsement and then conspicuously pull back. Cruz then moved on to a powerful indeed, spellbinding account of the daughter of one of the slain Dallas police officers. This was probably the best oratory yet at a convention that, albeit uneven, has featured some outstanding speeches. Next, Cruz spoke movingly about freedom. This, of course, has been the topic of countless speeches by politicians, but Cruz wove the strands of his theme together skillfully, and without the preachy tone that sometimes detracts from his addresses. Now it was time to conclude. Would Cruz return to the question of what to do in November? If not, his failure to endorse would be mildly embarrassing to Trump, but would not produce much drama. If so, one way or the other, we would witness a big moment. Cruz returned to November. He began promisingly, from the Trump perspective, by urging voters not to stay home. Big applause. But then, he urged audience members to vote your conscience and vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution. He also said cast aside anger for love, which seemed like a shot at Trump. Delegates responded by bellowing their conscience, first in the form of we want Trump (or endorse Trump) and then by booing Cruz. Cruz responded deftly by saying I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation. But was it only New York delegates who were booing? I doubt it. Trump arrived in his box seat in the midst of the commotion. The cameras caught him applauding a few of Cruzs final lines (or during those lines, at least). But the other Trump family members seemed, understandably, unhappy. Cruz got through his speech, returning to the dead police officers daughter amidst boos, which also accompanied his exit. What to make of this? Im not sure how I feel about it. On the one hand, its hard for me to blame Cruz. As the runner-up to Trump with millions of votes cast in his favor, Cruz deserved his place at the podium. And in my view, he had the right to not endorse Trump, notwithstanding his promise last year to support the nominee. When he made that promise he could not know that Trump would try to tie Cruzs father to the JFK assassination and insult his wife. It seems to me that there is a salutary lesson in what Cruz did tonight. What lesson? That the kind of viciousness that Trump wantonly displayed for months during the primary season can carry a cost. Cruz should also get credit, I think, for acting against what likely is his best interest. Ive accused the Texas Senator of opportunism in the past, but tonight the opportunistic move probably was to give a Trump lukewarm endorsement, as Scott Walker and Marco Rubio did. That way, in the event of a Trump defeat he couldnt be accused of contributing to it. And in the event of a Trump victory, he might not be on the outside looking in. On the other hand, having promised to endorse the GOP nominee, Cruz might at least have been expected not to embarrass him. More importantly, I think, Cruz is the leader of a pretty substantial faction of the Party. It seems to me that if he was going to offer his advice about what to do in November, his advice should have been more specific than vote your conscience etc. As one who voted for Cruz in my states primary, I would like to know what his conscience is telling him. His pride is telling him to stick it to Trump, a man with whom he shared a bromance until Trump got personal with him and his family. But as a matter of conscience, is Cruz agnostic on the question he regards as crucial in this election, namely whether Hillary or Trump is the better candidate from the standpoint of defend[ing] our freedom and be[ing] faithful to the Constitution? Where does Cruz go from here? The Washington establishment cant stand him; hardcore Trumpsters presumably now despise him; neither Hillary nor Trump is going to nominate him for the Supreme Court. However, Cruz remains a remarkable talent admired by many Republicans. If Trump loses big, he may be remembered more for courage rather than for treachery. What impact, if any, will the Cruz spectacle have on Trumps chances? Probably not much. Conservatives I think will rally behind Trump, thanks in part to Mike Pence and in larger part to Hillary Clinton. Swing voters arent part of Cruzs constituency. I know some independents who may even have liked seeing the Texas conservative booed. Even so, Trump could have used a night with no surprises or tumult. The stakes will be even higher for him when he speaks tomorrow night. One thing is for sure: the age of contested conventions may be over but three nights in Cleveland have shown that conventions can still produce surprises and tumult. As this years primary season wore on and voters showed little or no enthusiasm for John Kasich in state after state, the question became why the Ohio governor remained in the race. Candidates as popular as Kasich e.g., Jeb Bush and more popular Marco Rubio called it quits, but Kasich persisted. Some thought that Kasich was hanging in there to take votes away from Donald Trumps rivals in the hope of becoming Trumps running mate. Others figured that Kasich is a stubborn egoist jerk. We can now rule out the first theory. Not only has Kasich showed zero interest in the vice presidency on a Trump ticket, he reportedly turned down an offer for that slot. According to a senior Kasich aide, Donald Trump, Jr., on his fathers behalf, offered Kasich the vice presidential nomination, but Kasich turned the offer down. Responding to this report, the senior Trump tweeted: John Kasich was never asked by me to be V.P. (Emphasis added) This might be construed as a non-denial inasmuch as it was his son, not Trump, who allegedly asked. The New York Times account of the exchange between Kasichs man and Trump, Jr. is amusing. Supposedly, the latter said that as vice president Kasich would be in charge of both foreign and domestic policy. When the Kasich aide asked what Trump would be in charge of, the response was making America great again. Who says that make America great again is just a campaign slogan? Did such an exchange take place? I dont know, but we shouldnt assume it did on the say-so of Kasichs camp. Its perfectly understandable that Kasich doesnt want to run with Trump. Such a ticket would be analogous to a merger of two corporations (neither all that appealing to me) with very different philosophies and styles, as Kasich reportedly told Trump. What I dont understand is why Kasich apparently feels free to break his pledge to support the Republican nominee. I can understand why Ted Cruz and Jeb Bush might feel free to do so. Trump viciously insulted Cruzs father and Bushs brother. But Trump never went hard after Kasich, much less his family. It seemed clear during the campaign, and clearer now, that the tycoon had the governor in mind as a potential running mate all along. That plus the fact that Kasich was never a threat explains, I think, the soft treatment Kasich received. Why, then, wont Kasich keep his promise, or at least refrain from ostentatiously snubbing the nominee? One theory is that hes a stubborn egoist jerk. During an interview with the New York Times yesterday, Donald Trump made two controversial statements about foreign policy. First, in response to the question whether he would come to the aid of NATO allies in the Baltic, Trump said: If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes. Second, Trump said he would not pressure Turkey or other authoritarian allies not to conduct purges of their political adversaries or crack down on civil liberties. The United States has to fix our own mess before trying to alter the behavior of other nations; I dont think we have a right to lecture, Trump stated. Both statements trouble me. Together, they make me less inclined to vote for the tycoon. In the first statement, Trump offers a qualified yes to the question of honoring our NATO commitment to aide nations that come under attack. The qualification is that the nation under attack must have fulfilled its obligations to us. What does Trump mean by obligations. Does he mean formal obligations? Or does he mean these nations must be fulfilling what Trump considers their fair share of the defense burden? If Trump means the latter, then hes giving himself a ready made excuse for turning his back on our allies. Worse, hes signaling to Putin that he would turn his back. But even if Trump means formal obligations, Trump is sending a terrible signal. Would the U.S. really turn a blind eye to Russian aggression if Estonia, say, has come up a few tanks short in providing for the common defense? Barring a clarification of Trumps comment, tt looks to me like Hillary Clinton, reset button and all, has a better line than Trump (from my point of view) on defending Europe against Russian aggression and on minimizing the likelihood of such aggression by preserving the cohesion of NATO. Trumps statement on Turkey doesnt bother me as it pertains to Turkey. However, his broader remarks are highly problematic, in my view. Like Trump, I dont see the point of lecturing Erodgan about how he should respond to the attempt to overthrow him. An authoritarian is always going to crack down following a coup. We look ridiculous when we urge restraint. Even President Obama seems content, just this once, not to lecture. But Trumps view that we dont have the right to lecture because we have problems of our own is quite troubling. How are we going to lecture when people are shooting policemen in cold blood, Trump intoned This is a non sequitur. We are not barred from trying to influence world affairs just because criminality, including cop killing, exists in America. If Trump believes otherwise, then why isnt Hillary Clinton a better potential commander-in-chief by default? Trumps statements about Erdogan remind us of the pronouncements he made last December about Putin. First, he told Joe Scarborough: Hes running his country, and at least hes a leader, unlike what we have in this country. Then, after Scarborough reminded Trump about Putins killing of journalists, Trump added, I think our country does plenty of killing also, Joe. Trump insists that he loves America, but does he respect our country? When he equates our conduct with that of vicious authoritarians and/or claims that our troubles deprive us of moral authority on the world stage, it makes me wonder. Officials of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) International Secretariat are expected in Nigeria on Sunday, July 24, 2016, to commence the process to re-validate Nigerias implementation of EITI principles in the countrys extractive industry. EITI validation is a process to review the progress by EITI implementing countries measured against set global criteria and standards in terms of adherence to transparency, openness and accountability in the operations of extractive industry. During the 10 days visit, the validation team would assess the level of commitment and adherence by the Nigerian government, operating companies and civil society to the principles of the global extractive industries transparency initiative in the governance of the extractive sector. Re-validation process, which is a quality assurance mechanism used by the global EITI Board to hold implementing countries to the same global standard, provides an independent and impartial evaluation platform for verifying EITI member countries progress. The ultimate goal of the process is to establish how EITI implementation leads to reforms, poverty reduction, improved quality of life for the citizens and transparent management of revenues accruing from the extractive industries in EITI member countries. Spokesperson of the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Ogbonnaya Orji, said the re-validation process would afford the EITI team the opportunity to review the agencys activities, reports and remediation processes. It will also consider governments commitment and wider stakeholders participation and how NEITI reports have influenced the on-going reforms in the oil, gas and mining sector, Mr. Orji said. He said NEITI has already presented to the EITI Secretariat all necessary documents, information and data required by the validation team to conduct its independent desk review and evaluation on Nigeria. To kick-start its assignment in Nigeria, Mr. Orji said the team of independent validators would meet with the National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG) and the NEITI management on Monday. The team would equally consult with relevant government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; civil society groups and the media as well as donor community and some select interest parties in the NEITI process. Some of the interest parties include the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, consisting representatives of the multinational oil companies operating in the country; Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the NEITI Companies Forum. Apart from the management of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the team is also scheduled to meet with relevant committees of the National Assembly and covered entities in the NEITI process, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The team would also meet with the immediate past Executive Secretary of NEITI, who is the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning and Nigerias representatives on the EITI International Board, Zainab Ahmed. Nigeria is among the 51 EITI implementing countries, out of which only 15, namely Solomon Island, Ghana, Mongolia, Timor Leste, Kyrgyzstan, Norway, Nigeria, Liberia, Niger, Tajikistan, Mali, Mauritania, Sao Tome & Principe, Peru and Azerbaijan, are currently undergoing validation. Member countries under validation may be rated as making no progress, inadequate progress, meaningful progress, satisfactory progress or beyond progress, depending on their level of progress in the EITI implementation. Nigeria, which voluntarily signed up to the EITI principles in 2003, began implementation in 2004, and became the first country to support the process with a specific law in 2007. Eddy Agbo is the founder of Fyodor Biotechnologies which he founded in 2008. He has been a biomedical scientist for over 20 years and in June 2016, he received a social impact award for his invention the Urine Malaria Test (UMT) from the Innovation Prize Africa (IPA). Mr. Agbo was honoured in Botswana. He spoke to PREMIUM TIMES Omono Okonkwo. PT: From your win at the 2016 Innovation Prize for Africa, would it be right to say you are interested in malaria? Eddy Agbo: I am quite interested in the issue of malaria, aside from the fact that it is one of the major killers on the continent aside from HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis, it also puts fear in the minds of people to the extent that they will go to any length including self-medication to protect themselves from it. This is one major reason why we invented UMT, to aid in the fight against self-medication, a dangerous and common mistake many Nigerians make. It is also a way of preventing presumptive diagnosis, where a healthcare provider assumes his/her patient has malaria without proper testing. Presumptive diagnosis is no longer an appropriate standard of care. PT: What can you tell Nigerians about this invention you made? Eddy Agbo: UMT is a very simple test which helps the user find out if their feverish feeling has anything to do with malaria or not. Many a time, a person has fever, s/he attributes the fever to malaria but it is not true in many cases. UMT makes it simple, no blood is needed, just a little amount of urine. Not all fevers are malarial in nature. PT: Is the UMT available in Nigeria now and how much does it cost? Eddy Agbo: Yes, it is available both in pharmacy stores, medical laboratories, primary healthcare centres and e-commerce stores like Konga. Pricing will depend on the location of the pharmacy of course but any interested person can get it for N500 or less. PT: How exactly does UMT work? Eddy Agbo: The pack comes with a small cup for collecting urine. When in use, remove the strip, leave it in the urine sample for 25 minutes. If two lines appear on the strip, the user has malaria. If one line appears, the user does not have malaria. That single line also validates the effectiveness of the strip. The strip can be used by a medical practitioner or by the affected person anytime and in any location. We are excited about the positive impact the Urine Malaria Test (UMT) could have in guiding healthcare providers and individuals on appropriate management of fever and malaria. PT: Speaking of malaria, a lot of Nigerians believe that everyone has malaria in their blood and when they stress themselves, the malaria parasite comes out in full force. How true is this assumption? Eddy Agbo: Totally untrue! What I can say is, a lot of Nigerians are immune to the parasite, most of the time, when confronted with the illness, we do not respond to it as if we never had it. Even though it is true that malaria affects a lot of Nigerians, particularly children, the National Malaria Programme has released a report saying that cases of malaria in Nigeria have been falling over the past 10 years, and current prevalence is Nigeria is now about 27.4 per cent based on the 2015 Nigeria Malaria Household Indicator Survey. The survey usually targets children under 5 years because they are the age group with the highest incidences of malaria. National malaria prevalence in Nigeria is 27.4 per cent by microscopy, and 45.1 per cent by blood-based rapid tests PT: Many Nigerians, especially those who live in riverine areas and who do not use treated mosquito nets, are exposed to mosquitoes, so as soon as they start feeling ill, they resort to taking anti-malarial drugs, what is the harm in that? Eddy Agbo: When this happens, the real reason why s/he is experiencing feverish conditions is not attended to and that leads to complications, meanwhile s/he is taking malaria drugs for a problem that does not exist at that time. Mosquito bites are not equivalent to malaria. There is no gainsaying the fact that medicines administered and not needed are harmful to the body. PT: How do you feel about the IPA award? Eddy Agbo: The social impact prize is an honour and it shows the substantial effect the invention will have on Nigerians. That being said, by 2017, more than 2.3 million UMTs will be made available to all sub-Saharan African countries, we are developing a business model that will make that happen. PT: As regards validation, who were the parties involved in developing the UMT? Eddy Agbo: UMT was developed both in Nigeria and the United States of America. We implemented a major clinical trial in Nigeria for over 2000 people, the trial was led by Professor Wellington Oyibo at the University of Lagos College of Medicine. The trial involved clinicians and scientists from Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the Lagos State Ministry of Health. After the study, the Federal Ministry of Health set up a ministerial committee to review the UMT technology, after which same committee recommended the UMT should be adopted nationally. PT: Thank you for your time. Eddy Agbo: It is my pleasure. The student who was expelled by the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, in 2015, for having speech and hearing challenges has been allowed to return to school. Jane Ottah, 28, who dragged the university before a Rivers State High Court for expelling her over claims that she had disabilities, agreed to an out-of-court settlement with the University on Tuesday. Ms. Ottah had demanded the university to pay her N20 million as damages in addition to providing the necessary support services and facilities to aid her learning. She also asked the court for a perpetual injunction restraining the university or their agents from discriminating against her in any way. I won the case, Im going back to school, Ms. Ottah informed PREMIUM TIMES in a Whatsapp message minutes after the courts decision. Rotimi Oguneso, the lawyer who took up the case after it was reported by PREMIUM TIMES, confirmed that the matter had been settled. We filed terms of settlement in court and same was adopted, the court recognized it as a settlement and its binding on all parties, Mr. Oguneso, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said over the phone on Wednesday. So the university will take her back, shes resuming in the next academic session. Blessing Didia, the schools Vice Chancellor, also confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that they had agreed to settle out of court, but insisted that Ms. Ottah was never dismissed ab initio. Benedict Ottah, the students father, said they agreed to the Universitys plea to settle out of court because he wanted his daughter back in school We were in court on the 19th of February, the first sitting, their (university) lawyer pleaded for settling out of court, Mr. Ottah told PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday. Then, on the 11th of April, Rotimi (Oguneso) and Femi Falana met them, they agreed on that settlement, not on monetary basis but on educational basis that my daughter shoul resume back to school this September. While expressing gratitude to PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Ottah said the school agreed to assist his daughter settle back in school, as well as carry forward the school fees paid and registrations done in 2014 to September this year. She will not be victimized again, he said. The issue is, I didnt go for monetary compensation, I just forgot about that, let my daughter resume her school. PREMIUM TIMES had, in November last year, reported how the University handed a letter of expulsion to Ms. Ottah after it claimed it had observed that she was medically challenged and have hearing and speech difficulties. Since the University does not have special communication facilities, the Vice-Chancellor has directed that you be de-registered on health grounds, the school registrars letter to Ms. Ottah read. I am in the circumstance, directed to inform you that you have been de-registered on health grounds with immediate effect. You are therefore advised to hand over all University property(ies) in your possession to your Head of Department and thereafter leave the campus. The letter was dated 30th January, 2015. The Universitys action was widely condemned by lawyers and human rights activists who described it as a crude treatment for a person with disability. Ms. Ottah, who was in her first year in the Department of Educational Foundation, was writing the semesters examination when she received the letter. She was admitted into the university in September 2014. Before securing admission, Ms. Ottah had passed her West African Examination Council (WAEC) examination with three distinctions and five credits; scored 205 in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam; and passed the universitys post-UME test. Ms. Ottah described the out-of-court settlement with the university as not bad. Half bread is better than none. My education is very important to me, and I thank Jehovah Ebenezer, the tear wiper has done it for me. READ BELOW OUR EARLIER REPORTING ON THIS MATTER SHOCKING: Rivers University expels student for having speech and hearing challenges Rivers University under fire for expelling student with speech and hearing challenges Student expelled for speech, hearing challenges sues Rivers university for N20 million Soldiers serving with the Special Task Force on Jos crisis on Thursday opened fire on rampaging youth who blocked a road in Bokkos Local Government Area, in protest of the killing of a monarch and a night attack there Wednesday. At least one person was killed and five others injured, witnesses told PREMIUM TIMES. A witness, Mangai Haruna, said the youth refused to allow soldiers into the area, pressing them instead to produce the killers of their kinsmen. They shot on our people, one of them died instantly, Mr. Haruna said. Residents say there is tension in Bokkos town, as many have fled the area to seek refuge elsewhere. The weekly Thursday market in the town could not open due to the crisis. A spokesperson for the STF could not be immediately reached. Plateau State has enjoyed relative calm in recent times after years of ethno-religious conflict that claimed the lives of thousands. The latest spell of violence began on Monday afternoon when unknown gunmen ambushed and killed Lazarus Agaei, a first class traditional ruler and the Saf Ron Kurele, alongside his wife, son and a police guard. On Wednesday night, unknown assailants reportedly destroyed homes and attacked residents of the area. In protest, youth barricaded roads leading to the area on Thursday morning, and blocked the convoy of the police commissioner of Plateau State, Adekunle Oladunjoye. Mr. Oladunjoye was later allowed in. Meanwhile, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of operations, Habila Joshak, is currently in Bokkos. Mr. Joshak was deployed from Abuja to ensure the arrest of the killers of the monarch. At Bokkos council police station where the youth gathered, Mr. Joshak sued for peace, and assured that perpetrators of the crime would be arrested and prosecuted. He also visited the palace of the late paramount ruler where he pleaded for calm. The DIG said the police was deploying a chopper for an aerial patrol of the local government council for the next two weeks, with the aim of arresting those behind the attacks. He solicited the cooperation of residents to enable police fish out those behind the attacks. Residents demanded the deployment of more mobile police officers to the local government to protect them. The Senate of the Obafemi Awolowo University has appointed Anthony Elujoba as its acting vice chancellor. Mr. Elujoba is a professor in the department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of UK Research Fellow. The federal government had earlier directed the senate of university to recommend the next vice chancellor. The directive came after a crisis that led to the shutdown of OAU. The school was shut down on June 22, 2016. The Non Academic Staff Union of Universities and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities had protested the process that brought in Prof Ayobami Salami as VC of the school. After the protest, the federal government dissolved the university governing council and asked Mr. Salami to step aside pending the determination of the court case instituted by NASU and SSANU. The Nigerian Senate also discussed the closure of the institution on July 20. Meanwhile, OAU students have expressed joy at the latest development. A 46-year-old business woman, Funmilayo Adedeji, told an Igando Customary Court in Lagos on Thursday that her husband had denied her sex for 10 years. Funmilayo, who said this while responding to a divorce suit filed by her husband, Omotayo, added that he gave no reason for starving her of sex. My husband refused to make love to me since 2006, I dont know his reason. I have called members of my family and those of his family to intervene but he refused to change. My body yearns for sex but I dont just want to commit adultery because I want all the children to be fathered by one man, she said. The mother of two said she accused her husband of using their son for ritual because he started making money immediately the boy was born. My husbands wealth came and money started booming after the birth of our baby. Our son is now 12-year-old, but he can neither walk nor talk. He wanted to divorce me so that I will no longer persuade him to take the boy to the hospital for treatment. He had always rejected medical treatment and had refused me approaching a church for deliverance. I always curse him because he used to beat me; he once beat me to pulp and I landed in the hospital, she said. She, however, begged the court not to grant her husbands wish, saying she was still in love. The petitioner, a 51-year-old clearing agent, had approached the court seeking to end his 16-year-old marriage over defamation of his character by his wife. My wife wont stop accusing me of using my physically-challenged son for money ritual. It is God that has blessed me with wealth; I never used my son, he said. Mr. Adedeji said that his wife was also good at fighting, claiming she has the habit of beating him in public. Apart from the beating, Mr. Adedeji also claimed that curses from his wife were beginning to affect his life and business negatively. My wife always curses me very early in the morning and those curses are now coming to pass in my life, he said. He, therefore, pleaded with the court to dissolve the marriage, saying he was no longer in love and would not want to commit murder. Please, dissolve the marriage before the devil will use me, the estranged husband said. After listening to both sides, the courts president, Adegboyega Omilola, adjourned the case till Sept. 6 for judgment. (NAN) The acting Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Ibrahim Idris, has directed the Deputy-Inspector-General of Police, operations, Joshack Habilla, to ensure the arrest of the killers of Lazarus Agaie, the traditional ruler of Bokkos in Plateau. The directive is contained in a statement issued by the Force Spokesman, Don Awunah, in Abuja on Thursday. Mr. Idris said those behind the gruesome murder of the monarch would be fished out in record time for prosecution. He further said it was pathetic to see the life of any Nigerian, irrespective of his or her status, snuffed out by any criminal gang in whatever name. The I-G said the deaths of the monarch, his family and orderly, were painful, but said it was more painful when people took to reprisal attacks. He, therefore, advised the aggrieved to be patient with the police in their investigation into the murder of the monarch. He said the police would leave no stone unturned in arresting the culprits, but needed the collaboration of everyone with useful information. He assured Nigerians that the police under his watch would ensure decency in the polity. Mr. Agaie was murdered alongside his wife, son and a police guard.(NAN) The president of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, on Thursday said he remained committed to the ideals and agenda of the All Progressives Congress. Mr. Sarakis assurances was in reaction to media reports that he had abandoned his party for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The speculation followed Mr. Sarakis appearance at the PDP Senates caucus meeting on Wednesday. In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Social Media, Bamikole Omishore, Mr. Saraki said he was not prepared to leave a party he that he helped midwife and worked for its victory in the 2015 elections. Mr. Omishore said Mr. Saraki attended the PDP event in his official capacity as Senate President and chairman, National Assembly. He attended the end of session event of the PDP caucus yesterday evening and spent only 30 minutes before leaving the members to continue with the event. The Senate President would like to assure every Nigerian that he is committed to the APC-led government and appreciates the confidence reposed in him and the APC during the 2015 General Elections, Mr. Omishore said. President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja said his administration was talking to Niger Delta militants through oil companies and law-enforcement agencies to find a lasting solution to insecurity in the region. Speaking at a farewell audience with Michael Zinner, the outgoing Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria at the State House, President Buhari said the government was studying the instruments of the Amnesty Programme inherited from the previous administration with a view to carrying out commitments made that were undelivered. We understand their feelings, the president said. We are studying the instruments. We have to secure the environment, otherwise investment will not come. We will do our best for the country, he said. The president used the opportunity to thank the government of Germany for its continuing support to Nigeria in the efforts to tackle insecurity and the on-going rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced citizens in crisis areas in the North-Eastern parts of the country. President Buhari also thanked Nigerias neighbours for their firm and unflinching support in the war against terror. The outgoing German Ambassador noted that bilateral relations between Nigeria and Germany had improved very much in the last 12 months of this administration. He expressed the readiness of Germany to assist Nigeria in the rehabilitation process in the North East to help displaced persons return to their villages. He also expressed the eagerness of German businesses to invest in the country, now that conditions for investment have been put in place. The German Ambassador said there was a standing invitation of Chancellor Angela Merkel to President Buhari to visit Germany. The Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, on Thursday enumerated no less than a dozen policies the Buhari administration is putting in place to reverse the reverse the worrisome trend of the nations economy. Mrs. Adeosun mentioned the policies as she fielded questions from senators during her appearance before the Senate. The key areas Mrs. Adeosun highlighted as being of immediate concerns to federal government with regards to tackling the alarming economic situation are as follows: 1. We would streamline the cost of government and improve efficiency of public service delivery across the Federal and Sub-national Governments. 2. Targeted spending on innovative social programmes and infrastructure, including social infrastructure. 3. Direct and model economic policies away from oil and towards non-oil revenues as global demand for oil decreases and supply increases 4. Focus on delivery of basic services to the Nigerian population upon which business can be built and improved standard of living can be achieved. 5. Build revenue capacity across Sub-national Governments by increasing IGRs to reduce dependence on the Federal Government. 6. Alignment of fiscal and monetary policies across medium and long-term goals. 7. Increase investor confidence in Nigeria. 8. Increased revenue mobilization and plugging of leakages. 9. Greater focus on Power, Transport, and Housing because these areas help to create wealth. 10.strengthen institutions of government across board including tackling corruption. 11. A financial sector that is strong, resilient and able to support the real economy. 12. Inclusive and sustainable growth mobile communication, film industry, financial inclusion, among others. A member of the House of Representatives representing Lagos Ifako-Ijaye Federal Constituency, Adewale Oluwatayo, has died, his colleagues in the National Assembly confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES. Mr. Oluwatayo, a former Special Adviser to Lagos State Government, died in the early hours of Wednesday in Abuja, sources said. The lawmakers spoke on anonymity because Mr. Oluwatayos family was yet to issue a statement about his passing. They said his death was shocking because he was at the National Assembly barely yesterday. Mr. Oluwatayo was a special adviser on Education in Lagos State between 2009 and 2011. Before then, he served as chairman of the states electricity board between 2004 and 2007. Mr. Oluwatayo attended Ilesha Grammar School 1968. University of Nigeria Nsukka 1979 BSc. Lagos State University 2005 M.ED., his official citation on National Assembly Web site said. The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on Thursday, changed the leaderships of some Senate committees, offering top positions to his staunchest opponents. Mr. Saraki will also host the All Progressives Congress Senate caucus at his Lake Chad, Maitama residence Thursday night, PREMIUM TIMES understands. It is the first time Mr. Saraki will be hosting his APC colleagues. The moves, apparently part of efforts to heal a senate polarized by Mr. Sarakis election, came hours after he denied he was returning to the Peoples Democratic Party. Under the new plan, Kabiru Marafa, the Senate leaderships most outspoken and harshest critic, will head the committee on petroleum downstream. He will be assisted by Phillip Aduda, who is the deputy minority leader. Mr. Marafa is the former chairman of the committee on national population, who refused to convene the committees 2016 budget defence session on the claim that committees were illegally composed. Suleiman Hukunyi, the secretary of the Unity Forum, a pressure group the campaigned against Mr. Sarakis election, was appointed chairman committee on national identity. Mr. Hukunyi signed the Unity Forums petition accusing Mr. Saraki of forging the senate rules, a charge the senate president and three others are currently facing in court. Messrs. Marafa and Hukunyi, with 12 other others, including bureaucrats, current and former Senators, have been lined up as witnesses in the forgery case. Another top anti-Saraki Senator, Oluremi Tinubu, clinched the headship of committee on environment, previously led by Mr. Saraki in the 7th Assembly. Mrs. Tinubu left her former position as chairperson of committee on women affairs, for Binta Garba. Mr. Saraki moved Babajide Omoworare from the committee on business and rules, regarded as life wire of the legislature, to the committee on legislative compliance. Announcing the positions, Mr. Saraki said the decision followed recommendations made to the Senate leadership during the senates executive sessions. Mr. Sarakis spokesperson, Yusuph Olaniyonu, told PREMIUM TIMES the move was to strengthen the working of the Senate. Mr. Marafa could not be reached for comments. Here is the full list of the new appointments Customs Hope Uzodinma Aviation Adamu Aliero Environment Oluremi Tinubu Petroleum Downstream Kabiru Marafa Tertiary Education Barau Jibril Women Affairs Binta Garba Public Procurement Joshua Dariye Solid Minerals James Manager Power Eyinnaya Abaribe Information and National Orientation Suleiman Adokwe National Identity Suleiman Hukunyi Legislative Compliance Babajide Omoworare Rules and Business Baba Garba Federal Character Tijani Kaura Deputy Chairpersons Marine Transport Ahmed Ogembe Land Transport Ovie Omo-Agege Petroleum downstream Phillip Aduda 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. To activate the text-to-speech service, please first agree to the privacy policy below. Taipei, July 21 (CNA) A Chinese official voiced strong dissatisfaction Thursday over an incident earlier this week in which 24 Chinese tourists were killed in a bus fire in Taiwan, while expressing grief for the Chinese victims, during a visit to a funeral parlor in Taoyuan where their remains are kept before the funeral. ZWANENBURG, the Netherlands, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A mega-project to produce and liquefy natural gas in northern Russia High reliability in demanding climate conditions AEG Power Solutions, a global vendor of power supply systems and provider of industrial power supply and renewable energy solutions, today announced that it was awarded a contract to supply equipment that will be insuring uninterrupted power supply for the Yamal LNG Project (Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area, Russia). Protect 8 uninterrupted power supply systems by AEG PS meets all of the stringent technical requirements that Yamal LNG has set for the equipment to be operated in challenging climate conditions. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391928LOGO ) (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391929 ) The Yamal LNG Plant will receive more than 50 Protect 8 three-phase UPS units (400 V AC in/384 V DC out). The Protect 8 UPS employs cutting-edge technology and is based on the double conversion topology. This technology is a robust and commercially beneficial solution to ensure safe operation of high-performance equipment in demanding climate conditions. "We have a rich experience and the Protect 8 UPS system has a proven track record of operation in most challenging environments," said John Ferriman, Vice President for Global Industry Sales at AEG Power Solutions. "We are very glad to take part in such an ambitious project. The gas market is now gaining momentum and we are positioning ourselves to benefit from it," Mr. Ferriman added. Background JSC Yamal LNG is implementing a project to build a natural gas liquefaction plant with a capacity of 16.5 MTPA based on the resources of the South-Tambeyskoye Field. The plant is to produce its first LNG in 2017. OAO NOVATEK (with 50.1%), Total (20%), CNPC (20%), and the Silk Road Fund (9.9%) are the shareholders of Yamal LNG. About AEG Power Solutions AEG Power Solutions (AEG PS) Group is a global provider of power electronics systems and solutions for all industrial and demanding commercial power requirements offering one of the most comprehensive product and service portfolios in the area of uninterruptible power supply and power management. Thanks to its distinctive expertise bridging both AC and DC power technologies and spanning the worlds of both conventional and renewable energy, the company creates innovative solutions for next generation distributed power generation. AEG Power Solutions Group is the sole subsidiary of the holding company 3W Power S.A. (WKN A114Z9) / ISINLU1072910919), based in Luxembourg. The Group is headquartered in Zwanenburg in the Netherlands. The shares of 3W Power are admitted to trading on Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: 3W9K). For more information, visit http://www.aegps.com. This communication does not constitute an offer or the solicitation of an offer to buy, sell or exchange any securities of 3W Power. This communication contains forward-looking statements which include, inter alia, statements expressing our expectations, intentions, projections, estimates, and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable evaluation and opinion of the management but are subject to risks and uncertainties which are beyond the control of 3W Power and, as a general rule, difficult to predict. The management and the company cannot and do not, under any circumstances, guarantee future results or performance of 3W Power and the actual results of 3W Power may materially differ from the information expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. As a result, investors are cautioned against relying on the forward-looking statements contained herein as a basis for their investment decisions regarding 3W Power. 3W Power undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein. SOURCE AEG Power Solutions VALLEY COTTAGE, New York, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Global automotive wire and cable materials market revenues will grow by 7.3% in 2016, reaching nearly US$ 4 billion in revenues. Growth will be supported by increasing emphasis on safety and vehicle maintenance, as well as increasing installation of infotainment and navigation systems. Steady automotive sales will continue to serve the market well, especially in Asia Pacific, where China and India will witness heightened demand. While growth of the automotive wire and cable materials market will remain stable over 2016, emerging trends will continue to play an important role in shaping up the market. Innovations in connected and hybrid vehicles and substitution of copper with aluminium are expected to influence manufacturing process in 2016 and beyond. Request a Sample Report with TOC: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1676 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) will continue to be the most sought-after material for manufacturing automotive wires and cables. This segment will witness a year-over-year growth of 5.6% and reach US$ 1.9 Bn in revenues in 2016. Polypropylene (PP), the second-largest segment by material type, will witness a growth rate of 6.8% in 2016. While passenger cars will remain the largest segment in terms of vehicle type, development of rapid transit routes and increasing adoption of hybrid power trains will create opportunities in the light commercial and heavy commercial vehicles segment. Light commercial vehicles segment is anticipated to grow by 4.7% in 2016 over 2015 to reach US$ 0.7 Bn in revenues. Preview Analysis by Market Volume: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/automotive-wires-cable-materials-market Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) is the largest market for automotive wire and cable materials and the status quo will remain so in 2016 and beyond. Growth of the automotive wire and cable materials market in APEJ will be supported by the resurgent automotive sector in the region. Increasing emphasis on safety and functionality and implementation of vehicle safety regulations will influence demand positively. The APEJ automotive wire and cable materials market will grow by 6.2 % in 2016 to reach US$ 2.1 Bn in revenues. North America and Western Europe, the other key markets for automotive wire and cable materials will also witness significant growth in 2016. Leoni AG, Coficab Tunisie SA and Sumitomo Corporation are the top 3 players in the global automotive wire and cable materials market. These 3 players collectively accounted for 46.2% revenue share of the market in 2015. In addition to these marquee players, Delphi Automotive PLC, Draka Holdings B.V., Lear Corporation, Coroplast Fritz Muller GmbH & C. KG, Yazaki Corporation and Allied Wire and Cable Inc. etc. are the other leading players in this market. Speak with Analyst for any report related queries: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-1676 Long-term Outlook: The global automotive wire and cable materials market is expected to increase at a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period 2016-2026 and reach US$ 3.9 Bn in revenues in 2016. APEJ will continue to be the largest market throughout the forecast period. FMI Latest Insights: Automotive Head-up Display (HUD) Market: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/automotive-hud-market http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/automotive-hud-market Compaction Machines Market: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/compaction-machines-market http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/compaction-machines-market Automotive Lead Acid Battery Market: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/automotive-lead-acid-battery-market About Us Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights and an aerial view of the competitive framework and future market trends. Contact Us 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 T (UK): + 44 (0) 20 7692 8790 Sales: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: www.futuremarketinsights.com Blogs: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/blogs SOURCE Future Market Insights The H1 2016 report also recognizes 'most improved' apps, such as Netflix, previously a top 'resource hog,' but which did not make our top 10 charts this time around. Similarly, AppLock, a password protector for smart phones that showed up among the current report's top 10 battery-draining apps, has improved its performance since this April, indicating that the app's latest update may have addressed the problem. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391689 In our internal testing of most-used apps' behaviors, it appears that while Snapchat removes images and videos from conversations, the app's cache is only partially deleted. We also found that YouTube stores a fair amount of cached files, as much as 270 MB. The remaining apps on AVG's top 10 lists for H1 comprise mostly similar messaging, video, music and shopping appsunsurprising inclusions on lists of resource-taxing apps. However, an interesting exception to this pattern is The Weather Channel app, which initiates at start-up (which users likely do not realize), immediately drawing on your network plan. "Our latest report exposes some quirky app behavior. For instance, I question why a weather app needs to be constantly connected rather than updating on demand," said Tony Anscombe, senior security evangelist for AVG Technologies. "You could also say that Snapchat's keeping cached files around undermines its Mission Impossible-esque 'self-destruct' approach to messaging. Ultimately, if you have more than a few of these apps or types of apps on your phone or tablet, they could be to blame for those annoyingly regular low battery or low storage notifications." The report also highlighted other interesting general app usage trends, including: Today's average Android smartphone and tablet user has 33 apps installed on their device . . The 50 most-used apps include obvious entries, like Android's own Google Search box or YouTube, but also surprises, such as TripAdvisor, which has increasingly started pushing users from its website to the mobile app. include obvious entries, like Android's own Google Search box or YouTube, but also surprises, such as TripAdvisor, which has increasingly started pushing users from its website to the mobile app. Seven of the top 10 most-used smartphones are 2-4-year-old Samsung Galaxy S phones. Sony Xperia devices make up the remainder of this list. An all-in-one cleaner and optimizer like AVG CleanerTM for AndroidTM can help keep tabs on the top mobile resource-hogging apps on your devices. The full report can be downloaded here. Methodology The AVG App Report was gathered from a sample of aggregated and anonymized data from more than 3 million Android users around the globe. The app data included in this report covers a time period of January 2016 through April 2016 and only includes Google Play applications where AVG observed a minimum sample size of 50,000 usage incidents. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120306/SF65434LOGO About AVG Technologies AVG is the leading provider of software services to secure devices, data and people. AVG's award-winning consumer portfolio includes internet security, performance optimization, location services, data controls and insights, and privacy and identity protection, for mobile devices and desktops. The award-winning AVG Business portfolio, delivered through a global partner network, provides cloud security and remote monitoring and management solutions that protect small and medium businesses around the world. For more information visit www.avg.com. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Related Links http://www.avg.com SOURCE AVG Technologies LONDON, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- There is no arguing that there has been a major financial technology revolution over the past few years. Only a decade ago, we were completely oblivious of crowd funding, peer to peer landing, Bitcoin, blockchain protocols, and many more financial innovations. One of the most innovative, and fascinating instrument that has been coined "the rising star" is the Binary Option. Binary Options have played one of the most intricate roles in revolutionizing the derivative trading industry, by bringing it to the layman, to the masses. No longer is derivative trading restricted to professional brokers or investors; the Binary Option has made it so that anyone can be a trader. The Binary Option is actually a derivative product that has been used by professional investors for decades. The bulk of the global OTC derivatives market boasts a notional value of $500 Trillion.[1] Just for comparison, the size of the global stock market is only $62 Trillion.[2] The Warren Buffett company, Berkshire Hathaway posted $633m in gains from derivatives contracts last year, up from $329m in 2014.[3] However, rising FinTech has created user-friendly binary option platforms, so that not only big investors can use derive instruments, but basically anyone with the slightest interest in the market who has a 3G signal. Henceforth, the uprising of the retail derivative trader in the last few years is due to the progress in the technology infrastructure and cost reductions. The average U.S. Internet speed has more than tripled since 2011 from 10 Mbps to 31 Mbps.[4] The cost of cloud infrastructure has dropped more than 90% over the last decade.[5] All of these changes and more have made trading derivatives available not only to fortune 500 companies and billionaires, but also for the regular internet surfer with a credit card. Today there are millions of retail binary option traders who trade with online brokerages like Bbinary, 24option and IG (IG: market cap of 3 Billion GBP). As the technology continues to develop, and to support the continuous and expanding innovate demands of retail derivatives, there is a movement of major companies joining the industry, such as the NYSE Amex Options platform. [6] "The introduction of Binary Return Derivatives, or ByRDs, on NYSE Amex Options gives investors access to a new, simple income-generation tool with the same level of flexibility as standard listed options, plus a straightforward, fixed return," said NYSE Head of Options Ivan Brown. "We're excited to offer investors these innovative and solutions-driven investing tools." -------------------------------------------------- 1. https://www.bis.org/publ/otc_hy1605.htm 2. http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/CM.MKT.LCAP.CD 3. http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160227005005/en/Berkshire-Hathaway-News-Release 4. http://bgr.com/2016/01/02/us-internet-speeds-average/ [http://bgr.com/2016/01/02/us-internet-speeds-average ] 5. http://insights.wired.com/profiles/blogs/2014-in-the-cloud-three-things-we-ve-learnt-so-far#axzz4E0hhbaeB [http://insights.wired.com/profiles/blogs/2014-in-the-cloud-three-things-we-ve-learnt-so-far ] 6. https://www.nyse.com/products/options-byrds "We are living in an exciting time that the rapid growth of technology innovation keeps us alert every day." says Ran Amiran, President of SpotOption. SpotOption is a technology company who develops trading platform for derivative products. SpotOption was established in 2009, and has 250 employees in offices around the globe, including London, HK, and the Middle East. Media contact: Tammy Levy SpotOption UK 1 Royal Exchange Avenue, London EC3V 3LT +44 20 70 48 6666 SOURCE SpotOption Blancco Technology Group Aims to Prove Violations of Intellectual Property Through Unauthorized & Unlicensed Use of Patented SSD Data Erasure Method ATLANTA and LONDON, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Blancco Technology Group (LON: BLTG), a leading global provider of mobile device diagnostics and secure data erasure solutions, today announced that its U.S. affiliate is actively engaging in a lawsuit against ITRenew Inc. in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California regarding the protection of Blancco Technology Group's patent rights. The lawsuit comes after repeated attempts by Blancco Technology Group to engage in an open, productive discussion to mutually resolve its concerns over potential infringement of Blancco Technology Group's intellectual property. In the suit, Blancco Technology Group's affiliate refutes ITRenew's claim that the data sanitization product, Teraware, does not infringe Blancco Technology Group's intellectual property, specifically United States Patent No. 9286231 for the unique, secure and verifiable method by which the Blancco 5 product erases data from solid state drives. Dating back to May 17, 2016, Blancco Technology Group has notified ITRenew numerous times of its patent infringement concerns and requested a direct CEO-to-CEO discussion. However, ITRenew made the matter public by asking the court to adjudicate the patent infringement concerns. "We are actively pursuing this lawsuit for one simple reason: to rigorously defend our intellectual property," said Pat Clawson, CEO, Blancco Technology Group. "After a thorough review of ITRenew's product portfolio, capabilities and marketing materials, we believe the company is knowingly and unlawfully using our patented SSD erasure method to market and sell its data sanitization product, Teraware. ITRenew also makes false claims about our company and our products' ability to permanently erase data from electronic drives in a written case study published on its website. When it appears a company uses our patented erasure method without establishing a licensing arrangement and providing product royalties, we have no other choice but to pursue litigation." Clawson concluded: "At Blancco Technology Group, originality and innovation are at the core of every product we build and we work extremely hard to create the types of products that deliver the best value to our customers. I stand firm in my conviction to do whatever it takes to protect the integrity of our products, technology and intellectual property." About Blancco Technology Group Blancco Technology Group is a leading global provider of mobile device diagnostics and secure data erasure solutions. We help our clients' customers test, diagnose, repair and repurpose IT devices with the most proven and certified software. Our clientele consists of equipment manufacturers, mobile network operators, retailers, financial institutions, healthcare providers and government organizations worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alpharetta, GA, United States, with a distributed workforce and customer base across the globe. Blancco, a division of Blancco Technology Group, is the global de facto standard in certified data erasure. We provide thousands of organizations with an absolute line of defense against costly security breaches, as well as verification of regulatory compliance through a 100% tamper-proof audit trail. SmartChk, a division of Blancco Technology Group, is a global innovator in mobile asset diagnostics and business intelligence. We partner with our customers to improve their customers' experience by providing seamless solutions to test, diagnose and repair mobile assets. SmartChk provides world-class support, pre and post implementation, allowing our customers to derive measurable business results. Media Contacts: SHIFT Communications for Blancco Technology Group (US) David Heffernan, Account Manager T: (617) 779-1839 E: blancco@shiftcomm.com SAY Communications for Blancco Technology Group (Europe) Robert Hickling, Senior Account Manager T: 44 (0) 20 8971 6427 E: blancco@saycomms.co.uk Blancco Technology Group Ragini Bhalla, Senior Director of Global Communications T: (678) 829-8465 E: ragini.bhalla@blanccotechgroup.com Related Links http://www.blanccotechnologygroup.com SOURCE Blancco Technology Group PORTLAND, Oregon, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report published by Allied Market Research titled, World Fuel Delivery and Injection Systems Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014-2022," projects that the world fuel delivery and injection systems market would reach $86,777 million by 2022 at a CAGR of 4.26% from 2016 to 2022. By fuel type, diesel systems occupied about half of the market share, in 2015 and is expected to maintain this lead throughout the forecast period. The port fuel injection systems and the direct injection systems injection types, collectively accounted for close to two-third the world fuel delivery and injection systems market in 2015. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/647229 ) To know more about the report, visit the website at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/automotive-fuel-delivery-and-injection-systems-market Fuel delivery and injection systems are vital parts in automobiles used for delivering fuels to the ignition chamber at a specified pressure and air-fuel ratio. The fuel delivery and injection systems are expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. This is due to the increasing global sales of the automobiles, technological advancements in this field and increasing demand for fuel efficiency. Due to the low production cost and growing demand, the sales of these automobile systems is increasing in the developing countries such as China, India, South Korea and Taiwan in Asia-Pacific. However, the stringent environmental regulations of various governments restricting the size of these system are hampering the growth of this industry. The passenger vehicle segment held the largest market share and acquired more than one-third of the total market in 2015. Light and heavy commercial vehicles together acquired about half of the market share in 2015. Diesel fuel dominated the world fuel delivery and injection systems market in 2015, while alternate fuels segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR of 4.46% from 2016 and 2022. Strict emission norms against carbon content in the exhaust gases from vehicles is projected to hamper the market of diesel fuel type and encourage the growth of alternate fuel type segment during the forecast period. Changing demographics such as increasing population, increasing demand of personal transportation and emergence of new technologies is estimated to drive the growth of world automotive fuel delivery and injection systems market in coming years. Key findings of the study: Europe holds the largest market share, registering a CAGR of 4.02% from 2016 to 2022 holds the largest market share, registering a CAGR of 4.02% from 2016 to 2022 Throttle body fuel injection segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.45% from 2016 to 2022 Alternate fuel segment, is expected to be the fastest growing fuel type segment in the market growing with a CAGR of 4.46% Among the different vehicle segments, hybrid vehicle is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period Asia-Pacific and North America show lucrative growth opportunities during the forecast period. Increase in the number of manufacturing facilities in the developing countries of Asia-Pacific coupled with the increasing demand in the region are key drivers for the growth of this region. The major countries contributing in the growth of Asia-Pacific are China, India, Japan and South Korea. However, low cost and the high volume of production of vehicles drives the fuel delivery and injection systems market in North America. In North America, Mexico is expected to record the highest CAGR of 4.76% during the forecast period. The major players profiled in this market are Robert Bosch, Continental AG, Hitachi Automotive Systems, MSD Ignition, Fuel Systems, Inc., Delphi Automotive PLC, and Denso Corporation, Ltd among others with the main strategy to be followed is product differentiation and innovation. About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP, based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies, and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirm the utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. All the data presented in the reports published by us are extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of concerned domain. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussions with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: Dhananjay Potle 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive, #205, Portland, OR 97220, United States. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 Email: sales@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/automotive-and-transportation-market-report SOURCE Allied Market Research 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. LONDON, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Founded by recent graduates Matthew de la Hey and Alex Hanson-Smith, inploi (http://www.inploi.me) is a London-based technology startup, launching an app and web-based jobs network for the UK hospitality industry. Whether for a short-term gig, a summer job, or a full-time career, the inploi platform allows a network of employers and job seekers to seamlessly interact and transact; enabling a new way of working. inploi's was released on the app store today. Starting in the hospitality sector, inploi is the easiest way for job seekers to find work and the most efficient way for employers to find the right staff, presenting the first fully-integrated, end-to-end solution to their staffing needs. Job seekers create and develop a virtual resume, unlocking work opportunities that suit them, wherever they are. Employers can quickly identify algorithmically-matched applicants who are the right fit, have the requisite skills and experience, and are available when they need them. inploi incorporates a mutual review system that gives staff the opportunity to earn rewards and allows employers to select only the most reliable and credible staff. This emphasizes performance and the quality of the work environment, and democratises employer-employee interactions. Points of interest: Leading employers including Bill ' s , Deliveroo , Daylesford , YouMeSushi and a number of other employers are already committed to using the platform. , and a number of other employers are already committed to using the platform. inploi's initial focus is the hospitality sector, Britain's fourth largest employer with around 2,920,000 workers. It is predicted that more than 800,000 roles will need to be filled in 2016. fourth largest employer with around 2,920,000 workers. It is predicted that more than 800,000 roles will need to be filled in 2016. inploi successfully raised an angel investment round in January, with financial professionals from Cazenove Capital, Investec, and Deloitte Investing alongside funds Kgolo Investments ( Johannesburg, South Africa ) and Almington Capital ( Chicago , USA ). See a brief demo video here: https://vimeo.com/171119318 Comments from inploi's founders: "The jobs market is fundamentally inefficient for everyone involved. Employers spend too much time & money finding the right staff, while job seekers can't find appropriate opportunities, and the applicant experience tends to be poor. We looked closely at the recruitment processed in hospitality and the wider service economy and realised that entrenched inefficiencies could not be addressed by simply adapting the agency or jobs board model for mobile", commented co-founder Matthew de la Hey. "The problem runs deeper than the device on which it is being addressed", said co-founder Alex Hanson-Smith. "The recruitment industry has been slow to react to the fact that technology has altered the way people think about transactions. inploi is providing job seekers and employers with a new way to work via an easy to use web and mobile platform, whilst empowering job-seekers with a credible virtual resume, in a transient, often opaque market". Recognition of inploi: inploi's potential has already been recognised - the company was selected to present at the Emerge Social Impact Conference at Oxford's Said Business School and won the pitch competition at Enterprise Nation's StartUp 2016 conference. The founders were also asked to speak at the Sharing Economy Conference 2016, and presented inploi to the world at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2016 at Stanford in June, at the invitation of the U.S. State Department. Press Kit: https://www.inploi.me/press/resources Contact: -Email: press@inploi.me -Website: http://www.inploi.com -Twitter: @inploime -Instagram: @inploi -Phone: CEO, Matthew +44-(0)7702056299 Marketing & PR: +44-(0)7766242220 SOURCE inploi TEL AVIV, Israel, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- RADWIN (http://www.radwin.com), the global sub-6 GHz broadband wireless leader, today announced that service provider Internet Technologies Angola (ITA) has deployed a national network using RADWIN's Point-to-MultiPoint solutions in the 2.2-2.3 GHz band. ITA provides business-class services to many of Angola's largest corporations. Rolf Mendelsohn, ITA's Chief Executive Officer: "We sought a solution in the unique 2.2-2.3 GHz band that could coexist with the high transmit power of the 3G cellular network in our capital Luanda and other cities. We evaluated several technologies including WiMAX and realized that RADWIN's carrier-grade wireless broadband was the solution for our needs. RADWIN tailored a solution to fulfill our requirements and today we can provide high-speed connectivity of 50 Mbps and upwards with low latency and guaranteed SLAs to our valued corporate clients." Peter Turvey, RADWIN General Manager, South & East Africa: "We did a bespoke development to cater to ITA's requirements, providing a WiMAX replacement in a tough radio band. Service providers around the world are turning to our JET and RADWIN 5000 PtMP because these solutions deliver fiber-like connectivity and scalability at a price point that beats other technologies including Fiber. We are proud that ITA selected to partner with RADWIN after a comprehensive evaluation of competing products and technologies, and we look forward to continuing to support their needs today and in the future." About RADWIN RADWIN is a leading provider of Point-to-Multipoint and Point-to-Point sub-6 GHz broadband wireless solutions. Incorporating the most advanced technologies such as a Beam-forming antenna and an innovative Air Interface, RADWIN's systems deliver optimal performance in the toughest conditions including high interference and obstructed line-of-sight. Deployed in over 170 countries, RADWIN's solutions power applications including backhaul, broadband access, video surveillance transmission and broadband for trains and metros. Visit RADWIN: http://www.radwin.com About ITA Internet Technologies Angola (ITA) was founded in 2005. Nowadays has 130 highly skilled employees and invests heavily in the training of staff, offering a continuous and permanent superior service. It has highly skilled technical teams, with over 50 years of experience in the implementation of internet networks and telecommunication systems. http://www.ita.co.ao/en/ RADWIN Sales HQ: +972-3-769-2820 US: +1-201-252-4224 Email: sales@radwin.com Media Contact Tammy Levy RADWIN Tel: +972-3-766-2916 Email: pr@radwin.com ITA General Contact info@ita.co.ao SOURCE RADWIN SYDNEY, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- NetComm Wireless Limited (ASX: NTC) is pleased to announce that its CEO and Managing Director, David Stewart, has been recognised for his significant and valuable contribution to the Australian communications industry with the presentation of the Communications Ambassador 2016 award at the 10th annual Communications Alliance ACOMM Awards Dinner last night in Sydney. John Stanton, CEO, Communications Alliance, presented David Stewart with the prestigious Communications Ambassador award, and said: "He's a man who's been in the industry for more than 30 years. He is somebody who has overseen some of the strongest product and technology innovation in Australia and has always been a great supporter of Australian IT professionals, and of manufacturing. He has been, for a period of three decades, a very consistent, strong innovator and contributor to the health of our sector and the creation of jobs in the industry." Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150320/183399LOGO "David established NetComm Wireless as a leading global developer of Fixed Wireless, wireless Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, and helped to advance the Australian communications industry through the introduction of a number of first-to-market data communications technologies over three decades. "Through his longstanding commitment to innovation, David expanded NetComm Wireless into global markets through initiatives impacting a broad range of industry segments including building automation, transportation, mining services and energy management; and bringing city-equivalent broadband to regional, remote and outer urban areas in Australia, the US and Europe with Fixed Wireless," said Justin Milne, Chairman, NetComm Wireless. "These are exciting times for our industry and it is a privilege to have been presented with our industry's top accolade for individual achievement. We have come a very long way since we first began connecting people and machines via dial-up and I am tremendously proud of where NetComm Wireless is today," said David Stewart, CEO and Managing Director, NetComm Wireless. The Australian Communications Ambassador award is the highest honour presented by ACOMMS Communications Alliance and CommsDay each year, with previous recipients including former Telstra CEO, David Thodey and former Telstra Group Managing Director, Stuart Lee. Note to editors For high-resolution photos please visit: http://www.netcommwireless.com/sites/default/files/david_stewart_hi_res.jpg To view the video please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2utLiSP68Mo About NetComm Wireless NetComm Wireless Limited (ASX: NTC) is a leading developer of Fixed Wireless Regional Broadband and wireless Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices that underpin an increasingly connected world. Leading telecommunications carriers, core network providers and system integrators utilise NetComm Wireless' 3G, 4G LTE and new generation Fixed Wireless solutions to optimise network performance and to support their connected products and services in the M2M and regional broadband markets. For the past 34 years, NetComm Wireless has developed a portfolio of world first data communication products, and is now a globally recognised wireless innovator. Headquartered in Sydney (Australia), NetComm Wireless has offices in the US, Europe/UK, New Zealand, Middle East and Japan. For more information, visit www.netcommwireless.com. Related Links http://www.netcommwireless.com SOURCE NetComm Wireless Limited DUBLIN, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Polyurethane Chemicals and Products In Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) 2016 11th Edition - Volume 8 Major End-Use Markets" report to their offering. Introducing the updated in-depth market report on Polyurethane Chemicals and Products in Europe, Middle East and Africa. The data will also be available separately in a database format for subscribers, enabling the manipulation and output of data. Geographical coverage of the report is as follows: Austria, Benelux, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Nordic Region, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom Eastern Europe (9 countries/regions) - Czech Republic, CIS, Hungary, Other (Baltic States, Romania, Bulgaria), Poland, Russian Federation, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Turkey Middle East and Africa (9 countries/regions) - Iran, Levant, North Africa, Other GCC, Other MEA, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE, West Africa This report contains the End-User coverage as follows: - Automotive - Building & Construction - Footwear - Furniture & Bedding - Refrigeration Key Topics Covered: 1. INTRODUCTION 2. AUTOMOTIVE 2.1 INDUSTRY OVERVIEW 2.2 PASSENGER CAR DEMAND 2.3 PASSENGER CAR PRODUCTION 2.4 COMMERCIAL VEHICLE PRODUCTION 2.4.1 Light Commercial 2.4.2 Heavy Goods Vehicles 2.4.3 Buses and Coaches 2.5 MAJOR USES FOR POLYURETHANES IN THE EUROPEAN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY 2.5.1 Plastics Consumption in the Automotive Industry 2.5.2 Total EMEA Production of Polyurethane Used in the Automotive Industry by End-use 2.6 MARKET TRENDS & INFLUENCES 2.6.1 Automotive Sales 2.6.2 Automotive Production 2.6.3 Automotive Moulded Foam 2.6.4 Semi-Rigid Foam 2.6.5 Integral Skin Foam 2.6.6 Carpet Backing/NVH 2.6.7 Coatings 2.6.8 Adhesives & Sealants 2.6.9 Elastomers 3. BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION 3.1 INDUSTRY OVERVIEW 3.1.1 Construction Sector Output - Europe 3.1.2 New Construction Output - Europe 3.1.3 New Residential Construction Output - Europe 3.1.4 New Non-Residential Construction Output - Europe 3.1.5 New Civil Engineering Construction - Europe 3.1.6 Construction in Middle East & Africa 3.2 MAJOR USES FOR POLYURETHANES IN THE EUROPEAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY 3.2.1 Introduction 3.2.2 Total EMEA Production of Polyurethane Used in the Construction Industry by End-use 3.3 MARKET TRENDS & INFLUENCES 3.3.1 Sandwich Panels 3.3.2 Sprayed Foam 3.3.3 One-Component Foam (OCF) 3.3.4 Pipe-in-pipe/Pre-insulated Pipe 3.3.5 Slabstock 3.3.6 Coatings, Adhesives & Sealants 3.3.7 Elastomers 3.3.8 Binders 4. FOOTWEAR 4.1 INDUSTRY OVERVIEW 4.1.1 Global Footwear Market 4.1.2 Footwear Production 4.2 MAJOR USES FOR POLYURETHANES WITHIN THE FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY IN EMEA 4.2.1 Introduction 4.2.2 Total EMEA Production of Polyurethane Used in the Footwear Industry by End-use 4.3 MARKET TRENDS & INFLUENCES 4.3.1 Elastomers 4.3.2 Coatings & Adhesives 5. FURNITURE & BEDDING 5.1 INDUSTRY OVERVIEW 5.1.1 Introduction 5.1.2 The Furniture Industry in EMEA 5.2 MAJOR USES OF POLYURETHANES IN THE EUROPEAN FURNITURE & BEDDING INDUSTRY 5.2.1 Introduction 5.3 MARKET TRENDS AND INFLUENCES 5.3.1 Polyether Slabstock 5.3.2 Moulded Foam 5.3.3 Integral Skin Foam 5.3.4 Coatings & Adhesives 6. REFRIGERATION 6.1 INDUSTRY OVERVIEW 6.2 MAJOR APPLICATIONS FOR PU IN THE REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY 6.3 MARKET TRENDS AND INFLUENCES Companies Mentioned - BASF Polyurethanes - Borsodchem Zrt - Covestro - Dow Chemical - Huntsman Polyurethanes - Royal Dutch Shell PLC For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/7nrf8p/polyurethane 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 PORTLAND, Oregon, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, "World Precision Agriculture Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2015-2022," the global precision agriculture market is expected to generate revenue of $7.8 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 14.9% from 2016 to 2022. Precision agriculture is a farming technique associated with application of different technologies and solutions to enable efficient farming and improve crop yield. It presents significant potential in enhancing food productivity while at the same time providing sustainable management of resources. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/647229 ) To know more about the report, visit the website at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/precision-agriculture-market Precision agriculture technologies include GPS, GIS, telematics, Variable rate technology (VRT), and remote sensing. Among the mentioned technologies, GPS is the largest revenue contributor, owing to its ability to help farmers and agriculture service providers to automatically record the field data and apply variable rate of inputs to smaller areas within larger fields. From a growth perspective, geographic information system (GIS) technology is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR of 15.7%, driven by higher adoption mainly in North America and Europe. Among the component segments, hardware accounted for the higher revenue share in 2015, owing to high demand of hardware components such as drone, ASS, and RADAR. The software market, encompassing inventory management software, people management software and financial management software among others, is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period with a CAGR of over 15%, owing to its ability of these software to enhance equipment's operating efficiency and smartphone integration with field machinery and devices for easy access of information. North America presently leads the market, on account of high investment in agriculture technologies, high awareness levels and wide internet penetration. Within North America, the U.S constitutes over 80% of the market revenue. Furthermore, Asia-Pacific is likely to exhibit the highest growth, on account of the increasing adoption of advanced agriculture technologies such as VRT and drone, mainly in countries such as China and Japan. Key findings GPS technology held a significant share in the world precision agriculture market in 2015. Hardware held a higher share in the component segment in 2015, with over 50% revenue share and is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific constituted around 16% of the total market revenue in 2015 and is likely to be the fastest growing region over the forecast period. Key players in the precision agriculture market are Deere & Company, Trimble Navigation Limited, AGCO Corporation, and Monsanto Company among others. Product launch, acquisition, and partnership are observed to be the prominent strategies adopted by the leading market players to strengthen their market position, enhance their product portfolio, and expand their geographical presence. For instance, in 2016, Deere & Company launched mobile real-time kinematics (RTK), a latest innovation in machine guidance and telematics that monitors field and crop requirements effectively. Similar Reports Published by Allied Market Research - World Agriculture and Forestry Equipment Market - The agriculture machinery market has witnessed growth in the past few years, owing to growing demand for advanced machinery from developing regions. Economic stability in the countries and growing population led to increased demand for food, thereby resulting in increased pressure on the agriculture sector. To know more about the Agriculture and Forestry Equipment Market Report, visit the website at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/agriculture-forestry-equipment-market World Agriculture Equipment Market - Increased adoption of mechanized equipment in agricultural countries, such as India and China, has supplemented the market growth in Asia-Pacific region, which is expected to dominate the market throughout the analysis period. To know more about the Agriculture Equipment Market Report, visit the website at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/agriculture-equipment-market About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: Dhananjay Potle 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States Direct: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 (U.S. &Canada) Fax: +1(855)550-5975 E-mail: sales@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/information-&-communication-technology-&-media-market-report SOURCE Allied Market Research PARIS, YOKOHAMA, Japan and GENEVA, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Alliance membership highlights its commitment to sustainability as a cornerstone of its business Partnership confirms Alliance's aim to contribute towards a zero-emissions, zero-fatalities future The Renault-Nissan Alliance has become the newest member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, joining forces with over 200 international companies promoting global sustainability. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140130/666713-a ) The Alliance's commitment to sustainability is a cornerstone of its business, as sustainable decisions help drive innovation. While Renault-Nissan develops the cars of the future, it is also focused on creating products that enhance society, increase mobility for all and help solve today's most significant safety and environmental challenges. Renault-Nissan is the global leader in electric vehicles. The Alliance has sold more than 340,000 zero-emissions vehicles since 2010. Its engineers are also working on developing Autonomous Drive, connectivity and other next-generation technologies towards the Alliance goal of zero-emissions and zero-fatalities. Peter Bakker, WBCSD's President and CEO said, "As we move toward the low carbon economy, it's imperative that we have strong and forward thinking leaders in the automobile sector. We look forward to working with Renault-Nissan Alliance to deliver the business solutions that will address serious global challenges, and hope they will create new global benchmarks for more sustainable car companies." The Renault-Nissan Alliance shares the Council's objective to advance sustainable business around the world. It aims to play a key role in the creation of a sustainable future in the nearly 200 countries where it operates. http://www.media.blog.alliance-renault-nissan.com/news/5955 Blanca Garcia Renault-Nissan Alliance Tel: +33(6)10-90-06-49 blanca.garcia@renault-nissan.com Felicity Glennie-Holmes World Business Council for Sustainable Development Tel: +41-228393110 glennie-holmes@wbcsd.org SOURCE Renault-Nissan Alliance DUBLIN, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Thin Insulation Market by Type, Material, Application, and by Region - Global Trends & Forecasts to 2021" report to their offering. This comprehensive report analyzes the global thin insulation market and the key topics all market participants should be aware of. North America is projected to be the largest market by 2021. North America is projected to be the largest thin insulation market by 2021 due to the presence of numerous key companies in the region. Increased focus on energy-efficient buildings, stringent requirements for insulation, and new building codes have generated awareness about building insulation in the region that are also the major factors influencing the thin insulation demand in the region. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market for thin insulation globally with China being the largest as well as fastest-growing country in the region. Increasing rural to urban migrations in the region are stimulating the housing construction demand in urban areas; consequently increasing the market size of the thin insulation materials. The growing construction sector (residential and non-residential) and advances in process manufacturing are some of the key drivers for the market in Asia-Pacific. Countries such as India, Indonesia, and China are expected to witness high growth in the thin insulation market, supported by increasing demand from the building & construction industry. This study has been validated through primaries conducted with various industry experts, globally. These primary sources have been divided in three categories: by company type, designation, and region. By Company Type- Tier 1- 40%, Tier 2- 25%, and Tier 3- 35% By Designation- C-levels- 30%, Researchers- 40%, and Presidents- 30% By Region- North America - 45%, Europe - 22%, Asia-Pacific - 17%, and RoW- 16% Reasons to buy the report: To understand the global, regional, and national scenarios. To understand the market trends and dynamics along with key drivers To identify the present and upcoming market opportunities To identify the potential markets in various regions for thin insulation To track the recent developments in the thin insulation market To understand the competitive background of the industry and positioning of participants in the market Companies Mentioned: Actis Insulation Ltd. BASF Polyurethanes GmbH Celotax Saint Gobain DOW Corning Huntsman Corporation Johns Manville Kingspan Insulation Owens Corning Rockwool Group The DOW Chemical Company Xtratherm Report Structure: 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 5 Market Overview 6 Industry Trends 7 Thin Insulation Market, By Type 8 Thin Insulation Market, By Material 9 Thin Insulation Market, By Application 10 Thin Insulation Market, Regional Analysis 11 Competitive Landscape 12 Company Profiles 13 Appendix For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/sf7wqt/thin_insulation 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 Industry-leading background screening company rebrands to Sterling Talent Solutions LONDON, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today SterlingBackcheck announced they would be renaming their company to Sterling Talent Solutions. This name change follows their merger with TalentWise in January 2016 to unite two powerful companies and create one seamless solution empowering clients to make smarter people decisions fuelled by innovation and dynamic technology. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391492LOGO "We've brought together two high-performing organisations with one unified vision to provide peace of mind by offering a simpler, smarter background screening experience," said Clare Hart, Chief Executive Officer at Sterling Talent Solutions. "We are redefining the very core of our business integrating our people, technology and passion to reshape our company and drive innovation." Sterling Talent Solutions was designed to show clients and partners that they offer a suite of solutions, personalised to fit all industry and vertical needs. As regulations and client demands regularly change, it is their top priority to enhance quality, stability and agility to meet both day-to-day and strategic demands. Their new brand offers greater flexibly to address all of the needs of the background screening industry. "As we merge our products and develop new solutions, we elected a name to more accurately reflect our vision, culture and future growth plans," said Hart. "We are proud to share our new brand with the world as it is a significant step in creating an exceptional experience for both customers and job candidates." For more information about Sterling Talent Solutions, please visit us at www.sterlingtalentsolutions.com. About Sterling Talent Solutions Sterling Talent Solutions provides hiring peace of mind by delivering a simpler, smarter background screening experience for employers worldwide. Our comprehensive suite of background screening solutions deliver accurate, reliable results and tools to maintain compliance throughout the hiring cycle. With 20 offices in nine countries, our team of more than 3,500 employees proudly serves over 50,000 customers around the world, including 25% of the FTSE 100. Visit us at www.sterlingtalentsolutions.co.uk Media Contact Nick Fishman, Vice President of Communications +1.216.685.7091 nick.fishman@sterlingts.com SOURCE Sterling Talent Solutions SOESTERBERG, the Netherlands, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Military Museum (NMM) in Soesterberg (The Netherlands) is presenting its themes for the next three years. 2016 is the year of the tank. In the years to come, the focus will be on Genghis Khan, William of Orange and the Cold War. Expected over the next few years 2016: The year of the tank. The tank has been around for 100 years. The NMM will be displaying 'Tank! Back to the future', an art exhibition by Fernando Sanchez Castillo including a sculpture of Tankman, extra tanks in the Arsenal and a brilliant tank event on 27 and 28 August. 2017: Genghis Khan, an empire built on horseback. The NMM will be the first museum in Europe to host this exhibition. Using unique and rare top pieces from Inner Mongolia, the life of Genghis Khan and his descendants will be illustrated. 2018: William of Orange, from nobleman to warlord to freedom fighter! In 2018, it will be 450 years since the outbreak of the Eighty Years' War. The exhibition will demonstrate that one of the most famous Dutch people in history played an important role in terms of warfare and the military. 2019: Two tribes - East and West in the Cold War. In 2019, NATO will celebrate its 90th birthday and it will be 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, which marked the end of the Cold War. It will also be 25 years since the Americans left the Soesterberg airbase. Plenty of reasons to focus on a recent period of history: the Cold War. National Military Museum The National Military Museum (NMM) is the leading museum highlighting the role of the armed forces in the Netherlands in the past, present and future. The museum illustrates this role by means of stories, activities and topical exhibitions that live long in the memory. Alongside six themed areas where the story of the army and air force is told by means of modern museum presentations, there is a huge presentation area in which many impressive collection pieces are on display, such as aircraft, tanks, armoured vehicles and helicopters. The museum invites everyone to come and take a look. For more information, go to http://www.nmm.nl or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Note to editors If you would like more information and/or photos, please contact Carla Marcus, communicatie@nmm.nl , tel. +31-(0)85-0036029. SOURCE National Military Museum DUBLIN, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Vietnam Water Purifier Market By Technology (Membrane, Media and UV), By Sales Channel (Direct and Indirect), Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2011-2021" report to their offering. Vietnam Water Purifier Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 12% over the next five years Rising unchecked discharge of untreated effluents into the water bodies, is leading to contamination of water resources in the country, which is boosting demand for water purifiers in the country. Demand for water purifiers in Vietnam is growing at a rapid pace on account of increasing industrialization, urbanization and deteriorating water quality. Increasing concerns over various water borne diseases along with growing discretionary income are among the major factors boosting demand for water purifiers in the country. On the basis of technology, water purifiers have been categorized into three types - membrane based water purifiers, media based water purifiers and UV based water purifiers, with major share accounted for by membrane based water purifiers on account of their ability to purify contaminated water with higher efficiency. In 2015, North region of the country accounted for the largest share in the Vietnamese water purifiers market, due to large demand for water purifiers generated by Hanoi city, on the back of huge and growing industrialization base. Vietnam Water Purifier Market By Technology, By Sales Channel, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2011-2021: Adoption of Nano Filtration Technology Increasing Demand for Multi Stage Purification Systems Growing Need for Portable Water Purifiers Increasing Penetration of Global Brands Growing E-Retail Sector Key Topics Covered: 1. Product Overview 2. Research Methodology 3. Analyst View 4. Global Water Purifier Market Overview 5. Vietnam Water Scenario 6. Vietnam Water Purifier Market Outlook 7. Vietnam Water Purifier Market Segmental Analysis 8. Sales & Distribution Channel Analysis 9. Pricing Analysis 10. Market Dynamics 11. Market Trends & Developments 12. Trade Dynamics 13. Policy & Regulatory Landscape 14. Vietnam Economic Profile 15. Competitive Landscape 16. Strategic Recommendations Companies Mentioned - 3M Vietnam Ltd - A.O. Smith Vietnam - Best Water Technology - Eureka Forbes Limited - Htech Vietnam. Ltd. - Kangaroo Vietnam - Karofi., JSC - MYOTA VIETNAM CO., LTD - Sunhouse Vietnam Co., Ltd. - Woongjin Coway For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5hbsqf/vietnam_water 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 To activate the text-to-speech service, please first agree to the privacy policy below. Taipei, July 21 (CNA) EVA Airways, one of Taiwan's leading airlines, announced Thursday that it will suspend all its flights to Istanbul from July 25 due to the recent political turmoil there, adding that services will not resume until at least next summer, when the carrier will re-evaluate the situation. WASHINGTON, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- 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, today announced the 12 recipients of the 2016 Dennis R. Washington Achievement Graduate Scholarship. Endowed in 2008 and funded by the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, this scholarship provides financial assistance to Alumni recipients of Horatio Alger Scholarships who aspire to pursue graduate degrees. Since its endowment, the program has awarded approximately $4,275,000 in scholarships and in 2016 alone, it provided more than $775,000 to these 12 students. The Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation was established in 1988 by Dennis Washington, chairman emeritus of Horatio Alger Association, and his wife, Phyllis. Since that time, the Foundation has donated more than $204 million to charitable causes. The Foundation, which supports deserving individuals in an effort to better society as a whole, established its Achievement Graduate Scholarship program to provide financial assistance exclusively to Horatio Alger undergraduate scholarship recipients who are committed to obtaining a graduate degree. In 2016, the Washington's increased the maximum scholarship amount from $90,000 to $120,000 in recognition of the rising cost of tuition, especially for graduate studies. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and have demonstrated leadership experience, integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity. They should also exhibit a passion for entrepreneurship and a commitment to community service. "My wife, Phyllis, and I are strong believers in providing opportunities for those who are less fortunate, because it has the potential to change the trajectory of their lives and ultimately benefit society as a whole," said Dennis Washington, co-founder, the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation and chairman emeritus, Horatio Alger Association. "By supporting these outstanding students today, we give them the tools and resources they need to become the next great leaders of this nation. We are proud to partner with Horatio Alger Association to advance the important mission of the organization and to support this year's class of exceptional Scholars as they pursue their educational goals." The following Horatio Alger Scholars will receive up to $120,000 each for a master's, doctoral or professional degree: Dirir Abdullahi , University of Washington , Doctor of Medicine, 2011 Washington Scholar , , Doctor of Medicine, 2011 Washington Scholar Sasha Cernea , Campbell University , Doctor of Pharmacy, 2008 Missouri Scholar , , Doctor of Pharmacy, 2008 Missouri Scholar Shavonne Cullers , Emory University , Master of Business Administration, 2006 National Scholar , , Master of Business Administration, 2006 National Scholar Toan Do, Penn State , Doctor of Medicine, 2008 National Scholar , Doctor of Medicine, 2008 National Scholar Miani Giron, University of California, Los Angeles , Doctor of Medicine, 2012 National Scholar , Doctor of Medicine, 2012 National Scholar Alexandria Hansen , University of California, Santa Barbara , Doctor of Philosophy, 2006 California-Orange County Scholar , , Doctor of Philosophy, 2006 California-Orange County Scholar Nadia Marston , The University of Chicago , Master of Business Administration, 2006 Delaware Scholar , The , Master of Business Administration, 2006 Delaware Scholar Jamie McGraw , Montana State University , Master of Education, 1994 National Scholar , , Master of Education, 1994 National Scholar Dinh Phan , Boston University , Doctor of Education, 2005 Texas Scholar , , Doctor of Education, 2005 Texas Scholar Katarzyna Pomian , DePaul University , Master of Science, 2012 Illinois Scholar , , Master of Science, 2012 Illinois Scholar Mary Saville , University of Florida , Master of Business Administration, 1993 National Scholar , , Master of Business Administration, 1993 National Scholar Elizabeth Williams , MGH Institute of Health Professions, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, 2009 Franklin Scholar Horatio Alger Association was founded in 1947, and since 1984, it has administered one of the nation's largest privately-funded, need-based scholarship programs. The Association has awarded more than $125 million in undergraduate, graduate and specialized scholarships to students from across the United States (including all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) and Canada. In 2000, 16 years after the establishment of its National Scholarship Program, Horatio Alger Members began funding scholarships concentrated in each state to further the Association's mission of helping deserving young people pursue their collegiate goals. For more information about Horatio Alger Association, please visit www.horatioalger.org. To engage on social media, please "Like" the organization on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/HoratioAlgerUS). About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans: Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honors the achievements of outstanding leaders who have accomplished remarkable successes in spite of adversity by bestowing upon them the Horatio Alger Award and inducting them as lifetime Members. Horatio Alger Members support promising young people with the resources and confidence needed to overcome adversity in pursuit of their dreams through higher education. Through the generosity of its Members and friends, the Association awards more than $12 million annually in undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships across the United States and Canada and provides college support and mentoring services to its Scholars. Since 1984, the Association has awarded more than $125 million in college scholarships to more than 22,000 deserving young people. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org. About Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation: Founded in 1988, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation is the major philanthropic organization for The Washington Companies and the Washington family. Funding for the Foundation comes primarily from personal contributions from the Washington Family and profits of The Washington Companies. The Foundation focuses in the areas of education, arts and culture, health and human services, and community service. Since its inception, Foundation giving and the Washington family's personal contributions and pledges to charitable causes total more than $204 million. The Foundation website is located at http://www.dpwfoundation.org. CONTACT: McKenna Young 484-385-2913 (office) [email protected] SOURCE Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. Related Links http://www.horatioalger.org The CSE Recognition Program honors organizations and individuals that are breaking new ground in customer service excellence. Nominations are entered into one or more of five categories, including omni-channel customer experience, mobile customer care, web customer experience, social media customer engagement and customer engagement analytics. There are several honorees in each category, from which one High Achiever in each category will be identified. The CSE Recognition Program is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2016 Customer Service Excellence Recognition. OMNI-CHANNEL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE Dick's Sporting Goods Distil Networks Dollar Shave Club Rocana Vodafone Italia S.p.A. Euroloan Group Plc MOBILE CUSTOMER CARE Adjust, Inc David Yurman Euroloan Group Plc Payfirma Simple WEB CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE ConsumerAffairs David Yurman Sisense TCN Inc. Unitiv, Inc. SOCIAL MEDIA CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT Apttus Euroloan Group Plc StubHub T-MOBILE CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT ANALYTICS ApttusConsumerAffairs Cision Distil Networks DonorsChoose.org About The Customer Service Excellence Recognition Program The Customer Service Excellence Recognition Program, made possible through the coordination of the Frost & Sullivan Customer Engagement Digital Transformation practice, Frost & Sullivan Research Insights practice and the Frost & Sullivan Customer Contact Executive MindXchange, honors companies and individual leaders that are shaping the future of Customer Service. Honored recipients have demonstrated achievement in one or more of five categories: Omni-channel Customer Experience, Mobile Customer Care, Web Customer Experience, Social Media Customer Engagement and Customer Engagement Analytics. There are several honorees in each category, from which one Highest Achiever in each category is identified. Companies are vetted through a rigorous two-stage evaluation process. The initial stage involves the completion of a questionnaire application. Questions posed will range from customer engagement capabilities to business outcomes. Entrants are free to apply in one or more categories, provided responses are complete for each section. Qualifying companies will then progress to the second stage for evaluation by a judging panel consisting of experts from the industry and Frost & Sullivan research analysts. All honorees will be celebrated and the top-scoring project in each category will be announced at the 12th Annual Customer Contact, West: A Frost & Sullivan Executive MindXchange, taking place October 23-26, 2016 at the JW Marriott Starr Pass in Tucson, Arizona. For more information about the Customer Service Excellence Recognition Program, please go to www.frost.com/recognition. About Frost & Sullivan Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. Our "Growth Partnership" supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure. The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation. provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation. The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. http://www.frost.com Contact: Nicole Coons Marketing Vanguard/Principal Consultant P: 908.603.7207 E: [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391877 SOURCE Frost & Sullivan Related Links http://www.frost.com CLEVELAND, July 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 2016 Republican National Convention (RNC) continues today in Cleveland, Ohio. The speakers participating in the evening program will expand upon the theme: "Make America First Again." America has always been an exceptional nation. Unfortunately, years of bad policies and poor leadership have weakened our position abroad and limited our opportunities here at home. In a Trump administration, America will reclaim its historic role in the world, and Americans' best interests will be the touchstone for any presidential decision on domestic or foreign policy. The speakers participating in Wednesday night's program will discuss the Republican vision for a new century of American leadership and excellence. Below are the as prepared for delivery texts for the following speakers: Florida Governor Rick Scott; Laura Ingraham; Phil Ruffin; Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi; Eileen Collins; Michelle Van Etten; Kentucky State Senator Ralph Alvarado Jr.; Pastor Darrell Scott; and Harold Hamm. Please note that speeches are embargoed until delivery. MAKE AMERICA FIRST AGAIN WEDNESDAY, JULY 20 Florida Governor Rick Scott Rick Scott is the current governor of the State of Florida. Before becoming governor, Scott served as CEO of Columbia Hospital Corporation. Under his leadership, the company became one of the world's largest health care companies and the 7th largest employer in the United States. This evening, Gov. Scott will speak about the recent terrorist attack in Orlando and the growing worldwide threat of Islamic extremism. Gov. Scott will emphasize that putting America first will help keep Americans safe. My name is Rick Scott, Governor of the great state of Florida. Before I begin tonight, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has kept us in their prayers after the horrific and hate-filled terrorist attack in Orlando a month ago. We have received an outpouring of support and love from Americans everywhere. The American people do stick up for each other. On behalf of the state of Florida: thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm old enough to remember when terrorism was something that happened in foreign countries. Not today. How many more times does the evil of radical Islamic terrorism have to occur, before the President of the United States will muster the courage to face the truth? How many more "Orlandos," "San Bernadinos," or "Ft. Hoods" will happen until President Obama decides to be honest? I cried with the grieving moms and dads and brothers and sisters of the 49 people slaughtered by an ISIS-inspired terrorist. This war is real. It is here in America. And the next President must destroy this evil. Donald Trump is the man for that job. I met Donald about 20 years ago, before either of us ever ran for office. Let me tell you why this is the time for Donald to be President. A lot of politicians like to give speeches where they say "we are at a crossroads." But that's not really where we are. Today, America is in terrible world-record-high debt, our economy is not growing, our jobs are going overseas, we've allowed our military to decay, and we project weakness on the international stage. Washington grows while the rest of America struggles. The Democrats have not led us to a crossroads, they have led us to a cliff. I know that some have reservations about my friend Donald Trump. Perhaps he's sometimes not polite. He can be a little rough. And he may be too direct. But, this election is not actually about Donald Trump, or Hillary Clinton. In fact, this election is not about you or me either. This election is about the very survival of the American Dream. It's time for all Americans to put down the partisan banners, vote for the survival of the greatest country in the world, and do what is right for our country Vote for Donald Trump! Finally, I have some great news. This is the time America has been waiting for. This year, we get to fire the politicians! And who better to let the politicians in Washington know "you're fired" than Donald Trump? We need a president who is politically incorrect and will tell it like it is. We need a President who isn't afraid of Washington. We need a President who doesn't believe government is the answer to every problem. We need a President who recognizes that great countries have borders. We need a President who will bring American jobs back to America. We need a President who is not afraid to say "radical Islamic terrorism." And we need a President who will wipe ISIS off the face of the earth. And on every one of these measures Hillary Clinton fails. America is worth fighting for. Let's make America great again. Let's elect Donald Trump the next President of the United States. Laura Ingraham, Radio Host A former white-collar defense attorney and Supreme Court law clerk, Laura Ingraham is the most-listened-to woman on political talk radio. The Laura Ingraham Show is ranked in radio's Top 10, and heard coast-to-coast in 225 markets. Ingraham will discuss the importance of respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and the inherent rights of the American people the first priority of our elected officials. You may know me from TV and radio, but my kids know me by my most important name, Mom. I'm a single mother of three adopted children. I'm here tonight supporting Donald Trump because like most Americans, I refuse to leave them a country that is worse off than the one my parents left me. My grandparents were Polish immigrants. My parents grew up in Depression Era New England. My dad enlisted in the Navy in WWII. My mom waited tables until she was 73. My dad worked at his car wash. They flew the flag at our house and not just on the 4th of July. They scrimped and saved. My mother made my clothes, and wore the same winter coat for 40 years. Any extra money went into the bank for our education. We learned the dignity found in a job well done. My brothers picked tobacco and delivered newspapers. I picked blueberries and raked lawns. You see, my parents didn't believe there were jobs Americans wouldn't do. In the early '70s, watching the news with my mother, I asked her why people were burning the American flag. She answered: "Because their parents didn't teach them about respect." Respect. We see it in decline once again. The people don't respect the government. The government doesn't respect the people, not even our veterans. Politicians don't respect the Constitution. Many don't respect the life of the infant in the womb, or the elderly who languish alone. Others don't respect the police, who risk their lives every day to protect us. Many in public office don't enforce or respect the rule of law. Isn't that right, Mrs. Clinton? Too many citizens and non-citizens don't respect our laws either. And many of our allies don't respect us anymore. It's sad to see this happen to the country we love. This is our home. It belongs to us, our children and our grandchildren. We deserve better and we can do better. Like us, Donald Trump understands that we must turn this around and restore respect across all levels of society. Unlike us, Hillary Clinton believes the status quo is just fine because she helped create it. Donald Trump knows that a nation without borders is not a nation at all. Hillary Clinton doesn't believe in borders. Donald Trump knows that a country must put the interests of its own people first. Hillary Clinton thinks that America is just another nation in a global order. Donald Trump understands that America's greatness comes from her people, her freedom. Hillary Clinton believes greatness can only be found in an ever-growing government that only Her Majesty rules. She believes that there's a government solution to every problem. No, Hillary, you're the problem. And Donald Trump is the solution. We were in a mess back in 1979, too. Only then it was leisure suits instead of pants suits. Many believed America's time was up. But then Ronald Reagan arrived just in time to restore our national confidence, our economy and our military. Donald Trump will do the same. He has pledged to work tirelessly to get our country back on track. We should all, even all you boys with wounded feelings and bruised egos, pledge to support Donald Trump now. This is the most important election since 1980. We see stagnating wages, skyrocketing healthcare costs, doubling of the debt, the threat of ISIS, the rise of China. And the Democrats' answer is to nominate someone who helped orchestrate the decline? It has to be a cruel joke. I don't want to sit around and tell my kids stories about how great America used to be. Do you? We never give up. We rise to challenges. We fight and win. We're Americans. We need a president who believes in the Constitution and who will fight for us and with us. To all my friends in the press, you know in your heart why Donald Trump won the nomination. It's because he dared to call out the phonies, the frauds, and the corruption that have all gone unexposed, and that you failed to challenge for far too long. Donald Trump respects us enough to tell us the hard truths about what has happened to our country on issues like immigration, trade, and our diminished status around the world even in the face of unfair criticism and sheer hatred. They had their chance. Now, it's our chance. Let's reject the politics of division. Let's defeat the Clinton Machine. Let's send the consultants and lobbyists packing. Let's give the power back to the people. And let's elect Donald Trump President of the United Sates. Phil Ruffin, Businessman Ruffin is an American businessman with diverse interests in real estate, lodging, manufacturing, energy, and retail enterprises. Ruffin started his business in 1959 with a single convenience store and expanded it into an operation with 65 stores in four states. He currently holds 12 hotels in Kansas, Maryland, California, Oklahoma, Texas, and Alabama. Ruffin will speak about his personal experience working with Donald Trump as a developer, entrepreneur, innovator, and leader. I've known Donald Trump as a friend and a business partner for over 20 years. You can't be my friend and my business partner for long if you're not honest with me, and good to your word. I can tell you Donald Trump is both. He's been an innovator and an entrepreneur: no one in our business works harder, or smarter, than he does. Professionally I have seen time and again how he can see what others cannot, and how he has taken properties others took a pass on and made something incredible out of them. As a result of his vision and hard work he has put tens of thousands of our fellow Americans to work, created amazing spaces and places, and made money for himself, and his partners. He has done this in many of our nation's greatest cities such as: Chicago, New York, Miami, and Las Vegas. Let me tell you about one of the deals we did together. About ten years ago, he and I developed Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. As with so many Trump properties, this has innovative design, and attention to detail. Buyers liked it, and it seemed it would be another tremendous success: it was under budget and on time, however, in 2008 the recession hit, and the banks would not finance any additional units. This left us with about 75 percent unsold, and more than a half billion dollars in debt. Ninety-nine percent of people and investors would have walked away: Donald would not give up. He is a fighter, and he saw its incredible potential. I believed in him, and for three tough years we worked together to keep it afloat. Through it all, Donald always paid his bills promptly, with no discounts. Due to Donald's persistence and faith, and my faith in him, we turned it around. Today it has become a huge success. This is just one example. I have seen him do this time and time again. He has put money on the line, both his and mine. He is a developer. He is an entrepreneur. He is an innovator. And he is a leader. He now wants to turn around Washington. When he first told me he was going to run for President, I told him I did not think it was a good idea. I asked him why he wanted to do this, and he simply replied, "I love America. Our system is broken, and I am going to fix it." This is the Donald I know, and I know what America needs now: a fighter and an innovator. He sees the potential and he knows what our great country can be if we come together. Donald Trump will fix what is broken in Washington, and Make America Great Again, and you can bet on that. Pam Bondi, Attorney General of Florida Pam Bondi is currently serving as Florida's 37th Attorney General. Since being sworn into office on January 4, 2011, Bondi has worked tirelessly to protect the people of Florida and uphold the state's laws and the U.S. Constitution. During her tenure, she has focused on defending Florida's constitutional rights against the federal health care law. Bondi will speak about the importance of restoring the rule of law after eight years of living under an administration that has played fast and loose with our constitutional rights. November 8th is a day of reckoning for all those who have abused their power. It is the day that we the people will take back our government. From Washington bureaucrats playing doctor with our health care. To a President who's been playing fast and loose with our constitutional rights and Russian roulette with our borders. November 8th, is when America feels safe again, when America wins again. Because winning this election means reclaiming something to which I've dedicated my entire career: the rule of law. Laws that make our neighborhoods safe, and our economy strong. Laws that apply equally to everyone. Laws that back our law enforcement, now more than ever, because they have our backs. But today, these laws are under siege by a President determined to ignore laws he doesn't like, and by a former Secretary of State who believes the laws don't apply to her. By the way, she also deserves no security clearance. This lawlessness must stop. Donald Trump will stop it. He'll roll back Obama's unconstitutional executive orders. He'll enforce immigration laws to keep us safe, while allowing legal immigrants to bless this nation with their talents and their dreams. He'll take control of our borders, because we must stop the flow of cocaine and heroin coming into our country and killing our kids. Then there's this. Hillary believes our enemies deserve our respect and empathy. Donald Trump believes terrorists deserve to die. Hillary will stack the Supreme Court with liberal justices who will allow government to continue its rampage against our individual rights, with utter contempt for our Second Amendment. I know Donald. He will appoint conservative justices who will defend, rather than rewrite, our Constitution. Are you ready to send ISIS a message that we're really coming after them? When Donald Trump is President, he will. On November 8th, remember this: If you believe in limited government If you believe in our historic constitutional rights If you believe in the rule of law If you believe it's time for America to start acting like America again There is only one choice in this election: Donald Trump. America's for Trump. And so am I. Eileen Collins, Astronaut (retired) Eileen Collins is an astronaut and veteran of four Space Shuttle missions. She was the first woman to command a Space Shuttle mission and logged over 537 hours in space during her tenure at NASA. Collins will issue a call to once again make America first in space exploration. From the moment the first Pilgrims arrived on our shores, Americans have been asking, "what's next?" We are a nation built by the passion of people who weren't afraid to do something first, to step into the unknown, and pave our own way forward. We are a nation of explorers. In 1961, President Kennedy issued a challenge to America: to land a man on the moon and return him safely to Earth. 47 years ago on this very day, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin answered that call and walked on the moon. They took with them an American flag and a plaque bearing the inscription: "here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the Moon July 1969. We came in peace for all mankind." We landed on the moon to fulfill a leadership challenge and to explore. Exploration leads to innovation and discovery. Our successful robotic missions to Mars, Jupiter, and Pluto have provided valuable new information about our own planet. But in 2011, the space shuttle program ended. The last time the US launched our own astronauts from our own soil was over 5 years ago. We must do better than that! Countries that are strong explore, invent, and discover to remain resilient in a changing world. I am honored to have played a role in our nation's heritage of explorers as the first woman to command a space shuttle mission, joining the ranks of those that have fought to lead the way. We are all so proud of our Apollo program that put our astronauts on the Moon: first, in peace, for all mankind. Nations that lead on the frontier, lead in the world. We need that visionary leadership again. Leadership that will inspire the next generation to have that same passion. We need leadership that will challenge every American to ask, "What's next?" We need leadership that will make America's space program first again. We need leadership that will make America first again. That leader is Donald Trump. Thank you and God bless the United States of America! Michelle Van Etten, Small Business Owner Michelle Van Etten is a small business owner who was recently featured in The Greatest Networkers in the World, second edition. Michelle employs over 100,000 people, and she supports Donald Trump because she believes that his policies will help businesses across America. Van Etten will speak about making America first by supporting the next generation of American entrepreneurs. I was born an entrepreneur, by six years old I knew it. My dream was to be a circus performer so I decided to have a circus at my house. I made tickets, sold them door to door, I even dressed my baby brother as a clown and taught my dog new tricks. I was ready for my big day. When people started arriving, my parents had no idea about the circus taking place. Embarrassed, they refunded money to my guests and apologized. I was so upset. Afterwards my dad sat me down and told me any dream you have is possible as long as you're willing to do the work it takes to get the job done. Then he added, "after you go to college." But I couldn't wait. Taking my dad's advice, I partnered with the neighborhood kids to be part of my circus, and we charged our parents to watch the show. We continued to have our Circus show for over a year. My dad told me I earned great candy money that year! Fast forward 26 years. Planning for my 20th high school reunion, I decided to check out the girls I went to school with. What I noticed was that my girlfriends looked like Barbies and drove BMWs. I was 30 pounds overweight, a stay at home mom and drove a minivan. I decided I needed a change. I began to dream again. I took a leap of faith and started my own network marketing business from home. Like many people who pursue a dream, I had to learn how to fail forward and never quit. I also had to become the type of person I wanted in my business. Within just two years, my husband was able to retire from 28 years at DOD. Jim Van Etten now homeschools our kids because we choose not to subject them to Common Core. I opened a fashion studio called MV House of Style in Brandon, Florida. Today I run a thriving multi-faceted business. I am living the American Dream. But that dream is in jeopardy. My fear is that the next generation the millennial - who over half of them have an entrepreneurial spirit and want to be their own boss will not be able to because of the liberal policies that have been implemented over the past eight years.These policies including higher taxes and excessive regulations are crushing the American Dream. Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. We need these entrepreneurs. We live in the land of opportunity. We need to protect the American Dream above all else. Are we willing to let government bureaucrats and liberal policies destroy the innovative spirit?If not, then we have to take action. We need a president who is businessman not a Hillary-crat. Who understands small businesses are the backbone of America. Who will not raise taxes.Who will repeal Obamacare so small businesses can start offering insurance to their employees again. Who will end Common Core and protect our children's education. Who will encourage creativity and innovation. Who will bring manufacturing back to America. Who will make America great and safe again. There is only one man capable of this juggling act. Only one man who can take the circus we've inherited from the last eight years and serve as the ultimate ringmaster. There is only one man who can preserve and protect the American Dream for future generations. That man is Donald Trump. Thank you. State Senator Ralph Alvarado, Jr. (Kentucky) Ralph Alvarado is currently serving as a state senator in the Kentucky legislature. Trained as a physician specializing in internal medicine and pediatrics, Alvarado was president of Winchester Medical Associates before joining KentuckyOne Medical Group. Alvarado's experience as a small business owner gave him firsthand knowledge of how tough business ownership can be. Alvarado will speak about his parents legally immigrating to American and growing up watching them sacrifice every day to provide a better life for their family. Alvarado will emphasize that by protecting the American dream for the next generation, we can make America first again. From the great Commonwealth of Kentucky, the home of horses, bourbon, coal, bluegrass, and the finest people on earth, allow me to express my sincerest appreciation and gratitude for the privilege of addressing this assembly. I am proud to stand before you tonight as the first Hispanic member ever elected to the Kentucky General Assembly. But, the road here was not an easy one. Three failed political runs were lonely at times and full of adversity. But, with a lot of determination, grit, and hard work, I triumphed. Everything I am and have achieved, I owe to God and my parents. My father was a proud legal immigrant from Costa Rica, my mother from Argentina. Being the son of immigrants, I saw firsthand their sacrifice to provide our family a better life. I watched their struggle in mastering a second language and their strong and quiet commitment to hard work. We didn't have the luxuries that other families had, but what my parents did give me was family structure, discipline, support, high personal expectations, love and faith in God. They were Hispanic, they were Americans and they were very proud of being both. They understood the value of preserving our culture and our language, but also the value of an education and instilling a pride and love for our country. Like most immigrants, they understood that their sacrifice would not provide them immediate success, but the reward would be in the opportunity and success of their children and grandchildren. But, this story is not unique to my family; it is the story of many legal Latino immigrants who come to America. At their core, Hispanics believe what Republicans believe: traditional family values, church, faith in God, the dignity of work, and the opportunity for self-sufficiency that comes from a free society and a limited government. They have simple dreams that might seem mundane to the average American, but would sound familiar to our founding fathers and their core principles. Some flee corrupt government leaders for the dream of liberty and freedom. Some flee crime and anarchy for the dream of safer communities for their families. Some flee hunger and despair for the dream of opportunity, entrepreneurship, and abundance. But, all leave their homelands for the dream of America the place where if you work hard, study hard, and obey our laws, you can accomplish anything. Over the past eight years, our President and his apprentice, Hillary Clinton, have talked about that American dream, but they have absolutely no idea how to protect it, foster it, or expand it. Today, we have a President who has not only failed to end racial tension, he has made us more divided than ever. Today, we have a President who is itching to restrict our fundamental rights, such as religious liberty, the right to bear arms, and free speech. Today, we have a President who has rejected honesty and transparency, lying to the American people over and over again: from Obamacare to the promise of immigration reform to Fast and Furious to phone record spying to an IRS enemies list to green energy crony bankruptcies to Benghazi to the VA scandal, to the Iran nuclear deal, the list goes on and on. And, with Hillary Clinton, this eight year nightmare will get far, far worse. Americans face an important decision. Do we want someone who is brutally honest (perhaps to a fault) or do we want someone who is brutally dishonest? It is not a decision about America moving left or right, but it is a decision about America going up or down. By protecting the American dream, we can make America first again. There is only one candidate who will protect it for our current and future generations. That candidate is Donald Trump. And now a message for my Latino friends: A mis hermanos hispanos: nuestras familias se fugaron le paises llenos de corrupcion y politicos mentirosos. Por favor, no permitan que esa miseria occura en este pais tambien. Vivimos en una isla de libertad y opportunidad. Voten conmigo. Voten Republicano. Y voten for Donald Trump. Hillary Clinton, you failed the Hispanic community, and you don't deserve our vote. God bless this convention and God bless this country. Dr. Darrell C. Scott, Senior Pastor and Co-Founder of New Spirit Revival Center Ministries Dr. Darrell C. Scott has given his life to spreading the word of God and helping those in need. Scott started the New Spirit Revival Center in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, on February 14, 1994, with just four members in attendance. His ministry, which has grown to include thousands of people, is focused on reviving its Cleveland community. Dr. Scott will speak discuss Donald Trump's unique qualifications for the office of the presidency. I first met Donald Trump several years ago. He said he was very troubled about the direction our country was heading in. I listened to his vision, and I understood deeply, and shared many concerns he expressed. In the many times we have met since, we have spoken about the economy, race relations, immigration, jobs, urban renovation and revitalization, the military, and other issues that are critical to our nation's wellbeing. The truth is Donald Trump is a conservative father and grandfather who feels his best days are in front, not behind him. Despite his accomplishments, he still feels a void, a need to serve his country and his fellow Americans. The truth is, the Democratic Party has failed us: at home, our growth is lethargic and our debt deeper; we are spiritually empty; and we are more divided now than ever before. Abroad we are neither respected nor feared by our adversaries, and our friends increasingly cannot count on us. This is their legacy. We need to make a sharp turn. We need to put into practice the great ideals and principles our country was founded on, and which are the source of strength that has made us great. This is in our interest and the world's because the greater America is, the greater the entire world becomes. While some call Donald Trump a populist, I call him a patriot. That's because by definition a patriot is one who loves their country, supports its authority and its interests. Many liberals are embarrassed to use this word. Many believe we are a nation just like any other: we know we are not a nation like any other, and as Republicans we are unreservedly proud to be Americans and proud of our patriots! America is a melting pot, a country of diversity: and we stand poised to make history: by standing together as Americans, by standing together as one. We are here as Americans regardless of race, creed, or color. We are here as those who hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and that we are endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights: among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Donald Trump will rebuild the broken trust that now exists between our citizens and our government which over the last eight years has brought the rhetoric of hope, but the reality of higher minority unemployment, crime, drug use, with more civil unrest and national distress. This election is one of the most crucial elections in American history! Donald Trump has played for big stakes and is a master negotiator and dealmaker. He knows that for all the sharp elbows and words that the art of the deal is bringing people together, to unify, to get to yes. That means problem solving, finding common ground, and moving forward. He has done that for himself for over 30 years: he now wants to take that experience to get the best deal for America and for all Americans. I believe nothing will prevent Donald Trump from doing everything in his power to create an America that everyone can be proud of. He believes, as do you and as I do, that we can become great again, and we can become strong again, if we have strong leadership. And I can think of no stronger leader who will place their left hand on a Bible that they believe in, raise their right hand and solemnly swear to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States of America than Donald J. Trump. God bless Donald Trump, God Bless You, and God Bless America! Harold Hamm, Continental Resources Harold Hamm is an American entrepreneur and played a key role in the development of the technologies behind the United States' recent renaissance in oil and natural gas production. Born in Lexington, Oklahoma, Hamm was the youngest of 13 children. With just a high-school education, Hamm started his own business at the age of 21. This grassroots startup, Continental Resources, soon became a NYSE-traded, Top 10 oil producer in the United States Lower 48. Hamm will speak about how unleashing the full potential of America's vast energy resources will power America to greatness. Hamm will contrast this vast opportunity with Hillary Clinton's endeavor to crush America's energy renaissance at the behest of left wing radicals. Thank you. It's good to be in Cleveland. Four years ago, Donald Trump asked me to tell him about the American Energy Renaissance and how we had transformed the North Dakota Bakken into the largest U.S. oil discovery ever. I told him it was moving America from energy scarcity to abundance, would change the world forever, and could power America to greatness once again. He wrote that down. Donald Trump got it. President Trump will fuel America's future and become the first president to achieve American energy independence! President Obama chose not to get it and has tried to destroy this renaissance and all of its benefits. Instead, he turned on Iranian oil, gave them the bomb, billions of dollars, and vilified Israel. Why would he do that? Obama imposed punitive regulations to stop this renaissance. In his Administration's very own words, they want to "crucify" America's oil and natural gas producers. Hillary Clinton promises more of the same! America has two distinct choices. Our nation should embrace energy independence, not eliminate it. Hillary Clinton would eliminate fossil fuel development in America, kill jobs, drive up gasoline prices and increase oil imports from our enemies. President Trump will release America's pent-up energy potential, get rid of foreign oil, trash punitive regulations, create millions of jobs, and develop our most strategic geopolitical weapon crude oil. Despite Obama's attacks, foreign oil imports have plummeted by 65%. America now has more oil reserves than Saudi Arabia or Russia. We can double U.S. oil production again and put America in a global league of its own. Donald Trump will restore America's rightful place as the energy leader of the world! Every time we can't drill a well in America, terrorism is being funded! Orlando brought this home once again. It's been 15 years since 9/11. We can't ignore this any longer. Climate change isn't our biggest problem it's Islamic terrorism! Every onerous regulation puts American lives at risk. Developing America's own oil supply is a matter of national security. Critics may say I'm just a well-to-do supporter of Donald Trump. They don't know about the 13th child of sharecroppers who was inspired by Vo-Ag teacher Jim Hunter. I couldn't start school before the first snow or Christmas whichever came first because I was pulling cotton to feed our family. My first memories are picking cotton barefoot. I'm standing here tonight because the American dream was alive and well when I struck out on my own at 20 years old with nothing but a truck, a co-signed note and a phone! Thank God we have a clear choice today. Donald Trump and Mike Pence will restore the American Dream for the next would-be visionary from small-town America and make America Great Again! God Bless America! Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker A candidate in the 2016 Republican presidential primary, Scott Walker is the 45th governor of Wisconsin. He was first elected in 2010 and re-elected to a second term in 2014. Upon taking office, Walker proposed bold reforms that eliminated Wisconsin's $3.6 billion budget deficit without raising taxes. During his tenure in office, Walker has taken on public-sector labor unions, signing a bill to limit public employee collective bargaining and winning a recall election over the issue. My fellow Americans, you have a choice. You deserve better. America deserves better. The well-connected in Washington are lining up behind Hillary Clinton, because she is one of them. They want more of the same. Donald Trump is standing with the American people. We want a leader who is not afraid to take on the mess in Washington. We believe that there is a better way forward. As Republicans, we believe in an America where everyone can get the education and training that they need to succeed in college, career, and life; one where Washington doesn't deepen dependency, but rather helps create genuine opportunity. Why? Because America deserves better. We believe in a country where people can achieve, maintain, and enjoy their piece of the American Dream without the government standing in the way. Why? Because America deserves better. We believe in a country where we take the threat of terrorism seriously. We name it for what it is: Radical Islamic Terrorism. And we do everything in our power to eliminate it - to ensure our safety. Why? Because America deserves better. We believe in a country where it is a solemn responsibility to deliver to our troops the support and tools they need to achieve victory and then provide them with the health care and respect they've earned when they return home. Why? Because America deserves better. And while we're at it, we believe in a country where those who honorably serve in law enforcement - the people who put their lives on the line for us - are not just respected they are revered. Why? Because America deserves better. We believe in a country where power is taken back from Washington and returned home to state and local governments - where it is more effective, more efficient and more accountable to the people. Why? Because America deserves better. We believe in a country where freedom and personal success do not come from the clumsy hand of government, but rather the dignity that comes from hard work. Why? Because America deserves better. The simple truth is: liberal Washington insiders created these problems. And Hillary Clinton is the ultimate liberal Washington insider. If she were any more on the "inside," she'd be in prison. America deserves better than Hillary Clinton. That is why we need to support Donald Trump and Mike Pence for President and Vice President. Last August, I said that any of the Republicans running would be better than Hillary Clinton. I meant it then, and I mean it now. So let me be clear: a vote for anyone other than Donald Trump in November is a vote for Hillary Clinton. Make no mistake: we can't wait four more years and "get 'em next time." The consequences are too great. After hearing the FBI Director's recent comments, I wouldn't even give Hillary Clinton the password to my iPhone - let alone access to classified information. This isn't just another Clinton scandal, Hillary's scandal put our national security at risk and that makes her unfit to be President. It's time to tell Hillary: enough is enough. No more double standards for the Clintons. Why? Because America deserves better. Thankfully, Republicans are offering a better way forward. It's working right here in Ohio and in Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina and South Carolina. And even in Massachusetts and Maryland. Republican leadership works. I see it first hand as it's working in Wisconsin. In 2010, we were tired of high unemployment, budget deficits, stifling taxes, and rising college tuition. Most of all, we were tired of the big government union bosses running our state and local governments. We had enough. So we did something about it. We took back power from the big government special interests and returned it firmly into the hands of the hard-working taxpayers. In turn, the big government special interests - and their cronies in Washington - helped organize more than 100,000 protesters who occupied our state Capitol. They tried to intimidate us with threats and mobs, but we didn't back down. And we won. Then, they spent tens of millions of dollars to try and defeat us in a recall election, but we didn't back down. And we won. Three times they came at us. Three times we won. We won because our common sense reforms worked. Today, more people are employed in Wisconsin than ever before, our budget is balanced and responsible, taxes are down for working families and seniors; and college tuition is frozen for four years in a row. If conservative reforms can work in a blue state like mine, they can work anywhere in the country. You see, it wasn't too late for Wisconsin and it's not too late for America. If you've had enough of Washington's brokenness, wastefulness, empty promises and arrogance, join us. Help us elect Republicans to office - from the courthouse to the statehouse to the White House. You have a choice. You decide. You deserve better. Because America deserves better. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, a candidate in the 2016 Republican presidential primary, won election to the United States Senate in 2012, where he represents the state of Texas. During his tenure in office, Cruz has led the fight to repeal Obamacare, to stop President Obama's executive amnesty, and to defend life, marriage, and the U.S. Constitution. Thank you. Heidi and I are honored to join you here in Cleveland, where Lebron James just led an incredible comeback victory. I'm convinced America is going to come back too. I congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night. Conventions are times of excitement. But given the events of the last few weeks, I hope you'll allow me a moment to talk to you about what's really at stake. Just two weeks ago, a nine-year-old girl named Caroline was having a carefree Texas summer swimming in the pool, playing with friends, doing all the things a happy child might do. Like most children, she took for granted the love she received from her mom, Heidi, and her dad, a police sergeant named Michael Smith. That is, until he became one of the five police officers gunned down in Dallas. The day her father was murdered, Caroline gave him a hug and kiss as he left for work. But as they parted, her dad asked her something he hadn't asked before: "What if this is the last time you ever kiss or hug me?'" Later, as she thought of her fallen father, and that last heartbreaking hug, Caroline broke down in tears. How could anything ever be OK again? Michael Smith was a former Army ranger who spent three decades with the Dallas Police Department. I have no idea who he voted for in the last election, or what he thought about this one. But his life was a testament to devotion. He protected the very protestors who mocked him because he loved his country and his fellow man. His work gave new meaning to that line from literature, "To die of love is to live by it." As I thought about what I wanted to say tonight, Michael Smith's story weighed on my heart. Maybe that's because his daughter, Caroline, is about the same age as my eldest daughter and happens to share the same name. Maybe it's because I saw a video of that dear, sweet child choking back sobs as she remembered her daddy's last question to her. Maybe it's because we live in a world where so many others have had their lives destroyed by evil, in places like Orlando and Paris and Nice and Baton Rouge. Maybe it is because of the simple question itself: What if this, right now, is our last time? Our last moment to do something for our families and our country? Did we live up to our values? Did we do all we could? That's really what elections should be about. That's why you and millions like you devoted so much time and sacrifice to this campaign. We're fighting, not for one particular candidate or one campaign, but because each of us wants to be able to tell our kids and grandkids, our own Carolines, that we did our best for their future, and for our country. America is more than just a land mass between two oceans. America is an idea, a simple yet powerful idea: freedom matters. For much of human history, government power has been the unavoidable constant in life government decrees, and the people obey. Not here. We have no king or queen. No dictator. We the People constrain government. Our nation is exceptional because it was built on the five most powerful words in the English language: I want to be free. Never has that message been more needed than today. We stand here tonight a nation divided. Partisan rancor, anger, even hatred are tearing America apart. And citizens are furiousrightly furiousat a political establishment that cynically breaks its promises and ignores the will of the people. We have to do better. We owe our fallen heroes more than that. Of course, Obama and Clinton will tell you that they also care about our children's future. And I want to believe them. But there is a profound difference in our two parties' visions for the future. Theirs is the party that thinks ISIS is a "JV team," that responds to the death of Americans at Benghazi by asking, "What difference does it make?" That thinks it's possible to make a deal with Iran, which celebrates as holidays "Death to America Day" and "Death to Israel Day." My friends, this is madness. President Obama is a man who does everything backwards he wants to close Guantanamo Bay and open up our borders, he exports jobs and imports terrorists. Enough is enough. There is a better vision for our future: A return to freedom. On education, your freedom to choose your child's education, even if you aren't as rich as Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. On healthcare, your freedom to choose your own doctor, without Obamacare. On taxes, your freedom to provide for your family without the IRS beating down your door. The Internet? Keep it free from taxes, free from regulation. And don't give it away to Russia and China. Freedom means free speech, not politically correct safe spaces. Freedom means religious freedom, whether you are Christian or Jew, Muslim or atheist. Gay or straight, the Bill of Rights protects the rights of all of us to live according to our conscience. Freedom means the right to keep and bear arms, and protect your family. Freedom means Supreme Court Justices who don't dictate policy, but instead follow the Constitution. And freedom means recognizing that our Constitution allows states to choose policies that reflect local values. Colorado may decide something different than Texas. New York different than Iowa. Diversity. That's the way it's supposed to be. If not, what's the point of having states to begin with? Hillary Clinton believes government should make virtually every choice in your life. Education, healthcare, marriage, speech all dictated out of Washington. But something powerful is happening. We've seen it in both parties. We've seen it in the United Kingdom's unprecedented Brexit vote to leave the European Union. Voters are overwhelmingly rejecting big government. That's a profound victory. People are fed up with politicians who don't listen to them, fed up with a corrupt system that benefits the elites, instead of working men and women. We deserve an immigration system that puts America first. And yes, builds a wall to keep us safe. That stops admitting ISIS terrorists as refugees. We deserve trade policies that put the interests of American farmers and manufacturing jobs over the global interests funding the lobbyists. And if we choose freedom, our future will be brighter. Freedom will bring back jobs, raise wages. Freedom will lift people out of dependency, to the dignity of work. We can do this. 47 years ago today, America put a man on the moon. That's the power of freedom. Our party was founded to defeat slavery. Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. We passed the Civil Rights Act, and fought to eliminate Jim Crow laws. Those were fights for freedom, and so is this. Sergeant Michael Smith stood up to protect our freedom. So do our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines fighting radical Islamic terrorism. So did the family of Alton Sterling, who bravely called to end the violence. So did the families of those murdered at the Charleston Emanuel AME church, who forgave that hateful, bigoted murderer. And so can we. We deserve leaders who stand for principle. Unite us all behind shared values. Cast aside anger for love. That is the standard we should expect, from everybody. And to those listening, please, don't stay home in November. Stand, and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution. It's love of freedom that has allowed millions to achieve their dreams. Like my Mom, the first in her family to go to college, and my Dad, who fled prison and torture in Cuba, coming to Texas with just $100 sewn into his underwear. And it is love that I hope will bring comfort to a grieving 9-year-old girl in Dallas and, God willing, propel her to move forward, and dream, and soar . . . and make her daddy proud. We must make the most of our moment to fight for freedom, to protect our God-given rights, even of those with whom we don't agree, so that when we are old and gray . . . and our work is done . . . and we give those we love one final kiss goodbye . . . we will be able to say, "Freedom matters, and I was part of something beautiful." Thank you. And may God bless the United States of America. Newt Gingrich, Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives A candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, Newt Gingrich is best known as the architect of the Contract with America, the document that led the Republican Party to victory in 1994 by capturing the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in 40 years. Callista Gingrich is the president of Gingrich Productions, a multimedia production company based in Washington, D.C. She and her husband host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Thank you for that very generous welcome. And thank you, Callista. You know, she makes documentary films, and writes a best-selling children's series on American history. In addition, she sings in the Basilica Choir, and plays the French horn in the Fairfax Band. I am amazed at her achievements. Tonight I want to speak about a subject that has dominated my thinking for decades: How do we keep America safe? Keeping America safe is the first responsibility of the American president. There have been many fascinating things to watch about the extraordinary,historic rise of Donald Trump. But the most significant has been Donald Trump's courage to tell some important truths about our national security. For example: -- We are at War. -- We are at War with Radical Islamists. -- They are determined to kill us. -- They are stronger than we admit -- And are greater in number than we admit. -- And there is NO substitute for victory. In contrast to Donald Trump, our national security and foreign policy elites, led by Hillary Clinton, are incapable of speaking with such honesty. While THEY lie about the threat, WE need to tell the truth about the danger. If our enemies had their way, not a single woman in this room could define her future. If our enemies had their way, not a single Jew or Christian in this room would be alive unless they agreed to submit. If our enemies had their way, gays, lesbians and transgender citizens would be put to death as they are today in the Islamic State and Iran. If our enemies had their way, every person on earth would be subject to conversion by the sword and to a cruel and violent system of laws. There would be no individual liberty. There would be no equality. There would be no freedom. If you doubt we are at war If you doubt that this threat is as real as I say Let me refresh your memory: On Monday, an Afghan refugee in Germany used an axe and knives to slash and wound train passengers while shouting "Allahu Akbar." Last week, ISIS claimed responsibility after a Tunisian man drove a cargo truck into crowd in Nice, France. He murdered 84 people, including at least 10 children and three Americans, and injured over 300 others. Two weeks ago, more than 300 people were killed and more than 200 were wounded in bombing attacks in Baghdad. Two days before that, radical Islamists in Bangladesh killed 20 hostages, including 3 American college students. A few days before that, at the Istanbul airport in Turkey, ISIS attackers armed with guns and bombs killed 44 people and injured a few hundred more. Last month, a radical Islamist in Paris stalked a French police officer to his home, where he murdered the officer and tortured his wife to death in front of their three-year-old son, while streaming it all on social media. He was pondering whether to kill the three-year-old when he was killed by police. Two days before that, an attacker pledging allegiance to ISIS killed 49 people in an Orlando nightclub and wounded dozens more. All this in JUST the past 37 days. We risk growing numb to these accumulating atrocities. One recent analysis estimated that since January of 2015, some 30,000 people have been killed at the hands of terrorists. Donald Trump is right. We are at war with radical Islamists, we are losing the war, and we must change course to win the war. Let me be very clear, because I know the news media will do their best to distort this. We have nothing to fear from the vast majority of Muslims in the United States, or around the world. The vast majority are peaceful. They are often the victims of the violence themselves. They are people we would be happy to have as our friends and neighbors. The challenge is, when even a small percentage of a billion, six hundred million people support violence against those who disagree with them, that is still a giant recruiting base. For example, Pew Research finds that just 9 percent of Muslims in Pakistan support ISIS. Unfortunately, that 9 percent is 16 million people. And that's just one country. So the truth is, although we are losing the war with radical Islamists, we have been very lucky. The danger we face is much worse than the horrors that happened in Germany on New Year's Eve, when 2,000 women were assaulted. It's worse than what's happening in France, where there are stabbings of Jews in the streets and the intelligence chief warned recently that Europe is QUOTE "on the brink of civil war." It's worse than what's happening in Israel, where average citizens fear for their lives whenever they leave their homes. The danger is even worse than September 11th, when 19 hijackers murdered almost 3,000 Americans. No. The worst case scenario is losing an American city to terrorists armed with weapons of mass destruction. Instead of losing 3,000 people in one morning, we could lose more than 300,000. Instead of losing 2 great buildings, we could lose block after block after block to a nuclear event. That's not just my view. Back in January of 2001, the Hart Rudman Commission warned that terrorists QUOTE, "will acquire weapons of mass destruction...and some will use them. Americans will likely die on American soil, possibly in large numbers." 15 years later, the dangers are even greater. In a world where Pakistan has nuclear weapons... where North Korea has nuclear weapons... and where IRAN--the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism--is close to having nuclear weapons...this, a catastrophic attack on innocent Americans, is a very real threat. Which brings us to the heart of the matter. We are sleepwalking through history as though this is all about politics. It is not. It is about our safety and our survival as a country. And this is why every American should be terrified at the prospect of a Hillary Clinton presidency. If Hillary is elected, she will keep in place the people and the systems that lie to us every single day about this threat. We know she will do this because as Secretary of State, she has been right at the center of this dishonesty. We know this administration and its allies lied to us about the Iran nuclear deal. We know it because they openly bragged about it to the New York Times. We know that Hillary Clinton lied to us knowingly about the terror attack on our Benghazi consulate on September 11, 2012. We know that Hillary Clinton and President Obama lie to the American people when they say they can safely screen the Syrian refugees. They cannot . And yet Hillary wants to increase the number by 500 percent. So when you hear about Hillary's dishonesty, or the emails, or taking millions from the Saudis and other Middle Eastern dictatorships--remember: this is NOT about politics. The cost of Hillary's dishonesty could be the loss of America as we know it. The first step forward to safety is electing a leader who will be truthful with the American people about the realities we face. Only then will we understand, support, and demand the strategies required to confront this threat. And because safety and security are the preconditions for our freedom and prosperity, it is also the first step toward rebuilding the America we love. Donald Trump understands this. And that's why he WILL rebuild our military--because he knows that a strong military is the best way to ensure peace. Donald Trump WILL secure our borders--because there is no such thing as a nation without a border. Donald Trump WILL enforce our immigration laws. He will end the policy of deliberate non-enforcement and will end the abuse of our visa programs--to protect American workers, and their wages. Donald Trump WILL take care of our veterans by holding bureaucrats at the Veterans Administration accountable. He WILL fire those responsible for the waiting lists, and WILL give veterans more choices about their care. With Donald Trump's leadership, no bureaucrat will get between a veterans and their doctor. Donald Trump WILL get America building again. He will blow apart the ridiculous regulations and requirements that drive up infrastructure costs and drag out the timeline to get anything built. The Trump Infrastructure program WILL make us once again the most competitive economy in the world. Donald Trump WILL rebuild our education system, and give EVERY PARENT of EVERY income and EVERY ethnic background a choice about where their children go to school. And Donald Trump will help us rebuild our communities one life and one family at a time. Here again, the first step is safety-- the basis for strong families, and good jobs, and vibrant neighborhoods. That means restoring law and order. Donald Trump will show ZERO tolerance for people calling for the death of police officers. Think about this. If anyone publicly threatens the life of the President of the United States, the Secret Service is on them in an instant. Our law enforcement officers deserve the same respect. And OF COURSE, if individual officers are found to have violated someone's rights, they must be held accountable under the law. America is BASED on the rule of law. We are one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for ALL. That is what has allowed us to absorb more people from more backgrounds than any nation in history. Nobody is above the law. And nobody is too small to deserve its protection. Donald Trump won our party's nomination because he is willing to tell the truth about the things that matter most. He has a GREAT running mate in Mike Pence. They will put our safety first, and they will defend America first. We can be proud to stand with them. So tonight, the challenge for everyone in this hall, and everyone--Republican, Democrat, or Independent--who is watching at home and knows we cannot continue on our current course... ...Is to rise above our factions, and rise above the politics we've inherited; to ignore the lies of the news media and the old order; to reject the suicidal DISHONESTY of Hillary Clinton and her establishment allies; and to be proud to stand with Donald Trump and Mike Pence for what we know is true: We CAN make America safe again; We CAN make America work again; We CAN make America first again; And together, we CAN make America great again -- for ALL Americans. Thank you and God Bless the United States of America. Paid for by the Committee on Arrangements for the 2016 Republican National Convention. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. www.convention.gop. Contact: [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160516/367841LOGO SOURCE 2016 Republican National Convention Related Links http://gopconvention2016.com New TripAdvisor Airline Reviews Platform Gives Travelers More Transparency and Insights into the Total Value of Aeromexicos Flight Beyond the Price MEXICO CITY, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Aeromexico, Mexico's global airline, today announced that it has joined TripAdvisor to promote its new airline reviews platform, which helps consumers better understand the value of their flight experience beyond price. Aeromexico will encourage customers to write candid reviews of their flight experience on TripAdvisor through various marketing channels. With the launch of the new airline reviews platform, TripAdvisor will continue to expand its massive base of 350 million traveler reviews and opinions, including all major airlines globally, including Aeromexico. Travelers now have a go-to resource for making more informed air travel decisions based not only on the price of the flight, but the total experience with the airline as viewed by TripAdvisor's community of more than 340 million monthly unique visitors. "We believe in proactively seeking consumer feedback and opinions, which is why we support the launch of TripAdvisor airline reviews. This latest innovation gives us a unique opportunity to hear our customers' opinions on a platform that they love: TripAdvisor," said Rodrigo Llaguno, VP of Customer Experience at Aeromexico. "Airline Reviews on TripAdvisor will help us to improve its customer experience, from shopping on our website, to the pre-flight, airport and onboard experiences." Brian Gross, VP of E-Commerce at Aeromexico, added "TripAdvisor and Aeromexico have been partners since 2014 which started with the integration of TripAdvisor destination ratings. Our customers are inspired by TripAdvisor's great user-generated content when planning their next trip to our 85 destinations within three continents and more around the world as a founder member of SkyTeam alliance. Encouraging our customers to review our service on TripAdvisor's popular site is a logical next step. In addition, TripAdvisor's flight comparison engine will soon offer aeromexico.com as an option for customers to purchase tickets." "We're helping travelers determine which flight options offer the best value beyond price by surfacing candid traveler reviews and photos, as well as detailed amenities information," said Andrew Wong, head of airline review partnerships, TripAdvisor global flights business. "By encouraging its customers to share their candid feedback, Aeromexico will give flyers around the world the insights they need to book with their carrier." While TripAdvisor users can review any airline they have flown, brands like Aeromexico are making a concerted effort to proactively engage with their customers and collect their honest feedback. All reviews submitted by travelers are subject to TripAdvisor's review submission guidelines. oo00oo About Grupo Aeromexico Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V. is a holding company whose subsidiaries are engaged in commercial aviation in Mexico and the promotion of passenger loyalty programs. Aeromexico, Mexico's global airline, operates more than 600 daily flights and its main hub is in Terminal 2 at the Mexico City International Airport. Its destinations network features more than 80 cities on three continents, including 45 destinations in Mexico, 16 in the United States, 15 in Latin America, four in Europe, three in Canada and two in Asia. The Group's fleet of about 130 aircraft is comprised of Boeing 787, 777 and 737 jet airliners and next generation Embraer 145, 170, 175 and 190 models. In 2012, the airline announced the most significant investment strategy in aviation history in Mexico, to purchase 100 Boeing aircraft including 90 MAX B737 jet airliners and 10 B787-9 Dreamliners. As a founding member of SkyTeam, Aeromexico offers customers more than 1,000 destinations in 179 countries served by the 20 SkyTeam airline partners rewarding passengers with benefits including access to 636 premium airport lounges around the world. Aeromexico also offers travel on its codeshare partner flights with Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Avianca, Copa Airlines and WestJet with extensive connectivity in countries like the United States, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia and Peru. www.aeromexico.com www.skyteam.com Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130315/MX77534LOGO SOURCE Aeromexico Related Links http://www.aeromexico.com FORT WORTH, Texas, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Basic Energy Services, Inc. (NYSE: BAS) ("Basic" or the "Company") today announced its financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016. SECOND QUARTER 2016 HIGHLIGHTS Second quarter 2016 revenues declined 8% to $120.0 million from $130.4 million in the first quarter of 2016, as continued low levels of activity driven by weak and volatile energy prices and significant weather impact during the first two months of the quarter drove our customers to further delay a growing inventory of maintenance and workover projects. In the second quarter of 2015, Basic generated $193.6 million in revenues. For the second quarter of 2016, Basic reported a net loss of $89.9 million, or a loss of $2.11 per basic and diluted share. This includes a non-cash charge of $32.9 million, or $0.77 per basic and diluted share, related to a valuation allowance on federal deferred tax assets. Excluding this valuation allowance, Basic reported a net loss of $57.0 million, or $1.34 per basic and diluted share for the second quarter of 2016. For the first quarter of 2016, Basic reported a net loss of $83.3 million, or a loss of $2.00 per basic and diluted share, which included a tax-effected, non-cash charge of $1.3 million, or $0.03 per basic and diluted share pertaining to the early extinguishment of deferred debt costs related to the amendment of Basic's revolving credit facility and a non-cash charge of $27.3 million, or $0.66 per share, related to a valuation allowance on federal deferred tax assets. Excluding the impact of these special items, Basic reported a net loss of $54.8 million, or a loss of $1.32 per basic and diluted share for the first quarter of 2016. In the second quarter of 2015, Basic reported a net loss of $48.3 million, or a loss of $1.20 per basic and diluted share. Excluding a special item related to a credit given to a customer resulting from the settlement of an audit, Basic reported a net loss of $45.4 million, or $1.13 per basic and diluted share for the second quarter of 2015. Roe Patterson, Basic's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "While revenue came in slightly better than our modified guidance and we believe activity levels probably reached the bottom of this cycle during the month of May, our second quarter results continued to reflect the uncertainty and volatility in oil prices; forcing our customers to further curtail their capital spending programs. In addition, unprecedented rainy conditions in the first two months of the quarter, which represented approximately three percentage points of the total sequential revenue drop, added to the challenges we faced. "While margins for the quarter reflect the continued competitive pricing environment, our utilization numbers have held up well compared to the overall softening market conditions. For this reason, we believe we have gained market share in our production oriented business lines such as well servicing and fluid services. Should the improved activity levels we saw in June, and early July, continue for the remainder of the year, we will fall back on this higher market share to drive our business during the recovery. "We made further progress in the quarter to adjust both our operational infrastructure and our general & administrative costs to address the prolonged weak market conditions. We continue to look for ways to operate in a cost effective manner to get the company to cash flow break-even or better by the end of the second half of 2016. This will be difficult to achieve without continued improvements in overall activity levels. "Improving our capital structure remains a primary focus for our company. We have retained the firm of Moelis & Company and the law firm of Weil, Gotshal, & Manges LLP to assist us in discussions with certain creditors to achieve our goals. These discussions are ongoing at this time." Adjusted EBITDA decreased to ($11.5 million), or (10%) of revenues, for the second quarter of 2016 from ($11.1 million), or (9%) of revenues, in the first quarter of 2016. In the second quarter of 2015, Basic generated Adjusted EBITDA of $6.1 million, or 3% of revenues. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), loss on customer audit settlements, and the net gain or loss from the disposal of assets. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are not measures determined in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), are defined and reconciled in note 2 under the accompanying financial tables. 2016 FIRST SIX MONTHS HIGHLIGHTS Revenues for the half of 2016 declined 45% to $250.4 million from $455.3 million for the first six months of 2015. Adjusted EBITDA for the first six months of 2016 decreased to ($22.6 million), or (9%) of revenues from $33.4 million, or 7% of revenue, for the first six months of 2015. Adjusted EBITDA excludes the special items discussed above for both 2016 and 2015. Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled in note 2 under the accompanying financial tables. For the first half of 2016, Basic reported a net loss of $173.2 million, or $4.14 per basic and diluted share, compared to $80.9 million, or a loss of $2.00 per basic and diluted share in the first half of 2015. Excluding special items in both 2016 and 2015, Basic generated an adjusted net loss of $111.8 million, or $2.67 per basic and diluted share in the first half of 2016 compared to $78.1 million, or a loss of $1.93 per basic and diluted share in the first half of 2015. Business Segment Results Completion and Remedial Services Completion and remedial services revenue dropped by 9% to $36.2 million from $39.7 million in the prior quarter. The sequential decline in revenue for the segment was led by lower activity levels in almost all the service lines and by continued rate reductions due to severe competition in several basins of the Company's footprint. In the second quarter of 2015, this segment generated $69.1 million in revenue. At June 30, 2016, Basic had approximately 444,000 hydraulic horsepower ("HHP"), essentially flat compared to the end of the previous quarter and up slightly from 442,000 HHP as of June 30, 2015. Weighted average HHP for the second quarter of 2016 was 444,000, equal to the first quarter of 2016. As of June 30, 2016, 192,000 HHP was stacked, as additional frac operations were shut down during the quarter due to pricing remaining below cash flow breakeven levels in some basins. Segment profit in the second quarter of 2016 decreased to $3.4 million compared to $4.9 million in the prior quarter. Segment margin for the second quarter of 2016 decreased to 9% compared to 12% during the previous quarter, driven predominantly by lower utilization and continued pricing pressure, as well as the negative impact of decremental margins on the lower revenue base. During the second quarter of 2015, excluding a special item, segment profit was $15.9 million, or 22% of segment revenue. Fluid Services Fluid services revenue in the second quarter of 2016 decreased 9% to $45.5 million from $50.3 million in the prior quarter. Segment revenues declined driven by the estimated weather impact of approximately $1.2 million, along with continuing decreases in trucking operations and disposal utilization. During the second quarter of 2015, this segment generated $63.7 million in revenue. The weighted average number of fluid services trucks decreased 1% to 976 during the second quarter of 2016, compared to 985 during the first quarter of 2016 and declined 3% compared to 1,011 during the second quarter of 2015. Truck hours of 474,400 during the second quarter of 2016 represented a decline of 9% from 521,500 during the first quarter of 2016 and a decrease of 17% compared to 573,700 in the same period in 2015. The average revenue per fluid service truck decreased 9% to $46,600 during the second quarter from $51,000 in the first quarter of 2016, as disposal utilization and hot oiling revenues dropped with trucking activity. In the comparable quarter of 2015, average revenue per fluid truck was $63,000. Segment profit in the second quarter of 2016 decreased to $6.9 million from $9.1 million in the prior quarter. Segment profit margin decreased 300 basis points to 15% due to the impact of decremental margins on the lower revenue base, inclement weather and pricing pressure. Segment profit in the same period in 2015 was $15.3 million, or 24% of segment revenue. Well Servicing Well servicing revenues decreased 5% to $36.8 million during the second quarter of 2016 compared to $38.9 million in the prior quarter driven by lower Taylor manufacturing revenues and lower levels of plugging activity, despite a quarterly increase in rig hours. Well servicing revenue was $56.5 million in the second quarter of 2015. Revenues from the Taylor manufacturing operations were $1.8 million compared to $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2016 and $2.2 million in the second quarter of 2015. At June 30, 2016, the well servicing rig count was 421, the same as of the end of the prior quarter and at June 30, 2015. Rig hours increased 5% to 113,700 in the second quarter of 2016, compared to 108,400 in the previous quarter and were down 27% from 154,700 hours in the comparable quarter of last year. Rig utilization was 38% in the second quarter of 2016, up from 36% in the prior quarter and down from 51% in the second quarter of 2015. Excluding revenues associated with the Taylor manufacturing operations, revenue per well servicing rig hour was $308 in the second quarter of 2016, down 4% compared to $321 in the previous quarter and down 12% from $351 reported in the second quarter of 2015. The lower rig rate per hour reflects pricing concessions granted to customers, along with a decrease in plugging activity in the second quarter, which carries a higher rate. Segment profit in the second quarter of 2016 increased 12% to $5.0 million compared to $4.4 million in the prior quarter and $9.5 million during the same period in 2015. Segment profit margin increased to 14% in the second quarter of 2016 from 11% in the prior quarter. Margins improved led by higher utilization and activity levels, and the impact of cost savings initiatives. In the second quarter of 2015, segment profit was 17% of segment revenue. Segment profit from the Taylor manufacturing operations improved 5% to $107,000 in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $102,000 in the first quarter of 2016. Contract Drilling Contract drilling revenue was essentially flat at $1.5 million during the second quarter of 2016 compared to the prior quarter. During the second quarter of 2015, this segment generated $4.3 million in revenue. Basic marketed 12 drilling rigs during the second quarter of 2016, the same number of rigs as in the previous quarter as well as in the second quarter of 2015. However, only one rig was active during the entire second quarter. Revenue per drilling day in the second quarter of 2016 decreased to $16,100 compared to $16,500 in the previous quarter, but up from $15,500 in the second quarter of 2015. Rig operating days during the second quarter remained flat at 91 compared to the first quarter of 2016, resulting in a rig utilization of 8% during both the second and first quarters of 2016. Rig operating days remained weak due to the lack of capital spending by our customers. In the comparable period in 2015, rig operating days were 280, producing a utilization of 26%. Segment profit in the second quarter of 2016 increased to $93,000 compared to a loss of $57,000 in the prior quarter and decreased from $848,000 in the second quarter of 2015. Segment margin for the second quarter of 2016 was 6% of segment revenues compared to (4%) in the prior quarter, due to cost reduction initiatives. For the second quarter of 2015, segment margin was 20%. G&A Expense General and administrative ("G&A") expense in the second quarter of 2016 declined 8% to $27.1 million, or 23% of revenue from $29.6 million, or 23% of revenue, in the prior quarter. G&A expense in the second quarter of 2015 was $35.7 million, or 18% of revenue. The 24% decrease in G&A expense from last year's second quarter was primarily the result of headcount reductions, lower incentive compensation and other cost savings initiatives implemented over the past 12 months, including the first half of 2016. Tax Benefit Basic's tax expense for the second quarter of 2016 was $662,000, compared to a tax benefit of $4.5 million in the first quarter of 2016. In the second quarter of 2016, Basic recognized a valuation allowance of $32.9 million related to deferred tax assets available to be used in future periods. Excluding the impact of the valuation allowance, the operating effect tax benefit is $32.3 million, for an operating tax benefit rate of 36%. In the first quarter of 2016, Basic recognized a similar deferred tax valuation allowance of $27.3 million. Excluding the effect of the valuation allowance and the write-down of the deferred debt cost discussed previously, the operating effective tax benefit for the first quarter of 2016 was $31.1 million, for an operating effective tax benefit rate of 36%. The adjusted effective tax benefit of $25.6 million in the second quarter of 2015 translated into an effective tax benefit rate of 36%. Cash and Total Liquidity On June 30, 2016, Basic had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $86.1 million, up from $75.1 million at March 31, 2016 and $91.8 million on June 30, 2015. An additional amount of $30.2 million is classified as restricted cash, and $19 million of this amount may be released upon satisfaction of pre-determined conditions related to the perfection of collateral assets by August 31, 2016. However, if conditions may not be satisfied by August 31, 2016, the Company would seek an extension of the deadline for satisfaction of such conditions. The Company cannot predict whether the Term Loan Agreement lenders would agree to extend the deadline for the satisfaction of such conditions. In addition, the Term Loan Agreement also includes a delayed draw provision for borrowings in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $15.0 million. At June 30, 2016, total liquidity was approximately $138.4 million, which included $22.1 million of availability under Basic's $100 million revolving credit facility. Basic's senior management and Board are evaluating potential strategic alternatives, such as refinancing or restructuring of the Company's capital structure or available financing options to address the Company's liquidity position and high debt levels. Basic has engaged financial and legal advisors, and is actively working with its advisors and negotiating with certain creditors and their advisors with respect to alternatives to the Company's current capital structure. While the Company is optimistic that ongoing negotiations with its creditors will lead to satisfactory resolution of these issues, the Company cannot provide any assurance that these negotiations will be successful. If the Company is unable to find acceptable alternatives to its current capital structure to better fund future capital needs, or if the Company is unable to finance its operations on acceptable terms or at all, the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. Capital Expenditures Total capital expenditures during the first six months of 2016 were approximately $13.8 million (including capital leases of $2.2 million), comprised of $1.6 million for expansion projects, $9.7 million for sustaining and replacement projects and $2.5 million for other projects. Expansion capital spending included $840,000 for the well servicing segment, $754,000 for the fluid services segment, and $24,000 for the completion and remedial services segment. Other capital expenditures were mainly for facilities and IT infrastructure. Basic currently anticipates 2016 capital expenditures to be under $30.0 million, including $10.0 million of capital leases. Conference Call Basic will host a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2016 results on Friday, July 22, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (8:00 a.m. Central). To access the call, please dial (412) 902-0003 and ask for the "Basic Energy Services" call at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. The conference call will also be broadcast live via the Internet and can be accessed through the investor relations section of Basic's corporate website, www.basicenergyservices.com. A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available until August 5, 2016 and may be accessed by calling (201) 612-7415 and using pass code 13639548#. A webcast archive will be available at www.basicenergyservices.com shortly after the call and will be accessible for approximately 30 days. About Basic Energy Services Basic Energy Services provides well site services essential to maintaining production from the oil and gas wells within its operating area. The Company employs more than 3,300 employees in more than 100 service points throughout the major oil and gas producing regions in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Kansas, and the Rocky Mountain and Appalachian regions. Additional information on Basic Energy Services is available on the Company's website at www.basicenergyservices.com . Safe Harbor Statement This release includes forward-looking statements and projections, made in reliance on the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Basic has made every reasonable effort to ensure that the information and assumptions on which these statements and projections are based are current, reasonable, and complete. However, a variety of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this release, including (i) changes in demand for our services and any related material impact on our pricing and utilizations rates, (ii) Basic's ability to execute, manage and integrate acquisitions successfully, (iii) changes in our expenses, including labor or fuel costs and financing costs, (iv) continued volatility of oil or natural gas prices, and any related changes in expenditures by our customers, and (v) competition within our industry. Additional important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations are disclosed in Item 1A of Basic's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and subsequent Form 10-Qs filed with the SEC. While Basic makes these statements and projections in good faith, neither Basic nor its management can guarantee that anticipated future results will be achieved. Basic assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements made by Basic, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. -Tables to Follow- Basic Energy Services, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Financial Data (in thousands, except per share amounts) Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Income Statement Data: (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Revenues: Completion and remedial services $ 36,228 $ 69,056 $ 75,924 $ 181,831 Fluid services 45,491 63,704 95,741 137,506 Well servicing 36,824 56,500 75,731 120,168 Contract drilling 1,461 4,336 2,965 15,812 Total revenues 120,004 193,596 250,361 455,317 Expenses: Completion and remedial services 32,860 57,670 67,648 138,921 Fluid services 38,619 48,381 79,786 102,512 Well servicing 31,847 47,035 66,318 99,437 Contract drilling 1,368 3,488 2,929 11,014 General and administrative (1) 27,078 35,673 56,640 74,877 Depreciation and amortization 54,847 60,231 110,999 121,160 (Gain) loss on disposal of assets 336 (57) 261 (9) Total expenses 186,955 252,421 384,581 547,912 Operating loss (66,951) (58,825) (134,220) (92,595) Other income (expense): Interest expense (22,521) (16,841) (43,235) (33,704) Interest income 7 4 9 10 Other income 244 215 340 335 Loss before income taxes (89,221) (75,447) (177,106) (125,954) Income tax benefit (expense) (662) 27,152 3,884 45,035 Net loss $ (89,883) $ (48,295) $ (173,222) $ (80,919) Loss per share of common stock: Basic $ (2.11) $ (1.20) $ (4.14) $ (2.00) Diluted $ (2.11) $ (1.20) $ (4.14) $ (2.00) Other Financial Data: EBITDA (2) $ (11,860) $ 1,621 $ (22,881) $ 28,900 Adjusted EBITDA (2) (11,524) 6,064 (22,620) 33,391 Capital expenditures: Acquisitions, net of cash acquired - - - - Property and equipment 6,984 8,962 11,561 34,823 As of June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 (Unaudited) Balance Sheet Data: Cash and cash equivalents $ 86,100 $ 91,822 Net property and equipment 751,070 925,738 Total assets 1,078,358 1,402,074 Total long-term debt 961,416 850,887 Total stockholders' equity (deficit) (62,407) 262,256 Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Segment Data: (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Completion and Remedial Services Segment Profits as a percent of revenue 9.3% 21.6% 10.9% 25.4% Fluid Services Weighted average number of fluid service trucks 976 1,011 980 1,029 Truck hours (000's) 474.4 573.7 995.9 1,168.8 Revenue per fluid services truck (000's) $ 47 $ 63 $ 98 $ 134 Segment profits per fluid services truck (000's) $ 7 $ 15 $ 16 $ 34 Segment profits as a percent of revenue 15.1% 24.1% 16.7% 25.4% Well Servicing Weighted average number of rigs 421 421 421 421 Rig hours (000's) 113.7 154.7 222.1 318.6 Rig utilization rate 38% 51% 37% 53% Revenue per rig hour, excluding manufacturing $ 308 $ 351 $ 314 $ 364 Well servicing rig profit per rig hour $ 44 $ 61 $ 42 $ 65 Segment profits as a percent of revenue 13.5% 16.8% 12.4% 17.3% Contact Drilling Weighted average number of rigs 12 12 12 12 Rig operating days 91 280 182 954 Revenue per day $ 16,100 $ 15,500 $ 16,300 $ 16,600 Drilling rig profit per day $ 1,000 $ 3,000 $ 200 $ 5,000 Segment profits as a percent of revenue 6.4% 19.6% 1.2% 30.3% (1) Includes approximately $2,044,000 and $4,516,000 of non-cash compensation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $5,302,000 and $9,047,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 respectively. (2) This earnings release contains references to the non-GAAP financial measure of earnings (net income) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or "EBITDA." This earnings release also contains references to the non-GAAP financial measure of earnings (net income) before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, loss on customer audit settlements, and the gain or loss on disposal of assets or "Adjusted EBITDA." EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income, net income or loss, cash flows provided by operating, investing and financing activities, or other income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP. However, Basic believes EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful supplemental financial measures used by its management and directors and by external users of its financial statements, such as investors, to assess: The financial performance of its assets without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis; The ability of its assets to generate cash sufficient to pay interest on its indebtedness; and Its operating performance and return on invested capital as compared to those of other companies in the well servicing industry, without regard to financing methods and capital structure. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA each have limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered an alternative to net income, operating income, cash flow from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income and operating income, and these measures may vary among other companies. Limitations to using EBITDA as an analytical tool include: EBITDA does not reflect its current or future requirements for capital expenditures or capital commitments; EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements necessary, to service interest or principal payments on, its debt; EBITDA does not reflect income taxes; Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and Other companies in its industry may calculate EBITDA differently than Basic does, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. In addition to each of the limitations with respect to EBITDA noted above, the limitations to using Adjusted EBITDA as an analytical tool include: Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect Basic's gain or loss on disposal of assets; Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect Basic's loss on customer audit settlements; and Other companies in our industry may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently than Basic does, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. The following table presents a reconciliation of net loss to EBITDA, which is the most comparable GAAP performance measure, for each of the periods indicated: Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to EBITDA: (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Net income / (loss) $ (89,883) $ (48,295) $ (173,222) $ (80,919) Income taxes 662 (27,152) (3,884) (45,035) Net interest expense 22,514 16,837 43,226 33,694 Depreciation and amortization 54,847 60,231 110,999 121,160 EBITDA $ (11,860) $ 1,621 $ (22,881) $ 28,900 The following table presents a reconciliation of net loss to "Adjusted EBITDA," which means our EBITDA excluding the gain or loss on disposal of assets, and loss on customer audit settlements: Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA: (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Net income / (loss) $ (89,883) $ (48,295) $ (173,222) $ (80,919) Income taxes 662 (27,152) (3,884) (45,035) Net interest expense 22,514 16,837 43,226 33,694 Depreciation and amortization 54,847 60,231 110,999 121,160 (Gain) loss on disposal of assets 336 (57) 261 (9) Loss on customer audit settlement - 4,500 - 4,500 Adjusted EBITDA $ (11,524) $ 6,064 $ (22,620) $ 33,391 Contacts: Alan Krenek, Chief Financial Officer Basic Energy Services, Inc. 817-334-4100 Jack Lascar Dennard Lascar Associates 713-529-6600 SOURCE Basic Energy Services, Inc. Related Links http://www.basicenergyservices.com NEW YORK, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Bernstein Liebhard LLP is investigating whether the Board of Directors of DeVry Education Group ("DeVry" or the "Company") (NYSE: DV) breached their fiduciary duties to the Company. On January 27, 2016, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") filed a complaint against DeVry, DeVry University, and DeVry/New York Inc. alleging that starting in 2008 and continuing until August 2015, the Company made deceptive representations about the benefits of obtaining a degree from DeVry. In particular, the FTC complaint focuses on two claims made by DeVry: (a) 90% of DeVry students who are actively seeking employment obtained new jobs in their field of study within 6 months of graduation; and (b) one year after graduation, the average or median earnings of DeVry graduates with bachelor's degrees were 15% higher than those of similar graduates. The FTC seeks, among other things, refunds of monies paid and disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, the total of which could exceed a staggering $8 billion. If you are interested in discussing your rights as a DeVry shareholder, and/or have information relating to the matter, please contact Joseph R. Seidman, Jr. at (877) 779-1414 or [email protected]. Bernstein Liebhard LLP has pursued hundreds of securities, consumer and shareholder rights cases and recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. The Firm has been named to the National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times. Bernstein Liebhard LLP 10 East 40th Street New York, New York 10016 (877) 779-1414 www.bernlieb.com ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. 2016 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. The lawyer responsible for this advertisement in the State of Connecticut is Michael S. Bigin. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. Contact Information Joseph R. Seidman, Jr. Bernstein Liebhard LLP http://www.bernlieb.com (212) 779-1414 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120202/MM47134LOGO SOURCE Bernstein Liebhard LLP Related Links http://www.bernlieb.com TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A current list of warnings and alerts can be found on the Department of State website. July's warnings and alerts include: Laos Travel Alert The risk of violence associated with travel within the country is high. The Lao government is providing security for its officials traveling by road in certain areas and has completely restricted travel in other areas. The State Department is asking U.S. citizens to be vigilant when traveling in the region. Mali Travel Warning This is an ongoing warning asking travelers to avoid travel to Mali due to violent extremist groups who target foreigners. The risk of violent crime including, kidnapping, terrorist attacks and murder remains high. Iraq Travel Warning - Travel to Iraq remains extremely dangerous due to the threat of terrorist attacks. The Embassy's ability to assist U.S. citizens in trouble is limited. The State Department further warns of travel near borders where skirmishes, smugglers and aerial bombardments are possible. Venezuela Travel Warning Venezuela remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for travel. Its high crime rate and the fact that severe shortages of food, water and other basic needs are in short supply are reasons for violence. Bangladesh Travel Warning - The Department of State is warning against all travel to the area. The threat of terrorism is high after recent violent attacks carried out at public gatherings. Republic of South Sudan Travel Warning Clashes between government and opposition forces have led to an increase in violent crime including kidnapping, carjacking and murder, leading The State Department to order the departure of all non-emergency personnel from the Embassy. Kenya Travel Alert This temporary alert is due to the risk associated with large-scale events such as the 14th session of the UN Conference on Trade and Development taking place in Kenya in July. Turkey Travel Warning The recent coup attempt has resulted in the Department's warning for U.S. citizens who are considering travel to Turkey. Haiti Travel Warning This is an on-going warning concerning travel to Haiti due to the threat of violent crime and civil unrest along with the government's lack of medical facilities and emergency preparedness. Bill Bailey Travel has arranged vacations to thousands of destinations. Bill Bailey's experience in the travel industry makes him able to offer clients valuable information on travel from the U.S. to Europe including cruises, hotels and motels, resorts, activities and special destinations and more. Photo(s): http://www.prlog.org/12574348 Press release distributed by PRLog SOURCE Bill Bailey Travel Related Links http://www.williambaileytravel.net PISCATAWAY, N.J., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- BlackStratus, a leading provider of cloud-based security and compliance technology tailored for both SMBs and large enterprises, announced today that in the three months since the launch of CYBERShark it has grown its channel program to 95 Managed Service Providers (MSPs) based in the U.S. and Canada. The new Security Information Event Management (SIEM) technology from BlackStratus will be available to SMBs exclusively through these MSPs. Launched in mid-April, CYBERShark is the first SIEM platform designed specifically to monitor and remediate cyber security threats and compliance violations within small to midsize businesses. The exponentially growing CYBERShark channel program is run by industry veteran Phil Rugani. Rugani is an experienced technology industry executive with an extensive background in sales, marketing and overall field operations. With over 30 years of relevant experience Mr. Rugani has held senior leadership positions at some of the most recognizable enterprise software providers in the world where he had a successful track record of growing revenue, expanding market penetration, managing global channel programs, and creating profitable high growth organizations. "CYBERShark provides a golden opportunity for MSPs to enter the mid-market with an affordable, white-label SIEM platform and we've proven that position by signing a record number of providers in such a short amount of time," said Dale Cline, CEO of BlackStratus. "Both the MSP and SMB market have been asking for a product like CYBERShark for quite some time and we're very excited to deliver a cloud-based security and compliance platform that greatly benefits both markets." MSPs can white label CYBERShark and provide world class security and compliance managed services to their customers and grow their business. CYBERShark empowers MSPs to build a sustainable managed services business without the need to invest in expensive infrastructure, buy expensive hardware appliances and recruit expensive security analysts. By simply sending their end-customer event log data to the advanced CYBERShark cloud, MSPs will receive a white-labeled portal view of their customers' compliance reports and security posture complete with step-by-step remediation to resolve security incidents and malicious activity. To learn more about becoming a channel partner of CYBERShark, please contact the sales team at 203-569-2444 or visit www.cybershark.com. "For the longest time SIEM technology was just too far out of reach for small to midsize businesses that desperately needed it so when CYBERShark was launched we quickly determined that it was a good fit for our current portfolio of products and SMB clientele," said Fred Barzycki, Director of Managed Services at BridgePoint Technologies. "With CYBERShark, now SMBs can finally breathe a sigh of relief that their network is being monitored and appropriate action taken 24/7 by security professionals looking for cyberattacks and compliance violations." About BlackStratus BlackStratus is a pioneer of trusted security and compliance platforms that protect millions of devices and thousands of brands around the globe. Their enterprise class technology solution is deployed and operated on premise, in the cloud or as a service at an affordable cost. The firm's patented software based multi-tenant Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) technology, is able to deliver organizations unparalleled security visibility, prevents costly downtime, and achieves and maintains compliant operations at a lower cost to operate. BlackStratus is headquartered in Piscataway, New Jersey, and services thousands of businesses worldwide. For more information about BlackStratus, please visit www.blackstratus.com. Follow the firm via Twitter at @BlackStratusInc. BlackStratus PR Contact: David Splivalo [email protected] 1.703.798.2395 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160418/356345LOGO SOURCE BlackStratus Related Links http://www.blackstratus.com BOSTON, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE: SAM) reported second quarter 2016 net revenue of $244.8 million, a decrease of $7.4 million or 3%, from the same period last year, mainly due to a decline in shipments of 4%, partially offset by price increases. Net income for the second quarter was $26.6 million, or $2.06 per diluted share, a decrease of $3.3 million or $0.12 per diluted share, from the second quarter of 2015. This decrease was primarily due to decreases in net revenue, a decrease in gross margins and increases in general and administrative expenses, that were only partially offset by decreased advertising, promotional and selling expenses. Earnings per diluted share for the 26-week period ended June 25, 2016 were $2.58, a decrease of $0.60 from the comparable 26-week period in 2015. Net revenue for the 26-week period ended June 25, 2016 was $433.6 million, a decrease of $18.1 million, or 4%, from the comparable 26-week period in 2015. Highlights of this release include: Depletions decreased 5% and 5% from the comparable 13 and 26 week periods in the prior year. Gross margin was 51.8% for the second quarter and 50.4% for first half of the year, and the Company now estimates its full year gross margin target of between 50% and 52%, a decrease of the range from the previously communicated estimate of between 51% and 53%. Advertising, promotional and selling expense decreased by $8.1 million or 11% in the second quarter, primarily due to lower media spending and decreases in freight to distributors, as a result of lower volume and lower freight rates. or 11% in the second quarter, primarily due to lower media spending and decreases in freight to distributors, as a result of lower volume and lower freight rates. The 2016 fiscal year includes 53 weeks compared to the 2015 fiscal year which included only 52 weeks. Full-year 2016 year over year depletion and shipment change is now estimated at between minus 4% and zero, a narrowing of the range from the previously communicated estimate of between minus 4% and plus 2%. Full-year 2016 earnings per diluted share are now estimated at between $6.40 and $7.00 , a decrease and narrowing of the range from the previously communicated estimate of $6.50 to $7.30 . , a decrease and narrowing of the range from the previously communicated estimate of . Full-year 2016 capital spending is now estimated to be between $60 million and $70 million , a narrowing of the range from the previously communicated estimate of $50 million to $70 million . Jim Koch, Chairman and Founder of the Company, commented, "Our total company depletion trends declined in the second quarter at a rate consistent with the first quarter trends, even as the better beer and craft categories appear healthy. Our Samuel Adams brand lost share of craft due to the increased competition and continued growth of drinker interest in trying new styles. While the launches of our new beers, including the Samuel Adams Nitro Project and Samuel Adams Rebel Grapefruit IPA, have been successful and well-received, they have not offset declines in Samuel Adams Boston Lager and our Samuel Adams seasonal beers. Despite these declines, we continue to believe that we are well positioned to meet the longer term challenges of this competitive environment, because of the quality of our employees, our beers, our innovation capability and our sales execution strength, coupled with our strong financial position that enables us to invest in growing our brands and creating new growth opportunities." Martin Roper, the Company's President and CEO stated, "In the second quarter and first half of the year, our depletions volume was significantly below our expectations, primarily due to decreases in our Samuel Adams, Angry Orchard and Traveler brands that were only partially offset by increases in our Twisted Tea, Coney Island and Truly Spiked & Sparkling brands. We are encouraged by recent improvements in depletion trends that we have seen since the middle of June, but it's too early to determine if these improvements are sustainable. For the rest of the year we should start to see more favorable hard cider comparisons and a greater impact from Truly Spiked & Sparkling, but the trends for larger craft beer brands and the hard cider category, and the full impact of our new brand introductions remain difficult to predict. Accordingly, we have adjusted our expectations for full-year depletions growth and our earnings guidance to reflect our first half trends. Our lower volume expectations have increased our focus and urgency on cost savings and driving efficiencies throughout the organization. We are evaluating all our opportunities to better fit the current volume environment, while preserving our quality and service levels, and our ability to support long term growth. Some of these cost savings and efficiency improvements will benefit this year, but most will start delivering next year. We remain prepared to forsake short term earnings, as we strive to return to long term profitable growth." Mr. Roper went on to say, "We are working hard to improve the Sam Adams brand trends and in the second half of the year we expect to introduce new packaging and advertising to support our planned promotional activity. We recently hired Jonathan Potter, who will start in August, as our Chief Marketing Officer. We are excited about this important addition to our leadership team. We are focused on sales execution and a full review of our brand messaging and packaging on all our brands, and on continued innovation for existing brands and new growth opportunities. We believe the recent Angry Orchard declines are not indicative of the long term potential of the hard cider category and we are happy that Angry Orchard has maintained a very high share. We plan to invest to help return the hard cider category and Angry Orchard to growth while maintaining our category leadership. The national rollout of our Truly Spiked & Sparkling brand is currently in progress and has been well-supported by distributors, retailers and drinkers. We are pleased with progress and volumes to date. We plan to support this national rollout with media during the third quarter, and will increase investment above current planned levels if we see a positive response. It is too early to tell how successful the national rollout of Truly Spiked & Sparkling will be." 2nd Quarter 2016 Summary of Results Depletions decreased 5% from the comparable 13-week period in 2015. Shipment volume was approximately 1.1 million barrels, a 4% decrease from the comparable 13-week period in 2015. The Company believes distributor inventory levels at June 25, 2016 were appropriate. Inventory at distributors participating in the Freshest Beer Program at June 25, 2016 decreased slightly in terms of days of inventory on hand when compared to June 27, 2015. The Company has approximately 75% of its volume on the Freshest Beer Program. Gross margin at 51.8% represented a decrease from the 54.0% margin realized in the second quarter of 2015, primarily due to increased brewery processing costs per barrel and product mix effects, partially offset by price increases. Advertising, promotional and selling expenses decreased $8.1 million from the comparable 13-week period in 2015, primarily due to lower media spending and decreases in freight to distributors due to lower volume and lower freight rates, partially offset by increases in point of sale. General and administrative expenses increased by $3.8 million from the comparable 13-week period in 2015, primarily due to increases in stock compensation, salaries and benefits and facilities costs. Year-to-Date 2016 Summary of Results Depletions decreased 5% from the comparable 26-week period in 2015, reflecting decreases in the Company's Samuel Adams, Angry Orchard and Traveler brands, partially offset by increases in its Twisted Tea, Coney Island and Truly Spiked & Sparkling brands. Shipment volume was approximately 1.9 million barrels, a 5% decrease from the comparable 26-week period in 2015. Advertising, promotional and selling expenses decreased $9.1 million from the comparable 26-week period in 2015, primarily due to decreases in freight to distributors, as a result of lower volume and lower freight rates and lower media spending. General and administrative expenses increased $7.6 million from the comparable 26-week period in 2015, primarily due to increases in stock compensation, salaries and benefits and facilities costs. The Company expects that its June 25, 2016 cash balance of $27.6 million, together with its future operating cash flows and its $150.0 million line of credit, will be sufficient to fund future cash requirements. During the 26-week period ended June 25, 2016 and the period from June 26, 2016 through July 16, 2016, the Company repurchased approximately 743,000 shares of its Class A Common Stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $127.7 million. As of July 16, 2016 the Company had approximately $12.2 million remaining on the $586.0 million share buyback expenditure limit set by the Board of Directors. Depletion estimates Year-to-date depletions through the 28-week period ended July 9, 2016 are estimated by the Company to have decreased approximately 4% from the comparable period in 2015. Outlook The Company currently projects full year 2016 earnings per diluted share to be between $6.40 and $7.00. The Company's actual 2016 earnings per share could vary significantly from the current projection. The 2016 fiscal year includes 53 weeks compared to the 2015 fiscal year which included only 52 weeks. Underlying the Company's current 2016 projection are the following 53-week full-year estimates and targets: Depletions and shipments percentage change of between minus 4% and zero. Price increases of between 1% and 2%. Gross margin of between 50% and 52%. Change in investment in advertising, promotional and selling expenses of between a decrease of $5 million and an increase of $5 million , a decrease in the range from the previously communicated estimate of an increase of between zero and $10 million . This estimate does not include any increases or decreases in freight costs for the shipment of products to the Company's distributors. and an increase of , a decrease in the range from the previously communicated estimate of an increase of between zero and . This estimate does not include any increases or decreases in freight costs for the shipment of products to the Company's distributors. Effective tax rate of approximately 36.3%. About the Company The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE: SAM) began in 1984 and today brews more than 60 styles of Samuel Adams beer. Our portfolio of brands also includes Angry Orchard Hard Cider, Twisted Tea, Truly Spiked & Sparkling, as well as several other craft beer brands brewed by Alchemy & Science, our craft beer incubator. For more information, please visit our investor relations website at www.bostonbeer.com, which includes links to all of our respective brand websites. Forward-Looking Statements Statements made in this press release that state the Company's or management's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions of the future are forward-looking statements. It is important to note that the Company's actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in the Company's SEC filings, including, but not limited to, the Company's report on Form 10-K for the years ended December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014. Copies of these documents may be found on the Company's website, www.bostonbeer.com, or obtained by contacting the Company or the SEC. THE BOSTON BEER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) Thirteen weeks ended Twenty-six weeks ended June 25, June 27, June 25, June 27, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Barrels sold 1,080 1,125 1,914 2,014 Revenue $ 261,225 $ 268,721 $ 463,233 $ 481,555 Less excise taxes 16,409 16,517 29,590 29,848 Net revenue 244,816 252,204 433,643 451,707 Cost of goods sold 117,940 115,979 215,236 215,866 Gross profit 126,876 136,225 218,407 235,841 Operating expenses: Advertising, promotional and selling expenses 63,252 71,370 122,501 131,618 General and administrative expenses 21,836 18,036 42,881 35,265 Total operating expenses 85,088 89,406 165,382 166,883 Operating income 41,788 46,819 53,025 68,958 Other income (expense), net: Interest income (expense), net 20 11 43 7 Other income (expense), net (206) 54 (425) (271) Total other income (expense), net (186) 65 (382) (264) Income before income tax provision 41,602 46,884 52,643 68,694 Provision for income taxes 14,981 16,952 18,990 25,019 Net income $ 26,621 $ 29,932 $ 33,653 $ 43,675 Net income per common share - basic $ 2.11 $ 2.24 $ 2.65 $ 3.28 Net income per common share - diluted $ 2.06 $ 2.18 $ 2.58 $ 3.18 Weighted-average number of common shares - Class A basic 9,181 9,748 9,278 9,673 Weighted-average number of common shares - Class B basic 3,367 3,532 3,367 3,575 Weighted-average number of common shares - diluted 12,830 13,667 12,959 13,650 Net income $ 26,621 $ 29,932 $ 33,653 $ 43,675 Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustment (88) (5) (92) 1 Comprehensive income $ 26,533 $ 29,927 $ 33,561 $ 43,676 THE BOSTON BEER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except share data) (unaudited) June 25, December 26, 2016 2015 Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 27,580 $ 94,193 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $189 and $244 as of June 25, 2016 and December 26, 2015, respectively 56,694 38,984 Inventories 61,245 56,462 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 12,402 12,053 Income tax receivable 3,476 14,928 Deferred income taxes 6,923 6,983 Total current assets 168,320 223,603 Property, plant and equipment, net 411,866 409,926 Other assets 6,704 8,188 Goodwill 3,683 3,683 Total assets $ 590,573 $ 645,400 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 41,593 $ 42,718 Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations 60 58 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 69,485 68,384 Total current liabilities 111,138 111,160 Deferred income taxes 57,316 56,001 Debt and capital lease obligations, less current portion 411 471 Other liabilities 9,476 16,547 Total liabilities 178,341 184,179 Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' Equity: Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value; 22,700,000 shares authorized; 9,009,571 and 9,389,005 issued and outstanding as of June 25, 2016 and December 26, 2015, respectively 90 94 Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value; 4,200,000 shares authorized; 3,367,355 and 3,367,355 issued and outstanding as of June 25, 2016 34 34 and December 26, 2015, respectively Additional paid-in capital 332,218 290,096 Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (1,043) (951) Retained earnings 80,933 171,948 Total stockholders' equity 412,232 461,221 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 590,573 $ 645,400 THE BOSTON BEER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASHFLOWS (in thousands) (unaudited) Twenty-six weeks ended June 25, June 27, 2016 2015 Cash flows provided by operating activities: Net income $ 33,653 $ 43,675 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 24,473 20,455 Impairment of assets 37 - Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 511 339 Bad debt recovery (55) (49) Stock-based compensation expense 5,741 3,632 Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation arrangements (5,840) (12,847) Deferred income taxes 1,375 1,862 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (17,655) (15,666) Inventories (4,783) (5,812) Prepaid expenses, income tax receivable and other assets 12,394 33,201 Accounts payable (1,995) 11,570 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 6,967 (2,430) Other liabilities (6,504) 424 Net cash provided by operating activities 48,319 78,354 Cash flows used in investing activities: Purchases of property, plant and equipment (25,954) (38,880) Cash paid for acquisition of intangible assets - (100) Decrease in restricted cash 56 57 Net cash used in investing activities (25,898) (38,923) Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities: Repurchase of Class A Common Stock (124,675) (22,782) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 29,521 40,332 Cash paid on note payable (58) (54) Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation arrangements 5,840 12,847 Net proceeds from sale of investment shares 338 807 Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (89,034) 31,150 Change in cash and cash equivalents (66,613) 70,581 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 94,193 76,402 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 27,580 $ 146,983 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Income taxes paid $ 8,655 $ 9,738 Income taxes refunded $ 12,000 $ 17,226 Increase (Decrease) in accounts payable for purchase of property, plant and equipment $ 870 $ (1,134) Copies of The Boston Beer Company's press releases, including quarterly financial results, are available on the Internet at www.bostonbeer.com SOURCE The Boston Beer Company, Inc. Related Links http://www.bostonbeer.com MCLEAN, Va., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE: COF) today announced net income for the second quarter of 2016 of $942 million, or $1.69 per diluted common share, compared to the first quarter of 2016 with net income of $1.0 billion, or $1.84 per diluted common share, and the second quarter of 2015 with net income of $863 million, or $1.50 per diluted common share. Excluding Adjusting items, net income for the second quarter of 2016 was $979 million or $1.76 per share. "In the second quarter, Capital One sustained top-line growth, delivered successful 2016 CCAR results, and affirmed our guidance for domestic card credit and total company efficiency ratio," said Richard D. Fairbank, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We remain well positioned to deliver growth and returns at the higher end of banks and distribute significant capital to shareholders, subject to regulatory approval." All comparisons below are for the second quarter of 2016 compared with the first quarter of 2016 unless otherwise noted. Second Quarter 2016 Income Statement Summary: Total net revenue increased 1 percent to $6.3 billion . . Total non-interest expense increased 2 percent to $3.3 billion . 3 percent decrease in marketing. 3 percent increase in operating expenses. . Pre-provision earnings decreased 1 percent to $3.0 billion . . Provision for credit losses increased 4 percent to $1.6 billion . Net charge-offs of $1.2 billion . $465 million allowance build. . Net interest margin of 6.73 percent, down 2 basis points. Efficiency ratio of 52.69 percent. Efficiency ratio net of adjustments of 52.32 percent. Second Quarter 2016 Balance Sheet Summary: Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio under Basel III Standardized Approach of 10.9 percent at June 30, 2016 . . Period-end loans held for investment in the quarter increased $7.0 billion , or 3 percent, to $234.6 billion . Domestic Card period-end loans increased $4.0 billion , or 5 percent, to $88.6 billion . Consumer Banking period-end loans increased $824 million , or 1 percent, to $71.4 billion . Auto period-end loans increased $1.8 billion , or 4 percent, to $44.5 billion . Home loans period-end loans decreased $985 million , or 4 percent, to $23.4 billion , driven by planned run-off of acquired portfolios. Commercial Banking period-end loans increased $2.0 billion , or 3 percent, to $66.2 billion . , or 3 percent, to . Average loans held for investment in the quarter increased $3.6 billion , or 2 percent, to $230.4 billion . Domestic Card average loans increased $833 million , or 1 percent, to $86.0 billion . Consumer Banking average loans increased $692 million , or 1 percent, to $71.0 billion : Auto average loans increased $1.6 billion , or 4 percent, to $43.6 billion . Home loans average loans decreased $946 million , or 4 percent, to $23.8 billion , driven by planned run-off of acquired portfolios. Commercial Banking average loans increased $1.6 billion , or 2 percent, to $64.9 billion . , or 2 percent, to . Period-end total deposits decreased $720 million , or less than 1 percent, to $221.1 billion , while average deposits increased $2.0 billion , or 1 percent, to $221.1 billion . , or less than 1 percent, to , while average deposits increased , or 1 percent, to . Interest-bearing deposits rate paid increased by 2 basis points to 0.60 percent. Earnings Conference Call Webcast Information The company will hold an earnings conference call on July 21, 2016 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The conference call will be accessible through live webcast. Interested investors and other individuals can access the webcast via the company's home page (www.capitalone.com). Choose "About Us," then choose "Investors" to access the Investor Center and view and/or download the earnings press release, the financial supplement, including a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures, and the earnings release presentation. The replay of the webcast will be archived on the company's website through August 4, 2016 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Capital One cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information due to a number of factors, including those listed from time to time in reports that Capital One files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. 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 $221.1 billion in deposits and $339.1 billion in total assets as of June 30, 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, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey 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. Exhibit 99.2 Capital One Financial Corporation Financial Supplement Second Quarter 2016(1) Table of Contents Capital One Financial Corporation Consolidated Results Page Table 1: Financial SummaryConsolidated 1 Table 2: Selected MetricsConsolidated 4 Table 3: Consolidated Statements of Income 5 Table 4: Consolidated Balance Sheets 7 Table 5: Notes to Financial Summary, Selected Metrics and Consolidated Financial Statements (Tables 14) 9 Table 6: Average Balances, Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin 11 Table 7: Loan Information and Performance Statistics 12 Table 8: Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Lending Commitments Activity 14 Business Segment Results Table 9: Financial SummaryBusiness Segment Results 15 Table 10: Financial & Statistical SummaryCredit Card Business 16 Table 11: Financial & Statistical SummaryConsumer Banking Business 18 Table 12: Financial & Statistical SummaryCommercial Banking Business 19 Table 13: Financial & Statistical SummaryOther and Total 20 Table 14: Notes to Loan, Allowance and Business Segment Disclosures (Tables 713) 21 Other Table 15: Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures and Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures 22 (1) The information contained in this Financial Supplement is preliminary and based on data available at the time of the earnings presentation. Investors should refer to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2016 once it is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 1: Financial SummaryConsolidated 2016 Q2 vs. Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in millions, except per share data and as noted) (unaudited) 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015 2016 2015 2016 vs. Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q2 2016 2015 2015 Income Statement Net interest income $ 5,093 $ 5,056 $ 4,961 $ 4,760 $ 4,537 1 % 12 % $ 10,149 $ 9,113 11 % Non-interest income 1,161 1,164 1,233 1,140 1,135 2 2,325 2,206 5 Total net revenue(1) 6,254 6,220 6,194 5,900 5,672 1 10 12,474 11,319 10 Provision for credit losses 1,592 1,527 1,380 1,092 1,129 4 41 3,119 2,064 51 Non-interest expense: Marketing 415 428 564 418 387 (3) 7 843 762 11 Amortization of intangibles 95 101 103 106 111 (6) (14) 196 221 (11) Operating expenses 2,785 2,694 2,813 2,636 2,809 3 (1) 5,479 5,373 2 Total non-interest expense 3,295 3,223 3,480 3,160 3,307 2 6,518 6,356 3 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 1,367 1,470 1,334 1,648 1,236 (7) 11 2,837 2,899 (2) Income tax provision 424 452 426 530 384 (6) 10 876 913 (4) Income from continuing operations, net of tax 943 1,018 908 1,118 852 (7) 11 1,961 1,986 (1) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax(2) (1) (5) 12 (4) 11 (80) ** (6) 30 ** Net income 942 1,013 920 1,114 863 (7) 9 1,955 2,016 (3) Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities(3) (6) (6) (4) (6) (4) 50 (12) (10) 20 Preferred stock dividends (65) (37) (68) (29) (29) 76 124 (102) (61) 67 Net income available to common stockholders $ 871 $ 970 $ 848 $ 1,079 $ 830 (10) 5 $ 1,841 $ 1,945 (5) Common Share Statistics Basic earnings per common share:(3) Net income from continuing operations $ 1.70 $ 1.86 $ 1.58 $ 2.01 $ 1.50 (9) % 13 % $ 3.57 $ 3.49 2 % Income (loss) from discontinued operations (0.01) 0.02 (0.01) 0.02 ** ** (0.01) 0.06 ** Net income per basic common share $ 1.70 $ 1.85 $ 1.60 $ 2.00 $ 1.52 (8) 12 $ 3.56 $ 3.55 Diluted earnings per common share:(3) Net income from continuing operations $ 1.69 $ 1.85 $ 1.56 $ 1.99 $ 1.48 (9) 14 $ 3.53 $ 3.45 2 Income (loss) from discontinued operations (0.01) 0.02 (0.01) 0.02 ** ** (0.01) 0.06 ** Net income per diluted common share(4) $ 1.69 $ 1.84 $ 1.58 $ 1.98 $ 1.50 (8) 13 $ 3.52 $ 3.51 Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in millions): Basic 511.7 523.5 530.8 540.6 545.6 (2) (6) 517.6 548.0 (6) Diluted 516.5 528.0 536.3 546.3 552.0 (2) (6) 522.3 554.7 (6) Common shares outstanding (period end, in millions) 505.9 514.5 527.3 534.9 542.5 (2) (7) 505.9 542.5 (7) Dividends paid per common share $ 0.40 $ 0.40 $ 0.40 $ 0.40 $ 0.40 $ 0.80 $ 0.70 14 Tangible book value per common share (period end)(5) 57.84 55.94 53.65 54.66 52.74 3 10 57.84 52.74 10 2016 Q2 vs. Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015 2016 2015 2016 vs. Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q2 2016 2015 2015 Balance Sheet (Period End) Loans held for investment(6) $ 234,603 $ 227,613 $ 229,851 $ 213,329 $ 209,705 3 % 12 % $ 234,603 $ 209,705 12 % Interest-earning assets 307,163 298,348 302,007 283,073 280,137 3 10 307,163 280,137 10 Total assets 339,117 330,346 334,048 313,700 310,510 3 9 339,117 310,510 9 Interest-bearing deposits 195,635 196,597 191,874 187,848 183,657 7 195,635 183,657 7 Total deposits 221,059 221,779 217,721 212,903 208,780 6 221,059 208,780 6 Borrowings 59,181 50,497 59,115 42,778 45,766 17 29 59,181 45,766 29 Common equity 44,813 44,411 43,990 44,391 43,849 1 2 44,813 43,849 2 Total stockholders' equity 48,108 47,707 47,284 47,685 46,659 1 3 48,108 46,659 3 Balance Sheet (Average Balances) Loans held for investment(6) $ 230,379 $ 226,736 $ 220,052 $ 211,227 $ 206,337 2 % 12 % $ 228,557 $ 205,768 11 % Interest-earning assets 302,764 299,456 292,054 283,082 276,585 1 9 301,106 277,501 9 Total assets 334,479 331,919 323,354 313,822 307,206 1 9 333,197 308,295 8 Interest-bearing deposits 195,641 194,125 189,885 185,800 183,946 1 6 194,883 183,475 6 Total deposits 221,146 219,180 215,899 210,974 209,143 1 6 220,163 208,501 6 Borrowings 54,359 53,761 48,850 45,070 41,650 1 31 54,060 43,854 23 Common equity 45,640 45,782 45,418 45,407 44,878 2 45,711 44,727 2 Total stockholders' equity 48,934 49,078 48,712 48,456 47,255 4 49,007 46,828 5 CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 2: Selected MetricsConsolidated 2016 Q2 vs. Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in millions except as noted) (unaudited) 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015 2016 2015 2016 vs. Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q2 2016 2015 2015 Performance Metrics Net interest income growth (period over period) 1 % 2 % 4 % 5 % (1) % ** ** 11 % 5 % ** Non-interest income growth (period over period) (6) 8 6 ** ** 5 2 ** Total net revenue growth (period over period) 1 5 4 ** ** 10 4 ** Total net revenue margin(7) 8.26 8.31 8.48 8.34 8.20 (5) bps 6 bps 8.29 8.16 13 bps Net interest margin(8) 6.73 6.75 6.79 6.73 6.56 (2) 17 6.74 6.57 17 Return on average assets 1.13 1.23 1.12 1.43 1.11 (10) 2 1.18 1.29 (11) Return on average tangible assets(9) 1.18 1.29 1.18 1.50 1.17 (11) 1 1.24 1.36 (12) Return on average common equity(10) 7.64 8.52 7.36 9.54 7.30 (88) 34 8.08 8.56 (48) Return on average tangible common equity(11) 11.61 12.94 11.11 14.33 11.06 (133) 55 12.28 13.01 (73) Non-interest expense as a percentage of average loans held for investment 5.72 5.69 6.33 5.98 6.41 3 (69) 5.70 6.18 (48) Efficiency ratio(12) 52.69 51.82 56.18 53.56 58.30 87 (561) 52.25 56.15 (390) Effective income tax rate for continuing operations 31.0 30.7 31.9 32.2 31.1 30 (10) 30.9 31.5 (60) Employees (in thousands), period end 46.1 45.8 45.4 46.9 47.5 1 % (3) % 46.1 47.5 (3) % Credit Quality Metrics Allowance for loan and lease losses $ 5,881 $ 5,416 $ 5,130 $ 4,847 $ 4,676 9 % 26 % $ 5,881 $ 4,676 26 % Allowance as a percentage of loans held for investment 2.51 % 2.38 % 2.23 % 2.27 % 2.23 % 13 bps 28 bps 2.51 % 2.23 % 28 bps Net charge-offs $ 1,155 $ 1,178 $ 1,078 $ 890 $ 846 (2) % 37 % $ 2,333 $ 1,727 35 % Net charge-off rate(13) 2.01 % 2.08 % 1.96 % 1.69 % 1.64 % (7) bps 37 bps 2.04 % 1.68 % 36 bps 30+ day performing delinquency rate 2.47 2.33 2.69 2.63 2.33 14 14 2.47 2.33 14 30+ day delinquency rate 2.79 2.64 3.00 2.95 2.65 15 14 2.79 2.65 14 Capital Ratios(14) Common equity Tier 1 capital 10.9 % 11.1 % 11.1 % 12.1 % 12.1 % (20) bps (120) bps 10.9 % 12.1 % (120) bps Tier 1 capital 12.2 12.4 12.4 13.4 13.3 (20) (110) 12.2 13.3 (110) Total capital 14.4 14.6 14.6 15.1 15.1 (20) (70) 14.4 15.1 (70) Tier 1 leverage 10.2 10.2 10.6 11.1 11.1 (90) 10.2 11.1 (90) Tangible common equity ("TCE")(15) 9.0 9.1 8.9 9.8 9.7 (10) (70) 9.0 9.7 (70) CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 3: Consolidated Statements of Income Three Months Ended 2016 Q2 vs. Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in millions, except per share data and as noted) (unaudited) 2016 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 vs. Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 2016 2015 2015 Interest income: Loans, including loans held for sale $ 5,148 $ 5,085 $ 4,531 1 % 14 % $ 10,233 $ 9,071 13 % Investment securities 405 415 382 (2) 6 820 788 4 Other 18 17 24 6 (25) 35 52 (33) Total interest income 5,571 5,517 4,937 1 13 11,088 9,911 12 Interest expense: Deposits 292 283 272 3 7 575 543 6 Securitized debt obligations 47 48 36 (2) 31 95 69 38 Senior and subordinated notes 111 106 80 5 39 217 159 36 Other borrowings 28 24 12 17 133 52 27 93 Total interest expense 478 461 400 4 20 939 798 18 Net interest income 5,093 5,056 4,537 1 12 10,149 9,113 11 Provision for credit losses 1,592 1,527 1,129 4 41 3,119 2,064 51 Net interest income after provision for credit losses 3,501 3,529 3,408 (1) 3 7,030 7,049 Non-interest income: Service charges and other customer-related fees 371 404 429 (8) (14) 775 866 (11) Interchange fees, net 616 596 567 3 9 1,212 1,063 14 Net other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings (2) (8) (7) (75) (71) (10) (22) (55) Other 176 172 146 2 21 348 299 16 Total non-interest income 1,161 1,164 1,135 2 2,325 2,206 5 Non-interest expense: Salaries and associate benefits 1,279 1,270 1,360 1 (6) 2,549 2,571 (1) Occupancy and equipment 465 458 439 2 6 923 874 6 Marketing 415 428 387 (3) 7 843 762 11 Professional services 304 278 334 9 (9) 582 630 (8) Communications and data processing 262 243 208 8 26 505 410 23 Amortization of intangibles 95 101 111 (6) (14) 196 221 (11) Other 475 445 468 7 1 920 888 4 Total non-interest expense 3,295 3,223 3,307 2 6,518 6,356 3 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 1,367 1,470 1,236 (7) 11 2,837 2,899 (2) Income tax provision 424 452 384 (6) 10 876 913 (4) Income from continuing operations, net of tax 943 1,018 852 (7) 11 1,961 1,986 (1) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax(2) (1) (5) 11 (80) ** (6) 30 ** Net income 942 1,013 863 (7) 9 1,955 2,016 (3) Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities(3) (6) (6) (4) 50 (12) (10) 20 Preferred stock dividends (65) (37) (29) 76 124 (102) (61) 67 Net income available to common stockholders $ 871 $ 970 $ 830 (10) 5 $ 1,841 $ 1,945 (5) Three Months Ended 2016 Q2 vs. Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in millions, except per share data and as noted) (unaudited) 2016 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 vs. Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 2016 2015 2015 Basic earnings per common share:(3) Net income from continuing operations $ 1.70 $ 1.86 $ 1.50 (9) % 13 % $ 3.57 $ 3.49 2 % Income (loss) from discontinued operations (0.01) 0.02 ** ** (0.01) 0.06 ** Net income per basic common share(4) $ 1.70 $ 1.85 $ 1.52 (8) 12 $ 3.56 $ 3.55 Diluted earnings per common share:(3) Net income from continuing operations $ 1.69 $ 1.85 $ 1.48 (9) 14 $ 3.53 $ 3.45 2 Income (loss) from discontinued operations (0.01) 0.02 ** ** (0.01) 0.06 ** Net income per diluted common share(4) $ 1.69 $ 1.84 $ 1.50 (8) 13 $ 3.52 $ 3.51 Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in millions): Basic common shares 511.7 523.5 545.6 (2) (6) 517.6 548.0 (6) Diluted common shares 516.5 528.0 552.0 (2) (6) 522.3 554.7 (6) Dividends paid per common share $ 0.40 $ 0.40 $ 0.40 $ 0.80 $ 0.70 14 CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 4: Consolidated Balance Sheets June 30, 2016 vs. (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 December 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and due from banks $ 3,253 $ 3,407 $ 2,879 (5) % 13 % Interest-bearing deposits with banks 3,840 4,577 4,275 (16) (10) Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell 56 39 2 44 ** Total cash and cash equivalents 7,149 8,023 7,156 (11) Restricted cash for securitization investors 265 1,017 253 (74) 5 Securities available for sale, at fair value 39,960 39,061 39,136 2 2 Securities held to maturity, at carrying value 25,120 24,619 23,668 2 6 Loans held for investment:(6) Unsecuritized loans held for investment 202,778 196,068 175,407 3 16 Loans held in consolidated trusts 31,825 33,783 34,298 (6) (7) Total loans held for investment 234,603 229,851 209,705 2 12 Allowance for loan and lease losses (5,881) (5,130) (4,676) 15 26 Net loans held for investment 228,722 224,721 205,029 2 12 Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value 1,220 904 1,066 35 14 Premises and equipment, net 3,556 3,584 3,602 (1) (1) Interest receivable 1,236 1,189 1,056 4 17 Goodwill 14,495 14,480 13,984 4 Other assets 17,394 16,450 15,560 6 12 Total assets $ 339,117 $ 334,048 $ 310,510 2 9 June 30, 2016 vs. (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 December 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 Liabilities: Interest payable $ 301 $ 299 $ 262 1 % 15 % Deposits: Non-interest-bearing deposits 25,424 25,847 25,123 (2) 1 Interest-bearing deposits 195,635 191,874 183,657 2 7 Total deposits 221,059 217,721 208,780 2 6 Securitized debt obligations 16,130 16,166 13,785 17 Other debt: Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase 999 981 1,888 2 (47) Senior and subordinated notes 21,872 21,837 19,987 9 Other borrowings 20,180 20,131 10,106 100 Total other debt 43,051 42,949 31,981 35 Other liabilities 10,468 9,629 9,043 9 16 Total liabilities 291,009 286,764 263,851 1 10 Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock 0 0 0 Common stock 7 6 6 17 17 Additional paid-in capital, net 29,786 29,655 29,063 2 Retained earnings 28,479 27,045 25,540 5 12 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 241 (616) (397) ** ** Treasury stock, at cost (10,405) (8,806) (7,553) 18 38 Total stockholders' equity 48,108 47,284 46,659 2 3 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 339,117 $ 334,048 $ 310,510 2 9 CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 5: Notes to Financial Summary, Selected Metrics and Consolidated Financial Statements (Tables 14) ** Not meaningful. (1) Total net revenue was reduced by $244 million in Q2 2016, $228 million in Q1 2016, $222 million in Q4 2015, $195 million in Q3 2015 and $168 million in Q2 2015 for the estimated uncollectible amount of billed finance charges and fees and related losses. (2) Historically, the majority of the provision (benefit) for representation and warranty losses has been included, net of tax, in discontinued operations. The provision (benefit) for mortgage representation and warranty losses included the following activity: 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015 (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Provision (benefit) for mortgage representation and warranty losses before income taxes: Recorded in continuing operations $ (1) $ (1) $ (1) $ (7) $ (9) Recorded in discontinued operations 2 3 (21) 3 (27) Total provision (benefit) for mortgage representation and warranty losses before income taxes $ 1 $ 2 $ (22) $ (4) $ (36) The mortgage representation and warranty reserve was $614 million as of June 30, 2016, $610 million as of December 31, 2015 and $636 million as of June 30, 2015. (3) Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities and earnings per share are computed independently for each period. Accordingly, the sum of each quarter may not agree to the year-to-date total. (4) In Q2 2016, we recorded charges totaling $30 million associated with (i) a build of $54 million in the U.K. Payment Protection Insurance customer refund reserve ("U.K. PPI Reserve"); offset by (ii) a gain of $24 million related to the exchange of our ownership interest in Visa Europe with Visa Inc. as a result of Visa Inc's acquisition of Visa Europe. In Q4 2015, we recorded charges totaling $72 million associated with (i) closing the GE Healthcare Financial Services ("HFS") acquisition and establishing an initial allowance and reserve related to the loans acquired; (ii) certain planned site closures; and (iii) revisions to the restructuring charges recorded in Q2 2015 to reflect updated information. In Q3 2015, we recorded a build in the U.K. PPI Reserve of $69 million. In Q2 2015, we recorded charges totaling $225 million associated with (i) a restructuring charge of $147 million for severance and related benefits pursuant to our ongoing benefit programs as a result of the realignment of our workforce; and (ii) a build in the U.K. PPI Reserve of $78 million. We report the following non-GAAP financial measures that we believe are helpful for investors and users of our financial information to understand the effect of these items on our reported results. The table below presents a reconciliation of our reported results to these non-GAAP financial measures. Period not presented had no adjustments. 2016 Q2 2015 Q4 2015 Q3 2015 Q2 (Dollars in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) Pre-Tax Income Net Income Diluted EPS Pre-Tax Income Net Income Diluted EPS Pre-Tax Income Net Income Diluted EPS Pre-Tax Income Net Income Diluted EPS Reported results $ 1,367 $ 942 $ 1.69 $ 1,334 $ 920 $ 1.58 $ 1,648 $ 1,114 $ 1.98 $ 1,236 $ 863 $ 1.50 Adjustments 30 37 0.07 72 46 0.09 69 69 0.12 225 155 0.28 Results excluding adjustments $ 1,397 $ 979 $ 1.76 $ 1,406 $ 966 $ 1.67 $ 1,717 $ 1,183 $ 2.10 $ 1,461 $ 1,018 $ 1.78 (5) Tangible book value per common share is a non-GAAP measure calculated based on tangible common equity divided by common shares outstanding. See "Table 15: Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures and Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures" for additional information on non-GAAP measures. (6) Included in loans held for investment are purchased credit-impaired loans ("PCI loans") recorded at fair value at acquisition and subsequently accounted for based on estimated cash flows expected to be collected over the life of the loans (under the accounting standard formerly known as "SOP 03-3," or Accounting Standards Codification 310-30). These include certain of our consumer and commercial loans that were acquired through business combinations. The table below presents amounts related to PCI loans: 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015 (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 PCI loans: Period-end unpaid principal balance $ 18,256 $ 19,492 $ 20,434 $ 20,585 $ 21,841 Period-end loans held for investment 17,358 18,568 19,518 19,743 20,970 Average loans held for investment 17,783 18,894 19,319 20,116 21,440 (7) Calculated based on annualized total net revenue for the period divided by average interest-earning assets for the period. (8) Calculated based on annualized net interest income for the period divided by average interest-earning assets for the period. (9) Return on average tangible assets is a non-GAAP measure calculated based on annualized income from continuing operations, net of tax, for the period divided by average tangible assets for the period. See "Table 15: Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures and Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures" for additional information on non-GAAP measures. (10) Calculated based on the annualized sum of (i) income from continuing operations, net of tax; (ii) less dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities; (iii) less preferred stock dividends, for the period, divided by average common equity for the period. Our calculation of return on average common equity may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. (11) Return on average tangible common equity ("ROTCE") is a non-GAAP measure calculated based on the annualized sum of (i) income from continuing operations, net of tax; (ii) less dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities; (iii) less preferred stock dividends, for the period, divided by average tangible common equity for the period. Our calculation of ROTCE may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. See "Table 15: Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures and Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures" for additional information on non-GAAP measures. (12) Calculated based on total non-interest expense for the period divided by total net revenue for the period. The efficiency ratio, excluding the adjustments discussed above in Footnote 4, was 52.32% for Q2 2016, 55.82% for Q4 2015, 52.78% for Q3 2015 and 54.63% for Q2 2015. The adjusted efficiency ratios are non-GAAP measures that we believe would provide useful information to investors and users of our financial information. (13) Calculated based on annualized net charge-offs for the period divided by average loans held for investment for the period. (14) Ratios as of the end of Q2 2016 are preliminary and therefore subject to change. See "Table 15: Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures and Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures" for information on the calculation of each of these ratios. (15) TCE ratio is a non-GAAP measure calculated based on TCE divided by tangible assets. See "Table 15: Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures and Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures" for additional information on non-GAAP measures. CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 6: Average Balances, Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin 2016 Q2 2016 Q1 2015 Q2 Average Balance Interest Income/Expense(1) Yield/Rate(1) Average Balance Interest Income/Expense(1) Yield/Rate(1) Average Balance Interest Income/Expense(1) Yield/Rate(1) (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) Interest-earning assets: Loans, including loans held for sale $ 231,496 $ 5,148 8.90 % $ 227,573 $ 5,085 8.94 % $ 207,335 $ 4,531 8.74 % Investment securities 65,754 405 2.46 65,156 415 2.55 63,771 382 2.40 Cash equivalents and other 5,514 18 1.31 6,727 17 1.01 5,479 24 1.75 Total interest-earning assets $ 302,764 $ 5,571 7.36 $ 299,456 $ 5,517 7.37 $ 276,585 $ 4,937 7.14 Interest-bearing liabilities: Interest-bearing deposits $ 195,641 $ 292 0.60 $ 194,125 $ 283 0.58 $ 183,946 $ 272 0.59 Securitized debt obligations 15,226 47 1.23 15,361 48 1.25 13,219 36 1.09 Senior and subordinated notes 21,717 111 2.04 21,993 106 1.93 20,336 80 1.57 Other borrowings and liabilities 18,255 28 0.61 17,176 24 0.56 8,857 12 0.54 Total interest-bearing liabilities $ 250,839 $ 478 0.76 $ 248,655 $ 461 0.74 $ 226,358 $ 400 0.71 Net interest income/spread $ 5,093 6.60 $ 5,056 6.63 $ 4,537 6.43 Impact of non-interest-bearing funding 0.13 0.12 0.13 Net interest margin 6.73 % 6.75 % 6.56 % Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 Average Balance Interest Income/Expense(1) Yield/Rate(1) Average Balance Interest Income/Expense(1) Yield/Rate(1) (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) Interest-earning assets: Loans, including loans held for sale $ 229,534 $ 10,233 8.92 % $ 206,598 $ 9,071 8.78 % Investment securities 65,455 820 2.51 63,477 788 2.48 Cash equivalents and other 6,117 35 1.14 7,426 52 1.40 Total interest-earning assets $ 301,106 $ 11,088 7.36 $ 277,501 $ 9,911 7.14 Interest-bearing liabilities: Interest-bearing deposits $ 194,883 $ 575 0.59 $ 183,475 $ 543 0.59 Securitized debt obligations 15,293 95 1.24 12,396 69 1.11 Senior and subordinated notes 21,855 217 1.99 20,465 159 1.55 Other borrowings and liabilities 17,716 52 0.59 11,771 27 0.46 Total interest-bearing liabilities $ 249,747 $ 939 0.75 $ 228,107 $ 798 0.70 Net interest income/spread $ 10,149 6.61 $ 9,113 6.44 Impact of non-interest-bearing funding 0.13 0.13 Net interest margin 6.74 % 6.57 % __________ (1) Interest income and interest expense and the calculation of average yields on interest-earning assets and average rates on interest-bearing liabilities include the impact of hedge accounting. CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 7: Loan Information and Performance Statistics 2016 Q2 vs. Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) 2016 Q2 2016 Q1 2015 Q4 2015 Q3 2015 Q2 2016 Q1 2015 Q2 2016 2015 2016 vs. 2015 Loans Held For Investment (Period End) Credit card: Domestic credit card $ 88,581 $ 84,561 $ 87,939 $ 82,178 $ 78,984 5 % 12 % $ 88,581 $ 78,984 12 % International credit card 8,323 8,138 8,186 7,957 8,219 2 1 8,323 8,219 1 Total credit card 96,904 92,699 96,125 90,135 87,203 5 11 96,904 87,203 11 Consumer banking: Auto 44,502 42,714 41,549 41,052 39,991 4 11 44,502 39,991 11 Home loan 23,358 24,343 25,227 26,340 27,595 (4) (15) 23,358 27,595 (15) Retail banking 3,555 3,534 3,596 3,598 3,590 1 (1) 3,555 3,590 (1) Total consumer banking 71,415 70,591 70,372 70,990 71,176 1 71,415 71,176 Commercial banking: Commercial and multifamily real estate 26,341 25,559 25,518 23,585 22,886 3 15 26,341 22,886 15 Commercial and industrial 39,313 38,102 37,135 27,873 27,660 3 42 39,313 27,660 42 Total commercial lending 65,654 63,661 62,653 51,458 50,546 3 30 65,654 50,546 30 Small-ticket commercial real estate 548 580 613 654 685 (6) (20) 548 685 (20) Total commercial banking 66,202 64,241 63,266 52,112 51,231 3 29 66,202 51,231 29 Other loans 82 82 88 92 95 (14) 82 95 (14) Total loans held for investment $ 234,603 $ 227,613 $ 229,851 $ 213,329 $ 209,705 3 12 $ 234,603 $ 209,705 12 Loans Held For Investment (Average) Credit card: Domestic credit card $ 85,981 $ 85,148 $ 83,760 $ 80,402 $ 75,924 1 % 13 % $ 85,564 $ 75,349 14 % International credit card 8,401 7,839 8,127 8,048 7,977 7 5 8,120 7,895 3 Total credit card 94,382 92,987 91,887 88,450 83,901 2 12 93,684 83,244 13 Consumer banking: Auto 43,605 41,962 41,333 40,560 39,546 4 10 42,784 38,970 10 Home loan 23,835 24,781 25,776 26,934 28,251 (4) (16) 24,308 28,869 (16) Retail banking 3,548 3,553 3,595 3,603 3,570 (1) 3,550 3,565 Total consumer banking 70,988 70,296 70,704 71,097 71,367 1 (1) 70,642 71,404 (1) Commercial banking: Commercial and multifamily real estate 25,661 25,015 25,613 23,305 22,853 3 12 25,338 22,985 10 Commercial and industrial 38,713 37,762 31,132 27,620 27,414 3 41 38,237 27,303 40 Total commercial lending 64,374 62,777 56,745 50,925 50,267 3 28 63,575 50,288 26 Small-ticket commercial real estate 564 598 634 667 709 (6) (20) 581 735 (21) Total commercial banking 64,938 63,375 57,379 51,592 50,976 2 27 64,156 51,023 26 Other loans 71 78 82 88 93 (9) (24) 75 97 (23) Total average loans held for investment $ 230,379 $ 226,736 $ 220,052 $ 211,227 $ 206,337 2 12 $ 228,557 $ 205,768 11 Net Charge-Off (Recovery) Rates Credit card: Domestic credit card 4.07 % 4.16 % 3.75 % 3.08 % 3.42 % (9) bps 65 bps 4.12 % 3.49 % 63 bps International credit card 3.54 3.24 2.76 1.80 2.65 30 89 3.39 2.73 66 Total credit card 4.02 4.09 3.66 2.96 3.35 (7) 67 4.05 3.42 63 2016 Q2 vs. Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) 2016 Q2 2016 Q1 2015 Q4 2015 Q3 2015 Q2 2016 Q1 2015 Q2 2016 2015 2016 vs. 2015 Consumer banking: Auto 1.20 % 1.60 % 2.10 % 1.85 % 1.22 % (40) bps (2) bps 1.39 % 1.38 % 1 bps Home loan 0.09 0.05 0.05 0.01 0.04 4 5 0.07 0.03 4 Retail banking 1.26 1.36 1.43 1.53 1.39 (10) (13) 1.31 1.18 13 Total consumer banking 0.83 1.04 1.32 1.14 0.76 (21) 7 0.93 0.83 10 Commercial banking: Commercial and multifamily real estate (0.02) (0.01) (0.03) (0.15) (0.04) (1) 2 (0.02) (0.03) 1 Commercial and industrial 0.62 0.49 0.07 0.61 0.13 13 49 0.56 0.09 47 Total commercial lending 0.37 0.29 0.02 0.26 0.05 8 32 0.33 0.03 30 Small-ticket commercial real estate 0.33 0.13 0.34 0.50 0.15 20 18 0.23 0.32 (9) Total commercial banking 0.37 0.29 0.03 0.26 0.05 8 32 0.33 0.04 29 Total net charge-offs 2.01 2.08 1.96 1.69 1.64 (7) 37 2.04 1.68 36 30+ Day Performing Delinquency Rates Credit card: Domestic credit card 3.14 % 3.09 % 3.39 % 3.28 % 2.84 % 5 bps 30 bps 3.14 % 2.84 % 30 bps International credit card 3.24 3.32 2.98 2.81 2.65 (8) 59 3.24 2.65 59 Total credit card 3.15 3.11 3.36 3.24 2.82 4 33 3.15 2.82 33 Consumer banking: Auto 5.59 5.14 6.69 6.10 5.58 45 1 5.59 5.58 1 Home loan 0.14 0.14 0.16 0.18 0.17 (3) 0.14 0.17 (3) Retail banking 0.62 0.61 0.76 0.62 0.66 1 (4) 0.62 0.66 (4) Total consumer banking 3.56 3.19 4.05 3.62 3.24 37 32 3.56 3.24 32 Nonperforming Loans and Nonperforming Assets Rates(1)(2) Credit card: International credit card 0.53 % 0.59 % 0.65 % 0.77 % 0.83 % (6) bps (30) bps 0.53 % 0.83 % (30) bps Total credit card 0.05 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08 (3) 0.05 0.08 (3) Consumer banking: Auto 0.38 0.31 0.53 0.49 0.40 7 (2) 0.38 0.40 (2) Home loan 1.24 1.26 1.23 1.18 1.13 (2) 11 1.24 1.13 11 Retail banking 0.89 0.83 0.77 0.74 0.79 6 10 0.89 0.79 10 Total consumer banking 0.69 0.66 0.79 0.76 0.70 3 (1) 0.69 0.70 (1) Commercial banking: Commercial and multifamily real estate 0.10 0.12 0.03 0.03 0.12 (2) (2) 0.10 0.12 (2) Commercial and industrial 2.58 2.66 1.45 1.58 1.56 (8) 102 2.58 1.56 102 Total commercial lending 1.59 1.64 0.87 0.87 0.91 (5) 68 1.59 0.91 68 Small-ticket commercial real estate 1.59 1.11 0.83 0.65 0.47 48 112 1.59 0.47 112 Total commercial banking 1.59 1.63 0.87 0.87 0.90 (4) 69 1.59 0.90 69 Total nonperforming loans 0.68 0.69 0.51 0.50 0.50 (1) 18 0.68 0.50 18 Total nonperforming assets 0.80 0.83 0.65 0.64 0.64 (3) 16 0.80 0.64 16 CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 8: Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Lending Commitments Activity Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 Credit Card Consumer Banking (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) Domestic Card International Card Total Credit Card Auto Home Loan Retail Banking Total Consumer Banking Commercial Banking Other Total Allowance for loan and lease losses: Balance as of March 31, 2016 $ 3,440 $ 345 $ 3,785 $ 772 $ 64 $ 78 $ 914 $ 714 $ 3 $ 5,416 Provision (benefit) for loan and lease losses 1,164 97 1,261 191 (1) 14 204 185 (1) 1,649 Charge-offs (1,102) (113) (1,215) (227) (7) (14) (248) (64) (1) (1,528) Recoveries 228 38 266 97 2 3 102 4 1 373 Net charge-offs (874) (75) (949) (130) (5) (11) (146) (60) (1,155) Other changes(3) (11) (11) (18) (29) Balance as of June 30, 2016 3,730 356 4,086 833 58 81 972 821 2 5,881 Reserve for unfunded lending commitments: Balance as of March 31, 2016 8 8 218 226 Provision (benefit) for losses on unfunded lending commitments (57) (57) Balance as of June 30, 2016 8 8 161 169 Combined allowance and reserve as of June 30, 2016 $ 3,730 $ 356 $ 4,086 $ 833 $ 58 $ 89 $ 980 $ 982 $ 2 $ 6,050 Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Credit Card Consumer Banking (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) Domestic Card International Card Total Credit Card Auto Home Loan Retail Banking Total Consumer Banking Commercial Banking Other Total Allowance for loan and lease losses: Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 3,355 $ 299 $ 3,654 $ 726 $ 70 $ 72 $ 868 $ 604 $ 4 $ 5,130 Provision (benefit) for loan and lease losses 2,136 196 2,332 405 (4) 32 433 356 (3) 3,118 Charge-offs (2,225) (212) (2,437) (496) (12) (31) (539) (112) (2) (3,090) Recoveries 464 74 538 198 4 8 210 6 3 757 Net charge-offs (1,761) (138) (1,899) (298) (8) (23) (329) (106) 1 (2,333) Other changes(3) (1) (1) (33) (34) Balance as of June 30, 2016 3,730 356 4,086 833 58 81 972 821 2 5,881 Reserve for unfunded lending commitments: Balance as of December 31, 2015 7 7 161 168 Provision (benefit) for losses on unfunded lending commitments 1 1 1 Balance as of June 30, 2016 8 8 161 169 Combined allowance and reserve as of June 30, 2016 $ 3,730 $ 356 $ 4,086 $ 833 $ 58 $ 89 $ 980 $ 982 $ 2 $ 6,050 CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 9: Financial SummaryBusiness Segment Results Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) Total Credit Card Consumer Banking Commercial Banking Other Total Credit Card Consumer Banking Commercial Banking Other Net interest income (expense) $ 5,093 $ 3,045 $ 1,439 $ 559 $ 50 $ 10,149 $ 6,078 $ 2,859 $ 1,096 $ 116 Non-interest income 1,161 859 175 129 (2) 2,325 1,706 366 247 6 Total net revenue (loss)(4) 6,254 3,904 1,614 688 48 12,474 7,784 3,225 1,343 122 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 1,592 1,261 204 128 (1) 3,119 2,332 434 356 (3) Non-interest expense 3,295 1,883 1,006 343 63 6,518 3,746 1,996 665 111 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 1,367 760 404 217 (14) 2,837 1,706 795 322 14 Income tax provision (benefit) 424 276 147 79 (78) 876 613 289 117 (143) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 943 $ 484 $ 257 $ 138 $ 64 $ 1,961 $ 1,093 $ 506 $ 205 $ 157 Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) Total Credit Card Consumer Banking Commercial Banking Other Net interest income (expense) $ 5,056 $ 3,033 $ 1,420 $ 537 $ 66 Non-interest income 1,164 847 191 118 8 Total net revenue (loss)(4) 6,220 3,880 1,611 655 74 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 1,527 1,071 230 228 (2) Non-interest expense 3,223 1,863 990 322 48 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 1,470 946 391 105 28 Income tax provision (benefit) 452 337 142 38 (65) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 1,018 $ 609 $ 249 $ 67 $ 93 Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) Total Credit Card Consumer Banking Commercial Banking Other Total Credit Card Consumer Banking Commercial Banking Other Net interest income (expense) $ 4,537 $ 2,633 $ 1,444 $ 466 $ (6) $ 9,113 $ 5,299 $ 2,878 $ 927 $ 9 Non-interest income 1,135 845 196 123 (29) 2,206 1,661 354 237 (46) Total net revenue (loss)(4) 5,672 3,478 1,640 589 (35) 11,319 6,960 3,232 1,164 (37) Provision (benefit) for credit losses 1,129 895 185 49 2,064 1,564 391 109 Non-interest expense 3,307 1,857 998 270 182 6,356 3,633 1,968 542 213 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 1,236 726 457 270 (217) 2,899 1,763 873 513 (250) Income tax provision (benefit) 384 263 166 98 (143) 913 632 316 186 (221) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 852 $ 463 $ 291 $ 172 $ (74) $ 1,986 $ 1,131 $ 557 $ 327 $ (29) CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 10: Financial & Statistical SummaryCredit Card Business 2016 Q2 vs. Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015 2016 2015 2016 vs. (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q2 2016 2015 2015 Credit Card(5) Earnings: Net interest income $ 3,045 $ 3,033 $ 2,996 $ 2,866 $ 2,633 16 % $ 6,078 $ 5,299 15 % Non-interest income 859 847 902 858 845 1 % 2 1,706 1,661 3 Total net revenue (loss) 3,904 3,880 3,898 3,724 3,478 1 12 7,784 6,960 12 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 1,261 1,071 1,022 831 895 18 41 2,332 1,564 49 Non-interest expense 1,883 1,863 2,021 1,848 1,857 1 1 3,746 3,633 3 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 760 946 855 1,045 726 (20) 5 1,706 1,763 (3) Income tax provision (benefit) 276 337 302 375 263 (18) 5 613 632 (3) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 484 $ 609 $ 553 $ 670 $ 463 (21) 5 $ 1,093 $ 1,131 (3) Selected performance metrics: Period-end loans held for investment $ 96,904 $ 92,699 $ 96,125 $ 90,135 $ 87,203 5 % 11 % $ 96,904 $ 87,203 11 % Average loans held for investment 94,382 92,987 91,887 88,450 83,901 2 12 93,684 83,244 13 Average yield on loans held for investment(6) 14.49 % 14.60 % 14.45 % 14.39 % 13.98 % (11) bps 51 bps 14.55 % 14.14 % 41 bps Total net revenue margin(7) 16.55 16.69 16.97 16.84 16.58 (14) (3) 16.62 16.72 (10) Net charge-off rate 4.02 4.09 3.66 2.96 3.35 (7) 67 4.05 3.42 63 30+ day performing delinquency rate 3.15 3.11 3.36 3.24 2.82 4 33 3.15 2.82 33 30+ day delinquency rate 3.18 3.15 3.40 3.29 2.88 3 30 3.18 2.88 30 Nonperforming loan rate(1) 0.05 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08 (3) 0.05 0.08 (3) PCCR intangible amortization $ 67 $ 70 $ 74 $ 78 $ 80 (4) % (16) % $ 137 $ 164 (16) % Purchase volume(8) 78,019 68,189 75,350 69,875 68,559 14 14 146,208 125,942 16 2016 Q2 vs. Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015 2016 2015 2016 vs. (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q2 2016 2015 2015 Domestic Card Earnings: Net interest income $ 2,769 $ 2,756 $ 2,718 $ 2,613 $ 2,395 16 % $ 5,525 $ 4,816 15 % Non-interest income 792 774 830 814 796 2 % (1) 1,566 1,539 2 Total net revenue (loss) 3,561 3,530 3,548 3,427 3,191 1 12 7,091 6,355 12 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 1,164 972 945 796 853 20 36 2,136 1,463 46 Non-interest expense 1,669 1,671 1,796 1,630 1,621 3 3,340 3,201 4 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 728 887 807 1,001 717 (18) 2 1,615 1,691 (4) Income tax provision (benefit) 265 323 293 362 259 (18) 2 588 612 (4) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 463 $ 564 $ 514 $ 639 $ 458 (18) 1 $ 1,027 $ 1,079 (5) Selected performance metrics: Period-end loans held for investment $ 88,581 $ 84,561 $ 87,939 $ 82,178 $ 78,984 5 % 12 % $ 88,581 $ 78,984 12 % Average loans held for investment 85,981 85,148 83,760 80,402 75,924 1 13 85,564 75,349 14 Average yield on loans held for investment(6) 14.40 % 14.43 % 14.31 % 14.35 % 13.95 % (3) bps 45 bps 14.41 % 14.09 % 32 bps Total net revenue margin(7) 16.57 16.58 16.95 17.05 16.81 (1) (24) 16.58 16.87 (29) Net charge-off rate 4.07 4.16 3.75 3.08 3.42 (9) 65 4.12 3.49 63 30+ day delinquency rate 3.14 3.09 3.39 3.28 2.84 5 30 3.14 2.84 30 Purchase volume(8) $ 71,050 $ 62,617 $ 68,740 $ 63,777 $ 62,198 13 % 14 % $ 133,667 $ 114,223 17 % International Card(5) Earnings: Net interest income $ 276 $ 277 $ 278 $ 253 $ 238 16 % $ 553 $ 483 14 % Non-interest income 67 73 72 44 49 (8) % 37 140 122 15 Total net revenue (loss) 343 350 350 297 287 (2) 20 693 605 15 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 97 99 77 35 42 (2) 131 196 101 94 Non-interest expense 214 192 225 218 236 11 (9) 406 432 (6) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 32 59 48 44 9 (46) ** 91 72 26 Income tax provision (benefit) 11 14 9 13 4 (21) 175 25 20 25 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 21 $ 45 $ 39 $ 31 $ 5 (53) ** $ 66 $ 52 27 Selected performance metrics: Period-end loans held for investment $ 8,323 $ 8,138 $ 8,186 $ 7,957 $ 8,219 2 % 1 % $ 8,323 $ 8,219 1 % Average loans held for investment 8,401 7,839 8,127 8,048 7,977 7 5 8,120 7,895 3 Average yield on loans held for investment(6) 15.45 % 16.47 % 15.96 % 14.88 % 14.29 % (102) bps 116 bps 15.94 % 14.60 % 134 bps Total net revenue margin(7) 16.32 17.85 17.21 14.77 14.36 (153) 196 17.06 15.33 173 Net charge-off rate 3.54 3.24 2.76 1.80 2.65 30 89 3.39 2.73 66 30+ day performing delinquency rate 3.24 3.32 2.98 2.81 2.65 (8) 59 3.24 2.65 59 30+ day delinquency rate 3.65 3.76 3.46 3.39 3.29 (11) 36 3.65 3.29 36 Nonperforming loan rate(1) 0.53 0.59 0.65 0.77 0.83 (6) (30) 0.53 0.83 (30) Purchase volume(8) $ 6,969 $ 5,572 $ 6,610 $ 6,098 $ 6,361 25 % 10 % $ 12,541 $ 11,719 7 % CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 11: Financial & Statistical SummaryConsumer Banking Business 2016 Q2 vs. Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015 2016 2015 2016 vs. (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q2 2016 2015 2015 Consumer Banking Earnings: Net interest income $ 1,439 $ 1,420 $ 1,434 $ 1,443 $ 1,444 1 % $ 2,859 $ 2,878 (1) % Non-interest income 175 191 182 174 196 (8) (11) % 366 354 3 Total net revenue (loss) 1,614 1,611 1,616 1,617 1,640 (2) 3,225 3,232 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 204 230 240 188 185 (11) 10 434 391 11 Non-interest expense 1,006 990 1,057 1,001 998 2 1 1,996 1,968 1 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 404 391 319 428 457 3 (12) 795 873 (9) Income tax provision (benefit) 147 142 115 155 166 4 (11) 289 316 (9) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 257 $ 249 $ 204 $ 273 $ 291 3 (12) $ 506 $ 557 (9) Selected performance metrics: Period-end loans held for investment $ 71,415 $ 70,591 $ 70,372 $ 70,990 $ 71,176 1 % $ 71,415 $ 71,176 Average loans held for investment 70,988 70,296 70,704 71,097 71,367 1 (1) % 70,642 71,404 (1) % Average yield on loans held for investment(6) 6.28 % 6.18 % 6.25 % 6.25 % 6.27 % 10 bps 1 bps 6.23 % 6.27 % (4) bps Auto loan originations $ 6,529 $ 5,844 $ 4,977 $ 5,590 $ 5,433 12 % 20 % $ 12,373 $ 10,618 17 % Period-end deposits 176,340 177,803 172,702 170,866 170,321 (1) 4 176,340 170,321 4 Average deposits 176,808 174,254 171,521 170,816 171,076 1 3 175,531 170,339 3 Average deposit interest rate 0.55 % 0.54 % 0.54 % 0.56 % 0.57 % 1 bps (2) bps 0.54 % 0.57 % (3) bps Net charge-off rate 0.83 1.04 1.32 1.14 0.76 (21) 7 0.93 0.83 10 30+ day performing delinquency rate 3.56 3.19 4.05 3.62 3.24 37 32 3.56 3.24 32 30+ day delinquency rate 4.07 3.67 4.67 4.22 3.80 40 27 4.07 3.80 27 Nonperforming loan rate(1) 0.69 0.66 0.79 0.76 0.70 3 (1) 0.69 0.70 (1) Nonperforming asset rate(2) 0.96 0.95 1.10 1.05 0.98 1 (2) 0.96 0.98 (2) CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 12: Financial & Statistical SummaryCommercial Banking Business 2016 Q2 vs. Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015 2016 2015 2016 vs. (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q2 2016 2015 2015 Commercial Banking Earnings: Net interest income $ 559 $ 537 $ 484 $ 454 $ 466 4 % 20 % $ 1,096 $ 927 18 % Non-interest income 129 118 142 108 123 9 5 247 237 4 Total net revenue (loss)(4) 688 655 626 562 589 5 17 1,343 1,164 15 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 128 228 118 75 49 (44) 161 356 109 ** Non-interest expense 343 322 342 272 270 7 27 665 542 23 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 217 105 166 215 270 107 (20) 322 513 (37) Income tax provision (benefit) 79 38 60 78 98 108 (19) 117 186 (37) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 138 $ 67 $ 106 $ 137 $ 172 106 (20) $ 205 $ 327 (37) Selected performance metrics: Period-end loans held for investment $ 66,202 $ 64,241 $ 63,266 $ 52,112 $ 51,231 3 % 29 % $ 66,202 $ 51,231 29 % Average loans held for investment 64,938 63,375 57,379 51,592 50,976 2 27 64,156 51,023 26 Average yield on loans held for investment(4)(6) 3.45 % 3.38 % 3.18 % 3.21 % 3.26 % 7 bps 19 bps 3.42 % 3.24 % 18 bps Period-end deposits $ 34,281 $ 33,383 $ 34,257 $ 32,751 $ 32,909 3 % 4 % $ 34,281 $ 32,909 4 % Average deposits 33,764 34,076 33,797 32,806 32,778 (1) 3 33,920 32,811 3 Average deposit interest rate 0.27 % 0.27 % 0.26 % 0.25 % 0.25 % 2 bps 0.27 % 0.24 % 3 bps Net charge-off rate 0.37 0.29 0.03 0.26 0.05 8 bps 32 0.33 0.04 29 Nonperforming loan rate(1)(9) 1.59 1.63 0.87 0.87 0.90 (4) 69 1.59 0.90 69 Nonperforming asset rate(2)(9) 1.60 1.64 0.87 0.87 0.91 (4) 69 1.60 0.91 69 Risk category:(9)(10) Noncriticized $ 61,926 $ 59,663 $ 59,743 $ 49,803 $ 48,847 4 % 27 % $ 61,926 $ 48,847 27 % Criticized performing 2,456 2,595 2,015 1,725 1,767 (5) 39 2,456 1,767 39 Criticized nonperforming 1,050 1,050 550 453 463 127 1,050 463 127 PCI loans(9) 770 933 958 131 154 (17) ** 770 154 ** Total commercial loans $ 66,202 $ 64,241 $ 63,266 $ 52,112 $ 51,231 3 29 $ 66,202 $ 51,231 29 Risk category as a percentage of period-end loans held for investment:(9)(10) Noncriticized 93.5 % 92.9 % 94.4 % 95.6 % 95.4 % 60 bps (190) bps 93.5 % 95.4 % (190) bps Criticized performing 3.7 4.0 3.2 3.3 3.4 (30) 30 3.7 3.4 30 Criticized nonperforming 1.6 1.6 0.9 0.9 0.9 70 1.6 0.9 70 PCI loans(9) 1.2 1.5 1.5 0.2 0.3 (30) 90 1.2 0.3 90 Total commercial loans 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 13: Financial & Statistical SummaryOther and Total 2016 Q2 vs. Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015 2016 2015 2016 vs. (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q2 2016 2015 2015 Other Earnings: Net interest income (expense) $ 50 $ 66 $ 47 $ (3) $ (6) (24) % ** $ 116 $ 9 ** Non-interest income (2) 8 7 (29) ** (93) % 6 (46) ** Total net revenue (loss)(4) 48 74 54 (3) (35) (35) ** 122 (37) ** Provision (benefit) for credit losses (1) (2) (2) (50) ** (3) ** Non-interest expense(11) 63 48 60 39 182 31 (65) 111 213 (48) % Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes (14) 28 (6) (40) (217) ** (94) 14 (250) ** Income tax provision (benefit) (78) (65) (51) (78) (143) 20 (45) (143) (221) (35) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 64 $ 93 $ 45 $ 38 $ (74) (31) ** $ 157 $ (29) ** Selected performance metrics: Period-end loans held for investment $ 82 $ 82 $ 88 $ 92 $ 95 (14) % $ 82 $ 95 (14) % Average loans held for investment 71 78 82 88 93 (9) % (24) 75 97 (23) Period-end deposits 10,438 10,593 10,762 9,286 5,550 (1) 88 10,438 5,550 88 Average deposits 10,574 10,850 10,581 7,352 5,289 (3) 100 10,712 5,351 100 Total Earnings: Net interest income $ 5,093 $ 5,056 $ 4,961 $ 4,760 $ 4,537 1 % 12 % $ 10,149 $ 9,113 11 % Non-interest income 1,161 1,164 1,233 1,140 1,135 2 2,325 2,206 5 Total net revenue (loss) 6,254 6,220 6,194 5,900 5,672 1 10 12,474 11,319 10 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 1,592 1,527 1,380 1,092 1,129 4 41 3,119 2,064 51 Non-interest expense 3,295 3,223 3,480 3,160 3,307 2 6,518 6,356 3 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 1,367 1,470 1,334 1,648 1,236 (7) 11 2,837 2,899 (2) Income tax provision (benefit) 424 452 426 530 384 (6) 10 876 913 (4) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 943 $ 1,018 $ 908 $ 1,118 $ 852 (7) 11 $ 1,961 $ 1,986 (1) Selected performance metrics: Period-end loans held for investment $ 234,603 $ 227,613 $ 229,851 $ 213,329 $ 209,705 3 % 12 % $ 234,603 $ 209,705 12 % Average loans held for investment 230,379 226,736 220,052 211,227 206,337 2 12 228,557 205,768 11 Period-end deposits 221,059 221,779 217,721 212,903 208,780 6 221,059 208,780 6 Average deposits 221,146 219,180 215,899 210,974 209,143 1 6 220,163 208,501 6 CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 14: Notes to Loan, Allowance and Business Segment Disclosures (Tables 713) (1) The nonperforming loan rates are calculated based on nonperforming loans for each category divided by period-end total loans held for investment for each respective category. (2) Nonperforming assets consist of nonperforming loans, real estate owned ("REO") and other foreclosed assets. The total nonperforming asset rate is calculated based on total nonperforming assets divided by the combined period-end total loans held for investment, REO and other foreclosed assets. Calculation of nonperforming asset rates for our Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking businesses do not include the impact of acquired REOs. (3) Represents foreign currency translation adjustments and the net impact of loan transfers and sales. (4) Some of our tax-related commercial investments generate tax-exempt income or tax credits. Accordingly, we make certain reclassifications within our Commercial Banking business results to present revenues and yields on a taxable-equivalent basis, calculated assuming an effective tax rate approximately equal to our federal statutory tax rate of 35% with offsetting reclassifications to the Other category. (5) Includes a build in our U.K. PPI Reserve in Q2 2016, Q3 2015 and Q2 2015, which impacted both total net revenue and non-interest expense within our International Card business. (6) Calculated based on annualized interest income for the period divided by average loans held for investment during the period for the respective loan category. Annualized interest income is computed based on the effective yield of the respective loan category and does not include any allocations, such as funds transfer pricing. (7) Calculated based on annualized total net revenue for the period divided by average loans held for investment during the period for the respective loan category. (8) Includes purchase transactions, net of returns, for the period for loans both classified as held for investment and held for sale. Excludes cash advance and balance transfer transactions. (9) The loans held for investment acquired in the HFS acquisition included $667 million, $825 million and $835 million of PCI loans as of June 30, 2016, March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, that are being accounted for under ASC 310-30 (formerly "SOP 03-3") due to their deterioration in credit quality since origination. From a managed perspective, we evaluate loans based on their actual risk ratings, and accordingly we are also including our nonperforming and criticized ratios measured on that basis. The table below presents our nonperforming loan rate, nonperforming asset rate and risk category information as if these PCI loans were classified based on their risk ratings in each of the periods impacted by the HFS acquisition. 2016 2016 2015 (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) Q2 Q1 Q4 Selected performance metrics Nonperforming loan rate 1.63% 1.69% 0.93% Nonperforming asset rate 1.64 1.70 0.93 Risk category: Noncriticized $ 62,058 $ 59,729 $ 59,743 Criticized performing 2,961 3,321 2,814 Criticized nonperforming 1,080 1,083 586 Risk category as a percentage of period-end loans held for investment: Noncriticized 93.7% 93.0% 94.4% Criticized performing 4.5 5.2 4.5 Criticized nonperforming 1.6 1.7 0.9 (10) Criticized exposures correspond to the "Special Mention," "Substandard" and "Doubtful" asset categories defined by bank regulatory authorities. (11) Includes restructuring charges for employee severance and related benefits pursuant to our ongoing benefit programs. ** Not meaningful. CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 15: Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures and Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures(1) Basel III Standardized Approach (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 September 30, 2015 June 30, 2015 Regulatory Capital Metrics Common equity Tier 1 capital $ 29,486 $ 29,231 $ 29,544 $ 30,109 $ 29,804 Tier 1 capital 32,780 32,525 32,838 33,402 32,614 Total capital(2) 38,768 38,399 38,838 37,694 37,115 Risk-weighted assets 269,710 262,368 265,739 249,081 246,106 Average assets for the leverage ratio 319,969 317,403 309,037 300,010 293,291 Capital Ratios Common equity Tier 1 capital(3) 10.9 % 11.1 % 11.1 % 12.1 % 12.1 % Tier 1 capital(4) 12.2 12.4 12.4 13.4 13.3 Total capital(5) 14.4 14.6 14.6 15.1 15.1 Tier 1 leverage(6) 10.2 10.2 10.6 11.1 11.1 Tangible common equity ("TCE")(7) 9.0 9.1 8.9 9.8 9.7 Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures We report certain non-GAAP measures that management uses in assessing its capital adequacy and the level of return generated. These non-GAAP measures consist of tangible common equity ("TCE"), tangible assets and metrics computed using these amounts, which include tangible book value per common share, return on average tangible assets, return on average TCE and TCE ratio. These metrics are considered key financial performance measures for the Company. The tables below provide the details of the calculation of our non-GAAP measures and regulatory capital. While our non-GAAP measures are widely used by investors, analysts and bank regulatory agencies to assess the capital position of financial services companies, they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015 (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Tangible Common Equity (Period End) Stockholders' equity $ 48,108 $ 47,707 $ 47,284 $ 47,685 $ 46,659 Goodwill and intangible assets(8) (15,553) (15,629) (15,701) (15,153) (15,240) Noncumulative perpetual preferred stock(9) (3,294) (3,296) (3,294) (3,294) (2,810) Tangible common equity $ 29,261 $ 28,782 $ 28,289 $ 29,238 $ 28,609 Tangible Common Equity (Average) Average stockholders' equity $ 48,934 $ 49,078 $ 48,712 $ 48,456 $ 47,255 Average goodwill and intangible assets(8) (15,585) (15,654) (15,316) (15,183) (15,256) Average noncumulative perpetual preferred stock(9) (3,294) (3,296) (3,294) (3,049) (2,377) Average tangible common equity $ 30,055 $ 30,128 $ 30,102 $ 30,224 $ 29,622 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015 (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Tangible Assets (Period End) Total assets $ 339,117 $ 330,346 $ 334,048 $ 313,700 $ 310,510 Goodwill and intangible assets(8) (15,553) (15,629) (15,701) (15,153) (15,240) Tangible assets $ 323,564 $ 314,717 $ 318,347 $ 298,547 $ 295,270 Tangible Assets (Average) Average total assets $ 334,479 $ 331,919 $ 323,354 $ 313,822 $ 307,206 Average goodwill and intangible assets(8) (15,585) (15,654) (15,316) (15,183) (15,256) Average tangible assets $ 318,894 $ 316,265 $ 308,038 $ 298,639 $ 291,950 Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio Under Basel III Standardized Approach (Dollars in millions) (unaudited) June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 September 30, 2015 June 30, 2015 Common equity excluding AOCI $ 44,572 $ 44,452 $ 44,606 $ 44,533 $ 44,246 Adjustments: AOCI(10)(11) 332 117 (254) 75 (128) Goodwill(8) (14,296) (14,301) (14,296) (13,805) (13,809) Intangible assets(8)(11) (483) (532) (393) (374) (413) Other (639) (505) (119) (320) (92) Common equity Tier 1 capital $ 29,486 $ 29,231 $ 29,544 $ 30,109 $ 29,804 Risk-weighted assets $ 269,710 $ 262,368 $ 265,739 $ 249,081 $ 246,106 Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio(3) 10.9 % 11.1 % 11.1 % 12.1 % 12.1 % __________ (1) Regulatory capital metrics and capital ratios as of June 30, 2016 are preliminary and therefore subject to change. (2) Total capital equals the sum of Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital. (3) Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio is a regulatory measure calculated based on Common equity Tier 1 capital divided by risk-weighted assets. (4) Tier 1 capital ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on Tier 1 capital divided by risk-weighted assets. (5) Total capital ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on Total capital divided by risk-weighted assets. (6) Tier 1 leverage ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on Tier 1 capital divided by average assets, after certain adjustments. (7) TCE ratio is a non-GAAP measure calculated based on TCE divided by tangible assets. (8) Includes impact of related deferred taxes. (9) Includes related surplus. (10) Amounts presented are net of tax. (11) Amounts based on transition provisions for regulatory capital deductions and adjustments of 40% for 2015 and 60% for 2016. SOURCE Capital One Financial Corporation Related Links http://www.capitalone.com The forum highlighted the current and future challenges and reforms facing China's teacher leaders (formally referred to as "education researchers and teacher trainers" in the field of China's education), who work at 2,800 city-level educational bureaus and assist nearly 20 million K-12 Chinese teachers with their professional development. Attendees discussed how to address the growing demand for transformation of K-12 education. It was the first time the organizer engaged the representatives of American educational organizations in this unique type of academic exchange. Yuexia Liu, chair of the forum, deputy director of NCCT and head of the China K-12 Curriculum and Textbook Experts Committee, said that 100,000 education researchers and teacher trainers have contributed greatly to the successful management of nearly 20 million teachers as well as over 200 million primary and middle school students all around China for the past over 60 years. They work at nearly 300,000 local, provincial and national level schools, providing multi-level professional teacher education management services throughout the whole education system. They manage the unique aspects of China's education system, including assisting teachers with their professional development, making educational evaluations, and monitoring educational management efficiency in schools and regional education systems. Yuexia Liu said, given the trend that both the Chinese and US governments are strengthening their cooperation on cultural and educational exchanges, the NCCT is looking forward to collaborating with their American counterparts to introduce training programs, educational standards, evaluation systems, and the technologies to conduct evaluation and monitoring, for education researchers and teacher trainers. In particular, this collaboration will actively bring STEM curricula to China while introducing Chinese cultural curricula and training Chinese educational researchers and teacher trainers in America. Under the coordination of IEEA, NCCT is outlining cooperation with leading American education institutes, including the AACTE, in the following key areas: (1)establishing incubation sites in Shanghai (China) and California (America) to improve education researchers and teacher trainers' comprehensive competence in curricula development and management, teachers' leadership, application of information technologies and collaboration, etc.; (2) setting up experimental schools and districts in America for Chinese cultural curricula; (3) improving regional education evaluation and educational monitoring technology; (4) installing STEM curricula and teaching models in China and America incubation sites. The NCCT also plans to introduce the participation of industry leading social philanthropy funds to explore sustainable funding and management models. To reach these goals, the NCCT has decided to set up a specific project committee of top Chinese and American educational institutes as well as business investors to lead the project. Yudong Liang, a keynote speaker and manager of the China Internet Education Industry Investment Fund, stated, "Under the guidance of the NCCT, authoritative Chinese and American educational institutes jointly reach the cooperation. We will come together with reputable Chinese and international funds, listed companies, financial institutions and family foundations in a bid to conduct programs and establish education researchers and teachers' training bases, which will lead educational development. And we will provide financial support for the establishment of 7 major Chinese education researchers and teachers' training bases." Emily Hu, coordinator for the establishment of China-America incubation sites and President of IEEA (China), said after many years of effort by IEEA, China-America incubation sites have been established with the guidance and promotion of NCCT. The sites will focus on training of education researchers and teacher trainers and the improvement in education evaluation and monitoring technology. The sites will serve the following purposes: First, the sites will greatly facilitate the deep cooperation with American universities, teacher colleges, professional education associations and schools, to conduct programs for education researchers, teacher trainers and education leaders. Second, the sites can drive cooperation with advanced American educational technology companies, educational evaluation and monitoring technology organizations, big data analysis and application institutions, to develop and promote the use of AR and VR technology in educational field. Third, the sites will deepen the cooperation with American STEM education institutes and organizers of international STEM competitions. Fourth, the sites will facilitate the promotion of American educational evaluation and accreditation systems in China, and drive the introduction of curricula, educational programs, mode, and technology into China. Sharon P. Robinson, the specially invited guest, noted, "As the President and CEO of the AACTE, an organization with more than 850 institutional members and 158 years of history in promoting teacher training and development as well as influencing education policy in the US, I am very interested in introducing the Chinese teacher trainer system to my colleagues in the US and promoting research and learning in this area as well as introducing ways for Chinese curricula to meet US standards so that more US students enjoy the benefit this cross-culture exchange. I would also be more than happy to introduce our Chinese colleagues US STEM curricula, standards for teachers (pre-services and in-service), education measurement instruments for individual teachers and educational organizations and would be pleased to be able to collaborate with the NCCT, East China Normal University and other Chinese education institutions and organizations to continue to deepen our work together and build a brighter future for students in both countries." Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391852 SOURCE Shenzhen Innovation Corporate Social Responsibility Development Center JACKSON, Mich., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of CMS Energy has declared a quarterly dividend on the company's common stock. The dividend for the common stock (CUSIP: 125896100) is 31 cents per share. It is payable Aug. 31, 2016, to shareholders of record on Aug. 5, 2016. CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based company that has an electric and natural gas utility, Consumers Energy, as its primary business and also owns and operates independent power generation businesses. For more information on CMS Energy, please visit our website at www.cmsenergy.com. To sign up for email alert notifications, please visit the Investor Relations section of our website. SOURCE CMS Energy Related Links http://www.cmsenergy.com NEW YORK, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cohen & Steers is pleased to announce that Dennis Rothe has joined its New York office as Head of Global Consultant Relations. Mr. Rothe will oversee the institutional consultant relations team in North America and will coordinate their coverage of Europe, Asia and Australia. Mr. Rothe comes to Cohen & Steers from Franklin Templeton Investments, where he most recently served as Head of Consultant Relations. With more than 23 years of experience in the asset management industry, Dennis has centered his career on business development, with a focus on sales, consultant relations and product strategy and development. "Dennis will play a pivotal role in communicating the firm's position as a global leader in real assets," said Robert Steers, Chief Executive Officer at Cohen & Steers. "He comes with an outstanding reputation in the industry and we welcome his deep experience in the consultant marketplace." Stephen Dunn, Executive Vice President, Global Distribution, added, "Demand for alternative investment strategies is rising significantly, so building deeper and stronger relationships with consultants globally is a top priority of ours. We believe Dennis' background and knowledge will prove extremely beneficial to our clients, both domestically and overseas." More information is available at cohenandsteers.com. SOURCE: Cohen & Steers, Inc. CONTACT: Martha Shapiro, Senior Vice President, Market Communications Director (212) 832-3232 Website: http://www.cohenandsteers.com/ Symbol:NYSE: CNS About Cohen & Steers. Cohen & Steers is a global investment manager specializing in liquid real assets, including real estate securities, listed infrastructure, commodities and natural resource equities, as well as preferred securities and other income solutions. Founded in 1986, the firm is headquartered in New York City, with offices in London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Seattle. SOURCE Cohen & Steers Related Links http://www.cohenandsteers.com JACKSON, Miss., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With Elizabeth Allen's bathroom floor caving in and her left knee giving out, Ms. Allen, 80, didn't know which would go first. Then the Jackson homeowner, who lives on a fixed income, was awarded a $6,000 Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) grant from BankPlus and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas). Ms. Allen has lived in her home since 1958, and before retiring, she made a living "cleaning houses and keeping children," she said. But the demanding work took its toll on her body, especially her knees. The SNAP grant was, in her words, "a miracle" that came at just the right time. "I tried for a couple of years to get a grant," she said. "The last time they turned me down, I cried and prayed. When they told me this year that I got the grant, I believe I'd have jumped if my knee hadn't hurt so badly." The grant paid for a new tile floor and shower to replace the rotten floor and bathtub. The work was finished just in time for her recuperation after knee-replacement surgery last week. Available through FHLB Dallas' member institutions, SNAP grants assist income-qualified, special-needs homeowners with necessary home repairs and modifications. "Ms. Allen had been applying to the SNAP program for three years but the demand was so high that she had simply not been selected before funds would run out," said Mark Ouellette, first vice president & director of affordable housing at BankPlus. "We were so happy to finally tell her she was selected, and she was able to get the help she needed. We extend our heartfelt thanks to FHLB Dallas for giving BankPlus the opportunity year-after-year to help vulnerable members of our community." Since SNAP's inception in 2009, more than $10.6 million has been awarded in grants through FHLB Dallas member institutions to assist more than 2,000 families across FHLB Dallas' five-state District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. In 2016, FHLB Dallas awarded nearly $1 million in SNAP grants to assist 205 families. Mississippi was awarded more than $409,000, which assisted 84 families in 2016. "SNAP continues to be one of the Bank's most sought-after grant programs," said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. "Many elderly or disabled homeowners face particular challenges from fixed incomes, which keep them from handling home repairs before they become larger problems. FHLB Dallas is gratified to help and support them through our member institutions." About BankPlus BankPlus, with total assets of more than $2.6 billion, has more than 60 banking offices in 34 Mississippi communities. BankPlus is the largest certified Community Development Financial Institution in the United States. BankPlus offices are located in Belzoni, Bentonia, Brandon, Byram, Canton, Clinton, D'Iberville, Durant, Flora, Flowood, Gluckstadt, Hernando, Holly Bluff, Horn Lake, Isola, Jackson, Lexington, Madison, Meridian, Newton, Olive Branch, Pearl, Picayune, Pickens, Poplarville, Quitman, Ridgeland, Shubuta, Southaven, Stonewall, Tchula, Tupelo, Waynesboro and Yazoo City. For additional information on BankPlus, please visit BankPlus.net. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $49.5 billion as of March 31, 2016, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 850 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com. Contact: Corporate Communications Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas www.fhlb.com (214) 441-8445 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150126/171462LOGO SOURCE Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas Related Links http://www.fhlb.com GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Colorado Federal Savings Bank (the "Company"), today announced that on July 8, 2016, the Bank was informed by its primary regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the "OCC"), that the formal written agreement between the Bank and the OCC, dated October 3, 2014 (the "Agreement"), was terminated effective July 8, 2016. "I am very pleased that the OCC has terminated the Formal Agreement," stated Ethan C. Elzen, President. "Achieving this result in just twenty-one months highlights the significant efforts of our management and Board. Our team members dedicated themselves to remediating the governance and compliance issues necessary for the termination of this enforcement order. Since I joined the Company in late 2014, resolution of this matter has been the primary focus and the outcome on July 8th brings this matter to a final closure." "Our team remains committed to operating in a fully compliant, safe and sound manner, within our well-established corporate governance, compliance and risk management practices. We remain fully dedicated to serving our customers and helping them achieve their goals by offering tailored real estate lending solutions. The Bank is well-positioned for future growth and financial performance." Corporate Information Colorado Federal Savings Bank, headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, is a federal insured bank serving communities across Colorado and the United States. Originally chartered in 1990 as a savings institution, but acquired by new ownership in 2008, today Colorado Federal operates as a non-branch direct banking platform. In addition to offering traditional consumer banking savings products, we provide unique real estate lending solutions to a variety of commercial clients nationwide. Colorado Federal Savings Bank is a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. To help us achieve our goal of becoming a leading real estate oriented financial institution, we have built a close affiliation with Provident Funding Associates L.P. one of the largest and most highly respected non-bank mortgage originators and servicers in the nation. By leveraging Provident Funding's expertise and 20+ year track record of success we have created a banking institution capable of serving the varied needs of real estate borrowers, investors and developers. We are entrepreneurial, proactive and growth oriented and we look to serve customers of a similar mindset. For more information about the Bank and its products and services, please visit www.coloradofederalbank.com. SOURCE Colorado Federal Savings Bank Related Links http://www.coloradofederalbank.com As Senior Vice President of Customer Experience, Anderson is responsible for all aspects of the relationship between Continuum and its clients, including driving Continuum's customer engagement model to maximize customer acquisition, retention and profitability. With 14 years of experience in healthcare, Anderson brings significant depth in healthcare technology business strategy, proven success in technical and operational decision-making across complex integrations, and extensive experience in customer, partner, and shareholder management. Prior to joining Continuum, Anderson held several operational leadership roles at Availity, LLC, including vice president and general manager of health plan solutions, as well as vice president of alliance management and chief of staff to Availity's CEO. Ms. Anderson holds an MBA from Duke University. Jim Way As General Manager/Senior Vice President of Revenue Cycle Management (RCM), Way is responsible for providing strategic direction, guidance and operational performance for all revenue cycle functions. Way oversees all areas related to RCM, including credentialing, batch control, payment posting, accounts receivable, customer service and call centers, applications and analytics, contract management, and collections. With more than 35 years of experience in healthcare, Way brings valuable knowledge and expertise in defining business strategies to optimize operational performance and strengthen decision-making through effective analytics. Before joining Continuum, Way served as director of the healthcare division at Navigate. He also previously held leadership positions with Compressus, e4 Services, Siemens Health Services, Infologix, and was Regional CIO at Catholic Health East and CIO at St. Joseph Hospital. Mr. Way holds an MBA from Lebanon Valley College. Mitch Kearney As General Counsel, Kearney provides in-house legal counsel for Continuum. With extensive experience in the areas of contract law, corporate transactions, and regulatory compliance, he advises Continuum's leadership in all business matters, including navigating today's evolving healthcare landscape. Kearney's long career in private practice also included business formations, corporate governance, non-profits, real estate transactions, insurance coverage and defense, and commercial litigation. Before joining Continuum, Kearney served as the managing member of Kearney Drechsler & Awalt, LLC. He began his career in private practice at Miles & Stockbridge, P.C. and has also served in the Antitrust Division of the Office of the Maryland Attorney General. Kearney belongs to several bar and trade associations and is a frequent lecturer at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. He holds a J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law. "We are thrilled to attract leaders of such high caliber. Their vast experience and demonstrated success within the healthcare industry will have a significant impact on our future," said Continuum's new president and CEO, Don McDaniel. About Continuum Health Alliance Continuum Health Alliance is a physician enablement company that optimizes value-based commerce through population health, practice transformation, applied analytics and network development services. The company offers proven, strategic business and clinical solutions empowering ambulatory and community-based enterprises and other providers to enhance patient access and experience, improve health and lower overall costs. Continuum serves 1,500+ primary care physicians, specialists and nurse practitioners caring for hundreds of thousands of patients across the country. Learn more at www.challc.net. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391527 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391528 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391526 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160622/382362LOGO SOURCE Continuum Health Alliance Related Links http://www.challc.net CAMBRIDGE, England, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- - FDA Clears Cloud-based 'Sat Nav for Surgeons' Software for Sale in the US - Cydar EV Uses High Performance Cloud Computing to Provide Surgical Guidance in Operating Rooms - Cydar EV Already Used in UK Hospitals The U.S. Food and Drug and Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance for the UK-based start-up Cydar's revolutionary EV surgical guidance software, used in X-ray guided vascular surgery. Cydar is the first company in the world using high performance cloud computing to provide surgical guidance in the operating room. At its core, fully-automatic computer vision tracks patients during X-ray guided surgery: enabling it combine diagnostic scan, planning information and real-time imaging with millimeter precision. Capable of working with any existing X-ray system, Cydar EV provides the surgeon with a detailed 3D augmented reality view of anatomy. Early clinical studies have shown this enhanced 3D information is associated with large reductions in X-ray exposure to staff and patients, less use of kidney-toxic contrast agents and shortened procedure times. "This FDA clearance is a crucial step in delivering our technology globally and is a great endorsement of the accuracy and robustness of our computer vision software - it's further proof that our science works," said leading vascular surgeon, Cydar co-founder and CEO Tom Carrell. "There has been a lot of talk recently about the potential of cloud computing and artificial intelligence with health data and improving patient outcomes. We are excited to show that this approach can have real clinical impact. We're looking forward to extending its applications into other fields such as cancer and orthopaedics and using machine learning to provide new insights and help refine surgical planning." Cydar EV is used in two prominent London hospitals - the Royal Free and Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Trust. For further information contact: Cydar Limited Tom Carrell, Chief Executive Officer [email protected] +44 (0) 1223 778 020 http://www.cydarmedical.com Investment Advisors The Life Sciences Division Alia Minhas +44 (0) 20 3457 1073 [email protected] Company history: Founded in 2012, Cydar Limited is a private company that was spun out of Kings College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust. It has successfully completed two clinical studies and now gained regulatory approval both in the United States (FDA clearance) and Europe (CE mark). CEO Tom Carrell and co-founder Graeme Penney (a leading imaging scientist) came up with the idea after becoming frustrated with the poor quality of the imaging technology used in the operating theatre. The name Cydar stands for 'Can You Do Another Registration?' - a question Tom routinely asked Graeme while working with an early prototype in the operating theatre. CEO background: Tom Carrell - 1991 graduated from the University of Cambridge Clinical School of Medicine - 1996 qualified as a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons - 1997 he was a Research Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons - 2004 awarded the Master of Surgery (MChir) degree by the University of Cambridge for his thesis on aortic aneurysms - since 2004 he's been Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, where he established the complex endovascular aortic programme in 2007. This service remains one of the largest in Europe. SOURCE Cydar Limited MAUMEE, Ohio, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Highlights Sales of $1.55 billion Net income attributable to Dana of $53 million Diluted EPS of $0.36 ; diluted adjusted EPS of $0.53 Adjusted EBITDA of $178 million , providing a margin of 11.5 percent Operating cash flow of $185 million ; free cash flow of $108 million Affirmed full-year guidance Repurchased $53 million of common stock; 74 million shares repurchased or redeemed since program inception Completed bond refinancing, extending maturity and lowering interest rate Issued cash-flow revolver, improving available liquidity compared with prior asset-based facility Dana Holding Corporation (NYSE: DAN) today announced financial results for the second quarter of 2016. Sales totaled $1.55 billion, compared with $1.61 billion in 2015. Dana's Light Vehicle Driveline and Power Technologies business units posted combined currency-adjusted sales growth of $87 million, 10 percent higher than a year ago, driven by higher light-vehicle end-market demand in North America, Europe, and Asia, as well as new business gains. Foreign-currency translation lowered sales by $44 million. Currency-adjusted sales were lower by 1.3 percent in the second quarter of 2016, primarily due to weaker market demand in the commercial-vehicle and off-highway segments, as well as lower sales with a major North American commercial-vehicle customer. Net income attributable to Dana for the second quarter of 2016 was $53 million, compared with $59 million a year ago. This year's second quarter included a loss on extinguishment of debt of $17 million related to completion of a bond refinancing. Partially offsetting this charge was lower restructuring and income tax expense. Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2016 was $178 million, compared with $180 million in 2015, a 30 basis point margin improvement to 11.5 percent. Weaker international currencies reduced adjusted EBITDA by $6 million. Lower commercial-vehicle and off-highway sales were partially offset by stronger light-vehicle market demand and new business, resulting in a net sales volume reduction of $8 million. An improved year-over-year cost performance of $12 million helped to mitigate currency and volume-related impacts. Reported diluted earnings per share were $0.36 in the second quarter of both 2016 and 2015, with a lower share count in 2016 offsetting lower net income in this year's second quarter. Diluted adjusted earnings per share in the second quarter of 2016 were $0.53, compared with $0.48 in the same period last year, driven by the lower share count as a result of the share repurchase program. Operating cash flow of $185 million net of capital spending of $77 million provided free cash flow for the quarter of $108 million, compared with $88 million in 2015. The improvement is primarily due to lower working capital requirements, partially offset by higher capital spending and net interest as a result of the timing of the bond refinancing. Business Unit Performance Light Vehicle Driveline Technologies Sales were $669 million in the second quarter of 2016, compared with $641 million in 2015. Once again this quarter, stronger light-truck production in North America, Europe, and Asia, along with incremental new business and pricing actions, increased sales by $70 million, providing an organic growth rate of 11 percent. The effects of weaker foreign currencies lowered sales by $42 million. Segment EBITDA was $71 million, an increase of $5 million or 8 percent higher than the second quarter of 2015, providing a margin of 10.6 percent, 30 basis points higher than last year, and 110 basis points better than this year's first quarter. Higher end-market demand, new customer programs, and cost recoveries, which improved segment earnings by $12 million, were partially offset by $7 million of currency impact. Commercial Vehicle Driveline Technologies Sales were $349 million for 2016, compared with $431 million in 2015. Lower volumes reduced sales by $80 million, the majority of which is attributable to a higher market share with a key customer in the second quarter of last year. Weaker Class 8 truck production in North America and weaker demand in Brazil this year were the primary factors contributing to the remaining decrease. The commercial-vehicle segment EBITDA for the second quarter of 2016 was $32 million, $4 million lower than 2015, resulting in a margin of 9.2 percent. This was an increase of 80 basis points over last year, and 140 basis points over the first quarter of this year. Segment earnings were adversely impacted by $13 million due to lower sales levels and by $1 million as a result of weaker international currencies. Segment EBITDA in 2016 improved by $10 million, primarily from cost savings associated with the supplier-transition initiative completed in 2015 and the elimination of premium operating costs incurred in last year's second quarter. Off-Highway Driveline Technologies Sales were $252 million in the second quarter of 2016, $27 million lower compared with 2015, primarily due to reduced global end-market demand. Segment EBITDA was $37 million, compared with $41 million a year ago, providing a 14.7 percent margin, equal to last year's second quarter and 140 basis points higher than the first quarter of 2016. Favorable foreign currency effects of $3 million and improved cost performance tempered the impact of lower volume. Power Technologies Sales were $276 million, compared with $258 million in 2015. A stronger light-vehicle engine build in North America and Europe provided a benefit of $21 million with currency impact adding $1 million. This was partially offset by lower pricing and material cost recoveries of $4 million. Segment EBITDA was $43 million, an increase of $4 million from the second quarter of 2015. Stronger light-vehicle production levels and new business were the primary drivers. The 15.6 percent margin performance in this year's second quarter reflects a 50 basis point improvement over the same period last year, and a 220 basis point improvement from this year's first quarter. "The second quarter was a positive one for Dana and consistent with our expectations. We continue our trajectory toward achieving our objectives this year. Our Light Vehicle Driveline and Power Technologies businesses grew organically by 10 percent and improved margins. While we saw lower demand than the prior year in the commercial- and off-highway vehicle markets, this was expected," said James Kamsickas, Dana president and CEO. "Our Commercial Vehicle Driveline business anticipated lower volumes and improved their margins for the second quarter in a row, while our Off-Highway Driveline business, once again, was able to maintain margins despite lower volume." 2016 Full-Year Financial Targets Dana has affirmed key financial guidance1: Sales of $5.8 to $6.0 billion ; ; Adjusted EBITDA of $640 to $670 million ; ; Adjusted EBITDA as a percent of sales of 11.0 to 11.2 percent; Diluted adjusted EPS of $1.65 to $1.75 (excluding the impact of share repurchases after June 30, 2016 ); (excluding the impact of share repurchases after ); Cash flow from operations of $450 to 470 million ; ; Capital spending of $320 to $340 million ; and ; and Free cash flow of $120 to $140 million . 1Net income and diluted EPS guidance is not provided as discussed below in Non-GAAP Financial information Recognition of Dana Innovation, Quality, and Customer Service Dana continues to be recognized across all of its end markets for its innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. During the quarter, Ford honored Dana's Columbia, Missouri, Light Vehicle Driveline Technologies facility with a Gold Award at its 18th Annual World Excellence Awards. This award recognizes suppliers who demonstrate a strong commitment to quality, performance, and teamwork. It was the second consecutive year that the Columbia plant, which supplies drive axles for the Ford Explorer and Lincoln MKS vehicles, has received the highest recognition as a supplier to Ford. Dana was also recognized by General Motors with a Silver Award at the GM Supplier IMPACT awards, which is given to suppliers who have excelled in top diversity spend. In the commercial-vehicle market, Hino Motors Manufacturing, Inc., a Toyota Group company that assembles, sells, and services a lineup of Class 4-7 conventional and cab-over commercial trucks, honored three Dana facilities in the United States and India for 100 percent on-time delivery. Dana currently supplies driveshafts, companion flanges, and yokes to Hino, and the components are used on a range of Hino medium-duty trucks, as well as Toyota Tundra pickup trucks. In addition, Dana earned the Spartan Diamond Award, presented by Spartan Motors, Inc. A distinction of supplier excellence, this award is one of only 14 given from more than a thousand suppliers and recognizes quality, on-time delivery, total cost control, and outstanding customer support. In June, the company was named Best Battery Solution Provider of the Year by the China Decision Makers Consultancy (CDMC). The honor is in recognition of Dana's research and contributions to thermal-management technologies for hybrid-electric vehicles and battery-electric vehicles. Dana has a strong history of innovation in thermal-management technologies for all types of vehicles. Dana's customers have also benefitted from working collaboratively to provide market-leading innovation. Recently, Manitou Group received a gold medal in the Innovation for Business category during the 10th annual Trophees des Achats ceremony in Paris. The company was recognized for its collaboration with Dana on the Manitou MLT960 Eco-Booster 6-tonne telehandler for the off-highway market featuring Dana's Spicer PowerBoost hydraulic-hybrid powertrain technology. This award demonstrates how a shared vision for developing advanced technologies can help to achieve new levels of efficiency and provide innovation for the marketplace that not only optimizes performance, but minimizes total cost of ownership and the impact to the environment. Mahindra & Mahindra honored Dana's sealing products joint venture in India with two awards of distinction the Accepting No Limits Award and a Recognition Award for collaboration and development of a cylinder head gasket for Mahindra's Dhruv Engine program, which is part of its Yuvo Series Tractor. Share Repurchase Program During the second quarter of 2016, the company completed $53 million of share repurchases, and since inception of the program in late 2012, the company has repurchased or redeemed the equivalent of 74 million common shares, returning more than $1.4 billion to shareholders. The remaining availability under its current authorization is $219 million. Dana to Host Conference Call at 9 a.m. Today Dana will discuss its second-quarter results in a conference call at 9 a.m. EDT today. Participants may listen to the conference call via audio streaming online or telephone. Slide viewing is available via Dana's investor website: www.dana.com/investors. U.S. and Canadian locations should dial 1-888-311-4590 and international locations should call 1-706-758-0054. Please enter conference I.D. 45186845 and ask for the "Dana Holding Corporation Financial Webcast and Conference Call." Phone registration will be available starting at 8:30 a.m. An audio recording of the webcast will be available after 5 p.m. today by dialing 1-855-859-2056 (U.S. or Canada) or 1-404-537-3406 (international) and entering conference I.D. 45186845. A webcast replay will be available after 5 p.m. today, and may be accessed via Dana's investor website. Non-GAAP Financial Information This release refers to adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, which we have defined as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, equity grant expense, restructuring expense and other adjustments not related to our core operations (gain/loss on debt extinguishment, pension settlements, divestitures, impairment, etc.). Adjusted EBITDA is a primary driver of cash flows from operations and a measure of our ability to maintain and continue to invest in our operations and provide shareholder returns. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered a substitute for income before income taxes, net income or other results reported in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Diluted adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP financial measure, which we have defined as adjusted net income divided by adjusted diluted shares. We define adjusted net income as net income attributable to the parent company, excluding any nonrecurring income tax items, restructuring charges, amortization expense and other adjustments not related to our core operations (as used in adjusted EBITDA), net of any associated income tax effects. We define adjusted diluted shares as diluted shares as determined in accordance with GAAP based on adjusted net income. This measure is considered useful for purposes of providing investors, analysts and other interested parties with an indicator of ongoing financial performance that provides enhanced comparability to EPS reported by other companies. Diluted adjusted EPS is neither intended to represent nor be an alternative measure to diluted EPS reported under GAAP. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure, which we have defined as cash provided by (used in) operating activities, less purchases of property, plant and equipment. We believe this measure is useful to investors in evaluating the operational cash flow of the company inclusive of the spending required to maintain the operations. Free cash flow is neither intended to represent nor be an alternative to the measure of net cash provided by (used in) operating activities reported under GAAP. Free cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The accompanying financial information provides reconciliations of adjusted EBITDA, diluted adjusted EPS and free cash flow to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. We have not provided a reconciliation of our adjusted EBITDA and diluted adjusted EPS outlook to the most comparable GAAP measures of net income and diluted EPS. Providing net income and diluted EPS guidance is potentially misleading and not practical given the difficulty of projecting event driven transactional and other non-core operating items that are included in net income and diluted EPS, including restructuring actions, asset impairments and income tax valuation adjustments. The accompanying reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures with the most comparable GAAP measures for the historical periods presented are indicative of the reconciliations that will be prepared upon completion of the periods covered by the non-GAAP guidance. Please reference the "Non-GAAP financial information" accompanying our quarterly earnings conference call presentations on our website at www.dana.com/investors for our GAAP results and the reconciliations of these measures, where used, to the comparable GAAP measures. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements and projections contained in this news release are, by their nature, forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry and business, management's beliefs, and certain assumptions made by us, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "would," "could," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Dana's Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss important risk factors that could affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of this date. Dana does not undertake any obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement for any reason. About Dana Holding Corporation Dana is a global leader in the supply of highly engineered driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains. Serving three primary markets passenger vehicle, commercial truck, and off-highway equipment Dana provides the world's original-equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities. Founded in 1904 and based in Maumee, Ohio, the company employs approximately 23,000 people in 25 countries on six continents. In 2015, Dana generated sales of $6.06 billion. For more information, please visit dana.com. DANA HOLDING CORPORATION Consolidated Statement of Operations (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 Three Months Ended (In millions except per share amounts) June 30, 2016 2015 Net sales $ 1,546 $ 1,609 Costs and expenses Cost of sales 1,313 1,373 Selling, general and administrative expenses 106 101 Amortization of intangibles 2 4 Restructuring charges, net 5 11 Loss on extinguishment of debt (17) Other income, net 7 4 Income before interest expense and income taxes 110 124 Interest expense 30 27 Income before income taxes 80 97 Income tax expense 29 36 Equity in earnings of affiliates 4 2 Net income 55 63 Less: Noncontrolling interests net income 2 4 Net income attributable to the parent company $ 53 $ 59 Net income per share attributable to the parent company Basic $ 0.36 $ 0.36 Diluted $ 0.36 $ 0.36 Weighted-average shares outstanding - Basic 146.6 162.1 Weighted-average shares outstanding - Diluted 147.0 163.2 Cash dividends declared per share $ 0.06 $ 0.06 DANA HOLDING CORPORATION Consolidated Statement of Operations (Unaudited) For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 Six Months Ended (In millions except per share amounts) June 30, 2016 2015 Net sales $ 2,995 $ 3,217 Costs and expenses Cost of sales 2,563 2,753 Selling, general and administrative expenses 204 201 Amortization of intangibles 4 9 Restructuring charges, net 6 12 Loss on extinguishment of debt (17) (2) Other income, net 8 16 Income before interest expense and income taxes 209 256 Interest expense 57 55 Income before income taxes 152 201 Income tax expense 53 67 Equity in earnings of affiliates 4 3 Net income 103 137 Less: Noncontrolling interests net income 5 15 Net income attributable to the parent company $ 98 $ 122 Net income per share attributable to the parent company Basic $ 0.66 $ 0.75 Diluted $ 0.66 $ 0.74 Weighted-average shares outstanding - Basic 148.0 163.4 Weighted-average shares outstanding - Diluted 148.4 164.6 Cash dividends declared per share $ 0.12 $ 0.11 DANA HOLDING CORPORATION Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 Three Months Ended (In millions) June 30, 2016 2015 Net income $ 55 $ 63 Less: Noncontrolling interests net income 2 4 Net income attributable to the parent company 53 59 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the parent company, net of tax: Currency translation adjustments (24) 14 Hedging gains and losses (13) 3 Investment and other gains and losses 1 (1) Defined benefit plans 6 7 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the parent company (30) 23 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax: Currency translation adjustments (2) Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests - (2) Total comprehensive income attributable to the parent company 23 82 Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 2 2 Total comprehensive income $ 25 $ 84 DANA HOLDING CORPORATION Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 Six Months Ended (In millions) June 30, 2016 2015 Net income $ 103 $ 137 Less: Noncontrolling interests net income 5 15 Net income attributable to the parent company 98 122 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the parent company, net of tax: Currency translation adjustments 5 (85) Hedging gains and losses (10) 2 Investment and other gains and losses 3 Defined benefit plans 13 23 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the parent company 11 (60) Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax: Currency translation adjustments 1 (2) Defined benefit plans 1 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 1 (1) Total comprehensive income attributable to the parent company 109 62 Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 6 14 Total comprehensive income $ 115 $ 76 DANA HOLDING CORPORATION Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (In millions except share and per share amounts) June 30, December 31, 2016 2015 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 745 $ 791 Marketable securities 164 162 Accounts receivable Trade, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $5 in 2016 and 2015 808 673 Other 129 115 Inventories 666 625 Other current assets 125 108 Total current assets 2,637 2,474 Goodwill 88 80 Intangibles 110 102 Other noncurrent assets 344 353 Investments in affiliates 147 150 Property, plant and equipment, net 1,241 1,167 Total assets $ 4,567 $ 4,326 Liabilities and equity Current liabilities Notes payable, including current portion of long-term debt $ 31 $ 22 Accounts payable 843 712 Accrued payroll and employee benefits 140 145 Taxes on income 30 19 Other accrued liabilities 193 193 Total current liabilities 1,237 1,091 Long-term debt, less debt issuance costs of $23 in 2016 and $21 in 2015 1,637 1,553 Pension and postretirement obligations 510 521 Other noncurrent liabilities 345 330 Total liabilities 3,729 3,495 Commitments and contingencies Parent company stockholders' equity Preferred stock, 50,000,000 shares authorized, $0.01 par value, no shares outstanding - - Common stock, 450,000,000 shares authorized, $0.01 par value, 143,732,969 and 150,068,040 shares outstanding 2 2 Additional paid-in capital 2,317 2,311 Accumulated deficit (330) (410) Treasury stock, at cost (6,759,923 and 23,963 shares) (83) (1) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,163) (1,174) Total parent company stockholders' equity 743 728 Noncontrolling equity 95 103 Total equity 838 831 Total liabilities and equity $ 4,567 $ 4,326 DANA HOLDING CORPORATION Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 Three Months Ended (In millions) June 30, 2016 2015 Operating activities Net income $ 55 $ 63 Depreciation 43 39 Amortization of intangibles 2 4 Amortization of deferred financing charges 1 1 Call premium on senior notes 12 Write off of deferred financing costs 5 Earnings of affiliates, net of dividends received 1 8 Stock compensation expense 5 5 Deferred income taxes 1 (3) Pension contributions, net (2) (4) Change in working capital 63 33 Other, net (1) 2 Net cash provided by operating activities (1) 185 148 Investing activities Purchases of property, plant and equipment (1) (77) (60) Purchases of marketable securities (13) (15) Proceeds from sales of marketable securities 1 2 Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities 14 10 Other (1) (1) Net cash used in investing activities (76) (64) Financing activities Net change in short-term debt 1 (3) Proceeds from long-term debt 409 Repayment of long-term debt (352) (2) Call premium on senior notes (12) Deferred financing payments (10) Dividends to common stockholders (9) (18) Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests (2) (2) Repurchases of common stock (53) (63) Other 1 3 Net cash used in financing activities (27) (85) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 82 (1) Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period 669 885 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances (6) 10 Cash and cash equivalents end of period $ 745 $ 894 (1) Free cash flow of $108 in 2016 and $88 in 2015 is the sum of net cash provided by operating activities reduced by the purchases of property, plant and equipment. DANA HOLDING CORPORATION Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 Six Months Ended (In millions) June 30, 2016 2015 Operating activities Net income $ 103 $ 137 Depreciation 84 78 Amortization of intangibles 4 10 Amortization of deferred financing charges 2 2 Call premium on senior notes 12 2 Write off of deferred financing costs 5 1 Earnings of affiliates, net of dividends received 3 9 Stock compensation expense 7 8 Deferred income taxes 5 2 Pension contributions, net (9) (9) Change in working capital (65) (108) Other, net 7 (4) Net cash provided by operating activities (1) 158 128 Investing activities Purchases of property, plant and equipment (1) (148) (122) Acquisition of business (18) Purchases of marketable securities (25) (26) Proceeds from sales of marketable securities 4 12 Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities 22 16 Other (3) (3) Net cash used in investing activities (168) (123) Financing activities Net change in short-term debt 12 3 Repayment of letters of credit (4) Proceeds from long-term debt 441 18 Repayment of long-term debt (376) (58) Call premium on senior notes (12) (2) Deferred financing payments (10) Dividends paid to common stockholders (18) (18) Distributions to noncontrolling interests (3) (3) Repurchases of common stock (81) (126) Other 1 Net cash used in financing activities (47) (189) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (57) (184) Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period 791 1,121 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances 11 (43) Cash and cash equivalents end of period $ 745 $ 894 (1) Free cash flow of $10 in 2016 and $6 in 2015 is the sum of net cash provided by operating activities reduced by the purchases of property, plant and equipment. DANA HOLDING CORPORATION Segment Sales and Segment EBITDA (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 Three Months Ended (In millions) June 30, 2016 2015 Sales Light Vehicle $ 669 $ 641 Commercial Vehicle 349 431 Off-Highway 252 279 Power Technologies 276 258 Total Sales $ 1,546 $ 1,609 Segment EBITDA Light Vehicle $ 71 $ 66 Commercial Vehicle 32 36 Off-Highway 37 41 Power Technologies 43 39 Total Segment EBITDA 183 182 Corporate expense and other items, net (5) (2) Adjusted EBITDA $ 178 $ 180 DANA HOLDING CORPORATION Segment Sales and Segment EBITDA (Unaudited) For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 Six Months Ended (In millions) June 30, 2016 2015 Sales Light Vehicle $ 1,282 $ 1,278 Commercial Vehicle 682 864 Off-Highway 493 563 Power Technologies 538 512 Total Sales $ 2,995 $ 3,217 Segment EBITDA Light Vehicle $ 129 $ 130 Commercial Vehicle 58 71 Off-Highway 69 80 Power Technologies 78 77 Total Segment EBITDA 334 358 Corporate expense and other items, net (8) (2) Adjusted EBITDA $ 326 $ 356 DANA HOLDING CORPORATION Reconciliation of Segment and Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 Three Months Ended (In millions) June 30, 2016 2015 Segment EBITDA $ 183 $ 182 Corporate expense and other items, net (5) (2) Adjusted EBITDA 178 180 Depreciation (43) (39) Amortization of intangibles (2) (4) Restructuring (5) (11) Stock compensation expense (5) (5) Strategic transaction expenses (1) (1) Other items 1 Amounts attributable to previously divested/closed operations 2 Loss on extinguishment of debt (17) Interest expense, net (28) (23) Income before income taxes 80 97 Income tax expense 29 36 Equity in earnings of affiliates 4 2 Net income $ 55 $ 63 DANA HOLDING CORPORATION Reconciliation of Segment and Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income (Unaudited) For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 Six Months Ended (In millions) June 30, 2016 2015 Segment EBITDA $ 334 $ 358 Corporate expense and other items, net (8) (2) Adjusted EBITDA 326 356 Depreciation (84) (78) Amortization of intangibles (4) (10) Restructuring (6) (12) Stock compensation expense (7) (8) Strategic transaction expenses (3) (2) Other items (3) Distressed supplier costs (1) Amounts attributable to previously divested/closed operations 3 Gain on derecognition of noncontrolling interest 5 Loss on extinguishment of debt (17) (2) Interest expense, net (52) (48) Income before income taxes 152 201 Income tax expense 53 67 Equity in earnings of affiliates 4 3 Net income $ 103 $ 137 DANA HOLDING CORPORATION Diluted Adjusted EPS (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 (In millions except per share amounts) Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 Net income attributable to parent company $ 53 $ 59 Items impacting income before income taxes: Restructuring charges 5 11 Amortization of intangibles 2 4 Loss on extinguishment of debt 17 Other items (1) Items impacting income taxes: Net Income tax benefit on items above (1) (5) Nonrecurring income tax expense 3 10 Adjusted net income $ 78 $ 79 Diluted shares - as reported 147 163 Adjusted diluted shares 147 163 Diluted adjusted EPS $ 0.53 $ 0.48 DANA HOLDING CORPORATION Diluted Adjusted EPS (Unaudited) For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 (In millions except per share amounts) Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 Net income attributable to parent company $ 98 $ 122 Items impacting income before income taxes: Restructuring charges 6 12 Amortization of intangibles 4 10 Loss on extinguishment of debt 17 2 Other items 1 Items impacting income taxes: Net Income tax benefit on items above (2) (7) Nonrecurring income tax expense 6 18 Items impacting noncontrolling interests net income: Gain on derecognition of noncontrolling interest (5) Correction of prior period understatement of noncontrolling interest 9 Adjusted net income $ 129 $ 162 Diluted shares - as reported 148 165 Adjusted diluted shares 148 165 Diluted adjusted EPS $ 0.87 $ 0.98 SOURCE Dana Holding Corporation Related Links http://www.dana.com MAUMEE, Ohio, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dana Holding Corporation (NYSE: DAN) announced today that, effective Aug. 1, it will change the company name to Dana Incorporated. The evolution is aimed to better reflect how the company conducts its business in the global marketplace as a unified organization with an intense focus on customer satisfaction, manufacturing excellence, and advanced technology across all mobility sectors. "This is a historic and significant pronouncement by our company," said James Kamsickas, Dana president and CEO. "Dana operates as a unified global manufacturer and supplier of goods and services to the vehicular industry. Our new name connects with the cohesiveness of the Dana team members and our united commitment to provide exceptional performance to our stakeholders." Dana will continue to operate four business segments focused on power conveyance and energy management solutions for three key end markets. The iconic company logo, the Dana Diamond, will remain as the corporate mark. In addition, the New York Stock Exchange ticker symbol DAN, the organizational structure, and leadership team will continue. The new name will be reflected on the company website, www.dana.com, and online social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+. About Dana Dana is a world leader in the supply of highly engineered drivetrain, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains. Serving three primary markets passenger vehicle, commercial truck, and off-highway equipment Dana provides the world's original-equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities. Founded in 1904 and based in Maumee, Ohio, the company employs more than 23,000 people in 25 countries on six continents. In 2015, Dana generated sales of nearly $6.1 billion. For more information, please visit dana.com. SOURCE Dana Holding Corporation Related Links http://www.dana.com LONDON, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- RAVN Systems, experts in advanced Enterprise Search and Artificial Intelligence, is pleased to announce Bech-Bruun has selected both RAVN Connect Enterprise and RAVN Manage for advanced enterprise search and knowledge management. RAVN Connect Enterprise is an innovative approach to capturing, finding, managing and collaborating on an organisation's hard won knowledge and expertise, leveraging the capability to navigate links between knowledge types across the enterprise. It can learn from behaviour and establish explicit and implicit links between data objects and people. Bech-Bruun also selected the RAVN Manage component to manage the search solution to expose any hidden problems, allowing them to remain efficient in managing their Connect Enterprise search application. Bech-Bruun is using the RAVN Connect Enterprise search platform to efficiently search a wide variety of internal content including iManage Work, InterAction CRM, Navision and Mimecast. The RAVN search solution replaces their iManage IUS search platform and is further enhanced with the use of RAVN Manage, which ensures the search solution is running to its full potential at all times. Stefan Winqvist, CIO at Bech-Bruun commented, "RAVN Manage and RAVN Connect Enterprise supplement our current systems extremely well. With both systems, searches become even more efficient and documents may be retrieved significantly faster than before. The fact that the systems understand how people work together and are able to spot cohesion through entire cases is a real strength in our daily operations. In Bech-Bruun, this is a highly strategic focus area. Moreover, RAVN is a pioneer in the area and we consider this as the first step to full implementation of AI." Gareth Thomas, Sales Director at RAVN Systems said, "We are delighted to have signed a project to deploy Connect Enterprise and Manage at Bech Bruun, one of the leading law firms in Northern Europe with an excellent pedigree for innovation and technology." About RAVN Systems RAVN Systems has extremely broad and deep experience with Unstructured Data processing and offers revolutionary, search-based and cognitive computing solutions for any information intensive vertical. RAVN expertise and solutions deliver long-term value, competitive advantages and help manage and mitigate risk through surfacing and harnessing the information contained within unstructured data. For more information please visit http://www.ravn.co.uk About Bech-Bruun Bech-Bruun is a market-oriented law firm offering specialist services. With a wide range of products, Bech-Bruun serves a large section of the Danish corporate sector, the Danish public sector as well as international enterprises. With the help of more than 500 talented employees and some of the most recognised and experienced experts in the business, Bech-Bruun customises solutions to the clients, embracing all of the company's business areas. The goal is to strengthen clients' businesses and help them outperform their competitors. For more information please visit: http://www.bechbruun.com/ Press Contact Rebecca Tear 020 7566 0000 [email protected] SOURCE RAVN Systems CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new study of the diversity approaches of 151 law firms to be published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that women and racial minorities may not only have different, but dramatically opposite, responses to the same statement. These stated diversity approaches can be broken down broadly into two types: those that emphasize and embrace differences and those that emphasize equality and fairness. "Our data suggest that women and racial minorities not only respond differently to these two diversity approaches, but in virtually the opposite way. The more firms emphasize the value in differences, the lower rates of attrition were among women, whereas the more firms emphasized the value in equality, the lower rates of attrition were among racial minorities," says leader author, Evan Apfelbaum, from the MIT Sloan School of Management, who co-authored the paper with Nicole Stephens from the Kellogg School of Management and Ray Reagans from MIT Sloan. "I think the key to understanding our results is appreciating how the relative size of these groups' representation shapes their concerns with "sticking out". Though women and racial minorities are often considered under the same umbrella of stigmatized groups, White women often comprise 40% of all employees in professional settings, whereas Black women and men, for instance, rarely comprise more than 5% of employees. Interestingly, controlled experiments confirmed that which diversity approach works bestin terms of increasing performance and persistencedepends on the size of the group in the firm. When individuals believed that they were 5% of the firm, the approach that emphasized equality and fairness increased performance and persistence. This was true regardless of whether they were White or Black. When individuals believed that they were 40% of the firm, we saw the reverse pattern: the diversity approach that emphasized and embraced differences increased performance and persistence, regardless of whether they were White or Black. "This evidence suggests that numbers, and the social context that stigmatized groups find themselves in, play a critical role in determining which diversity approach is best," says Apfelbaum. "I do not think there is a one-size-fits-all approach to talking about diversity that will work uniformly well across groups and contexts. Rather, harnessing the benefits of diversity approaches requires tailoring themin terms of their focus on differences versus equalityto the concerns of the particular social groups targeted by these efforts." For further information, contact: Paul Denning or Patricia Favreau Director of Media Relations Associate Director of Media Relations 617-253-0576 617-253-3492 [email protected] [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160526/372755LOGO SOURCE MIT Sloan School of Management Related Links http://www.mitsloan.mit.edu ELKHART, Ind., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Drew Industries Incorporated (NYSE: DW), a supplier of components for the leading original equipment manufacturers of recreational vehicles and adjacent industries, will release its second-quarter 2016 financial results before the market opens on Thursday, August 4, 2016. Drew Industries will also host a conference call on Thursday, August 4, 2016, at 11 a.m. ET to discuss the results and other business matters. The call will conclude with a question-and-answer session with participation limited to institutional investors and analysts. Individual investors, retail brokers and the media are invited to listen to a live webcast of the call on the Drew Industries website at www.drewindustries.com . Participating in the conference call will be: Jason Lippert, CEO Scott Mereness, President David Smith, CFO About Drew Industries From 45 manufacturing and distribution facilities located throughout the United States and in Canada and Italy, Drew Industries, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lippert Components, supplies a broad array of components for the leading original equipment manufacturers of recreational vehicles and adjacent industries including buses; trailers used to haul boats, livestock, equipment and other cargo; pontoon boats; manufactured homes; modular housing; and factory-built mobile office units. The Company also supplies components to the related aftermarkets of these industries primarily by selling to dealers and service centers. Drew's products include steel chassis and related components; axles and suspension solutions; slide-out mechanisms and solutions; thermoformed bath, kitchen and other products; vinyl, aluminum and frameless windows; manual, electric and hydraulic stabilizer and leveling systems; furniture and mattresses; entry, luggage, patio and ramp doors; electric and manual entry steps; awnings and awning accessories; electronic components; LED televisions and sound systems; navigation systems; wireless backup cameras; appliances; and other accessories. Additional information about Drew and its products can be found at www.drewindustries.com. SOURCE Drew Industries Incorporated Related Links http://www.drewindustries.com BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Drummond Company, Inc. announced July 20 that Mr. Mike Tracy, former President of Mining, has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of the company. Further, Dr. Mike Drummond, Mr. Garry Neil Drummond's son, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board. The appointments are effective immediately. Drummond Company, Inc. honors, acknowledges and celebrates Mr. Garry Drummond for his irreplaceable contributions toward building and sustaining an extraordinary company for over 50 years. Prior to his passing, Mr. Drummond formulated a detailed succession plan for the leadership of the company that was implemented yesterday. Mike Tracy and the rest of Drummond's talented management team will be supported by a renewed, nuclear and nimble Board of Directors designed to provide management with direction on strategic and critical issues. Mr. Tracy has 43 years of mining experience, with more than 35 years with Drummond Company, and has held various positions in the company during that time. He holds a BS in Mineral Engineering and an MBA from the University of Alabama. "I am honored to have been appointed as Drummond Company's new CEO. Mr. Drummond's vision and leadership established Drummond as a global leader in coal, coke production and marketing, along with real estate development. He left a great legacy. Along with our outstanding management team and a massive group of loyal, dedicated associates, I am committed to continue driving and executing our growth strategy into this next chapter of the company," said Mike Tracy. Along with Dr. Mike Drummond's appointment as the new Chairman of the Board, John Drummond, Sr., Dan Davidson, Tom Davidson, Mark Drummond, Beth Stukes, John Davidson, Ed Drummond, and Mike Tracy have also been named as members of the Board. Dr. Mike Drummond expressed confidence in the new board and direction of the company. "These individuals are of high moral character, sound judgment, and have outstanding life skills. All board members except for Mike Tracy, are members of the Drummond family and are shareholders. Together with the management team at Drummond Company, we will guide Drummond into a new generation of prosperity and success," said Dr. Drummond. Dr. Drummond is a vascular surgeon at Princeton Baptist Medical Center, past Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Princeton and former board member and Chairman of the Board of Baptist Health Systems of Alabama. He fondly remembers tagging along with his father throughout his childhood on Saturdays to visit the mines and the employees whom his father referred to as "our people". John Howard Drummond, Sr. has worked for the Drummond Company for 55 years and has been a member of the Board of Directors for 20 years. John worked for many years in the purchasing department before becoming the Senior VP of Drummond Company. John served in the Navy for 4 years overseas and received a classification of E-5. He is a leader in his church and is the eldest surviving member of the Drummond family. Dan Davidson is Senior VP and Director of Fixed Income for the Wealth Management Division of BBVA Compass. Tom Davidson has a BS in Building Construction and a BS in Commerce and Business Administration and Real Estate Finance and has over 30 years of experience in financing commercial real estate at AmSouth, Compass, South Trust Wachovia and Regions. Before retiring he was Senior VP and Senior Risk Officer. Mark Drummond has a PhD in Geology, taught at UAB and has since developed residential real estate, invested in commercial real estate and oil and gas ventures. Beth Stukes holds a BS in Elementary Education with 16 years of experience in teaching. She serves as a board member of the Walker Area Community Foundation, is a member of the Board of Trustees of Samford University, Co-Chair of the Because This Is Auburn Campaign (a billion dollar campaign), and is also a Board Member of the United Way of Central Alabama. John Davidson has a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MBA. He retired in 2009 as Engineering Site Manager of Delphi Automotive Systems. Prior to that he held numerous management positions at Delphi and was involved in a variety of industrial processes. He has a wide array of expertise and is a Registered Professional Engineer. Ed Drummond has a PhD in geochemistry and worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratory directing research programs for the United States Department of Energy before becoming a developer of residential and commercial real estate. Ed also worked for Drummond Company for 4 years as Executive Vice-President and Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer of Drummond Company, Inc. This Board brings an exemplary record of performance and experience in a wide variety of professions and backgrounds. SOURCE Drummond Company, Inc. KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- DST Systems, Inc. (NYSE: DST) reported consolidated net income attributable to DST of $53.0 million ($1.58 per diluted share) for the second quarter 2016 compared to $107.5 million ($2.91 per diluted share) for the second quarter 2015. Net income attributable to DST for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $111.1 million ($3.28 per diluted share) compared to $215.3 million ($5.78 per diluted share) for the six months ended June 30, 2015. Income from continuing operations (excludes discontinued operations) attributable to DST Systems, Inc. ("DST Earnings") was $34.3 million ($1.03 per diluted share) for the second quarter 2016 compared to $95.5 million ($2.58 per diluted share) for the second quarter 2015. DST Earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $73.9 million ($2.18 per diluted share) compared to $188.6 million ($5.06 per diluted share) for the six months ended June 30, 2015. Taking into account certain non-GAAP adjustments, DST Earnings were $47.6 million ($1.42 per diluted share) for second quarter 2016 compared to $42.2 million ($1.14 per diluted share) for second quarter 2015, and $86.3 million ($2.55 per diluted share) for the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $82.9 million ($2.22 per diluted share) for the six months ended June 30, 2015. "We are pleased with the solid revenue growth and strong margin expansion we delivered in the second quarter. With the sale of our North American Customer Communications business, which closed on July 1, 2016, we have made significant strides in streamlining our businesses so that we can dedicate our time and resources more directly to our Health and Wealth-focused businesses, which is in-line with our overall strategic plan," said Steve Hooley, Chairman, CEO and President of DST. "We believe we are well positioned with the unique skill-sets and necessary resources to generate enhanced value for our customers within the Healthcare and Financial Services industries. We intend to grow revenue through organic opportunities and targeted acquisitions, and making investments in our businesses to prepare and position DST for the future." Consolidated Financial Highlights Operating Results Second quarter 2016 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (excludes discontinued operations), after non-GAAP adjustments, was $1.42, an increase of $0.28 or 24.6% from second quarter 2015. Significant items impacting the quarterly results include the following: Consolidated operating revenues (excludes out-of-pocket reimbursements) increased $24.6 million or 7.0% to $373.9 million as compared to second quarter 2015, primarily due to new and existing client growth across a number of our service offerings and year-over-year growth from businesses acquired during 2015 and 2016, partially offset by a $1.8 million decline due to foreign currency movements. or 7.0% to as compared to second quarter 2015, primarily due to new and existing client growth across a number of our service offerings and year-over-year growth from businesses acquired during 2015 and 2016, partially offset by a decline due to foreign currency movements. Consolidated operating income increased $12.4 million or 21.9% to $68.9 million as compared to second quarter 2015. The increase in operating income is primarily due to growth within the Healthcare Services segment as well as cost-savings initiatives within the Financial Services segment. or 21.9% to as compared to second quarter 2015. The increase in operating income is primarily due to growth within the Healthcare Services segment as well as cost-savings initiatives within the Financial Services segment. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates decreased $2.5 million to $10.2 million as compared to second quarter 2015, primarily from lower earnings from IFDS, partially offset by higher BFDS earnings. to as compared to second quarter 2015, primarily from lower earnings from IFDS, partially offset by higher BFDS earnings. Weighted average diluted shares outstanding for second quarter 2016 were 33.6 million, a decrease of 3.4 million shares or 9.2% from second quarter 2015, primarily as a result of share repurchases during 2015 and 2016. Recent Business Transactions On July 1, 2016, DST completed the previously announced sale of our North American Customer Communications business for cash consideration of $410.0 million. The net proceeds are subject to customary working capital and other closing adjustments pursuant to the terms of the transaction. This transaction follows the completion of the sale and leaseback transactions of the North American Customer Communications U.S. and Canadian production facilities in October 2015 for pretax proceeds totaling $129.0 million. Additionally, during the second quarter 2016, the Company completed the sale and leaseback of its Bristol, U.K. production facilities for pretax proceeds totaling approximately $16.0 million and announced its intent to divest of the U.K. Customer Communications business. As a result, beginning in the second quarter 2016, the Customer Communications segment, as well as the results of certain businesses previously reported within the Financial Services segment which are also being sold with the Customer Communications transactions, are reported as discontinued operations. Prior period financial statements have been adjusted to be consistent with the current discontinued operations presentation. Monetization and Share Repurchase Activity DST monetized $31.8 million of investment assets during second quarter 2016, the three largest components being $16.0 from the sale of the Bristol U.K. production facilities, $10.2 million from private equity investment distributions and $5.1 million from the sale of non-operating real estate assets. of investment assets during second quarter 2016, the three largest components being from the sale of the production facilities, from private equity investment distributions and from the sale of non-operating real estate assets. During the second quarter 2016, the Company spent $75.0 million to repurchase approximately 660,000 shares of DST common stock which exhausted the previous share repurchase plan. On June 14, 2016 , the Board of Directors authorized a new $300.0 million share repurchase plan. During July 2016 , $75.0 million was spent to repurchase approximately 630,000 shares of DST common stock, resulting in $225.0 million remaining under the new share repurchase plan. Restructuring Activities As a result of market changes that have impacted DST's service offerings to clients, including lower registered account processing, DST implemented a restructuring to reduce its workforce and consolidate certain facilities to enhance operational efficiency within the Financial Services segment. As a result of this restructuring, the Financial Services segment incurred pretax charges during the second quarter 2016 of $10.4 million. The Company anticipates this restructuring will result in annual pretax operating cost savings of approximately $22.0 to $24.0 million. Detailed Review of Financial Results The following discussion of financial results takes into account the non-GAAP adjustments described in the section entitled "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information" and detailed in the attached schedule titled "Reconciliation of Reported Results to Non-GAAP Results." Segment Results Financial Services Segment Operating revenues for the Financial Services segment (excluding out-of-pocket reimbursements) for second quarter 2016 increased $15.0 million or 5.6% to $280.7 million as compared to second quarter 2015. The operating revenue increase is primarily driven from the businesses acquired during 2015 and 2016, which contributed $11.6 million of incremental operating revenues during the second quarter 2016, increased professional services revenues associated with our international wealth management platform business, and organic and new client growth within our Brokerage Solutions business. These increases were partly offset by negative market conditions impacting our asset management business, a decline in mutual fund registered shareowner account processing revenue due to lower registered accounts, primarily as a result of subaccounting conversions, and approximately $1.8 million of negative foreign currency movements. Software license revenues of $8.1 million in second quarter 2016 were $0.2 million lower as compared to second quarter 2015. Financial Services segment operating income increased $5.9 million or 13.2% during second quarter 2016 to $50.5 million as compared to second quarter 2015. The increase in operating income is primarily due to higher revenues and increased cost savings resulting from the restructuring and other cost containment initiatives during second quarter 2016 which contributed to improved margins. These increases in operating income were slightly offset by increased depreciation and other costs incurred to enhance our network infrastructure, maintain security and regulatory compliance and service new and existing clients. Operating margin for second quarter 2016 was 18.0% as compared to 16.8% in 2015. Healthcare Services Segment Healthcare Services segment operating revenues (excluding out-of-pocket reimbursements) increased $11.9 million or 12.9% during second quarter 2016 to $104.0 million as compared to second quarter 2015. The increase is primarily attributable to new medical claims processing clients implemented in January 2016, organic growth and expansion of the high-value services we are offering to existing clients in both the medical and pharmacy businesses. Partially offsetting these increases is a $1.4 million decline from lower software license revenue in second quarter 2016 as compared to second quarter 2015. Healthcare Services segment operating income increased $7.7 million or 65.3% during second quarter 2016 to $19.5 million, primarily due to higher revenues. While costs and expenses increased from higher staffing costs associated with supporting the new and existing client growth, enhanced economies of scale were achieved as new clients were converted. Operating margin for second quarter 2016 was 18.8% as compared to 12.8% in the second quarter 2015. Other Financial Results Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates The following table summarizes the Company's equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates (in millions): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 IFDS $ 6.3 $ 9.7 $ 7.8 $ 17.0 BFDS 1.7 1.1 4.3 2.5 Other 2.2 1.9 4.8 4.3 $ 10.2 $ 12.7 $ 16.9 $ 23.8 DST's equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates decreased primarily from lower earnings at IFDS. The decrease in IFDS equity in earnings from second quarter 2015 is primarily the result of lower revenues recognized related to the ongoing client conversion activities and higher operating costs as IFDS expands its infrastructure to address increasing regulatory, compliance and security needs. Equity in earnings of BFDS increased from second quarter 2015 primarily due to a combination of higher ancillary revenues and reduced operating costs. The multi-year implementation efforts for the previously announced two IFDS wealth management platform clients are continuing to progress, however the scope and timing continues to be adjusted as client requirements evolve. As the projects are completed and the underlying modules are placed into production, we expect that IFDS' earnings will decrease due to the amortization of the capitalized software costs coupled with the decline in implementation revenue. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information In addition to reporting financial information on a GAAP basis, DST has disclosed non-GAAP financial information which has been reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measures in the following financial schedules titled "Reconciliation of Reported Results to Non-GAAP Results." In making these adjustments to determine the non-GAAP results, the Company takes into account the impact of items that are not necessarily ongoing in nature, that do not have a high level of predictability associated with them or that are non-operational in nature. Generally, these items include net gains on dispositions of business units, net gains (losses) associated with securities and other investments, restructuring and impairment costs and other similar items. Beginning in first quarter 2016, we have also included acquired intangible asset amortization. Management believes the exclusion of these items provides a useful basis for evaluating underlying business unit performance, but should not be considered in isolation and is not in accordance with, or a substitute for, evaluating business unit performance utilizing GAAP financial information. Management uses non-GAAP measures in its budgeting and forecasting processes and to further analyze its financial trends and "operational run-rate," as well as making financial comparisons to prior periods presented on a similar basis. The Company believes that providing such adjusted results allows investors and other users of DST's financial statements to better understand DST's comparative operating performance for the periods presented. DST's management uses each of these non-GAAP financial measures in its own evaluation of the Company's performance, particularly when comparing performance to past periods. DST's non-GAAP measures may differ from similar measures by other companies, even if similar terms are used to identify such measures. Although DST's management believes non-GAAP measures are useful in evaluating the performance of its business, DST acknowledges that items excluded from such measures may have a material impact on the Company's financial information calculated in accordance with GAAP. Therefore, management typically uses non-GAAP measures in conjunction with GAAP results. These factors should be considered when evaluating DST's results. * * * * * Safe Harbor Statement Certain material presented in the press release includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (i) all statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future or that depend on future events, or (ii) statements about our future business plans and strategy and other statements that describe the Company's outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals, and any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Whenever used, words such as "may," "will," "would," "should," "potential," "strategy," "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "project," "predict," "intends," "plans," "believes," "targets" and other terms of similar meaning are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are uncertain and to some extent unpredictable, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in, or reasonably inferred from, such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, the risk factors and cautionary statements included in the Company's periodic and current reports (Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K) filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such factors should be considered in evaluating any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in this press release to reflect new information, future events or otherwise. DST SYSTEMS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (In millions, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Operating revenues $ 373.9 $ 349.3 $ 735.2 $ 689.3 Out-of-pocket reimbursements 16.6 14.2 36.0 29.9 Total revenues 390.5 363.5 771.2 719.2 Costs and expenses 320.4 289.7 627.3 567.2 Depreciation and amortization 24.2 21.7 46.3 43.1 Operating income 45.9 52.1 97.6 108.9 Interest expense (6.5) (5.8) (12.6) (11.9) Other income, net 7.0 92.2 13.3 175.5 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 10.2 12.7 16.9 27.4 Income from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interest 56.6 151.2 115.2 299.9 Income taxes 22.1 55.7 42.2 111.3 Income from continuing operations before non-controlling interest 34.5 95.5 73.0 188.6 Income from discontinuing operations, net of tax 18.7 12.0 37.2 26.7 Net income 53.2 107.5 110.2 215.3 Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest (0.2) 0.9 Net income attributable to DST Systems, Inc. $ 53.0 $ 107.5 $ 111.1 $ 215.3 Weighted average common shares outstanding 33.3 36.6 33.6 36.9 Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 33.6 37.0 33.9 37.3 Basic earnings per share: Continuing operations attributable to DST Systems, Inc. $ 1.03 $ 2.61 $ 2.20 $ 5.11 Discontinued operations 0.56 0.33 1.11 0.73 Basic earnings per share $ 1.59 $ 2.94 $ 3.31 $ 5.84 Diluted earnings per share: Continuing operations attributable to DST Systems, Inc. $ 1.03 $ 2.58 $ 2.18 $ 5.06 Discontinued operations 0.55 0.33 1.10 0.72 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.58 $ 2.91 $ 3.28 $ 5.78 Cash dividends per share of common stock $ 0.33 $ 0.30 $ 0.66 $ 0.60 DST SYSTEMS, INC. SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION (In millions) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 Financial Services Healthcare Services Investments / Other Elimination Adjustments Consolidated Total Operating revenues $ 269.8 $ 104.0 $ 0.1 $ $ 373.9 Intersegment operating revenues 10.9 (10.9) Out-of-pocket reimbursements 14.6 2.0 16.6 Total revenues 295.3 106.0 0.1 (10.9) 390.5 Costs and expenses 245.8 84.8 0.7 (10.9) 320.4 Depreciation and amortization 19.8 3.9 0.5 24.2 Operating income (loss) $ 29.7 $ 17.3 $ (1.1) $ $ 45.9 Capital expenditures $ 12.6 $ 2.0 $ 0.7 $ $ 15.3 Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Financial Services Healthcare Services Investments / Other Elimination Adjustments Consolidated Total Operating revenues $ 256.5 $ 92.1 $ 0.7 $ $ 349.3 Intersegment operating revenues 9.2 (9.2) Out-of-pocket reimbursements 12.8 1.6 (0.2) 14.2 Total revenues 278.5 93.7 0.7 (9.4) 363.5 Costs and expenses 219.7 78.9 0.5 (9.4) 289.7 Depreciation and amortization 17.0 4.6 0.1 21.7 Operating income $ 41.8 $ 10.2 $ 0.1 $ $ 52.1 Capital expenditures $ 33.1 $ 1.6 $ $ $ 34.7 Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Financial Services Healthcare Services Investments / Other Elimination Adjustments Consolidated Total Operating revenues $ 526.2 $ 208.2 $ 0.8 $ $ 735.2 Intersegment operating revenues 21.1 (21.1) Out-of-pocket reimbursements 31.6 4.5 (0.1) 36.0 Total revenues 578.9 212.7 0.8 (21.2) 771.2 Costs and expenses 474.7 172.1 1.7 (21.2) 627.3 Depreciation and amortization 37.4 8.2 0.7 46.3 Operating income (loss) $ 66.8 $ 32.4 $ (1.6) $ $ 97.6 Capital expenditures $ 22.8 $ 2.3 $ 0.7 $ $ 25.8 Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Financial Services Healthcare Services Investments / Other Elimination Adjustments Consolidated Total Operating revenues $ 503.9 $ 184.0 $ 1.4 $ $ 689.3 Intersegment operating revenues 19.6 (19.6) Out-of-pocket reimbursements 27.0 3.5 (0.6) 29.9 Total revenues 550.5 187.5 1.4 (20.2) 719.2 Costs and expenses 430.0 159.2 (1.8) (20.2) 567.2 Depreciation and amortization 33.5 9.2 0.4 43.1 Operating income $ 87.0 $ 19.1 $ 2.8 $ $ 108.9 Capital expenditures $ 52.2 $ 3.8 $ $ $ 56.0 DST SYSTEMS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (In millions) (Unaudited) June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 72.7 $ 79.5 Funds held on behalf of clients 287.2 480.2 Client funding receivable 63.4 53.2 Accounts receivable 218.4 214.8 Other assets 74.8 49.9 Current assets held for sale 272.8 178.0 989.3 1,055.6 Investments 333.6 418.2 Unconsolidated affiliates 323.9 312.2 Properties, net 239.5 256.7 Intangible assets, net 151.2 135.8 Goodwill 517.9 458.3 Other assets 47.4 56.9 Noncurrent assets held for sale 119.5 Total assets $ 2,602.8 $ 2,813.2 Liabilities Current liabilities Current portion of debt $ 152.6 $ 5.6 Client funds obligations 350.6 533.4 Accounts payable 46.6 51.2 Accrued compensation and benefits 85.6 126.5 Deferred revenues and gains 32.7 50.4 Other liabilities 78.7 66.2 Current liabilities held for sale 140.9 115.4 887.7 948.7 Long-term debt 559.6 556.5 Income taxes payable 71.0 73.8 Deferred income taxes 88.3 104.7 Other liabilities 28.6 23.9 Noncurrent liabilities held for sale 44.5 Total liabilities 1,635.2 1,752.1 Redeemable Non-controlling Interest 20.5 15.1 Stockholders' equity 947.1 1,046.0 Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest and stockholders' equity $ 2,602.8 $ 2,813.2 Common shares outstanding 33.2 34.3 DST SYSTEMS, INC. RECONCILIATION OF REPORTED RESULTS TO NON-GAAP RESULTS - CONTINUING OPERATIONS Three Months Ended June 30, (Unaudited - in millions, except per share amounts) 2016 Operating Operating Pretax Net DST Diluted Revenue Income Income (a) Income (b) Earnings (c) EPS Reported GAAP results $ 373.9 $ 45.9 $ 56.6 $ 34.5 $ 34.3 $ 1.03 Adjusted to remove: Restructuring charges (1) 11.1 11.1 6.9 6.9 0.20 Amortization of intangible assets (2) 5.9 5.9 3.7 3.7 0.11 Software impairment (3) 6.0 6.0 3.7 3.7 0.11 Net gain on securities and other investments (4) (6.2) (3.9) (3.7) (0.11) Income tax items (5) 2.7 2.7 0.08 Adjusted Non-GAAP results $ 373.9 $ 68.9 $ 73.4 $ 47.6 $ 47.6 $ 1.42 2015 Operating Operating Pretax Net DST Diluted Revenue Income Income (a) Income (b) Earnings (c) EPS Reported GAAP results $ 349.3 $ 52.1 $ 151.2 $ 95.5 $ 95.5 $ 2.58 Adjusted to remove: Amortization of intangible assets (2) 4.4 4.4 2.8 2.8 0.08 Net gain on securities and other investments (4) (89.9) (56.1) (56.1) (1.52) Adjusted Non-GAAP results $ 349.3 $ 56.5 $ 65.7 $ 42.2 $ 42.2 $ 1.14 2016 Financial Services Healthcare Services Investments / Other Consolidated Total Reported GAAP Operating Income $ 29.7 $ 17.3 $ (1.1) $ 45.9 Adjusted to remove: Restructuring charges (1) 10.4 0.7 11.1 Amortization of intangible assets (2) 4.4 1.5 5.9 Software impairment (3) 6.0 6.0 Adjusted Non-GAAP Operating Income $ 50.5 $ 19.5 $ (1.1) $ 68.9 2015 Financial Services Healthcare Services Investments / Other Consolidated Total Reported GAAP Operating Income $ 41.8 $ 10.2 $ 0.1 $ 52.1 Adjusted to remove: Amortization of intangible assets (2) 2.8 1.6 4.4 Adjusted Non-GAAP Operating Income $ 44.6 $ 11.8 $ 0.1 $ 56.5 (a) Pretax Income has been defined as "Income from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interest." (b) Net Income has been defined as "Income from continuing operations before non-controlling interest." (c) DST Earnings has been defined as "Income from continuing operations attributable to DST Systems, Inc." DST SYSTEMS, INC. RECONCILIATION OF REPORTED RESULTS TO NON-GAAP RESULTS - CONTINUING OPERATIONS Six Months Ended June 30, (Unaudited - in millions, except per share amounts) 2016 Operating Operating Pretax Net DST Diluted Revenue Income Income (a) Income (b) Earnings (c) EPS Reported GAAP results $ 735.2 $ 97.6 $ 115.2 $ 73.0 $ 73.9 $ 2.18 Adjusted to remove: Restructuring charges (1) 13.4 13.4 8.4 8.4 0.25 Amortization of intangible assets (2) 11.3 11.3 7.1 7.1 0.21 Software impairment (3) 6.0 6.0 3.7 3.7 0.11 Net gain on securities and other investments (4) (11.5) (7.2) (8.1) (0.24) Income tax items (5) 1.3 1.3 0.04 Adjusted Non-GAAP results $ 735.2 $ 128.3 $ 134.4 $ 86.3 $ 86.3 $ 2.55 2015 Operating Operating Pretax Net DST Diluted Revenue Income Income (a) Income (b) Earnings (c) EPS Reported GAAP results $ 689.3 $ 108.9 $ 299.9 $ 188.6 $ 188.6 $ 5.06 Adjusted to remove: Amortization of intangible assets (2) 8.8 8.8 5.6 5.6 0.15 Net gain on sale of real estate (6) (3.0) (3.0) (1.8) (1.8) (0.05) Net gain on securities and other investments (4) (171.8) (107.2) (107.2) (2.88) Net gain from unconsolidated affiliates (7) (3.6) (2.3) (2.3) (0.06) Adjusted Non-GAAP results $ 689.3 $ 114.7 $ 130.3 $ 82.9 $ 82.9 $ 2.22 2016 Financial Services Healthcare Services Investments / Other Consolidated Total Reported GAAP Operating Income (Loss) $ 66.8 $ 32.4 $ (1.6) $ 97.6 Adjusted to remove: Restructuring charges (1) 11.8 1.6 13.4 Amortization of intangible assets (2) 8.2 3.1 11.3 Software impairment (3) 6.0 6.0 Adjusted Non-GAAP Operating Income (Loss) $ 92.8 $ 37.1 $ (1.6) $ 128.3 2015 Financial Services Healthcare Services Investments / Other Consolidated Total Reported GAAP Operating Income $ 87.0 $ 19.1 $ 2.8 $ 108.9 Adjusted to remove: Amortization of intangible assets (2) 5.6 3.2 8.8 Net gain on sale of real estate (6) (3.0) (3.0) Adjusted Non-GAAP Operating Income (Loss) $ 92.6 $ 22.3 $ (0.2) $ 114.7 (a) Pretax Income has been defined as "Income from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interest." (b) Net Income has been defined as "Income from continuing operations before non-controlling interest." (c) DST Earnings has been defined as "Income from continuing operations attributable to DST Systems, Inc." DST SYSTEMS, INC. RECONCILIATION OF REPORTED RESULTS TO NON-GAAP RESULTS - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Reported GAAP Diluted EPS from Discontinued Operations $ 0.55 $ 0.33 $ 1.10 $ 0.72 Adjusted to remove: Amortization of intangible assets (2) 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.04 Transaction costs (8) 0.09 0.08 Income tax items (5) (0.21) (0.28) Adjusted Non-GAAP Diluted EPS from Discontinued Operations $ 0.45 $ 0.35 $ 0.94 $ 0.76 Note: See the "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information" section for management's reasons for providing non-GAAP financial information. Descriptions of Non-GAAP Adjustments (1) Restructuring charges are comprised of severance and other costs incurred as a result of organizational changes. These charges are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income within the Costs and expenses line item. (2) The amortization of intangible assets is included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income within the Depreciation and amortization line item. (3) The software impairment is included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income within the Costs and expenses line item. (4) Net gain on securities and other investments is comprised of net realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities, other than temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities and net gains on private equity funds, seed capital investments and other investments. These net gains were recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income within the Other income, net line item. (5) Income tax items relate to benefits realized from the release of particular uncertain tax positions settled, effectively settled or otherwise remeasured during the period or transaction related taxes. These items are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income within the Income taxes line item. (6) The gain on sale of real estate is included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income within the Costs and expenses line item. (7) The net gain from unconsolidated affiliates, resulting from the affiliate's sale of real estate assets and DST's sale of unconsolidated affiliates, are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income within the Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates line item. (8) Transaction costs associated with the sale of the North American Customer Communications business are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income within the Costs and expenses line items. DST SYSTEMS, INC. STATISTICAL INFORMATION - FINANCIAL SERVICES (Unaudited - in millions, except as noted) June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 U.S. mutual fund shareowner accounts processed: Registered accounts - non tax-advantaged 26.5 27.0 28.5 IRA mutual fund accounts 21.6 21.8 22.2 Other retirement accounts 8.1 8.2 8.1 Section 529 and Educational IRAs 8.0 8.4 8.6 Registered accounts - tax-advantaged 37.7 38.4 38.9 Total registered accounts 64.2 65.4 67.4 Subaccounts 30.4 31.3 30.0 Total U.S. mutual fund shareowner accounts 94.6 96.7 97.4 International mutual fund shareowner accounts processed: IFDS U.K. 9.0 8.8 11.4 IFDS L.P. (Canada) 13.4 13.3 12.8 Defined contribution participant accounts 6.4 7.0 6.4 Automatic Work Distributor workstations (in thousands) 211.9 211.4 212.5 ALPS (in billions of U.S. dollars): Assets Under Management $ 15.5 $ 14.7 $ 15.2 Assets Under Administration $ 170.5 $ 140.4 $ 138.0 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Changes in registered accounts: Beginning balance 64.9 68.5 65.4 68.8 Subaccounting conversions to DST platforms (0.5) (0.1) (0.9) Subaccounting conversions to non-DST platforms (0.4) (0.4) (0.4) (0.6) Conversions to non-DST platforms (0.1) (0.2) (0.1) Organic growth (decline) (0.3) (0.1) (0.5) 0.2 Ending balance 64.2 67.4 64.2 67.4 Changes in subaccounts: Beginning balance 30.4 29.4 31.3 28.6 New client conversions 0.2 0.2 Conversions from non-DST registered platforms 0.2 0.2 Conversions from DST's registered accounts 0.5 0.1 0.9 Organic growth (decline) (0.2) (0.1) (1.2) 0.3 Ending balance 30.4 30.0 30.4 30.0 Defined contribution participant accounts: Beginning balance 7.3 7.4 7.0 7.2 Organic decline (0.9) (1.0) (0.6) (0.8) Ending balance 6.4 6.4 6.4 6.4 DST SYSTEMS, INC. STATISTICAL INFORMATION - HEALTHCARE SERVICES (Unaudited - in millions, except as noted) June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 DST Health Solutions covered lives 23.2 26.0 24.7 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Argus pharmacy paid claims 126.7 122.3 253.6 242.2 About DST Systems DST Systems, Inc. (NYSE: DST) is a leading provider of specialized technology, strategic advisory, and business operations outsourcing to the financial and healthcare industries. Combining unmatched industry knowledge, critical infrastructure and service excellence, DST leads companies to master complexity in the world's most demanding industries to help them continually stay ahead of and capitalize on ever-changing customer, business and regulatory requirements. For more information, visit the DST website at www.dstsystems.com . Contact: Gregg Wm. Givens Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer DST Systems, Inc. 333 West 11th Street Kansas City, MO 64105-1594 (816) 435-5503 Supplemental Historical Segment Information DST SYSTEMS, INC. 2015 SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION REVISED TO REFLECT IMPACT OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (In millions) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 Financial Services Healthcare Services Investments / Other Elimination Adjustments Consolidated Total Operating revenues $ 263.1 $ 98.4 $ 0.8 $ $ 362.3 Intersegment operating revenues 9.5 (9.5) Out-of-pocket reimbursements 18.8 2.3 (0.2) 20.9 Total revenues 291.4 100.7 0.8 (9.7) 383.2 Costs and expenses 222.2 83.7 (0.3) (9.7) 295.9 Depreciation and amortization 20.2 4.6 0.3 25.1 Operating income $ 49.0 $ 12.4 $ 0.8 $ $ 62.2 Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Financial Services Healthcare Services Investments / Other Elimination Adjustments Consolidated Total Operating revenues $ 258.5 $ 94.0 $ 0.9 $ $ 353.4 Intersegment operating revenues 9.2 (9.2) Out-of-pocket reimbursements 15.9 2.4 (0.1) 18.2 Total revenues 283.6 96.4 0.9 (9.3) 371.6 Costs and expenses 217.6 78.4 0.4 (9.3) 287.1 Depreciation and amortization 17.9 4.8 0.2 22.9 Operating income $ 48.1 $ 13.2 $ 0.3 $ $ 61.6 Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Financial Services Healthcare Services Investments / Other Elimination Adjustments Consolidated Total Operating revenues $ 256.5 $ 92.1 $ 0.7 $ $ 349.3 Intersegment operating revenues 9.2 (9.2) Out-of-pocket reimbursements 12.8 1.6 (0.2) 14.2 Total revenues 278.5 93.7 0.7 (9.4) 363.5 Costs and expenses 219.7 78.9 0.5 (9.4) 289.7 Depreciation and amortization 17.0 4.6 0.1 21.7 Operating income $ 41.8 $ 10.2 $ 0.1 $ $ 52.1 Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Financial Services Healthcare Services Investments / Other Elimination Adjustments Consolidated Total Operating revenues $ 247.4 $ 91.9 $ 0.7 $ $ 340.0 Intersegment operating revenues 10.4 (10.4) Out-of-pocket reimbursements 14.2 1.9 (0.4) 15.7 Total revenues 272.0 93.8 0.7 (10.8) 355.7 Costs and expenses 210.3 80.3 (2.3) (10.8) 277.5 Depreciation and amortization 16.5 4.6 0.3 21.4 Operating income $ 45.2 $ 8.9 $ 2.7 $ $ 56.8 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131023/CG03088LOGO SOURCE DST Systems, Inc. LONDON, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Preview Analysis Global Dual Clutch Transmission Market Overview Global Dual Clutch Transmission market is projected to reach US$ 15,356 Million by 2020 at an estimated CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period. Dual clutch transmission is available in the market with various names such as direct shift gearbox, twin clutch and double clutch. A dual clutch transmission system has unique features such as it houses two separate gear boxes which keep engines in engaged mode all the time. This leads to relatively low power losses when compared with other conventional gear boxes. These gearboxes come with different modes of operation available for customers such as manual and automatic. Product Type Overview On the basis of product type, the global DCT market is segmented as dry clutch and wet clutch. Dry clutch contributed to around 55.2% of market revenue in 2014. Dry clutch was the segment in global dual clutch transmission market in 2014, and is anticipated to continue its dominance through 2020. Wet clutch, the other product type segment of global DCT market, is expected to register a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period. The report finds that the largest product type segment dry clutch is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 12.7% during the forecast period. Vehicle Type Overview Dual clutch transmission technology is used in passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Passenger vehicle segment is projected to register a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period. Due to stringent government regulations related to Carbon emissions in regions such as Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific and increase in vehicle production, the passenger vehicle segment is projected to register significant growth during the forecast period. Commercial vehicle segment is projected to register a CAGR of 10.3% during the forecast period. The penetration of DCT is projected to increase during the forecast period on account of the government regulations. Regional Overview Region-wise, Western Europe is the largest contributor in the global dual clutch transmission market, and is expected to continue its dominance till 2020. In 2014, the Western Europe DCT market was valued at US$ 3,105.5 Million and is expected to reach US$ 5,391.1 Million by 2020. Asia Pacific and North America are other major markets, which collectively contributed around 48%, to the global DCT market revenue in 2014. Middle East & Africa accounted for the lowest contribution in terms of revenue in 2014, but is expected to register a significant growth at a CAGR of 7.7% over the forecast period. Drivers and Trends Growth in the automobile industry, increase in fuel cost, changing consumer preferences and stringent environmental regulations are expected to boost the global dual clutch transmission market. Currently, penetration of DCT technology in the global transmission market stands at 5.5%. Although DCT technology has less penetration as compared to other technologies such as manual and automatic, automotive OEMs are integrating the DCT technology as a differentiating factor for vehicles. Automotive OEMs and suppliers of DCT technology are launching compact, fast and fuel efficient technology to have an edge in the market. The report profiles the key strategies and financial outlook of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Getrag KG, BorgWarner Inc., Eaton and Continental AG. In coming years, due to high production of automotive, Asia Pacific is expected to register a fastest CAGR in the global DCT market during forecast period. Global Dual Clutch Transmission Market Value (US$ Million) and Y-o-Y Growth Forecast, 2013-2020 Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/3356667/ 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 ALBANY, New York, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The top three players in the global energy-efficient warehouse lighting market, namely Philips Lighting Holding B.V., Eaton, and General Electric Company, accounted for nearly 83% of the overall market in 2015, with Philips and Eaton holding an almost similar percentage of shares. Despite this, the presence of numerous small-sized local players, especially in China, has been giving large, international vendors stiff competition, Transparency Market Research (TMR) has found. "Smart lighting technology has emerged as a leading opportunity for companies in the energy-efficient warehouse lighting market," the author of the study states. Smart lighting has the ability to reduce overall energy consumption, which is making it an attractive investment for warehouse owners. As end users become informed about the benefits of automated smart lighting systems, together with modern CFL, LED, and OLED lamps, their sales are expected to rise. Increased R&D activities and partnerships for the development of advanced and energy-efficient lighting systems is also a key strategy adopted by several players. A case in point would be Philips. In February 2016, Koninklijke Philips N.V. separated its lighting business to establish Philips Lighting Holding B.V. This has allowed the company to sharpen its strategic focus toward its core competent business. Later in June 2016, this new business joined hands with Netherlands-based Dummen Orange to conduct R&D activities in the LED segment. Get Research PDF for more Professional and Technical Industry Insights: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=12989 Government Mandates Support Use of Energy-efficient Warehouse Lighting "The demand for energy-efficient warehouse lighting has received significant impetus from companies looking to reduce their energy consumption in warehouses," a TMR analyst states. Compared to traditional incandescent lighting systems, advanced and smart lighting solutions such as LED and CFL help companies conserve energy and save on costs. The demand for energy-efficient warehouse lighting has risen with their growing usage in refrigeration, lighting, cooling and ventilation, material handling, and others applications in warehouses. The energy-efficient warehouse lighting market has also been supported by favorable government regulations around the world. For instance, the U.S. government has banned the use of incandescent lighting in warehouse spaces. It has also provided vendors utility rebates, thereby boosting the use of energy-efficient lighting solutions. Several European countries have implemented Energy Performance Certificates, which require commercial spaces to adhere to energy-efficient processes and requirements. In contrast, high initial investments and undefined technology issues discourage numerous companies from making the switch to energy-efficient warehouse lighting. Browse Research Report with ToC & Free Analysis: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/energy-efficient-lighting-market.html Demand for LFLs to Decline as LEDs Gain Prominence "The global market for energy-efficient warehouse lighting will witness impressive growth in the coming years," the TMR analyst predicts. Registering a strong CAGR of 13.4% from 2016 to 2024, the opportunity in the market is projected to be worth over US$15 bn by the end of the forecast period, rising from US$4.2 bn in 2014. Asia Pacific has led the energy-efficient warehouse lighting market at the start of the forecast period and will continue its streak through 2024, accounting for a share of over 45% in terms of revenue. By lighting source, linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs) led the overall market in 2014. However, owing to the increasing popularity of and demand for light emitting diodes (LED), the dominance of LFLs is anticipated to be toppled by LEDs. Shifting Focus from Developed to Developing Regions Benefits APAC and LATAM Markets Geographically, the global energy-efficient warehouse lighting market has been segmented into five regions: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. In the recent past, lighting companies have shifted their focus from the developed markets of North America and Europe to emerging markets such as India, China, South Africa, Argentina, and Brazil. On account of rapid economic growth, favorable government policies and mega urban projects, these countries present new opportunities for players in the energy-efficient warehouse lighting market. Regionally, Asia Pacific emerged as the leading segment of the global energy-efficient warehouse lighting market in 2014, with a share of 42.3% in terms of revenue. Japan, China, and South Korea are prominent contributors to the growth of this regional market owing to major investments in the latest lighting technologies. Rapid industrial growth has also stimulated the demand for energy-efficient warehouse lighting. The rising demand for green technologies is likely to be instrumental in boosting the energy-efficient warehouse lighting market in APAC in the coming years. Europe and North America are highly developed markets with continued steady growth throughout the forecast period. Latin America is fast emerging as an export destination owing to a rapid improvement in trade policies, which has resulted in infrastructure development on a promising scale. This is likely to have a positive impact on the Latin America energy-efficient warehouse lighting market in the years to come. Browse Regional Market Research: http://www.europlat.org/global-energy-efficient-lighting-market.htm This review is based on the findings of a TMR report titled "Energy Efficient Lighting Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016-2024." Energy Efficient Lighting Market: By Lighting Source High-intensity Discharge Lamps (HID) Linear Fluorescent Lamps (LFL) Light Emitting Diodes (LED) Other Lighting Sources Energy Efficient Lighting Market: By Region North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe U.K. France Germany Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Australia India Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa Saudi Arabia U.A.E. South Africa Rest of Middle East and Africa Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Browse Other Research Report: Energy Efficient Materials Market : http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/energy-efficient-materials-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/energy-efficient-materials-market.html Solar Street Lighting Market : http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/solar-street-lighting-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/solar-street-lighting-market.html Energy Management Systems (EMS) Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/energy-management-systems-market.html About TMR Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The company's exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend 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. TMR's 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 Transparency Market Research State Tower 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Blog: http://www.tmrblog.com/ SOURCE Transparency Market Research DUBLIN, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Environmental Testing Market - Global Forecast to 2021" report to their offering. The market is driven by factors such as deteriorating environment, privatization of environmental testing services, and increasing regulations regarding environment protection. The high growth potential in emerging markets and untapped regions provides new opportunities for market players. Several studies have suggested that exposure to VOCs may worsen the symptoms in people who are asthmatic or are sensitive to chemicals. The effect of every chemical is different and is attributed to its toxicity. The rising concerns over health issues due to organic contaminants are expected to drive its testing services market. On the basis of technology, the environmental testing market was led by the rapid technology segment in 2015. The market is growing due to the requirement of quick, accurate, easy-to-use, and reduced total cost method of testing. North America was the largest environmental testing market in 2015. Governing organizations are present in the market and have enforced various environment protection policies. The North American environmental testing market addresses various environmental issues such as climate change, acid rain reduction, and greenhouse gas emissions. The Asia-Pacific market is projected to be the fastest-growing market during the forecast period. Companies Mentioned: AB Sciex LLC ALS Limited Agilent Technologies Inc. Asurequality Limited Bureau Veritas S.A. Eurofins Scientific SE Intertek Group PLC R J Hill Laboratories Ltd. Romer Labs Diagnostic GmbH SGS S.A. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 5 Market Overview 6 Industry Trends 7 Environmental Testing Market, By Sample 8 Environmental Testing Market, By Contaminant 9 Environmental Testing Market, By Technology 10 Environmental Testing Market, By Region 11 Regulatory Framework and Safety Aspects 12 Competitive Landscape 13 Company Profiles 14 Appendix For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/ch32w2/environmental 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 SAN FRANCISCO, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Will Ogilvie has joined the firm's southwest regional office. He will be based in Houston and report to Brett Haugh, Managing Principal, Southwest Region. Ogilvie brings nearly 15 total years of experience to EPIC. Prior to joining the firm, he was a director for DirectPath, LLC, a privately-held leader in strategic employee engagement and health care compliance for Fortune 1000 companies. Ogilvie also served as Regional Vice President for RS Investments, where he managed over 3,500 financial advisors and delivered educational presentations, seminars and other public speaking engagements as an industry thought leader for the company. As a business development manager for EPIC's Employee Benefits practice, Ogilvie will identify opportunities to improve employee programs and/or administrative services, as well as help companies better manage costs and optimize their return on investment in human capital. He will collaborate with business leaders and subject matter experts to craft tailored solutions to advance clients' business goals. Ogilvie will also develop new business opportunities. "We are delighted that Will has joined our firm, and know that his contributions to the firm's intellectual capital will serve us, and our clients extremely well. Will's results orientation, creativity, passion for service excellence and client advocacy makes him a terrific fit for our firm," said Jim Watt, EPIC President, Southwest Region. "I know his impact on our organization will be felt immediately." Ogilvie earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. Will Ogilvie can be reached at: Ascende - an EPIC Company Office: 832-476-9938 Mobile: 713-248-8253 [email protected] About EPIC: EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally. EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients. With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit www.epicbrokers.com. *PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0721-Will-Ogilvie-300dpi.jpg MEDIA CONTACTS: Dave Hock, of EPIC 650-295-4608 [email protected] Nicole Conley 650-422-3156 [email protected] This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com SOURCE EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants Related Links http://www.epicbrokers.com WASHINGTON, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Boosted by a greater share of sales to first-time buyers not seen in nearly four years, existing-home sales maintained their upward trajectory in June and increased for the fourth consecutive month, according to the National Association of Realtors. Only the Northeast saw a decline in closings in June, and sales to investors fell to their lowest overall share since July 2009. Existing-Home Sales Ascend Again in June Lawrence Yun is chief economist and senior vice president of research at the National Association of Realtors(r). Yun oversees and is responsible for a wide range of research activity for the association including NAR's Existing Home Sales statistics, Affordability Index, and Home Buyers and Sellers Profile Report. He regularly provides commentary on real estate market trends for its 1 million Realtor(r) members. Total existing-home sales1, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, climbed 1.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.57 million in June from a downwardly revised 5.51 million in May. After last month's gain, sales are now up 3.0 percent from June 2015 (5.41 million) and remain at their highest annual pace since February 2007 (5.79 million). Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, says the impressive four month streak of sales gains through June caps off a solid first half of 2016 for the housing market. "Existing sales rose again last month as more traditional buyers and fewer investors were able to close on a home despite many competitive areas with unrelenting supply and demand imbalances," he said. "Sustained job growth as well as this year's descent in mortgage rates is undoubtedly driving the appetite for home purchases." Cautions Yun, "Looking ahead, it's unclear if this current sales pace can further accelerate as record high stock prices, near-record low mortgage rates and solid job gains face off against a dearth of homes available for sale and lofty home prices that keep advancing." The median existing-home price2 for all housing types in June was $247,700, up 4.8 percent from June 2015 ($236,300). June's price increase marks the 52nd consecutive month of year-over-year gains and surpasses May's peak median sales price of $238,900. Total housing inventory3 at the end of June dipped 0.9 percent to 2.12 million existing homes available for sale, and is now 5.8 percent lower than a year ago (2.25 million). Unsold inventory is at a 4.6-month supply at the current sales pace, which is down from 4.7 months in May. The share of first-time buyers was 33 percent in June, which is up from 30 percent in May and a year ago and is the highest since July 2012 (34 percent). Through the first six months of the year, first-time buyers have represented an average of 31 percent of buyers; they were 30 percent in all of 2015. "The modest bump in June sales to first-time buyers can be attributed to mortgage rates near all-time lows and perhaps a hopeful indication that more affordable, lower-priced homes are beginning to make their way onto the market," adds Yun. "The odds of closing on a home are definitely higher right now for first-time buyers living in metro areas with tamer price growth and greater entry-level supply particularly areas in the Midwest and parts of the South." All-cash sales were 22 percent of transactions in June, unchanged from both May and a year ago. Individual investors, who account for many cash sales, purchased 11 percent of homes in June (lowest since July 2009 at 9 percent), down from 13 percent in May and 12 percent a year ago. Sixty-four percent of investors paid cash in June. According to Freddie Mac, the average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage decreased from 3.60 percent in May to 3.57 percent in June. Mortgage rates have now fallen four straight months and in June were the lowest since May 2013 (3.54 percent). The average commitment rate for all of 2015 was 3.85 percent. NAR President Tom Salomone, broker-owner of Real Estate II Inc. in Coral Springs, Florida, says Realtors are thrilled that the U.S. Senate last week unanimously voted to pass H.R. 3700, the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act. "At a time of historically low mortgage rates, this is a huge win for prospective first-time and low- to moderate-income buyers interested in purchasing a condo," he said. "Eliminating overly burdensome restrictions on condos will help more of these prospective buyers access financing and take advantage of this affordable entry point into homeownership." Properties typically stayed on the market for 34 days in June, an increase from 32 days in May but unchanged from a year ago. Short sales were on the market the longest at a median of 156 days in June, while foreclosures sold in 49 days and non-distressed homes took 30 days. Forty-eight percent of homes sold in June were on the market for less than a month. Inventory data from Realtor.com reveals that the metropolitan statistical areas where listings stayed on the market the shortest amount of time in June were Wilson, N.C., and Jacksonville, N.C., both at a median of 22 days; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif., 28 days; and San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, Calif., Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, and Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colo., at 29 days. Distressed sales4 foreclosures and short sales were 6 percent of sales in June, unchanged from May and down from 8 percent a year ago. Four percent of June sales were foreclosures (lowest since NAR began tracking in October 2008) and 2 percent were short sales. Foreclosures sold for an average discount of 11 percent below market value in June (12 percent in May), while short sales were discounted 18 percent (11 percent in May). Single-family and Condo/Co-op Sales Single-family home sales increased 0.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.92 million in June from 4.88 million in May, and are now 3.1 percent higher than the 4.77 million pace a year ago. The median existing single-family home price was $249,800 in June, up 5.0 percent from June 2015. Existing condominium and co-op sales grew 3.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 650,000 units in June from 630,000 in May, and are now 1.6 percent above June 2015 (640,000 units). The median existing condo price was $231,600 in June, which is 3.2 percent above a year ago. Regional Breakdown June existing-home sales in the Northeast declined 1.3 percent to an annual rate of 760,000, but are still 5.6 percent above a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $284,800, which is 1.4 percent above June 2015. In the Midwest, existing-home sales jumped 3.8 percent to an annual rate of 1.35 million in June, and are now 4.7 percent above June 2015. The median price in the Midwest was $199,900, up 5.7 percent from a year ago. Existing-home sales in the South in June remained unchanged from May at an annual rate of 2.26 million, and are 3.2 percent above June 2015. The median price in the South was $217,400, up 5.5 percent from a year ago. Existing-home sales in the West rose 1.7 percent to an annual rate of 1.20 million in June, but are still 0.8 percent below a year ago. The median price in the West was $350,800, which is 7.2 percent above June 2015. The National Association of Realtors, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. NOTE: For local information, please contact the local association of Realtors for data from local multiple listing services. Local MLS data is the most accurate source of sales and price information in specific areas, although there may be differences in reporting methodology. 1Existing-home sales, which include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, are based on transaction closings from Multiple Listing Services. Changes in sales trends outside of MLSs are not captured in the monthly series. NAR rebenchmarks home sales periodically using other sources to assess overall home sales trends, including sales not reported by MLSs. Existing-home sales, based on closings, differ from the U.S. Census Bureau's series on new single-family home sales, which are based on contracts or the acceptance of a deposit. Because of these differences, it is not uncommon for each series to move in different directions in the same month. In addition, existing-home sales, which account for more than 90 percent of total home sales, are based on a much larger data sample about 40 percent of multiple listing service data each month and typically are not subject to large prior-month revisions. The annual rate for a particular month represents what the total number of actual sales for a year would be if the relative pace for that month were maintained for 12 consecutive months. Seasonally adjusted annual rates are used in reporting monthly data to factor out seasonal variations in resale activity. For example, home sales volume is normally higher in the summer than in the winter, primarily because of differences in the weather and family buying patterns. However, seasonal factors cannot compensate for abnormal weather patterns. Single-family data collection began monthly in 1968, while condo data collection began quarterly in 1981; the series were combined in 1999 when monthly collection of condo data began. Prior to this period, single-family homes accounted for more than nine out of 10 purchases. Historic comparisons for total home sales prior to 1999 are based on monthly single-family sales, combined with the corresponding quarterly sales rate for condos. 2The median price is where half sold for more and half sold for less; medians are more typical of market conditions than average prices, which are skewed higher by a relatively small share of upper-end transactions. The only valid comparisons for median prices are with the same period a year earlier due to seasonality in buying patterns. Month-to-month comparisons do not compensate for seasonal changes, especially for the timing of family buying patterns. Changes in the composition of sales can distort median price data. Year-ago median and mean prices sometimes are revised in an automated process if additional data is received. The national median condo/co-op price often is higher than the median single-family home price because condos are concentrated in higher-cost housing markets. However, in a given area, single-family homes typically sell for more than condos as seen in NAR's quarterly metro area price reports. 3Total inventory and month's supply data are available back through 1999, while single-family inventory and month's supply are available back to 1982 (prior to 1999, single-family sales accounted for more than 90 percent of transactions and condos were measured only on a quarterly basis). 4Distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales), days on market, first-time buyers, all-cash transactions and investors are from a monthly survey for the NAR's Realtors Confidence Index, posted at Realtor.org. NOTE: NAR's Pending Home Sales Index for June will be released July 27, and Existing-Home Sales for July will be released August 24; release times are 10:00 a.m. ET. Information about NAR is available at www.realtor.org. This and other news releases are posted in the "News, Blogs and Videos" tab on the website. Statistical data in this release, as well as other tables and surveys, are posted in the "Research and Statistics" tab. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391822 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150210/174672 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150210/174673LOGO SOURCE National Association of Realtors Related Links http://www.realtor.org AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- 124 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT dealerships have earned the inaugural 2016 Customer First Award for Excellence Consumers will recognize these elite dealerships as providing the best sales and service experience Dealers may use inaugural Customer First Award for Excellence logo in all advertising and marketing efforts An inaugural group of 124 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT dealerships have earned the 2016 Customer First Award for Excellence. By achieving this elite status, these FCA US LLC dealerships will be recognized by consumers as leaders in customer sales and service experience. FCA US created the Customer First Award for Excellence with its dealer partners and J.D. Power to elevate customer satisfaction with the dealerships with a specific focus on the sales and service experience, employee training and facility condition. Dealers in this initial group completed all of the required program goals from Jan. 1 to June 30. A second group of award winners will be announced in early 2017 when they complete their certification requirements. "We are extremely impressed with the accomplishments these 124 dealerships have been able to achieve in a short amount of time," said Al Gardner, Head of Network Development, FCA North America. "We gave our dealer body the challenge to join us in focusing on increasing our customer satisfaction, loyalty and service retention and through the core pillars of this initiative, these dealers have shown that it's achievable. These dealerships will be able to proudly differentiate themselves as elite stores by being winners of the inaugural Customer First Award for Excellence." The Customer First Award for Excellence initiative was rolled out to dealerships in October 2015. Dealers participated in cross-country workshops where they learned of award requirements and dealership best practices. Some have worked with independently contracted Customer Experience Specialists in order to seek the highest levels of process and procedure improvements to ensure an increase in customer satisfaction. All 2,600 FCA US dealerships were eligible to pursue and earn the inaugural award certification. Dealers must achieve goals in five core "pillars" to earn the Customer First Award for Excellence designation: Facility Customers consistently find dealerships to be clean, convenient and comfortable. Facilities are certified every six months Customers consistently find dealerships to be clean, convenient and comfortable. Facilities are certified every six months Customer Processes Dealer consistently executes processes for key customer interaction points, such as sales negotiation, delivery and follow up Dealer consistently executes processes for key customer interaction points, such as sales negotiation, delivery and follow up Performance Dealer achieves required high level of satisfaction in customer sales and service satisfaction surveys Dealer achieves required high level of satisfaction in customer sales and service satisfaction surveys Employee Survey Survey employees annually, share findings with employees, and act on the feedback and results Survey employees annually, share findings with employees, and act on the feedback and results Training Certification Dealership personnel meet minimum training requirements for sales, service, parts and technical staff Since program rollout, national Sales Advocacy scores, Fixed First Visit scores and Service Advocacy scores have all risen to the highest level in our history. All of the tools and goals within the program are designed to focus on building a relationship with the customers. Head of Parts and Service (Mopar), FCA Global Pietro Gorlier explains, "the Customer First program has enabled our dealers' focus to be drawn to the customer experience. The program sheds light on customer touch points throughout the service experience at the dealerships and enables dealers to exceed our customers' expectations." "Creating advocates for all of our brands is the key to long-term success," said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. "These dealers have shown leadership in that effort and will benefit from their customer-focused approach." The 124 dealerships will be able to use the inaugural Customer First Award for Excellence logo in all advertising and marketing efforts. They will receive a plaque, executive acknowledgement letter, differentiated search results on brand websites, a dealership-wide award luncheon and a host of other marketing press materials. Dealer Name City State CERRITOS DODGE INC CERRITOS CA ORANGE COAST ALFA ROMEO AND FIAT COSTA MESA CA ORANGE COAST CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE COSTA MESA CA SANTA MARIA CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM SANTA MARIA CA PARK CHRYSLER JEEP BURNSVILLE MN ABERDEEN AUTO CENTER, INC ABERDEEN SD HUDSON CHRYSLER LLC HUDSON WI JOHN HIRSCH'S CAMBRIDGE MOTORS LLC CAMBRIDGE MN LEE'S SUMMIT CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE LEES SUMMIT MO WINFIELD MOTOR COMPANY WINFIELD KS GANLEY VILLAGE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM PAINESVILLE OH YARK CHRYSLER-JEEP-DODGE TOLEDO OH BOB-BOYD ALFA ROMEO FIAT COLUMBUS OH COLE CHRY-JEEP-DODGE LLC MARSHALL MI AUBURN CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM AUBURN IN BLUE WATER CHRYSLER-PLYMOUTH-DODGE JEEP-EAGLE PORT HURON MI BRUNSWICK AUTO MART INC BRUNSWICK OH BUD'S CHRYSLER-DODGE-JEEP, INC. CELINA OH CHARLIE'S DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM MAUMEE OH DON'S AUTO CLINIC INC CADILLAC MI EXTREME DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP JACKSON MI FRED MARTIN SUPERSTORE NORTON OH GOLLING CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM, INC. BLOOMFIELD HILLS MI GROGAN'S TOWNE CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM TOLEDO OH HENDRICKSON CHRY DODGE JEEP INC MONTICELLO IN JIM RIEHL'S FRIENDLY CHRYSLER LAPEER MI MATHEWS DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP INC MARION OH ROCHESTER HILLS CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE ROCHESTER HILLS MI SCHAEFER & BIERLEIN INC FRANKENMUTH MI POMOCO CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE NEWPORT NEWS VA ADAMS JEEP OF MARYLAND INC ABERDEEN MD BERGEY'S CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE SOUDERTON PA CARMAN CHRYSLER-JEEP-DODGE NEW CASTLE DE COUNTRY CHRY-DODGE-JEEP INC OXFORD PA ELM GROVE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM WHEELING WV HERITAGE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM OWINGS MILLS OWINGS MILLS MD HONDRU CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM ELIZABETHTOWN PA KEENE DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM JARRETTSVILLE MD OURISMAN CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM CLARKSVILLE MD OUTTEN CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM HAMBURG PA PELLEGRINO CHRYSLER JEEP WOODBURY HEIGHTS NJ ROTOLO'S DODGE-CHRY-JEEP CHARLEROI PA STARR MOTORS INCORPORATED SUFFOLK VA VICTORY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM DELMONT PA CASSENS & SONS INC GLEN CARBON IL MARTINS GARAGE INC UNION GROVE WI 5 CORNERS DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP CEDARBURG WI BRICKNER'S OF WAUSAU, INC WAUSAU WI BRICKNER'S PARK CITY INC MERRILL WI CHILSON CHRYSLER DODGE, LLC CHIPPEWA FALLS WI GLENDALE CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM GLENDALE MO JACK WOLF CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE INC. BELVIDERE IL LINCOLN CHRYSLER DODGE & JEEP LINCOLN IL NIKLES OF PETERSBURG, INC. PETERSBURG IL PALMEN DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RACINE WI PRESCOTT BROTHERS INC MENDOTA IL ROANOKE MOTOR CO INC ROANOKE IL SHEBOYGAN CHRYSLER CENTER INC SHEBOYGAN WI SHOTTENKIRK CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE MT PLEASANT IA STEW HANSEN DODGE CITY JEEP URBANDALE IA SUMMIT CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FOND DU LAC WI WICKSTROM CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE BARRINGTON IL WILSON CHRYSLER JEEP INC CLINTON IL ACTON CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM ACTON MA KRYSTAL CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM WARRENSBURG NY ADIRONDACK AUTO SERV INC ELIZABETHTOWN NY BAILEY'S MOTOR SALES INC NORTH KINGSTOWN RI BESSEY MOTOR SALES INC SOUTH PARIS ME BEST CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM PLYMOUTH MA BONNEVILLE & SON INC MANCHESTER NH CENTRAL MAINE CHRYSLER-DODGE-JEEP-RAM-FIAT WATERVILLE ME DOVER DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP, INC. ROCKAWAY NJ FLEMINGTON DODGE-CHRY-JEEP FLEMINGTON NJ FOSS MOTORS INC EXETER NH FOSTER MOTORS INC MIDDLEBURY VT FOX CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP INC AUBURN NY FRANKLIN SUSSEX AUTO MALL INC SUSSEX NJ FREEHOLD DODGE INC FREEHOLD NJ GENESEE VALLEY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP AVON NY KEENE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP KEENE NH KELLY JEEP CHRY PLY LYNNFIELD MA NIELSEN DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM EAST HANOVER NJ SAWYER MOTORS SAUGERTIES NY SUMMIT CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM ONEIDA NY SUMMIT DODGE SYRACUSE NY TOWNE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP, INC. HAMBURG NY TRI-CITY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM SOMERSWORTH NH UPSTATE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM ATTICA NY VICTORY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM ROME NY YOUNG'S MOTORS INC MILTON NY FAYETTEVILLE DODGE INC FAYETTEVILLE NY SOUTH MIAMI ALFA ROMEO FIAT MIAMI FL ARRIGO DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM SAWGRASS TAMARAC FL ALFA ROMEO FIAT OF THE TRIAD GREENSBORO NC ATLANTIC DODGE-CHRY-JEEP INC ST AUGUSTINE FL CITRUS CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE DADE CITY FL COFFEE CHRYSLER-PLYMOUTH-DODGE INC DOUGLAS GA FIELDS CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM SANFORD FL GWINNETT CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM STONE MOUNTAIN GA HARPER ALFA ROMEO AND FIAT KNOXVILLE TN NEUWIRTH MOTORS INC WILMINGTON NC NORTH POINT CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT WINSTON-SALEM NC TOM EDWARDS INC BARTOW FL WARNER ROBINS CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE WARNER ROBINS GA EVERETT CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM SPRINGDALE AR JOHNSONS OF KINGFISHER KINGFISHER OK LANDERS ALFA ROMEO FIAT SHREVEPORT LA LANDERS DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM BOSSIER CITY LA MAC HAIK DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP TEMPLE TX MAC HAIK DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP GEORGETOWN TX MCLARTY DANIEL CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM BENTONVILLE AR NYLE MAXWELL CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP OF TAYLOR TAYLOR TX OVIEDO CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE LA GRANGE TX RON CARTER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE OF LEAGUE CITY LEAGUE CITY TX LARRY H. MILLER CHRYSLER JEEP TUCSON TUCSON AZ DENNIS DILLON DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP CALDWELL ID DOUG SMITH CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE AMERICAN FORK UT ENUMCLAW CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM ENUMCLAW WA LARRY H. MILLER CHRYSLER JEEP AVONDALE AVONDALE AZ LARRY H. MILLER DODGE RAM AVONDALE AVONDALE AZ LITHIA CHRYSLER JEEP OF RENO RENO NV MARK'S CASA CHRYSLER JEEP ALBUQUERQUE NM MELLOY DODGE ALBUQUERQUE NM TOWBIN FIAT ALFA ROMEO LAS VEGAS NV 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: https://www.facebook.com/FiatChrysler.NorthAmerica/ 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 SOURCE FCA US LLC Related Links http://www.fcanorthamerica.com PORTLAND, Ore., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study finds that defendants that who insist on their right to trial receive prison sentences 64% longer than if they had pled guilty. According to Dean Strang, defense attorney featured in the documentary Making a Murderer, such large "trial penalties" effectively punish defendants for exercising their constitutional right to trial and force innocent defendants to plead guilty. By analyzing over 200,000 federal cases, Professor Andrew Chongseh Kim found that defendants who exercise their right to trial receive sentences that are 64% longer than if they had pled guilty instead. These new findings reveal that the trial penalty is over four times larger than previously thought. As Kim explains, "Prior studies ignored federal rules that automatically reduce sentences for defendants who plead guilty. In practice, that means that you can't exercise your right to trial unless you are willing to accept a longer sentence if you lose." Kim's study shows that 97% of federal defendants receive these "discounts" for pleading guilty. Dean Strang, however, argues that rather than rewarding defendants who plead guilty, this system actually "punish[es] those [few] who go to trial simply because they go to trial. The[se] numbers make clear that guilty pleas set the norms for sentencing, while asserting innocence and trying a case carries a massive surcharge of lost liberty for the defendant who loses [at trial], simply because he took us up on the constitutional promise of a trial." According to Strang, these large trial penalties can also force innocent defendants to plead guilty. "Annually, thousands of Americans plead guilty to more [serious crimes] than they [actually committed], rather than risk added time incarcerated if a jury gets it wrong. At least some Americans who committed absolutely no crime at all plead guilty for the same reason. Professor Kim's study focuses on federal cases, but [the innocence problem may be far worse] in our vastly busier state criminal courts." By exposing the price defendants pay for their right to trial and the risk that innocents plead guilty, "Professor Kim's work threatens to topple two imaginary pillars of our criminal justice system," says Strang. "Any edifice resting on imaginary supports will collapse, so we might consider [this] data and then turn our attention to rebuilding real pillars in our justice system. After all, we are in no position to search for the truth in court when we play make-believe about the very structure of our justice system." Professor Andrew Chongseh Kim is an Associate Professor at Concordia University School of Law who specializes in criminal law. Professor Kim's peer reviewed article, Underestimating the Trial Penalty: An Empirical Analysis of the Federal Trial Penalty and Critique of the Abrams Study was recently published in the prestigious Mississippi Law Journal. It is available online at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2635657 Media Contact: Madeline Turnock, APR 503-803-3729 Email SOURCE Concordia University School of Law HOUSTON, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Gastar Exploration Inc. (NYSE MKT: GST) ("Gastar") announced today that it will release its second quarter 2016 results on Thursday, August 4, 2016 after the market closes. In conjunction with the release, Gastar has scheduled a conference call for 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (10:00 a.m. Central Time) on Friday, August 5, 2016. Investors may participate in the call either by phone or audio webcast. By Phone: Dial 1-412-902-0030 at least 10 minutes before the call. A telephone replay will be available through August 12 by dialing 1-201-612-7415 and using the conference ID: 13641002. By Webcast: Visit the Investor Relations page of Gastar's website at www.gastar.com under "Events & Presentations." Please log on a few minutes in advance to register and download any necessary software. A replay will be available shortly after the call. For more information, please contact Donna Washburn at Dennard-Lascar Associates at 713-529-6600 or e-mail [email protected]. About Gastar Exploration Gastar Exploration Inc. is an independent energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of oil, condensate, natural gas and natural gas liquids in the United States. Gastar's principal business activities include the identification, acquisition, and subsequent exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties with an emphasis on unconventional reserves, such as shale resource plays. In Oklahoma, Gastar is developing the primarily oil-bearing reservoirs of the Hunton Limestone horizontal play and is testing other prospective formations on the same acreage, including the Meramec Shale and the Woodford Shale, which is referred to as the STACK Play and emerging prospective plays in the shallow Oswego formation and in the Osage formation, a deeper bench of the Mississippi Lime located below the Meramec Shale. For more information, visit Gastar's website at www.gastar.com. Contacts: Gastar Exploration Inc. Michael A. Gerlich, Chief Financial Officer 713-739-1800 / [email protected] Investor Relations Counsel: Lisa Elliott / [email protected] Dennard-Lascar Associates: 713-529-6600 SOURCE Gastar Exploration Inc. Related Links http://www.gastar.com Top experts will explore the opportunities offered by IoT technology to such industries as Manufacturing, Transportation & Logisitics, Healthcare, and Energy & Utilities as well as Innovation & Technology and its transformative role in the economy. Among the first confirmed speakers are Jonathan Ballon, VP Intel; Matthias Machnig, German State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Energy; Prith Banerjee, Executive VP and Chief Technology Officer at Schneider Electric; Michael Raynor, Director at Deloitte Services LP; Sam George, Director of Azure IoT at Microsoft; Richard Savage, Senior Managing Consultant - IoT Specialist at IBM; Tony Guerion, Head of IoT Southern Europe & Middle East at Vodafone Group Enterprise; and Derek O'Halloran, Head of Information Technology & Electronics Industries at the World Economic Forum. Among the topics discussed within the nearly 100 sessions scheduled feature Industrial Internet and Industrie 4.0 - Combining the best of two worlds; The factory of the future, Repair intelligence, and Security in industrial cloud hosting; The Internet of Energy; Innovative applications of Artificial Intelligence in automotive maintenance, Lab-In-A-Box: A Diagnostic Device for the Internet of You; and Big Data solutions for decreasing traffic fatalities. The Industrial Internet Consortium, the sector's leading association, has advised once more Fira de Barcelona in the design of the conference program. IoTSWC will also include an exhibition area that will feature not only companies and their latest innovations but also a testbeds area with real-life applications of these solutions. A world benchmark Over 80 exhibitors have confirmed their participation in IoTSWC 2016 almost matching last year's figures months in advance of the event and making it the leading industrial internet summit. Among these confirmed companies are Accenture, Analog Devices, Dassault Systemes, Deloitte, Deutsche Telekom, EMC, Everis, GE,Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM, Intel, Interdigital, Kaspersky, Microsoft, National Instruments. PTC, SAP, Schneider, Sigfox, Telefonica and Vodafone. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160513/367297LOGO Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160718/391422LOGO Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160718/390439 SOURCE Fira de Barcelona Related Links http://www.iotsworldcongress.com/ NEW YORK, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In recent years, as China's economic development has entered a new normal, agricultural machinery industry also sees the end of a golden decade (2004-2013) of rapid growth and expands at a medium-high growth rate. In 2015, Chinese agricultural machinery enterprises with annual prime operating revenue of RMB20 million and more registered combined revenue of RMB428.37 billion, edging up 2.5% from a year ago, at the weakest pace over the past ten years. Features are presented as follows: 1) Agricultural machinery subsidies decline gradually. Funding for agricultural machinery subsidies and the subsidies for each set of agricultural machinery dropped and the scope of subsidies narrowed in 2015 and 2016. 2.) The level of agricultural mechanization improves. The total power of agricultural machinery was1.1 billion kilowatts in 2015 and is expected to hit 1.2 billion kilowatts in 2020. The overall level of mechanization in crop plowing, sowing, and harvesting came to 63% in 2015 and will touch 70% in 2020. 3) Standards for agricultural machinery emission are upgraded. The Ministry of Environmental Protection announced the implementation of Limits and Measurement Methods for Exhaust Pollutants from Diesel Engines of Non-road Mobile Machinery (CHINA III, IV) in January 2016, requiring that, from December 1st, 2016, all domestically-manufactured, imported and sold agricultural machinery shall not be equipped with the diesel engines that fail to conform to the Standard (III). 4) Demand for agricultural machinery changes. With evolution of farming practices from traditional ones to subsoiling and deep ploughing and of operator from individual household to family farm and agricultural machinery cooperative, the demand for large andhigh-power agricultural machinery has kept growing. In 2015, China experienced declines in both output and output value of tractors but saw over 30% increase in 100HP-above large tractors. 5) Import and export of agricultural machinery both fall. China imported USD2.28 billion and exported USD10.17 billion worth of agricultural machinery in 2015, down 8.4% and 3.8%, respectively, over the previous year. 6) "Agricultural Machinery + Internet" starts to prevail. In 2015, a group of e-commerce firms including Taobao and JD began pushing forward online agricultural machinery sales and services with agricultural machinery enterprises. With transformation and upgrading of the Chinese agricultural machinery market, domestic agricultural machinery enterprises have actively enhanced their corporate competitiveness via resource consolidation, merger & reorganization, and independent innovation. Foton Lovol International Heavy Industry Co., Ltd.: The company has accelerated its global strategy in recent years, taking full control of Arbos and MaterMacc in 2014, further integrating Lovol European Technical Center and factories of Arbos and MaterMacc to set up LovolArbos Group Spa in September 2015 and acquiring Italian GOLDONI, a well-known European manufacturer of orchard tractors, in the following December. Changzhou Dongfeng Agricultural Machinery Group Co., Ltd.: With tractors as its primary business, the company has been actively in exploring combine-harvester and rice transplanter markets. The company and Xinghua Economic Development Zone entered into an agreement on investment in XinghuaDongfeng Agricultural Machinery Industrial Park which will be primarily engaged in manufacturing of agricultural equipment like grain combine harvesters with Phase I starting construction in July 2016 and going into trial production in October 2017. Xingguang Agricultural Machinery Co., Ltd.: In 2015, the company sold 7,796 combine harvesters, its leading products, and recorded revenue of RMB559 million, 95.5% of the company's total. To perfect product system, the company bought a 56.66% stake in Jiangsu Zhenggong Cotton-picker Co., Ltd. and a 51% stake in Hubei Yulong Machinery Co., Ltd. in March 2016. Global and China Agricultural Machinery Industry Report, 2016-2020 by ResearchInChina highlights the followings: Global agricultural machinery market and developments in major countries; Main policies on agricultural machinery and agricultural machinery subsidies in China; Agricultural machinery industry in China (overview, main products, status of key enterprises, and level of agricultural mechanization); Status quo of the Chinese tractor, harvester, rice transplanter, and agricultural vehicle markets; Agricultural machinery industry in 17 major provinces in China including Heilongjiang, Shandong, and Henan; 7 global and 18 major Chinese agricultural machinery enterprises (operation, R&D, development strategy, etc.). Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p0286402-summary/view-report.html About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. http://www.reportlinker.com __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com NEW YORK, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Anticipated increase in the tire production capacity, growing vehicle sales and expanding automobile fleet to propel global tire market over the next five years New Age TechSci Research Logo (PRNewsFoto/New Age TechSci Research) According to TechSci Research report, "Global Tire Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2021', global tire market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% in value terms during 2016-2021. On the basis of vehicle type, the global tire market is broadly classified into six categories - passenger car tire, light commercial vehicle (LCV) tire, medium and heavy commercial vehicle (M&HCV) tire, two-wheeler tire, three-wheeler tire and the OTR tire. During 2011-2015, both automobile production and sales grew at sluggish pace, globally. Key reasons for weak demand can be attributed to Eurozone crisis and slump in the crude oil prices post 2013. As a result, the global automobile production and sales grew at a CARG of 1.37% and 2.59%, in the volume terms, during 2011-2015, respectively. Backed by slow growth in automobile production and sales, the global automobile fleet (excluding two-wheeler and three-wheeler) exhibited a CAGR of 3.79% during the same period. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140117/663730 ) Crude oil prices declined from above US$ 100 per barrel levels in 2011 to sub US$ 50 per barrel levels in 2015, thereby exhibiting a negative CAGR of over 16% during 2011-2015. As a result, the Middle-East region witnessed decline in the revenue generated from the oil sector. As a result, expenditure for construction and infrastructure sectors shrunk, which impacted the sales of OTR, LCV and M&HCV vehicles and related products such as tires across the region. Further, in 2009, Europe suffered one of the worst economic meltdowns, commonly referred to as the Eurozone Crisis. Though the crisis impacted the entire region, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain were among the most severely affected countries. The European economy suffered a slump, and multiple public as well as private banks declared bankruptcy, which impacted various sectors, consequently restraining growth in Europe's automobile and related components market over the last five years. However, the region witnessed signs of revival in 2013 due to several bailout packages offered by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). "The global automobile market is poised to grow at a brisk pace over the next five years, backed by anticipated stabilization of crude oil prices and growth in the global economy, which is expected to augment demand for automobiles and increasing consumer spending, and consequently, boost sales of tire in the coming years." said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director with TechSci Research, a research based global management consulting firm. "Global Tire Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2021" has evaluated the future growth potential of tire market and provides statistics and information on market size, consumer behavior and trends. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment evaluation. Besides, the report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges and opportunities in the global tire market. Browse Related Reports Saudi Arabia Construction Equipment Rental Market by Equipment Type (By Diesel Genset, Crane, Wheel Loader, Excavator, Bulldozer, Motor Grader and Telescopic Handler), Competition Forecast and Opportunities, 2011 - 2021 http://www.techsciresearch.com/report/saudi-arabia-construction-equipment-rental-market-by-equipment-type-by-diesel-genset-crane-wheel-loader-excavator-bulldozer-motor-grader-and-telescopic-handler-competition-forecast-and-opportunities-2011-2021/653.html United States Radio Taxi Services Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2021 http://www.techsciresearch.com/report/united-states-radio-taxi-services-market-forecast-and-opportunities-2021/617.html India Tire Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2021 http://www.techsciresearch.com/report/india-tire-market-forecast-opportunities-2021/672.html UAE Commercial Vehicles Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2021 http://www.techsciresearch.com/report/uae-commercial-vehicles-market-forecast-and-opportunities-2021/644.html About TechSci Research TechSci Research is a leading global market research firm publishing premium market research reports. Serving 700 global clients with more than 600 premium market research studies, TechSci Research is serving clients across 11 different industrial verticals. TechSci Research specializes in research based consulting assignments in high growth and emerging markets, leading technologies and niche applications. Our workforce of more than 100 fulltime Analysts and Consultants employing innovative research solutions and tracking global and country specific high growth markets helps TechSci clients to lead rather than follow market trends. Contact Mr. Ken Mathews 708 Third Avenue, Manhattan, NY, New York - 10017 Tel: +1-646-360-1656 Email: [email protected] Connect with us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/TechSciResearch Connect with us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/techsci-research SOURCE TechSci Research ATHENS, Greece, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said the Greek government "has made significant progress'' in stabilizing the economy and said the country is clearly rebounding from last year's debt crisis, according to a press conference transcript released by the government of Greece. "It is extremely significant that we stand here before you today with no fear that Greece may default,'' Mr. Lew said in Athens on Thursday. Mr. Lew made his comments at a joint press availability with Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos. As he has in the past, Mr. Lew urged the European Union and the International Monetary Fund to restructure Greece's debt. Debt reduction negotiations are slated for the fall. "Our opinion has always been known: Debt restructuring is necessary to provide Greece with a better future,'' Mr. Lew said. "Solutions leading to stability are several and should be pursued as immediately as possible. "It is important that these solutions are affordable and for the long run to create a stable system that will allow Greece to meet its obligations,'' Mr. Lew said. Mr. Lew made his comments following meetings Thursday with Mr. Tsakalotos and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. The US Treasury Secretary stopped in Athens overnight on his way to a meeting of G-20 finance chiefs in Chengdu, China. In his comments, Mr. Lew praised the government in Athens for recent efforts to cut the budget, reform pensions and crack down on financial corruption. He urged Greece to continue on the path of reform, saying, "There are signs that Greece has moved beyond the crisis and is growing." "The right approach is a pragmatic one that gets to a bottom line that leaves a very clear path forward that is stable and affordable and sustainable," Mr. Lew said. "I certainly hope that the discussion over the coming months produces clarity in that regard." Mr. Tsakalotos in his remarks said Mr. Lew heads to China as "a friend of Greece. And he will engage in important conversations that must take place in order to make the decisions on restructuring the Greek debt within the year." For more information, please contact: Dimitris Karamanis, PM's General Secretary Office Email From the US: 011 30 698 295 9260 SOURCE Government of Greece NASSAU, Bahamas, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to protect the interests of hundreds of unsecured creditors, Granite Ventures Ltd ("Granite"), an unsecured creditor of Baha Mar, has filed a summons with the Supreme Court of The Bahamas as a step toward moving the provisional liquidation of the Baha Mar Ltd to a full liquidation. The provisional liquidation has been inappropriately prolonged and has failed to provide either any standing or transparency for Baha Mar's unsecured creditors. For more than a year, the best interests of this sizable group have not been served by the Bahamian government's ill-conceived placement of Baha Mar into provisional liquidation under which unsecured creditors, including many Bahamians, have received no information about any progress towards resolving their debts, while the movement from provisional liquidation to liquidation is continuously postponed without reason. Granite said, "It is abundantly clear that the provisional liquidation process has failed to serve the best interests of unsecured creditors but only protected the economic interests of the Export-Import Bank of China ("CEXIM") and, by association, China State Construction Engineering Corporation ("CSCEC") and its subsidiary CCA, the general contractor who failed to meet its own deadlines to complete Baha Mar and forced Baha Mar into a bankruptcy filing in June 2015. Since that time, The Government of The Bahamas, acting in concert with these Chinese entities as it courts economic benefits from China, first pushed Baha Mar into the provisional liquidation process and subsequently has resisted alternative approaches that would have placed Baha Mar on sound financial footing. The result is that all parties who have had an economic interest in Baha Mar have been subject to the all-too-secret agenda of CEXIM and CSCEC, the only parties to seemingly have protection under Baha Mar's provisional liquidation. "Precious time has been wasted and the asset of Baha Mar can only have dissipated, a captive of the provisional liquidation and the machinations of CEXIM. By moving Baha Mar to full liquidation status, Granite seeks to ensure that unsecured creditors will finally have a fully court-appointed independent party, namely a liquidator, who will be able to secure fairness through their statutory powers by acting as a check on the bank appointed Receivers. In the inordinately long provisional liquidationa time period well beyond what provisional liquidations are meant to coverunsecured creditors, including hundreds of Bahamian companies, remain unpaid and with no visibility into either the likelihood or the timing of any repayment of debts owed. "The provisional liquidation of Baha Mar involved the joint provisional liquidators named by the Government. Yet time and again, these joint provisional liquidators have demonstrated a complete ineffectiveness and indifference to the interests of unsecured creditors. They have failed to investigate potentially valuable assets in the estate of Baha Mar, including legal claims against CCA, CSCEC (Bahamas), CSCEC and CEXIM. Conversely, and disturbingly, the CEXIM appointed receiver-managers have professed their lack of interest in Baha Mar's unsecured creditors, having laid out in plain terms that they "owe no duties to unsecured creditors and therefore they cannot be obligated to answer for the manner in which they seek to manage the property." "The joint provisional liquidators have been given little authority and no funding, resigning them to figurehead positions rather than enabling the best resolution of the current situation. Under the Granite filing, we are proposing the appointment of permanent liquidators, who would have a seat at the table to ensure that the value of the Baha Mar assets is maximized. It is critical that such professionals be in place. The government has made clear that it cannot insert itself meaningfully into any sales process. There needs to be more interests served than those of just CEXIM and CSCEC in any sales transaction or disposition of Baha Mar assets given the sizeable obligations owed to unsecured creditors. Liquidation, as proposed by the Granite motion, is the proper next action to resolve the Baha Mar situation fairly and properly." The next date for the hearing for the provisional liquidation of Baha Mar is listed for September 30th, 2016, at which this petition should be heard. The hearing to consider Baha Mar's full liquidation was originally scheduled for November 2, 2015. CONTACT: Ross Lovern 212-521-4876 SOURCE Granite Ventures Ltd In one year, Hargray has installed more than 100 miles of fiber-optic cableenough to wrap around Hilton Head Island 10 timesand made significant upgrades to its network. Eight communities have already taken advantage of the new infrastructure: Brays Island Plantation, Belfair, Haig Point, Hilton Head Plantation, Mill Creek Plantation, Palmetto Dunes Plantation, Sea Pines Plantation and Sun City Plantation. Hargray is in active dialogue with and expects to add several other communities to this list. "What Hargray is doing is helping our region stay ahead of the times when it comes to Internet capabilities," said Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka. "Their fiber infrastructure and investment in our communities gives people another reason to live, work and play here. Whether residents or tourists to the region, people expect to be able to connect to the Internet, and we're glad a local company is capable of providing that." Sulka was one of five people who spoke at the event, along with Chris McCorkendale, senior vice president of sales and business development at Hargray; Greg DeLoach, assistant town manager of Hilton Head Island; Jim Collett, chair of the Hilton Head Technology Task Force; and Michael Gottdenker, chairman and CEO of Hargray. Speakers outlined the progress of the Lowcountry Broadband Plan to date and gave a preview of improvements that are set to come in the near future. "While we're very proud of how far we've come, it's even more exciting to think of where we're going," Gottdenker said. "Our continued investment in the Lowcountry Broadband Plan positions us to deliver world-class Internet speeds and a premium television experience with the capacity to grow and match demand over time. These investments mean that all of the communities we servefrom Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beaufort to Savannah, Hinesville, Statesboro, and Lake Oconeewill have access to the same or better world-class communications services that are available in the most major metropolitan markets on the planet." Gottdenker also acknowledged that the investments come with more than just a financial cost to Hargray: "This has necessitated digging up streets and yards andtry as we have to minimize disruption and inconveniencewe have accidentally cut water and sewer pipes, electric lines, underground sprinkler systems, dog fences, as well as our and our competitors' communications networks." Gottdenker also spoke about temporary service interruptions or degradation resulting from upgrades to Hargray's internal network, and thanked Hargray's customers, neighbors, and colleagues for their patience as the company works through these upgrades. The event also featured testimonials from customers of Hargray's upgraded services raving about the quality and speed. These can be found on the Lowcountry Broadband Anniversary Fact Sheet in Hargray's Media Center. For more information or to express interest in having your community included in the Lowcountry Broadband plan, please visit http://www.hargray.com/lowcountry-broadband/. About Hargray, Inc. Hargray is a telecommunications industry leader that provides residential, business, large enterprise and resort customers in South Carolina and Georgia with Internet, television, and communications services. Based in Hilton Head Island and founded in 1949, Hargray is committed to delivering the most advanced technology and the best service for customers in Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties in South Carolina, and Chatham, Bulloch, Greene, Liberty, Putnam, and Tattnall counties in Georgia. Hargray's dedicated team of approximately 400 colleaguesmost of whom live and work in the Lowcountry Regionsupport a wide range of local charities, organizations, projects and events, including the company's Caring Coins Foundation, which has raised more than $2 million for local organizations. For more information, please visit www.hargray.com. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391878 SOURCE Hargray Communications Related Links http://www.hargray.com "The Latino vote will play an important role in this year's presidential elections and HITN-TV is committed to offering informative programming that will help Spanish-speaking audiences better understand the complex U.S. electoral process," explained Mike Nieves, President and CEO of HITN. This latest effort is part of 2016: Tu Momento (2016: Your Moment), an educational campaign the network launched last April to explain the workings of the US electoral system and which has been well-received in the Hispanic community. Gerson Borrero, HITN's veteran presenter, will host the convention coverage, which will begin on Sunday, July 24th with a detailed summary and analysis of the Republican National Convention ands will continue on Sunday, July 31st with a similar recap of the top moments from the Democratic Party's convention. Both programs will feature commentary about the importance of both convention and what they mean for the Hispanic community, all presented in the moderate, neutral style that characterizes HITN-TV's reporting. HITN-TV will continue to cover the electoral process with a variety of live and detailed coverage through Election Day in November. "The millions of Hispanics living in the United States need to be well informed about political realities in this country in their own language," Eric Turpin, HITN's General Manager, noted. "HITN-TV has taken on this role, and it is a responsibility we take very seriously." About HITN-TV HITN-TV provides commercial Spanish-language educational programming in the United States. It reaches over 40 million households in key Hispanic markets across the country. It is distributed throughout the United States and Puerto Rico through DIRECTV, DISH Network, AT&T U-verse TV, Verizon FiOS TV, Comcast, Charter, Cablevision, Mediacom and is available in select markets through Time Warner Cable. For more information visit: http://www.hitn.org/en/about-us What: Special Coverage of the Republican and Democratic National Conventions When: July 24th and July 31st Where: HITN-TV (www.hitn.org/donde-ver-hitn ) Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/392050 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160314/344200LOGO SOURCE HITN-TV Related Links http://www.hitn.org Upon full buildout, Trinity Falls will offer approximately 4,000 new homes along with retail and commercial space. Since its grand opening in 2014, the community has sold close to 700 homesites to a collection of regional and national homebuilders and currently has about 300 completed new homes. "Trinity Falls is an established master-planned community with a proven track record in a dynamic, fast-growing market," notes Larry D. Johnson, president and chief executive officer of The Johnson Development Corp. "This was a unique opportunity to acquire one of the region's premier large-scale master-planned communities." This marks the second north Texas master-planned community acquired by Johnson Development and its investment partner, Tricon Capital Group. Last year, the two acquired the Arlington master-planned community of Viridian, an Audubon Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary and one of the nation's largest infill communities. In late 2013, Johnson Development and Tricon acquired one of the largest available land parcels within the Greater Houston area, 2,046 acres in north Houston now known as Grand Central Park. In 2012, the two firms partnered in the acquisition of the 3,200-acre west Houston master-planned community of Cross Creek Ranch. Located minutes from the intersection of 75/Central Expressway and Highway 380, Trinity Falls offers new, single-family homes starting in the mid $200s by Ashton Woods Homes, Beazer Homes, Emerald Homes, Gehan Homes, Highland Homes, Meritage Homes and Plantation Homes. The amenity-rich community offers a resort-style clubhouse, beach entry pool, kids splash area, neighborhood parks and playscapes while a community Lifestyle Director plans a variety of resident-only events. Situated along the banks of the Trinity River, Trinity Falls also boasts more than three miles of river frontage and over 450 acres of open space. Trinity Falls families attend schools in the highly acclaimed McKinney Independent School District. Land also has been reserved in Trinity Falls for up to four on-site elementary schools, all part of the McKinney ISD. Each campus will include an adjoining park. Now in its 41st year, Johnson Development is one of the nation's most active developers of master-planned communities with 16 currently under development. Its portfolio of communities includes 13 in Houston, two in the DFW Metroplex and one in Atlanta. Tricon Capital Group Inc. is a principal investor and asset manager focused on the residential real estate industry in North America with a market capitalization of $1.1 billion and approximately $2.8 billion of assets under management. For more information, go to www.TrinityFalls.com. Also follow the community at www.Facebook.com/TrinityFallsTX and @TrinityFallsTX on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. About The Johnson Development Corp. The Johnson Development Corp. is a Houston-based, award-winning residential and commercial land development company. Now in its 41st year, the company has set the standard for successful master-planned communities in Houston, Atlanta and other markets around the country. Johnson Development's impressive collection includes the Houston-area communities of Cross Creek Ranch, Edgewater, Fall Creek, Grand Central Park, Harmony, Harvest Green, Imperial, Jordan Ranch, Riverstone, Sienna Plantation, Silverlake, Tuscan Lakes, Veranda, Willow Creek Farms and Woodforest as well as Viridian in Arlington, Texas and Atlanta's Lake Arrowhead. The Johnson Development Corp. also provides outsourced development services for property owners, homebuilders and other parties on a fee basis to help realize the potential of their land positions. For more information on Johnson Development, visit www.johnsondevelopment.com. About Tricon Capital Group Inc. Tricon is a principal investor and asset manager focused on the residential real estate industry in North America with approximately $2.8 billion (C$3.6 billion) of assets under management. Tricon owns, or manages on behalf of third party investors, a portfolio of investments in land and homebuilding assets, single-family rental homes, and manufactured housing communities. Our business objective is to invest for investment income and capital appreciation through our Principal Investment business and to earn fee income through our Private Funds and Advisory business. Since its inception in 1988, Tricon has invested in real estate and development projects valued at approximately $17 billion. More information about Tricon is available at www.triconcapital.com. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391837 SOURCE The Johnson Development Corp. Related Links http://www.johnsondevelopment.com TORONTO, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Hydro One Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of James (Jamie) Scarlett as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Hydro One Inc., effective September 1, 2016. Mr. Scarlett is currently a Senior Partner at Torys LLP. He joined Torys in March, 2000 and since that time has held a number of leadership roles at the firm, including head of Torys' Capital Markets Group, Mining Group and International Business Development strategy. Jamie was also a member of the firm's Executive Committee from 2009-2015. Prior to joining Torys, Jamie was a partner at another major Canadian law firm where he began as an articling student in 1981 and became an associate in 1983 and a partner in 1988. While at the firm Jamie held leadership roles as head of its Corporate Group, Securities Group and as a member of its Board. Jamie was also seconded to the Ontario Securities Commission in 1987 and was appointed as the first Director of Capital markets in 1988, a position he held until his return to private law practice in 1990. "The appointment of Jamie Scarlett to Hydro One's executive team is central to our goal to transform Hydro One into a truly commercial enterprise; one focused on delivering value for customers and shareholders," said Mayo Schmidt, President and CEO, Hydro One Inc. "Jamie is a trusted and experienced legal advisor who brings to Hydro One his proven track record across sectors and across borders as well as his deep knowledge of corporate finance, cross-border mergers and acquisitions and corporate and securities law in general." "I am excited to join the Hydro One executive team at this pivotal and critical juncture in the Company's history," said Mr. Scarlett. "I look forward to working as part of Hydro One's leadership team and sharing my knowledge, experience and counsel to help shape and create opportunities for the Company, its shareholders, customers and employees." Mr. Scarlett earned his law degree (J.D.) from the University of Toronto in 1981 and his Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of McGill in 1975. He is highly recognized in his profession having been consistently and repeatedly named to several prestigious lists and rankings including: the Chambers & Partners' Chambers CanadaLeading lawyer in Ontario, corporate/commercial (2016); Legal Media Group/Euromoney's IFLR1000 The Guide to the World's Leading Financial Law FirmsLeading Canadian lawyer in corporate and M&A (2015-2016); Lexpert/American Lawyer's Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in CanadaLeading lawyer in corporate commercial law, corporate finance and securities, and in M&A (2008-2016); Law Business Research's Who's Who LegalCapital markets (Debt and equity) (2015-2016); Chambers & Partners' Chambers Global: World's Leading Lawyers for Business, The Client's GuideLeading lawyer in corporate/M&A (2008-2016); Best Lawyers' Best Lawyers in CanadaLeading lawyer in corporate, M&A and securities (2009-2016), The Legal 500 CanadaLeading lawyer in corporate and M&A (2014-2016); and, Law Business Research's Who's Who Legal: Canada Leading lawyer in capital markets (2010-2016). About the Company: Hydro One Limited (TSX: H) Hydro One is Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario with approximately $24 billion in assets and 2015 revenues of over $6.5 billion. Hydro One delivers electricity safely and reliably to over 1.3 million customers across the province of Ontario, and to large industrial customers and municipal utilities. Hydro One owns and operates Ontario's approximately 29,000 circuit km high-voltage transmission network and an approximately 123,000 circuit km primary low-voltage local distribution network. For more information about Hydro One, visit www.HydroOne.com SOURCE Hydro One Limited Related Links http://www.hydroone.com Leading broker becomes Principal, will head local investment sales practice PHILADELPHIA, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - David Fahey, Avison Young Principal and Managing Director of the company's Philadelphia office, announced today that highly regarded commercial real estate investment specialist Adam Gillespie has joined the firm in Philadelphia. Effective immediately, Gillespie becomes a Principal of Avison Young and will lead the Philadelphia office's local investment sales practice. In addition, he will continue to service new and existing clients in the mid-Atlantic region. Gillespie brings 16 years of commercial real estate experience to Avison Young, most recently as senior vice-president of investment sales at SSH Real Estate in Philadelphia. "We are very excited to have Adam, who is an established industry leader, join our team here in Philadelphia," comments Fahey. "Adam's deep industry experience and sound reputation will significantly help us expand our platform in the investment sales market. As we continue to grow in Philadelphia, Adam is the perfect resource to add as we start to establish a capital markets footprint in the region." During his career, Gillespie has specialized in the sale and financing of investment properties in the mid-Atlantic region. He has negotiated more than $1.9 billion in transactions, including single-asset and regional portfolio sales ranging in value from $1 million to $133 million. His clients include private-equity firms as well as REITs that own office, apartments and industrial product in the region. Gillespie's notable sales include Center Square Towers in Bucks County, The Suburban Office Building on the Main Line, and The Sansom in Center City, Philadelphia. Gillespie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and marketing from the University of Dayton, where he graduated magna cum laude. He earned his Certified Commercial Investment Member designation in 2015 and has been recognized as a CoStar Power Broker. In his community, Gillespie volunteers with the Greg Wolf Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding targeted blood cancer research and providing financial support to families battling leukemia. "This is an exciting opportunity to take a transformative position within Avison Young and expand upon the services that we bring to clients in the Philadelphia region," says Gillespie. "I'm eager to be part of Avison Young's Principal-led ownership model and look forward to collaborating with Avison Young's national and international investment sales professionals, as well as our strong Philadelphia leasing team, to be on the forefront of trends in the marketplace." Avison Young opened its Philadelphia office in September 2013 as part of the firm's ongoing, aggressive U.S. expansion strategy. In May 2015, the company grew its Philadelphia-area operations by acquiring Wayne, PA-based project management firm Remington Group, Inc., which was rebranded as Avison Young. Since then, Avison Young has steadily expanded in the Philadelphia region. Over the past seven years, Avison Young has grown from 11 to 78 offices and from 300 to more than 2,400 real estate professionals in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and Europe. Avison Young is the world's fastest-growing commercial real estate services firm. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Avison Young is a collaborative, global firm owned and operated by its principals. Founded in 1978, the company comprises 2,400 real estate professionals in 78 offices, providing value-added, client-centric investment sales, leasing, advisory, management, financing and mortgage placement services to owners and occupiers of office, retail, industrial and multi-family properties. For further information/comment/photos: Sherry Quan , Principal, Global Director of Communications & Media Relations, Avison Young : 604.647.5098; cell: 604.726.0959 David Fahey , Principal and Managing Director, Philadelphia , Avison Young : 610.276.1081 Adam Gillespie , Principal, Avison Young : 610.276.3153 Earl Webb , President, U.S. Operations, Avison Young : 312.957.7610 Mark Rose , Chair and CEO, Avison Young : 416.673.4028 www.avisonyoung.com Avison Young was a winner of Canada's Best Managed Companies program in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 and requalified in 2015 to maintain its status as a Best Managed Gold company Follow Avison Young on Twitter: For industry news, press releases and market reports: www.twitter.com/avisonyoung For Avison Young listings and deals: www.twitter.com/AYListingsDeals Follow Avison Young Bloggers: http://blog.avisonyoung.com Follow Avison Young on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/avison-young-commercial-real-estate Follow Avison Young on YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/AvisonYoungRE Editors/Reporters Please click on link to view and download photo of Adam Gillespie: http://www.avisonyoung.com/sites/default/files/content-files/Media_Room/Temp/Adam_Gillespie.jpg SOURCE Avison Young Commercial Real Estate (BC) Related Links www.avisonyoung.com BEIJING, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Internet Plus Holdings Ltd. ("Meituan-Dianping" or "the Company"), China's leading service e-commerce platform, announced that it has received an investment from CRE Alliance Fund I, a fund sponsored by China Resources Group, and formed a strategic cooperation to explore synergies between China Resources' consumer and retail business and Meituan-Dianping's online e-commerce platform. As a leading internet-based service platform, Meituan-Dianping has been diligently working with traditional dining and retail businesses to improve operational efficiencies and user experience through the adoption of innovative industry technologies and expertise. As of 30 June 2016, the company has approximately 600 million users, works with more than 4 million local merchants, and accumulated more than 20 million POIs (point of interest) throughout China. Peak daily order volume has surpassed 11.5 million in June this year. In January 2016, the Company announced its Series B financing of US$3.3 billion, led by Tencent, DST, and Trustbridge. The financing was the largest private fundraising in China's internet industry and the world's largest fundraising on record in the O2O (online to offline) sector. China Resources' strategic investment further indicates strong market demand and bright industry outlook in internet plus business models, which combine traditional offline businesses with innovative and resourceful online platforms. Sponsored by China Resources Group, CRE Alliance Fund I focuses on investments in the consumer and retail sector, and new technologies that enhance the development of traditional consumer and retail business, leveraging on the industry resources accumulated by its parent to invest in fast-growing industries and quality enterprises with leading brand and customer resources. Given its strong market position and rich client resources, Meituan-Dianping is a perfect match for the fund's investment strategy. Thousands of off-line retail stores controlled by China Resources, including CR Vanguard, Suguo Supermarket, Tesco LeGou, Ole, Vango Convenient Stores, Pacific Coffee, CR Care, etc., will explore cooperation with Meituan-Dianping's online food delivery platform via Meituan, Meituan Waimai, and Dazhong Dianping mobile applications and provide a new retail experience to online users. The cooperation between Meituan-Dianping, the largest lifestyle services e-commerce platform, and China Resources, a top Conglomerate in China, presents promising potential in combining traditional business with internet capabilities and offers more product categories and exceptional convenience to users nationwide. "Similar to our cooperation with China Resources, we look forward to collaborating with outstanding enterprises in all industries and transforming traditional offline businesses to provide better user experience to both offline and online users by leveraging our industry expertise, big data analysis, and innovative LBS technology," said Meituan-Dianping. China Resources believes O2O sector is an important development trend and it has been actively exploring strategic business opportunities and partnership in the sector. Meituan-Dianping offers one of the most comprehensive lifestyle service e-commerce platforms with leadership in multiple industries. China Resources' cooperation with Meituan-Dianping will establish an "internet + retail" business model and create synergies in operational efficiencies in both offline retail stores and delivery capabilities nationwide. China Resources is one of the key 53 state-owned enterprises directly owned by the SASAC. The company was ranked 115th on the 2015 Fortune 500 list, covering various industries, including supermarket, cafe chain, food & beverage, beer, etc. The group is a leading player in the consumer and retail industry through its diversified and comprehensive product portfolio. SOURCE Meituan-Dianping DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Janus Global Operations (JGO) has been awarded a contract by a major International Oil Company (IOC) to provide security and risk management services in southern Iraq. JGO will be responsible for ensuring the safety of the company's employees engaged in oil production tasks. The three-year contract is worth approximately $90 million. "Janus Global Operations is proud to be selected for this important assignment," said Alan Weakley, JGO president and chief operating officer. "The world's economies run on energy, and being selected to ensure the safety of the client's employees testifies to the effectiveness of our people and our processes." JGO will provide teams of international and local Iraqi close-protection personnel and armored vehicles to move the client's engineers between their base camp and worksites throughout the oilfield and to provide immediate protection and evacuation capability while employees carry out their engineering tasks. JGO has provided commercial security services in Iraq since 2003. The company has major operations in Basra and Bagdad. JGO's work in risk management and security is part of its role as an international integrated stability operations company. JGO has more than 7,500 employees serving clients in North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Janus' services include munitions response; demining; intelligence support; logistics; life support; risk management; communications; and other services in some of the world's most challenging and hostile environments. The company's website is www.JanusGo.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160404/351314LOGO SOURCE Janus Global Operations Related Links http://www.JanusGo.com DALLAS, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Kingsley Gate Partners, a global executive search firm launched this year to address talent recruitment needs in the digital age, today unveiled ClientSuite, its novel software-as-a-service platform that enables client companies to view status in real-time of candidates under consideration from the company's selectively curated 1.6 million-member executive database, as well as key attributes and metrics related to candidates' work experience, skills and management styles, for any searches underway. In addition, 'Kingsley Gate MapFit' is a customized offering within ClientSuite that, with one click, provides a multi-tiered, unbiased assessment -- within 72 hours -- comprising the range and depth of candidates' thinking processes as well as emotional intelligence. "Our ClientSuite launch is a milestone in our firm's development, as it ideally melds our executive search expertise, data analytics, efficient technology as well as our strong values regarding collaboration and transparency, in a robust, yet intuitive user-friendly platform," said Nancy Albertini, founding partner, Office of the CEO at Kingsley Gate Partners. ClientSuite gives Kingsley Gate Partners clients the ability to log in at any time, view candidate profiles based on priority attributes and should job requirements shift and change as the search is underway, re-order those priority attributes to assess new potential candidate options recommended by Kingsley Gate professionals. In addition, clients can review candidate information that goes beyond work history to include past compensation, and see detailed status updates regarding interviews and research Kingsley Gate Partners may be conducting on particular executives. "We recognize that even though we are working with the industry's top talent, experience and skills only go so far in identifying which candidates will be successful matches because emotional and psychological variables play significant roles in predicting performance as well as cultural fit," said Buster Houchins, Senior Partner, Office of the CEO at Kingsley Gate Partners. "That's why Kingsley Gate MapFit is so important it very quickly unifies our expert internal assessments and industry interviews with independent, third-party analyses to provide clients with an additional level of the critical information they need for candidate selection." Unlike other executive search firms that conduct candidate psychological assessments in-house, Kingsley Gate MapFit has partnered exclusively with Management Alignment Partner AG (MAP) to offer its MapFit online evaluation in its MapFit ClientSuite solution. MapFit analyzes how a person creates, solves, decides and remembers, and scientifically measures qualities such as handling unstructured problems, dealing with minimum data, flexibility, connecting ideas, intuition, vision, openness to new ideas and many more aspects of a candidate that help determine cultural alignment. MapFit is one component in a comprehensive three-part analysis Kingsley Gate Partners provides to its clients, which also factors in its own assessment and references based on feedback from the candidate's previous colleagues. "We are pleased to partner with the professionals at Kingsley Gate Partners to implement MapFit into their rigorous analyses to help global corporations identify the best leaders based not only on industry credentials and successful track records, but the panoply of distinct emotional and intellectual qualities that help predict a candidate's fit and performance within a new organization," said Derek Leebaert, MAP co-founder. Clients have already experienced the advantages of working with Kingsley Gate Partners. The firm works with global companies like SAP, Veritas, Best Buy, Medtronic, Ford, Warburg Pincus, Ernst & Young and Cargill. About Kingsley Gate Partners Designed for the digital world, retained global executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners leverages its deep industry insights, vast search experience and state-of-the-art technology to bring transparency and faster results to the search process. Through its industry-leading, multi-phase evaluation process, the firm's search partners deliver the right candidates to meet the needs of discerning clients. Headquartered in Dallas, the partnership employs consultants and recruiters worldwide with expertise in private equity, life sciences, technology, manufacturing and professional services. Editorial contact : Justin Goldstein Finn Partners Phone: 212.715.1601 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Kingsley Gate Partners Related Links http://www.kingsleygate.com "Digital transformation is creating incredible opportunities for companies to drive growth," said Hunter Muller , HMG Strategy's President & CEO. "CIOs are being called upon to provide bold leadership and deliver innovation to create new sources of value for the enterprise." The Atlanta summit will open with a captivating executive keynote given by Don Tapscott, the world's foremost authority on the digital age. Tapscott, who recently co-authored Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin is Changing Money, Business, and the World, will describe how blockchain technologies are poised to have profound ramifications for businesses across all industries. This includes the impact that blockchain will have on the architecture of the enterprise, the development of the Internet of Things, and how it will reshape the world of business. Other beguiling topics at the Atlanta conference will include how IT can help the business to tackle the accelerated pace of change; the new and dynamic mindset needed by the CIO to lead with courage; best practices for CIOs to adapt to new situations and lead innovation to create value in the enterprise; an executive Q&A between HMG Strategy's Hunter Muller and Avnet, Inc. SVP & CIO Steve Phillips on how to successfully lead technology innovation and transformation at a Fortune 500 company; disruptions and challenges with technology and how to address them; the top challenges for enterprise security today and into the future; future trends that will impact the enterprise; and re-imagining the IT function for the next era of the digital age. Eminent speakers participating at the Atlanta summit will include Aileen Alexander, Senior Client Partner Co-Leader Global Cybersecurity Practice, Korn Ferry; Michael Anaya, Supervisory Special Agent, FBI; Eric Anderson, Partner Global Head of FinTech Practice, Egon Zehnder; Muthu Arumugham, Corporate VP Technology, Ebix, Inc.; Chris Bedi, CIO, ServiceNow; John Beisty, Vice President, WW Transformation Solutions, Hewlett Packard Enterprise; Shoukat Ali Bhamani, CIO, CPO & VP Digitization, Schaeffler Group Americas; Jay Ferro, EVP, Chief Information and Product Officer, EarthLink Holdings Corp.; Adam Ghetti, Founder/CEO, Ionic Security; Art Hopkins, Executive Director, Russell Reynolds Associates; Trevor Horwitz, CISO, TrustNet; Steven Kendrick, Partner, Heidrick & Struggles; Rohit Lal, Director, Enterprise Architecture, CONA Services A Coca-Cola System IT Services Company; Bruce Leidal, CIO, Carestream Health, Inc.; Jamie MacLean, Partner, Advisory Services, Ernst & Young; Hunter Muller, President & CEO, HMG Strategy, LLC; Michael Noel, SVP & CTO, Cox Automotive; Krish Parikh, Partner, Lightspeed Venture Partners; Steve Phillips, SVP & CIO, Avnet, Inc.; Mark Polansky, Senior Partner, CIO/IT Officers Practice, Korn Ferry; Janet Sherlock, SVP & CIO, Carter's; David Stafford, Head of Enterprise Solutions, Dropbox; Hilton Sturisky, CIO, Spirit Airlines; Bob Tapscott, Management Consultant, The Tapscott Group; Don Tapscott, Digital Strategist and CEO, The Tapscott Group; James Turgal, Executive Assistant Director, Information and Technology Branch, FBI; William VanCuren, SVP & CIO, NCR Corporation. Partners for the summit include CA Technologies, CenturyLink, Cloudera, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Neudesic, Pure Storage, Rural Sourcing Inc., ServiceNow, and Technology Partners. Alliance Partners include Lightspeed Venture Partners. Strategic Partners include Egon Zehnder, Heidrick & Struggles, Korn Ferry, Russell Reynolds Associates, and Spencer Stuart. The Research Partner for the year's summit series is Hewlett Packard Enterprise. About HMG Strategy HMG Strategy is the world's foremost provider of pioneering networking events and thought leadership to support the 360-degree needs of the CIO/IT leader. Our regional CIO Executive Leadership Series, newsletters, authored books, and Research and Resource Center (RRC) deliver proprietary research on leadership, innovation, transformation, and career ascent. The HMG Strategy global network of over 150,000 senior IT executives, industry experts and world-class thought leaders is the strongest, most trusted network of executives. Additionally, our partnerships with the world's leading search firms provide vital insights into the evolving role of the CIO. The HMG Strategy CIO Executive Leadership Series offers a completely unique experience for IT executives to gain the latest insights and best practices for driving increased business value through the use of IT, and build invaluable relationships with peers and industry experts. HMG Strategy CIO Executive Leadership Summits were given the distinction by CIO.com as one of "Ten Must-Attend Conferences in 2015." HMG Strategy has a growing expanse of thought leadership housed on their open digital platform known as the 'Research & Resource Center.' The company's 'Transformational CIO Blog' was recently recognized by CDW's BizTech Magazine as one of "50 Must-Read IT Blogs 2015." For more information please visit our website at www.hmgstrategy.com. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391884 SOURCE HMG Strategy Related Links http://www.hmgstrategy.com DALLAS, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Most wellness programs do not incentivize key health behaviors that can help members prevent or identify chronic disease, according to consumers enrolled in these programs. For example, 80% do not offer incentives for cancer screenings, and 52% do not offer incentives for fitness/weight loss programs. The July 2016 analysis is based on a survey by HealthMine of 750 consumers enrolled in wellness programs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 6% of adults do everything they can to ward off chronic disease. The CDC identified five behaviors people could participate in to reduce the likelihood of developing a chronic condition, like heart disease or cancer. But less than half wellness programs offer incentives for these and other important recommended health actions: Which activities does your wellness program NOT incentivize financially? Programs NOT Incentivized Percent Disease management/medication adherence 83% All of these programs 81% Cancer screenings 80% Smoking cessation 66% Biometric screening 59% Health risk assessment 53% Fitness/weight loss 52% Even though 75% of respondents say wellness program incentives are meaningful to them and help them manage their health, 41% report that they haven't earned all of their financial incentives or completed all of the health actions recommended for them. Here's why: If you haven't earned all of your incentives/completed all of your health actions, was it because Reason full incentive not earned/recommended actions not completed Percent I'm already doing what I need to be healthy 48% I need more/better reminders 25% It was inconvenient/took too much time 25% The incentive wasn't meaningful to me 20% I'm concerned about security/privacy of my data 6% Wellness programs are offering a range of incentive types, from reduced health premiums to points redeemable for prizes. What kind of incentive is offered by your wellness program? Type of incentive offered Percent Reduced health premium 33% Gift card 31% Cash 20% Points I can redeem for discount/prize 18% None 18% Contribution to healthcare account/HSA 17% Debit card 14% Penalty for not participating 6% More than one third of consumers (34%) say cash is the most meaningful incentive when it comes to wellness. What kind of incentive is most motivating to you to complete a screening or recommended activity? Type of incentive Percent Cash 34% Discount on health insurance premium 26% Gift card 18% Debit card 8% NoneI am motivated with zero incentive 8% Contribution to healthcare account/HSA 6% Fifty-two percent (52%) of respondents say an incentive between $100 and $250 would motivate them to take a recommended health action. What level of financial incentive would motivate you to take action to improve your health? Level of incentive Percent $250 27% $100 25% Zero I would just do it to feel better/be healthier 22% $500 16% More than $500 10% Consumers were asked if there were certain health actions they would take without any incentive. Results are below. What activities are you likely to complete without an incentive? Wellness activity Percent Biometric screening 46% Cancer screening 43% Weight loss program 43% Disease management/medication adherence 28% Smoking cessation 20% NoneI would like incentive for any health action 17% Bryce Williams, CEO and President of HealthMine added, "Behavior change is hard and requires frequent reinforcement. Incentives can play an important role in the adoption or transformation of health behaviors. But, the design and delivery of an incentive is often more important than its size." He continued, "Successful wellness programs offer a combination of dynamic incentives--including variable rewards and loss aversion." About the Survey The HealthMine Wellness Program Survey queried 750 insured consumers who are enrolled in a wellness program. The survey was fielded by Survey Sampling International (SSI) in May 2016. Data were collected via an opt-in panel. The margin of error is 4%. Survey Sampling International (SSI) has been the Worldwide Leader in Survey Sampling and Data Collection Solutions, across every mode, for 37 Years. About HealthMine HealthMine brings wellness into the digital era for plan sponsors and their members. The HealthMine Personal Clinical Engagement solution automatically collects and analyzes clinical and lifestyle data from multiple sources to create a health profile for each member. Serving as an early warning system, our solution identifies health risks and chronic conditions and automatically triggers alerts. The HealthMine solution delivers health recommendations to members' smartphones in near-real time so they can take action immediately. With HealthMine, plan sponsors can engage and sustain all members in personalized health and disease management activities. HealthMine has more than 1 million users and has saved health plan sponsors more than $100 million in healthcare costs. HealthMine is on the web at www.healthmine.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150102/166687LOGO SOURCE HealthMine, Inc. Related Links http://www.healthmine.com ORLANDO, Fla., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) recently conducted a successful controlled flight test of the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) surface-launch variant from the Self Defense Test Ship at Pt. Mugu Sea Range, California. This was the third successful surface-launched LRASM test, proving the missile's ability to load mission data using the modified Tactical Tomahawk Weapon Control System (TTWCS+), align mission data with the moving ship and launch from the MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS). During the test, LRASM exited the VLS launcher, cleanly separated from its Mk-114 booster and transitioned to the cruise phase. The missile successfully flew a pre-planned low-altitude profile collecting aerodynamics agility data while enroute to its pre-determined endpoint. "This successful flight test demonstrates Lockheed Martin's readiness to answer the U.S. Navy's need for new anti-surface warfare capabilities as part of the 'distributed lethality' concept," said Scott Callaway, LRASM Surface-Launch director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "This LRASM flight test from a U.S. Navy surface ship VLS highlights the successful collaboration between Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy." To support this test, Lockheed Martin invested internal funds to provide an operational LRASM and to refurbish the Navy's Self Defense Test Ship MK 41 VLS. This demonstration from a moving ship in a dynamic at-sea environment was a critical step in proving the maturity of the surface-launch variant. LRASM was also tested successfully from a ground-based MK 41 VLS "Desert Ship" in 2013 and 2014. Integrating LRASM with the VLS will provide every Aegis destroyer and cruiser with a long-range, survivable anti-surface warfare distributed lethality capability. The surface-launch LRASM variant was built on the same production line as JASSM, JASSM-ER and LRASM air-launch weapons, and delivers the same long-range, precision capability. With maturity of the MK 41 VLS integration demonstrated, Lockheed Martin will continue testing on other surface ship applications, including topside, deck-mounted launchers. LRASM is a precision-guided anti-ship missile that leverages the successful JASSM-ER heritage, and is designed to meet the needs of U.S. Navy and Air Force warfighters in a robust anti-access/area-denial threat environment. The air-launched variant provides an early operational capability for the Navy's offensive anti-surface warfare Increment I requirement to be integrated onboard the U.S. Air Force's B-1B in 2018 and on the U.S. Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in 2019. For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com. About Lockheed Martin Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. SOURCE Lockheed Martin Related Links http://www.lockheedmartin.com CHICAGO, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- LQD Business Finance a Chicago-based, technology-enabled business lender - announced that it has completed a Series A round of financing with Atlanta-based investment firm, Fintech Ventures Fund. The new round of financing will help LQD accelerate growth and continue its national expansion. "We are pleased to be partnering with the team at Fintech Ventures Fund. We feel that Fintech Ventures' focus on technology-enabled lending gives the Fund a unique insight into the space and makes them a valuable addition," says LQD C.E.O. George Souri. "We have seen almost every business lending company out there, and believe strongly that LQD - because of the larger loan market it's targeting and the strength of its underwriting and risk management - is uniquely positioned to win in its targeted market. LQD is not just another marketplace or short-term lender, but a real paradigm shifting model in terms of business lending. We believe in LQD's experienced and talented management team, and we are happy to partner with them to grow LQD into a national leader," says Serguei Kouzmine, General Partner of Fintech Ventures Fund. The Series A Round continues LQD's run of milestone achievements, including the closing of a $30 million facility with Route 66 Ventures in November of 2015. "We spent a lot of time building a solid foundation so that we could grow effectively. Our partnership with Fintech Ventures is another step towards our goal of fundamentally transforming business lending," says Souri. LQD Business Finance uses its proprietary underwriting and risk management platform, LQD Matrix, to offer structured loans to small and medium sized businesses nationally. Unlike most existing fintech lenders that focus on loans of less than $100 thousand, LQD targets larger near-prime and mid-prime loans of up to $2 million. According to Souri, "There exists billions of dollars in under-served, near-prime borrowing demand for loans of between $250 thousand and $2 million. These larger loans require a more rigorous underwriting process than the processes currently being utilized by existing fintech lenders. This is why existing lenders have been limited to focusing on loans of less than $100 thousand in most cases. In contrast, LQD can access a much larger market because we started by solving the underwriting and risk question and built the Company on that foundation. As a result, we believe that we have a winning, foundationally-transformative, and defensible model." About LQD Business Finance LQD is a Chicago-based, technology-enabled business lender that offers structured loans to small and medium sized businesses. By offering more options, greater convenience, and superior value, LQD is able to serve the $200 billion "Gap" market of near-prime and mid-prime loans between $250 thousand and $2 million. Using its proprietary underwriting and risk management platform, LQD Matrix, LQD is able to rigorously underwrite loans and manage risk, while also offering a total transaction time of less than 10 business days to borrowers. About Fintech Ventures Fund Fintech Ventures Fund is an Atlanta-based $100 million venture capital fund that provides equity to emerging potential leaders and quality niche players that serve underbanked or unbanked customers in the non-banking lending and payment spaces. The Fund's primary mission is to build strategic partnerships with entrepreneurs and provide them with the resources and support to successfully build best-in-class companies with sustainable competitive advantages. Contact: Alexandra Moritz 1-443-513-0321 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160425/359643LOGO SOURCE LQD Business Finance Related Links http://lqdfinance.com CAMBRIDGE, England, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Adaptive behavioural analytics software reduces 'genuine transactions declined' by over 70% and incidence of undetected fraud by 25% Oakhall, the London based analysis firm, estimates that global financial services firms could save at least $12 billion annually by employing adaptive, machine learning fraud management systems according to a study published in conjunction with Featurespace. For the full study see http://www.featurespace.co.uk/cost-of-card-fraud. By employing adaptive behavioural analytics software to both identify actual fraudulent transactions, and reduce the number of 'genuine transactions declined' - as well as reducing the costs associated with managing blocked customers - the industry could reduce the $31 billion total annual cost of card fraud by over $12 billion annually. Featurespace is a world leader in adaptive behavioural analytics software. Its services and products are employed in over 180 countries via a wide range of customers, including the leading US payments processor, TSYS, as well as Vocalink/Zapp, William Hill and Betfair. Genuine transactions declined, also known as false positives, are legitimate transactions that have been incorrectly blocked by existing fraud prevention systems, which result in lost revenue and additional management costs to the card issuer. By using adaptive behavioural analytics software, card issuers can reduce genuine transactions declined, improve operational efficiencies and lower the incidence of undetected fraud, according to the Oakhall study. Working with banks and cards issuers, Featurespace demonstrated a 25% reduction in the incidence of undetected fraud and, simultaneously, a 70% reduction in genuine transactions declined, as well as a subsequent reduction in call centre costs of 50%. Oakhall applied these results to industry data to estimate the implied savings for the industry at $12.2bn, comprising $4.1bn reduced fraud and $8.1bn reduction of fraud management costs and lost revenue. Jonathan Crossfield, Partner at Oakhall, said: "Incumbent systems can block 10 legitimate transactions for every fraudulent one identified and, with undetected fraud, cost the global card industry $31 billion in losses, operational costs and revenue lost to competitors. "A key benefit of adaptive fraud management systems is the much lower incidence of genuine transactions declined, with the potential savings of $12 billion annually." Martina King, Featurespace CEO, commented: "Having genuine transactions declined is extremely frustrating for consumers and damages their relationship with the card issuer or bank. They also result in lost revenue and substantial costs to the bank. "Data-driven adaptive behavioural analytics - delivered via the ARIC engine - protects bank revenues and substantially cuts operational costs from false fraud alerts. It also helps the banks maintain positive relationships with their customers. "The leading US payments processor, TSYS, chose to provide ARIC to its customers because of ARIC's enhanced machine learning capabilities and decision-making around fraud and genuine transaction activity." Oakhall estimates that the total annual cost of card fraud to card issuers is $31 billion, of which $16.3 billion is associated with genuine incidents of card fraud, according to The Nilson Report, which compiles statistics on the global payment industry, and $14.7 billion are fraud-related costs associated with genuine transactions declined. Featurespace's advanced fraud management systems, that utilise deep machine learning and adaptive behavioural analytics, understand the 'good' behaviour of each customer more accurately and efficiently than fraud analysts, to reduce the losses and costs associated with managing fraud. About Oakhall - http://www.oakhalladvisors.com London based Oakhall is a consultancy specialising in providing smart analysis and articulation services to private and public companies. Founded by previously top-rated equity research analysts, Oakhall has particular experience in the financial technology sector and focuses on bringing an analytical approach to market sizing and valuation. About Featurespace - http://www.featurespace.co.uk Featurespace is the world-leader in Adaptive Behavioural Analytics and creator of the ARIC engine, a machine learning software platform developed out of the University of Cambridge. Head quartered in Cambridge, UK, Featurespace has deployed ARIC to organisations that have services or products deployed in over 180 countries. Customers include Betfair, Vocalink/Zapp, Camelot, William Hill, and TSYS, the largest third-party processor of Visa and MasterCard credit cards in the U.S. The ARIC engine - a real-time, machine learning software platform - monitors individual behaviours to catch new fraud attacks as they happen. The increased accuracy of understanding customer behaviour simultaneously reduces the number of genuine customers whose purchases and transactions are incorrectly declined. Enquiries: Featurespace : +44-(0)1223-345921 Rebecca Amos, Head of Marketing [email protected] Oakhall : +44-(0)20-3393-0633 Jonathan Crossfield/Andrew Griffin Instinctif Partners : +44-(0)20-7457-2020 Adrian Duffield/Chantal Woolcock SOURCE Featurespace CHICAGO, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A typical work day historically involved eight consecutive hours of effort for full-time workers, but today, most don't stop working when the clock hits 5 p.m. According to a new survey from CareerBuilder, nearly 3 in 5 workers (59 percent) believe the traditional 9-to-5 work day is a thing of the past. Forty-five percent of workers say they complete work outside of office hours; and 49 percent say they check or answer emails when they leave work. The national survey was conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder between May 11 and June 7, 2016, and included a representative sample of 3,244 full-time workers in the private sector across industries and company sizes. "While smartphones and other technology allow us to remain connected to the office outside of normal business hours, it may not always be a good thing as workers are having trouble disconnecting from their jobs," said Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer for CareerBuilder. "Not surprisingly, younger workers 'attached to their mobile devices' are more likely to work and check emails past business hours, while older workers feel less pressure to check-in after they have put in a full day of work." Experience Earns Flexibility A higher proportion of workers in age groups 45 to 54 (65 percent) and 55 and older (61 percent), agreed that the typical eight-hour work day was a thing of the past than any other age group. By contrast, only 42 percent of workers aged 18 to 24 say the traditional 9-to-5 workday is outdated. Workers 55 and older also say that they don't keep working (60 percent) or check/respond to emails (54 percent) outside of office hours again higher than any other age group. For example, only 52 percent of workers in the 18 to 24 age group say they do not keep working after business hours; and even less (41 percent) say they do not check or answer work emails outside of the office. Burning the Midnight Oil While similar percentages of men and women (58 and 60 percent, respectively) say the typical 9-to-5 workday is a thing of the past, men are still more likely than women to work and respond to emails once they leave the office. Forty-nine percent of men say that they work outside of office hours, versus only 42 percent of women. Men are also more likely to remain tied to the office when they leave 54 percent say they answer emails outside of office hours, as opposed to 43 percent of women. Getting a response via email from a co-worker or business partner can also depend on their profession. IT (68 percent) and sales (65 percent) professionals say they check or respond to emails after business hours perhaps making them more likely to craft a response. Survey Methodology This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder among 3,244 employees ages 18 and over (employed full-time, not self-employed, non-government) between May 11 and June 7, 2016 (percentages for some questions are based on a subset, based on their responses to certain questions). With a pure probability sample of 3,244, one could say with a 95 percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/- 1.7 percentage points. Sampling error for data from sub-samples is higher and varies. About CareerBuilder As the global leader in human capital solutions, CareerBuilder specializes in cutting-edge HR software as a service to help companies with every step of the recruitment process from acquire to hire. CareerBuilder works with top employers across industries, providing job distribution, sourcing, workflow, CRM, data and analytics in one pre-hire platform. It also operates leading job sites around the world. Owned by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE:TGNA), Tribune Media (NYSE:TRCO) and The McClatchy Company (NYSE:MNI), CareerBuilder and its subsidiaries operate in the United States, Europe, South America, Canada and Asia. For more information, visit www.careerbuilder.com. Media Contact Rob Zaldivar 312.698.1042 [email protected] http://www.twitter.com/CareerBuilderPR LOGO - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160719/390992LOGO SOURCE CareerBuilder Related Links http://www.careerbuilder.com In advance of the official announcement, Marco's Pizza was in Cleveland campaigning during the RNC. Employees handed out pizza and information about what makes Marco's Pizza a better choice, canvasing the streets in a vintage vehicle with a rooftop speaker reminiscent of a scene from the movie The Blues Brothers . Marco's is also encouraging its brand supporters to vote every Tuesday, "Election Days," starting July 26 and running through the November election for a special one-day offer. And during the entire campaign season, Marco's will feature a limited time Steak Asiago Pizza, because Americans love steak. "With all the buzz around the presidential candidates, we thought a "Vote Marco's" campaign would be a fun way to get more consumers to experience our brand," said Cathy Hull, chief marketing officer at Marco's Pizza. "We make our dough fresh in stores every day, use a special blend of three fresh cheeses and our sauce has not changed since our founder Pat Giammarco created it in 1978. This is how we're able to make great tasting pizza. And it's why we are growing so fast." Marco's was founded by native Italian, Pasquale "Pat" Giammarco in 1978. Today, it's America's fastest-growing pizza company. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate more than 720 stores in 35 states and three countries. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyC_dkISIk8 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391797 SOURCE Marcos Pizza WASHINGTON and NEW YORK and LONDON, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As a leading provider of market research, MarketResearch.com is pleased to announce the addition of a new downloadable presentation from the 2016 Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting, A New Paradigm on Healthy Fats and Oils: The Demand for Healthier Ingredients. Download this presentation to learn more: http://hubs.ly/H03GygJ0 Publisher and Research Director at Packaged Facts, David Sprinkle, presented at IFT in Chicago on Sunday. His presentation included insight on how processed food manufacturers and retailers can trigger growth by formulating with healthy oils and highlighting this product benefit. A New Paradigm on Healthy Fats and Oils: The Demand for Healthier Ingredients provides insights into consumer interest in specific oils and fats. The presentation also covers: Shift in opinions on fats and oils. How the products consumers purchase at grocery stores have changed. Where growth in food manufacturers and retailers is coming from. Packaged Facts reports are available on www.profound.com, where subscribers are able to purchase the individual sections, chapters, tables, or charts of a report they need without having to pay for the pieces they don't. About MarketResearch.com MarketResearch.com is the leading provider of global market intelligence products and services. With research reports from more than 720 top consulting and advisory firms, MarketResearch.com offers instant online access to the world's most extensive database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Moreover, MarketResearch.com's Research Specialists have in-depth knowledge of the publishers and the various types of reports in their respective industries and are ready to provide research assistance. Follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketresearch Like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/marketresearchdotcom Follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/marketresearch_ Press Contact: Caitlin Stewart 240.747.3086 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150819/259741LOGO SOURCE MarketResearch.com Related Links http://www.marketresearch.com PHILADELPHIA, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of the Philadelphia Region and McDonald's Owner/Operators of the Greater Philadelphia Region, Inc., are pleased to award 55 high school seniors from across the greater Philadelphia region with college scholarships. The students were selected from hundreds of applicants for their academic achievements, leadership accomplishments, and demonstrated commitment to giving back to their community. In total, $131,000 in scholarships has been awarded. The 55 college scholarships were awarded through the following programs: RMHC /African American Future Achievers program for African American high school seniors program for African American high school seniors RMHC /Asian Students Increasing Achievement ( ASIA ) program for Asian and Pacific Islander high school seniors program for Asian and Pacific Islander high school seniors RMHC /Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources (HACER ) program for Latino high school seniors program for Latino high school seniors RMHC Scholars program for all interested applicants, regardless of ethnicity. "The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities has always been to support children and families, and through our scholarship program we're able to continue supporting children as they enter adulthood and pursue their passion," said Bill Roberson, President, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region, Inc. "We are so proud to recognize the accomplishments of this year's incredible scholarship class, and to help them achieve higher education so that they may continue to grow into strong community leaders." A panel of judges including local officials, community businessmen and women, representatives from colleges and universities, and representatives of the McDonald's and RMHC families review the applications and select each year's scholarship recipients. Winners were selected based on academic achievement, community involvement, financial need and plans to attend a two- or four-year college during the next academic year. For a list of winners, click here. About RMHC of the Philadelphia Region Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region, Inc., grants thousands of dollars per year to support local non-profit programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. In addition, RMHC supports four scholarship programs for high school seniors; the Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey and Delaware Ronald McDonald Houses; the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, operated by St. Christopher's Foundation for Children; and 16 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in area hospitals. The charity receives its support from McDonald's Corporation, McDonald's Owner/Operators, corporate donors and McDonald's customers. For more information, visit www.rmhcphilly.org. About McDonald's McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. There are nearly 300 McDonald's restaurants in the Greater Philadelphia Region. For more information on McDonald's visit www.mcdonalds.com or log on at any of the 10,000 Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. Visit www.mcstate.com for local restaurant, career and program information. Follow us on Twitter @McDPhilly for the latest news, info, events and promotions, and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mcdonalds. *Additional individual student information available upon request. To speak with a winner or McDonald's representatives, please contact Tom Cristino at (856) 392-1512. Contact: Tom Cristino 856.392.1512 [email protected] SOURCE Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region, Inc. CHICAGO, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) recently conducted the second in a planned series of surveys aimed at gleaning valuable insights from patients and caregivers about their brain tumor experiences from diagnosis and throughout the trajectory of the disease. The ABTA's first survey in 2015 elicited responses from more than 2,300 patients and caregivers representing all tumor types. This most recent effort focused specifically on the meningioma patient population. Meningiomas, which represent about 34 percent of all primary brain tumors, are typically slow growing and frequently benign. However, depending on the tumor size, location and treatment, patients can develop debilitating, lingering, and potentially life-threatening side effects. Preliminary findings from more than 1,800 respondents were presented at the 2016 Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) International Meeting on Meningioma in June. Gelareh Zadeh, MD, PhD, FRCS(C), FAANS, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, has further analyzed survey responses and will present a full report at the ABTA's Annual Patient and Family Conference Precision Medicine & its Impact on Brain Tumors: Low Grade, High Grade & Metastatic on July 29-30 in Chicago. "Even though meningiomas are the most frequently diagnosed brain tumor, they are severely under-researched and, as a result, not well understood," said Elizabeth Wilson, president and CEO, American Brain Tumor Association. "This survey is an important first step in enhancing our understanding of the meningioma patient experience and encouraging more research and collaborations on efforts to improve the meningioma patient's treatment options, outcomes, and quality of life." ABTA Annual Patient & Family Conference Westin O'Hare | Chicago, Ill. Low Grade Tumors and Meningiomas 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 30 Nina A. Paleologos, MD, Rush University Medical Center Gelareh Zadeh, MD, PhD, FRCS(C), FAANS, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network Dr. Zadeh will be joined by Nina A. Paleologos, MD, Rush University Medical Center, in a breakout session and discussion of Low Grade Gliomas and Meningiomas. The ABTA Annual Patient & Family Conference, Precision Medicine and its Impact on Brain Tumors: Low Grade, High Grade and Metastatic, is being held at the Westin O'Hare in Chicago, July 29-30. To register for the conference, go to www.braintumorconference.org, call 800-886-ABTA (2282) or email [email protected]. Advance registration is encouraged; limited onsite registration is available. To view the conference program and register visit www.braintumorconference.org , or call 800-886-ABTA (2282) or email [email protected]. ABOUT THE AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION Founded in 1973, the American Brain Tumor Association was the first and is the only national patient advocacy organization committed to funding brain tumor research and providing support and education programs for people of all tumor types and all ages. CONTACT: Martha Carlos [email protected] 773-577-8790 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150901/262855LOGO SOURCE American Brain Tumor Association Related Links http://www.braintumorconference.org HENDERSON, Nev., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- When local businesswoman Bita Nasri began searching for early education programs that could support her gifted children, she discovered that there were no elementary schools in Southern Nevada specializing in gifted education. After devoting two years to research and investigation, Bita came to understand that gifted children have very specialized social, emotional, and academic needs - so she decided to start a school that could serve this unique and underserved population of young learners. Bita's dream will come to life in September of 2016 with the opening of Nasri Academy for Gifted Children, the only elementary school for gifted students in Southern Nevada. What is a Gifted Child? On top of possessing an advanced intellect, with an IQ score of 130 or above, gifted children tend to be highly sensitive, preoccupied with their own thoughts, deeply curious with vivid imaginations, and idealists with a sense of social justice (even at a young age.) Nasri Academy addresses the cognitive, affective, academic, and social needs of gifted children by understanding the individual learning styles of each child. This enables Nasri's faculty and staff to cultivate the students' natural love of discovery and encourage their ability to innovate. Advanced Curriculum for Advanced Thinkers Nasri's educators are highly trained in gifted education. By utilizing hands-on, collaborative, real-world experiences, students become engaged in advanced and stimulating content. Children are given the time, encouragement, and resources necessary to maximize their learning potential in a happy, healthy environment. In addition to subjects like Science, Math, and Writing, Nasri Academy provides opportunities to study Robotics, Art, Music, Physical Education and a variety of STEM-focused areas all within a supportive and nurturing environment that caters to gifted students. Schedule a Tour or Apply Today Nasri Academy will welcome its first class of students, ages 5-9 (1st-4th grade), in September of 2016 and applications are currently being accepted. In August of 2017, Nasri will expand to grades 5th through 6th, followed by 7th and 8th grades in August of 2018. Interested families are encouraged to fill out an inquiry form at http://nasriacademy.com/admissions or contact the Admission Office at (702) 896-8000 or [email protected]. About Nasri Academy The Nasri Academy for Gifted Children is committed to providing an engaging, stimulating, and nurturing environment where the intellectual, academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of students are met in order to produce ethical world citizens. Through a curriculum that includes creativity, depth, complexity and differentiation, students foster academic excellence and a passion for lifelong learning. Learn more at http://nasriacademy.com Contact Information Bita Nasri Founder/CEO, Nasri Academy for Gifted Children [email protected] 702-896-8000 This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com SOURCE The Nasri Academy for Gifted Children Related Links http://www.nasriacademy.com WARREN, Mich., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Art Van Furniture, the Midwest's number one furniture and mattress retailer and America's largest independent furniture retailer, has named Neil Zimmer vice president of merchandising for Art Van PureSleep. As Vice President of Merchandising, Zimmer will report directly to David Van Elslander, president of Art Van PureSleep. Zimmer will be responsible for overseeing all buying and merchandising activities, and will manage the company's buyers and support teams. "We welcome Neil with an eye toward growth," said Van Elslander. "Neil's reputation as a creative and strategic leader, coupled with his specialized expertise and proven track record in the retail bedding space, will add the needed horsepower to help us expedite our already aggressive growth plan." Zimmer joins Art Van PureSleep from Sleepy's, where he played an instrumental role in product and business development, as well as the growth of the retailer to more than 1,000 stores. He began his career in 1993 by launching his own futon and mattress business with five locations, which he successfully operated for 10 years before taking on a merchandise and operations analyst role with Fortunoff, an upscale department store on the East Coast. Art Van PureSleep has been on a path of strategic growth since its launch seven years ago. To date, there are 46 free standing and 56 in-store locations, and Zimmer will play an important role in the brand's continued expansion. Art Van PureSleep carries the most trusted brands in the sleep industry, including Sealy, Beautyrest, Stearns & Foster, Tempur-Pedic, Serta, iComfort, Sleep to Live, King Koil, Reverie and 37.5. For more information, visit www.artvan.com. About Art Van Furniture Art Van Furniture is the Midwest's largest furniture retailer and America's largest independent furniture retailer. The company operates 100 stores throughout Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Indiana, including freestanding Art Van PureSleep mattress stores, Art Van Flooring stores, and Art Van Furniture franchise locations as well as a full service e-commerce website. Founded in 1959, the company is family-owned and headquartered in Warren, Michigan. Visit artvan.com for more information. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150130/172502LOGO SOURCE Art Van Furniture Related Links http://www.artvan.com MINNEAPOLIS, July 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasmussen College, a regionally accredited private college, today released "Is College Still Worth It?" an interactive infographic using the most recent research and studies to showcase the value of higher education in the short term, mid-term and far into the future. It also compares success factors of college graduates to non-degree holders throughout different stages of life. "Rasmussen College believes strongly in the power of education, and we witness firsthand the benefits a college degree offers our students every day," said Dr. Ann Leja, chief academic officer and vice president of Academic Affairs, Rasmussen College. "This interactive infographic not only showcases the immediate and long-term economic impacts of earning a college degree, but also the overall quality of life one can receive with a higher education." "Is College Still Worth It?" presents key insights, confirming long-held beliefs about the immediate benefits of school, such as: college graduates " enjoy twice as many job opportunities " " college graduates "are more likely to be employed and earn more income" than non-degree holders. There are also some lesser-known benefits highlighted, including: " t he children of college graduates are more likely to graduate from college " " "a degree can even impact how well you've prepared for retirement" college graduates "have longer average life expectancy" Rasmussen College commissioned the infographic in light of recent national debates exploring whether a college education is still valued in today's economy and labor force. "We know historically that college hasn't been attainable for everyone," Dr. Leja said. "However, study after study proves higher education is an undeniable asset for the degree-earner. Rasmussen College is committed to innovation so we can offer degree programs and flexible learning options that meet the diverse needs of today's students like our Flex Choice learning option, which allows students to take self-paced assessments alongside their traditional courses at a more affordable cost. We believe the entire higher education industry needs to do a better job of finding ways to truly open access to higher education and the life-changing impact it can have for all students." To learn more about the Rasmussen College "Is College Still Worth It?" infographic, please visit http://www.rasmussen.edu/resources/is-college-worth-it/. ABOUT RASMUSSEN COLLEGE: Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college and Public Benefit Corporation that is dedicated to changing lives through high-demand educational programs and public service. Rasmussen College offers certificate and diploma programs through associate's and bachelor's degrees online and across its 22 Midwest and Florida campuses in a supportive, student-centered and career-focused environment. Since 1900, Rasmussen College has been dedicated to being a primary contributor to the growth and development of the communities it serves. As a Public Benefit Corporation, Rasmussen College is committed to helping change lives through education and making a positive impact on society through public service and a variety of community-based initiatives. For more information about Rasmussen College, please visit www.rasmussen.edu. Contact: Molly Andersen Phone: 952-844-5647 Mobile: 903-920-4366 Email: [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121105/MM06109LOGO SOURCE Rasmussen College Related Links http://www.rasmussen.edu CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE) announced today consolidated net earnings of $233.8 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2016. By comparison, Nucor reported net earnings of $70.8 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2016 and net earnings of $124.8 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2015. In the first half of 2016, Nucor reported consolidated net earnings of $304.5 million, or $0.95 per diluted share, compared with consolidated net earnings of $192.6 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, in the first half of last year. Earnings (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests by segment were as follows for the second quarter and first six months of 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended July 2, 2016 July 4, 2015 July 2, 2016 July 4, 2015 Steel mills $ 530,727 $ 198,500 $ 810,562 $ 415,628 Steel products 82,946 70,636 125,313 103,094 Raw materials (27,181) (38,104) (90,553) (79,601) Corporate/eliminations (215,608) (14,810) (332,912) (103,854) $ 370,884 $ 216,222 $ 512,410 $ 335,267 Nucor's results include a charge of $19.0 million ($0.03 per diluted share) to value inventories using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting. The charge is compared with a charge of $27.5 million ($0.05 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2016 and a credit of $95.5 million ($0.19 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2015. As a result, the LIFO charge in the first half of 2016 was $46.5 million ($0.09 per diluted share), compared with a LIFO credit of $112.0 million ($0.22 per diluted share) in the first half of 2015. Also included in the first quarter of 2016 earnings are out-of-period non-cash gains totaling $13.4 million ($0.04 per diluted share) related to a noncontrolling interest adjustment and to tax adjustments. Included in the second quarter of 2015 earnings were a $9.3 million ($0.03 per diluted share) benefit related to state tax credits and a $10.0 million ($0.02 per diluted share) benefit related to warranty claims at Nucor Steel Louisiana. Nucor's consolidated net sales increased 14% to $4.25 billion in the second quarter of 2016 from $3.72 billion in the first quarter of 2016 and decreased 3% compared with $4.36 billion in the second quarter of 2015. Average sales price per ton in the second quarter of 2016 increased 9% from the first quarter of 2016 and decreased 9% from the second quarter of 2015. Total tons shipped to outside customers were 6,457,000 tons in the second quarter of 2016, a 5% increase from the first quarter of 2016 and a 7% increase from the second quarter of 2015. Total second quarter steel mill shipments increased 5% from the first quarter of 2016 and increased 11% from the second quarter of 2015. Second quarter downstream steel products shipments to outside customers increased 11% from the first quarter of 2016 and decreased 2% from the second quarter of 2015. In the first half of 2016, Nucor's consolidated net sales decreased 9% to $7.96 billion, compared with $8.76 billion in last year's first half. Total tons shipped to outside customers increased 8% from the first half of 2015, while average sales price per ton decreased 16%. The average scrap and scrap substitute cost per ton used during the second quarter of 2016 was $232, an increase of 20% from $193 in the first quarter of 2016 and a decrease of 14% compared to $271 in the second quarter of 2015. The average scrap and scrap substitute cost per ton used in the first half of 2016 was $213, a decrease of 28% from $297 in the first half of 2015. Overall operating rates at our steel mills increased to 83% in the second quarter of 2016 as compared to 74% in the first quarter of 2016 and 73% in the second quarter of 2015. Operating rates for the first half of 2016 increased to 79% as compared to 69% for the first half of 2015. Total steel mill energy costs in the second quarter of 2016 decreased approximately $1 per ton compared to the first quarter of 2016 and decreased approximately $5 per ton compared to the second quarter of 2015. Energy costs for the first half of 2016 decreased $7 per ton from the first half of 2015. These decreases were due to lower electricity and natural gas unit costs and improved productivity resulting from higher steel production volumes. Our liquidity position remains strong with $2.33 billion in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments and an undrawn $1.5 billion line of credit that does not expire until April 2021. In May, Nucor announced that its Vulcraft/Verco Group is expanding into Canada. The new production facility will operate as Vulcraft Canada, Inc., and will be located near Hamilton, Ontario to serve the Central and Eastern Canadian markets. The facility will produce steel joists, joist girders and decking. Product fabrication is expected to begin later this year. In June, Nucor announced that it is forming a 50-50 joint venture with JFE Steel Corporation of Japan to build and operate a plant in central Mexico to supply that country's automotive market. The plant is expected to have a cost of $270 million and a capacity of 400,000 tons per year of galvanized sheet steel. The companies are currently working to secure required conditions to move to completion, including but not limited to regulatory approvals. Operations are expected to begin in the second half of 2019. Also in June, Nucor's board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.375 per share payable on August 11, 2016 to stockholders of record on June 30, 2016. This dividend is Nucor's 173rd consecutive quarterly cash dividend, a record we expect to continue. Flat-rolled trade cases are having a positive impact as steel imports are down in the first five months of this year compared to the same period last year and preliminary duties are in place and being collected. Affirmative final determinations in the antidumping duty and countervailing duty cases of corrosion-resistant and cold-rolled steel products were recently announced by the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission. Over the next few months, final determinations will be announced on the remaining cold-rolled steel cases and on the hot-rolled steel trade cases. We believe that once all the facts are known, the government's final determinations will address all dumping and subsidies associated with these cases. Nucor and other domestic steel producers also recently filed trade cases against cut-to-length steel plate imports from 12 countries because of injury that has occurred from unfairly traded imports in this market. We believe these cases should provide positive results as they work their way through the legal process over the next several months. The performance of the steel mills segment in the second quarter of 2016 was much improved compared to the first quarter of 2016 due to higher average selling prices and improved volumes. The profitability of our sheet, bar and plate mills for the second quarter of 2016 increased compared to the first quarter of 2016, with the largest improvement by the sheet mills. The sheet mills have benefited from lower inventory levels in the supply chain, mainly at service centers, and decreased levels of imports. Average sheet product pricing has increased significantly in the second quarter of 2016. However, since contract pricing represents over 50% of our sheet steel shipments, and a portion of our contract sales are priced on a lagging quarterly basis, we still have not realized the full benefit of the current improved pricing environment for sheet steel. We therefore expect a further improvement in sheet steel pricing and margins in the third quarter of 2016. Energy, heavy equipment and agricultural markets remain weak. The automotive markets remain strong. The performance of our downstream products segment improved from the first quarter of 2016 due to seasonal factors and the gradual improvement in nonresidential construction markets. We believe that the performance of the downstream products segment for the full year 2016 will be improved compared to 2015, despite higher expected steel costs and minimal benefits from the 2015 highway bill, which we believe will have a greater impact on future years' performance. The profitability of the raw materials segment in the second quarter of 2016 improved compared to the first quarter of 2016 due primarily to the performance of our scrap processing business, which benefited from increased pricing, improved collaboration with our steel mills, and efficiency improvements resulting from cost reduction initiatives. The second quarter of 2016 performance of our direct reduced iron (DRI) facilities was also improved from the first quarter of 2016. We expect our DRI facilities will be profitable in the third quarter of 2016, benefiting from improved iron units pricing, lower iron ore costs and continued gains in yield performance. We expect further strong improvement in earnings in the third quarter of 2016. Most of the quarter over quarter improvement will be in the steel mills segment, primarily in our sheet mills. The performance of the raw materials segment is expected to improve significantly in the third quarter of 2016 as compared to the second quarter of 2016 due primarily to improved performance at our DRI facilities. We expect increased profitability for our downstream products segment in the third quarter of 2016 as compared to the second quarter of 2016 due to the gradual improvement in nonresidential construction markets. Nucor and its affiliates are manufacturers of steel products, with operating facilities primarily in the U.S. and Canada. Products produced include: carbon and alloy steel -- in bars, beams, sheet and plate; steel piling; steel joists and joist girders; steel deck; fabricated concrete reinforcing steel; cold finished steel; steel fasteners; metal building systems; steel grating; and wire and wire mesh. Nucor, through The David J. Joseph Company, also brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron and HBI/DRI; supplies ferro-alloys; and processes ferrous and nonferrous scrap. Nucor is North America's largest recycler. Certain statements contained in this news release are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. The words "believe," "expect," "project," "will," "should," "could" and similar expressions are intended to identify those forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (1) competitive pressure on sales and pricing, including competition from imports and substitute materials; (2) the sensitivity of the results of our operations to prevailing steel prices and the changes in the supply and cost of raw materials, including scrap steel; (3) market demand for steel products; and (4) energy costs and availability. These and other factors are discussed in Nucor's regulatory filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those in Nucor's fiscal 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 1A. Risk Factors. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of this date, and Nucor does not assume any obligation to update them. You are invited to listen to the live broadcast of Nucor's conference call in which management will discuss Nucor's second quarter results on July 21, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. eastern time. The conference call will be available over the Internet at www.nucor.com, under Investor Relations. TONNAGE DATA (in thousands) Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended July 2, 2016 July 4, 2015 Percentage Change July 2, 2016 July 4, 2015 Percentage Change Steel mills production 5,890 5,196 13% 11,280 9,954 13% Steel mills total shipments 5,930 5,348 11% 11,577 10,235 13% Sales tons to outside customers: Steel mills 5,082 4,578 11% 9,981 8,743 14% Joist 95 97 -2% 193 186 4% Deck 108 92 17% 209 174 20% Cold finished 110 117 -6% 229 247 -7% Fabricated concrete reinforcing steel 304 324 -6% 546 586 -7% Other 758 847 -11% 1,447 1,754 -18% 6,457 6,055 7% 12,605 11,690 8% CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share data) Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended July 2, 2016 July 4, 2015 July 2, 2016 July 4, 2015 Net sales $ 4,245,772 $ 4,357,609 $ 7,961,348 $ 8,757,049 Costs, expenses and other: Cost of products sold 3,679,512 3,971,303 7,108,140 8,082,461 Marketing, administrative and other expenses 161,711 128,592 271,456 253,153 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates (6,819) (694) (16,064) (435) Interest expense, net 40,484 42,186 85,406 86,603 3,874,888 4,141,387 7,448,938 8,421,782 Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests 370,884 216,222 512,410 335,267 Provision for income taxes 112,548 56,878 149,613 91,631 Net earnings 258,336 159,344 362,797 243,636 Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 24,564 34,589 58,271 51,081 Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders $ 233,772 $ 124,755 $ 304,526 $ 192,555 Net earnings per share: Basic $0.73 $0.39 $0.95 $0.60 Diluted $0.73 $0.39 $0.95 $0.60 Average shares outstanding: Basic 319,360 320,506 319,299 320,409 Diluted 319,578 320,708 319,435 320,594 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (In thousands) July 2, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,781,150 $ 1,939,469 Short-term investments 550,000 100,000 Accounts receivable, net 1,789,942 1,383,823 Inventories, net 2,288,134 2,145,444 Other current assets 129,272 185,644 Total current assets 6,538,498 5,754,380 Property, plant and equipment, net 4,816,988 4,891,153 Goodwill 2,030,551 2,011,278 Other intangible assets, net 740,788 770,672 Other assets 797,758 799,461 Total assets $ 14,924,583 $ 14,226,944 LIABILITIES Current liabilities: Short-term debt $ 19,951 $ 51,315 Accounts payable 1,023,213 566,527 Federal income taxes payable 47,059 - Salaries, wages and related accruals 319,633 289,004 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 526,252 478,327 Total current liabilities 1,936,108 1,385,173 Long-term debt due after one year 4,337,561 4,337,145 Deferred credits and other liabilities 730,205 718,613 Total liabilities 7,003,874 6,440,931 EQUITY Nucor stockholders' equity: Common stock 151,592 151,426 Additional paid-in capital 1,943,886 1,918,970 Retained earnings 7,319,961 7,255,972 Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes (281,378) (351,362) Treasury stock (1,560,298) (1,558,128) Total Nucor stockholders' equity 7,573,763 7,416,878 Noncontrolling interests 346,946 369,135 Total equity 7,920,709 7,786,013 Total liabilities and equity $ 14,924,583 $ 14,226,944 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (In thousands) Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended July 2, 2016 July 4, 2015 Operating activities: Net earnings $ 362,797 $ 243,636 Adjustments: Depreciation 306,088 314,521 Amortization 35,587 36,895 Stock-based compensation 37,576 33,947 Deferred income taxes (4,281) (35,383) Distributions from affiliates 37,026 12,142 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates (16,064) (435) Changes in assets and liabilities (exclusive of acquisitions and dispositions): Accounts receivable (398,266) 254,343 Inventories (136,019) 472,104 Accounts payable 452,815 (159,872) Federal income taxes 129,325 128,391 Salaries, wages and related accruals 32,091 (77,214) Other operating activities 18,290 (28,371) Cash provided by operating activities 856,965 1,194,704 Investing activities: Capital expenditures (227,342) (175,253) Investment in and advances to affiliates (12,508) (23,750) Disposition of plant and equipment 11,631 17,932 Acquisitions (net of cash acquired) - (253) Purchases of investments (550,000) (111,927) Proceeds from the sale of investments 100,000 100,000 Other investing activities 6,265 1,870 Cash used in investing activities (671,954) (191,381) Financing activities: Net change in short-term debt (31,375) (164,466) Repayment of long-term debt - (8,000) Issuance of common stock 1,882 423 Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation 916 1,200 Distributions to noncontrolling interests (78,684) (39,347) Cash dividends (240,302) (239,476) Acquisition of treasury stock (5,173) - Other financing activities (4,630) (1,081) Cash used in financing activities (357,366) (450,747) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 14,036 (224) (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (158,319) 552,352 Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year 1,939,469 1,024,144 Cash and cash equivalents - end of six months $ 1,781,150 $ 1,576,496 Non-cash investing activity: Change in accrued plant and equipment purchases $ 2,630 $ (12,644) SOURCE Nucor Corporation Related Links http://www.nucor.com CHICAGO, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ocean Tomo LLC, the intellectual capital merchant banc firm announced today that Ocean Tomo Transactions represented the German chemical company BASF SE in the sale of over 500 issued and pending patents related to OLED. The approximately $96 million USD intellectual property transaction between BASF SE and the wholly-owned subsidiary of Universal Display Corporation, UDC Ireland Ltd. was comprised of 86 patent families. The patents represented 15 years of research and development by BASF in phosphorescent materials and technologies. "The Ocean Tomo team ran a thorough sales process for BASF, narrowing an initial list of prospective acquirers to a key group of potential strategic acquirers through that process. They demonstrated a keen ability to package up the portfolio in a way that clearly communicated its value to each potential acquirer, get prospective acquirers rapidly engaged in due diligence and in position to submit offers on a tight timeline, and drive to a seamless close," said Felix Goerth, Director Organic Electronics as BASF New Business GmbH. "The ultimate acquisition of the OLED portfolio by Universal Display creates a favorable outcome for BASF while guiding the portfolio to a company that will be able to generate significant value for the OLED industry out of technologies." "When BASF first shared the OLED portfolio with the team at Ocean Tomo it was clear to us that they had a very unique and valuable asset that could further be developed by a strategic acquirer," said James Trueman, Managing Director of Ocean Tomo's Advisory Services Group, comprised of transactions and investments advisory. "Our team was pleased that we were able to assist BASF with successfully monetizing its extensive R&D efforts and ensure that the assets transitioned to a key player in such an important market who is well positioned to continue their commercialization." About Ocean Tomo Ocean Tomo, the Intellectual Capital Merchant Banc firm, provides companies with financial services related to intellectual property and intangible assets. Practice offerings include financial expert testimony, valuation, strategy consulting, investment advisory, innovation management consulting and transaction brokerage. Our Opinion, Management, and Advisory Services are built upon more than two decades of experience valuing intellectual property in the most rigorous of venues State, Federal and international courts. Our financial, market and technical experts provide a unique understanding of the contributory value of proprietary innovation. This is the cornerstone of our business. This insight permeates every practice and client engagement. Collectively, Ocean Tomo professionals have: Executed over 750 engagements involving IP worth in excess of $10 billion ; ; Successfully closed transactions where disruptive technology played a key role, with cumulative value in excess of $650 million ; ; Conducted over 250 valuation engagements and 300 financial damages expert testimony engagements. Ocean Tomo assists clients corporations, law firms, governments and institutional investors in realizing Intellectual Capital Equity value broadly defined. Kristi L Stathis Ocean Tomo LLC [email protected] +1 773 294 4360 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391601LOGO SOURCE Ocean Tomo LLC Related Links http://www.oceantomo.com NEW YORK, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for 10,000 U.S. and global securities, today announced First Security Inc. (OTCQX: FIIT), the holding company for First Security Bank, Inc., a Kentucky based banking corporation, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. First Security Inc. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink market. First Security Inc. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "FIIT." U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com. "We are pleased to welcome First Security, Inc. to our family of established, investor-focused regional and community banks on the OTCQX market," said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. "Trading on OTCQX will help First Security, Inc. increase its profile with investors by providing them with an efficient public market without the pain of an exchange listing, saving significant time and money." "First Security, Inc. is excited to become part of the OTCQX market. This step ensures that the investment community can analyze, value, and trade their securities more easily," stated Michael F. Beckwith, President and CEO of First Security, Inc. Raymond James serves as First Security Inc.'s Corporate Broker on OTCQX. First Security, Inc., a Kentucky corporation, is the holding company for First Security Bank, Inc., a Kentucky based banking corporation. The Bank is a full-service community financial institution serving the Owensboro, Lexington and Bowling Green, Kentucky and Evansville, Indiana areas. The Bank offers a variety of financial services to its customers, including the making of loans and receipt of deposits. The Bank's deposit products include various checking, savings, money market and certificate of deposit accounts. The Bank's loan products include a variety of individual and corporate secured and unsecured products. The bank also offers Internet banking and mobile banking that allow customers to access account information and transact efficiently. Certain corporate customers utilize remote deposit capture, a service offered by the Bank that enables customers to deposit checks remotely. Additionally, other services are offered including wealth management and brokerage services, through LPL Financial. About OTC Markets Group Inc. OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market, and the Pink Open Market for 10,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com OTC Link ATS is operated by OTC Link LLC, member FINRA/SIPC and SEC regulated ATS. Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed Media Contact: OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110118/MM31963LOGO SOURCE OTC Markets Group Inc. Related Links http://www.otcmarkets.com NEW YORK, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- This Sunday, July 24, is National Tequila Day. But with the growth and popularity of Mexico's proud spirit surging around the globe, the holiday should more aptly be called "International Tequila Day." Patron Spirits will mark the occasion of International Tequila Day with events and promotions across the world, and the launch of the Patron Cocktail Lab, a highly interactive cocktail recommendation site that leverages cutting edge technology to showcase the versatility of this sophisticated spirit. "We recognize that tequila isn't a 'national' spirit, but one that's enjoyed globally. And an important reason why tequila has achieved such international success is because of the incredible versatility of this world-class spirit. In fact, we believe it's the world's most versatile spirit, perfect for any cocktail or occasion," says Lee Applbaum, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Patron Spirits. "That's why, on International Tequila Day, we're hosting a global celebration to highlight the versatility of tequila, and introduce the new Patron Cocktail Lab to help people across the world get easy access to exciting and interesting tequila recipes." Available in more than 100 countries, Patron is widely credited with helping introduce 100% agave tequilas to spirits drinkers across the world. And to help celebrate International Tequila Day on Sunday, Patron will host events in cities across the globe, with a focus on classic cocktails perfected by Patron tequila. For example, a time-honored gin and tonic upgraded with Patron, or a traditional Bloody Mary transformed into a Patron Bloody Maria, perfect for a Sunday. (See below for the classic Patron Bloody Maria recipe.) To help people find their perfect International Tequila Day cocktail recipe (or any occasion drink), the newly launched Patron Cocktail Lab, accessible on PatronTequila.com, is a cocktail recommendation engine that doesn't just simply list recipes, but rather allows visitors to find and share innovative, easy-to-prepare Patron cocktails based on their individual flavor preferences from spicy to sweet, fruity to herbal. To make the Patron Cocktail Lab even easier to access, Patron is one of the first spirits brands to pioneer leading-edge voice technology, to make the Cocktail Lab available on new voice recognition platforms. Starting this week, by simply enabling the "Patron" skill in the Alexa app on Amazon Alexa voice-enabled devices, including Amazon Echo, users can ask for cocktail recommendations, recipes and tips everything from the perfect brunch recipe to the proper way to shake and strain a cocktail. Future voice platforms will follow. (Visit PatronTequila.com/AskPatron for more information and a demo.) "At Patron we didn't invent tequila, but we perfected it, and that includes our longstanding commitment to product and technological innovation. Engaging voice communication is just another way that we're creating simply perfect experiences for our consumers through the tools that we deliver and the tequila that we proudly handcraft," adds Applbaum. "We are excited to be the first luxury spirit brand on the Amazon Alexa platform, which is really the start of a broader initiative that will leverage platforms like Alexa, Cortana, Siri, and future technologies to be able to more seamlessly deliver content to people when and how they want it. Alexa is just the beginning." About Patron Tequila From hand-harvesting the highest-quality 100 percent Weber Blue Agave, to the traditional, time-honored distillation process and individual labeling, numbering, and inspection of each bottle, Patron tequila is crafted with meticulous precision and care. Though Patron has grown to become one of the most-recognized and respected luxury spirits brands in the world, it is still exclusively produced in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, in the same small batches and with the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship. For more information about Patron tequilas and liqueurs, please visit www.PatronTequila.com. Patron Bloody Maria 2 oz. Patron Silver 5 oz. Bloody Mary mix, or build your own: 4 oz. Tomato Juice .5 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice 1 Dash Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco 1 Tsp Horseradish (optional) Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Lime wedge for garnish Celery stalk for garnish SOURCE Patron Tequila Related Links http://www.PatronTequila.com AMSTERDAM, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Philips Respironics, a business of Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), today announced that its Trilogy family of portable ventilators, the most widely used ventilators in North America1, will be activated to connect to the Care Orchestrator care management application. With complex respiratory illnesses including neuromuscular disorders and COPD on the rise in the U.S., this respiratory care service will enable enhanced care for patients in the home. Care Orchestrator is a connected health application in the homecare space that connects clinical management workflow, informatics and intelligence for providers, payers and patients within a single cloud-based platform. Once operational later in 2016, Care Orchestrator will interact with Philips' sleep and respiratory devices, electronic medical records (EMRs), insurance claims and billing systems and other Philips and third party applications on the Philips HealthSuite Digital Platform. "Enabling cloud connectivity of Philips' Trilogy ventilation line is an important step toward our larger ambition to commercialize a respiratory care management service that enables better health and better care at a lower cost," said Eli Diacopoulos, Respiratory Care Business Leader, Philips Respironics. "Philips wants to empower the homecare community to work as one with the patient, enabling increased possibilities in remote patient monitoring and enhanced care from the hospital to the home." Trilogy ventilators, introduced in 2008, have continued to advance in clinical effectiveness, evolving with features focused on enhancing the patient experience, including therapy algorithms like AVAPs-AE and Mouth Piece Ventilation mode. With a focus on reducing hospitalizations and improving clinical outcomes, Philips has distributed connectivity-ready Trilogy ventilators in North America since 2015 in preparation for the Care Orchestrator launch. Homecare providers will be able to connect thousands of Trilogy ventilators already in market though a simple update once Care Orchestrator is launched later in 2016. In addition to connecting Trilogy ventilators, Philips will also connect its EverFlo and SimplyGo oxygen concentrators, as well as the iNeb respiratory drug delivery device to Care Orchestrator. With oxygen and respiratory drug delivery devices added to its line of connected solutions, Philips will have the most comprehensive connected respiratory care portfolio2 in the homecare industry. For more information on innovative respiratory care solutions from Philips, visit http://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/articles/copd-management-solutions. For further information, please contact: Alicia Cafardi Philips [email protected] 412-523-9616 About Philips Respironics Philips Respironics is a global leader in the sleep and respiratory care markets, offering solutions in sleep apnea management, oxygen therapy, noninvasive ventilation and respiratory drug delivery. With more than 10 years of cloud-based data sharing experience and analytics for more than 7 million patient lives, Philips Respironics has a long history of leading new innovation in both devices and informatics solutions to help patients sleep and breathe better. About Royal Philips Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. The company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips' health technology portfolio generated 2015 sales of EUR 16.8 billion and employs approximately 69,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter. 1 A study conducted by AMG Research, an independent third party market research company, with 332 DMEs and 103 Sleep Labs. 2 Respiratory care portfolio includes NIV BiPAP, ventilator, oxygen concentrator, nebulizer, metered dose inhaler. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140122/NE50581LOGO SOURCE Royal Philips Related Links http://www.usa.philips.com With the FAA's acceptance notice, SimplyGo Mini becomes a new option for home medical equipment providers (HMEs) to offer today's active respiratory patient, following the legacy of its proven predecessor, the SimplyGo. With its lightweight design and reliable therapy delivery system, SimplyGo Mini empowers patients who struggle with respiratory disorders to continue living full, engaged lives. SimplyGo Mini is the latest addition to Philips' Right Fit portfolio of oxygen products and programs inspired by patients and built for HMEs to work more efficiently to meet the needs of their customers. "Today's HMEs are under tremendous pressure to operate smarter, more efficient businesses, and they need the right lineup of patient-centric products to support that effort," said Eli Diacopoulos, Business Leader, Home Respiratory Care, Philips. "SimplyGo Mini addresses the importance and demand for mobility in today's 24/7 world. Designed with the patient in mind, this device offers on-the-go respiratory patients an attractive, portable solution to travel with ease and convenience." The smallest and lightest POC in the Philips portfolio, SimplyGo Mini has undergone the same rigorous performance and reliability testing as traditional POC products. It offers an attractive and sleek design, as well as a strong, comfortable carrying case, appealing to today's engaged and active patients. By conforming to the FAA's standards for travel, Philips Respironics builds on its commitment to help address the needs and desires of patients living with chronic respiratory conditions who want to remain active and mobile. In an effort to help HMEs streamline their businesses and make the most cost-effective use of resources while still providing high-quality patient care, the SimplyGo Mini is designed to deliver the following benefits: Eliminates recurring oxygen delivery costs and cylinder hassles Reduces maintenance costs Eases inventory management Minimizes patient calls For more information on Philips' sleep and respiratory care solutions call 800-345-6443 or visit www.respironics.com, follow @PhilipsResp and the Philips Respironics Facebook page. *Commercial airlines may have their own requirements for oxygen concentrators. Before flying in the U.S. or abroad, patients should contact their airlines for all connecting flights for permission to carry the SimplyGo Mini system on board. For further information, please contact: Alicia Cafardi Philips 412-523-9616 [email protected] About Philips Respironics Philips Respironics is a global leader in the sleep and respiratory care markets, offering solutions in sleep apnea management, oxygen therapy, noninvasive ventilation and respiratory drug delivery. With more than 10 years of cloud-based data sharing experience and analytics for more than 7 million patient lives, Philips Respironics has a long history of leading new innovation in both devices and informatics solutions to help patients sleep and breathe better. About Royal Philips Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. The company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips' health technology portfolio generated 2015 sales of EUR 16.8 billion and employs approximately 69,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391829 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140122/NE50581LOGO SOURCE Royal Philips Related Links http://www.respironics.com In other news, PNC made a $10,000 donation in support of university students affected by June's devastating floods. The grant to Kenneth D. and Carolyn T. Gray Emergency Fund, operated by the university, aligns with WVU's efforts to assist flood victims and PNC's long history of supporting the communities in which it operates. "Working with PNC to open this 'tiny branch' is an example of how West Virginia University works with its business partners to bring convenience, high levels of customer service and innovation to campus as a way to enhance the student experience," said Daniel A. Durbin, senior vice president of finance. "You've heard it said that Mountaineers go first, so it is only appropriate WVU be the site of PNC's first 'tiny branch' on a college campus." The branch addresses the increasing customer preference to opt for self-service banking. Financial services consultants, who will focus on in-depth conversations, will staff the branch. Instead of waiting behind a counter, they will approach customers and use iPads to help with a full range of services, including new accounts and personal loans along with referrals for PNC mortgage, investments, business banking and other products. They will also demonstrate innovative online and mobile services, such as PNC Virtual Wallet for consumers and Cash Flow Insight for small businesses. For routine transactions, customers have access to a DepositEasy "smart" ATM, which will be available 24/7 to withdraw cash in increments as small as $1, cash checks, and deposit checks or cash into their accounts. In addition, an Instant Card Issuance Printer on site allows consumers to leave the branch with an activated PNC Visa debit card or WVU co-branded check card. "Branch convenience to home remains the number one consideration when consumers choose their primary bank," said Jim Balouris, Southwest Pa. market manager, PNC Bank. "This tiny branch is like a pop-up installation. It is a fun, creative way to bring a host of services that help customers discover ways to enhance their financial wellbeing." The branch offers free parking and joins existing PNC staffed locations at Mountainlair, Evansdale Crossing and Suncrest Town Centre. In addition, the branch raises the number of ATMs serving the Morgantown community to 23, which includes those found at all area Sheetz locations. The new branch will serve customers Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In late August, it will move one mile to a second location near Evansdale Crossing, where it will remain until mid-December of this year. More than half (56 percent) of PNC's customers now use non-branch channels, e.g., online, mobile and ATM, for the majority of their transactions. This compares to 38 percent just three years ago. In addition, deposit transactions via ATM and mobile channels increased to 47 percent of total deposit transactions in the first quarter 2016 compared with 38 percent in the 4th quarter of 2014. PNC continues to make investments in the customer experience. It now has more than 350 branches operating with the universal model, or 14 percent, out of a total branch network of 2,613 and 8,940 ATMs. The five-year strategy will result in two thirds of branches converted to the new model. To view photos, video and the most recent press release for the pop-up branch, please visit http://pnc.mediaroom.com/pnc_popup_branch. PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com. CONTACT: Joe Balaban (412) 768-5095 [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391625 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391610 SOURCE PNC Bank Related Links http://www.pnc.com According to NERA Economic Consulting, more than 2,200 federal securities class actions have been filed in the past 10 years, resulting in more than $58B in settlement funds made available to investors. Yet few investors claim these funds. Most financial advisors rely on notice mailings or hard-to-track industry communications just to stay informed of existing class action settlements. Claim filing itself requires a significant amount of manual effort by the advisor and/or client. CCC's services free advisors from the tedium of claims-related paperwork and data mining to get these settlements to their clients. PCR aggregates all assets for ultra-high-net-worth investors and their advisors from hundreds of custom-built electronic data feeds. This new partnership automates a proprietary CCC discovery process that identifies recovery opportunities in the data streams of PCR's clients and alerts advisors of potential actions. The advisor can then delegate the entire claims process to CCC, from the initial class action filing through distribution of payments to clients. The advisor can track and monitor all of its clients' claims and distributions through CCC's online portal. Fees are charged on a contingency basis, with the client being the ultimate beneficiary. "PCR has spent more than a decade helping advisors better counsel their clients through a unique aggregation of marketable and illiquid data sources enriched to the level of analytics-ready quality. We are extremely excited about our partnership with Chicago Clearing and the opportunity to enrich this data furtherreturning important economic value to clients," said Robert Fiore, President and CEO of PCR. James Tharin, CEO and Founder of Chicago Clearing Corporation, believes that its partnership with PCR will bring substantial benefit to PCR's growing client base. "We are very excited to begin working with Private Client Resources. This relationship will further our mission to recover the funds owed to all harmed investors while helping money managers fulfill their fiduciary responsibility. PCR's clients can now rely on Chicago Clearing Corporation's considerable experience, expertise, and dedication to manage all of their class action settlement claims forever." About Private Client Resources PCR, founded in 2000, serves ultra-high-net-worth families and their advisors by providing an aggregated total wealth view of their complex assets and liabilities. More than screen scraping and other technologies that share usernames and passwords, the PCR platform focuses on authoritative analytics-ready data obtained through secure authorization and reconciled feeds. PCR delivers unmatched coverage of alternatives and other illiquid assets at a data accuracy and availability service level that consistently exceeds 99.86%. About Chicago Clearing Corporation With more than two decades in both the legal and the financial industries, CCC is the premier securities class action recovery specialist. CCC has recovered over $400 million for harmed class members since its inception in 1993, and over $250 million since 2009 alone. CCC's core markets are registered investment advisors, family offices, bank trust departments, hedge funds, proprietary trading firms, pension funds, mutual funds and high-net-worth individuals. An example of CCC's value to its clients is the Bank of America settlement. In Bank of America alone, CCC filed more than 53,000 claims for its clients and recovered over $25 million in settlement payments. Over 1,400 institutional clients turn to CCC to manage their securities class action recoveries, allowing those clients to focus on investing for themselves and their clients. Contact: Gregory Roll Private Client Resources, Inc. 203.210.0047 [email protected] http://www.pcrinsights.com Gerry Boschwitz Chicago Clearing Corporation 612.804.8740 [email protected] https://www.chicagoclearing.com Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391969LOGO Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391970LOGO SOURCE Private Client Resources Related Links www.pcrinsight.com QUEBEC CITY, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Quebec City Tourism director Andre Roy travelled to New York City yesterday to receive top honours on behalf of Quebec City as Travel + Leisure readers' choice of best city in Canada 2016. This year Quebec City and area edged out Vancouver, Victoria, Montreal, and Toronto, which are all in the top five. According to Travel + Leisure, "Quebec City has a Parisian feel, with its narrow, cobblestone streets and European-influenced architecture. It's been on the World's Best Cities list for more than a decade, thanks in part to its friendly locals who don't laugh at tourists' attempts to resurrect their high school French." "It's a real honour to receive this distinction in New York City," said Andre Roy. "Although we've often been in the top 10 on this prestigious list, being named the best destination in Canada is really gratifying. I wanted to come in person to congratulate the other winners and meet people in the industry from around the world. Travel + Leisure has an outstanding reputation internationally. Everyone involved in Quebec City and area's tourism industry should be proud of this distinction. The warm welcome Quebecers offer tourists is one of our great strengths as a destination." With an estimated 5 million readers, Travel + Leisure is a leading publication for travelers and tourism industry professionals around the world. SOURCE OFFICE DU TOURISME DE QUEBEC PHOENIX, July 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 21st, an ERA franchisee operating as ERA Brokers Consolidated issued a press release and online video, which, along with a press release on ERA's website, communicated the message that the ERA franchisee had merged with Realty Executives of Nevada. Realty Executives promptly objected to these communications as false and misleading and sought judicial relief. Realty Executives International, the franchisor of the Realty Executives brand, believes that ERA Brokers Consolidated (a franchise of ERA Franchise Systems, a Realogy company) and FJM Corporation a former franchisee of the Realty Executives system acted improperly and breached numerous contractual obligations, misusing Realty Executives trademarks and tortuously interfering with Realty Executives' contracts and business relationships, in connection with these communications. Realty Executives filed suit against ERA Brokers Consolidated, FJM Corporation and the Moores, seeking, among other things, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to stop ERA Brokers Consolidated, FJM Corporation and their related parties from continuing with their damaging behavior. On July 8, 2016, The Hon. Richard Boulware II, United States District Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, ruled in favor of Realty Executives, issuing a Temporary Restraining Order against ERA Brokers Consolidated, FJM Corporation, the Moores, and their related parties, enjoining them from continuing enumerated aspects of their damaging behavior, as well as requiring them to issue a corrective press release acceptable to Realty Executives International. Thus far, in the opinion of Realty Executives, the Defendants have not fully complied with the Judge's order, including without limitation the requirement that the Defendants and their related parties cease using the Realty Executives name and trademarks. Realty Executives continues to prosecute its lawsuit for several breaches of contract as well as civil torts. "We are pleased that the court agreed with our argument and request for the restraining order," Realty Executives Chairman David Tedesco said. "We were shocked and dismayed by the recent actions taken by ERA Brokers Consolidated and FJM Corporation and will take additional steps to protect our business." For clarity, Realty Executives continues to offer real estate services in the Las Vegas area under the name Realty Executives of Nevada (the use of which name FJM Corporation has been ordered to cease) and as an expansion of the Realty Executives The Edge franchise in Las Vegas, which is owned by Alan Hays. "We are currently expanding our business by rapidly adding new offices, new teams and new agents," Hays said. "As a long-time Realty Executives broker in Las Vegas, we are pleased that the court has taken a step to help clarify the potential confusion around our brand. This allows us to establish that we are not part of, nor do we wish to be part of, ERA Brokers." For more information on Realty Executives' case against FJM Corporation and the Moores, please contact Nantale Muwonge at (602) 749-2309. About Realty Executives Intl. Svcs. LLC Established in 1965, Realty Executives International is one of the largest and oldest real estate franchise systems in the world today, with over 8,000 agents and 500 offices globally. The company offers disruptive, flexible pricing models for unrivaled mobile technology, business tools, training and service while providing protected territories to qualified franchisees worldwide. The Scottsdale-based, privately held company has been ranked as a leader in the real estate industry by publications like Entrepreneur, Success and Inc. magazines. For additional company information visit www.RealtyExecutives.com. CONTACT: Nantale Muwonge PR & Social Media Manager Realty Executives International (602) 749-2309 [email protected] PDF - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/ENR/391698-Realty-Executives-International-Temporary-Restraining-Order.pdf SOURCE Realty Executives International Related Links http://www.realtyexecutives.com OAKVILLE, ON, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Restaurant Brands International Inc. (TSX/NYSE: QSR, TSX: QSP) will release its second quarter 2016 financial results on Thursday, August 4, 2016 and will host an investor conference call that morning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The earnings call will be webcast on the company's investor relations website http://investor.rbi.com and a replay will be available for 30 days following the release. Investors may also access the conference call via the following dial-in numbers: (877) 317-6711 for U.S. callers, (866) 450-4696 for Canadian callers, and (412) 317-5475 for callers from other countries. About Restaurant Brands International Inc. Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI") is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with more than $23 billion in system-wide sales and over 19,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories. RBI owns two of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands TIM HORTONS and BURGER KING. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for over 50 years. To learn more about RBI, please visit the company's website at www.rbi.com. SOURCE Restaurant Brands International Rory shared the news earlier today with readers of his blog thislifeilive.com : " Over the last six months or so, I have been asked many times (and encouraged many more times) to write a book. To turn the stories in this blog I write into a book of some sort. I have never really responded to any of the questions before, but the truth is I am writing a book. It is almost finished actually. But it isn't filled with blogs that I have written about my wife's last few months or the posts I wrote about our life for the two years before that, it is a book that covers a life time. Mine . "I put my fingers on the keys and I started at the beginning. My beginning. And just like I have with every blog post or song I write I just let the story unfold. It is a book about a man so lost, it's a miracle that he was ever found. About doing unforgivable things, and still being forgiven. About God and the girl He used to change me and everyone around me forever." Fans initially got to know Rory Feek and his wife Joey as critically acclaimed country music duo Joey+Rory. Yet it was through Rory's blog that a global audience followed the extraordinary path their lives took. As Rory said in his new blogpost: "When I launched this blog back at the beginning of 2014, I thought I was going to be writing about Joey and I simplifying our lives. About the joy of having and raising a new baby together. About getting rooted deeper in the land we lived on. And I did write about those things. But a few months into the blog, the story took a turn and my wife was diagnosed with cancer. And then the story turned again. And again. And again." "There are certain people and certain stories that seem to transcend the normal onslaught of information that we all experience on a daily basis. And there is absolutely something very special about Rory Feek," said Matt Baugher, Senior Vice President of Thomas Nelson and Publisher of W Publishing Group. "The incredible love story with his wife Joey is just one part of this man's tale and it is a journey that will both amaze and inspire you. It is quite frankly one of the finest books that we will release in the coming year and I look forward to millions of people discovering it. It is not to be missed." Fathom Events and Provident Films will present To Joey, With Love: A Story of Life, Love & Hope That Never Dies, a full-length documentary, as a special one-night event in cinemas nationwide on Tuesday, September 20 (tojoeywithlove.com). The film draws on the vast footage Rory shot of their life together, beginning just before the birth of their daughter, Indiana, in February of 2014 and running through last spring, after the couple received the news that there was nothing more doctors could do. Thomas Nelson, a division of HarperCollins, is a world-leading provider of inspirational content and has been providing readers with quality life-changing product for more than 200 years. The publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391988 SOURCE Thomas Nelson ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., July 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Saddleback Church, one of the largest churches in the United States with 16 campuses in five countries worldwide, has purchased Mission Foothills Professional Building from Providence Capital Group. Mission Foothills professional building is a 52,091 square foot, three story, elevator-served office building located in the heart of Mission Viejo, California. Built in 2001, the property was designed to reflect a modern suburban office style located in a highly affluent submarket within South Orange County. "We purchased the Mission Foothills Professional Building in 2011 and through the execution of our leasing strategy and business plan, the asset will return excellent dividends to our investors," said Paul Laubach, president of Providence Capital Group. Mike Adams of Stream Realty Partners represented the buyer and seller in the transaction in this off-market transaction that closed in 45 days. At the time of the sale, the building was 94 percent leased. The church plans to grow into the building as the current tenants leases roll. "Mission Foothills Professional Building contains an excess of 13.15 acres, which enables Saddleback Church to develop the site and accommodate future growth," said Mike Adams, vice president of Stream Realty Partners. "It was a pleasure working with Mike whose personal ability, attention to detail, and enthusiasm led to a seamless transaction," said Pastor Dave Arnold, director of Strategic Initiatives of Saddleback Church. "We are excited about the opportunity this expansion provides to our church." About Stream Realty Partners Stream is a national, commercial real estate firm with locations across the country. Stream's full-service offerings cover the broad spectrum of leasing, management, development, construction, health care, and investment sales services across the commercial and multifamily industry. In addition, Stream specializes in sourcing acquisition and development opportunities for the firm and its clients. Since its formation in 1996, Stream has grown from its two original partners to a staff of more than 700 real estate professionals nationwide with regional offices in Atlanta; Austin; Charlotte; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Fort Worth; Houston; San Antonio; Southern California; and, Washington, D.C. Stream currently has more than 130 million square feet of assignments across the nation; completes over $2.4 billion in real estate transactions annually; and is considered one of the most active investors and developers in the real estate industry. For more information, visit www.streamrealty.com CONTACT INFO: Caroline Lancaster STREAM REALTY PARTNERS 214.267.0455 [email protected] SOURCE Stream Realty Partners Related Links http://www.streamrealty.com MISSOULA, Mont., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Technology Group (ATG) and the Montana High Tech Business Alliance will host a discussion with Peter Coffee, Salesforce's Vice President for Strategic Research, at Missoula's Wilma Theater on Monday, July 25th. Coffee is globally recognized as a thought leader in the field of Cloud Computing and next-generation Customer Engagement. "Salesforce has established itself as the industry champion of Cloud Computing and Customer Relationship Management software," according to ATG's Tom Stergios, SVP, Quote-To-Cash GM. "We're very excited to host such a well-known and dynamic expert as Peter," Stergios said. "His passion and insight into the field continues to help push the industry forward and inspire the next generation of innovators." Ask the Experts Coffee will be joined at The Wilma by a panel of experts and industry leaders, who will participate in a "fireside chat" following his keynote. Anyone who is interested in achieving a better understanding of Cloud Computing and Customer Engagement should attend. The agenda is as follows: 3:00 4:00 PM: Peter Coffee keynote 4:00 5:00 PM: Fireside chat with Peter Coffee and the Industry Leaders Panel 5:00 6:00 PM: Happy Hour & Networking To RSVP for this event, email [email protected] About Advanced Technology Group ATG helps the nation's most recognizable brands step back and observe their people, processes and technology with an objective eye, especially when the organization is in the middle or on the cusp of significant growth due to a merger, an acquisition, a new technology platform, etc. ATG guides companies in managing the most complex processes across the entire business continuum from engagement to exit, gaining game-changing efficiency along the way by optimizing the Quote-to-Cash lifecycle from customer acquisition to billing and revenue management. Contact: Michael Eagan (913) 239-0050 x228 [email protected] SOURCE Advanced Technology Group SAN DIEGO, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE) plans to announce its second-quarter 2016 earnings at 9 a.m. EDT, Aug. 4. Sempra Energy executives will conduct a conference call at 12 p.m. EDT, Aug. 4. Investors, media, analysts and the general public may listen to a live webcast of the conference call at the company's website, www.sempra.com, by clicking on the appropriate audio link. For those unable to obtain access to the live webcast, the teleconference will be available on replay a few hours after its conclusion by dialing (888) 203-1112 and entering passcode 1077410. Briefing materials will be posted on the company's website by 9 a.m. EDT, Aug. 4. Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2015 revenues of more than $10 billion. The Sempra Energy companies' 17,000 employees serve more than 32 million consumers worldwide. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110108/SEMPRAENERGYLOGO [SRE-F] SOURCE Sempra Energy Related Links http://www.sempra.com NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In an unprecedented move by a category leader in the restaurant industry, Shoney's, the iconic, All-American restaurant brand that has served as America's Dinner Table for nearly 70 years, will serve those who protect and serve America's communities every day with open arms and a free meal breakfast, lunch or dinner - for members of America's law enforcement community during all hours of operation on Wednesday, July 27. The gesture, conceived by Shoney's CEO and Chairman Mr. David Davoudpour, who has a rich track record of supporting law enforcement, was quickly and unanimously approved system-wide by Shoney's franchise partners and will happen in less than a week. "America's men and women in blue need to hear 'Thank You' in a tangible and heartfelt way," said Mr. Davoudpour. "Shoney's opens its doors every day so that families can enjoy fresh quality food, friendly service for an incredible value but it is never lost on us that none of that happens without our men and women of law enforcement across this great country of ours who make our communities safe. We want to thank them and we salute them with a free meal on the house. If you're a police officer in your hometown or are traveling to a place where Shoney's does business, please know you are welcome here. I say 'Let's Eat' for free." Mr. Davoudpour, who has been on a driven and spirited mission to reinvigorate and revitalize Shoney's, a family-friendly, southern-style restaurant brand, said that members of law enforcement are welcome at Shoney's every day but has pledged to cover the meals of America's men in women in blue on the 27th, no purchase required. "Breakfast, lunch or dinner, it doesn't matter, we just want to serve them our great food to show them we care and that we are grateful for them," continued Mr. Davoudpour. One of the pillars of the Shoney's brand is community involvement, evidenced in particular by Mr. Davoudpour's support of law enforcement. In Shoney's headquarters city of Nashville, Davoudpour created the annual Shoney's 5k Family Fun Run eight years ago. One hundred percent of the event's proceeds, which Davoudpour has matched personally every year, benefit the Nashville Police Fund. The fund provides tuition assistance to police officers seeking college degrees and supports other educational pursuits. Nearly $180,000 has been raised by Shoney's and Davoudpour, who supports law enforcement programs in other communities where Shoney's does business. Shoney's offer of a free meal to police officers and all members of law enforcement is available during all hours of operations on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at all Shoney's restaurants. There is a limit of one free meal per member of the law enforcement community. Members of the law enforcement community will need to be in uniform or show proper identification. Offer is valid for dine-in only. About Shoney's Shoney's is a Nashville-based company that operates in 16 southern states and is now growing through franchising following an extensive revitalization effort. Since its humble beginnings in 1947 as a Charleston, West Virginia drive-in restaurant, guests have enjoyed Shoney's family-friendly, casual dining experience. Visit www.shoneys.com for more information on restaurant hours, locations and special offers. Shoney's is offering franchising opportunities to qualified single and multi-unit candidates. For more information, visit http://www.shoneys.com/franchise/. You can also follow Shoney's on Facebook, Twitter @Shoneys, Instagram and YouTube. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130522/DA19085LOGO-b SOURCE Shoney's Related Links http://www.shoneys.com RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- MCNC, the non-profit operator of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN), today announced that the impact and value of broadband access on North Carolina communities, businesses, and citizens remains one of the most important investments to North Carolina's economic future and that MCNC is ready to bring connectivity levels to all-time highs. NCREN is North Carolina's premier community anchor network and one of the largest statewide fiber networks of its kind in the United States. Now at 2,600 miles touching virtually every county in the state, MCNC delivers affordable broadband connections to world-renowned research facilities, non-profit health care sites, government and public safety agencies, and to millions of students and educators throughout the state. In total, MCNC now provides technology services to more than 500 community anchor institutions in North Carolina. For more than three decades, MCNC has been a leader in broadband deployment and operational excellence for North Carolina. MCNC has had great achievement in recent years as the organization has nearly doubled in size to 80 employees. This year, MCNC also hired two new executives, further demonstrating the organization's commitment in developing new services to benefit customers as well as the well-being and development of staff. Andy Gilbert was named MCNC's Senior Director of Services Development, and Laura A. Cline was selected as Director of Human Resources. Gilbert brings more than 30 years of experience in IT management and business development previously working with firms such as Alphanumeric Systems, Inc., Coventry Health Care of the Carolinas, and Rex Healthcare. Cline joins MCNC after holding previous senior HR positions with R.A. Jeffreys Distributing Company as well as Alliance HealthCare Services and Pepsi Bottling Ventures. Financially, revenue continues to grow year-over-year with projected revenues for FY 2016-2017 estimated at $51 million by June 30, 2017, giving MCNC the means to successfully re-invest back into NCREN and make the network even more robust for customers. Over the last decade, MCNC has expanded NCREN through the $144 million Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative while also investing nearly $32 million in organizational resources without the use of state tax dollars in the proper upkeep of NCREN. "Access to high-speed Internet in North Carolina is now a fundamental part of any plan to improve a community's overall quality of life," said MCNC President and CEO Jean Davis. "As history shows us, we can accomplish anything with the right combination of tools and leadership. And, MCNC is committed to leading and providing the technology and expertise to connect North Carolina in new and smart ways." MCNC works with existing and future NCREN customers to identify and meet broadband, network services, and application needs by partnering with top service and application providers to develop, deploy, and sustain solutions for NCREN connectors. NCREN users today include (but are not limited to) the UNC System, serving more than 220,000 students across 16 university campuses and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics; about 75 percent of North Carolina's Independent Colleges and Universities; all 115 North Carolina public K-12 school districts serving 1.4 million students; more than half of the active K-12 charter schools in North Carolina and growing; all 58 institutions of the North Carolina Community College System, serving more than 850,000 students; research institutions and foundations such as the N.C. Biotechnology Center, Research Triangle Institute (RTI), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC) as just a few examples; the N.C. Highway Patrol, and more than 130 public health clinics and not-for-profit hospitals across North Carolina. In addition to best-in-breed technology and online tools, the organization also is guided by an experienced leadership team and a board of directors composed of some of the best networking minds and thought leaders in the country. MCNC also works with an advisory council to develop strategic initiatives for the organization as well as several working and focus groups open to NCREN users who counsel on network-specific matters. Since the organization's new fiscal year began on July 1, MCNC has set forth five strategic priorities for broadband access in North Carolina through 2020, leveraging the expertise of MCNC and the power of NCREN. Steered by innovation, economic development, security, relationships with state government and thought leadership, MCNC is working to make North Carolina the most connected state in the country in the next four years by focusing on connecting more rural communities and areas of the state, providing service excellence, supporting the activation of a next-generation public safety network throughout the state, supporting North Carolina's digital transformation, and increasing overall NCREN community engagement. "MCNC is a unique and exemplary leader in broadband connectivity and networking across North Carolina," said Tom Rabon, chairman of the MCNC Board of Directors. "This organization continues to prove it is much more than just an Internet provider, but a full-service technology resource that gives North Carolina a massive competitive advantage among other states while creating unprecedented opportunities for its citizens. MCNC has a positive and confident future ahead, which can only lead to more great things for our state." About MCNC MCNC, a technology nonprofit that builds, owns and operates the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN), has served research, education, non-profit health care and other community institutions with Internet connectivity in the state for more than 30 years. NCREN is the fundamental broadband infrastructure for more than 500 of these institutions including all K-20 education in North Carolina. As one of the nation's premier middle-mile networks, MCNC leverages high-speed fiber on NCREN to customize Internet services and related applications for each customer while supporting private service providers in bringing cost-efficient connectivity to rural and underserved communities in North Carolina. Visit www.mcnc.org or connect on Facebook, @MCNC, YouTube, Google+, or LinkedIn. MCNC Resources Video: MCNC President and CEO Jean Davis discusses MCNC's new strategic plan. discusses MCNC's new strategic plan. MCNC Vision 2020: Read full Executive Summary of MCNC's new strategic plan via this web link. MCNC Newsroom: Learn more about MCNC through news clippings, photo galleries, and testimonials. Discover MCNC: Explore MCNC's operational areas and value-added services. MCNC Service Catalog: See current service offerings now available from MCNC. NCREN Map: Locate NCREN Community members on this interactive map. Case Studies: Read success stories from NCREN customers over the years. Editorial Contact Noah Garrett, NGC Communications, on behalf of MCNC: (252) 423.1277 or [email protected] SOURCE MCNC Related Links http://www.mcnc.org WASHINGTON, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sagoon Inc. is pleased to announce a private placement offering for potential investors; investments ($5,000 minimum) are welcomed. The company's unique platform allows registered users to create and share social content, and also - very soon - to earn money for interacting on the site. Sagoon offers several applications that enable users to share information and strengthen relationships with family and friends. "Our team has worked diligently to ensure Sagoon helps solve the negative aspects that users often experience on popular social media sites," says founder Govinda Giri, a Nepalese immigrant. "Thanks to the US JOBS Act, we're able to reach people who are passionate about our mission and offer them the opportunity to participate in helping us change the world." Sagoon offers a one-of-a-kind social commerce platform and plans to launch an equity crowdfunding initiative with the help of BankRoll. The capital raised will be used to expand the platform's user base, enhance product infrastructure, and develop and launch a mobile app. The site includes several applications for registered users, including "My Day" (daily task manager), "Mood Talk" (mood chatroom), and "Open Secrets" (secret sharing application). Mood Talk lets users create custom emoticons and stickers for private or group chats; personal and group conversations will be deleted after 24 hours. If users prefer anonymity, they may create and share secrets with the rest of the Sagoon community or just with one specific user. As with the popular millennial app Yik Yak, Sagoon features hot secrets, with the ability to like, dislike, share or comment on secrets, and to track secrets to see which cities and countries they have reached. Later this year, Sagoon will also introduce its Social Smart Card, which will compensate users for interacting with the site's features. Users will receive a free Smart Card when they create a profile and join the Sagoon community; they can then buy and send gift cards to connected friends and family. Smart Cards will be redeemable at certified retail partners. All Sagoon Smart Card users will receive 5% back on transactions. The information contained in this press release is provided for information purposes only. The information in this press release is not an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for the securities of Sagoon, Inc., nor shall there be any sale of such securities in any country or state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such country or state. Any such offer or solicitation will be pursuant to exemptions from registration requirements set out in applicable securities laws and made only by means of delivery of the Private Placement Memorandum dated June 6, 2016, as the same may from time to time be amended, relating to a particular investment to qualified investors in those jurisdictions where permitted by law, and only to "accredited investors" as defined by Section 501 of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933. Investing in securities is not suitable for every investor and there is a risk of loss of your entire investment. This press release is a summary only of certain important matters relating to Sagoon, Inc. and is qualified in its entirety by the detailed information in the offering materials. Prospective investors should take note of the risk factors described therein. Nothing in this press release is intended to be, and you should not consider anything herein to be, investment, accounting, tax or legal advice. For more information on investing in private placement offerings of securities, go to: https://www.investor.gov/news-alerts/investor-alerts/investor-alert-advertising-unregistered-securities-offerings. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE Sagoon Inc. Related Links https://www.sagoon.com LOS ANGELES, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The St. Baldrick's Foundation, a volunteer-powered charity dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research, is proud to announce that it has awarded 79 new grants totaling more than $22 million to support the best and brightest researchers looking for cures and better treatments for all childhood cancers. Every two minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer worldwide. One in five kids diagnosed in the U.S. will not survive, and of those who survive, two-thirds will suffer from long-term effects from the very treatment that saved their life. As the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, St. Baldrick's supports the best research no matter where it takes place, giving hope to every child. "At St. Baldrick's, we believe that every child deserves to live a happy and healthy life, free from cancer," says Kathleen Ruddy, CEO of the St. Baldrick's Foundation. "Although progress has been made, there is still much to be done when it comes to finding cures for the countless subtypes of kids' cancers and creating less toxic treatments. Kids are special and need to be treated that way. Our donors, volunteers and partners make these grants possible, and we are beyond thankful for each and every one of our supporters for contributing to our mission." One of the Foundation's larger and more unique grants this year is called the Treehouse Childhood Cancer Initiative. It is awarded to the University of California, Santa Cruz for a 5-year consortium grant, and offers a breakthrough approach to personalized medicine for children with cancer. The grant from St. Baldrick's will evaluate the clinical utility of real-time sharing and integration of pediatric cancer data generated by genomic studies in the U.S. and Canada with data from 10,000 tumors generated by previous research projects. The Treehouse Initiative will compare an individual child's cancer to both childhood and adult patient cohorts across all cancer types to aid in decision-making for treatments. This cross-cancer analysis can identify situations where a drug developed for another indication may work in a pediatric cancer, providing new treatment avenues to children with cancer. Grants are awarded to the following institutions: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, N.Y. of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, Texas , Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, Calif. Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass. and Women's Hospital, Boston University , Boston, Mass. , Case Western Reserve University , Cleveland, Ohio , Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, Beaverton, Ore. Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Mass. Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Calif. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia, Pa. , Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Mass. Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N.C. Medical Center, Emory University , Atlanta, Ga. , Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Wash. HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, Ala. Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah , Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo , Buffalo, N.Y. , Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, Baltimore, Md. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, N.Y. Northwestern University , Chicago, Ill. , University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, Indianapolis, Ind. Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, Calif. Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Wash. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn. Stanford University , Palo Alto, Calif. , The Children's Oncology Group Foundation, Inc., Philadelphia, Pa. The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio The University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Ala. , The University of Chicago , Chicago, Ill. , The University of Texas at Austin , Austin, Texas , University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Va. School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco , San Francisco, Calif. , University of California Santa Cruz , Santa Cruz, Calif. , University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Mich. Health System, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colo. Cancer Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Fla. College of Medicine, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada , University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pa. Cancer Institute, University of Washington, Seattle , Wash. , Wash. UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Va. , Yale University , New Haven, Conn. Check out the impact being made by St. Baldrick's grants. To see the research St. Baldrick's is funding near you, visit the Grants Search page, or to learn more about each grant category visit the Grant Types page on the Foundation's website. For additional information on each grant or to interview a researcher please email [email protected]. About St. Baldrick's Foundation As the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick's Foundation believes that kids are special and deserve to be treated that way. St. Baldrick's funds are granted to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts who are working to find cures and better treatments for all childhood cancers. Kids need treatments as unique as they are and that starts with funding research just for them. Join us at StBaldricks.org to help support the best cancer treatments for kids. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151215/296104LOGO SOURCE St. Baldricks Foundation Related Links http://www.stbaldricks.org More than three in five Americans (61%) feel like they're taken advantage of at least some of the time when shopping at a car dealership. 52% of Americans feel anxious or uncomfortable when visiting a car dealership. Millennials (ages 18 to 34) appear to especially dislike the experience, with 56% reporting they'd prefer to clean their homes than negotiate with a car dealer. Further: 34% would rather wait in line at the DMV. 26% would rather do their taxes. This dislike also tends to extend to Gen X Americans, with 24% of Americans ages 35-44 preferring to get a root canal than having to negotiate with a car dealer. Millennial women are more likely than Millennial men to feel pressured by a dealership salesperson to buy something right away (62% vs. 50%). And 49% of Millennial women report feeling tricked into buying additional, unnecessary features, compared to 34% of Millennial men. The discomfort felt at the traditional dealership is also evident among parents. 80 percent of those with children under 18 living at home would rather do anything else unpleasant than negotiate with a dealership sales person, versus 71 percent of those without. People are interested in exploring high tech alternatives: Over half of Americans (54%) would love the ability to buy or sell a car without ever leaving home. Two in five (42%) would be comfortable purchasing a car online without a test drive if certain assurances (like a money-back guarantee) were in place. "The stereotypical used car dealer is a caricature Americans have had to deal with for far too long," said Beepi's senior automotive editor Alex Lloyd. "People don't want to waste their weekends and be upsold when there is an easier, more transparent way to do things. This study helps us better understand what people want, so we can continue to improve the experience of buying, selling and leasing cars." The 2016 Beepi Consumer Automotive Index also explored consumer attitudes about the future of car ownership and autonomous vehicles. In the wake of the Tesla autopilot accident, people still have some reservations about autonomous vehicles. According to our survey, nearly half of Americans (46 %) say they would not feel safe owning a self-driving car. Interestingly, older women are less fearful. Among seniors (age 65+), 47 percent of men say they would be scared to drive alongside an autonomous vehicle, but that figure drops to 38 percent of women in the same age group. Millennials seem to be more open to this change and can see the potential positive impact on their daily lives. One-third of those aged 18 to 34 say driving would be less stressful, and 25 percent expect self-driving cars to help with productivity while in the car. The full report, Beepi's 2016 Consumer Automotive Index, is available here: https://www.beepi.com/consumer-index Methodology: This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of Beepi from April 25-27, 2016 among 2,135 adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact us. About Beepi Beepi is the first startup to take on, and successfully disrupt, the pre-owned car industry. A national peer-to-peer marketplace, Beepi is a way to buy, sell or lease a quality car completely online, giving consumers a superior experience that is fast, secure and even fun. Beepi has been licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles since December 2013. For more information, please visit www.beepi.com. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391701 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391703 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391702LOGO SOURCE Beepi, Inc. Related Links http://www.beepi.com At each location, attendees sampled Sundown Naturals Gummies and were invited to #sharethegoodness and contribute to a cross-country photo mural displaying what makes them feel good, whether that be a beautiful day, friends, a meal or a pet. A team of "Goodness Gurus" were also on-site sharing ways to focus on wellness through nutrition, fitness, mindfulness or cultivating joy in daily life. "Sundown Naturals believes life is about balance, and our vitamins and supplements are the perfect complement to help balance healthy, active lifestyles," said John Frame, Vice President of Marketing for Sundown Naturals. "The 100% Goodness Tour has given us the opportunity to bring our belief and brand promise of supplements free of gluten, dairy and artificial flavors to people all across the country." Select locations received an added bonus of having fitness, lifestyle and wellness expert Jennipher Walters, co-founder of the renowned Fit Bottomed Girls Community join them in their city. In these locations, Walters hosted 10-minute, no-equipment workout sessions and shared fitness and health tips with attendees. "Through the 100% Goodness Tour Sundown Naturals brought simple, honest goodness to each tour stop," said Walters. "Wellness has so many components healthy eating, mindfulness, staying active and so much more. I loved interacting with the people who came to visit us and sharing what wellness means to them." To learn more about the Sundown Naturals 100% Goodness Tour and to see photos attendees contributed to the cross-country photo mural, visit www.sundownnaturals.com/goodnesstour. About Sundown Naturals At Sundown Naturals, we are 100% committed to your health. We offer a variety of nutritional vitamins and supplements that are 100% free of gluten, wheat, dairy, lactose, and artificial flavors.* Whether you're looking to give your immune system support, promote a healthy heart, or just be your best every day, Sundown Naturals provides you and your family with delicious supplements you can count on.** Finding the right balance of exercise, rest, work, play and nutrition isn't always easy. Sundown Naturals vitamins and supplements are the perfect complement to your lifestyle. While no one can make healthy choices 100% of the time, you can rest assured that Sundown Naturals is here to support you through every step of your journey. *Applies to all products manufactured after 5/1/15. Please check back of label, as manufacture dates may vary. ** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases. SOURCE NBTY, Inc. STUTTGART, Germany, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Britta Seeger appointed for three years as of January 1, 2017 Manfred Bischoff , Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Daimler AG: "The Mercedes-Benz brand is the heart of Daimler AG. The marketing and sales of Mercedes-Benz Cars is the most important connection with our customers, and therefore has a key function at the Group. With Britta Seeger , we are appointing an experienced executive who has successfully held leading positions in sales worldwide since 2013. The appointment of Britta Seeger also rejuvenates the Board of Management and shows that we have outstanding women for Board of Management positions." Supervisory Board extends the contract of Wilfried Porth , Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources and Director of Labor Relations, for five years until 2022 The Supervisory Board of Daimler AG has appointed Britta Seeger (46) as Member of the Board of Management for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales, effective January 1, 2017. Britta Seeger will take over responsibility for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales from Ola Kallenius (47), who will then take over Board of Management responsibility for Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. Britta Seeger has been appointed to the Board of Management until December 31, 2019. "The Mercedes-Benz brand is the heart of Daimler AG. The marketing and sales of Mercedes-Benz Cars is the most important connection with our customers, and therefore has a key function at the Group," stated Manfred Bischoff, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Daimler AG. "With Britta Seeger, we are appointing an experienced executive who has successfully held leading positions in sales worldwide since 2013. The appointment of Britta Seeger also rejuvenates the Board of Management and shows that we have outstanding women for Board of Management positions. With her qualifications in business administration and her international experience, Britta Seeger will further strengthen the position of Mercedes-Benz Cars with the premium brands Mercedes-Benz and smart worldwide." At present, Britta Seeger is President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Turk A.S. She has held this important position for one year now. Before that, she was President & CEO of the subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Korea Ltd. for two years. Following her studies of business administration, Britta Seeger joined the Daimler Group in 1992 and has held numerous internationally oriented positions in sales management since then. The Supervisory Board has also extended the contract of Wilfried Porth (57) as Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources and Director of Labor Relations, IT & Mercedes-Benz Vans for five years until April 30, 2022. Porth was first appointed to the Board of Management in 2009 and his current appointment would have ended in April 2017. "In recent years, Wilfried Porth has decisively influenced the human-resources work at Daimler worldwide; he has prepared the area of human resources for the future and has made the jobs in the plants, especially the German ones, competitive for the future with the transformation plans. With the systematic internationalization of the Mercedes-Benz Vans division, Wilfried Porth has also utilized new growth potential," said Manfred Bischoff. "In the digital age, it is now essential to set the course for an agile and connected organization. With the reappointment of Wilfried Porth, we are securing continuity in our personnel policy and pushing forward with digitization, so that all employees can make full use of their creativity to keep Daimler ahead of the field in the long term." Daimler at a Glance Daimler AG is one of the world's most successful automotive companies. With its divisions Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Daimler Buses and Daimler Financial Services, the Daimler Group is one of the biggest producers of premium cars and the world's biggest manufacturer of commercial vehicles with a global reach. Daimler Financial Services provides financing, leasing, fleet management, insurance, financial investments, credit cards, and innovative mobility services. The company's founders, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, made history with the invention of the automobile in the year 1886. As a pioneer of automotive engineering, Daimler continues to shape the future of mobility today: The Group's focus is on innovative and green technologies as well as on safe and superior automobiles that appeal and fascinate. Daimler consequently invests in the development of alternative drive trains with the long-term goal of emission-free driving: from hybrid vehicles to electric vehicles powered by battery or fuel cell. Furthermore, the company follows a consistent path towards accident-free driving and intelligent connectivity all the way to autonomous driving. This is just one example of how Daimler willingly accepts the challenge of meeting its responsibility towards society and the environment. Daimler sells its vehicles and services in nearly all the countries of the world and has production facilities in Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Africa. Its current brand portfolio includes, in addition to the world's most valuable premium automotive brand, Mercedes-Benz, as well as Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes me, the brands smart, Freightliner, Western Star, BharatBenz, FUSO, Setra and Thomas Built Buses, and Daimler Financial Services' brands: Mercedes-Benz Bank, Mercedes-Benz Financial, Daimler Truck Financial, moovel, car2go and mytaxi. The company is listed on the stock exchanges of Frankfurt and Stuttgart (stock exchange symbol DAI). In 2015, the Group sold around 2.9 million vehicles and employed a workforce of 284,015 people; revenue totalled 149.5 billion and EBIT amounted to 13.2 billion. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160203/329426LOGO SOURCE Daimler North America - Corporate Communications BUENA PARK, Calif., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- TRUE FRESH HPP, provider of High Pressure Processing (HPP) and food innovation solutions, has installed its third Hiperbaric 525 HPP machine in its innovation center in Buena Park, California. With three of the most cost efficient, high capacity HPP machines available, TRUE FRESH HPP now has the single largest concentration of HPP tolling services under one roof in Northern America. Ideally located in Southern California, the facility is in close proximity to Los Angeles shipping ports, Vernon's co-packer district and the Inland Empire, near the intersection of all major trucking routes to the Pacific Mid-West. "We are extremely excited about the addition of our third Hiperbaric machine," said Director of Operations, Paul Harrison. "We now have three of the largest capacity HPP machines giving us the greatest capacity of HPP tolling services in one location. This really secures our position at the forefront of HPP processing, technology and know-how." "High Pressure Processing is the only way to naturally extend the shelf life of chilled, clean products and is increasingly used in all food categories," said President Mark Lodge. "We help the food industry using our certified HPP facilities to provide clean, wholesome, unadulterated foods that are fresh, guaranteed safe and long lasting. In fact, our TRUE FRESH HPP technology demonstrates the ability to extend chilled shelf-life for up to 10x normal expectations. As a result, this allows manufactures to supply products that are guaranteed pathogen free with a truly clean label on a national footprint while simultaneously increasing operational efficiencies." High Pressure Processing (HPP) uses extreme water pressure to safely kill pathogens. This process extends food shelf-life up to 10x while preserving all nutrients and minerals which are typically lost while using traditional pasteurization processes. The HPP process takes products in its original and final packaging, pressurizing it up to 87,000 psi (six times the pressure found in the deepest part of the ocean) over a range of a few minutes. TRUE FRESH HPP continues to provide state-of-the-art HPP tolling services and related food solutions. Expanding its peripheral services beyond tolling, TRUE FRESH HPP's services include product development, packaging, packing, labeling, refrigerated as well as frozen storage, supply chain and logistics services. For companies that need assistance with product innovation and HPP readiness, TRUE FRESH HPP employs food industry experts that can take products from concept to shelf edge. Their test kitchen, paired with a team of research and development experts, help develop new products and processes that capitalize on the benefits of HPP technology. In addition, future plans to add more HPP tolling locations across the country, in Chicago, the Southwest and Southeast will make TRUE FRESH HPP the dominant force in this exciting innovation space. About TRUE FRESH HPP Founded by Alan True a successful entrepreneur and visionary and headed by Mark Lodge a leading food industry executive, headquartered in Southern California, TRUE FRESH HPP is one of the largest HPP tolling solutions providers in the US. TRUE FRESH HPP's three Hiperbaric Model 525s machines are conveniently situated in a 60,000 sq. ft. cold storage facility in Buena Park, California. TRUE FRESH HPP California is USDA, FDA, Organic certified & BRC accredited. HPP services include real-time inventory management, comprehensive product traceability and logistics support such as cross-docking, case packing, palletizing and a host of other cold storage logistics solutions. For more information visit www.TrueFreshHPP.com Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391687LOGO SOURCE TRUE FRESH HPP Related Links http://www.truefreshhpp.com ATLANTA, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Weather Company, an IBM (NYSE: IBM) Business, announced today they will leverage one of the largest Internet of Things (IoT) platforms in the world to provide critical weather data to millions of people in currently underserved areas. With severe weather statistically occurring more frequently, governments and businesses are seeking supplemental weather data to better prepare for impending disasters. Weather Underground Personal Weather Station (PWS) Network Personal Weather Station For the period 2010-2015, severe weather events caused more than $100 billion in damage in the U.S., where modern warning systems exist, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Even more concerning is the fact that 70 developing countries lack robust early warning systems, exposing citizens to potentially life-threatening disasters. On a global scale, The World Bank reports that over the past 30 years, natural disasters, which include severe weather, have taken an estimated 2.5 million lives and cost more than US$4 trillion. To address these challenges, in 2001 Weather Underground (WU), a subsidiary of The Weather Company, developed the Personal Weather Station (PWS) Network. With over 200,000 stations in 195 countries, this network enables The Weather Company to provide hyperlocal forecasts to millions around the world with unprecedented accuracy. Each station is equipped with multiple sensors for detecting barometric pressure, humidity, temperature, wind speed and direction, and other factors. Greater personal weather station data leads to more precise and enhanced forecasts, which can help governments and communities better anticipate and act on weather conditions. "The Weather Company's weather forecasting strength is based on more than 160 weather models and the expertise of more than 150 meteorologists to produce the most precise and accurate forecasts available," said Mary Glackin, head of science & forecast operation, and senior vice president for public-private partnerships, The Weather Company. "We are committed to continuing to improve the accuracy of our forecast and working in concert with national meteorological services toward our goal of providing every person on the planet with the weather forecast information they need to be safe and prepared in the face of weather. As our climate continues to change, our mission will become even more critical." To improve the availability of such data, Weather Underground is collaborating with various local meteorological and government organizations to provide 100 personal weather stations where they may be most beneficial based on population density, web connectivity, current infrastructure gaps, and exposure to unique severe weather challenges. With this criteria in mind and as part of IBM's philanthropic Smarter Cities Challenge program, Santiago, Chile and Vizag, India will be among the first cities in the program to receive personal weather station donations. These stations will help city leaders and citizens better prepare and respond to emergency events, including weather-related natural disasters such as flash flooding, landslides, extreme drought and heat. As the network is expanded into these areas, the data will augment official infrastructures, and combined with severe weather warnings and alerts issued by national meteorological agencies, will help communities takes measures to remain safe during hazardous or life-threatening weather. "Because of its location, Santiago is vulnerable to a number of natural disasters. The combination of having Weather Underground's personal weather stations installed throughout the city and having access to IBM experts in data and analytics through the Smarter Cities Challenge, will not only help improve local weather forecasts on an everyday basis but will help us to better predict a potential emergency situation and react in real time," said Claudio Orrego, the chief executive of the Santiago metropolitan region. Helping Underserved Areas with Watson and Weather As the PWS Network expands and integrates with the Watson IoT platform, researchers can leverage the cognitive computing power of Watson to develop new systems and applications for things like precision agriculture (e.g., optimized irrigation, fertilization, pest control) for these emerging and developing markets, thereby providing integral solutions for governments, city planners and businesses looking to optimize industry growth and management of critical resources. In addition to IoT infrastructure expansion and data availability, the installment of these weather stations in data-sparse areas provides a unique opportunity for researchers and meteorologists to quantify the improvement in forecast accuracy as a result of the data ingested from each new each station over time. IBM's Watson IoT technology, with the aid of this personal weather station data, will extrapolate upon current atmospheric models - enabling forecasters to potentially discover new predictive patterns. As various IoT sensors have been introduced within the global marketplace, the expectation of IoT capabilities to help improve public safety, resource management, and streamline various business and industry needs has grown exponentially. In an effort to create an enhanced IoT infrastructure to address these needs, Weather Underground is working with the Trans-African HydroMeteorological Observatory (TAHMO) to deploy more than 300 personal weather stations across Kenya, Nigeria, and various other African nations, in close cooperation with the national meteorological agencies. Each of these stations will be placed in a strategic location to serve a historically underserved community with real-time, accurate weather data. Potential results of the installations include helping improve irrigation and agricultural resource management as well as providing unique climate insights for the aviation, power, insurance, and various service-related industries. "The private sector, including companies such as Weather Underground and The Weather Company, has played a useful role in the delivery of weather forecasts," said Christian Blondin, head of cabinet of the secretary-general and director, external relations, World Meteorological Organization. "We welcome the role of such private sector companies in the provision of selected value-added services in complement of the services provided by national meteorological and hydrometeorological services around the world." To access localized weather information from the PWS Network, users can download Weather Underground Apps or visit wunderground.com. The Weather Company, an IBM Business The Weather Company, an IBM Business, is the world's largest private weather enterprise, helping people make informed decisions and take action in the face of weather. The company offers the most accurate, personalized and actionable weather data and insights to millions of consumers and thousands of businesses via Weather's API, its business solutions division, and its own digital products from The Weather Channel (weather.com) and Weather Underground (wunderground.com). The company delivers up to 26 billion forecasts daily. Its products include a top weather app on all major mobile platforms globally; the world's largest network of personal weather stations; a top-20 U.S. website; the seventh most data-rich site in the world; one of the world's largest IoT data platforms; and industry-leading business solutions. Weather Means Business. The world's biggest brands in aviation, energy, insurance, media, and government rely on The Weather Company for data, technology platforms and services to help improve decision-making and respond to weather's impact on business. For more, visit www.theweathercompany.com. Smarter Cities Challenge: Providing Governments With Access to Weather Data in Areas In Need The Smarter Cities Challenge deploys top IBM experts to help cities around the world address their most critical challenges. IBM puts teams on the ground for three weeks, pro bono, to work closely with city leaders and deliver recommendations on how to make the city smarter and more effective. To date, this initiative has made investments valued at over $65 million in 130 cities around the world, and its impact has been recognized by the White House and the Committee for Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy. Twitter handles: @weathercompany, @weatherchannel, @wunderground, and @IBM CONTACT: Andria Stark The Weather Company, an IBM Business (415) 983-2660 [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391542 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391543 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150331/195533LOGO SOURCE The Weather Company; IBM CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Charlotte-headquartered Tropical Foods snack food manufacturer and distributor was honored by Sodexo North America as their 2016 Strategic Diverse Supplier Partner of the Year. Sodexo is a major supporter of minority and diversity owned companies including women-owned businesses. Tropical Foods has been a certified WBENC business since 2002 when sisters Angela Bauer and Carolyn Bennett became majority owners. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391817 "We are incredibly honored to receive this award from Sodexo and be recognized as an important women-owned vendor," said Angela Bauer, owner of Tropical Foods. "We are proud to have a partnership with a company that is also committed to diversity development." Honored at the awards presentation, Tropical Foods won for demonstrating a strategic and collaborative approach when working with Sodexo by providing innovative ideas to increase product utilization and developing differentiated products that address trends and consumer preferences in our marketplace. Tropical has excelled in the area of customer service and continuously demonstrated their extensive product knowledge and best-in-class deployment processes which has resulted in a 45% program increase. Sodexo shares a vision of a workplace rooted in diversity and actively seeks to bring diverse businesses into their network of suppliers, including minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, disabled-owned or LGBT-owned companies. They currently partner with almost 1,674 diverse suppliers. About Tropical Foods Tropical Foods specializes in premium snack mixes, freshly roasted nuts and seeds, dried fruit, and hundreds of bulk and packaged candies, spices, grains and specialty foods. Tropical Foods has an extensive line of retail branded products, including Grabeez, Buffalo Nuts and Dip & Devour. The company was founded in 1977 with an original product line of 100 items which has grown to include more than 3,000 today. Second generation, women-owned, Tropical is headquartered in Charlotte, NC, with additional operating centers in Orlando, Atlanta, Memphis, Washington DC, and Dallas. Contact: Chad Hartman Director of Marketing, Tropical Foods [email protected] 704-602-0631 This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com SOURCE Tropical Foods SHENZHEN, China, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Fashion accessories might not sound like the first products to buy when creating a new look, but they truly make or break a clothing ensemble. More and more customers are realizing the importance of accessories and this has allowed for Twinkledeals to thrive. For almost 2 years' consumers have allowed Twinkledeals to become their go to fashion accessory e-commerce website and now with a birthday coming up the company looks to give back. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391788 August 4th will be the two-year anniversary of Twinkledeals and the company will celebrate by having an anniversary sale and many surprises to say thanks. The anniversary sale will be a great time for new customers to get immersed in the Twinkledeal culture. With so many products in demand and in inventory Twinkledeals has rolled out four phases of the two-year anniversary sale. In total the sale will go from July 4th until August 5th. Every client who partakes in the anniversary sale will be automatically gifted a promotional code of 13% value which can be used infinitely. During the first phase of the sale starting on July 4th, Twinkledeals will be hosting a series of seckill events. For short burst of time products will be given extreme markdowns, up to 80% off. Customers should keep checking back to get these deals as they will not last. The second phase of the Twinkledeals anniversary sale will start on July 14th. This part of the sale will reveal results of the company's summer fashion analysis. The company will reveal the hottest trends going on now and reveal specially marked deals for customers to get them at low prices. Phase three will commence on July 21st and will be a treasure hunt. Easter eggs of promotion codes will randomly appear on the site to be claimed. Get huge discounts, and there are even 100% codes to get entire orders free. This is a great time to not only get huge savings but scout future purchases. Every anniversary sale needs huge deals and for phase 4. Twinkledeals will offer just that. From July 28th until the end of the promotion get huge discounts on the hottest categories and products. This will be an excellent time to stock up a new collection of fashion and fashion accessories. For more fashion clothes of different styles, you may also visit its sister sites: DressLily, Nastydress and Rosewholesale. Media contact: Peter Huang Email http://www.twinkledeals.com/ (503) 928-7482 SOURCE Twinkledeals Related Links http://www.twinkledeals.com Cohen highlights two big headlines from the survey and explains why they're important: 1) Only 40 percent of college students feel college has been very helpful in preparing them for careers. What can colleges to do help more students feel ready for the next step? 2) 62 percent of students reported that, if community college were free, they would attend community college before or instead of the college they currently attend. Could community colleges do a better job showcasing the value they provide? The goal of the Workforce Readiness Survey is to learn what students are doing to prepare for the transition to the workforce, how they view their early career goals and how effective they find the collegiate experience to be as preparation for the next step. About McGraw-Hill Education McGraw-Hill Education is a learning science company that delivers personalized learning experiences that help students, parents, educators and professionals drive results. McGraw-Hill Education has offices across North America, India, China, Europe, the Middle East and South America, and makes its learning solutions available in nearly 60 languages. Visit us at mheducation.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Contact: Tyler Reed McGraw-Hill Education (646) 766-2951 [email protected] Video - https://youtu.be/v--1ChYmhVk SOURCE McGraw-Hill Education Related Links http://www.mheducation.com ALBANY, N.Y., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nathan Littauer Hospital (NLH) has agreed to pay members of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) back wages after illegally locking them out after a one-day strike in January. This comes on the heels of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) finding of "merit" and issuance of a complaint against the hospital. NYSNA also announced plans today to file additional ULPs concerning NLH's ongoing unlawful conduct including changing nurses' working conditions without negotiating with NYSNA. The January 6th one-day strike of 130 members of the New York State Nurses Association at Nathan Littauer Hospital underscored nurse demands for: A fair contract that enforces adequate staffing for patient care. Protections of the employee health benefits needed to help recruit and retain skilled healthcare workers at the facility. Registered nurses have presented contract proposals to management that would raise patient care standards, provide both affordable healthcare for caregivers and fair wages, and provide a meaningful way to resolve staffing concerns. Payment of the back pay has added to the legitimacy of nurse complaints about hospital conditions and strengthened calls for safe staffing. "We applaud the Labor Board for standing with us and we are continuing to work towards a fair contract at Nathan Littauer," said Marion Enright, RN. "The back pay is more than money in our pockets," said Lisa Washburn, RN. "It is an acknowledgement that we wanted to return to our units after a one-day strike and care for our patients, yet management improperly locked us out." "Quality care for all our patients is our goal. Management needs to agree to meet the staffing levels required to get the job done," said Miriam Mustafa, RN. A community forum is planned for August 16 in Gloversville as nurses intensify their campaign for a fair contract. Nurses say that top management, as well as the members of the hospital's board of directors, are potentially jeopardizing the quality of care for the community by failing to reach a fair agreement. The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) represents more than 39,000 members in New York State. We are New York's largest union and professional association for registered nurses. For more information, please visit our website at www.nysna.org. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391935LOGO SOURCE New York State Nurses Association Related Links http://www.nysna.org/ COSTA MESA, Calif., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Use of online shopping tools on auto manufacturer websites can significantly improve satisfaction among consumers who are shopping for a new vehicle, according to the J.D. Power 2016 Manufacturer Website Evaluation StudySMSummer, released today. The semiannual study, now in its 17th year, measures the usefulness of automotive manufacturer websites during the new-vehicle shopping process by examining four key measures (in order of importance): information/content, appearance, speed and navigation. Satisfaction is calculated on a 1,000-point scale. Overall customer satisfaction with auto manufacturer websites is 807 points. Nearly all new-vehicle buyers spend time on manufacturer websites, and, according to the study, consumer satisfaction with those websites is driven mostly by the quality of the content. More than half (57%) of shoppers who are delighted with their website experience (overall satisfaction scores of 901 and above) indicate they are more likely to test drive a vehicle after visiting the site. In comparison, only 16% of those who are disappointed with their experience (scores of 500 or below) indicate they're more likely to test drive a vehicle. "The content on manufacturer websites must embody three key attributes: It must be easy to access. It must provide sufficient detail to answer shoppers' questions. And it must help tell the brand story," said Arianne Walker, senior director of marketing analytics at J.D. Power. "There's a direct connection between manufacturers that utilize their digital showroom effectively and satisfied shoppers who then become buyers." Not only do manufacturers need to be mindful of the kind of content that shoppers are using, but they also need to continually monitor and improve that content to keep up with shoppers' changing expectations and needs. A number of specific shopping tools positively affect satisfaction with manufacturers' websites, including use of the configurator; compare tool; exterior 360 view; interior 360 view; offers/incentives; and payment calculator. Many of these tools also are positively correlated with vehicle purchase, according to the J.D. Power Online-to-Offline (O2O) analytics benchmarks. "Gen Y[1] shopperssoon to be the largest group of new-vehicle shoppersuse these tools at higher rates than Boomers, signifying that manufacturers must continue to invest in and improve website tools in response to shifts in the car-buying population," Walker said. Following are some key findings of the 2016 summer study: Positive Experience Drives Improved Brand Image Perception: The study finds that, through pre/post brand perception measurements, 40% of shoppers have an improved impression of the brand after their website experience. A positive website experience helps drive key brand qualities. Even shoppers' perceptions that are difficult to change, such as reputation and reliability, improve after they experience a brand's website. The study finds that, through pre/post brand perception measurements, 40% of shoppers have an improved impression of the brand after their website experience. A positive website experience helps drive key brand qualities. Even shoppers' perceptions that are difficult to change, such as reputation and reliability, improve after they experience a brand's website. Gen Y Shoppers Like It More : These shoppers tend to show a more positive perception of a brand after the website visit compared with Boomers. : These shoppers tend to show a more positive perception of a brand after the website visit compared with Boomers. Ranking the Three Highest-Performing Sites: Land Rover (834) ranks highest in overall manufacturer website satisfaction, followed by Jaguar (833) and Mercedes-Benz (831). The 2016 Manufacturer Website Evaluation StudySummer is based on responses from more than 9,500 new-vehicle shoppers who indicate they will be in the market for a new vehicle within the next 24 months. The study was fielded May 3-17, 2016. Manufacturer Website Ranking (Based on a 1,000-point scale) Land Rover 834 Jaguar 833 Mercedes-Benz 831 BMW 828 Fiat 826 Cadillac 825 Infiniti 825 Jeep 821 Acura 819 Audi 817 Mitsubishi 815 Porsche 815 Ram 815 Lexus 814 Lincoln 811 Smart 810 MINI 808 Industry Average 807 Volkswagen 805 Hyundai 804 Dodge 802 Chrysler 798 Volvo 797 GMC 794 Honda 794 Nissan 793 Mazda 791 Toyota 784 Chevrolet 783 Ford 782 Subaru 782 Kia 781 Buick 779 Media Relations Contacts John Tews; Troy, Mich.; 248-680-6218; [email protected] About J.D. Power and Advertising/Promotional Rules www.jdpower.com/about/index.htm [1] J.D. Power defines Gen Y as those born from 1977-1994 and Boomers as those born from 1946-1964. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130605/LA26502LOGO SOURCE J.D. Power Related Links http://www.jdpower.com ALISO VIEJO, Calif., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- UST Global, a California-based digital technology services company serving Global 1000 enterprises, announced that it has been conferred with the 2016 Bronze Stevie in the prestigious American Business Awards, in the category 'Human Resources Department of the Year'. Winners of the Stevie Awards were announced at the 14th Annual American Business Awards banquet held in New York, US. The American Business Awards, known as the 'Stevies' for the Greek word 'crowned,' recognize organizations for their achievements in every facet of the workplace. Awards were given across a variety of categories and industries, with more than 10,000 nominees evaluated by 250 global executives. The UST Global HR Team's journey, in tune with the company's vision of "Transforming Lives," has been driven by the philosophy of "Valuing Talent". The dedicated effort to source, train, engage, and sustain diversified talent for the company, has been a key factor in its sustained growth. Our 'Step IT Up America' program in the US provides STEM related career opportunities (including a fully paid training program) to minority women and veterans. Following its success, Impact India was launched. Impact India demonstrates our belief in diverse talent, aiming to provide 10,000 technology jobs to the differently-abled individuals across India. "It is an honor to be acknowledged for our efforts in valuing and retaining talent. The talent that we acquire are continually developed through best practices of training and learning focused on our core competencies of purpose-driven leadership, consumer mastery and digital savviness," said Manu Gopinath, Chief People Officer, UST Global. 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 About UST Global UST Global is a digital technology services company that provides next generation digital solutions for Global 1000 companies. Our mission is to 'Transform Lives' using the power of digital technologies and the focus is on digital services and solutions. With a business model of 'fewer CLIENTS, more ATTENTION', UST Global strives for excellence in providing our clients with the best service and commitment to long-term client success. Headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California, UST Global has over 15,000 associates operating in 25 countries across four continents. For more information, please visit www.ust-global.com For all media enquires: Manoj M Mani UST Global Email : [email protected] UST Global Social Media Channels: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Slideshare SOURCE UST Global Related Links http://www.ust-global.com Vaultive , a cloud data protection company, to host an informational webinar titled, "Microsoft Office 365 Security: Beyond the Basics." The webinar will be co-presented by Doug Lane, a cloud security expert and vice president of product marketing for Vaultive and Nathan O'Bryan, Microsoft MVP. Why: MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Verso Corporation (NYSE: VRS), a leading producer of coated papers, today announced the addition of Productolith Pts. SBS board /caliper covers to its PressDate Service program which provides custom size coated sheets shipped next day to meet challenging quick turn printing and converting needs. "We've expanded our Grand Format coated one side (C1S) PressDate Service program to include Productolith Pts. 9 pt., 10 pt. and 12 pt. C1S covers for single face lamination applications to create packaging, point-of-purchase displays and signage," said Verso Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Development Mike Weinhold. "Productolith Pts. C1S consistently outperforms other brands in the most challenging printing and converting applications." Through the PressDate Service program, Productolith Pts. C1S sheets are available in press ready skids in sizes up to 72 x 82 inches. Order quantities range from a minimum of 5,000 lbs. to a maximum of 42,500 lbs. Product is shipped from Wisconsin within one business day. Weinhold adds, "Our customers value a top quality brand like Productolith Pts. being a part of our PressDate Service program. They can easily order the product they want in the exact size sheet they need, reducing waste and saving money. In addition, the sheeted product is shipped next day to meet their just-in-time delivery needs." To learn more about Productolith Pts. C1S and the PressDate Service program, please contact your Verso sales professional or visit us at versoco.com. About Verso Verso Corporation is the turn-to company for those looking to successfully navigate the complexities of paper sourcing and performance. The leading North American producer of printing and specialty papers and pulp, Verso provides insightful solutions that help drive improved customer efficiency, productivity, brand awareness and business results. Verso's long-standing reputation for quality and reliability is directly tied to our vision to be a company with passion that is respected and trusted by all. Verso's passion is rooted in ethical business practices that demand safe workplaces for our employees and sustainable wood sourcing for our products. This passion, combined with our flexible manufacturing capabilities and an unmatched commitment to product performance, delivery and service, make Verso a preferred choice among commercial printers, paper merchants and brokers, converters, publishers and other end users. The FSC trademark license code for Verso Corporation is FSC C014984. For more information, visit us online at versoco.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151104/283769LOGO SOURCE Verso Corporation Related Links http://versoco.com SAN DIEGO, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ViaCyte, Inc., a privately-held regenerative medicine company, today announced that the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) approved a grant of $3.9 million to support pre-clinical development of ViaCyte's PEC-Direct cell therapy product candidate, which is being developed for a subset of type 1 diabetes patients. The PEC-Direct product candidate delivers stem cell-derived PEC-01 pancreatic progenitor cells in a device designed to allow direct vascularization of the cells, and is being developed for type 1 diabetes patients that have severe hypoglycemic episodes, extreme glycemic lability, and/or impaired awareness of hypoglycemia. "We are grateful to CIRM and the citizens of California for their continued support of our potentially transformative stem cell-derived, cell replacement therapies for diabetes," said Paul Laikind, Ph.D., President and CEO of ViaCyte. "With PEC-Direct we intend to address a critical unmet medical need for people who are most severely impacted by type 1 diabetes. These funds will support our pre-clinical studies as we prepare to initiate clinical development of PEC-Direct early next year." ViaCyte is also actively developing the PEC-EnCap (formerly known as VC-01) product candidate, which delivers pancreatic progenitor cells in an immunoprotective device. PEC-EnCap is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1/2 trial in patients with type 1 diabetes who have minimal to no insulin-producing beta cell function. PEC-EnCap is the first pluripotent stem cell-derived islet replacement therapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes in clinical-stage development. "We have early clinical demonstration of the principle of the PEC-EnCap approach, having shown that engraftment and differentiation to beta cells is feasible based on analyses at twelve weeks post-implant. Optimization efforts are continuing to ensure robust and consistent engraftment with PEC-EnCap before exploring higher doses to demonstrate efficacy," said Dr. Laikind. "ViaCyte remains committed to the development of PEC-EnCap, which we view as a potentially transformational therapy for the majority of people who use insulin to manage their diabetes. While PEC-Direct development could advance more rapidly and make a major impact for the subset of type 1 diabetes patients at highest risk, we view PEC-EnCap as holding the promise of a functional cure for all patients with type 1 diabetes as well as an important therapy for many patients with type 2 diabetes." PEC-Direct delivers the same PEC-01 pancreatic progenitor cells as PEC-EnCap but does so in a device designed to allow direct vascularization. This direct vascularization is expected to allow for a robust engraftment and cellular performance similar to the anatomy of a normal islet. Given the open nature of the device, patients implanted with PEC-Direct, as with other transplants, would require chronic immune suppression. Thus it is being developed to treat patients with type 1 diabetes that are at high risk for acute complications such as severe hypoglycemic episodes, including patients with extreme glycemic lability and/or impaired awareness of hypoglycemia. "This high-risk patient population is the same population that would be eligible for cadaver islet transplants, a procedure that can be highly effective but suffers from a severe lack of donor material," said Dr. Laikind. "We believe PEC-Direct could overcome the limitations of islet transplant by providing an unlimited supply of cells, manufactured under cGMP conditions, and a safer, more optimal route of administration." For more information about ViaCyte's clinical trials, please visit: https://clinicaltrials.gov/. About ViaCyte ViaCyte is a privately-held regenerative medicine company developing novel cell replacement therapies as potential long-term diabetes treatments to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia and diabetes-related complications. ViaCyte's product candidates are based on the derivation of pancreatic progenitor cells, which are then implanted in durable and retrievable delivery devices. Once implanted and matured, these cells are designed to secrete insulin and other regulatory factors in response to blood glucose levels. ViaCyte has two products in development. The PEC-Direct product candidate delivers the pancreatic progenitor cells in a non-immunoprotective device and is being developed for type 1 diabetes patients that have severe hypoglycemic episodes, extreme glycemic lability, and/or impaired awareness of hypoglycemia. The PEC-EnCap (formerly VC-01) product candidate delivers pancreatic progenitor cells in the Encaptra immunoprotective device, and is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1/2 trial in patients with type 1 diabetes who have minimal to no insulin-producing beta cell function. ViaCyte is headquartered in San Diego, California with additional operations in Athens, Georgia. The Company is funded in part by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and JDRF. For more information please visit www.viacyte.com. Connect with ViaCyte here: www.twitter.com/viacyte and www.facebook.com/viacyte. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121026/LA00871LOGO-a SOURCE ViaCyte, Inc. Related Links http://www.viacyte.com NEW YORK, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Increasing automobile production / assembly and expanding fleet size coupled with favourable government initiatives to drive Vietnam tire market through 2021 New Age TechSci Research Logo (PRNewsFoto/New Age TechSci Research) According to recently released TechSci Research report, "Vietnam Tire Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2021", the tire market in Vietnam is projected to cross $ 3 billion by 2021. Over the last five years, Vietnam has emerged as one of the fastest developing economies in the Asia-Pacific region. Increasing automobile production/assembly, expanding fleet size and easy availability of natural rubber are few of the major factors boosting the country's tire market. Several automobile companies in Vietnam are planning to expand their manufacturing capacities in the coming years. For instance, Truong Hai Automobile Co., Ltd., which is one of the major automobile players in Vietnam, plans to invest US$ 1.33 billion over a period of three years to expand the company's production capacity in the country. Another major automobile player operating in the country, Hyundai Thanh Cong, is also planning to establish new plants in Vietnam. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140117/663730 ) Browse 32 market data Tables and 25 Figures spread through 142 Pages and an in-depth TOC on "Vietnam Tire Market" https://www.techsciresearch.com/report/vietnam-tire-market-forecast-opportunities-2021/729.html Vietnam construction industry is expected to generate revenues worth US$ 10.76 billion in 2016, and the sector is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 10% over the next five years. Apart from the construction sector, the country's logistics industry is also forecast to register healthy growth rate owing to anticipated growth in the MSME sector. Booming construction and logistics sectors are expected to drive robust growth in demand for heavy, medium and light trucks in the country, and consequently boost tire sales as well over the next five years. Vietnam tire market is dominated by two-wheeler tire segment, followed by passenger car tire segment, and this trend is expected to continue during the forecast period. South Vietnam is the leading regional market for tires in the country, due to high population density, large vehicle fleet size and high concentration of industries and businesses in the region. Download Sample Report @ https://www.techsciresearch.com/sample-report.aspx?cid=729 Customers can also request for 10% free customization on this report. "In order to boost the country's economy, Vietnam is signing trade agreements with various countries across the globe. For instance, Free Trade Agreement was signed between Vietnam and the European Union in 2015. Under this agreement, nearly all the trade tariffs between Vietnam and the European Union will be eliminated. Moreover, in 2015, the Government of Vietnam, inked AFTA (ASEAN Free Trade Agreements) with neighboring countries to encourage foreign investments into the country. AFTA is expected to bring down tariff levied on vehicle imports, which is expected to boost the country's tire market in the coming years.", said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director with TechSci Research, a research based global management consulting firm. "Vietnam Tire Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2021" has evaluated the future growth potential of tire market in Vietnam, and provides statistics and information on market size, consumer behaviour and trends. The report is intended to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment evaluation. Besides, the report also identifies and analyzes emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges and opportunities available in Vietnam tire market. Browse Related Reports Mexico Tire Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2021 http://www.techsciresearch.com/report/mexico-tire-market-forecast-opportunities-2021/660.html Global Autonomous Car Technology Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2035 - ADAS, Semi-Autonomous, Fully-Autonomous http://www.techsciresearch.com/report/global-autonomous-car-technology-market-forecast-and-opportunities-2035-adas-semi-autonomous-fully-autonomous/124.html Global OTR Tire Market, By Vehicle Type (Mining, Construction and Industrial Equipment, Agriculture Vehicles, and Others), By Demand Category (OEM Vs. Replacement), By Region, Competition Forecast and Opportunities, 2011 - 2021 http://www.techsciresearch.com/report/global-otr-tire-market-by-vehicle-type-mining-construction-and-industrial-equipment-agriculture-vehicles-and-others-by-demand-category-oem-vs-replacement-by-region-competition-forecast-and-opportunities-2011-2021/637.html United States Radio Taxi Services Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2021 http://www.techsciresearch.com/report/united-states-radio-taxi-services-market-forecast-and-opportunities-2021/617.html About TechSci Research TechSci Research is a leading global market research firm publishing premium market research reports. Serving 700 global clients with more than 600 premium market research studies, TechSci Research is serving clients across 11 different industrial verticals. TechSci Research specializes in research based consulting assignments in high growth and emerging markets, leading technologies and niche applications. Our workforce of more than 100 fulltime Analysts and Consultants employing innovative research solutions and tracking global and country specific high growth markets helps TechSci clients to lead rather than follow market trends. Contact Mr. Ken Mathews 708 Third Avenue, Manhattan, NY, New York - 10017 Tel: +1-646-360-1656 Email: [email protected] Connect with us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/TechSciResearch Connect with us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/techsci-research SOURCE TechSci Research MADISON, Wis., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- WECC, a national leader in the design and implementation of energy efficiency and financing programs, was selected to execute the Iowa Be Bright residential lighting program for Spencer Municipal Utilities. Launched on July 1, Iowa Be Bright provides instant rebates toward the purchase of a variety of high-efficiency ENERGY STAR LED bulbs at select retail stores throughout Clay County. Participating retailers include Fareway, Hy-Vee, Dollar Tree, Menards, Walmart, and Consumer Lumber. Utility customers can visit iowabebright.com to locate the closest retailer in their neighborhood. Spencer Municipal Utilities is the community-owned provider of electric power, water, and telecommunications to Spencer, Iowa. The utility, founded in 1942, serves more than 6,000 customers throughout the greater City of Spencer. WECC currently implements the Iowa Be Bright program in a number of other markets across the state. In 2015, point-of-purchase advertising, educational materials, and promotional events helped drive customers of participating utilities to purchase more than 2 million CFLs and nearly 565,000 LED bulbstotaling 100,000 megawatt-hours in energy savings. About WECC Founded in 1980, WECC is a mission-driven nonprofit designing and delivering real energy solutions for our clients' benefit. WECC champions innovative energy initiatives that deliver short- and long-term economic and environmental benefits to consumers, businesses, and policy makers. WECC's team of experts is passionate about delivering measurable results. For more information about WECC, call 800.969.9322 or visit weccusa.org. SOURCE Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC) Related Links http://weccusa.org NEW YORK, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Weight Watchers International, Inc. (NYSE: WTW) will release its results for the second quarter 2016 after the NYSE closes on Thursday, August 4, 2016. The Company has also scheduled a conference call on August 4th at 5:00 p.m. ET. During the conference call, James Chambers, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Nicholas Hotchkin, Chief Financial Officer, will discuss the second quarter 2016 results and answer questions from the investment community. Live audio of the conference call will be simultaneously webcast over the Internet on the Company's corporate website, www.weightwatchersinternational.com. A replay of the webcast will be available on this site for approximately 90 days. About Weight Watchers International, Inc. Weight Watchers International, Inc. is the world's leading commercial provider of weight management services, operating globally through a network of Company-owned and franchise operations. Weight Watchers holds more than 32,000 meetings each week where members receive group support and learn about healthy eating patterns, behavior modification and physical activity. Weight Watchers provides innovative, digital weight management products through its websites, mobile sites and apps. Weight Watchers is the leading provider of paid digital subscription weight management products in the world. In addition, Weight Watchers offers a wide range of products, publications and programs for those interested in weight loss and weight control. This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements because actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied. The reports filed by the Company pursuant to United States securities laws contain discussions of these risks and uncertainties. The Company assumes no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are advised to review the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (which are available from the SEC's EDGAR database at www.sec.gov, at various SEC reference facilities in the United States and via the Company's website at www.weightwatchersinternational.com). Contact Information: Investors: Brainerd Communicators, Inc. Corey Kinger (212) 986-6667 [email protected] SOURCE Weight Watchers International, Inc. Related Links http://www.weightwatchersinternational.com "Yakutia is taking steps to be the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly airline in Russia," says Aviation Partners Boeing director of sales and marketing Christopher Stafford. "With the installation of the Split Scimitar Winglet System, Yakutia will further enhance the performance of its Boeing 737-800s, yielding significant fuel savings and reduction in CO2 emissions throughout its network." The Split Scimitar Winglet modification reduces Boeing Next-Generation 737 fuel burn by an additional 2.5% over the Blended Winglets alone; together they reduce fuel burn by up to 6.6%. The Split Scimitar Winglet System will reduce Yakutia's annual fuel requirements by more than 150,000 liters per aircraft, and their carbon dioxide emissions by about 380 tonnes per aircraft per year. Additionally, the Split Scimitar Winglet System can increase payload capability by 1.2 tonnes on Yakutia's longest routes. "This is our first Split Scimitar Winglet equipped airplane in our 737NG fleet. When considering the market where we operate this airplane, with an average flight length of 4.5 hours, we anticipate significant fuel savings on an annual basis," states Yakutia Airlines chief executive officer Olga Federova. "Yakutia plans to evaluate equipping its existing and any additional 737NG airplanes with the Split Scimitar System as they are added to our fleet. We believe that the performance will significantly enhance the airplane operating economics in this harsh economic environment in Russia." APB's Split Scimitar Winglet program is the most successful product launch in its history. Since launching the program APB has taken orders and options for over 2,000 Split Scimitar Winglet systems. Over the last 10 years, APB has sold nearly 8,000 of its Blended Winglet and Split Scimitar Winglet Systems. Over 6,500 Systems are now in service on Boeing aircraft with over 200 airlines in more than 100 countries. APB estimates that its advanced technology winglets have saved airlines worldwide 6.3billion gallons of jet fuel to-date with a corresponding reduction of carbon dioxide emissions of 66 million tons. Aviation Partners Boeing is a Seattle based joint venture of Aviation Partners, Inc. and The Boeing Company. www.aviationpartnersboeing.com Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391586 SOURCE Aviation Partners Boeing Related Links http://www.aviationpartnersboeing.com Corcoran, 32, of Warren County, pleaded guilty in June to multiple counts of complicity to rape, of human trafficking and child endangering involving the child. Corcoran also admitted giving the girl heroin sometimes as a reward. The child vomited each time.The girl was sodomized, raped, forced to perform oral sex and frequently videotaped by Corcoran's drug dealer in his Camp Washington home, prosecutors say. The encounters happened between February and June 2014.Shandell Willingham, 42, who faces the same charges as Corcoran, has been convicted in Indiana on unrelated drug charges as well as on child pornography charges. He was returned to Hamilton County last month. A hearing in his case is set for Aug. 10. From Ponca City to Manhattan Kan., the terrain levels out, hinting at the Nebraska plains that lie farther north. Its a flatness that spreads out in every direction along the approximately 225 miles between the two cities. And for two small solar-powered cars chugging their way north to Minneapolis that flat terrain provides the desired cruising conditions. However, on Tuesday, the bane of any solar-powered apparatus, piled up over the road, blotting out the sun. It was bound to happen. We came into the flatter parts of Kansas, finally, said Alex Winston, 2016 Solar Car Challenge participant and team representative for the Shine Runners and their little blue car, named Bahama Blue. Our car was cruising along perfectly until we hit one major issue: clouds, Winston wrote to the Fremont Tribune in his daily update detailing the teams progress along the route from Fort Worth, Texas to Minneapolis. To top it off, the Bahama Blue also began experiencing brake issues that required removing one of the wheels to make repairs. However, the solution was only temporary and would need more meticulous attention later. The Fremont Tribune continues to follow the progress of two teams out of Texas (the Shine Runners and the Liberty Christian Solar Car Team) participating in the annual Solar Car Challenge. The Solar Car Challenge represents a year-long educational program that promotes STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) initiatives by inspiring high school-age student to design, build and evaluate a solar car from the ground up. The challenge culminates in a 1,000 mile test run for the participating teams that takes them on a race from Fort Worth to Minneapolis with various overnight stops along the way. One of those stops will be in Fremont at the Walmart Supercenter where the cars will be displayed this evening between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Team members will also be present to answer questions about their cars and the Solar Car Challenge. On Tuesday, both teams fell under the shadows of cloud cover that reduced the power feeding into their vehicles slowing progress significantly. We were only able to go about 15 miles per hour when we normally do about 30 mph, wrote Heather Lytle of the Liberty Christian Team that designed and operates the Solis Bellator (Warrior of the Sun) car. Despite the clouds, the summer heat continued to radiate down upon the teams and their cars. Contrary to what might seem logical, solar panels lose efficiency the hotter they grow, explained Winston. Attempting to maximize efficiency the Shine Runners sprayed a mixture of alcohol and other liquids (to minimize residue) on the sheet of overhead panels powering the Bahama Blue. Despite efforts to increase panel effectiveness, the clouds hampered energy collection, prompting the team to reduce their cruising speed until the sky cleared and the sun returned. Eventually, both teams managed to navigate beyond the clouds successfully and rolled into Manhattan Tuesday night where they indulged in a pizza dinner. Wednesday the teams remained in Manhattan for a bit of spotlight attention from the local media outlets and the public as they spent the day displaying their cars. (This break) gives us an opportunity to fix our cars (brake issue), Winston said. (Its) also a chance to show (the public) what you can do with time, patience and ingenuity. Through our car we not only learn but we also hope to inspire others to push technology and learn what the future holds. Tonight, between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Fremont residents can trek over in their gas powered vehicles to the Walmart parking lot for an opportunity to learn for themselves what that future holds in both energy technology and in the young, inventive minds of the Solar Car Challenge participants. 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 Ankara, July 17 : The US has warned Turkey against "public insinuations" of American involvement in a failed military coup, saying such claims were "utterly false and harmful" to their relations. After Turkey's Labour Minister suggested Washington's involvement in the coup, Secretary of State John Kerry said the US was "willing to provide assistance conducting investigation in the attempted coup, but that public insinuations or claims about any role by the US are utterly false and harmful to our bilateral relations". Kerry reiterated US support for the democratically elected government in Turkey, a statement from the US State Department said. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday urged the US to extradite Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, who lives in the US in self-exile, whom he has accused of being behind the plot. Gulen, speaking from his home in Pennsylvania, denied the claims and said "as someone who suffered under multiple military coups during the past five decades, it is especially insulting to be accused of having any link to such an attempt". The attempted coup began on Friday night when a faction of the military took over key bridges in Istanbul and attacked parliament buildings in Ankara. According to Turkish government, 161 people -- civilians and police -- and 104 "plotters" were killed in ensuing clashes. Over 1,440 people were injured. Nearly 3,000 soldiers were detained and more than 2,700 judges were sacked on Saturday as the government sought to re-assert its power. Many within Turkey's military and mid-level bureaucracy supported Fethullah Gulen, the inspiration behind the hugely-influential Hizmet movement. Once allies, Erdogan has long accused Gulen and his supporters of plotting against him. Erdogan told the US that it had never refused the country's extradition request for "terrorists", and asked Washington to extradite Gulen "if we are strategic partners". Kerry said the US fully anticipated "there will be questions raised about Gulen", adding that Turkey should "present us with any legitimate evidence that withstands scrutiny. And the US will accept that and look at it and make judgements about it appropriately", BBC reported. The attempted coup occurred because Turkey is deeply divided over Erdogan's project to transform the country and the contagion of violence from the war in Syria. Erdogan, expert at winning elections, has always been doubted about his long-term commitment to democracy. Erdogan is a political Islamist who has rejected modern Turkey's secular heritage. He has become increasingly authoritarian and trying to turn himself into a strong executive president. Erdogan's government has been deeply involved in the war in Syria, backing Islamist opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. But violence has spread across the border, helping to reignite the fight with the Kurdish PKK, and making Turkey a target for the Islamic State. Some know the secret: through those doors a macrocosm awaits. A universe of doorways, a multitude of worlds, ideas, history, knowledge, insights and people all bound up by a succession of fitted spines; arranged in stacks that line the walls; conveyed in symbols called letters and words; and all encapsulated within the white stone structure standing just along the road at 1030 North Broad Street the Keene Memorial Library. The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn the more places youll go. First penned by Dr. Seuss in his 1978 childrens book, I Can Read with My Eyes Shut! those words befit any library and perhaps suggest the luring power of words to draw the passions of people like Tina Walker, the new Library Director at Keene Memorial. From the beginning, Walker surrounded herself with those long stacks of spine-bound words, absorbing anything and everything her young mind fancied inside the library of the small town of Gibbon in central Nebraska. She said the Gibbon library sponsored summer reading contests where students documented the books they read during those warm and whimsical days when many children prefer to splash in the pool or explore the woods. The library in Gibbon structured some pretty strict injunctions when it came to checking out books above ones reading age. Walker recalled absorbing book after book associated to a relatively objective chronology of her maturity, that the age restriction hindered her voracious appetite for the written word that her 10-year old mind possessed. I remember the librarian getting sick and tired of me turning in (one after another) reading registration sheets, Walker said. So finally, the librarian gave me War and Peace to read. War and Peace, a thick book in both number of pages and philosophical meanderings, by the historic Russian writer Leo Tolstoy, probably far surpassed the comprehension of a 10-year old girl. I didnt understand it, Walker said. But I read it. With her penchant for reading it might seem natural that Walkers first career choice would lead through the doors of a library. However, the overriding drive to help people carried her down an alternate route towards aspirations of becoming a police officer. Walker attended University of Nebraska-Kearney for a criminal justice degree and in 1998 she found herself well along that law enforcement path, working as a correctional officer in the Hastings Correctional Center. Starting out as a case worker, she eventually moved up to the sex offender unit at the Hastings Regional Center conducting the day-to-day contacts with the inmates in various functions that included medication, restraints, inmate requests and many others. Then, as fate or serendipity sometimes weaves from the multitude of possibilities that life presents, Walker began working for a juvenile services company in Kearney, a career move that cut short her goal of becoming a police officer. An incident with one of the inmates resulted in some broken vertebrae in Walkers neck. Following the incident she faced an 8-month period on medical leave from her job. Due to the job requirements and the extent of the injury, Walkers aspirations of law enforcement evaporated. During the long recovery period, her desire to work kindled. She saw an opening for a library assistant position at the University of Nebraska-Kearney Calvin T. Ryan Library. On a whim she applied. Her career path turned abruptly at that point when she met her new boss, Dr. Ronald Wirtz who still serves as the coordinator of User Services and the Associate Director of the Learning Commons at UNK. Tina described him as a wonderful supervisor who frequently offered her slight, encouraging nudges down the road of library sciences. I remember Tina very well, Dr. Wirtz said in a phone interview. One of the things I noticed about her was that she was a very good people person. Dr. Wirtz elaborated on that quality of social interaction. He described todays libraries and library services as growing increasingly more digitized. He explained that many library patrons enter uncharted technical realms when it comes to navigating the new digital world, a place where the Dewy Decimal Classification system represents an ancient pillar of library history. He was a great librarian, Walker said of her former supervisor. I appreciated the way he treated me as an employee he gave me skills and had me working on projects that would develop me toward (the library sciences) Im only here today because of him. Tina was very good at helping people learn to use (digital) material and at promoting the library across the campus, Wirtz said. Im delighted to hear that shes (at the Keene Memorial Library). Tina is exactly the kind of people that we need in the library today. Walker brings that enthusiasm, skill and insight to her position as library director in Fremont, hoping to maintain and bolster some of the librarys current programs and expand on new ideas for the future. She identified the librarys childrens programming as one major strength at Keene Memorial. She cited the impressive attendance and the numbers of programs that the library offers as obvious signs of success for the programming. However, before hitting full stride in coming up with new programs and ideas, Walker remains grounded in the community needs. One of my big first projects will be to evaluate the community and then balance what we want to provide with what the community needs, Walker said. It was that desire and patience in learning about the residents of Fremont, the library employees and the library board that struck a chord with Director of Human Resources John Hemschemeyer, who served on the committee charged with hiring Walker. I was very comfortable that she is someone who understands the Fremont culture ... she knows Nebraska, Hemschemeyer saidy. That she will take her time and make sure that when she makes changes they are the right changes for the library. One passion Walker holds when it comes to library services addresses the adult generations. With the vast amount information funneling constantly in and out through the digital realm, people can often reach a point of bewilderment, Walker explained. For that reason she believes that libraries can serve as a bastion to help educate people ways to filter out the misinformation or the useless chatter. People always used to say they thought library doors were going to close because the internet was created, Walker said. But I believe that our job grows even stronger and more necessary. And now, in Fremont, Walker plans to meet those needs for the community, an aspiration that achieves a goal she held so many years ago as a 10-year old prospecting notions of law enforcement. I had no idea (at that time) that libraries provided this much assistance to people, Walker said. Its rare to find a job where you love coming into work everyday. Tokyo, July 18 : A Hawaiian Airlines plane was forced to return to Tokyo's Haneda airport on Monday and make an emergency landing after the pilot noticed a hydraulic fluid indicator was reading unusually low. The plane returned to Tokyo's intentional hub shortly after taking off just late Sunday night, Xinhua news agency reported. None of the 293 passengers and crew onboard Flight 458 were injured as a result of the emergency landing. According to a statement from the airport as well as the transport ministry, an oil leak was also detected on the plane and upon landing eight of the Airbus A330s tires blew out, after puncturing, forcing the plane to remain on the tarmac after daybreak, as service people replaced the tires. The stranded plane caused some delays at Japan's busiest airport, with flagship carrier Japan Airlines forced to cancel some of its domestic flights. According to a statement on the airport's website, however, no international flights had been affected. Hawaiian Airlines said in a statement that a new aircraft will be sent to Haneda to transport Honolulu-bound passengers to their original destination and added that mechanics were inspecting the aircraft. Washington, July 18 : As we wait for Juno's first close-up images of Jupiter on August 27, NASA continues to explore our solar system to help answer fundamental questions about how we came to be, where we are going and whether we are alone in the universe. "Juno is the latest example of the extraordinary science we have to look forward to right in our own solar system," said Jim Green, Director of NASA Planetary Division. "There are many uncharted, promising worlds and objects we are eager to explore with our current and future missions," he added in a statement. In September, NASA will launch OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) - the first US mission to a near-Earth asteroid (Bennu) to collect a sample for return to Earth in 2023. OSIRIS-REx will help unlock secrets of the history of our solar system, and shed light on how life may have come to be on our planet. The James Webb Space Telescope (Webb telescope), set to launch in 2018, can observe not only faint objects across the universe but also our neighbouring planets and their moons within our solar system. Webb's angular and spectral resolution will allow us to observe these targets with unprecedented sensitivity and even follow geologic activity. With Juno exploring Jupiter, NASA is also intrigued by its largest moons. Io's intense geological activity makes it the most volcanically active world in the solar system, something Webb could potentially follow-up with. The US space agency has selected nine science instruments for a future mission to investigate whether Europa -- a mysterious moon that scientists believe to have a liquid ocean beneath its icy surface -- hosts habitable environments. Hubble, with its suite of upgraded instruments, has captured Jupiter's auroras and found evidence of saltwater on Jupiter's largest moon, Ganymede. The mission has been extended another five years, and NASA expects it to continue to provide excellent science. "NASA's Cassini spacecraft continues exploring Saturn, its rings and moons, as it has since 2004. In 2017, during the final phase of its long mission, Cassini will complete 22 dives through the narrow gap between Saturn's outer atmosphere and its rings," the statement read. Titan is one of the major satellites of Saturn, with a rich atmosphere and surface chemistry that has been observed extensively by Cassini and ESA's Huygens Probe. After Cassini's mission ends, Webb will begin operations, providing an excellent platform for continuing studies of Titan with its unique new capabilities. "On our journey to Mars, we are closer than ever before to sending American astronauts to our neighbouring Red Planet," Green noted. The next Mars rover scheduled for launch in 2020 is under construction and NASA's InSight Mission to study the interior of the Red Planet is scheduled to launch in 2018. Washington, July 18 : The US resumed airstrikes against the Islamic State (IS) after Turkey opened its airbase which was closed in the wake of a failed attempted coup on July 16. Speaking to reporters onboard his plane after a visit to Afghanistan, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford, confirmed the reopening of the Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, Xinhua news agency reported on Monday. "We resumed flight operations, and airspace is opened back up -- business as usual," Dunford told Pentagon reporters, adding there are no plans to change the US force posture in Turkey. "Our relationship with Turkey as a Nato ally is broad -- politically, economically and from a security perspective," he said. In terms of urgency, the US was most concerned about the counter-IS fight and its partnership with Turkey in the fight, Dunford added. The border area between Turkey and Syria was critical, as foreign fighters and money flow across the border, Dunford noted. "The Turkish-Syrian border is important to isolate the battlefield in Syria," he said, adding "and so we're watching that pretty closely, too." Dunford expressed relief that Turkey "bounced back pretty quickly" in the first 24 hours in terms of facilitating operations in Syria. Turkey closed the airspace of the Incirlik Air Base and cut commercial power supply following Friday's military coup attempt, in which at least 290 people, including 190 civilians, were killed. The coup attempt appears to have further strained Ankara's ties with Washington, as Turkey accused a US-based cleric, Fethullah Gulen, of plotting the coup, while demanding Gulen's extradition by the American government. Speaking in Luxembourg on Saturday, US Secretary of State John Kerry said the Washington would consider Turkey's request for Gulen's extradition on condition that Turkey proves the cleric's wrongdoing. Ranchi, July 18 : The opposition in Jharkhand is preparing to corner the state government in the assembly session starting on Friday on the alleged sexual misconduct of the son of the state BJP president and the "rigging" of the Rajya Sabha polls. "The real face of BJP as a party and the BJP government led by Raghubar Das stands exposed. Both issues will be raised during Monsoon session," Kishore Sahdeo, the spokesman of the Jharkhand unit of the Congress, told IANS. He said Chief Minister Raghubar Das has shown no interest in giving justice to tribal girl who was sexually exploited by Munna Marandi, the son of Jharkhand BJP president Tala Marandi. Munna has also been accused of marrying a minor girl. "No medical board has been set up to ascertain the age of the bride whose school records show she is a minor," said Sahdeo. Leader of the Opposition Hemant Soren, who belongs to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), said the government used unfair means to win the two seats in the June 11 Rajya Sabha elections. The government has failed on every issue and there is plenty that the opposition has to corner it, he said. Pradeep Yadav of the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Pratantrik (JVM-P) said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is using its majority to act like a dictatorship. State Congress president Sukhdeo Bhagat said a "Ravan-Raj" has been prevalent in Jharkhand as is evident in the acts of the ruling BJP. On Friday, JVM-P President Babulal Marandi made public certain audio and video recordings that purportedly show Raghubar Das, an ADG rank police officer, and a close aide of the chief minister interacting with Congress leader Yogendra Sao who is also husband of Congress MLA Nirmala Devi. The recordings purportedly show the police officer suggesting to Sao the political favours he and his wife will enjoy if they helped the BJP candidate win in the Rajya Sabha elections. A video clip also showed Raghubar Das meeting Yogendra Sao a day before the Rajya Sabha poll, claimed Babulal Marandi. State BJP president Tala Marandi is also facing many questions not only from the opposition but also some of his own party men. Some of the BJP members demanded his resignation after two First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against him and his son Munna Marandi who is alleged to have sexually exploited a girl and married another who is said to be a minor. A medical examination of the girl alleging sexual exploitation suggested she had been sexually active with possibly more than one partner. The age of the girl Munna Marandi married is yet to ascertained through a medical test. New Delhi, July 18 : Dubbing diesel as a "major cause of pollution", the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday ordered that all diesel vehicles that are 10 years old or more be banned from plying in the national capital with immediate effect. The tribunal ordered the Delhi Regional Transport Officer (RTO) to deregister all such old diesel vehicles while upholding its impugned 2015 order to ban these vehicles in Delhi. The NGT said that even the odd-even traffic regulation scheme was unable to improve the ambient air quality in Delhi. "It is undisputed that diesel vehicles have caused to increase the pollution level in Delhi. Even the odd-even scheme could not help improving the air quality in Delhi. Old diesel vehicles remain a major contributor to air pollution," a bench headed by Justice Swatanter Kumar said here. The NGT also asked the RTO to provide the Delhi Police with a list of the de-registered diesel vehicles and to act against these in case of violations. The decision came following a petition filed by Vardhaman Kaushik, seeking a ban on 10-year-old diesel vehicles and 15-year-old petrol vehicles. On April 7, 2015, the NGT ordered a ban on diesel vehicles that were 10 year old or more, in the case of 'Vardhaman Kaushik versus Union of India and Others'. The order was challenged, but the NGT dismissed the appeal. However, despite the order, old diesel vehicles continue to challenge Delhi's environment-protection authorities. The Delhi government's Transport Department earlier said it did not have the power to deregister diesel vehicles and according to the Central Motor Vehicles Act, only the RTO could do so. On Monday, the Delhi government, however, asked the RTO to issue public notice to deregister all old diesel vehicles. New Delhi, July 18 : Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said the central government ordered the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir to exercise maximum restraint while tackling the angry mobs that took to streets following the July 8 killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani. "We ordered maximum restraint to the security forces in Kashmir," Rajnath Singh said while replying to a short-duration discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the situation in the state. "Forces were directed to use non-lethal weapons in case of violence," he added. At least 40 people have lost their lives in the state violence since July 8. New Delhi, July 18 : Slamming Pakistan for supporting terrorism and separatism in India, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said the neighbouring country was responsible for what was happening in Jammu and Kashmir. "Kehne ko naam Pakistan hai lakin harkatain napaak" (The name is Pakistan - Land of the Pure - but its actions are unholy)," the Home Minister said while replying to a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. He said Pakistan must mind its own business as India is capable of dealing with its issues. The minister told the house that Burhan Wani was a terrorist who was involved in many cases and as many as 17 FIRs were registered against him in India. Singh said Wani was involved in enticing youths of Jammu and Kashmir to pick up guns and work against the country's interests. Terming the situation in Kashmir as "unfortunate", the minister said all possible efforts were being made to restore normalcy in the state. "I am in constant touch with the Chief Minister there. We discuss the situation at least twice a day. I am also in touch of the heads of the security forces," Singh said. He said the security forces have been advised to use "maximum restraint" and use force only if they have no other option. The minister categorically said that security forces will continue to fight against terrorists but efforts will be made to bring back misguided youths into the mainstream "as they are ours". Singh said he will soon visit the state and initiate dialogue with the common people there. Giving details about the killed and the wounded in violent incidents after Wani's death, the minister said that 43 civilians were killed and 1,948 injured, while one security personnel was killed and 1,671 personnel got wounded in clashes that followed the killing of the militant. "Out of these 1,948 civilians who got wounded in different incidents, 1,744 have already been discharged after medical treatment while 204 are still hospitalised," Singh told the house. Paris, July 18 : One minute's silence was observed all over France on Monday in memory of the people killed in the southern French city of Nice during Bastille Day celebrations on July 14. On the Riviera city, thousands of people gathered in La Promenade des Anglais, a celebrated seaside promenade to pay tribute to the 84 people who were killed in the attack, Xinhua news agency reported. Prime Minister Manuel Valls observed a one minute silence before being jeered by large crowd angry at the government's failure to preserve citizens' safety. Video broadcast by BFMTV news channel showed the mass shouting "criminals" and "resignation". Last Thursday night, a 31 year-old Tunisian man drove a heavy duty white truck into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day. The truck careered two km through mass of revellers before being shot dead by police. According to official data, 84 people were killed, including 10 children, and over 200 were wounded with scores remain in serious condition. Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, the driver, had a record of violence and weapons offences but was unknown to the intelligence agencies. Speaking to Le Journal de Dimanche on Sunday, Valls said there was no doubting over Lahouaiej Bouhlel's terrorist motives. "We know now that the killer was radicalized very quickly," he said. "But, the investigation will establish the facts." Since Paris attacks in November 2015, France has raised security alert to the highest level with security measures tightened at transport hubs, religious sites and department stores. However, the Nice carnage posed new tests to the government's security and raised fears of anti-Islam feelings in France where five million Muslims are living, the largest community in Europe. Kolkata, July 18 : The Border Security Force (BSF) on Monday apprehended two Bangladeshi nationals for robbing a man at the Petrapole International Border Check Point (ICP) in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The accused Sujan Miyan, 20, and Mohammad Tushar Hussain, 19, are residents of Jessore district of Bangladesh. The duo opened fire at a money exchange counter at ICP Petrapole, snatched away a bag full of currency and tried to run away. But they were chased and apprehended by a BSF team. "We have recovered Indian Rs 1,73,750, Bangladeshi taka 89,369, and 175 US Dollar that was snatched from the man at the money counter. The duo has been handed over to the police," said a BSF officer. Gurgaon, July 18 : A 35-year-old man with a criminal history was on Monday shot dead in his native village Kadarpur in Gurgaon district in police presence. Sukha was fatally shot by Rahul, 28, of the same village while a community meeting was on in the presence of policemen. Both the groups had earlier fought over distribution of newspapers in residential areas in Sector 66 here, close to Kadarpur. "Supporters of the Sukha camp beat up a brother of Rahul, after which he whipped out a pistol and shot Sukha five times," a senior police officer said. As the victim lay dead on the spot, Rahul escaped. Police has launched a manhunt to arrest him. New Delhi, July 18 : Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who has been projected as the Congress' chief ministerial candidate for Uttar Pradesh elections, on Monday said that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should campaign in the state and the party would "benefit from it". She said that Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's daughter is a "popular leader and she should come for campaigning. Congress will benefit if Priyanka campaigns for the party in UP". In an interview to ETV, Dikshit when asked about the main agenda in the Uttar Pradesh elections, said: "The present Akhilesh Yadav government's work has discouraged the public. Due to this, people are not going to give him another chance. For us, only development will be the agenda." Dikshit also said she would concentrate only on campaigning now and no decision has been taken on contesting the election. Asked about party Vice-President Rahul Gandhi's role and whether he'll be elevated to the post of party President, Dikshit said: "He should be given more time. Party High Command will take a decision on whether Rahul Gandhi will be made the party President or not." Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dikshit said: "Modi's popularity has decreased in last two years and he has failed in fulfilling the election promises." "It doesn't befit a Prime Minister to make comments like Congress-free India. Such statements don't come in favour of a Prime Minister," she added. New Delhi, July 18 : Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who has been projected as the Congress' chief ministerial candidate for the Uttar Pradesh elections, on Monday described Ghulam Nabi Azad as the Amit Shah of Congress. "If BJP has Amit Shah, then Congress has Ghulam Nabi Azad," said Dikshit. Azad is one of the senior-most leaders of the Congress and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. Amit Shah is the BJP President. Dikshit also said that Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should campaign in the state and the party would "benefit from it". She said Priyanka "is a popular leader and she should come for campaigning. Congress will benefit if Priyanka campaigns for the party in UP". In an interview to ETV, Dikshit when asked about the main agenda in the Uttar Pradesh elections, said: "The present Akhilesh Yadav government's work has discouraged the public. Due to this, people are not going to give him another chance. For us, only development will be the agenda." Dikshit also said she would concentrate only on campaigning now and no decision has been taken on contesting the election. Asked about party Vice-President Rahul Gandhi's role and whether he'll be elevated to the post of party President, Dikshit said: "He should be given more time. Party High Command will take a decision on whether Rahul Gandhi will be made the party President or not." Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dikshit said: "Modi's popularity has decreased in last two years and he has failed in fulfilling the election promises." "It doesn't befit a Prime Minister to make comments like Congress-free India. Such statements don't come in favour of a Prime Minister," she added. Washington, July 19 : Melania, wife of Republican presidential nominee hopeful Donald Trump, faced accusations that her speech plagiarised US First Lady Michelle Obama as she took centre stage on the first day of the Republican National Convention. Commentators noticed similarities with Michelle Obama's 2008 convention speech as Melania Trump on Monday praised her husband as a "compassionate" man who would "fight for the country", BBC reported. It was Melania's first speech of the campaign, and according to Donald Trump's communications adviser Jason Miller, it was "beautiful". "Melania's team of writers took notes on her life's inspirations, and in some instances included fragments that reflected her own thinking," he said in a statement. "Melania's immigrant experience and love for America shone through in her speech, which made it such a success." Trump described his wife's speech as "absolutely incredible", but it was accused to be plagiarised as several sections of it were similar to Michelle Obama's speech. In a section, Melaina Trump said: "My parents impressed on me the values that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say and keep your promise; that you treat people with respect." Michelle Obama's speech in 2008 carried the lines: "And Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values: that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you're going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don't know them, and even if you don't agree with them." Melania Trump's speech continued: "[My parents] taught me to show the values and morals in my daily life. That is the lesson that I continue to pass along to our son. And we need to pass those lessons on to the many generations to follow, because we want our children in this nation to know that the only limit to your achievements is the strength of your dreams and your willingness to work for them." Obama had said: "And Barack Obama and I set out to build lives guided by these values, and pass them on to the next generations. Because we want our children, and all children in this nation, to know that the only limit to the height of your achievement is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them." The Slovenian-born former model had used the speech to portray her husband as a tough but compassionate unifying force. "He's tough when he has to be but he's also kind and fair and caring," Trump said. "The kindness is not always noted, but it's there for all to see. That is one reason I fell in love with him to begin with." As Melania Trump's words spread on social media, attention turned to the authenticity of her speech -- and to the words of another aspiring First Lady. But Trump's supporters are now so accustomed to defending their man from accusations in the media, they could still put this all down to another conspiracy against him. New Delhi, July 20 : A 65-year-old man was stabbed to death at his flat in east Delhi's Mayur Vihar area, police said on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Vijay Kumar, a resident of Kerala, who was staying at Samachar Apartments, police said. "The incident came to light when Kumar didn't respond to his daughter Ambli's call. She rushed to his flat and found him lying in a pool of blood in his bedroom and then raised the alarm," one of the neighbours told IANS. "We received a call around 2.15 p.m. about a murder. Prima facie, it seems that the murder was done by someone known to Kumar as there is no ransacking in his house," Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Rishi Pal told reporters. "The suspect had tea with Kumar before stabbing him to death," the officer said, adding: "Jewellery items were not missing from his locker. However, the family claimed that some cash was missing." Kumar was alone at his flat when the crime took place, the neighbour said. His wife Vasundhra, 60, works in the Income Tax Office here. Srinagar, July 20 : One more person, injured earlier in shooting by security forces, died in a hospital here on Wednesday, taking the toll to 45 in the ongoing unrest that has gripped the Kashmir Valley since the July 8 killing of a top militant commander. Separatist leaders have extended the shutdown call till Monday and called for a march to Anantnag. Officials at Srinagar's S.M.H.S. hospital told IANS that Ghulam Mohammad Mir, 51, of north Kashmir's Kupwara district, succumbed to his injuries in the afternoon. He was injured on Saturday when security forces fired at a protesting mob in the frontier district. Kashmir Valley has been on the boil for nearly two weeks now amid widespread protests, separatist shutdown, and a government-imposed curfew following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani and his two militant aides. Life across the Valley has been paralysed though no fresh protests were reported since Tuesday. Key separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik, in a joint media statement on Wednesday, extended the shutdown call till Monday. However, they asked people "to stock whatever they can in a few hours" from Thursday 2 p.m. when shops will be allowed to open. They also announced a march to Anantnag on Monday. In view of the separatists asking people to hold protests, authorities have decided not to relax the curfew in the Valley, fearing the separatist-sponsored protests may trigger more violence. The Kashmir Valley went without newspapers for the fifth day running on Wednesday even as the authorities lifted the alleged media curb a day ago. But the newspapers published from here are expected to hit the stands on Thursday after the government assured editors and publishers that their work won't be hindered by the heightened security. However, internet services on all mobile phones remained cut off for the ninth day. Calling facility on mobile phones has also remained suspended during this period except for limited facility on post-paid mobile phones provided by state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). Train services between Baramulla town in the valley and Banihal in Jammu region also remained suspended for the 13th day. Berlin, July 21 : Britain will maintain close economic relations with Germany despite its intention to exit the European Union (EU), Britain's new Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday during her visit to Germany. "Of course, our relations will change, but economic relations will remain close," Xinhua quoted May as saying. Political developments in Turkey, the refugee issue and Brexit were discussed during May's visit with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It was the former's first trip abroad after her appointment a week ago. Merkel, during the meeting, stressed Germany's close partnership with Britain, adding Germany would represent its own interests in upcoming Brexit negotiations, Merkel added. However, the process could go on in a "friendly atmosphere and on the basis of many common convictions," said Merkel. Merkel reiterated that negotiations could only start after a formal request from London. "It is a matter of common concern when Britain applies the exit with a very well-defined negotiating position," she said. May said it would be "part of discussions" in the coming negotiations, whether the British should remain part of the free-trade area without free movement of EU citizens. Chennai, July 21 : The two-minute introduction scene of Rajinikanth-starrer Tamil action-drama "Kabali", which is slated for worldwide release on Friday, has leaked online. According to a source, the leak might have happened from the Gulf. "The leaked clip features Arabic subtitles too. Hence, it must have originated from the Gulf. The team is trying to find the source of the leak," a source told IANS. The two-minute scene features Rajinikanth exiting from a prison. Meanwhile, superstar Rajinikanth along with his daughter Aishwarya watched the special screening of the film in Virginia (US) on Wednesday. Directed by Pa. Ranjith, the film features Rajinikanth as a don fighting for Tamils in Malaysia. Dhaka, July 21 : Bangladeshi opposition party leader and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, was on Thursday jailed for seven years in a money laundering case. The High Court overturned a trial court's verdict acquitting the Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Rahman in a Taka 20.41 crore ($0.26 crore) money laundering case, bdnews24 reported. The court ordered seven years in prison and a Taka 200 million fine for Rahman. Dhaka, July 21 : Bangladeshi opposition leader and former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's elder son Tarique Rahman was on Thursday handed a seven-year imprisonment and fine in a money laundering case. The High Court overturned a trial court's verdict acquitting the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader in a Taka 20.41 crore money laundering case, bdnews24 reported. The court also slapped a Taka 200 million fine on Rahman, who lives in London. The bench of justices Enayetur Rahim and Amir Hossain gave its decision on Thursday on an appeal by the anti-graft body -- Anti Corruption Commission (ACC). Rahman's close business associate Giasuddin-Al-Mamun was also sentenced to seven years in prison and fined Taka 400 million, bdnews24 reported. The ACC filed the case against Rahman and Mamun in October, 2009 for siphoning off the money to Singapore between 2003 and 2007. Lucknow, July 21 : Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) workers on Thursday afternoon called off their agitation here against former Uttar Pradesh BJP Vice-President Daya Shankar Singh for his abusive remarks against BSP chief Mayawati after police assured Singh's arrest within the next 36 hours. Lucknow's District Magistrate Raj Shekhar met the agitated party workers and leaders and told them the police was looking for Singh after an FIR was lodged against him late on Wednesday night at the Hazratganj police station. After a categorical and time-bound assurance by authorities, BSP leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui announced the agitation was being called off. The police conducted searches at about a dozen places to nab Daya Shankar Singh but met with no success. Sources say Singh is holed up at some place in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Following the outrage over the statement, the BJP late night expelled Singh from the party for six years. Earlier, hundreds and thousands of BSP workers on Thursday took to the streets here to protest Singh's abusive comments against Mayawati. The protesters threw traffic out of gear in Hazratganj, giving anxious moments to the district administration, police officers and those controlling traffic. State BSP president Raj Achal Rajbhar said Singh's statement had revealed the "anti-Dalit mentality" of the Bharatiya Janata Party. New Delhi : Over the decade ending 2010, the enrolment rate of other backward classes (OBCs) -- a loose definition of lower castes, a level above scheduled castes and tribes -- in higher education had tripled to 22 per cent, close to the national rate of 23.6 per cent. But the issue of continuing affirmative action for OBCs is muddied because the percentage of seats reserved for them nationwide is based on 85-year-old data. History throws up the question: Now that OBCs appear to have caught up with higher castes in higher education, is it time to remove reservation? Thise is a difficult question to answer because in the last 85 yeas, the OBC proportion in the general population has been variously estimated at 32 percent (1955), 27 per cent(1991), 36 per cent (1999) and 41 per cent (2005). It also appears that enrolment-rate gains may not reflect continuing gaps between OBCs and upper-caste Hindus. Are OBCs in higher education in proportion to their population share? No one really knows In 1991, when India instituted 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in state-level, higher-education institutions on the recommendation of the Mandal Commission -- created in 1978 to determine criteria to identify backward castes -- there were supposedly 3,743 backward-caste groups making up 52 per cent of the Indian population. To arrive at this figure, the commission "subtracted from 100 per cent the share of the SC-ST population, the non-Hindu population based on the 1971 census, and the share of the Hindu upper castes extrapolated from the 1931 census", a 2014 study said. "The residual was actually 43.7 per cent, to which was added half of the non-Hindu population share." Did the government believe that the OBC share was overestimated? A previous estimate, by the Kalelkar Commission in 1955 placed OBCs at 32 per cent of the population. The 1999 National Sample Survey said OBC accounted for 36 per cent of the population, while the 2004-05 National Sample Survey said the figure was 41 per cent. "The quota shares allocated to disadvantaged castes are roughly in proportion to their population shares," said a new study published in June 2016 by researchers from the Carnegie Mellon University. In that case, the population share of OBCs should be around 27 per cent, the share of places reserved for them in higher education. Whatever the population share of OBCs -- 27, 32, 36 or 41 percent -- they have clearly reaped larger gains than SCs and STs in higher-education enrolments. Against their population share, 33 per cent of students enrolled in higher education were OBCs, according to the 2014-15 All India Survey on Higher Education. So, should reservation for OBCs be withdrawn? No, said the 2014 study we previously referred to, by Ashwini Deshpande, a Delhi University economist, and Rajesh Ramachandran, an economist at Frankfurt's Goethe University. Studying the gap between the OBCs and others -- in merit-based admissions -- Deshpande and Ramachandran found nine per cent of younger OBCs (born between 1976 and 1985) had acquired a graduate degree versus 0.4 per cent of older OBCs (born in the decade from 1926 to 1935). The likelihood of others acquiring a graduate degree or more had also increased, from four per cent to 20 per cent for these age groups, illustrating the gap in higher education among social groups. "That the haves (others) have outperformed the have-nots (OBCs) shows India still needs reservation for the OBCs," Deshpande told IndiaSpend in an email interview. The case for reviewing OBC reservation With data showing that OBCs have caught up with the national average in gross enrolment rate (GER) -- a measure of the percentage of actual enrolments in higher education, regardless of age, in a given academic year, to the 18- to 23-year-old population eligible for higher education that year-it would help to identify and exclude prominent castes within OBCs. At the state level, castes figuring in the central OBC list are sub-categorised typically in classes A/B/C/D. For instance, the Kuruba's a traditional shepherds, figure in the central government's OBC list for Andhra Pradesh and in section 'B' in the state's backward classes list. As we indicated in part one, the Supreme Court has endorsed such periodical review to ensure the "creamy layers" -- as it referred to the privileged among OBCs -- do not continue to benefit at the cost of those who genuinely need help. Here's how the National Commission for Backward Classes describes the philosophy behind the periodic revision of the backward-classes list to exclude castes/communities that have advanced socially and educationally: "Reservation is for those backward classes who need it and who are handicapped without it and not for those who after availing themselves of and enjoying the benefits of reservation have ceased to be backward." By performing this exercise, "castes/communities which have advanced to the level of forward sections of the society [should] yield place to those who have not reached this stage of development and are in greater need of reservation". The challenge, as we said, is the lack of data for an accurate review, with the last caste census conducted in 1931. Only the backward classes commission in Karnataka has conducted an extensive census of castes after considerable debate over the inclusion of dominant castes, such as Lingayats and Vokkaligas, in the list of OBCs. (This is the second of a three-part series. Next: Muslims at bottom of higher education ladder, alongside backward tribes) (21.07.2016 - In arrangement with IndiaSpend.org, a data-driven, non-profit, public interest journalism platform. Charu Bahri is a freelance writer and editor based in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The views expressed are those of IndiaSpend. The author can be contacted at respond@indiaspend.org) New Delhi, July 21 : Accusing the Congress of playing "cheap politics" over Kashmir, Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said the "unity and integrity of the country is paramount" and not the lives of terrorists. "Our party (BJP) is committed to the security of the country. The unity and integrity of the country is paramount, not the lives of terrorists," Naidu said while briefing the media here on a number of issues, including the recent violence in Kashmir. He accused the Congress of playing "cheap politics" over the Kashmir issue and "compromising national security". "For short term political benefits, some are politicising the issues related to the country's unity and sovereignity," he said adding that sympathy with terrorists is not acceptable at all. "This is nothing but cheap politics. They should understand public sentiments of the country," he said. He was referring to former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram's comments in a TV interview that the "grand bargain" under which Kashmir acceded to India has not been honoured. "It was the Congress which ruled the country over 50 years and also the state of Jammu and Kashmir.. then who failed to keep the promise," asked Naidu. "The problem in Jammu and Kashmir is not due to the Narendra Modi government and country knows who mishandled the issue," he added. Naidu also attacked those who criticised the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani. "Why there is so much sympathy for a terrorist who was booked in 15 criminal cases?" he asked. New Delhi, July 21 : Dubai-based fashion brand SoShru, which has been appreciated by celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Malaika Arora Khan and Ileana D'Cruz, will make its way into India by the end of the year, with New Delhi and Mumbai as target cities. Shruti Nijhawan, owner of the brand, says that India will be one of their largest markets. "Our target customer in India is seeking the product that we offer, at the price that we offer and in the quality that we offer. We are a value driven, quality obsessed, on trend, clothing brand at prices you can't match. We feel the Indian consumer seeks value and will appreciate that in our brand," Nijhawan told IANS. The brand was launched in Dubai in March this year with an aim to ship globally. Nijhawan feels that there are plenty of high street brands that are priced much higher in India. "We saw this void and decided to launch a brand that was positioned within this space by offering contemporary designer clothing at much lower (high street like) price points. "By offering contemporary designer clothing at 'high street' like prices, we have optimised our value proposition and our customers are able to appreciate that," she said. Nijhawan had first launched a successful shoe range at the age of 17. She then pursued a degree from the National Institute of Fashion Technology in New Delhi. Jakarta, July 21 : Thousands of Javanese Hindu devotees and travellers on Thursday climbed up Mount Bromo, an active volcano in Indonesia's East Java province, for the traditional 'Yadnya Kasada' ceremony where offerings were flung into the mountain's crater for good luck. Swarms of brightly adorned ethnic Tenggerese villagers, who identify themselves as Hindu, trekked up the 2,329-metre-high mountain in the Tengger massif volcano complex of the province, carrying livestock and crops to sacrifice to the gods, EFE news agency reported. The Yadnya Kasada ritual, known as the Javanese volcano festival among travellers, is an annual programme held during the full moon on the 14th of the traditional 'Kasada' month in the lunar calender. The ritual is rooted in an ancient legend about Roro Anteng and Joko Seger, a childless couple praying desperately for children atop Mount Bromo. The mountain gods heard the couple's wish and granted them 24 children but asked for the last 25th child to be thrown into the mouth of the volcano as a sacrifice, a condition to which Roro and Joko agreed. Since then, offerings to the mountains have taken place every year, according to the local travel guides, which note that hundreds of tourists also join the villagers in their annual pilgrimage. But this year's festival comes less than a week after ash emissions from the still-active conical stratovolcano rose to 1,000 metres northwest before dissipating, according to the Volcano Discovery portal. Earlier this year in April, the mountain spewed ashes reaching up to 1,200 metres in the sky forcing authorities to shut Abdulrachman airport in Malang. As a safety measure, authorities allowed local Tenggerese people only to reach the edge of the crater to throw offerings where non-Hindu villagers were waiting below with nets and sarongs to retrieve the goods. Though the devotees are aware of the villagers, they believe in the act of sacrifice that will herald an abundant harvest and appease disaster, regardless of what happens to the offerings thereafter. Los Angeles, July 21 : Actress Melissa Benoist says essaying the role of a supergirl in American TV series "Supergirl" was not only challenging but tiring as well. The show narrates the story of Supergirl, who is the biological cousin to Superman and one of the last surviving Kryptonians. So how exhausting is the role? Benoist said: "It's extremely physical, so it's challenging and it's tiring -- but that's a good thing. I think she's got to be really, really tough and strong to show girls -- and everyone else -- that you can overcome the things that you're afraid of." As per the storyline, Kara Jor-El (played by Benoist), now Kara Danvers, is sent to Earth to protect her cousin, Kal-El (played by Clark Kent). And the show will invade the Indian small screen via Zee CafA channel. The show will go on air on Zee CafA and Zee CafA HD from Monday, read a statement. The actress says the wirework for the flying scenes is also very hard. She said: "The wirework is really difficult, but it's so fun when you get it right. Watching the results is exhilarating. It's a really cool feeling to see them; especially knowing the energy that I had to exert to create those flying scenes. The way they look is really rewarding." Talking about her role, she went on to say, "I knew this role was going to be a challenge and a lot of responsibility, but I love a good challenge. It's a dream come true to play a character like Supergirl. "I love that the show is hopefully going to spread a lot of hope and positivity in the world. I hope the character is a good influence on the world." New Delhi, July 21 : Search engine giant Google on Thursday launched a new "Google Cultural Institute" app and website which will help art lovers in India and across the globe discover famous works and artifacts from several museums from over 70 countries. The app gives users an opportunity to search for anything related to art and culture like the history of newly-declared World Heritage Site Nalanda University in Bihar to panoramic imagery of its excavation. It also allow you to navigate through the artworks by one of the founders of modern Indian painting Abanindranath Tagore to how eminent painter Amrita Sher-Gil's palette changed through her journeys between India and Europe. "The 'Google Arts and Culture; app helps art lovers take a walk through famous museums and artefacts from world over, offering them a rich immersive experience," said Duncan Osborn, Product Manager, Google Cultural Institute, in a statement. Making India's rich cultural heritage come live, the virtual reality headset Google Cardboard gives users an opportunity to take a virtual tour of the Sanskriti Museum, established in 1978 which is home to one of the largest collections of Indian art and craft. The users can also subscribe to the new Google Arts and Culture YouTube channel where they can find original content dedicated to culture hosted by the YouTub community. Chennai, July 21 : Tamil Nadu's AIADMK government, that was voted back to power in the May 2016 assembly elections, on Thursday presented a deficit budget for 2016-17 without any new taxes. Presenting the budget in the assembly, Finance Minister O.Panneerselvam said the revenue deficit for the ongoing financial year has been estimated to be Rs 15,854.47 crore and the fiscal deficit at Rs 40,533.84 crore. "The total revenue receipts under the various categories of revenue resources for 2016-2017 has been estimated at Rs 1,48,175.09 crore in the revised budget estimates as against the interim budget estimates of Rs 1,52,004.23 crore," he said, adding that the state's outstanding debt at the end of this fiscal will be around Rs.2.52 lakh crore. During 2016-2017, the state has given thrust to capital expenditure with an allocation of Rs 24,679.38 crore, he said. Panneerselvam said the government has formulated five missions with ambitious targets - Mission for water resource management and revival of Kudimaramath (maintenance of water systems by people); Mission for housing to achieve hut-free villages and slum-free cities; Mission for poverty reduction and economic empowerment of the poor; Mission for a clean Tamil Nadu; and Mission for skill development. According to him, the 'Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Project' will be taken up with the World Bank assistance at a cost of Rs 900 crore, while a sum of Rs 355.81 crore has been provided for poverty reduction schemes in the state in the budget. For urban livelihood programmes, an amount of Rs.350 crore has been provided in the budget. Panneerselvam said that during the current fiscal it is proposed to train 200,000 youth for skill development and a sum of Rs 150 crore has been earmarked for the project. He also said that a sum of Rs.2,000 crore has been allocated in the budget for Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development Fund. He added that the government promoted infrastructure projects through the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Fund Management Corporation (TNIFMC) which is now in the process of mobilising the first financial closure of Rs 3,000 crore. Panneerselvam also said the government will give 12,000 milch cows to poor women and 400,000 goats/sheep to one lakh poor families this fiscal, while it has also decided to provide 5.35 lakh students with laptops during the current year at an outlay of Rs 890 crore. Kolkata, July 21 : Accusing the Centre of destroying federalism and pushing the states towards destruction, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday ridiculed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking credit for development carried out by her government. Addressing a mammoth rally in the city, the Trinamool Congress supremo also accused the Modi government of unleashing central agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Department (ED) that, she said, led to over 80,000 industrialists leaving the country. "The Centre is interfering in everything. It is destroying the federal structure. We too are an elected government and the Constitution has specified both the Centre and the state's roles. But they are interfering in our working and constantly threatening us," Banerje said. "Because of the Centre's erroneous polices, the states have been pushed towards destruction. The Centre must remember that it is because of the states that the Centre is existing," said Banerjee. Taking a jibe at Modi's pet schemes, including the 'Swachh Bharat' campaign, the Trinamool chief claimed that funding for most of the central schemes has either been stopped or the state's responsibilities increased. "They (Centre) are doing nothing, but taking credit for everything through advertisements. It is the state government which is carrying out development, but the entire credit is going to Modi," Banerjee said. "Modi keeps talking about 'Swachh Bharat', but where is the cleanliness? The cleanliness is only in the advertisements. When it comes to actual work, it is Bengal. Four of our districts are leading the country in cleanliness," she said. "Their MPs are adopting only a few villages under the Adarsh Gram Yojana, but it is being projected as if they have adopted all the villages. This is nothing but fooling the people," said Banerjee. She also said that funds for at least 39 central schemes have been stopped while in 59 other schemes, the state's contribution has been enhanced from 10 to 90 per cent. "The Centre is not consulting us and preparing the schemes whimsically. In most of the schemes the state had to contribute just 10 per cent funds, this has now been enhanced to 90 per cent," she said. The Chief Minister also expressed her displeasure over the Centre's decision to make Aadhaar cards compulsory for certain formalities. "At least 800 villages in Bengal don't have banks. Over one crore people in Bengal don't have Aadhaar cards. How can they make it compulsory -- one crore people in Bengal will not get pensions, subsidies or scholarship. Let them first set up banks and talk big," she said. She said that 80,000 industrialist have been compelled to leave the country due to hounding by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate. "I am saying this on record. If you don't believe me, go to the various embassies and find out. There you will realise that no black money came to India, rather it's the white money that has left the country," added Banerjee. New Delhi, July 21 : Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar on Thursday expressed happiness that both houses of parliament are transacting their business smoothly in the ongoing Monsoon Session as a number of bills have been passed. In the first three days of the session, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have already passed two bills each. He also said the amended Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Bill, 2015, that was approved by the Union cabinet on Wednesday, may be listed for passage next week. "This amended bill (on Benami Transaction) is one step forward in eradicating black money. It will tighten noose around wrongdoers and give more powers to the revenue department to identify and take actions against those who have banami properties," Ananth Kumar told reporters here. "This bill again shows the right earnest of the Modi government in fighting the black money issue," he said. The Union cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday gave its approval for introducing amendments to the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Bill, 2015, with the aim of strengthening the legislation in terms of legal and administrative procedure so as to overcome the practical difficulties which may arise in the implementation of its provisions, said officials. Similarly, Ananth Kumar said The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 approved by the Cabinet seeks to empower transgenders and ensure that a mechanism will be evolved for their social, economic and educational empowerment. This bill is also likely to come up in parliament next week. Expressing happiness that both the houses are transacting their business smoothly in the ongoing monsoon session, he said most issues are being discussed in detail and the bills are passed by both houses of Parliament. In fact, according to Ananth Kumar, the Lok Sabha on Tuesday (July 19) almost created a "history" when it passed The Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill and The Dentists (Amendment) Bill, which seek to amend the Indian Medical Council Act,1956 and the Dentists Act, 1948 to replace the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) ordinances. "This is for the first time two ordinances are replaced by bills on one day and Lok Sabha passed both the bills. This is a sort of record I have not seen in last 20 years," he said. Floor managers among treasury bench are delighted about the "smooth" functioning of both the houses during the ongoing monsoon session of parliament that began on July 18. The treasury bench also sees there is a "breakthrough" with Congress in the Rajya Sabha with regard to the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Bill, with BJP sources saying the Congress may not press for an amendment moved by its Jairam Ramesh. The Rajya Sabha on the first day of the session, July 18 passed The Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2016, as passed by the Lok Sabha earlier, and The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2012. On the Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill pending before Rajya Sabha, Ananth Kumar said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and others from the government are reaching out to opposition parties and there is forward movement on the same as everyone is favouring its passage. Both the houses also saw unanimity when it came to discussion on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, he said. New Delhi, July 21 : Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday squarely blamed Pakistan for the present unrest in Jammu and Kashmir and also said that the neighbouring country is "sponsoring" terrorism in India. "There can be no denying the fact that our neighbour (Pakistan) is singularly responsible for the present deterioration of the situation in the state," Singh said while replying to a short-duration discussion in the Lok Sabha that was taken up on Wednesday. The terrorism that India is witnessing today is "Pakistan-sponsored", the Home Minister said, adding that though the country was "created in the name of religion", Pakistan "has failed to keep itself united," he said. Rajnath Singh said Kashmir is the integral part of the country and Pakistan was keeping an evil eye on it. "Kashmir is India's crown (Mukut). It is heaven and the neighbouring country is keeping an evil eye on it. I am hopeful that the pride of Kashmir will be restored," he said. Taking strong exception to the 'Black Day' Pakistan observed after the killing of Hizb-ul operative Burhan Wani, Rajnath Singh trained guns at the neighbouring country, saying: "The terrorist was involved in various heinous crimes and activities, and Pakistan need not worry about Muslims in India." "Pakistan came into existence in the name of religion but failed to keep the Muslims together and underwent a division. Most of its parts are troubled. So, it will be better for them if they could keep them united," he said and also invoked former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's poem to suggest that those who fuel fire in the homes of others get caught in the same blaze. Referring to Vajpayee's famous lines -- "Chingari ka khel bura hota hai" (To play with fire is often dangerous), Rajnath Singh sought to caution Pakistan against its continued role in sponsoring terrorism. He also sought support of all the political parties and the members to make united efforts to restore peace in Kashmir. "The situation in the Kashmir Valley is steadily returning to the normalcy. The essential commodities are being supplied in the curfew clamped areas and the ban which has been imposed on internet has been lifted," he said. Rajnath Singh also said the NDA government at the Centre is pursuing Vajpayee's roadmap of "Kashmiriyat, Jamhooriyat and Insaniyat (Kashmiri spirit, democracy and humanity)" towards Kashmir but at the same time there is no room for "inhumanity and violence". He denied that the security forces were harsh while controlling protesting mobs in the valley and hastened to add that personally he would always favour that minimum force is used to maintain control. The minister admitted that "there could be some aberrations" in the form of high-handedness by security forces. On use of lethal weapons and pellet bullets, which have caused large number of injuries, including eye wounds, the minister said the home ministry will soon set up an expert committee to explore "alternative" to such weapons. "The committee will study use of other non-lethal weapons in lieu of pellet guns. It will set up an expert committee to find an alternative to pellet guns used by security forces to control protesters in the valley. The committee will submit its report within two months," he said. Rajnath Singh also informed the house that 38 civilians lost their lives and one security personnel died while 2,180 persons were injured in the clashes in the valley following Wani's death. On the demands of an all-party delegation to be sent to Kashmir, the Home Minister said: "I have spoken to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who said it could be discussed when she comes to Delhi in the next 2-3 days as the situation there was returning to normal." "I myself wanted to go there and stay in a guest house to establish dialogue with the people," Rajnath Singh said. He named Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin -- Pakistan-based terror heads -- for fuelling tension in Jammu and Kashmir following the July 8 killing of Burhan Wani. Amritsar, July 21 : With the makers of the film 'Flying Jatt' not taking remedial action despite objections over the use of a Sikh religious symbol, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is mulling legal action against them. At a meeting of the SGPC held here on Thursday under the chairmanship of its President Avtar Singh Makkar, it was decided to initiate legal action if the makers of the film did not remove the objectionable scenes. The SGPC is demanding that use of 'Khanda', a Sikh religious symbol, by the hero of the film Tiger Shroff on his back and his attire be removed from the film. "We will not tolerate misuse of religious symbols of Sikh religion in films. This is hurting religious sentiments of the Sikhs," the SGPC President said here. The promo of the film was released recently by Balaji Films, the producer of the film. SGPC Additional Secretary Diljit Singh Bedi said the objection was regarding the hero's turban, attire, and 'Khanda' sign on the back. Bedi said the SGPC had sent a communication to the film producers in November last year objecting to the use of the 'Khanda' symbol but got no response. On December 30, SGPC President Makkar wrote to the producers again but the scenes were not removed. Besides Tiger Shroff, the film features actress Jacqueline Fernandez and professional wrestler Nathan Jones. Bedi said the film's producers were trying to provoke the Sikhs and would be responsible for the consequences. New Delhi, July 21 : India on Thursday slammed Pakistan for its observance of "Kashmir's Accession to Pakistan Day", saying it exposes Pakistan's "longing for the territory of Jammu and Kashmir" and demanded that Pakistan must vacate its "illegal occupation of POK (Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir)". In a strong statement, the Ministry of External Affairs also demanded that Pakistan must "stop misleading the international community and Kashmiris through meaningless exercises like such as the 'so-called elections' ". The statement by MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup comes in response to Islambad observing "Kashmir's Accession to Pakistan Day" on July 19 and 'Black Day' on July 20 across Pakistan. Pakistan also held elections in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir on July 21. "The observance of 'Kashmir's Accession to Pakistan Day' exposes Pakistan's longing for the territory of Jammu and Kashmir. India demands that Pakistan must fulfil the obligation to vacate its illegal occupation of POK," said the official statement. "It must also stop misleading the international community and Kashmiris through meaningless exercises such as the so-called elections today in POK which Pakistan ironically calls 'Azad' (free)," it added. India asked Pakistan "to stop inciting and supporting violence and terrorism in any part of our country and refrain from its deplorable meddling in our internal affairs in any manner". "We have seen reports about rallies, events and statements related to Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan and POK over the last two days. We have also noted that the events were led by UN-designated terrorists, who had in the past protested the elimination of dreaded terrorists, including Osama bin Laden and Taliban leader Akhtar Mansour in Pakistan," said the statement. "India strongly condemns the encouragement and support which such terrorists and their activities receive from Pakistan's state. We once again ask Pakistan to stop inciting and supporting violence and terrorism in any part of our country and refrain from its deplorable meddling in our internal affairs in any manner," it added. India also demanded that Pakistan must ensure full safety and security of the officials at the High Commission of India in Islamabad and their families. Chennai, July 21 : With Rajinikanth fans spread across nooks and corners of India, the "Kabali" fever has taken the nation by storm. Fans are waiting with bated breath to catch a glimpse of the superstar in the movie, a gangster drama releasing on Friday in nearly 5000 screens worldwide. The Pa. Ranjith directorial, which also stars Radhika Apte, will be opening first in Malaysia and Singapore. "In the last decade, never have I witnessed such craze over a release. 'Kabali' has sent even non-Thalaivar fans into frenzy because it is said to be the first Rajinikanth-starrer sans any cliches usually associated with his films," trade analyst Trinath told IANS. Apart from Tamil, "Kabali" will also release in Telugu and Hindi. It has also been dubbed in Malay, and it's slated to release on July 29. The Hindi dubbed version alone is slated to release in 1000 screens across the north Indian belt. "Kabali" has reportedly raked in over Rs 200 crore from its pre-release business. "According to the makers, it has already done business worth over Rs 200 crore. The brand collaborations are valued at Rs 50 crore, which makes it the highest for a south Indian film. Never before have so many brands partnered with a Tamil project," Trinath said. From Air Asia's special "Kabali" airline to lucky superstar silver coins from Muthoot Fincorp and exclusive partnership with Airtel -- brands have unabashedly cashed in on the Rajinikanth phenomenon. PVR is the official multiplex partner of "Kabali". "Since Rajinikanth has fans across the country and as PVR is known for going an extra mile for its patrons, we've associated with the makers to introduce exclusive 'Kabali' merchandise," Gautam Dutta, CEO, PVR Cinemas, told IANS. With unprecedented excitement around the film's release, there are companies that are said to have declared a holiday on Friday and have given free tickets to their employees to watch the film. "On account of the release of superstar Rajini's 'Kabali', we have decided to declare holiday on Friday in efforts to avoid piled up leave requests to the HR department. We also take the privilege of going the extra mile to support anti-piracy by providing free tickets to the former Fyndus employees," read a notice from Vinoth Sundaroli, Vice President - India Operations, Fyndus India. To watch the first day, first show of "Kabali" fans are travelling from abroad too. Writer and film critic Naman Ramachandran is coming all the way from London to watch the film on Friday. "For the premiere, I'm flying down to Mumbai from London and taking part in the early morning pooja and then the procession to the Aurora theatre in Matunga where a bunch of similar die-hards will do the 'pal (milk) abhishekam followed by the first day first show," Naman said. "My 'Kabali' T-shirts have already arrived and I'll be wearing one of them on the release day," he said. The craze for the film even outside Tamil Nadu is unbelievable. Mumbai's Aurora theatre has planned to screen six shows on release day. The 74-year old, 700-seater Aurora Theatre in King's Circle, will start shows right from 3 a.m. and continue at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and finally the last show at 9 p.m. Meanwhile, Chennai-based SPI Cinemas has scheduled nearly 100 shows for "Kabali" across its properties in the opening weekend. While hardcore Rajinikanth fans feel "Kabali" can overpower Salman Khan's "Sultan" at the ticket window, a trade pundit is confident it will emerge as a very successful venture. "It's tough to say whether 'Kabali' can match the numbers of 'Sultan'. However, the film might easily end up as the highest grossing south Indian film. With such excellent pre-release buzz and business worth Rs 200 crore, it might set new records," distributor and industry tracker Arvind Nambiar told IANS. (Haricharan Pudipeddi can be contacted at haricharan.p@ians.in) Paris, July 21 : France on Thursday ordered an investigation into the security arrangements at the July 14 Bastille Day celebrations during which a man drove a truck into a crowd, killing 84 persons. Dogged by criticism over alleged security failure, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve called on the national police inspectorate to lead an inquiry to shed light on the security measures at the Bastille Day celebrations, Xinhua news agency reported. "This administrative investigation ... will establish the reality of these measures, while unnecessary controversy continues," Cazeneuve said in a statement. The Minister's move came after critics questioned the possibility of how a truck driving at high speed could careen two km through a crowd before being stopped by police units in the context of high terror alert. Christian Estrosi, President of the Rivera region and former Mayor of Nice, pointed the finger at the Socialist Party, accusing it of completely failing in Nice. "When the Interior Minister says there were enough police, it constitutes a blatant lie," Estrosi told the media. "He said there were 64 national policemen on duty. It's false and the investigation will show it," he added. New Delhi, July 21 : A special court here on Thursday, posted for next week, the hearing on the bail plea of LIC agent Anand Chauhan after the Enforcement Directorate (ED), opposing the plea, told the court that he was instrumental in laundering disproportionate assets of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. In a reply filed before Special Judge Vinod Kumar, ED prosecutor Navin Kumar Matta argued that if Chauhan is freed on bail, he may try to interfere the ongoing proceedings by attempting to conceal,destroy and transfer the proceeds of crime involved in the offence. The court adjourned the hearing for July 26. Matta told court that Chauhan had not been cooperating in investigation and if he released on bail, then he can dissolve the money trail which is essential in proving the complicity of the co-accused and other persons. "...cash has been regularly deposited in the bank account of Anand Chauhan which has been further been laundered for purchase of LIC policies in names of Virbhadra Singh and family members," he said. "It was essential to ascertain the actual source of said policies and modus operandi which continued till 2012 but Anand Chauhan did not giving satisfactory answers to the questions put to him." Chauhan is accused of investing Virbhadra Singh's "tainted" money of Rs 5 crore in LIC policies purchased in Virbhadra's name and those of his family members, including wife Pratibha Singh. The ED arrested Chauhan on July 8 from Chandigarh under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This is the first arrest by the ED in the money laundering case against the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister. The ED reportedly found that Virbhadra Singh had accumulated assets worth Rs 6.03 crore in his name and in the name of his family members, which were disproportionate to his known sources of income, during his tenure as the Union Steel Minister from 2009 to 2011. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also investigating the case. Patna, July 21 : Two people, including a woman, were arrested in Bihar's Nalanda district on Thursday on charge of hoisting a Pakistan flag, police said. Raids were on to arrest one more person in this connection. The Pakistan flag was found hoisted on top of a building in Kharadi mohalla of Bihar Sharif, the headquarters of Nalanda district. Nalanda is the home district of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. "We have arrested two people after registered an FIR against three accused named in connection with the hoisting of a Pakistan flag in Bihar Sharif," Superintendent of Police Kumar Ashish said. Police have interrogated Sabana Anwar and her close relative Saukat Anwar after the incident. Third accused Naushad Anwar was absconding, the police officer said. He said a probe into the matter by senior police officials had been ordered. "It is a serious matter and I have ordered a probe into it," Ashish said. Ashish and Deputy Inspector General (Patna zone) N.H. Khan confirmed that the hoisted flag was of Pakistan. Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies condemned the incident and demanded strict action against the culprits. Leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly Prem Kumar, a BJP legislator, condemned the incident and blamed the Nitish Kumar government. On Saturday, police in Patna arrested Mohammad Taufique in connection with the shouting of pro-Pakistan slogan during a march here a day earlier. Raids were on to arrest more accused in the case, police said. An FIR regarding the incident was lodged at the Pirbahore police station here. According to police officials, the march was held under the banner of Popular Front of India in support of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi here. "Some people in the march shouted pro-Pakistan slogans, the first time such a thing has happened in Patna," a police official said. New Delhi, July 21 : A day before his scheduled visit to Gujarat, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said an atmosphere of "oppression" prevailed across the western state and that people of all communities were threatened. In a video message released here, Kejriwal asked the people to "unite" and raise their voice against what he called the oppression of the state. "There is an atmosphere of oppression across the state. People of all communities are threatened. People in Gujarat need to unite, be it the Dalits, Patidars or businessmen, and raise their voice against the oppression of the state," the Aam Aadmi Party national convener said. Kejriwal added: "It's not just the Dalits but people of all communities are oppressed. Last year, during a peaceful Patidar agitation, police raided the homes of the Patidars and beat up their women and kids. Around 2,000 persons from the Patidar community were framed in false cases, including sedition." The Delhi Chief Minister appealed to the Gujarat people to not resort to violence in their fight against the oppression. "The entire country is with you. My only request (to you) is not to resort to violence in our fight because the state is more powerful and they will crush us," the AAP leader said in the message. "I also appeal to people from the Dalit communities to not indulge in suicide bids. We will unite and fight as (Dalit icon) Babasaheb Ambedkar did and win against this oppression," he added. On July 11, four Dalit youth were severely beaten up in Una town in Saurashtra region of Gujarat for skinning a dead cow, which has created a political storm in the state. As many as 17 Dalits across the state attempted suicide to protest against the incident, of whom, one has died. New Delhi, July 21 : Delhi Transport Minister Satyendra Jain on Thursday said it was for the first time that pollution has become a part of drawing room debate in the national capital. Crediting the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi for creating awareness about pollution, Jain said: "It is for the first time that pollution has become a drawing room debate in Delhi. People are discussing the ways to fight pollution. Earlier, no one even bothered." He said the government would formulate a policy to adhere to NGT's order seeking de-registration of old diesel vehicles in Delhi. "We have not received the copy of the order yet. After studying the order, we would consult the stakeholders, including the transporters, to formulate a policy to phase out old diesel vehicles," Jain told reporters here. On Thursday, the transporters' association met Jain to demand fitness certificates for the old diesel vehicles to sell them outside Delhi. "We have assured the traders that we will take a legal opinion on the issue and hold another discussion with them. Even the transporters want pollution to be reduced in Delhi and gave some suggestions for it," he added. New Delhi, July 21 : Terming the incident in Gujarat's Una, where four Dalits were beaten up for skinning a dead cow, a "shame", Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday accused the Congress of politicizing the issue and called its Vice President Rahul Gandhi's visit there a "political stunt". "Visiting and meeting the victims' family by Rahul Gandhi is nothing but a political stunt. He is doing this at a time when Parliament is debating the issue. He should have been there (in parliament)," the Information and Broadcasting Minister told reporters at a press conference here. "Some politicial parties are trying to instigate one community against another. Those, who are visiting Gujrat today, why they didn't visit Kerala and other places where atrocities on Dalits took place in recent past. They are trying to defame Gujrat," he added. Naidu termed the Una incident, a "shame" on entire system and a "challenge" for it to curb the social problem. He said that BJP and the NDA government are committed for the social cohesion and will take every step in this direction. New Delhi, July 21 : With an eye on better technology and competitive prices, the government is exploring possibility of involving start-ups to make EVMs with the voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) units, which are being currently produced by the PSUs Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL), said informed sources. The decision to rope in the start-ups for producing the EVMs coupled with paper trail machines was taken following the cabinet decision to allocate Rs 920 crore for the purchase of the EVMs by the Election Commission. The only caveat is that machines to be produced by the start-ups will have to comply with the security requirements, they said. The decision to explore the involvement of start-ups for producing new voting machines with paper trail machines got the backing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a view to have better version of the machines at a competitive and cheap price. The Prime Minister, who had in January this year launched "Start-up India movement", had suggested that for EVMs technology with VVPAT units, "we can encourage start-ups in consultation with the Election Commission", said the sources. The Election Commission requires 13.95 lakhs ballot units, 9.30 lakh control units and 16.15 lakh paper trail machines. The sources said that the machines being currently produced by the two PSUs were based on old technology. In a October 8, 2013 verdict, the Supreme Court had held EVMs with VVPATs, also called "paper trail", were an indispensable requirement for free and fair elections as it ensures the accuracy of the voting system. However, the top court had on July 1 asked the Election Commission (EC) as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against it for its failure to use EVMs with VVPAT in "true spirit" during the recent state assembly elections as directed by it in October 2013. The contempt notice was issued on a plea by the Backward & Minority Community Employees Federation (BAMCEF) contending that the Election Commission has not implemented the October 8, 2013 verdict in its "true spirit". Una (Gujarat), July 21 : Former Union Minister Praful Patel, who also visited the Dalit family in Gujarat where four boys were beaten up, on Thursday announced an assistance of Rs 2 lakh for them, terming it a small assistance from him and his Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He suspected a larger conspiracy behind the state-wide violence that erupted over the last week to damage the social fabric of the country and malign the image of a progressive Gujarat. Patel, whose visit almost followed Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, said the beating up of Dalit youth was unfortunate and shameful. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is also expected to visit the Dalits on Friday. Patel charged the Gujarat Government with delaying action against the perpetrators of violence against members of the Dalit community. "Even the Chief Minister visited the victims as late as ten days after the incident," he pointed out, adding that the violent protests across the state were further maligning the image of Gujarat. He went to Rajkot to inquire about the condition of those admitted to hospital who consumed poison to protest the Una incident before leaving the State. Dublin, July 21 : Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny and French President Francois Hollande on Thursday called on Britain to start the process of leaving the European Union (EU) as soon as possible. The French President was in Dublin for talks with the Irish leadership that focused on "Brexit" and issues of international security. The two leaders said the activation of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which triggers the process for an EU member state to leave the block, would allow the start of methodical negotiations, EFE news agency reported. They also highlighted the importance of maintaining close relations between the EU and London in future. "Ireland and France are Britain's nearest neighbours, with significant and complex economic, human, cultural and historical links," a statement said, adding that "In consequence, both countries have specific and indeed unique concerns to be addressed in future negotiations". When asked about the possibility of Britain being granted a concession to access the single market, Kenny said this privilege goes along with the free movement of people. Hollande is on a one-day visit to the Irish capital to participate in various engagements. His visit is cut short due to last week's terror attack in Nice. He will also meet Irish President Michael D. Higgins before returning to Paris where he will meet Britain's new Prime Minister, Theresa May, to discuss "Brexit". Mumbai, July 21 : Airline major Jet Airways on Thursday said that it will introduce a new flexible fare structure -- "Fare Choices" -- which would allow passengers more choice in terms of prices and services. According to the airline major, the new fare structure will be effective from August 17 and will include a total of eight new "Fare Choices" across economy and premiere classes, allowing guests to customise their bookings to their individual needs. "The new fare structure being introduced by Jet Airways will offer distinct features in each category as well as greater choice to our guests. Ultimately, this is about providing choice," said Gaurang Shetty, Wholetime Director, Jet Airways. "The introduction of 'Fare Choices' is in line with our 'Guest First' philosophy to create an exceptional experience for our guests," he added. Besides, the passenger carrier will join a select group of airlines worldwide which offer branded fare structure, once the new scheme is implemented. The airline elaborated that "Fare Choices" differ in flexibility and provides benefits that can be customised which otherwise need to be purchased separately. "Some guests, for instance, may want flexibility in changing travel dates, others might want to accrue more JetPrivilege miles. 'Fare Choices' will give them the ability to customise their travel experience according to their needs," the airline said in a statement. "The various fare categories are differentiated based on the changeability and refundability of a ticket, mileage accrual, upgrade eligibility, priority check-in and lounge access." The new flexible "Fare Choices" will be available on all domestic and international routes through all of Jet Airways' booking channels, including its website as well as travel agencies. New Delhi, July 21 : The police on Thursday claimed it will soon crack the murder case of a retired health officer, Vijay Kumar, who was found murdered in east Delhi's Samachar Apartments. "We are working on several angles and will bring the results within 24 hours," Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Rishi Pal told IANS. Kumar, 64, was stabbed to death on Wednesday afternoon at his flat on the third floor of Samachar Apartments in Mayur Vihar area. The incident came to light when Kumar didn't respond to the calls of his daughter, Ambily, who works with Rajya Sabha TV and stays in the same society. After reaching home, Ambily found Kumar's body lying in a pool of blood with multiple injuries on his body. The police had on Wednesday said that the assailants were known to Kumar as the entry seemed friendly. The police also found tea cups in the bedroom and no signs of ransacking. The police also said that robbery was not the main intention. However, a television set has gone missing from the flat of the retired official who stayed with his wife, Vasundhra, 60, who works in the Income Tax department. A CCTV footage of the apartment has shown a woman in her 30s carrying a television set in her hands. Kumar had moved to Delhi four months ago and was to turn 65 on Friday. This was the fourth incident of murder of senior citizens in the national capital within a fortnight. The role of domestic helps was found in three murders of senior citizens in Kalkaji, Paschim Vihar and Dwarka. Thiruvananthapuram, July 21 : The tiff between the media and lawyers in Kerala took a turn for the worse in the state capital on Thursday when lawyers threw stones at journalists in front of the district court. The incident took place at a time when representatives of the media and the lawyers met at Kochi along with Advocate General C.P. Sudhakara Prasad to amicably settle the issue that first came to the fore there on Tuesday . It began after media reports that a government pleader had misbehaved with a woman. The lawyers claimed that the pleader was falsely implicated and police and media are hand in glove in the conspiracy. The tussle between the journalists and the lawyers turned violent on Tuesday. There was tension between the two groups on Wednesday as well, which led to the intervention of Prasad and the meeting on Thursday decided to initiate a judicial probe into the incident. After the Kochi meeting, angry lawyers assembled inside the district court premises in the state capital and closed the main gate of the court and threw stones at journalists assembled outside. While two journalists were injured, a few vehicles of the TV channels were also damaged in the stone pelting. The immediate provocation for Thursday's incidents here was that the media room in the court premises had posters 'no entry for fourth gender'. The TV journalists had come with police to shoot this. When the media left the premises, they were stoned by the lawyers. For almost two hours, the situation was tense and finally after the intervention of the political leadership and police, normalcy was restored. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said these two professional groups should work in tandem and all the issues should be resolved at the earliest. "The government at no cost will entertain violence and if it happens it will be dealt with strongly," said Vijayan. Kerala Congress president V.M. Sudheeran said a probe should be ordered on the attack on the media. Kochi, July 21 : Director General of Police T P Senkumar suffered a setback as the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) on Thursday dismissed his petition challenging the Left Democratic Front governments decision to remove him from the post of the State Police Chief (SPC). Dismissing his petition, the tribunal observed that the post of DGP was an important designation and that the State governments decision on the matter enjoyed precedence. The tribunal, however, directed the government to issue an order within one month retaining the salary and benefits drawn by the IPS officer as the State Police Chief. The government in its submission before the tribunal had justified the decision to remove Senkumar from the post of SPC on the ground that the ham-handed handling of the controversial murder of a Dalit law student at Perumbavoor in Ernakulam and the Puttingal temple fireworks tragedy had lowered the reputation of the police force in the eyes of the public. The CPI(M)-led LDF government had soon after coming to power removed Senkumar from the post of SPC and shunted him out to the Kerala Police Housing and Construction Corporation. The government had appointed DGP Loknath Behera in his stead. Senkumars petition before the CAT had stated that the government had removed him from the post of SPC in violation of Supreme Court guidelines and Section 97(1) of the Kerala Police Act which provides for a minimum tenure of 2 years for the Police Chief. Dhaka, July 21 : A list of missing Bangladeshis with the Rapid Action Battalion contains the name of a youth, who is the brother of a Bangladeshi man jailed in the UK for plotting to blow up a British plane in 2011. Tehzeeb Karim, 33, went missing from the Shahjalal International Airport on July 17, his family said, bdnews24.com reported. His brother Rajib Karim, associated with the Al Qaeda, is serving a 30-year term in a British jail. In an interview to bdnews24.com their father Zainul Karim said Tehzeeb while returning from Bangkok after completing an English language course went missing from the airport on May 17. Learning about his son's name in the RAB's list, Zainul asked the anti terrorism agency to release full details about such missing individuals. He suspects that his son -- Tehzeeb -- could be in the custody of the law enforcement agency. Zainul added that after the arrest of Rajib, Tehzeeb was questioned by officials at the British High Commission in Dhaka. After completing his A-levels Tehzeeb married his classmate from Scholastica school, he said. Zainul also said his son Tehzeeb was in Pakistan but he did not disclose it to him and later he went to Yemen, where he managed the job of a teacher, adding that during the political turmoil his son was detained there for eight months. The family said that Tehzeeb's eldest brother Atik died in a 'mysterious' accident in London in 2001. New Delhi, July 21 : Aam Aadmi Party MP Bhagwant Mann on Thursday shot a video clip of his journey from home to Parliament House, including going past the various security pickets, and uploaded it on the social media, drawing flak from various quarters for putting Parliament House's security in peril. According to sources, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumita Mahajan has taken cognizance of the issue and is likely to call parliamentarian from Punjab on Friday. She is also likely to seek a detailed report from the Parliament security on the issue, said sources. Mahajan in her remarks earlier inside the House has said that it is the responsibility of every member to respect and maintain dignity of Parliament. Hitting out at Mann, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said: "One should not play with the security of Parliament. Making such videos viral is not the right thing to do." BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi said: "It needs to be verified if it was act of foolishness or was done under infuence of some agencies." However, Mann was unperturbed by the criticism and said that he would put another video on social media on Friday as well. "Kya mere video se sansad khatre me aa gaya (Has Parliament come in danger by my video)," Mann asked, when confronted by the media. He said that he also wanted to show the public how questions for Zero Hour are sorted in the Central Hall before the day's proceedings begin. "Is it wrong to show to public how their issues are raised in the Parliament? They have elected us and they have a right to know all this," he said. He rejected the charge that his action has put Parliament House's security in danger. "There are so many big cameras around here. I will post a video again tomorrow (Friday), let me be served a notice," he said. In the video Mann is seen giving commentary as his vehicle crosses security barricades, while going to the Parliament. "I'll today show you something you would not have seen earlier," Mann said in the beginning of the video. Inside the Parliament premises, he goes into the room where the process of selection of questions for the Zero Hour is done. As he describes the process, a security official is heard telling him not to take photographs. "I'll not take photo..will maintain confidentiality," Mann says in his reply. In the video, he says that the process is entirely transparent and shows how the lucky draw is carried out to select the questions. At one point, he is also heard saying: "It is going live." New Delhi, July 21 : India is likely to test a sub-scale demonstrator scramjet engine during the third quarter of 2016, parliament was told on Friday. "The testing of sub-scale demonstrator scramjet engine is envisaged as a part of technology demonstration, by mounting it on a two stage solid rocket. This test intends to demonstrate supersonic combustion in flight and evaluate the integrated functioning of the engine," Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh, who also hold charge of the Space Department, told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply. "The preparations for carrying out the test are underway and the test is likely to be conducted in the third quarter of 2016," he said. Scramjet engine technology is a complex technology which is yet to be fully proven worldwide. It is envisaged for use in launch vehicle, once the technology attains sufficient maturity. The technology will be useful only during the atmospheric phase of the flight of launch vehicle and will benefit in bringing down the cost of access to space, by reducing the amount of the oxidiser to be carried along with the fuel, he said. LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan -- Nasim cant hide his excitement as he buys jewelry and clothes for his fiance in the dusty, teeming bazar of Lashkar Gah. This agricultural town is the capital of Helmand, the southern province that is Afghanistans largest and the epicenter of global illicit poppy cultivation and drug production. Nasim, a 25-year-old farmer, has just returned from a few days of hard labor collecting raw opium from unripe poppy seed pods. He earned nearly $250 from participating in this years second poppy harvest -- $100 more than what he earned in the spring. He is already looking forward to pocketing a similar amount from the next poppy harvest in late autumn. The poppy crop is a real blessing for us because there is little else to keep us employed or provide any work, he said. Previously, there was only one annual poppy harvest. Now we have three in one year. Thanks to genetically modified seeds, Helmand can now have up to three harvests every year. Locals say these seeds were introduced by middlemen who work with drug lords and regional narcotics-smuggling cartels and raise funds for the Taliban. Helmand farmers say the new seed variety produces better plants that require less water. More significantly, they have a faster growth time and deliver a higher yield. Previously, Helmands farmers would sow poppy seeds in early winter and reap their harvest by late spring. But now they can reap two more crops in midsummer and late autumn. This appears to be have created a windfall for the Taliban. According to Nasim, the insurgents run highly organized campaigns of taxing farmers in the name of collecting Islamic taxes such as Zakat and Uhur, or by simply intimidating them into making cash donations. The Taliban go to see the farmers. They are very methodical about collecting what they view as their share, he said. They would even measure the land to estimate their share of the produce and either collect the opium or demand an equivalent amount of cash. In addition, the Taliban take a cut from drug lords and regional trafficking networks. Former Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansur reportedly built a personal fortune this way before he was killed in late May by a U.S. drone strike in southwestern Pakistan. The Taliban now have major stakes in Afghanistans multibillion-dollar drug industry. Helmand tribal leaders and analysts estimate that the insurgents raise hundreds of millions of dollars annually from Helmands drug trade, which partly explains their ability to bankroll a nationwide insurgency that has expanded after the departure of NATO troops in 2014. Western military leaders say Afghan forces are sustaining an unprecedented number of casualties. Most of the attacks by the Taliban have been on fixed military positions. Crucially, perhaps, multiple poppy crops enable the Taliban to continue their offensive year-round. Previously, poppy cultivation meant many Taliban fighters had to swap their Kalashnikovs for spades, shovels, and ploughs come winter and spring. The new crops are less labor-intensive and thus require less manpower. If the insurgents are now able to reap profits from the drug trade three times a year, it will improve their finances exponentially, said Abdul Tawab Qureshi, a military expert in Helmand. They will expand recruitment of unemployed youth, which will prolong the conflict. Qureshi says the changing illicit drug industry presents an existential threat to the Afghan state. Poppy cultivation will continue to be a major headache for the Afghan government because it will continue to strengthen insurgent finances. Abdul Samad, a tribal leader in Helmand, says Kabul and its Western backers are partly responsible for failing to eradicate poppy cultivation through incentives such as providing support for alternative crops or eradicating poppy fields all together. Most tribal leaders are against poppy cultivation, but the government needs to implement a robust program to replace poppies with legal crops, he said. Poppy cultivation has been on the rise since 2010. It reached a record high in 2014, when Helmand accounted for a lions share of the estimated 7,800 metric tons of poppies grown in Afghanistan. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, poppy cultivation decreased 19 percent last year and opium production fell to 3,300 metric tons. Experts however, say crop failure in parts of southern Afghanistan and market fluctuations caused the decrease. Interviews with farmers and tribal leaders across Helmand suggest the region has already produced two bumper crops this year. This was because the government was narrowly focusing on fighting the Taliban -- mainly to prevent them from gaining more territory -- and didnt engage in any poppy eradication. During the past year, the insurgents overran or now contest 11 out of 15 districts in Helmand. They still virtually surround Lashkar Gah. Syed Ahmad Wroor, the regional head of the Afghan Counter Narcotics Ministry, however, remains positive. We estimate poppy cultivation in Helmand has dropped 15 percent, he recently said. Unfortunately, no one has praised us for this achievement. With nearly 2 million addicts, opium is slowly poisoning Afghan society. Helmand is a major bastion for processing opium into heroin. The region also serves as main springboard from smuggling to the Middle East and West through neighboring Pakistan and nearby Iran. All of this makes it difficult to imagine a swift end to the regions drug industry. Back in Lashkar Gah, Nasim, sees it as his only means for survival. I will pray to Allah so we can have more than 10 harvests every year. This way I could earn a decent living, he said. Landlords and letting agents working in the private rented sector in England are being asked to give their views in what is being described as the most comprehensive survey of the sector for a decade. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has asked NatCen, the countrys largest social research agency to contact more than 100,000 landlords and agents for the survey. They will be picked from those who are registered with the three Government tenancy deposit schemes and asked to take part in the survey about what kinds of homes they provide, their tenants and their experience of the PRS. We are inviting landlords and letting agents from across England to take part in the survey. The more landlords and agents who take part, the more accurate the results will be, said NatCen. The English Private Landlord Survey will be the most authoritative evidence source on the profile and views of private landlords and their agents in England. The results will help inform future government policy about the private rented sector, it points out. The findings will be presented to Government Ministers and officials as well as professionals and commentators in the private rented sector. The survey questions, which are completed online, cover a variety of topics including lettings and tenancy policy and practice, landlord finances and taxation, future investment plans, willingness to rent to different types of tenants, the benefits system, energy efficiency and safety and awareness of and compliance with Government requirements. The survey will be conducted over a six week period during March and April with landlords and agents being chosen randomly to take part. Boston Real Estate Boston Pads, the largest local real estate portal in Boston, is currently in the process of completely revamping and updating their website to provide an even better user experience for people looking for apartments for rent or homes for sale in the Greater Boston area. The portal itself is made possible by an unprecedented network of landlords, property managers, and real estate professionals all coming together to provide a highly interactive information platform. Boston Pads is a great resource for anyone looking to sell, buy or rent in the Metro Boston Area. In addition to that, their technology platform is scalable and can be used by any real estate agency throughout any market in the country to provide their agents with a competitive advantage to boost sales, streamline operations and increase market share. Boston Pads for Buyers, Sellers, and Renters Comprised of over 131,000 real time listings in and around Greater Boston, the website provides users the most comprehensive directory of apartments for rent and homes for sale, relentlessly kept up to date 7 days a week. Users can filter through the immense database by location, price, move-in date, and amenities offered, giving the user the power to pinpoint their search to the listings that fit their search criteria. In addition to the database, the website is loaded with wide informational resources aimed at simplifying the process of buying, selling, renting, and all things generally related to real estate. Users can get connected with some of Bostons best real estate agents who can help them in their real estate search. They can even be connected with relocation specialists who will provide one-on-one support through the entire moving process from finding parking spaces, handymen, furniture, and moving companies. 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With all of these services under one roof, its no wonder why theyve become a pillar in the Boston Real Estate market. Now, with the complete revamp and updating of their website, look for them to pick up even more momentum because the best just got better! Visit bostonpads.com to browse listings, connect with Boston Pads powered agents, or post your rental or sales property. For agencies looking to utilize this powerful portal to grow their real estate business, visit http://bostonpads.com/real-estate-technology-services. "Koho offers a simple and elegant alternative...It's brilliant." - Rashay Jethalal, former Dir. Global Banking, CIBC. Koho Financial Inc. announced the closure of a second round of funding today. The round, which had strong follow-on participation from previous investors, was led by Power Financial Corporation (TSX:PWF) and includes Rashay Jethalal, the former Director of Global Banking at CIBC, Adam Felesky, former CEO of Horizons ETF, Scott Lake, Co-Founder of Shopify and Hello Ventures, and David Tedman, Co-Founder of Hootsuite. Daniel and his team have started by genuinely understanding the consumer's needs," said Rashay. "Koho offers a simple and elegant alternative to an underserved emerging market segment. It's brilliant. Koho, through its mobile application and Visa prepaid card, offers what it calls the core features of day-to-day spending and saving, including direct deposit, bill pay, ATMs, and transfers, as well as its own unique features, such as real-time updates, automated budgets and savings, personalized goals, and card blocking. Users deposits are held through Kohos partnership with Peoples Trust, while the Visa* network provides the ability to make purchases everywhere Visa is accepted. Kohos private beta was recently released to a select few users for early testing and feedback, and will roll out to the remaining waitlist of more than 7,000 Canadians over the coming months. The company, which closed an initial seed round of $1 million last June, plans on using the additional funds to continue improving its product, onboarding its waitlist, hiring, and layering on new features based on customer feedback. What makes us different is the speed of our iteration, says CEO Daniel Eberhard. We take feedback directly within the application and typically implement it within a matter of weeks. Were on pace to update the Koho app more than 100 times this year, so were lucky to have such an active group of users willing to participate in the road map." About Koho Financial Inc. Koho offers a simple, no-fee, mobile account to manage day-to-day spending and saving by combining a mobile app, Visa card, and secure account with Peoples Trust. The company was founded in 2014 by Daniel Eberhard and Stanley Park Ventures Joshua Bixby, Jonathan Bixby, and Mike Benna. *Trademark of Visa International Service Association and used under licence by Peoples Trust. **Koho Visa Prepaid Card is issued by Peoples Trust Company pursuant to licence by Visa Int. Dancers audition for Axis Connect 2016 The Barton sisters are building an atmosphere that feeds collaboration, inspiration and individuality. Sonya Tayeh Cherice and Charissa Barton announced today the introduction of Axis Connect (http://www.theaxisconnect.com), a first of its kind platform for aspiring dancers. The internationally renowned Barton sisters and their faculty of celebrated artists have developed an innovative program to connect emerging talent to industry leaders from the world of dance. The inaugural year of Axis Connect's summer dance intensive will kick off in New York on July 24th and culminate with a final immersive performance in Los Angeles on August 6th, hosted by Alan Tudyk, co-star of Star Wars: Rogue One. This is the first program of its kind for aspiring young dancers in North America, and a completely new and innovative way to identify, support and create opportunities for the next generation of talent, said Cherice Barton, co-director of Axis Connect. Dance in all of its forms has never been so popular as it is today, and we look forward to supporting emerging talent and attracting new interest from aspiring dancers. Cherice and Charissa Barton share award-winning careers in dance having collaborated on numerous notable projects including the The Grammys, Lucasfilm, and American Ballet Theater, among others. Frequently asked to choreograph, lecture and conduct master classes for such institutions such as The Juilliard School, New York University Tisch School of the Arts, and UCSB, among others, the Barton sisters have worked to help aspiring dancers develop essential skills beyond dance such as networking, self-promotion, and personal branding. The Barton sisters are joined by a celebrated faculty for Axis Connect featuring many of the industrys most recognized directors and choreographers, including: Stephanie Klemons, global supervising choreographer of HAMILTON: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL Vincent Paterson, director and choreographer for Cirque du Soleil, numerous Michael Jackson projects including Smooth Criminal, Madonna's Blonde Ambition tour, Dancer in the Dark, and Birdcage, among others Aszure Barton, the third Barton sister and choreographer of Mikhail Baryshnikov, National Ballet of Canada, American Ballet Theater, and the English National Ballet Sonya Tayeh, star choreographer of So You Think You Can Dance on Fox Crystal Pite, award winning contemporary dance choreographer, and her company,"Kidd Pivot" Lar Lubovitch, highly acclaimed director and choreographer, chosen by New York Times as "one of the ten best choreographers in the world. Robert James Hoffman III, American Choreographer award winner for the film You Got Served and co-star of the film Step Up 2: The Streets Sarah Elgart, director and choreographer, known for her work with JJ Abrams, David Lynch and many others Alan Tudyk, co-star of upcoming Star Wars "Rogue One", co-star of new NBC sitcom, "Powerless" and creator of comedy series "Conman" Alexandra Damiani, former Artistic Director of Cedar Lake Dance Company in NYC Teddy Forance, Choreographer for Dancing With The Stars, Shaping Sound Nathan Madden, lead role, "An American in Paris" on Broadway Reed Luplau, The Fiddler, Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway Nick Alexander, Creative Director /Producer MTV (former), Getty Images, Put Together Media and others The Barton sisters are building an atmosphere that feeds collaboration, inspiration and individuality, said Sonya Tayeh, critically acclaimed choreographer of So You Think You Can Dance. The range of artists coming in to explore with these exquisite dancers is a recipe for magic! I am so honored to be a part of this program that encompasses the one thing that keeps my blood pumping... dance! Axis Connect is a first of its kind platform for emerging professional dancers. Held at the prestigious Baryshnikov Arts Center, dancers are accepted into the program by audition only. Axis Connect goes beyond the traditional dance path and empowers dancers to become aware of the skills they've acquired through years of vigorous training, and use those skills to meet life's challenges and explore possibilities beyond those of being a dancer. Axis Connect also brings together the best emerging dance talent with relevant industry leaders from Broadway, Concert Dance, Commercial Dance, Television, and Film. Several agencies and management companies will participate and potentially recruit participants. The program culminates in a performance event in Los Angeles on August 6th, to be attended by influential producers, talent agents, talent managers, and others. "We want to provide support to a generation of dancers who want to pursue dance as a professional career, but may be intimidated by the competitiveness of the field, said Charissa Barton, co-founder of Barton Movement. There are more opportunities for dancers now than ever before, and we want to encourage them to explore everything that is available to them." DETAILS: Runs July 24th-August 6th in New York City and Los Angeles. A final live performance will be held in Los Angeles on August 6th for an invited guests of industry leaders. ABOUT AXIS CONNECT: Axis Connect is an educational and networking platform for emerging dance artists to advance their careers through creative process, life skill guidance, and exposure to industry leaders in Los Angeles and New York City. Axis Connect stands alone in its philosophy in educating young professionals to push the boundaries of their emerging careers. For more information, go to http://www.theaxisconnect.com Communicating the real-time status of pets with their owners can be difficult. VitusConnect has the power to facilitate this conversation, document it for future reference, and access it on multiple platforms. - Mark Olcott, DVM Co-Founder/CEO of VitusVet VitusVet, a veterinary mobile app developer based in Columbia, Maryland, announces the launch of VitusConnect - the first app designed specifically for pet health professionals to text and picture message their clients. VitusConnect is available at no-cost for veterinary practices through the iOS and Android app stores, and does not require any software installation on the veterinary clients phones. Communicating the real-time status of pets with their owners can be difficult, says VitusVets Co-Founder and CEO Mark Olcott, DVM, MBA. VitusConnect has the power to facilitate this conversation, document it for future reference, and access it on multiple platforms simultaneously. The app also eliminates the need to give away personal numbers to clients. The app includes an export conversation feature that allow the veterinary staff to log their chat records in practice management software. According to VitusVets research, the average practice services nearly 600 phone calls per week, per receptionist, many of whom are put on hold. The VitusConnect app will preempt a significant number of these incoming calls by giving veterinarians a way to quickly update pet owners at their own convenience. By enabling veterinarians to initiate the conversation, rather than waiting for the owner to call in, VitusConnect helps to build client loyalty and trust through proactive and engaged communication. VitusConnect furthers VitusVets mission of improving pet health through better veterinary-client communication. Kalpesh Raval, CTO and Co-Founder at VitusVet, is quick to point out the emphatic response to VitusVets work so far: Typically, more than 40% of the client base download and begin using the app when a practice subscribes; when compared those numbers to the 2-5% seen by other services like portals or eCards, VitusVet is exceptionally proud improving veterinary communication in a very measurable way. About VitusVet: VitusVet was founded by Mark Olcott, DVM, MBA and Kalpesh Raval, MBA, in 2013 as a solution to better share vet records between general practitioners, emergency veterinarians, and specialists in an industry thats communicating through outdated technology. VitusVets mobile app allows pet owners to have access to their pets complete medical information if they need to share it with other veterinarians, friends/family, or other pet professionals. CLEVELAND Gov. Terry Branstad expressed surprise and disappointment Wednesday over the sexual harassment allegations being leveled against embattled Fox New Chairman Roger Ailes, saying he saw no problems when Ailes served as his media consultant during his re-election bids in 1986 and 1990. Ailes, 76, has denied allegations contained in a lawsuit brought by a former employee that are under review by 21st Century Fox officials, but there were media reports Wednesday that the news executive may be in talks with the cable networks parent company to sever the relationship. It kind of surprises me. Im not going to try to judge on that, said Branstad, who credited Ailes with improving his skills as a political candidate and producing effective campaign advertisements for him like the Junk Bond Junkins spots Ailes came up with to help Branstad defeat Democrat Lowell Junkins in 1986. I have the greatest respect for Roger Ailes. He did a phenomenal job for me, Branstad told reporters Wednesday at a GOP National Convention delegate breakfast meeting. He had a great sense of humor. He was a very creative guy. He knew how to communicate with the common people very effectively. Branstad recalled going to Ailes New York studio where the media consultant would conduct a pepper drill when he would put Branstad at a podium in a news conference or debate setting and fire a barrage of all kinds of mean questions at you. Afterward, he would play back a videotape to show the governor weaknesses in his body language and facial expressions and give him advice on how to project positive images and responses. Im just saying that certainly the experience we had with him was very positive and he was very helpful and I learned a lot just working with him, said Branstad, who is serving his sixth term as Iowas governor. I think its made me a better communicator. Branstad, who paid Ailes a monthly fee and a bonus for winning a campaign, said he never encountered any situation of harassment of any kind by Ailes during the time he and his staff worked with the media consultant. We had a great relationship and we had no problem, he said. Branstad said he was disappointed by the allegations but told Iowa reporters, Im not going to judge. Im not going to place any judgment on this, but I just know that hes a very talented man who has done a lot certainly for the conservative movement and building Fox News. Fox News has become a real force to be reckoned with in terms of media in this country. NetSupport is pleased to announce the launch of multiple language packs for the safeguarding keyword and phrase database within its IT asset management solution for schools, NetSupport DNA. This will enable staff in schools with a diverse ethnic mix of students to be able to monitor community languages other than English for safeguarding purposes. With the number of bilingual and multi-lingual students doubling from 1997 to 2013, there is now a reported 1 million students learning English as an additional language (EAL) in UK schools, according to naldic.org.uk. Schools are faced with the challenge of not just safeguarding students who speak only English, but also EAL students, whose language differences make it near impossible for staff to monitor and react to as part of their safeguarding and Prevent Duty obligations. Included with NetSupport DNAs Safeguarding module, the new language packs will feature in the products comprehensive keyword monitoring tool and will be updated with new languages on a regular basis. The tool uses advanced neurolinguistics technology to provide nominated school staff with an insight into what students have typed, the pages and content they have searched for and the text they have copied into clipboard. It monitors both web and desktop applications, and gives schools the option to exclude certain applications from monitoring. It draws on an extensive database of keywords and phrases covering the spectrum of safeguarding topics, to provide real value to schools. Now teachers and safeguarding leads will be able to extend their safeguarding provision to a wider group of students, as the packs allow them to see and monitor phonetic representations of what students are typing in languages other than English; alerting them to activity by any student who is potentially open to physical or emotional harm and allows them to take the appropriate action. A word cloud is also created for each category, highlighting trending terms within a school and providing further details on the entry. Commenting on the development of language packs for NetSupport DNAs Safeguarding module, NetSupports Managing Director, Al Kingsley, said: Although safeguarding is now a key priority for schools, few have the tools to monitor and support EAL students whose numbers in schools are rising. Working with a range of schools and community leaders in numerous countries, we have developed a number of comprehensive language packs which include both phonetic representations and slang phrases specific to each language. Schools that have already invested in IT management tools to ensure cost efficiencies and secure their networks can now leverage the benefit of these extra safeguarding features at no additional cost. NetSupport collaborated with the Internet Watch Foundation to compile the initial English version of the keyword and phrases database. Speaking about the addition of language support, its Commercial Relationship Manager, Nicky Peachment, said: Were really happy to see NetSupport taking additional steps to better protect young people from accessing potentially damaging content. Its a great example of how were sharing expertise with our internet industry Members to help develop new protection tools. In addition to supporting schools safeguarding policies, NetSupport DNA also provides a suite of easy-to-use tools to support the effective management of school, staff and student technology; saving time and money whilst increasing security and productivity. Its capabilities have recently been recognised with a win of Best of Show at ISTE 2016, awarded by Tech&Learning, the information portal for the educational technology industry. To learn more about NetSupport DNA or to download a free 50-PC trial copy, visit http://www.netsupportdna.com/education where product video tours, walk-throughs and a range of supporting resources are also available. New research from EyeforTravel and IXI Services has found three core groups of US consumers that travel and spend significantly more than the US average. The three groups termed City Slickers, Flush Families and Golden Globetrotters travel to destinations outside the US 58%, 64%, and 84% more than the US average, respectively. They were also substantially more likely to spend more than $3,000 per household on international vacations than the US average and other groups studied in the paper. In total the paper identified six different groups of consumers that travel more than the US average, with the groups selected through common income, demographic, location and behavioural data. The top three groups were in general defined by high educational attainment, employment in senior white collar jobs, and significantly above average wealth and disposable income. The paper also details the groups' favoured travel destinations, activities and purchasing habits. I think what I have found fascinating through the research is the way in which the data tells a consistent story about these groups across so many different data categories said Alex Hadwick, Head of Research at EyeforTravel. For example we found that City Slickers and Flush Families were digital natives that wanted to independently research and book their holidays, often to adventurous destinations. This came across all of the internet usage statistics and attitudinal data we looked at. Golden Globetrotters on the other hand were happy to let others plan and focus on convenience and quality, leading to them a high rate of booking with travel agents and a focus on vacations in Western Europe. For more details on all six groups, the white paper is out now and available at: http://bit.ly/29KOSpj You can also contact Alex Hadwick directly on alex(at)eyefortravel.com This will be Kristin Oblanders sixth-consecutive DNC convention, which allows her to offer journalists an historical perspective as well as to offer insights into how political fundraising techniques and rules have evolved over the last two decades. July 21, 2016 The Oblander Group, which has been providing comprehensive political fundraising consulting services for Democratic and Non-Partisan political candidates since 1999, today announced that Founder and President, Kristin Oblander (http://theoblandergroup.com/our-team/kristin-oblander/), will make herself available for on-site media interviews and commentary at the 2016 Democratic National Convention to be held in Philadelphia. This will be Ms. Oblanders sixth-consecutive DNC convention, which allows her to offer journalists an historical perspective as well as to offer insights into how political fundraising techniques and rules have evolved over the last two decades. From the impact of the Citizens United ruling to the advent of social media and email solicitations, Ms. Oblander will offer broadcast and print journalists unique insights into the fundraising component of political campaigns. Ms. Oblander has attended the previous five conventions in a variety of officially credentialed capacities spanning two decades. These roles include as a member of the Kerry/Edwards, Obama/Biden and DNC finance operation at the 2004 Boston, 2008 Denver and 2012 Charlotte Conventions. She was elected as an at-large Georgia delegate to the 2000 Los Angeles Convention, and she served as the Georgia Arrangements Chair for the 1996 Chicago Convention. Accredited print journalists, bloggers, and broadcast media are invited to contact The Oblander Group at 678-429-5470 to schedule availability with Ms. Oblander in Philadelphia, or to conduct a phone interview prior to the event. About The Oblander Group Founded by Kristin Oblander, The Oblander Group has been providing professional fundraising consulting and services since 1999. Our success has been predicated on developing and executing effective fundraising strategies for political and non-profit organizations alike. Past and present clients of The Oblander Group include the Democratic National Committee; John Kerrys Presidential Campaign; Obama Victory Fund; Congressman John Lewis, Georgias 5th District; Roy Barnes, Governor of Georgia; Stephen Dillard, Georgia Court of Appeals Judge; Hugh Thompson, Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice; Peter Aman, Candidate for Mayor of Atlanta. To learn more about The Oblander Group, please visit http://TheOblanderGroup.com. On Twitter, follow @OblanderGroup ### AgilePoint, an established low-code leader in the Office 365/SharePoint workflow and app development space, will be attending Microsofts MGX conference in Orland, Florida July 19 22. The company intends to demonstrate AgilePoint NX, a low-code development platform that provides a stable gateway for migration from older, on-premises versions of SharePoint to Office 365 and from on-premises versions of Microsoft Dynamics to Dynamics 365. AgilePoint NX, which itself can be hosted in Microsofts Azure cloud, provides an additional layer of rapid application development capability on top of Azure. AgilePoint will be located at booth #129. Microsoft MGX is a conference designed specifically for Microsofts own employees, commented Jesse Shiah, AgilePoints CEO, and only a small, select group of vendors attend the show, generally those who have a technology that meshes entirely with Microsofts own strategic goals. AgilePoint NX is such a product. AgilePoint NX was recently positioned by Forrester Research as one of the top five low-code platforms across all low-code segments, and, of the top five, is the only one that offers deep integration with Microsoft technologies. Because of its unique architecture, continued Shiah, AgilePoint NX can actually catalyze adoption and consumption of the Microsoft cloud technologies by empowering Microsoft customers and partners to create future-proof software assets, which will run on any version of on-premises SharePoint or Dynamics but which are inherently cloud and mobile ready. This approach eliminates version lock and provides a stable gateway for cloud migration. Shiah concluded, AgilePoint NX can perhaps best be described as a low-code, SaaS app factory, enabling Microsoft customers to quickly create cloud-enabled, multi-tenant SaaS apps that span and interact with Microsoft technologies as well as non Microsoft systems. Forrester Research, Inc. The Forrester Wave: Low-Code Development Platforms, Q2 2016. Clay Richardson and John R. Rymer. April 14th, 2016. About AgilePoint AgilePoint, a leading provider of Low-Code Business Process Management (BPM) software products, has 1,400+ on-premise and cloud deployments in 25+ countries. AgilePoint enables its customers to build enterprise applications that connect people, content, and systems. By leveraging tools they are already familiar with, such as SharePoint, Office 365, Salesforce, Oracle, NetSuite, Dropbox, Box, One Drive and Google Drive, AgilePoint customers can build self-adaptive applications in half the time it takes to build traditional, rigid applications using competing BPM products. AgilePoints key industries include manufacturing, energy, legal services, financial, insurance, healthcare, and government. AgilePoint, an established low-code leader in the Office 365/SharePoint workflow and app development space, will be attending Microsofts MGX conference in Orland, Florida July 19 22. The company intends to demonstrate AgilePoint NX, a low-code development platform that provides a stable gateway for migration from older, on-premises versions of SharePoint to Office 365 and from on-premises versions of Microsoft Dynamics to Dynamics 365. AgilePoint NX, which itself can be hosted in Microsofts Azure cloud, provides an additional layer of rapid application development capability on top of Azure. AgilePoint will be located at booth #129. Calton & Associates, Inc. is a full service securities broker/dealer and investment advisory firm offering a wide range of investment products and services, successfully serving financial service professionals and their clients since 1987. Chris Radford, SVP Sales & Marketing, is pleased to announce that five senior level financial advisors have joined Calton in July along with their experienced teams. We are excited to provide the kind of support to financial advisors that permits them to truly invest in their businesses, their most significant client relationships, and, ultimately, clear paths for their futures, Radford said. This past month Brad Foos (Smart Money Group), Sharon Almeida and Brigid Mulroy (Duet Advisory Services LLC), Ken Flake (Reserve Management Financial Services), Mickey Long II (First Financial Services Group) and Bob Wamhoff (Wamhoff Financial & Accounting) have determined that having the true dedicated support of the Calton team is the right choice for them. In joining Calton, they will take advantage of the firms specialized knowledge, experience and business development capabilities to help provide and execute smooth and successful transitions. Ultimately, these advisors are seeking to continue to grow their businesses and look to Calton for the tools and support they require to enhance the experience of their clients. Caltons principals Randy Ciccati, CEO, and Dwayne Calton, President and Founder, who bring to the firm decades of experience working with and for financial advisors in bank, independent and wirehouse channels, are pleased that these experienced advisors have chosen Calton (http://www.calton.com) as their new home. Randy Ciccati said Calton is very pleased to welcome each of these quality practices to our firm. Each advisor has built an excellent business with a loyal client base through many years of offering valued service to their clients. Knowing they had many choices, we are honored and excited that they have chosen to partner with us. Choosing Calton is a reflection of our dedication to servicing the independent advisor and offering personalized customer service. Brad Foos is part of a large group formerly with VSR Financial that has partnered with Calton to service their clients on the broker-dealer side. Sharon Almeida and Brigid Mulroy, also formerly of VSR, have created a true ensemble practice and have also partnered with Calton to service their broker-dealer clients. Mickey Long has built a consultative practice over the past 30 years in Plano, TX. He works with his clients to develop long term relationships by spending the amount of time required for him to identify their specific situation. He establishes goals with his clients and implements a plan to help them realize their goals while identifying the financial planning steps to build a strong foundation. Ken Flake has spent 40 years helping his clients meet their life goals in both Houston, TX and Park City, UT. Bob Wamhoff brings his team of financial and accounting professionals. Wamhoffs firm is one of the Top 100 independent financial planning firm in the United States as ranked by assets under management by Registered Rep Magazine. Established in 1975, Wamhoff currently manages over $400 million in assets for over 800 active clients. Calton & Associates is an independently owned broker-dealer and RIA dedicated to supporting independent advisors nationwide. Founded in 1987 by Dwayne Calton, the firm continues to offer the family environment with personal, high touch service to investment professionals. Advisors and financial services firms and journalists interested in learning more about Calton & Associates can visit http://www.calton.com or contact Senior Vice President Chris Radford (813.605.0918) for more information. Securities and advisory services are offered through Calton & Associates, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Member FINRA/SIPC Chris Radford, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales Calton & Associates, Inc. Phone 813.605.0918 Email cradford(at)calton(dot)com http://www.calton.com FoxtrotCode.com, a platform to accelerate app development for data projects, announced the Understanding Crime in America contest. FoxtrotCode.com is offering free access to develop apps using crime data from over 17 police jurisdictions, Twitter, the Weather Company, in addition to other sources. The most popular apps submitted on FoxtrotCode.com will be awarded $10,000 in total cash prizes. The goal of the contest is to raise awareness around the Presidents Police Data Initiative and to demonstrate the public benefit of having more crime data publicly accessible. The contest began on July 15th and expects to culminate on August 29th. "We have the platform to help advance the PDI and City Open Data. The Police departments can look at Foxtrot Code as a resource for community driven analysis on problems related to violence or crime in general. We expect the results from this project will help city officials see the importance of sharing more data to better understand crime problems," Ed Fullman. About Foxtrot Code: Foxtrot Code is an online analytics platform designed to accelerate development for data projects. Its a development alternative for non-coders where users connect to projects and independently build app products from saved data searches. The entire experience is seamlessly hosted on Foxtrot Code to help generate reuse of apps for fast-tracking data projects and a marketplace to replace the traditional way data analysis is shared with others. Founded by Ed Fullman (CEO & CTO) and Elena Fullman (Head of Marketing & Sales) in 2013. Foxtrot Code is headquartered in Cincinnati Ohio. The team is located in Cincinnati, Austin, Denver, and Brooklyn. MediaSignage, Inc. (http://www.digitalsignage.com/) is pleased to announce the companys enterprise digital signage software, the SignageStudio, now fully supports Android TV. The latest enterprise release of the companys digital signage software product now allows users to purchase inexpensive Android-powered televisions, eliminating the need for external digital signage players. The availability for all-in-one digital signage players/displays is not new. However, the price-point for entering the digital signage market is now compelling, particularly with the affordable cost of most Android televisions. In supporting the Android TVs, MediaSignage expects further penetration into the already-competitive digital signage software market. We are excited to announce our latest software release, says company President Nate Nead. It shows our continued commitment to servicing our client needs, regardless of the business size or type, he says. We will continue to push the envelope of functionality and features to ensure our product remains ubiquitous across numerous devices and platforms. We want to maintain our position as the go-to vendor for digital signage deployments small and large. The SignageStudio supports multiple hardware vendors compatible with the Android OS including Nvidia, Sharp, Razer and others. The latest SignageStudio player APK can now be directly downloaded from the company website and installed on nearly any Android TV to be used as an all-in-one digital signage display. Simple downloads for both the SignageStudio APK and the Watchdog APK for use on Android TVs are available via the companys website. While the latest platform release virtually eliminates the need for digital signage players, the standard CPU/GPU on the companys mediaDROIDX digital signage player provides greater processing power than most Android TV options. If higher power, speed and quality remain a priority for digital signage vendors, then it also expands the options and aesthetics available to both enterprise and small business customers alike. We felt supporting Android TV provides our users with the expanded options they have come to expect from our system, says Nead. We hope to continue to deliver expanded reasons to use the SignageStudio, including the latest all-in-one, Android-based digital signage displays. About MediaSignage, Inc. Since 2008, MediaSignage has provided advanced digital signage software and hardware solutions to thousands of active customers in over 130 countries. With support in multiple languages, the companys enterprise digital signage software provides advanced tools that allow business owners to start and run their own digital signage businesses. It also provides the features demanded by many of the companys Fortune 1000 clients as well as dozens of colleges and universities in the United States and around the world. Recently the company launched the beta version of its mediaADNET, an advanced digital out-of-home ad buying and selling platform. The company continues to push the envelope on features and options with a keen eye on maintaining affordable pricing. Depicted on the left is a liquid sample being loaded on to the TruStrip. To the right, the samples are stored in specially designed individual storage trays. TruStrip STS technology will prove to be most beneficial for the collection and storage of biological samples from remote locations or field-based sample collection projects, says Dr. Ali. Alpha Diagnostic International, Inc. (ADI) is excited to announce the introduction of a revolutionary product TruStrip Sample Transfer System (STS). TruStrip STS technology is a smart, efficient, tamper-proof, and cost-effective strip-based technology for collecting, storing, and transporting specific volumes of biological samples (blood, serum, plasma, urine, proteins, antibodies, DNA, bioanalytical reagents, plant extracts, and chemicals) on pre-calibrated strips without the need for any measuring devices such as a pipette. Individual strips containing samples are air dried and stored in a specially designed TruStrip STS container for long term storage at ambient temperature, 4 C, or -20 C. Samples collected on TruStrip STS strips can be easily shipped at ambient temperature without the use of refrigeration or dry ice, which prevents expensive shipping costs. The dried samples from the strips can be quantitatively recovered by simple immersion and gentle shaking in water, saline, or any special buffer or solvent. The active sample pad of TruStrip STS strips are available with an optional visible dye stripe that enables the tracking of the sample load and measuring recovery efficiency even if the sample has no color, such as a protein or DNA in colorless buffer or water. TruStrip STS technology will prove to be most beneficial for the collection and storage of biological samples from remote locations or field-based sample collection projects, says Dr. Ali, Scientific Director and President of ADI. Lack of appropriate equipment and facilities to collect and store biological samples is a major challenge in sample collection efforts from remote locations. Conventional methods of sample collection rely upon the use of tubes to store the samples, which requires refrigerated storage and transportation systems in most cases prior to further downstream analysis on the samples. The ability to collect samples easily in a quantitative fashion on strips instead of tubes without relying upon any measuring device, and store and transport them at ambient temperatures over an extended time frame will be a major aid in global disease management initiatives, added Dr. Ali. The patent pending TruStrip STS technology comprises TruStrip strips and TruStrip storage containers. TruStrip strips are available in multiple sample pad volume sizes along with an optional sample tracking dye (STD) applied on the sample pad of the strip. Each strip has a detachable sample pad cover that protects the integrity of the sample stored on the sample pad. In addition, the combinatorial label tags capability on each strip readily provides visible identifiers such as the species from which the sample was collected, type of sample, geographical sample collection site, and other relevant information as needed. The backside of each strip has space for applying barcodes or writing information manually as needed. The TruStrip storage containers are available as 5 detachable chambers in a set and are specifically designed to store and transport individual strips as needed. For further details on TruStrip STS technology and ordering details, please visit http://www.trustrips.com About Alpha Diagnostic International, Inc.: ADI is a privately held, U.S. biotechnology company headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. ADI develops, manufactures, and supplies novel diagnostic and quality control reagents and test kits for use in basic biological and disease research in humans and animals. An important mission of ADI is to develop and supply diagnostic and validating solutions for promoting global health through improved vaccine therapeutics and mitigating the spread of human and animal diseases. For additional details, please visit: http://www.4adi.com Best Hire Career Fairs will be hosting a huge live hiring event in Orlando, Florida. Participants will get their chance to meet the hiring decision makers from the areas best employers in Orlando. They should attend the career fair; there will be hundreds of jobs available. All they need to do is dress professionally and bring lots of resumes to the job fair. Just walk in the event and start interviewing, its that easy. It saves energy, money and time. Participants can just stick to one location where they will get a chance to interview with multiple companies. The companies offer several openings and are anxious to meet applicants. Applicants just need to be at the event and be the one to impress the decision makers. For those that are in search of a job or tired of sending resumes that go nowhere, dont worry. Dress for success, update your resume then head on down to the Orlando Job Fair. Here, participants will seek employment from the top employers in the city. These employers are the people who decide who gets hired. Stop wasting time and come down to the career fair and land a dream job. Those who participate will get a chance to market themselves to companies as the best candidate for the job. Those who ate currently looking for a new job or opportunity, get ready to meet with the areas top hiring employers. Update your resume dress for success. LOCATION OF EVENT Four Points by Sheraton Orlando Studio City 5905 International Dr. Orlando, FL. 32819 DATE & TIME OF EVENT August 4, 2016 11am 2pm Register Today at the following website. https://www.besthirecareerfairs.com/job-fairs/orlando-job-fair/ An extremely rare and never sold limited edition humidor hand crafted by Cigar Aficionados No. 1 rated humidor designer in the world, Daniel Marshall, is among the special auction items that will be part of the live auction at the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Annual Gala in Saint-Tropez, France. This one-of-a-kind humidor is personally signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and includes a gold covered solid brass Governor of California Seal. A truly unique collectors piece, the humidor is packed full of Governor Schwarzenegger Signature Daniel Marshall Red Label Churchill Cigars. Schwarzenegger presented these cigars to visiting dignitaries to his office in the California Capitol during his terms as Governor. Also included are two Daniel Marshall 24 karat Red Label Golden Torpedo Cigars. Davidoff Special "R" Cigars complete this auction lot. The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation will have their third annual gala at the Domaine Bertaud Belieu vineyard in St. Tropez, France, and will once again feature a fabulous list of auction items including the Daniel Marshall Humidor and Cigars alongside historic celebrity memorabilia, extensive contemporary art, and exotic travel experiences. Last years event raised over $40 Million USD. During Governor Schwarzeneggers two terms as the 38th Governor of California, Daniel Marshall created a very small number of these unique humidors. This piece is unique in its size and design. The Governor used them as special gifts and auction pieces to raise money for charities including After School All Stars (http://www.afterschoolallstars.org) and the R20 environment foundation (http://www.regions20.org.) This rare humidor, crafted in California, required four months to create, and was hand carved from solid American Alder harvested from a renewable forest. The design idea was Governor Schwarzeneggers, as he wanted his humidor to evoke the look and feel of old wood beams and flooring reminiscent of his home in the mountains. The gold and enameled Governor seal inlay on top of this masterpiece is unique. Unlike the consistency of the US Presidential Seal, the Governors seal changes with each Governor in office making the 38th Governor of California seal unique to Schwarzenegger. Over the 20 years that Daniel Marshall has known Governor Schwarzenegger, Marshall has been inspired by the Governor and motivated to give back and create unique pieces for charity. "We are proud to partner with The DiCaprio Foundation. To create this rare collectors piece that is hand crafted using wood from forests that provide renewable lumber is a great honor and privilege, said Marshall. Congratulations to Leonardo DiCaprio and his incredible partners and team for their vision and absolute commitment. A vital cause is to protect our planet and implement renewable resources and energy to ensure health, safety and prosperity for our children and all future generations. One world, one people, one life." About Daniel Marshall Daniel Marshall, a 33-year veteran of the cigar industry is one of the worlds leading names in No. 1 rated top quality humidors and finest cigars, including the coveted 24kt Red Label Golden Cigar. DM Humidors are enjoyed in the homes and offices of countless Hollywood celebrities, US presidents, dignitaries, titans of industry, and fashion designers among others. Marshall is also a cigar and humidor supplier of Englands Royal Family. Since 1982, Daniel Marshall has created and designed for the prestigious luxury gift houses Dunhill, Tiffany & Co., S.T. Dupont, Cartier, Hermes, Fred Joaillier, Harrods, Bally of Switzerland and Garrards of London. Daniel Marshalls humidors are historic, with a collection on display at the Smithsonian Museum. Visit Daniel Marshalls site at http://www.danielmarshall.com. You can also find Daniel Marshall on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/danielmarshallhumidorsandcigars or follow Daniel Marshall on Twitter @DMCigarWorld or Instagram @DMCigars for real-time updates. For Daniel Marshall: Diane Krakower, 714-973-8660, info(at)danielmarshall(dot)com GINGRICH'S PREFERRED JOB: Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who was on GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump's short list of possible running mates, told Iowans Wednesday he would like to be chief planner in the Trump administration to dramatically revamp the federal government. The Georgia Republican said he would even do the job without being paid. "What I'd like to do is I'd like to take the entire federal government and methodically focus department by department on how we totally overhaul the entire system," Gingrich told Iowa delegates attending the 2016 Republican national convention in Cleveland. He said he envisions Trump giving him the power to review any federal agency and report back to the president how to make dramatic changes. Gingrich made the comments aboard an excursion boat before the Iowans took a cruise on Lake Erie before making their way to Quicken Loans Arena where Gingrich was one of the speakers who addressed delegates during a Wednesday evening session that also featured Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence -- who got the nod over Gingrich as Trump's vice presidential pick. Gingrich said Pence was a good choice to "be very effective I pulling the party back together." Gingrich said he is at a point in his life where he is "a free agent" and didn't think it would be a good idea to have "a two-pirate ticket" that would have been the Trump-Gingrich team. The former House speaker said Republicans are poised to have "an extraordinary year" with Democrats "on the verge of nominating the most corrupt person ever to be nominated for president by either party." On the flip side, he said, Republicans "have nominated somebody who is totally outside any plausible prediction." He said it was critical that Republicans carry Iowa in the general election, telling GOP delegates "do not assume there is a single precinct you can ignore." "You're in a time of enormous change. People are very unhappy. Don't assume anybody's automatically going to vote for Hillary Clinton." DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSWOMAN ON KING, VILSACK: U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democrat and black woman from Ohio, participated in a teleconference with Iowa Reporters Wednesday regarding comments made by U.S. Rep. Steve King this week at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Beatty also discussed the possibility that former Iowa governor and current U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack could be named Hillary Clinton's running mate, and whether she is bothered by a 2010 incident in which Vilsack asked a black woman who worked for the USDA to resign -- only to later apologize and offer the woman her job back. Vilsack had asked the woman to resign after a video surfaced showing her saying she did not do everything she could to help a white farmer. When it became apparent the woman's comments were taken out of context, Vilsack apologized and offered her the opportunity to return to her job. She declined. Beatty, when asked about the incident on Wednesday's conference call, said she will be able to support Vilsack if he is selected as Clinton's running mate. "He apologized. That goes a long way with me," Beatty said. "He's visited my district this past year. I had an opportunity to sit down with him in a diverse group of individuals talking about how we could help communities with different agricultural food programs in minority districts. She's moved on, she's done an incredible job, and certainly I support her. ... I have heard (Vilsack's) name tossed around. ... I'll be supportive of any of the names I've been hearing." Beatty was not so forgiving of King, who during a television interview this week said white people and Western civilization have made more contributions to the world than "any other subgroup of people," a designator King declined to clarify. "Steve King insinuated that white people have contributed more to the history of America," Beatty said on the conference call. "I say back to him, maybe I need to give him a history lesson." Novasyte team accepts award at the Fastest Growing Private Companies recognition ceremony. Novasyte, the outsourcing commercial services experts in the med-tech space driven by people and technology is excited to announce that it has been ranked 78th on the 2016 San Diego Business Journals list of Fastest Growing Private Companies. Novasyte experienced a 71% revenue increase between 2013 and 2015. Moving up significantly from the previous year, 2016 marks the 2nd consecutive year the company has been recognized on the list which reflects its continued growth in the med-tech space. Were honored to be recognized alongside all of the other recipients, said Tim Gleeson, Novasyte CEO. This reflects the hard work and dedication put forth by our exceptional employees and our drive to continually improve overall effectiveness and deliver the highest quality services to our clients. The list represents the regions most successful and rapidly expanding organizations. Companies on the list are ranked by revenue growth from 2013 to 2015. To qualify, companies must be privately held, headquartered in San Diego, CA, founded before 2013, and meet a minimum gross revenue in 2013. About Novasyte Novasyte partners with med-tech companies, offering outsourced commercial service teams for clinical, sales, technical and recall support. Our flexible model enables us to deploy and manage teams that expand and contract to meet our clients' customer-facing needs. Program success is tracked and measured with our real-time business intelligence analytics that provide our clients with critical insights into their most important resources - their people and their customers. VP of Marketing and IT Tim Mutrie joins ACI Specialty Benefits to drive new campaigns and digital strategies ACI Specialty Benefits welcomes Tim Mutrie as Vice President of Marketing and IT. A recognized leader in advertising, marketing and business development, Tim has more than 15 years of experience in cross-functional teams, managing direct reports, strategic planning, account management, social media development and new business generation. In his previous role as Chief Strategy Officer for Jacob Tyler Brand + Digital Agency, Tim developed business proposals, compelling RFP responses, pitch materials, and new scopes of work. In his new role at ACI, Tim will lead the Marketing and IT teams to break new ground in targeted revenue-generating campaigns and cutting-edge digital strategies. "EAPs are expanding," explains Tim. "Employee Assistance Program benefits are a 4 billion dollar industry which has primarily focused on behavioral health in the past. Forward-thinking EAPs like ACI are expanding with veteran assistance services, student assistance programs, and popular concierge and errand running programs. This makes the future of EAP and work-life benefits very exciting and promising!" "Tim impressed the team with his track record of outstanding marketing strategies and success in reaching new audiences," says Dr. Ann Clark, CEO and Founder of ACI Specialty Benefits. "Tim's expertise in devising innovative approaches and incorporating new technology will prove invaluable in taking ACI's business to the next level." About Tim Mutrie Tim graduated from Framingham State University with a degree in Biology. His interests and notable achievements include being a Crossfit competitor, SAG and AFTRA member, medical missionary, NAUI scuba diving instructor, EMT and 911 dispatcher and volunteer firefighter. Tim is a fan of employee engagement, and believes that by promoting a strong corporate culture, companies will experience an increase in active participation by their employees and increased productivity. Although he has practically done it all, Tim's dream job would be cardiothoracic surgeon. About ACI ACI Specialty Benefits ranks in the nation's Top-Ten providers of Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), corporate wellness programs, student assistance, corporate concierge, and work-life services to corporations worldwide. ACI is every company's ideal partner for the new workforce, boosting performance with benefit programs that improve morale, productivity and the bottom-line. With a 95% customer retention rate and over 7 million lives covered, ACI remains a privately-owned specialty benefits corporation headquartered in San Diego. For more information, visit http://www.acispecialtybenefits.com or call 800.932.0034. Aruze wishes Kelcey well in his future endeavors. Aruze Gaming America (Aruze), today announced the resignation of Kelcey Allison. Mr. Allison was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Aruze in January of 2015. Richard Pennington will temporarily assume the administrative responsibilities previously performed by Mr. Allison. Mr. Pennington is currently Aruzes President, a Member of the Board of Directors, and had previously served as its CEO. Richard stated that, "Aruze wishes Kelcey well in his future endeavors. He and Mr. Yugo Kinoshita, Aruzes Global Chief Operating Officer, will begin the search for a successor to Mr. Allison in the next couple weeks. Mr. Kinoshita commented that, "The executive team at Aruze is strong and experienced," and that "Aruze does not feel any urgency to appointing a successor to Kelcey. Mr. Pennington added that, Its far more important to find the right person than it is to fill the void quickly. About Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Aruze, based in Las Vegas, designs, develops, and manufactures slot machines and gaming devices for the global casino market. With subsidiaries in Australia, South Africa, Macau and Japan, Aruze produces highly innovative gaming products, including high resolution video and stepper slot machines, communal gaming products, and multi-terminal devices. For more news and information about Aruze, please visit http://www.aruzegaming.com. Greggs qualifications align well with our goal of providing innovative equipment solutions that increase productivity and achieve complete customer satisfaction. Bettcher Industries, Inc. announces that Gregory Nolff has joined the company as Area Sales Manager in the companys Food Service Equipment Group. In this position, Nolff is responsible for the sale of all Bettcher foodservice equipment to operators and authorized channel partners in states and provinces located in the western part of the United States and Canada. In addition, Nolff is responsible for identifying, recommending, directing and managing all aspects of Bettchers distributor channel partner relationships in the Western Region territory. Nolff has 30+ years of experience in the foodservice equipment industry. He held positions of progressive responsibility at Henny Penny Corporation during more than a dozen years with that manufacturing firm first as a regional sales manager and subsequently as a strategic accounts manager where he was responsible for large chain foodservice accounts such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Burger King, Popeyes and others. Nolff also served as a foodservice equipment manager for a major California-based distributor of bakery equipment. He studied business at Fullerton College in Fullerton, CA. Commenting on Nolffs appointment, Denny Romer, director of food service sales stated, Were very pleased to welcome Gregg to Bettcher Industries. His extensive background and experience in the industry include wide-ranging experience managing national sales efforts targeting precisely the kind of companies that use our products. Greggs qualifications align well with our goal of providing innovative equipment solutions that increase productivity and achieve complete customer satisfaction. Bettcher Industries, Inc. is an ISO 9001-certified, vertically integrated manufacturing company with a global customer base and direct distribution and service in more than 60 countries around the world. The company is a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative equipment for food processing, foodservice, industrial, medical and other operations. Established in 1944, Bettcher brings more than seven decades of successful innovation to the market, including holding nearly 125 active patents. The company is 100% Employee Owned. Phone: (440) 965-4422. Website address: http://www.bettcher.com. Stamped Driveway Walnut by Concrete Craft We are seeing more and more consumer interest in decorative concrete and, as a result, more interest from entrepreneurs seeking a solid business opportunity within a billion dollar industry. Growth trends in franchising were projected to increase in 2016 over last years growth figures, according to the Franchise Business Outlook: 2016, published by the International Franchise Association (IFA). Riding the wave of franchise growth, American Decorative Coatings, which operates Concrete Craft, a home improvement franchise offering decorative resurfacing, stamped and stained concrete, added five new territory locations to its national footprint in the first half of this year alone. The brand continues planning for additional territory growth across the U.S. and now serves nearly 1,000 cities. Concrete Crafts new locations include territories in South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Colorado and Nevada, the second state in the companys western expansion. We are seeing more and more consumer interest in decorative concrete, said John Kostro, President of American Decorative Coatings, and, as a result, more interest from entrepreneurs seeking a solid business opportunity within a billion dollar industry. Its nice to know we have a business concept that is growing in demand and that we have the skillset to succeed in both residential and commercial applications. Known for transforming ordinary, existing indoor floors, outdoor patios, driveways, poolside areas and walkways into long-lasting, estate-quality, finished results for a fraction of the cost of traditional methods, Concrete Craft employs innovative, hand-crafted techniques and stamped concrete designs that preserve and transform the existing hardscape. New in 2016 is the addition of a vertical concrete application, creating beautiful faux stone siding for exterior privacy walls, fireplaces, shower stalls and more. Kostro added, Not only do we have a business model that works, we also provide our franchise owners with all the tools necessary to aggressively market in their territories, as well as provide them with on-going training and support. We are very hands-on with our franchisees and feel very passionate about their success. Concrete Craft franchise territories are delineated by zip code and are exclusive to franchise owners; meaning, no other Concrete Craft franchise owner can do business in a contracted territory. However, neighboring franchise owners are encouraged to collaborate and share information, leads, referrals and local area marketing buys. The more our franchisees work together, the more consumer awareness they build for the brand and for their business, said Dan Lightner, Vice-President of American Decorative Coatings. I am always inspired when I see the results of our franchise owners collaborating together to service our customers and exceed their expectations. Our franchise owners are a strong and communicative group. They take the time needed to help and advise each other. Existing Concrete Craft franchise owners contribute to the brands territory expansion through business ownership referrals and validation calls with franchise candidates. Shirin Behzadi, Chief Executive Officer of American Decorative Coatings and its parent company, Home Franchise Concepts, said, As the parent company of franchisors Budget Blinds and Tailored Living, as well as American Decorative Coatings, we share learnings and intelligence from one brand to another to further strengthen our business model, to continue to grow our footprint and to help ensure the success of our franchisees. We are a family of brands with the same end goal of helping to improve the lives of our consumers and our franchise owners. To learn more about Concrete Craft and its franchise opportunities, visit the Concrete Craft website and the company blog. About American Decorative Coatings In late 2014, Home Franchise Concepts, based in Orange, CA, acquired the assets of Atlanta-based franchise system All American Decorative Concrete (AADC) and has since re-branded as Concrete Craft. HFC works closely with American Decorative Coatings President, John Kostro, and Vice President, Dan Lightner, who remain in the companys Atlanta headquarters. Currently, fourteen franchise territories are owned as part of the Concrete Craft system. Read more about the story behind Concrete Craft. For information on owning a Concrete Craft franchise, visit http://www.franchise.concretecraft.com The Hanley Award for Community Service in Sustainability The Hanley Foundation and Hanley Wood announced today that Skid Row Housing Trust, headquartered in Los Angeles, California will receive the third annual Hanley Award for Community Service in Sustainability. The award, with its $25,000 grant, was created to recognize community-based and non-profit organizations working to advance sustainability and environmental awareness in the host cities of the annual Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, which takes place this year in Los Angeles. Skid Row, a neighborhood of approximately 50 square blocks located just east of Downtown Los Angeles, is also known as Central City East. The area has a longstanding history as a residential neighborhood for those with the least. After destruction of more than 15,000 residential apartments in Skid Row forced thousands of residents into the citys shelters and sidewalks, Skid Row Housing Trust was founded in 1989 to preserve low-income housing. The Trust has since become a nationally recognized leader in Housing First, providing permanent supportive housing to break the cycle of chronic homelessness. Michael J. Hanley, president of the Hanley Foundation and creator of the Hanley Award for Community Service in Sustainability, has long admired the work of the Skid Row Housing Trust; particularly the Star Apartments, hailed by Time Magazine as one of the best inventions in 2015. The iconic Star, while providing housing to the formerly homeless, is an extraordinary Michael Maltzan-designed structure that has become the pride of the neighborhood all while achieving LEED Platinum Certification, with performance of 28.8% beyond Title 24 2008 standards, said Mr. Hanley. The Star, which broke ground in early 2012, was built using an existing one-story commercial building to eliminate the need to send unnecessary materials to landfills. To further reduce building waste and costs, the Star was constructed by assembling pre-fabricated modules onto the existing structure. All the units feature energy-efficiency appliances and air-filtration systems, and low VOC finishes improve indoor air quality. To contribute to the minimization of traffic congestion and air pollution, Star Apartments promotes green living among its residents by providing an artistic installation of 31 bicycle storage stations and is on track to achieve LEED Platinum Certification. Additional LEED projects spearheaded by Skid Row Housing Trust include The Six (LEED Platinum), the New Pershing Apartments (LEED Gold), and Crest Apartments under construction now and on track to achieve LEED Platinum Certification. "We are deeply honored to be recognized with this prestigious award by The Hanley Foundation, said Michael Alvidrez, Chief Executive Officer of Skid Row Housing Trust. An award of this magnitude helps fuse our core values of compassion and sustainability as we develop affordable housing for those who need it most. The Hanley Award for Community Service in Sustainability will be presented alongside The Hanley Award for Vision and Leadership in Sustainability ($50,000) to this years recipient, Rick Fedrizzi at The Hanley Award dinner, which takes place annually during the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. Both awards will be presented at The Hanley Award dinner on October 4 in Los Angeles, California. The Hanley Award for Community Service recognizes the efforts of organizations working within the annual Greenbuild host city region in one of the following areas: 1) Providing housing that is affordable, sustainable and healthy; 2) expanding community awareness in sustainability and environmental issues through education and/or demonstration projects; 3) developing and advocating innovations in local and regional policies affecting sustainability; and 4) creating sustainable public buildings that advance community awareness. Previous Hanley Award for Community Service in Sustainability recipients are Chesapeake Bay Foundation (2015) and Make it Right Foundation (2014). About Skid Row Housing Trust Skid Row Housing Trust (the Trust) provides permanent supportive housing so that people who have experienced homelessness, prolonged extreme poverty, poor health, disabilities, mental illness and/or addiction can lead safe, stable lives in wellness. With over 25 years of experience, the Trust operates 25 buildings with almost 1,800 homes, providing hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness with access to housing each year. The Trust designs and builds innovative facilities with on-site supportive services that create safe spaces and encourage community. Utilizing the evidence-based models of Housing First and Harm Reduction, the Trust promotes the long-term stability of its residents by providing access to case management, mental health treatment, substance abuse recovery, and primary health care. Learn more at skidrow.org. About The Hanley Foundation The Hanley Foundation is a non-profit foundation created in 1999 by Michael and Kathryn Hanley that provides support for organizations working in the areas of affordable housing, environmental awareness, and community services. The Washington, DC-based foundation supports local entities helping to provide shelter, like Friendship Place in Washington, D.C. and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, and environmental organizations like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The Hanley Awards were created to recognize and honor significant and lasting contributions to advancing sustainability in the built environment. The Hanley Award for Vision and Leadership in Sustainability, now in its seventh year, was established in 2009. About Hanley Wood Hanley Wood is the premier company serving the information, media, and marketing needs of the residential, commercial design and construction industry. Utilizing the largest analytics and editorial-driven Construction Industry Database, the company provides business intelligence and data-driven services. The company produces award-winning media, high profile executive events, and strategic marketing solutions. To learn more, visit hanleywood.com. The International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF) will fund three essential tremor (ET) research grants totaling nearly $75,000 this year. Grant funding is provided to the IETF from its donors, people directly affected by this life-altering condition. The IETF will award $24,980 to the study entitled Double-blind, Placebo-control, Cross-over Trial of Cannabidiol for Essential Tremor. This study will investigate a specific cannabinoid (CBD), one of the many chemicals, in marijuana. The central hypothesis is CBD will reduce tremor amplitude while being well tolerated and safe for patients. Dr. Fatta Nahabs hypothesis has been formulated on the basis of his teams own preliminary data and in consultation with Dr. Adrian Handforths group, which is actively studying cannabinoids in the Harmaline model of ET. Dr. Handforths research was funded by an IETF research grant in 2015. Results obtained from this study will provide the critical knowledge needed in order to request additional funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for a drug development program of CBD for ET and develop more targeted medications. The study will be conducted by Dr. Fatta Nahab at the University of California in San Diego. The second study, to be awarded $24,200 from the IETF, is Application of Smartphones/Smartwatches in Diagnosis and Treatment Monitoring of Essential Tremor. The aim of this proposal is to test a variety of smartphones/smartwatches, to see if they can accurately measure tremor in ET patients and assist in their treatment. Smartphones are available to most people and could provide short-term tremor measurements. Smartwatches could be used for long-term tremor measurement. It is well known tremor intensity fluctuates from day to day and during the day. Therefore, accurate self-monitoring of tremor might be helpful to physicians assessing treatment options and effects. This study will be conducted by Prof. Gregor Kuhlenbaumer at Kiel University in Germany. The final study, Norepinephrines Effects on the Cerebellum and Role in Tremor will be awarded $25,000. This study will be conducted by Dr. Esther Krook-Magnuson at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Propranolol is a beta-blocker and is the most widely used medication for the treatment of essential tremor. Dr. Krook-Magnuson believes propranolols actions are centrally located, working on a region of the brain known as the cerebellum, and slowing the amount of norepinephrine released. The findings from this proposal would resolve the controversy surrounding propranolols location of action in the brain and provide new options to help reduce tremor. Essential tremor is a neurological condition affecting more than 10 million Americans. ET causes rhythmic shaking of the hands, head, and voice. ET is often misdiagnosed as Parkinsons disease, although eight times more common. ET is characterized by action tremor, making everyday tasks such as eating, drinking, and writing difficult if not impossible. There is currently no cure for this life-altering condition. About The International Essential Tremor Foundation: Headquartered in Lenexa, KS, and founded in 1988, the International Essential Tremor Foundation is the leading organization in the world dedicated to those affected by essential tremor. The mission of the International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF) is to provide global educational information, services and support to children and adults challenged by essential tremor (ET), to their families and health care providers, as well as to promote and fund ET research. The IETF has distributed over $1 million in research grants, to fund numerous promising studies, in the search for the cause of ET. The Foundation has hosted numerous community awareness events across the U.S. to provide those affected with the basic knowledge necessary to become their own advocate when seeking treatment. And, the IETF also provides assistance to a vast network of support groups around the world. To learn more about essential tremor and the IETF mission, visit the IETF website at http://www.essentialtremor.org. SBS Group, an industry leading information technology and consulting company, will hold their annual H1 meeting on July 29, 2016 at Rutgers Business School. Over 130 employees will travel from across the country to convene in Piscataway, NJ. The H1 meeting is an opportunity for employees of SBS Group to discuss the activity and progression of the company over the first two quarters. The meeting is an all-day event that consists of breakfast, lunch and multiple sessions including mid-year updates on the different business units at SBS Group. Like SBS Groups 2016 Kickoff meeting, H1 will have an emphasis on cloud technology and how it can deliver the best cloud solutions to its clients. After Microsofts Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) earlier this month, employees will be informed how SBS Group plans to evolve in the coming years. Major announcements about Dynamics 365, Project Madeira and other cloud technologies were made at WPC regarding the future of the industry as it relates to partners. SBS Group is committed and prepared to evolve to the future market and bring the best solutions to its clients. About SBS Group SBS Group is a national Microsoft master VAR (Value Added Reseller) with Gold level competency in enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM). Over the past 30 years, they have been recognized as Microsoft Partner of the Year, Inner Circle Member and Microsoft President's Club member multiple times. The company is headquartered in Edison, New Jersey and operates offices across North America. For more information, please visit SBS Group's website at http://www.sbsgroupusa.com. Follow us on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/company/sbs-group, on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/sbsgroup and find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SBSGroupUSA. Today, Tematica Research, LLC is publicly unveiling its Thematic Index, designed to reflect the firms proprietary thematic investment approach by tracking over 150 companies across more than a dozen of the companys investment themes. Taking a cue from Tematicas proprietary investing themes ranging from the Connected Society and Aging of the Population to Content is King and Guilty Pleasure, the Thematic Index reflects those companies positioned to benefit most from thematic drivers while sidestepping those that are most likely to hit a thematic wall. Through the first six months of 2016, Tematica Researchs Thematic Index rose 9.28 percent, versus the S&P 500s gain of just 2.69 percent. Strong performance on an absolute and relative basis was driven by a number of Tematicas proprietary investing themes including Affordable Luxury, Aging of the Population, Cash-strapped Consumer, Content is King, and Scarce Resources. This performance continued the Thematic Indexs market-beating streak vs. the S&P 500 on a pro-forma basis from 2011 to 2015. In our view, the S&P 500s industry and sector perspective is outdated in how it looks at the markets, using a perspective that is not only limited in scope, but is incapable of identifying investable tailwinds and business stalling headwinds, said Christopher Versace, Chief Investment Officer Tematica Research. By taking a holistic approach that examines the shifting economic, demographic, psychographic and technological landscapes, our Thematic Index provides a catalyst first view that cuts across industries. This view is enhanced not just by sector-based data points, but by distilling and corroborating signals from a wide range of sources to determine which companies have a thematic tailwind at their back or are about to run headfirst into a headwind. Many indexes ignore the fact that companies are increasingly moving beyond their traditional sectors not simply expanding into new ones, but actually shaping other existing and emerging sectors. For example, traditionally viewed technology companies, like Apple Inc. (AAPL), are addressing and influencing many other markets, from media to consumer apps and even payment methods that put them well beyond their original target markets and keep them firmly entrenched in our Connected Society investing theme. Other companies, such as Boeing (BA), are benefitting from thematic tailwinds. Both Boeing and Airbus (EADSY) have recently boosted their respective aerospace outlooks over the next two decades, largely due to the improving socioeconomics in emerging markets that are part of Tematicas Rise & Fall of the Middle Class investing theme. Today our principal business model is our published research through the Tematica Investing newsletter and Tematica Pro trading service; however, we are exploring ways in which both institutional and individual investors can utilize our proprietary thematic index via model portfolios and exchange traded funds (ETFs), said Versace. The thematic investing approach developed by Tematica Research looks at the intersection of evolving economics, demographics, psychographics, and technologies combined with regulatory and legislative mandates to identify pronounced thematic tailwinds that impact business and consumers, forcing companies to adapt or get left behind. The Thematic Index is composed of more than 150 companies across more than a dozen investing themes including: Affordable Luxury; Asset Lite Business Models; Cash Strapped Consumer; Cashless Consumption; Content is King; Disruptive Technologies; Economic Acceleration/Deceleration; Fattening of the Population; Food with Integrity; Fountain of Youth; Guilty Pleasure; Safety & Security; Scarce Resources; and Tooling & Retooling. For more information about the Thematic Index and Tematica Research, as well as its investment themes and products, visit http://www.tematicaresearch.com About Tematica Research Tematica Research is committed to utilizing the propriety thematic perspective of the world and markets, delivering Wall Street quality equity research, economic commentary and investing strategies to independent financial professionals and experienced individual investors. The thematic discipline utilized by Tematica across its research, economic commentary and portfolio construction is the culmination of the more than 20 years Chief Investment Officer Christopher Versace spent analyzing industries and companies as an equity analyst, portfolio manager, investment banker and strategic consultant serving both individual and institutional investors. Press Contact: Tony Welz W2 Communications tony(at)w2comm(dot)com (703) 877-8101 Virginian Pilot Honors Dr. Karen Parvin and Coastal Smile Design with Three Awards Dr. Karen Parvin, a trusted dentist in Chesapeake, VA, and her team at Coastal Smile Design recently won three awards during the Virginian Pilots Best of Chesapeake contest. Dr. Parvin is honored to have won Bronze in Best Dentist, Bronze in Best Cosmetic Dentist and Silver in Best Childrens Dentist. Dr. Parvin provides a wide range of dental services to her community, including treatment for gum disease, cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics. The Best of Chesapeake contest honors and recognizes dental professionals who go above and beyond to provide outstanding patient care. Dr. Parvin is proud that her practice, Coastal Smile Design, received awards in three different categories. These awards illustrate Dr. Parvins commitment to providing cutting-edge dental services, including cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics and gum disease treatments. Coastal Smile Designs dedication to offering leading dental care is focused on helping each patient reach and maintain optimum oral health. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of the American population over 30 years of age has periodontal disease. With this in mind, Dr. Parvin and her team emphasize to their patients the importance of receiving comprehensive periodontal evaluations and proper periodontal treatment. Treating this serious disease is essential to maintaining dental and overall health. Periodontal disease typically starts with relatively mild symptoms during the gingivitis stage that may include bleeding gums, bad breath and swollen gums. If treatment is not promptly received when these early symptoms appear, the disease can progress to more critical symptoms during the periodontitis and advanced periodontitis stages, including gum recession, moderate to severe oral pain and eventual loss of teeth. Additionally, advanced periodontal disease has been linked in various studies to other serious diseases and physical conditions, including heart attacks, stroke and low birth weight babies. Dr. Parvin encourages patients with symptoms of gum disease, or any other oral health concerns, to contact her office for a consultation. Dr. Parvin welcomes new and current patients looking for a dentist in Chesapeake, VA they can trust to visit her website, http://www.coastalsmiledesign.com for more information about her modern family dentistry practice, or to learn about all of the services she provides. About the Doctor Dr. Karen Parvin is a general dentist offering personalized dental care to patients in Chesapeake, VA. Dr. Parvin and the entire Coastal Smile Design team take pride in offering individualized, compassionate care to each patient with the latest dental advancements. Coastal Smile Design was voted the Virginian-Pilots Best Dentist of Chesapeake in 2015. Dr. Parvin is a Navy veteran who has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education courses and was awarded a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. To learn more about Dr. Parvin or the services offered at Coastal Smile Design, please visit their website at http://www.coastalsmiledesign.com or call (757) 214-6585 to schedule an appointment. DES MOINES With the nations attention turned to recent incidents of police shooting and killing suspects, and protesters shooting and killing police, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley believes it is imperative Congress approve his proposed criminal justice reform legislation. Grassley, Iowas senior U.S. senator, held a news conference with U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina on Wednesday at the Des Moines International Airport to discuss the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, which Grassley introduced almost a year ago. The legislation would reduce mandatory minimum sentences for certain nonviolent drug offenders and enhance programs that aim to reduce recidivism, among other measures. The bill passed out of the Senates Judiciary Committee, which Grassley chairs, on a 15-5 vote. Leaders have not determined whether it will be brought before the full Senate. The need for a bill like this is even greater, Grassley said Wednesday. Criminal justice reform is a step forward in healing wounds by closing some disparities in sentencing guidelines that disproportionately affect African-Americans and other minorities and helping people already in the prison system become productive members of society. Grassley and Scott, both Republicans, were joined at the news conference by a trio of advocates for sentencing reform: former U.S. Attorney Matt Whitaker; Rev. Lee Schott, a pastor who serves at the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville; and Mike Vasquez, CEO of St. Gregory Retreat Center. I think (the bill) strikes the right balance between the need to protect our communities and at the same time to free up some of the slots in federal prisons and federal law enforcement resources so they can focus on violent criminals, Whitaker said. Schott said she was one of 130 faith leaders who signed a letter encouraging Grassley to advance the legislation. I get to see in that role (as pastor at Mitchellville) what a lot of people dont: the lives of real people, interesting people. And a large number of them are affected by mandatory minimum sentences, Schott said. Grassley and Scott said House Republicans plan to introduce their own criminal justice legislation this fall, but both were confident it will closely resemble the Senate version. Scott said he is optimistic the legislation can pass, given the unique, bipartisan support it is receiving from outside groups such as the conservative billionaire donors the Koch brothers and the American Civil Liberties Union. Its one of those unusual times when the stars align, Scott said. ProMIS Neurosciences (ProMIS or the Company), a company focused on the discovery and development of precision treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced that it has appointed Johanne Kaplan, PhD, to the position of Chief Development Officer. In this new role, reporting to both the Executive Chairman and CEO, Dr. Kaplan will focus on supporting the design and execution of ProMIS development programs and partnering efforts. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Kaplan as her extensive skill set and experience will add significant value to the ProMIS team and to this important new role, said ProMIS Executive Chairman, Eugene Williams. Dr. Kaplans track record of successfully managing development-stage programs will benefit the Company as we approach the selection of the final lead candidates for development in our Alzheimers disease portfolio. Furthermore, her experience as a senior executive in pharmaceutical industry in-licensing and product acquisition will be integral as we pursue partnering opportunities. Johanne Kaplan joins ProMIS following 24 years at Genzyme (a Sanofi company), where she held positions of increasing responsibility, culminating in her decade-long tenure as Vice President of Research, most recently directing the multiple sclerosis and immunology research effort. I am excited to join ProMIS, a dynamic company at the forefront of developing precision medicine treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimers disease and ALS, said Kaplan. I look forward to working with the executive and science teams at ProMIS to help the Company achieve its product development and partnering goals. About Dr. Johanne Kaplan Johanne Kaplan is a former VP of Research at Genzyme, a Sanofi Company. Over the course of her career at Genzyme, Dr. Kaplan directed pioneering research leading to the implementation of multiple clinical trials in the fields of gene therapy, cancer immunotherapy and autoimmunity. Most recently, as VP of Neuroimmunology Research, Dr. Kaplan led the Genzyme science teams contribution to the approval of Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) and Aubagio (teriflunomide) for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. She also established partnerships for the development of novel therapies for neuroinflammatory disorders. Prior to joining Genzyme, Dr. Kaplan was an Associate Immunopathologist at SmithKline Beecham where she established an Immunotoxicology program. Her work has resulted in more than 60 scientific publications and multiple patents. Dr. Kaplan holds a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and conducted post-doctoral studies at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, USA. About ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. The mission of ProMIS Neurosciences is to discover and develop precision medicine therapeutics for effective treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimers disease and ALS. ProMIS Neurosciences proprietary target discovery engine is based on the use of two, complementary techniques. The Company applies its thermodynamic, computational discovery platformsProMIS and Collective Coordinates to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes (DSEs) on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique "precision medicine" approach, ProMIS Neurosciences is developing novel antibody therapeutics and specific companion diagnostics for Alzheimers disease and ALS. The company has also developed two proprietary technologies to specifically identify very low levels of misfolded proteins in a biological sample. In addition, ProMIS Neurosciences owns a portfolio of therapeutic and diagnostic patents relating to misfolded SOD1 in ALS, and currently has three preclinical monoclonal antibody therapeutics against this target. The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release may contain certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information please consult the Company's website at: http://www.promisneurosciences.com Follow us on Twitter Like us on LinkedIn NATIONAL Equicom Michael Moore: mmoore(at)national(dot)ca Abby Garfunkel: agarfunkel(at)national(dot)ca or contact Dr. Elliot Goldstein President and Chief Executive Officer, ProMIS Neurosciences Inc. Tel. 415 341-5783 Elliot.goldstein(at)promisneurosciences(dot)com August 2016 Ebony Magazine "When you read about Alis legacy, combined with the mission of the Black Panthers, you cannot help but draw striking parallels to the civil rights struggles we still face today" Two simple words capture the essence of Muhammad Ali: The Greatest. To that end, the magazine that chronicled his life in vivid, multi-faceted detail since Ali was known as Cassius Clay, now provides the most in-depth and poignant coverage of the prettiest, fastest, baddest and most woke athlete and activist to grace the planet. With help from Guest Editor Marc Lamont Hill, Ali receives homage from modern thought leaders and celebrities including author dream hampton; writer/director/producer/actor Nate Parker; scholar Michael Eric Dyson ;Hollywood heavy-hitter Don Cheadle and an exclusive interview with one of The Champs beloved daughters, Laila Ali. In addition to lavishing love on a man who never confined his feisty fighting spirit to the ring, 2016 marks 50 years of the Black Panther Party. From a history lesson on the groups beginnings to a full-out syllabus for those (still) not in the know, this feature is a much-needed primer in the era of #BlackLivesMatter. When you read about Alis legacy, combined with the mission of the Black Panthers, you cannot help but draw striking parallels to the civil rights struggles we still face today, explains Kyra Kyles, new editor-in-chief and senior vice president of digital editorial for EBONY Media Operations, LLC. This is really an eye-opening series of stories and clearly, one that needs to be shared with current and future generations. Elsewhere in the issue, Ebony sits in with The Breakfast Club, known as the worlds most dangerous morning program. A firsthand account on how this crewCharlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy and Angela Yeetruly earned this distinction, long before their now meme-worthy visit from Birdman. (Spoiler alert: Put some respeck on this article.) In keeping with the money, power and respect theme, EBONY STYLE staff highlights statement-making gilded and baroque-inspired finds. World Passport introduces us to the executive director of Nigerias Polo Luxury Group, which caters to the wealthy African consumer. We also meet a pastor-slash-protester who emphasizes that the Black church can, and must, do more to advance our rights in America. Check out the commemorative AUGUST issue, on newsstands now, and visit EBONY.com for extras, including a visual salute to our cover star. ABOUT EBONY EBONY is the number one source for an authoritative perspective on the multidimensional African-American community. The EBONY brand, including print and digital, reaches over 10.2 million readers monthly. Our media reflects the cross-section of Black America as delivered by our best thinkers, trendsetters, activists, celebrities and next-generation leaders. EBONY ignites conversation, promotes empowerment and celebrates aspiration. Ebony Magazine is the heart, soul, and pulse of Black America and a catalyst for reflection and progression. Follow and engage with Ebony @EbonyMag on Twitter, EbonyMag on Facebook, EbonyMag.Tumblr.com on Tumblr, and Ebony.com on the web. We are not new Black, nor old Black, we are ALL Black. The last time the Congress was held in America was in 1992 in Washington, D.C. Having the Congress here with us marks a wonderful milestone for our universitys long relationship with the Coptic community and its scholars. -- S. Michael Saad Some 200 scholars from six continents will converge on the campus of Claremont Graduate University (CGU) for the 11th International Congress of Coptic Studies from July 25 through July 30 an event honoring the scholarly contributions of one of the oldest civilizations in existence. Today, the Copts Christian Egyptians comprise the largest Christian community in the Middle East, with more than 9 million Copts living in Egypt, and another million estimated to be practicing their faith in the United States and countries including Canada, Australia, France, Germany, and Africa. This is a tremendous honor for CGU, said S. Michael Saad, chair of the universitys Council for Coptic Studies and managing editor of the digitized Claremont Coptic Encyclopedia. The last time the Congress was held in America was in 1992 in Washington, DC. Having the Congress here with us marks a wonderful milestone for our universitys long relationship with the Coptic community and its scholars. The week-long 11th Congress has been organized by the International Association for Coptic Studies and co-hosted by CGU with the St. Shenouda the Archimandrite Coptic Society (SSACS). Held every four years in major cities around the world, the Congress brings together leading scholars for a series of panel discussions and presentations related to Gnostic texts, artwork, and other Coptic contributions to our understanding of early Christianity. Plans for the current Congress also include a combined exhibit of manuscripts and artifacts from the Museum of the Bible (MOTB) collection (formerly known as the Green Collection of Oklahoma City), as well as medieval Egyptian manuscripts, both Coptic and Christian Arabic, from the SSACS collection. A tribute to the pioneers of Coptic Studies at CGU Professor James Robinson and the late Ernest Tune also has been set. The Coptic Church is based on the teachings of Saint Mark, who brought Christianity to Egypt during the reign of the Roman emperor Nero in the first century. While Christianity disappeared completely in some regions, it has survived for more than 19 centuries in Egypt under Islamic dynasties. Its ancient roots put it on par with Chinese or Indian civilizations, and makes Coptic culture vital for understanding the ancient world, or any of the modern institutions it has influenced. CGU has served as a home for Coptic studies for nearly 50 years, providing substantial resources including: A world center for the translation of Coptic manuscripts and codices. An expansion of its Coptic Studies program to encompass language, literature, art, history, Bible, liturgy, monasticism, and diaspora. Publication rights to the digital Coptic Encyclopedia, with the online Claremont Coptic Encyclopedia now receiving an average of 50,000 article views per month, ranking CGU among the few universities to support an active Coptic website of such historical significance. CGUs relationship with the Coptic Orthodox Church includes visits and lectures of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III in 1977 and 1989, Bishop Serapion in 2008, and Bishop Yousef in 2009. In October 2015, CGU welcomed His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, to Claremont to celebrate a new partnership between the university and the Saint Athanasius and Saint Cyril Coptic Orthodox Theological School (ACTS). The partnership enables CGU and ACTS to share academic resources and collaborate on events. It also extends educational opportunities at CGU for ACTS students and graduates. CGUs Department of Religion is a home for the rigorous academic study of the Coptic religion and culture. ACTS aims to train both Coptic Orthodox clergy and scholars of Coptic Orthodox tradition. For a listing of CGU courses in Coptic studies, visit: http://cgu.edu/pages/6860.asp For more information on the 11th International Congress of Coptic Studies, visit: http://www.cgu.edu/pages/11831.asp Karen's addition greatly expands our firm's footprint and capabilities in the Los Angeles market, and bolsters our mass tort practice nationwide. Gibbs Law Group is pleased to announce that it has expanded its mass tort practice with the addition of Karen Barth Menzies and the opening of our Los Angeles office. Karen is a nationally-recognized mass tort attorney representing individuals who were injured through the use of defective drugs and medical devices. Karen previously practiced law at Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. Karen's addition greatly expands our firm's footprint and capabilities in the Los Angeles market, and bolsters our mass tort litigation practice nationwide said Gibbs Law Group managing partner, Eric Gibbs. Her extensive experience in complex pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, particularly involving womens health issues, adds a unique perspective both as a lawyer and as an advocate for drug safety. We are delighted to welcome Karen to our team, and look forward to all that she will add to serving our clients. Karen is a nationally-recognized mass tort attorney with more than twenty years of experience in federal and state litigation. Courts throughout the country have appointed Karen to serve in leadership positions in some of the largest pharmaceutical mass tort cases. Her broad experience includes leadership appointments in litigation involving Fosamax (femur fractures), Transvaginal Mesh, SSRI antidepressants Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Celexa/Lexapro and Prozac (birth defects, suicide, withdrawal), and Avandia (heart attacks and strokes). Karen currently represents women suffering permanent baldness following breast cancer chemotherapy treatments with Taxotere, and children who experienced severe side effects after taking the widely-prescribed medication Risperdal. She has previously testified before FDA advisory boards as well as the California State Legislature on the safety concerns regarding the SSRI antidepressants and manufacturer misconduct. I am delighted to become a part of this team. The firm is committed to fighting for the rights of individuals who have been harmed by corporate greed, and it has a strong reputation in the legal community, stated Ms. Menzies. I am particularly enthusiastic about helping to grow the mass tort side of the practice nationally, and particularly in Los Angeles, which represents unique and exciting opportunities. Ms. Menzies is a member of the California State Bar. She frequently publishes and presents on issues involving drug safety, mass tort litigation, FDA reform and federal preemption for both legal organizations (plaintiff and defense) and medical groups. She received her J.D. from University of California, Davis King Hall School of Law, and her undergraduate degree from Colorado State University. About Gibbs Law Group Gibbs Law Group is a national litigation firm representing plaintiffs in class and collective actions in state and federal courts, and in arbitration matters worldwide. The firm serves clients in personal injury, consumer protection, antitrust, whistleblower, and employment cases. Our attorneys have been frequently recognized by the courts, our peers, and the legal media for our ability to provide the highest caliber of legal service. ### When we obtained that very first genome sequence back in 1994, my colleagues and I had no idea that thirty years later it would be possible for citizens anywhere in the world to order a complete genomic analysis of their bacteria in the mail. uBiome, the leading microbial genomics company, welcomes the appointment of distinguished Harvard geneticist Professor George Church to its advisory board. George Church is Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, and Director of the Personal Genome Project, which aims to create open access genomic, environmental, and trait data for the greater good. His pioneering 1984 Harvard PhD included the first methods for direct genome sequencing, molecular multiplexing and barcodinga research method enabling multiple samples to be simultaneously processed in DNA sequencing. His subsequent innovations have led to many of the next generation DNA sequencing methods used by uBiome and many other companies. Professor Churchs work led directly to the determination of the worlds first genome sequence (of the bacterial species Helicobacter pylori) in 1994. Among other visionary discoveries, Professor Church led a 2012 Harvard project that could lead to an entirely new approach to data storage. His research team encoded the contents of an entire book into the genetic molecules of DNA, then accurately retrieved it. Professor Church forecast that using this approach, a device the size of a human thumb could store as much information as the whole internet. Professor Church has co-authored 400 papers and 74 patents. He is also the author of the science book Regenesis: How Synthetic Biology Will Reinvent Nature and Ourselves. uBiome is the worlds leading microbial genomics company, using next generation high-throughput DNA sequencing technology to generate detailed analysis of the human microbiome, the ecosystem of trillions of bacteria which populate the human body. The majority of an individuals bacteria is found in the gut, but there are dozens of other bacteria-harboring sites on the body, most with their own distinct microbial profiles. Bacteria in the gut play a vital part in health, supporting digestion and the synthesis of vitamins. However, pathogenic bacteria are associated with a range of conditions, some of them serious, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseaseincluding both Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, esophageal reflux and esophageal cancer, Clostridium difficile infection, colorectal cancer, and many others. Professor Church notes, When we obtained that very first genome sequence back in 1994, my colleagues and I had no idea that thirty years later it would be possible for citizens anywhere in the world to order a complete genomic analysis of their bacteria in the mail. uBiome has successfully made microbiome testing an accessible experience for citizen scientists. I look forward to supporting their future innovations. Jessica Richman, co-founder and CEO of uBiome, adds: When Sir Isaac Newton spoke of standing on the shoulders of giants, he definitely had the likes of George Church in mind. Professor Church is a brilliant scientist, and were honored to have on our advisory board. uBiome was launched in 2012 by scientists and technologists educated at Stanford and UCSF after a crowdfunding campaign raised over $350,000 from citizen scientists, over triple its initial goal. The company is now funded by Andreessen Horowitz, Y Combinator, and other leading investors. uBiomes mission is to use big data to understand the human microbiome by giving users the power to learn about their bodies, perform experiments, and see how current research studies apply to them. Contact: Julie Taylor julie(at)ubiome(dot)com Ph: +1 (415) 212-9214 Onapsis These vulnerabilities pose a potential risk to over 10,000 SAP customers running different versions of SAP HANA. Onapsis, the global experts in business-critical application security, today released new security advisories detailing vulnerabilities in SAP HANA and SAP Trex. Included in the advisories is a critical risk vulnerability that could be used to gain high privileges, allowing unrestricted access to business information, and to modify arbitrary database information. These vulnerabilities pose a potential risk to over 10,000 SAP customers running different versions of SAP HANA. This set of advisories is unique as most of the vulnerabilities attackers can leverage are undervalued. Meaning, the way in which they can be exploited is not always obvious and can go undetected. For example, one of the critical vulnerabilities that can be exploited creates an error message which includes sensitive information about its environment, users, or associated data, said Sebastian Bortnik, Head of Research, Onapsis. SAP HANA, at the heart of SAPs cloud offerings, is the next-generation database and application platform. SAP HANA includes capabilities to transform transactions, analytics, text analysis, predictive and spatial processing so businesses can operate in real-time. Depending on an organizations use of these platforms, critical risk vulnerabilities could be used by cyber attackers to gain access to mission-critical information including customer data, product pricing, financial statements, employee information, supply chains, business intelligence, budgeting, planning and forecasting. Vulnerabilities affecting SAP HANA include: Critical Risk SAP HANA SYSTEM User Brute Force Attack By exploiting this vulnerability, a remote unauthenticated attacker could receive high privileges on the HANA system with unrestricted access to any business information. High Risk SAP HANA Arbitrary Audit Injection via HTTP Requests By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker could tamper the audit logs, hiding evidence of an attack to a HANA system. SAP HANA Arbitrary Audit Injection via SQL Protocol By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker could tamper the audit logs, hiding evidence of an attack to a HANA system. SAP HANA Potential Remote Code Execution By exploiting this vulnerability, an unauthenticated attacker could access and modify any information indexed by the SAP system. SAP TREX Remote Code Execution By exploiting this vulnerability, an unauthenticated attacker could access and modify any information indexed by the SAP system. Vulnerabilities affecting SAP TREX include: Critical Risk SAP TREX Remote Command Execution By exploiting this vulnerability, an unauthenticated attacker could access and modify any information indexed by the SAP system. High Risk SAP TREX Arbitrary File Write By exploiting this vulnerability an unauthenticated attacker could modify any information indexed by the SAP system. SAP TREX Remote Directory Traversal By exploiting this vulnerability, a remote unauthenticated attacker could access arbitrary business information from the SAP system. SAP TREX Remote File Read By exploiting this vulnerability, a remote unauthenticated attacker could access arbitrary business information from the SAP system. The advisories are released by the Onapsis Research Labs, a team of security experts who combine in-depth knowledge and experience to deliver technical analysis with business-context, and provide sound security guidance to the market. The team has reported more than 300 SAP and Oracle vulnerabilities, and has released over 150 advisories to date. Each advisory details the business-context relevance of an identified vulnerability, including impact on a business, a description of the affected components, and steps to resolution such as patch download links and recommended security fixes. The advisories are publicly available at: http://www.onapsis.com/research/advisories. On August 18th at 9:00am and 2:00pm EDT, Onapsis will be hosting live webcasts discussing these vulnerabilities. For more information, or to register please visit: https://www.onapsis.com/understanding-critical-vulnerabilities-sap-hana. About Onapsis Research Labs SAP and Oracle Security Threat Intelligence is produced by Onapsis Research Labs, a team of leading security experts who combine in-depth knowledge and experience to deliver technical analysis with business context, and provide sound security judgment to the market. The team works closely with SAP and Oracle product security teams to responsibly deliver the information to customers and has released over 150 advisories to date, with over 35 affecting SAP HANA; has consulted on impact with over 180 Onapsis enterprise customers; and regularly presents at leading security and SAP conferences around the world. Onapsis was the first to deliver SAP Security In Depth publications that provide detailed analysis on security risks impacting SAP and SAP HANA. The latest SAP Security In-Depth, Volume XII: SAP HANA System Security Review Part 1, is now available for download: https://www.onapsis.com/research/publications/volume-xii-sap-hana-system-security-review-part-1. About Onapsis Onapsis provides the most comprehensive solutions for securing SAP and Oracle enterprise applications. As the leading experts in SAP and Oracle cyber-security, Onapsis patented solutions enable security and audit teams to have visibility, confidence and control of advanced threats, cyber-risks and compliance gaps affecting their enterprise applications. Headquartered in Boston, MA, Onapsis serves over 200 customers including many of the Global 2000. Onapsis solutions are also the de-facto standard for leading consulting and audit firms such as Accenture, Deloitte, E&Y, IBM, KPMG and PwC. Onapsis solutions include the Onapsis Security Platform, which is the most widely-used SAP-certified cyber-security solution in the market. Unlike generic security products, Onapsis context-aware solutions deliver both preventative vulnerability and compliance controls, as well as real-time detection and incident response capabilities to reduce risks affecting critical business processes and data. Through open interfaces, the platform can be integrated with leading SIEM, GRC and network security products, seamlessly incorporating enterprise applications into existing vulnerability, risk and incident response management programs. These solutions are powered by the Onapsis Research Labs which continuously provide leading intelligence on security threats affecting SAP and Oracle enterprise applications. Experts of the Onapsis Research Labs were the first to lecture on SAP cyber-attacks and have uncovered and helped fix hundreds of security vulnerabilities to-date affecting SAP Business Suite, SAP HANA, SAP Cloud and SAP Mobile applications, as well as Oracle JD Edwards and Oracle E-Business Suite platforms. Onapsis has been issued U.S. Patent No. 9,009,837 entitled Automated Security Assessment of Business-Critical Systems and Applications, which describes certain algorithms and capabilities behind the technology powering the Onapsis Security Platform and Onapsis X1 software platforms. This patented technology is recognized industry wide and has gained Onapsis the recognition as a 2015 SINET 16 Innovator. For more information, please visit http://www.onapsis.com, or connect with us on Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Onapsis and Onapsis Research Labs are registered trademarks of Onapsis, Inc. All other company or product names may be the registered trademarks of their respective owners. University of Cincinnati's Goering Center for Family & Private Business No other firm could tell our story quite like Flottman Company and FUSIONWRX can said Larry Grypp, President, Goering Center Marketing engagement and activation company FUSIONWRX has become the agency of advocacy for the University of Cincinnatis Goering Center for Family and Private Business. FUSIONWRX will craft an integrated communications program for the Goering Center, positioning the Center as the cornerstone for regional family and private businesses. FUSIONWRX, an integrated communications agency, will partner with the Goering Center to develop and implement an external and internal communications program, including outbound marketing, event marketing and exploration for speaking/presentation opportunities. FUSIONWRX will serve as an extension of the Goering Centers team charged primarily with raising awareness of the Centers mission and achieving regional and national recognition for the impact they are making in Greater Cincinnati. At least half of all companies in the United States are family businesses (Harvard Business School) and these family businesses comprise approximately 63% of the National Gross Domestic Product. It is estimated that there are nearly 4,500 family businesses in the Cincinnati region with 5 or more employees; the Goering Center hosts 330 of these businesses as active members with a goal of 400 members by the end of 2018. The Goering Center has been searching for a communications partner that intimately understands the unique needs of family businesses. Flottman Company, FUSIONWRXs parent organization, was one of the original founding members of the Goering Center. No other firm could tell our story quite like Flottman Company and FUSIONWRX can, said Larry Grypp, President, Goering Center. They know our history, they understand our members challenges and they have helped us become who we are today through their commitment to our mission. The University of Cincinnatis Goering Center for Family and Private Business is a membership group established in 1989 as a means of connecting and educating businesses in Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana. The goal of the Goering Center is to bring together regional businesses to share real-world insights, develop collaborative forums, strengthen and prolong family and private business success. ### About the Goering Center for Family & Private Business Goering.UC.edu Established in 1989, the Goering Center for Family & Private Business has become the countrys largest university based educational resource for family and private businesses. The Centers mission is to nurture and educate family and private businesses to drive a vibrant economy. Affiliation with the University of Cincinnatis and the University of Cincinnatis Carl H. Lindner College of Business enables access to a vast resource of business programing and expertise. The Goering Center provides its membership real-world insights with the goal to enlighten, strengthen and prolong family business success. For more information on the Center, participation and membership visit Goering.UC.edu. About FUSIONWRX FUSIONWRX.com FUSIONWRX is a marketing activation, client engagement and public relations agency that helps brands connect with their clients, delivering the right message via the right channels at the right time. For businesses that have solidified their brand, crafted their message and know their target audience, the question becomes, Now What? and that is where FUSIONWRX takes action. We evoke passion and excitement that motivates your audience to act. FUSIONWRX is a division of Flottman Company. Learn more at http://www.FUSIONWRX.com Hobsons, the worlds leader in connecting learning to life, is pleased to announce Flagstaff High School, of Flagstaff, Arizona, as the Naviance College and Career Readiness winner of the 2016 Hobsons Education Advances Awards. Flagstaff will be recognized today, during the annual Naviance Summer Institute for its innovative use of technology in helping students to advance personally, socially, and academically. Since implementing the Naviance program school-wide in 2007, the counseling department at Flagstaff High School, which serves an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse student population, has used the platform along with other technologies to help increase individualized counseling for students, helping them advance personally, socially, and academically. Through Naviance, the Flagstaff counseling program has been able to transition students including those in special education, from high school to their postsecondary aspirations with ease, given the ability for students to request transcripts electronically, find scholarships that are relevant to them, and evaluate and compare different colleges. The Education Advances Awards program is designed to recognize the innovation that is possible when a school combines people, process, and technology to make a difference in the lives of students. The Hobsons Education Advances Awards are our chance to highlight the successes of the outstanding schools and school districts were honored to partner with, said Stephen M. Smith, President of Advising and Admissions Solutions at Hobsons. This year, we applaud Flagstaff High School for their incredible efforts and innovative use of technology to ensure theyre meeting the unique needs of students, helping them to reach their academic goals. In addition to the recognition, Flagstaff High School will receive a cash prize to put towards the schools student success initiative. ### About Hobsons Hobsons helps students identify their strengths, explore careers, create academic plans, match to best-fit educational opportunities, and reach their education and life goals. Through our solutions, we enable thousands of educational institutions to improve college and career planning, admissions and enrollment management, and student success and advising for millions of students around the globe. Hobsons works with more than 12,000 schools, colleges, and universities and serves more than 13 million students. UN and Hudson Group officials gather for the grand opening of the UN Gift Centre after 18 months of renovations "Our mantra and drive is to be the 'Traveler's Best Friend,' and we seek to do this each day, one customer and partner at a time." - Joseph DiDomizio, President and CEO of Hudson Group Today, Hudson Group, the largest travel retailer in North America, announced the grand opening of the newly renovated United Nations Gift Centre in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Located in the recently refurbished General Assembly Building at the United Nations Headquarters, the gift centre now spans an impressive 2,597 square feet. Hudson Group first began operating the United Nations Gift Centre in 1997. The modernized space, devoted to fine gifts and memorabilia of the world-famous United Nations, has just concluded its 18-month-long renovation to enhance the overall customer experience and to offer curated collections of merchandise for the more than 1 million people who visit the landmark each year. The state-of-the-art design complements the original look-and-feel of the United Nations with a modern, more vibrant twist. The new United Nations Gift Centre offers merchandise from over 193 member nations and its staff speak 26 languages, from Arabic and Hindi, to French and Spanish. Much of the shops collection is designed exclusively for the United Nations Gift Centre, and includes beautiful jewelry, apparel, confections, decorative and gift items. Hudson Group celebrated the grand opening at a private ribbon-cutting ceremony in the UN Visitor Centre on July 19. As a proud partner of the United Nations for nearly two decades, the Hudson Group is excited to offer a new and improved shopping experience at the United Nations Gift Centre, says Rita Yeung, Hudson Group General Manager and 34-year employee who has spent most of her career at the UN location. The newly designed space, bold displays, and variety of products celebrate the diversity of our tourists and daily shoppers alike. Our mantra and drive is to be the Travelers Best Friend, and we seek to do this each day, one customer and partner at a time, said Joseph DiDomizio, President and CEO of Hudson Group. The United Nations has been a terrific partner over the years and we hope this new change will drive UN visitor engagement and excitement for the stores unique products. The United Nations Gift Centre is open 7 days a week, from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 10:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on weekends. Visitors may also browse a wide selection of gifts on the United Nations Gift Centres website http://ungiftcentre.com/. For further information about tours and points of interest at the United Nations, see visit.un.org Commitment to Serving New York The United Nations Gift Centre is another extension of Hudson Groups deep ties to New York. The company began as Hudson News with its first store in LaGuardia Airport. Since then, Hudson Group has expanded to over 950 locations across North America, with more than 100 locations in New York City. Additionally, in 2015, the company donated more than $142,000 to nonprofit and community organizations in the city's five boroughs, including the USO. About Hudson Group Hudson Group, the largest travel retailer in North America, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of international travel retailer Dufry AG (DUFN) of Basel, Switzerland. Hudson Group operates over 950 Hudson, Hudson News, Hudson Booksellers, cafes, specialty retail and duty free shops in 83 airports and transportation terminals in the United States and Canada, and operates in 24 of the top 25 airports nationally. Dufry operates over 2,200 stores in more than 60 countries and 370 locations, including airports and transportation terminals around the world. About the United Nations The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 which currently has 193 Member States. The United Nations works to maintain international peace and security, promote sustainable development, protect human rights, and uphold international law. The UN provides a forum for its members to express their views in the General Assembly, the Security Council, and other committees. This enables governments to solve international problems together. The UN's Chief Administrative Officer is the Secretary-General. Glenn Newman, a tax shareholder in the New York City office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, spoke at New York Universitys (NYU) Summer Institute in Taxation Conference, on July 19 at The Westin New York at Times Square. According to the NYU website, the conference, being held July 18 through 29, brings together leading national and international tax authorities for a series of in-depth sessions on state and local taxation, partnerships consolidated returns, trusts and estates, federal wealth tax, and international taxation. Newman participated in a discussion titled, Property Tax and Transfer Tax Basics. Panelists addressed property tax and transfer tax concepts, including identifying when a transfer tax may be triggered before it is too late to plan for it. Newman focuses his practice on tax planning and controversy matters involving state and local taxes including personal income tax, corporate tax, sales tax and real property transfer taxes. Throughout his career, Newman has held numerous positions within the New York City and State government. Most recently, he was confirmed by the City Council to serve as President of the New York City Tax Commission. He also previously served as the Deputy Commissioner for Audit and Enforcement at the New York City Department of Finance where he was responsible for developing tax policy and for all aspects of the audit process. For more information on NYUs Summer Institute in Taxation, please click here. About Greenberg Traurig, LLP Greenberg Traurig, LLP is an international, multi-practice law firm with approximately 1,900 attorneys serving clients from 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The firm is No. 1 on the 2015 Law360 Most Charitable Firms list, third largest in the U.S. on the 2015 Law360 400, Top 20 on the 2015 Am Law Global 100, and among the 2015 BTI Brand Elite. More information at: http://www.gtlaw.com. CLEVELAND Ted Cruz, the winner of the Iowa caucuses, congratulated Donald Trump on Wednesday night for winning the Republican presidential nomination, but he did not outright endorse him, an omission that drew a huge reaction from the crowd with many booing him as he left the stage. In a much anticipated speech at the Republican National Convention here, the Texas senator portrayed the country as one imperiled, divided and in danger, saying Democratic leaders are responsible for madness. However, his speech will undoubtedly be remembered for the reaction of the crowd as it became apparent that he would not endorse Trump. As Cruz began winding up his speech, the convention hall grew noisier, with some chanting Trump. At one point, Cruz appeared to try to pass it off as parochialism, saying, I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation. However, as he left the stage a cascade of reaction came down. Afterward, Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann said that Cruz missed a real opportunity to solidify himself within the party. However, he added, were going to unite the party with or without Ted Cruz. Jeanita McNulty, of Davenport, a longtime Republican who was in the arena, said he missed a great opportunity to unite the party. Much of the day has been dominated by speculation about whether Cruz would endorse Trump, a man who once tweeted an unflattering picture of the Texas senators wife during the campaign and frequently referred to him as Lyin Ted. Cruz, not one to shrink from a fight, once called Trump a pathological liar and utterly amoral. Still, on Wednesday, with the fight for the nomination over and party leaders demanding unity, there was tremendous pressure on him in some quarters to issue an endorsement. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, for example, said that Cruz would be less of a person if he didnt. And Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who also ran unsuccessfully for president and preceded Cruz, said in his speech Wednesday night he wanted to make it clear that a vote for anyone other than Donald Trump would be a vote for Hillary Clinton. Earlier in the day, Cruz held an outdoor rally to thank volunteers, an event that was packed with supporters, including some in the Iowa contingent. It also was an occasion that injected yet one more unbelievable moment into an unbelievable campaign. Just as Cruz was telling the crowd the GOP had its nominee, Trumps plane flew overhead as some in the crowd booed. Apollo Video Technology (Apollo Video), a leading manufacturer of mobile video surveillance and fleet management solutions, is ranked number 26 on Puget Sound Business Journals list of the 50 fastest-growing private companies headquartered in the Puget Sound region. Apollo Video is committed to providing innovative, forward-thinking video security and management solutions that benefit our customers and their operations, said Rodell Notbohm, CEO of Apollo Video Technology. We are pleased to receive this recognition along with other leading, local companies, and attribute much of our success to the dedication of our employees and their exemplary customer service. Puget Sound Business Journals Eastside Fastest-Growing Private Companies list honors 50 privately held companies with the largest percentage of revenue growth between 2013 and 2015, based on minimum revenue of 500,000 or more in 2013. This year's list includes retailers, construction firms, consulting firms and tech businesses. Delivering cutting-edge mobile video surveillance solutions for transit and government agencies worldwide, the company has partnered with more than 28 public transit agencies in Washington State. Agencies include King County Metro, Community Transit, Whatcom Transit, Skagit Transit, the Clark County Public Transit Benefit Authority (C-Tran), Everett Transit and Sound Transit. Apollo Video offers agencies technologically advanced surveillance solutions that enhance safety, deliver comprehensive video evidence, and increase the efficiency of operations through easy management and distribution of video and supplementary vehicle data. Such capabilities have become crucial to fleet operations nationwide, especially as the use of camera surveillance on buses and trains has begun to extend beyond the core requirements of safety and security to include planning and scheduling, maintenance, and training programs. To see the full list, in alphabetical order, of the Puget Sound Business Journals 2016 Eastside Fastest-Growing Private Companies, visit the published slideshow here. Follow Apollo Video Technology on Twitter @ApolloVideo. About Apollo Video Technology Apollo Video Technology is a leading manufacturer of video surveillance, fleet and information management solutions for public transit, rail, school transportation, law enforcement, military, commercial transportation, fire and EMS applications. With public and private-sector installations throughout North America and worldwide, the RoadRunner mobile video and audio recording system provides exceptional video quality with management software optimized for wireless downloading and live video streaming. Renowned for its reliability, durability and ease of use, Apollo Video solutions improve accessibility of data and deliver streamlined, fleet-wide management of video surveillance and on-board equipment to reduce liability, mitigate risk, improve efficiency and reduce maintenance and operating costs. Apollo Video is unique in the industry with software interoperability and compatibility across multiple generations of hardware. In 2015, Apollo Video was named the No. 1 supplier of transit bus mobile video surveillance equipment in the Americas[1] an achievement held since 2010 that further supports the company's commitment to offer its customers superior, compatible solutions throughout the lifetime of their fleet. Since its release in 2004, Apollo Video has supplied the RoadRunner system to over 400 agencies worldwide, representing more than 25,000 total implementations. ### [1] 2015, 2013 and 2011 editions of IHS World Market Report for Mobile Video Surveillance Equipment (http://www.ihs.com) The Contagion video series includes in-depth discussions with the CDCs Dr. Redd about the U.S. response to Zika, how the epidemic is likely to unfold in the U.S. and what strategies are in place to protect against infection. - Jeff Prescott, SVP, MJH. Contagion, the all-inclusive resource for infectious disease information, is launching an online video series with an exclusive interview with Stephen Redd, MD (RADM, USPHS), director of the Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who warns that a lack of federal funding is compromising efforts to protect U.S. citizens from the Zika virus. We really wont be able to protect the American people to the extent we can, from a technology standpoint, without that funding, Dr. Redd said. The U.S. government response to Zika right now is really operating on a shoestring. The Contagion video series includes in-depth discussions with the CDCs Dr. Redd about the U.S. response to Zika, how the epidemic is likely to unfold in the U.S. and what strategies are in place to protect against infection, said Jeff Prescott, PharmD, RPh, Senior Vice President , Operations and Clinical Affairs at Michael J. Hennessy Associates. Videos are available at the websites Zika page: http://www.contagionlive.com/disease-specific-topics/zoonotic-and-vector-borne-diseases/zika. Zika is a virus spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. For most people, symptoms are mild, and many can be infected without realizing it. However, the virus can cause severe birth defects if pregnant women become infected. In addition, last Friday, the CDC reported new evidence that men can contract the virus from sexual contact with infected females. Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment for the virus. This is the first mosquito-borne disease ever to cause a birth defect, Dr. Redd explained. Its the first infectious disease to be recognized as causing a birth defect in 50 years. The U.S. has not experienced any active transmission of the virus, although more than 900 cases of imported infectionsindividuals infected outside the U.S.have been reported so far, with a new study predicting the epidemic will last into 2019. Congress has, so far, failed to reach a decision on President Obamas request for $1.9 billion to combat active Zika transmission. The $1.9 billion the President requested is really critical to be able to respond effectively, Dr. Redd said, adding that substantial cuts have been made to programs focused on other infectious disease prevention and responsespecifically Ebolato identify $25 million for state, city and territories to fight Zika. As of July 17, the CDC reported about 1,300 cases in the U.S. and another 2,916 in U.S. territoriesincluding more than 600 pregnant women total. During the interview, Dr. Redd explained the unique role of his office, created in response to the World Trade Center and anthrax attacks in 2001 to enable the CDC to operate very quickly in very complex situations. He talked about how that experienceas well as the Ebola outbreak in 2014is shaping responses to Zika. He also described how local transmission of Zika will most likely occur and the challenges that will arise. Contagion will continue to publish the latest information available on Zika and other infectious diseases. About Contagion Contagion (http://www.contagionlive.com) is a fully-integrated print and digital news publication that provides healthcare practitioners and aligned professionals with timely information and resources to improve patient outcomes and positively impact the identification, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Contagion is part of Michael J. Hennessy Associates Inc., a full-service healthcare communications company offering education, research and medical media. About Michael J. Hennessy Associates A full-service healthcare communications company offering education, research and medical media, Michael J. Hennessy Associates Inc. is dedicated to providing healthcare professionals with the information and resources they need to optimize patient outcomes. The company combines the reach and influence of its powerful portfolio of print and digital product lines, live events, educational programs and custom market research with the customer service focus and customization capabilities of a boutique firm. Clients include world-leading pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostic and biotech companies. ### Media Contact: Becky Taylor, 609-240-6886, becky@btaylorpa.com Juhan Sonin, Chief Design Officer, Involution Studios Mr. Sonin and his company, Involution Studios, are one of many companies who are at the forefront of healthcare innovation, especially in UI Design," said Amy Tenanes, the chapter head for Boston Health 2.0. Juhan Sonin, the chief design officer of healthcare innovation company Involution Studios, is set to be the keynote speaker at a Health 2.0 event at the Boston Public Library next week. Sonin, who is also an instructor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will speak about the role UI design plays in the massive digital innovation currently underway in the healthcare industry. Mr. Sonin has previously spoken or keynoted on these topics in venues around the world including Partners Connected Health Conference, HIMSS, and Stanford Medicine X. Health 2.0 is dedicated to giving recognition the most leading edge ideas within the community here in Boston, said Amy Tenanes, the chapter head for Boston Health 2.0. Mr. Sonin and his company, Involution Studios, are one of many companies who are at the forefront of healthcare innovation, especially in UI Design. We look forward to bringing his insights to an exciting event for our community next week. Since 2013, Health 2.0 Boston has featured local and international speakers that cross the breadth of medicine, business, technology, and research, thought leaders in organizations such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Boston Childrens Hospital, and the Medstro physicians network. Ive had the privilege to speak to healthcare communities around the world, and the Health 2.0 community here in Boston is special, said Mr. Sonin. Boston is the global center of healthcare innovation, and we are blessed with a wonderful local group of thought leaders. Ive enjoyed learning from my peers here and appreciate the opportunity to share back with them next week as well. Mr. Sonins keynote will cover a wide range of topics including big data, the Internet of Things, and designing for emerging technologies such as genomics, robotics, and synthetic biology. His presentation begins at 6 PM on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. The Boston Public Library is located at 700 Boylston Street. People interested in attending can register at the organizations website, http://www.bostonhealth20.com. The Greenberg Traurig, LLP Holly Skolnick Fellowship Foundation has named eight new public interest fellows in partnership with Equal Justice Works, a nonprofit organization that provides two-year fellowships to aspiring public interest lawyers. The eight new fellows join the seven current Greenberg Traurig-sponsored fellows who are entering the final year of their fellowships. The new fellows begin their work at a wide range of community organizations in September in California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Greenberg Traurig is honored to work with Equal Justice Works, through which we provide unique opportunities to new lawyers interested in public service law. In doing so, Greenberg Traurig, through its fellows, helps address the legal needs of underserved low-income communities. We are proud of the program, its achievements, and of our fellows, said Caroline J. Heller, shareholder and chair of Greenberg Traurigs Global Pro Bono Program. Since 1999, global law firm Greenberg Traurig has invested more than $9 million to fund 142 Equal Justice Works Fellows. These fellows, working on issues ranging from community development and disability rights to domestic violence and immigration, have delivered critically needed legal services in more than 40 cities across the United States through local nonprofit organizations. Equal Justice Works has 62 fellows in the 2016 Fellowship class. The 2016 Equal Justice Works fellowship application attracted nearly 350 applicants from law schools across the United States. To view a complete list of the 2016 Equal Justice Works Fellows, their projects, and their sponsors, please click here. The following are the 2016 Greenberg Traurig Holly Skolnick Fellows: California Jordan Aiken, a graduate of University of California, Irvine School of Law, will work with Bet Tzedek in Los Angeles. Aikens project focuses on alleviating the health challenges facing low-income transgender individuals by providing assistance with underlying legal issues through a Medical-Legal Partnership. Florida Cherilyn Hansen, a graduate of Stetson University College of Law, will work with Gulfcoast Legal Services. The organization serves the legal needs of vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. Hansens project provides homeless and low-income veterans in Tampa Bay, Florida, with access to the legal system through community outreach, direct client representation, and legal advocacy. Hansens fellowship is co-sponsored by the Florida Bar Foundation. Andrea Crumrine, a graduate of University of Minnesota Law School, will work with Americans for Immigrant Justice in Miami. She will work with immigrant populations empowering asylum-seekers through legal rights workshops and providing holistic legal representation, outreach, and impact advocacy to detained asylum seekers throughout South Florida. Illinois Lydia Ness, a graduate of Chicago-Kent College of Law, will work with Equip for Equality, an organization that advances the human and civil rights of people with disabilities. Ness will provide advocacy to victims of sexual abuse and sex trafficking and outreach to people with disabilities to prevent abuse and neglect and protect the rights of this vulnerable population. Ness fellowship is co-sponsored. New York Gena Miller, a graduate of Columbia Law School, will work with Advocates for Children to provide direct legal representation, outreach and training, and policy advocacy to address bullying of students in New York City schools, with a special focus on LGBTQ students and students with disabilities. Samantha Kubek, a graduate of New York University School of Law, will work with New York Legal Assistance Group to create women's rights legal clinics at Veterans Administration medical centers in New York City that will provide legal assistance to female veterans. Kubeks fellowship is co-sponsored by Greystone & Co., Inc. Pennsylvania Jean Strout, a graduate of Harvard Law School, will work with the Support Center for Child Advocates to provide legal assistance in child welfare, housing, public benefits, and related legal matters to current and former foster youth ages 18-21 through walk-in clinics at Philadelphia resource centers. The holistic approach offered by this project is particularly important for this group as they age out of the child welfare system and transition into adulthood. Texas Beatrice Roger, a graduate of Northwestern University School of Law, will work with Lone Star Legal Aid, a nonprofit organization that provides free legal services to low-income residents in 72 counties in the eastern and Gulf Coast regions of Texas. Roger will provide legal advocacy to crime victims, address the cyclical nature of crime by acknowledging and managing trauma, and diminish juvenile crime by incorporating restorative practices into schools. Her fellowship is co-sponsored by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation. About Equal Justice Works Equal Justice Works is the U.S. leader in creating public interest opportunities for law students and lawyers. Collaborating with the nations leading law schools, law firms, corporate legal departments, foundations, individuals, and nonprofit organizations, Equal Justice Works offers a continuum of opportunities that provide the training and skills that enable attorneys to provide effective representation to underserved communities and causes. Equal Justice Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For additional information about Equal Justice Works, please visit http://www.equaljusticeworks.org. About Greenberg Traurigs Global Pro Bono Program Greenberg Traurig lawyers across the firms offices provide pro bono legal services to the indigent and working poor, as well as to numerous civic and charitable organizations dedicated to assisting them. The firm focuses its resources on specialized and interrelated issues including special education, civil rights and affirmative action, anti-human trafficking, family law matters, criminal appeals, immigration and political asylum, housing and homelessness. About Greenberg Traurig, LLP Greenberg Traurig, LLP is an international, multi-practice law firm with approximately 1,900 attorneys serving clients from 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The firm is No. 1 on the 2015 Law360 Most Charitable Firms list, second largest in the U.S. on the 2016 Law360 400, Top 20 on the 2015 Am Law Global 100, and among the 2015 BTI Brand Elite. More information at: http://www.gtlaw.com. Attending Sage Summit 2016? Make sure to visit ZAP in booth #719! ZAPs inclusion in our global ISV program provides our customers, partners and software developers a consistent platform that delivers valuable data insights ZAP, the leading provider of data intelligence solutions, announced that it would be partnering with Sage to provide the Sage customers, partners and software developers with world-class data intelligence and visualization solutions. ZAP will be showcasing their newly integrated solutions at Sage Summit, July 25-28, 2016 in Chicago, IL in booth 719. Sage Summit is the worlds largest event for small and medium businesses. This new partnership will provide Sage customers with enhanced data management capabilities, delivering users with built-in data models for reporting from multiple sources, including Sage applications, complimentary ISV solutions, and virtually any data source connected. Sage customers will also be able to now take advantage of ZAPs visualization tool for all of their data representation analytics needs. For Sage partners and ISVs, the ZAP solution will provide them with the ability to create repeatable, profitable revenue opportunities within their own customer bases. This product will be available globally with Sage 300 from August 2016, and will be rolled out for other Sage solutions over the next 6 to 9 months. Garth D. Laird, President of ZAP comments: Being able to partner with Sage across their global network allows the entire Sage ecosystem to benefit from the solutions we deliver. By building out solutions that analyze and integrate data across the various Sage business management solutions, ZAP is creating a lower cost and highly scalable way in which partners and developers can support their customers' needs today and tomorrow. Michael De Jongh, VP, Global ISV & Developer Program for Sage, comments: ZAPs inclusion in our global ISV program provides our customers, partners and software developers a consistent platform that delivers valuable data insights. By building data merge gateways between many of our business management and accounting solutions, customers will be able to move data between Sage solutions as well as taking advantage of integration from other external data sources. This will help them to gain efficiencies in running their business. ### About ZAP ZAP delivers world-class data automation, data modeling, and data visualization solutions that support governed and trusted data outputs from a central point in the business, allowing organizations to better manage their business through enhanced insight whether On-Premise, Cloud or even Hybrid. ZAP Data Intelligence is a discrete solution that manages the integration of multiple data sources while maintaining repeatable trusted data models that can be leveraged across any business, including specific technology and assets for software vendors looking to provide a fully integrated BI experience for their customers. With the ability to interoperate with other leading self-service visualization solutions, ZAP provides a flexible, scalable and economic solution for the data needs of any business. About Sage Sage is the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll, and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the worlds entrepreneurs. Sage began as a small business in the U.K. 30 years ago, and over 13,000 colleagues now support millions of entrepreneurs, across 23 countries, as they power the global economy. We reinvent and simplify business accounting through brilliant technology, working with a thriving community of entrepreneurs, business owners, tradespeople, accountants, partners, and developers. And as a FTSE 100 business, we are active in supporting our local communities and invest in making a real difference through the philanthropy of the Sage Foundation. WALLINGFORD Former presidential candidate Deez Nuts is like a lot of American voters. He doesnt like the Republican or Democratic nominee, and has no idea how the country wound up choosing between what some consider two of the most polarizing politicians in recent history. I dont know what happened, because they are probably the two most disliked people they could have picked. Yet, the only two people that were favorable, John Kasich and BernieSanders ... said Brady Olson, 16, trailing off as he shook his head slowly in disbelief. I dont know what to say about that. Olson, of rural Wallingford, made international headlines last year while running for president under the moniker Deez Nuts. The name, swiped from a popular Internet meme, was his 12-year-old brothers idea. The highlight was when nearly 10 percent of North Carolina residents contacted by Public Policy Polling said theyd rather vote for Deez Nuts than billionaire businessman Donald Trump and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The memory still brings a grin to his face. I got 10 percent, he said with a shrug.(tncms-asset)f13458e1-b3d8-5071-b06f-c14664f3997e(/tncms-asset) On Wednesday, almost a year after his candidacy began to make headlines, Olson sat down on a leather sofa in his parents living room to talk politics. The big-screen television on the wall in front of him was set to CNN, on mute. For the most part, Olson was able to not be distracted by the channels coverage of the Republican National Convention. Hes been watching the action pretty closely, but figures the sizzle of the event has dissipated now that the effort to replace Trump as the nominee has been squashed. Eh, theyve got everything worked out, he said, clearly disappointed. Its sad. There was some dissention earlier in the week, but no real drama. There was just screaming, he said. Olson wanted more. I was hoping theyd have a roll-call vote, he admitted. He has even lower expectations for next weeks Democratic National Convention, predicting it will be the most boring convention ever. Theres no actual ongoing effort to deny Hillary Clinton the nomination, and even if there was it would fail horribly just like this one did, he said, of the failed attempt against Trump. Plus, you look at the people shes considering for vice president, like Tim Kaine? Thats the safest bet you could take. Beyond his upcoming junior year at Graettinger-Terril High School, Olson isnt sure what his own future holds. He doesnt even know who he would vote for, if he were old enough, in Novembers general election. Ill probably just stay here and try to not to think about, he said, because I dont like either one of these two. If he could, hed consider voting for Libertarian Gary Johnson, Green Party candidate Jill Stein or Roque Rocky De La Fuente Guerra, who ran for the Democratic domination. Lamenting the polarization of politics, Olson hopes that he and the rest of America will someday have a broader political spectrum to choose from. I think its time for a third party thats in the middle. The parties used to be here, like a Venn diagram, he said, holding his hands close together. And then slowly, its like a rubber band just getting stretched out so theres no one in the middle. Though he enjoyed the experience, Olson doesnt plan on reviving the Deez Nuts campaign for a second crack at the Oval Office in 2020 people got over his first candidacy so fast he figures theres no interest in a second but does have his eye on another political post. Iowas 4th Congressional District. The office has long been held by Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, who is expected to roll to an easy victory over Democratic challenger Kim Weaver after handily defeating Sioux City Republican Rick Bertrand in the party primary. Olson, who is not a fan, is giving King a 9-year heads up. If Steve Kings still there and I still live in Iowa by the time Im 25, Ill think about it. FOREST CITY Officials from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs say Forest City is a great place and will give the city $157,000 because of it. The city will receive a $157,000 grant as an Iowa Great Places Community. The largest portion of the grant, $150,000, will be used for the planned fine arts center and $7,000 will go toward new welcome signs. Communities are reviewed for quality of life, arts and culture, natural environment and historic features, according to Jeff Morgan of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. One of Forest Citys strengths was its partnerships, according to Beth Bilyeu, Forest City Economic Development director. The fine arts center has the city, Hanson Foundation, Forest City Schools and Waldorf University as partners. Residents during meetings said the community needs to improve its signs, Bilyeu said, so thats why $7,000 will go toward new welcome signs. The city will also receive signs that announce the city as an Iowa Great Place. Forest Citys designation as an Iowa Great Place makes it eligible to apply for program grants over the next two years. MASON CITY A judge will determine the immediate future of a 1-year-old boy whose mother left him at the Mason City Fire Department this week. The boy was left by his mother, a Mason City resident, at the citys fire station about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, officials say. She rang the doorbell, spoke with firefighters and then left the child with them, said Mason City Fire Capt. Richard Paulson. The boy is too old to be covered by Iowas Safe Haven Law, which allows parents to leave children up to 14 days old at healthcare facilities, but police do not plan to press charges. Instead, the case has been turned over to the Iowa Department of Human Services. Although she wouldnt discuss specifics of the little boys case, Iowa DHS Spokeswoman Amy Lorentzen McCoy said the courts determine custody of all children that come into Iowa DHS care. Once a judge has determined custody of a child, Iowa DHS can help find living arrangements for the juvenile. Sometimes that is with relatives, other times it can be with a foster parent. DHS can help make the childs living arrangements with relatives or a foster family, and provide supports to work toward reunification with parents if thats safe for the child, or toward an alternate permanent placement, Lorentzen McCoy said. On Tuesday, the boy spent about 15 minutes with Mason City firefighters. He spent another 3 to 4 hours with Mason City police while Iowa DHS workers found a place for him to spend the night, said Mason City Police Capt. Mike McKelvey. Basically did cop daycare until DHS was able to find some place to put the child, he said. McKelvey said the boy appeared healthy and well-mannered. There didnt appear to be any type of abuse, malnutrition (or) anything like that, he said. Very nice little boy. MASON CITY State Sen. Amanda Ragan of Mason City was one of many who eulogized Alex Kuhn Thursday for the concern he had even for people he had never met. She spoke at the funeral service at Trinity Lutheran Church, attended by hundreds, for Kuhn, 34, who died July 15 in Floyd County. Ragan said reaction to Kuhns death reminded her of the story told of the death of President Franklin Roosevelt and how thousands of people watched as his funeral train took him to his burial site. A reporter asked one of those watching if he had ever met Roosevelt. The man replied, I didnt know him but he knew me. Ragan said Kuhn was a star that shone brightly among us for too short a period of time. In addition to his physical height, she said, He stood tall so often for a person, a project, an idea. Whenever you met him, you just felt better for having seen him. He was a father, a leader, a servant and a friend. Former U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin delivered a eulogy via video for Kuhn, who worked in Harkins Des Moines office many years ago. He worked the front desk where you often deal with all sorts of people with all sorts of problems, said Harkin. There were some pretty tough counter-pounders. Alex treated them all with respect. You sensed from the very beginning that he cared about people. With his work ethic and underlying values, you just knew he would make a tremendous public servant, said Harkin. He said he encouraged Kuhn to run for Congress but said Kuhn wanted to serve on the local level and eventually run for the Legislature where his father, Mark, had served. When he was elected to the City Council in Mason City, I called to congratulate him. Alex was so excited you would have thought he was elected president of the United States, he said. Harkin closed by quoting Shakespeare, saying, tears water our growth. Then he added, Let our tears water our growth with compassion and with understanding that an outer appearance may mask torment of the soul. Let us recommit ourselves to mental health care. Let what Alex stood for live on in us. We can do no less in keeping his life and meaning alive. The Rev. Dan Gerrietts said, Alex bore Gods image. His easy way with people, his making people feel comfortable, and, of course his smile all a part of Gods image. Gerrietts said Kuhns death, a suicide, has brought on enormous questions that have no answer. But he cautioned people not to indulge in needless speculation. We will second-guess ourselves and others, but we simply dont have answers. If we dont accept this, we will make things up and that is worse, he said. We dont need anger. We need to heal; we need to forgive. One of the songs chosen by the family for the funeral was Let It Be. Quoting Romans 8, Gerrietts said, Nothing can separate us from Gods love. Gods love is for Alex; it is for all of us. Among the mourners were public officials from Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Clear Lake, Charles City, Floyd County, past and present state legislators and police officers and firefighters. Perhaps more indicative of Kuhns legacy were the dozens of mourners from everyday life who had no connection with government. Cookies What are cookies ? How do we use cookies? How to control cookies? Managing cookies in your browser see what cookies you have got and delete them on an individual basis block third party cookies block cookies from particular sites block all cookies from being set delete all cookies when you close your browser X A cookie is a small text file that a website saves on your computer or mobile device when you visit the site. 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Grand Opening for 2nd & Charles in Richmond, Va.: Books-A-Millions used bookstore brand, 2nd & Charles, is opening on July 30 at the Tuckernuck Square shopping center, just in time to celebrate the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts I and II. A new store in Detroit, which has an official opening on August 6, will offer customers a sneak peak with similar Harry Potter festivities on July 30. Bookstore Bar Slated for Providence: A bookstore and neighborhood bar is growing in Rhode Island, as initially reported in Shelf Awareness. Former bookseller Tom Roberge, who has worked at McNally Jackson and Albertine Books in New York City, and Emma Ramadan are opening Riffraff, which draws its inspiration from the best independent bookstores and neighborhood bars, establishments that are welcoming and comfortable and integral to the community. To date they have raised 75% of startup costs and are looking for an additional $50,000 through community lending. Carol Schwartz Up at 800-CEO-READ: The granddaughter of Harry W. Schwartz will succeed Carol Grossmeyer as chairwoman of the Milwaukee-based company that specializes in business books and bulk sales. 800-CEO-READ was an offshoot of Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops, which closed its bricks-and-mortar stores in 2009. National Coloring Book Day (Aug. 2): Dozens of bookstores, including Andersons Bookshop in Naperville, Ill.; Towne Center Books in Pleasanton, Calif.; and Malaprops Bookstore/Cafe in Asheville, N.C., are participating in the second annual coloring book day. Correction: An earlier version of this story uncorrected cited "a dozen" bookstores participating in National Coloring Book Day and referred to this as "Thunder Bay Press's inaugural" coloring book day. It is the second annual event; Dover Publications officially registered it. SHEFFIELD Authorities have released the name of the woman killed in a house fire on Sunday in Sheffield. Delores Ann Birdsell, 74, who lived in the one-story house at 22 Southview Circle, died of smoke inhalation, according to Sheffield Fire Chief Dan Fields. Authorities investigating fatal Sheffield fire SHEFFIELD Authorities continue to investigate the cause of a one-story house fire Sunday t The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but a cigarette that was not put out is at the top of the list of possible causes, Fields said. Firefighters were called about 10 p.m. Sunday. The west side of the home was filled with flames when they arrived. The body was found once the fire was under control, according to a statement released Monday. Birdsells name was withheld in the days immediately after the fire so family members could be notified of her death. The fire, which caused extensive damage to the home, appears to have started in a sun room or screened-in room at the west side of the house, according to Fields. 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 The video of the July 20, 2015 incident shows Heriberto Godinez thrashing about while handcuffed. It shows an officer putting a foot on his neck for about two seconds as others tried to bring him under control. Godinez was arrested as police responded to a report of a burglary. The medical examiner's office determined the cause of Godinez's death to be "combined cocaine and ethanol toxicity." The lawsuit alleges the Chicago Police Department has failed to properly investigate deaths in custody and has a de-facto code of silence policy that allows police to act with impunity. A Chicago's Law Department spokesman said Wednesday the city had no comment. DAVENPORT -- The Quad-Cities will be under an excessive heat warning starting at 7 a.m. today, according to meteorologist Tom Philip of the National Weather Service. "The problem is we won't really cool off at night," Mr. Philip said. Temperatures today are expected to hit a high of 95 with a heat index up to 114 degrees. Humidity could make the heat index even higher at times. Friday will be more of the same, with a high of 93 degrees and heat index between 105 to 112 degrees. By 7 p.m. Saturday, the excessive heat warning should end. Saturday's highs are expected about 94 degrees and Sunday's about 89 degrees, with the heat index cooling back to the 95-100 degree range. With the predicted heat wave, several organizations have offered tips to stay cool and handle heat-related illnesses. According to the NWS, "oppressive outdoor conditions" will increase the risk for heat exhaustion through Saturday. These temperatures will be the highest of the summer, according to NWS meteorologist Andrew Krein. He said maturing corn crops are partly to blame for sudden increase in humidity, along with the main source: moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. "Corn is a very effective transporter of moisture from the ground into the atmosphere," he said. A news release from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency states the heat brings with it the possibility of illnesses such as severe sunburns, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Genesis Medical Center has issued a release stating that up to 400 deaths in the U.S. each year are the result of excessive natural heat. The Illinois Department on Aging attributed heat waves as the "second leading cause of death among weather-related events." "People most vulnerable for heat-related illness include the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor and people with a chronic medical condition," said a news release from the Illinois Department of Public Health. People are encouraged to stay indoors, increase their fluid intake, decrease activities and wear appropriate clothing to avoid heat-related illnesses. It's also suggested they check on friends and family, especially those more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Tips for staying cool and avoiding heat illnesses People are being warned to stay out of the heat and in an air conditioned building as much as possible to avoid heat-related illnesses. Sunscreen with a SFP of 15 or higher should be applied frequently throughout the day when outside, especially when swimming. The IDPH warns people not to rely on a fan as their primary cooling device. The IDPH also recommends taking cool showers or baths to lower body temperature. Genesis recommends eating smaller meals more frequently and drinking extra water, especially when exercising or working outdoors. Outdoor work should be done early or late in the day if possible. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages speed up loss of fluids and should be avoided during the heat wave, according to Genesis. Seek shade or air conditioning if you feel dizzy or nauseous and seek medical attention immediately if you are disoriented, have a high body temperature, are vomiting or have stopper perspiring, Genesis said. Children should take breaks from playing outside, and it's people check on elderly and sick friends and relatives throughout the day, as they are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Genesis also recommends taking a "buddy" for any outdoor activities. At home, the IDOA recommends keeping shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows slightly open. Do not put tin foil over windows. Keep electrical lights turned off or down and avoid using cooking ovens when possible. The IDOA said not to take salt tablets unless instructed to do so by a physician. For any medications, people should ask a pharmacist or doctor about side effects that heat may contribute to. Be on the watch for heat exhaustion/stroke Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, exhaustion and cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, according to Genesis. Body temperature will likely be rising, but may remain the same. A person experiencing heat exhaustion should move to a cooler location, lie down, loosen their clothes, sip water and apply cool, wet cloths to their body, according to the IDPH. If they have vomited, they should seek medical attention immediately. Heat stroke can be recognized by hot and red skin, changes in consciousness, a rapid or weak pulse, and rapid and shallow breathing. Skin will be dry, unless the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise. Genesis said body temperatures can reach 105 degrees or higher. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and 911 should be called immediately. Heat stroke victims also should be moved to a cooler location and their body temperature should be reduced with cool cloths or a bath, according to the IDPH. Do not give them fluids. Several cooling centers are planned throughout the Quad-Cities: Rock Island Township 2827 7th Ave., Rock Island Open 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. South Rock Island Township 1019 27th Ave., Rock Island Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch, but ring doorbell to be let in) Moline Township 620 18th St., Moline Open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christian Care Center 2209 3rd Ave., Rock Island Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (24/7 for those living in shelter) Rock Island County Department of Human Services 500 42nd St. Suite 6, 2nd Floor, Rock Island Rock Island County Department of Human Services (DRS) 4711 44th St., Suite 3, Rock Island Henry County Department of Human Services 125 W. South St., Kewanee Genesis Medical Center also welcomes people unable to find another cool space to the public spaces in its Davenport East (1227 E. Rusholme St.), Davenport West (1401 W. Central Park Ave.) and Silvis (801 Illini Drive) campuses during visiting hours. The Associated Press contributed to this story. MOLINE -- The Moline City Council on Tuesday encouraged the city's park board to seek bids for potential upgrades at Prospect Park Pavilion. Park board president and former mayor Don Welvaert addressed the council Tuesday, saying the pavilion built in 1891 needs repairs. Cost estimates for those repairs, though, were deemed low by Ald. John Zelnio, 4th Ward. Mr. Welvaert discussed several options studied by the park board, including recommended work costing an estimated $100,000. He initially asked the council, on behalf of the park board, to release $50,000 to help with pavilion repairs. Instead, the council asked the park board to come back with bids for the proposed work. "It's a little disappointing," Mr. Welvaert said Wednesday. "I think we're all on the same page, and I believe this will carry forward. "I believe it's going to be the park board's recommendation we keep the pavilion down there, and we refurbish it, structurally make it sound," he said. "Then, we go forward and try to get another 25 years out of the building." Mr. Welvaert said some of the work includes repairing timber column bases, installing steel bracing, plumbing, leveling the structure, restroom repair and patching cracks in foundation walls. He said the park board also reviewed doing nothing, demolishing the building for $60,000, or replacing it with a smaller pavilion for about $295,000. A project largely funded by community donations restored the pavilion in 2005. In recent years, the city and the park board have looked at options. In 2014, the city paid Missman Inc. $3,000 to inspect the pavilion after city staff noticed gaps in door jams and other structural concerns. Earlier this year, the city hired Shive-Hattery for $23,000 to produce a more detailed study of the pavilion's structural concerns. While saying he appreciated Mr. Welvaert's passion for the pavilion, Ald. Zelnio estimated repair costs would exceed $100,000. He questioned bathroom repair costs, citing compliance with Americans With Disabilities Act rules, and said he wants to see a plan with specific costs and "real numbers" before the city spends money on the pavilion Mr. Welvaert said the park board put real numbers together based on engineering estimates, although those estimates differed substantially. "This wasn't a guess," Mr. Welvaert said. "This is what we believe is best for the city of Moline and certainly for Prospect Park. It's the best value as far as we can see to saving the building. I think it's a good plan." ROCKFORD A ruling by the Federal Regulatory Energy Commission may clear a North Iowa school district to resume a stalled solar project it hopes could cut down on its electric bills. The dispute between the Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock school district and Municipal Energy of Nebraska since last year has delayed a proposed solar array the school wants to build, hoping to offset its $160,000 annual electric costs. The project will be discussed again this fall, and if restarted, will be scaled back, Superintendent Keith Turner said. With board approval, the soonest it could begin would be next spring, he said. The original plan was to pursue a $1.5 million solar array that would produce between 750 to 900 kilowatts, saving the district more than 60 percent in utility costs a year, Turner estimated in 2015. School officials had hoped they could sell excess energy to the city or be credited for any excess energy the district would produce. The city, which operates a municipal power plant, was prohibited from purchasing electricity from anyone other than its supplier due to a contract in place with the utility since 2007. A June 16 ruling by FERC in a separate case involving a Colorado-based utility cooperative could clear the way for the district to proceed with the plan. In that case, the commission ruled Colorado-based Tri-State could not impose an additional financial cost to a utility cooperative, if it decided to provide a small percentage of its energy from alternative sources. The big picture is that these rulings really create flexibility for local entities that want to purchase local renewable generation, said Joshua Mandelbaum, an attorney with the Environmental Law and Policy Center in Des Moines. Dispute casts shadow over $1.5M RRMR school solar project ROCKFORD | A dispute between a North Iowa school district and a utility provider is delaying Its something that both the municipality now and the school district have options if they want to pursue that route, he said. RRMR initially began developing the solar project with the city of Rockford, later touring other projects around the state with representatives from the citys electrical supplier. At the time, Turner said the district was under the impression it could use the solar array to produce behind the meter, allowing the districts electric meter to spin backward and have surplus electricity enter the grid. The excess could then be sold to Rockford residents at a reduced rate. Since last year, Turner said the district has cut down on about one-quarter of its electric costs between $40,000 and $50,000 by installing high-efficiency lights, adjusting meters to automatically turn off and on and negotiating more favorable summer electric rates with Rockford. Those rates between June and September have driven down costs from 15.9 cents per kilowatt to 10.2 cents per kilowatt, he said. The school board also discussed purchasing an internal electric meter to measure usage disparities during a meeting on Monday, but tabled the proposal, Turner said. Voicemails left for Rockford City Clerk Pam Hopper and a representative from the Municipal Energy of Nebraska were not immediately returned Thursday. Like neighboring rural North Iowa schools, RRMRs general fund has taken a hit in recent years due to low state funding rates and declining enrollment. The districts certified enrollment was 450 in 2015-16. A 10-year enrollment comparison from 2002 to 2012 indicates the district lost 206 students more than one-third of its total enrollment during that time. That may further drop to 417 students by 2020-21, according to state enrollment projections. Last year, Turner said local utility rates increased 12 percent in July. The districts electrical bill that month was $4,000 higher than it was in 2014, jumping to $19,552. August billing increased from $18,639 to $21,394. The solar project would be funded by borrowing against the schools physical plant and equipment levy, which is reserved for infrastructure improvements. Utilities are paid through a districts general fund, its main funding account which primarily covers teacher salaries and other day-to-day expenses. Were ready to move forward, if its something that works for the city and works for Nebraska Energy, Turner said. Years from now, bright-eyed children will look up at Grandma or Grandpa and ask, "Where were you when they nominated Donald Trump?" Far too many prominent Republicans will have to hang their heads in shame. As the garish imperial coronation in Cleveland reaches its climax, there will be much commentary -- some, no doubt, from me -- about fleeting events. Did So-and-so's speech help Trump or hurt him? Did one line of attack against Hillary Clinton seem more or less promising than another? All of this is news, but we must not lose sight of the big picture: The "Party of Lincoln" is about to nominate for president a man who is dangerously unfit for the office. Trump is a brilliant showman, no question about that. His life's work has been self-aggrandizement, not real estate, and all those years of practice served him well when he turned to politics. He knows how to work a crowd. He understands television and social media. He dominated and vanquished a field of experienced campaigners as if they were mere apprentices. But he lacks the knowledge, curiosity, temperament, wisdom, compassion and resolve to be president. The GOP is about to formally endorse a charlatan for the most important job in the world. Great political parties do not do this. They might nominate a candidate who is too conservative or too liberal, too wooden or too glib, too inexperienced or too much of a warhorse. They do not nominate the likes of Trump. The shameful thing is that so many of those scheduled to speak at Trump's convention know full well that he should not be allowed anywhere near the Oval Office. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry said that Trump's candidacy was "a cancer on conservatism, and it must be clearly diagnosed, excised and discarded." Sen. Marco Rubio, set to appear by video, called Trump a "con artist" and an "erratic individual" who should not be trusted with the nuclear codes. House Speaker Paul Ryan reluctantly endorsed Trump and since then has spent more time criticizing the loudmouthed mogul than praising him. Explain yourselves, Republican officials. You know that Trump should not be president. Do you secretly assume he will inevitably lose to Clinton? In that case, perhaps you think your support makes sense as a way to promote party unity or self-interest. (I'm being redundant; most politicians believe party unity and self-interest are the same thing.) But what if Trump wins? Surely you are not under the illusion that Trump would follow the advice of more experienced hands and allow himself to be molded into a statesman. Anyone clinging to that fairy tale paid no attention to the final months of the primaries, when Trump would give a conventional teleprompter-aided speech and the very next day go back to raving like a madman. Anyone wondering just how bad a Trump presidency would be got a preview from the joint interview he did Sunday with his vice-presidential pick, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, on "60 Minutes." It was unintentionally hilarious -- but also chilling. It appeared that the candidates had spent all of five minutes preparing for the encounter, since they fumbled when correspondent Lesley Stahl asked obvious questions they should have known were coming. If Clinton's vote for the Iraq War showed bad judgment, as Trump claims, what about the fact that Pence voted the same way? "I don't care," Trump declared. When pressed, Trump said that Pence was "entitled to make a mistake every once in a while" but Clinton was not. Asked whether Trump "went too far" when he criticized Sen. John McCain as "not a war hero" because he was shot down over Vietnam, poor Pence hemmed and hawed until Trump gave him permission to speak freely. "That one, you could say yes," Trump told his running mate. "I mean, you're not -- it's fine. Hey, look, I like John McCain. But we have to take care of our vets." When Trump first came out with his proposed Muslim ban, Pence called it unconstitutional. Now he loyally says he supports Trump's idea, which seems to have morphed into something Trump calls "extreme vetting" and applies only to Muslims from "territories and terror states and terror nations." When Trump went on about how he would declare war against the Islamic State but without dispatching U.S. troops, Pence said that "this is the kind of leadership that America needs." It is not leadership. It is gibberish. And Republicans in Cleveland will pretend the emperor is wearing clothes. Judith Ripka Sterling Gemstone Zodiac Cuff Bracelet is rated 4.5 out of 5 by 33 . Rated 5 out of 5 by liz from SLC Utah from Fantastic!! I love this zodiac collection so much I have bought multiple rings! I have the scorpio ring in two sizes since it is my favorite. I have been stalking the site crossing my fingers for a scorpio cuff and so very lucky that one popped up. It is fantastic! It compliments the ring and is so very cool. The quality of this cuff is amazing and I am so surprised this is not a regular item you could sell this line forever :-)) The details make this collection great as wearable art or significant as a zodiac representation. I would love to see more pieces like this. FYI my cuff ordered in a size small was a little snug. I also ordered an aquarius cuff in small and it was tight too. I actually thought maybe it was an XS by mistake but now with two I would say they run small. I usually wear a 6.5 size comfortably and buy 6.75 as a general size small. Hope that helps. If you happen to see a cuff in your size grab it! Rated 5 out of 5 by Miaska from Picture doesn't do it justice This was my second Judith Ripka Purchase. I've purchased 3 bracelets and all have been lovely. This runs true to size. I have Aries and it's stunning. I receive so many compliments. This jewelry is very high quality. The bracelet is weighty. I couldn't be more pleased. Rated 5 out of 5 by californiadreaming from Leo the Lion is My Cuff of Choice! The art work by the craftspeople in Thailand in executing Judith's design is just exquisite! The green peridot stones on the mane of the lion, & the green chromdioxide eyes plus the smattering of diamonique stones is beautiful. The weight of the silver is substantial, but not too heavy. The size small fits me perfectly. I purchased the matching Leo ring as well. Rated 5 out of 5 by Pianist9221 from Gorgeous The Virgo bracelet is stunning! Fell in love with it the second i opened the box. Rated 5 out of 5 by considerthis from Beautiful Bracelet I tried so hard to talk myself out of this. When it became a lunchtime special, I knew it was meant to be! It is really beautiful! I wear my Capricorn bracelet everyday. Thank you!!! Rated 5 out of 5 by NYC Lady from Exquisite Bracelet!!!! I ordered the Cancer because my birthstone is ruby, and this one has rubies. It is breathtaking!!, It is a piece of art!!! The color of the rubies is a beautiful red, the silver is shiny (another reviewer said it wasn't), and the fit is perfect. I wear a small, and it doesn't twist at all. Now I'm wait listed for the ring, keeping my finger crossed!!! Thanks Judith for such gorgeous jewelry!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 by Truth from OMG!!...SO PRETTY!! This CANCER cuff is made and designed so well. The cut and color of the RUBY stones...just perfection. I am enjoying this lovely cuff and have received many compliments on it. I luv that it may be worn with casual outfits with silver bangles. A very feminine looking cuff bracelet...so pretty. Rated 3.5 out of 5 by 6 reviewers. Rated 4 out of 5 by Fashionista in So MD Very Substantial I love the stones and especially the heft of this piece. I wish the bale would rotate...so I only gave it 4 stars. However I will put it on a chain that will allow it to roll. 10-05-16 Rated 5 out of 5 by pompug07 Beautiful Ripka Enhancer I love this enhancer and the quality is what you expect from Judith. The bail is large enough for any chain and looks great on every chain, short or long. The price is right for all the beautiful gemstones. Don't hesitate to purchase because this enhancer is worth it. 10-04-16 Rated 2 out of 5 by Terri49 Great Idea, Poor Execution Beautiful enhancer, but bail doesn't open and enhancer should swivel so wearer can choose which gem to wear forward. Sadly am returning it. Please rework it Judith, and bring it back! 09-30-16 Rated 4 out of 5 by Wendy57 Weighty Piece I really like this enhancer. I think that the gemstones are high quality in their color. I do wish that instead of two citrine, there had been one garnet in the group. The enhancer does have great weight and lays very well on any neckline and on any chain. I think that it will be very versatile. 09-19-16 Rated 3 out of 5 by anonymous reply Returning I like the Judith Ripka pouch and boxing, and the safety clasp. However, the bail will not open. Definitely would be worth trying an exchange if the enhancer swiveled so that all sides are visible. 09-05-16 Rated 3 out of 5 by dinik Pretty but... Was really looking forward to seeing this in person. I love the chunky feel and the gemstones are very nice. I was however disappointed that the bale did not spin somehow to be able to show each side of the pendant. I am on the fence about keeping it. 03-28-16 Sold Out This item is no longer available, but theres still much more to discoverkeep shopping to find something new to love! The strategy has been drawn up following a review into the so-called Balance of Territory (TET) services, which was completed last year. Three routes, comprising Paris - Orleans - Limoges -Toulouse, Paris - Clermont-Ferrand, and Bordeaux -Toulouse - Marseille, will continue to be funded by the state and central co-ordinator, Mr Francois Philizot will work with French National Railways (SNCF) and local stakeholders to devise route-specific development plans for these three corridors. The government says it is committed to investing around 1bn to renew inter-city rolling stock on all three of these routes by 2025. A new fleet of 34 Alstom bi-mode multiple units is due to enter service on from 2017 and SNCF will launch a tender for a further contract to supply 200km/h trains before the end of this year. This will include an option for a higher maximum speed for trains for the Bordeaux - Marseilles route to take advantage of the expansion of the high-speed network. Vidalies says the government is negotiating with the regions in order to find the best solutions for the other TET services. An agreement was reached with the government of Normandy on April 25 to transfer a number of inter-city services in northern France to regional control by 2020, with the state providing 720m for new rolling stock on the Paris - Caen-Cherbourg and Paris - Rouen - Le Havre lines. Negotiations with other regions are due to conclude by October 15. The government will provide the regions with 1.5bn for the acquisition of new rolling stock for TET services by 2020 and many of these routes will also benefit from infrastructure enhancements. A TET advisory board including the secretary of state for transport, two regional presidents, two members of parliament and two representatives of passenger groups will be set up early next year to address any issues. The situation is less positive for overnight trains. Vidalies confirmed that from October 1 the government will withdraw funding for Paris - Toulouse/Rodez - Albi, Paris - Savoie, Luxembourg - Nice/Port-Bou and Strasbourg - Nice/Port Bou services unless a new operator comes forward. Paris Austerliz - Tarbes/Hendaye (Irun) overnight trains will be continue until the Sud Europ Atlantique high-speed line opens in July 2017, while Paris - Nice Lunea trains will be retained until October 2017. The long-term future of Paris - Briancon and Paris - Rodez/Latour-de-Carol overnight services is assured due to the absence of adequate alternative services. SNCF will continue to operate these trains. In April the government invited expressions of interest for the operation of all but two Lunea services. However, according to the French press, prospective operators including Transdev have warned the government that private operation of these services would only be viable if all services are included. Overnight trains provide only 3% of traffic on the inter-city network but generate 25% of losses. Furthermore, ridership on these services has declined 25% since 2011. Ithaca, N.Y.-based Smith Marketing Services has been awarded a contract for leading the branding effort for Railway Interchange 2017, to be held in Indianapolis Sept. 17-20, 2017. Railway Interchange is North Americas largest freight rail tradeshow. The event, which attracts upwards of 9,000 attendees, features hundreds of exhibitors and combines the technical and educational conferences of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) and Coordinated Mechanical Associations (CMA) with the exhibits of the Railway Supply Institute (RSI), Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) and Railway Systems Suppliers, Inc. (RSSI). Were genuinely honored to have been selected for this project, says SMS Founder and President Doug Smith, who attributes the contract award to his companys innovative ideas and deep experience in the rail industry. Clearly our creative ideas and understanding of the railroad industrywhich is technically complex, fast-changing and very nuancedwere key factors in the [Railway Interchange] committees selection. We look forward to helping the show meet its branding goals. Smith indicated production is already under way, with initial projects focused on branding, website development, show sponsorship opportunities and a wide variety of marketing materials. The U.S. Department of Transportations (DOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced on July 21 a Finding of No Significant Impact on the Northern New England Intercity Rail Initiative (Initiative). The finding clears the way for states and the federal government to invest in future passenger rail service in New England. The Initiative proposes to restore service between Boston and New Haven through Springfield and Hartford and add new service between Boston and Montreal. FRA awarded $942,775 to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) through FRAs Next Generation High-Speed Rail Program to study potential service options and complete the Tier 1 Environmental Assessment, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. FRA found that no significant environmental impacts would result from adding more frequent and higher speed intercity passenger rail service, in large part due to the use of existing operating rail lines within existing rights-of-way. The proposed infrastructure improvements also would be located within existing right-of-way along areas that were in the past double or triple tracked. More than two million people live within three miles of a station along this corridor, said FRA Administrator Sarah E. Feinberg. For everyone to move safely and efficiently, the region needs a robust rail system, and this blueprint will help achieve that goal. MassDOT and VTrans will coordinate the Initiative with other projects, including NEC FUTURE, FRAs ongoing comprehensive planning effort to define, evaluate, and prioritize future investments in the Northeast Corridor (NEC). The NEC runs from Washington, DC to Boston. Together, this Initiative and NEC FUTURE would provide greater connectivity to central Connecticut, Massachusetts, northern New England, and Montreal. Existing passenger rail service through New England is limited and already at capacity for a region that is growing, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. With an approved blueprint in hand, New England can now move forward to connect people to key job centers and allow students to easily travel to and from New Englands numerous colleges. 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 Deploying a strong commercial presence in Mexicos Convergencia Show, both Atresmedia and RTVE confirm the importance of the Mexican TV market in accessing Latin America and the US Hispanic audiences. Atresmedia has been present in Mexico for almost 20 years, since it launched Antena 3 Internacional in September 1996, becoming Spains first private TV company to air outside the country.In 20 years, the signal has a reach of 17 million pay-TV households and has become a unit within the Atresmedia corporation. Nowadays, Atresmedia Internacional reaches every country in the Americas , but Brazil, through three signals Antena 3, Atreseries and Hola! TV totalling 32 million households.The last 20 years have been tremendously enriching, said Mar Martinez Raposo, director, Atresmedia Internacional. We intend to share with our audience the shows we have broadcast across these years. Therefore, Antena 3 Internacionals website allows viewers to vote for their 20 favourite shows, which will re-air later in September.Spains public broadcaster, RTVE, is also highlighting the importance of Mexicos TV market by attending Convergencia Show through its commercial partner, Communications for Distribution. The networks first international signal, TVE Internacional, has been available in Mexico and Latin Americas pay-TV since 1989.Mexico, with 121 million inhabitants and 19 million pay-TV subs, is the most important Spanish-speaking market in the region, pointed out the public broadcaster . Besides, its a window to the US Hispanic, a market growing year on year.During Convergencia Show, RTVE intends to reinforce the reach of its three international signals, TVE Internacional, 24 Horas and the recently-launched Star HD Foxs TV everywhere and video-on-demand (VOD) platform, Fox Play, will be available in Spain through Telecables interactive IPTV service, Tedi. The VOD series from the Fox and Fox Life channels, available as linear signals on the regional pay-TV and fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) operator, will be arriving to Tedi.Thus, over 900 new titles will join Telecables growing on-demand offer All Fox content will be available for free for Telecables Tedi subs both through the interactive set-top box and the mobile platforms for Android and iOS. Among contents included in the on-the-go and on-demand feature, there are series like The Walking Dead, Outcast or Wayward Pines, and realities such as The Kardashian or Extreme Makeover.Across its cable and FTTH network in Spains region of Asturias, Telecable, acquired last year by the UKs Zegona Communications, offers convergent telecom services including pay-TV with over-the-top (OTT), VOD, and cloud-based DVR powered by Swedens Accedo Russian court to examine case of tycoon Polonsky charged with $41 mln embezzlement MOSCOW, July 21 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko) The criminal case against Russian businessman Sergei Polonsky, who is charged with embezzling 2.6 billion rubles ($41.2 million) during the construction of two residential complexes, was transferred to the Moscow Presnensky Court to be examined on the merits, Anastasia Pylina, the courts spokeswoman, told RAPSI on Thursday. The criminal case materials have been delivered to the court. The date of hearings is to be determined yet, Pylina said. Earlier, the Prosecutor Generals Office web-site informed that the case materials relating to Polonsky and two more defendants in the case had been transferred to a court. The indictment in Sergei Polonsky case, who stands charged with two fraud crimes, as well as Alexander Paperno, Head of the Mirax Group Finance Department and Alexei Pronyakin, CEO of Avanta company, accused of accessory in fraud, has been approved, the Prosecutors Office statement reads. According to investigators, Polonsky, aided by two aforesaid persons, has defrauded participants of shared construction apartment projects of 2.6 billion rubles ($41.2 million), thus committing a serious crime. Polonsky, who is the founder of Potok (formerly Mirax Group), a diversified corporation that has been involved in several large development projects, is deemed to cause damages in amount of 2.4 billion rubles (around $38 million) with regard to Kutuzov Mile and 256 million rubles (around $4 million) with regard to Rublyovskaya Riviera development projects. Other projects Polonsky has been involved in include Federation Tower in the Moscow International Business Center, office buildings Mirax Plaza, Poklonnaya 11 and Admiral, condominium developments Mirax Park, Golden Keys 1 and 2, and the Well House. In May 2015, the Cambodian authorities, where Polonsky had been avoiding Russian prosecution, extradited him to Russia. If convicted, Polonsky could face up to ten years in prison. Polonsky has pleaded not guilty. 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. Incredible though it may seem, after the events in Turkey this weekend Lebanon is looking like one of the most stable states in the Middle East, despite not having a president or a fully-functioning government I arrived in Lebanon in early June this year and was immediately struck by the calm mood of the people. Since 2015 fear of an ISIS invasion had receded, in part because of Syrian and Iraqi armies regaining large swathes of ISIS territory. The garbage crisis that predominated in 2015 has been resolved to an extent (though I noted no one was able to tell me to where the garbage had been taken). In the south, traditionally a spot of high tension, all was calm. Neither Israel nor Hizbullah have any desire to alter what is known as 'the balance of terror' and commit to a new conflict. Both actors have their sights firmly set on what is happening in Syria. Furthermore, the Syrian refugee situation did not at first glance appear to be causing any more tension than it had in earlier years. As such, my first weeks in Lebanon didn't feel like I was in Lebanon at all. No political tension? No major security threats? But then, slowly but surely, the reality of Lebanon's fragility asserted itself once more. On 12 June a bomb went off in the headquarters of Blom Bank in Hamra, West Beirut. Despite major structural damage no-one was injured, as the bomb was deliberately timed to detonate when local residents would be eating Iftar after Ramadan and the streets around the bank would be empty. It became clear the following day that Hizbullah was responsible for the bomb attack. The purpose behind it was a warning to Blom Bank, whose strict interpretation of the new anti-money laundering legislation issued by the US had resulted in ordinary Shi'ite civilians being unfairly targeted, affecting their business transactions. Violence, it seems, still talks in Lebanon; the following day the major banks got together to discuss how to ameliorate the effects of the legislation on the Shi'ite community. In the weeks that followed, a very different kind of attack took place in the tiny Christian village of al-Qaa, on the border with Syria. On 27 June eight suicide bombers from Syria attacked the village, killing five civilians and injuring 15. The shockwaves of this event reverberated throughout the country, particularly in the Christian areas in the north, around Mount Lebanon. The major cause of shock was the fact that the terror cell had managed to rustle up no less than eight suicide bombers (one of whom blew himself up in a field rather than be taken by the Lebanese Armed Forces). For the Lebanese, and particularly Lebanese Christians, the message was clear: Syrians can no longer be trusted in Lebanon. The change in attitude has been astounding. Syrians in Lebanon have always generated minimal respect from the Lebanese, as many work in menial jobs and are in lower socio-economic strata of the population. Now, however, the situation is changed; fear and distrust have replaced disinterest and mild contempt. Syrian workers (some of whom who have lived in Lebanon for years) are now under curfew in the northern villages of Lebanon. Many of these Syrians are themselves Christian, fleeing from ISIS, but no exceptions are made. The local police enforce the curfew and there are army checkpoints on major routes into Beirut which make slipping through the net difficult. In the far south, I noticed there was considerably less tension. Local officials there told me they only imposed curfews during significant public events, like a fete or a funeral. This is likely because there are far less Syrian refugees in the south than in the north, and because it's an area heavily saturated with Hizbullah and its supporters, who generally keep an eye on newcomers. While an invasion by ISIS now appears remote, in some ways the threat to the Lebanese from the organisation is closer than ever. Until now the Christian areas of Beirut have been left in peace, but the week before I arrived a suicide bomber was arrested for planning an attack on a popular night time hangout area in the Christian east of the city. Later during my stay, another four individuals were arrested for planning an attack on a bar in the same area using semi-automatic weapons. There is now considerable concern that an attack on a major Christian area in Beirut itself is imminent. But let's not forget that suicide bomb attacks have been occurring in Lebanon since 2012, in the Shi'a areas of the country. There is a saying in the Middle East about Lebanon: when the region is on fire, Lebanon is calm; when the region is calm, Lebanon is on fire. Somehow, without a president or any real functioning government, Lebanon hangs on. For how long it can continue to do so in the face of major security threats coming out of Syria and Iraq, as ISIS territory breaks apart, is anyone's guess. This piece was created in collaboration with the Atlantic Council, where Robbie Gramer is currently associate director of the Transatlantic Security Initiative. The views expressed are solely those of the author. The attempted coup in Turkey shocked leaders across the countries of the NATO alliance. Turkey has been a member of the alliance since 1952, three years after NATOs inception. Recently, it has become the alliances conduit to the troubled Middle East and an integral member of the transatlantic anti-ISIS coalition. NATO, an alliance based on the transatlantic values of democracy, freedom, and human rights, has grown incredibly uneasy over Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans response to the coup. In recent days, he has purged sectors of the government, including the military, the Ministry of Education, and the judiciary branch. Erdogan talks of reinstituting the death penalty to punish the coup plotters, and the president is consolidating power in a way that dismantles many elements of Turkeys already weak democratic system. Turkey, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said, is veering away from NATOs requirement with respect to democracy. Many interpreted this as a veiled threat that NATO could reassess its relationship with Turkey -- that it could even revoke membership. But Ankaras worrying backslide from democracy will not change Turkeys status as a member of NATO. A coup in a NATO member country, while shocking, is not without precedent. Since joining NATO in 1952, Turkey has undergone four successful military coups that the alliance accepted in stride without jeopardizing Turkeys membership status -- the most recent took place in 1997. Beyond Turkey, other NATO members have faced coups that in the did not threaten the long-term security or vitality of the organization: a failed coup in France in 1961 in the wake of the disastrous war of independence in Algeria; a successful military coup in Greece in 1967 that lead to seven years of military rule; a failed coup in Italy in 1970; and a successful military coup in Portugal in 1974. This attempted coup in Turkey comes right on the heels of NATOs seminal Warsaw Summit, and against the backdrop of worrying new threats across Europes periphery, from a revanchist Russia to an emboldened ISIS. But NATO has weathered coups both failed and successful, and that experience indicates the alliance can do so again. As NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said this week, Turkey is a valued NATO ally with whom I stand in solidarity in this difficult time. What Turkey Means to NATO The transatlantic community needs Turkeys help to confront the most challenging security environment in Europe since the end of the Cold War, and President Erdogan knows it. Turkey is a valuable contributor to the military campaign against the Islamic State. It is the primary launch pad for coalition airstrikes against ISIS and training missions for anti-ISIS factions operating in Iraq and Syria. The Incirlik Air Base in southeast Turkey is a vital hub for the U.S.-led campaign. Furthermore, the base houses roughly 50 nuclear weapons, integral to the United States deterrence posture in the wider Middle East. Power has been cut off to the base since the coup, underscoring how vulnerable this strategic asset is to internal political strife in Turkey. Beyond the fight against ISIS, NATO needs Turkey to shore up its military posture in the Black Sea region. Russias annexation of Crimea at the onset of the Ukraine crisis dramatically transformed NATOs relationship with Russia. From the Baltic region to the Black Sea, NATO is struggling to grapple with Russias military revanchism and to shore up a strong military and deterrence posture that protects its exposed allies on the Eastern flank. The Black Sea region has become strategically important to the alliance. Russia has loaded the Crimean peninsula with anti-air defense infrastructure, begun upgrading its aging Black Sea fleet, and even talked of stationing nuclear weapons on the peninsula, endangering NATOs southeastern flank. Turkey is the dominant actor in the region. It exercises full control over access to the Black Sea through the Bosporus and has the strongest navy on the Black Sea. NATO cannot secure its dominant posture in the Black Sea without Turkey. And finally, Turkey has played a key role in quelling (if not fully curbing) the migrant crisis in Europe. The wave of refugees and migrants that have flooded into Europe from the Middle East and North Africa has fueled a nearly existential political crisis across the European Union, straining the social fabric of EU countries, accelerating the rise of nativist anti-establishment political parties, stoking public anger and discord with the Unions failed migration policies, and exposing Europe to new terrorist threats. To confront this, the European Union brokered an agreement with Ankara under which Turkey retains a bulk of the migrants and refugees attempting to enter the EU in exchange for financial assistance, visa liberalization for Turkish citizens, and reopening Turkeys stalled accession process to the European Union. The anti-ISIS coalition, strategically important American and NATO bases in Turkey, NATOs posture toward Russia, and the EUs migration deal would all be at risk if NATO forced Turkey out. Given the array of threats the alliance faces, NATO could not afford to put any of this at risk. Furthermore, NATO has no system in place for a member state to leave, willingly or forcibly. If it ever came to that point, that doesnt preclude NATO from forging such a procedure. But the process would be long, arduous, and politically traumatizing to an alliance already struggling with unity and with complex security challenges. NATO is far from reaching that point with Turkey, given its important geopolitical and military role. The EUs foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, said the failed coup is no excuse to take the country away from fundamental rights and the rule of law, and we will be extremely vigilant on that. And German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that reintroduction of the death penalty for coup plotters would prevent [Turkeys] successful negotiations to join the EU. But Turkeys prospects of joining the EU were already slim, and the Union has few tools at its disposal to substantially punish Ankaras backslide from democracy as long as it remains reliant on Turkey to help mitigate its migration crisis. Secretary Kerrys intonations, if not misinterpreted, will not come to fruition. Turkey is too important to NATO and European security. The failed coup presented President Erdogan with an opportunity to consolidate his control over Turkey and dismantle many of the countrys democratic institutions. Rhetorical threats of reassessing NATO membership or Turkeys relationship with the European Union will do little to change Erdogans mind or alter his political calculations. If Erdogans power grab continues unabated, NATO will have to confront a very uncomfortable conflict between its twin commitments to shared democratic values and shared security. Turkey is proving that the two may be mutually exclusive. The pilots who were involved in shooting down a Russian aircraft in November that briefly intruded on Turkish airspace have been arrested by Turkish authorities. A Turkish official said the arrests were in connection with the failed coup. With this, one of the main outcomes of the coup attempt is becoming obvious. President Recep Tayyip ErdoA?an has decided to repair relations with Russia and is using the attempted coup to demonstrate to the Russians that he was not involved in ordering the downing of the aircraft, but that his political enemies were responsible. There are some problems with this version of events. The intercept of the Russian fighter jet took place after a number of incursions into Turkish airspace. According to multiple sources, including Turkish ones, the Russian plane that was shot down was over Turkish territory for a very short time. The tactical air defense controllers did not have time to query the national command authority (their bosses) for permission to shoot. The decision to shoot down a Russian plane entering Turkish airspace had to have been made before the incident. The alternative is that the tactical controllers on the ground, not the pilots, acted without authority. That would mean that the command to shoot came from at most a colonel in tactical ground control. The Turkish government, including ErdoA?an, reacted immediately and without hesitation charging that the incursion was not the first and that the Russians had been constantly violating Turkish airspace. They vigorously condemned the Russians. There was never any official or unofficial leak indicating that there was anything amiss with the shoot down, no one in the air or on the ground was relieved of their duties and there was no indication of an investigation. Given that Turkey is a NATO country and its personnel cooperate constantly with the personnel of other countries, any discipline taken against those responsible for the shoot down would have become known. Stories of investigations and heads rolling spread like wildfire through a military organization and the likelihood of it not being picked up by NATO personnel and Russian personnel is low. Relieving a tactical sector commander and some pilots over the biggest military event for the Turkish Air Force in years would have filled the cafeteria of every Turkish Air Force base with gossip for months. It didnt happen. What did happen was Turkeys vigorous condemnation of the Russians. The politics also dont make sense. The Russian intervention in Syria was designed to bolster the Bashar al-Assad regime. The ErdoA?an government opposed the Assads for the killing of Turkmens in Syria. This had been a blood feud for years. The Turks were furious at the Russian intervention, which made Turkey look weak at the same time questions were being raised about possible Turkish support for the Islamic State. The Russian intervention put ErdoA?an in a difficult political situation and its penetration of Turkish airspace without response would have made him look even weaker. He was under pressure to respond somehow. ErdoA?an could not appear afraid to act in the face of Russian provocation. Shooting down the Russian plane made political sense and it is extremely unlikely that a general order had not been issued authorizing rapid interdiction of any intruding aircraft. Anyone issuing that order without clearance from the highest echelons this would go to ErdoA?an himself would have been court-martialed in any air force. Hostility to the Russian presence in Syria was deep seated, political and not a passing whim. Nothing ErdoA?an did after the incident indicated that he did not authorize the attack and did not approve of it. He held the Russians responsible. The idea, months after the incident, that it had been part of a coup is hard to fathom. It, however, makes sense to make this claim in the context of current Turkish strategy. The Turks are claiming that Fethullah Gulen was behind the attempted coup. He lives in the United States and ErdoA?an demanded that the U.S. hand him over if the U.S. was really Turkeys strategic partner. The U.S. cant simply hand him over, given extradition treaties with Turkey and U.S. law. But embedded in the demand is the hint that the U.S. helped engineer the attempted coup. Middle Eastern newspapers have been filled with the charge. While many are questioning whether it was actually a coup attempt, another claim is emerging that the U.S. was behind it. When the plane was shot down and Turkish-Russian relations collapsed, it forced Turkey into a closer relationship with the United States. Turkey was not strong enough to be hostile to both Russia and the U.S. But Turkey was not altogether comfortable with having closer ties with the United States. First, it did not want to take a major military role in Syria, particularly in engaging in extensive combat with the Islamic State. The Americans wanted the Turks to play a stronger role but the Turks believed it would become an endless occupation that they were not ready to undertake. Second, IS terror attacks mounted in Turkey as the Turks shifted into the American desired posture. It culminated in the attack on Ataturk airport that has damaged Turkeys tourism industry. ErdoA?an did not want to become the American pawn in a conflict he didnt want to fight. In addition, he did not want to be pulled into an American engineered, anti-Russian alliance involving Poland and Romania. The Americans were trying to contain Russia and ErdoA?an did not want to be drawn in there either. ErdoA?an did not want to become the junior partner of the United States and the downing of the jet led Turkey in that direction. He made a sudden move to normalize relations with Israel and almost simultaneously issued an apology to Russia over the shoot down. The move toward Israel was intended to placate the U.S. ErdoA?an didnt want to go too far in defying the U.S. The second move indicated that he wanted to end the confrontation with Russia and, therefore, wouldnt be drawn into any American defensive plan against the Russians. ErdoA?an was never satisfied with having to make an apology. The coup attempt gave him an opportunity to redefine the apology. The attack on the Russian aircraft was not authorized by him but instead was authorized by the people carrying out the attempted coup. ErdoA?an was as much a victim of the shoot down as Russia. By punishing the coup plotters, he is repairing any harm done to the Russians. And by withdrawing from the confrontation with Russia, he recovers his room to maneuver and frees Turkey from American pressure. The attempted coup, or whatever it was, had to do with a great deal more than this of course. But its aftermath is in part about regaining Turkeys space, lost as Turkey became dependent on the United States following the shoot down. The discovery that the people who planned the coup also planned the shoot down neatly creates the opening and makes it appear that ErdoA?an was not at fault. Some people will buy this, particularly in Turkey, which is the intended audience. In the meantime, ErdoA?an is pushing hard on the United States and shifting his weight toward Russia, a classic balance of power move. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate , We're sorry, this article is not currently available According to a New York Times poll as of press time, Hillary Clinton has a 76 percent chance of winning the national election, but on the University of Georgias campus and in much of the country, neither candidate can find much support, especially from those voters with middle-of-the-road views. The Indie South Fair made its first evening appearance, packed with both vendors and customers last Friday night at Creature Comforts. Luis de la Torre, left, Jose de la Torre and owner Jose Oseguera at Mister Taco SHARE Chile relleno and cheese enchilada combination Carne asada taco Mister Taco in Anderson at the intersection of Deschutes and Balls Ferry Road Diverse menu spelled out on colorful hand-made signs By Marc Beauchamp If you like authentic-tasting Mexican food and an authentic ambience, Mister Taco, at the intersection of Deschutes and Balls Ferry Road in Anderson, is well worth the drive. Old friends in Happy Valley, Carla Jackson and Mark Olney, first recommended the place. We love Mister Taco. Weve never been disappointed, Jackson said. On Mister Tacos unofficial Facebook page, Mario Arellano writes: Best tacos in this area, the best for me was the buche ones. The meat is really soft, juicy and with flavor. (Buche is pork stomach, which Im told is easier to chew than beef stomach, or tripe). I ordered a carne asada taco plus the chile relleno and cheese enchilada combination plate. The taco, prepared by head cook Jose de la Torre, was terrific flavorful and very generous for the price ($2.75). Mister Taco reminds me of the kind of place you might find driving the roads of Mexico hand-made signs, colorful decor, satisfying food. Owner Jose Oseguera hails from Cotija in the state of Michoacan in western Mexico. The cook, Jose de la Torre, a native of Jalisco, told me the most popular items on the menu are the San Diego burrito and the San Diego fries. The latter consists of french fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole and sour cream. He said they cut their meat every morning and make their salsa fresh daily. Of my chile relleno, he said, We made a hundred yesterday and they were all gone by today. Most orders are take-out, he said. Weve dined inside the couple of times weve been there. There are also picnic tables outside in a shaded area behind the restaurant. Mister Taco is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. I enjoy the drive down Deschutes from Palo Cedro, where my wifes horse is boarded, through all that good agricultural land, past pastures and peach orchards. Mister Taco is across the street from Frontier Feed (worth a visit) at the intersection with Ball Ferry Road that Im told old-timers call Magees Corner. Carla Jackson wrote in her e-mail, (Husband) Mark wants to go to Mister Taco even if hes not particularly hungry. go now Mister Taco Address: 5531 Deschutes Road (at Balls Ferry Road), Anderson Phone: 378-1108 Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Social media: Facebook Owner: Jose Oseguera Established: 2010 Sample menu items: Breakfast burrito $3.99 Tortas $6.25 Carne asada taco $2.75 Buche taco $2.99 Fish taco $2.99 San Diego burrito $6.25 San Diego fries $7.25 This July 7, 2016 photo shows a donkey outside the Union League in Philadelphia. It's one of 57 fiberglass donkeys placed around the city, which is hosting the Democratic National Convention this month. (AP Photo/Beth J. Harpaz) SHARE By BETH J. HARPAZ, AP Travel Editor PHILADELPHIA (AP) Philadelphia has a long history as a center of politics, going back to the 18th century when the Founding Fathers met here to sign the Declaration of Independence and write the U.S. Constitution. Even presidential conventions are nothing new: The 2016 Democratic National Convention is the city's 12th since the Whig Party met here in 1848. Visitors can sample Philly's political history any time at landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell (still cracked!). But special exhibitions themed on conventions and campaigns are also on view this summer, including shows at the Heritage Center of the Union League, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and National Constitution Center. And while you're at the Constitution Center, don't miss Signers' Hall, a recreation of the room where the Constitution was written. It's crowded with 42 life-size bronze statues of the Founding Fathers. You can shake their hands, whisper in their ears or pose for selfies. There's also something to be said for simply wandering the streets of Historic Philadelphia , the neighborhood around Independence Hall. You'll find pennies on Ben Franklin's grave, the story of a president's runaway slave, and the house where George and Martha Washington danced the night away. ___ CONVENTION CITY "Sweep the Country," an exhibition at the Heritage Center of the Union League, surveys Philadelphia's history as a convention host through stories, images, and objects like an 1858 campaign handkerchief and a 1936 board game. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts hosts "Happiness, Liberty, Life? American Art and Politics," with 100 works exploring themes like the cult of presidential personality and art as protest. Artists include Gilbert Stuart, Andrew Wyeth and Kara Walker. At the National Constitution Center's interactive "Headed to the White House" exhibition, you can practice your presidential handshake, listen to speeches and contemplate artifacts like mac-and-cheese with "Democrats in 2008" printed on the box. The Constitution Center is also the hub for "PoliticalFest," a festival of exhibits, games and theater celebrating American history, and running from July 22-27. Donkeys have symbolized the Democratic Party since Andrew Jackson's enemies called him a jackass in 1828. Look for 57 fiberglass donkeys on the streets of Philadelphia through the end of July. ___ PRESIDENTIAL FOOTSTEPS Independence Hall is an essential stop for history buffs, but you can only go inside on a National Park Service tour; free tickets are distributed each morning at the visitor center, or reserve online for $1.50. But even outside the building, you'll be standing in impressive footsteps. Plaques show where Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy delivered speeches. Other visitors have included Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Gerald Ford. Elsewhere, Philadelphia has hosted numerous presidents. Every president from Theodore Roosevelt through Ronald Reagan stayed at the Bellevue Hotel, now a Hyatt, at 200 S. Broad St. The National Constitution Center's famous visitors have included Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush. And Donald Trump graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. ___ HIDDEN STORIES You don't have to walk far from Independence Hall to find fascinating but less familiar stories. An open-air site called the President's House on Market Street, marked by brick walls and white columns, reveals the foundation of the official presidential residence where Washington and his successor, John Adams, lived. Washington's household included nine slaves, two of whom ran away. One escapee, Oney Judge, fled with the help of Philadelphia's free black community and lived out her life in New Hampshire. At Christ Church Burial Ground on Fifth Street, Franklin's grave is strewn with pennies in homage to his famous saying, "A penny saved is a penny earned." Christ Church also offers a "Founding Mothers" tour, celebrating colonial heroines buried there, July 22-30, every half-hour, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $7, and Fridays in July, 5:30 p.m., $10. One of those "Founding Mothers" is Elizabeth Powel, who hosted salons, dinners, and other social gatherings for colonial-era movers and shakers in her home at 244 S. Third St., now a historic site called the Powel House . Powel's husband was Philadelphia's mayor; they were the power couple of their day, and she helped persuade Washington to serve a second term. Artifacts include a letter describing a night of dancing at a 20th wedding anniversary party for George and Martha Washington in 1779, and framed paper silhouettes that guests made of each other including one of Washington. At the Betsy Ross House , 239 Arch St., a costumed re-enactor tells her story: Ross, an upholsterer by trade, was persuaded by Washington and others to sew an American flag. But she had to work in secret because British colonial officials would have considered that treason. A block away from the Ross House, another story unfolds: A modern-day seamstress named Betsy Cook channels the spirit of her famous namesake at the 323 Arch Street Fashion Collective, selling handmade clothing like a T-shirt that says "Hilladelphia 2016." Introducing herself to visitors, Cook says simply: "I sew. My name is Betsy." Anderson logo SHARE By Joe Szydlowski of the Redding Record Searchlight Anderson's City Council signed off on an agreement Tuesday to allow the fourth and final phase of construction of a subdivision. The Homewood subdivision, which sits between Interstate 5, Highway 273, Alexander Avenue and Nathan Drive, near B&B RV, would be complete with the construction of the approximately 25 homes in phase four, according to documents by the developer, Tormey LLC. As part of that project, City Engineer David Durette said, the developer is responsible for construction of the proposed Humbug Park amenities, such as a drinking fountain, and basic public works such as the curbs and gutters of the streets. The homes would join around 100 already built on the property. Those current homes are mostly filled, Durette told the council and have "kept bringing in people to Anderson," he said. "It's a good problem to have," Councilwoman Melissa Hunt said. Anderson police dogs also got a whopping treat at the meeting: Members of the community raised $4,400 for the K-9 unit, which depends on donations for the dogs' bills and to purchase new animals. Two girls, Brianna Browning and Abby Fore, both 11, raised $1,400 in about a week of selling beaded bracelets and key chains for $2 and $1 respectively. They presented the money to Police Chief Michael Johnson as Brianna's father, Baron Browning, snapped a photo. Then, Churn Creek Cellars owners Denise and Layne McLean were honored for $3,000 raised at a party debuting a special wine, "Undefeated," that pays homage to police dog Aero. Aero's story of a near fatal illness and his recovery have moved Shasta County, whose residents raised more than $10,000 to pay for his tests, medicine and other needs. But those expenses also drained the K-9 fund, prompting people to want to refill it. Brianna and Abby said they also wanted to show support for police in light of the attacks in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Dallas which left a total of eight officers dead and more injured. Bob Keefer/contributed photo Bob Keefer of Creswell, Ore., said this California black bear stole food and drove him and his wife from their campsite while they were backpacking at Lassen Volcanic National Park. SHARE By Damon Arthur of the Redding Record Searchlight Bob Keefer and his wife came to the North State to enjoy some backpacking, but after several days of hiking earlier this month he was in a tight spot his eyes locked on a large California black bear. The animal had stolen the couple's food, and it didn't appear to be afraid of them. Instead, the bear seemed rather confident, and the 65-year-old said he was so worried about the bear coming at him he had trouble taking his eyes off it. The bear had been hanging around their camp, stealing their food and the Keefers had had enough of it. So they decided to pack up and move on. But the bear watched from a distance while they broke camp. Keefer tried to keep his eyes on three things at once. He kept glancing at his nearby can of bear spray while packing up his gear and kept an eye on the bear. "I'll be honest, standing there with the bear looking at us and we're packing up our stuff, the hair was standing up on the back of my neck," Keefer said. "He could have closed that distance pretty quickly if he wanted to." The encounter was not what Keefer and his wife, Lisa Strycker, of Creswell, Oregon, had expected when they arrived July 3 at Snag Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The couple had planned on 10 days of exploring the park's back country. But by day four, they had encountered the large, light-colored bear. After a day hike they arrived back at camp to discover one of their two stuff sacks of food gone. Keefer said he had hung it off a branch high enough in a tree to keep it safe from bears. He surmised that the bear climbed the tree, cut the sack cord and hauled off the goodies. He was surprised the bear got to the bag. "Holy s---!" he remembers thinking. "If that bear can get that he can get almost anything." Keefer said he has seen damage from bears. He and his wife live in an area where they are not uncommon and have had run-ins with them before. But this bear was different, even fastidious, he said. They found their stuff sack about 70 yards away from the campsite. The bear appeared to sample their supplies, carefully removing the lids and completely licking clean some containers while other packages were opened but uneaten. The bear encounter had made it hard to sleep at night, Keefer said. He woke at the slightest noise outside their tent, listening intently to see if it was the bear. Rather than stick around, Keefer and his wife decided to move out of the bear's "orbit," so they headed for the Twin Lakes area. They ended up near Upper Twin Lake, and after choosing a campsite, they took a hike to Rainbow Lake. On the way they met another couple who told them about their own bear encounter. The two were eating lunch when a bear approached and got within about 12 feet when it sat down to watch them eat. They tried to make the bear go away by yelling and banging their hiking poles, but it didn't budge, Keefer said. They left, but the bear followed them. When Keefer and Strycker met the couple on the trail, there was the bear some distance behind them. When all four headed back up trail, the bear followed. "It wasn't a chase. The bear was just moving," Keefer said. Karen Haner, a spokeswoman for the park, said she had heard reports of at least one bear in the Twin Lakes area. She said Keefer's story was concerning, adding that park rangers would need to deal with the bear before he becomes aggressive toward people. "Yeah, we need to get out there and deal with him," Haner said. "This one sounds like he needs to be dealt with." When bears get food from campers and backpackers, they are encouraged to do it again, she said. During Keefer and Strycker's hiking trip, the bear apparently had encounters with several backpackers. He said they also came across a mother and father and their two young daughters. Days later they found some of the family's gear abandoned along the trail, including the father's distinctive gray Australian-type hat and some of the other gear he remembers the daughters were packing. It didn't look like the family had been attacked, but somehow the animal got a hold of their gear, he said. "I don't think he was being aggressive, but it makes me think he could become aggressive," Keefer said. "We are experienced hikers 30-plus years backpacking together and have encountered plenty of black bears on trails around the West, but none as unsettling as this one. Besides apparently holding an advanced degree in stealing well-hung food, it shows absolutely no fear of humans," Keefer said. Haner said there have not been reports of any bears being aggressive or attacking anyone in the park. Park visitors are encouraged to keep campsites clean and use bear canisters to store food, Haner said. If a bear becomes aggressive it has to be relocated or killed, she said. The park website includes an advisory to visitors that at least one bear has obtained food from hikers in the Twin Lakes, Juniper Lake and Butte Lake areas. Hanging food has been ineffective and canisters can be rented at the Loomis Museum and Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, Haner said. SHARE A nurse practitioner is facing charges after she allegedly wrote illegal prescriptions, the Shasta County District Attorney's Office said Wednesday. Naomi LeGate, a Mount Shasta woman who also goes by Katy LeGate, faces one misdemeanor and nine felony counts related to prescription fraud, identity theft and forgery, said Anand 'Lucky' Jesrani, senior deputy district attorney. He alleges LeGate, while working at a medical office in Redding, wrote prescriptions last year between June 17 and Sept. 29. However, she has beenon felony probation out of Santa Cruz County for identity theft and prescription forgery since October 2014. The terms of her probation barred her from possessing prescription pads and prescribing medicine, Jesrani said. All of the prescriptions also would have required authorization from her doctor, though some did not, Jesrani said. He said the district attorney's office worked with the California Department of Consumer Affairs to investigate the case. Shasta County Superior Court electronic records do not list the case yet, which Jesrani said was filed today. Jenny Espino/Record Searchlight Councilwoman Kristen Schreder talks to a crowd at Tuesday's City Council meeting about work that's happened behind the scenes to create a plan addressing homelessness. SHARE By Jenny Espino of the Redding Record Searchlight Two Redding city leaders say they have not closed the door on potentially funding a plan presented to them on Tuesday to address homelessness. Vice Mayor Brent Weaver and Councilwoman Francie Sullivan said they have every expectation to revisit the proposal that converts the Redding/Shasta County Continuum of Care into a full-time outfit coordinated by a nonprofit. And supporters of the plan, calling for the use of a uniform method to collect and analyze data and a single entry-point system for homeless clients to access services, say the stakes are too high for elected officials to not take up. Still, some of Sullivan and Weaver's conditions may be too difficult to meet by Councilwoman Kristen Schreder and the rest of a 15-member committee that helped draw up the plan. They argue that the county should be the first to weigh in on the issue. Additionally, Sullivan wants to see a list of the nonprofits that are interested in the job and suggested a group could come forward asking for a new half-cent sales tax to address the social issue. Weaver's request is more simple. He wants a nonprofit picked before he'll consider the plan. "I stand by my position of who's going to run it. Because we all know, not all nonprofits are equal," Weaver said. Asking to sign on a nonprofit when no one knows whether there will be any money on the other end can be a tough proposition, Schreder countered. But Weaver said it would not be out of the norm to retain a nonprofit with the condition that the funding is pending. The plan's budget in the first year is $209,000 and about $190,000 in the second year. The city and county are each being asked for $130,000 for the two years or $65,000 each, per year. Weaver and Sullivan were in the majority with Councilman Gary Cadd to hold off on a vote on the plan at the council meeting Tuesday night, while Mayor Missy McArthur and Schreder favored moving on it. McArthur has concerns the plan may be more difficult sell to the Board of Supervisors than the council, but was hopeful. "It's like trying to ignore the elephant in the room," she said. "If your house is not in order, you can't get the funding" from the state and federal government. Weaver's condition related to the nonprofit is a departure from his vote last December to set money aside for a sobering center. The council at that time agreed to commit up to $375,000 as seed money for a nonprofit to take the job. That money is available this year as a result of the city's sale of downtown property to the Redding Area Bus Authority. A nonprofit has yet to come forward. This is different for Weaver. "The sobering center is not the lightning rod that the continuum of care has been," he said. "I have not enjoyed the divisiveness that the conversation has created. That is one thing I will be looking for, that there is a diverse following and not just (for) the loudest or the most passionate." Even if the county were to make a financial commitment, Sullivan was the more hesitant of the two to approve city funds. She talked about homelessness being a complex issue that requires a solution far greater than city government and how the city already has pulled $3 million in cash reserves to retain nine firefighters, hire four police officers and fund other services. Although the decision was a tough one because, "who doesn't want things to get better?," she is careful not to be all things to all people, she said. "People need to tell me two things: We are going to work on another half-cent sales tax and what are we going to cut?" Sullivan said. Residents and community groups have come too far, donating more than $115,000 for a plan, Schreder said. "If our committee worked on this over the past 12 months, it's not OK to say, 'It's not going to work,'" she said. Nonetheless, there is some disappointment. She talked about how she showed unity and voted with her colleagues to put the half-cent sales tax on the ballot even as she had reservations it did not address homelessness and the youth in a more meaningful way. She accepted the council's rejection of a challenge by Utah housing expert Lloyd Pendleton to house five people. "I got the message that we had to do something different, and that's what this was," Schreder said. Among members on the committee are Jonathan Anderson of the Good News Rescue Mission, Jake Mangas of the Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce, officer Mike Thomas, Deputy City Manager Greg Clark, Housing and Community Action Programs Director Richard Kuhns and other city and county officials and representatives for clinics and nonprofits. The continuum of care covers Shasta County and six other North State counties Del Norte, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Sierra and Siskiyou. Cadd, who did not immediately return a call for comment on Wednesday, at Tuesday's meeting pressed Schreder over how much each county would be committing. Schreder said the committee is tentatively looking to raise $10,000 from outside government agencies. Her presentation to the county is scheduled for Tuesday. She also plans to address the city councils for Anderson and Shasta Lake. Also, the committee plans to raise $10,000 in private donations, and the McConnell Foundation has expressed interest in making a donation. SHARE One arrested in river trail attack Redding police said they arrested one underage suspect and identified another youth in the Tuesday afternoon assault of a bicyclist on the Sacramento River Trail. One minor was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy and attempted robbery, police Cpl. Chris Jacoby said. Police took the youth to the Shasta County Juvenile Hall. Officers have identified and are looking for the second youth, who will face similar charges, Jacoby said. Those minors are suspected of trying to rob Daniel Bradley, 47, of Redding, as he rode his bike home from work around 4:30 p.m. on the river trail north of Highway 44, police said. One of the boys knocked Bradley to the ground with a stick or shovel and then both reportedly began beating him, police said. The fight ended when Jeremiah Banister, 43, of Redding, intervened, police said. The pair ran away. Bradley's injuries were not life-threatening. Suspect arrested in tow-yard burglary Redding police arrested a man Wednesday afternoon, who they said broke into several vehicles at Lake City Towing storage yard on Mountain Lakes Boulevard. They're asking the public's assistance in locating the second suspect. On Monday, an officer responded to a burglary call at Lake City Towing where employees reported that a hole was cut through the fence. Upon investigation, officers found that two locked vehicles showed signs of forced entry, seven vehicles had been ransacked and several car stereos were stolen. Officer Wes Townsley saw the surveillance footage and determined two suspects were involved. The officer called on Redding police investigators after noting one of the suspects had a "suspicious bulge" in his sock, which turned out to be an ankle monitor. Investigators learned Marcus Antonio Valdez, 19, of Redding, was at the tow yard for an hour when the burglary occurred Sunday evening. Townsley accompanied investigators to arrest Valdez at his residence. He eventually came to the door after trying to hide behind a couch in the living room. Valdez was arrested and brought to investigators. The stolen car stereos were not at the residence. Valdez said he was under the influence of methamphetamine and was "having trouble remembering all of the events of the night of the burglary," police said. Valdez was booked into Shasta County Jail on suspicion of burglary and resisting arrest. The subject with him has not yet been identified. Anybody with information about the identity of the second suspect is asked to call Redding Police Department at 530-225-4214. DNA in glove used in arrest A burglar would have gotten away from police if it wasn't for a single glove left at the scene of a crime. Police arrested a local homeless man, Johnnie Ray Davis, 45, whose DNA matched that of a botched robbery from a downtown Redding home in April, said police. Walter Proebstal, 91, found a man in a hooded sweater in his home April 22. The glass from his back door was broken and Proebstal found coins and collectible knives from his bedroom on the floor, said police. The man shoved Proebstal as he ran away from the home, but left behind a glove, said Sgt. Shawn McGinnis. Police sent the glove to the California Department of Justice laboratory which was able to match it to Davis, who is a known felon. Davis also fit the description of the burglar in Proebstal's home, said McGinnis. Elder abuse investigator Chris Mills questioned and arrested Davis on Wednesday morning. Davis was booked on suspicion of residential robbery, burglary and elder abuse at the Shasta County Jail. No bail has been set. Arrest made in prescription fraud A nurse practitioner is facing charges after she allegedly wrote illegal prescriptions, the Shasta County District Attorney's Office said Wednesday. Naomi LeGate, a Mount Shasta woman who also goes by Katy LeGate, faces one misdemeanor and nine felony counts related to prescription fraud, identity theft and forgery, said Anand "Lucky" Jesrani, senior deputy district attorney. He alleges LeGate, while working at a medical office in Redding, wrote prescriptions last year between June 17 and Sept. 29. However, the office said she has been on felony probation out of Santa Cruz County for identity theft and prescription forgery since October 2014. The terms of her probation barred her from possessing prescription pads and prescribing medicine, Jesrani said. All of the prescriptions also would have required authorization from her doctor, though some did not, Jesrani said. He said the district attorney's office worked with the California Department of Consumer Affairs to investigate the case. Shasta County Superior Court electronic records do not yet list the case, which Jesrani said was filed Wednesday. Drug arrest made in sale to officers Anderson police officers Wednesday morning arrested a 29-year-old Bella Vista woman who arranged to sell them methamphetamine, according to the department. Police just before 5 a.m. met with Brittni Sue Brundage after she began messaging officers to arrange the sale. Brundage didn't know she was messaging police while arranging the sale, officers said. Brundage arrived to the Wednesday morning rendezvous to find several officers waiting for her. She tried to destroy the meth by stomping it into the carpet of her vehicle, but police stopped her and recovered about 10 grams of the drug, officers said. Police arrested Brundage on suspicion of drug possession for sale. She was on supervised release from the Shasta County Jail where officers booked her following the morning arrest. The Anderson Police Department will also request prosecutors file additional felony charges against Brundage, officers said. Dutch Bros' will 'Back the Blue' Dutch Bros. in Anderson will host a "We Back the Blue" event and serve free coffee to all law enforcement officers in Shasta County for 24 hours starting at 5 a.m. Friday. The public can come out at 9 a.m. Friday and meet law enforcement officials such as Redding Police Chief Rob Paoletti, Sheriff Tom Bosenko and Shasta County Chief Probation Officer Tracie Neal at the coffee kiosk at 5025 Rhonda Road, near Walmart. Back the Blue organizers will hand out decals and take T-shirt orders from 9 a.m. to noon. Anderson Mayor Susie Baugh and Shasta County Supervisor Les Baugh are sponsoring the event. Greg Barnette/Record Searchlight A National Guard team drops off a load of marijuana plants Thursday during the eradication of 12,300 plants in Whiskeytown. SHARE Greg Barnette/Record Searchlight The National Forest Service found and eradicated thousands of marijuana plants in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area on Thursday. Greg Barnette/Record Searchlight The National Forest Service found and eradicated thousands of marijuana plants in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area on Thursday. By Damon Arthur of the Redding Record Searchlight State and federal officials this week hauled out 12,300 marijuana plants from two illegal pot grows near Whiskeytown Lake. Authorities arrested five people in connection with two grows, said Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Superintendent Jim Milestone. The names of those arrested and the charges against them were not available Thursday, said Whiskeytown Chief Ranger Chris Mengel. On Thursday afternoon a Blackhawk helicopter ferried in six cargo-net loads of garbage and freshly pulled marijuana plants that had been growing in the hills north of the lake in the Whiskey Creek drainage. There were some 4,600 plants taken from the Whiskey Creek area on Thursday. On Wednesday, law enforcement hauled 7,700 plants out of an illegal grow in the Crystal Creek drainage, Mengel said. Law enforcement officials found out about the grows about a month ago, Mengel said. It took officers about a month to locate them and conduct an investigation before they moved in and arrested the suspects this week, he said. The grows were in remote locations difficult to find. Officers could not drive to the grows because they were so hidden, Mengel said. They work hard to conceal it, Mengel said. The marijuana plantations usually cover an area of 5 to 10 acres, he said. In both instances, growers used bags of fertilizer to dam creeks and then set up irrigation systems fed by the streams to water the plants, he said. In addition to the marijuana, officials from the National Park Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and California Department of Fish and Wildlife hauled out about 4,200 pounds of garbage from the pot grows, Mengel said. The Crystal Creek and Whiskeytown Creek plantations were large, but Mengel said there have been larger plantations in the Whiskeytown area. About 15 years ago they found a grow with about 44,000 plants, Mengel said. State and federal officials this week hauled out 12,300 marijuana plants from two different illegal pot grows near Whiskeytown Lake. Five people were arrested in connection with two illegal marijuana grows near the lake, said Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Superintendent Jim Milestone. The names of those arrested and the charges against them were not available Thursday, said Whiskeytown Chief Ranger Chris Mengel. On Thursday afternoon a Blackhawk helicopter ferried in six cargo net loads of garbage and freshly pulled marijuana plants that had been growing in the hills north of the lake in the Whiskey Creek drainage. There were some 4,600 plants taken from the Whiskey Creek area on Thursday. On Wednesday, law enforcement hauled 7,700 plants out of an illegal grow in the Crystal Creek drainage, Mengel said. Law enforcement officials found out about the grows about a month ago, Mengel said. It took officers about a month to locate them and conduct an investigation before they moved in and arrested the suspects this week, he said. Bot grows were in remote locations that were difficult to find. Officers could not drive to the grows because they were so hidden, Mengel said. They work hard to conceal it, Mengel said. The marijuana plantations usually cover an area of 5 to 10 acres, he said. In both instances, growers used bags of fertilizer to dam up creeks and then set up irrigation systems fed by the streams to water the plants, he said. In addition to the marijuana, officials from the National Park Service, U. S. Bureau of Reclamation and California Department of Fish and Wildlife hauled out about 4,200 pounds of garbage from the pot grows, Mengel said. The Crystal Creek and Whiskeytown Creek plantations were large, but Mengel said there have been larger plantations in the Whiskeytown area. About 15 years ago they had a plantation with about 44,000 plants, Mengel said. Bartholomew Sullivan/Record Searchlight Omarosa Manigault, the Trump campaign's director of outreach to African-Americans, speaks to the California delegation Wednesday morning. SHARE Bartholomew Sullivan/Record Searchlight Author Ann Coulter addresses the California delegation to the Republican National Convention on Wednesday in Ohio. By Bartholomew Sullivan USA TODAY SANDUSKY, Ohio The norovirus outbreak appears to be contained, the executive director of the California Republican Party told delegates at Wednesday mornings breakfast at the resort 60 miles from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. The quarantines have worked. I think weve turned the corner, said Cynthia Bryant, adding she has been astonished at the attention it has received. Theyre treating this like its Ebola. For the first time since they got here, delegates were treated to featured speakers Wednesday: Omarosa Manigault, the Trump campaign's director of outreach to African-Americans, and conservative firebrand Ann Coulter, who pitched a soon-to-be-released book shes written, "In Trump We Trust - E Pluribus Awesome." Michael Osborn, chairman of the Ventura County Republican Party, led the groups Pledge of Allegiance Wednesday morning and Chico delegate Josh Cook introduced Manigault, a Baptist military chaplain and friend. Manigault told the crowd she grew up in Youngstowns housing projects but aimed for more than a job at the steel mills. She told about her three appearances on Donald Trumps reality television shows and how he asked her back after successive high-profile firings because, he said, We make good TV together. You know, the question I get four or five times a day? Im asked is it his hair? So I want to clear this up: its his hair. Its all real, she said. Its very difficult to hear people calling him terrible names racist, a divider, she said. I believe in the vision he has for this country. Coulter was late and by the time she arrived most of the delegates - who had returned to Sandusky about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday after a party at a downtown Cleveland nightclub - had assembled. Coulter delivered a series of zingers, opening with Trumps slogan Make America Great Again, and contrasting it with Hillarys slogan: Make America California, without the nice beaches. She faulted the GOP establishment for not finding a candidate who would take the same stands on immigration and trade that proved Trump popular in the primaries and for Senate Republican establishment maneuvers she called a betrayal on immigration policy. She said Trump read her book, Adios America, and thats where he got all that stuff about Mexican rapists. She said that 50 years ago, Bradley Manning, who released diplomatic cables and other sensitive documents, would have been tried for treason and executed within a week. Now, were paying for his transgender operations. She said conservatives can now get only part of their message out because Fox News doesnt agree with Trump on immigration. She called Common Core education standards Chinese-style brainwashing. She said a Clinton presidency would produce a Supreme Court made up of nine Ruth Bader Ginsburgs, and that the courts Heller decision, establishing the right of individuals to possess firearms, would be overturned. She said Trump will win because hes tapped into a white working class that hasnt voted in 30 years because they cannot wait to vote for Donald Trump. The crowd cheered and clapped with apparent zeal with each point. On Thursday, the final day of the four-day convention, California delegates are to hear from Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Rep. Darrell Issa at their morning breakfast. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump flashes a thumbs up as he arrives for son Eric Trump's speech during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) SHARE By Bartholomew Sullivan, USA TODAY CLEVELAND After a few political conventions, those in the know can anticipate the major applause lines in a podium speech because the teleprompter is scrolling just ahead of the spoken words on the wall across the floor. Political talk radio commentator and lawyer Laura Ingrahams biggest applause line could be seen coming when she began addressing all my friends up there in the press, pointing into the media seats. She said Trump won because he dared to call out the phonies, the frauds and the corruption that has gone unexposed and uncovered for too long. Do your job. Deanne Tate-Johnson, 67, who runs the Veterans First charity for homeless veterans in Orange County, pronounced her remarks fabulous. She tells it like it is, she said. I was in politics but I left it 22 years ago. The last good president was Ronald Reagan. She was looking forward to hearing from Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who she knows as the man who took on the unions. Wednesday night was Indiana Gov. Mike Pences night in the limelight, but Tate-Johnson confessed not to know much more about him than that he was vetted by Dr. Ben Carson, and I trust him. * * * Nachhattar Singh Chandi of La Quinta had a front-row seat in the California delegation Wednesday night after spending the afternoon touring Clevelands historic sites. I have a very high expectation for Pence, Chandi said. But even before he spoke, Chandi said the convention had delivered a message to the American public about the economy, keeping the country safe and lowering the countrys national debt. This is why I believe he will: Hes a numbers man, he said. * * * California not only has some of the best real estate on the convention floor for access to podium speakers, it also has something of a dance floor in front of the band stand, and the dancers are a magnet for television and still cameras. The country saw mainly California dancers shaking Make America First Again placards when the RNC house band went through its opening set Wednesday night: the country song I Love This Life, with its celebration of my small-town world; Bruce Springsteens Born in the USA and Back in My Drinkin Days. * * * The crowd showed its intense loyalty to the partys standard bearer when Florida Gov. Rick Scott appeared to suggest the candidate might have faults, that hes a little rough. That drew boos and a Who cares? from someone in the California delegation. Scott regained the crowd only after suggesting that a vote for Trump is a vote for the survival of this country, and he left the stage to applause. * * * Delegate Shirley Husar of Pasadena, flanked by her three sons, announced all 172 votes for Trump during the roll call Tuesday. On the floor Wednesday night, she said it was a great honor to offer the country the prospect of a new regime with Donald Trump, whom she called a true American. Among the issues she said he will address: getting the mentally ill off the streets. * * * Some attending the convention can get stuck circulating between the Quicken Loans Arena and delegation hotels, but theres a colorful festival of First Amendment protest, revelry, speechmaking and controlled mayhem just blocks away at Clevelands Public Square. The open air experiment in exercising civil liberties is ringed by police officers on horseback and on foot but also people in lime green shirts that read Legal Observer on their backs. A small group marched Wednesday under nearly cloudless skies behind a banner Revolution Nothing Less and chanted 1, 2, 3, 4, slavery, genocide and war, 5, 6, 7, 8, America was never great. No one seemed to be listening. The square is also a place of commerce where political messages are for sale. David Diamond, 36, a stadium vendor and T-shirt designer from Bedford, Ohio, was selling his I AM NOT A THREAT shirt for $20. Nearby, performance artist Marli Halasi of New York City wore purple gossamer butterfly wings and a sign: Let Democracy Fly Dump Trump. She operates a consulting business operating as RevolutionIsSexy.com, she said. Its overarching message: If you respect other people, you should run for office. Return power to ordinary citizens. SHARE Editor's note: Mary Sanchez has the week off. Clarence Page is filling in this week. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina was still learning the ways of Washington, he says, when he saw a police officer following his car near Capitol Hill. "I took a left...," he recalled in a speech Wednesday on the Senate floor, "and as soon as I took a left, a police officer pulled in right behind me." That was his first left turn. His second came at a traffic signal. The patrol car was still following him. Scott took a third left onto the street that led to his apartment complex. It was his fourth left, turning into his apartment complex, that brought the blue lights on. "The officer approached the car," Scott recalled, "and said that I did not use my turn signal on the fourth turn. Keep in mind, as you might imagine, I was paying very close attention to the law enforcement officer who followed me on four turns. Do you really think that somehow I forget to use my turn signal on that fourth turn? Well, according to him, I did." Oh, did I mention that Tim Scott is African-American? He's the only black Republican in the Senate and the first to be elected from the South since 1881. He did not get there by being a liberal or a Black Lives Matter radical. He's a "pro-life," anti-Obamacare and NRA-endorsed conservative. He is also, whatever else you may think of his politics which are more conservative than mine a very likeable and thoughtful businessman from North Charleston whose family, as he likes to say with patriotic pride, "went from cotton to Congress in one lifetime." Yet, issues such as police conduct and public safety have become personal for Scott. It was in his hometown, North Charleston, S.C., last year that a cellphone video showed Walter Scott (no relation), an unarmed 50-year-old black man, shot to death by a police officer from whom he was running away. Two months later a gunman fatally shot nine people, including friends of Scott, at Charleston's historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Scott calls for a halt to abuses by police, but he also wants fairness for police and improved law enforcement. One tragedy illustrated the dangers of bad policing. The other illustrated why we need good police. So when Scott stood on the Senate floor to declare and decry a "trust gap" between law enforcement officers and black communities, he was worth hearing. "Please remember that, in the course of one year, I've been stopped seven times by law enforcement officers," Scott declared in the widely covered and retweeted speech. "Not four, not five, not six but seven times in one year as an elected official. "Was I speeding sometimes? Sure. But the vast majority of the time, I was pulled over for nothing more than driving a new car in the wrong neighborhood or some other reason just as trivial. "I do not know many African-American men who do not have a very similar story to tell," said Scott, "no matter the profession, no matter their income, no matter their disposition in life." A young former staffer of Scott's grew so frustrated over being stopped by District of Columbia police, the senator said, that he replaced the car with "a more obscure form of transportation. He was tired of being targeted." "There is absolutely nothing more frustrating, more damaging to your soul," said Scott, "than when you know you're following the rules and being treated like you are not." On that note, Scott asked for nothing in his speech, except empathy, a sincere effort to understand what others are going through -- which in itself is asking a lot from some people. "Today," he said, "I simply ask you this: Recognize that just because you do not feel the pain, the anguish of another, does not mean that it does not exist. To ignore their struggles, our struggles, does not make them disappear. It simply leaves you blind and the American family very vulnerable." Well said. Folks who respond to complaints of racial discrimination by police by bringing up black-on-black crime need to hear what Tim Scott is trying to tell them. Fighting crime without fighting police misconduct leads to more crime. We need to get rid of both. E-mail Clarence Page at cpage@tribune.com. SHARE "Every societal failure, we put it on the cops to solve. "Not enough mental health funding, let the cop handle it. Not enough drug addiction funding, let's give it to the cops. Here in Dallas we have a loose dog problem. Let's have the cops chase loose dogs. Schools fail, give it to the cops. Seventy percent of the African-American community is being raised by single women, let's give it to the cops to solve as well. That's too much to ask. Policing was never meant to solve all those problems. I just ask other parts of our democracy along with the free press to help us." That was Dallas Police Chief David Brown a week and a half ago, speaking from a broken heart through a haze of exhaustion. The words rang true, reverberating around a country dealing with its own grief and anger and wondering how to move forward. He spoke truth. It's particularly poignant, then, to see a three-member majority of the Redding City Council Tuesday double down on what is increasingly recognized as a failed and dangerous strategy. This council can agree to ask all of us to contribute $11 million more a year to a tax that will predominately fund more officers and build jail cells, but could not muster the will to take a relatively cautious step forward to address homelessness at its roots. We'll just keep giving it to the cops. Kristen Schreder had asked her colleagues to commit $65,000 a year for two years to transform an anemic planning agency, the area's continuum of care, into a full-fledged nonprofit that would follow a proven model of marshaling efforts to fight homelessness. We know that one of our community's biggest problems is that everyone's doing their own thing, and there is too little coordination. Schreder took no ordinary politician's path to Tuesday evening's meeting. She formed her own independent group, raised $115,000 and hired a leading consultant that specializes in tackling homelessness to produce a detailed analysis and plan. She served it up on the proverbial silver platter. That was enough to win her ... some compliments. We're pretty sure Schreder didn't do all that work just to have council members Brent Weaver and Francie Sullivan tell her what a great person she is. Under the circumstances, their praise ("I can't thank you enough," Sullivan said) seemed almost condescending. Thanking people isn't going to solve this problem. Councilman Gary Cadd provided the third vote to block any further consideration of the plan. His is the easiest to understand, because Cadd has at least been consistent in his skepticism about homeless services and his austere interpretation of fiscal responsibility. Weaver's objection was more puzzling. He is unwilling to have the city lead on the issue saying he wanted to know the county will participate before making a commitment. He also noted the nonprofit hasn't been identified. But surely Weaver knows that a commitment by the city would have hastened those answers, and that he was simply helping create a chicken and egg problem. What are the chances other agencies will sign up now that the city where the problems of homelessness are concentrated has basically shrugged it off? We have to build walls at Library Park in our downtown, and in front of our beautiful library. Many families of even modest means avoid South City Park entirely, despite efforts to clean it up. Fires started by people who live in our incredible green spaces threaten to burn down whole neighborhoods. Bands of folks roam the streets pushing bicycles or carts with their worldly possessions. But at City Hall, this is someone else's problem. The private sector. The mission. Unless it can be solved with a fence or a cop or a sit-lie ordinance, there's little interest in participating in the solution. Guess what? None of those has worked. They'll argue that's hyperbole, and that the paper is just harping on them again. But the string of decisions is its own evidence, and residents who are tired of these problems not being properly addressed can judge for themselves. Mayor Missy McArthur, who's retiring this year, supported Schreder. "Let's fix this," she pleaded, noting that people are fed up. "If we don't, there is going to be heck to pay." NORTH MIAMI, Fla. A black therapist who was trying to calm an autistic man in the middle of the street says he was shot by police even though he had his hands in the air and repeatedly told them that no one was armed. The moments before the shooting were recorded on cellphone video and show Charles Kinsey lying on the ground with his arms raised, talking to his patient and police throughout the standoff with officers, who appeared to have them surrounded. Advertisement "As long as I've got my hands up, they're not going to shoot me. This is what I'm thinking. They're not going to shoot me," he told WSVN-TV from his hospital bed, where he was recovering from a gunshot wound to his leg. "Wow, was I wrong." The shooting comes amid weeks of violence involving police. Five officers were killed in Dallas two weeks ago and three law enforcement officers were gunned down Sunday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Before those shootings, a black man, Alton Sterling, 37, was fatally shot during a scuffle with two white officers at a convenience store. In Minnesota, 32-year-old Philando Castile, who was also black, was shot to death during a traffic stop. Cellphone videos captured Sterling's killing and aftermath of Castile's shooting, prompting nationwide protests over the treatment of blacks by police. Advertisement At a news conference Thursday, North Miami Police Chief Gary Eugene said the investigation had been turned over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the local state attorney. He called it a "very sensitive matter" and promised a transparent investigation, but he refused to identify the officer or answer reporters' questions. Eugene, a Haitian-American with 30 years of South Florida police experience, just became chief last week. "I realize there are many questions about what happened on Monday night. You have questions, the community has questions, we as a city, we as a member of this police department and I also have questions," he said. "I assure you we will get all the answers." The chief said officers responded after getting a 911 call about a man with a gun threatening to kill himself, and the officers arrived "with that threat in mind" but no gun was recovered. The video does not show the moment of the shooting. Kinsey's attorney, Hilton Napoleon II, said there was about a two-minute gap in which the person who shot the video had switched off, thinking nothing more noteworthy would happen. It then briefly shows the aftermath of the shooting. He would not say who gave him the video. Kinsey, 47, said he was trying to coax his 27-year-old patient back to a nearby facility that he had wandered from. Police ordered Kinsey and the patient, who was sitting in the street playing with a toy truck, to lie on the ground. "Lay down on your stomach," Kinsey says to his patient in the video, which was shot from about 30 feet away and provided to the Miami Herald. "Shut up!" responds the patient, who is sitting cross-legged in the road. Kinsey said he was more worried about his patient than himself. "I'm telling them again, 'Sir, there is no need for firearms. I'm unarmed, he's an autistic guy. He got a toy truck in his hand," Kinsey said. Advertisement An officer later fired three times, striking Kinsey in the leg, assistant police chief Neal Cuevas told the newspaper. After the shooting, Kinsey said he asked an officer why he was shot and the officer said "'I don't know.'" Napoleon said officers handcuffed Kinsey and left him lying in the street on his stomach for 20 minutes without rendering first aid. During a Thursday news conference, John Rivera, who runs Miami-Dade County's police union, said the officer believed Kinsey's patient was armed, and the officer was trying to shoot the patient in an attempt to save Kinsey's life. North Miami has a population of about 62,000 people, nearly 60 percent African-American. The shooting took place in a racially mixed, lower-income area of the city. Witnesses told The Associated Press on Thursday that at least four North Miami officers aimed rifles at Kinsey and the autistic man. Two can be seen in the video, peering from behind utility poles about 75 feet away. The other two, witnesses said, were on the opposite side of Kinsey, off camera, standing behind a car in an apartment parking lot, about 150 away. Thomas Matthews, 73, said he watched the lead up to the shooting through binoculars. He said he tried to tell an officer that the autistic man had a toy truck but she told him to get back. Advertisement "If she would have told the other officers, maybe they wouldn't have shot," said Matthews, an African-American. He ran a North Miami flower shop before retiring and has lived in the area for years. He said he has never had a problem with North Miami police. "But I guess with all the shootings that are going on, they are nervous and shook up," Matthews said. Nancy Abudu, the American Civil Liberties Union's legal director in Florida, said her group hasn't received any brutality complaints about the North Miami police or about any questionable shootings before this week's. Napoleon, Kinsey's attorney, said he is already talking to North Miami city officials about a monetary settlement for his client, who is married with five children. City officials did not return a phone call seeking confirmation. Attorney General Loretta Lynch told reporters the Justice Department is aware of the shooting and working with local law enforcement to gather all of the facts and to decide how to proceed. U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, who represents the area, said she was in shock. Advertisement "From what I saw, he was lying on the ground with his hands up. Freezing. But he was still shot," said Wilson, a Democrat. "This is not typical of North Miami," she said. "We're not accustomed to this tension. ... This cannot happen again." Associated Press A week and a half before Lollapalooza, Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago is preparing for an influx of intoxicated teenagers. (Marion Renault / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune) Gabbi Seo was in a neck brace and flopping around on a stretcher and she had no idea what she was doing there. As a nurse stroked her forehead and promised to take care of her, the teenager started to sob. Advertisement "Oh, my God," she slurred. "Please don't call my mom." Within minutes, a swarm of paramedics and nurses gave her a round of applause. Seo had only been acting, as part of a simulation Wednesday to prepare the emergency team at Lurie Children's Hospital for Lollapalooza, by far its busiest weekend of the year for alcohol-related visits. Advertisement The hospital, about 1 1/2 miles from Grant Park where the festival will kick off July 28, is already preparing for the annual influx of intoxicated teenagers. "We expect this year to be even more, because it's a four-day concert," said Dr. Karen Mangold. "We always bring in extra staff those days. It's a pretty huge jump in numbers." Last year, emergency rooms across the city treated 88 intoxicated teens during Lollapalooza down more than a quarter from 2014 but still nearly nine times the average Chicago weekend. In comparison, 23 people ages 13 to 18 were hospitalized or sent to emergency rooms for alcohol-related reasons during Halloween weekend last year, and nine during the Pitchfork music festival. Sydney Crombie, 21, has been going to Lollapalooza since she was a 17-year-old high school student from the Naperville area. This year will be her first time at the festival as a legal drinker but not the first time she has encountered alcohol there. "Obviously high-schoolers will want to drink underage, so it's a big weekend for them" said Crombie, who studies marketing at the University of Missouri. "They aren't under the supervision they usually would be under; it's out of control." Lollapalooza usually falls in the hottest part of the summer, and its lineup of more than 170 artists draws immense crowds. Food is expensive, Crombie said, and unless attendees remember to bring water bottles, it's easy to go all day without properly eating or hydrating. Crombie said it's not surprising that inexperienced festivalgoers could land in the emergency room. "It's just a bad combination of people drinking and the heat," she said, "and it's so crowded there you don't have the room to breathe." Advertisement Crombie also pointed to Lollapalooza's policy of allowing re-entry as an easy way for underage drinkers to leave, drink at a nearby spot and return. A data analysis recently completed by residents at the hospital suggests that at least since 2008 when they started tracking alcohol-related visits Lollapalooza is the worst weekend for Lurie's emergency staff. "It's a pretty big drain on resources," Mangold said. "There's a lot of vomit; there's a lot of emotion. Lolla is not a fun weekend for most emergency departments." On Wednesday, Mangold led an exercise in which teen actors pretended to be under the influence of alcohol and pills as staff practiced checking for spine injuries, assessing vital signs, calming down addled patients and figuring out how to contact their parents. Mangold said the simulation allows her team to think ahead of time about how they can be efficient with their care and order any materials they might need to provide fluids, check blood sugar and reduce vomiting. Every year, she said, a number of teenagers make it to the hospital before they even make it to a single concert. In the past, according to the hospital study, some of the underage patients recorded blood alcohol levels of up to 0.32. Advertisement Chief medical resident Nina Alfieri, who helped lead the analysis and who has worked Lollapalooza weekends in the past, said certain cases are more serious than children slurring their words or throwing up. "We see kids who are completely inebriated, who are unable to say who they are," Alfieri said, "We see kids who have taken pills they don't know the name of. We kind of just don't know what we're going to get." Ashley Dockter, 23, has traveled twice to Lollapalooza from Bismarck, N.D. Each time, she said, she's been somewhat shocked by the crowd's size, age and indiscreetness about illegal activity. "You always see people sitting in the shade, smoking or taking drugs or passed out," Dockter said. "Everyone is kind of that mindset they're like, 'it's Lollapalooza' ... people just get really messed up." Both times she's been to the music festival, starting when she was 21, Dockter said, she's seen teenagers roving from adult to adult asking for beer, trading wristbands with legal drinkers and rolling away in ambulances. "My parents would have definitely never let me go at that young age," she said. "There's not a lot of supervision. I think that's what it boils down to: They can basically do whatever they want, or that's what they think." Advertisement Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Dockter said she still thinks the festival does its best to search attendees and provide medical attention on site to those who need it. "But I've never found that there's been a lot of security at any festival I've been to," Dockter said. "They try, but people find a way to get around that." On its website, the festival says it staffs the site with medical responders and public and private security. Event organizers also employ young ambassadors in plainclothes to blend in with concertgoers and scope out underage drinkers. Mangold said she encourages parents whose children are going to Lollapalooza to make sure their children, if not directly supervised, have medical emergency information saved with their ticket or easily accessible on their phone. The hospital doesn't call police for underage drinking, she said, but does follow a strict policy of making guardians pick up their children even if they get the call from a different state. "These are teenagers. They may look and talk like adults, but they don't always have the best decision-making," she said. "That's the frustrating part: seeing how much danger these kids can get themselves into." Mrenault@chicagotribune.com Advertisement Twitter @MarionRenault Bank CFOs may meet next week to discuss minimum public shareholding and takeover rule issues. The Centres Rs 23,000 crore (Rs 230 billion) recapitalisation plan for public sector banks could run afoul of regulations of the capital market regulator such as minimum public shareholding (MPS) norms and creeping acquisition norms under the takeover code. As a result, the banks might either need to knock the doors of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for special exemptions individually or structure their share issues in such a way that the promoter holding does not go up substantially. The second option would require active participation from public shareholders, which looks difficult in the current scenario. A meeting of bank chief financial officers, scheduled next week, is likely to discuss the issue in detail and arrive at bank-specific solutions, according to people familiar with the development. The sources added that a note was initiated by the Reserve Bank of India a few weeks ago, asking Sebi to grant a blanket waiver for the state-owned banks from these regulations, as they might be repeatedly violated in the coming months. However, no announcement in this regard was made by Sebi yet. Analysts say capital requirements of public-sector banks are much more than Tuesdays allocation by the government. According to an analysis of data provided by BS Research Bureau, in eight of 13 banks, which figured on the capital infusion list on Tuesday, a fresh issue at current price levels would take the promoter holding over the Sebi cap of 75 per cent. These include United Bank of India (UBI), Central Bank of India, UCO Bank, Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), Bank Of India, Syndicate Bank, Corporation Bank, and Dena Bank. In three of these - UBI, Central Bank and UCO - the government stake has already exceeded 75 per cent. These banks cannot issue fresh shares, except to comply with the minimum public shareholding norms according to regulations. Further, under the takeover regulations, promoters increasing their holding by more than five per cent in a financial year would attract open offer. Three more banks Canara Bank, Union Bank and Punjab National Bank, though in compliance of the minimum public shareholding norms - would fail the Sebi test of creeping acquisition, as the proposed capital infusion exceeds five per cent of the current market capitalisation. These banks would need to apply to Sebi for exempting the government from the open offer provisions. That leaves State Bank of India and Allahabad Bank as the lucky couple that can receive the additional funds without worrying about Sebi regulations. Sebis guidelines are very clear. You cant go for a fresh issue of shares, when you are not in compliance with listing conditions, which includes minimum public shareholding norms, said Prithvi Haldea, chairman, Prime Database. At least some of these lenders might be looking at the option of a rights issue, where the public shareholders also get a chance to participate. There is thinking in the government that the amount of capital infusion could become the promoter contribution in a possible rights issue. This might work in cases where public shareholders are interested in increasing their stake. Several rounds of capital infusion by the government have diluted the stakes of public shareholders. But, this might not work in banks where investor interest is low, said a compliance professional, who is helping the banks with these issues. The worst-affected of the lot is Indian Overseas Bank, in which the proposed capital infusion of Rs 3,101 crore (Rs 31.01 billion) amounts to 58 per cent of the total market capitalisation. Only a couple of months ago, the bank brought down its promoter holding to 73.58 per cent by making a qualified institutional placement. This helped the bank comply with a Sebi deadline set in October. The market regulator had given 12 months to IOB to bring down promoter stake to 75 per cent, when the government infused Rs 2,009 crore (Rs 20.09 billion) through the preferential allotment route. This issue breached both the minimum public shareholding norms and the five per cent takeover code limit. Although the bank managed to comply with MPS within the deadline, it is all set to breach it again. In UBI, the capital infusion amounts to 32 per cent of market cap followed by Dena Bank, where the number stood at 22 per cent. It could become an issue for individual banks. But, they (the government) are taking a systemic view. Banks need to be capitalised for the economy to perform, which to my mind is more important at this juncture. Regulators need to say these rules do not apply to the state-owned firms, which are in any case in breach of these conditions most of the time, Amit Tandon, managing director, Institutional Investor Advisory Services. The pipeline for well-qualified and experienced policy economists at senior levels of government has broken, leading to a growing dearth of suitable candidates for top economist positions, says Shankar Acharya. IMAGE: The 1970s witnessed an exodus of Indias best academic economists like Amartya Sen to greener pastures in the US and UK. Photograph kind Courtesy: Harvard University India has lots of good economists. And quite a few good ones in government too. Right? Wrong! On both counts. First, consider academic economists. Remember the mid-1960s when the Delhi School of Economics alone boasted a galaxy of stars, including Amartya Sen, Jagdish Bhagwati and Sukhamoy Chakravarty? Well, that was then. The 1970s witnessed an exodus of Indias best academic economists to greener pastures in the US and UK. The list is long and includes Amartya Sen, Jagdish Bhagwati, T N Srinivasan and Pranab Bardhan, to name a few. In the words of the last exemplar, they became winter Indians, living and working in universities in the West and visiting their homeland in the salubrious winter months. In time, their acolytes and students followed suit. By the 1980s the pattern had become common: many of the best students of Indian MA economics programmes would typically go to universities abroad for their doctorates, mostly to the better American universities. Few would return to India, except for short stints. The net result of this steady migration has been the gradual, but inexorable decline in the quality of university economics teaching and research in India, helped along by the strengthening of non-meritocratic trends in broader education policies. Today it is hard to find economics professors in Indian universities of the calibre that was available in the leading economics departments in the country in the 1960s. What about economists in government? In terms of sheer numbers the Indian Economic Service (IES) has a cadre strength of over 400, about 40 per cent of whom used to be in the erstwhile Planning Commission, a significant number in the Economic Division of the Ministry of Finance and the rest spread across different ministries and other government agencies. The large majority of them would have joined service at a young age with a MA degree in economics, while a few would have PhDs. Most independent observers assess that their average quality at entry would be lower than that of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), not surprising given the preferred position of the latter in a generalist-dominated civil service structure. As importantly, IES officers usually have had fewer opportunities for career advancement, experience and responsibility. While they undoubtedly perform extremely important service, their members were rarely selected in open, competitive processes for lateral entry to coveted positions of economic adviser in a handful ministries such as finance, industry and commerce; at least until these positions were gradually encadred between the late 1990s and 2005. Until then, the small handful of economic adviser positions (with open, competitive recruitment) was typically filled by strongly-credentialed PhD economists, often with substantial experience in international institutions such as the United Nations, World Bank and IMF. This was certainly true of commerce (think Manmohan Singh, Vijay Kelkar, Jayanta Roy), industry (think Bimal Jalan, Rakesh Mohan), and finance (think Montek Ahluwalia, Rajiv Kumar, Ashok Lahiri). Several of these very competent economists went on to hold positions such as chief economic adviser, secretary economic affairs, Reserve Bank of India governor and deputy chairman, Planning Commission. (Manmohan Singh held all of these in succession!). No IES officer was ever so fortunate. The other lateral entry stream into government for good quality economists was the Planning Commission secretariat (as distinct from members), which, over the decades, saw short or long stints by such stalwarts as Nitin Desai, Deepak Lal, Arun Shourie, Arvind Virmani and Pronab Sen. Some, like Vijay Kelkar and Rakesh Mohan, first did a stint in the Planning Commission before joining as economic adviser in a key economic ministry. In the last 15-20 years both these avenues for lateral entry of high quality policy economists into government have run dry: the first because of progressive encadrement of senior line ministry economist positions into the IES; and the second for less explicable reasons, despite a decade (2004-2014) when an economist was prime minister and another was deputy chairman. The result is that the pipeline for well-qualified and experienced policy economists at senior levels of government has broken, leading to a growing dearth of suitable candidates for top economist positions. The most obvious indicator of such scarcity is that from 2009 onwards, the government has had to turn to Indian economists abroad to fill the post of Chief Economic Adviser (CEA): Kaushik Basu from Cornell University for three years, followed by Raghuram Rajan from Chicago University for a year, followed by Arvind Subramanian from the Peterson Institute of International Economics. To avoid any misunderstanding, let me state categorically that all three of these worthies are top-notch economists, who have brought lustre to the post of CEA, even if they have had to invest time and effort in learning about the institutional specificities and work patterns of the Indian government. My concern is more with the dearth of high-quality policy economists in the government at large. Even in better times they were only a handful, far fewer than necessary and desirable in modern governance. The tragedy is that, over the last two decades, instead of expanding the number of senior economist positions open for competitive recruitment, our governmental system has gone in the opposite direction! Indeed, with increasing complexity of modern governance and specialized agencies and regulatory bodies, there is now much greater need for good, well-qualified and experienced economists in many more economic advisory positions than was the case in the 1980s. The need for more specialized skills in our generalist-dominated public policy systems is by no means limited to economists. Its just that this piece is about economists, a tribe I know a little bit about. And the need for sound economic analysis does cut across most domains of public policy. That said, is there a serious prospect for a reversal of recent trends? I doubt it. Perhaps, as a former prime minister used to say: Only God looks after this country. I do hope divinity does not tire of this responsibility! The writer is honorary professor in ICRIER and former Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India. Views are personal. Indian banks will need $90-billion additional capital, most of it for public sector banks, to meet Basel III requirements by 2019. Rating agencies Icra and Fitch have said the capital requirements of state-owned banks are much higher than the governments Rs 22,915 crore (Rs 229.15 billion) equity infusion because internal generation will be limited by high credit costs. Icra said public sector banks Tier-I capital requirements would be Rs 40,000-50,000 crore (Rs 400-500 billion) in 2016-17, higher than the governments allocation of Rs 22,900 crore (Rs 229 billion). This shortfall could continue to hurt loan growth in 2016-17. Fitch said the governments capital infusion was unlikely to address the weak profitability of these banks. Indian banks will need $90-billion additional capital, most of it for public sector banks, to meet Basel III requirements by 2019. Pressure on public sector bank credit profiles is likely to endure and more capital than the Rs 70,000 crore (Rs 700 billion) earmarked till 2018-19 will be needed from the government. Losses at public sector banks in the second half of 2015-16 were double the government's capital injection that year, and eroded the equivalent of nearly 15 per cent of their capital in March 2015. This caused loan books to contract at many public sector banks, which brought credit growth to below 10 per cent in 2015-16, the lowest in a decade, Fitch added. According to the chief executive officer of a Mumbai-based public sector bank, meeting capital requirements under Basel III norms is now the overriding concern. He added the government capital infusion was skewed towards banks that had reported big losses and bad loans, like Bank of India and Indian Overseas Bank. What is the signal for those managing business prudently?" he asked. The image is used for representational purpose only. Photograph: Reuters Govt to chalk out entry of sovereign funds from Abu Dhabi, Qatar into such projects. Macquarie, Brookfield and Cube Highways are among a clutch of investors that have taken up equity in 10 national highway projects worth Rs 4,150 crore (Rs 41.50 billion) from which private promoters have exited. The government is also chalking out the entry of sovereign funds from Abu Dhabi and Qatar into such projects. To provide a thrust to the highway sector and to bring the private sector back on board, the Cabinet in May 2015 approved an exit policy that permitted concessionaires to divest 100 per cent equity two years after completion of construction. According to Raghav Chandra, chairman, NHAI, all the 10 projects are cases of full exit. We want promoters who have built roads to come in. They are more focused, he said. This Cabinet decision was taken in the backdrop of public-private partnership projects not attracting bidders because of lack of equity in the market. The move is also aimed at unlocking equity from completed projects. Chandra said investment through sovereign funds was being discussed with the department of economic affairs in the ministry of finance. These could go directly or through the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), he added. The government has conceived the NIIF as an institution to invest directly in infrastructure projects, sub-funds, or in the equity of infrastructure finance companies like the Indian Railway Finance Corporation and the National Housing Bank. The NIIF will not borrow on its own but sub-funds in which the NIIF invests can leverage by borrowing funds and also attract additional equity investments from other investors, thereby increasing the total funds available. The NIIF has the potential to be a game changer for the Indian infrastructure sector. However, the model will take some time to establish. To begin with, investments are likely to be towards operational projects due to their lower risk profile. Nevertheless, this will help in releasing the capital of developers, an ICRA report said. ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY Fatca was passed in 2010, as a crackdown on tax evasion through offshore investments by US residents. One in every 10 mutual fund folios (accounts) in this country is yet to comply with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, an American law but having a bearing on most global investors. Non-compliance occurs when any investor does not declare his tax residency. Nearly five million MF accounts -- mostly of domestic individual investors -- face closure if they dont by August 31 meet the obligations the government has agreed to enforce on Fatca. About Rs 1.1 lakh crore (Rs 1.1 trillion) worth of assets are in these accounts. Fatca was passed in 2010, as a crackdown on tax evasion through offshore investments by US residents. That country then signed Inter Government Agreements with about 50 others, India included. These make it mandatory for financial institutions (such as MFs and banks) in these countries to provide details of clients with a US connection. Fatca aims to track all US residents with non-US accounts and US citizens, too. They all have to give a mandatory disclosure on whether they have tax residency elsewhere and if so, the countries where they are tax payers. The deadline for this is August 31 and failiure means closure of their accounts. Investments before July 2014 are exempted from Fatca regulations. MF executives said they'd stepped up the process to increase engagement with distributors and advisors to ensure full compliance. Sector executives said there were around 7.5 million non-compliant investors till some months before. "It has been brought down to five million, still a huge number," said one chief executive. There are 48.92 million folios in the MF sector. "It is just not practical to get confirmation from all investors. "Many of them could be one-time investors into MFs," said an official. Though the registrars and MF houses had even provided online facilities to investors for coming on board with Fatca, the steps have not yet yielded the desired results. MF entities have already requested the Securities and Exchange Board of India to not freeze non-compliant accounts. However, "little is in the hands of Sebi, as it's an agreement between two governments. We need to gear up for it and work on a war footing, said an official. What is Fatca? Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act rules require financial institutions around the world to report holdings of "US persons" worth more than $50,000 to the Internal Revenue Service, or face crippling penalties. Why these rules? These regulations are presently being used to crack down on the offshore banking sector. Anti-tax avoidance measures? Yes. On 17 January 2013, the US issued final rules on new anti-tax avoidance measures called Fatca. US eyes rich haul US tax authorities expect the measures to raise around $7.6 billion in revenue for the IRS over 10 years. Illustration by Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com While the media gaze has been on start-ups in trouble, investors who funded them have mostly escaped attention, says Ranju Sarkar. IMAGE: Start-ups that did not have a business model or attract new funding, are shutting shop. Photograph: Reuters The rise and fall of Nikesh Arora at SoftBank, in some sense, symbolises how the investor sentiment has changed with Indian start-ups: moving from a period of exuberance to one of extreme caution within two years. Start-ups that did not have a business model and, hence, could not grow or attract new funding, are shutting shop. A dozen start-ups have shut down so far in 2016 (calendar year), after a similar number last year. Several others are struggling to stay afloat. About 30 of them have been acqui-hired by another start-up. While the media gaze has been on start-ups in trouble, investors who funded them have mostly escaped attention. "Everyone has lost money. But, it will be good to find out what SoftBank has done. They are in big trouble, in terms of amounts and in terms of being the last investor to get stuck at high valuation," says a venture capital (VC) investor. IMAGE: Nikesh Arora over-paid for every deal. Photograph: Reuters SoftBank invested $90 million in Housing.com and valued OYO Rooms at $400 million. "Nikesh Arora over-paid for every deal. There's a fallacy among some: if a company raises more money, it will last longer (if it is the last man standing, it will still win)," says an investor. It may still work in categories like taxi aggregation. Investors say VC firms with a Silicon Valley background are able to raise more money from global investors as they have the ability to sell their US and global experience to investors. India is different, though. "Most people who left India 10-20 years ago have no clue, and have no connection with the ground situation here. Such investors come, park themselves in some fancy hotel, invest money and go away with the hope that like in the US and China, they will make money here. But, they lose," says another VC who does not wish to be named. Some investors do make money initially, but that's luck. "First, it was Silicon Valley investors like Draper Fisher Jurvetson, with the famous outrage by its Mohanjit Jolly against Indians, and now its executives from big Japanese, US funds. These people come here, lose money and then are forced to bow out," says the VC quoted above. Shutdowns Barring half-a-dozen well-funded start-ups that shut shop, most start-ups that downed shutters had not received significant funding and had only raised early-stage money. While there has not been a lot of capital erosion so far, it is likely if some well-funded start-ups like Housing, OYO Rooms etc., fail. Investors have lost money in some well-funded start-ups that shut shop: Sequoia and Matrix in TinyOwl ($46 million); Catamaran, Nexus, and Qualcomm in Yebhi ($41 million); ruNet, Mangrove Capital, and Springstar in BeStylish ($26.3 million), Indo-US Venture, Matrix, Draper Fisher Jurvetson in SeventyMM ($20 million); Indo-US Venture in Indiaplaza; Lightspeed and Helion in Fashionara. Struggling start-ups There are several start-ups that are struggling and the well-funded ones pose the biggest risk to investors who have backed these start-ups. These include Snapdeal, which has ceded ground to Amazon after the latter became more aggressive in the Indian market. Snapdeal has raised $2.1 billion from investors such as Alibaba, SoftBank, Foxconn, eBay, Nexus Venture Partners and Kalaari Capital, among others. Similarly, investors say hotel aggregator OYO Rooms is struggling though many of its rivals such as Tiger-backed ZO Rooms have gone out of business. OYO has raised $226 million, most of which from SoftBank. Similarly, real estate portal Housing.com, which has seen a change in management after the ouster of its controversial founder-CEO Rahul Yadav, struggles to find its feet in a competitive and stagnant real estate market. Housing has raised $154 million from SoftBank, Helion, Nexus and Qualcomm. Of course, there are other start-ups like Ola or Big Basket, which are bleeding, but experts say they might get acquired. Zomato is also making losses and there are questions over its valuation or profitability, but investors think it meets a consumer need and enjoys a lead in its space. "It is acquiring customers free of cost, and its restaurant business is steady," says an investor. There are many start-ups which are half-dead - like an apparel e-tailer, which has raised around $30 million or another fashion portal that has raised $50 million but doesn't want to close down. "Investors don't want to report or write them off. In some cases, they may also put in some good money after bad money. The company may be dead on paper, but not on their books," says the CEO of a Mumbai-based venture capital firm. Tiger Global was one of the most aggressive investors in India in 2014 and 2015. Industry insiders say many of its investments like News In Shorts are struggling. Rocket Internet has also backed several start-ups in India, most of which are struggling: Foodpanda, Jabong and FabFurnish, which was acquired by Future Group. Some investors have also suffered as their portfolio companies have not managed to raise follow-on funding. The suspension of mobile communication for 12 days in Kashmir amid strict curfew has put citizens in a desperate situation, says Athar Parvaiz. When you receive a telephone call out of the blue from overseas and hear an anxious fellow Kashmiri thanking you profusely only because your number (in Kashmir) turns out to be reachable and because you seek to assuage his anxiety by conjecturing that his family would be safe amid a fresh upheaval in the valley, it only reaffirms your conviction that you belong to a godforsaken land, where people are selectively pushed into oblivion whenever the authorities wish. This is precisely what happened with me when I received a phone call from London as my phone number, which by default comes from Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited whose cellphone services are largely used by government officials, is functioning while the rest stand snapped since July 8 following Hizbul Majhideen 'commander' Burhan Wani's death. The killing sparked off an enormous emotional outburst to which the authorities, in a much expected knee-jerk reaction, responded with imposing a complete communication blockade which Kashmiris have been depressingly familiar with for almost a decade now. In the last decade, Kashmiris have been subjected to such blockades several times. Not that it had faded out of my consciousness that I belong to a region which frequently comes under siege, but the telephone call churned me up again when the caller, who introduced herself as 'Tracy', told me that it was a big relief for her to get connected to someone in Kashmir. After exchanging salutations, she handed over the phone to her colleague Shehzad, a Kashmiri in London who had no clue why he was not able to speak to his family back home. Shehzad said he was from Hazratbal in Srinagar and he had been desperately trying to call his sister (Rabia), brother (Aamir) and his mother, but he could not reach any of them. Tracy, he said, had 'recently Googled your name for a professional reason and got your contact details. We thought since you are a journalist, your number might work. Luckily it did,' Shehzad told me, seemingly still in disbelief that he was speaking to someone in Kashmir. As we spoke, he kept punctuating the conversation repeatedly with profound gratitude. 'Thanks a lot for speaking to me and giving me a sense of how things stand there. I feel so relieved,' Shehzad told me. 'How come none of the numbers I tried were working?' he asked innocently. He had no idea that none of those phone numbers, as I made out from their initial four digits, qualifies for the quintessential 'Code of Communication,' which comes suddenly in force every time a political upheaval unfolds in his native land. Not surprisingly, staying away from home for long, as Shehzad's accent suggested, he had no knowledge of the doctrine which determines how information should not be allowed to travel in his native land during the political turmoil. When Shehzad, someday, returns to Kashmir, his mom and siblings would probably explain to him how Kashmiris are crippled physically, psychologically, socially and emotionally by all sorts of blockades every time some incident triggers an uprising. For now, he hopes that I, as a journalist, am able to locate his family in Hazratbal and make his mom and siblings speak to him on my 'privileged' BSNL phone number. It is a throwback to the old simple days when there were no modern means of communication, but no security straitjackets as well. This is why Kashmiris draw comparisons between the prevailing crippled communication in Kashmir and the days when there were no electronic means of communication, only to dub their land a misfit for modern means of communication considering its political instability and the sickening frequency with which communication means are suspended here. "Earlier, we would at least walk or drive to get the information about our near and dear ones. But today, even that is impossible because of curfews," a Kashmiri woman, who has not heard from her sisters for the past eight days, told me. Sitting in London, Shehzad has no idea how, in the garb of managing or stifling public anger, even the most unimaginable things like suspension of basic human rights -- right to communicate, right to inform and get informed, right to move around and right to have access to healthcare etc -- are enforced upon the people of his native land time and again. It has now become quite normal in Kashmir that protest demonstrations necessitate the presence of paramilitary troops in abundance to ensure that pellets are fired in every direction where the slogans or stones come from, before the responsibility of those protests is dumped in the lap of Pakistan. While 47 people have lost their lives to bullets in the current uprising, over 3,000 are nursing bullet and pEllet injuries -- including 150 with eye injuries. The suspension of mobile phone services in Kashmir, including mobile Internet, and a three-day ban on newspaper publication, has left the valley at the mercy of rumour-mongers. Speaking to me on a landline telephone, a woman from North Kashmir told me she had heard about the killing of three persons in firing on protesters in a certain village, which turned out to be false when I checked the details. This is how information gets distorted in the absence of the modern-day communication services. Newspapers are reporting chilling stories of the injured getting beaten up in ambulances and the windows of ambulances being smashed by paramilitary troops, and sometimes by protesters as well. Doctors in Kashmir's hospitals have complained about the loss of crucial initial minutes after the injuries (or the loss of golden hour) with ambulances not getting unstoppable access on Kashmir's barricaded roads manned by police, paramilitary and protesters. Prominent Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's answer to a New Delhi-based television anchor's question as to why he received a call from Pakistan's Bilawal Bhuto had sharp political undertones when he responded that the Pakistani leader had at least reached out to him while leaders in New Delhi did not even try. The Mirwaiz observed that New Delhi or the state government in Kashmir only remembers Hurriyat leaders whenever the situation in Kashmir gets out of control. In 2010 and also during the current unrest, Hurriyat leaders were formally approached by the governments in New Delhi and Srinagar for their help in managing the situation. "We are dubbed as traitors and trouble-makers during the so-called peace," the Mirwaiz asserted this repeatedly in recent days. The dialogue between Kashmiri Hurriyat leaders and New Delhi stands suspended for years now. The last time New Delhi engaged the Hurriyat leaders in talks was in 2005, and the attempts at reviving the suspended talks in 2009 had failed. IMAGE: A CRPF jawan asks a scooterist to return during curfew hours in Srinagar. Photograph: S Irfan/PTI Photo Officials in Bihar went into a tizzy after reports of Pakistani flag hoisted atop a house in Nalanda, reports M I Khan from Patna. IMAGE: A Pakistani flag hoisted atop a house in Nalanda. Photograph: TV grab Three people including a woman were arrested in Bihar's Nalanda district on Thursday for hoisting the national flag of Pakistan atop a building. "We have arrested three people on charges of sedition after a first information report was registered," Nalanda Superintendent of Police Kumar Ashish said. The district administration swung into action after private TV channels showed the green flag with moon and crescent hoisted at the house of one Anwarul Haque in Kharadi colony in Biharsharif, district headquarters of Nalanda. Nalanda is the home district of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. IMAGE: Arrested woman with Pakistani flag. Photograph: M I Khan/Rediff.com However, the house owner had a different story to tell. He reportedly told the police that he had no son for many years after marriage and hence he and his wife took a vow to visit Pakistan if they had a son. He said they had failed to fulfil the promise after the birth of a baby boy and had put up a Pakistan flag atop his brick house to compensate for that. The accused have been booked under sections 124 A, 153 A and 34 of IPC, the police said. As the news flashed on TV channels, the opposition attacked the Nitish Kumar government over the episode. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader C P Thakur demanded stern action into the matter. Hindustani Awam Morcha, an ally of BJP, spokesman Danish Rizwan said "efforts are on to turn Bihar into Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre should intervene immediately to stop such anti-national activities in Bihar." Last week the police arrested Mohammad Taufique in Patna in connection with alleged 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans raised during a march. According to police officials, the march, under the banner of Popular Front of India was organised in support of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen Chief Asauddin Owaisi on Friday. With inputs from PTI Series of controversies related to Dalit issues have come at a time when the BJP has launched a massive campaign to win back Uttar Pradesh. Archis Mohan reports. If atrocities on Dalits in Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled Gujarat and a massive rally to protest the demolition of Ambedkar Bhavan in Mumbai on Tuesday were not enough, the party on Wednesday had to remove a senior figure in its Uttar Pradesh leadership for making derogatory comments about Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati. The series of controversies related to Dalit issues have come as the party has begun a big campaign to win the state in the polls slated for early 2017. Led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party head Amit Shah, it has been making a lot of effort to reach out to Dalit voters. On Wednesday, however, a video clip of comments by one of its UP vice-presidents, Dayashankar Singh, went viral on a social networking site. The issue also rocked Rajya Sabha proceedings (Mayawati is a member of the House) in the afternoon, which had already been adjourned several times since morning, when members of the Congress, BSP and Trinamool Congress trooped into the well of the House, to protest the incidents in Gujarat. Finding itself in a corner, the BJP first dismissed Singh from all party posts and later expelled him. Mayawati said the nation should hold the BJP responsible if there were spontaneous countrywide protests. P J Kurien, deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha, said the House unanimously condemns the comments. The Congress and BSPs understanding in pushing the government on the defensive on the issue was noteworthy. In her speech, Mayawati said the BJP dreamt of winning Uttar Pradesh but could not digest the fact that her party was a strong contender. She thanked other parties for their support and said she herself had never made any personal attacks on other leaders, but fought on ideological issues. "Dalits will never forgive BJP for this. We have seen what happened in Gujarat and a minister who had likened Dalits to dogs in January continues to be in the Union council of ministers," she said, in a reported reference to alleged remarks by former army chief and Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh. On the government's behalf, Arun Jaitley, finance minister and leader of the House, apologised to Mayawati. Few in the Rajya Sabha had any inkling of Singhs comments. After the second adjournment on the Gujarat issue in the post-lunch session, most members had stayed on, waiting for the House to be reconvened at 3 pm. It was then that a Trinamool member showed the clip to a BSP member, who showed it to Mayawati. She consulted party colleague Satish Chandra Mishra, who then alerted the Congress. The Trinamools Derek o'Brien and Mishra joined the huddle, with opposition leader Ghulam Nabi Azad. A strategy was soon devised, with Azad leading the attack when the House reconvened. Later, it was adjourned for the day. It is slated to discuss the atrocities against Dalits on Thursday. In the Lok Sabha, which also saw the opposition protest against Dalits being assaulted for skinning a cow, with coalition partner Lok Janshakti Party joining briefly, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the PM was "very sad and hurt" by the incident. Later, Social Justice minister Thawarchand Gehlot and Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal, both Dalits, held a press conference to stress that the state government had moved swiftly to punish the guilty. Germany and Britain agreed on Wednesday that Prime Minister Theresa May, who succeeded David Cameron a week ago, needed time to prepare for talks to leave the European Union, after London took the first step towards Brexit by giving up its presidency of the European Council. IMAGE: British Prime Minister Theresa May is greeted by Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel during the former's first visit to Germany since taking office. Photograph: Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters On her first foreign trip since taking office in the wake of Britain's seismic referendum, May told German Chancellor Angela Merkel that her government would not ask to leave the European Union before the end of 2016 in order to plan a "sensible and orderly departure". "We will not invoke Article 50 until our objectives are clear, which is why I've said already this will not happen before the end of this year," May said in Berlin, referring to the formal EU mechanism to leave the bloc. IMAGE: Theresa May and Angela Merkel review the guard of honour during a welcoming ceremony at the chancellery in Berlin. Photograph: Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters Merkel, who is expected to play a pivotal role in the Brexit talks, said it was in the interests of all that Britain had a "well-defined position" before beginning the negotiations. "No one wants things to be up in the air neither Britain nor the member states of the EU," Merkel said. "If we look at all matters and challenges facing us, it's most important to have Britain as a partner and we will do so and then negotiate on Britain leaving," she added. Britain had earlier said it would no longer assume the six-month rotating presidency next July as planned, choosing instead to prioritise negotiations on implementing last month's shock vote to leave the EU. IMAGE: PM May and Chancellor Merkel come in together to address a presser after their formal talks about the state of play following Britian's European Union exit. Photograph: Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters Estonia's turn, which had been due to start in January 2018, is set to be brought forward by six months to take Britain's place, a spokesman for EU president Donald Tusk said after the announcement. May has repeatedly asked for patience as her new government maps out its strategy for ending its 43-year-old membership of the EU despite some EU countries wanting Britain out of the bloc as soon as possible. IMAGE: The two leaders had an extensive discussion on the future of Britain, in particular the freedom of EU citizens to live and work throughout the bloc. Photograph: Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters A key sticking point in the Brexit negotiations is likely to be the freedom of EU citizens to live and work throughout the bloc. Merkel has warned that Britain cannot have continued access to the single market while restricting the freedom of movement -- an emotive issue in the June 23 referendum. May avoided giving details on her position in her first parliamentary question session in London earlier this week -- a time-honoured ritual seen as a test of British political leadership. IMAGE: Merkel and May address a news conference whence they revealed that that Britain would not leave the EU until the end of 2016. Photograph: Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters She also mocked the opposition Labour and Liberal Democrat parties and dodged criticism about past undiplomatic comments made by her choice for foreign minister -- top Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson. May backed Britain's continued membership of the EU. Several commentators heard echoes of Thatcher in her barbed comments; with the Independent daily commenting that she was "eerily reminiscent" of the late so-called Iron Lady. Hundreds of Bahujan Samaj Party workers on Thursday staged a demonstration in the busy Hazratganj area in Lucknow to protest against the derogatory remarks made by Dayashankar Singh against party supremo Mayawati even as police carried out raids to trace the Bharatiya Janata Party leader. IMAGE: Raising slogans and burning effigies, the BSP workers converged near the Ambedkar statue in Hazratganj on the call of the party to stage a dharna against Singh . Photograph: Nand Kumar/PTI Raising slogans and burning effigies, the BSP workers converged near the Ambedkar statue in Hazratganj on the call of the party to stage a dharna against Singh, who has since been expelled by the BJP. Traffic was thrown out of gear in the city as BSP workers, raising slogans and carrying placards, thronged the area. In the dharna, a BSP worker was slightly injured while trying to set an effigy ablaze. The shirt of the injured worker caught fire but he along with others promptly pulled it out and escaped with minor burns. BSP had asked its workers from different districts to reach the state capital to lodge a strong protest against the remarks made by the BJP leader and in response hundreds of Mayawati loyalists started making it to the state capital since last night. Singh had sparked an outrage by his derogatory comments against the BSP supremo. He had said that "Mayawati is breaking the dream of Kanshi Ram into pieces. Mayawati is selling tickets like a... p*******te Reacting to the protests, senior BJP leader and Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the issue is over and the BJP has already taken action against him. "This issue is over. We took action against him. Now what else should we do, tell? What he said was completely objectionable. The leader of the House too condemned the statement at the earliest. He was removed from his post, and later on he was suspended also. Let them protest, they keep on protesting; be it Congress or others. The thing is that BJP is moving ahead, and they can't digest that," he said. IMAGE: BSP activists protest against expelled BJP leader Dayashankar Singh for his derogatory remarks against BSP chief Mayawati, in Lucknow on Thursday. Photograph: Nand Kumar/PTI With the Samajwadi Party government making it clear that action will be taken against Singh on the basis of the FIR, police in Lucknow and Ballia raided his premises but Singh was not found. A police team was sent to Singh's house in Ballia last night but he was not found, Deputy Superintendent of Police K C Tyagi said. Last night, an FIR was lodged against Singh under sections 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups), 504 (intentional insult with intent to breach peace) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the IPC and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act after a complaint against him was lodged with Hazratganj police by party national secretary Mevalal Gautam. Dayashankar Singh had stated last night that he had not said anything directly against the BSP chief. "Whatever I said, I did it respectfully. She is a prominent woman leader and has been Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for four times. I have expressed regret for the statement, but what the BSP supremo said about my mother, sister and daughter in Rajya Sabha...she has insulted the women," he said. Mayawati had stated that mere expression of regret will not suffice and added, "His (Singh's) remarks apply for his sister and daughter and not for me. 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Kay Properties and Investments, LLC and Colorado Financial Service Corporation are separate entities. OSJ Address: 304 Inverness Way S, Ste 355, Centennial, Colorado. Kay Properties & Investments, LLC, is registered to sell securities in all 50 states. Chinese and Pakistan border troops have for the first time launched joint patrolling of the border connecting Pakistan occupied Kashmir with Xinjiang province amid reports that over 100 Uighurs have fled the restive region to join the Islamic State. The state media reported about the joint patrol even as Chinese President Xi Jinping asked the Chinese Muslims to practice their religion as part of Chinese society and direction. The Peoples Daily Online on Thursday published a dozen photos with a caption the frontier defence regiment of the Peoples Liberation Army in Xinjiang, along with a border police force from Pakistan, carry out a joint patrol along the China-Pakistan border. The photos show teams of armed troops from both sides conducting foot patrols in a number of areas. This is the first time China-Pakistan began joint patrols in recent years though Chinese troops have been conducting patrols in the area since 2014. Though there is no write-up to provide details of the joint patrolling and what prompted both the countries to launch it, it coincides with reports of over 100 Uighur Muslims sneaking out of Xinjiang to join the IS. United States think-tank New America Foundation on Wednesday said tough religious restrictions on Muslim minorities in Chinas far west may have driven 114 Uighurs to join the IS but found that the recruits had no prior experience with jihad, raising questions about China's official narrative of radicalization in Xinjiang by the East Turkistan Islamic Movement. Uighurs are a predominantly Muslim Turkic-speaking ethnic group who hail from Xinjiang and China in the past has stated that a number of militants from the community who fought in Syria were caught after their return to cause violent attacks in the volatile province, which bore the brunt of the militancy reportedly carried out by the ETIM. The New America Foundation in its report said banning and or strictly controlled the observance of certain Muslim practices, such as growing beards and fasting during Ramzan has led many to join the IS. The separatist militant group ETIM in the past is reported to have training bases in Pakistans tribal areas and subsequently, Pakistan military under pressure from China carried out massive air and ground operations to clear the Uighur militants bases. Currently, the work is underway for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which connects both the countries through highways, rail, optic cable network and pipelines. Once the $46 billion (Rs 3 lakh crore) project is complete, Xinjiang will get linked to Pakistans Gwadar port. IMAGE: Chinese and Pakistani troops jointly patrolling the border connecting PoK with Xinjiang region.Photograph: PTI Photo/The People's Daily Online IMAGE: Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Photograph: PTI Pakistan played a key role in fomenting the recent trouble in Kashmir and it was sponsoring terrorism in India, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday. Observing that the situation in the valley was "normalising" gradually, he singled out Pakistan for fomenting trouble there, saying it had played a "key role" in fuelling tension and that terrorism in India was sponsored by it. Referring to the 'black day' observed by Pakistan on the killing a Hizbul Mujahedin terrorist in Kashmir, he said it has no right to interfere in India's internal matters, but it was doing so to deflect attention from its failures as the people there were fighting along sectarian lines. "If there is terrorism in India, then it is Pakistan sponsored," the Home minister said. He also announced in Lok Sabha that an expert committee will be set up to recommend alternatives to pellet guns, a non-lethal weapon blamed for causing fatal injuries and blindness among protestors in Kashmir. Replying to a discussion on the Kashmir unrest, Singh said the committee will submit its report in two months. He also rejected apprehensions of some members that terrorism was on rise in the valley as he reeled out figures to suggest that it had gone down with the security forces eliminating more militants. Invoking Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran leader and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the Lok Sabha, Singh warns Pakistan that 'Chingari ka khel bura hota hai'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed security forces to maintain "maximum restraint", he said, but added that it cannot be denied if someone had committed some mistakes. "We all feel sad over the lives lost and those injured," Singh said. He also noted that "barbarism" can have no place in the society as some people had celebrated when some security personnel were killed. Referring to many members' concerns over the use pellet guns, he said one person had died due to injuries caused by these weapons, while 53 suffered injuries in eyes. These guns, categorised as non-lethal, were used in 2010 as well when it had killed six persons and caused eye injuries to 98 with five suffering complete blindness, he said, rejecting criticism that security forces used them indiscriminately. Singh then announced that the government was considering alternatives to pellet guns. IMAGE: Youth wearing black masks wave black flags to observe Black Day in protest against the killings of civilians, at Sakidafar in Srinagar. Photograph: PTI "We will form a committee of experts. It will see to it what non-lethal alternatives we can bring in place of pellet guns. It will give report in two months," he said. Singh said five civilians had died in terror incidents so far this year prior to the ongoing unrest, as against 17, 28 and 15 in 2015, 2014 and 2012. During the current protests, 38 civilians were killed and 2,180 injured with 2055 of them having been discharged from hospitals. One security person had also died and 1739 of them suffered injuries, the Home Minister said. The government alone cannot solve problems in Kashmir and all parties would have to work together, he said. Training guns on Pakistan, he said it came into being in the name of religion but failed to keep the Muslims together and underwent a division. "It does not need to worry about Muslims in India," he said and invoked former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's poem to suggest that those who fuel fire in the homes of others get caught in the same blaze. He also recalled the Bharatiya Janata Party stalwart's mantra of 'Kashmiriyat, jamhuriyat (democracy) and insaniyat (democracy)' to solve the problem there and termed the Valley as India's crow while making a reference to Aamir Khusro's "heaven on earth" expression for it. "The youths of Kashmir are also patriots. There is an attempt to misguide some... There is a mindset that the stokes baseless anger against India," he said, adding that same "distorted mindset" can be seen in parts of Chhattisgarh, in a reference to Maoist violence there. Referring to the demand of some members that an all-party delegation be sent to the Valley, he said he had spoken to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti who said it could be discussed when she comes to Delhi in the next 2-3 days as the situation there was returning to normal. "I myself want to go there and stay in a guest house to establish dialogue with the people there... We are sure that we will succeed in improving the conditions in Kashmir," Singh said. The prime minister, Singh said, had remained in touch with him over the situation in Kashmir during his foreign tour and offered his suggestions. "I felt he was in pain and worried. The first meeting he called upon his return to India was to discuss Kashmir," the Home minister said. Noting that Pakistan has an evil eye on Kashmir, he assured the House that the government will restore its pride and glory. Striking a conciliatory note, he said all governments in the past have made efforts to improve the conditions there. He called Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, whose killing sparked the recent protests, a "tech-savvy terrorist of new generation" who had exploited social media platforms to lure youths into picking up the gun. He noted that the terror outfits like the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashkar-e-Tayiba ran their camps in Pakistan. The Home minister termed plebiscite an "outdated and irrelevant" idea. Jyotiraditya Scindia (Congress) said he had never spoken about plebiscite but had called for dialogue and talks. Curfew is being relaxed in the Valley now and newspapers have begun hitting the stands. The internet was blocked but it is no longer so, he said, adding that the web was being used to inflame passions. Giving an example, he said a photograph showing the police beating up civilians was being circulated even though the incident had happened in Uttar Pradesh long back. The discussion in Parliament, he said, showed that all parties can come together when faced with a big challenge and waxed eloquence on India's unity in diversity. IMAGE: Rajnath Singh. Photograph: PTI Authorities lifted curfew in four districts of Kashmir where schools were scheduled to reopen on Thursday but the ban on movement of people continued in the rest of the six districts of the Valley as a precautionary measure. Curfew has been lifted from Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam and Ganderbal districts of the Valley but restrictions on the assembly of people under Section 144 CrPC continue in these districts as a precautionary measure, a police official said. He said the curfew was lifted in order to facilitate the reopening of the schools in these areas following the government decision to this effect on Wednesday. The government modified its earlier order and announced opening of schools in these four districts from Thursday. The schools were earlier scheduled to open on July 18 but the government had extended the summer vacations till July 25 in view of the unrest that has claimed 43 lives and injured over 3400 others. While officials did not comment on whether the schools opened, reports from these four districts said the educational institutions remained closed. "Some staff members had arrived for duty at schools but returned home as no students turned up," Nazir Ahmad, a social activist from Bandipora, said. Ahmad said even schools in Garoora, the native village of Education Minister Naeem Akhtar, remained closed. "Please do not expect people to risk the lives of their children," he added. Unofficial reports received from Baramulla, Budgam and Ganderbal also spoke about schools not opening on Thursday. Meanwhile, curfew continued in the remaining six districts of the Valley. Normal life remained affected for the 13th day on Thursday due to curfew and separatist-sponsored strike against the civilian killings in the clashes between protestors and security forces in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8. The separatist groups, which are spearheading the ongoing protests, have, however, relaxed the bandh in the valley from 2pm on Thursday till night. The "relaxation" was announced by the separatist camp to allow people to stock essential commodities. The strike will resume from Friday till July 25. Meanwhile, local newspapers in Kashmir Valley were back on the stands after five days, a day after Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti met editors and owners of city-based newspapers and expressed regret over restrictions on the media. "It is good that newspapers have resumed their publications. We are happy not only from the business point of view, but because it will also spread factual information in the Valley where rumour mills are always buzzing," a newspaper distributor said. Local newspapers in the Valley whether English, Urdu or Kashmiri had failed to hit the stands on Saturday after the police allegedly raided some printing facilities and seized newspapers, plates and even detained the printing staff. Following the police action, a meeting of Kashmir-based newspaper editors, printers and publishers was held on Saturday where they decided to stop their publications until the government owned up to the clampdown and apologised. The journalists also held a protest against the clampdown, terming it as an attack on the freedom of press and stopped their publications. However, on Tuesday, the government said there were no restrictions on printing and publishing of newspapers. The District Magistrates of Srinagar and Budgam have clarified that there are no restrictions on printing and publishing of newspapers in the districts, an official spokesman said. But the newspaper editors and owners on Wednesday said since the government had not changed its press emergency, they regret that it may not be possible to resume the publication of newspapers. The government must own the ban and issue a statement guaranteeing that media operations are not being hampered from the movement of staff, to news gathering, printing and the distribution of the newspapers, they said in a statement. They, however, decided to resume their publications after they met the chief minister on Wednesday who expressed regret over the restrictions and said it was not a deliberate attempt on part of the government, but happened because of some communication gap. Though there has been no deliberate attempt on part of the government to impose any restrictions on the publication of newspapers, however, whatever has happened, because of some communication gap, is regrettable, Mehbooba had told them. The chief minister assured the editors and owners that the Government would facilitate to the maximum extent possible smooth movement of journalists and other newspaper staff to ensure that they can perform their professional duties in a hassle-free manner. She assured them that the stgte Government is committed to independence of the media at all costs and complaints of highhandedness against the press, if any, amid the prevailing situation will be looked into". Meanwhile, an All-Party Meeting convened by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was held in Srinagar on Thursday to review the situation in the violence-hit Valley and find a way out of the unrest that has left 43 persons dead and 3,400 others injured. Main opposition National Conference is not participating in the meeting. The party had on Wednesday announced its decision to boycott it, saying actions in the recent past have shown that there was no "effective leadership" in the state government. Mehbooba chaired the meeting, which was also attended by several ministers including deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, leaders from opposition Congress, independent MLAs and leaders of other political parties in the state. Mehbooba convened the meeting to build a consensus on the measures to be taken for restoring normalcy in the Valley which has erupted into violent protests after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8. Photographs: Umar Ganie The truck driver who mowed down 84 people in Nice during Bastille Day celebrations appears to have been plotting his attack for months and also had accomplices, the Paris prosecutor said on Thursday. Prosecutor Francois Molins said five suspects currently in custody are facing preliminary terrorism charges for their alleged roles in helping 31-year-old Tunisian Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel in the July 14 attack. Molins office, which oversees terrorism investigations, opened a judicial inquiry on Thursday. The suspects are four men, two Franco-Tunisians, a Tunisian and an Albanian, and one woman of dual French-Albanian nationality, Molins said. People close to Bouhlel said he had shown no signs of radicalisation until very recently. However, the French prosecutor said information from Bouhlels phone showed searches and photos that suggested he could have been preparing an attack as far back as 2015. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attack, though authorities have said they had not found signs that the extremist group directed it. The Opposition in Rajya Sabha on Thursday launched a frontal attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party over growing attacks on Dalits and other sections, saying a "Taliban-like attitude" was prevailing in some parts of the country and the 'Gujarat model' had been thoroughly exposed. Participating in a discussion on recent incidents of atrocities on Dalits in various parts of the country, the members also said the situation in Gujarat was "explosive" as Dalits were attempting to commit suicide. The debate came amid large-scale protests after the recent case in Una in Gujarat, where four Dalit youths were brutally beaten up in public by some cow vigilantes. Initiating the discussion, senior Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav sought a ban on 'Gau Rakshaks' (cow vigilantes) operating in some parts of the country. He said there was a "Taliban-like attitude" and it was matter of shame that even after 70 years of independence, atrocities against dalits, especially women, were increasing. "Who created these 'Gau Rakshaks'? Why doesn't the government ban them? What is this tamasha? .... We talk about Taliban ... our caste system has a Taliban-like attitude, we need to discuss that," Yadav said. The Congress and other members joined him, saying the incident only exposes the real face behind the "Gujarat model" being propagated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Observing that the youths were joining such groups because of rising unemployment, Yadav said "in Gujarat, these Gau Rakshaks say 33 crore gods and goddesses live in the cow. Such superstitions are being spread in this country." Congress leader Ahmed Patel said the situation in Gujarat was "explosive" as Dalits were attempting suicide. He warned that the Centre should ensure that the recent "shameful" incident does not turn into a communal one ahead of next year's Assembly elections in the state. "You have talked about Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, but the situation is just the opposite." Patel said the real face of the Gujarat model of development was being exposed now. "We have always said that Gujarat model worked for the benefit of few industrialists. They (BJP) have always divided the society and ruled." Terming the situation as "very explosive" in Gujarat, he said if urgent steps are not taken to control it, then the situation might explode. He said the centre should not have "arrogance" of having absolute majority" and steps should be taken to reach out to people. He also questioned why Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel met the victims only on Wednesday even though the incident had taken place over a week ago. Senior Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury charged the government with inventing "new avenues for attacks on Dalits" ever since it rose to power in 2014. Terming the mindset of the ruling party as "worrisome" and that of bolstering "obscurantism", he said "I keep wondering that when it came to Dalits, there is diarrhoea of words and constipation of action. There are voluminous speeches but no action." Observing that India of the last two years was not the India he remembered, Yechury said cow is venerated here but absurd charges are framed against people who skin the dead cow. "New avenues of persecution and repression are brought about with Ministers comparing Dalits to dogs." "Last year, of the 25 students committing suicide in the country, 23 were Dalits", he said, adding that a mindset was being created against them with some ministers abusing them and the Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh top brass seeking review of reservation policy. Yechury said there has been 19 per cent increase in cases of attacks on Dalits in 2014 with the number touching to 47,064. Besides 1.23 lakh cases are in trial stage while conviction rate was less than 5 per cent at 5,102 as against a high conviction rate of 43 per cent in 2013. He said it was shocking to note that in the recent case while the Gujarat government failed to provide any panel of lawyers to Dalits to defend themselves, the state government has expressed reservations against implementing the sub-plan for them saying it is very difficult. Urging the government to encourage "spirit of scientific temper" and getting rid of obnoxious and atrocious frame of mind, Yechury it should stop promoting Hindu societal ideology where 'khap panchayats' prevent inter-caste marriages and manual scavenging continues. Asking the BJP to embrace a "change of heart", he said time has come for Dalit empowerment as he also condemned a BJP leader's attack on Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien too condemned BJP leader Dayashankar Singh for use of derogatory words against Mayawati and said he was deeply embarrassed over it. On Gujarat incident, he said "Let us all venerate the cow, but then why mock the cow-worker. Superficial symbolism is BJP's style. I think that PM Modi is trying to translate Ambedkar's work, but sometimes the meaning is lost in the translation." Lashing out that how can one oppress a cow worker, he sought to know how many members in Rajya Sabha were wearing leather shoes and said 2.5 lakh people are employed in tanneries and India was a leading exporter of leather. Here's a recap of moments captured in India in the past 24 hours. Image: A CRPF jawan stops a Kashmiri during 13th day of curfew in Srinagar on Wednesday. Photograph: Umar Ganie Image: A CRPF jawan verifies the identy of a family riding a scooter during Curfew in Srinagar on Wednesday. Photograph: S Irfan/PTI Photo Image: Locals shift their household belongings from flooded area of Jalpaiguri in West Bengal on Wednesday. Photograph: PTI Photo Image: Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh with bollywood actresses Dimple Kapadia (right) and Jayaprada (left) offering prayers at Mahakaal temple in Mirzapur, UP. Photograph: PTI Photo Image: Dalit community member hold wooden sticks and shout slogans during a protest in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. They were protesting after four men belonging to the Dalit community were beaten up while trying to skin a dead cow in Una town in Gujarat last week. Photograph: PTI Photo Image: Biju Janata Dal member Bishnu Charan Das being treated by a doctor as he slipped from the stairs at Parliament on Wednesday. Photograph: Subhav Shukla/PTI Photo Image: Police detain Youth Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja during a protest against the Union government over the rising prices of essential commodities in New Delhi on Wednesday. Photograph: Kamal Singh/PTI Photo Image: Workers trying to move vehicles stuck on the damaged National highway 44 due to heavy landslides at Khasiapunji in Karimganj district, Assam on Wednesday. Photograph: PTI Photo Image: Lawyers attacking media persons during their protest march in front of Kerala high Court in Kochi on Wednesday. Photograph: PTI Photo Image: A policeman walks next to a parked train on a deserted platform at Budgam railway station during a curfew in Srinagar. Photograph: Danish Ismail/Reuters Image: Matunga's Aurora Talkies gears up for Rajinikanth-starrer Kabali, which hits screens this Friday. Photograph: Sahil Salvi Image: A woman stands at the door of her shanty at a slum in Mumbai. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday met the family members of Dalits, who were thrashed while skinning a dead cow, and assured all possible help to the victims. According to a kin of the victims, Gandhi, who spent around 40 minutes with the family members, said he is "ashamed" that such incidents are taking place in India. Rahul, who was accompanied by Congress leaders Kumari Selja and Gurudas Kamat, also had tea with the family members of the victims in this remote village near Una town of Gir-Somnath district, where the incident took place on July 11. "We narrated to him (Rahul) what happened with my cousins and uncle. He listened to us patiently and assured us all help so that we can get justice," Jitu Sarvaiya, a cousin of the victims, told reporters after Gandhi left. "Rahulji said he feels ashamed that such incidents are still taking place in the country and gave his personal number to us to contact in case of any emergency," he said. Rahul met Balubhai Sarvaiya and his family members, after landing at the nearby Union Territory of Diu. Seven of family members of Balubhai including him were beaten up in the incident. "He (Rahul) also asked questions about issues and discrimination being faced by us in our village. We told them that still the practice of untouchability is prevalent here as we are made to stand away from others," Jitu, who is studying engineering at a college in Bhavnagar district, said. "We demanded from him that those who were involved in the incident should be given exemplary punishment and kept behind bars for their entire life or else they will once again do this to someone else," he said. "We also told him about police not coming to help us when cow activists were beating my cousin brothers," he said. "We also told him that after the brutal beating for skinning of dead cows. Our family has decided to leave this business of leather....we will work as labourers but never get involved in this traditional business of ours," Jitu said. "We also sought financial help describing the poor conditions of our family for education of our children so that in future they can have a standing of their own," he said. Later, Rahul Gandhi left for Rajkot where the victims of flogging are undergoing treatment. Gujarat Congress Member of Legislative Assembly Shailesh Parmar later said that Rahul will give Rs 5 lakh as aid to family of the victims. The Dalit protests over the incident have spread to several parts of the state unleashing violence, in which a head constable was killed during stone-pelting in Amreli. Besides, State Transport buses were attacked and more than 17 members of the community have allegedly attempted suicide so far. The protest follows the brutal assault on fellow community members on July 11 for allegedly skinning a cow in Una town of Gir-Somnath district. Sixteen persons have been arrested so far in connection with the assault on Dalits, while four policemen have been suspended for dereliction of duty. A joint team of Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad and Kerala Police on Thursday arrested a youth allegedly associated with controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naiks foundation in connection with a case registered in Kochi. A senior police official said Arshid Qureshi, who was associated with Islamic Research Foundation of Zakir Naik, was nabbed from Navi Mumbai. A case under Indian Penal Code Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 153A (promoting enmity between groups) as well as under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act was registered in Kochi. He was produced before the Belapur court in Navi Mumbai which granted Kerala Police his transit remand till July 25. Kerala Police will now produce him in a court in Kochi. While nuclear engineers cheer the KNPP's first full operation, on nine other sites which house atomic reactors, scientists spend sleepless nights, reveals Pallava Bagla. At India's highly-guarded and walled atomic establishment, there are cheers in southern India, but tears in the western part of the country. Much to cheer about at Kudankulam, as India's largest nuclear power park situated not far from the tip of India, Kanyakumari, is now operational. The twin 1,000-megawatt atomic reactors have nuclear fission reaction running in them for the first time. The first unit started supplying electricity in 2013 and the second unit became operational last week and will start feeding electricity to the grid in a few weeks. At the same time, some 2,000 km away, some grief and tears since the indigenously made Kakrapar Atomic Power Station in Gujarat remains shut for nearly four months after a leak in the nuclear island of the reactor forced an emergency shutdown of a fully operational plant. The bigger headache for the Indian nuclear engineers is that even after several months of investigation, the exact reason why the 'leak' took place remains a mystery. The usually mild mannered but vigilant nuclear watchdog of India -- the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board -- issued an ominous statement which said 'the incident of leak from a coolant channel at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station Unit 1 at an early stage of its life has raised some concerns.' Kudankulam: The vanvas ends At Kudankulam, which is not far from Lanka, the 14-year hiatus in starting the atomic reactors is almost akin to the 14-year vanvas or banishment for Lord Rama as recorded in the religious epic Ramayana. The nuclear vanvas for Kudankulam ended on July 10, 2016 when the first sustained nuclear fission was attained in the second unit of the Russian-made nuclear reactors. The construction for the first two units began in 2002 with the target to make it operational in five years. But it has taken almost three times that amount of time. Time overruns on infrastructure projects prove to be very costly, especially since Tamil Nadu was woefully short of electricity. The large reactors at Kudankulam have been delayed for various reasons -- there was considerable delay in supplying parts by Russian manufacturers and then just as the first unit was to become operational three years ago, an anti-nuclear agitation, in part initially fuelled by the government of Tamil Nadu, halted work at the almost ready atomic plants. Today the two atomic reactors at Kudankulam have cost over Rs 22,000 crore, confirms S K Sharma, chairman-cum-managing director of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, the operator of the plant. The 10-year delay escalated the cost of the reactors by almost Rs 9,000 crore -- a huge drain on the exchequer. Local anti-nuclear activists like S P Udayakumar dub the reactors as 'unsafe' and call them a huge risk for the people living around the giant reactors. The fairly affluent fisherfolk who inhabit the village closest to the nuclear reactors called Idinthakarai erupted against the establishment of the atomic reactors in their backyard and forced the plant authorities to delay the start of the reactors. Countering the claims of the activists, the then chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission Srikumar Banerjee had called the Kudankulam reactors 'one of the safest in the world.' In fact on the day both the reactors became operational, NPCIL issued a statement saying the Russian-made reactors are what are called 'Generation three-plus' atomic power plants, calling them 'state-of-the-art reactors that incorporate enhanced safety features ensuring the highest level of safety, in line with the current international standards. These have a combination of active safety systems as well as passive safety systems like passive heat removal system, hydrogen re-combiners, core catcher, hydro accumulators and quick boron injection system. This combination of multi-layered safety features ensures safety of the plant, public and environment.' It was a combination of failures in outreach that seems to have fuelled the anti-nuclear agitation around the Kudankulam reactors. The plant authorities admitted that they failed to reach the village of Idinthakarai to convince them about the safety features of the plant. In addition, just as the first unit of the Kudankulam plant was getting ready in 2011, the nuclear accident at Fukushima in Japan shook the world and left the largely Christian fishing community around Kudankulam in a heightened state of fear. To add fuel to the fire, around the same time the NPCIL conducted a crucial test of a pressure relief valve for the giant reactor which can be likened to an ultra-big pressure cooker in the middle of the night. This involved dumping steam from the 1,000-MW reactor and the noise it made was heard as far away as 20 km. Imagine the ruckus a tiny pressure cooker makes in the kitchen and everyone in the neighbourhood knows something is cooking, multiply this millions of times and that was the sound that shocked and rocked the residents. No warning was issued to the locals and when it happened, they feared that, like the explosions at Fukushima, the atomic reactors at Kudankulam had exploded. Nothing of that sort had happened and it was only a controlled experiment that went wrong in outreach. This agitation brought the all-powerful Department of Atomic Energy, the fountain head of India's nuclear weapons, down on to its knees. It was really the fear of the unknown that fuelled the anti-nuclear agitation since, invariably, the nuclear plants are hidden behind high walls and guarded by armed forces. For some bizarre reason, nuclear engineers tend to work at their best efficiency at night. Having created such a scare in the minds of the locals by their midnight test, the criticality or the start of the nuclear fission reaction for both Units 1 and 2 was triggered in darkness, when the fear factor is always higher. The latest milestone for Unit 2 was reached at 8.56 pm on Sunday last week. It seems by then the locals had developed some trust since no protests erupted in the aftermath. Locals seem to have learnt a lasting lesson, but for some reason, the Indian atomic establishment continues to live like an ostrich, not internalising a simple fact that key milestones should preferably be undertaken during daylight hours. If India has to establish 63,000 MW of nuclear plants by 2032 as is the government's plan, then winning the hearts and minds of people living around atomic reactors has to be undertaken at a war footing. There is a suggestion that the AERB should make it mandatory that locals be sensitised on crucial tests and that such events should be undertaken only during daylight hours. In a few weeks, the Kudankulam plant will start generating full 2,000 MW of power, helping the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Puducherry bridge the power shortage. India now houses 22 reactors with a total installed capacity of 6,780 MW. Now, the tears The 220-MW Indian-made nuclear reactor located at Kakrapar in southern Gujarat failed on the morning of March 11, 2016. A leak developed and the automatic systems brought the reactor to a halt, even as the AERB asserted that 'there was no hazard to the operators and the public.' No radioactivity leaked out beyond the permissible levels and no one suffered any radiation sickness. Yet four months after the 'incident', the exact cause of the leak has not been deciphered. According to the AERB, preliminary investigation have revealed that 'the failed coolant channel is seen to have three cracks... the leaky coolant channel is yet to be removed from the reactor for detailed failure analysis and establishing the causes. Preparatory work for the removal of the channel from the reactor is currently in progress. Removal of this failed channel requires careful planning and preparedness as vital information on nature and causes of failure are not lost during the removal.' Why should this one failed coolant channel worry India? India currently operates 17 similar reactors of the type that developed a leak at Kakrapar and together according to the AERB that would number some 5,000 coolant channels. At this moment, it is hazardous to guess how the other coolant channels are faring. According to the AERB, as an immediate measure the sensitive leak detection systems installed at all operating atomic stations has been 'rechecked' by the NPCIL. Yet the AERB raises a red flag when it says 'during the ongoing inspections at Kakrapar units, unusual indications of local corrosion spots was noticed on the coolant channels ... the AERB asked for inspection of coolant channels of other units to rule out the possibility of similar corrosion.' After a suitable review, the AERB suggests that 'the presence of local corrosion spots is specific to Kakrapar units alone and no evidence of this phenomenon is seen in other reactors inspected so far.' This is indeed worrying and the sooner the NPCIL completes these inspections the better it will be for India's ambitious nuclear programme. Not mincing words, the AERB says 'exact reasons for the failure of Kakrapar Atomic Power Station Unit 1 can be established after completion of the failure analysis, which is expected to take considerable time.' The redeeming fact is that in the over 400 years of combined reactor operating experience that India has accumulated while running 22 reactors since 1969 not a single death has occurred due to radiation exposure at India's nuclear power plants. Hopefully this record will remain unblemished. Even as nuclear engineers cheer and celebrate the first full operation of India's largest nuclear power park at Kudankulam, on nine other sites which house atomic reactors atomic scientists spend sleepless nights checking the reliability of systems to avoid any mishaps. Only nuclear sweat can wipe the tears to once again bring cheers at all Indian atomic units. Meanwhile, southern India eagerly awaits newly generated 'atomic electricity' with bated breath. HARTFORD, Conn., July 20, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier today announced that Amgen Inc. has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class action suit filed on behalf of investors who bought Amgen securities between April 2004 and May 2007. As lead plaintiff, we have diligently pursued this action for nearly a decade. This settlement will assist institutional and individual investors in recovering some of their lost assets, said Treasurer Nappier. The suit alleged that Amgen, a California-based global biotechnology company, and certain of its former executives made misleading statements and omissions concerning the safety and marketing of two of its flagship products anti-anemia drugs Aranesp and Epogen including statements that were at odds with clinical studies. Settlement documents were filed with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California today. The settlement is subject to court approval. The case began in 2007, at which time District Court Judge Philip S. Gutierrez appointed the Connecticut Retirement Plans and Trust Funds, of which Treasurer Nappier is principal fiduciary, to serve as the lead plaintiff on behalf of investors who purchased the publicly traded securities of Amgen during the period from April 22, 2004 through May 10, 2007. Once the settlement is approved, members of this class of investors will have an opportunity to participate in a claims process to recover a pro rata share of their losses. How much each investor receives will depend on the number of claims filed and how the court apportions the $95 million. With less than a month before trial and after completing discovery, which entailed analyzing nearly 23 million pages of documents, taking or defending 52 depositions, and reviewing 36 expert reports, the parties reached a tentative agreement to settle the case. A major contributing factor to the length of the case was Amgens efforts to block getting securities class actions certified. The company appealed a 2009 order by the District Court to certify the class, which eventually led to Amgen filing a petition requesting that the U.S. Supreme Court review its appeal. In 2013, the States litigation team secured a landmark ruling in its favor from the Supreme Court, rejecting Amgens appeal. Whenever we believe that our states pension fund losses are attributable to corporate malfeasance, we go after the money. In the Amgen matter, we fought all the way to the Supreme Court, said Treasurer Nappier. Class litigation is a part of the Treasurys Asset Recovery and Loss Prevention program, the most comprehensive of its kind in the history of Connecticut state government. This unprecedented initiative, established in 2000, includes the Offices commitment to taking a measured approach to seeking plaintiff status and has resulted in the recovery of more than a billion dollars for the States pension funds since inception. After more than nine years of earnest litigation, asset recovery validates the decision to serve as lead plaintiff. Of longer-term value is the Supreme Court opinion, which preserves shareholder rights into the future, said Catherine E. LaMarr, General Counsel to the Office of the Treasurer. Treasurer Nappier thanked the Office of Attorney General George Jepsen for lending support with respect to the Supreme Court appeal and in settlement discussions. She also praised the litigation team at Labaton Sucharow LLP for the firms tenacious dedication to this matter. The team of Labaton Sucharow attorneys included partners Thomas A. Dubbs, Christopher J. McDonald, Louis Gottlieb, and James W. Johnson, with assistance from attorneys Richard T. Joffe, Irina Vasilchenko, James Ostaszewski, and Jeffrey A. Dubbin. 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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 2010-2015 market shares for each company. Through the statistical analysis, the report depicts the global and Chinese total market of Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) industry including capacity, production, production value, cost/profit, supply/demand and Chinese import/export. Browse All Reports of This Category @ http://www.radiantinsights.com/catalog/chemicals The total market is further divided by company, by country, and by application/type for the competitive landscape analysis. The report then estimates 2015-2020 market development trends of Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) 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 Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) Industry before evaluating its feasibility. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2010-2020 global and Chinese Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) industry covering all important parameters. Request a Free Sample Copy of this Report @ http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-and-chinese-alkyl-benzene-sulphonic-acid-labsa-industry-2015-market-research-report/request-sample Table of Contents Chapter One Introduction of Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) Industry 1.1 Brief Introduction of Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) 1.2 Development of Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) Industry 1.3 Status of Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) Industry Chapter Two Manufacturing Technology of Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) 2.1 Development of Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) Manufacturing Technology 2.2 Analysis of Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) Manufacturing Technology 2.3 Trends of Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) Manufacturing Technology Chapter Three Analysis of Global Key Manufacturers 3.1 Company A 3.1.1 Company Profile 3.1.2 Product Information 3.1.3 2010-2015 Production Information 3.1.4 Contact Information 3.2 Company B 3.2.1 Company Profile 3.2.2 Product Information 3.2.3 2010-2015 Production Information 3.2.4 Contact Information Related Reports by Radiant Insights: Triethyleneglycol methyl vinyl ether (MTGVE) (CAS 26256-87-1) Industry http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-and-chinese-triethyleneglycol-methyl-vinyl-ether-mtgve-cas-26256-87-1-industry-2015-market-research-report The 'Global and Chinese Triethyleneglycol methyl vinyl ether (MTGVE) Industry, 2010-2020 Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Triethyleneglycol methyl vinyl ether (MTGVE) industry with a focus on the Chinese market. DL-Alanine (CAS 302-72-7) Industry http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-and-chinese-dl-alanine-cas-302-72-7-industry-2015-market-research-report The 'Global and Chinese DL-Alanine Industry, 2010-2020 Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global DL-Alanine industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the DL-Alanine manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry. About Radiant Insights Radiant Insights is a Lysine Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid Industry research and consulting company offering syndicated research studies, customized reports, and consulting services. Our Lysine Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid Industry research studies are designed to facilitate strategic decision making, on the basis of extensive and in-depth quantitative information, supported by extensive analysis and industry insights. Using a patented and robust research methodology, we publish exhaustive research reports covering a host of industries such as Technology, Chemicals, Materials, and Energy. Radiant Insights has a strong base of analysts, consultants and domain experts, with global experience helping us deliver excellence in all research projects we undertake. Contact Details: Radiant Insights, Inc Phone: 1-415-349-0054 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: sales@radiantinsights.com Web: http://www.radiantinsights.com SARASOTA, Fla., July 21, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ringling College of Art and Design today announced that Terry Marks has joined the College as Assistant Vice President of Strategic Philanthropy for the Office of Advancement. "We are excited to have Terry join us and are well on our way in leveraging her extensive fundraising experience and finely-honed expertise in creating innovative development programs including, but not limited to, major gifts, corporate and individual sponsorships, capital campaigns, grants and cause- and event-related marketing," said Ringling College of Art and Design Vice President for Advancement Stacey Corley. Terry has driven innovation in development throughout her career, such as securing the first national corporate sponsor for the National Eating Disorders Association outside NEDA's traditional sponsorship sphere - Aerie/American Eagle the only company in the nation that does not retouch photos of their models. Her six-figure program featured collaborative messaging on digital billboards in Times Square for one month, building awareness for both NEDA and Aerie/American Eagle and driving attendees to the kick-off NEDA walk in Foley Square at the end of the month. She has also created unique cause-related programs that have generated millions of dollars over time for beneficiaries including children with autism and their families. Terry comes to Ringling College with a long history of fundraising in locations including Sarasota, New York and Los Angeles. She most recently was Vice President of Philanthropy at the Jewish Housing Council Foundation. Prior to that, she was the Interim CEO/Chief Development Officer for the National Eating Disorders Association and has held positions at the Jewish Association Serving the Aging (JASA) in NYC and Rockland Jewish Community Campus. She has also served as an Adjunct Professor at USC and instructor for The Center for Nonprofit Management in LA. Prior to Terry's nonprofit experience, she worked on Wall Street with Fortune 500 companies. "Working with Stacey and our advancement team and representing an institution with the reputation, regard and vast potential Ringling College represents make this an exceptional opportunity for me," stated Ms. Marks. "I am impressed with the strong work and foundation in place and look forward to working closely with our team, our donors and the community to enhance and expand our outreach, programs and the impact and benefit supporting Ringling College brings to more and more of our constituencies." Terry can be can be reached at 309-4041 or at tmarks@ringling.edu. Terry received her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at the University of Cincinnati. She enjoys photography as well as all the art and culture Sarasota has to offer. About Ringling College of Art and Design For 85 years, Ringling College of Art and Design has cultivated the creative spirit in students from around the globe. The private, not-for-profit fully accredited college offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in eleven disciplines and the Bachelor of Arts in two. The College's rigorous curriculum employs the studio model of teaching and immediately engages students through a comprehensive, first-year program that is both specific to the major of study and focused on the liberal arts. The Ringling College teaching model ultimately shapes students into highly employable and globally aware artists and designers. www.ringling.edu A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=40901 One year on, Iran deal 'best' way to ensure peaceful nuclear programme UN chief Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 20 July 2016 Related Document(s) Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) [on Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear programme] Cite as UN News Service, One year on, Iran deal 'best' way to ensure peaceful nuclear programme UN chief, 20 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790bd1740c.html [accessed 28 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. 20 July 2016 - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said that the nuclear deal agreed to last year by Iran and six world powers is the best way of ensuring the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme, calling for the comprehensive implementation of the accord, as well as a subsequent Security Council resolution that endorsed it. In a statement issued today, the Secretary-General congratulated the Council and the participants in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the first anniversary of the "historic achievement" and commended progress made so far. On 20 July last year, the Council adopted resolution 2231 (2015), endorsing the JCPOA under which Iran pledged that it would not seek, develop or acquire nuclear weapons. The resolution called the deal a "culmination of diplomatic efforts" by Iran and the so-called E3+3 - China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. In his statement, Mr. Ban said the JCPOA was "a triumph of diplomacy" for conflict resolution and prevention, and strengthened global norms for nuclear non-proliferation. He explained that, combined with a robust verification regime, the agreement ended one of the Council's strictest sanctions regimes, and provided Iran with the opportunity for greater engagement with the international community. "Resolution 2231 (2015) heralded a fundamental shift in Iran's relationship with the Security Council, and provided a defined time schedule for the removal of the Iran nuclear issue from the Council's agenda," the Secretary-General said. He also commended Iran for implementing its nuclear-related commitments, as verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency, while also applauding the steps taken by the European Union and the United States. "One year on, I remain certain that the JCPOA is the best way to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme and to realise the great aspirations of the Iranian people," he said, calling for the agreement and resolution 2231 to be implemented in a comprehensive manner, based on mutual respect and mutual benefit. That would facilitate greater cooperation to achieve international peace and security, he added. South Sudan: Demonstrators protest outside UN compound without incidents Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 20 July 2016 Cite as UN News Service, South Sudan: Demonstrators protest outside UN compound without incidents, 20 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790bdf740d.html [accessed 28 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. 20 July 2016 - A thousand people today demonstrated in front of a United Nations compound in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, the UN Mission in the country announced, and dispersed without incidents after handing over a petition. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that the protestors gathered around the Tomping Compound, where tens of thousands of people had sought refuge from the latest bought of fighting in the country. Some people initially threw stones at the gate, but dispersed after handing a petition to the Mission, reportedly against a proposal by the African Union to deploy a regional peacekeeping force to the country. "A peacekeeping quick reaction force and formed police unit personnel were on the ground to control the crowd and no casualties were reported," a UN spokesman, Farhan Haq, told reporters in New York. The security situation has been unstable in Juba and elsewhere since the recent fighting between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) loyal to President Salva Kiir and the SPLA in Opposition backing First Vice-President Riek Machar. Some 272 people, including 33 civilians, have been killed and at least 36,000 civilians displaced. Yesterday, two national UN staff members were physically assaulted by youth protestors in Bor, following a speech by the local governor. "UNMISS condemns physical attacks against its personnel and property and calls on all parties to respect the operations of the UN, its staff and assets," Mr. Haq said today in reaction to the incident. The UN Mission also raised concerns about increased levels of obstruction of its operations, after the Government announced today that flight safety assurances for its rotary wing aircrafts would only be granted for travels to the Greater Upper Nile and Greater Bahr el Ghazal regions. "UNMISS is concerned by these developments, which are a clear violation of the Status of Forces Agreement signed with the Government, and which are preventing the UN from implementing its mandate in the country," said Mr. Haq. Despite restrictions of movement, the Mission continues to conduct patrols in Juba, including the areas known as the "protection of civilians" sites, he added. UN agency steps up operations in South Sudan to thwart possible cholera outbreak Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 20 July 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN agency steps up operations in South Sudan to thwart possible cholera outbreak, 20 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790be1d40d.html [accessed 28 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. 20 July 2016 - Dozens of people in South Sudan may have cholera, the United Nations children's agency today announced, saying it is working with partners to step up its operations to avoid a possible cholera outbreak in the country. "The Juba Teaching Hospital reported that 69 new suspected cases were admitted on Wednesday, bringing the total number of people being treated in the capital to 112," the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said in a press release . An additional 29 suspected cases have been reported in Duk Island, Jonglei state, bring the total number of cases around the country to 141. However, the actual number of cases remains unconfirmed due to a critical lack of laboratory equipment needed for diagnosis. "A fast and coordinated response is key to preventing a cholera outbreak," said Mahimbo Mdoe, UNICEF's Representative in South Sudan. "That's underway, despite the fact that life in Juba was completely brought to a standstill for days by the recent violence and many humanitarian organizations have since evacuated staff." The UN agency is working with the Ministry of Health of South Sudan and partner organizations to provide medical supplies and sanitation, and raise community awareness. With rapid response teams underway, UNICEF said it is providing its partners with drugs, infusions and other health products to treat disease, including triage tents in case the number of cases continues to rise. At the UN protection of civilians sites where thousands continue to shelter following the fighting that erupted in Juba nearly two weeks ago, the UN Mission (UNMISS) and aprtners are continuing to supply daily water supplies. The water is then treated with chlorine. Mali: UN mission decries deadly attack against Malian military camp Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 20 July 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Mali: UN mission decries deadly attack against Malian military camp, 20 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790be5540b.html [accessed 28 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. 20 July 2016 - The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali today strongly condemned an attack against a military camp and its checkpoints in Nampala, in the central part of the country. According to a UN spokesperson, even though the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the country (MINUSMA) does not operate in the area of Nampala, the Mission mobilised major aerial reconnaissance and medical resources, in coordination with the Malian authorities, in response to the attack. Speaking after the attack, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Mali and head of MINUSMA, Mahamet Saleh Annadif, presented his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded. He stressed the need for all Malian parties to work together to prevent terrorist organisations from taking advantage of the situation to derail the peace process. UNICEF calls for urgent action to protect girls, women from sexual violence Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 20 July 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UNICEF calls for urgent action to protect girls, women from sexual violence, 20 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790be7540b.html [accessed 28 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. 20 July 2016 - A key adviser to the United Nations children's agency today decried the culture of impunity surrounding sexual violence against women and girls around the world, following a recent case of gang rape in India. "Outrage is not enough," said Anju Malhotra, UNICEF's Principal Gender Advisor. "We need action now to end this brutality that has become routine and to give the victims of violence the justice and protection they deserve." The statement was issued in response to a reported gang rape of a young Dalit woman in India by the same five men who had raped her three years prior. The case "underlines the heinous culture of impunity that surrounds violence against girls and women," Ms. Malhotra said. About one out of every 10 girls in the world will experience sexual violence, according to UN figures - the majority between the ages of 15 and 19. In 2013, following nationwide outrage and protests sparked by the death of a 23-year-old woman who was gang-rape in New Delhi in 2012, India enacted new laws to prevent and prosecute rape and other sex crimes. At that time, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, Rashida Manjoo, had said the reforms, though commendable, "did not go far enough" to address systemic gender inequalities in Indian society. Torching of house in occupied West Bank draws UN official's concern Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 20 July 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Torching of house in occupied West Bank draws UN official's concern, 20 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790be9540c.html [accessed 28 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. 20 July 2016 - The United Nations official coordinating the peace process toward resolving the longstanding conflict between Israel and Palestine today expressed concern about reports of yet another arson attack targeting a Palestinian family in Duma in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. "If confirmed, this despicable act would be the third incident in this particular village in the last year," said the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov. On 31 July last year, Jewish extremists set fire to the home of a Palestinian family, killing 18-month-old Ali Saad Dawabsha and his parents, and leaving four year-old Ahmed orphaned. "Indictments have been made, but the perpetrators of this terrible crime have yet to face justice," Mr. Mladenov said. According to media reports, the latest attack is on a relative of the family attacked on 31 July. The third attack refers to an incident in March, in which the house of Ibrahim Mohammed Dawabsha, the only living witness to the 31 July attack, was set alight. Mr. Mladenov called on the authorities to move swiftly in bringing all the perpetrators to justice, including those responsible for the incident last night. He also urged Israel, as the occupying power, to ensure that vulnerable Palestinian communities in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are protected in line with its obligations under international law. UN forum on indigenous issues urges talks between Mexican officials, teacher union wing Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 20 July 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN forum on indigenous issues urges talks between Mexican officials, teacher union wing, 20 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790bebb40c.html [accessed 28 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. 20 July 2016 - The head of the United Nations forum on indigenous issues today urged Mexican officials to meet with a wing of the national union of teachers to resolve the conflict in the southern state of Oaxaca, where violent protests over education took at least six lives. I would like to express my absolute rejection and condemnation of the events that took place on 19 and 20 June this year in Asuncion Nochixtlan and neighbouring municipalities in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, said Alvaro Pop, Chairperson of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. In addition to the people killed, more than 100 were injured in protests that followed President Enrique Pena Nieto's changes to the education system. The group that is protesting the changes is known as the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE), an offshoot of the national teacher's union. In today's statement, Mr. Pop urges the Government to dialogue in an effective, participatory and mutually respectful manner with the CNTE to find a solution that respects national and international obligations undertaken by Mexico to promote and protect the rights of its indigenous peoples. He noted that Oaxaca has the largest cultural diversity among all the Mexican states, and that Mexico has formally and constitutionally recognized the rights of indigenous peoples to education in line with their cultural methods of teaching and learning. This stems from Mexico having signed on to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Convention No. 169 of the International Labour Organization and the recently adopted American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Mr. Pop's comments come ahead of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, marked annually on 9 August, which will this year focus on Indigenous Peoples and Education. The UN is currently marking the Second International Decade of the World's Indigenous People, which began in 2005. UN rights chief 'deeply troubled' by conviction of land reform activists in Paraguay Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 20 July 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN rights chief 'deeply troubled' by conviction of land reform activists in Paraguay, 20 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790bf0740b.html [accessed 28 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. 20 July 2016 - The United Nations human rights chief today expressed concern over the recent ruling by the Court in Paraguay that convicted 11 land reform protestors, calling on the country's authorities to take urgent measures to ensure fair, independent investigations and guarantee access to justice. The conviction of 11 peasants in the Curuguaty case following a trial that allegedly did not respect judicial guarantees is deeply troubling, said the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, in a news release. Over the past four years, several human rights bodies and civil society organizations have warned against serious irregularities in the investigation, including allegations of violations of due process and the right to defense, he said. On 15 June 2012, police raided an area, known as Marina Kue in the northeastern district of Curuguaty, which was occupied by a group of protestors. Six police officers and 11 peasants were killed in the standoff, with some 80 people wounded. On 11 July this year, the Court sentenced four peasants for the killing of the six police officers, along with occupation of property and criminal association, to 18 to 35 years in prison. Seven other peasants received sentences of between four and six years in jail for occupation of property and criminal association. I'm also deeply concerned by the fact that, up to now, the deaths of 11 peasants, killed in the same incident, have not been investigated by Paraguayan authorities, nor have the allegations that some were summarily executed after being subjected to torture and other human rights violations, he added. Mr. Zeid stressed that the UN Human Rights Committee, the body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by its State parties, made a specific recommendation to Paraguay on this case in 2013, asking for an immediate, independent and impartial investigation. The Committee noted allegations of serious irregularities in the actions of the Public Prosecution Service, the judiciary and the security forces in relation to the police raid, as well as reports of a lack of impartiality and independence in the investigations into the events. Mr. Zeid recalled that, this past April, Paraguay committed to implementing a recommendation to create an independent investigation commission on the Curuguaty case during a review of the country's human rights situation by the Human Rights Council, a Geneva-based inter-governmental body made up of 47 UN Member States responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights. He urged the Paraguayan authorities to take urgent measures to guarantee that victims have access to justice and ensure that independent investigations are carried out into all alleged human rights violations, in accordance with international standards and obligations. The High Commissioner also stressed the urgent need for the authorities to move the long overdue land reform forward. A 2008 census shows that some 80 per cent of the land belongs to 2.5 per cent of the population, a gap that is causing social tensions. BALTIMORE, July 21, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thanks to its extensive achievements in promoting employee development, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has received the Maryland Workplace Success Award from ACT as part of the 2015-2016 ACT College and Career Readiness Campaign. With 41 states participating this year, the ACT College and Career Readiness Campaign honors employers, community colleges, high schools, and students performing outstanding work in education and career readiness. States were entitled to choose one exemplar in each of the four categories, with the students receiving a scholarship from ACT. Northrop Grumman was chosen as the top employer in Maryland because of its wide range of activities aimed at developing both current employees and students who may become future employees. ACT is the organization responsible for hosting the ACT test, which is now the leading college readiness assessment in the United States. "Northrop Grumman is committed to fostering and growing a deeply talented and engaged workforce," said Melissa Sandlin, manager, corporate citizenship, Northrop Grumman. "From partnerships with schools, STEM education, and student mentoring to career development, training, diversity initiatives and employee resource groups, we believe in doing all we can to develop our current and future employees." Northrop Grumman operates a wide range of programs to promote science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, including a hands-on mentorship program and scholarships awarded to students in every Maryland county. The company has partnerships with several local universities as well as a longstanding relationship with Baltimore City Public Schools. Many of the mentored students have returned to Northrop Grumman as employees. The company is strongly committed to ensuring that we have a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. Northrop Grumman's numerous employee resource groups (ERGs) provide members with opportunities for networking, community outreach and professional development. The company also offers a wide range of training and development opportunities for its workers. Northrop Grumman's workplace initiatives have earned high rankings on several national lists recognizing achievements in diversity, promoting corporate citizenship, opportunities for women and minority engineers, and advancement for executive women. Many of those achievements are discussed in the company's recently released 2015 Corporate Responsibility Report, which is available online at: http://www.northropgrumman.com/CorporateResponsibility/Pages/Reports.aspx "For the fourth year in a row, participation in the ACT College and Career Readiness Campaign continues to grow," said Scott Montgomery, ACT senior vice president for the office of public affairs. "We are proud to recognize the notable achievements of the students, educators, and employers who lead exceptional efforts to improve their schools and workplaces every day." Northrop Grumman and the Northrop Grumman Foundation are committed to expanding and enhancing the pipeline of diverse, talented STEM students globally. They provide funding to sustainable STEM programs that span from preschool to high school and through collegiate levels, with a major emphasis on middle school students and teachers. In 2015, Northrop Grumman and the Northrop Grumman Foundation continued education outreach efforts by contributing more than $17 million to diverse STEM-related groups such as the Air Force Association (CyberPatriot), Conservation International (ECO Classroom), the REC Foundation (VEX Robotics), National Science Teachers Association and the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering. For more information, please visit www.northropgrumman.com/foundation. Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information. Iraq: UN seeks $284M to start aid response ahead of Mosul military operation Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 20 July 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Iraq: UN seeks $284M to start aid response ahead of Mosul military operation, 20 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790bf3540c.html [accessed 28 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. 20 July 2016 - One of the top United Nations officials in Iraq is warning that an expected military operation in Mosul will lead to the largest and most dramatic humanitarian crisis in the world, which could impact as many as 1.5 million civilians. "The impact of the Mosul military campaign on civilians will be devastating," said Lise Grande, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq. "Mass casualties among civilians are likely and families trying to flee are expected to be at extreme risk." The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is asking for an additional $284 million to start preparing food, water, emergency shelter and medical assistance, and other immediately needed aid. Military operations by the Government of Iraq and its allies to retake areas from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) are already forcing hundreds of thousands of civilians, including more than 85,000 people from Fallujah, to flee their homes in search of safety. More than 3.3 million Iraqis are currently displaced across the country and as many as 2.5 million more people may become newly displaced along the Anbar and Mosul corridors and in Mosul city in the months ahead. "Humanitarian partners are stretched in every conceivable way," Ms. Grande said. According to OCHA, "virtually every camp and reception centre receiving newly displaced families is already are full capacity." The latest appeal is in addition to the $861 million for which OCHA asked at the beginning of the year. So far, only 40 per cent has been received. "Ninety-nine front-line programmes, including 30 life-saving health programmes, have already shut and hundreds more will in the weeks and months ahead if we don't receive support," said Ms. Grande. The actual cost of the Mosul humanitarian operation will depend on the scale, duration and intensity of the battle. OCHA estimates that in the worst case, nearly $1.8 billion may be required to support the people in trouble. Ukraine: Car bomb killing of journalist despicable attack on freedom of expression Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 20 July 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Ukraine: Car bomb killing of journalist despicable attack on freedom of expression, 20 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790c0774.html [accessed 28 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. This morning's killing of prominent journalist Pavel Sheremet by a car bomb in central Kyiv is a reprehensible act that has sent a shockwave for freedom of expression in Ukraine, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said. Pavel Sheremet, who writes for the country's top internet news site Ukrayinska Pravda, was driving to work when his car exploded at 7.45 a.m. "This attack on a journalist is a heinous crime and the ultimate violation of the freedom to expression. Pavel Sheremet's killing must be thoroughly, impartially and independently investigated and those who are responsible must be brought to justice in a fair trial," says Denis Krivosheev, Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia at Amnesty International. "We call for better protection of journalists in Ukraine that has sad record of violence committed against media workers." Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Khatiya Dekanoidze, head of Ukraine's National Police has said she will personally supervise the investigation. Pavel Sheremet, 44, was a Belarusian journalist and TV host who has been exiled in Ukraine for many years due to media repression in Belarus. In 1997 the Belarusian government jailed him, allegedly for illegally crossing the border between Belarus and Lithuania. He also previously worked in Russia as a TV host and journalist and moved to Kyiv five years ago due to the deterioration of press freedom in Russia. He was highly critical of Belarusian, Russian and Ukrainian authorities, and in 1998 the Committee to Protect Journalists awarded him its Press Freedom Award for his reporting. Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Syria: Video showing beheading of boy further evidence of abuses by armed groups Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 20 July 2016 Related Document(s) 'Torture Was My Punishment' - Abductions, Torture and Summary Killings Under Armed Group Rule in Aleppo and Idleb, Syria Cite as Amnesty International, Syria: Video showing beheading of boy further evidence of abuses by armed groups, 20 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790c0dc4.html [accessed 28 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 video showing the beheading of a boy by an armed opposition group in northern Syria is the latest abhorrent signal that some such groups are carrying out serious abuses with impunity, said Amnesty International. The video, believed to be filmed near Aleppo, shows a man standing on the back of a truck carrying out an execution-style killing of a boy. "This horrific video showing the beheading of a boy suggests some members of armed groups have truly plumbed the depths of depravity. It is yet another gruesome example of the summary killing of captives, which amounts to a war crime," said Philip Luther, Director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Programme. "All detainees, including captured fighters, must be treated humanely, and children in particular must be protected. This appalling incident points to a pattern of abuses by armed groups in northern Syria who have free rein to commit summary killings, abductions and torture without any prospect of being held accountable." While Amnesty International cannot independently verify the details of this incident, its July briefing 'Torture was my punishment': Abductions, torture and summary killings under armed group rule in Aleppo and Idleb, Syria highlights a series of abuses by armed groups in the region, including the Nour al-Dine Zinki Movement, which is believed to be the group behind this killing. The briefing features cases of people who were abducted and tortured by the Nour al-Dine Zinki Movement. It also includes accounts from media activists who received verbal and written threats from the group after they criticized them. The Nour al-Dine Zinki Movement issued a statement condemning the beheading and tried to distance itself from the incident, describing it as an "individual error", as well as re-affirming its commitment to respecting human rights. "In addition to condemning such abuses leaders of armed opposition groups must remove from their ranks any members suspected of committing serious violations of international humanitarian law," said Philip Luther. "Internationally, states taking part in talks over the Syria conflict must use any influence they have to pressure all armed groups engaged in the conflict to end violations of international humanitarian law including abductions, torture and other ill-treatment." Amnesty International has also documented indiscriminate attacks that have killed and injured civilians, in the Sheikh Maqsoud district of Aleppo city which were carried out by the Fatah Halab coalition of armed groups, which includes the Nour al-Dine Zinki Movement. It remains the case that the vast majority of people who have died in custody during the last five years have been in the hands of the Syrian authorities. Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Hong Kong: Guilty verdicts against student leaders latest blow for freedom of expression Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 21 July 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Hong Kong: Guilty verdicts against student leaders latest blow for freedom of expression, 21 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790c1934.html [accessed 28 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 Hong Kong authorities' prosecution of three pro-democracy student leaders sends a chilling warning for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the city, Amnesty International said today, after Joshua Wong, Alex Chow and Nathan Law were found guilty for their roles in events that triggered 2014's Umbrella Movement. The city's Eastern Magistrates' Court found Joshua Wong and Alex Chow guilty of "taking part in an unlawful assembly". Joshua Wong was acquitted on a second charge of "inciting others to take part in an unlawful assembly", but Nathan Law was found guilty on the same charge. Sentencing was adjourned until 15 August. "The prosecution of student leaders on vague charges smacks of political payback by the authorities," said Mabel Au, Director of Amnesty International Hong Kong. "The continued persecution of prominent figures of the Umbrella Movement is a blow to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Hong Kong." The convictions relate to a specific incident on 26 September 2014 at the beginning of the student-led pro-democracy protest outside government headquarters in Hong Kong. On that day several students climbed into the fenced-off forecourt, commonly known as Civic Square. The square had been a popular site for previous peaceful protests on other occasions, before the authorities restricted access to it in the summer of 2014. The police's handling of this initial protest and the arrests of the student leaders at that time was a crucial factor in tens of thousands of pro-democracy supporters taking to the streets in the days immediately afterwards. The vague provisions of Hong Kong's Public Order Ordinance, on which this prosecution was based, have been repeatedly criticized by the UN Human Rights Committee for failing to fully meet international human rights law and standards on the right of peaceful assembly. "The authorities must stop using vague laws in an attempt to intimidate people from exercising their right to peaceful assembly," said Mabel Au. "Prosecutions aimed at shutting down participation in peaceful protests must be dropped." According to the police, 955 individuals were arrested for various alleged offences during the Umbrella Movement protests which took place from September to December 2014. Another 48 individuals were arrested after the protests, including for "unlawful assembly". According to the Hong Kong government as of 31 January 2016, 216 people have been prosecuted, or continue to face charges for their alleged involvement in the protests. Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Gambia: Prison sentences for opposition leaders continues downward spiral for human rights Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 20 July 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Gambia: Prison sentences for opposition leaders continues downward spiral for human rights, 20 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790c1e94.html [accessed 28 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 conviction of opposition leader Ousainou Darboe and 18 other peaceful protestors highlights the continuing downward spiral for human rights in Gambia, Amnesty International said today. Following a court decision this afternoon, 19 people including the leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) have been sentenced to three years imprisonment. They were found guilty on six counts relating to participating in unauthorised protests on 16 April 2016 in the outskirts of the capital Banjul. They were found not guilty of incitement to violence, while one man was found not guilty on all counts. "The sentencing of senior opposition figures such as Ousainou Darboe is the latest in a continuous chain of violations committed against those who dare to speak out in Gambia," said Stephen Cockburn, Deputy Regional Director for Amnesty International in West and Central Africa. "Amnesty International considers all those who continue to languish in jail for protesting peacefully to be prisoners of conscience, who should be immediately and unconditionally released." The 19 people convicted were arrested on 16 April during a peaceful protest that was calling for the release of dozens of UDP supporters who had been arrested during demonstrations just two days earlier. They were also demanding an investigation into the death in custody of UDP National Organising Secretary Solo Sandeng, arrested on 14 April. One witness described in a court affidavit how she had seen the beaten body of Solo Sandeng at the National Intelligence Agency headquarters, swollen and bleeding. The verdict comes two days before the 22nd anniversary of the coup d'etat that brought President Yaya Jammeh to power, and less than five months before Presidential elections are due to be held in Gambia. In June 2016, Amnesty International launched a report detailing the further decline in freedom of expression and in respect for human rights since the last elections in 2011, including repressive new laws, arrests of journalists and opposition members, and widespread surveillance. The organisation called on ECOWAS to consider suspending Gambia if progress was not made in improving the human rights situation before upcoming elections. During a summit in June, ECOWAS Heads of State called on Gambia to refrain from using excessive force against protestors and to launch a political dialogue with opposition parties. More than 25 others remain in detention awaiting trial for their parts in protests in April and May. "Imprisoning opposition leaders and their supporters for protesting peacefully not only fragrantly violates their human rights but is also likely to enflame an already tense situation," said Stephen Cockburn. "With just five months before elections are due to be held, the Gambian authorities should take urgent measures to ensure that people can express themselves without fear of reprisals. If they do not, ECOWAS and the international community should not stand idly by." Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Ukraine: Journalist Killed in Kiev Car Explosion Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 20 July 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Ukraine: Journalist Killed in Kiev Car Explosion, 20 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790c3ec4.html [accessed 28 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. Ukrainian authorities should ensure that the investigation into the killing of the journalist Pavel Sheremet, is effective, impartial, and thorough Human Rights Watch said today. Sheremet was killed on July 20, 2016 in Kiev in a car explosion that the authorities said was caused by an explosive device. Sheremet was known for often raising human rights issues in his work, and for his biting criticism of authorities and anti-corruption investigations. Although at this stage, the full facts surrounding the explosion, including those potentially responsible and motives, are unknown, past unresolved attacks on journalists have had a chilling effect on media freedom in Ukraine. "Sheremet's death is a huge loss and striking reminder that the government needs to respond in the most serious way to threats to media freedom in Ukraine," said Rachel Denber, deputy Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "Ukrainian authorities should make a prompt and meaningful investigation a priority, considering all the motives for the attack, including Sheremet's and his partner's media work." Media reports said that Sheremet's car blew up shortly after he drove off in it at about 7:45 a.m. The car belonged to his partner, Olena Prytula, the owner of Ukrainskaya Pravda, a popular online news outlet where Sheremet also worked. It was reported that Prytula was not in the car at the time of the explosion. The Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta reported that Sheremet and Prytula had recently complained about being followed. Sheremet, 44, was born in Minsk, Belarus, and worked there and in Russia as a television host and journalist. He was harassed for his work in Belarus and even arrested in 1997 and 2004. For the past five years he had been based in Ukraine, working for Ukrainskaya Pravda and as a presenter at the Vesti radio station. Sheremet's journalistic work was internationally recognized. He received the Committee to Protect Journalists' International Press Freedom Award in 1999 and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Prize for Journalism and Democracy in 2002. Several hours after the explosion, Ukraine's prosecutor general, Yuri Lutsenko, called the journalist's death "a murder" in a Facebook post. He wrote that Sheremet's car had blown up as a result of an explosive device. He promised to "do everything we can to find those who did this." President Petro Poroshenko wrote in a Facebook post that he had ordered law enforcement authorities to carry out a prompt investigation. The head of Ukraine's national police force Khatia Dekanoidze said she would "personally take charge of the case." The Interior Ministry has opened an investigation, categorizing Sheremet's death as pre-mediated murder. Georgiy Gongadze, a Ukrainian investigative journalist who founded Ukrainskaya Pravda, where Sheremet worked, was kidnapped and brutally killed in 2000. In April 2015, a prominent pro-Russian journalist, Oles Buzina, was shot and killed in Kiev. The trial of the two men charged with Buzina's murder is ongoing. Beyond upholding the rights to freedom of expression and the media, governments have an obligation to prevent, investigate, and appropriately prosecute abuses against journalists. The UN Human Rights Committee, the body of independent experts that provides authoritative interpretations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), has made clear that governments violate their obligations under the ICCPR when they fail to take necessary steps to prevent abuses caused by private actors: governments must "take appropriate measures orexercise due diligence to prevent, punish, investigate or redress the harm caused by such acts by private persons or entities." "Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly promised to prosecute and prevent attacks on journalists," Denber said. "The Ukrainian government should keep these promises and bring to justice people who attack journalists so that Ukraine is a safe country to speak one's mind." Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch RSF condemns politically-motivated charge against correspondent Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 19 July 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF condemns politically-motivated charge against correspondent, 19 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790c5b64.html [accessed 28 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 outraged to learn that Bahraini journalist Nazeeha Saeed has been charged with working as a correspondent for foreign news media without permission and calls on the authorities to stop harassing her and to allow her to continue working. The Bahrain correspondent of France 24 and Radio Monte-Carlo Doualiya, Nazeeha Saeed went to the prosecutor's office with her lawyer, Hameed Al Mullah, on 17 July in response to a summons without knowing what awaited her. It was only after being interrogated that she learned that she was charged with working illegally for international media. "We call on the authorities to stop hounding this Bahraini journalist and to let her continue working in a fully legal manner," said Alexandra El Khazen, the head of RSF's Middle East desk. "We condemn the authorities' attempts to prevent her working, firstly by imposing an unjustified and incomprehensible travel ban on her and then by accusing her of working illegally although her papers were always in order." Saeed is accused of working for international media without the appropriate permit from the information ministry. For the past 12 years, she has had a permit that must be renewed annually. As usual, she applied to renew it when it expired at the end of March but this year she was finally told on 20 June that the renewal had been refused because questions had supposedly been raised about her performance as a correspondent. Saeed says that this is the first time in 12 years that she has been refused this permit. She is now facing the possibility of a fine of up to 1,000 dinars (2,400 euros). The charge comes just over two weeks after the authorities prevented Saeed from travelling abroad without giving her any explanation. Saeed is part of the international #FightImpunity campaign that RSF launched in November 2015 with the aim of pressuring governments to bring those responsible for crimes against journalists to justice. Saeed has for years been fighting for justice after being tortured and humiliated by policewomen for 13 hours in 2011 in Rifa'a police station, to which she was summoned because of her coverage of pro-democracy demonstrations in Manama. In November 2015, RSF condemned the justice ministry's arbitrary decision not to prosecute those responsible for torturing Saeed. The ministry gave insufficient evidence as its grounds. Around 15 journalists and bloggers are currently detained in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which is ranked 162nd out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Well-known journalist killed by car bomb Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 21 July 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Well-known journalist killed by car bomb, 21 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790c6684.html [accessed 28 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 to learn that the well-known journalist Pavel Sheremet was killed at around 7:45 a.m. today by the blast from a bomb placed under the driver's seat of the car he was driving in central Kiev. "We offer our condolences to Pavel Sheremet's family, friends and colleagues," said Johann Bihr, the head of RSF's Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk. "A full and independent investigation must be carried out to shed all possible light on this appalling crime." The recipient of many awards, Sheremet began his journalistic career in Belarus, the country of his birth, where he helped to set up several independent media outlets. A critic of President Alexander Lukashenko's regime, he spent several months in jail before moving to Russia. He resigned from his Russian TV job in 2014, criticizing the Kremlin's propaganda about Ukraine, to which he had relocated. Of late he had working in Kiev for Radio Vesti and the news website Ukrayinska Pravda. It is not clear whether Sheremet was the bomb's target because the car belonged to his partner, Ukrayinska Pravda owner Olena Prytula. The site is well known for being independent and for investigating corruption and other sensitive subjects. It had already paid a high price for its commitment to media freedom because its founder, Georgiy Gongadze, was murdered in 2000. Ukraine is ranked 107th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. RSF published a report about the situation of the media in Ukraine last month. 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. PETALUMA, Calif., July 21, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The General Services Administration (GSA) proposed a new policyon June 20th that could exclude thousands of small businesses that are currently suppliers to the federal government. Under the Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative (FSSI), the number of firms that would be able to provide specific commodities could be reduced to as few as fifteen companies. There are currently approximately 500,000 small businesses that are registered as suppliers to the federal government. The move by the federal government to drastically reduce the number of small business suppliers would seem to exacerbate the federal government's inability to achieve the 23% small business contracting goals established by the Small Business Act. Federal law also mandates a 5% minority-owned small businesses goal, a 5% goal for woman-owned small businesses and a 3% goal for service disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Fraud and corruption in federal small business contracting programs has been uncovered in dozens of federal investigations. ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News, CNN, RTTV and Public Citizen have all reported on the abuses. In 2003, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found the federal government had fabricated compliance with small business goals by including contracts to over 5,300 large businesses in the volume of federal contracts the SBA reported were awarded to to small businesses. The SBA Office of Inspector General release Report 5-15 that stated "One of the most important challenges facing the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the entire Federal Government today is that large businesses are receiving small business procurement awards and agencies are receiving credit for these awards." The GAO released Report 10-108 that stated "By failing to hold firms accountable, SBA and contracting agencies have sent a message to the contracting community that there is no punishment or consequences for committing fraud or abusing the intent of the SDVOSB program." Federal District Court Judge William Alsup accused the federal government of "covering it up" and stated "They are trying to suppress the evidence" in a federal lawsuit filed by the American Small Business League (ASBL) against the Pentagon to expose fraud and corruption in Pentagon small business subcontracting programs. The ASBL has filed another case in Federal District Court in San Francisco asking the court to grant an injunction against the SBA to halt illegal polices they believe have defrauded legitimate small businesses out of as much as $2 trillion in federal contracts and subcontracts over the last decade. The GSA proposal was published in the Federal Register on June 20th. The GSA will be taking public comment on the proposed rule until August 20, 2016. The ASBL believes government policies that have harmed small businesses are a major factor in the U.S. ranking 49th worldwide by the World Bank in the ease of starting a new business. What Colombia's peace process can teach the world Publisher IRIN Author Kristy Siegfried Publication Date 20 July 2016 Cite as IRIN, What Colombia's peace process can teach the world, 20 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790ca164.html [accessed 28 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 midst of bloody, drawn-out wars like those raging in Syria and South Sudan, it can be hard to envisage a peaceful outcome. But the fact that one of the world's longest-running armed struggles finally appears to be drawing to a close offers a glimmer of hope and even some lessons for resolving other seemingly intractable conflicts. On 23 June, while all eyes in Europe were on Brexit, the government of Colombia and leaders of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a permanent ceasefire agreement to end more than 50 years of armed conflict. The rest of the world could be forgiven for not paying much attention. Since fighting erupted way back in the 1960s between government forces and left-wing guerrilla groups (by far the most important of which was FARC), various ceasefires have been agreed and broken, and several rounds of peace negotiations have failed. But observers are in agreement that this ceasefire, and a final peace deal due to be signed in the coming days or weeks, is different. It comes with a detailed roadmap for decommissioning an estimated 7,000 FARC combatants and their weapons within six months. Both sides have indicated that, whatever the outcome of a referendum aimed at securing public approval of the deal, there will be no return to war. Consensus that gaps in the peace deal will be addressed at the negotiating table rather than through renewed warfare has not been achieved overnight. Both sides learned lessons from previous failures and agreed to a new approach when negotiations started four years ago. The time was also ripe for progress. The right conditions Under the leadership of former president Alvaro Uribe, government forces had taken back large areas of the country that had been under FARC control during the 2000s, but failed to totally defeat the guerrillas. Key FARC leaders were killed during Uribe's offensive, which began in 2004, and it became clear that FARC could not achieve its goals militarily, but only through political participation. The election of a new and more peace-minded president in 2010, Juan Manuel Santos, gave the process fresh impetus. The two sides began holding preliminary talks in 2011. Initially, the content of the talks was confidential, unlike those that took place in the late 1990s, which, according to Mariano Aguirre, director of the Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Centre (NOREF), "were a kind of show". "The media all around was leaking information, so it was a very toxic environment for conducting negotiations," he told IRIN. "This time, the government and FARC agreed to be extremely discreet and cautious." Realistic goals Previous rounds of peace talks aimed both to end the conflict and reach agreement on various aspects of political, economic, and social transformation in the wake of a peace deal. This time around, said Aguirre, "[they] didn't try to deal with anything else beyond ending the war". In a report published by NOREF, Kristian Herbolzheimer describes this limited agenda as one of the key innovations of the process that formally started in Havana in 2012. It was agreed that only after a final peace agreement had been signed would negotiations about social transformation begin that would involve all sectors of Colombian society. In the meantime, negotiations in Havana focused on five issues rural development, political participation, illegal crops and drug trafficking, justice for victims, and ending the conflict. Timothy Webster/IRIN International support Although Colombia has retained control of the peace process and didn't make use of external mediators, Norway and Cuba served as "guarantor countries" while Chile and Venezuela played the role of observers. The four countries were key in resolving disputes that arose during the negotiations, building trust between the two parties and solving logistical issues, according to a paper by Andres Ucros Maldonado from the London School of Economics. While Cuba hosted the talks, Norway provided economic support. Experts from other countries with experience of conflict resolution offered advice and lessons learned. Meanwhile, the United States, which has a long history of involvement in Colombia's internal conflict and still lists the FARC as a terrorist organisation, largely stayed out of the peace process. A wise move, according to Aguirre. "The role of the international community has been very crucial," he observed, adding that it would continue to be vital during the long process of transformation that will follow a final peace deal. "Colombia will need money, technical support and the experience of other countries," he said. Giving victims a voice Perhaps the most important innovation to come out of Colombia's peace process has been the inclusion of victims. Delegations of victims from both sides of the conflict were invited to come to Havana to recount their experiences. "It was very shocking for the two sides," said Aguirre. "They talked about terrible massacres, crimes, rapes, displacement." Not only were the victims given an opportunity to testify, they provided input on various issues, including a framework for transitional justice and reparations. Carlos Villalon/Redux/IRIN FARC guerrillas training at a camp in Meta, Colombia in November 2015 This is a first. In past peace processes around the world, victims only became involved after a peace agreement was reached, usually through participation in trials or truth commissions. In Colombia, involving victims at the outset was made easier by the fact that a process of documenting the conflict and its toll on civilians had started even before the talks got under way. A 2013 report by the National Centre for Historical Memory, established in 2005, found that 80 percent of 220,000 people who had been killed during the decades-long conflict, were civilians. A special government body for registering victims, which has been operational since 2011, had registered eight million victims by May 2016, equivalent to 15 percent of the population. In Havana, a judicial framework was agreed that draws on South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission but does not provide amnesty for those found guilty of crimes relating to the conflict. Instead, offenders who cooperate and admit to their crimes will benefit from reduced or alternative sentences such as helping with demining operations or working on community projects that benefit victims. The long road ahead Many Colombians remain deeply suspicious of the peace process and do not accept the idea of FARC leaders being allowed to participate in Colombian politics. Former president Uribe himself is leading the "no" campaign in the referendum. "Huge sectors of Colombian society still hate the FARC," said Aguirre. "Society is so polarised that the only way to move forward, to have social legitimacy, is now to open the process up." Once the final peace deal is signed, the government will have two months to hold a referendum or "plebiscite" that will give Colombians the opportunity to vote on whether or not they are in favour of the agreement. The outcome is by no means guaranteed, but over the four years of negotiations, "the country has changed already" said Aguirre. "The road to peace has already started." A "no" vote might force the two sides back to the negotiating table, but a return to arms is unlikely. There is concern that another smaller guerrilla group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), did not participate in the peace process and could still pose a threat to security by moving into areas traditionally under the FARC's authority. In the longer term, it's the implementation of the peace agreement that will prove the real test, particularly in parts of the country where FARC has long been the authority and the state has little control. "Local councils will have a huge responsibility, but they will need a mandate from the state," said Aguirre. Despite the many challenges that lie ahead, Herbolzheimer believes Colombia's example offers hope "to a troubled world" that even one of the longest-running and most violent conflicts in the world can end in peace. Addressing a recent discussion at Chatham House, he said: "The Colombian people have a new reason to be proud of their country." Yemen: It's the economy, stupid! Publisher IRIN Author Mohammed Ali Kalfood Publication Date 19 July 2016 Cite as IRIN, Yemen: It's the economy, stupid!, 19 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790cc194.html [accessed 28 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. Something peculiar is afoot in Yemen: the usually arcane topics of monetary policy and central banking have become part of everyday chatter, even street art. Since a Saudi Arabian-led coalition began airstrikes in March 2015 in a bid to oust Houthi rebels from power, some 6,500 people have been killed, and those official numbers are likely far too low. But what is less reported is how the war has also devastated Yemen's economy. Most of the country's exports came from oil and gas, and those industries are simply not functioning. Last month, a mural appeared on a wall in front of the country's central bank seen as a rare neutral and stable institution in Yemen's fractious conflict. The jagged red line reflected the wild fluctuations of the faltering Yemeni rial. The artist, Murad Subay, called his work "The Saw", a reflection of how the economic situation is sawing his country apart. He was inspired to take out his brushes by headlines that the central bank is the last hope for his country's faltering economy. "People are devastated because of the currency fluctuation," Subay told IRIN by email. Prices have shot up while wages have stagnated, he said, and "many people can't afford to live under this economic situation; they can't afford to purchase food and basic services". Last pillar of stability For the past few months, commentators have been warning that Yemen's central bank is in serious trouble. It is perhaps surprising it has survived this long after all the country has been ravaged by a war that has become too complex to fit into two sides: it includes multiple local conflicts and allegiances that are tough to untangle. The central bank sets official exchange rates for imports of flour and grain. It had also, until recently anyway, managed to keep paying government employees like soldiers, teachers, and doctors no matter their loyalty or location. But how long it can prop up a country on the brink of complete economic meltdown is unclear. Marwa al-Nasaa, resident representative for the International Monetary Fund in Yemen, told IRIN that "the Yemeni economy and rial are obviously in dire straits". "After 15 months of intense conflict, the central bank's reserves, understandably, are running low," she explained in an email. If foreign reserves become more depleted and the bank can't prevent the rial from falling further, "it would hit the average Yemeni hard, and the very poor would likely suffer most". While there are unconfirmed reports that the Houthis have raided the bank's reserves, under the hand of respected governor Mohammed Bin Humam , it has done it's best to keep the currency stable, altering the official exchange rate to combat black market trading. "Over the last 15 months, by all indications, the central bank tried to deal as neutrally as possible with a very difficult economic, social, and security situation in Yemen," said al-Nasaa. "But its ability to maintain foreign exchange support for the most basic imports, service sovereign debt obligations, and pay public sector wages is becoming more and more circumscribed." Back on the ground While all this sounds rather academic, it's not. Hisham al-Omeisy, an analyst based in Sana'a, pointed out out that what the bank does or doesn't do has a direct impact on everyday life and everyone knows it. "It affects us directly with pricing, with getting gas A lot of people don't have money to begin with," he explained to IRIN, so any shift in prices can feel drastic. One impact of the crisis in the banking system has meant that traders seeking to import goods into Yemen including food have been unable to acquire credit. That means food imports are down, and prices are up. In the capital, a 50-kg sack of flour goes for 7,500 rial, compared to 5000 rial a few months ago. In areas like Taiz, prices are significantly higher still. And it's hard to buy pricey food without a regular salary. As of September 2015, the General Union for Yemeni Workers' Syndicates estimated that three million people had lost their jobs due to the war.Those who still have employment, like the always-in-demand taxi drivers of Sana'a, find it hard to keep going when fuel is in short supply and expensive. "It's really hard to make money for your children to survive while you [also] need to feed your car with fuel to keep working," said cab driver Ahmed Shamsan, a father of three. The situation is deteriorating fast. Earlier this month, the bank reportedly stopped paying some government salaries, at least for the time being. And it could yet get worse. "If basic imports such as grains, fuels, medicines, and fuel are constrained further, this would quickly spill over into the daily lives of people that are on the edge already," warned al-Nasaa. Failing infrastructure Among the sectors hit hardest by the economic crisis is health, an area that was already in a bad way. Recently returned from Yemen, Karine Kleijer of the medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres has witnessed the country's healthcare system come grinding to a worrying halt. "You see that slowly programmes like vaccinations and things that should work are no longer functioning because [clinics and hospitals] are just running out of supplies," she told IRIN. If public doctors and nurses are unpaid it would represent a really dangerous situation, Kleijer said, as the majority of private clinics have already shuttered and locals are depending solely on publicly-funded healthcare. "Our biggest concern is the health system is going backwards rapidly. We are at the end of our [tether]," Kleijer added. Who can help? Back in 2012, Saudi Arabia stepped in to help Yemen's economy with a $1 billion deposit in the bank. But as a belligerent in the conflict, further financial support now seems an unlikely prospect, although there are reports that they have demanded the bank move to Riyadh or Aden, which had been a stronghold for Saudi-aligned forces. Al-Nasaa said the IMF can't "simply intervene to defend the rial". Instead, she said, "it could support a programme designed by the Yemeni authorities, where the authorities would be able to assume and implement programme commitments". The IMF does offer concessional lending to low-income countries with urgent needs. "The IMF has closely engaged with Yemen in the past," she said, "and it certainly stands ready to help again once conditions would allow [it] to do so". Peace, not cash Everyone, and that includes al-Nasaa, says the best way to shore up Yemen's economy is peace. "The best that could happen is that the conflict parties find a way to a durable peace agreement, and all stakeholders could work together to stabilise and reconstruct Yemen," she said. But talks in Kuwait appear to be headed nowhere quickly. Subay, the muralist, is concerned for his country, even if the bank gets help. "I don't think that this crisis can be solved by some kind of resolution on paper. No economic situation improves during wartime the war needs to stop first." Hostage Crisis Continues in Armenia Publisher Institute for War and Peace Reporting Author Suren Deheryan Publication Date 19 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol CRS 821 Cite as Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Hostage Crisis Continues in Armenia, 19 July 2016, CRS 821, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790cd0b4.html [accessed 28 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. An armed group of at least a dozen people seized a police station and hostages in the Armenian capital Yerevan on July 17. Gunmen affiliated with the Founding Parliament opposition movement took eight police officers hostage on Sunday morning. As of July 19, four had been released following negotiations. Among the remaining hostages were Armenia's deputy police chief Vardan Yegiazaryan and Yerevan's deputy police chief Osipyan. One police officer, Artur Vanoyan, was killed during the takeover of the police station, in the Erebuni district of Yerevan, and both sides sustained casualties. The gunmen, many of them veterans of the Nagorny Karabakh war in the 1990s, demanded the release of their leader, Zhirayr Sefilian. He was arrested last month for the illegal acquisition and possession of weapons. Set up in 2008, Founding Parliament has organised dozens of peaceful rallies to promote regime change. But its members have refused to participate in elections or to become part of the political system. The hostage takers also called for a public uprising against government and for the ousting of Armenia's president Serzh Sargsyan. Armenias National Security Service (NSS) said the law enforcement organs were in full control and were taking all necessary steps to resolve the situation. Police blocked all roads leading to the station, with swat teams deployed in the area. However, human rights bodies reported numerous arbitrary arrests. On July 17, law enforcement officials arrested dozens of people who had come either to the blocked-off area or gathered on Liberty Square in the city centre to learn more about the siege. Later that day, the office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, also known as the ombudsman, reported that police had released 50 detainees. But the following day, more arrests were reported. According to Daniel Ionessyan, coordinator of the Association of Informed Citizens, more than 150 people were arrested on July 17 and 18. Instead of being taken to police stations, they were taken into custody by special police forces, the so-called military section. Ionessyan said that detainees who had been released told him they had been beaten and humiliated in custody. The ombudsman's office received about 40 emergency calls relating to police detention of civilians and incidents where peaceful assembly was obstructed. During the past three days, the ombudsman's office logged around 100 detainees in police stations in Yerevan and in the regions of Shirak, Lori and Armavir. It has formally asked the police to investigate this situation, referring some cases to the Special Investigation Service of Armenia. Public reaction appeared divided over the hostage taking. Some said the demands and methods were both unacceptable, while others expressed sympathy with the armed rebellion. Overnight from July 18 to 19, dozens of people flocked to the streets close to the police station to prevent the police from storming it and to ensure that negotiations continued. So far, no deputies of the ruling Republican Party, including the speaker, prime minister or president have commented on the situation. Representatives of all other political parties have called for a peaceful resolution. Sefilian is a well-known figure in Armenia due to his role in the Karabakh conflict in the early 1990s. He led a special unit of fighters who liberated the city of Shusha from Azerbaijani forces. Varuzhan Avetisyan and Pavel Manukyan, the leaders of the armed group , are both veterans of the Karabakh war who fought alongside Sefilian. A native of Lebanon, 49-year-old Sefilian learned his military skills during the countrys civil war before moving to Armenia in 1990. He was imprisoned in 2007 and 2015 on charges of illegal possession of weapons and organisation of mass disorder. Most recently, he and six other Founding Parliament members were arrested on June 20. "I am not going to blame or excuse, but I am very concerned about the situation," said Avetik Ishkhanyan, chairman of the Armenia Helsinki Committee. "But when people talk about legal methods of solving problems, I want to remind them of the events last summer, when during the demonstrations against Electric Yerevan [against the increase of electricity prices] police dispersed and at the same time illegally detained more than 200 people. Then we, as human rights activists, tried to protect them using legal methods, but without result." According to him, only one of the police officers was prosecuted and punished. "And this impunity, as we see, is still going on. Here yesterday [July 17] the police started to hunt people again. This is what I call it," he said. Aghasi Yenokyan, director of the Armenian Centre for Political and International Studies, also expressed concerns. "Unfortunately, our authorities do not respond adequately to critical situations and try to solve the problem for the benefit of strengthening their own power. I do not think this is correct and [it is] the reason for this situation," he said. Artur Sakunts, chairman of the Helsinki Citizens Assembly-Vanadzor, said it was vital for violence to be avoided. "If the police remove the police cordon and open all the roads, I can say with confidence that we can freely move on these streets and no one will shoot us," he said. Copyright notice: Institute for War & Peace Reporting Kyrgyzstan: Askarov Given Appeal Hope But Remains in Jail Publisher EurasiaNet Author Anna Lelik Publication Date 12 July 2016 Other Languages / Attachments Russian Cite as EurasiaNet, Kyrgyzstan: Askarov Given Appeal Hope But Remains in Jail, 12 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790cf8c4.html [accessed 28 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 highest court in Kyrgyzstan has set an unusual precedent by ruling to allow a new legal appeal for a rights activist whose imprisonment has sown dangerous ethnic, diplomatic and political tensions. Advocacy groups have expressed dismay, however, that the ruling falls far short of what the international community and rights activists have long been demanding - Azimjan Askarov's immediate release. Tempers in the gallery of the Supreme Court were at boiling point from the very start of the July 12 hearing into Askarov's case. Although the decision to order a lower court to review the life sentence passed down in 2010 opened a slight window of hope for Askarov, the ailing 65-year-old will remain in prison pending fresh legal procedures, in defiance of clear demands from the UN Human Rights Committee. "It's a missed opportunity for Kyrgyzstan to do the right thing by finally releasing a man who should never have been jailed in the first place. Today's decision by the Supreme Court ignores Kyrgyzstan's obligations under international human rights law," Anna Neistat, senior director for research at Amnesty International, said in a statement. Askarov, an ethnic Uzbek, was sentenced to life imprisonment in September 2010 on charges of inciting a crowd to murder police officers during deadly inter-communal riots in the southern Kyrgyzstan town of Bazar-Korgon in June that year. Askarov and his defenders have always denied the accusations and said the activist was targeted for reprisal over his history of advocacy for victims of police abuse. Significantly, many victims of police mistreatment have historically come from the ethnic Uzbek minority, while the ranks of law enforcement bodies are dominated by ethnic Kyrgyz. This aspect has added a particularly toxic ingredient to the Askarov saga. Around a dozen relatives and supporters of the alleged victims attended the Supreme Court hearing, at the judges' invitation. As proceedings began, they hurled abuse at Askarov's defense team. Chinara Bechelova, the wife of one of the killed police officers, Myktybek Sulaimanov, spoke with rage as she was cross-questioned. "If you acquit him, I will set myself on fire. If you don't want another Kyrgyz-Uzbek war, leave everything as it is," said Bechelova, whose husband was 41 years old and had served in the police force for two decades when he died. Legal experts present at the hearing expressed misgivings that the merits of the case were even being addressed in the first place, arguing that the focus should have been on a UN Human Rights Committee statement from April that called for Askarov's immediate release. In its statement, the UN Human Rights Committee had cited 18 international experts as saying that Kyrgyzstan grossly flouted the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights in its treatment of Askarov. It said the activist was denied the right to properly prepare for his trial and criticized the manner of his initial detention. Members of the committee also found that independent medical examinations suggested Askarov had been subjected to torture. On that basis alone, Askarov should have been released, the UN Human Rights Committee argued. State prosecutor Nurlan Tagayev said at the July 12 hearing that there was no evidence Askarov had been tortured and that the bruises on his body were sustained during an altercation with a cellmate. As the three Supreme Court judges retired to consider their decision, relatives of the murdered police officers again tried to assault the defense team and insulted rights activist Aziza Abdirasulova, who was also present at the hearing. Several police officers intervened to prevent the physical attack. The unruly scenes were reminiscent of the climate surrounding the original trial at the Nooken district court in 2010. Witnesses that would have spoken in Askarov's defense were intimidated into silence, the activist's lawyers said at the time. On one occasion, Nurbek Toktakunov, the lawyer who has represented Askarov since the very beginning and through to the Supreme Court hearing, was attacked by relatives of the killed policeman, Sulaimanov. During the assault, the mob tore the lawyer's shirt and stole his briefcase containing documents relating to the case. The briefcase was later recovered. At the trial, Sulaimanov's relatives unremittingly barracked the defendant and his lawyers, demanding that he be put to death. On one occasion, somebody hurled a glass at the cage holding Askarov. Court officials did little to reprimand the unruly crowd. On July 12, Supreme Court judges ruled that Askarov's appeal would only be partially recognized and said the case would have to be reviewed at the Chui regional court to further consider procedural violations. Asiya Esenbekova, assistant professor at Kyrgyzstan's National Law Academy, argued in comments to reporters that the court's decision corresponded to international legal norms as previous court decisions had been cancelled and a retrial ordered. Kirill Koroteev, a lawyer with the Moscow-based Memorial Human Rights Center, derided that interpretation of the ruling. "[The Supreme Court's] criminal division sent the case for a fresh appeal hearing before the Chui regional court in Bishkek. This is not equal even to a fresh trial. [It is] likely that that the appeal court won't even hear evidence anew," Koroteev wrote on his Facebook account. President Almazbek Atambayev, who has been in power since 2010, and his government have backed themselves into a diplomatic and political corner by vehemently insisting in public that Askarov's original conviction was legitimate and fair. Bishkek was drawn into a vicious spat with Washington last year after the US State Department awarded Askarov a prize acknowledging his human rights activism. The UN Human Rights Committee consolidated international misgivings over the case. And this week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is due to visit Kyrgyzstan for talks that are likely to also touch on Askarov's case. That, at least, is what advocacy groups like the Committee to Protect Journalists are hoping. "Madam Chancellor, the CPJ values your previous discussion of Askarov's case with the Kyrgyz officials, and we ask that you use all the resources available to your office, both within the German government and the OSCE chairmanship, to seek his immediate and unconditional release," the group said in a statement. Domestically, the threat comes from the firebrand Kyrgyz nationalists whose often-violent rhetoric has generally gone unchecked by the authorities. "There is always a chance that nationalist groups can use this occasion to reappear and draw public attention. This is a bigger risk than any pressure from the [relatives of the alleged] victims that we saw today," Medet Tiulegenov, a political scientist at the American University of Central Asia, told EurasiaNet.org. That leaves Kyrgyzstan's government perilously stranded with little way out. "Kyrgyz authorities try to maneuver between two fires. On the one hand, there is the international community, on the other, there is a fear about once again stirring up the ethnic issue," Tiulegenov said. Editor's note: Anna Lelik is a Bishkek-based reporter. Copyright notice: All EurasiaNet material Open Society Institute Armenia to House World's Largest Yazidi Temple Publisher EurasiaNet Author Maxim Edwards Publication Date 6 July 2016 Cite as EurasiaNet, Armenia to House World's Largest Yazidi Temple, 6 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790d0834.html [accessed 28 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 small village of Aknalich, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) west of Armenia's capital, Yerevan, will soon be home to the world's largest Yazidi temple. For a people striving to rebound after a 2014 massacre by Islamic State militants in Iraq, the structure is a symbol of resilience. Yazidis are one of Armenia's largest ethnic minority groups, practicing an ancient, monotheistic faith that has similarities to Christianity, Islam and Judaism, along with elements of sun worship. Numbering around 35,000, according to Armenia's 2011 census, they live mostly in the South Caucasus country's western and northern regions. Theirs is a tragic history. Yazidis were a persecuted minority in the Ottoman Empire and reached what is today Armenia in the 1820s. Persecution continues to this day. In August 2014, Islamic State (IS) fighters entered the northwestern Iraqi town of Sinjar and slaughtered thousands of Yazidi men and abducted a similar number of women, according to United Nations researchers. In June, the UN condemned IS terrorists' anti-Yazidi campaigns in Iraq and Syria as genocide. A small number of Yazidis fleeing the conflict have reached Armenia and its northern neighbor, Georgia, which also is home to a Yazidi temple. Most, though, do not stay for long, joining others in their search for a better life in the European Union. Most residents of Aknalich, a mixed Yazidi-Armenian village of about 3,000, work in the agricultural sector. A few work at the nearby Metsamor nuclear plant. As is common in Armenia, many young people go to Russia in search of work, sending remittances back home. Aknalich Mayor Gevork Misakian hopes that the temple will help slow the labor migration trend. Already, the village has the beginnings of a Yazidi cultural and religious center. Aside from the temple, a conference hall, museum and religious seminary are under construction. Weddings will also be held in the complex. The village also contains the former Soviet Union's first Yazidi temple, Ziyarat, erected in 2012. The symbolism of Ziyarat and Aknalich's new temple, Quba Mere Diwane (roughly translated as "All Will Come Together"), has only increased since the Sinjar massacre, noted Khdr Hajoian, vice president of the Yazidi National Union, a Yerevan-based organization. But the new temple, already under construction for nearly a year, is a project on a much larger scale. Built of Armenian granite and Iranian marble, Quba Mere Diwane will stand 25.3 meters (83 feet) high and contain a prayer hall of 200 square meters (2,153 square feet). Seven domes will surround a large central dome representing Melek Taus, the most revered of the Yazidi angels. It will be crowned with a gold-plated sun, a symbol of the Yazidis' faith. Workers at the adjacent stonemasons' yard do not expect the temple to be finished until 2017. Its cost has not been made public. Financing for Quba Mere Diwane comes from 69-year-old Mirza Sloian, a successful Moscow-based Yazidi businessman, who also paid for Ziyarat. Sloian is a native of Armenia's Armavir region. The new structure, envisaged well before the Sinjar massacre, reflects the Yazidis' current need to "feel that we are a community," commented Mraz Sloian, nephew of the project's financier. Fears of assimilation and of conversion by proselytizing evangelical Christian groups active in Armenia's regions also played a part, he added. Yazidis in the Caucasus were historically nomadic and never built mega-temples. Ethnographer Hranoush Kharatian, the former head of the Armenian government's department for minority affairs, sees the project as part of a broader Yazidi attempt to institutionalize their faith, establishing a spiritual center for the country's Yazidis for the first time. Despite the concerns about assimilation, Armenia's Yazidis identify strongly with their ethnic Armenian neighbors. Community members are quick to point out that Yazidis share a common history of genocide with Armenians; many Yazidis were also killed amid the Ottoman-era mass slaughter of ethnic Armenians during World War I. It was no coincidence that construction on the Quba Mere Diwane temple began months after the centenary commemorations of that massacre. The approach to the new temple stands in plain sight of Mount Ararat, just across the Turkish border. It is lined with monuments celebrating Armenian-Yazidi brotherhood such as an intertwined Armenian khachkar (cross) and sun. That sense of fraternity often appears to work the other way, too. The Armenian parliament currently is reviewing a draft document on recognizing the Sinjar massacre as genocide. Relations with the Armenian Apostolic Church, the country's majority faith, are friendly. The Church's patriarch, Catholicos Karekin II, and senior clergy attended the dedication of the monuments to Armenian-Yazidi brotherhood. The new Yazidi temple's architect is, in fact, better known for his work on Armenian Apostolic churches. Artak Ghulian designed Moscow's new Armenian cathedral, and has built over 20 churches for many of Armenia's big names, including a cathedral in Abovian financed by oligarch and politician Gagik Tsarukian. Ghulian could not be reached for comment, although temple sponsor Sloian wrote in a 2015 book that the new temple's style is inspired by the shrine at Lalish, the holiest of over 360 Yazidi shrines in northern Iraq. Impressive though it will be, Quba Mere Diwane is not intended to overshadow Iraq's historic Yazidi temples, stressed the Yazidi National Union's Hajoian. "There will only ever be one Lalish," he added. Sheikh Jendi Jendoian, a local religious leader from Artashar village, agreed that Lalish would always remain the holiest site for Yazidis. Editor's note: Maxim Edwards is a writer and commissioning editor at openDemocracy Russia (oDR). He covers nationalism, minorities, and memory, with a focus on post-Soviet states. Copyright notice: All EurasiaNet material Open Society Institute Title Alternative report submitted to the 90th session of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in relation to the combined 22nd and 23rd periodic reports submitted by: Ukraine Publisher Equal Rights Trust Publication Date 11 July 2016 Country Ukraine Cite as Equal Rights Trust, Alternative report submitted to the 90th session of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in relation to the combined 22nd and 23rd periodic reports submitted by: Ukraine, 11 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790de7c4.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Title Alternative report submitted to the 90th session of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in relation to the combined twenty first to twenty third reports of: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Publisher Equal Rights Trust Publication Date July 2016 Country United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Cite as Equal Rights Trust, Alternative report submitted to the 90th session of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in relation to the combined twenty first to twenty third reports of: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5790e02a4.html [accessed 28 October 2022] CLEARWATER, Fla., July 21, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Since the opening of the new headquarters for the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) of Florida in July of last year, there have been more than 3,000 tours of the Psychiatry: An Industry of Death museum. The museum presents the unvarnished history of psychiatry while also providing information on the state of psychiatry today. The construction of the CCHR headquarters and its museum was supported by members of the International Association of Scientologists. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/89732259-660e-451b-afd2-be6b6f998329 Tours of the museum have been given to everyone from a mother who wanted to know how to protect her children from involuntary commitment to psychiatric nursing students brought by their professors to learn the truth about psychiatry. The headquarters has also hosted or participated in over 100 events designed to educate individuals on their rights under the mental health law of Florida commonly referred to as the Baker Act. Our goal is to ensure that Floridians know their rights under this law, especially parents since minors may legally be sent for involuntary examination without parental knowledge or consent, said Diane Stein, President of CCHR Florida. The museum tours and events help us to accomplish this goal faster and more effectively. In 2014, there were a total of 181,471 involuntary examinations initiated which was an almost 82% increase from 2002 to 2014 and 17% (30,850) of the total involuntary examinations were on children and unfortunately the majority of parents in the state are not aware of this risk. Working to educate as many families has possible, CCHR has mailed 84,000 postcards to families in Florida directing them to a website where they can learn more about the law and download a legal form to help protect their children from unnecessary involuntary examination. We want to see a reduction of the number of involuntary examinations of minors in 2016 and hope to be able to restore the rights of parents under this law during next years legislative session, said Stein. The museum is open daily from 10am until 10pm and events are held weekly and monthly. Both are open and free to the general public. For more information please visit www.cchrflorida.org or call 727-467-6964. About Citizens Commission on Human Rights: CCHR is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious mental health watchdog. Initially established by the Church of Scientology and renowned psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz in 1969, CCHRs mission is to eradicate abuses committed under the guise of mental health and enact patient and consumer protections. CCHR has helped to enact more than 150 laws protecting individuals from abusive or coercive mental health practices. It was L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, who brought the terror of psychiatric imprisonment to the notice of the world. In March 1969, he said, Thousands and thousands are seized without process of law, every week, over the free world tortured, castrated, killed. All in the name of mental health. CCHR Florida has already proven a major player in the states fight against psychiatric abuse. After discovering that 55 percent of foster children in Florida had been prescribed powerful mind-altering psychotropic drugs, the commission documented the abuse to the health department which initiated changes that led to a 75 percent reduction in prescriptions for children under six. VALENCIA, Calif., July 21, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wesco Aircraft Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:WAIR), the worlds leading provider of comprehensive supply chain management services to the global aerospace industry, today announced plans to release its fiscal 2016 third quarter results after the close of market on Thursday, August 4, 2016. Wesco Aircraft will hold a conference call to discuss its fiscal 2016 third quarter results at 2:00 p.m. PDT (5:00 p.m. EDT) on the same day. The conference call can be accessed by dialing 888-771-4371 (domestic) or 847-585-4405 (international) and entering passcode 43019629. The conference call will be simultaneously broadcast on Wesco Aircrafts Investor Relations website (http://ir.wescoair.com). Following the live webcast, a replay will be available on the companys website for one year. A telephonic replay also will be available approximately two hours after the conference call and may be accessed by dialing 888-843-7419 (domestic) or 630-652-3042 (international) and entering passcode 43019629. The telephonic replay will be available until August 11, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. About Wesco Aircraft Wesco Aircraft is the worlds leading distributor and provider of comprehensive supply chain management services to the global aerospace industry, based on annual sales. The companys services range from traditional distribution to the management of supplier relationships, quality assurance, kitting, just-in-time delivery and point-of-use inventory management. The company believes it offers one of the worlds broadest portfolios of aerospace products, including chemical, electrical and C-class hardware and comprised of more than 575,000 active SKUs. To learn more about Wesco Aircraft, visit our website at www.wescoair.com. Follow Wesco Aircraft on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/wesco-aircraft-corp. Reading, math scores down in 1st test since COVID. How Indiana did. THURSDAY Book signing A reading of the book 'Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear,' by Lindsay Mattick, will begin at 10 a.m. at The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St. An art activity will follow. Registration is $5 per family, with a limited number of copies of the book are available for an additional $5. To register, go to www.thegracemuseum.org. Americans with Disabilities Act celebration Disability in Action will conduct a 26th anniversary celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Abilene Civic Center, 1100 N. Sixth St. Former Army helicopter pilot Elizabeth McCormick will be the guest speaker. Admission is $3. For information, go to http://disabilityinaction.org. Tip A Cop Local law enforcement officers will serve tables and collect tips for Tip A Cop Night from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Texas Roadhouse, 1381 S. Danville Drive. Proceeds will go to Special Olympics Texas. Self-defense for women A free self-defense class for women age 12 and up will be presented at 6:30 p.m. at Team Chip Tae Kwon Do Centers, 2218 S. 14th St. Participants are encouraged to wear workout attire. Other ... Chronic Pain and Depression Group, 11 a.m. to noon, Mental Health Association of Abilene, 333 Orange St., 325-673-2300. Abilene Founder Lions Club, 11:30 a.m., Al's Mesquite Grill, 4801 Buffalo Gap Road. Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene, noon, Beehive Restaurant, 442 Cedar St. 325-695-0092. Blood drive, noon to 4 p.m., Taylor County Courthouse, 300 Oak St. Retired Military Wives Club social meeting, 1 p.m., Rose Park Senior Activity Center, 2625 South Seventh St. 325-677-9656 or 325-793-1490. Mental Illness Open Support Group, 1-2 p.m., Mental Health Association of Abilene, 333 Orange St. 325-673-2300. Abilene 42 Club, 6 p.m., Rose Park Senior Center. Teen Recovery Group, 6-7 p.m., Mission Abilene, 3001 N. Third St. Free certified nurturing parent class (all ages), 6-8 p.m., Mission Church, North Third and Mockingbird streets. 325-672-9398. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 6:30 p.m. Brook Hollow Christian Church. Weigh-in begins at 5:30 p.m. 325-665-5052. Free swim class for people with multiple sclerosis, 6:30 p.m., YMCA, 3250 State St. Gambler's Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., Unity Spiritual Living Center, 2842 Barrow St. 325-338-2575. Round Dancing, 7 p.m., Wagon Wheel. 325-829-1517. South Pioneer Al-Anon Group, 8 p.m., 3157 Russell Ave. Unity Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander St. FRIDAY Musical COTTONWOOD The Cottonwood Country Musical will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Cottonwood Community Center. A supper will be served from 5-7 p.m. Game night A game night for families with children in pre-K through fifth grade will be conducted from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Alliance for Women and Children, 1350 N. 10th St. Snacks and drinks will be served. Dance OPLIN A dance featuring Muddy Creek will be 7:30-10:30 p.m. at the Oplin Community Center. Admission is $5. Information: www.grandoleoplin.com. Other ... Blood drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kwik Kar Lube, 4824 S. 14th St. Abilene Chinese Corner, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Abilene Christian University library. lld09a@acu.edu. Mid-City Al-Anon, 7 p.m., First Christian Church. 325-670-4304. SATURDAY Tour de Gap BUFFALO GAP The 2016 Tour de Gap bike race will begin at 8 a.m. at the Old Settlers Reunion Grounds, at 131 N. William St. Courses of 11, 27 and 52 miles will be available. Registration will open at 6:30 a.m. Registration is $30, with proceeds going to Big Brothers Big Sisters. To register, go to www.bikereg.com/tour-de-gap. Car show and poker run The Houses for Healing Car & Bike Show will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at My Mechanic of Abilene, 3945 S. First St. Vehicle entry is $15. Judging will begin at noon. A poker run will be available for $15 for singles and $20 for couples. Family Fun Saturday The Family Fun Saturday art program will be presented from 1-4 p.m. at the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, 102 Cedar Movie at the Mockingbird library A showing of a classic animated film about dinosaurs will be presented at 2:30 p.m. at the Mockingbird Branch of the Abilene Public Library, 1326 N. Mockingbird Lane. Admission is free. Musical OLD GLORY The Old Glory Musical will begin at 6 p.m. at the Old Glory Community Center. Concessions will open at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 940-989-2966 or 940-989-2816. Other ... Overeaters Anonymous, 10 a.m., Shades of Hope, 402A Mulberry St., Buffalo Gap. 800-588-4673. Abilene Society of Model Railroaders, 10 a.m. to noon, 2043 N. Second St. SUNDAY Out & About Group LGBT AA Meeting, 6 p.m. Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, Lower Level Parish Hall, 602 Meander St. Welcome to Club News, a weekly roundup of the latest news in the Big Country. To be included: in 75 words or less, send meeting highlights, guest speakers, officers elected, donations made or received, etc. We don't need the full minutes just the decisions made or the fun things that happened. Information needed: when and where (with a full street address) the club meets and daytime contact information for questions. Only typed submissions can be accepted. To email the information, please put 'club news' in the subject line and send to PublishMe@reporternews.com by 2 p.m. each Monday. Kiwanis Club of Abilene David Jones, membership chairman, will present a special program for our club members, new members and prospective members on July 27 during our regular club meeting. This is a great time to come check us out, join in the fun and learn about the many benefits and rewards of Kiwanis membership. The induction fee of $35 will also be waived for any new member joining the club during the month of July. Regular meeting: noon Wednesdays, Abilene Country Club, 4039 S. Treadaway; club satellite, 6 p.m. first Tuesday of the month, Boys and Girls Club of Abilene-Martinez, 1301 Clinton St. Contact: Jamie Breed, 672-7200. Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene David McCaghren will present today's program speaker, Sheila Surgeon, director of the horse program at Ben Ritchie Boys Ranch. Regular meeting: noon Thursdays, Beehive Restaurant, 442 Cedar St. Contact: David McCaghren, 829-3030. Rotary Club of Abilene Abilene Fire Chief Larry Bell is set to be our guest speaker this week. He has been chief since January 5, 2016, and has served the Abilene Fire Department for 33 years. Ever entertaining, Glenn Dromgoole, author of 30 books, spoke to us last week and read from his latest book, 'More Civility, Please.' Next week, Kate Miller will tell of her RYLA experience earlier this summer. Regular meeting: noon Fridays, Beehive Restaurant, 442 Cedar St. Contact: Mary Beth Kilgore, 518-5288. Rotary Club of Stamford Dennis Braden, manager of Swenson Ranches, recently returned from joining staff at New Mexico State University in conducting a seven-day comprehensive course for 35 students at a selected ranch in New Mexico. This included 12 hours of instruction each day in all phases of ranch management. Braden has been involved in this program for more than nine years and looks forward to helping each year. DEAR ABBY: My husband and his sister had a rough childhood in foster care. Long story short, they lost contact for 10 years until now. She found us on Facebook and was desperate to know if she had found her brother or not. My husband ignored her. He isn't sure he ever wants to rebuild a relationship with her. I know that's his decision to make, and if he doesn't want her in his life, that's fine. But I couldn't live with myself if I ignored her, too. I just wanted her to know she could stop looking and wondering if her brother is still alive. So I told her. She was grateful to have some closure and know that he is doing well, and she reassured me that she wouldn't contact him again unless he reaches out to her. Even if they never talk again, I think she deserved to know she had found him. Now I feel guilty for going behind his back and meddling in things that aren't my business. But I can't imagine spending my whole life searching for a family member, when someone could have been honest with me and given me peace of mind. Did I make a terrible mistake, and should I come clean to my husband about what I did? Feeling Guilty In Georgia DEAR FEELING GUILTY: You failed to mention the reason for your husband's ambivalence about re-establishing a relationship with his sister. Now that she has found you on Facebook, she can follow his whole life, unless you block her. Whether you made a terrible mistake remains to be seen. If the sister contacts your husband again, you will have to tell him what you did. He may have wanted to protect his privacy. As long as she doesn't, I think you should keep your mouth shut. DEAR ABBY: My 18-year-old daughter has just finished school. She now wants to take a gap year and work to save enough to travel overseas. The problem is, she's so eager to get away from home that she wants to move to another city to work. I have advised her that staying home and working will allow her to save more to travel, and she would have to pay for her food, accommodation and transportation, and would have little left over to save to travel. She got upset with me and could not understand why I wouldn't want to pay her rent or support her. Am I being unreasonable saying that she should pay her own way if she moves out of the home? Mom In Johannesburg, South Africa DEAR MOM: If anyone thinks that an attitude of entitlement is strictly a problem in the United States, your letter should banish that notion. What you told your daughter makes perfect sense. If she wants independence, she should be prepared to accept the responsibility for living that way. I would, however, encourage you to continue the dialogue with her so you can understand why she feels the need to live apart from you, on the chance that a compromise might be possible. I'm sure it would be enlightening. In Cisco, you can have your pie and eat it, too. Or three. Or more ... A pair of suspects in an alleged murder of an Abilene man were denied a reduction in their court-determined bond on Wednesday. Judge John Weeks of the 42nd District Court denied both Kimberly Mansell, 39, and Michael Shawn Gootee, 37, a reduction in the $250,000 bond each has been held for since the shooting death of Donald Perkins, 35, near the Five Points Business Park on Arnold Boulevard on June 26. They are both charged with first-degree murder. District Attorney James Hicks said he's happy the judge saw fit to deny reduction because a life was lost. But he said it's not really winning in this case. 'I don't really see it as a victory for anyone,' Hicks said. 'You have a family that's lost a loved one. That hole will never be covered, or that person will never be replaced. I think that the bonds the judge set in this case are adequate, reasonable and I am very glad Judge Weeks denied any kind of reduction.' Hearings were completed individually, with Mansell first. She's accused of luring Perkins to his death by claiming she had a flat tire. Police say it is Gootee who shot and killed Perkins on Arnold Boulevard. John S. Young, representing Gootee, called several witnesses, including his father, fiance and sister and Gootee himself to testify to the accused's character, flight risk and his inability to pay the $250,000 bond set at the time of his arrest. Gootee, witnesses said, had cancer and developed chronic neuropathy, leaving him unable to work. He receives public assistance to care for his two daughters, they said. They also said he was in Las Vegas for about five weeks until a few days before Perkins was killed and was planning to go to Lampasas to live with his fiance's sister days after the death. 'The standards (for bond reduction) are discretionary,' said Young, . 'We presented evidence that we thought met those standards and there's a great deal of discretion in the law about what an appropriate bond is. Judge Weeks heard the evidence in our case and disagreed with us. I believed that we had met the threshold, but Judge Weeks disagreed with us and I respect that decision. It's unfortunate for Shawn and his children, but we respect that decision.' Detective Jonathan Merrick of the Abilene Police Department, on the stand Wednesday called by Hicks, said his investigation showed Gootee visited several locations in Abilene attempting to find Perkins and threatening to kill the man. The attorney for former Child Protective Services supervisor Martha Kiel 'Bit' Whitaker recently submitted a motion requesting a hearing to set aside Whitaker's 2014 indictment on a charge of tampering with physical evidence, arguing there has been a failure to afford her a speedy trial. Whitaker turned herself in to police in July 2014 in connection with a case stemming from the 2012 death of 22-month-old Tamryn Klapheke. On Tuesday, attorney Randy Wilson said a trial date had been set 'a number of times and the special prosecutor out of Waco has postponed it each time.' In July 2014, Mark Parker, assistant district attorney for McLennan County, confirmed he had taken the case to a Taylor County grand jury. A jury trial set for March 14, 2016 later was postponed until June 27, 2016. 'We were ready to go to trial at the end of last month,' Wilson said. 'And the Thursday before we were supposed to start on Monday, (the prosecutor) advised he was not ready again. The offense is alleged to have happened in 2012, we're now in 2016 And it's been postponed each time by the prosecution.' In July, Whitaker was told by the court administrator that the court had 'released the present prosecutor,' and that a new prosecutor would be sought. That means any trial will have to wait until after a new prosecutor is appointed and given time to get familiar with the case, according to the motion. 'Martha Kiel Whitaker has been substantially prejudiced in that (she) has had her opportunity to defend the pending case impaired due to the length of delay,' the motion reads. 'A 4-plus year length of delay creates a presumption of prejudice that the state will be unable to rebut.' The motion states that Whitaker was indicted July 17, 2014, but was not arrested on the charge until July 26, 2014. It argues that the large gap between the alleged crime and a trial shows 'presumptive prejudice' against Whitaker because the delay is 'longer than what can be considered ordinary.' Whitaker had 'no notice of pending charges until her indictment almost two years after the alleged crime,' the motion states, also noting that there have been five pretrial hearings set between Oct. 13, 2014, and the present. The tampering charge is a third-degree felony with possible punishment of 10 years in prison and a possible fine. According to Reporter-News archives, Whitaker and fellow CPS supervisors Gretchen Denny and Barbara McDaniel came under fire in October 2012 after Tamryn Klapheke's death in August of that year. The girl died of dehydration and malnutrition in her Dyess Air Force Base home, while her two siblings, 3-year-old Taberlee and 6-month-old Tatum, were near death when police found them. CPS began receiving medical reports about the children's care in 2010. The entity's last face-to-face contact with Tiffany Klapheke, the girls' mother, was in October 2011. CPS investigator Claudia Gonzales closed the neglect case mere days before Tamryn died Aug, 28, 2012. Investigators with the Abilene Police Department raided the CPS offices in October 2012, and named Whitaker, Denny and McDaniel complicit in hiding documents concerning the case from police. CPS supervisors reportedly told their employees not to cooperate with police and also tampered with documents to try to minimize their alleged role in Tamryn Klapheke's death, according to a July 28, 2014, news story. Whitaker, who served as CPS director for regions 2 and 9, retired in March 2013 after being placed on administrative paid leave. Tiffany Klapheke was found guilty of injury to a child in February 2014 and sentenced to 30 years in prison. Senior Airman Christopher Perez, Klapheke's boyfriend at the time, originally was sentenced to three years in prison on charges of child endangerment and adultery. Perez appealed and is scheduled to be retried in a court-martial Oct. 11. (Via Caller.com) CORPUS CHRISTI - A couple trying to make a new start in Corpus Christi were camping on the beach until they had enough money to get a permanent place to live. Lisa Marie Loftis, 32, and her husband Brian Loftis, 33, were killed while sleeping on the beach early Wednesday when a driver struck their car and it flipped onto their tent, police said. About 12:56 a.m., a 21-year-old man was driving north near Bob Hall Pier his 2006 Chevrolet pickup slammed into the couple's Hyundai at mile marker 240, said Senior Officer Travis Pace. The couple were pronounced dead at the scene. Rick Crowder met the couple on the beach when they moved to Corpus Christi weeks ago. He said Lisa Loftis was working at a hotel on North Beach and Brian Loftis was looking for work. They visited Corpus Christi during spring break and decided to move here permanently this summer from South Carolina. They also were working to move their two children, who are younger than 13, to Corpus Christi, Crowder said. 'The kids were supposed to be here last week. They decided to put it off until the end of the month until they had extra money. Then this happened,' Crowder said. 'I've been on the beach with no choice before. I totally felt what they were going through. And they were making it happen.' People camp out on the beach often, Crowder said. He said he always tries to be alert and at night places a red LED light for more visibility. 'I've seen close calls. Even during the day, when someone doesn't need to go fast,' he said. 'This can be a party place. It's just that one split second of people not paying attention.' Crowder last saw the couple about 10 p.m. Tuesday. The friends planned to eat fish he caught, but he said they postponed it a day because they were tired. The couple's dog survived and is at animal control. If family doesn't take the dog, it will be put up for adoption after five days, Pace said. After a field sobriety test, officers had probable cause to believe the 21-year-old driver was intoxicated. He was taken for a blood test and released by officers pending the results. The deaths are being investigated as intoxication manslaughter, Pace said. If the results show the man was intoxicated, police can issue a warrant for his arrest. Twitter: @Caller_Jules The spotlight on the third night of the Republican convention was supposed to be on the vice-presidential nominee. And, as expected, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence showed himself to be a perfectly solid running mate for any Republican Party that wanted a solid movement conservative on the ticket. He gave a perfectly solid speech, hitting all the perfectly solid conservative notes. Nothing too scary for those swing voters scared of ideologues; nothing scarily moderate for True Conservatives. He did not get the overwhelmingly positive reaction inside the hall that Sarah Palin received eight years ago, or even, I recall, as much love as Paul Ryan got in 2012. But the Indiana governor did well. It hardly mattered. He could not compete with the spectacle around him. As soon as he started attacking Hillary Clinton, the crowd broke out into its chorus of 'Lock her up.' This was the third night of this refrain, and it is getting uglier and more thuggish as the convention goes along. The convention was still aboil after Ted Cruz's defiant speech and confrontation with angry Trump delegates earlier in the evening. And to top it off, as Pence was speaking, news broke about an interview Donald Trump gave to the New York Times on foreign policy. Yes, it had the kind of bombshell we've come to expect from him when he speaks on this subject. Trump, to quote the Times story, 'even called into question whether, as president, he would automatically extend the security guarantees that give the 28 members of NATO the assurance that the full force of the United States military has their back.' In fact, according to the Times article, he specifically refused to say he would back the Baltic states if they were invaded. All of this broke over Twitter just around the point where Pence was assuring the convention that Trump would stand with U.S. allies while the Democrats would not a talking point for several convention speakers, as well as the assertion that Democrats were retreating from America's commitments to the world. While Pence spoke, Trump-Pence signs appeared on the convention floor, the ones with the running mate's name in smaller type. But there were no banners unfurled with Pence's name on them, at least that I saw watching on television, or any other indication that this was supposed to be the second-most important speech of the week. He was not introduced by a film, as Ryan was four years ago. Trump did come out and congratulate Pence at the end, as has been standard practice in recent conventions. But there was nothing to indicate that Trump was especially proud to have as a running mate a conservative whose readiness for the job no one has seriously questioned and who fits well with an idiosyncratic presidential nominee who purports to want to unite his party. The problem seems to be that Trump doesn't want to unite his party. He wants to bully it into submission. As Ted Cruz's performance showed, the Texas senator yields to no one in the bullying department. Maybe Trump just doesn't know what he's doing. Either way, Pence was just wallpaper on his big night. Jonathan Bernstein is a Bloomberg View columnist covering U.S. politics. Today in history: On July 21, 2007, the last Harry Potter novel, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,' is published, bringing both anticipation and dread that the 10-year-old series was coming to an end. The first run is 12 million copies ... just in the United States. 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' (later changed to 'Sorcerer's Stone'), arrived in Britain in 1997. The saga of Harry, Ron and Hermione captured the world's imagination, kids and adults alike. It would be translated into 60 languages. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below This just in... We rely on your support to make local news available to all Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2022. Donate today Are you relatively new to this bustling metropolis? Don't be shy about it, everyone was new to New York once upon a time, except, of course, those battle-hardened residents who've lived here their whole lives and Know It All. One of these lifers works among us at Gothamistpublisher Jake Dobkin grew up in Park Slope and still resides there. He is now fielding questionsask him anything by sending an email here, but be advised that Dobkin is "not sure you guys will be able to handle my realness." We can keep you anonymous if you prefer; just let us know what neighborhood you live in. This week's question comes from a transplant who wonders what is the deal with bicycles on subway trains. Dear Jake, I am a relatively recent NYC transplant (approximately a year now) and I had a question regarding bicycles on the subway. First: should those transporting bicycles board the train first or last? I thought it was last, given the amount of space the item takes up, but I frequently see this isn't the case in practice. And second: is it acceptable for someone with a bike to sit down? I've seen people do it even on a crowded train, and it blocks the people next to them, making disembarking a real nightmare. At the end of the day, I guess I'm just looking for an overview of subway bicycle etiquette. Thanks! Sincerely, Tired of Grease on My Shins A young Jake Dobkin never takes his Big Wheel on the subway. (Courtesy Jake Dobkin Private Collection) A native New Yorker responds: Dear Grease My Shins, A bike on a train is like a car on a boat: it's necessary only in rare circumstances, and you have to be real careful where you park. Few things annoy subway riders more than attempting to board a crowded train and spotting a seemingly healthy bike owner sprawled over a long, empty bench blocked by his fixie, forcing everyone else to smush together and maybe get jabbed by those spikes on the pedals. Do not be that guy! The thoughtful bicyclist may find himself requiring a subway assist perhaps once every five years. Maybe you rode over a pile of broken glass, flattened both tires, and the nearest bike shop is four miles away. Or maybe a freak hail storm has descended on the city, requiring you to take shelter underground and ride the train home. Or a long pedal to Coney Island ended in total exhaustion, and it's either the Q train back or you have to sleep on the beach. You get the picture: these are all extreme and unusual circumstances with no easy alternatives. In all other situations, your bike is to be used as it is intended: as an independent vehicle capable of delivering you to any place in the city you would like to go. If you do find yourself in one of these rare instances, of course you must board the subway in the very front or very back, which tend to be the least crowded, and never in the middle of the train. Once inside, you must place the bike at either end of the car, where there is usually more room. If the train is uncrowded, you can sit behind your bike, as long as you block no more than two seats, and you are willing to stand if someone boards and wants to sit down. The MTA offers more helpful advice: always use the service gate, instead of trying to loft the bike over a turnstile, and be careful on the stairs. Avoid rush hour trains, and if you can, use the IND/BMT "letter" trains, which are wider than the IRT "number" trains. One more tip, which for some reason isn't mentioned on the MTA list: never try to stand a bike on one wheel and move it through one of those "iron maiden" standing turnstiles. I once tried thisalcohol was involved, and I was at the wrong side of the Bedford Avenue station in a rainstorm, and I couldn't face riding the one block to the full service entrance. It did not work, and after much struggle I had to be disentangled by a couple of hipsters, who laughed at me. Learn from my mistake! One reason you see so many bikes on subways is that MTA refuses to allow them on buses, which is clearly a dumb policy. While some bus routes are too crowded for two-wheelers, most have plenty of room, especially at off-hours. Some cities, like Los Angeles, have even added bike racks to the front or back of the bus. Placing a bike on one of these racks is a lot easier than hauling one up and down five flights of subway stairsif the MTA implemented them, they'd probably keep a lot of bikes above ground. The preceding advice doesn't just apply to bicycles, it goes for any large itemfurniture, dogs in bags, pianos, large bunches of balloons, oversized backpacks and other luggage, etc. Avoid bringing this stuff on board, and if you must, use the ends of the cars at the front and back of the train. Remain standing and minimize the amount of space you take up by placing all bags in front of you on the ground. Yes, the floor has been peed on. You can try to balance the bag on your shoes, but really you should have considered this before you chose this method of transportation with so much stuff. Of course there are times where economic, physical, or meteorological circumstances dictate subway shipment of goods. Taxis are expensive, but ask yourself: is this one of those times where it might be worth it to pay the extra money, rather than antagonize your fellow riders and potentially suffer the embarrassment of being surreptitiously photographed and ridiculed by one of those horrible, callous New York City blog websites? Or consider waiting until late at night, when there are less people on board, and the weirdos who are riding are much less judgmental about this sort of thing. A word of advice to the non-biking public: overall, our city's bikers do a great service to mass transit riders, by generally getting themselves to and from work without using the subways or buses, and thereby making more room for everyone else. If, perhaps once a month, you find yourself on a car with a bicyclist, cultivate your zen by recognizing that this must be an unusual situation. Remind yourself that bicyclists are also humans who suffer. Before "accidentally" knocking their bike over and screaming at them, try meditating on your common humanity, and then simply ask them if they'd mind not blocking the seats. Finally: remind yourself who's really responsible for most subway suffering. Not the bicyclists, not the subway showtime guys, and not the homeless people just trying to catch some rest. The people you should really blame are the politicians in Albany, who underfund our MTA system in order to direct cash to underutilized roads upstate. Some small fixes, like the open-gangway cars, are on the way, but on the whole, the system will remain crowded and unpleasant until our upstate representatives make a strong commitment to moving people out of their private cars and onto buses and trains. Keep that in mind when you're voting in the next statewide elections! In solidarity, Jake Ask a Native New Yorker anything via email. Anonymity is assured. Three leaders of the 2014 pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong have been found guilty of public order charges linked to a mass sit-in that kicked off the 79-day Occupy Central campaign for fully democratic elections. Former student leaders Joshua Wong and Alex Chow, and legislative election candidate Nathan Law, were found guilty of taking part in an unlawful assembly at the city's Eastern Magistrates Court on Thursday. All three had pleaded not guilty to the charges, which carry a maximum sentence of three years' imprisonment. However, presiding judge June Cheung acquitted Wong of a charge of inciting others to take part in the illegal assembly. Law was found guilty of the same charge. The three activists remained defiant after their bail was extended pending sentencing on Aug. 15. "Apart from respecting judicial independence and the rule of law, I still disagree with the final result from the court, because I think that everyone should ensure and gain the right to organize and participate in any kind of assembly," Wong told reporters outside the court. "I think that is the human right of every citizen who lives in Hong Kong." "We may need to go to prison," he said. "But whatever the penalty or the price we have to pay, we will continue to fight against suppression from the government." Wong said the fight for democracy under the ruling Chinese Communist Party is "a long-term battle." Less room for dissent Law said the case shows that there is less and less room for dissent in Hong Kong, which was promised the continuation of its traditional freedoms of speech and assembly for 50 years, under the terms of the1997 handover to China. "We are not afraid of any repression, and when it gets stronger, we will also get stronger," said Law, who recently tendered his nomination papers to run in September's Legislative Council (LegCo) elections for the fledgling political party Demosisto. "This case will be a very important case [that shows] the attitude of the Hong Kong government towards peaceful assembly is ... getting tightened, and they will use whatever tools they can to repress people who fight for their rights," he said. The charges were brought after the three activists climbed into a cordoned-off area in front of city government headquarters, an area known as Civic Square, at the start of the Occupy Central movement in September 2014. Rights groups hit out at Thursday's verdict, saying it sent a "chilling warning" on freedom of expression in the formerly freewheeling city. "The prosecution of student leaders on vague charges smacks of political payback by the authorities," Mabel Au, director of Amnesty International Hong Kong, said in a statement. "The continued persecution of prominent figures of the Umbrella Movement is a blow to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Hong Kong," she said. Vague wording Police handling of the initial protest and the arrests of the student leaders at that time were a crucial factor in tens of thousands of pro-democracy supporters taking to the streets in the days immediately afterwards, the group said. It hit out at "vague" wording in public order legislation, which has been repeatedly criticized by the UN Human Rights Committee for failing to fully meet international human rights law and standards on the right of peaceful assembly. "The authorities must stop using vague laws in an attempt to intimidate people from exercising their right to peaceful assembly," Au said. "Prosecutions aimed at shutting down participation in peaceful protests must be dropped." The group cited police figures showing that more than 1,000 people were arrested in connection with the Occupy Central, or Umbrella, movement, of whom 216 people have been prosecuted,or continue to face charges for their alleged involvement in the protests. The Occupy movement campaigned for Beijing to withdraw an Aug, 31, 2014 electoral reform plan, which it rejected as "fake universal suffrage," and to allow publicly nominated candidates to run for chief executive in 2017. The plan, which offered a one-person, one-vote in 2017 elections for chief executive,but required candidates to be vetted by Beijing, was voted down on June 18, 2015 by 28 votes to eight in Hong Kong's Legislative Council, leaving the city with its existing voting arrangements still in place. Reported by Lam Kwok-lap for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. Three Lao citizens arrested in March for criticizing their government and ruling party via social media while working in Thailand are being held in a jail in the capital Vientiane, where they are denied family visits while waiting to be tried, sources said. Somphone Phimmasone, 29, his girlfriend Lod Thammavong, 30, and Soukane Chaithad, 32, disappeared after returning to Laos earlier this year to renew their passports, their family and friends told RFAs Lao Service in a previous report. Police acknowledged in May that the three had been taken into custody in Laos Khammouane province and later transferred to Vientiane. They are now detained at the Phonethan jail in Vientianes Sisatthanak district, Soukanes father told RFAs Lao Service. They are being held there for sure, because we can bring food to them there, though we are not allowed to meet with them, Soukanes father said. The police have told us that we will be able to see them sometime during the next few months after they have been tried and sentenced, he said. Reached by an RFA reporter for comment, Lt. Col. Phoumiphone Somsihapanya of the Ministry of Public Securitys intelligence department refused to discuss the case. Media controls Lao journalists have been similarly discouraged from looking too closely into the matter, one local reporter told RFA. In the case of the three detained workers, I once asked the police for an interview and they told me to send them a letter requesting permission, the reporter said. But when I sent it to them, they never replied, he said. Media controls in Laos have meanwhile been tightened even more as talks get under way at the 49th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting, scheduled for July 21 through July 26 in Vientiane, one source working in the Lao media said. We are being restricted in our reporting on the Foreign Ministers Meeting, and all news must come from press releases issued by the press department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. A few days ago, a ministry official accused one reporter from a Lao news agency of editing the content in a press release, and his report was taken off of their website, he said. Reported and translated by Ounkeo Souksavanh for RFAs Lao Service. Written in English by Richard Finney. The map shows Sikhottabong district of the Lao capital Vientiane where a Chinese national was shot dead on July 11, 2016. Lao police are hunting for the person who shot dead a Chinese woman during an attempted robbery as she and her husband walked along a road in the capital Vientiane on July 11, the police officer in charge of the case said Wednesday. Lee-Yen Tin, the 45-year-old manager of the Sang Chieng Chinese trade center in the capitals Sikhottabong district, died during the apparent robbery that turned deadly on the T2 road, also known as Asean Road, said a person close to Tin who requested anonymity. A witness said a man and a woman pulled up on a motorbike, confronted the couple with a gun, and demanded her handbag around 9:25 p.m., according to a Vientiane Times report. When she refused, the woman on the bike shot her in the back, killing her instantly as the bullet passed through her chest, the report said. We have not yet arrested the perpetrator and are now collecting information and evidence from witnesses and CCTV video cameras in order to capture the image of the killer, the officer, who requested anonymity, told RFAs Lao Service. If the killer is Chinese we will hand her over to Chinese authorities, but if she is Lao, she must be prosecuted here, he said. The Chinese embassy is urging Lao authorities to arrest the shooter as quickly as possible. We are cooperating with local police to investigate and arrest the perpetrator and punish her, Hong Chiang, secretary to the Chinese ambassador to Laos, told RFA. According to a witness, the motive was robbery, he said. The investigation is the responsibility of Lao police, Hong Chiang said. If there are businessmen or Chinese people who know about the killing, we want them to provide details to the police as further evidence. Other shooting deaths Other incidents of Chinese nationals being shot to death in Laos occurred earlier this year, although robbery did not appear to be the motive of the attacks by unknown gunmen. On March 1, a Chinese man died and three others were injured when armed bandits shot them as they were logging in Viengkham village in Luang Prabang provinces Phoukhoun district, a retired soldier with high-ranking contacts and Lao authorities told RFA at the time. The logging company they worked for is clearing land for the Nam Ngum 3 hydropower project. Later that same month, unidentified gunmen wounded six Chinese nationals on a bus along a road in central Laos between Tham and Houasan villages in the Kasy district of Vientiane province about 175 kilometers (105 miles) north of the capital Vientiane. The bus was heading to the Lao capital from Kunming in southwestern Chinas Yunnan province. China is an important investor and trade partner for fellow communist country Laos. Although Chinas growing economic footprint in Laos has caused some local discontent, none of the attacks that have involved Chinese nationals has been accompanied by political statements or any indication of motive. Reported by Lanxang for RFAs Lao Service. Translated by Ounkeo Souksavanah. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. 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. An international rights group called on the Myanmar government on Wednesday to try national army soldiers who killed five unarmed civilians in volatile northern Shan state last month in a civilian court to ensure justice for victims of human rights abuses by the armed forces. A battalion of soldiers, who arrived in Mong Yaw subtownship on June 25 looking for Shan rebel troops, shot dead five villagers during an interrogation near a cornfield where some of them were working and dumped their bodies in shallow graves. They also deposited the bodies of two young men they shot who were passing through the area on motorbikes and failed to stop at a checkpoint. The seven were from the Shan or Palaung (Ta'ang) ethnic minority groups who live in Shan state. The military, in a rare admission of wrongdoing, said Wednesday that some of its soldiers had killed the five villagers, but did not take responsibility for the deaths of the other two men. Lieutenant General Mya Tun Oo, Myanmars chief of military intelligence, told a press conference in the commercial capital Yangon that the army is investigating the cases of the seven deaths and will try the soldiers who killed the five civilians in a court martial. In response, London-based Amnesty International issued a statement urging the national government to ensure the military is held accountable for human rights abuses and to make those who commit them stand trial in a civilian court. This case is an important reminder of the need to reform the military and judicial systems in Myanmar, said Rafendi Djamin, director for South East Asia and the Pacific, in a statement. Although it is important that steps are taken to ensure those responsible for serious human rights violations are held to account, military tribunals are not the solution, he said. The authorities in Myanmar must take immediate action to ensure that human rights violators can be effectively tried before independent, civilian courtsanything less would only serve to perpetuate the cycle of impunity, he said. Willing to cooperate The killings come at a time when Myanmars powerful army has indicated a willingness to participate in the governments peace conference in late August with various armed ethnic rebel groups. Aung San Suu Kyi, the countrys de facto national leader, has made peace and national reconciliation a key goal of her civilian-led administration, which came to power in April. The military and eight armed ethnic groups agreed to end hostilities in a nationwide cease-fire agreement signed last October under the previous army-backed government, though other rebel armies were excluded or refused to participate. But rights groups believe that Myanmars military needs to undergo reform to keep in step with the countrys continued democratic development. A military junta ruled Myanmar for five decades until 2011, and continues to control a quarter of the seats in parliament as well as three key defense and security ministries. It has also continued to engage in battles with armed ethnic rebels groups in Shan state and elsewhere. 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. Victims of human rights abuses perpetrated by the military are often fearful of speaking out. While its positive that the authorities are investigating this case, the reality is that all too often victims and their families are denied access to justice, truth and reparations, and have faced reprisals when reporting cases of military abuse, Djamin said about the killings in Mong Yaw. This has to stop and Myanmars new government must make it clear that no one is above the law, he said. Denying involvement After villagers discovered the corpses on June 30, the government army denied any involvement, and the military-owned news outlet Myawaddy issued a report saying that the bodies belonged to Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) rebels. The TNLAone of the armed ethnic groups that still engages in clashes with the Myanmar army in Shan statewas excluded from signing the peace pact last October because of ongoing hostilities with the Myanmar army. Fighting in the state between the national army and ethnic insurgents has displaced thousands of people. Nevertheless, a Myanmar army deputy regional commander visited the families of the five victims in Mong Yaw in early July and gave each a donation of 300,000 kyats (U.S. $257). The parents of the two brothers who were shot on their motorbikes have filed a missing persons report with police in Lashio township to start an official investigation of the incident. Chinese work crews on Wednesday began to tear down large sections of a sprawling Tibetan Buddhist study center in southwestern Chinas Sichuan province, moving ahead under central government orders to reduce the institutes size. The demolition at the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Serthar (in Chinese, Seda) county began in the early morning hours, a resident monk told RFAs Tibetan Service, speaking on condition of anonymity. The work started at 8:00 a.m. on July 20, beginning with those structures that were not already recorded in the governments record of permitted dwellings, RFAs source said. The work crews are all [Han] Chinese, he said. Larung Gars monastic leaders have urged the institutes monks and nuns not to protest or resist the destruction of their homes, and the work is proceeding so far without interference, the source said. But with an uncertain future hanging over our heads, we are filled with sadness and sorrow. Many thousands of Tibetans and Han Chinese study at Larung Gar, which was founded in 1980 by the late religious teacher Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok and is one of the worlds largest and most important centers for the study of Tibetan Buddhism. The order now to reduce the number of Larung Gars residents to a maximum level of 5,000 is not a county plan but comes from higher authorities, with Chinas president Xi Jinping taking a personal interest in the matter, sources told RFA in earlier reports. We dont know how much has already been torn down, as we are not allowed to visit the site, RFAs source said. Larung Gar usually bustles each summer with pilgrims who come from other parts of China and Tibet to visit, but now there are restrictions on traveling here, he said. Our monks and nuns are consumed with worry, but there is nothing we can do. In a statement Thursday, London-based rights group Free Tibet condemned the demolition under way at Larung Gar. Whether it is demolitions of monasteries or arresting Tibetans for possessing pictures of the Dalai Lama, religion in Tibet is subject to relentless interference by the Chinese government, Free Tibet said. Reported by RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Dorjee Damdul. Written in English by Richard Finney. Yadi Rehim sat outside his mud house in Tomurti village waiting for his way of life to disappear. The Tengritagh (in Chinese, Tianshan) Mountains still reach for the azure sky like they always have. The bleats of goats still echo through the high mountain valley and the smell of wood cooking smoke still clings to the buildings. But as Radi Rehim sits in front of his house, he knows his days here are numbered. There are only 24 families left in our village because they refused to sign agreements to be relocated, Yadi Rehim tells RFAs Uyghur Service. I am one of the few remaining holdouts. Yadi Rehim and his village are facing the human equivalent of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates that lifted the Tianshan Mountains toward the sky. Yadi Rehim and the rest of the Uyghurs -- an ethnic Turkic people who practice Islam -- are caught between the inevitable push of modernity and the Chinese desire to exploit the area for its mineral wealth and tourism potential. I dont know what will happen us in the near future, Yadi Rehim said. The school, hospital, and other facilities are already closed, and our kids cant go to school anymore. Rights groups accuse Chinese authorities of heavy-handed rule in Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, including violent police raids on Uyghur households, restrictions on Islamic practices, and curbs on the culture and language of the Uyghur people. China regularly vows to crack down on what it calls the three evils of terrorism, separatism, and religious extremism in Xinjiang. But experts outside China say Beijing has exaggerated the threat from Uyghur separatists, and that domestic policies are responsible for an upsurge in violence that has left hundreds dead since 2012. Many Uyghurs fear that the Han Chinese are, at best, trying to marginalize them, and, at worst, trying to stamp them out completely. We have seen our villages and pastures being turned into tourist resorts. Now Chinese companies occupy our villages, Radi Rehim said. The old life and local nomadic heritage is going to vanish without a trace. A massive move According to the official Xinhua news agency, Chinese authorities plan to move 600,000 local farmers and herders in Xinjiang away from their farms and pastures into more urbanized settings as part of its 12th Five Year Plan, covering 2011-15. Another villager, Eysa Yehya, told RFA that two years ago most of the local herders -- about 1,200 of the residents of Tomurti and nearby Nernasu village in Tengritagh (Tianshan) township -- were relocated to the suburban resettlement areas of Kumul city (in Chinese, Hami). To the Chinese, Beijing is freeing the Uyghurs from their centuries of toil. Araturk (Yiwu) Countys party committee and government has issued a plan to liberate farmers from the ketmen and herders from the qamcha, said a high ranking county official who spoke on condition of anonymity. A ketmen is a traditional digging took used by Uyghur farmers, while a qamcha is a type of whip used by Uyghur herders. We have a plan where there will be no room for anyone who engages purely in farming or herding within three to five years in the future at Araturk county, the official told RFA. On Dec. 23, 2015, the Department of Housing and Urban-rural Construction of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Regional Government published new statistical data stating that the during the 12th Five Year Plan, the Xinjiang government invested a total of 120 million yuan (U.S. $20 million) to start a new resettlement construction project for 1.5 million local families and relocated almost six million farmers and herders. According to the Asian Central Times (Yazhou Zhongxin Shibao) which is published by the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Regional Political Consultative Committee, local authorities relocated as many as 300 families from nearby villages during the past five years. Chinese authorities dont plan on stopping there, having announced that a half-million local farmers and herders in Xinjiang are waiting to be relocated, and RFA has learned that the autonomous regional government plans to broaden investment in its relocation project during the 13th Five year Plan, which covers 2016-20. Two basic intentions I think there are two basic intentions behind the governments relocation plan, says Yadi Rehim. One is that the territory of our mountain village is full of various mines and underground resources. The other one is that the beautiful mountain scenes and the snow have attracted Chinese tourism companies attention. Therefore, the authorities forcibly moved us from our old villages, where our parents and ancestors lived for centuries. Since the end of the 1990s, Araturk County has sped up industrialization following Chinas great western development policy, a high-ranking Uyghur official told RFA on condition of anonymity. The policy was instituted in the late 1990s in an effort by Beijing to boost the economy of western China to help it catch up with booming coastal areas. Mining and newly developed industries changed everything in our county, the Uyghur official said. The local traditional lifestyle and semi-nomadic, semi-agricultural production ways were challenged by the new industry. New socialist workers He added: Most of the herders and farmers were relocated. The local farmers were liberated from their land and herders from their pastures within three to five years. Thus, most of the local farmers and herders became new socialist workers. Work, however, seems to have eluded the Uyghurs. They complain to me that the authorities only provide the elderly people with a so-called poverty subsistence allowance around 300 yuan (U.S. $50) per month, Yadi Rehim said. The situation of young people is more difficult. Some of them were only given janitorial jobs and other low-paying work. Some of them became jobless. Other promises made by the Chinese to get the Uyghurs to move have also been broken, he said. In order to persuade us to move, they gave us various promises such as new apartments, jobs, monthly living allowances and free medical insurance as well as five years free of taxes, Yadi Rehim said. So, some of residents signed the agreements to be relocated and most of the village has been moved out. But Yadi Rehim says the villagers began to have second thoughts. Some of the relocated families regret their decision and want to return to their old village, but they have lost their ancestral living spaces forever, he said. In the past, although they didnt have enough money, they had their own houses, living spaces, pastures and livestock. Now, they have nothing but a small cement apartment. Reported and translated by Eset Sulaiman for RFAs Uyghur Service. Written in English by Brooks Boliek. . The Taliban has laid siege to several districts in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz, which briefly fell to the militants last year. Heavy clashes between Afghan security forces and Taliban militants were reported in the districts of Dasht-e Archi and Qalai-e Zal on July 20. In Dasht-e Archi, located northeast of the city of Kunduz, the provincial capital, local officials said the Taliban had taken control of most of the district. Local officials also said most of Qalai-e Zal was under Taliban control after four days of intense fighting. Kunduz lawmaker Abdullah Qarluq told the AP news agency that the militants had taken complete control of Qalai-e Zal "and also 98 percent of Dasht-e Archi." Mahmood Danish, a provincial spokesman, denied any district had fallen and said air strikes were ordered in and have helped repel some of the militants. Last year, the Taliban briefly captured Kunduz city, the first major urban center the militants had seized since the U.S.-led invasion toppled the Taliban in 2001. Based on reporting by AP and dpa The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. WASHINGTON -- The Republican National Convention slipped into unscripted disorder, as Texas Senator Ted Cruz avoided endorsing the partys nominee, Donald Trump, drawing boos and highlighting the partys deep fractures heading into the presidential election. The extraordinary commotion on July 20, the penultimate night of the four-day convention, reflected the difficulty Republicans have had in rallying party members behind the bombastic and raucous campaign that Trump has waged. The billionaire real-estate tycoon defeated 16 other candidates during the primary season despite never holding elected office and despite espousing policy positions that many, including senior Republican leaders, have called divisive, alienating, and xenophobic. Cruz, an evangelical Christian lawyer, came in second behind Trump, and Trump had routinely insulted Cruz as Lyin Ted. Cruz labeled Trump a serial philanderer. Republicans leaders had hoped the convention being held in Cleveland, Ohio, would help unite the party behind Trump and give him momentum going into the November 8 election against the likely Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton. In his speech, Cruz echoed some of Trumps policy proposals, including endorsing Trumps plan to build a wall that he said would stop immigrants from Mexico from entering the United States. And he congratulated Trump on winning the nomination, but he ended his speech without endorsing Trump. That prompted the extraordinary scene of delegates booing him on live national television and chanting Keep Your Pledge -- a reference to the pledge all Republican candidates made to endorse the winner of the primary campaign. "And to those listening, please, don't stay home in November," he said. "If you love your country, and love your children as much as I know that you do, stand, and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the constitution. As Cruz closed out his speech, TV cameras showed Trump on one part of the arena floor, shaking hands and waving, a move many observers interpreted as undermining Cruz. CNN, meanwhile, reported that security officials had to escort Cruzs wife out of the arena as some delegates yelled at her. The disorder overshadowed the nights keynote address by Mike Pence, the Indiana governor whom Trump chose as his vice-presidential running mate. The first two nights of the convention have been widely seen as uneven and at times lackluster, with a roster of unusual speakers and litany of accusations against the presumptive Democratic nominee, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Clinton, who is due to gain the Democratic Party's formal nomination next week, was the repeated target of vitriol on July 20. As they did during previous sessions, many of the nearly 2,000 delegates in attendance repeatedly chanted Lock Her Up! Lock Her Up! during the speeches. At the very moment, when America is crying out for something new and different, the other party has answered with a stale agenda, and the most predictable of names, Pence said. People in both parties are restless for change, ready to break free of old patterns in Washington and Democrats are about to anoint someone who represents everything the country is tired of. Hillary Clinton wants a better title, and I would, too, if I was already secretary of the status quo, he said. Earlier, Newt Gingrich, a former speaker of the House of Representatives who was passed over by Trump to be his running mate, insisted that Islamic terrorists were winning the war against the West, citing recent terror attacks in Nice, Paris, and Brussels. We cannot let ourselves grow numb to these accumulating atrocities, Gingrich said. Lets be clear: Donald Trump is right. We are at war with radical Islamists. We are losing the war. And we must change course to win the war. The convention was earlier overshadowed by accusations that Trump's wife, Melania, plagiarized parts of a speech made by Barack Obamas wife, Michelle, in 2008. On July 20, an employee for Trumps business issued a statement admitting she was responsible for lifting the passages unattributed, and apologizing. Outside the convention hall, protests heated up on July 20. While police reported only five people detained in the previous two days, at least 17 people were arrested when a demonstration to burn an American flag turned rowdy. One group that identified itself as communist tried to burn a flag, but officers swarmed the group just seconds after it was set alight, sparking scuffles and pushing. Cleveland police later said in a message posted on Twitter that officers and firefighters moved in because the flames had set a man's pants on fire. The protest was the most chaotic since the convention began July 18, and briefly prevented delegates and members of the media from getting into the arena for the evening events. Law-enforcement officials had feared worse, however, In the wake of terrorist attacks in Florida and California, the police shootings in Dallas, and the protests over the police killing of two black men. Trump will give the final speech of the convention on July 21. 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." Leading military and diplomatic figures from the U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State (IS) extremist group met on July 21 to prepare for a major assault on the militants' Iraqi stronghold of Mosul. Defense and foreign ministers from more than 40 countries met in Washington for a second day to discuss the impending operation to take Mosul, Iraq's second largest city and IS's most important stronghold in that country. "The liberation of Mosul is now in sight," said Brett McGurk, the United States' envoy to the coalition. Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi has pledged to retake Mosul by the end of the year. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said that in less than two years the coalition had driven the militants from nearly half its territory in Iraq and 20 percent of its territory in Syria. "Today, we can look forward without exaggeration, to a time when [IS] is driven completely out of Iraq and Syria," Kerry said. The operation to take Mosul, an ethnically diverse city of 1 million, is expected to be difficult. There have been disagreements between Iraq's Shi'ite-dominated government, Sunni leaders, and Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region over how post-war Mosul will be rebuilt and governed. There has been agreement, however, that 15,000 locally recruited troops from the region will be involved. "Mosul will be the most complex operation to date," McGurk said, although he added that the plan is "well underway. "The liberation of Mosul is now an achievable objective and it's one we must get right," he said. On the first day of the talks, the defense ministers met to talk battlefield tactics, while the foreign ministers pledged $2 billion in reconstruction funds. The UN said it needs to raise $284 million in aid to prepare for humanitarian needs from an expected assault on Mosul, and an additional $1.8 billion would be needed to deal with the aftermath. Based on reporting by Reuters, dpa, and AFP A joint committee from both houses of Pakistan's parliament has unanimously backed legislation against so-called honor killings in a rekindled effort to end a practice that is blamed for hundreds of young women's deaths every year in the predominantly Muslim country. The fresh legislative impetus follows the high-profile killing this week of a social-media celebrity whose brother publicly confessed to strangling her for allegedly bringing shame to the family. Women's rights groups, activists, and politicians have been calling on Pakistan's government for years to introduce tougher laws to tackle the problem. But the killing of outspoken 26-year-old Qandeel Baloch on July 16 sparked fresh demands that the government deliver the long-awaited legislation to protect Pakistani women. Voting on the bill is expected within weeks. Baloch had been dubbed by some Pakistan's Kim Kardashian, a reference to the exhibitionist American beauty with nearly 47 million followers on Twitter. Baloch frequently posted racy photos and videos that drew the ire of conservative Pakistanis. On social media, Baloch described herself as a "self-dependent" woman and said "absolutely nothing" would stop her from fighting to reach her goals. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the daughter of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and an influential member of the ruling conservative Pakistan Muslim League (N), suggested after Baloch's killing that a parliamentary committee could debate the "honor-killing" bill as early as July 21. Key Loophole The proposal would remove a key loophole that allows a victim's family to pardon a killer, paving the way to escape legal punishment. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan says nearly 1,100 such "honor crimes" were committed against women in 2015, over perceived damage to the family's honor. In one her last posts, Baloch called on women to stand up for each other. Just weeks before her slaying, Baloch posted video and images with prominent Muslim cleric Abdul Qavi -- allegedly taken in a Karachi hotel room -- which went viral. Among other things, she had taken Qavi to task for breaking the Ramadan fast during their meeting. Baloch, whose real name was Fawzia Azeem, was found dead in her family home in the city of Multan. Baloch's 25-year-old brother Muhammad Waseem was detained and confessed to her killing, saying Baloch had "dishonored the family" by posting "shameful" photos, including the Qavi images. Police say the cleric is a part of the probe into Baloch's killing, along with Waseem and another of Baloch's brothers. In a rare move, the government vowed it was barring Baloch's family from pardoning the sons. After her death, Baloch's father filed a police report against both his sons. The father said Baloch was the family's breadwinner and financially "supported all of us, including my son who killed her." Unanimous Approval? Pakistan's ruling PML-N party, which has a majority in the lower house of the parliament, has suggested the bill could receive unanimous approval despite likely objections among lawmakers from religiously conservative parties. The ruling party had been negotiating with religious parties in parliament, Maryam Nawaz Sharif told Reuters. A spokesman for Jamaat-e-Islami, one of the two major religious parties in parliament, told Reuters that his party would not oppose the bill. Pakistan's other main religious political party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, has only a small number of legislative seats. The religious parties' backing could prove important for the government in the event of a backlash from conservative clerics and their supporters. The influential Council of Islamic Ideology, an advisory body to the government, has warned that it would not support any law that removed the forgiveness loophole. Although the council has said it considers honor killings a crime, it says the bill disregards Islamic laws that stipulate the right to forgive or punish lies first and foremost with the victim's family. With reporting by Reuters and AFP Authorities in Uzbekistan appear to have found a new Islamic group to worry about, and it happens to be one of the oldest Islamic groups in Central Asia. RFE/RL's Uzbek Service, known locally as Ozodlik, reports that, at the start of June, police in western Uzbekistan arrested a group people illegally gathering in a private home to conduct religious services (Zikr). The people arrested are Sufis from the Naqshbandi order. Eleven people were taken into custody: Four are already in jail, sentenced to four years for a crime; the other seven were given stiff fines on charges that Ozodlik could not discern. It appears to have something to do with alleged ties to a Turkish group. Given the opaque nature of the Uzbek government, it is difficult to get additional information about this case. But if these people were arrested and some imprisoned, it marks a drastic departure from the Uzbek government's policy toward the Naqshbandi. Certainly from the point of view of Tashkent, the Naqshbandi have been a useful order. As they are a Sufi order, purist Islamic groups such as Wahhabis or Salafis consider them heretics, so the Naqshbandi are, or at least have been, above suspicion in matters of Islamic extremism. But the Naqshbandi are also a uniquely Central Asian Islamic group. Bahauddin Naqshband was born in 1318 in a village near the ancient Silk Road of Bukhara, in current-day Uzbekistan. Except for two, some record three, pilgrimages to Mecca, Naqshband spent his entire life in the Bukhara and Merv -- near Mary City in present day Turkmenistan -- until he died in 1389. There are far more interesting facts about Bahauddin Naqshband and the Naqshbandi order. But for the purposes of this story, and for the authorities in Uzbekistan, one of the important things is that Naqshbandi are an indigenous Central Asian group (though the order is among the most popular of Sufi groups and it has spread far beyond Central Asia's borders). Uzbek President Islam Karimov said in 1993 during a celebration marking the 675th anniversary of Naqshband's birth that it was a suitable order for Uzbekistan to follow. And the Naqshbandi have another important and more recent place in Central Asia's history. The people living in the area between Bukhara and Merv today remember the Naqshbandi as the preservers of Islam during the Soviet era.* The Naqshbandi were persecuted before the arrival of the Russians in the 19th century and developed methods of clandestine communications. The experience helped the Naqshbandi to hide sacred books and quietly transmit scripture and proper means of worshipping from generation-to-generation. After the Soviet Union collapsed in late 1991, members of the Naqshbandi order, as Sunnis, were highly esteemed for their knowledge of Islam. With all this, the Naqshbandi have been valuable to Uzbek authorities as the latter campaigns against the influence of "foreign" Islamic groups. That makes this information about arrests of Naqshbandi members very interesting, and possibly very problematic for the Uzbek government if it is true. RFE/RL's Uzbek Service contributed to this report *The Naqshbandi were a favorite topic in conversations with people in southeastern Turkmenistan and southwestern Uzbekistan when I was roaming the area in 1991-1993. I do not know how the Naqshbandi are viewed in Turkmenistan today. The Tajik government has suspended the Tajik version of the Russian daily Komsomolskaya Pravda because of what it calls an "insulting" comment in one of its articles. Sharif Hamdampur, who is in charge of the Tajik edition of the paper, said on July 21 that "the decision reflects our protest to a recent article by [Komsomolskaya Pravda] correspondent Sergei Ponomaryov." Ponomaryovs article has described Tajikistan as a country of Ravshans and Jamshuds, fictional characters of Tajik migrant workers in a popular Russian comedy show, Hamdampur said. Describing a trip on a Tajik domestic flight, Ponomaryov wrote that he was the only Slavic face shining among the passengers who were all Ravshans and Jamshuds. The article, Tajikistan: From The Wretched Soviet Existence To The Bright Future, was published on Komsomolskaya Pravda's website last week. Hamdampur said at a news conference in Dushanbe that "the article was insulting and offensive for Tajiks and therefore we decided to suspend [the newspapers] reprinting." The Tajik edition of the newspaper -- published weekly with a circulation of 5,000 -- has been popular among Russian-speakers in the capital, Dushanbe, and other Tajik cities. More than 1 million Tajiks work as migrant laborers in Russia, mostly in construction and various seasonal jobs. Russian President Vladimir Putin says the world faces the most dangerous decade since World War II and predicted that the historical period of the West's "undivided dominance over world affairs" is coming to an end. Speaking on October 27 at a conference of international policy experts in Moscow, Putin said the decade ahead is "probably the most dangerous, unpredictable and, at the same time, important...since the end of World War II." 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. Putin laid the blame for the situation at the feet of Western countries, which he said have cast aside the norms of international affairs in order to maintain dominance and hold down countries they see as "second-class civilizations." The Russian leader also said he had no regrets about sending troops into Ukraine and sought to explain the conflict as part of the efforts by Western countries to secure their global domination. Putin claimed in his speech to the Valdai Discussion Club, a think tank, that the West had helped incite the conflict and also seeks to stoke a crisis over Taiwan in an attempt to enforce global dominance. Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, triggering the biggest military conflict in Europe since World War II and driving relations with Western countries that back Ukraine and its drive to be part of the European Union and NATO to their lowest depths since the Cold War. Putin cast the conflict in Ukraine as a battle between the West and Russia for the fate of the second-largest Eastern Slav country. It is partly a "civil war," he said, as Russians and Ukrainians are one people. Kyiv has flatly rejected both of those ideas. The goal of what Russia refers to as a "special military operation" is to take the eastern Donbas region, Putin said, adding that in his view the region would "not have survived" on its own had Russia not intervened militarily in Ukraine. WATCH: A local official told Russian conscripts "You are not cannon fodder" in a video published online recently. The men responded by angrily shouting that, actually, that's exactly what they are. But the war has gone far beyond the Donbas region, with Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, residential buildings, and other nonmilitary structures, killing tens of thousands of Ukrainians across the country. Putin used the speech largely to rail against the West, saying it has nothing to offer to the world "except its own domination," and the goal of globalization "is neocolonialism to dominate the world." He said Russia is only trying to defend its right to exist in the face these Western efforts. Putin also asserted that more and more nations refuse to follow Washington's demands and Russia will never accept the West's attempts to dominate the world. Citing gay pride parades and the acceptance of transgender people in Western countries, Putin also defended "traditional values" and said "nobody can dictate to our people how to develop and what society we should build." He also said Russia has never considered the West an enemy and has many things in common with it but will continue to oppose the diktat of Western neoliberal elites. U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Putin's speech presented no new ideas. "We don't believe that Mr. Putin's strategic goals have changed here. He doesn't want Ukraine to exist as a sovereign, independent nation state," Kirby said. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said Putin's speech can be described as "for Freud," referring to psychoanalysis founder Sigmund Freud. "The person who invaded a foreign country, annexed its land, and committed genocide accuses others of violating international law and the sovereignty of other countries? One truth: The person who started a wind, will get a storm. The storm is coming," he said on Twitter. Answering questions from journalists after his speech, Putin reiterated the Kremlin's assertion that Ukraine plans to use a so-called dirty bomb on its own territory. The claim has been dismissed as false by Ukraine and its allies, who say Russia may have raised the matter because it plans to use such a bomb in Ukraine as a pretext for escalation. "It was me who ordered [Defense Minister Sergei] Shoigu to inform by phone all his colleagues about it," Putin said, adding that Russia does not need to use dirty bombs in Ukraine. Putin also said he supported plans by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to visit Ukraine's nuclear power plants for inspections. "It must be done as soon and as openly as possible because we know that Kyiv authorities are now working to cover up such [dirty-bomb attack] preparations," Putin said, without giving any exact information proving the claim. Ukraine invited IAEA inspectors to visit its nuclear facilities after the Kremlin made its unsubstantiated claim about the preparation of a dirty bomb -- which would use the explosion of a conventional warhead to spread radioactive material or chemicals over a wide area. Ukraine said it would welcome inspections because it had "nothing to hide." According to Putin, Russia has never talked about the use of nuclear weapons in the war with Ukraine despite his own promise to defend Russian territory with any means at our disposal" and saying his words were "not a bluff." "We see no need for [using nuclear weapons in Ukraine]," Putin told reporters. "There is no sense for that, neither political, nor military." In the wake of last week's failed Turkish coup, a battle over the Gulen movement is shaping up in Kyrgyzstan that may soon be played out in many more countries. The contest pits two universities sharply against each other in the rugged Central Asian nation's capital, Bishkek, where both are ranked among the country's best institutions of higher learning and are located just a few kilometers apart. One, Manas University, is funded by the Turkish government. The other, Ataturk-Alatoo University, is funded by the global Islamic education network of Fethullah Gulen, the man Ankara blames for the July 15 coup attempt that killed hundreds. Gulen, who has lived in exile in the United States since 1999, denies any involvement. Immediately after the coup was crushed, the Kyrgyz rector of the Ankara-funded Manas University organized a forum to denounce the attempted putsch. Sebahattin Balf also used the forum on July 18 to publicly warn his fellow citizens that the Gulen group could equally make "people in Kyrgyzstan do terrible things in their own country." The rector's warning did not fall on deaf ears. It resonated with students at his institution, where some feel the Gulen network is an opaque organization whose aims may go far beyond the group's stated goals of promoting education, public service, and conservative Islamic values. "Many people are saying they could attempt to seize the power," Aigul, who studies at Manas, says of the Gulen crowd. "It's hard to say who is right and who is wrong. I have seen how those [Gulen] students keep together, they help each other, though I personally see no danger or threat coming from them." Such views are challenged by the professors and students at Ataturk-Alatoo, the Gulen-funded university. "What ideas or principles [does Gulen] promote?" asks Nurdin Kaparov, a teacher at Ataturk-Alatoo. "Spreading education, unity, stressing the importance of math, biology, chemistry, and other sciences, how can such ideas look suspicious?" It is a debate likely to be heard increasingly in many countries as Ankara cracks down hard on the Gulen movement at home in Turkey and now looks set to ask other states to do the same. The goal is to undercut the global network's source of funding, much of which comes from the institutions the Gulen network is best known -- and often praised for -- the private schools it operates in some 150 countries around the world. "There is an all-out war on Gulen [by Ankara], obviously heavily focused right now on the domestic situation in Turkey and heavily focused on the United States because of Gulen's residency there," says Wolfango Piccoli, an expert on Turkey at Teneo Intelligence, a U.S.-based political-risk-advisory service. "But certainly the next wave will be focused on wherever Gulen or associates of Gulen are operating, and I would expect Ankara to put pressure on those countries, asking them to stop these entities from operating." Early Indications Already there are early signs Ankara is gearing up for a push by the Turkish government, its embassies, and its government-linked organizations to roll back the Gulen movement. Erdogan has urged the United States to extradite Gulen over his alleged involvement in the failed coup, calling him a "terrorist," although no formal request was initially filed. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has said that Washington might consider extradition, but would require not "allegations" but "evidence" that could prove the cleric's wrongdoing in a U.S. court of law. The Gulen movement is widely seen as being opaque in its operations, fueling speculation over whether it has hidden goals. On July 20, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reportedly asked visiting Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili to closely watch the activities of Gulen schools in Georgia. Two days earlier, Turkey's consul in Georgia's port of Batumi urged parents there not to send their children to its Gulen-affiliated school, claiming it teaches in "accordance with a terrorist ideology." Similarly, Erdogan has reportedly pressed Azerbaijan to rein in Gulen-linked facilities. The day after a July 17 phone call between Erdogan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Baku ordered the temporary closure of a private television station that had announced it planned to broadcast an interview with Gulen. On July 20, Baku closed the Gulen-linked Qafqaz University (Caucasus University), widely considered one of the best institutes for higher learning in the country, along with at least one newspaper. Many other Gulen schools have already been closed in Azerbaijan in previous years based on requests from Turkey -- one of Azerbaijan's closest allies. WATCH: Azerbaijan Takes Over University Linked To Gulen Any Turkish effort now to globally roll back the Gulen movement is ambitious because it tackles one of the Muslim world's largest social networks, with schools, think tanks, and media outlets from Kenya to Kazakhstan. Gulen's Hizmet (Service) movement is said to have millions of members who follow the Turkish-born theologian's teachings that a Muslim's duty is to fund educational institutions, observe conservative Islamic values, and engage in community service. Public Ambivalence But Erdogan appears to be counting not just on Turkey's weight as an important financial partner for many of the states where Gulen operates. He also may hope to tap into existing public ambivalence in many countries regarding the Gulen organization. While many people welcome the schools as an addition to their country's educational systems, the Gulen movement is also widely seen as being opaque in its operations, fueling speculation over whether it has hidden goals. "Two problems with the Gulen movement that make them quite unique are the sheer scale of their resources, the network in Turkey extends into business and charities, but also what seems to be the political nature of the network's activities [in Turkey]," says William Park, an expert on Turkey at King's College in London. "So their tendency to rely on their own internal network can easily be made to look threatening, political, and driven." Like many networks, the Gulen organization encourages its members to rely upon each other, do business with each other, and contribute part of their income to the organization. Businessmen in particular are encouraged to set up local groups to fund schools and provide scholarships for poorer students who cannot afford the tuition. The schools teach a Western curriculum that includes English and Turkish and professors living in dormitories with students, where Gulen's writings on religion are studied after school hours and close links are formed that often continue into professional life. Eventful History The Gulen movement already has had an eventful history in Central Asia, one of the first regions where the movement set up schools in the 1990s as part of a then Turkish-government supported push to spread Turkish culture and influence abroad. The drive, which followed the collapse of the Soviet Union, saw schools established in all the newly independent Central Asian states with the support of local governments. However, several of the region's authoritarian leaders later turned against the schools. Uzbekistan closed the schools in the early 2000s, Turkmenistan in the early 2010s, and Tajikistan last year. Russia, which originally welcomed the schools in Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, annexed the schools in the early 2000s by putting them directly under the state educational system. None of these countries provided a reason for shutting the Gulen schools. But some observers say that authoritarian governments are usually the first to feel threatened by the existence of any well-organized network in their countries that is not under their direct control. "In any authoritarian government, there is always a tendency to centralize power over concerns about any outside force that could topple the government from within," says Aaron Stein, a Turkey expert at the Atlantic Council in Washington. In now seeking to weaken the Gulen movement globally, Erdogan may have to convince some countries that host Gulen schools that his own motives are more than those of a powerful leader seeking to eliminate an organization which, ironically, was once allied with him. Erdogan and the Gulen network in Turkey cooperated in bringing Erdogan's religiously conservative Justice and Development Party (AKP) to power in 2002. However, they soon fell out, reportedly over power-sharing issues and over Erdogan's leadership style. Since coming to power, Erdogan has accused the Gulen movement of being behind several attempts to tar his administration, notably during a police investigation of a 2013 corruption scandal that implicated some of the president's closest associates. That scandal was followed by the government dismissing many prosecutors and top officials involved in the corruption investigation, with Erdogan telling the public the purge was necessary to protect Turkey from "dark forces" bent on destroying it. RFE/RL Kyrgyz Service correspondent Bakyt Asanov contributed to this story Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus has said Turkey will suspend its duty to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights during the current three-month state of emergency following an abortive coup last week. Kurtulmus said the step was being taken "just like France has done under Article 15 of the convention," which allows signatory states to suspend certain rights in a period of war or major public emergency. France has declared consecutive states of emergency following deadly attacks that killed 130 people in Paris in November and 84 people in the Mediterranean resort of Nice earlier this month. But Turkey's announcement is almost certain to alarm critics who fear that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's administration plans to use the failed coup to punish traditional political opponents and further consolidate Erdogan's already considerable grip on the levers of state power. Turkish authorities said the state of emergency was needed to take swift and effective action against those responsible for the military coup, which left more than 260 people dead and 1,500 injured. "Turkey will suspend the European Convention on Human Rights insofar as it does not conflict with its international obligations," Kurtulmus was quoted as saying by the state-run Anatolia news agency. Article 15 and other international human rights conventions allow governments to restrict certain rights, including freedom of movement, expression, and association during states of emergency. Article 15 says such moves must be strictly proportionate and not discriminate against people based on ethnicity, religion, or social group. Bypassing Parliament The Turkish state of emergency will allow Erdogan and the cabinet to bypass parliament in passing new laws and to limit or suspend rights and freedoms as they deem necessary. However, Kurtulmus said it "does not contradict the European Convention on Human Rights." He also said the state of emergency may only be enforced for up to 45 days despite being declared for three months. Kurtulmus insisted that no steps would be taken to restrict basic rights and freedoms, telling journalists that "the decision on the state of emergency is aimed at cleansing the state of the gang" of conspirators. The government of NATO member Turkey has said a "cancer virus" within some state institutions led to the July 15 coup attempt, and it launched mass purges of state institutions that threaten the livelihood of tens of thousands of people at universities, in the civil service, and in houses of worship. Meanwhile, a Greek court on July 21 sentenced eight Turkish military officers who reportedly fled last week's failed coup to suspended two-month prison terms for illegally entering the country. The officers, wanted by Ankara to face a military trial at home, have requested asylum in Greece and will remain in police custody until their cases on that issue are heard early in August. Turkish authorities insist they will receive fair treatment at home, despite indications of rough treatment in the postcoup crackdown by Erdogan's government. So far, nearly one-third of Turkey's roughly 360 serving generals have been detained. Some of those shown in state media have appeared bruised and injured. Hours after the state of emergency went into effect, Turkish media reported that 32 more judges and two military officers were detained by authorities on July 21 as part of the crackdown. Thousands Targeted Erdogan's government has already fired, suspended, or detained nearly 60,000 police, judges, civil servants, and teachers in an unprecedented reprisal following the failed coup that has stunned world leaders. But Erdogan gave no indication that the clampdown would end anytime soon. "Of course that does not mean we have come to the end of it," Erdogan told Al-Jazeera television on July 21. Turkey's education system has also been hit hard during the ongoing crackdown. The Education Ministry on July 20 added more than 6,500 new names to the list of 15,200 school employees suspended, state media reported. The government also started proceedings to close down more than 600 educational institutions, most of them private schools. In addition, 21,000 teachers at private institutions have had their licenses revoked and more than 1,500 university deans have been forced to resign. Many of the thousands targeted by the government are purported to be followers of Fethullah Gulen, an Islamic cleric living in self-imposed exile in the United States whom Erdogan blames for the coup attempt. The 75-year-old Gullen, an erstwhile Erdogan ally, has condemned the coup attempt and denied any involvement. The last state of emergency in Turkey was lifted in 2002 in two southeastern provinces. In early Western reaction to the latest Turkish state of emergency, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on July 21 urged Ankara to maintain both the rule of law and a sense of proportionality in its response to the coup attempt. Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders has also voiced "serious concerns" about the turn of events in Turkey. Russia, which recently patched up briefly strained relations with Ankara, refrained from commenting on the Turkish move. Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters on July 21 that the matter was "an internal affair of Turkey." With reporting by Reuters, dpa, and AFP Civilians have been subjected to extended arbitrary detention, disappearances, and even torture by both sides in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, two leading rights watchdogs warn in a joint report. The July 21 findings by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch (HRW) accuse Ukrainian authorities and pro-Kyiv paramilitary groups of holding civilians suspected of supporting or having connections with Russia-backed separatists. It says separatists incarcerated civilians suspected of backing or spying for the Ukrainian government. In some cases, detainees were used as a negotiation chip for prisoner exchanges, the groups say in the report, titled You Dont Exist: Arbitrary Detentions, Enforced Disappearances, And Torture In Eastern Ukraine. Authorities in Kyiv reacted to the report by promising to investigate, while a representative for separatists in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk called the findings "absurd." 'Immediate' Action Needed The rights groups say they were driven to join forces by the magnitude of the problem. "The reason why we speak with one voice is because the problem of arbitrary detentions and forced disappearances and torture in connection with the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine is very big and demands immediate action by all sides involved in the conflict," HRWs Tanya Lokshina told RFE/RL. The groups looked in detail at 18 alleged cases of arbitrary, prolonged detention of civilians by both sides in the conflict, which has claimed more than 9,400 lives since April 2014. The report says that, in most cases studied, civilians were held without any contact with the outside world, including with their families or attorneys. Most of those detained were ill-treated and even tortured, and some were denied medical care for injuries sustained in detention, the report says. The report says pro-government forces, including volunteer battalions, detained civilians, then handed them over to the SBU, which ultimately moved them into the regular criminal justice system. WATCH: Ukrainian government forces and Russia-backed rebels have carried out arbitrary detentions and used torture, Tanya Lokshina from Human Rights Watch tells RFE/RL: Russia-backed separatists, meanwhile, held civilians in isolation for weeks or months without charge and, in most cases, subjected them to ill-treatment, the report notes. In the territories held by the separatists -- parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces -- local security forces operate in a complete rule-of-law vacuum, it says. Detained, Tortured By Both Sides One case, that of a 39-year-old man whom the report names only as Vadim, stands out in particular, because it says he was held in secret detention and tortured by both sides. Vadim was apprehended by Ukrainian forces in April 2015, the report says, while traveling on a bus from Ukrainian-controlled Slavyansk to his hometown of Donetsk -- one of the main cities held by Russia-backed separatists. It says he was questioned by Ukrainian forces about his ties in Slavyansk, called a separatist thug, then kept in unacknowledged detention at a base, interrogated and tortured, then transferred to another facility, which the report says was maintained by SBU personnel. The groups say Vadim spent another six weeks there without any contact with the outside world, was tortured with electric shocks, burned with cigarettes, and beaten by interrogators demanding he admit he had ties with the separatists. After he was released, the report says, he returned to Donetsk only to be immediately arrested by the Russia-backed authorities, who kept him incommunicado for another two months and beat and ill-treated him over suspicions he had been recruited by the SBU during his previous captivity. WATCH: Town Councilor Tells Of Detention Without Trial By Ukrainian Security Forces 'Totally Absurd' Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko told RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service that authorities would seek to find those responsible for any violations. "It will be possible to conduct adequate checks in cooperation with the [Ukrainian] ombudsman. As the Justice Department we are ready to join to this process," Petrenko said. Earlier, Oleksandr Tkachuk, the SBU's chief of staff, denied the existence of SBU-run detention facilities. Tkachuk told RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service that the SBU is ready to provide rights watchdogs access to all its premises to show that it is not holding anyone in arbitrary detention. But Tkachuk said authorities would study the report and investigate possible human rights violations by members of Ukraines law-enforcement agencies. Representatives of the separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine also denied the existence of secret detention facilities on the territory under their control, parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. "We have no hidden prisons. I am personally monitoring the treatment of our prisoners and their state," Darya Morozova, who is identified as an ombudsman for the separatist group Donetsk People's Republic, told the Interfax news agency. WATCH: Ukrainian Priest Tells Of Beatings In Separatist Captivity Vladislav Deinego, a representative of another group seeking independence from Kyiv, the Luhansk People's Republic, also flatly rejected the findings of the report. "This is totally absurd. Our security services are obviously engaged in exposing subversive actions and sabotage, but this work is legal and transparent. Any hidden prisons are out of the question," Deinego told Interfax. Bargaining Chips The report warns that all people held by the warring sides in eastern Ukraine are protected under international human rights law. "International human rights law, international humanitarian law ban arbitrary detention, torture, and ill-treatment. The ban on torture is absolute. Torture is, in fact, a war crime," HRWs Lokshina said. In some cases, the report says, detentions constituted enforced disappearances, because the authorities in question refused to acknowledge the detention of the person or refused to provide any information on their whereabouts or fate. A particularly serious accusation in the report is that captors on either used the possible release of detainees as a bargaining chip for prisoner exchanges. "Almost in all of the 18 cases that we investigated for the purposes of our joint report, release of civilian detainees was at some point described by the relevant side in the context of prisoner exchanges," Lokshina said. In nine out of the 18 cases, they were in fact exchanged, says the document, noting that the practice raises grave suspicions that civilians may be detained intentionally for bargaining purposes. 'Deeply Entrenched Practices' While it is difficult to estimate the actual number of civilians who have fallen victim to such abuses, the document quotes the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which stated in a report last month that arbitrary detention, torture, and ill-treatment remain deeply entrenched practices in the region. "The cases we documented jointly with Amnesty International may only represent the tip of an iceberg," said HRWs Lokshina. The two watchdogs call on both the Ukrainian government and the separatists who hold parts of eastern Ukraine to "immediately to put an end to enforced disappearances and arbitrary and incommunicado detentions." They call on both sides to apply "zero-tolerance" for torture and ill-treatment of detainees, and urge them to thoroughly investigate accusations of torture and ill-treatment in detention and hold those found responsible to account. KYIV -- The death of a passionate investigative reporter in a car bombing in the Ukrainian capital has sent shock waves through Kyiv and its journalist community. Pavel Sheremet had won prestigious international awards for exposing political abuses in his native Belarus, quit Russian TV over "Kremlin propaganda" at the height of Russian patriotic fervor as Moscow was carving Crimea from the rest of Ukraine, and ultimately warned loudly of a creeping nationalist threat to authorities in his adopted home, Kyiv. So when a "remote-controlled or delayed-action" bomb blew up the car Sheremet was driving to work for his regular morning show, the blast dashed more than the life of the 44-year-old crusader for rights and democracy. "The dark times are back in Ukraine," was how Ukrainian journalist Katya Gorchinskaya summed up what many were feeling after the July 20 assassination. Svitlana Zalishchuk, a ruling party lawmaker and anticorruption campaigner, called Sheremet's killing "an attack on every Ukrainian and a pronouncement of war against the peace we used to believe exists outside the war zone in Donbas," a reference to the eastern area where Russia-backed separatists continue to hold swaths of Ukraine. "My brain refuses to believe it," said Mustafa Nayyem, another lawmaker and a former investigative journalist himself, who was a close friend of Sheremet's. "I want to wake up and go on living without this terrible news." At the scene of the explosion, which authorities said appeared to have been "skillfully" prepared, elderly bystanders stood in shock and nodded at what to them resembled something from Ukraine's turbulent past. "Well, it's like the mafia," one man said in a reference to killings carried out by organized crime groups that flourished after the collapse of the Soviet Union. "It's very scary." Litmus Test For The 'New Ukraine' Within hours of the bombing, a thunderstorm enveloped Kyiv and unleashed a downpour that washed away the black soot and ash from the scene. Its black clouds loomed over the capital as fear set in, prompting President Petro Poroshenko to warn that the likely aim of the attack was destabilization "possibly ahead of further events." But Sheremet was not the first journalist to have been killed in Ukraine; he wasn't even the first who worked for Ukrayinska Pravda. Georgian-born Heorhiy Gongadze, one of the website's founders, was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered in 2000. His headless body was found only months later, in the woods outside Kyiv, and was not buried until March of this year. Since 1992, at least six journalists have been killed in Ukraine for their work, four with impunity, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). More have gone missing, been beaten, or been threatened with violence. In most cases, Ukrainian authorities have failed to bring any or all of the suspected perpetrators to justice. Sheremet's case will therefore provide a litmus test for Ukraine's pro-Western government, which has struggled to carry out crucial reforms or try criminal cases against senior members of the former or current regime. The Ukrainian president has ordered that all of the government's resources be put at the disposal of law enforcement, and U.S. officials say the FBI will work with them on the probe. "We are deeply interested in a transparent investigation," Poroshenko said. But journalists who have seen colleagues murdered and their killers never prosecuted are skeptical. "Remember that I had expected [authorities] to complete the murder investigation of Heorhiy," Gongadze's widow, Myroslava, wrote on Facebook. She added bitterly that there were "too many parallels" between her husband's case and that of Sheremet. Part Of A Pattern? Some observers say the manner in which Sheremet was killed hark back to the early post-Soviet period, when three journalists were murdered -- one shot point-black in the face, one bludgeoned, and another blown up by a bomb -- and others were routinely harassed. "I see a pattern that in the past year or more has unfolded against journalists," said Gorchinskaya, the chief executive officer of Kyiv-based independent Hromadske TV who tweeted that "the dark times are back," told RFE/RL. She cited the recent leak of journalists' personal data and their publication by a shady website run by anonymous hackers called Myrotvorets. The site called the journalists "terrorist collaborators" for their work in the separatist-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine. The leak was openly cheered by Ukraine's interior minister, Arsen Avakov, as well as other prominent officials. There was also an attack on Mykhaylo Tkach, who reports for the Skhemy investigative program, a joint production of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and UA: First TV Channel. His case has not been investigated, and his assailants remain unpunished, even though the attack was well-documented and caught on video. Kristina Berdynskykh, a senior reporter for the Kyiv-based independent New Time magazine who often writes about the country's powerful oligarchs, said she has received multiple death threats in recent months. "Your monument will stand beside the monument for Gongadze," read one such warning, sent via SMS. She was contacted by Ukrainian police and security officers, but no charges have not been brought against any suspects. After Sheremet's killing, Berdynskykh penned an op-ed that she titled Do Not Rely On Law Enforcement. "I realized that journalists' best protection is maximum publicity, information support from colleagues from other media in covering the case, rather than law enforcement," she wrote. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. "We are hoping someone in the community will recognize this individual so we can bring him to justice, police said. In a statement on her LinkedIn profile, Tara Desiree DLutz described her ambition as a lawyer: My practice is about empowering the lost, the hurt and the helpless. In that, I obtain satisfaction. Im a David against Goliath. Helping those for the satisfaction it inherently brings. That is the Song of Myself. An ardent crusader for the underdog, she pursued cases involving issues such as personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home and assisted-living negligence, sexual harassment, malicious prosecution, civil rights, denial of medical care, and animal welfare. She had won an arbitration award for an abused nursing home patient against one of the largest companies in its field. She obtained a large settlement for nine female inmates sexually assaulted in the Virginia prison system she received a lot of calls from female prisoners seeking help or relief in some fashion. She settled a reverse race discrimination case against a Richmond sheriff. Ms. DLutz, who had worked as an associate attorney for The Shields Law Firm PLLC in Richmond from 2006 to 2015 and since January 2016 as an associate with the boutique family law practice of Wendy H. Schwartz and Associates PLLC in Washington, died by her own hand June 28 in Bethesda, Md., where she lived. She was 45. Her remains were cremated in a private service in Pennsylvania. A memorial service for Ms. DLutz, who was Catholic, will be Friday at 3 p.m. at St. Patricks Catholic Church, 213 N. 25th St. in Richmond. She was one of these wonderful enigmas, said her former boss, William G. Shields, president of The Shields Law Firm PLLC. She was beautiful. She could be charming. She could be infuriating and get you so mad you couldnt see straight, and five minutes later you could be best friends. But she had a heart of gold. Born Dec. 9, 1970, in Philadelphia and given the baptismal name of Noelle, she grew up loving movies and music. My father played the violin, and she began taking (violin) lessons when she was 3 years old, said her mother, Virginia Elaine DLutz. They would go around playing the violin together. She also had a lovely soprano voice. Ms. DLutz was in her first play when she was 7, portraying the title role in Alice in Wonderland. When she was 11, she told her mother that she wanted to be an actor. Her interest continued through high school. She attended Northwestern University for a year on a scholarship to study theater and then transferred to the University of Southern California. Before earning a bachelors degree in theater there in 1992, she went to London, where she studied Shakespearean theater, acting, voice and movement at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Returning to the U.S., she enrolled in the Temple University School of Law, where she earned a law degree in 1995. Ms. DLutz served as an assistant district attorney in the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office and later, as a special prosecutor for the Philadelphia SPCA, won recognition for several animal cruelty cases. She prosecuted a case involving the treatment of horses that pulled tourist carriages in Philadelphia as well as one involving pit bull fighting. She had an old red I think it was a Chevy Blazer and had to travel all over Pennsylvania in the dead of winter to collect evidence for that case, Shields said. Ms. DLutz loved animals and had worked in dog and cat rescue. Whenever we went out to any festival or art show, all of a sudden she would not be holding my hand. She would be petting a dog, recalled her companion, Kenneth Carpenter. If it was a pug (her favorite breed), that was a 20-minute deal. She could walk over to a Great Dane with a muzzle on or a chow. I never saw a dog shy away from her. A woman who loved to be outdoors and walk trails as long it was during the day, she once came within about 30 feet of a black bear in the woods. Her inclination was to pet it, but she did not, Carpenter said. She was just innocent that way with people and animals. She thought everybody had a good heart, but not everybody does. After working in private practice with Petriello and Royal LLC and the Law Office of Jacqueline Morgan, she moved to Richmond in 2006 to become an associate attorney with The Shields Law Firm PLLC. Shields was delighted that she had a background in theater. Thats a real plus, he said. It means someone knows how to conduct themselves at a hearing or trial. While representing her clients, she was constantly in battle and an uproar with attorneys on the other side of a case. She was a fierce fighter and could irritate people on the other side of the case, Shields said. However, her clients felt cared for, listened to and respected by Tara, Wendy Schwartz, her latest boss, wrote in an email. She was able to keep clients (and sometimes their witnesses) calm during rough patches while cases were ongoing and also during trial. Many lawyers who had been on that other side have called to pay their respects. It is astonishing how many people were affected by her death, Shields said. In 2009, Style Weekly named her to its Top 40 Under 40 list as a young person who was helping to transform Richmond. A Richmond Times-Dispatch Readers Choice list named her one of the areas top attorneys in July 2015. Ms. DLutz, known for her big smile, had a concurrent career as a model with Wilhelmina Modelogic, an affiliate of the noted Wilhelmina modeling agency in New York. International designer Lily Vasaelini featured her in a 2012-13 leather goods campaign. You came into my life as a breath of fresh air, full of passion and love for fashion, with a great elegance, Vasaelini wrote in a July 3 post on the Facebook site In Memory of Tara DLutz. When we met for the first time for a fashion shoot, you were as happy as a little girl, your joy was so infectious and pure. Ms. DLutz was featured in a May 2013 favorite photos spread of British Vogue. Tara would compliment someone if she liked what they were wearing and would give tips about makeup, nail polish and hair, Schwartz wrote. She loved Prada shoes and knew which designer bag or dress someone was carrying or had on. The Saturday before her death, she threw on a T-shirt, jeans and sneakers and went with Carpenter to the National Zoo. When they went to dine in Georgetown, she decided that she couldnt walk around that area dressed as she was. Within two hours, she had bought a dress and shoes and had gotten her makeup done at a nearby store. She didnt want to be any place if she didnt look right, Carpenter said. She was the most empathetic person Ive ever met, he said. She had a pure heart. She would take everything personally: her clients, her friends and things that happened she would bring it into herself. UPDATE: Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham says he will issue a public response to the criticisms lodged by the ACLU of Virginia earlier this week, according to police department spokesman Gene Lepley. The response, probably written, should be released Friday, Lepley said, giving Durham time to review the issues raised. Earlier story: The ACLU of Virginia has written two letters to Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham in as many days addressing how the police handled protests last month during a rally for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Mondays demonstration on Interstate 95 in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The first letter, dated Monday but sent Tuesday, dealt with Trumps June 10 rally. It said police officers misinformed protesters about their rights, covered their badges with electrical tape and refused to identify themselves, corralled Trump protesters but not supporters, failed to keep opposing protesters separate, and incited the violence that led to five people being detained and one cited. Two of our legal observers witnessed an RPD officer open the barricade between the protesters and Trump supporters exiting the Coliseum event and motion the three young, aggressive and intoxicated men to enter the crowd of protesters, said the letter signed by Claire Guthrie Gastanaga, executive director of the Virginia chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. The letter continued: This violence was the only violence that occurred during this protest, and it was directly attributable to the negligent actions of one of your officers. ... That it could have been avoided is problematic; that it could have triggered escalated violence is inexcusable. Richmond police spokesman Gene Lepley said Wednesday that Durham is responding to the letter in private, not in public. A second letter, dated Wednesday, detailed concerns related to Mondays protest, in which 13 people were arrested after blocking southbound I-95 near Belvidere Street during Monday evenings rush hour. The ACLU didnt criticize the arrests protesters were taken into custody by Virginia State Police, not the city department but rather how Richmond officers told people standing on public sidewalks that they had to keep moving. There was a similar complaint lodged in the earlier correspondence. Members of the public have a right to stand on public sidewalks without moving, especially where there is no objective evidence that their doing so is obstructing the police in any way, the second letter said. The letters asked for a meeting with Durham to discuss the ACLUs concerns and urged immediate and decisive action. Our hope is to work with law enforcement to identify and address issues like this before situations escalate, Wednesdays letter said. Charlie Schmidt, a public policy associate for the ACLU, said the organization had legal observers at the Trump event. Legal observers are trained volunteers who act as neutral, third-party observers monitoring interactions between police and protesters, he said. Theyre not lawyers, though they are usually led by one, Schmidt said. They are trained in know your rights material, he said. Specifically, they train for about one to two hours in First Amendment rights, Schmidt said. Observers can be requested by protest leaders, but on the evening of the Trump rally in Richmond, the ACLU called in its own volunteers to monitor the event. Some observers, easily identifiable in bright blue vests, were sent directly to the Richmond Coliseum, where Trump spoke, while others followed a march that started at Monroe Park. Schmidt said he was there and saw the Richmond officer who ushered three Trump supporters, whom he said appeared intoxicated, into the crowd of protesters. It happened really fast, he said. They pushed their way through the crowd toward the center and confronted protesters. The ACLU letter called it a police-facilitated confrontation that resulted in fights between Trump supporters and protesters, then police and protesters coming to blows. It was only after this police-facilitated confrontation that state police retrieved their riot gear and began to escalate their use of force an escalation that would not have been perceived as necessary if an RPD officer had not invited hostilities between Trump supporters and protestors by his action. A Richmond man has been charged with two counts of aggravated malicious wounding in connection with a stabbing that occurred Wednesday evening in Monroe Park near Virginia Commonwealth University's campus. VCU Police believe Larence Mason, 55, of Richmond, stabbed two men who attempted to intervene when he was arguing with women in the center of the park around 5 p.m. Wednesday. VCU Police observed Mason, armed with a belt, fighting with another man who was also armed with a belt. After the officer asked both men to stop, Mason ran down Grace Street. VCU Police followed Mason to a stairwell in the schools Henry Street Deck on West Grace Street, where he was detained. Police recovered a knife in the stairwell of the parking deck. The two men who were stabbed were transported to VCU Medical Center for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. Mason is charged with two counts of aggravated malicious wounding, and was transported to the Richmond Justice Center. Two new state grant programs will help Virginia students pay for distinctly different types of training. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia on Tuesday approved regulations for programs that will provide up to $3,000 for a noncredit workforce credential and $20,000 annually for students within two years of completing a degree in cybersecurity defense. About $12.5 million will be available over the next two fiscal years for the New Economy Workforce Credential Grant Program, which was approved by the General Assembly last session. The program has been a long time in coming in the effort to provide public funding for noncredit workforce training, SCHEV Director Peter Blake said. Such customized training for a credential or license generally has been paid for by industry. But the assembly approved a pay-for-performance model considered the first of its kind in the nation in financing the types of programs not eligible for federal Pell Grants or other forms of state aid, he said. The grants will cover two-thirds of the cost, or a maximum of $3,000, for successful completion of an industry certification course. The programs initially will be offered through the Virginia Community College System, although state higher education centers and Richard Bland College are eligible to offer the courses. The training funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis to Virginia residents enrolled in programs designated as high-demand occupations, such as commercial truck driving, welding and medical coding. Students are required to pay one-third of the total cost of the program upon enrollment. Lawmakers were very interested in students having skin in the game, said Wendy Kang, director of higher education innovation for SCHEV. If the student completes the training, the state provides the second third of the cost of the program to the institution. A student who does not complete the program must pay that portion of the total cost. But the student must also pass the third-party external certification exam for the institution to get the remaining one-third of the cost of the program. The program is intended to close the skills gap for high-demand jobs that go unfilled for lack of qualified workers, as identified by the Virginia Board of Workforce Development. The $1 million state scholarship fund for cybersecurity programs also targets a shortage of qualified workers with cybersecurity expertise in Virginia. The scholarships, available to in-state students at Virginia nonprofit institutions with a 3.0 GPA, has a public service component. Recipients must work within the cybersecurity defense field for a state agency for one year for each year a $20,000 scholarship is received. Otherwise, the obligation converts to a loan. Student must be within two years of completing an undergraduate or graduate degree to qualify, and must be enrolled in cyber programs considered proactive, rather than reactive, said Lee Andes, assistant director for financial aid for SCHEV. These programs would include digital forensics, for example, where not only are you stopping a virus, youre figuring out who sent it and how to defeat it and stop future attacks, he said. Like the workforce grants, the scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, but priority will be given to students who are working on more advanced degrees and closer to entering the field, Andes said. The Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship was established by Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who included $1.5 million for the program in his budget. The budget line item was not adopted by the General Assembly; McAuliffe reinserted it as an amendment during the veto session to provide $500,000 a year for two years. CLEVELAND Virginias delegation capped its four days at the Republican National Convention on Thursday by taking in Donald Trumps acceptance speech, but they began the day trying to pick up the pieces from yet another wild night in Cleveland. The groups final breakfast in suburban Strongsville came with perhaps the toughest challenge yet: smoothing over hard feelings after Sen. Ted Cruz rocked the Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday night by refusing to endorse Trump. After reporters were told to leave the room for one last come-together session, Virginia Republicans emerged saying they believe the party can move on and rally behind Trump, who delivered his acceptance speech later Thursday. But there was no escaping the televised discord from the previous night. I felt pain, Don Blake, a former Cruz supporter from Henrico County attending as a guest, said of the moment the Trump crowd turned on Cruz after it became clear he was not throwing his full support to the nominee. I have been around Ted Cruz, and his father was in my house. Ive had time with Heidi Cruz. I felt bad for him getting booed. This is obviously a downer, said Corey Stewart, Trumps Virginia campaign chairman whos running for governor in 2017. But it doesnt destroy the week. Former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli who escorted Heidi Cruz away from her seat Wednesday as pro-Trump hecklers taunted her with shouts of Goldman Sachs! said Thursday that he was trying to get her out of a very threatening environment. I was disappointed with how she was treated entirely, Cuccinelli said. Im one of those people who think families are off-bounds. Several Virginia delegates, including some of Cruzs strongest backers, said they feel Cruz mishandled an opportunity to bring Republicans together. Cuccinelli, who worked with the Cruz campaign to pack the convention with supportive delegates, suggested that Cruzs line encouraging delegates to vote your conscience was an avoidable mistake. Freeing delegates to vote their conscience and support someone other than Trump was the primary goal of anti-Trump delegates over the past two weeks. He hasnt been here. So he doesnt know that the word conscience has become kind of a buzzword this week in the rules, said Cuccinelli. Its the first speech I wish Id been able to vet. Cuccinelli spurred the Virginia delegation to join a short-lived rules revolt on the conventions first day, but he insists that battle was fought to increase grass-roots power, not deny Trump the nomination. Others criticized the Texas senator in more strident terms, accusing him of putting ambition ahead of party. For Mr. Cruz to appoint himself as a saint and some holier-than-thou hypocrite for God to see, is heart-rending. And truly, truly corrupt, said Eugene Delgaudio, a Virginia delegate and former Loudoun County supervisor. It is he who is the corruption. The corruption of vanity. The corruption of personality. Carson addresses Virginias delegation After two days of breakfast meetings that featured only minor speakers, the delegation basked in some star power Thursday as Ben Carson, the retired neurosurgeon and former presidential candidate, strode into the ballroom and began posing for photos with admirers. Carson talked up the elections importance in stark terms, comparing America to a cruise ship about to go over Niagara Falls and everybody will be killed. Those who would sit on the sidelines and not act to help turn the country around, Carson said, are not using the brain that God gave them. Carson didnt explicitly address the ongoing Trump-Cruz strife during his speech. Afterward, he made it clear to reporters that he feels Cruz was in the wrong and expected Trump to be the adult in the room during the nominees acceptance speech. I am surprised because hes a very intelligent man, Carson told reporters. And I would have thought he would have recognized the ramifications of doing anything that might continue the secular, progressive movement. Carson and Thursdays other speaker to the Virginia delegation U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas agreed theres no perfect candidate. But they said Trump is far better than the alternative. And if anybody is thinking about 2020 or 2024, youre getting far too ahead of the game, Gohmert said. Because we dont know if there will be a 2020 or 2024. As he has all week, Republican Party of Virginia Chairman John Whitbeck tried to defuse tension with humor. He said he suggested Ted boos as the theme for Wednesdays speeches, and he jokingly thanked Trump supporters for finally wanting to enforce party discipline. It is so great to see them finally get behind loyalty pledges. After all we went through, Whitbeck said. Thank you, Donald Trump. Trump blasted the state party last year for adopting a so-called statement of affiliation that wouldve required participants in Virginias March 1 primary to declare their Republican allegiance. The party dropped the pledge after Trump said it would keep out independents and crossover Democrats. Firing back at Cruz on Twitter on Wednesday night, Trump said his rival didnt honor the pledge in which the GOP candidates ostensibly agreed to support the primary winner. As the delegation prepared for the conventions main event Thursday night, one order of business was making sure everyone had a Trump T-shirt to wear. Later, the Virginians gathered outside the Holiday Inn for a delegation photo. Before the big moment arrived, they tried to get in sync. 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. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has signed a proclamation declaring Aug. 7-13 as National Farmers Market Week. This year marks the 17th annual National Farmers Market Week to honor and celebrate the important role that farmers markets play in local economies. Throughout the week, USDA officials will celebrate at farmers market locations across the country. On Saturday, Aug. 6, Elanor Starmer, the Administrator of USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service which conducts research, provides technical assistance, and awards grants to support local and regional food systems will kick off the week visiting a farmers market and wrap up the week at USDA's own farmers market in Washington, D.C., on Friday, Aug. 12. To help farmers market managers across the country promote and celebrate National Farmers Market Week, USDA is sharing online free farmers market related graphics that market managers and others can use to customize posters, emails, websites and other promotional materials. The graphics, along with a short demonstration video, can be found at: www.ams.usda.gov/resources/NFMW. Over the course of the Obama Administration, USDA has invested close to $1 billion in 40,000 local food businesses and infrastructure projects. Farmers markets provide consumers with fresh, affordable, convenient, and healthy products from local producers. With support from USDA, more farmers markets offer customers the opportunity to make purchases with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; the Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program; and the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs. Supporting farmers markets is a part of the USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative, which coordinates the department's work to develop strong local and regional food systems. USDA is committed to helping farmers, ranchers, and businesses access the growing market for local and regional foods, which was valued at $12 billion in 2014 according to industry estimates. You can also find local and regional supply chain resources on the newly-revamped KYF2 website and use the KYF2 Compass to locate USDA investments in your community. Submitted by Jean Hazlegrove CHARLOTTESVILLE The University of Virginias Strategic Investment Fund under investigation by state lawmakers has been in the works for more than two years. Patrick Hogan, chief operating officer at UVa, supplied records from a board of visitors subcommittee showing that members publicly discussed using investment earnings in 2014 for projects included in the schools long-term plan . On Tuesday, Hogan disputed accusations about a lack of transparency surrounding the fund, now worth $2.3 billion. Members of the General Assembly are asking state agencies to investigate allegations that the university secretly sat on huge cash reserves for several years. We have absolutely nothing to hide, Hogan said, adding that he is looking forward to an upcoming audit by the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts. The lawmakers, led by Sen. Bill DeSteph, R-Virginia Beach, and Chap Petersen, D-Fairfax City, said theyre concerned about how the fund was established. DeSteph said hes worried about a lack of transparency , referring to investment reports that seem to show that the fund had been set up before the board voted on it in February. It looks like the board is set up just as a rubber stamp, DeSteph said. It tells me the board is not being given the opportunity to exercise their fiduciary duty as the board. Petersen and DeSteph sent details and follow-up questions to several state investigative agencies on Tuesday. Three other legislators Sen. John Cosgrove, R-Chesapeake, and Dels. Barry Knight, Scott Taylor and Glenn Davis, all Virginia Beach Republicans signed the letters to the states attorney general, auditor of public accounts and inspector general. Hogan said the idea for the fund has been discussed by officials including board members since 2014. He said the investment fund originated with more than $1 billion in investment returns that accumulated between 2009 and 2014. Officials had talked about using that money for some of the projects outlined in UVas strategic plan, passed in 2013. The Cornerstone Plan, as its called, lays out a broad series of goals, including improvements to UVas technological infrastructure and a wave of faculty hires. The plan initially priced at $564 million over five years was not completely funded when it was passed, and there was concern that costs could be passed on in the form of tuition. The idea was to take some of the investment returns that had accumulated over the years and use them to pay for these improvements, Hogan said. The investment returns were combined with other reserves to create the fund, which could pay out up to $100 million annually, he said. We recognized then that the Cornerstone Plan needed long-term support. Hogan said the creation of a permanent fund will allow UVa to improve the student experience without passing the cost on to them. The fund will pay for the improvement projects UVa hopes to undertake hiring new faculty and providing them with research startup money, for example without straining operating funds. The Strategic Investment Fund is going to help tuition, Hogan said. Most other schools would have to raise tuition in order to make the investments were making. Former Rector Helen Dragas originated the allegation of a massive slush fund that would pay for pet projects in an op-ed piece for The Washington Post earlier this month. She accused administrators of hiding the surplus in plain view and then pushing board members to pass changes that would free those funds. Only later did we learn that these moves had created a $2.3 billion slush fund, she wrote. Records from 2014 finance subcommittee meetings show that at least some board members knew about it and had discussed it, with slides from a PowerPoint presentation proposing a strategic use of operating funds and investment returns. One of the moves Dragas referred to was a policy change passed in November that cleared the final hurdle, allowing the university to take out lines of credit as backup liquidity. The university then transferred about $480 million in operating reserves to the new fund. The university has not tapped those new lines of credit, Hogan said, and does not plan to unless there is an emergency. By the time the subject came before the board in February, he said, the matter was all but decided. For two years, members including current Rector William Goodwin had talked about the possibility of putting some of UVas investment windfall into a fund for the Cornerstone Plan, Hogan said. There was a general awareness amongst the board of where we were going, Hogan said. The name change was not done [to skirt] the board. He added: If wed wanted to hide something, we wouldnt have changed the name thatd be pretty foolish. Hogan said he was surprised at how controversial the fund has been. Asked about possible investments in AccessUVa, the financial aid program, Hogan called that option a distinct possibility. But also said he doesnt want to preclude faculty members who are evaluating some 50 competing proposals as options to use the windfall from the fund. Wherever it goes, Hogan said, the fund is not new and officials have never skirted their responsibility to inform the public. Were looking forward to answering questions from the legislators, Hogan said. We believe weve been transparent. Petersen said he wants to know why the university held onto these reserves, including the investment returns, while raising tuition. Even if it is within the rules, its poor form for a public institution to sit on reserves while raising tuition, he said. Im not saying anyone did anything wrong or criminal but thats not supposed to happen, Petersen said. Youre not supposed to be sitting on reserves while raising tuition. (Finmarket.ru) - Russian diamond monopoly ALROSA proposed certain measures to support the domestic diamond-cutting industry, the vice-president of ALROSA Rinat Gizatulin told Interfax. "We considered the amount of additional revenue that ALROSA received as a result of the abolition of duty, which is about 10-11 billion rubles a year. We do not plan to reduce diamond prices after September 1 due to the abolition of duty, we will keep them at the same level. But we plan additional savings, which will be accounted for in the company's budget. A part of these savings will be, for example, directed as a charitable aid, which will amount to 1.5 billion rubles. Diamond cutting and polishing companies will be eligible to receive this aid depending on their polished production," Gizatulin added. He said that this measure has not yet been agreed upon by the company's shareholders. The second measure is a 90-day installment for cutters and polishers for 40% of their contract value, Gizatulin continues. According to him, such an installment won't cause any economic damage to ALROSA. Yet another measure is an arrangement of individual trading sessions with Russian clients. "We will discuss what volumes and values of boxes are the most effective with Russian diamond cutting enterprises. And we will see how to attract them to deals for purchase of these boxes," Gizatulin concluded. Republicans had hoped to use this year's national convention to come together and heal the wounds in the party following a bitter primary contest. But those hopes were dashed when Texas Senator Ted Cruz took the stage in Cleveland and delivered what was in effect the first campaign speech for 2020. Cruz opened by congratulating Donald Trump on winning the GOP's presidential nomination - and then didn't mention him again for the rest of his speech. He urged constituents not to stay home in November and to vote their conscience - without naming anyone in particular. The New York delegates realized what was happening and started chanting for Trump; Cruz was then booed for the rest of his speech and was nearly involved in a series of hostile confrontations on his way out of the arena. Trump highlighted the negative reaction to Cruz' remarks on the convention floor in a post on Twitter. "Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didn't honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal!" Trump tweeted. Cruz' remarks were followed up by speeches from Eric Trump - son of the presidential nominee - and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. The younger Trump spoke of his father's passion to fix what ails the country, while Gingrich talked at length about keeping America safe and the global terror threat. Then came the headline speaker of the evening, Vice Presidential candidate and Indiana Governor Mike Pence. Calling himself a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order, Pence officially accepted his party's nomination as VP. Trump later joined Pence on the stage to close out the evening. Thursday's theme is "Make America One Again," and the speakers include leaders Peter Thiel and Tom Barrack, Ivanka Trump, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus and Donald Trump. (Photo: Gage Skidmore) For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Switzerland's foreign trade data for June is due to be released in the pre-European session on Thursday at 2:00 am ET. The trade surplus is seen unchanged at CHF 3.79 billion in June. Ahead of the data, the Swiss franc held steady against its major rivals. As of 1:55 am ET, the Swiss franc was trading at 1.0865 against the euro, 1.3023 against the pound, 0.9850 against the U.S. dollar and 108.68 against the yen. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Forex News Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Precision Drilling Corp. (PDS,PD.TO) reported Thursday that its second-quarter net loss was C$57.68 million or C$0.20 per share, wider than last year's net loss of C$29.82 million or C$0.10 per share. On average, 17 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected loss of C$0.18 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. For the quarter, earnings before income taxes, finance charges, foreign exchange, and depreciation and amortization was C$22 million, 75% lower than the second quarter of 2015. Activity for the quarter, as measured by drilling rig utilization days, decreased 48% in Canada, 58% in the U.S. and 44% internationally. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 14%, compared to 26% a year ago, mainly due to decreased activity in all of businesses and lower spot market pricing. Revenue this quarter was C$163.98 million, down 51% from C$334.46 million last year, mainly due to lower activity from North American operations. Analysts were looking for revenues of C$171.08 million. Revenue from Contract Drilling Services and Completion and Production Services segments decreased over last year by 51% and 53%, respectively. Kevin Neveu, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Precision's second quarter results were adversely affected by weak customer demand and seasonally low Canadian spring break-up activity levels. During the quarter, North American oil and gas companies demonstrated a near instantaneous reaction to the low commodity prices experienced earlier this year by slashing spending, which resulted in the lowest drilling activity levels in decades." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Indian shares fell notably on Thursday as investors awaited the European Central Bank meeting later in the day and looked for progress on the GST Bill. Hopes remain high that the long-pending indirect tax reform bill would be taken to a logical conclusion in the ongoing monsoon session, which ends on August 12. The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex fell 205.37 points or 0.74 percent to 27,710.52 and the broader Nifty index finished down 55.75 points or 0.65 percent at 8,510.10. Banks came under selling pressure, with Kotak Mahindra Bank losing almost 3 percent after the private sector lender reported lower-than-expected financial results for the June quarter and said it would raise up to Rs. 5,000 crore by issuing bonds. HDFC Bank slipped 0.2 percent despite reporting a 20 percent rise in Q1 net profit. Axis Bank lost 4 percent after cutting its base rate. ICICI Bank, SBI, Federal Bank, Bank of Baroda and PNB declined 2-4 percent. IIFL Holdings soared 7.6 percent. U.K.'s government-owned development finance institution CDC Group has agreed to buy 15 percent stake in its unit India Infoline Finance for about Rs.1,000 crore. VRL Logistics soared 11.4 percent after the transportation company said it has canceled plans to launch a regional airline. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Donald Trump has said that if he is elected president, his government may not automatically come to the defense of NATO allies if they are attacked. In an interview with the New York Times on Wednesday, the Republican presidential nominee suggested that his commitment to defend NATO allies will depend upon their contributions to the alliance. Article 5 of the U.S.-led, predominantly western military alliance's principles says an attack on one of the NATO member states amounts to an attack on all members, and that all the allied nations must help the one that came under attack. Trump, who is scheduled to address the Republican National Convention on Thursday, is expected to outline a foreign policy strategy aimed at reducing U.S. expenditures and involvement abroad. In the interview, Trump said he would force allies to share defense costs that have been borne by the United States for long, cancel longstanding treaties he views as unfavorable, and redefine what it means to be a U.S. partner. The businessman-turned politician said he would prefer to be able to maintain existing agreements only if allies stopped taking advantage of what he called an era of American largess that was no longer affordable. (Photo: Michael Vadon) For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News Joy Global Inc. (JOY) announced Thursday morning that it has agreed to be acquired by Komatsu America Corp., a subsidiary of Japan's Komatsu Ltd., for approximately $3.7 billion. Joy Global has gapped open sharply higher this morning and is now up 4.20 at $27.75 on strong volume. The stock has risen above a week and a half long trading range and has set a new high for the year. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Editors Pick Biopharmaceutical company Merck & Co., Inc. reported Thursday profit for the third quarter that declined 29 percent from last year, hurt by hefty increase in R&D expenses, despite 14 percent sales growth. However, both adjusted earnings per share and quarterly sales topped analysts' estimates. Shares of Credit Suisse Group AG were losing around 14 percent in the morning trading in Switzerland as well as 11 percent in pre-market activity on the NYSE, after the Swiss banking major reported Thursday a hefty loss in its third quarter, compared to prior year's profit, mainly hurt by weaker performance for Investment Bank. The company also projects a net loss for the Group in the fourth quart Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc., affiliated to Indian pharma major Aurobindo Pharma Limited, is recalling two lots of Quinapril and Hydrochlorothiazide tablets due to the presence of Nnitroso-quinapril, a probable human carcinogen, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said. As Donald Trump prepares to officially accept the Republican presidential nomination in Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday, the results of a new Suffolk University poll show the real estate tycoon tied with likely general election opponent Hillary Clinton in the Buckeye State. The poll showed Trump and Clinton tied at 44 percent among likely Ohio voters, while another 11 percent are still undecided. However, the survey found that Clinton has an advantage when Libertarian Gary Johnson and Green Party nominee Jill Stein are added into the mix. Clinton leads Trump 43 percent to 39 percent in a four-way scenario, with Johnson at 5 percent, Stein at 1 percent and 12 percent undecided. The poll also showed that the two major party candidates are viewed unfavorably by a majority of voters, with 51 percent viewing Clinton unfavorably and 53 percent viewing Trump unfavorably "These largely negative views of the candidates come despite heavy Clinton campaign advertising in Ohio leading up to the Republican Convention and Trump's efforts to humanize his candidacy with multiple primetime speeches from family members," said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center in Boston. He added, "The Ohio-based Republican convention might have been expected to give Trump a bump among that state's voters, yet their dislike of both major-party candidates is translating into unease about the upcoming election." Suffolk noted the final poll in 2012 showed President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney tied at 47 percent in Ohio, although the president ended up winning the state 51 percent to 48 percent. The survey of 500 likely Ohio voters was conducted July 18th through 20th and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points. (Photo: Lorie Shaull) For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The BMW G310Rs launch in India has been delayed. Earlier, BMW Motorrad had confirmed that the launch will take place by March 2017. But that is not happening. Instead of launching the G310R, BMW Motorrad will open India innings by launching their big bikes next month. Speaking about the India-spec G310R, it has now been showcased at the 2017 Bangkok Motor Show, which is currently underway. Seen in dual tone Black and White colour, the new G310R is the most affordable BMW motorcycle ever. It is manufactured by TVS Motors in India. Compared to the Europe-spec G310R, which debuted last year, the India-spec variant comes with longer side indicators, new tail light, handle bar grip is new, exhaust cover at the end gets more steel finish. Even the ECU mapping is different. The most affordable Bimmer has entered production at a new assembly line within TVS Motor Cos Hosur premises. Initially, it will be exported to markets in Europe. The company is looking to have adequate inventory before opening bookings in the local market. The street fighter is expected to receive huge orders in the domestic market and the German giant apparently prefers to delay the launch until it is able to commence deliveries seamlessly rather than opening the order books earlier and let the waiting period escalate to several months. Deliveries in Europe are expected to commence any time now. The BMW G 310 R is priced lower than the made-in-India KTM Duke 390 in Europe. If the brand could manage a similar positioning in India, it would garner immense response from the market. The motorcycle targets brand-conscious urban motorcycle enthusiasts. As per the cooperation agreement with TVS, the platform will also spawn a TVS derivative which was previewed by the Akula 310 concept at the Auto Expo. Royal Enfield sales increased by 23 percent in October 2019 to 67,538 units as compared to sales of 54,858 units sold in September 2019. This was due to the positive effect seen during the festive season and a silver lining to Royal Enfield sales which had been facing some constraints over the past few months. From among the company lineup, it was the RE Classic 350 and Bullet 350 which contributed to over 80 percent of total sales. There were a total of 38,936 units of the Classic 350 and 15,454 units of the Bullet 350 sold in the past month. Though sales of the Classic 350 dipped 15.63 percent from 46,148 units sold in October 2018, it rose 32.5 percent as compared to 29,376 units sold in September 2019. Bullet 350 sales saw a significant increase of 34.96 percent when compared to 11,451 units sold in October 2018 and a 24.64 percent increase as compared to 12,399 units sold in September 2019. The Classic 350, the companys highest selling product is now offered with single channel and dual channel ABS and new colour options along with various customisation options to draw even more attention from buyers in its segment. The Royal Enfield Electra 350 and Thunderbird 350 featured at Nos. 3 and 4 on the list of best selling models in the company lineup with sales at 5,613 units and 4,108 units sold respectively in the past month. The 2020 Royal Enfield Classic and 2020 Royal Enfield Thunderbird have been spied in production ready guise and will come in with BS6 compliant engines as well as some improved styling. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650, launched last year, was at No.5 with sales at 1,724 units in the past month, down 7.11 percent as compared to 1,856 units sold in September 2019. Last month, Royal Enfield also introduced some minor cosmetic changes to the RE 650 Twins with no increase in prices. The Royal Enfield Himalayan saw total sales of 1,172 units in the past month, down 16.52 percent as compared to sales of 1,404 units sold in September 2019 but marginally higher as compared to 1,089 units sold in October 2018. Royal Enfield is readying an updated BS6 Himalayan for January 2020 with new colour schemes and minor feature updates and an increase in price to Rs.1.90 lakhs as against a current price of Rs.1.81 lakhs. Royal Enfields Classic 500, Thunderbird 500 and Bullet 500 were at the bottom rungs of the sales charts in October 2019 as was a similar case in September 2019 while it was only sales of the Thunderbird 500 which increased marginally while the other 2 models noted a significant dip in sales. Two-wheeler segment experienced 14.3% growth in Q1 FY17 with total sales at 45,32,736 units as against 39,75,699 units sold in the same period of previous year. The first quarter of FY17 draws to a close and sales in the two wheeler segment have been revealed. Results have been positive all round indicating that a recovery of this segment with double digit growth all round. While the two wheeler segment saw growth to the extent of 14.3% during April to June, it was the scooter segment that experienced growth of over 27% with the Honda Activa being a best seller. Total Activa sales during the April June 2016 period stood at 6,97,938 units, an increase of 25.1% over sales in the same period of the previous year. Hero Splendor ranked at No.2 in top 10 selling two wheelers in Q1 FY17 with 6,35,857 units sold during the 3 month period while TVS Jupiter received added impetus. Despite being positioned at No.10 on the list, the 110cc scooter recorded growth of 34%. Total sales during the 3 month period stood at 1,33,268 units, up from 99,519 units in Q1 FY16. Hero MotoCorp HF Deluxe, Passion and Glamour claimed 3rd, 4th and 5th spot while Honda CB Shine was relegated to a No.7 position with TVS XL Super being the only moped on this list which was otherwise dominated by scooters and motorcycles. The moped stood at No. 6 with total sales of 2,17,050 units an increase in growth to the tune of 18.3% as against sales in Q1 FY16. Month-wise domestic sale trend: Toyota Motors has stated that fresh investments to India have been put on hold as the company prepares to review the status of diesel vehicle ban extensively. The ban on diesel cars and SUVs with engine capacity above 2000cc along with National Green Tribunals latest decision to de-register 15-year-old diesel cars, has pushed Toyota to take such a stand. What the ban basically means is that Toyota will not be able to sell their best selling cars in one of the largest cities in the country. While their old diesel cars, which are currently in circulation, will suffer too as NGT has directed RTO to de-register those diesel vehicles which are older than 15 years. In addition to that, they have also said that diesel vehicles which are older than 15 years, and registered in Delhi NCR, has to be scrapped. They cannot be sold anywher in India. Such laws has pushed Toyota to not only refrain from new investments, but also put on hold the launch of upcoming new cars, which includes the new generation Fortuner SUV. Toyota Kirloskar Motors has seen its new Innova MPV and the Fortuner SUV being banned from sale in Delhi/NCR region which has seriously affected company sales. This has caused the company to rethink launch of new models in the country with the new Fortuner also facing registration constraints in Delhi/NCR and Kerala which are both leading markets for this model. Toyota Motors recently invested INR 1,200 crores in a new diesel engine plant with production having just commenced. The new facility has the capacity for 1 lakh engines per annum but is only utilizing 30% of this capacity. Diesel engine ban has not resulted in decline in sales of cars with larger than 2000cc engine, but also other cars with smaller diesel engines. For eg, Honda Cars Indias diesel engine production unit in Tapukara, Rajasthan has a capacity to produce 400 diesel engines per day. They are currently producing just 150 units due to low demand for diesel cars. Photos via Times of India Last week I went with my family on a vacation trip to the northern part of Sweden. Northern Sweden is beautiful with its vast landscapes of high mountains, deep valleys, huge forests and coast. This time of the year the sun never sets either. The scenery is breathtaking, especially behind the wheel of a Saab 9-3X. Besides the family vacation, we also went to an oldtimer meetup in the town of Ramsele. There we met up with the Saabklubben localsection of Norrland. A member of the club had arranged for a dinner with a tour of the local power station Storfinnforsen the evening before the meetup. We even got to drive our Saabs across the dam (which, if I remember right, is the largest concrete dam in Sweden). All Saabs are welcomed in Saabklubben and the cars on the tour ranged from Saab 93 to Saab NG9-5. The actual meetup, Ramsele veteranfordonsdag, was attended by approx. 450 cars. Old US cars are extremely popular in Sweden, with the Raggare culture and such (the largest US car meetup in the world is held each year in Sweden). I personally thought that the Saabs would be outnumbered, but to my surprise there were more than 40 Saabs at the meetup! In comparison, I counted less than 20 Volvo cars at the meetup. And old Volvo cars are, unfortunately, much more common than old Saab cars in Sweden. The Norrland localsection of Saabklubben attended the meetup for the 8th year in a row and theyve really managed to put a Saab touch to it. Well done! Finally, heres a gallery with some pictures from the meetup in Ramsele, including the tour of the power station. All pictures were taken by Anders Johansson at Saabklubben and can not be used elsewhere without his permission. Click on a picture for a larger version. Like other Montanans, I enjoy recreating on streams and public lands with my family. The abundance of recreational, hunting and outdoor opportunities is part of what makes Montana the last best place. As a candidate for the Montana Supreme Court, I am frequently asked about my position on access to Montanas waterways. In my opinion -- the law is settled. Current law in Montana safeguards the publics right to use surface waters for recreational purposes while protecting the rights of riparian landowners. And only the Legislature (not the courts) can change the current laws. Under early Montana law, the publics ability to use surface waters varied depending upon whether a waterway was navigable (capable, in its ordinary condition, for use as a highway for commerce) or non-navigable. Early law protected the publics right to navigate, fish, and hunt on navigable waterways, but did not recognize a public right to use the streambeds or banks of non-navigable waters without landowner permission. In 1972, Montanans adopted a new constitution declaring that all waters within Montana are the "property of the state for the use of its people." Relying on this constitutional provision, the Montana Supreme Court in 1984 abandoned the long-standing distinction between navigable and non-navigable streams and ruled that the public has the right to recreate, hunt, and fish between the high water marks on all waters in Montana that are capable of recreational use -- regardless of navigability. At the same time, the court emphasized that its ruling did not grant to the public a right or easement to cross private property to get into the streams. Shortly after that decision, the 1985 Legislature adopted the Montana Recreational Use of Streams Act, codifying the right of the public to recreate on rivers and streams. The act expressly does not grant any easement or right to the public to enter onto or cross private property in order to use those waters. Recreationists must remain between the high-water marks of a stream and must access the water via recognized public land or existing easements. The act specifically allows landowners to construct fences across streams to manage property or livestock. If an artificial barrier exists, the public may portage around the barrier and enter private property above the high-water mark in the least intrusive manner possible. There have been some important developments after the 1985 Act. A 1987 court ruling clarified that the publics use of streambeds and banks is not unlimited; such use must be of minimal impact and must respect the property rights of riparian owners. For example, overnight camping or big-game hunting between the high water marks of a stream passing through private property is not allowed without landowner permission. In 2009 legislation confirmed that public bridges may be used to access surface waters. This legislation also recognizes the right of landowners to fence up to a bridge to manage livestock and property, as long as a gate, stile, or other adequate passage is provided for public access to the water. The cost of materials, installation, and maintenance of these public passages is borne by the state. In summary, current Montana law clearly recognizes the right of the public to use natural waterways that are capable of recreation. To protect landowners, the law requires the public to remain within the high-water marks of the waterway, unless an artificial barrier requires a portage above the high-water mark. If a portage is necessary, it must be made with minimal impact. The law is a good balance between landowners ability to protect their property and the publics right to use the waters by requiring recreationists to access a stream through public access sites, which include public bridge rights-of-way. Private landowners statewide work in concert with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to lease public access sites at locations that are both convenient to the public and best suited to meet the publics needs. Under Montana trespass law, a trespass is not criminal unless the landowner has posted no-trespassing signs or has marked the property with fluorescent orange paint. To be able to seek the help of law enforcement authorities in preventing trespasses, a landowner should comply with these notice requirements. But even if a property is not posted, a landowner who finds a trespasser on his or her private property has the right to demand that the trespasser leave. It is the responsibility of the judicial system to fairly, consistently, and impartially apply these settled laws to specific cases involving individualized facts. The courts will likely be called upon in the future to determine whether a particular bridge is public or private and the width of bridge right-of-ways, to locate the high-water marks on a stream, and to address whether there is a right of portage around natural barriers (the act only addresses portages around artificial barriers). The courts do not have the authority to make any significant changes to existing law -- that authority is reserved to the legislature under the Montana constitution. So dont be fooled by those who are yelling wolf that the publics right to use waterways for recreation is somehow in jeopardy -- thats a distraction from the real issues surrounding the upcoming elections for the Montana Supreme Court. Kristen Gustafson Juras of Great Falls is a candidate for the Montana Supreme Court. She has practiced law for 34 years and has taught for 16 years at the University of Montana School of Law. By SA Commercial Prop News Redefine International CEO, Mike Watters said that the company had weathered the effects of the Brexit referendum better than a number of other UK-focused property groups. Britains vote to leave the European Union (EU) has thrown most UK-focused property funds into disarray but this immediate impact on Redefine International is not a major concern. Although the stocks of property companies with UK investments have been aggressively sold down since the Brexit vote, South African property companies hitching their wagons to offshore markets have also not been spared. Also read: AUCTION Corporate disposal to hit the Auction block The market rating of rand hedges Capital & Counties (Capco) and Capital & Regional (Capreg), have cemented both companies as casualties from the UKs imminent exit from the 28-member bloc. Local property counters with investments in the UK and greater parts of Europe such as Texton Property Fund, Vukile Property Fund, Accelerate Property Fund, Tower Property Fund and Attacq Limited were among the many casualties. Redefine International says its diversified portfolio has been less affected by the Brexit vote than other UK-focused property funds. The has also managed to retain those investors who seek income payouts. CEO Mike Watters said recently this month that the company had weathered the effects of the Brexit referendum better than a number of other UK-focused property groups. We firmly believe the diversified nature of the Redefine International portfolio, with 21% of market values located in Germany, together with our income focus and long average lease length, will prove to be defensive in light of the uncertainty following the UKs vote to exit from the EU. We remain comfortable with our debt profile, with an average debt maturity of 7.4 years, and no significant debt maturing until 2020, said Watters. Redefine said it had made progress in generating returns from its recently acquired Aegon UK (AUK) portfolio that it bought for 490m. After the EU referendum result, Redefine International completed two leases in the AUK portfolio totalling 600,000, which represented a 10% rise in estimated rental value. Since exchanging contracts on the AUK portfolio in September 2015, the company has increased the portfolios weighted average unexpired lease term from seven-and-a-half years to eight years, saved 300,000 in vacancy costs, and achieved an additional uplift of 600,000 to annualised rental income, representing a 5% increase on estimated rental value. Watters said completed refinancing activities since its halfyear results had reduced the cost of debt to 3.4%, from 3.6%. We are pleased with the level of income-enhancing activity achieved on the AUK portfolio to date. Investors are attracted to the fact that we distribute strong regular income payouts. I believe this is why post the Brexit vote, we have seen our shares sold down but, not as much as some other counters have, said Watters. Just the other week, I gave my granddaughter and grandson their first firearms: a .22 rifle and .410 shotgun. This rite of passage most of us who hunt have traveled, either we were given a firearm or saved our money for that first gun. Yet theres more to this gift than a single firearm or me or you. Its about passing along the hunting tradition -- which needs to start early. Study after study indicates that if a person does not start to hunt before the teenage years end, the odds are against that person becoming a hunter as an adult. In addition, much of the American hunting tradition is handed down through families that today seem more, well, busy. There are exceptions. Plenty of hunters today learned from a neighbor or friend. Thats why its so important for us hunters to help any young person who shows an interest in hunting, starting with a good education. For decades, Montana law said everyone age 12-17 had to first take hunter education before that person could hunt. That law changed a few years back to everyone born after Jan. 1, 1985, must first take and pass a hunter education course. Recently, the state established a program to let young people try hunting for two years before taking hunter education. Back in the Dark Ages (pre-Internet), the hunter safety program meant sitting in a room, learning from a volunteer instructor, and taking a test. Oh yes, and often a gruesome 16-millimeter movie about gunshot wounds. Thats changed slightly for those younger than 17. Hint: The movies are more enjoyable. And now, if you are 18 or older, you can take an Internet course. Ah, the Age of Enlightenment. Then or now, someone still needs to provide a gun, transportation and outdoor skills. There is only so much a person can learn from a book or computer screen. The urbanization and fragmentation of the modern family has also thrown up obstacles for many. Various groups have stepped forward to fill the void and take a youngster hunting, though its never enough. Even so, hunting is not a sure stick. I remember my dad taking me and a neighborhood buddy hunting. My friend, whose family had no hunting connection, went that one time. Afterward, he decided hed rather fish. Thats OK, too, as long as we give that youngster the option to make that choice. So take the neighborhood kid hunting who shows an interest. Pry open your wallet and, after the moths have flown out, buy that youngster a good starter firearm. Who knows where that first firearm will lead. My first firearm? It was a bolt action .22 my parents gave me for Christmas. It poured rain that Christmas day, so I couldnt take it outside and shoot it. Worst day of my life. It was the same .22 I gave my grandkids. Best day of my life. The road to the world heavyweight title for Samoas new favourite son continues. Lupesoliai Laauli Joseph Parker warmed up for his tilt at Anthony Joshua by knocking out Solomon Haumonoinside four rounds tonight. Lupesoliai (20-0-KO17) is the mandatory challenger for Joshua's IBF world heavyweight title and wasted little time in blasting aside Australia-based Haumono in Christchurch, New Zealand. Former professional rugby player Haumono (24-3-2-KO21) came out determined to upset the odds and enjoyed several moments of success early on - his ambitious overhand rights finding their target and causing some swelling around Parker's left eye by the second round. The home favourite stayed calm and targeted the body of his visitor with some meaningful blows. Haumonoresponded with two more rights at the end of the end of the third but by that stage, the 40-year-old was already showing signs of tiredness. Following the bout, Parker's manager Kevin Barry revealed that an announcement over the next opponent would be made on Tuesday. Parker said he was pleased with the victory and acknowledged all his supporters. Five students from different schools are heading to Japan at the end of the week courtesy of Yazaki EDs Summer Camp programme. The Vice President of Yazaki EDs Samoa, Shuji Tange, said the programme will give the children the opportunity to explore Japan and its culture, experience the life in Japan and most of all visit other Yazaki factories. This programme started in 1988 and so its been 27 years since the company facilitated for this programme, he said. Yazaki Company is in 47 countries of the world and so this programme there will be 476 children that will be travelling to Japan for the Summer Camp Programme. Samoan students have a good reputation so I am sure you will enjoy your trip, try and learn as much as you can about the culture and the places that you will be visiting. He reminded the students that this opportunity came through the hard work of their parents within the company. Because of your parents loyalty to the company and the hard work that they are doing within this company we think this is our way of showing our appreciation to them, he said. So return the favour by being good boys and girls in Japan and enjoy the trip and bring back good news for them so they can continue working hard in the company. Stay safe and help each other as some of you this is your first time in Japan, so take care and look after yourselves out there and most of all have fun. According to the Personal assistant of the Vice President Etsuko Okishiita, the opportunity is priceless. Parents of these students have been working for the company for about 20 years now and so this is our way of showing appreciation by giving the chance to their children to travel and have fun at the Summer Camp. The parent of one of the students from Leifiifi College, Isaac Laiafi thanked the management team of Yazaki Samoa for the opportunity. Opportunities like these dont come often every day but we as parents want to thank you for appreciating our work within the company, he said. I know there were a lot of other students who applied but you have given the chance to our children to go on this memorable trip so thank you very much. Tofuola Siaki from Laulii Primary School is looking forward to seeing Japan for the first time. I am so excited because this will be the first time I will be travelling to another country, she said. This trip is very important because I want to see what its like in Japan, their culture and most of all I will be having a lot of fun. I would also like to thank my mother for working so hard that I am able to get this chance to travel, I love you. The team will be led by Sione Alesana and they will leave for Japan today. BEIJING (AP) To the challenges facing KFC and Apple in China, add a surprise backlash from Beijing's spat with the Philippines over the South China Sea. Nationalists are protesting at KFC outlets and calling for a boycott, spurred by government accusations that Washington encouraged Manila to oppose Beijing's claims to vast tracts of ocean. Photos circulated online show young Chinese wearing scarves with patriotic slogans smashing Apple iPhones in protest. State media have fanned public anger with a torrent of criticism of last week's ruling by a U.N. tribunal, which found no legal basis for Beijing's claim to most of the South China Sea. "The Chinese public, as optimistic and positive as they are, are deeply patriotic and nationalistic, especially people who are younger," said James Roy of the research firm China Market Research Group. KFC and Apple "are just very closely associated with the United States, and you are seeing people picking the closest symbol they can think of to demonstrate against." The protests are a reminder of the political risks for global brands in China, where they regularly become targets of nationalist sentiment, often stirred up by official media. In 2012, sales of Japanese autos plunged when Tokyo and Beijing were in a dispute over control of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. The Chinese leadership has tried to tamp down this week's protests with demands in state media to leave foreign companies and their customers alone. "This is not the right way to express patriotism," said the government's Xinhua News Agency. The China Daily newspaper called the protests "jingoism that does a disservice to the spirit of devotion to the nation." Three protesters in the central city of Puyang in Henan province were detained by police on charges they illegally disrupted business at two KFC outlets, according to a news report. The web portal Sina said one was ordered jailed for 15 days and the other two for 13 days. Some KFC customers have responded by posting photos of themselves online with a bucket of chicken, axes or other weapons and signs reading, "patriotic hooligans, try harassing me and I'll take you out." KFC's owner, Yum Brands Inc., declined to comment. A man in the eastern city of Yangzhou, northwest of Shanghai, said he watched a protest Tuesday morning after seeing a note online appealing to people to take part. He said it also told protesters to boycott Japanese and Korean goods. "A group of more than 20 people including children broke into the restaurant and shouted at customers to leave," the witness, Guo Lu, said by phone from Yangzhou. He said police arrived quickly and pushed the protesters out of the restaurant. The timing is unusually bad for KFC, which is China's biggest restaurant chain with more than 5,000 outlets but is overhauling its struggling business after a food scandal and marketing missteps. Yum Brands is preparing to spin off its China unit, which also includes Pizza Hut restaurants, as a separate company in October in hopes of improving its performance. KFC has long been an all-purpose target for protests about U.S. issues, especially in areas outside big cities with few other foreign symbols. In 1999, after NATO jets bombed the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, protesters wrecked KFC restaurants. The company and other foreign chain restaurants in China also face an upheaval as customers migrate to fast-growing local competitors they say offer more nutritious meals. For its part, Apple has faced a series of legal hurdles this year in China, its second-biggest market. In April, it suspended its iBooks and iTunes Movies services, reportedly due to an order by Chinese regulators. The next month, an intellectual property tribunal ordered Apple to stop selling its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in Beijing after finding they look too much like a model made by a small Chinese brand. Apple was allowed to continue sales while it appeals. Also in May, a court ruled a Chinese company is allowed to use the iPhone trademark on bags, wallets and other leather goods. An Apple spokeswoman responded to a request for comment by pointing to CEO Tim Cook's positive comments in April about the company's future in China. Cook said Apple was "really optimistic" and planned to open five more stores in China during the current quarter for a total of 40. Dear Editor, I had to laugh at the governments response issued through the Press Secretariat. The arrogance and totalitarian attitude shown by the Prime Minister on the Australian 60 Minutes programme does not surprise me at all. His PR cronies trying to tell us only a couple of minutes were shown and quoted is ridiculous as even Stevie Wonders can see that from a mile out in a dark moonless night! Who are you kidding? You should have chosen your words wisely while you were being interviewed, don't come crying now and saying the prime minister's comment were edited or misquoted. Can't you brief him on PR and Media etiquettes before his press and media interviews and appearances? Oh, my bad, - you can't do that to a dictator! My apologies to the PM's press advisors. I was half expecting him during the interview to call the 60 minutes interviewer a "stinking pig", "kokemi", "stupid", "running out of ideas to sell his program", amongst other bulling tactics he had used on the Samoa Observer, the people of Samoa, Mr Campbell from NZL, and the rest of the Samoan media in the past. My heart goes out to the people who run this beautiful resort and any person who runs a tourist related business outside town as the prime just single handedly killed your business in comments beamed around the world on 60 Minutes by basically saying Samoa is not safe for tourists! The tourists shouldn't be there, they were in the wrong place at the wrong time! (For God's sake - they were in a tourist resort of all places). He further put another nail in the coffin by saying; the Australian couple should be staying in one of the many places in town. Mr. Prime Minister, you could have been the last resort to redeem Samoa and it's struggling tourist industry out of this horrible mess using 60 Minutes as your pulpit - how much are you paying your media and PR people to work for you? Questions must be asked, they are either unqualified relatives and friends (why they are there in the first place in your office), underpaid and only giving you what you paid for, or you just don't want to listen to what they say. Some food for thoughts.... People (all non-Samoans) I know started texting me during the 60 Minutes programme, and when I went to work the next day. What can I say.... Even during the programme I started sending tweet messages to the Samoa Observer to express my anger and frustration as some anger from my childhood times just surfaced again regarding these damn escaped prisoners. Back in the early 80s, some scumbag who cowardly murdered my dad by gunshot, was sentenced to life imprisonment at the very same Tafa'igata resort prison (with a joke of a fence to keep public out only" was amongst a bunch of scums that broke out, robbed, brought the country to a standstill, killed a policeman amongst other things they did. The very same fence is still there and prisoners are still going out at will and hacked, rob, rape, fly to Australia, - it's a disgrace and a shame. Thank you Samoa Observer to allowing me to show and air my displeasure. As for the dictator Prime Minister, he may not even give a flying f... on what I have to say as he doesn't abide by PR101 (That is very ironic for a Samoan matai - which we abide by public relations known as fa'aaloalo). Oh by the way, wasn't he (Tuilaepa) the same guy back in the late 90s that commented that "us Samoans living overseas shouldn't poke our noses in stuff happening back in Samoa, as the reason why we don't live in Samoa is we sick and tired of tautua and serving.... - was when the matter of allowing Samoans overseas to vote from overseas in Samoan general election was debated. Someone refresh my memory again please? This was quickly typed with raw emotions and anger, Samoa faamagalo se sese o le auauna. Manuia le aso. Melb Wils A good book always makes a nice present, they say. In the case of Professor Richard Herr of the University of Tasmanias School of Law, the number of nice presents is quite impressive. The academic from Australia gave away his collection of approximately 600-800 books, magazines and articles which he described as his Pacific collection. Ive been looking forward to presenting this gift to the Parliament since the last five or six years now, he said. He added that the collection provides a special benefit for those who might be willing to use them for scientific research purposes. Books are old-fashioned now. Nowadays, the process of writing a paper goes hand in hand with using the internet to look up what is available. But what you will find in these [books], is something you will not find on the internet. The history of Samoa and the history of the Pacific islands is something you simply dont get on the net. I know that Samoa always is celebrating and remembering the past and I hope that these books will help by doing so. People who want to connect with the past to put some of the present into context will certainly find it useful. In fact, the collection, which is completely made up of Richard Herrs very own private anthology of literature delivers him a very good excuse to visit the country from time to time. If I want to do some research now, I will have to come to Samoa to do it, he told the Samoa Observer with a wink. What connects Professor Herrs own history with the one of Samoa is the fact that his first wife had worked as a cataloguer in the local library. It was her wish that she could continue with her work but unfortunately because of health reasons, she wasnt able to do that. For me, the process of collecting all this literature certainly was an opportunity for me to continue that legacy. For Herr, it was indeed a special honour to hand over this collection to the Parliament of Samoa. I know that you have to pass on what you can to others. Working with the Parliament of Samoa through the L.N.A. [Legislative Needs Assessment] really has been a marvellous experience for me. Speaker of Parliament, Leaupepe Toleafoa Fa'afisi expressed his gratitude to Professor Herr, stating that the handover of his literature collection is only one of many sacrifices Herr had made to the Parliament of Samoa in the past. The collection will be catalogued and exhibited mostly for the members of Parliament, who will use the books for their research, said Valasi Iosefa, Manager of the Institutional Strengthening Services, that will now take care of the literature provided by Professor Richard Herr. Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, was interviewed by the 60 Minutes Australia Television Show on 4 July 2016 for more than half an hour. The story, called Paradise Lost, aired in Australia on 17th July 2016 and less than two minutes of the interview was aired. The Office of the Prime Minister has released its transcription of the entire interview. It is published below in full: Interview between the Prime Minister and 60 Minutes Australia 60 Minutes: Thank you for meeting with us today, Prime Minister. What do you say about what happened to the Australian couple here in Samoa? PM: Well I am sad that it happened to them and my heart goes out to the couple. I saw the news when I was on my way back from Papua New Guinea, after the Pacific Ministers ACP meeting. I am very sorry with what happened to them. I remember when I was in Africa in 1999 where I attended a panel discussion on safety of tourists. Tourism being the major foreign exchange earner for many, many countries.Ta I remember exactly what I said on that panel talking about tourism. The security aspect occupied much of the discussion, and I said Samoa is the safest country and I would like to see many tourists come to Samoa. But even in Samoa, I said, if one is in a wrong place, one can have problems. This case you have raised is of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. 60 Minutes: Do you think thats still true? PM: Let us be realistic. Every place in the world - regardless - if you happen to be in a place where you ought not to be, then problems can happen. 60 Minutes: And you think thats what happened in their case? PM: Yes, this would never have happened in a village situation, or town. You have been to the place? Its very isolated. 60 Minutes: Well Prime Minister, its only thirty minutes drive from here, where were sitting. PM: Its also one hour from the furtherest place, my village. Here in Samoa, distances dont matter. 60 Minutes: Well its not a very big island. PM: But you have been there? 60 Minutes: Absolutely. PM: Its very isolated. 60 Minutes: Well, thirty minutes from the capital city. PM: Even though it is close to the capital, the motel is in the forest bush and it is very dark at night. 60 Minutes: But its in the Samoa tourist bureau. PM: It is in the tourist bureau, but no one dreamt that this fellow would end up there. 60 Minutes: This is a place thats featured in the Samoan tourist brochures. PM: Yes thats right. But you will never know and can never tell people with evil minds. In any country. Even in Australia where you come from. 60 Minutes: Yes there are criminals everywhere, sir. PM: I mean it can happen anywhere. 60 Minutes: Are you saying people should not go there as tourists? PM: Well they should be very careful. One of the things that is absent is... 60 Minutes: But, sorry can I interrupt there? PM: Excuse me. One of the things that is absent there is security. I have been to the place, when it was opened and I thought it was beautiful. But when it is far, far, far away from the main road and where there is no light in the streets. Thats what I mean. You can have people lurking in the dark. 60 Minutes: But sir you have a much bigger problem dont you? I mean one of the things that is absent in your security here in Samoa is the security on your prisons. PM: We have security in the prisons. 60 Minutes: Mr Prime Minister, your jail has more holes in it than a block of Swiss cheese. PM: That is why we have decided to shift and build a new jail. Its already provided for in the budget which we recently passed in the last days of June. 60 Minutes: But you havent laid a brick yet. PM: We have already started clearing the area. Consider.... 60 Minutes: But you havent started yet. PM: ... Consider Samoa and Australia. Even if you had passed a budget, Australia would still not have started. Even now. Australia promised us, five years ago, to release monies to build our Parliament building. We have not started yet. I mean you are thinking that we are in the world where things can move fast. Samoa has just graduated. We also have problems of our own, a newly graduated country from the Least Developed to the Lower-Middle Income level countries and we have problems with capacity too. 60 Minutes: Has the attack by Tualima hurt tourism here? PM: I dont know. Really, I dont know. You must also remember that there are people who know that in any country you visit, it is not one hundred percent safe. 60 Minutes: What are you doing about public safety, not just for tourists, but also for your own citizens? PM: When it comes to public safety we have the police, the lights at nighttime. You have been around at night time?... 60 Minutes: I have. PM: ... and also in the villages we have chiefs and orators. Even in some villages, they have curfews, at night time to cut down the amount of trouble. To ensure that there is peace in the village. 60 Minutes: I suppose, sir, I am talking about intent. About motivation of, for example, your prison officers. Tualima has escaped from jail three times. PM: You are talking about issues that are closely encroaching on to a matter that is before the court. 60 Minutes: Well its only sentencing. Hes already an admitted criminal, sir. PM: Well it doesnt matter about admitting, but the case is still open and before the court. 60 Minutes: Its not just about Tualima, there are other criminals who simply walk out of your jail. PM: Remember that this is one only kind of attack that has happened. 60 Minutes: But after the attack. He managed to escape on two more occasions. PM: We are talking about one kind of attack in many years. Rape. By a prisoner. 60 Minutes: Mr Prime Minister, with all due respect, were not. It was only two months ago that he escaped and he almost killed... PM: What I am saying is there is only one prisoner who is responsible for these attacks, and he is now in the security cell. 60 Minutes: But he has escaped three times, sir, in the last 8 months. PM: And hes been recaptured three times. 60 Minutes: After. After he committed the crimes. PM: You know, I cannot argue with you on that point. As I said, it was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. 60 Minutes: Prime Minister, over the last seven years Australia has given you more than 15 million dollars under the Samoa-Australia police partnership. Their remit is to improve security and safety on the ground. Thats 2 million dollars a year. PM: And we have seen considerable improvement of security. When it specifically comes to the prison, we did ask a donor recently to build a security fence and also the buildings at a new location and it was denied... 60 Minutes: But why didnt you use any of that money to build the fence? PM: ... So now we are providing from our own resources. You should ask the Police where the money has been utilised. There have been a lot of reforms within the Police Ministry in General Police. As you know we are talking about general policing and correctional prison services. These are the two different... 60 Minutes: Arms PM: ... Ministries now, and recently we have separated Prison Services from the charge of the Police Minister. To ensure that the Minister who is now in charge of Prison Services will focus more on issues relating to the prison services. 60 Minutes: That was four days ago. Youve had a cabinet reshuffle. PM: Yes. 60 Minutes: Youve got now a new Minister for Prisons. PM: Thats right. 60 Minutes: So is that an admission that things are a complete mess? PM: Well its more.... 60 Minutes: Acknowledgement. PM: ... the plans by the government to improve security in the prison. 60 Minutes: But youre trying to get it right, now? PM: Yes. 60 Minutes: But Prime Minister just coming back to that, Im sorry Ive got to come back to it, thats an awful lot of money. Over two million dollars a year from Australia, just on security and safety, for seven years. Where has all that money gone if you cant even build a fence? PM: Theres a fence there. Have you gone and seen the prison? 60 Minutes: Yes the fence is pathetic sir. PM: Well, thats a fence. And with prisoners that are better behaved, that fence is good security for them. 60 Minutes: But a proper fence. PM: Look, in any prison and with any prison fence anywhere in the world - if you have prisoners who want to get out, they can always find a way to get out. 60 Minutes: But a simple, solid fence would go a long way to start wouldnt it? PM: What I mean here is that in any country in the world, with a maximum security, if there are prisoners there who intend to get out, they will always find a way out. Regardless of whatever fence you put up. 60 Minutes: What about the other 35 million dollars thats left over in general aid that Australia gives you. Why dont you use some of that for the fence? PM: Remember that allocation of this aid is not solely the decision of the government. It has to be agreed to with Australia. 60 Minutes: Well Im sure Australia would agree that public safety is very important. PM: Yes public safety is very important. But you have to agree that it cannot be done on the wishes of one government only. 60 Minutes: No. But, you know, you surely cannot have a situation where maximum security prisoners can walk out when they choose. PM: We have the plans in place. 60 Minutes: You have the plans in place but no fence in place. PM: Yes we have plans in place now. 60 Minutes: How long do you think that will take you? PM: Its provided for in the budget and the budget has already been passed, so we should start building. 60 Minutes: How many rapes or robberies before then? PM: Youre asking me like I know all these things. No one in the world knows what happens tomorrow. 60 Minutes: But you do know, what you do know... PM: What I do know, is that this one case only, of a prisoner that came out and did the crime. One case. And youre trying to make an issue and say that it will happen tomorrow and the day after. This prisoner is now in maximum security. 60 Minutes: Well Im sure the Chinese businessman, who almost died two months ago from not only Tualima but another accomplice, would not agree with you. PM: Yes. But weve also taken measures. 60 Minutes: What measures are they? PM: Preventive measures. 60 Minutes: You see, if we talk about what we do know, what we do know from the Ombudsmans report from the United Nations, is that the current prison is infested with rats and cockroaches and has not got enough clean water and... PM: I like that report because it draws our attention to what we need to do and improve upon. I dont take that report as a kind of report that shows a government is ignoring what needs to be done. What is good about the report is that it draws our attention to what we have to do. There were many times that we were told we should build our prison to be like the prisons of your country, like a hotel. You must remember that Samoa has just become a country graduated out of the Least Developing Country list. You cannot just come and expect us to be like Australia. 60 Minutes: But what has that got to do with basic security? PM: Basic security, we are taking care of that now. 60 Minutes: We are not asking you to put flat screen TVs and coffee machines in the cells, we are just asking you to keep the prisoners inside. PM: Thats right. Thats our concern too. 60 Minutes: Well Im pleased to hear that. It doesnt seem to be working. PM: Thats our concern. What I am saying is that everything you do to be a developed country costs money, so you have to relate it also to the amount of money you have in your.. 60 Minutes: In your kitty. PM: ... In your kitty. And there isnt just one. You have hundreds and hundreds of different priorities. Its not just one priority. 60 Minutes: So its a work in progress. PM: Yes. 60 Minutes: So should tourists stay away in the meantime? Before that prison is finished? PM: I dont think tourists will stay away. 60 Minutes: Do you think they should for their own safety? PM: Some may stay away, but others will continue to come. My message is, stay where it is safe. 60 Minutes: So that business, whats happened to the businessman whos put his neck on the line financially to support Samoa? PM: I think he is learning. And all he has to do is employ a couple of securities. That will help him. 60 Minutes: Well why wasnt there a warning on the Samoan tourist brochure, saying look dont stay there its unsafe. PM: Look, many times, you only become wise after an event has happened. 60 Minutes: Its a hard mistake to learn. PM: Well its an expensive way to learn. But this is the world. We are not in heaven. Have you learned something about the Bible, its the world where evil and good go together. Even in Australia there are a lot of bad things happening. 60 Minutes: Sir, you describe your own country as paradise in the Pacific PM: You can also describe your own country as Paradise in the Pacific. We are all in the Pacific. 60 Minutes: Im not sure I can go on with that. PM: You have come all this way. And you should be thankful I have given you the opportunity to talk to me. 60 Minutes: Well we are thankful, and I said at the start of the interview. Can I just ask you. This goes to the very heart. Tourism is important in Samoa, yes? PM: Yes, very important. 60 Minutes: Its crucial, in terms of income for a developing country such as this one. (At this point, the 60 Minutes Interviewers microphone failed, so the interview stalled as the equipment was adjusted) PM: How many of you have come for this story? 60 Minutes: Sorry, my microphone is off. There are four of us. PM: This is your first time? 60 Minutes: To Samoa, yes. PM: And you see its a beautiful country. 60 Minutes: No doubt about it, youve got a lot of assets. PM: I want you to come back in one years time. 60 Minutes: Ill take that as a personal invitation. PM: Oh yes, and Im now inviting you to come before the 1st of June next year. Around the time of our Independence. I will take you to the villages and see our village councils and womens councils in the villages, which also act as para-police, that lay down the rules of behaviour in the village. 60 Minutes: Are you talking about the matai system? PM: The Matai system. In areas where there is a breakdown of the matai system, these bad things tend to happen. Its a part of our culture too that we have been looking at our prison system, and perhaps see what elements of our cultural traditions will help in discouraging our prisoners from evil acts. We have the rehabilitation programmes now and that is why we changed our laws several years ago, because we realized that we have concentrated too much on general policing and we have tended to overlook the need for greater reforms in our prison system. It seems that we have continued on from the old perceptions from the colonial times - that prisons are there to keep prisoners and protect society from them - more than the current concept worldwide of a correctional institution that works on programmes to rehabilitate. That was the oversight we had prior to the separation of the two institutions a couple of years ago. 60 Minutes: You have the Samoan weekend parole system, dont you, which is unique. So you let prisoners out on weekends to go to families or to go to church. But this seems to have been abused. PM: We have also tightened that up and prisoners themselves are taking responsibility to ensure that those who go out do not breach their weekend leave privileges, because it means the others will suffer. And it has worked out. 60 Minutes: Well your crime rate has gone up in the last twelve months. So clearly its not working so well. PM: We have also tightened the regulations. 60 Minutes: What worries me, what would worry me as a tourist or a local, Tualima, hes the worst of the worst. PM: We used to keep the worst of the worst in a tight security prison cell. 60 Minutes: But you cant seem to keep him in. He was doing twenty years, and then he escaped. And then he escaped again. PM: No one can escape when we put them in the security cell. 60 Minutes: Why was he not in it nine months ago? PM: You know, we too have taken up a drive for reforms. That we should look at these people not as prisoners, but more as human beings. 60 Minutes: But Prime Minister, this is your worst home-grown criminal. PM: Every country has worst, home-grown criminals. 60 Minutes: But you havent got a maximum security cell? PM: We have maximum security cells, but you see even in Samoa, we do have people with very liberal views who feel we should stop using those maximum security cells and we should treat prisoners as human beings. After all, when we face some of these prisoners, they may look perfectly normal. I think thats whats happened. You know this impacts also on our police officers in prison. They have been accused of treating prisoners very harshly, and they have been under great restraint - particularly with our strong drive for human rights. I have received numerous correspondences from our Ombudsman and from the Police, where they differ greatly on the ideal treatment of the prisoners. 60 Minutes: Are you saying the police have been too harsh on prisoners? PM: They have been in the past. But Im sure it happens also in Australia where today you have people who shoot other people and then when the police move in and kill them, many complain that the police should never have done that. I mean, we are living in the kind of society where we have to try to look at balancing the kind of acts that we should do to ensure that we do not overstep and treat prisoners as animals. 60 Minutes: The Ombudsman says that the Samoan Prisons and corrective services says one thing and does another. PM: Thats one of the reasons why there is a change of Ministerial portfolio. 60 Minutes: So was the previous Prisons Minister not good? PM: No, its not a question of that. Its a conflict of priority. You remember the very wise saying in the Bible, if you serve two masters, you tend to honor one and forgo the other. Thats what happens when you have the General Policing and Prisons under one Minister. 60 Minutes: Well thats not a very good sign because the Police Minister is now the Minister of Tourism and Police. Thats two big masters. Hows he going to be able to handle that? Police and tourism. PM: Tourism and police, there should be no conflict. 60 Minutes: So. So, let me get one thing straight. From today, what confidence can any tourist or local have that they will be safe from prisoners free to roam the island? PM: You know we have much better prison facilities right now, compared to ten years ago and tourists continue to rise in numbers. 60 Minutes: Prime Minister I have been out to the prison. It is woefully inadequate. PM: And we are doing something about it. One of the worse things in any government is to have a problem in its police and prisons, and nothing is done. 60 Minutes: But until you build the new prison, sir, what are you doing right now? PM: We continue to improve our methodologies. We have to give the new Minister time to put in place the needed reforms. I spoke to him last night. 60 Minutes: Will he be building the new fence? PM: Yes. As I said, thats exactly why we provided funds in the budget. 60 Minutes: And in the meantime, can Tualima get out? Again? For the fourth time? PM: Well he is not out. He is in. 60 Minutes: For the time being. PM: He could be there forever. 60 Minutes: With the way hes going, he will be, wont he? PM: I cannot speculate on that. Obviously you dont believe me. 60 Minutes: Well, as Prime Minister, you cannot influence the judge to sentence. So let me ask you this, what would you like to see him get. Purely for the rape and robbery of Angie and Tom? PM: That is the prerogative of the judge. 60 Minutes: But what would you like to see? PM: Thats why I like you, the media. You always want to put Prime Ministers at a wrong step. You see, I cannot control the judge. I trust the judge. 60 Minutes: You cant be seen to be influencing him anyway, under the Westminster system anyway, but Im asking you a question about whats in your heart. Im not asking you about him, I just want to know.. PM: Whats in my heart is that no prisoner will get out again. And that we provide funds to continue to improve our new prison security. And that we will continue to put in place the appropriate policies of rehabilitation, to take care of the prison security and the needs of the prisoners. 60 Minutes: In the meantime you hope the tourists are safe? PM: Yes. The 60 Minutes coverage of the rape of an Australian tourist in Samoa last year has raised questions about the safety of Samoa as a destination. Do you think Samoa is still a safe destination for visitors? Why? Or why not? Sarafina Sanerivi asked in todays Street Talk and this is what people said: Sifuiva T. Esau - Vaitele-fou Samoa is still safe, and I still encourage tourists to come to Samoa. This incident is a wakeup call for our government, Police and Prison officers. This is something they should think about very deeply and its time for them to do something to these prisoners. Lauititis behaviour has affected our whole country and yet the incident couldve been prevented if the people at prison did their job. Prisoners like Lauititi should be kept in a cell for two weeks without food or water. He should be taught a lesson and shouldnt be given a chance to come out of jail at all. I am angry at him because he caused all the trouble and had ruined our countrys reputation. The government should build a new safe prison and have a high fence with security alarms to keep all these prisoners, so that our innocent people are protected from them and most importantly the tourists. Compared to all other Pacific Island countries, I think Samoa is still the safest place to visit. Evita Vagana - Vaitele I dont think our country is safe anymore. I say this because our sisters and mothers are being raped almost every week. We see it on the newspapers and television and we hear it on the radio as well. Its not like how it used to be. Some of our taxi drivers are taking advantage of our tourists and they cant keep coming back if they know that thats how they are treated here. We have so many new hotels here in Samoa, but whats the point of having all the fancy and new hotels when we dont have tourists? I think we all need to work together to avoid having these problems anymore in our country and to attract more tourists to visit Samoa. But again, I dont think Samoa is a safe place now. Salaa Foleni - Sapapalii A lot has been happening in our country, and judging from everything thats been happening around our country in the past few months, I can say that Samoa is not safe at this moment for our tourists. We have so many unemployed youths roaming around town causing troubles in public places. They are not doing anything useful, and instead of staying at home with their parents, they are out on the streets stirring up troubles. Also, police are not doing a good job in keeping our country safe. And this is the truth. We cant pretend that everything is fine. This incident was caused by a prisoner. He was out causing trouble, when he shouldve been locked up for all the bad things he had done. He had ruined the reputation of our country. And this shows that the security at the Tafaigata prisons and also the policemen are not doing their job. I blame the police and the people at the Tafaigata prison. That was not the first time Lauititi broke out of prison and caused trouble, affecting the innocent lives of others. And even after he escaped twice, he still managed to escape again and almost killed a Chinese businessman. And the 60 minutes interview with the Prime Minister was useful, because we need to address this issue. And our government should really think about it now. Also we need to work together as a nation to keep attracting more tourists to come to Samoa. Emma Scanlan - Faleula Samoa is still safe and it still is the most beautiful country. It is the best destination for tourists. And I encourage more tourists to come and enjoy our beautiful environment and unique culture. One person has made the damage and has affected the whole country and our reputation. But that doesnt mean that we are all like that. We are a country founded on God and our people are very friendly. Therefore, I encourage more tourists to visit our beautiful Samoa, because it is still a safe place. Sio Falaa - Toamua Samoa is still safe. I dont know why people are saying that our country is not safe anymore. Yes, it was sad what happened to the couple from Australia and I feel sorry for them because of that. But that was just one incident. Our country is still beautiful and safe. Tourists should still continue visiting Samoa. Karene Esau - Vaitele Samoa is still safe. This incident was caused by one person. It has affected our whole country and our reputation internationally, but I strongly believe that our country is still safe. We dont know why this person did what he had done, maybe it was out of desperation, I dont know. But this is something our police and prison should look at very carefully. If they want tourists to keep coming to Samoa, they should secure the safety of our people. Because tourists are our guests, and they contribute a lot to our economy. We should have a new strong fence and new prison to keep all the prisoners inside for the safety of our people and tourists. Other than that, I still believe that Samoa is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. UNITED NATIONS (AP) Portugal's former prime minister Antonio Guterres topped the first informal poll to succeed Ban Ki-moon as the next U.N. secretary-general on Jan. 1 followed by Slovenia's former president Danilo Turk. Two diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity because the vote was secret, said three candidates had the same support for third place Irina Bokova of Bulgaria who heads UNESCO, Serbia's former foreign minister Vuk Jeremic and former Macedonian foreign minister Srgjan Kerim. The 15 council members decided not to reveal the results of their voting to "encourage," ''discourage," or express "no opinion" about the 12 candidates unlike the informal "straw" polls 10 years ago, which were made public and led to Ban's election to the world's top diplomatic post. But despite the council's efforts at secrecy, the results quickly leaked out. By tradition, the job of secretary-general has rotated among regions and Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe have all held the top post. East European nations, including Russia, argue that they have never had a secretary-general and it is their turn. There has also never been a woman secretary-general and a group of 56 nations are campaigning for the first female U.N. chief. Bokova got nine "encourage" votes, the highest number for a woman, the diplomats said. New Zealand's former prime minister Helen Clark was in fourth place with eight "encourage" votes. Argentina's Foreign Minister Susanna Malcorra, a former chief-of-staff to Ban who was expected to be a leading contender, was behind Clark, they said. Guterres, who was Portugal's center-left Socialist prime minister from 1995-2002 and served as U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees until the end of last year, received 12 "encourage" votes and three "no opinion" votes, the diplomats said. Portugal's Foreign Minister Augusto Santo Silva called the vote "an extremely positive result, given the great quality of the other candidates," telling the media in Washington "It gives a clear incentive to the candidature of Mr. Guterres and confirms that he's particularly qualified for the position of secretary-general." Turk, who served as Slovenia's first U.N. ambassador from 1992-2000 and was the U.N. assistant secretary-general for political affairs from 2000-2005, received 11 "encourage" votes, 2 "discourage" and two "no opinion," the diplomats said. Turk tweeted: "Grateful for attention, understanding and encouragement of the UN member states and civil society. Great platform for the next rounds." The diplomats said former Croatian foreign minister Vesna Pucic received 11 "discourage" votes, the most of the 12 candidates. The three other candidates at the bottom of the list were Christiana Figueres of Costa Rica, the U.N. official who played a key role in shaping last December's historic agreement to fight climate change, former Moldovan Foreign Minister Natalia Gherman and Montenegro's Foreign Minister Igor Luksic, they said. "We've never had 12 candidates before," Britain's U.N. Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said before the vote. "We need to whittle it down to a reasonable number through the straw polls. That is what straw polls are for. I would encourage people who don't do so well to drop out of the race." There is also a possibility that more candidates will enter the race because there is no deadline for nominations. At least one more, former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, is making a late bid and has requested that the Australian government formally nominate him. According to the U.N. Charter, the secretary-general is chosen by the 193-member General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. In practice, this has meant that the council's five permanent members the U.S., Russia, China, Britain and France have veto power over the candidates. The United States, Britain and France stressed Thursday that they want a strong secretary-general to lead the United Nations through turbulent times, but Russia and China haven't made clear what qualities are key for them. "This could not be a more important job," U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power said as she headed into the council to vote. "And it could not be a more important time to choose the best possible leader for this organization on which so much depends and so many depend." France's U.N. Ambassador Francois Delattre noted that some have compared the vote for U.N. secretary-general to the vote for a new pope to lead the Catholic church. It's "critically important" to ensure that the process inspires trust and ensures that "we simply have the best candidate selected to become the world's number one diplomat," he said. Another informal poll is expected to take place next week followed by several more in August, and possibly September. France's Delattre said the Security Council's goal is to make a recommendation to the General Assembly in the fall. Ten years ago, there were seven candidates to succeed Kofi Annan as secretary-general. In the final straw poll in early October 2006, Ban received 14 "encourage" votes, 1 "no opinion" and no "discourage" vote, and days later the Security Council nominated the former South Korean foreign minister by acclamation to succeed Annan. In 1996, Annan was vetoed by the French but after a few days of talks, France agreed to support him and he got the job. Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of 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Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine 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 Frustrated with formal art instruction, renowned illustrator Howard Pyle opened his own art school in the Brandywine Valley in the early 1900s. Rather than teach technique, he encouraged students to capture a moment and bring it to life. See their work here. Weekly Newsletter The best of The Saturday Evening Post in your inbox! Join Art, American-style In 1900, frustrated with formal art instruction, renowned illustrator Howard Pyle opened his own art school in the Brandywine Valley. Rather than teach technique, he encouraged students to capture a moment and bring it to life. His teachings would influence such greats as Maxfield Parrish and Norman Rockwell. The Wyeth Family Pyle accepted only the most promising students. One of his most well-known was N.C. Wyeth, who enrolled in 1902 and who shared Pyles fascination with the landscape and history of America. Wyeth soon became a celebrity in his own right, painting several of the greatest early covers for the Post and, later, for The Country Gentleman. His work is known for its vibrant color and frequent high drama. N.C. Wyeths son Andrew, too, was inspired by the realism of the Brandywine School. But unlike his father, Andrew was a reserved and subtle artist who restricted himself to a limited color palette. Although he frequently painted landscapes like the one below, he described himself as an abstractionist. A Womans Place In Pyles time, a career as an artist was not generally considered suitable for women. In a bold challenge to the art establishment, Pyle admitted as many women as men to his school. Several of his alumnae would become quite successful, including Sarah Stilwell-Weber and Katherine R. Wireman, both of whom contributed regularly to the Post. Down to the Sea Anton Otto Fischer came to Brandywine after serving as a deckhand for three years. Under Pyle, he learned to apply his nautical experience to vivid seascapes like the one below. Frank E. Schoonovers early work was influenced by Pyles paintings of knights and pirates, but he soon developed his own style. He is remembered today for scenes of action and romance, frequently set in the wilderness. Classic Post covers from Brandywine artists and many others are collected in the special collectors edition Reflections of America. The 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago stands as the most turbulent and disturbing DNC in American history. Get the inside story from one delegate who found himself arrested by the Chicago PD. Weekly Newsletter The best of The Saturday Evening Post in your inbox! Join Hillarys upcoming shindig is likely to seem sedate in comparison to the zaniness of last weeks spectacle in Cleveland. But, if anything, this is a turnaround from tradition. Historically, the Democrats have been the raucous ones. Just look at the 1968 Chicago convention. For context, recall that President Lyndon Johnson, amidst abysmally low ratings due to the unpopularity of the Vietnam War, had announced in spring that he would not run for a second term. That decision opened up the Democratic field to JFKs brother Robert Kennedy and antiwar candidate Eugene McCarthy, as well as the more centrist Hubert Humphrey, the incumbent vice president. In the months before the convention, both Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy were assassinated. There was the palpable sense that America was coming apart at the seams. On the convention floor, the bitterness boiled over into shouting and shoving matches, but ultimately Humphrey and the status quo prevailed. Subscribe and get unlimited access to our online magazine archive. Subscribe Today If this angered the antiwar delegates to the convention, it drove the 10,000 protesters outside into a pure and dangerous frenzy. Throughout the week, protesters were in open conflict with Chicago Mayor Daleys security detail of 11,900 Chicago police reinforced by more than 10,000 Army troops, National Guardsmen, and Secret Service agents. Murray Kempton, a columnist for the New York Post and editor of The New Republic, was in Chicago to serve as a delegate for the liberal Senator Eugene McCarthy and also to write about the proceedings for the Post. After watching his candidate lose, he stepped outside to bear witness to the rioting in the streets, where he quickly found himself arrested along with hundreds of others. The Decline and Fall of the Democratic Party By Murray Kempton Excerpted from an article originally published on November 2, 1968 We had arrived at 18th and Michigan, where the [national] guard and the police waited to say we could not go farther. The delegates had all found us and efficiently lined up behind Rev. Richard Neuhaus and me, since, for reasons obscure but connected with the failure of its beginning, ours was known as the Neuhaus-Kempton group. Such then was my last caucus; and, when Dick Gregory [the former comedian turned antiwar activist] went forward to get himself arrested and the Rev. Mr. Neuhaus to treat with the police, not knowing the procedure for getting arrested in Chicago as well as Gregory, I found myself stranded as its leader. Gregorys blacks were juking in front of us; and [pacifist David] Dellingers strayed grays were no doubt preparing some manifestation behind us; and there fell upon me the sickening dread that at least two of our repertory companies were about to start their productions while ours, the amateur one, could not even think of its script. Then Neuhaus returned at last, welcomed as no servant of the Lord often is, and said we should advance to confront the guard. There was nothing to do but get arrested, which took an unconscionably long time, during which we sat down symbolically, and then got up, because Gregorys pards felt that it was about time to go into their performance and that we ought to stand and afford them free passage. A National Guard lieutenant colonel finally read his office over me, and I was moved, correctly but not cordially, into the wagon. Its bag was a mixed one of delegates and stray young people; riding over, the young called out Free Vietnam to the invisible streets outside. Free assembly, I ridiculously croaked. In my usual job, you come to think of policemen as very much the same; when you are under arrest, they turn out to have quite extraordinary range. I should say that I met three nice cops for every nasty one; what surprised me was how far our permissive society has gone even with cops: A pleasant one feels free to be unusually pleasant and a mean one feels free to be unusually mean, neither of which tones is exactly what the book must command for treatment of that offender against society who is also its ward. Give me everything youve got with a sharp point, the one who searched said. One of you peace lovers put out an officers eye with a pin once. Do you know that? He found a token that somebody had slipped me a long day ago and that I had put in my pocket without even looking at. It turned out to have the likeness of Martin Luther King on it; and he threw it to the floor. Martin Luther Coon, he said, grinding it with his shoe; you all come from the same bag. To my shame I did not make reply and only shuffled along, which is why it is so necessary never to be surprised. Yet, after this caricature, the trip to the Dark Tower, while tedious, had illogical moments of good manners. What is a distinguished-looking man like you doing being arrested? one of the booking detectives asked. I had no answer; the question, kindly meant, could only make me understand that I was getting old. But, after a while, these desultory excursions into the study of policemen were driven away by the revelation of the other persons who had been arrested that night. The journey crept along in the company of The Professor of Physics at Stevens Institute and The Personnel Director of the Perth Amboy Hospital, The Telephone Company Lawyer, and then it would end in the waiting outside Riot Court, the Dark Tower itself, with the finding there of Harris Wofford, the President of A New York State University, of The Man from The New York Times, and The Rockefeller Man from Kentucky. What could have brought them here in police custody? I knew why I was here; I had taken a contract. But what brought them, these safe men who had never before been arrested and probably never would be arrested again? It must be the indefinite suspension of their assurance of the virtue and redemption of America. The means of grace and the hope of glory had been taken away, because, after all, America had been their real God. And this night, otherwise inconsequential in our dreadful recent history, was The Night They Knew It. But I could almost feel each of them, in his private heart, tending all afternoon toward this least dignified of places as the only one where they could be sure of being alone with their dignity. For them to have been in public that night would have been to rail or make bad jokes there; they had gone to the patrol wagon for privacy. We stood about and talked among ourselves as men unused to arrest probably do; Dellingers stray young grays, who had been there before and would be again, slept on the floor. I felt quite tender about them, because I had noticed that although they sometimes carry signs bearing the device of some four-letter word or other when they are on-camera, they do not write dirty words on the walls of detention rooms. Do they, among other reasons, go to jail for privacy too? There is very little to the rest. We went on talking; The Man from the Times came out from the Dark Tower and said this was a rough judge; he had been told to stop slouching. (I cherish The Man from the Times, but, in fairness to the judiciary, he does slouch.) My name was called; I entered the Dark Tower. And there, as usual with me, the first sight, instead of the Beast, was the warm bright greeting of William Fitts Ryan, my congressman; the convention was over and he had generously come down to be my lawyer. Bill Ryan unsheathed his congressional identification card and gave rein to his imagination for hyperbolic explanations of the distinction of his client; the judge struggled to the summit of whatever foothills of grace are afforded by night courts, and I was set loose. For a complete inside look on the 1968 Democratic National Convention, read the full text to Murray Kemptons The Decline and Fall of the Democratic Party. Colorado Springs, CO -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/21/2016 -- One of the most renowned providers of outdoor furniture in Colorado Springs, Western Outdoor Living offers timeless designs of wrought iron patio furniture that compliment a wide variety of home styles. These furniture items help homeowners extend their living space while reflecting their distinct personality. The furniture that they offer is designed and crafted using rust proof iron with the durable powder coat finishes. The company also provides installation support services for the same as per the needs of their customers. Individuals who want to add some glamour to their outdoor need to purchase their wrought iron patio furniture from Western Outdoor Living. Western Outdoor Living in Colorado Springs is a well name for offering an exclusive collection of outdoor furniture at the most competitive prices. To cater to the varied needs of their clients, they stock products in several designs, sizes, patterns as well as colors. Attractively designed and intricately finished, the whole range of products that they offer is sure to enhance the overall appearance of homes. Besides wrought iron patio furniture, the company is also known for providing an exclusive range of Barbecue Grills, Fire Pits and a number of patio furniture. One of the representatives of the company stated, "Colorado homeowners love it for its weight, and durability as our wrought iron furniture can withstand the Colorado weather effectively. With wrought iron there is little concern of it breaking or wearing out over time. Thanks to extremely durable, state of the art powder coat paint finishes, only minimal care is needed. It is not uncommon for wrought iron patio furniture to last long enough to be passed on from one generation to the next." About Western Outdoor Living Western Outdoor Living Furniture Store & Showroom offers the finest in outdoor furniture, fire pits, premium barbecue grills, even complete outdoor kitchens to help you make the most of Colorado's delightful summers. Everything we sell is of the utmost in quality, from the nation's most respected manufacturers. For more information, please visit: http://www.westernoutdoorlivingcolorado.com/ Contact Details: 1685 Paonia Street Colorado Springs, CO 80915 719-591-1690 Email ID: info@westernoutdoorlivingcolorado.com Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/21/2016 -- The HVAC systems market was valued at USD 115.99 Billion in 2015 and is expected to reach USD 173.16 Billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 5.9% between 2016 and 2022. The base year considered for study is 2015 and the forecast period is between 2016 and 2022. This report provides a detailed analysis of the market based on heating equipment, ventilation equipment, cooling equipment, implementation type, application, and geography. Cooling equipment is expected to hold a large share of the market. The market for heating equipment is expected to grow at a high CAGR between 2016 and 2022. Browse 69 market data Tables and 83 Figures spread through 181 Pages and in-depth TOC on "HVAC Systems Market - Global Forecast to 2022" Sample pages of the Report : http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/hvac-system-market-202111288.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on reports. The HVAC system software is used for various activities such as designing, servicing, scheduling appointments, tracking business activities, and load calculation. Software solutions in the HVAC industry has made a positive impact on the approach of HVAC professionals to do their job. Technological advancements and digital analytics have simplified the complexities associated with design, load calculations, and monitoring of HVAC system. "Cooling equipment accounted for a major share of the overall HVAC systems market during the forecast period" The cooling equipment is expected to lead the HVAC systems market between 2016 and 2022. The growth is attributed to reduction in energy consumption of cooling equipment, introduction of innovative solutions such as low GWP products, changing weather conditions, increase in disposable incomes, and government grants and tax benefits. "Residential application expected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2016 and 2022" The favorable government regulations and tax credit facilities on the installation of HVAC systems and the growing concerns toward energy saving and minimizing costs related to energy consumption have significantly contributed to the growth of the HVAC systems market in residential applications. "APAC expected to dominate the HVAC systems between 2016 and 2022" Countries such as China, Japan, and India are majorly driving the growth of HVAC systems market in Asia-Pacific. These countries have a considerable market size and scope for the development of HVAC industry. There are number of government regulations, acts, and associations supporting the adoption of HVAC system in APAC. Further, the growth of the HVAC systems market in the APAC region is attributed to the increasing construction activities, rising population, and change in climate conditions. The major players involved in the HVAC systems market include Daikin Industries Limited (Japan), Ingersoll Rand Plc. (Ireland), Johnson Controls, Inc. (U.S.), Nortek, Inc. (U.S.), United Technologies Corporation (U.S.), Electrolux AB (Sweden), Emerson Electric Co. (U.S.), Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.), Lennox International Inc. (U.S.), LG Electronics (South Korea), Mitsubishi Electric (Japan), Panasonic Corporation (Japan), Qingdao Haier Co. Ltd. (China), Samsung Electronics (South Korea), and Whirlpool Corporation (U.S.). Report Details : http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/hvac-system-market-202111288.html This research report categorizes the HVAC systems market on the basis of heating equipment, ventilation equipment, cooling equipment, implementation type, application, software and service, and geography. This report describes the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges for the growth of the HVAC systems market. The Porter's five forces analysis has been included in the report with a description of each of its forces along with its respective impact on the market. 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 Colorado Springs, CO -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/21/2016 -- Western Fireplace Supply, a leading provider of fireplaces in Colorado Springs, offers a wide range of gas fireplaces at the most competitive prices. These fireplaces provide high-efficiency heat while perfectly complementing decor of a home. There are different types of gas fireplaces available that individuals can choose. Individuals looking for one of the most reputable gas fireplace stores in Colorado Springs can rely on them for their needs. Western Fireplace Supply is one of the most trusted places to get a number of fireplaces at the most competitive prices. All their fireplaces are manufactured employing cutting-edge technology with top class components to ensure high quality and reliability. They have been in this business for over three decades and so far served many customers across Colorado Springs and throughout the region. The fireplaces that they provide are intricately finished and are sure to enhance the overall appearance of homes. Besides gas fireplaces, Western Fireplace Supply also offers wood burning fireplaces, building wood fireplaces, masonry fireplaces, gas fireplaces, pallet burning stoves, and built in outdoor grills in Colorado. One of the representatives of the company stated, "We offer styles to fit any decor, from traditional to super-modern. A natural gas fireplace requires one simple vent to the outside, thus can be installed in virtually any room even a kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. We can help you choose a metal box or ceramic box. Moreover, we work closely with builders and architects, and we encourage you to visit us as early as possible in your project. Our experience and sound advice can save you money and inconvenience, and help you select a fireplace that will provide years of enjoyment." One of the representatives of the company stated, "We offer styles to fit any decor, from traditional to super-modern. A natural gas fireplace requires one simple vent to the outside, thus can be installed in virtually any room even a kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. We can help you choose a metal box or ceramic box. Moreover, we work closely with builders and architects, and we encourage you to visit us as early as possible in your project. Our experience and sound advice can save you money and inconvenience, and help you select a fireplace that will provide years of enjoyment." About Western Fireplace Supply Since 1983, Western Fireplace Supply has helped more people find heating solutions for their homes than any other fireplace store in Colorado Springs or in Colorado. Visit any of their Colorado fireplace showrooms in Avon, Colorado Springs or Ft. Collins to see today's remarkable new fireplace and stove technology. They also offer the finest outdoor furniture, fire pits, premium barbecue grills, even complete outdoor kitchens to help buyers make the most of Colorado's delightful summers. Everything they sell is of the highest quality, from the nation's most respected manufacturers. To know more, please visit: http://www.westernfireplace.com/ Contact Details: Avon Showroom Colorado Fireplace & Fireplace Supplies Western Fireplace Supply 910 Nottingham Road Avon, CO 81620 970-827-9623 Colorado Springs Showroom Colorado Fireplace & Fireplace Supplies Western Fireplace Supply 1685 Paonia Street Colorado Springs, CO 80915 719-591-0020 Fort Collins Showroom Colorado Fireplace & Fireplace Supplies Western Fireplace Supply 1408 Riverside Ave. Ft. Collins, CO 80524 970-498-9679 Nashville, TN -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/21/2016 -- Anyone searching for a reputable company to perform outdoor lighting installations in Brentwood, TN and surrounding areas, need look no further than the landscape lighting excepts at Southern Irrigation. Residential and commercial property owners may fill out a contact form on the company's website to learn more information about the comprehensive services offered by their technicians. Whether a homeowner is trying to highlight particular features of their property, for example, or a business owner is determined to implement an added level of protection, Southern Irrigation is the go-to company specializing in landscape lighting in Brentwood, TN and surrounding regions. The company's highly trained technicians are familiar with installing landscape lighting for a wide variety of purposes at many different locations. From patios, decks and pools to pathways, trees and unique landscaping designs, Southern Irrigation can implement designs that will exceed anyone's expectations. The company's technicians have experience with installing both LED and low-voltage landscape lighting systems. Impressively, LED bulbs last about 40,000-50,000 hours opposed to the 4,000-5,000 hours of traditional lighting. For the average property owner, that means replacing bulbs every 12-15 years rather than every 1.5 years. These lighting fixtures are more durable and require less maintenance, which will help individuals save time and money. Although LED is the most innovative out of the two options, low-voltage landscape lighting is still affordable, effective and is a primary deterrent to residential and commercial crime. The technicians at Southern Irrigation surely have the necessary creativity and expertise to use proper lighting techniques for professional installations. Contact the company to learn more about how their technicians can brighten up anyone's living or working environment by visiting their website today. About Southern Irrigation Founded in 2005, Southern Irrigation has grown into a company that is heavily relied on by its neighbors and the surrounding community. Going through a reinvention phase in 2011, Southern Irrigation has been able to dominate the irrigation and landscape lighting industry. Greater Nashville Tennessee and surrounding areas have been positively impacted by the team at Southern Irrigation. Southern Irrigation continues to expand its territory today. For more information on commercial and residential irrigation and landscape lighting systems, please visit http://www.southern-irrigation-tn.com/. New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/21/2016 -- According to the latest market report published by Persistence Market Research titled, "Global Market Study on VoIP Services: Increasing Hybrid Cloud Communications in Small and Large Enterprises to Drive Market Growth over the Forecast Period, 2016 - 2024," the global VoIP services market was valued at US$ 85.9 Bn in 2015 and is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 9.5% over 2016 - 2024, to reach US$ 194.5 Bn by 2024. Currently, the global VoIP services market is mainly driven by factors such as low maintenance cost with higher flexibility and minimum staff support, along with wider connectivity, increasing internet penetration in semi-urban and satellite cities as the internet is a basic tool and a global platform to make a business grow fast and in a more economical way. However, factors such as fluctuations in internet quality may affect market growth and can be a prominent restraint. During peak hours, the network may be congested due to many subscribers using internet services in a locality through single-cable network line and unsatisfactory contract proposals are some of the major factors expected to restrain growth of the global VoIP services market during the forecast period. The global VoIP services market is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 9.5% in terms of revenue over 20162024, to be valued at US$ 194.5 Bn by 2024. Thinking about report: Please observe the beneath the hyperlinks to satisfy your necessities; Request for the Report sample : http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4710 In this report, the global VoIP services market has been segmented on the basis of call type, end use, configuration, services, and region. The APAC VoIP services market is expected to account for the highest market value share in the global VoIP services market by 2024 end, followed by Europe. The Latin America VoIP services market is expected to be the fastest growing market over the forecast period. Growth of the Europe VoIP services market is primarily attributed to the introduction of a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises. Also, expansion of the unified communication market in Belgium is expected to support growth of the VoIP service market in Europe over the forecast period. The VoIP services market in Europe is expected to increase at a CAGR of 8.4% in terms of value over the forecast period. The North America VoIP services market is expected to witness moderate growth over the forecast period; it accounted for 27.0% value share of the overall market in 2015 and is expected to register a moderate CAGR of 8.5% in terms of value over the forecast period. Increasing adoption of bring your own device (BYOD) policy is a major factor expected to drive growth of the VoIP services market in North America. The report provides detailed information about various market trends and offers analysis and insights about the potential of the global VoIP services market. Furthermore, the VoIP services market is segmented on the basis of call type into international long-distance VoIP calls and domestic VoIP calls. International long-distance VoIP services segment is estimated to be the highest contributor to the global VoIP services market in terms of value share by 2016 end, followed by domestic VoIP call segment. The VoIP services market has also been segmented on the basis of end use into Individual User and Corporate User. Individual User segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment in the end-use category over the forecast period. The segment is expected to increase at a CAGR of 9.2% over the forecast period in terms of revenue. Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report: http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/voip-services-market/toc Key players in the global VoIP services market include Vonage Holdings Corporation, 8x8 Inc., ShoreTel Nextiva Inc., RingCentral Inc., West Corporation, Verizon Communications Inc., Thinking Phone Networks, Inc., Inphonex LLC, and Phone Power LLC. [EBENE CYBERCITY, MAURITIUS] Lack of communication and excessive reliance on acronyms and scientific jargons hinder the ability of policymakers to understand solutions proposed by scientists, a government official says. Marie Roland Alain Wong Yen Cheong, minister of Civil Service and Administrative Reforms in Mauritius, says scientists and academic institutions often face the difficult but crucial task of clearly communicating evidencebased information to the public and to policymakers. Demystify and simplify climate change-related issues by applying a downtoearth and practical approach. Marie Roland Alain Wong Yen Cheong, Civil Service and Administrative Reforms, Mauritius Speaking at a communication event for the launching of a booklet Climate change adaptation and resilience in Africa recommendations to policymakers in Mauritius this month (4-5 July), Cheong said it is important to bridge the gap between the scientists and policymakers. Demystify and simplify climate change-related issues by applying a downtoearth and practical approach, he urged scientists. The event was hosted by Academy of Science of South Africa in collaboration with the Mauritius Academy of Science and Technology (MAST), German National Academy of Sciences, Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) and Gender in Science, Innovation, Technology and Engineering. The booklet published by NASAC, according to Cheong, offers integrated guide for effective policy responses on climate change adaptation, with a focus on sectors such as water, agriculture, fisheries, health and coastal zones on a continental scale. I can only commend this laudable initiative which demonstrates the concern and contribution of the scientific and academic communities to help countries in Africa to have a common approach in the identification of capacities to tackle climate change impacts and adaptation as well as to plan for projected future climate change scenarios, Cheong says. Climate change is one of the most defining modern challenges and has evolved from mere environmental issue into one which threatens the very foundation of mankind, he adds. It is a major challenge to our countries abilities to progress safely towards the Sustainable Development Goals as well as threatening the hard-won development which we have achieved over the past decades, he explains. Cheong notes that the booklet will raise awareness of policymakers to move with more confidence into the implementation phase of the universally accepted SDGs and address the fundamental problems by identifying how adaptation options could be integrated in various sectors including water and human health. Jean Claude Autrey, president of MAST, says Africans are now gradually becoming aware of the real threats posed by climate change.African people are highly vulnerable to these changes, adds Autrey. The booklet proposes targeted policy actions and strategic win-win interventions.This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets Sub-Saharan Africa English desk. Before anyone can even vote for the upcoming presidential elections in November, it's important that all voters should be registered. And that's usually where the problem starts. Voter registration can be a very complicated and messy process that can make even a patient man growl in frustration. Rules and deadlines are so different in every state leaving many voters confused. And for those reasons, tech giant Google stepped in to help voters make their votes count. The company has complied all the information voters need to register in their state that will be accessible via a new search tool that will be launched on Monday at 6 A.M. Pacific time. To access the information, voters can type in the keywords "register to vote" or other similar phrases in Google Search and users will be given a set of guidelines including the process of registration, requirements to be registered, and when the deadlines will be. The search will encompass all states and will provide a guide to the step-by-step process so that users can get the "information they need to register correctly and on time - right at the top of the Search page and in the Google app," said Google product manager, Jacob Schonberg. Google's motivation for doing this? Every vote counts. "Every election matters and every vote counts," Google writes in its blog post. "The American democracy relies on everyone's participation in the political process." For those yet undecided as to whom they will be voting for, Google also created a compendium that will explain both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. Google will show you what each convention is, who their nominees are and the schedule of when they are going to speak. To get more information on the conventions, Google will make available a livestream video on YouTube where viewers can watch the events as they unfold. You really can't blame people who love their evening glass of wine or bottle of beer - it's a primate thing after all. Scientists recently discovered that the aye-aye and loris species have a strong taste for booze, indicating that these monkey-like creatures are indirect bolsters of the theory for how humans came to love their own stiff drinks. The aye-ayes, according to USA Today, were particularly happy about alcohol that once they finished their cup, they go around searching for more. Science Alert said that three animals the researchers experimented on - Morticia and Merlin the aye-aye lemurs, and Dharma the slow loris - were able to discriminate between alcohol of different concentrations, but they liked the strong ones best. Matthew Carrigan of Santa Fe college in Florida, who was not involved in the research stated that it was somewhat "shocking" that animals prefer drinks with high alcohol levels. He also noted that despite being loaded with valuable calories, it is a challenge to use the said calories from alcoholic drinks without being inebriated - making it a danger for species climbing trees 40 to 50 feet off the ground. Madagascar Margaritas may be in short supply, but aye-ayes have been found to hunt for nectar, which can ferment into alcohol. In fact, the slow loris are found to be certified drinkers, as they are found sipping alcoholic nectars in their home turf in Southeast Asia. There could be another explanation for these animals seemingly needing to go to an AA session. Lead Researcher Samuel Gochman told Discovery News that calories are scarce where these animals are from, and alcohol is a rich source for primates with high metabolism. He concluded, "there may be nutritional benefits to consuming moderate amounts of alcohol that outweigh the costs, especially if a species has evolved a digestive system that can break it down hyper-efficiently, as ours does." The researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham discovered an interaction in neurons could contribute to Parkinson's disease. With this, there are possible drugs on development that may stop the process. The study was printed in the Journal of Neuroscience. It was led by Andrew B. West, Ph.D., from the center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, UAB Department of Neurology, Laura A. Volpicelli-Daley, Ph.D., and other colleagues, according to Science Daily. The team found that the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease, which is a mutant LRRK2 kinase enzyme, could contribute to the formation of inclusions in neurons. This seems like one of the pathologies seen in Parkinson's disease. These consist of aggregated alpha-synuclein protein, which could be prevented from forming by using two LRRK2 kinase inhibitor drugs that are now being developed for clinical use. The interaction of the alpha-synuclein and the mutant LRRK2 may resolve new mechanisms and targets for neuroprotection. The researchers explained that the results demonstrate that alpha-synuclein inclusion formation in neurons can be blocked and that novel therapeutic compounds targeting this process by preventing LRRK2 kinase activity may slow the progression of Parkinson's disease-associated pathology. On the other hand, they further explained that the potential clinical applications for novel neuroprotection strategies in LRRK2-linked Parkinson's need to be examined in other preclinical models of Parkinson's disease. Volpicelli-Daley added that these data give them hope for the clinical potential of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors as effective therapies for Parkinson's disease. He said that the LRRK2 kinase inhibitors may prevent the spread of pathologic alpha-synuclein, not only in patients with LRRK2 mutations but also in all patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He also said that future studies to validate the safety and efficacy of the LRRK2 inhibitors will be essential before testing the inhibitors in human clinical trials. Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system that affects the movement. Its symptoms include slowness of movement, rigidity, shaking and difficulty in walking. It may also affect one's thinking and behaviors. Some of the patients may also have symptoms of emotional, sensory and sleep problems. NASA celebrates a 29 cent Pluto post stamp that was stuck to the New Horizons spacecraft's side. NASA's Pluto stamp is recognized in Guinness World Records for the farthest distance traveled by a postal stamp. NASA's 1991 postage stamp that carried the message "Pluto Not Yet Explored" inspired the team of astronauts on NASA's New Horizons spacecraft. The stamp traveled approximately 3.5 billion miles from Earth's atmosphere. NASA's astronauts stuck the stamp before the spacecraft launched in January 2006. In 2015, the U.S. Postal Service cancelled the stamp after NASA's New Horizons passed by Pluto last July, ABC News reported. After 15 years, the NASA stamp served as inspiration for NASA to pursue a mission to Pluto, which was successful on July 2015. Principal investigator of the NASA New Horizons mission, Alan Stern, went to USPS Washington D.C. headquarters to receive the Guinness World Record for the "farthest distance traveled by a postage stamp" marking that successful flyby significant in space history. Two months ago, USPS released a new stamp "Pluto - Explored!" in commemoration of NASA's New Horizons Pluto flyby on July 15, 2015. Meanwhile, July 20 was a celebration for three milestones NASA accomplished. One was for NASA's New Horizons setting a Guinness World Record for the Pluto stamp travel and another for the 47th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing and lastly, 40 years of NASA robotics on Mars. NASA made a new announcement that the New Horizons mission will journey beyond Pluto towards the Kuiper Belt object known as 2014 MU69, which is considered the building blocks of the solar system, Star Tribune reported. NASA and the USPS marked the world record achievement on July 19, 2016 at the Postal Service headquarters in Washington D.C. Many NASA space fans are asked to share the news to social media using #PlutoExplored. In a remote island in the Caribbean, 16th century Christian symbols were found in a cave, left by European explorers - and alongside ancient indigenous art. Christian symbols and indigenous art were discovered on cave walls of Mona Island. https://t.co/OpLHvuteEN pic.twitter.com/38ht0a3dAk Nat Geo Photography (@NatGeoPhotos) July 20, 2016 In the island of Mona - located between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico - caves can be found. These caves and cavers were sources of freshwater, and marks made by indigenous tribes usually appear by these sources. What caught the eyes of these archaeologists, however, were the cave markings on cave number 18, which is half a mile long. The cave, according to the study published in the journal, Antiquity, is marked with about 250 indigenous markings in the walls and ceilings, made through "finger fluting", meaning that fingers were used to draw on the cave walls. Americas at the British Museum in London curator Jago Cooper shared, "These finger-fluted designs reflect the spiritual beliefs of the indigenous people." What makes the caves even more interesting, according to Fox News, is that the walls also record drawings of Christian crosses and even Latin and Spanish phrases. Among the phrases that can be read include "God made many things," and "may God forgive you." There is also a Latin quote from the bible that translated as "And the Word was made flesh [and dwelt among us]." The indigenous people lived on the rocky outposts for over 5,000 years, and in the last millennia, they overlapped with the start of the European colonial era. In a historical point of view, National Geographic noted, were the surprisingly modern graffiti - names and dates, most of which are from the mid-16th century. Most notably, however, is the presence of Francisco Alegre, a Spaniard who arrived in the West Indies in the 1530s. He was based in Puerto Rico, but was eventually put in charge of royal estates, one of which is Mona Island. NEW YORK (AP) More than a dozen companies have launched free or almost-free college programs for their front-line workers over the last decade. They see the programs as a way to recruit and retain workers in a tight labor market or train them for management positions. For hourly employees, the programs remove the financial barriers of obtaining a degree. Thousands of people are now taking advantage of the benefits and the chance to earn a free degree can be life-changing. But some critics question whether the programs are papering over deeper problems, like pay so low that workers can't afford college without them or hours so erratic that it's too hard to go to school in person. FLORENCE, S.C. The Florence Civic Center says hello Friday to South Carolinas largest outdoor show. But at the end of the three-day event, the Pee Dee Deer Classic will bid farewell to snake master Steve Scruggs, a 23-year-veteran of the classic. He brings all the native snakes of South Carolina, said show promoter Mike Johnson. Hes not a showman; hes an educator. Over the 23 years, hes gotten lots and lots of fans. People want to come see him for his last time. In addition to Scruggs, the outdoor show will have other educational bits, including a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources informational table; Bob Redfern, the host of the weekly TV series, Bob Redferns Outdoor Magazine; David Grant, the Pee Dee Cowboy and host of Horse Tales; and a birds of prey show with Tyler Wright. Otherwise, the Pee Dee Deer Classic is primarily a trade show, where vendors sell gear for hunting, fishing and more. Theres lots of things for sale. Like I said, anything from camouflage clothing to tree stands and ATVs, Johnson said. The 23rd annual event is family friendly. In fact, Johnson said, families generally dominate attendance at the Pee Dee Deer Classic. Weve kept our event wholesome, he said. Were strong believers if you take your kids and expose them to the outdoors, they turn out to be good kids. For many, the classic has become a tradition, he added. Its been here a long time. Its a traditional thing. All the people look forward to it, he said. Todays event runs from 1 to 9 p.m., at the Florence Civic Center. The Pee Dee Deer Classic picks back up on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $3 for children ages 7 to 12 and free for those 6 and under. Parking is free, and tickets are sold at the door. For more information, visit www.peedeedeerclassic.com. FLORENCE, S.C. Marine veteran Phil Klay, whose riveting exploration of the emotional trauma inflicted by combat in Iraq and Afghanistan vaulted him onto the New York Times Bestseller List, is the headliner for the 10th annual Pee Dee Fiction and Poetry Festival at Francis Marion University. The annual two-day festival will be held Nov. 10-11 on campus. It features panel discussions and book signings by the authors. It is free and open to the public. The festival also plays an integral role in fall classes at FMU. Works by the participating authors are taught in select classes. Students then have an opportunity to meet with the authors in special workshops and discussion groups. Klay will be joined at the festival by award-winning authors Angela Flournoy, Aimee Nezhukumatathil and Catherine Pierce. FMU faculty chairwoman and English professor Rebecca Flannagan organizes the event with a committee of faculty members from the Department of English. She says this years event will be a momentous one. We are excited to have fiction writers Phil Klay and Angela Flournoy whose award-winning books will be taught in our composition and literature classes, Flannagan said. Our poets Aimee Nezhukumatathil and Catherine Pierce will be featured in creative writing and literature classes, as well. We have a great line-up of young writers whose works will resonate on both the personal and political level. Redeployment (The Penguin Press) is a collection of short stories that takes readers to the front lines of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In his book, Klay explores the complex feelings of brutality, faith, guilt, and fear that a soldier experiences during war, while also revealing the isolation and despair that can accompany a soldiers homecoming. Redeploymentwon the 2014 National Book Award for Fiction and the 2015 Chautauqua Prize. Klay is a graduate of Dartmouth College and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in Iraqs Anbar Province from January 2007 to February 2008 as a public affairs officer. Klay received his MFA from Hunter College. Flournoys debut novel, The Turner House, was a finalist for the National Book Award and a New York Times notable book of the year. The novel also was a finalist for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Fiction and an NAACP Image Award. She is a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 honoree for 2015. Flournoy is a graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, where she received an undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California. She has taught at the University of Iowa, The New School and Columbia University. Nezhukumatathil is the author of three poetry collections: Lucky Fish (2011), At the Drive-In Volcano, and Miracle Fruit (2003), all from Tupelo Press. Her most recent chapbook is Lace & Pyrite, a collaboration of nature poems with the poet Ross Gay. Nezhukumatathil is a professor of English at State University of New York-Fredonia, where she teaches creative writing and environmental literature. Nezhukumatathil will be the Grisham writer-in-residence at the University of Mississippis MFA program in creative writing in 2016-17. Pierce is the author of The Girls of Peculiar, winner of the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Poetry Prize, and Famous Last Words, winner of the Saturnalia Books Poetry Prize. She co-directs the creative writing program at Mississippi State University. Pierce earned her B.A. from Susquehanna University, her M.F.A. from Ohio State University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. She now lives in Starkville, Mississippi, where she is also an associate professor. For more information on the authors and events at the festival, go to the festival online at departments.fmarion.edu/english/pdfpf/. LAMAR Things have come together quickly for Lamar High School honors graduate Selena Gore over the past few years, and she says she wouldnt have it any other way. Less than three weeks after Gore crossed the stage at commencement, she was sworn into the U.S. Air Force. She decided to pursue a career in the military to follow in the footsteps of her father, Tony Nettles, a retired Army veteran, whom she feels exemplifies selflessness and passion. For months at a time, he was separated from his wife and children, she said. Today, he suffers physically from surgeries he had to have because of the wear and tear he collected over in Vietnam. My father sacrificed not only for his family but for every American to be free. Gore now lives in Las Vegas with her husband, Thatcher, whom she met for the first time in middle school in Lamar. The two were married last December, three months after her husband joined the U.S. Air Force, and he is stationed at Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas. I am proud to say that we were each other's first love and only, something so rare in our generations today, she said. But things havent always gone as planned for Gore and her family. When Gore was 2, her twin sister, Serena, died. Gore says that though her sister is gone, her spirit has been a motivating force for every step she has taken thus far. The reason I worked so hard in the classroom, on the field and within my community, was to make her proud, she said. My heart beats for two souls, not one. And she certainly went the extra mile to live the life her sister would have during her high school years. Gore excelled in the classroom, competed in many sports, including track and field and cheerleading, and grew in service as a part of organizations such as the Beta Club and the Environmental Club. Gore says that she didnt participate in extracurricular activities just to stay busy. In all honesty, I was limited on time, she said, but these groups gave me a chance to unite with others like myself and make a positive difference around me. Through the Beta Club, she was able to affect her classmates in ways that extended far beyond the classroom. For example, we were able to prevent some hunger that occurred in students' lives outside of school, she said. The fact that many households suffer with hunger is a sad truth, and the Beta members would work with others at the elementary school to organize donations to be given to those in need. Gore thinks the small Lamar student body meant some limits because of resources and perception, but overall it gave her an environment to meet people and learn new things in an individualized way, especially due to small class sizes. This gave us more one-on-one time with our teachers, she said. We were able to get all our questions answered and receive the individual assistance we needed. Larger schools can't say the same. Small class sizes also meant that teachers could connect with families on a more personal level, which Gore and her family definitely felt. They were knowledgeable of almost everyone's name, personality, strengths, weaknesses, and background, she said. This connection made me feel like Lamar High was a second home and a place where I was loved and pushed to succeed. Now she is living in a new home, and she might be moving from one place to the next as part of a big military family. But for now, she is focused on creating a life of service for her and her husband. Serving my country alongside my husband is my biggest dream, and I'm doing everything I can to turn it into a reality, she said. DECATUR The development of the Midwest Inland Port is leading to new opportunities for businesses in the Decatur area. The latest opportunity comes following the announcement Wednesday of a joint venture between transportation service company OmniTRAX Inc. and Topflight Grain Cooperative. OmniTRAX plans to begin managing the newly renamed Decatur Central Railroad LLC, a short-line railway connecting the Topflight facility in Cisco with plants at Archer Daniels Midland Co., Tate & Lyle and other processing companies in and around Macon County. As it begins to operate the railway, OmniTRAX hopes to drive more business to and further rehabilitate the line, said Kevin Shuba, CEO of OmniTRAX, which is one of the largest privately held transportation service companies in North America and an affiliate of The Broe Group. The Decatur Central Railroad is a great opportunity for OmniTRAX due to strong existing commodity flows, real estate driven expansion prospects and the potential to add new diversified business, Shuba said. Rail is the cheapest way to ship products. Topflight is increasingly using rail to transport its products as it operates about 20 facilities in Macon, Piatt, Douglas, Logan and Champaign counties, said Scott Docherty, CEO/general manager of Topflight Grain. Rail is an important part of what we do, Docherty said. We continue to handle more volume. Other area companies have already begun to realize the potential benefits from the area's rail service that is highlighted through the Midwest Inland Port. T/CCI Manufacturing recently changed its shipping of products and supplies to take advantage of the opportunities created through a partnership between ADM and the Canadian National Railway, or CN, said Dennis Flaherty, T/CCI vice president and general manager. He said the company needs the best connections possible between Decatur and other production and warehouse facilities around the world, including in China. Products had previously been routed through Joliet and trucked from there to Decatur, Flaherty said. T/CCI is a manufacturer of heavy duty compressors and clutches for the mobile air-conditioning and refrigeration industries. With the change, Flaherty said the shipments now come into Decatur on rail, significantly lessening the distance needed to truck from the ADM Intermodal Rail Ramp to the T/CCI facility at 2120 N. 22nd St. Its shipping capacity has nearly doubled by being able to use larger containers, said Kara Demirjian Huss, T/CCI vice president and global marketing director We can easily truck them here the three miles, Demirjian Huss said. We can get more here on one container. As a result of the changes, T/CCI is anticipating saving $400,000 a year in transportation costs, Demirjian Huss said. The company now has the potential to reinvest the money it saves in other assets to benefit the business such as people and technology, she said. We hope others see the impact the Midwest Inland Port has had, Demirjian Huss said. This partnership has had a true impact on us. The potential of the Midwest Inland Port was among the items discussed during a Business Development Forum organized by the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County held at the Decatur Civic Center. Major customers using the railroad like having a lot of volume coming in at once, said Allison Fayfich, ADM's third party intermodal business manager. Since April, Fayfich said two major customers have added to the volume of products moving through Decatur by utilizing the intermodal rail capabilities. Companies with smaller amounts of products needing to be shipped can utilize the same services. It's just going to get bigger, Fayfich said. CN is unique by being able to provide connections with all three coasts, said Chris Timmons, a senior solutions manager with the railroad company. Moving products through Decatur can be a way of addressing issues in the Chicago area, said Christine Reed, a senior vice president with Knight Engineers and Architects. We can be a reliever for congestion in Northeastern Illinois, Reed said. They can come here. We have a tremendous potential for growth. OmniTRAX is interested in attracting mixed-use light industrial businesses to locate along the Decatur Central Railroad line, which runs along Illinois 48 before interchanging with CN just north of Decatur. Because of the congestion in Chicago, a lot of companies are looking for alternatives, Shuba said. We want to bring them to our railroad. OmniTRAX works with 350 industrial customers, some of which Shuba is hoping will be interested in expanding in the Decatur area. The city of Decatur is working to improve its infrastructure to assist companies operating in the area, City Manager Tim Gleason said. Improvements such as an overpass along Brush College Road is one of the issues the city is addressing, Gleason said. At grade rail crossings are problematic for the community, Gleason said. With the Midwest Inland Port, we want to be in a position to provide the greatest opportunity and potential for the community. Decatur has an amazing potential for economic development, which is being highlighted by what's being done through the Midwest Inland Port, said Ryan McCrady, EDC president. Decatur has a history of innovation, McCrady said. We can be a leader when it comes to innovation. McCrady said the innovations currently being made can benefit businesses of all sizes. DECATUR The early date of the Macon County Fair made things a little tight for 4-H members who wanted to show their projects. With all the pressure at the end of school and trying to get those projects done, and then 4-H on top of that, it's a lot, said Sarah Anderson, who will be a freshman at Argenta-Oreana High School in August. For the past several years, said Samantha Rusk, 4-H Youth Development Program director, projects have been held at central locations. Animal projects are still very active, and those are held at the Macon County Fair, in DeWitt County and Piatt County, depending on the animals, but horticulture, fine arts and many others are on display at Shilling Center on Richland Community College's campus this week. The kids can get out of school and get projects done, Rusk said. There are also several projects that aren't ready until later in the summer. Our horticulture projects, potatoes and eggplants and corn and tomatoes don't exist in the early part of the summer. Sarah's projects include horticulture, fiber, interior design and nature, and having that extra few weeks after school let out allowed her to do more projects and spend more time preparing them than she could have otherwise. Her nature project is a piece of fallen branch that she transformed into a vase with dried flowers. She saw something similar on the internet and made the idea her own. She finds inspiration like that in a variety of places. Her sister, Jessica, who will be a junior at Argenta-Oreana, focused on cake decorating and interior design, and the latter project could be said to have fallen into her lap. Our table collapsed and the glass broke, Jessica said. My mom was going to redecorate anyway, and she let me do the table. Students receive a project book with specific instructions and requirements. They can choose from a wide variety of categories, and recognition is based on how closely they meet the requirements for each area, Rusk said. Part of the University of Illinois Extension, up to 100 4-H members can be sent to Springfield to present their projects at the Illinois State Fair next month. The 4-H day will be Aug. 13. One of the things Rusk enjoys about holding the event at Shilling is the Cloverbuds. Those are the 5- to 7-year-olds, not old enough to participate in the regular 4-H project event, who get to bring their own projects for the teenage 4-H members to judge. It gives them a chance to go through the process, and provides our (teenagers) a leadership opportunity, Rusk said. Andrew Cunningham chose leadership, horticulture and journalism for his projects. The latter required him to study a variety of published articles and photos and make a presentation on how they were researched and completed, the daily tasks of a journalist, and the education and experience, he said. Algoma entered into contracts in 2010 to build six Equinox Class bulk freighters at Mingde. The Chinese shipyard, however, declared bankrupt in July 2015 after only delivering two out of the six units. With the resolution of the final refund claim against Mingde decided in our favour, we can now devote our full attention to building the vessels that we have ordered to replace the ones that Mingde did not complete, said Ken Bloch Soerensen, president and ceo of Algoma. We have begun collection procedings for this final Mingde refund guarantee and expect to have this matter fully behind us in the near future. Algoma had already won three decisions regarding refund guarantees in the earlier failed orders at Mingde. Algoma had received payments totalling $53.4m in refund guarantees relating to the cancellation of the earlier three shipbuilding contracts. The amount to be claimed from the fourth contract is yet to be disclosed. SPRINGFIELD A proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution that would change the way legislative districts are drawn has once again been blocked by a Cook County judge. Circuit Judge Diane Larsen ruled Wednesday that the ballot measure from the group Independent Maps goes beyond the scope allowed for a voter-driven initiative. Such initiatives are limited to making structural and procedural changes involving the General Assembly. Another Cook County judge made a similar ruling in 2014 on a previous attempt to change the once-a-decade redistricting process, which critics say puts too much power in the hands of the party that controls the legislature. The proposed amendment would take the power to draw legislative district boundaries away from legislators and put in in the hands of an independent commission. But Larsen ruled it unconstitutional because it also would assign new duties to the state auditor general and the courts and take powers away from the Illinois attorney general. Supporters of the amendment gathered more than 560,000 signatures to get the question on the Nov. 8 ballot, but a group called The Peoples Map challenged its constitutionality. That group is represented by Chicago attorney Michael Kasper, who has close ties to House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, and other prominent Illinois Democrats. Kasper did not respond to a request for comment. The Peoples Map has argued that the proposed amendment would limit the influence of minority voters, but that wasnt at issue in the court case. John Hooker, chairman of The Peoples Map, hailed the ruling in a statement to The Associated Press. This unconstitutional amendment would put a tremendous amount of authority in the hands of unelected middlemen unaccountable to the taxpayers, said Hooker, whos also chairman of the Chicago Housing Authority Board. Any effort to weaken minority rights harms us all and should be seen as nothing more than a major setback in what has been accomplished for minority rights in Illinois. Meanwhile, Independent Maps Chairman Dennis FitzSimons issued a statement vowing to take the legal battle to the state Supreme Court. A great deal of care went into crafting an amendment that follows constitutional guidelines while also creating a system that is independent, fair, transparent, and protects the ability of minority communities to elect candidates of their choosing, said FitzSimons, the former CEO of the Tribune Co. Redistricting reform was specifically addressed by the framers of our constitution as a critical area for citizen petition initiatives. "We believe that the Illinois Supreme Court will side with Illinois voters and not deny citizens the opportunity to vote on this amendment The Illinois Republican Party also pounced on the ruling, accusing Madigan of opposing the will of the voters. Instead of supporting the chance to vote for fair maps, Mike Madigans allies sued to stop voters from having the opportunity to vote for reform, state GOP spokesman Steven Yaffe said. Its sad to see that Mike Madigans Democratic Party would rather deny voters their voice than face fair, competitive elections. Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, whos made redistricting reform a key component of his turnaround agenda, said the ruling is a definitely a setback for the people of Illinois. If this decision remains in place, it will prove that we need to put political reform at the top of our legislative agenda, Rauner said in a prepared statement. We need to fix our broken political system to ensure taxpayers win instead of the insiders. Steve Brown, a spokesman for Madigan and the Illinois Democratic Party, deferred comment to the parties involved in the case. The ruling comes a day after an Associated Press report raised questions about who is funding The Peoples Map and paying its legal fees. The group hasnt reported any donations or expenses since registering with the Illinois State Board of Elections last summer, the AP reported. Independent Maps, meanwhile, reported raising $1.3 million from April through June alone and ended the quarter with more than $1 million remaining in its campaign fund, according to its most recent filing with the elections board. Major contributors include Northbrook-based Allstate Insurance Co., which has given $500,000, and Rauner allies Ken Griffin, CEO of investment firm Citadel, and Sam Zell, the former Tribune Co. owner, whove each given $100,000. The groups proposal also has the backing of good-government groups and newspaper editorial boards across the state, and its board features some well-known Democrats, including Bill Daley, the former chief of staff to President Barack Obama, and former Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon, whos running for state Senate in Southern Illinois. If you've been surfing the Web lately, you may have noticed a mysterious surge of articles reporting that scientists may have discovered the secret behind the Bermuda Triangle. That's the region in the Atlantic Ocean that's fascinated paranormal enthusiasts for years, because it supposedly is the site of an unusual number of disappearances of ships, aircraft and, of course, people. British newspapers recently reported that scientists had discovered a bunch of pretty big craters on the bottom of the Barents Sea in the Arctic. Researchers from Arctic University of Norway described the craters as being up to 3,280 feet in diameter and 131 feet in depth. Some of the features of the craters, captured with 3-D seismic imaging, suggest they may have resulted from blowouts caused by high-pressure methane gas that migrated up from deep oil deposits and accumulated in shallow rocks from the Triassic period between 206 to 248 million years ago. NEWS: 16th Century Shipwreck Found Off Oman That all might sound pretty dry. But in the hands of the tabloids, it became a startling paranormal scoop. The Daily Mail, for example, reported that the discovery "could also possibly explain the loss of ships and aircraft in the controversial area referred to as the Bermuda Triangle." To bolster this contention, the paper dug up an old quote from a 2014 Siberian Times article about similar craters. That paper interviewed a Russian scientist, Vladimir Potapov, who mentioned the "theory" that such gas blowouts might have heated up the ocean, causing ships to sink in waters infused with methane, and possibly also created atmospheric turbulence that led to aircraft crashes. PHOTOS: Top Places Linked to Mysterious Disappearances That might seem to add a plausibility to the legend of the Bermuda Triangle, which got its name from a 1964 article in Argosy magazine and grew with the publication of a 1974 bestseller and a subsequent movie. But it doesn't. As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes: "There is no evidence that mysterious disappearances occur with any greater frequency in the Bermuda Triangle than in any other large, well-traveled area of the ocean." Beyond that, the Arctic University of Norway - the supposed source of the revelation itself quickly jumped in to debunk the tabloids' spin on its science, in a news release rather emphatically titled Craters in Barents Sea Not Connected to Bermuda Triangle. Just to make that point more clear, professor Karin Andreassen, one of the researchers, explained: "What I can say is that we are not making any links to the Bermuda Triangle." VIEW PHOTOS: Mysterious Siberian Holes Homelessness is an epidemic plaguing cities all over the world. Many communities are at a loss for how to successfully help their homeless population, but Nickelsville in Seattle is an exception. Nickelsville is the largest homeless encampment in the city, but it's also one of the most unique homeless encampments in the world. Part of the encampment includes an area with custom built tiny homes. Youth volunteers build the tiny homes through a program called Sawhorse Revolution. Sawhorse is mutually beneficial because the young people who volunteer learn how to design a home as well as valuable carpentry skills, all while servicing their community in a big way. Nghi Quan, a Sophomore at Franklin High School in Seattle, told Seeker about the extent of her knowledge after participating in the program, "...if you dropped me on an island, I'll probably be able to make a shelter for myself and probably make my own tools." RELATED: How The World Cup Made Thousands Homeless Sarah Smith is the program director for Sawhorse Revolution and she says the program always tries to emphasize the fact that homelessness doesn't define who you are as a person. "One of the big things we stress in the program is that homelessness is a point-in-time event. It's not a result of who you are. So homelessness is something that happens to you," she told Seeker. They see all different types of people come to the encampment, from families with children, to single men and single women. The term "mission creep" is circulating again recently as the United States attempts to wind down operations in Iraq and other Middle East hotspots. Escalating crises have resulted in America's ultimate involvement being much more extensive than originally intended. That's mission creep, and as Jules Suzdaltsev explains in today's Seeker Daily dispatch, its more or less endemic to certain kinds of foreign policy operations. Simply put, mission creep is what happens when military actions or diplomatic engagements move beyond their original intention or framework. For instance, in the case of Iraq, U.S. involvement there began with the 1998 Iraq Liberation Act, which simply established a policy of support for regime change in Iraq. As you may recall, things got a bit more complicated. The potential for mission creep tends to grow in proportion to the complexity of actually accomplishing the original goals. For instance : In 2011, the UN adopted a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Libyan civil war. Achieving that goal required creating a no-fly zone, imposing a weapons embargo and defending civilians. RELATED: Why Is Iraq's Green Zone So Controversial Even though the UN resolution specifically excluded introducing any foreign occupation force, the goals of the mission itself ultimately required doing so. Eventually, troops from a half dozen different countries entered Libya to enforce the resolution. Similar dynamics are currently playing out in Syria and Iraq. President Obama has repeatedly promised "no boots on the ground" in regard to ISIS containment strategies, but rapidly changing circumstances have led to more than 5,000 service members in Iraq, and about 300 in Syria. The term mission creep was first introduced in 1993, but the concept is as old as war itself, really. For military planners, it's a constant threat. The war in Iraq is an extreme example of mission creep, which often leads to escalating military engagement and even invasion. Check out this report for a rundown of countries that the U.S. has invaded in our 200-plus years of foreign policy adventures. -- Glenn McDonald Learn More: Wall Street Journal: 'Mission Creep' Crawls Out of the '90s The Atlantic: Mission Creep: When Everything Is Terrorism Time: Obama's Mission Creep in Iraq Council on Foreign Relations: Scowcroft: Avoiding Mission Creep in Libya The departing head of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area vowed that a priority of her new job in the top position at the Grand Canyon National Park would be to usher in reforms amid a district-wide sexual misconduct scandal that prompted the resignation of her predecessor. Christine Lehnertz will be the first female superintendent in the history of the Arizona park next month, the National Park Service said this week. In January, the Department of the Interiors Office of Inspector General released an investigative report on Grand Canyon National Park River District that found evidence of a long-term pattern of sexual harassment and hostile work environment in the Grand Canyon district. Superintendent David Uberuaga was not accused of harassing employees but was criticized for his reportedly weak response to harassment claims from employees. He announced his retirement in May. Together with the staff and managers at the park, I look forward to keeping up momentum on the important conservation, preservation and operational activities at the Grand Canyon, Lehnertz said in a statement. Regarding the sexual harassment issues that weve learned about, Grand Canyon National Park now has a responsibility to lead the National Park Service in eliminating the factors that have allowed such behaviors. She said staff and managers have already come up with changes in the working environment there to ensure that the Grand Canyon is a respectful, inclusive place to work and visit, she added. Colleagues and work associates reacted to Lehnertzs Bay Area departure, including Neal Desai, the National Parks Conservation Association director of field operations. Were going to miss her. We thought she was an excellent leader at the GGNRA. She worked very closely with all the different types of stakeholders in the community, Desai said Wednesday. The GGNRA is one of the most visited national parks in the country. Shes done a really excellent job in managing. National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis also praised Lehnertz after announcing her appointment. Chris brings outstanding leadership skills and an outsiders perspective to the National Park Service. Since she joined the NPS, she has helped us think differently about conservation, preservation, employee engagement and public collaboration, he said. 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. Lehnertz began her career at the National Park Service in 2007 as deputy superintendent at Yellowstone National Park. She served as regional director for the services Pacific West Region from 2010 to 2015. She was appointed superintendent at Golden Gate in March 2015. Lehnertz, trained as an environmental biologist, worked with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Denver and Washington, D.C., for 16 years, officials said. She is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder and worked as a seasonal wildlife and biological technician for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Lehnertz, her wife, Shari Dagg, and their cat, Choco, plan to move to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for the position, officials said. Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Northern California blood banks are pleading for donations during what they call an unprecedented national shortage brought on by a surge in blood use and seasonal shortfalls that are more pronounced than usual, due to a range of unusual factors that may include the Zika virus. Over the past several months, reserves have been consistently down by nearly 10 percent at Blood Centers of the Pacific, among the Bay Areas biggest blood banks, which typically has about 30,000 pints of blood on hand at any given time to serve Northern California. No Bay Area hospitals have been forced to reschedule elective surgeries or delay nonemergency treatments involving blood transfusions. In fact, several hospitals report no noticeable shortage in their own stock. But a confluence of factors among them the typically slow summer donor season, donation restrictions due to the Zika virus and a slight uptick in blood usage has some blood-bank officials eager to restore reserves that supply hospitals and other transfusion facilities. I wouldnt say that a patient is going to go without or that surgeries are going to be canceled. But we need to have always a full inventory for normal patient usage, and then have that margin available in case something unexpected happens, said Kent Corley, a spokesman for Blood Centers of the Pacific. Thats when you can really get into trouble. Blood supplies often run thin during the summer, primarily due to seasonal drops in donations and more need for blood. But this year is especially grim. Requests for blood from Blood Centers of the Pacific are up about 4 percent this year over last year, and donations are down about the same amount, Corley said. Because the shortage is nationwide, he said, Northern California blood banks cannot necessarily rely on imports from other parts of the country, the way they usually would in a regional blood crunch. The American Red Cross typically puts out an urgent request for blood donations every August, but it issued that request a month earlier this year, said April Phillips, a spokeswoman for the organization. We try not to issue calls, especially using that word emergency, unless we truly need people to come out and give, she said. Transfusions are used to treat trauma victims who have lost large amounts of blood and people undergoing surgery. Theyre also given to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy that can damage their ability to make certain blood products, and to people with certain chronic conditions that hamper blood production. Need is increasing Whats spurring increased blood usage isnt entirely clear. Some blood center officials believe usage is simply plateauing, or rebounding slightly, after more than a decade of decreases that came as doctors developed surgical techniques requiring less blood and became more conservative about transfusing. The causes of the donation shortfall are clearer. For starters, blood donations always fall in the summer because of high school and college breaks. Campus blood drives account for 10 to 20 percent of total collection for many banks. The Zika virus may be another culprit. People who have traveled almost anywhere south of the United States are barred from donating for a month after they return home. Stanford Blood Center hasnt reported blood shortages this summer, but medical director Dr. David Oh said it isnt surprising that some of the bigger blood banks would be experiencing shortfalls. He noted that federal regulations adopted this year changed the allowable hemoglobin level for male blood donors, making it slightly more difficult for men to qualify to give blood. Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells, and low levels can be a concern. Flaw in blood bags 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. In addition, a specific type of blood bag was recalled several weeks ago, forcing some banks to dump blood that had already been collected. That put a dent in some stocks, Oh said. Summer is always a challenging time, Oh said. And all of these things kind of happened together. The plea for blood donors is not a request for people to rush out to a collection center. Instead, Corley said, donors should make an appointment a week or two out and then make another appointment after that one. What blood banks need is a steady supply. At any given time, less than 40 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood, and only about 10 percent of those eligible donate, according to national blood-bank officials. In certain urban centers, including San Francisco, that number drops to 5 percent or even lower. People are so good at responding after 9/11 or (the gas pipeline explosion in) San Bruno or other things that happen. Theyll line up for hours and hours, and then we never see them again, Corley said. Theyve got to be donating in advance of these things happening, because its too late when it happens. Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com How to give blood The best way to donate blood is to sign up for an appointment, not just walk into a blood center. To make an appointment with Blood Centers of the Pacific, the Bay Areas main blood bank, go to www.bloodcenters.org. To give with the American Red Cross, go to www.redcrossblood.org. Other blood centers also have appointments available online. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate With chains wrapped around their necks, several protesters on Thursday morning locked themselves to a door at the Oakland Police Department headquarters one day after Black Lives Matter activists performed a similar demonstration at the Oakland police union building. Thursdays group, made up of mostly white folks supporting national Black Lives Matter protesters, chained themselves to a side door of police headquarters at 455 Seventh St. around 9 a.m. while holding a sign reading No one is free until we are all free. "I've been on the sidelines for too long as a white person, said 28-year-old Oakland resident Sarah Raridon. I have been really inspired by what Black Lives Matter is doing, but so far I've been paralyzed by guilt and fear. Today, I'm taking action." Raridon chained herself alongside Corazon Amada, 44, of Oakland. The two said they want Oakland to spend less money on police and more on schools. Other groups plan to hold a series of protests Thursday at the police department and later at Frank Ogawa Plaza. One police officer monitored the group outside the station early Thursday. Oakland police temporarily locked down the entire building. At least one Oakland resident who was trying to get into the station to retrieve a police report Thursday was extremely livid at the protesters but declined to be interviewed. On Wednesday, four protesters hooked U-locks around their necks and looped them through the door handles of the Oakland Police Officers Association building at Fifth and Clay Streets while two others chained themselves to chairs. That group was demanding Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf be recalled and city funds be diverted away from police and put toward housing and community centers. About two dozen supporters and several officers looked on. Police did not remove the locks or shut down the protest. The group eventually dissipated sometime overnight. Rachel Swan and Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @RachelSwan, @EvanSernoffsky From the archives of the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit From the archives of the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit From the archives of the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit From the archives of the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit From the archives of the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit From the collection of Rollins Emerson, historian for the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco From the collection of Rollins Emerson, historian for the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco From the archives of the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit Bob Bragman/From the archives of the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit Bob Bragman/From the archives of the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit From the archives of the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit Bob Bragman/From the archives of the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit For years the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, located at the corner of 7th and Mission Streets, has stood among urban disintegration. The area is now going through a renaissance. The building's handsome granite exterior doesn't even begin to hint at the old master grandeur found on the inside. It was considered one of the most opulent public buildings in its day. The palatial air remains today, still a fitting setting for cases that shape our history. When you mention the building to people they often say, "Oh, I've passed that building many times, is it still in use?" Not only is it still in use, it still plays a major role in the cultural and political shifts of our nation. In 2012, the halls hosted the Proposition 8 appeal, where the Ninth Circuit Court became the first ever federal appellate court to overturn any of the recent state laws defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman. The old post office and courthouse was completed in 1905 baroque style for $2.5 million. The structure's survival of the earthquake the following year has come symbolize San Francisco's tenacity. The craftsmanship found throughout can't be bought today, even at the modern equivalent of $40,000,000. After the great quake, the structure was surrounded by absolute devastation. Thankfully, due to the heroic efforts of postal workers at that time, all but one room was saved from the fire that raged around it. The building was designed by James Knox Taylor, the Supervising Architect of the United States Department of the Treasury from 1897 to 1912. He designed hundreds of federal buildings during that period. According to a publication about the structure written by Jesse Hamlin, Mr. Taylor insisted on the finest materials executed by master craftsmen, whom he brought from Italy. Through anecdotes, it is believed that the craftsmen stayed in the country after the completion of the building, only to be hired subsequently by William Randolph Hearst to work on his San Simeon property. In addition to the overturning of Prop 8, many other high profile cases have been heard in the courthouse, including the WWII treason trial of Iva Toguri D'Aquino better known as Tokyo Rose A&M Records vs Napster, Inc., Anna Nicole Smith's inheritance suit, and Exxon Shipping Co. vs Baker suit for the grounding of a ship and resultant oil spill in Alaska. Perhaps the most dramatic moments in the building's history played out on April 23, 1918. On that date, shots rang out as the government was completing its case in the Fraz Bopp-Wilhelm von Brincken trial. Bopp, the German consul general here, and 44 others were charged with conspiring to smuggle arms to India to overthrow the British regime. Ram Singh, a defendant turned government witness, shot and killed Ram Chandra, also a defendant and leader of the Indian Revolutionary party. James P. Holohan, a United States Marshall, standing in the rear, climbed on the nearest seat, drew his revolver, and shot and killed Ram Singh. The glass mosaic tiled bench still bears the scar of one of the bullets, in the form of a poor repair job. Perhaps this was done for posterity. Douglas Zimmerman Another bit of infamy comes in the form of a table where Al Capone sat during his trial in Chicago. Judge Richard Harvey Chambers, of the Ninth Circuit, salvaged furniture and architectural artifacts from a courthouse in Chicago. Some of those artifacts wound up in San Francisco, including beautiful bronze sconces that flank an upper hallway. After the 1906 earthquake and fire, the building did sustain some serious damage, but was deemed salvageable. The estimated cost of repairs back then was $250,000, ten percent of the original cost to build. Only one room was destroyed by the fire. That was courtroom 3. It's now called The Redwood Room, due to the rare tiger stripe redwood that now encompasses it. The heroic efforts of the postal workers kept the fire from spreading to the rest of the structure. After the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the courthouse was closed for retrofitting. The task was monumental, and cost $111 million. Base isolators were installed beneath the structure. These work like a car's shock absorber, allowing the building to move freely, independently of the ground, during an earthquake. They consist of concave teflon plates that encompass giant bearings. You can see one in the slideshow above. During the retrofit, the engineers were able to see damage from the 1906 earthquake, which had been crudely repaired. The Court provides regular free public tours of the interior, which begin at the public entry at 95 Seventh Street, with a schedule shown on the Court's website. Bob Bragman is a producer for SFGATE. His writing reflects his love of the Bay Area, in addition to his passion for vintage pop culture, ephemera and vernacular photographs. To see more of his content, please click here. Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday unveiled a far-reaching master plan for the electric automaker that envisions self-driving semis and buses and a car-sharing service to rival Uber. The scheme updates and significantly broadens Teslas original mission statement, spelled out by Musk in a widely read blog post almost 10 years ago. Rather than focus on spreading the popularity of electric cars, Tesla now aims to change the way society generates, stores and uses electricity. Even though the Palo Alto company currently builds just two lines of cars the Model S sedan and the Model X SUV and has struggled this year to meet production goals, Musk made clear Wednesday that Tesla wants to tackle nearly every major category of road transportation. In addition, the company already offers battery packs for use in businesses and homes. And with its planned acquisition of San Mateos SolarCity, Tesla will offer rooftop solar arrays to generate the electricity for its batteries and cars. The point of all this was, and remains, accelerating the advent of sustainable energy, so that we can imagine far into the future and life is still good, Musk wrote in the plan, posted Wednesday evening on Teslas official blog. Here is what we plan to do to make that day come sooner. In addition to the $35,000 Model 3 that Tesla plans to introduce next year, the company is developing a compact SUV, a pickup truck, a heavy-duty Tesla Semi and a high passenger-density urban transport that could replace traditional buses. Both the Semi and the electric bus are in the early stages of development, Musk wrote, and should be ready for unveiling next year. All of Teslas future vehicles will have the hardware necessary to drive themselves, with Tesla continuing to perfect its autonomous technology until it is at least 10 times safer than human drivers, Musk wrote. And Tesla will create its own car-sharing fleet, allowing owners to rent out their vehicles while at work or on vacation. In a direct challenge to Uber, Tesla will operate a fleet of self-driving cars that can be hailed for rides. This dramatically lowers the true cost of ownership to the point where almost anyone could own a Tesla, Musk wrote. Since most cars are only in use by their owner for 5 percent to 10 percent of the day, the fundamental economic utility of a true self-driving car is likely to be several times that of a car which is not. Despite the high price of its cars, with the cheapest Model S starting at $66,000, Tesla has built a devoted following in part because of its mission. Musks new master plan will likely feed that devotion among Tesla fans, showing how the companys sometimes unconventional moves fit with its long-term strategy. Many analysts, for example, have questioned the wisdom of buying SolarCity at a time when Tesla is trying to dramatically expand production of its existing cars. The new plan did little to quiet that skepticism Wednesday. Elon Musk has laid out a grand plan, but its all in the execution for Tesla, said Akshay Anand, an analyst with the Kelley Blue Book auto information service. There are plenty of lofty goals, and with them, come items such as cash burn, production, etc. ... Its awesome that Musk is really thinking about the future, but acting out the plan will be an interesting challenge. Much of the new plan addresses issues Musk has talked about for months, if not years. Even the companys original plan envisioned a future powered largely by solar energy, although it didnt predict that Tesla would build the panels. On Wednesday, Musk defended the proposed SolarCity acquisition, and said the fact that the two companies are currently separate was largely an accident of history. Musks cousin Lyndon Rive serves as the solar companys CEO, Musk chairs its corporate board, and the two conceived of SolarCity on a trip to Burning Man in 2004. Musks post on Wednesday also defended Teslas decision to release last year its Autopilot system, an early version of self-driving technology that has come under criticism after a driver using it crashed into a truck in Florida and died. The most important reason is that, when used correctly, it is already significantly safer than a person driving by themselves and it would therefore be morally reprehensible to delay release simply for fear of bad press or some mercantile calculation of legal liability, Musk wrote. He again rejected calls from some consumer groups to disable the system. David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dbaker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DavidBakerSF This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A former Peninsula police officer accused of sexually assaulting five females while on duty was arrested Thursday and charged with 22 felony offenses, the San Mateo County district attorneys office said. Noah Winchester, 31, targeted two of the females, including a 17-year-old, while working as a school officer in Sacramento for the Los Rios Community College District in 2013, officials said. After he was hired as a San Mateo police officer in 2015, he went on to sexually assault three other women on different occasions in the 10 months he was a member of the force, prosecutors said. In the three most recent cases, which occurred between September and October, Winchester kidnapped and raped one woman, attempted to rape another woman after breaking into her motel room and sexually battered a third, according to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. Winchester was charged with four counts of sexual battery, one count of kidnapping and two counts of digital penetration on the 17-year-old girl stemming from one of the 2013 attacks. He was also charged Thursday with kidnapping, making criminal threats, two counts of rape and four counts of forcible oral copulation on another woman in 2013. The minor in Sacramento, a student at the community college, had reported the assault to law enforcement but no charges resulted, Wagstaffe said. Police referred the case to the school, which couldnt corroborate the allegations. Wagstaffe said that with the multiplicity of victims and further evidence prosecutors now have a case. Wagstaffe said all of the women were strangers to Winchester and that he used his authority as a police officer to commit the assaults. These were not just random people on the street, Wagstaffe said. They were people he had reason to contact as a law enforcement officer. The San Mateo Police Department said it immediately placed Winchester on indefinite leave when the first victim came forward Oct. 20. She had knowledge of a second victim being assaulted and persuaded her to come forward. The two had heard about a possible third victim, and investigators with the district attorneys office tracked her down as well. Detectives then began looking into Winchesters background and uncovered the Sacramento case that had earlier been reported to police. The fifth victim was found through a post she wrote on Facebook about the assault. The alleged assaults in San Mateo happened inside the motel, near the motel and near the Hillsdale Shopping Center, Wagstaffe said. The two in Sacramento were reported near the Los Rios campus. Winchester resigned in February amid the investigation. While we respect the now former officers right to due process under the law and the presumption that he is innocent until proven guilty, we as a department cannot help but be appalled by the nature of these allegations, the San Mateo Police Department said. These allegations, if proven true, are a disgrace and wholly disavowed by this department and this city. In a statement released in May, Police Chief Susan Manheimer didnt elaborate on the allegations but said that, if true, they were a disturbing breach of the public trust and that they shouldnt reflect on the department or its officers. Winchester, arrested as he was leaving his Stockton home Thursday morning, is being held on $3.1 million bail in a San Joaquin County jail. He is set to be arraigned Monday. The evil of what occurred speaks for itself, Wagstaffe said. He has truly betrayed the publics trust. Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov The New York City police officer accused of drunkenly driving his sport utility vehicle into a group of pedestrians on a sidewalk over the weekend, killing a college student from the Bay Area and critically injuring three others, has been fired from the department, officials said Thursday. Nicholas Batka, 28, was seen driving erratically down a Brooklyn street Saturday morning before crashing through a wrought iron fence and hitting a group of four young friends, according to the criminal complaint filed against him. Andrew Esquivel, 21, a Healdsburg native one year away from graduating at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, died about four hours later. Batka, whos out on $300,000 bail, was charged with 13 offenses that included negligent homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol. The Police Department initially suspended him without pay before firing him Tuesday, said Sgt. Lee Jones, a police spokesman. The investigation into the incident led police brass to place two of Batkas colleagues, Officers Jeremy Rodriguez and Emmanuel Collado, on modified duty and be given administrative work, Jones said. The pair had been drinking with Batka before the crash, according to the New York Daily News. Officials said investigators will look into what the group did and where they went throughout the night. Refused blood test A witness to the crash, Shabbir Shakeel, told Sgt. Andrew Barton that he saw a gray SUV driving erratically down Bedford Avenue about 3 a.m. and pass through the intersection with North Eighth Street in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, according to the complaint. Seconds later, Shakeel said he heard a loud impact and people screaming, then saw that the SUV had jumped the curb and people were bleeding on the sidewalk. Shakeel and other witnesses reported seeing the driver crawl to the passengers seat as bystanders stopped him from fleeing. The police officer dispatched to investigate, Lt. Danny Roberts, also saw Batka in the passengers seat and described him as having bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech and alcohol on his breath, according to court records. Batka refused a blood test. Esquivel suffered traumatic injuries to his head and chest and was pronounced dead at 6:40 a.m. MIT student Sophia Tabchouri, 20, and MIT graduate James Balchunas, 24, sustained severe trauma to their legs. New York University student Divya Menezes, 23, was in critical condition with a pelvic fracture and traumatic injuries to her legs and arm. Ambitious student Esquivel was in the city for an internship with the mobile marketing firm Appboy. He was going to be a senior in the fall and was set to earn a degree in electrical engineering and computer science, according to the university. He was a wrestling club officer and research assistant in a laboratory on campus that develops electronic medical record systems for underserved communities. Teachers at Healdsburg High School described him as one of the brightest students to pass through their classrooms. Hed regularly visited the school and its wrestling team, which he had captained his senior year. According to an obituary in the Healdsburg Tribune, he was an Eagle Scout, active community volunteer and accomplished skier, swimmer and hiker. He was interested in books, culture and ideas and always ready for a thoughtful discussion on topics ranging from the risks posed by artificial intelligence to the nuances of Harry Potter plot lines, the obituary said. A memorial service for Esquivel will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Healdsburg Community Church. Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov A Santa Rosa man was arrested Sunday night after calling the police, pledging allegiance to the Islamic State and expressing disappointment for not having been deported to his home country of Sudan. Elias Gebreweit Isaac, 27, told police that he wanted to be with the Islamic State and that if he wasnt deported, he may obtain and use an assault weapon that would lead to his deportation, said David Koch, the chief probation officer for Sonoma County. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Senior executives at the University of California who want to serve on corporate boards, consult for companies or otherwise moonlight must first explain how UC would benefit from the work, under conflict-of-interest rules that the systems Board of Regents approved Thursday. The regents also approved 3 percent raises for 19 top executives, a day after several UC workers staged a protest over wages they said were so low that many have had to skimp on meals and give up city apartments. The revised conflict-of-interest rules apply only to executives who request permission to do outside work from now on. About 50 of UCs 165 senior executives already have such gigs and are exempt from the new rules. Twelve moonlight with for-profit companies, including UCSF Medical Centers chief executive, Mark Laret. He sits on the boards of two businesses that together have sold millions of dollars worth of products to his hospital and have paid him more than $5 million in cash and stock awards. The Chronicle revealed this week that the public medical center has spent $6.8 million on products from Varian Medical Systems of Palo Alto since Laret joined its board in 2007, and has spent nearly $1 million with Nuance Communications, a Massachusetts software company, since Laret joined its board in 2010. Laret receives an average of $556,000 annually in cash and equity from the companies, on top of the $1.6 million he earns at UCSF Medical Center. He referred questions to a spokeswoman, who said in a statement that Laret makes no purchasing decisions involving the companies and that his work complies with UC policy. Lingering concerns Even so, ethics experts and union officials representing hospital employees called Larets arrangement problematic not only because the companies became suppliers to UCSF Medical Center after Laret joined their boards, but because his role as a corporate board member is to maximize profits, while his role at the hospital is to keep costs down. The new rules, proposed by UC President Janet Napolitano, still permit executives to serve on the boards of companies that do business with their campuses. Yet the regents said their intention in revising the policy was to address conflicts of interest actual and perceived. Regent Bonnie Reiss, who heads the compensation committee that handled the changes, told the board during its meeting in San Francisco, We take this very seriously. To UC Davis alumnus Paul Medved, however, it was unbelieveable that the regents would continue letting executives sit on the boards of companies that sell to their campuses. Please understand that the right number of allowed outside affiliations between senior managers and for-profit entities is zero, Medved said during the public comment period. He urged the regents not to exempt executives like Laret who already have outside gigs. You wouldnt grandfather in employees from a new sexual harassment policy, would you? So dont allow that here, he said. The revised rules require UC executives to get permission for all new outside work from two bosses rather than one. Outside work will also be capped at two activities instead of three. And executives are now barred from any work that might diminish the reputation of UC. The rules also require executives to submit a statement saying how the work would benefit the university, but provide no standard for measuring such benefits. It would seem that all an individual has to do in filling out the new forms is to use the language from the policy itself, said Judith Wilde of the George Mason University School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs in Virginia, who has studied university leaders presence on corporate boards. It doesnt seem like good public policy to just accept a statement of benefits at face value. UC officials said they expect to work out those details soon. CEOs work defended In Larets case, UCSF spokeswoman Barbara French said in a statement that his work on corporate boards has helped him gain financial and management discipline. It has also helped him introduce board colleagues to the university, many of whom have elected to receive their health care (there) and/or give philanthropically to the university, French said. A spokesman for Varian said that the company had made grants amounting to less than $30,000 for UCSFs continuing education program for doctors and nurses, and that it would have given the money regardless of whether Laret was on the board. Nuance did not respond to requests for comment. Napolitano proposed strengthening the conflict policy after UC Davis Chancellor Linda Katehis problematic service on two corporate boards came to light this year. The Sacramento Bee reported that in February, Katehi accepted a $170,000-a-year seat on the board of DeVry Education Group, a for-profit college that the federal government had sued a month earlier for allegedly making deceptive claims about graduates job-placement rates and wages. In March, the Bee reported that Katehi served on the board of textbook publisher John Wiley & Sons and was paid $420,000 in stock and fees. Katehi resigned from the boards and apologized. Napolitano then suspended her in April pending an investigation into other possible conflicts. How does it help? In approving UCs state funding for 2016-17, the Legislature called on the university to specify how executives outside work furthers the public mission of UC and to hold a public hearing each year to consider executives requests to serve on boards. UC spokeswoman Dianne Klein said there will be no public hearings. Instead, executives bosses will make the decisions in private and issue a public report to the regents, she said. The regents separate vote to grant 3 percent raises to several chancellors and other top executives will cost the university $227,500 annually. The 19 administrators receiving raises include Chancellor Sam Hawgood of UCSF and Chancellor Nicholas Dirks of UC Berkeley, whose base salaries grew to $795,675 and $531,939, respectively. The raises came a day after UC clerks, hospital schedulers, librarians and other employees protested on day two of the three-day meeting and told the regents their wages were too low to make ends meet. Represented by the Teamsters union, their labor contract expires in November. Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov A two-month old baby in the Erebouni district of Yerevan, the site of last nights clashes between demonstrators and police, had to be taken to a local hospital after suffering respiratory problems due to the tear gas fired by law enforcement. Sona Paytyan, the aunt of little Stepan, told Hetq that residents along Khorenatsi Street suffered due to the foul smelling gas. We took Stepan to the hospital just to be safe. Doctors said his blood oxygen levels were a bit depressed so they gave him oxygen. They kept him hospitalized overnight. Stepan is fine now, Paytyan said. The tear gas also affected Karineh, a resident of nearby Zavaryan Street. I was out walking with my grandson last night when I heard the explosions. They didnt sound like fireworks but like missiles. My eyes started to tear and I felt nauseous, she said. Karineh said her elderly mother was sitting on the outside balcony when the police shot off tear gas canisters. She still feels a bit nauseous, Karineh said, adding that her daughter and her children are in town on vacation from Germany for the second time. They visited the first time and the April four-day war broke out in Karabakh. This time, there were clashes. They havent been able to relax normally. They cant leave the house, said a frustrated Karineh. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate As much as its a solid indie feature, For the Coyotes is a master course for micro-budget filmmakers. Documentarian Eric Daniel Metzgar joins forces with veteran Bay Area stage actors Josh Schell and James Carpenter, and they use their respective assets to the fullest, creating an intimate drama that blends their talents. The set-up is steeped in San Francisco problems, beginning with mentally disconnected tech worker Josh (Schell) getting a call from his physically disconnected father Wendell (Carpenter), who is all but off the grid in a North Bay mountain cabin. Some bad news forces them to confront a lifetime of building dysfunction. For the Coyotes is a reference to Wendells gruesome-yet-ecological preferred funeral plan, getting ripped apart and fed to a pack of wild animals one of the many contentious topics of discussion as the pair sorts through their differences. Both leads are excellent, but Carpenters intense performance keeps the film on track when the casual pacing threatens to bring the narrative to a standstill. The American Conservatory Theater treasure and Christmas Carol Scrooge-in-residence gets stronger as the film becomes more meditative, reflecting the characters Buddhist beliefs. Filmed over just two weeks with a crew of four the actors, director/writer Metzgar and sound person Katherine Gorringe- the quiet mountain setting becomes a third character. Natural sound and frequent shots looking up through trees and closely at leaves complement the spare scoring. (While just a few moments of the film take place in the city, props for getting Sutro Tower in a shot, the surest sign that a filmmaker truly has local ties.) Much of For the Coyotes is technically spare, but never to the point of distraction. Cinematic proof that thoughtful filmmaking doesnt have a price tag. Peter Hartlaub is The San Francisco Chronicles pop culture critic. Email: phartlaub@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @PeterHartlaub. The film premieres in San Francisco on 8 p.m. Friday, July 22, at the Delancey screening room. A Q&A will follow with the director and actors. Tickets here. More information on Facebook and at www.ericdanielmetzgar.com For the Coyotes Drama. Starring Josh Schell and James Carpenter. Directed by Eric Daniel Metzgar. (Not rated. 97 minutes.) To see a trailer: https://vimeo.com/137103929 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate With its multimillion-dollar budget and access to the worlds biggest stars, the San Francisco Opera will always be the Bay Areas pre-eminent purveyor of opera. But its not the only one, not by a long shot. In addition to West Edge Opera, here are some of the other local operatic outfits, some of them boasting venerable pedigrees, some of them scrappy startups newly arrived on the scene. Joshua Kosman Ars Minerva: A new undertaking begun by soprano Celine Ricci to champion little-known early works. www.arsminerva.org Black Box Baroque: This enterprising company was founded in 2013 by soprano Sara Hagenbuch to focus on the 18th century repertoire, and so far has staged three Handel productions. www.blackboxbaroque.com Festival Opera: An indispensable company in Walnut Creek that celebrates its 25th anniversary in August with a Star Trek-themed production of Mozarts Abduction From the Seraglio. www.festivalopera.org Fremont Opera: Founded in 2007 by David and Barbara Sloss (formerly of West Bay Opera), the company gives semistaged productions of mostly standard repertoire. www.fremontopera.org Goat Hall Productions: A showcase for contemporary opera, often by local composers. www.goat-hall.org The Lamplighters: Now in its 64th season, the areas leading purveyor of Gilbert and Sullivan, along with other operettas. www.lamplighters.org Livermore Valley Opera: A 25-year-old company presenting standard repertoire performed by some of the top local artists. www.livermorevalleyopera.com Opera Parallele: Under the leadership of Artistic Director Nicole Paiement, this company has become one of the areas most reliably fine homes for contemporary opera. https://operaparallele.org Opera San Jose: The brainchild of the late, great Irene Dalis, the company offers a mixture of new and standard works performed by its company of young resident artists. www.operasj.org Opera Theater Unlimited: A year-old startup with resourceful productions of Britten and Monteverdi under its belt. www.operatheaterunlimited.com Pocket Opera: With its roots in the heyday of San Franciscos North Beach, Donald Pippins 39-year-old landmark is a showcase for local talents and for Pippins witty, cogent English translations. www.pocketopera.org Verismo Opera: A vehicle for accessible and affordably priced mountings of standard repertoire. www.verismoopera.org West Bay Opera: A Bay Area stalwart dating to 1956, with three full productions each season in Palo Alto. www.westbayopera.org BATON ROUGE, La. The man who ambushed and killed three law enforcement officers in Louisiana purportedly described his actions as a necessary evil in a self-described, handwritten manifesto that an Ohio man says was emailed to him by the gunman less than an hour before the shootings. Photographs of the three-page letter show it was signed by Cosmo, the first name of an alias used by Baton Rouge gunman Gavin Long, and the pictures were attached to an email sent from a Google address Long used. In the letter, Long said he expected people who knew him wouldnt believe he would commit such horrendous acts of violence. He wrote that he viewed his actions as necessary to create substantial change within Americas police force. The Associated Press obtained the photographs of the letter Wednesday from Yarima Karama, a Columbus, Ohio, musician who said he didnt know Long personally but received several emails from him after Long began commenting on Karamas YouTube videos in March. The Associated Press was not able to conclusively verify Long sent the photos himself from his Google account. Metadata reviewed from the three photos indicates they were snapped shortly before 8 a.m. on the day of the shooting using a Motorola Android cell phone, but both photos and time stamps can be modified. The photographs appear to have been taken from inside a car because a gearshift and a cup holder are visible. Police have said officers first saw the shooter at a convenience store at 8:40 a.m. Sunday. Within two minutes, there were reports of shots fired. Police gunned down Long after he fatally shot three officers and wounded three others. It was his 29th birthday. The violence capped two weeks of turmoil for Baton Rouge that began with the killing of a black man, Alton Sterling, during a scuffle with two white police officers at a convenience store. That shooting, captured on cell phone video, provoked widespread protests about police treatment of the black community. Karama said he provided a copy of the letter to FBI agents who interviewed him at his home Wednesday. In the self-described manifesto, which was started off with the words Peace Family, Long wrote about a concealed war between good cops and bad cops, and said he felt obligated to bring the same destruction that bad cops continue to inflict upon my people. Long, a black military veteran whose last known address was in Kansas City, Mo., spent five years in the Marine Corps. He served one tour in Iraq before being honorably discharged. Before the Baton Rouge shootings, Long posted rambling internet videos calling for violent action in response to what he considered oppression. A suspected show-off driver nabbed last weekend for staging an doughnut-spinning impromptu sideshow on the Bay Bridge pleaded not guilty to three misdemeanor charges during his Thursday arraignment in San Francisco Superior Court. Moises Abraham Rosales, 20, of San Leandro was allegedly behind the wheel of a black Ford Mustang racing three other cars along the western span of the bridge around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, California Highway Patrol officials said. Rosales car and a white Mustang, along with Chevrolet Camaro and another unknown maroon vehicle weaved dangerously through traffic at upwards of 90 mph as they raced west past Yerba Buena Island, the CHP said. Three of the drivers then blocked traffic so Rosales could do doughnuts across all five lanes, sending clouds of white smoke from burned rubber wafting into the air, while leaving the bridge pavement with black skid marks. A stalled driver captured Sundays episode on video and alerted the CHP. Officers waited on the end of the bridge and busted the drivers. Rosales was arrested at the scene and his black Mustang was impounded. Another driver was cited for aiding and abetting and released. Rosales was charged with participating in a speed contest, speed exhibition and reckless driving. He is due back in court Sept. 12. The brazen act, known as a sideshow, is a car show typically reserved for empty parking lots and quiet intersections in the East Bay. The events, which often draw large crowds, gained popularity through the 1990s in East Oakland and are often referenced in Bay Area hip-hop. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky The European Union Delegation issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Members States Heads of Mission in Armenia. We stress that the use of force to achieve political change is unacceptable and offer our condolences to the family of Colonel Artur Vanoyan, Deputy Commander of the Patrol Regiment of the Yerevan Police Department. We wish all persons injured in connection with the hostage situation at the police station in Erebuni swift and full recovery. With concern we note reports on excessive use of force and mass arrests by the police. In that regard, we call on the authorities to observe the principle of proportionality in handling public manifestations, which applies to both peaceful and violent gatherings. Likewise, demonstrators need to refrain from violence in the exercise of their civil rights. We also take note of the statements issued by the Ombudsman and call for a full investigation of all cases of alleged wrongdoing by the police, including mistreatment, denial of access to lawyers and medical care. This article was originally published on the web site of San Francisco Magazine. To read it in its entirety, go to sanfranmag.com. In July 2015, Michael Cordas hailed an Uber and waited for it at the appointed place, outside the Grand Hyatt Hotel in midtown Manhattan. And he waited. The car's estimated arrival time came and went. After 10 minutes, Cordas tried calling the driver. Instead, he got an operator recordingthe number was a "non-working number." A text he sent returned the same response. A few minutes later, the Uber app notified him of a $10 charge, because he had "canceled" his Uber request. After going through the same rigamarole two more timesin Toronto and IrvineCordas, a California resident, became the lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit filed today in the U.S. District Court's Northern District of California. In the Irvine incident, which took place in May 2016, the suit alleges that a $5 cancellation fee was never reversed. It goes on to allege that these three instances are not isolated incidents, but part of a "deceptive scheme" to "generate millions of dollars based on [Uber's] fraudulent, unearned and unconscionable 'Cancellation Fees.'" An email sent to Uber's PR team has so far not been returned. Is there really evidence of a widespread problem with bogus fees for no-show rides? Asked whether Cordas is the only plaintiff on board so far, Kristopher Badame, the attorney whose firm filed the class action, didn't give a definitive answer, replying only that Cordas is the lead plaintiff but that the class "consists of all Uber users in the United States that were subjected to their fraudulent cancellation fees." The suit asks the court to send notices to all current and former Uber customers of the past four years who may have paid these fees for rides that didn't appear. In April, Uber began a pilot that toughens the rules on canceling rides. The pilotonly active in New York City, New Jersey, Phoenix, and Dallaspenalizes riders if they cancel a ride more than two minutes after requesting it (the previous time limit was five minutes). This new suit contends that Uber's algorithm is "intentionally designed to charge a cancellation fee regardless of circumstances to the customer/driver." As far as Badame knows, his firm's suit is "the first case on file regarding these allegations," he says. Past suitswhich Uber settledhave been over the classification of workers as freelancers, not employees, and the misleading $1 Safe Rides Fee. Could the cancellation fees blow up into a big deal, or is this one more suit nipping at the heels of a behemoth? "I don't see many bigger consequences of this lawsuit," says Eric Goldman, director of the High Tech Law Institute at the Santa Clara University School of Law, after reviewing the complaint. "The plaintiffs may have discovered a glitch in Uber's software or policies. Those kinds of glitches happen to every large online service; and if the lawsuit makes it far enough, they get resolved with a settlement that Uber can afford." Goldman also wants to know more about how Uber's software behaves. "Does Uber routinely refund cancellation fees, even if they allegedly didn't refund it for the named plaintiff?" he asks. "If so, there may not be many Uber users to join the class." Read the story at sanfranmag.com. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz made a memorable speech at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night, and it was mainly because of what he didn't say, instead of what he actually said. The Houston conservative who clashed with Donald Trump during the GOP primaries and was often on the receiving end of Trump's insults didn't endorse the Republican nominee in Cleveland. In fact, he barely mentioned him at all, and instead urged the crowd to "vote your conscience." RELATED: No endorsement from Cruz; congratulations, but that's all "Vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution," Cruz said, according to the Associated Press. Near the end of his speech, delegates demanded that Cruz endorse Trump. When they didn't get what they wanted, boos and anger filled the convention hall, and TV viewers could barely hear Cruz's last words. Reportedly, Cruz faced angry confrontations after leaving the stage, CNN's Dana Bash reported. Cruz's wife, Heidi, had to be escorted out for her protection, CNN and Mashable said on Wednesday night. His non-endorsement of Trump wasn't the only controversial thing Cruz did. While urging the GOP to celebrate U.S. freedoms, he mentioned Alton Sterling, the black man killed by police in Baton Rouge, La., earlier this month, and whose family urged an end to violence against police and the community. The statement drew little applause at the convention. Several Republicans, including Chris Christie, derided Cruz, calling him "selfish" and accusing him of breaking a promise to support the party's nominee. Trump entered the convention hall near the end of the speech. After the speech, Trump tweeted: Months before, he and Cruz were involved in a bitter fight that turned personal as Trump ridiculed Heidi Cruz's looks. UGLY POLITICS: Ted Cruz, Donald Trump get into Twitter beef over their wives Cruz tweeted on Wednesday night: "To those listening, please don't stay home in November. If you love our country, stand and speak and vote your conscience #RNCinCLE" The uproar aimed at Cruz spilled onto social media: You make me sick @tedcruz all you had to do was mildly support Trump, anything you went back on your word. BOO SELF DESTRUCTION@tedcruz showed how little of a man he is He just nailed his political coffin shut But some gave Cruz a big pat on the back, and even Hillary Clinton, Trump's rival, weighed in: Click through the slideshow above showing memes' funny reactions to the speech. When Twitter banned Milo Yiannopoulos, a tech editor for the conservative news website Breitbart.com who used the Twitter handle @Nero, Yiannopoulos reacted with characteristic modesty. He told the New York Times the ban launched the beginning of the end for Twitter. Oddly, Yiannopoulos may be right. In February, the social media platform announced its Trust and Safety Committee. With Orwellian overtones, CEO Jack Dorsey tweeted, Twitter stands for freedom of expression, speaking truth to power, and empowering dialogue. That starts with safety. The San Francisco startup invites all comers to post their thoughts by name or anonymously. The more outrageous the tweets, the more attention they attract. Unbowed, Twitter HQ gets all sanctimonious when trolls get nasty. Like, who knew that would happen? Conservatives knew that the Twitter panel, comprised of left-leaning organizations, would target the right. Their suspicions were confirmed when Twitter promptly shuttered the account of Robert Stacy McCain, an antifeminist blogger. Twitter would not disclose which tweets led to McCains ostracism. Likewise, Twitter wont stipulate which tweets were the reason @Nero had to go on Tuesday. In the brave new world of social media, no one talks on the record. No social media platform discloses which actions specifically led to a users banishment. They give lip service to transparency, then hide behind their platforms and their doublespeak. So when I asked Twitter why it exiled @Nero, I got a vanilla statement emailed by a spokesperson who told me nothing and did not want to be named. I have to assume that Twitter talked to Buzzfeed, which reported @Nero was banned because he had incited his followers to bombard Ghostbusters star Leslie Jones with racist and demeaning tweets. The nasty racism unleashed in those tweets drove Jones off Twitter. As a private company, Twitter has the right to refuse service to unwanted individuals and set standards of acceptable discourse. Its prohibition on hateful conduct reads: You may not promote violence against or directly attack or threaten other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or disease. Thats a reasonable standard as long as it is applied fairly, or at least fairly most of the time. But there is nothing fair about the Trust and Safety Committee, a collection of left-leaning groups weaned on the expectation that institutions will protect them from the sharp elbows of partisan brawling. Yiannopoulos is a provocateur, a gay, alternative-right conservative who lives to push others buttons. When a lefty group gets his Most Dangerous Faggot Tour banned from campus, its like throwing him a steak. A shameless self-promoter, he flogs their intolerance, because, well, they are extremely intolerant. The proof is in the Twitter lifetime @Nero ban. Note that Twitter did not exile Yiannapoulos for anything he wrote, but for what his fans wrote. As the website Recode reported, Twitter booted Yiannopoulos because he was one of the main instigators. He tweeted that Jones was barely literate and also referred to her as a man. The barely literate was in response to a grammatical error in a Jones tweet. (Who among us is without sin?) Jones is tall and strong, hence the dig at her feminity. I dont defend those remarks. I endure worse on a regular basis. So if Twitter wants to ban users for relatively tame criticism, its going to become a lonely site fast. If Twitter can derail someone for what his or her followers do, then why not eject Black Lives Matter leaders for inciting the rogue Baton Rouge cop killer? Thats where guilt by association leads. We all know that wont happen. This is left versus right. This is liberals deciding what conservatives should be allowed to say. More conservatives will leave Twitter, and more liberals will think that everyone agrees with them because their views are reinforced on the Twitter loop. Its easy to tout civil discourse when youve muzzled your opponents. My guess is many liberals will nod in agreement with this column, but they wont do anything about it because theyll think Yiannopoulos deserved to be banned. And thats the end of Twitter. Debra J. Saunders is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dsaunders@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DebraJSaunders WASHINGTON Danny Cords of Seattle was only 14 when his parents enrolled him in three years of gay conversion therapy, seeking to tame his homosexual urges with Bible verses, a pocket cross and a motto that reminded him that all things are possible through Christ. He also kept a rock in his shoe, stepping on it as he walked to school, with the pain aimed at removing any temptation to have sex with a man and not to think about gay things. None of it worked, not even for a second. We all should be ashamed that its legal, said Cords, whos now 29 and says hes happily married to a man. While gay conversion therapy for minors has been banned in five states and in Washington, D.C., backing for the practice is alive and well, with gay rights advocates accusing Republicans of endorsing the idea at their partys national convention in Cleveland. On Monday, delegates voted to approve a platform that backs the right of parents to determine the proper medical treatment and therapy for their minor children. The platform makes no specific mention of gay conversion therapy, but critics say that passage is aimed at accepting the notion that ones sexual orientation can be changed. Gregory Angelo, president of the Log Cabin Republicans, the nations largest GOP organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender conservatives, said he was mad as hell over the platform, calling gay conversion therapy a debunked psychological practice to pray the gay away. Jonathan Hayes, who represents Pennsylvanias 10th Congressional District and allies himself with Log Cabin Republicans, echoed that sentiment. Im disappointed to see the platform reflect such an anti-LGBT position. I think its suicide, he told CNHI newspapers. Of the five states that have banned gay conversion therapy, California went first, in 2012. Since then, Oregon, Illinois, Vermont have followed suit, along with New Jersey, where Republican Gov. Chris Christie backed the prohibition. In Washington state, a bill to ban the practice, sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Marko Liias of Lynnwood, failed last year. Gay rights supporters note that one prominent Republican who appeared to back gay conversion therapy in 2000 was Indiana Gov. Mike Pence. Thats based on a statement from his website, where Pence said that money for an HIV/AIDS program should also to go organizations that wanted to help people change their sexual behavior. Pences selection as Donald Trumps running mate, combined with what Angelo calls the most anti-LGBT platform in the 162-year history of the GOP Party, assures that gay rights will be an explosive issue in the 2016 election. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate CLEVELAND The negative tone of the 2016 Republican convention continued Wednesday night, but for a time it was aimed at one of its own and not Hillary Clinton. Presidential nominee Donald Trumps primary rival, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, was booed off the stage after telling the audience to vote their conscience, pointedly refusing to endorse the GOP nominee, who used to refer to Cruz as Lyin Ted. Cruz said: To those listening, please, dont stay home in November. Stand and speak and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution. Thats as far as he went. His 20-minute speech came to an end with delegates shouting, Keep your pledge, Endorse and Vote for Trump. At that point Trump himself appeared in the arena, deflecting attention from Cruz, who left the stage. Trump did not look happy. The next speaker, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, gamely tried to clean up Cruzs mess. In this election, there is only one candidate who will uphold the Constitution, Gingrich said. So to paraphrase Ted Cruz, if you protect the Constitution of the United States, the only possible candidate this fall is the Trump-Pence Republican ticket. Nobody in the crowd was buying that, and Cruz was reportedly confronted by angry delegates and donors after his speech. Gingrich then turned the negative tone back toward its primary target of the past three days, urging voters to reject the suicidal dishonesty of Hillary Clinton. Cruz and fellow social conservatives Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker each emphasized Clintons negatives more than Trumps positives. Each barely mentioned him in their remarks. Rubio wasnt even at the convention, sending in a video instead. Theme: Clinton-bashing While the Cruz speech and his lack of endorsement of Trump showed that a real rift remains in the Republican Party, it still seems united in its opposition to Clinton as the prevailing thread of the convention, more so than the anointing of a nominee. The anger toward Clinton is a result of a perfect political and cultural storm, analysts said. The Clintons have been political lightning rods for three decades because of their involvement in numerous scandals both real (Bill Clintons affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, Hillary Clintons misuse of her email server) and discounted (their complicity in the death of their friend and aide Vince Foster). And, because Clinton likely will be the first woman nominated for president by a major party when the Democrats hold their convention in Philadelphia next week, she has become a proxy for people who have difficulty accepting powerful women. The tone was equally harsh on the sidewalks outside the convention. A few blocks away from the Quicken Loans Arena, vendors were selling shirts that read: Hillary Sucks But Not Like Monica, while another showed an image of Donald Trump riding a motorcycle as Clinton tumbles off. The back of Trumps shirt says, If you can read this, the bitch fell off. Ive even heard people yelling, Bitch! from the stands, said Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics, a nonpartisan research center at Rutgers University. Ive never seen anything like this, this freedom to use gendered slurs against her. Its bad politics Not only is it misogynistic, analysts say, its bad politics and illustrative of how that negative tone has dominated the Republican convention. But it can backfire, too. Between the misogyny one vendor outside the hall was doing a brisk business selling buttons that read Lifes a bitch: Dont vote for one and the overemphasis on Clinton-bashing from the conventions speakers retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson tried to link her to Lucifer analysts say Trumps supporters are doing little to broaden his appeal to the swing voters who will decide the election. It is time to have a positive message and give voters a reason to vote for the candidate rather than just against the alternative. But thats clearly not their strategy, said Kori Schake, a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, who was senior policy adviser to the 2008 McCain-Palin campaign. The speeches have been overwhelmingly negative and dark, she said. Elections are about addition, not subtraction, and theyre further narrowing their appeal. A woman who is strong and intelligent can be seen as emasculating to some men, said Barbara Perry, director of presidential studies at the University of Virginias Miller Center. But this stuff she has faced is a new low. The long-term effect could affect both parties, Walsh said. This base and disgusting level of discourse turns people off from politics especially young people, women and people of color anybody who is new to it, said Walsh, who gave a presentation to Republicans Wednesday in Cleveland about how to recruit more female candidates. When you see people screaming and yelling at each other, you think, Why do I want to get involved with that? It was vice presidential nominee Mike Pence who turned down the heat on the evenings Clinton bashing. In a straightforward speech accepting the nomination, Pence extolled his social conservative values. The harshest thing the Indiana governor could say about Clinton is that the Democrats have nominated someone with a stale agenda and the most predictable of names. Trump somebody different Hillary Clinton wants a better title, and I would too if I were Americas secretary of the status quo, Pence said. With Trump on tap to accept his nomination Thursday night, the harsh tone is unlikely to recede. Earlier Wednesday at a private breakfast for Asian American Republicans, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus tried to explain that in private Trump is actually a good listener and soft-spoken. In public, Priebus said, he isnt and thats OK. The button-down, Boy Scout approach hasnt worked for this party Priebus said Wednesday. So we got somebody different. Somebody who I think is pretty darn exciting. Somebody who speaks from the heart. Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli Online extras For a video of the button vendor, go to: http://bit.ly/2ahzC30 For a video of the pro-Trump attorney general of Utah rapping to an Asian American audience, go to: http://bit.ly/2addVOZ ISTANBUL The stunning sweep of Turkey's crackdown after an attempted coup last week forces questions about how far President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will go in a tense, conspiracy-fueled country. While the purges may be designed to derail any future insurrections, there are increasing concerns that Erdogan is seizing the moment to transform Turkey, steering it from its secular roots toward a more pious Muslim model and cementing personal power at the expense of democratic ideals. The mass dismissals of Turkish teachers and closure of hundreds of schools allegedly linked to the coup plotters suggest societal shifts are afoot that could empower Erdogan's conservative Islamic base. And if answers to Turkeys course lie in presidential rhetoric, the coup plotters, and possibly a wider circle of government opponents, can expect little tolerance after an insurrection in which renegade soldiers drove tanks in city streets and fired on civilian protesters. HONG KONG Three Hong Kong student leaders were convicted Thursday of leading or encouraging the massive pro-democracy street protests that unsettled the southern Chinese city two years ago. Joshua Wong tweeted that he was found guilty of the charge of participating unlawful assembly by court of Hong Kong. Serco Australia's citizen services division has kept its $1 million contract to provide interpretation services for a growing number of non-English speaking New Zealanders. The Department of Internal Affairs awarded the contract to provide the Office of Ethnic Communities' Language Line service for one year, with up to two yearly extensions, it said in a statement. Serco has held the contract for the past seven years and beat out rivals when the service was put up for tender earlier this year. "We understand and recognise the importance of these services to a wide range of people across New Zealand and are extremely pleased to continue that partnership following the open tender," Serco Citizen Services managing director Peter Welling said in an emailed statement. "We employ almost 200 people in New Zealand to provide the services with a wide range of skills across 44 languages who support the departments need for non-English speaking citizens every day." The Language Line was set up in 2003 offering interpretation services for people seeking access to more than 100 agencies, such as central and local government departments, crown entities, non-government organisations, district health boards, schools and certain power companies. More than 500,000 calls have been made to the line, with the highest volume languages being Cantonese and Mandarin, Korean, Samoan, Tongan and Arabic. In the 2015 financial year, 55,150 calls were made on the service, up from 32,308 in 2011. DIA's annual report shows $1.26 million was spent on the Language Line service in 2015, down from $1.32 million a year earlier. In a statement, DIA said Serco had "met all requirements of its Service Level Agreement throughout the duration of its previous contracts" with the Office of Ethnic Communities, and that the new deal "ensures continuity of the high standard of service that Language Line provides". Serco is better known in New Zealand as a private prison operator, running the newly-built Wiri facility south of Auckland, and managing the Mount Eden remand unit until the Crown stepped in last year. The global group runs outsourced public services around the world in numerous sectors, employing 122,000 people in 30 countries, including Australia's mainland and Christmas Island immigration detention centres to house asylum-seekers and illegal migrants arriving by boat and air. The citizen services division, which retained the New Zealand Language Line contract, provides outsourcing services spanning customer interaction centres, direct marketing, loyalty and fulfilment programmes, training design and delivery, customer relationship management software solutions and consultancy services, its website says. 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: Downer awarded $490 million road maintenance contract SKC - 2022 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND TRADING UPDATE TCL - Result of AGM TradeWindow secures U.S. footprint with FoodChain ID October 28th Morning Report 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 Letters Taking Issue With 'Pet Sounds' On occasion Lucy Muller's information in her "Pet Sounds" editorial is interesting and accurate. I especially appreciate her updates on regional court cases involving charges of animal cruelty or neglect. It's good to be reminded that there are laws that protect domestic and farm animals and good to send out calls for letters to our government officials to enforce these laws and make them stronger. However, Ms. Muller's recent article (7/7/2016) about how outside cats might be attacked by hawks, owls or eagles so exaggerated the "threat" and was so tunnel-visioned, I have to react. I think it is important, especially when writing about lightening-rod subjects such as outdoor cats, to use scientific facts, recent research, and know something about laws that protect wildlife. Here's some up-to-date facts: The Migratory Bird Treaty is celebrating its 100th year of conserving, protecting, and managing migratory bird populations and their habitats. The Treaty was initially between the US and Great Britain, and soon joined by Canada, Japan, Russia and Mexico, to conserve birds that migrate across international borders. Until this treaty was established, wild birds were killed for target practice, for their fancy feathers, for exotic pets, etc. Many species became extinct, such as the passenger pigeon (101 years ago, Martha, the last passenger pigeon, died). Although not all NYS birds migrate south for the winter, nearly all wild bird species are protected by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Most people are not aware of the laws that protect wild birds. For example, you cannot keep any wild bird as a pet. You cannot shoot a hawk because it's targeting your backyard chickens (or cat!). You cannot intentionally mow down gulls with your car. You cannot bring live or dead wild birds, their feathers nor their eggs, across borders. Any of these actions can land you in federal prison for up to 2 years and/or get hit with a fine of $10,000 per incident. Cats are not a native species. They are not part of a healthy, native environment. They are an extremely destructive invasive species. America's estimated 150 million outdoor cats kill up to 3.7 billion wild birds per year, according to a 2015 report from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Smithsonian's Migratory Bird Center. Tiny radio transmitters affixed to gray catbird nestlings in the Washington D.C. suburbs by the Smithsonian and Towson University showed that predators killed about 80 percent of those birds after they fledged and that cats were responsible for nearly half those deaths. In another study, house cats in a "kitty cam" study by the University of Georgia and National Geographic Society carried tiny video cameras. The footage shocked the cats' owners, revealing 44 percent of their pets were cutthroats; those cats averaged one kill every 17 hours outdoors. This study also found that house cats only brought 23 percent of their kills back to a residence. These statistics included many wild species killed by cats: lizard, chipmunks, birds, frogs, small snakes. A University of Nebraska study from 2010 states that cats have been responsible for the extinction of 33 wild bird species worldwide. Dr. George Fenwick, President of the American Bird Conservancy, states that, "If we extrapolate the results of this study across the country and include feral cats, we find that cats are likely killing more than 4 billion animals per year, including at least 500 million birds". In late October, 2015, NY Governor Cuomo vetoed legislation that would have used public funds to support statewide trap, neuter, release (TNR) programs for feral cats. In a public statement about his decision, the governor called the proposed bill "problematic" for many reasons, including evidence that shows TNR does not reduce feral cat populations and that feral cats have a major negative impact on wildlife, "including threatened and endangered species, habitats, and food sources for native predators." Ms. Muller writes, "never let your cat outdoors unattended" because of the extremely unlikely chance that a cat might be attacked by a raptor. If she would please research the evidence I present (above), she would realize that cats should NEVER be allowed outside, for their own safety (from ticks, coyotes, dogs, toxoplasmosis, rabies, etc.) and for the protection of wildlife, particularly wild songbirds, and especially in the spring and early summer when fledgling songbirds are often on the ground. Ms. Muller writes, "pay attention to sounds... and the lack of them... when you're outside with your cat. If the wonderful chirping of birds suddenly stops, or birds suddenly fly away... it might mean that a raptor is circling overhead or has silently perched in a nearby tree." Really? I had to laugh at that! Why would birds at a feeder suddenly go quiet or fly away? Most likely reason: YOUR CAT! When any wild bird or mammal is injured by a cat, if it survives, it needs a course of antibiotics starting as soon as possible (within 6 hours is best), or it will most likely die of infection. Even if you don't see any blood or puncture wounds. Cat's saliva is just plain toxic to wild birds and mammals. How do I know this? I've been a NYS and federally-licensed wild bird rehabilitator for over 10 years. If Ms. Muller saw the carnage that I see caused by domestic cats, almost every day, I think she'd admit all cats need to be kept indoors. It's the safest and kindest position to take if you are a cat owner, for the sake of the cat and of wildlife. I know many cat owners who are also "extreme bird lovers" (what the heck does she mean by that anyhow?)] who keep their cats indoors, and everyone is quite healthy, happy and safe. Annie Mardiney Rosendale Support First Responders Above Others? Despite deplorable testing scores in both English and math, I have not second guessed teachers as I trust that their jobs are not easy. They're up against inconceivable odds, what with the rate of fatherless or fractured nuclear families. I extend, as should teachers, that same courtesy to cops, who constantly deal with this same societal maladjustment, necessitating in some cases, judge and jury at a moment's notice. My wife and I emphasize to our children that they should always respect their teachers to help them to help you. Therefore, I call on all teachers unions to unite and rally for all lives matter, especially those in charge of maintaining a secure, civil society that allows us to, among other things, engage in safe public education. They are our first responders: our firefighters in red, our paramedics in white, and now, our most vulnerable police in blue. This sign of unity between bureaucrats will engender more support, empathy and respect for our police by students while assuring them of a secured, moral society... one worth investing in. Steven P. Clum Montgomery Land Of The Brave (Not the Depraved) We make many commitments in our lifetimes. The earliest one of them, is our pledge of allegiance to the flag in elementary school. It was a bit early at that age, but we spend our lifetime learning exactly what that means and it's taken almost all of mine, to realize that this election is the most crucial one I can remember ever facing, because there is so much at stake. As I searched my heart for the upcoming election at the same time that I felt that my dream would be to have Bernie Sanders as my president, I also realized that I would trust him if he decided to drop out and endorse another candidate. He did that as I write this letter, and since I just needed to know what he felt was best for our country, I am now endorsing Hillary. Bernie has been working hard in bringing Hillary to his side, and in her speech, she pledged to put her energy into Climate Change, along with all the other issues that were both mine and Bernie's. As Hillary began to speak, it was obvious why Bernie waited so long, to make sure that he brought her over to "our side," on all issues. I have even more love and admiration for him than ever, and I pledge here to follow Bernie in his endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President. To disappointed Bernie followers I say: He has her ear she made it clear. I beg all of my fellow Bernie supporters to understand that your vote for Hillary is a vote for Bernie's ideals. He feels that she can win and now, so do I. Jill Paperno Glenford Some Clarity On Ulster County SPCA As a board member of the Ulster County SPCA, I would like to clarify something regarding the feral cat situation in our county. An article stated that trapped feral cats will be transported to the ASPCA. Unfortunately many people believe the Ulster County SPCA and the ASPCA are affiliated. We are an independent Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals located in Kingston, and serving only Ulster County. The A in the ASPCA stands for American with headquarters in New York City. The UCSPCA does not receive any funding from the ASPCA. We do not receive any money from donations sent in monthly for the ASPCA. We are a non-profit organization that relies on donations send directly to us in Kingston. We are the only animal shelter in Ulster County that has a Humane Law division overseeing the laws surrounding animal welfare with the power to remove animals from unfit situations and press charges against the owners/abusers. We also have an animal clinic at our facility that is open to the public for low cost spay/neuter services. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to clarify the difference between the Ulster County SPCA and the ASPCA. Although our missions may be similar, we are independent of each other. Jill Schintone Saugerties Society Depends On Community Respect If the Cancun Inn won't serve Trump supporters, why didn't they turn Ms. Levy away at the door with her pro-Trump hat and button? Why would this restaurant refuse to serve Trump supporters? They have been in business for 30 years, their customer base is overwhelmingly non-Hispanic. They couldn't have survived if they'd refused to serve people with offensive opinions about immigrants. If Ms. Levy wanted Mexican food, why didn't she go to Taco Bell instead of a restaurant owned by people born in Mexico the people Trump wants to deport? How many people depend on Hispanic immigrants to take care of their children and elderly at home, in day care, schools and nursing homes? To clean their homes, offices, clothing? To provide jobs as business owners? To work in almost every professional and technical service we depend on? What would happen to us if all of them were deported? Will the hatred that the Cancun Inn has been receiving from Trump supporters become acceptable behavior if he is president? If someone alleges that they've been mistreated by an immigrant or Muslim or black person or whoever else is added to the blacklist will the expected response be to threaten, harass, fire or close down the offender's business? I want to believe this isn't how most Trump supporters feel, but haven't yet seen any of them speak out against it. Deborah Lain Westtown The Anti-Homesharing Bill Is Wrong! I am a senior citizen and home sharing is important to me. Our taxes are high in New York. Home sharing benefits me, my neighborhood and the local economy by bringing visitors to our town and the surrounding towns. They eat in restaurants, shop in our stores and make Saugerties a popular destination. I want fair and clear regulations. The anti-homesharing bill is harmful because it would prohibit advertising of certain types of listings of short-term rentals in multifamily dwellings in New York when the permanent resident is not present. Fines would be up to $7,500 for multiple violations. This bill treats everyday New Yorkers who share their homes occasionally the same as it treats commercial operators who run illegal hotels. Pamela Pentony, Saugerties Being online has become as natural a part of life for most Americans as watching TV or listening to the radio on the way to work. According to the Global Web Index, three out of every four of us actively use at least one social media site, and about two thirds of us are active smart phone users. This online world is often referred to as virtual -- as if what we do on the internet or our mobile devices isnt quite real. Unfortunately, thats an illusion that can be costly. From identity theft and fraud to bullying and sexual predators, life in the virtual world can have very real impacts. That is especially true for military members and families. The risks and realities of life online can have serious and lasting consequences. Often those threats are external -- scam artists, thieves and even terrorist organizations, for example. Sometimes, however, we are our own worst enemies. Here are some tips, tricks and advice to help you stay safe online, both from external threats and from self-inflicted harm. Maintain Your Privacy Wed all like to think that access to our password-protected social media accounts are limited to the people we like or friend. Unfortunately, its just not true -- at best, our social media profiles are open to our friends friends. Just do the math, though, and even that can be disconcerting. The average Facebook user has about 330 friends, which means if youre an average user, about 108,000 people can access your profile. Thats assuming your privacy and security settings are updated and locked down. Most arent. So what can you do? Actively manage and regularly review the privacy settings for all social networks, mobile applications and web sites you use. Do not post personally identifiable information (PII) -- yours or others -- such as dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers or email addresses. Be mindful of what you post. For example, posting vacation pictures can alert potential thieves that you are not at home; posting information about your childs regular activities (practices, rehearsals, home-alone times, etc.) can give predators information they can use to target your family. Assume that everyone will see what you post -- if you wouldnt say it or show it to your parents, your neighbor or your boss, you probably shouldnt post it. Be careful with widgets. They may have different privacy settings than the social media site itself, and may give access to your profile to many more people than you intend. For more information about privacy, including information about privacy settings on popular social network sites, go to http://dodcio.defense.gov/Social-Media/Social-Media-Education-and-Training/ Apply OPSEC Online The easy accessibility, popularity and its public nature combine to make social media a major operations security risk. One innocent, well-intended but careless post can potentially put a mission, an individual or an entire unit at risk. Think thats an exaggeration? Consider the implications of a military spouse posting something as simple as, Half my heart is in Afghanistan. Alone, it doesnt offer much. But its probably fairly easy to identify who the spouse is from the same profile. From that profile, its likely you can tell what base and even what unit the Airman is assigned to, and very possibly what career field. Before long, and in combination with other information gleaned from other social media profiles, an enemy can get a surprisingly good picture of whats going on. So what can you do? Apply your OPSEC training. Weve all had it, but its pointless unless we use it. Theres no more important venue to apply OPSEC than online and with social media. Remember that in todays military, OPSEC is a family affair. Talk to your spouse, parents, children, significant others and extended family about their roles and responsibility. The online presentation, OPSEC for Families is a good resource to help -- go to http://www.slideshare.net/DepartmentofDefense/opsec-for-families. Turn off geo-tagging or location-based check-in services. Many cell phone cameras automatically tag photos with GPS coordinates unless you turn that functionality off. In addition, social media sites and many mobile applications use your phones GPS capability to know where you are, so be careful which apps you use and whether theyre allowed to access this functionality. Dont post work schedules, itineraries or travel plans, especially if related to deployments. Be aware of backgrounds in photos. You may be unintentionally revealing sensitive or even classified information, and it might also reveal where you are and what youre doing. Apply the mantra, When in doubt, throw it out. If youre even the least bit uncomfortable about whether to post something, then dont. Want more information on OPSEC and social media? Go to http://dodcio.defense.gov/Social-Media/Social-Media-Education-and-Training/ Govern Yourself For whatever reason, people tend to say or post things online that they would never say to an actual person. Social media can give us a sense of anonymity and distance that is deceiving, leading us to behave in ways we normally wouldnt. The real truth is, the same rules that apply to face-to-face conversations apply to social media. Similarly, posting something to social media is not terribly different than publishing something in a newspaper. All of us need to be mindful that what we say online is not virtual at all, but very real. Air Force Instruction 1-1 give plain guidance to social media use for Air Force members. You are personally responsible for what you say and post on social networking services and any other medium. Regardless of the method of communication used, Air Force standards must be observed at all times, both on and off-duty. What does this mean in practical reality? For one example, the restrictions that apply to military members and federal employees regarding political activity apply to social media and other online interactions. Generally speaking active duty members can express personal views on public issues or political candidates on social media. If the post or the profile clearly identifies them as an active duty member, however, they must clearly and prominently state that the views expressed are those of the individual only and not those of the Department of Defense or the Air Force. In short, they must avoid any implication of DoD or Air Force endorsement. Members are also prohibited from engaging in partisan political activity. Online, this means a member may friend, like or follow a candidate or party, but may not make direct posts or links to or on behalf of the sites of those candidates, parties, campaigns, etc. Nor may they invite or suggest that others like, friend or follow those parties, or engage in any kind of fundraising for them. These all amount to partisan political activity. Another example of where face-to-face and online behavior sometimes conflict relates to showing proper respect for leaders, whether NCOs, officers or civilian leaders. The simple rule of thumb here is that if you wouldnt say it in front of your commander, dont say it online. It is one thing, for example, to express disagreement with a policy or decision. It is quite another to defame a person. I disagree with my units decision to change the color of our morale day shirt is perfectly fine. Chief Smith is a [expletive] moron is not. The same goes for elected and appointed civilian leaders. Again, dont be fooled by the illusion of anonymity and distance that social media can present. Saying or posting it online counts every bit as saying it face to face. Assume your commander is going to read everything you post, and act accordingly. Need more information? Go to http://dodcio.defense.gov/Social-Media/Social-Media-Education-and-Training/ Base Resources for Advice and Assistance There are a number of local resources and offices that can help you with your social media questions, including: 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. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close BENGALURU: Germany has made it clear that they will be playing hard ball against Britains exit from the EU. The signs were looking good when German Finance Minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble called the demands from Philip Hammond, the new Chancellor of Exchequer, to grant access for British financial firms to the EU single market were reasonable. However, the signs have turned ominous again. Just a day after Schaeubles statements, a Berlin finance ministry spokesman informed the media that Germany will have its own demands when the negotiations begin. "He used the word 'reasonable'," the spokesman told Reuters. "But the sentence then goes on. He said the British would make demands that are reasonable from their point of view, and from our point of view it is just as reasonable that we have demands." When asked whether Schaeuble will consider Hammonds demands, the spokesman reiterated that Germany will consider them but will put forward their own demands, too. London is the current global financial services hub; however, with Brexit looming, experts believe that it is all about to change. "Some asset managers in London are already looking at other centers in Europe, and banks are under pressure to stick close to clients," a banking industry official said. Though nobody expects London to lose its status immediately, many financial institutions are considering the migration of their offices to Paris or Berlin. Realizing the opportunity, France has already started measures to lure business towards Paris. Then again, all eyes will be on incoming British PM, Theresa May, who has her hands full with triggering Brexit as well as negotiating a win-win agreement for both parties. But, with Boris Johnson as the new Foreign Secretary, shes got a tough job on her hands. Read Also: Snapdeal in the Race to Acquire Jabong Highest-Paid Independent Directors Of IT Industry In India NEW DELHI: Advay Ramesh, a 14-year-old student from Chennai, has won the prestigious Google Community Impact Award from Asia for creating a device that enhances fishermen's safety and productivity, Google India announced on Tuesday. Ramesh, a Class 10 student from Chennai's National Public School, is also among 20 finalists shortlisted to compete for a $50,000 scholarship from Google. "Winning the Google Community Impact Award means a lot to me, it would help me learn more and develop my idea further," Ramesh said in a statement. Ramesh's "FishErmen Lifeline Terminal (FELT)" hand-held terminal uses the Standard Position Services (SPS), an open service without encryption provided by the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System to enhance fishermen's safety and productivity at the sea. "I have often read news about the troubles encountered by fishermen in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. They have to stay at sea for many days to do their work. Sometimes, Sri Lankan forces arrest them for crossing the International Maritime Boundary line. Location-based information can provide many valuable services to these fishermen to handle these situations," Ramesh said in his project discription. The Google Community Impact Award honours a project that makes a practical difference in the innovator's community by addressing an environmental, health or resources challenge. "Young minds are inventive, thoughtful, and determined to try things that other people think are 'impossible.' It's imperative for us to support and encourage these young people to explore and challenge the world around them through scientific discovery," said a Google spokesperson. Out of several projects across the globe, Google selected top 100 ideas, including 14 projects from students across India. Read Also: Rajya Sabha Passes Bill For Regional Biotechnology Centres Indian-Origin Ex Spore PM Bestowed South Asian Diaspora Award NEW DELHI: Total internet subscribers in India reached 342.65 million in March with Bharti Airtel leading the chart, Parliamentwas informed today. As per data shared by Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha in the Lok Sabha today, there were 34,26,54,750 internet subscribers as on March 31, 2016. In the list of 138 internet service providers shared by the minister, telecom major Bharti Airtel topped the chart with 90.53 million internet subscribers. It was followed by Vodafone with 67.55 million subscribers, Idea Cellular 44.03 million, RelianceCommunications 39 million, BSNL 34 million, Aircel 22.44 million, Tata 21 million and Telenor 13 million. Sistema Shyam (MTS), MTNL and Videocon had internet subscriber base close to 2 million while rest of the companies have less than 1 million users. As per data, Reliance Jio listed in the chart had only 1 subscriber by March-end. Maximum number of internet subscribers in urban area are from Maharashtra with 19.72 million and UP East topped the chart with in rural internet segment with 11.21 million subscribers. Read Also: Cisco To Take Up Pilot Project For Hyderabad Smart City Kyocera Tops Monochrome Photocopier Category In India: IDC NEW DELHI: In a bid to foster curiosity, creativity and imagination among young innovators, NITI Aayog on Tuesday signed a two-year statement of intent (SOI) with tech giant Intel India to set up the first 10 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in the country. Part of the government's flagship Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), the tie-up will lead to the creation of laboratories at schools aimed at teaching skills such as computational thinking, adaptive learning, physical computing and developing a design mindset among students between 12-18 years of age. Over a period of five years, $15 million are set to be spent on building and managing 500 ATLs in schools and communities around the country and these first 10 ATLs will act as exemplars for the remaining 490. "The Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) will provide school students the opportunity to work with tools and equipments, fostering inventiveness. Students will also be able to exchange knowledge and learn from one another through regional and national-level competitions, exhibitions, workshops on problem solving, designing and fabrication of products, so that," Amitabh Kant, chief executive, NITI Aayog, told reporters here. The signing event at the NITI Aayog office in the capital was attended by Kant, Rosalind Hudnell, vice-president (Corporate Affairs) at Intel Corporation and President of the Intel Foundation and Kishore Balaji, Director of Corporate Affairs Group, Intel South Asia, among others. "We are proud to be part of the AIM to launch tinkering labs throughout India, which will ultimately help millions of children across the country develop the skills they need to be competitive as tomorrow's workforce," said Hudnell. The first 10 labs intend to impact 250,000 youth with innovation skills for the future across 500 communities and schools. As part of the initiative, Intel India will facilitate ideation, design thinking and prototyping workshops through industry experts and co-lead an innovation festival. "This collaboration is part of our endeavour to nurture local innovation and promote a culture of tinkering among our future citizens," said Balaji. NITI Aayog also organised an expert consultative group meeting on creating a framework for operationalising 500 ATLs. Read Also: India A 'geopolitical ally' Of U.S.: Republicans India Skill Competition Winners To Participate In World Event BENGALURU: Pune has largely been favoured as the hub for healthcare and health tech start-ups in the country. The number of successful health startup in Pune includes Medsonway: Delivers medicines, Docplexus: A doctor's network, Allizhealth: Allows people to store their health data, and Medifee: provides pricing information on tests and hospital procedures. This preference of Pune over other cities for such health related establishments does not just stop with start-ups. Both Infosys and Syntel have their healthcare head office in Pune. There are also institutes like Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences and Ashtang Ayurveda that ensure access to experts with domain knowledge and expertise. The main reason for choosing Pune seems to be the availability of skilled human resource. With its highly acclaimed medical, technology and management institutions, Pune has richly talented professionals and student force and thus creates demand for services. However, one of the key challenges for start-ups in Pune is funding. Investors seem to be reluctant to invest in smaller start-ups in Pune while there are bigger prospects available from cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai and Chennai. Although many see the lack of funding as a big issue, there are those who consider this to be a positive for Pune. There is a lot of noise in other cities; we wanted to do our groundwork and Pune provided the best environment to do that and stay under the radar. Pune lacks investor attention, but its better this way - it helps companies focus on the basics and bootstrap. Investors will get involved only when they really want to invest, said Abhijit Gupta, CEO of Praxify Technologies, as reported Priyanka Sangani, ET Bureau. Read Also: SRI Capital Invests $2.3 Million in 3 Innovative Startups Govt Sets Up Incubation Cell At IIFT For Export Start-Ups Melania trump.JPG Melania Trump's $2,000 Roksanda Ilincic dress sold out minutes after she wore at Monday night's Republican National Convention. As soon as the news hit Wednesday that the Trump Organization employee Meredith McIver admitted to taking passages from Michelle Obama's 2008 convention speech that were used in Melania Trump's Republican National Convention speech on Tuesday, social media wondered whether McIver was a real person. There were two reasons why this skepticism - and not just from regular Joes on the Internet - surfaced: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump had been accused of being his own spokesman by using the names John Barron and John Miller while drumming up press for himself in the New York tabloids, and Melania Trump said she wrote the speech "with as little help as possible." Serious question: has any news outlet seen or interviewed Meredith McIver? Asking because of the GOP candidate's history of using aliases. Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) July 20, 2016 Recall that Manafort et al denied this was a case of plagiarism. Now his aide, Meredith McIver, says it was. Odd! Michael Barbaro (@mikiebarb) July 20, 2016 McIver, who in a statement described herself as an in-house staff writer at the Trump Organization and "a long-time friend and admirer of the Trump family," is in fact real. And Melania Trump's 2016 RNC speech isn't the only high-profile writing she's created. McIver was a co-author on a number of Donald Trump's books, including the 2004 bestseller "How to Get Rich," the New York Daily News reported. The paper said McIver is a 65-year-old Manhattan resident and registered Democrat. New York has a closed primary, meaning McIver could not have voted for her boss in the state's primary contest. The New York Times reported that McIver is also a former ballet dancer, while Time added that she majored in English at the University of Utah and had a career on Wall Street before she attended the American School of Ballet. You can read McIver's statement copping to lifting portions of Michelle Obama's speech below: Trump Speechwriter Statement by hkoplowitz on Scribd STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- He's pretty funny "for a Staten Islander." That was the takeaway for MSNBC's Chris Matthews, who caught up with proud Staten Islander Colin Jost and his Weekend Update counterpart Michael Che during the Republican National Convention. The two "Saturday Night Live" parody news hosts hit Cleveland for some comedic relief, but their appearance with the veteran Hardball host was less Trump, more borough-bashing. It all started when, in some kind of rant about New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Matthews began to rip our neighbor state, thinking he'd have a couple of New Yorkers on his side. Jost enters with the start of some good-natured Staten Island jesting: "I'm from Staten Island, so it's the one place that can't make fun of Jersey." Throughout the segment, seemingly whenever Matthews runs out of things to say, the trio returns to the Republican voters of Staten Island, who overwhelmingly voted for Trump in the state's primaries. "Staten Island is like 70s 80s Republicans," Jost explains. "It's just like a lost world. It's not that they're not smart, they just have that way of life -- it's still a small town, it's nice." I'm just going to leave that right there. Matthews did get a few digs in at Che's Lower East Side upbringing, to be fair. But I'd say about 75 percent of this was aimed at Staten Island. Watch the whole segment here: Jost and Che also two did a special "Weekend Update" summing up the events and the culture at the Republican Convention, ripping into Nominee Donald Trump, his less-well-known VP selection Mike Pence and the general lack of diversity of the convention-goers. The two will appear again on July 27 on MSNBC for the Democratic National Convention. So can we expect the same sick burns in Philadelphia? "Philly thinks that we're going to be on their side and that's going to be a lot of fun," Che told Matthews. Here's more from their "Weekend Update" bit: Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, points toward Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana after Pence's acceptance speech during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Was it a case of sour grapes? Did Texas Senator Ted Cruz deliberately dis Donald Trump, his party's presidential nominee, in his speech at the Republican National Convention Wednesday evening? At first the delegates filling the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland cheered Cruz, who had finished second to Trump in the primaries, but suspended his campaign in May. Led by the New York delegation, seated at the foot of the podium, the cheers quickly turned to jeers and boos, as he encouraged Americans -- including, he said, those watching at home -- to simply "vote your conscience" in November. "Vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution," Cruz said. In a surreal moment, Trump unexpectedly walked into the arena just as Cruz was wrapping up his remarks. Delegates chanted Trump's name and implored Cruz to voice his support for the party nominee. As soon as Cruz left the podium -- his wife, Heidi, had to be separately escorted through the arena of angry delegates -- Trump supporters immediately ripped into Cruz, in the media and on social media, for failing to endorse the party candidate and and promote party unity. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who spoke at the convention Tuesday night, ripped into Cruz, calling his action "totally selfish" NJ.com reported. Some chalked it up to "sour grapes" after Cruz decided to withdraw from the race. But Trump -- whose nickname for Cruz is "Lying Ted" -- said he had seen Cruz's controversial speech ahead of time, and had decided to let him speak for the sake of the party. He later shrugged off the speech, Tweeting that it was "no big deal." Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didn't honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 21, 2016 Watch the CNN YouTube video clip of Cruz's controversial remarks and tell us what you think. Did Cruz deliberately dis Donald? Use the Comment section below. Ted Cruz Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, walks from the podium after speaking during the Republican National Convention, Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) CLEVELAND -- Sen. Ted Cruz was the subject of various speeches -- and even a prayer -- during a breakfast for New York delegates attending the Republican National Convention Thursday morning. "Lord I pray for me and my anger toward Mr. Cruz, a fellow believer," said Michael Faulkner, a Harlem minister who is running for mayor of New York City, as some people laughed and others murmured. "And Father, I pray publicly, asking you to help me but help him, Lord God, in his dysfunction. ..." On Wednesday night, Cruz gave a long speech in a primetime spot and was booed off the stage as he ended his speech without endorsing Donald Trump. He has come under attack from many in his party, calling him selfish and a divider. Follow Rachel Shapiro on Twitter @Writingrachel as she covers the convention in Cleveland through July 21. Tune in to SILive.com Thursday night for a live blog of convention events. Donovan.jpg Rep. Daniel Donovan has gone against his party in the House, but Sen. Ted Cruz's decision not to endorse the GOP nominee, was "selfish" and "dishonest," he said. (Rachel Shapiro/Staten Island Advance) CLEVELAND -- Hillary Clinton has been Enemy No. 1 for days at the Republican National Convention, but on Wednesday night, Sen. Ted Cruz's face was in the crosshairs of many in the GOP, under fire from his colleagues in Congress, including Rep. Daniel Donovan, who called his decision not to endorse Donald Trump "selfish." Cruz delivered a speech during primetime Wednesday night and was booed off the stage -- beginning with the New York delegation -- as soon as it was clear his speech was wrapping up and he wasn't going to endorse Trump. A former opponent of Trump's, many were hoping the Texas senator, in a show of party unity, would back the nominee. "I think it was selfish, I think it was dishonest," Donovan said in an interview after a breakfast with his delegation Thursday morning. "Mr. Trump was kind enough to give him a prime spot." "I don't know how Republicans could support Ted Cruz from this point on," he said, adding that the senator used the speech to prop himself up, instead of acting toward party unity. "Last night was not Mr. Cruz's time," Donovan said. "It was Donald Trump's time." Cruz has made a name for himself by being a renegade, ticking off members of his own party and refusing to compromise, playing the part of insubordinate trailblazer. Utah Sen. Mike Lee endorsed Cruz early on, the only one in the Senate to do so, speaking to Cruz' inability to make friends in his own chamber. "There's 54 Republicans in the Senate -- he found one to endorse him," the congressman said. South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham later endorsed Cruz, after saying earlier "if you killed Ted Cruz on the floor of the Senate, and the trial was in the Senate, nobody would convict you." The Cruz/Trump endorsement snub "is telling of Sen. Cruz's personality, his demeanor, the way he treats other people," Donovan said. Tune in to SILive.com Thursday night for a live blog of convention events. Former Congressman Vito Fossella at the New York delegation breakfast in Cleveland Thursday during the Republican National Convention. (Staten Island Advance/Rachel Shapiro) CLEVELAND, OH -- Former Congressman Vito Fossella sees the 2016 Republican National Convention as very different, and unscripted -- but with an intensity that is often seen when a party is working to reclaim the White House. "Whenever there's an incumbent administration for say, eight years, the intensity to get the White House back is always going to be greater. Like the one in 2000, in Philadelphia. It was that feeling of 'We want to reclaim the White House'," Fossella, who has attended five conventions, recalled. During an interview with Fossella at Cleveland's Renaissance Hotel, where the New York delegation is staying, he credited Donald Trump with injecting "a whole new life into this convention, it's different." Fossella described RNC 2016 as "clearly not scripted the way others have been. You know what? Life is not scripted either, so ... people are genuinely waiting to see what's going to happen next." He noted "the uniqueness of the Trump phenomenon, his campaign." Tune in to SILive.com Thursday night for a live blog of convention events. 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 Aussie Carrie Lester finished second at the 2016 Datev Challenge Roth in Germany and here is a closer look at her race ready Orbea Ordu OMP bike with Rotor, Vision, XLab, ISM and Shimano components. Although she is Australian, she had a relatively short trip to Roth from Leysin, Switzerland. Lester said before the race that she was very happy with her new Orbea. Like most Orbea Ordu OMP bikes we have seen to date, this one too had many Vision/FSA components. The ISM PN 1.1 saddle of Lester shows signs of many hours on the bike. The tape near the back however holds the Effetto Mariposa Espresso cartridge under the seat. Lester rode a Vision Metron 55 up front and a Vision Metron 81 in the back. The tire up front is a 23mm Continental Grand Prix 4000 S II, and in the back a 22mm Continental Competition. Rotor Flow InPower aero cranks in a 165mm length with 53/39 Rotor Q rings and Look pedals. The TriRig Omega X brake is one of the most aero options available. Lester rides Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 components on her Orbea Ordu OMP. The TriRig Omega X brake can also be found on the rear of this fast bike. The view from above shows Lester's XLab hydration and GPS BTA setup. In addition the the XLab BTA bottle Lester also has an XLab Aero TT bottle on the downtube. But when she checked in her bike neither bottle was in place for obvious reasons. A closer look at the stored Effetto Mariposa Espresso cartridge. Carrie Lester on the way to second place (just as she had done in 2015) through the beautiful countryside in and around Roth, Bavaria. 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Directed by Nadia Tass. Red Stitch Actors Theatre and Geelong Performing Arts Centre. The Playhouse. Canberra Theatre Centre. Until July 23. Bookings: canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 0262752700 Hannie Rayson once again affirms her place as one of Australia's finest playwrights in Nadia Tass' tightly directed, thought-provoking and absorbing production of Extinction. Rayson writes with integrity, intelligence and profound insight into the debates that determine our attitudes towards the environment, coal mining, the preservation of endangered species, the precarious sphere of human relationships and the abiding preoccupation with our mortality. Ngaire Dawn Fair, left, Colin Lane and Natasha Herbert in Extinction. Credit:David James McCarthy. At the close of the drama the questions continue to resonate. In a brilliantly balanced display of moral and ethical conundrums, Rayson elicits complete engagement with her ideas and the lives of her characters. Tass and her superbly talented actors of Red Stitch Actors Theatre avoid any vestige of didactic postulating. This is a deeply human drama, probing the mind and touching the heart and exploring the essence of our fleeting mortality. In Extinction, Rayson is more than a prophetic voice for our time. She is also a consummate storyteller, with a plot laden with drama, complicated by conflict, and laced with humour and surprise. Mining executive Harry Jewell (Colin Lane) has run over an endangered tiger quoll during a stormy night in the Otways. He takes it to the nearest veterinary clinic where research assistant Piper (Ngaire Dawn Fair) attempts to heal it before the vet Andy (Brett Cousins) arrives. Jewell seeks to support a plan to preserve the quoll by offering money to Andy's sister, Heather (Natasha Herbert) who is head of a university research department, and Piper's supervisor. Gungahlin and Weston Creek will each get a new nurse-led walk-in centre if ACT Labor wins the October election and is returned to government. Chief Minister Andrew Barr will make the election promise when he addresses the Labor Party conference on Saturday. Gungahlin and Weston Creek will each get a new nurse-led walk-in centre if ACT Labor wins the October election and is returned to government. Credit:Joe Armao He said the centres would make it easier for more Canberrans to "access even better care". The government opened two walk-in centres in Belconnen and Tuggeranong in 2014. The Belconnen centre had more than 16,000 attendances last financial year while Tuggeranong had just over 17,500. "The nurse-led walk-in centres provide free one-off advice and treatment for people with minor illness and injury. This ensures that all Canberrans can get the health support they need," Mr Barr said in a statement. "The centres also take pressure off other areas of the health system." In what is likely to be one of many election pitches to come during the next three months, Mr Barr said there was "only one party in this city that cares about providing better health services for all Canberrans, not just those that can afford it". "This is part of my government's promise to the people of Canberra that you can only trust a Labor Government to ensure you have access to the health services you need," he said. Residents of Oaks Estate have welcomed a "fundamental shift" in government thinking toward the forgotten suburb, which they say is finally bringing basic public services for disadvantaged residents. The government announced on Thursday that it would boost bus services to Oaks Estate, a 180-year-old ACT village which sits right on the NSW border next to Queanbeyan. Kate Gauthier outside her family's Oaks Estate home. Credit:Jamila Toderas Roughly 43 per cent of the homes are public housing, unemployment rates are high, average household incomes are low, and many residents are trying to turn their lives around through drug rehabilitation or post-release corrections programs. The lack of bus services to and from Oaks Estate - there are three buses to Queanbeyan daily between Monday and Friday - has been a source of constant frustration for residents. Australia's airline wars have entered another battle ground. This time it's the Wi-Fi wars - be it tweeting over the Tasman or joining the emile-high club, the race is on. Virgin has become the first to announce Wi-Fi on international flights, and both Virgin and Qantas have now heralded the imminent arrival of this connectivity on domestic routes. Qantas Virgin released scant detail on when it would start the service or who its communications partners will be. It announced its intention as part of the official start of its new international business class cabin, a product that its chief executive John Borghetti says is best in class - albeit that's a claim Qantas may well dispute. (Certainly when it comes to seat configuration Virgin's one seat on each window and two seats in the centre means no more climbing over the person lying next to you on route to the bathroom.) Medibank customers appear to be the most dissatisfied, with complaints to the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman skyrocketing in the past three years. Three hundred-and-fifty complaints were made against Medibank between January and March this year, 127 per cent more than in the same quarter in 2014, the ombudsman's latest quarterly bulletin shows. To compare, total complaints against all health insurers grew by 18 per cent in the same time frame. Exxon Mobil is set to emerge as the dominant force in Papua New Guinea's gas export sector, after the ASX-listed Oil Search decided not to challenge the US oil major's $US2.3 billion bid for InterOil Corp. Oil Search launched an agreed takeover of InterOil in late May, but Exxon lobbed a better offer this week. Exxon has outbid Oil Search in the battle for InterOil's large Elk-Antelope gas field in Papua New Guinea. By bowing out of the bidding, Oil Search is to receive a $US60 million "break-fee" which will "more than cover the costs associated with the offer", it said. Oil Search's partner, French oil group Total, is entitled to receive one fifth of this amount. Oil Search sought to merge with InterOil to grow its stake in the Papua LNG project and to ensure that any new export gas project to be developed utilising the reserves of the two companies would be done co-operatively with PNG's existing gas export venture, PNG LNG. The federal government will push ahead with a crackdown on life insurance commissions in an attempt to mend the scandal-ridden sector. In her first speech as Revenue and Financial Services minister, Kelly O'Dwyer said the government was working to push legislation through parliament to address upfront commissions that plagued the sector. Kelly O'Dwyer is putting pressure on Labor over pairs. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Ms O'Dwyer, whose assistant treasurer portfolio was changed to exclude small business, flagged a series of reforms last year addressing life insurance commissions. The reforms allow the corporate watchdog to set caps for commissions that planners can receive from life insurance companies. Arrium's overseas banks have sought urgent clarification before signing off on a crucial $50 million federal government loan that is hoped will improve the viability of company's loss-making Whyalla steel plant. A deal is expected to be trashed out overnight after Arrium's banking syndicate sought urgent clarification on how the loan from the government's Export Finance Insurance Corporation would be secured. British bidder Liberty House has bought the Arrium assets. Credit:Robert Woodland The loan is a last-ditch attempt to improve the viability of Arrium's Whyalla business which employees thousands of people in South Australia and is a big player in the state's economy. Arrium collapsed in April owing creditors, including a syndicate of bankers, trade creditors, and noteholders, $3.8 billion. The Court of Appeal has upheld a decision by the Victorian Supreme Court, finding National Australia Bank breached the banking code of conduct in its dealings with a property investor. Justice James Elliott ruled last year that senior NAB banker John D'Angelo failed to warn businessman John Rose of the risks involved in guaranteeing multimillion-dollar loans to companies he ran with his former friend, bankrupt property speculator Timothy Rice. NAB lost the court battle after trying to argue that the self-regulatory code had no legal effect. Credit:Carla Gottgens The court found the actions were a breach of the Code of Banking Practice, meaning NAB could not enforce the guarantees. NAB lost the court battle after trying to argue that the self-regulatory code had no legal effect. Mattel, the largest US toymaker, reported better-than-expected quarterly sales as a makeover of its Barbie dolls revived demand for the 57-year-old brand that has struggled in recent years. Sales in the Barbie business jumped 23 per cent, the biggest quarterly increase since at least 2009. The company's shares jumped 5.4 per cent in after-market trading on Wednesday. Mattel has rolled out the Fashionista line of Barbie dolls in a variety of skin tones, hairstyles and outfits and in three new body shapes - tall, curvy and petite - to appeal to more customers. "We continue to see terrific momentum around the new Fashionista line, as well as our new younger girl line, Dreamtopia," said Mattel spokesman Alex Clark. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Theresa May meet in Berlin. So far there are hopeful signs for May's leadership. Credit:AP He had just quit his job in London because of rising tensions and was back home working in an ice cream parlour. "Why were you eating ice cream, you promised to keep fit while you were away!" says Louise. Illustration: Cathy Wilcox Credit:Cathy Wilcox My sweet tooth aside, this is an increasingly dislocated and uneven world and many countries are feeling it. However, new British Prime Minister Theresa May seems to be a breath of fresh air. Following her first speech as Prime Minister outside 10 Downing Street, I thought she must be a Fairfax subscriber. For a measured conservative she seemed unusually passionate about issues that have been voiced in this column over many months. The focus of her speech was the severe effects of inequality, or in her words, "the burning injustice that if you are born poor, you will die on average nine years earlier than others". She continued; "If you're working class, you're less likely than anyone else in Britain to go to university. If you're at a state school, you're less likely to reach the top professions than if you were educated privately. "If you are a woman, you will earn less than a man. If you suffer from mental health problems, there's not enough help to hand. "If you're young, you'll find it harder than ever before to own your own home." And she seemed to set a new emphasis for her government saying "we'll think not of the powerful but you. When it comes to taxes we'll prioritise not the wealthy, but you ... a Britain that works not for the privileged few but for everyone'. These are the things that we've been saying here consistently about Australia, but this vicar's daughter has now got a huge job to make the difference she so clearly calls for. I'm encouraged because Theresa May is a woman. As I've argued before, we need more women at the most senior levels in our society to make it a better one. In the corporate world, statistics show that boards comprising significant numbers of women are better performers for shareholders over time. I think there is a chance that the world could receive similar benefits. By the end of this year there is every likelihood women will lead the great nations of Britain, Germany and the USA. There is a 50/50 chance that the United Nations will be led by a woman too. Sadly our Government is going backwards with only 13 women in the House of Representatives; the lowest level of any government since 1993. Labor on the other hand has met its target of 40 per cent and is well on track for 50 per cent by 2025. Australia is missing out on the tenacity and resolve that women bring to Government as well as everything else. In tough times, women often perform better than men. In my experience they are much more inclined to be protective of all. I believe they have a greater inner strength and courage, particularly in difficult times. The female leaders of Europe, including Christine Lagarde of the IMF, have their work cut out for them because there are great dangers if Europe contracts into increasingly unco-operative nation state entities. While all of the world is interconnected like never before, Australia has the ability to mitigate negative effects from Europe through positive relationships in our own region; a region that has already lifted millions out of poverty and thereby given huge numbers of people a real stake in a co-operative and peaceful future. And that's what peace and prosperity is all about; having a real stake in a future or not. The belief that Australia a liberal democracy confers certain inalienable rights and freedoms on its citizens is widespread but mistaken. Freedom of speech protections, for example, are not enshrined in the constitution, only implied. And while the High Court has upheld the implied right to free speech in regards to governmental and political affairs, it's ruled this freedom is limited to what is necessary for the effective operation of representative and responsible government. Social media has provided new avenues for individuals to comment on and criticise governments, their policies and those charged with carrying them out. While official responses to this were tardy to begin with, the counter-insurgency is now well under way. And the Barr Labor government is in the vanguard. Its bill to amend the Public Sector Management Act explicitly prohibits public servants from making comments on social media outside of their official duties which are likely to result in reputational damage to their employers. And the bill's explanatory statement makes clear that whatever an individual's right to privacy, freedom of expression or participation in democratic processes, these are outweighed by the "need to retain public confidence in the public service". The amendment bill also seeks to oblige public servants to report any "maladministration or misconduct of which they become aware", and the supposition being made in some quarters is that this is a further attempt to muzzle adverse comment or criticism of executive or administrative actions. Us before them attitude I noted Geoff Clark's despair (Letters, May 19) at how the two major political parties are serving their own interests rather than the public. I concur with this view and do hope the forthcoming election brings fresh blood that treats the ACT public and their views with respect. I was heartened to see that a new party, the Canberra Community Voters Party, has been formed by Richard Farmer and Tony Harris with a mission to ensure we have proper community consultation and good governance principles including a commitment to openness and transparency. This could be "the breath of fresh air" we are looking for. Penny Moyes, Hughes Earth is warming, fact Recidivist climate change deniers, Brian Hatch and H. Ronald, have both mocked Tim Flannery over the current high rainfall and full state of dams as some sort of indirect evidence for their denialism (Letters, July 8 and 14 respectively). Are they "playing the man" because it is problematic to attack the science? Anyway, characteristic of their ilk, they confuse weather with climate. A temporary wet spell and full dams does not mean either the end of droughts or that a drier climate won't ultimately eventuate. The exact future of climate in any one region under a warming Earth is uncertain because it is a dynamic, multi-dimensional system. It can only ever be a best estimate using complex climate models. These were not developed by Flannery who is not himself a climate scientist; his background is in palaeontology and ecology. What are Hatch's and Ronald's in? Most tellingly, the Earth is indisputably warming, whether it is wet or dry in south-eastern Australia, no matter how much Hatch and Ronald like to pretend otherwise. Lake George could be lapping at the Federal Highway and it would still not mean that the Earth was not warming. David Jenkins, Casey There is a formula by which one can attack a sound argument, without factually countering it. H. Ronald (Letters, July 15) uses elements of this formula in textbook fashion. A key tactic is to focus on any small element of uncertainty and, with sweeping statements like "the science isn't settled", create the impression that every confirmed fact on the topic is unproven. Frequently state this with conviction to increase doubt. An extension of this tactic is to utilise any small mistake or overreach by your proponent to question the credibility of every other aspect of their premise. Better still, suggest a conspiracy theory or personal gain. Then use insignificant correlations ipso facto in a mic-drop moment to so-call prove the point. Many other elements of the formula used by H. Ronald are demonstrated every day in the rantings of right-wing shock jocks (Did you notice what I did? Yes, I played: guilt by association. Another trick). There are many more tricks like these. When exposed, the vacuousness of the attacking case is clear. Mark Boscawen, Banks Certain uncomfortable facts about local Islam ought to be determined Colin Rubenstein ("To fight xenophobia, speak clearly about Islamism", Comment, July 10, p17) exhorts us to think clearly about Islam. And Monday night's Q&A was dominated by it. Colin's right: it's totally wrong to condemn those of us who fear Islam because of its worldwide, violent, intolerant extremes, to not speak of it because it might promote local radicalism. That's appeasement. As uncomfortable as it might be, some facts about local Islam must be determined. So what are they? If some future Australian Islamic leader were to ask local Muslims to choose between Allah or the infidel gods what would they do? Could their religious tolerance be legislated or otherwise guaranteed, or would Allah emerge supreme as their only god? In 2012, a young Muslim girl in a Sydney Islamic protest parade carried a placard "Behead the Infidels". Would local Sunnis and Shiites abandon their mutual hatreds evidenced by the violent conflict between them we see elsewhere? If their leader were to ask them to support the installation of Sharia law in Australia by voting only for Islamic electoral candidates promising that, what would they do? If the answer(s) to any of these questions is/are negative, no sweet talk from politicians or anyone else will stop local radicalisation. Just ask the French. Until we do know, it is blind for Australia to continue importing among the hundreds of thousands of immigrants arriving here every year, Muslims from countries dominated by intolerant Islam. Vince Patulny, Kambah I must be getting deaf 'cos I don't hear any moderate Islam voices ("To fight xenophobia, speak clearly about Islamism", Comment, July 10, p17) . Tom Middlemiss, Deakin Coalition's cynicism Amanda Vanstone ("PM saved the Coalition", Comment, July 18, p18) commends Malcolm Turnbull for achieving government and saving his party from the point in time when "the Liberals were set to lose something like 38 seats". In fact, he has also saved the nation from the continued ravages of Tony Abbott. Vanstone then castigates Bill Shorten and Labor for their "cleverly crafted campaign" over Medicare. I would submit that a far more cynical, orchestrated campaign has been run by the Coalition with regards to the demonisation and cruel treatment of asylum seekers. From the time of the Tampa and "children overboard" the Coalition has used this as a political wedge. Politicians such as Phillip Ruddock and Scott Morrison have used the plight of unfortunate, desperate people to further their own political careers. As a former immigration minister, Vanstone well knows the machinations. So successful was this campaign that it was emulated by Kevin Rudd. In recent times, Peter Dutton has been cranked up whenever things start to run against the government. Peter Crossing, Curtin Break funding nexus Complaints about the AEC's funding of candidates who achieve 4 per cent or more of primary votes are understandable, but the consequences of abandoning it may not have been thought through. The immediate result would be that only wealthy candidates and parties could contest elections as is the case in the US, where anyone with less than a billion dollars to spend can forget it. If voting patterns are any indication, that's not what we want to see here, though it's becoming a de facto reality. We urgently need to break the nexus between political donations and electoral success the single most significant source of corruption of our political process. Of course, politicians and parties need to get their policies out, but the simple equation of more money = more coverage needs to be replaced with a system that gives every party or candidate an equitable opportunity to inform voters of their positions. AEC funding as it stands is at least an attempt, though a small and inequitable one, to level the playing field. At least it gives small parties and independents who can demonstrate a modicum of community support some small relief from the expense of running. Fred Pilcher, Kaleen Respect Hague ruling If one accepts the logic of the Chinese claim to vast areas of the South China Sea on traditional/historical grounds, does one regard the Roman Empire, the Greek adventures, the Ottoman Empire and even the Mongolian Empire under Genghis Khan as the legitimate claimant of vast parts of Europe, Middle East and Asia, including, in the later case, China itself. Sound specious? So is the Chinese claim. China has accepted the modern day rules of the Law of the Sea Convention which establishes internationally endorsed limits on its outrageous claims. It needs to respect the recent Hague judgment. Why do aspiring world powers in this day and age, see the need to push their territorial boundaries? Such actions inevitably lead to a point where they push too far. Surely such powers can learn from the experiences of the last century when German, Japanese and Soviet attempts all ended in disaster. G.C.Allen, Red Hill Conflict of interest Assigning both the environment and energy portfolios ("Joint portfolio a 'blow' for Great Barrier Reef", July 19, p5) to Josh Frydenberg, who has no qualifications of direct relevance to either environmental or energy matters (his qualifications are in economics, law, and public administration), is surely a conflict of interests. For example, if Adani's Carmichael mine in central Queensland is allowed to go ahead (with the increasingly doubtful assumption that it is deemed economically viable by Adani's financiers), it could cause direct and indirect damage to the Reef. Damage will certainly be done, indirectly, by the burning (in India) of all that coal. Damage could also be caused by dredging to expand the port at Abbot Point, and from possible collisions with the huge and cumbersome coal-carrying ships. We should not be deliberately imposing such risks on one of Earth's natural wonders. Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin TO THE POINT HIS ANSWER IS 42 So, Malcolm Turnbull's new ministry numbers 42. Seems our prime minister has discovered that the answer is Life, The Universe and Everything. Pity he doesn't know the question. Peter Moran, Watson NOT GOOD ENOUGH Less than 12 months ago we were told that Greg Hunt had been voted "the greatest environment minister in the world". Obviously Malcolm Turnbull begs to differ. Ian De Landelles, Murrays Beach, NSW REACTIONARIES For 10 years Gary Humphries, a decent and honourable man represented the ACT in the Senate. He was never a minister. The man who rolled him, right wing Liberal Zed Seselja, has been in the Senate for three years and is now a minister. It just goes to show how reactionary the Turnbull government is. John Passant, Kambah BEATING UP THE POOR A government seriously contemplating gleaning billions should go where the real dollars are spent, corporate welfare ("Seselja's welfare goal", July 19, p1). This government, governing for all, takes great glee in beating up on the poor. Zed Seselja is, not surprisingly, a self-identified, vociferous advocate of scrapping penalty rates. Albert M. White, Queanbeyan, NSW CLARITY ON ISLAM Dr Colin Rubenstein correctly identified the need "to create a clear public distinction between the perverse Islamism that guides attacks and moderate, majority, mainstream Islam." ("To fight xenophobia, speak clearly about Islamism", Comment, July 10, p17) The two are as distinct as Judaism and Zionism. Gary J. Wilson, Macgregor DISGRACEFUL IMAGE Your article "Court told of ex-partner's alleged threats" (July 19, p1) regarding comments made by the alleged murderer of Tara Costigan is appalling. You showed absolutely no empathy or care for the deceased woman's family, especially her children, by displaying that image of Marcus Rappel. Disgraceful. Ed Harris, Bonython IGNORANT ON HALAL Pauline Hanson has on several occasions refused to eat halal food. Does she realise that the fish and chips she served at her shop, providing they were not cooked in animal fat, were halal? That every time she eats fish, fruit, vegetables, bread she is eating halal food? Or does her ignorance of Islam protect her from what, to her, would be inconvenient truths? At first I thought it was an ad for beyondblue. A man, clearly depressed, drags himself out of bed to begin another mundane Groundhog Day of existence. If the way he drags himself to the kitchen for breakfast and looks as if he may self-harm with the kitchen knife he uses to slather jam on his toast isn't sign enough the man is abjectly miserable, then the gloomy music certainly does the trick. This sad sack then boards a train where he wistfully stares into the distance until a pretty woman seated in the carriage nearby diverts his attention. Their eyes lock, shy smiles ensue and an undeniable connection is made. She then gets up to leave the train, leaving our anti-hero to his mediocre existence once more. Or does she? Over the twang of a melancholic guitar and mournful lyrics a tag line appears on screen declaring "Find your moment", implying that if you don't, you may never again. It is a powerful and potent message that resonates not just for those looking for love, but also those who are looking to reignite a faded spark of desire or are simply bored and craving something more. Ashley Madison is back, people. Only this time the dating site that caused world headlines a year ago in a hacking scandal is no longer promoting the message "life's short, have an affair". It's more "life is dull, have an affair". It would take a very trusting some might say naive person to accept at face value the words of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: "A state of emergency is not against democracy, the rules of law and freedom. On the contrary, it aims to protect and strengthen them." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a three-month state of emergency which critics fear is a ploy to eradicate his opponents. Credit:Getty Images Even if you can forgive his Orwellian doublespeak, there are grounds in Mr Erdogan's record to harbour significant concerns about the motives behind his responses to the coup attempt that failed to unseat him on the weekend. The crisis has reached a stage where Turkish democracy is in danger not from coup plotters but from its own democratically elected government. The purges of Mr Erdogan's opponents are likely to harm innocent people and could turn more violent. The Turkish military has been gutted. And a nation that the West needs onside in the fight against Islamic State terrorism could descend into anarchy and become a haven for extremists. Last Tuesday in Louisiana Alton Sterling, a 37-year-old father of five, was being held prostrate on the ground by police officers when one of them shot him dead. On Wednesday in Minnesota, Philando Castile, 32, was driving with his fiancee and her four-year-old daughter when he was pulled over for a broken tail light and then shot dead by a police officer. It has since been reported that he had been stopped by police 52 times in the past 14 years. Barack Obama's ongoing calls for gun law reform have been ignored. Credit:Getty Images On Thursday hundreds gathered in a peaceful protest against police brutality in Dallas, Texas, when a sniper driven by vengeance and racial hatred shot dead five police officers and wounded nine other people. This week President Barack Obama yet again sought to lend comfort to Americans and call for unity in a nation yet again scarred by violence and grief. His speech in Dallas was more bleak and more blunt than others he has given on these issues in the recent past. Speaking in the aftermath of the Brussels bombings this March, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel proclaimed "unity against those who have chosen to support a barbaric enemy of freedom, democracy and fundamental values". For German President Joachim Gauck last week's vehicular assault in Nice amounted to an "attack on the entire free world". These pronouncements followed familiar rhetoric already employed in the aftermath of the two major terrorist attacks in Paris last year when Hollande undertook to "lead a war" that was going to be "pitiless". Other Western leaders have not shied away from using equally dramatic language in response to recent attacks and hostage situations, whether connected to IS or not. Declaring that "nothing will make us yield in our will to fight terrorism", he vowed to "further strengthen our actions in Iraq and in Syria". In Nice, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, added that France was "at war with terrorists" who wanted to "strike us at every cost and who are extremely violent". A week after the truck attack in Nice it remains unclear whether the perpetrator, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, had any links to Islamic State or whether he was a volatile and violent petty criminal gone mad. Comments on Monday by the prosecutor heading the official investigation into the incident suggest the latter. Yet, in the hours after the attack, French President Francois Hollande was quick in pledging to expand France's counter-terrorism efforts at home and abroad. The statements of political leaders are regularly accompanied by hysterical media reporting. On television we see a variant of "terror", "horror" or "massacre" flashing across the news ticker of all major stations. In the print media we are informed that we had just witnessed whatever country's "9/11 moment". Even where links to IS or organised terrorism are tenuous as in the case of the Lindt Cafe siege in Sydney we are told that the attack stood for the "instant we (had) changed forever". What dramatised, martial rhetoric by politicians and sensationalist media reporting have in common is that they play into the hands of IS and its narrative of conflict. What is more, they cause unnecessary alarm and fear among the public and deflect from the fact that we are facing complex challenges that require a well-thought-out and multi-dimensional response. Military force may well be part of that response. But intensifying airstrikes in Syria and Iraq as a reaction to the Nice attack is as counter-productive as it is illogical. If Western governments were serious about attempting to break the seemingly escalating circle of violence, careful consideration would have to be given to the various causes and dynamics of conflict. One key aspect of that dynamic concerns controlling the tools of violence. Arms sales to countries in the Middle East and Africa have long been documented as a major factor for political instability in these regions. Granted, reducing arms exports does not prevent a vehicular assault like the one in Nice last week. But in the medium term it is likely to assist in de-escalating many conflicts which, rightly or not, feature prominently in Islamist propaganda and play an important role in jihadi recruitment. Unfortunately, we seem to be moving into the opposite direction. According to the latest figures from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the volume of international transfers of major weapons in 2011-15 was 14 per cent higher than in 2006-10. The five biggest exporters in 2011-15 were the United States, Russia, China, France and Germany. Seven of the ten largest exporters of major weapons were Western democracies (US, France, Germany, Britain, Italy, Spain, Netherlands). Film: Michael Phillips "I do light stuff." Those four self-deprecating syllables barely hinted at the long, broad, influential career of comedy legend Garry Marshall. The director, producer, creator, writer and actor died on July 19 in Burbank, California, of complications from pneumonia following a stroke. Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, directed by Garry Marshall. He was 81. I met him once, in 1999, in the lobby of the Falcon Theatre in Burbank, which he founded with his daughter, Kathleen Marshall LaGambina. The occasion was Marshall's revival of the Beth Henley stalwart, Crimes of the Heart, starring Morgan Fairchild, Faith Ford and Crystal Bernard, all TV-bred, like the director. Those three minutes in the lobby proved more memorable than the production; in person, Marshall turned out to be as nice and warm and funny as his reputation, and as his best star-making work on small and large screens. Two months before his death, the creator of Happy Days, Mork and Mindy, Laverne and Shirley and the director of Pretty Woman pointed out the obvious "I do light stuff" to a crowd of about 100 at a Northwestern University screening of Mother's Day. He said this, according to a Daily Northwestern account, as explanation for the harsh critical reception to what turned out to be Marshall's final directorial effort. You can probably imagine hearing that famous Bronx voice that graced so many cameos over the years. He acted a lot, often wonderfully, never better than in Albert Brooks' Lost in America, as the casino honcho fielding Brooks' request to refund his gambling losses. Anyway: You can imagine Marshall tossing off those four words, "I do light stuff," with an air of: What can you do? You do what you do. This appealing little series has Americans who want to go off the grid for various reasons inspect a bunch of unplugged homes and then try one out for a few days. Tonight we meet a New Jersey couple who want to take their kids to live a self-sufficient life in Hawaii. The first house they look at is in the middle of a big lava field a spectacular setting but one rather unsuited to farming. The other houses are higher up in a forest and offer the bonus of being able to shoot wild pigs and cattle for meat in your backyard and with the possibility of being gored to death by wild pigs and cattle in your backyard. Off-grid expert Jay Gruen provides handy demonstrations, such as turning an old trampoline into a mobile chicken coop. Worth a look. Brad Newsome Paris SBS, 11pm This six-part series takes the once-innovative but now-familiar interlocking narrative approach (think Crash or Short Cuts or Babel) to a dozen or so characters in the French capital over 24 hours. At the upper end there's Prime Minister Michel Ardent (Francois Loriquet) whose position is under threat over a looming environmental scandal until a rival's hit-and-run incident offers an opportunistic route to salvation. Complicating things further is the fact his teenage son Clement (Thomas Doret) has gone missing, having lost his phone and wallet after being mugged while on the hunt for his birth mother, a waitress and recovering junkie called Coline (Emilie Deville). Oh, there's a suave safe cracker, a Mafioso, a corrupt judge, an unhinged bus driver and his militant unionist wife, too. Best of all is Alexia, the transgender child of these last two. She's a terrific character, who breathes heart, soul and a good deal of feistiness into proceedings, and while the LGBT community may have a legitimate gripe about the fact she is played by a woman rather than a transgender actor, Sarah-Jane Sauvegrain is terrific in the role. Like all such interlocking tales, Paris is, in some respects, hopelessly contrived. But it's so well done by turns sly, moving, smart and funny that you're likely to forgive it readily. KQ The Australian Medical Association has labelled the Medicare Benefits Schedule freeze the single most damaging policy of the Coalition's election campaign and demanded it be phased out as soon as possible. Recently elected AMA president Dr Michael Gannon also said that he didn't expect the rebate freeze, originally instituted by Labor and then extended by the Coalition to 2019-20, to be taken to the next election. "Gun possession in the broader community is a risk to public health": AMA president Michael Gannon. Credit:Bohdan Warchomij "I would be gobsmacked if the government took an ongoing freeze to the next election. They got the scare of their life on health and that was probably the policy which hurt them the most. It makes general practice and a lot of other areas of medical practice potentially unviable," Dr Gannon said, following a meeting with Health Minister Sussan Ley in Canberra. He said that that the discussion, while not producing any "hard and fast" commitments, "did focus on the fact that health isn't the problem with the budget" and not where budget repair should be sought. Labor's National Left faction is set to formally split and shadow minister Kim Carr is ready to lead the creation of a new "progressive" Left faction based in Victoria. At the same time, a brawl has erupted in Labor's Right faction in NSW with senior MPs and potential future leadership contenders Chris Bowen and Tony Burke at loggerheads over the frontbench line-up. As horse-trading for shadow ministerial places ramps up in the ALP ahead of Friday's factional and caucus meetings in Canberra, discussions have been held about a range of other possible moves. Those moves could include shifting Queensland rising star Jim Chalmers into shadow cabinet and the finance portfolio; a move by Tanya Plibersek, who is deputy leader and foreign affairs spokeswoman, to the education portfolio and current finance spokesman Tony Burke taking over environment - but not climate change - from current shadow Mark Butler. Australia's counter-terrorism czar has been tasked with exploring whether potential "lone wolf" terrorists can be better identified by closer agency co-operation and information-sharing on extremism, criminality and mental illness. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has asked the national counter-terrorism coordinator, Greg Moriarty, to examine the trend whereby people who were apparently disturbed to begin with have seized on Islamist extremism shortly prior to carrying out atrocities. It follows a spate of bloody attacks in Orlando, Nice and Wurzburg carried out by assailants who may have had little or no connection to the Islamic State but were harbouring grievances caused by mental, social or emotional problems and therefore were vulnerable to rapid radicalisation. Mr Moriarty said a "one size fits all" approach to counter-terrorism would not work because IS also known as ISIL propaganda and extremism appealed to people for widely varying reasons. 1. Ted Cruz won't be Trump's 'servile puppy-dog' Look, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say the man's got a point doesn't he?! After Donald Trump made slurs about his wife, basically trying to insinuate his father had something to do with JFK's assassination, Ted Cruz can't bring himself to endorse his former rival for the nomination. [SMH live blog] Okay okay, I get it, I'm alone on this seemingly reasonable point of view. I mean, this is American politics after all! Trump's supporters booed Cruz at the Republican convention underway in Cleveland Ohio when Cruz said he couldn't bring himself to endorse Trump for the White House. Sarah Palin told Cruz "delete your career" which is a play on the internet meme to "delete your account" ie. because you've tweeted or said so many stupid things that are now on record. (Clinton tweeted this to Trump to social media applause) Palin said Cruz had a "career ending 'read-my-lips' moment" in refusing to endorse Trump. [Breitbart] Graphic CCTV footage taken outside Merrylands police station shows the moment a Sydney man's car erupts into a fireball in what police initially feared was a possible terrorist attack. NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said.the footage showed the driver, now identified as 61-year-old Peter Zhurawel, had "detonated and self-immolated inside the vehicle" on Thursday night, causing flames that Mr Scipione described as "quite devastating". Just seconds after the bright flash erupted from the Hyundai Getz, officers are shown in the footage running out of the police station and towards the car as it rolled down the driveway in flames just after 7pm. The vehicle crashed into a wall before hitting the door of the underground garage, Mr Scipione said. The officers extinguished the blaze and dragged Mr Zhurawel, who was believed to be unconscious, from the car. They also removed an open gas bottle and petrol from the vehicle. There is one reason Mike Baird felt confident enough to announce a fortnight ago that his government would ban greyhound racing in NSW from July 1 next year: he knew he had the numbers in Parliament. Baird probably did not foresee the threat of a handful of Nationals MPs potentially crossing the floor or abstaining from the vote on legislation required to enact the ban, but his large majority in the Legislative Assembly means that is no real threat. In the upper house he knew he would have the support of the Greens, meaning the Coalition did not have to rely and deal, as it usually does, with the remainder of the crossbench. Emboldened, Baird and Nationals leader Troy Grant declared the shutdown timetable, effectively relegating Parliament to a rubber stamp. A 1.1 kilometre tunnel under Victoria Road at Rozelle will be added to the WestConnex motorway at no extra cost to the project, the government says. And large parts of a motorway interchange at Rozelle, planned to allow motorists to connect to and from the new toll-road to the Anzac Bridge and Victoria Road, will be built underground to allow surface parkland on top. The need for an interchange at Rozelle was potentially one of the more contentious elements of the 33-kilometre motorway. At one stage, vast surface ramps were mooted for the inner-city site. Christopher OKroley pleaded guilty on Thursday to the February killing of a former grocery store co-worker who complained to management that he had harassed her. OKroley, 26, shot and killed Caroline Nosal, 24, of Stoughton, in the head and abdomen outside of the Metro Market, 6010 Cottage Grove Road, on Feb. 2, the day after he was fired from the store. OKroley blamed Nosal for losing his job, according to a criminal complaint. Along with pleading guilty to first-degree intentional homicide, OKroley also pleaded guilty to first-degree reckless endangerment Thursday for shooting at Madison Police officer Michele Walker as she tried to arrest him near East Towne Mall the day after he killed Nosal. In late February, Dane County Circuit Judge William Hanrahan entered a not guilty plea on OKroleys behalf. OKroley was suspended from the Metro Market two weeks prior to the shooting after Nosal complained that he was harassing her, the criminal complaint said. Cassidy Lippold, an employee of Metro Market, previously told the Wisconsin State Journal that OKroley and Nosal were very good friends. OKroley told police that shortly after he was suspended he began planning to kill both Nosal and himself if he was fired. A former girlfriend previously told the Wisconsin State Journal that OKroley tried to commit suicide in 2014 and that he has been seriously mentally ill for the past decade. After the shooting, OKroley told police, he realized he couldnt kill himself and planned to hijack a car at gunpoint. He told authorities that it was easy to kill Nosal and that he killed her out of anger because she ruined my life. He described himself to police as a sociopath. OKroley told police that he bought the gun he used to shoot Nosal the day before the shooting. The shooting has prompted calls for the return of a 48-hour waiting period for handgun purchases, which the state Legislature abolished last year. A separate sexual assault charge against OKroley was dismissed on Thursday, although another charge from that case was read at the plea hearing. According to the criminal complaint in that case, a woman told police she woke up after falling asleep at OKroleys apartment to find that her clothes had been partially removed and there were indications that she had been sexually assaulted. The maximum sentence OKroley faces for the homicide and reckless endangerment charges is life without parole. Oliver Curtis will spend a handful of hours outside prison as he fights his conviction for insider trading. The NSW Court of Criminal Appeal granted an order on Thursday allowing Curtis, husband of Sydney publicist Roxy Jacenko, to appear in court as he seeks to overturn his guilty verdict. The court will hear the appeal on October 19. The hearing is expected to take about three hours. Curtis, 30, was found guilty on June 2 of conspiracy to commit insider trading and is serving a one-year jail sentence in the high-security Parklea prison in north-western Sydney. It was New Year's Eve in 1993 when university student William Roach vanished from a main street in Armidale, in the Northern Tablelands of NSW. The weeks leading up to his disappearance had been extremely stressful for the then-25-year-old, who was known to his friends as "Bill", and was studying part-time at the University of New England. Police excavate a property on the outskirts of Armidale in February in the search for William Roach. Credit:NSW Police Mr Roach had been living with an alternative community on the outskirts of Armidale, and his girlfriend was described as a "practising witch". A short time before his disappearance, Mr Roach and his girlfriend had attended a witches' "secret ceremony", where Mr Roach had apparently mocked those attending. The LNP immediately criticised the move as "opening up the doors" for the return of criminal motorcycle gangs, to which the government responded they had never gone away, only driven further underground. Following that review, Labor announced it would repeal and replace further measures, including the association laws, giving more powers back to the courts. Ther head of the Crime and Corruption Commission told the estimates hearing the bikie situation at the Gold Coast was being monitored. Credit:Paul Rovere Labor had vowed to repeal the Newman government laws while in opposition. However, after the LNP removed some of the suite of legislation's most controversial measures such as pink jumpsuits and solitary confinement Labor softened its approach to a review, as public sentiment turned in support of the laws. Amid intelligence that outlaw motorcycle gangs were still recruiting on the Gold Coast, the head of the state's crime watchdog said it would lobby for more powers, if proposed changes to the Newman government bikie laws hindered its ability to tackle organised crime. Crime and Corruption Commission chair Alan MacSporran, who had previously submitted to the government review into the bikie laws that outlaw motorcycle gangs were "positioning themselves to take control of turf" if they perceived the laws were being softened, told a parliamentary estimates hearing the situation was being monitored. "As I said, there is no intelligence that would allow us to draw conclusions sensibly about the reason for what looks like an initiative to recruit and reform," he said. "As I said, we haven't lost sight of it, as to what the new laws will allow us to do by way of enforcement and investigation in that space remains to be seen. "What I can say to assure the committee and the public of Queensland is that whatever those laws, we are bound to enforce them, and if there is ultimately a difficulty in controlling any part of organised crime through the OMCGs with those powers, or the lack of them, if that's the perception or the reality, we'd be the first to make that known to the Attorney and more generally to our oversight committee. "So it's not as though we're going to be 'stuck with something' as it were, that doesn't work. Legislation aimed at effectively banning Wicked Campers' controversial slogans from Queensland has been widely welcomed by activists, the RACQ and the advertising industry. Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath announced on Thursday the Palaszczuk government would introduce legislation that would see vehicles with slogans that "fail to comply with determinations by the Advertising Standards Bureau" face deregistration. One of the controversial Wicked Campers slogans. Credit:Wicked Campers The legislation would only affect Wicked Campers' Queensland-registered vehicles, meaning there was nothing to stop the company's interstate-registered vehicles being driven on the state's roads. The company has not responded to requests for comment, but an anti-Wicked activist group was celebrating the decision on Thursday. Truck drivers Steven Hird and Brad Morrison came to the aid of a mother and her nine-month-old baby, who were trapped in a burning car. Credit:Michelle Smith Ms Chong was able to catch her nephew and put him on her back, before they were both carried away and over a waterfall. "Ms Chong suffered significant head injuries from the rocks below the waterfall but was still able to swim through the turbulent water with her nephew to a rock ledge and lifted him up on to the ledge," the citation says. Sisters Keely and Mary Mabb accepted the posthumous bravery award on their mother's behalf. Credit:Michelle Smith "Sadly, Ms Chong was then swept away and drowned." Five-and-a-half years on, the emotional scars for the family were far from healed, but Thursday's honour provided a bittersweet moment of pride. "We're very proud of Mum," Keely Mabb said. "We were a bit nervous to go up, but when we went up we both didn't expect to cry." Said Mary Mabb: "The tears just came." Keely: "When he started reading out the details, I remembered being there on the day again and just hearing our mum's name was very emotional." Mary Mabb said both daughters, along with their father Peter Mabb, flew down from Mt Isa on Monday. "We're pretty happy she was recognised and that we could be here to see it and accept it," she said. Three heroes from the Grantham flood Sergeant Paul Andrews, Senior Constable Matthew Shillingford and Constable Christopher Doherty-Bigara were also recognised with bronze medals. The citation noted the trio were first on the scene at the devastated Grantham area in January 2011. Constable Doherty-Bigara said they were greeted with a sight he would not soon forget. "It was like a warzone when we went in there," he said. "There was water, trees and cars just flung everywhere." Senior Constable Shillingford, meanwhile, likened it to the aftermath of a cyclone. "I'd never seen anything like it before and, hopefully, I'll never see anything like it again," he said. "It was, like Chris said, like a warzone and I remember on that particular day, we had no idea what was going to happen. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull should reboot his innovation agenda by focusing on regional entrepreneurship, local government collaboration and small business. He should squash fanciful notions of innovation as something mostly for inner-city hipsters who try to build the next great app while drinking soy lattes at trendy warehouses. That vision of innovation is too narrow and will never create many jobs. Building the next great app is one thing, but it will never create large numbers of jobs. Credit:iStock Instead, Turnbull should sell innovation as a tool to address today's problems: job losses in manufacturing and mining, high youth unemployment and stagnating regional economies, for example. A vision of innovation that is real, relatable and delivers early results. It's no wonder the current innovation agenda failed to resonate in the electorate. It was too focused on technology, new ventures, capital cities and the digital economy an overhyped vision of innovation that has little meaning in struggling areas. When Thomas Douglas took his seat on a flight from London to Galway last year he did a double take. The stranger seated next to him was his spitting image, bushy red beard and all. But what are the odds of having a doppelganger? Thomas Douglas found his doppelganger seated next to him on a flight to Galway. Credit:Twitter According to Adelaide University forensic anthropologist Teghan Lucas, the chance of two people looking the same is not as common as an internet search suggests: it's a rather slender one in a trillion. Dr Lucas' research also looked at which was more unique: a person's face or their body. Using the US Army's Anthropometric Survey database of almost 4000 soldiers, she found people were more likely to have a "stranger twin" who shared their facial features than their body shape. Chicago: The owner of file-sharing website KAT was indicted in the United States on Wednesday for copyright infringement related to the distribution of more than $US1 billion ($1.34 billion) worth of movies, video games, music recordings and other content, US justice officials said. Artem Vaulin, 30, of Ukraine, was arrested in Poland and US officials want him extradited to face charges that include conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement and conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to attorneys for the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. US officials alleged that KAT, which operates in about 28 languages, has a net worth of more than $US54 million ($72 million) and illegally made available for download movies that were still in theatres such as Independence Day: Resurgence and Finding Dory, the complaint stated. The indictment stated that for financial gain the peer-to-peer file-sharing website, also known as Kickass Torrents, distributed since 2008 copyrighted works such as this year's film Captain America: Civil War. The lawyer of a dying woman accused of murdering her sister has requested she be released on bail to allow her to be unshackled from her hospital bed. Valerie Kelly, 67, is charged with murdering her sister in June 2015 after the woman's body was found at a house in Hilton. A dying murder-accused woman remains shackled to her bed in Royal Perth Hospital. Credit:Allen Newton The Supreme Court of WA heard on Thursday that Ms Kelly had been in custody at Bandyup Prison until she fell and broke her hip, requiring surgery. While at Royal Perth Hospital receiving treatment, doctors discovered Ms Kelly had advanced liver cancer, with her lawyer telling the court she only had months to live. Three Dodge County boys who went missing and were later found in an abandoned iron mine last week will not face criminal charges for trespassing. The Neda Mines owners, UW-Milwaukee, decided last week not to press charges, Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt said on Wednesday. They felt that the boys had learned their lesson and did not wish to go forward with any charges, he said. Tate Rose and Zachary Heron, both 16, and Samuel Lien, 15, decided to explore the mine on July 10, entering through a small secondary entrance. The boys were reported missing to authorities later that evening. The mine was abandoned in 1915 and donated to UW-Milwaukee in 1964. Researchers study a colony of about 100,000 bats that winter in the mine, which is located a few miles north of Iron Ridge, about an hour northeast of Madison. Up to 100 volunteers from public safety agencies around the state, including the Madison and Milwaukee fire departments, assisted in the search for the boys. An area resident told authorities on July 11 about the secondary entrance, and searchers found a footprint. The boys were found early that afternoon about a half-mile from where their bikes were found. After emergency medical responders evaluated the boys, who were uninjured except for a few minor bumps and scrapes, they were released to their parents. The boys used flashlight apps on their phones and a lighter to navigate the mines tunnels but got lost and the devices batteries and the lighter ran out, Schmidt said. They then hunkered down in one area, sleeping on the tunnel floor in the dark. The mines temperature was about 58 degrees. Schmidt described the mine as maze-like and said there are roughly four miles of tunnels. One of the five people charged with the murder of a man whose body was found in the boot of a burnt-out car in Perth's south-east has pleaded guilty to the murder. Justine Campbell, 45, of Hamilton Hill recently changed her plea to guilty in the Supreme Court of WA, admitting she murdered Travis Mills, 30, on Good Friday 2015 in Hilbert near Armadale. Travis Mills with his daughter Ruby. She is expected to be a witness for the prosecution during the trial of the remaining four accused, which includes her husband. Mr Mills' body was found in the boot of a burnt-out green 2010 Ford Falcon XR6 after he had been building a trampoline for his daughter's first birthday. A man accused of murdering a suspected Mandurah child molester will fight the charge during a two-week trial set on Thursday for August. Ernest Mitchell, 44, in March entered a not guilty plea to murdering Robert Dalliston. Robert Dalliston was found dead in his home in 2009. Credit:Mandurah Mail Mr Dalliston was found dead inside his Ward Street home in January 2009, seven days after he was last seen at his local shopping centre. At the time of his death, Mr Dalliston was charged with 25 counts of indecent dealings and sexual penetration of at least four girls aged under 13 years. Police have charged two teenagers for allegedly running a "business" that involved charging people to attend out-of-control house parties across Perth often without the permission of the home owners. It will be alleged a 17-year-old Mirrabooka boy and 18-year-old Ballajura woman would advertise parties on social media, with an estimated 500 to 1000 people registering to attend their events. Two teenagers have been charged with hosting out-of-control parties. Credit:9 News Perth The pair have been charged with organising gatherings that became out of control, trespassing and fraudulent appropriation of power. The boy has also been charged with aggravated burglary. Resource giant Woodside Petroleum sales fell short on the back of dropping liquefied natural gas prices, the Australian Financial Review reports. Sales for the June quarter fell 8.1 per cent from the previous year to $US 825 million, despite output climbing 10.4 per cent, Woodside reported on Thursday. LNG revenues were weaker in the June quarter but should rise this quarter, Woodside has advised. Chief executive Peter Coleman blames the weak sales down to lower LNG prices under Woodside's long term contracts. "We will see higher realised LNG contract prices reflected in Q3," Mr Coleman said. "Our strong operating cash flow and balance sheet will continue to support business growth opportunities, " Mr Coleman said The Australian child recovery expert at the centre of the botched 60 Minutes kidnapping saga could be forced to stay in Lebanon for at least another two months after a dramatic legal intervention by the children's father. Adam Whittington was last week granted $US20,000 ($26,000) bail by a Lebanese court after being charged with kidnapping of the children in a bungled operation in April involving Brisbane mother Sally Faulkner filmed by the television program. The children were living in Beirut with their father, Ali Elamine, who is Ms Faulkner's estranged ex-partner. Mr Whittington was preparing to leave Lebanon following the decision, which also saw bail granted to others who carried out the abduction, Craig Michael and Lebanese nationals Khaled Barbour and Mohammed Hamza. An Australian man who allegedly helped carry out the botched 60 Minutes child abduction in Beirut has been released from a Lebanese jail. Adam Whittington had been charged with kidnapping and was released on Wednesday, local time, after being granted bail worth $20,000 last week by a court in Beirut. Friend Susan Brown, who has led a support campaign in Australia for the former soldier, says Mr Whittington is well and is expected to release a statement later on Thursday. Mr Whittington and the three others who carried out the bungled abduction funded by the Nine Network, Craig Michael and Lebanese men Khaled Barbour and Mohammed Hamza, were granted bail at a cost of $20,000 each. Berlin: A letter left behind by a teenage refugee who attacked German train passengers with an axe suggests the wanted to "take revenge on infidels". The letter, found in an exercise book in the 17-year-old's room at a German foster home, is believed to be a farewell message to his father. Refugees, some of from Syria, and their supporters demonstrate with posters saying "we love peace" and "they aren't acting in my name" in downtown Wuerzburg,after an axe attack on a local train. Credit:DPA/AP The youth was shot dead by police on Monday night after attacking passengers on a regional train in the Bavarian city of Wuerzburg. Five people were injured and two remain in a critical condition. A street sweeper found Lee, a 50-year-old South Korean national with bulbous eyes and round cheeks, before dawn on Tuesday, January 25, 2011. Seong Han Hong of Korea points to his friend Beong Kwun Cho. Hong has known Cho and Yeon Woo Lee, whom Cho is accused of killing, since their middle school days. Credit:Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times The man lay next to his rental car, blood pooled around his head. On his back were large, muddy footprints and next to his body were a cigarette butt, a flat tyre and a jack. To investigators, the scene seemed self-explanatory: a tourist unfamiliar with the area was changing a flat tyre on a poorly lit street when an attack or accident befell him. But when detectives sent the body for an X-ray of the head wound, they saw the single bullet that had pierced his brain, back to front, before lodging in the front left side of his skull. Beong Kwun Cho, far right, listens to testimony through an interpreter while next to his attorney, Robert Kohler, far left, during his trial. Credit:Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times Records at E-Z Rent-A-Car led investigators to Room 146 at a Howard Johnson hotel, where the owner said Lee had paid cash and asked to be kept off the registration books. Detectives next retraced his steps to a Fullerton motel he'd stayed at earlier. He had listed two 714 phone numbers. One was for a prepaid "burner" phone. The other took them to a sand-coloured home in Cerritos, California. About midnight, less than 24 hours after Lee was found, Cho answered the door at the home where he lived with his wife and two daughters. He agreed to help investigators and drove himself to the police station. "Looks like it is something important?" Cho asked in Korean, feigning confusion. Cho claimed that he'd last seen his long-time friend, who was visiting from Korea, during dinner at a sushi restaurant on the Monday night. He had been calling Lee all day Tuesday, and thought it was strange he could not get in touch with him, he told homicide detective Julissa Trapp and a Korean-speaking officer. He thought perhaps Lee had abruptly left for Korea, Cho told the detectives. A couple of hours into the interrogation, Trapp switched her tone. "I think that something happened between you and Mr Lee Monday night," she said. "I think you can explain. OK, maybe - maybe it was an accident." Cho hummed and hawed. Then he said he was ready. "Could I smoke a cigarette for a moment and then explain everything as it is?" 'Last gift' Cho's two daughters grew up considering Lee an uncle, he said. Their families vacationed together. The two men did business together. Then a few months ago, Lee asked Cho for a favour he wasn't sure he could do, even for his closest friend, he told the detective. Lee's motel business in Korea was foundering. His marriage was falling apart. Lee told Cho he wanted to die, but didn't want to burden his family with the trauma and social stigma that comes with suicide, Cho said. Lee tried to hire people he'd met at nearby casinos to kill him and make it look like a random crime, Cho said, but they demanded payment ahead of time and he didn't trust them to go through with it. Ultimately, he turned to his best friend. "He said there is no other way - this is the only way," he told Trapp. His friend orchestrated the entire scenario, Cho told police. It was Lee who procured the gun and a box of ammunition. Lee drove around scouting out possible sites, choosing a couple spots near bodies of water because he was superstitious. Lee arranged for them to go to a gun range together for target practice, and took Cho to a Wal-Mart where he bought black knit gloves and size 13 shoes - props to make his death look like a robbery. Lee then chose the date for the deed, Cho said: his wife's birthday. It would be his last gift. After dinner that night, they each drove their cars to the first spot Lee had picked out, between Anaheim Lake and a basin, only to find that there were crews working there late into the night. They drove to a second location nearby, a quiet stretch of Miraloma Avenue. Lee flattened the tyre, ransacked the glove compartment of his rental car and smoked a final cigarette. He handed Cho the revolver wrapped in a T-shirt before dropping to his knees with his back to his friend, Cho said. "Keep talking to me so that I won't know when I'm being shot. And while I'm talking shoot me in the middle of our conversation," his friend implored, Cho told the detective. 'I hated him' As the interrogation stretched into the wee hours of the night, Trapp pressed Cho. She didn't believe Lee wanted to commit suicide, the detective said. He had bought plane tickets to return to Korea and sent his wife flowers and a letter saying he was coming home, Trapp pointed out. "Why is he going to spend the money if he knows he's going to die?" she asked. Cho's story grew stranger. While maintaining that Lee wanted to die, he began enumerating reasons he'd grown to resent his long-time friend over the years. Cho said his family lost their home to debt collectors in South Korea years ago as a result of a bad business deal Lee made, for which Cho was the guarantor. In recent months, Cho said, Lee was blackmailing him, threatening to get Cho and his family deported from the US if Cho didn't go along with his demands. Then about a month before Lee's death, Cho said he awoke in the middle of the night to find Lee, drunk and naked, in the bedroom he shared with his wife. Lee, he said, was sexually assaulting his wife. "I want to know," Trapp responded, "as a husband, a father, as a man, as the head of the household, how did you feel?" "I wanted to kill him," Cho said. Cho's first-degree murder trial began this month in a top-floor courtroom in downtown Santa Ana. The bulk of the prosecution's case was nearly nine hours of Cho's videotaped interrogation, in which he admitted shooting his friend in the back of the head, and to thinking his life would be better if Lee was gone. "Because I hated him," jurors heard Cho tell Trapp unequivocally. "He ... he wanted it and I hated him He wanted it so bad." Cho's attorney, deputy public defender Robert Kohler, told the mostly non-Korean jury that cultural context could help them make sense of what might seem an improbable story. "There's a strong stigma attached to suicide," B.C. Ben Park, a Penn State professor who has researched Korean attitudes towards suicide, told jurors. "Suicide is a sign of failure of moral upbringing, so it stigmatises the whole family." Seong-han Hong, a friend who had known both men since middle school, described how Lee had a domineering personality and usually got his way in the decades of their friendship. Cho, he said, "was manipulated by others easily ... He doesn't know how to say no to other people." Kohler also called Cho's wife to the stand. The woman looked neither at her husband, who wiped away tears with trembling hands in the defendant's seat, nor at the jurors weighing his fate as she testified in a barely audible voice. Years ago in Korea, she said, Lee made a pass at her, which she rejected. Then about a month before his death, Lee drunkenly came into the room where she and her husband were sleeping and touched her inappropriately, the woman said. She fought him, but didn't make a sound or wake her husband because she was ashamed, she said. In the following weeks, Lee raped her, she said. Twice. But she never told her husband about any of the incidents. "That's how I grew up," she said through a translator. "I grew up in Korea. Even if I was raped, that's not something I can even tell my friend. I was embarrassed and ashamed." Family man His hair greyer and thinner than in his mugshot from five years ago, and his cheeks a little hollower, Cho, now 56, sat through the two-week trial in a grey pinstripe suit, mustard tie and glasses. He listened to his daughters describe him as a calm family man who was never violent nor ever raised his voice. He listened to his wife, who has since filed for divorce, describe being assaulted by his friend and being unable to talk to her husband about it. He listened to himself lie to police, then admit to killing his friend and pointing detectives to where in his garage they'd find the gun. He watched the surveillance footage showing Lee and himself at Wal-Mart buying the shoes and gloves, and the two men, each in their own car, meeting up and conversing at a petrol station shortly before the shooting. He listened to a stipulation about life insurance policies Lee had obtained in Korea, including a $US500,000 one issued in December 2009 that would not have been paid out in the event of a suicide within two years. On Monday, he took the stand in his defence. Right up to the last moment, he never thought Lee would go through with the plan, Cho said. "Whether I liked him or I hated him, he was a friend," he said. "I was begging him, let's stop this. I was trying to save him." "Were you thinking of saving him when you put the gun to the back of his head and pulled the trigger?" Deputy District Attorney Scott Simmons asked. Cho testified that it was only when Lee insulted his wife and his daughter that he pulled the trigger. If jurors decide Cho did not intend to kill his friend until the moment he pulled the trigger, that he shot in the "heat of passion", they have the option of finding him guilty of voluntary manslaughter. Johannesburg: South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority wants permission to appeal the six-year prison sentence handed to athlete Oscar Pistorius for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, describing it as "shockingly too lenient." The double-amputee Olympic sprinter fired four shots at the model through a bathroom door in his Pretoria home on February 14, 2013. Oscar Pistorius arrives at the High Court in Pretoria, South Africa on July 6. Credit:AP The six-year sentence "is disproportionate to the crime of murder committed ... shockingly too lenient, and has accordingly resulted in an injustice," the NPA said in a statement on Thursday. Judge Thokozile Masipa initially sentenced Pistorius to five years in prison for manslaughter in October 2014, accepting his testimony that he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder. Istanbul: The day after Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, declared a national state of emergency in the wake of a failed coup, an anxious nation awoke on Thursday to a text message from its leader, personally exhorting continued loyalty as the government moved against its enemies. Urging his supporters to maintain their presence in public squares, where they have flocked each evening since the coup attempt failed, he wrote, "Do not abandon the heroic resistance you have put up for your country, homeland and flag". Even as Turkish officials were more broadly trying to assure the public on Thursday that individual freedoms would not be threatened by the state of emergency, Erdogan's message to nationwide mobile phone customers struck a more martial tone. In particular, it carried a thinly veiled threat to a wide section of society that Erdogan views as his mortal enemy: the followers of Fethullah Gulen, a former ally and Muslim cleric who lives in Pennsylvania and whom the Turkish government claims is the mastermind of the coup conspiracy. Turkish officials have demanded that the United States extradite him to face justice in Turkey. CLEVELAND Republicans and reporters weren't the only Wisconsinites visiting the Republican National Convention this week. Milwaukee immigrant rights group Voces de la Frontera sent a contingent to participate in protests, including Iuscely Flores, 20, a UW-Milwaukee student. Flores, a self-described undocumented immigrant who is protected from deportation under President Barack Obama's executive order, participated Tuesday in the unveiling of a large banner over Interstate 90 with messages such as "Trump + GOP Hate Kills." On Wednesday she stood outside the convention entrance in a long line of banners with the message "Wall Off Trump." A row of police, many from other states, stood between the banners and the entrance. Flores said she participated in the protests because she worries if Trump is elected he will carry out his promise to deport 11 million immigrants in the country illegally, separating her from her parents, who don't have the same protection to stay in the country legally that she has. Asked what she would say to Trump if given the chance, Flores said: "Id ask him to put himself in my shoes and picture the amount of hate that his speech is directing toward my people." Underscoring deep divisions at the Republican National Convention, US Senator Ted Cruz of Texas was loudly booed after he declined to endorse the party's presidential nominee Donald Trump and urged people to vote according to their conscience. Anti-Trump Republican delegate Ken Cuccinelli told Reuters he escorted Senator Cruz's wife Heidi off the convention floor in Cleveland out of concern for her safety. "During the course of the speech more and more people were coming down closer and closer to Heidi and [Ted Cruz's father] Rafael. When the speech ended, there was an ugly crowd behind us. She was trying to leave," Mr Cuccinelli said. Washington: The US-led coalition to defeat Islamic State in Iraq and Syria will investigate reports it killed dozens of innocent civilians on Tuesday in an air strike in northern Syria, US Defence Secretary Ash Carter said on Wednesday. As many as 85 civilians are believed to have been mistaken for Islamic State fighters and killed in the operation north of the besieged IS-held city of Manbij. Residents said they believed the attack was carried out by US-led warplanes, a monitoring group said. A Member of Syrian opposition group fires during clashes with IS militants in Aleppo, Syria. Credit:Getty Images/File The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the dead included 11 children, and that dozens more people were wounded. The US-backed Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters, launched an offensive at the end of May to seize the last territory held by IS insurgents on Syria's frontier with Turkey. The Hague, The Netherlands, Incumbent Kingdom Ambassador the Hon. Mr. Norbert Braakhuis , well known to Sint Maarten, who was previously stationed in Havana, Cuba will be taking up his new post in Venezuela as per August 12th, visited the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary accompanied by Mrs. Jacinda Hofland from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.. He was received by the Cabinets Director, Perry Geerlings and acting Director of the Cabinet, Margie van Gijn. Ambassador Braakhuis is no stranger to our Island. As a known critic of the various Dutch policies and approaches towards the Caribbean countries in the Kingdom the Ambassador enquired about the latest status of affairs in the (political) relationship between Sint Maarten and The Netherlands. Mr. Braakhuis proceeded to give a brief overview of the causes he will be championing during his four year stint in Venezuela. At the same time he took inventory of the present influences the political situation in Venezuela specifically has in Sint Maarten. His concern was also the possible safeguarding of economic interests Sint Maarteners and Sint Maarten based businesses might presently have in Venezuela. Basically the goal is to bring about closer ties between the countries in the Dutch Caribbean and Venezuela, who because of its geographical position has influence within the region. In the vision of the Ambassador the Kingdom policy towards Venezuela should be more of a Neighbourhood Policy next to or separated from the EU neighbourhood policy. This because Venezuela is considered to be a foreign neighbour of The Kingdom and more in particular The Netherlands. Notwithstanding the economic crisis now being faced in Venezuela, the Ambassador is of the opinion that during his tenure much can and will be achieved. An important area he wishes to work on is the making and implementation of policies that will reflect the entire Kingdom participation at all Dutch Embassies throughout the region. In light hereof, Mr. Geerlings suggested to convene periodical meetings between the Kingdom Ambassadors in the region and the Three Caribbean countries of the Kingdom. A suggestion well received by mr. Braakhuis. On the suggestion of Mr. Geerlings, Mr. Braakhuis wishes to look keenly into the area of introducing durable agricultural practices, through Public- Private Participation. The Director, during the meeting emphasised the need for enhancing the relationships within the region, where this could be made possible through diplomatic contacts through the various Dutch Embassies throughout the region. At the conclusion of the meeting the Director and all present in the meeting wished the Ambassador well in his new endeavour and reiterated the willingness of Sint Maarten to render assistance in the gathering and dissemination of relevant information, whilst the Ambassador assured us to be visiting Sint Maarten very soon again. PHILIPSBURG:--- Weve been talking about the simplification of the tax system for too long and bureaucracy is killing us, says Leader of the United St. Maarten Party (USP) Frans Richardson, adding that it is time to stop talking and tackle the tax structure which puts St. Maarten in disadvantageous competitive positive. He also said that too much bureaucracy stifles innovation. Our tax structure puts us in a bad position to compete, does not attract investors and does not allow for mom and pop entrepreneurs to survive. Richardson said. We have the highest profit tax within the region. How do we compete and attract investors? With the ToT and other compliance taxes, we are also not allowing businesses to do business in a way that facilitates growth for the company or the economy, he said. Richardson said another deterrent to investors and investor companies, local or foreign, is the appearance of taxes that are not executed but are visible in tax structure documentation. When an investor company asks to see your tax structure, they will see mentions of all sorts of taxes that might not be implemented now, but could be in the future. Why would they want to invest here or even calculate a return on investment when they are not sure what might come up in the future in terms of taxes. Its a huge deterrent, Richardson said. He said the USP will present to the public its proposed changes to the tax structure, not tweaking here and there, but real changes to a modern tax structure. We have a rolling ToT that by the time it reaches the retailer pricing ends up three times more than it was. We are not competitive anymore, our people cant afford this as it makes St. Maarten very expensive for visitor and resident, Richardson said. In the same context, Richardson also lamented the bureaucracy involved in getting projects done in what he termed a cumbersome system. He said the time it takes for a project dossier to get from one point to the next within government system, leads to frustration from the people and investors who end up blaming the politicians. Bureaucracy places unnecessary limits on the thinking and actions of individuals. It prevents new ideas, possibly for the growth of the economy, from emerging or even being considered, he said. So the politicians, or rather those elected to streamline these processes, have to simply finally do so. Checks and balances are necessary of course, but St. Maarten has too many. A project has to pass through too many hands and sometimes it never gets to its destination. It has to go to the governor for final signature and I ask myself why? Why the governor if the people who were elected decided. We are not advocating to bypass checks and balances, but to refine. When a school need to be built and an infrastructure development has to take place and it takes forever, politicians take the brunt of the blame, but the system is too cumbersome, Richardson said. Man in custody responsible for defacing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on Sunset Avenue in Venice LAPD have apprehended the man responsible for defacing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on Sunset Avenue in Venice The Los Angeles District Attorney's office believes they have apprehended the man responsible for defacing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on Sunset Avenue in Venice. Before the Memorial Day weekend, graffiti appeared on the wall, which has become an icon for the Venice and West Los Angeles neighborhoods regarding the service and sacrifice given to the United States by those in the armed services. The mural bears the title "You Are Not Forgotten" and lists the names of 2,273 soldiers who are counted as either prisoners of war or missing in action from the Vietnam War. It was painted in 1992 by artist Peter Stewart, who was inspired by a welcoming parade for Operation Desert Storm veterans. The graffiti damage to the memorial mural stretched about 100 feet. "We were initially hopeful that the graffiti could be removed without damaging the memorial, but Metro's contractor says the damage is too extensive," reported Metro CEO Phil Washington. The mural is painted on the side of a Metro building. Washington's statement went to explain that the transit authority would "work with the community to gather historical photos so the wall can be restored." The suspected tagger, Angel Castro, 24, was arrested on July 13. He's plead not guilty to one felony count of vandalism over $400. Castro has previously been convicted of robbery in 2015. Prosecutors will ask that bail be set at $85,000. If convicted as charged, Castro could face up to six years in prison. Volunteers helped cleanup the Vietnam War memorial wall in Venice after it was vandalized with graffiti. If convicted as charged, Castro could face up to six years in prison. The memorial, located on a black wall along Pacific Avenue, was painted by a Vietnam veteran in 1992 and has 2,273 names on it. It declares "You are not forgotten," which was covered up by the graffiti. Citizens all the way from Lancaster and other areas came together to repaint the phrase over the markings and cleanup the graffiti. Venice is a residential, commercial and recreational beachfront neighborhood on the Westside of the city of Los Angeles. Venice was founded in 1905 as a seaside resort town. It was an independent city until 1926, when it merged with Los Angeles. Today, Venice is known for its canals, beaches, and the circus-like Ocean Front Walk, a two-and-a-half-mile pedestrian-only promenade that features performers, mystics, artists and vendors. On 1 July 2009, the White House released their Annual Report to Congress on White House Office Staff, a report listing the names, position titles, and salaries of White House employees. Several days later, columnist Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times put together a blog post in which she used the White House report to identify 22 staffers working in the Office of First Lady. (Sixteen of the listed names were staffers who had the words First Lady in their position titles, five were staffers with the words Social Office or Social Secretary in their titles, and one was listed as a Staff Assistant.) Lynn Sweets list was posted to the Last Crusade web site (and the Canada Free Press web site) with the introductory paragraphs (reproduced above) claiming that First Lady Michelle Obama had hired an unprecedented number of staffers to cater to her every whim, and variants of that version have circulated via e-mail with the subject line First Lady Requires More Than Twenty Attendants. So far as the original White House report was accurate, it was fair to say that First Lady Michelle Obama had about 22 staffers working for her, directly or indirectly, at the time (Katie McCormick Lelyveld, Michelle Obamas press secretary, set the figure at 24). However, its grossly inaccurate to claim that the current First Lady has hired an unprecedented number of staffers, or to assert (as stated in the anonymously tacked-on final paragraph) that First Lady Laura Bush had but a single staffer working for her. The 2008 White House Office Staff List, issued during the final year of President George W. Bushs tenure in office, included sixteen different staffers with the words First Lady in their position titles exactly the same number as that listed for Michelle Obama in 2009. If all staffers listed with Social Secretary in their titles are included as part of the First Ladys retinue (as was done with the Michelle Obama example cited above), then Mrs. Bush had at least 18 people working for her in 2008 (not including any of the various personnel listed only as Staff Assistants, some of whom may also have worked for her directly or indirectly). White House staffing is fluid, with people and positions coming and going, but according to Anita McBride, Laura Bushs former Chief of Staff, Mrs. Bush had between 24 and 26 staffers working for her by the end of her husbands second term in office. Its therefore fair to say that the size of Michelle Obamas staff is not unprecedented, but rather on a par with her immediate predecessors. Moreover, according to the Associated Press, several other First Ladies had larger numbers of personnel working for them than Michelle Obama did: Urbanimmersive Announces the Closing of a $1,395,240 Private Placement of Units MONTREAL, CANADA (Marketwired) 07/20/16 Urbanimmersive Inc. (Urbanimmersive or the Corporation) (TSX VENTURE: UI), is pleased to announce the closing of the private placement announced on May 4, 2016 for gross proceeds of $1,395,239.55. Urbanimmersive issued 9,301,597 units (the Units) at the price of $0.15 per Unit. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Corporation and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles its holder to acquire one additional common share of the Corporation at a price of $0.25 per common share within the 2-year period ending on July 20, 2018. The net proceeds of the private placement will be used for sales and marketing initiatives and to finance the current operations of the Corporation. With this new equity financing and our recent strategic business developments, we are now very well positioned to support the growth of our real estate contents marketplace. The participation of investors from across Canada, including several ones related to real estate, in this financing represents for us a significant recognition of the progress our company has made in the residential technologies market says Ghislain Lemire, CEO at Urbanimmersive. Leede Jones Gable Inc. (the Agent) has acted as agent in connection with a portion of the private placement. The Corporation has paid a cash commission of $79,674.58 to the Agent and has granted to the Agent 930,159 non-transferable compensation options, representing 10% of the Units sold under the private placement. Each compensation option shall be exercisable to acquire one compensation unit at an exercise price of $0.15 per unit at any time prior to July 20, 2018. Each compensation unit will consist of one common share of the Corporation and one common share purchase warrant of the Corporation exercisable into one additional common share of the Corporation at a price of $0.25 per common share within the 2-year period ending on July 20, 2018. All securities issued under the private placement were issued pursuant to exemptions from the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws and are subject to a statutory resale restriction until November 21, 2016. About Urbanimmersive Urbanimmersive is a content marketing platform for real estate professionals. The Company connects real estate professionals, photographers and writers in order to simplify and optimize original content production workflow. Urbanimmersive enables its customers to leverage their marketing investment while increasing productivity, competitiveness, their web visibility, consumer engagement with their brand and, ultimately, their income. For more information, visit Urbanimmersive website . Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Caution on Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and are subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The results or events predicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events. As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other assumptions and risk factors, please refer to the Managements Discussion and Analysis of the Corporation for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, and filed with the Canadian securities commissions on May 25, 2016. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent our expectations as of the date hereof. We disclaim any intention and assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Contacts: Urbanimmersive Inc. Ghislain Lemire, President and CEO 514-394-7820 NetMotion Wireless Enters Japanese Market to Support Rapidly Growing Mobile Workforce SEATTLE, WA (Marketwired) 07/20/16 , the leading provider of mobile performance management, security and traffic optimization software, today announced the companys Japan expansion with the appointment of mobility solutions expert, Takahiro Narita, as Japan Country Manager. Mr. Narita, a Dell veteran, will be responsible for building the Japanese market for NetMotions software solutions and developing and managing a partner network of top tier distributors and systems integrators. NetMotions Mobility software delivers secure connectivity, adaptive policy control, application performance management and network optimization for more than three thousand organizations worldwide. The companys Diagnostics software is the first and only solution of its kind to help IT teams quickly pinpoint root causes of mobile connectivity and wireless networking problems to improve the productivity of mobile users. With a rapidly growing mobile workforce of nearly 14 million, Japanese businesses invested more than JPY 124.bn (USD 1.2bn) in mobile security solutions as part of workplace transformation initiatives that swept the country beginning in 2014. These technology initiatives placed the country in the worlds top three for IT spending on mobility projects. Our solutions solve secure connectivity and application performance issues which dramatically increase mobile worker productivity, said Christopher Kenessey, CEO, NetMotion Wireless. The growing global demand for our solutions combined with the upsurge in mobility projects across Japan make it a logical area of focus for us. Im thrilled that our Mobility and Diagnostics Japanese localization is completed and that we have such an experienced executive in Mr. Narita to lead our Japan efforts. With enterprises and organizations across Japan deploying mobile devices for their workers, IT organizations can find it a daunting task to meet the needs of mobile workers and corporate expectations for productivity, added Erik Helms, VP of International Sales & Business Development. Our software is uniquely suited to meet these growing challenges and enable both an increase in productivity while removing the complexity of supporting a mobile workforce. Now having an IT and wireless networking professional, Takahiro Narita, on the team allows us to begin meeting the needs of Japanese customers. With his joining, we are fulfilling our Japanese expansion plans and we look forward to great successes that Mr. Narita will achieve. Mr. Narita was previously Dells Solution Engineer Manager for Virtual Desktop and Thin Client Solutions for financial, enterprise, public and SMB businesses. Prior to Dell, he held various management roles with NTT East, Citrix Systems, Digital Guardian and Juniper. NetMotion Wireless mobile performance management and traffic optimization software accelerates business-critical applications, hybrid networks and mobile devices. Thousands of enterprises around the world depend on the companys solutions to deliver application performance management, network optimization, adaptive policy control and secure remote access for their mobile workforces. NetMotion gives IT decision-makers robust intelligence and control over devices, applications and networks to increase operational efficiencies and end-user productivity. NetMotion has received numerous awards for its technology and customer support. The company consistently receives an impressive customer satisfaction Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 91, significantly exceeding NPS averages in the technology and telecom industries. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Visit . NetMotion and NetMotion Mobility are registered trademarks of NetMotion Wireless, Inc. All other trade names, trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Japan Media Contact: Midori Mikami Direct: +81 3 6427 1976 Email: U.S. Media Contact: Lindsay Stril Direct: 253-444-5443 Email: AerServ Partners With The Media Trust to Ensure Ad Security for Publishers IRVINE, CA (Marketwired) 07/21/16 , the only mobile-first video mediation platform, today announced a partnership with , the global leader in monitoring and protecting the online and mobile ecosystem. AerServ has been successfully working alongside The Media Trust to ensure a safe ad environment for customers by automatically detecting, alerting and then removing suspicious or malicious creatives. In a continued effort to align with developers and provide them a best-in-class monetization platform, AerServ takes a firm stance against malicious creative and malvertising. Using The Media Trusts SaaS-based service, which provides continuous, 24/7 protection against malware surreptitiously embedded in mobile ad tags, AerServ proactively hunts for creatives that may harm the user experience or provide an unsafe environment. Were thrilled to partner with The Media Trust to ensure mobile ads are malware free, said Josh Speyer, CEO of AerServ. Their approach to detecting malicious ad tags and then alerting publishers in real time is backed by 10 years of proven experience in malware detection, so together, were destined to succeed. In fact, The Media Trusts scanning service has already identified multiple instances of malicious creative that our team immediately eliminated from the system. Ad blocking is a hot topic, and data usage, latency and ad intrusiveness contribute to the rise in interest. One of the most common issues in mobile is auto-redirecting creative and malware. A mobile redirect is a small piece of code embedded into an ad tag or recommended third-party content. When the infected ad or content appears on the screen, the user is suddenly and abruptly redirected from their current property to app stores, pornographic sites or other unwanted content. Mobile device users are highly intolerant of these redirects, so its critical to detect and terminate them before they interrupt the user experience. When The Media Trusts Media Scanner service detects any suspicious or malicious ad tags, including mobile redirects, it immediately notifies AerServ of the suspicious activity so they can instantly remove and block bad creative. Malvertising continues to be a huge problem in the mobile advertising ecosystem, as hackers target video and mobile with greater and greater frequency, says Chris Olson, founder and CEO, The Media Trust. Through this partnership, major mobile publishers can keep their consumers, their site and, most importantly, their brand safe from malicious mobile ads on a continuous basis. AerServ and The Media Trusts partnership further establishes AerServs ad technology as a leader in mobile SSPs. AerServ is the leading mobile ad serving and mediation platform, specializing in mobile video technology, with proprietary yield optimization tools that increase revenue across all formats and ad units. AerServ works in alignment with thousands of apps, from premium publishers to independent developers, to optimize their existing ad network revenue through mediation, and tap into aerMarkets demand inventory to supercharge their earnings. AerServs entire platform and infrastructure were built with a publisher-first mentality. Technical integration is super simple, and publishers can serve multiple ad formats through one integration, reducing time even further. Publishers get best-in-class support with hands-on care from integration specialists, account managers and software engineers. Whether you are looking for a simple way to monetize your mobile inventory or an advanced way to increase revenue, AerServ can get you there easily and efficiently. The company was founded in 2013 and has offices in Newport Beach, California. Visit AerServ at or follow us on Twitter at @AerServ. The Media Trust works with the worlds largest, most-heavily trafficked digital properties to provide real-time security, first-party data protection and privacy, performance management and quality assurance solutions that help protect, monetize and optimize the user experience across desktop, smartphone, tablet and gaming devices. As the global leader in monitoring the online and mobile ecosystems, The Media Trust leverages a physical presence in 65 countries and 500 cities around the globe to continuously scan websites, ad tags and mobile apps and alert on anomalies affecting websites and visitors alike. More than 500 publishers, ad networks, exchanges, agencies and corporates including 40 of comScores AdFocus Top 50 websites rely on The Media Trust to protect their website, their employee internet use, their revenue and, most importantly, their brand. Hollis Guerra Blast PR on Behalf of AerServ 805-403-0705 Ellen Donovan The Media Trust 404-374-7822 EchoPixel Medical Virtual Reality System Ready for Clinical Implementation MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (Marketwired) 07/21/16 EchoPixel announced today that its breakthrough medical imaging solution is now available to clinical users in collaboration with the HP Zvr Interactive Virtual Reality Display and workstation. The HP Zvr, powered by zSpace technology, and the HP Z440 Workstation are customized to EchoPixels True 3D Viewer cleared regulatory requirements, providing a turnkey solution for both diagnostic imaging and surgical planning. The True 3D system is a powerful new tool for doctors to make reading medical images more intuitive, help physicians reach their diagnosis, and assist in the planning of complex surgical procedures. The partnership will capitalize on EchoPixels exciting progress in the study of new clinical applications at prominent beta test sites, and HPs global relationships with medical institutions, to accelerate adoption of virtual reality technology in the medical imaging field. Using True 3D, physicians can view and interact with images gathered from CT and MR data the way they would with real physical objects. The system enables radiologists, cardiologists, pediatric cardiologists, and interventional neuroradiologists (among others) to see patient-specific anatomy in an open 3D space. I believe our partnership with HP will be a formative moment in the development and distribution of virtual reality in the medical imaging space, said Ron Schilling, CEO of EchoPixel. HP has a long record of leadership in this industry, a strong network of partnerships, and a powerful commitment to their customers. We believe that virtual reality is the next revolution in medical imaging, and with our FDA cleared system, together we can deliver this technology into hospitals, clinics, and medical schools around the world. Since its market introduction in March 2015, EchoPixels True 3D has generated excitement in the medical imaging community, with its promise to transform the ways that doctors work, students learn, and patients understand their unique anatomy. It is being used in clinical, educational, and research settings around the world, including the University of California, San Francisco, Stanford, the Cleveland Clinic, the Lahey Clinic, and the Hershey Medical Center, among others. Our customers rely on HP to help transform lives through innovative solutions, said Reid Oakes, senior director, Worldwide Healthcare, HP Inc. By working with valued partners like EchoPixel and leveraging emerging technologies like virtual reality, we can rethink how technology can blend the physical and digital worlds to change the face of healthcare. For further information, or to order EchoPixel True 3D powered by HP, visit or . EchoPixel is building a new world of patient care with its groundbreaking medical visualization software. The companys FDA-cleared True 3D system uses existing medical image datasets to create virtual reality environments of patient-specific anatomy, allowing physicians to view and dissect images just as they would real, physical objects. The technology aims to make reading medical images more intuitive, help physicians reach diagnosis, and assist in surgical planning. Leading institutions, including Stanford University, the University of California, San Francisco, the Cleveland Clinic, the Lahey Clinic, and more are using True 3D in clinical and research applications. EchoPixel is a privately held, venture backed company located in Mountain View, CA. CHICAGO The song bellowing through the convention hall of the Republican National Convention as he took center stage should have been Que Sera, Sera. For Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, the whatever will be, will be question is whether he will seek re-election in 2018 or make another run for the White House in 2020. The futures not ours to see, so the song goes, but heres hoping for the latter. Walker took to the podium in Cleveland on Wednesday night to support the candidacy of Donald Trump and reinforce the calculus that a vote for anyone else would be a vote for Hillary Clinton. Walker stepped back into the national spotlight after dropping out of the Republican presidential race in September. Since then, he has been in his home state trying to re-engage with the voters he neglected during his presidential ambition tour. Walker is no showboater. Hes the opposite a dull guy overseeing a state with more people employed today than in Wisconsins history. That boring Walker cut taxes by nearly $5 billion and has insisted on a fully funded pension system. The states rainy day fund is roughly 150 times more bountiful than when the oh-so-monotonous Walker assumed office in 2011. Need-based financial aid for college students is on the rise. The states high school graduation rate ranks in the top five of states nationally. And the plain-spoken, tedious Walker has directed more money toward mental health services than any governor in the country. Remind me again. Whats wrong with boring? Walkers bland personality contributed to the death spiral of his presidential campaign after he, at first, soared to the top of the list of those expected to win the Iowa caucuses. How wrong political pundits were, myself included, to think GOP primary voters wanted dull. That they wanted substance. That they wanted a candidate with specific plans to pay down the national debt, curb deficit spending, lead on health care reform and shrink government. How certain we were, instead, that Trumps pizazz would eventually fizzle and that the debates during the primary election would expose the hollow rhetoric of the guy with the crazy hair. Walker one of the countrys most tested elected officials survived a recall election and beat back organized labor. But he got crushed by the steamrolling Trump. Turns out, voters were tired of tightly messaged, politically correct leadership. They craved the crazy. They wanted the gaudy. Trump has not disappointed at the convention in Cleveland. His entrance onto the stage Monday night to introduce his wife included a smoke machine, a slow saunter to center stage and music roaring through the room. I have seen that routine before, but usually at bachelorette parties. This time it was to honor the GOP nominee for president. Walker has been making the rounds in Cleveland, including speaking to and reacquainting himself with the Iowa delegation. He doesnt want to be forgotten. Running for president in 2020 has already started, and his swing through the breakfast gatherings of important early primary states shows he is at least considering the possibility. Lets hope. At this moment in time, Trump has tapped into the deep frustration of an electorate demanding radical, even unhinged, leadership. Four years from now, we might be begging for boring. Media Alert: Subsentio(R) Honors Law Enforcement at Citizens Appreciate State Troopers Awards Event With Special Tribute to Families of Officers Slain in Line of Duty Friday, July 22 11:00am MTN Governors Residence at the Boettcher Mansion DENVER, CO (Marketwired) 07/21/16 On Friday, July 22 at 11:00am MTN time, Centennial-based Subsentio, the CALEA Compliance Company, salutes members of the Colorado State Patrol selected to receive the Citizens Appreciate State Troopers or C.A.S.T. Award. Held in the Governors Residence at the Boettcher Mansion, the event honors Colorado State Troopers for their courage and commitment in preserving the law and protecting public safety. In a special address, Subsentio CEO and Founder Steve Bock will pay tribute to the families and loved ones of law enforcement officers slain in the line of duty. Mr. Bock and Subsentios former Chief Security Officer and Founder Ward Jackson will join other members of the C.A.S.T. Board of Directors presenting awards to the following members of the Colorado State Patrol: (posthumously) who was hit and killed by a drunk driver while protecting the scene of a previous accident. who was severely injured in the incident that claimed the life of Trooper Taylor Thyfault last year. Thyfault took the full force of on oncoming speeder while trying to warn a tow truck of the danger, and died in this act of heroism. and , who faced gunfire while apprehending a suspect who had rolled his car and then carjacked another vehicle. who, while off duty, kept a troubled young woman from certain injury. who showed restraint in arresting a physically violent suspect by shooting him in the leg rather than killing him. Subsentio, the CALEA Compliance Company, provides total solutions for records production and compliance with surveillance laws including the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act. Subsentios CALEA service bureau model is unique in the industry, providing all components essential to compliance with the law, including outstanding technology, legal expertise, and direct experience in law enforcement. The company is based in Centennial, Colorado. Jim Crawford, for Subsentio 703-498-7315 Verismic Earns Finalist Recognition for OC Technology Alliance Awards ALISO VIEJO, CA (Marketwired) 07/21/16 , a global leader in cloud-based IT management technology, has been named a finalist in the Emerging Technology Company and Emerging Technology CEO categories of the annual . Verismics agentless is a cloud-based IT management solution that automates cumbersome IT tasks such as software distribution, third-party patching and power management. A user-friendly dashboard allows for tracking of IT assets through automated and customizable reporting. Were thrilled to earn this recognition from the influential OC Tech Alliance, an organization that does great work promoting Orange County as an important technology hub, says Verismic president and CEO, Ashley Leonard. Cloud Management Suite provides companies with a better way to distribute software and handle patching, resulting in reduced costs and a more productive IT department. Im also honored to receive the accolade as an emerging technology CEO. My success is not possible without the the Verismic team which provides our customers with a sophisticated IT management platform and amazing service. Now in its 23rd year, the High-Tech Innovation Awards is Southern Californias premier awards program event celebrating achievement among the regional tech industry. The OC Tech Alliance honors local companies, leaders and technology products that make Orange County a technology hub. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on October 6, 2016, at the Westin South Coast Plaza. Orange County is home to many outstanding technology companies and our judges had a difficult task of choosing finalists from many worthy submissions, said Peter M. Craig, OC Tech Alliance chairman. We congratulate Verismic as a finalist in these categories as it certainly achieves high marks for technology innovation here in Orange County. : Verismic Software, Inc. is a global industry leader providing cloud-based IT management technology focused on enabling greater efficiency, cost-savings and security control for users, all while engaging in endpoint management. Headquartered in Aliso Viejo, Calif., Verismic is a growing and dynamic organization with offices in four countries and 12 partners in nine countries. Over the past two years, Verismic has worked with more than 150 companies ranging from 100 to 30,000 endpoints delivering a variety of solutions for organizations of all sizes as well as managed service providers (MSPs). Verismics software portfolio includes the first-of-its-kind agentless, (CMS); ; and . For more information, visit . Image Available: Leslie Licano Beyond Fifteen Communications, Inc. 949.733.8679 Historic building in downtown LaPorte collapses, investigation ongoing The owner was doing renovations, but investigators say the work was cosmetic and not structural. 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. 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 Justin Ng led a group of eight first-time eclipse photographers when he captured the images for this eclipse collage early on March 9 in Palu, Indonesia. He took the photos with a Canon 7D at 400mm with a DIY solar filter. If you long to see the Earth from an astronaut's perspective, explore the wonders of the cosmos, delve into space history or capture your own vivid views of the sky, a book about space photography could hold just the picture. Here are Space.com writers' and editors' picks for photo collections and astrophotography books that will transport you to other worlds. (We are constantly reading new and classic space books to find our favorite takes on the universe. Our recently-read books in all categories can be found at Best Space Books. You can see our ongoing Space Books coverage here. If you capture a spectacular image of the sky that you'd like to share with Space.com and our news partners for a possible story or photo gallery, send an email to Space.com Editor-in-Chief Tariq Malik at spacephotos@space.com.) 'Picturing Apollo 11: rare Views and Undiscovered Moments' (University Press of Florida, 2019) By J.L. Pickering and John Bisney (Image credit: University Press of Florida) In the new book Picturing Apollo 11: Rare Views and Undiscovered Moments, (University Press of Florida, April 2019), spaceflight historian J.L. Pickering and journalist John Bisney paint an incredible, vivid picture of what it was really like to be a part of the Apollo 11 mission. The book features a wealth of images from 1969, primarily from January through the lunar landing in July, which show lesser-seen scenes from the Apollo program. From difficult training moments to mundane meetings, the images in this book really humanize the larger-than-life Apollo 11 astronauts. It is easy to look back at Apollo 11 through a romanticized lens, but this book makes it clear just how gritty, funny and real the mission really was. ~Chelsea Gohd Read more about "Picturing Apollo 11" and page through some of its photos here. 'Infinite Wonder' (Knopf, 2018) By Scott Kelly (Image credit: Knopf) Scott Kelly spent a record-breaking 340 days on the International Space Station, taking tens of thousands of images of the planet spinning below making him the perfect guide to show off the wonders of Earth. This new large-format photobook combines images he took of the Space Station and Earth with super-zoomed-in views of unusual parts of the planet's surface, as well as photos of his launch, landing and other parts of the historic mission. The book combines large, colorful images with Kelly's descriptions of the mission and interesting Earth features, and it makes a great companion to his recent memoir "Endurance" or a good stand-alone showpiece. ~Sarah Lewin Kelly guides Space.com through some of his favorite photos and talks about the book here; look through a short gallery of photo picks here. 'Hello, Is This Planet Earth?' (Little, Brown and Co., 2017) By Tim Peake (Image credit: Little, Brown and Co.) British astronaut Tim Peake's photo book takes its name from an unusual moment during his six months on the International Space Station he tried to call his family on Christmas Eve in 2015, but dialed the wrong number instead, confusing the answerer with an unusual greeting: "Hello, is this Planet Earth?" The book is filled with Peake's favorite photo selections of night and day, oceans and rivers, mountains and deserts, towns and cities, and the Earth overall, as well as the satellites, cargo craft and other gear that made appearances during his time on the space station. His images are interspersed with descriptions of how he captured the photos and anecdotes about his time in space. ~Sarah Lewin Read more about the book here, and see a gallery of some of the book's images here. (opens in new tab) You can buy "Hello, Is This Planet Earth?" for $12.10 from Amazon (opens in new tab)! 'Spaceborne' (Press Syndication Group, 2016) By Don Pettit (Image credit: PSG) NASA astronaut Don Pettit's stunning space photographs fill the pages of "Spaceborne," a glossy photo collection that spotlights the ever-changing Earth, streaking stars and the details of the International Space Station. Over the course of Pettit's three space missions, he captured hundreds of thousands of photographs documenting an astronaut's view and the best of them are collected here. Pettit's photographs of cities at night feature alongside Earth's natural wonders, auroras and glowing atmosphere, often framed by the space station's outstretched solar panels and modules. Long-exposure photos create psychadelic streaks on Earth and whirling star trails above, taking full advantage of an astronaut's unique vantage point, and Pettit talks readers through the sights and how he captured them. ~Sarah Lewin Read Space.com's Q&A with Pettit on space photography here, and see a gallery of "Spaceborne" images here. 'Abandoned in Place' (University of Mexico Press, 2016) By Roland Miller (Image credit: Roland Miller) In "Abandoned in Place," photographer Roland Miller takes readers on a tour of abandoned facilities that once served NASA's human spaceflight program. The images of unused launch towers, empty science offices and antiquated technology are visually striking, and carry the ghosts of long-gone missions. Miller is a photographer and teacher by day, but he has been photographing unused NASA facilities for thirty years as a side project. Some of the sites featured in the book particularly those at Cape Canaveral, Florida are being quickly eroded by saltwater, and Miller, a child of the Apollo era, said he started to feel a sense of obligation to preserve these monuments, which stand as a symbol of one of humanity's greatest accomplishments. ~Calla Cofield Read more about the book and see its haunting images here, and read an op-ed by the author here. 'Infinite Worlds' (Simon & Schuster, 2014) By Michael Soluri (Image credit: Michael Soluri/Infinite Worlds) Packed from cover to cover with stunning images taken on the ground and in space, "Infinite Worlds" tells the story of STS-125, the last crewed mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. Photographer Michael Soluri was granted nearly unrestricted access to the mission program leading up to the launch, and the behind-the-scenes images will thrill NASA fans. These masterful photographs capture the bare reality of preparing for a crewed space mission. The book's text includes essays by the astronauts and other mission staff. It also features images taken by the crew during the mission, and of course, images by the Hubble telescope. This is a fantastic addition to any spaceflight book collection. You can see photos from "Infinite Worlds" here or watch a video of Soluri discussing the book and Hubble. Infinite Worlds (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) $21.64 (opens in new tab) View (opens in new tab) 'You Are Here: Around the World in 92 Minutes' (Little, Brown, 2014) By Chris Hadfield (Image credit: Little, Brown and Company) Chris Hadfield made a name for himself on social media during his five-month stay on the International Space Station in 2012-2013 by tweeting from space, recording humorous videos and even playing guitar. The Canadian astronaut, like most visitors to the space station, also took innumerable photos looking back down at Earth. In "You Are Here: Around the World in 92 Minutes," Hadfield has compiled his favorite photos into one tour over the surface of the Earth as seen from space. Besides describing what's happening in the photos, he also compares them to more commonplace sights: desert sand like the storms of Jupiter, sprinkled icing over Australia, the "Eye of the Sahara" and more. On the heels of "An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth" (Little, Brown, 2013), which offers advice and anecdotes from space, this book takes a step back and lets an astronaut's view (mostly) speak for itself. ~Sarah Lewin Watch a video interview with Hadfield about the book here. (opens in new tab) You can buy "You Are Here: Around The World In 92 Minutes" for $12.99 from Amazon (opens in new tab)! 'Planetfall' (Abrams, 2012) By Michael Benson (Image credit: Abrams) "Planetfall: New Solar system Visions" is an oversized tome filled with page after page of alien landscapes its pages tour Earth, the moon, the sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and the asteroids and comets that inhabit our solar system. Author Michael Benson, who published two previous books of celestial images, created the images by processing raw spacecraft data to reproduce what the human eye would see from each viewpoint in space. The book is a celebration of the robotic probes and astronaut photographers that have set out to explore the solar system, and the enormous images put the viewer right among the dunes of Mars, on the Moon with Earth peeking over the horizon and alongside a tiny, steam-ejecting moon among the rings of Saturn. And as alien as those vistas look, it's surprisingly easy to feel like you're standing right there. ~Sarah Lewin Read a Q&A with author Michael Benson here. We're adding to these lists all the time; check back later for the latest space photography books! Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. NASA's Viking 1 lander took this photo on July 23, 1976, just three days after touching down on the Red Planet. NASA's life-hunting Viking mission to Mars was the most complex robotic exploration effort of its day, but the space agency initially wanted it to be even more ambitious. Viking consisted of two spacecraft, each one an orbiter-lander duo. Viking 1 and Viking 2 launched a few weeks apart in 1975; the Viking 1 lander touched down on Mars 40 years ago today (July 20), while its Viking 2 counterpart followed suit on Sept. 3, 1976. Viking was one of NASA's most successful missions. The orbiters and landers returned a tremendous amount of data, allowing scientists to flesh out a basic understanding of Mars for the first time. The two landers also famously found ambiguous signs of microbial activity on the Red Planet, inspiring a debate about Mars life that continues to this day. [Viking 1: The Historic First Mars Landing in Pictures] Things could have worked out differently, however, because Viking wasn't always Viking. The project was originally called Voyager, and it was born big. Voyager took shape in the early 1960s, and was viewed as a step toward eventually sending astronauts to the Red Planet. Voyager would have used the gigantic Saturn V rocket, which NASA was developing primarily for the Apollo moon missions. The Saturn V the most powerful rocket ever built could have blasted 39,700 lbs. (18,000 kilograms) toward Mars in one go, according to the NASA History Series book "On Mars: Exploration of the Red Planet," by Edward Ezell and Linda Ezell. That's a lot of payload. For perspective, each Viking orbiter-and-lander spacecraft ended up weighing a total of 6,395 lbs. (2,900 kg) fully fueled, and each one launched separately, on a different Titan-IIIE rocket. But both Vikings could have launched atop the same Saturn V, with a lot of margin left over for more science instruments, more technology demonstrations or anything else mission team members wanted to add. Engineers and planners at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, which managed Voyager, were leery about it, viewing the program as impractical given the funding, facilities and knowledge available at the time, JPL historian Erik Conway said Tuesday (July 19) during a NASA-hosted discussion of Viking's legacy. But the decision-makers at the space agency's headquarters in Washington, D.C. were gung-ho, he added. So what happened? Voyager died because of some bad timing on the part of NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) in Houston (which is now called Johnson Space Center), Conway said. In August 1967, the MSC put out a request for proposals about ways to return samples from Mars or Venus using astronauts in the 1975-1982 time frame. According to "On Mars," this request infuriated Rep. Joseph Karth (D-Minn.), who was acting chairman of the House Subcommittee on NASA Oversight at the time. Karth had been a fan of Voyager. But, as related in "On Mars," Karth told Aviation Week & Space Technology that he was "absolutely astounded" by the request, especially because Congress had repeatedly warned NASA against "new starts" in the already-expensive Apollo era. "Very bluntly, a manned mission to Mars or Venus by 1975 or 1977 is now and always has been out of the question and anyone who persists in this kind of misallocation of resources at this time is going to be stopped," Karth said. That indeed came to pass, in short order. And, "in the process of stopping it, Voyager went away, too," Conway said. NASA selected the basic Viking mission plan, and its name, before the end of 1968, he added. But Voyager came back to life, albeit in name only. The moniker was recycled for a pair of NASA missions that explored Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, and then famously kept on flying through the solar system's far outer reaches. In August 2012, Voyager 1 became the first human-made object ever to reach interstellar space, and Voyager 2 should achieve that milestone soon as well. Both spacecraft remain operational today. You can read much more about how Voyager morphed into Viking in "On Mars," which is available online: http://history.nasa.gov/SP-4212/ch4.html Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. WASHINGTON DigitalGlobe released an hours-old photo of Oakland, California on July 19, hoping to squash questions about the operability of one of its high-resolution imagery satellites after the U.S. Air Force said it had been part of a debris-causing event earlier in the day. The Joint Space Operations Center, which is the Defense Department's nerve center for space operations and tracks space objects from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, tweeted July 19 that it had identified a debris-causing event related DigitalGlobe's WorldView-2 satellite. See more As a result, the JSpOC is tracking eight pieces of debris related to the incident. An estimated time of the event was not immediately available. "Earlier today JSPOC issued a 'debris causing event' notification related to DigitalGlobe's Worldview-2 satellite," the Longmont, Colorado-based company tweeted. "WorldView-2 is currently operational and is performing standard maneuvering and imaging tasks." See more See more As if to underscore the satellite's health, the company tweeted an image of downtown Oakland, California from the satellite taken later that afternoon. See more Air Force Capt. Nicholas Mercurio, a spokesman for U.S. Strategic Command's Joint Functional Component Command for Space and the 14th Air Force, said DigitalGlobe is conducting an investigation into what happened. WorldView-2 prior to its 2009 launch. (Image credit: DigitalGlobe) WorldView-2, which launched in October 2009, provides 46-centimeter resolution imagery to commercial and government customers, including the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which distributes and analyzes satellite imagery for both the military and intelligence community. The U.S. government accounts for about 50 percent of WorldView-2 capacity. Ball Aerospace built the satellite. This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry. NASA astronaut Eileen Collins, the first woman ever to pilot and command a space shuttle mission, poses for a photo in the leadup to the STS-93 flight of the shuttle Columbia, which launched in July 1999. The first woman ever to command a space shuttle mission lamented a perceived lack of leadership in the United States' space program tonight (July 20) during a speech at the Republican National Convention. Speaking on the 47th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing, retired NASA astronaut Eileen Collins urged the nation to reclaim the spirit and glory of the Apollo era. "We landed on the moon to fulfill a leadership challenge, and to explore," Collins said, referring to President John F. Kennedy's famous 1961 call for NASA to put an astronaut on the moon, and bring him safely home, by the end of the decade. [NASA's Historic Apollo 11 Moon Landing in Pictures] "We are all so proud of our Apollo program that put our astronauts on the moon first, in peace, for all mankind," she added. "Nations that lead on the frontier lead in the world. We need that visionary leadership again." Collins pointed to the lack of American crew-carrying spaceships as evidence of a current leadership void. "In 2011, the space shuttle program ended. The last time the United States launched our own astronauts from our own soil was over five years ago," said Collins, who spent more than 36 days in space over four different space shuttle missions between 1995 and 2005. "We must do better than that." American astronauts currently launch toward the International Space Station aboard Russian Soyuz spacecraft, but things should change soon. Over the past few years, NASA has been funding the development of private astronaut taxis, including Boeing's CST-100 Starliner capsule and SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft. Both vehicles are on track to begin flying astronauts next year, NASA officials have said. Collins has been critical in the past of the Obama Administration's 2010 cancellation of NASA's moon-oriented Constellation program. Her four-minute speech tonight didn't include any political jabs or endorsements, though she did wrap it up by echoing Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's campaign slogan. "We need leadership that will make America's space program first again," Collins said. "And we need leadership that will make America great again." Collins wasn't the only one to do some Apollo-gizing tonight. Texas Senator Ted Cruz invoked Apollo 11 as well, linking the historic lunar landing to what he said is a key characteristic of the nation, and the Republican Party in particular. "That was the power of freedom," said Cruz, who chairs the Senate's Subcommittee on Space, Science and Competitiveness. Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. When "Star Trek's" starship Enterprise first embarked on a "five-year mission" in 1966, the goal of its first crew was to better understand the universe around it by going where no men or humans, as we would say today had gone before. That mission is similar to that of the Hubble Space Telescope, which has been exploring the universe from Earth orbit since 1990. And just as "Star Trek Beyond" (the science-fiction franchise's latest film) warps into theaters this Friday, scientists have unveiled their newest view yet from their real-life "Frontier Fields" program, which you can see here in a stunning video. Space ... the final frontier, as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope. This stunning Frontier Fields view of the Abell S1063 was unveiled by astronomers on July 21, 2016 just ahead of the release of "Star Trek Beyond," the latest film in the Star Trek franchise. (Image credit: NASA, ESA, and J. Lotz (STScI)) "The newest target of Hubble's mission is the distant galaxy cluster Abell S1063, potentially home to billions of strange new worlds," just like those visited by the USS Enterprise, according to a European Space Agency description. The cluster's massive gravity magnifies light from background galaxies due to an effect known as gravitational lensing. Although Abell S1063 is 4 billion years old, the galaxies behind it are much older. One of the galaxies is about 12.7 billion years old, or only 1 billion years younger than the universe's formation during the Big Bang. "[Gravitational lensing] allows Hubble to see galaxies that would otherwise be too faint to observe and makes it possible to search for, and study, the very first generation of galaxies in the universe," ESA officials wrote in the same statement. "'Fascinating,' as a famous Vulcan might say." Hubble astronomers also observed 16 background galaxies whose light is so distorted that they form multiple images on the sky. This phenomenon will let astronomers improve models of mass in the cluster, both in ordinary matter and dark matter. Dark matter is a substance that cannot be seen with telescopes but that can be inferred through its gravitational influence. Along with dark energy, it makes up the vast majority of the known universe. Previous Frontier Fields discoveries by Hubble include finding a galaxy that formed only a few hundred million years after the Big Bang, and the first gravitationally lensed supernova. Two more Frontier Fields observations are also planned in the next few years. ESA said this would not have been possible without its international collaboration across Europe and with NASA. "Such an extensive international collaboration would have made Gene Roddenberry, the father of 'Star Trek,' proud," ESA officials wrote. Follow Elizabeth Howell @howellspace, or Space.com @Spacedotcom. We're also on Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. 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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. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate CLEVELAND When a rebellion needs crushing, Paul Manafort is the guy to see. Just this week, the last of the Never Trump movement learned what others going back to smoke-filled convention halls in his native Connecticut already knew: dont mess with Manafort. With an arsenal of political connections and the accuracy of a big-game hunter, Manafort targeted insurgent delegates at the Republican National Convention and made sure Donald Trump sealed the GOP presidential nomination. Trump is the latest makeover project for Manafort, a 67-year-old Republican strategist and lobbyist, who has served clients from presidents (Gerald Ford) to autocrats (Manuel Noriega). His task this time: help Trump transition from provocateur to standard-bearer and build the campaign infrastructure Trump needs to take on Hillary Clinton. Its sort of like having to be Dwight Eisenhower in the second World War, said Richard Dick Foley, of Danbury, a former state GOP chairman and longtime associate of Manafort. If you a win, theres a thousand people that are going to claim credit, and if you lose theyre all going to blame you. Manafort, like Trump, doesnt let that stop him. The parallels between candidate and consigliere abound. Both had powerful fathers, the elder Paul Manafort a three-term New Britain mayor and Trump the son of a wealthy real estate developer. Both run in elite circles, but arent blue bloods. And neither shies away from conflict, as Manafort said during a breakfast Tuesday in Cleveland for Connecticut delegates. Everyone sees him as this big businessman from Manhattan, Manafort said of Trump. But really what he is, is a businessman from Queens and thats a whole big difference. He does understand the working man. He does understand the pressures that people are feeling every day whether they have one job, two jobs or no job. The toughest test Manafort comes from a pipeline of Connecticut political operatives known as the Kiddie Corps, who plied their skills for Gov. Thomas Meskill in the early 1970s. At the time, he was graduating from Georgetown University, where he led the Washington, D.C., federation of College Republicans. With a reputation for strong-arm tactics and skulduggery, according to friends, Manafort is a master of contested conventions, like the victory he orchestrated in 1976, when Connecticut went for Ford over Ronald Reagan. They kicked our ass. They closed us out. We got nothing, said Roger Stone, a former business partner of Manafort who worked for Reagan during the 1976 campaign. Manafort knows how to play hardball when he has to. But Trump could be the toughest test for Manafort, who weaved through a crowd of well-wishers and old faces from his home state on the floor of Quicken Loans Arena. The intrigue over Manafort is sky high, with cable news shows lining up to interview the Trump spin-doctor after passages from Melania Trumps speech appeared to be directly lifted from Michelle Obamas 2008 Democratic National Convention speech. During one, Manafort sparred with CNNs Chris Cuomo over the controversy. Manafort downplayed the incident and then attacked saying it was a smear by Clintons campaign, though there is no evidence of that. I spent all my life in campaigns keeping families out of the news, Manafort told the Connecticut delegation. I cant do enough to put these people in front of the camera. Building roads The ties that bind Manafort with Stone and Foley go back to the 1970s, when Manaforts father, a former alderman, mayor and GOP convention delegate himself, was public buildings commissioner for Meskill, the governor. There werent many country clubs in our life, said Foley, who was from Naugatuck. The Manafort name is ubiquitous in Connecticut, not just because of politics. Manaforts cousins run one of the largest and most profitable construction firms in the state, Manafort Brothers Inc., which has been awarded at least $366 million in contracts from the state Department of Transportation during the last decade, including $72.5 million for current projects. Opening up a new lane runs in the family, in Manaforts case for Trump. Stone, an off-again, on-again adviser to Trump, credited Manafort with recalibrating the dysfunctional campaign operation and building out its press shop, which he said has been a one-woman show of Hope Hicks, the former Ivanka Trump publicist and Greenwich native, for most of the campaign. Corporations to despots Presidential campaigns are not a democracy, Stone said. They have to be a dictatorship. It takes a dictator to know one. From 1980 to the mid-1990s, Manaforts shingle hung at Black, Manafort, Stone and Kelly, which reigned supreme among lobbying powerhouses. Its tentacles reached from K Street to Wall Street, a destination job for young, hungry and cut-throat Republican operatives. The most notorious was Lee Atwater, the late tactician for former President George H.W. Bush. The firms client mix ran the gamut from Fortune 500 companies such as American Airlines and Union Pacific to despots such as Panamas Noriega and Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines. That, along with Manaforts later work for Viktor Yanukovych, the deposed president of Ukraine and ally of Russias Vladimir Putin, has opened up Manafort to criticism. I think its beyond deplorable, said Borys Krupa, Hartford branch president of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. Yanukovych fleeced the treasury of untold millions, if not billions, of dollars. He wanted to eliminate any opposition that was to his rule or his usurpation of power. In April, when Trump brought Manafort aboard in anticipation of a fight on the floor of a brokered GOP convention, Krupa organized a protest outside Central Connecticut State University in Manaforts native New Britain. It would be one thing if (Trump) hadnt known, but Im sure he was well acquainted with what Mr. Manafort had done, said Krupa, a registered Democrat who said Manaforts clients are the kind of people you invite over to your house for a low-stakes poker party. Manaforts defenders say he would never sell out his country or principles. Among them is Republican Nicholas Panuzio, Bridgeports mayor from 1971 to 1975 and the former CEO of Black, Manafort, Stone and Kelly. Panuzio said the firm, which was eventually sold for a kings ransom, always consulted with the State Department on potential clients. We turned down Libya, Panuzio said. We turned down several countries because they werent areas where the State Department wanted to work. Stone said he is proud of the work the firm did. Yes, Manafort has had a history of electing strong men, Stone said. We have nothing to apologize for. I understand there are certain liberals that dont like our client mix. Just remember, one mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter. Manafort believes so much in Trump, associates say, he isnt taking a paycheck for running the campaign. For years, the Trump that I know and that youre going to see and hear about from business associates, from employees and members of his family is somebody who when he saw something wrong that he thought he could fix, he didnt look for publicity, Manafort said. He just went out and did it. neil.vigdor@scni.com; 203-625-4436; twitter.com/gettinviggy Media mogul Arianna Huffington may be living in a world dominated by the 24-hour news cycle, but she wants you to take at least eight hours of that time for sleep. I recently had the chance to talk with Huffington about her mission to change the culture of sleep. Its a topic she is passionate about, and is the focus of her recently released book, "The Sleep Revolution." As a society, we dont value sleep enough, Huffington said. Our dismissive attitude about sleep may go back to Thomas Edison, who, as she explained, is the one person who most embodies our sleep delusion. He was convinced that sleep was unnecessary, Huffington revealed. He once said, Nothing in this world is more dangerous to the efficiency of humanity than too much sleep. But he was wrong, and those who buy into his theory pay dearly. Related: Sleep: Why Successful Entrepreneurs Snooze More and Work Less The hours we spend slumbering arent negotiable. And yet millions of people, from students to entrepreneurs, give up those hours in the misguided belief that they have more important things to do, Huffington said. Huffington hopes to change sleep attitudes by starting with children. She advocates for rejiggering students school schedules to allow to for more sleep, such as having classes start later in the day. She points to a 2011 study by the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, which found that students who started school at 8:30 a.m. got almost an hour more sleep and performed better on tests measuring attention levels than peers who started at 7:30 a.m. For many young people, schools have become burnout zones where, along with history, math and science, we teach our kids the worst habits of our destructive work culture, Huffington said. But happily, many schools around the world are responding to the latest science on sleep, taking creative steps to restructure the school day in ways that can make a big difference in academic performance and overall well-being. As part of this effort to raise awareness, the Huffington Post started the Sleep Revolution College Tour, visiting 400 campuses across the country. The aim is to highlight the benefits of sleep and its importance as the ultimate performance enhancer. That includes creating spaces on campus where students can relax, meditate and recharge, she said. Related: Why Entrepreneurs Should Never Feel Guilty for Sleeping (Infographic) The cutthroat business world also needs to make changes that allow employees to get more sleep, according to Huffington. Its a change in values that needs to come from the top down, and it should start early in a companys history. There is a founder myth that if you are starting a company you cant afford to get enough sleep, Huffington said. But in reality three-quarters of startups fail, and perhaps if these founders were getting the sleep they need theyd have a higher likelihood of succeeding. Huffington applauds companies that have taken steps to help chronically sleep-deprived employees catch up on their "ZZZZs." That includes installing nap rooms or even going to a shortened, five-hour work day. Ive read about companies that swear by the five-hour workday, and while it isnt feasible for most industries (including those of us in the media), some companies have found a way to make it work, Huffington said. How much sleep one needs depends on the individual, but Huffington cites experts from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society who say that people between 18 and 60 years usually need seven to nine hours of sleep. Theres no problem with getting too much sleep, but not getting enough can have lasting effects on your overall health, Huffington said. In fact, according to a study by the Sorbonne University in Paris, naps can help offset the hormonal impact of a poor night of sleep. The data suggest that a 30-minute nap can reset the biomarkers of neuroendocrine and immune health to normal levels, Huffington said. Huffington knows firsthand the debilitating effects that sleep deprivation can have. In 2007, she collapsed in her office and broke her cheekbone due to extreme exhaustion. The incident was a major wake-up call, and inspired her to reevaluate her own notions about the importance of sleep. Related: Sleep Deprivation Is Killing You and Your Career Since then, she has revamped her daily routine to make more time for rest and reflection, and to include a morning ritual that helps her feel restored and centered as she begins her day. The hallmark of her routine includes getting eight hours of sleep, so she wakes up naturally without an alarm clock on most days. A big part of my morning ritual is about what I dont do. When I wake up, I dont start the day by looking at my smartphone, Huffington said. Instead, once Im awake, I take a minute to breathe deeply, be grateful and set my intention for the day. Most nights she is in bed by 11 p.m., with the goal of catching the midnight train. If she could go back in time and tell herself one thing, it would be to get more rest. I wish I could go back and tell myself, Arianna, your performance will actually improve if you can commit to not only working hard, but also unplugging, recharging and renewing yourself, Huffington said. That would have saved me a lot of unnecessary stress, burnout and exhaustion. Related: Arianna Huffington Is Serious About a Good Night's Sleep Why Leaders Should Welcome Employees Napping on the Job Arianna Huffington: 'It Really Makes No Sense' to Think You Can Sleep Less and Get More Done Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved This year, 2016, is shaping up to be a milestone for the cannabis industry, with its legal branches (both medical and recreational) continuing to show growing demand and increased revenues. Related: This Incubator Is Helping Cannabis Businesses Blaze a Trail Forward in a Budding Industry Just last year alone, market estimates for legal cannabis sales, including both medical and recreational (adult use only), were pegged at $4.4 billion. For 2016, estimates, according to the Ackrell Capital U.S. Canabis Investment Report 2016, show a 30 percent increase, to $5.7 billion, as the industry matures and new markets like Oregon open up. Another growth indicator bears mentioning: With this year's election, well see a number of prominent states, such as California and Nevada, voting for complete legalization, and other large states like Florida voting to enact medical laws. Despite all this market potential, however, the cannabis industry is not without its difficulties, and fund-raising is one of them. Certainly, there has been a significant positive trend of more active investment in the space, but instances of traditional VC financing are still few and far between, albeit with some notable exceptions. The limitations of traditional fund-raising The biggest limitation to investment in cannabis has been its federal legal status. The Drug Enforcement Agency classifies drugs into one of five different groups based on their potential for abuse; among those groups, "I" is classified as the most dangerous, and "V" is the least. Currently, cannabis is listed as a Schedule I drug, alongside some of the worst offenders, like heroin and LSD. This classification means that the federal government regards cannabis as an illegal substance. It also means that many limited partners of VC companies won't go near a cannabis investment. Another limitation for VC entry is the complex patchwork of state laws, which might result in scaling difficulties. Varying state legislation makes it complex for companies to operate in more than one region, and the result is a reliance on brand-licensing agreements with local players; that makes quality control and consistency of the product difficult. This fragmented legal framework impacts those companies in particular that work directly with cannabis -- less so ancillary services. Because traditional VCs often make big bets, hoping for big returns, the inability to scale directly and rapidly puts a damper on investment interest. Exceptions to the rule Even with these limitations, though, there have been some notable exceptions. There was, for instance, the investment Founders Fund made in Privateer Holdings, a cannabis private equity fund (disclaimer: Privateer Holdings acquired my own previous company, Leafly). The Privateer Holdings investment brought with it a flurry of media attention and was one of the first, big VC-structured deals in cannabis. Other traditional VC firms that have invested in cannabis-related companies include Tao Capital out of San Francisco, DCM Ventures in Menlo Park and Dutchess Capital in Boston. Related: 8 Celebrities Getting (Financially) High Off of the Budding Legal Weed Business Alternative fund-raising methods With traditional VC investments few and far between, a new opportunity has arisen for cannabis-dedicated funds to step in and support the industry. These include groups like MJIC, Anslinger, Poseidon Asset Management, Tuatara Capital and Tress Capital (disclaimer: Poseidon, Anslinger and Tress are investors in Headset). These funds are laser-focused on building a portfolio dedicated to cannabis-based companies. Other routes of financing which have worked in other tech verticals include accelerator and incubator programs. One newer entry is Gateway, based in Oakland, California which helps companies turn their initial ideas and products into something thats ready for prime time, in exchange for a small percentage of equity. In addition to these accelerator programs, there are specific groups such as ArcView, which have the capacity to get your company in front of a group of cannabis-friendly investors for demo days and pitch competitions. Individual angel investors have also shown a real interest in and willingness to invest, as shown by recent investments in Meadow. Meadow is a platform for dispensaries to manage delivery operations; involved with the company are Y-Combinator partners Justin Kan and Alexis Ohanian and Reddit CEO and co-founder Steve Huffman. Family-office investments are another channel for investing, as illustrated by events like the Cannabis Private Investment Summit, which discusses and showcases cannabis investment opportunities for high net worth investors and family offices. Investing in cannabis has come a long way Just a short number of years ago, you would have been hard-pressed to find any investment outside of small family-office groups or the small angel investor willing to take big risks. That all changed once Washington and Colorado legalized and people saw a real way forward in the industry. Today, in contrast, countless opportunities for investment capital exist, and with 2016 shaping up to be a pivotal year and more states looking at legalizing cannabis for medical and adult use, well undoubtedly see even more capital entering the market. Related: How Companies Are Trying to Bring Marijuana Ads Online Time to work on your elevator pitch. Related: Fund-raising in Cannabis, Initially Slow, Is Going Higher and Higher The First 'Not For Kids' Warning Label for Marijuana Products Microsoft Partners With a Legal Weed Startup Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved In The Business of Good, serial and social entrepreneur Jason Haber intertwines case studies and anecdotes that show how social entrepreneurship is creating jobs, growing the economy, and ultimately changing the world. In this edited excerpt, Haber discusses Becky Straw and the charity she founded to help people in third-world nations. Becky Straw believes in the power of a job. It has a ripple effect thats far greater than that one person. What people want most in this world is the opportunity to thrive. Not with handouts, but by using their own two hands, says the website for The Adventure Project, where Straw is co-founder. It all started with a question. While working to help repair broken water wells in Haiti, Straw was approached by a man who asked, Are you hiring? This question would come up again and again. I realized the irony that people are desperate to work and we have nobody who has the skills to fix [water] wells. So thats how it started, Straw told the Huffington Post. Since then, she and co-founder Jody Landers have launched The Adventure Project and funded innovative programs on the ground in the developing world that have the potential to achieve scalable results. The Adventure Project connects with and invests in social entrepreneurs who can earn money for themselves while bettering their community. Whenever there is a crisis, people are very generous and rush in to offer all kinds of support, Straw explains. But then, another emergency strikes and people leave. They always leave, she says. Its up to the locals who remain to rebuild their communities. But it cant be done with handouts; they arent looking for handouts. They want opportunities. Thats what The Adventure Project seeks to deliver. In the five years since inception, The Adventure Project has created almost 800 jobs that have impacted more than 1 million people -- jobs in India, Uganda, Kenya, and Haiti. These jobs have included well mechanics, health-care workers, farmers, and stove masons. In Uganda, theyve trained health-care workers who can go village to village delivering aid. They are certified to sell 60 products, one of the most popular being the $10 Maama Kit. In Uganda, Straw explained to me, many hospitals and health-care facilities wont admit a pregnant woman in labor unless she brings her own supplies. Women save up for these kits, she said. This is something we would never think about in the developed world. The kits contain plastic sheets, razor blades, gauze pads, soap, gloves, cord ties, and a child health card. The kits supplies are sterilized and sealed until needed. Last year Straw and Landers won a DVF Award, The Peoples Voice. Founded by Diane von Furstenberg and the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation, the awards honor the work of incredible women who transform the lives of others. There was an impressive list of successful women present, including Gabrielle Giffords, Hillary Clinton, Tina Brown, Naomi Campbell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Dakota Fanning. In the very middle of these remarkable people sat Becky Straw. The Adventure Project will do its research carefully, but it is not afraid to take risks. These risks involve both internal operations and external partners. Straw strives to achieve a balancing act. She is aware of the results that can be achieved with effective marketing, and that means spending money where it needs to be spent. The Adventure Project wont shy away from a challenge, provided there is the ability to scale and create jobs. The project believes in the power of social entrepreneurs to lift people out of poverty and solve the underlying causes that keep them there. For its 2015 Labor Day campaign, The Adventure Project held a fundraising challenge that allowed the top donors to design a limited edition T-shirt. All donors who chipped in $100 or more would receive the shirt. Now, theres a shirt that can make a difference. Muhammad Yunus took direct aim at charity in his book Banker to the Poor. Charity becomes a way to shrug off our responsibility, he wrote. Charity is no solution to poverty. Charity allows us to go ahead with our own lives without worrying about those of the poor. It appeases our consciences. Social entrepreneurship is changing this. In a sermon he wrote in 1630 in which he outlined his vision for charity, John Winthrop, one of the founders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, talked about the future world he envisioned. He hoped his new colony would serve as a city upon a hill. Achieving that vision has been part of our culture ever since. Our leaders from both political parties have used this phrase to frame their policies. But to fulfill it, to truly become that place, it will take change makers to deliver fundamental impact that is beyond party or ideology. We havent reached it yet. But maybe, just maybe, we are now, finally, on our way. Related: Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Technology problems that delayed or canceled hundreds of Southwest Airlines flights across the country Wednesday were still causing problems for travelers Thursday at the peak of vacation season. At least five Southwest flights departing from Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks were canceled Thursday morning. WFSB reported travelers faced long lines at Bradley as people arrived to discover their flights had been canceled. At LaGaurdia, at least four departing Southwest flights were canceled Thursday morning. Southwest began having intermittent problems with several computer systems after an outage around 3 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday. The problems prevented many travelers from checking in or boarding flights. Southwest briefly held planes at their gates, according to spokesman Brad Hawkins. Even after those planes resumed moving, delays piled up over the next several hours. By late Wednesday night, the airline tweeted that it was still manually checking in passengers. For about three hours, visitors to Southwest.com couldn't buy tickets, check in for flights, or check their flight's status. The site appeared to be working again by late afternoon, then crashed again. Shortly before 11 p.m. Eastern time, Southwest said the outages had caused 600 to 700 canceled and delayed flights. Tracking service FlightStats Inc. put the numbers much higher 400 cancelations and 2,000 delays. Southwest said that computer systems were gradually coming back, but it warned customers booked on Thursday flights to check their flight's status online and arrive at the airport early because long lines were expected. Anxious customers tweeted to Southwest that they could not check in for flights. Leah Boyd and her husband, Matt, were flying to Providence, Rhode Island, but were held up at the Baltimore airport for three hours by mechanical issues with two different planes. They finally boarded a plane, but after sitting at the gate for nearly an hour passengers were asked to exit because of the technology outage, Boyd said. Then the pilots reached the end of their shifts, so passengers waited for a replacement crew. The Boyds ended up canceling their reservations and planned to drive to Rhode Island on Thursday instead. Leah figured it would be hard to find seats on another flight. "I've never seen so many people in the terminal," she said. "All these people are going to be flying standby." Airlines have sprawling, overlapping and complicated technology systems, and even brief outages can cause thousands of passengers to be stranded for hours. Last October, an outage caused about 800 Southwest flights to be delayed and forced employees to issue tickets and boarding passes by hand. The airline blamed a software application, and it recovered in about a day. United Airlines and American Airlines both had computer problems last summer but fixed the problems within a day. Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. carries more passengers within the United States than any airline. However, it is far smaller than American, Delta and United when international traffic is included. ___ David Koenig of the Associated Press can be reached at http://twitter.com/airlinewriter T he unemployment figures are not often a subject for comment in this column but those published yesterday unleashed such a torrent of near-unanimous approval, there just has to be another side. After all, conventional wisdom is almost always wrong. However, on the surface they certainly deserved at least one cheer. The headline figure showed the number of people in work had risen by 176,000 in the past three months and this meant the overall unemployment rate had dropped to 4.9%. That is the lowest level it has been since September 2005, almost 11 years ago, which was, significantly, well before the onset of the financial crisis. Supporters of Britains neo-liberal economic model say this is a demonstration of the fact that flexible labour markets work. The argument is that, because it is easy for employers to shed staff if things dont work out, it makes them more willing to recruit in the first place. They say this is one reason there are more people employed here than in, say, the eurozone where workers are far better protected and consequently employers are much more cautious about hiring. The implication is that the employment security of Continental workers is paid for in part by the unemployed who never find jobs and by society as a whole through wasted resources and lower growth. But we should be careful about being too smug, because although employment matters, it should not be totally divorced from the quality of the jobs on offer. That there were 176,000 more people in work is certainly a plus, but the fact that 119,000 of them were self-employed and many of those part-time rather than full-time should give us pause. It is impossible to know how many of these self-employed have had a bright idea for a business and are taking the plunge, but I would be willing to bet it is not all 119,000 of them. More likely the total includes a fair number who have been told by a prospective employer that they would be designated as self-employed because that way they would not qualify for the normal holiday and pension benefits or any other perk or protection. Another slice are those who have been made redundant or retired early and are trying to do what they always did, but as a freelance. Nevertheless, the trend over recent years is startling. According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 3.25 million self-employed in 2001 but today there are nearly 4.8 million. There has been an 800,000 rise since 2008 alone, so now nearly one in six of those working in Britain put themselves in the self-employed category. A significant number are part time self-employed probably including the courier who will deliver the next parcel to your home and it is a moot point how many are in that position by choice, and which have had it thrust upon them. Surveys provide some clues: young males tend to be looking for more, but the large majority are content with their status and do not particularly want to change it. A significant number particularly in the South are those seeking to ease their way into retirement. Flexibility clearly works for these people, or some anyway. But the bigger question is whether it works for the British economy as a whole and whether its benefits are great enough to counter the obvious social problems which come from the low wages this pattern of working often brings in its wake. After 10 years during which 90% of households have seen little or no rise in real incomes, these strains are beginning to show. Interestingly, some industrialists who have worked here and abroad say one reason productivity and investment are higher on the Continent than here is precisely because workers are difficult to fire. They say it is too easy in this country for managers to think the cure for every problem is to cut costs by sacking people; in Germany, in contrast, where they cant easily do that, they have to grow their way out of trouble, so they invest and develop new products. But a more trenchant line of attack comes from John Morley, a senior policy adviser with Applica, a Brussels-based research house. He dismisses as hollow the claim that labour market flexibility has delivered the best job performance in Europe. Instead, he says that if you adjust for the proportion of part-time workers concealed within the blanket UK figures and compare on the basis of full-time equivalents, then employment rates in several Continental countries are higher than they are here. Significantly, these countries include Germany, Austria all four Scandinavian nations and Switzerland where they pride themselves on the rigour of their labour market standards. The issue at the heart of this is that we have failed over decades to educate a significant slice of the population to the standards required of a modern economy. We have compensated for this by hiring people who do not have sufficient of the required skills and paying them low wages. We then dress this up with a cod economic theory about flexible labour markets. The result, however, is that on average we need five people in this country to produce what they only need four people to make in France, or we work five days to produce what the French manage in four. Think about that next time you gleefully celebrate our low levels of unemployment. W HEN crisis strikes, plan beats no plan. So said former US treasury secretary Tim Geithner, and this line was borrowed after the referendum vote by our own Bank of England Governor Mark Carney. Whats more, Carney added, in my experience, a plan that is clearly articulated and transparently executed is best of all. While Westminster descended into bloody Jacobean drama after the Brexit shock, Threadneedle Street played the adult and stretched every sinew to reassure financial markets. Until lately, anyway. Some City economists express concern over mixed signals from the central bank. Consider the following: on June 30, Carney stressed that the economic outlook has deteriorated and some monetary policy easing will likely be required over the summer. Then after stirring the markets up, the monetary policy committee failed to deliver, even though it talked up an August move. The pound promptly shot up on lack of action. After that, chief economist Andy Haldane gives a speech on his preference for the monetary policy sledgehammer to crack the nut, and Gertjan Vlieghe the only one of the nine-strong MPC to vote for a cut last week talked about a package of additional measures needed. Enter Martin Weale: the economist, whos been an occasional committee hawk, sets a higher bar to a cut than his colleagues. He argues there are no signs of panic among consumers and businesses and also warned sternly that the Bank is not a nurse to markets. Though the MPC may occasionally give an indication of where policy may go, he added, that is no more than the best judgement at the time and not in any sense a commitment; the public understand that. Weale (aside from his heroic assessment of the publics appreciation of the nuances of MPC communications) is wide of the mark here. Lets remind ourselves of the text of the MPCs decision: Most members of the committee expect monetary policy to be loosened in August. The committee discussed various easing options and combinations thereof. Now we can take it that Weale isnt among the most members, but if that statement doesnt constitute a commitment, I dont know what does. Certainly its far more than an indication, as Weale puts it. If the Bank sits on its hands again in August surely unthinkable the entire episode will be up there with some of the biggest monetary policy clangers of recent years. Former MPC member Sushil Wadhwani, who spoke after Weale at this weeks Resolution Foundation conference, said not cutting was a mistake. As a committee member, its always tempting to wait; theres always more data youre going to get, theres always more research. The temptation to wait should be strongly resisted. Part of the trouble is a lag in our official data: this weeks jobs figures for the quarter to May, which showed unemployment at a decade low, are virtually useless in setting post-Brexit policy. But reports from the Banks agents showed a negative effect overall on hiring activity over the next 12 months. Deloittes own survey of finance chiefs shows uncertainty soaring, business optimism tanking and a significant damping effect of Brexit on their own spending. These signals are too strong to ignore. The Bank should probably have cut last week while preparing a broader stimulus package 100 billion quantitative easing, say for August. If economic mayhem fails to arise, the MPC can take the foot off the gas. But if the Bank makes a mistake in the months ahead, it will be by doing too little, not too much. J eremy Corbyn sought to invoke the spirit of William Beveridge, one of the founders of the welfare state, in his speech today defending his leadership of the party. But where Beveridge identified the five giant evils he sought to eradicate as want, disease, ignorance, squalor and idleness, Mr Corbyns version is more downbeat: inequality, neglect, insecurity, prejudice and discrimination. The element of personal responsibility is lacking. Moreover, some at least of his mission to tackle inequality has already been articulated by Theresa May. The Labour Party now has 180,000 more registered supporters who are eligible to vote in the leadership campaign, having paid 25 for the privilege; this is in addition to the 380,000 party members who joined before January 12. Yet we do not know whether the new voters are Corbyn supporters or opponents. The trouble is, the contest takes no account of the feelings of the Parliamentary Labour Party, which is conspicuous for its poor support for the leader. Indeed, Corbyn ally Diane Abbott blamed MPs lack of enthusiasm for his performance at Prime Ministers Questions yesterday. He had failed to rise the occasion, which required, on Mrs Mays first day as PM, some grace, humour and ease. Whatever else can be said about the Labour electoral system as reformed by Ed Miliband, it shared responsibility between MPs, unions and party members. The present system, unlike that of the Tories, whose members get to choose a leader from a shortlist decided by MPs, does not take account of the necessity for the leader to have the support of the parliamentary party. If Mr Corbyn should be unseated, this system must be rethought. Moreover, the leadership struggle will only end on September 24: the Tories dealt with theirs in a matter of days. So Labours anguish will not only be prolonged, it may be the chief subject of political interest over the summer. Owen Smith, now Mr Corbyns challenger, is an unknown quantity outside Wales. We can only hope that more substantial contenders are simply biding their time. The fate of Labour matters to all of us. It is the official Opposition and we require it to hold the Government to account. It is a tragedy that right now it is unable to do so. Forex scandal The charges in New York against HSBCs global head of foreign exchange trading and his former colleague for allegedly using inside information to obtain profit for the bank from a currency deal are part of a US Department of Justice investigation into global currency markets. The alleged offences date back to 2012 only four years after the financial crash of 2008 was meant to have changed the culture of financial institutions for good. This will not enhance HSBCs reputation. London is where 40 per cent of global currency transactions are carried out. The investigation into Forex suggests the reforms of the culture of the City may have some way to go to restore public trust. New livers for old A team of medical researchers at the Royal Free Hospital has made a remarkable potential breakthrough in the treatment of liver disease. The scientists have shown that livers which would normally be unsuitable for transplant can be repopulated with stem cells from the patient requiring a new organ effectively growing a new liver on the scaffold of an old one. This tremendous advance highlights the importance of maintaining our position as a centre of excellence for scientific and medical research in the post-Brexit world. P resident Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency last night, citing the failed coup as justification for a purge removing all soldiers, judges and civil servants not obedient to his rule and thereby establishing his full control of the Turkish state. He has jailed 99 generals and admirals more than a quarter of those commanding Turkeys 600,000-strong armed forces as well as sacking a quarter of the judiciary, 1,577 university deans, 21,000 teachers and 257 members of the prime ministers office. If anything like this number of people had really been complicit in the attempted military takeover, then Mr Erdogan would probably be dead or in prison. We are seeing the end of a secular Turkish state with a genuine if messy division of powers between the executive, parliament, armed forces and judiciary. It is being replaced by greater power concentrated at the top and a more Islamised society below. The independent media has been crushed or muted and opponents of the new regime are denounced and threatened with punishment as terrorists. These developments are one of the great tragedies of Middle East history but they were not inevitable. In 2011, as the Arab Spring uprisings tumbled corrupt dictatorships, it seemed that the new order might do well to copy Turkey, which was then by far the most successful country in the region. Instead, under Mr Erdogan, it is coming more and more to resemble the rest of the Middle East, with its arbitrary one- party states, often with a sectarian religious agenda, and its leaders spewing out hatred against all who oppose them. Turkey is now on its way to joining this discreditable club. Erdogan is likely to emerge from the present crisis with his authority much enhanced. He will achieve his dream of establishing an executive presidency with untrammelled powers over which he will preside. Some of his opponents, true to the spirit of Middle East conspiracy theories, suggest that the abortive and ill-planned coup has turned out to be so much to his advantage that he may have orchestrated it himself. But all the evidence is that there was indeed an extensive plot primarily organised by the followers of the self-exiled Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen. The coup appears to have taken place prematurely because of the fear of imminent arrest of some of the plotters and this meant it was ill-co-ordinated but, even so, it came close to success for a few hectic hours. If the plotters had captured or killed Erdogan, as they very nearly did, then other military commanders might have wobbled in their loyalty. As it was, Erdogan contacted the media to call for mass protests, escaped on a light plane to Istanbul and was able to rally support. The pro-coup forces disintegrated but their defeat looks more inevitable today than was really the case. Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) are paranoid at the best of times, seeing themselves as surrounded by secret enemies manipulated by foreign powers. Evidence is mounting that the Gulenists were exceptionally successful in infiltrating sleepers into important positions in the security apparatus. This included the inner circle of Erdogan, whose military secretary has been detained, accused of being a Gulenist agent. The clampdown on military units leaving their bases and the arrest of so many officers reflects genuine fears that the danger of a second military uprising cannot be completely discounted. Whatever its original justification, the sweeping nature of the purge is permanently changing the balance of power in Turkey. It will make Erdogan more powerful and capable of implementing his programme of making Turkey a more Islamic society. Secular women in Istanbul say they are fearful of walking in the streets wearing tight-fitting dresses or with skirts that end above the knee. Others with young children, who they do not want to see attending increasingly Islamised schools, speak of leaving the country. Some of Erdogans opponents suggest the abortive coup has turned out to be so much to his advantage that he may have orchestrated it himself Erdogan thrives in an atmosphere of crisis and confrontation. He is endlessly combative and the lesson he has drawn from his career is never to compromise but to fight on until his enemies are defeated. He has won election after election through his aggressive mixture of religion and nationalism and his populist appeal is now at its height after his heroic behaviour during the coup. The last obstacles to his monopoly of power are being toppled because opposition can be demonised as sympathy for the coup. Erdogans dominance is bad news for Turkeys 80 million people because his confrontations with different sections of society mean this is now a deeply divided country. Secular Turks, Kurds and the Alevi religious minority are among those who feel victimised and alienated. The institutions of the state have been hollowed out by repeated purges, of which the one this week is only the latest and all-embracing. Erdogan is getting stronger but the state he rules is becoming weaker and more fragile because of these internal divisions. One political scientist told me that the Turkish army, the largest in Nato after the US, was broken by the mass arrests. Another commentator said it was not just the army that was broken but the country as a whole. Turkey is under pressure on multiple fronts, fighting a fierce war with Kurdish guerrillas in the south-east, where the army commander in charge has been arrested. Turkish engagement in Syria has brought failure and frustration. Relations with the EU and the US are poor, though the deal on migrants is likely to hold. Islamic State has its networks in the country and only last month its gunmen and suicide bombers killed 42 people at Istanbul airport. But those who were meant to be hunting down IS cells are now conducting the great purge in the wake. When it comes to violence and disorder, Turkey is truly joining the Middle East. T he Royal Albert Hall that 6,000-seater, red-brick spaceship parked to the south of Hyde Park is open for business again as home to the greatest music festival in the world. For many people the BBC Proms means the Last Night, that final exuberant, flag-waving party. But this year, post-Brexit, the singing of Rule Britannia or Land of Hope and Glory might stick in the throats of some. Those sentiments of imperial pride (Britons never, never, never shall be slaves or Wider still and wider shall thy bounds be set) have always sailed close to the wind but they were anesthetised by the rousing tunes of Arne and Elgar and the obvious 21st-century redundancy of their political message a mouse dressed up as a lion. Wider still and wider is perhaps more ironic than ever this year as we turn away from the European Union and risk losing Scotland and Northern Ireland too. But as the new Prime Minister, Theresa May, emphasised yesterday in her meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, Brexit does not mean turning our backs on Europe. There is not enough water in the Channel or the North Sea to permit this, never mind the priceless legacy of friendship and co-operation which has enabled an unprecedented period of European peace to be so part of our lives that we risk taking it for granted. The trick now is to make that friendship and co-operation even stronger, and it may be that Karen Bradley and Matthew Hancock, the Governments new culture team, could play as important a role in this as our diplomats or our former Mayor of London. The world of classical music is indivisibly pan-European David Pickard, the director of the Proms, would find it a significant challenge to exclude European music from the repertoire of this most British of institutions. In music education it is the same. My alma mater, the Royal Northern College, was founded by Sir Charles Halle, born in Hagen, Germany, and the orchestra which bears his name, was made famous by a conductor with an Italian father and a French mother: Sir John Barbirolli. British musical life is stitched with European threads on every seam; take Germany or France or Italy away and rags would be all thats left. Go back home, shout the bigots. Not outside the Royal Albert Hall, please. The consort of Victoria would have to take the next boat back to Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. And their son, Edward VII, at whose request Elgar wrote Land of Hope and Glory, was three-quarters German. Victoria, through her background and her childrens marriages, was the original European Union. Every Proms concert reaches millions of people worldwide on radio and the internet, and on the Last Night there will be an international rainbow of waving flags across the auditorium, a visible reminder of the universal appeal of this most British of festivals. Healthy patriotism doesnt need to exclude; after all festival is derived from the Latin word for feast, an occasion when sharing is impossible to avoid. The BBC Proms is the ultimate classical music feast, and with ticket prices starting at an amazingly low 6 theres no excuse not to join in the fun. It is the feeding of the six thousand on the edge of Hyde Park. Stephen Hough plays Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini at the Proms on 23 August: bbc.co.uk/proms I wonder if anyone has noticed any difference in services since Southern introduced its revised emergency timetable. Journeys are still cancelled or delayed at the drop of a hat and the only change I can see is that the trains are three times more crowded. The fact that Southern cannot run a reliable timetable when the number of services has been reduced by 15 per cent is once again indisputable evidence that its operating company, Govia Thameslink Railway, is not up to the job. I sincerely hope new Transport Secretary Chris Grayling strips Govia of the franchise. Oliver Green Sadiq Khan is right to condemn Southern as an embarrassment to our city [July 20] and insist it be placed under Transport for Londons control. It is unacceptable that not only do rail passengers in the UK pay far more than our European counterparts for train tickets but that the service is disrupted so often that we dont even get value for money. The problem doesnt just stop with Southern, though. Most commuter services into London appear to be performing worse by the year, while the London Underground is hampered by signal problems and train faults. When will the Government take responsibility for our failing rail system? J Curton SO, former rail minister Claire Perry claims neither giving the Southern franchise to another company nor taking it back under Government control would make much difference what an unusual indictment of rail privatisation from a Conservative politician. During the 12 months when the East Coast Main Line was temporarily nationalised services improved, complaints dropped and profitability increased. Handing the franchise to another for-profit company may not have much effect on Southern but the example of the East Coast Main Line suggests re-nationalisation might improve things considerably. Craig Alexander After complaining to one of our train operating companies that its air-conditioning system did not work during the current mini-heatwave, I received the explanation that the problems were a result of the on-board systems not being designed to work effectively once the ambient temperature had risen above 30 degrees. In other words, the system to keep trains cool isnt designed to work when it gets hot. You just couldnt make it up. Graham Larkbey Paddington needs to be regenerated I have worked in Paddington for more than a decade and there is no good reason to be here other than to work, go to hospital or catch a train. That is why I welcome the proposed Paddington Cube design for the rejuvenation it would bring to the area providing significant space for people to enjoy cafes, shops and restaurants and turning the area into a place where people choose to spend time, rather than visit because they have to. Paul Longega, managing director, Ship Shape Resources Simon Jenkins should be congratulated for his article objecting to the Paddington Cube proposal. Many residents loathe vanity projects from developers being foisted upon them which appear to be welcomed by local officials, despite the numerous pleas and objections. Nicky Hessenberg The sale of ARM is so short-sighted The Chancellor, Philip Hammond, was quoted as saying the sale of ARM, the Cambridge-based microchip designer, would turn it into a global phenomenon. However, selling off such successful firms is the main reason the UK is running up debt. And the claim that the number of jobs will double is meaningless as this may well have happened anyway without the intervention of Softbank. Derek Coggrave Didnt Theresa May say she intended to stop important British companies being sold to foreign buyers? If so, how can she be happy about the takeover of market-leading British technology firm ARM by a Japanese bank? Pete Harding Mayors action on clean air is welcome Sadiq Khan promised to put tackling poor air quality at the heart of his administration and I am delighted that Tower Hamlets will be one of the first to benefit as a result. The previous mayors inaction was a scandal which led to many Londoners dying prematurely every year as a result of exposure to dirty air. Toxic air isnt just a major factor in many serious health problems, it is a killer and something our city needs to take seriously. The City Fringe Low Emissions Neighbourhood is an important step towards reducing air pollution in east London and making the air we breathe far healthier. John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets (Lab) I AM at a loss to understand the rationale behind the proposed new T-charge for cars with the most toxic emissions. Rather than allow owners of old inefficient vehicles to continue to pollute the air we breathe for a fee, why not ban them altogether? This would no doubt make the air we breathe cleaner. Paul Pearson F eminist art activists The Guerrilla Girls will create a new artwork to be displayed in Whitechapel Gallery this October. The group have been confronting sexism in art galleries for over thirty years, and will use their commission at Whitechapel Gallery to interrogate the European art scene. In 1986, they created a poster called Its Even Worse In Europe; their new piece will aim to find out if this is still the case. Is It Even Worse in Europe? will see the Guerrilla Girls collate research from over 400 European museum directors to whom they have sent questionnaires. The questions focus on the representations of women or gender non-conforming artists in recent exhibitions, as well as those from Africa, Asia, South Asia and South America. The Guerrilla Girls will present the new statistics in a special public presentation at Whitechapel Gallery on October 1, and will also display production materials in order to show how they worked in the lead-up to creating the new artwork. A famous poster made by the group in 1989 asked Do women have to be naked to get into the Met. Museum? after finding that less than 5% of the artists displayed in the New York museum were women, but 85% of the museums nudes were female. The group, which was founded in 1985, are a collective of anonymous female activists who also work as artists. Each member uses the name of a dead female artist and covers their face with a gorilla mask in public. Whitechapel Gallerys new season also includes a solo show from South African artist William Kentridge and an astrolabe created by Berlin-based artist Alicja Kwade. Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout " La Maison Maille, the French gourmet mustard brand, will launch Fete de la Gastronomie in London this summer. The festival, which runs from July 18 to 31, will celebrate the finest flavours the capital has to offer with a French twist. Maille has long been synonymous with authentic flavours. After all, theyve been in business since 1747, when Antoine Maille became vinegar-maker and distiller to Louis XV of France. Today, there are 40 Maille flavours and six boutiques worldwide. And the tart warmth of its mustard enhances food as much now as it did two centuries ago. Simply click on the orange location markers on our interactive map to find out more about the fine food producers taking part in the Fete and the dishes theyve created for the event. /* Widles cheese */ Wildes Cheese Tottenham Tottenhams first micro-dairy churns out urban curds named after local heroes, and teams up with a neighbouring brewery for its ale-washed cheeses MAILLE DISH Trio of mustard-washed cheeses Tottenhams first micro-dairy churns out urban curds named after local heroes, and teams up with a neighbouring brewery for its ale-washed cheesesMAILLE DISHTrio of mustard-washed cheeses View location Fink's Salt and Sweet Finsbury Park A laid-back brunch favourite, Fink's rustic dishes and specially sourced cheeses and charcuterie make it worth a trip MAILLE DISH Seared tuna tataki with a ponzu dressing and a mustard hat A laid-back brunch favourite, Fink's rustic dishes and specially sourced cheeses and charcuterie make it worth a tripMAILLE DISHSeared tuna tataki with a ponzu dressing and a mustard hat View location Cobble Lane Cured Islington Some of the highest quality charcuterie in London comes from Cobble Lane Cured a must-visit if youre serious about saucisson MAILLE DISH Nduja and wholegrain mustard Scotch egg Some of the highest quality charcuterie in London comes from Cobble Lane Cured a must-visit if youre serious about saucissonMAILLE DISHNduja and wholegrain mustard Scotch egg View location Grain Store Kings Cross Grain Stores veg-centric menu of fresh, light meals could tempt even the most confirmed carnivores to give vegetarianism a go MAILLE DISH Ricotta and wholegrain mustard stuffed courgette flower, potato and parsley veloute Grain Stores veg-centric menu of fresh, light meals could tempt even the most confirmed carnivores to give vegetarianism a goMAILLE DISHRicotta and wholegrain mustard stuffed courgette flower, potato and parsley veloute View location Moxons Fishmongers South Kensington Want the freshest fish in the capital but cant face Billingsgate at dawn? Moxons has your back, its consistently ranked among the best fishmongers in London MAILLE DISH Beech-smoked haddock croquette with Dijon mustard, served with spring onion mayonnaise Want the freshest fish in the capital but cant face Billingsgate at dawn? Moxons has your back, its consistently ranked among the best fishmongers in LondonMAILLE DISHBeech-smoked haddock croquette with Dijon mustard, served with spring onion mayonnaise View location Galvin Bistrot de Luxe Marylebone This is the bistro to end all bistros French classics such as tarte tatin and steak tartare mean its a little bit of Paris in London MAILLE DISH Barbecue and southern-fried rabbit, rosemary and honey mustard mayonnaise and watercress This is the bistro to end all bistros French classics such as tarte tatin and steak tartare mean its a little bit of Paris in LondonMAILLE DISHBarbecue and southern-fried rabbit, rosemary and honey mustard mayonnaise and watercress View location Maille Boutique Piccadilly Theres so much more to mustard than wholegrain vs Dijon as Mailles Piccadilly boutique proves with flavour combinations including mango and Thai Spice and Blue Cheese and White Wine Theres so much more to mustard than wholegrain vs Dijon as Mailles Piccadilly boutique proves with flavour combinations including mango and Thai Spice and Blue Cheese and White Wine View location Maitre Choux South Kensington Sweet tooth? Head to Maitre Choux signature eclairs in salted caramel and Persian pistachio flavours will taste as good as they look on your Instagram MAILLE DISH Duo of eclairs: strawberries, basil and mascarpone and caramel Sweet tooth? Head to Maitre Choux signature eclairs in salted caramel and Persian pistachio flavours will taste as good as they look on your InstagramMAILLE DISHDuo of eclairs: strawberries, basil and mascarpone and caramel View location Bibendum South Kensington The stained-glass windows and Michelin mascot of Bibendum are legendary, but the seafood deserves seriously high praise too MAILLE DISH Saute scallops with samphire, pancetta and grain mustard beurre blanc The stained-glass windows and Michelin mascot of Bibendum are legendary, but the seafood deserves seriously high praise tooMAILLE DISHSaute scallops with samphire, pancetta and grain mustard beurre blanc View location La Rive Gauche Dining Event South Bank The culmination of Mailles Fete de la Gastronomie is La Rive Gauche, an exclusive dining event on the South Bank. For details of how you can win the chance to join the flavour creators and sample all of their Maille creations: The culmination of Mailles Fete de la Gastronomie is La Rive Gauche, an exclusive dining event on the South Bank.For details of how you can win the chance to join the flavour creators and sample all of their Maille creations: Visit here The foodie festival will feature eight specially chosen partners Grain Store, Galvin Bistrot de Luxe, Maitre Choux, Cobble Lane Cured, Bibendum, Wildes Cheese, Moxons, and Finks Salt and Sweet whose shops and restaurants will offer exclusive dishes made with Maille. Food lovers can experience these specially created treats by visiting the flavour creators throughout the fortnight-long Fete. And, on July 26, the South Bank will be transformed into Pariss Rive Gauche for one night only, as Mailles flavour creators come together to produce an al fresco banquet featuring all eight dishes. One of the artisan flavour creators is Finks Salt and Sweet, a deli restaurant which has been creating serious buzz since it opened in north London in 2014. Started by Jess, an artist, and Mat, who worked in hospitality (pictured), it aims to be your fridge. But better. With dishes such as seared tuna tataki, it lives up to its promise. You can create your own foodie festival at home with this recipe from Finks Salt and Sweet, or check out maille.com for the full collection of recipes. You could win tickets to Maille's macaron masterclass Enter here This occurred on Monday evening before the major speeches of the night. Kasich came in to the restaurant to meet some of his supporters and delegates that he won in Illinois and proceeded to show just why he never engendered the passion necessary to win the nomination and be given the chance to lead our party and nation during these troubling times. As a guest at the Republican National Convention I got to see quite a lot this week, including how sausage is made. But the most interesting spectacle thus far was Governor John Kasichs performance at Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse in downtown Cleveland. Kasich continued to refuse to come and make an appearance at the convention itself and never gave any indication that he would endorse or even vote for Donald Trump this coming November. He gave remarks that were an off-handed swipe at Trumps positions on immigration and border control by saying that Really an inclusive reform agenda for the Republican Party is where my head is. Kasich also showed what his idea of a good Republican is by stating that he intended to come out to Illinois to help fundraise for Senator Mark Kirk. Kasich refused to say he would support Trump and remains opposed to much of what is included in the 2016 platform. Now maybe Kasich was focusing more on the politics of re-election in Ohio in 2018. He did attend the NAACP convention in Cincinnati before arriving in Cleveland for his brief remarks. But maybe, instead, hes looking down the road to 2020 and hoping for a Trump loss this year? Playing such a game though is very dangerous politically. And it has ruined great political careers. Consider Senator Roscoe P. Conkling of New York. Conkling was the ultimate machine politician of the post-Civil War era even more than Democrat Boss Tweed of Tammany Hall in NY City. Conkling ran NY State and was the ultimate power broker controlling in many respects who won the Presidency during this time. He was an early backer of Ulysses S Grant and 1868 and even tried to get Grant nominated to come back and run for a third term in 1880 at the GOP convention in Chicago. He settled though for having his lieutenant Chester A. Arthur get the VP nod and then continued to put up roadblocks to civil service reform. Conkling could be reckless. Mocked by James Blaine in a battle in an early debate in the House as a man with a turkey gobbler strut, he clearly betrayed a certain arrogance that rubbed others the wrong way. He also took risks including having a torrid affair with Kate Chase Sprague, the daughter of the Supreme Court Justice and wife of a fellow Senator. Conkling ran New York State with an iron fist. He controlled patronage and was invaluable on the speaking circuit. When Arthur assumed the Presidency after Garfield had been assassinated by Charles Guiteau, civil service reform became one of the top issues of the day and the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act passed despite opposition by Conkling and his Stalwart allies. One could say that Conkling was acting on principles too like Kasich and now Senator Cruz would say as to why they refuse to get on the Trump bandwagon. But Conkling was not chastened by his loss on civil service reform. His power was waning but still effective. Unable to prevent his arch-enemy James G. Blaine from getting the GOP nomination for President in 1884, Conkling did not wish to see him win the Presidency either. In fact, when other members of the party tried to woo him to support the nominee, Conkling is reported to have said Gentlemen, you have been misinformed, I have given up criminal law! Conkling was not active in his opposition to Blaine, but he did not get his machine to turn out the vote for him either. And this machine could have won him NY, as it did for the Republican nominee every other year since 1868, despite the presence of NY Governor Grover Cleveland on the Democratic ticket. Blaine lost NY by a small margin, and with it the Presidency since the Democratic party could always count on a Solid South back then and electoral college counts were always pretty close. National elections came down to NY then. Which brings us back to Governor Kasich and Ohio. Kasich is well-regarded in the state, has won numerous Congressional campaigns and two statewide races for Governor and then the GOP presidential primary. He has heft and could make a difference in whether Ohio goes Republican. And no Republican has ever won the White House without winning Ohio. So Kasich appears to be the ultimate powerbroker here. He also comes across as an obstinate child too. Reportedly he refused the Vice Presidency and has shown zero magnanimity in the manner of Speaker Paul Ryan or Senator Marco Rubio. He looked tired, worn, and haggard at the event too a man who is past his prime and whose best chance at the White House has escaped him. Maybe it was just the weather. But, if he does still aspire to better things for his party and his own personal ambition, his decision here and his behavior as well run the risk of serious miscalculation. As Ohio is not what it used to be. It only has 18 electoral votes now. And if Mr. Trump can break the Blue Wall and win Pennsylvania and Michigan he can still win the Electoral College if he wins all the Romney states of 2012 plus Florida. And Ohio is NOT needed in such a calculus. He wouldnt need Virginia, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, or Iowa in such a scenario getting to 271. So, Ohio, although important and it certainly would make winning easier, it is not indispensable. And so, neither is Kasich. John Kasich should get over his personal pique at Donald Trump. He has, of all the later GOP rivals to Trump, the least reason to act in this way. There was no demeaning moniker attached to him like Low Energy Jeb or Little Marco. Trump mostly ignored Kasich. No, I think Kasich is just a sore loser who is using these policy differences as an excuse to stab his rival in the back and end his hopes to win. But, if Trump loses, and it is close, there is no way that Kasich (or Cruz for that matter) will be forgiven for these transgressions against party unity. If Hillary gets in, the Supreme Court is gone for decades. And so goes the Court, so goes the lives of the unborn, our second Amendment rights, immigration enforcement, campaign finance, voter fraud, and the list goes on. In short, our country is at stake. This is no time for a temper tantrum in the mold of Roscoe P. Conkling. And Conkling, by the way, got his due. He resigned from office in order to run again so as to change the makeup of the NY legislature (who chose US Senators back then). He figured his personal magnetism and abilities would sway the electorate. It didnt. He lost. And one might think it was because his antics in 1884 cost his party the Presidency. Governor Kasich should take heed, re-evaluate his position, and support his partys nominee - Donald J Trump. W here do you stay in London? Chiltern Firehouse. I like people to come to me for lunches in the little outside area and cosy nights in at the bar. Best place for a first date? A walk in Hyde Park. Theres a small chance you might bump into one of the Royal Family. First thing you do when you come back to London? Head straight to a pub any pub. At 5 oclock, if its happy hour, theres nowhere better. Favourite London shops? Selfridges because its a one-stop destination. I go there for Replay jeans because Im always travelling, so its good to stock up on comfortable denim. And Victorias Secret because you can never have too many lingerie sets. Alessandra Ambrosio is the face of the Hyperfree collection, the latest in a series of Hyper-innovative jeans from Replay at 145, available from Replayjeans.com Building youd most like to buy? Ill take Buckingham Palace and live like a princess. Thats every girls dream, right? Favourite discoveries? When we were here for the Victorias Secret show, there was a club in the basement of The London Edition hotel, so we never even had to leave. Favourite London meal? The dumplings at Hakkasan, which are out of this world. Best piece of advice youve been given? Trust in yourself. My parents always taught me to follow my own path. Most romantic thing someones done for you? I was here for the Olympics and got to go on the London Eye with my fiance, Jamie Mazur. But we had our kids, Anja and Noah, with us so it wasnt as romantic as you might think. What would you do if you were Mayor for the day? Follow in the footsteps of Princess Diana by supporting charities. Building youd like to be locked in overnight? Hamleys, with my kids. Id win mother of the year. Last album you bought? Radioheads A Moon Shaped Pool. Im a huge fan. I recently argued with a restaurant owner to stop them from switching it off. Earliest London memory? Afternoons spent clubbing in Camden in the underground scene when I was 19. I was a lot more outgoing back then. Favourite London bar? The Rumpus Room at The Mondrian has a cool atmosphere and a good cocktail menu, as they do in LA. Whos your hero? Christy Turlington, for her charity work, career and family. Thats what I aspire to. What do you collect? Barbies, including antique ones from the Fifties. I have about 60, although now I can claim I buy them for my daughter. Biggest extravagance? Massages. When I was younger I was like, who cares aboout massages, Id rather go party. Now Id take a spa treatment over a night out any day. Alessandra Ambrosio is the face of Replay Jeans Hyperfree collection (replayjeans.com) Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @EsMagOfficial A humid, rainy morning in Williamsburg, New York. High above the city, in an airy, white-walled suite of the hip Wythe Hotel, Carmen Ejogo is talking about the moment, almost 15 years ago, that she walked away from fame. I had to make the choice between career and family, confesses the London-born, US-based actress, haltingly, as she sits, legs tucked underneath her, on a vast cream sofa. You can lose sight of what your life could have been, which is what happened to me. I did lose sight, for a while there, of what my life could be. Such a frank expression of vulnerability is striking from an actress who, at 42, seems in the prime of her career. Having won rave reviews for her performance in last years Selma, the Oscar-nominated story of the 1965 march for civil rights, in which she played Martin Luther King Jrs wife, Ejogo will be seen in some of the years most highly anticipated films, including Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the prequel to the Harry Potter series, in which she stars alongside Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston. But then Ejogo is an unusual actress. Though head-turningly beautiful, she could easily walk out of the hotel in her gold-printed cigarette pants and voluminous smock and down the street, untroubled by paparazzi. Rewind 20 years, however, and she was on the cusp of Hollywood stardom. The daughter of a Nigerian father and a Scottish mother, she had begun acting in her early teens and left school at 16, to front her own satellite TV programme, The Carmen Ejogo Video Show, before landing roles in credible productions such as The Avengers (alongside Ralph Fiennes and Uma Thurman), and Kenneth Branaghs Loves Labours Lost, while being hailed by critics as one of the industrys brightest young talents. Only, things didnt work out quite like that. Having relocated to the US in the mid-1990s, she abruptly stepped back. She met and married the American actor Jeffrey Wright (Felix Leiter in Casino Royale) and soon became pregnant. I chose to take time out and be a stay-at-home mother, because thats how I wanted to do it, she says today, in an accent entirely undiluted by two decades in New York. Her son and daughter, Elijah and Juno, are now aged 14 and 10. She and Wright divorced in 2014. Part of her motivation for returning to acting was, she says, to show her children what a working woman can achieve. There are a lot of logistics, and youre probably always going to feel guilty, but you also realise that youre a great role model for your daughter and your son, which is equally important. It was a brave move: You wonder if youre ever going to have permission to come back into the business. And to find that I have been given that option, at this point in my life, Im so grateful, she says. But if she were nervous, she neednt be. After the spectacular success of Selma, this year is set to be a big one for Ejogo. Theres Fantastic Beasts, out in the autumn: Do you know what my character looks like? she asks excitedly, whipping out her iPhone to show me a snap of her in costume as Seraphina Picquery, the president of the Magical Congress, sporting a gigantic, sequined turban-style headdress. Set in 1920s New York, though shot in Londons Leavesden studios, the film seems like The Great Gatsby on acid. The whole aesthetic is insane, nods Ejogo enthusiastically. Shes also recently returned from filming another high-profile prequel, in Australia and New Zealand this time to the Alien franchise. With Michael Fassbender and Billy Crudup, Ejogo is part of a team of scientists attempting to recolonise a new planet, because the Earth is f***ed, she says. But before either of those two big-budget blockbusters, this month sees the release of the infinitely more intimate Born to Be Blue, in which Ejogo stars with Ethan Hawke as the long-suffering girlfriend to his outrageously talented but hopelessly heroin-addicted trumpeter, Chet Baker. When the film was screened at the South By Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, it received a rapturous reception from critics and the audience alike. Ejogo with Ethan Hawke in Born to be Blue Jane, Ejogos character, is not a straight rendering of a real person, but rather a composite of women with whom Baker had relationships. The essence of Jane was, says Ejogo, that sense of a woman who has arrested potential, because of the love of a man who is demanding all of her attention. It wasnt a difficult dynamic for the actress to tap into. I think most of us know a woman it might have even been ourselves at some point who has really lost herself in a man, lost her identity and direction. Its so easy to do, and its such a part of the female narrative. You meet a guy, and you start shape-shifting to accommodate his needs over your own. Bakers relationship with Jane may be an extreme case, but Ejogo sees where the attraction lay. He was a manipulator of women, she says, with a wise smile. He knew how to tap in to that maternal desire to give. Plus, she adds. He was really f***ing good looking. And he could play an instrument a horn, at that. Its so phallic. Ejogo is no stranger to the attractions of a professional musician. In 1998, aged 25, she was briefly married to the trip-hop star Tricky, though its not a subject shell discuss today. After her divorce from Wright she is dating someone new, but remains tight-lipped on the details. Would she ever marry again? I dont know, maybe, she laughs, gazing out of the window again. Never say never. She grew up primarily in Kensington and Chelsea. It sounds so posh, but it wasnt, she laughs. I was the council flat kid in those posh areas. Her father died when she was 12 and she and her younger brother, Charles, were raised alone by their mother, Elizabeth, who worked nights as a cleaner to make ends meet. It was, she says, a good, grounded, Scottish background. She won scholarships to private schools the Oratory and Godolphin and Latymer. I was always conscious of the fact that academia was important, but it was so obvious from an early age that the thing I really loved to do was art, in whatever shape or form it took. Aged just 14, with no acting training or experience, Ejogo was cast in the rock musical film Absolute Beginners alongside David Bowie and Patsy Kensit. I just got really lucky. People would just spot me and ask me if Id be interested in doing something, she says. It always came to me; I was never encouraged to go and find it. She combined acting with modelling and TV presenting. I was quite cocksure and it all came a little easy, frankly, she admits. I take all my opportunities very differently now. Being biracial in London was, she believes a huge advantage, and a large part of what led to her opportunities. Growing up in the Seventies, Eighties and onwards, there was just a feeling in the air that this was the new Britain. I think I got lucky in that sense, and I was representative of my time. For 15 years, she has lived in the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Fort Greene. Its a complete fallacy that New York is a melting pot, she says. Her adopted city, she believes, is far less integrated, racially and ethnically, than her actual home town. Everyone comes together or crosses paths on the streets, or in a deli, but then everyone scurries back to their particular ghetto, she says, while shaking her shoulder-length bob. In spite of settling in the US, and raising two American children, Ejogo has no desire to become a US citizen. I dont really see what the benefits are, she shrugs. And I am so proud of what it is to be British. This, however, does mean she cant vote. But I have very mixed feelings about the vote, she says. Having made Selma, I understand and appreciate what it took to get the vote in this country. But I think theres something a little illusory about the power of the vote. With David Oyelowo as Coretta Scott King in Selma Its the same issue I have with the Oscars, she continues. The Academy Awards this year were famously mired in a furore over their lack of racial diversity. If there are only certain kinds of film that youre voting for, then your vote only can ever say so much. I think changing it from the inside is a healthy approach though, she says. To that end, Ejogo is moving behind the camera, too; she is hoping to pull together a horror movie, as a producer. Producing, and directing, she acknowledges, have never felt female-friendly, and have long seemed like something of a closed shop in Hollywood. I think it still bloody is, she insists. But I think there are more outlets now, more platforms. You arent relying on such a small group of people to give you the permission. Women have got more of a shot than ever, she beams. So, its a good time. Born to be Blue is in cinemas, on digital download, Blu-ray and DVD from Monday. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @EsMagOfficial H umans are horrible. At least, thats what a quick glance at Twitter would tell any passing extraterrestrial. What with Brexit, political reshuffles, the US election and a host of other bigot-baiting incidents such as the all-female Ghostbusters remake, over the past few weeks online abuse has reached an all-time high. But enough now its time to wipe the slate clean and wrestle power back from the professional Twitter trolls. At its best, the microblogging site is witty, clever and kind, connecting people from across the world. This week Jonathan OBrien, who ran Waterstones hilarious Twitter account, married fellow user Victoria after they met on the social media site in 2012. She tweeted Well, Im in love with whoever is manning the @WstonesOxfordSt account. Be still my actual beating heart back in 2012, and three months of online flirting later they had their first date. We need more of the love from Twitter, and the best way to do that is to rid the site of toxins. So heres how to Tweetox. Supervillains be gone Twitter originally declared itself to be the free-speech wing of the free-speech party yet the punishment of verbally abusive users has long been neglected. But finally it seems the site is taking action. Ultra-Right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos, aka @Nero, self-proclaimed most fabulous supervillain on the internet, is the first user to be permanently banned from Twitter after participating in the online abuse of Ghostbusters actress Leslie Jones. Whats more, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has stepped up and admitted the company has a problem, saying: This type of abusive behaviour is not permitted on Twitter, and weve taken action on many of the accounts reported to us by both Leslie and others. We realise we still have a lot of work in front of us before Twitter is where it should be on how we handle these issues. Better late than never. For now, make good use of the mute button. Stop scrolling Restrict your Twitter usage to your computer rather than let those little bluebirds nest in every compatible device. A 10-second scroll on the bus can be so enraging that you miss your stop in the rush to find the perfect devastating emoji response. More seriously, the score of pings! heralding a barrage of scathing attacks on your latest tweet can be devastating: journalist colleagues have been left in tears. Do yourself a favour and dump phone Twitter: no more spending dates/dinners/friends weddings in the toilets tweeting WTF? at the latest political blunder. #HashtagCampaigns The internet is a brilliant thing and Twitter a great information tool: we shouldnt feel pressurised into staying away because of hateful trolls. Thats the message spread by cross-party campaign #ReclaimTheInternet, launched by MPs Yvette Cooper and Maria Miller, backed by Twitter-vocal female politicians such as Stella Creasy, Jess Phillips and Luciana Berger. As Cooper insists, reporting cyber-bullying doesnt block freedom of speech but instead allows those frightened into silence to have a voice. A #ReclaimTheInternet conference was held on Monday to discuss ways of challenging online abuse, with speakers from a teachers union and Google. What now? Watch this hashtag. Fly the nest Make like that chirpy little bluebird and migrate. Not to a different country although a lack of signal is an ideal means of Tweetoxing. Instead, simply take a break from Twitter for a set period of time. Simply tweet that youre taking a Twoliday or Twacation (which will helpfully lose you a few hundred followers): advertising the fact means you have to stick to it. The best apps for Londoners 1 /16 The best apps for Londoners Zip car Join, reserve, unlock and drive it really is that simple. The capitals preferred car clubs app gives 24/7 access to cars and vans in your neighbourhood and lets you extend or cancel reservations on the go. Free Uncover Sick of being stuck on waiting lists? You need Uncover, which redistributes cancelled reservations at some of the capitals top restaurants, including The River Cafe and Nobu. Not for planning freaks, though tables typically become free at 40 minutes notice. Free Uber So popular its become a verb, this private driver service has revolutionised travel in the capital. Its speedy and affordable, making it a welcome alternative to the night bus. Free Santander Cycles Launched this summer, the official app for Boris fifth child can be used to search for nearby docking stations and check bike availability. Theres also a journey planner featuring easy, moderate and fast routes to satisfy all cycling tribes. Free Plume Air Report This new app has been downloaded by 3,000 Londoners. Sensors gathering air pollution data submit updates every hour, resulting in a scale that ranges from fresh to extremely polluted. Free Nightcapp Heres an app that will have booze hounds raising their glasses. NightCapp is a map that pinpoints more than 1,500 London watering holes that stay open past 11.30pm. It also shows users when a bar is about to close by highlighting it in orange. Better get moving. Free Money Dashboard An award-winning budget planner, this helps you keep track of personal spending across multiple accounts, pay off credit cards and even makes suggestions on how to manage your finances better. Free Her Promising to introduce women to a lesbian that hasnt slept with any of your friends, this revamped dating app includes queer-themed news and blogs, upcoming event notices and an improved algorithm-matching system. Free FoodMood This new startup, which reckons its Tinder for food, pledges to narrow down your choice of lunchbreak destinations. Hit yum or yuk on photos of dishes in your area. Juvenile, but strangely addictive. Free Daily Yoga This offers more than 50 yoga sessions, as well as a database of 500 yoga poses. Suitable for all levels, programmes include yoga aimed at specific areas of the body and weight loss. Namaste to that. Free Coffee Meets Bagel Billed as the anti-Tinder, this new kid on the block delivers just a single match to users once a day. Coffee Meets Bagel uses Facebook profile information to recommend suitors based on friends of friends. Neither coffee nor bagels are included. Free. Bristlr Do you have a beard? Perhaps youd like to stroke one on a regular basis? This can be arranged. Unlike other dating apps, Bristlr is unashamedly all about hooking up the hairy with the hairless. Theres even a beard-rating option for aficionados. Free Kittens! If you must be on Twitter at least look at something cheerful. For every torrent of homophobic bile you read, counteract it by looking at puppies. The @CuteEmergency posts a continual stream of pictures and videos such as Some frisky baby goats to brighten your day. Those who use it insist that liking a picture of a totes adorbs pug in a hat doesnt make you a stupid person. But when an influx of hostile opinions are threatening to engulf us, a kitten GIF is a furry useful way of pressing paws. Follow Frankie McCoy: @franklymcoy I f the success of emojis proves anything about Millennials, its that we love illustrating how we feel. Sometimes humour gets lost in translation a dozen crying emojis shows youre messing around rather than really sad or perhaps youre trying to sext and really need that aubergine to suggest your carnal desires? For this reason emojis seem trivial and its easy to underestimate them. But their use is growing at a rapid rate it is thought that people send over six billion emojis a day worldwide. Google celebrated World Emoji Day by releasing over 300 new ones to better represent women, and British swimwear brand Prism is releasing its own line of beachwear emojis later this year. Meanwhile, companies are finding new ways to make it easier for people to use them in messaging. Unless youre a regular emoji user who knows your way around the menus, trawling through your phone for the right symbol can be tiresome. And so predictive text app SwiftKey, which was recently acquired by Microsoft, has developed Swiftmoji, a keyboard that makes emoji predictions based on what you type. Instead of having to search for an emoji to fit your mood, the keyboard does it for you: simply type a message and the keyboard will run over 1,800 emojis and suggest the right ones to use. Ben Medlock, the apps co-founder, explains how the emoji keyboard idea came to life. Last summer, we saw Roger Federer had tweeted his whole day in emoji and we realised this was becoming a widespread social phenomenon. We saw the way people used them and how they had to scroll through pages to get what they wanted and how the categorisation didnt make sense for them. So we developed a way to use the technology for predictive text and see if we could apply it to emojis. The keyboard is currently in its testing stage but it looks like theyre on to something. Download the app and integrate the keyboard, then start typing to pull up suggestions. Some are cheeky: type David Cameron and two pig-related emojis appear (along with other options, including an eye-rolling smiley, an angry face and a sparkly heart delete as appropriate). I love you suggests all the predictable heart-themed emojis; Whats for dinner? summons a variety of appetising options. Its fast if a little fiddly. But does it actually help users find their emojis quicker? I timed typing out three sentences using the predictive keyboard and compared it to how long it would take to find the same emojis manually: SwiftKeys keyboard is noticeably quicker. ES invents ten emojis Londoners shouldn't have to live without 1 /13 ES invents ten emojis Londoners shouldn't have to live without Sad poo Like smiley poo, but to be used when one has food poisoning/ is using Elle Macphersons health supplements/things are just a bit shit Green juice drink Im detoxing/five-twoing/feeling smug with my NutriBullet/not up for boozing tonight Smiley face with square eyes Im binge-watching Poldark/Better Call Saul/Unbreakable Kimmy Schimdt (add fire or banned emoji to warn against spoilers) QQQQQQ Like the Zzzz sleeping emoji, but denotes instead that you are waiting for a table at a no-bookings restaurant/queuing for a black cab/queuing for the loo Bearded hipster Can be used as a points system. One = hipster with beard. Two = hipster with beard and topknot. Three = hipster with beard and bunches Ocado van If youre over 40, youre waiting for a food delivery. Under 30, its code for your flatmate that a Tinder booty call is on his or her way over Twerking girl Because who actually flamenco-dances? Troll You said something about Harry Styles on Twitter and now have angry 14-year-olds tweeting you sad poos House of playing cards If youre over 40, youre waiting for a food delivery. Under 30, its code for your flatmate that a Tinder booty call is on his or her way over Mobile phone screen with 'taxi' This partys dying, lets Uber out of here Granted, emojis are not a language themselves more likely an augmentation of one but apps such as Swiftmoji will continue to press them into everyday use, and clearly, developing them is becoming a keen focus for tech companies. It wont be long until the likes of lol and lmao are replaced altogether. Follow Joe Krishnan on Twitter: @joekrishnan A barrister faces up to two years in prison after a 12-year feud with his half-sister over their late fathers fortune. Stephen and Lynda Supple have been wrangling over their father Leonards estate once said to be worth as much as 18 million since his death in 2004. The original will, granting most of the inheritance to Lynda, was torn up in 2007 after being exposed as a forgery, and Stephen has since claimed she may not even really be his half-sister. In the latest twist in the case, he faces a possible prison sentence for failing to hand over key documents that spell out the true value of their fathers fortune. Mr Justice Arnold found him in contempt of court and issued a warrant for the barrister, from Whitstable, Kent, to be brought to the High Court for sentencing. After the ruling Lynda, 52, said: I just want the nightmare to end. Lynda Supple is battling her half-brother Leonard Supple was a self-made man who ran a fleet of taxis by the age of 19 and bought Lower Grange Farm, near Maidstone, in the late 1960s and turned it into a caravan park. When he died aged 77 in 2004, it sparked a long-running dispute among his dysfunctional family which began with the forged will. In 2007 judge Peter Leaver called Lynda a cunning, amoral, selfish and vindictive woman. He rejected the will after a trial, although he made no finding on who created it. Stephen was then put in charge of administering the estate. He later cast doubt on Lyndas true parentage, but later withdrew the accusation. Nearly a decade on the estate has still not been split between the warring siblings and Lynda returned to the High Court this week to ask for her half-brother to be jailed. Her barrister, William East, said Stephen had failed to hand over vital documents including bank statements. The farm was sold at auction for 750,000 but the land had been valued as high as 18 million during the original High Court hearings. Mr East said Stephen had been ordered a year ago to produce the documents. Mr Justice Arnold said Stephen knew he faced a possible prison sentence but still had not turned up at court. He added: At no stage has he suggested that he doesnt have possession or control over any of the documents...his attitude appears rather to be one of attempting to ignore the application, perhaps in the hope that, if he ignores it, it will go away. As will be apparent, the application has not gone away and Mrs Supple seeks enforcement of the courts order. The barrister will now be brought to court by a High Court official with the power of arrest and could be sentenced to two years in prison. A woman is in hospital with multiple injuries after an alleged joyrider hit her with a car in south east London last night. The pedestrian, aged in her 50s, was struck by the Vauxhall Astra on Woolwich Road in Charlton, shortly before 11.50am last night, police say. Officers on a routine patrol came across the accident and cordoned off the street, near the Blackwall Tunnel Approach, for just under six hours while an investigation was carried out. The woman was rushed to hospital with multiple injuries which police say are potentially life-changing. Following the accident, the driver, a 19-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of taking a car without permission and driving without insurance. The road fully reopened at around 5.30am. A man jailed for impersonating a police officer in a bid to kidnap schoolgirls was today described as every parents worst nightmare. Abdi Waise, 28, was sentenced to 17 years in prison, after he attempted to capture five girls, all aged between 11 and 14, on January 18 this year. A judge made the remarks during his sentencing at Wood Green Crown Court, while commending police for the speed of their investigation and the children who gave evidence against him. Waise, of Kenneth Robbins House, north London, planned to lure the children into residential areas on the pretence of searching them for drugs. Abdi Waise approached his victims in areas across north London / Metropolitan Police He even tried to get a group of schoolboys to help him on one occasion in Crouch End, offering them money to use isopropyl nitrate known as poppers on the girl. Waise told them the substance would make the girl faint and they could do whatever they wanted to her afterwards. All five of his victims managed to escape after he approached them in areas across north London. Jailed: Abdi Waise / Metropolitan Police He was sentenced to 12 years in prison for one count of kidnap and nine years for each of four counts of attempted kidnap after he was convicted at trial. He was also sentenced to two years for offering to supply class B drugs. All sentences are set to run concurrently. A deportation order and sexual harm prevention order were also imposed by the judge. DCI Paul Trevers, of Haringey CID who led the investigation, said: "Waise went out with the plan of abducting a girl. He made concerted and increasingly desperate attempts over the course of about two and half hours. "When deception didn't work, he became increasingly forceful. Fortunately all the girls saw through his ruse, and whilst frightened all made it away safely. "I want to praise the incredibly brave children involved in this matter - both victims and witnesses. They have gone through a very frightening ordeal and shown immense courage, not only at the time of the offences but also when forced to relive their experiences during the trial process. A teenage joyrider who led police on a terrifying high-speed chase for three miles through central London has been locked up for 16 months. Ugur Akis ran five red lights and reached 80mph as he drove through Maida Vale, Kilburn and on Euston Road while more than twice the drink-drive limit, the Old Bailey heard. He swerved in and out of traffic in what a policeman said was one of the most dangerous pieces of driving he has seen. Akis, then 19, of Edmonton, was pulled over by a police van in Maida Vale after being spotted undertaking in his friends Vauxhall Astra in September last year. He drove off, going over speed humps at more than 40mph before being stopped by a traffic jam outside Kings Cross station, where he waved his provisional licence at officers and told them: It couldnt have been me driving because I cant drive. Yesterday, he admitted dangerous driving, driving without a licence and insurance, drink driving, fraud and possessing a bogus credit card. Sentencing him to 16 months in a young offenders institution, Judge Wendy Joseph QC said: Its terrifying to watch the way in which you drove. Akis will also be banned from driving for two years and eight months. A man driving a car filled with gas cylinders has rammed into a Sydney police station in a suspected terror attack bid. The vehicle was driven with its explosive cargo into a car park beneath the station in the western suburb of Merrylands. Police said no one was injured, with officers arresting the driver before there was any explosion. Pictures show a large presence of emergency services with roads cordoned off by police officers. A New South Wales Police spokesman said: "A man has been arrested after he drove his car into the underground car park of Merrylands Police Station this evening. "The incident occurred at about 7pm today (10am UK time) in Memorial Avenue. Loading.... "Police established a perimeter around the incident. The man was arrested by officers about 8pm. "The perimeter remains in place as a precaution while officers from the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit attend and examine the vehicle. "No members of the public or police officers were injured during the operation." This page is being updated. A person with diplomatic immunity in London allegedly made child porn and forced a child to watch images of sexual activity, MPs were told today. The individual with links to the Mexican embassy may have escaped justice for his or her deeds. In another case, a Saudi Arabian diplomat was accused of keeping a domestic slave who had been trafficked into the UK. Again, the official was entitled to diplomatic immunity. They were among 11 allegations of serious crimes reported to the Foreign Office involving diplomats in 2015, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson told MPs. His written statement did not indicate that anyone had been prosecuted. Boris Johnson told MPs 11 allegations of serious crimes were reported / Getty Images There was one claim of causing a child aged 13 to 15 to watch/look at an image of sexual activity and another of taking an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child; and using threatening /abusive/insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment/alarm/distress, both said to involve an individual linked to the Mexican embassy. Against the Saudi embassy was listed one allegation of human trafficking into the UK for the purposes of exploitation, specifically domestic servitude and another of human trafficking; slavery or servitude/forced or compulsory labour. Other allegations included drink-driving by envoys from the US, China and Kazakhstan; driving without insurance by officials from the Commonwealth Secretariat, St Lucia and Nigeria; plus one of actual bodily harm involving an official from Gabon. Around 22,500 people are entitled to diplomatic immunity in the United Kingdom and the majority of diplomats abide by UK law, said Mr Johnson. Immunity can be waived by an embassy to allow diplomats to be prosecuted, but there was no indication that this happened in these cases. The Mexican embassy clarified that the individual was not a diplomat or a a Mexican national. A spokesman said: "Mexico does not tolerate any improper conduct from its diplomatic representatives appointed abroad, and is always keen to fully collaborate with authorities to tackle any misconduct or significant offence." A separate statement revealed that US diplomats have run up 89,308 unpaid Congestion Charge fines, totalling 10,626,970. The US embassy insists that the c-charge is a tax and that its staff are entitled to refuse to pay under the Geneva Convention. And 300,000 of parking fines went unpaid. Lib Dem MP Greg Mulholland said: When council budgets are being slashed, the government should do more to pressure embassies to ensure diplomats obey the law of the land as British citizens have to. The Foreign Office is understood to have taken a tough line with the suspected offenders. During 2015, it asked for two diplomats and their families to leave the UK, and also made a dependant of a diplomat persona non gratia, which may assist the police in furthering their investigation. An FCO Spokeswoman said: The UK Government expects all foreign diplomats to abide by UK laws at all times and we take a firm line with diplomatic missions and international organisations whose diplomats commit offences. All alleged offences are investigated by the police or other law enforcement agencies. "In the case of the most serious alleged offences, the diplomat in question would be immediately withdrawn from the country unless they cooperate with any investigation under a waiver of immunity granted by their mission. CLEVELAND - Republicans were on their feet in Cleveland Quicken Loan Convention Hall when Indiana Governor Mike Pence accepted the RNC's nomination for vice-president Wednesday night, when another of the Trump Family - Eric Trump - told America why his father would be an excellent president, and when Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio both endorsed their former primary opponent. But the most controversial speech of the night was in prime time, when U.S. Senator Ted Cruz congratulated Donald Trump as the RNC's nominee, but refrained from endorsing his former opponent. Dubbed "Lyin' Ted" by Trump during the GOP primaries, Trump also mocked Cruz's wife as unstable, suggested Cruz's father was affiliated with Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey Oswald and promoted outlandish tabloid stories that Cruz had been a sleazy philanderer. Still, the New York delegation began calling for Cruz to "Endorse Trump!" as Cruz continued his speech with no endorsement. In the end, Cruz said, "We deserve those who stand for principle, who unite us all behind shared values, who cast aside anger for love. That is the standard we should expect from everybody. And to those listening, please don't stay home in November ... If you love our country, and if you love your children as much as I know you do, stand and speak and vote your conscience - vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution." The crowd did not applause, they booed the senator as he left the stage. Reports are that Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli ushered Heidi Trump from the floor as delegates began shouting at her, and after the speech, GOP billionaire donor Sheldon Adelson blocked Cruz from a reception in his suite. Reports have also been confirmed that a Texas delegate had to be physically restrained from attacking Cruz. Folks on both sides of the Cruz-Trump feud defend their positions, saying Cruz is breaking his word that he and all primary candidates gave to support the eventual contest winner. Others say Trump is not a true conservative, he cannot be trusted to pick Supreme Court nominees that will uphold the Constitution. The GOP Family feud that had appeared time to time in the convention's first two days and was visible with former GOP nominee John Kasich's refusal to appear at the convention held in his home state boiled to the top Wednesday night. Is this evidence of an outright family war, or will this go away as the focus zooms in on the Democrat nominee Hillary Clinton? What do you think? Did Ted Cruz do the right thing to withhold his endorsement of Donald Trump? P olice have warned parents and young people to treat water fights organised on social media with extreme caution after several events this week descended into violence. Officers in the borough of Richmond, in south-west London, said they could present a real danger to the lives of those who attend. The alarming warning, posted on Twitter, says: Young people should treat with extreme caution any proposed water fights that are advertised via social media. Clearly these events are liable to being [hijacked] for unlawful purposes even if that was not their original intention, and present a real danger to the lives of those who attend. Richmond MPS shared the message on its Twitter account with a caption indicating the advice was being issued following recent outbreaks of disorder in Hyde Park, Southwark and Stamford Hill. More than 1,000 teenagers fought running battles in clashes with police on Tuesday night as Hyde Park was transformed by the worst outbreak of youth violence since the 2011 riots. Witnesses said police were called after trouble flared at a water fight. A row of police with riot shields stands opposite a mob of youths in Hyde Park / Nigel Howard Five police officers and at least three youths were injured amid the disorder. At the same time there were tense scenes in Southwarks Burgess Park where two 16-year-olds were stabbed during end-of-term celebrations on the hottest day of the year. In Stamford Hill, Hackney, police were pelted with bottles after hundreds of youths gathered to drink and have a water fight. A day earlier, a teenager girl was knifed in the head in Harlesden, north west London, after hundreds descended apparently for a water fight. Richmond polices warning went as far as to suggest police could be contacted by young people wishing to organise a water fight. A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said this was not the forces city-wide advice. Hundreds gather in Stamford Hill on Tuesday (Loren Bowe ) / Loren Bowe Richmond MPS said: Furthermore young people can be drawn into the mob mentality and may commit criminal offences themselves. The MPS advice is that young people do not attend such events. Either someone may get hurt or a young person could end up being arrested and charged with all the impact that has on their life. If someone wants to organise an event there is a correct way of doing so and advice should be sought to comply with this. S cotland Yard has cancelled leave for the next four days as tensions flared for a second night in a south London park. Two people were arrested in Burgess Park, Camberwell, with reports that riot police were called to deal with clashes near a lake. Witness Polly Raven told Southwark News: There were loads of teenagers hanging around. They were just having water pistol fights. It looked innocent enough. But a fight broke out on the other side of the lake and it sounded quite aggressive. The police in the park ran over to break it up, and it looked like they called for back-up. The group of youths started running straight at the police. The police got out their batons, then the youths started throwing bottles. Thats when riot vans showed up. Met Police on Hyde Park They kept on charging at the police and the police kind of retreated. It looked like the police had it under control, when I was walking away. On Tuesday evening, two 16-year-old boys were knifed in the park and a nearby Tesco store was ransacked. There was also violence in Hyde Park on Tuesday when four people, including a police officer, were stabbed at a water fight and unlicensed music event attended by up to 4,000 teenagers. Four other officers were injured. The disorder continued into the night when police were pelted with missiles at an illegal rave in north-east London. Police break up Stamford Hill rave Commander Nick Downing said leave had been suspended to allow extra officers to patrol until the end of the weekend. He said: A lovely day in the capital turned violent in Hyde Park, Burgess Hill and Stamford Hill after spontaneous events turned nasty and people attacked each other and the police. Mayor Sadiq Khan branded the violence extremely disappointing and said it was probably fuelled by the hot weather. Police defended their actions to break up unlicensed music events involving sound systems in public parks and streets. Commander BJ Harrington, who is in charge of public order, said: We have seen over the past 18 months, these events attract people intent on violence. They attract criminals who deal drugs and rob people, there is no guarantee that the venue is safe and often no one is keeping an eye out to stop trouble. Witnesses to last nights violence are asked to contact the police on 020 8246 0076 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. T he father of a 14-year-old girl who died in a road accident on her way to school said he wishes the very best to the traumatised driver who hit her. Lavna Chuttoo suffered catastrophic head injuries when she was struck by Gavin Joness truck a few hundred yards from Coombe Girls School in New Malden on November 17 last year. Parents and passers-by tried to save her and an air ambulance attended but she was pronounced dead at the scene near New Malden railway station. Mr Jones was exonerated after a police investigation which found he would have been unlikely to see Lavna when she ran into the road at a junction, West London coroners court heard. Speaking after the inquest, Lavnas father Chetan Chuttoo said he had got closure from meeting the police team who had investigated the crash. He added: I know the driver is traumatised from what happened. We wish him the very best. I received his condolences at the time, which meant a lot. Tragic: Lavna Chuttoo with her father Chetan Mr Chuttoo described his daughter as a diamond and said that in her short life she taught people to be more aware about life. She was only 14 years old, and whatever she has done, she had done a good job and got people together and brought them together, he said. Detective Sergeant John Hartfree told the inquest that Mr Joness lorry had passed Lavna about 45 metres before the junction of Coombe Road and Lime Grove. Miss Chuttoo began to run into the road and in effect ran into the path of the lorry and was killed, he said in his report. In conclusion it is not likely the driver would have been able to see her when she went into the road. Coroner Chinyere Inyama returned a verdict of road traffic collision and described the incident as a tragic accident. During the inquest, Lavnas friends and teachers praised her sense of humour, her happiness, her rapturous smile and her infectious laughter. A 32 million Belgravia townhouse is among 760 million in assets that US officials are trying to seize as part of an anti-corruption investigation into a Malaysian state-owned fund. The US Department of Justice has filed a civil lawsuit to forfeit and recover the house in Lygon Place, the Park Lane Hotel in New York, the Viceroy LErmitage Hotel in Beverly Hills, as well as penthouses, mansions, private jets and paintings by Van Gogh and Monet. In a 136-page court filing, the DoJ also names the producer involved in making The Wolf Of Wall Street film. The lawsuit alleges that public money stolen from Malaysian state fund 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) set up by prime minister Najib Razak in 2009 was used to buy lavish properties and assets, and even finance the hit film, whose production company Red Granite Pictures is run by Mr Najibs stepson, Riza Aziz, who is named in the court papers. Mr Aziz is believed to have bought the London property in 2012. Red Granite said neither the company or Mr Aziz had done anything wrong and that none of the funding it received was in any way illegitimate. US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said the Malaysian people were defrauded on a monumental scale. Mr Najib was cleared of criminality in Malaysia this year and has always denied any wrongdoing. His spokesman said the government would fully co-operate with any lawful investigation of Malaysian companies or citizens. The DoJ does not allege that Mr Najib spent any of the money, but people close to him are accused of using billions of dollars to buy jewellery, pay gambling expenses and hire musicians and celebrities to attend parties. The DoJ said the $1 billion in assets they were seeking to seize were part of more than $3 billion stolen from 1MDB and laundered through US financial institutions in an international conspiracy using a complex web of opaque transactions and fraudulent shell companies. Ms Lynch said: A number of corrupt 1MDB officials treated this public trust as a personal bank account. A n art student whose burka sculpture was destroyed days after the Brexit poll by a woman who shouted: We voted to take our country back, says she now feels unwelcome in London. Yasmeen Sabri, 24, was putting the finishing touches to her 6,000 work when Mikaela Haze, 70, walked into the Royal College of Art in South Kensington and ripped the veil from its metal frame. Haze also screamed: Saudi Arabia go home, before knocking the sculpture to the ground on June 29. Masters student Miss Sabri had spent six months creating the work, called Walk A Mile In Her Veil, for an exhibition to promote tolerance and understanding. Today she said: Ive never experienced anything like it. At Westminster magistrates court Haze, of Bayswater, pleaded guilty to religiously aggravated criminal damage and will be sentenced next week. Miss Sabri, originally from Jordan, has lived in London for six years. She said she had witnessed an increase in racially motivated crime since the referendum vote: Its obviously connected to Brexit. People are taking it as an excuse to be rude to others. Guilty plea: Mikaela Haze destroyed the sculpture / Central News Its crazy. Its not right. Its a way to divide people. We are all human and it doesnt matter if we were born under a different nationality or religion. It suddenly really feels like Im not from this country. Obviously Im not from this country, but I felt like I belonged in London and now it feels like I should go home. Miss Sabri, who lives in Islington, said that despite her distress at the time of the incident she had asked police to drop charges before the hearing. Shes a 70-year-old and was intoxicated, the student added. Its no excuse but I thought if I forgive her theres more chance of me changing her mind about foreigners. I just thought it was better energy to be forgiving my work is about empathy. She said she did not want Haze to be sent to prison, adding: Im happy she pleaded guilty. It was probably more because of alcohol than bigotry. I obviously dont want her to go to jail. She is quite old I cant imagine my nanna going to jail. But if she goes to rehab that would be a good thing. Rise in racist and homophobic incidents reported following Brexit result In court, Haze said: I plead guilty but I dont consider it racist because it wasnt at her, I promise you. Im very sorry to the lady I offended. She is on conditional bail ahead of sentencing on July 26, and is barred from entering the RCA. Miss Sabri managed to fix the sculpture and it featured in the Walking Women event at Somerset House. To see more of Miss Sabris work visit yasmeensabri.com L abour MP Chuka Umunna today called for black men to wise up to their higher risk of prostate cancer. He spoke as a survey for Prostate Cancer UK found 86 per cent of black men were unaware of their increased risk. Some 48,000 men a year in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer. One in four black men will be diagnosed, double the risk faced by white men, and one in 12 will die from it. Mr Umunna, 37, whose Streatham constituency has one of Londons highest black populations, said: I have had to wise up to the fact that I not only have a higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, I am also in greater danger of dying from it. The fact so many black men are totally oblivious to the danger they face is alarming and it must change. It is unclear why the risk is greater but genes are thought to play a part. Tony Wong of Prostate Cancer UK said: Awareness of risk is the first step to saving a life. T wo top magicians have accused a producer of ripping off their tricks in a plagiarism row over West End magic show Impossible. Jamie Allan and Luis de Matos starred in a previous run of the production in London. And now the pair have branded producer Jamie Hendry "cheap and unethical" for allegedly including very similar tricks in a West End version of the show. Mr Hendry denies the accusations, including a claim by Mr Allan that the show recreates a laser levitation trick that he performed last year. He told the Stage: "It's a blatant attempt to copy my creation, which I did for them in good faith. "It's how I earn my living. Every penny I earn is spent trying to create things that will resonate with the audience, and it's so easy for someone to rip off a cheap version of it." Mr Allan claimed that the new routine had "similarities in plot and technique" but was not identical to his own version. Mr De Matos said that his idea of handing postcards to audience members as they enter the auditorium - part of an act called Order and Chaos - had also been used in the recreation of Impossible. He said: "Despite my requests [] the producer insisted upon using that signature piece of mine during the tour, once again having another performer plagiarising that effect on the current West End show. "I regard such behaviour as not only unethical but misleading to both audiences and myself." Mr Hendry has defended his show and said: "We do not believe the show infringes any copyright or that it is in breach of any of its contractual agreements with any previous performer in the show." Magic tricks are difficult to copyright as to do so would involve clearly setting out how the trick is performed, which means giving away any secrets. The way a trick is presented, and any accompanying script, can be copyrighted as a literary work. F irefighters today investigated reports of smoke inside a tunnel at a busy Tube station. Staff raised the alarm at London Bridge station after smoke was reported inside one of the tunnels on the Jubilee line this afternoon. The line was suspended between Canary Wharf and Waterloo, Transport for London said. London Fire Brigade were called to the scene shortly after 3pm. On Twitter, pictures emerged of police and firefighters outside the station. Stuart Crooks tweeted: "Something going down at London Bridge." Sam Sevenoaks wrote:"Avoid the Jubilee line people. Apparently there's smoke been found at London Bridge station, so the line has been suspended." Another user named Anthony said: "Fire brigade and police at London Bridge." An LFB spokesman said it was investigating a fire alert after signs of smoke were reported in the tunnel. A TfL spokesman said the incident was stood down and Jubilee services resumed at 4pm with severe delays on the line. A man has been arrested and two dogs have died following a house fire in south-east London. Twenty-one firefighters battled the blaze which gutted the ground floor of a terraced house in Bexleyheath in the early hours of today. The animals died after becoming trapped in a first floor bedroom in Parkside Avenue shortly after 3am. A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He is currently in hospital suffering suspected smoke inhalation. Watch manager Graham Uttley claimed that the fire would have been caught earlier if had the property been fitted with a smoke alarm. He said: If there had been smoke alarms in the property, it would have alerted the occupant to the fire before it got to such an intensity. Everyone should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and the safest option is have those linked together. This will give the earliest warning if there is a fire in your home. The fire was under control by 5am and Bexley Police are investigating. P olice in south London have reportedly launched a crackdown on horny pensioners using car parks and woods to have sex. Officers are taking action over a rising number of complaints of public indecency in Shirley Hills Road, according to the Croydon Guardian. The area is apparently known as a notorious sex hotspot and is recommended on UK dogging websites. Used condoms have reportedly been found scattered across the park while car parks are also being used by amorous couples. Constable Barry Swift told the newspaper: If you Google it Croydon comes up as the third best place in the country for dogging. The people who are coming in take part in sexual activities are not just youngsters - we are looking at pensioners, which is quite surprising. They are committing offences, the place is littered with dirty condoms and tissues so it is really advertising that people are turning a blind eye to it. If youre going through the park with your kids and one of your children falls over in those tissues it is not very nice. The newspaper reported police were due to meet Croydon Council to discuss how to implement the crackdown. Lori Gayne from Illinois' 5th CD - photo by Sun-Times Lynn Sweet CLEVELAND - The convention credentials for an Illinois Republican were taken away Wednesday when under the surname of "whitepride" 5th CD Trump delegate Lori Gayne under a Facebook photo wrote: Our brave snipers just waiting for some N- to try something. Love them. The comment - using the abbreviation for a racial slur - was posted over a photo of snipers standing on the roof of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum where a Republican National Convention welcome party was held Sunday night. Illinois Republican Party chairman Tim Schneider reacted sternly: A man was reportedly shot after a block party in south London descended into violence. Tulse Hill Estate was cordoned off by police yesterday morning following chaotic scenes on Tuesday evening. One passerby, who did not want to be named, told the Standard that a lovely party atmosphere on the hottest day of the year quickly changed as revellers began racing cars. One vehicle is reported to have crashed into a wall. The woman said: A block party started and it was actually lovely with music and dancing but around 3am the situation was different, big cars racing around, people shouting and a car crashed on a wall. Police have confirmed they were called to the area amid reports of a shooting. On the same day police faced violent scenes in Hyde Park and Burgess Park during what has been described as the worst outbreak of youth violence since the 2011 riots. Officers were also pelted with water pistols and bottles as they tried to break up another block party in Stamford Hill. T hree Londoners have drowned in 24 hours trying to cool off from the summer heatwave. The tragic deaths led to fresh warnings from rescue workers to exercise caution while swimming in lakes and pools not monitored by lifeguards. Leon Wilson, 19, was in Lammas Lake near Staines in west London at 5.50pm on Tuesday as he walked with friends to the nearby Lammas waterpark. The carpenter, who could not swim, slipped several feet down the bank and was dragged underwater by a strong current. His best friend, Reece Wiley, a trained lifeguard, dived in in a desperate rescue attempt but was unable to locate him. His body was retrieved from the lake two hours later by police divers. Friends of Mr Wilson, who had started a new job the day before he died, today told the Standard of their devastation. Leon Wilson, 21, fell into Lammas Lake near Staines in west London on Tuesday / Facebook A close friend said: It was a tragic accident. He was walking along with five or six friends and they were playing around like young people do, pushing and shoving at the waters edge. He couldnt swim and when he fell in he went under. His friend dived in to help but he couldnt save him. Mr Wilson, who had three siblings and lived at home in Feltham with his parents and best friend Reece, was described as an amazing guy who made everyone smile. Close friend Lauren Thatcher said: He was just a lovely person. Like any other young person he liked going out with his friends and having a good time, but he also loved his family a great deal. He was an uncle and loved playing with his two young nephews and his niece. We are all in shock, his friends who were there are completely distraught. Reece was like a brother to him. He did everything he could to save him, its just heartbreaking. His parents are devastated. Mr Wilson, a former pupil at Lampton School in Hounslow graduated from West Thames College several years ago with a B-Tech in carpentry. The tragic accident happened around two hours before a 44-year-old man from south-west London drowned off Brighton beach. Witnesses described desperate efforts by paramedics to save the life of the man who was plucked from the sea by two members of the public about 200 yards from Brighton Pier. He had got into difficulty while swimming and a friend who was with him called the ambulance service. He was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital where he died shortly afterwards. Elizabeth West, a 34-year-old GP receptionist, said: I saw the paramedics at the waters edge frantically pumping his chest trying to revive him. There was big crowd around them. They were doing everything they could, lifting him and carrying him up the beach short distance on a stretcher before trying to resuscitate him again. It must have been about 30 minutes before they got him into the ambulance. The beach was packed with people enjoying the evening sun after work. There was a shocked silence as people watched. Its so sad, we all just hoped he would be okay. The third fatality happened at lunchtime yesterday when a 29-year-old man enjoying the sunshine with two friends drowned in Shadwell Basin, Wapping. The young man jumped into the water at just before 1pm and failed to surface. Emergency services scrambled to the scene but a large crowd saw his lifeless body later pulled out of the water by a police diver. Dominic King, 36, a songwriter who lives nearby said: It was packed. There were about 100 people still there jumping in and swimming. There were two little kids swimming about 30 seconds away and the police told them to get out. A diver went in for three minutes and came back with his body under his arm. Police officers dragged him up and medics rushed over and administered CPR but I knew hed been under for 20 minutes. Its so sad. But even as they carried him out there were still people swimming nearby. Its beautiful but its dangerous. What a waste of life. A friend of the victim wrote online: Im deeply saddened by this news. Ill remember you the way you lived my friend it was time for your transition. Like a rainbow fading in the twinkling of an eye. Mike Dunn, Director of Education at Royal Lifesaving Society, told the Standard: These recent drownings seem to be a tragic repetition of what we have seen in previous summers when there is a spike in incidents in hot weather. We would urge people to enjoy the hot weather and if they want to cool off to go to safe lifeguarded areas and dont risk becoming one of these tragic statistics. The charity warns most people in the UK drown in inland waters such as lakes and rivers where there were dangerous undercurrents and debris, and 40 per cent of deaths came from people falling into water. Other deaths in the heatwave include 16-year-old Jack Pullen drowned on Tuesday having got into trouble while swimming with friends in a river in Broadbottom, near Hyde in Greater Manchester. While on Monday night a man aged 46 drowned after jumping into the River Trent in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. T wo bodies have been found this afternoon after a suspected gas leak in Wimbledon. Officers were called to a flat in Oxford House on Wimbledon Parkside after concerns were raised over the occupants health. Police forced entry into the flat and raised concerns about the potential of gas. A Met Police spokesman said: "Residents from the block were evacuated as a precaution. "The bodies of a man and a woman were found inside the flat. "Merton Police are investigating and enquiries are underway to establish the circumstances of the deaths. The A219 is closed southbound between Windmill Road and Parkside while emergency services deal with the incident. The London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service are in attendance at the address. An LFB spokesman said: "We were called to an address at Parkside Wimbledon at 2.27pm to a chemical incident. It is being dealt with as a police incident." E very council ward in London will get a second dedicated police officer patrolling their streets under plans announced by Sadiq Khan today. It means each of the 629 local wards will have two devoted officers and a police community support officer by the end of next year. More than half of London will get a new bobby on the beat earlier, with 260 newly dedicated ward officers in place by Christmas. The Mayor vowed to put the capitals communities at the heart of his policing strategy in a bid to improve trust between the public and the police. He said local officers were better equipped to prevent and detect crime and acted as the eyes and ears of the security services. During the mayoral election campaign, Mr Khan pledged to restore neighbourhood policing, leaving some Londoners believing he would bring back the traditional model one sergeant, two Pcs and three PCSOs in every ward scrapped by Boris Johnson. The former mayor reorganised policing in 2011 by cutting the ward-based presence and drafting in extra borough-based officers when needed. However, figures showed that the remaining local officers were routinely sent away to deal with protests and major events in central London. Most wards in London have just one dedicated Pc and one PCSO, although around 100 of the wards with the highest crime levels have two constables. Mr Khan, on a visit with the Safer Neighbourhood Team near his home in Tooting, said: The safety and security of all Londoners is my first priority and this starts with real neighbourhood policing. "Today, I am very pleased to be able to announce the first significant step towards this, with a second dedicated Pc in every London ward. Our local officers should be known both to the community and by the community. Their local knowledge helps to prevent and detect crime, and they are the local eyes and ears of our security services. They are essential to improving trust and confidence in our police and keeping our communities safe. The newly dedicated officers will be drawn from existing broader roles, and would be protected from being called away on other duties. Met Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said: I have long said that neighbourhood policing, and the strong links it gives us to our communities, is the bedrock upon which all our work is based. A woman was today in hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries after she was run over by her own car in a freak accident. The 40-year-old suffered serious leg injuries when the Honda Civic Hatchback rolled off the drive and hit her. Police, paramedics and London's Air Ambulance all rushed to the scene in The Vale, Coulsdon, this morning. A spokesman for Croydon police said the woman's life was potentially in danger due to the seriousness of her injuries. She was taken to hospital by ambulance but her condition is not currently known. Investigations at the scene are still ongoing. The Vale has been cordoned off by police. F rancois Hollande today warned Theresa May not to delay triggering Brexit, insisting: The sooner you go the better. The French President also said that Britain would not remain in the Single Market unless it accepts freedom of movement rules following talks with the Prime Minister in Paris. He said the thorny issue of EU migration will be the "most crucial point" of the UK's negotiations to leave the bloc. After talks at the Elysee Palace, Mrs May insisted the Government will deliver on voters' demands for "some controls" on movement between countries. Francois Hollande shakes hands with Theresa May as she leaves the Elysee Palace, in Paris / EPA/IAN LANGSDON Discussions continued over a dinner of lobster, veal and vanilla mousse. Mr Hollande warned Britain against a delay in triggering the Article 50 process of negotiations to pull the country out of the bloc. Asked about Britain's future in the Single Market, Mr Hollande said: "It's the most crucial point. That's the point that will be the subject of the negotiation. "The UK today has access to the Single Market because it respects the four freedoms. Francois Hollande stands on the door step of the Elysee Palace as Theresa May leaves / AP Photo/Thibault Camus "If it wishes to remain within the Single Market it's its decision to know how far and how it will have to abide by the four freedoms. "None can be separated from the other. There cannot be freedom of movement of goods, free movement of capital, free movement of services if there isn't a free movement of people. Mr Hollande said the UK faced a choice to remain in the Single Market and assume free movement or have another status. Mrs May said the referendum result had been a "very clear message that we should introduce some controls to the movement of individuals from the countries of the European Union into the UK". She said: "Obviously looking at that issue will be part of the negotiations. I'm clear that the Government should deliver and will deliver on that for the British people but we also want to get the right deal on the trade in goods and services and I think this is important economically not just for the United Kingdom but for other countries within the European Union as well." T heresa May was given a blunt warning from a French statesman today that it was pie in the sky to expect free trade with Europe while curbing EU migration. The dismissal of hope for a free trade deal after Brexit came from Pascal Lamy, a former head of the World Trade Organisation, as Mrs May was setting off to Paris for her first talks with President Francois Hollande. Diplomats were braced for a bumpier meeting between Mrs May and the president at the Elysee Palace today than the cordial talks last night with German chancellor Angela Merkel. Some thought Mr Hollande, who has yet to announce if he will seek re-election next year, was under pressure to avoid looking too friendly with a British leader when his ratings are poor. Francois Hollande says Brexit negotiations cannot drag on However, he and Mrs May were set to forge a united front against terrorism following the Nice atrocity, stressing the importance of continued Anglo-French co-operation on security after Britain leaves the EU. French hostility to Britains exit plans was summed up by Mr Lamy, a former chief of staff to Jacques Delors, the architect of EU federalism. The UK will not have outside the EU the same easy access to EU single market. This is absolutely obvious, he said. He predicted the first question to Mrs May from Mr Hollande would be: What are you looking for? He added that the idea of Norway-style access to the single market without free movement of labour and a hefty annual payment to EU funds was pie in the sky. Theresa May meets Angela Merkel in Berlin during first foreign visit as Prime Minister He also suggested that Europe would slap tariffs on British goods such as cheese, but would continue to enjoy free access to the British market. There will be tariffs on British goods coming into Europe, he said. The question of what will be the UK tariff on European cheese is an open question. Ive heard lots of people in the UK say we need no tariff on cheese whatsoever because we want to be free trade, free trade, free trade. Mr Lamy said the City of London would face a united front formed by the remaining 27 EU members, who would decide what regulations London-based banks and finance firms would have to comply with. Whats clear is that the EU 27 will between themselves negotiate a position before negotiating with the UK, he said. Mrs May was pleased with her talks in Berlin, where Mrs Merkel agreed that British should not rush into starting the formal exit countdown this year. The German chancellor said Britain should take a moment, but warned against leaving negotiations up in the air. Mrs May insisted that Germany would remain a vital partner and a special friend for us after Brexit. Senior Labour MP Chris Leslie today called for a dedicated Commons select committee to hold Brexit Secretary David Davis to account. I dont have enough confidence in the handful of ministers that have been appointed so far to grapple with this enormous priority now facing the country, he wrote on PoliticsHome. J eremy Corbyn today insisted he is a Prime Minister in waiting as he launched his campaign to cling on as Labour leader. Rejecting claims that he will never be Premier, he promised plans to oust Theresa May from No 10 and elect a Labour government. Just hours before his keynote speech, his allies angrily hit back at challenger Owen Smith for condemning Mr Corbyn as just not up to the job of taking on the Tories in Parliament. In a speech at the UCL Institute of Education in central London, Mr Corbyn said: Over the next couple of months our campaign will set out how we plan to defeat the Tories and elect a Labour government. Echoing 1940s reformer William Beveridge, he stressed that a Labour government would act to tame five modern-day social ills which he defined as the forces holding people back of inequality, neglect, insecurity, prejudice and discrimination. To deal with them, all employers with more than 21 staff would have to publish equality pay audits if Mr Corbyn gets into No 10. Setting out his stall: Labour's Jeremy Corbyn / PA Aiming to brand himself the Peoples Voice in the Labour leadership battle, he declared former Chancellor George Osbornes economic plan as dead after the Government ditched the target of a Budget surplus by 2020. He argued Labour is stronger now with more than half a million members, with having won by-elections, with Sadiq Khan as Mayor of London and with having inflicted a series of defeats on the Government including on tax credit and disability benefit cuts. Mr Corbyn said: This party is going places. This party is strong. This party is capable of winning a General Election and if Im leader of the party I will be that Prime Minister. But the overwhelming majority of Labour MPs are backing his rival, Pontypridd MP Mr Smith, who launched a stinging attack on him for his performance against Mrs May at her first Prime Ministers Questions yesterday. Mr Smith said today: I was furious that we were sitting there with a Tory Government that has imposed swingeing cuts on public services, on tax credits, on universal credit and we are taking lectures from them about social justice and economic fairness. It makes my blood boil to see us so useless at saying to them, How dare you have the temerity to make these claims, to make these arguments? Jeremy is just not up to the job of taking them on at the Despatch Box. I dont think he is robust enough at arguing Labours case. But one of Mr Corbyns allies, shadow health secretary Diane Abbott, accused Labour MPs of undermining him in the chamber. They refuse to cheer, they sit on their hands, they sulk, they chat among themselves, she said. Some of these Labour MPs need to understand its not about supporting Jeremy as a person, its about supporting your party. Ms Abbott, MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, also claimed that Mr Smiths former job as a lobbyist for US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer would count against him when it came to the ballot of party members, which will decide the leadership contest. Mr Corbyns allies believe his victory chances have been boosted by a surge of new supporters able to vote in the leadership contest. But the Islington North MP is losing some support, with Richmond Park constituency Labour party switching to back Mr Smith. Mr Smith today also accused Mr Corbyn of sloganising but failing to act to improve the lives of millions. A man who used a drone to smuggle contraband into prisons has become the first person in Britain to be jailed for the crime. Police said Daniel Kelly used the remote-controlled device to fly items including the psychoactive drug known as Spice, into two prisons in Kent and Hertfordshire in April. On Wednesday, he was jailed for 14 months at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday after he admitted conspiracy to project an article into prison. Kelly is the first to be convicted of the offence, which was introduced in November after a sharp rise in the number of items smuggled into prisons via drones. Jailed: Daniel Kelly was sentenced for 14 months at Maidstone Crown Court / PA In 2013, no incidents were recorded but last year 33 contraband was discovered. Kelly, formerly of Grove Park, in Lewisham, south east London, was caught after a police patrol spotted a car parked in Eastchurch Road, Leysdown, near HMP Swaleside on April 25. A man was spotted running before he climbed into the passenger seat as the car sped off. It was later found at a holiday park where Kelly was arrested. The drone, which was originally white but had been spray-painted black with taped over lights, was found in the boot of the car. Analysis of the devices storage drive revealed it had made four flights to HMP Elmley, HMP Swaleside and HMP The Mount in the space of five days. Detective Constable Mark Silk, who served as investigating officer, said: "Kelly's offending was serious. It shows a lack of respect for our justice system and it is appropriate that he has received a custodial sentence. "Psychoactive substances and tobacco have an inflated value in prison and this can lead to offences being committed within. This places both inmates and prison staff at risk." Detective Sergeant Richard Allingham, the senior investigating officer, added: "As with all new offences, investigating this presented challenges that we have not come across before but the officers were able to corroborate all of the evidence and secure a conviction in a relatively short space of time." T his is the moment Donald Trump awkwardly attempts to kiss his vice-presidential nominee Mike Pence. Footage shows the Republican presidential candidate marching on-stage during the third night of the Republican National convention in Cleveland, last night, to greet Mr Pence. The pair shake hands before 70-year-old Mr Trump throws one arm around Mr Pences shoulders and aims a pout towards his cheek. Pence grins nervously as the controversial figure puckers his lips a second time before settling for an air-kiss and pointing embarrassingly at his counterpart. Coming in: Donald Trump and Mike Pence The convention descended into chaos yesterday as Ted Cruzs wife fled from the hall amid fears for her safety after her husband refused to endorse Trump for the US presidency. The atmosphere turned ugly after Mr Cruz stopped short of throwing his weight behind the man who beat him in the nomination race and told Republicans to vote your conscience. Loading.... The Texas senator was met with boos and chants of Trump, Trump, Trump and the atmosphere was intimidating enough for his wife, Heidi, to be escorted from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Sounds like a win for the RINOs to me. What's all the fuss about? All in all, members of the GOP are infuriated because Cruz failed to toe the company line at the podium on Wednesday, and instead elected to bite his thumb at the Trumpian fantasy sequence that is fermenting in Cleveland this week. There are a lot of Republicans who are quite filled with rage over Ted Cruz 's convention performance on July 20, 2016. Fox News says Cruz behaved without class. Conservative talk radio and TV personalities are apoplectic that Cruz was disloyal to the party. Party operatives are calling for Ted Cruz's head on a platter. Those Republicans who are supposedly enraged over Cruz's speech believe that Cruz acted as an unprincipled and purely political hack who chose to torch his political party, a possible Trump presidency and his own future over something as petty as the loss of the Republican nomination. For those Republicans who frame Ted Cruz's actions in this way, I would suggest that they are either incredibly naive about Ted Cruz's motives, or they are political hacks themselves. There are two things that happened with Ted Cruz's speech in Cleveland that are relatively historic in nature. The first is that Ted Cruz handed Donald Trump the presidency by not endorsing him. The second is that Cruz exemplified an American code of conduct that the American Founders would have celebrated as an example of fidelity to truth and was booed off the stage by the Party of Lincoln and Reagan for it. God, family and country in that order that is the spirit and the letter of the covenant that was forged by our Forefathers when they worked prayerfully to produce a national identity in the form of our Declaration of Independence. Are you feeling high and mighty that Ted Cruz was somehow obligated to be a party man and support the Republican nominee as he had initially promised? Then you fail to understand the depth and scope of the scorn that is fomenting with the Never-Trumpsters. You fail to see the bridge that has been burned by Trump supporters in their zeal to win at any cost. You fail to recognize that Trump's betrayal of truth will not be forgotten. You fail to see the unifying moment in watching Cruz get booed off the stage for defending his father and wife. You fail. It is likely that Ted Cruz's best political move would have been to decline speaking at the convention altogether in order to keep peace in the party. That was his only other alternative to what happened on Wednesday, but that didn't happen, did it? Once Cruz got past the hurdle of speaking, there was no other speech that he could have otherwise made. If you don't understand Ted Cruz's mandate, then you don't understand God, family and country in that order. What Ted Cruz did on Wednesday was inevitable given the classless, disloyal slander thrust upon Ted Cruz's family by the Donald Trump campaign. That truth cannot and should not be underestimated because Cruz supporters are not just made indignant by the ineptitude of the Republican's unexceptional nomination this year. They are righteously indignant. They are "throw the tea in the harbor" indignant. They are furious. The things that Donald Trump's campaign did to Ted Cruz's family cannot be written off as merely political. They were wicked. The differences between Donald Trump's and traditional American values are not theoretical or intangible or simply gut instincts that can be ignored. They are palpable and they illustrate who or what Donald Trump is willing to destroy in order to win. And frankly, anyone who willfully discounts Trump's infidelity to truth deserves the bounty of Trump's infested harvest if there be one. With Trump's win at any cost policy, he has infected much - including the vanguards of conservative leadership and the conservative press that support him with utter disregard for truth; who are now and forever stained by the moral relativism that they heretofore disdained. Those specific defamations by the Trump campaign against Ted Cruz and his family cannot gibe with the values that conservatives say they embrace, so there's no going back here. There is a fissure. We are witnessing the rumblings of a divorce. The day that Donald Trump slandered Rafael Cruz by accusing him of working with Lee Harvey Oswald to assassinate JFK? That may actually go down in history as the drop of rain that finally broke the levy. It's the makings of a watershed moment. That was the day that many conservatives sought independence from the Republican Party. "Get over it and get with the program," Cruz supporters have been told over and again. But the answer from Cruz supporters remains a stolid and stubborn, "No. I won't." And they won't because what happened to Raphael Cruz matters. Until there is a strong repudiation of that slander, there can be no reconciliation. Ted Cruz may in fact be a political animal; he may actually be a self-serving wonk. I've never met him, so I don't know, but Ted Cruz did not show himself to be disloyal to the things that really matter. He did uphold the covenant of independence by refusing to endorse the jackal in elephant's clothing that Donald Trump is. Never fear, Trump supporters. I think that Donald Trump will win the presidential election of 2016 because I think he's an excellent representative for what America is becoming. Ravaging truth for the sake of expedience may be the best strategy for a Republican victory. Moderate Dems often show a strong preference for morally ambivalent autocrats as long as they get to see a good circus. Trump should have considered Montel Williams for the VP position to secure a landslide. Behold the new face of the Republican Party. A real Norma Desmond moment to be sure. A n unarmed black therapist was shot by police and triple handcuffed as he lay in a Florida road with his hands up while caring for his autistic patient. Mobile phone footage shows Charles Kinsey with his arms spread, telling police he is a therapist and asking them not to shoot him. He had been trying to coax the patient back to his care home from where he had wandered off. North Miami police said officers were dispatched after a 911 call claiming there was a man walking around with a gun threatening suicide on Monday. But the gun turned out to be a toy truck and the man was a patient with autism. In the video, two officers are seen pointing rifles at Mr Kinsey, 47, from behind a patrol car. One fired three times, striking Mr Kinsey in the leg. Mr Kinsey said from hospital: Im laying down and I tell them: Sir, theres no need for firearms, Im unarmed, hes an autistic guy, he had a toy truck in his hand. When (the officer) hit me, Id still got my hands in the air. Mr Kinsey was then shackled in three sets of handcuffs as he lay bleeding. The officer who fired has been placed on administrative leave. It comes amid anger at the recent shootings of black men by police, including Philando Castile in Minnesota and Alton Sterling in Louisiana. Loading.... The fallout caused police to be targeted, with five officers shot by Micah Johnson at a Black Lives Matter rally in Dallas. L abour peer Oona King is leaving UK politics to take a top job at YouTube in San Francisco, claiming that the desperately sad state of Jeremy Corbyns Labour party made her decision easier. The former Bethnal Green and Bow MP has been chosen to be the Silicon Valley giants new Director of Diversity. While relishing the chance to work at the global firm, she admitted her choice would have been less likely if someone else was leading Labour. After announcing her move at a Commons event attended by MPs from all parties, she said: Its an amazing opportunity to go where the most exciting ideas are coming from. Its looking at the future of broadcasting, because YouTube is the future of broadcasting. But asked if the decision to go had been made easier by Mr Corbyns rise, she said: Yes, to an extent. I joined Labour because I wanted Britain to have a Labour prime minister. "Until we change our leader I dont think thats a possibility. Baroness King, 48, added: Anyone who believes in democracy knows you need a strong opposition. Its desperately sad, not just for Labour, but for the country. She said she would probably still have taken the US job if someone else was leading Labour, but added: Its hard to say, but it would be less likely. The peer, who challenged Ken Livingstone for the Labour nomination in the 2012 London Mayor election, will be taking her family with her to America. She said the move could be permanent, though she does not know what the future holds. The EU referendum had also left her personally devastated, she said. It leaves me extremely worried for Britains future, about the rise of hate crime, worried about the economy, worried about a lot of things. She added: But Im an optimist. If it hadnt happened Id still be going to take the job. It just makes it easier to get on the plane. T ed Cruzs wife fled from the Republican National Convention hall amid fears for her safety after her husband refused to endorse Donald Trump for the US presidency. The atmosphere turned ugly after Mr Cruz stopped short of throwing his weight behind the man who beat him in the nomination race and told Republicans to vote your conscience. The Texas senator was met with boos and chants of Trump, Trump, Trump and the atmosphere was intimidating enough for his wife, Heidi, to be escorted from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Cruz was initially cheered as he took to the stage, with most Republicans expecting him to bury the campaign hatchet and support the partys official White House nominee in spite of any personal enmity he may still feel toward the outspoken property mogul. With his speech building to a crescendo, both Trump and Cruz delegates were roaring their approval as he blasted President Obama and Hillary Clinton and urged for a crackdown on immigration. Controversy: US Senator Ted Cruz at the Convention / REUTERS Cruz even went so far as to say, I want to congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night. But just as he appeared to be about to offer his endorsement - a huge coup for Trump as it would help unite the right wing of the party - Cruz stepped back from the brink. Fury: Republicans react to Ted Cruz's speech / Getty To those listening, please dont stay home in November, he said. But instead of urging the party faithful at the convention and millions watching at home to vote for Trump, he told them to vote with their conscience. The change in mood was immediate, with the crowd drowning out Cruz with cries of Endorse Trump, Endorse Trump. Over the Top! Donald Trump Officially Named Republican Candidate Cruz backer Ken Cuccinelli later said he led Mrs Cruz off the convention floor out of concern for her safety. During the course of the speech more and more people were coming down closer and closer to Heidi. When the speech ended, there was an ugly crowd behind us. She was trying to leave, he told Reuters. People in my own delegation started physically approaching and yelling at her, he added. The one that stuck with me was somebody pointing at her and yelling something about Goldman Sachs. Ticket: Donald Trump, points as his Vice-Presidential nominee Mike Pence / AP Mrs Cruz, who works for the investment bank, had no comment early today. Her husband, who is already eying another run in 2020, was unapologetic, but he came under fire from Trump and other Republicans. Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didnt honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal! tweeted Trump afterwards. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was less forgiving, telling NBC Nightly News: It was an awful, selfish speech by someone who tonight through the words he said on that stage showed everybody why he has richly earned the reputation that he has on Capitol Hill. I just think it was an awful performance by someone who showed himself tonight to not be a man of his word. Loading.... Senator Cruz tried to destroy the Republican party tonight just like hes tried to destroy the Republican caucus, Indiana Senator Dan Coates told Roll Call magazine. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich tried to play down Cruzs intentions, telling the crowd theyd misunderstood his point. Ted Cruz said you can vote your conscience for anyone who will uphold this constitution. In this election there is only one candidate that will uphold this constitution, he claimed, although few appeared to buy it. Trumps running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, was quick to compliment the nominee and his family in his convention speech. As we say back home, you cant fake good kids. How about his amazing children? Arent they something? he said. He joked that few people knew who he was before he was named on the ticket on Tuesday. Honestly I never thought Id be standing here, he added. Pence claimed he would provide the balance in the partnership with Trump the showman. Loading.... Im a Christian, a conservative and a Republican in that order, he added to warm applause. B ob Geldof has been slammed by festival-goers for launching a foul-mouthed tirade while on stage in Essex. The 64-year-old has been accused of using inappropriate language during his set with the Boomtown Rats at the Brentwood Festival last week. According to reports, the rocker criticised the festival for being too tame and blasted the crowd for wearing wall to wall f****** Primark. The Essex Chronicle reports that Geldof shouted: We don't do Abba. We don't do Robbie ******* Williams." We are mega. And you are Brentwood. How do we know that you are Brentwood and we are mega? Because I am wearing a f*** off pretend snakeskin suit and [they] are wearing f*** off cowboy shirts even though they live in London. He then reportedly shouted: On the other hand Brentwood, you are wearing wall to wall f****** Primark. This is a rock and roll festival. When you come to a rock and roll festival you dress for a rock and roll festival. You can never be too careful. The musician and activist then introduced one song by saying: That song we just did was written at the end of 1975 when Margaret Thatcher became leader of the opposition. "What are you booing for? We're in f****** Brexit land here guys. Yeah, we're Irish, we're still in Europe. One person wrote on Twitter: Bob Geldof swearing and going mental at Brentwood festival was so inappropriate telling the crowd off for wearing Primark." Bob Geldof joins EU Referendum flotilla on the Thames Someone else posted: Bob Geldof slagged off Brentwood whilst playing Brentwood fest how desperate is ur career that u ditch ur principles then b**** about it??? Festival co-ordinator Laurie Edmonds told the paper: They're a punk band. You expect them to be a bit controversial and he got a reaction from the crowd. "People know he speaks his mind. That's just what they do but they were a fantastic punk band and we thought it would go down well with our crowds. "We know he's a bit of a lightning rod and people will have strong reactions to him. Evening Standard Online has contacted Geldof's representatives for comment. The greatest single external threat to America today is that of radical Islam. It is a national security issue with a political agenda that seeks worldwide domination. Therefore, it is curious that President Obama and his administration appear unwilling to take the threat seriously, as they have dodged defining even the most obvious acts of terrorism, such as the Fort Hood massacre, by labeling it workplace violence. instead. This is not the time for political correctness, because denying the truth emboldens our enemies while causing our citizens to be hesitant in reporting suspicious behavior. The San Bernardino terrorist attack highlighted that problem, as neighbors saw but did not report the perpetrators strange behavior. ? What is Sharia Law? Sharia is utterly incompatible with the concepts of human rights enshrined in the U.S. Bill of Rights. The following are some liberty-crushing, dehumanizing Sharia sanctions: 1. open-ended jihadism to subjugate the world to a totalitarian Islamic order; 2. rejection of bedrock western liberties -- including freedom of conscience and speech -- enforced by imprisonment, beating, or death; 3. discriminatory relegation of non-Muslims to be outcasts, vulnerable pariahs, and even Muslim women to be considered subservient chattel; and 4. barbaric punishments which violate human dignity such as amputation for theft, stoning to death for adultery, and lashing for alcohol consumption. How would a Muslim come to believe that such behavior is acceptable in Islam? The better question is where would a Muslim learn that such behavior is NOT acceptable in Islam? Consider that this behavior is being taught by Muslim Imams in prominent U.S. Islamic schools and mosques. Should concern exist over a flood of Muslim refugees? The concern regarding the above teachings of Islam is compounded by a flood of Muslim refugees from Syria, an average of 358 per week to be exact, that started arriving in the United States in April of this year and will end at the completion of this fiscal year on September 30. This "surge" in Syrian refugees, their fast-tracking, was implemented by the Obama administration to make good on its commitment to bring in 10,000 by the end of September, 2016. It matters not that the FBI has said it cannot vet Syrians for jihadi connections or sympathies because Syria is a failed state. Even Obamas own Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper, has said that the threat of ISIS infiltrating America by hiding among Syrian refugees is a huge concern. ISIS has very publicly warned it will do just that, further claiming to have 4,000 fighters in Western Europe already. What would you think if unvetted Muslims were guarding US power plants? A firm, Veterans Security, or Vet/Sec for short, are tasked with providing security for some of Americas most sensitive infrastructures, such as power plants. Historically, the firm hired almost exclusively American veterans, but increasingly they are hiring unvetted Muslim immigrants to provide security at these sensitive locations. Amazingly, the firm is receiving $1200 from the government to hire these workers. Some barely speaks English. There is nothing wrong with hiring Muslims to guard American infrastructure as long as they are citizens and have passed an extensive background, but if the government cannot screen these immigrants, neither can Veterans Security. FDR deals with national security during WWII FDR faced a national security threat during WWII. Political correctness did not rule the day for Roosevelt. Roosevelt's top concern was the safety of every American citizen and he chose to handle the threat from that point of view. (As a disclaimer: It should be noted that Roosevelt made questionable decisions as president, some of which proved to be detrimental to our country.") Elizabeth Clarke, a patriot and friend who died in her Lake Forest home at 98, wrote this story about FDR and the internment camps for Japanese Americans, which she shared with the authors before her death on July 2, 2016. Elizabeths heartfelt desire was that the information be passed down to future generations. Elizabeth and her family lived through this difficult time in which America was attacked, providing a personal viewpoint that very few have today. Elizabeth's Account I was there in California in 1941. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the U.S. immediately started to defend itself, we we found out that someone was telling the Japanese Emperor about our shipping, when the ships left port, what they were carrying, how big they were, and other strategic information. There were several attacks against California by Japanese planes and ships. The 'Los Angeles Times" reported some of the events on January 25, 1942. The Japanese community was asked to help find the spies, but they did not. So after three months the Japanese people were rounded up and put in the camps that had plenty of food, water, schools, and hospitals. The boys and men were allowed to join the US military, which let many of them leave. Later in the war, in 1944, the Japanese developed what were known as "Balloon Bombs." The balloons, 9,000 of them, were huge balloons with baskets hanging beneath them containing small bombs. The balloons were launched into the Trade Winds and sent off to the USA. Because the Japanese were in camps and not able to tell the Emperor that his bombs had arrived and were soaring over a large part of the USA, the Emperor, not knowing, didn't order bigger bombs for the balloons. Weakened for a long time after Pearl Harbor, the US was not winning the war at the time. Had the scenario been a different one, we might all now be speaking Japanese.The Camps for the Japanese very possibly saved the US from being defeated. There were mysterious fires over the Western part of the nation which were reported in the newspapers. One family, out picnicking, let their children climb a tree to look at some material that was caught in the tree. There was an explosion and the children were killed. That is the only death from the balloon bomb, but think what might have happened if the Emperor had known he could kill us with balloons that carried larger bombs. On February 1, 1945, a Japanese bomb balloon was spotted by several local residents drifting over the Trinity National Forest area and slowly descending. No one knew what it was, but an alert forest ranger called the military authorities at the Presidio of San Francisco and reported it. Meanwhile the balloon came to rest atop a 60 food dead fir tree in the forest near a local road. Upon examination the balloon bomb still had on board four incendiary bombs and one high explosive bomb and the bomb releasing mechanism was still very much intact. It later proved to be one of the mot intact bombing balloons to fall into American hands. As usual in instances of this sort, the local people were told what it was and were asked to keep secret what they had seen. At the time the Media was "on our side." Additional Balloon Bomb Information Bert Webber wrote a book called "Silent Siege - III", with much information about the balloon bombs. In his book, which Elizabeth Clarke gave to Nancy Thorner, are maps where the bombs landed and much detail about them. The first printing of Webber's book was in December of 1992. The Klamath County Museum and a Balloon Museum in Albuquerque have exhibits of the fire balloons. According to the curator of the Albuquerque museum, Marilee Mason, It was one of the greatest secrets of the war. These days it would be over the internet in a minute. In 2004 Michelle Malkin was interviewed by Front Page magazine about her newly published book, "In Defense of Interment: The Case for "Racial Profiling' in World War II and the War on Terror". Here is her interview. As to be expected, Malkin's political views are not appreciated by many in the liberal media, and thus this author and her book received a heavy dose of criticism. Common Sense must replace political correctness The authors are not recommending that American Muslims be rounded up because of a possible national security threat as FDR perceived Japanese Americans to be during WWII. Nor would it be possible in this age of political correctness in which the Obama administration will not define those who have declared war against us as Radical Islamic terrorists. Nevertheless, curtailing the flood of Syrian Muslim refugees into this nation when vetting is not possible and when it has been documented that Islamic terrorist are likely being slipped in amongst the refugees, it would seem common sense should prevail, as it did during our war with Japan. Perhaps Investing in safe zones for the refugees would be appropriate. What was Obama's response when Merkel of Germany backed the safe zone idea in April of this year? He indicated that safe zones would not work. Perhaps our president should at least review what worked for Roosevelt. Part 1: Wednesday, July 20, 2016 - Thorner & O'Neil - ISIS declares war while world succumbs to political correctness Countries & Areas Search for country or area A Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi C Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cote dIvoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia D Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia F Fiji Finland France G Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana H Haiti Holy See Honduras Hungary I Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Japan Jordan K Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway O Oman P Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Q Qatar R Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda S Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu U Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Uzbekistan V Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Y Yemen Z Zambia Zimbabwe This page may have been moved, deleted, or is otherwise unavailable. 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. Thursday, 21 July 2016 16:07:47 (GMT+3) | Shanghai A ceremony has been held to mark the start of production at an anti-corrosion steel pipe facility established jointly by the Baotou, Inner Mongolia-based branch of Wuxi Zhongyou Ready Pipe Anti-corrosion & Technology Co., Ltd (WZR) and Baotou Steel Pipe Co., a subsidiary of Inner Mongolia-based Chinese steelmaker Baotou Iron and Steel (Baogang), as announced by local media sources. The new plant is located at the facilities of Baotou Steel Pipe. Accordingly, the two sides have increased their overall cooperation by utilizing Baogangs resource and location advantages and WZRs anti-corrosion technology and sales network. Baogang will also supply about 200,000 mt of steel pipe products to WZR per year. Thursday, 21 July 2016 09:38:34 (GMT+3) | Shanghai Shanghai-based Chinese steelmaker Baosteel has announced that it has inked an enterprise framework agreement (EFA) with the energy and petrochemical company Royal Dutch Shell Group. Accordingly, the two sides will deepen their overall cooperation in the field of steel supply in new energy industry. Thursday, 21 July 2016 15:41:18 (GMT+3) | Istanbul According to the Brazil Steel Institute (IABr), Brazilian crude steel production in June this year amounted to 2.54 million metric tons, with an 8.5 percent decrease year on year. In the same month, Brazilian rolled steel output decreased by 4.1 percent to 1.8 million metric tons compared to the same month of 2015. Meanwhile, Brazilian steelmakers produced 14.86 million metric tons of crude steel in the first half of this year, down 13 percent year on year. Brazil 's rolled steel product output totaled 10.21 million mt in the given period, down 14.7 percent year on year. Brazilian domestic steel sales increased by 0.7 percent year on year in June to 1.49 million metric tons, while domestic sales in the first half of this year totaled 8.2 million metric tons, decreasing by 15.5 percent year on year. Brazil 's exports of steel products in June amounted to 1.21 million metric tons, falling by 0.1 percent, with a value of $533.7 million, down 6.5 percent, both on year-on-year basis. Steel product exports in the first six months of this year totaled 6.68 million mt, worth $2.54 billion, with an increase of 16.6 percent in volume and a fall of 22.3 percent in value compared to the same period of last year. Thursday, 21 July 2016 10:05:51 (GMT+3) | Brescia SteelOrbis has heard that some members of the Italian steel distribution association, Assofermet, have formed the Consortium for Imports of Hot Rolled Flats (CIHRF) to represent the interests of European primary and secondary users of hot rolled coils ( HRC ), "with the aim of protecting their freedom to source these products from third countries". According to market sources, the recent news about the antidumping duty case launched by the EU against the hot rolled coil imports from Brazil, Iran, Russia, Ukraine and Serbia raised concerns among the Italian steel distributors. They did not find any real reason for this case and they are worried that this should open the door to other trade cases against other countries like India, Turkey and South Korea. The CIHRF aims to set up a common position against the adoption of antidumping measures on imports of hot rolled coils originating in the countries concerned by the investigation, to lay down a common defense strategy within the framework of the investigation and to keep the members informed about the implications and effects of the investigation. Tommaso Sandrini, Assofermet steel division president, said that Italian distributors are showing great interest in joining the consortium, warning that this antidumping duty investigation poses a risk of creating another problem which is the possibility of European producers becoming an oligopoly, while trying to prevent inflow of imported products. In May this year, steel product orders, including specialty steels, booked by domestic sectors in Japan amounted to 4.43 million metric tons, down 3.4 percent compared to April and rising by 1.3 percent year on year, according to the data released by the Japan Iron and Steel Association (JISF). Meanwhile, in the January-May period of the current year, domestic steel product orders in Japan remained stable year on year at 22.4 million metric tons. Meanwhile, Pakistan 's iron and steel imports in May amounted to 315,157 mt, down 24.6 percent on month-on-month basis and rising by 41.6 percent compared to the same month of the previous year. In the given month, the value of Pakistan 's iron and steel imports was $153.54 million, decreasing by 27.9 percent month on month and down 1.9 percent year on year. Thursday, 21 July 2016 16:09:04 (GMT+3) | Istanbul Luxembourg-based plantmaker Paul Wurth has announced that it will reconstruct and modernize the coking plant at the Gijon works of Spanish steel mill ArcelorMittal Asturias, subsidiary of global steel giant ArcelorMittal. The coking plant has been out of operation since 2013. The restart of the plant is scheduled for the end of 2019 and it will produce the coke needed for the operation of the companys two local blast furnaces. In the context of the project, Paul Wurth will supply key equipment, erect and commission supervision services for the rebuilding of two coke oven batteries and it will also modernize the adjacent by-product plants. In addition, Paul Wurth will carry out the turnkey installation of a Claus plant for sulfur removal and a strong water plant to ensure compliance with the strictest environmental requirements. Thursday, 21 July 2016 15:43:10 (GMT+3) | Istanbul During the past month, Turkish merchant bar export offers have softened further. Although price inquiries for Turkish merchant bar in the target markets have increased slightly after Ramadan, demand has failed to improve in the same period and is still at low levels. Turkish merchant bar export prices have decreased by $7.5/mt in the period in question to the following levels: Product Price ($/mt) Angle 410-430 IPN-UPN 420-440 Flat bar 430-450 IPE 420-440 All prices are on FOB basis and for August shipment. 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Shell read from her latest and chat with fans at St. Louis County Library headquarters on Wednesday night. Whats the appeal of noir, of crime and the dark side of human nature? I guess for me, noir is the movies I loved as a kid, said Abbott, 44, in a telephone interview. Its one of those terms: No one can be really sure what it means, but you know it when you see it. Abbott has always found herself drawn to the stories that had the really big emotions. As a kid, they were like fairy tales. People were operating out of love or desire or greed or anger really primitive impulses and then getting themselves in situations they couldnt get out of. Theyre the impulses that were most ashamed of being let loose. You Will Know Me is set in the hyper-competitive world of girls gymnastics. For most of us, it comes to light in the summer Olympics, as tiny bodies hurdle through the air on a quest for perfection. Abbott dug deeply into the culture to create a believable, yet menacing, story of loyalties, rivalries, and what can happen when a girl gets a landing wrong by half an inch. Abbott was enchanted early on by Nadia Comaneci, this little girl who was famous and powerful. Gymnasts always appealed to me for their power. Comaneci, a Romanian, made headlines in 1976 for scoring gymnastics first Olympic perfect 10. In writing her book, Abbott had to really dig in to describe the actual physicality of it. I did a lot of reading, memoirs especially; I watched a lot of gymnastics. Thank God for YouTube, because you can watch everything, even practices. She lurked in chat rooms and forums for the parents of gymnasts. They talk about virtually everything there, and they would say the things that no one would say if I interviewed them. They discussed the nitty-gritty stuff. The initial inspiration was Abbotts desire to write about a prodigy, and about the family of a prodigy. The story is told from the point of view of Katie Knox, the mother of the self-driven gymnastics prodigy Devon; the family includes father Eric and little brother Drew. Abbott goes into all the sacrifices of time, of money, of other interests that go into the making of a potential Olympian. Abbott was hooked on the family aspects during the 2012 Olympics, when she watched gold medalist Aly Raismans parents watching her perform. They quite clearly knew every bit of the routine, unconsciously mimicking her movements from their seats, their expressions mirroring their elation and fears. I think that may be a more recent phenomenon, for a girls sport, for a dad to be so hardcore. It takes Abbott almost a year to write a first draft, followed by six months of revision. She also writes for HBOs The Deuce, a very different process. At the library, Abbott will read from her book and then talk with the crowd. Thats my favorite part of the book process, she said. There are always people who see what you dont see in your books. I met gymnasts and the parents of gymnasts (while writing it); I love talking about it with people coming from different backgrounds. It just makes the book feel real. The moment David Kneib learned a child was on the way 25 years ago, he decided to quit smoking. But the damage had been done. In January 2013, Kneib needed a lung transplant. But the transplant was, all things considered, good news. When I woke up (after the surgery), I knew these arent my lungs, said Kneib, now 71. I could breathe again. A new life meant a fuller life, he said. Part of that is helping people who are enduring the transplant ordeal. He volunteers to talk to patients at Barnes-Jewish Hospital where his transplant took place; he counsels pre-transplant patients there and at other places. As for the fun stuff, he has a full bucket list that includes adventures with the grandkids, romantic travel with his wife, Karen Kneib, 59, and one day soon, quiet flying. Like a glider or hot air balloon. Everything Ive been up in made a lot of noise. He was one of the early pilots to fly in the fledgling county police helicopter unit in the 1970s. Helicopters make a lot of noise. And I want to ride a motorcycle again. At the top of the list though, I want to be the longest-surviving lung transplant recipient in history, he said, smiling, not laughing. He wasnt joking. As he and Karen were interviewed recently they drank from matching coffee mugs, souvenirs from a recent Florida cruise. The decision David retired from the homicide bureau of the St. Louis County Police Department 11 years ago after 33 years of service. When I was a detective, I could smoke at my desk. He had a two-pack daily smoking habit, brought on by job stress, and an initiation at 15 years old. It was cool then. Everybody smoked. It was on TV, movies, friends, adults He tried repeatedly to quit. Of all the things Ive done, stopping smoking was the hardest, Kneib said. He learned a lesson, though. The other times I tried was because others wanted me to stop. I was able to stop when I wanted to stop. The kill switch for smoking came when Karen learned she was pregnant. A light went on, he said. I wanted to be around for my child. The daughter, Ann Kneib, is now 24. He has a son, Dean, 50, from a previous marriage. His years of smoking had done a lot of damage to his lungs. And he was predisposed to lung disease from a family history. His gradual loss of stamina didnt affect his job for some years. Detectives foot-chasing suspects is pretty much only on television, he said. The realization of his condition peaked one day while visiting the St. Louis Zoo with his daughter. Theres a hill that goes up to the hoofed animals, he said. I couldnt make it up the hill. Not long afterward, he was dragging an oxygen tank, then two. He got word from his doctor hed need a transplant. Fortunately, Barnes-Jewish Hospital pioneered lung and heart-lung transplants decades ago. Dr. Derek Byers, associate professor of medicine with Washington University School of Medicine, is David Kneibs pulmonologist. He came on board after the transplant. First, Kneib had to pass a weeklong evaluation in the hospital. Byers said a number of factors can render someone ineligible. Obesity and refusing to quit smoking are frequent reasons, and age. Age is no longer as much a factor as it once was because the surgery has improved so much, Byers said. In the past, a man Kneibs age wouldnt be eligible. Money is another part of the evaluation. A transplant can cost several hundred thousand dollars, Byers said. However, the hospital helps patients put together financial aid. He says he has never turned anyone away because they couldnt pay. The average life span for a recipient is still five years because of rejection episodes. But people are living longer with improvements in medication and therapy. Kneib says he had one rejection episode early on, and that has been it. The donor The donor was a 37-year-old male. Thats all they know. Karen said he probably was a ways away because on Jan. 5 when they got the call that an organ was available, it took five hours to arrive. Waiting for surgery, stretched out in bed, David recalls, I was scared. Karen was scared, too, but shed spent decades as a police officers spouse. Shed grown accustomed to seeing him heading out to a dangerous job day after day. When he woke up in a recovery room, he breathed. The chest pain, considering hed had a part of his insides extracted and replaced, was secondary to the feeling of taking in air without laboring. Karen had seen him waste away over the years. Hes a can-do guy who does things for himself, she said. I knew how he felt when he couldnt do a lot of things he used to do. But after the surgery, she said, He was back. He sees the doctor less frequently now. With all of the adventures the couple has planned, one was foremost. Once he was out and about, the couple and their daughter and grandchildren visited the zoo. They walked up the hill to the hoofed animal area. If youre a parent, you might want to think twice about shooing a thumb from your childs mouth. Researchers in New Zealand have found that children who suck their thumbs or bite their nails are less likely to develop allergies later in their lives. The research comes from a long-term project known as the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, which has followed more than 1,000 children from Dunedin, New Zealand, since birth. The study is now in its fifth decade. Stephanie Lynch, a medical student who is part of the current study, said that through the years, participants were asked detailed questions about their lives. From these answers, Lynch and study lead author Bob Hancox were able to collect the data on thumb-sucking and nail-biting. Children in the study were reported by their parents as being thumb-suckers or nail-biters at ages 5, 7, 9 and 11. These study participants were given skin-prick tests at ages 13 and 32 to detect allergies. These tests can reveal allergic reactions to 40 substances, according to the Mayo Clinic. The results of the first skin-prick tests showed that 38 percent of children who were either thumb-suckers or nail-biters had allergies, compared with 49 percent of children who had neither habit. Furthermore, children who both sucked their thumbs and bit their nails had an even lower risk of allergies 31 percent. Researchers found that results of skin-prick tests remained consistent when the second test was given at age 32. Gender, parental history, pet ownership and other factors seemed to have altered the outcomes very little. The findings support the hygiene hypothesis, which suggests that being exposed to microbes as a child reduces your risk of developing allergies, Hancox said in a statement. Hirsh Komarow, a staff clinician at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, isnt entirely convinced about the studys conclusions. Its an interesting observation, but it needs more analysis, Komarow said. Some of the questions that he says are raised by the study include what kind of bacteria are on participants hands and in their stomachs. Komarow said each person has a certain variety of species that are unique to that individual. He suggested that looking at flora on hands and in the gut could help make a better connection among thumb-sucking, nail-biting and allergies. Guts and hands are two different areas, he said. You could compare hands of thumb-suckers to control people. Theres different flora on skin. You could compare flora of the gut. Is that different (between participants)? It would help you better analyze those groups. Komarow also suggested that thumb-sucking and nail-biting could be indicative behaviors that either thwart or encourage allergic reactions. He said being part of a large family and being exposed to microbes from many siblings may affect a childs allergic sensitization. Still, Komarow and the New Zealand researchers agree that modern living has affected who gets allergies and who doesnt. Less exposure to animals and vegetation seems to promote more allergies, Komarow says. Lynch said she hopes the study encourages parents to think about letting their kids get a little dirty. Theres a lot of media these days about hand sanitizer, that its good for you, she said. The study kind of shows that maybe being too clean isnt that good for you and parents shouldnt be afraid to let their kids get dirty or let them have dirt under their nails. JEFFERSON CITY A jury on Thursday agreed with a woman who sued Veterans Commission Director Larry Kay and the state, alleging age discrimination in her 2009 firing. Jurors recommended $1.3 million in actual damages and $1.575 million in punitive damages. Pat Rowe Kerr was 56 when she was fired from her position as the commission's senior adviser of veterans outreach. She claimed that she lost a job not because of poor performance, but because Kay has a problem with older, successful women. Kay contends that he had to fire Kerr because of budget cuts after the economic strain of the Great Recession. Kerrs lawyers had argued that Kay not only showed favoritism to men and younger employees in his role as commission director, but interfered with Kerrs attempts to help veterans after she was fired and showed similar discrimination towards women during his career as a military officer. She also alleged a hostile work environment. Kays attorneys, meanwhile, said that his decision to terminate her was fair and justified given the states budget crisis, and that hed kept her in her role as long as he could. A spokeswoman for the office of Attorney General Chris Koster, who defended Kay in the case, declined to comment on the jury's decision. The mothers of black men shot in recent high-profile incidents had a message for advocates at a panel discussion Wednesday: Work to change laws by lobbying politicians and by voting. The mother of Robbie Tolan, a man who was shot but not killed by a police officer in Texas, was also on the panel. The mothers emphasized the importance of advocates going beyond expressing their discontent through protests and social media posts. Weve become accidental activists, said Davis mother, Lucia McBath. Please join us. Call your legislators. She said she reached out to Missouri Gov. Jay Nixons office to talk about gun legislation prior to his veto of a proposal that would have expanded the states stand your ground law. Yes, we have the vigils and we have the rallies but if we dont go beyond that, said McBath, a member of the national group Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense in America. You have to attack the laws because thats where all the power is. Once you give (people) the power, give them the knowledge, then they take that to the polls, then they can vote out of office the legislators that are passing these kinds of heinous gun laws that allow these kinds of tragedies to happen again, and again, and again. A lawyer at the event, moved by the discussion, said lawyers could benefit from taking what they heard back to their practices to encourage people to be more involved in local politics. We dont want to see more people being killed by police and we definitely dont want to see police being killed by people in retaliation, either, said William Stover, a lawyer from Nashville. Before the panel discussion, members of the National Bar Association and others met for a brief memorial on Canfield Drive, the street where Brown was fatally shot by former Ferguson Officer Darren Wilson on Aug. 9, 2014. The Rev. Jesse Jackson held hands with Browns mother, Lezley McSpadden, during a prayer at the spot where Brown was killed. During the panel, McSpadden said: As a community, we see people stand up and come together, but theres much to do after that. She said advocates must lobby politicians for the use of police tools such as body cameras because its important for us to know what really happened. McSpadden and other mothers are expected to speak at the Democratic National Convention next week. She said after the panel discussion that she didnt know yet what she was going to say. Some have questioned why the slayings of Brown and other black men and teenagers remain a topic of discussion. McSpadden said advocates would stop talking about gun deaths when they stopped happening. She offered encouragement at the event to Stacy Castile, the uncle of Philando Castile, who was shot by an officer during a traffic stop in a suburb of St. Paul, Minn., earlier this month. The mothers said they could never forget what happened to their sons. They also said they wanted the world to know it was time for gun violence to stop, including violence against police. We will never stop talking about it, never, ever, ever, Marian Tolan said. And us supporting Black Lives Matter does not mean that we hate anyone, because we dont. Theres no room for hatred in what were trying to do. Were trying to make a difference for the greater good. But we will never stop talking about the injustices we are receiving. Ultimately, the mothers called for compassion, not just for them but for others who suffer the loss of loved ones to shootings. We live with this heartbreak every single day, said Martins mother, Sybrina Fulton. We have to change the mindset of this country and make people realize we are all human. ST. LOUIS An advocate for victims of clergy sexual abuse said Thursday that his group likely will defy a St. Louis federal judges order to hand over personal information about people who made accusations against a Roman Catholic priest. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests has until Friday to provide communications sought in a civil suit by the Rev. Xiu Hui Joseph Jiang, who had been named in two counties on charges that were later dropped. Jiang is seeking damages. In good conscience, we feel we have absolutely no choice. We cant comply, said David Clohessy, director of the St. Louis-based SNAP. It literally sickens me to think that one abuse victim who is agoraphobic or depressed or anorexic or even suicidal is going to be betrayed again when she finds out that a twice-accused child-molesting cleric gets to read painful, intimate details of her suffering. U.S. District Judge Carol E. Jackson ordered production of documents that include emails, text messages and contact information for the accusers. Jiang filed suit last year claiming he was defamed with false accusations rooted in religious and ethnic discrimination, and denied due process. The defendants are an accusers parents, listed only by initials, two St. Louis police officers, the city, SNAP, Clohessy and another SNAP official, Barbara Dorris. In a court filing in May, Jiangs lawyers said they were looking for evidence to support their belief that the priest was the target of a conspiracy. Jackson ordered SNAP to provide emails and texts sent among the accusers, SNAP officials and Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce, as well as all records of donations SNAPs lawyers made to the organization. The order says federal law does not guarantee privacy in the production of pre-trial evidence, although the judge did side with some of SNAPs objections to turning over internal emails among the survivors groups officials. Jiangs lawyer, John Sauer, declined comment Thursday. He referred to a July 12 court filing in which he called SNAPs refusal to disclose the requested records yet another frivolous attempt to evade their clear obligations under federal rules. More than five months have passed since (Jiang) served his discovery requests on the SNAP defendants, Sauer wrote in that filing. Enough is enough. Clohessy and Dorris called Jacksons ruling unprecedented and troubling, and said Thursday that SNAP is unlikely to comply, despite the risk of penalties. When victims are afraid that their privacy will be violated, they stay silent, Clohessy said in an interview outside the headquarters of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Jiangs goal, Clohessy claimed, is to keep victims and witnesses and whistleblowers silent, scaring them from calling police, prosecutors, therapists and us. SNAP officials said they never had contact with Jiangs accusers before his arrest, and already have provided redacted documents to Jiangs lawyers. Jiang was accused of molesting a boy in 2011 and 2012 in a bathroom of St. Louis the King School, the elementary school at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce dropped the charges in June 2015 without explanation. The priest previously was accused of having improper contact with a teenage girl from Lincoln County. She and her family attended the Cathedral Basilica. Charges of child endangerment and witness tampering Jiang had been accused of leaving the family a $20,000 check as hush money were dismissed without comment by that countys prosecutor, Leah Askey. Jiangs lawsuit claims the male accuser told police that his father was angered when the boy told him he might be gay. It says that provided a powerful motive for the boy to follow his fathers suggestion that sexual abuse had led to the sexual preference. The two city detectives named as defendants are accused of arresting Jiang before conducting a substantial investigation that would have revealed the true motives behind the allegations, the suit says. It says Clohessy and Dorris engaged in a smear campaign through published letters, press releases and interviews with reporters. In 2012, a Jackson County, Mo., judge ordered SNAP to turn over similar records to lawyers representing accused priests in a lawsuit there. Clohessy said Thursday that it was a different situation because the demand was more limited, and satisfied by redacted documents. That suit was later dismissed. Clohessy said the new St. Louis order is so broad that it appears to seek all communications about anything between SNAP and its lawyers for 10 years. CLEVELAND It's Donald Trump's big moment to make his case to the country and to the many rattled doubters in his own party. The most important speech of his presidential campaign will bring down the balloons on a convention marked by divided loyalties and unwanted distractions as well as full-throated roars against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Competing passions were sharply on display Wednesday night in a hall that echoed first with cheers for Trump's fiercest opponent in the primaries, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, from his supporters, then thunderous boos from the pro-Trump masses when Cruz wrapped up his speech without endorsing the nominee. Mike Pence's acceptance speech as Trump's running mate was overshadowed as a result, one more missed opportunity at a convention with a daily drip of them. That raised the stakes even higher for what is intended to be Trump's triumphant turn on the stage Thursday night as he accepts the Republican nomination. "No big deal!" Trump tweeted afterward about Cruz's speech. He said Cruz did not honor the pledge that Republican primary candidates had made to support the eventual nominee. He said he saw the text of Cruz's speech two hours before it was delivered but thought, "let him speak anyway." The convention ceded the prime-time stage on its third night to Cruz, who mentioned Trump only once, congratulating him for winning the nomination but coming no closer than that to rallying behind him. Trump allies were furious. One of them, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, called Cruz "totally selfish." After that episode, Pence, the Indiana governor and a favorite of conservatives who have decidedly mixed feelings about Trump, tried to make his mark to a nation that knows little about him. "You have nominated a man for president who never quits," Pence said. "Until now, he's had to do it all by himself against all odds, but this week, with this united party, he's got backup." Unity, though, was still elusive. Trump joined Pence on stage, applauding his new partner and leaning in nearly to give him a kiss on the cheek. The campaign had hoped Pence's address would quiet Republican qualms about Trump. Unlike the celebrity businessman, Pence is an experienced politician and ally of party leaders. But Cruz's appearance left the arena unsettled for the night's closing speakers. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich tried to quiet the anger as he took the stage, going off script to try to explain away the senator's lack of support for the nominee. "Ted Cruz said you can vote your conscience for anyone who will uphold the Constitution," Gingrich said. "In this election there is only one candidate who will uphold the Constitution." The gathering's open secret was that Cruz came to audition for 2020 an ambition that largely counts on Trump losing this year and leaving an open field for the next election. Beyond that the two men have a history of animosity, having exchanged piercing insults in the primaries, when the businessman called the senator "Lyin' Ted" and the senator branded Trump a "pathological liar" and "serial philanderer." Cruz told Trump in a phone conversation two days ago that he would not endorse him during his speech, according to Cruz aide Jason Johnson. Still, Trump's campaign invited Cruz to speak as a headliner, no less. That decision was sure to spark a new round of second guessing about the campaign's management of the convention and preparedness for the bruising campaign against Clinton. One source familiar with the campaign inner circle's thinking but not authorized to speak publicly said Trump, his relatives and closest advisers were angry at Cruz and had expected, while not an endorsement, a warmer embrace of the nominee and less showmanship from the senator. For three days running the convention's intended message of the day got sideswiped by unwelcome developments a biting if short-lived scrap over rules during the opening, a storm over plagiarism in Melania Trump's speech that spilled into Wednesday, then Cruz's performance from the stage. Through it all Republicans savaged Clinton, painting an apocalyptic vision of America if she should win and aggressively challenging her character. For a third straight night, the crowd repeatedly chanted, "Lock her up." The negativity crossed a line for some in the party. "What happened to professionalism, manners and humanity in our politicians and citizens?" asked Bill Pickle, a South Carolina delegate. When early humans came to learn how to use fire, they gained control over a crucial source of power. With fire they could influence the conduct of other people and species, for example by using fire as a source of protection or to chase others away. But the use of fire also indirectly changed the social and ecological conditions under which both humans and other species lived. Landscape burnings radically changed the habitat in which humans and other species lived. Fire also enabled cooking and so led to human physiological changes that in turn triggered other human abilities. For maintaining, transporting and handling fire people also had to learn how to collaborate, think ahead, and communicate. The domestication of fire highlights how the use of power sources comes with shifts in interdependencies between people and nature. With great power comes great responsibility The story of how humans tamed the flames is important because it helps us understand how power can be used to think about responsibility. For example, terming the current geological era the Anthropocene in a sense disperses responsibility for human-caused global change to the whole of humanity. However, only a small minority has been responsible for the majority of the activities that drive the great acceleration. The Indian subsistence farmer, the African herder and the Peruvian slum-dweller are grouped together with inhabitants of the rich world, despite playing different roles in ecological devastation and planetary overshoot. In this way, the term Anthropocene points to the power of humans as a species but conceals who is exercising that power and how, where and when. The concept of social power that I present is an effort to provide a tool to address the issue of responsibility for this kind of complex and global social-ecological interactions, says Boonstra. My effort to conceptualise power is to help tease out whose actions are impacting whose conduct and situation, and to include social-ecological interdependencies. By including humans as well as other living beings in the concept of power, we are reminded that our responsibilities stretch beyond our species, he concludes. Request publication LONDON MARKET CLOSE: Pound ebbs; ECB talks tough on inflation Thursday, October 27, 2022 - 17:15 London's FTSE 100 nudged cautiously higher on Thursday, as the pound's momentum finally waned, while European equities closed mixed as traders digested a rate hike by the European Central Bank. The FTSE 100 index, stacked with firms that count their earnings in dollars, closed up 17.62 points, or 0.3% at 7,073.69 on Thursday. The pound was quoted at $1.1573 at the London equities close Thursday, down from $1.1612 at the close on Wednesday. A weaker pound is a tailwind for the FTSE. The FTSE 250 ended down 23.97 points, or 0.1%, at 18,081.92. The AIM All-Share closed down just 0.21 of a point at 809.46. The Cboe UK 100 ended up 0.4% at 707.04, the Cboe UK 250 closed up 0.2% at 15,534.37, and the Cboe Small Companies ended up 0.3% at 12,385.01. In European equities on Thursday, the CAC 40 in Paris ended down 0.5%, while the DAX 40 in Frankfurt ended up 0.1%. The European Central Bank on Thursday lifted its benchmark interest rates by 75 basis points, as expected. The ECB is keen to keep a lid on inflation, which "remains far too high". Inflation will stay above its 2% target for "an extended period", the Frankfurt-based central bank warned. Thursday's three-quarter point hike takes the interest rate on the main refinancing operations and the interest rates on the marginal lending facility and the deposit facility to 2.00%, 2.25% and 1.50%, respectively. The ECB said it expects to lift rates further to ensure a "timely" return to an inflation rate in line with its target. The euro fell back below dollar parity, taking some shine off what has been a decent week so far for the single currency. The euro stood at $0.9984 at the European equities close Thursday, down against $1.0064 at the same time on Wednesday. Stocks in New York were mixed at the time of the London equities close, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 1.0%, the S&P 500 index down 0.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite down 1.0%. The US economy grew at a faster pace than expected in the third quarter, according to the latest estimate from the US National Bureau of Economic Research on Thursday. Gross domestic product grew by 2.6% annually in the third quarter of 2022, growth coming in higher than FXStreet-cited consensus of 2.4%. The figure shows the US economy is coping with high interest rates better than the market had expected, and strengthens the case for more US Federal Reserve rate hikes. Against the yen, the dollar was trading at JP145.90 late Thursday, lower compared to JP146.50 late Wednesday. In the FTSE 100, Shell added 5.2% to close as the best performer on Thursday. The oil major swung to a net profit in the third quarter of the year, but reported that profit fell behind the second quarter as it warned of volatility in global energy markets. Net profit totalled $6.74 billion in the third quarter, after oil prices surged, improving from a loss after tax of $447 million the previous year. The profit was far lower when compared with its second-quarter net profit of $18.04 billion, however. Shell blamed the drop on a slump in refining margins. In a positive read across, BP and Harbour Energy climbed 3.3% and 2.6%, respectively. Airtel Africa sank to the bottom of the FTSE 100, plunging 15%. The Africa-focused telecommunications firm said its profit was held back by the devaluation of certain African currencies. Pretax profit fell 9.1% to $516 million from $567 million, as the firm recognised $358 million in net finance costs, compared to $169 million a year before. Net finance costs included foreign exchange and derivative losses of $184 million, compared to $24 million a year before. Anglo American dropped 2.1% after it reported mixed quarterly production performance, with most commodities declining amid a challenging operating conditions. For the third quarter that ended September 30, rough diamond production increased by 4% and steelmaking coal production rose by 28%. Copper output, however, was down 6% and nickel production fell by 4%. Production in platinum group metals fell by 6%, hurt by electricity loadshedding in South Africa, infrastructure closures at Amandelbult and lower grade at Mogalakwena. Mining peers Rio Tinto and Glencore fell 4.0% and 2.5%, respectively, in a negative read-across. In the FTSE 250, Renishaw fell 3.5% despite saying it was confident of its long-term strategy after seeing revenue growth across all business sectors in its financial first quarter. Reinshaw is a Gloucestershire, England-based provider of manufacturing technologies, analytical instruments and medical devices. For the three months ended September 30, the company reported pretax profit of 38.6 million, down 2.0% from 39.3 million a year prior. Total revenue for the period was 179.9 million, up 14% from 157.8 million. Renishaw noted, however, that general market sentiment was becoming more cautious, as evidenced by a weakening in order intake from the semiconductor and electronics sectors. Brent oil was quoted at $94.75 a barrel at the London equities close Thursday, up from $93.93 late Wednesday. Gold was quoted at $1,662.60 an ounce at the London equities close Thursday, lower against $1,665.70 at the close on Wednesday. In Friday's UK corporate calendar, Glencore and International Consolidated Airlines publish third quarter results. The economic calendar has GDP readings from Germany at 0900 BST, before the personal consumption expenditures inflationary gauge from the US at 1330 BST. Core PCE is the Fed's preferred inflationary measure. Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. JAILED: Clayton Foster and Hugh Fury. TWO Stratford-upon-Avon property maintenance workers cynically defrauded an elderly pensioner out of 64,000 and would have got away with even more if it had not been for alert bank staff. When the 82-year-old victim tried to cash in a bond to withdraw a 32,000 lump sum, staff questioned her about it before alerting Warwickshire Trading Standards. Warwick Crown Court heard that Hugh Fury and Clayton Foster were charging the pensioner that staggering sum just to replace the guttering and fascias of her bungalow. Fury, 33, of Gospel Oak Lane, Pathlow, Stratford, and Foster, 33, of Pathlow Park, Birmingham Road, Stratford, were both jailed for two years after pleading guilty to conspiring to defraud the old lady, and a further offence of fraud. But the court heard the pensioner from Kenilworth will get all her money back because a restraining order has been taken out on a bank account in which the two men have about 89,000. Lee Reynolds, prosecuting, said the victim, who was 78 when she first employed the two men in 2010, was subjected to a course of conduct lasting almost four years. They repeatedly attended at her home and charged her grossly excessive sums for building work which was unnecessary, and for work which simply was not done. They attempted to secure 94,750 from her for work which was worth less than 14,000.In fact they actually received 62,750 because a large sum was not paid, thanks to her bank. He said the lady, who is now 83 and lives alone, had trusted the two men, who she described as being like sons. When Fury and Foster called on her in 2010 claiming her roof tiles needed washing, she agreed for them to do so. But they then returned, claiming they had noticed her roofing felt must have been left in the sun for too long before it was used, and that as a result it was rotting and needed replacing, with the whole roof also being re-tiled. A friend who had helped her with odd jobs had died in 2008 and left her some money, so she decided to use that to pay for the work for which she was charged 20,000. She paid for the work, which a surveyor later said should have cost no more than 8,000, with two 10,000 cheques, one made out to each man. The next job they claimed needed doing in May 2010 was the flat roof of her garage, for which 2,500 would have been a reasonable price, but they charged her 16,500. They returned in February 2012 and charged her 1,250 to put some sealant on the garage roof, and a further 1,250 in January the following year for a new sealant. Later that month they charged 16,000 for loft work, which resulted in some remedial work having to be carried out at a cost of 500. In May 2013 they were supposed to build a ramp to her step, but claimed they had insufficient concrete and instead did some work to the path for which they received 2,600 each. That November Fury went to her home and said he had some surplus guttering, and because hers was leaking she agreed to have it replaced. She thought the 32,000 quote was high, and they agreed to cut the price, only for her to be charged the full amount after the work, for which an expert later said 2,750 would have been a reasonable figure, had been carried out by three other men. But when the pensioner tried to get the money from a bond at her bank, staff questioned her about it and then contacted Trading Standards. The two men had also made false representations to a man in Devon by making out that H Fury Power Cleaning Services and Property Maintenance had a Plymouth branch to persuade him to use them for some work at his property. Mr Reynolds added that Fury had a fraud conviction in 2009, but Foster was of previous good character. Jailing the pair, Recorder Adrian Redgrave QC told them: Your victim was an elderly lady who trusted you. In my judgement this was a dishonest and cynical course of conduct directed against a vulnerable old lady. The purpose was simply to enrich yourselves and you did. The worst example is the guttering for which the charge was to be 32,000, overcharging by a factor of 12, but in relation to each piece of work you did there was an over-charge of several hundred per cent. You actually received some 62,000 from her, and it was only the vigilance of the bank that meant it did not increase by a further 32,000. Cllr John Horner, Warwickshire County Councils portfolio holder for community safety, said: The activities of rogue traders can have a devastating financial and emotional impact upon the lives of their victims. This prosecution has demonstrated our determination to work in partnership with financial institutions and other enforcement agencies to pursue criminals like these through the courts and, wherever possible, to help victims recover the money they have lost. Ashford Hospitality Prime (NYSE: AHP) holder Weisman Group disclosed in an SEC filing: Re: Proposal to Acquire Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. Dear Mr. Bennett: Late afternoon, on Friday July 8, 2016 we received nearly identical NDAs from both Ashford Inc. and Ashford Hospitality Prime, through AHPs financial advisor Deutsche Bank. We are pleased to accept the offer proffered in that email to participate in discussions with AINC. Also, on July 14, 2016, we spoke with the Deutsche Bank team by phone. On the call representing AHP were Drew Goldman, Arthur Goldfrank as well as others on the Deutsche Bank team. In that call, we took the opportunity to materially improve our offer. To summarize: With recent share buybacks in mind -announced on July 5, 2016- and after further review of recent changes to assets, we increase our offer to $1,540,000,000, which is approximately $23.65 per share gross and $20.58 per share net after allocating $70,000,000 for the Advisory Agreement termination fee, which we acknowledge is subject to negotiations and has been presented here to provide a direct comparison for the purposes of this letter. With regards to the NDAs, we were invited on that call to make changes that we needed, and below is a list of generalized concerns, with the forwarded NDAs attached as Exhibit A, plus our redline version of the NDAs, which is still not 100% acceptable to us just yet, attached as Exhibit B, for easy reference. We want to be mindful of AHPs need to protect valid corporate interests, but need to still adjust provisions that we believe are unduly restrictive, unduly vague or which may prove onerous, and we look forward to an updated and mutually acceptable version of the NDAs. Alternatively, the original NDA we sent with our initial offer is still acceptable to us. Fortunately, even if we cant come to mutually acceptable terms regarding the NDAs at this time, there is another potential avenue available that will allow us to move forward on the transaction. This path involves signing a definitive Acquisition Agreement first, with all the customary provisions including a substantial deposit, go-shop period and break-up fee, to be subsequently followed by NDAs. Regarding the forwarded NDAs, as shareholders, we were concerned that some of the provisions, as written, open the door to actions whose results are not in the best interests of all shareholders. Such provisions, as currently worded, include but are not limited to, AHP and AINC individually being able to: Restrict us from being able to add on equity partners who may bring strategic advantages that could result in a higher price paid. Reject our offer for no reason at all. Restrict our access to Evaluation Material necessary to obtain financing. Deny us the opportunity to bid against another prospective buyer. Deny us the opportunity to present revised offers if our initial offer is rejected. Deny us the ability to communicate directly with the officers of the two companies or their Independent Board members, at AHP and AINC, which we find antithetical to resolving the termination fee to the benefit of all shareholders and further not with the spirit of your letter to us dated June 27, where you stated, We invite you to participate alongside us in discussions with Ashford Inc. regarding the termination fee. We should not let the NDAs become a stumbling block towards effecting a transaction to the benefit of all shareholders, and reiterate the suggested alternative path of negotiating and signing a definitive Acquisition Agreement as stated above. If we have a definitive Acquisition Agreement in place, we would be much more flexible regarding the NDAs, as the Acquisition Agreement would indicate that our good faith efforts to acquire the Company and the significant costs associated with that process would not be needlessly incurred due to an inability to agree on even the most general of terms. We further reiterate that we can reliably expect nothing material to emerge during due diligence. The Companys management is external, and the real estate holdings are relatively simple to evaluate, both from a valuation standpoint as well as a financing standpoint. As you know, property-level income and expenses were recently delineated in AHPs financial reporting on a hotel-by-hotel basis. It is clear that none of the hotels have conditions that preclude the ability to obtain hotel-level financing, as hotel-level financing currently exists across every hotel asset, and furthermore, we believe that anything that would significantly impact the hotels valuations or otherwise impact the Companys ability to obtain hotel-level financing, would need to have been publicly disclosed to all shareholders. Separately, as shareholders of the Company, we obviously want to amicably resolve and negotiate the Advisory Agreement termination fee, but as buyers of the Company, the magnitude of the termination fee will not materially impact our decision to move forward on the transaction. In other words, we are accommodating and flexible to any and all paths that will help ensure that our offer be accepted by the Company and presented to all shareholders of AHP for ratification, as long as those paths dont unduly restrict our ability to participate in a transaction. We look forward to working with you and your team. Oil and gas tankers are anchored off the Marseille harbour, southeastern France, October 27, 2010. REUTERS/Jean-Paul Pelissier/File Photo By Barani Krishnan NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices fell 2 percent on Thursday, as the market took a closer look at U.S. government data that showed growing inventories of gasoline and other oil products pushed total petroleum supplies in the No. 1 oil consumer to record highs. In the previous session, Brent and U.S. crude futures rose by up to 1 percent after the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said crude inventories dropped 2.3 million barrels last week, versus forecasts for a 2.1 million-barrel decline. It was the ninth straight weekly draw. Still, U.S. crude inventories are at a historically high 519.5 million barrels for this time of year, the EIA said. Also, total U.S. crude and oil product stocks rose 2.62 million barrels to an all-time high of 2.08 billion barrels as gasoline stocks posted a surprise build of 911,000 barrels during summer driving season. Adding to that, market intelligence firm Genscape reported a build of 725,176 barrels for the week to July 19 at the Cushing, Oklahoma delivery point for U.S. crude futures, traders said. "The market is technically weak, inventories are still high for summer, maintenance season is not far off and we have floating barrels at sea to top it all," said Pete Donovan, broker at Liquidity Energy in New York. Brent crude closed 97 cents, or 2.1 percent, lower at $46.20 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled down $1, or 2.2 percent, at $44.75. ABN AMRO senior energy economist Hans van Cleef said Brent could slip toward the $42-$43 level. "Near-term, there are still some downside risks." Phil Davis, trader at PSW Investments in California, pointed to the 4.2 million-barrel build of "other oils" cited by the EIA, which eclipsed the gasoline build. Those other oils include special gas for smaller airplanes and less-known industrial oils, which refiners typically crank out when there was too much gasoline and distillate supply, Davis said. "These other oils don't get as much attention as the headline numbers put out by the EIA and have been a clever and convenient way to hide weak product demand," he said. Lending some fundamental support to crude, exports of Nigeria's largest crude oil stream, Qua Iboe, will remain under force majeure for at least one month as operator Exxon Mobil Corp (NYSE: XOM) fixes a pipeline, sources said. (This version of the story was refiled to remove extraneous timestamp in paragraph 6) (Additional reporting by Christopher Johnson in LONDON and Aaron Sheldrick in Tokyo; Editing by Marguerita Choy and David Gregorio) ExxonMobil to pay $45 per share plus additional cash payment based on Elk-Antelope resource size Boards of directors of both companies unanimously approve terms of agreement Acquisition adds to ExxonMobil resources in successful Papua New Guinea business Oil Search transaction terminated ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) and InterOil Corporation (NYSE: IOC) announced an agreed transaction worth more than $2.5 billion, under which ExxonMobil will acquire all of the outstanding shares of InterOil (the ExxonMobil Transaction). "This agreement will enable ExxonMobil to create value for the shareholders of both companies and the people of Papua New Guinea," said Rex W. Tillerson, chairman and chief executive of Exxon Mobil Corporation. "InterOil's resources will enhance ExxonMobil's already successful business in Papua New Guinea and bolster the company's strong position in liquefied natural gas." InterOil Chairman Chris Finlayson, said, "Our board of directors thoroughly reviewed the ExxonMobil transaction and concluded that it delivers superior value to InterOil shareholders. They will also benefit from their interest in ExxonMobil's diverse asset base and dividend stream." Under the terms of the agreement with ExxonMobil, InterOil shareholders will receive: A payment of $45.00 per share of InterOil, paid in ExxonMobil shares, at closing. The number of ExxonMobil shares paid per share of InterOil will be calculated based on the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of ExxonMobil shares over a measuring period of 10 days ending shortly before the closing date (Share Consideration). A Contingent Resource Payment (CRP), which will be an additional cash payment of $7.07 per share for each trillion cubic feet equivalent (tcfe) gross resource certification of the Elk-Antelope field above 6.2 tcfe, up to a maximum of 10 tcfe. The CRP will be paid on the completion of the interim certification process in accordance with the Share Purchase Agreement with Total SA, which will include the Antelope-7 appraisal well, scheduled to be drilled later in 2016. The CRP will not be transferrable and will not be listed on any exchange. Together the Share Consideration and the CRP represent a material premium to the closing price of InterOil shares on May 19, 2016 -- the day prior to the announcement of the Oil Search transaction -- based on a range of Elk-Antelope resource estimates: Tcfe 6.2 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 (Base Volume) (Cap) Share Consideration Value $ 45.00 $ 45.00 $ 45.00 $ 45.00 $ 45.00 CRP - Potential Value1 $ 0.00 $ 5.66 $ 12.73 $ 19.80 $ 26.87 Aggregate Consideration (US$/share) $ 45.00 $ 50.66 $ 57.73 $ 64.80 $ 71.87 Premium to May 19 close2 42.2 % 60.1 % 82.4 % 104.7 % 127.1 % Premium to 1-month VWAP3 41.2 % 58.9 % 81.1 % 103.2 % 125.4 % Premium to 3-month VWAP4 48.2 % 66.8 % 90.1 % 113.4 % 136.6 % 1 Represents potential future payment at given certified resource level; not discounted to present value. 2 Based on InterOil's closing price of US$31.65 per share as of May 19, 2016, prior to announcement of the Oil Search transaction. 3 Based on InterOil's 1-month VWAP up to and including May 19, 2016 of US$31.88 per share. 4 Based on InterOil's 3-month VWAP up to and including May 19, 2016 of US$30.37 per share. Compelling Benefits of the Transaction When concluded, this transaction will give ExxonMobil access to InterOil's resource base, which includes interests in six licenses in Papua New Guinea covering about four million acres, including PRL 15. The Elk-Antelope field in PRL 15 is the anchor field for the proposed Papua LNG project. ExxonMobil's more than 40 years of experience in the global LNG business enables it to efficiently link complex elements such as resource development, pipelines, liquefaction plants, shipping and regasification terminals, which it has demonstrated through the PNG LNG project, working closely with co-venturers, national, provincial and local governments, and local communities. ExxonMobil will bring to bear its industry-leading performance and strong commitment to excellence as it grows its business in Papua New Guinea. The PNG LNG project, the first of its kind in the country, was developed by ExxonMobil in challenging conditions on budget and ahead of schedule and is now exceeding production design capacity, demonstrating the company's leadership in project management and operations. ExxonMobil will work with co-venturers and the government to evaluate processing of gas from the Elk-Antelope field by expanding the PNG LNG project. This would take advantage of synergies offered by expansion of an existing project to realize time and cost reductions that would benefit the PNG Treasury, the government's holding in Oil Search, other shareholders and landowners. Path to Completion The ExxonMobil Transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of both companies. The InterOil board unanimously recommends that InterOil shareholders approve the ExxonMobil Transaction. The ExxonMobil Transaction will be implemented by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Yukon) and will require the approval of at least 66 2/3 percent of the votes cast by InterOil shareholders at a special meeting expected to take place in September, 2016. In addition to InterOil shareholder and court approvals, the ExxonMobil Transaction is also subject to other customary conditions. Subject to obtaining the aforementioned approvals and satisfaction of closing conditions, the ExxonMobil Transaction is expected to close in September, 2016. Further information regarding the transaction with ExxonMobil will be included in an information circular, which will be mailed to InterOil shareholders in due course. Copies of the key transaction documents for the ExxonMobil Transaction (being the arrangement agreement and the information circular) will be available online under InterOil's corporate profile at www.sedar.com. Oil Search Transaction The InterOil board of directors, in consultation with its independent legal and financial advisors, determined that the ExxonMobil Transaction is superior to the previously announced transaction with Oil Search Limited (ASX:OSH, POMSoX: OSH) and so advised Oil Search on July 18, 2016. Immediately prior to entering into the arrangement agreement with ExxonMobil, InterOil terminated its previously announced arrangement agreement with Oil Search, and ExxonMobil is paying Oil Search the termination fee in accordance with the requirements of the Oil Search arrangement agreement on behalf of InterOil. The previously scheduled Special Meeting of Shareholders to vote for the approval of the Oil Search transaction has been cancelled. Advisers Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP served as legal advisers to ExxonMobil in relation to the ExxonMobil Transaction. Credit Suisse (Australia) Limited, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and UBS served as financial advisers to InterOil in relation to the ExxonMobil Transaction, and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Goodmans served as its legal advisers. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC provided the InterOil board with a Fairness Opinion. F.N.B. Corporation ("FNB") (NYSE: FNB) and Yadkin Financial Corporation ("Yadkin") (NYSE: YDKN) jointly announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which F.N.B. Corporation will acquire Yadkin Financial Corporation, the holding company and parent of Yadkin Bank, in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $27.35 per share, or $1.4 billion in the aggregate, using the 20-day trailing average closing stock price of FNB as of Wednesday, July 20, 2016. Following the merger of the parent holding companies, Yadkin Bank will merge with and into FNB's subsidiary, First National Bank of Pennsylvania. The acquisition of the North Carolina-based bank will provide FNB with approximately $7.5 billion in total assets, $5.3 billion in total deposits, $5.4 billion in total loans and 100 banking offices located in North Carolina and South Carolina. The transaction creates a unique regional banking franchise that extends from the Mid-Atlantic to the Southeast and provides FNB with a presence in several high-growth markets, including Raleigh, Charlotte and the Piedmont Triad which is comprised of Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point. With the acquisition of Yadkin on a pro-forma basis, FNB will have nearly $30 billion in total assets and more than 400 full-service banking offices. The combined Company will also have approximately $21 billion in deposits and $20 billion in total loans. Under the terms of the merger agreement, which has been approved by the board of directors of each company, shareholders of Yadkin will be entitled to receive 2.16 shares of FNB common stock for each common share of Yadkin*. The exchange ratio is fixed and the transaction is expected to qualify as a tax-free exchange for shareholders of Yadkin. Yadkin shareholders will own approximately 35 percent of FNB post-transaction. The merger is subject to certain closing conditions, including approval by the FNB and Yadkin shareholders and approval by the federal bank regulators. "We are pleased to welcome Yadkin employees and are excited to bring FNB's relationship-focused banking model and leading-edge technology to our new customers and prospective clients. Both FNB and Yadkin are high performing banks with a track record of successful growth. The combination with Yadkin transforms FNB's growth profile and creates a premier regional bank with an expanded footprint across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast," said Vincent J. Delie, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of F.N.B. Corporation. "With this additional scale, FNB will be better positioned to compete effectively in an environment which requires constant attention to improving operational efficiencies. Our prospects for improved efficiency and revenue growth will serve FNB well as we continue to drive shareholder value creation." Scott Custer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Yadkin Financial Corporation, said "Yadkin Financial Corporation is delighted to partner with F.N.B. Corporation, one of the most impressive banking organizations in the United States. FNB's executive management team has done a tremendous job of delivering value to customers and shareholders while consistently being recognized as one of the best places to work for employees. We believe this partnership will provide the best returns for our shareholders while providing tremendous opportunities for our employees, customers and the communities we serve." FNB and Yadkin expect to complete the transaction and integration in the first quarter of 2017 after satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and the approval of the FNB and Yadkin shareholders. RBC Capital Markets, LLC served as exclusive financial advisor and Reed Smith LLP served as legal counsel to FNB. Sandler O'Neill & Partners LP acted as exclusive financial advisor and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP served as legal counsel to Yadkin. An investor presentation will be available through the "About Us" section of FNB's website at www.fnbcorporation.com by clicking on the "Investor Relations & Shareholder Services" tab or on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. *Non-voting common stock shareholders will elect to receive FNB shares at the exchange ratio or cash equal to exchange ratio multiplied by FNB's 20-day trailing average closing price ending on and including the fifth such trading day prior to the closing date. Yadkin had 200K non-voting common shares (0.4% of shares outstanding). CONFERENCE CALL F.N.B. Corporation will host a conference call to discuss the transaction on Thursday, July 21, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Participating callers may access the call by dialing (844) 802- 2440 or (412) 317-5133 for international callers. Participants should ask to be joined into the F.N.B. Corporation call. The Webcast and presentation materials may be accessed through the "About Us- Investor Relations & Shareholder Services" section of the Corporation's website at www.fnbcorporation.com. A replay of the call will be available shortly after the completion of the call on the day of the call until midnight Eastern Time on Thursday, July 28, 2016. The replay can be accessed by dialing (877) 344-7529 or (412) 317-0088 for international callers; the conference replay access code is 10088077. Following the call, a transcript of the call and the related presentation materials will be posted to the "Shareholder and Investor Relations" section of F.N.B. Corporation's website at www.fnbcorporation.com. On July 21, 2016, after the market close, Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) was informed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) that it has been awarded the contract for the TRICARE East Region. TRICARE is the military health care program that provides benefits to military service members, retirees and their families. Under the terms of the award, Humanas service area would cover approximately 6 million beneficiaries in a 30-state region. We take deep pride in serving those who have served our nation, so we are very pleased by the DoDs decision, said Orie Mullen, President of Humana Government Business. This is a tremendous opportunity for us, and we look forward to providing great access to high-quality, innovative and cost-effective health and well-being services to active military members, retirees and their families.Currently, Humana holds the contract for the TRICARE South Region (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, most of Texas and the Ft. Campbell-area in Kentucky). The new East Region is a combination of the current South and North regions. As is customary, the TRICARE contract provides five, one-year options exercisable by the DoD. Final disposition of the contract award is, however, subject to the resolution of any protests that may be filed by unsuccessful bidders. Humana was awarded its current TRICARE South contract in 2011. This newest contract is the seventh to be administered by Humana Government Business which has maintained a partnership with the DoD since 1996. Joy Global Inc. (NYSE: JOY) announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement under which Komatsu America Corp., a subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd., will acquire Joy Global in a transaction valued at approximately $3.7 billion, including Joy Globals outstanding indebtedness. Under the terms of the agreement, Joy Global stockholders will receive $28.30 per share in cash for each outstanding share of common stock held, representing a 48% premium to the volume weighted average closing price of Joy Globals common stock for the 90 trading days and a 41% premium to the volume weighted average closing price of Joy Globals common stock for the 60 trading days prior to July 21, 2016. Komatsu intends to operate Joy Global as a separate subsidiary of Komatsu and retain the strength of the Joy Global brand names. The companies will align the organization and operation for optimal customer support from Joy Globals headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Komatsu and Joy Globals products and services are highly complementary and the combined organization will continue to focus on safety, productivity and life cycle cost improvement for customers. Komatsu plans to leverage both companies leading technologies to pursue product and service innovation to enhance mine safety and productivity. In addition, the companies employ complementary strategies and are committed to an integrated direct sales and service model. This is a compelling transaction that delivers substantial and certain value to our stockholders as well as expanded options for our customers and employees going forward, said Ted Doheny, President and Chief Executive Officer of Joy Global. We believe this is the right partnership to meet the evolving needs of our customers while furthering our ability to lead the mining industry with game-changing technologies and best-in-class products. Joy Globals Board of Directors, in making its determination, considered the challenging market conditions the company believes are likely to persist. The mining industry continues to face cyclical headwinds from oversupplied commodities and reduced end user demand resulting in cash flow restrictions for most producers, creating an increasingly challenging environment. We are also seeing structural changes in the U.S. and China coal industry. Our companies share similar cultures and values, Doheny continued, and we expect many Joy Global employees to benefit from exciting career opportunities as part of an even larger, more diversified company. On behalf of the Joy Global Board and management team, we thank our dedicated employees for their continued hard work and commitment to solving minings toughest challenges. Closing Conditions The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Joy Global stockholders, the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and regulatory approvals in certain other jurisdictions. The transaction is expected to close by mid-2017. The transaction is not subject to any financing conditions. Komatsu had total assets of JPY2,614 billion ($25 billion) and total equity of JPY1,517 billion ($14 billion) as of March 31, 2016 with a credit rating of A from S&P and A2 from Moodys. Advisors Goldman, Sachs & Co. is serving as financial advisor and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as legal counsel to Joy Global. Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co., Ltd. is serving as financial advisor to Komatsu, and Arnold & Porter LLP and Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu are serving as legal counsel. The office building of health insurer Anthem is seen in Los Angeles, California February 5, 2015. REUTERS/Gus Ruelas/File Photo By Caroline Humer and Carl O'Donnell NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. antitrust officials on Thursday moved to block an unprecedented consolidation of the national health insurance market, filing a lawsuit against Anthem Inc's (NYSE: ANTM) proposed purchase of Cigna Corp (NYSE: CI) and Aetna Inc's (NYSE: AET) planned acquisition of Humana Inc (NYSE: HUM). The U.S. Department of Justice said the two multibillion-dollar mergers would reduce competition, raise prices for consumers and stifle innovation if the number of large, national insurers were to fall from five to three. It was the latest example of the Obama administration challenging massive combinations in major industries, from oilfield services to telecommunications. "We will not hesitate to intervene. We will not shy away from complex cases," U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch told a news conference on Thursday. "We will protect the interests of the American people." The deals would hurt consumers in the different markets served by the four companies, from medical coverage provided by large corporations to their employees to Medicare Advantage plans for the elderly and insurance sold to individuals on exchanges created under President Barack Obama's healthcare reform law, the Justice Department said. "We have no doubt that these mergers would reduce competition from what it is today," said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General William Baer, who spearheaded the antitrust reviews. Merging Aetna's and Humana's Medicare Advantage businesses would create the largest U.S. manager of the healthcare insurance for seniors and the disabled. The Anthem deal for Cigna would create the largest U.S. health insurer by membership, with about 53 million members, surpassing UnitedHealth Group's (NYSE: UNH) 45.9 million as of June 30, and make it the leader in employer-based health insurance. Aetna and Anthem had each argued their proposed purchases would help lower prices for consumers by giving them greater leverage in negotiating with doctors and hospitals. AETNA VOWS LEGAL FIGHT Aetna and Humana said Thursday they plan "to vigorously defend the companies' pending merger," worth $33 billion. Aetna Chief Executive Mark Bertolini said the company has proposed divesting enough assets to ensure competition in markets where it overlaps with Humana. "If we can't come to a negotiation on what markets to divest, although we have two very complete remedies in front of the Department of Justice now, I think I'm willing to let a judge decide," Bertolini told business news channel CNBC. "We'll go all the way we need to make this happen." Anthem had a more muted response, saying it was committed to working toward a settlement with the Justice Department for its $45 billion transaction, but would challenge the lawsuit if necessary. Cigna said it was evaluating its options. It does not believe a deal would close before 2017, "if at all." After news of the lawsuit, Humana raised its 2016 earnings forecast, saying its core businesses, Medicare Advantage and Healthcare Services, are performing better than expected. Humana shares rose 8.3 percent. Cigna climbed 5.4 percent, Anthem closed up 2.6 percent and Aetna rose 1.6 percent. Speculation that the U.S. government would block both deals had weighed on shares of all four insurers for several weeks. Humana's raised forecast "bodes well for the rest of the industry. Now you can expect the other guys to report good numbers and perhaps raise guidance as well," said Jeff Jonas, portfolio manager for Gabelli Funds, which holds Cigna and Humana shares. "There's somewhat of a relief rally, too, given that this has been an overhang for so long, particularly with Anthem and Cigna," he said. CONCERN FOR DIFFERENT CONSUMERS In the lawsuit against Aetna, the Justice Department cited specific concerns about damage to 1.6 million people in 364 counties who are customers of Medicare Advantage, the program that serves older people. It also said there were issues for the individual plans sold on Obamacare exchanges, where the government has sought to spur competition and keep prices low. About 20 state insurance departments were required to review the Aetna-Humana deal. Missouri came out firmly against it, while others, including California and New York, approved it after reaching a settlement. In the lawsuit against Anthem-Cigna, antitrust regulators said the combination would substantially lessen competition in an already consolidated industry, harming millions of Americans, doctors and hospitals. The Justice Department said it was concerned about the impact on the national corporate business, which serves large companies and which it said has only four competitors. It also said there were issues with local business markets, the individual Obamacare exchanges and the impact a combined company could have on contracts with doctors. The presidential campaign of Democrat Hillary Clinton, who said when the deals were announced she was "very skeptical" they would benefit consumers, said Thursday they "applaud" the Justice Department's decision. "Hillary will continue to fight to reduce health costs and strengthen antitrust enforcement to prevent corporations from gaining too much market power," Clinton policy adviser Ann OLeary said in a statement. Doctors and hospitals had urged the Justice Department to try to block the deal, and some large employers were also against the combination. Aetna and Anthem had each proposed asset sales to the regulators, but they did not adequately address the loss of market competition, Baer said. Eleven states and the District of Colombia joined the Justice Department lawsuit against Anthem and Cigna; eight states and DC joined the lawsuit against Aetna and Humana. If the government successfully scuttles the deals, Anthem would owe Cigna $1.85 billion in breakup fees. Aetna would have to pay Humana $1 billion. If the deals fail for other reasons, the breakup fees would be different. The unusual move against two deals in the same industry represents a repeat of history for Baer, who headed the department's Antitrust Division until a short time ago and is now the No. 3 official in the Justice Department. In March 1998, Baer asked a court to stop a major consolidation of the U.S. drug wholesaling business. McKesson Corp (NYSE: MCK) had sought to buy AmeriSource Health Corp, and Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) wanted to buy Bergen Brunswig Corp. A court granted the preliminary injunction. (Reporting by Caroline Humer and Diane Bartz in Washington DC, additional reporting by Jon Stempel, Lewis Krauskopf and Carl O'Donnell and Bill Berktot in New York; Editing by Michele Gershberg, Nick Zieminski and Bernard Orr) American Airlines (AAL) July weekly call option implied volatility is at 86, August is at 41; compared to its 52-week range of 30 to 58 into the expected release of Q2 on July 22. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) July weekly call option implied volatility is at 168, August is at 43; compared to its 52-week range of 17 to 58 into the expected release of Q2 results today after the market close. CLEVELAND, July 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 2016 Republican National Convention (RNC) continues today in Cleveland, Ohio. The speakers participating in the evening program will expand upon the theme: "Make America First Again." America has always been an exceptional nation. Unfortunately, years of bad policies and poor leadership have weakened our position abroad and limited our opportunities here at home. In a Trump administration, America will reclaim its historic role in the world, and Americans' best interests will be the touchstone for any presidential decision on domestic or foreign policy. The speakers participating in Wednesday night's program will discuss the Republican vision for a new century of American leadership and excellence. Below are the as prepared for delivery texts for the following speakers: Florida Governor Rick Scott; Laura Ingraham; Phil Ruffin; Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi; Eileen Collins; Michelle Van Etten; Kentucky State Senator Ralph Alvarado Jr.; Pastor Darrell Scott; and Harold Hamm. Please note that speeches are embargoed until delivery. MAKE AMERICA FIRST AGAINWEDNESDAY, JULY 20 Florida Governor Rick ScottRick Scott is the current governor of the State of Florida. Before becoming governor, Scott served as CEO of Columbia Hospital Corporation. Under his leadership, the company became one of the world's largest health care companies and the 7th largest employer in the United States. This evening, Gov. Scott will speak about the recent terrorist attack in Orlando and the growing worldwide threat of Islamic extremism. Gov. Scott will emphasize that putting America first will help keep Americans safe. My name is Rick Scott, Governor of the great state of Florida. Before I begin tonight, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has kept us in their prayers after the horrific and hate-filled terrorist attack in Orlando a month ago. We have received an outpouring of support and love from Americans everywhere. The American people do stick up for each other. On behalf of the state of Florida: thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm old enough to remember when terrorism was something that happened in foreign countries. Not today. How many more times does the evil of radical Islamic terrorism have to occur, before the President of the United States will muster the courage to face the truth? How many more "Orlandos," "San Bernadinos," or "Ft. Hoods" will happen until President Obama decides to be honest? I cried with the grieving moms and dads and brothers and sisters of the 49 people slaughtered by an ISIS-inspired terrorist. This war is real. It is here in America. And the next President must destroy this evil. Donald Trump is the man for that job. I met Donald about 20 years ago, before either of us ever ran for office. Let me tell you why this is the time for Donald to be President. A lot of politicians like to give speeches where they say "we are at a crossroads." But that's not really where we are. Today, America is in terrible world-record-high debt, our economy is not growing, our jobs are going overseas, we've allowed our military to decay, and we project weakness on the international stage. Washington grows while the rest of America struggles. The Democrats have not led us to a crossroads, they have led us to a cliff. I know that some have reservations about my friend Donald Trump. Perhaps he's sometimes not polite. He can be a little rough. And he may be too direct. But, this election is not actually about Donald Trump, or Hillary Clinton. In fact, this election is not about you or me either. This election is about the very survival of the American Dream. It's time for all Americans to put down the partisan banners, vote for the survival of the greatest country in the world, and do what is right for our country Vote for Donald Trump! Finally, I have some great news. This is the time America has been waiting for. This year, we get to fire the politicians! And who better to let the politicians in Washington know "you're fired" than Donald Trump? We need a president who is politically incorrect and will tell it like it is. We need a President who isn't afraid of Washington. We need a President who doesn't believe government is the answer to every problem. We need a President who recognizes that great countries have borders. We need a President who will bring American jobs back to America. We need a President who is not afraid to say "radical Islamic terrorism." And we need a President who will wipe ISIS off the face of the earth. And on every one of these measures Hillary Clinton fails. America is worth fighting for. Let's make America great again. Let's elect Donald Trump the next President of the United States. Laura Ingraham, Radio HostA former white-collar defense attorney and Supreme Court law clerk, Laura Ingraham is the most-listened-to woman on political talk radio. The Laura Ingraham Show is ranked in radio's Top 10, and heard coast-to-coast in 225 markets. Ingraham will discuss the importance of respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and the inherent rights of the American people the first priority of our elected officials. You may know me from TV and radio, but my kids know me by my most important name, Mom. I'm a single mother of three adopted children. I'm here tonight supporting Donald Trump because like most Americans, I refuse to leave them a country that is worse off than the one my parents left me. My grandparents were Polish immigrants. My parents grew up in Depression Era New England. My dad enlisted in the Navy in WWII. My mom waited tables until she was 73. My dad worked at his car wash. They flew the flag at our house and not just on the 4th of July. They scrimped and saved. My mother made my clothes, and wore the same winter coat for 40 years. Any extra money went into the bank for our education. We learned the dignity found in a job well done. My brothers picked tobacco and delivered newspapers. I picked blueberries and raked lawns. You see, my parents didn't believe there were jobs Americans wouldn't do. In the early '70s, watching the news with my mother, I asked her why people were burning the American flag. She answered: "Because their parents didn't teach them about respect." Respect. We see it in decline once again. The people don't respect the government. The government doesn't respect the people, not even our veterans. Politicians don't respect the Constitution. Many don't respect the life of the infant in the womb, or the elderly who languish alone. Others don't respect the police, who risk their lives every day to protect us. Many in public office don't enforce or respect the rule of law. Isn't that right, Mrs. Clinton? Too many citizens and non-citizens don't respect our laws either. And many of our allies don't respect us anymore. It's sad to see this happen to the country we love. This is our home. It belongs to us, our children and our grandchildren. We deserve better and we can do better. Like us, Donald Trump understands that we must turn this around and restore respect across all levels of society. Unlike us, Hillary Clinton believes the status quo is just fine because she helped create it. Donald Trump knows that a nation without borders is not a nation at all. Hillary Clinton doesn't believe in borders. Donald Trump knows that a country must put the interests of its own people first. Hillary Clinton thinks that America is just another nation in a global order. Donald Trump understands that America's greatness comes from her people, her freedom. Hillary Clinton believes greatness can only be found in an ever-growing government that only Her Majesty rules. She believes that there's a government solution to every problem. No, Hillary, you're the problem. And Donald Trump is the solution. We were in a mess back in 1979, too. Only then it was leisure suits instead of pants suits. Many believed America's time was up. But then Ronald Reagan arrived just in time to restore our national confidence, our economy and our military. Donald Trump will do the same. He has pledged to work tirelessly to get our country back on track. We should all, even all you boys with wounded feelings and bruised egos, pledge to support Donald Trump now. This is the most important election since 1980. We see stagnating wages, skyrocketing healthcare costs, doubling of the debt, the threat of ISIS, the rise of China. And the Democrats' answer is to nominate someone who helped orchestrate the decline? It has to be a cruel joke. I don't want to sit around and tell my kids stories about how great America used to be. Do you? We never give up. We rise to challenges. We fight and win. We're Americans. We need a president who believes in the Constitution and who will fight for us and with us. To all my friends in the press, you know in your heart why Donald Trump won the nomination. It's because he dared to call out the phonies, the frauds, and the corruption that have all gone unexposed, and that you failed to challenge for far too long. Donald Trump respects us enough to tell us the hard truths about what has happened to our country on issues like immigration, trade, and our diminished status around the world even in the face of unfair criticism and sheer hatred. They had their chance. Now, it's our chance. Let's reject the politics of division. Let's defeat the Clinton Machine. Let's send the consultants and lobbyists packing. Let's give the power back to the people. And let's elect Donald Trump President of the United Sates. Phil Ruffin, BusinessmanRuffin is an American businessman with diverse interests in real estate, lodging, manufacturing, energy, and retail enterprises. Ruffin started his business in 1959 with a single convenience store and expanded it into an operation with 65 stores in four states. He currently holds 12 hotels in Kansas, Maryland, California, Oklahoma, Texas, and Alabama. Ruffin will speak about his personal experience working with Donald Trump as a developer, entrepreneur, innovator, and leader. I've known Donald Trump as a friend and a business partner for over 20 years. You can't be my friend and my business partner for long if you're not honest with me, and good to your word. I can tell you Donald Trump is both. He's been an innovator and an entrepreneur: no one in our business works harder, or smarter, than he does. Professionally I have seen time and again how he can see what others cannot, and how he has taken properties others took a pass on and made something incredible out of them. As a result of his vision and hard work he has put tens of thousands of our fellow Americans to work, created amazing spaces and places, and made money for himself, and his partners. He has done this in many of our nation's greatest cities such as: Chicago, New York, Miami, and Las Vegas. Let me tell you about one of the deals we did together. About ten years ago, he and I developed Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. As with so many Trump properties, this has innovative design, and attention to detail. Buyers liked it, and it seemed it would be another tremendous success: it was under budget and on time, however, in 2008 the recession hit, and the banks would not finance any additional units. This left us with about 75 percent unsold, and more than a half billion dollars in debt. Ninety-nine percent of people and investors would have walked away: Donald would not give up. He is a fighter, and he saw its incredible potential. I believed in him, and for three tough years we worked together to keep it afloat. Through it all, Donald always paid his bills promptly, with no discounts. Due to Donald's persistence and faith, and my faith in him, we turned it around. Today it has become a huge success. This is just one example. I have seen him do this time and time again. He has put money on the line, both his and mine. He is a developer. He is an entrepreneur. He is an innovator. And he is a leader. He now wants to turn around Washington. When he first told me he was going to run for President, I told him I did not think it was a good idea. I asked him why he wanted to do this, and he simply replied, "I love America. Our system is broken, and I am going to fix it." This is the Donald I know, and I know what America needs now: a fighter and an innovator. He sees the potential and he knows what our great country can be if we come together. Donald Trump will fix what is broken in Washington, and Make America Great Again, and you can bet on that. Pam Bondi, Attorney General of FloridaPam Bondi is currently serving as Florida's 37th Attorney General. Since being sworn into office on January 4, 2011, Bondi has worked tirelessly to protect the people of Florida and uphold the state's laws and the U.S. Constitution. During her tenure, she has focused on defending Florida's constitutional rights against the federal health care law. Bondi will speak about the importance of restoring the rule of law after eight years of living under an administration that has played fast and loose with our constitutional rights. November 8th is a day of reckoning for all those who have abused their power. It is the day that we the people will take back our government. From Washington bureaucrats playing doctor with our health care. To a President who's been playing fast and loose with our constitutional rights and Russian roulette with our borders. November 8th, is when America feels safe again, when America wins again. Because winning this election means reclaiming something to which I've dedicated my entire career: the rule of law. Laws that make our neighborhoods safe, and our economy strong. Laws that apply equally to everyone. Laws that back our law enforcement, now more than ever, because they have our backs. But today, these laws are under siege by a President determined to ignore laws he doesn't like, and by a former Secretary of State who believes the laws don't apply to her. By the way, she also deserves no security clearance. This lawlessness must stop. Donald Trump will stop it. He'll roll back Obama's unconstitutional executive orders. He'll enforce immigration laws to keep us safe, while allowing legal immigrants to bless this nation with their talents and their dreams. He'll take control of our borders, because we must stop the flow of cocaine and heroin coming into our country and killing our kids. Then there's this. Hillary believes our enemies deserve our respect and empathy. Donald Trump believes terrorists deserve to die. Hillary will stack the Supreme Court with liberal justices who will allow government to continue its rampage against our individual rights, with utter contempt for our Second Amendment. I know Donald. He will appoint conservative justices who will defend, rather than rewrite, our Constitution. Are you ready to send ISIS a message that we're really coming after them? When Donald Trump is President, he will. On November 8th, remember this: If you believe in limited government If you believe in our historic constitutional rights If you believe in the rule of law If you believe it's time for America to start acting like America again There is only one choice in this election: Donald Trump. America's for Trump. And so am I. Eileen Collins, Astronaut (retired)Eileen Collins is an astronaut and veteran of four Space Shuttle missions. She was the first woman to command a Space Shuttle mission and logged over 537 hours in space during her tenure at NASA. Collins will issue a call to once again make America first in space exploration. From the moment the first Pilgrims arrived on our shores, Americans have been asking, "what's next?" We are a nation built by the passion of people who weren't afraid to do something first, to step into the unknown, and pave our own way forward. We are a nation of explorers. In 1961, President Kennedy issued a challenge to America: to land a man on the moon and return him safely to Earth. 47 years ago on this very day, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin answered that call and walked on the moon. They took with them an American flag and a plaque bearing the inscription: "here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the Moon July 1969. We came in peace for all mankind." We landed on the moon to fulfill a leadership challenge and to explore. Exploration leads to innovation and discovery. Our successful robotic missions to Mars, Jupiter, and Pluto have provided valuable new information about our own planet. But in 2011, the space shuttle program ended. The last time the US launched our own astronauts from our own soil was over 5 years ago. We must do better than that! Countries that are strong explore, invent, and discover to remain resilient in a changing world. I am honored to have played a role in our nation's heritage of explorers as the first woman to command a space shuttle mission, joining the ranks of those that have fought to lead the way. We are all so proud of our Apollo program that put our astronauts on the Moon: first, in peace, for all mankind. Nations that lead on the frontier, lead in the world. We need that visionary leadership again. Leadership that will inspire the next generation to have that same passion. We need leadership that will challenge every American to ask, "What's next?" We need leadership that will make America's space program first again. We need leadership that will make America first again. That leader is Donald Trump. Thank you and God bless the United States of America! Michelle Van Etten, Small Business OwnerMichelle Van Etten is a small business owner who was recently featured in The Greatest Networkers in the World, second edition. Michelle employs over 100,000 people, and she supports Donald Trump because she believes that his policies will help businesses across America. Van Etten will speak about making America first by supporting the next generation of American entrepreneurs. I was born an entrepreneur, by six years old I knew it. My dream was to be a circus performer so I decided to have a circus at my house. I made tickets, sold them door to door, I even dressed my baby brother as a clown and taught my dog new tricks. I was ready for my big day. When people started arriving, my parents had no idea about the circus taking place. Embarrassed, they refunded money to my guests and apologized. I was so upset. Afterwards my dad sat me down and told me any dream you have is possible as long as you're willing to do the work it takes to get the job done. Then he added, "after you go to college." But I couldn't wait. Taking my dad's advice, I partnered with the neighborhood kids to be part of my circus, and we charged our parents to watch the show. We continued to have our Circus show for over a year. My dad told me I earned great candy money that year! Fast forward 26 years. Planning for my 20th high school reunion, I decided to check out the girls I went to school with. What I noticed was that my girlfriends looked like Barbies and drove BMWs. I was 30 pounds overweight, a stay at home mom and drove a minivan. I decided I needed a change. I began to dream again. I took a leap of faith and started my own network marketing business from home. Like many people who pursue a dream, I had to learn how to fail forward and never quit. I also had to become the type of person I wanted in my business. Within just two years, my husband was able to retire from 28 years at DOD. Jim Van Etten now homeschools our kids because we choose not to subject them to Common Core. I opened a fashion studio called MV House of Style in Brandon, Florida. Today I run a thriving multi-faceted business. I am living the American Dream. But that dream is in jeopardy. My fear is that the next generation the millennial - who over half of them have an entrepreneurial spirit and want to be their own boss will not be able to because of the liberal policies that have been implemented over the past eight years.These policies including higher taxes and excessive regulations are crushing the American Dream. Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. We need these entrepreneurs. We live in the land of opportunity. We need to protect the American Dream above all else. Are we willing to let government bureaucrats and liberal policies destroy the innovative spirit?If not, then we have to take action. We need a president who is businessman not a Hillary-crat. Who understands small businesses are the backbone of America. Who will not raise taxes.Who will repeal Obamacare so small businesses can start offering insurance to their employees again. Who will end Common Core and protect our children's education. Who will encourage creativity and innovation. Who will bring manufacturing back to America. Who will make America great and safe again. There is only one man capable of this juggling act. Only one man who can take the circus we've inherited from the last eight years and serve as the ultimate ringmaster. There is only one man who can preserve and protect the American Dream for future generations. That man is Donald Trump. Thank you. State Senator Ralph Alvarado, Jr. (Kentucky)Ralph Alvarado is currently serving as a state senator in the Kentucky legislature. Trained as a physician specializing in internal medicine and pediatrics, Alvarado was president of Winchester Medical Associates before joining KentuckyOne Medical Group. Alvarado's experience as a small business owner gave him firsthand knowledge of how tough business ownership can be. Alvarado will speak about his parents legally immigrating to American and growing up watching them sacrifice every day to provide a better life for their family. Alvarado will emphasize that by protecting the American dream for the next generation, we can make America first again. From the great Commonwealth of Kentucky, the home of horses, bourbon, coal, bluegrass, and the finest people on earth, allow me to express my sincerest appreciation and gratitude for the privilege of addressing this assembly. I am proud to stand before you tonight as the first Hispanic member ever elected to the Kentucky General Assembly. But, the road here was not an easy one. Three failed political runs were lonely at times and full of adversity. But, with a lot of determination, grit, and hard work, I triumphed. Everything I am and have achieved, I owe to God and my parents. My father was a proud legal immigrant from Costa Rica, my mother from Argentina. Being the son of immigrants, I saw firsthand their sacrifice to provide our family a better life. I watched their struggle in mastering a second language and their strong and quiet commitment to hard work. We didn't have the luxuries that other families had, but what my parents did give me was family structure, discipline, support, high personal expectations, love and faith in God. They were Hispanic, they were Americans and they were very proud of being both. They understood the value of preserving our culture and our language, but also the value of an education and instilling a pride and love for our country. Like most immigrants, they understood that their sacrifice would not provide them immediate success, but the reward would be in the opportunity and success of their children and grandchildren. But, this story is not unique to my family; it is the story of many legal Latino immigrants who come to America. At their core, Hispanics believe what Republicans believe: traditional family values, church, faith in God, the dignity of work, and the opportunity for self-sufficiency that comes from a free society and a limited government. They have simple dreams that might seem mundane to the average American, but would sound familiar to our founding fathers and their core principles. Some flee corrupt government leaders for the dream of liberty and freedom. Some flee crime and anarchy for the dream of safer communities for their families. Some flee hunger and despair for the dream of opportunity, entrepreneurship, and abundance. But, all leave their homelands for the dream of America the place where if you work hard, study hard, and obey our laws, you can accomplish anything. Over the past eight years, our President and his apprentice, Hillary Clinton, have talked about that American dream, but they have absolutely no idea how to protect it, foster it, or expand it. Today, we have a President who has not only failed to end racial tension, he has made us more divided than ever. Today, we have a President who is itching to restrict our fundamental rights, such as religious liberty, the right to bear arms, and free speech. Today, we have a President who has rejected honesty and transparency, lying to the American people over and over again: from Obamacare to the promise of immigration reform to Fast and Furious to phone record spying to an IRS enemies list to green energy crony bankruptcies to Benghazi to the VA scandal, to the Iran nuclear deal, the list goes on and on. And, with Hillary Clinton, this eight year nightmare will get far, far worse. Americans face an important decision. Do we want someone who is brutally honest (perhaps to a fault) or do we want someone who is brutally dishonest? It is not a decision about America moving left or right, but it is a decision about America going up or down. By protecting the American dream, we can make America first again. There is only one candidate who will protect it for our current and future generations. That candidate is Donald Trump. And now a message for my Latino friends: A mis hermanos hispanos: nuestras familias se fugaron le paises llenos de corrupcion y politicos mentirosos. Por favor, no permitan que esa miseria occura en este pais tambien. Vivimos en una isla de libertad y opportunidad. Voten conmigo. Voten Republicano. Y voten for Donald Trump. Hillary Clinton, you failed the Hispanic community, and you don't deserve our vote. God bless this convention and God bless this country. Dr. Darrell C. Scott, Senior Pastor and Co-Founder of New Spirit Revival Center MinistriesDr. Darrell C. Scott has given his life to spreading the word of God and helping those in need. Scott started the New Spirit Revival Center in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, on February 14, 1994, with just four members in attendance. His ministry, which has grown to include thousands of people, is focused on reviving its Cleveland community. Dr. Scott will speak discuss Donald Trump's unique qualifications for the office of the presidency. I first met Donald Trump several years ago. He said he was very troubled about the direction our country was heading in. I listened to his vision, and I understood deeply, and shared many concerns he expressed. In the many times we have met since, we have spoken about the economy, race relations, immigration, jobs, urban renovation and revitalization, the military, and other issues that are critical to our nation's wellbeing. The truth is Donald Trump is a conservative father and grandfather who feels his best days are in front, not behind him. Despite his accomplishments, he still feels a void, a need to serve his country and his fellow Americans. The truth is, the Democratic Party has failed us: at home, our growth is lethargic and our debt deeper; we are spiritually empty; and we are more divided now than ever before. Abroad we are neither respected nor feared by our adversaries, and our friends increasingly cannot count on us. This is their legacy. We need to make a sharp turn. We need to put into practice the great ideals and principles our country was founded on, and which are the source of strength that has made us great. This is in our interest and the world's because the greater America is, the greater the entire world becomes. While some call Donald Trump a populist, I call him a patriot. That's because by definition a patriot is one who loves their country, supports its authority and its interests. Many liberals are embarrassed to use this word. Many believe we are a nation just like any other: we know we are not a nation like any other, and as Republicans we are unreservedly proud to be Americans and proud of our patriots! America is a melting pot, a country of diversity: and we stand poised to make history: by standing together as Americans, by standing together as one. We are here as Americans regardless of race, creed, or color. We are here as those who hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and that we are endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights: among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Donald Trump will rebuild the broken trust that now exists between our citizens and our government which over the last eight years has brought the rhetoric of hope, but the reality of higher minority unemployment, crime, drug use, with more civil unrest and national distress. This election is one of the most crucial elections in American history! Donald Trump has played for big stakes and is a master negotiator and dealmaker. He knows that for all the sharp elbows and words that the art of the deal is bringing people together, to unify, to get to yes. That means problem solving, finding common ground, and moving forward. He has done that for himself for over 30 years: he now wants to take that experience to get the best deal for America and for all Americans. I believe nothing will prevent Donald Trump from doing everything in his power to create an America that everyone can be proud of. He believes, as do you and as I do, that we can become great again, and we can become strong again, if we have strong leadership. And I can think of no stronger leader who will place their left hand on a Bible that they believe in, raise their right hand and solemnly swear to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States of America than Donald J. Trump. God bless Donald Trump, God Bless You, and God Bless America! Harold Hamm, Continental Resources Harold Hamm is an American entrepreneur and played a key role in the development of the technologies behind the United States' recent renaissance in oil and natural gas production. Born in Lexington, Oklahoma, Hamm was the youngest of 13 children. With just a high-school education, Hamm started his own business at the age of 21. This grassroots startup, Continental Resources, soon became a NYSE-traded, Top 10 oil producer in the United States Lower 48. Hamm will speak about how unleashing the full potential of America's vast energy resources will power America to greatness. Hamm will contrast this vast opportunity with Hillary Clinton's endeavor to crush America's energy renaissance at the behest of left wing radicals. Thank you. It's good to be in Cleveland. Four years ago, Donald Trump asked me to tell him about the American Energy Renaissance and how we had transformed the North Dakota Bakken into the largest U.S. oil discovery ever. I told him it was moving America from energy scarcity to abundance, would change the world forever, and could power America to greatness once again. He wrote that down. Donald Trump got it. President Trump will fuel America's future and become the first president to achieve American energy independence! President Obama chose not to get it and has tried to destroy this renaissance and all of its benefits. Instead, he turned on Iranian oil, gave them the bomb, billions of dollars, and vilified Israel. Why would he do that? Obama imposed punitive regulations to stop this renaissance. In his Administration's very own words, they want to "crucify" America's oil and natural gas producers. Hillary Clinton promises more of the same! America has two distinct choices. Our nation should embrace energy independence, not eliminate it. Hillary Clinton would eliminate fossil fuel development in America, kill jobs, drive up gasoline prices and increase oil imports from our enemies. President Trump will release America's pent-up energy potential, get rid of foreign oil, trash punitive regulations, create millions of jobs, and develop our most strategic geopolitical weapon crude oil. Despite Obama's attacks, foreign oil imports have plummeted by 65%. America now has more oil reserves than Saudi Arabia or Russia. We can double U.S. oil production again and put America in a global league of its own. Donald Trump will restore America's rightful place as the energy leader of the world! Every time we can't drill a well in America, terrorism is being funded! Orlando brought this home once again. It's been 15 years since 9/11. We can't ignore this any longer. Climate change isn't our biggest problem it's Islamic terrorism! Every onerous regulation puts American lives at risk. Developing America's own oil supply is a matter of national security. Critics may say I'm just a well-to-do supporter of Donald Trump. They don't know about the 13th child of sharecroppers who was inspired by Vo-Ag teacher Jim Hunter. I couldn't start school before the first snow or Christmas whichever came first because I was pulling cotton to feed our family. My first memories are picking cotton barefoot. I'm standing here tonight because the American dream was alive and well when I struck out on my own at 20 years old with nothing but a truck, a co-signed note and a phone! Thank God we have a clear choice today. Donald Trump and Mike Pence will restore the American Dream for the next would-be visionary from small-town America and make America Great Again! God Bless America! Wisconsin Governor Scott WalkerA candidate in the 2016 Republican presidential primary, Scott Walker is the 45th governor of Wisconsin. He was first elected in 2010 and re-elected to a second term in 2014. Upon taking office, Walker proposed bold reforms that eliminated Wisconsin's $3.6 billion budget deficit without raising taxes. During his tenure in office, Walker has taken on public-sector labor unions, signing a bill to limit public employee collective bargaining and winning a recall election over the issue. My fellow Americans, you have a choice. You deserve better. America deserves better. The well-connected in Washington are lining up behind Hillary Clinton, because she is one of them. They want more of the same. Donald Trump is standing with the American people. We want a leader who is not afraid to take on the mess in Washington. We believe that there is a better way forward. As Republicans, we believe in an America where everyone can get the education and training that they need to succeed in college, career, and life; one where Washington doesn't deepen dependency, but rather helps create genuine opportunity. Why? Because America deserves better. We believe in a country where people can achieve, maintain, and enjoy their piece of the American Dream without the government standing in the way. Why? Because America deserves better. We believe in a country where we take the threat of terrorism seriously. We name it for what it is: Radical Islamic Terrorism. And we do everything in our power to eliminate it - to ensure our safety. Why? Because America deserves better. We believe in a country where it is a solemn responsibility to deliver to our troops the support and tools they need to achieve victory and then provide them with the health care and respect they've earned when they return home. Why? Because America deserves better. And while we're at it, we believe in a country where those who honorably serve in law enforcement - the people who put their lives on the line for us - are not just respected they are revered. Why? Because America deserves better. We believe in a country where power is taken back from Washington and returned home to state and local governments - where it is more effective, more efficient and more accountable to the people. Why? Because America deserves better. We believe in a country where freedom and personal success do not come from the clumsy hand of government, but rather the dignity that comes from hard work. Why? Because America deserves better. The simple truth is: liberal Washington insiders created these problems. And Hillary Clinton is the ultimate liberal Washington insider. If she were any more on the "inside," she'd be in prison. America deserves better than Hillary Clinton. That is why we need to support Donald Trump and Mike Pence for President and Vice President. Last August, I said that any of the Republicans running would be better than Hillary Clinton. I meant it then, and I mean it now. So let me be clear: a vote for anyone other than Donald Trump in November is a vote for Hillary Clinton. Make no mistake: we can't wait four more years and "get 'em next time." The consequences are too great. After hearing the FBI Director's recent comments, I wouldn't even give Hillary Clinton the password to my iPhone - let alone access to classified information. This isn't just another Clinton scandal, Hillary's scandal put our national security at risk and that makes her unfit to be President. It's time to tell Hillary: enough is enough. No more double standards for the Clintons. Why? Because America deserves better. Thankfully, Republicans are offering a better way forward. It's working right here in Ohio and in Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina and South Carolina. And even in Massachusetts and Maryland. Republican leadership works. I see it first hand as it's working in Wisconsin. In 2010, we were tired of high unemployment, budget deficits, stifling taxes, and rising college tuition. Most of all, we were tired of the big government union bosses running our state and local governments. We had enough. So we did something about it. We took back power from the big government special interests and returned it firmly into the hands of the hard-working taxpayers. In turn, the big government special interests - and their cronies in Washington - helped organize more than 100,000 protesters who occupied our state Capitol. They tried to intimidate us with threats and mobs, but we didn't back down. And we won. Then, they spent tens of millions of dollars to try and defeat us in a recall election, but we didn't back down. And we won. Three times they came at us. Three times we won. We won because our common sense reforms worked. Today, more people are employed in Wisconsin than ever before, our budget is balanced and responsible, taxes are down for working families and seniors; and college tuition is frozen for four years in a row. If conservative reforms can work in a blue state like mine, they can work anywhere in the country. You see, it wasn't too late for Wisconsin and it's not too late for America. If you've had enough of Washington's brokenness, wastefulness, empty promises and arrogance, join us. Help us elect Republicans to office - from the courthouse to the statehouse to the White House. You have a choice. You decide. You deserve better. Because America deserves better. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas)U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, a candidate in the 2016 Republican presidential primary, won election to the United States Senate in 2012, where he represents the state of Texas. During his tenure in office, Cruz has led the fight to repeal Obamacare, to stop President Obama's executive amnesty, and to defend life, marriage, and the U.S. Constitution. Thank you. Heidi and I are honored to join you here in Cleveland, where Lebron James just led an incredible comeback victory. I'm convinced America is going to come back too. I congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night. Conventions are times of excitement. But given the events of the last few weeks, I hope you'll allow me a moment to talk to you about what's really at stake. Just two weeks ago, a nine-year-old girl named Caroline was having a carefree Texas summer swimming in the pool, playing with friends, doing all the things a happy child might do. Like most children, she took for granted the love she received from her mom, Heidi, and her dad, a police sergeant named Michael Smith. That is, until he became one of the five police officers gunned down in Dallas. The day her father was murdered, Caroline gave him a hug and kiss as he left for work. But as they parted, her dad asked her something he hadn't asked before: "What if this is the last time you ever kiss or hug me?'" Later, as she thought of her fallen father, and that last heartbreaking hug, Caroline broke down in tears. How could anything ever be OK again? Michael Smith was a former Army ranger who spent three decades with the Dallas Police Department. I have no idea who he voted for in the last election, or what he thought about this one. But his life was a testament to devotion. He protected the very protestors who mocked him because he loved his country and his fellow man. His work gave new meaning to that line from literature, "To die of love is to live by it." As I thought about what I wanted to say tonight, Michael Smith's story weighed on my heart. Maybe that's because his daughter, Caroline, is about the same age as my eldest daughter and happens to share the same name. Maybe it's because I saw a video of that dear, sweet child choking back sobs as she remembered her daddy's last question to her. Maybe it's because we live in a world where so many others have had their lives destroyed by evil, in places like Orlando and Paris and Nice and Baton Rouge. Maybe it is because of the simple question itself: What if this, right now, is our last time? Our last moment to do something for our families and our country? Did we live up to our values? Did we do all we could? That's really what elections should be about. That's why you and millions like you devoted so much time and sacrifice to this campaign. We're fighting, not for one particular candidate or one campaign, but because each of us wants to be able to tell our kids and grandkids, our own Carolines, that we did our best for their future, and for our country. America is more than just a land mass between two oceans. America is an idea, a simple yet powerful idea: freedom matters. For much of human history, government power has been the unavoidable constant in life government decrees, and the people obey. Not here. We have no king or queen. No dictator. We the People constrain government. Our nation is exceptional because it was built on the five most powerful words in the English language: I want to be free. Never has that message been more needed than today. We stand here tonight a nation divided. Partisan rancor, anger, even hatred are tearing America apart. And citizens are furiousrightly furiousat a political establishment that cynically breaks its promises and ignores the will of the people. We have to do better. We owe our fallen heroes more than that. Of course, Obama and Clinton will tell you that they also care about our children's future. And I want to believe them. But there is a profound difference in our two parties' visions for the future. Theirs is the party that thinks ISIS is a "JV team," that responds to the death of Americans at Benghazi by asking, "What difference does it make?" That thinks it's possible to make a deal with Iran, which celebrates as holidays "Death to America Day" and "Death to Israel Day." My friends, this is madness. President Obama is a man who does everything backwards he wants to close Guantanamo Bay and open up our borders, he exports jobs and imports terrorists. Enough is enough. There is a better vision for our future: A return to freedom. On education, your freedom to choose your child's education, even if you aren't as rich as Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. On healthcare, your freedom to choose your own doctor, without Obamacare. On taxes, your freedom to provide for your family without the IRS beating down your door. The Internet? Keep it free from taxes, free from regulation. And don't give it away to Russia and China. Freedom means free speech, not politically correct safe spaces. Freedom means religious freedom, whether you are Christian or Jew, Muslim or atheist. Gay or straight, the Bill of Rights protects the rights of all of us to live according to our conscience. Freedom means the right to keep and bear arms, and protect your family. Freedom means Supreme Court Justices who don't dictate policy, but instead follow the Constitution. And freedom means recognizing that our Constitution allows states to choose policies that reflect local values. Colorado may decide something different than Texas. New York different than Iowa. Diversity. That's the way it's supposed to be. If not, what's the point of having states to begin with? Hillary Clinton believes government should make virtually every choice in your life. Education, healthcare, marriage, speech all dictated out of Washington. But something powerful is happening. We've seen it in both parties. We've seen it in the United Kingdom's unprecedented Brexit vote to leave the European Union. Voters are overwhelmingly rejecting big government. That's a profound victory. People are fed up with politicians who don't listen to them, fed up with a corrupt system that benefits the elites, instead of working men and women. We deserve an immigration system that puts America first. And yes, builds a wall to keep us safe. That stops admitting ISIS terrorists as refugees. We deserve trade policies that put the interests of American farmers and manufacturing jobs over the global interests funding the lobbyists. And if we choose freedom, our future will be brighter. Freedom will bring back jobs, raise wages. Freedom will lift people out of dependency, to the dignity of work. We can do this. 47 years ago today, America put a man on the moon. That's the power of freedom. Our party was founded to defeat slavery. Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. We passed the Civil Rights Act, and fought to eliminate Jim Crow laws. Those were fights for freedom, and so is this. Sergeant Michael Smith stood up to protect our freedom. So do our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines fighting radical Islamic terrorism. So did the family of Alton Sterling, who bravely called to end the violence. So did the families of those murdered at the Charleston Emanuel AME church, who forgave that hateful, bigoted murderer. And so can we. We deserve leaders who stand for principle. Unite us all behind shared values. Cast aside anger for love. That is the standard we should expect, from everybody. And to those listening, please, don't stay home in November. Stand, and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution. It's love of freedom that has allowed millions to achieve their dreams. Like my Mom, the first in her family to go to college, and my Dad, who fled prison and torture in Cuba, coming to Texas with just $100 sewn into his underwear. And it is love that I hope will bring comfort to a grieving 9-year-old girl in Dallas and, God willing, propel her to move forward, and dream, and soar . . . and make her daddy proud. We must make the most of our moment to fight for freedom, to protect our God-given rights, even of those with whom we don't agree, so that when we are old and gray . . . and our work is done . . . and we give those we love one final kiss goodbye . . . we will be able to say, "Freedom matters, and I was part of something beautiful." Thank you. And may God bless the United States of America. Newt Gingrich, Former Speaker of the U.S. House of RepresentativesA candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, Newt Gingrich is best known as the architect of the Contract with America, the document that led the Republican Party to victory in 1994 by capturing the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in 40 years. Callista Gingrich is the president of Gingrich Productions, a multimedia production company based in Washington, D.C. She and her husband host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Thank you for that very generous welcome. And thank you, Callista. You know, she makes documentary films, and writes a best-selling children's series on American history. In addition, she sings in the Basilica Choir, and plays the French horn in the Fairfax Band. I am amazed at her achievements. Tonight I want to speak about a subject that has dominated my thinking for decades: How do we keep America safe? Keeping America safe is the first responsibility of the American president. There have been many fascinating things to watch about the extraordinary,historic rise of Donald Trump. But the most significant has been Donald Trump's courage to tell some important truths about our national security. For example: -- We are at War. -- We are at War with Radical Islamists. -- They are determined to kill us. -- They are stronger than we admit -- And are greater in number than we admit. -- And there is NO substitute for victory. In contrast to Donald Trump, our national security and foreign policy elites, led by Hillary Clinton, are incapable of speaking with such honesty. While THEY lie about the threat, WE need to tell the truth about the danger. If our enemies had their way, not a single woman in this room could define her future. If our enemies had their way, not a single Jew or Christian in this room would be alive unless they agreed to submit. If our enemies had their way, gays, lesbians and transgender citizens would be put to death as they are today in the Islamic State and Iran. If our enemies had their way, every person on earth would be subject to conversion by the sword and to a cruel and violent system of laws. There would be no individual liberty. There would be no equality. There would be no freedom. If you doubt we are at war If you doubt that this threat is as real as I say Let me refresh your memory: On Monday, an Afghan refugee in Germany used an axe and knives to slash and wound train passengers while shouting "Allahu Akbar." Last week, ISIS claimed responsibility after a Tunisian man drove a cargo truck into crowd in Nice, France. He murdered 84 people, including at least 10 children and three Americans, and injured over 300 others. Two weeks ago, more than 300 people were killed and more than 200 were wounded in bombing attacks in Baghdad. Two days before that, radical Islamists in Bangladesh killed 20 hostages, including 3 American college students. A few days before that, at the Istanbul airport in Turkey, ISIS attackers armed with guns and bombs killed 44 people and injured a few hundred more. Last month, a radical Islamist in Paris stalked a French police officer to his home, where he murdered the officer and tortured his wife to death in front of their three-year-old son, while streaming it all on social media. He was pondering whether to kill the three-year-old when he was killed by police. Two days before that, an attacker pledging allegiance to ISIS killed 49 people in an Orlando nightclub and wounded dozens more. All this in JUST the past 37 days. We risk growing numb to these accumulating atrocities. One recent analysis estimated that since January of 2015, some 30,000 people have been killed at the hands of terrorists.Donald Trump is right. We are at war with radical Islamists, we are losing the war, and we must change course to win the war. Let me be very clear, because I know the news media will do their best to distort this. We have nothing to fear from the vast majority of Muslims in the United States, or around the world. The vast majority are peaceful. They are often the victims of the violence themselves. They are people we would be happy to have as our friends and neighbors. The challenge is, when even a small percentage of a billion, six hundred million people support violence against those who disagree with them, that is still a giant recruiting base. For example, Pew Research finds that just 9 percent of Muslims in Pakistan support ISIS. Unfortunately, that 9 percent is 16 million people. And that's just one country. So the truth is, although we are losing the war with radical Islamists, we have been very lucky. The danger we face is much worse than the horrors that happened in Germany on New Year's Eve, when 2,000 women were assaulted. It's worse than what's happening in France, where there are stabbings of Jews in the streets and the intelligence chief warned recently that Europe is QUOTE "on the brink of civil war." It's worse than what's happening in Israel, where average citizens fear for their lives whenever they leave their homes. The danger is even worse than September 11th, when 19 hijackers murdered almost 3,000 Americans. No. The worst case scenario is losing an American city to terrorists armed with weapons of mass destruction. Instead of losing 3,000 people in one morning, we could lose more than 300,000. Instead of losing 2 great buildings, we could lose block after block after block to a nuclear event. That's not just my view. Back in January of 2001, the Hart Rudman Commission warned that terrorists QUOTE, "will acquire weapons of mass destruction...and some will use them. Americans will likely die on American soil, possibly in large numbers." 15 years later, the dangers are even greater. In a world where Pakistan has nuclear weapons... where North Korea has nuclear weapons... and where IRAN--the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism--is close to having nuclear weapons...this, a catastrophic attack on innocent Americans, is a very real threat. Which brings us to the heart of the matter. We are sleepwalking through history as though this is all about politics. It is not.It is about our safety and our survival as a country. And this is why every American should be terrified at the prospect of a Hillary Clinton presidency. If Hillary is elected, she will keep in place the people and the systems that lie to us every single day about this threat. We know she will do this because as Secretary of State, she has been right at the center of this dishonesty. We know this administration and its allies lied to us about the Iran nuclear deal. We know it because they openly bragged about it to the New York Times. We know that Hillary Clinton lied to us knowingly about the terror attack on our Benghazi consulate on September 11, 2012. We know that Hillary Clinton and President Obama lie to the American people when they say they can safely screen the Syrian refugees. They cannot. And yet Hillary wants to increase the number by 500 percent. So when you hear about Hillary's dishonesty, or the emails, or taking millions from the Saudis and other Middle Eastern dictatorships--remember: this is NOT about politics. The cost of Hillary's dishonesty could be the loss of America as we know it. The first step forward to safety is electing a leader who will be truthful with the American people about the realities we face. Only then will we understand, support, and demand the strategies required to confront this threat. And because safety and security are the preconditions for our freedom and prosperity, it is also the first step toward rebuilding the America we love.Donald Trump understands this. And that's why he WILL rebuild our military--because he knows that a strong military is the best way to ensure peace. Donald Trump WILL secure our borders--because there is no such thing as a nation without a border. Donald Trump WILL enforce our immigration laws. He will end the policy of deliberate non-enforcement and will end the abuse of our visa programs--to protect American workers, and their wages. Donald Trump WILL take care of our veterans by holding bureaucrats at the Veterans Administration accountable. He WILL fire those responsible for the waiting lists, and WILL give veterans more choices about their care. With Donald Trump's leadership, no bureaucrat will get between a veterans and their doctor. Donald Trump WILL get America building again. He will blow apart the ridiculous regulations and requirements that drive up infrastructure costs and drag out the timeline to get anything built. The Trump Infrastructure program WILL make us once again the most competitive economy in the world. Donald Trump WILL rebuild our education system, and give EVERY PARENT of EVERY income and EVERY ethnic background a choice about where their children go to school. And Donald Trump will help us rebuild our communities one life and one family at a time. Here again, the first step is safety-- the basis for strong families, and good jobs, and vibrant neighborhoods. That means restoring law and order. Donald Trump will show ZERO tolerance for people calling for the death of police officers. Think about this. If anyone publicly threatens the life of the President of the United States, the Secret Service is on them in an instant. Our law enforcement officers deserve the same respect. And OF COURSE, if individual officers are found to have violated someone's rights, they must be held accountable under the law. America is BASED on the rule of law. We are one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for ALL. That is what has allowed us to absorb more people from more backgrounds than any nation in history. Nobody is above the law. And nobody is too small to deserve its protection. Donald Trump won our party's nomination because he is willing to tell the truth about the things that matter most. He has a GREAT running mate in Mike Pence. They will put our safety first, and they will defend America first. We can be proud to stand with them. So tonight, the challenge for everyone in this hall, and everyone--Republican, Democrat, or Independent--who is watching at home and knows we cannot continue on our current course... ...Is to rise above our factions, and rise above the politics we've inherited; to ignore the lies of the news media and the old order; to reject the suicidal DISHONESTY of Hillary Clinton and her establishment allies; and to be proud to stand with Donald Trump and Mike Pence for what we know is true: We CAN make America safe again; We CAN make America work again; We CAN make America first again; And together, we CAN make America great again -- for ALL Americans. Thank you and God Bless the United States of America. Paid for by the Committee on Arrangements for the 2016 Republican National Convention. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. www.convention.gop. Contact: [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160516/367841LOGO SOURCE 2016 Republican National Convention AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Acapture, a brand new omnichannel payment processing platform, announced today that it has begun processing payments for two of ecommerce's most exciting marketplaces: CROWDYHOUSE and Boatsters. Both online services will be utilizing Acapture payment solutions that have been tailor-made to handle the often complex transactions typical in this sector. "We are very proud," said Rudolf Booker, CEO and founder of Acapture. "We designed our solution specifically to maximize the revenue of ambitious innovators like CROWDYHOUSE and Boatsters. It is satisfying to see these fresh, forward-thinking companies choosing Acapture and proof of our commitment to being the perfect PSP for ecommerce platforms seeking rapid international growth." Boatsters handles transactions between boat owners and boat enthusiasts in an expanding number of regions across the globe, using a sharing economy model similar to that of Airbnb. CROWDYHOUSE is an international marketplace for designers and makers that has democratized the design industry by allowing design fans to purchase directly from the source. These original business models require flexible, reliable payment solutions and, as CROWDYHOUSE Co-founder Mark Studholme explained, that is what led him to Acapture. "We wanted a PSP that truly supports marketplaces and understands our business model and the payment challenges that come with it," he said. "We chose Acapture because its fees are excellent, it has every payment method we need and it offers the most effective solution for marketplaces with features like SlicePay for handling split settlements." Nick Gelevert, Founder of Boatsters, spoke about how well matched the ambitions of Acapture and Boatsters are. "Acapture has the exact same mind-set that we do," he said. "Like Boatsters, it is a young company with mega-growth potential that is bringing innovations to its industry in a flexible and reliable way. We are delighted with the opportunity they give us, not only to grow in the Netherlands but worldwide." Acapture's commitment to enabling marketplaces to reach their full growth potential is further underlined by the release of its latest white paper Online Marketplace Payments. The report provides an in-depth look at the complexity of marketplace payments and can be downloaded for free at http://www.acapture.com/online-marketplace-payments-white-paper/. About Acapture Acapture, a new global omnichannel PSP by Payvision, designs solutions that eliminate the obstacles modern merchants face in their payment processing and support cross-border growth. Acapture's system features SlicePay for simplified allocation of funds to multiple parties from a single transaction, flexible reporting for improved data analysis, a one day integration using one RESTful API, a streamlined reconciliation process, 20 ecommerce platform plugins and the ability to handle 60+ of the most popular alternative payment methods and 160+ transaction currencies. Combining simplicity, flexibility and reliability, Acapture offers the most effective payment platform for maximizing international sales, particularly in the world's top 25 emerging markets. About Boatsters Boatsters is a peer-to-peer platform for worldwide boat rentals. Based in Amsterdam, it was founded in 2014 by entrepreneurs Nick Gelevert and Wouter Moll with the goal of making boating more fun and accessible to everyone. Boatsters brings together boat owners and boat enthusiasts; on the one hand to give enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the water and on the other hand to give owners a chance to offset their fixed expenses. Thanks to an exceptional partnership with leading boat insurance firm Delta Lloyd, it backs up its service with very affordable worldwide insurance. https://www.boatsters.com/ About CROWDYHOUSE CROWDYHOUSE is a premiere (launch) platform and marketplace for designers and makers, both new and established. Its mission is to democratise the design industry by helping designers and makers sell directly to design fans all over the world. CROWDYHOUSE builds the technology and provides the services that enable designers to make a better profit, develop new designs and fill the world with a wider variety of great design. www.CROWDYHOUSE.com Contacts: Acapture David Martin B2B Writer and Research Analyst [email protected] www.acapture.com Source: Acapture FORT WORTH, Texas, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Basic Energy Services, Inc. (NYSE: BAS) ("Basic" or the "Company") today announced its financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016. SECOND QUARTER 2016 HIGHLIGHTS Second quarter 2016 revenues declined 8% to $120.0 million from $130.4 million in the first quarter of 2016, as continued low levels of activity driven by weak and volatile energy prices and significant weather impact during the first two months of the quarter drove our customers to further delay a growing inventory of maintenance and workover projects. In the second quarter of 2015, Basic generated $193.6 million in revenues. For the second quarter of 2016, Basic reported a net loss of $89.9 million, or a loss of $2.11 per basic and diluted share. This includes a non-cash charge of $32.9 million, or $0.77 per basic and diluted share, related to a valuation allowance on federal deferred tax assets. Excluding this valuation allowance, Basic reported a net loss of $57.0 million, or $1.34 per basic and diluted share for the second quarter of 2016. For the first quarter of 2016, Basic reported a net loss of $83.3 million, or a loss of $2.00 per basic and diluted share, which included a tax-effected, non-cash charge of $1.3 million, or $0.03 per basic and diluted share pertaining to the early extinguishment of deferred debt costs related to the amendment of Basic's revolving credit facility and a non-cash charge of $27.3 million, or $0.66 per share, related to a valuation allowance on federal deferred tax assets. Excluding the impact of these special items, Basic reported a net loss of $54.8 million, or a loss of $1.32 per basic and diluted share for the first quarter of 2016. In the second quarter of 2015, Basic reported a net loss of $48.3 million, or a loss of $1.20 per basic and diluted share. Excluding a special item related to a credit given to a customer resulting from the settlement of an audit, Basic reported a net loss of $45.4 million, or $1.13 per basic and diluted share for the second quarter of 2015. Roe Patterson, Basic's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "While revenue came in slightly better than our modified guidance and we believe activity levels probably reached the bottom of this cycle during the month of May, our second quarter results continued to reflect the uncertainty and volatility in oil prices; forcing our customers to further curtail their capital spending programs. In addition, unprecedented rainy conditions in the first two months of the quarter, which represented approximately three percentage points of the total sequential revenue drop, added to the challenges we faced. "While margins for the quarter reflect the continued competitive pricing environment, our utilization numbers have held up well compared to the overall softening market conditions. For this reason, we believe we have gained market share in our production oriented business lines such as well servicing and fluid services. Should the improved activity levels we saw in June, and early July, continue for the remainder of the year, we will fall back on this higher market share to drive our business during the recovery. "We made further progress in the quarter to adjust both our operational infrastructure and our general & administrative costs to address the prolonged weak market conditions. We continue to look for ways to operate in a cost effective manner to get the company to cash flow break-even or better by the end of the second half of 2016. This will be difficult to achieve without continued improvements in overall activity levels. "Improving our capital structure remains a primary focus for our company. We have retained the firm of Moelis & Company and the law firm of Weil, Gotshal, & Manges LLP to assist us in discussions with certain creditors to achieve our goals. These discussions are ongoing at this time." Adjusted EBITDA decreased to ($11.5 million), or (10%) of revenues, for the second quarter of 2016 from ($11.1 million), or (9%) of revenues, in the first quarter of 2016. In the second quarter of 2015, Basic generated Adjusted EBITDA of $6.1 million, or 3% of revenues. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), loss on customer audit settlements, and the net gain or loss from the disposal of assets. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are not measures determined in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), are defined and reconciled in note 2 under the accompanying financial tables. 2016 FIRST SIX MONTHS HIGHLIGHTS Revenues for the half of 2016 declined 45% to $250.4 million from $455.3 million for the first six months of 2015. Adjusted EBITDA for the first six months of 2016 decreased to ($22.6 million), or (9%) of revenues from $33.4 million, or 7% of revenue, for the first six months of 2015. Adjusted EBITDA excludes the special items discussed above for both 2016 and 2015. Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled in note 2 under the accompanying financial tables. For the first half of 2016, Basic reported a net loss of $173.2 million, or $4.14 per basic and diluted share, compared to $80.9 million, or a loss of $2.00 per basic and diluted share in the first half of 2015. Excluding special items in both 2016 and 2015, Basic generated an adjusted net loss of $111.8 million, or $2.67 per basic and diluted share in the first half of 2016 compared to $78.1 million, or a loss of $1.93 per basic and diluted share in the first half of 2015. Business Segment Results Completion and Remedial Services Completion and remedial services revenue dropped by 9% to $36.2 million from $39.7 million in the prior quarter. The sequential decline in revenue for the segment was led by lower activity levels in almost all the service lines and by continued rate reductions due to severe competition in several basins of the Company's footprint. In the second quarter of 2015, this segment generated $69.1 million in revenue. At June 30, 2016, Basic had approximately 444,000 hydraulic horsepower ("HHP"), essentially flat compared to the end of the previous quarter and up slightly from 442,000 HHP as of June 30, 2015. Weighted average HHP for the second quarter of 2016 was 444,000, equal to the first quarter of 2016. As of June 30, 2016, 192,000 HHP was stacked, as additional frac operations were shut down during the quarter due to pricing remaining below cash flow breakeven levels in some basins. Segment profit in the second quarter of 2016 decreased to $3.4 million compared to $4.9 million in the prior quarter. Segment margin for the second quarter of 2016 decreased to 9% compared to 12% during the previous quarter, driven predominantly by lower utilization and continued pricing pressure, as well as the negative impact of decremental margins on the lower revenue base. During the second quarter of 2015, excluding a special item, segment profit was $15.9 million, or 22% of segment revenue. Fluid Services Fluid services revenue in the second quarter of 2016 decreased 9% to $45.5 million from $50.3 million in the prior quarter. Segment revenues declined driven by the estimated weather impact of approximately $1.2 million, along with continuing decreases in trucking operations and disposal utilization. During the second quarter of 2015, this segment generated $63.7 million in revenue. The weighted average number of fluid services trucks decreased 1% to 976 during the second quarter of 2016, compared to 985 during the first quarter of 2016 and declined 3% compared to 1,011 during the second quarter of 2015. Truck hours of 474,400 during the second quarter of 2016 represented a decline of 9% from 521,500 during the first quarter of 2016 and a decrease of 17% compared to 573,700 in the same period in 2015. The average revenue per fluid service truck decreased 9% to $46,600 during the second quarter from $51,000 in the first quarter of 2016, as disposal utilization and hot oiling revenues dropped with trucking activity. In the comparable quarter of 2015, average revenue per fluid truck was $63,000. Segment profit in the second quarter of 2016 decreased to $6.9 million from $9.1 million in the prior quarter. Segment profit margin decreased 300 basis points to 15% due to the impact of decremental margins on the lower revenue base, inclement weather and pricing pressure. Segment profit in the same period in 2015 was $15.3 million, or 24% of segment revenue. Well Servicing Well servicing revenues decreased 5% to $36.8 million during the second quarter of 2016 compared to $38.9 million in the prior quarter driven by lower Taylor manufacturing revenues and lower levels of plugging activity, despite a quarterly increase in rig hours. Well servicing revenue was $56.5 million in the second quarter of 2015. Revenues from the Taylor manufacturing operations were $1.8 million compared to $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2016 and $2.2 million in the second quarter of 2015. At June 30, 2016, the well servicing rig count was 421, the same as of the end of the prior quarter and at June 30, 2015. Rig hours increased 5% to 113,700 in the second quarter of 2016, compared to 108,400 in the previous quarter and were down 27% from 154,700 hours in the comparable quarter of last year. Rig utilization was 38% in the second quarter of 2016, up from 36% in the prior quarter and down from 51% in the second quarter of 2015. Excluding revenues associated with the Taylor manufacturing operations, revenue per well servicing rig hour was $308 in the second quarter of 2016, down 4% compared to $321 in the previous quarter and down 12% from $351 reported in the second quarter of 2015. The lower rig rate per hour reflects pricing concessions granted to customers, along with a decrease in plugging activity in the second quarter, which carries a higher rate. Segment profit in the second quarter of 2016 increased 12% to $5.0 million compared to $4.4 million in the prior quarter and $9.5 million during the same period in 2015. Segment profit margin increased to 14% in the second quarter of 2016 from 11% in the prior quarter. Margins improved led by higher utilization and activity levels, and the impact of cost savings initiatives. In the second quarter of 2015, segment profit was 17% of segment revenue. Segment profit from the Taylor manufacturing operations improved 5% to $107,000 in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $102,000 in the first quarter of 2016. Contract Drilling Contract drilling revenue was essentially flat at $1.5 million during the second quarter of 2016 compared to the prior quarter. During the second quarter of 2015, this segment generated $4.3 million in revenue. Basic marketed 12 drilling rigs during the second quarter of 2016, the same number of rigs as in the previous quarter as well as in the second quarter of 2015. However, only one rig was active during the entire second quarter. Revenue per drilling day in the second quarter of 2016 decreased to $16,100 compared to $16,500 in the previous quarter, but up from $15,500 in the second quarter of 2015. Rig operating days during the second quarter remained flat at 91 compared to the first quarter of 2016, resulting in a rig utilization of 8% during both the second and first quarters of 2016. Rig operating days remained weak due to the lack of capital spending by our customers. In the comparable period in 2015, rig operating days were 280, producing a utilization of 26%. Segment profit in the second quarter of 2016 increased to $93,000 compared to a loss of $57,000 in the prior quarter and decreased from $848,000 in the second quarter of 2015. Segment margin for the second quarter of 2016 was 6% of segment revenues compared to (4%) in the prior quarter, due to cost reduction initiatives. For the second quarter of 2015, segment margin was 20%. G&A Expense General and administrative ("G&A") expense in the second quarter of 2016 declined 8% to $27.1 million, or 23% of revenue from $29.6 million, or 23% of revenue, in the prior quarter. G&A expense in the second quarter of 2015 was $35.7 million, or 18% of revenue. The 24% decrease in G&A expense from last year's second quarter was primarily the result of headcount reductions, lower incentive compensation and other cost savings initiatives implemented over the past 12 months, including the first half of 2016. Tax Benefit Basic's tax expense for the second quarter of 2016 was $662,000, compared to a tax benefit of $4.5 million in the first quarter of 2016. In the second quarter of 2016, Basic recognized a valuation allowance of $32.9 million related to deferred tax assets available to be used in future periods. Excluding the impact of the valuation allowance, the operating effect tax benefit is $32.3 million, for an operating tax benefit rate of 36%. In the first quarter of 2016, Basic recognized a similar deferred tax valuation allowance of $27.3 million. Excluding the effect of the valuation allowance and the write-down of the deferred debt cost discussed previously, the operating effective tax benefit for the first quarter of 2016 was $31.1 million, for an operating effective tax benefit rate of 36%. The adjusted effective tax benefit of $25.6 million in the second quarter of 2015 translated into an effective tax benefit rate of 36%. Cash and Total Liquidity On June 30, 2016, Basic had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $86.1 million, up from $75.1 million at March 31, 2016 and $91.8 million on June 30, 2015. An additional amount of $30.2 million is classified as restricted cash, and $19 million of this amount may be released upon satisfaction of pre-determined conditions related to the perfection of collateral assets by August 31, 2016. However, if conditions may not be satisfied by August 31, 2016, the Company would seek an extension of the deadline for satisfaction of such conditions. The Company cannot predict whether the Term Loan Agreement lenders would agree to extend the deadline for the satisfaction of such conditions. In addition, the Term Loan Agreement also includes a delayed draw provision for borrowings in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $15.0 million. At June 30, 2016, total liquidity was approximately $138.4 million, which included $22.1 million of availability under Basic's $100 million revolving credit facility. Basic's senior management and Board are evaluating potential strategic alternatives, such as refinancing or restructuring of the Company's capital structure or available financing options to address the Company's liquidity position and high debt levels. Basic has engaged financial and legal advisors, and is actively working with its advisors and negotiating with certain creditors and their advisors with respect to alternatives to the Company's current capital structure. While the Company is optimistic that ongoing negotiations with its creditors will lead to satisfactory resolution of these issues, the Company cannot provide any assurance that these negotiations will be successful. If the Company is unable to find acceptable alternatives to its current capital structure to better fund future capital needs, or if the Company is unable to finance its operations on acceptable terms or at all, the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. Capital Expenditures Total capital expenditures during the first six months of 2016 were approximately $13.8 million (including capital leases of $2.2 million), comprised of $1.6 million for expansion projects, $9.7 million for sustaining and replacement projects and $2.5 million for other projects. Expansion capital spending included $840,000 for the well servicing segment, $754,000 for the fluid services segment, and $24,000 for the completion and remedial services segment. Other capital expenditures were mainly for facilities and IT infrastructure. Basic currently anticipates 2016 capital expenditures to be under $30.0 million, including $10.0 million of capital leases. Conference Call Basic will host a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2016 results on Friday, July 22, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (8:00 a.m. Central). To access the call, please dial (412) 902-0003 and ask for the "Basic Energy Services" call at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. The conference call will also be broadcast live via the Internet and can be accessed through the investor relations section of Basic's corporate website, www.basicenergyservices.com. A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available until August 5, 2016 and may be accessed by calling (201) 612-7415 and using pass code 13639548#. A webcast archive will be available at www.basicenergyservices.com shortly after the call and will be accessible for approximately 30 days. About Basic Energy Services Basic Energy Services provides well site services essential to maintaining production from the oil and gas wells within its operating area. The Company employs more than 3,300 employees in more than 100 service points throughout the major oil and gas producing regions in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Kansas, and the Rocky Mountain and Appalachian regions. Additional information on Basic Energy Services is available on the Company's website at www.basicenergyservices.com. Safe Harbor Statement This release includes forward-looking statements and projections, made in reliance on the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Basic has made every reasonable effort to ensure that the information and assumptions on which these statements and projections are based are current, reasonable, and complete. However, a variety of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this release, including (i) changes in demand for our services and any related material impact on our pricing and utilizations rates, (ii) Basic's ability to execute, manage and integrate acquisitions successfully, (iii) changes in our expenses, including labor or fuel costs and financing costs, (iv) continued volatility of oil or natural gas prices, and any related changes in expenditures by our customers, and (v) competition within our industry. Additional important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations are disclosed in Item 1A of Basic's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and subsequent Form 10-Qs filed with the SEC. While Basic makes these statements and projections in good faith, neither Basic nor its management can guarantee that anticipated future results will be achieved. Basic assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements made by Basic, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. -Tables to Follow- Basic Energy Services, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Financial Data (in thousands, except per share amounts) Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Income Statement Data: (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Revenues: Completion and remedial services $ 36,228 $ 69,056 $ 75,924 $ 181,831 Fluid services 45,491 63,704 95,741 137,506 Well servicing 36,824 56,500 75,731 120,168 Contract drilling 1,461 4,336 2,965 15,812 Total revenues 120,004 193,596 250,361 455,317 Expenses: Completion and remedial services 32,860 57,670 67,648 138,921 Fluid services 38,619 48,381 79,786 102,512 Well servicing 31,847 47,035 66,318 99,437 Contract drilling 1,368 3,488 2,929 11,014 General and administrative (1) 27,078 35,673 56,640 74,877 Depreciation and amortization 54,847 60,231 110,999 121,160 (Gain) loss on disposal of assets 336 (57) 261 (9) Total expenses 186,955 252,421 384,581 547,912 Operating loss (66,951) (58,825) (134,220) (92,595) Other income (expense): Interest expense (22,521) (16,841) (43,235) (33,704) Interest income 7 4 9 10 Other income 244 215 340 335 Loss before income taxes (89,221) (75,447) (177,106) (125,954) Income tax benefit (expense) (662) 27,152 3,884 45,035 Net loss $ (89,883) $ (48,295) $ (173,222) $ (80,919) Loss per share of common stock: Basic $ (2.11) $ (1.20) $ (4.14) $ (2.00) Diluted $ (2.11) $ (1.20) $ (4.14) $ (2.00) Other Financial Data: EBITDA (2) $ (11,860) $ 1,621 $ (22,881) $ 28,900 Adjusted EBITDA (2) (11,524) 6,064 (22,620) 33,391 Capital expenditures: Acquisitions, net of cash acquired - - - - Property and equipment 6,984 8,962 11,561 34,823 As of June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 (Unaudited) Balance Sheet Data: Cash and cash equivalents $ 86,100 $ 91,822 Net property and equipment 751,070 925,738 Total assets 1,078,358 1,402,074 Total long-term debt 961,416 850,887 Total stockholders' equity (deficit) (62,407) 262,256 Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Segment Data: (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Completion and Remedial Services Segment Profits as a percent of revenue 9.3% 21.6% 10.9% 25.4% Fluid Services Weighted average number of fluid service trucks 976 1,011 980 1,029 Truck hours (000's) 474.4 573.7 995.9 1,168.8 Revenue per fluid services truck (000's) $ 47 $ 63 $ 98 $ 134 Segment profits per fluid services truck (000's) $ 7 $ 15 $ 16 $ 34 Segment profits as a percent of revenue 15.1% 24.1% 16.7% 25.4% Well Servicing Weighted average number of rigs 421 421 421 421 Rig hours (000's) 113.7 154.7 222.1 318.6 Rig utilization rate 38% 51% 37% 53% Revenue per rig hour, excluding manufacturing $ 308 $ 351 $ 314 $ 364 Well servicing rig profit per rig hour $ 44 $ 61 $ 42 $ 65 Segment profits as a percent of revenue 13.5% 16.8% 12.4% 17.3% Contact Drilling Weighted average number of rigs 12 12 12 12 Rig operating days 91 280 182 954 Revenue per day $ 16,100 $ 15,500 $ 16,300 $ 16,600 Drilling rig profit per day $ 1,000 $ 3,000 $ 200 $ 5,000 Segment profits as a percent of revenue 6.4% 19.6% 1.2% 30.3% (1) Includes approximately $2,044,000 and $4,516,000 of non-cash compensation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $5,302,000 and $9,047,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 respectively. (2) This earnings release contains references to the non-GAAP financial measure of earnings (net income) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or "EBITDA." This earnings release also contains references to the non-GAAP financial measure of earnings (net income) before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, loss on customer audit settlements, and the gain or loss on disposal of assets or "Adjusted EBITDA." EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income, net income or loss, cash flows provided by operating, investing and financing activities, or other income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP. However, Basic believes EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful supplemental financial measures used by its management and directors and by external users of its financial statements, such as investors, to assess: The financial performance of its assets without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis; The ability of its assets to generate cash sufficient to pay interest on its indebtedness; and Its operating performance and return on invested capital as compared to those of other companies in the well servicing industry, without regard to financing methods and capital structure. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA each have limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered an alternative to net income, operating income, cash flow from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income and operating income, and these measures may vary among other companies. Limitations to using EBITDA as an analytical tool include: EBITDA does not reflect its current or future requirements for capital expenditures or capital commitments; EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements necessary, to service interest or principal payments on, its debt; EBITDA does not reflect income taxes; Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and Other companies in its industry may calculate EBITDA differently than Basic does, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. In addition to each of the limitations with respect to EBITDA noted above, the limitations to using Adjusted EBITDA as an analytical tool include: Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect Basic's gain or loss on disposal of assets; Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect Basic's loss on customer audit settlements; and Other companies in our industry may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently than Basic does, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. The following table presents a reconciliation of net loss to EBITDA, which is the most comparable GAAP performance measure, for each of the periods indicated: Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to EBITDA: (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Net income / (loss) $ (89,883) $ (48,295) $ (173,222) $ (80,919) Income taxes 662 (27,152) (3,884) (45,035) Net interest expense 22,514 16,837 43,226 33,694 Depreciation and amortization 54,847 60,231 110,999 121,160 EBITDA $ (11,860) $ 1,621 $ (22,881) $ 28,900 The following table presents a reconciliation of net loss to "Adjusted EBITDA," which means our EBITDA excluding the gain or loss on disposal of assets, and loss on customer audit settlements: Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA: (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Net income / (loss) $ (89,883) $ (48,295) $ (173,222) $ (80,919) Income taxes 662 (27,152) (3,884) (45,035) Net interest expense 22,514 16,837 43,226 33,694 Depreciation and amortization 54,847 60,231 110,999 121,160 (Gain) loss on disposal of assets 336 (57) 261 (9) Loss on customer audit settlement - 4,500 - 4,500 Adjusted EBITDA $ (11,524) $ 6,064 $ (22,620) $ 33,391 Contacts: Alan Krenek, Chief Financial Officer Basic Energy Services, Inc. 817-334-4100 Jack Lascar Dennard Lascar Associates 713-529-6600 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/basic-energy-services-reports-second-quarter-2016-results-300302532.html SOURCE Basic Energy Services, Inc. BOSTON, July 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 3,300 Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) nurses, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), voted Wednesday, July 20 to ratify a tentative contract agreement reached last month that averted what would have been an historic one-day nurses' strike. Brigham nurses voted overwhelmingly to approve a three-year agreement that protects safe patient care, enhances hospital security, successfully fights off attempts to implement non-union benefits for new nurses and includes a fair wage increase. The agreement follows 10 months of negotiations that included a well-organized and unified effort by nurses to stand up for themselves and their patients. In June, nurses voted 95 percent to authorize a one-day strike and then prepared to hold the largest nurses' strike in state history and first in Boston in 30 years. The potential strike was averted one day before it was scheduled through extensive negotiations with a federal mediator. "We are exceptionally proud of what we accomplished through our unity and with the help of so many supporters," said Trish Powers, RN OR staff nurse and chair of the Massachusetts Nurses Association BWH bargaining unit. "Brigham nurses voted overwhelmingly today in favor of this agreement because it represents a win for patients, for nurses and for the public." "The ratification of this new contract leaves no doubt that front-line nurses can and should stand up for safe patient care and professional respect," said Kelly Morgan, a labor and delivery nurse and vice chair of the MNA Bargaining Unit. "When a health care employer recognizes that a unionized workplace is a democratic and productive workplace, patients are protected and nurses' voices are heard." Click here for more details about the BWH tentative agreement. Meanwhile, BWH nurses also stand in solidarity with their fellow MNA nurses at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital (BWFH), who are negotiating a new contract. BWFH nurses plan to hold an informational picket outside their hospital at 1153 Centre St. in Jamaica Plain on Friday, July 22 from 4:30.to 6:30 p.m. Faulkner nurses are fighting over some of the same issues as Brigham nurses, including improved hospital security and safe nurse staffing. "Brigham nurses stand with their sisters and brothers at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital," Powers said. "Every patient deserves safe and effective care, and every nurse deserves to be valued and respected." MassNurses.org Facebook.com/MassNurses Twitter.com/MassNurses Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association/National Nurses United is the largest professional health care organization and the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 23,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public. The MNA is a founding member of National Nurses United, the largest national nurses' union in the United States with more than 170,000 members from coast to coast. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391697LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brigham-and-womens-hospital-nurses-vote-overwhelmingly-wednesday-july-20-to-ratify-new-contract-300301848.html SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association/National Nurses United JACKSON, Miss., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With Elizabeth Allen's bathroom floor caving in and her left knee giving out, Ms. Allen, 80, didn't know which would go first. Then the Jackson homeowner, who lives on a fixed income, was awarded a $6,000 Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) grant from BankPlus and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas). Ms. Allen has lived in her home since 1958, and before retiring, she made a living "cleaning houses and keeping children," she said. But the demanding work took its toll on her body, especially her knees. The SNAP grant was, in her words, "a miracle" that came at just the right time. "I tried for a couple of years to get a grant," she said. "The last time they turned me down, I cried and prayed. When they told me this year that I got the grant, I believe I'd have jumped if my knee hadn't hurt so badly." The grant paid for a new tile floor and shower to replace the rotten floor and bathtub. The work was finished just in time for her recuperation after knee-replacement surgery last week. Available through FHLB Dallas' member institutions, SNAP grants assist income-qualified, special-needs homeowners with necessary home repairs and modifications. "Ms. Allen had been applying to the SNAP program for three years but the demand was so high that she had simply not been selected before funds would run out," said Mark Ouellette, first vice president & director of affordable housing at BankPlus. "We were so happy to finally tell her she was selected, and she was able to get the help she needed. We extend our heartfelt thanks to FHLB Dallas for giving BankPlus the opportunity year-after-year to help vulnerable members of our community." Since SNAP's inception in 2009, more than $10.6 million has been awarded in grants through FHLB Dallas member institutions to assist more than 2,000 families across FHLB Dallas' five-state District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. In 2016, FHLB Dallas awarded nearly $1 million in SNAP grants to assist 205 families. Mississippi was awarded more than $409,000, which assisted 84 families in 2016. "SNAP continues to be one of the Bank's most sought-after grant programs," said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. "Many elderly or disabled homeowners face particular challenges from fixed incomes, which keep them from handling home repairs before they become larger problems. FHLB Dallas is gratified to help and support them through our member institutions." About BankPlusBankPlus, with total assets of more than $2.6 billion, has more than 60 banking offices in 34 Mississippi communities. BankPlus is the largest certified Community Development Financial Institution in the United States. BankPlus offices are located in Belzoni, Bentonia, Brandon, Byram, Canton, Clinton, D'Iberville, Durant, Flora, Flowood, Gluckstadt, Hernando, Holly Bluff, Horn Lake, Isola, Jackson, Lexington, Madison, Meridian, Newton, Olive Branch, Pearl, Picayune, Pickens, Poplarville, Quitman, Ridgeland, Shubuta, Southaven, Stonewall, Tchula, Tupelo, Waynesboro and Yazoo City. For additional information on BankPlus, please visit BankPlus.net. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of DallasThe Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $49.5 billion as of March 31, 2016, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 850 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com. Contact:Corporate CommunicationsFederal Home Loan Bank of Dallaswww.fhlb.com (214) 441-8445 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150126/171462LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/collapsing-bathroom-floor-replaced-in-a-knick-of-time-300302245.html SOURCE Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas RENO, Nev.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Employers Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EIG), a Nevada-based company whose subsidiaries are specialty providers of workers compensation insurance focused on small businesses, will review the Companys second quarter 2016 financial results during a conference call and webcast on Thursday, July 28, 2016, at 8:30 a.m. PDT. The webcast will be accessible on the Employers Holdings, Inc. web site at www.employers.com through the Investors link. An archived version of the webcast will remain on the Employers Holdings, Inc. web site for up to seven days following the live webcast. To listen to a recording of the call by telephone, dial +1 (404) 537-3406 or +1 (855) 859-2056 and use the conference call access code 50485469. Employers Holdings, Inc. will release earnings after market close on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 and file its Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission after the earnings call. After release, these materials will be available on the Companys web site at www.employers.com through the Investors link. 2016 EMPLOYERS. All rights reserved. EMPLOYERS and America's small business insurance specialist are registered trademarks of Employers Insurance Company of Nevada. Insurance is offered through Employers Compensation Insurance Company, Employers Insurance Company of Nevada, Employers Preferred Insurance Company, and Employers Assurance Company. Not all insurers do business in all jurisdictions. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721006457/en/ Employers Holdings, Inc. Media: Ty Vukelich, 775-327-2677 Vice President, Corporate Marketing [email protected] or Analysts: Vicki Mills, 775-327-2794 Vice President, Investor Relations [email protected] Source: Employers Holdings, Inc. LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Frontier Communications has named Leticia M. Solis, an experienced telecommunications operations and customer service leader, as Area General Manager for its Mid-Cities operations territory. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721005364/en/ Leticia Solis, Area General Manager Mid-Cities (Frontier Communications, Corp.) Solis will be responsible for operations, community engagement and market growth in one of Frontiers core service areas. She will oversee delivery of broadband video and voice services encompassing more than 500,000 households and businesses in the heart of east central Los Angeles County. Frontiers mid-cities service area is bounded by the I-605 Freeway on the west, the CA-57 freeway to the east and stretches from Cerritos-Artesia on the south to the Foothill communities on the north. Leticia brings a wealth of sales, customer service and operations experience; she understands the competitive landscape of our business and is focused on keeping Frontiers commitment to the customer at the forefront, said Frontier West Region President Melinda White. She is among the many experienced, long-time former Verizon employees continuing to serve our California customers. Prior to joining Frontier Communications, Solis served as director of consumer/multilingual sales and services for Verizon Communications, where she started in 1996. Solis led a team of over 400 and managed four multi-state customer contact centers. From 2009 to 2011, Solis was director of operations for the premier FiOS high-speed broadband service, leading a team of nearly 700. Previously as director of customer response, Solis managed repair resolution, order inquiry and large-business support centers in multiple states. She also has strong experience in outside plant construction, maintaining copper networks and multi-dwelling and tenant unit fiber build-out. Solis holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Certificate of Communications Engineering from UCLA. She resides in Los Angeles. Companies of all sizes, including many in the Fortune 50, rely on Frontier to deliver FiOS, high-speed Internet, voice, advanced Ethernet and business telephone systems, nationwide. About Frontier Communications Frontier Communications Corporation, now a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company, is a leader in providing communications services to urban, suburban and rural communities in 29 states. Frontier offers a variety of services to residential customers over its fiber-optic and copper networks, including video, high-speed internet, advanced voice and Frontier Secure digital protection solutions. Frontier Business Edge offers communications solutions to small, medium and enterprise businesses. Frontiers approximately 29,000 employees are based entirely in the United States. More information about Frontier is available at www.frontier.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721005364/en/ Frontier Communications Javier Mendoza, 562-421-1329 Director Public Relations, West Region [email protected] Source: Frontier Communications Corporation MANCHESTER, England, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As the holiday season reaches its peak this weekend with many families jetting off for their week in the sun, the UK air travel industry continues to flourish. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160617/809843 ) Demand for air travel in the UK is forecast to continue to rise by up to 80%, to 218 million passengers by 2034. [Source ADS The Great British Take Off report, November 2015] Although the recent economic instability prompted by last month's Brexit vote is expected to result in a small overall slowdown in the rate of growth, Direct Airport Parking Investment, a Cheshire-based firm that offers private investors the opportunity to purchase individual car parking spaces close to major UK airports, doesn't view this as a cause for real concern. A report published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the trade association of world airlines, considered the impact of the UK's decision to leave the European Union on passenger air travel for UK outward bound trips. It concluded that the predicted downturn in economic activity could cause a slowdown in the overall growth of UK air passenger travel by around 3-5% by 2020 when compared to predictions for the Remain scenario. Since the majority of air passengers choose to travel to the airport by car, this will still result in strong demand for good quality, secure car parking in close proximity to airports - good news for Direct Airport Parking Investment and its investors. Stephen Smith, Senior Investment Consultant at Direct Airport Parking Investment, said: "Although the IATA expects there to be slowing down in the growth of the UK air passenger market, we're only talking a decline of less than 5% in predicted growth over the next four years. Overall, strong growth will still happen and the demand for long-stay car parking at airports will continue to be buoyant. "We believe we have one of the best commercial investment products on the market today. Car parking at the UK's busiest and fastest growing airports is in such high demand. Our partner Park First is the leading provider of secure, well-maintained and professionally managed car parks close to UK airports. Such car parking is in limited supply; the high demand for it makes it a viable option for anyone looking for buy-to-let UK commercial property to add to their investment portfolio." Direct Airport Parking Investment, the Master Agent for Park First, believes strongly that off-airport car parking spaces provide a safe-haven investment ideal for any period of major economic uncertainty, such as we are experiencing post-Brexit. They can provide higher returns and greater certainty than more traditional, so-called 'safe-haven' investments such as gold, government bonds and other currencies. Direct Airport Parking Investment offers individual and multiple car parking spaces at London Gatwick and Glasgow airports for investors to purchase, starting from 20,000. They are a low risk, high yield buy-to-let property investment with excellent returns. Investors in off-airport car parking through Direct Airport Parking Investment are assured of an 8% return in each of the first two years of their investment, with a predicted rise to 12% by year five. Year three investors in spaces on Park First owned car parks have already been paid returns of up to 10.8%, exceeding the predicted 10% and easily surpassing the returns offered by more traditional investments such as ISAs. This unique investment also offers capital growth as each space is sold well below market value, from 20,000 per car park space. This low risk, proven commercial property investment comes complete with a title deed from the UK Land Registry. For more information about investing in off-airport car parking at major UK airports with Direct Airport Parking Investment Limited, visit http://www.directparkinginvestment.co.uk or call +44 (0)161 820 4956. The IATA report, 'The Impact of Brexit on UK Air Transport', can be found in full at http://www.iata.org/publications SOURCE Direct Airport Parking Investment Ltd Photo illustration of beer flowing from a bottle of Stella Artois into a glass, seen against a SAB Miller logo, November 5, 2015. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/File Photo By Lauren Hirsch and Chris Prentice NEW YORK (Reuters) - Brewers Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: ABI) and SABMiller (NYSE: SAB) received U.S. antitrust approval for their $107 billion merger on Wednesday, bringing the largest-ever consumer products deal a big step closer to completion. The combination of the world's top brewers, which together will make nearly 30 percent of the world's beer, now only needs regulatory clearance from China, a blessing that is widely expected given the proposed divestment of SAB's business there. The deal has already been cleared by Australia, Europe and South Africa, and AB InBev said it still expects closure this year. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) approval, which is notable after the regulatory authority derailed several recent mega-mergers, came a day before SABMiller was to meet with shareholders at its annual general meeting in London. While its takeover by the Belgian-based brewer of Budweiser is not yet on the agenda for a shareholder vote, there has been speculation in recent weeks that some activist shareholders may try to push for a renegotiation of terms, given the steep drop in the British currency. AB InBev will make concessions beyond its publicly stated offer to sell SAB's stake in MillerCoors, its U.S. joint venture with Denver-based Molson Coors (NYSE: TAP), as part of the deal. AB InBev will also have to curb its use of incentive programs to limit competition. Reuters previously reported that the DOJ was investigating AB InBev's practice of financially rewarding beer distributors for selling more of its own beer than its competitors. Craft beer companies had vocally objected to the practice, which they argued hurt their ability to sell. "Independent distributors that sell (AB InBevs) beer will have the freedom to sell and promote the variety of beers that many Americans drink," Deputy Assistant Attorney General Sonia Pfaffenroth of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division said. The world's top two brewers hold brands Budweiser, Stella Artois, Miller and Pilsner Urquell. "While we will make some adjustments to certain aspects of our U.S. sales programs and policies, our fundamental approach and commitment to this market will not change," said AB InBev Chief Executive Officer Carlos Brito in a statement. AB InBev will also be required to secure the DOJ's approval before acquiring any beer distributors or craft beer brands. AB InBev has already acquired several regional craft beer companies, looking to benefit from a rapidly growing niche market in the slowing beer industry. Recent deals include Colorado-based Breckenridge Brewing, Oregon-based 10 Barrel Brewing and Virginia-based Devils Backbone Brewing Company. "The DOJs significant requirements ... appear to address some of our major apprehensions with the merger. With effective enforcement of these provisions, small brewers can rely on their independent distributor partners to access the market," Bob Pease, president and chief executive officer of the Brewers Association, said in a statement on Wednesday. Terms of AB InBev's agreement with the DOJ expire in 10 years. AB InBev will also divest the rights to all SABMiller beer brands currently imported or licensed for sale in the United States. Molson Coors Brewing Co (NYSE: TAP), which will buy SAB's 58 percent stake in their U.S. joint venture, saw its shares close up 3 percent at $100.80 on Wednesday. The deal changes little within the U.S market, according to Adam Fleck, equity analyst with Morningstar in Chicago. Still, he added: "There's a chance to increase the profitability for Molson Coors and MillerCoors enterprises that will make MillerCoors more competitive." Globally, the deal positions the combined companies to dwarf rivals like Heineken and Carlsberg . AB InBev will have more breweries in Latin America and Asia and an entrance to Africa, as major markets such as the United States weaken due to craft beer popularity. (Additional reporting by Martinne Geller in London; Editing by Michele Gershberg, Bernard Orr and Mark Potter) By Jessica DiNapoli (Reuters) - U.S. teen retailer Aeropostale Inc plans to challenge in court private equity firm Sycamore Partners' claims as a creditor in its bankruptcy, according to a transcript from a court hearing held this week that was seen by Reuters. The fight between Aeropostale and Sycamore stands out from other bankruptcy cases of U.S. teen retailers, because very few of them triggered litigation. It could also complicate any effort by Sycamore to take over the retailer. The lawsuit, expected by Friday, would follow an investigation by Aeropostale over the past several weeks into whether Sycamore drove the company into bankruptcy, in part by making the terms of its debt investment in the company in 2014 deliberately onerous. Sycamore affiliates loaned Aeropostale $150 million in 2014, and, as part of the deal, required that the chain make merchandise purchases from one of Sycamore's companies, MGF Sourcing. Aeropostale has said that MGF imposed new, burdensome terms on the retailer that precipitated its bankruptcy. In bankruptcy court in New York on Monday, attorneys for Aeropostale said that they would pursue claims that could dramatically reduce Sycamore's recovery on its $150 million debt investment. It also intends to challenge Sycamore's ability to use the money it is owed as credit in bidding for the company in a bankruptcy auction scheduled for next month. A source close to Sycamore, who asked not to be identified because they were not authorized to speak publicly to the media, said the firm does not believe Aeropostale's investigation uncovered any support for the claims the retailer plans to file. Sycamore declined to comment. Sycamore is investigating its own potential claims against directors and management of Aeropostale for concealing financing information and breaching their fiduciary duty, the person said. "This is just a tactic by Sycamore to distract attention from their own malfeasance," said a spokesperson for Aeropostale. Aeropostale, when it asked a bankruptcy court judge for permission to conduct the investigation into Sycamore's investment in May, pointed to statements made by Sycamore Managing Director Stefan Kaluzny that it says suggest he had been plotting its bankruptcy since 2013. Aeropostale is one of at least five teen retailers, including Pacific Sunwear of California Inc , Wet Seal LLC and Quiksilver Inc, that have filed for bankruptcy in the past two years, as shoppers shift away from malls toward online shopping. (Reporting by Jessica DiNapoli in New York) By Andrew Mambondiyani MUTARE, Zimbabwe Thomson Reuters Foundation - Charles Samuriwo, a farmer from the Odzi area north west of Mutare city, cannot hide his frustration. As a beneficiary of Zimbabwe's controversial program to redistribute land taken from white farmers, Samuriwo has been working his tobacco farm since 2001. Today he is struggling because 15 years after taking over the farm, he still has no security of tenure or title deed. Without such collateral, he cannot borrow from a bank to buy machinery or pay for seasonal expenses such as seeds or fertilizer. "As farmers, we have nothing but the land," Samuriwo told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "Financial institutions need a form of security for them to lend us money. We want to invest in irrigation but without financial support we are not able to do that." His fears for the future have grown amid the severe, prolonged drought induced by the El Nino weather phenomenon that has hit southern Africa hard. GROWING HUNGER The worst drought to hit Zimbabwe in two decades has left many rural areas in the grip of hunger. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that around 4 million people in the country are struggling to meet their basic food needs. To counter food insecurity, the government is importing maize from countries including Zambia, Ukraine, South Africa and Brazil, after drought hit production of the staple crop. Earlier this year, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe needed nearly $1.6 billion to pay for grain and other food to feed millions of people in need. Critics say the country's once strong agricultural base has been damaged by the chaotic land redistribution program. In 2001, President Robert Mugabe introduced land reforms aimed at addressing colonial imbalances whereby a few white farmers own most of the best agricultural land in Zimbabwe. More than 4,000 farmers were forcibly evicted from their land in often violent struggles. The violence - and allegations of rigged elections and rights abuses - led western donors to impose sanctions on Zimbabwe. The sanctions compounded an economic crisis that had worsened since the World Bank, IMF and African Development Bank suspended aid in 1999, after Zimbabwe defaulted on debts. LEGAL LOOPHOLE The source of insecurity for both farmers and banks in Zimbabwe lies with section 72 of the 2013 constitution, which sets out the state's rights and powers over agricultural land. It says: "Land, right or interest may be compulsorily acquired by the state by notice published in the Gazette identifying the land, right or interest, whereupon the land, right or interest vests in the state with full title with effect from the date of publication of the notice." Even though the government moved in 2006 to offer 99-year land leases and permits to some farmers, banks have consistently refused to recognize these as secure collateral for loans. To date, fewer than 200 of the leases have been issued. In March, however, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor John Mangudya said he was confident the situation for farmers would improve once the "bankability" of the leases was finalised. In a telephone interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa said there were still a "few issues" which the banks wanted addressed before they would accept the 99-year leases as collateral. He was not at liberty to discuss these issues, he said, but a document would soon be presented to the cabinet for approval. POLICIES INCONSISTENT According to Charles Tawazadza, who grows wheat and soya beans on his farm in Middle Sabi in the southeastern Chipinge district, tenure is not the only missing link for farmers. Inconsistent government policies were part of the problem, Tawazadza said. "We need security for us to invest on the farms," Tawazadza said. "The problem is not with the banks but our policies as a country. Our policies are changing overnight." According to Paul Zakaria, executive director of the Zimbabwe Farmers Union, commercial agriculture will always require some form of financial support. "This support will come in the form of capital expenditure as well as working capital," Zakaria told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Security of tenure would be on the "national radar for a long time", he said. "Beyond the bankability of either the 99-year leases or title deeds stability, certainty on the farms is very necessary. That will give farmers the confidence to invest," he said. Eddie Cross, an economist and MP for Bulawayo South, said Mugabe's land reforms were intended to strip away security of tenure and replace it with political control - much like the old traditional systems when local chiefs controlled access to land. "It (the government) has been almost 100 percent successful in this respect," Cross said. He said that even though some newly settled farmers had taken over functioning commercial farms, they had been unable to maintain production. This was partly because they had stripped properties of assets such as irrigation equipment and tractors for short-term monetary gain, he said. The "new farmers" were unable to run their farms as businesses because they lacked the capital or collateral needed to borrow funds for new investments, Cross said. Prior to the land reforms introduced by Mugabe, farmers had borrowed an estimated $2 billion a year to cover seasonal expenses such as seed and fertilisers, he said. Farm leases would only be useful if they could be traded, he said. "Without a market for farm land, borrowing is impossible." (Reporting by Andrew Mambondiyani Editing by Paola Totaro and Jo Griffin; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit news.trust.org) Harold Hamm, CEO of Continental Resources, speaks during the IHS CERAWeek 2015 energy conference in Houston, Texas in this April 21, 2015 file photo. REUTERS/Daniel Kramer By Michelle Conlin CLEVELAND (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is considering nominating Oklahoma oil and gas mogul Harold Hamm as energy secretary if elected to the White House on Nov. 8, according to four sources close to Trump's campaign. The chief executive of Continental Resources (NYSE: CLR) would be the first U.S. energy secretary drawn directly from the oil and gas industry since the cabinet position was created in 1977, a move that would jolt environmental advocates but bolster Trump's pro-drilling energy platform. Dan Eberhart, an oil investor and Republican financier, said he had been told by officials in Trump's campaign that Hamm, who has been an informal advisor to Trump on energy policy since at least May, was "the leading contender" for the position. Eberhart said he had discussed the possible appointment with top donors at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland this week, where Trump was formally nominated as the party's candidate in the Nov. 8 presidential election. Three other sources close to the Trump campaign confirmed Trump was considering Hamm for the post. One of the sources said he first heard that Hamm was a contender from Trump officials on Sunday. None of the sources was aware of who else Trump may be considering for the job. Representatives for Trump and Hamm did not respond to a request for comment. Addressing the convention on Wednesday night, Hamm called for expanded drilling and said too much environmental regulation threatened to limit U.S. oil production and increase the country's dependence on Middle Eastern oil producers. "Every time we cant drill a well in America, terrorism is being funded," Hamm told the cheering crowd. "Every onerous regulation puts American lives at risk." Hamm, 70, became one of America's wealthiest men during the U.S. oil and gas drilling boom over the past decade, tapping into new hydraulic fracturing drilling technology to access vast deposits in North Dakota's shale fields. Past heads of the U.S. Department of Energy, which is charged with advancing U.S. energy security and technology and dealing with nuclear waste disposal, have typically boasted a political or academic background. This is not the first time Hamm has been in contention for the job. The Republican Party's presidential nominee in 2012, Mitt Romney, vetted Hamm to be energy secretary but ultimately decided against him because the two men have differing positions on renewable energy sources like wind. He made headlines in 2015 after settling a protracted divorce case and agreeing to pay his ex-wife $975 million - reported to be the biggest divorce settlement in history. His fortune is now estimated at nearly $12 billion. "FRACKER-IN-CHIEF" Trump, who has yet to make any announcements about his prospective cabinet, has already surrounded himself with strong advocates of traditional energy sources like oil, gas, and coal and has promised to gut environmental regulations to boost drilling and mining if elected. He tapped U.S. Congressman Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, a climate skeptic and drilling advocate, to help draw up his campaign energy platform, and picked Indiana Governor Mike Pence, also a climate skeptic, as his running mate. Both moves cheered the energy industry but alarmed environmental activists who say a Trump presidency would set back years of progress on issues like pollution and climate change. "Given that Hamm's as close as we've got to a fracker-in-chief in this country, it would be an apropos pick for a president who thinks global warming is a hoax manufactured by the Chinese," said leading environmental activist Bill McKibben. Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton has promised to bolster regulation and increase use of renewable fuels to combat climate change if elected. (Writing by Richard Valdmanis, editing by Paul Thomasch and Ross Colvin) By Kieran Guilbert DAKAR (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Children in Ivory Coast bear the brunt of sexual violence in a culture where rape is widely considered "insignificant" and perpetrators usually go unpunished, activists say. Two in three rape victims in the West African nation are young girls, according to a recent U.N. report, which recorded some 1,130 cases of rape between 2012 and 2015. Yet the number of rape cases is likely to be far higher, the U.N.'s Ivory Coast mission (UNOCI) said, as many victims do not come forward due to the fear of retaliation and stigma within their communities and a lack of confidence in the legal system. While Ivory Coast has recovered from two civil wars, in 2002 and 2011, to boast one of Africa's fastest growing economies, years of conflict have fueled a culture of violence, where rape is rife, according to the UNOCI. "Rape is considered banal by a lot of people, they claim sex is an obligatory rite of passage for every woman," said Jean Claude Kobena of the Abidjan-based group SOS Violences Sexuelles. "They think no one should be imprisoned for an act they see as so insignificant," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Children are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence because so many roam the streets, out of school and forced to work because of widespread poverty, child rights experts say. Almost half of the 20 million population of Ivory Coast live in poverty, and six out of every 10 children of secondary school age are not in education, according to data from the World Bank. "Millions of kids are out of school and on the streets, relying on odd jobs to survive, which exposes them to abuse and rape," said Save the Children's country director Famari Barro. NO MORE 'MISDEMEANORS' Rape victims and their families are often not aware of how to report the crime, or cannot afford to do so, activists say. Victims may have to travel far to a court, and they must first obtain a medical certificate - which can cost up to 50,000 CFA francs ($85) - to prove they have been raped before pressing charges, said the United Nations children's agency (UNICEF). Most rape cases in Ivory Coast are therefore settled out of court, usually without the victim's consent, with the intention of avoiding stigma and preserving peace within communities, and sparing the suspected rapist from jail, the UNOCI's report said. "For victims to seek justice, the culture of settlements must end, allowing them to speak up and be referred to support services," said UNICEF deputy representative Christina de Bruin. While investigations were opened in 90 percent of rape cases documented by the UNOCI, less than a fifth led to a conviction. In all 203 cases that ended in conviction, the perpetrators were found guilty of a lesser offense than rape - often indecent assault - which is a common legal practice, the report said. "Although seen as a way for victims to access justice and facilitate a prompt judgment, this practice minimizes the gravity of rape," the UNOCI said. Ivory Coast should revise its criminal code, which punishes rape without defining it, provide victims with free legal aid and hold special court sessions for rape cases, the UNOCI said. The justice ministry this week in a confidential document seen by the Thomson Reuters Foundation issued a notice telling the authorities not to recategorize rapes as 'misdemeanors'. Issued a week after the UNOCI report, it also says sexual offences must be fully investigated and prosecuted, even if out-of-court settlements are reached or complaints are withdrawn. The Ivorian government spokesman did not respond to requests for comment. "Children have the right to be protected from these criminal acts which can cause lifelong incurable wounds," said de Bruin. ($1 = 596.8100 CFA francs) (Reporting By Kieran Guilbert, Editing by Ros Russell; 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) By Souleymane Ag Anara BAMAKO (Reuters) - Fighting broke out in the town of Kidal in Mali's desert north on Thursday between pro-government militia and a Tuareg-dominated rebel coalition, town residents and the United Nations said. The violence highlighted the increasing fragility of a U.N.-backed deal signed a year ago between the government in the southern capital Bamako and northern armed groups that was meant to end a decades-long cycle of uprisings. Mali's U.N. peacekeeping mission, MINUSMA, said the fighting was a violation of the ceasefire both groups - the Tuareg separatist Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) and pro-government Gatia militia - agreed to as part of the deal. The sound of gunfire rang out in Kidal, one of northern Mali's main towns, from around 4 p.m. (1600 GMT) and sent residents fleeing indoors for cover as clashes quickly spread. "We were at the mosque when we heard a few gunshots," said Ahamadou Thegoum, a Kidal resident. "Fifteen minutes later, they let loose and we heard gunfire practically all over town, steady gunfire and sometimes explosions." One young girl was killed in crossfire while a second was injured, according to the father of the dead girl. Another family member had earlier said that both girls had been killed. A CMA fighter, who asked not to be named, claimed that four Tuareg rebels had died, while 10 Gatia fighters were killed, but the death toll could not be independently verified. Military helicopters circled above the town during the fighting, he said, though it wasn't clear if they belonged to Mali's U.N. peacekeeping mission or a French force fighting Islamist militants in the arid Sahel region. Kidal is a traditional stronghold of rebels claiming a Tuareg homeland they call Azawad, but the CMA and pro-government Gatia militia had peacefully shared control of Kidal since February. Tensions have been building over the past few days, however, amid tit-for-tat violence, and both sides reinforced their positions in and around Kidal. The government of neighboring Niger attempted to mediate between the groups, and representatives of the pro-Bamako militia and the rebels signed a truce on Sunday. But from Wednesday, CMA fighters occupied Kidal's main roads and established positions to block Gatia from entering the town center. One CMA fighter reached by phone in Kidal said Gatia had started Thursday's clash. "This morning CMA told the militias to stay where they were and maintain their positions outside of the town, but they tried to force their way in," he said, asking not to be named as he was not authorized to speak to the press. Gatia leader Fahad Ag Almahmoud rejected responsibility for the violence. "CMA sought to reduce our mobility in Kidal," he said. "This afternoon one of our brigades was returning from the bush ... CMA fighters opened fire at them at close range." Islamist militant groups, some with links to al Qaeda, hijacked a Tuareg uprising in 2012 and seized northern Mali until a French-led intervention drove them back a year later. Last year's peace agreement signed by the government, its militia allies and the separatists was intended to ease long-standing tensions in the north and allow the army to concentrate on fighting jihadist groups. However the deal is fraying and new groups are springing up to destabilize the West African nation. Islamist militants killed 17 Malian soldiers and wounded 35 others earlier this week when they attacked an army base in the center of the country, firing on troop positions, burning buildings and pillaging shops. "They defended their nation with honor and dignity. Today, they are dead, but their country will avenge them," President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita said at a memorial ceremony for the soldiers in the town of Segou. (Additional reporting by Cheik Amadou Diouara; writing by Joe Bavier; editing by Mark Heinrich and Cynthia Osterman) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia said on Thursday it had received reports of a "potential, imminent threat" against U.S. citizens in areas of the city of Jeddah frequented by Westerners. The notice on the embassy's website provided no other details. "Its a security message, not a travel warning, that our consulate put out in Jeddah. Obviously, our consulate felt that the information they had was credible enough, serious enough to warrant sending that message out immediately," State Department spokesman John Kirby told a briefing. "There is a potential specific threat to Americans traveling to Jeddah, and in particular, public venues in Jeddah," Kirby said. "So it's very specific to the location and it makes it clear that this is a potential threat to Americans there." On July 4, a suicide bomber was killed and two people were wounded in a blast near the U.S. consulate in Jeddah. It was the first bombing in years to attempt to target foreigners in the kingdom. The same day, a suicide bomber detonated a bomb near the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, Islam's second-holiest site, killing four security officers. A third attack took place in the eastern city of Qatif, home to many members of the country's Shi'ite Muslim minority. (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton and Warren Strobel; Editing by Bernadette Baum and James Dalgleish) 1934 ACT FILE NO. 001-15264 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ___________________ FORM 6-K ___________________ Report of Foreign Private Issuer Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the month of July 2016 ___________________ Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (Translation of Registrant's name into English) ___________________ No. 62 North Xizhimen Street Haidian District, Beijing People's Republic of China 100082 (Address of principal executive offices) ___________________ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F. Form 20-F X Form 40-F Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in papers as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): __________ Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in papers as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): __________ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes No X If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 6-K REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the month of July 2016 Commission File Number 001-12284 GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD. (Translation of registrants name into English) 150 King Street West Suite 1200 Toronto, Ontario M5H 1J9, Canada (Address of principal executive office) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F. Form 20-F Form 40-F x Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes No x If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 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, thereunto duly authorized. Date: July 18, 2016 GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD. By: /s/ Andre van Niekerk Andre van Niekerk Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit 99.1 Press Release dated July 18, 2016 - Golden Star Announces Appointment of Gil Clausen to Board of Directors Exhibit 99.1 Golden Star Announces Appointment of Gil Clausen to Board of Directors TORONTO, July 18, 2016 /CNW/ - Golden Star Resources Ltd. ("Golden Star" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Gil Clausen is joining the Company's Board of Directors, with immediate effect. Mr. Clausen is the President of a division of Yamana Gold Inc., and former President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Augusta Resource Corporation. He also serves as an independent director of Plata Latina Minerals Corporation. With over 30 years of executive, financial, developmental and operational industry experience, Mr. Clausen has been responsible for executing growth strategies for mining companies on a range of continents and across a variety of commodities. He is a Professional Engineer and holds a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree, each in Mining Engineering from Queens University, Canada. He is also a graduate of a Queen's University executive business program. Tim Baker, Chairman of Golden Star, commented: "I am pleased to welcome Gil Clausen to Golden Star's Board of Directors. He brings solid operational and technical experience through his background in mining engineering, in addition to his wealth of corporate experience gained in senior roles with a number of large mining companies. He has a proven track record of delivering strong financial gains for shareholders and offers comprehensive knowledge of board governance, operations, corporate and project finance, strategic planning and investor relations. I look forward to working closely with Gil as Golden Star continues on its path to become a high grade, low cost gold producer." Company Profile Golden Star is an established gold mining company that owns and operates the Wassa and Prestea mines situated on the prolific Ashanti Gold Belt in western Ghana, Africa. Listed on the NYSE MKT, the TSX, and the GSE, Golden Star is strategically focused on increasing operating margins and cash flow through the development of two high grade, low cost underground mines both in conjunction with existing open pit operations. The Wassa Underground commenced pre-commercial production in mid-2016 and the Prestea Underground is expected to commence production in mid-2017. Both projects are fully funded and on track to begin production as expected. Production in 2016 is expected to be between 180,000205,000 ounces of gold with costs of US$815-US$925 per ounce. SOURCE Golden Star Resources Ltd. %CIK: 0000903571 For further information: please visit www.gsr.com or contact: Katharine Sutton, Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs, +1 416 583 3800, [email protected] CO: Golden Star Resources Ltd. CNW 10:00e 18-JUL-16 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 13D Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. 3) ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC. (Name of Issuer) Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (Title of Class of Securities) 044102101 (CUSIP Number) Lyle Weisman 14001 Ventura Boulevard Sherman Oaks, California 91423 818-930-0230 (Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications) July 21, 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 which 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. 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 person's initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter 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). CUSIP NUMBER: 044102101 1. Names of Reporting Persons Weisman Group LLC 2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) (a) x (b) 3. SEC Use Only 4. Source of Funds (See Instructions) PF; OO 5. Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e) 6. Citizenship or Place of Organization Delaware Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With 7. Sole Voting Power 1,518,419 8. Shared Voting Power 9. Sole Dispositive Power 10. Shared Dispositive Power 1,395,563 11. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 1,518,419 12. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) 13. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11) 5.333% (1)(2) 14. Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) PN CUSIP NUMBER: 044102101 1. Names of Reporting Persons Weisman Capital Group LLC 2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) (a) x (b) 3. SEC Use Only 4. Source of Funds (See Instructions) PF; OO 5. Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e) 6. Citizenship or Place of Organization Delaware Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With 7. Sole Voting Power 8. Shared Voting Power 9. Sole Dispositive Power 10. Shared Dispositive Power 318,019 11. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 318,019 12. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) 13. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11) 1.12% (1)(2) 14. Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) PN CUSIP No. 044102101 1. Names of Reporting Persons Lyle Weisman 2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) (a) x (b) 3. SEC Use Only 4. Source of Funds (See Instructions) PF; OO 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 Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With 7. Sole Voting Power 8. Shared Voting Power 1,518,419 9. Sole Dispositive Power 10. Shared Dispositive Power 1,395,563 11. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 1,518,419 (2) 12. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) 13. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11) 5.333% (1)(2) 14. Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) IN CUSIP No. 044102101 1. Names of Reporting Persons Daniel Weisman 2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) (a) x (b) 3. SEC Use Only 4. Source of Funds (See Instructions) PF; OO 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 Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With 7. Sole Voting Power 8. Shared Voting Power 1,518,419 9. Sole Dispositive Power 10. Shared Dispositive Power 1,395,563 11. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 1,518,419 (2) 12. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) 13. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11) 5.333% (1)(2) 14. Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) IN CUSIP No. 044102101 1. Names of Reporting Persons Joseph Malka 2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) (a) x (b) 3. SEC Use Only 4. Source of Funds (See Instructions) PF; OO 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 Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With 7. Sole Voting Power 8. Shared Voting Power 1,518,419 9. Sole Dispositive Power 10. Shared Dispositive Power 1,395,563 11. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 1,518,419 (2) 12. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) 13. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11) 5.333 % (1)(2) 14. Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) IN CUSIP No. 044102101 1. Names of Reporting Persons AHP Holdings LLC 2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) (a) x (b) 3. SEC Use Only 4. Source of Funds (See Instructions) PF OO 5. Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e) 6. Citizenship or Place of Organization California Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With 7. Sole Voting Power 8. Shared Voting Power 9. Sole Dispositive Power 10. Shared Dispositive Power 154,000 11. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 154,000 12. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) 13. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11) 0.54% (1) 14. Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) PN CUSIP No. 044102101 1. Names of Reporting Persons Joel Aaronson (3) 2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) (a) x (b) 3. SEC Use Only 4. Source of Funds (See Instructions) PF OO 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 Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With 7. Sole Voting Power 91,743 8. Shared Voting Power 9. Sole Dispositive Power 91,743 10. Shared Dispositive Power 11. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 91,743 12. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) 13. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11) 0.322% (1) 14. Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) IN (1) Based on 28,471,775 shares of Issuers common stock reported to be outstanding as of March 11, 2016, reporting persons may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of approximately 5.66% of the outstanding shares of Issuer's common stock. (2) Includes beneficial ownership as a managing member of Weisman Group. (3) Includes shares beneficially owned (i) by Mr. Aaronson individually, (ii) by his SEP IRA, and(iii) by a trust of which he is sole trustee. Items 4, 5 and 7 of the statement on Schedule 13D relating to the Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (the Shares) of Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation (AHP) previously filed by the Weisman Group (who collectively are referred to as the Reporting Persons), are hereby amended as follows: Item 4. Purpose of Transaction On June 7, 2016 the Weisman Group on behalf of the Reporting Persons sent a letter to Monty J. Bennett, chief executive officer of AHP, which outlined a non-binding proposal to acquire the assets of AHP (the "Acquisition") for a total consideration of $1.48 billion (including refinancing of all existing AHP debt) . On June 27, 2016 AHP delivered its letter to the Weisman Group in response to the Weisman Group Proposal (the AHP Letter). A copy of the AHP Letter is attached as an exhibit to the Form 8-K filed by AHP on June 27, 2016. On June 30, 2016, as requested by AHP, the Weisman Group delivered a letter affirming its intent to move forward. On July 8, 2016 AHP and AINC delivered drafts of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to the Weisman Group through AHPs financial advisor, Deutsche Bank. On July 14, 2016, Weisman Group and Deutsche Bank further discussed the draft NDAs by phone. On July 21, 2016, in a letter to Monty J. Bennett, chief executive officer of AHP and of AINC, and as requested by Deutsche Bank, Weisman Group reaffirmed a revised an offer to acquire AHP for $1.54 billion and identified provisions in the NDAs that, in Weisman Groups opinion, needed revision. Weisman Group further suggested negotiating and signing an Acquisition Agreement, as an alternative, prior to signing binding NDAs. The Weisman Group letters of June 7, 2016, of June 30, 2016 and of July 21, 2016 are intended to be non-binding expressions of the basic terms upon which Weisman Group proposes to continue discussions with AHP regarding the Acquisition. Any binding agreement with respect to the Acquisition will be subject to, among other things, Weisman Groups completion of its due diligence investigation of AHP, as well as the negotiation of a definitive agreement setting forth the terms and conditions of the Acquisition. Nothing contained in these letters obligates either the Weisman Group or AHP to continue discussions if commenced or otherwise to complete the Acquisition. The foregoing description is a summary of the July 21, 2016 is letter qualified in its entirety by reference thereto as set forth on Exhibit 1 to this Report, which is incorporated into Item 4 by this reference. ITEM 5. INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER. The information set forth and/or incorporated by reference in Items 2, 3 and 4 is hereby incorporated by reference into this Item 5. As of July 1, 2016 the Reporting Persons as a group owned approximately 5.66% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company based on 28,471,775 shares reported to be outstanding as of March 11, 2016. (a)(i) Weisman Group by its voting rights may be deemed the beneficial owner of an aggregate of 1,518,419 shares of the Issuer, or approximately 5.333%, of the total outstanding Shares. (ii) Weisman Capital Group, a member of the Weisman Group, is the beneficial owner of an aggregate of 318,019 shares of the Issuer, or approximately 1.12%, of the total outstanding Shares. (iii) Lyle Weisman, as a manager of Weisman Group and as a manager of Weisman Capital Group, may be deemed jointly to be the beneficial owner of an aggregate of 1,518,419 shares of the Issuer, or approximately 5.333%, of the total outstanding Shares. (iv) Daniel Weisman as a manager of Weisman Group, may be deemed jointly to be the beneficial owner of an aggregate of 1,518,419 shares of the Issuer, or approximately 5.333%, of the total outstanding Shares. (v) Joseph Malka as a manager of Weisman Group, may be deemed jointly to be the beneficial owner of an aggregate of 1,518,419 shares of the Issuer, or approximately 5.333%, of the total outstanding Shares. (vi) AHP Holding is a member of the Weisman Group and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of an aggregate of 154,000 shares of the Issuer, or 0.54%, of the total outstanding Shares. (vii) Joel Aaronson is the beneficial owner of an aggregate of 91,743, or 0.322%, of the total outstanding Shares. (b) Weisman Group has power to vote of 1,518,419 Shares inclusive of 318,019 shares beneficial owned by members of Weisman Capital Group. Each of Lyle Weisman, Daniel Weisman, and Joseph Malka, as managing members, has shared voting and dispositive power over shares beneficially owned by Weisman Group. AHP Holdings has assigned its voting and retains shared dispositive power over its 154,000 Shares. Joel Aaronson has sole voting and sole dispositive power over his 91,743 Shares. (c) (e) Not applicable. Item 7. Exhibits The following documents are filed as exhibits to this statement: Exhibit 1 Letter from the Weisman Group LLC to Monty J. Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of AHP dated July 21, 2016 SIGNATURES After reasonable inquiry and to the best of their knowledge and belief, the undersigned certify that the information set forth in this Statement is true, complete and correct. Date: July 21, 2016 /s/ Lyle Weisman Lyle Weisman Individually, as Manager of Weisman Group LLC, as Manager of Weisman Capital Group LLC /s/ Daniel Weisman Daniel Weisman /s/ Joseph Malka Joseph Malka AHP Holdings LLC By: /s/ Michael Kest1 Michael Kest /s/ Joel Aaronson1 Joel Aaronson i By power of attorney pursuant to Joint Filing Agreement filed with Schedule 13D. /s/ Lyle Weisman Lyle Weisman, Attorney in Fact WEISMAN GROUP, LLC 14001 Ventura Boulevard Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 July 21, 2016 Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. 14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100 Dallas, Texas 75254 Attention: Monty J. Bennett Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors Re: Proposal to Acquire Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. Dear Mr. Bennett: Late afternoon, on Friday July 8, 2016 we received nearly identical NDAs from both Ashford Inc. and Ashford Hospitality Prime, through AHPs financial advisor Deutsche Bank. We are pleased to accept the offer proffered in that email to participate in discussions with AINC. Also, on July 14, 2016, we spoke with the Deutsche Bank team by phone. On the call representing AHP were Drew Goldman, Arthur Goldfrank as well as others on the Deutsche Bank team. In that call, we took the opportunity to materially improve our offer. To summarize: With recent share buybacks in mind -announced on July 5, 2016- and after further review of recent changes to assets, we increase our offer to $1,540,000,000, which is approximately $23.65 per share gross and $20.58 per share net after allocating $70,000,000 for the Advisory Agreement termination fee, which we acknowledge is subject to negotiations and has been presented here to provide a direct comparison for the purposes of this letter. With regards to the NDAs, we were invited on that call to make changes that we needed, and below is a list of generalized concerns, with the forwarded NDAs attached as Exhibit A, plus our redline version of the NDAs, which is still not 100% acceptable to us just yet, attached as Exhibit B, for easy reference. We want to be mindful of AHPs need to protect valid corporate interests, but need to still adjust provisions that we believe are unduly restrictive, unduly vague or which may prove onerous, and we look forward to an updated and mutually acceptable version of the NDAs. Alternatively, the original NDA we sent with our initial offer is still acceptable to us. Fortunately, even if we cant come to mutually acceptable terms regarding the NDAs at this time, there is another potential avenue available that will allow us to move forward on the transaction. This path involves signing a definitive Acquisition Agreement first, with all the customary provisions including a substantial deposit, go-shop period and break-up fee, to be subsequently followed by NDAs. Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. July 21, 2016 Page 2 Regarding the forwarded NDAs, as shareholders, we were concerned that some of the provisions, as written, open the door to actions whose results are not in the best interests of all shareholders. Such provisions, as currently worded, include but are not limited to, AHP and AINC individually being able to: Restrict us from being able to add on equity partners who may bring strategic advantages that could result in a higher price paid. Reject our offer for no reason at all. Restrict our access to Evaluation Material necessary to obtain financing. Deny us the opportunity to bid against another prospective buyer. Deny us the opportunity to present revised offers if our initial offer is rejected. Deny us the ability to communicate directly with the officers of the two companies or their Independent Board members, at AHP and AINC, which we find antithetical to resolving the termination fee to the benefit of all shareholders and further not with the spirit of your letter to us dated June 27, where you stated, We invite you to participate alongside us in discussions with Ashford Inc. regarding the termination fee. We should not let the NDAs become a stumbling block towards effecting a transaction to the benefit of all shareholders, and reiterate the suggested alternative path of negotiating and signing a definitive Acquisition Agreement as stated above. If we have a definitive Acquisition Agreement in place, we would be much more flexible regarding the NDAs, as the Acquisition Agreement would indicate that our good faith efforts to acquire the Company and the significant costs associated with that process would not be needlessly incurred due to an inability to agree on even the most general of terms. We further reiterate that we can reliably expect nothing material to emerge during due diligence. The Companys management is external, and the real estate holdings are relatively simple to evaluate, both from a valuation standpoint as well as a financing standpoint. As you know, property-level income and expenses were recently delineated in AHPs financial reporting on a hotel-by-hotel basis. It is clear that none of the hotels have conditions that preclude the ability to obtain hotel-level financing, as hotel-level financing currently exists across every hotel asset, and furthermore, we believe that anything that would significantly impact the hotels valuations or otherwise impact the Companys ability to obtain hotel-level financing, would need to have been publicly disclosed to all shareholders. Separately, as shareholders of the Company, we obviously want to amicably resolve and negotiate the Advisory Agreement termination fee, but as buyers of the Company, the magnitude of the termination fee will not materially impact our decision to move forward on the transaction. In other words, we are accommodating and flexible to any and all paths that will help ensure that our offer be accepted by the Company and presented to all shareholders of AHP for ratification, as long as those paths dont unduly restrict our ability to participate in a transaction. Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. July 21, 2016 Page 3 We look forward to working with you and your team. Very truly yours, Weisman Group, LLC By: /s/ Lyle Weisman cc: Hertz Investment Group cc: Deutsche Bank EXHIBIT A AINC NDA Ashford Inc. 14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100 Dallas, Texas 75254 July [ ] , 2016 Weisman Group, LLC 14001 Ventura Boulevard Sherman Oaks, California 91423 Attention: Lyle Weisman [Hertz Investment Group] Attention: Judah Hertz Re Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement (this Agreement) Gentlemen: In connection with the consideration by each party (as defined below) hereto of a possible negotiated transaction with the other party hereto (the Transaction), each party is prepared to make available to the other party certain information concerning its company, business, financial condition, operations, assets, liabilities and affairs. Each party acknowledges that such information may include nonpublic information, trade secrets or other business information of a party (the Disclosing Party), the disclosure of which by the other party (the Receiving Party) could harm the Disclosing Party. For avoidance of doubt, (i) references to you, your and the Weisman Group in this Agreement refer to Weisman Group, LLC, [Hertz Investment Group]1 and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates, collectively, and (ii) references to the Company are to Ashford Inc. Weisman Group and the Company are hereinafter sometimes referred to each individually as a party and together as the parties. In consideration for, and as a condition of such information being furnished by each Disclosing Party to the Receiving Party hereunder, each Receiving Party and its Representatives (as defined below) agrees to treat any information concerning the Disclosing Party that is or has been furnished to the Receiving Party or to the Receiving Partys Representatives (regardless of the manner or form in which it is furnished, including without limitation all written, oral and electronic communications), together with any notes, analyses, compilations, studies, interpretations, documents or records containing, referring, relating to, based upon or derived from such information, in whole or in part (collectively, the Evaluation Material) as confidential and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, and to take or abstain from taking certain other actions hereinafter set forth. For purposes of this agreement, the term Representatives shall mean, collectively, (a) with respect to the Weisman Group, its directors, officers, employees, financing sources, agents, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, consultants and any representatives of the foregoing and (b) with respect to the Company, its directors, officers, employees, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants and consultants. 1 Confirm full legal name of Hertz Investment Group. The term Evaluation Material does not include information that (i) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by the Receiving Party or its Representatives, (ii) the Receiving Party can show through written records was within the Receiving Partys possession prior to its being furnished to it or is independently developed by the Receiving Party or its Representatives without violation of this Agreement, or (iii) becomes available to the Receiving Party on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Disclosing Party or any of its Representatives; provided , that in the case of (ii) and (iii) above, the source of such information was not known by the Receiving Party to be bound by a confidentiality agreement with or other contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation of confidentiality to the Disclosing Party or any other party with respect to such information. Each of us (in our capacity as a Receiving Party) hereby agrees that we and our respective Representatives will (a) use the Evaluation Material of the Disclosing Party solely for the purpose of evaluating the Transaction and not for any other purpose, (b) keep the Evaluation Material of the Disclosing Party confidential and (c) not disclose any of the Evaluation Material of the Disclosing Party in any manner and to any party whatsoever without the prior written consent of the Disclosing Party; provided , however , that you or we (in our capacities as Receiving Parties) may disclose any of such information of the Disclosing Party to our respective Representatives (i) who need to know such information for the sole purpose of evaluating the Transaction, (ii) who are informed of the confidential nature of such information and (iii) who are provided with a copy of this Agreement and agree to comply with its terms to the same extent as if they were parties hereto. Each of us will be responsible for any noncompliance with the terms of this Agreement by any of our own respective Representatives (regardless of the fact that such Representatives are not signatories hereto) and each of us agrees to take all reasonable measures (including, but not limited to, court proceedings) to restrain our respective Representatives from disclosure or improper use of the Evaluation Material of the other party. In addition, you agree that, except with the express prior written consent of the Company, you will, and will cause your Representatives to, keep confidential and not disclose in any manner or to any person whatsoever (including, without limitation, by issuing a press release, making a public filing or otherwise making any statement to any person or assisting or encouraging any person with respect to any such issuance or statement) (v) the existence, terms or conditions of this Agreement, (w) that the Evaluation Material exists or has been made available to you, (x) the fact that discussions, investigations or negotiations may take place, are taking place or have taken place concerning the Transaction or any other transaction involving the Company (including your potential participation in a Transaction and the content of any discussions between us and you), (y) any of the terms, conditions or other facts relating to a Transaction or any other transaction involving the Company (including the status thereof) or (z) the fact that you may have an interest in any transaction involving the Company or have taken or may take action with respect to the Company. In addition, you represent that neither you nor any of your affiliates nor any of your or their Representatives have entered into, directly or indirectly, any agreements, arrangements or understandings with any person with respect to a possible Transaction or that could otherwise affect such persons decisions or actions with respect to a possible Transaction or that would violate the further provisions of this paragraph if entered into after the date hereof. You agree that, without the prior written consent of the Company, neither you nor any of your Representatives shall enter into, directly or indirectly, any agreements, arrangements or understandings (or any discussions or negotiations which would be reasonably expected to lead to an arrangement, agreement or understanding) with any other person (other than [Hertz Investment Group]) (i) regarding such persons potential direct or indirect participation in a Transaction as a principal participant, equity co-investor or other source of equity financing for the Weisman Group (if the Weisman Group consummates the Transaction), or (ii) which would limit, restrict, restrain, or otherwise impair in any material manner the ability of a third party to provide debt financing to, or to arrange financing-related assistance for, other bidders participating in any process conducted by the Company and any of its Representatives in respect of the Transaction. The term person as used in this Agreement shall be broadly interpreted to include the media and any corporation, partnership, group, individual or other entity. 2 For so long as discussions regarding a Transaction are continuing between us, you also agree that neither you nor your Representatives will initiate or maintain contact with the Company or its Representatives regarding the business, operations, prospects or finances of the Company, except with the express prior written permission of the Company. The Company will arrange for appropriate contacts for due diligence purposes, to the extent the Company determines to continue discussions with you. You and your Representatives will submit all: (i) communications regarding a Transaction; (ii) requests for information; (iii) requests for facility tours or management meetings; (iv) questions regarding procedures and (v) contacts or inquiries regarding the Company only to persons specifically designated by the Company for that purpose. You also agree that for a period of twelve months after the date hereof, you will not solicit for employment or directly or indirectly hire or employ any officer or employee of the Company or any of its affiliates; provided , however , the foregoing provisions will not prevent you from employing any such person who contacts you in response to general advertisements in periodicals including newspapers and trade publications not specifically directed at any officer or employee of the Company or any of its affiliates. In the event that either of us or our respective Representatives (in our capacity as a Receiving Party) are requested or required by applicable law, regulation, stock exchange rule or regulation, subpoena or other legal proceedings or process (including, without limitation, any deposition, interrogatory or civil or regulatory action or inquiry) to disclose any of the Evaluation Material of a Disclosing Party, the party being required to disclose such information will promptly notify the applicable Disclosing Party in writing so that such Disclosing Party may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy, and shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to assist the Disclosing Party in obtaining such protective order or other appropriate remedy. If a Receiving Party or any of its Representatives are, in the reasonable opinion of such Receiving Partys counsel, legally required to disclose such Evaluation Material, the Receiving Party or its Representatives may, without liability hereunder, disclose that portion of the Evaluation Material which its counsel advises is legally required to be disclosed; provided that the Receiving Party exercises commercially reasonable efforts to preserve the confidentiality of such Evaluation Material. In no event will any party hereto, or any of its Representatives, oppose action by the other party to obtain a protective order or other relief to prevent the disclosure of the Evaluation Material of the other party or to obtain reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be afforded the Evaluation Material of the other party. 3 If you determine not to continue discussions regarding a Transaction, you will promptly notify Mr. Monty J. Bennett, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, of that decision. In that case, or at any time upon the request of the Company for any reason, you will either (i) promptly destroy all copies of the Evaluation Material of or relating to the Company in your or your Representatives possession or (ii) promptly deliver to the Company at your own expense all remaining copies of any such Evaluation Material in your and your Representatives possession. At any time upon your request for any reason, the Company will either (a) promptly destroy all copies of the Evaluation Material of or relating to Weisman Group in the possession of the Company or its Representatives or (b) promptly deliver to Weisman Group at the Companys own expense all remaining copies of any such Evaluation Material in the possession of the Company or its Representatives. In addition, each of us agrees promptly to certify to the other that each of us has complied with the obligations required of us under this paragraph. Notwithstanding the return or destruction of such Evaluation Material, each of us and our Representatives will continue to be bound by our respective obligations hereunder. Each of us understands and acknowledges that neither of us nor any of our Representatives makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any Evaluation Material disclosed to the other party. Each of us agrees that neither of us nor any of our Representatives shall have any liability to the other party or its Representatives relating to or resulting from the use of the Evaluation Material of the other party or any errors therein or omissions therefrom. Only those representations or warranties that may be made in the final, definitive documentation (the Final Transaction Documents) regarding the Transaction, when, as and if executed and delivered by the parties, and subject to such limitations and restrictions as may be specified therein, will have any legal effect. Each party understands and agrees that no contract or agreement providing for any transaction between them shall be deemed to exist between them unless and until the Final Transaction Documents have been executed and delivered. Each party also agrees that unless and until the Final Transaction Documents have been executed and delivered, neither party will be under any legal obligation of any kind whatsoever with respect to such Transaction by virtue of this Agreement. In addition, you acknowledge that the execution and delivery of this Agreement does not in any way signify that the Company is for sale or that any decision has been made to sell the Company, all of which is expressly disclaimed. The Company reserves the right at any time, in its sole discretion, for any reason or no reason, to reject any and all proposals that may be made by you or any of your Representatives, to terminate discussions and negotiations with you, and to refuse to provide any further access to any Evaluation Materials, all without any liability or continuing obligations to you or any of your Representatives. The Company further reserves the right at any time, in its sole discretion, for any reason or no reason, to conduct, directly or through any of its Representatives, any process for any transaction involving the Company, if and as they in their sole discretion shall determine (including, without limitation, negotiating with any other interested parties and entering into a definitive agreement without prior notice to you or any other person), all without any liability or continuing obligations to you or any of your Representatives. You reserve the right at any time, in your sole discretion, for any reason or no reason, to reject any and all proposals that may be made by the Company or any of its Representatives, to terminate discussions and negotiations with the Company or any of its Representatives, and to refuse to provide any further access to any Evaluation Materials, all without any liability or continuing obligations to the Company or any of its Representatives. 4 For a period of two years after the date of this Agreement, with respect to the Company, unless (i) you shall have been specifically invited in writing by the Company, (ii) the Company has publicly announced that it, or a significant portion of its business or operations, is for sale, or (iii) a tender offer or exchange offer is commenced by a third person or group (for purposes of this Agreement, group shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) (which does not involve any noncompliance by the Weisman Group of any provisions of this paragraph) which, if consummated, would make such person or group the Beneficial Owner (as defined below) of a majority of the total combined voting power entitled to vote in the election of directors of the Company and the Companys board of directors either accepts such offer or fails to recommend that its stockholders reject such offer within ten business days of the commencement of the offer, neither the Weisman Group nor any of its Representatives will in any manner, directly or indirectly, (a) effect or seek, offer or propose (whether publicly or otherwise) to effect (including, without limitation, by entering into any discussions, negotiations, agreements or understandings with any third person), or announce any intention to effect or cause or participate in or in any way assist or encourage any other person to effect or seek, offer or propose (whether publicly or otherwise) to effect or participate in, (i) any acquisition, directly or indirectly, of ownership (including Beneficial Ownership) of any securities (including any derivative interest therein) or assets of the Company or any of its affiliates; (ii) any tender or exchange offer, merger or other business combination involving the Company or any of its affiliates; (iii) any recapitalization, restructuring, liquidation, dissolution or other extraordinary transaction with respect to the Company or any of its affiliates; or (iv) any solicitation of proxies (as such terms are used in the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission or under applicable state law) or consents to vote, or seek to advise or influence any person with respect to the voting of, any securities of the Company or any of its affiliates; (b) form, join or in any way participate in a group in connection with any of the foregoing or seek to advise or influence any person with respect to the voting of any securities of the Company or otherwise act in concert with any person in respect of any such securities; (c) otherwise act, alone or in concert with others, to seek to control or influence the management, Board of Directors or policies of the Company or any of its affiliates; (d) take any action which might force the Company or any of its affiliates to make a public announcement regarding any of the foregoing types of matters; (e) disclose any intention, plan or arrangement inconsistent with the foregoing or enter into any discussions or arrangements with any third party with respect to any of the foregoing; or (f) advise, assist or encourage any other persons in connection with any of the foregoing. For purposes of this Agreement, Beneficially Owned or Beneficial Ownership with respect to any subject security means having beneficial ownership of such subject security, as determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act (but disregarding the phrase within sixty days in paragraph (d)(1)(i) thereof), including, without limitation, pursuant to any contract, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing), any relationship or otherwise. Without duplicative counting of the same securities by the same person, securities Beneficially Owned by a person shall include all securities Beneficially Owned, directly or indirectly, by such person, any of such persons affiliates and any other person with which or whom such person or such persons affiliates would constitute a group. A Beneficial Owner of a security is a person who has Beneficial Ownership of such security. 5 Each of us acknowledges to the other that money damages would not be a sufficient remedy for any breach of this Agreement by either of us or any of our Representatives and each of us consents to a court of competent jurisdiction entering an order finding that the non-breaching party has been irreparably harmed as a result of any such breach and to the granting of injunctive relief without any requirement to post a bond or proof of actual damages as a remedy for any such breach. Each of us further agrees not to raise as a defense or objection to the request or granting of such relief that any breach of this Agreement is or would be compensable by an award of money damages. Such remedies shall not be deemed to be the exclusive remedies for a breach by either of us of this Agreement but shall be in addition to all other remedies available at law or equity to either of us. In the event of litigation relating to this Agreement, if a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final order that either of us or any of our Representatives have breached this Agreement, the breaching party will reimburse a non-breaching party for the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the non-breaching party in connection with enforcing its own rights hereunder, including any appeal therefrom. No provision in this Agreement can be waived or amended except by the mutual written consent of the Company and of Weisman Group, which consent shall explicitly make such waiver or amendment. Any attempted waiver or modification in violation of this provision shall be void. No failure or delay by either of us in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or future exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege hereunder. This Agreement and all disputes or controversies arising out of or related to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Texas, without reference to its conflicts of law principles. Each of us hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas for any actions, suits or proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement or, if any such action, suit or proceeding cannot be brought in such court for jurisdictional reasons, of any other state or federal court within the State of Texas, and agrees (i) not to commence any action, suit or proceeding relating thereto except in such courts, (ii) to waive any defenses as to personal jurisdiction of such courts and (iii) that service of any process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail to your address set forth above shall be effective service of process for any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court, provided , that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law. Each of us hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of this Agreement in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas or, if any such action, suit or proceeding cannot be brought in such court for jurisdictional reasons, of any other state or federal court within the State of Texas, and hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. 6 You hereby acknowledge that you are aware, and that you will advise your Representatives who are informed as to the matters which are the subject of this Agreement, that the United States securities laws prohibit any person who has received from an issuer material, non-public information concerning the matters which are the subject of this Agreement from purchasing or selling securities of such issuer or from communicating such information to any other person under circumstances in which it is reasonably foreseeable that such person is likely to purchase or sell such securities. The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable in the event that any of the provisions hereof are held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, and the remaining provisions shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. This Agreement may be executed by original, PDF or facsimile signature and in any number of counterparts. Each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement and the rights and obligations herein may not be assigned or otherwise transferred, in whole or in part, by either party without the express written consent of the other party; provided , however , that the Company may assign or otherwise transfer the Companys rights hereunder to any legal successor to or acquirer of the Company without your consent. [signature page follows] 7 Please confirm your agreement with the foregoing by signing and returning one copy of this Agreement to the undersigned, whereupon this Agreement shall become a binding agreement between the parties. Very truly yours, ASHFORD INC. By: Name: Monty J. Bennett Title: Chief Executive Officer Accepted and agreed as of the date first written above: WEISMAN GROUP, LLC (on behalf of itself and its applicable Representatives) By: Name: Lyle Weisman Title: Manager [HERTZ INVESTMENT GROUP] (on behalf of itself and its applicable Representatives) By: Name: Title: 8 CW&T Comments 7-5-16 Attorney Work Product Privileged and Confidential EXHIBIT B AHP NDA Weisman Group Redline Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. 14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100 Dallas, Texas 75254 July [ ] , 2016 Weisman Group, LLC 14001 Ventura Boulevard Sherman Oaks, California 91423 Attention: Lyle Weisman [ Hertz Investment Group , LLC ] 1522 2nd Street Santa Monica, California 90401 Attention: Judah Hertz Re: Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement (this Agreement) Gentlemen: In connection with the consideration by each party (as defined below) hereto of a possible negotiated transaction with the other party hereto (the Transaction), each party is prepared to make available to the other party certain information concerning its company, business, financial condition, operations, assets, liabilities and affairs. Each party acknowledges that such information may include nonpublic information, trade secrets or other business information of a party (the Disclosing Party), the disclosure of which by the other party (the Receiving Party) could harm the Disclosing Party. For avoidance of doubt, (i) references to you, your and the Weisman Group in this Agreement refer to Weisman Group, LLC, [ Hertz Investment Group , ]1 LLC and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates, collectively, and (ii) references to the Company are to Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. Weisman Group and the Company are hereinafter sometimes referred to each individually as a party and together as the parties. In consideration for, and as a condition of such information being furnished by each Disclosing Party to the Receiving Party hereunder, each Receiving Party and its Representatives (as defined below) agrees to treat any information concerning the Disclosing Party that is or has been furnished to the Receiving Party or to the Receiving Partys Representatives (regardless of the manner or form in which it is furnished, including without limitation all written, oral and electronic communications), together with any notes, analyses, compilations, studies, interpretations, documents or records containing, referring, relating to, based upon or derived from such information, in whole or in part (collectively, the Evaluation Material) as confidential and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, and to take or abstain from taking certain other actions hereinafter set forth. For purposes of this agreement, the term Representatives shall mean, collectively, (a) with respect to the Weisman Group, its directors, officers, employees, financing sources, agents, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, consultants and any representatives of the foregoing and (b) with respect to the Company, its directors, officers, employees, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants and consultants. 1 Confirm full legal name of Hertz Investment Group. The term Evaluation Material does not include information that (i) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by the Receiving Party or its Representatives, (ii) the Receiving Party can show through written records was within the Receiving Partys possession prior to its being furnished to it or is independently developed by the Receiving Party or its Representatives without violation of this Agreement, or (iii) becomes available to the Receiving Party on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Disclosing Party or any of its Representatives; provided , that in the case of (ii) and (iii) above, the source of such information was not known by the Receiving Party to be bound by a confidentiality agreement with or other contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation of confidentiality to the Disclosing Party or any other party with respect to such information. Each of us (in our capacity as a Receiving Party) hereby agrees that we and our respective Representatives will (a) use the Evaluation Material of the Disclosing Party solely for the purpose of evaluating the Transaction and not for any other purpose, (b) keep the Evaluation Material of the Disclosing Party confidential and (c) not disclose any of the Evaluation Material of the Disclosing Party in any manner and to any party whatsoever without the prior written consent of the Disclosing Party; provided , however , that you or we (in our capacities as Receiving Parties) may disclose any of such information of the Disclosing Party to our respective Representatives (i) who need to know such information for the sole purpose of evaluating the Transaction, (ii) who are informed of the confidential nature of such information and (iii) who are provided with a copy of this Agreement and agree to comply with its terms to the same extent as if they were parties hereto. Each of us will be responsible for any material noncompliance with the terms of this Agreement by any of our own respective Representatives (regardless of the fact that such Representatives are not signatories hereto) and each of us agrees to take all reasonable measures (including, but not limited to, court proceedings) to restrain our respective Representatives from disclosure or improper use of the Evaluation Material of the other party. In addition, you agree that, except with the express prior written consent of the Company, you will, and will cause your Representatives to, keep confidential and not disclose in any manner or to any person whatsoever (including, without limitation, by issuing a press release, making a public filing or otherwise making any statement to any person or assisting or encouraging any person with respect to any such issuance or statement) (v) the existence, terms or conditions of this Agreement, (w) that the Evaluation Material exists or has been made available to you, (x) the fact that discussions, investigations or negotiations may take place, are taking place or have taken place concerning the Transaction or any other transaction involving the Company (including your potential participation in a Transaction and the content of any discussions between us and you), (y) any of the terms, conditions or other facts relating to a Transaction or any other transaction involving the Company (including the status thereof) or (z) the fact that you may have an interest in any transaction involving the Company or have taken or may take action with respect to the Company. 2 In addition, you represent that neither you nor any of your affiliates nor any of your or their Representatives have entered into, directly or indirectly, any agreements, arrangements or understandings with any person with respect to a possible Transaction or that could otherwise affect such persons decisions or actions with respect to a possible Transaction or that would violate the further provisions of this paragraph if entered into after the date hereof. Youpaid or is then payable to its lender for due diligence expense undertaken by the lender in support of securing financing for a Transaction. you agree that, without the prior written consent of the Company, neither you nor any of your Representatives shall enter into, directly or indirectly, any agreements, arrangements or understandings (or any discussions or negotiations which would be reasonably expected to lead to an arrangement, agreement or understanding) with any other person (other than [Hertz Investment Group]) LLC) (i) regarding such persons potential direct or indirect participation in a Transaction as a principal participant, equity co-investor or other source of equity financing for the Weisman Group (if the Weisman Group consummates the Transaction), or (ii) which would limit, restrict, restrain, or otherwise impair in any material manner the ability of a third party to provide debt financing to, or to arrange financing-related assistance for, other bidders participating in any process conducted by the Company and any of its Representatives in respect of the Transaction. The term person as used in this Agreement shall be broadly interpreted to include the media and any corporation, partnership, group, individual or other entity. For so long as discussions regarding a Transaction are continuing between us, you also agree that neither you nor your Representatives will initiate or maintain contact with the Company or its Representatives regarding the business, operations, prospects or finances of the Company, except with the express prior written permission of the Company. The Company , promptly following execution of this letter by the Weisman Group, the Hertz Investment Group LLC and the Company, will arrange for appropriate contacts for due diligence purposes, to the extent the Company determines to continue discussions with you. You and your Representatives will submit all: (i) communications regarding a Transaction; (ii) requests for information; (iii) requests for facility tours or management meetings; (iv) questions regarding procedures and (v) contacts or inquiries regarding the Company only to persons specifically designated by the Company for that purpose. You also agree that for a period of twelve months after the date hereof, you will not solicit for employment or directly or indirectly hire or employ any officer or employee of the Company or any of its affiliates; provided , however , the foregoing provisions will not prevent you from employing any such person who contacts you in response to general advertisements in periodicals including newspapers and trade publications not specifically directed at any officer or employee of the Company or any of its affiliates. In the event that either of us or our respective Representatives (in our capacity as a Receiving Party) are requested or required by applicable law, regulation, stock exchange rule or regulation, subpoena or other legal proceedings or process (including, without limitation, any deposition, interrogatory or civil or regulatory action or inquiry) to disclose any of the Evaluation Material of a Disclosing Party, the party being required to disclose such information will promptly notify the applicable Disclosing Party in writing so that such Disclosing Party may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy, and shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to assist the Disclosing Party in obtaining such protective order or other appropriate remedy. If a Receiving Party or any of its Representatives are, in the reasonable opinion of such Receiving Partys counsel, legally required to disclose such Evaluation Material, the Receiving Party or its Representatives may, without liability hereunder, disclose that portion of the Evaluation Material which its counsel advises is legally required to be disclosed; provided that the Receiving Party exercises commercially reasonable efforts to preserve the confidentiality of such Evaluation Material. In no event will any party hereto, or any of its Representatives, oppose action by the other party to obtain a protective order or other relief to prevent the disclosure of the Evaluation Material of the other party or to obtain reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be afforded the Evaluation Material of the other party. 3 If you determine not to continue discussions regarding a Transaction, you will promptly notify Mr. Monty J. Bennett, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, of that decision. In that case, or at any time upon the request of the Company for any reason, you will either (i) promptly destroy all copies of the Evaluation Material of or relating to the Company in your or your Representatives possession or (ii) promptly deliver to the Company at your own expense all remaining copies of any such Evaluation Material in your and your Representatives possession. At any time upon your request for any reason, the Company will either (a) promptly destroy all copies of the Evaluation Material of or relating to Weisman Group in the possession of the Company or its Representatives or (b) promptly deliver to Weisman Group at the Companys own expense all remaining copies of any such Evaluation Material in the possession of the Company or its Representatives. In addition, each of us agrees promptly to certify to the other that each of us has complied with the obligations required of us under this paragraph. Notwithstanding the return or destruction of such Evaluation Material, each of us and our Representatives will continue to be bound by our respective obligations hereunder. Each of us understands and acknowledges that neither of us nor any of our Representatives makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any Evaluation Material disclosed to the other party. Each of us agrees that neither of us nor any of our Representatives shall have any liability to the other party or its Representatives relating to or resulting from the use of the Evaluation Material of the other party or any errors therein or omissions therefrom. Only those representations or warranties that may be made in the final, definitive documentation (the Final Transaction Documents) regarding the Transaction, when, as and if executed and delivered by the parties, and subject to such limitations and restrictions as may be specified therein, will have any legal effect. Each party understands and agrees that no contract or agreement providing for any transaction between them shall be deemed to exist between them unless and until the Final Transaction Documents have been executed and delivered. Each party also agrees that unless and until the Final Transaction Documents have been executed and delivered, neither party , other than as herein explicitly set forth, will be under any legal obligation of any kind whatsoever with respect to such Transaction by virtue of this Agreement. In addition, you acknowledge that the execution and delivery of this Agreement does not in any way signify that the Company is for sale or that any decision has been made to sell the Company, all of which is expressly disclaimed. The Company reserves the right at any time, in its sole discretion, for any reason or no reason, to reject any and all proposals that may be made by you or any of your Representatives, to terminate discussions and negotiations with you, and to refuse to provide any further access to any Evaluation Materials, all without any liability or continuing obligations to you or any of your Representatives. The Company further reserves the right at any time, in its sole discretion, for any reason or no reason, to conduct, directly or through any of its Representatives, any process for any transaction involving the Company, if and as they in their sole discretion shall determine (including, without limitation, negotiating with any other interested parties and entering into a definitive agreement without prior notice to you or any other person), all without any liability or continuing obligations to you or any of your Representatives. You reserve the right at any time, in your sole discretion, for any reason or no reason, to reject any and all proposals that may be made by the Company or any of its Representatives, to terminate discussions and negotiations with the Company or any of its Representatives, and to refuse to provide any further access to any Evaluation Materials, all without any liability or continuing obligations to the Company or any of its Representatives , provided that in such event Weisman Group shall be reimbursed for any actual costs that Weisman Group has incurred and paid or is then payable to its lender for due diligence expense undertaken by the lender in support of securing financing for a Transaction. 4 For a period of two years eight months after the date of this Agreement or the date after which the Company has filed its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, whichever is earlier , with respect to the Company, unless (i) you shall have been specifically invited in writing by the Company, (ii) the Company has publicly announced that a definitive agreement for the sale of the Company has been executed or that it the Company , or a significant portion of its business or operations, is for sale , or (iii) a tender offer or exchange offer is commenced by a third person or group (for purposes of this Agreement, group shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) (which does not involve any noncompliance by the Weisman Group of any provisions of this paragraph) which, if consummated, would make such person or group the Beneficial Owner (as defined below) of a majority of the total combined voting power entitled to vote in the election of directors of the Company and the Companys board of directors either accepts such offer or fails to recommend that its stockholders reject such offer within ten business days of the commencement of the offer, neither the Weisman Group nor any of its Representatives will in any manner, directly or indirectly, (a) effect or seek, offer or propose (whether publicly or otherwise) to effect (including, without limitation, by entering into any discussions, negotiations, agreements or understandings with any third person), or announce any intention to effect or cause or participate in or in any way assist or encourage any other person to effect or seek, offer or propose (whether publicly or otherwise) to effect or participate in, (i) any acquisition, directly or indirectly, of ownership (including Beneficial Ownership) of any securities (including any derivative interest therein) or assets of the Company (other than hotels or other interests in real property that the Company has or may have for sale as to which the restrictions in this Agreement shall not apply) or any of its affiliates; (ii) any tender or exchange offer, merger or other business combination involving the Company or any of its affiliates; (iii) any recapitalization, restructuring, liquidation, dissolution or other extraordinary transaction with respect to the Company or any of its affiliates; or (iv) any solicitation of proxies (as such terms are used in the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission or under applicable state law) or consents to vote, or seek to advise or influence any person with respect to the voting of, any securities of the Company or any of its affiliates; (b) form, join or in any way participate in a group in connection with any of the foregoing or seek to advise or influence any person with respect to the voting of any securities of the Company or otherwise act in concert with any person in respect of any such securities; (c) otherwise act, alone or in concert with others, to seek to control or influence the management, Board of Directors or policies of the Company or any of its affiliates; (d) take any action which might force the Company or any of its affiliates to make a public announcement regarding any of the foregoing types of matters; (e) disclose any intention, plan or arrangement inconsistent with the foregoing or enter into any discussions or arrangements with any third party with respect to any of the foregoing; or (f) advise, assist or encourage any other persons in connection with any of the foregoing. For purposes of this Agreement, Beneficially Owned or Beneficial Ownership with respect to any subject security means having beneficial ownership of such subject security, as determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act (but disregarding the phrase within sixty days in paragraph (d)(1)(i) thereof), including, without limitation, pursuant to any contract, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing), any relationship or otherwise. Without duplicative counting of the same securities by the same person, securities Beneficially Owned by a person shall include all securities Beneficially Owned, directly or indirectly, by such person, any of such persons affiliates and any other person with which or whom such person or such persons affiliates would constitute a group. A Beneficial Owner of a security is a person who has Beneficial Ownership of such security. 5 Each of us acknowledges to the other that money damages would not be a sufficient remedy for any breach of this Agreement by either of us or any of our Representatives and each of us consents to a court of competent jurisdiction entering an order finding that the non-breaching party has been irreparably harmed as a result of any such breach and to the granting of injunctive relief without any requirement to post a bond or proof of actual damages as a remedy for any such breach. Each of us further agrees not to raise as a defense or objection to the request or granting of such relief that any breach of this Agreement is or would be compensable by an award of money damages. Such remedies shall not be deemed to be the exclusive remedies for a breach by either of us of this Agreement but shall be in addition to all other remedies available at law or equity to either of us. In the event of litigation relating to this Agreement, if a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final order that either of us or any of our Representatives have breached this Agreement, the breaching party will reimburse a non-breaching party for the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the non-breaching party in connection with enforcing its own rights hereunder, including any appeal therefrom. No provision in this Agreement can be waived or amended except by the mutual written consent of the Company and of Weisman Group, which consent shall explicitly make such waiver or amendment. Any attempted waiver or modification in violation of this provision shall be void. No failure or delay by either of us in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or future exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege hereunder. This Agreement and all disputes or controversies arising out of or related to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Texas, without reference to its conflicts of law principles. Each of us hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas for any actions, suits or proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement or, if any such action, suit or proceeding cannot be brought in such court for jurisdictional reasons, of any other state or federal court within the State of Texas, and agrees (i) not to commence any action, suit or proceeding relating thereto except in such courts, (ii) to waive any defenses as to personal jurisdiction of such courts and (iii) that service of any process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail to your address set forth above shall be effective service of process for any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court, provided , that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law. Each of us hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of this Agreement in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas or, if any such action, suit or proceeding cannot be brought in such court for jurisdictional reasons, of any other state or federal court within the State of Texas, and hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. 6 You hereby acknowledge that you are aware, and that you will advise your Representatives who are informed as to the matters which are the subject of this Agreement, that the United States securities laws prohibit any person who has received from an issuer material, non-public information concerning the matters which are the subject of this Agreement from purchasing or selling securities of such issuer or from communicating such information to any other person under circumstances in which it is reasonably foreseeable that such person is likely to purchase or sell such securities. The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable in the event that any of the provisions hereof are held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, and the remaining provisions shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. This Agreement may be executed by original, PDF or facsimile signature and in any number of counterparts. Each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement and the rights and obligations herein may not be assigned or otherwise transferred, in whole or in part, by either party without the express written consent of the other party; provided , however , that the Company may assign or otherwise transfer the Companys rights hereunder to any legal successor to or acquirer of the Company without your consent. [signature page follows] 7 Please confirm your agreement with the foregoing by signing and returning one copy of this Agreement to the undersigned, whereupon this Agreement shall become a binding agreement between the parties. Very truly yours, ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC. By: Name: Monty J. Bennett Title: Chief Executive Officer Accepted and agreed as of the date first written above: WEISMAN GROUP, LLC (on behalf of itself and its applicable Representatives) By: Name: Lyle Weisman Title: Manager [ HERTZ INVESTMENT GROUP ] LLC (on behalf of itself and its applicable Representatives) By: Name: Title: Clayton Mitchell New Zealand First MP This week, my thoughts are with the people of France, the United States, Turkey and the many other countries around the world suffering from violent assaults on innocent people. Comparatively, we live in a relatively safe country with a culture preferring public debate over the use of weapons when settling disputes. However, "around the world" is increasingly moving in "around here" with 70,000 new immigrants moving to New Zealand each year. That will be 700,000 new immigrants in just 10 years, meaning 15% of our current population will be made up of new immigrants. This is four times the UK rate of immigration per capita. Such large scale immigration is already rapidly changing our culture, our norms, our expectations and our behaviours. This current rate of immigration is unsustainable, unwise and unsafe. As a case study, when the Washington District of Colombia in the United States had a quick influx of immigrants from a specific war torn nation, they simultaneously experienced an increase in violent crimes and deaths too horrific to detail. While immigration is necessary, in order to protect our people, immigration must be planned and measured. We require the Government to be thoughtful in their policies. Instead, adding to their reckless and unsustainable immigration policies, this Government has put all of our heads above the parapet by sending our troops to Iraq, and again by extending their stay there. While we cannot and will not hide from the world, we must ensure that our government's policies put New Zealand and New Zealanders first, protecting what is best about our country and leading us into responsible growth. Brian Rogers Rogers Rabbits www.sunlive.co.nz Tired of your current job? Need a change of pace? Looking to climb the ladder of vocational success? Now is a good time to cast around for a new profession, because there are plenty of vacancies arising for some prime positions. Helen Clark is busy nailing her new job at the UN. Which means her old job could soon be up for grabs. Youve just missed out on the Prime Ministership of Britain, after David Cameron resigned. Theresa May just beat you to it. Never mind, the USAs top job is up for grabs and the current applicants seem to fall short on credibility, so that could be a sure thing for anyone with a few brains and a tidy hairpiece. Professional athlete: The entire Russian Olympic team are sacked, so surely there must be opportunity opening there. I will Putin a good word for you. H ead Banana Ripener: If you have a bent for the business, this could be the job for you. I spotted this on TradeMe this week. Any employment in the fruit business must have a ripe future. If you could land a plum job like this, working with a great bunch, climb the tree of success and even branch out to enjoy the fruits of your labourwho knows, you could end up working for Apple. I heard on the grapevine that the Head Banana Ripener job is appealing or is the Banana Openers job more appealing? What a mayor TECT elections are happening right now, but you may have left your run a bit late. Theres always council elections later in the year. You could be a city or Western Bay of Plenty councillor or even the Mayor! Im not pulling your chain, both the mayoralties in this region are coming vacant and applications are open now. Emperor of Japan would be a lucrative number if you could land it. The current bloke, Emperor Akihito, is making noises about abdicating in the next few years. So if the Banana Business doesnt pan out, this could be your next best option. Pun Writer: The position at Sun Media is likely to become vacant, based on the punishing performance on this page. Insurance truths Meanwhile, Pat Dillon points to recent TV advertisements, and says the insurance industry reveals interesting truths about itself and what they think of us. 1) That life insurance man that catches multiple (dead, rigormortis) fish. Promises much but wont pay out if you die within two years. You get some premiums back only. 2) Penguins steal the kids bike? In reality, 99 per cent people wouldnt get a payout because the low value of kids bike is below their excess. 3) Aliens attack? Nope, policies doesnt cover war/invasion. 4) How about the well-spoken ram on life insurance? This policy would never pay out as the lambs all die well before the insured ram! Dont you hate those adverts? Yes, Pat, great observations. In fact we ran these issues past our reliable sources in the industry, who point out further disturbing facts: The man fishing arranges funeral cover but generally they pay out once cover accepted. Not only does he catch dead fish but when he leaves home he has only a boat reel on his rod, yet when he gets to the wharf it has turned into a surf casting reel. The funeral cover is for his wifes interfering friend who hasnt had any acting parts since the 1970s. Those pesky penguins it wont be long until insurance companies exclude losses, thefts and malicious damage by penguins. They, of course dont have the problem in the Northern Hemisphere their problem is with polar bears! And yes, Pat, most kids bikes would fall under the excess. War, Invasion, Act of Foreign Enemies and Terrorism are exclusions. We have a greater threat from the Pokemon app! Property market lunacy Heres the answer to rising property prices: Buy land on the Moon. The Rabbit discovered this amazing deal: A claim to an acre of land on the Moon, with a hard copy certificate of title. Heres the claim... The United Nations Outer Space Treaty of 1967 states that no government or nation can own extraterrestrial property or that on other planets. However, it neglected to mention that individuals and corporations could not own it. In November 1980, upon spotting this supposed loophole, Dr Dennis M. Hope made a Declaration of Ownership of the seven other planets in our solar system along with all the moons and Pluto. He filed it with the United Nations and the American and Russian governments. Then he established The Lunar Embassy to sell claims to the land. Since then it has grown with millions of owners of extra-terrestrial real estate claims from 176 countries, including many famous people and celebrities. Sounds like a bargain! From the sideline John Mathieson has a report from Saturday morning rugby: At one point during a game, the coach called one of his nine-year-old Bay Juniors players aside and asked: Do you understand what co-operation is? What a team is? Yes, coach, replied the little boy. Do you understand that what matters is whether we win or lose together as a team? The boy nodded. So, the coach continued: Im sure you know, when an out is called, you shouldnt argue, curse, attack the ref, or call him an a**hole. Do you understand all that? Again, the little boy nodded. The coach continued: And when I take you out of the game so that another boy gets a chance to play, its not a dumb ass decision or that the coach is a s***head, is it? No, coach. Good, said the coach. Now go over there and explain all that to your grandmother. brian@thesun.co.nz Feed your Rabbits Habit, see more on Facebook Rogers Rabbit Blog Simon Bridges National MP simonbridges.co.nz Even in the middle of winter, Tauranga is a stunning place. The temperatures may have dropped but people are still getting out and about. And it never ceases to amaze me how many people still take time to enjoy our beautiful beaches, parks and reserves and how many still make their daily climb up Mauao. You can see why Tauranga is such a popular place to be. Its not new for me to say people are moving here in their droves. But with a booming local economy, great local assets and a great community atmosphere, you can see why. Of those moving here, many are families; and they are all set to benefit from some great initiatives, both locally and through the Government. Work is being done to make Tauranga a vibrant and exciting city to live in. The new Greerton Library was officially opened last week, with more than 200 people in attendance. Theres plans for a new school to accommodate the growing population, plus millions is being spent on making Bay roads safer. Families in Tauranga will benefit from the recent increases to Paid Parental Leave and free doctors visits and prescriptions to children under 13. On July 1 the Governments new Raising Healthy Kids target came into force. It aims to get 95 per cent of children, who are identified as obese in our free B4 School health checks, referred to a health professional for support to improve their familys lifestyle through better nutrition and more physical activity, by 2017. Thats just part of our programme to give children the best possible start in life. We are also helping more children to succeed at school through a record $11 billion investment in education. Were also investing about $2 billion every year in housing to support close to 470,000 New Zealanders. And in Tauranga 449 buyers have been helped into their first home through the Governments HomeStart scheme. We are ambitious for New Zealand families, and back them to succeed. We have a busy work programme ahead of us and National will continue working hard to build the brighter future we all want for ourselves and our country. Local Pokemon Go hunters are in a quandary over a ban laid down by Tauranga bar Krazy Jack earlier this week. While some plan to challenge the ban made on social media and descend on the unwelcoming bar this Friday night, others say theyd rather go to nearby bars that supports Pokemon Go players. UPDATED 4.50PM: A woman and four children whove been missing in Te Urewera National Park for the past 48 hours are in the process of being winched out the bush this afternoon. Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Kevin Taylor says the group had originally entered the park in the Otamatuna Ridge area, northeast of Murapara, at about 1pm on Tuesday. The Bay of Plenty was the fifth most popular destination for international migrants in the year to June 2016. According to data released by Statistics New Zealand today, the Bay experienced a net gain of 2452 international migrants, which is up by 853 people compared to the June 2015 year. Diverse. Thats the way superyacht captain Matt Lovett sums up cruising New Zealand, and he would know. The lifelong sailor has had a 25 year career in the superyacht industry which has seen him sail 95 thousand miles across the worlds oceans The Australian-first Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub) will bring together the best of Victorias aerospace research, design and manufacturing leaders to work with industry on the next generation of air mobility. Del Francis believes in symbolism. That is why he chose June 3 of his 74th year alive to start riding his bicycle from Sulphur Springs Texas to Washington, D.C., to call attention to 74 of his shipmates he believes should have their names on the Vietnam Memorial Wall. The names are of sailors from the USS Frank E. Evans DD 754 and they were killed in a collision off the coast of Vietnam on June 3 of 1969. Francis was asleep in his rack when 74 of his shipmates disappeared into the South China Sea after the destroyer was struck mid ship by an Australian carrier. He refers to them as the lost 74 because only one of the bodies was ever recovered. Somehow the other 224 sailors managed to save the stern section of the destroyer, helping lash it to the Australian carrier and eventually tow it to Subic Bay in the Philippines. The Department of Defense has denied the sailors a place on the wall because they were outside the combat zone when the accident happened. Francis said the ship was actually listed as being in the Philippines. There was also a two week period in June when no ships were listed as being in Vietnam. Francis rode route 19 through this part of Virginia and stopped at the Pounding Mill WalMart July 19 to take a break from his route. Politics is the answer he gives for the names not being on the wall. This incident took place just after the battle of Hamburger Hill in May of 1969 and President Richard Nixon did not want any more mass casualties announced. The Evans was the only warship that did not return from service in Vietnam and the 74 deaths were the second largest loss of life for the Navy in the war. He said the ship was credited with Vietnam service on the day of the crash and had just left the gun line where they were firing in support of ground troops. Francis is a member of the USS Frank E. Evans Association which has over 200 members. Their mission is to preserve the memory of the lost 74. I turned 74 on May 22 and out of frustration I decided I might be able to draw some attention to the situation by riding my bicycle across the country, says Francis. Describing himself as a recreational rider he set a goal of 35 miles a day to get to DC by mid August. His girlfriend Loretta McKay and his buddy Larry Cuzzupe follow Francis in a jeep and pick him up at the end of the ride. Loretta works the phone, coordinating with media outlets in every town to make sure they have the chance to help get the story out. They also have a banner on the jeep and on the jersey Francis wears. They hope to have family members and friends of some of the sailors meet them in Washington when they arrive. The association placed a link on its facebook page to allow people to make donations to help fund the ride. For more information on the association log on to www.ussfee.org or follow the rides progress at Where is Del? Unsinkable Sailors by Paul Sherbo chronicles the ship and the sailors for history. American Boys by Louise Esola tells the story of the 74 sailors and how they were lost off the coast of Vietnam. Local country singer JessLee will perform at 8:30 p.m. July 23 at Terra Fermata in Stuart. (FILE PHOTO) As the daughter of a combat veteran, I have a special interest in organizations that support our military veterans. I recently learned of a nonprofit called the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association made up of members who have fought for our country and now combine their love of motorcycles with raising funds for other vets and their families. They also participate in ceremonies honoring veterans and welcoming home active military. According to www.combatvet.org, its motto is "Veterans Helping Veterans," and its focus is to "help veteran care facilities provide a warm meal, clothing, shelter and guidance or simply to say 'Thank You and Welcome Home.' " It's refreshing to see local "tough" guys working together for a great cause. This weekend, you can help them help their own. On Saturday, the organization will partner with local country music artist JessLee for a fundraising event at Terra Fermata, 26 S.E. Sixth St. in Stuart. The event runs from 5 to 10 p.m. Special guest Cassidy Diana will perform at 7 p.m., followed by a concert by JessLee at 8:30 p.m. JessLee is a local girl who grew up in Loxahatchee and now resides in Stuart. Born into a musical family, she has been performing since childhood and her resume includes singing the national anthem for the Florida Marlins and appearing on Season 13 of "American Idol." Her music is described as a fusion of country, rock and pop. To hear her, visit www.jessleemusic.com. The event will feature ongoing live music, raffles and an auction to raise money for veterans. Food will be available to purchase. The Road to Victory Military Museum will host a display of historical and military vehicles and Crown Car Care will have an exhibit of modern motorcycles to enjoy. Tickets are $10 in advance at terrafermata.com or $12 at the door. Lauren Espitia writes about things to do in Martin County for #TCPalmSocial. Contact her at laurenespitia74@gmail.com or follow @LaurenEspitia on Twitter. SHARE THURSDAY'S SPECIAL EVENTS Coffee With A Cop: McDonald's and the Martin County Sheriff's Office are hosting. 8-10 a.m. July 21. McDonald's, 5960 S.E. U.S. 1/Cove Road, Stuart. Sea Turtle Walks: Learn about these endangered reptiles and experience a female Loggerhead Sea Turtle lay eggs. $5. Nighttime walks. July 21, 22. Reservations: 772-546-2067; www.hobesoundnaturecenter.com. Martin County Commission Candidate Forum: Candidate Forum for Martin County Commission focus on environment, river. 6:30-7:45 p.m. July 21. Blake Library, 2351 S.E. Monterey Road, Stuart. 772-286-9845; savemartincounty.org. Release of Red Shouldered Hawk back into the wild: 2 p.m. July 21. Wallace Chevrolet, 3575 SE Federal Hwy., Stuart. LUAU: Fire Twirling, Refreshing adult beverages, delicious food & amazing raffles. 7-9 p.m. July 21. The Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast, 1707 N.E. Glentry Ave., Jensen Beach. Ages: 21+. $25. Ticket: 772-225-7575; www.ChildrensMuseumTC.org. THURSDAY'S RECURRING EVENTS Art/Crafts Alizarin Crimson Art Studio: Over 30 years of Fine Art Instruction Painting Classes-All Levels. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Cedar Pointe Plaza, 2611 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. All ages. 772-287-7030; Alizarincrimsonstudio.net. Professional Teaching Staff: Georgia Abood, Kate Wood & Jennifer Pollack. Imaginative Drawing Class: 4:30-7:30 p.m. The Artists Nook, 43 S.E. Kindred St., Stuart. Ages: 15+. $30-$360. paradigm_shiftin@mac.com. Rendering in Mixed Media: Learn to Draw colorfully with more than just a pencil. 7:30-10:30 p.m. The Artists Nook, 43 S.E. Kindred St., Stuart. Ages: 16+. $30-$360. paradigm_shiftin@mac.com. Watercolor Classes: Class taught by two award winning area artists. 1-3 p.m. MCP&R Log Cabin Senior Center, Langford Park, 2369 N.E. Dixie Highway, Jensen Beach. Multigenerational. $15. 772-334-2926; zcarter@martin.fl.us. CHILDREN/TEENS "Music & Movement": Parent/child classes designed to enhance child's growth and development. Ages: 27-60 months. 9:30-10:30 a.m. The Children's Museum, 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach. 772-225-7575. "Music & Movement": Parent/child classes designed to enhance child's growth and development. Siblings. 10:45-11:45 a.m. The Children's Museum, 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach. 772-225-7575. "Music & Movement": Parent/child classes designed to enhance child's growth and development. Ages: 3-11 months. Noon-1 p.m. The Children's Museum, 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach. 772-225-7575. "Music & Movement": Parent/child classes designed to enhance child's growth and development. Ages: 12-18 months. 1:15-2:15 p.m. The Children's Museum, 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach. 772-225-7575. CLUBS Hobe Sound Port Salerno Rotary Club: 5:45-7 p.m. Pirates Cove Resort, 4307 S.E. Bayview St., Stuart. Ages: 22+. A la carte snacks, drinks meals. 775-263-0529; HSPSRotaryclub.com. DANCE Adult Summer Dance Camp: Classes and Social Parties for Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country Dance. 4-10 p.m. Jensen Beach Ballroom, 881 Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. Ages: 18+. $100 to $300 per month per person. Register: 609-356-2973; gloriana@jensenbeachballroom.com. Belly Dance with Helia: A complete workout. 5:45 p.m. Jensen Beach Ballroom, 881 N.E. Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. Ages: 14+. $11-$45. 772-460-7971; www.movingharmonies.com. Dance Classes: Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country and Club group and private classes. 1-9 p.m. Jensen Beach Ballroom, 881 N.E. Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. Discounts available. Register: 609-356-2973; www.JensenBeachBallroom.com. Group Dance Lessons: Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country. 6 p.m. Jensen Beach Ballroom, 881 N.E. Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. $10 per person. 609-356-2973; jensenbeachballroom.com. EXERCISE/HEALTH Basic Yoga for Inner Peace: One hour of yoga poses and half-hour of guided meditation. 10-11:30 a.m. Unity of Stuart, 211 S.E. Central Parkway, Stuart. Adults. $10. Register: 772-214-0892; www.unityofstuart.org. Gentle Chair Yoga: Gentle Chair Yoga. 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Kane Center, 900 S.E Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 55+. $8/$10. 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org. Hip Pop Fitness: Dance your way to fitness. River Walk Center, 600 N. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce. 6:30 p.m. Ages: 18+. 772-224-4506; chrystalismoments16@gmail.com. Senior Fitness: 1-2 p.m. Class using weights, balls & stretch bands. Kane Senior Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 55+. $4-$6. 772-223-7807; www.kanecenter.org. Tai Chi for Arthritis: 10-11 a.m. April 21. Kane Center, 900 S.E Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 60+. $8/$10. 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org. Total Body Workout: 4-5 p.m. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 50+. $4/$6. 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org. Zumba Gold: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 50+. $4/$6. 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org. OTHER Piano Instruction: Beginners to concert level. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Shirley Heifetz, Jensen Beach. Ages: 8+. Registration: 772-934-6812. FRIDAY'S SPECIAL EVENTS Coffee With A Cop: McDonald's and the Martin County Sheriff's Office are hosting. 8-10 a.m. July 22. McDonald's, 11671 S.E. U.S. 1, Hobe Sound. Luau Night: Dance Social and Potluck Dinner. 7-10 p.m. July 22. Jensen Beach Ballroom, 881 N.E. Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. $12. 772-444-7003; Gloriana@jensenbeachballroom.com. Back To School Supply Drive: Helping local families through back to school supply drive. Thru July 22. Florida Living Realty, 8942 S.E. Bridge Road, Hobe Sound. 772-546-7006; www.floridalivingrealty.com. FRIDAY'S RECURRING EVENTS ART Alizarin Crimson Art Studio: Over 30 years of Fine Art Instruction Painting Classes-All Levels. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Cedar Point Plaza, 2611 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. All ages. 772-287-7030; Alizarincrimsonstudio.net. Professional Teaching Staff: Georgia Abood, Kate Wood & Jennifer Pollack. Art Classes: Impressionism to realism oil painting classes with Kate Wood. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 1-4 p.m., weekly. Alizarin Crimson Studio, 2611 E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. Adult. $35. Register: 772-287-0835; fineartrestorers.com. Intuitive Watercolor Class: Express your inner self in watercolor to create beautiful artwork. 1:30-4:30 p.m. Artist Nook, 45 Kindred St., Stuart. $30. Register: 772-692-4733; sferina222@yahoo.com. Youth Art Classes: Oil painting for young students with instructor Kate Wood. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Alizarin Crimson Studio, 2611 E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. Ages: 12+. $25. Register: 772-287-0835; fineartrestorers.com. CHILDREN/TEEN "Music & Movement": Parent/child classes designed to enhance child's growth and development. Ages: 27-60 months. 9-10 a.m. Florida Arts & Dance Studio, 938 S.E. Central Parkway, Stuart. 772-288-4150. "Music & Movement": Parent/child classes designed to enhance child's growth and development. Ages: 12-18 months. 10:15-11:15 a.m. Florida Arts & Dance Studio, 938 S.E. Central Parkway, Stuart. 772-288-4150. "Music & Movement": Parent/child classes designed to enhance child's growth and development. Ages: 19-26 months. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Florida Arts & Dance Studio, 938 S.E. Central Parkway, Stuart. 772-288-4150. "Music & Movement": Parent/child classes designed to enhance child's growth and development. Ages: 3-11 months. 12:45-1:45 p.m. Florida Arts & Dance Studio, 938 S.E. Central Parkway, Stuart. 772-288-4150. DANCE Adult Summer Dance Camp: Classes and Social Parties for Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country Dance. 4-10 p.m. Jensen Beach Ballroom, 881 Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. Ages: 18+. $100 to $300 per month per person. Register: 609-356-2973; gloriana@jensenbeachballroom.com. Broadway Style Tap Dance Classes: 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Dance Academy of Stuart, 333 Tressler Drive, Stuart. 772-286-9671; rbetteboo@aol.com. Dance Classes: Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country and Club group and private classes. 1-9 p.m. Jensen Beach Ballroom, 881 N.E. Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. Discounts available. Register: 609-356-2973; www.JensenBeachBallroom.com. Friday Dance Party: Music mix is Smooth, Latin, Swing and Country. 7-10 p.m. Jensen Beach Ballroom, 881 N.E. Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. $12 per person. Reservation: 609-356-2973; www.JensenBeachBallroom.com. EXERCISE/health Aerobic Sitting Exercises: 9-10 a.m. MCP& R Log Cabin Senior Center, Langford Park, 2369 N.E. Dixie Highway, Jensen Beach. Ages: 50+. $2. 772-334-2926; zcarter@martin.fl.us. Zumba Gold: 9-10 a.m. Kane Center, 900 S.E Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 50+. $4/$6. 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org. GAMES St. Luke's Bingo: 9:30 a.m. St. Luke's Parish Hall, 5150 S.E. Railway Ave/Corner of A1A /Cove, Stuart. Ages: 18+. 772-286-5455; stlukes@stlukesfl.org. OTHER Food Truck Extravaganza: A gathering of food trucks in Port Salerno. 4-8 p.m. St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5150 Railway Ave., Port Salerno. Ladies Night with DJ Turn UP and DJ Beatnox: 8 p.m. 360 Tiki Bar and Lounge, 1200 Southeast U.S. 1, Stuart. 772-287-6917; Kathleenickes@gmail.com. Piano Instruction: Beginners to concert level. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Shirley Heifetz, Jensen Beach. Ages: 8+. Registration: 772-934-6812. Reggae with the Floridan Band with Steel Drums: 6-9 p.m. Mulligans Beach House, 2019 N.E. Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. www.thefloridianband.com. Seniors Vs. Crime: Group to assist senior citizens. 9 a.m.-noon. St. Lucie West Courthouse Annex, 250 Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie. 772-871-5350; SeniorsVsCrimePSL@gmail.com. Social Bridge: Very friendly group for rubber bridge. 1 p.m. PSL Community Center, Airoso Blvd. & PSL Blvd., Port St. Lucie. All ages. $2. 772-332-8200; PSLSocialBridge@gmail.com. LOOKING AHEAD Salsa Workshop: 6-7:30 p.m. July 23. Jensen Beach Ballroom, 881 N.E. Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. Ages: 15+. $12-$15. Register: 772-444-7003; gloriana@jensenbeachballroom.com. Make the Most of Your Doctor's Appointment: Make the Most of Your Doctor's Appointment. 10:30 a.m. July 25. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 60+. RSVP: 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org. Let's Get Crafty: Coloring for adults, use your own materials or ours. 3 p.m. July 25. Robert Morgade Library, 5851 S.E. Community Drive, Stuart. 772-463-3245; www.library.martin.fl.us. Stop the Financial Insanity Course: Michael Burleigh, financial expert will teach the course. 6-7:30 p.m. July 26. Indian River State College, Wolf High-tech Center, 2400 Salerno Road, Building C, Room C102, Stuart. Reservation: 888-710-1002; www.peakcapital.fixedincomecounsel.com. Coffee With A Cop: McDonald's and the Martin County Sheriff's Office are hosting. 8-10 a.m. July 27. Jensen Beach McDonald's, 3546 N.W. U.S. 1, Jensen Beach. Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Education: 2:30-4 p.m. July 27. Mayes Center Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 S.E. Indian St., Stuart. 800-272-3900; dtrue@alz.org. Candidate Forum: Mix & Mingle with Congressional and State Representative Candidates. 5:30-7 p.m. July 27. Location TBA. $10 per person, includes 2 drink tickets and light hors d'oeuvres. RSVP required: www.hobesound.org. Meet & Greet with Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch: Campaign for Martin County Commissioner. 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 27. Harry and the Natives, 11910 U.S. 1, Hobe Sound. RSVP: 772-287-5272; jordan@fireflyforyou.com. "Rockin' 4 The Waters": A benefit concert for the organizations working for the betterment of our ocean, our marine life, our beaches, and our people. Special Acoustic Performances by Jasin O'Neil Todd of Shinedown fame. Through music we will add our voices to help carry the message, SAVE OUR WATERWAYS. There will be a silent auction. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. July 27. The Stillery, 2196 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. $7 at the door. Portion of proceeds will be donated to 2 nonprofit organizations working for the waterways. Coffee With A Cop: McDonald's and the Martin County Sheriff's Office are hosting. 8-10 a.m. July 28. McDonald's, 2900 S.W. Martin Downs Blvd., Palm City. What's In Our Wetland?: Program exploring the preserve area. 10:30 a.m. July 29. Peter & Julie Cummings Library, 2551 S.W. Matheson Ave., Palm City. 772-288-2551; www.library.martin.fl.us. The Jiggleman Show: The Jiggleman show is high-energy and fun for all ages. 3 p.m. July 29. Blake Library, 2351 S.E. Monterey Road, Stuart. Dog Foster/Adoption Showcase: Foster or adopt; dogs of all sizes ready for love. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 30. Pet Supermarket, 2595 S.E. U.S. 1, Stuart. 772-203-7485; nalasrescue.org. Sensory Friendly Day: 10 a.m.-Noon. July 31. The Children's Museum, 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach. 772-225-7575. AUGUST Bankruptcy and Fair Debt Collections Know Your Rights: Clinics on Bankruptcy and Fair Debt Collections. 6 p.m. Aug. 1, Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 7, Dec. 5. Port St. Lucie Civic Center, 9221 S.E. Civic Center Place, Port St. Lucie. Register: 772-466-4766; www.FRLS.org. Line Dancing: 5-6 p.m. Aug. 3. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 50+. $30/$36. Register: 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org. Photography Class: Photography Class. Noon-1 p.m. Aug. 4. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 21+. $90-$100. Register: 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org. Writing Artist Statements, Bios and More: Part of Arts Council Summer Series for Artists. 9:30 a.m.-noon Aug. 5. Court House Cultural Center, 80 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. $20 for Arts Council members; $25 for nonmembers. Reservation: 772-287-6676; www.martinarts.org. Dinner/Dance Fundraiser: Dinner/Dance Fundraiser for Adult Day Program. 5-7 p.m. Aug. 5. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. $12. Ticket: 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org. Great Back Pack Give Away: Free fully stocked back packs for children K-8. 8-11 a.m. Aug. 6. St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5150 S.E. Railway Ave. Cove Road A1A, Port Salerno. Back-to-School Bash: Noon-4 p.m. Aug. 6. Treasure Coast Square, 3174 N.W. U.S. 1, Jensen Beach. Pup Crawl: Begins at Spoto's and then heads to Sneaki Tiki, Crafted Keg and then ends at Terra Fermata; dogs must remain on lead. 5:30 p.m. Aug. 6. Spoto's Oyster Bar, 131 S.W. Flagler Ave., Stuart. $20. Ages: 21. Benefits the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. 772- 600-3211. 2nd Annual Pup Crawl: Pup Crawl to benefit HSTC Shelter Pets. 5:30-10 p.m. Aug. 6. Downtown Stuart starting at Spoto's Oyster Bar, 131 S.W. Flagler Ave., Stuart. Ages: 21+. $20 per person. Ticket: 772-600-3211; czanetti@hstc1.org. Biologist Beach Walk: Public insight into LMC's research department. 6:45-8:30 a.m. Aug. 8.-Sept. 30. Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 U.S. 1 Juno Beach. Ages: 8+. $12. Ticket: 561-627-8280; www.marinelife.org/beachwalk. Backpack & School Supplies Distribution: Free Backpacks and School Supplies. Noon-2 p.m. Aug. 10. The Salvation Army of Martin County, 821 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Stuart. Grades: K-8. 772-288-1471; Maria.McGowan@uss.salvationarmy.org. Jazz Dance Class: 1-2 p.m. Aug. 10. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 50+. $30/$35. Register: 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org. Coffee With A Cop: McDonald's and the Martin County Sheriff's Office are hosting. 8-10 a.m. Aug. 11. McDonald's, 3600 S.W. U.S. 1, Wedgewood Commons, Stuart. Tales from the Archives: Learn historical research & new findings from our Museum's collection. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 17. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, 500 Captain Armour's Way, Jupiter. RSVP: 561-7478380; www.jupiterlighthouse.org. Estate & Long-Term Care Planning: Estate & Long-Term Care Planning. 3 p.m. Aug. 18. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 60+. RSVP: 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org. Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch: Hang 20 Surf Dog Classic Pre-party and fundraiser. 5 p.m. Aug. 18. Guanabanas Waterfront Restaurant, 60 N. Highway A1A, Jupiter. Donation. RSVP: 561-737-5311; www.furryfriendsadoption.org. Lighthouse Moonrise Tour: View the Full Moon from atop the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. 7:15 p.m. Aug. 18. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, 500 Captain Armour's Way, Jupiter. Children must be at least 48" to climb tower. $20 or $15 for Members. Reservation: 561-747-8380; www.jupiterlighthouse.org. Beach 2 Beach 5k: Run/walk to benefit South Fork High's cross country team. 6:45 p.m. Aug. 19. Jensen Sea Turtle Beach, 4191 N.E. Ocean Blvd., Jensen Beach. $18-$25. Register: 772-521-3548; www.active.com/jensen-beach-fl/running/distance-running-races/beach-to-beach-5k-2016?int. Hearts at Home: Hearts at Home, Congestive Heart Failure-Focused Care. 10:30 a.m. Aug. 22. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 60+. RSVP: 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org. Brian Joseph Johnson SHARE By Lamaur Stancil of TCPalm INDIAN RIVER COUNTY As deputies stepped up patrols in areas where burglaries had been reported in the past week, they arrested a felon in a subdivision where a home was targeted. Brian Joseph Johnson, 34, of the 600 block of Fourth Place, Vero Beach, was riding what the Indian River County Sheriff's Office later determined was a stolen scooter in the Lexington Place subdivision, northeast of Oslo Middle School. An employee of the community said he noticed Johnson on the scooter Wednesday night, looking at homes. Lexington Place is where a family in the 1400 block of Lexington Square Southwest reported Monday a laptop was stolen from their home. And last week, about half a dozen car owners said their vehicles were burglarized off Oslo Road. Sheriff's spokesman Lt. Eric Flowers said detectives have taken note and were trying to solve the cases. A deputy saw Johnson about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 300 block of 20th Avenue Southwest. The deputy said he noticed the scooter didn't have a working taillight. Johnson fled on the scooter when the deputy tried to make a traffic stop. Johnson rode through several backyards as he fled, the Sheriff's Office said. He fell off the scooter and was apprehended in the 1700 block of Second Street. Johnson was charged with grand theft auto, loitering, resisting arrest without violence, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, fleeing and eluding, driving while his license was revoked and having no motorcycle endorsement. The scooter had been reported stolen in January. In 2010, Johnson was sentenced to three years in prison for nine counts of trafficking in stolen property and eight counts of giving false information to a pawn broker. Johnson also had warrants for his arrest Wednesday for failing to appear in court in Indian River and fraudulent use of a credit card in St. Lucie County. He was being held at the Indian River County jail in lieu of $31,000 bail. SHARE Brian Johnson, 34, St. Petersburg; grand theft auto; possession of methamphetamine; warrant for fraudulent use of a credit card. Steven Chinn, 24, no street address or city; warrant for violation of probation, battery prior conviction, trespass in an occupied structure. James McCray, 48, 8500 block of 61st Drive, Sebastian; warrants for possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of cocaine; tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. Alexander Parnell, 19, 2400 block of 16th Avenue, Vero Beach; burglary of an unoccupied conveyance while unarmed; larceny/grand theft. Arrested in St. Lucie County. By Laurie K. Blandford of TCPalm MARTIN COUNTY Jensen Beach resident Sharmaine LaFleur asked leaders from across the county about what to do during traffic stops in the wake of law enforcement-involved fatal shootings of black men. Sheriff William Snyder had a simple answer: "Comply." More than 100 people gathered Thursday evening at Ground Floor Farm in Stuart for two hours to hear local leaders including Stuart police Chief David Dyess, State Attorney Bruce Colton and Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Darren Slater answer questions like these. If people feel like they were wrongly stopped, Slater said, a supervisor who identifies trends in traffic stops is only a phone call away. "If we don't know about it," Slater said, "there's nothing we can do about it." The community meeting, called "United We Stand, Leading by Example" was organized by Aron Dames, a Hobe Sound native and owner of Aron's Towing since he started the business in 1989. He wanted to get involved after the police shootings of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on July 5, and Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, on July 6. His goal was for questions such as LaFleur's to get answered by establishing positive lines of communication among the community, law enforcement and the judicial system and "break the stereotype of police officers with young black men and vice versa," he said. "I want to break that friction," Dames said. "I want the youth to be comfortable when the Sheriff's Office stops them and also want the Sheriff's Office to be comfortable when they're making a stop." Leaders also were asked about the specific protocol when people who have guns on them are pulled over in a traffic stop. Slater told the crowd to let the law enforcement officer know about the concealed weapon and show the officer the permit for the weapon. He warned not to let the officer find out about the weapon after the fact. "Let us know, and don't let us discover it," Snyder said. "I want you to go home to your family, and I want to go home to my family." Snyder added people who tell officers they're carrying weapons should also keep their hands on the steering wheel when doing so. "Be a little sensitive," Snyder said. Indiantown resident Kimberly Jackson asked if it's lawful to keep driving to a populated area during a traffic stop. Slater said that's not always feasible, especially in more remote parts of the county, but people can call 911 and ask dispatch to verify it's a valid stop. However, he said, it's illegal to keep driving because that's not complying. Jackson responded: "There is a lot of fear. It's a man, and I'm out there alone." Regarding the judicial system, leaders were asked why juries aren't racially proportionate why they aren't truly a jury of peers. Circuit Judge Elizabeth Metzger encouraged people to respond to their jury summons, which are sent to anyone with a valid driver's license. Stuart Vice Mayor Eula Clarke echoed the sentiment by reminding people to keep their records clean so they can serve on a jury. "Be engaged," Clarke said. "Be involved." At the end of the meeting, Colton noted not all questions got to be answered Thursday and probably not all were answered to the satisfaction of the community. However, Dames already said the meeting is just the beginning to start a dialogue among all races and backgrounds. "There's a genuine fear of being stopped by yourself as a black male that you can get killed," Dames said. "We've got to change that." Friends and family attended the funeral and graveside committal of Demarcus Semer, 21, of Fort Pierce on May 7 at the Havert L. Fenn Center in Fort Pierce. Semer was fatally shot by Fort Pierce police on April 23. (FILE PHOTO) By Elliott Jones of TCPalm FORT PIERCE Relatives of 21-year-old Demarcus Semer, who police fatally shot April 23, recently marched on the streets to say they aren't getting information they want about the ongoing investigation into the shooting. Elijah Smith was among 25 people who marched to the police substation on Avenue D on July 9, more than two months after the shooting. "We want transparency," said the soft-spoken Smith, a longtime Fort Pierce resident and Semer's grandfather. His comment echoes what is being heard in other communities that have had a police-involved shooting. The gap between information people want and information police give often is a large one. That's led in some communities nationwide to something the Fort Pierce Police Department wants to join: a voluntary U.S. Department of Justice review program in which experts are brought in to advise law enforcement agencies on how to reorganize and engage the public. More than 30 communities, from Las Vegas to North Charleston, South Carolina, have been a part of the program since it started in 2010. The federal department's Collaborative Reform Initiative, as it is called, is voluntary, said DOJ program official Noble Wray. It is different from a federal review of the shooting investigation, which the city requested and was prompted in part by a series of citizens meetings including one organized by the NAACP. Before the shooting in April, Police Chief Diane Hobley-Burney heard of the voluntary program and invited the DOJ to consider bringing it to Fort Pierce, said police spokesman Ed Cunningham. Wray said his agency still is deciding if and how it may become involved with the Fort Pierce Police Department. A decision should be made sometime this summer. Such studies can be big or small, depending on what the local police and community want, he said. For instance, the study of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department was expansive, starting in 2011 and lasting four years. It recommended 70 reforms, based on advice from experts in law enforcement. SIMILAR NEEDS A key part of the recommendations to Las Vegas, said department spokeswoman Laura Metzer, is what Smith is calling for: quicker release of information to the public about police-involved shootings. Smith said he wants to see his grandson's autopsy, or at least have someone tell him how the investigation is going. After Semer's shooting, the Fort Pierce Police Department turned the investigation over to the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office. Neither policing agency nor the State Attorney's office would name the officers involved in the shooting. Community pressure built; police named the men in May. Because of the reforms in Las Vegas, that agency now releases the name of officers, their ages and length of employment within 48 hours of an officer-involved incident. "It makes things less contentious," Metzer said. If the DOJ decides to help Fort Pierce, it will be at no cost to the city. The North Charleston Police Department in South Carolina recently joined the program. Police spokesman Spencer Pryor said the program costs nothing. But after recommendations are made in about three years, it is up to the city to decide whether to go forward with any of them and how to pay for any costs involved. In Las Vegas, the police department set up an office of internal oversight to help gather information the DOJ requested, and once the study was complete, it paid for recommended training, Metzer said. Apart from the DOJ program, Metzer said her agency for years had been proactive in engaging the public. That includes monthly community meetings and police talking with people one-on-one while on patrol. "It is all part of the puzzle," she said. EXPECTATIONS Hobley-Burney couldn't be reached to talk about what she expects should the DOJ come in to reform the Fort Pierce Police Department. On July 5 she was put on paid leave while city officials investigated complaints about her handling of the department. She has been serving a suspension since July 18 and is expected back at work Monday. She was hired a year ago, in part to help improve community relations in the city's northwest area where many shootings and homicides have happened. Cunningham spoke on her behalf, saying: "We hope they can help us find resources to engage more citizens and community leaders as well as improve equipment, training and modernizing the Police Department." At the chief's invitation, Wray visited Fort Pierce during the last week of June. City Manager Nick Mimms told Wray he would welcome DOJ's involvement. Wray also met with 22 citizens the police chief recommended. They met privately in the board room of the Fort Pierce Housing Authority. The names of those invited haven't been released. One who attended was St. Lucie County NAACP chairman Tony Barnes. Others included ministers, politicians and community activists. "It is a great program, but it could take two to five years to see the results," Barnes said. "You have to be patient." From what Barnes heard from people in the meeting, transparency is a goal, as is accountability, he said. "People want to feel comfortable with the police," Barnes said. Added Wray: "They want the Police Department to be more connected with the community, to built trust." Traffic along Indrio Road is seen looking west of Kings Highway across from Lakewood Park Elementary School during an active school zone alert. The Florida Board of Education on Thursday approved revised turnaround plans for Dan McCarty Middle School and Lakewood Park Elementary, granting each an additional year to earn at least a C grade. (FILE PHOTO) SHARE By Andrew Atterbury of TCPalm ST. LUCIE COUNTY School grades must improve for a pair of St. Lucie County campuses this year or drastic changes are coming in the 2017-18 school year. The Florida Board of Education on Thursday approved revised turnaround plans for Dan McCarty Middle School and Lakewood Park Elementary, granting each an additional year to earn at least a C grade. Both schools were targeted by the state for turnarounds in 2014 after failing to earn C's for consecutive years. The board approved St. Lucie's plan to keep both campuses under the district's management for one more year instead of the alternatives, which include closure and reopening the schools as charters. Superintendent Wayne Gent told the state board he has confidence the administrators and teachers now in place at the two schools will succeed. Both schools have high populations of economically disadvantaged students. "It's up to me and my team to give them the quality of support they need to be successful," said Gent, who is entering his second year as superintendent, Board Vice Chairman John Padget said he was impressed with the changes Gent implemented at Dan McCarty, such as bringing in Lisa Sullivan, a principal with a proven record of high grades. At the same time, he questioned why Gent kept Dianne Young principal at Lakewood despite the school earning three D's and an F under her tenure. Young is gaining momentum at Lakewood, Gent said, and the school was only 1 percentage point away from earning a C this year. Additionally, the school will transfer teachers who are not deemed "highly effective" through Florida's performance evaluation system to other schools if the grade doesn't improve, Gent said. Gent said new administration at Dan McCarty and 19 new teachers will bring the school up after years as a D or F school. The board met Wednesday and Thursday in Port St. Lucie, spending most of its time listening to turnaround plans for 46 schools. St. Lucie County's presentation went more smoothly that those of other districts, as board members expressed faith in Gent based on his record of improving school grades at schools in Palm Beach County, where he previously served four years as superintendent. School grades are based on Florida Standards Assessment test scores and learning gains, which measure how students have improved their scores over time. If the two schools fail to earn C's in 2016-17, the district must return to the state board with a new plan, said Helen Wild, district chief academic officer. "Of course it's a lot of pressure," Wild said, "but we really feel like we have so many strategies in place right now that we could present with that type of confidence." Algae at Central Marine in Stuart on July 10, 2016. Water quality and the health of the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon is a hot topic this political season as two Treasure Coast counties battle blue-green algae blooms. (FILE PHOTO) SHARE Ritch Workman Debbie Mayfield By Melissa E. Holsman of TCPalm VERO BEACH Stuart's toxic algae crisis hasn't reached Vero Beach waters, but it's prompting state Senate candidates who want to represent the area to tell voters what they'll do to help restore Treasure Coast rivers and beaches. Three Republicans campaigning for the District 17 seat state Reps. Debbie Mayfield and Ritch Workman and Mike Thomas agree part of their job would be to champion solutions to stop filthy Lake Okeechobee discharges to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers that have triggered algae blooms and attracted national headlines. The trio differs on what the state should do to halt lake releases and how best to store, treat and move more water to the Everglades. With $1.1 million in donations, Workman is the race's top cash collector. Contributions to his campaign and Brooksville-based Citizens United for Liberty and Freedom PAC are nearly double Mayfield's $524,303, which includes $400,000 of her own money, according to state division of election reports. Thomas trails with $22,465, including $2,600 of his own money. Whoever wins the Aug. 30 GOP primary will face Democrat Amy Tidd in the Nov. 8 general election, as well as write-in candidate Ronald Thomas, whose name won't appear on the ballot. The district represents all of Indian River County and half of Brevard County. "CRUTCH TO US" During a July 1 candidates meeting with Treasure Coast Newspapers' editorial review board, Workman had harsh words for the federal agency that controls when and how much water is released from Lake Okeechobee. "I think it's either time to sue the (U.S. Army) Corps of Engineers or kick them out of the state. They are polluting our system and ... they've been a crutch to us, to the state for a long time," Workman said to board members. "Five years ago, I'd have said 'our hands are tied with the corps; it's their job," he added. "But now they're killing our lagoon, and ... we have to force their hand or quite frankly, take over the job. And as a sovereign state we have that right." Workman in a later email said he's not convinced the corps "is as committed to resolving this problem as we are here in Florida." He touted the state's water farming initiatives, but he offered conditional support for buying land south of the lake to reconnect the Everglades. "Along with holding water after it leaves the lake, we need to be equally concerned about keeping nutrient-loaded water out of the lake from the north, east, and west," Workman said via email. "I support using Amendment 1 dollars for the purchase of land from a willing seller and for the maintenance of already and future purchased lands." FIVE-YEAR PLAN Mayfield accompanied Sen. Marco Rubio to Stuart July 1 to see the algae clogging canals and rivers, and later that day suggested the crisis with the Indian River Lagoon could be handled the same as a state transportation project. "We should view our lagoon as a highway," she said. "We should be prioritizing, putting together a five-year plan just like we do our road projects ... and it's funded for that five-year period." Mayfield backs using Amendment 1 money to pay for lagoon restoration, she said via email in a follow-up interview. But she didn't echo the urgency to "buy the land" voiced by a growing number of elected officials. "I believe the expectation of the voters who voted yes on Amendment 1 was that this money would be used to improve water quality throughout the state and especially the Everglades," she wrote. "Here on the Treasure Coast, the No. 1 restoration priority right now is improving water quality and combating algae in the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. We should do everything that we can that science shows will help solve the problem, including more storage throughout the system which would include land north and south of Lake Okeechobee." POLITICAL WILL Thomas, a 30-year physician assistant, said the ecological disasters in the region's waterways is pushing elected officials to act. "With the fish kills and the algae blooms to the north of us and now the blue-green algae bloom to the south of us and bringing all this attention countrywide, it will be much easier to drive through the things we need to get," he said July 1. "Especially with politicians because their constituents are holding their feet to the fire if they don't get the job done." Thomas also expressed limited support for acquiring land south of the lake. "We should not attempt to purchase any more land than the absolute minimum required to ease the effluent discharge load along the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee waterways," Thomas noted in an email. "Furthermore, I believe there are water farming opportunities in other areas besides those that have been discussed." _______ MORE ON DISTRICT 17 CANDIDATES U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio visits the Treasure Coast on July 1 to examine the algae bloom in the St. Lucie River. Afterward, Rubio spoke to the media and local elected officials and business representatives at Central Marine in Stuart. (FILE PHOTO ) SHARE Carlos Beruff. By Ledyard King, USA TODAY CLEVELAND Businessman Carlos Beruff said he won't endorse Florida U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio if the incumbent beats him in the Aug. 30 Republican primary. The Manatee County developer, who already has spent millions of his own fortune on the race, said endorsing Rubio would undermine the very reason he's running. "I can't support a person who doesn't stand for anything," Beruff said outside a breakfast meeting of Florida activists who were gathered in northeastern Ohio this week as part of the Republican National Convention. "It makes no sense," he said. "I mean I'm not going to go and do anything (to hurt his campaign). I'll congratulate him and wish him luck, but that's it. I'm not a sore loser at the end of the day, but there's a difference between not being a sore loser and supporting somebody." Olivia Perez-Cubas, a spokeswoman for Rubio's campaign, dismissed Beruff as a "Charlie Crist Republican," referring to the former Florida GOP governor who became an independent and then a Democrat after Rubio beat him in the 2010 Senate primary. "These attacks are exactly what you'd expect from someone who contributed to Charlie Crist more than 30 times and even stood by him when he left the GOP," Perez-Cubas said in a statement. "As Marco will say in his (video) address to the Republican Convention (Wednesday), now is the time for conservatives to unite. Grass-roots conservatives across Florida are supporting Marco because of his strong conservative record." Rubio is not attending the convention, saying he'd rather spend time in Florida talking to voters. But a video he recorded praising GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump was scheduled to be shown at the convention Wednesday night. Beruff, who mingled with delegates and took photos with some, is lagging behind Rubio by wide margins in some polls. Rubio announced last month, after abandoning his presidential bid, that he would seek a second term in the Senate, breaking his earlier pledge not to run for re-election. Before then, some polls showed Beruff leading the GOP primary field at that time. "It boils down to name recognition," Beruff said about why he's trailing Rubio. "He has high name recognition because he did (many) presidential debates. And the Senate majority leader (Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.) and the establishment is backing him because they can control him and they know they can't control me." GIULIANI FIRES UP FLORIDA REPUBLICANS Republican delegates from Florida gave former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani a thunderous welcome at Wednesday's breakfast meeting. And Giuliani threw the delighted crowd plenty of red meat, much of it aimed at Hillary Clinton: "Somebody the other day asked me: 'How can I vote for Donald Trump? He's politically incorrect.' I said 'I prefer voting for someone who's politically incorrect than a criminal.' " "I've prosecuted thousands and thousands of criminals. I never had a case that's as strong as the case against Hillary Clinton. I would bet my life, if you put me in front of 12 fair and decent Americans and you let me prosecute this case against Hillary Clinton, she would go to jail." "I never held an elective office before I was mayor of New York, just like Donald Trump. I didn't do too bad, right?" "We have to fight to protect ourselves. We don't get freedom for nothing. We have to take this war against us to them and fight there. Not in Orlando. Not in San Bernardino." "Race relations are much worse now than the day that (President Barack) Obama came into office. I can stand here and tell you without fear of contradiction that no mayor in the history of New York City saved more black lives than I did." OPPONENTS RIDICULE RUBIO-TRUMP ALLIANCE It's only a videotape, but Marco Rubio's contribution to Wednesday night's lineup at the Republican National Convention is drawing ridicule from his opponents on both sides of the aisle. The campaign of Carlos Beruff, who is running against Rubio in the Aug. 30 GOP Senate primary, issued a news release replaying some of the attack lines Rubio aimed at Donald Trump during the presidential campaign. Among them: "There is no way we are going to allow a con artist to take over the conservative movement. Donald Trump is a con artist." "He has not proven an understanding of issues, or the preparation necessary to be a commander in chief." "If he hadn't inherited $200 million, you know where Donald Trump would be right now? Selling watches in Manhattan." "He's like 6'2'', which is why I don't understand why his hands are the size of someone who is 5'2". You know what they say about men with small hands? You can't trust them. You can't trust them." Not to be outdone, the Florida Democratic Party issued its own statement reviving a number of insulting tweets Trump wrote during the campaign. They include ones making fun of Rubio's missed votes, his support for immigration reform, his propensity to sweat and drink water while on stage, and his over-scripted delivery during the New Hampshire debate. Trump's tweets referred to Rubio at various times as a "lightweight choker highly overrated politician all talk and no action Lazy!" Rubio has often said he still disagrees with Trump on some issues but supports him to help defeat presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in November. THURSDAY'S SPEAKER LINEUP Thursday's lineup of speakers at the Florida delegation breakfast includes a number of high-powered Republicans. The list includes former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Florida Gov. Rick Scott, Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions and former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton. Contact Ledyard King at lking@gannett.com or Twitter @ledgeking. Florida Gov. Rick Scott acknowledges the audience after speaking during the 2016 Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on Wednesday. (ROBERT DEUTSCH/USA TODAY NETWORK) SHARE Florida Gov. Rick Scott speaks during the 2016 Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on Wednesday. (ROBERT HANASHIRO/USA TODAY NETWORK) Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks during the 2016 Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on Wednesday. (ROBERT DEUTSCH/USA TODAY NETWORK) Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks during the 2016 Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on Wednesday. (ROBERT DEUTSCH/USA TODAY NETWORK) U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida addresses the third evening session of the Republican National Convention via video at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on Wednesday. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) By Ledyard King, USA TODAY CLEVELAND Florida Gov. Rick Scott cited the June 12 shooting massacre at Orlando's Pulse nightclub when he made the case for Donald Trump's presidential candidacy in a prime-time television speech at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night. "I cried with the grieving moms and dads and brothers and sisters of the 49 people slaughtered by the ISIS-inspired terrorist," Scott said, kicking off Wednesday's program. "This war is real. It is here in America. And the next president must destroy this evil. Donald Trump is the man for that job." Scott was the first of several speakers with connections to Florida as the state played a starring role at the convention Wednesday, an appropriate role for one of the nation's most prominent swing states. The lineup also featured state Attorney General Pam Bondi, who urged the thousands of convention delegates inside Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena and millions of people watching at home on TV to support Trump in November, while expanding on the convention's "Make America First Again" theme. Florida U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio delivered a 90-second videotaped message along the same theme, which slammed presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for supporting "crony capitalism, Wall Street bailouts, middle-class tax hikes and out-of-control government spending." Rubio, who had clashed sharply with Trump while on the presidential campaign trail, used Wednesday's video address to reinforce his support for the real estate mogul. "After a long and spirited primary, the time for fighting each other is over," Rubio said. "It's time to come together and fight for new direction for America. It's time to win in November." Wednesday's speakers also included Eileen Collins, the first woman to command a space shuttle, who said Trump would "make America first again" in space exploration. Michelle Barnett Van Etten, a former Vero Beach resident who runs a multilevel marketing business in the Tampa area, followed Collins. She spoke about how "liberal policies (are) killing the American dream." The evening culminated with Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's speech accepting the nomination to share the GOP ticket as Trump's running mate. Trump, a part-time Palm Beach resident, knows that the route to defeating Clinton in November passes through the Sunshine State. "We have to make sure that Donald Trump wins the state of Florida," U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, who represents the Panhandle in Congress, said earlier Wednesday. Scott was an early backer of Trump, writing in a January column for USA TODAY that the billionaire businessman was "capturing the frustration of many Americans after seven years of President (Barack) Obama's very intentional government takeover of the U.S. economy." On Wednesday, Florida's two-term governor emphasized Trump's credentials as a global leader. "I'm old enough to remember when terrorism was something that happened in foreign countries. Not today," Scott said during his 7-minute speech. "How many more times does the evil of radical Islamic terrorism have to occur before the president of the United State will muster the courage to face the truth? How many more Orlandos, San Bernandinos or Fort Hoods will happen before President Obama decides to be honest?" Bondi used a portion of her 6-minute address to emphasize the importance of a Trump victory for conservatives. "Hillary will stack the Supreme Court with liberal justices who will allow government to continue its rampage against our individual rights with utter contempt for our Second Amendment," she said. "I know Donald. I'm proud to know Donald. Donald will appoint conservative justices who will defend, rather than rewrite, our Constitution." Bondi has been under fire lately for her decision, made just days after Trump donated $25,000 to her political committee in 2013, not to join a New York lawsuit investigating Trump University. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a nonpartisan watchdog group, has complained about Bondi's actions to the IRS and ethics agencies in Florida. The group issued a news release hours before her speech to the convention referring to the "major political scandal" involving Trump and Bondi. Port St. Lucie City Hall. (FILE PHOTO) SHARE By Nicole Rodriguez of TCPalm PORT ST. LUCIE Property owners will see a lower city tax rate in the 2016-17 fiscal year, but specifics of the city's proposed budget remain murky. The City Council on Thursday lowered the tentative property-tax rate by 1.8 percent to $6.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, a slight decrease. City Manager Jeff Bremer had recommended maintaining the current tax rate, $6.62 per $1,000 of assessed property value. "We hoped and were truly positive we would do something different this year," Vice Mayor Linda Bartz said Thursday of the tentative decrease. The tentative tax rate will appear on the Truth In Millage notices, which gives property owners an early glimpse of their tax bills before the actual bills are sent in November. TRIM notices are mailed in August. The City Council will vote on the final tax rate at its budget hearings in September. It can further lower the rate but cannot increase what appears on the notice. While a tentative tax rate has been set, several questions about the proposed $485 million budget remain unanswered. Among them: How much revenue would the tentative tax rate generate? How much of a profit will the general fund see from the tentative rate? Why are the stormwater-and-road and bridge funds running a deficit? Will the city balance its budget? Asked to answer these questions on Thursday, Assistant City Manager Daniel Holbrook refused and slammed the door on a reporter. There's no doubt, however, city officials must rework Bremer's proposed budget to reflect the tax-rate reduction. "That essentially would eliminate any additional positions that were either identified through the strategic plan or in order to advance our level of service within the general fund. That's the first thing that would be gone," Bremer said after the unanimous vote on cutting the rate. Councilman Ron Bowen was not present for the vote. Maintenance would be slashed first, then equipment requests, Bremer said. Staffing levels also would need a review, he said. City Council members asked staff for several budget options with varying tax rates. Mayor Greg Oravec plans to call a special meeting next month to review those options, he said. "We want responsible reduction. We want balanced and smart reduction," Oravec said. "We don't want cleaver-type reductions. We don't want any layoffs. We're not talking about drastic cuts in services." The proposed budget already is a $74 million decrease from last year's $559 million budget. Port St. Lucie's taxable property values have risen to $7.9 billion from $7.2 billion last year. Coupled with Bremer's recommendation to keep the tax rate unchanged, that would have generated an additional $4.2 million next year, according to city documents. Growth in property values this year generated an additional $2.5 million. It's unclear what the tentative tax rate would generate for the general fund. Without a change in the property-tax rate, the general fund stood to collect $38.1 million in property tax for 2016-17. A major factor in the proposed budget is a $102.2 million drop in costs for the Crosstown Parkway project, city documents show. This year, the city budgeted $128.6 million for the project, which will extend the city's third east-west thoroughfare from Manth Lane on Southeast West Virginia Drive to U.S. 1. Crosstown Parkway expenses next year are proposed at $26.4 million, according to city documents. The council on Thursday voted to increase stormwater fees $5 in the next fiscal year and another $5 in 2017-18 to move closer to a balanced budget in 2018-2019 budget year. That fund is running a deficit. Changes to water and sewer rates are on tap, too. The council approved a rate decrease from $80.61 to $80.39 for customers on both water and sewer services and an increase from $29.20 to $31 for water-only customers. Discolored water from the Lake Okeechobee discharges is seen in the St. Lucie River on April 4 in Stuart. (LEAH VOSS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) SHARE By Tom Rooney Continued concern over the growing algae problems along the Treasure Coast and fresh memories of the "Lost Summer" a few years ago have led many Floridians to become more involved with the protection of our state's natural resources. Just like in previous years, Florida's delegation in Congress has continued to focus on the importance of supporting and funding the Army Corps of Engineers' projects within the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and the Central Everglades Planning Project. Unlike in previous years, Congress has been held hostage by completely unrelated, hot-button issues that steer rational conversation away from solutions and toward irrelevant, manufactured storylines. There's no need to restate the problem, as everyone has been overwhelmed with both informed facts and uninformed opinions on where we stand. Clearly everyone is working as hard as they can to help bring about a solution that is both immediate and sustainable two goals that are very rarely seen together. My job is to take the concerns of my constituents and shape the federal government into something that aligns with their needs. One law will not make it stop raining (and I doubt it would even pass), but we can look at some other solutions. When I'm up in Washington, D.C., I'm forced to play a game of inches. Slow, measurable, but realistic progress is often the only way to work in a government as divided as this. That's why I'm proud to serve on the House Appropriations Committee. I help write the bills that keep everything open and running as it should. These bills are big and very complex, but they have the rare distinction of actually being signed into law. This year, as I have always done in the past, I made sure to include the maximum amount allowable for the Army Corps of Engineers' projects in Florida. However, with heavy rain this past winter, the stakes were even higher to ensure this money made its way into the hands of the local guys who know where best to put it to work. I felt that the amounts requested for CERP and CEPP were too low based on conversations with people on the front lines. Sadly, internal rules prevent members from asking for specific amounts to fund specific projects outside of an administration request. Congressionally directed funding (also known as earmarks) is what makes the House's "power of the purse" so powerful, but we took it away from ourselves after a handful of members abused the system. Now, we're beholden to the Obama administration to tell us how much money we can spend on specific items like Army Corps projects. Naturally, I got a little creative and found other ways to ensure that Floridians would be protected from both harmful runoff and the ever-increasing risk of flood in the communities near the dike. But I'm convinced that this wasn't enough. The House needs to give members the ability to help their districts, especially with Army Corps projects that impact so many lives. To that end, I've introduced a bill that would restore congressional control over the funding for Army Corps projects, allowing members of congress to actually represent their constituents and give these projects the attention they need and deserve. I'm proud to represent Central Florida, but I can't do it with my hands tied by overly reactive, internal protocols, and I'm not about to leave the fate of Florida's water in the hands of the Obama administration. This bill is a critical step to take back the House's "power of the purse" and find a sustainable solution to safeguard Florida's natural resources that we all cherish. U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Okeechobee, represents Florida's Congressional District 17 and is running for re-election. LORI GRIFFITH/SPECIAL TO THE COURIER NEWSWEEKLY Karter is a familiar face among the beach scene and is known throughout the surf, sup and kite community. A lifelong surfer, Karl lived for the days a swell was coming and surfed sunup to sundown. He now marvels at how his priorities have drastically changed since Karter, and now new son Maverick, have entered their lives. SHARE LORI GRIFFITH/SPECIAL TO THE COURIER NEWSWEEKLY The love story of Karter Strand began the day he was born. With eyes the color of Jupiter blue water and hair kissed by the sun, there was no doubt this little boy was born for the sea, and a perfect match for the surf family that would adopt him. LORI GRIFFITH/SPECIAL TO THE COURIER NEWSWEEKLY Laurie says the daddy/Karter obsession began the moment Karl laid eyes on his son. LORI GRIFFITH/SPECIAL TO THE COURIER NEWSWEEKLY One of Karters favorite things to do with his dad is ride tractors at his Grandfathers home in Jupiter Farms LORI GRIFFITH/SPECIAL TO THE COURIER NEWSWEEKLY Reeling from the diagnosis and new reality that was their lives, Laurie and Karl immediately put plans into motion to save Karter. By Lori Griffith, Special to The Courier Newsweekly The love story of Karter Strand began the day he was born. With eyes the color of Jupiter blue water and hair kissed by the sun, there was no doubt this little boy was born for the sea, and a perfect match for the surf family that would adopt him and make him their own. Karl and Laurie Strand had been together nine years. And while they had spoken of having a family, Karl was happy with the way their life was an in no rush to make any changes. "I was never really a kid person. I could be around them for a little while but they kind of grossed me out previously." All that changed when Karl and Laurie were presented with the opportunity to adopt Karter. He marvels at how his priorities have drastically changed since Karter On March 24, 2014, they took Karter home and while initially scary, Laurie says. "We were so excited and so in love with him that it all naturally fell into place. Immediately the daddy/Karter obsession began ... and those two were inseparable." Karter is a familiar face among the beach scene and is known throughout the surf, sup and kite community. A lifelong surfer, Karl lived for the days a swell was coming and surfed sunup to sundown. He now marvels at how his priorities have drastically changed since Karter, and now new son Maverick, have entered their lives. BEST 'BEACH' TIMES The best times with Karter are daily beach time which he loves. Karl recalls a period when for six months Karter would wake up at 5 a.m. and "we'd head to the beach and watch the sun rise, go to Publix, come home, make breakfast and then go back to the beach with Mommy and Maverick. "Now, Publix is his second favorite place and every weekend he reminds me that we need to go there. We have started boogie boarding and I've been introducing him to surfing nice and slow. My mom (kite surfer/surfer Debbie Jackson) put me on a board when I was 3, and I plan on doing the same for Karter." Karter's such a fun and happy little boy, according to Laurie. "We sing and dance in the kitchen a lot and he loves to help me cook. He and Karl cook french toast and bacon in the morning. Karter helped me teach Maverick how to walk. He's just such a Gerber baby along the beach .wild, crazy and the biggest heart I know." what came next ... Nothing could prepare the Strands for what came next. As with so many, cold and flu season hit the Strand household, beginning with Karl who had a fever and sore throat. Next was Laurie who was diagnosed with Strep, so it was no surprise when Karter started complaining of a tummy ache and sore throat. Laurie took him to the pediatrician due to a spiking fever which wasn't going away. The physician noted what she thought to be an enlarged spleen with symptoms indicative of "Mono." Days later when the fever would not subside they took Karter to Palm Beach Children's Hospital at St. Mary's Medical Center. An ultrasound of his abdomen revealed a mass on his kidney. Laurie recalls thinking it was probably just a cyst. An ultrasound was ordered and the following morning "we met with Dr. Saxena, an oncologist. He thought it was a Wilms tumor and went over everything with us. We did an MRI to confirm, and were told it would be relatively simple ... they would remove his kidney, do chemo and from there its usually salvageable. things moved so quickly Then they did a bone scan and took bone marrow for testing. The diagnosis shifted to Neuroblastoma and they informed us it spread to his bones. They then did a bone marrow biopsy and a biopsy of the tumor. It came back positive for Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. "Our world was rocked. We were devastated and didn't know what to think. We had so many questions and things moved so quickly. We were like what the heck just happened? One second I was thinking Mono and in the next you hear Stage 4 and you think I can't be hearing this. This is the scariest point in my life," she said. A rare form of cancer affecting children, Neuroblastoma develops from nerve cells in the fetus called neuroblasts. Neuroblastoma tumors are most commonly found in the adrenal glands and according to St. Judes Children's Hospital account for 7 to 10 percent of childhood cancers. Neuroblastoma are normally treated with surgery, chemotherapy (powerful medicines injected into the bloodstream to kill the cancer cells), radiation therapy (high energy X-rays to kill the cancer externally or internally), and stem cell transplant. This replaces blood forming cells in the bone marrow that have been killed by chemo or radiation. St. Jude's officials note: "A stem cell transplant gives the patient new immature blood cells from a donor's blood or bone marrow. These cells grow into healthy blood cells to replace the ones the patient lost. Some types of stem cell transplants may be called bone marrow transplants because the cells come from the donor's bone marrow." best treatment possibLE Meeting with Dr. Saxena and the support team at Palm Beach Children's Hospital, Karter would be receiving the best treatment possible as his oncology team of five oncologists and one physicians assistant are part of Children's Oncology Group, a parent body that gives treatment for children's cancer worldwide. Karter's treatment plan, which began in the beginning of July will be aggressive and include: chemo to shrink the tumor (which can then be removed after five cycles). After the second cycle, stem cells will be collected. According to Dr. Saxena in a meeting with Karl and Laurie, "Chemotherapy alone is not enough. His disease is Stage 4 because it has spread outside the adrenal gland to the bone marrow. His chest CT scan was normal and bone scan normal. M1BG can pick up any other areas. The entire treatment will be: chemo, surgery, radiation, stem cell transplant and antibody therapy (this has revolutionized treatment). Using the current guidelines, the survival rate is in the 60 to 70 percent range. This is a salvageable tumor." last a minimum of a year Reeling from the diagnosis and new reality that was their lives, Karl and Laurie immediately put plans into motion to save Karter. Treatment for their son is expected to last a minimum of a year and will include frequent hospital stays, both at Palm Beach Children's Hospital and in Miami. "This has devastated our family, but the community response has been so incredible," Laurie said. "We need prayers and good vibes. We've always said my family is our village and I am so unbelievably blessed that Karter has all of these people that care about him. He knows he's loved by all of these people and he's always been surrounded from birth. Ever since we've had him he has never not felt pure love 24/7. He might get a little sassy once and awhile but he's perfect." A Jupiter embrace In true Jupiter style, the community has embraced the Strands, setting up a Gofundme account and holding several fundraisers for the family. July 30 from 5 p.m. to close, a Saving Karter event will be held at Guanabanas in conjunction with Surf Night. Will Kimball's Hit Show and Brett Staska will be performing. Donations of gift baskets and gift certifications are pouring in for a huge raffle being held that night. Fundraiser organizers are requesting all donated items be delivered by July 22 to one of the following locations: Locals Surf Shop, Jupiter Kiteboarding, Florida Paddleboards, Groundswell Surf Shop, Blueline Surf and Paddle, and Ocean Magic Surf Shop. DEAR KARTER ... Dear Karter, "I knew from the day you were born, you'd be a very special little guy. That gleam in your big blue eyes, that smile, the laughter and giggles, all so cute:)) We spent a lot of time at the beach just playing in the sand, digging holes, building castles and meeting all Grammy and Grampa's kite and surf friends: "Now we have a blast with the boogie boards, even your brother Maverick who loves boogie boarding with us. You love showing him how to do all kinds of things as you are the big brother now. Whenever I visit your house, you are always helping Mommy and Daddy to do anything and everything. "I think the cutest job you have is pulling out the trash bag from under the sink and shaking it until it opens. Always eager to help. I am so happy you finally like dogs, or should I say you like Yogi anyway. After spending several nights with me while I was dog sitting Yogi, you two became buddies. "So fun watching you chase Yogi one direction, then Yogi turns and chases you in the other direction:)) Also fun watching you in swim lessons with Miss Joany. You've been getting better with each class and I can't wait for you to be my kite buddy, and surf buddy to your Daddy. "I think one day, Grampa and I will have you on a snowboard or skiis, as you are fearless and love the outdoors. Everyone who meets you has fallen in love with you. You just have the cutest smile and sweetest personality. I know in my heart you will grow up to be big and strong because you have the greatest Mommy and Daddy ever, also lots of friends and family to guide you. "I love you more than you could ever imagine." * Love, Gammy (Debbie Jackson) Karter, "You are our grandson and we call you our "little firecracker" because when you burst into a room you always have a smile that is so big it lights up our hearts and puts a smile on our faces. "You sparkle from the inside out. You are a very special and amazing little boy, and you have brought us so much joy and laughter. "No one has a giggle quite like you Karter! You make us so incredibly happy and we will be with you every step of the way." * Love, Yepa and Nina My dear sweet Karter, "I am so proud to be your Nanalin. I have loved you even before I saw you because you were joining our wonderful family. "You have brought me so much joy and love. I love when you roar at me, and yell my name. If I can catch you, I love how hard you hug me, too. "Know that we are always here for you today and always. Keep smiling, laughing and loving. "I love you." * Nanalin Dear Karter, "How have you been? It's been a while since we've played together because Gammy and I are staying in Colorado for the summer. I sure miss hanging out in your castle with you, and wrestling on the floor in your room. I think Gizmo misses you, too, because he says 'meow' and I think that means 'where's my buddy Karter?' " "How are your binkys holding up? And which one is your favorite, the frog or the duck? And how is your boo boo from your Crocs? Don't worry, I'll get you a pair of Keens like I wear. Then you can go hiking with Gammy and me. Well I have to go now, I think I hear the garbage truck. "You be good for Mommy and Daddy and help take care of your brother Maverick. "I love you buddy." * Gampa (Shaun Jackson) P.S. Hey do you remember the time you threw a toy in the air and it came down on your head? That was funny! My Karter, "Aunt Jenny loves you so much. Your brightened my life the day you were brought home into our family. My heart never felt so full, the joy you have brought our family. God truly blessed us with you for a reason! "We are so incredibly blessed to have your smile. I love when you teach Charlotte to build sand castles, or jump in my pool making silly faces. You share so good with Charlotte, even when you had it first, you just hold her hand to tell her it's OK and give it to her. "My Saturday mornings are the best when you walk in the door screaming how excited and happy you are to be here. Keep fighting sweet baby, you're stronger than you think, loved more than you know and most of all have the best Mommy and Daddy in the entire world taking care of you. You have a huge community of people sending lots of love, prayers and supporting you. "You're being so brave, I'm so proud of you. Lots of hugs and kisses, we love you! * Aunt Jenny, Uncle Shawn, Hannah, Charlotte (BFF) and Noah Karter Baby, "When we first met you, we really had no idea the impact you would have on our hearts. You joined the family as the first boy and are part of the Lucky 7, our baby village! "You're wild and crazy, but so loving and happy. But most importantly you're strong! "The strength you have cannot be taught, it was something you were born with. We are not sure why you are having to prove your strength once again. We only wish we could take it all away and take your spot. "We promise you we will be here every step of the way! You are a part of this village and we will battle together! You've got this baby! "We love you more than life itself." * Aunt Kiki, Uncle Bobby, Bryce and Jaxson PROVIDED PHOTO SHARE By Hannah Deadman, Provided to The Courier Newsweekly Loggerhead Sea Turtles make waves Loggerhead Marinelife Center researchers have documented record-breaking loggerhead nests. Slow and steady wins the race at least, that's how it's been for loggerhead sea turtles in northern Palm Beach County. Since mid-April this year, LMC biologists have documented 11,710 nests along the 9.5-mile stretch of beach that LMC monitors setting a record-breaking year for nesting loggerhead sea turtles since the last record-breaking year in 2012. The record number comes after almost a decade's worth of gradual increase in loggerhead nests. Starting in the early 2000's, LMC researchers documented a decline in loggerhead nests, and in 2007, they documented the lowest loggerhead nest count ever at only 4,492 nests. Fortunately, loggerhead nest numbers have increased overall every year since then. So why 2016? The simple answer is, it's hard to say. Because loggerheads are such a long-lived species, LMC biologists cannot be sure why exactly the numbers change. This is one of the reasons long-term monitoring is essential to further sea turtle research. "In part, this recent increase may be linked to the Endangered Species Act as well as to local and international conservation efforts over the last 30 years," said Dr. Charles Manire, LMC's director of research and rehabilitation. So for now, LMC biologists celebrate as they continue to work hard through nesting season, which runs until Oct. 31 in South Florida. Guests can observe LMC's research department in action through August and September with LMC's new public program, Biologist Beach Walks, or the Hatchling Release program. Loggerhead Marinelife Center: Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a non-profit sea turtle hospital that promotes conservation of ocean ecosystems with a focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles. The center features an on-site campus hospital, research laboratory, learning exhibits and aquariums, and also operates the Juno Beach Pier, a pier which hosts world-class fishing and sightseeing. Loggerhead Marinelife Center is open daily and hosts over 300,000 visitors each year. For more information, visit www.marinelife.org or call 561-627-8280. SHARE PROVIDED PHOTO This owner and pet are content with the selections available. PROVIDED PHOTO One particular pet gives a special thank-you to store owners. PROVIDED PHOTO Hundreds of items entice pooches to pause fragrantly along the colorful store aisles. The smell test is a real winner. PROVIDED PHOTO This pooch consults with family and friends for a meeting of the minds. All three walked away happy. By Courtney Hester, Special to The Courier Newsweekly As part of continued company growth, pet specialty retailer Woof Gang Bakery has introduced pet grooming services and has moved into a new, larger location in the Abacoa Shopping Center. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Abacoa has relocated to 5440 Military Trail, Suite 7 in Jupiter, Florida. The grand opening took place July 9. Area residents and their pets were invited to come celebrate, check out the new store and enjoy fun and giveaways for people and pets. During the event, dogs received complimentary nail trims and attendees could enter to win a raffle prize basket valued at $75. GOURMET TREATS/FIRST STORE TO OPEN The first 20 dogs in the store on July 9 won free Woof Gang Bakery gourmet treats for one year. As part of the event, a donation box was on site to accept pet supplies for local pet rescue group, Big Dog Ranch Rescue. Items needed for donation were dry and canned pet food, treats, toys and blankets. The new store offers a complete menu of pet care and pampering options, such as full-service grooming, shampoos, nail trims, teeth brushing and even baths and grooming for cats. In addition, Woof Gang Bakery is a one-stop shop for all pet supply needs including nutritious dog and cat food, quality treats, natural chews, toys, accessories and spa products. This store was the very first Woof Gang Bakery to open, launching the company in 2007. In 2014, Pettizou Tayag Bouchard became the franchise owner and operator of the store. Pettizou, originally from the Philippines, now calls Stuart home and looks forward to serving the needs of customers and their pets in the new location. "It's my goal to provide the highest quality pet food and products, and educate our neighbors on natural and holistic care for pets," Bouchard said. "The most rewarding aspect of owning a local business is building great relationships with our customers, and offering helpful, customized service to everyone who walks through the door." Woof Gang Bakery/BEST OVERALL Woof Gang Bakery is a leading specialty retailer of pet food, pet-related supplies and pet grooming, with more than 70 locations across the U.S. Woof Gang Bakery offers the very best in pet care by providing quality products at competitive prices and knowledgeable, caring customer service. Each Woof Gang Bakery location is a convenient, neighborhood store with connections to the local community. In 2016, Woof Gang Bakery was awarded the Multi-Service Excellence award by Pet Business Media and ranked am ong the nation's top retailers by Pet Business Magazine. Recently, the company also was named best overall multi-unit retailer by Pet Business Media and recognized by Pet Insight magazine as one of the nation's fastest growing pet chains. A remarkably high demand exists for the pet products and services offered by Woof Gang Bakery. According to the American Pet Products Association, more than 97 million U.S. households own at least one dog or cat. Americans will spend more than $60 billion this year on pet supplies and care. To learn more, visit woofgangbakery.com or fb.com/woofgangbakery. Courtney Hester is with Franchise Communications. Microsoft on Thursday won its nearly four-year battle against a New York district court judges warrant requiring it to turn over customer emails held on a server in Ireland. Microsoft had complied with demands to turn over account information stored on its servers in the United States, but it had refused to give up the emails themselves, contending a U.S. judge did not have the authority to issue warrants for information stored abroad. Microsoft two years ago lost its bid to vacate the warrant; it subsequently lost an appeal filed with the District Court for the Southern District of New York. It then appealed to the Second Circuit Court, which ruled in its favor. The Second Circuit Court reversed the district courts denial of Microsofts motion to quash the warrant, vacated its order holding the company in civil contempt of the court, and remanded the case with instructions to quash the warrant insofar as it demanded user content stored outside of the U.S. The Courts Rationale In essence, the Second Circuit Court ruled that the Stored Communications Act does not explicitly or implicitly envision the application of its warrant provisions overseas. When Congress passed the SCA in 1986, the intent of its warrant provision was to require that a neutral third party provide predisclosure scrutiny of a search-and-seizure request in order to afford heightened privacy protection in the U.S., Circuit Court Judge Susan L. Carney wrote in the ruling. Congress did not abandon the instruments territorial limitations and other constitutional requirements, she found. The governments interpretation of the term warrant would require us to disregard the presumption against extraterritoriality that the Supreme Court re-stated and emphasized in two earlier cases, which the Second Circuit Court is not at liberty to do. One Giant Leap for Privacy This is a groundbreaking decision that helps protect privacy rights around the world, said Lee Tien, senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. The court recognized the vital privacy protections under the SCA, and correctly ruled that the government cant use a U.S. search warrant to force Internet service providers to reach email stored outside the U.S., he told the E-Commerce Times. The ruling is undoubtedly a major win for citizens and companies alike, remarked Yasha Heidari of the Heidari Power Law Group. It reaffirms the notion that no matter how badly certain government agencies want to apply domestic laws abroad, theyre prohibited from doing so, he told the E-Commerce Times. The ruling is laudable, according to Daniel Castro, vice president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. The U.S. government should have sought access to the information through a mutual legal assistance treaty rather than a warrant, he told the E-Commerce Times. The very fact that the ruling is being proclaimed as such a big victory indicates the sad state of affairs now prevailing, Heidari observed. Implications of the Ruling In a concurring opinion, Judge Gerard Lynch urged Congress to update the SCA, which he described as badly outdated, to better balance current law enforcement needs and users privacy. The law lets Microsoft get around an otherwise justified demand to turn over emails by simply storing them outside the U.S., he noted. The courts ruling could impact decisions for business to host and store information abroad to escape the governments intrusive behavior, noted Heidari. It provides a big incentive to have servers and data centers abroad. Law enforcement agencies long have voiced concerns about their inability to access suspects electronic communications. The International Communications Privacy Act, introduced this spring in both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, addresses the issue. It seeks to amend Title 18 of the U.S. Code to reform the MLAT, allowing law enforcement to obtain electronic communications relating to foreign nationals in certain circumstances. Earlier this month Samsung released version 4.9.7 of their SSD Magician software. Even though it's not mentioned on their website, this firmware update (DXT0AB0Q) is also available for the Samsung SSD 840, predecessor of the more popular SSD 840 EVO. You may recall a year ago we published a piece about SSD performance degradation on first generation TLC solid state drives. Consider this a follow up to that article even though by now SSD 840 series drives are nearly 4 years old. Samsung's latest firmware adds support for "Advanced Performance Optimization" which may help with performance degradation. This mode was added for the 840 EVO in Magician 4.6 last year on firmware EXT0DB6Q, although on this drive the update wasn't entirely necessary because it correctly sensed the voltage drift of the NAND and adjusted for it on the fly. So I set out to test if the new firmware works the same way for the regular SSD 840. At first glance it seemed like there was a performance increase from each full sequential drive read with HD Tune. But delving deeper the recorded performance improvement turned out to just be heat related as I eventually discovered (see below). I used a big 120mm fan blowing directly on the SSD but even then an increase of less than 1C caused a measureable performance improvement. After some extensive benchmarking I came to the conclusion that there was not any measurable improvement with the new firmware if the temperature was kept stable (which was surprisingly difficult to do!). After that test I let the drive be idle, but the performance did not improve measurably. The partial conclusion is that if you are a Windows user you can finally use Magician to restore the performance on your vanilla SSD 840, but if you use other operating system or have your drive in a RAID array, Magician won't be able to access them and thus you're still out of luck. In other words, performance is not improved without user intervention, that is, before a third party app like Diskfresh is used to "fix" the drive every few months. Now Samsung's own Magician software can be used, but it still needs to be run manually when the drive is getting slow. It's worth mentioning that Samsung has also released a firmware update for the 840 EVO mSATA (EXT43B6Q) which arrived some six months after the second firmware update for the regular 2.5" drive. In addition to the aforementioned products, I have on hand the server-bound SSD 845DC EVO. Last year when I wrote SSD performance degradation article I suspected this drive would exhibit the same issues as they all share the same type of TLC NAND. However because I have reinstalled Windows 10 on this drive, it hasn't shown a significant decrease in performance yet. That's not to say there is no slowdown, even within the first week of usage with only 30GB utilization it looked like this: Do note the performance degradation issue doesn't appear to be limited to Samsung's planar TLC NAND, with other drives released in the past year potentially suffering a similar fate including the Crucial BX200 and A-DATA Premier SP550, according to user tests published on Swedish forum Sweclockers and Anandtech's forums. If you are in demand for consistent performance it might be best to stay away from SSDs based on planar TLC NAND. Even with Samsung's elegant fix for the 840 EVO released last year, the fix increases power consumption and is not guaranteed to optimize the drive in all scenarios. The most popular torrent site in the world, KickassTorrents, has gone offline today. The alleged owner has been arrested in Poland at the request of the United States governments, and domain names connected to the site have been seized. Artem Vaulin, a 30-year-old Ukranian living in Poland, is the suspected owner of the site and is facing extradition to the United States. He is facing two counts of criminal copyright infringement, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement. In a statement on the matter, assistant attorney general Leslie R. Caldwell stated that Vaulin is "charged with running today's most visited illegal file-sharing website, responsible for unlawfully distributing well over $1 billion of copyrighted materials." Authorities managed to arrest Vaulin by posing as a potential advertiser, which led to his bank account being exposed. Combined with cross-referencing IP addresses used to access various KickassTorrents accounts, the government believes they found the owner of the site. Vaulin managed to keep KickassTorrents successfully operating for so long by hosting the site on a wide range of servers and domains. Whenever a copyright owner alleged infringement, KickassTorrents used a lengthy and confusing process in an attempt to keep as many torrents active as possible. Right now it appears that all of KickassTorrents' domains and proxies are down. It's not clear when, or if, the site will return. Many US tech companies haven't found France to be a very welcoming place recently. Authorities in the country told Facebook it must stop tracking non-users and sending data to the States earlier this year, and Google had its Paris headquarters raided by Police in a tax evasion probe last May. The latest firm to incur the wrath of France's data protection commission is Microsoft. It seems the Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertes (CNIL) isn't very happy with Windows 10, and it's nothing to do with (thankfully now expired) upgrade nagware. The CNIL has issued a formal notice to Microsoft stating that Windows 10 "must stop collecting excessive user data" from the ten million people in France who have the OS installed without their consent. The watchdog highlighted the fact that Microsoft records which apps users download and how long they spend on them. Additionally, the CNIL wants Microsoft to stop using cookies to serve up ads without properly informing users and without offering a way to opt out. It also takes issue with the 4-digit PIN system that lets users access their Microsoft accounts; the Commission says it is insecure as it allows an unlimited number of login attempts. Finally, there's the problem of Microsoft continuing to transfer French account holders' personal data to the US under the Safe Harbor agreement, despite the European Court of Justice ruling it invalid back in October last year. The CNIL has given Microsoft three months to comply with the notice; if no action is taken, an internal investigator may be appointed who could issue sanctions against the company. In a statement to Reuters, Microsoft vice president and deputy general counsel David Heiner said the company would work closely with the CNIL over the next few months to understand its concerns fully and "to work toward solutions that it will find acceptable." Image credit: ricochet64 / Shutterstock Withings announced its user-friendly thermometer at this year's CES, and the company will release the product on its own site, on Apple's website and in Apple stores. The company, which was purchased by Nokia for $190 million, announced the $100 Withings Thermo as being a non-intrusive, ultra-fast and reliable thermometer for the whole family. The device is a smart temporal artery thermometer and some might argue that it is the best gadget of its kind you can get your hands on. It measures body temperature via your temporal artery, which means that it causes virtually no discomfort. You simply position the Thermo on the temple of the patient, press a button, hold still for 2 seconds and there you go. The gizmo makes use of 16 infrared sensors that deliver 4,000 measurements within 2 seconds of contact. By using latest tech, the thermometer is much more accurate than your previous device. The gadget displays the temperature on a small screen, but its features go way beyond night readability. Withings' thermometer plays nice with the Wi-Fi networks, and can connect to your phone via Bluetooth. This is useful for self-tracking the variations of fever over long periods of illness, or to update your physician about your state. There is even the option to use the device on its own, without tapping into its connectivity possibilities. Families with multiple children will have an additional incentive to buy the device. Those who attempt to take the temperature of an agitated child know how much of a drag it can be. That is why parents with sickly children will see the value of Thermo's easy-to-use system and might be willing to pay the high price for the premium device. The Thermo allows parents to create multiple profiles and note when the kids are taking their medication. It can work great with seniors, or regular adults, for that matter. The device is FDA approved, and Withings cooperates with Boston Children's Hospital's Thermia tool so that a child's fever is easier to manage. All you need for the device to work are two AAA batteries. According to the manufacturer, a good set of batteries should keep the juice running in the gizmo for up to two years. Availability of the Withings Thermo is limited to the United States, but other markets are expected to join soon enough. Even though Withings is currently under an exclusive contract with Apple for the release of the device, there is a big chance that the gadget will land on the shelves of rival brands as well. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Bullies also exist in the primate world. And to fight back, female bonobos band together, with the older females jumping in to help younger females when males behave too aggressively toward them. In a study published in the journal Animal Behaviour, Nahoko Tokuyama and Takeshi Furuichi detailed their discovery, saying that they may have uncovered one of the ways by which female bonobos are able to maintain their superior status in their society. The researchers observed wild bonobos in Wamba in the Democratic Republic of Congo and found that older female bonobos commonly come to the aid of their younger counterparts, sometimes forming partnerships to attack. Usually, team-ups are formed between relatives in an effort to protect resources from those not part of the group. In bonobos, however, females in a group are rarely relatives because they leave their birth group upon reaching adolescence. "A major research goal for us was to highlight the dynamics in which coalition-forming happens in non-relative individuals," said Tokuyama. After four years of observation, the researchers saw that all female groups were formed with the intention of attacking males, usually after a male has acted aggressively toward a female. They also discovered that older females usually win one-on-one battles and females always win over males when they are in alliances. According to Tokuyama, female bonobos may have evolved with an understanding of the power of alliances to address harassment from male bonobos. In their social hierarchy, young females have lower status than males. But by being protected by older females, they can join a group without having to fear an attack from a male. This also controls aggression in males so the females are able to maintain superiority in their society by banding together. The researchers observed that older females don't discriminate who they help. As such, a younger female doesn't necessarily need to have a close bond with an older female to get protection. However, older females are not simply benevolent either. It's a two-way street, it turns out. As younger females start spending more of their time around older females hoping to get protection, the older females are also able to give their sons more opportunities to mate. In 2015, another study involving bonobos discovered that the primate is capable of communicating in a manner similar to human infants. Bonobos do these with peeps, or short, high-pitched sounds produced while their mouth is closed. There are different peeps for different situations and can be positive, neutral, or negative depending on what is happening. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Evan Blass sheds light on the number of iPhones that will roll out this year, and the correct answer seems to be "only two." The famous (and reliable) tipster refutes claims that the so-called iPhone Pro will be released alongside the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. In his tweet, he does add some codename details for the latter two. The 2 (two!) 2016 iPhone models are codenamed Sonora and Dos Palos. Evan Blass (@evleaks) July 19, 2016 The gist is that only two codenames exist, implying that only two iPhones will hit the shelves. Based solely on their codenames, not much can be said about the upcoming devices except the fact that Apple takes a liking to naming its devices referencing Californian cities. On July 18, Monday, a leaked photo appeared online and seemingly hinted at the fact that three iPhone models could be in tow. The model dubbed iPhone Pro showed a Smart Connector and a dual camera. Alongside it, there were the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, holstering a single camera. Looking at Blass' tip, there is a possibility that the iPhone 7 Plus is actually carrying the dual camera, leaving the iPhone 7 with the standard single-lens sensor. Experts at Tech Insiders called out the Monday photo leak as a fake, and Blass' hint backs their opinion. One important red flag was that the iPhones featured "S" letters on their backs. Leaving aside the recent (real or fake) rumors, information suggests that the iPhone 7 will take a leaf out of the iPhone 6's design. Some even speculate that Apple's upcoming phone variant will be part of the iPhone 6 line and not a new number in the series. As interesting a rumor that was, it would be a really sudden move from the company, which traditionally releases its phones in a "tick-tock" cycle. If the Monday photo was legitimate, it would have meant another "tock" in the roll out cycle. But what should we actually look forward to in the new iPhone 7? First off, a revamping of the antenna lines is said to make them wrap around the top and bottom edges of the handset. Currently, the antenna lines go across the back of the smartphone in all instances from the iPhone 6 generation. Keep in mind that standard 3.5mm headphone jack will not be part of the iPhone 7, but the iPhone 7 iterations will ship with 3.5mm EarPods and a lightning adapter in the original box. Until we see the actual handsets at Apple's official September event though, all rumors about the iPhone 7 should be taken with a grain of salt. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Apple's mobile payment system and digital wallet Apple Pay has launched in France and Hong Kong. Apple Pay was initially launched in October 2014 and it was available only in the U.S. Since the initial launch, the service has now made its way to many other countries and leading retailers including Macy's, McDonald's, Sephora, Subway, Stables and more support Apple Pay. "Apple Pay is simple to use and works with the cards you already have on the devices you use every day. And because your card details are never shared when you use Apple Pay in fact, they aren't stored on your device at all using Apple Pay on your iPhone, Apple Watch, or iPad is the safer and more private way to pay," says Apple. During the 2016 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, Apple confirmed that the mobile payment system will be made available in other countries in July this year. "And Apple Pay is expanding hugely geographically," said Craig Federighi, the senior vice president of software engineering at Apple. "It's now available in the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia, China and Singapore and, in the next few months, it's coming to Switzerland, France and Hong Kong." In early July, Apple Pay was launched in Switzerland and now the service is also available in France and Hong Kong. According to Apple's Hong Kong website MasterCard, American Express and Visa credit and debit cards issued in Hong Kong by Standard Chartered, Hang Seng Bank, DBS Bank (Hong Kong), Bank of China (Hong Kong), and American Express will support Apple's digital wallet. Apple suggests that Apple Pay support will soon come to Bank of East Asia and Tap & Go in the near term. Apple Pay customers in Hong Kong can use the service Apple Pay at retailers such as 7-Eleven, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Pacific Coffee and more. In France, Apple Pay is supported by MasterCard and Visa credit and debit cards from Banque Populaire, Caisse d'Epargne, Carrefour Banque and Ticket Restaurant. Apple (France) website suggests that Orange and Boon will soon support Apple Pay. Apple's France webpage notes that Apple Pay can be used at Bocage, Cojean, Eram, Sephora, Simply Market and more. Apple Pay customers in France will soon be able to add loyalty cards to their Apple Wallet app and them to make purchases via Apple Pay. It remains to be seen, which other countries get Apple Pay support next. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A Manhattan resident who had her iPhone brazenly snatched by a passing thief on a bicycle reported the stolen device to New York City cops who rushed into action. Their pursuit took them to the edge of the island where the thief attempted to escape by diving into the East River, but the police quickly followed suit and captured him, retrieving the unfortunately ruined handset. It all started on a sunny Wednesday morning in Manhattan, where a 13-year-old girl was walking along the streets, gazing at her device as most New York residents seem to do nowadays. Apparently, she was viewed as an easy target by the bike-riding criminal who swooped up behind her, grabbed her iPhone and pedaled away. The distressed girl notified her mother, and together, the two visited New York City's 17th Precinct, where the quick-thinking cops decided to utilize the Find My iPhone app to try and locate the device and the person who had stolen it. The app led them about 30 blocks south and several long blocks east of the crime scene to 23rd Street along New York's East River. Using the app, they were able to pinpoint the thief, whom they identified as Eulofio Cardona, age 33. When Cardona realized that he had been found, he took the extreme measure of actually diving into New York City's polluted East River, which, by all accounts, is not clean or safe for swimming. Rather than chalking up the pursuit as lost, the officers, after initially ordering Cardona to exit the water to no avail, called for backup from NYPD's Emergency Services Unit, where two officers, Detectives Keith Connelly and Gregory Welch, arrived and decided to suit up and dive in after him. After a water-bound struggle, the cops were able to get the thief out of the water and march him back up to the 17th Precinct, where he was booked and charged with grand larceny. The NYPD Special Ops Unit took to Twitter to commend the hero cops, tweeting, "Great job this morning - #ESU Dts Connelly & Welch dove into the East River to apprehend a perp wanted for Robbery." Although Cardona was apprehended, unfortunately, the device itself was ruined. If the victim sticks with Apple for her replacement device, she might want to wait until September, when the new iPhone 7 will be unveiled. The device is rumored to be the first waterproof iPhone. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In early May, a team of international scientists announced the discovery of three Earth-like planets orbiting a dwarf star in the TRAPPIST-1 galaxy a star system 40 light-years away from our planet. Named after the Chilean telescope TRAPPIST (TRAnsiting Planets and PlanetesImals Small Telescope), the star system's three exoplanets offer scientists the best possible chance of detecting signs of alien life outside our own solar system. Now, two months later, the same group of researchers revealed in a new study that the two innermost planets in the TRAPPIST-1 star system are mostly rocky, unlike typical gas giants such as Jupiter. Furthermore, both exoplanets' atmospheres are not large and diffuse like Jupiter, but compact, like that on Earth, Mars and Venus. All these findings strengthen the case that these two exoplanets may be habitable. A Double Transit The research team performed a preliminary screening of the atmospheres of the exoplanets just days after announcing the discovery. On May 4, scientists used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to point at the dwarf star TRAPPIST-1 and caught a rare event known as a double transit. This phenomenon occurs when two planets simultaneously pass in front of their host star. Thanks to the refined calculations of the orbital configuration of the exoplanets, experts realized that the exoplanets would transit just two weeks before the event. Julien de Wit, the study's lead author and a postdoc fellow at MIT, says they thought whether the team that had controlled Hubble would allow them to perform their own observation, and so they wrote a proposal in less than a day. For the first time ever, scientists now have spectroscopic observations of a double transit. De Wit says this will allow researchers to get more insight on both planets' atmosphere at the same time. De Wit and his colleagues recorded a combined transmission spectrum of exoplanets TRAPPIST-1b and TRAPPIST-1c. As the exoplanets crossed in front of the host star, scientists measured the changes in wavelength as the amount of starlight fell with each transit. "The data turned out to be pristine, absolutely perfect," says de Wit. "[T]he observations were the best that we could have expected." Rocky Exoplanets If the dips in starlight had a significantly varied range, this would indicate that the atmospheres of both exoplanets are large, light and puffy like that of Jupiter, de Wit says. But researchers discovered that the transiting planets possess more compact atmospheres, which can help scientists ascertain that the exoplanets are rocky. De Wit says the exoplanets possibly have high, thick clouds and an atmosphere filled with carbon dioxide like that on Venus, or they could have an atmosphere dominated by oxygen and nitrogen, like that on Earth. The scenario could also be similar to the depleted Martian atmosphere, he says. The team's next step is to examine all these possible scenarios and disentangle them to find the most accurate answer. Meanwhile, astrophysicist Joanna Barstow, who was not involved in the new study, says a rocky terrain is a good beginning for a habitable planet, but any potential life forms on TRAPPIST-1 star system may likely have a harder time than life on Earth. Because the planets' orbits are near their host star, the radiation off the star may strip the atmospheres away and make it difficult for organisms to thrive. The team's new findings are published in the journal Nature. Watch the video below. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The first medical marijuana store in Florida will open next week in Tallahassee following the authorization from the Florida Department of Health. The name of Florida's first medical marijuana store is Trulieve. According to the company's CEO, Kim Rivers, they are happy to announce that Trulieve passed all inspections from growing, processing and dispensing medical cannabis. So far, six companies in Florida have received approval for marijuana cultivation for future distribution. "We are most excited to get this much anticipated medicine to the patients of Florida," added Rivers. Trulieve is the very first provider of medical marijuana in Florida to receive all the required formal authorizations. By next week, Trulieve will sell low-THC cannabis products, which are designed to treat illnesses such as epilepsy. In August, the company will start selling higher THC cannabis products, which are meant for patients who have terminal illnesses, based on Florida law. Surterra Therapeutics is the first company in Florida that received authorization to harvest medical marijuana. Reports said the company has marijuana stored in freezers located outside Tallahassee. Horticulturalists are in charge of facility maintenance where armed guards are protecting the said containers. According to Surterra's medical director, Dr. Joseph Dorn, Florida's medical field is a "very exciting place" right now. The excitement is not just about a new medication but also the transformation of people's mindsets toward patient treatments. While the state has a very large support for medical marijuana, not all of Florida's top policymakers back its legalization. One of them is Governor Rick Scott who has been vocal about his opposition to the legalization of medical marijuana, which he compared to other vices such as alcohol. "Having seen the terrible [effects] of alcohol and drug abuse first-hand, I cannot endorse sending Florida down this path and I would personally vote against it," said Scott a few years ago. But the people's vote seemed enough to change Scott's mind, who also signed the medical marijuana expansion in the state this year. The legalization of medical marijuana is also popular outside of Florida. In a 2015 Harris poll, findings showed that 81 percent of U.S. citizens support its legalization across the country. To date, there are 25 states and DC that have enacted law toward the legalization of medical marijuana, namely Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. In November, more states are expected to have a vote toward the legalization of recreational and medical marijuana. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google's data centers are consuming 15 percent less power, thanks to the company's artificial intelligence department, DeepMind. By using a machine-learning algorithm, DeepMind has managed to cut the energy consumption of data centers by a hefty margin. As a reminder, data centers are the facilities hosting equipment that process the data consumed by internet users. The servers are running 24/7 and are power-hungry systems that need to remain cool at all times to ensure proper functioning. That is why some companies choose colder climates to build their newer data centers. Insiders familiar with the matter estimate that up to 2 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions could be linked to the functioning of data centers worldwide. "Being able to put a dent in that benefits the world in general," says Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind. DeepMind's AI makes use of a general purpose algorithm that crunches huge amounts of historical data collected by sensors and turns it into a plan to optimize temperature and power consumption. The algorithm, which resembles the one that taught DeepMind to play Atari games, lowered cooling costs by 40 percent. Suleyman is confident that aside from the financial advantage to the company, the algorithm will impact the environment in a measurable and consistent way. He goes on to say that Google aims to implement the system all across its data centers until the end of 2016. What is more, DeepMind's success will be featured in a White Paper for all the world to get a glimpse of the system's details. "We are planning to roll out this system more broadly," Google says. Suleyman notes that Google is in talks with third-party partners that might want to implement the algorithm in their own facilities and even national power networks. Other data centers and industrial manufacturers could benefit from the efficient power management, the company writes in the blog post. The results also underline the flexibility and future potential of DeepMind. Not only can the AI detect eye disease and defeat world-class champions in a game of Go, but it can also perform behind-the-scenes tasks that save money and the environment in one move. In 2015, Google was the biggest corporate purchaser of green energy, and it is on an upward trend that aims to power all its operations with renewables by 2025. Last year, Greenpeace commended big names in tech such as Google, Facebook and Apple for their increased commitment to using green energy to power up their data centers. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google Brings Art And Culture One Step Closer To Indians | TechTree.com Enhancing the experience for all art and culture enthusiasts, Google today announced the launch of its new Google Cultural Institute App and website. The new tools will help art lovers in India and across the globe discover works and artifacts from thousands of museums present in more than 70 countries: Search for anything, from the history of the Nalanda University, Indias newest World Heritage Site, to panoramic imagery of its excavation. Scroll through art by time - discover artworks by Abanindranath Tagore, one of the founders of modern Indian painting. Browse by color and learn about how Amrita Sher-Gils palette changed through her journeys between India and Europe. Find a new fascinating story to discover every day - today its 9 powerful men in heels. Duncan Osborn, Product Manager, Google Cultural Institute said, We are sure people want to see some of the artworks in real life tooand the Google Arts & Culture app is here to help. The app helps art lovers take a walk through these famous museums and artifacts from world over offering them a rich immersive experience. Further, making Indias rich cultural heritage come live, Google Cardboard, gives users the opportunity to take a virtual tour of the Sanskriti Museum, established in 1978, a home to one of the largest collections of Indian art and craft. You can also subscribe to the new Google Arts & Culture YouTube channel, where youll find original content dedicated to culture, hosted by YouTubers. TAGS: Google Arts And Culture The alleged Owner of KickassTorrents Gets Arrested In Poland; KAT.CR and other Kickass Torrents Websites Offline The worlds second most popular torrent website, Kickasstorrents, went offline after reports of alleged owner of a Kickass admin being arrested surfaced. The man allegedly presumed to be behind the worlds largest illegal torrent download site, KickassTorrents also known as KAT has been arrested in Poland. The Polish police arrested the 30-year-old Ukrainian at the request of the U.S. government and also seized funds from a Latvian bank account. In addition, a federal court in Chicago has ordered the seizure of several KAT domain names such as kickasstorrents.com, kastatic.com, Also Read- Kickass Torrents Alternatives- 2018 | Sites Like KAT The Polish police arrested the 30-year-old Ukrainian at the request of the U.S. government and also seized funds from a Latvian bank account. Kickasstorrents was further dealth a death blow when a federal court in Chicago ordered the seizure of several KAT domain names such as kickasstorrents.com, kastatic.com, thekat.tv, kat.cr, kickass.to, kat.ph and kickass.cr. Kat.cr had become the most-used torrent site after The Pirate Bay, with millions of unique visitors per day. However, the site has run into an important roadblock after U.S. authorities announced the arrest of the sites alleged owner. According to a Department of Justice press release, Artem Vaulin, of Ukraine was arrested on Wednesday in Poland. The DOJ will shortly seek his extradition to the United States. The criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago notes that KAT receives more than 50 million unique monthly visitors and is estimated to be the 69th most frequently visited website on the Internet. The complaint also states KAT operates in approximately 28 languages, has a net worth of more than $54 million, and generates an estimated $12.5 million to $22.3 million in annual advertising revenue. Vaulin is charged with running todays most visited illegal file-sharing website, responsible for unlawfully distributing well over $1 billion of copyrighted materials, Assistant Attorney General Caldwell said in the statement. In an effort to evade law enforcement, Vaulin allegedly relied on servers located in countries around the world and moved his domains due to repeated seizures and civil lawsuits. His arrest in Poland, however, demonstrates again that cyber criminals can run, but they cannot hide from justice. Prosecutors have formally charged Vaulin with one count of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and two counts of criminal copyright infringement. Vaulin could face a prison sentence of up to five years for copyright infringement, if found guilty. For his involvement in money laundering, he can be sentenced to twenty years in prison. The complaint further discloses that the feds posed as an advertiser, which revealed a bank account associated with the site. It also shows that Apple handed over personal details of Vaulin after the investigator cross-referenced an IP-address used for an iTunes transaction with an IP-address that was used to login to KATs Facebook account. Records provided by Apple showed that [email protected] conducted an iTunes transaction using IP Address 109.86.226.203 on or about July 31, 2015. The same IP Address was used on the same day to login into the KAT Facebook, the complaint reads. KATs .com and .tv domains are expected to be seized soon by Verisign. For the main Kat.cr domain and several others, seizure warrants will be sent to the respective authorities under the MLAT treaty. In a statement the U.S. DOJ announced that it will continue its battle against piracy, Vaulin allegedly used the Internet to cause enormous harm to artists. Our cybercrimes unit at the U.S. Attorneys Office in Chicago will continue to work with our law enforcement partners around the globe to identify, investigate and prosecute those who attempt to illegally profit from the innovation of others. At the time of writing, Kat.cr appears to offline while various proxies still appear to work. It is not known how the Kickasstorrents admin will emerge from the dual blows. Techworm is reaching out to Kickass and will be upadating the news as it goes. Also read: Top 10 Most Popular Torrent Sites Of 2016 US Navy accused of pirating 3D virtual reality software, developer sues it for $600 million US Navy and Piracy! you would never assume the worlds biggest navy to be using a pirated software but apparently, it does. According to a suit filed by German firm Bitmanagement, the US Navy has been allegedly using its 3D virtual reality software on a large number of devices without having sufficient licenses. The software-maker is now suing the government agency for a whopping $600 million. The company, Bitmanagement, makes a 3D virtual reality program called BS Contact Geo. According to the complaint (PDF), Bitmanagement and the Navy agreed to a trial license of the software in 2011 and 2012. That agreement let the Navy use the program on 38 computers on a trial basis to see if they liked it, to see if it was useful, to see if it could be integrated with other Naval systems, and so on. However, the company later discovered that the software was deployed on nearly 558,466 computers by 2013. In addition to the unlawful usage, the software-maker also noticed that the Navy disabled a feature in the software that tracked duplicate installations of it. The price of a single license of the software at the time of the agreement was around $1067, which translates to $596,308,103 for the additional installations carried out by the US Navy.Now Bitmanagement expects US Navy to either pay this amount or face a trial for causing damage to its business and violating copyright. 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 an open letter entitled "Letter to the Brazil of tomorrow," former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2011) promised on Thursday that if elected, he would... | Read More OSSSO Fusion Musical Experience "Sound of the Nature" - a special Asia - Europe music experience with the unique combination of folk music, light music and symphonic music was first performed abroad in the cultural exchange festival of Vietnam from July 11th 2016 to July 15th 2016 at the cultural capital Saint Petersburg, Russia, which brought the cultural pride of Vietnam to the Russian music lovers. The Press Conference of OSSSO Fusion Musical Experience - Sound of the Nature in Saint Petersburg The talented conductor-Marius Stravinsky is leading the symphony orchestra. The show was elaborately staged with visual effects, sound and light, which gave the audience the most vivid and attractive experience in an atmosphere deeply imbued with Vietnamese culture. The wonderful music with a new combination of traditional music, light music and symphonic music brought the harmony. There was no language or cultural barrier, everyone blended as one of a wonderful music space where their hearts could be stirred the deepest emotion. A store of The Gioi Di Dong in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: T.Luan Vietnams biggest mobile-phone retailer, has announced a plan to open 30-50 convenience stores in the last quarter, local media reported. Mobile World Investment Corporation,has announced a plan to open 30-50 convenience stores in the last quarter, local media reported. The company said it would invest between VND20 billion and VND50 billion in this year-long "trial" phase. Dang Thanh Phong, spokesman of the company, better known as The Gioi Di Dong, toldnews website Saigon Times Online that the first five stores will be launched at several districts in Ho Chi Minh City this October. Each store will cover an area of 150-400 square meters and sell products like meat, fish, vegetables and fruits from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., he said, adding that the company has yet to come up with the chain's name. CEO Tran Kinh Doanh was quoted as saying in news website Zing.vn that its chain will target customers of groceries and traditional markets. He said the company expects to open 6,000-8,000 stores by 2020, taking up 10-15 percent of market share. With more than 450 stores selling cell phones, tablets, laptops and their accessories around the country, The Gioi Di Dong owns 30 percent share of mobile market, followed by IT giant FPT's chain FPT Shop with 10 percent. The company reported the revenues of VND12.92 trillion ($566.26 million) over the first seven months, up 158 percent year on year. It also owns a chain of 37 electronic stores known as Dien May Xanh. A file photo of two conjoined twins at Hanoi's Viet Duc Hospital. A pair of twin boys who were conjoined at chest and abdomen died on Thursday, around one week after they were born in the northern province of Ha Giang, local media have reported. The babies, who were named Ban Van Trung and Ban Van Duong, died, even as local doctors planned to perform a separation surgery in five-six months when they would become stronger, Tuoi Tre newspaper said. Weighing 4.9 kilograms in total, they shared a heart and a liver, and one of them had defected intestine, it said, citing doctors at Hanoi's Viet Duc Hospital, where the babies were transferred to for a better treatment. With such conditions, their chances of survival were reportedly deemed very small. Previously local media quoted Ha Giang's doctors as saying that the boys had separate hearts and lungs. Around VND300 million (US$13,200) was raised for the babies, who were born to a poor couple in Ha Giang's distant district of Vi Xuyen, according to Tuoi Tre. Crewmen onboard a Chinese boat that illegally fished in Vietnamese waters in Quang Binh Province on July 18, 2016. Photo: Hue Minh Border guards in the central province of Quang Binh said Thursday they turned away six Chinese fishing boats that were caught in Vietnamese waters several days ago. On Monday morning the local border guard agency was informed by local fishers that the Chinese boats were fishing illegally in the waters around 20 nautical miles north of Con Co Island, or around 10 nautical miles from a joint fishing areas demarcation line. Around noon, two boats carrying 16 officers approached the Chinese boats. When the Vietnamese boats came near, Chinese boats sped up to flee. Vietnamese officers chased after them. They jumped onboard the boats and informed 24 crew members on the Chinese vessels that they had violated Vietnamese territorial waters. They ordered the crews to sign a report on the violation. All of the crewmen failed to produce papers. The boats were asked to leave immediately. The Chinese oil vessel that was seized by Vietnamese coastguards in Hai Phong City on March 31. Photo provided by Hai Phong Coast Guard The Vietnamese Coast Guard have promised tougher measures to deter Chinese vessels from trespassing into Vietnamese waters. A Coast Guard source told Thanh Nien that violations of Vietnams sovereignty by Chinese vessels have recently increased, and from now on there would be fines or seizures based on the level of violation. Until now intruders had been let off with warnings or just chased away. Border guards in the northern city of Hai Phong reported recently that Chinese vessels repeatedly entered Vietnamese waters in the Tonkin Gulf. Major Pham Dinh Thanh of the Hai Phong Border Guard told Thanh Nien that for the last several years Chinese fishing boats have been penetrating 10-15 nautical miles into Vietnamese waters in the gulf. Most of the illegal arrivals were in Bach Long Vi Island. The Chinese boats would take advantage of foggy weather or rough seas to illegally fish in Vietnamese waters, according to Thanh. When entering Vietnamese waters, they would not fly flags and their crew would not carry personal papers to avoid identification by Vietnamese authorities, he said. In the second half of March alone the Hai Phong Border Guard had chased away 110 illegal Chinese vessels and made official reports about 20 of the boats with 120 crew members. In the latest incident the Coast Guard pursued and seized a Chinese vessel carrying more than 100,000 liters of diesel in waters off Bach Long Vi Island Thursday afternoon. The captain of the vessel and two crew members, all Chinese, admitted that they had intruded deep into Vietnamese waters to refuel five or six Chinese boats fishing there. According to Coast Guard, the vessel was disguised as a fishing boat with fishing nets hanging on its sides and without flag. Vietnamese authorities are investigating whether the vessel was involved with a marine oil smuggling gang. Vo Hoang Anh (L), a senior traffic inspector, is arrested at home in Can Tho City for allegedly soliciting bribes. Photo provided by police Three senior traffic inspectors in Can Tho City have been arrested for allegedly taking bribes worth nearly US$160,000 from local businesses to overlook overloaded trucks. A Can Tho Police spokesperson said Ly Hoang Minh, Vo Hoang Anh and Doan Vu Duy have been arrested, together with a local man who helped them collect the money monthly. Last Saturday Minh was caught receiving money from three different businesses. His statements plus further evidence led to Anh and Duy. Initial investigation found around 60 businesses and transport companies in Can Tho had to pay the bribes. The trio collected the money every month from all businesses transporting goods by trucks. The total amount since 2014 has almost reached VND3.5 billion ($157,000), making this the biggest case of bribery ever linked to traffic officers in the Mekong Delta. Those refusing to pay up would put themselves in trouble, Tran Thanh Chang, an investigator in the case told local media. Some businesses said they did not bribe to overload their trucks, but it was the other way around -- they had to load more on the trucks to compensate for the extra "monthly fee." Gamers in Japan, home of Nintendo's Pokemon, are still impatiently awaiting the launch of the smash-hit Pokemon GO game but the government is already preparing for an invasion of little cartoon monsters, issuing a safety warning. A woman holds a shopping bag of Pokemon in Tokyo's Akihabara district, Japan July 20, 2016. The country's National Center for Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC) issued nine instructions to users of the mobile game, ranging from advising them not to use their real names to warning gamers over fake apps. It is rare for NISC to issue an advisory over specific games, but Japan is just the latest government to do so over Pokemon GO, a game where users chase cuddly cartoon monsters in their real-life neighborhoods. NISC, which said it put its warning out on Twitter and Line, also cautioned gamers over the risk of heat stroke while playing in Japan's sweltering summer sun, and told players not to wander into dangerous sites. Just days after the launch, police in the United States were issuing warnings after a dozen victims in Missouri were lured into armed robberies, and dozens more suffered minor injuries from tripping over while looking for Pokemon. Customers look at goods of Pokemon at a shop in Tokyo, Japan July 20, 2016. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said on Thursday the government was aware that there were concerns about safety when people play Pokemon GO. "I would like people to follow the advisory the government issued to use smartphones safely," he told a news conference on Thursday. Pokemon GO has been an incredible success since its launch in a handful of countries earlier this month, now with more daily users that Twitter. The Japanese launch is expected imminently. Nintendo has not commented on the launch date. US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter speaks at the conclusion of a meeting of defense ministers of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, July 20, 2016 The United States gathered its allies in the coalition fighting the Islamic State group Wednesday and agreed on a plan to corner the jihadists in their final bastions. US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter told reporters that an accelerated military effort would soon see the group pushed back to Raqa in Syria and Mosul in Iraq. And US officials said donor countries had pledged a total of $2 billion towards the cost of rebuilding Iraq and insulating its communities from extremism. But Carter warned that isolating and taking out what he called the IS "parent tumor" would not eliminate its ability to spring or inspire attacks elsewhere. And, as if on cue, IS propagandists released a video claiming last week's truck attack in Nice that left 84 dead, and threatening more against coalition states. Defense ministers from the Western and Arab countries of the coalition said they have a military plan to liberate the cities with local Iraqi and Syrian forces. "Today, we made the plans and commitments that will help us deliver ISIL the lasting defeat that it deserves," Carter told reporters at an air base outside Washington. The Pentagon chief did not reveal details, but added: "Let me be clear: They culminate in the collapse of ISIL's control over the cities of Mosul and Raqa." Britain's defense minister, Michael Fallon, said London would double to 500 the number of its troops assigned to train Iraqi and Kurdish forces fighting the IS group. Parent tumor Separately, US Secretary of State John Kerry is meeting with foreign ministers from the coalition countries to discuss the broader political and humanitarian plan. And donor countries were set to pledge what officials hoped would be up to $2 billion to help civilians return to normal life in liberated areas of Iraq. Baghdad needs the money to rebuild in areas that have been retaken and enable the population to return. "The fight against Daesh is obviously far from finished, even as we have progress. Mosul is not yet free. Acts of terrorism remain a constant daily danger," Kerry said. "But the momentum -- there is nobody at this table who would argue that the momentum hasn't shifted -- it has shifted," he said, sitting with allied foreign ministers. "And Daesh has been driven out of almost half of the territory that once occupied in Iraq," he said, using his preferred term for the Islamic State group. The two days of meetings were called as jihadist attacks -- some of them inspired or ordered by the IS group -- are proliferating around the world. Samantha Power (L), US Ambassador to the United Nations, speaks as US Secretary of State John Kerry watches during the Pledging Conference in Support of Iraq in Washington, DC, on July 20, 2016. The coalition, and in particular its US leadership, are keen to seize back the narrative and emphasize what they see as progress on the main battlefield. But their task is complicated by the jihadist violence erupting in French seafront resorts, on German passenger trains and in the streets of Turkey and the Middle East. In recent weeks, jihadists have claimed horrific attacks in Nice, Istanbul, Baghdad and Dhaka that have left hundreds dead and injured. Battle for Mosul These are "going to be a primary focus, obviously, of the discussions," acknowledged Brett McGurk, President Barack Obama's special envoy to the anti-IS coalition. For two days, Kerry and Carter will meet with about 40 of their counterparts in Washington. French defense minister Jean-Yves le Drian told AFP that the battle for Iraq and Mosul is also key for the future security of Europe's cities. "Daesh is not only a terrorist army that has seized territory," he said, referring to the swath of desert the group has claimed as a "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria. "It is also from this territory that it has launched both the operations ordered by terrorists that France has suffered (and) also propaganda efforts." McGurk also warned: "Nobody can say these attacks are going to stop. Unfortunately, I think we are going to see more of these." The coalition, which has conducted 14,000 strikes in two years, is "succeeding on the ground." Washington maintains that since its peak in 2014, IS has lost nearly 50 percent of its Iraqi territory and between 20 and 30 percent of its Syrian strongholds. Iraqi forces that recently retook Fallujah are advancing through the Tigris valley toward Mosul. They have recaptured the Qayyara air base south of Mosul, which US military officials say will serve as a launch pad for offensive operations against the city. Washington has also announced that it will send 560 more US troops to Iraq to help the government fight IS and recapture Mosul. That will bring to 4,600 troops the US military presence in Iraq five years after the United States' 2011 military withdrawal. Marking the one-year anniversary of the renewal of U.S.-Cuban diplomatic ties, the former Cold War foes said on Wednesday they were working hard on further deepening their detente this year, as the clock ticks down on the Obama administration. Cuban and U.S. representatives will meet this week in Havana to sign a deal on fighting drug trafficking and hold further talks later this month in Washington on their countries' property claims against one another, a senior U.S. State Department official said. "Normalization is a long term process ... but we are making slow and steady progress," the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters on a conference call. While much remains to be done, the neighbors have made historic progress in forging closer ties over the past year that both sides were at pains to underscore on Wednesday. They reopened embassies a year ago after more than five decades of estrangement and have since agreed on matters of common concern such as the resumption of direct mail service and U.S. commercial flights to Cuba. U.S. President Barack Obama also made a historic trip to the island in March. Yet the mood on the street in Havana was downbeat on Wednesday. The detente has raised Cubans' expectations yet their economic reality has worsened. President Raul Castro warned Cubans earlier this month they would have to tighten their belts due to lower oil assistance from key ally Venezuela and a cash crunch as lower commodities prices hurt exports. "I expected more since Obama's visit, but salaries are still low, the economy is blocked and more and more young people are choosing to emigrate," said Ricardo Fernandez, 34. Cubans complain much of their economic troubles stem from the U.S. trade embargo. While Obama has made it clear he would like to lift this, his room for maneuver has been limited by the Republican-controlled Congress. Josefina Vidal, the Cuban Foreign Ministry's chief of U.S. affairs, told state-run Granma newspaper Obama could still do "much more to make the process (of detente) irreversible" before the end of his term in January. Nonetheless, she said a great deal of progress had been made in just a year, listing various agreements, and said more is expected in the coming months. Relations would not be fully normalized until the U.S. gave up its aspiration of controlling Cuba, Vidal said, even if it were to lift the embargo and return the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. But Cuba hopes whoever succeeds Obama as president will continue his policy of improving U.S. relations with the island, given a majority of Americans backed this, Vidal added. Cuba dislikes U.S. attempts to undermine its Communist rule, such as the Miami-based, U.S. government-controlled Radio Marti broadcaster which beams radio, TV and online news that is critical of Cuban leadership to Cuba. Washington sees Radio Marti as part of its campaign for greater human rights, including freedom of speech, in Cuba. "Human rights will continue to be one of the more challenging issues we discuss," the U.S. State Department official said. "We are working with the Cuban government to schedule a human rights dialogue in Havana." This should take place by the end of the year, he said. A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched during a successful intercept test, in this undated handout photo provided by the U.S. Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency. U.S. Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency/Handout via Reuters/File Photo South Korean President Park Geun-hye said on Thursday the move to deploy a THAAD missile defense system was "inevitable" because of a growing threat from North Korea and that division in the South over its deployment is what Pyongyang seeks. North Korea's launch of three ballistic missiles on Tuesday was the latest evidence that the anti-missile system is needed, Park said at a National Security Council meeting. This month's announcement by South Korea and the United States to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) unit with the U.S. military in a rural melon-farming county in the South triggered loud protests from residents worried about possible negative health and environmental impacts. "If we continue to be divisive and social confusion grows about a decision we had no choice but to make to protect the country and the lives of our people, it would be exactly where North Korea wants us to go," Park said, according to her office. North Korea said on Wednesday it had conducted a ballistic missile test that simulated preemptive strikes against South Korean ports and airfields used by the U.S. military, likely referring to the three missiles fired on Tuesday. The missiles flew between 500 kms and 600 kms (300-360 miles) into the sea off its east coast and could have hit anywhere in South Korea if the North intended, the South's military said. Many residents of Seongju, about 200 kms (120 miles) from the capital Seoul, joined by opposition members of parliament and civic groups, have demanded the government scrap the decision to site the THAAD battery there. Some residents bearing South Korean flags and anti-THAAD banners held a rally in central Seoul on Thursday to demonstrate against the decision. Roughly 2,000 people joined the rally, according to police and organizers, including the governor of Seongju who shaved his head in protest. That follows a raucous standoff last week between residents and the country's prime minister, who was pelted with eggs and plastic bottles and trapped inside a bus for several hours when he visited the county to explain the THAAD decision. Some residents blamed outside leftist activists for the incident. Park said North Korea could stage an act of aggression at any time, including possibly a fifth nuclear test or cyber attack against the networks of national and financial institutions. The North has also increased military equipment near the land and sea border separating the countries, she told the security meeting. The two Koreas remain technically at war under a truce that ended fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War. Tension on the Korean peninsula has been high since North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and followed that with a satellite launch and a string of test launches of various missiles. The head of the opposition Syrian National Coalition called for a suspension of the U.S.-led air campaign against Islamic State in Syria while reports of dozens of civilian deaths from air strikes around the northern city of Manbij are investigated. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 56 civilians were killed in air strikes north of Manbij on Tuesday, a day after it said 21 civilians were killed in a northern district of the besieged Islamic State-held city. SNC president Anas al-Abdah said the strikes should be halted while the incidents were investigated, according to a statement issued late on Wednesday, and warned that the killing of civilians by the U.S.-led air campaign would "prove to be a recruitment tool for terrorist organizations". "It is essential that such investigation not only result in revised rules of procedure for future operations, but also inform accountability for those responsible for such major violations," Abdah wrote in a letter to foreign ministers of countries in the anti-Islamic State alliance. Men make their way through the rubble of damaged buildings at a site hit by air strikes in Idlib city, Syria July 20, 2016. U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Wednesday the U.S.-led force would look into the reports of civilian casualties around Manbij. The Observatory said the dead from Tuesday's strike included 11 children. Pictures on social media purporting to be from the scene showed dust-covered corpses of two young children next to rubble. Syria's foreign ministry said Tuesday's air strike, which hit the village of Toukhan north of Manbij, was carried out by French forces, while Monday's strike was by U.S. jets. "(Syria) condemns, with the strongest terms, the two bloody massacres perpetrated by the French and U.S. warplanes and those affiliated to the so-called international coalition which send their missiles and bombs to the civilians instead of directing them to the terrorist gangs," it said in a letter sent to the United Nations this week, according to state news agency SANA. A spokesman for the U.S.-led alliance said there were "multiple national aircraft providing strikes in Manbij. So how the Syrian government knows who conducted what strike, I question." The Western-backed Free Syrian Army, an umbrella grouping of factions which has fought against both President Bashar al-Assad and against Islamic State militants, also condemned what it called the "shocking massacres" near Manbij. "We will not allow any crime to be justified under the pretext of combating terrorism," it said in a statement signed by more than 30 armed factions. Flight officer Rayan Gharazeddine looks out of a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) AP-3C Orion as it flies over the southern Indian Ocean during the search for missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 March 22, 2014. Photo: Reuters/Rob Griffith/Pool/File Photo Top searchers at the Dutch company leading the underwater hunt for Malaysia Airlines jet MH370 say they believe the plane may have glided down rather than dived in the final moments, meaning they have been scouring the wrong patch of ocean for two years. Flight MH370 disappeared in March 2014 with 239 passengers and crew onboard en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur. Searchers led by engineering group Fugro have been combing an area roughly the size of Greece for two years. That search, over 120,000 square kilometers of the southern Indian Ocean off Western Australia, is expected to end in three months and could be called off after that following a meeting of key countries Malaysia, China and Australia on Friday. So far, nothing has been found. "If it's not there, it means it's somewhere else," Fugro project director Paul Kennedy told Reuters. While Kennedy does not exclude extreme possibilities that could have made the plane impossible to spot in the search zone, he and his team argue a more likely option is the plane glided down - meaning it was manned at the end - and made it beyond the area marked out by calculations from satellite images. "If it was manned it could glide for a long way," Kennedy said. "You could glide it for further than our search area is, so I believe the logical conclusion will be well maybe that is the other scenario." Doubts that the search teams are looking in the right place will likely fuel calls for all data to be made publicly available so that academics and rival companies can pursue an "open source" solution - a collaborative public answer to the airline industry's greatest mystery. Fugro's controlled glide hypothesis is also the first time officials have leant some support to contested theories that someone was in control during the flight's final moments. Since the crash there have been competing theories over whether one, both or no pilots were in control, whether it was hijacked - or whether all aboard perished and the plane was not controlled at all when it hit the water. Adding to the mystery, investigators believe someone may have deliberately switched off the plane's transponder before diverting it thousands of miles. The glide view is not supported by the investigating agencies: America's Boeing Co, France's Thales SA, U.S. investigator the National Transportation Safety Board, British satellite company Inmarsat PLC, the U.K. Air Accidents Investigation Branch and the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organization. Carry on The meeting between officials from China, Australia and Malaysia is expected to discuss the future of the search. The three governments have previously agreed that unless any new credible evidence arises the search would not be extended, despite calls from victims' families. Any further search would require a fresh round of funding from the three governments on top of the almost A$180 million ($137 million) that has already been spent, making it the most expensive in aviation history. Deciding the search area in 2014, authorities assumed the plane had no "inputs" during its final descent, meaning there was no pilot or no conscious pilot. They believe it was on auto-pilot and spiraled when it ran out of fuel. Australian and Malaysian officials examine aircraft debris at the Australian Transport Safety Bureau headquarters in Canberra, Australia, July 20, 2016 after it was found on Pemba Island, located near Tanzania, in late June and was transported to Australia for examination. Australian Transport Safety Bureau/Handout via Reuters But Kennedy said a skilled pilot could glide the plane approximately 120 miles (193 km) from its cruising altitude after running out of fuel. One pilot told Reuters it would be slightly less than that. For the aircraft to continue gliding after fuel has run out, someone must manually put the aircraft into a glide nose down with controlled speed. "If you lose all power, the auto-pilot kicks out. If there is nobody at the controls, the aircraft will plummet down," said a captain with experience flying Boeing 777s - the same as MH370. Like all pilots interviewed for this story, he declined to be named given the controversy around the lost jet. Fugro works on a "confidence level" of 95 percent, a statistical measurement used, in Fugro's case, to indicate how certain the plane debris was not in the area they have already combed, a seabed peppered with steep cliffs and underwater volcanoes. "The end-of-flight scenarios are absolutely endless," Fugro managing director Steve Duffield said. "Which wing ran out of fuel first, did it roll this way or did it tip that way?" The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the agency coordinating the search, has consistently defended the defined search zone. It did not immediately respond to questions over whether it was assessing the controlled glide theory. Authorities used data provided by Inmarsat to locate the likely plunge point through communication between the plane and satellite ground station. "All survey data collected from the search for missing flight MH370 will be released," an ATSB spokesman said. Heads up to prevent injury from falls Morning walks in my neighborhood are one of the most enjoyable parts of my day. I love the coolness of daybreak and the special sightings of the stag and two does that frequent our open space. I also enjoy my walk because each day at... Signs that point to the best time for retirement Ive been thinking a lot about retirement lately. One of our amazing staff members, who has been with Senior Concerns for the last 13 years, retired last month. It just doesnt seem real. I always thought of Dana as young. Certainly not the person to... Rethinking the mandatory retirement age How old is too old for working at a job? Last week a news story hit my inbox and it really got me to thinking about age and retirement. The article noted that Target Corp. abandoned its mandatory retirement age of 65 for its CEO,... Tips to promoting a healthy nights sleep for children Question: Help, please. My daughter is almost 2 years old and has been an easy child to put into her own bed. Yet in the past few weeks she is purposefully stretching out the bedtime routine longer and longer. She wants more: more stories, more... Black leaders of Baton Rouge non-profit groups called on the community to translate their concern over the recent shooting of Alton Sterling into long-term plans to improve the lives of local African-American men and boys. "Is this a moment or a movement? ... The problem with moments is that another moment happens," said the Rev. Raymond Jetson of the urban renewal non-profit MetroMorphosis. Thursday at Baton Rouge Community College, Jetson and members of the Urban Congress laid out seven areas where they will focus their efforts. Most of the points addressed educational attainment, career development, business ownership, investment backing and financial literacy. There were also concerns related to access to healthcare, mentoring and support for former convicts. The group formed last summer as a coalition of black leaders committed to providing cross-generational support for black men and boys in Baton Rouge. They have based their efforts on a study published earlier this year by an LSU sociology professor. +2 Urban Congress to address problems facing young African-American males in Baton Rouge Prominent black male leaders in Baton Rouge are convening an Urban Congress on April 16 to e "Recent events have really put a strain on our community," said George Bell, who started working with the Urban Congress as a volunteer and this month was named the next president of the local chapter of the United Way. United Way charities already address issues like education and health, but data shows that there is a specific need for a comprehensive approach to those issues as they relate to young black men, Bell said. He believes the Urban Congress can help address that niche. The Urban Congress's aims are ambitious and wide-ranging, but "you can't do fractional economic development," said John Daniel, executive director of Boys Hope Girls Hope. Their basic philosophy is to improve the community's human capital by nurturing a population that is ready to work and has access to resources build generational wealth. Still, advocates can never guarantee results, just opportunity, Daniel said. Jetson hopes to work with existing groups and said each of the Urban Congress's goals is already being addressed by some organization or person. 100 Black Men, for example, already provides mentoring and test-prep classes, but it may be able to work more efficiently by teaming up with other non-profits. "We're isolating in pockets. ... Sometimes we have to leave our personal agendas at the door" and work in conjunction, said 100 Black Men Board Chairman Michael Victorian. In recent months, multiple politicians, community groups and other leaders have jockeyed to position themselves at the forefront of efforts to improve North Baton Rouge and the lives of its residents. When asked about the disparate efforts, Jetson invited members of the Metro Council and anyone else who wants to participate in Urban Council to attend the group's next meeting on July 28 at 6 p.m. in the Bienvenue Center at the community college. Metro Council approves tax-abatement district for north Baton Rouge The East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council on Wednesday created a long-discussed tax-abatemen At that time, the Congress will discuss how to turn its goals into action items and plan out work for the next year, as well as look further down the road through 2019. How much is accomplished and which areas are prioritized will depend on how many people sign up to work on the various aspects of the Congress's platform, Jetson said. Personally, Jetson said, he is interested in preparing children for kindergarten. The Urban Congress will work with My Brother's Keeper to help young students succeed in elementary school, he said. "I think that changes the trajectory of a child's life," he remarked. The three law enforcement officers killed in a shooting rampage Sunday lived in Livingston Parish, east of Baton Rouge, among the suburban communities many officers call home. But a controversial measure placed on the city-parish's Metro Council agenda Thursday would prohibit people like those officers, who live outside of city limits, from applying to work for the Baton Rouge Police Department in the future. The ordinance would require all of BRPD's fresh hires starting in 2017 to live within city limits, which some say would be another hindrance for a police department already struggling to find recruits. The concepts of community policing and police officers living in the neighborhoods they patrol gained traction with many local leaders after Baton Rouge police officers killed Alton Sterling earlier this month. Metro Councilwoman Chauna Banks-Daniel said she and LaMont Cole are sponsoring the ordinance for residency requirements, which is up for introduction at the councils July 27 meeting. It would come up for a public hearing and a vote on Aug. 10 unless a majority on the 12-member council vote not to introduce it, something that has happened on some controversial measures in the past. Banks-Daniel and some other council members say they believe that police officers who live within city limits are better able to connect with the neighborhoods they patrol and police. "The purpose is so that we can have a situation where we have officers and communities that are working together, where there's a continual police presence in the community," Banks-Daniel said. But the timing of the ordinance has outraged other council members, some of whom say they hope it will be pulled from the agenda next week. "We haven't even buried the officers that we've lost and now we're asking to make wholesale changes to the department that basically was ambushed and murdered in a very horrific scene?" said Mayor Pro Tem Chandler Loupe. "I don't even have words to describe how I feel." Councilman Buddy Amoroso called the timing of the ordinance "a slap in the face" to slain officers Matthew Gerald and Montrell Jackson and slain deputy Brad Garafola. Councilman Joel Boe pointed out that his entire Metro Council district in the southeastern part of the parish is outside of the city limits, which would make all of the residents in his district ineligible to apply to become police officers. The proposal also drew a sharp rebuke from the Baton Rouge Union of Police, with the unions president, C. Bryan Taylor expressing disgust over what he characterized as political pandering in the midst of tragedy. Their need for political gain is nauseating!" Taylor wrote in a text message. A similar residency requirement for police officers, firefighters and EMS in New Orleans was scrapped in 2014 as a move to help recruiting officers there. City Council members there worried that it was impeding qualified applicants from applying. The BRPD has emphasized its challenges in attracting new officers to the police force in the past few years. In a recent interview, Chief Carl Dabadie said the department does not have the manpower for the type of community policing that many politicians have said they want to see. Dabadie has also said the department has tried a variety of tactics to recruit police in Baton Rouge -- targeting black officers for hiring in particular in order to diversify the police force's makeup. He said they have made recent strides, and the last four police academy classes have had 67 percent to 75 percent officers of color. "We've worked really hard to get our inner-city minority applicants to join the Baton Rouge Police Department," Dabadie said last week. "But when you have a part of your community that doesn't trust police, it's really hard to get them to come work for the police." Another hindrance when BRPD recruits and hires officers has been their low starting salaries, especially when compared to Louisiana State Police. Spokesmen for each agency have previously said the starting salary for a Baton Rouge officer is $32,979, while the starting pay for State Police troopers is $46,610. The police chief and Mayor-President Kip Holden's office did not respond to messages Thursday asking about their positions on the specific residency ordinance proposed by Banks-Daniel and Cole. Banks-Daniel said cultural differences abound among people based on where they live. She said officers from outside of Baton Rouge's city limits "really have no relationship with the persons in which they've made a pledge to serve and protect." Banks-Daniel disagreed with the idea that residency requirements would hurt recruiting. She said the black community in particular would be more trusting of the police if they knew that they came from the same neighborhoods as them. She also defended the timing of the ordinance, pointing out the dozens of other pieces of legislation the Metro Council will be asked to vote on next week. "We're going to mourn and grieve and pay our respects to our fallen heroes, but at the end of the day, we still have an entire city-parish government that we have to carry on," Banks-Daniel said. She said did not know that the fallen officers lived outside of Baton Rouge's city limits. Councilwomen Erika Green and Donna Collins-Lewis, both of whom are black, like Banks-Daniel and Cole, said they agree with the residency requirements though they will have to look more closely at the particulars of the ordinance. Collins-Lewis said the Metro Council should be willing to give the ordinance a chance before saying that it would adversely affect recruitment. Green said she would like to see a requirement that at least a certain percentage of the police force live within city limits. "This is a step forward, we've got a lot more stuff to discuss with policing," Green said. But Councilmen Scott Wilson, John Delgado, Boe, Loupe and Amoroso, all of whom are white, said they are adamantly opposed to the proposal. Delgado said giving police pay raises is a more important issue to focus on rather than the residency requirements. He said the higher costs of living in Baton Rouge and the low salaries of police officers are part of the reason why many police officers choose to live in other parts of the parish or in other parishes. "Pay our officers what they deserve and maybe they could afford to live in Baton Rouge," Delgado said. Many residents in Wilson, Amoroso and Loupe's districts would also be excluded from applying for jobs as police officers under the new ordinance. Boe also pointed out that BRPD is paid for via both property taxes and general fund money. The money for the general fund comes from taxes that people throughout the parish pay, and he said it would not be fair for people who pay taxes toward the police department to be excluded from applying for work for it. "It's so ridiculous and so outlandish right now, it doesn't even deserve to be heard," Boe said. Ryan Heck withheld judgment of the residency proposal, but wondered if it would pass legal muster and noted the recruiting difficulties the department is already having. Loupe said he hopes Banks-Daniel and Cole withdraw the proposed ordinance. He said he does not want it to command attention when the attention should be on the fallen officers. "Right now, we're in the midst of burying two city policeman and one sheriff's deputy," Amoroso said. "The timing of this is absolutely despicable. This is not the time to have this dialogue, it is very shameful that this is even coming up to be introduced." 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. The former Marine who killed three lawmen Sunday in Baton Rouge reportedly told friends and family he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, raising new questions about the gunman's mental health. Meanwhile, Louisiana State Police said Wednesday they are investigating whether the gunman, Gavin Eugene Long, emailed a manifesto to an Ohio rapper less than an hour before he shot a half-dozen law enforcement officers on Airline Highway. "We are aware of that document and are working to determine its authenticity," said Maj. Doug Cain, a State Police spokesman. Long, 29, who served in the military for five years, including a tour of duty in Iraq, filled a prescription for the anti-anxiety drug Ativan last month and also had prescriptions for Valium and Lunesta, a sleep aid, CNN reported Wednesday, citing an unnamed law enforcement source. Cain said investigators have not determined whether Long had been diagnosed with the disorder. "It's something we'll look into," he said. The CNN report elicited passionate responses on social media and in interviews Wednesday. Sgt. C. Bryan Taylor, president of the Baton Rouge Police Department union, wrote in a text message to The Advocate that he was "not interested in EXCUSES!!!!" "May he rot in hell!!!" Taylor added, referring to Long. It remains unclear whether Long, an avowed "sovereign citizen," ever sought treatment for mental illness. Veterans Affairs confirmed on Wednesday that it had "a number of contacts with this veteran" between 2008 and 2013, and that its most recent "encounter" occurred in August 2013. Long, who served as a data network specialist, left the military in August 2010. "The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) prohibits us from disclosing any additional information," the VA said in a statement. John B. Wells, a retired Navy commander and attorney in Slidell, said it may surprise some if Long in fact suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after serving as a data specialist. He noted, however, that it's possible the area Long served in came under mortar attack. "You just dont know," Wells added. "It's possible he was in a convoy and hit an (improvised explosive device)." A number of question marks remained Wednesday as the investigation continued. The FBI refused, for the second time this week, to answer questions about whether Long had been known to the bureau before Sunday's attack. The bureau considers some sovereign citizens to be domestic terrorists, but it's unclear whether federal investigators knew that Long filed court papers in Kansas City claiming to be a member of The Washitaw Nation. "Were assisting local authorities on the investigation and unable to provide any details right now," Carol Cratty, an FBI spokeswoman, wrote in an email. The specter of mental illness raised new questions about the firearms Long brought to Baton Rouge to carry out the deadly attack, including whether the weapons were obtained legally. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has traced the Israeli-made, military-style rifle Long used, as well as a semiautomatic handgun he carried and a M4-style carbine found in his rental car, and forwarded its findings to the Louisiana State Police. But Cain, the State Police spokesman, said the authorities will not reveal any details about the weapons until after the funerals of the slain officers and a community memorial service planned for July 28 at Healing Place Church "We have decided not to discuss the investigation until after we honor the fallen officers," Cain said. "We are hoping to do an update next Friday or the following week." Investigators on Wednesday also were investigating a series of writings Long made, including one he may have sent to an Ohio rapper by the name of Yarima Karama, who claims that Long using his alias, Cosmo Setepenra sent him photos of a three-page handwritten letter in an email shortly before the attack. Karama discussed the purported "manifesto" in a Facebook video on Tuesday and read it aloud in full in a YouTube video posted Wednesday. He also provided the photographs to the online news site BuzzFeed. The photographs appear to be taken inside a Chevrolet Malibu, the same type of car Long was driving at the time of the attack. The email carried a subject line of "manifesto" and was sent about a half hour before Long fatally shot three officers and wounded three more, according to copies of the email provided to BuzzFeed. It begins by saying those who know him will be in "disbelief to hear from media reports that I am suspected of committing such horrendous acts of violence." The rambling letter speaks of an "unseen & concealed war within America's police force between Good cops & Bad cops." He claims that "Bad cops" aren't held accountable, "creating a perpetual systematic fertile ground for bad cops to flourish, excell [sic], & go unpunished." "I see my actions [sic] as a necessary evil that I do not wish to partake in, nor do I enjoy partaking in, but must partake in, in order to create substantial change within Americas police forces and Judicial system." In one passage, Long lays out plans to bring "destruction" to both good and bad cops "in hopes that the good cops (which are the majority) will be able to stand together to enact justice and punishment against bad cops." He also offers his condolences to both the "victims at the hands of bad cops" as well as to "the good cops & families as well." After signing the letter "Love Cosmo," he adds, "A sacrifice for my people, & a sacrifice for the people." According to BuzzFeed News, Karama received the email from iamcosmoasr@gmail.com, an address also used to register a website linked to Long and from which he'd previously sent emails to a number of people, including Karama. Advocate staff photo by TRAVIS SPRADLING -- Cumberland County Community Church Police and Fire Chaplain Robert Ossler, center, of Millville, New Jersey, prays with Baton Rouge's Chrissy Bond, left, and St. Rose's Bryian Loper, right, as they pay their respects Tues., July 19, 2016 to Baton Rouge's fallen law enforcement officers, at a memorial set up in front of the B-Quik convenience store near Sunday's ambush site. A community memorial service will be held next week for the three officers who were shot and killed in Baton Rouge on Sunday. Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that the nondenominational service will take place at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, at Healing Place Church, 19202 Highland Road. +5 Heroes: Remembering fallen BR officers after fatal shooting One was once injured trying to save a toddler from a burning building. Another helped chase State, local and federal officials are expected to attend, though President Barack Obama is not currently scheduled to travel to Baton Rouge. Several community memorials and vigils have been held throughout the city since the deadly shooting. Baton Rouge police officers Montrell Jackson and Matthew Gerald and East Baton Rouge Deputy Sheriff Brad Garafola were killed in Sunday's attack, and three other officers were injured. One remains in critical condition. Individual funeral services have been announced for the three slain officers. Funeral services for Gerald will take place at 11 a.m. Friday at Healing Place Church, with burial to follow at Louisiana National Cemetery, 303 W. Mount Pleasant in Zachary. Funeral services for Jackson will take place at 11 a.m. Monday at Living Faith Christian Center on Winbourne Avenue, with burial to follow at a location to be determined. Services for Garafola will follow at 2 p.m. Saturday at Istrouma Baptist Church, 10500 Sam Rushing Drive. There will be no graveside service, but there will be a processional from Istrouma to Greenoaks Funeral Home. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission An animal activist found guilty of hindering last year's kangaroo cull has had his conviction overturned on appeal after an ACT Supreme Court judge found the shooting operation was unlawful. Christiaan Klootwijk, 71 was charged after cull workers heard a whistle and yelling soon after they began an after-dark shoot in the Wanniassa Hills Nature Reserve in July last year. Christiaan Klootwijk pleaded not guilty to two charges he hindered a public official. Credit:Graham Tidy He later pleaded not guilty in the ACT Magistrates Court to two charges he hindered a public official in the course of his duties during the cull. During the hearing, prosecutors argued the defendant had hindered the government-contracted shooter by blowing the whistle, and that his actions halted the cull for about 45 minutes. With his cheeks gaunt and legs pin-thin, Sydney man Alexander Miziner sits outside Parliament House in Canberra, refusing to end his hunger strike which is now a month long. Thursday was day 29 of not eating. He is calling on Immigration Minister Peter Dutton to review a decision to knock back a prospective marriage visa for his Chinese fiancee, but also to look again at the whole premise of the visa that someone needs to prove their relationship is real. Mr Dutton has previously said he would not tolerate hunger strikes as a form of protest as it would encourage others to follow suit. He made those remarks in 2015 in relation to a 25-year-old Iranian asylum seeker who held a 43-day hunger strike before being hospitalised. The dividends paid by Australia's big banks are too high, and the most obvious response to a likely toughening in capital rules would be for banks to cut payouts to shareholders, Perpetual portfolio manager Anthony Aboud says. The Big Four's record of paying juicy dividends has made them a hit with retail investors, but a new note from Mr Aboud argues the lenders are materially over-paying dividends and investors should not assume this will continue. As regulators increase capital requirements for banks in coming years, he argues the banks are saving too little for a "rainy day", and all except ANZ Bank also eating into their capital bases through current dividend policies. The views of Mr Aboud, a portfolio manager of the SHARE-PLUS long-short fund, feed into a long-running debate among analysts over the sustainability of big bank dividends, worth about $20 billion a year. Tesla Motors Chief Executive Elon Musk has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand the company into electric semi trucks and buses, solar energy systems and car sharing, pitching his company directly against ride-hailing giant Uber. In a blog post titled "Master Plan, Part Deux," Musk on Wednesday sketched a vision of an integrated carbon-free energy enterprise offering a wider range of vehicles, and products and services beyond electric cars and batteries. He restated his argument that Tesla should acquire and integrate the operations of solar panel installer SolarCity, where Musk is chairman and a major shareholder - a transaction heavily criticised by investors. The eagerly awaited corporate manifesto did not detail how new projects like electric trucks or public transit vehicles would be financed. Both Tesla and SolarCity are burning cash. Tesla in May sold about $US1.7 billion ($2.3 billion) in new shares, indicating much of that will be used to accelerate development of its new Model 3 car lineup and reach a production pace of 500,000 vehicles a year by 2018, two years ahead of an earlier plan. Australia will soon vote in a national plebiscite on marriage equality, possibly in November or more likely March next year. Yet Labor, the Greens and even Australian Marriage Equality are in denial about this reality. Their continued opposition to a public vote is now a risk to the ultimate success of the "yes" case. Supporters of same-sex marriage were right to be suspicious when former prime minister Tony Abbott proposed the plebiscite in 2015. There is no doubt a parliamentary vote would be a much better way to resolve the matter. Why hold a $100 million opinion poll when the matter can be dealt with by the Parliament in the same way it has on other socially important issues such as family law, abortion and adoption? Garry Marshall, the writer, producer and director, who has died aged 81, was a master of warm-hearted, middle-of-the-road television comedy, responsible for a host of popular American sitcoms of which the best known to British audiences were Happy Days and Mork and Mindy; he went on to direct hit films such as Pretty Woman. Happy Days, which Marshall created, exploited the nostalgia for the 1950s that was pervasive in the early 1970s. Marshall described the show as "an Italian-American kid from the Bronx's fantasy of middle-class life out in the Mid West". It was a reassuring look back at an apparently simpler era, featuring the Cunningham family of Milwaukee made up of chubby paterfamilias Howard, played by Tom Bosley, his wife Marion (Marion Ross), a cheery "home-maker", and their children, notably second son Richie (Ron Howard). Director Garry Marshall attends the UK Premiere of Valentine's Day 2010 in London. Credit:Getty Images Viewers particularly took to Henry Winkler's "the Fonz", a mechanic with pompadoured hair, leather jacket and a line in cool catchphrases. First broadcast in the US between 1974 and 1984, Happy Days, with its catchy theme song by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, became a tea-time fixture on ITV in Britain, paving the way for an invasion of mainstream American television comedy series such as Cheers and Friends. Illustration: Andrew Dyson Many property owners would view their property rights as inalienable. But if you want people to live in a property that you own, and you are happy for them to pay you for it, you do give up some of your rights as owner, including the ability to sell up at the drop of a hat. Investment property owners should think of themselves, instead, as "housing service providers". After all, we have internet service providers in this country, not "cablelords". Similarly, it's time we stopped viewing renters as second-class citizens, generously gifted a home by the generosity of their lord. Tenants should have a higher status as "housing customers". Housing is, after all, the major part of most budgets. It's time renters enjoyed a better focus on customer service. Australians get most of their utilities delivered by inefficient monopolists. When it comes to renting, it's the opposite problem: service providers are a cottage industry of mum and dad investors and amateur speculators. Our tax laws, particularly the discount on capital gains, encourage excessive turnover of property for quick gain. That is antithetical to the needs of renters for stable accommodation. Many say the answer is longer lease periods. But just as landlords can't be sure they haven't got a dud tenant, tenants can never be sure they haven't signed up with a dud landlord. What renters really need is longer notice periods to vacate. In many Australian states, landlords can terminate a periodic lease (one where the fixed period has expired) with only a few months' notice. That may be fine for cashed-up young couples. It gets trickier when you have three children in local schools and there is a dearth of affordable rental housing in your area. Currently, landlords also have the right to terminate a periodic lease without any grounds and without the right to appeal by a tenant. This opens the possibility of outright discrimination against tenants who may have complex needs, refuse unreasonable rent increases or who just make too many pesky requests for maintenance on the property. Renters are always told their interests are aligned with property investors. Anything which dampens investment would hurt renters too because investors provide the rental housing. But the reality is if Australians didn't speculate on property like it's a casino, more renters could afford to buy. And our current way of taxing property encourages the development of only a certain type of rental: mostly apartments in inner city, expensive areas with good prospects for capital growth. As our cities become more polarised, there is less incentive to build investment homes in the middle to outer suburbs where struggling family renters need it the most. And there is a major flaw in the way we charge land tax that discourages the sort of large-scale, institutional property investors and managers which are more common overseas. Currently, individual property investors are entitled to just one land-tax-free threshold, at about $500,000, and then must pay progressively higher rates of tax depending on the total value of the land they own. In NSW, an investor who holds land worth half a million dollars pays about $1100 a year, according to Chris Martin, a housing expert at the City Futures Research Centre at the University of NSW. An investor who owned 10 properties worth half a million dollars each, so $5 million, would end up paying $80,000 a year in land tax. As a result, property investors tend to have only a few properties, which they either manage themselves, or through real estate agents, who, with noble exceptions, are more interested in earning sales commissions than the boring business of answering late-night calls about leaking sewerage. Larger-scale property owners would have a bigger incentive to manage their tenants' needs in a timely and professional manner to maintain their reputation and attract good tenants. Most landlords are good people, just as most people are good people. But our current system of renting leaves too much to emotion and chance. This can be good renters can strike a good rapport with agents and owners and maintain a secure tenancy. But it can so easily go bad, leaving families without homes at relatively short notice. As more Australians look to a life of renting, there is an urgent need to overhaul property taxation and tenant rights. It's time we cracked open the sacred tax shelter of property to help level the investment playing field by winding back negative gearing, the capital gains tax discount and the exemption of the family home from pension assets test. The head of Australia's Family Court has warned against "simplistic" reforms to the troubled system, saying the vast majority of cases are complex and involve family violence, mental health and substance abuse issues. Pauline Hanson's One Nation party is calling for the Family Court to be abolished and replaced with a family tribunal made up of people from "mainstream Australia". Chief Justice Diana Bryant. Credit:Jessica Shapiro "Respected" members of local community, social and health groups would be invited to participate, according to the party's policy. Joint custody should be the option of choice, and there should be recognition that "a child's standard of living following divorce cannot be maintained at pre-divorce levels", the policy says. NSW Labor has labelled a children's book that highlights the benefits of the government's multi-billion dollar re-development of the Bays Precinct in central Sydney as "propaganda" and demanded it be withdrawn from the state's classrooms. The picture book, pushed into schools by the NSW government's property development arm, UrbanGrowth, also comes with a teacher's guide on educating students about the project that will encompass the Ultimo, Rozelle, Pyrmont and Glebe foreshore. "It's a big picture, very visual, colourful book," says Belinda Thompson, the schools manager for UrbanGrowth NSW in a video promoting the resource. The video also features UrbanGrowth's public relations specialist, Holly Langler, giving a lesson to children in a public primary school. When Frances Zammit was 27, her kidneys failed. For seven years she required dialysis three times a week until in 2008 she received a kidney transplant. The donated organ never worked properly and nine months later it was removed. She was back on dialysis and waited another six years until she could receive another kidney. That came in December. The kidney has good function but it is already showing signs of fibrosis, a worrying indicator that it, too, might fail. But there is hope a new genetic test will be able to catch early signs of transplant difficulties. Police negotiators missed opportunities, went in circles and made no progress "whatsoever" during the deadly Lindt siege, according to two British experts. An inquest into the deaths of two hostages and gunman Man Haron Monis has heard police failed to make direct contact with Monis over the course of the 17-hour siege. Police Deputy Commissoner Catherine Burn said negotiators "had contact" with Monis on day of siege. Credit:Kate Geraghty He contacted police via the hostages he had trapped in the Martin Place cafe on December 15, 2014. Chief Superintendent Kerrin Smith, part of a five-member British team reviewing the siege response, said "it didn't seem that any progress was being made whatsoever". Graham Anthony George Sloane the man accused of murdering Newcastle woman Renee Mitchell and dumping her body in a suburban park told detectives: "I hope you catch the motherf---er", according to documents tendered in Newcastle Local Court. "Give me five minutes with him," Mr Sloane said during his police interview. Renee Mitchell was found dead in a park on November 11, 2014. "You could look away and I'll cut his head off. "Without any hesitation at all. Abandoned by her boyfriend, unable to have an abortion, and too scared to confide in her deeply religious family, a Sydney woman dropped her day-old baby into a drain on her way home from the hospital. "I just saw the drain on the side of the road and then I just put baby in there," the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, later told police of what happened on the afternoon of November 18, 2014. While the woman twice returned to the drain near the M7 motorway in Quakers Hill in the following days, she could not hear any noises and concluded that the baby she had once been "somewhat excited" to have had died. But about five days after the baby had been abandoned, passers-by heard unusual noises coming from the 2.5 metre drain and worked with police to remove the concrete slab covering it. Although severely dehydrated, cold, malnourished and wounded, the baby was alive. Police are investigating after a shot was fired into a Gold Coast residence Friday morning. Police were called to a property on Brenini Drive, Coombabah after receiving reports that a shot had been fired into the residence about 5am. Police were investigating after reports of shots fired on the Gold Coast. Credit:Tom Threadingham The front lounge room window was damaged as a result. A man, 34 and woman, 35, were home at the time of the incident. What if I told you there was a way to cut down the time you're spending on paperwork, so you could dedicate more energy towards growing your small business? Judging by the submissions to the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman's recent consultation period, most small business owners would jump at the offer, with many identifying red tape as one of the biggest bugbears of running a business. Are your evenings and weekends filled with pesky paperwork? I know from personal experience having run my own small business for many years how the stress of doing paperwork can feel like a dark cloud hanging over your head. It's one of those time-consuming jobs that you can never quite get to, with pressing business and family commitments often getting in the way. This sentiment is backed by the results of a number of recent surveys. To give you one example, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's 2015 National Red Tape Survey found that when they eventually get around to it, one in four business owners spend 11 hours or more per week dealing with compliance, often filling their evenings and weekends with pesky paperwork. New Zealand: Tourists are flocking to the world's steepest street in the coolest little city of the south, Dunedin. The Edinburgh of the south's star seems to be rising, there are increasing numbers of tourists heading to Otago and the city scene has hit a chord with its street art, photography and all-round understated cool. Baldwin Street in Dunedin. It seems New Zealand's first city is making something of a comeback. Baldwin Street in Dunedin is officially the steepest street in the world and has its place in the Guinness Book of Records. Graphic footage of pet dogs mauling wild animals to death was shown to a Shepparton court on Thursday, during a Cobram man's appeal of a six-month sentence for animal cruelty. Kaleb Kennedy, 20, is accused of training his three dogs to attack and kill deer, boar and other wild animals in rural parts of southern NSW and north-eastern Victoria. Kaleb Kennedy with a pet dog and one of the wild boars he is trained his dog to maul. Credit:Facebook On April 27 Kennedy was sentenced, alongside co-accused Marcus Formica, to six months in prison for a number of offences committed in a cross-border crime spree between September and November last year. Formica is serving his prison sentence, but Kennedy appealed his term and was released on bail. The Andrews government has defended its funding of Victoria's new world-class cancer hospital, saying Peter MacCallum has as many beds open as it needs. Health Minister Jill Hennessy slammed reports on Thursday that dozens of beds and chemotherapy treatment chairs at the recently opened centre remained closed due to a funding shortfall. The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Parkville, the new home of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre She said the hospital was designed for future growth and the beds available for use since it opened in recent weeks were in line with demand forecast by the hospital itself. "Whenever we build hospitals we also build additional capacity in those hospitals to make sure they're able to cater for future population growth," Ms Hennessy said. Politics has engulfed the proposed $250 million revamp of the Queen Victoria Market, with the planning minister and lord mayor trading barbs on the overhaul. Melbourne City Council wants to fund a major transformation of the market by developing at least two high-rise towers on sites adjacent to the 140-year-old city institution. Its plan was released on Thursday, ahead of a vote over the development at a council meeting on Tuesday. Planning Minister Richard Wynne visited the market on Thursday to express his concerns over the proposed redevelopment, which would see a tower of at least 30 storeys - and perhaps much higher - being built next door. Cold weather and new free-range regulations appear to have sparked an egg shortage in WA with shelves left bare in major supermarket stores in the state's South West. Visits to both Woolworths and Coles stores across Bunbury revealed little or no stock and notes by both supermarket chains apologising for the lack of available products. The dairy shelves in Bunbury tell a sorry tale. A note in the Treendale Woolworths store drapes over a sad and barren looking shelf informing customers the shortage was due to unprecedented demand, colder weather and lower than expected farm yields. The slip noted free range eggs, particularly 700 to 800 grams, may be in short supply for a number of weeks as "industry works hard to meet demand". A Perth father accused of setting his daughter on fire as she slept after celebrating her fourth birthday will likely apply for a judge-only trial. Edward John Herbert, a tiler known to neighbours as "Eddy", allegedly doused his three-year-old daughter and her two siblings in petrol and set them alight at their home in Holbeck Street in Doubleview, on August 28, 2015. The children's mother ran into the street for help, alerting two neighbours. One of the neighbours was an off-duty police constable who extinguished the seriously injured three-year-old girl using a blanket. September 2009: 1MDB signs its first major deal, a joint venture with Saudi oil firm PetroSaudi. A draft report by Malaysia's auditor-general indicates that of $US1 billion invested into the joint venture firm from 1MDB, approximately $US700 million instead moves to another company's bank account. That company, Good Star, was set up by a young Malaysian financier called Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low. April 2009: Mr Najib becomes prime minister of Malaysia and continues his role with 1MDB. May 2010: 1MDB signs deals with sovereign wealth funds in the Gulf emirates of Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Prime land in Kuala Lumpur is sold to 1MDB at below-market rates to develop a financial district, in a joint venture with Abu Dhabi's state-owned Mubadala Development Company. After spending nearly $US2 million on a launch party, 1MDB ditches the event when Abu Dhabi's crown prince decides not to attend. Protesters in Kuala Lumpur demand the resignation of Najib Razak in August 2015. Credit:Getty Images May 2014: The Sarawak Report, a whistleblowing website run by British investigative journalist Clare Rewcastle Brown, begins to publish allegations about misappropriation of state funds by 1MDB. July 2015: Malaysia ignores an Australian request for assistance in a case involving allegations of bribery by two Australian Reserve Bank firms over contracts to print banknotes. People who had worked in the office of Mr Najib are implicated but DFAT obtains a suppression order to prevent his name being linked to the case. The whistleblowing website WikiLeaks publishes the suppression order, forcing Victoria's Supreme Court to revoke it. Malaysia's deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin publicly calls for Mr Najib to offer an explanation of the 1MDB scandal. He and four other ministers are promptly sacked, and Malaysian attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail is replaced with Mohamed Apandi Ali, a party ally of Mr Najib's. Charles Kinsey explains in an interview from his hospital bed in Miami what happened when he was shot by police. Credit:WSVN via AP North Miami's police chief Gary Eugene said an investigation was underway but offered few details about the incident. He said officers responded to the scene with the threat of a gun in mind, but no gun was recovered. "There are many questions about what happened on Monday night," he said. "I assure you we will get all the answers." Eugene said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement would lead the investigation at his request. The agency would not comment on the shooting, spokeswoman Molly Best said. Kinsey said he was stunned. "I was thinking as long as I have my hands up ... they're not going to shoot me," he told local television station WSVN from his hospital bed. "Wow, was I wrong." Kinsey said he was even more stunned by what happened afterwards, when police handcuffed him and left him bleeding on the pavement for "about 20 minutes". A second video taken after the gun shots were fired show the men being handcuffed. His attorney Hilton Napoleon called the video "shocking". "There is no reason to fire your weapon at a man who has hands up and is trying to help," Napoleon said. He called for the department to fire the officer. "From my understanding, I believe he is a white male," he said. North Miami has not identified the officer or his race. "Arriving officers attempted to negotiate with two men on the scene, one of whom was later identified as suffering from autism," police said in a statement. "At some point during the on-scene negotiation, one of the responding officers discharged his weapon, striking the employee of the [assisted living facility]." The shooting comes at a tense time for both police and civilians. Police across the country are currently on alert after lone gunmen ambushed officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, killing eight. At the same time, police are also under scrutiny after the fatal shootings of two black men earlier this month. Bystanders filmed Baton Rouge police fatally shooting Alton Sterling in the early hours of July 5. Two days later, Philando Castile was fatally shot by a cop in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. His girlfriend streamed the aftermath on Facebook Live. Like those two incidents, the Miami altercation was partially captured on camera. Before the cameras started rolling, the young autistic man wandered away from a North Miami home . A manager at the facility told WSVN that the man was "about 23 years old, he's autistic, he's non-verbal [and] he's relatively low-functioning". The autistic man sat on the ground, blocking traffic, while he played with a small white toy truck, Napoleon said. Kinsey went to retrieve him. Around the same time, someone in the area called 911 and reported seeing a man with a gun threatening to commit suicide, police said. According to Napoleon, Kinsey was trying to persuade the autistic man to get off the road when police approached with their rifles raised. With the Sterling and Castile shootings on his mind, Kinsey laid down on the ground and put his hands up in the air. "I was really more worried about him than myself," Kinsey told WSVN, referring to the autistic man. Kinsey, who is on the ground with hands up is trying to get the autistic man to do the same. "Lay down on your stomach," Kinsey tells the young man. "Shut up," the autistic man shouts. "Shut up you idiot." Kinsey turns his attention to the police. "Can I get up now?" he asks. "Can I get up?" As police aim their assault rifles at the men in the street, Kinsey tries to explain to them that they pose no threat. "All he has is a toy truck in his hand. A toy truck," Kinsey can be heard saying in the video. "I am a behavioural therapist at a group home. "That's all it is," he says, referring to the toy truck. "That's all it is. There is no need for guns." "Let me see your hands," a cop can be heard shouting at the autistic man. "Get on the ground. Get on the ground." The autistic man then begins to make noises, apparently playing with his toy. "Rinaldo, please be still," Kinsey tells his patient. "Sit down, Rinaldo. Lay on your stomach." The video then cuts out. Seconds later, one of the officers fired his weapon three times. One of the bullets struck Kinsey near his right knee, exiting his upper thigh. "My life flashed in front of me," he told WSVN, adding that his first thought was of his family. "Right now, I am just grateful that he is alive, and he is able to tell his story," his wife, Joyce, told the TV station. Kinsey was "dumbfounded" by the shooting, Napoleon said. "He should recover physically but he is really kind of mentally distraught," the attorney added. "As you can see in the video, he did everything he thought he had to do and then some ... and still got shot." Napoleon said he was already in negotiations with the City of North Miami regarding a possible settlement. "I have confidence that the city is going to negotiate in good faith and try to resolve this issue," he said. "At a minimum, we would request that they terminate the officer immediately based on what's in the video." The attorney said he trusted the State Attorney's Office, which is also investigating, to determine if criminal charges should be filed against the officer. Paris: Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, who killed 84 people in a terrorist attack in Nice, France, last week, planned his assault over several months and got help from at least five people, the Paris prosecutor said Thursday. However, although the Islamic State called the attacker one of its "soldiers", there is as yet no evidence that he or the suspected accomplices had any direct contact with the terrorist network, said the prosecutor, Francois Molins, who handles terrorism investigations in France. Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, a 31-year-old Tunisian who lived in Nice, drove a cargo truck through crowds that had gathered on the city's waterfront promenade to watch the Bastille Day fireworks on July 14. He also fired an automatic pistol at police before they shot and killed him. Authorities initially said they believed that Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, who had not been particularly religious, had become rapidly radicalised over a few weeks before the attack. But on Thursday, Mr Molins suggested that the attack had been planned for months. Investigators have confirmed "not only the premeditated character" of the attack but also that Lahouaiej-Bouhlel "benefited from support and complicity in the preparation and carrying out of his criminal act", Mr Molins said. 2016 Toyota 4Runner Premium 4X4 Trail Review by John Heilig +VIDEO By John Heilig Senior Editor Mid-Atlantic Bureau The Auto Channel REVIEWED MODEL: 2016 Toyota 4Runner Premium 4X4 Trail ENGINE: 4.0-liter DOHC V-6 TRANSMISSION: 5-speed automatic HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 270 hp @ 5,500 rpm/278 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm WHEELBASE: 109.8 in. LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 191.3 x 75.8 x 71.5 in. TIRES: P265/70R17 CARGO CAPACITY: 46.3/88.8 cu. ft. (rear seats up/down) ECONOMY: 17 mpg city/21 mpg highway/19.1 mpg test FUEL TANK: 23.0 gal. CURB WEIFGHT: 4,750 lbs. COMPETITIVE CLASS: Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Equinox, Nissan Pathfinder STICKER: $41,690 (includes $900 delivery, $1,695 options) BOTTOM LINE: The Toyota 4Runner offers a surprisingly smooth and quiet ride for what is a very good hauler. Toyota promotes the 4Runner as the go-to-SUV for Go-Anywhere capability. This is true. The 4Runner, which has been around for three decades, not only looks the part, but it can do almost anything you ask of it. Beneath the aggressive hood scoop is a 4.0-liter V6 that pumps out 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque, enough to tow a 5,000-pound trailer with a 470-pound tongue weight. Handling is generally good, but it is compromised somewhat by a tall aspect ratio and ride height. Overall, however, ride quality is surprisingly good for what is essentially a truck. On decent roads, which are few and far between in Pennsylvania, its almost like riding in a luxury sedan with a long wheelbase and a heavy chassis. Its full-time 4WD system uses a TORSEN center differential with a locking feature and a three-mode center console-mounted switch. The system uses a 40/60 torque split in most driving situations and alters that in response to slippage. If the front wheels are slipping while the vehicle is turning, the differential changes the split to 30/70. If the rear wheels are slipping while the vehicle is turning, the differential changes to a 53/47 split. Thats all courtesy of Toyota. Again, according to Toyota because we drove it exclusively on-road, the Trail grade version can adapt the vehicle with the Multi-Terrain Select system. Using an overhead dial to select the mode that matches prevailing terrain and conditions, the 4Runner adjust wheel slip accordingly. Terrain choices include mud and sand, and moguls. I was impressed by the 4Runners cargo carrying capability, since I had no opportunities for off-roading. First, with two-row seating (three rows are available) there are 47.2 cubic feet of cargo in back. Lower the second row seats (and the seat cushions must also be lowered into the footwells for a flat cargo floor) and you have nearly 90 cubic feet of capacity. In our tester, capacity was somewhat limited by the addition of an available pull-out cargo deck (a $350 option) that can carry up to 440 pounds to make loading and unloading easier. Slide the deck out to its maximum, load your suitcases or boxes on it, then slide it back without having to stretch deep into the cargo bay. You can also use the deck as a seating area or as a table for tailgating. The rear cargo area has multiple tie-downs and grocery bag hooks, as well as a 110-volt outlet. We took neighbors to the airport and they were able to put their luggage easily in the back, then enjoyed a comfortable ride in the second row with more than adequate leg room. The second row seats have a pull-down armrest and feature 16 degrees of reclinability in four steps. Entering the rear is made easier with running boards on both sides. These are necessary because the 4Runner rides high. In addition, there are four assist handles, and the front passenger has an additional assist handle on the A-Pillar. Had we brought a third passenger, he or she could have ridden in comfort with a low rear center hump. The front seats are comfortable with decent side support. They are well padded. The center console/arm rest is deep. At the base of the center stack are 12-volt, USB and AUX connections. Exterior styling is dominated by that hood scoop and generous use of chrome plating on the bumpers, etc. The manliness or truckness is emphasized inside with control knobs that have a rugged style. This style is echoed in the speedometer and tachometer bezels. Other than that, its a fairly standard instrument panel and dash. I thought the digital clock that is located at the top of the dash was hard to read in daylight. Interior styling has soft surfaces throughout, even on the rear door trim. The rear hatch is manually operated. While its heavy, it is well counterbalanced and uses good struts. Pulling it back down is tougher, however. The pull-down strap, to me, is located too far from the end of the hatch, where it would provide more leverage. The full-size spare is mounted underneath the cargo area, outside. Overall, the Toyota 4Runner is a rugged vehicle with off-road capability and the ability to carry four to five people in comfort with all their luggage and whatever else they might want to take with them on a trip. The Most In-Depth Unbiased Independent Toyota Vehicle Shopper's Research - Anywhere! (c) 2016 The Auto Page Syndicate For Dogs, its Trick and Treat Its almost Halloween, a great time to teach your dog a trick and give him a treat. Most trainers are fans of trick training. Its not as silly as it... Muzzle is not a bad word If you see a dog in a muzzle, you immediately think the dog is aggressive. Right? Well, this is not always true. Unfortunately, seeing a dog in a muzzle carries... Princess Claires Wedding Tiara (Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) Happy National Day to all of our lovely readers from Belgium! Today is the annual celebration of the inauguration of King Leopold I in 1831. To help add some glitter to the day, were looking at one of the familys most delicate, lovely tiaras: the diamond diadem worn by Princess Claire at her wedding to Prince Laurent. Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images The specific provenance of this all-diamond tiara doesnt seem to have been made public knowledge. While we dont know whether the tiara was newly-made or an antique piece, we do know that it was a wedding gift to the British-born Claire from her new parents-in-law, King Albert and Queen Paola. Others have noted a resemblance to the small vifte tiara from the Norwegian royal collection, which dates to the 1890s. Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images Claire wore the tiara at her wedding in 2003. While the tiara is a small piece, it coordinated perfectly with Claires wedding ensemble the tiaras design echoes the dainty lacework of Claires wedding dress and her veil. (Trivia: Claires gorgeous wedding look was apparently the inspiration for the royal wedding gown in the film The Princess Diaries 2.) Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images After her own wedding, one of Claires most high-profile appearances in the tiara happened at the 2004 wedding of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. At the wedding and at many other white-tie events she wore the tiara with her diamond and pearl wedding earrings. Photo: Mark Renders/Getty Images During the early years of her marriage, this was the sole tiara in Claires collection. The fact that its an all-diamond piece was an asset, because it coordinates well with lots of different ensembles. Its small size, however, does mean that it requires very specific styling, or it gets lost in Claires hair. Above, Claire wears the tiara during a 2005 state visit from Portugal; below, she wears it during the 2006 Dutch state visit. Photo: Mark Renders/Getty Images It will be interesting to see, in the future, how much Laurent and Claires extended family continue to be involved in royal duties and events. If their daughter, Princess Louise, attends white-tie events when shes older, this tiny-but-mighty sparkler could be a great first tiara for her to wear. CLEVELAND Ted Cruz hijacked Donald Trumps party Wednesday night. In the most dramatic, off-script moment in a Republican Convention thats been full of them, the second-place finisher in the partys contest didnt endorse the man who bested himeffectively launching his own 2020 presidential bid in the midst of Donald Trumps effort this year. He refused to endorse the Republican Partys nominee, merely congratulating him on winning the nomination and not so much as mentioning Trumps name thereafter. Were fighting, Cruz told the crowd, not for one particular candidate or one campaign. In November, the Tea Party senator said, vote your conscience vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution. He did not say that Trump was this manand the crowd noticed, loudly booing him at various points during the speech. I appreciate the passion of the New York delegation, Cruz responded at one point. Trump himself seemed to notice as well, as he entered the convention hall and took a seat with his family a few minutes before Cruz finished his speech. The entrance drew raucous applause, as many delegates turned their backs on Cruz to face Trump and cheer him. Trump sat there, stone-faced, as Cruz continued his remarks. Not once during the address did Trump or his family clap. Given the animus between Trump and Cruz during the campaign, the Texas senator had grounds to withhold his support, even after pledging to support the partys nominee during the primary contest. During the primaries, Trump disparaged Cruz as Lyin Ted throughout, retweeted someone elses post crudely insulting the looks of Cruzs wife, Heidi, and even insinuated at one point that Cruzs fatherwho was in the arena Wednesdaywas involved in the JFK assassination. With most of Cruzs rivals this year now lined up behind Trump, Cruz delivered a speech that made repeated, not-so-subtle jabs at his own partys nominee. Painting himself as the anti-Trump, this was Cruz, peace and love editiona striking contrast from the moral indignation he telegraphed throughout the 2016 primaries. We stand here tonight a nation divided. Partisan rancor, anger, even hatred are tearing America apart, he told the crowd. And he took a dig at Trumps proposed Muslim ban: Freedom means religious freedom, whether you are Christian or Jew, Muslim, or atheist. Cruz opened the speech by talking about the daughter of a police officer killed in the recent Dallas shootings. The crowd was completely silent, and many seemed visibly moved. But by the end of his address, when he returned to Dallas, the floor was raucous and chaotic, and Cruz left the stage to a cacophony of cheers, boos, and chants. The gamble Cruz made in alienating his own partys faithful is that if Trumps bid crashes and burns, Cruz will be remembered as one of a tiny number of prescient national Republicans still in office who withheld support for the loser. For the time being, though, the anger is palpable. CNN reported that Heidi Cruz got escorted out of the arena as, according to top Cruz ally Ken Cuccinelli, attendees were physically approaching her, berating her. Radio host Laura Ingrahams speech earlier in the evening seemed to anticipate Cruzs rejection. Even all you boys with wounded feelings and bruised egos and we love you, but you must honor your pledge to support Donald Trump, she told the convention, to raucous applause, in a very well-received speech earlier in the night. Trump himself tweeted a response just before midnight, calling Cruzs remarks No big deal! For Cruzs biggest fans, at least, it was a very big deala hard shot in a campaign that never really ended. Though his last rally was months ago, there was a familiar feeling in the air Wednesday afternoon at a riverside Cleveland restaurant as the senator held a thank you event for his supporters. There were familiar faces and familiar, campaign-trail-rhetoric. Cruz fired up his crowdand seemed to revel when the restaurant crowd erupted into boos at the mention of Trump. The timing was perfect. Our party now has a nominee... the senator began. Just as Cruz brought up Trump for the first time, the moguls private jetwith TRUMP emblazoned on its side, clearly visible from the groundflew into view over the nearby Cuyahoga River. At the sight of the plane, the crowd started booing so loudly that Cruz nearly had to shout as he cracked a joke about the outburst of disdain toward his partys presidential nominee. That was pretty well orchestrated, Cruz quipped. He called out to his former campaign manager, Jeff Roe: Jeff, did you email them to fly the plane right when I said that? Cruz then offered a litany of sunny statistics about his failed presidential bid: 326,000 volunteers across the nation, 12 state primary victories, and 559 delegates pledged to the Texas senator at the Republican convention. In an amazing campaign field of 17 talented, dynamic candidates, we beat 15, the vanquished candidate said. We just didnt beat 16. One audience member waved a copy of Green Eggs and Hama book Cruz read from during his 2013 fauxlibuster that tried, unsuccessfully, to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The afternoon gathering brought the old Cruz crew back together; a number of long-time Cruz staffers were there, including John Drogin, Tyler Norris, Catherine Frazier, and Roe. Other Cruz boosters attended as well, including Wisconsin state Senator Duey Stroebel, Virginia state Senator Dick Black, Rep. Louie Gohmert, and former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. Yet while Cruzs fans urged him to run for president next cycle, they were also reconciling themselves with the fact that Trump is now their partys standard bearer. Cuccinelli, a top Cruz ally who this week lambasted the RNC for rules viewed as having helped Trump win primaries, told The Daily Beast that he will vote for the mogul after all. Yet Cuccinelli still allowed himself to enjoy the sight of Cruz supporters booing the Republican nominees private jet. I did like the plane coming in, Cuccinelli quipped to The Daily Beast as he posed for pictures with Cruz fans. That was pretty good. The chairman for Cruzs Alabama delegates, Arnold Mooney, said that he was disappointed at the senators defeat in the primaries. Mooney said that Republicans should unite behind their nominee, but he acknowledged the lingering discord. There are many people who are disturbed and upset, Mooney told The Daily Beast. I hope and pray that God will put in their heart to vote for, among those two or three people on the ballot in November, for that person who will do the best job for our nation. I dont know what the future holds, Cruz began at one point, lingering for a moment on the thought. His supporters filled the silence. 2020! 2020! they shouted. CLEVELAND Newt Gingrich could have been promoting a new history book in the basement of a book store on Wednesday night. But he was actually promoting a candidate, or at least trying to promote a candidate, or at least trying to put a band-aid on a wound that was still throbbing in the Quicken Loans Arena. The venue was losing power as Ted Cruz walked off the stage after torching the arena and all inside by not bending at the knee to the new GOP overlord Donald Trump. As the ashes still smoldered with boos ringing from the rafters, the best Gingrich could do was try to extinguish the simmering embers. I think you misunderstood one paragraph, Gingrich said before citing a line that turned the delegates on the floor rabid just moments earlier. Ted Cruz said you can vote your conscience for anyone who will uphold the Constitution this election. Trying to shift the tide back to the man of the hour, Gingrich just accentuated the elephant in the room. This election, theres only one candidate who will uphold the Constitution, he said referring to Trump but reminding the crowd that that other guy had just pissed everyone off as he launched his prospective 2020 campaign. These lines, which were not in his initial prepared remarks, preceded a passage where Gingrich praised the weatherworn figures of the Republican establishment who showed up tonight but didnt enthusiastically endorse. With no requirement of endorsement, [Trump] encouraged his competitors to speak once again, Gingrich said. Governor Rick Perry, Governor Chris Christie, Governor Scott Walker, Senator Marco Rubio, Senator Ted Cruz all responded. Yet just hours before, after Gingrich and his wife, Callista, premiered a new George Washington film they produced called The First American at the local Tower City Cinemas in a Cleveland mall, the former speaker told The Daily Beast that unity in the party didnt really matter. Of course not, he said in a response to a question about whether the party was unified after 48 hours in the Buckeye State. This is a remarkable insurgency. Never seen something like it in my life. But does it matter? Is it significant that Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort dismissed Ohio Governor John Kasich and essentially called the Bushes dinosaurs on Monday? The guy carried 37 states, got more votes than anybody in history as a Republicanmore than Reagan, more than Eisenhower, more than anybody, Gingrich said as we paraded through the food court at the shopping center. At some point you think Gee, maybe hes doing something right, and maybe its all the people who are worried who dont get it. Yet when he stood before the thrashing masses, the white-haired historian changed his tune. It was all about unity. And Trump had pulled off the unthinkablehe graciously let all the sad sacks he beat in the primary come and speak on his behalf the night before he was set to be crowned king. Gingrich, whose principal daily projects are Facebook live broadcasts and movie productionshe said he has several on the waynarrowly avoided the prize (or hardship) that was being Trumps second in command. He no doubt still wants to be involved, telling reporters on Wednesday that in the Trump administration hed like to plan how we fundamentally overhaul the system. Earlier this year, according to sources close the campaign, that vague description was best encapsulated by a chief of staff position for which Gingrich had been privately pushing. Since Donald does not have any substance, Newt thought that he could get in there and be the de facto president, one source said of his jockeying during the campaign. After privately lobbying on Trumps behalf in Washington, D.C., Gingrich would periodically advise the Trump campaign and often appear as a stalwart advocate on Fox News, hoping to ride the crest when it was high, while standing as a voice of reason when it was low. But on Wednesday, after the dust settled and Gingrich ended up being the warm-up act to Trumps vice presidential pick Mike Pence, he tried to play both sides of the aisle; praising Trump as the gallant outsider laying waste to the establishment while emphasizing the importance of party unity. Yet like the quick remarks he made to a half-crowded movie theater in the afternoonmaking movies is very complicatedGingrichs appeals for Trump fell on deaf ears. As the incandescent Make America Great Again faded from view on the banner above the Trump familys box, the real-estate mogul had temporarily left, with Gingrich still on the stage pouring it all out. Bombed and besieged by their own government for going on six years, their hospitals targeted by cruise missiles and explosive-filled barrels while foreign extremists exploit the chaos and despair of a revolution crushed to occupy once liberated landwhenever it seems things cant get any worse for the people of Syria that perception is invariably followed by a new horror, be it a child beheaded by rebels or the Syrian regime starving to death children in rebel-held towns. But somehow, someway, the news from Syria invariably manages to get worse, for those not yet fatigued by the routine of atrocity. Its the worst week weve ever tracked, Chris Woods, director of the monitoring group Airwars, told The Daily Beast. He was referring to a threat that emerged nearly two years ago: U.S. airstrikes, aimed at the Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra, al Qaidas Syrian affiliate, but exacting a deadly toll on those stuck between ostensibly religious and ostensibly secular extremists. Ahmad Mohammad, a 24-year-old Syrian activist, described it as a massacre: On July 19, over 90 civilians in the northern Syria village of Tokhar, just outside the town Manbij, were killed by suspected U.S. airstrikes as a U.S.-backed coalition, the Syrian Democratic Forces, is fighting to reclaim the area along the Turkish border from the Islamic State. When the uprising in Syria began in 2011, Mohammad said his goal was to spread news of the revolution; in 2016 his activism takes the form of documenting abusesin this case, he sent along photos of women and children being buried in a mass grave, human beings like all of us, he said, whose only offense was living in a town occupied by terrorists from abroad. In a statement, U.S. Central Command confirmed it carried out airstrikes in the area. We are aware of reports alleging civilian casualties in the area, it said. If the information supporting the allegation is determined to be credible, we will then determine the next appropriate step. The CENTCOM-supported SDF, meanwhile, has dismissed reports of mass casualties in Manbij as fabricated news circulated by groups who support terrorism, according to a statement obtained by the Kurdish media network Rudaw. Independent monitors and anti-ISIS activists on the ground, by contrast, insist that air support for the SDF has killed hundreds of innocents. According to Airwars, the human beings dumped in that hole, along with corpses on streets and under rubble in and around Manbij that could not be afforded even a mass burial, bring the civilian death count from U.S.-led airstrikes in the area up to at least 190 since May 31. Local activists claim the number is at least 368, and an activist with the Free Manbij Media Center told The Daily Beast the death toll on July 19 alone was more than 150 people, mostly women and children who were killed while in their homes. The latest airstrikes have grabbed international headlines, but they are nothing new for Syrians. Since the U.S.-led coalition began bombing Syria, Airwars states there are credible reports of between 682 and 942 civilian deaths, meaning that nearly a third of what the military terms collateral damage has occurred in the last two months. It has gotten so bad, Woods said, that were nearing Russian levels (between 1,098 and 1,450 likely dead civilians since September 2015). The U.S. has thus far confirmed just 24 civilian deaths from its campaign in Syria. Like Russia, none of its partnersAustralia, Bahrain, France, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, among othershas admitted to any. Loubna Mrie, a 24-year-old Syrian activist from Latakia, wishes the world had paid attention to what was happening in Manbij before U.S. airstrikes began raining down on it. I was there when the Free Syrian Army, back in January 2014, started their campaign against ISIS and ISIS was kicked out, she told The Daily Beast. The power of ISIS in that area today is because those people in 2014 were not able to get support. That rebels aligned with the FSA were fighting ISIS months before the U.S. began its bombing campaign, without the benefit of airstrikes and metric tons of airdropped weapons, is a fact often lost in much of the mainstream discourse on Syria. Its also a peculiarity of the dominant discourse among the Western left that U.S. support for those FSA fighters appears to be more objectionableand much more extensive than facts on the ground suggestthan the much greater support enjoyed today by the YPG and the SDF it effectively leads. The Americans did not really support the Free Syrian Army that much, Mrie said. Working as a photographer for Reuters, I used to be on the front-lines all the time and I have seen how the American support is really a joke. Their only serious support was for the YPG, a group that has appealed to the global left with its talk of social revolution, anti-capitalism and commitment to gender equality. The relatively muted response among committed anti-interventionists to actually existing U.S. intervention in Syriaover 4,600 airstrikes and countingis striking, having something to do, perhaps, with the antiwar left having already declared victory years ago. In 2013, the left credited itself with staving off airstrikes against the government of Bashar al-Assad after his forces used chemical weapons, a stated red line for U.S. President Barack Obama. A popular talking point then as now was that any undermining of the Syrian regime would only aid amorphously defined extremists; if were going to bomb anyone, it should be them. A year later the U.S. did just that, launching airstrikes against anti-regime extremists but not those loyal to the Assad dictatorship. And when the U.S. bombs finally began falling, the silence was deafening: groups that had ramped up efforts to keep U.S. hands off Syria remained comfortably demobilized, while Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard became a liberal star and regular feature on the campaign trail with Sen. Bernie Sanders based precisely on her opposition to regime change in Syria, explicitly coupled with a call for the U.S. and Russia to bomb the country some more. Opposition to one form of U.S. intervention in Syriaregime changeneed not mean support for another: de facto regime preservation. Or vice versa, of course. It is worth wondering, however, why more than token arming of those fighting ISIS in 2014 is imperialism worthy of the utmost outrage, while many of those ostensibly committed to non-intervention at all costs have had hardly a thing to say about two years of dropping bombs on towns ISIS took from the FSA, or the arming of a coalition, the SDF, that activists in Manbij told The Daily Beast they do not see as liberators, despite their shared opposition to ISIS. When I posed this question to Mrie, the activist who was in Manbij before the U.S. began bombing it to save itwhy the fuss about one intervention but not the other?she was blunt. First of all, I hate the left in America because they are so stupid when it comes to Syria, she said. And Im not surprised they arent saying anything, exceptions to the rule aside. Able to speak with moral clarity when Israel bombs Palestinians, perceived U.S. support for toppling the Syrian government leads to moral confusion when the latter bombs Palestinians in Syria. Likewise, defending Russias bombing of Syria on the grounds that some in the State Department have said bad things about a rivals air campaign, under the reasoning that the opposite of what a U.S. imperialist says is anti-imperialism, doesnt lend itself to principled opposition when that U.S. imperialist does the same thing for the same stated reasons. And that about sums up the pitfalls of a pseudo-oppositional stance on Syria, from the leftthat is, a position informed by what one perceives the U.S. governments stance to be, bolstered by talking points about another country honed during the Bush administration. It ignores the pleas for solidarity from progressive forces that are often erased from existence for ease of argument. My impression about this curious situation is that they simply do not see us; it is not about us at all, Yassin Al Haz Saleh, a leftist Syrian dissident who spent 16 years in a regime prison, said in an interview last year. Syria is only an additional occasion for their old anti-imperialist tirades, never the living subject of debate. The intellectual laziness of some on the left (and many on the right) has led to the mechanical repetition of a tidy narrative of regime change, and a New Cold War with Russia, that frees the soap-boxer from having to learn or acknowledge any incongruent details, like cold warriors working together to bomb the country in coordination with its dictatorship. Its a narrative that sees a U.S. anti-tank missile in the hands of some militias but doesnt recognize as the work of empire a five-year CIA embargo on anyone providing a Syrian the means to counter the regimes air supremacy with anti-aircraft weapons, or notice that U.S. intervention began as an effort to keep control of the flow of weapons already headed into the country, leading to Western-backed forces rationing bullets. More distressingly, treating Syria not as its own country but as Iraq 2.0 has led to the erasure of the millions of Syrians who demanded the downfall of their government, peacefully, and continue to dream of a democratic state amid almost unfathomable levels of state and non-state terrorism. Solidarity with oppressed peoples is too often exchanged for solidarity with those oppressing them, should those oppressors have the good fortune of not being upstanding members of NATO, taking us to a place where murdering doctors causes outrage or complacency depending on the manufacturer of the ordinance that killed them. Internationalism has been replaced by American narcissism and an inverted nationalism thats deadly ironic, given that the misreading of U.S. intentions has led anti-imperialists to embrace multiple forms of imperialism, including that practiced by the enemy at home. Their is the anti-imperialism of fools. That the left has largely stuck with its rhetoric from 2013, if not 2003, has led it to miss the fact that its arguments are largely shared by those shaping policy, with Washingtons foreign policy elites seeing the downfall of Syrias regime as the gravest threat to U.S. interests in the region. But it also may be the case that the dominant strain of the Western left is uncomfortable with having won a debateif only because it effectively aligned with the views of the dominant brand of imperialism in the modern day United Statesand, unaccustomed to winning, those used to an adversarial stance toward power simply have nothing useful left to say. Donald Trump liked to call Ted Cruz Lyin Ted during their fierce battle for the Republican presidential nomination over the past year. But after Cruz refused to endorse Trump from the stage at the RNC last night , the Texas senator has picked up a few new nicknames. Both Cruzs colleague Rep. Peter King (R-NY) and RNC spokesperson Sean Spicer appear to agree that hes an asshole." Former House Speaker John Boehner wants the world to know that Lucifer is back. And now Ann Coulter has called him a little bitch on CNBC. Coulter, a fervent Trump cheerleaderwho, for some reason, did not land a prime speaking spot at the conventiontold CNBCs Squawk Box on Thursday that she hadnt watched a single moment of the proceedings from Cleveland on television. But when she heard Cruz had just committed suicide in front of the GOP delegates and millions of viewers, she decided to check it out. Oh my gosh, that's the only thing I wish I had been in the hall for, the conservative pundit said. It's like professional wrestling. It's amazing that he does not have people around him to tell him, Ted, maybe you shouldn't be committing suicide live on national TV. Coulter flat-out rejected the notion that this could be the kick-off moment of Cruzs 2020 campaign, saying, Im beginning to understand why Ted Cruz has been hated by everyone every place he's been, from kindergarten to the United States Senate. You would think it would occur to him, she continued, piling on the senator, Every place I've ever been, everyone has hated me. My only shot is to tie my wagon to Donald Trump. Maybe I can be attorney general or solicitor general. And no. Rubio comes out and, as tepid as it may be, he does endorse Donald Trump. It's Cruz who is the little bitch who can't get over it. Bill Maher has flip-flopped quite a bit on Ted Cruz. Speaking to The Daily Beast in January, the host of HBOs Real Time offered that Ted Cruz is scarier than Donald Trump, alleging Trump says some things that a liberal can love. By March, after a series of increasingly unhinged Trump statements (and tweets), Maher had dramatically shifted course, sporting a bright red hat that read, Better Ted Than Dead! During Wednesday nights Republican National Convention , an evening filled with establishment politicians in lieu of luminaries like Scott Baio and some dude named Andy, Ted Cruz surprised the Cleveland crowd by going full Kim Kardashian on The Donald: reportedly issuing a different speech from the one hed submitted to the RNCone that refused to endorse the party nominee while urging those in attendance and tuning in at home to vote their conscience, or the very slogan of the #NeverTrump movement. I dont want to say its a shit-showbut they just sent out for more shit, joked Maher, broadcast live from his L.A. studio following the RNC. Did you see what Ted Cruz did tonight? About a half-hour ago? He told the delegates to vote their conscience. Now, when Trump is your candidate, theres nothing lower than that! Indeed there wasntand the crowd could sense it, with reports claiming that officials had to be physically prevented from going after Cruz following his speech. Maher also reserved some of his ire for the Trump family, whove emerged as the centerpieces of each convention night despite their glaring lack of qualifications and organic familial anecdotes. He teed off on Tiffany and Donald Trump Jr., saying they were going to do a sitcom with Donald called How I Fired Your Mother. Then he went for Melania Trump, who plagiarized portions of her speech from first lady Michelle Obamas 2008 Democratic National Convention speech. It was a tough week for the current Mrs. Trump, said Maher, before mimicking Trumps anti-Mexican presidential announcement speech from June. It turned out she stole a speech about her parents teaching her values, confirming what Donald has always said: Immigrants steal. I hate to generalize, but Slovenia is not sending us its best people. Theyre plagiarists, theyre models I assume some of them are good people. The host also addressed not only the overall bigotry of the conventionhow these assholes cheered letting off the cops who killed Freddie Gray and are against health insurance and for coal miningas well as the overwhelming amount of hatred directed at presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, whose name has been mentioned far more than even Trumps over the events first three days. Now, for people who may not have watched conventions beforesome of them are coming into it for the first timethe hate, said Maher. Now, all conventions are about tearing down the other side, to a degree. But by standards, how would you gauge this conventions hate? Its a little off the chart. There was a delegate who said [Clinton] should be shot for treason, he continued. And Zika virus, apparently shes responsible for that, according to Mitch McConnell; Boko Haram, responsible for that, according to Chris Christie; Lucifer, shes in league with [the devil], thats what Ben Carson said. Shes taking her marching orders from Lucifer! Talk about a Third World country! A week back, the political satirist told The Daily Beast he was hoping for a peaceful riot that would somehow take the nomination away from Donald Trump. I hope there is a plot afoot, he quipped. I was just re-watching the movie Valkyrie and looking for a one-armed colonel to take out Donald Trump. So Im thinking Bob Dole. It didnt happen. Bill Maher was expecting the Purple Wedding. What he got in return was an independent act of rebellion. For years, Black Lives Matter activists have protested police departments, Wednesday the movement took on the unions that protect cops, including bad ones. Protesters using plastic pipes and metal chains barricaded the entrance to the Patrolmens Benevolent Association headquarters in Manhattan on Wednesday morning. At the same time, protesters occupied the Fraternal Order of Police building in Washington D.C., waving flags and posters reading #STOPFOP and The most dangerous fraternity in America. The PBA protects cops that kill black people, protester Jewel Cadet told the New York Post during the Wednesday protest. We are here today to say that is not OK. New York Citys Patrolmens Benevolent Association acts a mediator between the city and its cops, negotiating for higher wages and more favorable contracts. Other cities police unions work on similar relationships with their local governments. But protesters say the unions legal power gives an unfair advantage to officers in police brutality cases, many of whom never face indictments let alone convictions in controversial deaths. Weve been particularly interested in the way police unions have power over police departments and how they have prevented police departments and officers from being held accountable, Dante Barry, executive director at the Million Hoodies Movement, told The Daily Beast. His group organized the protests with other activists groups like the Black Youth Project. Theyve often been the barrier between black people getting justice or not, Barry said of the unions. In police departments across the country, unions act as a first line of legal defense for officers involved in fatal shootings by providing them with arbitration services and internal appeals. New Yorks PBA is so important to cops that when NYPD officer Peter Liang fatally shot unarmed Akai Gurley in November 2014, Liang texted his union representative before calling 911, even as Gurley lay dying. While occupying the PBAs New York headquarters on Wednesday, protesters read out a list of demands, the first of which was Fire Officer Isaacs, who murdered Delrawn Smalls in Brooklyn. The demand refers to NYPD Officer Wayne Isaacs, who this month shot and killed a man while off-duty in Brooklyn. The incident, originally described as a self-defense shooting, came under new scrutiny when footage emerged showing Isaacs shooting Smalls from the safety of his car, where he did not appear to face any credible threat from the civilian. Isaacs is still on the police force, temporarily stripped of his gun and badge. A police official told The Daily Beast that Isaacs was not subjected to an interview until several days after the shooting, as union rules allow officers time to seek legal representation during deadly force investigations. But PBA President Pat Lynch said the protesters (10 of whom were arrested) should take their grievances elsewhere. [Wednesdays] protest was a display of misdirected and misinformed anger that should have been pointed at City Hall, he told The Daily Beast in a statement, adding that the climate police officers face is growing more dangerous by the day. Police officers are being shot at; thats not dialogue, its violence. This claim, that officers face a growing threat of violence, is a common refrain from Lynch and police union leaders. After the 2014 shooting deaths of two NYPD officers, Lynch made headlines for tying the murders to ongoing Black Lives Matter protests in the city, partially blaming the deaths on those that incited violence on the street, under the guise of protest.This narrative of protester-on-police violence has become a popular one this month, following a rash of police killings and killings by police. But Barry says his organization will continue holding police unions responsible for their officers. We know in New York the PBA President Pat Lynch has used the killings of police officers as a wedge, Barry said. We know this. Now its about how do we hold police unions accountable and their departments accountable. There has been something missing in the battery of bathos and wide smiles Donald Trumps children have broughtcampaign-savingly, perhapsto the podium at the Republican National Convention this week: actual anecdotes. Specifics. Those times, conveyed to us, when their dad swam into definitive, parental view for them. On Wednesday night, Eric Trump continued the family tradition of speaking powerfully in favor of his father without offering any personal sense of parent and child, and what they may have shared, and how that experience had shaped Eric himself. And so, while the RNC audience lapped up the praise for a man who doesnt need the job of president; who would do all he could so we could celebrate Christmas, unthreatened by that boo-hiss specter of political correctness; and who would give the American dream back to those it has eluded for so long, we still didnt have any idea what kind of parent Donald Trump is. Eric Trumps words, like Donald Jr.s and Tiffanys words before him, sounded oddly impersonal. His children have spoken glowingly of him, for sure, but oddly not personally. They love him, they say, but in the lack of specifics of what they have told us about him, more questions are raised about Trump-the-parent than warm and cuddly answers. Eric Trump told us all about the New York ice rink his dad helped build, and he trashed everything from the EPA to illegal immigrants stealing American jobs, but all this is Republican-by-rote: What he and all the Trump children have failed to do so far is tell us about Trump as a father. However, so far the candidates family has proven this weeks most enhancing hallmark. On Wednesday night Trump sat between daughter Ivanka and son Don Jr. as Eric spoke about him. On Thursday night, as on the day he announced his bid for the Republican nomination, Ivanka Trump will introduce her fathernow as the Republican Partys official nominee. Ivanka is her fathers close adviser, who along with her brothers and half-sister bring at least a veneer of pretty and civility to an otherwise ugly and extreme campaign. She also, with her two brothers, is looking after the Trump Organization day to day, while running her own clothing and lifestyle brand. There have been no sterling political speakers, no visionary thinkers at the convention this week, just a relentless, sometimes violently so, stream of invective against Hillary Clinton. And so, in the absence of specific policy and politicians (beside scream-smiling Mike Pence and Newt Gingrich, in ameliorating, post-Ted Cruz booing, make-nice mode), Trump HQ has done what comes most naturally: pushing the family brand, shamelessly. This is politics as glossy-haired and outfitted Dynasty, complete with all the ostentatious furnishingsgold throne chairs, private planesthat chez Trump can muster. Trumps putative administration, presently denuded of any real politicians, has looked very close to home over the last four days; his most active proponents are all from Trump Tower. Besides the lunacy of the weekthe ugliness of what has been said, Melania Trumps plagiarism scandal, the baying mob calls of Lock her up for Clintonwhat has been most memorable is the pronounced presence of Trumps children. The extremity of the other speakers words has been offset by the attempted warmth Trumps children have sought to bring to their fathers toxic and divisive public image. The childrens presence has been the opposite of decorative: Every night in prime time, Trumps offspring have become their fathers biggest, and most voluble and valuable advocates. No matter that Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, had contributed predominantly to Democrats (just like her father), Eric Trump to both Democrats and Republicans, and Melania Trump to both too. In the New York primary, Ivanka and Eric were not even eligible to vote for their dad. But now, all the Trump family ducks have been lined up in an orderly fashion: Trump may not be able to command unity within the party he now represents, but not so his family. His childrenexecuting their speeches as convincingly as they can to aid the softening of their fathers imagehave been tasked with humanizing their father, and of making someone so outlandish seem everyday and intelligible. Please excuse me if I seem a little nervous, Tiffany Trump began her speech earlier this week. Her languorous ease at the podium suggested she was not in the least bit nervous. She told us that her father was a good man, that his desire for excellence was contagious, that he always helped her be her best self. She said she had kept all her report cards from schools, and it was fun to see his comments on them. But what were they, and why was this significant? The anecdote melted to nothing. When someone close to her had died, her dad had called her. He helps people find their own way, she said, teaches them that fear should never hold them back; he was friendly, considerate, funny, and real. The real-er speech here, the one off the page and left unsaid, was what was it like for Tiffany, growing up with her mom, Marla Maples, detached from the main Trump dynasty. Both mother and daughter have said Tiffany was raised by Maples as a single mother, with financial aid from Trump, so when exactly and how did this close relationship with Trump take shape? The speech of Donald Trump Jr. was more pugnacious. Full of odd pauses and lapses in intonation, this was more attack dog than warm and fuzzy. He vowed America would, under his father, be returned to some pre-existing fantastic state that it now is not. In a telling error, he praised his father for hanging out with regular guys on his staff who poured sheetrock. Oops, he said quickly, who poured concrete and hung sheetrockshowing Don Jr. is perhaps not as blue-collar adjacent as he went on to brag. Next came some Hillary-bashing, with more lock her up from the audience, and then the familiar staccato braying of his fathers name when he invoked who should be president next. My mentor, my best friend, my father, Don Jr. called Trump. The loyalty, like Ivankas, is fixed and unyielding. However present or not Trump was as a parent, the super-rich code of family honor remains. When I interviewed her for Town and Country magazinethis back in November when her fathers campaign hadnt yet spanned the poles of extremity it went on toIvanka told me of her father, His focus is on politics, and he is running for the highest elective office in this country, and arguably the world, and so from a business perspective Im busier than ever. My brothers and I are running our business. But its amazing to see how his message has resonated and what hes been able to accomplish as a non-politician with a very strong point of view. Hes my father and I love him and I fully support him. Im always there for him if its helpful. Donald Trump emailed me to say that Ivanka inherited from him a certain business ability and a vision into the future. She was also always a great student without having to work hard, a person everybody liked right from the beginning. And yet I could always see an inner strength or toughness. This compliment is outweighed in the public imagination by his far grosser thought that were Ivanka not his daughter he would be attracted to her. On The View in 2006, she sat beside her father with a weary, he-just-said-that smile on her face when, to the collective gross-out of the co-hosts, he remarked, Ive said that, if Ivanka werent my daughter, Id be dating her. Ivanka told me she thought her father was a feminist and that she could voice her disagreement with him. As the campaign has gone on, her and Kushners roles have increased: it was Ivanka, it is said, who was key to the firing of controversial campaign manager Corey Lewandowski last month. But now it is not just Ivanka and her father. The family, as the convention has shown, has grouped together to fight as one. On Thursday night, expect Ivanka to come out once more and steadfastly advocate for her father. How far that loyalty will stretch should their fathers campaign become ever more extreme remains to be seen. If Trumps children join him in the spotlight, they will be asked the same questions as he is. Will they parrot him, or seek to remain loyal and maintain a degree of distance? In supporting their father, the challenge for the Trump children will be to not damage themselves, their own families, or the businesseshis businessesthey are now the caretakers of. UPDATE: A police union representative said Thursday that the North Miami officer, still unidentified, who fired three shots was actually aiming at a 23-year-old autistic man, who the officer believed was somehow placing behavioral therapist Charles Kinsey in danger. The representative said the officer is sorry, and wished Kinsey a speedy recovery. He was answering our highest calling: to care for and protect the least of these. He did absolutely everything that was demanded of him by the policeand by society, writ large. But today, Charles Kinsey is lucky to be alive. After going to retrieve a 23-year-old autistic man who had wandered away from a North Miami mental health center, the behavioral therapist was confronted by local police, ordered to the ground and shot with an assault rifle. Despite Kinsey thrusting both hands into the air and complying with the officers commands to get on the ground, a so-far unidentified officer shot the unarmed mental health worker and community volunteer. There had been a 911 call about an armed man who was threatening suicide, according to early reports in the Miami Herald. When responding officers arrived, Kinsey was in the street attempting to gently coax his patient back to the assisted living center. It was daylight and the officers had a clear view of Kinsey, who immediately lay down in the summer heat, and his patient, who was sitting crossed-legged and playing with a toy truck in the middle of the roadway. Kinsey begged the officers, who were around 30 feet away, not to shoot. Dont shoot me, Kinsey said, throwing his hands up and dropping to the pavement. He repeatedly assured the officers that he wasnt a threat. Kinsey, who has worked at the center for a little over a year, can be heard on the video saying, All he has is a toy truck. Let me see your hands, a cop said to the autistic man. Get on the ground! Get on the ground! Rinaldo, please be still, Kinsey tells the young man. Sit down, Rinaldo. Lay on your stomach. Kinsey did everything right. With his arms up, legs spread wide and lying on his back, he tried to get his patient to ly down too. He made every attempt to diffuse the situation, but it wasnt enough. Without provocation or any hint of a threat, an officer fired three shots from a high-powered, military-style assault rifle, striking the MacTown Panther Group Home employee once in the leg. Sir, why did you shoot me? Kinsey says he asked the police officer who shot him. The answer, according to Kinsey, speaks volumes: I don't know. What we do know is this: Had there been no videotape, no witnesses to the unprovoked shooting of an innocent man, and no social media outcry, Kinseys story might well have been relegated to an inch-long news brief in a Miami newspaper deemed unworthy of local or national broadcast news coverage. Kinsey, 47, had no doubt heard about Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, who lost their lives in separate incidents in recent weeks. He surely knows the name of Eric Garner, too. Still, he said he was stunned that he was shotas he was complying with every order. Kinsey never made any movement that could have been perceived as aggressive or suspicious. He did not reach into his pockets or waistband. He did not challenge the officers authority or shout expletives. He was in full submission, and, he says, more worried about his patients safety than his own. Kinsey was simply a black man, living in Miami, who was trying to do the right thing-- and it almost got him killed. He was even more surprised, he said, about how he was treated in the aftermath flipped over, handcuffed and left bleeding on the hot asphalt for some 20 minutes until an ambulance arrived. That Kinsey, who is now recovering from a single gunshot wound to the leg and expected to be released from Miami Jackson Memorial, escaped with his life is no small relief to those of us who consistently challenge the appropriateness of police violence in non-white communities. But to demand transparency in investigations, when there is one at all, is often met with derisive calls to pay more attention to black-on-black crime, racial epithets strewn across social media and attacks on the victims character. Kinsey is the kind of activist no one writes about. And, if he is invited in for national interviews on cable news shows, it will be the first time anyone has called his name. Kinsey is a believer. He believes in the power of his community and in the children who live there. A member of the Circle of Brotherhood, a community-based organization of black men devoted to solving some of our most pressing dilemmas, the married father of five works in one of the most distressed neighborhoods in the country helping to keep troubled youth in school and out of trouble. That likely wont matter much to the naysayers who have proven more than willing to justify and write off police brutality. More often than not, it is the victim who faces public trial. It is rare that a law enforcement officer is charged in such shootings, let alone tried and convicted. For those who wear it, a badge affords a blanket benefit of the doubt and, often, buys the silence of their colleagues. For the record, I do not buy into the notion of a perfect victim. Injustice, as Ive written, is injustice no matter who it touches or who they were before it touched them. What I believe is every human being has the inherent right to equal protection under the law and Ive taught my sons and daughters how to comport themselves, should they encounter a police officer. I have always known that there were no guarantees, but it was like placing an insurance policy on their lives and hoping I never have to cash it in. However, if Kinseys actions are the standard, a North Miami police officer just shot it down. UPDATE: In January of 2017 police reported that Michelle Hadley, whose story you will read below, had been falsely accused of impersonating her ex's new wife in Craigslist 'rape fantasy' adsand that the wife was in fact the one who had allegedly framed Hadley and created the ads herself. For more information, please see The Daily Beast's updated reporting on this story here. A California woman is charged with stalking and impersonating her ex-boyfriends pregnant wiferesponding on Craigslist ads soliciting rape fantasies and threatening her unborn child, prosecutors claim. Michelle Suzanne Hadley, 29, of Ontario, faces life in prison for charges that include six felony counts of attempted forcible rape. Cops cuffed Hadley twice this summer for allegedly harassing the mother-to-be and sending men to attack her. Not long ago, I was sitting with the foreign minister of a European NATO country and thought I might, after a long discussion on Russia, Ukraine, ISIS, and Syrian refugees, bring up the subject of Donald J. Trump. At that exact moment, a puffy orange cloud migrated across an overhanging television screen above a CNN chyron (Trump: Cruzs Wife Attractive or some such), causing the diplomat to lean back in his chair, throw his hands up and say matter-of-factly: Its the end of the West. The Spenglerian decline-and-fall argument has always been with us, just as every successive generation will always feel an abstract nostalgia for the misremembered glories of its parents or grandparents era. There is no such thing as a Golden Age or a Bronze Age or an End of History because things are never that that good or that bad; ones perspective is only altered with the comfort of hindsight and the scholastic need to classify long, transformative stretches of time. And yet There is something about Trump talking to the New York Times David Sanger and Maggie Haberman about American nuclear silos rusted so badly that they dont even know if the rockets are going to pour out that makes one feel as if the West may truly be entering its sell-by date. Its not that the world is coming to an end, necessarily, although it may well do that, with or without the assistance of a narcissistic Manhattan real estate mogul with his finger on the button. Its that much of what citizens of liberal democracies have taken for granted since the end of World War II may be about to be upended irrevocably. Asked about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans suspension or arrest of 50,000 people following an abortive coup, Trump says that he admires the Turkish presidents doggedness in hanging onto power by whatever means are at his disposal and isnt much bothered by who or what gets trampled along the way. America is in no position to judge on human rights or due process because, Trump explains, Just look about whats happening with our country. How are we going to lecture when people are shooting our policemen in cold blood? How are we going to lecture when you see the riots and the horror going on in our own country? I expect this sort of whataboutist moral equivalence from Ayatollah Khameneis Twitter feed, Vladimir Putins annual press conferences, and the keyboards of the youngest freelancer contributors to Salon. But what to say of a prospective commander-in-chief who makes a masturbatory hand gesture when asked about a NATO allys political and social disintegration? Further to that point, Trump seems to believe that the worlds oldest military alliance is only as important as a member-states Accounts Payable status. For a man who has repeatedly declared bankruptcy, cheated contractors and put many others out of work, Trump is certainly obsessed with bills. And he seems to think that the United States is NATOs Slomins Shield; if you dont pay a monthly installment, your house can go ahead and get burgled. Would the United States come to the defense of the Baltic States if they were invaded or attacked by Russia, Haberman asks him. Have they fulfilled their obligations to us? Trump answers. If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes. Without specifying what these obligations are, Trump declines to say when the answer might be no or whether or not, as president, hed endorse an Article V resolution to rescue Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania if little green men or paratroopers or Spetsnaz descended upon them. I think we can be reasonably assured that he would not, given what one of his GOP cheerleaders, prospective vice presidential consideration and mind-melded anti-Muslim bigot Newt Gingrich has just told CBS This Morning: Estonia is in the suburbs of St. Petersburg Im not sure I would risk nuclear war. Is Maine in the suburbs of Quebec? It may soon wish it was, depending on how Nov. 8 shakes out. But there is no understating what is now happening: A political party that once campaigned almost exclusively on American power projection and national security has just given license to a revanchist adversary to sow mischief across its borders and face no serious repercussions. Ive spent a lot of time in the Baltics recently, particularly Estonia where, even before Trumps unprecedented comments, there was a great deal of anxiety that Americans would not be willing to die for Narva, a popular refrain one heard from the realist school of the Washington foreign policy establishment in the months following Putins seizure of Crimea. (Narva is an Estonian border city where ethnic Russians predominate, even if they have no desire to be invaded or annexed by their next-door neighbor.) Would Americans die for Narva? What an ugly and stupid question. Estonians have already died for New York. Having only joined NATO three years after the Sept. 11 attacks, and having not lost any citizens to al Qaeda, Estonia deployed a 150-man battlegroup to Afghanistan. That may not sound like a lot, but it is for a country of a million people. As President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, a New Jersey native and former Estonian ambassador to the United States, told me today, We suffered, per capita, one of the highest casualty rates of anyone in Afghanistan, with a company smack in the middle of Taliban-land in Helmand province. I visited our guys in a low-flying, Taliban fire-evading helicopter. The Brits and Americans thought the Estonian president was nuts. Estonia is also one of five of the 28 NATO member states to actually spend 2 percent of its GDP on defense, as stipulated as a guideline but not an ironclad requirement. (No, it does not pay this money into American coffers, as Trump seems to think it should.) Estonias commitment to our NATO obligations is beyond doubt, and so should be the commitments by others, Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand emailed me, in response to Trumps Times interview. Latvia and Lithuania have similarly contributed troops to the Afghan war effort, in keeping with their allied obligations. But hey, President Trump can simply refer them to the collection agencies and wish them luck if shit hits the fan. I hear theyre quite proficient at partisan warfare. Like that old poem about the six blind men, each perceiving an elephant in vastly different ways (a snake! a wall! a spear!), so it is when it comes to peoples perspectives on Ernest Hemingway. Indeed, he taught the world to write; his distinctive use of short, declarative sentences influenced many generations of young writers. He taught the world to hunt and fish: From trout streams up in Michigan to trophy marlin and tuna in the Caribbean to big game on the African veldt, his vivid depictions of these experiences inspired many to wet a hook or shoulder a rifle. He brought the drama and tragedy of bullfighting to the world and prompted many to journey to Pamplona to run with the beasts. His love of travel motivated many more to follow in his footsteps. Ventures in Chicago, Michigan, the Great American West, Italy, France, Bimini, Cuba, China and, of course, Africa informed his writings with exploits worthy of any Lonely Planet guide. The age of equal LGBT rights is dawningfinallyon the vast inherited fortunes of the British aristocracy, following a landmark ruling that same-sex spouses will have the same inheritance rights as their conventionally-married peers at one of the U.K.s most famous country estates. The Pemberton family, guardians of the 3,000-acre estate of Trumpington Hall, near Cambridge, are believed to be the first aristocratic British family to have changed the inheritance rules of a family trust (which nominally controls the estate) to specifically allow widowed same-sex husbands and wives to have the same rights as other widowed partners. According to a report in The Times, the judge ruling on the matter made it clear that the variation of the trust was not being prompted by any specific awareness that any of the Pembertons childrenwho are aged 14, 12 and 10have identified as gay. The family said in court this week, through their lawyers, that they believed they owed a moral obligation to future generations to make the change and have refused to comment further on the matter. The family have owned Trumpington Hall, near Cambridge, since 1715, when they reputedly bought it for a thousand gold guineas. Despite their storied history, the Pembertons are known for their forward-thinking naturesince Richard Pemberton, 46, took over the estate in 2007, he has created a 28-acre solar farm, according to a report in The Times. Now they have become the first known aristocratic family in the U.K. to formalize LGBT rights for their heirs and their possible partners. The principal result of the changes made by the Pembertons is likely to be that a widowed gay partner will retain property rights over the estate until their death, or after they voluntarily hand over the reins to the next generation. They will effectively have what are sometimes quaintly termed dower rightsthese vary from family trust to family trust, but usually dowager widows have the right to either stay on in the big house or (more often) in a dower house on the estate. The Pembertons might have been prompted to act by a near disaster in 2010 when a mistake made in a legal documentfour crucial words, as regards the lease, were left out of a deed by mistakedesigned to mitigate death duties nearly forced them to sell their ancestral home. While it could be argued that the Pembertons are merely formalizing in their family trust what has now become the established law in the U.K. (following the legislation of same-sex marriage and civil unions in the U.K., inheritance rules now specifically apply to same-sex partners in the same way as they do to all other widowed partners) the issue of how gay partners should be treated within the peerage is still a bone of some contention. David Furnish famously claimed its unfair that he was denied a courtesy title when he and Sir Elton John (who was knighted in 1998) wed, as a woman in the same situation would have been known as Lady John. I am for 100 per cent equality across the board for everybody, in all walks of life, Furnish told Sebastian Shakespeare of the Daily Mail. The reality is, if a woman is married to man with a title, she gets a title. While Furnishs point is completely reasonable logically, it should perhaps be pointed out that the British honors system is not logical. And such unfairness does not apply only to gay couplesa woman without a title who marries a Duke becomes a Duchess, but a man without a title who marries a Duchess stays plain Mr. Go figure. Furnish, and others like him, will be waiting in vain for a titlesuch a prospect was categorically ruled out by an extensive tidying up exercise undertaken by the government ahead of the gay marriage legislation passing in 2014, which also took the precaution of ensuring that a man cannot become Queen, or Princess of Wales, by marrying the King or the Prince of Wales. A legal order was inserted into British legislation which categorically ruled that while the change in the law gave gay and heterosexual marital partners the same legal status, it did not apply to the rights of anyone who marries, or who is married to, the King Regnant and ruled out the possibility of Dukes, Earls, and other male peers who marry other men would see their partners ennobled. Overall, the Pembertons move has been warmly received in aristocratic circles, where, astereotypically perhaps, gay man and women have long been accepted and included in many upper-class families. Lady Colin Campbell told The Daily Beast: I think its a very noble thing to do. It will almost certainly only apply in cases of widowhood. To ensure that the widowed partner of an heir would be protected and can remain in situ is a very fair position to take. The term heat dome is only the latest in a newly adopted lexicon of apocalyptic weather terminology, along with polar vortex and arctic death spiral. While these words are meteorologically-accurate and describe real weather phenomena, they are being used for fear mongeringboth by organizations like The Weather Channel who benefit from the publicity of cataclysmic events, but also by environmental activists who hope to spur action by putting climate events on the publics radar. A heat dome is an actual weather phenomenona high pressure, mid-atmospheric bubble that warms a region by pushing warm air downwards and trapping it. Tom Moore, digital meteorologist for The Weather Company (TWC), told The Daily Beast that the so-called dome just kinda squelches the air and makes it harder for it to cool. Its a big bulge of hot air that has come in from the jet stream, said Moore. Its a very large ridge, a very expansive one, stretching North from Canada, West from the western U.S., and east from the Great Lakes and Ohio valley. So there you have it: There is a wave of hot weather headed toward the Southeast that will cause the heat index to rise to triple digits for over 20 states. It is notable for its size. But heat waves are normal for July; this heat dome does deserve weather advisories and reminders to stay inside and hydrated, but so do other heat waves during the dog days of summer. As Michael D. Lemonick, opinion editor at Scientific American, told The Daily Beast, These are genuine terms but they are used in the popular media with a kind of breathlessness that implies there is something unusual and catastrophic going on, that we need to be terrified. According to Lemonick, it may be that changes in climate and weather are making heat waves longer and more intense, but introducing new terminology has the specific purpose of implying something newthat we should be afraid of. Its not just the ominous, impending heat dome of doom that uses what Lemonick described to The Daily Beast as a very common tactic in environmental communications. Take the term arctic death spirala common climate cycle whereby heated air melts ice, leading to increased water temperatures and more melted ice isnt inherently disastrous. It certainly isnt anything new. But by including the term death spiral, environmentalists have gotten your attention. They use terms like this to get you as riled up as possible, says Lemonick. Their goal is to get you to take action. Theyre not so worried about being accurate or giving you caveats. Heat bubble just doesnt have the same ring to it. These portentous terms often come from marketing or communications experts at companies like The Weather Channel, working to popularize attention-grabbing terminologyrather than from meteorologists or climate specialists themselves. Gary England, a weatherman for KWTV in Oklahoma City, told The New York Times that he finds the term heat dome a little bit misleading. Apparently dome is a misnomer: Its not shaped like that, said England, I usually say a large zone of hot air. Moore told The Daily Beast a similar story: The term goes back a long time, but theres no real scientific connection with it. A heat bubble would probably be a better term. Part of the reason weather companies are able to use these terms in such a widespread fashion is because they catch on (pardon the pun) like wildfire. The Weather Company only started naming winter storms back in October of 2012, but now its de rigueur. Melissa Medori, PR manager for TWC, told The Daily Beast that it was all about sharing information, making communication easier, and getting that communication into the hands of people who need it more quickly, and weve seen that. While the first year TWC meteorologists and weathermen came up with the names themselves, now they work with a high school Latin class from Bozeman, Montana. The drive to continue to drive social media conversations on weather as a TWC press release from 2013 describes it, is obviously succeeding. Hashtags #theheatdome and #heatdome are being widely used on Twitter to share photos and warnings, which one can only assume will increase once the heat dome is fully upon us. But why are extreme weather scare tactics so successful? According to Daniel Sigman, its because of our limited attention spans and short memory with regard to weather. Sigman, the Dusenbury Professor of Geological and Geophysical Sciences at Princeton University, told The Daily Beast that the weather channels have peoples attention about weather because its summer in North America. Its that simple. We care about a heat dome because were hot and dont want it to get any hotter; the weather channels have our attention because theyre talking about something big thats happening in the here and now. The bending of the jet stream toward the northern United States, which is causing the ridge and buildup of hot air, is the typical setup for hot weather in summer, Tom Knutson, a research meteorologist from the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) in Princeton, New Jersey, told The Daily Beast. While Knutson and colleagues at the GFDL have found that human activity does contribute to global warming and increasing summer heat, the ridging were seeing in the jet stream is common. Thats right, you heard it from the experts: Hot weather in July is common. Despite the fear that the use of terms like heat dome causes on social media, most weather channels assert that theyre not trying to frighten their viewers, just help them. Michelle Hawkins, from the Climate Services Division of the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS), told The Daily Beast that meteorologists and weather services use these terms to help people visualize whats happening in the atmosphere. Hawkins acknowledges that heat dome is a more colloquial term, rather than a scientific one, but believes that using these terms helps communicate in a way that is comprehensible to more people, and hopefully helps them more accurately assess their risk. We work collaboratively with social scientists to develop products that are more useful, she said. Using these terms, according to Hawkins, urges more people to take preventative action. Unfortunately, other studies have shown that fear mongering is not the best way to get people to take preventative action. There are plenty of communications experts who argue that if you scare people too much it could be counterproductive, Lemonick told The Daily Beast. It remains to be seen if using the term heat dome will actually encourage people to stay in the shade, drink more water, and take it easy. Guess well just have to wait until the dome of hell descends. As if Roger Ailes doesnt have trouble on his plate, former Fox News anchor Laurie Dhue has been shopping a tell-all about her experiences with the founder of the conservative-friendly cable network along with other Fox News personalities. Dhues proposed book-length memoir, which Im told is already attracting interest from publishers, cant be good news for the embattled Aileswho faces the prospect of a pile-up of sexual harassment allegations, in the wake of fired anchor Gretchen Carlsons sensational harassment lawsuit claiming he sent her packing after she rebuffed him, even after Ailes negotiates his forced exit from the cable channel. Fox News didnt respond to a request for comment as of this writing. Ailes is dickering over the terms of his departure after Rupert, Lachlan, and James Murdochthe top executives of Fox Newss parent company, 21st Century Foxordered an internal review of Carlsons allegations and those of other women at the network, conducted by the blue-chip law firm Paul, Weiss. One of his attorneys, longtime Fox News contributor Susan Estrich, told The Daily Beast that Ailes expects to speak with Rupert Murdoch when the latter arrives in New York next week. Dhuewho worked for Fox News as a prominent anchor from 2000 until Ailes dismissed her in 2008, when she was escorted out of the buildingwas originally planning her book as a novel, Im told, because of her apprehension over dishing on Ailes and others. But she decided to write a non-fiction accountwhich will also include her experiences as a producer and on-air personality at CNN and MSNBC, as well as her struggle with and recovery from alcoholismafter Carlsons lawsuit and other women began to speak out about their treatment by Ailes. Ms. Dhue does not intend to comment in the media, her attorney, Bruce Schaeffer, said in a statement to The Daily Beast. She is in the process of writing a book in which she will candidly discuss her years at Fox News and her interactions and communications with Mr. Ailes and many other Fox News personalities, her involuntary departure from Fox News and her lack of success in continuing her career in the television news industry following her departure from Fox News. She will also discuss her lengthy battle with alcoholism, her nine years of recovery and her national advocacy work in the recovery community. Schaeffers statement also points out that Dhue and her attorney have not been contacted or interviewed by Paul, Weiss, the attorneys reported to be conducting the inquiry on behalf of Fox. On Wednesday afternoon, Mike Pence, Donald Trump and their respective entourages strode onto Clevelands grassy mall. Trump spoke twice, before and after introducing his running mate Pence, who stood next to him dutifully. In a short time, Pence has perfected this role. Trumps running mate fashions himself a revolutionary, but in reality, hes a team player. Elected to Congress in 2000 on a platform of staunch conservatism, Pence quickly became an agitator and irritant to Republican leadership in the House. As the chairman of a group of the most conservative members, the Republican Study Committee, Pence was the pebble in then-Majority Leader Tom DeLays shoe. He fought tooth and nail on spendinga particular badge of honor in the aftermath of the 2006 election, when Democrats took over the House in the wake of spending and sex scandals that rocked House Republicans. But after his failed bid to unseat John Boehner as the partys leader in 2006 (he received fewer than 30 votes), he settled in as the Conference Chair in 2008, which made him the fourth-ranking Republican in the House. He then performed as a good soldier until he abandoned Congress to run for governor and won in 2012. Even as governor he was never truly alone. As he signed the bill into law that essentially made discrimination against the LGBT legal in his state, three of the most anti-LGBT activists stood behind him, visible over his shoulder like vultures. (The move cost the state up to $60 million as a dozen conventions pulled their business , and cost Pence his own presidential ambitions .) Nearly a year and a half later, Pencewhod originally backed Sen. Ted Cruz in the partys presidential conteststood on the convention stage Wednesday night, shortly after Cruz was booed off it for refusing to endorse Trump , in the unlikeliest of circumstances: as the running mate of a former reality television star. Four days after the most botched VP rollout in memory and three days after appearing to be Trumps ventriloquist dummy during a disastrous interview on 60 Minutes, Pence got to use his own words to describe his sudden ardor for a man who is basically his polar opposite. No, really. Ask anyone. Their blood isnt even the same temperature. The former conservative warrior praised the former tabloid darling who was in favor of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, who filed for bankruptcy four times and swindled unsuspecting consumers of his faux institute of higher learning, Trump University. Donald Trump gets it, Pence said. Hes the genuine article. Hes a doer in a game usually reserved for talkers. And when Donald Trump does his talking, he doesnt tiptoe around a thousand new rules of political correctness, Pence said. Hes his own man, distinctly American. And where else would an independent spirit like his find a following than in the land of the free and the home of the brave. The funny thing is, you know, the funny thing is, the party in power seems helpless to figure out our nominee. Its not just the other party. Pence might be hard pressed to figure out Trumps real feelings on any number of issues hes spent his political career defending. On abortion, it took Trump several do-overs to settle on an incomprehensible view of an issue Pence has spoken passionately on for years. In March 2016, Pence signed a bill thatamong other thingsrestricted women from having abortions if the fetus was found to have disabilities. Details Details Pence has long spoken of the importance of Americas alliance with Israel; his running mate has alternated insults and incoherence. Not only did Trump tell attendees at the Republican Jewish Coalition in 2015 that he was a negotiator like you folks, and that their money wouldnt influence themhe also said he was neutral on the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. No matter. Donald Trump will confront radical Islamic terrorism at its source and destroy the enemies of our freedom, Pence said, heroically repeating Trumps talking points. And if the world knows nothing else, it will know thisAmerica stands with Israel. When Pence finished speaking Wednesday night, Trump came up to him on stage, the moguls lips puckered and one hand around his running mates back. Pence kept his face away, and Trump settled for an air kiss. That may be the closest the governor has come to asserting himself with his unlikely new senior partner. Its not that Mike Pence doesnt have principles. But, like most politicians, hes now proven willing to put them on the shelf in the name of ambition. Ted Cruz has made a switch. On Wednesday night, the Texas senator became a hero to Trumps conservative dissenters by refusing to endorse him in his speech at the Republican National Convention. Thus, Cruz established himself as Trumps most prominent detractor in the GOP, positioning himself as a defender of principle and moral rectitude in a campaign season dominated by name-calling and boorishness. But it wasnt always like this. As Cruz himself stated at a breakfast for members of the Texas delegation the next morning, his opposition to Trump isnt about conservative principles; its personal. Through the bulk of the Republican primary contest, Cruz was Trumps most visible defender. Whether Trump was smearing Mexicans as rapists, calling for an unconstitutional religious test for immigrants, or saying Carly Fiorina had an unpresidential face, Cruz rarely if ever criticized him. Instead, his affection for Trump sparked a host of think pieces on the pairs alleged bromance, and The Daily Caller even put together a helpful historical timeline of their overtures. And the Texans defense of Trump was deliberate. When Chuck Todd pressed him on Trumps smears of immigrants during the July 5 episode of Meet the Press, Cruz stood by his mogul. I like Donald Trump, he said. Hes bold, hes brash. And I get thatthatthat it seems the favorite sport of the Washington media is to encourage some Republicans to attack other Republicans. I aint gonna do it. Im not interested in Republican on Republican violence. Trump was public about his gratefulness to Cruz. The pair made a joint appearance on Capitol Hill in September to criticize the Iran nuclear agreement, and couldnt have been more affectionate. I like him. He likes me, Trump said at the time. Hes backed me 100 percent. Ted Cruz was out there and he really backed me very strongly, and I always respected that. The basis of the entente, of course, was that it served eachs self-interest. Each of them probably believed before the voting startedas many observers didthat the primaries would come down to one of them (representing the right) versus either Jeb Bush or Marco Rubio (representing the establishment). So they played nice for a while because neither wanted to offend the others voters. But trouble emerged in paradise when the New York Times reported on December 10 that Cruz had gently criticized Trump in a closed-door fundraiser. But next day on Twitter, the senator reiterated his Trump fanboy status. The Establishments only hope: Trump & me in a cage match, he tweeted. Sorry to disappoint @realDonaldTrump is terrific. #DealWithIt As the primary heated up and Iowa neared, Trump began to see that Cruz was his biggest competition in the Feb. 1 Iowa caucuses, so things changed. Trump leveled more pointed criticism at Cruzeven going on ABCs This Week on Jan. 17 to call him a nasty guy. Then Cruz pulled off a win in Iowa, and Trump escalated his attacks. But still, Cruz remained cautious, equivocal, and extraordinarily measured in his criticisms of Trump. During this window of time, by the way, Trump trafficked in semi-literate, xenophobic, misogynist nonsense. That is not an opinion; it is a fact. He called Carly Fiorinas face unpresidential. He insinuated that Megyn Kelly only grilled him because she was on her period. He said John McCain wasnt a real war hero. He encouraged rally attendees to rough up protesters. He suggested one protester be removed from a rally on a stretcher. He said thousands and thousands of American Muslims celebrated the 9/11 attacks but the media hid the footage. He said Ben Carson was pathological, like a child molester. He said Jewish Republican voters wouldnt back him because they couldnt buy him off. He called for a total and complete shutdown of Muslim immigration to the U.S. He advocated for torture. Through it all, Cruz stalwartly refused to condemn Trump. Malign Muslims, Jews, female journalists, female presidential candidates, war heroes? No problem. Cruz didnt turn on Trump until the mogul tweeted an unflattering photo of his wife, Heidi, and then suggested that his dad was involved in the Kennedy assassination. Cruz said the morning after his convention speech that that was the reason he was breaking the promise he made at the first debate to support the Republican nominee. I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and my father, he told delegates, explaining his opposition to Trump. That pledge is not a blanket commitment if you go slander and attack Heidi, I am nonetheless going to come like a servile puppy dog and say thank you very much for maligning my wife and maligning my father. This is not politics, he added. Right and wrong matters. But right and wrong didnt matter when Trump was demonizing Muslims and women and journalists with disabilities. The road to Donald Trumps coronation in Cleveland this week is littered with the bodies of #NeverTrumpers and their failed attempts to snatch the nomination from his tiny hands. Behind the scenes of one such effort, in the shape of a federal lawsuit charging Donald Trump with allegedly raping an underage girl, things have gotten weird. The accuserwho used the name Katie Johnson to file a lawsuit in Manhattan Federal Courtalleges the Republican presidential nominee raped her in the summer of 1994, when she was 13, while attending a sex party at the New York City mansion of notorious pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein . The claim was basically a repeat of her earlier lawsuit, filed in California in May without legal representation, which was dismissed on procedural grounds for failing to make a claim under an applicable statute. This time around, Johnson had a team of supporters behind hera motley crew that included anti-abortion conservative donor Steve Baer and a man who calls himself Al Taylor, a mysterious foul-mouthed ex-producer of The Jerry Springer Show, the two unified by one common passion: a blinding hatred for Donald Trump. For a time, it seemed like a perfect marriage between a #NeverTrump Republican with money to spend and a penniless woman and her handler who allegedly had the ammunition to sink the Republican nominee. But in less than a month, the strange alliance has ended. Baer and Taylor, both eccentric in their own right, have turned on each other in a war of escalating all-caps emails. Baer now claims he is withholding additional financial support for Johnson. He and Taylor are threatening to sue one another. And Baers anticswhich include delivering an unpixelated tape, of a woman he claims to be Katie Johnson, to GOP presidential hopefuls and House Speaker Paul Ryanallegedly brought the FBI and the police to his door. Far from derailing the Trump train, Katie Johnson and her supporters seem to be in an out-of-control clown car whose wheels just came off. *** Taylor says he met Katie Johnson a few years ago at a party, where she allegedly told him that she had been raped as a teen by Trump. ( The Guardian has convincingly reported that Taylor is actually a publicity-loving conspiracy peddler named Norm Lubow, a theory that Taylor has fervently denied: AL TAYLOR, BORN AL TAYLOR, ALWAYS BEEN AL TAYLOR AND ALWAYS WILL BE AL TAYLOR, he signed a recent email.) In February 2016, when it seemed possible that Trump could clinch the GOP nomination, Johnson, with Taylors help, decided to make what Taylor called a murder insurance video where shedisguised in a wigwould offer details of her alleged attack. They hired a videographer, Jonathann Launer, and agreed to pay him with a 20 percent stake in whatever money the tape might bring in from tabloids willing to purchase it. In May, Johnson filed her civil suit, driven mainly, as her current attorney Tom Meagher explained in one of several interviews with The Daily Beast, to keep her rapist from winning the White House. Of course, she does not want her rapist to be president, Meagher said. According to the New York complaint , Trump allegedly initiated sexual contact with a 13-year-old Johnson at four different parties. During the fourth encounter, Johnson alleges, Trump tied Plaintiff to a bed, exposed himself to Plaintiff, and then proceeded to forcibly rape Plaintiff. During the course of this savage sexual attack, Plaintiff loudly pleaded with Defendant Trump to stop but with no effect. Defendant Trump responded to Plaintiffs pleas by violently striking Plaintiff in the face with his open hand and screaming that he would do whatever he wanted. Multiple requests by The Daily Beast for comment regarding these allegations have gone unreturned, but Trumps team has roundly denied them in other publications. In June, Alan Garten, an attorney for the Trump Organization, told the blog LawNewz that the allegations were unequivocally false and politically motivated. Despite numerous attempts to meet with Katie Johnsonand repeated promises from Meagher to produce her for an interviewThe Daily Beast has never spoken with Trumps accuser. About a week after Johnson filed the California suit, Taylor says Steve Baer texted the burner phone used to file the complaint, offering his no strings attached helpassistance which came, both men said, in the form of cash. Though a stranger to Taylor and Johnson, Baer was well known in conservative circles as a professional rabble rouser who delighted in taking aim at Republicans whom he thinks are less conservative than his Grand Old Party deserves. As a former head of the Illinois United Republican Fund, which supported conservative campaigns in his home state, a then-30-year-old Baer ran and lost a bid for governor of Illinois in 1990 on a platform of anti-abortion and lower taxes. Baer fancies himself as a foot soldier of the Republican Right. But his self-satisfied smirk and preoccupation with political pranks and hijinks are irrepressible, wrote a reporter at the Chicago Tribune in 1994, describing Baers antics of staging news conferences with fake lawmakers dressed as pigs or a vampiric "Count Tax-a-Lot." In more recent years, Baer earned a living selling reverse mortgages to senior citizens, and made a name for himself by filling the inboxes of Washington, D.C.s power brokers with sometimes insulting, often entertaining, and incessant email campaigns outing RINOs. A 2013 report from the National Review described his rolodex as including David and Charles Koch, Foster Friess, Matt Kibbe, Tony Perkins, Grover Norquist, Erick Erickson, Rick Santorum, and a host of Republican congressmen. Baers most recent claim to fame, in 2015, was a mass email peddling the Chuck Johnson-reported rumor of House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthys alleged affair with a colleaguean effort that ended, victoriously in Bears estimation, with McCarthy withdrawing his candidacy for Speaker of the House . Though Baer says he has never actually seen Katie Johnson, he claims he has spoken to her on the phone and watched her 48-minute video. And with sworn affidavits and a pending federal case, Bear viewed Johnsons allegations against Trump as a slam dunk. I believe her, Baer told The Daily Beast. So on May 20, Baer says, he wired $19,000 to California. A portion of that money, $13,000, was sent to Taylor, ostensibly for Johnson, to cover a move to her own apartment, where only Taylor would know her whereabouts. Well, thats what I was told, Baer said, They could have gone and partied. The remaining cash was sent to Jonathann Launer, in exchange for his stake in the videos potential earnings. (Launer did not return a request for comment, but both Taylor and Baer confirmed this account.) Meanwhile, Taylor was shopping the video of Johnson to outlets like Gawker, with a suggested price tag of $1 million, and a promise to spend any funds on Johnsons protectionto keep her safe from Trump and Epstein, whom Taylor contends will have her killed if they can find her. As of this writing, no one has purchased it. That video, it seems, is the cause of the current rift. Driven by an extreme distaste for Donald J. TrumpHes a liar, a letch, a pornographer, and possibly a child rapist, Baer saidthe Riverside, Illinois father of 10 has couriered unpixelated versions of the film (thereby exposing Katie Johnsons face) to Ted Cruz, Charles Koch, Paul Ryan, John Kasich, and other conservatives and journalists, in the hope that the allegations would gain national attention. When little response came, Baer sent follow-up emails. Lots and lots of follow-up emails. It was, in fact, some 1,200 emails to Speaker Ryan and his staffers that Baer says brought an FBI special agent and a police officer to his door. (The FBI would not confirm that any agent had visited Baer.) In a July 15 email to Ryan, copied to hundreds of Republican congressmen and conservative journalists, Baer wrote: We had a very nice visit on our front porch this morning with a great guy ... a local FBI Special Agent...who came over with a friendly policeman, each well-armed, to ask me and my bridetoday on our 33rd wedding anniversaryto stop sending you emails and visiting Janesville. Baer continues, I have been writing you a lot about ever since, and from long before. An email to Ryans office from The Daily Beast was not returned. According to Johnsons attorney, Meagher, a patent lawyer who took Johnsons case on after reading about her hunt for representation in an online tabloid , Baer shouldnt have sent the video to anyone. Dissemination without effective blurring and voice alteration has already put her life at risk, he wrote in an email. Apart from his sometimes multiple daily emails, where he admonishes the mainstream media for failing to report on Johnsons claims and likens Paul Ryan to Joe Paterno and Donald Trump to the perverted Roman emperor Caligula, Baer also maintains the website JusticeforKatie.org, a repository for documents related to Johnsons case and a place to donate to the Justice for Katie Legal Fund and Trust. Armed personal security, private detectives, researchers, transport, safe housing, lawyers, polygraph experts and paralegals are needed now, the website claims. Baer says that so far, he has been the only contributor to the trust, which technically owns Launers share of Johnsons video, and that the fund holds $4.50. Money is a complicating factor behind the scenes of Johnsons case. Johnson, who attempted to file her California lawsuit as an indigent plaintiff, seemingly has none. Meanwhile Baer seems to have plenty. Besides the $19,000 upfront, Baer said he was asked for $100,000 in exchange for Johnson agreeing to meet with detectives in New York, but instead counteroffered $30,000 to aid with security, private investigators, and polygraph experts if Johnson would just agree to go to New York before the Republican National convention in Cleveland. She didnt go, Baer didnt send any more money, and at that point, the tenuous bond holding Baer and Taylor together apparently broke. The two began trading insulting emailscopied to journalists, of course. Though many of the initial emails were labeled off the record, as the barbs began to fly, that proviso was left off. An email purportedly from Katie Johnsonwith random words and letters capitalizedread, again sorry about my KEYboard sticking I spilled some coffee on it yESTERday while reading SOME of the INAne emails YOU send out to everyone IN POlitics and the media. In a follow-up email, Johnson referred to her herself in the third person. In a later email, Johnsons attorney pointed out the letters strange point of view, and wrote that the emails were obviously not from his client. Also, I repeat, please stop emailing me, Meagher added. In further emails, Taylor calls Baer a Judas, Baernedict Arnold, and says Baer should hang himself. (Taylors well-documented habit of verbal abuse includes instructing female reporters to Suck his dick.) [Baer] is a reckless spoiled brat who freaks out when any one questions what he is doing and we are so glad to finally have kicked him off Team Katie, Taylor said in an email to The Daily Beast, before sending another email demanding Baer take down the Justice for Katie website and destroy all copies of the video he may hold. Baer responded to one of Taylors all-caps salvos by questioning his mental state. Norm, get some sleep. Then some help, he wrote. They both told The Daily Beast of their intent to sue each other. Regardless of the love lost with Taylor, Baer doesnt fault Johnson for Trumps ascension. It made me sick, Baer said of Trumps Tuesday nomination. We all knew we lost, and I realized I never sent [Tom] Coburn the 48 minutes, referring to the Johnson tape. Coburn, the former U.S. senator from Oklahoma, was Baers hope for president. An anti-abortion obstetrician, Coburn reportedly said he would go along with a Hail Mary play to wrest the nomination from Donald Trump on the convention floor. But that didnt happen, and on Tuesday, Coburn told The Hill , I have concerns for the country for both nominees. Given the choice, Ill vote for Trump. Baer is convinced all Coburn needs to do is see the tape. Coburn is going to get the 48 minutes and I dont think hell will be able to vote for Trump, Baer said. And regardless of Johnsons lawyers pleas, Baer doesnt plan to stop sending out the tape to anyone he believes can stop Trump. They can ask but it's not going to stop me, Baer said. Im going to continue to send it to whom I please. Look, she recorded the 48 minutes with her face visible and a wig. But she did it for the purpose of stopping Trump, so we all make our choices. Ive got the entire thing, the pixelated, non-, and watermarked. And everybody who helps run America right now, they've gotta knowand the press has to helpthat there is a woman named Katie Johnson who says Donald Trump raped her. Several of the clips from that video, with Katies face pixelated, are available online , posted by one Bianca Manix. A person using the same name has posted the videos along with a Trump Victims Unite Facebook page, to other anti-Trump Facebook pages. And a Twitter account belonging to Bianca Manix has six tweets, all bearing the hashtag, #DraftCoburn. Though he has no intention of taking down the fundraising website or burning his copies of the Johnson video, its unclear just how Baer will fit into Johnsons lawsuit going forward, if at all. But hes done worrying about it this week. We are tonight and tomorrow and the next day, at the beach, Baer said. Where theres plenty of sandwhich the right wing wants to stick their heads in...Im just going to keep telling the truth. On Monday night, Mary Ann Mendoza told the heart-wrenching story of how her son died in a car accident with a man who was in the country illegally. The crowd in the convention hall was outraged, just like Maria Espinoza, the national director for The Remembrance Project had seen a dozen times before. After all, she was the one who got Mendoza there in the first place. Mendoza was one of three headliners at the Republican National Committee. Shes affiliated with Espinozas groupan organization funded by radical environmentalists. The mainstreaming of their messageonce relegated to the darkest corner of the CPAC exhibit hall suggests that the GOPs increasingly hostile message directed not just to undocumented immigrants, but to legal onesmay be hard to shift. The Remembrance Project organizes the family members of people killed by undocumented immigrants to push for tougher immigration laws. Its a 501(c)3 non-profit, which means it cant officially endorse political candidates or individual pieces of legislation. But it skirts that line pretty closely. In fact, one of its fliers handed out at the RNC promises it will work to make America safe again. Donald Trump is the only candidate to pledge his support for The Remembrance Projects National Program providing needed assistance to victims families! it reads. Thank you Mr. Trump! Espinoza told The Daily Beast on Monday that her group reaches out to the family members of people killed by undocumented immigrants and helps them to do advocacy work. And, in the age of Trump, theyve proven incredibly effective at getting their people in front of massive audiences. The three people affiliated with The Remembrance ProjectSabine Durden, Jamiel Shaw, and Mendozaeach had primetime addresses on the RNCs opening night, reaching millions. It is time that we have an administration that cares more about Americans than about illegals, putting all of our childrens lives at risk. Its time for Donald Trump, said Mendoza, whose son was a police officer and died in a car accident with an undocumented immigrant. Durden, whose son died in a motorcycle accident with an undocumented immigrant, gave a similar message. Since he got killed no one listened, until Donald Trump, she said. Donald Trump is not only my hero, hes my lifesaver. Hillary Clintonor as we know her, Crooked Hillaryalways talks about what she will do for illegal aliens and what she will do for refugees. What Donald Trump talks about is what he will do for Americans. Its the kind of right-wing red-meat message that conservatives loveespecially the kind of conservatives drawn to Trump and immigration restriction. But, as is the case with its ideological fellow travelers, its funders might make some conservative true believers feel a little uncomfortable. Thats because its received funding through an organization backed by retired ophthalmologist John Tantonan environmental activist who backs groups like Planned Parenthood out of his concern that growing human population poses an existential threat to the planets well-being. BuzzFeed reported that one of his charities gave $25,000 in 2014 to a group called The Remembrance Project. The groups influence at the RNC has some conservatives concerned. That decision reflects either an amateurish vetting process or a willingness to accept the influence of a radically extreme agent like Tanton, said Mario Lopez of the conservative Hispanic Leadership Fund. The group is in interesting company; other organizations reliant on the same sources of funding include the most passionate and effective anti-immigration organizations in American public life. These include the Center for Immigration Studies, the Federation for American Immigration Reform, and NumbersUSA. These groups are largely relegated to the political fringe, and struggle even to get much real estate at CPAC. But despite that, their members are highly dedicatedwilling to take action to oppose any public policy changes that would increase legal immigration, whether that means calling their members of Congress, marching on Washington, or voting out incumbents in Republican primaries. But they draw criticism from traditional conservative voting blocs. Perhaps most notable was a lengthy piece in the Human Life Review during the 2013 Gang of 8 comprehensive immigration reform debate lambasting them for their population control affiliations. Regardless of ones particular views on immigration, pro-life leaders in particular should denounce CIS, FAIR, NumbersUSA, and any other entities that advance the dark cause of population control, the piece concluded. Still these groups are far from denounced. Insteadevinced by the RNC lineuptheyre more powerful than ever. More than just another celebrity actor with a pretty face, Dennis Hopper personified the countercultural wave that was crashing in the 60s and 70s. An accomplished filmmaker and photographer as well, his work is known for depicting an insiders perspective of an era that often finds itself romanticized. No single piece of artistic work better illustrates this than Easy Rider, which he directed, co-wrote, and co-starred in. You know, this used to be a hell of a good country. I cant understand whats gone wrong with it. George Hansen (Jack Nicholson) Man, everybody got chicken, thats what happened. Billy (Dennis Hopper) There arent a lot of movies that can be described as cultural landmarks, and fewer still that retain their power as the generation they were made byand forslowly fades away. Easy Rider, released in July 1969, checks all the boxes. Following a pair of bikers on a post-drug-deal road trip through the Southwest, it paints a picture of the countercultural unrest that stirred just beneath the surface of American society. Stripping away the peace and love glam attributed to the hippy movement, it anticipated the Summer of Loves lethal demise at Altamont, which would violently close out the decade just months later. The film is also credited with ushering in a new style of independent filmmaking, with lower budgets and both grittier production values and content. Inspired by the fringes of Americas melting pot cultural mashup, Hoppers characterand often he himself, in those dayslooks equal part outlaw biker, dusty Southwestern shaman, cowboy, and travel-tested roadie for the Grateful Dead. Its a style that worked and one that, to this day, can still be found everywhere from hipster saloons in Williamsburg and basement recording studios in Nashville to truck stops and watering holes along every lonely stretch of Interstate. Heres a handy guide to doing it right. THE MOTORCYCLE OK, you dont really need a motorcycle. But, just in case youre the all or nothing type, do it right. Make it an American bike. Seriously. No crotch rockets, no gently purring Honda Goldwing with heated grips and satellite navigation system, and no glorified dirt bikes. It can be battered, it can be customized, and it should be loud. If youre looking for a good place to start, try the Harley-Davidson Iron 883, or hit up Craigslist. Just be careful if someone tries to sell you Captain America, the original star-spangled Harley Panhead from Easy Rider even if the price seems crazy, like, say, $1.35 million, it could still be a fake. THE JACKET You can go suede if you really need to (dont), but we recommend authentic buckskin. And if youre gonna do it, do it rightmake sure it has fringe, a button front, and big ol collar. Handmade online marketplace Etsy has plenty to choose from, with a large vintage selection to boot. Western style stores have new versions as well, but you have to drag it behind your motorcycle for a few days to get it really broken in and looking perfectly scruffy. THE SHADES Big and black, make sure they hide your eyes from not just UV rays and the open roads dust but also your level of stoniness from any square who tries to make contact with em. You can go aviator, like the Ray Ban Classic, but thats taking the easy way out. Once again, your best bet is to take to the Web and track down some vintage numbers that are uniquely your own. As Billy, Hoppers character in the movie, says, It gives you a whole new way of looking at the day. THE HAT Hoppers chapeau from the film is equal parts Indiana Jones, Billy the Kid, General Custer, and psychedelic medicine man. With a flipped up brim and adornments that might very well include embroidery, snake skin, and unidentifiable mammalian road kill, its somewhere between Tilleys iconic T3 and an Akubra Bushman hat. Start there, and add your own sweat stainsand flairas you go. THE SHIRT These are rugged individuals; thus they require rugged clothing. You dont go selling boulders of cocaine and hitting the highway on your Harley wearing linen or Rayon. A solid canvas work shirt will have your back for countless miles, and only get softer and more comfortable as it breaks in. Outdoor staples like Patagonias All Season Field Shirt or Filsons Buckhorn Field Shirt will keep you classy even as youre being cool. THE PANTS For much of Easy Rider, Hopper is rocking buckskin pants, which provide a bit of added safety when tearing around on a motorcycle. While admittedly supple and wholly authentic, trousers made out of deerhide likely arent always going to be the best choice for a modern day-to-day, so we recommend either jeans, like Imogene + Willies signature Willie Rigid, or work pants, such as Pranas beefy-yet-well-cut Bronson pant. For those of you on a budgetand who isnt?the Carhartt Work Khaki is both hard to beat and, fair warning, break in. THE MUSTACHE Theres a particular piece of DNA required to farm a proper swooping mustache like Hoppers, and you either have it or you dont. Be honest with yourself about this. For those of you who can pull it off, its a bushy bumper of masculinity, especially if you treat it right with proper grooming techniques. For those who cant, yet lack the self-awareness to admit it, well, theres a reason they call em dirt staches, and theyll turn a hunky dude into super creepy rape van driver in no time. Never before have I seen a motorcycle attract an entire mob of bystanders and bring traffic to a standstill. Such was the presence of Indian Motorcycles Roadmaster. By Abhik Das: I arrived at the designated location where the good folks from Indian Motorcycles waited patiently for me. Quick to get on the motorcycle, I made a swift getaway amidst a myriad of questions from the crowd, mostly involving the price tag on the big Indian. "40-lakh," I shouted through the helmet as I watched jaws drop in the rear view mirrors. advertisement ALSO READ: Suzuki Access 125 has premium written all over it In the rush of things I didn't quite realise the sheer enormity of this motorcycle. The Indian Roadmaster is the American firm's top-of-the-line touring motorcycle. Stretching nearly the length of a small hatchback and weighing in at 421kg dry, this behemoth is a stark contrast to a lean, 65kg, 5'8" frame of yours truly. Retro styling with modern tech, torquey engine, unstressed performance, supple ride quality. (Photo: Nishant Jhamb) I am of the breed that prefers equally light and faster machines so saying that I was intimidated by the Roadmaster's size would be an understatement. Saddled up and I did have to tug twice at the 'bar to lift it off the stand. Get rolling and lifting both feet onto the footpegs quickly was the only way to negate the weight of the motorcycle. Meter console use retro fonts contrasting a modern multi-info display equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. (Photo: Nishant Jhamb) Surprisingly enough, the mass and size of the big bagger reduces substantially as confidence builds up quickly once on the move. The 43-degree heat was enough of a deterrent to have me roll directly onto the highway, avoiding traffic to ride the Roadmaster just where it belongs. ALSO READ: Honda Shine SP is swift and smooth through traffic Much like the Chieftain, on which the Roadmaster is based, this bike builds on the touring theme with the addition of a rear trunk and an elaborate pillion seating along with a pair of lower fairings. Hidden away in the layers of bodywork is a lightweight but rigid cast aluminium frame. There's no flex in the chassis while negotiating corners and unlike lighter motorcycles in the same category, the Roadmaster didn't want from front to back when hitting undulations mid-corner - a crucial trait to build confidence cornering a big motorcycle. ABS equipped disc brakes offer decent stopping power although lacking bite. 16-inch alloys donning Dunlop tyres are grippy. (Photo: Nishant Jhamb) The front uses meaty 46mm telescopic suspensions while a single pneumatically adjustable rear monoshock handle the bulk of the Roadmaster. Supple ride quality is what you get from both and over harsher surfaces, the cushiony seat too comes into play, softening the ride even further. This is a motorcycle that can chow down highways by the dozen and leave you as fresh as you'd started the ride with. Cruise control and windshield adjuster are conveniently located on the switchgear. (Photo: Nishant Jhamb) Cruise control and windshield adjuster are conveniently located on the switchgear. (Photo: Nishant Jhamb) advertisement The long-stroke, 1811cc, 49-degree, V-twin that does duty on the entire range of Indian motorcycles offers a wide spread of torque across the rev-range. In any of the six gears, there's enough pull from the motor to build up speed from very low revs without lugging the engine. Of course there is over 600kg gross weight to pull and that's where the 139Nm of torque comes into play. ALSO READ: Mahindra Mojo lives up to its sports tourer credential 1. Huge bat fairing houses full-LED headlights and fog-lights. 2. 130 litres of total storage is available from the saddlebags and trunk. Storage compartments are remote lockable. 3. Pillion will sit in utmost comfort with booming 200W speakers. (Photo: Nishant Jhamb) Needless to say that top speed is not something you'll be chasing on a machine like this but just for the record, sitting at 150kmph on a highway all day long wouldn't even make the Roadmaster break a sweat. There are mild vibrations which didn't present much of a bother but I'd prefer the handlebars to be stiffer as they mildly shudder at higher speeds. advertisement The engine revs smoothly from the start as shifting through the 6-speed 'box proved slick, without the heavy clunk that's usually associated with gearboxes of such big engines. Clutch action is on the lighter side which again surprised me and will be well appreciated on longer rides. But the absence of liquid-cooling meant that there's a massive amount of heat being dissipated directly onto the rider's legs (especially the right side due to the exhaust pipes). Mainly caused due to the lower fairings, this factor alone makes the ride tremendously discomforting for summer rides. Engine revs smoothly from the start. shifting through the 6-speed box proved slick. (Photo: Nishant Jhamb) ALSO READ: Honda Navi: Something really new What is also surprising is the omission of a navigation system for a full dresser touring motorcycle, that incidentally comes as standard on its direct competitor, the Harley CVO Custom. Verdict It's incredible how the Roadmaster imbibes Indian's ideology of keeping its heritage while accepting the mechanical benefits of modern technology. This is a machine reserved for a select few who appreciate the love for open roads and tour in style. advertisement The Roadmaster ranks high in exclusivity and like the Bentleys and Rolls Royces of the four-wheeled world, it brings in elegance and class that'll set you apart. Hope you're ready to handle the attention. --- ENDS --- Steps are being taken in tension laden Kashmir for a smooth NEET-II. By India Today Web Desk: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will be conducting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Phase 2 on July 24. With the ongoing tension in the state Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the state government of Kashmir has recently established special facilitation centres for candidates of Kashmir for proper conduct of the examination. advertisement The admit cards issued by CBSE will be considered as curfew passes as agreed by the state government, it said in a statement here. Details of change in exmination centre: For candidates whose old centre was Delhi Public School, Athwajan, will now have to appear for the examination either at Sri Pratap College or Amar Singh College There is no change in centre for candidates who were suppose to appear at Delhi Public School, Humhama Sheikhpura Also, at the Delhi Public School, Humhama Sheikhpura, about 540 students from Roll Nos. 82500001 to 82500540 can take the exam About 600 students from Roll Nos. 82500541 to 82501140 can take the exam in Sri Pratap College Another 600 students from Roll Nos. 82501141 to 82501740 can take the exam at Amar Singh College Important instructions: Moreover, as per official statement, the last reporting time at all centres will be 9.30 am The printed copy of the admit card will be made available to the candidates from July 23 at their new allotted centres in Srinagar Also, arrangement of photographer is being made to take their postcard and passport size photographs which are a mandatory condition for this examination (Read: NEET 2016: Lok Sabha passes two bills to replace NEET ordinances) Meanwhile, on Tuesday, July 19, Lok Sabha passed the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill 2016 and the Dentists (Amendment) Bill 2016 to replace the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) ordinance. And the Bills present a standardised entrance examination for admission to all medical educational institutions at the undergraduate and post-graduate courses. In a recent Indian Express report, Health Minister J P Nadda said, "It will make the examination fair and transparent and will also stop exploitation of students in the name of capitation fees." (Read: NEET Phase II 2016: Check out the examination centres, here) Details of special facilitation centers: These centers will assist the aspirants for receiving their admit card for appearing the examination Candidates are advised to approach the Nodal Officers, Special Facilitation Centers, NIC and DC office of the respective district for any kind of assistance Also, the Deputy Commissioner of all 10 districts of the valley will personally supervise all the arrangements (Read: NEET Phase 2 2016: Important instructions to be followed) List of NEET Phase II centres in J&K: Srinagar Anantnag Bandipora Baramulla Budgam Pulwama Kupwara Ganderbal Kulgam Shopian advertisement Moreover, this year, state boards have been exempted from NEET, whereas all the private institution will come under the new system. READ: CBSE's new 'bell ringing system': NEET candidates to be alerted 9 times during the exam For more information, follow India Today Education or you can write to us at education.intoday@gmail.com --- ENDS --- By PTI: From K J M Varma Beijing, Jul 21 (PTI) As many as 116 people were either killed or missing in fresh bout of rainstorms in China which has caused havoc, flattening homes, disrupting power and traffic besides triggering evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people, according to official figures released today. Forty-two people were killed and 74 remained missing in torrential rains in central and north areas since yesterday, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. advertisement The casualties of rains continued to mount as already over 300 people were killed and over 100 listed missing in rains, floods and typhoon in China since last month. Heavy rain in north Chinas Hebei Province since yesterday morning has left 30 people dead and 68 missing, the provincial civil affairs department said today. About 163,900 people have been forced to leave their homes. The department has received reports of floods and landslides damaging more than 47,713 houses and 354,600 hectares of crops, causing traffic chaos, power outages and wreaking havoc with communications. So far, direct economic losses from the rain-triggered disaster reached 4.75 billion yuan (USD 711 million). Relief supplies including tents, quilts and clothing have been distributed in the worst-hit cities including Handan, Xingtai and the provincial capital of Shijiazhuang. In neighbouring Henan Province, 12 people were confirmed dead with six unaccounted for, the provincial flood control headquarters said. Storms forced the evacuation of 105,000 people, levelled 2,110 homes and damaged 20,720 hectares of crops. The extreme weather caused two dikes to collapse in the city of Anyang yesterday. Soldiers and rescue workers are attempting to close the breach. The direct economic losses in Henan are estimated at 477 million yuan. The National Commission for Disaster Relief and the Ministry of Civil Affairs have sent staff to assist the relief work. Citing peoples safety as the top priority, President Xi Jinping while inspecting northwest Chinas Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region called for efforts to control and fight floods as he warned that those whose dereliction of duty results in heavy casualties and property loss will be held accountable. PTI KJV UZM SAI AKJ SAI --- ENDS --- CLEVELAND Ted Cruz, in a highly anticipated speech at the Republican National Convention, offered no direct support for presidential nominee Donald Trump, setting off a furious reaction as he told delegates to vote their conscience in November. As it became apparent Cruz would not endorse Trump, the crowd inside the Quicken Loans Arena reacted with increasing anger. Recognizing the negative reaction from Trump's home state, Cruz deviated from his prepared remarks to acidly comment, "I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation." Cruz's remarks amounted to a decisive non-endorsement of his party's party's standard-bearer, with whom the Texas senator bitterly clashed during the primaries. By the time Cruz was done speaking, delegates appeared to be in uniform revolt, providing thundering boos as Cruz left the stage. His remarks, delivered in a primetime address nonetheless laced with themes of unity, are almost guaranteed to extend the long-running rift between Cruz and Trump, whom vanquished the Texas senator more than two months ago in a victory that paved his path to the nomination. To those listening, please dont stay home in November, Cruz told delegates Wednesday night. Stand, and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution. Cruz only mentioned Trumps name once toward the beginning of his speech, when he congratulated the billionaire on formally clinching the nomination Tuesday night. Beyond that, Cruz only provided a general criteria for whom should lead the country: Leaders who stand for principle. Unite us all behind shared values. Cast aside anger for love. That is the standard we should expect, Cruz said, from everybody. While he came nowhere close to endorsing Trump, Cruz did talk up the party that chose him, saying there is a profound difference in our parties visions for the future. Cruz went on to drive familiar attacks against President Barack Obama and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, saying she believes government should make virtually every choice in your life. The most compelling parts of Cruzs speech, however, touched on a sense of unity broader than politics. He put the presidential election firmly in the context of social unrest across the United States, lamenting how partisan rancor, anger, even hatred, are tearing America apart. He specially devoted a section of his speech to those impacted by the shooting earlier this month in Dallas that left five police officers dead and seven others wounded. Citizens are furious rightly furious at a political establishment that cynically breaks its promises and ignores the will of the people, Cruz said. We have to do better. We owe our fallen heroes more than that. Cruz placed second for the nomination in a formal roll call vote Tuesday night, with 475 delegates to Trump's 1,725. But it was a bitter primary fight, and the degree to which Cruz would offer support to Trump in his speech was one of the most closely anticipated moments of the convention. Cruz reorganized his political operation earlier this month, and many in GOP politics believe he already has his eye on the 2020 presidential race regardless of Trump's fortunes in November. Earlier in the day, Cruz held a Cleveland rally to thank supporters. He is scheduled to address his fellow Texans at the state GOP's breakfast Thursday morning. Abby Livingston contributed to this report. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at http://www.texastribune.org/2016/07/20/ted-cruz-speech-republican-convention/. After Brexit, green organisations will inevitably do some soul searching. Most green groups backed the Remain campaign. Most of the big green organisations pointed to everything the EU has done for the environment. Others pointed to joint European action on climate change. But clearly many people found green appeals about EU membership unmoving. England and Wales voted conclusively for Brexit. Green groups will now be asking themselves why they were out of step with the wider public. This is not an uncommon place for green and climate change organisations to be. Climate change is frequently an issue at the bottom of the public's list of concerns. For the green movement to be asking questions about why it hasn't galvanised public support is a regular event. My fear is that in an attempt to appear more relevant, green organisations will go somewhere nasty on immigration. This is an appeal to green organisations to do the opposite. Immigration: the defining issue of the Leave campaign Immigration was the defining issue of the Brexit campaign. It was consistently the issue Leave voters said motivated them the most. It might seem odd to suggest that green organisations would reach for immigration as an issue at the moment. But I think this is a genuine risk. Green organisations in the UK have struggled to engage people outside a narrow demographic. Green NGOs have been good at galvanising support among educated urban people and higher earners. They've often struggled to engage anyone else. Greens are often lumped into 'the metropolitan elite', accused of ignoring the concerns of the majority and promoting lofty and irrelevant ideals. During the Port Talbot steel crisis, UKIP picked its villains carefully. The culprits - they argued - were climate change legislation and the EU. Both - they claimed - the domain of detached urban elites. Any organisation that has found itself on the losing side will now be wondering what to do next. Green and climate organisations will be too. How can they shake off the reputation of being part of the dreaded 'political class'? How can they prove their green agenda is in tune with the concerns of the majority? Some will turn to immigration. Popularity - they hope - might lie in tapping escalating anti immigration feeling. Green immigration arguments Green groups will not need to invent new 'environmental' anti-migrant arguments. They have already been well rehearsed. Some green organisations have flirted with anti-immigration messaging over the years. The arguments are not new. Green groups sometime claim immigration creates new pressure on the environment. More people means more houses, roads, infrastructure and energy. All this puts pressure on nature and landscapes. It also means people moving from low emitting poorer countries, and adopting high emitting lifestyles. Some green groups have argued that restricting immigration is good for the environment. SHARE Butch Puttman, Henderson Hugh McCormick was a good public servant. He served this county for nearly a quarter century. As a magistrate working with him and as a cousin that shared many private moments with Hugh, I knew his deep and abiding love for this county. Hugh had a driving desire to enrich the quality of life we share here. We know of the parks he championed in each of the fiscal court districts. I personally worked with him on the East End Park, Nothing made him happier than seeing a new venue completed. He could see generations of Hendersonians enjoying the parks. He could see rich and poor using the various apparatuses in spite of their wealth or station in life. Hugh did not see class, he did not see color, he did not care whether you wore designer clothes or Carhart. He just wanted us all to have the best. He thought we deserved it. The fairgrounds was one that was always with Hugh. I do not know how many times I heard him say that Henderson needed a fairground where the people, rural and city, could gather and enjoy the good times. He championed young people displaying their crafts, their animals and their plants. He saw this place as a place where all the people could gather and where farmers could sell the products they grew. It is impressive ... it is important ... it is only right that we honor Hugh McCormick's memory by naming this facility in his honor. I hope that the people who enter his fairground will look at the sign that bears his name and remember how much he loved them. Family members of the woman told police that she went into depression after bail was granted to the accused who, she had alleged, was being protected by the local MLA. Officials said the woman consumed poisonous substance at her home in Narela in the afternoon By Mail Today Bureau: The Delhi government on Wednesday ordered a magisterial probe into the alleged suicide of Aam Aadmi Party woman activist in Narela area of Outer Delhi. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has asked North Delhi's district magistrate to investigate the matter. The family members of the woman claimed that she had gone into depression after her alleged molester, a party colleague, was released on bail. advertisement MOLESTATION CLAIMS ANOTHER LIFE TV channels aired an old video clip purportedly of the victim claiming she was told by the AAP chief to strike a "compromise". Sources say the police are examining the authenticity of the footage. Officials said the woman consumed poisonous substance at her home in Narela in the afternoon and died during treatment at LNJP Hospital. "Have ordered magistrate inquiry in AAP activist suicide case in Narela. DM north will do the inquiry (sic)," Sisodia tweeted. HER MOLESTER WAS BEING PROTECTED BY LOCAL MLA The woman had filed a complaint against party colleague Ramesh Wadhwa for allegedly touching her inappropriately and a case of molestation was registered in June and the accused was arrested, said a senior police officer. Family members of the woman told police that she went into depression after bail was granted to the accused who, she had alleged, was being protected by the local MLA. ADDS TO ANTI-WOMAN CHARACTER OF AAP? Delhi BJP had alleged that AAP leaders had ignored her "harassment" complaint. "It may be recalled this girl had been raising issue of her harassment for months but AAP leaders ignored. This incident has established anti woman character of AAP," Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay said in a statement on Tuesday. "Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and local MLA Sharad Chauhan are responsible for her death," he had alleged. AAP refuted the allegations and accused BJP of playing politics over her death. POLITICS OVER A SUICIDE "There is no mention of the MLAs name in any of the complainants. Whosoever is alleged to have harassed the girl has no connection with the party. The BJP should not stoop this low and play politics over the death of a poor girl. We also want action against the culprit." AAP spokesperson Deepak Bajpai said. AAP spokesperson Ashutosh tore into BJP leader Vijender Gupta for allegedly "hijacking" the family of the victim and coming in the way of postmortem of the body. Gupta was forcing the family members of the woman to name AAP in the case, he alleged. AAP's Delhi Convenor Dilip Pandey claimed that the accused Ramesh, who was arrested and later released on bail, was not a member of AAP as being claimed by BJP and that the party had extended all possible help to the woman when she had approached it with the complaint. advertisement "It is a fact that she had contacted the party. The party assisted her and got an FIR lodged. In fact the Chief Ministers Office had called the DCP office in this regard, but the police chose not to act and the accused secured bail." Also Read: AAP woman activist 'molested' by party colleague commits suicide Another AAP MLA booked for sexual harassment --- ENDS --- SHARE There is no way to redeem a presidential ticket that includes Donald Trump. Republican voters would have done better to elevate any of the other candidates who entered the race last year rather than nominate someone so flagrantly ill-suited to the most powerful job on Earth. But someone has to take the second spot on the worst of tickets, and Mike Pence is about as good a choice as Trump could have been expected to make. The Indiana governor has a lot to recommend him. He's a principled conservative who understands and shares his party's ideals. He's a veteran legislator with a solid grasp of policy, based on 12 years in Congress and a stint as head of a conservative Indiana think tank. Pence has been governor of Indiana since 2013, acquiring useful experience in the executive branch. He's a disciplined communicator who used to host a radio talk show. He exhibits a mature temperament fitting his self-description as "Rush Limbaugh on decaf." These attributes add up to the one indispensable qualification in a vice presidential candidate: the capacity to step into the presidency if needed. Paul Ryan, Mitt Romney's 2012 running mate, met that standard. Sarah Palin, chosen by John McCain in 2008, did not. The problem with Pence's assets is that they starkly highlight the deep deficiencies of his running mate, who lacks almost everything useful that Pence embodies. In choosing him, Trump had to overlook some major policy differences. Pence has been a consistent supporter of free trade. During his time in Congress, Pence pushed for a comprehensive immigration reform bill, which unfortunately failed. He repeatedly, though unsuccessfully, sponsored a "media shield" bill to protect journalists from being forced to identify sources in federal cases. He was one of just four governors to earn an "A" on the 2014 Fiscal Report Card on America's Governors. Published by the libertarian Cato Institute, it said he "has been a champion tax cutter, and he has held the line on spending." On education, he has been a champion of vouchers and charter schools, as many conservatives are, but he also favors more public funding for preschool, something widely favored by liberals. Pence is hardly beyond criticism. His endorsement of hard-line Texas right-winger Ted Cruz in the presidential primaries was unsurprising, given Pence's staunch support for socially conservative causes. He also acquitted himself poorly in the battle over the "religious freedom" bill he signed last year. It sparked negative reactions from gay rights groups and corporations that said it would allow businesses to refuse service to people on the basis of their sexual orientation. After first resisting demands to amend the law, Pence signed a bill to forbid such discrimination. That retreat, however, suggests an ability to consider the possibility of his own fallibility an ability Trump evidently doesn't have. Pence's presence on the ticket doesn't come close to making a Trump victory palatable. But should that tribulation come to pass, at least the vice presidency will be in good hands. This editorial first appeared in the Chicago Tribune. How Columbus Properties is promoting New Heritage Village development A long-languishing subdivision is seeing an uptick in development thanks in part to efforts by Columbus Junction's former mayor. WASHINGTON Connecticuts Democratic lawmakers have formed an unusual strategic alliance with mostly Republican counterparts in Great Plains states over replacing the Air Forces aging fleet of UH-1N helicopters with Black Hawks produced by Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford. The Air Force at first accepted the logic of replacing the UH-1N Hueys, a Vietnam-era staple, with Black Hawks in a single-source contract no competitive bidding. The Air Force uses the Hueys mostly for security at bases in Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming where nuclear missiles have been launch-ready for more than 50 years. But in May the Defense Department overruled the Air Force and opened up the process to a competitive acquisition approach. The news was a bitter pill for Connecticut Democrats, particularly Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy who had fought vigorously in their respective Senate committee perches to win the contract outright for Sikorsky. I was very disappointed not only because of the possible impact on Sikorsky but on our national security, said Blumenthal, who as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee helped get $302 million inserted into the still-pending National Defense Authorization Act for the Huey replacements. Time is not on our side. The controversy over the Hueys in many ways is a classic Washington brew of national security urgency spiked with a little old-fashioned home-state boosterism. With terrorism on the rise worldwide, reliable Black Hawks are a quick and easy replacement for battered, vulnerable Hueys, Blumenthal and Murphy argued. Last month, the two Connecticut Democrats and eight other senators five of them from Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter to justify putting the Huey replacements on what they consider a time-consuming slow track. At a time when our nation faces unprecedented threats, we cannot afford to prolong the security vulnerabilities of our ICBM missile fields for several more years, the senators wrote. The Huey was the Armys workhorse in the Vietnam War. Last week, President Obama awarded the Medal of Honor to retired Army Lt. Col. Charles Kettles for piloting a Huey in a rescue mission that saved the lives of 40 soldiers. While the Black Hawk replaced the Armys Hueys in the 1970s and 1980s, the Air Force maintained a few dozen to guard the missile fields and escort maintenance convoys around them. Air Force Hueys are also on standby to evacuate Washington VIPs in the event of a national emergency. But the Hueys have been showing their age for more than a decade. Congressional Quarterly reported that in a test exercise, the Air Force Hueys failed to meet the security standards necessary for defense of the missiles fields against attack. But anti-government-waste groups argued the Black Hawks are an overly expensive solution. And lawmakers representing potential Sikorsky competitors weighed in against a non-competitive contract. Rep. Bill Schuster, R-Pa., and five other House members four from Eastern Pennsylvania wrote in April that awarding a non-competitive contract would set a terrible precedent, allowing military services to cite a need for rapid emergency procurement even though commanders had failed to properly plan and prepare. Northeast Philadelphia is the location of a helicopter factory operated by Sikorsky competitor, Agusta Westland, which is owned by the Italian defense contractor Leonardo-Finmeccanica. The Black Hawk is a mainstay of the Stratford production line so any news about it is bound to send waves through the company, which was bought last year by Lockheed Martin. Sikorsky is diversifying into civilian aircraft as well as the new CH-53K King Stallion for the Marine Corps. But the Black Hawk remains the companys bread-and-butter item. With thousands of Black Hawks in use by all the military services, Sikorsky is in good position to win the competition once it occurs. The Air Force had estimated that if Sikorsky had been awarded the contract without competition, the new helicopters would be in place by 2019. Now, with competition, there is no timetable, Pentagon officials said. Sikorsky employs about 8,000 in Connecticut, mostly in Stratford but also at facilities in Trumbull, Bridgeport and Shelton. Although the Huey-replacement money is not specifically flowing to Sikorsky, the National Defense Authorization Act contains $1.12 billion for 51 Black Hawks. The conflict over the Hueys is one of those rare instances where party affiliation and ideology is less important that geographic and home-state considerations. The Great Plains lawmakers, including Montana Sen. Jon Tester (a Democrat) and Sen. Steve Daines (a Republican) fear potential attacks in their jurisdictions could be devastating if the Air Force doesnt have the proper aircraft. Blumenthal, Murphy and Connecticut Democratic House members including Rosa DeLauro and Elizabeth Esty are more focused on Sikorsky and local jobs. But Blumenthal insists the Connecticut lawmakers concern is not just parochial interest. I am a strong supporter of jobs in Connecticut but in this case our national security is best served by enabling these helicopters to be available as quickly as possible, he said. dan@hearstdc.com This dog confidently ambles into a supermarket every day, with one yuan, to buy sausage and the shop owner says that it's a regular customer. By India Today Web Desk: An adorable pooch ambles into a supermarket in northeast China to buy sausage for itself. Every day! The shopkeepers say that it's a regular customer. They take the one yuan it brings (obviously slathered in spit) and give the dog a sausage. According to People's Daily, the dog was seen walking into the store all by itself. It is quiet obvious that the dog has been trained to carry out this oh-so-adorable activity. advertisement So, if it is a busy day and you don't feel like going to the supermarket, just train your dog to do some shopping for you, and all the more because the shopkeeper cannot deny those 'puppy dog eyes'. Self-reliance: Smart dog goes viral for almost daily hanging out w/ 1 yuan note in mouth to buy sausage in NE #China pic.twitter.com/wiDlRzyyN9 People's Daily,China (@PDChina) July 21, 2016 --- ENDS --- There has been quite a lot of coverage lately about Connecticuts interest in a mileage tax. Most of it focuses on how bad a mileage tax would be for the state. I agree, it would. People in Connecticut just cant take on one more tax, and on top of that, a mileage tax raises too many privacy issues. But I dont think thats what the real story is. The story is really about trust, transparency, and inappropriate use of scarce resources. Connecticut isnt just joining other states to ask for federal money to study the mileage tax: It has actually committed to spending taxpayer dollars and to playing a lead role in the study should the grant be awarded. This is something the public needs to know. In 2015, when the governors Transportation Finance Panel suggested that a mileage tax might be a viable course to pursue, legislative leaders from both parties made statements unequivocally opposing it, and the public displeasure was equally pronounced. This made the recent news of the grant application very surprising. Many state lawmakers and the general public first learned about the application in a June 25 story in the Washington Post. The application was submitted by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DOT) on behalf of the I-95 Corridor Coalition, a consortium of 16 states. It proposes pilot programs in five states Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and another to be determined designed to learn more about implementing mileage-based user fees. The proposal includes developing model legislation. The programs estimated cost is $2.98 million. The application requests half that amount, $1.49 million, in federal funds, with individual states providing the rest in matching funds. With a commitment of $300,000, Connecticut would pay more in cash than any other state. Delaware and Pennsylvania would each pay $290,000, and Vermont $30,000, for planning and analysis. Instead of cash, New Hampshire would use $580,000 in toll credits. Eleven of the consortiums 16 states have no active role in the program. When asked by the Connecticut media to explain the states role in the grant application, the DOT spokesperson said that Connecticut had no plans for implementing a mileage tax, but that the DOT had an obligation to seek federal funds for studies in order to do its job better. He said nothing about spending taxpayer money to get those funds or about leading the pack. Those details appeared only in the grant application, which is available online, although hard to find. There is overwhelming opposition to the concept of a mileage tax. Moreover, essential services are being cut because the states budget is stretched beyond its limits. Under those circumstances, why was it so critical for the DOT to make these commitments? As a member of the consortium that submitted the application, Connecticut would presumably have access to the pilot programs results, so why was it necessary to be a lead participant, especially in the face of such broad opposition? As a Ranking Member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees the DOTs budget, I was not officially informed about the proposed financial commitment, and I have sent a letter to DOT Commissioner James Redeker requesting responses to these questions and others. I will share whatever information I receive. I dont believe there is a mileage tax in Connecticuts near future, if for no other reason than that its a complicated and controversial undertaking, and, fortunately, no one seems to be even close to figuring out how to implement it. But I am extremely concerned about how the decision was made to pursue this study and to commit scarce and needed dollars to something that taxpayers and their representatives overwhelmingly oppose. The clear message here is that the executive branch is determined for Connecticut to lead in studying the mileage tax concept, regardless of what taxpayers and their General Assembly representatives think about it. The proper course of action is for the DOT to withdraw its commitments from the grant proposal, and to improve the transparency of its communications with the legislature and the public. State Rep. Gail Lavielle represents Norwalk, Westport, and Wilton. She is Ranking Member of the General Assemblys Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and a member of the Transportation Committee. I grew up on Cottonwood Drive. Down the street and at the end of Sycamore is Maplewood, where the Warrens lived. Dave and Nancy Warren were my parents best friends, so naturally, their daughters were ours. We did everything with the Warrens. We attended the same school, the same church and were in the same 4-H groups. We flocked to the Warrens to chase the train along the back fence, and we headed to our backyard to make mud pies in the sandbox. Their house only had a crawl space, so I cant remember a single serious storm in which the Warrens didnt join us in our basement. At the time, I just figured good friends always gathered during storms. For all their similarities and camaraderie, however, my parents and the Warrens each had their specialties. My parents raised pool rats, and the Warrens fair and freckled faces preferred the shade. My dad could build anything, Dave could calculate anything, my mom could find the best sales, and Nancy could bake the best, well, everything. Her specialty was pie apple, to be precise. Shed make it for birthdays, when someone was recovering, as a thank-you and for any occasion that would be made better by something sweet. About the year I was in fifth grade, Nancy decided to enter her pie in the fair because 1) she was already entering a truckload of cookies, sewing projects and crafts for her kids; and 2) by entering, she could score free tickets so her family could actually attend the fair. What she didnt know was 1) that shed win Nebraskas Best Apple Pie by a landslide; and 2) that then Gov. Bob Kerrey would host an event at the governors mansion at which Nancy Warrens famous pie would be served. A lot has happened since Nancys apple pie graced the governors china. My parents three daughters grew up, moved away and had families of their own. Dave and Nancys three kids did likewise. Now the familiar faces of 23 collective grandchildren litter my parents refrigerator, as well as one in a familiar kitchen on Maplewood Drive. I know the latter to be true because my youngest and I spent the afternoon there last Friday. Some time ago, when Nancy discovered my youngest loves to bake, she offered to show her how to make her famous apple pie. Naturally, we jumped at the opportunity. I may have bragged about it on social media. Perhaps I even took some photos, and my childhood friend Jennifer commented that Nancys own children going without pie is like the cobblers own children going barefoot. Ironically, the Warrens grandchildren are now the pool rats. Also, they live in Iowa. I suggested it was time for Jennifer to move home. Anyway, Nancys kitchen was just as I remembered it, except the kitchen window looks out on a backyard that has since grown quieter. Soft green grass has covered the dirt patches where wed stop ourselves from swinging, and the train quit running years ago. Nonetheless, as I studied the still of my old stomping ground, I thought for sure I heard laughter. And I did. It was Nancy and my daughter, the first insisting her peeler was defunct and the second giggling at her own clumsiness. Nevertheless, in no time at all, half a dozen apples were peeled, sliced and baking in a sure-to-be-flaky crust that filled the room (and my heart) with the sweetest of aromas. The Warrens were not my parents only good friends, of course, but they were among the best. They were also consistently present in our lives, which meant there were eight eyes on the six of us from the day Mom met Nancy in the maternity ward at St. Elizabeths Hospital until the day we lost Dave to cancer. Today, there are fewer eyes to do the watching and more to watch, but refrigerators littered with pictures (and laden with apples) do not lie. As I enjoyed more than my share of Nebraskas best apple pie this week, I thought how blessed I am to be a part of a village that never quits raising its young. Kristen Friesen is a high school English teacher who lives in Lincoln with her husband of 23 years, their three busy daughters and her scruffy dog, Max. She can be contacted at kristenfriesen3@gmail.com. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today told the Rajya Sabha that none of the cases of violence were reported from inside the college campuses, indicating that students were best understood by fellow college mates and were most safe inside. By Maha Siddiqui: African students coming to India for studies will be encouraged to seek admission in colleges that provide on campus hostel facilities. This measure is being put into action after a string of crimes were reported against African students across the country. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today told the Rajya Sabha that none of the cases of violence were reported from inside the college campuses, indicating that students were best understood by fellow college mates and were most safe inside. advertisement Swaraj reiterated that recent attacks on Africans were not racially motivated. To reinforce this argument she pointed out to the CCTV footage from Vasant Kunj in Delhi where Congolese national Masonda Ketanda Olivier was killed. She said the footage clearly showed how people standing around that area "rushed to Olivier's rescue" when he was being beaten by some anti-social elements. The External Affairs Minister also informed the House that the retaliatory attacks against Indians did take place in Kinshasa but there were only minor injuries reported. She said there was stone-pelting at shops owned by Indians and this matter was taken up by the Indian mission with the Congolese foreign office and a concern and complaint was registered with the Congolese envoy in Delhi. Also Read Days after Congolese student's murder in Delhi, Indian shops attacked in Congo --- ENDS --- Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Alexander Shilin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 It has become fashionable of late in swathes of the Western mass media to write about the so-called oppressions of the Crimean Tatars, the people living on the Crimean peninsula in the Crimean federal district of the Russian Federation. It is interesting that a few articles on this issue have appeared in the Indonesian press as well. In particular, they mention the alleged closing of cultural organizations of this ethnic minority, harassment on the part of the Russian authorities and other, clearly invented forms of oppression. On March 16, 2014, a referendum on reunification with the Russian Federation took place in the Crimea. The referendum conformed fully to democratic procedures and international legal norms. More than 96 percent of voters supported reunification with their historical motherland Russia. Immediately afterward, the Russian government began the implementation of a large-scale policy directed at the social and economic recovery of the Crimea. Effective measures for providing economic assistance to this region, recovering its infrastructure and strengthening the rule of law have been developed. Such policy includes also full support for the Crimean Tatars. The Russian authorities pay special attention to the freedom of conscience and religion of the Crimean Tatars. They have assisted in building ties between Spiritual Board of the Crimean Muslims and other Islamic Spiritual Boards across Russia. New mosques have been built in the Crimea. In March 2014, immediately after reunification, the Crimean Tatar language, on an equal basis with Russian and Ukrainian, was given state status within Crimea. A project, with the support of schools, has been launched to teach the Crimean Tatar language. Many textbooks for Crimean Tatar schools located in the Crimea have been translated. Prominent Russian philologists have started elaborating schoolbooks for studying the Crimean Tatar language as a native and a foreign language. A special program on Crimean Tatar Literature has been introduced, while training of linguists and teaching personnel in this language has begun at the major Russian universities. Preservation and development of the cultural heritage of the Crimean Tatars is among the priorities of the Russian authorities. After reunification with Russia, several festivals of Crimean Tatar culture have already been held. In order to develop the Crimean Tatars national culture, a cultural and ethnographic center is to be opened in Yalta, one of the Crimean cities. The event most clearly signaling the Russian authorities benevolent attitude toward the Crimean Tatars is the decision of the Crimean Government to establish a Federal Crimean Tatar National and Cultural autonomy a sort of community association allowing the people to promote independently their identity, language, education and national culture. Its head will be represented in the Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations, allowing the Tatars to solve their own problems more effectively. Today, the Crimean Tatars are widely represented in the legislative and executive authorities of the Crimea and have the right to create the associations that guarantee their active participation in public and political life not only in the peninsula, but also all over the country. A number of delegations from Europe and Asia, including Muslim countries, have recently visited the Crimea. They witnessed in person that the Crimean Tatars fully enjoyed the rights and privileges of being Russian citizens, living in harmony with all the nationalities of our multinational homeland. Its also quite remarkable that the critics of Russia very often forget about the real misery in which the Crimean Tatars lived before the 2014 referendum. In particular, UN bodies and European human rights organizations repeatedly recorded massive violations of Crimean Tatars rights. Particularly, starting from 1998, the UN Committee on Elimination of Racial Discrimination regularly reported that the Crimean Tatars returning to their homeland didnt have effective tools to protect their rights and faced many difficulties in obtaining Ukrainian citizenship. In 2006, this committee took note of the fact that the Tatars in Crimea didnt have access to vital infrastructure including water supply and sewerage facilities, electricity, gas, heating, roads and transportation. In 2013 the UN Human Rights Committee recorded numerous cases of intolerance and hate toward the Crimean Tatars including threats and physical violence which took place under the Kiev governance. In other words, and we are sure of it, only now do the normal living conditions for the Crimean Tatars guarantee their comprehensive development and full participation in social, political and economic life of the country. Their rights are protected by the law and they enjoy all the benefits of Russian citizenship. As many of you may know, representatives of more than 100 nationalities and all leading religions live in our country. Russia is proud of it. And I would like to assure the Indonesian audience that the Crimean Tatars have become an integral and harmonic part of Russian multinational and multicultural society. *** The writer is Russian charge daffaires in Indonesia. --------------- 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 Muhammad Ilman (The Jakarta Post) Brisbane Thu, July 21, 2016 As we prepare to celebrate International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems on 26 July, harrowing aerial pictures of large swathes of dead mangroves in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia, have emerged on news platforms around the world. The massive dieback of mangrove forests may have been reported in the past but the latest Australian incident is considered unprecedented due to its mammoth 10,000 hectare (ha) scale and the apparent absence of natural or man-made disaster to cite as the cause. The size of the dieback in Australia is equivalent to the stretch of land from Ujung Kulon in Banten to Cirebon in West Java. The case serves as a loud alarm for Indonesian scientists and policy makers. Indonesia shares many mangrove habitat characteristics with Australia, their importance for the national economy, and the fact that both countries disproportionately harbor the largest portion (23 percent) of the worlds mangrove forests. It is worth contemplating the mangrove dieback in Australia and considering why Indonesia should prepare for the possibility of a similar disaster occurring in Indonesia. Various studies have found factors that could cause mangrove death, including water pollution, chemical defoliant, pest outbreaks, hydrological triggers, and high or frost level temperatures. How mangroves expand and die Most of the mangroves in the Gulf of Carpentaria coast formed at the narrow fringe of an emerged flood plain, especially along the shores of tidal estuaries. Species that stand out and quickly grow in this environment are those with wide range salinity tolerance and high dispersal ability seedlings (propagule) such as Avicennia and sometimes Sonneratia. These species have limiting factors; the pencil or knee-like pneumatophore (breathing roots) only grow to around 30 cm, meaning that persistent flooding above 30 cm could severely weaken or kill the species. Species with small breathing roots are also sensitive to fine sediment and substances such as oil that could clog root pores, effectively suffocating the trees. Species with high prop-up breathing roots like Rhizophora, also found in the region, withstand persistent inundation and sediment cover, but their expansion is bound by decreased seedling dispersal ability. The species is also less tolerant of extreme salinity change. The combination of physical coastal features like those found in the Gulf of Carpentaria paired with mangrove root sensitivity makes the species prone to dieback. However, past cases did not lead to dieback on such a massive scale. Initial assessment by scientists at James Cook University in Australia (JCU) suggests that the mangrove dieback occurred between November December last year and may have been triggered by extremely poor rainfall and high temperatures in the region. This is explained by meteorology records which show the extreme conditions faced by the region in 2015 due to El Nino. What is missing in the assessment is information highlighting that the harsh environmental conditions were coupled with an unusually long period of low tides that prolonged scorching sun and sediment exposure. As the result, sediment temperature could have increased, causing hypersalinity and toxic conditions in stagnant water, turning the 700 kilometers fringe coast into a dangerous place for mangrove forests. Unfortunately, this scenario may only partially represent the situation in the region last year. Until now, scientists struggle to understand the exact mechanism that led to the dieback. Should Indonesia be worried? The massive mangrove dieback in Australia was rightly described by Professor Norm Duke of the JCU as the unprecedented. This is partly because current climate-mangrove research is predominantly focused on slow, large-scale mangroves disappearance triggered by rising sea levels and or their potential destruction due to storms and cyclones. The sudden-yet-large-scale dieback due to extreme rainfall, temperature, and tidal period, was not anticipated. Understanding and preventing such tragedy is of paramount importance for Indonesia for two reasons. Firstly, the same habitat characteristics are found all over Indonesia, particularly along the east coasts of Sumatra, north coast of Java, east coast of Kalimantan and south coast of Papua. Although relatively rare and far smaller in scale, mangrove dieback triggered by similar mechanisms have been known to occur in Indonesia in the past, including the famous Cilacap case reported by Soerjanegara (1968). Therefore, it is hard to declare that the 10,000 ha mangrove dieback will be an isolated incident. Secondly, mangroves are the backbone of US$ 3.2 billion per year brackish water aquaculture industries. The livelihoods of two million coastal communities across Indonesia directly depend on (MMAF 2015). The economic value skyrockets when other mangrove ecosystem services like coastal protection and carbon emissions are included in the calculation. Indonesian scientists and policy makers should follow the situation in Australia, reposition mangrove-climate studies to anticipate sudden impact, speed up efforts to map vulnerable areas across Indonesia and revisit the government decision to shut down its 128 tidal monitoring station services. *** The author, a senior advisor of Wetlands International Indonesia in Bogor, is currently researching mangrove management strategy for his PhD degree at the University of Queensland Australia. 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 News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 The Netflix real-life thriller Making a Murderer, which was filmed over 10 years and follows the story of a convict exonerated by DNA evidence who becomes the suspect of a grisly murder after his release, is set to return for a second season. We are extremely grateful for the tremendous response to, and support of, the series. The viewers interest and attention has ensured that the story is not over, and we are fully committed to continuing to document events as they unfold said the creators Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos in a press release on Tuesday. (Read also: 'Sherlock' season 4 starts filming) A team of documentary filmmakers followed Wisconsin resident Steven Avery as he was released from prison after serving 18 years for murder and sexual assault. The filmmakers happened to be in the right place at the right time to document Avery as he was charged again, this time with the murder Theresa Halbach in 2005. The second season follows the Avery and the rest of his family post-conviction, as we find out if there are any legal options to free Avery and his nephew, also charged with Halbachs murder. Sufficiently intrigued? No release date has been officially announced yet. (tif/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Lauran Neergard (Associated Press) Washington Thu, July 21, 2016 The brain's nerve cells communicate by firing messages to each other through junctions called synapses, and problems with those connections are linked to disorders like Alzheimer's and epilepsy. Now Yale University researchers have developed a way to picture synapses in living brains. The technique reported Wednesday, using PET scans, is highly experimental but it raises the possibility of one day monitoring synapse function in some common diseases. A healthy human brain harbors trillions of synapses, a number that changes over a lifetime. Early in life, the brain "prunes" the many synapses between neurons so the right number is in each region, a process that can go wrong in disorders such as autism or schizophrenia. Changes in the density of synapses may signal where epilepsy seizures originate. Later in life, synapse loss is associated with Alzheimer's disease. But measuring synapses has required autopsies, or occasional attempts during brain surgery. To find a non-invasive approach, the Yale-led team developed a radioactive compound, called a tracer, that is injected into the body and binds with a particular protein that is found in the brain's synapses. The idea: During a PET scan, those synapses appear lit up against dark, synapse-free areas of the brain. Animal testing confirmed the tracer was targeting synapses. (Read also: Study: Brain scans reveal hidden consciousness in patients) In this photo provided by Science Translational Medicine, PET scans taken at the Yale PET Center show the density of connections between nerve cells, called synapses, in a healthy living brain. Yale researchers developed a way to picture synapses in a living brain, something that until now has been studied mostly during autopsies. (Science Translational Medicine via AP/-) The research team then mapped the density of synapses in the brains of 10 healthy volunteers and three patients with a form of epilepsy. Compared to the healthy brains, the technique revealed lost synapses in the epilepsy-affected regions of those patients' brains, the researchers reported Wednesday in the journal Science Translational Medicine. "This work represents a breakthrough in the ability to study an important process in the brain that is not only part of normal brain development but that also may be involved in several neuropsychiatric diseases," said Dr. Peter Herscovitch, who directs PET scanning at the National Institutes of Health's Clinical Center and wasn't involved in the research. Much more work is needed to make the tracer last longer in the brain, a key if it's ever to be of use to doctors, cautioned Yale radiology professor Richard Carson, the study's senior author. But even though it starts disappearing quickly, he said it's a good tool to research brain function. Stay tuned: Carson's team has begun using the technique to study Alzheimer's, to determine if changes in synaptic density over time can help predict that disease's development. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Asmara Wreksono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 Users of KickassTorrents may want to mourn the possible demise of the worlds most popular torrent website as it has been reported that the founder of the site was arrested in Poland by the US government on Wednesday. Artem Vaulin, 30, started the torrent site back in 2008 and managed to gain a huge worldwide audience, which made the site an immediate competitor to ThePirateBay - which was raided and put out of operation in 2014. Vaulin is charged with two separate counts of criminal copyright infringement, conspiracy to commit copyright infringement and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The US Department of Justice press release included statements from the authorities regarding his arrest. Vaulin is charged with running todays most visited illegal file-sharing website, responsible for unlawfully distributing well over US$1 billion of copyrighted material, said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell. In an effort to evade law enforcement, Vaulin allegedly relied on servers located in countries around the world and moved his domains due to repeated seizures and civil lawsuits. His arrest in Poland, however, demonstrates again that cybercriminals can run, but they cannot hide from justice. Although arrested in Poland, Vaulin has been charged by the United States due to the fact that one of KickassTorrents servers is based in Chicago. The website has been down since the arrest. An 18-year-old boy walked straight into the classroom of a college in Tappal near Aligarh and shot dead Neha Sharma, a first year BSc student. Neha was shot dead by an 18-year-old identified by the police as Sandeep Malan. By India Today Web Desk: It was a muggy monsoon afternoon. BSc first year students of DDS Degree College, Tappal near Aligarh were busy with their Botany practical exam. Seated in one of the classrooms was Neha Sharma, 17, filling her answersheets. What happened next in the classroom has sent shockwaves across the district. Neha was shot dead by an 18-year-old identified by the police as Sandeep Malan. advertisement CAMPUS HORROR As the students were engrossed in their test papers, Sandeep, son of a local veterinary doctor, was planning something sinister. The teenager walked straight into the classroom and sat next to Neha even as the class teacher and other students looked on curiously. Then, without saying anything, Sandeep pulled out a gun and shot Neha in the head before anyone could react. He then shot himself. Shocked students screamed and ran out of the classroom as the lifeless bodies Neha and Sandeep lay on the floor in a pool of blood. "It took us some time to understand what was going on. People were shrieking and running blindly. We rushed out and asked somebody to call the police," one of the students said. LOVE STORY GONE WRONG? Neha and Sandeep knew each other, college students told Times of India. However, the police have ruled out possibility of a love affair between the two. Superintendent of police (rural) Brijesh Kumar Singh said that is a "case of one-sided attraction gone wrong." Some of the students said that they had seen the two having an argument inside the college earlier in the day. However, they were not sure if the the Neha and Sandeep were in a relationship. The girl had never complained about Sandeep earlier. The police has registered a case based on the complaint filed by Neha's family and a probe is on. Also Read: Tamil Nadu college principal hacked to death by students in Tuticorin Violence in AMU campus; 2 killed in gun battle Watch: Amity student shot dead in Noida --- ENDS --- Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 Uber is reportedly set to use high resolution satellite imagery for gain better data on pick-up and drop-off locations following the creation of a partnership with DigitalGlobe. DigitalGlobe is a satellite imaging company that provides information to Google Maps, Google Earth and Apples Terraserver. "Today we are announcing a multi-year, global partnership with Uber to supply high resolution satellite imagery, which will help improve the Uber experience for riders and drivers around the world," stated DigitalGlobe business development director Kevin Bullock in a press release on Tuesday. (Read also: Pokemon Go Uber could be the next big thing) This partnership is said to give Uber access to information on road changes, as DigitalGlobe refreshes its maps frequently. Uber is obviously very serious about its mapping feature, as it reportedly hired Manik Gupta, who led Google Maps, just last year and recently purchased a significant portion of Microsofts mapping division, including its employees, reported CNET. (tif/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan Wed, July 20 2016 The government has instructed PT Railink, the operator of the rail line connecting Kualanamu International Airport and Medan in North Sumatra, to extend the railway track farther west to the city of Binjai. The instruction was conveyed by Transport Minister Ignasius Jonan to the management of Railink during his recent visit to Medan railway station. PT Railink is a joint-venture subsidiary of state railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) and state-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura II (AP II). Jonan said the airport-railway service would be extended to Binjai given the high public interest in using the transport mode. Thus, the airport-railway line would not only serve Kualanamu to Medan, but also Kualanamu, Medan and Binjai. 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 Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 Members of the International People's Tribunal on the 1965 crimes against humanity in Indonesia (IPT 1965) are resolved to pursue justice over the genocide of the 1965 anticommunist purge and will submit the tribunals hearing results that were published on Wednesday to the Indonesian government, the IPT coordinator has said. "The verdict will be conveyed to the Attorney Generals Office [AGO], Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly and the Foreign Ministry's human rights department, as well as to the Office of the Presidential Staff and President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in a meeting, which was previously promised by former presidential spokesman Johan Budi," IPT 1965 coordinator Nursyahbani Katjasungkana said on Wednesday during a presentation of the final report from the tribunal. Conclusions from the hearing, which was held last year in The Hague from Nov. 10 to 13, have listed a set of recommendations to the Indonesian government in addressing past crimes against humanity that took place throughout the anti-communist purge in 1965, which had allegedly killed approximately 500,000 people. The document calls on the government to formally apologize to the victims and their families, provide compensation to them and to investigate and charge the perpetrators of the crimes. Nursyahbani said she would also submit the recommendations to the House of Representatives Commission III, which oversees legal affairs, to discuss follow-up action plans and the possibility of organizing a judicial hearing. On April 17 next year, Nursyahbani said, the report on the implementation of human rights in Indonesia would be reviewed in the Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. "This also will be an opportunity for us to submit the IPT 1965 verdict as a non-governmental report from Indonesia," Nursyahbani said. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Djemi Amnifu (The Jakarta Post) Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Thu, July 21, 2016 President Joko Jokowi Widodos administration has been called on to immediately annul a treaty between the Australian government and the Indonesian government, which establishes the boundary of an exclusive economic zone and certain seabed boundaries in the Timor Sea, signed on March 14, 1997. Ferdi Tanoni, the mandate holder for the West Timor peoples customary rights, said the agreement, which was signed by then Foreign Minister Ali Alatas and his Australian counterpart, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, in Perth, Western Australia, has expired. The Indonesia-Australia agreement has never been ratified by the legislative branches of the two countries. It also cannot be implemented because East Timor became an independent country through a referendum in 1999, he told journalists in Kupang on Wednesday. Ferdi, who is also the chairman of the Care for West Timor Foundation (YPTB), said the agreement must be annulled and discussed again by the two countries following the changes caused by the declaration of independence of Timor Leste as a new country in the area of the Timor Sea. When the treaty was signed, East Timor was still an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. In a referendum in August 1999, East Timor decided to separate from Indonesia and establish a new country, the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste, said Ferdi. He further said the 1997 agreement only consisted of 11 articles and should take effect only after an exchange of ratification charters between the two countries. However, he said Australia had unilaterally implemented the 1997 agreement. Even if the Australian parliament had ratified the 1997 agreement, Jakarta must reject it because the House of Representatives never ratified the treaty, said Ferdi. In 1986, the Indonesian and Australian governments signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on handling oil pollution at sea. Ferdi said the MoU should have been implemented to handle the Montara oil spill in the Timor Sea in 2009, but Australia ignored it. Around 500,000 liters of oil were dumped into the ocean every day in the incident. It is considered one of Australias worst oil disasters. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 After Wednesdays bomb threat, security at City Hall is being strengthened, with visitors now having to pass through a metal detector when entering any building in the office complex. An official said that the system was actually long-standing standard procedure at City Hall. However, before the police received the threat, visitors were often seen entering freely without passing through any security checks. I have never been checked by security officers since the first time I entered City Hall, a regular visitor of the office complex said on Thursday. Police officers on Wednesday checked all corners of City Hall after the police received a phone call from someone, who claimed to be one of the offices internal security personnel, saying that he had received a bomb threat. The police found nothing during their search and later, a City Hall official denied there was a bomb threat. City Hall Security unit head Sony Cahyadi said on Thursday he would implement the existing security procedures following the bomb threat, although it had turned out to be a hoax. He said both visitors and employees were required to pass the metal detectors when entering the City Hall complex and each building within it, adding that it was long-standing standard procedure. We are requiring civil servants, other employees and visitors to pass through the metal detectors based on the existing procedure. We are not making any changes, Sony told The Jakarta Post. Meanwhile, other regular visitors said they felt relieved after the bomb threat was proven to be a hoax. Employees, vendors and visitors arrived on Thursday as if it was a normal day. I was frightened when I heard about the bomb threat. Thank God, the threat was only a hoax, said Harningsing, a food vendor at City hall. (rez/bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 The government will consider pardoning the remaining members of the East Indonesia Mujahiddin (MIT) terrorist group if they surrender to security officers, an official said on Thursday. "We will offer them a pardon once they leave their hideouts. They are Indonesian citizens after all," Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan said on Thursday. The government has taken a soft approach to put an end to MIT guerilla warfare in Central Sulawesi's mountainous forests, including through cultural and religious approaches, Luhut said, without disclosing further details about the pardon mechanism. He asserted, however, that if the 19 remaining members of the MIT decided to continue their attacks on security personnel in the region, the personnel would respond in kind. The MIT, a militant group that pledged allegiance to global terrorist network Islamic State (IS) in 2013, just lost its leader Santoso, who was shot dead during an exchange of fire with security personnel on Monday. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 The government is denying the findings by the International People's Tribunal on the 1965 crimes against humanity (IPT 1965) that claimed three foreign countries were involved in the massacre conducted through 1965 and 1966. The government repudiated the statement made by the presiding judge of the tribunal, Zak Yakoob, on Wednesday, citing the findings that the US, the UK and Australia were complicit in the 1965 communist purge. "There's none [involvement of foreign countries]. Anyone who claims it better come to my office and tell me," Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan told journalists at his office on Wednesday. (Read also : US, UK, Australia complicit in Indonesia's 1965 mass killings: People's Tribunal) He also refuted the IPT 1965 conclusion, made following a tribunal held in November last year, which reported that Indonesia had committed acts of genocide in the 1965 massacre, which reportedly left at least a half million people dead. "We didn't have such a great number of deaths," Luhut added. He called for citizens to not get influenced by foreign opinions, but said they should instead firmly believe in the government institutions that were determined to solve historic human rights violation cases with Indonesia's own legal system. The IPT 1965's final report and recommendations, published on Wednesday on the IPT's official website, tribunal1965.org, stated that the US had assisted the Indonesian Army by providing material aid, including small arms, communications equipment and a list of PKI members to be arrested and executed. Meanwhile, the UK and Australia were reportedly responsible for spreading propaganda to manipulate international opinion in favor of the Indonesian Army through their national radio and newspapers, with full knowledge that the force was preparing to carry out such killings on a massive scale, the report stated. (rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 The central bank is considering the establishment of a new Central Counterparty (CCP) clearing house to deepen the market and reduce the credit risk and systemic risk of foreign exchange transactions in financial markets. During a seminar entitled "Central Counterparty Clearing Development in India, lesson learnt" held at the Bank Indonesia (BI) office, BI senior deputy governor Mirza Adityaswara said market deepening had been its major concern for around five years due to its slow progress. "As part of developing market infrastructure, Indonesia needs to establish a new CCP, an institution where clearing and settlement of financial transactions takes place," Mirza said in Jakarta on Thursday. Currently, Indonesia has PT Kliring dan Penjaminan Efek Indonesia (KPEI), as the capital market clearing house, and PT Kliring Berangkat Indonesia (KBI) as well as PT Indonesia Clearing House (ICH) for commodities and futures markets. "However, we are yet to have a CCP for foreign exchange, derivatives, the money market and bonds transactions," he added. With the development of the CCP, he expects the volume of foreign exchange and derivatives transactions to increase, which eventually will create market deepening. (ags) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 Indonesian intelligence personnel are communicating with Nur Misuari, the founder of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), in an effort to release 10 Indonesian sailors abducted by Philippine militant groups, a minister has said. The MNLF leader is assisting the Indonesian government negotiate with Abu Sayyaf splinter groups suspected to be holding the sailors hostage on two separate islands in southern Philippines, Coordinating Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan said. "Historically, Nur Misuari has close relations with Indonesia. We're basically contacting everyone [who can help], not only him," Luhut said on Thursday. Nur also has good relations with both Philippine officials and Abu Sayyaf militants and Indonesia should take any means possible to release the hostages, Luhut said, adding that Jakarta should maintain its close cooperation with Manila also. State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief Sutiyoso has also assured the public that negotiations to release the sailors, seven of whom were kidnapped in southern Philippine waters in late June and three others who were abducted in Malaysias Sabah waters less than a month later, was going well. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 Otto Hasibuan, lawyer for murder suspect Jessica Kumala Wongso, has cast doubt on the validity of the evidence of cyanide-tainted iced coffee, which has been presented by prosecutors, as there were inconsistencies regarding the container in which the evidence was found. According to cafe's bartender Yohanes, after Wayan Mirna Salihin collapsed, he poured the leftover coffee into a water bottle as Devi, his bar manager, had instructed him to do. All of the leftover coffee was poured into the bottle, so the glass was empty. The bottle was taken by the police for investigation while the glass was returned to the cafe pantry, said Otto. However, based on the polices dossier, the cyanide was detected by police in the confiscated coffee glass and the water bottle. This was peculiar as Yohanes had said that the glass was empty. "We only want to clarify this. The witness said that the coffee glass was empty but police detected the cyanide in the coffee in the glass. Where did the cyanide-laced coffee that was detected actually come from?" Otto asked at the trial on Thursday at the Central Jakarta District Court. After the trial, Otto asserted that the evidence was not found in the coffee that was drunk by Mirna. Therefore, the case had no strong evidence at all. Meanwhile, prosecutor Ardito Muwardi said Devi would explain the matter. He declined to elaborate further as Devi would appear at the trial on July 27. (bbn) Allu Arjun and wife Sneha are expecting their second child together. By India Today Web Desk: Telugu star Allu Arjun and his wife Sneha Reddy, who have been married for five years, are expecting their second child. The couple already have a son named Ayaan. ALSO READ: Allu Arjun's Sarrainodu makes dad Allu Aravind proud ALSO READ: Pooja Hegde and Allu Arjun to work together? "Happy to share that my family is growing a little bigger. Another baby arriving soon," Arjun tweeted. Happy to share that my family is growing a little bigger. Another baby arriving soon ! pic.twitter.com/pRGFZQJ2yi Allu Arjun (@alluarjun) July 20, 2016 advertisement According to a family source, the couple's second baby is due in November. Sneha was spotted with a baby bump last week when she accompanied Arjun during Haritha Haram event. Allu and Sneha tied the knot in 2011. Arjun, who was last seen in Telugu blockbuster Sarrainodu, will next be seen in a yet-untitled project with director Harish Shankar. --- ENDS --- Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is set to lead a set of activities to introduce the tax amnesty program in Medan, North Sumatra, on Thursday. This is the third event in the Presidents nationwide campaign to directly promote the long-awaited tax amnesty program. Finance Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro, Bank Indonesia Governor Agus Martowodojo, Financial Services Authority (OJK) chief Muliaman Hadad and State-Owned Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno are also scheduled to attend the tax amnesty campaign event. Last Friday, Jokowi led a tax amnesty campaign event in Surabaya, East Java. During his speech, Jokowi called on all Indonesians to contribute to the development of the country by participating in the tax amnesty program. "People who have money abroad will declare their wealth, which will be repatriated. This is a competition among countries. This is our chance to contribute to development in the country," Jokowi told businesspeople attending the event. Apart from attending the tax amnesty campaign event in Medan, Jokowi is also scheduled to inaugurate Sultan Taha International Airport in Jambi. The new terminal is a pilot project for the development of small airports across Indonesia. The president is also scheduled to attend the celebration of the 69th National Cooperatives Day. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) said on Thursday that human rights abuses might have occurred during a crackdown by the Yogyakarta police on Papuan students accused of promoting separatism. The tentative conclusion is that there are indications of human rights abuses. An official statement will soon be released in Jakarta after we collect more evidence, commissioner Natalius Pigai told Papuan students and pro-democracy activists in Yogyakarta. Pigai, assigned by the commission to investigate the July 15 incident during which the police and local mass organizations surrounded a dormitory for Papuan students, said the rights abuses included violations to free speech, torture, detainment without due process, hate speech and a failure by the local government to provide security for its citizens. After corroborating our data by collecting photos and documentary videos, it is possible that the human rights abuses will cover all the six allegations, or it could turn to five or four, he said. Papuan students in Yogyakarta have expressed their support for a bid by a separatist group called the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to become a permanent member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X has asserted that Papuan students are not allowed to voice their support for separatist movements, saying that the province was not a place for separatists. (ary) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 A lawyer of murder suspect Jessica Kumala Wongso, Otto Hasibuan, has questioned the time disparity between the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and the cash register in a trial at Central Jakarta District Court on Thursday. According to the CCTV recording, Jessica went back to the cafe at 4.14 p.m. on Jan. 6 after previously reserving a table at 3.30 p.m. On the order bill from the cash register, which was presented to the panel of judges, it was written that the Vietnamese coffee was ordered at 4.08 p.m., a couple minutes before Jessica came to the cafe. Rangga, a coffee barista, claimed the validity of the bill as he made the coffee based on the order. "How could a Vietnamese coffee be ordered before Jessica even came back to the cafe? How could it happen?" Otto asked in the trial. Previously, Aprilia Cindy Cornelia, Olivier Cafe receptionist who appeared as witness on Wednesday, said that Jessica did not order any drink while she reserved a table. Jessica ordered a Vietnamese coffee and cocktails after she came back to the cafe. Meanwhile, the prosecutors responded to the lawyer's question by saying that the CCTV time was set differently from the cash register time. He said the disparity was insignificant. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ruslan Sangadji (The Jakarta Post) Palu, Central Sulawesi Thu, July 21, 2016 National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian expressed his thanks to Indonesian Military commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo over the latters support for Operation Tinombala, which led to the death of Indonesias most wanted terrorist Santoso in a shootout in Poso, Central Sulawesi, Monday. Without good cooperation, the operation would not have yielded the optimal result that weve seen now, he said on Wednesday. Responding to The Jakarta Posts question about two of Santosos followers who were still at large, namely Basri and Ali Kalora, Tito asserted that the police would continue Operation Tinombala by using two methods, namely hard and persuasive approaches. He highlighted the importance of Operation Tinombala, saying that in terrorism networks in Indonesia, there was a concept called Qaidah Amina, in which Poso was considered an ideal place to launch their radical movements. He further said it was a bit easier for local people in Poso to accept the presence of crime perpetrators in the area because it had quite a long history of conflict. Poso was also ideal for a guerrilla warfare due to its geographical conditions, isolated and far from the central government and with forest and mountainous areas. Santoso was killed in a raid conducted by Operation Tinombala personnel in a forest in Tambarana village, around 60 kilometers from Poso at 5:30 p.m. local time on Monday. He was shot dead by a military group comprising nine personnel from Kostrads Infantry Battalion Raider 515, led by Second Sgt. Firman Wahyudi. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 An Olivier cafe barista, who testified at a Central Jakarta District Court hearing on Thursday in the trial of murder suspect Jessica Kumala Wongso, appeared inconsistent in his answers after taking the witness stand. The barista, Rangga, kept changing his answers when asked by judges about the leftover water in the kettle which was used to make the Vietnamese coffee that allegedly caused the death of Wayan Mirna Salihin by cyanide poisoning on Jan. 6. Rangga explained that after making Vietnamese coffee, according to the cafes standard of procedure, the leftover water had to be thrown out unless there were other Vietnamese coffees to be served at the same time. Rangga then told the judges he had discarded the remaining water after Agus Triyono, a cafe runner, served the Vietnamese coffee to Jessicas table. But when Jessicas lawyer Otto Hasibuan asked prosecutors to present footage showing Rangga discarding the water, the prosecutors seemed to be unable to fulfill his request. (Read also : Olivier's barista testifies in Mirna murder case) When asked whether he had discarded the leftover water, Rangga answered that he was not sure, although previously he said that he had not thrown out the remaining water in the kettle. Rangga kept giving judges convoluted answers. In one he said he discarded the water, one he said that he didnt, Otto said. Otto has previously claimed the leftover water was vital evidence, saying that it is possible the cyanide had come from inside the water used to make the Vietnamese coffee. It is nonsense to [say that we can] get to the material truth in this case if the prosecutor cannot present the water and used coffee grounds, Otto said. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 The barista at Olivier Cafe has claimed that the Vietnamese iced coffee ordered by defendant Jessica Kumala Wongso for the late Wayan Mirna Salihin was made according to the cafes recipe and procedures. The barista, Rangga, told the Central Jakarta District Court on Thursday that the recipe for the iced coffee was 20 grams of grilled coffee, 50 milligrams of condensed milk, ice cubes and hot water. He said he was certain that no one put anything else into the coffee before it was delivered. No one is allowed to hold a beverage [before it is served] except employees. I watched the coffee until it was delivered, Rangga told the judges. (Read also : Olivier cafe receptionist testifies against Jessica) On Jan. 6., when Mirna was allegedly murdered, Rangga said he only knew there was a customer who fainted after drinking the iced coffee he had made. On that day, the cafe served 10 cups of Vietnamese iced coffee for customers, and Rangga made three of them. None of the iced coffees caused trouble except for Jessica's coffee. His friend, Yohanes, took the leftover iced coffee, which was allegedly tainted with cyanide, to him. Not long afterwards, cafe manager Devi came to the pantry to check on the leftover iced coffee. Rangga said Devi took the straw from the leftover iced coffee and put it in her palm. Devi spat on it out and said the taste was awful. (ary) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 A persuasive approach will play a pivotal role in capturing terrorist group members who are still at large because hunting them down or shooting them dead are only short-term solutions, experts said. We should not just hunt them, but ask them to surrender and promise them that they will be judged fairly in court because there is also a huge possibility they will take revenge if their leader is dead, Taufik Andrie, a terrorism expert from the Peace Inscription Foundation, said Thursday. Santoso, the leader of the East Mujahidin terrorist group, and one of his followers, Muchtar, were killed during a shootout with Operation Tinombalas task force on Monday in Poso, Central Sulawesi. The operation itself has aimed to arrest Santoso and his followers since 2015, involving about 3,500 police and military personnel. Previously, the new chief of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), Comr. Gen. Suhardi Alius, said the agency would focus on soft approaches in its fight against terrorism by, among others things, strengthening its deradicalization program. Another terrorism expert, Al Chaidar, said the deradicalization program was critical to ensure that terrorists who decided to surrender could be integrated back into society. In the program, the BNPT can teach them about pluralism, introduce them to people with different backgrounds and find a place for them where the society can accept their situation. I know this is a long-term process, he said. He added that if the deradicalization program was successful, other terrorists would likely surrender. (wnd/ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 The supporters of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama under the Teman Ahok (Friends of Ahok) banner voiced their aspirations that they wanted Ahok to run as an independent candidate in the 2017 gubernatorial election despite mounting support from political parties. "In our social media accounts, there are hundreds of Ahok supporters wanting him to stay independent. Each of the Teman Ahok founders also received dozens of messages wishing the same thing," Teman Ahok spokesman Singgih Widyastono told thejakartapost.com on Wednesday. Despite efforts from Teman Ahok that had garnered copies of at least 1 million Jakartans ID cards to support Ahok in his bid as an independent candidate in next year's election, there have also been political parties throwing their support behind the outspoken governor. Parties like Golkar, Nasdem and Hanura now officially support Ahok and have even offered to run him on their political party tickets in the election. Until now Ahok has not yet declared whether he would use a political party ticket to claim the capital's top post. Teman Ahok had let Ahok decide which path he would choose for his candidacy. The group said in a posting to its Instagram account that its only intention was to help Ahok win in the election and it would not have any problem if Ahok chose to run as an independent or a political party candidate. Teman Ahok expected an official declaration from Ahok on his candidacy path, Singgih added. The former East Belitung regent remained the most popular candidate in several polls held ahead of the election. Ahok is so far the only possible candidate declaring to run as a governor next year while several political parties are still preparing their would-be candidates. (rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 The prosecutor handling the Jessica Kumala Wongso case, Ardito Muwardi, has admitted that the straw piece of evidence in Wayan Mirna Salihins iced coffee couldnt be found, but insisted that it did not negate other forms of evidence in the murder case. The police have been looking for it but it cant be found. Actually, in the past, we considered the straw to be very important in this case. However, after studying the information from witnesses and experts, the straw is not so significant in this case, he said, responding Jessicas lawyer Otto Hasibuan at trial on Wednesday. Witnesses and judges have been sitting through long sessions on the issue of the straw. Olivier Cafe employee Marlon Alex Napitupulu and Mirnas friend Juwita Boon, alias Hani, testified that they witnessed the straw been put inside Mirnas coffee before she arrived. Marlon and another Olivier Cafe employee, Agus Triyono, claimed they did not put the straw inside the glass. In line with the cafes standard operating procedures, none of the employees are allowed to put straws in customer drinks. The prosecutor also deemed that it was not important for the police to confiscate the hot water inside the kettle that was used to make the iced coffee. Prosecutors have argued that the significance of the water lies in its high temperature. If we present the cold water now, it will be useless. Experts will testify about it clearly in the trial, Ardito said. (ags) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ruslan Sangadji (The Jakarta Post) Palu, Central Sulawesi Thu, July 21, 2016 The death of Santoso, the leader of the East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) terrorist group, has demoralized his followers as they have lost a leader who had become a prime figure not only in the group but also in radical movements in Indonesia, the National Police chief has said. Im calling on MIT members to immediately surrender and face the legal process, said National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian, after he examined the bodies of Santoso and his follower, Mukhtar, at the Bhayangkara Police Hospital in Palu, Central Sulawesi, on Wednesday. Santoso and Mukhtar were killed in a shootout with Operation Tinombala task force personnel in Poso, Central Sulawesi, on Monday. Tito said the police would help and protect MIT members who agreed to surrender and face the legal process. Similar protection and help would also be provided for the families of the suspected terrorists. I know they have been indoctrinated not to surrender but Im calling on them all to immediately surrender, he said. Tito said his visit, together with Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, to Palu was to ascertain that one of the bodies was that of suspected terrorist Santoso. He confirmed that the body was indeed that of Santoso, who had long been on the polices most wanted list. Yes, 100 percent he is Santoso alias Abu Wardah. But to make sure, we will still wait for results of DNA tests, which will be released on Friday, said Tito. (ebf) Though Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured an action against Ratnakar Gaikwad the Ambedkar family wants strong action against the culprits who are behind this heinous act. By Mayuresh Ganapatye: Speaking to India Today TV, Babasaheb Dr. B R Ambedkar's grandson of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar raised land grabbing angle behind demolition of the iconic Ambedkar Bhavan in Dadar area of Mumbai. The building was under the People's Improvement Trust and without informing the trust, the BMC and the fire bridge demolished it on 25th July. "Why this iconic structure was demolished? Trust didn't inform us. Trust didn't even give us fair idea about redevlopment plan," said Bhimrao Ambedkar. On June 25, a group of 300 people demolished portions of the Ambedkar Bhavan and the adjoining Buddha Bhushan printing press. Following which, 20 thousand people gathered outside the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus to protest the demolition of the Ambedkar Bhavan. advertisement QUESTIONS RATNAKAR GAIKWAD'S ROLE Bhimrao also raised question over role of Ratnakar Gaikwad (State Chief information Commissioner) behind the demolition. "Ratnakar Gaikwad, who is not even a member of the trust, got involved in the procedure. Why was he advocating to demolished this heritage structure? The government should probe land grabbing angle behind this," added Bhimrao Ambedkar. This iconic structure witnessed many Dalit movements as it was the epicenter of Dalit movement. Dr Ambedkar used to print two Dalit issue-based magazines from the building under the banner of Buddha Bushan Press. FAMILY DEMANDS STRONG ACTION Though Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured an action against Ratnakar Gaikwad the Ambedkar family demands strong action against the culprits who are behind this heinous act. Despite several attempts, Gaikwad was not available for a comment on the issue. Now, it would be interesting to see what action Fadnavis takes against Gaikwad. ALSO READ: Ambedkar's kin turns down Maharashtra government's offer to reconstruct Ambedkar Bhawan Maharashtra CM admits demolition of Ambedkar Bhawan was not right --- ENDS --- Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Todd Richmond (Associated Press) Madison, Wis., United States Thu, July 21, 2016 A transgender student has filed a lawsuit alleging a Wisconsin school district won't let him use the boys' restrooms and repeatedly uses his female birth name, violating federal anti-discrimination laws and the US Constitution. The Transgender Law Center and the civil rights law firm Relman, Dane and Colfax PLLC filed the federal lawsuit Tuesday in Milwaukee against the Kenosha school district. The filing states Ashton Whitaker, a 16-year-old student at Tremper High School, was designated a girl on his birth certificate but began identifying as a boy in middle school. The lawsuit alleges the district has denied him access to boys' restrooms and directed staff to monitor his restroom usage, forcing him and other transgender students to wear green wristbands to help staff recognize them. As a result, Whitaker drastically reduced his liquid intake, aggravating a medical condition that causes him to faint, and suffered stress migraines. Teachers also continue to call him by his female birth name, he had to room with girls on an orchestra trip to Europe and the principal initially denied him the ability to run for junior prom king, telling him he could run only for prom queen, according to the lawsuit. School administrators relented only after his classmates protested, the lawsuit noted. The district's actions violate Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, as well as the Constitution's equal protection guarantees, the lawsuit argues. Whitaker said in a news release that the district's actions have made his life miserable and he's worried about how he'll navigate his upcoming senior year. An attorney for the Kenosha district said Wednesday he is certain the district will win the lawsuit. "The district is confident that when the litigation process establishes accurate facts and applies them to the proper legal standards, its policies and practices will be found to be in total compliance with all laws," Ron Stadler said in an email sent by the district's communication director to Kenosha News. Wisconsin is one of several conservative-led states suing President Barack Obama's administration over its directive to public schools to let transgender students use bathrooms that match their gender identity. Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin tried to pass a bill during the 2015-16 legislative session that would have made it the first state in the nation to force public school students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their birth gender. The measure went nowhere. At least 13 states and the District of Columbia prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity in schools. Hundreds of school districts, from Anchorage, Alaska, and Tucson, Arizona, to Fairfax County, Virginia and Chicago, have adopted similar protections. At least two other transgender students have filed lawsuits similar to Whitaker's seeking the right to use boys' bathrooms and locker rooms. Gavin Grimm filed a lawsuit in Virginia seeking to use boys' bathroom at his high school. The 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Grimm in April. The school board has asked the US Supreme Court to take the case. A 14-year-old Maryland middle school student filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday alleging school officials have barred him from using the boys' restrooms and locker rooms. On the other side of the issue, dozens of families sued in May seeking to stop Township High School District 211 in suburban Chicago from allowing a transgender girl from using the girls' locker room. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Haven Daley and Kristin J. Bender (Associated Press) Hayward, Calif., United States Thu, July 21, 2016 The pregnant wife and 4-year-old son of a prominent Chinese dissident have sought refuge in the San Francisco Bay Area after leaving Thailand, where she said she no longer felt safe. "My husband is a political activist and fights for freedom and democracy, which puts him in the position of being the enemy of a totalitarian state," Lui Xiaodong told The Associated Press in an interview Wednesday. "We have seen that the government is likely to use the family as a hostage against activists like my husband. That's why we left and will be safe here." Liu, 40, the wife of Zhao Changqing, arrived with the boy Tuesday from Bangkok. She was escorted by Yang Jianli, president of Initiatives for China/Citizen Power for China, a grassroots movement dedicated to a peaceful transition to democracy. Yang said Liu will live with supporters in suburban Hayward and take care of her children. Her baby is due Aug. 23. Liu and her son left China in May for Bangkok but said she didn't feel safe there. "I knew the stories. That's why I was anxious. I was afraid they'd kidnap me and take me back like they had done to other people," Liu said. The 47-year-old Zhao has been a leading defender of human rights and democracy in China since the 1989 Tiananmen Students Movement. As a former student leader and a prominent political "prisoner of conscience," he has been imprisoned five times in 27 years. Liu said her husband was released a week ago and is living in China under heavy surveillance. She said she spoke to him while traveling and he is doing fine physically but having difficulty finding a permanent home. She said he will stay in China to continue his work. In 2005, Zhao refused to participate in a flag-raising ceremony or sing the national anthem. He was put into solitary confinement for more than a month. He was later returned to solitary confinement for refusing to take part in military drills and for receiving Falun Gong members, according to published reports. Zhao was part of a loose network of grassroots activists known as the New Citizens Movement who in 2013 were targeted by Chinese authorities as part of a broad crackdown on dissent. The movement was known in China's beleaguered community of activists for staging small protests to call for education equality or the disclosure of public officials' assets to curb corruption. Chinese authorities found Zhao and three other activists guilty of "gathering a crowd to disturb order in a public" for planning street protests and sentenced Zhao in April 2014 to two years and six months' imprisonment. ___ Bender reported from San Francisco. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 Precast concrete maker PT Wijaya Karya Beton plans to build a new plant in Subang, West Java, with an investment of Rp 250 billion (US$19 million) to boost its production capacity this year. The company aims to produce about 2.5 million tons of precast concrete this year, an 8.7 percent increase from 2.3 million tons last year, its director Hari Respati said in Jakarta on Wednesday, adding that the new plant was expected to start operations in October 2016. We choose Subang because many of our projects are conducted in Jakarta and Bandung [West Java], which is relatively close to Subang, Hari told journalists after the companys extraordinary general meeting. In the first half of 2016, the company secured new projects with a total contract value of Rp 1.9 trillion. The projects include building a road in Bandung and double-tracking the railway linking Manggarai and Jatinegara in Jakarta. Throughout this year, the company wants to record Rp 4.3 trillion of new contract value. The figure, according to Hari, is achievable as it has many supportive affiliated companies to grab infrastructure projects across the country, especially amid the governments infrastructure rush. Among the companys factories are those located in Lampung, Palembang (South Sumatra), Bogor (West Java), Boyolali (Central Java) and Makassar (South Sulawesi). (vny/ags) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Straits Times/ANN) Thu, July 21, 2016 State investor 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) is supposed to attract foreign investment. Instead, it has spurred criminal and regulatory investigations around the world. These investigations have cast an unflattering spotlight on the financial deal making, election spending and political patronage under Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. Here's a quick look at what the scandal is about: 1. WHAT IS 1MDB? It's a government investment company that took shape in 2009 under Najib, who went on to lead its advisory board. Its early initiatives included buying privately owned power plants and planning a new financial district in Kuala Lumpur called Tun Razak Exchange (TRE). But the fund proved better at borrowing than luring large-scale investment: it accumulated US$12 billion in debt. 2. WHAT'S THE ISSUE? Investigators have been trying to trace whether money might have flowed through and around 1MDB and illegally into personal accounts. Some of the money is alleged to have ended up with Najib, his family and his confidant. That includes US$681 million from companies linked to 1MDB that landed in the prime minister's personal bank account, according to Wall Street Journal (WSJ). Another $700 million in 1MDB funds meant for a joint venture with a company known as PetroSaudi International was found to have landed in an unrelated offshore account. 3. WHO ELSE IS MENTIONED? Riza Aziz: Najib's stepson allegedly used money from 1MDB to buy homes in London, New York and Los Angeles and Street starring actor Leonardo DiCaprio, according to the WSJ report. The production company he co-owns, Red Granite Pictures, has said it believes none of its funding is "irregular or illegitimate". Jho Low: The financier, whose full name is Low Taek Jho, is a family friend of Mr Najib and a high-profile art collector who said he did consulting work for 1MDB's predecessor. The WSJ report claimed he had alerted Najib's bank that "681 American pies" would be arriving just days before the $681 million was transferred. Low has said he provided consulting to 1MDB that did not break any laws. Goldman Sachs: The company made $593 million working on three bond sales that raised $6.5 billion for 1MDB in 2012 and 2013, dwarfing what banks typically make from government deals. It said last year that fees and commissions "reflected the underwriting risks" it had assumed. New York's bank regulator has asked the firm for a summary of its 1MDB work. BSI Bank: The Swiss bank that worked with 1MDB lost its license to do business in Singapore for breaches of money laundering rules. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) condemned poor management oversight and gross misconduct by some bank staff as it effected the first such shutdown of a merchant bank in Singapore in 32 years. BSI said it will cooperate with authorities. UBS Group: It flagged suspicious transactions linked to 1MDB to the MAS, prompting an investigation of the accounts involved, a person familiar with the matter said. The transactions were not immediately recognised by UBS as suspicious, said the source. At least $1.24 billion was transferred in 2014 from the account of a 1MDB subsidiary held at BSI in Lugano, Switzerland, to a UBS account in Singapore held by what appeared to be a unit of an Abu Dhabi firm, investigative blog Sarawak Report said on July 11. A UBS spokesman declined to comment on the transfer. Tim Leissner: The South-east Asia Chairman of Goldman Sachs wrote an unauthorized reference letter for Low on the bank's letterhead. He resigned in February and has not been accused of wrongdoing. 4. WHAT IS THE MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE? Najib, who is also Finance Minister, has always denied any wrongdoing and maintained that if any wrongdoing is proven, the law will be enforced without exception. In January 2016, Attorney-General Apandi Ali cleared the prime minister of wrongdoing, saying the $681 million deposited into his personal bank account was a donation from the Saudi royal family, much of which was returned. He said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had recorded statements from witnesses, including the donor, and concluded that the money - deposited just prior to the 2013 General Election - was not "given corruptly" and was not used as "inducement or reward" for Najib to do anything in his capacity as Prime Minister. He also said Najib returned $620 million to the Saudi royals in August 2013. But he did not say what the latter did with the remaining $61 million. The Attorney-General had also rejected central bank requests for a criminal probe. The Public Accounts Committee, a bipartisan parliamentary panel, also absolved Najib and blamed the financial and reporting lapses on 1MDB's former CEO Shahrol Halmi, who said he did nothing wrong. 1MDB officials also denied wrongdoing. 5. WHO ELSE IS INVESTIGATING? There are probes related to 1MDB in several countries including Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, Britain, Switzerland and the United States. The investigations focus on possible embezzlement or money laundering. The US Justice Department on Wednesday moved to seize more than $1 billion in assets, including luxury real estate and a jet, allegedly bought with money pilfered from 1MDB. Court filings made thinly veiled references to Najib, as the US alleged that billions of dollars were siphoned off by Najib's stepson, a family friend and other officials. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Petchanet Pratruangkrai (The Nation) Bangkok Thu, July 21, 2016 Nearly 23,000 companies were blacklisted by the Business Development Department (BDD) in the first half of the year for a range of "default behaviours", from intentionally registering a name similar to that of a well-known firm, to providing an unclear location and missing the deadline for submitting their accounts. Pongpun Gearaviriyapun, director-general of the department, said Tuesday the agency had blacklisted 22,992 firms since they had engaged in one or more of these and other unacceptable behaviours. And the department was determined to crack down on such businesses for the sake of consumers and companies that played by the rules, she added. To ascertain whether a registered company has been blacklisted, enterprises and customers can check with the department through its mobile application, DBD e-Service, she said. The blacklisted firms account for around 3.6 percent of the roughly 640,000 active companies in the Kingdom. Thirty-eight were found to have intentionally registered their company names close to those of established, well-known businesses, a behaviour that could lead to people being misled and cheated, Pongpun said. However, the bulk of the blacklisted businesses were found to have provided unclear office addresses, missed the deadline for submitting their accounts, or overstated their initial investment capital, while some firms have been sued or had their business licences withdrawn, as in the case of alleged pyramid-scheme operator UFun Store, she added. The department has also recently withdrawn the business licences of 15 companies that have breached the Foreign Business Act for having a nominee structure that allows foreigners to own a majority stake in a company in sectors protected for Thais. Businesses protected under the Act are mainly service operations and tourism. Moreover, the BDD has also checked registered companies initial capital investment, focussing on those registering capital above 5 million baht ($142,437) as it is afraid that exaggerated amounts could enable such firms to fraudulently attract customers, the director-general explained. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yuji Vincent Gonzales (Philippine Daily Inquirer) Manila Thu, July 21, 2016 A US senator who was part of the congressional delegation that met with President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said the Chief Executive assured them that the Philippines will not trade its rights to China over maritime disputes, following a favorable ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Connecticut Senator Christopher Murphy took to Twitter to share a few details of their meeting with Duterte in Malacanang. Murphy said Duterte told them that the decision of the UN-backed Hague court affirming the Philippines sovereign rights and junking Chinas claims to almost all of the disputed and resource-rich South China Sea was non-negotiable. In Manila just out of meeting with new Philippines President Duterte. Assured us he has no plans to negotiate with China over islands dispute, Murphy said. We were first US elected officials to meet with Duterte. Says he will not trade territorial rights to China. Tribunal decision non-negotiable, he added. Murphy was part of the US delegation that paid a courtesy call on Duterte at the presidential palace, including US ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, Florida representative Ted Deutch, and Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz. Duterte was also set to meet with US Secretary of State John Kerry in bid to strengthen ties between the US and the new administration. The president earlier asked former president Fidel Ramos to be the countrys special envoy to China, but the latter has yet to accept the offer. He also noted that the interests of allies, particularly the United States, would be taken into consideration as the government eyed bilateral talks with China after the countrys landmark arbitration victory. Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay has junked an offer by his Chinese counterpart to hold negotiations outside of and in disregard of the international tribunals ruling, which concluded that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the nine-dash line. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rod McGuirk (Associated Press) Canberra Thu, July 21, 2016 The oceanographer who led American adventurer Blaine Gibson to Madagascar where he found a potential debris field from the missing Malaysia Airlines jet said Thursday that drift modeling suggested that Flight 370 could have crashed slightly north of the current search area. The comments come after Gibson on Tuesday handed Malaysian authorities in Kuala Lumpur three pieces of debris and personal belongings found on Madagascar beaches in June, which he suspects came from the Boeing 777 that vanished with 239 people on board during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014. Another six pieces of potential debris found by Gibson are waiting with Madagascar authorities for Malaysia to collect. Western Australian University oceanographer Charitha Pattiaratchi said he had told Gibson that Flight 370 debris was likely to concentrate on Madagascar. Pattiaratchi's earlier advice had led Gibson to Mozambique where he found debris in February that experts later determined came from Flight 370. "He rang me from the Maldives and said: where should I go? Should I go to Rodrigues, Mauritius, Reunion, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa?" Pattiaratchi said Thursday. "I said: 'Your best bet is the northeast part of Madagascar,' which is where he went." Pattiaratchi said the same modeling led his team of oceanographers to suspect that the airliner could have gone down just north of the search area in the southern Indian Ocean. "The best guess that we think is that it's probably around the Broken Ridge region, which is slightly to the north of the area that they're looking at," Pattiaratchi said. But he said he could not say that the aircraft had not crashed in the 120,000 square kilometers (46,000 square miles) of seabed currently being searched southwest of Australia. Officials from Malaysia, China and Australia will meet in Kuala Lumpur on Friday to discuss the future of the search, with fewer than 10,000 square kilometers (3,900 square miles) remaining to be scanned by ships towing sonar equipment. The underwater search has not yielded a single clue. Pattiaratchi's modeling was based on how long the first piece of confirmed Flight 370 wreckage took to reach La Reunion Island off the African coast a year ago. Another four pieces found along shores on the southwest of the Indian Ocean have since been determined as almost certainly from Flight 370. Gibson gives credit to Pattiaratchi and Australian government oceanographer David Griffin for his finds, although only one has been confirmed as part of Flight 370. Griffin's advice led Gibson to a second Madagascar island where he found the potential debris that he brought to Malaysia. Gibson said he had been told by Malaysian officials that costs were the reason that a Malaysian investigator had twice canceled plans to fly to Madagascar to retrieve debris he had found. "They tell me it's a budgetary situation. If you're spending hundreds of millions of dollars to search under water and finding nothing, and it's only a plane ticket to pick up six pieces and some personal effects, you ought to just do it," he said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Leslie Lopez (The Straits Times/ANN) Thu, July 21, 2016 The United States Justice Department named three individuals Wednesday, including the stepson of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, in a civil-forfeiture suit against more than US$1 billion in assets bought with money believed to be stolen from funds directly linked to state-owned 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). The three were Riza Aziz, the stepson of Najib; Malaysian financier Jho Low, a confidant of the Malaysian premier; and Mohamed Badawy al-Husseiny, a former official at a government fund in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, that participated in deals with Malaysia's fund. Prosecutors also named a fourth person in the case, former Abu Dhabi government representative Khadem Al Qubaisi. The sensational case is shaping up as the largest asset recovery initiative by the US government. The move by the US government is set to renew pressure on the embattled Najib administration that has struggled to put a lid on the shockwaves from the 1MDB scandal over the past one year. The scandal has resulted in the sacking of former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, former attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail and other senior government official opposed to his administration. The legal suit is also expected to add momentum to other international probes, including investigations in Singapore, into the financial dealings of 1MDB. Financial executives familiar with the ongoing investigations say assets that were acquired by individuals involved in the scandal in other jurisdictions could come under scrutiny. The complaint does not name Najib, but it does cite "Malaysian Official 1", described as a high-ranking government official who oversaw the fund and is a close relative of Aziz, The New York Times said. 1MDB was overseen by Najib as head of its advisory board. The US suit alleges that over $3.5 billion was misappropriated by unidentified Malaysians in transactions over several years using sham corporate vehicles and shell companies to divert funds for personal gain. 1MDB officials in Kuala Lumpur did not respond to requests for comment. Riza partly owns Red Granite Pictures, a Hollywood production company that backed The Wolf Of Wall Street. 1MDB in April said it had "never invested in nor transferred funds to Red Granite Pictures, whether directly or via intermediaries", and has denied wrongdoing more broadly over its finances, Bloomberg reported. Low has said he provided consulting to 1MDB that did not break any laws. The US government is seeking, among others, assets such as royalties from The Wolf Of Wall Street, homes in Beverly Hills, California, and a penthouse in the Time Warner building in Manhattan, according to the filing. These total more than $1 billion, the Justice Department said. 1MDB was set up to pursue investment and development projects for Malaysia. "However, over the course of an approximately four-year period, between approximately 2009 and at least 2013, multiple individuals, including public officials and their associates, conspired to fraudulently divert billions of dollars from 1MDB through various means," the Justice Department said in court filings. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Grace Leong (The Straits Times/ANN) Singapore Thu, July 21, 2016 Responding to US action overnight in its probe of corruption at Malaysian state fund 1MDB, Singapore authorities said they have found lapses in anti-money laundering (AML) controls in several financial institutions (FIs) here including DBS and the Singapore branches of Standard Chartered Bank and UBS and will be taking action against them. They also added that bank accounts belonging to various individuals have been seized and dealings in properties belonging to some of these individuals have been curtailed. The assets amount in total to S$240 million (US$176 million). Of these bank accounts and properties, about S$120 million belong to Low Taek Jho - Malaysian financier and confidant of Malaysian premier Najib Razak - and his immediate family. In a joint statement on Thursday, the Attorney-General's Chambers, Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said they are continuing their investigations of various 1MDB-related fund flows through Singapore for possible money laundering, securities fraud, cheating, and other offences committed here. "We note the statement by the US Attorney General on 20 July 2016, seeking the forfeiture and recovery of more than US$1 billion in assets associated with an international conspiracy to launder funds related to 1MDB. Singapore's investigations began in March 2015 and are still in progress." The US Justice Department on Wednesday moved to seize more than US$1 billion in assets allegedly tied to corruption at 1MDB. None of the civil lawsuits that were filed in California name Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who oversaw the state-owned investment fund, but they contain details that appear to directly implicate him. They include allegations that US$681 million from a 2013 bond sale by 1MDB was transferred to the account of "Malaysian Official 1", who is described in the lawsuits as a high-ranking official in the Malaysian Government who also held a position of authority with 1MDB. The Singapore authorities disclosed a new name in their probe - Raffles Money Change, a licensed money changer and remittance agent. MAS said examination revealed weak management oversight, inadequate risk management practices and internal controls. Its specific findings include failure to identify beneficial owners, verify authenticity of remittance instructions, and assess if a customer's remittance activities are consistent with the profile of the customer. MAS said it is finalizing regulatory actions against RMC. It said their probe of certain other FIs are ongoing. It will take decisive regulatory actions against any FI that has breached regulations or failed to meet the expected AML standards, said MAS. The three Singapore agencies said fund flows being investigated include those connected with Good Star Limited (Seychelles), Aabar Investments PJS Limited (BVI), Aabar Investments PJS Limited (Seychelles), and Tanore Finance Corp. (BVI). The criminal investigations by CAD are targeted at individuals suspected of committing offences in Singapore related to these flows, while MAS has been examining the financial institutions through which the funds flowed for possible regulatory breaches and control lapses. MAS also said it has completed its inspections of DBS and the Singapore branches of Standard Chartered Bank and UBS and is now finalizing its assessments. "The preliminary findings are that there were instances of control failings in all three banks and, in some cases, weaknesses in the processes for accepting clients and monitoring transactions. There was also undue delay in detecting and reporting suspicious transactions," it said. The deficiencies observed in DBS, SCB and UBS related to lapses in specific processes and by individual officers. The lapses were serious in their own right, and will be met by firm regulatory actions against the banks. However, the MAS' inspections did not reveal pervasive control weaknesses or staff misconduct within these banks, unlike in the case of BSI Bank. MAS also said it completed its onsite inspection of Falcon Private Bank Singapore in April 2016, and found substantial breaches of anti-money laundering regulations, including failure to adequately assess irregularities in activities pertaining to customers' accounts and to file suspicious transaction reports. However, the supervisory examination of Falcon PBS is still ongoing as the oversight and management of certain key client relationships were done out of the bank's head office in Switzerland. MAS is examining information obtained from Falcon PBS' head office and has asked for further details. Ambedkar Bhavan and the Buddha Bhushan printing press, in Mumbai's Dadar area, started by Babasaheb Ambedkar were demolished by People's Improvement Trust last month resulting in large-scale protests. By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: Grandson of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar has rejected the proposal put forth by the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to reconstruct the Ambedkar Bhawan which was demolished last month. Admitting that the demolition of Ambedkar Bhawan was wrong, CM Fadnavis announced that his government was ready to pay the bills for the restoration of the structure if grandsons of Ambedkar come up with a joint plan. advertisement Ambedkar Bhavan and the Buddha Bhushan printing press, in Mumbai's Dadar area, started by Babasaheb Ambedkar were demolished by People's Improvement Trust last month resulting in large-scale protests. Speaking to India Today Prakash Ambedkar said "I am thankful to the CM for his proposal. but we don't want the govt to reconstruct the historical structure by tax payers money. We would be building it with people's participation. Even Dr Ambedkar had built this building with people's participation." Yechury condemns demolition of Ambedkar Bhavan in Dadar --- ENDS --- Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Eric Tucker (Associated Press) Washington Thu, July 21, 2016 The United States moved Wednesday to recover more than US$1 billion that federal officials say was stolen from a Malaysian wealth fund by people close to prime minister Najib Razak, money that was used for high-end real estate, artwork and production of the Hollywood film, "The Wolf of Wall Street." The diverted funds paid for luxury properties in New York and California, a $35 million private jet and expensive paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet, according to federal government complaints that demand the recovery and forfeiture of the ill-gotten assets. The complaints, filed in Los Angeles, allege a complex money laundering scheme that the Justice Department says was intended to enrich top-level officials of a government-controlled Malaysian wealth fund. That fund, known informally as 1MDB, was created in 2009 by Najib with the goal of promoting economic development projects in the Asian nation. Instead, officials at the fund diverted more than $3.5 billion over the next several years through a web of shell companies and bank accounts in Singapore, Switzerland, Luxembourg and the US, the complaints allege. About $1.3 billion raised through purportedly legitimate bond offerings was swiftly transferred to a Swiss bank account and, from there, distributed to fund officials for their personal benefit. "In seeking to seize these forfeited items, the Department of Justice is sending a message that we will not allow the United States to become a playground for the corrupt," United States Attorney Eileen Decker, the US Attorney in Los Angeles, said at a news conference. "And we will not allow it to be a platform for money laundering or a place to hide and invest in stolen riches," she added. The money the government wants to recover reflects the amount officials were able to trace through the US financial system. In a statement, Najib's press secretary said the "Malaysian authorities have led the way in investigations into 1MDB" and that the government would fully cooperate with the US investigation. "As the Prime Minister has always maintained, if any wrongdoing is proven, the law will be enforced without exception," the statement said. The Justice Department says the forfeiture demand is the largest single action it's taken under its Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, which seeks to recover foreign bribery proceeds and embezzled funds. Federal officials say the funds laundered into the US for the benefit of 1MDB officials and their associates were used to pay for property including Manhattan penthouses and Beverly Hills mansions; to settle gambling debts in Las Vegas casinos; and to pay for a London interior decorator, expensive artwork and the production of films, including the 2013 Oscar-nominated movie "The Wolf of Wall Street." "Neither 1MDB nor the Malaysian people ever saw a penny of profit from that film or from any of the other assets that were purchased with funds that were siphoned from 1MDB," said Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell, head of the Justice Department's criminal division. "Instead, that money went to relatives and associates of the corrupt officials of 1MDB and others." Representatives of 1MDB said in a statement that it would cooperate. The complaints identify by name multiple Malaysian nationals that the government alleges profited from the scheme. Among them is Riza Shahriz Bin Abdul Aziz, who co-founded Red Granite Pictures, a movie production studio whose films include "The Wolf of Wall Street." According to the complaint, eleven wire transfers totaling $64 million were used to fund the studio's operations, including the production of the movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Riza is the stepson of Najib, the prime minister, who is not named in the complaints. But the Justice Department described Riza as a relative of an unnamed "Malaysian Official 1" a high-ranking Malaysian government official with authority to approve all appointments and removals from 1MDB's board of directors and whose approval was needed for the fund's financial commitments. Phone messages left at the movie studio on Wednesday were not immediately returned. But opposition lawmaker Tony Pua said Malaysia has become a laughing stock with the US move as the government had insisted that no money was missing from the fund. He said the government must open up investigations into the fund and uncover the identity of the Malaysian senior official behind the money laundering. ___ Associated Press writer Eileen Ng contributed to this report from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Masajeng Rahmiasri (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, July 21, 2016 Tourism New Zealand has collaborated with Oscar-winning director James Cameron in a new video to attract more tourists to the country. For the last four years, the Canadian-born filmmaker behind Titanic and Avatar has kept a home with his wife Suzy Amis Cameron in Wellington, New Zealand. I came as a stranger. I knew very little about New Zealand, and I left in love with it. Not just the beauty of the land that is very seductive, but the dynamic spirit of the people, said Cameron, who first visited the country in the mid-90s. (Read also: A key moment to strengthen NZ-RI ties) To create the video, Cameron and his wife traveled to the natural landscapes of New Zealands South Island. When you see something you've never seen before, its a wonderful experience. Its like a living painting; its never the same view two days in a row, he said of that first journey. In the video, Cameron explored the countrys highest mountain, Aoraki, the Mount Cook National Park, Tasman Glacier with its ice caves and explorable lake, the turquoise Lake Pukaki, Glenorchy - dubbed one of the worlds top eight scenic drives - and farming valley Paradise, which was featured in The Lord of The Rings. (kes) (Read also: New Zealand bartender quits job to become Pokemon hunter) Yesterday, The W.O.W. Project hosted the second event in its Summer Series of workshops and discussions. The panel discussion titled Chinatown: New Yorks Newest Art Gallery Scene? was a conversation focused on the emergence of art spaces throughout Chinatown and how they are affecting the neighborhood. Co-moderated by the Chinatown Art Brigades Tomie Arai and Betty Yu, the panel included Michelle Marie Esteva from Chinatown Soup and Herb Tam from the Museum of Chinese in America. Both panelists addressed the importance of art galleries in communities. Tam addressed the overall purpose of galleries and said, They are as much an art space as a social and cultural time capsule. While Esteva emphasized that the mission of Soup is, preservation. That is the main goal, she said. The conversation quickly took a heated tone as people talked about the underlying issues that residents face as new businesses come to Chinatown. Topics of rent escalation, racism and classism were discussed in what became a difficult, but important conversation about gentrification. One Chinese resident said, Our whole lives have been about displacement. We had to form our own Chinatown and to see it be taken away is scary. Others questioned the amount of outreach that new galleries are doing with the community and whether galleries in the surrounding areas are holding themselves accountable. Many residents seemed conflicted by their desire for more art spaces and the fear of what an influx could mean for residents and local businesses. Mei Lum, the new owner of Wing On Wo and Co., on Mott Street (previously interviewed by the Lo-Down here), started the W.O.W. Project initiative as a way to raise cultural and historical awareness and to develop projects that will bring together the local business community. The hope is to help Chinatown prosper without having to sacrifice most of its culture or its long-term residents. So far, Lum has definitely provided a platform for individuals to collaborate and engage in complex, often painful, but necessary discourse. Although these conversations dont always offer solutions, they do encourage a step in the right direction. One thing that panelists did agree on: If change is inevitable, Tomie Arai said, we have to be a part of it. Visit the W.O.W. Projects events page for future happenings. By Mail Today: Former Union minister and senior Congress leader C K Jaffer Sharief urged the party High Command to appoint Mallikarjun Kharge as the chief minister of Karnataka, as the party is losing popularity under CM Siddaramaiah in the state. "The Congress performed so well in Karnataka during the previous Assembly elections. However, it is no more the same now. There has to be a leadership change in view of the changing circumstance. When someone from a different party can join Congress and become the CM, why traditional Congress leaders cannot be given an opportunity? There are other deserving candidates like Kharge and G Parameshwara," he said. advertisement LEADERSHIP CHANGE IN KARNATAKA? Sharief said a leadership change was necessitated in Karnataka in view of the political uncertainty. "I am fully aware of the consequences of my statements. But I am not scared. The party is left with no option other than appointing Kharge as the CM to save the image of Congress," he added. SHARIEF, A VOCAL CRITIC OF KARNATAKA CM A vocal critic of Siddaramaiah, Sharief has time and again criticized the CM for handling issues poorly. "The CM's post is nobody's asset and it belongs to the party. We should be ready for any sacrifice for the welfare of the party," Sharief contended. --- ENDS --- Not too long ago we all felt sorry for the seagull that fell into a vat of chicken tikka masala. The bird turned bright orange and by all accounts still has a whiff of curry to him to this day. But it seems we shouldnt be feeling too sorry for him, as he and all other gulls now pose a serious danger to humans because theyre tripping on acid and becoming more aggressive. Yep you read that correctly. Seagulls are getting high and they may start taking it out on humans. According to news reports, flying ants have been emerging in unprecedented numbers due to the hot weather and these insects are irresistible to seagulls, but they also happen to get them high... While we may think seagulls snacking on ants isnt necessarily a bad thing it stops them stealing our pasties, chips and ice creams as regularly the ants actually contain formic acid, which affects the gulls cognitive behaviour. Basically, the ants are like tiny hits of acid and its sending the gulls ga-ga. Tony Whitehead from the RSPB spoke to the Huffington Post , saying: The gulls are mad for them [...] they are like M&Ms to them. According to witnesses, gulls have been flying into cars and buildings presumably high after overindulging. The ants emerge during the summer for a few days, sometimes even two weeks, at a time as the queen goes in search of a mate. When she emerges, so do millions of male ants looking to procreate. With such hot weather at the moment, the ants are appearing in larger numbers and look set to hang around for a while; so while we may be looking to relax in the sunshine, it seems its best to be on guard for rowdy, tripping gulls. The last thing you expect to find when you return home is a koala pole-dancing in your living room. Yet this bizarre scene is exactly what Australian Nikki Erickson found when she came home from work last August. She recently shared the throwback video on Facebook and it's since gone viral. It's not hard to see why: Credit: Nikki Erickson/Facebook The cute animal, nicknamed "Larissa", was collected by Queensland's Daisy Hill Conservation Park and released back into the wild. However, as heartwarming as this cheeky koala's antics are, Larissa highlights a very serious conservation issue in Australia. Man-made developments have led to a lack of koala habitat as land is cleared to build things such as houses and roads, as well as for growing agriculture. Speaking to Armidale Express after a couple discovered a Koala relaxing on their sofa, Simone Aurino of the Hunter Koala Preservation Society said: Finding them in homes is becoming more and more common because there isnt the connectivity of habitat there once was". Unfortunately, The Content Is Not Here You have arrived at this page because the page or post you were looking for no longer exists. 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The Army tried to launch counter offensives by using units from the Corps of Signals.However, these units didn't have a high success rate. The Army has now created two separate units under Military Intelligence staffed by signal officers to launch cyber warfare against Pakistan and China. One unit Field Surveillance Unit (IFSU-1) has been created under the Army Headquarters while the other one (IFSU-2) has been raised in the Northeastern sector. "We are keeping the exact location of the unit secret for reasons of national security," officials said. The staffers of these units will primarily be youngsters with an aptitude for tech and programming. "Basically, tech geeks wearing olive greens," an officer said. The two units have already been involved in counter-hacking operations and have helped in nabbing or locating hackers both in India and abroad. "There have been cyber-attacks on some isolated Internet connections of defence personnel. However, all computers employed for official work by defence forces are comprehensively isolated from the internet to obviate any breach," defence minister Manohar Parrikar told Parliament recently. India is not the only target of Chinese hackers. In 2015, a massive breach of the US Office of Personnel Management's databases by Chinese cyber spies led to the pilfering of personal files of 21 million Americans A Chinese businessman pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy to hack computer networks of US defence contractors and obtain sensitive data on military aircraft that was passed on to China. ALSO READ: Cyber espionage: Chinese malware in government system Modi government gets cracking on cyber espionage --- ENDS --- A six-inch border wall surrounding Donald Trump's Walk of Fame star created by an artist known as Plastic Jesus has become the talk of the town in Los Angeles, and now, around the world. By India Today Web Desk: Donald Trump got his wall built, but something completely different from what he planned for. The official Republican presidential candidate has gone under fire ever since he announced his bold and aggressive plan to secure the border by building a wall between the United States of America and Mexico. In an attempt to make a mockery of Trump's infamous border wall dream, a Los Angeles based artist who goes by the name Plastic Jesus, built a miniature wall around his Hollywood Walk of Fame star. advertisement The wall, complete with barbed wire and 'keep out' signs, appeared on Tuesday and flocks of tourists gathered to snap a picture of the clever 'political art'. The anonymous artist posted the picture on Instagram and wrote, "Hollywood sight-seers on the famous walk of fame were confronted with an unusual addition to Trump's Famous Star. Someone had built a 6" tall grey concrete wall around it. Complete with "Keep out" signs and topped with razor wire. The unofficial addition to the iconic star appeared early Tuesday afternoon, to the amusement of onlookers.' He is also known for another satirical anti-Trump art, the "No Trump Anytime" parking signs that appeared on street corners earlier this year. Download and print your own No Trump sign. Just click on the bio link. Maybe make some to stick of Cleveland this week! Spread the love! #trump #nevertrump #donaldtrump A photo posted by Plastic Jesus - Official (@plasticjesus) on Jul 17, 2016 at 9:49am PDT The bio on his official website describes his work to be 'inspired by world news events, society, the urban environment, culture and politics. Plastic Jesus is not about revolution, he is not an anarchist but would like to see some changes around the place. His work is more about shining a small light into some of those dark corners of society.' --- ENDS --- Amlo probes Chinese nominee tour company, says Tourist Police chief PHUKET: The Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) in Bangkok has launched its investigation into the financial affairs of Tranlee Travel Co Ltd and its subsidiaries, national Tourist Police Chief Pol Maj Gen Surachet Hakphan said today (July 21). tourismChinesecrimeimmigration By Tanyaluk Sakoot Thursday 21 July 2016, 06:12PM The Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) in Bangkok has launched its investigation into the financial affairs of Tranlee Travel Co Ltd and its subsidiaries, national Tourist Police Chief Pol Maj Gen Surachet Hakphan (pictured) said today (July 21). Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot Gen Surachet confirmed that officials were following the Tranlee Travel Co money trail at a meeting at Phuket Tourist Police headquarters in Phuket Town. All evidence and documents carefully collected in the investigation have been sent to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) in Bangkok, he said. More than 100 officers including police, military and anti-money-laundering officials seized 29 boats and 53 buses belonging to companies operating under the Tranlee Travel Co Ltd network of businesses in raids at Rassada and Koh Siray on July 6. (See story here.) Today, Provincial Police Chief Col Teerapol Thipjaroen, who is heading the investigation, brought those numbers to 117 tour buses and 33 boats seized. The raids on July 6 followed police shutting down Tranlees base of operations in Rassada, east of Phuket Town, on June 16. (See story here.) Today, Gen Surachet noted that inbound tourists who had booked tours with Tranlee were still arriving, although Tranlees business license had been revoked. So we are looking for other tour companies to take care of these tourists, but the companies that do so must be legally registered businesses, he said. Also, officials will keep the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok accurately updated with these developments in Phuket, he added. Gen Surachet urged all persons to report concerns or complaints about tour companies by calling the Tourist Police hotline 1155. By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 21 (PTI) Recent attacks on African nationals were neither racial nor premeditated acts against a particular community but spontaneous criminal attacks by anti-social elements, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj informed the Rajya Sabha today. To ensure safety of Africans and avoid repetition of such instances, the government is trying to accommodate in campus hostels the African students who are studying in India on scholarships since such attacks have taken place outside campuses, she added. "The recent attacks on African nationals in Delhi and outside were not any kind of racial attacks," she said while replying to questions about the incidents including the killing of Congo national Oliver in the national capital. "These were not premeditated acts against a particular community. These were spontaneous criminal attacks perpetrated by anti-social and criminal elements," she said. She said the Government of India is giving a number of scholarships to African students for studying here and will now work with campuses to provide them accommodation within campuses too. To help prevent the recurrence of any such attacks, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh will hold meetings with African community in major metropolitan cities where they reside and he will be accompanied by Secretary (Ecnomic Relations) and police commissioners of these cities. "A sensitisation campaign is also being carried out," she said, adding, "I have written to seven states which have more presence of African nationals to do sensitisation on pattern of that done in Delhi to avoid recurrence of such incidents." She said as a backlash of the killing of a Congo national in Delhi in May this year, there were few incidents of attacks against Indians in Kinshasa, the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in which some Indians sustained minor injuries. After this, the Indian Embassy in Kinshasa raised the issue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of DRC and sought police protection from the local government there for securing their life and property. "An advisory was also issued to all Indian nationals assuring them of all assistance," she said, adding that there were no serious injuries on Indians there. "A monitoring mechanism has been established under the States Division of the Ministry to obtain feedback on various previous cases in coordination with respective state government," she said. PTI SKC AKK --- ENDS --- advertisement Brawling students to be sent to army camps BANGKOK: The navy has rolled out a training model in which primary and high school students are required to attend army camps to address violence between feuding schools. crimeviolencemilitary By Bangkok Post Thursday 21 July 2016, 09:22AM Education Minister Narong Pipatanasai greets vocational students at a training camp at the Royal Thai Navys Naval Rating School for non-commissioned officers in Chonburi. Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya Capt Virat Somchit, commander of the Royal Thai Navys Naval Rating School for non-commissioned officers in Chonburis Sattahip district, said two camps are planned. Under the so-called Lai Plang (camouflage) model targeting mainly boys, students who graduate from primary school and are moving to Mathayom 1, and those who completed Mathayom 3 and are moving on to Mathayom 4, will be required to attend an army camp lasting between seven to 14 days. Students who fail to attend the compulsory camps will be barred from studying the territorial defence student programme and must undergo mandatory conscription when they turn 20, Capt Virat said. The navy came up with the model in response to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-chas policy to curb brawls between students from rival institutes. A source at the navy said the premier ordered the navy to devise the measure to help the government solve the long-standing issue. Earlier, the navy school briefed him on the plan that students involved with inter-school fights should attend a two-week camp which could help ease their sense of hostility toward students of rival schools. The programme will be held jointly by the navy and the Education Ministry. Capt Virat said the camp aimed to instil good discipline, responsibility, compassion and virtues in students. The camps can be held both during school terms or the holidays. Camp sites and military personnel will be prepared by the army. We want parents to think of it as sending their children to a scout camp, only for a little longer and under the militarys supervision, he said. Capt Virat said an assessment of camp activities will also be conducted, adding he believed the new model would help tackle the student brawl issue. The navy has finished drawing up the model which will go to navy chief Na Areenij for consideration, he added. As for vocational students, they must attend another three-week camp on top of the other two camps. The extra camp will centre on team-building and ice-breaking activities to forge good behaviour and solidarity among students. Under the new model, Capt Virat said orderliness, virtues, leadership and patriotism will be stressed. Also, schools can invite military personnel from army bases to lecture their students about discipline, which will enable the students to grow more acquainted with army authorities. Earlier, the navy and the Education Ministry conducted a camp on a trial basis for a group of vocational students who took part in inter-school brawls. During their 14 days at the camp, students were closely monitored by military trainers who noticed they barely talked to each other during the first week. However, they drew closer during the second week after participating in various activities together. Read original story here. Land officials silent on criminal charges as Naka Noi appeal deadline looms PHUKET: The Land Department has yet to reveal if anyone will be held criminally liable for issuing a land document asserting ownership of 24 rai on Naka Noi Island which has now been deemed illegal. landproperty By The Phuket News Thursday 21 July 2016, 05:43PM Only last month, Charnwit Kitlerdsiriwattana, Managing Director of Phukhaohokluk Co Ltd, publicly reasserted that his companys claim to the land was genuine. Photo: Darawan Naknakhon Pol Lt Col Prawut Wongsinil, chief of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) Consumer and Environment Protection Division, in December 2014 said he believed that a SorKor 1 for land on nearby Naka Yai Island was used to upgrade the land on Naka Noi Island claimed by Six Mountains Co Ltd. Photo: Tanayluk Sakoot Phukhaohokluk (Six Mountains) Co Ltd has until July 29 to appeal the order by Land Department Director-General Apinan Suethanuwong to revoke the NorSor 3 kor land document used to claim 24 rai on Koh Naka Noi, off Phukets east coast. Photo: Darawan Naknakhon Land Department Director-General Apinan Suethanuwong on July 14 gave the order to revoke a NorSor 3 Kor land occupancy document that was presented by Phukhaohokluk (Six Mountains) Co Ltd to claim 24 rai on Koh Naka Noi, off Phukets east coast. The Director-General agreed that the NorSor 3 must be annulled after an investigation revealed that a flying SorKor 1 was used to upgrade the land title, Phuket Land Office Chief Watcharin Jetanawanich told The Phuket News today (July 21). A flying SorKor 1 is a common method of using a SorKor 1 land document to claim an entirely different plot of land elsewhere. Investigating complaints filed by famous Thai actor Puri Hiranprueck, who owns land next to the plot now deemed illegal, Pol Lt Col Prawut Wongsinil, chief of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) Consumer and Environment Protection Division, in December 2014 said he believed that a SorKor 1 for land on nearby Naka Yai Island was used to upgrade the land on Naka Noi Island claimed by Six Mountains Co Ltd. (See story here.) A special investigation by the Land Department has now concurred. However, Six Mountains Co Ltd has until July 29 to appeal that order, Mr Watcharin confirmed today. If that appeal fails, they can then file an appeal with the Administration Court, he added. Meanwhile, the Phuket land official who approved the now-illegal NorSor 3 Kor remains unnamed by officials. The person involved in the upgrade of the land document at Naka Noi was investigated and questioned by the committee set up by the Land Department, Mr Watcharin said today. However, he added, I do not have details of the committees investigation. The process and all details, including the information of the person under investigation, is confidential. Mr Watcharin said he was unable to give any further information or identify how to contact the committee tasked with carrying out the investigation. In defence of his claim, Charnwit Kitlerdsiriwattana, Managing Director of Phukhaohokluk Co Ltd, in May last year told The Phuket News that he bought the land from the Thawthip family in 2014 and had the land surveyed and obtained legal documents from government officials. Government officials checked all the paperwork related to the land that was sold to me, he said. (See story here.) Only last month Mr Charnwit publicly reasserted that the Six Mountains Co Ltd claim to the land was genuine. The [SorKor 1] was not a flying title deed as reported, and be assured its not in the boundaries of any national forest. Taxes have been paid on the land for 20-30 years, he insisted. Ive submitted the evidence to the director-general of the Land Department, and have appealed for fairness from the Fourth Army Region, who are presiding over land reforms in 14 Southern Thai provinces. We have not been treated fairly by the Phuket Land Office, nor the DSI in their investigation, he said. (See story here.) Today, Mr Watcharin in response said, The land issue is very delicate with a lot of details and it is taking a long time to process and investigate. Officials are also investigating the title deed of Mr Puri (for his land on Naka Noi). Man, 23, dies after slamming motorbike into six-wheel truck in Phuket PHUKET: A 23-year-old man died this morning (July 21) from injuries he sustained when smashing his motorbike into the back of a six-wheel truck in Koh Kaew. accidentsdeathpolicetransport By Eakkapop Thongtub Thursday 21 July 2016, 12:48PM The man died from injuries he sustained after slamming into the back of a six-wheel tuck. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Lt Sunan Petchnoo of the Phuket City Police received a call at 7:30am today from Koh Kaew Administration Off ice (OrBorTor) chief, Kerkiat Jitear, who reported an accident on Thepkassattri Rd southbound in front of the entrance to Sapam Village. It was reported by Mr Kerkiat that a motorbike has crashed into another motorbike before slamming into the back of the six-wheel truck. The accident had left the motorbike driver with serious injuries police were told. Police arrived at the scene together with Kusoldharm rescue workers and medical staff from Mission Hospital to find a pink Honda Scoopy stuck underneath the back of the truck. One injured motorist, identified later by police as 23-year-old Parinya Chansakul, lying in a pool of blood nearby. Not far from the scene was a red Honda Scoopy lying in the road. Lt Sunan said, Medical staff administered CPR to the victim, but as he was unresponsive he was taken to Mission Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The truck driver, Mr Surin Insrichan, 33, told police that he was driving along the road when he heard a loud bang come from behind his truck so he stopped to check and discovered the man and the Honda Scoopy.. Ms Boonrai Naneua, 53, the driver of the red Honda Scoopy and who was also involved in the incident said that the driver of the pink Honda Scoopy, Mr Parinya, came at high speed when he crashed into her, this caused him to lose control of his motorbike before slamming into the back of the truck. Phuket-bound flight dumps Aussie mid-flight brawlers in Bali PHUKET: Six Australian passengers were kicked off a Jetstar flight from Sydney to Phuket last night (July 20), landing themselves in Bali police custody overnight. tourismalcoholviolencetransportpolice By The Phuket News Thursday 21 July 2016, 09:27AM The Jetstar flight to Phuket was diverted to Bali, where the six rowdy passengers were ordered off the plane. Photo: Ken Fielding / file The passengers were engaged ins a wild mid-air brawl, reported the Daily Mail, citing Balinese authorities saying the passengers were drunk and fighting on the flight. (See story here.) Flight JQ27 from Sydney to Phuket was forced to divert last night (July 20) night to Bali. During a flight from Sydney to Phuket last night a group of six passengers travelling together were being extremely disruptive amongst themselves and refused requests from our crew, the airline said in a statement. The captain decided to divert the flight to Bali where Indonesian police took the disruptive passengers off the aircraft. The flight then continued without incident to Phuket. We take safety and security seriously and we dont tolerate disruptive behaviour by passengers on our flights. The other customers onboard supported the decision to offload the group in Bali and thanked the crew. Flight JQ27 left Sydney about 2:30pm Sydney time and arrived in Phuket at 11:16pm local time. The six Australians are set to return to Sydney after being interrogated in Bali, reported News.com,au. (See story here.) Police issue deadline for karaoke probe CHONBURI: The Provincial Police Region 2 has been given 30 days to probe six Chonburi policemen who allegedly tried to frame a karaoke bar owner with false charges of being involved in the sex trade and human trafficking. crimecorruptionpolicesex By Bangkok Post Thursday 21 July 2016, 08:57AM Police tried to intimidate and shake down Angel Karaoke in Bang Lamung, but were foiled because the owner had connections all the way up to the national police chief. Photo from internet advert The saga also roped in the national police chief, who came to the victims aid. Deputy police spokesman Col Krissana Pattanacharoen said the six officers including Lt Col Narawut Karamahito, investigating inspector, and Lt Jatuphum Limsiriwattanakul attached to the Inquiry Division of Provincial Police Region 2 have been transferred to inactive posts at the Police Region Bureau pending an investigation for disciplinary violations. Early this week, the two officers, together with four subordinates, were summoned to answer charges at Muang Pattaya station. The charges include false imprisonment, malfeasance causing injury and attempted extortion, said Col Apichai Krobpetch, of Muang Pattaya police. The bureau has 30 days in which to wrap up the investigation into the six. Muang Pattaya police said the case would also be forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for investigation regarding corruption charges. The move came after Paranisa Chainapanichkul, 36, the owner of Nangfa karaoke bar in Bang Lamung district of Chonburi, filed a complaint against the six for illegally detaining her and her employees, attempting to extort money from her and misconduct. According to Ms Paranisa, on July 14, a man came into her bar and offered B2,000 to a waitress, asking her to say she was selling sex to him. However, the waitress refused. The man then tried the same thing with another waitress, but this time he put the money in her hand. Then, a group of five men, including Lt Col Narawut and Lt Jatuphum, stormed into the bar. Lt Jatuphum used his mobile phone to take a photo of the waitress holding the money and forced her to phone Ms Paranisa and tell her to come to the bar. When Ms Paranisa arrived, Lt Col Narawut allegedly accused her of being involved in prostitution and human trafficking and claimed the police had evidence, referring to the photo of the waitress. Ms Paranisa said she called a close relative who knows national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda to seek help. Gen Chakthip later called her mobile phone and she told him his subordinates were making false accusations. The police chief asked her to hand the phone over to the officers who refused to take the call. She said the officers did not believe she was speaking to the police chief, saying if he was the real police chief he would be able to call their boss, Maj Gen Ampon Buarupporn, commander of Chonburi provincial police. Lt Col Narawut then asked his subordinates to handcuff her and her workers and put them in a van. Once inside the van, the police allegedly demanded a bribe of B30,000 from her in exchange for their freedom, Ms Paranisa told investigators. While in the van, Maj Gen Ampon telephoned Ms Paranisa, but the group did not believe it was really Maj Gen Ampon who had called either. The commander of Chonburi provincial police then phoned Lt Col Narawut. At that point the group understood it was the actual provincial police chief who had been speaking to her. The complaint alleges they then freed Ms Paranisa and her colleagues before driving away. Yesterday (July 20), Col Krissana said the national police chief answers every call to his mobile phone, if he is not in a meeting. The deputy spokesman added the inquiry into the six officers would be fair to all sides. Read original story here. Russian official faces charges for bribery, return Moscow-Phuket business-class flights PHUKET: A former state official from Russia is facing corruption charges after promising protection to a local business person in exchange for return business-class flights from Moscow to Phuket. crimecorruptionRussiantransport By Anton Makhrov Thursday 21 July 2016, 05:28PM Natalya Khaributova. Photo: Rzn.info A court in Ryazan, Russia last month detained Natalya Khaributova, a former chief of city planning after denying her bail for corruption charges. It is alleged that Khaributova received bribes worth 500,000* roubles (approx B250,000) from a local business person. Russias Investigative committee officers believe that in January 2016 Khaributova promised protection to a local construction company in exchange for two return business-class tickets from Moscow to Phuket for her and her daughter. The two were were also provided with a luxury vehicle to travel some 200 kilometres from their home town to the nearest airport and the return journey. According to reports in Russian media, Khaributova got to enjoy her vacation in Phuket, she also remained in her position until April 2016, when it was officially announced that charges were to be brought against her. Phuket vacations can turn out to be costly to Khaributova, as she now faces up to 15 years in jail and a hefty fine up to 4 million roubles (B2mn). * Not 500 rubles, as initially mistakenly reported. TAT board revises down income target for 2017 BANGKOK: The board of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revised down its target for tourism-related income next year, citing concerns about economic problems and the political situation after the charter referendum. tourismeconomics By Bangkok Post Thursday 21 July 2016, 09:59AM A foreign tourist walks past a sign promoting the Asean Economic Community on Ratchadamnoen Road in May 2016. Photo: Bangkok Post / file The tourism agency is cutting its income projection for local tourism from B1 trillion to B950 billion and revenue from overall tourism from B2.89 trillion to B2.84 trillion. TAT Deputy Governor Sugree Sithivanich said the new revenue figure for local tourism would indicate a 10-per-cent growth. The TAT board disagreed with an earlier 16% growth projection by management for domestic tourism because the board did not see a clear economic recovery. TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the board wanted promotion campaigns in 2017 to focus more on quality tourists. For local tourists, we plan to encourage three tourist groups to travel across regions. The target groups are females, young tourists and retirees, he said. The period of their vacations and the number of their activities must increase to meet the revenue target of B950 billion. Tourism-related income from foreign visitors is still expected at B1.89 trillion, up by 9.8%, based on the projected number of foreign tourist arrivals of 36 million next year compared with 34 million this year. The government will assist with spending-promotion measures including a tax reduction for people spending at restaurants and possibly on local products to boost income for local communities. TAT deputy governor Srisuda Wanapinyosak, who supervises the Asia and South Pacific markets, said the TAT expected 10.8 million Chinese tourists to visit Thailand next year. The number will show a 3.8% rise from this year and lead to B574 billion income, up 9.1% from this year. The TAT will also focus more on the Asean market so that the country would not overly depend on Chinese tourists, she said. The TAT expected 9.3-10 million Asean tourists to visit Thailand next year, a number close to arrivals from China. It wanted the Asean market to generate B292 billion worth of tourism-related income, showing an increase of 11.3%. Australia will pose the greatest challenge for the TAT next year because the value of the Australian dollar has depreciated by 30% and the number of low-cost flights between Australia and Bali rose to 300 a week. Consequently the number of Australian visitors to Thailand will fall in the second half of this year. Read original story here. On Demand We have a new story every day on the front page of thephuketnews.com. Also like us on our Facebook page (facebook.com/thephuketnews) and be the first to watch all the new stories. Finally you can watch any segment, any time by going to thephuketnews.com/tv where all the stories are listed for you to enjoy. All our programs can be enjoyed in High Definition when watching on the internet. In-Room VDO A Pakistani flag was hoisted in Nalanda district of Bihar which is the home district of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The hoisting of the Pakistan flag has angered the locals in Nalanda. By Rohit Kumar Singh: Within a week after pro-Pakistan slogans were chanted on the streets of Patna in support of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik and AIMIM chief Asauddin Owaisi, now a Pakistani flag was hoisted in Nalanda district of Bihar which is the home district of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The hoisting of the Pakistan flag has angered the locals in Nalanda. advertisement The incident happened at ward no. 36 in Kharadi locality in Biharsharif town of Nalanda. Locals spotted a Pakistani flag atop a house owned by Anwarul Haq. Soon the matter was reported to the police on Wednesday night. Locals spotted a Pakistani flag atop a house owned by Anwarul Haq. (Photo: ANI) A police team led by the DSP reached the house of Anwarul Haq today morning and brought down the Pakistani flag and seized it. A case has been registered in this matter and investigations are going on as to how Pakistan flag was hoisted. The house owner expressed ignorance over the hoisting of the Pakistani flag and said that it could be handiwork of some anti-social elements. Police has arrested one woman in connection with the case and said that that investigations was going on in the case. "We are investigating the matter now. Action in the case will take place soon", said DSP Saifur Rehman. Former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi has also attacked CM Nitish Kumar over the hoisting of Pakistan flag in his home district. He said that Nitish should first look into his house where anti-national activities were taking place. "Rather than going across the country, Nitish should first look into his house where anti-national activities is taking place", said Manjhi. In the last one week, the BJP and ABVP have torched Pakistani flags at several places in Bihar after pro-Pakistan slogans were chanted during a support rally for Zakir Naik and Asaduddin Owaisi. Police have arrested one person Md. Taufiq belonging to Muslim organisation Popular Front of India. The support rally was organised by the same organisation last week. Also Read: Pro-Pakistan slogans raised in Patna, one arrested after police orders probe Patna: Sushil Modi says pro-Pakistan chants a serious matter, angry protesters burn Pak flag --- ENDS --- India said the observance of 'Kashmir's Accession to Pakistan Day' "exposes Pakistan's longing for the territory of Jammu and Kashmir. By Maha Siddiqui: Two days and several provocations later, India once again reacted to Pakistan's "interference in India's internal affairs." External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "We have seen reports about rallies, events and statements related to Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) over the last two days. We have also noted that the events were led by UN-designated terrorists, who had in the past protested the elimination of dreaded terrorists including Osama bin Laden and Taliban leader Akhtar Mansour in Pakistan." Our response to queries on observance of 'Kashmirs Accession to Pakistan Day' & Black Day in Pakistan & POK https://t.co/eq8kagtWzi&; Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) July 21, 2016 advertisement India also expressed concern for its staff in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, asking the government of Pakistan to provide full safety and security to all the officials and their families. This came in view of the threats of marches and protests at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. India also said the observance of 'Kashmir's Accession to Pakistan Day' "exposes Pakistan's longing for the territory of Jammu and Kashmir. India demands that Pakistan must fulfill the obligation to vacate its illegal occupation of PoK." PAKISTAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS TERRORISTS WANI The strong rebuttal from India came close on the heels of Pakistan PM's adviser on foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz describing the slain Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani as an "icon of the resistance movement" in Kashmir. He added that "the just struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination cannot be equated with terrorism." In a further provocation Aziz said Pakistan will approach the Human Rights Council of the UN on its own behalf and on the behalf of the OIC Contact Group on Kashmir to send a fact-finding mission in the Valley to investigate and will push for a ban on the use of pellet guns. Remember, Home Minister Rajnath Singh has already told Parliament that the government will appoint an expert committee to look into alternatives to pellet guns. He also squarely blamed Pakistan for the protests in Kashmir valley. ALSO READ: Here's proof of ISI's links with Hafiz Saeed: Photos show Hamid Gul's son with JuD chief wanted by India Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin's unholy alliance behind Kashmir unrest --- ENDS --- South Dakota high school football quarterfinal schedule and scores The road to the DakotaDome continues tonight with 28 quarterfinal games in seven classes across South Dakota. Authorities received a call from an unidentified man from Dubai alerting them about the suspicious package. By India Today Web Desk: A suspicious bag was found in a SpiceJet flight that landed at the Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar from Dubai today. A bomb disposal squad of security agencies entered the aircraft to carry out a search operation. The aircraft was removed from the runway and parked in an isolated spot for the search, the sources said. advertisement Authorities received a call from an unidentified man from Dubai alerting them about the suspicious package. All the passengers were de-boarded safely. Flight operations at the airport were suspended following the incident. --- ENDS --- Passers-by came together to rescue a man trapped inside his convertible car. They flipped over the car back on its wheels and saved the man. 15 passers-by stop and come together to overturn a car back on its wheels to save trapped driver. Photo: Screengrab from Facebook video By India Today Web Desk: More than 15 brave, kind men came together to flip over a convertible car back on its wheels to rescue the driver trapped inside. The incident happened on July 19 on Interstate 20 in Lexington County of South Carolina, and Bert Sorin, one of those who witnessed the accident and was involved in the rescue, made a post about the it on Facebook. advertisement Here's what happened: For Bert Sorin, July 19 was a usual day, and he was on his way to a meeting. Except it was not. In his Facebook post, he writes, "we watched a car veer off of the road and flip. We grabbed my med kit, ran to the site and attempted to flip the car with just a few of us. No go." The car was leaking gas and the group of men knew they had to get the trapped driver out as fast as they can. Sorin went back and brought his truck and tow strap and tried to pull the doors off, but they were stuck. Apparently more than 15 cars stopped after seeing the wreck, and with a combined effort of these Good Samaritans, they were able to rescue the trapped driver. Sorin, in his Facebook post says, "by that time, more concerned folks showed up and we were able to flip over his car and free him." Here's the man who was inside the convertible car thanking his stars: Photo Source: Screengrab from Facebook video Sorin ends his post saying, "It was awesome seeing everyone working together and saving this man before the EMTs could even arrive. God and fine American citizens were looking out for this fella (sic)." Along with his post, he shared a video of the incident as well. Watch it here: Sorin also shared an Instagram post with a message for others -- Be prepared. Be safe. Be helpful -- and uses a hashtag #AllLivesMatter. Such people and such stories restore the faith in humanity amid all the violent news that reach us. Good job guys! --- ENDS --- By PTI: Mumbai, Jul 20 (PTI) IIFL Group today roped in the worlds oldest development finance institution, CDC Group of Britain, to expand its non-banking finance business under which the British government fund will pump in Rs 1,000 crore for a 15 per cent stake. This investment makes a second coming for the UK government-owned development finance institution as the CDC Group was the first private equity investor in the IIFL Group in the late 1990s. advertisement IIFL Holdings said under the agreement, CDC will make an investment of about Rs 1,000 crore in its wholly-owned subsidiary India Infoline Finance for a 15 per cent consideration in the company. Founded in 1948, CDCs mission is to support building of businesses throughout Africa and South Asia, create jobs and making a lasting difference to peoples lives in some of the worlds poorest places. It provides investment capital in all its forms, including equity, debt, mezzanine and guarantees, and this capital is typically used to fund growth. CDC uses its own balance sheet to invest and has AUM of 3.9 billion pounds. The CDC Groups recent investments in India include Narayana Healthcare, Ratnakar Bank and Pristine Logistics. The new money will help the IIFL Group expand the financing business and address capital needs of under-served segments through diversified offerings, said the Nirmal Jain- led company, majority owned by Canada-based NRI Prem Watsa. The investment is by way of compulsorily convertible preference shares, which on conversion, will result in about 15 per cent equity stake for CDC in IIFL Finance on a fully diluted basis. IIFL Finance is into home and property loans, gold loans, commercial vehicle finance, healthcare finance, loan against securities and SME business loans. For the year to March 2016, its loan book stood at Rs 17,770 crore and net profit was Rs 340 crore. IIFL Finance was incorporated in 2004 as India Infoline Investment Services and was converted into a public limited company in 2007. Commenting on the pact, IIFL Group founder Nirmal Jain said, "CDC was the first private equity investor in IIFL during our start-up phase in 1999. Our strategy of focusing on small ticket retail credit to under-served geographies and segments resonates with CDCs investment objectives." CDC South Asia head Srinivasan Nagarajan said, "We originally invested in IIFL in 1999 and has seen the company go from strength to strength. This new investment will help IIFL Finance grow further. "Our ability to provide long-term capital means we can provide IIFL Finance with the patient backing it needs to reach even more customers in under-served sectors." PTI BEN RSY MKJ BAS --- ENDS --- advertisement Tucked away in a leafy hospital courtyard, Lukacs offers not only swimming and bathing facilities, but also boasts of special healing powers, thanks to its mineral-rich waters. By Reuters: Hungary's capital owes its popularity as a tourist destination partly to its numerous hot springs and bathing culture, which have drawn visitors to the area since Roman times. Bath houses range from large, ornate 19th-century buildings like the Gellert and the Szechenyi to tiny Ottoman Turkish-era hamams, some of them more than 500 years old. However, only a few command such fierce loyalty from locals as Lukacs, an intimate bath complex wedged between the Buda hills and the Danube river. advertisement Tucked away in a leafy hospital courtyard, Lukacs offers not only swimming and bathing facilities, but also boasts of special healing powers, thanks to its mineral-rich waters. "No other bath house compares," said the director of the site, Mariann Eva. "Time has stopped here, and the harmony and the vibe are absolutely unique. Guests calm down, take life slowly, engage with one another." Artists and intellectuals There has been a bath house at the site, which sits atop a hot spring, since the 12th century and its list of clients includes the name of the 20th century composer and educationalist Zoltan Kodaly. Also Read: Also Read: A tale of India's 300-year-old Turkish hammam In the communist era, especially in the 1970s and 1980s, Lukacs was a gathering place for artists and intellectuals, providing an island of relative-free speech. Hundreds of marble 'thank-you' plaques on the outside wall speak of the healing power of the waters for the joints, the back and various diseases of the organs. Besides regular swimming lanes and a large pool with massage and jacuzzi functions, Lukacs has a Turkish bath complete with saunas and steam rooms. Medical massages are administered by experienced professionals. Bernadett Marosi, 72, has been coming to Lukacs daily for decades, and her devotion led her to turn down an invitation from her daughter to move to Italy to live with her. If a bath begets such loyalty, it has to be worth a trip down Budapest! --- ENDS --- By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 20 (PTI) The Cabinet today approved a skill development agreement signed between India and Swiss Confederation. "The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its ex-post-facto approval for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation of the Swiss Confederation for cooperation in skill development," an official statement said. advertisement The agreement was signed on June 22 during the visit of a delegation led by Union Skill Development Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy to Switzerland from June 20?22, 2016. "The MoU broadly focuses on capacity building and exchange of best practices in the area of skill development. The MoU envisions the establishment of Joint Working Group (JWG) to create, monitor and review the implementation framework for the MoU," the statement said. The agreement will establish a framework for bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the area of skill development and will formalise and deepen this partnership, it added. PTI PRS MKJ --- ENDS --- By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 21 (PTI) Amid a raging row over attack on dalits for skinning a dead cow in Gujarat, the Centre has flagged the "anomaly and sudden increase" in crimes against people belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) in BJP-ruled Gujarat and Chhattisgarh and sought details from administration there. Gujarat and Chhattigarah have reported the highest crime rate of 163.30 per cent (6,655 cases) and 91.90 per cent (3,008 cases) against members of SC community during last year. "The anomaly and sudden increase in respect to Gujarat and Chhattisgarh are abnormal and are being highlighted so that these states can provide actual data in case there was a mistake in reporting," according to the agenda papers for meeting on Monitoring the implementation of constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Castes" held here today by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. advertisement The papers said that Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, which had reported 1,190 and 242 such crimes respectively in 2013, are among the states "that deserve special attention". Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan also have high rate of crimes against SC people in years 2013, 2014 and 2015. A total of 8,946 cases were reported last year in Uttar Pradesh as against 8,075 and 7,078 incidents in 2014 and 2013. In Rajasthan, 7,144 such cases were reported in 2015 as against 8,028 in 2014 and 6,475 in 2013, the agenda papers said. The issue was taken up at the day-long meeting, attended by representatives of various state governments and senior police officials, against the backdrop of attack on Centre from the opposition parties on the Gujarat incident where dalit youths were assaulted by vigilantes for skinning a dead cow. The agenda papers also highlighted recent trends in atrocity cases received in National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) which include death of research scholar Rohith Vemula in University of Hyderabad. "A SC research scholar of the University of Hyderabad allegedly hanged himself to death, 15 days after he was expelled from his hostel along with four other researchers. There are cases reported from Delhi University regarding harassment of SC scholars," the agenda papers highlighted. A case of preventing an SC bridegroom from riding on the horseback was reported from Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, in addition to cases of prejudice in mid-day meal, honour killings and rape and murder of SC women in other parts of the country, it said. Inaugurating the meeting, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot said there has been a rise in criminal cases of atrocities against people of reserved class. "We feel such incidents should not happen. It is a matter of concern for us. If at all such cases happen, states must ensure speedy and prompt justice to victims," the Minister said. He said the government has made a provision to consider it as a crime if an man from Sc community is stopped from sitting on a horse as part of marriage procession. PTI AKV RT --- ENDS --- advertisement By PTI: From K J M Varma Beijing, Jul 21 (PTI) For the first time in 50 years in Tibet, China-backed Panchen Lama today began a rare Buddhist ritual, amid criticism from overseas Tibetan groups that Beijing was trying to legitimise him as a religious leader and challenge the Dalai Lamas spiritual hold over Buddhism. The first tantric Kalachakra instructions delivered by the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu formally started inXigaze in Tibet with some 40 monks beginning a closed-door observance of Didam, the Kalachakra deity, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. advertisement The Kalachakra (the wheel of time) ritual, a very important Buddhists rite for activating dormant enlightenment, has not been carried out in Tibet for half a century, it said. The ritual includes a series of tantric teachings and initiations given by gurus to help Buddhists through the cycle of life. Itis estimated that some 50,000 Buddhists will attend the four-day long event. The 81-year-old Dalai Lama, who fled his homeland in 1959 and lives in exile in India, has carried out the ritual overseas. The 25-year-old Panchen Lama, regarded in Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy as second most important after the Dalai Lama, has been making efforts to establish his control over the deeply religious Tibetan population which revere the Dalai Lama. Bainqen Erdini was officially selected as Panchen Lama in 1995 in controversial circumstances after China removed the then-incumbent abbott of Tashilhunpo Monastery Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as he was appointed by the Dalai Lama. While whereabouts of Nyima were not known, a Tibetan official said in September last year that he is receiving education, and living normally. London-based Free Tibet said the resumption of the ritual was intended to increase the standing of the young monk who many Tibetans regard as a fake. "The officially atheist Chinese government has long tried to impose its authority on Tibet by co-opting Tibetan Buddhism," Free Tibet director Eleanor Byrne-Rosengren said. The Panchen Lamas "presence at this Kalachakra stems from the Chinese occupation rather than from genuine religious legitimacy", he said in a press release. PTI KJV ZH AKJ ZH --- ENDS --- In this Wednesday, July 20, 2016, frame from video, Charles Kinsey explains in an interview from his hospital bed in Miami what happened when he was shot by police on Monday. Kinsey, a therapist who was trying to calm an autistic patient in the middle of the street, said he was shot even though he had his hands in the air and repeatedly told the police that no one was armed. (WSVN via AP) In this Sunday, May 17, 2015 file photo, a Turkish police officer scans the area from a platform, backdropped by posters of Turkish Republic founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, left, and Turkey's current President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, during a political rally of AKP, The Justice and Development Party in Istanbul. Turkish lawmakers convened Thursday July 22, 2016 to endorse sweeping new powers for Erdogan that would allow him to expand a crackdown in the wake of July 15 failed coup. The 550-member parliament is set to approve Erdogan's request for a three-month state of emergency. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis, file) With Infosys declaring a consolidated net profit of $511 million for the June 2016 quartera 4.1 per cent decline from $533 million in the March 2016 quarterbesides the reshuffling and exiting of people at the senior management level, the honeymoon period of CEO Vishal Sikka appears to have come to an end. The company also revised its full year revenue guidance to a disappointing 10.5-12 per cent from 11.5-13.5 per cent earlier. In the wake of this, Sikka had written a letter to the employees, expressing his dissatisfaction. "I am disappointed. Disappointed that our revenue performance was not what we could have delivered, but even more so, that this overshadowed the many strong strides we made on executing our strategy," he wrote. Many experts and analysts with whom THE WEEK spoke feel that the reshuffling and the letter to the employees seems to be a panic step which could have been otherwise a wait and watch policy. Sikka has behaved in a typical American style as Americans do this after any disappointing quarter or the poor performance of the company. He stays in the US and behaves like an American. Probably if things go this way and do not improve over the next few quarters he may himself quit. In a company of more than 1,50,000 employees there can be a panic situation and many may look out for other openings which is already happening at the managerial level, said Kris Lakshmikanth the CEO and founder of Head Hunters India, a recruitment firm that specialises in senior managerial placements. Experts believe that many of the steps which Sikka after assuming the role of the CEO haven't worked in his favour. The new platform Mana, which was the brainchild of Sikka, did not take off as expected. Similarly the companys banking product, Finacle, did not get much business as it needs upgradation...and needs to meet the current requirements of many new age banks. However, I feel that in a company of the size of Infosys there would be more than 10,000 managers, hundreds of vice presidents etc. A stern letter and a reshuffling move can demotivate them and they will start looking out. The attrition rates are expected to go up across Infosys in the near future, Lakshmikanth pointed out. One of the high level exits was in the form of Anup Uppadhayay, an Infosys veteran who had joined the company in 1993. He quit the company a day before the quarterly results. Uppadhayay was the vice president and global head of strategic sales programmes and used to head Infosys BPO earlier. Interestingly, Infosys BPO also had a flat growth in the last quarter. Samson David, who was heading the Artificial Intelligence platform Mana, also quit a day before the results. Sikka appointed Deepak Padaki to handle mergers and acquisitions while Ritika Suri has been given the additional responsibility to manage large deals in addition to her current role as head of the Infosys Innovation Fund. The company also appointed Narasimha Rao Manepalli to head Mana. The demand itself has been sluggish in the IT market and Sikka wanted to derive more revenues from high end and innovative services which did not happen. Ever since Sikka took charge, many new product acquisitions and innovations were being worked on by the company which did not contribute to the expected growth of the company. I feel that his reaction is very pre-mature and things will not change in the company all of a sudden...He should have waited for some time before bringing in changes. The Indian IT industry has matured and is now behaving like the cement industry in the country where future growth is expected to be sluggish with a dip in demand, Alok Shende of Mumbai-based Ascentius Consulting pointed out. Many experts feel that traditional companies such as TCS do not press the panic button but wait before taking any harsh steps as they know things wont change overnight. The quick reaction could be to regain the share holders confidence as they may feel that the company is taking steps to bring back growth but all this will be at the cost of bringing in a sense of uneasiness amongst such a huge employee force, said Lakshmikanth. Arunachal Pradesh Governor J.P. Rajkhowa came in for a lot of flak from the Supreme Court in its judgment on the petition challenging dismissal of the Congress government in the state and imposition of Presidents rule. A Constitution bench of the court on July 13 quashed the governors decision to advance the Assembly session from January 14, 2016 to December 16, 2015. It rejected the governors explanation that he was only trying to bring the democratic and legislative process of the state into active animation, and termed the move as a "thrashing given to the Constitution and a spanking to governance." It now turns out that Rajkhowas decision to advance the Assembly session, which has been termed illegal by the court, was taken against the legal counsel that he received from the states advocate general. As per documents accessed by THE WEEK, the Advocate General of Arunachal Pradesh, Ranji Thomas, gave a detailed legal opinion to Rajkhowa on the issue of advancing the Assembly session more than a month before the Governor finally decided to advance the session from January 14, 2016, when it was scheduled to begin, to December 15, 2015. A detailed opinion on the duties and area of jurisdiction of the Governor was given to him by the advocate general on November 7, 2015. The counsel provided to Rajkhowa by the Advocate General, a constitutionally authorised legal authority in the state, was that under Article 174, the governor summons the House, but that does not mean that it is his individual and discretionary power, rather it is a power which is to be exercised in conformity with Article 163 of the Constitution. He can only act on the aid and advice of the council of ministers and as advised by the chief minister and speaker of the House, wrote Thomas in his opinion. The same opinion was on December 12, 2015, given to the cabinet and to the then chief minister Nabam Tuki, stating in detail that the powers to call a session vested with the cabinet and the governor had no role to play in it. Therefore, it was suggested to the cabinet that it may request the governor not to commit the Constitutional blunder. The Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister, in consultation with the Speaker may bring to the notice of the Governor, the mistake committed by him and advise him to reconsider his erroneous, unconstitutional and non-implementable communication which is beyond the power and jurisdiction vested in him, wrote Thomas in his opinion to the chief minister and the cabinet. The entire cabinet met Rajkhowa on the evening of December 14, 2015, and based on the legal opinion, requested him not to advance the Assembly session. The Speaker also wrote to the governor, reminding him that the Assembly could not be summoned without consulting the cabinet. Rajkhowa had gone on to advance the session, which was held in a hotel as the Assembly building was locked on the orders of the speaker. In this session, the deputy speaker presided over the proceedings and overturned the decision of the speaker to disqualify 14 rebel Congress MLAs. Castigating the governor for advancing the session, the court said that all he did was to use his constitutional authority to favour an invalid breakaway group of MLAs who had been disqualified by the speaker. Following the courts judgment on the Arunachal matter, Rajkhowa, who is currently recuperating from a surgery, is under severe attack, and the Congress has demanded that he should either resign or should be dismissed. Last week, Varun Dhawan posted a picture of himself working out in the gym, which caught the fancy of many. Now, Chutki would like to share her two bits on it. By India Today Web Desk: When have you known Gaurav Gera--AKA Chutki--to keep his mouth shut on issues that grab social media by the collar? Thankfully for the world, NEVER. With his dance journey all set to begin on the small screen--in the form of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa--July 30 onward, seems like Gaurav Gera is at his creative best. So, since Varun Dhawan's latest gym picture has been creating quite the waves, Chutki couldn't possibly NOT give her two bits on it. For the uninitiated, a picture posted by Varun Dhawan, of him working out in the gym, had gone viral last week for, well, various reasons. Though we'd like you to figure out why the picture had become the talk of the town yourself, if you just cannot even after repeated trials, here's what's been happening: Varun Dhawan posted this picture on Instagram... And his male fans went crazy advertisement And this is how Chutki decided to react to it: Shopkeeper - Aaaah @varundvn #shopkeeper #varundhawan ##hanjibenji #gauravgera #ChutkiVarun A video posted by Gaurav Gera (@gauravgera) on Jul 20, 2016 at 11:44am PDT --- ENDS --- Life remained paralysed in the Valley on Thursday as authorities continued to impose curfew following extension in the protest shutdown called by separatists. Separatist leaders, including Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Yasin Malik on Wednesday had announced an extension in the protest shutdown till Monday. "To prevent escalation of violence, it has been decided to impose curfew in most of the parts of the Valley today (Thursday) as well", a senior officer said. The state government, however, decided to open schools in four districts of Ganderbal, Badgam, Bandipora and Baramulla. "To reach places of their duties, identity cards of teachers/government employees shall be treated as curfew passes," an official of the state government said. After remaining suspended for five days, all vernacular and English language newspapers resumed publication in the Valley on Thursday. The editors decided to resume publication following their meeting with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti where she regretted the decision to have suspended newspaper publication by authorities. Officials said there was no major clash anywhere in the Valley between stone pelting mobs and the security forces. "No major incident of violence took place anywhere in the Valley on Wednesday. However, one person injured in clashes in Kupwara district last Saturday died in a Srinagar hospital yesterday," a police officer said. Meanwhile, the regional National Conference (NC) has decided to boycott the all party meeting called by the state chief minister to discuss measures to end the present unrest. Ram Madhav, national general secretary of the BJP and party in charge of Kashmir affairs, has reached in Srinagar to discuss the prevailing situation in the Valley with the chief minister. The violence started on July 9, a day after Hizbul commander Burhan Wani was killed in a gunfight with the security forces. Forty five people including 43 civilians and two local policemen have been killed in the Valley. As soon as protests broke out in Jammu and Kashmir over the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen leader Burhan Wani, the internet services in the countrys most volatile state were yet again suspended. The ban, imposed on July 9, is still in force in most parts of the state. Instructions to suspend internet services were made to prevent the spread of rumours and messages which would incite violence. The ban has been imposed under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which authorises state governments to take action to curb unlawful assemblies or prevent apprehended danger. It can be brought into force by a notification signed by the district magistrate or a commissioner of police in a metropolitan area. A Special Leave Petition (SLP) challenging the use of this provision for restricting access to internet was dismissed a few months ago by the Supreme Court. The apex court upheld the power of state government under Section 144 to suspend internet services, stating that the use of such mechanism was necessary for law and order situations. Typically the authorities seek a ban on internet services as a precautionary measure or to contain an ongoing protest as happened in the present case when large scale protests erupted after the killing of Wani. It is also to be noted that before the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the state governments rarely blocked internet services. However, despite the ban, the Valley is witnessing large scale protests and several civilians have been killed in the ongoing violence. Many may then argue that such blanket bans do not prevent violence or riots; instead restrict the basic right of freedom and free speech granted by the Constitution of India. While blocking internet services can surely deter vested interests from properly planning and organising riots or violent protests, such elements, sooner or later, will find other means to orchestrate their plans. In fact, blocking internet services clamps down several modes of communication which could lead to increased confusion and fear or hatred towards the authorities than warranted. Moreover, in todays world internet no doubt is the life line of commerce and trade, suspending of which results in huge losses for the general public. These bans at present are certainly excessive and wide reaching, but can by no means be compared to the blanket bans existing in China or other such jurisdictions. But the question lingers in the sir, where are we headed? This, however, does not mean that the authorities should not regulate the internet when the circumstances demand the same. It is my opinion that suspending internet services should be looked upon as a last resort instead of the prevailing trend of pressing the internet kill switch as the initial response. The government should introduce guidelines and put in place adequate safeguards such as review, appeal and monetary compensation among others to prevent Section 144 of the CrPC turning into a draconian provision of the law. The law needs to include a provision for the quick review of such bans and a remedy in appeal. An apparatus in place would be a healthy development. Suspending internet services may seem to be a sensible option for the authorities but it is to be understood that this is not a permanent solution and that there has to be better ways to tackle civil unrest and public disobedience than resorting to this easy and quick jugaad. Lastly, authorities and the government should take note that how they treat their citizens directly reflect their reputation on the world stage. A United Nations Human Rights Council resolution passed earlier this year condemns internet censorship and terms it a violation of international human rights. Suspending internet services should be carried out in the rarest of rare instances and that too with a sense of accountability and under adequate supervision. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday came down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS hinting that its BJP, not CPM, which would be her political opponent in the future. For the first time, at a big rally in Kolkata, Mamata did not criticise the Left much and only mentioned them once while talking about the economic situation in Bengal. Speaking on the Martyrs day, the day 13 Congress youth workers were killed in police firing 24 years back, Mamata said Modi government was leading a false developmental campaigning in the country. Prime Minister is advertising about Jan Dhan Yojna. But there are 800 panchyats in Bengal where there is no bank. One cannot tolerate such falsehood. Even the 100 days of work have been stopped. Most of the projects are being run by state government, but they are taking credit for it, she said. They have increased allocations for state. But they stopped more than 20 projects which used to be pro-poor policies, said Mamata. The chief minister also alleged that those who opposed the PM were being threatened by the CBI and ED. The BJP government is blackmailing me using the CBI, if I refuse to listen to them. I dont care. Let them do that, said the fiery chief minister. She also alleged that central government was saffronising the governance in the country. The RSS is carrying out a survey in Bengal where they are going door to door and counting which household has how many cows. I have such information. But I want to remind them that I would not tolerate this, said she. The chief minister said that not only her even businessmen were being threatened by the Modi government. I have information that around 80,000 businessmen in the country have gone out of India fearing CBI and ED. Instead of brining back black money they are sending white money out of the country, said Mamata. Calling the torture against dalits in Gujarat as a curse on the society, Mamata condemned the incident. She also asked Modi government to stop killing people in Kashmir. I dont want to protest on Kashmir as I think its about national security. But I must tell the government not to kill people in Kashmir, said she. The biggest factor that is adversely affecting the arrival of tourists in Kerala is the liquor policy adopted by the previous Oommen Chandy government, according to a survey conducted by the Kerala tourism department. The survey has suggested reconsideration of the liquor policy, besides improvements in infrastructure and increase in air connectivity. The survey says Kerala is facing increasing competition from neighbouring tourist destinations, such as Sri Lanka and Goa. As many as 106 hotels, resorts and tour operators took part in the survey. 32 per cent of the respondents consider the liquor policy as a barrier to come to Kerala. Hard liquor is sold in Kerala only at outlets of the Beverages Corporation, where no tourist can be expected to be a customer, and at five-star hotels. Wine and beer are served at a few hundred restaurants and hotels. The liquor policy has hindered the growth of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) business in the state, wherein large groups of tourists are brought together for a particular purpose. Of 106 respondents in the survey, 68 wanted the Kerala government to change its excise policy immediately. Keralas share in the inflow of international travellers to India went up from 1.5 per cent in 1985 to 22 per cent in 2014-15. But the figure has come down by 6 per cent in 2016. And, this is helping Sri Lanka. The island nation has capitalised on the decrease in tourists to Kerala this year, and has increased its tourist inflow by more than 20 per cent. The chief minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan told THE WEEK: No liquor policy is for the long run. It has to be renewed every year. My government believes total prohibition is not practical. It does not solve the problem of alcoholism prevalent in society. Sale of alcohol is on the rise in Kerala, despite the liquor policy of the past UDF government. So, what was its use? I have always believed that creating awareness against liquor is the only way to tackle the problems created by consumption of liquor. Said the tourism minister A.C. Moideen to THE WEEK: The tourism sector in Kerala has been badly affected because of the liquor policy of the previous government. The decision was taken in haste and has not served its purpose. Moideen said the government would take an appropriate decision on the liquor policy soon. "It is a policy decision to be taken by the government as a whole. We will take a call on it, he said. As Sebastian Paul, former MP, pointed out, Worldwide, availability of liquor is a consideration while selecting venues. If there is curb on liquor, not only will there be a drop in tourist arrivals, but event organisers would also stay away and would not like to host meets or competitions. But we cannot promote liquor. At the end of the day, everything has to be balanced. Paul said the government would have to rethink the liquor policy immediately. I am not sure when that is going to happen. But a change in policy is definitely in the cards, he said. Keralas tourism secretary, V. Venu, admitted that the effort that Kerala had made over the years in the tourism sector had been adversely affected in a big way by the new liquor policy. So, what is the way out? The solution is that the excise and liquor policy has to be amended in order to ensure enough foreign liquor in hotels in Kerala, said Venu. The needs of the visitors or tourists, he said, had to be taken into account for a state to attract tourists of all nature. Changing the liquor policy into a more liberal regime will have a direct impact on generation of tourists, he said. I am a marketing man. Perception in the market matters. Hopefully, Kerala will attract more tourists in the days to come with a change in perception, he said. With just five months until Christmas, Santas from around the world are gathering in Copenhagen for a mid-season break at the annual World Santa Claus Congress. The annual conference gives them a chance to network, meet the public and get into shape for the busy days in December. This year 140 Santas from 12 countries gathered in the Danish capital for the three-day event. Santa Cherry from Canada, who is taking part for the fifth time, said there was much more to being a Santa than just the clothes. "A successful Santa is not just about the costumes and the clothes. You have to have Christmas in your heart. You have to have the love of children and caring and giving in your heart to be a really successful Santa and it's not something you can make up. It has to be in you and people know, they can see it," she said. The World Santa Claus Congress has taken place at the Bakken amusement park near Copenhagen since 1957 and always in the summer which is Santa's off season. "I think the congress was started as a way of bringing Santas from all over the world together and sharing ideas and sharing our love of Christmas and being Santa and it's just joyous. It's great to be here," said Santa Ian from London in the United Kingdom. During the congress they have the opportunity to discuss important issues concerning their trade, such as presents and weight regulations for Santa Clauses. One of the most hotly contested topics is the date for Christmas Eve. For Santa Allan from Denmark, there is only one correct date. "I think the main question will be when is it Christmas Eve. Because everyone is talking about have you decided when that Christmas Eve will be or are you disagreeing like you used to? But the Danish guild is saying we have to have Christmas Eve on December 24th," he said. The most important part of the meeting is for the professional Santas to meet the public. Apart from parades there is also some sightseeing, a foot bath in the sea, Christmas cake baking and storytelling for the children. On Wednesday (July 20), Santas had to complete an obstacle course. Captain Amarinder also condemned the abusive language used by the Uttar Pradesh BJP vice president Daya Shankar Singh against the Mayawati, saying it was most condemnable and deplorable. "There appears to be a dangerous pattern in the verbal and physical abuse and violence against the Dalits everywhere, which is either being ignored or encouraged, at the peril of sparking off a caste war in the country", Captain Amarinder warned in a stat By Manjeet Sehgal: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday condemned the incidents of violence against the Dalits in different parts of the country. DANGEROUS PATTERN IN VIOLENCE AGAINST DALITS "There appears to be a dangerous pattern in the verbal and physical abuse and violence against the Dalits everywhere, which is either being ignored or encouraged, at the peril of sparking off a caste war in the country", Captain Amarinder warned in a statement issued here today. advertisement Questioning the silence of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the matter, he wondered as why he had not intervened till now. Also read: Captain Amarinder Singh targets Kejriwal and AAP manifesto "How can you shut your eyes when your fellow countrymen are being treated with such brutality and cruelty", he asked the Prime Minister. TO PROTEST AGAINST ANTI-DALIT VIOLENCE The PCC president also announced to hold statewide protests against the anti-Dalit violence on Sunday. He will himself be leading the protest at Kartarpur in Jalandhar district the same day. Referring to the flogging and parading of three Dalit youths in a Gujarat town by some self-styled "cow protection" vigilante groups, the PCC president said, there was genuine anger and outrage, not among the Dalits alone, but all the well meaning Indians about the direction the country was taking. REMARKS AGAINST MAYAWATI DEPLORABLE Captain Amarinder also condemned the abusive language used by the Uttar Pradesh BJP vice president Daya Shankar Singh against the Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, saying it was most condemnable and deplorable. He said, no punishment will be enough for the person who used such language against the former UP Chief Minister. WHERE IS THE PM? Expressing concern over such incidents, the former Chief Minister suggested that the Prime Minister should personally intervene in the matter. "Given the alarming sensitivity of the situation, it calls for urgent intervention at the highest level lest the country is pushed into caste war", he warned. The PCC president also announced that the Congress party will stage protests across the state against the violence and atrocities against the Dalits. The protests will be held at all the district headquarters on Sunday, while he will personally lead a protest in Kartarpur. Also read: Doors of the Congress are open for Navjot Singh Sidhu: Amarinder Singh Punjab: Captain Amarinder promises to waive farm loans to woo debt ridden farmers --- ENDS --- Dr. Chaim Waxman, Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Jewish Studies at Rutgers University and Chairman of Behavioral Science at Hadassah College, delivered an electrifying presentation at the Center for Kehillah Development in which he revealed new findings that Orthodox drop- out rates are falling and retention rates are rising. Increasingly, Orthodox Jews are choosing to remain Orthodox, he told the crowd of avreichim at the CKD. After a decade of dire alarms over Orthodox drop-outs, trends have changed and Orthodoxy now has the highest retention rate of any denomination, followed by the Reform and then the Conservative. Describing Orthodoxy as the most vibrant of the movements, Dr. Waxman said that the Orthodox community is going to increase in size dramatically in coming years for many reasons. It is not just that more Orthodox are remaining Orthodox, he explained, It is also that Orthodox birthrates far outpace those of every other Jewish denomination. His research indicates that Chassidishe Jew have 12 times as many children as the non-Orthodox, and even the Modern Orthodox have 4 times the number of children as the non-Orthodox. They are a community on the rise, Dr. Waxman observed. According to Rabbi Leib Kelemen, founder of the CKD, this sudden growth in Orthodoxy requires urgent action. Read the handwriting on the wall, he said. Unless we help talmidei chochomim who havent yet taken leadership positions increase their knowledge of psak and communal leadership skills, the existing rabbonim could be overwhelmed by their growing communities and the growing number of new communities. Rabbi Kelemen said that some rabbonim already feel challenged to give enough personal attention to every member of their kehillos, and the ongoing Orthodox success-story could make instances like these more common. Rabbi Kelemen also warned that the need for a lot of rabbonim could tempt us to place people with weaker backgrounds into rabbinic positions, while the responsible strategy would be to help the biggest talmidei chochomim get the background and skills they need to assume communal leadership. We have giants in Torah who have tremendous maalos and beautiful middos, Rabbi Kelemen said, and many would be excited to take responsibility for the Klal. This is precisely the mission CKD has accepted in Rabbi Kelemens words: To give chashuve avreichim the time and training they need to become quality leaders. Rabbi Kelemen said that CKD is currently accepting applications for their five-year learning fellowship, and he encourages qualified talmidei chochomim to apply at www.c4kd.org. Dr. Waxman also shared data suggesting that the yeshivishe world is not just among the fastest growing, but also in some ways the most spiritually strong. When asked, How important is religion in your life?, 82.8 percent of the Ultra-Orthodox said Very Important compared to 77.4 percent of Modern Orthodox 44.3 percent of the Conservative, and only 17.2 percent of the Reform. When asked How certain are you about your belief in God?, 91.9 percent of the Ultra-Orthodox answered Absolutely Certain, compared to 87.4 percent of the Modern Orthodox, 47.5 percent of the Conservative, and 39.6 percent of the Reform. In an astounding projection, Dr. Waxman indicated that current data suggest the possibility that the majority of all Jews in the world will live in Israel within less than 20 years. If that were realized it would be the first time this has happened since the destruction of Bayis Sheni. He pointed out that this could have major repercussions in halachah. Dr. Waxman concluded his talk to the CKD avreichim by encouraging them to remain aware of trends in Jewish sociology: You are going to lead Jewish communities, and in that role you will need to know what is happening both inside and outside the Orthodox community. Another fire was reported during the night (Tuesday to Wednesday) of 14 Tammuz in the PA (Palestinian Authority) village of Dura. This is the same village in which members of the Darawshe family were killed, an incident that Israel is probing as a Jewish act of terror against Arabs. PA media agencies report the fire was another attack by settlers who threw a firebomb into the home. There were no reports of fatalities or injuries in this case. The IDF is probing the fire to determine what really occurred. According to Haaretz, the house targeted belongs to the Darawshe family, adding damage was significant. The Haaretz report quotes Israel Police stating There was no evidence of politically motivated crime at the scene, but that the background to the incident seemed to be criminal. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Once again Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) is under the scrutiny, this time for a new program dedicated to providing airtime to Arab poet Mahmoud Darwish, who is known for his anti-Israel nationalist views. Galei Tzahal often comes under criticism by the religious and right-wing camps as it has become a bastion of leftist anti-religious programing. There have been calls to shut the station down, especially as the IDF is straining to implement an austerity plan seeking places to implement cuts. Minister of Culture & Sport (Likud) Miri Regev has already spoken out against the program, citing the armys station enjoys state funding and therefore, it should not be giving a platform to such an individual. She questions how the station would permit giving a platform to one who glorifies anti-Israel activities and speaks openly against the State of Israel. Regev calls on Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman to address the matter. Lieberman on Wednesday morning 14 Tammuz summoned the director of the IDF radio station for a meeting to explain the decision. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) MK (Likud) Yehuda Glick, a known Har Habayis activist, filed a complaint with the Knesset Ethics Committee against MKs Yisrael Eichler and Yitzchak Cohen of Yahadut Hatorah and Shas respectively. While Glick is relatively new to Knesset, he has already filed a complaint with the Ethics committee against Eichler, a veteran MK and Cohen, the Deputy Finance Minister, for attacking him for speaking out in favor of visiting Har Habayis, which they strongly oppose. Glick told the Ethics Committee in his complaint that Eichler spoke ill of him during a session of the Knesset Interior Committee, using terms murderer and blood spiller as a result of his Har Habayis activism. Responding to the committee, Eichler explained that Glick is indeed responsible for blood-spilling throughout Israel with his Har Habayis activities, as his actions could be easily avoided and this would calm the situation nationwide. Eichler added regarding the discussion in the Interior Committee, that addressed mikvaos for Reform Jews and he blasted Glick for his open support of Reform Jewry against chareidim. Regarding Deputy Minister Cohen, Glick referred to an interview the deputy minister gave to Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) addressing the current intifada which he blamed on Yehuda Glick and his Har Habayis activism. He labeled Glick hallucinatory. Cohen denied the statements attributed to him by Glick in the complaint. He added he is however permitted to speak freely against Glick as he too is entitled to freedom of speech. Cohen reminded the committee halacha prohibits visiting Har Habayis. The Ethics Committee, which is chaired by MK (Shas) Yitzchak Vaknin, decided not to take actions against either MK. However, the committee did state their comments were not legitimate and their statements go beyond freedom of speech and expression. Vaknin concluded wise men be careful with your words. Gedolei Yisrael over the generations and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel prohibit visiting Har Habayis (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Israel Tax Authority inspectors visited 51 businesses on Bnei Braks Rabbi Akiva Street as part of the agencies roving inspections. Inspections were also conducted in businesses operating at night in Ramat Gan and Givatayim. It is pointed out inspectors were dressed to fit in, to appear to be regular Bnei Brak shoppers. In stores selling pitzuchim (nuts and seeds), NIS 605 in credit card sales were processed but not rung up on the store cash register as required. The store owner explained this is his norm and there is a standing argument between him and his CPA if he is acting correctly. In a shoe store, a store owner failed to record a NIS 300 sale, telling inspectors by mistake I placed the cash in my pocket. This is the first time such an error occurred. In a store selling sterling silver items, a test purchase was not made. The store owner replied I dont know what the deal is. Every sale is registered. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) [PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] At 10:00 Wednesday morning 14 Tammuz, the final three Lavi aircraft were presented at an official ceremony, symbolizing the completed purchase of the trainer planes. The ceremony was attended by Ministry of Defense Director-General Udi Adam, Deputy Director-General and Head of Procurement Shmuel Tzuker, Israeli Air Force Chief of Staff Tal Kalman, Italys Ambassador to Israel Francesco Maria Tello, the Head of Procurement at the Italian Ministry of Defense Langella Francesco, and Mauro Moretti, the CEO of the Leonardo company, the creator the plane. Thirty M346 advanced trainer aircraft were purchased by Israels Ministry of Defense Procurement Administration on behalf of the Israeli Air Force (IAF). The planes were delivered in record time, two years from the date of delivery of the first aircraft, at a production rate of roughly 1.5 aircraft per month. The first Lavi landed in Israel during the summer of 2014 and has been considered a great success, leading to significant improvements in the Air Forces ability to train its future pilots. Shmuel Tzuker thanked the Italian delegation for the deep friendship between Italy and Israel and the teamwork between both defense ministries and security industries in both countries. I cant remember a deal of this size that was completed without delays and with so much appreciation. The Lavi contract opened opportunities for deals between Israeli, American and Italian industries. The Israeli Air Force is now the worlds largest user of the M346 plane. We love the plane, trust it and believe in it. The procurement of the trainer plane is part of a massive transaction signed by Israel and Italy in 2012. Within the framework of the deal, the Italian government agreed to reciprocal procurement deal with Israeli defense industries to the sum of more than NIS 4 billion. The agreement secured 25 years of maintenance by TOR, a joint Elbit-Israel Aerospace Industries company, which has already contributed millions of shekels to Israels defense industry market, and has allowed for the development of advanced technological systems while creating jobs. Pictured (right to left): CEO of Leonardo, Mauro Moretti, Ministry of Defense Director-General Udi Adam, MOD Deputy Director-General and Head of Procurement Shmuel Tzuker, and Chatzeirim Base Commander Brig.-Gen. Avshalom Amosi. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo: Dana Shraga, Ministry of Defense) Turkish officials say an attempted coup by a segment of the military over the weekend was put down in about 10-12 hours. At least 260 people were killed, and 1,400 wounded in violence that rattled the countrys two major cities. Bombs hit the parliament and other state buildings, tanks drove over civilians and there was an attempted assassination of the countrys strongman, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Here is what is known about how it unfolded, beginning Friday, and why it failed. FRIDAY AFTERNOON Around 4 p.m. Turkish national intelligence flagged to the chief of staff that they had intercepted communications among a number of military personnel indicating that a coup was planned. With many of the militarys senior officers attending a wedding and the president vacationing at a seaside resort, and while a military shake-up was imminent, the coup plotters felt it was an opportune time to strike. A former Turkish military officer, now a security analyst, Metin Gurcan, wrote that the top brass decided to move to avert a coup by closing airspace and forbidding military units from leaving their barracks. Sensing that their moves were detected and getting wind of the meeting of loyal officers, the coup plotters moved up their plans from later that evening. Ibrahim Kalin, Erdogans spokesman, said the plotters kidnapped Gen. Hulusi Akar, the chief of military staff, after he learned of the suspicious activities. Gurcan said the soldiers leading the coup relied on WhatsApp to communicate commands and coordinate moves. Family members of soldiers detained after the coup attempt told reporters the soldiers thought they were being sent to training. FRIDAY EVENING At around 10 p.m., there were reports that traffic was blocked one way on the Bosporus bridge. Gulnur Aybet, a professor at an Istanbul academy, said she was heading home on a busy Friday night when she saw tanks deployed on the bridge. It was a shocking sight, she said: I felt violated. In the capital Ankara, military jets swooped over the city and reports emerged of gunfire at the military headquarters in Ankara. By 11 p.m., Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, an Erdogan loyalist speaking by telephone on TV, said there was an attempted coup but that it wouldnt succeed in interrupting democracy. Shortly after, a TV announcer on state television TRT read a statement by the coup plotters who referred to themselves as the Peace at Home Committee, a reference to famous words of national founder and former army officer Mustafa Kemal Ataturk: Peace at home, peace in the world. The plotters declared a curfew and vowed to protect freedoms. It was learned later that military personnel had stormed TRT stations in Ankara and Istanbul, forcing the broadcaster in Ankara to read the statement. TRT staff in Istanbul said about 40 soldiers, including at least one officer, stormed their building, forcing them to go home. Ben Said, executive producer for TRT World, said the soldiers told the staff they were there to protect them from Islamic State militants. At around 11:30 p.m., explosions are heard at the police special forces training headquarters just outside of Ankara as jets start attacking it, killing 47 officers. The explosions damaged the roof of one building and tore down its front wall, exposing dust-covered bunk beds. A second building was riddled with bullet fire from helicopters. Jets also attacked the headquarters of the national satellite station, the national intelligence building and the Ankara police department, where seven police officers were killed. Military officers called TV stations to declare they didnt support the attempted coup. State media later reported that F-16s took off from Diyarbakir Air Base that night after telling personnel on duty that the pilots were called for a mission against Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq. Erdogan said that power was cut at other military bases, including Incirlik, used by the U.S.-led coalition to bomb IS militants, to prevent renegade flights. Just around midnight, Erdogan called a private TV station, CNN Turk, through FaceTime, and urging the public to come out and defend Turkey. We will overcome this, he said. Citizens received messages on their mobile phones urging them to go out in the streets. Mosques used their loudspeakers to urge people to go out to the streets, which many did. EARLY HOURS OF SATURDAY Legislators rushed to the Turkish Grand National Assembly to oppose the coup attempt. The building was hit by three bombs, injuring 14 security guards. As soon as parliament became active (in opposing the coup) it became a target of the bombs, said Irfan Neziroglu, the parliaments secretary-general. The legislators descended into a shelter at around 3 a.m. Gunshots and violence were also reported in Istanbul. Images emerged of protesters climbing over tanks, soldiers shooting into crowds and tanks driving over civilians to break up crowds. Meanwhile, prosecutors launched an investigation into the attempt and declared soldiers taking part in the coup would be arrested. The first arrests began at around 2 a.m. TRT television was liberated, soldiers who stormed it were detained and the station resumed broadcasts. Days after the coup, Erdogan and his aides revealed details of a commando raid on the beach resort where the president had been vacationing with his family. Kalin, his spokesman, said intelligence also revealed that three helicopters were heading toward the resort in Marmaris, prompting Erdogan to evacuate. The commandos, nearly 30 of them, arrived half an hour after the president and his family departed. The commandos went room-to-room looking for Erdogan. Clashes ensued and at least one of Erdogans guards was killed. Erdogan told CNN two days after that night that he survived only by minutes. Turkish officials accused the movement of the U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen of being behind the coup. Gulen has denied it. Shortly after 3 a.m., Erdogan arrived in Istanbul airport and was greeted by thousands of supporters. He later told CNN that the renegade soldiers had seized the communication towers in Istanbul airport, and that they flew F-16 jets overhead when he landed there. SATURDAY MORNING Reports said a military helicopter used to attack Turksat satellite television was brought down at around 6 a.m., while two explosions were heard near Erdogans palace in Ankara. Soldiers who held the Bosporus Bridge are seen surrendering. Two hours later, Akar was freed from captivity at an air base on the outskirts of Ankara. At around 10 a.m., about 700 soldiers surrendered and left military headquarters. SATURDAY AFTERNOON The government launched a widespread crackdown on officials believed to be linked to Gulen, purging 2,745 judges and other judicial officials. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim addressed parliament, reading out a poem that constitutes the words of the Turkish national anthem. DAYS LATER State media said an aide to Turkish military chief, Lt. Col. Levent Turkkan, allegedly told interrogators the coup failed because Akar refused an offer to lead the attempt. (AP) By PTI: New Delhi, July 20 (PTI) A delegation of CPI-M leaders led by its General Secretary Sitaram Yechury today met Home Minister Rajnath Singh and asked the Centre to reach out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest. "We conveyed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should use the floor of Parliament in reaching out to the people of state and assure them of their safety besides expressing grief for loss of several lives in police firing," CPI-M MLA from Kashmir Valley Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami told reporters after the meeting. advertisement Tarigmai, who was part of the delegation that also comprised an MP Mohammed Saleem, said he had urged the government for putting an immediate end to use of pellet guns in controlling the mobs. "I drew his attention to his speech in Parliament on Monday during which the Home Minister assured that security forces had been asked for restraint, the same evening army killed three people in Qazigund," he said and asked whether the assurances given by the Centre are actually translated into action on the ground. The delegation asked the Home Minister to call for an All party meeting in Delhi which will select a combined delegation to travel to the Valley and talk to various sections of people. "This is important and the government should treat the situation in the state more seriously," Tarigami said. The delegation told the Home Minister that gagging of media in the state was "a sad day for democracy" and also expressed wonder over the confusing statements being issued by the state government. "On one hand the Education Minister Naeem Akhther asks the newspaper owners to stop printing for two-three days, on the other Amitabh Mattoo, advisor of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, apologises to the newspaper owners and also states that the Chief Minister was not aware that newspapers were not being published. "I asked the Home Minister whether he knew who was controlling the affairs in state on day-to-day basis where the Chief Minister was so ignorant," he said. The unrest in the Valley erupted after the killing of young Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8 and has claimed 42 lives. PTI SKL GSN --- ENDS --- The United Nations chief says that the Iran nuclear deal marked a fundamental change in the Middle Eastern nations relationship with the Security Council and has provided Iran with an opportunity for greater engagement with the international community. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement commemorating the one year anniversary of the Security Councils approval of the deal on Wednesday that the agreement is the best way to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Irans nuclear program and realize the aspiration of the Iranian people. Ban called on all member states to support the full and effective implementation of the agreement, adding that it was of the utmost importance that (the nuclear deal) works for all its participants, including by delivering tangible benefits to the Iranian people. (AP) Hillary Clintons vice presidential search is centering on three main contenders, with an announcement expected as soon as Friday as the Democrat prepares for her partys national convention next week in Philadelphia. Democrats familiar with the search say Clintons campaign has focused in recent days on Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a former governor, mayor and one-time Catholic missionary fluent in Spanish; Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, an ex-Iowa governor and longtime Clinton ally; and Labor Secretary Tom Perez, a progressive champion who would be the first Hispanic on a major-party ticket. The Democrats cautioned that Clinton had not yet reached a final decision and was weighing a number of factors, including the persons readiness to be president, personal compatibility and ability to help her administration govern. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a favorite of liberals, remains in the mix and offers the campaign a fundraising juggernaut and the tantalizing prospect of an all-female ticket. But Warren is not expected to be the final choice, said the Democrats familiar with the process. They spoke on condition of anonymity to describe private discussions about the search process. Clintons choice will be the culmination of a closely held search for a running mate, run by a small group of longtime advisers and confidantes. Preparing for a showdown with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, Clinton has sought to project an inclusive campaign aimed at breaking down barriers and building bridges to mobilize the diverse coalition of voters who twice elected President Barack Obama. Clinton is expected to announce her decision during a two-day campaign swing in Florida later this week. The vice presidential rollout could come at either a Friday rally at the state fairgrounds in Tampa or at a Saturday rally at Florida International University in Miami, where two-thirds of the student body is Hispanic. Following next weeks Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, the newly minted ticket is expected to embark on a campaign bus tour, reminiscent of the First 1,000 Miles convoy that took Bill Clinton, Al Gore and their spouses across eight states after the partys 1992 convention. Democrats familiar with the process said Trumps choice of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, a conservative former congressman, for the GOP ticket was not viewed as requiring her to choose a specific running mate in response. Campaign officials declined to comment. Kaine has been considered a leading contender for weeks based on his broad experience in Virginia, a presidential battleground state, as governor, senator and mayor of Richmond. He also served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee and as a lawyer working on fair housing and civil rights issues. Vilsack, the longest-serving member of Obamas Cabinet, has known Clinton for many years his late brother-in-law worked with her in the early 1970s and she was among his most prominent surrogates in his come-from-behind gubernatorial victory in 1998. Perez, meanwhile, is highly regarded by the White House for his policy chops and could potentially galvanize Latinos who have been turned off by Trumps harsh rhetoric about Hispanics. The son of immigrants from the Dominican Republic, Perez played a behind-the-scenes role as a federal prosecutor, a top aide to the late Sen. Ted Kennedy and the head of the Justice Departments civil rights division. Both Vilsack and Kaine have been through the process before. Vilsack was among the final group considered by John Kerry in 2004 and Kaine was vetted by Obamas team four years later. If either Vilsack or Perez were selected, they would be required to resign from Obamas Cabinet. Clintons decision will be steeped in her personal experience. She was involved in her husbands selection of Gore in 1992 and has the unique vantage point of having seen up close the various roles played by the vice president. In an interview this week with Charlie Rose of CBS News, Clinton said her main criterion was would this person be a good president? You know, I am afflicted with the responsibility gene and I know what its like being president. Quizzed on potential running mates, Clinton noted that Kaine had never lost an election and was a world-class mayor, governor and senator. She said Warren had put the agenda of inequality front and center. Clinton also praised retired Adm. James Stavridis, a former NATO supreme allied commander, calling him exceptional. Other possible choices include Housing Secretary Julian Castro, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker. Clinton met with Castro, Hickenlooper and Warren at her Washington home on Friday. (AP) In a bid to reduce long airport security lines, United Airlines said Wednesday it will work with federal officials to install automated screening checkpoints this fall at its hub in Newark, New Jersey, and later this year in Chicago and Los Angeles. Automated checkpoints are set up so that suspicious bags are pulled away for more scrutiny, keeping other bags on the conveyer belt moving. They also have a conveyer belt to return empty bins to the beginning of the line. Uniteds move echoes similar announcements from Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. Carriers say passengers have missed flights while stuck in long lines at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints. United also said that four checkpoints at the Newark airport will be combined into one, checkpoints at Chicagos OHare Airport will be redesigned, and a new check-in and screening area will be built in Terminal 7 at Los Angeles International Airport. In addition, the airline said it will let customers use United frequent-flier points to pay for the $85 application fee for TSAs PreCheck expedited-screening program. (AP) The oceanographer whose calculations helped an American adventurer find potential debris from Flight 370 said Thursday that the Malaysia Airlines jetliner could have crashed slightly north of the current search area. Adventurer Blaine Gibson handed Malaysian authorities in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday three pieces of debris and personal belongings that he found on Madagascar beaches in June, which he suspects came from the Boeing 777 that vanished with 239 people on board during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014. Western Australia University oceanographer Charitha Pattiaratchi said the same drift modeling that Gibson relied on led his team of oceanographers to suspect that the airliner could have gone down just north of the search area in the southern Indian Ocean. The best guess that we think is that its probably around the Broken Ridge region, which is slightly to the north of the area that theyre looking at, Pattiaratchi said. But he could not eliminate the possibility that the aircraft had indeed crashed within the 120,000 square kilometers (46,000 square miles) of seabed currently being searched southwest of Australia. Despite the drift modeling and other predictions officials have made about the planes possible flight path, no one knows what happened to the aircraft or precisely where it crashed in what has become one of aviations biggest mysteries. Officials from Malaysia, China and Australia will meet in Kuala Lumpur on Friday to discuss the future of the underwater search, with fewer than 10,000 square kilometers (3,900 square miles) remaining to be scanned by ships towing sonar equipment. The search of the seabed has not yielded a single clue. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau, which has conducted the seabed search on Malaysias behalf for almost two years, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Pattriaratchis views. Drift modeling was not used to define the search area because no parts of Flight 370 had been found before a wing flap washed up on La Reunion island off the African coast a year ago. The search area was determined by analysis of satellite signals that the plane emitted in its final hours. But the ATSB has previously said that wreckage found far away on the southwestern shores of the Indian Ocean was consistent with the plane crashing in the expansive search area. Pattiaratchis modeling was based on how long the first piece of confirmed Flight 370 wreckage took to reach La Reunion, and his teams calculations of the effects of currents, wind and waves on drifting debris put the crash site just north of the current search area. Pattiaratchi said the results were not definitive. But families of victims are calling for the search to be shifted based on vague clues from debris already found if the seabed search turns up nothing. The ATSB, like Pattiaratchi, had identified Madagascar as a potential place for debris to wash up. Another six pieces of potential debris found there by Gibson are waiting with Madagascar authorities for Malaysia to collect. Pattiaratchi said he had told Gibson that Flight 370 debris was likely to concentrate on Madagascar. Pattiaratchis earlier advice had led Gibson to Mozambique where he found debris in February that experts later determined came from Flight 370. He rang me from the Maldives and said: Where should I go? Should I go to Rodrigues, Mauritius, Reunion, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa?' Pattiaratchi said Thursday. I said: Your best bet is the northeast part of Madagascar, which is where he went. Five pieces of debris found in the southwestern Indian Ocean have been determined as almost certainly from Flight 370. Gibson gives credit to Pattiaratchi and Australian government oceanographer David Griffin for his finds, although only one has been confirmed as part of Flight 370. Griffins advice led Gibson to a second Madagascar island where he found the potential debris that he brought to Malaysia. Gibson said he had been told by Malaysian officials that costs were the reason that a Malaysian investigator had twice canceled plans to fly to Madagascar to retrieve debris he had found. They tell me its a budgetary situation, he said. If youre spending hundreds of millions of dollars to search under water and finding nothing, and its only a plane ticket to pick up six pieces and some personal effects, you ought to just do it. (AP) Republican nominee Donald Trump hinted at a new world order if he becomes president, saying the United States, under his leadership, might not come to the defense of some NATO members if Russia were to attack them. Trump said he would decide whether to protect the Baltic republics against Russian aggression based on whether those countries have fulfilled their obligations to us. He made the comments in an interview with The New York Times on Wednesday, ahead of his speech to formally accept the Republican nomination for president late Thursday. Trumps remarks about U.S. obligations under NATO to come to the aid of other members of the 28-nation alliance are in line with his views questioning the United States global role. In 2014, the 28-member alliance created a rapid-reaction force to protect the most vulnerable NATO members against a confrontation with Russia. Last week, President Barack Obama pledged unwavering commitment to defending Europe, adding that in good times and in bad, Europe can count on the United States. NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance of European and North American democracies created after World War II to strengthen international cooperation as a counter-balance to the rise of the Soviet Union. Presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clintons campaign was quick to pounce on Trumps statements. The president is supposed to be the leader of the free world. Donald Trump apparently doesnt even believe in the free world, Clinton senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement shortly after the interview was published. Ronald Reagan would be ashamed. Harry Truman would be ashamed. Republicans, Democrats and independents who help build NATO into the most successful military alliance in history would all come to the same conclusion: Donald Trump is temperamentally unfit and fundamentally ill-prepared to be our commander in chief, Sullivan added. Trumps running mate, Gov. Mike Pence, was on the defensive early Thursday, telling Fox News that he is confident the Republican nominee would stand by Americas NATO allies, but insisted that those countries must pay their fair share. Pence added that a Trump administration would tell U.S. allies the time has come for them and for their citizens to begin to carry the financial costs of these international obligations. Trump has publicly welcomed praise from Russian President Vladimir Putin, telling MSNBC in December that, when people call you brilliant, thats always good, especially when the person heads up Russia. When the interviewer pointed out charges that Putin kills opponents and that he invaded neighboring Ukraine, Trump responded that Putin is running his country, and at least hes a leader, unlike what we have in this country. Trump also told The Times that he would not criticize Turkey for cracking down on political opponents and restricting civil liberties following last weeks attempted coup. Of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trump said: I give great credit to him for being able to turn that around. Some people say that it was staged, you know that. I dont think so. The U.S. has no right to lecture Turkey and other countries when people are shooting policemen in cold blood, Trump said. With decades in business and no prior political experience, Trump cast the projection of American military might abroad in economic terms. For example, he said it might not be necessary to station American troops abroad, though he agreed its preferable. If we decide we have to defend the United States, we can always deploy troops from the U.S., Trump told the newspaper, and it will be a lot less expensive. (AP) A paramedic is being hailed as a hero for coming to the aid of a woman on a respirator who was just minutes away from death after a construction crane collapsed across the Tappan Zee Bridge north of New York City. WCBS-TV reports an ambulette was carrying a 26-year-old woman Tuesday when a crane crashed across the bridge, shutting down Thruway traffic in both directions. Ambulance company officials say the patient couldnt breathe on her own, and the respirator was running out of power. Paramedic Ailyea Langbaum drove the wrong way toward the crane and reached the ambulette on foot. The paramedic hooked up a portable respirator to the woman. A friend of the woman says she likely wouldve died if it werent for the paramedics efforts. (AP) By PTI: From Lalit K Jha Cleveland, Jul 21 (PTI) Once a friend-turn-foe, Texas Senator Ted Cruz has congratulated Donald Trump for becoming the Republican presidential nominee as he launched a scathing attack on President Barack Obama for taking everything backward and Hillary Clinton for following his policies. "I congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night," Cruz told a cheering crowd at the Republican National Convention here. advertisement The Junior Senator from Texas was defeated by Trump during the primary battle. Besides congratulating Trump for winning the primaries, Cruz launched a scathing attack on President Obama and the Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. "There is a profound difference in our two parties visions for the future. Theirs is the party that thinks ISIS (Islamic State) is a "JV team," that responds to the death of Americans at Benghazi by asking, "What difference does it make?" That thinks. Its possible to make a deal with Iran, which celebrates as holidays "Death to America Day" and "Death to Israel Day. That is madness, Cruz said. "President Obama is a man who does everything backwards ? he wants to close Guantanamo Bay and open up our borders, he exports jobs and imports terrorists. Enough is enough. There is a better vision for our future: A return to freedom, he said. "Freedom means religious freedom, whether you are Christian or Jew, Muslim or atheist. Gay or straight, the Bill of Rights protects the rights of all of us to live according to our conscience. Freedom means the right to keep and bear arms, and protect your family," he said. "Freedom means Supreme Court Justices who dont dictate policy, but instead follow the Constitution," he added. Hillary Clinton, he alleged, believes government should make virtually every choice in ones life. Education, healthcare, marriage, speech ? all dictated out of Washington. "But something powerful is happening. Weve seen it in both parties. Weve seen it in the United Kingdoms unprecedented Brexit vote to leave the European Union," he said. Voters are overwhelmingly rejecting big government. Thats a profound victory," he said. Cruz said the countrymen are fed up with politicians who dont listen to them, fed up with a corrupt system that benefits the elites, instead of working men and women. "We deserve an immigration system that puts America first. And yes, builds a wall to keep us safe. That stops admitting ISIS terrorists as refugees," he said. MORE PTI LKJ AJR --- ENDS --- Energy supplier SSE has lost another 50,000 customers in its first quarter and warned of a possible higher degree of regulation after Brexit, but said it was still targeting a return to growth this year. Britains second biggest energy firm went from having 8.21million customers at the end of March to 8.16million by the end of June this year as competition from smaller suppliers has taken its toll on bigger firms. It comes as green energy supplier Good Energy signed up an extra 63,250 customers in the first half of the year compared to the previous six months. Despite the customer losses, SSE maintained its earnings per share target of at least 120 pence for the current fiscal year. Last year SSE lost 370,000 customers, but still posted profits of 1.5billion. Losing customers: SSE had 8.16million by the end of June this year - down 50,000 from the previous quarter Lower gas and oil prices meant that power generation from its fossil fuel power plants nearly doubled in the quarter compared to last year. Electricity output from renewable sources, however, fell by 31 per cent due to bad weather, SSE said. Shares in SSE fell by 4.5p to 1,620.50p this morning. Last week the Government announced it was abolishing the Department for Energy and Climate Change in a sign some campaigners warned that Britain's efforts to combat global warming are diminishing. SSE chief executive Alistair Phillips-Davies said the company had made a solid start to the financial year but also warned the reforms recently proposed by the competition watchdog and uncertainty stemming from Brexit would have an impact on the firm. Whilst the publication of the final remedies by the CMA brings clarity, it does constitute a considerable package of reforms to be implemented into the fast changing energy supply market, he said. The outcome of the UK's referendum on membership of the EU could lead to aspects of the financial, regulatory and political environment becoming more uncertain in the years ahead. The energy supplier also said it had started the sale of up to a third of its 50 per cent stake in gas distribution company SGN Limited, with the proceeds set to be used to return value to shareholders or to invest in the business. SSE is one of the Big Six energy firms whose prices and customer service have been the object of two-year investigation by the competition watchdog, over fears some customers were paying more than they needed to for gas and electricity. The Competition Makets Authority, which published the final report into the energy market on the day after the EU referendum, found that some households overpaid a total of 1.4billion a year between 2012 and 2015 on uncompetitive tariffs. But some dissatisfied customers have been deserting the big energy companies for smaller suppliers such as Ovo Energy, First Utility and Good Energy, which often offer lower prices. British Gas, Britains biggest energy company, lost 224,000 customers between January and March. Power generation from SSE fossil-fuel power plants nearly doubled in the quarter compared to last year But Good Energy said today that its customers number rose by 36 per cent to 239,750 in the six months to the end of June despite a 'competitive landscape'. 'Given current trading, continued growth in customer meter points and performance across the generation portfolio, we expect the full year result to be in line with expectations,' the energy firm said in a statement. Yesterday, ScottishPower said its gas and electricity supply arm recorded a fall in profits after being hit with a multi-million pound fine for customer service failings and saw less demand for energy amid mild weather. The suppliers Spanish owner Iberdrola also said that a fall in the value of the pound following the UKs decision to leave the EU will mean UK profits will be lower when converted into euros. However, it added that the groups significant geographical - and currency - diversification will offset any possible impacts from Brexit. Overall half-year underlying profits still edged up 1 per cent to 205.9million thanks to a 121 per cent rise in profits at its wholesale and generation business. This offset an 8.6 per cent fall in underlying profits at its energy supply arm in the first half of the year. Customers at three Sainsburys stores will be able to order groceries and have them delivered home within the same day as the supermarket continues with its push into the online shopping market. Sainsbury's has also promised it will create 900 new jobs over the next four years at its soon-to-be opened online fulfilment centre in East London as it tries to meet rising demand for online orders, especially in the capital. Under the trial, customers placing an order by 12pm will have their shopping delivered from 6pm on the same day or will be able to pick it up from 4pm from its click-and-collect points, the supermarket group said. Pushing online: Sainsbury's is launching the trial of a same-day home delivery service at three of its stores The three stores chosen for the trial are at Streatham Common and Richmond in London, and Brookwood in Surrey. If successful, Sainsbury's said it will roll out the service to an extra 30 stores before Christmas. Deliveries will be free for customers with the Sainsbury's delivery pass and for orders of 100 or more between Monday and Thursday - or else the fee will be competitively priced, the supermarket said. Robbie Feather, Sainsbury's director for online, said: As our online sales grow we are seeing an increasing proportion of orders placed for next day delivery, so this trial is a natural next step in delivering our strategy to help customers shop whenever and wherever they want. Meanwhile, Britains second biggest supermarket said it will recruit 470 people immediately at the new fulfillment centre in Bromley-by-Bow, East London, which is set to open in autumn. A further 430 jobs are set to be created by 2020, with a mixture of positions including drivers, order pickers, product replenishers and managers. The online push follows a move to stronger competition in the market, with US giant Amazon recently launching its AmazonFresh service, which offers same-day fresh food deliveries to 128 postcodes in London. Mr Feather said: Demand for our online delivery service in the capital continues to grow. We expect this trend to continue as more and more customers enjoy the flexibility of multi-channel shopping using our groceries website and app, in addition to visiting stores.' Sainsburys online orders are currently picked from supermarket stores across the UK. Mr Feather said this model will continue, but the Bromley-by-Bow centre will help the supermarket chain to keep pace with demand in London. He estimates an extra 25,000 orders per week will be delivered from the new centre, which, extending for 185,000 square feet, is been kitted out with the latest automation and picking technology. Groceries: Sainsburys online orders are currently picked from supermarket stores across the UK, but its new fulfilment centre will help the supermarket to keep pace with demand in London Last month, Sainsburys reported a 0.8 per cent drop in like-for-like sales excluding fuel for the 12 weeks to June 4. The fall marked a setback after a return to quarterly like-for-like growth for the first time in more than two years the previous three months, when sales edged 0.1 per cent higher. Supermarkets are currently locked in a price war, which has seen the Big Four - Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons - slash their prices to protect market share from the rise of German discounters Aldi and Lidl. Shares in Sainsbury's were 0.7 per cent, or 1.6p lower at 227.9p in mid-morning trading. The grocer is currently waiting to hear if the Competition and Markets Authority will launch an inquiry into its 1.4billion takeover of Argos stores owner Home Retail Group. The CMA said it would consider comments on the deal and announce its decision by July 25. Sainsburys has promised to create more than 1,000 shop staff jobs in the next three years after its Argos takeover despite roles in head office being put at risk. Pension contributions made by UK workers topped 9 billion last year, up nearly a fifth (17 per cent) compared to the 2010/11 tax year. At 9.3 billion, it was the second-highest inflow since records began in 1990/91 but while a respectable recovery, the total still lags behind the peak year for contributions of 2007/8, when 10.2 billion was saved just before the onset of the financial crisis. According to analysis of new HMRC data by Prudential, the recent increase in total pension contributions can be attributed in part to the initial success of auto-enrolment in encouraging more workers to save for their retirement. Workers at smaller employers such as coffee shops have been brought into auto-enrolment Prudential said the most recent available figures on total numbers of pension savers for the tax year 2013/14 show that in the first 18 months of auto-enrolment, around one million more people in the UK started to contribute to a pension. Auto-enrolment started to roll out in October 2012 and means employees and their employers have to contribute to workplace pensions at minimum contribution levels. Employees must put aside 0.8 per cent of their eligible earnings into a qualifying pension scheme until September 2017, after which the minimum requirement rises to 2.4 per cent and it goes up again to 4 per cent in October 2018. Meanwhile, employers must contribute at least 1 per cent of a workers eligible earnings into the same scheme until September 2017, rising to 2 per cent the following year and 3 per cent in October 2018. The government adds 0.2 per cent in tax relief to the workers pension contributions until September 2017, after which it will rise to 0.6 per cent a year later and again to 0.8 per cent in October 2018. The effect of auto-enrolment is to secure minimum pension contributions of 2 per cent until September 2017, 5 per cent from the following month to September 2018, and then 8 per cent from that October. See table below. Auto-enrolment: Minimum contribution levels are set to rise in stages to a total of 8 per cent of salary in 2018 (Source: The Pensions Advisory Service) Prudentials analysis found that the introduction of auto-enrolment (which has rolled out to companies of different sizes gradually) immediately began to reverse a trend that had seen the total number of pension savers in the UK fall by 32 per cent from 7.8 million to 5.3 million in the 10 years to the end of the 2011/12 tax year. By April 2014 the figure had recovered to more than 6.4 million. However, the company also pointed to its previous research that found many new automatically-enrolled pension savers contribute relatively small amounts of money and are basic-rate taxpayers. This is reflected in the HMRC data showing that while annual totals of individual pension contributions have increased since 2010/11, the amount of tax relief on contributions paid out by HMRC in the same period has actually fallen from 24 billion to 21.2 billion in 2014/15. The government has been trying to raise awareness of auto-enrolment with the help of 'Workie' - the face of its national advertising campaign Stan Russell, a retirement income expert at Prudential, said: After taking a long time to recover after the shock of the financial crisis, it appears that workers in the UK are starting to catch the pension savings bug again. Now, more than ever, it is important for those looking to secure a comfortable retirement to save as much as possible as early as possible into a pension. With fewer people benefiting from final salary pensions and faced with volatile financial markets, especially following the result of the EU referendum, saving into a personal or workplace pension is something I would encourage all workers to consider strongly. The protesters burnt the effigy of Singh, who has been sacked from the BJP for six years after his removal as the state vice-president failed to placate an angry opposition. By India Today Web Desk: Thousands of BSP workers came out on the streets in Lucknow today to protest against the abusive remark made by the BJP's Dayashankar Singh against BSP chief Mayawati and demanded his immediate arrest. The protesters burnt the effigy of Singh, who has been sacked from the BJP for six years after his removal as the state vice-president failed to placate an angry opposition. advertisement Demonstrating before the Ambedkar statue in Lucknow's Hazratganj area, the BSP workers raised slogans against the "anti-Dalit" BJP and asked for Singh's arrest. "Mayawati worse than a prostitute" Dayashankar Singh had compared Mayawati with a sex worker at a press conference in Mau district on Tuesday. "Even a prostitute fulfils her commitment to a man after she is paid. But Mayawati, such a big leader in UP, sells party tickets to anyone who pays her the highest amount. If someone gives her Rs one crore for a ticket, she will give it to the other person who is offering Rs 2 crores," Singh had told reporters, repeatedly using the word "veshya" in Hindi. The slur rocked Parliament on Wednesday with a furious Mayawati threatening of nationwide protest if no action is taken against Singh. Her party, the BSP also filed an FIR against the BJP leader yesterday. BJP sacks Dayashankar Singh The BJP on Wednesday night suspended Dayashankar Singh for six years following his obscene comments on Mayawati, whose party, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), has also lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against the BJP leader. Earlier on Wednesday, the BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit vice-president was sacked from all party posts shortly after his slur was unanimously slammed by the opposition in Parliament. The decision to suspend Singh was taken by BJP president Amit Shah, informed sources said. Before coming to the decision to suspend Singh, Shah discussed the matter with state party leaders, including state party chief Keshav Prasad Maurya. "BJP does not approve such remarks and we strongly condemn it. This was the reason we have removed Singh from all party posts with immediate effect," Maurya told reporters. Mayawati slur: BJP suspends Dayashankar Singh for six years, BSP files FIR 10 sexist slurs that show how ridiculous Indian politicians can be BJP leader compares Mayawati to a prostitute as party counters anti-Dalit tag in Gujarat, Parliament --- ENDS --- Una has been on the boil since the stripping and flogging of Dalit men by self-appointed cow protection vigilantes last week. Dalit community members holding a protest rally in Surat against the assault on dalit members by cow protectors in Rajkot district, Gujarat. (Photo: PTI) By India Today Web Desk: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi visited Una in Gujarat's Gir-Somnath district today which has been on the boil since the stripping and flogging of Dalit men by self-appointed cow protection vigilantes last week. "Rahul Gandhi is a thinker. He has been there wherever there have been atrocities on Dalits. I hope Rahul ji will understand their problems," Gujarat Congress leader Chandrakant Shrivastav told ANI. advertisement Here are the latest developments: The beating of the Dalit youth has caused nationwide outrage after the video went viral. The victims said they were skinning a dead cow and had not killed it. Five more youngsters attempted to kill themselves in Gujarat's Saurashtra region on Wednesday as 'Gujarat Bandh' called by Dalit organisations evoked a partial response. At least 17 Dalit men have attempted suicide across Gujarat in the last 72 hours protesting against the Una incident. 16 people have been arrested so far for the assault. Thousands of Dalits took out protest rallies and forced shops and commercial establishments to down shutters in various Gujarat towns on Wednesday. The day-long bandh was marred by sporadic incidents of arson, stone-pelting and blocking of roads. Over 200 protesters were also arrested. Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel visited Mota Samaliyala village in Una, where the alleged incident of beating of seven Dalits had taken place on July 11. The Gujarat government has ordered a CID-Crime Branch inquiry, formation of a special designated court and filing of a chargesheet in 60 days in the case. Aam Aadmi Party national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is also likely to visit Una on Friday. The AAP is also planning statewide protest in Gujarat over the atrocities on Dalits in Una. This will be Kejriwal's second visit to Gujarat in a fortnight. On July 9, he had visited Somnath temple. ALSO READ: Una Dalit thrashing: As Opposition guns for Gujarat govt, Union ministers come to Anandiben's defence Was Rahul Gandhi sleeping in Parliament when Congress cornered BJP on Dalit atrocities? --- ENDS --- Addressing fire safety Living in San Diego County, the threat of fires is constant, that is why I have made fire safety one... Supporting animals As a trained Project Wildlife Native Songbird Rehabilitator, my experience raising orphaned and injured songbirds and returning them to the... "Pakistan's flag is being hoisted in Kashmir everyday. Why is the prime minister silent? His 56 inch chest is now limited to 2 inches," Lalu Prasad Yadav said. "Pakistan's flag is being hoisted in Kashmir everyday. Why is the prime minister silent? His 56 inch chest is now limited to 2 inches," Lalu Prasad Yadav said. By Rohit Kumar Singh: RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav today attacked BJP's Dayashankar Singh and said his party is anti-Dalit. "BJP is an extremely anti-Dalit party. It is evident from what is happening in Gujarat as well. The face of BJP has now been exposed. The kind of language used by Dayashankar Singh against BSP supremo Mayawati has crossed all limits," said the RJD chief. advertisement Lalu further slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that that BJP and the RSS together were crushing Baba Bhimrao Ambedkar's dream. "It has been established that Guru Golwalkar's RSS is anti-poor. Dalits across the country are being humiliated. Baba Bhimrao Ambedkar's dreams are being crushed by the RSS and Narendra Modi", he said. Lalu said that the country was not safe in the hands of BJP. He said that Modi had no feelings for the Dalits. "How is Narendra Modi a Dalit? Why is he a Dalit? The Prime Minister his book had said that scavengers are doing their work for self spiritual satisfaction. BJP hates Dalits and backwards class communities and minorities," he said. He even questioned Modi's silence on Kashmir unrest. "Pakistan's flag is being hoisted in Kashmir everyday. Why is the prime minister silent? His 56 inch chest is now limited to 2 inches," Lalu Prasad Yadav said. Also Read BJP expels Dayashankar Singh who compared Mayawati to a prostitute Mayawati slur: Cops hunt for expelled BJP leader Dayashankar Singh --- ENDS --- Deepika Padukone has shot down wedding rumours saying that she is neither engaged nor planning to get married anytime soon. By India Today Web Desk: Ever since Deepika Padukone has returned to India after wrapping up her Hollywood debut film xXx Return of Xander Cage, a lot has been said about her personal life. On one hand, rumours are rife that she is engaged to her boyfriend Ranveer Singh, while others suggest that the couple might soon tie the knot. advertisement ALSO READ: Are lovebirds Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone secretly engaged? ALSO READ: Ranveer and Deepika's PDA in this video will give you major relationship goals However, Deepika has shot down wedding rumours saying that she is neither engaged nor planning to get married any time soon. The Bajirao Mastani actor, who walked as the showstopper for designer Manish Malhotra's collect at FDCI India Couture Week 2016, said this was the "right opportunity to clarify". "I think this is the right opportunity for me to clarify... there is no such plan any time soon. I am not pregnant, I am not engaged, I am not married. I am not planning to get married anytime soon," Deepika told reporters. While Ranveer ahs always been vocal about his feelings for Deepika, the Piku actor has never quite indulged in any sort of public display of affection. But the 30-year-old actor took everyone by suprise when she blew a kiss towards Ranveer at the recently held IIFA awards and this added fuel to the engagement rumours. But the Tamasha actor has finally broken her silence on the rumours. On the work front, Deepika will be next seen in xXx Return of Xander Cage. Apart from this, she has signed Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavati. --- ENDS --- They disclosed that they used to insert a match stick on the remote pad of the ATM machine, due to which machine hold the cash but after a while they withdraw the cash after pulling out the match stick. By Nitin Jain: Next time you visit ATM for withdrawing money just be cautious and certain that there would no match stick pinned or inserted in remote pad of the ATM. East Delhi Police has arrested two cheaters who used to commit cheating by employing this unique modus operandi by inserting match stick in remote pad of ATMs machine. Faim aka Bhura and Saleem used this method and cheated at least 250 people for over an year now. advertisement The duo disclosed to the police that during 2015 they met another man, Sarfaraz, who had mastered the trick and taught them. They disclosed that they used to insert a match stick on the remote pad of the ATM machine, due to which machine hold the cash but after a while they withdraw the cash after pulling out the match stick. The gang also cheated senior persons by changing their ATM cards on pretext of help. They generally used secluded ATMs, which doesnt have CCTV and is not guarded. One of active Gang Member Sarfaraz is absconding and raids are being conducted to apprehend him. The police arrested them and recovered a country-made pistol along with two live cartridges. --- ENDS --- Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Tammy Scileppi Despite the many contributions that performing artists make to the citys cultural vibrancy, the high cost of real estate, combined with the limited resources that many performers have at their disposal, can make finding suitable rehearsal or work spaces extremely difficult. With that problem in mind, nonprofit Exploring the Metropolis (EtM) has come up with innovative workspace solutions. EtMs efforts have created wider opportunities for artists and audiences in communities across the city, including Flushing and Jamaica. A major part of those efforts is EtMs Con Edison Composers Residency. Matching a composer with a facility, the residency program, funded in part by Consolidate Edison, Inc., offers its participants up to 25 hours of free rehearsal and work space per week. Each composer teams up with the host facility to present a free, open-to-the-public program at the end of the residency. Creative spaces in such cultural facilities as Flushing Town Hall and the Queens Museum have been provided, with over $450,000 worth of rehearsal space and financial support awarded to more than 45 composers since EtM got its start in 2009. Last month, the nonprofit announced five recipients of the 2016-17 EtM Con Edison Composers Residency. Each received a six-month residency in one of EtMs partnering facilities, plus a $2,500 stipend. Two recipients are from Queens: Ridgewood resident Lea Bertucci, who will be at the Queens Museum, and Thai-born, Queens-based composer, writer and musician Tidtaya Sinutoke, who will be at Flushing Town Hall. Bertucci, a sound artist, composer and performer, uses both acoustic and electronic instruments, and said she takes an idiosyncratic approach to the amplification of woodwind instruments, creating organic yet electrified sonic interventions. She said her music is abstract in nature, as I have found that more complex ideas and feelings can be expressed without traditional structural, melodic and harmonic modes. She is interested in the sonic and spatial expansion of acoustic instruments through multi-channel speaker systems, with an unconventional approach to the placement of each speaker in a space. During her residency at the Queens Museum, she will work on a piece for a 20-voice childrens choir and surround-sound electronics. Through the process of developing this piece, she said, I will also be generating a series of shorter collages and making recordings at the Queens Museum. Prerana Reddy, the Queens Museums director of public programs and community engagement, said that Bertuccis residency fits in well with the active environment the museum provides for artists of all mediums. Our collaboration with Exploring the Metropolis allows us to welcome composers to join the visual artists already in our studio community, she said. Sinutokes work is composed mostly for musical theater. When people ask me about how did I begin my theater career, I often said it was fate, Sinutoke, a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, said. In Thailand at that time, theater was almost non-existent. I first discovered musical theatre when I saw a school production of Grease. For me, it was the very first bite Id tasted of musicals and Ive loved them ever since. Growing up in two different cultures, Sinutoke said her main goal in writing is to express the meaning of identity. When you live in two distinctive cultures, sometimes you identify yourself with both, and sometimes with neither of them. However, there is always a sense of home everywhere I go. During her residency, she will work on a musical titled Hart Island Requiem with her collaborator, Grammy Award winner Ty Defoe. Hart Island is the potters field in the Bronx, where an estimated one million people are buried. Flushing Town Hall is thrilled to host Tidtaya Sinutoke for her residency as a part of its partnership with EtM Con Edison Composers Residency, Flushing Town Halls Executive and Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek said. The emotional depth of Tidtayas compositions and her remarkable background make her a truly unique artist. EtM is also looking to expand its footprint in Queens beyond Flushing Town Hall and the Queens Museum. To help it do even more for local performing artists, the organization is seeking funding from the city Department of Cultural Affairs, which would facilitate expansion into such communities as the Rockaways, where a partnership is in the works with the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance for a residency in their newly renovated space. Hopewell Community Park remains a 'labor of love' for local community The lush green park is a product of the combined efforts of the Hopewell Township community and a symbol of decades of conservation efforts in Beaver County. Heartbreaks, a new job and a new city are not easy for anyone to deal with, but when Julie Barton found she was in an acute depressive state, her dog literally saved her life. By India Today Web Desk: Isn't the mere thought of having someone who puts an end to all your worries, a comforting one? Now throw in a beautiful, little golden retriever pup in the picture. What do you get? Sheer joy, of course. But for Julie Barton, this pup wasn't just a source of happiness, but also a means of putting an end to her depression. advertisement In her recently released memoir, Dog Medicine, How My Dog Saved Me From Myself, Barton elucidates on how her dog, Bunker helped her overcome an acute depressive state that hit her after she graduated from college. Barton's book highlights the role her dog played in curing her depression. Picture courtesy: Facebook/Dog Medicine Also Read: What depression feels like from the inside Moving to a new city, suffering a heartbreak and being stuck in a bland job is nobody's idea of perfection--and when they occur simultaneously or in a series, things only become worse. And that's exactly what happened to Julie. After she collapsed on the kitchen floor in her Manhattan apartment at the age of 22, Barton decided to confide in her mother, who rushed from Ohio to New York to be with her. Also Read: Here's how to come out of depression and move towards happiness What followed was a couple of psychiatrists' failed intervention attempts. But then, something wonderful happened. Barton decided to adopt Bunker--and as they say, the rest is history. The delightful pup not only gave Barton a new reason to live but also filled her life with happiness and positivity--both of which she was in dire need of at that point in time. "The first morning I woke up with him by my side, I knew I had something to live for," Mashable quotes her as saying. Having found companionship and unconditional love in Bunker, Barton's life started taking a turn for the better and her recovery didn't seem like a distant dream. You can read her complete story in her memoir, Dog Medicine, that is now available in bookstores, and online. --- ENDS --- AP photo A need for peace in the U.S. It's time for the peaceniks to make a comeback. Known best for their opposition to the war in Vietnam, the time has come to evolve the peace movement. Lessons learned from Mahatma Ghandi and Martin Luther King Jr. make clear a violent response to violence achieves nothing. It only supports an us-versus-them view of the world and lust for revenge. The nation mourns the July 7 deaths of five police officers in Dallas. Adding to the grief, 10 days later in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, two police officers and a sheriff's deputy were killed. The black Dallas shooter, Army reservist Micah Johnson, was furious over the deaths of two black men, Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge and Philandro Castile in suburban St. Paul, Minnesota. Johnson, who had been deployed to Afghanistan, was angry about the Sterling and Castile shootings. He shot and killed the DPD officers, wounded seven and two civilians taking part in the peaceful Black Lives Matter protest. From Johnson's home, Dallas authorities recovered a thick journal of combat-style techniques. Babu Omowale, co-founder of the city's People's New Black Panther Party, said Johnson had attended several meetings, but never had been to one of its armed gatherings. "We had no idea what the brother's mentality was," Omowale told The Washington Post The black Baton Rouge shooter, former Marine sergeant Gavin Long, was just as mad for the same reason. Sterling, a homeless black man, reportedly showed his gun to someone who was asking him for money in a convenience store parking lot. The 911 dispatcher was told he was "waving a gun." Police responded and video shot on the scene showed two Baton Rouge officers tackling and tasing Sterling. An officer delivered two shots to Sterling's chest, then four more. The gun, according to the store owner, was in Sterling's pocket, but he didn't reach for it. Castile, loved by students at the school where he worked as the cafeteria supervisor, had a record of 31 minor traffic offenses. Officers pulled him over for a broken taillight and told the dispatcher they had "reasonable suspicion he may resemble a suspect in a previous robbery." Castiles's girlfriend posted video of the St. Anthony, Minnesota, police officer who fired five rounds at Castile as he sat at the wheel of his car. The policeman then pointed his gun into the car where the girlfriend's 4-year-old daughter was crying in the back seat. Long, from Kansas City, killed three and wounded three officers. On his own website he said victims of police bullying should turn to brute force. "One hundred percent have been successful through fighting back. Zero have been successful just over simply protesting. It has never worked and it never will." With the Republican National Convention approaching, Sunday members of Cleveland's largest police union asked Ohio Gov. John Kasich to put a temporary ban on open carry of guns. After the attack in Dallas, officials said they struggled to tell the difference between people lawfully open carrying long guns and a gunman targeting police. Authorities misidentified at least one armed protester as a suspect in the shooting. Oath Keepers and Open Carry Inc. planned to appear with long guns at the convention as do a variety of other supporters. They will be restricted to the "event zone," 1.7 square miles of space outside of the Secret Service "secured space." NBPP decided to stay home. Providing safety of citizens from sometimes misinformed, well-armed law enforcement and protecting police from shooters who have given way to dangerous rage and can openly carry a lethal weapon are a puzzle to solve. For family and friends of all races, the loss is intense. All we are saying is, give peace a chance. Times Record News Pickles, a pitbull mix, hops on the cage door with her puppies at the Wichita Falls Animal Services Center. This is the first year that the Wichita Falls Animal Servicse Center will be able to participate in the Clear the Shelter event. Many animal shelters and rescue groups will be out and about Saturday for the event. Throughout the day, the adoption fee will be waived for shelter pets so they can have a better chance of finding a new home. SHARE Times Record News file photo Volunteer Marcus Hill, right, talks about pet adoption with a woman at an adoption event put on by the Humane Society of Wichita County at PetSmart. Many animal shelters and rescue groups will be out and about Saturday for the Clear the Shelters event. All that, the adoption fee will be waived for shelter pets so they can have a better chance of finding a new home. By Claire Kowalick of the Times Record News Wichita Falls City Council approved an adopting fee waiver Tuesday for certain events, clearing the way for the Wichita Falls Animal Services Center to participate in the annual Clear the Shelters event Saturday. This national campaign's goal is to give all animals in shelters a better chance to find a home by waiving the adoption fee for this one day. Nearly 20,000 animals were placed with families across the U.S. last year through this campaign. Animal Services Director Katrena Mitchell said this is the first year the city has been able to participate in the event and they hope for a great turnout. "We are getting stuff geared up for that and we are excited about it," she said. She said potential adopters this need to meet the criteria for adopting a pet including documentation that other pets in the household are spayed or neutered and up-to-date on their shots. People can fill out the adoption paperwork at the event and she said it would be ideal for adopters to bring shot records of their current pets. As with any animal addition, Mitchell said people need to keep in mind that taking in an animal is a commitment for the lifetime of that animal. "We hope people plan and think ahead that they definitely want a pet. It can be a 12-to-14-year commitment for a dog and even longer for cats," she said. If people are adopting an unaltered animal such as a kitten or puppy, the individuals need to arrange pre-payment for spay/neuter services with the veterinarian of their choice and bring that documentation. At the city animal services center, there will be $25 fee for animals that includes the animals first set of vaccinations, heartworm test (for dogs), FelV test (for cats), a microchip, dewormer and flea/tick treatment. Several area shelters and adoption groups are participating in the event this year: Emily's Legacy will be at Petco and Petsmart from 1-5 p.m. Texas Pit Crew will set up in front of the city Animal Services Center 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Katy's Dog Place Rescue and Sanctuary of Petrolia will be in front of Petco from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Lucky Dog Thrift Store, 4701 Southwest Pwky. Will have Miss Fannie's Friends and Music for Mutts from noon to 4 p.m. Wichita Falls Animal Services Center, 1207 Hatton Rd., (940) 761-8894, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wichita County Humane Society, 4360 Old Iowa Park Rd., (940) 855-4941, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stephens County Humane Society of Duncan, Okla., 714 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., (580) 252-7387, noon to 6 p.m. Wilbarger Humane Society in Vernon, 2801 Sullivan St., (940) 552-5373, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nocona Lucky Paws Animal Shelter, 653 Airport Road. Location for the event is VFW, 100 Baylor St., (940) 867-5015, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bowie Animal Shelter, 1504 E. Wise Street, Saturday - call for Hours, (940) 872-2275. PPG in Wichita Falls SHARE By John Ingle of the Times Record News Manufacturer PPG Industries has reached an agreement for Mexico-based company Vitro S.A.B. de C.V. to purchase the flat glass operations in the United States for about $750 million. Wichita Falls plant manager Bill Haley told the Times Record News Thursday afternoon that the local facility wont see any curtailment in production or employment as a result of the transaction and there could be an opportunity for growth by the operation folding into Vitro. Todays business environment requires an absolute focus on markets and customers to prosper and grow, he said. The combination of PPGs flat glass business and Vitros assets will create one of the largest float manufacturers in North America with the means to service the North American markets and customers more effectively with improved capability and capacity. Haley continued, The Wichita Falls manufacturing facility is looking forward to new growth in the production of energy efficient glasses and coatings for the commercial markets. We have always appreciated the resources and support of the Wichita community, and we look forward to maintaining that relationship as we grow. A news release on the companys website Thursday morning said Vitro S.A.B. de C.V., Mexicos largest glass manufacturer, is the buyer of PPGs flat glass manufacturing and glass coatings operations. The transaction should be complete by the end of 2016. This transaction represents the end of an historic era for PPG as a manufacturer of flat glass, and it is another major step in our portfolio transformation to focus on paints, coatings and specialty materials, said PPG President and CEO Michael McGarry. Upon completion of this transaction, the flat glass operations will become part of a company that is focused on growing its core glass business. In addition to PPGs Wichita Falls plant, which employs about 350 area residents, the manufacturer also has locations in Fresno, California; Salem, Oregon; and Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The company also has distribution facilities in Canada and a research and development center in Harmar, Pennsylvania. PPG, according to its website, in 2015 reported a net sales figure of $15.3 billion. Until this transaction, Vitro had a minimal footprint in the U.S. glass manufacturing scene with one location in the Midwest. This investment will strengthen our construction glass business, as it will allow us to participate in the U.S. and Canadian markets and in the segment of high performance glass coatings in which we have no significant presence, said Vitro CEO Adrian Sada Cueva. The combination of the talented teams from both companies is expected to result in a business with greater growth potential. The Mexican companys expansion comes on the heels of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy restructuring in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Texas, which includes Wichita Falls. The request for restructuring was initially filed in November 2010, and a final decree was issued in November 2013, according to court records. The company is now undergoing a review period with the courts.

TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS Wichita County landowner Kevin Hunter stands next to a t-post marking the northern edge of his land near the Red River based on an independent land survey done in April 2015. Hunter has maps and surveys contradicting what the Bureau of Land Management claims is government-owned land along the Red River.

SHARE By John Ingle of the Times Record News Attorneys and their clients in the case involving disputed ownership of land along the Red River will head into a federal district courtroom in Fort Worth on Thursday for their first hearing in front of Judge Reed O'Connor. Robert Henneke, lead counsel for the plaintiffs, told the Times Record News on Wednesday afternoon that the hearing is primarily procedural to look at proposed dates and deadlines for both sides throughout the process. Henneke is general counsel and director of the Texas Public Policy Foundation's Center for the American Future, which represents Texas landowners; Wichita, Wilbarger and Clay counties; and Clay County Sheriff Kenny Lemons. The State of Texas and the Texas General Land Office in March were allowed to intervene, or join the plaintiffs in the case against the Bureau of Land Management, which claims it owns portions of land along a 115-mile stretch of the Red River stretching from Doan's Crossing in Wilbarger County to the unincorporated community of Stanfield in eastern Clay County. "The Texas General Land Office filed a motion to extend some of the deadlines in the scheduling order, which we did not oppose because of the time difficulties in conducting our surveys that we need in order to refute the surveys that have been published by the federal government," Henneke said. "I think and I expect the court to address kind of more broad issues tomorrow as far as where are we in this case and making sure things are on track and seeing where the next steps are and making sure things are moving forward." Henneke said the GLO will ask O'Connor to push the calendar about four months to allow for time to accurately gather what is needed for their case and allow sufficient time for discovery. The case was expected to go to trial in March 2017, but will likely be about a year from now if the motion is approved. He said he believes O'Connor will want to probe both sides a bit to make sure the case is advancing forward and the parties aren't asking for an extension for the sake of getting one. In the mean time, Henneke said he and co-counsel Austin Curry, an attorney with Dallas-based Caldwell Cassady & Curry, will continue to collect discovery evidence and prepare for the court case. The original lawsuit, Aderholt et al v. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) et al, was filed in Wichita Falls in the U.S. District Court's Northern District of Texas in November 2015, claiming the suit is to defend the property rights of Texas landowners from what the TPPF called a land grab. The BLM, who has declined to comment since the suit was filed, said at the time, "BLM remains committed to working with adjacent landowners, counties and other stakeholders through our ongoing planning process to properly identify the extent of federal holdings in the Red River. We share the interest of all parties in clarifying ownership and identifying appropriate management alternatives." The primary driver in the dispute is the definition of a gradient boundary and the method at which that invisible line is determined. According to a 1920s method established by order of the U.S. Supreme Court, the gradient boundary has long been defined as the midpoint between the edge of flowing water at a normal level and the cut bank of land. It's a method adopted and approved by Texas surveyors since it was developed in the 1920s and are the only ones in the career field who use it regularly. Here's what to know as the annual dove hunting season approaches SHARE In the first critical hours of last week's attempted military coup, the vast majority of Turkish citizens made it clear that when it comes to changing government leaders, they believe in ballots, not bullets. Every major Turkish political party, including the ethnic Kurdish Peoples Democracy Party, quickly rejected claims by coup spokesmen that the will of the Turkish people sanctioned their attempt to topple President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government. So, the big message emerging as the initial emergency subsides is this: in crisis, Turks courageously defended their democracy. That suggests the secular Republic of Turkey, founded by Kemal Ataturk in 1923, has achieved one of Ataturk's most fundamental goals: embedding democratic values in Turkish society. Despite the turmoil and uncertainty, that rates as very good news. Ataturk is the only person to have turned a culturally Muslim society into a parliamentary democracy. Unfortunately, his achievement is being contested, and the biggest threat comes from President Erdogan, the man the people saved. I'll get back to that problem in a moment, but first a bit more on Ataturk's goals. Ataturk wanted Turks to become citizens of a free nation living under the secular rule of law laws ratified by a popularly elected legislature. Turks would no longer be the subjects of a sultan or dictator who ruled by whim. Ataturk insisted that Turkish law be secular, not Islamic. That would protect religious freedom and free speech, both rights he thought to be essential to a modern and just society. In 1924, Ataturk abolished the Islamic caliphate as an institution. Little wonder in the 21st century the likes of al-Qaida and ISIS despise him. In the process of creating the Turkish Republic in the 1920s and 1930s, Ataturk emancipated Turkish women and secured their right to vote. One of the major questions the Arab Spring posed in 2011 is how to modernize culturally Islamic nations. Islamic State modernity requires a strict seventh- or eighth-century religious social order complete with ritual beheadings. Ataturk's model offers a constructive and productive alternative and Turks know it. Which brings us back to last week's coup. In 2002, current President Erdogan's Justice and Development Party won the national election, and Erdogan became prime minister. The AKP styles itself as a moderate Islamist party a traditional values party. In the 1990s, Erdogan served a jail term for anti-government activities. It embittered him. However, during that same decade, Erdogan said, "Democracy is merely a train that we ride until we reach our destination. Mosques are our military barracks. Minarets are our spears. And domes are our helmets." He has since claimed he was delivering an emotional speech and his views have tempered. He and his AKP Islamists are committed to a secular state. When he visited Egypt in 2011, after the fall of Hosni Mubarak's military government, Erdogan said that he was a devout Muslim but also president of a democracy. Moreover, there was no conflict between his faith and democracy. However and this is a huge however since 2009 Erdogan has exhibited increasingly authoritarian tendencies. He diminished the power of the prime minister and made the presidency the most powerful office in the land. Now he has president. As president, he has jailed journalists without cause and arrested scores of military officers on what proved to be spurious charges of anti-government activity. In the aftermath of the July 2016 coup, he has fired several hundred judges and arrested (at last count) over 6,000 soldiers and police he suspects are loyal to one of his major opponents, Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen. Gulen lives in exile in Pennsylvania. Erdogan is convinced Gulen's followers staged the coup and has requested his extradition from the U.S. to Turkey. What evidence Erdogan possesses personally implicating Gulen is unknown. However, Erdogan retained his power because the Turkish people believe in their democracy. If he has any sense of his duties and his place in history, he will curb his quest for personal power and commit himself to protecting the system that saved him. Austin Bay is a commentator on National Public Radio's "Morning Edition," covering foreign affairs but often addressing issues in Texas that have a national interest. By PTI: Malkangiri (Odisha), Jul 21 (PTI) Five hardcore Maoists,including a dreaded Maoist couple involved in about 150 cases and carrying a reward of Rs nine lakh on their head, surrendered before the police in Odishas Malkangiri district today. The five ultras have said they decided to surrender in order to return to the social mainstream as they realised that Maoists were unleashing terror on tribals and poor people, said Deputy Inspector General of Police S Saini. advertisement The five who surrendered before the DIG were Sukhdev and his wife Rukmini (both active in Malkangiri and Baipariguda divisions of the Maoists in Odisha) and Raju Sodhi, Deba Beti and Laxman Madkami (active in Darabha division in Chhattisgarh), the police said. Sukhdev and his wife Rukmini were active for over a decade and decided to give up arms after they realised that the Maoists were harassing tribals and poor people, said Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Mitrabhanu Mohapatra. Around 150 cases involving that of murder, landmine blasts, abduction and attack on the police were pending against the couple in different police stations, police said. While the state government had announced a reward of Rs five lakh on the head of Sukhdev, Rukmini was carrying a reward of Rs four lakh, Mohapatra said. Sukhdev, an active Maoist for 15 years, functioned as the commander of Malkangiri division, while Rukmini was engaged in Maoist activities for 12 years and said to be the woman commander of Baipariguda Maoist division, police said. Similarly, Raju, Deba Beti and Laxman were involved in a number of crimes like landmine blasts and attack on police in Sukma and other areas of Chhattisgarh, they said. The rebels told the police that they were fed up with Maoist activities after realising that tribals and poor people were being harassed and exploited by the Maoists who, they said, have deviated from their ideology, the police said adding, they would be rehabilitated as per the state governments policy on surrender of Maoists. PTI CORR SKN DKB SC SNP --- ENDS --- This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Omaha, Neb. Canadian Pacific has finalized its plan to replace Chief Executive Hunter Harrison when he retires from the railroad next summer. The Calgary, Alberta, railroad said Wednesday that it had reached agreements to promote President and Chief Operating Officer Keith Creel to CEO and retain Harrison as a consultant for three years after he retires. Harrison and Creel led Canadian Pacific's unsuccessful effort over the past year to acquire Norfolk Southern railroad. Canadian Pacific abandoned its roughly $30 billion bid for Norfolk Southern after encountering opposition from the railroad, politicians and some customers. The 71-year-old Harrison came out of retirement to lead Canadian Pacific in 2012 after activist investor Bill Ackman took a large stake in the railroad and forced management changes. Harrison had previously led Canadian National and Illinois Central railroads. "I've demonstrated my trouble with retiring in the past, so being available to the board and the organization after my official retirement is exciting," Harrison said. "In four years we have gone from an industry laggard to an industry leader." Creel worked with Harrison at Canadian National. The 47-year-old joined Canadian Pacific in 2013. He has helped lead the railroad's turnaround, and he served as interim CEO for several periods when Harrison was out because of health issues in recent years. "Keith is a tremendous railroader who is more than ready to take the helm as our next CEO," board Chairman Andrew F. Reardon said. Since 2011, the average speed of Canadian Pacific's trains improved 40 percent to 21.4 mph, and its earnings per share more than doubled from 2012 to 2015 to $10.10 in Canadian dollars. The railroad also cut more than 6,000 positions and reduced the size of its locomotive fleet 40 percent by running trains on schedule. In the last six months, Saratoga Economic Development Corporation created $28.9 million in new investment and 291 jobs in Saratoga County, the agency said. The mid-year economic development data from the nonprofit consulting firm showed that the SEDC's six newest projects also are projected to add $18.68 million in new annual payroll, with job salaries averaging $64,192. The report also indicated that 117 local jobs were retained. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin recently welcomed a new lion cub with a very rare feature. On Friday, African lioness Adia gave birth to her second cub and to the surprise of the zoo staff, the cub had stark-white fur. Zoo curator Celia Falzone contacted the Lion Species Survival Plan coordinator to determine the frequency of white-lion births. According to the plan coordinator, only one other lion cub with white fur has been born in a North American zoo. MORE BABIES: Bewborn gerenuk is Houston Zoo's first baby of 2016 "We don't know if the white coloration is permanent or something that will be grown out of," said Gordon Henley, the director of Ellen Trout Zoo. The other cub's white coat slowly transformed into normal coloration by the time it was six months old, according to the survival plan representatives. This new cub is Adia's second birth. The first, Sango, had to be hand-reared because Adia failed to produce milk, but this time around she has had all the appropriate motherly instincts. The new cub's gender is yet to be determined, because the zoo's veterinarian has been away. As soon as the doctor returns, the naming process will begin. BEST LOOK: Pigeon hatchling has an epic, awesome haircut "We wanted to be sure to know the gender before we go in to find a name for it,"Henley said. "We like to keep an African theme for our lions." Henley says the zoo doesn't have a tentative time for the cub's public debut, because it all depends on the lioness and her interaction with the cub. In the meantime, just enjoy the adorable photos of the rare cub in the slideshow above. ALBANY - Catholic advocates traveling the country to promote social justice held a rally at the Capitol on Thursday. The Nuns on the Bus tour calls on elected officials and candidates to ease gaps in income and wealth inequality. The tour is backed by the Catholic lobbying group Network This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Ankara Turkey's president on Wednesday declared a three-month state of emergency following a botched coup attempt, declaring he would rid the military of the "virus" of subversion and giving the government sweeping powers to expand a crackdown that has already included mass arrests and the closure of hundreds of schools. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was accused of autocratic conduct before the insurrection, said the measure would counter threats to Turkish democracy. Possibly anticipating investor jitters, Erdogan criticized Standard & Poor's for downgrading its credit rating for Turkey deeper into "junk" status and said the country would remain financially disciplined. The president did not announce details, but the security measure could facilitate longer detentions for many of the nearly 10,000 people who have been rounded up since loyalist security forces and protesters quashed the rebellion that started Friday night and was over by Saturday. "This measure is in no way against democracy, the law and freedoms," Erdogan said in a national televised address after a meeting with Cabinet ministers and security advisers. The state of emergency announcement needs to be published in a state gazette and lawmakers have to approve it for it to take effect, according to analysts. Turkey imposed emergency rule in the southeast of Turkey in 1987, allowing officials to set curfews, issue search and arrest warrants and restrict gatherings as the security forces fought Kurdish rebels. The emergency rule was gradually lifted by 2002. The president suggested military purges would continue. "As the commander in chief, I will also attend to it so that all the viruses within the armed forces will be cleansed," Erdogan said. In an apparent attempt to calm fears that the military's powers will be increased, the president said the military will be under the government-appointed governors' command and work closely with the regional governors. The pro-government death toll in the botched coup was 246. At least 24 coup plotters were also killed. Turkey also said it would close more than 600 private schools and dormitories following the attempted coup, spurring fears that the state's move against perceived enemies is undermining key institutions in the country. Popping open a bottle of champagne with your partner could be the key to a healthy marriage, claims a recent study published in the Journals of Gerontology B: Psychology Sciences. The survey, which was conducted by four researchers at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, found that marriages between couples over 50 years old were healthier when both partners' drinking habits were the same. Talking to nearly 3,000 couples who had been married for an average of 33 years, researchers asked how many days in a given week each partner drank and how much they drank each time. Next, researchers asked questions about instances wherein couples were annoyed or upset with each other for being too demanding or critical. As they found, those who drank comparably with their partner often fared the best in terms of maintaining harmonious marriages, whether that meant the married pair completely abstained from drinking, or that they always imbibed together. "We're not suggesting that people should drink more or change the way they drink," study author Dr. Kira Birditt told Reuters. "We're not sure why this is happening, but it could be that couples that do more leisure time activities together have better marital quality." It should be noted that it didn't really matter how much the happy couples consumed, except for when the drinking was too much in excess, which as Birditt noted is "a whole different kettle of fish," and is becoming an increasing problem in baby boomers. Alyssa Pereira is a staff writer for SFGATE. Follow her here on Twitter. WASHINGTON (AP) Donald Trump says the United States under his leadership might not come to the defense of some NATO members if Russia were to attack them. Trump said he would decide whether to protect the Baltic republics against Russian aggression based on whether those countries "have fulfilled their obligations to us." He made the comments in an interview with The New York Times on Wednesday, a night before he is to formally accept the Republican nomination for president. Trump's remarks about U.S. obligations under NATO to come to the aid of other members of the 28-nation alliance are in line with his views questioning the United States' global role. In 2014, the 28-member alliance created a rapid-reaction force to protect the most vulnerable NATO members against a confrontation with Russia. Trump also said in the Times interview that he would not criticize Turkey for cracking down on political opponents and restricting civil liberties following last week's attempted coup. Of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trump said: "I give great credit to him for being able to turn that around. ... Some people say that it was staged, you know that. I don't think so." The U.S. has no "right to lecture" Turkey and other countries when "people are shooting policemen in cold blood," Trump said. With decades in business and no prior political experience, Trump cast the projection of American military might abroad in economic terms. For example, he said it might not be necessary to station American troops abroad, though he agreed it's preferable. "If we decide we have to defend the United States, we can always deploy" troops from the U.S., Trump told the newspaper, "and it will be a lot less expensive." State home minister Bupendra Singh said this on Wednesday, in a written reply to a question raised by Congress MLA Shailendra Patel in the assembly. By India Today Web Desk: Three of the 418 farmers who committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh's Sehore in the last three years took the extreme step because they were "under the influence of ghosts and spirits", according to the state government. State home minister Bupendra Singh said this on Wednesday, in a written reply to a question raised by Congress MLA Shailendra Patel in the assembly. He made it clear, however, that this was based on the accounts of the family members. advertisement He went on to add that no farmer had committed suicide because of financial hardship. Singh's reply prompted Patel to ask if the state government believed in the existence of ghosts, ringing in peals of laughter. Congress had asked for the exact number of farmer suicides in Sehore between January 1, 2014 to June 30, 2016. During the Question Hour on Wednesday, Patel told the Speaker about the home department's response, leaving the ruling party red-faced. Singh explained to the House, "There have been a total 418 suicides in Sehore over the past three years. In reply to the legislator's question, we have provided the number with details of victims and the reason quoted by family members for the suicide. Alongside every victim's name, we have mentioned only whatever the family has said." Senior BJP MLA Babulal Gaur - who had to resign as MP's Home Minister in the recent reshuffle -- took the opportunity to take a dig at the government, saying now it was going to set up a Happiness Department. Sehore is the home district of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who had recently talked of creating a happiness ministry. After the session, Patel told PTI that 'ghost' response was "laughable", and that the reply does not mention reasons in 117 cases of farmer suicides in the district. He alleged that the government didn't record suicides due to the financial hardship. "Family members of the farmer Hariom Parmar, who was my acquaintance, and who committed suicide told me that he took the extreme step due to the financial distress after a crop failure," the MLA claimed, adding that there were at least ten cases of suicide due to the indebtedness and crop failure. Read: Drugs, love affairs, impotency behind farmer suicides: Centre --- ENDS --- The modest Cape Cod style house for sale on Douglas Street in Wynantskill is more than newly insulated walls, new appliances, plumbing and wiring. It is also a conduit for better lives a world away. Last year, Wells Fargo foreclosed on the property and then donated it to a nonprofit called The Sky is Not Limited, which builds solar-powered wells in Africa for communities without access to clean drinking water. Proceeds from the sale of 21 Douglas St. will go toward the cause. Kevin Bailey, founder of The Sky is Not Limited, said he thought the offer from Wells Fargo was spam at first. It was actually the result of Wells Fargo's Community & Urban Stabilization Program, which donates houses to nonprofit organizations and government entities, which must have a presence in the community where the property is located. Bailey owns High Peaks Solar, based in Wynantskill. Bailey saw an opportunity to raise money for his nonprofit through the sale of the Douglas Street house, but first he had work to do. The renovation cost $100,000, paid for with a $15,000 donation from Wells Fargo and a loan from Bailey's business, which he will need to repay when the house sells. The property was in worse shape than Bailey first thought. Contractors Paul Johnson III, Tim Brushaber and John Botteri also worked on the house. More Information 21 Douglas St., Wynantskill, has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It is located in the Troy school district and listed on ForSaleByOwner.com for $173,900. If you're interested in seeing the house, call Bailey at 209-6727. Learn more about the nonprofit at http://www.theskyisnotlimited.org and on Facebook. See More Collapse "It was a complete gut job," Bailey said. "The house has new everything. The walls are spray foamed with 4 inches of open cell insulation. The entire plumbing and electrical systems were replaced. The furnace is brand new. The windows, floor, kitchen cabinets, appliances, and doors are all new as well." The house also has new vinyl siding, asphalt shingles and a new driveway. Bailey founded The Sky is Not Limited in 2006 as a way to do his part to ease poverty in the world. He raised money in the parking lots at Dave Matthews Band shows at first. By 2008, the nonprofit Reverb asked him to set up a booth in its EcoVillage, a formal presence at various concerts. In 2011, The Sky is Not Limited built its first solar-powered well in Tanzania and has since built 12 deep wells in the country in partnership with the African Reflections Foundation. Each well costs about $15,000 to build. Women are usually the ones tasked with finding water for their families. Without wells, they are forced to gather from fetid ponds and rainwater barrels. Existing wells are often operated by costly, dirty diesel engines. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. Last spring, Pine Hills Elementary School presented a check for $15,000 a donation three years in the making to Bailey and Jean Dobbs of African Reflections Foundation. Next month, staffers from the school plan to go to Tanzania to see the well. "It's hard to fathom how hard life is there until you see it, above and beyond access to water," said Bailey, who makes nearly yearly trips to the country to see the wells. The supplies are purchased in Africa and local people do the installation work. The wells only work when the sun is shining, but a storage tank holds enough water for villagers to use on cloudy days, Bailey said. lhornbeck@timesunion.com 518-454-5352 @leighhornbeck This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Albany Read books to children, as often as possible. That's the most important advice offered by Noelene Smith, whose fledgling program offers the best hope I know for ending the economic and racial divides that plague Albany schools. Of course, any scan of the news proves that those divides are not unique to Albany. So if you care about a better America, if you're troubled by the attacks on police and the strife in our streets, pay attention to what Smith is doing. More Information Contact Chris Churchill at 518-454-5442 or email cchurchill@timesunion.com See More Collapse Her program is called the Baby Institute, and it offers nine weeks of training for parents of young children in the poorest parts of the city Arbor Hill, West Hill and the South End. The idea, essentially, is to get mothers and fathers to prepare children for school. "It's about getting parents to realize that they're a child's first teacher," Smith told me. "We're trying to teach parents that they should be focusing on building literacy." For many, that will seem painfully obvious. But it isn't so obvious for parents who were never read to as children, and it isn't so easy for poor parents whose work schedules make it difficult to give children time and structure. Middle- and upper-class families spend 66 percent more time reading to their children than poorer families, according to the Fiscal Policy Institute, a liberal think tank. White children spend 1,300 more hours engaged in conversations with adults by age 6 than black children, it also says. That creates a gap that schools struggle to close, and it helps explain the dismal test scores and graduation rates in Albany and other urban districts. It perpetuates cycles of poverty and violence. This gets into sensitive territory, because it can seem like moralistic finger pointing. It can sound like faulting the poor for the failure to escape poverty. But that's not the approach of the Baby Institute. "We're not blaming parents," Smith said. "We're acknowledging that they don't know what they don't know." A year ago, I wrote a column about James Barba, the head of Albany Medical Center, and his frustration with educational failure in the city. At the time, he promised to search for fixes. That search, Barba recently told me, led him to the work being done by Smith, a Jamaican immigrant who has a master's degree in social work from UAlbany. Last month, Albany Med announced a four-year partnership with the Baby Institute that includes administrative support and $175,000 in the first year. Ultimately, the hospital's commitment should allow Smith to get more parents enrolled in her program. "To me, this is about a promise kept," Barba said, adding that he believes the Baby Institute will grow into a national model for solving one of our most difficult problems. Barba, who has urged other private institutions to take similar action, calls the cycle of poverty a moral issue. How can anyone disagree? If we believe there's a divine spark within every child and I think most of us do then we have to be troubled that so few poor children are able to escape poverty. It makes a mockery of the American Dream. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. But even the best schools rely on the foundation built by good parenting. That's why Smith's family-first approach makes so much sense and offers so much hope. The Baby Institute's work, which also includes a summer camp at the Ida Yarbrough Homes, touches on more than literacy. It teaches parents how to build a child's self-esteem, encourages them to be wary of television and asks them to rethink ineffective parenting styles. "If you're yelling at your kids, they're going to look for somebody to yell at," Smith said. "They're modeling what you do." But literacy is the primary focus, because it's central to a strong start in school and college down the road. It's also key to a fulfilling life. "Read to your kids," Smith stressed. "Talk to your kids." Of course, that's good advice for all parents, not just the poor. The good news is that talking and reading to children doesn't cost anything no Baby Einstein products or iPads are needed. The bad news is that old-fashioned books are so out of favor that many Albany charities refuse them as donations, because parents don't take them home. That's a symptom of the problem that Smith and Albany Med are working to address. The solution begins when parents sit with children and read quiet moments with the power to silence so much of our noise. cchurchill@timesunion.com 518-454-5442 @chris_churchill New Scotland For Ken Posner, hiking the Long Path is like following the yellow brick road. A New York City resident, Posner discovered in 2013 the 350-plus mile path that runs from the 175th Street subway station in Manhattan to John Boyd Thacher State Park. He recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise awareness about what he calls New York's own Appalachian Trial. "The great thing about the path is that it takes you to parts of the state you might not know about," said Posner, co-founder of the Long Path Race Series and a board member of the nonprofit New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, which oversees the trail. "The Schoharie Valley was a complete mystery to me, and man am I grateful to have discovered such unbelievable natural beauty." More Information Stewards of the Long Path For information about the Schoharie County Conservation Association and the Long Path North Hiking Club, go to http://www.schoharie-conservation.org. See More Collapse The Long Path begins near Fort Lee, on the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge, then crosses over and meanders along the Palisades offering unobstructed views of the Hudson River and New York City. From Rockland County, the trail connects some of the Hudson Valley's most beautiful natural areas, including the Hudson Palisades, Harriman State Park, Schunemunk Mountain, the Shawangunk Mountains and the Catskills. After ascending 3,000-foot peaks, the path enters the Schoharie Valley, passing through a series of reforestation areas, Mine Kill Falls State Park, the Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center of the New York Power Authority and up Vroman's Nose. The beloved summit perched 600 feet above the valley rewards hikers with a million-dollar view of farmlands below. "Many hikers have been surprised at the ruggedness of the trail north of the Catskill Park and enjoyed it more than southern sections," said Mark Traver, president of the Long Path North Hiking Club, which helps maintain the trial in Schoharie, Albany and Schenectady counties. "It still remains unheard of by most locals and unsupported by area tourism organizations, which makes it a hidden gem." The path heads east from the Schoharie Valley, through state forests into Albany County where it meets up with the Indian Ladder Trail, ending at the north end of Thacher Park. The idea behind the Long Path was first conceived in the 1930s to create a long-distance trail in New York state. Championed by conference founder Raymond Torrey, it took decades for tangible progress to be made. Work began in the 1960s when the first path was routed and blazed by conference volunteers. Today, hundreds of trail stewards are involved in maintaining the path. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. About a dozen volunteers from the Long Path North Hiking Club including Traver's wife, Carol can regularly be found with loppers, bow saws, clippers and weedwhackers in hand clearing brush and fallen trees from the trail. They have also built about a dozen bridges. There are plans to extend the trail through the Adirondacks, and maybe even to the Canadian border. The Kickstarter campaign runs through July 30 at http://kck.st/2994QWn to raise money for the upcoming "Discovering the Long Path, New York's Greatest Trail" exhibit, featuring photos by avid hiker and conference member Steve Aaron, along with maps and notes about the trail. The exhibit will be on view Sept. 29 through Jan. 13 at the Trail Conference Headquarters in Mahwah, N.J. It will then travel to the Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center Poughkeepsie and the Catskill Center. Posner said he is hoping to collaborate with a gallery in the Capital Region to display the exhibit locally. "For well over 200 volunteers, maintaining the Long Path is a labor of love," Posner said. "When people get out there and realize what this trail offers, I think they'll be psyched." jpatterson@timesunion.com @JenSPatterson 518-454-5340 Employers Holdings, Inc. Schedules Second Quarter 2016 Earnings Release and Conference Call Employers Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:EIG), a Nevada-based company whose subsidiaries are specialty providers of workers' compensation insurance focused on small businesses, will review the Company's second quarter 2016 financial results during a conference call and webcast on Thursday, July 28, 2016, at 8:30 a.m. PDT. The webcast will be accessible on the Employers Holdings, Inc. web site at www.employers.com through the "Investors" link. An arcived version of the webcast will remain on the Employers Holdings, Inc. web site for up to seven days following the live webcast. To listen to a recording of the call by telephone, dial +1 (404) 537-3406 or +1 (855) 859-2056 and use the conference call access code 50485469. Employers Holdings, Inc. will release earnings after market close on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 and file its Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission after the earnings call. After release, these materials will be available on the Company's web site at www.employers.com through the "Investors" link. 2016 EMPLOYERS. All rights reserved. EMPLOYERS and America's small business insurance specialist are registered trademarks of Employers Insurance Company of Nevada. Insurance is offered through Employers Compensation Insurance Company, Employers Insurance Company of Nevada, Employers Preferred Insurance Company, and Employers Assurance Company. Not all insurers do business in all jurisdictions. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721006457/en/ By India Today Web Desk: Ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra showcased his latest collection, The Persian Story, at the FDCI India Couture Week 2016 on July 20, and actors Deepika Padukone and Fawad Khan turned out to be the perfect showstoppers for the collection. The showcase was held at the Taj Palace in Delhi on Wednesday, where the suave looking Pakistani star was welcomed to the ramp by loud cheers and whistles from the crowd as he walked in a black kurta and deep maroon palazzo-pyjama and opened the grand show for the designer. advertisement Following Fawad, models began showcasing Malhotra's collection as they walked to the tunes of authentic Persian music. The collection saw a wide range of heavily embellished lehengas, off shoulder gowns, long jackets, Anarkalis, sherwanis and sequinned dresses which featured elaborate architectural, floral motifs and check shirts and achkans. The colour palette moved from cream, gold, red, indigo, brown maroon, royal blue to yellow. The designer tried to recreate the magic of Persia by replicating the traditional marble motifs, popular Persian chandeliers, which added more spunk to the entire feel of the event and a small shamiana (a marquee), which helped the models exit the ramp. (L-R) Fawad Khan, Deepika Padukone and Manish Malhotra. Picture courtesy: Instagram/fawadkhan81 Talking about his inspiration, the designer told reporters here, "I had Persian Story's idea in mind for so many years. I love Persian architecture, I like the colour schemes of Persia, music and that was a concept I had in my mind and that's how it got generated..." "Manish Malhotra beautifully captured the spirit of Persia at his opening show at ICW last night, with deep hues that are perfect for the upcoming season. It had a mix of silhouettes for the traditional bride and also for the ones who want to do something different. From lehengas to off-shoulder blouses and draper sarees," says Ayesha Amin Nigam, senior fashion stylist with Harper's Bazaar Bride. Deepika, who was chosen to close the show for Malhotra, stunned the audience as she looked ravishing in a beautiful off-shoulder choli, with intricate gold embroidery and a long-trailed lehenga. The Bajirao Mastani actress also wore a polki-pearl choker and a hath-phool from Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang. Talking about the fabulous showstoppers, Manish, who has styled globally known names like Michael Jackson, Reese Witherspoon, Kylie Minogue and Naomi Campbell, said, "I am so thankful to Fawad for being here and dearest Deepika I know her since she was a model and her first film...it's a very special moment." Deepika, who started her career as a model, said the ensemble she donned at the event was the heaviest. "The last time I walked for him (Malhotra) I thought that (outfit) was the heaviest. This is much, much heavier...," quipped the actress. Picture courtesy: Instagram/thefdci Picture courtesy: Instagram/thefdci advertisement For Fawad, who made his debut in Hindi cinema in 2014 with the romantic comedy Khoobsurat, this was the first time on the Indian runway and shared that the experience was "daunting". Asked if it was his first time on the ramp in Delhi, Fawad said, "In Delhi for the first time? In India for the first time. Obviously (it was) very daunting..." Bollywood celebrities like Sophie Choudry, veteran actress-socialist Shabana Azmi, designer JJ Valaya added their own charm by gracing the event. Other names from the Indian fashion fraternity like Anita Dongre, Tarun Tahiliani, Reynu Taandon, Rimple and Harpreet Narula, Rahul Mishra, Anamika Khanna, Varun Bahl, Gaurav Gupta, Manav Gangwani and Rohit Bal will showcase their latest collection at the five-day event, which concludes on July 24. (With inputs from IANS) --- ENDS --- [July 21, 2016] Humana Awarded Department of Defense TRICARE East Region Contract On July 21, 2016, after the market close, Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) was informed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) that it has been awarded the contract for the TRICARE East Region. TRICARE is the military health care program that provides benefits to military service members, retirees and their families. Under the terms of the award, Humana's service area would cover approximately 6 million beneficiaries in a 30-state region. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721006442/en/ Humana footprint of TRICARE (Photo: Business Wire) Currently, Humana holds the contract for the TRICARE South Region (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, most of Texas and the Ft. Campbell-area in Kentucky). The new East Region is a combination of the current Suth and North regions. "We take deep pride in serving those who have served our nation, so we are very pleased by the DoD's decision," said Orie Mullen, President of Humana Government Business. "This is a tremendous opportunity for us, and we look forward to providing great access to high-quality, innovative and cost-effective health and well-being services to active military members, retirees and their families." As is customary, the TRICARE contract provides five, one-year options exercisable by the DoD. Final disposition of the contract award is, however, subject to the resolution of any protests that may be filed by unsuccessful bidders. Humana was awarded its current TRICARE South contract in 2011. This newest contract is the seventh to be administered by Humana Government Business which has maintained a partnership with the DoD since 1996. About Humana Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is a leading health and well-being company focused on making it easy for people to achieve their best health with clinical excellence through coordinated care. The company's strategy integrates care delivery, the member experience, and clinical and consumer insights to encourage engagement, behavior change, proactive clinical outreach and wellness for the millions of people we serve across the country. More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company's web site at www.humana.com, including copies of: Annual reports to stockholders Securities and Exchange Commission filings Most recent investor conference presentations Quarterly earnings news releases Replays of most recent earnings release conference calls Calendar of events Corporate Governance information View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721006442/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 21, 2016] Redfin: U.S. Housing Market Set New Records for Speed and Competition in June June 2016 marked the fastest, most competitive housing market since 2009, according to Redfin (www.redfin.com), the next-generation real estate brokerage. In June, the typical home went under contract in 41 days, the shortest time seen since Redfin began tracking the market in 2009, and four fewer days than last June. And 25.9 percent of homes went off the market in just two weeks, up from 22.6 percent last year. The average sale-to-list price ratio hit 95.5, the highest level we've seen. This year's speed and competition have been driven by an intensifying mismatch between supply of and demand for homes. Inventory is down 7.1 percent year over year, while home sales increased 4.3 percent from this time last year, sending months of supply down to 2.8 months, the metric's lowest-recorded level. This indicates that buyer demand outstripped supply by the widest margin Redfin has ever tracked. Several housing markets are reaching new competitive milestones of their own. In Denver, half of all homes were pending in just six days, down from nine days a year earlier. Seattle and Portland, Oregon tied for the next fastest markets with a median of eight days on market. Seattle has one month of housing supply, followed by Denver with 1.2 months of supply. "Now that most Denver real estate agents have been navigating this tight-inventory, competitive market for a solid two years, a rhythm has emerged and just about every Redfin hot home that hits the market here follows it," said Redfin agent Michelle Ackerman in Denver. "Homes are listed on Thursday, with a deadline for offers on Monday; many homes are technically under contract by Monday but that status is often not reflected in the MLS until Tuesday. So homes are actually selling even faster than reported." What will the second half of the year bring? "It all depends on sellers," said Redfin chief economist Nela Richardson (News - Alert). "Buyers have held up their end of the market, spurred by very low mortgage rates. But the lack of new listings continues to crimp overall activity, meaning that there'd be more sales if there were more people selling." To read the full report, complete with data and charts, please visit the following link: https://www.redfin.com/blog/2016/07/june-housing-market-was-the-fastest-and-most-competitive-on-record.html Redfin also took an in-depth look at home prices, inventory and sales across neighborhoods for five cities: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Connect with Redfin Facebook Twitter Instagram Google+ LinkedIn Blog Download the Redfin mobile app About Redfin Redfin (www.redfin.com) is the next-generation real estate brokerage, combining its own full-service agents with modern technology to redefine real estate in the customer's favor. Founded by software engineers, Redfin has the country's #1 brokerage website and offers a host of online tools to consumers, including the most accurate home-value estimate online, the Redfin Estimate. Homebuyers and sellers enjoy a full-service, technology-powered experience from Redfin real estate agents, while saving thousands in commission. Redfin serves more than 83 major metro areas across the U.S. The company has closed more than $31 billion in home sales, and saved customers more than $335 million in fees, and counting. For more information or to contact a local Redfin real estate agent, visit www.redfin.com. To learn about housing market trends and download data, visit the Redfin Data Center. To be added to Redfin's press release distribution list, subscribe here. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721005348/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 21, 2016] SDI Appoints Bryan Ganz to the Board of Directors and Provides Corporate Update (TSX-V: SDZ) (OTCBB: SDEV) Security Devices International Inc. ("SDI" or "The Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Bryan Ganz to the board of directors, and provides a corporate update. Mr. Ganz brings more than 30 years of global business experience in sales management, manufacturing, new product design and development, as well as mergers & acquisitions. Mr. Ganz will assist SDI with sales & marketing, expansion of the Company's product range, review of operations, implementation of cost control measures, development of strategic alliances and financial oversight. During his career Mr. Ganz has bought, built and sold more than half a dozen global businesses with combined sales in excess of $1.0 billion. Most recently, Mr. Ganz sold Maine Industrial Tire LLC to Trelleborg (based out of Sweden) for $67 million generating a 7.0x return to investors over a three-year period. Mr. Ganz is a graduate of Columbia Law School in New York City and completed his accounting designation at Georgetown University in Washington DC. With the appointment of Mr. Ganz to the board of directors, the previously announced resignation of Greg Sullivan as a director becomes effective. Sales Focus SDI continues to garner new law enforcement and correctional services customer agencies throughout North America. Agencies that purchase from the Company now total 57 in these two sectors. On July 5th, the Company began a sales blitz of its top selling products to gain additional market-share in its targeted sectors. Reduced manufacturing costs have permitted SDI to offer its customers and targeted agencies very attractive pricing of its rounds. Distribution Partner SDI has signed a distribution agreement with Mission Less-Lethal for international sales of its BIP line of products. Mission has extensive relationships throughout South America and the Caribbean region, as well as associations in the Far East. As a world leader in their style of launcher and ammunition, Mission has been selling into thousands of agencies (Federal, State, Local, and International Police, Military, and Private Security agencies) for over 15 years. Operations The Company has substantially reduced its production costs of its most popular products during the last quarter. These cost reductions will support SDI's sales blitz effort to continue to gain market penetration in the law enforcement, correctional services, and private sector segments. Website Update SDI has updated its website to continue to manage its digital presence, as well as maintain its top positioning in search engines for the less-lethal industry. The Company has also revised it messaging to respond to recent global law enforcement confrontations, such as incidents in the US, South America and in Europe. Corporate As press released on June 20, 2016, and effective as of July 18th, 2016, the Company installed new leadership from Dean Thrasher, the interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Thrasher brings 31 years start-up business management skills, mergers & acquisitions, product launches, product development, and funding experience in the technology, wholesale, manufacturing, distribution, retail and franchise sectors, as well as extensive international business and public market experience. Mr. Thrasher has run and managed several private companies as well as a TSX-Venture listed public company, and chaired and sat on numerous private and public company boards. Forward Looking Statement The information in this news release includes certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward looking statements including information with respect to the offering. Because of certain risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward looking statements. Although SDI believes that the expectations reflected in forward looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, SDI disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward looking statements or otherwise. 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. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721005808/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 20, 2016] NetComm Wireless Wins New IoT Innovator ACOMM Award SYDNEY, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- NetComm Wireless Limited (ASX: NTC) was named winner of the new ACOMM Award category - IoT Innovator at the 10th Annual Communications Alliance ACOMM Awards Dinner last night in Sydney. This is the fifth consecutive year that NetComm Wireless has won the communications industry's premier award for innovation. "We have worked hard to innovate a technology that redefines the way that power is managed and it is truly an honour to have been presented the newly introduced ACOMM Award for IoT innovation as we continue to engineer technologies that address some of the world's most demanding challenges," said David Stewart, CEO and Managing Director, NetComm Wireless. NetComm Wireless was awarded the IoT Innovator honour for its Smart Home Gateway (NTC-70), a world first Internet of Things (IoT) device designed to transform the future of energy management by lowering household emissions and sustaining energy efficiency through the connection and remote management of energy meters, sensors, eat pumps and home automation devices in real-time. Designed to interoperate with mobile networks globally, the Smart Home Gateway facilitates the efficient use of energy resources worldwide. The device is used by Hitachi to support its development of ICT infrastructure for the Smart Community Demonstration Project in Greater Manchester, UK. The NTC-70 supports the collection of large amounts of data from residential homes and businesses through a centralised management system and is engineered to enable power aggregation functions that can remotely control consumers' energy measurement equipment while also supporting electrical power demand adjustments and analysis. The highest honour of the evening was presented to NetComm Wireless CEO and Managing Director, David Stewart, for his significant and valuable contribution to the Australian communications industry with the presentation of the Communications Ambassador 2016 award. Note to editors Image: http://www.netcommwireless.com/sites/default/files/IMG_8843.JPG About NetComm Wireless NetComm Wireless Limited (ASX: NTC) is a leading developer of Fixed Wireless Regional Broadband and wireless Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices that underpin an increasingly connected world. Leading telecommunications carriers, core network providers and system integrators utilise NetComm Wireless' 3G, 4G LTE and new generation Fixed Wireless solutions to optimise network performance and to support their connected products and services in the M2M and regional broadband markets. For the past 34 years, NetComm Wireless has developed a portfolio of world first data communication products, and is now a globally recognised wireless innovator. Headquartered in Sydney (Australia), NetComm Wireless has offices in the US, Europe/UK, New Zealand, Middle East and Japan. For more information, visit www.netcommwireless.com. Logo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150324/8521501794LOGO [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 21, 2016] Adknowledge Asia Continues Aggressive Growth with New Country Director for South Korea SEOUL, South Korea, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Social and video advertising technology company Adknowledge Asia has announced the appointment of Ted Kim (Tae-Woo) as Country Director for Korea. The senior hire comes after Adknowledge Asia announced earlier in the year that it will be hiring aggressively across its nine APAC markets. Ted joins Adknowledge Asia with over 10 years of experience in digital marketing, having held senior roles at Samsung, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard and Google. Most notably, Ted played a formative part in launching Twitter in Korea. Ted's latest role was Managing Director, Korea for Teads.tv, a native video advertising company. "Korea is a distinct market for digital advertising because of its massive smartphone penetration and strong reputation for delivering innovative digital ad campaigns," said Ted Kim. "With some of the world's largest and most dynamic brands based in Korea, it means that there is opportunity for hug growth and that it needs a specific approach in order to build the right data partners and relationships. Adknowledge Asia has built an unrivalled reputation for delivering the highest performance social and video advertising and I look forward to leveraging my understanding of the market to helm our expansion in Korea". The new hire comes after a period of aggressive growth for the company. It was announced in March this year that Adknowledge Asia would be doubling their headcount in 2016 following the appointment of Matt Sutton as CEO of Adknowledge Asia. "Over the past year through acquisitions and an aggressive hiring strategy we have grown to 140 people across nine APAC markets, and are currently looking to fill 80 new roles," said Matt Sutton, CEO Adknowledge Asia. "Korea in particular is a market where we see enormous growth potential and Ted not only demonstrates a deep understanding of the Korean market, but also the dynamism and drive to grow our operations there." As Country Director for Korea, Ted will be responsible for expanding the team, raising Adknowledge Asia's profile and leading the sales and operational teams. He will report to Damien Lavin, Chief Revenue Officer for Adknowledge Asia, based in Singapore. "The Korean market has enormous potential as it sits at the forefront of digital innovation and marketing spend with huge mobile focus," says Damien Lavin. "We're growing a pioneering company in the social, video, mobile and data space and Korea is a country that we plan to learn from and adapt to quickly. Ted has an excellent blend of tech, large publisher and digital experience which I feel will be invaluable to our business in Korea. I'm a firm believer in local leadership playing a key role in a company's success and am excited to have Ted lead the strategy for this market." About Adknowledge Asia Adknowledge is a digital advertising technology company specialising in using diverse sources of data to place ads via digital video, social media, apps and mobile. With nearly 150 employees located in APAC, Adknowledge Asia works with the most ambitious and innovative advertisers to unlock their digital audiences around the world. The company delivers ROI for clients through advanced data analysis, targeting algorithms, campaign optimisation and preferred relationships with major social media networks. Adknowledge Asia also offers brand-safe, consumer-friendly ways to monetise telecom data. To learn more, please visit AdknowledgeAsia.com. Click here for a full media kit. Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160721/8521604709 Logo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160721/8521604709LOGO [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 21, 2016] I.B.I.S., Inc., and Sonata Software Announce App Availability on Microsoft's New AppSource LONDON, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With Microsoft's recent announcement on the availability of AppSource, I.B.I.S., Inc., and parent company, Sonata Software, are pleased to announce their two solutions available on Microsoft's AppSource - Advanced Supply Chain Software for Dynamics AX and Brick & Click Retail Solution. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130610/618887 ) Microsoft just announced that it will be launching a business app cloud service - Dynamics 365. Leveraging the Office 365 model, Dynamics 365 features capabilities of Dynamics AX, CRM and Project Madeira, offering clients the specific role/business unit functionality they need. With this announcement, Microsoft has shared AppSource, the new app store to support Dynamics 365. I.B.I.S. + Sonata have industry specific solutions for retail and supply chain business available both on premise and now in the cloud via AppSource. Advanced Supply Chain Software for Microsoft Dynamics AX is a supply chain solution, designed to meet the needs of modern distributors and manufacturers. Additionally, Brick & Click for Dynamics AX is a retailing soltion, now available on AppSource that is a fully unified Omni-Channel Commerce platform. "Microsoft recently awarded Sonata 2016 Microsoft Country Partner of the Year for India. We were recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services to clients, such as Azure Security Center and Azure Stack. We are completely bought into the benefits of doing business in the cloud," shared Srikar Reddy, Sonata Software CEO and Managing Director. Ranga Puranik, President of I.B.I.S. states, "We are excited that Microsoft is launching AppSource for business requirements, giving customers easy access to what they need. We are happy to be a part of this cloud movement with two ISV solutions that strengthen the Dynamics AX solution for Microsoft clients, adding significant value." About Sonata Software Sonata Software is a global IT services firm focused on catalyzing transformational IT initiatives of its clients through deep domain knowledge, technology expertise and customer commitment. The company delivers innovative new solutions for travel, retail and consumer goods and software product companies by integrating technologies such as Omni-Channel Commerce, Mobility, Analytics, Cloud and ERP, to drive enhanced customer engagement, operations efficiency and return on IT investments. A trusted long-term service provider to Fortune 500 companies across both the software product development and enterprise business segments, Sonata seeks to add differentiated value to leadership who want to make an impact on their businesses, with IT. About I.B.I.S., Inc., a Sonata Software Company Founded in 1989, I.B.I.S., Inc. a Sonata Software Company, provides digital transformation for distributors, manufacturers and retailers. Through a Strategic Developer Partner relationship with Microsoft, I.B.I.S. provides world-class solutions for enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), business intelligence (BI), and application development. I.B.I.S. specialties include Microsoft Dynamics AX and CRM solutions focused on supply chain needs. I.B.I.S., Inc. is a two-time winner of Microsoft Dynamics Outstanding Partner of the United States Award, a Worldwide Finalist for the Microsoft Dynamics AX Partner of the Year, Microsoft Dynamics 2015 Distribution Partner of the Year in the United States, a Microsoft Partner with Four Gold Competencies (ERP, CRM, Business Intelligence, Application Development), and a ten-time Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle Partner. In addition, I.B.I.S., Inc. is among the very select few companies that are Microsoft Dynamics Global Independent Software Vendors for Dynamics AX and CRM. Media Contact: I.B.I.S., Inc. Beth Seitz (770) 903-3189 [email protected] Anuj Kumar Saxena Sonata Software Limited A.P.S. Trust Building, Bull Temple Road, N.R. Colony Bangalore 560019, India Tel: +91-80-67781999 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 21, 2016] GE, Intel, Microsoft, MIT, Red Hat, Schneider and the World Economic Forum, IoTS World Congress Keynotes BARCELONA, Spain, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The new edition of the Internet of Things Solutions World Congress (IoTSWC) will gather once again the world's leading industrial internet experts in Fira de Barcelona in October. During three days companies such as ABB, Accenture, Bosch, Dassault, Deloitte, GE, Intel, IBM, Microsoft, MIT, Red Hat, Schneider and Vodafone will showcase their latest solutions and breakthroughs in Internet of Things (IoT) field while over 200 speakers will analyze through a six-themed conference program how the industrial internet is radically transforming industry as we know it. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160513/367297LOGO ) (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160718/391422LOGO ) (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.co/prnh/20160718/390439 ) Top experts will explore the opportunities offered by IoT technology to such industries as Manufacturing, Transportation & Logisitics, Healthcare, and Energy & Utilities as well as Innovation & Technology and its transformative role in the economy. Among the first confirmed speakers are Jonathan Ballon, VP Intel; Matthias Machnig, German State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Energy; Prith Banerjee, Executive VP and Chief Technology Officer at Schneider Electric; Michael Raynor, Director at Deloitte Services LP; Sam George, Director of Azure IoT at Microsoft; Richard Savage, Senior Managing Consultant - IoT Specialist at IBM; Tony Guerion, Head of IoT Southern Europe & Middle East at Vodafone Group Enterprise; and Derek O'Halloran, Head of Information Technology & Electronics Industries at the World Economic Forum. Among the topics discussed within the nearly 100 sessions scheduled feature Industrial Internet and Industrie 4.0 - Combining the best of two worlds; The factory of the future, Repair intelligence, and Security in industrial cloud hosting; The Internet of Energy; Innovative applications of Artificial Intelligence in automotive maintenance, Lab-In-A-Box: A Diagnostic Device for the Internet of You; and Big Data solutions for decreasing traffic fatalities. The Industrial Internet Consortium, the sector's leading association, has advised once more Fira de Barcelona in the design of the conference program. IoTSWC will also include an exhibition area that will feature not only companies and their latest innovations but also a testbeds area with real-life applications of these solutions. A world benchmark Over 80 exhibitors have confirmed their participation in IoTSWC 2016 almost matching last year's figures months in advance of the event and making it the leading industrial internet summit. Among these confirmed companies are Accenture, Analog Devices, Dassault Systemes, Deloitte, Deutsche Telekom, EMC, Everis, GE,Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM, Intel, Interdigital, Kaspersky, Microsoft, National Instruments. PTC, SAP, Schneider, Sigfox, Telefonica and Vodafone. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 21, 2016] Industry Gears Up for Renewable Energy India 2016 NEW DELHI, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- - Global Investments and Technological Breakthroughs Mark the 10th Edition - REI: (September 7-9) South Asia's leading Renewable Energy Trade Expo by UBM India; 40 participating countries, over 650 exhibitor, 1000 + delegates, and estimated to attract over 25,000 visitors - Three day power packed conference - 'Renewables : Surging Ahead': (September 7-9) conference to highlight innovations, challenges and way forward - 2nd edition of Renewable Energy India Awards: ( 6th September ) To recognize innovation and excellence in the Renewable Energy Industry UBM India, India's leading exhibitions organiser will host the 10th edition of its flagship event, Renewable Energy India Expo (REI) from 7th to 9th September 2016 at the India Expo Center, Greater Noida. REI is a global platform where India's green economy community including overseas participants will congregate to discuss industry trends, challenges and market insights including the Indian regulatory framework. The event aims to further upscale and mainstream the applications of renewable energy resources, showcase product launches, innovations and augment the forethought through international exhibition and conference platform. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/10151009 ) (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130226/599595-c ) REI 2016, the 10th anniversary of the expo will see participation from countries such as India, Japan, Switzerland, USA, Korea, Taiwan, China, Australia, Italy, Canada, Malaysia, Netherlands, Israel, Germany, Spain, Singapore, Belgium and is supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt of India (MNRE), Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA), Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) and International collaboration through Indo German Energy Forum (IGEF) and Bloomberg New Energy Finance(BNEF). The expo is certified by UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibitions Industry and will see the presence of key dignitaries, Shri. Upendra Tripathi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India; Shri Ashvini Kumar, Managing Director, SECI; Shri K.S. Popli, CMD, IREDA; Mr. Simon Stolp, Lead Energy Specialist, World Bank; Mr. AK Jain, CMD, Rajasthan Electronics and Instruments Limited. Mr. Justin Wu, Head of Asia, Bloomberg New Energy Finance; Hon'ble Mr. James Gordon Carr, Minister of Natural Resources, Canada and Mr. Munehiko Tsuchiya, Executive Director, NEDO, Japan amongst others. Bringing together manufacturers, EPC, and service provides, the expo will have over 650 exhibitors including companies like Lerri Solar, Adani, Skypower, Trina Solar, Tata Power, JA Solar, KRYFS, Suzlon, Solargise, Waaree, Vikram Solar, L&T, Rays Power, Canadian Solar, Sova Power, Azure Power, Delta Power, Fronius, SMA India, Huawei, Bosch, ABB India, Moser Baer, Talesun Power, Mahindra usten, GCL, Senvion, Gamesa India, Inox Wind, DHHI, Renesola amongst others. The show will feature country pavilions from Japan, Canada, Italy, Taiwan and China. Highlights of the expo include a power packed three-day conference themed ' Renewables: Surging Ahead ' with content-rich sessions by MNRE, Bloomberg New Energy Finance, IBA, IGEF, Bridge to India, Solar Thermal Federation of India, Council on Energy Environment and Water (CEEW), Mercom and NIWE. The sessions will cover various key topics such as 'Market landscape: Taking stock of India's RE goals; milestones achieved; and challenges ahead', 'Tipping Point: The rising trend of Competitive Bidding', 'Wind: Policy Roadmap for the 60 GW target; How far we have reached; What are the specific challenges of the sector; Financing challenges for the Offshore and policy incentives', 'Looking Beyond Installation: Operation and Maintenance towards Sustainability of Long Term Projects', 'On Top of the Roof: Assessing the 40 GW of Rooftop target in respect to residential Solar' and 'Riding the Manufacturing high:, How Much? How Far? How Long? Make in India' to enhance the usage of Renewable Energy in India. Eminent industry speakers from across the world such as Mr. Simon Stolp, Lead Energy Specialist, World Bank, Mr. Praveer Sinha, CMD, Tata Power DDL; Sanjay Sharma, Head of Contracts, SECI; Sanjay Mandavkar, Sr. President, Corporate Finance, YES BANK; Sunil Jain, MD, Hero Future Energies; .Mr. Gyanesh Chaudhary- MD & CEO, Vikram Solar; David Keck; President and CEO, GTAT technologies, USA; Pankaj Batra, Chief Engineer, Central Electricity Authority; Gerhard Mutter, Technical Director, Alternative Energy Solutions GmbH, Austria; Dr. Klaus Eberhardt, Technology Manager, M+W Group; Juergen Sutterlueti, Head of Energy Segment and Business Development, Gantner Instruments Group, Austria amongst other industry stalwarts will discuss on key issues and trends related to Renewable Energy. Other highlights include World of Innovation Arena for tech talk and product launch, multiple workshops, CEO conclave, session on Smart Grid, finance roundtable and a skill development program by National Institute of Wind Energy. The expo will also take forward the hugely popular Business Plan Competition in association with TiE (Delhi) where selected entrants would present an innovative business idea, which will be rated by the jury comprising investors, entrepreneurs and tech gurus. The program will kick-start with an engaging panel discussion on 'Opportunities in Cleantech & Renewables Sector: Scenario for Entrepreneurs'. This will be followed by individual pitches by selected entries and unveiling of their business plans for which the best ideas will be awarded. Taking it further a specific ideation table, delving deeper on each component with the subject expert will be conducted that will provide a unique opportunity for the budding entrepreneurs to be mentored by the best in the industry. Speaking on the announcement of the 10th anniversary of Renewable Energy India, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India said, "India is set for a period of rapid and sustained growth in energy demand and plans to quadruple its renewable power capacity to 175 Gigawatt by 2022 as part of the government's plan to supply electricity to every household. India, home to 18% of the world's population, uses only 6% of the world's primary energy. India's energy consumption has almost doubled since 2000 and the potential for further growth is enormous. Developing a robust ecosystem is the need of the hour and UBM India with REI stands ready to support this vision by serving as an Industry catalyst in bringing the technology and the international fraternity including investors to India to enable potential projects and set up manufacturing units under the 'Make in India' campaign." "This year, we have also reached an important milestone and achieved a new momentum with the 10th anniversary of the expo. The expo will provide a perfect platform for stakeholders from the renewable energy community to come together and address challenges that have acted as speed bumps to this growth. It will have multiple country participation, best of technology, cost effective solutions, participation of Industry leaders, various country delegation, top global brands exhibiting their product and solution offerings and content rich conferences," he added. The trade show will also be preceded by the 2nd Renewable Energy India Awards, slated for 6th September, 2016 that aims to recognise the efforts, innovation, and excellence and promote the talent in the industry. The awards will have an august audience of industry stalwarts competing under various categories from both manufacturing and implementing communities. About UBM India UBM India is India's leading exhibition organizer that provides the industry with platforms that bring together buyers and sellers from around the world, through a portfolio of exhibitions, content led conferences and seminars. UBM India hosts over 25 large scale exhibitions and 40 conferences across the country every year; thereby enabling trade across multiple industry verticals. A UBM Asia Company, UBM India has offices across Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai. UBM Asia is owned by UBM plc which is listed on the London Stock Exchange. UBM Asia is the leading exhibition organizer in Asia and the biggest commercial organizer in mainland China, India and Malaysia. For further details, please visit ubmindia.in. Media contact: Mili Lalwani [email protected] +91-22-61727000 UBM India [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 21, 2016] The Weather Company To Deliver Crucial Weather Data For Safety And Resource Management Solutions To Underserved Areas Around The World ATLANTA, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Weather Company, an IBM (NYSE: IBM) Business, announced today they will leverage one of the largest Internet of Things (IoT) platforms in the world to provide critical weather data to millions of people in currently underserved areas. With severe weather statistically occurring more frequently, governments and businesses are seeking supplemental weather data to better prepare for impending disasters. For the period 2010-2015, severe weather events caused more than $100 billion in damage in the U.S., where modern warning systems exist, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Even more concerning is the fact that 70 developing countries lack robust early warning systems, exposing citizens to potentially life-threatening disasters. On a global scale, The World Bank reports that over the past 30 years, natural disasters, which include severe weather, have taken an estimated 2.5 million lives and cost more than US$4 trillion. To address these challenges, in 2001 Weather Underground (WU), a subsidiary of The Weather Company, developed the Personal Weather Station (PWS) Network. With over 200,000 stations in 195 countries, this network enables The Weather Company to provide hyperlocal forecasts to millions around the world with unprecedented accuracy. Each station is equipped with multiple sensors for detecting barometric pressure, humidity, temperature, wind speed and direction, and other factors. Greater personal weather station data leads to more precise and enhanced forecasts, which can help governments and communities better anticipate and act on weather conditions. "The Weather Company's weather forecasting strength is based on more than 160 weather models and the expertise of more than 150 meteorologists to produce the most precise and accurate forecasts available," said Mary Glackin, head of science & forecast operation, and senior vice president for public-private partnerships, The Weather Company. "We are committed to continuing to improve the accuracy of our forecast and working in concert with national meteorological services toward our goal of providing every person on the planet with the weather forecast information they need to be safe and prepared in the face of weather. As our climate continues to change, our mission will become even more critical." To improve the availability of such data, Weather Underground is collaborating with various local meteorological and government organizations to provide 100 personal weather stations where they may be most beneficial based on population density, web connectivity, current infrastructure gaps, and exposure to unique severe weather challenges. With this criteria in mind and as part of IBM's philanthropic Smarter Cities Challenge program, Santiago, Chile and Vizag, India will be among the first cities in the program to receive personal weather station donations. These stations will help city leaders and citizens better prepare and respond to emergency events, including weather-related natural disasters such as flash flooding, landsides, extreme drought and heat. As the network is expanded into these areas, the data will augment official infrastructures, and combined with severe weather warnings and alerts issued by national meteorological agencies, will help communities takes measures to remain safe during hazardous or life-threatening weather. "Because of its location, Santiago is vulnerable to a number of natural disasters. The combination of having Weather Underground's personal weather stations installed throughout the city and having access to IBM experts in data and analytics through the Smarter Cities Challenge, will not only help improve local weather forecasts on an everyday basis but will help us to better predict a potential emergency situation and react in real time," said Claudio Orrego, the chief executive of the Santiago metropolitan region. Helping Underserved Areas with Watson and Weather As the PWS Network expands and integrates with the Watson IoT platform, researchers can leverage the cognitive computing power of Watson to develop new systems and applications for things like precision agriculture (e.g., optimized irrigation, fertilization, pest control) for these emerging and developing markets, thereby providing integral solutions for governments, city planners and businesses looking to optimize industry growth and management of critical resources. In addition to IoT infrastructure expansion and data availability, the installment of these weather stations in data-sparse areas provides a unique opportunity for researchers and meteorologists to quantify the improvement in forecast accuracy as a result of the data ingested from each new each station over time. IBM's Watson IoT technology, with the aid of this personal weather station data, will extrapolate upon current atmospheric models - enabling forecasters to potentially discover new predictive patterns. As various IoT sensors have been introduced within the global marketplace, the expectation of IoT capabilities to help improve public safety, resource management, and streamline various business and industry needs has grown exponentially. In an effort to create an enhanced IoT infrastructure to address these needs, Weather Underground is working with the Trans-African HydroMeteorological Observatory (TAHMO) to deploy more than 300 personal weather stations across Kenya, Nigeria, and various other African nations, in close cooperation with the national meteorological agencies. Each of these stations will be placed in a strategic location to serve a historically underserved community with real-time, accurate weather data. Potential results of the installations include helping improve irrigation and agricultural resource management as well as providing unique climate insights for the aviation, power, insurance, and various service-related industries. "The private sector, including companies such as Weather Underground and The Weather Company, has played a useful role in the delivery of weather forecasts," said Christian Blondin, head of cabinet of the secretary-general and director, external relations, World Meteorological Organization. "We welcome the role of such private sector companies in the provision of selected value-added services in complement of the services provided by national meteorological and hydrometeorological services around the world." To access localized weather information from the PWS Network, users can download Weather Underground Apps or visit wunderground.com. The Weather Company, an IBM Business The Weather Company, an IBM Business, is the world's largest private weather enterprise, helping people make informed decisions and take action in the face of weather. The company offers the most accurate, personalized and actionable weather data and insights to millions of consumers and thousands of businesses via Weather's API, its business solutions division, and its own digital products from The Weather Channel (weather.com) and Weather Underground (wunderground.com). The company delivers up to 26 billion forecasts daily. Its products include a top weather app on all major mobile platforms globally; the world's largest network of personal weather stations; a top-20 U.S. website; the seventh most data-rich site in the world; one of the world's largest IoT data platforms; and industry-leading business solutions. Weather Means Business. The world's biggest brands in aviation, energy, insurance, media, and government rely on The Weather Company for data, technology platforms and services to help improve decision-making and respond to weather's impact on business. For more, visit www.theweathercompany.com. Smarter Cities Challenge: Providing Governments With Access to Weather Data in Areas In Need The Smarter Cities Challenge deploys top IBM experts to help cities around the world address their most critical challenges. IBM puts teams on the ground for three weeks, pro bono, to work closely with city leaders and deliver recommendations on how to make the city smarter and more effective. To date, this initiative has made investments valued at over $65 million in 130 cities around the world, and its impact has been recognized by the White House and the Committee for Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy. Twitter handles: @weathercompany, @weatherchannel, @wunderground, and @IBM CONTACT: Andria Stark The Weather Company, an IBM Business (415) 983-2660 [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391542 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391543 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150331/195533LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-weather-company-to-deliver-crucial-weather-data-for-safety-and-resource-management-solutions-to-underserved-areas-around-the-world-300302131.html SOURCE The Weather Company; IBM [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 21, 2016] Marshfield Clinic Health System, Contessa Health create Partnership to operate a Home Hospitalization Program Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS) and Contessa Health today announce a new partnership to operate a Home Hospitalization Program for members of Security Health Plan. The Home Hospitalization Program powered by Contessa Health will allow patients to receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their homes at a prospective bundled rate. Under guidance of Contessa Health's clinical and administrative protocols, Marshfield Clinic physicians will be able to provide Security Health Plan members with in-home care for acute medical conditions, including: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)/Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Cellulitis Pneumonia The Partnership's team of care providers will deliver all necessary medical visits, lab testing and medical equipment at a prospective bundled rate for a 30-day time period. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to form this partnership with Marshfield Clinic Health System and Security Health Plan," says Travis Messina, Chief Executive Officer of Contessa Health. "Their tremendous success with other value-based initiatives makes them a natural partner for our home hospitalization care model." "MCHS is moving forward in changing how we deliver care to our patients and partnering with Contessa is a good, soundstep, not only for now but for the future as we grow this program together," said Susan Turney, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, MCHS. "Health care nationally is amending patient care models to bring care closer to the patient and closer to the home. We see this as a great option for those people in our communities who can benefit from recovering in their homes." "We are very excited about working with Contessa Health on this innovative initiative since it will provide the best care for our patients," said Narayana Murali, M.D., executive director, Marshfield Clinic, and chief strategy officer, MCHS. "Our mission is to enrich lives and this initiative is a scientifically and rigorously tested model of safe hospital-level clinical care. It allows us to meaningfully lower the total cost of health care while giving the highest quality, personalized care to our eligible patients, the care they need in their own homes." The partnership will initially focus on providing services in the Marshfield service area. MCHS and Contessa Health plan to expand to the broader Wisconsin market, enabling residents across the state to receive high-quality care, in a convenient and cost-effective manner, in their homes. ABOUT MARSHFIELD CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS) oversees Marshfield Clinic and other subsidiaries, including Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, Inc., Marshfield Clinic Information Services, Flambeau Hospital in Park Falls and Lakeview Medical Center in Rice Lake. Marshfield Clinic, with more than 50 locations in Wisconsin, serves patients through accessible, high quality health care, research and education; with more than 700 physician specialists in 86 specialties and subspecialties and more than 6,800 employees. MCHS is overseen by a Board of Directors with 13 independent members and 11 physicians who comprise the Marshfield Clinic Board. ABOUT CONTESSA HEALTH Contessa Health operates home hospitalization programs to manage episodic risk initiatives. By leveraging its proprietary clinical model, ContessaCare, Contessa Health enables providers to deliver hospital-level care to patients in the comforts of their homes. Its clinical services are augmented by ContradoClaim, a proprietary claims analytics and prospective payment technology. This platform manages the entire bundle payment revenue cycle process by allowing its payer partners to administer prospective bundle payments without disrupting existing claims processing workflows. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721006104/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] During a heated parliamentary discussion on Singh's remarks, Mayawati had prided herself at being a four-time Uttar Pradesh CM who never crossed the lines of decency in political debates. By India Today Web Desk: In the Bahujan Samaj Party's outrage and protest against BJP leader Dayashankar Singh's abusive remarks, Mayawati's women themselves have, quite ironically, crossed a few lines in public discourse. First, the BSP's Chandigarh unit leader Jannat Jahan announced a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh to the person who got Dayashankar Singh's tongue, prompting many to ask why she should not be tried for making such a statement. advertisement Shortly afterwards, the BSP's MLA in Madhya Pradesh, Usha Chaudhary, while protesting outside the state Assembly, called the expelled BJP leader an "illegitimate child" and questioned his DNA. "There's something wrong with Dayashankar Singh's DNA. I think he is an illegitimate child," Chaudhary told reporters. "What Dayashankar Singh said, I think it's Dayashankar's family which is like that," she continued. In her angry intervention on Wednesday during a heated parliamentary discussion on Singh's remarks, Mayawati had prided herself at being a four-time Uttar Pradesh chief minister who had never crossed the lines of decency in political debates. DAYASHANKAR SINGH GOES UNDERGROUND Singh, at a press conference in Mau district of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, had said that the BSP chief was giving party tickets based on the amount of money paid to her and that even a prostitute was better than her. "Even a prostitute fulfils her commitment to a man after she is paid. But Mayawati, such a big leader in UP, sells party tickets to anyone who pays her the highest amount. If someone gives her Rs one crore for a ticket, she will give it to the other person who is offering Rs 2 crores," Singh had told reporters, repeatedly using the word "veshya" in Hindi. As outrage grew resulting in Singh's sacking from the BJP for six years, and the BSP filing an FIR against him, the leader has gone underground while the cops in Uttar Pradesh remain on his pursuit. --- ENDS --- [July 21, 2016] Cylance Recognized on CRN's 2016 Emerging Vendors List IRVINE, Calif., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cylance, the company that is revolutionizing cybersecurity through the use of artificial intelligence to proactively prevent advanced persistent threats and malware, announced today that CRN , a brand of The Channel Company, has named Cylance to its 2016 list of Emerging Vendors. This annual list recognizes recently founded, up-and-coming technology suppliers who are shaping the future of the IT channel through unique technological innovations. In addition to celebrating these standout companies, the Emerging Vendors list also serves as a valuable resource for solution providers looking to expand their portfolios with cutting-edge technology. "We're very pleased to be named to the CRN Emerging Vendors list and see the recognition as further affirmation of our growth and vision as a company," said Cylance CEO Stuart McClure. "We started Cylance with the mission to protect everyone in the world with this ground-breaking technology. For the past four years we've worked to do that through the application of machine learning to endpoint security, and this recognition is another signpost motivating us to keep breaking new ground." Cylance was selected as a CRN Emerging Vendor for its forward-looking vision. Cylance, through its innovative offering CylancePROTECT, redefines what antivirus can and should do by using artificial intelligence to detect and prevent malware from executing on endpoints in real time. It does this through using machine learning to identify malare, rather than reactive signatures and sandboxes. "The select group of companies on our Emerging Vendors list have already made a name for themselves in their short time in the IT community, introducing leading-edge technologies with the potential to transform their segments of the IT market," said Robert Faletra, CEO of The Channel Company. "These tech suppliers are quickly making their mark on the industry and are the ones solution providers should watch in 2016." The Emerging Vendors list will be featured in the August 2016 issue of CRN and online at www.crn.com/emergingvendors. Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook Tweet This: @TheChannelCo names @Cylance to @CRN 2016 Emerging Vendors list #CRNEV www.crn.com/emergingvendors About Cylance Inc. Cylance is the only company to offer a preventive cybersecurity solution that stops advanced threats and malware at the most vulnerable point: the endpoint. Applying a revolutionary artificial intelligence approach, the Cylance endpoint security solution, CylancePROTECT, analyzes the DNA of code prior to its execution on the endpoint to find and prevent threats others can't, while using a fraction of the system resources associated with endpoint antivirus and detect and respond solutions that are deployed in enterprises today. For more information visit: www.cylance.com. Cylance and CylancePROTECT are registered trademarks or trademarks owned by Cylance Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions and may not be used without prior written permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. About the Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. The Channel Company logo is a trademark of The Channel Company, LLC (registration pending). All rights reserved. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cylance-recognized-on-crns-2016-emerging-vendors-list-300302362.html SOURCE Cylance [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 21, 2016] Salesforce VP Peter Coffee To Speak In Missoula MISSOULA, Mont., July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Technology Group (ATG) and the Montana High Tech Business Alliance will host a discussion with Peter Coffee, Salesforce's Vice President for Strategic Research, at Missoula's Wilma Theater on Monday, July 25th. Coffee is globally recognized as a thought leader in the field of Cloud Computing and next-generation Customer Engagement. "Salesforce has established itself as the industry champion of Cloud Computing and Customer Relationship Management software," according to ATG's Tom Stergios, SVP, Quote-To-Cash GM. "We're very excited to host such a well-known and dynamic expert as Peter," Stergios said. "His passion and insight into the field continues to help push the industry forward and inspire the next generation of innovators." Ask the Experts Coffee will be joined at The Wilma by a panel of expert and industry leaders, who will participate in a "fireside chat" following his keynote. Anyone who is interested in achieving a better understanding of Cloud Computing and Customer Engagement should attend. The agenda is as follows: 3:00 4:00 PM: Peter Coffee keynote 4:00 5:00 PM: Fireside chat with Peter Coffee and the Industry Leaders Panel 5:00 6:00 PM: Happy Hour & Networking To RSVP for this event, email [email protected] About Advanced Technology Group ATG helps the nation's most recognizable brands step back and observe their people, processes and technology with an objective eye, especially when the organization is in the middle or on the cusp of significant growth due to a merger, an acquisition, a new technology platform, etc. ATG guides companies in managing the most complex processes across the entire business continuum from engagement to exit, gaining game-changing efficiency along the way by optimizing the Quote-to-Cash lifecycle from customer acquisition to billing and revenue management. Contact: Michael Eagan (913) 239-0050 x228 [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/salesforce-vp-peter-coffee-to-speak-in-missoula-300302416.html SOURCE Advanced Technology Group Lawrence County Council approve transfer and appropriation requests During Tuesday evenings meeting of the Lawrence County Council, budget transfers and additional appropriations were approved for county offices. Saddling up to help children What gave rise to the Ventura County Sheriffs Posses latest initiative to help kids with disabilities? Just a man and his horse. Somis resident Russell... CRPD to dedicate latest neighborhood park near Janss/23 The newest installation in the Conejo Rec and Park District system is now open to the public. On Oct. 21, CRPD crews took down the... The best birthday gift ever As Kerri Braemer-Castro looked down at the mountains and valleys of Camarillo from the cockpit of a World War II B-25 bomber earlier this month,... Break out the costumes HISTORIC FUNTop, Layla Sayegh, 8, of West Hills tries her hand at roping on Oct. 22 during Leonis Adobe Museums annual Pumpkin Party. Above, Lisa... Members of the National Fishworkers' Forum (NFF), an apex federation of fishermens' organisations in the country, are all set to submit a memorandum to Indian Coast Guard authorities, asking them to stop all kinds of bottom-trawling in the sea at night. National Fishworkers' Forum (NFF), an apex federation of fishermen's organisations in the country, are all set to submit a memorandum to Indian Coast Guard authorities, asking them to stop all kinds of bottom-trawling in the sea at night. By Soudhriti Bhabani: India's fisherman community has offered to end industrial fishing at night that often provides cover for smugglers and terrorists to infiltrate along the country's 8,000-kilometre-long vulnerable coastline that was exposed in 2008 after a seaborne assault by Pakistani gunmen on Mumbai. The move comes against the backdrop of this month's deadly terror attack at a caf in Bangladesh that underscored growing radicalisation in India's treacherous neighbourhood. advertisement STOP BOTTOM-TRAWLING, SAY FISHERMEN Members of the National Fishworkers' Forum (NFF), an apex federation of fishermen's organisations in the country, are all set to submit a memorandum to Indian Coast Guard authorities, asking them to stop all kinds of bottom-trawling in the sea at night. India has shored up security in its coastal areas, particularly around vital installations such as nuclearpower stations, ports and defence facilities, following the deadly 26/11 attacks that killed over 160 people. Infrastructure to upgrade security in the seas has also got a push. According to NFF national convener Debashis Shyamal, the communication will be submitted this week to the Coast Guard at Haldia in West Bengal, in which they will mention the key security issue. WOULD HELP REDUCE INFILTRATION "The fish workers' forum in Bengal (Dakshinbanga Matsyajibi Forum) will submit the memorandum to the Indian Coast Guard asking to stop bottom-trawling or bull-trawling fishing activities in the sea at night. If that can be imposed successfully there will be no movement of trawlers in the sea at night," he said. Shyamal said the traditional fishermen would also give a proposal that they will not venture out to sea and engage in any trawling activities during the night. "If all the fishing trawlers in the sea are afloat but remain in a static position at night it would help security agencies to prevent any infiltration activities or suspicious movement from outside territories. We have already stopped activities from our end too," he added. MOVE WILL BE WELCOMED: DEFENCE OFFICIAL Ahead of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, an elderly harbour official had noticed the unusual behaviour of the 10 terrorists who had sailed in and questioned their actions, but he did not report the situation and was told by the men to mind his own business, as per reports. Sources in the security agencies said indigenous people provide the best vigilance against foreign intrusion as was also proved in the case of Kargil in 1999 where local shepherds first spotted the Pakistani attackers and reported this to the defence forces. "It is definitely a welcome move. If they submit any such memorandum we, as an enforcement agency, will certainly take serious note of that," commandant IJ Singh, spokesperson of Indian Coast Guard, told MAIL TODAy on Wednesday. advertisement NEIGHBORING PARTS WITH BANGLADESH ON HIGH ALERT West Bengal, along with Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam and Mizoram that share an international border with Bangladesh, was put on "high alert" after the Dhaka terror attack in which 28 people, including six terrorists and two policemen, were killed. India's coastline presents a variety of security concerns, such as smuggling of arms and explosives, infiltration and other criminal activities. Absence of physical barriers and presence of vital industrial and defence installations near the coasts also enhance their vulnerability to illegal cross-border activities. The administrations of all the districts bordering Bangladesh have been asked to remain on high alert, in particular three districts- East Midnapore, South 24-Parganas and North 24-Parganas- that are connected with the neighbouring country by rivers and the Bay of Bengal. These three districts have over 156 sq km of vast coastline manned by only six coastal police stations which are inept to tackle any emergency. India and Bangladesh share a 4,095-km border, of which 180 km is riverine. Under the first phase of a coastal security scheme, six police stations have come up in Digha Mohana, Talpatighat, Haldibari (Sunderbans), Maipith, Frezerganj and Hemnagar. The process is on for setting up eight more coastal police stations under the second phase at areas such as Junput, Mandarmoni, Nayachar, Gangasagar, Gobardhanpur, Jharkali, Harwood Point and Diamond Harbour. advertisement FISHERMEN, EYES OF THE SEA "These coastal police stations are in very bad shape and not ready to handle any coastal patrolling activity even. They don't have any mechanised patrolling boat to keep night vigils in the sea," police sources said. The fishermen of India have for centuries been the sentinels of the coast, preventing intruders by identifying strangers and foreign vessels that sneak into our waters. Post 26/11, some community interactions were also initiated by the Coast Guard at various landing stations, in a bid to sensitise local fishermen about strengthening national security. Shyamal said that fishermen from Maharashtra, Goa and Tamil Nadu, which share similar transborder coastline with Pakistan and Sri Lanka, respectively, have also supported the decision and are likely to join the move. "If any security issue happens traditional fishermen, who depend on fishing activities in coastal zones, are generally the first ones to suffer due to the drills. So, we have resolved to facilitate the national coastal agencies with the idea of stopping bottom-trawling (or bull-trawling) activities at night," he pointed out. advertisement THEY WANT COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT TO INFORM OFFICIALS Sources said in order to facilitate and improve the efficiency of vigilance, the fishermen also propose that they should be trained and provided with communication equipment to stay in touch with the naval, coastguard and other security agencies. --- ENDS --- Authorities say a Florida policeman shot and wounded a black man working as a caretaker of an autistic person despite lying down on the ground with hands up in the air. Kinsey lying with his hands up beside the autistic person he takes care of. Photo: Screengrab from the video By AP: Authorities say a Florida police officer shot and wounded an autistic man's caretaker following reports of a man threatening to shoot himself. North Miami Assistant Police Chief Neal Cuevas told The Miami Herald that officers responded to the scene on Monday to find 47-year-old Charles Kinsey, a therapist who works with people with disabilities, according to WSVN-TV , trying to get his 27-year-old patient back to a facility from where he wandered. advertisement Cuevas says police ordered Kinsey and the patient, who was sitting in the street playing with a toy truck, to lie on the ground. Kinsey lies down and puts his hands up while trying to get his patient to comply. An officer then fired three times, striking Kinsey in the leg, Cuevas said. No weapon was found. Kinsey's attorney, Hilton Napoleon, provided a cellphone video to the Herald on Wednesday taken moments before the shooting. It shows Kinsey lying in the middle of the street with his hands up, asking the officers not to shoot him, while the autistic man sits next to him, yelling at him to "shut up." "Sir, there's no need for firearms," Kinsey said he told police before he was shot, according to the station. "It was so surprising. It was like a mosquito bite." Kinsey is black. Police haven't released the name or race of the officer who shot him. Here is the video of the incident shot by Hilton Napeleon: --- ENDS --- Gaurav Vohra, Ceo & Co-founder, Jigsaw Academy, Online Analytics and Big Data Provider, Bangalore Social media management is a hybrid pursuit that involves writing blog posts, finding, curating and promoting content on several platforms, and engaging with a variety of social media audiences. It's about crafting and shaping a brand's virtual presence in real time. Good social media management shapes, and is shaped by, a brand's marketing and outreach strategy. Some social media managers like to start the day with a quick review of the previous night's media activity (after all, half the world is awake while the other half sleeps). advertisement This is a good opportunity to respond to readers' queries or concerns, review the day's agenda, study trending topics, and plan your content calendar for the day and/or your week. The mind is fresh and alert in the first half of the day, you're less likely to overlook any loose threads from the previous day's work, and you have the energy to tackle at least three out of five tasks on your to-do list. Here are five tasks that a social media manager has to perform on a daily basis. Create interactive content The Internet is a treasure trove of information. Finding and developing content that is topical, timely, and sticky is one of the most challenging and exciting aspects of a social media professional's job. Sites such as Google Trends, BuzzFeed and BuzzSumo are a great way to track down trending topics. You can then structure your content along similar lines. Techniques for engagement There's nothing more off-putting to customers than a company's static Twitter feed or Facebook page. Social media managers must assign time to interact with and respond to both loyalists and casual browsers. This is how you maintain an online community of brand ambassadors; customers who function as unpaid force multipliers. Analyse user behaviour 53 per cent of all social media managers are reluctant to actively utilise analytics to measure the success of their social media strategy. It is an important part of the job, and even if only for half an hour every day, managers should study user engagement statistics regularly. This tells them how content is faring on a day-today basis, as well as over time. Make the brand visible Planning and scheduling are most essential for effective social media housekeeping. A good social media manager, therefore, cannot afford to overlook these activities. There is an enormous amount of behind-the-scenes work that social media managers do in order to establish a dynamic online presence for a brand. Tools to use Social media managers can use tools such as Twitter Analytics and Facebook Insights to identify when their content is likely to have higher user engagement. For instance on Facebook, 86 per cent of the entire week's user engagement occurs on Thursdays and Fridays. Fridays especially see a 10 per cent surge in viewership referred to as 'the happiness index, at the prospect of the weekend. On Twitter, B2B traffic rises by 14 per cent during the week. advertisement --- ENDS --- By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 20 (PTI) Government today cleared the proposal of Ambuja Cements to acquire 24 per cent stake in its holding firm Holcim India, a move that will allow its parent Swiss giant LafargeHolcim to strengthen India footprint. "The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal for Ambuja Cements Ltd for acquisition of 24 per cent shares in its holding company Holcim (India) Pvt Ltd from Holderind Investment Ltd," an official statement said. The CCEA also allowed the "subsequent reverse merger through a share swap. This would entail outflow of Rs 3,500 crore." advertisement These transactions would enable Lafarge Holcim group to create a linear corporate structure (with Ambuja and ACC becoming parent and subsidiary) and with a view to harvest significant synergies from India operations, it added. Both, Ambuja Cements and ACC are subsidiaries of worlds largest cement maker LafargeHolcim. The group was founded in 2015 following the merger of Lafarge and Holcim. "This will further strengthen all India footprints, debt free balance sheet and cash flow generation, bringing in huge prospects for further expansion and creation of employment opportunities," it added. PTI RNK MKJ --- ENDS --- Dashlane is a premium password manager that provides a top-notch experience for users willing to pay its high prices, but its cheaper plans are less attractive for those who need only basic features. Dashlane: Specs Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome OS Free version: Yes (limited to 50 passwords and 1 device) 2FA: Yes Browser extensions: Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge Form filling: Yes Biometric login: Face ID, Touch ID on iOS & macOS, Windows Hello, fingerprint unlock on Android PIN code: Yes Killer feature: Automatic password changer Dashlane is a top-tier password manager with some of the most comprehensive features and the best user experience on the market but it comes at a premium price. To get unlimited-device syncing, you have to pay a hefty $59.99 per year for Dashlane Premium, which comes with extra services you may not really need, such as a VPN. Meanwhile, Dashlane's free tier is so restrictive that it's barely worth mentioning. At $35.99 per year, Dashlane's recently introduced mid-range Essentials plan is priced the same as the top tiers from 1Password , Keeper and LastPass . But unlike those, it's limited to just two devices (one phone and one computer, for example). Dashlane would be a top choice if its Essentials plan could be used across as an unlimited number of devices. But it's hard to justify paying for Dashlane's Premium plan when the other premium choices among the best password managers , and even solid free options like Bitwarden 's, offer more for much less. That said, Dashlane Premium is compelling for users who want extra services or who especially value platform design. Read on for the rest of our Dashlane review. Dashlane: Costs and what's covered Dashlane has three paid tiers: Essentials ($35.99 per year), Premium ($59.99 per year) and Family ($89.99 per year). The Essentials option is priced similarly to the "premium" plans offered by its competitors, but it allows syncing across just two devices. There's also a free Dashlane plan, though its functionality is extremely limited you can store just 50 passwords on a single device. While you do get some security-monitoring capabilities, the fact that there are more full-featured free options available with the likes of Bitwarden and Myki make Dashlane's free offering far less appealing. With the $35.99-per-year Dashlane Essentials plan, you get unlimited password sharing, secure notes, a bulk password changer and security features like data-breach alerts and password-health reports. But again, this plan works across only two devices, so if you need password management on your phone, personal computer, work computer and/or tablet, you'd have to upgrade to Premium. If you do choose Dashlane Premium ($59.99 annually), you'll get unlimited device syncing plus 1 GB of secure storage, dark-web monitoring and VPN services provided by Hotspot Shield which is where the premium price tag comes from. (To be fair, $20 per year for one of the best VPN services is a steal.) The Family plan ($89.99 per year) is basically Premium with up to six accounts. Dashlane does allow users to subscribe month-to-month, albeit at a higher rate: $3.99 per month for Essentials, $6.49 per month for Premium and $8.99 per month for Family. This is handy if you've used your 30-day free trial but aren't ready to commit to a full year with Dashlane. Dashlane is phasing out its desktop apps, so it now operates primarily via a web app and browser extensions on Windows, macOS, Linux and Chrome OS as long as both the extension and browser are up-to-date (within the last two major versions). Extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge as well as other Chromium-based browsers. Note that the Safari extension requires macOS 10.14 or later. On mobile, Dashlane supports iOS 14 or later, watchOS 6.2 or later and Android 10 or later. You can also access your web vault in any browser except Internet Explorer. For this review, I tested Dashlane on a 2020 MacBook Air running macOS 10.15.7 Catalina and an iPhone XR. I used Google Chrome for browser testing. Dashlane: Setup To set up a Dashlane account, you'll be redirected to install the browser extension. Click the Create an Account button, which will open a new window and prompt you to enter your email address followed by a master password. (Image credit: Dashline) Make sure you make the master password memorable or write it down someplace safe there's no account recovery option down the line unless you've enabled biometrics on your mobile device. (Image credit: Dashlane) Once your account has been created, you'll enter your vault, which includes a guided onboarding process for adding individual passwords and connecting mobile apps. Scan the QR code to open the appropriate app store on your device, or navigate directly there and download Dashlane's mobile app. (Image credit: Dashlane) If you prefer to skip the onboarding and jump right to populating your vault, tap the three horizontal lines in the upper-left corner to open the menu bar and tap My account > Import passwords. Dashlane supports CSV uploads but does not have separate steps for importing from other password-management tools. (Image credit: Dashlane) Note that all of this happens inside the Dashlane browser extension. To log into your web vault at app.dashlane.com, you'll enter your email address to receive a security code that authorizes your device before you can enter your master password. The web interface is nearly identical to the browser-extension one. Biometric unlocking on desktop is a beta feature for the extension only, which you can enable in My account > Security settings. The first time you log in on a mobile device, you'll also have to enter a verification code sent to your email address to authorize your device before you can enter your master password. The app has a similar guided onboarding process for adding passwords and enabling autofill, which you have to complete before your full vault loads in the Home section. Turn on biometrics, if available on your device, in Settings > Security. Dashlane: Desktop Dashlane on desktop is actually Dashlane via the web vault, as the company is sunsetting its standalone desktop apps. Support will be available for current desktop users until the web vault is fully functional. You can open your vault within the browser extension or by logging into the web app. (Image credit: Dashlane) The vault has a collapsible, left-justified menu bar for toggling between item categories, security tools and settings as well as a search bar. Tap Passwords to view vault records, and click on individual records to open, view and edit the details. Dashlane will notify you within a record if your password is weak or compromised and direct you to change your credentials, though it takes several clicks. (Image credit: Dashlane) There are also granular autofill settings for individual records, such as auto-login, and you can share the record or launch the website from this view. Alternatively, you can click the three horizontal dots next to the item to quickly launch the website, copy your credentials or share the record. (Image credit: Dashlane) Dashlane has some redundancy for accessing vault functions on desktop buttons exist in multiple places, for example but this isn't intrusive and actually makes it easier to quickly find what you need. To add a new item, click the Add new button at the top of the vault window. You can share an item from this view as well, or within the Sharing Center. Other sections in the main navigation bar include notes, payment methods, personal info (addresses and emails, for example) and IDs (which currently include ID cards, Social Security numbers, driver's licenses, passports and tax numbers). Note that you must add a record within the correct category the Add item button in Passwords does not have the template for a passport, for example. Further down are the security tools, including Password Health for weak, reused and compromised passwords and Dark Web Monitoring, which scans the dark web for up to five email addresses that may have been leaked in data breaches. You have to verify added email addresses to activate monitoring. If any leaks are detected, Dashlane will guide you to click through to change your account credentials. (Image credit: Dashlane) One of Dashlane's killer features is an automatic password changer, currently in beta. (This replaces Dashlane's original bulk password changer.) Tap the Change passwords button at the top of your vault, and Dashlane will show you which accounts it can automatically update credentials for. You can select individual accounts or click Change all, and Dashlane will navigate to those websites, change your passwords and update them in your vault. This feature works on a limited number of websites, but it's extremely useful for creating more secure logins quickly. The browser extension pop-up from your browser toolbar has most of the basic functions you'll use regularly. You can view your entire vault, search for individual items, open and edit records and generate new passwords. Most other functions will redirect you to the web app. The extension also has a function called "This website," which shows you any credentials available for the site you're currently on. (Image credit: Dashlane) To autofill credentials, click the Dashlane icon in the form field and select the item you want to fill in. If the icon is green, Dashlane has something to fill in. If it's greyed out, you'll have to enter the item manually. In testing, Dashlane occasionally indicated that it didn't have a password available to autofill for accounts that were, in fact, stored in my vault. When creating a new account, Dashlane will automatically suggest a generated password and ask if you want to save the account to your vault. Amid Dashlane's migration from desktop to web, there are some features that have yet to be fully rolled out (opens in new tab) , including U2F security-key support and the ability to enable or disable 2FA. Dashlane is not adding an emergency-access feature to its web app yet, although it plans to offer an alternative in the future. Dashlane: Mobile apps The mobile app is clean and easy to navigate and has all of Dashlane's functionality, including full-featured dark web monitoring. Some other password managers require you to view this on desktop only. (Image credit: Dashlane) The main navigation bar has a Home button that pulls up all items in your vault with an option to search or add a record. Tap Vault to view records by category and Contacts to see items you've shared. Under Tools, you'll find the Dashlane password generator, password changer and your security tools (tap Identity Dashboard) as well as your VPN service. If you have a Premium plan, this will walk you through the setup process. The final section is your Settings, where you can customize some basic security preferences like biometrics. (Image credit: Dashlane) To enable autofill, set Dashlane as your default password manager in your phone settings. Dashlane will auto-suggest credentials or open within your browser to suggest login options. This worked smoothly in my apps as well. You can also create and save new credentials into Dashlane directly from the login interface. Dashlane: Security Dashlane uses AES-256 encryption to secure your data, and your information is unlocked on your local device only when you enter your master password and any enabled two-factor authentication methods. That means that Dashlane employees never have access to your vaults, and hackers cannot see your data even if they manage to access Dashlane's servers. Two-factor authentication is available for all Dashlane accounts, free or paid, though free users should be careful to enable or disable 2FA with the single device they're using for Dashlane, as doing so on a secondary device will re-encrypt your account and you'll lose your data. Otherwise, 2FA must be set up (for now) on your desktop, though you should be able to enable it in the web app in the future once the transition is complete. Dashlane works with time-based one-time password (TOTP) apps like Authy, Google Authenticator and FreeOTP. With the transition from the desktop app to the web app, Dashlane no longer supports U2F hardware like YubiKey for 2FA, though you can still use a security key in place of your master password. (Image credit: Dashlane) Dashlane supports Windows Hello and Touch ID on macOS. Fingerprint unlock is available on most Android devices, and there's support for Touch ID and Face ID on iOS. You can also enable PIN unlocking on your mobile devices. Dashlane password manager review: Bottom line It's hard to find a better password-management user experience than what Dashlane has to offer. But to get the most out of Dashlane, you have to pay a hefty $60 annually for its Premium tier. If you don't need the extras that come with this plan, it's hard to see its value when competitors charge premium users a lot less for everything you'd actually use. Dashlane has its $36-per-year Essentials plan to match prices with the premium plans from Keeper , LastPass and 1Password , but it's not really a fair comparison because Dashlane Essentials limits you to just two devices while the others offer full premium services at the same price. New PlayStation Plus release dates revealed here's when it's due While the new three-tier PS Plus is due to arrive in Asian markets in May, US users will have to wait until mid June, with Europeans the last to get the upgrade. In its continuing efforts to combat piracy, the United States seized the domain names owned by popular torrent website Kickasstorrents. Artem Vaulin, the alleged owner of the site, was also taken into custody in Poland, where authorities are detaining him while the United States government attempts to extradite him. Although this may sound like the end of Kickasstorrents, the website appears to be already back up and running with a new domain name. According to the U.S. Justice Department, at the time it seized Kickasstorrents, it was the most popular torrenting website in the world. The website also ranked 69th on the list of the most viewed sites worldwide. The total amount of data shared via Kickasstorrents reportedly amounted to over $1 billion. Although the authorities seized all known domain names owned by Kickasstorrents, immediately following the seizure a new site using the www.dxtorrents.com URL emerged with the same site design. The home screen of this site even welcomes you with the familiar Kickasstorrents main page. Investigating cyber-enabled schemes is a top priority for CI, said Chief Weber. Websites such as the one seized today brazenly facilitate all kinds of illegal commerce. Criminal Investigation is committed to thoroughly investigating financial crimes, regardless of the medium. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to unravel this and other complex financial transactions and money laundering schemes where individuals attempt to conceal the true source of their income and use the Internet to mask their true identity. Dxtorrents.com could simply be another torrenting site attempting to capitalize on Kickasstorrents current difficulties, or it could be the same website that has existed for years with a new domain. It isnt clear which scenario is true at this time. The U.S. Justice Department stated that Kickasstorrents pulled in an estimated $12.5 to $22.3 million in annual advertising revenues, so it is unlikely that those involved in running the site will simply let it go offline. Although the Kickasstorrents site may live on with a new domain, the owner and operator of the site likely wont get off so easy. In addition to multiple charges of copyright infringement, authorities also accused Vaulin of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Vaulin is charged with running todays most visited illegal file-sharing website, responsible for unlawfully distributing well over $1 billion of copyrighted materials, said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell. In an effort to evade law enforcement, Vaulin allegedly relied on servers located in countries around the world and moved his domains due to repeated seizures and civil lawsuits. His arrest in Poland, however, demonstrates again that cybercriminals can run, but they cannot hide from justice. Of course, all of these are currently just charges, and Vaulin has not been found guilty of anything as of yet. Melbournes iconic Hosier Lane was a little busier than usual yesterday thanks to a new mural by local graff artist Lushsux, which paid tribute to the late Taylor Swift. Well, actually the mural was erected in loving memory of Taylor Smith and whilst were not quite sure who that is, we can tell you that Taylor Swift is very much alive. Its little wonder then that Lushsuxs mural became an even bigger sensation than his controversial naked Kim Kardashian mural, which he put up back in March. The Taylor Smith mural went viral shortly after Lushsux posted about it on his Instagram page. It was reported on by everybody from News Corp at home, to the UKs Mirror, and New York Magazine. And now its gone. Taking to Instagram, LushSux claimed that hed received an email from one of the pop sensations lawyers, threatening the artist with legal action if he doesnt remove the mural. Speaking to New York Daily News, LushSux said the alleged email was your typical cease and desist kind of legalese garble email, though he wouldnt go into specific details. WHO DID THIS?!?! A photo posted by lushsux (@lushsux) on Jul 20, 2016 at 9:49am PDT But there have been multiple threats from Taylor Swifts own version of the Hitler youth, who dub themselves Swiftys, to go down and destroy the wall, he continued. Im sure I can cook up a round two for the spot if it gets destroyed. I may even go down and change it around tonight for another good laugh. LushSux suggested he may replace Swifts face with Caveman Spongebobs. Hes now gone and done exactly that. As you can see via the artists Instagram, Swifts face is now that of Caveman Spongebobs and the mural is now a loving tribute to Harambe, the gorilla who was shot and killed at the Cincinnati Zoo in May. According to LushSux, since he put up the mural on Wednesday, people have been flocking to the site to leave empty beer bottles, cheap roses and even cheaper candles. Real classy down there at the moment, he added. Heavy music fans jumped for joy when they heard that Byron Bay metalcore favourites Parkway Drive had been collaborating with Tonight Alive frontwoman Jenna McDougall and it looks like they had good reason to. McDougall appears on a remixed version of the bands epic Ire cut A Deathless Song. The remix appears on the new deluxe edition of Ire, which features new brand new, unheard tracks. The new tracks, Into The Dark and Devils Calling, work in the same blueprint Parkway established on Ire, which was noted for being a massive departure for the Aussie heavy favourites. Having unveiled the deluxe edition of Ire, the band is now set to depart for Europe where theyll play an extensive August headline tour before playing the main stage at the legendary Reading/Leeds festivals. Famously enthusiastic business magnate Richard Branson has tried his hand at a lot of endeavours over the years under the Virgin banner, even extending to the current goal of actually sending human beings into space on a regular basis. But today he has slightly less lofty ambitions although no less interesting to us. Already deeply entrenched in the music business through his ventures with Virgin Records, he now hopes to transform the way we experience live music, recapturing the spirit of bands playing spontaneous, intimate shows in tiny rooms and developing genuine connections with their audiences. To this end, hes announced his latest foray into music, an investment in fledgling live music community Sofar Sounds, which aims to bring like-minded fans of live music together in intimate spaces, rather than putting them in a huge room full of disengaged punters. When I started Virgin Records, there were always bands turning up with guitars to play in our shops, as we sat around on beanbags, sharing a smoke and enjoying the music, Branson explains. As our stores turned into a record label, I had the idea of turning my home into a music hub, where artists could practice, write, record, relax and perform. In the years since, the idea of music being performed in unusual, spontaneous places has slowly been eroded by established concert venues and protocols. You know the drill: go to a soulless hall, look into the distance while a band plays on a raised stage, and everyone stands around looking at their phones. The connection between artist and listener was being lost. This, he claims, is where Sofar Sounds comes in. Short for Songs From A Room, Sofar Sounds is an initiative by Co-founders Rafe Offer, Rocky Start and Dave Alexander, who were apparently fed up with attending gigs, only to find that people were more interested in talking or playing on their phones. They began organising secretive gigs in their living rooms, and the idea snowballed from there, with gigs now taking place in cities across the globe including Australia. The community has already hosted over 4000 shows with more than 12,000 artists, and its safe to say thatll be expanding very soon. In our digital age, so many social experiences take place solely online, Branson claims. Sofar is bringing communities of like-minded people together to create a global network of members, artists, hosts and ambassadors who can be grouped by a more simple term: music lovers. It already seems like a pretty successful venture, having developed quite organically over several years, and itll be interesting to see just how widespread this sort of communal network can become with the Virgin name attached. And so, welcome ALL comments because TKC REMAINS THE LAST FREE SPEECH ZONE IN KANSAS CITY despite DOS and SPAM attacks from losers AND my penchant for bikini & lingerie babes. In what might be an exceptionally brave and possibly controversial bit of Kansas City TV news journalism, the identities of suspects in a tragic killing are being broadcast before they're charged . . . Actually, that happens all the time but given rising tensions across the nation on this topic . . . It's exceptionally noteworthy.Here's the latest from a local TV station . . .Now, here's the challenge . . .Instead of simply posting mindless hatred . . . Maybe think about doing something useful with that energy and help the family of the victim in this tragedy:Thing is, I don't want this blog to turn into a hater fest and I'm actually really encouraged that there are opinions on both sides of this issue that are showing up . . . Truth be told, some of the haters trolling and spamming aren't even really racists but just obsessives who spend more time on this blog than I do . . .You decide . . . KCK Mayor Mark Holland "Captain Melton's death tells us that tragedy and evil are always possible in this line of work. It reopens a raw hurt still festering within our community. Further, in the two months between our officers deaths, our nation has erupted with violence. We have seen the loss of innocent lives at the hands of police; and we have seen the ambush and murder of police who were actively protecting the public. Our nation is in uncertain times." "Why did he have to throw in a comment about innocent people killed by the police when this press conference was about an innocent police officer killed by a criminal? I just don't understand. This is not the time and place for that. Let's stand by this family and this department and bury this hero. Then folks like the mayor can go back to their inflammatory rhetoric." DOMESTIC TERRORISTS AND/OR CRIMINALS TARGETING POLICE SHOULDN'T BE COMPARED WITH TRAGIC SHOOTINGS OF BLACK MEN BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OR ELSE A DESTRUCTIVE CYCLE OF RETALIATION ENDURES!!! Recent comments from the KCK newbie mayor have stirred a strong reaction from our blog community.First . . .I was thinking about doing a roundup of the really touching vigil last night for the police captain killed in KCK but the reality is that this is a there's much better coverage out there that recounts the moment of community healing much better.Here's a great resource for those who want to read more about last night's vigil:Now . . .Here's the offending passage fromMoney line . . .The reaction from our blog community . . .Can't help but agree . . . The comparison is an obvious. . .The cruel, unfortunate and harsh reality is that a great many police shootings involve a suspect dying as a result of their own actionsgunman targeting cops are simply looking to kill people for doing their job.Of course there are exceptions to every rule and I think most people agree that the latest police shooting put on blast by the mainstream media looks like a straight upmove:Nevertheless . . .Kansas City, Kansas voters should remember that during a time of great stress and public outpouring of sympathy . . . Some say Mayor Holland engaged in a tragic bit of political pandering.You decide . . . The latest homicide report follows a fatal shooting in the 3600 block of Askew on Thursday, July 21, 2016.Here are more deets from the scene of another local gunfire tragedy:And so . . .This is unofficially the 55th homicide so far this year compared to 42 at this time last year. The latest local murder maintains a 5-year-homicide high trend of KCMO at this point on the calendar.Developing . . . SIERRA CLUB ENDORSES Mims and Dunn [Kansas City]: The Missouri Chapter of the Sierra Club today announced its endorsement of Bonnaye Mims and Randy Dunn for re-election as State Representatives in Kansas City. Rep. Mims (27th District) and Dunn (23rd District) were first elected in 2012, and are finishing their second terms in office."We are very pleased to announce today that the Sierra Club officially endorses Representatives Bonnaye Mims and Randy Dunn for reelection," said local Sierra Club Political Chair Claus Wawrzinek. Both have been champions for clean air for our state. They voted to protect the Environmental Protection Agencys Clean Power Plan, which will dramatically reduce air pollution in the Kansas City area. They know that our children suffer high levels of asthma due to air pollution, and they are standing up for our kids.Voters in Kansas City support environmental protection, continued local Sierra Club Chair Anne McGregor. That is one of the things that makes our community a special. Representatives Mims and Dunn share our values.Both Mims and Dunn were named to the Missouri Sierra Club Honor Roll for voting 100% pro-environment in our 2015-2016 Legislative Scorecard, explained Sierra Club Chapter Director John Hickey. Mims and Dunn stood up to protect the Clean Power Plan, which will dramatically reduce carbon pollution. They voted against special interest legislation that banned Kansas City from regulating plastic bag pollution and from increasing our minimum wage. Mims and Dunn are on our side.Election Day is Tuesday, August 2, and polls are open from 6 AM til 7 PM.Along with the endorsement, the Sierra Club will lend its volunteer strength to Mims and Dunns campaigns. "We pledge to do all we can to help ensure that our friends are re-elected," said Missouri Chapter Director John Hickey. "Sierra Club volunteers will contact voters about how these two representatives are standing up for clean air, clean water, and civil rights."# # # Anu Aga, a nominated member of the Upper House and a renowned business woman and social worker, said many trustees work on voluntary basis. She claimed that several trustees have already resigned post the notification as they foresee possible harassment. By Maha Siddiqui: Why should trustees of NGOs be considered 'public servants'? This was the question raised by Rajya Sabha MP, Anu Aga today during zero hour. This comes close on the heels of a government notification saying NGOs that receive an annual government grants of Rs 1 crore or more or those that receive foreign funds to the tune of Rs 10 lakh or more will now fall under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act of 2013. advertisement Anu Aga, a nominated member of the Upper House and a renowned business woman and social worker, said many trustees work on voluntary basis. She claimed that several trustees have already resigned post the notification as they foresee possible harassment. She said this could "harm many well-meaning NGOs" that could lose vital "guidance" of these trustees. She added that action could be taken against NGOs that are not transparent however, it would be unfair to paint all NGO with the same brush. She said that the notification that was issued on the June 20 set July 31 deadline for disclosures and the immediate short-term measure could be to extend this deadline. NCP's Sharad Pawar put in a similar request whereas Digvijaya Singh of the Congress said this matter needed to be addressed seriously. On part of the government, Venkaiah Naidu agreed that there was some rationale in the matter but any decision will depend on the response of other political parties as well. He however assured the House that the government can look into extending the deadline. The government notification makes it mandatory for directors and trustees of NGO, including charitable organisations to disclose their income and assets. Office bearers of these NGOs will be treated as public servants and be charged under the anti-corruption law in case of financial irregularities. --- ENDS --- Rep. John Rizzo leads the Democratic primary for the 11th Senate District by 25 point margin, polling conducted for the Missouri Times shows. Rizzo gets 47 percent of support from likely Democratic voters and is trailed by 22 percent. THE KANSAS CITY COVEN OF LADY POLITICOS LED BY LEGISLATOR CRYSTAL WILLIAMS WAS WRONG ABOUT HILLARY HELP FOR GAL PALS!!! HILLARY ISN'T HELPING ANY LOCAL POLITICO IN THIS PRESIDENTIAL CYCLE AND MISSOURI IS STAYING RED FOR TRUMP!!! We're calling it confirmation of ourback a couple of months ago because this thing isn't even close . . .Here's the "buzz" that newspaper d-bags are too busy getting shut out of the RNC press pool to report . . . Again, we hinted at this weeks ago:This is important for a lot of reasons but here's the most fun factoid . . .One more time for the cheap seats . . .Some may not like it, but it's stupid not to recognize reality.In fairness, Rep. Rizzo has been working like a madman talking with constituents in the Summer heat and remember that we broke news of aAlso,than a bunch of Kansas City Democratic Party broads yelling, crying and raging in one Facebook rant after the next on a typical 2-red-wine-bottle night . . .But I digress . . .The takeaway here is that insiders are blaming JaxCo Legislative Chairfor tanking the career of another friend and the daily newspaper is busy pushing identity politics rather than reporting the data and numbers on this important Kansas City primary.You decide . . . Music is an international language. It brings people together. Every culture has its own repertoire of melodies, songs, dances, and in some cases, even their own unique instruments. Its hard to say how early in our evolution we began to develop music, but seeing tribes around the world today, we can guess that it was quite early. Neuroscientists have discovered that playing a musical instrument stimulates more parts of your brain than virtually any other activity. This has the tremendous advantage of creating new connections between different parts of the brain, making you smarter and quicker to react to pretty much anything. Lets take a look at 10 weird and unique musical instruments, old and new, with which weve enchanted ourselves, and brought a bit of harmony into our lives. 10. The Nose Flute https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjh4bYEiX84 Surprisingly enough, this particular instrument is found in many places around the world. Its predominantly found in the Eastern Hemisphere, in Polynesia and other Pacific Rim regions. Some similar variants can also be found in places like China, India, or Sub-Saharan Africa. In Hawaii, this instrument is called ohe hano ihu or, bamboo flute [for] nose. Its made out of a single section of bamboo and has two or three finger holes. Here, the nose flute was commonly used as a courting instrument, played in private and for personal enjoyment. However, it sometimes found itself accompanied by chants, song, and even hula dancers. In New Zealand, the nguru, as it is called, was sometimes made out of whale teeth. It had elaborate carvings, and was considered a sacred object. In Tanzania, the nose flute is used in pairs: one for each nostril. Even though it seems counterintuitive to play this instrument with the nose, this technique has the advantage of using the players mouth as a variable resonance chamber, while air is exhaled through the nostrils. This way the nose flute is able to produce a rapid and smooth series of ascending or descending notes on the musical scale, instead of them being made in steps. Unfortunately, however, the tradition of playing it around the world is fast disappearing. Artists are trying their best to conserve this amazing instrument. A more modern variant, called Humanatone, was invented back in 1904 by James J. Stivers in New York City. As opposed to the traditional ones, the Humanatone today is made out of plastic and loosely resembles an airplane propeller. 9. The Hang More commonly known as a Hang Drum, this name is considered as a misnomer by its inventors. They say that the term is too limited for what it can actually do. Developed in 2000 by Felix Rohner and Sabina Scharer in Bern, Switzerland, the Hang, as it is officially called, is the result of an in-depth and scientific research into the development of steel musical instruments. This culminated with the discovery of a new, hardened type of steel, as well as its UFO-like shape. This not only gave the instrument a softer tone, but kept it quite durable in the process. Its name comes from the Bernese German word for hand. The dimples going around its surface are specially hammered in to create the many psychedelic sounds it can produce. When played, it can sound like a harp, bells, or harmonically tuned steelpans. The steelpan is originally from Trinidad and Tobago and is played with two small hammers. It was actually the inspiration for the Hang. This came as a result of the Steelpan craze in Europe during the 70s and 80s. Rohner and Scharer experimented with different variations of steelpans throughout the years. After about 25 years, a visitor came by their shop with a Gatam (a South-Indian percussion instrument), inspiring them to adapt their invention to be played by hand. Though it needs some practice to master, the Hang is quite easy to learn. Many who try it once are able to pick up the technique instantly. 8. The Lions Roar Compared to other entries on this list, the friction drum is almost always used to accompany other, more harmonious musical instruments. Found in regions of Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America, this friction drum comes in many different shapes and sizes. Its also called by many different names. Its most often used for specific religious and ceremonial purposes, especially in Europe. In Flemish its known as a rommelpot, while in Spain, it goes by the name of zambomba. Its also used in various Italian religious processions, as well as during Romanian New Year festivities. Being a percussion instrument, the sound is produced inside a cylindrical box. This is often a jug, a pot, or a small wooden kit. A membrane, usually made out of leather, is stretched over the opening, and sound is produced either by rubbing it directly with the finger, or by using a wet stick or cord. Changing the pitch can be done by pressing in on the membrane itself. The wet cord, which in some places is made out of horse hair, is tied to a small stick at one end. Through a small hole in the middle of the membrane, it creates friction when pulled. In this case, the friction drum may also be known as a string drum or lions roar. 7. The Balalaika Though a traditional Russian folk instrument, the balalaika has a close resemblance to many East Asian stringed instruments, like the dombra and tanbura. Nevertheless, jesters and troubadours were playing the balalaika in Russia as early as the 1500s, ridiculing the ruling class and Orthodox Church at the time. Not surprisingly, the first written documentation of the balalaika is an arrest record from 1688, with the church trying to ban folk music altogether. This, of course, didnt happen. The string instrument became more popular than ever, especially with the lower and middle classes. By the late 1800s almost every household in Russia owned one. The history of the balalaika can be compared to the American banjo in this regard. The banjo was similarly used in music significant in cultural revolution. But while the balalaika was more of a symbol of unity, the banjo stood more for conflict between abolitionists and slavery supporters. Its name is somewhat similar to the Russian equivalent for babble or jabber, making a clear connection to its folk origins and its essence as an easy and fun instrument. Its triangular shape is believed to have originated by quartering a pumpkin, since the balalaika was initially made out of one. The modern versions date to the 19th century and were developed by the famed Russian musician Vasily Andreyev. They come in five different sizes, ranging from about 20 inches to about 5.8 feet. 6. The Glass Harmonica The Glass Harmonica is as rare as it is fragile. Designed and built by none other than Benjamin Franklin, the bowl organ, or hydrocrystalophone, was often played by George Washington and Marie Antoinette. It might look like an outdated steampunk device, but this instrument has made a lot of guest appearances alongside many world renowned artists like Tom Waits, Linda Ronstadt, David Gilmour, Bjork, and Robyn Hitchcock. French classical musician Thomas Bloch uses it on a regular basis, together with other musical oddities like the ondes Martenot and Cristal Baschet. Strauss, Beethoven, and Mozart all wrote works for the glass harmonica, and even the famous nu metal band Korn made use of it. The way it works is pretty straightforward. Its similar to a drunk uncle trying to make a glass of wine sing at your wedding by running his finger around the lip. But while he most likely ends up spilling his wine and breaking the glass, a skilled musician can actually make it work. The biggest difference, however, is that its mechanized. A series of 37 different sized glass bowls are threaded onto an iron spindle, rotated by a foot pedal. The biggest advantage the glass harmonica has over its classical counterpart is that the bowls are positioned horizontally and the player can work it like a piano, playing up to ten notes at a time. 5. The Semantron This percussion instrument is used only in monasteries belonging to the Christian Orthodox faith. Its essentially only found in countries in Southeastern Europe. Its purpose is to summon monks to prayer, or at the start of every procession. Of fairly simple design, the semantron can date its origins to the 6th century, within the Byzantine Empire. First appearing in monasteries across Palestine, Egypt, and Sinai, the xylon, as its called in Greece today, replaced trumpets that had previously been used for similar purposes, and quickly spread throughout the entire Empire. The semantron can come in various shapes and sizes, and is used in a particular order. The most common variant is basically a plank of hardwood, suspended by two chains and struck with one or two wooden mallets. The others are either smaller, portable, or made out of metal, but their principle is the same. Though simple, the semantron is able to produce a strong resonance and a wide range of different intonations. These all depend on the thickness of where it is struck, and the force used. The custom of using bells in Byzantium only became somewhat popular after the Fourth Crusade when the Venetians, together with the French, sacked the city of Constantinople. But even then, the semantron outnumbered bells by a 5-to-1 ratio. The reason for its continued use today is largely because of the Ottoman Empire, which outlawed bells during their dominion over the region. 4. The Jews Harp Despite its name, this lamellophone has nothing to do with Jewish people. Other names for it are jaws harp, juice harp, Ozark harp, trump, or guimbard. Most names are misnomers to the original misnomer. In fact, the word jew used here is an old misspelling of the word jaw. Quite small, it consists of a flexible metal or bamboo tongue, attached to a frame. The player holds it to his mouth, which acts as a resonance cavity, and plucks the harps tongue to produce sounds. The notes it can generate are limited, and it has only one pitch. The individual harmonics are regulated by the moving of the players mouth. During the 18th century in Europe, some musicians made harps with two or more tongues of different pitch, allowing for a more complete instrument. Its origins can more or less be traced to Asia and Oceania, and only finding its way into Europe sometime around the 14th century. Some consider it to be among the oldest instruments in the world. Due to its quiet sounds and melodies, the juice harp was associated in Asia with contemplation. In Thailand and 19th century Austria, the Jews harp was used for lovers serenades. Today, many of the sounds its able to produce are most often found in childrens cartoons. 3. The Hydraulophone The hydraulophone can only be played if youre willing to get your hands wet. Though it looks complicated, the system within is similar that of a woodwind instrument, like a saxophone, or a bassoon. Here, however, sound is produced by pressurized hydraulic fluid. So rather than using air like a woodwind, it uses liquid to produce its music. Steven Mann, a researcher and inventor best known for his work on computational photography, came up with this instrument in the 80s as a means for low vision individuals to better use their senses in creating music. It gives the player a higher degree of control over their musical expression via touch. Water is pumped into a curved tube with a series of holes through which it then spurts out. A sounding mechanism is placed above each hole. As the player places a finger over one hole, the water is directed past the associated sounding mechanism and diverted to another part of the instrument. Similar to an electric keyboard, the hydraulophone can be fitted to a wide variety of sound-producing devices. Moreover, the uses of this instrument are numerous, as you can even fit one in your hot tub. If you do that, however, the instrument will then be called a balnaphone. 2. The Alphorn Blowing tube instruments have been around for a very long time. In fact, one such example can be the Australian Didgeridoo, which the Aborigines have been using for thousands of years. Another good example is the Alphorn, which can only be described as a horn on steroids, measuring some 8-to-12 feet long. Used by mountain people living in Switzerland to communicate with each other over large distances, the Alphorn is believed by some to have originated from the Roman Lituus, a similar looking instrument, used with a similar purpose. No documented connection exists, though, and many believe it to be a simple misinterpretation of the word liti, meaning Alphorn in the Obwalden dialect. Its origins are still largely debated. Another possible connection could be with the Bucium, used in the Carpathian Mountains. Here, its use was as a means of communication between shepherds and their wives, or to signal potential military conflicts taking place in the valleys below. In Romania, women play this instrument more often than men. The Bucium, however, has a different sound and relative shape to the Alphorn. However, its believed to be much older, possibly predating even the Roman version. 1. The Conch Lets end on a literal high note. Well finish with the conch in the number one spot, even though this list was written in no particular order. Archaeological finds date the use of this instrument as far back as the Upper Paleolithic, more than 12,000 years ago. Its use is spread throughout the world, wherever large gastropod shells are commonly found. It also goes by different names, and its uses were mostly ceremonial, or with various religious purposes. From South Asia to Mesoamerica, the Caribbean, and many Pacific region countries including Korea and Japan, all use the conch in different variations and sizes. In island nations like Fiji or Hawaii, it goes by the name of Pu, and is played like a ceremonial fanfare trumpet. Depending on the style of blowing, the sound can be carried as far as two miles away. Some beautiful legends surround these instruments. In pre-Colombian America, the Quiquizoani, as it was known to the Aztecs, was used at important events. It was also used as a means to coordinate troops on the battlefield. Strong links connect it to the watery underworld and to certain deities like Quetzalcoatl. At Teotihuacan in Mexico, conch shell depictions adorn many structures on the site. It seems that these instruments denoted high status and a special spiritual power. Theyre a common find in various burial chambers for the elite. In more modern times, American jazz trombonist Steve Turre plays the conch on occasion, accompanied by his group called Sanctified Shells. During the filming of Ridley Scotts 1979 film Alien, the Conch is used as an eerie background noise when depicting the extraterrestrial environment of the derelict spaceship. Bonus! The Digi Fonf Okay, so maybe we didnt end on a high note with the conch. Weve also decided to add a bonus instrument in here. It was hard for us not to include it, simply because of its pure awesomeness. The Digi Fonf could be classified as a musical instrument played by men, for the enjoyment of women. It was invented by Romanian Stefan Popescu, who has been teaching music for more than 35 years. Hes renowned for inventing at least 37 wind instruments. He even got close to earning the Guinness World Record for playing the largest pan flute in the world. He can also play a carrot, a salt shaker, a bottle of liquor, and a walnut. Basically, he can play pretty much anything he can blow into. He states that he can play anything as long as it has at least one hole. Insert your own dirty joke. The Digi Fonf is a simple tube fitted with a mouth piece. The player uses his middle finger to touch his desired notes. Practicing on the Digi Fonf can also have some other, more practical applications, than just creating melodies. If you catch our drift. Other Articles you Might Like Kuwaiti government has allocated land to Jazeera Airways for the construction of a dedicated passenger terminal and car park buildings at Kuwait International Airport. One of the leading low-cost carriers in the Middle East, Jazeera Airways said the total investment in the project is likely to top KD14 million ($46.2 million), and the work is due to be completed in 15 months, including the permits acquisitions phase. The airline said the proposed terminal will play a key role in helping ease the congestion at Kuwait International Airport, the countrys only primary airport, which is currently operating over capacity. The terminal is part of the airlines Next Big Thing series of value boosting projects and initiatives tasked with creating a better travel experience on ground and in the air. Other initiatives include a remote check-in facility, in-flight broadband internet, a business class lounge, and long-haul flights.- TradeArabia News Service Egypt-based Maalem Group for real estate development is set to hand over a range of residential projects by the beginning of next year, said a report. The projects include 12 residential towers in New Cairo, three of which would be delivered in 2017, reported Amwal Alghad, citing the company's marketing manager Islam Amer. "The total number of residential units in the new buildings is estimated at 128,000 units with various spaces starting from E4,200 ($472) per metre," stated Amer. Maalem aims to boost its volume of business in New Cairo through the establishment of an integrated residential compound after getting a plot of land during the upcoming phase, he added. Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand's leading hotel group, has announced the departure of its chief operating officer Chris Bailey. Bailey, who has spent 12.5 years with the company, had joined Centara when it had just eight properties in its portfolio. Now the group boasts over 65 properties a significant expansion in which Chris played an instrumental role. Thirayuth Chirathivat, chief executive officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts, said: Chris has been a key figure in the growth and success of Centara Hotels&Resorts over the past 12.5 years. His commercial acumen and enterprise, coupled with his passion, dedication and leadership have driven the business forward year after year. Today we say a fond farewell not only to a colleague but to a friend as well. We wish Chris all the very best in his next chapter. Centara will make an announcement on Chris successor in due course and expects to enter the coming year in as strong a position as ever, amid an ongoing strategy of growth and with several new hotel openings on the horizon. - TradeArabia News Service By PTI: Boston, Jul 20 (PTI) Harvard scientists have identified a new class of high-performing organic molecules, inspired by vitamin B2, that can safely store electricity from energy sources like solar and wind power in large batteries. The development builds on previous work in which the team developed a high-capacity flow battery that stored energy in organic molecules called quinones and a food additive called ferrocyanide. advertisement That advance was a game-changer, delivering the first high-performance, non-flammable, non-toxic, non-corrosive, and low-cost chemicals that could enable large-scale, inexpensive electricity storage. While the versatile quinones show great promise for flow batteries, researchers continued to explore other organic molecules in pursuit of even better performance. "After considering about a million different quinones, we have developed a new class of battery electrolyte material that expands the possibilities of what we can do," said Kaixiang Lin, a PhD student at Harvard University. "Its simple synthesis means it should be manufacturable on a large scale at a very low cost, which is an important goal of this project," said Lin. Flow batteries store energy in solutions in external tanks - the bigger the tanks, the more energy they store. In 2014, researchers at Harvard replaced metal ions used as conventional battery electrolyte materials in acidic electrolytes with quinones, molecules that store energy in plants and animals. Last year, they developed a quinone that could work in alkaline solutions alongside a common food additive. In the current research, the team found inspiration in vitamin B2, which helps to store energy from food in the body. The key difference between B2 and quinones is that nitrogen atoms, instead of oxygen atoms, are involved in picking up and giving off electrons. "With only a couple of tweaks to the original B2 molecule, this new group of molecules becomes a good candidate for alkaline flow batteries," said Michael J Aziz, professor at the Harvard John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). "They have high stability and solubility and provide high battery voltage and storage capacity. Because vitamins are remarkably easy to make, this molecule could be manufactured on a large scale at a very low cost," said Aziz. "We designed these molecules to suit the needs of our battery, but really it was nature that hinted at this way to store energy," said Roy Gordon, also a professor at Harvard. advertisement "Nature came up with similar molecules that are very important in storing energy in our bodies," he said. The research was published in the journal Nature Energy. PTI MHN MRJ --- ENDS --- By PTI: Biharsharif (Nalanda), Jul 21 (PTI) Officials of Nalanda district in Bihar today went into a tizzy over report of hoisting of a flag resembling the national flag of Pakistan at a house located in Kharadi colony. Private TV channels showed the green flag with moon and crescent hoisted at the house of one Anwarul Haque in Kharadi colony in Biharsharif, district headquarters of Nalanda. advertisement Nalanda is the home district of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. After getting information from the media that a Pakistani flag has been hoisted atop a house, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Sudhir Kumar and Deputy Superintendent of Police Mohammad Saifur Rahman rushed to the spot and seized the flag from family members. The family had already removed the flag before officials reached the place. Later, the officials took the flag with them. SDO Sudhir Kumar said the matter is being investigated, including veracity of the flag, whether it was actually the national flag of Pakistan. Shabana Anwar, Haques daughter, told PTI, "We are hoisting this flag on the occasion of Muharram for past five years". Haque is engaged in business of supply of tent and furniture on special occasions. Neither an FIR has been lodged nor anyone has been arrested or detained in this connection so far, the SDO said. As the news flashed on TV channels, opposition attacked the Nitish Kumar government over the episode. Senior BJP leader C P Thakur demanded stern action into the matter. Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), an ally of BJP, spokesman Danish Rizwan said "efforts are on to turn Bihar into Jammu and Kashmir. The centre should intervene immediately to stop such anti-national activities in Bihar." PTI CORR AR SNS CR SUK --- ENDS --- An increasing number of Tour Operators have added exclusive Swaziland itineraries to their product offering in recent times as Southern Africas smallest country really starts getting noticed. As well as the huge range of adventure activities on offer in this fascinating Kingdom, the opportunity to explore its beautiful and varied scenery whilst experiencing unique African culture and close wildlife encounters, are just some of the great reasons why tour operators fall in love with Swaziland. (TRAVPR.COM) UK - July 20th, 2016 - An increasing number of Tour Operators have added exclusive Swaziland itineraries to their product offering in recent times as Southern Africas smallest country really starts getting noticed. As well as the huge range of adventure activities on offer in this fascinating Kingdom, the opportunity to explore its beautiful and varied scenery whilst experiencing unique African culture and close wildlife encounters, are just some of the great reasons why tour operators fall in love with Swaziland. Explore, an Adventure Travel Expert Tour Operator launched its first dedicated Swaziland trip at the end of 2015, and sales way exceeded expectations! Out of 81 new trips that Explore launched for 2016, the Kingdom of Swaziland was their best-selling long haul trip. This tour consists of a 10-day journey through the last true monarchy of Africa, and additional departure dates have been added to meet demand. The first clients and members of Explore management team have recently returned from the companys first successful trip to Southern Africas tiniest nation. Sarah Fowler, Head of Marketing at Explore said, This was my first Explore trip, and it more than lived up to my expectations. Swaziland may be a small country, but there is so much to see and do that I could happily have spent twice as long there - however 8 days is the perfect amount of time to really get under the skin of the country and learn all about the fascinating culture. Swaziland has a diverse range of attractions and activities. Stunning landscapes of mountains and valleys, forests and plains; plus wildlife reserves across the country that are home to The Big Five, gives visitors all thats best about Africa in a welcoming country. Add to that Swazilands offer of rich culture and music festivals and you have the perfect combination for one of the best sellers of 2016 for Explore in the UK. Sarah also said, The two main highlights for me on the trip were the wildlife and the accommodation we stayed in. We were able to get so close to the animals - At Mkhaya we saw no fewer than 8 white rhino and a herd of giraffe on our first game drive. Every day I though the holiday had peaked, and every day it surprised me with an exciting new twist. I couldnt recommend this trip strongly enough - whether youre a first time Explorer like myself, or a travel veteran, it will no disappoint. Another large UK adventure operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays - experts in guided walking and adventures across the globe - has just launched a brand new holiday including 7 days in Swaziland, with tours due to start in 2017. The 17-day tour taking in Swaziland combined with South Africa makes an unforgettable experience for adventure and wildlife lovers. Some of the highlights of the Swaziland experience include, walking in Malolotja Nature Reserve, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and the ancient Sibebe Rock. Its no surprise that Swaziland is seeing an increase in operators offerings. Its compact size and variety of landscape, wildlife and unique culture mean even in a short period holiday-makers can have the full, genuine Africa experience in a welcoming and beautiful country. 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. By India Today Web Desk: Not many are aware of the downside of breast implants. Common sense says, if it's unnatural, it's bound to have side-effects sooner or later, some worse than the others. With breast implants being a rampant rage, especially with women who stay in public eye more than us "normal" people, it's essential to know the possible harm it can cause one's body. Model and DJ Crystal Hefner, wife of Hugh Hefner, did just that with her recent posts on social media. advertisement According to her Facebook post, 2016 has been a challenging year for the 30-year-old's health--Crystal revealed on social media in March that she was battling Lyme disease and toxic mold, but after a few months, the model and DJ began to realise that her symptoms aligned with something else--a condition called Breast Implant Illness. Recently, Hefner took to her Facebook account to explain her unfortunate situation. "Over time, implants (both silicone and saline) break down and wreak havoc on your body," she explained. "The shell on silicone and saline implants is comprised of silicone and over 40 other toxic chemicals: tin, zinc, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, formaldehyde and talc to name a few. Your immune system is constantly fighting them, leaving you vulnerable to other illnesses." And this is what Crystal looks like now. She posted this image on Instagram yesterday, thanking her fans for all the love and support: The new me. Happier and healthier. Using 2016 to reclaim my health and embrace and love myself for the real me. Thank you for the overwhelming support on my post yesterday, I love you. ?? A photo posted by Crystal Hefner (@crystalhefner) on Jul 20, 2016 at 9:18am PDT --- ENDS --- Disclaimer: This is NOT an anti OR pro-Congress rant. Nor is this in support of the liberal code of conduct in the Indian Parliament. By Somya Abrol: So, Rahul Gandhi dozed off during a Parliament session, and gave us a meek reason to smile in an otherwise-not-so-bright day. Baba is doing so much good for humanity without even intending to! *Thanks, Baba* What we're discussing here though is not the liberal goings-on of a Parliamentary session in India, nor anyone's rhythmic snores; the issue here is the biological advantages of a mid-day nap for human beings. advertisement The truth is, given the pace of live we're keeping up with today, the limited number of hours we get to sleep at night, AND the decreased quality of everyone's sleep, feeling drowsy during work afternoons isn't uncommon. But as the river flows, if an employee is caught napping at his/her work station, he is as easily termed 'unambitious' or worse, a 'bad resource'. #TrueStory The biological facts behind napping in the afternoon, however, are far from negative. There's a reason Uber and Google headquarters have nap rooms and nap pods, respectively, within their office premises. If that's news to you, congratulations, you now have a legit reason for your afternoon siestas. So, according to science, this is how an afternoon nap is bound to benefit you (if you're not attending a Parliamentary session): Researchers at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania have found that dozing off for 45 minutes to an hour helps lower your blood pressure after a stressful event, reports The Guardian. A NASA study found that a 40-minute nap increases alertness by 100 per cent. Other studies have found that a 20-minute nap is more effective than either 200 mg of caffeine or a bout of exercise, reports artofmanliness.com. Those who suffer from narcolepsy or shift-work syndrome may also benefit from daytime naps, says James Wyatt, PhD, director of the Sleep Disorders Service and Research Center at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. The National Sleep Foundation (US) recommends a short nap of 20 to 30 minutes "for improved alertness and performance without leaving you feeling groggy or interfering with night-time sleep". According to michaelhyatt.com, taking a nap is like a system reboot. It relieves stress and gives you a fresh start. Just 30 minutes can prevent the day's wear and tear from frying your circuits. According to a 2007 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, those who take a midday nap at least 3 times a week are 37 per cent less likely to die of heart disease; working men are 64 per cent less likely! --- ENDS --- By PTI: Bhubaneswar, Jul 21 (PTI) Condemning the misbehaviour towards the District Magistrate-cum-Collector of Puri by a section of servitors during the final ritual of the annual Rath Yatra on July 17, Odisha IAS Association today hoped the accused will be given exemplary punishment. The IAS body, which held an emergency meeting at Panth Nivas here, unanimously condemned the public humiliation of Puri collector Aravind Agarwal who had objected to a senior servitor taking his daughter on to the chariots by defying an Orissa High Court order. advertisement "We are happy that Agarwal performed his duty by raising objections to the senior servitors who broke the law. He handled the case with maturity and allowed the Lords rituals to be conducted. We hope the culprits will be booked as per the law," a senior IAS officer said after the meeting. Agarwal, who apprised the Association about the incident where angry servitors abused and threatened him, said "I am personally satisfied over the steps so far taken by the police. I hope this incident will not be repeated anywhere in the state." The Puri Collector has filed two FIRs naming at least six servitors who abused him and also created disturbances in the ceremonial procession of Lord Sudarshan. Meanwhile, Puri SP, Sarthak Sarangi, said "We have formed four teams ? two in Bhubaneswar and two in Puri - to arrest the servitors who are on the run. As many as 40 servitors are involved in different incidents." "We will issue warrants against the servitors if they do not surrender within a specific time. Necessary steps will be taken to attach their properties if they dont appear," Sarangi added. Earlier, the police had arrested six servitors on charge of attacking journalists. Government officials from across Puri district also held a meeting today to express their solidarity towards District Collector Agarwal. PTI AAM DKB DBS SNP --- ENDS --- Tribune News Service New Delhi, July 21 India has said Britains exit from EU or the so called Brexit has further heightened uncertainty, market volatility and risk-averse behaviour. Further, India underlined the need for a judicious mix of fiscal, monetary and structural policies by major economies to deal with the heightened uncertainty on account of Brexit. "Governments, Central Banks and regulators have to mitigate the pressure of such vulnerabilities through judicious mix of fiscal, monetary and structural policies," Jaitley said in his speech at the meeting of the Board of Governors of the New Development Bank (NDB). In his speech, read out by Joint Secretary in the Finance Ministry Raj Kumar, Jaitley said Britain's decision to exit from the EU has further heightened uncertainty, market volatility and risk-averse behaviour. Kumar represented India at the first annual general body and board of governors meetings of the NDB which took place in Shanghai yesterday, as Jaitley could not attend it because of the ongoing Parliament session back home. He said the current global economic context is far from being robust and is marked by a modest pickup in some advanced economies from their low levels of growth. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, July 21 Dr Yuji Nishikawa, India Liaison Representative, Japan Science and Technology (JST) Agency, is on a two-day visit to Chandigarh to promote scientific ties with Panjab University and the institutions comprising the Chandigarh Region Innovation and Knowledge Cluster (CRIKC). Dr Nishikawa said Japan had initiated a number of programmes to promote student and researcher exchange programmes and joint research work in the field related to internet communication technology (ICT), energy, environment issues, disaster risk reduction, infectious disease control and food security, with India, especially the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). There is programme in India called Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) to address issues of global and local concern. In this program, the JST has completed three projects involving restoration of holy rivers by Japanese Environmental Technology, opening doors to low carbon society and trump card for disaster planning. He said the number of Indian students studying in Japan currently was low as compared to China, Nepal, Bangladesh, etc. The number of Indian students in Japan was only 700, compared to 90,000 from China and 10,000 from Nepal, he added. He suggested that the Japanese government had now more initiatives to attract Indians from academia and industry. PU Vice-Chancellor professor Arun K Grover along with many faculty members was present during the interaction with the JST representative. The VC suggested that the possibility of joint meeting of scientists from Japan with the faculty and scientists of the CRIKC institutions would be explored. Chandigarh: Dr Sucheta Singh, faculty member, Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Panjab University, has presented paper on A Quest for Inclusion: Understanding the Marginalisation of Dalit Quilt Women Workers, (Case Study of Chandigarh) in the third Sociological Association Forum in Vienna, Austria, held on July 10 to July 14, 2016. Lecture on social science at SOAS The ICSSR (NWRC), Panjab University, on Thursday organised a lecture on Social Science at SOAS: Work and Vision of the South Asia Institute. The lecture was delivered by professor Michael Hutt, Director, SOAS South Asia Institute, London. Professor Pam Rajput, professor emeritus, Department-cum-Centre for Women Studies and Development, presided over the lecture. During his lecture, professor Hutt told participants about various study programmes at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at London. MoU signed Desh Bhagat University in its ongoing endeavor to promote research and employability in higher education of international standards in India, on Thursday, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the US-based company, Equity Score LLC. Chancellor Dr Zora Singh said after this MoU, the university would provide job opportunities for youths. Orientation programme A seven-day translators orientation programme in Punjabi for students, research scholars and teachers of languages and social sciences started on Thursday by the Department of Evening Studies Multi Disciplinary Research Centre at College Bhawan Auditorium, PU. TNS Neha Saini Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 21 The designer wardrobe is no more an exclusive thing, rather it has become a must-have thing. Thanks to the online fashion revolution, the market for fashion-conscious buyers has been on the rise. And with awareness came the demand for customised services. Viola, hello homegrown local designer labels! So, no more a thing of the NRI crowd or the creme la creme, owing a designer dress has become quite approachable. Amritsar itself has emerged as a big market for fashion startups, whether it is designer labels, styling services or lifestyle exhibitions. Gone are the days when a niche crowd, who had the eye for hi-end labels, had to rush to Delhi or Mumbai. Today, fashion has become approachable, with local designers standing out with their quality of fabric and services. This has managed to lure in lot of local clients and sustain them, increasing the market value of these home-grown labels, says fashion curator Binti Kumar. Kumar works closely with local as well as designers from Delhi and Mumbai. She organises fashion exhibitions for every quarter of the year that brings 50-60 lifestyle fashion brands to the city. My exhibitions get 3,000-5,000 footfall in just two days, out of which, 80 per cent become buyers, she says. Amritsar boasts of one of the biggest wholesale markets for fabrics and accessories, with local artisans being available for the job. This has managed to support the fashion start-ups that are being run by fashion students, fresh out of institutes. The city sees at least 5-10 new fashion studios or labels being launched every year, out of which, at least 50 per cent manage to reach out to a larger market beyond the city, says Kumar. Another reason, she says, for the local labels to stand out, is that people have become fashion conscious and want to wear a certain type of clothes. Weddings are no more the only platform to show off a label, birthday parties, cocktails, kitties, get together, formal dinner partiespeople want to step out looking well dressed all the time. This has really brought in more business, a demand for customised designer clothes, says Sargun Seth, designer from The Closet. Their studio launches four collections every season, for weddings and for casual wear. The Closet was the first fashion label from the city to be featured at fashion shows in Switzerland and have presence across Europe. Their new collection is all about re-inventing the shawls, which has a strong market presence in city. We have come up with shawls with traditional hand embroideries, with different cuts and drapes, says Sargun. The collection has been designed by Sahiba Makhani, co-owner of the studio. They believe that home-grown labels had managed to gain the trust of the clients looking for budget fashion. We have some collections starting from Rs 999, which is reasonable for the young crowd. High-end labels are exclusive and so, local designers have an upper hand in making their collections economically suitable. Also, utility factor has to be kept in mind since no one wants to repeat a dress these days, she says. According to a PIL, 662 child deaths have been recorded in Chunri, Dharmi and Chikaldhara locality in Maharashtra's Nandurbar district in the last five years due to lack of treatment. By Vidya : The Maharashtra government today accepted that there was a dearth of doctors in rural areas of the state and that there was a lack of co-ordination among various agencies due to which several children died in the state. DOCTORS AVOID RURAL POSTING It is mandatory for every student of medicine to do an year long rural service after passing out of medical college else a fine is imposed on the student for violating the norm. Public prosecutor Neha Bhide told the division bench of Justice VM Kanade and Justice Mahesh Sonak that "every MBBS student pays a fine of Rs 10 lakh while an MD student has to pay a fine of Rs 20 lakh if they do not take rural posting but in spite of this, most students just the pay fine and avoid rural posting." advertisement 662 CHILD DEATHS RECORDED IN LAST FIVE YEARS A public interest litigation (PIL) had been filed by Dr. Rajendra Verma in Bombay High Court on the issue of deaths of new born. The court had taken up the issue suo moto as well. The petition had alleged that in Chunri, Dharmi and Chikaldhara of Nandurbar district alone 662 child deaths have been recorded in the last five years. The petitioners said that this was due to inadequate number of doctors not being present in primary health centers and hospitals in rural areas. "And this is when there are more than 700 doctors who pass out every year in the state. Government doesn't give them money and there are no basic facilities," said Dr verma. Prosecutor Bhide agreed saying that the district hospital of Chikaldhara had only two doctors there. After hearing all this, Justice Kanade ordered, "If doctors are not available, so run mobile hospital van." He also asked state government to fill up the empty posts as early as possible and with this he even ordered that the core committee of state governments health department, which looks into the appointment of doctors, should submit a report at the earliest. ALSO READ: Bombay HC to BMC commissioner: Probe why showcause notices were issued to erring contractors --- ENDS --- Capt Amarinder Singh A few days ago, a picture was posted on Facebook showing a young CRPF jawan lying on the ground being kicked by gloating hooligans who believe they have the right to treat our security forces as such, and are the answer to Kashmirs problems. That was for me a case of enough is enough. These hooligans seem to believe that India will succumb to their macho instincts. By now they should have realised that Kashmir is a part of India, as Maharaja Hari Singh had signed the Instrument of Accession on August 18, 1947, long before they were born. That was then the condition laid down for all Indian princely states, and that signature made Kashmir an integral part of India, notwithstanding the regular hiccups from Pakistan or from their sympathisers in the Valley. Recently, a mobile patrol of 14 RR near Bandipura was attacked. Tomorrow it may be some other military establishment. The headquarters of 5 Corps at Srinagar was attacked in the past. The pattern is consistent, when military activity is curtailed or subdued, militancy rises. History has on so many occasions shown us that unless the writ of the government is firmly established, negotiations are futile. This phenomenon of the Valley turning out for a militants funeral will happen and will grow unless the government acts. The past is full of incidents which have strengthened militancy through appeasement. We today have Mehbooba Mufti as the Chief Minister, whose penchant for playing with fire is well established. We had militants being released in the past for her sister Rubaiya Sayeed; the first act of appeasement. Her father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, was then the Union Home Minister. We then had the Delhi-Kathmandu flight hijacked to Kandahar in 1999. Three prominent militants in custody were released, including Maulana Masood Azhar of the Jaish-e-Mohammad. This was followed by an attack on our Parliament in December 2001, with Azhar being the mastermind. Appeasement only leads to the strengthening of the militants morale, while demoralising that of ones own forces It was after the failure of Zulfiqar Ali Bhuttos Operation Gibraltar in 1965, that the ISI escalated its involvement in Kashmir. When the holy relic of the Prophet was stolen in Srinagar in 1964 and riots broke out, all that was required to quell the riots were four Punjab Armed Police battalions. Look at the force level today? This is not the fault of the Army or the other security forces, but a confused Kashmir policy that has brought the current situation to the fore. The Army can contain a situation to a point, it is then for the Government of India (GoI) to take whatever political initiatives are required. The trouble is that before the Army brings Kashmir to the point necessary for negotiations, dabbling commences and the first casualty is the Army itself. Those who do not have any experience of counter-insurgency operations seem to comment the most and do untold harm to the system. These are not riots, as the PDP MP, Muzaffar Baig, would make us believe by quoting a Supreme Court ruling, but full-fledged insurgency. This procedure is not possible in a full-fledged battle and I believe, has not been the intention in the SCs judgment. The Army must be allowed to bring militancy under control to a point where those professing it realise that the time has come to talk. Yes, people will die in the ensuing action, then so be it. Kashmir is Indian territory. If those owing allegiance to Pakistans ISI continue to create instability then they must face the music. The Burhan Wanis may be the glamour boys for many, to India they are the perpetrators of violence and separatism. Let them not live with a mistaken belief that they have the upper hand. The Government of India must allow freedom of action to the Army. The directive must be just one: Bring a situation in the state where the writ of India runs and not that of the ISI. Yes, in the ensuing clashes collateral damage will take place. No soldier likes such action. He is trained to face the enemy, not protecting his back against treacherous elements. We have had this experience in Nagaland, Manipur etc. The British army considered their Northern Ireland commitment prior to peace with the IRA, in the same light. It was the IRA which finally decided to talk peace when they could not face growing military pressure. In such situations, the government must support any military action taken. Unfortunately, this has not been the situation. For instance, in Budgam when a car broke through a military checkpoint in November 2014, the soldiers manning the post opened fire, as was their duty. One officer and eight jawans were court-martialled and imprisoned. Penalising soldiers for doing what was expected of them is unacceptable. It is for the Chief and his Northern Army Commander to stand by their men in the difficult duty they are performing and not succumb to political pressures. A patrol was mobbed in the Qazigund area and an effort was made by the mob to snatch weapons from the soldiers, the patrol had to open fire to extricate itself, in which one man and two women were killed. The Army says it deeply regretted the incident and an inquiry has been ordered. This is ludicrous. Are we becoming an army of girl guides? What would have happened to the patrol leader had they managed to snatch the weapons? It seems the current policy is that you are wrong if you do and you are also wrong if you dont an absurd situation. In the late 1950s, my battalion was in Nagaland. The orders were that no Naga would be dressed in khaki and would carry a weapon. One day, in the early morning mist an NCO-led patrol came across a Naga in khaki with what looked like a weapon (it was a staff). When challenged, he panicked and ran and the patrol opened fire killing him. It so happened, his daughter worked in the PMO. In the rumpus that followed, the PM demanded the battalion be disbanded. The Army Chief, General Thimmaya, refused to comply. He stood by his battalion and his NCO. Here we are today still serving the country. This is what the Army expects from our Chief and our Army commanders. It would be appropriate to end with a quote from President Obamas statement on the recent violence against the police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana: I want to be clear: there is no justification for violence against law enforcement. None. These attacks are the work of cowards who speak for no one. They right no wrongs. They advance no causes. This in full applies to Kashmir. The writer, the Congress MP from Amritsar, is a military historian. S Subramanian AFRIEND of this columnist is a deeply dedicated teacher of economics in a Southern University. For years he has been trying to make the discipline accessible to students. Recently, he arranged for students to address questions to economists which the latter would answer. I received a set of six questions which are very representative of the sorts of concerns which students and laypersons often display in my area of work. I thought it would be useful to share the questions and answers with my readers. Q. Physicists, physicians and other scientists are agreed on how to measure the phenomena they study, like the speed of light, the age of matter, temperature, and blood pressure. How is it that economists, with the powerful quantitative tools at their disposal, are unable to arrive at a consensus on how poverty is to be measured? Is it because measuring poverty is more an ideological issue? A. A cardinal principle of measurement revolves around the requirement that the norm or standard of measurement should be unvarying across contexts. For example, if we are measuring length, then we should use a measuring rod of the same length across contexts; preserving a measuring rod of the same weight would be meaningless. Similarly, when we measure and compare poverty across temporal or spatial contexts, the question arises: in what space should we preserve constancy of the measuring standard? Some have said: In the space of real incomes, or commodity bundles, or resources in general. Others have said: In the space of human functionings. Poverty, unlike temperature, is a social, not a natural, phenomenon; and economics, unlike physics, is a social, not a natural, science. Insisting that economics is a discipline akin to physics is a recipe for comedic confusion. The distinction between length and weight is more direct, and requires rather less deliberation, than the distinction between resources and functionings. We should therefore be unsurprised that achieving consensus on how to measure poverty is inherently more problematic than achieving consensus on how to measure temperature. And yes, a good deal of what makes the problem complex is the fact that ideology does indeed inform our understanding of concepts such as poverty. Q. As long as poverty is reduced, why should we bother about inequality? Cannot we have an economy with no destitution and yet with some earning far more than others? A. This is a point of view that has been expressed by many including, in particular, the moral philosopher Harry Frankfurt. In a paper titled Equality as a Moral Ideal, Frankfurt has advanced the distributional ethic of sufficientarianism which crudely put finds inequality objectionable only to the extent and in the sense that it co-exists with poverty: inequality, in this view, should be relatively unproblematic in a situation wherein all citizens have a sufficiency of the resources needed to avoid poverty; objecting to inequality even in such a circumstance could simply be a symptom of envy. A somewhat more complex view of the matter would suggest that there are intrinsic moral objections (based on criteria of fairness and impartiality) to inequality beyond a point, and also instrumental political objections that have to do with the implications of inequality for efficiency, conflict, perceptions of fairness, and the status of public health outcomes. (On the subject of inequality and health, the reader is referred to the Marmot Review: Fair Society, Healthy Lives by the eminent British physician Michael Marmot.) Q. Inequality of income is often due to differences in talent and market demand for particular kinds of skills. That is why AR Rehman earns fabulously more than musicians who either a) have lesser talent or b) perform the kind of music with very low demand in the music market compared to his music. What is wrong with inequality derived from one's superior talents or skills with more demand in the market? A. I suppose one cannot object to superior talent earning a differential reward when such superior talent is ascribable entirely and only to inherent effort, and not to blind chance or to social arrangements and institutional practices. This is a useful distinction in principle, but one which it is hard to determine in fact, not least because of ideological predilections and presuppositions which mediate the judgement. Finally, why on earth should one credit the market with the ability to make such a nuanced judgement?! Q. Ethics is a subjective issue, a matter of opinion and social convention. Economics is based on objective facts. How can something subjective like ethics be related to a science like economics? Does not [the distinguished economist] Lionel Robbins clearly say that economists should stay away form ethical questions? A. We are not obliged to accept Lionel Robbins views on the subject! Economics is not concerned exclusively with an explanation of how the world works, least of all of a world which is held to be natural rather than social in its construction. How one believes the economic world works also has implications for what one believes should be done in order for that world to be better than it is. This is why economics is interested in questions of policy (narrowly conceived) and of philosophy (broadly conceived). Economics, that is, is not only about is propositions, but about ought propositions. It is the task of an economist to interpret objective facts in terms of the ethical categories of both the right and the good. To deny a normative component to economics is a matter of shockingly bad social theory (and even worse social practice): economics as a wholly positive science is a somewhat silly conceit, and a dishonest one at that. Q. I get the impression that social choice is about what people in society prefer. But people differ in their preferences so how can there be something called social preference? A. The question of aggregating individual preferences into a social preference would scarcely be interesting, would it, if perfect unanimity always prevailed?! What makes the problem of social choice based on individual preferences interesting and exciting is the fact of the diversity of preferences and conflict of interests. The normative axiomatic foundations of social choice mechanisms would otherwise be seriously uninteresting! Q. Do you agree with the argument that government failure is more harmful than market failure because the state can correct the market but there is no institution to correct the state, and so, as far as possible, the private sector should dominate economic life? A. No, I do not agree. The conditions required to prevent market failure are unrealistically demanding, and they do not obtain in the idealised form in which they are required to exist for ensuring corrections to market failure. On the other hand, a properly functioning democracy is a good cure for government failure. It would also help to keep governments on the straight and narrow path of virtue for professional economists to display some ordinary sense of moral responsibility in the discharge of their professional obligations, by which I mean that there could be more to being an economist than doing whatever is required in order to be nominated to the next Government Commission or Public Office! The writer is a retired Professor of economics The BJP has just done a Bihar in Uttar Pradesh. In Bihar, its electoral prospects were damaged by no less than the RSS chief. In UP, a middling BJP leader called Mayawati, Dalit icon B R Ambedkars self-anointed legatee, words that shouldn't be used even in drawing room conversation. The BJP has been swift in expelling the leader but it remains to be seen whether this is perception management to control the damage not just in UP but also Punjab, a state with the countrys highest Dalit population simultaneously going to the polls. But for this intemperate statement, the BJP had learnt from the Waterloo in Bihar. It was luring away Mayawatis lieutenants, started cobbling a Bihar-type grouping of backward caste leaders, party chief Amit Shah made the mandatory pilgrimage to a UP Dalits house and Prime Minister Narendra Modi inducted five Dalits in his first Cabinet reshuffle. However, Dalit ferment is underway elsewhere too, beginning with Rohith Vemula's suicide. Mumbai saw a massive Left-Dalit rally against the demolition of Ambedkar Bhavan and large parts of Gujarat shut down against the public flogging of Dalits by vigilantes of a self-styled cow protection unit. The BJP has scored all these self goals with no provocation from any quarters. Rather the heightened social and religious tensions in several parts of the country are due to the BJPs upper caste-centric mindset and the low standards in public speaking set by its senior leaders. From Punjab to Maharashtra, the BJP has single-mindedly pushed a vigilante-led cow protection agenda that ignores the reality on the ground. As for using offensive words, wasn't it junior Minister V K Singh who described journalists as presstitutes? And didn't the Prime Minister term a fellow-politicians companion as 50 crore ki girlfriend? As no party can afford to be counted without the Muslim and Dalit votes, the BJP had no choice but to act contrite to keep the latter in good humour. As political temperatures rise in UP and Punjab, time will tell whether the expulsion of the UP BJP leader was a sincere effort to discipline the cadres. Sunit Dhawan Tribune News Service Rohtak, July 21 Though the police have arrested three Bhiwani youths on charges of kidnapping and gangraping a college student here on July 13, CCTV footage and mobile phone locations indicate that none of the arrested youths were in Rohtak at that time. The complainant had alleged that five youths Jagmohan, Sandeep, Amit, Mausam and Akash had kidnapped her from outside her college located near Ambedkar Chowk in Rohtak around 1.30 pm on July 13, after which she was allegedly raped. However, as per the CCTV footage, mobile phone location and eyewitness accounts furnished by the family members of the arrested youths, two of them were at Bhiwani and one was in Ambala and Kurukshetra at the given date and time. Jagmohan had gone to Regional Grameen Bank located at Bamla village in Bhiwani district for some monetary transaction between 12 and 1.30 pm. This can be confirmed by the bank record as well as the bank manager. Around 1.50 pm, Jagmohan made a call with his mobile phone. Its recording and location can also be verified. Around 5 pm, he went to an automobile workshop and got captured in CCTV camera there, said Harender, a counsel for the accused. Garima, the wife of another accused Sandeep, said that her husband works for a private company and had gone to Ambala and Kurukshetra for a marketing assignment on July 13. He was there till evening and also has eyewitness accounts as well as mobile location details and CCTV footage to substantiate the claim. As per CCTV footage, he was at a garment traders establishment in Kurukshetra from 11.48 am to 1.15 pm, she said. Counsel Harender said the third accused, Amit, had gone to bring his niece home from school located at Bhiwani around 12.15 pm on July 13. His presence is marked in CCTV footage. Later, he talked on his mobile phone between 2 and 3 pm. The location of the mobile phone may also be ascertained, he said. Counsel for the accused has maintained that the police investigators have no evidence against the arrested youths. Even senior police officers concede that the accused youths had substantial evidence in support of their claims of being out of Rohtak when the incident reportedly took place. Families of accused call mahapanchayat Bhiwani: The families of four of the five accused booked in the gang rape of a Dalit woman of Rohtak took out a protest march here on Thursday. They handed over a memorandum, addressed to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, to City Magistrate Mahesh Kumar, demanding fair investigation into the case. All five accused identified as Amit, Sandeep, Jagmohan, Mausam and Akash are from the district. Amit, Sandeep and Jagmohan have been arrested. The families, along with their supporters, assembled at Nehru Park and took out the march in the city before reaching the Mini-Secretariat, where they handed over the memorandum. The protesters said that if the accused were not released on the next date of hearing on July 24, a mahapanchayat would be called the next day in the districts Dhanana village. The families alleged that the complainant wanted to extort money from them. TNS Mahesh Chander Sharma SUNDERNAGAR, July 21 Lower Behali villagers, who had been agitating against the functioning of the police, today called off the agitation when DC Mandi Sandeep Kadam visited the spot and ordered an inquiry into the matter. He appointed the ADM, Mandi, to inquire into matter regarding the failure of the police to arrest the accused and the conduct of the Medical Officer who firstly discharged the victim on the pretext that the injuries were simple but afterwards referred the victim to the IGMC, Shimla, whare the victim remained in the ICU till his death yesterday. The DC gave an immediate relief of Rs 20,000 to the wife and the victim. He also asked the family members of the victim to provide wifes testimonials so that her case could be forwarded for employment. According to source, the IG Mandi has ordered a separate inquiry into the matter and Lal Chand, SHO , BSL Colony, Sundernagar, has been shifted to Police lines, Mandi, with immediate effect. Hundreds of persons today assembled at Dhanotu after attending the funeral of Joginder, who breath his last at the IGMC, Shimla. He was thrashed by a group of youths. The mob firstly blocked the traffic at the Dhanotu market but later on moved to bus stand. The public had been demanding a separate inquiry against the role of the police and Medical Officer, Sundernagar, in the matter. Additional SP, Mandi, Kulbhushan Verma, said the police had arrested five persons and detained four minors who would be produced before the court today. Tribune News Service Dharamsala, July 21 Tibetan NGOs protested against the move of the Chinese government to hold Kalchakra teachings in Tibet by its appointed Panchen Lama Gyaincain Norbu. The Tibetan groups here today held the move of the Chinese government as a direct interference in the religious and cultural affairs of the Tibetans. The Chinese government-appointed Panchen Lama began his Kalchakra initiation or the wheel of time teachings at Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Shigatse, Tibet, today. The Tibetan Women Association, Student for a Free Tibet, Gu Chu Sum Movement and the National Democratic Party of Tibet (NDPT) today organized a scarf offering ceremony near Tsuglakahang Temple to a portrait of the Panchen Lama Gendun Choekyi Nyima recognized by the Dalai Lama. Lukar Jam Atsok, president of Gu Chu Sum, said the move to politicise an entirely religious event can be construed as a direct insult and belittling of the Tibetan people and its way of life. He said, The matter concerning Gyaincain Norbu being the fake Panchen is not a personal issue; it is a full-fledged assault by China on the tulku tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and an attempt to assert authority over the issue of reincarnation of tulkus in general. He further said that China was possibly prodding on a model to establish their proxy religious figures. If they achieve success this time through propaganda and sheer enactment, the next move may be to apply the same methods in launching their own Dalai Lama in the future. The sacred teaching of Due-Khor-Wang-Chen in Shigatse is not without resistance inside Tibet with local Tibetans being forced to attend the religious event. Reportedly, Chinese authorities have made it mandatory for each Tibetan household to send two members to attend the proceedings. National Director of the activist group SFT Tenzin Tselha said the scarf offering ceremony served a dual purpose of asserting that Tibetan people have always considered the incarcerated Gendun Choekyi Nyima as the true Panchen and at the same time let China know that Tibetans will not accept the lies manufactured by the CCP. Ehsan Fazili Tribune News Service Srinagar, July 21 An all-party meeting was called by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to discuss the prevailing law and order situation in Kashmir here on Thursday morning amid tight security arrangements. The main opposition party, National Conference, did not participate in the meeting. The party decided to stay away due to the delay in holding such a meeting on the part of the Chief Minister, who had earlier met civil society members to defuse the situation. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) However, the state Congress participated in the meeting, A four-member delegation, headed by PCC president GA Mir and including three others representing all three regions of the state attended the meeting as a responsible (opposition) political party responding to the Chief Ministers move in a positive manner. Mufti had invited all political parties to discuss the law and order situation. Besides the Chief Minister, the ruling PDP was represented by Minister for R&B and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Rehman Veeri, Education Minister Naeem Akhtar and Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister Zulfikar Ali. The BJP was represented by Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, state unit president and MLA Sat Paul Sharma and two others. BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav, who has been a key man in structuring the BJP-PDP coalition, arrived here on Wednesday and had a meeting with Mufti, Nirmal Singh and others. Meanwhile, curfew continued across Kashmir on day 13 amid complete shutdown called by separatist organisations to protest against the killings in the Valley. At least 44 people have died and over 3,100 others, including police and CRPF men, got injured during the clashes following the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani on July 8. Newspapers hit stands after five days After remaining suspended for five days following the raids on printing presses on Friday night, all local Urdu and English dailies hit the stands here on Thursday. The decision to resume the publications was taken on Wednesday by the editors after their meeting with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who regretted the government action that led to stopping of newspaper publications. She said there had been a gap of communication and that there was no deliberate attempt on the part of the government to impose any restrictions. The editors later decided to resume the publications, though the information blockade continues in the Valley in the backdrop of the law and order situation. All private mobile and internet services remain suspended, while only BSNL mobiles, broadband and landline services are operation in the Valley. Ehsan Fazili Tribune News Service Srinagar, July 21 Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has called for taking all stakeholders on board to address the challenges faced by the state, seeking the political leadership of the country to reach out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and address their problems. The Chief Minister also called for reviving the dialogue process with Pakistan to ensure peace and stability in the region. She was speaking at the all-party meeting convened by her to discuss the prevailing law and order situation, particularly in the Valley. The countrys political leadership shall have to take on board all stakeholders and pursue an agenda which is politically-inclusive and developmentally-intensive to address the challenges confronting the state internally and externally, Mehbooba said in the five-hour meeting held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) here today. Over two dozen leaders from parties in the state participated in the meeting sans the main opposition, National Conference. Mehbooba said her government would act as a facilitator for resolving the problems and challenges faced by the state if tangible steps are taken to reach out to all stakeholders. She said that a new course could be chalked out only by reaching out to all stakeholders, including the youth, who have to pay a huge price because of the uncertainties plaguing the state for the past more than six decades. Mehbooba said she was pained by the grievous eye injuries caused to some youths because of the pellets guns. The Chief Minister assured that this cruel method of crowd control would have to be done away with. The Congress, according to PCC president GA Mir, put forth its view point maintaining that there was mis-governance in the state, in the past about two years. The government has failed to handle the situation and prevent the loss of lives in time, said Mir, adding that the government had created a confusion over issues, like the use of excessive force, use of pellet guns and ban on the newspapers. He said both short-term and long-term measures needed to be taken for restoration of peace. Ultimately, all stakeholders need to sit down to find out a long-lasting political solution by reaching a consensus, Mir said after the meeting. The party said there was a need to enlarge the circle of the all-party meeting and convene a special session of the Assembly. The situation is serious. The Government of India in particular should respond immediately to understand the reality, said state secretary of the CPM and Kulgam MLA MY Tarigami. He stressed the need to handle the situation in a different and positive manner. He urged the Central government not to think in isolation and involve all (parties) while Parliament was in session. Essentially, a political unrest needs a political answer, he said, adding that the Central government needs to recognise the nature of unrest. Former minister and leader of the J&K Panthers Party Harshdev Singh said his party in its observations at the meeting claimed that the situation was a failure of the coalition government. As the situation has gone out of the hands of the government, there was a need to impose the Governors rule in the state, he said. Tribune News Service Srinagar, July 21 For the first time after the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani and subsequent civilian deaths, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today reached out families affected by violence in Anantnag and Kulgam districts of south Kashmir. She met over 10 families, mostly from Anantnag district, who had lost their kin during the recent violence. She spent over an hour with the families and listened to them, said an official accompanying her. She flew from Srinagar in a chopper after the all-party meeting. The affected families met her at Dak Bungalow in Anantnag. Three days after violence broke out following the killing of the militant commander, Mehbooba had asked PDP ministers to reach out to the people by travelling to different districts. No minister had been able to travel to areas affected by the violence, especially in south Kashmir. They had largely camped at the district headquarters and held a few official meetings. An official spokesman said Mehbooba assured every possible help to the affected families during her interaction with parents of deceased youth. She said it was painful to note that the children who had become the victims of senseless violence belonged to the poorest families. While certain quarters are only interested in playing politics over the bodies of the youth, it is the family members of these slain youth who have to live with this pain forever. It is only the parents and other immediate family members who have to live with the life-long trauma of losing their near and dear ones to this senseless violence, she said. She added that there were hundreds of such families in Kashmir who had lost their near and dear ones to violence and had been left at the mercy of God. She said the government was alive to the abject condition of such distressed families. Most of these families are living in such miserable conditions that they have to struggle for day-to-day living. While thousands may be attending the funerals of the slain youth, tell me how many of these people then bother to visit these anguished families to help them out in difficult circumstances? she asked. Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, July 21 After BJP general secretary Ram Madhavs unscheduled visit to Srinagar, top leaders of the Sangh Parivar will reach Jammu on Friday morning to discuss the situation in the state, particularly the Valley. They include BJP national general secretary Ram Lal, who is Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) point man in the party. All senior leaders of the party, including ministers, have been asked to reach Jammu for the high-profile meeting. Highly placed sources in the Sangh Parivar said Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, who was in Srinagar to attend the all-party meeting, rushed to Jammu in the afternoon in view the meeting, which was likely to be held at his official residence on Friday. Fridays meeting will be a follow-up of the high-profile meeting held in New Delhi on February 11, in which the Sangh Parivar had discussed the pros and cons of re-stitching its alliance with the PDP under the leadership of Mehbooba Mufti. It was only after that meeting that the Sangh Parivar had given its nod to the BJP to go ahead with forming an alliance with the PDP under Mehboobas leadership. The meeting is significant in the sense that top leaders of the Sangh Parivar will discuss the four-month performance of the coalition regime, said a source. The situation prevailing in the Valley is likely to dominate the meeting, the source added. Other top RSS leaders to attend the meeting are kshetriya pracharak (north zone head) Prem Kumar, akhil Bharatiya sah prachar pramukh Arun Kumar, prant pracharak Ramesh Pappa, prant sangh chalak Brig Suchet Singh and prant karvawah Parshotam Dedechi. The Deputy Chief Minister will brief Sangh Parivar leaders about the four-month performance of the coalition regime, the source said. All contentious issues, including attacks on NIT students, passing of the pro-separatist Transfer of Property Bill by the Cabinet, killing of militant Burhan Wani and the ongoing violence would be discussed, the source further said. After the meeting with BJP leaders for three hours, top RSS leaders will go to Udhampur, where a closed-door meeting, exclusively of RSS leaders, will be held to review the performance of the regime. The People's Daily described the region as the "China-Pakistan border", however Xinjiang borders only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir which is seen by India as an integral part of Indian territory. A frontier defense regiment of the PLA in Xinjiang, along with a border police force from Pakistan, carry out a joint patrol along the China-Pakistan border. (Photo courtesy: People's Daily Online) By Ananth Krishnan: A frontier defence regiment of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the western Xinjiang region and a border police force from Pakistan carried out the joint patrols along the China-PoK border, according to photographs posted online in the English-language website of the official People's Daily. The People's Daily described the region as the "China-Pakistan border", however Xinjiang borders only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) which is seen by India as an integral part of Indian territory. advertisement A MORE AUDACIOUS CHINA China usually refers to the region as "Pakistan-administered Kashmir" - and calls Jammu and Kashmir "Indian-administered Kashmir" - but the People's Daily curiously referred only to "Pakistan". The move to hold joint patrols in the sensitive PoK region has not previously acknowledged by China or Chinese media. Analysts said it underlines China's intent to further deepen its footprint in PoK. CHINA IGNORES INDIA'S PROTESTS China has gone forward with an ambitious $46 billion corridor from Xinjiang through PoK to the Gwadar port in Pakistan, despite India's protests. China has said the projects were "purely commercial" and "without prejudice" to the Kashmir issue which was "for India and Pakistan to solve". Beijing holding joint patrols with Pakistan, however, on land that Delhi sees as Indian territory is likely to cause further strains in relations with India. ALSO READ: --- ENDS --- TNS & Agencies New Delhi, July 21 Amid protests in Uttar Pradesh over expelled BJP leader Daya Shankar Singhs abusive remark against her, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati today said the punishment meted out to Daya Shankar was not enough and that the BJP should have filed a police complaint against him. The BJPs Uttar Pradesh unit vice-chief was yesterday sacked from all party posts and expelled for six years. Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha on atrocities against the Dalits, she said: I would have appreciated if the BJP leaders themselves had filed a complaint against him. They would have then won my heart. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Claiming that people from the weaker sections treated her as a goddess, she said, If you say bad things about their goddess, they are bound to protest. I havent asked anyone to protest... I cant stop them. But I want to assure them that I will continue to fight for their rights. A large number of BSP workers gathered outside the Parliament building and held a protest. BSP spokesperson Ambeth Rajan warned that the party would step up its agitation if Daya Shankar was not arrested immediately. In Lucknow, thousands of BSP workers assembled near Ambedkars statute at the Hazratganj crossing, demanding the arrest of the sacked BJP state vice-president. They raised slogans not only against him, but also Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah. Addressing the crowd, BSP national general secretary Naseemuddin Siddiqui gave the Uttar Pradesh police 36 hours to arrest Daya Shankar Singh. The police reportedly went to his house in Ballia district to arrest him, but he was not there. The insult to the BSP chief has galvanised the party cadres ahead of the crucial Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. The party was ousted from power in the state in 2012. In a House of 403, it could get only 80 seats. The party was virtually in the dumps following its decimation in the subsequent Lok Sabha elections and questions were being raised about its clout in national politics. But the flogging of four Dalits in Gujarat and the remarks against the party chief has united the Dalits, and perhaps revived the BSP fortunes. Naveen S Garewal Tribune News Service Chandigarh, July 21 Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar will reshuffle his Cabinet tomorrow. While Banwari Lal, Manish Grover and Vipul Goyal Bawal, Rohtak and Faridabad legislators, respectively are likely to be inducted as ministers, the axe may fall on two or more ministers perceived by the Khattar government as a liability. They are Ghanshyam Saraf, Bhiwani MLA, and Bikram Singh Thekedar, who represents Kosli. Goyal is reportedly being inducted as Cabinet Minister and Banwari Lal and Grover as Ministers of State. Grover had emerged victorious in Hoodas stronghold of Rohtak. He is said to be close to the Chief Minister. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The new ministers may be administered oath tomorrow, say sources. Khattar, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah in Delhi recently, is believed to have obtained their approval for the reshuffle after a detailed discussion on the performance of each of the ministers. Anil Jain, the BJP incharge for Haryana affairs, too, had held interaction with the ministers to assess their work. The Cabinet expansion was to be held much earlier, but was delayed owing to the reshuffle in the Union Cabinet, the sources said. The Khattar government has faced flak for its failure to handle the Jat quota agitation and the subsequent violence in February this year. The Prakash Singh committee that probed the violence has blamed senior officers for allowing the situation to deteriorate. Sources said the two Jat ministers in the Khattar Cabinet may be divested of some portfolios, which may be allotted to the new ministers. Those likely to be inducted are camping in Delhi. Manas Dasgupta Ahmedabad, July 21 Rallies, road blockades, stone throwing and incidents of arson continued unabated in Saurashtra and north Gujarat regions for the fourth consecutive day today, as Dalits protesting the Una flogging refused to calm down. Amid the tension, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by Kumari Selja and state party leaders, visited the victims in Mota Samadhiyala village and listened to the details of the July 11 incident when they were ruthlessly beaten up by some self-styled cow vigilantes. Rahul announced an assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the victims and advised them to contact him anytime if they felt threatened. He was preceded by former union minister Praful Patel, who also met the victims in the village. Rahul later left for Rajkot where he met people injured in violence or admitted in hospital after self-immolation bids. Talking to mediapersons, Rahul lambasted Prime Minister Narendra Modi whose home state was witnessing atrocities on Dalits on a "routine basis." Meanwhile, three state transport buses on the outskirts of Kadi town in Mehsana district were set on fire. In Dholka town of Ahmedabad, the police lobbed teargas shells to disperse a violent mob, which attacked the district collector's office by pelting it with stones and setting fire to the parked vehicles after submitting a memorandum. Ahmedabad, July 21 Ahead of his visit to Una to meet Dalits thrashed for skinning a dead cow, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday exhorted all community members to unite in the fight against Gujarat BJPs oppressive regime. In a video message released by party spokesperson Ashutosh at a press conference here on Thursday, the Delhi Chief Minister asked Dalit youths to not attempt suicide, responding to the news of more than a dozen and half protesting Dalit members attempting suicide in different places in the state over the Una incident. Kejriwal is scheduled to visit Una tomorrow. In Gujarat, some youths of the Dalit community were beaten up so severely that it has shaken peoples conscience. Those who saw the video are raising questions over it. And we saw how at different places in Gujarat, Dalit community members tried to commit suicide, he said. And this is not happening only with the Dalit community. It appears government here is trying to suppress other community members also, Kejriwal said. Dalit community members have been protesting the brutal assault on some community members on July 11 for allegedly skinning a cow at Una in Gir-Somnath district. He said protests by Patidar community members last year was peaceful but the police resorted to violence and the government jailed several youths under sedition charges. When I talk to businessmen here, they say they get phone calls that if you do this you will be killed, he said, adding that the government is spreading fear by scaring and beating people using its police. I feel everybody in Gujarat should come together. Dalits, Patidars, businessmen, all need to come together and stand against this oppression. The entire country is with you, he said. In the message, Kejriwal added that protesting members should maintain peace and Dalit youths should not attempt suicide. Why should you commit suicide? he asked Dalit youths, adding: We will fight, we will win, then why kill yourself? If we all come together, then unity is strength. All community members should come together. We will win. The entire country is with you, he said in a two-minute and 40-second video message played at the press conference. Speaking to mediapersons, Ashutosh questioned the role of the police in the atrocity committed against Dalits in Una, and charged that even the Centre is trying to protect the Gujarat government by giving it a clean chit. Ashutosh also questioned Home Minister Rajnath Singhs statement in Parliament yesterday in response to the Una incident. The Home Minister is also giving false statements in Parliament. It was said in Parliament that Dalit atrocities in Gujarat was very less. Our data shows that between 2001 and 2016, many incidents of Dalit atrocities have been reported. From 1,033 in 2001 to 1,052 in 2015, and 409 in till June 2016, it has continued to increase under the BJP regime, he said. Second, he has given a clean chit to the Gujarat government. I would like to say that there is an environment of terror under this government, he charged. PTI Vibha Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, July 21 The BJP is worried and rightfully so. The use of derogatory language by its leader in Uttar Pradesh against BSP supremo Mayawati seems to have done the damage. As Mayawatis supporters hold protests across the poll-bound state, the credit for her resurrection goes to former BJP state vice-president Dayashankar Thakur, who has been expelled from the party and faces a possible arrest. With opposition parties making a beeline to Gujarat, which is also facing Dalit unrest, it is a major setback to BJP president Amit Shah in his bid to win elections in the politically crucial state. Shahs effort to build up on the BJPs development and pro-Dalit pitch has been delivered a powerful blow by the irresponsible remark, along with the Dalit unrest in the BJP-ruled Gujarat. The comment has pushed the saffron party back in the state Shah had been trying to woo by building the BJPs own Ambedkar legacy. Despite apologies by saffron party leaders, Mayawati is unlikely to drop the issue. While BJP leaders claim it is too early to say where the BSPs political opportunism will lead them, they admit that doubts are bound to come up in the minds of fence-sitters, especially Dalits, who voted for the BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. We are making good progress in UP. We have laid down plans of our future strategy. We just have to work harder. The statement is unlikely to die down soon. Mayawati is unlikely to let it go; therefore, it is a big setback to the BJP, party leaders say as all their efforts to play down the remark by tendering apology seem to have failed. All this while, Shah has been trying to pitch the incumbent Samajwadi Party as his key rival in the state, a strategy that suited the Akhilesh Yadav government to tide over the anti-incumbency factor. Now, with the BSP getting a fresh lease of life, the BJP expects the Congress to latch on to the narrative about the saffron partys attitude towards the backward classes and women. With the Dalit backlash in UP adding to the ongoing Dalit unrest in Gujarat, the BJP will have to come up with fresh plans to win over the community. Thane, July 21 In a suspected case of honour killing in Navi Mumbai, a 16-year-old Dalit boy was allegedly killed by family members of an upper caste girl with whom he was in love. Seven persons have been arrested in connection with the case and the 17-year-old girl has also been detained, the police said on Thursday. Following the incident, some members of the Republican Party of India (RPI) took out a morcha to Nerul Police Station late last evening demanding action against the police personnel who had allegedly refused to initially register a complaint by the parents of the boy of his abduction by the girls brothers. The Navi Mumbai Police yesterday suspended two officers of Nerul Police Station in this connection. The boy, identified as Swapnil Sonawane, a resident of Dharave village in Nerul area of Navi Mumbai in Thane district, was in love with a 17-year-old schoolmate. However, the girls parents did not approve of the relationship. On Tuesday night, a group of around 20-25 people, including the girls family members, severely beat up the boy with iron rods at Dharave village in Navi Mumbai, the police said. The boy was later taken to a local hospital where he was declared brought dead, they said. Subsequently, the police yesterday arrested the girls brothers Sagar Naik (25), Sajesh Naik (21), father Rajendra Naik (50), mother Malti Naik (43), the brothers friends Ashish Thakur (23) and Durgesh Patil (22), and an autorickshaw driver Sameer Shaikh (23). The accused have been booked under relevant IPC sections for murder, kidnapping, rioting and criminal intimidation and also under The SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities Act), police said. The arrested persons were produced in Vashi court yesterday and remanded in police custody till July 25, Senior Police Inspector, Nerul, Adikrao Pol said. The girl was also detained and sent to a Bhiwandi remand home, police said. Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale said that two officers of Nerul police station have been placed under suspension against whom there are allegations that they refused to register the complaint of the boys family. An officer of the ACP rank from another division will carry out investigation into the case, he said last night. PTI Lucknow/Ahmedabad, July 21 Hundreds of BSP workers on Thursday took to the streets in Lucknow demanding the immediate arrest of Dayashankar Singh for his derogatory remarks against party supremo Mayawati, even as protests continued in some parts of Gujarat over the brutal thrashing of Dalits at a village in Una town of Gir Somnath district. A short-duration discussion on the recent incidents of atrocities on Dalits in various parts of the country was held in Rajya Sabha. Leading the protest at the busy Hazratganj crossing in Lucknow city, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Naseemuddin Siddiqui said the administration is being given 36 hours to arrest Singh. The party workers held the protest for about five hours beginning 8 am. Siddiqui ended the protest around noon after giving the ultimatum to the District Magistrate that Singh be arrested quickly. The police said raids have been conducted in Lucknow and Ballia to arrest Singh. In Ballia, Singhs brother Dharmendra was taken into custody from his house, SP, Manoj Jha said. Since early morning, party workers from different districts converged at the Ambedkar statue at the Hazratganj crossing in Lucknow on the call of the party to stage dharna against Singh. In the dharna, which threw traffic out of gear for hours, a BSP worker was slightly injured while trying to set an effigy ablaze. Singh had sparked an outrage by his derogatory comments against the BSP supremo. He had stated that Mayawati is breaking the dream of Kanshi Ram into pieces. Mayawati is selling tickets like a... Reacting to the protests, senior BJP leader and Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the issue is over and the BJP has already taken action against him. This issue is over. We took action against him. Now what else should we do, tell? What he said was completely objectionable. The Leader of the House too condemned the statement. He was removed from his post, and later on he was suspended also. Let them protest, they keep on protesting; be it Congress or others. The thing is that BJP is moving ahead, and they cant digest that, he said. The states Samajwadi Party government has made it clear that action as per law will be taken against Singh on the basis of the FIR. Last night, an FIR was lodged against Singh after a complaint against him was lodged with Hazratganj police by party national secretary Mevalal Gautam. Protests continue in Gujarat Meanwhile, protests today continued in some parts of Gujarat over the brutal thrashing of Dalits, even as many political leaders met the victims and their families. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi reached Mota Samadhiyala village in Una to meet families of the victims. Incidents of violence were reported late last night in Rajkot and Mehsana, while protest marches were today held in Limbdi and Surat, the police said. In Rajkot, a BRTS bus stand was damaged, while a state transport bus was damaged at Unjha in Mehasana district late last night though nobody was hurt, they said, adding that barring sporadic incidents, nothing major has been reported so far today. The state transport bus service resumed today after remaining suspended yesterday in view of the protest, officials said. Dalit protesters tried to block a train today for a short while near a railway station at Udhna in Surat. Thousands of protesters took out a rally and blocked the Ahmedabad-bound Navjivan Express for some time before police managed to clear the tracks. A rally was also taken out in Limbdi town of Surendranagar district. In Modasa of Arvalli district, shops were shut today against the forced closure and damages suffered during the bandh called by Dalits yesterday. FIRs have been filed against both shopkeepers and protesters following yesterdays incident in which several shops were damaged by Dalits when they tried to enforce the bandh, the police said. Stop politics over atrocities against Dalits: Mayawati Slamming the CID probe ordered into the Una incident, BSP supremo Mayawati demanded that this case should be heard in a fast-track court while asserting that the leaders of various political parties should not play politics against atrocities on Dalits. Asserting that the atrocities on Dalits continue to take place in the country, the BSP supremo expressed her concern over the fact that they do not get justice. In the name of cow protection, the Muslims have been attacked. Now, even the Dalits are not being spared, especially in the BJP-ruled states. Forget about the Dalits getting justice, even their FIR is not filed many times and the latest example is Una (Gujarat) incident, Mayawai said in the Rajya Sabha during a discussion on the sensitive issue of recent atrocities against Dalits in Gujarat's Una town. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister welcomed the BJP's decision to expel Dayashankar Singh, the party's Uttar Pradesh unit vice-president, for his derogatory slur on her. The people have supported me across the nation. It is good that the BJP took action against Dayashankar Singh. But it would have been better had the BJP filed an FIR against him to send a strong message across the country, she added. Agencies Ajay Banerjee In the wee hours of February 3 this year, an unprecedented ice avalanche hit the northern part of the Siachen glacier. It killed 10 soldiers and put spotlight on the new risk posed to troops by global warming on the glacier and the adjoining 18,000-ft-high peaks of the mighty Karakoram mountains. Its now emerging that the frequency of avalanches has increased by some 30 per cent at Siachen and also on the higher peaks of the Karakoram range on which India has a vital toehold in eastern Ladakh. The range in India largely falls in an area defined by military as the sub-sector north (SSN). (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) A rise in minimum and maximum temperatures has been witnessed, which has led to at least three immediate off-shoots, say Army officials who have been monitoring the phenomenon since five years. The quantum of snowfall has doubled, winter is setting in late and the maximum snow is being witnessed in April; thirdly, the rise in minimum temperature is not allowing the snow to freeze into hard ice. Thus, snow remains moist, resulting in slippery slopes that are avalanche-prone. In the past four to five years, the average minimum temperature has risen. From minus 40C in 2012, it has risen to minus 30C this year. Similarly, the average maximum temperature has gone up from 13C in 2012 to 15.5C in 2016. The snowfall increased from average 650 cm in 2012-13 to 1,300 cm in the winter of 2015-16. Avalanches are of two types: snow and ice. The latter is more dangerous as blocks of ice as hard as rocks fall off from the permafrost of glaciated peaks. This kind of avalanche hit the Sonam post atop the glacier on February 3. A snow avalanche, on the other hand, is loose snow rolling down the mountain slopes in a big mass. Col UB Gurung of the 19 Madras Regiment that faced the ice avalanche says, We are experiencing avalanches in areas that do not traditionally see these, like the northern parts of Siachen glacier. At Leh, the headquarters of the 14 Corps tasked with guarding Siachen and eastern Ladakh officials say avalanches have increased by 20-30 per cent and new crevices have opened up. The Chandigarh-based Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) has been asked to study the phenomena and prepare a detailed report on what all are new vulnerable spots and which all troop-stationed posts will need special care. Till then, the Army has changed its standard operating procedures for troops atop the glacier and also those stationed at lofty heights in the SSN. These procedures were put in place this winter (October to May). (Series concluded) Tribune News Service New Delhi, July 21 Amid simmering tension in Kashmir, the government today decided to review the use of pellet guns for crowd management, saying it would form a committee of experts to suggest better alternatives. Home Minister Rajnath Singh told the Lok Sabha that the expert committee would be asked to suggest options to pellet guns within two months. We are keen on alternatives to pellet guns in the category of non-lethal weapons, Rajnath said while replying to a debate on Kashmir in the House today. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The announcement comes as 53 Valley residents have sustained eye injuries due to pellets. The use of pellet guns, Singh said, wasnt new in Kashmir. These guns, he said, had left six dead, 198 injured and five blind when used during the 2010 violence in Kashmir. This years figures are one dead, 53 injured and none blinded. That apart, the government, dwelling on the causes of the Kashmir violence in the aftermath of militant Burhan Wanis killing, blamed Pakistan for fomenting trouble in the Valley. Citing Pakistans act of observing a Black Day to mark the Kashmir situation, Rajnath said, Our neighbour has played a principal role in ruining the atmosphere in Kashmir. It continues to interfere in our internal affairs and is trying its level best to intensify the infiltration. The Minister listed data to suggest that the Valleys law and order situation was today better than in the past. He was addressing Opposition Congress accusations of increased militant activity in Kashmir under the Narendra Modi-led BJP government. On demands for an all-party delegation to the Valley, Rajnath said Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had advised for the situation to normalise first. She is coming to Delhi in three days and said she would discuss the issue then. I too wanted to visit Kashmir but she advised me to wait, Rajnath Singh said. New York, July 21 A 58-year-old Indian-origin man has been charged with manslaughter for causing the death of a 40-year-old woman and critically injuring her daughter after he slammed his car into their vehicle. Jairam Budhu of Queens was allegedly driving with a suspended license and was speeding when he rammed his car into the vehicle of Zaakika Rasool on July 17. Authorities said Budhu drove through a stop sign and struck the passenger side of Rasools car, causing her and her 9-year-old daughter to be ejected from the car. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Rasool was taken to an area hospital where she died as a result of severe head trauma that she sustained as a result of the collision. Her daughter was also transported to a local area hospital with serious physical injuries, including head trauma, and remains hospitalised. Budhu fled the scene on foot without exhibiting his license and insurance identification card or providing his name, residence or insurance carrier. On July 19, the police, responding to a call, allegedly found Budhu drinking alcohol on the front porch. He was placed under arrest. A review of New York State Department of Motor Vehicles records indicated that Budhus drivers license was suspended for failure to pay a drivers responsibility assessment. What may have started out as an uneventful day turned horrifically tragic for a young family when the defendant allegedly sped through a stop sign and crashed into their stopped vehicle, allegedly causing a mother and her young daughter to be ejected through their vehicles back window and which resulted in the death of the mother and serious injury to her child, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said. Budhu was arraigned yesterday before Queens Criminal Court Judge Gia Morris on a criminal complaint charging him with second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, criminal negligent homicide, leaving the scene of an accident (with death), leaving the scene of an accident (with serious injury) and a violation of New York Vehicle and Traffic Laws. Budhu, who faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted, was ordered held without bail and to return to court on August 3. PTI By PTI: New Delhi, July 20 (PTI) India today said it is engaging with China to iron out differences after Beijing created "procedural hurdles" for its entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) but made it clear that government will never ink Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Responding to supplementaries during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said China had raised questions over how a non-NPT could become a member of the NSG. "But we are engaging with it. We have not stopped efforts. If someone says No for once, it does not mean he wont agree at all...like GST...Congress friends are not allowing the GST to be passed. Four sessions have passed, all parties have agreed to it, it is being held up due to them (Congress). advertisement "That does not mean it will never agree (to the GST bill). It is possible that the bill is passed in this session," she said. Asserting that India has a "clear cut" policy on NPT, she said government will "never sign NPT" but will continue to fulfil its commitments made when it got the waiver in 2008. Her reply was made amid protests by the Opposition over attacks against Dalits in Gujarat, including sloganeering from the Well. The minister rejected suggestions that India had created a lot of "hype" ahead of the NSG meet in Seoul. "We have been taught to make serious efforts to achieve things...no hype was created when we submitted our application for the membership of NSG on May 12. We did it with low fanfare," she said. Swaraj also scoffed at suggestions by Supriya Sule (NCP) that the denial of NSG membership to India was a huge diplomatic snub as it came after Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Mexico and Switzerland. The Minister said Mexico supported Indias bid and when the decision did not go in New Delhis favour, Mexico demanded an extraordinary meeting to make the plenary decide again on the issue. Asserting that Indian diplomacy has made its mark, she said earlier people used to ask whether India can make it to the NSG. "Now when India will become a member is the question being asked," she said in the presence of the Prime Minister. On the benefits of getting NSG membership, Swaraj said India will then become part of rule making. "We are rule takers not rule makers," she said recalling a 2011 decision of NSG not to transfer sensitive enrichment and reprocessing technology to non-NPT states. "The decision was against us. Had we been inside (member), we would not have let this happen," she said. She said waiver is like being allowed in the verandah. "Membership is like being in the room...being part of rule making," Swaraj said. She also credited the previous UPA government for getting the waiver and said while the UPA government made the commitments, the present government is following the same since it came to power in 2014. advertisement She said membership of the NSG would enable India to have enhanced and uninterrupted access to nuclear technology, fuel and material required for expanding its civil nuclear programme. In a clear setback to its efforts to join the 48-nation grouping, the NSG plenary held in South Korea last month decided against accepting Indias membership application after China and some other countries opposed entry of a non-NPT signatory into NSG. PTI NAB PYK RT --- ENDS --- Beijing, July 21 Criticising the reported deployment of battle tanks by the Indian Army near the Indo-China border, Chinese state-run media on Thursday said that the move may affect flow of Chinese investments into the country and called for joint efforts to avoid misunderstandings. A media report stating that nearly 100 Indian tanks have been positioned near the Indo-China border to counter any possible threat grabbed peoples attention as more Chinese firms are looking to increase their investment in India, an article in the state-run Global Times said today. However, it is puzzling that while deploying tanks near Chinas border, India still strives to woo Chinese investment, it said. The deploying of tanks near the Indo-China border may hit a nerve within the Chinese business community, causing investors to weigh the threat of political instability when they make investment decisions, it said. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The article refers to reports of Indian Army deployment of tanks in the Ladakh border to catch up with Chinas aggressive military and infrastructure build-up across the border. China too reportedly has major mechanised units on its side of the border and tank deployment was aimed at ensuring parity, the reports said. The Global Times article said, China and India share a large potential for economic and trade cooperation, and while this may make Chinese enterprises enthusiastic about investment opportunities in the Indian market, those firms should remain calm in the face of investing risks. According to a Global Times report published in May this year Chinese investments in India grew six fold in 2015 to $870 million. India which is weighed down with over $46 billion trade deficit with China in about $70 billion annual trade has been pressing Beijing to step up investments and has removed a number of security-related issues for a smooth flow of Chinese investments. Acknowledging Indias efforts to improve investment climate, todays Global Times article said, the continuous efforts by Indias government to improve its foreign investment environment deserve applause, but now it seems there needs to be more focus spent eliminating investors misgivings over non-economic factors. During its own initial stage of industrialisation and urbanisation, China put aside political disputes and concentrated on economic development. To an extent, this may serve as a road map for Indias government, it said. In the long run, there is large potential for a successful relationship between China and India, especially in the manufacturing sector. In order for that possibility to become a reality, both China and India will need to work hard to clear up misunderstandings in a bid to lay a solid foundation for the sustainable development of economic and trade cooperation, it said. PTI Tribune News Service New Delhi, July 21 Our friends in the Opposition are not able to digest the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said here on Thursday. He said they had launched a misinformation campaign as the Prime Minister was firm on his agenda of perform, reform and transform India. On the Kashmir issue, he accused the Opposition of playing politics. The world knows who the genesis of the problem is, he said. Naidu also accused a section of the media of giving sermons to the government on Kashmir. Naidu asked what the Congress Prime Ministers, from Nehru to Manmohan Singh, had done with Kashmir. Attacking the Congress over its claim that the problem in Kashmir was not a problem of land but a problem of people, Naidu said the government was committed to the security and integrity of the country. Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service New Delhi, July 21 Attacking Pakistan for spreading terrorism in India and fanning the ongoing violence in Kashmir, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said the government is in the process of seeking expert opinion on alternatives to the use of non-lethal weapons like pellet guns in volatile situations. Replying to a debate in Lok Sabha on Thursday, on the issue of Kashmir violence, Rajnath lay the blame of simmering tensions in the Valley on the doors of Pakistan saying dreaded terrorist Hafiz Saeed had now come out openly to claim that he had spoken to the slain Hijbul Mujahideen commander a few days prior to his killing. Hizbul Mujahideen is an important part of United Jehad Council which works to destabilise India on the orders of Pakistan. Pakistan is constantly engaged in the pursuit to create troubles in India to deflect the attention of the world from its misgovernance and failures. There is no doubt that Pakistan has played a principal role in ruining the atmosphere in Kashmir and has then gone to the extent of observing Black Day on their soil in respect of what was an internal affair of India, a firm Rajnath said, admonishing Pakistan not to bother about Indian Muslims, who are patriots. Listing the details of casualties in the Valley, Rajnath said 38 people had died and 2,180 were injured. Of the injured, 2,055 have been discharged from hospitals. I must say here that 1,739 security personnel, too, were injured and despite such a vast scale of injury they adopted as much restraint in dealing with the violence in Kashmir as they could, the minister said, adding that PM Narendra Modi and he himself had asked the forces to adopt maximum restraint in the Valley. On the concerns of MPs about the use of pellet guns which have caused several eye injuries in Kashmir, Rajnath said he had decided to form a committee of experts to suggest alternatives to the use of pellet guns. Pellet guns were not used in Kashmir for the first time. These were used in 2010 also. At that time six people had died, 198 had suffered eye injuries and five had been blinded. This time we have had one death, 53 injuries and no blinding, the minister noted, adding that the government is open to considering alternatives to pellet guns as a means for crowd management and control. On the issue of sending an all-party delegation to Kashmir, Rajnath said JK Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had asked him to let the situation become normal first. Even I wanted to go to Kashmir but she advised me to wait. She has said she is coming to Delhi in three days to discuss the issue of a delegation, Singh added. R Sedhuraman Legal Correspondent New Delhi, July 21 The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Centre and the Maharashtra government to respond within 24 hours to an alleged rape victims plea for permission to terminate her advanced pregnancy as the foetus did not have a major part of the brain, skull and scalpa condition medically known as anencephaly. A Bench headed by Justice JS Khehar asked the victims senior counsel Colon Gonsalves to immediately hand over the court notice to the office of Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi and Maharashtra governments standing counsel. The apex court said it was not in a position to let the woman abort her pregnancy without taking the views of the two governments. The Bench said it would set up a medical board to examine the woman and submit a report, depending on the stand taken by the two governments. In her petition, the Mumbai-based woman identified only as Ms X, has challenged the validity of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971, under which MTP is illegal after 20 weeks. The Bench, which included Justices Kurian Joseph and Arun Mishra, however, pointed out that the MTP Act had a provision for abortion even after 20 weeks. Gonsalves said there was only one exemption which would kick in only if the heart beat of the foetus stopped. Before issuing notice, the Bench also ascertained the fact that the abnormality of the foetus was detected after 20 weeks. It would hear her plea again on Friday. In the case on hand, the foetus also did not have the abdominal cavity due to which the intestine was not in place. The Centre had prepared a Bill to amend the MTP Act to allow abortion even after 20 weeks if the medical condition so warranted. The legislation was awaiting Parliaments approval, he said. The woman said her boyfriend raped her on the promise of marriage only to ditch her and marry someone else. She has filed the writ petition as doctors refused to subject her to MTP on June 2, citing the law. The Bombay High Court also rejected a petition by the womans doctor seeking permission to conduct the MTP, Gonsalves said. The 20-week cap in the 1971 Act had lost its relevance in the last 37 years due to emergence of new medical technologies that enabled doctors to constantly monitor the development of the foetus and detect abnormalities, she said. Calling herself poor, she pleaded that subjecting her to the mental trauma of carrying the foetus with fatal abnormalities was against her fundamental right to a life of dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution, besides equality under Article 14 and privacy and personal liberty. In July 2009, the apex court had ruled against subjecting a mentally challenged 19-year-old rape victim at Chandigarh's Sector 26 Nari Niketan to MTP. Observing that nature will give her biological protection, a three-member Bench headed by the then Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan had stayed a Punjab and Haryana High Court verdict, directing the Chandigarh administration to carry out MTP on the girl whose pregnancy was 20-week-old. Deepkamal Kaur Tribune News Service Jalandhar, July 21 Raninder Singh, son of PPCC president Capt Amarinder Singh, was questioned for four hours in the Enforcement Directorate office here today regarding suspected violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in the UK-based Jacaranda Trust case. Appearing for the first time on the third summons issued to him, Raninder was given a questionnaire running into eight pages. The questions pertained to his family background, property details, movable assets and account details, ED sources said. Raninder, who was accompanied by his lawyer and AICC spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill, has been told to re-appear along with his and his wifes income tax details and his travel record since 2007. Today, he had brought along his passport and bank account details, copies of which he submitted. Coming out of the ED office, he said, I cannot comment on the case since the investigation is in progress. Shergill said there were no allegations in the summons. Asked if details of any Swiss bank had been sought or furnished, he said, There are no such accounts. Raninder, president of the National Rifle Association of India, had missed the last summons on July 14, citing preparations for shooters headed for the Olympics. He had sought an adjournment last month on medical grounds. As he appeared today, the Capt loyalists who accompanied him included Kapurthala MLA Rana Gurjit Singh, former MLA Jagbir Brar and Jalandhar Urban party president Rajinder Beri. Amaninder Pal Tribune News Service Tamkot (Mansa), July 22 Veer Bhan, 23, is a member of a Scheduled Tribe community that is known for its ferocity. He rides a horse in the lush green sorghum fields of Tamkot village of Mansa district, but nobody objects. Mounted and armed with a heavy stick, Veer Bhan, along with his two aides, is looking for an Amriki sheltering in the nearby fields. The moment he locates it, Veer Bhan will chase the Amriki so ferociously that the animal won't dare to enter the village. He is a rakha for Tamkot residents. Sitting at the village thaai along with half-a-dozen septuagenarians, Harbans Singh of Thoothianwali village is calculating the amount his village has paid to Satbir Khan, head of another group of rakhas, whose job is to prevent the entry into the village of stray Amriki progeny of the most popular cow breed Holstein Friesian (HF), selling whose milk Punjabi farmers have earned a fortune for decades. Today, Amriki is our enemy number one. Every farmer pays Rs 300 per acre per year to rakhas to keep Amrikis at bay, he says, adding, Paying rakhi to rakhas is the only option to protect our property and produce." Reminiscent of medieval Punjab, the terms rakhi and rakha take you back around 300 years, when the feudal warlords were still evolving into misls, and villagers would pay rakhi to the feudal lord of their area to protect their property and produce from rival warlords. Three centuries later, the practice of rakhi and character of rakha is back in the rural landscape, especially in southern Punjab, but in a slightly different version. Today, a poor tribesman, instead of a feudal warlord, is the protector. And the plunderer is not a rival feudal warlord, but an Amriki. Almost every village of this area is paying lakhs of rupees every six months to persons like Veer Bhan and Satbir Khan to stop stray cattle from entering their fields. Villagers have no idea where these stray cattle come from. Once they enter our fields, they neither spare fodder, nor cotton, nor wheat. The only option is that we keep vigil in our fields round the year, which is not practically possible. Therefore, every farmer in our village has agreed to hire a group of rakhas. If a farmer spots any Amriki, he informs the rakha, who chases away the animal up to the village boundary," said Harbans Singh of Thoothiawali village. Crops on the 2,000-acre land of Thoothianwali are protected by such tribesmen. The village farmers are collectively paying them Rs 6 lakh per annum. Balwinder Sharma, farmer of Malkpur Khiala village, said farmers have organised committees in each village, whose job is to collect rakhi from each landowner every six month. Our village is part of a cluster of three villages Malkpur Khiala, Khiala Kalan and Khiala Khurd. The total amount of protection money collected in these villages was around Rs 14 lakh last year. Our village alone collected Rs 4.4 lakh, claimed Balwinder. Mahinder Singh Bhainibagha, a leader of the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta), said the culture of hiring such tribesman is prevalent in villages located in the vicinity of cities. However, the situation is no different in Joga village, located around 25 km from Barnala town. The village shot to national headlines in June 2012 when a mob of villagers demolished a bone crushing unit where cows were allegedly being slaughtered. Haunted by the brutal cow slaughter in the factory, the village had set up a small cowshed after the incident. But just four years later, it is not slaughtered cows but stray cattle and Amriki that haunt the villagers. Gurmeet Singh, the seniormost councillor of the village, said, The village cowshed is too small to accommodate all the stray cattle. Every farmer of our village is contributing Rs 200 per acre per annum to pay to rakhas. There is no other option for us. The Mansa district administration has set up a large cowshed in 25-acre in Khokhar Kalan village, which, according to farmers, is insufficient to house stray cattle, whose count is increasing each year. Mahinder Bhainibagha, who has led several protests against stray cattle in this area, said, The culture of rakhi is a new burden on the already debt-ridden peasantry of our area. The only solution to the stray cattle menace is that Amriki should be treated as an equivalent to bull, which is allowed to be culled. This will stop the massive reproduction of cows and lower their count. Back in Tamkot, Veer Bhan is readying himself for another round of the fields, and womenfolk of his locality pressure him not to get his photo clicked. Till a few years ago, it was tough for us to make ends meet. But the arrival of Amrikis has suddenly increased in the past two years. This has brought fortunes for poor men like me, says Veer Bhan, apparently unmindful of the change of guard in Delhi two years ago. Amritsar, July 21 Passengers aboard a Dubai-Amritsar Spicejet flight were off-loaded at Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport here on Thursday morning following the recovery of a suspicious bag on the flight, airport sources said. A bomb disposal squad of security agencies entered the aircraft to carry out a search operation. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The aircraft was removed from the runway and parked in an isolated spot for the search, sources said. Police sources said the information regarding the bag was received through an anonymous call. Flight operations at the airport were suspended following the incident. Sources said none of the passengers had claimed the bag. Spicejet clears air Domestic carrier Spicejet on Thursday cleared the air about unaccompanied baggage being found on their Dubai-Amritsar flight. In a statement, Spicejet said, On July 21, 2016 a passenger Idinirinkarlina Btnanang (holding Indonesian passport) travelling on SG 056, Dubai to Amritsar, did not board the aircraft after clearing immigration, security check and boarding. She reported back after an hour of the flight departure. Dubai Airport officials informed the Pilot in Command about the unaccompanied checked-in baggage on board and the pilot in command requested the Amritsar ATC officials for isolated parking stand. The baggage of Idinirinkarlina Btnanang has been identified and will be handed over to her/relevant authorities. The false alarm due to the miscommunication caused inconvenience to the passengers, which is deeply regretted. Agencies PERHAPS one of the first concerns in India engaged in manufacturing cocoa and chocolate is to be found at Billimora (B.B. and C.I. Railway.) It was nearly five years ago that machinery for this was imported into India and but it is just a month previously that the work was begun. The main difficulty was the lack of capital and the old concern was sold away by auction and purchased by the present proprietor who has set it going. The process used is simple and the machinery almost up-to-date. Cocoa seeds are imported from Ceylon and nearly two cwts. of the seed are being used up daily and converted into cocoa (30 per cent.) and the rest chocolate. The proprietor is Mr. Sardesai. Legal Correspondent New Delhi, July 20 The Supreme Court today refused to stay the disqualification of nine rebel Congress MLAs of Uttarakhand, but clarified the notice given by them and BJP members for the removal of the Assembly Speaker would remain alive. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) A Bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and RF Nariman, however, said the result of any voting in the Assembly, which will have its monsoon session from tomorrow, for the Speakers removal would be subject to the outcome of the rebel MLAs petition challenging their disqualification. The Bench posted their appeal for further hearing on July 28. "The deploying of tanks near the Indo-China border may hit a nerve within the Chinese business community, causing investors to weigh the threat of political instability when they make investment decisions," the media report said. Nearly 100 Indian tanks have been positioned near the Indo-China border to counter any possible threat, reported Global Times; Photo: Reuters By Press Trust of India: The Chinese state-run media has criticised the reported deployment of battle tanks by the Indian Army near the Indo-China border. It today said that the move may affect flow of Chinese investments into the country and called for joint efforts to avoid misunderstandings. 100 INDIAN TANKS NEAR BORDER, STILL WOOING CHINESE INVESTMENT? "A media report stating that nearly 100 Indian tanks have been positioned near the Indo-China border to counter any possible threat grabbed peoples' attention as more Chinese firms are looking to increase their investment in India," an article in the state-run Global Times said today. advertisement "However, it is puzzling that while deploying tanks near China's border, India still strives to woo Chinese investment," it said. "The deploying of tanks near the Indo-China border may hit a nerve within the Chinese business community, causing investors to weigh the threat of political instability when they make investment decisions," it said. The article refers to reports of Indian Army deployment of tanks in the Ladakh border to catch up with Chinas aggressive military and infrastructure build-up across the border. Chinese media brands US, Japan eunuchs, tells military to prepare for counter-attack CHINA TOO HAS MAJOR MECHANISED UNITS ON BORDER China too reportedly has major mechanised units on its side of the border and tank deployment was aimed at ensuring parity, the reports said. The Global Times article said, "China and India share a large potential for economic and trade cooperation, and while this may make Chinese enterprises enthusiastic about investment opportunities in the Indian market, those firms should remain calm in the face of investing risks". China won't accept arbitration on India border dispute: PLA General Luo Yuan According to a Global Times report published in May this year Chinese investments in India grew six fold in 2015 to USD 870 million. India which is weighed down with over USD 46 billion trade deficit with China in about USD 70 billion annual trade has been pressing Beijing to step up investments and has removed a number of security-related issues for a smooth flow of Chinese investments. Acknowledging India's efforts to improve investment climate, todays Global Times article said, "the continuous efforts by Indias government to improve its foreign investment environment deserve applause, but now it seems there needs to be more focus spent eliminating investors misgivings over non-economic factors." "During its own initial stage of industrialisation and urbanisation, China put aside political disputes and concentrated on economic development. To an extent, this may serve as a road map for Indias government," it said. "In the long run, there is large potential for a successful relationship between China and India, especially in the manufacturing sector. In order for that possibility to become a reality, both China and India will need to work hard to clear up misunderstandings in a bid to lay a solid foundation for the sustainable development of economic and trade cooperation," it said. advertisement Also Read: Chinese smash iPhones, urge KFC boycott to protest US role in South China Sea dispute India steps up defence along Indo-China border in Arunachal --- ENDS --- Neena Sharma Tribune News Service Dehradun, July 21 The Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly today witnessed uproarious scenes as the Opposition benches erupted after Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal called upon senior member of the House and Congress MLA Nav Prabhat to preside over the no-confidence motion. Refusing to shed the bitterness in the aftermath of the March 18 political upheaval, the Opposition benches were ready to corner the government. As soon as the proceedings of the House began, the Speaker and Leader of the Opposition, Ajay Bhatt, sprang to their feet. Kunjwal silenced the latter by announcing that as the no-confidence motion brought by the BJP against him and the Deputy Speaker, Ansuya Prasad Maikhuri, on the night of March 18 was still pending, he along with the Deputy Speaker had decided to step aside so that the no-confidence motion could be taken up. Kunjwal then called upon senior Congress MLA Nav Prabhat to preside over the motion which left the Opposition members all worked up. All hell broke loose as soon as the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker stepped down from the podium and Nav Prabhat took the chair. Complete bedlam prevailed in the House as Nav Prabhat occupied the chair vacated by the Speaker. Soon, the Opposition MLAs reached the well and began flinging papers, uprooted mikes, waved black flags and raised slogans against the government. How can the Speaker ask MLA Nav Prabhat to preside over the noconfidence motion? Only the Governor can nominate a pro-tem Speaker or the person has to be approved by the Vidhan Sabha. It is unconstitutional, said Ajay Bhatt. To appease the Opposition benches, Nav Prabhat, while occupying the Speakers chair, asked the members of the House to raise their hands in case they wanted him to preside over the no-confidence motion. All Congress MLAs raised their hands in support, further angering the BJP MLAs. Soon, Nav Prabhat began the proceedings, forcing the BJP MLAs to stage a walkout. In the absence of the BJP on the Opposition benches, the Treasury benches opposed the no-confidence against the Speaker. Nav Prabhat asked the Speaker to occupy the chair. Following this, the Speaker presided over the rest of the proceedings, including the fall of no-confidence motion against Deputy Speaker AP Maikhuri and the Budget. The no-confidence motion against Kunjwal also fell. Interestingly, the Leader of the Opposition and the Congress government took recourse to the provisions in the Constitution under Articles 180 (1) and 180 (2) and provisions in the rule book for running the Uttarakhand House. Beijing: About 20 lakh Chinese couples applied to have a second child in 2015 before the government officially junked its over three and half decades old controversial one-child policy, official media said on Thursday. The government first eased the restriction by allowing a second child for parents, if one of them is an only child. At the end of 2015, Chinese lawmakers passed a historic legislation allowing all couples to have two children from January 1, 2016. The policy, implemented from 1978, is estimated to have prevented over 400 million births. PTI Thatcher wanted 2nd wives barred from UK London: Britain's former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was against allowing second wives of men based in the UK to enter the country to join them, according to UK government documents released on Thursday. Muslim men, mostly of Pakistani and Bangladeshi-origin, tended to be in polygamous marriages, something Thatcher did not want her government to be seen to be condoning, according to Cabinet Office files between 1982 and 1986 released by the National Archives. Then attorney general Sir Michael Havers was concerned about the legality of such a ban without a change in the law. PTI Cleveland, July 21 US Senator Ted Cruz refused to endorse Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at the partys convention on Wednesday, drawing angry jeers from Trump supporters and shattering the facade of party unity that has been carefully built up in Cleveland this week. Anti-Trump Republican delegate Ken Cuccinelli told Reuters he escorted Cruzs wife, Heidi, off the floor out of concern for her safety following her husbands speech. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Cruz, who came in a distant second to Trump in the race for the nomination, stopped short of endorsing Trump after a bitter and personal campaign and mentioned him only once, drawing boos and repeated chants of We want Trump. Cuccinelli, a former Virginia attorney general, said: When the speech ended, there was an ugly crowd behind us. A witness said one person shouted: Goldman Sachs at Heidi Cruz in reference to her employment at the investment bank. Cruz began his speech saying: I want to congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night. Later in the speech, he urged: Please, dont stay home in November. Stand, and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution. Some critics saw the appeal for people to vote their conscience as a vote of no-confidence in Trump. Republican strategist Eric Fehrnstrom, who is not affiliated with any campaign, tweeted: Vote your conscience was the rallying cry of the Never Trump movement. For Cruz to bring that message into the RNC hall was a colossal error. Its taken me about 30 minutes to calm down and stop shaking with anger, said Erik Layton, an alternate delegate from California who had shouted: Go home at Cruz after his speech. I just dont know why Cruz did this. It baffles my mind. Trump, 70, a businessman and former reality TV star who will represent the party in the Nov. 8 election against presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, made his entrance to the convention hall near the end of Cruzs speech, applauding Cruzs remarks but, by his appearance, drawing attention away from his former rival. In a tweet after the convention adjourned for the night, Trump wrote that Cruz broke a promise they both had made to endorse the partys White House choice. Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didnt honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal! Trump wrote. Exchange of insults During the campaign for the partys nomination, Trump insulted Cruzs wifes looks and suggested the Texans father was with John F. Kennedys assassin just before the president was shot in Dallas in 1963. Cruz, 45, who as a Tea Party conservative in the U.S. Senate angered many mainstream Republicans in Congress and spearheaded tactics that led to a government shutdown over the federal budget, called Trump a serial philanderer and a narcissist during the campaign. A Cruz adviser who asked to remain anonymous said Cruz anticipated a backlash from the crowd if he did not endorse Trump. We knew people were going to be mad if he didnt say the words, but he congratulated him and called for unity behind common values. He expected people to not be thrilled about this, the adviser said. Trump won the partys nomination on Tuesday with 1,725 delegates, followed by Cruz with 475 delegates. Several delegates were outraged by the reaction to Cruzs speech, saying it could undermine Trumps support among Republicans who had supported the senator from Texas. I thought it was shameful, said Manette Merrill, a Cruz delegate from Wipple Island, Washington, adding she was now confident she would not vote for Trump in November. They talk about unity ... and then they act like that. That is not going to get us to unify, she said. The drama did not prevent Trumps vice presidential running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, from receiving a raucous welcome inside the convention hall to end the days events. Accepting the conventions nomination, Pence spoke of Trump as a friend of the working class who has persevered in the business world. Hes a doer in a game usually reserved for talkers, Pence said. Trump briefly joined Pence on the stage, shook his hand, patted him on the back, gave a thumbs-up and, in a signal to the crowd, pointed at Pence. But the Cruz speech, the latest in a series of disruptions, overshadowed any show of solidarity. Gingrich defends Cruz In a speech minutes after Cruz finished, former US House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich veered from his prepared text to defend Cruz. I think you misunderstood one paragraph that Ted Cruz, who is a superb orator, said. And I just want to point it out to you. Ted Cruz said you can vote your conscience for anyone who will uphold the Constitution. In this election, there is only one candidate who will uphold the Constitution, Gingrich said. To paraphrase Ted Cruz, if you want to protect the Constitution of the United States, the only possible candidate this fall is the Trump-Pence Republican ticket, Gingrich said. For a third straight day, the convention was disrupted by unexpected events. On Monday, chaos erupted when Trump opponents inside his party stormed out of the room and others chanted to vent frustration over a failed attempt to force a vote in opposition to Trump. On Tuesday, similarities between some phrases in a speech by Trumps wife, Melania, and a 2008 speech by first lady Michelle Obama triggered accusations of plagiarism, putting the Trump campaign on the defensive. A staff writer for the Trump Organization on Wednesday took responsibility for the chaos over the speech. Another Trump rival vanquished in the race for the party nomination, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, spoke by video and praised Trump for his commitments to safeguarding national security, lowering taxes and appointing conservative Supreme Court justices. The time for fighting each other is over. Its time to fight for a new direction for America. Its time to win in November, Rubio said. Key Republicans missing Eminent Republicans such as the partys previous two presidential nominees, Mitt Romney and Senator John McCain, and members of the Bush family that gave the party its last two presidents have stayed away from Cleveland in a show of displeasure at Trump and his rhetoric against illegal immigration and free trade. Opponents brand Trump a bigot with his calls to temporarily ban the entry of Muslims and to build a border wall with Mexico to keep out illegal immigrants. Underscoring the problems Trump has faced with US allies abroad, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told Reuters on Wednesday that Trump threatened US and world security with his politics of fear and isolation. Reuters Beijing, July 21 To the challenges facing KFC and Apple in China, add a surprise backlash from Beijings spat with the Philippines over the South China Sea. Nationalists are protesting at KFC outlets and calling for a boycott, spurred by government accusations that Washington encouraged Manila to oppose Beijings claims to vast tracts of ocean. Photos circulated online show young Chinese wearing scarves with patriotic slogans smashing Apple iPhones in protest. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) State media have fanned public anger with a torrent of criticism of last weeks ruling by a UN tribunal, which found no legal basis for Beijings claim to most of the South China Sea. The Chinese public, as optimistic and positive as they are, are deeply patriotic and nationalistic, especially people who are younger, said James Roy of the research firm China Market Research Group. KFC and Apple are just very closely associated with the United States, and you are seeing people picking the closest symbol they can think of to demonstrate against. The protests are a reminder of the political risks for global brands in China, where they regularly become targets of nationalist sentiment, often stirred up by official media. In 2012, sales of Japanese autos plunged when Tokyo and Beijing were in a dispute over control of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. The Chinese leadership has tried to tamp down this weeks protests with demands in state media to leave foreign companies and their customers alone. This is not the right way to express patriotism, said the governments Xinhua News Agency. The China Daily newspaper called the protests jingoism that does a disservice to the spirit of devotion to the nation. Some KFC customers have responded by posting photos of themselves online with a bucket of chicken, axes or other weapons and signs reading, patriotic hooligans, try harassing me and Ill take you out. Phone calls to spokespeople for KFC in China and written messages sent through the company website werent answered. A man in the eastern city of Yangzhou, northwest of Shanghai, said he watched a protest on Tuesday morning after seeing a note online appealing to people to take part. He said it also told protesters to boycott Japanese and Korean goods. AP Cleveland, July 21 Texas Senator Ted Cruz has launched a scathing attack on President Barack Obama for taking everything backward and presumptive Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton for following his policies. There is a profound difference in our two parties visions for the future. Their party thinks ISIS (Islamic State) is a JV team, that responds to the death of Americans at Benghazi by asking, What difference does it make? That thinks. Its possible to make a deal with Iran, which celebrates as holidays Death to America Day and Death to Israel Day. That is madness, Cruz said. President Obama is a man who does everything backwards he wants to close Guantanamo Bay and open up our borders, he exports jobs and imports terrorists. Enough is enough. There is a better vision for our future: A return to freedom, he said. The Junior Senator from Texas was speaking at the Republican convention in this city of Ohio. Cruz defeated by Trump during the primary battle. Freedom means religious freedom, whether you are Christian or Jew, Muslim or atheist. Gay or straight, the Bill of Rights protects the rights of all of us to live according to our conscience. Freedom means the right to keep and bear arms, and protect your family, he said. Clinton, he alleged, believes government should make virtually every choice in ones life. Education, healthcare, marriage, speech all dictated out of Washington. But something powerful is happening. Weve seen it in both parties. Weve seen it in the United Kingdoms unprecedented Brexit vote to leave the European Union, he said. Voters are overwhelmingly rejecting big government. Thats a profound victory, he said. Cruz said the countrymen are fed up with politicians who dont listen to them, fed up with a corrupt system that benefits the elites, instead of working men and women. We deserve an immigration system that puts America first. And yes, builds a wall to keep us safe. That stops admitting ISIS terrorists as refugees, he said. PTI Sydney, July 21 Top searchers at the Dutch company leading the underwater hunt for Malaysia Airlines jet MH370 say they believe the plane may have glided down rather than dived in the final moments, meaning they have been scouring the wrong patch of ocean for two years. Flight MH370 disappeared in March 2014 with 239 passengers and crew onboard en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur. Searchers led by engineering group Fugro have been combing an area roughly the size of Greece for two years. That search, over 1m20,000 square kilometres of the southern Indian Ocean off Western Australia, is expected to end in three months and could be called off after that following a meeting of key countries Malaysia, China and Australia on Friday. So far, nothing has been found. If its not there, it means its somewhere else, Fugro project director Paul Kennedy told Reuters. While Kennedy does not exclude extreme possibilities that could have made the plane impossible to spot in the search zone, he and his team argue a more likely option is the plane glided down - meaning it was manned at the end - and made it beyond the area marked out by calculations from satellite images. If it was manned it could glide for a long way, Kennedy said. You could glide it for further than our search area is, so I believe the logical conclusion will be well maybe that is the other scenario. Doubts that the search teams are looking in the right place will likely fuel calls for all data to be made publicly available so that academics and rival companies can pursue an open source solution - a collaborative public answer to the airline industrys greatest mystery. Fugros controlled glide hypothesis is also the first time officials have learnt some support to contested theories that someone was in control during the flights final moments. Since the crash there have been competing theories over whether one, both or no pilots were in control, whether it was hijacked - or whether all aboard perished and the plane was not controlled at all when it hit the water. Adding to the mystery, investigators believe someone may have deliberately switched off the planes transponder before diverting it thousands of miles. The glide view is not supported by the investigating agencies: Americas Boeing Co, Frances Thales SA , US investigator the National Transportation Safety Board, British satellite company Inmarsat PLC, the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch and the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation. Carry on The meeting between officials from China, Australia and Malaysia is expected to discuss the future of the search. The three governments have previously agreed that unless any new credible evidence arises the search would not be extended, despite calls from victims families. Any further search would require a fresh round of funding from the three governments on top of the almost A$180 million ($137 million) that has already been spent, making it the most expensive in aviation history. Deciding the search area in 2014, authorities assumed the plane had no inputs during its final descent, meaning there was no pilot or no conscious pilot. They believe it was on auto-pilot and spiralled when it ran out of fuel. But Kennedy said a skilled pilot could glide the plane approximately 120 miles (193 km) from its cruising altitude after running out of fuel. One pilot told Reuters it would be slightly less than that. For the aircraft to continue gliding after fuel has run out, someone must manually put the aircraft into a glide - nose down with controlled speed. If you lose all power, the auto-pilot kicks out. If there is nobody at the controls, the aircraft will plummet down, said a captain with experience flying Boeing 777s - the same as MH370. Like all pilots interviewed for this story, he declined to be named given the controversy around the lost jet. Fugro works on a confidence level of 95 percent, a statistical measurement used, in Fugros case, to indicate how certain the plane debris was not in the area they have already combed, a seabed peppered with steep cliffs and underwater volcanoes. The end-of-flight scenarios are absolutely endless, Fugro managing director Steve Duffield said. Which wing ran out of fuel first, did it roll this way or did it tip that way? The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the agency coordinating the search, has consistently defended the defined search zone. It did not immediately respond to questions over whether it was assessing the controlled glide theory. Authorities used data provided by Inmarsat to locate the likely plunge point through communication between the plane and satellite ground station. All survey data collected from the search for missing flight MH370 will be released, an ATSB spokesman said. Reuters United Nations, July 21 The United Nations Security Council held its first secret and informal straw ballot on Thursday in a bid to whittle down the 12 candidates vying to be the next Secretary-General, but despite attempts to make the process more transparent the results will not be made public. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon steps down at the end of 2016 after two five-year terms. The 193-member UN General Assembly has this year sought to lift a veil of secrecy that has surrounded the election of the UN chief for the past 70 years by requiring public nominations and holding campaign-style town hall events with each candidate. However, it is the 15-member Security Council which will choose a candidate to recommend to the General Assembly for election later this year. In practice, this has meant that the council's five permanent members the US, Russia, China, Britain and France have veto power over the candidates. The council will continue to hold closed-door informal secret ballots until they reach consensus. On Thursday, council members were given a ballot for each candidate with the options of encourage, discourage and no opinion. The nominating states will be told of the results for their candidate, but overall results will not be made public. This is a recruitment process. Like any other recruitment process it needs to be done respecting the confidentiality of the candidates, British UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said. He said the purpose of the secret ballots was to encourage people who dont do so well to drop out of the race. The US, Britain and France stressed today that they want a strong Secretary-General to lead the UN through turbulent times, but Russia and China havent made clear what qualities are key for them. Agencies Dhaka, July 21 Bangladeshs elite security force on Thursday arrested four militants, including a top regional head of a home-grown Islamist extremist group blamed for the countrys worst terror attack on a cafe here in which 22 persons, mostly foreigners, were killed. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) raided a hideout of militant outfit Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in Gazipurs Tongi this morning and arrested the four militants. Mahmudul Hassan Tanvir, the Amir of the groups southern region was among the arrested persons, the RAB spokesperson said. The other three have been identified as Ashiqul Akbar Abesh, Najmus Shakib and Rahmatullah Shuvo. RABs media wing Director Mufti Mahmud Khan said a huge quantity of weapons, ammunition and bomb-making material have been recovered from the house. Khan said the RAB swung into action after receiving a tip-off that the four were present in a building. Khan said these four had taken shelter in the house before Eid during Ramadan and that the house was used for training JMB recruits. He said eight bombs and bomb-making material, a pistol, a magazine, more than 100 rounds of ammunition, eight machetes and some jihadi literature have been seized from the house. Security forces have been looking JMB hideouts since the July 1 attack on Holey Artisan Bakery that left 22 people, including an Indian-origin girl dead. The six gunmen were killed by army commandos who stormed the cafe the next morning. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the deadly attack, but the government denied their presence in Bangladesh, saying homegrown JMB militants were responsible for the assault. PTI Dhaka: The fugitive eldest son of Bangladeshs opposition leader and former premier Khaleda Zia was on Friday sentenced to seven years in prison by a court here for laundering $2.5 million, overturning a lower courts decision to acquit him in the graft case. Tarique Rahman, 48, who is senior vice president of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, was sentenced for siphoning off the money to Singapore. PTI MH370 search team: Plane could lie elsewhere SYDNEY: Searchers at the Dutch company leading the underwater hunt for Malaysia Airlines jet MH370 say they believe the plane may have glided down rather than dived in the final moments, meaning they have been scouring the wrong patch of ocean for two years. They, led by engineering group Fugro, have been combing an area roughly the size of Greece for two years. Reuters 116 killed or missing as rains wreak havoc in China Beijing: As many as 116 people were either killed or missing in fresh bout of rainstorms in China which has caused havoc, flattening homes, disrupting power and traffic besides triggering evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people. PTI By PTI: From K J M Varma Beijing, Jul 21 (PTI) Criticising the reported deployment of battle tanks by the Indian army near the Indo-China border, Chinese state-run media today said that the move may affect flow of Chinese investments into the country and called for joint efforts to avoid misunderstandings. "A media report stating that nearly 100 Indian tanks have been positioned near the Indo-China border to counter any possible threat grabbed peoples attention as more Chinese firms are looking to increase their investment in India," an article in the state-run Global Times said today. advertisement "However, it is puzzling that while deploying tanks near Chinas border, India still strives to woo Chinese investment," it said. "The deploying of tanks near the Indo-China border may hit a nerve within the Chinese business community, causing investors to weigh the threat of political instability when they make investment decisions," it said. The article refers to reports of Indian army deployment of tanks in the Ladakh border to catch up with Chinas aggressive military and infrastructure build-up across the border. China too reportedly has major mechanised units on its side of the border and tank deployment was aimed at ensuring parity, the reports said. The Global Times article said, "China and India share a large potential for economic and trade cooperation, and while this may make Chinese enterprises enthusiastic about investment opportunities in the Indian market, those firms should remain calm in the face of investing risks". According to a Global Times report published in May this year Chinese investments in India grew six fold in 2015 to USD 870 million. India which is weighed down with over USD 46 billion trade deficit with China in about USD 70 billion annual trade has been pressing Beijing to step up investments and has removed a number of security-related issues for a smooth flow of Chinese investments. Acknowledging Indias efforts to improve investment climate, todays Global Times article said, "the continuous efforts by Indias government to improve its foreign investment environment deserve applause, but now it seems there needs to be more focus spent eliminating investors misgivings over non-economic factors." "During its own initial stage of industrialisation and urbanisation, China put aside political disputes and concentrated on economic development. To an extent, this may serve as a road map for Indias government," it said. "In the long run, there is large potential for a successful relationship between China and India, especially in the manufacturing sector. In order for that possibility to become a reality, both China and India will need to work hard to clear up misunderstandings in a bid to lay a solid foundation for the sustainable development of economic and trade cooperation," it said. PTI KJV NSA --- ENDS --- advertisement The stories of these three couples might just inspire you to think beyond hosting a lavish wedding. By Mini Dixit: With weddings in the country increasingly becoming a full-fledged and lucrative business option, it's only understandable for the ceremonies today to be all about grandeur and pomp. From elaborate decorations to expensive outfits, every element related to a marriage is expected to reek of exclusivity and elitism. And what does this entail? Money, of course. According to a report in Business Insider, the wedding industry in India involves an annual expenditure of over Rs 1 lakh crore. advertisement Now imagine investing THAT amount of money in something other than a ceremony which involves you inviting and feeding hundreds or thousands of people, half of whom don't really mean much to you. Sounds like a distant dream? Well, these three Indian couples made it happen; they ditched the idea of a big fat wedding and instead used their matrimony as an opportunity to improve the lives of many other people. 1. India's youngest single dad invited homeless people, stray animals, and orphans for his wedding Pune-based Aditya Tiwari made news when he became the country's youngest single father after adopting a child with special abilities earlier this year. But that's not where his story ends. The software engineer recently tied the knot (on July 16, 2016) with an Indore girl in a ceremony that was novel for more than one reason. Aditya Tiwari invited over 10,000 homeless people for his wedding. Picture courtesy :Twitter/ @FashionWhub6 With over 10,000 homeless people and children from orphanages alongside more than 1,000 stray and zoo animals comprising the wedding guest list, Tiwari's wedding ceremony was made complete by the distribution of books and medicines to all the invited guests. Also Read: India's youngest single father to tie the knot with over 10,000 homeless people as wedding guests Not just that, a plantation drive of 100 saplings alongside the launch of a support group for Down's Syndrome (the disability his son suffers from) were also the highlights of this thoughtful wedding. 2. Gujarati businessman invited thousands of widows to his son's wedding Even after years of efforts being invested into the emancipation of widows, their presence is still considered to be a taboo in many parts of the country. But Gujarati businessman, Jitendra Patel, decided to do something about it. Patel, fondly known as Jitubhai in his community, did the unthinkable and invited over 18,000 widows for his son's wedding earlier this year. Not only did he distribute blankets to the invited guests but also gifted them a sapling each. At least 500 widows were also gifted a cow each so they could work towards attaining financial independence. Jitubhai from Gujarat invited widows to bless his son (Image for represntational purposes only). Photo: Reuters Jitubhai from Gujarat invited widows to bless his son (Image for represntational purposes only). Photo: Reuters advertisement 3. Couple donated Rs 20,000 each to the families of 10 farmers who'd committed suicide Inspired by President Pranab Mukherjee's words, Abhay Deware and Priti Kumbhare decided to have a wedding ceremony that was anything but conventional. For their wedding, Deware, an Indian Revenue Services officer, and Kumbhare, an Assistant Manager at IDBI Bank, Mumbai, decided to not invest in lavish celebrations, but in contributing to improving the lives of a certain set of people. The couple tied the knot on July 3, 2016 at Abhiyanta Bhavan, Amravati, where they donated Rs 20,000 to 10 farmers' families whose sole earning member had succumbed to debts and committed suicide. Abhay and Priti's marriage was dedicated to the cause of farmer suicides. Picture courtesy: Facebook/ Abhay Deware Deware and Kumbhare also donated at least 52,000 books to five libraries in Amravati. Considering the fact that the farmer suicides in the country have a lot to do with loans taken for organising lavish marriage ceremonies and to maintain a certain stand in society, the couple's decision to dedicate their marriage to the community made so much sense. --- ENDS --- advertisement By PTI: (Attn.editors: The following press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same). Industry Gears Up for Renewable Energy India 2016 NEW DELHI, July 21/PRNewswire/ -- - Global Investments and Technological Breakthroughs Mark the 10th Edition - REI: (September 7-9) South Asias leading Renewable Energy Trade Expo by UBM India; 40 participating countries, over 650 exhibitor, 1000 + delegates, and estimated to attract over 25,000 visitors advertisement - Three day power packed conference - Renewables : Surging Ahead: (September 7-9) conference to highlight innovations, challenges and way forward - 2nd edition of Renewable Energy India Awards: ( 6th September ) To recognize innovation and excellence in the Renewable Energy Industry UBM India, Indias leading exhibitions organiser will host the 10th edition of its flagship event, Renewable Energy India Expo (REI) from 7th to 9th September 2016 at the India Expo Center, Greater Noida. REI is a global platform where Indias green economy community including overseas participants will congregate to discuss industry trends, challenges and market insights including the Indian regulatory framework. The event aims to further upscale and mainstream the applications of renewable energy resources, showcase product launches, innovations and augment the forethought through international exhibition and conference platform.(MORE) PRN AKG --- ENDS --- There are bad apples in any profession, of course, but the visibility of tractor-trailers tends to result in more media coverage. Our industry already battles image problems, and these truckers really give all the safe, professional drivers out there a bad name. My news feed every day is full of stories about drivers who get stuck driving places they aren't supposed to go, trying to make U-turns and failing miserably, striking overpasses that aren't high enough for their load, etc. But some really stand out. Some of these stories are tragic. Take Randall J. Weddle, who the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration declared an "imminent hazard" recently. Weddle was traveling around 80 mph in a 55-mph zone in Maine when his rig crossed the centerline, tipped over and scattered its load of lumber onto the highway. Two people were killed. A field sobriety detected the presence of alcohol and police found a bottle of whiskey in Weddle's truck. His CDL had been revoked by the state of Virginia for a driving while intoxicated conviction. He had multiple federal hours-of-service violations, and had taken a family member as an unauthorized passenger on the same trip, dropping the passenger off shortly before the crash. Weddle reportedly was asleep in his bunk while his trailer was loaded with lumber, while that unauthorized family member secured the load. Others just make you shake your head, wondering whether the driver was really that dumb, careless, or simply didn't give a crap. Take this example, from the Gothamist, about a trucker who decided to use the bike path to go the wrong way down a one-way street in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. It appears he was taking the four-block shortcut to avoid having to travel "Look, sometimes you're driving a big rig through Williamsburg and that one-way isn't going your way but there's this green path to the side that's as wide as a truck with these weird little symbols on it, and well, you know the rest," starts the Gothamist story accompanying video shot by a cyclist. The street, Kent Avenue, IS an official truck route, but it's a one-way, notes the report. "To travel south, as the trucker here wanted to, without breaking the law, commercial drivers are supposed to head five blocks over onto Roebling Street, or seven onto Union Avenue." The cyclist who shot the video said, "My dad is a trucker, so I have a certain amount of sympathy for truck drivers getting disorientied/pressured in urban environments," he explained. But the driver cut off the videographer and another cyclist to make his turn off the one-way, and yelled some pretty rude and angry things at the cyclist while doing it. It's these types of "bad apples" that give hard-working, safe drivers and trucking companies a bad name. And unfortunately it's a lot harder to get stories about the good things trucking is doing to go "viral." We just have to keep trying to tell our stories, one good guy at a time. Tulsa school board President Lana Turner-Addison is among five school board members from across the state named to the Oklahoma State School Boards Associations 2016 All-State School Board. The honorary board members are selected for outstanding local and state service. Turner-Addison, a Tulsa Public Schools graduate and parent, joined the local board in 2005. Dr. Turner-Addison is unmatched in her commitment to equity for Tulsa kids. She leads with an insistence that we consider those who have been left out of the equation for so long, wrote Tulsa school board Vice President Suzanne Schreiber, in her nomination. She does this work with inspiring persistence, and we are all the better for it. The All-State School Board honorees will be recognized Aug. 27 in Oklahoma City at the annual joint conference of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association and the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration. Other recipients of the honor are Kevin Clark, Stillwater; Beverly Felton, Little Axe; Chad Fulton, Mustang; and Brett Ramsey, Jones. Nominations can be made by superintendents or other local board members, and winners are selected by a committee of the OSSBA board of directors. Each winner receives $400 for their district to spend on instructional materials. OSSBA noted that Turner-Addison was on the board when TPS passed a record-setting $415 million bond issue and approved a comprehensive strategic plan in 2015, and then in the first half of 2016 helped the district and its community navigate deep state funding cuts for public schools. Dr. Turner-Addison is vigilant in ensuring that we are responsible stewards of every public dollar at our disposal, and that every investment we make is one that will benefit children and teachers in the classroom, said TPS Superintendent Deborah Gist. As a first-year superintendent, I can think of no one I would rather have by my side as weve navigated Oklahomas historic budget shortfall. CLEVELAND The Donald Trump Family Reunion, formerly known as the Republican National Convention, illustrates how a once great political party now sees its main purpose as harnessing the opposition to the devil. There were chuckles and dismissals when Ben Carson, the brilliant neurosurgeon turned right-wing crank, used his convention speech Tuesday night to tie Hillary Clinton to the left-wing organizer Saul Alinsky, and then Alinsky to Lucifer. Presto: In the apotheosis of guilt by association by association, Carson concluded that Clinton has, as their role model, somebody who acknowledges Lucifer. Using the plural their presumably makes Clinton an even bigger threat. She contains multitudes. In fact, Carsons turn toward the Satanic was entirely in keeping with the one and only argument being advanced here consistently this week: That Clinton is someone who should be locked up. Or worse. A New Hampshire delegate who advises Trump on veterans issues said in a radio interview that Hillary Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot for treason. Go forth, Republicans, and tell the world that this devout Methodist is actually a worshiper of The Evil One. The journey into what once would have been written off as the land of the lunatic fringe explains how Trump has seized control of the GOP and forced traditional Republicans such as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan to bend to his will. Far from being an intermeddling alien force, Trump represents the true center of gravity in a party that has spent a quarter-century defining itself through extravagant shows of opposition first to the Clinton family and then to Barack Obama. Since 1992, mainstream Republican politicians have not simply cast their opponents as wrong or misguided. They have asserted that presidents of the other party were illegitimate. They have declared that Democrats and liberals reside outside the patriotic ambit of the real America whose geography encompasses only the states that regularly vote Republican. Whole parts of the country (including Trumps home state of New York) were written off as seditious. In Bill Clintons case, the legitimacy wars led to impeachment proceedings that a significant majority of the country opposed. In the Obama years, they produced the birtherism that Trump shrewdly promoted as his ticket to the big time. That the likes of McConnell and Ryan are falling into line disheartens many principled Republican opponents of Trump and yes, for a contrast, lets pause to praise Ohio Gov. John Kasich for his righteous refusal to play a role in this Rocky Horror Picture Show of a political meeting. But the capitulation began long before Trumps rise. The so-called establishment tolerated, and often encouraged, the wildest of conspiracy charges, from allegations that Bill Clinton was responsible for the death of family friend Vince Foster (who tragically committed suicide) to claims that Obama is a secret Muslim. The difference with Trump is that he has never pretended to respectability. He has been willing to get down there with the conspiracy peddlers and proudly claim that he is one of them. He is the real real America. Accompanying all this has been an ersatz anti-elitism, with Republicans who champion tax cuts for the wealthy insisting that they are the authentic voices of the working class because they love guns, hate political correctness, and tout their affection for country music. Trump outdid the party leadership on that front, too, and the absurd logic of this chicken-fried Marxism was reached on Tuesday when the proletarian Donald Trump Jr. denounced a special class of crony elites at the top of the heap. The word chutzpah will be retired when this campaign ends. Now Trump will try to play the game in which Ryan and McConnell are the pros and take another stab at looking presidential. Its said that Trump has been studying Richard Nixons law-and-order rhetoric, and Nixons 1968 acceptance speech is, indeed, a model of how to translate the gut anger of a large swath of voters into a kind of lyricism. But while it may seem strange to say it, comparisons between Trump and Nixon do a disservice to the guy Pat Buchanan likes to refer to as the old man. For all his faults, Nixon had public purposes and a nuanced worldview. Politics has deteriorated since his time. Trumpism is an ideological wasteland where anger is the only point and winning is the only objective. Here in Cleveland, we have seen what the wasteland looks like. In this episode of Morning Edition, we are joined by Former Finance Minister and now Candida Q&A has come in for more criticism for its selection of audience members with News Corp raising questions about a man who directed a question to Pauline Hanson on Mondays show. Khaled Elomar told Hanson, I work in Cronulla. I have worked there for eight years. I absolutely love the place. Only recently, after your rhetoric has came onboard the media, almost every day I get called a Muslim pig because of you. But an editorial in The Australian said ABC had failed to check his social media posts, which regularly attack Israel, the US and Ms Hanson. They included conspiracies about the CIA and terrorism, and abuse such as F### the Australian government. However ABC has rejected the claims in a statement: Khaled Elomar registered to be on Monday nights Q&A through the normal processes and there was nothing out of the ordinary about his appearance on the program. As usual, the audience members were checked as much as is practicable on social media by the audience producers. And as usual, the audience list was referred to the AFP and the NSW Police. There were no security incidents and all audience members were well behaved and held a respectful discussion. Less than 40 minutes of the program was spent discussing Islam, which was a relevant topic given Ms Hansons election, Sonia Krugers comments of that morning and the tragedy in Nice. People with strong, differing and often contentious views appear on Q&A, in the audience and on the panel that is how the program is designed. Q&A provides a safe place to talk in a constructive way about vitally important issues that often inflame peoples passions. On Monday night the audience had that constructive conversation, and as a result about one million Australians gained better insight into what our new Senators are thinking, with thousands engaging in the discussion on social media. By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 21 (PTI) CBSE today said the Jammu and Kashmir government has agreed to provide all necessary support for conducting the NEET-II examination on July 24 in Srinagar, where curfew has been imposed in the wake of violence following killing of a militant leader. Admit cards issued by CBSE will be considered as curfew passes as agreed by the state government, it said in a statement here. advertisement CBSE said that for candidates whose old centre was Delhi Public School, Athwajan, the new centre would be either Sri Pratap College or Amar Singh College. 600 students from Roll Nos. 82500541 to 82501140 can take the exam in Sri Pratap college while another 600 students from Roll Nos. 82501141 to 82501740 can take the exam at Amar Singh College. For candidates who had Delhi Public School, Humhama- Sheikhpura, their centre, there is no change. 540 students from Roll Nos. 82500001 to 82500540 can take the exam at this centre. CBSE said candidates are required to make necessary arrangements so that they may be able to reach their centres on time on July 24 for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET II) exam for entrance to medical and dental colleges. The last reporting time at the centres is 09.30 am, the statement said. The printed copy of the admit card will be made available to the candidates from July 23 at their new allotted centres in Srinagar. Also, arrangement of photographer is being made to take their postcard and passport size photographs which is a mandatory condition for this examination, the statement said. Normal life, however, remained affected for the 13th day today due to curfew and separatist sponsored strike against the civilian killings in the clashes between protesters and security forces in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. PTI ADS SMN --- ENDS --- Child recovery agent Adam Whittington, who was jailed in Lebanon following the botched 60 Minutes kidnapping, has been released. Last week he was granted $US20,000 bail, along with three other members of his team. He will undergo health checks before leaving Lebanon for his home in Sweden, and is due to travel to Australia next month. 60 Minutes journalist Tara Brown and other members of the programs team were released on bail in April following a payment reportedly worth $500,000. But Whittingtons family and supporters have criticised Nine for not doing more to secure his release. I ask you kindly respect the privacy of my family during this period as they will not be making more comments to the media, Whittington said. The truth is coming very soon. The Nine crew will contest lesser charges of failing to inform authorities of criminal behaviour, which are likely to result in a fine. Whittington and Sally Faulkner still face kidnapping charges. Source: ABC, Fairfax, News Corp Black Sails has been renewed for a fourth and final season by cable network Starz. 10 more episodes will debut in 2017, with pirates at war in the West Indies. The shores of New Providence Island have never been bloodier, but the closer civilisation comes to defeat, the more desperately, and destructively, it will fight back. Its a rare privilege in television to be given the kind of creative freedom weve enjoyed on this show over the last four years. While it was a difficult decision for us to make this season our last, we simply couldnt imagine anything beyond it that would make for a better ending to the story nor a more natural handoff to Treasure Island, said co-creator Jonathan E. Steinberg. Featuring Aussie Luke Arnold the series airs here on Showcase. Source: The Wrap Tonight SBS 2 screens a Full Frontal with Samantha Bee special, as Samantha heads to Cleveland where Donald Trump has officially been elected as the Republicans US Presidential candidate. The episode will also be available from 4.00pm today on SBS On Demand. While the world awaits Michellesahem, Melanias congratulatory speech on her husband officially being nominated as the Republican candidate for the 2016 U.S. Presidential Race, Samantha Bee is in Cleveland at the Republican National Convention, which is playing host to 2,472 delegates, 15,000 journalists and thousands of other lawmakers and supporters. In this special episode, Samantha Bee rewards her Emmy-nominated writing staff by stuffing them in a hot bus and careening towards ground zero of Presidential Armageddon. The journey is akin to Sam and Frodo heading toward Mount Doom. In this case, Mount Doom is Cleveland. Along the way, they accidentally discover America and the concerned, excited and largely baffled people who live in it. Their trip culminates at the Republican National Convention on the eve of Donald Trump accepting the partys nomination for President of the United States. We went out to listen to the American people. Samantha Bee brings her signature sassy, smart and satirical point of view to this special episode as she helps to navigate the circus that is the 2016 US Presidential race, cutting through the bull with her succinct and on point political commentary. Thursday, 21 July at 8.00pm on SBS 2. Fast-tracked episode available from 4.00pm today on SBS On Demand. ABCs Cleverman has been sold to TVNZ. The news is not unexpected given it was an Australian / New Zealand co-production between Goalpost Pictures Australia and Pukeko Pictures. Weta Workshop was responsible for creature design whilst Wellington-based Park Road Post Production provided picture, visual effects and sound post production services. Goalpost Pictures Rosemary Blight said, We are thrilled that we are taking Cleverman to its second home, New Zealand, following the first season broadcast in Australia on ABC TV and in the US on SundanceTV. We couldnt wish for better production partners than Pukeko Pictures, and local distribution partners in eOne, and we are thrilled to be working with them again as we prepare production of season two. Cleverman stood out as a unique dramatic proposition on many levels. It is clever, subtle and compelling storytelling peppered with extraordinary characters. We believe it is an ideal fit for our on demand platform, Andrew Shaw, General Manager of Acquisitions, Commissioning and Production at TVNZ. Cleverman was co-produced with Sundance TV and has also been sold to the UKs BBC3. A second series has already been announced. The alleged owner of Kickass Torrents has been arrested in Poland to face charges of copyright infringement in the USA. TorrentFreak reports Artem Vaulin, 30, from Ukraine, is facing extradition after US Feds posed as a potential advertiser for Kickass Torrents, the most-used torrent site on the Internet (even topping The Pirate Bay). In a criminal complaint filed in the US District Court in Chicago, the owner is charged with conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and two counts of criminal copyright infringement. Apple handed over personal details of Vaulin after the investigator cross-referenced an IP-address used for an iTunes transaction with an IP-address that was used to login to the sites Facebook account. Records provided by Apple showed that [email protected] conducted an iTunes transaction using IP Address 109.86.226.203 on or about July 31, 2015. The same IP Address was used on the same day to login into the KAT Facebook, the complaint reads. The court also granted the seizure of a bank account associated with KickassTorrents, as well as several of the sites domain names. Assistant Attorney General Caldwell said, Vaulin is charged with running todays most visited illegal file-sharing website, responsible for unlawfully distributing well over $1 billion of copyrighted materials. Vaulin allegedly relied on servers located in countries around the world and moved his domains due to repeated seizures and civil lawsuits. By Pramod Madhav: Interestingly, in the leaked video that went viral last night, Superstar Rajinikanth is seen reading the book, 'My Father Baliah'. He finishes reading the book and gets up to leave his cell. This particular portion itself seems to give a peephole into the story. My Father Baliah was a book written by VB Sathyanarayana, which is based on the life experience of a Dalit in the pre and post Independent India. ALSO READ: Kabali-Screening of superstar Rajinikanth's film in five-star hotels cancelled ALSO READ: Kabali-Rajinikanth fans offer prayers at Kapaleeshwar temple The beginning excerpt which says, "A tall man, walking away from his village with a heavy heart, his wife's body tied to his back, and almost dragging a little boy, his son, in a chilly evening drizzle, towards a distant stream," can be perceived as Kabali's love for his wife and child. advertisement Director Pa Ranjith wanted to string the life and struggle of a downtrodden cast worker, who loved his family more than anything. Thalaivar finishes the book and leaves the cell, only to take a couple of Chin-ups, to see if he still retains intact. Needless to say, he does the reps with much ease. Kabali, wears a blue jump suit and walks along his fellow inmate's cell. He's stopped by a guy who says, "Brother, just wait for two months. I'll be there for you when I'm out". While Kabali shakes his hands and departs, the entire prison cheer for Thalaivar, just like us. A guard delivers his belongings after getting his thumb impression. We get to see his shoes, a gold watch and his suit. Thalaivar reaches for his bronze wrist, probably bearing his guru's name. He dons the amazing grey suit and polishes his shoe. He then buckles his watch and opens his wallet to take a gaze the picture of his wife (Radhika Apte). His finger running over it with so much care love. In the next scene, Thalaivar is ready to leave the prison complex. When he shrugs the coat, the frame comes into focus. The prison gate cracks open and the music raises from a thump to a high volume siren. With a smashing effect, we get to see a clear face of Thalaivar for the first time. Wearing blue shades, trademark hairstyle and a commanding beard, Thalaivar is seen standing there at eased position. His posture can be comprehended to 'A man with a plan'. As Kabali walks out, a says that he was lucky enough to be released before his death in the prison. "Recently 40 men were shot dead. Of that, 30 were Tamils. Tamils have become synonymous with Goons", he says and the video ends. It's unclear if the leaked video was a small portion of the full pirated film or if it was leaked by a crazy fan, who was present at the special screening of Kabali with Rajinikanth in the US last night. The leaked entry of Thalaivar took the fans by a shock as there wasn't much revealed about Kabali. However, producer Kalaipuli S Dhanu tweeted that watching Thalaivar entry on phone or computer won't give the actual goosebumps like watching it in a theatre. He thanks pirates for making this point clear and cheers everyone to watch it on theatre, this Friday. Watching #Thalaivar entry on phone or computer won't give you goosebumps. Say thank you to pirates,let's watch it in theaters from Friday :) Kalaippuli S Thanu (@theVcreations) July 20, 2016 advertisement --- ENDS --- Famous Ukrainian journalist Pavlo Sheremet was killed early Wednesday in a car explosion in downtown Kyiv. July 20, the vehicle exploded at the corner of Bohdan Khmelnytsky and Ivan Franko streets outside a McDonalds restaurant at about 7:30 in the morning. As told by eyewitnesses, the explosion was heard first, and then black smoke came out of a car, Zik.ua news portal reports. The car is reported to have been set off as Sheremet was driving, UNIAN news agency reports. Pavlo Sheremet lived in Kyiv for the past five years, working for Ukrainska Pravda online newspaper and hosting a radio show on Radio Vesti. ol The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has begun to assist Ukrainian authorities with their investigation into the murder of famous journalist Pavel Sheremet. This is said in the statement by John Kirby, the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of State. "We are shocked and saddened by the killing of Ukrainska Pravda journalist Pavel Sheremet in a car bombing in Kyiv. We join the government of Ukraine in support of a full and impartial investigation that will bring those responsible to justice," Kirby said. He welcomed the statements by the police and Prosecutor Generals Office that the act would be fully investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice, and said that the FBI had begun to assist Ukrainian authorities with their investigation. The U.S. State Department also expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the journalist. As reported, journalist Pavel Sheremet was killed in a car blast in downtown Kyiv early Wednesday. ol Twenty-seven Ukrainian servicemen were killed and another 123 were wounded in ATO area in eastern Ukraine since early July. This is stated in the Twitter post of the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations. "Russian aggression means: 7 Ukrainian servicemen killed, 14 wounded only yesterday. 27 have been killed and 123 have been wounded in July," the message reads. The Permanent Mission of Ukraine also says it has informed the members of the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General and the diplomatic corps of the escalation in Donbas. The Mission also demands Russia to adhere to implementation of the Minsk agreements, to resume the exchange of hostages and to agree a comprehensive security package, proposed by Ukraine. "If the situation in Donbas is not stabilized, Ukraine will take all measures to protect its territorial integrity and security of its citizens," the Mission tweeted. ol No Ukrainian servicemen were killed, although five soldiers were wounded in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in Donbas over the past twenty-four hours. Spokesman for the Presidential Administration for ATO issues, Colonel Andriy Lysenko said at a briefing in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "No Ukrainian servicemen were killed, although five were wounded as a result of military actions in the past twenty-four hours," Lysenko said. iy Even if it seems that the Minsk process abates, that is not so, the talks are ongoing, most actively in Berlin. Ambassador of Ukraine to Germany Andriy Melnyk said this in an exclusive interview with an Ukrinform correspondent in Germany. "Since the results keep us waiting, it sometimes seems that there is a vacuum, that everything has sagged and nobody knows what to do... However, this process continues actually non-stop," the diplomat assured. Melnyk has noted that the issues, also discussed at the Trilateral Contact Group, are being solved now with active participation of Germany. In particular, this refers to the law on elections and demarcation points. ol Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) has signed the memorandum with the Center for Steel Industry Supply (Poland) to boost freight traffic across the borders of two countries. This is reported by the Ukrzaliznytsia press service. "According to the memorandum, the parties expressed their intention to cooperate to boost freight traffic across the state border between the two countries, to strengthen cooperation for the development of freight traffic between the countries of Europe and Asia, and to maintain business contacts," the statement reads. In addition, as the press service reports, the parties discussed the promising areas of cooperation in freight traffic and logistics improvement, transportation to the EU countries, an alternative transportation route from the EU countries to the Far East and Asia through the territory of Ukraine. ol Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze said the agreement was reached with the European Investment Bank to fund more projects in Ukraine, she has written on Facebook following her visit to Brussels. "We have the agreement with the President of the European Investment Bank to launch additional projects with Ukraine. They are ready to fulfill their plans until the end of 2016, so now we need to focus on how to prepare feasibility reports for the projects so that fund can be wired this year," the official writes. According to her, one of the projects relates to the Ministry of Education, namely energy efficiency of educational premises totaling 120 million euros; second one - construction of Kaniv hydro power station worth 400 million euros; third one upgrading of municipal transport worth 200 million euros. "We have another project that is being reviewed - electrification of the railway," she added. tl Kabali, which is hitting the screens tomorrow (July 22), will have a record release in Kerala. By India Today Web Desk: While the Rajini mania is gripping the world, fans have already started gearing up to witness their idol on screen. With just hours left for Kabali's release, the latest buzz is that the superstar Rajinikanth-starrer will have a record release in Kerala, hitting over 306 screens. ALSO READ: Breaking-Rajinikanth's introduction scene from Kabali leaked online advertisement ALSO READ: Kabali-Screening of superstar Rajinikanth's film in five-star hotels cancelled According to a trade analyst, it's the biggest release for a Tamil film in the state, fondly known as God's Own Country. Speaking about the record release, trade analyst Trinath said,"It's the biggest release for a Tamil film in Kerala. Kabali is releasing on 306 screens." Mollywood superstar Mohanlal, who acquired the distribution rights of Kabali in Kerala, is attaching the trailer of his Malayalam film Oppam along with Kabali. "On par with Tamil Nadu, there's an unprecedented demand for tickets in Kerala. The opening weekend tickets are sold out," he said. Directed by Pa Ranjith, Kabali features Rajinikanth in the role of a Malaysian don. The film, which will also be released in Telugu and Hindi, co-stars Radhika Apte, Kishore, Dinesh, Kalaiarasan, Dhanshika and Taiwanese actor Winston Chao. Tipped to be based on the story of a real life don, Kabali has been predominantly shot in Malaysia. On July 29, the film will also be dubbed and released in Malay. Produced by Kalaipuli S Thanu, the film has music by Santhosh Narayanan. --- ENDS --- Ukrainian Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko and Head of the National Agency for Prevention of Corruption (NAPC) Natalia Korchak have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. Today we are signing the Memorandum of Cooperation with the head of the National Agency for Prevention of Corruption that envisages joint efforts regarding the access for the Agency to all of the registers used by the Justice Ministry, Justice Minister Petrenko said at a briefing on Wednesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. According to the minister, the National Agency for Prevention of Corruption will have the access to all ministrys registers of real estate, business, warrants, as well as the anti-corruption register. iy Ukrainian delegation headed by Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has received assurances that the EU is getting ready to make a decision on the abolition of visa regime in autumn. Vice Prime Minister for European Integration Ivana Klympush-Tsyntsadze posted this on Facebook. "At all the meetings, the representatives of the European Commission and the Council assured us there are no grounds for delaying the decision and there are no additional tasks that Ukraine must fulfil," she wrote. As Klympush-Tsyntsadze noted, "the point is the EU procedures." "And I expect this process to be completed in September or October, we are looking forward to that," she said. ol Turkey supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and will not change this position after the renewal of a dialog with Russia, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkey to Ukraine Yonet Can Tezel has said. Over the recent year, after the shooting down of a Russian aircraft [Su-24 in November 2015], our relations with Russia have been minimized, although we didnt tend to this. We have become the only country in the world that doesnt have any dialogue with Russia because Russia didnt want to conduct such a dialogue, Tezel said in an interview with the Yevropeyska Pravda online publication. The ambassador stressed that Turkey still supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. It also means that Crimea is a part of Ukraine. And the Russians know that we do not change this position. This is a matter of principle," said Tezel. A reminder that, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet in August in one of the Russian cities. This will be their first meeting since the incident with the aircraft. iy By Akshaya Nath: A Rajinikanth film doesn't need the typical massive marketing budget as everyone wants to a slice of the Rajini magic and eagerly offers the best one's got. AirAsia has tied up with the makers of Kabali and has specially dedicated flights with Kabali livery that will fly from Bangalore to Chennai tomorrow to mark the film's release. ALSO READ: Tickets sold out for Rajinikanth's Kabali, fans in despair ALSO READ: Kabali-Rajini(can't) fight the pirates D Paranthaman, CEO of V Creations, producer of Kabali, said, "AirAsia, Muthoot Finance, Emami, Amazon and many others brands have spent money on promotion. Lot of things are coming up, we are acquiring unique merchandise for Rajinikanth fans." This Kabali season, anything you touch will turn Kabali is the joke doing the rounds. While Airtel has a range of special Kabali plans for users, Muthoot Fincorp released limited-edition silver coins with Rajinikanth's face embossed on them. They are available in denomination of five grams, 10 grams, 10 gram pendant and a 20 gram coin. The list of partners offering their services does not end there. Brand guru Harish Bijooor says, "Rajini Sir is an image and that image is unbeatable. So if you really look at it Rajinikanth is the superstar, is the superman and is the super everything. So if you really peep into Rajinikanth's monetisation it's going to be the biggest and best for sure." While some organisations have declared a holiday on Friday, some other companies want to ensure that their employees enjoy the first day first show of the much-awaited movie. "Our founder Girish is a big Rajini fan and we find it a great initiative and everybody loves Rajini so it's perfect," said Monika Gunalan, HR, Freshdesk. Akshaya Venkatesan, Freshdesk Marketing executive said, "Even those of us who don't understand Tamil have a wonderful time, it's great to watch the film with 500 other Rajini fans!" As Kabali is spreading like wildfire with the song, 'Neruppu Da' burning away all that's standing between the film and its glory, Rajini fans are eagerly waiting to see their star set the silver screen on fire. And in the process, the perks that they enjoy are definitely one-of-a-kind, what with unique marketing strategies involved. The Tamil film industry has one word to the trend set by Kabali - Magizhchi! --- ENDS --- advertisement By Akshaya Nath: With just hours left for the release of superstar Rajinikanth's Kabali, the weather in Chennai seems to have got hold of the fans emotions. As dark clouds have gathered around the city like it would break down any minute, eager fans have been striving to get hold of a ticket for the much-awaited movie. With the film hitting more than 10,000 screens worldwide, fans still are unable to grab a ticket. advertisement ALSO READ: Kabali-Rajinikanth's film will have a record release in Kerala ALSO READ: Breaking-Rajinikanth's introduction scene from Kabali leaked online "I have been trying for the tickets from Tuesday and the tickets are now sold in black for Rs 1000 and above," said a disappointed Samson, who has been waiting outside a theatre in Chennai for more than five hours. Unlike many, it is not the first day first show that fans want right now, all they want is to grab a ticket in the coming days. "The first three days of the ticket has been completely sold out. All that I want is one ticket next week. Most of the tickets have been brought out by corporates is what theatre owners have told us," said Vicky, an annoyed fan. While most of the tickets has been blocked for the corporates, fans question about the state of a common man. "If you have influence you can get 100 tickets, but common man like us who have no influence and wait for hours outside the theatre are left disappointed," said Arun. Fans have also raised concern over the surge pricing of tickets that are sold in black by some of the theatre owners. "I have approached theatre owners who are ready to give me tickets for Rs 3000. I can afford it but I don't want to do it. How will a common man, who on a normal day get a ticket for Rs 50 be able to afford Rs 3000 for a ticket?" questioned Pradeep. Some of the fans have a common request to Rajinikanth and producer Kalaipuli S Dhanu. "We want the movie to be a super hit! We want Rajini sir to ensure that tickets are sold at decent price and also make sure commoners can watch it," added Arun. --- ENDS --- For the past 25 years, the Ho SDA School in Ghanas Volta region has had no toilets on campus. The situation forced students and teachers to find their own ways to manage without these facilities, creating issues with both sanitation and attendance at the school. But a new urban sanitation project is underway in Ho, finally bringing these long overdue places of convenience to the school. HO, Ghana, 21 July 2016 A place of convenience, lavatory, restroom, toilet facility, washroom, comfort station. These are all names used in Ghana to describe a toilet or bathroom. But when these facilities are unavailable especially for children in schools it can be anything but comfortable or convenient. The Ho SDA School complex in Ghanas Volta region was built 25 years ago, and it has never once had toilets. Students have been forced to find their own ways to manage without these facilities. I make sure that I do everything that makes me comfortable before I come to school, says 16-year-old Abraham Aziaku, the boys prefect of the school. A challenge for students and teachers alike Abraham has learned to manage in the four years that he has been in the school, and he is fortunate to have a toilet in his home. Not all his school mates have this option. The younger children especially can find it difficult to control themselves. When the younger ones are pressed, sometimes they resort to defecating anywhere on the campus and even sometimes mess themselves, Abraham says. Nancy Sappah, a primary one teacher corroborates Abrahams comment. Superstar Rajinikanth will have a lengthy and unique introductory scene in Kabali, says reports. By India Today Web Desk: With just two days left for the grand release of Kabali, Rajini madness grips the world as the fans are gearing up to witness their idol after a very long time. Apart from the magnanimous screen presence, a unique element apparent in all Rajini films is his powerful introductory scenes. Now, the latest buzz is that Kabali will feature a lengthy introductory scene of Rajinikanth. ALSO READ: Thalaivar Rajinikanth visits Yogaville in United States ALSO READ: Rajinikanth's Kabali available on several links on Dark web advertisement According to Indiaglitz, Rajinikanth's introduction has been shot in a slow motion edit with a grand fight scene which will merely feature for one and half minutes. It is also said that the intro scene of Rajinikanth is crafted in such a way that it'll be a visual treat for the ardent fans, who are known welcoming their Thalaivar with wolf-whistles. Also, editor of the film Praveen KL was quoted by The News Minute as saying, "Superstar's intro in Kabali will be entirely different and there is a highlight. The first fight in the film is a very short sequence which will establish his character in the film." Directed by Pa Ranjith, Kabali features Rajinikanth in the role of a Malaysian don. The film, which will also be released in Telugu and Hindi, co-stars Radhika Apte, Kishore, Dinesh, Kalaiarasan, Dhanshika and Taiwanese actor Winston Chao. Tipped to be based on the story of a real life don, Kabali has been predominantly shot in Malaysia. On July 29, the film will also be dubbed and released in Malay. Produced by Kalaipuli S Thanu, the film has music by Santhosh Narayanan. --- ENDS --- Michigan State University rises up to take a stand against the use of tobacco in the whole of their campus. The ban covers all tobacco materials such as cigarettes and chewable tobacco prohibiting the use of the mentioned substance in MSU buildings, lawns sidewalks as well as inside private cars entering the university premise. Dr. David Weismantel, Michigan State University physician said that this step is to uphold public health with the aim to promote the existence of the healthiest environment possible and enlighten public about the dangers of tobacco use. Jason Cody, MSU spokesman clarified that the MSU tobacco use ban does not necessarily mean that tobacco users will have to quit. It only requires them to make arrangements with the place of their smoking, Petoskey News reported. Students caught smoking or consuming tobacco products inside the MSU will be given written warning to a suspension. Employees on the other hand will be dealt with by the university's human resource department. MSU Police Department, labouring hand in hand with MSU in implementing the tobacco ban will issue a sanction for people who continue to smoke within the prohibited area. A civil infraction ticket will be issued to the violator amounting to $150 on first offense. Among the Big Ten, Michigan State University is the last one to implement the tobacco ban on its residence halls. MSU believes that they have done the preparations needed for the implementation of the tobacco ban as the campus is filled again on August. They have already prepared letters to be sent to incoming freshmen about the ban as they arrive on the school opening. Buildings and lawns have already been planted with signs informing and reminding everyone about the scope and range of the tobacco ban. There might be different reactions arising after the implementation of the tobacco ban, as MSU also has enrolees from countries where smoking is not a big deal, but the MSU administration believes that rising up to take this step can help others to acquire healthy behaviours, Detroit Free Press reported. This video tells more of the students' reactions on tobacco ban implementation. A new image went viral on the internet, showing store inventory report with Samsung Galaxy Note 7 64 GB storage variant included in the list. Samsung Galaxy Note 7 64GB variant Some Samsung fans may not like the rumored spec of Galaxy Note 7 since they expect more spacious storage, let say, 128 GB. However, GSMArena said that Samsung may not need such huge internal storage capacity if it will be a hybrid smartphone. The image captured seems to be from a computer screen of store inventory that hints on Galaxy Note 7 possible variant. Previously, credible source Evan Blass tweeted on Galaxy Note 7 specs that also mentioned 64 GB without any other storage option. Samsung Galaxy Note 7 specs Compiling all the rumors on Galaxy Note 7 specs and based on the previous generation, the Note might have 5.7 inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display with IP68 certification. Also, 64GB storage paired with 6GB RAM. The processor will use Exynos 8890 and it's obvious that the smartphone will run the latest Android OS. Galaxy Note 7 might have 12 MP dual lens camera on its back and 5MP lens on the front. Not to forget, the much upgraded S-Pen stylus. Other rumors include Type C USB port, iris scanner and battery capacity up to 4,000 mAh to power up such beast specs. Samsung Galaxy Note 7 release date Samsung officially announced an event to unpack Samsung Galaxy Note 7 albeit not telling details on the specs. The smartphone maker will host an event that can be live streamed on August 2, DailyMail reported. It is expected to reveal the new flagship features and upgrades from its previous generation. Samsung jumps from Note 5 to Note 7, skipping figure 6 in order to be align with Samsung S7 - launched earlier this year. Do you think the store inventory listing might be the real internal storage capacity of Samsung Galaxy Note 7? Looks like three new cast members have been added to the "Justice League" movie as "Invictus" star Julian Lewis Jones, "Daredevil" star Colin Farrell and "Game of Thrones" actor Daario Naharis join Gal Gadot, Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill. Rumors are running rampant that Jones has been roped to play the film's main adversary Steppenwolf, however the Welsh actor has been barred from spilling the beans regarding the part he is playing in the "Justice League" movie; nevertheless he believes he is part of one of the most extravagant production today. Jones noted that filming took place at a slew of locations in Iceland and the U.K. besides Leavesden Studios, WalesOnline reported. Executive producer Deborah Snyder debunked the speculations stating in a separate interview that they are yet to finalize a deal with Jones for the "Justice League" movie, but she tipped that they are on the verge of having him on set. Steppenwolf will be the main heel of "Justice League" movie as he will show Darkseid's army the way to earth and the world will be counting on the heroes, The Flash (Ezra Miller), Batman (Ben Affeck), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Aquaman (Jason Momoa) and Cyborg (Ray Fisher) to bring them to a grinding halt in absence of a departed Superman (Henry Cavill). If rumors doing rounds are anything to go by, Superman could possibly return to fight the forces of Apokolips along the side of the Justice League in the movie. As far as Colin Farrell and Daario Naharis are concerned, there have been no details regarding the roles they will be playing in the "Justice League" movie. Speculations hinted Farrell will portray the role of John Constantine in the live-action take of "Justice League Dark." If rumors proved to be true, one member of the original Justice League line-up will make an appearance in the sequel. It's no secret that Green Lantern has been missing in the main roster of "Justice League," and this has stirred conversations suggesting that the Emerald Knight will not play a part in the first film. Apparently, Green Lantern Corps will be promoted in the DC Extended Universe. Also, Hal Jordon and John Stewart will be featured in future films, CinemaBlend reported. One of the Green Lanterns might debut first for the second "Justice League" movie on June 14, 2019, while "Green Lantern Corps" film is slated to hit theaters on July 24, 2020. Warner Bros. will divulge more details about the "Justice League" movie at San Diego Comic Con event on July 21-24 this year. "Justice League" movie is slated to release on November 17, 2017 and the sequel will release on June 14, 2019. A smoked glass office block at 150 St Vincent Street is in line for a dramatic overhaul at the hands of Sheppard Robson and LDA Design to better complement the surrounding conservation area.. An uninhabited Argyll village is to live on as a contemporary craft distillery under plans filed by Organic Architects and Portavadie Distillers to resurrect the brownfield site.. A ruinous B-listed Borders castle is set for a new lease of life with proposals for its full refurbishment as a palatial home.. Glasgow Academy is to erect a new sports building at its Kelvinbridge campus to mark the centenary of the school's re-establishment following the First World War.. Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh is the result of a five year project to convert the former Bank of Scotland headquarters at 37-39 St Andrews Square into a hotel and private members club as part of an expansion of the Gleneagles Hotel brand. A failed shopping centre in Kirkcaldy is to be bulldozed as part of a 50m visio... Glasgow's historic Guildhall is in line for a major makeover under new plans filed b... A 4.43-acre site in the heart of Glasgow will play host to a major mixed-use developme... Proposals for a low-energy home on the Edinburgh Glasgow rail line at Broxburn Junctio... Barton Willmore, now known as Stantec, has prepared plans to expand the only landfill ... A major 120m development at Gilston Park, Polmont, is to go before Falkirk Coun... A prominent architect has named Glasgow's ugliest buildings in a pushback against the ... A rare surviving example of Dundee's mill heritage in Hilltown has been lined up for c... Inside this home, in the famous city of Gouda, Netherlands, an elegant HIMACS in Dark Night S111 was selected for the bar and reception A dark and damp one bedroom lower ground flat has been transformed to become a boutique holiday-let studio, with freestanding bath, woodburning st... Blogs Latest Monday - 17/10/22 No comments Engineering can solve the carbon conundrum of Scotlands old and new buildings Jamie Paterson wrote: Buildings are responsible for more than one third of all global energy consumption, so it... Sunday - 31/07/22 No comments Close but no dice Mark Chalmers wrote: An acquaintance tells laypeople that architects learn something new every day and its... Wednesday - 06/07/22 No comments Colour conventions in architectural drawing Mark Chalmers wrote: During a recent trip to an archive north of the Highland Line, I began to ponder the evolution... It is with great pleasure that Julie and I would like to invite you to join us in Prague next year for the 114th Annual Meeting of the New York Section of the American Urologic Association. As many of you know, I was born and raised in this beautiful city and we are pleased to be hosting you there for a wonderful cultural and educational meeting. Prague was fortunate to be spared the bombings that decimated other cities in Europe during World War II and therefore retains most of its original architecture and beauty. The Czechs have a very rich musical tradition and there are concerts to be found throughout the city. In addition, there are many wonderful museums and restaurants, serving both traditional Czech dishes and modern cuisine. A little known fact is that per capita, Czechs consume more beer that any other nation and once you have a taste, you will understand why. We have reserved the Four Seasons Hotel, which is centrally located on the Vltava River alongside the iconic Charles Bridge and overlooking the Prague Castle. We are very excited about the rich cultural and historic tours and events we have planned. There will be walking tours of the Old Town and famous Jewish Quarter, the stunning Prague Castle, a ride on an historic tram, a cruise on the river, and a half day visit to Kutna Hora which is a UNESCO Heritage Site with a surprise ending! Our full day trip will be to the charming ancient town of Cesky Krumlov culminating in a tour and tasting at the ORIGINAL Budweiser brewery. Our gala dinner will be at the Castle, in the magnificent Rudolf Gallery. Spouse and guest activities include cooking classes, museum tours, and shopping of course. Bohemia is known for its ancient and rich history of glassmaking and you will be given the opportunity to create a piece for yourself. I am pleased that Drs. Jaspreet Sandhu, Reza Ghavamian and Ojas Shah have agreed to form the Scientific Committee and I am sure they will present us with a superb program. I am equally pleased that we have had a very positive reaction from the accomplished Czech urologic community and have their commitment of support and participation in our scientific sessions. We look forward to your participation in what promises to be a memorable experience. Bring comfortable shoes, good appetite and thirst! Warm regards, Ivan Grunberger, MD President-Elect New York Section, AUA In the diagnosis of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH), the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire or Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale can be used to assess related symptoms. Subsequently, blood tests are used to measure serum testosterone levels. However, results obtained using ADAM and AMS have revealed no significant correlations between ADAM and AMS scores and LOH, and the rate of misclassification is high. Recently, many studies have reported significant associations between clinical conditions such as the metabolic syndrome, obesity, lower urinary tract symptoms, and LOH. In this study, we sampled 772 clinical cases of men who completed both a health checkup and two questionnaires (ADAM and AMS). The data were obtained from the largest medical center in Taiwan. Two well-known classification techniques, the decision tree (DT) and logistic regression, were used to construct LOH prediction models on the basis of the aforementioned features. The results indicate that although the sensitivity of ADAM is the highest (0.878), it has the lowest specificity (0.099), which implies that ADAM overestimates LOH occurrence. In addition, DT combined with the AdaBoost technique (AdaBoost DT) has the second highest sensitivity (0.861) and specificity (0.842), resulting in having the best accuracy (0.851) among all classifiers. AdaBoost DT can provide robust predictions that will aid clinical decisions and can help medical staff in accurately assessing the possibilities of LOH occurrence. SpringerPlus. 2016 Jun 16*** epublish *** Ti Lu, Ya-Han Hu, Chih-Fong Tsai, Shih-Ping Liu, Pei-Ling Chen Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC., Department of Information Management, Institute of Healthcare Information Management, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, 621 Taiwan, ROC., Department of Information Management, National Central University, Jhongli, 320 Taiwan, ROC., Department of Urology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100 Taiwan, ROC., Department of Urology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100 Taiwan, ROC. PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27375998 Reportedly, Karisma Kapoor and her mother did not take too well to the news of Kareena and Saif moving in together before their wedding. By India Today Web Desk: Just a few years back, Kareena Kapoor decided to start a new life with Saif Ali Khan and they moved in together. That begun the nawabi couple's much-publicised romantic journey, and soon in 2012's October, the two got married. However, if latest reports are to be believed the Fevicol Se girl's decision to move in with the Pataudi scion did not go down well with her sister Karisma and her mother. In fact, according to Karisma, they were promptly shocked. advertisement SEE PICS: These pictures of Kareena flaunting her baby bump is something you shouldn't miss today ALSO READ: Saif's ex-wife Amrita Singh gets furious when asked about Kareena's pregnancy In a report in Pinkvilla.com, Karisma Kapoor recalled. "Our family is slightly conservative but then we accepted that this was Bebo, all heart and all sentiment. Besides, she has this incredible ability to always know what is right for her. She is led by emotion and instinct but, touch wood, her decisions have always proved to be positive and wise." Kareena and Saif reportedly started seeing each other on the sets of 2008's Tashan. Then, after four years, in a ceremony which was termed as "the wedding and social event of the year" by The Wall Street Journal, Bebo and Chote Nawab got married. Recently, news broke that Kareena and Saif are expecting their first child. That's not all the younger Kapoor sister has to look forward to; she will soon be seen in Rhea Kapoor's debut directorial Veere Di Wedding. Veere Di Wedding will also star Rhea's sister Sonam Kapoor and will be a movie about four friends who set out on a journey from Delhi To Europe. According to reports, apart from Kareena and Sonam, the film will also star Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania. --- ENDS --- All the latest Uttoxeter news Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. University of Wyoming Calendar for July 25-31 These are among the activities scheduled July 25-31 at the University of Wyoming: Monday, July 25-Friday, July 29 -- The UW Art Museum will host the Summer Teaching Institute for K-12 science teachers, art teachers, general classroom teachers and community educators. For more information and to register, call (307) 766-3496. Monday, July 25, 8:30 p.m. -- Discover Moths, a hands-on event for finding and identifying native moths, will take place at Laramies Depot Park. The UW Art Museum, UW Biodiversity Institute and Wyoming Entomology Club will host the event. Free. Wednesday, July 27, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. -- Laramie-based band Fat Stallion will perform for the UW Summer Programs concert series on Simpson Plaza. Free. Friday, July 29, 8 p.m. -- Planetarium show, Cosmology. A STAR Observatory tour follows at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $3 for students and $4 for non-students, Physical Sciences Building basement. Advance tickets are available in Room 204 of the Physical Sciences Building. Saturday, July 30, 11 a.m. -- Planetarium show, Explore Our Solar System. Tickets cost $3 for students and $4 for non-students, Physical Sciences Building basement. Advance tickets are available in Room 204 of the Physical Sciences Building. Dinosaur skeletons, ancient mammal fossils and other exhibits are on display in the UW Geological Museum, open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. The UW Department of Botanys Williams Conservatory is open to the public Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. After returning home for lunch this afternoon, Assistant Commissioner Vijaya attempted suicide by trying to hang herself using a saree from the ceiling fan in her bedroom. By Mail Today Bureau: An Assistant Commissioner working for the Karnataka government attempted suicide today at her home in Hassan, a district headquarters, 185 kms from Bengaluru. She has been admitted to a local hospital where she is said to be out of danger. Her mother contended that she was facing extreme work pressure and had confided in her mother the harassment that she allegedly faced from her superiors. After returning home for lunch this afternoon, Assistant Commissioner Vijaya attempted suicide by trying to hang herself using a saree from the ceiling fan in her bedroom. Her mother managed to intervene in time and rushed her to the hospital. advertisement According to Vijaya's mother Sumithramma, the officer was transferred prematurely from Hassan district recently out of turn (after completing one-and-a-half years instead of the regular three years). Vijaya managed to obtain a stay on her transfer from the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT). However, she was reportedly facing harassment at work. It is not clear whether she brought the matter to the notice of the authorities concerned. Janata Dal (Secular) legislator and former minister H D Revanna, who visited the hospital, said it was another testimony to the working condition of government staff under the Siddaramaiah government. On Tuesday, a lady police officer had attempted suicide alleging harassment by superiors. Only recently, senior Congress leader K J George quit from the Cabinet after a local court in Karnataka directed the police to register a FIR against him in connection with the suicide of a police officer. --- ENDS --- Church News October 20, 2022 LIGHT OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH Needing Answers We want God to be like FedEx and deliver overnight. Things dont happen that way, but in... Church News October 13, 2022 LIGHT OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH Natures Therapy The pine tree with its solemn dignity lifts its branches to the sky as if to give... By Ashhar Khan: The fight within the Kerala Congress is now knocking at the doors of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi. Most of the Kerala leaders and MPs are not pulling their punches and want the state unit chief VM Sudheeran out. Since the defeat in Assembly elections in May this year, the knives are out against the state leadership of Congress. The targets were former chief minister Oomen Chandy and the state chief Sudheeran. Anticipating this uproar, Chandy gave up the post of Leader of Opposition which usually goes to the former chief minister. Another senior leader Ramesh Chenithala has been appointed as the Leader of Opposition. The Chenithala camp is also a strong force in Kerala Congress politics. advertisement CONGRESS LEADERS TARGET SUDHEERAN Now, the guns have been trained on Sudheeran. There have been three consultations at the residence of Rahul Gandhi regarding change in leadership. Sources say, Mohan Gopal, who is close to Rahul and also hails from Kerala, is batting for status quo. Gopal is the Director of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Contemporary Studies. He is believed to be one of the advisors of Rahul Gandhi. If sources are to be believed, Gopal gave a two page report defending Sudheeran. VM Sudheeran's remarks allegedly caused embarrassment to the government and often it became difficult for the then government to defend. The charge against Sudheeran is that he was running down his own government. His remarks caused embarrassment to the government and often it became difficult for the then government to defend. Sources say he unnecessarily raised an issue against some candidates in the Assembly election. This had a negative impact on the morale of the candidates. Also, the anti-Sudheeran camp claims the same. CONGRESS STILL UNDECIDED The Congress is still undecided about how to go about the present situation. General secretary in-charge Mukul Wasnik has also had several rounds of meetings with Kerala Congress leaders and also with the leadership. Senior Congress leader AK Antony who is respected above all in Kerala Congress has refused to take interest in the matters of the state Congress. He is busy in the national arena. While former union minister and Lok Sabha MP Prof. KV Thomas is interested in the state chief job. Congress whip and Lok Sabha MP KC Venugopal also fancies himself for the post. Once again the internal politics of the state have bamboozled the Congress high command. Inspite of several petitions to the high command by sitting MPs and leaders of Kerala there has been no action. If the situation is allowed to go this way there can be a major crisis in the offing for the grand old party in the state. ALSO READ: --- ENDS --- Nationalists are protesting at KFC outlets and calling for a boycott, spurred by government accusations that Washington encouraged Manila to oppose Beijing's claims to vast tracts of ocean. By AP: To the challenges facing KFC and Apple in China, add a surprise backlash from Beijing's spat with the Philippines over the South China Sea. Nationalists are protesting at KFC outlets and calling for a boycott, spurred by government accusations that Washington encouraged Manila to oppose Beijing's claims to vast tracts of ocean. Photos circulated online show young Chinese wearing scarves with patriotic slogans smashing Apple iPhones in protest. advertisement State media have fanned public anger with a torrent of criticism of last week's ruling by a UN tribunal, which found no legal basis for Beijing's claim to most of the South China Sea. READ: China rejects ruling on South China Sea, says 'farce is now over' KFC, APPLE CLOSEST TO US "The Chinese public, as optimistic and positive as they are, are deeply patriotic and nationalistic, especially people who are younger," said James Roy of the research firm China Market Research Group. KFC and Apple "are just very closely associated with the United States, and you are seeing people picking the closest symbol they can think of to demonstrate against." The protests are a reminder of the political risks for global brands in China, where they regularly become targets of nationalist sentiment, often stirred up by official media. In 2012, sales of Japanese autos plunged when Tokyo and Beijing were in a dispute over control of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. The Chinese leadership has tried to tamp down this week's protests with demands in state media to leave foreign companies and their customers alone. "This is not the right way to express patriotism," said the government's Xinhua News Agency. The China Daily newspaper called the protests "jingoism that does a disservice to the spirit of devotion to the nation." Three protesters in the central city of Puyang in Henan province were detained by police on charges they illegally disrupted business at two KFC outlets, according to a news report. The web portal Sina said one was ordered jailed for 15 days and the other two for 13 days. Some KFC customers have responded by posting photos of themselves online with a bucket of chicken, axes or other weapons and signs reading, "patriotic hooligans, try harassing me and I'll take you out." KFC's owner, Yum Brands Inc., declined to comment. READ: China holds combat drill in South China Sea ONLINE APPEAL A man in the eastern city of Yangzhou, northwest of Shanghai, said he watched a protest Tuesday morning after seeing a note online appealing to people to take part. He said it also told protesters to boycott Japanese and Korean goods. advertisement "A group of more than 20 people including children broke into the restaurant and shouted at customers to leave," the witness, Guo Lu, said by phone from Yangzhou. He said police arrived quickly and pushed the protesters out of the restaurant. The timing is unusually bad for KFC, which is China's biggest restaurant chain with more than 5,000 outlets but is overhauling its struggling business after a food scandal and marketing missteps. Yum Brands is preparing to spin off its China unit, which also includes Pizza Hut restaurants, as a separate company in October in hopes of improving its performance. KFC has long been an all-purpose target for protests about US issues, especially in areas outside big cities with few other foreign symbols. In 1999, after NATO jets bombed the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, protesters wrecked KFC restaurants. The company and other foreign chain restaurants in China also face an upheaval as customers migrate to fast-growing local competitors they say offer more nutritious meals. READ: Defiant Taiwan takes on Beijing, sends warship into disputed South China Sea advertisement APPLE ALREADY IN TROUBLE For its part, Apple has faced a series of legal hurdles this year in China, its second-biggest market. In April, it suspended its iBooks and iTunes Movies services, reportedly due to an order by Chinese regulators. The next month, an intellectual property tribunal ordered Apple to stop selling its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in Beijing after finding they look too much like a model made by a small Chinese brand. Apple was allowed to continue sales while it appeals. Also in May, a court ruled a Chinese company is allowed to use the iPhone trademark on bags, wallets and other leather goods. An Apple spokeswoman responded to a request for comment by pointing to CEO Tim Cook's positive comments in April about the company's future in China. Cook said Apple was "really optimistic" and planned to open five more stores in China during the current quarter for a total of 40. Also Read: Defiant China to close access to part of South China Sea for army drills China vows to protect South China Sea sovereignty, threatens to set up air defence zone Beijing's South China Sea claims unfounded, rules The Hague tribunal advertisement High stakes legal ruling looms in South China Sea dispute --- ENDS --- SHARE CHUCK KIRMAN/THE STAR Lauren Bisenius watches a plastic bucket suspended by water spurting from a fountain spout at the Janss Marketplace Thursday. She repeated the effort several times much to her enjoyment. CHUCK KIRMAN/THE STAR Harper Varnum gets a blast of water from a fountain spout at the Janss Marketplace Thursday. Harper displayed endless energy as she ran, jumped, laughed, screamed and swallowed water. Related Photos Heat wave arrives earlier and stronger than expected By John Scheibe of the Ventura County Star This week's heat wave has arrived even earlier than predicted, with temperatures across Ventura County's inland areas expected to reach 104 or more on Thursday. Ojai was forecast to have a high of 105 by midafternoon while in Simi Valley it would be 104. And Thursday was just the beginning of what meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Oxnard said would be at least four days of scorching weather with triple-digit temperatures gripping much of Southern California and the West. Temperatures are predicted to go up another two or three degrees on Friday before dropping by a degree or two on Saturday, the weather service said Thursday. The searing heat could well bring another round of record hot days to the region thanks in good part to a high pressure system stretching from the Pacific to the Atlantic oceans, Bill Patzert, an oceanographer with JPL in Pasadena, said this week. KEEP COOL Spend time in locations with air-conditioning when possible. Drink plenty of fluids. Good choices are water and diluted sport electrolyte drinks (1 part sport drink to 2 parts water) unless told otherwise by a doctor. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. As with past heat waves, more than 10 cooling centers are open across the county, providing the elderly and others with a place to escape the heat. COOLING CENTERS IN VENTURA COUNTY Kathleen Avery, a recreation leader at the Goebel Adult Community Center in Thousand Oaks, said on Thursday morning she expected more people would come to the center as temperatures rose. Meanwhile, Ventura County Fire Department officials continued to monitor the region for fires as the National Weather Service issued a fire weather watch for the mountains along the northern end of Ventura County. Authorities also asked firefighters to stay hydrated and ready to go in case of a wildfire or other blaze, said Capt. Mike Lindbery, a spokesman for the Ventura County Fire Department. Officials are also monitoring fire danger levels and may increase staffing numbers, Lindbery said. The heat is also affecting animals, Tara Diller, director of the Ventura County Animal Services, said. "Our message first and foremost is don't leave your animals outside in the heat," Diller said, particularly animals that either have a lot of fur as they often get overheated. This also applies to animals with little or no fur, such as pit bull dogs as they can easily get badly sunburned, she said. "Also, pay attention to the time of day you walk your dog," Diller said, noting pet owners should do so either early in the day, or much later in the afternoon after much of the heat has passed. "If the ground is too hot for your hand, then it's too hot for your dog's paws," she said. Pet owners are also strongly encouraged not to leave their animals in a vehicle when it's hot, even if they think it will be for only five minutes. Doing so in hot weather could easily make the animal sick or worse, she said. Diller called these precautions common sense safeguards. Southern California Edison issued numerous tips on how to stay cool. Among them, placing cotton bed sheets in a refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes before sleeping. This will offer a much-needed temporary respite from the heat while you drift off to sleep. Light-colored cotton sheets also help as does loosefitting clothing. Overnight temperatures during the coming five days are expected to be in the 60s, the weather service said. Temperatures should cool somewhat starting late Sunday and into Monday. But the weather service warned they could go up again later in the week. Meteorologists will have a better idea of exactly how much by this weekend and early next week. KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Jeff Otterbein holds his sign at Wednesday's vigil in Ojai for police officers slain recently in Texas and Louisiana. SHARE KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Ojai Mayor Paul Blatz addresses the crowd in Ojai on Wednesday evening at a vigil in memory of police officers slain recently in Texas and Louisiana. KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Sheriff's Capt. Dave Kenney (from left), Sgt. Kevin Donoghue and Deputy Jason Havelka attend Wednesday's vigil in Ojai for police officers slain recently in Texas and Louisiana. KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Ronald Constant applauds the local law enforcement officers attending Wednesday's gathering in Libbey Park. KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Helen Allen (left) puts her arm around Christiane Ravaute, of France, at Wednesday night's vigil. By Megan Diskin of the Ventura County Star More than 50 people gathered Wednesday night at Libbey Park in Ojai to remember the police officers killed in recent attacks Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Nigel Chisholm, an Ojai resident and business owner, organized the event, which featured musical performances and speeches from law enforcement officers, Ojai's mayor and a pastor. Chisholm advertised the event as a vigil for the officers but said the word "acknowledgement" was more suited for what he intended the event to be. "It's an acknowledgement that something is way off here," Chisholm said of the slayings of officers. Chisholm introduced himself before the crowd Wednesday evening, thanked people for coming and thanked law enforcement officers for the job they do. "That's a tough, tough job, and it takes a tough individual," said Chisholm, who had to pause during his speech when he became overwhelmed with emotion. Capt. Dave Kenney, who oversees the Ojai station of the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, was invited to speak. He said the outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming since five officers were killed in an attack on police at a Dallas protest. The generosity was evident earlier in the day when a woman came by the Ojai station to give the officers water due to the Ojai Valley heat, Kenney said. Like many law enforcement officers, he called for an end to the violence. "This just has to stop," Kenney said. "It's going to tear our nation apart." Kenney went on to read the nine principles of ethical policing penned by Sir Robert Peel in London the 1800s, but he focused on the last principle, which alludes to the importance of police-community partnerships. "Ojai is a safe community, and it's because of you folks," Kenney said. Sgt. Kevin Donoghue, who has been assigned to the Ojai station for the past three years and is well-known via Facebook to many in the area, made a similar speech. He read the guiding principles that are "instilled" in the deputies in the training academy. One of them dealt with displaying "empathy and respect for the dignity" of all people, Donoghue said in his speech. Among the crowd was Christiane Ravaute, a French woman who has lived in Ojai for the past four years. She wore a crown of red, blue and white flowers and had a small French flag carefully placed in her white blouse. Ravaute said she came to the event to bring her tears about recent attacks in France, most notably a truck plowing into a crowd in Nice. She said she was laying on the floor relieved when she found out that her daughter went to Cannes to watch fireworks on Bastille Day instead of going to nearby Nice. But the killings of police officers also weighed heavily on her heart, she said. "I just think it's so bad these guys are losing their lives for doing their job," Ravaute said. Near the end of the Ojai gathering, eight people came forward to read the names of the officers killed in the attacks in Dallas and Baton Rouge. Sheriff's officials also read the name of Peter Aguirre Jr., a deputy assigned to the Ojai station who was killed on July 17, 1996, while responding to a domestic dispute report in Meiners Oaks. Nora Herold read the name of Montrell L. Jackson, who was one of three officers killed Sunday in Baton Rouge. She had attended a Black Lives Matter rally at Libbey Park on July 8. "We are all one," Herold said, adding that advocating for one group does not mean she can't support another. It was a sentiment reflected by Chisholm, who also attended the July 8 rally. "I don't mean to be a selective humanist, but killing is wrong. ... I don't like people getting killed," he said. STAR FILE PHOTO NRG Energy Inc. is trying to get a new power plant built at the existing Mandalay Beach site in Oxnard. The State Energy Commission has released a preliminary assessment of the project. SHARE By Wendy Leung of the Ventura County Star In a room large enough to fit 1,000 people, the California Energy Commission on Thursday is leading a workshop on a plan to replace two existing power plant stations in Oxnard with a new modern one. NRG Energy Inc. is proposing to build a new power plant ahead of a 2020 deadline for old facilities that use ocean water for cooling to stop operations. The new plant is proposed for the existing Mandalay Generating Station near Harbor Boulevard and Fifth Street. The workshop, which began at 10 a.m., will have a break at 4 p.m. then resume at 5:30 p.m. According to NRG, the project will have less visual impact and emit fewer emissions compared to the existing facility. Last month, the state energy commission released a preliminary report concluding that environmental factors associated with the project can largely be mitigated. The proposal faces strong opposition from the city and many environmental groups. They say Oxnard has sacrificed its beaches for far too long and any new power plant should be built away from the ocean. During the morning portion of the workshop, panelists and public speakers discussed the issue of "environmental justice." The term refers to Oxnard's population, which has a large number of ethnic minority residents and people living below the poverty level. The energy commission, which has the ultimate say in whether the power plant is built, must consider the issue of environmental justice. Mike Stubblefield of the Sierra Club and an Oxnard resident told commission staff members to consider the community's future. "It's not fair to keep shoving these power plants down the throat of Oxnard," Stubblefield said. "We want to move on. We want to have beaches like Malibu and Santa Monica. ... I think Oxnard has paid its dues." Follow staff writer Wendy Leung's tweets below. SHARE STAR FILE PHOTO By Christian Martinez, christian.martinez@vcstar.com The California Highway Patrol responded to a traffic collision Wednesday in Simi Valley, authorities said. The collision was reported shortly after 5 p.m. on eastbound Highway 118 near the Sycamore Drive exit, officials said. Officials reported that three vehicles were involved. One vehicle rolled over and blocked the left two lanes of traffic, according to authorities. Authorities said two people were taken to Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks. The patrol classified the incident as a minor-injury accident. SHARE Mary Karacas By Megan Diskin of the Ventura County Star Officials with the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday that a man found dead over the weekend in Simi Valley died from multiple gunshot wounds. Salvatore Orefice, 84, was found dead about 4:15 p.m. Sunday at a home in the 6200 block of Anastasia Avenue, Simi Valley police said. Deputy Medical Examiner Michael Tellez said Orefice's death was determined to be a homicide. Orefice's girlfriend Mary Karacas, 75, stopped by the home while police were investigating the death and told authorities she shot the man during an altercation, police said. Karacas and Orefice were reportedly moving out of the home, which had been sold, and the buyer had stopped by and discovered the body, police said. Karacas was arrested and the Ventura County District Attorney's Office formally charged her with one count of felony murder with a special allegation that she personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, causing great bodily injury and killing Orefice, authorities said. She appeared in Ventura County Superior Court on Tuesday for a first-appearance arraignment, which was continued to Aug. 3. Karacas remains in county jail in lieu of $750,000 bail, according to jail records. CHUCK KIRMAN/THE STAR Eliza Groamlich looks at a segment of the Smithsonian traveling exhibit "I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story" at the Museum of Ventura County. Local residents have added photographs and artifacts to the exhibit. SHARE CHUCK KIRMAN/THE STAR The gavel used by Bill Soo Hoo, Oxnard's mayor from 1966 to 1970 and the first Chinese-American mayor in California. The Museum of Ventura County has local exhibits on display as part of the Smithsonian traveling exhibit "I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story." CHUCK KIRMAN/THE STAR Eliza Groamlich examines an embroidered silk wedding dress worn by Jung Hall in 1909, on display at the Museum of Ventura County. Local exhibits are augmenting the Smithsonian traveling exhibit "I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story." CHUCK KIRMAN/THE STAR A menu from Mama Soo Hoo's Orient is on display at the Museum of Ventura County, an example of how local exhibits are augmenting the Smithsonian traveling exhibit "I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story." CHUCK KIRMAN/THE STAR Stefanie Davis, director of marketing at the Museum of Ventura County, listens to a kulintang, drum and gong ensemble from the Philippines. Local exhibits are augmenting the Smithsonian traveling exhibit "I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story." By Mark Storer, Special to The Star When a Museum of Ventura County curator decided to add a local element to a traveling Smithsonian exhibit, she reached out to Asian Pacific Americans in Ventura County. The call did not go unanswered. Local residents with Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Japanese and Filipino heritage sent in a barrage of photographs, then artifacts. The result is an exhibition running through Aug. 28 that brings the Ventura County Asian-American and Pacific Islander experience alongside the national one. The traveling exhibit, "I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story," is a series of wall hangings detailing part of the history of the Asian American experience. "The exhibit goes all the way back to the time of Columbus," said Anna Bermudez, curator of exhibitions and collections at the Museum of Ventura County. "It's laid out to get a sense of going from the past into the future." But when she saw it, she felt it was more suited to a corridor exhibition, rather than a full installation. "So, we asked if we could get local stories and people involved, and they said that they encouraged it," Bermudez said. Among those who donated items was Angela Soo Hoo, an Oxnard resident and widow of Oxnard Mayor Bill Soo Hoo, who served as the first Chinese-American mayor in California. On display are certificates honoring her husband's civic service and her mother-in-law's wedding dress from 1909. A number of items from Mama Soo Hoo's Orient, an Oxnard restaurant that her husband's family owned, are also part of the collection, including dishes and 1950s photographs of the interior. Soo Hoo, who died in 1990, served as mayor from 1966 to 1970. "Bill wanted to live in the north end of Oxnard, but at that time, Chinese people were not allowed to," his widow recalled. "Bill loved Oxnard and was born and raised here, and now we live in North Oxnard, so I guess he did change some things." The Soo Hoos had one son, Brian, who now runs the family business, Soo Hoo Custom Brokers, in the City of Commerce. The business was originally located in Port Hueneme. Hiroko Yoshimoto, an artist who taught at Ventura College for 35 years, donated a number of her own works, as well as family heirlooms. "I don't necessarily identify myself as a Japanese-American artist," said Yoshimoto. "But having a bicultural background has allowed me to see the world a bit differently, and I'm grateful for that experience. I am more concerned with global themes in my work." Part of her collection is a series of four paintings titled, "Four Seasons." Each features a different female relative at a different stage of life, signifying the four seasons. "My niece represents spring, my sister represents summer, my mother represents fall and my great aunt represents winter," she said. "The work is fusion of culture influences, I think." Channel Islands High School teacher Virgil Cardinez, BiJian Fan and other local artists also have their works on display. "I think it's an opportunity, particularly for us second-generation Asian-Americans, to know more about our heritage and culture," said Sonia Armedilla of Newbury Park, the president of the Filipino Community of Ventura County. "Our parents really assimilated when they came here, worked hard to give us a future and now that we have one, we're looking at who we are." One of the oldest pieces in the exhibit is a set of metal drums and a larger gong that date back more than 500 years from the mountain regions of the Philippines. "Those drums come from the Muslim musical tradition in the Philippines," said Armedilla. "They represent an indigenous part of the country." There are also a number of costumes, native dress and garments that have rarely been on public display. "I'm hoping the word gets out to the younger generations of Asian-Americans in Ventura County that this is their heritage," said Armedilla. Added Bermudez: "It's an exhibit that shares culture and reminds us that so many of the struggles that each group faces is not new." SHARE STAR FILE PHOTO By Staff Reports Police in Ventura arrested a man after they spotted him driving a car that was reported stolen by a rental car agency, authorities said. Kirtis Lund 41, of Ventura, was arrested about 11:50 p.m. Wednesday in the 3200 block of Channel Drive when police recognized the car he was driving and discovered it had recently been reported stolen, according to the Ventura Police Department. Lund was arrested and booked into county jail on suspicion of vehicle theft and possession of drug paraphernalia, police said. STAR FILE PHOTO An event organized Wednesday evening by two supervisors drew advocates and others to discuss problems faced by workers in Ventura County's agriculture industry. SHARE By Kathleen Wilson of the Ventura County Star Farmworkers who are shorted on wages, harassed and subjected to poor working conditions often don't report the violations because they fear retaliation, advocates and state officials said Wednesday at a fact-finding workshop in Ventura. Plus they may fear reaching out to the very agencies that can investigate their complaints, officials said. "There's a trust issue with government agencies," said Erika Monterroza, deputy director of communications for the state Department of Industrial Relations. "There is an intimidation issue." County Supervisors Steve Bennett and John Zaragoza organized the event after they began fielding complaints of labor violations and sexual harassment from farmworkers and community organizations nine months ago. The issue brought an overflow crowd to the Ventura County Government Center, with more than 200 packing a hearing room and another 100 spilling out into the lobby. They included farmworkers, community organizations that advocate for low-income people, a racial justice organization, growers, top county officials and aides to state and federal legislators. There was wide disagreement over just how frequently employers commit wage theft. Advocates said farmworkers are denied legitimate overtime, are forced to work before their shifts start or simply don't get their paychecks. Maricela Morales, executive director of the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy, said wage theft hits low-wage workers hard. Over half of 300 farmworkers in Ventura County surveyed by the organization said they had experienced some form of wage theft, she said. These workers are vulnerable, she said. Statewide almost all of them are immigrants, and many have low levels of education, limited English skills and are undocumented, she said. "That creates incredible fear, incredible obstacles to overcome," Morales said. Violations are hard to prove, said Arcenio Lopez, executive director of the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project. "You have to demonstrate it with a check stub," he said, adding that some growers still pay in cash. But representatives of the agricultural industry doubted that wage theft was common. "The industry has a vested interest in doing the right thing," said John Krist, CEO of the Farm Bureau of Ventura County. Rob Roy, president of the Ventura County Agricultural Association, said the cases he's seen were usually the result of a misunderstanding. He also said workers receive a lot of training and education on their rights. Grower Craig Underwood said workers whose employers have retaliated against them for making complaints have recourse. But fear of retaliation is hard to identify, he said " Is it just a conflict between the foreman and the worker?" The two supervisors plan to share the results of the fact-finding meeting with the rest of the Board of Supervisors. The board may then take some kind of action. Many labor laws are enforced by the state. CAUSE has advocated for local enforcement on top of that. By PTI: Pune, Jul 20 (PTI) Pune Police Commissioner Rashmi Shukla, who has been appointed as the special woman officer in the Kopardi gangrape case inquiry, today met the family members of the victim in Ahmednagar district and assured that charge sheet against the accused will be filed within a month. Chief of the Maharashtra Womens Commission, Vijaya Rahatkar, also visited Kopardi village along with professional counsellors to counsel the village girls, who, she said, are scared of going to school as a result of the incident. advertisement The 15-year-old girl was brutally gangraped by three men, who inflicted injuries all over her body and broke her limbs before throttling her in Kopardi village in Ahmednagar district last week. The brutal gangrape and murder of the girl has rocked both the Houses of Maharashtra Legislature and sparked protests in parts of the state. Talking to PTI over phone from Ahmednagar, Shukla said, "The entire incident is very unfortunate. I met and heard the victims family and the villagers. I have instructed the Superintendent of Police (Ahmednagar police) to investigate the case and file the charge sheet within 30 days." She said the government has already appointed Ujjwal Nikam as special public prosecutor in the case, which will be tried in a fast track court, so that the accused are punished at the earliest. "As a confidence building measure, I visited the school and told the girls not to panic. I also shared my contact numbers with them and asked the people in the village to download the Pratisaad app for women safety. I ensured them that they would get polices assistance whenever required," she added. She said that following the incident, there is a demand to set up a police chowkie in the village. "Therefore, a police facilitation centre will be set up in the village," she said. After meeting the victims family, she also interacted with people in the village. Meanwhile, Rahatkar said, "After the incident, the girls are scared of going to school as they have to travel to the neighbouring village to attend the secondary level school." "Today, we went there with professional counsellors and counseled them not to be scared. A special bus service will be started for students from tomorrow so that they can go to the school," she said. PTI SPK NP IKA --- ENDS --- MICHAEL CONROY/AP The California delegation was the hear Donald Trump speak during the final night of the Republican National Convention. SHARE By Bartholomew Sullivan USA TODAY NETWORK SANDUSKY, Ohio Members of California's delegation to the Republican National Convention gathered for their final breakfast together before seeing Donald Trump accept his party's nomination Thursday night, hearing two Republican firebrands stoke their enthusiasm for the real estate mogul. Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton told the crowd gathered at Sandusky's Kalahari Resort that the GOP is the "party of law and order" and will always stand by police officers. Rep. Darrell Issa, of Vista, who served on the House Oversight Committee, told them Trump will encourage transparency and audit government programs merging them, eliminating them or repairing them. There was not a word from either speaker or from state party officials about the elephant in the elephant's ballroom: Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's perceived snub and nonendorsement of the billionaire reality television star Wednesday night. Cotton told the delegates and guests that Democrats will gather next week in Philadelphia to talk about the minimum wage but that, "as Republicans, we strive for a maximum wage." He said the Republican Party will stand with police officers worried "about being assassinated" by "racist cop killers." In foreign affairs, Cotton was critical of the Obama administration "consistently underestimating the threat of Islamic terrorism" and calling the Islamic State group "the j.v. team." He also criticized the nuclear deal with Iran, which he called "the worst state sponsor of terrorism," and reminded listeners that Bill Clinton made a nuclear agreement with North Korea. Issa signed copies of his new book, "Watchdog," before and after his remarks. He noted that he was raised in Cleveland and had a factory just blocks from the Quicken Loans Arena where the convention is taking place before he moved operations to San Diego. He said he has addressed the Wisconsin and Illinois delegations this week but was happy to talk to Californians about Trump and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, the vice presidential nominee who also spoke from the convention podium Wednesday night. "Donald Trump wants to make America great again, and so do the rest of us," Issa said. He said the Trump-Pence ticket is "the difference between the status quo and the future we want," adding that Republicans "have been the difference between tyranny and freedom." Also critical of the foreign policy of President Barack Obama's administration and by implication the former secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, who directed it for four years, Issa said that under Trump, "we will not fight alone for somebody else's freedom." He said Trump will work with Congress to form coalitions and that he understands his role. Trump has never acted as the architect, the engineer or the bricklayer on his projects, but has been "the decision-maker," he said. Of his book, he said it looks into a variety of scandals, from the "Fast and Furious" gun-buying sting operation that went awry under both George W. Bush and Obama to the operation of the Minerals Management Service that led to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. "We will fix our government when we have transparency," he said. "We can take the truth, and we can take our country back." Elena Lieberman, 55, of Concord, missed both Issa and Cotton but said she was impressed by Pence's remarks to delegates Wednesday night. "I thought and this was the first I ever heard him speak I was really impressed with his ability to be forthright. ... He really has command of the issues of our time. He will be an asset for Mr. Trump so we can move forward to a stronger America. "He's someone I feel comfortable with, and I think that's huge," she said. Frank Cherry, 68, a property manager and an alternate delegate from Oakland who spent time on the convention floor Wednesday night, said, "You pick a candidate like (Pence) on the idea he can do no wrong, All segments of the party like him." STAR FILE PHOTO Runners take to the Promenade in Ventura. SHARE By Arlene Martinez, amartinez@vcstar.com 1. TAKE PART IN AN OLYMPIC TRAINING CAMP: From 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, youngsters can take part in their very own Olympic Training Camp. Children between 5 to 10 years old can challenge themselves and have fun while partaking in feats of strength and skill. The camp happens at the Grant R. Brimhall Library at 1401 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. Call 449-2660 for more information. 2. GET IN MOTION BY THE OCEAN: Take a deep salty breath, then set out on a 1K, 5K, 10K or 15K along Promenade Park in Ventura. Motion by the Ocean raises money for Community Memorial Hospital's new building. Enjoy food, music, vendors and age-group awards. There are also prizes for best-dressed, fastest, largest and best-named groups. The Saturday race is chip timed and stroller friendly. Promenade Park is near Figueroa Street and Shoreline Drive. Find free off-street parking or park at the Ventura County Fairgrounds for $5. Packet pickup starts at 6:30 a.m. Race-day registration ranges from $45 to $55, depending on the distance. To register and get more information, go to motionbytheocean.org. 3. HIKE TO POOLS AND FALLS: Join the Los Padres Chapter of the Sierra Club in Santa Barbara for a 5-mile round-trip hike of Three Pools Beyond Seven Falls. The trail is primitive and involves a bit of rock climbing. Bring lunch, water, and don't forget your bathing suit. The group will meet Saturday at 9 a.m. behind the Bank of America at 3790 State St. near Hope Avenue. Contact 898-1240 for more details. 4. ENJOY TACOS, TEQUILA AND SUNSHINE IN VENTURA: Head to Plaza Park in downtown Ventura and enjoy two days of the Tequila and Taco Music Festival. The event goes from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday (tequila tasting ends at 3:30). Mas Margaritas, sans tequila tasting, takes place on Sunday, also from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There will be live music, food booths and more. A two-day pass, which includes tacos, costs $60, while the tequila tasting event is $40. General admission is $10 and children under aged 12 are free. Proceeds benefits FOOD Share. For more information go to tequilaandtacomusicfestival.com. 5. HEAR MUSIC NEAR THE SHORE: Check out free music at Peninsula Park on Saturday night. The Channel Islands Harbor sponsors the Concerts by the Sea, which start at 4 p.m. This week, Unkle Money brings to the shore its mix of calypso, reggae, Hawaiian and classic rock. Peninsula Park is at 3401 Peninsula Road in Oxnard. Park for free at the park or on the street. Can't make Saturday's concert? The series runs through Aug. 27. Go to http://bit.ly/2ae8Ad8 for more details. SHARE Say it isn't so, Mike. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence has won "Vice President Apprentice" and earned the dubious distinction of serving alongside Donald Trump on the Republican presidential ticket. I understand why Trump offered Pence the job; the Indiana governor is first-rate, well-liked and widely respected, with a calm and reassuring disposition, political experience at the state and federal level, and service as both a legislator and chief executive. What I don't understand is why Pence accepted. Trump is a train wreck. The real estate mogul is a novice and a narcissist who says whatever pops into his head, has few core principles, and loves himself so much that it's unclear whether he loves anything more including the country. Trump's VP choice is a tough pill to swallow for those of us in the "Never Trump" movement who know Pence, have followed his career, admire his skills and genuinely like the guy. When I'm pressed to name the Democratic elected official I admire most, I usually go with Illinois Rep. Luis Gutierrez, who had the guts to get arrested twice outside the White House protesting President Obama's repressive immigration policies, to the chagrin of many in his own party. But when asked to name the Republican I admire most, I would always choose Pence. I've written about the graduate of Hanover College for more than a decade, and I've found him to be a rare breed: a Republican with a sharp mind, a good heart and common sense. He has strong conservative principles, but unlike many in his party, he doesn't do demagoguery. So why is Pence hanging out with the likes of Trump? I feel like this is a test. I'd love to see Pence serve as vice president, but not at the expense of electing Trump as president. Pence should know better. Ambition has to have limits. Linking up with Trump will only hurt the governor's brand in the long run. History will remember him unfavorably, as someone who so badly wanted to be in the White House even if only in the smaller office down the hall from the president that he was willing to play second fiddle to someone who opposed much of what he believed in, and believed in much of what he opposed. After all, Pence is not exactly what you would call a Trump Republican. He didn't even back Trump during the Indiana primary. Instead, the governor threw his support to an outspoken senator from Texas. Before ballots were cast, Pence said during a radio interview: "I'm not against anybody, but I will be voting for Ted Cruz in the upcoming Republican primary." But he also commended Trump for having "given voice to the frustrations of millions of working Americans." I first became aware of Pence in 2005 when, while serving in Congress, he dove into the mosh pit of the immigration debate and took on the thankless task of writing a comprehensive reform bill. He recruited Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas to co-sponsor the legislation. While securing the border and creating a guest worker program, the Hutchison-Pence bill gave the undocumented the means to stay in the United States. The idea was to require one member of a family to go back to the home country for one- or two-day processing sessions at what Pence called "Ellis Island Centers" before returning to the United States with a temporary work permit and the ability, for them and their families, to live here without being deported. While not perfect, that's a grown-up solution, the kind you don't see often in the immigration debate. Liberals mocked the idea, up to the point where they tried to copy it in legislation of their own. But it was conservatives who really hated the plan. Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colorado, who was then perhaps the most openly nativist member of Congress, attacked the Pence plan as a "mini-amnesty." And House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner, who had proposed his own draconian immigration bill that wasn't going anywhere, tried to undermine Pence and derail the bill. With enemies like that, I figured Pence must be good people. So I contacted him, and we began a series of interviews and conversations during which I determined that this was exactly what he was: good people. And now that Trump-Pence is a thing, we know that even good people can sometimes make bad decisions and show poor judgment. Ruben Navarrette's email address is ruben@rubennavarrette.com. He writes for The Washington Post Writers Group. It appears Mr. Peterman left Elaine in charge! Everyones favorite funny boss from the hit series Seinfeld, actor John OHurley stopped in for a fun night at the D Casino Hotel Las Vegas (Pictured: Actor John OHurley with the Dancing Dealers Photo credit: the D Casino Hotel Las Vegas). After enjoying a delicious meal at Andiamo Italian Steakhouse, John headed downstairs to take photos with the Ds sexy Dancing Dealers. You know what they say, girls love a guy who can make them laugh! Also known for his appearances on the reality TV series Dancing with the Stars and Family Feud, John hung out with the D Casino Hotel owner Derek Stevens at his world famous Longbar and enjoyed a show of his own, watching the Ds famous Flair Bartenders! From exciting moments with your favorite celebrities to a fun party atmosphere, The D Casino Hotel Las Vegas is the place to create a memorable night in Vegas. When is the last time you experienced the excitement? This January the Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas (ECF) will launch its search for the scholarship recipients of its 2012 class. Up to 10 high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in the culinary or hospitality industry will be selected this spring. ECF currently has more than 20 scholarship recipients in the program attending the schools of their dreams, from the Culinary Institute of America in New York to the world renowned William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. More than a million dollars in scholarship funds have been awarded to deserving students since its inception. To be eligible, students must be high school seniors at a Clark County school with plans to attend an accredited post-secondary institution as a full-time student during the academic year following their graduation. Applicants must also pursue a bachelors degree and major in hotel management, food and beverage, culinary or other related programs. Additional scholarship qualifications include a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and demonstrate need for financial support. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Mar. 2. ECF is a non-profit organization dedicated to the enrichment, involvement and education of individuals committed to pursuing a career in the hospitality and culinary industries. The ECF scholarship program provides students the opportunity to attend a fouryear university with premier hospitality and culinary programs anywhere in the nation. ECF provides financial aid, presents varied professional work experience and ethical guidance throughout a students educational experience. In addition to financial support, more than 40 top food and beverage professionals serve as ECF mentors providing monthly one-on-one guidance for professional leadership, advising and academic counseling. The foundations mentorship program contributes a strong support system to ensure success for the hospitality and culinary industries future leaders. The scholarships are just part of what we offer to the ECF scholarship recipients, says Elizabeth Muto, Executive Director of ECF. Our students are also assigned mentors who serve on our Board of Directors, which consists of the citys top food and beverage executives. We guide our students through their educational pursuit, identify internship opportunities, and when they graduate, guide them through their profession journey. ECF isnt just a scholarship; it is a foundation that ensures our students success throughout their educational and post-graduation professional endeavors. Applications must be postmarked by Mar. 2, 2012 and mailed to the ECF office located at 6765 S. Eastern Avenue, Suite 1, Las Vegas NV 89123. Potential candidates may call 702.932.5098 for more information. Few lawyers in Thiruvananthapuram today pasted a poster on the media room door of the court that read "no entry for the fourth gender" after which journalists on the spot were attacked by a group of lawyers. As the protest progressed, a group of lawyers from inside the gate pelted stones and hurled beer bottles at the journalists who then reacted to the attack, sparking of another round of violence that got out of control. Unruly scenes prevailed at Thiruvananthapuram district court premises today after a group of lawyers and journalists clashed. Following the violence at Kerala High Court premises in Kochi on Wednesday where a group of lawyers allegedly attacked journalists during a protest march, few lawyers in Thiruvananthapuram today pasted a poster on the media room door of the court that read "no entry for the fourth gender". A similar poster was also pasted on some of the media vehicles. advertisement Journalists who were inside the court complex covering court proceedings of the day allege that they were then attacked by a group of lawyers. "We shot the closed media room and the posters pasted there. That's when they started attacking us and hurling abuses. All of us journalists then decided to move out but some lawyers closed the gate and blocked our vehicles and some pelted stones," said Akhila, a journalist. The journalists then protested outside the court complex with police protection. "We have received complaints from both sides. We have to look into the matter before taking any decisions or taking actions," said Shiva Vikram, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Thiruvananthapuram. As the protest progressed, a group of lawyers from inside the gate pelted stones and hurled beer bottles at the journalists who then reacted to the attack, sparking of another round of violence that got out of control. Several journalists, lawyers, policemen and public were hurt during the attacks. The crowd dispersed about two hours later following an assurance by the City Police Commissioner that the matter will be looked into seriously. Following a meeting of Senior Advocates, journalists and lawyers association in Kochi, Kerala Advocate Association president SU Nazar assured that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure a friendly atmosphere for journalists to report court proceedings. --- ENDS --- illustration photo -source:internet The AEC, as well as the free trade agreements that Vietnam signed, have been a strong motivation for capital flows into the country. In 2015, the market witnessed 341 merger and acquisition (M&A) deals, at a combined value of $5.2 billion, according to a recent report released by market research company Stoxplus. Foreign investors were involved in 98 deals, accounting for 46 per cent of the total value. Real estate was the most attractive for foreign companies, seeing 20 transactions worth nearly $1.64 billion. In this context, the 2016 Vietnam M&A Forum, with the theme M&A in Wider Economic Boundaries, is going to be a platform for CEOs, investors, and foreign experts to exchange experiences, widen their professional networks, and shape new M&A deals that are going to help them take advantage of the opportunities presented by Vietnams deepening economic integration. Now in its seventh year, Vietnams biggest annual forum on M&A and strategic investment, is going to welcome top leaders and experts from large foreign and domestic corporations and investment funds, government policymakers, leaders from leading state-owned enterprises and from consulting firms in the region to shed light on the past, examine the present, and shape the future of M&A. Co-organised by Vietnam Investment Review and AVM Vietnam since 2009, under the patronage of the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the forum is going to include a specialised seminar on M&A activities in Vietnam, a networking programme, a deal awards ceremony, the issuance of the Vietnam M&A Outlook 2016 Publication, and a master-class of Fund raising for M&A deals. Vietnam M&A Forum 2016: M&A in Wider Economic Boundaries is slated to take place on Thursday, August 18, 2016 in Ho Chi Minh City. Police backed by bomb disposal teams cordon off part of central Brussels where they surrounded a "suspect" individual wearing a long coat with wires showing. (SISKA GREMMELPREZ/Belga/AFP) Brussels is on high alert for Belgian national day celebrations on Thursday, and remains tense following Islamic State-claimed suicide bomb attacks at the airport and in the metro on Mar 22 that left 32 people dead. Police backed by bomb disposal teams cordoned off part of central Brussels where they surrounded the suspect individual, who aroused suspicion because he had on a long winter jacket on a hot day. "He was studying waves and radiation. He has just been detained and police will begin questioning him now," Brussels police spokeswoman Ilse Van de Keere told AFP. The Belga news agency added the "equipment" he was carrying was harmless but did not give details. Local media footage showed troops, police and firemen in and around the cordoned-off area at Place de la Monnaie, with the streets largely deserted in what is normally a very busy shopping district near the Brussels opera house. The latest apparent false alarm comes a month after a man with psychiatric problems who was carrying a fake suicide belt full of salt and biscuits triggered a major anti-terror operation at a Brussels shopping mall. The March IS attacks caused shockwaves in a Belgium already on edge after it emerged that many of the IS militants involved in the November Paris onslaught which killed 130 people had grown up together in Brussels. Last week's deadly Nice attack set off a fresh wave of unease in Belgium and the latest incident, even if it proves to be a false alarm, will add to nerves as the country prepares to celebrate its national day on Thursday. Belgium is the main source per head of population of militant recruits going from the European Union to fight with IS in Syria, causing deep concern that they will return home battle-hardened and even more radicalised. An alliance of investors Cienco1, Cai Mep, and Thai Son has proposed pouring VND6.378 trillion ($291.23 million) inupgrading and dredging lanes in the Cai Mep-Thi Vai area to enable receiving vessels of 100,000 DWT and higher under the publicprivate partnership (PPP) model. Of the sum, the investment of dredging from Buoy No. 0 to CMIT port co-owned by Vinalines and Danish company APMT, is estimated at VND1.375 trillion ($62.75 million). According to the alliance, the investors will dredge 22 million cubic metres from between Buoy No. 0 to CMIT port, 5.34 million cubic metres from between CMIT and SP-PSA (owned by Vinalines and Singaporean PSA), 2.23 million cubic metres from SP-PSA to SITV, 3.95 million cubic metres from SITV to Tac Ca Trung, and 2.68 million cubic metres from Tac Ca Trung to Go Dau. If the proposal is approved, the project will be completed in the first quarter of 2019. The proposal was made amid the growing volume of goods shipped via local ports, which surpassed forecasts by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). In recent years, the volume of goods transited via ports in the Cai Mep-Thi Vai area significantly increased from 8.73 million tonnes in 2010 to 25.65 million tonnes in 2011 and 19.30 million tonnes in 2014. In 2010, the volume of dry goods passing through ports in the Cai Mep-Thi Vai area reached around 16.84 million tonnes, equal to the volume of goods forecast by JICA. If liquid and transited commodities are included, the volume was even higher. Do Hong Thai, deputy head of the Vietnam Maritime Administration, said that the volume of goods shipped via local ports will rise to 101.6-109.2 million tonnes by 2020. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (Photo: AFP/Mohamed Abdiwahab) He has accused followers of his arch-enemy, US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, of being behind the coup, which has led to a wave of some 50,000 arrests and sackings of suspected conspirators. The state of emergency was needed "in order to remove swiftly all the elements of the terrorist organisation involved in the coup attempt," Erdogan said at the presidential palace in Ankara. Although the special measure vastly increases state security powers, Erdogan vowed there would be "no compromise on democracy". The announcement followed long meetings of Turkey's national security council and cabinet chaired by Erdogan at the presidential palace. A state of emergency gives the government extra powers to restrict freedom of movement, said an official, adding that it would not restrict financial or commercial activities as "international law sets limits of restrictions". Turkey in 2002 lifted its last state of emergency, which had been imposed in provinces in the southeast for the fight against Kurdish militants in 1987. Article 120 of the constitution allows a state of emergency to be imposed "at a time of serious deterioration of public order because of acts of violence." 'LESSON IN DEMOCRACY' Global concern has grown as Turkish authorities have arrested or fired troops, police, judges, teachers and other civil servants in the aftermath of Friday's failed bid to seize power by rebel troops. Earlier the Turkish leader lashed out at critics of the sweeping purge, telling France's Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault - who had warned Erdogan not to use the failed coup as a "blank cheque" to silence his opponents - to "mind his own business". "Does he have the authority to make these declarations about my person? No, he does not. If he wants a lesson in democracy, he can very easily get a lesson in democracy from us," Erdogan said on al-Jazeera. Earlier on Wednesday US Secretary of State John Kerry, flanked by allied foreign ministers, said that while "we condemn this coup", it was important that the response to it "fully respects that democracy that we are supporting". And German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman, in more direct comments, said that in Turkey "nearly every day we are seeing new measures that flout the rule of law and that disregard the principle of proportionality". Erdogan in the Al-Jazeera interview insisted that the arrests and suspensions had been carried out "within the law", adding that "of course that does not mean we have come to the end of it". 'KILLED OR KIDNAPPED' Erdogan was in the Aegean resort of Marmaris when the coup struck. Narrowly escaping the rebel soldiers, he flew to Istanbul where he had stayed since, appearing before huge crowds of flag-waving supporters several nights in a row. Turkish authorities have launched an operation to find 21 commandos who are suspected of the attack on Erdogan's hotel. Erdogan told CNN this week his life had been in grave danger. "If I stayed (in Marmaris) 10, 15 minutes more, I would either have been killed or kidnapped and taken away by them," he said. The putsch left more than 300 dead and caused scenes of devastation, especially in Ankara where fighter jets and attack helicopters turned parts of parliament and the police headquarters to rubble. The government says 312 people were killed in the coup, including 145 civilians, 60 police, three soldiers and 104 plotters. Erdogan admitted there had been "intelligence failures," saying he had learnt about the coup from his brother-in-law. The government has since cracked down hard on alleged rebel soldiers, formally arresting 99 of 118 detained generals and admirals, and also placing in custody thousands of troops, with some later seen bruised and wounded. 'SUPERIOR MIND' Ankara says the coup was masterminded by Gulen and the massive crackdown appears to be targeting individuals suspected of any connection to Erdogan's former-ally-turned-foe. Turkey has stepped up pressure on Washington to extradite him, sending several "dossiers" it says are packed with evidence about his alleged involvement. In their first telephone conversation since the attempted overthrow, President Barack Obama pledged US assistance to Erdogan for the investigation into the putsch, which has threatened to once again raise tensions between the uneasy NATO allies. Gulen issued a statement on Tuesday urging Washington to reject the extradition call and dismissed as "ridiculous" the claim he was behind the botched coup. The 75-year-old reclusive cleric lives in Pennsylvania but retains vast interests in Turkey ranging from media to finance to schools and wields influence in various arms of the state, including the judiciary and police. Erdogan, asked if other countries could have been involved in the coup, told Al-Jazeera: "There could be. The Gulen organisation has another superior mind, if you will, and the time will come when those connections will be deciphered." The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) released the Business Climate Index (BCI) for Q2 on July 21, which is posted at 77 indicating positive sentiment from EuroCham members on the local business environment.-VNA/VNS Photo Overall, the assessment on the business situation among European companies in the last quarter is good, with 66.7 per cent of the respondents describing it as "excellent" or "good", and only 12.5 per cent classifying it as "not good" or "very poor". EuroCham Chairman Michael Behrens commented: "The results for Quarter 2, 2016, show positive expectations for the near future and consistent satisfaction with the present situation." "EuroCham members maintain a positive view on the Vietnamese market and their business operations in the country, a result which does not differ from our last survey. This is a good sign for the current implementation of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to strongly enhance European business and investment," he added. In regard to the macroeconomic outlook for Viet Nam in the next quarter, from EuroCham members' point of view, macroeconomic stability will likely continue, as 56.3 per cent of the respondents indicated "stabilisation and improvement". Another 9.4 per cent expected deterioration, and 34.4 per cent think that it will not change. Around 49 per cent of the respondents expected the number of orders or revenue to increase slightly in the next quarter. 15.6 per cent of them were even more optimistic, expecting a significant increase of revenue in Q3. Specifically, 43.8 per cent of the questioned companies answered that they would increase investment, while 43.7 per cent expected an increase in headcount, the survey found. The survey was sent out to 883 members of EuroCham including some of the largest European investors in the country. Under this agreement, Generali Vietnam will offer life insurance products to the Vietnamese partner (Eximbank)s customers through an extensive network of more than 200 branches and transaction offices across Vietnam. As a leading global insurance player, the Generali Group has a solid track record in Europe and a growing presence in Asia. With this partnership, Generali Vietnam and Eximbank will create tremendous synergies to better serve local customers. This will allow customers to access Generalis life insurance solutions more easily at Eximbanks branches and transaction offices. In recent years, the demand for insurance products of our customers has increased significantly. We believe that this bancassurance partnership between Eximbank and Generali Vietnam will expand our product offerings to the market and strengthen our value proposition, stated Eximbank in a recent media statement. Tina Nguyen, CEO of Generali Vietnam said, This exclusive partnership with Eximbank is a strategic step in expanding our distribution network, bringing our high quality products and services to millions of customers. I look forward to seeing the mutual success this partnership will bring to both parties and contributing strongly to the growth of the insurance industry, especially in the area of bancassurance. Generali Vietnam is a member of Generali Group, one of the worlds largest insurance providers with 2015 total premium income exceeding 74 billion ($81.5 billion). With 76,000 employees serving clients in more than 60 countries, the group occupies a leadership position in West European market and increasingly important place in markets in Central-Eastern Europe and Asia. In 2015, Generali was the sole insurance company included among the 50 smartest companies in the world by the MIT Technology Review. Hospitals and Health Ministry publicise hotlines to receive patients concerns over hospital-related issues.- VNA/VNS Photo The healthcare sector is determined to improve service delivery quality and attitude to patients in order to better satisfy patients and service users. From the middle of last year, the Health Ministry launched a programme on improving healthcare providers manners and attitude to better serve patients. Minister Tien spoke via an online meeting yesterday with health officials across the country, commenting that patients satisfaction of healthcare services was a top goal for the healthcare sector. According to reports released at the meeting yesterday, five healthcare providers were fired, seven people were dismissed from their duties, 50 people were assigned to other positions and more than 15,800 people were disciplined as they were found to have committed wrongdoings against patients. The Health Ministrys hotline 19009095 received over 4,000 calls in the last six months, about 40 per cent of which were patient complaints on hospital infrastructure and poor facilities, 28 per cent related to professional procedures and 14 per cent related to healthcare providers attitude and performance. Hospitals and healthcare centres must pay attention to both medical services and non-medical services like parking, security, canteens and transportation in hospitals, Tien said. She asked hospital managers to review the operation of such services, particularly those provided by companies which are not under the management of hospitals. Hospitals must ensure transparent biddings to select providers of such hospital logistic services, she said. The Ministry of Justice plans to review Article 292 of the 2015 Penal Code, with reference to other relevant ministries and agencies, to avoid creating barriers to the development of startup enterprises. - Photo ictnews.vn Deputy Minister Tran Tien Dung, the ministry's speaker, confirmed this early this week in response to the business community's petition to scrutinise the regulation. Dung said the regulation had been proposed to prevent criminals from using the internet or telecommunications networks, as well as to protect legal business activities. Under Article 292, online service providers will be deemed criminals if they do not have permission to conduct business online or if they do not conduct business according to the specifics of their business registration. Services governed by Article 292 include gold trading, e-commerce, multilevel marketing, payment intermediaries, online games, and other services using computer or telecommunications networks. The regulation raises concerns among the startup community. Most startup firms develop new ideas and services based on information technology. They worry that the words "other services" are not well defined by the regulation, which may lead firms to accidentally commit crimes. The ministry will now meet with relevant ministries, agencies, IT experts, representatives of the startup community, and the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss amendments to the regulation before submitting it for approval. Visitors gather to watch the street magicians perform on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street in the central Vietnamese city of Hue. The troupes members, naming themselves the Hue Street Magicians Club, gather at their usual spot on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street, which runs along the famous Huong River, to entertain both domestic and international tourists. After a few minutes of discussion, the magicians begin placing their props and carrying out strange yet amusing performances which quickly attract a large crowd. In one of the magic acts, the amateur artist puts a can of water on a piece of purple paper, both of which are placed on a table in front of a volunteer. The magician then guesses what the participant is thinking as he or she fixates on the water can. The show runs smoothly as the spectators are amazed by the performers correct guesses and ends with a round of applause mixed with laughter from the audience. It was amazing! I had no idea how they managed to read my mind, Hoang Anh, a traveler from the south-central city of Nha Trang, said. I am a huge magic fan. The group also includes several members with fluent English skills, who helped walk foreign visitors through the series of performances by interpreting and explaining the tricks. The idea of the club originated from the passion for magic of several youngsters in the city, who wished to form a playground for people with similar interests to learn, practice, and have fun. Established over three years ago, the team currently includes 20 members who are mainly college students. The street performers chose the Nguyen Dinh Chieu pedestrian street to be their regular stage as the destination still lacks nighttime activities for visitors. According to Tuong, a member of the team, the magic performances leave a positive impression on tourists. The club wishes to bring laughter to the people, and help them enjoy their time in the city, Bui Huu Thien, leader of the group, said. It takes the members thorough research and relentless practice to employ a captivating magic trick, Thien elaborated. Weve had to be patient. Thinking of the joy and support of the audience gives us the motivation to overcome the challenge, the leader added. Hwealth Cafe Wait not waist not The eternal culinary conundrum--can one eat pasta and burger but not wallow in self loathing right after?--has everyone constantly having to choose between their favourite grub and well... salads. Enter, Hwealth Cafe, a cosy little joint just around the corner from Defence Colony market, which is as endearing in its decor as it is healthy in its fare. Their menu is customisable on request, and the friendly staff is more than happy to help you pick a healthy offshoot of the extensive assortment of already existing dishes. We highly recommend the egg and tuna salad, with its generous dose of leafy greens and perfectly boiled eggs stuffed with fish; the chicken burger--with its succulent patty, wholewheat wholegrain bun, slathered with hummus and filled with lettuce, pickles and onions, served with a mint yogurt dip and salad. advertisement And if dessert's just a waist-friendly 240-calorie whole wheat carrot cake, rich in flavour and perfect to complete your meal, why miss out on that favourite, now permissible course? Meal for two Rs 750 At A-272, Ground Floor, Defence Colony. Salad days Bowl-ed over A deliberate effort to eat clean and stay healthy has thankfully changed the junk eating trend. Salad Days, an online venture delivers tossed salads and cold pressed juices to people across South Delhi and Gurgaon. Some of the stand-outs from the menu are the signature chicken Caesar, the Japanese chicken teriyaki, Asian chicken noodle salad. At saladdays.co Meal for two Rs 600 TAF wellness centre Green gourmet It isn't easy to spot this plush-looking wellness clinic at first. Tucked away inside the busy Saidulajab market, the TAF Wellness Centre is a one-stop-shop for those who are trying to bid their fat goodbye. Cleverly named TAF, an anagram of 'fat', the clinic looks at reversing the fat deposits in your body. Whether it is the desi classic, dal makhani made from milk instead of cream or a grilled chicken stuffed with lean paneer, you will be told about the exact calories in each of these scrumptious dishes. Meal for two Rs 650 At Sheesham Courtyard, 28 Saidulajab, MB Road --- ENDS --- According to newswire Pulsenews.com.kr, the construction is expected to start operation in September 2017. The plant will be equipped with modern technology lines imported from Spain , and will have a designed capacity of 360,000 tonnes of compound fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium per year, which will be exported to Southeast Asian countries, primarily to Japan and South Korea . KVF is a joint venture between Taekwang Industrial Co., Ltd. (Taekwang Industrial) and its subsidiary Huchems Fine Chemical Corporation. The mother company Taekwang holds a 51 per cent stake and Huchems the remaining 49 per cent. Once the plant comes into operation, Huchems will be in charge of the operation and management of the plant, while Taekwang Industrial will be responsible for sales and marketing. Once completed in 2017, the plant is expected to account for nine per cent of the entire NPK compound fertilizer production in Vietnam . We expect the plant to generate 150 billion won ($13 million) in sales a year, said Choi Gyu-sung, president and CEO of Huchems. Taekwang Industrial also plans to implement a $171 million shoe-manufacturing factory in 2B Hung Phu industrial park in Cai Rang district of the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho . The factory covers an area of 62 hectares, 52 hectares of which houses the production area, while the remaining 10 hectares is set aside as a service and commercial area and warehouses for lease. The investor is completing the necessary procedures to implement the project and expects to carry out the land clearance in the upcoming months. The factorys construction is divided into three phases. The first phases construction is expected to kick off in 2016 and last until 2019, and the second and third phases are to be finished by 2022 and 2025, respectively. The factory constructed during the first phase will start operation in the first quarter of 2017, while the second phase will be inaugurated in 2020, and the third phase in 2023. Once the factory comes into operation, it will have a total capacity of 100 million products per year and create 30,000 jobs. The six-hectare plant will be equipped with a manufacturing line imported from Italy. The construction is expected to be completed in August 2017 so that the plant can come into operation one month later, with an output of 600,000 tonnes per year. Almost all products of the expanded plant will go to large domestic customers, namely Vina Kyoei Steel, SSE Steel, Nha Be Steel, Tay Do Steel, and Vinh Phuc Mechanic. The remaining products will be exported to the Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Singapore. Fuco currently runs the first phase, a 30-hectare steel billet plant to produce billets, which is used to make reinforcing bars, bars, and wires. The construction of the first phase was started in 2012 and finished in 2014. The plant has an annual capacity of one million tonnes, 20 per cent of which is distributed on the domestic market, and the remaining 80 per cent being exported to the ASEAN and Middle Eastern markets. Entering Vietnam in 2007, Fuco is a subsidiary of Fuco International Ltd.-the largest steel maker in Taiwan. The company in Vietnam currently has 250 trained employees and engineers. The 15 council members including the powerful permanent five - Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States - will each rate the 12 candidates running for the top job with a ballot marked "encourage," "discourage" or "no opinion." The results of the first round of straw polls will not be announced, but they will be communicated to the governments that have put forward candidates to replace Ban Ki-moon in January. Among the top contenders are Argentina's Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra, Slovenia's ex-president Danilo Turk, New Zealand's ex-prime minister Helen Clark and Antonio Guterres, who served as Portugal's prime minister and headed the UN refugee agency. Six of the 12 candidates are women. The bulk of the contenders - eight - are from eastern Europe. The secret vote follows a new, more open process that for the first time in the UN's history provided for hearings to allow candidates to present their pitch for the top job before the General Assembly. UN member states have complained for years that the secretary-general is chosen not for his or her ability to lead the world body but to serve the permanent five members. One of the most energetic campaigners in the race, Clark said the new transparency had allowed "a different type of candidate" to emerge, with less emphasis on diplomatic background. "This process has thrown up more personal leadership experience and presentation experience," Clark told AFP ahead of the vote. "The issue is: will the more transparent process, which has produced a different profile of candidate, lead to a different result? That's an open question." UN CHIEF FROM EASTERN EUROPE? Security Council members are facing calls to pick the first woman after eight men in the job, and to give preference to a candidate from eastern Europe, the only region that has yet to be represented in the top post. However, divisions among Eastern Europeans have meant that no clear frontrunner has emerged from that region. More candidates from eastern Europe could come forward as a result of the vote. Australia's former prime minister Kevin Rudd is also expected to throw his hat in the ring. Ukraine, which will be casting its straw poll as a non-permanent council member, is not committed to backing a candidate from eastern Europe. "I would say that we are looking overall at the person," Ukraine's Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko told AFP. "We will not limit our encouragements to eastern European candidates." Several rounds of straw polls are expected to be held before the council agrees on a consensus candidate, which is likely to happen in October. At some stage, the council will introduce color-coded ballots for the permanent five members, allowing them to cast an effective veto to block any candidate. From now on, the selection process becomes more opaque, with some comparing the vote to a Vatican conclave convened to elect the pope. The transparency and openness is "the UN's version of populism," said Hugh Dugan, a former US diplomat now at Seton Hall University's school of diplomacy. "I see the gloves coming off. The 15 will meet and it will turn into the five and then turn into the two - Russia and the US." Once the council agrees on a nominee, the General Assembly will endorse the choice. The new UN chief will begin work on Jan 1. Comprising of 1,152 high-end apartments in four 35-storey residential towers offering a spectacular view of the Saigon River, Phu My Bridge, and the surrounding city, Vista Verde showcases lush green landscaping and was designed to bring a symphony of nature to residents. Strategically located in the heart of District 2s administrative centre, it is five minutes from essential amenities and 10 minutes from districts 1 and 7. According to Chen Lian Pang, CEO of CapitaLand Vietnam, the topping out was an important milestone of the project, which was launched in 2014 and have sold more than 80 per cent to date. We look forward to presenting this landmark residential development that redefines modern living in Vietnam. The successful topping out of Vista Verde would not have been possible without the support of the local authorities, our consultants and contractors, our strategic business affiliates, as well as Thien Duc, our valued partner in Vista Verde, Chen said. Vista Verde has won the prestigious Best Condominium in Vietnam award at Asia Pacific Property Awards 2015 and the Best Architectural Landscape Design award at Vietnam Property Awards 2015. The two awards recognise CapitaLands efforts to incorporate international design principles and practices at Vista Verde. CapitaLand Vietnams first residential project in Ho Chi Minh City was The Vista, which was completed in September 2011 and has since been handed over to homebuyers. Other completed projects include PARCSpring in Ho Chi Minh City and Mulberry Lane in Hanoi. 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. Manjhi said that abusive rant by Singh was not only condemnable but also criminal in nature and action should be initiated against him in the case. By Rohit Kumar Singh: Former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has lashed out at the BJP for the abusive words used by its former vice president of UP BJP, Dayashankar Singh. Speaking in Gaya, Majhi said that the comments made by Singh was an insult to the Dalits of the country and cautioned the saffron party that it was high time that BJP mended its way. advertisement Manjhi said that abusive rant by Singh was not only condemnable but also criminal in nature and action should be initiated against him in the case. Angry over the abusive words used by Singh for BSP Supremo Mayawati, Manjhi said that Singhs mere suspension or expulsion from the party was not going to be enough and demanded that an FIR should be registered against him under SC-ST Act and he be arrested and sent to jail. The former Bihar CM said that sending Dayashankar Singh to jail would only heal the pain and humiliation that the Dalit in the country have faced in last 24 hours. Manjhi exuded confidence that PM Narendra Modi was a sensitive person and he would definitely look into the matter so that justice is meted out to Dalit community. Earlier, Bihar deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav on Wednesday had condemned the abusive language by Dayashankar Singh on Mayawati but expressed apprehensions that this incident could be staged by BJP and BSP for electoral gains in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh polls. Mayawati slur: BJP suspends Dayashankar Singh for six years, BSP files FIR 10 sexist slurs that show how ridiculous Indian politicians can be BJP leader compares Mayawati to a prostitute as party counters anti-Dalit tag in Gujarat, Parliament --- ENDS --- It is not a cure, nor a vaccine, but experts at the International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa are optimistic about a pill that could prevent the spread of HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a key topic at this weeks conference. According to a recent study unveiled at the conference, people who take a pill of antiretroviral drugs each day, often the same pill that HIV-positive people take, showed extremely low rates of HIV transmission. Chris Beyrer, the president of the International AIDS Society, lauded the results at the conference, Now is really the time to start the PrEP access era, he said. Seven countries have approved the use of PrEP, and it is increasing in the United States among high risk groups. In South Africa, the program has been tested, with good results among sex workers. Hetero Drugs Limited is an Indian pharmaceutical company that specializes in generic drugs. About 2.5 million Indians are known to have HIV. It is advised that a person who is at risk of developing HIV should take two pills before the intercourse and two pills within 24 to 48 hours after the intercourse, Heteros international marketing manager, Rahul Lande, told VOA News. "And the success rates for these studies are showing like 97 percent rate, and those three percent are those that did not take pills, basically. So its quite a successful study. Cameron Cox, a sex worker and activist in Sydney, said neither he nor his partner use PrEP because both men are HIV-positive. He said he is cautiously supportive of PrEP and that some of his male clients use the treatment. "The boys who have gone on to PrEP, even though that when they come to see me, we still use condoms, they are much more comfortable having sex and they are much more relaxed, and they tell me that when they have sex, say, privately, non-commercial sex with other partners, that they feel much better about having sex," he said. "They're not all the time scared that this is maybe going to be the time that there's a slip-up and something happens and they seroconvert. So it's a wonderful thing for their mental health, if you know what I mean." But, he said, he is worried that PrEP may lull people into a false sense of security. If the HIV rate falls among people with high risk, like men who have sex with other men, it may foster a false sense that the epidemic is no longer a threat, and people of all risk levels may stop taking precautions against HIV, he says. Indian sex worker Kiran Deshmukh, who is HIV-positive, says she welcomes any advance in the fight against HIV. She proudly noted that none of her three children are HIV-positive because she was able to take precautions to prevent transmission of the disease. But she said it's impossible to talk about sex and HIV without talking about trust. "I would not have any problem with my partner using PrEP," she said, "but my basic question would be: when I'm already using a condom 24-7, why would you need to use PrEP as an additional medication?" Like many questions that swirl around the AIDS virus, it's one that science alone cannot answer. Liu Xiaodong, 40, pregnant wife of prominent Chinese dissident Zhao Changqing, arrived in San Francisco Wednesday with their 4-year-old son to live as refugees. Her husband, 47-year-old Zhao, has been a leading defender of human rights and democracy in China since the student-led 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. As a former student leader and prominent political prisoner of conscience, he has been imprisoned six times in the last 27 years. After spending two months in Thailand, Liu acquired a U.S. visa with the aid of Initiatives by China/Citizen Power for China, a grassroots movement dedicated to a peaceful transition to democracy. The group's president, Yang Jianli, escorted Liu onto U.S. soil. When my identity was revealed in Thailand, I was concerned, because Thailand is not safe," Liu told VOA's Mandarin Service, explaining that her husband now lives in Beijing under heavy surveillance. "It is risky for those fleeing China. Liu is just one of many Chinese dissidents and activists who have fled to neighboring Thailand for asylum over the past several years, but the Southeast Asian country is no longer a safe haven. Many Chinese nationals have been forcibly returned to China in cross-border arrests, which are often described as kidnappings. Hong Kong publisher Gui Minhai, who disappeared from Thailand last year, later appeared on Chinese state TV to confess a wrongdoing. I hope Zhao [can] come to the United States," Liu added, describing him as kind, honest and "firmly committed to his belief." "Our kids are small. The older one is only 4; the other is not born yet. They need their father. Having spent a cumulative total of 11 years in prison, Zhao was released on bail July 7, Liu said, adding that she spoke to him while traveling. She said that although he is doing fine physically, he continues to have difficulty finding a permanent home. His intention is to stay in China and continue his work. "He has already been summoned by police and was told he is not welcome to live in Beijing, so he doesnt know where he will live or find a job, she said. "I respect him, but as his wife, I hope he wont be imprisoned again. It would be a disaster for our family and our kids that we cannot face." In 2005, Zhao refused to participate in a flag-raising ceremony or sing the national anthem. He was put into solitary confinement for more than a month. He was later returned to solitary confinement for refusing to take part in military drills and for receiving Falun Gong members, according to published reports. Zhao was part of a loose network of grassroots activists known as the New Citizens Movement who, in 2013, were targeted by Chinese authorities as part of a broad crackdown on dissent. That year, members of the movement, including its founder Xu Zhiyong, were accused of orchestrating five rallies in Beijing. Dozens were taken into custody across the country and at least 10 were put on trial. Chinese authorities found Zhao and three other activists guilty of gathering a crowd to disturb order in public for planning street protests and sentenced Zhao in April 2014 to two years and six months' imprisonment. Yang said Liu will live with supporters in suburban Hayward, California, and take care of her children. Her baby is due Aug. 23. Produced in collaboration with VOA's Mandarin Service. Portions of this report are from AP. A little over a year since Argentina's spy agency was shackled in the wake of the mysterious death of a star prosecutor, President Mauricio Macri is backing its quest for broader powers that critics fear will revive unfettered domestic spying. Argentina's spies are pressing Macri to remove restrictions imposed by former president Cristina Fernandez after public investigator Alberto Nisman was found dead in his home in 2015, a source in the judiciary said. Fernandez accused a rogue agent of playing a role in Nisman's murder, which came days after he accused her of covering up Iran's alleged role in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish center in Buenos Aires. Fernandez overhauled the country's spy agency in response, branding it the Federal Intelligence Service, or AFI. But despite the new name, the agency is starting to look more like the former Intelligence Secretariat, with agents purged by Fernandez moving back into old posts since Macri took power in December, said an intelligence source who spoke on the condition of anonymity. In May, Macri issued a decree that lifted controls Fernandez had placed on the spy agency's funding, allowing it once again to spend most of its budget without any oversight. Macri's center-right government has since floated the possibility of giving back to AFI control of wiretaps that have been run by the judiciary since last year - raising red flags with Argentines fearful of a return to its sinister role in the country's past. The old spy agency helped the military dictatorship of 1976-1983 target Marxists, labor unions and students in the country's "dirty war," when thousands disappeared. Successive democratically elected governments were widely believed to keep using it to snoop on opponents. Macri, who has promised to uproot crime, declined to comment. But advocates of allowing the spy agency to conduct wiretaps again say it would help speed up criminal investigations amid a recent spate of kidnappings and extortion. "I'm worried" about AFI regaining wiretapping powers, said Juan Rodriguez, the director of the court-controlled department DCC that now conducts all legal taps of some 3,000 phone lines in Argentina. Wiretaps today are mostly used to track suspected drug traffickers, Rodriguez said, and must be authorized by a judge and registered for possible scrutiny. Standing before DCC's 17 wiretapping devices, Rodriguez said "this is transparent ... we want to end the dark period that this system once represented." A source close to Macri said it was a myth that the country's spies are sinister and powerful, and that AFI is too weak in its current state to operate effectively. Ruling party lawmaker Emilio Monzo has said that Macri was studying the reform and would likely propose a bill by the end of the year if he deems it a good idea. Monzo declined requests for an interview. Macri has not said why he lifted oversight rules on AFI's budget, but a second intelligence source said the decision aimed to improve AFI's workflow by cutting out unnecessary bureaucracy. But critics point to corruption cases in recent decades that have traced money used for bribes to the spy agency, which was assigned a $100 million budget for 2016. The murder of Nisman has still not been solved. The Cambodian community in the United States is fairly small when compared with other Asian expatriate groups, but they come together to address issues when pressed. Ahead of the November 8 presidential election, Cambodians in the U.S. are working to pool votes in large numbers for candidates whom they see as strong on education, jobs and health care. We are conducting a campaign to encourage people to join us to elect representatives in their states, said Prom Saonora, honorary president of the Cambodian-American Alliance. Whichever candidate is willing to help us, we will support them. An estimated 300,000 Cambodians live in the United States, according to an April 2015 report by the Center for American Progress (CAP). In the 2012 presidential election, 62 percent of registered Khmers voted, with three-quarters of those voters choosing incumbent President Barack Obama. Voter effort Nem Chhoeung, founder and president of Cambodia Town in Atlanta, Georgia, said that his community, with about 10,000 members, typically has an impact on local elections. Almost 70 percent of the Cambodian-Americans live in the same town in my community, Chhoeung said. Therefore, representatives in this district, and even our senator, depend on our support. We are able to vote them in or out. Chhoeung urged Cambodian communities throughout the U.S. continue to unite in their efforts to demand leaders address challenges they face and also help their countrymen back home. We have to unite to show our strength that we dont only have temples and associations, but other businesses behind us, too, Chhoeung said. These businesses have benefited us a lot such as employing workers. This is our undeniable contribution to the U.S. Most Cambodian-Americans settled in the U.S. as refugees of the fallen Khmer Rouge regime in 1979. While the U.S. government relocated about 150,000 among several states, the top states for residence include California, Massachusetts, Washington, Pennsylvania and Texas. Before arriving in the U.S., most Cambodians had little knowledge of the West or the English language, which subsequently affected income and education. Compared with other major U.S.-based Asian communities, such as Chinese, Korean, Indian and Vietnamese, Cambodians have the highest poverty rate, at 18.8 percent, compared with 13.9 percent for Vietnamese and Koreans. Reserved nature Analyst Kuch Schenley said the traditionally reserved nature of the Khmer community in the U.S. means their concerns often went unheard in political circles. U.S. politicians really want to help Khmers, but if they dont know what we want and what we are suffering from, how could they help? Schanley asked. Thats why I believe there should be activities organized in some U.S. towns to express our concerns. Cambodian-Americans should change our habit from staying quiet to expressing our dissatisfaction if there is any, or requesting anything so that politicians know and work for us. Many Cambodian-Americans own businesses, such as restaurants, tour companies and grocery shops. Others are directly involved in the political process. In 2012, Sam Meas became the first Cambodian-American to run for a Congressional seat in Massachusetts. Despite the Republicans unsuccessful bid, he remains active in his community. This year Meas is urging voters to focus on security, immigration and jobs, because these issues most affect the Cambodian community. I believe that, nowadays, U.S. citizens in general and especially Cambodians in Massachusetts face unemployment and difficulties to find a job, Meas said. They [have difficulties] to find a job because the tax is increasingly high, and, secondly, companies have shifted factory jobs to [places] like Sri Lanka, Mexico and other countries. United community He also urged people to vote for their preferred candidates, saying that, in addition to those basic challenges, issues such as deportation of non-U.S. citizens require the support of an outspoken, united ethnic community. In a democratic society, those who make louder noise will receive support, Meas said. Therefore, I appeal and beg [the] Cambodian community in the U.S., especially those [faced with] deportation, to register to vote, apply for citizenship, so that we can petition our representatives. Rep. Rady Mom of Massachusetts, the first Cambodian elected to a state legislature, described himself as living proof of an active, civically engaged minority community. The reason why Im here is because all people have united and put me to work for them, Mom said. Without their votes, I would not be here. Im now working for them. This is my job. When there is a request, I accept it and look at it from every angle, trying to find the best answer for them, or using any law to address the issue in our community. China's capitalists have already joined the ranks of the world's wealthiest people, and many have been embracing philanthropy and building private foundations to support charitable causes. But the government has passed a new Charities Law which allows Beijing to guide the flow of these funds to charities that it supports. The measure makes it compulsory for donors to keep the government informed about their contributions. That will likely affect the functioning and independence of private foundations owned by major business groups and wealthy individuals. Many of their foundations were created, in the first place, because the wealthy want to control the use of funds instead of relying on more opaque state-backed charities. A large section of the Chinese wealthy have made their money because of government support, and are closely linked with the Communist Party. But many have embraced the philosophies of Western capitalists who turned to philanthropy after making their fortune. "I have spoken to many of them. They have read works of Rockefeller, Carnegie, and they feel they are in the same position, Anthony Saich, director of Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School, told VOA. "They made money, often through monopolies and other ways, and now they are thinking of giving back to society. It is a growing trend in China." Almost half of the 100 most generous people in China have either established their own foundations, or are planning to do so, he said. The Ash Center, which produced a generosity index of top 100 Chinese philanthropists, found that they had channeled 60 percent of the contributions to their home provinces. Shift in giving patterns A recent report by the wealth researcher, Hurun Center, shows that 34 percent of the wealthy donors in the Chinese mainland made their contributions through their own foundations. "In the past, the wealthy gave to the Red Cross or government-approved charities. Now, they are looking for creative ways to make a real social impact. Like encouraging the use of new technology for conservation and environmental protection," Rupert Hoogewerf, Hurun Report chairman, said. "Heads of companies like Alibaba and Tencent are trying to leverage their online platforms to expand philanthropic work." For example, there are 700 million people, mostly shoppers, connected to Alibaba's online platform, he said. The Shanghai-based Hurun Report found that 51 Chinese donated more than $80 million each in 2015. Four super rich, Li Ka-shing from Hong Kong, Jack Ma of Alibaba, Pony Ma of Tencent and Facebooks Priscilla Chan from the U.S. contributed $1.5 billion each. Some like Jack Ma contributed shares to their foundations, and others like Pony Ma established fund-raising platforms. An important question is whether the new Charity Law will scare away a lot of donors who want to avoid questions being asked about the source of their funds, particularly in view of the ongoing anti-corruption campaign. Besides, the government guidance mechanism would take away some of the freedom of the donors in choosing what fields they want to contribute to, analysts said. "Some of the wealthy perhaps do not want people to understand how much wealth they have made, and perhaps asking them questions where it came from, particularly in the current campaign against corruption that does moderate [the enthusiasm for giving] somewhat," Saich said. Red fears The Communist Party has its own concerns about the behavior of the new rich who have built close linkages with the Western world through business, and by sending their children to schools abroad. It is worried some of them might support causes espoused by the government's critics or labor-related causes. "The state is afraid of the idea that somehow an independent wealthy could emerge, and that they might fund opposition to it," Saich said adding, "They [Communist officials] are making some false analogies, about what led to the overthrow [of government] in Egypt, what led to color revolutions. They want to make sure that as civic organizations develop, they have pretty good control over what these organizations are doing". Ash Center's director of China Programs, Edward Cunningham, said in the research report, One big question is what role will these [wealthy] individuals play in Chinas broader political, social and economic debates moving forward? Neglected classes The flow of charity funds have remained skewed in China. Chinas poorest areas such as Tibet, Xinjiang, Ningxia, Gansu and Yunnan combined received only 1.96 percent of the funds contributed by the top 100 donors, it said. Besides, there are grave concerns about how the new law will be implemented and whether it will reach the most desperate groups. "Those groups in Chinese society who are considered marginal like people who are the government's critics, people living with HIV/AIDS, I don't think they are going to benefit from this new wealth and new philanthropy," Saich said. Some analysts think the new law would prove to be beneficial in the charities field. "The section on information disclosure in the Charity Law encourages greater transparency and accountability among charitable organizations. The law strengthens the position of donors, as they can track what their donations are used for," Matthias Stepan, head of Program Domestic Politics at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) in Berlin, said. Speaking about the new Charity Law and Foreign NGO Law, Stepan said, "The two new laws are a game changer for their operations in China. Foreign non-government organizations [NGOs] and major international donors will reconsider the type and scope of their operations in China." Foreign NGOs will provide less funding to China particularly to state-backed charities, he said, adding "What I expect is that they will put more weight on activities of capacity building." South Sudan's Ministry of Health said test results Thursday confirmed at least six deaths from cholera outbreaks in three areas of the country. More than 30 suspected cases have been reported in the capital, Juba, alone. Outbreaks were confirmed in Juba, Terekeka state and Duk Island in Jonglei state. As of Wednesday, the nationwide total of cholera cases was 141, according to UNICEF. Minister of Health Riak Gai Kok confirmed the cholera outbreaks on Thursday. "Up to the day before yesterday, we were making some re-agents that could confirm with certainty that this is cholera, but today it has been confirmed that this is a cholera outbreak. It is no longer a suspected cholera." Aid agency health officials this week have been providing patients with medical supplies and clean water, and instructing others on how to recognize the symptoms of cholera. Preventing an outbreak UNICEF said the most efficient way to fight cholera is to move quickly to prevent the disease from becoming an outbreak. Health workers are providing intravenous drips to rehydrate patients, because one of the main symptoms of cholera is dehydration. The U.N. children's agency said three triage tents have been set up in the capital to treat suspected cholera patients. They also are distributing chlorine at community hand-washing stations. UNICEF said five oral hydration units also were set up where people can get safe drinking water. Gai said the work to contain the outbreak is complicated and requires aid agencies and government officials to work closely together. "So we are working on four areas. ... We have intensified the surveillance activity across the country and with emphasis on the three states," he said. "And then also we have extended the laboratory capacity of our public health laboratory." Gai said he is optimistic that South Sudan will quickly get the outbreak under control. Last year, the World Health Organization reported more than 1,500 cases of cholera in South Sudan. The outbreak was declared in June and continued through early November. At least 46 people died in that outbreak. In the past, government officials have been slow to beat back outbreaks of cholera. Gai said the government of South Sudan must develop more infrastructure to ensure safe sanitation. "We are optimistic that we are going to control and contain this outbreak, learning from our past experiences, because the country has experienced two outbreaks in the previous years," he said. "So we could say that we have accumulated experience and expertise in containing and managing this outbreak of cholera." Raising awareness Gai said educating citizens about cholera is key to preventing more deaths. "The other area is case management like the treatment of patients and is being undertaken by some NGOs like MSF in collaboration with Juba Teaching Hospital," he added. "This morning, we took the decision of putting another treatment center west of the city in an area called Gurey [in Jebel suburb of Juba], so we have about two treatment centers in Juba." Daily water supplies are being given to Internally Displaced Persons after the water is treated with chlorine at the U.N. Protection of Civilians site in Juba. UNICEF said providing safe drinking water and sanitation are the most effective ways to curb the spread of the deadly disease. Turkey has been shaken by multiple acts of terrorism since it joined the international coalition against Islamic State almost a year ago. More than 200 people have been killed, and foreign tourists are increasingly being targeted. This year has been particularly deadly, with several attacks in Istanbul. Turkey went through a similarly turbulent period in the 1970s, when leftist and rightist students were killing each other almost every day. That bloody period ended when the Turkish military overthrew the elected government in September 1980. Last weeks coup attempt by some elements in the military has strengthened the perception of instability and insecurity. While the Turkish people supported President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's efforts to foil the attempted coup and the international community stood by him, a large section of Turkish society sounded critical of him on his policies toward IS. Analysts say that with the massive purges within the security apparatus coming right after the failed coup, the fight against IS will be negatively affected. While Erdogan purges state institutions of those he believes oppose him, citizens also continue to struggle to live with increasing IS attacks and exploding bombs. VOA interviewed a cross section of Turkish society about its feelings regarding continued IS attacks in a country that enjoyed peace until very recently. Some of the people interviewed are based in Washington. Here are some excerpts: Omer Taspinar, 46, Brookings Institution, Washington "IS attacks in Turkey were at first aimed at Kurdish groups. Now, Turkey as a whole has been made a target. Since Ankara has started to give more support to the anti-IS international efforts and opened Incirlik Air Base to allied planes, IS has been increasing its attacks in Turkey. IS now is getting defeated on the ground and losing its prestige, too. So it wants to commit more terrorist acts against both Turkey and the West. This is what is happening now." Gonul Tol, 38, Middle East Institute, Washington "Last Fridays coup attempt will badly affect the fight against IS. More than 50,000 people have been fired. Most of them were from the military and civilian security establishment. Some of those were leading the fight against IS. Right now, the security establishment is very weak and morale is very low." Busra Bas, 21, university student, Ankara "Turkey was neutral to IS until the summer of 2015, but since then, the situation changed and IS started to increase its attacks and bombings in Turkey." Soner Cagaptay, 45, Washington Institute, Washington "Turkish-backed rebels have been attacking IS in Syria. In the short term, it will be hard to stop IS. In the long term, Turkey will be able to defeat the IS. The Istanbul airport attack has aligned the interests of Ankara and Washington in Syria. Both now want to see the IS defeated. Unfortunately, things in Turkey will likely get worse before they get better." Asli Bellekci, 38, teacher, Istanbul "I think IS is one of the catalyzer instruments which aims for Turkey to move into a more chaotic situation. IS is trying to create an anti-Islamic public in Turkey and scare people into submission. I hear anger and hatred from many people around me for IS." Cagri Turkmener, 26, engineer, Kahramanmaras "IS is trying to create a chaos and insecure environment by increasing its attacks in Turkey. They want to stain Turkeys international credibility, too. IS has made Turkey one of its primary targets. Many foreigners are canceling their trips to Turkey because of chaotic situation. Even my uncle, who lives in the USA and is married to an Irish lady, has canceled a trip to Turkey. No Muslim can accept ISs ideology. Muslims and all other people should react to groups like IS." Burhan Gundogan, 53, author and poet, Tunceli "Hundreds of years of Turkish policy was changed and we started to interfere in our neighbor's internal affairs. As it is said, you reap what you sow. Turkish leaders even called the IS 'angry youth' at the beginning. I believe Turkey started playing 'my enemys enemy is my friend' game." Fusun Ersoy, 55, special needs education expert, Mersin "Turkey turned into a country that IS can act any way it wants and whenever it wishes. Being a NATO member makes Turkey a primary target." The Reverend Amin Sandewa says his faith has been repeatedly tested. It was pushed to the limit when his wife and two daughters died, one after another, the youngest daughter at just a month old. Sandewa looked to his Lutheran faith for solace and answers. The harshest challenge came from his very church, when he told leaders in 1999 that he was HIV positive. "I know what it is like to be stigmatized," he said on the sidelines of the International AIDS Conference in Durban. His status may have prevented him from getting a parish, Sandewa says. But when he was shunned, he looked to his faith and turned the other cheek. "The teaching of Jesus Christ is about love," he said. "So when I see others stigmatizing me, I know they are not walking the talk, because they are preaching the love, but then they are not implementing the love. So that's how I gathered confidence and said, I have to teach them, I decided to teach them about that. When they stigmatized me, I said no, I have to help them." Pressing for tolerance, compassion Sandewa is one of several dozen religious leaders who took an unlikely spot here at the 21st annual conference, saying there is room for faith in the fight against the virus. Clergy held regular interfaith sessions. The journey to reconcile faith and HIV hasn't been easy. For example, critics say the Roman Catholic Church has marginalized millions of people who need help and acceptance. In doing so, critics argue, the Church has denied vulnerable people the social and material support they need to fight HIV. Caroline Jaff, a medical doctor and Catholic nun in Cameroon, summed up the Church's position on two controversial topics in the fight against AIDS. "We preach fidelity, which is 100 percent HIV prevention," she said. "About homosexuality, you know, actually, it's not a matter of judgement, but since the Church goes along with what the Scripture says, let me just say, it has created man and woman." Other Christian leaders say such attitudes are not helpful. The Reverend J.P. Mokgethi-Heath, who toted around a bag full of condoms and spoke lovingly about his husband, said religious institutions need to be more accepting of people and of sex. A policy adviser on HIV and theology for the Church of Sweden, he said houses of worship need to be involved in the fight against HIV. "Faith is integral to all our lives, and what faith gives each of us is the knowledge that we are beautifully and divinely created, that each of us is not only a creation, but a celebration of God," he said. "And so our main role, I would say, is not only to link people to God in relationship, but to give people the self-esteem they need to believe themselves worthy of protection, believe themselves worthy of treatment, believe themselves worthy of care." Faith and science compatible Other fighters in the AIDS battle say there is room for faith and science to coexist. Ally Ahmed Ramadhan, a South Sudanese doctor, made a point to duck into the conferences Muslim prayer room Thursday afternoon. He considers himself socially liberal and says he tries not to judge others. "I think, as a Muslim, one of the central tenets of Islam is based on the fact that God gave us a very important attribute, which is the attribute of choice," he said. "You will be judged on what choices you make. So I feel the people who discriminate against people because they choose this option over the other option, I would say, probably they are not doing it the right way." Sandewa says he believes that attitudes have changed and that he and other HIV-positive believers will gain acceptance. One of the hurdles, he says, is that his colleagues are often reluctant to share their HIV status. "Most of them have not yet disclosed, because of stigma," he said. Mokgethi-Heath added that his congregation benefits from welcoming everyone, regardless of HIV status. "Fundamentally," he said, "they are the ones who will bring us healing. Fundamentally, they are the ones who will show us our brokenness in not being able to fully respond to the love of God. And so they will be our wounded healers." A new report from UNAIDS, a United Nations program focused on HIV/AIDS, found that the rate of infection among adults no longer is declining, though it notes "significant progress" in halting new infections among children. Over the last 35 years, an estimated 78 million people have been infected with HIV and 35 million have died from AIDS-related illness. The famous restaurant by Jiggs Kalra, and son Zoravar, just opened a new branch in the national capital. Ever tried a floating chocolate? Now you can, at Masala Library, Delhi. Picture courtesy: Instagram/thesalilmehta By Shreya Goswami: If you are totally bored of the plain old dhaba-type food with ghee or cream on top, with all the dishes looking uninspired and just the same as 20 years ago, then this new place in Delhi will take your Indian food experience by storm. Indian foodies are more than familiar with the stature of Jiggs Kalra, and the fame Masala Library has gained since its launch in Mumbai. Its Founder, Managing Director, and Jiggs Kalra's son, Zoravar Kalra, gave Masala Library its unique technique and appeal, making it the only Indian restaurant that cooks Indian food with a modern, molecular gastronomic twist. The Mizo Soup is warm, nutritious, and nourishing. Picture courtesy: Instagram/the_epicurious You've just got to go try out the menu at the Masala Library. Picture courtesy: Instagram/masalalibrary advertisement Also read: 5 of the best Biryani joints in Delhi you must try at least once And it's this very experience that is now taking Delhi's foodies for the joy ride of a lifetime, because Masala Library just opened its new branch at Janpath a week or so ago! But if you think Delhites will get the same fare offered to Mumbaikars, you are wrong. The Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra, Delhi, takes a leap forward with its menu and flavours. A nest full of eggs you won't regret having. Picture courtesy: Instagram/rupalidean The largest wine and single malt list in the nation, food from all the countries of the Indian subcontinent (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Maldives), and cutting-edge gastronomic techniques like centrifuges and rotary evaporation, all combine to make Masala Library just what its owners claim it to be--the world's first subcontinental restaurant. Naga-style pork is also on offer at the Masala Library. Picture courtesy: Instagram/rupalidean Naga-style pork is also on offer at the Masala Library. Picture courtesy: Instagram/rupalidean Also read: The Embassy restaurant in Delhi serves dishes that have stayed the same for 68 years So what are the dishes you've just GOT to try at the Masala Library? The Mizo Soup with Black Rice is a starter that will warm and nourish you to your bones. Try their baked samosa, and you'll be surprised to see you favourite Indian snack being cooked and presented the way they do. The desserts at the Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra are to die for. Picture courtesy: Instagram/boilingrooster The Charcoal Bhajiya is to die for, while the Naga-style pork dish is one of the best you'll ever eat. And to end your meal at the high-flying level it deserves, order a plate of the Masala Library-special, levitating chocolate. Yes, this chocolate and raspberry dessert actually flies! The Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra is a place you definitely want to try out, foodies of Delhi. --- ENDS --- Police in the southeastern city of North Miami, Florida, shot an unarmed African-American therapist who was lying on the ground with his arms raised as he tried to calm his autistic patient. Video of the encounter was captured minutes before the shooting on a cellphone camera. The shooting occurred Monday, and the video was provided to the Miami Herald newspaper Wednesday. The video shows Charles Kinsey trying to get the autistic man, who was blocking traffic, to return to an assisted-living facility. Kinsey is seen lying down with his arms prominently displayed in the air and talking to police and his patient, who was sitting in the street playing with a toy truck. Kinsey appears to have been surrounded by police when one officer fired his gun three times. "As long as I've got my hands up, they're not going to shoot me. This is what I am thinking," Kinsey said from a hospital bed where he is recovering from a gunshot wound to the leg. After the shooting, Kinsey said he asked the officer why he was shot. The officer responded, "I don't know," Kinsey said. Police said they responded to reports about a man with a gun threatening to kill himself, but no gun was found. North Miami Police Chief Gary Eugene said the officer has been put on routine administrative leave and that the investigation has been turned over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the state's attorney. Eugene described the shooting as a "very sensitive matter" and assured an open and thorough investigation. Eugene declined to identify the officer who fired the shots, nor did he answer reporters' questions at a Thursday news conference. The shooting comes amid heightened tension in the U.S. after gunmen killed eight law enforcement officers in the southern cities of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Dallas, Texas. Police are under renewed scrutiny after the fatal shootings of two African-American men earlier this month in Baton Rouge and in the midwestern state of Minnesota. Division instead of unity is a dominant narrative at the the Republican National Convention, as Texas Senator Ted Cruz's criticisms of presidential nominee Donald Trump spilled over into the final day of the four day event. Speaking to his home state delegation Thursday at the convention in the midwestern city of Cleveland, Cruz said he will not cast his presidential vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton, but declined to say if he will vote for Trump. "I'm not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and who attack my father," said Cruz, adding he refuses to act like a "servile puppy." During a grueling campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, Trump launched personal attacks against Cruz's wife, Heidi, and father, Rafael. WATCH: Cruz defends decision not to endorse Trump Cruz remarks followed his Wednesday convention speech that drew boos when he failed to include a clear endorsement for Trump. Cruz was one of the last competitors in the contentious race for the nomination, during which Trump nicknamed him "Lying Ted." But like most of the once large Republican field, he appeared at the convention in Cleveland, Ohio, to address party officials and millions of people watching on television. "To those listening, please, don't stay home in November," Cruz said. "Stand and speak, and vote your conscience. Vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution." A short time later, those representing the state of New York chanted over Cruz as he spoke, demanding he announce his backing of their nominee. "I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation," Cruz responded. Boos turned to cheers again as Cruz walked off stage just as Trump appeared elsewhere in the arena. Trump addressed the situation later on Twitter. Trump gives his address to the convention on its final day Thursday. Before the speech, Trump gave an interview to the New York Times in which he said he will prioritize the country's needs. "We are going to take care of this country first before we worry about everyone else in the world," he said. When asked about last week's attempted coup in Turkey, Trump praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "The coup never took place. The coup was not successful, and based on the fact, and I give great credit to him for being able to turn that around," Trump said, according to a Times transcript." Trump also said he is a "big fan" of the Kurds and expressed a desire to see unity between the them and the Turkish government, something he thinks can be done with negotiations. "If I ever have the opportunity to do it, meaning if I win, we will have meetings." Pence addresses delegates The main speaking slot at the convention on Wednesday went to Indiana Governor Mike Pence, Trump's pick for vice president, who cast himself as a personality who balances the ticket with Trump. "He is a man known for a large personality, a colorful style and lots of charisma, and so I guess he was just looking for some balance on the ticket," he said. Pence also lobbed criticism at their Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. "At the very moment when America is crying out for something new and different, the other party has answered with a stale agenda and the most predictable of names," he said. "People in both parties are restless for change, ready to break free of old patterns in Washington and Democrats are about to anoint someone who represents everything this country is tired of." WATCH: Political correspondent Jim Malone sums up day 3 of the RNC French police conducted a counter-terrorism operation in the Argenteuil area north of Paris Thursday near a mosque and an Islamic library, authorities said. It is not yet known whether the operation had any links to last week's truck attack in Nice. Meanwhile, France's interior minister said that there were no national police stationed at the entrance to the walkway in Nice when the Bastille Day truck attack took place. Bernard Cazeneuve's acknowledgement Thursday came as a newspaper accused French authorities of a lack of transparency for their handling of the massacre. Cazeneuve initially had said that national police were present and very present on the Promenade des Anglais and suggested that their cars were blocking the pedestrian sidewalk entrance, in a speech two days after the July 14 attack that killed 84 people and injured several dozen. Internal probe Cazeneuve launched an internal police probe into security measures taken for the Bastille Day celebrations in Nice shortly after Thursday's backtrack. Speaking from Dublin where he met the Irish prime minister, French President Francois Hollande said the conclusions of the investigation will be known next week. Hollande said that any police shortfalls will be carefully looked into, but defended French authorities against the media attacks, saying that there is no room for polemics, there is only room for transparency. His comments came in response to French newspaper Liberation's accusations that Cazeneuve lied about the presence of the national police officers and cars and authorities lacked transparency about the attack. Five detained suspects with possible links to the attack were to appear before anti-terrorism judges Thursday, who will decide whether to charge them. In a related development, France's lawmakers voted Wednesday to extend the state of emergency for another six months, continuing greater police search-and-arrest powers without advance clearance from judges. Speaking in the lower house of parliament (the National Assembly), French Prime Minister Mannuel Valls said that the fight against terrorism would be long and difficult, warning against a social divide with millions of Muslim citizens. "We must protect all our compatriots," he said. "We should of course also protect our Muslim compatriots, the co-citizens, the compatriots, co-citizens of Muslim culture, who today are also afraid, and feel blamed and who see the considerable damage not only from the attack, but also from what IS [so-called Islamic State] is trying to do to fracture French society." Paris officials cancelled some summer events, including open-air free movie showings and a car-free day on the city's famous Champs-Elysees boulevard. The move followed the attack last week in Nice by a French-Tunisian, 31-year-old Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, who drove a truck through crowds celebrating Bastille Day. No official list of the dead has been released but it is known they include French, Americans, Germans, Ukrainians, Swiss, Tunisians, Polish and a Russian nationals. French general prosecutor Francois Molins has labeled the unprecedented rampage a terrorist strike by a man who had shown support for the Islamic State group and searched online for information about the attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, although there is no evidence linking Bouhlel to the group. France imposed emergency rule after the November 13, 2015 attacks carried out by Islamist militants that claimed the lives of 130 people in Paris and left scores of others wounded. Nompumelelo Simelane sees herself as an average teenager. She loves to cook, and spend time with her family and girlfriend. She also has HIV. The virus makes her a part of a growing demographic in Africa, where the United Nations says AIDS is now the top killer of teenagers. The 19-year-old Soweto resident who was diagnosed with HIV at 13, and believes she was born with the virus says adolescence and AIDS are a double whammy. But, she adds, people of her generation know more about the virus than their elders did, thanks to aggressive educational programs. However, she says, knowing the importance of anti-retroviral drugs did not stop her from rebelling. "At first, it was just something that I didn't know would hurt me or anything, she said. I was just like, It's HIV, I'm gonna live, I'm gonna to live on ARVs and I'm gonna be fine. But as time went by, things started to change, and I do not know why. Maybe because I was growing up and starting to feel different now that I have the virus." Teens at the International AIDS Conference in Durban say they need their own space in discussions about the virus. During the conference, they operated a radio station in which they talked about their experiences. Disc jockey Beatrice Phiri says teens are eager to talk to each other about AIDS through both new and old media. "We have a lot of feedback, especially from people that are fans of Twitter, Phiri said. People are tweeting to us, people are coming through our booth, people are listening in, saying, 'I want to be on radio now, I want to voice out. " Simelane's mother, Lindiwe who is also HIV-positive says parents need help and support in working with their HIV-positive children, especially when they lash out. "Nompumelelo took it like she understood everything, but she didn't, Lindiwe Simelane said. The younger Simelane attends a teen support group, which she says helps. But, she says, her mother gave her the most important tool in fighting the disease: her unconditional love and support, so she does not have to fight alone. French President Francois Hollande said on Thursday he wanted Britain to open talks fast on quitting the European Union and would seek explanation from British Prime Minister Theresa May for any foot-dragging. Hollande, who is due to meet May in Paris later on Thursday, told a news conference during a visit to Ireland: "I will meet Theresa May tonight. That will be the opportunity to hear the arguments. What is the interest of delaying? I would like justifications." The French leader, who was speaking in Dublin where he and Irish Prime minister Enda Kenny issued a joint statement urging rapid exit talks, also said he would confer with German leader Angela Merkel after his meeting with May. There should be no pre-negotiations before full and formal exit talks, he said. As the Islamic State group loses territory in Iraq and Syria, many IS foreign recruits are believed to be returning to their home countries. Due to loss of territory and plunging revenues, the terror group is struggling to pay its foreign fighters' wages. Deutsche Welle, Germany's international broadcaster, reports that this has forced some foreign fighters to return home. This trend could be most pronounced among militants in Central Asia. Russian expert Andrey Serenko says Central Asian governments are preparing for the return of their militant citizens. "Real numbers could be different [unknown], but the truth is that there is a stream of returning militants," Serenko said. "For example, whole families who left Kyrgyzstan are now returning. Special measures have been taken, such as arranging meetings with psychologists, religious scholars and even former militants from Syria. "Those who have returned are in the several hundreds, and given the recent situation in Syria, this number is expected to increase," Serenko added. According to some experts on the role of Central Asian combatants in the Middle East, militants from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan are more likely to leave Islamic State and return home, whereas Uzbeks are likely to join other like-minded groups in the same region. That could be due to the Uzbek government's no-holds-barred crackdown on what it sees as extremism. Uzbek veterans of Islamic State "could either settle in Turkey, or move to northern Afghanistan to join other extremist groups," Serenko said. The Tashkent government has not officially said anything about Uzbek citizens fighting in Syria. Most of them reached the Middle East via other countries, such as Russia or Turkey. Millions of Uzbek citizens work abroad as migrant laborers, most of them in Russia. Unemployment, lack of religious freedom, and continuous repression are the main factors that persuade young Uzbeks to take the path of jihad, according to Rahrom Hamroev, a human-rights activist based in Russia. "If migrants are expelled from Russia, it merely increases the number of militants, because they have no other place to go," Hamroev said. "In Uzbekistan, all they can find is unemployment and a lack of human rights." Uzbeks fighting in Syria are estimated to number between 500 and several thousand. Muhammadsolih Abutov, a religious activist and imam from Uzbekistan who currently lives abroad, says several Syrian groups have Uzbeks in their ranks. "There are many jihadists from the region. Some are fighting [with unspecified groups] against Assad; others are with Daesh [another name for Islamic State], while some are in Jabhat al-Nusra," Abutov said. "It is not true to say that their Central Asian roots will unite them all," the exiled Uzbek activist adds. "They do not have a common cause such as Turkestan [the notion of a pan-national state grouping all ethnic Turkic people in Central Asia]. They are divided and fighting against each other." While the Islamic State group continues to lose ground and fighters in Iraq and Syria, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says the militant organization is morphing into a different type of threat that likely will be more difficult to defeat. Speaking at a meeting of Islamic State's foes Thursday, Kerry told foreign and defense ministers from more than 30 nations that "the tide has turned." "Our coalition and our partners on the ground have driven Daesh out of nearly 50 percent of the territory that it once controlled in Iraq, and 20 percent of the territory [it formerly controlled] in Syria," Kerry added, using Daesh, an Arab acronym, to refer to the Islamic State group. The world can look forward to a time when Islamic State is driven completely out of Iraq and Syria, the top U.S. diplomat said, and "the day that happens will mark a critical turning point in the fight against Daesh." Even now, Kerry said, the U.S.-led coalition can welcome the fact that the IS fighting force is about one-third smaller than it was last year. Foreign fighters recruited by IS in the past have begun to drift away from the terrorists' front lines, since reduced revenue has slowed payment of their salaries, and the group's search for fresh recruits has become less effective. Without a territorial base, Kerry said Islamic State will no longer be able to boast it is a new "caliphate" to which foreign fighters can flock. The bad news, however, is that even when the coalition achieves its military goals in Iraq and Syria, the fight against the Islamic State group will be far from over. Kerry said IS is "resilient and realistic enough to know when it needs to change." Anthony Cordesman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies told VOA the Islamic State group is now much more willing to provoke terrorism than even al-Qaida was in the past. We can contain it, we can limit it, we can defeat parts of it in detail, but none of it is going to go away, Cordesman said. He is a former senior U.S. government official and consultant with decades of experience on national-security issues. What to expect Islamic State is currently making a concerted effort to forge the remnants of its "caliphate" into a global network of murderers, "whose only real purpose," Kerry said, "is to kill as many people in as many places as possible." Islamic State formerly relied on large sums of money, derived from illegal oil sales and "taxes" extorted from residents of the areas it controlled, to pay its foot soldiers. Even though those revenues have declined sharply, IS now needs relatively little money to inspire deadly attacks via social-media posts. The Islamic State pattern of terrorism has been transformed, participants at Thursday's meeting said, from planning attacks meticulously to depending on attack plots that do not include an escape plan for those involved, because the extremists do not expect to get out alive and feel no need to conceal their identities. Islamic State is now an organization trying to expand its reach by developing expertise in more languages, and by establishing contacts in additional countries and regions, U.S. officials say. It is looking for areas of vulnerability, and it will be eager to try to exploit them, Kerry said. How to stop it Government officials and experts said wiping out the terror group starts with close communications, and by countering Islamic State's message. Kerry called on representatives of other nations at the State Department meeting to emphasize that Islamic State actions have "no justification in religion, logic, history or law." He also urged coalition members to increase information sharing and to break down bureaucratic barriers that make it difficult for authorities to identify potential terrorists before they can act. The United States has information-sharing agreements with 55 international partners in the fight against terrorism, and at least 50 countries provide foreign terrorist fighter profiles to Interpol. But even when authorities receive intelligence indicators about an attack, Cordesman said, those signals are sometimes lost in the flood of other data literally hundreds of thousands of different indicators a day. The CSIS expert called for careful, slow steps to improve communications coordination, while simultaneously sorting out and reinforcing the methods that work best. Careful, cautious planning is critical," Cordesman said, "and rushing out to do anything, particularly after more than a decade of effort to find the quick and easy solutions, is probably going to do more harm than good." If you live in sub-Saharian Africa in a malaria endemic area, it might not be such a crazy idea to sleep next to a chicken. It turns out some mosquitoes are repelled by the odor of chickens, potentially offering another cheap protection method against the mosquito-borne illness. Most mosquitoes, including those that carry the often-deadly malaria parasite, like to bite humans. They transmit the disease through a blood meal. They also take blood meals occasionally from cattle, goats and sheep. But they are selective feeders. Mosquitoes dont like the taste of chicken blood, so poultry rarely gets bitten. Swedish researchers made the discovery in field studies in Ethiopia. They set up traps to capture the most common mosquito in the area, Anopheles arabiensis, in 11 houses in Addis Ababa. Investigators then tested the blood inside the mosquitoes, finding blood from all sorts of animals. But rarely was there any blood from chickens. That begs the question: Should people in malaria endemic regions sleep next to a chicken? Its a joke that Rickert Ignell hears all the time. Oh yes. We do that all the time [make jokes] ... and the joke is also that people should carry a chicken around to protect themselves against malaria. But it hasnt really caught on. Ignell is a professor at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, interested in studying the chemical attraction of disease-carrying insects, including malaria mosquitoes. In those 11 houses, Ignell recruited 11 volunteers to sleep under untreated bed nets with traps, baited with chicken compounds, nearby. According to Ignell, One of the tests we did was to actually suspend a chicken next to the traps that we used. And we actually saw about a 95 percent reduction in the trap capture. Indicating that chickens and chicken odors alone could actually repel the mosquitoes from the houses. Chicken feathers Ignell said the odors that were offensive to the mosquitoes came from compounds in the chickens feathers. The compounds are cheap and some are already available. The idea of keeping a chicken inside a house to ward off malaria mosquitoes is not such a bad idea. Many places in Ethiopia and many places in Africa that weve been working in, people actually keep their livestock indoors. Not often the chickens, but that is certainly something one could try to see if it works or not, Ignell said. Ignell said the chicken method of insect repellent would have to be in combination with insecticide-treated bed nets for fuller protection. Protection inside and out Unlike other mosquitoes that feed mostly in houses, Ignell said Anopheles arbiensis also bites people outdoors. And especially during the time when people are sitting outdoors, when its too hot to be indoors. Ignell would like to see whether the chicken odor, contained in some sort of wax that can be burned like a candle, also repels mosquitoes outside the home once they get a whiff of poultry. The findings were published in Malaria Journal. No funding Ignell said he has no reason to believe the scent of chicken would not keep other mosquitoes at bay. However, Ignell and his colleagues havent been able to get funding to continue their work into chicken compounds. According to the World Health Organization, there were approximately 214 million malaria cases in 2015 and an estimated 438,000 malaria deaths, mostly in children. Increased prevention and control measures have led to a 60 percent reduction in malaria mortality rates globally since 2000, says the WHO. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to carry a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden, and Ignell says mosquitoes are becoming resistant to the insecticide in treated bed nets, and theres been a slow increase in the incidence of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Mali's government said Thursday it has extended a state of emergency for 10 days after an attack on an army base in the center of the country earlier this week. Two separate organizations linked to the Peul ethnic group claimed responsibility for the attack early Tuesday that killed 17 soldiers and wounded more than 30 in the city of Nampala. The Macina Liberation Front, which is said to have ties to al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, claimed responsibility for the attack on social media. The group's attacks in central Mali have raised alarm because it represents an escalation in extremism much further south. Another group called the National Alliance for the Protection of the Peul Identity and the Restoration of Justice claimed responsibility. It was the first time the group had assaulted a Malian army position. A state or emergency allows police in Mali to search homes without a warrant, and it bans protests. The state of emergency was originally put in place in November 2015 after extremists stormed a luxury hotel in the capital and killed 20. The state of emergency has since been extended because of the continuing threat of extremist attacks in the West African country. "The president and the media blamed Islamic State militants immediately after the attack," says Wissam, waving his arms for emphasis a few blocks from the former home of Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, the trucker who killed 84 people last week in Nice, France. "When I saw the picture of him, I was surprised," he continues. "I knew him. He drinks. He smokes hash. He's not with Islamic State." In recent days, details have emerged that indicate Bouhlel was interested in Islamist extremism, but nothing has pointed to his membership in an extremist group. However, locals say his assumed affiliation with Islamic State is further ostracizing the Arab community in Nice. In the quiet neighborhood where Bouhlel lived, a few neighbors are quick to denounce the man, reportedly also a brawler, a playboy, a pork eater and a wife beater. Wissam, who is originally Tunisian but has lived in France for 20 years, rails against the killer, and against how authorities and the media have reacted to the tragedy. The Arab community in Nice has long felt like the "other," Wissam says. But after the attack, he adds, racism against Muslims is reaching a boiling point, and officials are using fear of IS as a rallying cry for political ends. As a result, Wissam is afraid to go outside his neighborhood at night for fear of harassment. VOA visited police to ask if authorities were concerned with growing tensions, but received no response. "Politicians can be serpents," Wissam says. "After they speak, people are terrified." Beyond increased Islamophobia, says Tahar Mejri, 38, who lost his four-year-old son, Kylan, and his ex-wife Olfa in the attack, many Muslims were among the victims as the truck plowed through crowds watching the fireworks. "No one with a heart or feelings could kill people like this," says Mejri, before departing for Tunisia to bury his dead. "My son was my whole life." Extremists in Nice At a cafe on the other side of town, only a few meters from the promenade where the gruesome rampage took place, Sheikh Otman Aissaoui, Nice's top Imam, says only a tiny fraction of Muslim young men in Nice have joined Islamic State militants. But Bouhlel, he adds, seems less of a committed extremist than a disturbed person searching for meaning. "Islamic State people can send information to young people from thousands of kilometers away in Syria through the internet," he says. "A person who is weak can be influenced deeply enough to adopt their ideas." Investigators say Bouhlel's phone revealed he used dating websites and watched beheading videos. Officials say he must have been radicalized extremely quickly, as he was not known to attend mosque services until very recently. Whether he was convinced by Islamic State propaganda to attack the people of Nice or simply indulged in gore is not clear. The Islamic State has called him a "soldier" heeding their call to battle, but the group has made no claim to have planned and executed the attack. The murky motives of Bouhlel, who may have been a lone wolf attacker, however, do not mean there are not real extremists in Nice, says Aissaoui. Religious authorities try to identify young people at risk, but the process of de-radicalization is delicate. "The first thing I do is listen to the youth who are lost," he explains. "They have just been released from jail, or have family problems. Outsiders prey on the weak, telling them, Come with us. Leave Nice and your problems and come to freedom.'" Increasing fears At a TV repair shop near his house, the owner laughs nervously when asked if he thinks Bouhlel was a supporter of Islamic State. "He wasn't with Islam in any way," he says, stumbling slightly to mime a drunk. "He was always like this." Like other local Arab people, the shopkeeper is quick to comment on Bouhlel's un-Islamic habits. But he is also quick to end the conversation, and other locals are quick to refuse to join in. "If people talk to you, the police will come around," he says, ushering us out the door. Down the road, Wissam's friends ask him to keep quiet and temper his criticism, lest he attract unwanted attention. "My daughter is French. My wife is French," Wissam replies, near tears. "The Nice authorities are making the people hate Arabs." WATCH: Tahar Mejri Talks About Losing his Son in the Attack Speaking in Rajya Sabha, Mayawati said that it was good that the BJP expelled Dayashankar Singh but it would have been better if the ruling party would have filed an FIR against him. By India Today Web Desk: Demanding the BJP to file an FIR against its expelled leader Dayashankar Singh to making derogatory statement against her, BSP chief Mayawati today said that people of the "weaker sections" of the society treat her like a Devi (Goddess). "People from weaker sections of society respect me a lot, they treat me as a Devi (goddess). And if you say bad things about their goddess they will feel bad and will certainly protest," Mayawati told reporters outside the Parliament even as hundreds of her party workers staged a massive protest against the BJP in Lucknow. advertisement Later speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Mayawati said that it was good to note that the BJP expelled Dayashankar Singh after his offensive remark but demanded his immediate arrest. "It is good that the BJP took action against its leader and expelled him from the party, but it would have been better if the BJP had also filed an FIR against him," Mayawati said. MASSIVE PROTEST IN LUCKNOW Hundreds of BSP workers took to the streets demanding the arrest of Dayashankar Singh. Leading the protest at the busy Hazratganj crossing, leader of opposition in the Legislative Council, Naseemuddin Siddiqui said that the party has given the administration 36 hours to put Singh behind the bars. POLICE RAIDS TO HUNT DAYASHANKAR SINGH Police said raids have been conducted in Lucknow and Ballia to arrest the former BJP leader. In Ballia, Singh's brother Dharmendra was taken into custody from his house, Superintendent of Police Manoj Jha said. Singh, at a press conference in Mau district of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, had said that the BSP chief was giving party tickets based on the amount of money paid to her and that even a prostitute was better than her. Also Read: In fighting BJP leader's misogyny, Mayawati's women sink to similar lows Mayawati slur: Cops hunt for expelled BJP leader Dayashankar Singh --- ENDS --- Myanmar government leader Aung San Suu Kyi has accepted an invitation from President Barack Obama to visit the United States, the government said on Thursday, in what would be her first trip to America since she won an election in November. Suu Kyi planned to travel at a "mutually convenient time," a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman said. Another government source said the trip was likely to coincide with the U.N. General Assembly session in New York in September. Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, swept to power in a historic election in November after decades of campaigning against military rule. It took over the running of the country after a transition from semi-civilian rule in April. "She accepted President Obama's invitation to visit the U.S. before his presidency ends," said Aye Aye Soe, a spokeswoman at the Foreign Ministry, which is run by Suu Kyi. Visiting U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes delivered Obama's invitation during a meeting with Suu Kyi in the capital, Naypyitaw, on Wednesday. Suu Kyi, 71, is barred from becoming president by the constitution drafted under the previous regime, because her two sons do not have Myanmar citizenship. She is instead foreign minister and has also assumed the newly created post of state counselor. She is in overall charge of running the government. The U.S. Embassy in the city of Yangon did not comment. Suu Kyi, who spent years under house arrest during military rule, visited the United States as the leader of the opposition in September 2012. The U.N. General Assembly session in New York is scheduled from Sept. 13 to Sept. 26. Obama will leave office in January after a November election. The Paris prosecutor said Thursday that the man who drove a truck through crowds celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, killing 84 people, had accomplices and seemed to have been plotting his attack for months. Francois Molins told reporters in Paris that information from the attacker's phone showed searches and photos suggesting he could have been preparing an attack as far back as 2015. Molins said five suspects in custody were facing preliminary terrorism charges, including complicity to murder and possessing weapons, for their alleged roles in helping the perpetrator carry out the attack July 14. He identified the suspects as four men two Franco-Tunisians, a Tunisian and an Albanian and one woman of dual French-Albanian nationality. Intelligence services did not know any of them, according to the the French news agency AFP. The truck driver, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, 31, was a Tunisian who had been living in Nice for several years. Earlier in the day, French police conducted a counterterrorism operation in the Argenteuil area north of Paris near a mosque and an Islamic library, authorities said. It wasn't known whether the operation had any links to last week's truck attack in Nice. No police presence Meanwhile, France's interior minister said there were no national police stationed at the entrance to the walkway in Nice when the Bastille Day truck attack took place. Bernard Cazeneuve's acknowledgement Thursday came as a newspaper accused French authorities of a lack of transparency for their handling of the massacre. Cazeneuve had said, in a speech two days after the July 14 attack, that national police were "very present on the Promenade des Anglais and suggested that their cars were blocking the pedestrian sidewalk entrance, Cazeneuve launched an internal police probe into security measures taken for the Bastille Day celebrations in Nice shortly after Thursday's backtrack. Speaking from Dublin where he met the Irish prime minister, French President Francois Hollande said the conclusions of the investigation would be known next week. Hollande said that any police shortfalls would be carefully looked into, but he defended French authorities against the media attacks, saying that there is no room for polemics, there is only room for transparency. His comments came in response to French newspaper Liberation's accusations that Cazeneuve had lied about the presence of the national police officers and cars, and that authorities lacked transparency about the attack. In a related development, France's lawmakers voted Wednesday to extend the state of emergency for another six months, continuing greater police search-and-arrest powers without advance clearance from judges. Speaking in the lower house of parliament, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said that the fight against terrorism would be long and difficult, and he warned against social divisions that could affect Muslim citizens. "We must protect all our compatriots," Valls said. "We should of course also protect our Muslim compatriots, the co-citizens, the compatriots, co-citizens of Muslim culture, who today are also afraid and feel blamed, and who see the considerable damage not only from the attack, but also from what IS [Islamic State] is trying to do to fracture French society." Some events canceled Paris officials canceled some summer events, including open-air free movie showings and a car-free day on the city's famous Champs-Elysees boulevard. No official list of those killed in the July 14 attack has been released, but it is known they included French, Americans, Germans, Ukrainians, Swiss, Tunisians, Poles and a Russian national. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, although there is no evidence linking Bouhlel to the group. France imposed emergency rule after the November 13, 2015, attacks carried out by Islamist militants that killed 130 people in Paris and left scores of others wounded. President Barack Obama is pressing for the next president to continue key global development initiatives in order to keep the momentum going following dramatic gains. Im here to say that whoever the next president is, development has to remain a fundamental pillar of American foreign policy, he said Wednesday during the White House Summit on Global Development in Washington. Shortly after speaking, the White House announced that the president had signed into law the bipartisan Global Food Security Act. The law directs authorities to promote global food security, to help communities become more resilient to the impact of events such as drought, and to improve nutrition. It codifies much of a signature Obama initiative known as Feed the Future. The Republican-led Congress also adopted the Electrify Africa Act, which is linked to Obamas signature Power Africa initiative. The Electrify Africa Act provides a framework for a public-private partnership between the United States and sub-Saharan African countries to help millions of people gain access to reliable electricity. Smart moves Obama called development one of the smartest investments a nation can make. In 2010, he issued his U.S. Global Development Policy, declaring global development a core pillar of engagement, one equal to diplomacy and the military. We know there is a correlation between no education, no jobs, no hope, the violation of basic human dignity, and conflict and instability, he told the group, which included development leaders, private and public sector officials, members of civil society, religious groups and entrepreneurs. The White House said the Feed the Future program, which was implemented after a spike in world food prices in 2009, had significantly reduced poverty and malnutrition. In 2015, it provided nutrition interventions to nearly 18 million children, according to the administration. Watch video report from VOA's Zlatica Hoke: Obamas Power Africa initiative has set the stage for a steady flow of private sector investments in an expanding energy sector, and global health programs have led to lower maternal and child mortality rates around the world, according to the administration. When Obama took office in 2009, he continued initiatives begun under President George W. Bush because they were delivering results and saving lives, the White House said. AIDS, malaria The initiatives that started under Bush include the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which promotes economic development and the fight against global poverty; the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Presidents Malaria Initiative. PEPFAR has so dramatically reduced the number of people on treatment-based research, that the program has shifted its focus to the most vulnerable groups, officials said. An AIDS-free generation is within sight, said Gayle Smith, U.S. Agency for International Development administrator. The malaria program has saved more than 6 million lives since it was implemented, Smith added. Other health programs have helped save the lives of 4.5 million children and 200,000 mothers since 2008, according to USAID. Organizers said the summit also highlighted the need for more development efforts. We're reminded every day that nearly a billion fellow human beings still confront poverty. For this reason, we want to continue and build on the progress, said Mary Beth Goodman, the National Security Councils senior director for development and democracy. The alleged owner of Kickass Torrents, an illegal file-sharing website said to have a net worth of at least $54 million, was arrested in Poland Wednesday. Ukrainian Artem Vaulin has been charged in the U.S. with two counts of criminal copyright infringement as well as conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. officials say they will seek his extradition from Poland. The U.S. Justice Department says Vaulin allegedly relied on servers located in countries around the world and moved his internet domains several times due to repeated seizures and civil lawsuits. Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell says Vaulin's arrest in Poland demonstrates that "cybercriminals can run, but they cannot hide from justice. Kickass Torrents (KAT), has enabled users to illegally reproduce and distribute copies of movies, music, and video games since 2008. The movies available on the website are often still in theaters. American prosecutors have said the website receives over 50 million unique visits per month and is currently the 69th most frequented site on the internet. At least one of KAT's servers was located in Chicago where a U.S. court has ordered the seizure of a bank account and seven domain names associated with the company. At this weeks Republican National Convention, a mini-drama has surfaced over what the partys platform has to say about the conflict in Ukraine. Diana Denman, a Texas delegate who backed her states U.S. Senator Ted Cruz for the partys presidential nominee, has visited Ukraine several times since its independence in 1991. An international observer in three of the countrys elections, she has been troubled by Russias annexation of Crimea and its involvement with armed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Denman serves on the Republican National Committee's platform committee. At a recent meeting here on national security, she put forward a platform amendment that included providing lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine. A similar proposal was submitted by members of the Ukrainian diaspora. According to Andrew Futey, executive vice president of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, it included maintaining and strengthening targeted economic sanctions against Russia, and expanding direct military assistance to Urkaine, including defensive arms and additional military programs. Appropriate assistance Denman's proposal "was not supported in its entirety," she told VOA's Ukrainian service, noting "two gentlemen [who] acknowledged that they're representing Mr. Trump. ... I believe they were the ones that urged that the wording be changed." The language was altered from providing "lethal defensive weapons" to providing "appropriate assistance." "Trump staffers in the room, who are not delegates but are there to oversee the process, intervened," Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin wrote of the meeting at which the wording was changed. "By working with pro-Trump delegates, they were able to get the issue tabled while they devised a method to roll back the language." A VOA reporter on Tuesday asked Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort whether Rogin's characterization of his staff's influence on the committee's work was accurate. Manafort, who for more than a decade worked as a political consultant to and lobbyist for Viktor Yanukovych, the pro-Russian politician ousted as Ukraine's president by popular protests in 2014, said he did not understand the question. Ukraine ambassador takes issue Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, Valeriy Chaly, is here on a program organized by the State Department. He said he was less concerned about the rewording of the language on Ukraine than about the way it was done. "The problem is that the document, which included [a] position on providing lethal weapons to Ukraine, was amended by the group in the committee who, I think, didnt consider the position of the wider Republican establishment," Chaly told VOA. "The document, which was submitted by the wider Ukrainian diaspora ... was amended by the people of Donald Trump's campaign manager and not by the people who analyze and formulate foreign policy and defense positions. It makes [it] difficult to predict how strategic documents would be developed if Trump becomes president." The ambassador noted that the document is only an electoral platform plank and not a statement of policy of a possible future Trump administration. He said that conversations at the convention led him to believe that policy toward Ukraine has not yet been formulated. I dont think that overall foreign policy of the United States would change dramatically regardless of who wins," Chaly said, adding that Indiana Governor Mike Pence, the Republican Party nominee for vice president, has "good credentials" and understands the issue. The main thing for us is that the people who run Donald Trumps campaign would not run his foreign policy, he said. Russian actions against Ukraine and the GOP's position on the issue dominated a roundtable discussion organized by the International Republican Institute in Cleveland on Tuesday. 'Terrible mistake' Ohio Governor John Kasich, who was a contender in the Republican presidential primaries, ripped into the partys platform on Ukraine. As long as Im breathing air, Im for arming the Ukrainians who want to fight for freedom, Kasich said. Removing the language calling for arming Ukraine was a terrible mistake, he added. Michael Flynn, a retired U.S. Army general who headed the Defense Intelligence Agency and was reportedly considered as Trump's running mate, defended Trumps approach to foreign policy in an interview with VOA. I think the foreign policy of the United States is failing, I think our role in the world is failing," said Flynn, who has frequently appeared on RT, Russia's government-funded, English-language international television news channel. "I think we need much stronger, tougher leadership, he continued. We need tougher diplomacy. Foreign policy starts with strong personal relationships with foreign leaders at every level president to presidents, president to kings, president to prime ministers all the way down to ambassadors and maybe some of our senior military." However, some delegates here are unhappy that the Republican platform's plank on Ukraine was watered down. The Trump campaign was, for the most part, hands off except one strange issue, and that was Ukraine," said Randall Dunning, an alternative Ted Cruz delegate from Texas. I don't understand why, with all the tough defense talk coming out of Mr. Trump, why he would object to giving Ukraine the arms necessary to defend their nation. The South African prosecutor's office says it plans to appeal Oscar Pistorius' six-year jail sentence for murder, arguing it is "shockingly" lenient. South African Olympian Oscar Pistorius was sentenced to six years in jail earlier this month for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp three years ago. The sentence was reduced from the prescribed minimum sentence of 15 years. Judge Thokozile Masipa cited mitigating circumstances such as his remorse, the time he spent in jail for his original sentence, and the fact that he was not wearing his prosthetic legs at the time of the crime in reducing the sentence. During the trial, Pistorius claimed he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder when he shot four times through a locked bathroom door, killing her, on Valentines Day, 2013. Prosecutors argued he meant to kill Steenkamp. The law graduate and aspiring model was 29-years-old when she was killed by her boyfriend. In 2014, Judge Masipa convicted Pistorius of culpable homicide and gave him a five-year sentence. He was released on parole in October after a year of time served, only to see his conviction overturned by an appeals court and replaced with a murder conviction in December. Former Yahoo executive Dan Rosensweig has not worked at the pioneering internet company in nearly a decade. But last week, as Yahoo Inc. prepared to sell its core internet business, he was sporting a Yahoo T-shirt and, in an interview, reveled in memories of the company's heyday, along with the deep impact its alumni had - and still have - in shaping Silicon Valley. He recalled a workforce that believed "they were doing something that mattered: bringing people information," said Rosensweig, the company's chief operating officer from 2002 until 2007. "I hire as many ex-Yahoos as I can, because I know their commitment, their talent." Rosensweig - now CEO of the online education company Chegg Inc. - is one of scores of executives around Silicon Valley who still "bleed purple," as many Yahoo alums put it, despite the company's more recent instability and decline. In the formative years of the web, Yahoo was the biggest, richest internet upstart in Silicon Valley, and it incubated a generation of executives. Now, as a sale and possible dismemberment of the company looms, a wave of sorrow and nostalgia is reverberating through the Yahoo diaspora. "People are sad," said Change.org President Jennifer Dulski, who left Yahoo in 2007 after nearly a decade. "Until it really is over, a lot of us believe there will be a chance for resurgence." She compared the emotions surrounding the auction to "when your parents sell your childhood home." Launched in 1994 by two Stanford graduate students, Jerry Yang and David Filo, Yahoo in its early years was the destination of choice for many making their first forays into the World Wide Web. The company soared, and then crashed in the first dot-com bubble - and then emerged from the rubble as one of the few internet companies with substantial revenues and profits. The peak came in the mid-2000s, many former executives say, with advertisers desperate for a presence in the new online medium filling the company's coffers. But even then, Googlewas busily undermining Yahoo's core business helping people find things on the internet. By 2008, Yahoo was fending off a contentious takeover bid from Microsoft Corp and struggling to define its mission. That core question was never really answered, leading to years of management instability and shifting priorities. Google, Facebook Inc., Amazon.com Inc. and a host of new companies, meanwhile, claimed much of the territory that might have been Yahoo's. The auction of the company's core assets - which has drawn bids from Verizon Communications Inc., AT&T Inc. and others and is expected to conclude by the end of the month is likely to value them at about a hundredth of what Google-parent Alphabet Inc. is worth. The auction does not include Yahoo's valuable stakes in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., the Chinese e-commerce juggernaut, and Yahoo Japan Corp. The alumni network Some of the 23 former Yahoo executives interviewed by Reuters carry other emotions, including frustration with all the missed opportunities, and anger over the management dysfunction that has plagued the company for a decade. Still, many former employees remember the Yahoo of a certain era as a special place, pointing to a youthful energy, a culture of learning and the excitement of being on the front lines of the internet revolution. "Working at Yahoo for people who were young in their career was like going to a large research university," said Dan Finnigan, a former senior vice president of Yahoo and now president and CEO of Jobvite. "People who started in media went into sales, people who started in sales went into recruiting, people went from engineering to product. It was highly encouraged." Luanne Calvert, chief marketing officer at Virgin America Inc., was at Yahoo from 1999 to 2002. She credits the experience with making her career. "It was pretty amazing that you could kind of create your own job" at Yahoo, as she did. "I became the queen bee of buzz marketing... It changed my life in terms of [experience that was] really relevant to the future of marketing." Many ex-Yahoos are quick to acknowledge that the company eventually lost focus as it grew big and bureaucratic, and came to be dominated internally by endless meetings and PowerPoint presentations. By 2010, said Shashi Seth, who arrived that year as a senior vice president, "people just looked at Yahoo as a job. It wasn't their passion." Still, even today, the eagerness of ex-Yahoos to work with one another is undiminished. A Meetup group, at least two Facebook groups, a smartphone app called "xY!z Network" and a LinkedIn group with more than 15,000 members tie the ex-Yahoos together. For some, connections with fellow Yahoo alumni turned into lasting business relationships. Slack, the red-hot business messaging upstart, was founded by Flickr creator and former Yahoo executive Stewart Butterfield, and financed by former vice president of Yahoo search Andrew Braccia, who is now a general partner at venture capital firm Accel. Accel has also invested in Cloudera, co-founded by former Yahoo engineering VP Amr Awadallah. Ann Crady Weiss, a former director of business development at Yahoo and co-founder of nursery products company Hatch Baby, said the majority of financing she's received since leaving Yahoo and starting two businesses "came either directly from a Yahoo person or one degree of separation from a Yahoo person." "For me, that alumni network and those referrals set me on a path for success," she said. "Yahoo was critical to my future." Rob Solomon, former Yahoo senior vice president of commerce and current GoFundMe CEO, last year published a list of several dozen former Yahoo executives who moved on to become Silicon Valley power players. Some of its other illustrious members include LinkedIn Corp CEO Jeff Weiner, WhatsApp co-founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton, and the late SurveyMonkey CEO Dave Goldberg. The power and reach of the Yahoo diaspora, Solomon said, helps dull the pain of the company's decline. "We know each other, we trust each other," he said. "We've been through a lot together and will all help each other out." Thousands of residents from the planned deployment site of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system rallied in the South Korean capital Thursday to denounce the system as a health and safety threat to their communities. Peace activists also held a press briefing in Seoul to make the case against the THAAD system on national security grounds, saying it will escalate regionals tensions, alienate Chinese and Russian support for North Korean sanctions and validate Pyongyangs nuclear program. South Korean President Park Geun-hye defended the decision to deploy THAAD and urged her nation to stay united in the face of the growing North Korean nuclear threat. "If we continue to be divisive and social confusion grows about a decision we had no choice but to make to protect the country and the lives of our people, it would be exactly where North Korea wants us to go," Park said. Deterrence The Kim Jong Un government remains defiant in the face of harsh international sanctions imposed after its fourth nuclear test and a long-range rocket launch this year. North Korea has launched numerous missiles in the last few months to improve the capabilities of its weapon systems and there is reported activity at the countrys nuclear site indicating another test may be in the planning stages. The THAAD system is designed to intercept incoming high altitude missiles. The government contends it will be effective in protecting much of the country against a North Korean missile attack. Opponents, however, said the military benefits of THAAD are not significant and point out that areas like Seoul, which are close to the North Korean border, remain vulnerable to low altitude missiles and artillery attacks. The South Korean military said it is working to increase its Patriot missile defenses for these areas. Diplomacy While THAAD may not alter the balance of military power on the Korean peninsula, peace activists said it will undermine broad international support to pressure the North to return to nuclear disarmament negotiations. [South Korea] has lost the strategic trust it has been building with China and Russia," said Lee Hae-jeong, a professor international politics at Chung-Ang University and activist with the group, Peace and Disarmament Center of Peoples Solidarity for Participatory Democracy. China and Russia supported harsh United Nations sanctions on North Korea for its nuclear test this year, and have called on Pyongyang to end its banned nuclear and missiles tests. But Beijing and Moscow also denounced THAAD as an attempt to increase U.S. military power in the region and use the systems powerful radar to monitor their military installations. Rather than strengthening South Korean security, opponents worry THAAD will further divide the region, and make China and Russia more likely to support a nuclear North Korea. Local fears Many of the estimated 2,000 demonstrators that gathered in Seoul on Thursday were residents from Seongju country, near the designated THAAD deployment site. Among them was the governor of Seongju, who shaved his head in protest. Many Seongju residents are concerned that electromagnetic radiation from the powerful radar system used by THAAD could cause serious harm to nearby residents and contaminate agricultural products. The South Korean and U.S. militaries have tried to refute these claims by publicly conducting tests of a THAAD system in Guam and a Patriot missile defense system in the south of Seoul that use the same radar. In both cases emissions fell within safety standards. The government assured local residents that THAAD would be located 1.5 kilometers away from populated areas. But opponents question the validity of these tests and are angry about the lack of transparency in the assessment and selection process. "It is the South Korean government's way of dealing with the THAAD dispute that [the residents] must accept the unilateral decision of the government," Said Park Jung-eun, a leader of the group, Peoples Solidarity for Participatory Democracy. Last week, when the South Korean prime minister visited Seongju to address local concerns over THAAD, he was shouted down by angry protesters and pelted with eggs and water bottles and his bus was surrounded and blocked for several hours. South Korean President Park Geun-hye is defending her decision to deploy a U.S.-built missile defense system on the country's southeastern peninsula, as protests against the plan continue. Chairing a meeting of the National Security Council Thursday, President Park said North Korea's growing ballistic missile capabilities left the government no choice but to deploy the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system, or THAAD, in Seongju county. The decision has sparked angry protests by residents in Seongju, fearing possible hazards to health and the environment from the radar-based system. Thousands of Seongju residents held a massive demonstration in Seoul Thursday. Park warned that opposition to over the plan to deploy the THAAD system could lead South Koreans "divided" and "confused," which could play right into North Korea's hands. North Korea launched three ballistic missiles from the western city of Hwangu early Tuesday that flew between 500 and 600 kilometers before falling into the sea off the east coast of the Korean peninsula. The missile launches came a week after Pyongyang threatened to retaliate against Seoul over the deployment of the THAAD system. Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan have overrun a remote northern district after days of intense clashes with government forces, officials confirmed to local media on Thursday. The Taliban first assaulted the district of Qala-e-Zal in Kunduz province earlier this week and both sides have since claimed to have inflicted heavy casualties. A leading Afghan television station, Tolo, quoted provincial Governor Asadullah Omarkhil as saying that most parts of the district fell to the Taliban overnight. He added that Afghan troops have launched counteroffensives to retake control of the lost territory. Residents in the province's Dasht-e-Archi district have also reported heavy clashes between Afghan forces and insurgents. A Taliban spokesman said its fighters have captured the district, but Afghan officials have not yet commented on the development. The Taliban briefly overran the provincial capital of last September. Afghan forces retook control of the city with the help of U.S. air support, but residents say groups of retreating insurgents have since entrenched themselves in surrounding districts. A spokesman for NATOs Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, Col. Carol Paraniak, has dismissed concerns Kunduz will again fall to the anti-government fighters. He told VOA that Afghan forces deployed in the area are capable of addressing the situation. If Kunduz falls again, it is of course very serious; but, we don't see that that could happen because the security forces, not only the army, the air force and the special forces, they have made a huge improvement. he said. Col. Paraniak acknowledged that Afghanistan's National Army is benefiting from a recent decision by U.S. President Barack Obama to authorize U.S. forces to undertake combat missions targeting the Taliban. The Taliban also made advances this week in northeastern Badakhshan province but those were short-lived. The recent fighting in northern Afghan areas follows a lull of several months. The BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit vice-president was sacked from all party posts shortly after his slur was unanimously slammed by the opposition in Parliament. By India Today Web Desk: The BJP on Wednesday night suspended Dayashankar Singh for six years following his obscene comments on Mayawati , whose party, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), has also lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against the BJP leader. Earlier on Wednesday, the BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit vice-president was sacked from all party posts shortly after his slur was unanimously slammed by the opposition in Parliament. advertisement The decision to suspend Singh was taken by BJP president Amit Shah, informed sources said. Before coming to the decision to suspend Singh, Shah discussed the matter with state party leaders, including state party chief Keshav Prasad Maurya. "BJP does not approve such remarks and we strongly condemn it. This was the reason we have removed Singh from all party posts with immediate effect," Maurya told reporters. "MAYAWATI WORSE THAN A PROSTITUTE" Singh, at a press conference in Mau district of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, had said that the BSP chief was giving party tickets based on the amount of money paid to her and that even a prostitute was better than her. "Even a prostitute fulfils her commitment to a man after she is paid. But Mayawati, such a big leader in UP, sells party tickets to anyone who pays her the highest amount. If someone gives her Rs one crore for a ticket, she will give it to the other person who is offering Rs 2 crores," Singh had told reporters, repeatedly using the word "veshya" in Hindi. The comments caused an uproar in the Rajya Sabha with the BSP leaders leading a vociferous protest. Not happy with mere removal of Singh as party office bearer, most opposition members demanded his arrest. The BSP has already lodged an FIR against the BJP leader. Singh, a student leader who rose in the BJP ranks recently, had unsuccessfully contested the recent polls for the Legislative Council. Last week he was appointed the party's vice-president in Uttar Pradesh. 10 sexist slurs that show how ridiculous Indian politicians can be BJP leader compares Mayawati to a prostitute as party counters anti-Dalit tag in Gujarat, Parliament --- ENDS --- Turkish-U.S. relations will not be significantly affected by last weeks failed coup and Turkey will take a mutual benefit approach to diplomacy between the two countries, Turkish president's chief of international relations told VOA. In an interview, Ayse Sozen Usluer discussed Turkeys strategy following the July 15 failed coup by members of Turkeys military. U.S.-Turkish relations remain strained after last Fridays attempted coup, with accusations from members of Turkeys ruling AK Party that the U.S. was involved in it. Usluer distanced President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from such accusations. There is no official idea that there are foreign powers behind the coup, Usluer said. She claims the accusations were in response to comments made by two U.S. lawmakers - Virginia State Senator Dick Black and U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman. Two U.S. (lawmakers) tweeted saying that good news of the day, military attempting to oust Turkish dictator. We have all these tweets. Such messages, do not help the Turkish people. Weve lost hundreds of lives. We expect solidarity from our friends. But Usluer insisted Ankara would continue working with Washington. It will not affect the U.S.-Turkish relations. I think our cooperation will continue, especially on our fight against Daesh, she said, using an Arab acronym for the Islamic State group. Usluer described the countrys approach as pragmatic, calling it a win-win in which both sides gain advantage. Analysts have been speculating that the crisis threatens to unravel U.S.-Turkey relations, as Erdogan has sought the extradition of Fethullah Gulen, an Islamic preacher who lives in exile in the United States. Erdogan accuses Gulen of masterminding the coup attempt. Gulen has denied any involvement in the military plot to topple the Turkish government and has hinted the coup might have been staged to justify his arrest. Washington says all extradition requests require evidence and legal process. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim warned that failure to extradite Gulen would be a warlike act. But Usluer acknowledged the extradition process would take time. What is important is to show decisiveness and sincere cooperation, she said. Usluer said failure to extradite Gulen would result in only a limited response, with the ending of Turkeys extradition agreement with the United States, and would not affect regional cooperation. Usluer told VOA that in addition to the United States, Turkey would be solidifying relations with Iran and developing relations with Russia. Unlike some of Ankaras Western allies, Iran did not wait for the coups failure to speak up in support of the Erdogan government. We will remember who helped us, Usluer said. WATCH: Cleric Gulen Denies Claims of Coup Involvement In a phone call, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told Erdogan the coup attempt was a test to identify your domestic and foreign friends and enemies. "Irans support will affect, of course, positively our relations, said Usluer, who acknowledged that differences remain, but each country will follow their own concerns in the region. Usluer also said Turkey would be forging closer ties with Russia. Erdogan is due to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin next month. The meeting follows Erdogan's apology to Moscow for Turkish jets downing a Russian bomber in November 2015, which triggered a seven-month crisis in bilateral relations. Putin and Erdogan had their first telephone conversation since the November incident, with the parties agreeing to meet in person soon, and restrictions on travel to Turkey for Russian tourists were lifted. U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter on Wednesday offered reassurances that Turkeys alliance with the U.S. was still strong following the failed coup. Turkey has been a strong ally for decades, as weve faced together a great variety of problems, from the Cold War to todays counter-ISIL campaign, Carter said. The alliance is very strong and our relationships very strong. However, it appears White House officials are uncertain about how Erdogan and his government will respond. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Thursday, Given the tumultuous nature of events in Turkey over the last six days, that answer is well learn in the weeks ahead. But with the declaration of a state of emergency by Ankara, further concerns are being raised about restrictions on freedoms and rights in Turkey. The declaration allows the cabinet under the chairmanship of the president to issue decrees that have the force of law on matters relating to the emergency. It also comes as concerns grow over the scale of the crackdowns that have targeted thousands of judges, civil servants, teachers, police officers and soldiers, and amid widespread fears of growing authoritarianism on the part of Erdogan. Turkish officials have insisted that the measures are necessary to preserve security and stability as the country grapples with the coups aftermath and investigates how it came about. Erdogan said the state of emergency was not against democracy, the rule of law or freedom. Cracks in party unity deepened as the fallout from Ted Cruz's refusal to endorse presidential nominee Donald Trump dominated the fourth and final day of the Republican National Convention. The Texas senator's convention speech Wednesday, which drew a chorus of boos, will reverberate into the 2020 presidential campaign should Trump be defeated in November. Cruz, who is known for his long-range political planning and meticulous attention to detail, carries a reputation as a pariah willing to buck his own party. The move focused attention on runner-up Cruz's perceived party disloyalty, even though others in the erstwhile 17-candidate field have not endorsed the New York businessman. "I was expecting him to unify with everybody else in the party! Everybody's got to endorse Trump!" shouted Sam Mullins, an alternate delegate from Florida, who had to be restrained by security. He was one of many Trump supporters who booed the Senator toward the end of the speech, as it became clear Cruz would not be offering his endorsement. WATCH: Cruz defends decision not to endorse Trump "To me, this is really about principles. It's not about putting on a jersey and saying, 'No matter what somebody stands for, I'm going to go out and vote for them,'" Chris Wilson, the former Cruz campaign director of research and analytics, told VOA Thursday. But it is just the sort of high-risk strategy that is a Cruz hallmark, especially if it reflects a more long-term political calculation. "Frankly, there are a lot of members of the grass roots that are glad that somebody said what Ted Cruz said," Wilson told VOA. A data-driven candidate Before the convention snub, Republican delegates from Texas assembled on the shore of Lake Erie for the Cruz campaign's last gathering. "Cruz recognizes that he is the face of the most conservative movement probably in decades," said Mandy Benz, who did field work for the Cruz campaign in Minnesota. "You can expect that behind the scenes, we'll be growing that movement." Key to Cruz's success before he was sidelined by the Trump juggernaut was a data-based strategy that went beyond the well-documented tactics employed by President Barack Obama in two successful campaigns. During a VOA visit to Cruz campaign headquarters in Houston late last year, Wilson described how Cruz's team used social media to establish direct contact with voters. "We're able to not have to worry about the censorship of the Cruz message that could occur by regular media sources. For him to be able to communicate directly whether by Twitter or Facebook or Instagram or Snapchat or whatever media may be utilized," Wilson said. Wilson and his team also developed innovative methods of micro-targeting voters to better understand election issues that resonated with their concerns and beliefs, and then tailored the Cruz message to help win them over though Cruz seemed unable to expand his reach beyond his core of conservative primary voters. More non-endorsements At the convention, failed presidential candidates Marco Rubio, the Florida senator, who taped his speech, and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker also addressed delegates and did not endorse Trump. Ohio governor John Kasich, noticeably absent from the convention held in his home state, was in a heated feud, after refusing to endorse Trump or appear at the convention. Trump's campaign manager, Paul Manafort, said Kasich was "embarrassing" his home state. Kasich stood in contrast with many other mainstream Republicans, like House Speaker Paul Ryan, who fell in line behind Trump in the name of party unity perhaps setting him apart from many others should he make another presidential run. Manette Merrill, a delegate from Washington state who was on the convention floor, said the Trump conflict with Kasich could have more to do "with the push-pull between politicians." "I'm sure he wanted to be invited. This is his home state," Walters said. She said Kasich's establishment credentials make it harder to judge the grass-roots support he may have if he decides to run again in 2020. Even after the night's non-endorsements, Merrill said the Trump campaign could still bring people together by focusing on ideas. Turkey says it will suspend the European Convention on Human Rights during the three-month state of emergency it declared to purge perpetrators of last week's failed coup. Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmas said Turkey would take steps "like France has done under Article 15 of the convention" that allow signatories to abrogate from its obligations during times of war or public emergencies. "The state of emergency will give the government a good opportunity to fight against coup plotters and clean the state coffers fully of members of the Gulenist organization," Kurtulmas was quotes as saying by the Hurriyet news agency. Turkish lawmakers are expected to approve President Erdogan's call for a three-month state of emergency in a move that paves the way for further purging of his opponents, following Friday's failed attempt to topple him and his government. Erdogan announced the state of emergency in a televised address late Wednesday, following meetings with his national security council and Cabinet. Erdogan said the state of emergencys purpose is to be able to take the most efficient steps to return to democracy and rule of law. The Turkish leader said the armed forces would not take control of the country during this time. Crackdown expands Hundreds of Erdogan supporters filled public venues across Turkey, including Istanbuls Taksim Square, where his statement was carried live on big screens. The announcement of the state of emergency drew applause from the crowd. The declaration allows Erdogan to expand an already massive crackdown that observers say primarily targets members of a spiritual movement led by Fethullah Gulen, a former imam who has been living in the United States for the past 17 years. Since Friday more than 9,000 people, including 6,000 military, have been put in what Erdogan describes as pre-trial detention. By some estimates, almost 50,000 public officials, including judges and academics, were suspended or ordered to resign. Turkish state media reports the government has banned all academics from traveling out of Turkey. More than 21,000 employees of the Education Ministry, including more than 1,500 university deans, were suspended Tuesday. The lynching has started, said Beyza Ustun, an official of the Kurdish-dominated, left-wing Peoples Democratic Party, reflecting the concern members of Turkeys minorities have expressed at what they see as a growing threat to their rights. Erdogan on Wednesday told al-Jazeera some of those detained after the attempted coup have started confessing and providing what the Turkish leader said is information that links the coup attempt to Gulen. He said he believes a foreign power may have been involved, and said it would be a big mistake if the United States decides not to extradite Gulen. Erdogan has also said he will approve capital punishment if it is approved by parliament. Erdogan, whose Justice and Development Party won a comfortable victory in elections last November, has hailed his defeat of the coup as a triumph of democracy. But his heavy-handed tactics, especially after the foiled coup, have raised tensions with Washington. While condemning the coup attempt, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Washington wants to make certain that as the response to the coup is implemented it fully respects that democracy that we are supporting." U.S. President Barack Obama has urged Erdogan to ensure the investigations and prosecution of the coups perpetrators are conducted in ways that reinforce public confidence in democratic institutions and the rule of law. Two clear front-runners have emerged from the pack of 12 candidates for the next U.N. secretary-general, according to diplomats with knowledge of the secret proceedings. Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres and Slovenia's former president, Danilo Turk, both garnered strong support from the U.N. Security Council's 15 members on their first informal ballots Thursday to select a new U.N. chief. The council, which recommends a finalist to the General Assembly for approval, is likely to hold several rounds of votes before making a final decision. The winner will take over from Ban Ki-moon on Jan. 1, 2017. Both front-runners have extensive U.N. experience, in addition to their political backgrounds. Guterres, 67, was his country's prime minister from 1995-2002 and went on to become the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees for a decade, leaving the post last December. Under his leadership, the agency managed the largest refugee and migrant crisis since World War II. Turk, 64, of Slovenia, is a human rights lawyer who was his country's head of state from 2007 to 2012. Before that, he served as Slovenia's first U.N. ambassador and was the U.N. deputy political chief under Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Eastern Europe has never held the top U.N. post and has entered eight candidates in hopes of winning it. They had mixed results. Aside from Slovenia's Turk, who is in second place in the vote count, diplomats said Bulgaria's Irina Bokova, the head of UNESCO, came in third, followed closely by Vuk Jeremic of Serbia and Srgjan Kerim of Macedonia. At the bottom of the pack were the nominees from Montenegro, Moldova and Croatia. There has been a push by more than 50 member states this year to select a woman to fill the top U.N. job. New Zealand's Helen Clark, who runs the U.N. Development Program, and Argentina's Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra, placed in the middle of the group, while Costa Rica's Christiana Figueres landed in the bottom half. Call for transparency The results of the council's informal voting are not public. General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft, who has shaken up the process this year by calling on governments to formally nominate their candidates and by holding public job interviews with them, took to social media to criticize the council for not making the poll results public. "In my view, limiting the communication to the fact that the informal straw poll has taken place without any further detail adds little value and does not live up to the expectations of the membership and the new standard of openness and transparency," he wrote on Twitter. "We are not going to preview our position on the individual candidates," U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power told reporters on her way into the vote. "But we made no secret of the fact that we're looking for somebody with great leadership skills, great management skills, someone who has a commitment to fairness and accountability, and who stays true to the founding principles of the United Nations." France's U.N. envoy Francois Delattre compared the council's secret deliberations to the selection of the pope, "with the exception that the observers say there is no smoke, white or black." He added that the process is "critically important," and the council must make sure it picks the best candidate. "It's about inspiring and projecting trust, and making sure that the community of nations recognizes itself in the future secretary-general," he said. When Kurdish-led forces took control of Shaddadi in northeastern Syria in February, they not only pushed back Islamic State militants who had been there for nearly one year, but they also got hold of the sprawling oil fields that stretch into the desert. The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces are primarily commanded by the Kurds. Their advances against IS have given the Kurds an opportunity to take charge of their local affairs, including oil production. Shaddadi has been known for its abundant oil and natural gas fields. In addition to Shaddadi, Kurdish groups have been controlling other strategic oil fields in northeastern Syria. Were not only providing fuel oil to our local people, a Kurdish oil field technician who didnt want to be identified told VOA. Now we are able to produce the oil. Analysts say the control of more oil fields would allow Syrian Kurds to be more effective in their fight against IS militants in Syria. Since 2012, the oil-rich Kurdish north has been run by local Kurdish forces, also known as the Peoples Protection Units (YPG), after forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad largely withdrew to focus on fighting anti-government rebels elsewhere. Despite minimal presence of government forces, local Kurds were able to restart the operation of Rumeilan, the largest oil field in Syria. Local refining Before the conflict erupted, the oil from the Kurdish region was transported to two major refineries one in Homs, in central Syria, and one in Banias, in the west. Now it is being refined locally with machines that are less professional and more dangerous to the environment. The local technician said that Kurds have devised machinery to refine fuel oil and gasoline, but that other, less needed types are also produced. Revenues generated by oil production have allowed Kurds to run their area and pay salaries of their fighters. We are self-sufficient now with regards to oil, said Nawaf Khalil, an official with the Democratic Union Party (PYD), the ruling party in the Kurdish region. "It would be good if we could produce more oil and sell it abroad. But the war in the country makes it very difficult. According to local officials, the oil production reaches up to 20,000 barrels per day. They [Kurds] reportedly generate nearly $288 million annually from oil production, said Musallam Talas, a Syrian Kurdish economist who teaches at the Mardin Artuklu University in Turkey. He told VOA that there are other stakeholders involved in the process, so it is hard to predict where all the oil money is going. Im sure a large percentage [of that money] goes for the [Kurdish YPG] fighters, Talas said. No exporting But Kurdish officials say the war has prevented them from being fully independent in dealing with oil. We dont export oil to the outside world, said Khalil of the PYD. Our technical capabilities, among other issues, dont allow us to do that. Private businessmen, however, have been able to purchase refined oil from the local Kurdish administration, local news reports said. It is unclear where that oil has been sent. Experts say that a self-reliant economy in the Kurdish region depends on how the overall situation in Syria unfolds. Once [international] sanctions [imposed on Syria] are lifted, Kurds would be able to build a more stable local economy, Talas told VOA. "They would have more freedom in profiting from oil sales. With military support from the U.S.-led coalition, Syrian Kurds have been largely successful in making advances against IS militants in Syria. For now, Kurdish officials say that having control over oil is helping them effectively continue the fight against Islamic State. A U.S. naval warship will visit New Zealand later this year, ending a three-decade-old stalemate over the South Pacific nation's nuclear-free policy. Prime Minister John Key announced Thursday during a joint press conference with visiting U.S. Vice President Joe Biden that Washington had accepted an invitation to participate in November's celebration of the Royal New Zealand Navy's 75th anniversary. An American naval vessel has not docked at a New Zealand port since the mid-1980s, when the country's nuclear-free policy went into effect. Since the United States neither confirms nor denies whether its ships are nuclear-powered or carrying nuclear weapons, all its naval vessels have been effectively banned from New Zealand waters. Both the U.S. and Australia considered New Zealand's policy a breach of the three-way ANZUS (Australia, New Zealand, United States) defense cooperation treaty, and Washington suspended its ANZUS obligations to New Zealand in 1986. Despite the rift, the two countries have maintained close diplomatic ties, and New Zealand has supported U.S.-led military efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Biden says the invitation is "yet another expression of our close and cooperative relationship." The law requires Prime Minister Key to be satisfied that a foreign country's naval vessel is nuclear free before he approves it to visit. Arbitrary detentions, sometimes involving torture, are taking place in Eastern Ukraine both by Ukrainian authorities and Russian-backed separatists, according to a joint report released by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch Thursday. At least nine cases were documented of Ukrainian authorities detaining civilians accused of coordinating with Russian-backed separatists, and nine more of separatist forces detaining civilians suspected were spying for the Ukrainian government. But both human rights organizations stated they suspect the number of such detentions is much higher than they are currently able to document. "Torture and secret detention are not historical or unknown practices in Ukraine. They are taking place right now, on both sides of the conflict," said Denis Krivosheev, deputy director for Europe and Central Asia at Amnesty International. "Those countries providing support - to whatever side - know this perfectly well. They must not continue to turn a blind-eye to these abhorrent abuses." Secret detentions Many cases constitute secret detentions because authorities refuse to acknowledge that certain victims are in their custody. The report also indicated that these prisoners were being used as bargaining chips to release prisoners from the other side. In the West, Russia is largely seen as having fomented and supported the unrest in eastern Ukraine as retribution for mass protests in Kyiv, which in February of 2014 toppled a pro-Moscow president. Russia denies charges of any official involvement. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported the first six months of this year have seen all previous global warming records broken.The WMO said 2016 is on track to be the worlds hottest year on record with more heat on the way. Record heat, land and water According to the World Meteorological Organization, the dramatic, sweeping changes in the state of the world climate is alarming. June was the 14th month in a row of record heat for land and oceans. It also marked the 378th consecutive month with temperatures above the 20th century average. David Carlson, director of the WMOs World Climate Research Program, told VOA global warming is happening faster than predicted. This year suggests that the planet can warm up faster than we expected on a much shorter time. We would have thought that it would take several years to see a jump like this, he said. Scientists based their assessment of the rapidly changing climate on three main indicators.The first is the record-setting global temperatures, which, for the first six months of this year, averaged 1.3 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial era levels. They noted the heat has been especially high in the Arctic, resulting in the early and fast melting of the Arctic sea ice, territories in the far Northern Hemisphere, including Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Russia, are setting heat records, and carbon dioxide emissions, which are driving global warming, have reached new highs. Emissions, greenhouse gases The strong 2015-2016 El Nino event, which causes unusually warm ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, is only partially responsible for this accelerated warming trend Carlson said, however, much remains unknown. If we got this much surprise this year, how many more surprises are ahead of us? The system cannot so far as we know I mean, ice takes a certain amount of time to melt, the ocean takes a certain amount of time to heat up it cannot go ballistic the way the movies have it, but this is a serious surprise even from a conservative climate point of view, he stated. Carlson warned the world is running out of time to cut the emissions of greenhouse gases leading to global warming. He said nations that have signed up to the Paris Climate Change agreement last year must take more aggressive action. Last year, a video of a young man quizzing the U.S. president was widely shared by Cambodian Facebook users. Commenters expressed pride that the youth, one of their countrymen, had the chance to address Barack Obama directly. Since yourself is aging toward a very senior life ... , Rithy Odom began his question, inducing laughter from the crowd at Taylors University in Kuala Lumpur, and from Obama himself. What do you want to see from young generations like us when you get old? Well, the first thing I want from young people is to stop calling me old, Obama responded, triggering laughs and applause. We are sorry, but this feature is currently not available I think the most important thing for young people is that they're not trapped in the past, he continued, in his typically relaxed fashion. The exchange, at an event of the Young South East Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), characterized the kind of connection Obama has tried to foster with youths in the region. The U.S. government-run program for bright youngsters is part of efforts to build people-to-people ties, which form a key soft-power element of the Obama administration's pivot to Asia. The YSEALI Summit, as well as the other programs in YSEALI, deepens our engagement with Cambodian young leaders on key regional and global challenges, said Courtney Woods, a spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh, looking forward to a similar summit that will be held in September at the Nam Ngum reservoir, just north of the Lao capital, Vientiane. [Obama] can be both our friend in a personal communication and be a statesman in public talks, Odom, now 19, told VOA Khmer. To me, the best takeaway from him is to be more open-minded, accepting critics and other peoples ideas. It loses you nothing, yet you earn more. The summit in Malaysia also involved a workshop connecting fellows and specialists from around the region, plus community work sessions that involved collecting trash on a beach, distributing food to the elderly and planting trees. While there are almost 6,000 registered YSEALI members from Cambodia, only a select 200 fellows will attend the upcoming Laos summit, which kicks off September 6, and Obama will again be present. Chea Kimguech, 24, a third-year-student in economics at Phnom Penhs Royal University of Law and Economics, told VOA Khmer she finds Obama an inspirational leader. I want to know his strategy to lead this multinational country [the U.S.], where people come from different corners of the globe, Kimguech said, adding that she would also like to quiz the president on how he became the first African-American commander in chief. Theam Daneath, 23, who works at a bank, praised Obama as a fair leader and said she wanted to get advice from the president on how young Cambodians can help solve their countrys problems, like unequal access to education. To be specific, [I want to raise] access to the English language, as Cambodia now is in an integrated ASEAN, she said, using an acronym for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. English is our way out. Ty Limkosal, 23, an international relations graduate, told VOA Khmer he would like to ask Obama about one of his possible successors. What would he think if Donald Trump became the next president? Limkosal said. Obama will leave office in late January, handing over the presidency to the winner of November's elections likely between Donald Trump, a real estate tycoon and reality television personality, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. But, as he said during a YSEALI event in Vietnam in May, Obama intends the program for young leaders to continue, becoming part of his legacy of engagement in Southeast Asia. This is something that were already planning, Obama said. Our expectation is that the next president will want to continue the incredible work that we've done with the YSEALI. Donald Trump delivered his acceptance speech to the Republican National Convention, painting America as a country in dire straits, under attack both at home and abroad. He says he is the only candidate capable of making America safe and vows to take the actions necessary to protect Americans who feel unsafe. The BSP workers led by party Chandigarh unit chief Jannat Jahan holding flags and effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi marched from sector 34 to sector 33 towards the BJP office. By Manjeet Sehgal: The derogatory remarks made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dayashankar Singh agsinst Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati sparked protest in Chandigarh. The BSP workers staged a protest, burnt effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and shouted slogans against the Modi government. The BSP workers led by party Chandigarh unit chief Jannat Jahan holding flags and effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi marched from sector 34 to sector 33 towards the BJP office. They were however, stopped by the Chandigarh police which had already barricaded the road leading to BJP office where they had planned a protest. advertisement Though the police had arranged water cannons and riot control vehicles but it did not use them against the protesters who left within half-an-hour after burning the effigy. The protesters shouted anti-BJP government slogans and demanded immediate arrest of Dayashankar Singh. Meanwhile, Jannat Jahan announced a reward of Rs 50 lacs for bringing the 'tongue' of the BJP leader. "He has not insulted Behanji (Mayawati) but the entire womenfolk. We will reward the person bringing his tongue with Rs 50 Lakh. He should be arrested and be slapped with shoes by the girls," Jannat Jahan said. The BJP has suspended Dayashankar Singh from the party for for six years on charges of making derogatory remarks against Mayawati . --- ENDS --- Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is widely expected to announce her vice presidential running mate shortly after the end of this week's Republican National Convention. People with knowledge of the situation said Wednesday that Clinton has a "short list" of nine people she is considering. Thats not the real list, Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginias Center for Politics, told VOA. The reason you issue a list of that length is to please various party constituencies and even powerful individuals. The Clinton campaign has held focus groups recently to help identify potential candidates. Clinton has met with several of them recently at her Washington home. I also think they are ... sending out some weather balloons for potential Cabinet appointees, Pennsylvania State University political scientist Mark Major said in an interview with VOA. The running mate announcement from Clinton is expected to come Friday or Saturday. This is already determined. We just dont know who it is. Thats a very, very tight operation. Its close to leak-free, Sabato said of the Clinton campaign organization. Clinton is scheduled to attend campaign organizing events Friday and Saturday in Florida, the nations largest battleground state with 29 electoral votes at stake. If youre looking around the country for swing states with a lot of electoral votes, you start with Florida, Sabato said. Former NATO commander Clinton campaign aides say she is considering a vice presidential running mate with national security experience, a factor that has sharpened the focus on former NATO Supreme Allied Commander James Stavridis, who now is dean of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, a graduate school for international affairs. David Lublin, professor at American Universitys School of Public Affairs, told VOA that national security often gets underplayed as a factor in presidential elections, but is becoming a higher priority after recent high-profile terrorist attacks. Many political observers consider Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia Clintons top choice for the vice presidency. Kaine is among a field of prospects who include Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Labor Secretary Thomas Perez, Housing Secretary Julian Castro and Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper. Major said Clinton would most likely select a white male. Weve seen a huge gender gap in this election. He added that whoever is chosen, the impact on public opinion will be negligible, as is usually the case with vice presidential nominees. Its one way to sort of balance out your portfolio, he said. A strong vice presidential running mate, Sabato said, should be able to help the presidential nominee do two things: win the election and govern. It would also be nice if a vice president brought some electoral votes, Sabato said, adding that Kaine could potentially do so as a senator from the swing state of Virginia. Opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, was on Monday dragged to court by party activists seeking the nullification of his appointments of two deputies. The plaintiffs, Patson Murimoga and George Rice argue that by picking Nelson Chamisa and Elias Mudzuri as his deputies, Mr. Tsvangirai violated the party constitution. The MDC-T leader, who has since been served with court papers, now has three deputies, including her long-running second-in-command Thokozani Khupe, who feels betrayed and sidelined by his boss. Lawyer Zivanai Macharaga for the litigants told Studio 7 the MDC-T leader breached the party constitution which says his deputies must be elected at Congress. For perspective we turned to political analyst Nkululeko Sibanda who opined that the opposition party could be headed for another split. Employer and labor organizations today piled pressure on President Robert Mugabes government to address economic problems affecting the country in a bid to reduce cases of the trafficking of Zimbabwean workers. Addressing a one-day conference on migration trends for domestic workers from Africa to the Arab states held in Harare today, Hapolang Phororo, who is the International Labor Organization country director for Zimbabwe and Namibia, said Zimbabwe should address its economic situation urgently in order to put a stop to the trafficking of its workforce. Phororos remarks come at a time when an estimated 200 women were reportedly trafficked to Kuwait on the guise of being offered lucrative employment. Some of them were allegedly abused by their employers. Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe executive director, John Mufukare, echoed Phororos sentiments, adding that workers end up going to some nations where they are abused by employers as a result of the harsh economic situation in the country. A representative of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, Jokoniah Mahoba, said many Zimbabwean workers were going abroad in search of greener pastures as a result of the countrys under-performing economy. He added that economies of countries affected by brain drain usually get weaker every day if authorities do not find ways of addressing the economic plunge. Permanent secretary in the Labor Ministry, Ngoni Masoka, said authorities were doing all they can to ensure that the countrys economy gets back on track. Masoka also told Studio 7 that 13 Zimbabwean women arrived in the country today following their repatriation from Kuwait where they went in search of work as domestic workers but were later abused. This brings the number of Zimbabwean women repatriated from Kuwait to 102 this year alone. The meeting was attended by delegates from government, ILO, ZCTU, EMCOZ, International Organization for Migration and others. Rihanna Photo: David Becker/Getty Images In these turbulent times, when so much about our future is uncertain, todays Valerian panel at Comic-Con brought some good news: In the 28th century, at least well still have Rihanna. Luc Bessons expensive new space opera, based on the French comic series Valerian and Laureline, stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne as interstellar special agents roaming throughout the universe to negotiate with good aliens and blast the evil ones into goo. The footage we saw today was colorful, creative, and more than a little dorky, but if you like your sci-fi to have the outlandish creativity Besson brought to The Fifth Element, theres plenty here to pique your interest. But amidst all the action scenes Besson showed us including one desert chase scene seemingly pulled out of John Carter, where our heroes are chased by a dangerous, bloodthirsty Woola one sequence was the clear standout. In it, a spacesuit-clad DeHaan visits one futuristic citys red-light district, where all sorts of seductive aliens bat their eyes at him. Still, DeHaan knows exactly what he wants, zeroing in on a brothel run by Ethan Hawke, who swans toward DeHaan adorned in fluorescent fabrics and a Jane Child nose-ring chain. Linklater, this aint. Giving us his best take on Chris Tuckers flamboyant Fifth Element performance, Hawke asks DeHaan what kind of girl hes in the mood for. Retro, says DeHaan, and fortunately, Hawke has just the thing: He sits the spaceman down for a private show as a bowler-clad performer appears on stage, straddling a chair. The woman turns to the camera, and thank the heavens above, its fucking Rihanna. (Sexy space Rihanna, yall!) Serving up a Sally Bowles look, Velma Kelly glamour, and Rihanna Rihanna-tude, Space Rihanna gets ready to slay her dance number and then the clip cuts out. Im not sure if its against the law to get us all hot and bothered for an interstellar Space Rihanna sequence, only to halt the clip before it really gets going, but hopefully some lawyers will elucidate in the comments whether Besson can be tried at the Hague for this. According to DeHaan, he spent two weeks working on the scene with Rihanna, and when he told his friends the spoiler-filled details about what she ends up doing in the film, their jaws dropped. You guys dont even know, he warned. Rihannas part is so crazy. Valerian comes out next summer, but now that we have #spacerihanna to look forward to, the future looks just a little bit brighter. The cops first went to Singh's residence in UP's Ballia district today after a First Information Report (FIR) under the SC/ST Atrocity Act was filed against him by the Bahujan Samaj Party last night. By India Today Web Desk: Police in Uttar Pradesh launched a hunt for expelled BJP leader Dayashankar Singh whose comparison of Mayawati with a prostitute has triggered a massive political row. The cops first went to Singh's residence in UP's Ballia district today after a First Information Report (FIR) under the SC/ST Atrocity Act was filed against him by the Bahujan Samaj Party last night. advertisement Failing to find him there, they also went to his official residence in Lucknow's Kesarbagh area. Singh was not there either. Meanwhile, Balia police has detained Dayashankar's cousin Dharmendra Singh. He is being interrogated. BJP leader compares Mayawati to a prostitute as party counters anti-Dalit tag in Gujarat, Parliament BSP PROTESTS IN LUCKNOW Meanwhile, thousands of BSP workers took to the streets in Lucknow to protest against the remarks made by the former vice-president of the BJP's UP unit. The protesters threw traffic out of the gear in Hazratganj, giving anxious moments to the district administration, police officers and those controlling traffic. State BSP president Raj Achal Rajbhar who was leading the protests told the media that the statement had revealed the "anti-Dalit mentality" of the BJP. Removal of Singh from party posts and his subsequent expulsion, he alleged, was a mere eyewash. Following the outrage over the statement, the BJP late night expelled Singh from the party for six years. Also Read Dalit fury in Lucknow over Maya slur, BSP demands Dayashankar's arrest Mayawati slur: BJP sacks Dayashankar Singh for six years, BSP files FIR 10 sexist slurs that show how ridiculous Indian politicians can be --- ENDS --- Photo: Paramount Pictures You gotta love authenticity in art! The U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil suit on Wednesday against the makers of The Wolf of Wall Street, alleging that much of the money used to fund the film was stolen from the Malaysian people. The federal government is now attempting to seize, among many other assets in the wide-ranging, $3.5 billion money-laundering scheme, the rights to future profits from the 2013 film, itself about financial misdoings. The case centers around 1Malaysia Development Berhad, an investment fund started by the Malaysian government to invest worldwide, with the profits benefiting the Malaysian people. That was the idea, anyways. What happened instead, according to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, is that corrupt financiers treated this public trust as a personal bank account. Suspicions of The Wolf of Wall Streets involvement in the scandal arose because a significant amount of its $100 million-plus budget came from a production company called Red Granite Pictures, which was not a known player in the industry. Its now thought by the government that $64 million of that budget came from 1MDB funds, though Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell says, The Malaysian people never saw a penny of profit of that film. In addition to the rights to The Wolf of Wall Street, the government is also trying to seize some valuable artwork and real estate enmeshed in the scheme. This is just the latest legal complication to hit the film, which is also facing a defamation suit from former Stratton Oakmont executive Andrew Greene. Wolf of Wall Street cinematic universe, here we come. In its first season, Mr. Robot delivered one of the biggest, best-executed narrative twists in recent television history the revelation of Mr. Robots true nature with the foreknowledge that it would be able to reckon with that twist in its already confirmed (and already conceived) second season. Sam Esmail has made clear that the events of season one were more of a prelude than a first act, and that his vision for the show is a story about a guy discovering in fact that he has dissociative-identity disorder, and were with him as hes discovering that, and what do you do as you realize your personality is starting to fragment away from you. In other words, the Mr. Robot twist wasnt a twist, it was the show revealing its true nature. Which is all good and appropriately heady, but now that were a solid three hours into season two, having spent about half of those hours watching Elliot, mostly alone, battling a demon in his head, its starting to feel like Mr. Robot has developed an identity crisis. At this point in the series, Ive come to think of each Mr. Robot episode as comprising the Elliot half and the everything-else half or the internal half and the external half, respectively. Elliots scenes are pure, distilled Mr. Robot, with Esmail, whos directing every episode this season, piling stylistic flourishes on top of dorm-room philosophizing (religion is a drug, man) on top of more stylistic flourishes. This episode, which finds Elliot attempting to wrestle both his guilt and Mr. Robot into submission via copious consumption of Adderall, is showy even by Mr. Robot standards: multiple hard-driving monologues and narration, a stomach-churning drug-induced fake-out, and lots of VFX-assisted visualizations of Elliots altered state. Its all in keeping with the shows established tone and this episodes theme encroaching panic but it also feels isolated from everything else. Thats arguably on purpose, as Elliot is himself isolated mentally and physically, but it does foster a sense that were breaking with the real story to spend time in Elliots head. While Elliots scenes are reliably engaging on a visual level, and open themselves up to lots of mystery-box theorizing about what it all means, theyre also feeling a little stagnant in the narrative department, especially compared to everything outside of Elliots grey little corner of the universe. The world is coming apart at the seams thanks to the FSociety hack and people keep dying, which well get to in a moment but were spending our time listening to this guy go on about religion and guilt? (Or, even worse, paw through a pile of his own vomit so he can swallow the pills again? I mean, seriously?) That may be what Esmail always wanted, but viewers who were drawn to the intrigue and suspense elements of Mr. Robot may be starting to feel like theyve been sold a false bill of goods. Theres still a lot of good stuff happening in Elliots half of the show; its where the shows stylistic ambition and audacity are most apparent. But I suspect Im not alone in itching for Elliot to end this death match with Mr. Robot so he can get back to having an effect good or bad on the world again. Thankfully, it looks like we may be headed in that direction. Ray gives Elliot the attitude readjustment he needs if hes going to survive without the assistance of mind-altering chemicals. After this episode, I think its safe to conclude that Ray is a real person existing in the world, and not Elliots brain (which unfortunately punches a hole in Abraham Riesmans intriguing theory), though what his role is, or what it will be, is still unclear. We know now that Rays been trying to tap Elliot to assist with some impossible hacker feat involving a website and Bitcoin, something the poor guy whom Ray visits hasnt been able to do. Ray offers this guy some positive reinforcement, but his demeanor, combined with the fear and physical injury on the guys scarred face, reveal that he is not someone to cross. But, seemingly contrary to that, hes also friends with the local chaplain, who gives him Elliots discarded notebook to return following that church-group outburst. And, most trenchantly, Ray also has some experience talking to people that arent there in his case, his dead wife something he uses to maneuver himself past the walls of Elliots mind. Control is about as real as a one-legged unicorn taking a leak at the end of a double rainbow, Ray tells Elliot, whos been trying without success to control the turmoil in his brain through drugs, journaling, and isolation. Youre smart enough to know keeping this inside you isnt going to last, he says later, seemingly giving Elliot permission to let Mr. Robot take over. (Or at least have a seat at the table.) And right on cue, theres Mr. Robot, hopefully ushering in the next chapter of this story, where Elliot stumbles in the right direction along with Mr. Robot, instead of trying to control him. Of course, Rays endgame is still the big question mark hanging over this development. Presumably he was able to suss out Elliots condition by reading his journal, but he does seem to have an awfully keen grasp of the situation for someone who just appeared out of the blue one day. Its still unclear whether Ray is ultimately friend or foe (and why he has such a large American flag on the wall in his office), but he does seem to understand Elliot, which may be all Elliot needs to move forward. And understanding Elliot is no easy feat, as evidenced by the conversations the other members of FSociety have regarding their AWOL leader. When Romero turns up mysteriously dead at his moms house, it sends a shockwave of panic (theme alert!) through the erstwhile members of FSociety, Mobley in particular, who confronts Darlene about the situation. The back-to-back murders of Romero and Gideon (whose murderer, a whack job according to Darlene, turned himself in at the crime) have raised the question of whether Elliot and Darlene are taking care of the hacks loose ends via the Dark Army. Its a reasonable-enough theory Mr. Robot loves itself some plausible paranoia buttressed by Elliots erratic behavior after (and before) the hack. Based on what we know about Elliots state, its unlikely hes in contact with the Dark Army, much less thinking about the members of FSociety who arent inside his own head. But someone is thinking a lot about FSociety these days, so much so that its keeping her from enjoying late-night reality television and cybersex. Watching Dom stumble her way toward the FSociety arcade is the highlight of tonights episode, in part because Grace Gummer is such a compelling onscreen presence (and in part because Dom rolls a bomb-ass joint). Her journey toward the truth of the FSociety hack is what gives the episode most of its forward momentum, and keeps its messy narrative on the rails. The closing moment where the camera pans up as Dom looks at the arcades F__ SOCIETY sign is a thing of beauty, bringing full circle the cold-open sequence with Romero and Mobely discussing the arcades bloody history. Its a sign that Mr. Robot has some good story left ahead of it a story that Elliot will hopefully rejoin soon. Orphan Code: Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images Paris Hilton must be thrilled. Nicole Richie has been cast in NBCs new comedy pilot Great News, which follows a tight-knit New Jersey mother and daughter whose relationship is tested when the mom (Andrea Martin) accepts an internship at her daughters (Briga Heelan) cable-news station. Richie will be playing Portia a role that was recast by the producers, who consist of exceptional comedy veterans Tina Fey, Robert Carlock, and Tracey Wigfield whos a hip, young co-host of The Breakdown, the cable news show within Great News, and sometimes a shrewd social media genius, sometimes a clueless idiot. Richie also currently has her own reality show, Candidly Nicole, on VH1. Thats hot. Austin photographer Greg Davis knows how an images power can capture a story in a glance or move a viewer into action. What hes considered his challenge in a decade of professional image-taking is capturing the invisible within the visible. That interest in, and sensitivity to, the invisible brought him on a National Geographic Creative assignment three years ago to the Hindu festival Kumbh Mela, a 55-day event that draws millions of pilgrims every 12 years to the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers and, they believe, a third mythical river called the Saraswati. The results from Davis trip with cinematographer Travis Tank are contained in the 24 images of the exhibit Indias Kumbh Mela, which goes on display in August at the Art Center of Waco after a July 28 opening reception at McLane Stadiums Baylor Club. The Livingston native has shown his Kumbh Mela photos at five Texas museums during the past three years, and his Waco appearance is a homecoming of sorts: Davis is a fourth-generation Baylor University graduate, earning a marketing degree in 1992. For the Art Center, Indias Kumbh Mela is its second major show of images by a National Geographic photographer. In 2007, the center mounted an enormously popular show of 47 photographs by Steve McCurry, who took the famous Afghan girl picture that proved one of the most striking covers of National Geographic magazine. Davis ability to capture human moments in his photographs led to his Kumbh Mela assignment and a daunting challenge: find the small, meaningful moments in one of the largest assemblies of humans on the globe. Largest isnt hyperbole: The 2013 Kumbh Mela at Allahabad, India, drew an estimated 120 million people roughly a third of Americas population during the course of the festival. The masses of pilgrims come to bathe in and drink from the Ganges River, an act they believe can wash away sins and break the cycle of reincarnation if done on certain holy days. During Davis 17 days at the festival, some 30 million people camped out in a 40 square mile area on one of those days, the photographer recalled. The tricky part for me was to dilute the visual chaos around me into intimate scenes, recalled the 47-year-old Davis. Each person there is to connect to something greater than themselves. Davis experience at Kumbh Mela connected him to a sense of that something greater. Three days into his shoot, he lost his main camera, limiting him and Tank to a backup still camera plus the one used to shoot their short film little margin for error given the conditions of shooting near water and ever-present teeming crowds. A creative block followed for three days as Davis couldnt find the images he wanted and needed for the project. God winks Cue the invisible in what Davis terms God winks moments of synchronicity in which meaning and circumstance align too neatly to be coincidence. A God wink, or something similar, had gotten Davis into photography years earlier. In 2000, after nearly 10 years in Austin working as tech representative with Dell Computers and Hewlitt-Packard, Davis suffered an avalanche of personal setbacks. Seven family members died that year; a gang assaulted him; he suffered a major financial loss; and his girlfriend left. It was my valley of darkness, he recalled. I surrendered and asked that which is greater than us. . . . It said go. Davis sold his possessions in 2004 to travel the world and find himself. The photos he took on the journey found an audience after he returned, leading to an award-winning career and, five years later, interest from National Geographic. Back to 2013 and where the invisible informed the visible. Creatively, I was struggling pretty hard, he said of his initial days in the field. Thats when his path crossed that of an American professor from Brooklyn, New York, who just happened to be shooting photographs for the Oman royal family. He invited Davis to accompany him the next day and watch what he did. A day after that, Davis found the shot he thought worthy of being in a museum in Texas, the subject of his image The Lady in Red. Shortly after that, Davis happened to meet and hold the gaze of a pilgrim standing amid scores of others. There was this look of recognition of each other. I felt called to go to this man, he said. They greeted one another, but didnt share a language. The American understood the pilgrim as finished with his journey, and the two parted. A short time later, anxious to photograph someone taking the ritual plunge into the Ganges, he saw the man in the river doing exactly that. He asked his permission to take his picture, the man agreed, and Davis ended up with the Nectar of Immortality image in his show. Davis returned to the United States with a greater sense of listening to the invisible. At some point, youve got to let go and get ego out of the way, he said. I had to trust it was going to work out. I now trust my instincts more and the sense that, with the right intentions, youll be provided for. Finding purpose In addition to the 24 photographs that make up Indias Kumbh Mela, Davis and cinematographer Tank created an 11-minute short documentary, Cloth Paper Dreams, from their experience. That film looks at three men who come to the festival for different reasons: a pilgrim named Mohan Baba, who gives up all and comes in faith; Andre Eichman, who brings his late fathers ashes to the Ganges out of devotion; and Davis, who finds purpose. The photographer will show Cloth Paper Dreams as part of the July 28 opening reception. That event will feature a meal of Indian dishes, live sitar and tabla playing, and a dance interpretation of the Kumbh Melas three rivers by a troupe from the Austin Dance India. Tickets are on sale for the reception, available through the Art Center of Waco and online at artcenterwaco.org. Davis continues to travel the world for his photography, with trips to Peru and Kenya this year. Hes listening for whats next. Im sure Ill be off to some grand adventure in January, he laughed. ----- Indias Kumbh Mela Photography by Greg Davis When, where: Aug. 4 to Sept. 3 at Art Center of Waco, 1300 College Drive. Opening reception, 6:30 to 9 p.m. July 28, Baylor Club at McLane Stadium. Admission: Opening reception tickets are $85, available online at artcenterwaco.org/events/kumbh-mela and at the door. Free admission to Art Center of Waco exhibit. Three years ago this week, I wrote about a nationally touring childrens theater group from Missoula, Montana, that was stopping in Waco to stage a play that would be performed by local children. It had already overseen performances that summer in several small Texas towns, and I was impressed. But I wondered at the time why on earth the organization would be headquartered in Missoula, of all places. Last weekend, I returned home from a quick trip up to Montana (for an unrelated purpose) during which I discovered the answer: Missoula is one of the most impressively energetic art towns Ive ever visited. Its a picturesque city situated at the intersection of several valleys in the far western part of the state and also home to the main campus of the University of Montana. Like Waco, its a county seat but has a population of about 71,000. (The universitys enrollment is about 13,000.) Missoula was one of the first cities in Montana to create a municipal Public Art Committee and to adopt a percent for art program for all new construction, similar to those that operate in much bigger cities like Fort Worth. The committee publishes an annual guide to all of its public art, which currently lists almost 50 pieces ranging from sculptures to murals. A large number (but by no means all) are within walking distance of each other in the downtown area. Some are realistic works, while others are abstract. Most are outdoor pieces, but a few are inside public buildings. A couple of them are memorial sculptures and two are the most artistically designed bicycle racks Ive ever seen. One of its most appealing public art programs is what it does with traffic signal boxes those big, gray control boxes that you see off to the side of every intersection with a stoplight. For eight years now, the city has enlisted local artists to use them as canvases and create vibrant, colorful, interesting and engaging public art pieces that emphasize our talented and creative artists. By the end of August, theyll have 55 out of 72 existing boxes painted. I saw several of them and they were wonderful to look at and brightened the streets. I saw none that was vandalized or defaced in the least. This is a small but extremely visible project that any city interested in having public art could easily undertake. One of the more striking single pieces of public art is actually a carousel, the story of which speaks volumes about community spirit. In 1991, an artistic local cabinet maker told the city council that if you will give it a home and promise no one will ever take it apart, I will build a carousel for Missoula. Over the next four years, he and a team of local artists whom he instructed carved 38 carousel ponies, two chariots and 14 dragons. Local stained-glass artists created windows for the carousel and the specially constructed building in which it operates. Its just a couple of blocks off the main street and near the picturesque Clark Fork River that runs alongside downtown. In explaining the citys art programs, the mayor said that all these choices reflect our dedication to the visual arts as an important part of Missoulas environment. What one sees here is proof that having a successful art scene doesnt have anything to do with a citys size. Instead, it has everything to do with whether a sufficient portion of the citizens and leadership of a community care enough to support the arts and make them a part of civic life. Abdullah Gul and Ijaz-ul-Haq are on the radar of intelligence agencies allegedly for providing legitimacy and funds to terror organisations such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. By Ankit Kumar, Gaurav C Sawant: Abdullah Gul is the son of late Lt Gen Hamid Gul, the jihadi general who headed Pakistan's notorious Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Ijaz-ul-Haq is a former federal minister in Pakistan and the son of former military dictator late Gen Zia-ul-Haq, the man under whose regime Talibanisation of the Pakistan army started. The duo, Gul and Haq, are called the jihadi sons of jihadi fathers. advertisement The two are on the radar of intelligence agencies allegedly for providing legitimacy and funds to terror organisations like the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. The two 'jihadi sons of jihadi generals' are also seen as the key link between ISI and the terrorists handled by it. Under international pressure, Pakistan was forced to put a curb on Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat-ud-Dawa rallies and speeches post 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Abdullah Gul played a key role in legitimising Saeed's brand of terror by organising the rallies under the Difa-e-Pakistan Council (Defence of Pakistan) flag and ensuring media coverage. Interestingly, Gul is also seen as a front for Pakistan's nuclear black market don AQ Khan. Sources have also told India Today that Gul and Haq have organised a series of under-the-radar meetings between top politicians, businessmen, media houses and these designated global terrorists - getting them both legitimacy and funds. Gul and Haq through their deep links with Pakistan ISI helped clear the administrative hurdles for Saeed's anti-India rants and rallies. As designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed embarked on his latest 'Kashmir Caravan' following the killing of terrorist Burhan Wani by security forces in Kokernag, these two sons of Pakistan's jihadi generals were in town consorting with the mastermind and main accused of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Ijaz-ul-Haq is a former federal minister and a member of Pakistan's national assembly. He is also the president of PML (Zia). "He has fundamentalist views and has been playing a key role in the mainstreaming of terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin," sources said. He is also alleged to have organised meetings where funds were sought and raised for this so called jihad in Jammu and Kashmir and Afghanistan. Their fathers - late Gen Zia ul Haq and late Lt Gen Hamid Gul - are Pakistan's most notorious jihadi generals - both godfathers of terror emanating out of Pakistan - both towards India and Afghanistan. Their sons have now donned the mantle, though minus the mufti. Abdullah Gul had public school education at Abbotabad (near Pakistan Military Academy) and has a Masters Degree in Business Administration from New York. PHOTOS SHOW HAMID GUL'S SON WITH JuD CHIEF WANTED BY INDIA There are pictures of Abdullah Gul who calls himself a youth motivator with terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin and also with Pakistan's National Security Advisor (NSA) Lt Gen Nasir Khan Janjua. In fact, Gul has addressed almost every rally organised for Hafiz Saeed to spew venom against India. Being from Army families, they have access to the all powerful Pakistan army. They are also the perfect smoke screen to give potential deniability to the ISI. Lt Gen Janjua has been a frequent visitor at several seminars and events organised by Abdullah Gul - displaying the proximity the terror fronts enjoy with the Pakistani state. advertisement "They operate through the Difa-e-Pakistan Council, a group of about 40 fundamentalist and terrorist organisations across Pakistan aided by Pakistan's Deep State. They arrange massive rallies and organise funds for Taliban and Kashmiri separatists and terrorists," sources added. The DPC came into prominence when it rallied against the restoration of the NATO supply route to Afghanistan. "This group of Pakistani fundamentalists are against the US and India. They openly back LeT and Hizbul Mujahideen along with the Taliban and are seen as a threat to democracy even within Pakistan. They are considered to be operated by the Pakistan ISI and their massive rallies - whether in Lahore or Karachi, in Quetta or Rawalpindi are seen as a show of strength the fundamentalists enjoy in Pakistan," an official added. advertisement Gul has also played a key role in arranging anti-India seminars in Pakistan including inviting key Khalistan terrorists and supporters. His organisation MEASAC Research Centre and Tehreek-e-Jawanan Pakistan (TJP) with branches in UAE and Saudi Arabia used to lobby against India. "There are restrictions on Hafiz Saeed's travel overseas but Gul and the organisation carry his message of jihad. After terrorist Burhan Wani's killing, Gul and Haq are again with Hafiz Saeed organising his anti-India rant. --- ENDS --- Home Minister had earlier in Rajya Sabha said he was willing to examine use of pellet guns, which has become infamous for becoming leading cause of injuries in the Valley. By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: With use of pellet guns to control agitating crowds in Kashmir valley under fire, Union Home minister Rajnath Singh informed the Lok Sabha that an expert committee will look for alternatives of pellet guns. This was after a discussion in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, when opposition parties tore into PDP-BJP alliance in state and Centre's inept handling of the situation after killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. advertisement Home Minister had earlier in Rajya Sabha said he was willing to examine use of pellet guns, which has become infamous for becoming leading cause of injuries in the Valley. The pellet gun has been in use in the Valley since 2010. It was used for the first time in 2010, when central armed police force used to disperse the anti-amarnath land issue agitation. As per the home minister, 6 people were killed, 198 were injured while 5 were blinded by use of pellet guns. Pellets are loaded with led and once fired disperse into huge numbers. Pellets penetrate the skin, especially soft tissues and eyes. A team of doctors from Aiims is already in valley to help in such cases. The home minister told the house, that PM and he have asked the security forces to exercise restraint. Parliament LIVE: Pakistan is responsible for situation in Kashmir, says Rajnath --- ENDS --- The 2016 McLennan County Mud Fest will be held at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Riesel Lions Club Fairgrounds, 1170 E. Frederick St. in Riesel. Gates will open at 5 p.m. The event will feature drivers from the Xtreme Pro Mud Racing Series drag-racing in the mud in mega-trucks, half-monster trucks and half-mud racers. Beer and food will be available to purchase from the Riesel Lions Club. The event will include vendor booths, bounce houses and a mechanical bull to ride. Admission costs $15 for adults and $7 for ages 5 to 12. Lawn chairs will be allowed, as bleacher seating is limited. Tickets will be available at the gate or online at www.blacklandmotorsports.com. Tip a Cop Night Police officers and Law Enforcement Torch Run members from Killeen, Temple and Waco will participate in the annual Tip a Cop Night, set for 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Texas Roadhouse locations in Killeen, Temple and Waco. Officers will serve tables and collect tips to be donated to Special Olympics Texas for programming for more than 1,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities in the Heart of Texas area. Participating locations are 2729 La Salle Ave. in Waco, 624 N. General Bruce Drive in Temple and 3709 E. Central Texas Expressway in Killeen. For more information, email tsmith@sotx.org or call 230-4824. PJ Party at library Waco-McLennan County Library is having a Family Night PJ Party at 7 p.m. Thursday at the West Waco Library, 5301 Bosque Blvd. Guests can wear their pajamas for a fun, cozy story time and a craft. For more information, call 745-6018. Enhance Fitness class Both locations of the YMCA of Central Texas are offering an Enhance Fitness class, a 16-week program designed to help people suffering from arthritis. Classes begin Monday and will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Doris Miller Family YMCA, 1020 Elm Ave.; and at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Waco Family YMCA, 6800 Harvey Drive. Classes will include cardio exercise, strength training, flexibility and balance work. Classes are free to members and cost $100 for nonmembers. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. For more information, call Crystal Hernandez at 776-6612. Grief support group GriefShare, a support group for people experiencing grief and loss, will meet at 6 p.m. Monday for an orientation meeting in the chapel of First Methodist Church Waco, 4901 Cobbs Drive. Regular meetings for the 13-week program will begin Aug. 1 and will cover such topics as The Journey of Grief, The Challenges of Grief, Grief and Your Relationships and more. For more information, call Anne Kinslow at 772-5630 or email stephenministry@fumcwaco.org. Ricky Scaman, sheriff-elect of Falls County, has settled his legal malpractice lawsuit against an Austin attorney whose actions scuttled Scamans proposed suit against his former boss at the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Scaman, an investigator in the Falls County District Attorneys Office who will succeed Ben Kirk as Falls County sheriff in January, settled his lawsuit with attorney Mark Stratton after a mediation session last week. Scaman and his attorney, Ken Ralston, said Thursday the parties agreed to keep the terms of the out-of-court settlement confidential. Scaman said he has mixed emotions about the settlement. I was still denied getting to petition the court, so to speak, to try to get everything squared away, to get a chance to fully clear my name, Scaman said. But this is the best outcome I could ask for under the circumstances, considering I had an attorney who missed deadlines and I didnt get my day in court. Stratton did not return phone messages Thursday. Scaman, a former TABC agent, filed a lawsuit in 2012 against former TABC administrator Alan Ray Steen and brothers Larry Pamplin and Trent Pamplin, alleging the trio conspired to get him fired and ruin his political career. Scaman, a former Falls County chief deputy, was running against Kirk at the time. Because Steen was a state employee, he was represented by the Texas Attorney Generals Office, which filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Stratton did not file a response to the motion, which resulted in the suit being thrown out, according to court records. Stratton also missed a deadline to seek to have the lawsuit reinstated, prompting Scamans legal malpractice lawsuit. The lawsuit has been resolved to our satisfaction, but due to the confidentiality agreement, I cant disclose the terms of the settlement or any particulars of the settlement, Ralston said. The agreement does not preclude Scaman from filing a grievance against Stratton with the State Bar of Texas, Ralston said. The Pamplins also settled their dispute with Scaman. Their settlement agreement included taking down a website Scaman claimed was libelous. Scamans lawsuit was bogus, and if I was Mark Stratton, I wouldnt have settled, said attorney Ty Clevenger, who represented the Pamplins. The Pamplins didnt pay him anything. They didnt pay him one dime. They just both agreed to walk away. My biggest criticism of Mark Stratton was that he brought a lawsuit with no merit in the first place. The Pamplins didnt do anything that the First Amendment doesnt give them the right to do. Scamans suit that was dismissed noted he was a well-regarded and decorated TABC officer, winning the Allan Shivers Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service in 2008 for integrity in both his professional and personal life. The suit alleged that in September 2011, Steen, who was then Scamans boss at the TABC, arranged for Scaman to meet him in Marlin. The pair then drove around for two hours in Steens state vehicle, and Steen showed Scaman land Steen owned near Lott. At the beginning of this drive, Steen presented Scaman with an unsigned list of ridiculous and far-fetched allegations against Scaman, the suit alleged. Steen told Scaman that this list had been given to Steen personally by Larry Pamplin. Steen told Scaman that he didnt want the TABC involved in this type of political mudslinging and he discouraged him from running for sheriff. Scaman said it was his dream to run for Falls County sheriff and he told Steen that he was adamant about the race, the suit said. The meeting ended with Steen telling Scaman that his decision to run for sheriff could have a direct effect on his family, according to the lawsuit. I dont know why Steen would do that unless he is thinking about running for sheriff himself sometime, now that he has property in Falls County, Stratton told the Tribune-Herald in April 2012. This guy was a model officer who did everything they asked of him. Then one day he gets a call from the administrator and they ride around. It had nothing to do with his job, and when he tells him he is going to run for sheriff no matter what, he starts getting penalized the very next day. The next day, the suit alleged, Scamans TABC supervisor told him that he no longer could work his second job as a Falls County deputy. A month later, Scaman was told his daily activity reports had not been filed properly and that he was being given the option of resigning or being terminated. After realizing that their intimidation tactics would not force Scaman to resign, the management at TABC, at the direction of Steen, undertook to terminate Scaman under the guise of legitimacy, according to the lawsuit. According to the lawsuit, the Pamplin brothers slandered and libeled Scaman, damaged his reputation and conspired with Steen to ruin Scamans political chances. Midway ISD may face a $2-3 million deficit in its general fund for the 2017-18 fiscal year, school board trustees said Tuesday night at a regular board meeting. Trustees discussed cost saving measures the district may need to consider, including limiting or scaling back raises; reducing contract days for staff, not including teachers; and saving through attrition by not filling some positions. Worst-case scenario, if nothing changes, these are just some ideas we could possibly look at for next year to handle the larger deficit budget next year than this year, said Wesley Brooks, assistant superintendent of finance. Discussion of the 2017-18 budget came after a short look at the expected budget for the upcoming 2016-17 year, when the general fund will have a deficit of about $1 million; the child nutrition fund will see a deficit of $112,000, which is in line with the recommended fund balance; and the debt service fund is expected to have a $219,000 surplus. The 2016-17 budget, totaling $62,206,115 , is expected to be approved in August, and the districts tax rate will not change, Brooks said. The concerns for the 2017-18 budget stem from a 2006 Texas legislative decision, when Texas lawmakers voted to reduce school property tax rates statewide by one-third. To offset the loss in revenue for school districts, the state set up Additional State Aid for Tax Reduction, which was paid for from the states general fund and intended to keep districts from dropping below 2005-06 levels of funding per student. Since it was established, funding has been cut for Additional State Aid for Tax Reduction, and the program is set to expire if no legislative action is taken, Superintendent George Kazanas has told the board. If the program ends, it will leave Midway at a $1.5 million loss, according to previous board minutes. The end of the program would affect about 200 districts in the state, Kazanas said to the board. The $2-3 million deficit projected for the 2017-18 fiscal year is based on the past few years, when Midway ISD had a deficit of a little more than $1 million each year, Brooks said. Of course, theres a lot of unknowns, like what our property values are, and 2 percent raises for all the staff, and how next year were adding six or seven new positions based on enrollment growth, Brooks said after the meeting, adding it is important for the board to start talks sooner rather than later. But based on that, in fiscal year 2018, theres a significant reduction Im finding based on the current laws. They wanted me to come to the board meeting, just in case nothing changes and were still facing the same funding structure were currently looking at; theyd like to see a contingency plan. It didnt help that Texas school districts lost a 2011 lawsuit against the state for inadequate funding, ruled on by the Supreme Court in May, Brooks said. The lawsuit, supported by 600 school districts, came in response to the state Legislature cutting $5.4 billion in funding, according to the Associated Press. The first option Brooks gave for addressing the projected 2017-18 budget deficit was a reduction in salary increases, referring to the possibility of eliminating the proposed 2 percent raise, which would save a total of $850,000. The second option was saving through attrition, which is where Brooks said the district could make the largest impact. In a typical year, an average of 70 teachers and 25 paraprofessionals leave the district, and if officials choose not to replace six paraprofessionals and four teachers, that would save $387,000, he said as an example. The last few examples involved reducing contract days for staff to save about $75,000, excluding teachers because by law their contracts are required to be 187 days. The district also could reduce the amount of hardware, including iPads, in the classrooms. As the budget is drafted, the district plans to have about $4.5 million in its technology fund by next year to supply each of its students with an iPad. Elective programs also could be cut as a drastic measure, Brooks said. About 80 percent of the budget is personnel, Kazanas said. Board members said as they begin to weigh the options, another element to consider is the fact that Midway ISD also is dealing with enrollment increases during the past two years. Nothing is set in stone, but if the board chooses to save through attrition, it has done so before back in 2011, Vice President Tom Pagel said. He urged the board to make sure a personnel plan is in place once Midway ISD hits the cliff that will be caused by the scrapping of Additional State Aid for Tax Reduction. Its terrible, Pagel said. Id rather have larger classes and keep programs, than cut programs. Id rather not have larger classrooms either, but if it were between the two, Id rather have five more kids in each class and keep all of our programs. But Kazanas said public school district officials across the county have been meeting with state Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, to see what can be done or what help can be provided. It is what it is, and it is starting to be a position where you cut into programs, Kazanas said, emphasizing he doesnt want to see Midway programs take any kind of hit. Skamokawa News COOLER--This week began with some clouds but no rain, and Monday wound up much nicer than they said it was going to be as we even managed to get the lawn mowed before noon when the heavier cloud cover came in! By the time you read this, we're supposed to be warming up a little more so here's to some more summer weather coming our way for those sun lovers or for those who need some dry days to get that hay in, get the house painted, get the new roof on and of course, play at the beach in the sunshine! SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from July 21-27 are Stuart Bosch, Brian O'Connor, Randy Montgomery, Suzet Parker, Al McClain, John Buennagel, Diane Stockhouse, Linda Wright, Lesley Horman, Jon Hauff, Carol Cooper, Skip Nortrup, Lisa Hannah, Raedyn Grasseth, Steve L. Doumit, Joel Galliard, Tanner Bergseng, Ruth Doumit, Ashley and Kelsey Hedges, McKenna Longtain, Mandi Knowles, Darcy Tischer, Frank Webb, Jerry DeBriae Jr., Julie Pedersen, Molly Jorgensen, Big Art Pedersen and Mrs. Ralph (Peggy) Pedersen. Here's to super special days for all of you! Belated birthday wishes to Ron Miller who had a double five birthday last week and last Sunday, Kalei Ahrndt Myers celebrated her 28th birthday, so here's hoping they had terrific celebrations on their special days. Celebrating their anniversaries this week are Andrew Emlen and Audrey Petterson, Becky and Jerry Ledtke, Rick and Janet Bryan, Mark and Patti Phillips, Mike and Erla Crouse and Joel and Jessie Havens. Happy Anniversary to all of you! NICE CELEBRATION--John and Mary Gustafson just celebrated 50 years of marriage and they celebrated the occasion by going to Port Angeles and taking the ferry up to Victoria BC in Canada where they stayed for a couple of days before returning home. They had a wonderful Italian dinner out on their special evening and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and getaway, so kudos to them for getting to celebrate this landmark anniversary! NEW ADDITION--If you've been to Skamokawa Vista Park lately, you'll notice a new set of swings, which is a nice addition to the existing play area. It's so great when people step forward and donate things for the enjoyment of others, so a big thank-you goes out to Wally Wright for donating them, as well as helping with all the prep work to be able to get them set up properly. Well done; great job! I couldn't be there to take any pictures, but over the Fourth of July celebration, there was a parade around the park with lots of kids and parents joining in as they circled the park in honor of Independence Day. The park is always busy this time of year, and with each addition and more planned, the park is just a huge hit. I always enjoy hearing from the people who just discovered Skamokawa. They just love the beach, our general store, the paddle board and kayak rental place (503-791-9619) just across the highway from the park and more, so we're happy to have them spread the word and keep our jewel of a park hoppin'! From May through September, the SVP office hours are Monday-Saturday 9 to 5 and Sundays 10 to 3, so call 795-8605 with any inquiries you may have regarding the park or campsite availability. FIRST TIME RIDER--Jeff Brewster spent the night in Skamokawa with his family after he took part in his first STP (Seattle to Portland) bicyle ride this past Saturday. He did the trip in two stages, getting from Seattle to Vader the first leg and then finished off the next day. It's always great to finish a "first ever" attempt, so kudos to him! He spent the night at his sister, Connie and her hubby, David Shrum's place here in Skamokawa, so the family had a good visit together as well. NATIONAL NIGHT OUT--There's always plenty going on around the area, and with August creeping up on us in no time, you'll want to watch for "National Night Out Against Crime" events, which take place on Aug. 2 around the nation. We hope you may consider having a block party or community gathering to meet and greet one another, as I'm not sure what all is taking place here officially this year. Considering recent events, please give your thanks to those who put their lives on the line every day, as they have truly had to overcome some difficult times lately. ALL SCHOOL REUNION--Don't forget, August 13, at noon, at Wahkiakum High School, there will be a potluck, finger food, kind of gathering in recognition of the 100 year Commemorative reunion/anniversary of the school, so bring your classmates and let's celebrate! Susan McClain Kuhn is in charge and says there will be tables and chairs but if you'd like to bring your own, that will be fine too. According to Susan, special t-shirts remembering this occasion should be available to purchase. COUNTY FAIR--"Catch the Fair Bug" is the theme of the 108th annual Wahkiakum County Fair. We hope to see you on at least one of the three fair days, Aug. 18-20 at the fairgrounds in Skamokawa. Volunteers are always needed to take tickets at the entry booths or help at the food booths, so call and leave your name and phone number if you can help out 795-3480. As always, the first day of the fair, Thursday, is Senior Citizen/Red Hat Day where they get in free until 4 p.m .; Friday is Kid's Day where kids under 12 get in free until 4 p.m., and the last day is Armed Forces Day, where those with military ID get in free and it's also the big salmon BBQ day. Plus, this is the day of the last of the three part Silver Buckle Series, so that should be great fun and with a fancy silver buckle at stake, I'm sure all the riders would love to win it. So, as you can see, with animals, music, food, exhibits, etc., there will be something for everybody. See you at the fair! IMPORTANT DEADLINE TOMORROW--Speaking of the fair, all animals must have their pre-entry forms turned in by July 22. That's tomorrow, so don't mess up and get left out. Those entering horses are encouraged to read the fair book instructions regarding horses very carefully! B.E.D. RECAP--The skies were a bit cloudy and just about an hour before the Bald Eagle Day parade was to begin, the skies opened up and it got pretty wet. Thankfully, the shower didn't last long and the skies cleared up, it dried out and warmed up and the parade took place with nary a drop falling on the crowd, so that was great timing. Main street was once again bustling with folks who came to take part in the festivities or to see their friends or family, or go to reunions, so it's always a great time to get together. The WA-KI-HI Class members of 1966 were celebrating their "golden" class reunion, and they looked like they were having fun riding on a fire truck in the parade! As I was walking along, surprise, I ran into another alumni, and former Cathlamet resident, Abby Buennagel, who now resides in Las Vegas, so that was an awesome surprise! She says it's been 108 degrees down there, so this cooler weather was a nice break for her. I also got to yak at her Aunt Mary Wingate for a minute, who many of you know from working in the Cathlamet Pharmacy. I ran into another former resident and WA-KI-HI alumni, Laurie Miller, who had come down from Sumner and stayed with the Thomas family during the B.E.D. event. She not only had a great time here but she was also lucky, as she won one of the cash pots at bingo that evening at the Norse Hall. She had also just gotten some wonderful news, as out of 300 contestants, she was chosen to sing the National Anthem at the upcoming Washington State Fair. To top it off, she'd be performing that just prior to country star, Tim McGraw's performance, so she was thrilled about that. Congratulations to her for this achievement! If any of you get a chance, head to Puyallup to hear Laurie sing. All that WA ST Fair info will be online. 67'ERS' RECAP--One of those classes getting together during this past weekend was the Class of 1967. We met down by the marina at the home of Dale Jacobson and while it wasn't a big group, attending were Keith and Karen Lawrence-Kelso, David and Kathi West-Cathlamet, Nancy Jacobsen Brady-Woodland, Sharon McKie-Naples, Florida, Elaine Munson Rolf--Rainier, Ore., Linda Holland Toste-Wesport, Wash,, Kathy Bond Peek-Ellensburg, Pam Below Lazor-Cathlamet and Kay Pedersen Chamberlain of Skamokawa. Stopping by to visit were Mike Lawrence, Mike Bain, Janelle Peterson Bond and a couple of Dale's friends as well. The potluck table was full of great salads and snacks and terrific chicken from our local Chevron station. As usual, we had an enjoyable day visiting and catching up and also wishing Sharon McKie a very Happy 67th Birthday that very day. She even brought her own cake, which was filled with two pounds of chocolate mousse frosting, wow! It was nice of her to share with all of us, including the other July birthday "kids": Dale J., David W. and yours truly! Sharon lives in Florida and we don't get to see her much, so it's always a pleasure to visit with her. It's also the perfect time for her to come and see her Mom (Oregon), attend the Bald Eagle Day festivities and see a lot of other family and friends, as well as share this mini-reunion with us. She says she's still in the real estate business and will continue on "till she dies," so she obviously loves her work! She said her home in Florida was heavily damaged due to one of the massive storms that came through but they're plugging away at fixing all the damage, so we hope that she's able to get that all done soon. Of course, here's really hoping no other storms come up to undo all their progress! One of our classmates, Kathy Bond Peek, just got moved from up around Arlington to east of the mountains in Ellensburg, where she's now closer to some of her younger grandkids, which includes a set of twins, so that will be fun for her. She is also a very prolific quilt maker and we all took advantage of her bins of various colors, designs and sizes and picked out a favorite--or two! A big thank you to her! It seems July is always a busy time for Keith Lawrence and wife, Karen, as they were once again in the midst of another remodeling project at this time. What was really funny was that when she mentioned their favorite plumber, it just happened to be our very own local guy, Rob Brown, who had also been a neighbor of mine. Small world isn't it?! With the 100 Year Commemorative All School Reunion taking place on August 13 at Wahkiakum High School at noon, the monthly luncheon that the group usually has, was pushed to September 17 at Izzy's in Kelso at 1 p.m. All 67'ers are invited to join in the fun! The group took this opportunity to make plans for next year's gathering which would be their 50th (golden) class reunion. At our age, easy seemed to be the highlighted feature, so what's easier than just doing what we've been doing? Well, nothing! So next year, we'll be right back at Dale's place, enjoying a potluck after the Bald Eagle Day parade. Having to co-ordinate a fancier dinner or spending a lot of time and energy planning it, or spending more money to get it all decorated and money to attend it, well, it just didn't seem to be high on anyone's priority list, so easy it is! If all goes as planned, and the B.E.D. events are at their usual time, July 15, 2017 will be our big, golden anniversary WA-KI-HI reunion day for the Class of '67; 1:30 at Dale's place. Mark that down 67'ers! From The Columbia Basin Bulletin With the current 10-year federal court agreement U.S. v. Oregon-- that guides Columbia River basin salmon and steelhead harvest set to expire next year, federal agencies have announced their intention to prepare a joint environmental impact statement to help guide a new harvest agreement post-2017. Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), say the federal agencies in a Federal Register notice, this notice announces that NMFS and USFWS (together, the Services) intend to prepare a joint Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) conducting a programmatic review of harvest actions for salmon and steelhead in the action area, which is the Columbia River Basin (the Proposed Action), to inform the Services proposed signing of the post- 2017 U.S. v. Oregon Management Agreement and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultation Process. The Services provide this notice to advise other agencies and the public of their plans to analyze effects related to the action and to obtain suggestions and information that may be useful to the scope of issues and alternatives to include in the EIS. Written or electronic comments must be received on or before August 1. For more information go to http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/#moved. The states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho; the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation; the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes; and the United States are parties to U.S. v. Oregon. A management agreement for managing and regulating fisheries in the Columbia River basin, entered as a federal court order in 2008, expires December 31, 2017. The parties are negotiating a new agreement that would take effect when the existing agreement expires. The new agreement, say the federal agencies, will include a list of hatchery programs with stipulated production levels, and a list of tribal and non-tribal salmonid fisheries in the Columbia River basin, including designated off-channel sites, which are intended to: -- Ensure fair sharing of harvestable fish between tribal and non-tribal fisheries in accordance with treaty fishing rights standards and U.S. v. Oregon, and -- Be responsive to the needs of ESA-listed species. While the agreement includes a hatchery production component, the NEPA analysis of hatchery production within the action area has been completed, or will be supplemented, in a separate EIS that will be incorporated by reference in this EIS, say the agencies. Consequently, the Proposed Action in this EIS analysis focuses on harvest. Construction of new hatchery facilities to mitigate impacts to fisheries from The Dalles Dam and John Day Dam hydropower operations is being analyzed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in a separate analysis, which will also be incorporated by reference into this analysis. NEPA requires that federal agencies conduct an environmental analysis of their Proposed Actions to determine if the actions may significantly affect the human environment. The Services have determined that an EIS should be prepared under NEPA for the purpose of informing the Services proposed signing of a new agreement. The information and analysis in the EIS, say the agencies, will help to inform the subsequent ESA Section 7 consultation on the new agreement. Thirteen species of salmon and steelhead in the Columbia/Snake river basin are listed under the Endangered Species Act. The Services purpose and need for the Proposed Action is three-fold, say the agencies. -- To meet the Federal governments tribal treaty rights and trust and fiduciary responsibilities; -- To support fishing opportunities to the states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, and the tribes; -- To work collaboratively with co-managers to protect and conserve ESA- listed and non-listed species. The Services say they have preliminarily identified the following six alternatives for the public to consider. -- No-action Alternative (status quo): The Services would not sign a new agreement, and the parties would continue to manage salmonid fisheries in the Columbia River consistent with the terms of the 20082017 agreement. A No-action Alternative is required in the full range of analyzed alternatives. -- Abundance-based Management Alternative: The Services would sign a new agreement with the other parties, and salmonid fisheries in the Columbia River would be managed under an abundance-based management framework. -- Fixed Exploitation Rate Management Alternative: The Services would sign a new agreement with the other parties, and salmonid fisheries in the Columbia River would be managed under a fixed exploitation rate management framework. -- Escapement-based Management Alternative: The Services would sign a new agreement with the other parties, and salmonid fisheries in the Columbia River would be managed under an escapement-based management framework. -- Fixed Effort-based Management Alternative: The Services would sign a new agreement with the other parties, and salmonid fisheries in the Columbia River would be managed under a fixed effort management framework. -- No Fisheries Alternative: The Services would sign a new agreement with the other parties; however, the parties would decide that salmonid fisheries harvest would not be allowed in the Columbia River. Although this alternative does not meet the purpose and need for the Proposed Action, agencies say it is included to provide a full range of alternatives for analysis. In requesting information and views, the federal agencies are seeking data, comments, pertinent information, or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental agencies, the scientific community, tribes, the business community, or any other interested party. Agencies say they are seeking specific comments concerning: -- The direct, indirect, and cumulative effects that implementation of any reasonable alternative could have on endangered and threatened species, and other non-ESA-listed species and their habitats; -- Other reasonable alternatives (in addition to the initial alternatives presented in this notice), and their associated effects; -- Measures that would minimize and mitigate potentially adverse effects of the proposed actions; -- Other plans or projects that might be relevant to this project. The EIS will analyze the effects that the various alternatives would have on salmon and steelhead and other fish species in the Columbia River Basin as well as the other aspects of the human environment, including but not limited to, water quality, habitat, wildlife (ESA-listed and non-ESA-listed), vegetation, socioeconomics (including fishery dependent communities and culture and economic impacts), environmental justice, cultural resources, transportation, and the cumulative impacts of the alternatives. In 2008 U.S. District Court Judge Garr M. King put his stamp of approval on a new 10-year agreement guiding salmon harvest and hatchery production on the Columbia River with the goals of rebuilding weak fish populations and providing sustainable fisheries. The agreement was developed through negotiations that spanned more than 10 years and involved Columbia Basin treaty tribes, the states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho and the federal government. King adopted the agreement as a court order under provisions of the U.S. v Oregon court judgment of 1969. The agreement detailed harvest management guidelines and artificial production techniques that, working together with habitat protection authorities and other enhancement efforts, will help to ensure that Columbia River fish runs continue to provide a broad range of benefits, according to a joint state-tribal press release announcing the milestone at the time of the court ruling. The 2008 U.S. v. Oregon fisheries agreement introduced a number of new approaches into the management of Columbia River fisheries. Under the 2008 agreement, all fisheries for upriver chinook salmon and steelhead runs on the Columbia River would be managed according to stock abundance, rather than at fixed harvest levels. The 10-year agreement included provisions that allow changes to its production strategies if new information dictates it. The 2008 U.S. v. Oregon fisheries agreement was the result of several legal decisions by federal courts that determined tribes have a treaty right to harvest a fair share (50 percent) of the harvestable fish destined to reach the tribes' usual and accustomed fishing places and established the tribes as co-managers of the fisheries. By India Today Web Desk: Remember Ekta Kapoor's popular suspense-drama Kaahin Kissii Roz? We bet you do. Then you might remember the show's protagonist Shaina as well. Shaina was played by the talented television actress Mouli Ganguly. And guess what, the actress is making a smashing comeback with Zee TV's popular daily Jamai Raja. Also read:Jamai Raja: Nia Sharma aka Roshni's post-leap look revealed advertisement Yep, you read that right. The actress will be portraying the character of Payal, who is supposed to be a shrewd woman. Needless to say, that her entry will provide another major twist to the plot. In fact, we think that it might affect the dynamics between the show's lead protagonists--Siddharth (Ravi Dubey), Roshni (Nia Sharma), and Neel (Indraneil Sengupta)--in a strong way. Television actress Mouli Ganguly. Picture courtesy: Instagram/mouliganguly In the upcoming episodes, Payal's entry will cause a lot of chaos in the Sengupta family, as she has an ulterior motive in returning to the aforementioned household. In the show Payal will be portrayed as the kind of woman whose vanity and love for all things materialistic consumes her wholly. It is also being said that Mouli's character also has a thing for Neel (Indraneil's character). A still from the promo of the show Jamai Raja. Picture courtesy: Instagram/jamairaja The stylish Mouli is pumped up about her new role; "Payal is ultra-glamorous, wicked to the core and conscious about her looks & beauty to an extreme level. The role gives me an opportunity to display a gamut of emotions as she will be up to some scheme or plot every now and then & keep everyone on their toes!" To know how Payal plans to bring a wave of trouble into the lives of Siddharth, Roshni, and Neel; tune into Zee TV every Monday-Saturday at 8:30 pm. --- ENDS --- BOARD PROCEEDINGS SAUNDERS COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS/EQUALIZATION As per Nebr. State Statute 23-122, the following is a brief statement of the proceedings of the Saunders County Board of Supervisors and Board of Equalization July 12, 2016 meetings. Members present were Breunig, Rastovski, Mach, Sukstorf, Hanson, Lutton and Karloff. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PROCEEDINGS Chairperson Karloff called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. 1. M-Mach, S-Rastovski to set a bid letting date/time of August 2, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. for the Wahoo Southwest Project C007802515 - for supplies and materials to construct a triple 120x42 corrugated metal pipes on a 0 deg. Skew with steel headwalls and wingwalls. Yes all. 2. M-Breunig, S-Rastovski to set a bid letting date/time of August 2, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. for the Mead South Overlay Project - is comprised of approximately 5.7 miles of asphalt overlay on Road 10, beginning just north of Highway 66 and ending just south of Highway 92. Yes all. 3. M-Lutton, S-Rastovski to open the Public Hearing at 9:31 a.m. for the consideration of submitting a question to the eligible registered voters of Saunders County at the November 8, 2016 General Election; for the consolidating of the County Assessor and Register of Deeds offices. Yes all. 4. M-Rastovski, S-Lutton to close the Public Hearing at 10:35 a.m. Yes all. 5. M-Sukstorf, S-Breunig to adopt Resolution #24-2016 that the question of the consolidation of the offices of the Saunders County Assessor and Saunders County Register of Deeds shall be submitted to the registered voters of Saunders County, Nebraska for approval at the next general election in substantially the following form: Shall the Saunders County Register of Deeds office and the Saunders County Assessors office be consolidated into one consolidated office according to the resolution adopted by the county board of Saunders County, Nebraska, on July 12, 2016? YES NO Yes all. Rastovski was excused at 10:45 a.m. 6. M-Breunig, S-Hanson to convene as an Equalization Board at 10:49 a.m. Yes all. BOARD OF EQUALIZATION PROCEEDINGS Chairperson Sukstorf called the meeting to order at 10:49 a.m. 1. M-Hanson, S-Karloff to approve the Refund request(s) on Personal Property Tax by Bob Bartek, Ithaca, as recommended by the County Assessor. Yes all. 2. M-Breunig, S-Hanson to authorize the mailing of (2) Change of Value Notice. The owner(s) of said parcel(s) receiving the Change of Value Notices will have August 11th to file a Property Valuation Protest if they wish to protest the change to the value of their property. Yes all. 3. M-Karloff, S-Lutton to approve the Refund request(s) on Property Tax by Judy Boone, Omaha described as: Tr in NW Corner of NW 36-15-9 (2.96 ac), as recommended by the County Assessor. Yes all. 4. M-Hanson, S-Karloff to approve the minutes of the July 5th Board meeting. Yes all. Chairperson Sukstorf declared the meeting recessed at 10:55 a.m. *************** Upon the adjournment of the Equalization Board, the Saunders County Board of Supervisors reconvened in their Regular schedule Board meeting. 7. M-Sukstorf, S-Breunig to set a Public Hearing for 9:30 a.m., August 2, 2016 for the following Proposed Amendments to the County Zoning Regulations: -Replace current text of Saunders County Zoning Regulations, Section 6.12.01 intent, with the following: 1. These regulations shall apply to all lands within the jurisdiction of Saunders County identified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Index # 31155CIND0B dated 08/03/ 2016, as well as all associated panels; as numbered and unnumbered A Zones (including AE, AO, and AH Zones) established in Section 6.12 of this ordinance. In all areas covered by this ordinance, no development shall be permitted, except upon the issuance of a floodplain permit to develop, granted by Saunders County Board or its duly designated representative, under such safeguards and restrictions as Saunders County Board, or the designated representative, may reasonably impose for the promotion and maintenance of the general welfare and health of the inhabitants of the community. -Add the following to Saunders County Zoning Regulations, Section 6.12, E, 1: 2. Appurtenant structures used exclusively for storage of motor vehicles and storage of other items, readily removable in the event of a flood warning, may have their lowest floor below one foot above the base flood elevation, provided the structure is capable of withstanding hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces caused by the base flood, and provided that no utilities are installed in the structure, except elevated or flood proofed electrical fixtures. If the structure is converted to another use, it must be brought into full compliance with the minimum standards governing such use. -Add Appurtenant structure to the Saunders County Zoning Regulations, Section 1.03, Definitions: 3. APPURTENANT STRUCTURE shall mean a structure on the same parcel of property as the principal structure, the use of which is incidental to the use of the principal structure, up to a maximum of 400 square feet. Yes all. 8. M-Sukstorf, S-Mach to accept the County Treasurer report of balances, collections and disbursement for January 1, 2016 thru June 30, 2016, as presented. Yes all. 9. M-Hanson, S-Breunig to authorize a wage/salary study of the various employment positions of the County. Yes all. 10. M-Breunig, S-Mach to reappoint Patrick Hancock, Wahoo to the Saunders County Veterans Service Committee, to serve a term of five years commencing July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021. Yes all. 11. M-Sukstorf, S-Mach to approve the minutes of the July 5th Board meeting and the withdrawal of Pledged Securities for FirstBank of Nebraska, Wahoo. Yes all. Chairperson Karloff declared the meeting adjourned at 11:08 a.m. A complete copy of the Saunders County Board of Supervisors & Equalization proceedings is on file in the Saunders County Clerks office for review by the Public or can be seen on the Countys Web Site at www.saunderscounty.ne.gov. NOTE: This is a draft of the minutes from the meetings; they are subject to change or correction(s) upon the approval by the Boards at their next regular scheduled meeting. SCOTT SUKSTORF Chairperson Board of Equalization DORIS KARLOFF Chairperson Board of Supervisors PATTI J. LINDGREN Saunders County Clerk 12085595;Jul 21 BRAINARD East Butler Public School parents will now have another option for putting money into their childs lunch account. The Board of Education gave the administration the go ahead last week to install e-Funds as an electronic payment system. It was at a board meeting this spring that a parent asked if electronic payments would be possible at the school. After doing some research, Superintendent Sam Stecher said at the July 6 board meeting his recommendation was to offer the service through e-Funds. He said he has talked to another school that used the program, as well as the Nebraska Association of School Board. All reported satisfaction with the program. E-Funds can be used for a students lunch account, activity account or any other accounts the school could set up. Stechers recommendation was to start out with the lunch and activity accounts. He added that it could be interfaced with the PowerSchool program currently used by staff and parents. There is a five cent transaction fee whenever money is transferred into an account. Stecher said that could be paid by the district or by the parent. There was some discussion about whether the school should pick up the tab on the transaction fees. The fee is a lot less than I thought, Board Member Dan Zysset said. Board Member Marlene Wade said they could try it with the school initially picking up the nickel fee. That could always change, if more account types were added, she said. Stecher also reported on the progress of renovations this summer. The gym floors have been refinished, concrete work in Brainard and Dwight is done, sprinkler heads were repaired at both schools, more sound absorption tiles were installed in the Brainard multi purpose room, a roof vent in the kitchen was replaced and other routine maintenance checks/tests are completed. Stecher said work on the art room is due to be complete in August. LINCOLN Lancaster County Sheriffs deputies are searching for a man attempting to scam local residents through lightning rod repairs. A rural Davey couple reported a man driving a dark blue newer Dodge Pickup with Iowa license plates pulled into their residence July 19 convincing them he had installed the lightning rods on their buildings about three years ago and wanted to check them to make sure they were still functional, a LSO press release stated. After the man climbed onto the roof, he indicated the rods had been struck by lightning and show areas of damage that needed replacing. The 29-year-old man, accompanied by a teenage boy, spent several hours on the roof and presented a bill for over $1,600, the release stated. An internet search of the man and his company revealed several pages about the scams this man had committed throughout Indiana and Iowa. A warrant for First Degree Theft has been issued in Iowa. The alleged scammer identified himself as Elvis Addison, 29, of Silver Lake, Indiana, according to the press release. He also goes by the name of Michael Sheldon. The company is Lightning Protection. Addison has not been located. The investigation is continuing. Citizens are cautioned about someone simply showing up at their house to do any kind of repairs, they should always get a written estimate and references. Dont have the work done immediately, instead, check out the company and the references. Law enforcement warned residents to be cautious of anyone offering fraudulent repairs such as lightning rods, moldy insulation, asphalt overlays and, with the recent storms, roofing repairs. Anyone who has contact with Addison or other out of state contractors who show up at their residence are urged to contact the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office at 402-441-6500. By PTI: From Shirish B Pradhan Kathmandu, Jul 21 (PTI) The no-trust motion against Nepal Prime Minister K P Oli could not be taken up today as ruling and opposition parties differed over the issue of initiating discussion on the vote tabled by the opposition. Nepali Congress and CPN-Maoist Centre have been exerting pressure on the government that the no confidence motion registered in parliament earlier this week should be put up for discussion. advertisement They have also demanded that Oli should resign to clear the way for formation of a new government. However, the ruling coalition has been insisting that the Parliament should first endorse two remaining bills related to the fiscal budget before having a discussion on the no-trust motion. As her efforts to bring the two opposing alliances to an agreement failed, Parliament Speaker Onsari Bharti has re- scheduled the Parliament meeting tomorrow, according to sources at the Parliament secretariat. "After Nepali Congress proposed to go for a package deal on the issue the major parties have agreed to hold discussion on the issue to sort out differences before the Parliament meeting starts tomorrow," they said. Oli, who became prime minister last October heading Nepals eighth government in the past 10 years, has been facing a no-trust motion after the Maoists withdrew support from the coalition government last week. The no-trust motion in the 601-member Constituent Assembly was backed by 183 NC parliamentarians, 70 from CPN-MC and three from CPN-United. The three parties have a combined strength of 292 in Parliament. Olis Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) currently has 175 elected seats in parliament, far fewer than the 299 needed to win a vote of confidence. The six Madhesi parties, whose combined strength is 50, have also announced to support the no-trust motion. PTI SBP KUN AKJ KUN --- ENDS --- Warbird Project Update: Gerry Becks Shop Carries on His Legacy by Matthew McDaniel Most WarbirdsNews readers should recall the name Gerry Beck as the master builder/restorer of so many vintage warbirds. Starting with custom parts fabrication for TBM Avengers and P-51 Mustangs, Beck eventually worked his way up to rebuilding entire aircraft. In short order, his shop began to specialize in P-51 restorations and often had a half-dozen or more of them underway simultaneously. When Gerry decided that an A-model Mustang was the object of his desire, he quickly learned that there were no worthy candidates available for restoration. So he decided to build one from scratch a full-scale, Allison powered, homebuilt, replica P-51A Mustang! Thats exactly what he did too, much to the astonishment of the warbird establishment. When the A showed up at Oshkosh in 2006, predominately displayed in AeroShell Square, the throngs of gawkers crowding around the aircraft could be seen going slack-jawed upon learning the polished aluminum and lime green gem was not a rebuild, nor a restoration, but was hand-built from fresh metal at a tiny aircraft shop in Wahpeton, just inside the North Dakota border with Minnesota. That shop was Gerry Becks Tri-State Aviation. Known to most of his friends and family simply as Beck, Gerry preferred to refer to his P-51A as a recreation. In fact, he even assigned it Serial #311 because the original production of P-51 A-models ended at #310. For its short stint on the air show circuit, the Mustang bore the markings for the famous Reno racer Precious Metal II, as it portrayed that aircraft in the film, Thunder over Reno. In a tragic loss for his family, friends, and the entire warbird community, Gerry died at Oshkosh in 2007 when his P-51A collided with another Mustang just over the runway during landing recoveries following an air race demonstration. No one would have blamed Cindy, his wife and business partner, if shed closed their shop, sold the aircraft and parts inventory, and turned her full attentions to family matters and their custom wood-turning business. But Cindy was determined to see Becks hard work go unwasted, his visions carried out, and his legacy honored. The obvious way to fulfill those dreams was to carry on his lifes passion returning warbirds to the skies to honor the veterans who flew them and allow future generations to marvel at their graceful, yet menacing, beauty. Nearly a decade later, this is exactly what Tri-State Aviation is doing and they currently have several unique projects in the works. - Corsair Emerging From Hibernation One of Becks first big-ticket warbirds was former US Navy F4U-4 Corsair Bu.97388. Meticulously restored over a 16 year period, it returned to airworthy condition in 1998. During the off-season, the Corsair was on display at the Fargo Air Museum from the time that facility first opened. After completing the P-51A, Beck had less time to devote to the Corsair, and it became a year-round resident at the museum. While it remained a valued part of the collection, Cindy recently decided to return the Corsair to airworthy condition and had it ferried from Fargo to Wahepton for inspection and refurbishment. When completed, the aircraft will return to the air show circuit and spend the off-season at the Wings of the North museum in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Like most warbird projects of this magnitude, no definitive timeline exists for completion, but the Corsair will likely fly again in 2016 and hopefully participate in at least part of this years air show season. During WarbirdsNews visit to Tri-State Aviation in early June, 2016, the bent-wing fighter was still being refurbished with particular emphasis on replacing its fabric coverings (all primary flight control surfaces and the underside of each outboard wind section). Engine work was also underway. When completed, 97388 will emerge with a fresh annual, new fabric, and be as pristine as she was when Beck completed her 18 years ago. It will be great to have yet another fine Corsair not only airworthy, but being actively flown and giving air show audiences an opportunity to hear Whistling Death in person. Zero Recovering From Tail-ectomy The oldest Mitsubishi Zero to fly in the warbird era currently sits in the Tri-State shop, tailless and looking a bit forlorn following a runway incident earlier this year. But rest assured, this is a temporary condition, as work progresses in two countries to bring the A6M2 Type 0 Model 21 back to airworthy status. The South Pacific island of Ballale was a base for both Imperial Japanese Navy and Army Air Force operations during WWII. It was also Admiral Yamamotos destination during that fatal flight when American P-38 Lightnings intercepted and shot down his plane on April 18th, 1943, dealing a major blown to the Japanese war effort. It was within the dense jungle on Ballale that noted warbird salvager, Bob Diemert, rediscovered this Zero in the late 1960s. Production information on the airframe indicated the Mitsubishi design was one of 880 Model 21 variants built under contract by Nakajima. Restoration of the famously nimble fighter was completed in 2004, after an estimated 60,000 hours of work by both the Blayd Corporation in Canada and Tri-State Aviation. One can argue whether to call this aircraft a restoration, a replica, a recreation, or a reproduction. While it does contain some original parts within the landing gear system, it was mostly built by templating and reproducing the parts from the original wreck. Having any original parts included in an airframe generally earns it the label of restoration. However, this Zero is also powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1830, rather than the original and ultra-rare Sakae engine. While the R-1830 is of similar size and horsepower to the Sakae, it is far more practical to maintain and required only small cosmetic concessions for its installation on the Zero. As such though, this Zero is often referred to as a replica, reproduction, or recreation, built to the A6M2 Model 21 specifications that represents the salvaged (but unrestorable) parts. Semantics aside, this is an exceedingly rare machine with both the appearance and performance of its lineage. An aircraft with such a rich history is well deserving of the attention its currently receiving in North Dakota. Operated by the Texas Flying Legends, the aircraft was displayed both statically and in flight until earlier this year. In March 2016, while enroute to a Los Angeles airshow, the Zero and several fellow Flying Legend aircraft stopped in Midland, TX to refuel. While taxiing, the diminutive A6M2 disappeared from view under the long nose of the Goodyear FG-1D Corsair behind it. Overrunning the Zero, the Corsairs massive prop literally shredded the Zeros empennage, destroying all tail surfaces, the aft portion of the fuselage, and damaging the wingtips as the little Nakajima was tossed about. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Fellow native North Dakotan, Warren Pietsch, owner of the Zero, immediately began planning repairs. They removed the empennage and shipped the remainder of the aircraft to Cindy Becks team. There the wing damage is being repaired and the aircraft is being inspected, refreshed, and updated as necessary. A new empennage is being build in Canada by the Blayd team that did most of the templating and manufacturing involved in the original reproduction process. The Texas Flying Legends Museum reports that they expect the Zero (and their FG-1D Corsair) to be back in the air this year. A Beastly Wing Takes Shape Often referred to as The Beast (among other colorful nicknames), the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver fit that description on many levels. The Helldiver was built to absorb punishment and in proportions that seem to defy its use on carriers. When one sees the massive wing structure hanging in the back of the Tri-State shop, its sheer size and beefiness seem more tank-like than aircraft. Then, you realize youre only looking at the wings center section and that the two outboard wing sections arent even attached! For decades, there has only been a single airworthy Beast the CAFs SB2C-5 Bu.83589. This should change in the not-so-distant future. In July of 1945, SB2C-5 Bu. #83393 stalled and crashed into woodland during a forced landing attempt at NAS Dahlgren in Virginia, sadly killing the pilot. Former naval aviator, Kevin Smith recovered the wreck on behalf of the National Air & Space Museum in 1994, and eventually acquired ownership of most of the parts, representing about 85% of the aircraft. Smith sold the project to Fagen Fighters in Granite Falls, Minnesota during 2006. Fagen Fighters has been working on the Helldiver ever since and has made significant progress, with the basic fuselage structure and empennage now being complete. To speed things along, Fagen Fighters farmed out the wing rebuild to Tri-State Aviation. The wings condition is rough to say the least, having suffered significant structural trauma in the 1945 crash landing. While much of the wings center section is restorable, Tri-State will have to refabricate many components, including nearly all of the outboard wing section structure. Precise molds are being made for the manufacture of scores of wing ribs. Jigs are already set up for the reconstruction of the outboard wing sections. While the SB2C restoration is a massive undertaking, the talented teams at Fagen Fighters and Tri-State Aviation have the knowledge and skill to see the task though to completion. When that time comes, the population of airworthy Helldivers will double and this particular Son of a Bitch, Second Class will undoubtedly be in First Class condition. Conclusion While these three projects are currently taking center stage at Tri-State Aviation, many more are waiting in the wings. Not the least of which is Becks P-51A which has already been extensively repaired. If all goes as hoped his scratch-built Mustang will return to the skies in the future and streak past the pylons as a Reno racer too. The Tri-State storage hangar is a treasure trove of warbird pieces and parts. Well organized shelves house enough P-51A parts to build another entire example, maybe two. But, regardless of what the future holds for Cindy Becks little warbird shop in North Dakota, at present it is still doing exactly what her late husband would have wanted turning out incredible work on some of the most iconic aircraft of the WWII era. Somewhere, Beck is smiling about it all, Im sure. - About The Author: Matthew McDaniel is a Master & Gold Seal CFII, ATP, MEI, AGI, & IGI and Platinum CSIP. In 26 years of flying, he has logged 16,000 hours total and over 5,500 hours of instruction-given. Currently, he flies the Airbus A-320 series for an international airline, holds eight turbine aircraft type ratings, and has flown over 80 aircraft types. Matt is one of 25 instructors in the world to have earned the Master CFI designation for 7 consecutive two-year terms. Hes been a freelance aviation author since 2003 and owns Progressive Aviation Services, LLC (www.progaviation.com). He can be reached at: matt@progaviation.com or 414-339-4990. Copyright 2016, Matthew McDaniel. First publication rights granted WarbirdsNews. All other rights reserved by copyright holder. Further, it asked the Delhi Government to quickly take steps for building the city's public transport system and introduce buses which are CNG, hybrid or electric ones. By Mail Today Bureau: National Green Tribunal (NGT), on Wednesday, initiated the process of chalking out a blueprint for implementation of its ban on 'diesel vehicles over 10 years of age' in Delhi/NCR. The court ordered the Delhi Development Authority(DDA) to urgently find space to park the deregistered vehicles as they flow in. The Chief Secretary of Delhi must convene a meeting with the Commissioner of police, municipalities, etc. within a week for the same. advertisement BUILD PUBLIC TRANSPORT: NGT Further, it asked the Delhi Government to quickly take steps for building the city's public transport system and introduce buses which are CNG, hybrid or electric ones. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has to take decision on scrapping of vehicles and publicising its benefits so more car owners opt for such a policy, it said. Estimates say, over 23 per cent of the cars currently on Delhi roads run on diesel. Their absolute number amounts to 5.71 lakh, as opposed to 19.54 lakh petrol cars run that in the city. NGT TO COME DOWN HEAVY On Monday, an NGT bench headed by Justice Swatanter Kumar directed the Delhi government to cancel the registration of all diesel powered vehicles over a shelf life of 10 years. It ordered the RTO of Delhi's Transport Department to issue a public notice and draw a list of such vehicles. This would then be supplied to the Delhi Traffic Police for impoundment of vehicles. Reiterating this order, the court on Wednesday said that deregistration of 15 to 10-year-old diesel vehicles would be carried out in a phased manner. It said diesel vehicles which are 15 years should be de-registered first and will not get a No Objection Certificate (NoC) for plying outside Delhi-NCR. Only deregistered diesel vehicles which are less than 15-years old can get NoC for plying in select areas outside Delhi-NCR to be decided by states where vehicle density is less. "We make it clear that de-registration of diesel vehicles shall be complied with effectively without any default," Justice Kumar said. The bench also asked Delhi Government to respond on the issue of capping of vehicles and submit its views on limiting private cars in the national capital. Also Read: NGT orders over a decade-old diesel cars to go off Delhi roads Government asks NGT not to extend ban on diesel vehicles to other cities --- ENDS --- 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. National Bank of Canada provides various financial products and services to retail, commercial, corporate, and institutional clients in Canada and internationally. It operates through four segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International. The Personal and Commercial segment offers personal banking services, including transaction solutions, mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit, consumer loans, payment solutions, and savings and investment solutions; various insurance products; and commercial banking services comprise credit, and deposit and investment solutions, as well as international trade, foreign exchange transactions, payroll, cash management, insurance, electronic transactions, and complimentary services. The Wealth Management segment comprises investment solutions, trust services, banking services, lending services, and other wealth management solutions. The Financial Markets segment offers corporate banking, advisory, and capital markets services; and project financing, debt, and equity underwriting; advisory services in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, and financing. The U.S. Specialty Finance and International segment provides specialty finance products; financial products and services to individuals and businesses in Cambodia; and investment solutions, guaranteed investment certificates, mutual funds, notes, structured products, and monetization. It provides its services through a network of 384 branches and 927 banking machines. National Bank of Canada was founded in 1859 and is based in Montreal, Canada. Six men detained by police after a wild fight broke out on a Jetstar plane bound for Phuket will be escorted home by security officers. The men, who have been taken into custody by Indonesian police, have offered authorities no explanation for the mid-air brawl, other than they were all drunk. Do you know more? Email scoop@theage.com.au Flight JQ27 was diverted to Bali, where the six men - identified as Bradley Beecham, Brett Eldridge, Michael Matthews, Mark Rossiter, Lynmin Waharai and Ricky William - were escorted off the plane by police. During my research I spoke to people who expressed genuine concerns about terrorism. What we need to be speaking about is what happens when "fearing Muslims" becomes a systematic and methodic process that is reinforced and repeatedly excused, and even justified as "natural". What we need to expose is how white bodies are trained to fear, interrogate, judge, discipline, even seek to banish brown bodies. Why are we not talking about the power relations inherent in the politics of fear in the war on terror? Who gets to hurl the accusations? Who gets to be the "as a mum" who worries, and who is damned as the mother who is feared? Who gets to be scared? Who gets to name who is to be feared, suspected and distrusted, and who is to fear, suspect and distrust? Of course people are worried about a terrorist attack occurring in Australia. But the discussion proceeds on the basis that Muslims are exempt from any such fears, as though they can only ever perpetrate terrorism, not be its victims. This speaks to the basic racial logic that has always, and continues to underwrite the privileging of Anglo-Australia's fears. Whether it was the fear of indigenous Australians resisting their genocide, dispossession and theft, or the fear of "the yellow peril", or fears of racial "contamination" by non-Whites, or fears of "boat people", or "Asians", or "multiculturalists" at the centre is always a scared and paranoid Anglo-Australia which, despite all the dominance and privilege afforded to it, continues to play the role of the underdog, the victim. Meanwhile, it is racialised minorities and, speaking to the current debate, Muslims, who are the subject of intense surveillance, curtailing of basic liberties and democratic freedoms, harassment and hate crimes, and discrimination. These are the dangerous consequences of holding one group to ransom because of the "fears" of the majority. The minority becomes a dehumanised category around which the majority organises its anxieties and emotions. The fear of veiled Muslim women who must walk in the streets the day after Pauline Hanson has ranted about Islam on national TV, or media personalities have called for banning Muslim immigration, are completely irrelevant. The fears of Muslim parents who send their children to school knowing they will be subjected to further abuse and bullying is ignored. The fears of Muslims who must sit on public transport beside commuters reading tabloid headlines against their faith and community simply do not figure in the conversation. Dialogue, forgiveness and discussion may make for a warm and fuzzy intervention into an increasingly hostile climate of racism. But it assumes that victims of racism aren't already taking the moral high ground, responding on a daily basis to systemic and everyday racism with dignity and resilience. It's about time we stop asking victims to rehabilitate themselves and their responses to racism, and focus our attention instead on rehabilitating the perpetrators of racism. By PTI: Mumbai, Jul 20 (PTI) Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly today launched an attack on Tribal Development Minister Vishnu Savra, pointing out several lacunae in the purchase of raincoats of ashram shalas (residential schools for tribals in rural areas). Former minister Hasan Mushrif (NCP) raised the issue in the Lower House through a calling attention notice. "There are 2.75 lakh students in 529 such ashram shalas in Maharashtra. It has been two months since the schools started, but these students are yet to get raincoats," Mushrif said. advertisement "As per norms, the process of e-tendering should have been followed in the purchase of raincoats. However, it was not done," he said. There is a scam in the purchase and ACB should probe it, Mushrif said. Former Assembly Speaker Dilip Walse Patil sought to know why headmasters have been given powers to purchase raincoats costing up to Rs 3 lakh. PTI VT NP IKA BAS --- ENDS --- Labor MP Michael Danby has declared victory in Melbourne Ports after what he described as "the most ugly campaign", but will not comment on any links between his office and four men arrested for alleged vandalism on the morning of the election. The Greens are considering legal action against the Labor campaign for its conduct in the lead up to polling day, and Liberal candidate for the seat, Owen Guest, called on the incumbent to resign unless he distanced himself from the men, who were released without charge but are still being investigated. Andrew Landeryou, David Asmar, George Droutsas and Dean Sherriff were arrested for allegedly vandalising Greens and Liberal material at multiple polling stations from Elwood to Port Melbourne. It is alleged they drove at a volunteer who tried to stop them, and box cutters were found in their car. Initials monogrammed on chic leather accessories a seemingly simple business plan less than two years old that is expected to net its savvy owners $15 million by the end of 2016. What started out as a hobby blog has turned into a multimillion dollar, international fashion business for The Daily Edited designers, Alyce Tran and Tania Liu. Australian personalised accessories brand The Daily Edited has signed Hailey Baldwin as new brand ambassador. Credit:The Daily Edited Launched in August 2014 on Instagram by the two friends, who met as graduate law students working at the prestigious Allens law firm in Perth, the business has turned over just under $5 million in 2015. Tran and Liu expect that figure to triple this year thanks to an aggressive new business strategy. The lawyers-turned-entrepreneurs have just announced their international campaign starring model Hailey Baldwin, 19, daughter of The Usual Suspects actor Stephen Baldwin, and aptly named her three-piece capsule collection #TheHaileyEdited. A Perth company offering Bali wedding planning has been fined $50,000 and ordered to pay compensation totalling about $75,000 to five couples left out of pocket when it collapsed. Joondalup Magistrates Court convicted Acceler8 Group, now in liquidation, which traded as Bali D'Luxe, of five offences of wrongly accepting payment and failing to supply services. One of the unlucky couples had to pull together an alternative wedding plan in just two days. Credit:Jennifer Sinco Kelleher Between June 2013 and October 2014, it accepted pre-payments for Bali weddings before going into voluntary liquidation, leaving the consumers as 'unsecured creditors'. "Bali was a place my husband and I really loved," one consumer, who wanted only to be known as Mrs Simmons, said. Berlin: German Chancellor Angela Merkel has ruled out preliminary talks with the British government on exiting the European Union, while offering British Prime Minister Theresa May space to decide when her government is ready to invoke the notification necessary. Dr Merkel, who hosted Mrs May in Berlin on Wednesday during her first overseas trip as prime minister, said that EU rules stipulate a country must invoke Article 50 to start the legal process of leaving the 28-nation bloc. "The EU treaties are very clear on this," Dr Merkel said at a joint press conference with Mrs May in the Chancellery. While the two will discuss the status of Article 50, no pre-negotiations will take place "formally or informally", she said. Mrs May, who will travel to Paris on Thursday one week after replacing David Cameron, had her first chance in Berlin to size up the woman who will be one of her main interlocutors as she navigates Britain's exit from the world's largest trading bloc. Both pastors' daughters, she and Dr Merkel find themselves at the centre of economic and political turmoil not of their making that prompted a plunge in the pound and has sent shock waves across Europe. 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 discussion on atrocities against Dalits is scheduled at 2 PM in the Upper House. The notice for the debate was given by BSP chief Mayawati and TMC's Derek O'Brien. By India Today Web Desk: Home Minister Rajnath Singh is addressing the Lok Sabha on the unrest in Jammu and Kashmir over the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani. Here are the live updates This is not the first time that pellets have been used. Pellet-guns were used in 2010 too: Rajnath Singh. To control crowd, we should always use non-lethal weapons and that is in practice in our country: Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha. The Kashmir issue needs to be dealt with collectively. Everyone needs to partake in the responsibility of making the situation better: Rajnath Singh Atal Vajpayee ji said "chingari ka khel bura hota hai, auro ke ghar aag lagane ka jo sapna apne hi ghar main khada hota hai": Rajnath Singh. People following Islam in India are not something Pakistan need to worry about: Rajnath Singh . Pakistan instead of fixing its internal matters is trying to destabilize India: HM Rajnath Singh in LS. All political parties are united on the issue of Kashmir, says Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha Home Minister Rajnath Singh is speaking on the Kashmir unrest in the Lok Sabha. J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti holds all-party meeting to discuss prevailing situation in Kashmir Valley. advertisement It's going to be a stormy day in Parliament today over the Dalit atrocity in Gujarat. Logjam in Rajya Sabha likely to continue as opposition refuses to let the house function. On Wednesday, Congress didn't allow Rajya Sabha to function - demanding joint parliament committee probe into the Una incident. United Opposition also demanded PM Modi's statement over the entire controversy. Outrage over expelled BJP leader Dayal Shankar Singh's sexist slur against Mayawati will also echo in the Parliament today. Here are the latest developments Dayashankar Singh gave an objectionable statement, we removed him from party for 6 years: Venkaiah Naidu, I&B Minister. Dayashankar must be put behind bars for such a mentality. Matter does not end by just apologising: Satish Mishra, BSP. Short duration discussion to take place at 2 pm in Rajya Sabha today on issue of "recent incidents of atrocities on Dalits in the country" Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is slated to visit Una in Gujarat today to meet the victims of assault on Dalits. BSP, Trinamool and others have given notice for discussion on Dalits issue to come up :TMC MP Derek O'Brien. Apology may not be enough. He may have to go behind bars: TMC MP Derek O'Brien on Dayashankar Singh. BSP workers gather to protest against Dayashankar Singh for derogatory slur against BSP chief Mayawati in Lucknow. BSP workers have hit the streets over the sexist comment made against their party chief by an ex-BJP leader. Party workers have gathered in huge numbers in Lucknow demanding Daya Shankar's arrest, clearly unsatisfied with the suspension handed to him by his party. Uttar Pradesh: Security increased at BJP State office in view of BSP's protest against Dayashankar Singh. pic.twitter.com/xOztcBHnxB&; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 21, 2016 BSP has also filed a complaint against the neta demanding his arrest for his statement. On Wednesday, Daya Shankar Singh had compared Mayawati to a prostitute, saying that she was selling tickets like a sex worker. After outrage peaked over his comment, the former BJP vice- president was forced to issue an apology, and the BJP took tough action against him, suspending him from the party for 6 years. Govt approves bill to protect transgenders from discrimination Over a year after the Rajya Sabha approved a private member's bill to protect the rights of transgenders, the government on Wednesday cleared a similar legislation to protect such persons from discrimination. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 for introduction in Parliament. advertisement "Through this bill, the government has evolved a mechanism for their social, economic and educational empowerment. The bill will benefit a large number of transgender persons, mitigate the stigma, discrimination and abuse against this marginalised section and bring them into the mainstream of society," an official statement said. Also Read Mayawati slur rocks Parliament, opposition tears into 'anti-women, anti-Dalit' BJP Top BJP leader compares Mayawati to a prostitute as party counters anti-Dalit tag in Gujarat, Parliament Was Rahul Gandhi sleeping in Parliament when Congress cornered BJP on Dalit atrocities? --- ENDS --- By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 21 (PTI) Power generation utilities owe Rs 12,028 crore to state-owned CIL as on March 31, Parliament was informed today. "The total outstanding dues from power generating units to Coal India Ltd (CIL) as on March 31, 2016, is Rs 12,028.36 crore," Coal and Power Minister Piyush Goyal said in a reply to the Lok Sabha. advertisement The minister further said various steps are being taken by Coal India for timely recovery of dues from all its consumers. He said the party-wise outstanding dues are being reviewed by the subsidiary companies on a monthly basis. "The GM (sales and marketing) of subsidiaries concerned follow up regularly with parties concerned to realise the outstanding dues. Regional sales managers, stationed at different states, follow up with the power houses which fall within their jurisdiction on a monthly basis," he said. "CMD and directors of the subsidiaries concerned have written letters directly to the chairman/directors of the power houses," Goyal said. In case of major defaulters, CIL authorities, namely chairman and director (marketing), have taken up the matter with various ministries, he said. In a bid to rescue almost bankrupt state electricity retailers, the central government had last year approved a scheme to rejig Rs 4.3 lakh-crore debt of the utilities. The Cabinet had approved the scheme to ease the financial crunch of power distribution companies or discoms that has impaired their ability to buy electricity. The rescue plan, called Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojna or UDAY, aims at reviving ailing state electricity boards and bolstering operational efficiency of power distribution companies. It envisages reducing interest burden, cost of power and aggregate technical and commercial losses. The scheme is optional and gets operationalised by signing a pact between states, state discoms and the Centre. Coal India accounts for over 80 per cent of the domestic coal production. CIL supplied 407.9 million tonnes (mt) of fuel to the power sector in 2015-16. PTI SID BAL ARD --- ENDS --- By Vidya , Virendrasingh Ghunawat: The Mumbai Police has finally filed a chargesheet in TV actress Pratyusha Banerjee's suicide case in the Borivali court on Wednesday. The chargesheet of around 1,000 pages, has slapped charges of abetment, assault and intimidation against Pratyusha's boyfriend Rahul Raj Singh. Rahul, who was present in the court, along with his friend Sahil Charcha during the filing of the chargesheet by Bangur Nagar Police, personally received the chargesheet. He is currently out on anticipatory bail, but the court has instructed him to appear on July 30 for a hearing. advertisement Also read: Early leads indicate Pratyusha Banerjee was murdered, says prosecutor The chargesheet indicates that the Police has mostly relied on audio recordings of telephonic conversations between Rahul and Pratyusha. The chargesheet also includes statements of witnesses, bank statements, call data records, forensic findings and hospital papers. The statements of 45 witnesses have also been recorded, which includes the statement of Rahul's alleged ex-girlfriend Saloni Sharma, who had allegedly assaulted Pratyusha in her flat. Besides, the report includes statements of Pratyusha's mother, who has been blaming Rahul for Pratyusha's death and saying he was practising black magic on her. Also read: Pratyusha Banerjee underwent an abortion days before her death Details of Pratyusha's income tax returns and a loan agreement from a friend, have been included in the chargesheet. Pratyusha was found hanging in her Goregaon flat on April 1, 2016. Her parents had flown down from Jamshedpur post her death, and had alleged (after her cremation) that the Bangur Nagar Police was not investigating the case properly. They had requested that the case be transferred to the CBI. However, the Bombay High Court, where they had filed the petition, did not transfer the case. --- ENDS --- According to the flashy supplement in yesterdays Nassau Guardian, The Bahamas Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is hosting the 41st Conference of the Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic Region of the CPA during the period 22-30 July, 2016. The Conference is being held at the Coral Towers of Atlantis, Paradise Island under the theme Modernisation: An Essential Element for the Independence of Parliament and the Deepening of Democracy. More Two things caught my eye. First was the theme. Modernisation: An Essential Element for the Independence of Parliament and the Deepening of Democracy. Guess who one of the keynote speakers from The Bahamas is? Yup, you got it, Mr. Fred Mitchell himself who is yet to present a report on the alleged beatings at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre from 2013 I think it is. How on earth can he speak on deepening democracy? One can live in hope its not just more of the symbolism over substance that this government is so famous for. The second thing that stood out was a description of How Laws Are Made. Their four points follow: Identifying Issues And Opportunities: Laws spring from the need to address issues and opportunities that already exist or might arise. Furthermore, laws may spring from the election promises of the governing party. Proposals for New Laws/Amendments: Proposals come from a variety of sources - government ministries and departments, non-governmental organisations, the Official Opposition or even individuals. These proposals for new laws can relate to issues across the Bahamian society and economy. Stakeholder Consultation: If a proposal for new legislation receives Cabinet approval, the next step involves consulting with experts, interest groups and the people of constituencies and islands likely to be affected by the plans. Often, in the case of very large issues of national impact, interested parties are asked to comment on a green paper, which gives an introductory outline of the idea. Following consultation, a white paper might be produced, giving a more concrete statement of the governments intentions. Proposals are Made Into Bills': Proposals for new laws are sent to the Office of the Attorney General (AG) where the lawyers there turn the instructions of the Cabinet into special forms called Bills (with) detailed language that reduces the chance that the intention of the bill may be misinterpreted. The major Bills reflect the policies the government intends to establish in a parliamentary session. They are usually announced in the Speech from the Throne at the opening of each new session (of Parliament). Anyone that has served on the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Legislation Committee knows that this procedure is never followed and democracy is circumvented at every turn. The Government only issues a completed Bill then invites select people to review it before ramming it through Parliament. Seldom if ever is anything of consequence amended to reflect reality. And every Bill gives the Minister ultimate power, defeating Democracy again. Green Papers and White Papers do not exist in The Bahamas any longer. They just might force reasonable public discussions about a Bill and heaven forbid that Parliament should allow that. Every time public discourse is mounted on a Bill the government corrals them into meetings behind closed doors and silences its critics. Justis.com outlines the proper procedure here Should we expect a deepening of democracy here after this conference? Dont hold your breath. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Our weekend morning emails feature the very best news and exclusive content from our team of reporters The chief executive of the Roseland schools trust at the centre of an investigation has resigned from his post, the West Briton has learned. The West Briton revealed in June that Neil Wilkinson-McKie, who was the chief executive of the Roseland Multi Academy Trust (MAT) and head teacher of Roseland Community College, had been suspended to allow for an investigation following an allegation. The trust would only confirm the allegation "did not concern safeguarding or financial misconduct". The Roseland MAT's chairman Kristy Gouldsmith was also suspended following the allegation. Now the West Briton has been told Mr Wilkinson-McKie has resigned from both roles and left the county. A statement from the trust said only: "Mr Neil Wilkinson-McKie has decided to leave The Roseland Academy and The Roseland Multi-Academy Trust to pursue other opportunities." A parent with two children at the school, who did not want to be named, said she had not been told about Mr Wilkinson-McKie's departure She added: "It is a real shame if Mr Wilkinson-McKie has resigned and left. "He did so much for the school. Why would you want to get rid of a head who got the school to number two in the county and in the top 20% of all schools nationally?" On the Roseland Community College's website yesterday Mr Wilkinson-McKie remained listed as the academy's headteacher. But after the West Briton demanded answers about rumours Mr Wilkinson-McKie had resigned and left the county he was erased from the school's website. And parents received a letter dated July 6 from Jacqui Vincent, acting chairman of the Roseland MAT, which stated it was unlikely the investigation would be completed until the autumn term. It read: "As Mr Wilkinson-McKie remains unavailable, Mr Challis will continue as acting executive head teacher and CEO of The Roseland Multi-Academy Trust. Mr Clarke will remain as acting head teacher of The Roseland Academy. "Whilst writing, I can also confirm that Mrs Gouldsmith has resigned as a trustee of The Roseland Multi-Academy Trust and as a local governor of The Roseland Academy. "I would like to wish you all a restful summer holiday and we look forward to welcoming all our students back to The Roseland in September." A further letter was sent to parents yesterday from Mrs Vincent confirming Mr Wilkinson-McKie had left his posts. It also confirmed that Mr Challis would continue as chief executive officer of the Roseland schools trust and will take on the post of head at the school until August next year. Mr Clarke will return to his role as deputy head of the Roseland Academy, it read. As reported by the West Briton, Mrs Gouldsmith posted on Facebook that the allegation related to a grievance made by one staff member against another to whom she is accused of giving a copy of the grievance and having targeted particular staff for redundancy, which she branded "ridiculous". If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Constable Paramdeep Singh fired six shots at Lakhwinder Singh and Varinder Singh. Police have filed an FIR against the absconding constable, Paramdeep Singh, for attempt to murder. By India Today Web Desk: A Punjab police constable shot at two kabaddi players injuring them seriously in Moga on July 19. Constable Paramdeep Singh fired six shots at Lakhwinder Singh and Varinder Singh. Police have filed an FIR against the absconding constable, Paramdeep Singh, for attempt to murder. According to The Indian Express, Lakhwinder Singh (22) and Varinder Singh (23) were friends with Paramdeep for the past two years and the accused has recently developed an illicit affair with Lakhwinder's sister-in-law. advertisement Lakhwinder's sister-in-law lives in Canada and Paramdeep wanted to settle with her abroad. Lakhwinder had objected to their relationship. Varinder, who along with Lakhwinder has received three bullet injuries, accused Lakhwinder's sister-in-law of offering Rs 20 lakh to the constable for "eliminating" them. He also added that Paramdeep had earlier threatened us to implicate in a false drug smuggling case. Varinder, who wanted to play in kabaddi league matches in Canada, has received bullet injuries in chest and is now hoping for a miracle to recover. Moga SSP HS Pannu said the constable had used his private 0.32 bore revolver to attack the duo and an FIR under section 307 (Attempt to murder) and Arms Act has been registered at Samalsar police station against the absconding constable. --- ENDS --- 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. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Jul. 20, 2016 | MURRAY, KY By West Kentucky Star Staff Jul. 20, 2016 | 05:39 PM | MURRAY, KY A house fire has turned into a murder and arson investigation in Calloway County. Kentucky State Police found the body of 51-year-old Linda Whittenberg of Murray in a burned home on Cedar Haven Road on Tuesday. Autopsy results reportedly showed she had died from two gunshot wounds. State police said a man's body was found in the garage, and autopsy results show that he died from smoke inhalation and injuries sustained in the fire. Dental records are being used to help identify the man. Later that day the body of a dog was found, and it had also been shot. A necropsy has been requested to determine if the weapon used against the dog matches the weapon that was used against Whittenberg. Police say they believe this was an isolated incident, and do not believe there is a suspect at large. They said if the man's body is identified as the person they suspect it to be, he is the likely a suspect in the case. Preliminary investigation into the cause of the fire reportedly showed several points of origin in different sections of the house and detached garage. Search of Mayfield home snares alleged meth trafficker and two others By PTI: Hyderabad, Jul 21 (PTI) As India marks 25 years of economic reforms initiated by P V Narasimha Rao, his grandson N V Subhash rued that the Congress has not "acknowledged" his contribution, but debunked suggestions that the former Prime Minister had a frosty relationship with Sonia Gandhi. Finding fault with the perception in some quarters that Rao did not get along well with Sonia when he was at the helm of affairs, Subhash said the two had a very good relationship. advertisement Subhash said Rao always met Sonia before and after Cabinet meetings, consulted her on Cabinet expansions and foreign trips and also held discussions with her on "candidates of her choice" ahead of elections. "What more a Prime Minister can do?" he told PTI, adding that the Gandhis were given SPG protection, government funds were released to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation and Rao took "good care" of the family. "Many people thought if he (Rao) continued for five years (as PM), people will forget about Nehru-Gandhi family. For their advantage, they have really corrupted her (Sonias) mind. I dont think he (Rao) had any grudge against her. After all, her husband (Rajiv Gandhi) was his leader. Naturally, he has to give some respect," Subhash said. He also said this generation now is enjoying fruits of liberalisation, the seeds of which were sown in 1991, with the country making rapid economic strides, and it goes to Raos credit that successive governments, irrespective of parties, followed the reforms path he embarked on, with basic structure of the policy intact. "It should be really acknowledged, whichever party is there. In other countries, people acknowledge their leaders. Unfortunately here, Congress government neither reciprocated, nor acknowledged. Thats the saddest part. He hasnt been given any due. Thats why I joined the BJP just before the elections in 2014," Subhash said. He said he met Sonia soon after Raos death and made a request for setting up a Trust named after him, for which she promised all support, and he followed it up a month later. "She was very, very concerned (keen to support the proposal). She explained she had a good relation with him (Rao) and how her husband (Rajiv Gandhi) was close to him and how she was close to him," Subhash said. But he said after the two meetings, Sonia never gave appointment to him, adding, "some people may have corrupted her mind". "Thats very, very unfortunate. May be other forces around her took control", Subhash said. He said Rao deserved to be conferred with the Bharat Ratna. The governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have sent a proposal in this regard to the Centre, he said, expressing hope that the countrys highest civilian honour would be bestowed on his grandfather in future. PTI RS GK BSA --- ENDS --- advertisement By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 21 (PTI) Three resident doctors at Lady Hardinge Medical College were today allegedly assaulted by the relatives of a three-year-old girl who died after being brought in there in critical condition, prompting the doctors of LHMC and and its two associated hospitals here to go on strike. One of the doctors on duty was also bitten on his arm by one of the relatives. advertisement According to a senior resident doctor of the hospital, the girl was brought to the hospital late last night in a critical condition. "The girl was was brought in at the paediatrics ward in a critical condition and the family was told that her chances of survival was grim. She passed away at around 5 am following which her parents called up their relatives. "Within some time, a mob came to the and attacked the resident doctors on duty. Even the security guards had vanished from the scene. One of the relatives of the deceased girl also bit a doctor," said the doctor. After the incident, around 1,200 resident doctors the Lady Hardinge Medical College and its two associated hospitals have gone on strike demanding enhancement of security in the hospital and arrest of the culprits. "We have been asking for upgrading the security in the hospital premises in terms of number of guards and installing CCTV cameras. At the time of incident, the guards ran away and also the few CCTVs that are installed in the hospital were not working," said a member from resident doctors association at LHMC. PTI PLB RG --- ENDS --- COMMISSIONERS APPROVE NEW $13 MILLION EMERGENCY COMPLEX IN BALFOUR AND REJECT---FOR NOW---A THREE CENT ROLLBACK IN THE PROPERTY TAX In their meeting this week, Henderson County commissioners, in a split three to two vote, rejected---for now---commissioner Bill Lapsleys proposal to roll back the countys recent five cent property tax increase by three cents. Lapsleys argument for the rollback is largely based on the hope that voters will approve the quarter cent sales tax increase that will be on voters ballots in November that would raise about two point five million dollars in revenue for the county. He points out it will be hard to convince voters to support that quarter cent sales taxon top of the nickel increase in property taxes earlier this year, A majority of commissioners want to look at Lapsleys proposed rollback more closely before committing to it. That nickel property tax increase approved earlier this year, by the waywill raise over six and a half million dollars more in county revenue. Commissioners have approved, also in a split vote, building that new thirteen million dollar emergency services complex on the Asheville Highway on the site of the old BalfourSchool. Commissioner Lapsley voted against ithe said he favors the new complex but thinks the thirteen million is too much to spend on it. The old school will be bulldozed and construction will start at the end of the school year in June 2017. And commissioners are considering a requirement that all solid waste collected in the county be taken to the countys transfer stationwhich would mean that local trash haulers would not longer have the option of taking their loads outside the county. Thjis could mean an increase in rates for some garbage customers. As Commissioner Michael Edney pointed out, the proposal creates a flow of money to go with the trash which would help the county pay for a number of solid waste expenses including maintenance of the old landfill. Commissioners will hold a public hearing on that on August 17th. Vijaykumar PB (65), was stabbed in his stomach and his throat had been slit. The television, along with Rs 10, 000 in cash were found missing from the house. His call details were also found to have been deleted. By Sneha Agrawal: Vijaykumar PB (65), father of a journalist, was found dead at his residence in Samachar Apartments on Wednesday. His daughter, Ambily, found his blood-stained body in the bedroom. According to sources, the man was stabbed in his stomach and his throat had been slit. The television, along with Rs 10, 000 in cash were found missing from the house. His call details were also found to have been deleted. advertisement THE DISCOVERY Vijaykumar and his wife, who works in the income tax department, had moved to Samachar Apartments in March as they wanted to live close to their daughter's house. Vijaykumar's wife had last spoken to him at 11.30 am. Later, around 2 pm, when his daughter came to meet him she found the door open. "I regularly called him on his mobile phone to check on him in the afternoon and he'd answer my call instantly. But today the phone went unanswered. Then I drove over and found the grilled door left ajar. I kept calling out for him, but got no response," she said. "I found the bedroom door half open. I felt something was amiss. The light was switched off in the room. Then I found the wall stand for the TV lying on the sofa. The TV was missing. Then I saw the mattress lying on the floor. When I pulled it over, I found his body lying naked in a pool of blood," 37-year-old Ambily told reporters. Vijaykumar had retired from Central government health scheme. The incident was reported at 1.45 pm. The body has been sent for postmortem. Also Read: 65-year-old retired government employee brutally murdered in Delhi A father, a son and a murder for Rs 100 crore property --- ENDS --- "Manish, be prepared. Modi ji will either send CBI against you or declare that u did not have power to construct it (the college building)," the Delhi Chief Minister tweeted. By Indo-Asian News Service: In a subtle swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday cautioned Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who inaugurated a newly constructed college building, to "be prepared" to face the CBI any moment. "Manish, be prepared. Modi ji will either send CBI against you or declare that u did not have power to construct it (the college building)," Kejriwal tweeted. Manish, be prepared. Modi ji will either send CBI against u or declare that u did not have power to construct it https://t.co/oOEZBkYBDi Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) 20 July 2016 advertisement SISODIA LAUDS PWD Manish Sisodia, who also holds the portfolio of Education Minister, on Wednesday inaugurated the newly constructed building of Deen Dayal Upadhyay College in Dwarka in West Delhi along with Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satyendar Jain. While inaugurating the building, Sisodia praised the efforts of PWD engineers for constructing a remarkable building. Politics over mobile phones? Arvind Kejriwal said few CMs barred from taking phones in Inter-State Council meet It's a conspiracy to paralyse Delhi govt: Manish Sisodia on Rajendra Kumar's arrest "They (Centre) kept troubling us, we kept working. The newly constructed building is indeed splendid. Congratulations to the PWD engineers," Sisodia said. He said that every year over 2.5 lakh students pass out from Class 12 but of them only 1.25 lakh could get admission in higher and technical education colleges of Delhi University, IP University and others. "I appeal the DU Vice Chancellor and the college principals to come to us with a plan of higher and technical education for the rest 1.25 lakh students, we will provide you all the resources needed," Sisodia said. Also Read: Dictator who? Five times AAP members quit party blaming Kejriwal's leadership What does 'thulla' mean, Delhi High Court asks Arvind Kejriwal --- ENDS --- By PTI: Colombo, Jul 21 (PTI) Sri Lanka has received a number of proposals from India to try and resolve the fishing row, but Colombo will take a decision only after consulting its fishermen, the Fisheries Minister said here today. "We have not given consent to any of the proposals although there have been many" Minister of Fisheries Mahinda Amaraweera told reporters. advertisement "No decisions will be taken without consulting our fishermen," he said. Amaraweeras remarks came following reports that Sri Lanka was planning to grant Indian fishermen access to fishing in Sri Lankan waters subject to conditions. Amaraweera said that despite pressures from Indian side none of the boats confiscated by Sri Lanka for poaching in Sri Lankan waters will be released. He said the government was keen to work for the welfare of the northern fishermen who have been affected by the continuous poaching by the Indian fishermen. "We have managed to get the ban lifted for our fish exports to the European Union. The benefits of this will be soon enjoyed by the northern fishermen," Amaraweera said. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, during his visit to India on May 13, had discussed the issue of problems faced by Indian fishermen in his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was reported after the meeting that both sides sought a permanent solution to the issue of frequent arrests of Indian fishermen with India reiterating the need to build a dedicated mechanism for it. Fishing row continues to be an irritant in the bilateral ties. Sri Lankan Navy personnel have arrested over 70 Indian fishermen and seized 101 boats recently for allegedly fishing in Lankan territorial waters. The frequent arrest of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan navy remains unresolved despite high level talks since 2014. Sri Lanka accuses Indian fishermen of straying into its territorial waters, while the latter maintain they are only fishing in their traditional areas, especially around Katchatheevu, an islet ceded to Colombo in 1974. PTI CORR MRJ AKJ MRJ --- ENDS --- Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 21/07/2016 (2289 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Winnipeg boasts one of the lowest downtown office vacancy rates of any major Canadian city, according to one new report, but local industry officials say the market here is still far from robust. The latest quarterly office-trends report from commercial real estate firm CBRE says Winnipegs overall downtown office vacancy rate has dropped two percentage points in the past year, falling to 9.1 per cent in the second quarter of this year, from 11.1 per cent in the second quarter of 2015. That leaves it tied with Vancouver for the second-lowest rate among the 10 Canadian cities covered in the report. CBRE said the only city with a lower rate is Toronto, at 4.9 per cent. JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files A quarterly office-trends report says Winnipegs downtown office vacancy rate has dropped two percentage points in the last year. The author of the most comprehensive report on commercial vacancy rates in Winnipeg the semi-annual Johnson Report puts Winnipegs downtown vacancy rate even lower, at 7.6 per cent. Wayne Johnson, who is a commercial sales and leasing specialist with Royal LePage Dynamic Real Estate, said his latest market survey showed the overall rate was down one percentage point from a year ago, when he had it pegged at 8.6 per cent. But Johnson said even at 7.6 per cent, the rate is still at its second-highest level in at least a decade. He noted in 2008, it was 3.9 per cent. So its good that this has come down one per cent. But its still higher than it was two years ago, or three, four or five years ago. As for Winnipegs rate being one of the lowest of any major Canadian city, Johnson said thats more a case of being the best of a bad lot. The (Winnipeg) market is soft, it remains soft, and its prospects going forward are the same. Thats what Im hearing from other people. Johnson said leasing agents and landlords tell him there isnt enough leasing activity in the downtown office market. That, combined with (the fact) we dont attract head offices anymore. He noted a couple of major new downtown office projects the 311 Portage Avenue at Centrepoint development, which opened in June of last year, and the True North Square mixed-use development under construction on the south side of Graham Avenue, were able to land some major office tenants. But theyre tenants relocating from other locations in the city, rather than newcomers to the market. He predicted that will likely be the case with most of the other office tenants True North Square snags, which means the downtown vacancy rate will rise when the first of the True North Square office buildings comes on stream in 2018. A spokeswoman for one of the downtowns most prominent office buildings 201 Portage Avenue agreed the downtown office leasing market isnt robust. But its not dead, either. There is (leasing) activity, said Gail Auriti, broker/leasing manager for Harvard Property Management Inc., which manages the highrise tower. Recently, weve had some decent activity. Auriti said 201 Portages vacancy rate currently sits at about 3.3 per cent, which is healthy. But she agreed with Johnson that because most of the downtown leasing activity involves tenants moving from one property to another, the downtown vacancy rate will likely rise when the True North Square office towers come onto the market. She declined to speculate on how much it could rise. True North Square and CBRE Winnipeg could not be reached Tuesday for comment. The CBRE report shows Calgary has the highest downtown office vacancy rate, at 22.2 per cent. London, Ont., is second highest, at 19.2 per cent. murray.mcneill@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 21/07/2016 (2289 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Abdul Khizar made his own sunscreen this week, but whether he will use it remains to be seen. Khizar was one of about 160 students from across Manitoba, including many from Winnipegs inner city, who have been participating this week in the 10th Biomedical Youth Camp hosted by the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitobas Bannatyne Campus. Students from grades 5 to 12 are taking part in 16 science-focused workshops throughout the week. The five-day program is free of charge. We had zinc oxide and this other powder stuff, and we mixed it all up. There was also mineral oil, and you mix it all up, and you put it in the container and shake it up, said Abdul, 13, who completed Grade 8 at Al-Hijra Islamic School in Winnipeg but has not decided which school he will attend this fall for Grade 9. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Justin Choy (left) works with oral biology professor and camp program director James Gilchrist during a workshop. Abdul said it was fun to concoct the sunscreen in the lab, but it may never see the sun. I dont really want to (try it)! The way it feels, I dont think its really sunscreen! he said with a laugh. It is his third year at the camp after his sister, who volunteers at the camp, told him about it. I like immune systems, so this (camp) tells me more about it. The thing I like is they make you do experiments, and thats helpful for when you are going to school. Each student has been fitted with a white lab coat and name tag to clip onto the pocket, just like the doctors working at the facility. Each morning, they gather in one of the lecture halls for a briefing about the days activities and then head out to the different sessions within groups that are led by U of M science student volunteers. James Gilchrist, a professor of oral biology in the College of Dentistry, said the biomedical camp exposes youth to the university atmosphere and opens the door to the possibility of a future that includes science. Its fun, Gilchrist said, noting he is able to find lots of volunteers each year to assist with running the science camp. Theres nothing quite like working with kids, especially kids that are really focused on enjoying and being interested in what theyre doing. You dont have to convince anybody of anything. Theyre thrilled to be here, theyre attentive, and theyre good to work with because they want to learn. Justin Choy, who will attend Grade 9 this fall at Sisler High School, and his group were using microscopes Wednesday morning to examine onion pieces in a session led by Gilchrist. It was really fun to see all the certain cells inside the onion, said Justin, 14, in the camp for a second straight year. Weve done dentistry and got to try to fill in a (simulated) tooth, that was really fun. I like how you get to experiment and its so hands-on. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Abdul Khizar uses a microscope to look at onion-skin cells Wednesday during the 10th Biomedical Youth Camp at the University of Manitobas Bannatyne Campus. Gilchrist said the camp gives the students authentic opportunities to carry out simulated medical procedures or emergency scenarios and do experiments using real laboratory tools and equipment. Its beneficial, from the point of view of taking science from a textbook subject to a hands-on subject. Schools these days, science is presented as a textbook subject. You cant do science by just reading about it. Its terribly boring, Gilchrist said. A lot of the kids have said, This is great, I can actually do something. From that point of view, its fantastic. He said the science enrichment caters to youth who may face financial or social barriers, some who may feel alienated at school because they enjoy science and others who just love science. We want to show these young learners that they are bright, that there are financial supports out there, but they first need to believe in themselves and build up confidence, Gilchrist said. ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 21/07/2016 (2289 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The crime rate in Winnipeg increased in 2015 the first time in a decade, Winnipeg police said Wednesday. The Winnipeg Police Service released the 2015 annual statistical report that shows overall crime in the city went up by seven per cent from 2014. Violent crime rose by six per cent, and property crimes jumped by nine per cent, the report said. JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Deputy Chief Danny Smyth Deputy chief Danny Smyth said the number of reported crimes, the crime rate and the citys crime-severity index all increased in 2015 from 2014. This general increase is consistent with what were seeing being reported in other cities across Canada, Smyth said. I think as a country were experiencing an uptick in reported crime, especially in Western Canada. However, both an inner-city activist and a criminologist told the Free Press they dont think the city is more dangerous. The report also showed: Winnipegs rates of kidnapping and forcible confinement increased by 36 per cent, with 53 incidents committed in 2015. Smyth said 32 of those incidents were domestic; Youth crime is also on the rise, especially relating to property crimes; Break-and-enter rates increased by 27 per cent, while possessing stolen property increased by 31 per cent; Vehicle thefts increased by 80 per cent; Rates of youth possession of cocaine increased by 300 per cent in 2015. Smyth said Winnipeg has always had high rates of (robbery, homicide and sexual assault) when compared to other cities. The deputy chief said sometimes the statistics change because of a difference in the information being collected. He said the commodification of sexual activity category which includes offences that used to be under the headings of human trafficking and prostitution now falls under violent crimes, and pushed that rate up last year. For the better part of 10 years our crime rates have consistently trended down, and its certainly our hope that 2015 is just a short-term hiccup and that it will continue to trend down in the long run, Smyth said, adding he would be concerned if the numbers continue to increase in the long term. If you look at our rates over five years or 10 years, theres nothing alarming here, but we have to acknowledge that there is an uptick. Sel Burrows of the North Point Douglas Seniors Association said the information surprised him. Our impression for Point Douglas has been the reverse. Weve seen things go down significantly in the last few years. We dont keep statistics, but the number of calls we have received is down. Burrows said when they see gang activity, they call police and mobilize community members. Were not crime-free but, for example, we have no visible gang houses. We are surprised that the crime rates are up. For the better part of 10 years our crime rates have consistently trended down, and its certainly our hope that 2015 is just a short-term hiccup and that it will continue to trend down in the long run Deputy chief Danny Smyth Statistics Canada said police-reported crime across the country went up by five per cent in 2015 the first jump in 12 years. However, its report said police-reported crime was 31 per cent lower than it was in 2005. Manitobas crime-severity index rose by eight per cent, with mischief accounting for 24 per cent of police-reported crime here. There were almost 1.9 million Criminal Code incidents reported by police across the country last year with homicide increasing 15 per cent, attempted murder 22 per cent, fraud 15 per cent, and sexual assaults four per cent. Violent crime increased by six per cent across the country, while non-violent crime rose by four per cent. Prof. Frank Cormier, who teaches criminology at the University of Manitoba, said national figures have been affected by the economic nosedive in Alberta. Albertas crime-severity index increased 18 per cent in 2015, while B.C., Ontario and Saskatchewan saw smaller increases. The Statistics Canada report says Alberta has been experiencing a higher number of break-and-enters, theft of $5,000 and under and vehicle theft. With the dramatic change in the economy in Alberta well see more crime because people lose jobs, they drink more, they have more stress, Cormier said. Anything that shakes up our lives will change our behaviour. Cormier said some of the Winnipeg statistics are not as negative as they sound. All other assaults is a 650 per cent increase, but they went from two to 15 incidents and there is no definition of what gets put in that category, he said. A 650 per cent increase sounds horrifying, but there are thousands and thousands of other (types of ) assaults. As well, Cormier said 67 of what used to be prostitution offences have moved into the violent category from being non-violent. There can be many things that can change the numbers other than criminal behaviour, he said. Winnipeggers shouldnt be worried thats the short answer. We are at almost the lowest crime rate in my lifetime now. We are in very good times. We cannot expect crime to go down every year in perpetuity that would be unrealistic. But as long as the trend continues downwards, that is good. alexandra.depape@freepress.mb.cakevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca 2015_wps_annual_report_english Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 21/07/2016 (2289 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Winnipeg nurse practitioner is the latest health professional to be professionally reprimanded for a scheme in which five physicians inappropriately billed Manitoba Health for house calls made by the nurse practitioner. The male nurse practitioner was not named by the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba in a discipline committee decision released last month. Only his college membership number, 138111, was provided. He was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine, take remedial courses, write a paper demonstrating insight into his inappropriate behaviour and pay $5,000 in costs to the college. The licensing body said in its decision patients were not put at risk because the member was providing care within the scope of practice for a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have received additional training. They are permitted to write prescriptions. The unidentified man pleaded guilty to professional misconduct and accepted responsibility for his actions, a two-page decision posted on the colleges website states. The nurse practitioner also admitted to improperly using a physicians unique identifier to access electronic medical records, thereby falsifying the records. Five doctors from Four Rivers Medical Clinic, which operated locations on Broadway and Main Street, were previously disciplined by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba for inappropriate billings to the province between 2009 and 2012. Their cases were heard separately in 2013 and 2014. All five physicians were named as part of their punishment. They are: Dr. Randy Raymond Allan, Dr. Stephen John Coyle, Dr. Creighton Hui, Dr. Anton Kloppers and Dr. Richard Letkeman. Kloppers, whose case was the last to be heard, had his licence suspended for five months. In a report released by the college of physicians two years ago, it was revealed Kloppers received 30 per cent of the billings to Manitoba Health entered under his name for house calls made by the nurse practitioner, while the nurse practitioner received 60 per cent and the clinic received in 10 per cent. Four Rivers was then owned by Daren Jorgenson, an Internet pharmacy pioneer. He no longer owns the clinic. In a February 2014 interview, Jorgenson said he was aware of the billings and claimed he was challenging the province to reform its system. He maintained the Health Department was aware of what he was doing and admitted he had been pushing the envelope with provincial bureaucrats to get them to accept a less expensive fee-for-service regime for nurse practitioners. The doctors involved were required to repay Manitoba Health for the billings made in their name. Kloppers owed $171,717.96, while Hui was on the hook for more than $200,000. A spokeswoman for the department said in an email Wednesday all recoveries related to inappropriate physician billings have been completed. Manitoba Health had said it has referred the matter to police, but there is no evidence of criminal charges ever being laid. Allan had earlier been disciplined by the college of physicians for trading prescription drugs for sex. In May, the suspended doctor pleaded guilty to defrauding Manitoba Health by prescribing OxyContin to a pair of drug-addicted women he met in a massage parlour. He is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 21. Suzanne Wowchuk, director of registration and professional conduct with the College of Registered Nurses, said its up to the discipline committee whether someone who is reprimanded is named. She said she could not comment on this particular case, but generally a decision to reveal a nurses name is based on several factors including whether it can serve to educate college members or if there is a specific need for the public to be informed. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 21/07/2016 (2289 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. On the steps of the legislature, under a darkening sky, Alexa Potashnik delivered searing words to the crowd gathered. The burden of the brutalized, she said, quoting actor Jesse Williams, is not to comfort the bystander. At that moment, just after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, the first drops of rain fell. For those of us who find grace in coincidence, it seemed the sky was crying; for those who dont, it was a refreshing mist on a sweltering night. The thunder rolled minutes later, and the lightning came with it, but for those first few minutes the air was all right. ZACHARY PRONG / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Dark clouds threaten as a crowd of people gathers at the legislative building Wednesday evening for a rally united with the Black Lives Matter movement. It wasnt the most fortuitous night for a rally, on the brink of a punishing storm. But it was the one that Winnipeg grassroots group Black Space chose to host the first public gathering. The vigils aims were broad, and simple: in the face of racism at home and around the world, it was a call for Winnipeggers to affirm support for black people. In this, the rally was united with the Black Lives Matter movement that is advancing calls racial justice in the United States and elsewhere, and echoed with its words. Everybody, its time to stand together, Potashnik called as the rally began. Repeat after me: queer black lives, trans black lives, black women, black men. All of them matter. Black lives matter. At 23, Potashnik is a natural at this, the rallying cry. A University of Winnipeg student, she serves as the racialized students commissioner for the Canadian Federation of Students of Manitoba. She is also a bubbly beatboxer and an admitted extrovert: before the rally, she bounced between friends, face lit up with an incandescent grin. Which is what makes it all the more notable, how some conversations about the Black Space rally began. This week marked the first time Potashnik sent out a news release, and media were quick to pick up the story. As she did the rounds of TV and radio, some commenters began to ask a telling question: will Black Space be peaceful? Recounting this over coffee on Wednesday morning, Potashnik laughed Im already chill, she said but she knows the question hints at part of the problem. In a society that struggles to speak plainly about race, it is easy to twist calls for racial solidarity as oppositional and easy to be swept away by the painful headlines emanating from the United States. In Winnipeg, part of Black Spaces work and challenge is to raise awareness of local experience in a way that distinguishes it from the broader international conversation. Thats partly why organizers call the group Black Space, Potashnik said, instead of dubbing it as a chapter of Black Lives Matter, as has coalesced in Toronto. There, the movement was galvanized by the police killing of Andrew Loku and the Toronto police practice of carding, which disproportionately targets young black men for random stops and questioning. That issue was pushed into the open by tireless black advocates in Toronto, including journalist Desmond Cole. Here, the story is different. Part of that is demographics: about 8.5 per cent of Torontos residents identified as black by the 2011 census, while in Winnipeg that figure stood at just 2.7 per cent. Still, the total black population in Winnipeg had nearly doubled since 1996, an increase driven in part by immigration. There is also the fact that in Winnipeg, the most seismic shocks of institutionalized racism have largely been directed at indigenous people, such as the 1988 fatal shooting of J.J. Harper by Winnipeg police officer Robert Cross. (On this end, Potashnik hopes Black Space can help open dialogue and build connections between black folks and indigenous people.) Meanwhile, talking about racism is deeply uncomfortable for those of us who have had the option of avoiding its effects. It is easier for some to point outside Manitobas borders to things that are far worse. Potashnik has heard these complaints: why hold a Black Lives Matter-inspired rally in Winnipeg when the city has not seen its own Philando Castile or Alton Sterling? The answer to that is straightforward: do we really want to wait for there to be one? Thats the struggle, Potashnik said. I dont want that to happen for people to wake up and realize we need to start supporting each other. Because thats what Wednesday night was about, really: forging community and opening conversations here that are blossoming all over. Where it goes from here, Potashnik agreed, is a work in progress. There may come a time to push for more specific objectives; for now, it can be enough to just make the space that can bear to discuss them. Hopefully, what happens after is people really getting involved and now taking this to the matter of government, she said. Its time to be supported by all institutions and systems, but thats hard to do when you know the system wasnt built for you. My plan, and our plan, is just to keep having these events. Its crucial. melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 20/07/2016 (2290 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Provincial health officials are advocating that Manitobans regularly be screened for HIV and that those who have risk factors for the potentially liver-destroying hepatitis C also undergo testing. Its definitely a recognized problem and throughout Canada that there are many people living with HIV or hepatitis C who are unaware of their infections, said Dr. Joss Reimer, provincial medical officer of health responsible for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. And were trying to continuously work at finding those people. Reimer was responding to questions raised by briefing notes to Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen that were published online recently by the new Progressive Conservative government. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Its definitely a recognized problem and throughout Canada that there are many people living with HIV or hepatitis C who are unaware of their infections, says Dr. Joss Reimer, provincial medical officer of health responsible for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. The heavily redacted passage relating to health screening programs said there is a high number of persons living undiagnosed in the community with HIV and hepatitis C. Reimer said trying to figure out how many people have an infection without knowing it is always a tricky proposition. However, according to Canadian estimates, about 20 per cent of those with HIV are unaware they have the virus, while as many as 44 per cent with hepatitis C may also be in the dark about their condition. Hepatitis C and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) are chronic blood-borne infections. HIV is more commonly spread through unprotected sex, while Hep C is spread more through blood-to-blood contact, such as through sharing needles. The latter disease, which can take decades to manifest itself, was also spread through blood transfusions before stricter testing on donated blood began in the early 1990s. Reimer said testing for HIV should become part of routine care for patients perhaps as regularly as every five years. For those who are at high risk who have unprotected sex with multiple partners testing should be done much more frequently, she said. As for hepatitis C, the province recommends that those who have injected drugs or had a blood transfusion decades ago be tested. The Canadian Liver Foundation goes as far as to say that all Canadians born between 1945 and 1975 be tested for Hep C something advocated by American health authorities. (There is no vaccine to guard against the disease.) Reimer said Manitoba has not recommended blanket screening for this large population group at this point. A national task force is reviewing the issue. There is also computer modelling that suggests that as many as 1,000 Manitobans who dont have the main recognized risk factors for hepatitis C may actually be infected, she said. These are folks who say they do not or have not injected drugs, are not baby boomers and who have not or cannot recall having a blood transfusion. Reimer said it is unclear how they would have become infected. At this point were recommending that people talk to their health care provider as far as their screening needs, she said. A health professional who asked not to be named because she was unauthorized to speak to the media said there is a troubling trend towards increased drug injection among young people in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This has led to higher HIV spread. There appears to be some sort of renaissance of needle use (for injecting drugs in this population), the health professional said. Reimer said the situation is mainly confined to Saskatchewan, although there was a mini-outbreak of HIV related to needle use last year in western Manitoba. Saskatchewan has been going through an HIV epidemic even on top of what the rest of the world is experiencing. And its largely due to people injecting and getting it from injection partners, she said. But overall in Manitoba its both heterosexual (sex) and men having sex with men (that) seem to be the primary method of (HIV) spread for the province as a whole. Of the western Manitoba outbreak connected to needle use, Reimer noted, at least 80 per cent of those infected with HIV also had hepatitis C. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 21/07/2016 (2289 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. LONG PLAIN FIRST NATION Dozens of homes were destroyed or badly damaged, vehicles crushed or flipped over, sheds ripped to shreds and trees snapped in half on the Long Plain First Nation after a tornado ripped through the community southwest of Portage la Prairie on Wednesday evening. In addition to the powerful winds, the vicious storm brought with it black skies, driving rain, peals of thunder and electrifying flashes of lightning. A transformer exploded, cutting power to the community, a roof on one house was completely sheared off, one house was lifted off its foundation and moved about three metres, numerous other homes had severe roof, siding or window damage and several vehicles were flipped or on their sides. Amazingly, there were no injuries to people living there. It (the damage) is quite widespread, said Chief Dennis Meeches. We have a very large First Nation and well over 2,200 people live on the reserve. We have 47 homes that are severely damaged, a lot of homes moderately damages but there is extensive damage all over. Chief Meeches said band staff was able to establish an emergency relief centre in the Spirit Lodge, where many displaced families (about 20 have no homes to go back to) were able to spend the night and get temporary aid. Families about 150 people in all are being housed in hotels in Portage la Prairie and Winnipeg. Theres quite a few of the homes that dont have crawl spaces where they can seek shelter so thats quite concerning, said the chief. Power is out indefinitely in the community. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The home of John Boyd and Frieda Meeches on the Long Plain First Nation damaged by a tornado that touched down Wednesday night. Power still out for thousands In fact, more than 30,000 customers lost power in pockets of southern Manitoba after Wednesday nights violent storm. By noon, that number was cut in half as Manitoba Hydro had called in additional staff on an emergency basis to help fix poles and transformers hit by lightning, remove trees off lines and get electricity flowing again. We appreciate the patience of customer today, said Hydro spokesman Bruce Owen. This was a huge storm that cut a swath through parts of Manitoba and caused widespread damage. In Winnipeg, the roof of an apartment building on Sinclair Street was sheared off, and there were reports of severe damage to dwellings in rural areas. But, undoubtedly, Long Plain was hit the hardest. A number of people said they believed three different tornadoes whipped through the community. Frieda Meeches and her husband John Boyd, driving home when the storm began to intensify, pulled over and believe the Long Plain band office sheltered their car from the wind. When they got home, their house had been torn from its foundation and was completely destroyed and their truck crushed and flipped on its side. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Clemance Assiniboine with his dog Baby in the back yard of his home on the Long Plain First Nation where sheds at right, his house and motor home were damaged after a tornado touched down Wednesday night. Its a total loss, this was our first home and we had so many plans of what we were going to do fixing it up. Now I dont know what were going to do, said Frieda Meeches. She and her husband just moved back to Long Plain and got the house a month ago after many years living in Winnipeg while their children went to school. Its really hard to see. The wind has so much power. The wind has power over everybody. It has power in your heart and your spirit too. If it damages your stuff, it affects your spirit, Frieda said. Im not feeling too good. Its bothering me. We have no home now. We were fixing it up, the yard. All the renovation materials they bought were destroyed by the storm, including a stack of ceramic tiles for the bathroom floor and a new area rug. They were amazed to find their cats alive, including a kitten that weathered the storm inside a closet. She and John slept in their car on Wednesday night in front of their ruined home. A wall of water Clemance Assiniboine sat in a lawn chair behind his house along with his niece Chastity Assiniboine and her sister-in-law Lisa Mason on Thursday morning surrounded by the chaos left behind by the storm the night before. Around 6 p.m. Wednesday, the high winds tore the roof off the kitchen of his modest bungalow while he huddled with his beloved nine-year-old dog, a white poodle cross named Baby, in a bedroom on the other side of the house. His home doesnt have a basement. It took the roof and I thought it was going to take me too. Oh man, it (the storm) went fast. It went fast like a jet. I knew something was wrong, Clemance said. In his house for 18 years and 68 years old, he said he had never anything like this before. He didnt get much sleep as he only went to the Spirit Lodge briefly because he didnt want to leave his dog. Clemance had to talk his wife Eunice, in Saskatchewan visiting family, out of driving home Wednesday night. She started crying and I said, dont cry, my love, have a good sleep and have a good rest because you have a long drive in the morning, he said. Watching TV in their house on Wednesday evening, Chastity said her brother Waylon told her and Lisa that he could see a funnel cloud. My brother saw, right in front, on the right side, he said the clouds dont look right, theyre low and theres churning. Get in the basement, Chastity said. When we were down there, we could hear all the cracking and crashing. Me and her (Lisa) were just hugging each other, It was so scary. The destruction was not limited to homes as a path of giant trees were snapped in half. Organic debris and items from peoples homes are strewn about the community. Peter Yellowquill said the tornado cut a swath threw his property, snapping giant white pine trees, but his family home and prayer house were shockingly untouched and safe. The broken trees created what looked like a canopy over the two houses. It was deliverance, thats what it was, Yellowquill said. It was a tornado for sure, and it literally jumped the house. The trees fell around the house but nothing is touching the house. It was really wild. It was like a wall of water. Meanwhile, Yellowquills nephew, Eddie Houle, and his family had to be relocated as the storm tore the entire roof off his home, scattering the pieces over a block a way. The chief said the antenna for the communitys radio station was flattened and the station is off air. He said community leaders were planning to meet today with representatives from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and the regional director general to develop a plan to assist residents. Band insurance will replace many houses but most people whose homes were damaged did not have contents insurance and lost many or all of their possessions. A spokeswoman in the Ministers office in Ottawa says federal Indigenous Affairs officials are working with the community. The chief said he had never seen anything like it, adding people are likely looking at three to five months before homes can be rebuilt or repaired. ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca By PTI: Colombo, Jul 21 (PTI) Sri Lanka has received a number of proposals from India to try and resolve the fishing row, but Colombo will take a decision only after consulting its fishermen, the Fisheries Minister said here today. "We have not given consent to any of the proposals although there have been many" Minister of Fisheries Mahinda Amaraweera told reporters. advertisement "No decisions will be taken without consulting our fishermen," he said. Amaraweeras remarks came following reports that Sri Lanka was planning to grant Indian fishermen access to fishing in Sri Lankan waters subject to conditions. Amaraweera said that despite pressures from Indian side none of the boats confiscated by Sri Lanka for poaching in Sri Lankan waters will be released. He said the government was keen to work for the welfare of the northern fishermen who have been affected by the continuous poaching by the Indian fishermen. "We have managed to get the ban lifted for our fish exports to the European Union. The benefits of this will be soon enjoyed by the northern fishermen," Amaraweera said. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, during his visit to India on May 13, had discussed the issue of problems faced by Indian fishermen in his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was reported after the meeting that both sides sought a permanent solution to the issue of frequent arrests of Indian fishermen with India reiterating the need to build a dedicated mechanism for it. Fishing row continues to be an irritant in the bilateral ties. Sri Lankan Navy personnel have arrested over 70 Indian fishermen and seized 101 boats recently for allegedly fishing in Lankan territorial waters. The frequent arrest of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan navy remains unresolved despite high level talks since 2014. Sri Lanka accuses Indian fishermen of straying into its territorial waters, while the latter maintain they are only fishing in their traditional areas, especially around Katchatheevu, an islet ceded to Colombo in 1974. PTI CORR MRJ AKJ MRJ DK --- ENDS --- Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 21/07/2016 (2289 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Mayor Brian Bowmans dream of opening up Winnipegs iconic intersection to pedestrian traffic faces a generational roadblock. A poll by Probe Research shows a clear age split on the issue 68 per cent of people 55 and older are against reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians, while 61 per cent of people aged 18 to 34 are in favour. Overall, a slight majority of Winnipeggers (53 per cent) remains opposed to removing the pedestrian barriers. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Portage and Main has been closed to pedestrians for decades. The push to open it to foot traffic has been getting more vocal. A poll shows younger people are more likely to support a change. I think the Probe survey is very much in line with what we know, Downtown BIZ CEO Stefano Grande said. There is a segment of the population, the future generation, that understands for our generation to be vibrant we have to be able to walk from district to district. We have to be able to easily walk from our homes to our offices, our offices to our restaurants, and that means crossing streets. The people who are starting to live here, the younger people who are starting to work here, we get it. Grande and Bowman said they arent troubled a majority of Winnipeggers remains opposed. They say reopening the intersection is integral to downtown growth and its transformation into a vibrant neighbourhood. var embedDeltas={100:1125,200:710,300:605,400:548,500:531,600:500,700:500,800:474,900:457,1000:457},chart=document.getElementById(datawrapper-chart-zRKhu),chartWidth=chart.offsetWidth,applyDelta=embedDeltas[Math.min(1000, Math.max(100*(Math.floor(chartWidth/100)), 100))]||0,newHeight=applyDelta;chart.style.height=newHeight+px; The property owners in the immediate area as well as the surrounding areas, in our view, are overwhelmingly in support of (reopening), Bowman said. We want to ensure when its opened, its done in a way that respects traffic flows as well as pedestrian safety but also supports the increasing number of residents and businesses downtown. The poll found there has been a slight shift in support of reopening the intersection during the past 20 years Probe has been gauging public interest on the question. In 1997, 36 per cent supported opening the intersection. The most recent findings put that number at 42 per cent. For Bowman, its not a question of if the barricades will come down, but when. It must be done in a way that maintains traffic flow and protects pedestrians. He has pledged to have it open in time for the 2017 Canada Summer Games, which Winnipeg will host. Tourists dont like the barriers, he said, adding they find it difficult to find their way around the underground shopping mall. Tourists want to be on street level, Bowman said. They dont understand how to migrate (underground). Lennard Taylor, owner of Lennard Taylor Design Studio on nearby McDermot Avenue, agreed. People from out of town, they come to my shop and they say, Whats with that underground thing? I got lost, he said. And there are a lot of people from Winnipeg who get lost in the underground. I think the signs are poor; its just confusing for people. I know it because Ive lived downtown for 10 years, but I think its difficult for people to understand the underground and why they cant just cross the street. Another young businessman, Peter Takis, who runs three businesses within blocks of Portage and Main, said hes all for opening up the intersection to pedestrians. I would like to see it, Takis said, adding he supports any innovative development or change in the Exchange or downtown that can create convenience for downtown. Takiss businesses include the List on McDermot, Blackli$t Boutique on Albert and Blackli$t Studios on Portage. He suggested tearing down the barriers could help business. When Bowman hosted the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference last month, other mayors added their voices to the debate. Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi called it the most hostile pedestrian environment hes seen. Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson said the barriers are counter-productive to what the citys objectives should be creating a downtown hub of pedestrian activity. Bowman said new developments such as True North Square and The Forks Railside multi-use project will attract more residents downtown but leaving the barriers in place will stop the flow of people. We are seeing a big increase in pedestrian traffic, Bowman said. More people walking downtown is a good thing. Bowman said there are several intersections in the city that are busier and wider than Portage and Main, but he hasnt heard a call to ban pedestrians from those crossings. There are (other intersections) with more lanes, higher traffic volumes and currently allow pedestrian to cross. Were not hearing an outcry of people wanting to close those to pedestrians, Bowman said. We want to ensure were doing everything we can to ensure the safety at all the intersections but those that oppose (re-opening), we dont hear from them they want those other intersections closed to pedestrians. with files by Alexandra De Pape aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca Merrick State Park will host Buffalo County Historical Societys executive director, Kelley J. Herold, for a presentation about the history of Merrick State Park at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at the nature center. Herold will discuss how the parks formation and operation have fit into the bigger scheme of conservation in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the country. The park has a rich history and is located in one of the most beautiful locations for the public to enjoy. Park stickers are required for all vehicles entering the park. Stickers are $8 for Wisconsin license plates, $3 for Wisconsin Plates if someone is 65 or older, and $11 for out-of-state license plates. Please, no pets. This program is sponsored by the Merrick TURTLES. For questions about this or any other Heritage Speakers Series Program from the Buffalo County Historical Society, call 608-685-6290 or visit bchsonline.com. Winona Wednesday 10:59 a.m. Charges of possession of stolen property and fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) were referred against Craig Ray Hanville, 43, Winona, after officers contacted him on suspicion of shoplifting at Kwik Trip and found him riding a stolen bicycle and in possession of methamphetamine. 11:27 a.m. Two cellphones were reported missing from a vehicle parked on the 650 block of East Mark Street. 4:21 p.m. Chela Cecelia Navarro, 28, Winona, was cited for shoplifting at Shopko. Thursday 1:05 a.m. Charges of third-degree drunken driving were referred against Debra Lynn Kammueller, 55, Trempealeau, Wis., following a traffic stop near Hwy. 61 and Mankato Avenue. Her blood-alcohol level was .14. She has a prior drunken driving conviction in Wisconsin. Original publication date: July 20, 2003 Fifty years ago there were 60 grocery stores in Winona. Twenty-two of them were east of Bloedows at 451 E. Broadway. Now there are four major grocery stores, not one of them west of Central School at 317 Market St. In the world of buying and selling, very little stays the same for very long. Not even in Winona. Iowa State University economist Kenneth Stone has made a career of studying retail trends in the rural Midwest, and has charted the impact of national mass-merchants on Main Street, from the Sears catalog to Wal-Mart Supercenters. Wal-Mart, he points out, isnt the first accused of being the bully on the block. Mail-order merchants such as Sears and Montgomery Ward, according to Stone, were the first national mass-market challengers to small-town retailers. In the 1800s B.S. Before Sears a shopper in a small town or city had no choice but to do business with the local merchant on Main Street, and pay whatever that merchant chose to charge. Then Richard W. Sears with a 500-page wish book and the slogan Shop Sears and Save challenged small-town storekeepers who featured a limited selection and 100 percent markups. With low prices, Sears offered a virtually limitless stock and the convenience of shopping from the kitchen table. Across the country, Main Street merchants squealed like pigs poked in the profits. But shopping from a catalog just isnt the same as the real thing. Time was, if you wanted to go to a big store, you had to go to a big city. New York had Macy's, Chicago had Marshall Field's, and a trip to Winona meant shopping at Choate's or R.D. Cone's. But the automobile brought them in from the farm, and it wasnt long before national chains Woolworth's, Penney's, Grant's and Kresge's were locating in towns and cities long maintained as virtual monopolies by local storekeepers. In Winona, retailers have played with the big boys for a long time. As a regional retail center, Winona was and continues to be attractive to national retailers, but the mix of independent and chain retailers and where they are located has changed dramatically over the years. Fifty years ago, shopping in Winona meant shopping downtown. Eight department stores lined Third Street, anchored by Winona's own H. Choate and Company. Two other local stores, Salet's and Bailey and Bailey, did business downtown, along with Ward's, Penney's, S.S. Kresge, F.W. Woolworth, and W. T. Grant. The six pharmacies listed in the 1953 city directory were all locally owned. There were six large grocers doing business along with more than 50 mom and pop neighborhood grocery stores and butcher shops. The city had 36 gas stations, but relocating Hwy. 14/61 from Sarnia Street to the south side of Lake Winona was still four years in the future. Ten years later, the four-lane was in and Winona's first strip mall was open, with Randall's foods, Westgate Drug and a hardware store competing with downtown Winona. The city had added six gas stations but nearly half of its small grocers had closed their doors. At the same time, three more larger food stores opened, most of them affiliated with a national or regional chain National Tea, A & P, I.G.A., Red Owl, and Piggly Wiggly. By 1966, Winona Mall joined Westgate along the four-lane highway. Wards moved from downtown to the mall, and the downtown Gamble's store closed in favor of a Tempo store at the mall. In five years, J.C. Penney moved out of downtown to its present location on the highway. The new Penney's would be the last free-standing Penneys store to be built, as the company shifted its location strategy to the enclosed shopping malls opening in cities across the nation. Gibson's, a regional discount store, was open in the Westgate mall, offering additional competition to downtown Winona. The new Penney's complex included a major grocery store, joining Albrecht's Fairway in the mall, Randall's in Westgate, and the new Red Owl on Service Drive only a few blocks west in Goodview in the rapidly growing Hwy. 61 retail strip. Over the next 30 years, the migration of large-scale retail activity from downtown Winona to the highway accelerated dramatically and decisively. By 1980, Kmart was open next to the mall. ShopKo opened across from J.C. Penney. Fleet Farm opened a 158,000-square-foot mega-store on east Hwy. 61, and a few years later, Target opened nearby at 860 Mankato Ave. In April, Menard's opened at 1075 Frontenac Drive, virtually casting a shadow on both Fleet Farm and Target. Meanwhile, in downtown Winona, Choate's closed forever and Spurgeons left town. W.T. Grant Co. went bankrupt. Kresge's and Woolworth's closed their stores as well, leaving downtown Winona without a single, large general merchandise retailer. The grocery business changed equally dramatically. In 1971, there were still 22 grocery stores operating in the city. Today, there are five grocery stores, two of which, Midtown Foods and Country Market, are under the same ownership. And there are 13 convenience stores distributed among three owners. And of the 42 gas stations operating in 1963? Two are left. Editor's note: Since publication of this story in 2003, Walmart has opened, Kmart has closed, Country Market has closed and one of the two gas stations is no longer selling gasoline. JUNEAU A 37-year-old Beaver Dam man was given a $100,000 cash bond in Dodge County Court on Thursday for charges connected to the July 11 bank robbery at the State Bank of Reeseville in Watertown. Adam S. Raney is charged with armed robbery with a threat of force, bomb scare and terrorist threats, all as a repeater. If found guilty of the charges, he could face up to 47 years in prison and a fine of $120,000. Raney appeared before judge James Olson during his initial appearance in Dodge County Circuit Court on Thursday. He may not have any direct or indirect contact with the victims in the case or any members of State Bank of Reeseville, Watertown. He may not use, possess or control any controlled substance or drug paraphernalia, nor be in the presence of anyone who does. He may not possess any weapons. He may not leave the state. According to the criminal complaint, Raney regularly used the bank to cash checks. The employees of the bank were already on the lookout for him after realizing the checks he was cashing had been forged. Police became aware of the robbery after an alarm was activated at the State Bank of Reeseville, 1312 W. Main St., at about 3 p.m., July 11. The teller advised officers there was a bomb in the bank, the suspect had left and gave a description of the suspects clothing: A white t-shirt, sunhat and pink hand towel. The teller, as well as other employees, also knew the suspect. Police were told police that it was Raney who had robbed the bank and that there was a bandage covering his tattoos. According to the complaint, Raney had left a backpack in the bank and had said there was a motion activated explosive device in the backpack. An employee told police Raney had said the bag would beep for 30 seconds and then it would be active. After 10 minutes, Raney said he would deactivate it and no one would get hurt. The employees were taken out of the building and the bomb squad came to examine the backpack and disposed of the bag. An employee of the bank said he was watching for Raney because of an attempt to cash forged checks. Raney had been cashing checks regularly at the bank that were forged from the business account of his boss. However after Raney entered the bank, he raised a handgun and pointed it at the bank employee. The bank employee said Raney asked for money and was it was given to him. Milwaukee police located Raney July 12 and took him into custody. According to the criminal complaint, there were several U.S. currency bills of varying amounts as well as drugs and drug paraphernalia in the hotel room in Milwaukee where Raney was staying. Dodge County deputies took custody of Raney. According to the criminal complaint, Raney told officers that he started doing drugs with friends but crossed the line to get money when he stole a check from his boss. Raney said he had planned to rob the bank and said he used an air soft gun. The complaint states that Raney told officers he went to Milwaukee and bought 10 grams of heroin for $1,400 and started using the heroin. He also bought some crack-cocaine and a change of clothes. A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for Sept. 8. Sussanne Khan, who was spotted holidaying with ex-husband Hrithik Roshan in London, has opened up on the topic. By India Today Web Desk: A few days ago, actor Sonali Bendre shared a picture of her gang holidaying in London. But little did she know that it would soon break the internet. The picture had her son hopped onto scooters with his friends Hrehaan and Hridhaan (Sussanne Khan and Hrithik Roshan's kids), but what caught the fancy of many was Hrithik's presence in the background. The Mohenjo Daro actor was seen in the picture along with ex-wife Sussanne. advertisement ALSO READ: Hrithik joins ex-wife Sussanne and kids on a vacation in London ALSO READ: Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan spotted together at a party. What's brewing between the exes? And soon the news of them holidaying together in London started doing the rounds. However, the mother of two has broken her silence on the picture and clarified that she is not holidaying with Hrithik. Scooter troopers.... #holidaytime #summer #joy #freinds #familytime A photo posted by Sonali Bendre (@iamsonalibendre) on Jul 18, 2016 at 8:27am PDT In an interview to Bollywood Hungama, Khan said, "It surprises me how quickly the press likes to reach conclusions about my life. No, we were certainly not holidaying together. Hrithik happened to be in London at the same time for a few days as I had to take over the boys from him, for my holiday with them." Despite their divorce, the two remain doting parents. If Hrithik took his sons- Hrehaan and Hridhaan to Spain and Africa for a vacation, Sussanne and the kids are now on a holiday in London. "Like I always said, Hrithik and I are parents first and have to be in-sync regarding our priorities as parents in order to make sure our boys get the best upbringing. They are and always will be our main priority. So the two of us having lunch with them doesn't mean we are holidaying together," she added. In fact, Hrithik and Sussanne came spotted together for the first time post their divorce for son Hridhaan's birthday in May. The photos of them together went viral and there were rumours of a reconciliation. However, Sussanne immediately took to Twitter to rubbish the rumours and said, "I request people to stop speculating. There will never be a reconciliation with @iHrithik. But we will always be good parents. #no1priority." On the work front, Hrithik will be next seen in Ashutosh Gowariker's period drama Mohenjo Daro. The film is slated to hit the screens on August 12. --- ENDS --- CLEVELAND Gov. Scott Walker on Wednesday added his voice to the torrent of criticism aimed at the Democratic nominee during the Republican National Convention this week, saying America deserves better than Hillary Clinton. In a call-and-response routine, the preachers son from Wisconsin urged the raucous crowd of thousands to shout out why they support Republican prescriptions to problems facing the country: Because America deserves better. The Wisconsin delegation distributed red and white signs to delegates throughout the Quicken Loans Arena convention floor proclaiming a similar message. The simple truth is liberal Washington insiders created these problems. And Hillary Clinton is the ultimate liberal Washington insider. If she were any more on the inside, shed be in prison, Walker said, in a winking nod to one of the conventions trademark anti-Clinton chants, Lock her up! A year ago, Walker had hoped to stand on the stage here except a day later, when he would be accepting the GOP nomination for president. Instead, after a short-lived candidacy that ended with him calling on other candidates to clear the way for a conservative alternative to Donald Trump, he delivered a case for supporting the GOP nominee. Last August, I said that any of the Republicans running would be better than Hillary Clinton. I meant it then, and I mean it now, Walker said. So let me be clear: A vote for anyone other than Donald Trump in November is a vote for Hillary Clinton. Wisconsin delegate Rep. Paul Tittl, R-Manitowoc, wearing a Green Bay Packers cap and holding an America deserves better sign, described the speech as awesome. Id love to see him being our nominee, but the reality is its not happening, Tittl said. But he followed through on the pledge that he made on that stage to support and endorse the presumptive nominee, and Im glad that Scott Walker is a man of his word. Wisconsin Republicans at the convention said Wednesday they mostly supported the heated anti-Clinton rhetoric, while acknowledging the messaging would soon need to shift to why they believe Donald Trump is the better candidate. The country needs constant reminders of her disregard for the law, said delegate Jim Geld-reich, chairman of the Washington County GOP. However, I think at some point the message will shift from that to what a President Trump will do for this country. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said he thought the convention had been well orchestrated so far and that taking the first two days to remind Americans about the total abject failure of Hillary Clinton and her failure is probably a good thing to unify the party. Soon enough, Vos said, the focus will move from complaints about Clinton to solutions that are offered by Republicans all across the country. Democrats say the focus on bashing Clinton shows that Republicans are unhappy with Trump as their nominee. The outright racism, the xenophobia thats been running rampant throughout this convention, the dripping hatred they seem to have for Hillary Clinton, its just more of a rabid, good old boys club than anything else, said Democratic U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan in a conference call with reporters. In a fundraising appeal immediately after Walkers speech, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin wrote, Wisconsin deserves better. Not all Republican delegates were excited by the Clinton bashing. Attacking Hillary Clinton, while fun, is counterproductive, said Rohn Bishop, an alternate delegate who is treasurer of the Fond du Lac County Republican Party. Everyone already knows shes a crook. This convention is a chance for Donald Trump and his family to show America who Mr. Trump is, and that they can trust him, and find him acceptable to being the president. Republican delegate Jim Miller, GOP chairman of the 7th Congressional District, said the Clinton bashing is not really my style, but he understands why its done. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A Columbia County Circuit Court judge on Wednesday sentenced a Portage man to 18 months in prison and 18 months of supervision for manufacturing methamphetamine. Caleb Smalley, 23, was charged on Feb. 9 with possession of materials for making meth and with possession of drug paraphernalia. Smalley had been released from prison in January after serving 11 months on similar charges. In court on Wednesday, attorneys agreed to a sentence recommendation of three years one year in prison and two years of extended supervision. Among Smalleys three pending cases, he entered a plea of no contest to two counts of bail jumping in one case and possession of drug paraphernalia to manufacture, produce or store methamphetamine. Other counts of bail jumping and charges related to meth production would be dismissed and read into the record. Mr. Smalley is a 23-year-old man and he does have some pretty serious criminal convictions in his record. He has two convictions for second-degree sexual assault and three for fourth-degree sexual assault, said Assistant District Attorney Clifford Burdon. But then these cases span over about a year-and-a- half where Mr. Smalley was in custody, but some poor choices were made. This is dangerous at every level, whether it is possessing it, selling it, compounding it, manufacturing it, storing it, any of it it is dangerous. Burdon listed some of the ingredients used to make meth, including antifreeze and chemicals commercially sold for automotive performance, saying the human consumption of those ingredients shocks the conscience. Defense attorney Brian Severson reminded the court that the three-year sentence would also be attached to other charges that Smalley is dealing with and as such, probation would likely be revoked, with two years of supervision being bumped up to four years. Given a chance to speak for himself, Smalley said that he agreed with Burdon and Severson in regards to drug addiction being a societal problem. I have an issue and I need to deal with it, he said, and not just for me. I have a daughter now and she was born while I was in prison. Before today Im not sure I was convinced that you wanted to change, said Judge W. Andrew Voigt. Mr. Burdon seems to think you are. Thats a step in the right direction, and frankly Im willing to get on that train too, because youre going to need as many cheerleaders as you can get. Voigt said he wondered whether one year in prison would afford Smalley the opportunity for treatment as qualifications and waiting lists are set by the Department of Corrections. Smalley asked to interject again, saying the kind of services he would most benefit from would be counseling and mental health treatment, for which, he said, the DOC offers limited options. They just give you some drugs and that just covers it up. Voigt said his preference would be two years incarceration and one year supervision, giving the option for Smalley to earn time off of the prison part of the sentence, but state sentencing guidelines dont provide that option. The judge then sentenced Smalley to three years 18 months of prison and 18 months of supervision. After doing 18 months Im not going to be able to regain my parental rights, said Smalley, choking through tears. Then I dont have any reason to be better. Why should I do better if I cant be with my kid? After several seconds of silence, Voigt asked each attorney if there were any other issues to address. There were none. Mr. Smalley, I dont claim to know everything about your situation, said Voigt. I have specifically crafted this opinion to make sure that you have every opportunity to get the help you need, and doesnt incarcerate you any longer than I think is absolutely necessary to get that accomplished. My goal here is to make sure you have sufficient opportunity to be alive to parent your child. If youre not alive, youre not going to play that role in her life. So I wish you luck. I hope you are successful. Saint-Gobains $11.5 million expansion in Portage could be a boon for high-schoolers seeking summer work. The manufacturer is looking for 10 temporary workers ages 16 to 18 to work on a temporary basis through Aug. 26. Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics held tours and interviews for prospective full-time employees Wednesday afternoon as it plans to hire 60 injection mold operators before the end of September. Hired students would be inspecting parts used in a pump for ophthalmic surgery. The Portage plant belongs to the innovative materials group of Saint-Gobain and manufactures components for medical devices, human resources manager Jane Berg explained. Students for $10 an hour would likely be working on the companys first or second shift for eight hours a day, but the opportunity is flexible, Berg said, and if students want to work more than 40 hours to earn overtime pay, they can. This is the time of year where their hours of work are unrestricted, so we feel this is a good fit, Berg said of the summer program. Hiring efforts are part of Saint-Gobains 48,000-square-foot addition that made room for more equipment and increased customer orders. Should Saint-Gobain reach its hiring goals by September, the company will have added 100 workers since the expansion, not including temporary workers. The Portage plant already employs 340 workers, Berg said. High school workers will be segregated from the manufacturing area. The students will be in the new PC4 the fourth platinum clean room. Berg said she believes the four- to five-week program for students though temporary is a valuable one. About 45 percent of students who graduate from high school dont go to college, and wed like to think manufacturing is a good opportunity for them. It gives them the basis of a work history and exposes them to many different types of career choices. Saint-Gobain, Berg added, has a number of employees who have decided they want to pursue college but cant do it in a traditional manner, so they take advantage of the companys tuition reimbursement program. One employee, Berg noted as an example, plans to graduate from college in a year and a half, at which point he or she will look for management opportunities within the company. Its a good way to grow our talent pool, Berg said of the high school workers program, and helps people in the community to really explore career options. Portage High School Principal Robin Kvalo has helped get the word out about Saint-Gobains summer-work opportunity on social media. Kvalo for the past three years has worked with the Columbia County Manufacturing Council, a partnership that has resulted in career fairs at the school held in alternating years and student visits to employers like Saint-Gobain and Rayovac. Other industry-minded moves the high school has made recently include Portage Enterprise, a new program that this coming school year will allow a group of students to receive education in the core subjects in a hands-on environment, and the resurrection of the Building Trades program that has students building homes, now entering its second year of builds on School Road. If Wednesdays job fair proves successful but the company still needs workers, Berg noted, the company will likely hold another hiring event in August. Those interested in the Saint-Gobain high-school workers program can call 608-742-8541 and ask for recruiter Danielle Mutchie, or visit workforsg.com. The Republican Party now convened in Cleveland is in an uncivil war over its identity and direction. A year ago, Jeb Bush was considered the most likely nominee. But a human howitzer named Donald Trump has shaken and overtaken the GOP, making clear that many of the partys battle regiments are no longer attached to its traditional policies. Should Trump win and possibly even should he lose voters may find that Republican will come to mean something very different from what they once assumed. The most recent Republican presidents, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, are just two of the party bigwigs who are staying away in apparent dissent from the direction their party is taking. Dont look now, but something similar, though less seismic, is taking place in the Democratic Party. Going from nominating Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996 to nominating Hillary Clinton in 2016 gives it an appearance of faithful continuity. But the nominee and the party platform have both migrated noticeably to the left this year, pushed by Bernie Sanders. Sanders won 23 of the Democratic contests, and had he won a few more, some Democrats might now be fretting over whether to endorse him and whether to skip next weeks convention in Philadelphia. A general election contest between Sanders and, say, John Kasich or even Jeb Bush might have caused some Democrats to disown their nominee. Both parties find themselves being transformed by disruptive outsiders. Trump spent much of this century as a registered Democrat and even gave money to Clintons 2008 presidential campaign. Sanders was elected to Congress repeatedly as an independent; not until he decided to run for its presidential nomination did he grudgingly declare himself a member of the Democratic Party. The two have revived powerful sentiments that had been buried or ignored. Hearing Trump demand a border wall, advocate trade wars and treat NATO as obsolete, the ghost of Ronald Reagan might wonder if he had wandered into the wrong convention. But hearing Democrats endorse tighter regulation of banking, renounce the incarceration boom of the 1990s and call for moving to legalize marijuana, Bill Clinton must also feel obsolete. This campaign has seen in both parties a disenchantment with old leaders that has seldom been so widespread. All the candidates voicing familiar conservative themes in the GOP primaries were crushed by Trump who won by stressing nationalism, contempt for elites and suspicion of such minorities as Muslims and Hispanics. Clinton had all she could do to survive the challenge by a self-proclaimed democratic socialist who lambasted her as a soulless servant of the status quo. Where the parties will go from here depends a lot on the outcome Nov. 8. A Clinton victory would likely arrest the Democrats leftward drift, because she is not as liberal as Sanders and because she will have to compromise with Republicans to get significant legislation passed. But after eight years of what many Democrats regard as useless efforts by Barack Obama to find common ground with the opposition, many will expect Clinton to be more combative and progressive. If she loses, Sanders supporters could move the party their way and even choose the 2020 nominee. If Trump wins, he will have a nearly free hand to redefine the GOP agenda, since Republicans on Capitol Hill are not likely to relish a showdown with their own president. If he loses, traditional conservatives will be able to say I told you so and possibly reassert control. But they will have to contend with Trumps supporters, who are not going away. Over the past century, each party has changed more than most Americans realize. Democrats used to harbor a powerful segregationist wing and favored muscular foreign policy, robust military deployments often included. Republicans long had a moderate-to-liberal faction personified by the likes of Nelson Rockefeller, and it was Richard Nixon who established the Environmental Protection Agency. But rarely has any party veered so drastically and alarmingly as the GOP has in choosing Trump. And this campaign has yielded what Slate calls the most liberal Democratic platform in a generation. This campaign started fierce internal battles over what it means to be a Republican and a Democrat. On Election Day, the race will end. Those fights will not. By Indrajit Kundu: The Odisha government has formed a task force to investigate the alleged malnutrition deaths of 19 infants in a tribal village in Jajpur district in Odisha. "The state government has formed a task force to thoroughly investigate the incident and see that such incidents do not recur," chief minister Naveen Patnaik said. The decision comes a day after the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) asked the state government to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within three weeks. The OHRC noted that safe drinking water, free ration and other essentials were urgently required in the affected village. RISE IN INFANT DEATHS Over the past several months, Nagada village in Sukinda block has witnessed a sharp rise in infant deaths, mostly attributed to malnourishment. The village is mostly inhabited by the Juang tribe and is located on a hill top in a dense forest under the mineral rich Sukinda block. Barely 100 kilometers away from state capital Bhubaneswar, the village has no roads and remains completely cut off from all basic amenities. Under fire from the opposition, the state government has announced the setting up of two mini Anganwadi Centres (AWC) in the village. "We have already made arrangements for the opening of mini Anganwadis there. Arrangements have been also made so that Anganwadi workers deliver take-home rations to the families. Connectivity remains a big challenge because only then can drinking water, healthcare and other help can reach them," said Usha Devi, State Minister for Women & Child Welfare. MALNOURISHED CHILDREN ADMITTED IN THE HOSPITAL advertisement Another 19 more children have been admitted in the Tata hospital in Kaliapani and are undergoing treatment. Most of the children were extremely under-weight and died due to diseases caused by severe malnourishment. Odisha Principal Secretary and nodal officer of the state task force Manoj Ahuja visited the hospital and held discussions with the doctors about the health condition of the children admitted there. POLITICAL BLAME GAME While the BJD government is facing flak for its slow response to the plight of the tribals, state Women and Child Welfare Minister Usha Devi has blamed the lack of family planning for the deaths. "There is nothing called family planning among them. In some families, there are about eight-nine children. Even before a child completes one year, there is another child in the family. Some families have more than seven children," the minister said. Terming the ministers statement insensitive, Odisha BJP spokesperson Sajjan Sharma blamed the government of being blind to the plight of tribals in the state. "The government sits some 90 kilometers away from the village and claims that they have done much for the development of Odisha. But this is the real face of Odisha administration. No body visits such places, and there are no facilities, no anganwadis, proper roads or electricity there," Sharma said. BJP MLA Rabi Nayak, who was part of a 10-member fact finding team that visited the village recently said, the situation was created due to the inefficiency of the state government. "Despite allocation of funds by the Centre for development of such tribes, children are dying without food and proper care," he alleged. --- ENDS --- By PTI: Chennai, Jul 21 (PTI) The Tamil Nadu government today presented its revised budget estimates for the year 2016-17, sparing the common man of any new taxes and pegging the revenue deficit at over Rs 15,000 crore. Presenting his first budget after AIADMK retained power in the May 2016 polls, Finance Minister O Panneerselvam said implementation of new schemes and continuance of other welfare schemes have increased the expenditure of the state. advertisement "The implementation of many new schemes such as waiver of agricultural loans of small and marginal farmers owed to cooperative institutions and free power to domestic consumers up to 100 units and continuance of various welfare schemes have indeed increased the expenditure of the state," he said. Both are poll promises of AIADMK made for the May 16 Assembly elections. Panneerselvam identified water resource management, housing, poverty reduction, a clean Tamil Nadu and skill development as five key "state missions" even as he said the governments top priority is good governance. "The government will take up housing on a massive scale and in keeping with the electoral promise, the state will construct 10 lakh houses in the next five years under various schemes," he said, adding Rs.689 crore have been allocated for the Housing for All scheme. In the revised budget estimates, the revenue expenditure has been estimated at Rs 1,64,029.56 crore as against the Rs 1,61,159.01 crore in the interim budget presented in February this year. "As a result, the revenue deficit for the ongoing financial year has been estimated at Rs 15,854.47 crore," he said. The revenue deficit for 2016-17 was pegged at Rs 9,154.78 crore in the interim budget in February. Revenue receipts were estimated at Rs 1,48,175.09 crore. In the revised estimates, government pegged the fiscal deficit at Rs 40533.84 crore, which was 2.96 per cent of Gross State Domestic Product, "and is well below the limit prescribed by the Tamil Nadu Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2003", he said. Due to continuing global conomic slowdown, tax revenue growth has been slow, Panneerselvam said. "The ripple effects of economic stagnation have had severe repurcussions on the state resources due to slowdown in the growth of tax revenue," he said.(MORE) PTI SA VGN BN GVS --- ENDS --- Shah was kidnapped in broad daylight from a parking lot outside a shopping centre in the upscale Clifton area on June 29 by four armed and masked men. By PTI: Sindh High Court chief justice's son Awais Ali Shah, who was rescued from the clutches of Pakistani Taliban by the army in the restive northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, today narrated his terrifying ordeal to police and said he was kept blindfolded throughout his abduction. Shah, who was rescued on Wednesday after an intelligence-based operation at Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, narrated the details of his ordeal to the police task force during a meeting at his home. advertisement The joint team has to submit a report to the Supreme Court on Friday. HOW WAS AWAIS ALI SHAH KIDNAPPED Shah, who is in his late 20s, was kidnapped in broad daylight from a parking lot outside a shopping centre in the upscale Clifton area on June 29 by four armed and masked men. Shah told the security officials that his abductors put a gun to his leg when he tried to resist them at the time of abduction. "One of them even threatened to kill me," Shah was quoted as saying by the Dawn. According to Shah's statement, he was initially kept in Karachi by his abductors. "I was kept blindfolded throughout the ordeal and was only allowed to remove the folds when I had to use the washroom," Shah said. He said that he was initially kept in Karachi by his abductors for atleast 10 days as they could not leave the city due to the police and security operations in Karachi after his abduction. He further said the captors used to communicate with each other in Pashto language. Shah said he was shifted to Sukkur after 10 days and after one day he was taken to Dera Ismail Khan from where his captors handed him over to another group. Shah said on the day of his release he was apparently being taken to the tribal areas via Tank with two of them flanking him on the rear seat. THANKS ARMY The SHC Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah has credited the Pakistan army for the safe recovery of his son. "All credit goes to the army," said the SHC judge. When asked what role the government played in his sons recovery, he said the "army is not separate from the government". Asked whether Shah was kidnapped by militants to seek release of jailed militants, he said he had no idea which group had kidnapped his son. "I am just thankful that my son is back safe and sound," he added. --- 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 By India Today Web Desk: After threatening to drag Comedy Nights Live (CNL) makers to court, veteran comedian Upasana Singh aka Bua has apparently joined The Kapil Sharma show. She had quit CNL last month. TKSS' creative director Preeti Simoes has tweeted about the return of Upasana to Kapil's camp. "Look whose bak!!! Woohhooooo #upasnaji #naseemji #TheKapilSharmaShow .. masti doubled dis sun! Good to ve u wid us." advertisement Also joining the comedy show, is comedian Naseem Vicky who was previously associated with Comedy Nights With Kapil and Comedy Nights Bachao. Look whose bak!!! Woohhooooo #upasnaji #naseemji #TheKapilSharmaShow .. masti doubled dis sun! Good to ve u wid us pic.twitter.com/Jgho1qCQ2V Preeti simoes (@preeti_simoes) July 20, 2016 Also read: Upasana Singh aka Bua quits Comedy Nights Live Upasana in an exclusive conversation with India Today online had revealed that she opted out of Comedy Nights Live on account of work dissatisfaction and several discrepancies in her work contract. "First of all there was no work satisfaction. I haven't worked in such a pathetic show before. On some occasions, I could not believe it was a comedy show because the script was so bad. Secondly, they did not fulfill a single commitment," she had told us. "I feel they roped me in just because they wanted someone who had worked in Kapil's show before to help them get a good TRP. Essentially, they have just used me to their advantage. Now that the show has opened to a good TRP and is established, they have started making me feel useless on their show. The lines I got on the show were without any humour and punch lines. I requested the director of CNL several times to look into the matter, but he always said, "Abhi show shuru hua hai..dheere dheere theek ho jaayega." The actress also claimed that she was paid for just two episodes. Read full interview here. --- ENDS --- A photo of Varun Dhawan had gone viral a few days ago. The actor has now got an epic response for all the trolling he received for the photo. By India Today Web Desk: Varun Dhawan has won over his fandom with his sense of humour on the silver screen, and most of his films would vouch for that. In real life too, the young actor seems to be blessed with the ability to joke about things concerning him... and his 'size'. ALSO SEE: Varun Dhawan posted this picture on Instagram... and his male fans went crazy advertisement WATCH: John and Varun deliver a knock-out punch in new Dishoom title track video It all began a few days ago when Varun posted a photo of himself with his trainer. Along with his eight-pack abs, the photo showed a bit more than what Varun might have bargained for... his, erm, boner. Here, see it for yourself: Morning workouts with @rohanbodysculptor and @prashantsixpack #dishoom29th July. Trained non stop for 3 months with my trainers for this movie. Give it all or nothing. #jaanemanaah A photo posted by Varun Dhawan (@varundvn) on Jul 14, 2016 at 11:32pm PDT The Instagram post got Varun replies ranging from surprise to outright shock, with Varun's male fans losing their mind over it. A few days after the post went viral on social media, Varun took to Twitter to share his reaction to the reactions to his Instragram post. The surprised Varun tweeted, "I had heard that size matters. Didn't know that my size would matter to so many (sic)" I had heard that size matters. Didn't know that my size would matter to so many ?????? Varun JUNAID dhawan (@Varun_dvn) July 20, 2016 The actor is currently gearing up for his upcoming film Dishoom, in which he will be seen alongside John Abraham and Jacqueline Fernandez. --- ENDS --- Dancers step to traditional folk music during last years Romanian and Macedonian American Annual Festival at St. John Baptist Romanian Orthodox Church in Woonsocket. This years festival happens this Saturday and Sunday. The DJ had recently engaged in an argument with the reality TV star Ruby Rose and Khloe Kardashian had gotten in a virtual argument via Tweeter earlier this week, but the Australian DJ insists they are not enemies. The Orange is the New Black actress took offense after Kardashian posted a photo of a young girl suffering a bikini malfunction. Rose, for some reason, mistook the person for 19-year-old Chloe Grace Moretz. She proceeded to tweet: Yo Khloe I thought you were rad when I met you but this is awful and this is a 19 year old girl. The 30-year-old DJ has since stated that those comments do not mean she has a problem with the reality TV star. They also resorted to speaking privately and ultimately resolved the confusion. Rose then tweeted: There is a reason @khloekardashian and I still follow each other on Twitterits called not judging someone. This explanation was later accompanied with: The media predicted and pushed for beef and feuding and more public dragging (I hate that word so much) Social media waited in anticipation for a full blown war prodding and prodding, pitting and pitting. But that wasnt going to happen because I didnt drag or insult Khloe when my opinion clashed with hers. Instead we spoke because thats what adults do And took the time to understand and except our different views on some matters. The feud started when Moretz had reportedly scolded Kim Kardashian West over unimportant chatter regarding Kanyes song, Famous. The Kick-Ass actress tweeted: Everyone in this industry needs to get their heads out of a hole and look around to realize whats ACTUALLY happening in the REAL world. Stop wasting your voice on something so petulant and unimportant.(sic) Once Khloe Kardashian posted the aforementioned photos, Moretz replied with: @khloekardashian fact check: first photo is me filming my movie Neighbors 2, the second photo is some girl who was wrongfully photographed.(sic) Tower takes us back to the University of Texas in 1966 when the nation's first, worst mass shooting happened. At this very moment, according to the Texas Penal Code, an individual is prohibited from intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possessing or going with a firearm on the physical premises of a school or educational institution. On August 1st of this year, however, all Texas state 4-year colleges and universities will effectively permit individuals who have obtained a concealed handgun license (CHL) to carry their loaded, concealed weapon on college and university buildings. With that being said, on July 31st, almost 50 years to the anniversary of our countrys first mass school shooting, the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin will hold an honorary screening of Keith Maitlands award-winning documentary, Tower. On August 1st, 1966, a sniper rode the elevator to the top floor of the University of Texas Tower and opened fire, holding the campus hostage for 96 minutes. When the gunshots were finally silenced, the toll included 16 dead, three dozen wounded, and a shaken nation left trying to understand. Combining archival footage with rotoscopic animation in a dynamic, never-before-seen way, Tower reveals the untold stories of the witnesses and survivors of Americas first mass school shooting, when the worst in one man brought out the best in so many others. Executive produced by Meredith Vieira and Luke Wilson, Tower explores this untold history through the first-person stories of seven specific characters: two students who were shot that day, the two police officers who ended the siege, two civilians who inserted themselves into the story to provide aid to victims and police, and the radio reporter who broadcast live from the scene for more than an hour and a half, and whose broadcast was picked up nationally, bringing the events in Austin to listeners around the nation. Exploring the ways in which this tragedy affected our characters over a lifetime offers a window into the wide spectrum of human response and recovery. The importance of sharing ones experience openly and creating community with fellow victims and witnesses is illustrated through the regrets and revelations of our characters over the course of fifty years. Variety named Keith Maitland to their list of 10 Documakers to Watch, this spring and hails the film as A gripping dramatic reconstruction, a tribute to the heroes and the fallenKeith Maitlands film weaves rotoscopic animation, archival footage and present-day interviews into a uniquely cinematic memorial, while Indiewire raves, Keith Maitlands strikingly original Tower recreates the drama with a mixture of animation and contemporary interviews, imbuing the catastrophe with renewed immediacy. Tower opens in New York October 12th with a national rollout to follow. Frozen meat (illustration) By: Mahesh Sarin Police are looking to arrest a woman on a charge of theft after allegedly trying to steal cash from an elderly woman near an ATM, according to police in the United Kingdom. Manchester police said that the incident unfolded on Monday afternoon, after the 86-year-old woman withdrew a large amount of money from a cash machine before heading into a supermarket in Altrincham. While shopping, the victim was challenged by an unknown woman who grabbed her shopping cart and demanded the money she had withdrawn from the ATM. The 86-year-old old woman then defended herself by repeatedly hitting the suspect over the head with a package of frozen bacon. The suspect then retreated and ran away from the supermarket. So far, the suspect remains at large. Getting a tattoo (illustration) By: Chan Yuan A woman came to a tattoo artist in Austria, to get a nice tattoo on her lower back, but she received something totally unexpected. The woman called police and the tattoo artist was arrested. The 21-year-old woman told police that she went to get a tattoo in the town of St. Polten, where the artist showed her a design template for Chinese symbols, and she chose a Yin Yang. In Chinese philosophy, the Yin Yang describes how opposite forces are actually complementary to each other, or in a relationship it can represent two people completing each other. However, when he was done and the woman looked in the mirror, she was horrified to see male private parts with the word F**K next to it. When a judge asked the tattoo artist why he did so, he replied: ajust because.a The tattoo artist, who has a criminal history, was found guilty of causing bodily harm. The judge sentenced him to 3 and a half years in an institution with mentally abnormal offenders. Mahadevappa's son is accused of abetting an official of e Department of Mines & Geology to collect a bribe of Rs 1 lakh. By Mail Today Bureau: A local court in Mysuru in Karnataka today ordered a warrant against Congress leader Dr HC Mahadevappa's son in a bribery case. Mahadevappa's son Sunil Bose is accused of abetting an official, Alphonso, of the Department of Mines & Geology to collect a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from a mine owner in Mysuru, back in 2010. Alphonso was caught by the anti-corruption agency sleuths of the Lokayukta and named Sunil Bose as the second accused. The court issued a notice to Sunil Bose asking him to appear before it, but he not only questioned the proceedings against him but also sought an exemption from appearance. The Opposition is mounting pressure on Public Works Minister Mahadevappa to quit in the wake of the charges against his son, but Siddaramaiah disagrees. advertisement The 3rd Additional District & Sessions Court in Mysuru today issued an order after the Karnataka HIgh Court quashed Sunil's petition. --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: An unusual video footage from Siberia's Bely Island showed Earth's wobbly patches. Researchers Alexander Sokolov and Dorothee Ehrich of the Russian Academy of Sciences spotted 15 separate wobbly tundra patches. The moving patch is being called 'trembling tundra'. These patches of soft ground, appeared to have water beneath the grass cover and emitted methane and carbon dioxide. In the past, giant holes have appeared in the northern Siberia due to gas eruptions which caused the permafrost to melt. advertisement One of the researchers said that this time the summer is "unusually hot" on the Artic island. Scientists came up with one explanation of this new phenomenon that it is the abnormal heat that is causing permafrost to defrost leading to release of gases. The island has many craters which are visible from the space and Russian experts believe that it is formed by 'methane explosions' caused by the release of other gases. --- ENDS --- Social Deployment Station For Ambulance Staff Set For Approval This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jul 21st, 2016 Plans to create a social deployment unit in Pandy for Welsh Ambulance staff are set for approval. In an application due before Wrexhams Planning Committee next week it has been recommended that plans to erect a portakabin for Welsh Ambulance staff at the Gresford Colliery Club are approved. The portakabin will measure 8.4m in length and just under 3m wide and 2.6m in height and will provide operational staff with a location to stand down and take rest breaks during their shifts. Initial plans for the small development were revealed in May 2015, with the location chosen for its position to large residential areas and the fact it is adjacent to the A483 allowing for a quick response to the north Wrexham area. Several objections to the application have been raised by the Gwersyllt Community Council who fear that the area is becoming over-developed. Concerns were also raised about the proximity to the Gresford Miners Memorial. Addressing the concerns regarding the location becoming overdeveloped, Head of Environment and Planning Lawrence Isted noted in his report that the structure will have a minimal impact on the visual amenities of the area, being limited in scale and its location in close proximity to the Gresford Colliery Recreation Club. Mr Isted continues onto say: Whilst the building will project 3m closer to the Memorial, the unit will be seen against the backdrop of the Club and approximately 20m away and would have a negligible impact on the setting of the memorial. The community council have also called for clarification on the hours the facility will be in use, whether drugs and medicines will be kept on site and if neighbouring residents had been consulted on the use of sirens in the late evenings / early hours. It is noted in the report that it is not anticipated that day time use will be problematic given background noise including traffic on the A483. However discussions are underway to see if it would be possible to not use the sirens until they were away from the site and on the A483. Mr Isted concludes: I am satisfied the proposal is acceptable and will have a negligible impact on the visual amenity and the setting of the Memorial. I am in discussions with the applicant to minimise the impact of sirens on nearby residents. I do not consider the site to be over developed and the building and parking bays will have a negligible impact. The application will go before Wrexhams Planning Committee at 4pm on Monday 25th July. For those who cant attend the meeting, it will be webcast live on the Wrexham Council website. By Mail Today Bureau: When mommies and kids go on a holiday, happy memories come in bulk. Holiday with kids are loaded with fun, excitement and learning. Seen Malaika Arora Khan's latest picture having a whale of a time vacationing with her son? The hottest mommy of the B-town is enjoying a perfect vacation with son Arhaan in Maldives. In her Instagram pics, you can see the mom-son duo doing yoga and snorkelling in the middle of the blue sea. Malaika Arora doing yoga with son Arhaan in Maldives. advertisement Also read: From Bips-Karan to Shahid-Mira: 5 reasons why Maldives is a star favourite destination Posing pretty with tigers, yummy-mummy Sushmita Sen and her teenage girls too are having a great time vacationing in Thailand. The former Miss Universe can also be seen doing sunset yoga with her daughter Renee, giving you major holiday goals. "For travel lovers, a vacation is not just fun and relaxation it's also great learning, especially when you are planning a holiday with kids. Malaika Arora enjoying snorkeling with son Arhaan in Maldives. When you step out to explore the world, you realise the immense diversity that life offers--the flora and fauna, people and their culture, language, climate and cuisine. You learn and gather experience with your kids, which make for fabulous memories of a lifetime," says Kapil Goswamy, MD and Founder, BigBreaks.com. Here are a few friendly tips for moms like Malaika planning vacations with kids: Look for a learning experience: Children (even adults) learn best from experiencing, rather than mere reading from the books. When you step out for a memorable travelling experience with children, don't just look for the fun quotient; make sure every trips offers a learning experience for the kids. Rather than just taking them to a water park where they can splash around in the pools, take them to an exciting outdoor location where they can be in the lap of nature and soak in the beauty of the world around. Better still, take them to historical places and monuments so that they develop an understanding of the history and culture of the place. Visit to museums is also an eye opener for children. Add casual lessons in geography: If you read to a child about the tropics, about climates and region-specific vegetation from a book, chances are that he/she will absorb little. However, if you take your child on a train trip from Delhi to Bangalore and help her see first-hand, the changes in soil colours and textures, the changes in climate as we move down south towards the tropics, all those lessons will suddenly come alive and help your children learn about the beautiful species that co-exist with them in this world. Taste of cultural potpourri: It is important to expose children to various communities from early on in life. Ensuring they respect and appreciate all cultures and perspectives, no matter how different from their own is a valuable lesson we can give to our kids while we travel with them to different places. Logistics are also important: While planning a holiday with kids, choose to stay at a central place in the city you are visiting accessible with public transport and with a market, a good eatery and a hospital in the vicinity. This way you will avoid unnecessary hassles. Don't pack too much into your itinerary: When travelling with kids, keep your itinerary light and don't pack too much into it, otherwise you will tire them out unnecessarily. Enjoy the small yet beautiful experiences; watch a sunset, lie down under the open sky and watch the stars, sit out on the beach and see the waves lap the shores. Holidays are all about the unhurried moments of pure joys with your loved ones. Your kids will savour these experiences for a long time. --- ENDS --- advertisement advertisement Halfway into the third year of the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as Obamacare, average premium rate increases of 13.2 percent have been announced in California for 2017. The rate spikes come after a four percent or more average increase in both 2015 and 2016, leading to a three year average increase of seven percent. California is the first state to announce the official costs although similar leaps in premiums are expected throughout the nation. Over the first three years, around 1.4 million individuals have signed up on the state's health care exchange, Covered California. Another 12-13 million individuals are enrolled in Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program for those who are below the income limits for insurance on the exchange. Insurance companies and state officials largely attribute the increased premiums to rising health care costs and prescription drug costs. Next year also marks the end of a federal funding measure known as reinsurance, which kept the prices from drastically increasing during the first three years of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA has been heralded by President Barack Obama and virtually every Democrat as a means of providing affordable universal health coverage. This lie must once again be exposed. What is becoming clearer each year is a prognosis the WSWS made in 2013 as the legislation was about to go into effect. At the time we wrote, "The ACA will cut costs dramatically for employers and the government while reducing and rationing medical services for millions of ordinary peoplewhile boosting the profits of the health care industry." According to Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), the share of insured workers in plans with a general annual deductible has increased from 55 percent in 2006 to 81 percent in 2015, and the average deductible amount has increased from $584 to $1,318 over the same period. Another report from KFF states that between 2004 and 2014, the average payments made towards deductibles by enrollees rose 256 percent (from $99 to $353) and average total costs for patients, including coinsurance and copayments, rose by 77 percentmeaning that the upfront costs increased over three times faster than the total spent on insurance. During the same period, wages only increased 32 percent. The trend has been steadily turning towards insurance companies collecting more money in the form of deductibles and premiumsbefore any services are provided. Plans purchased through the ACA exchanges have annual deductibles of up to $5,000 and out-of-pocket maximums can be as high as $6,850 for single coverage and $13,700 per family in 2016. The plans include additional expenses to individuals through increased copayments and coinsurance for prescriptions and hospital & outpatient visits (depending on the plan, from 10 to 40 percent of the total cost of service). What this all means is the shifting of the health care costs from the corporations squarely onto the backs of the working class, while at the same time, gutting the quality of care. Numerous media outlets have proclaimed that Obamacare has caused the total rates of those insured to fall to all-time lows. This claim is deceitful. Most working class individuals and families that have enrolled are paying exorbitant amounts for what is really only catastrophic coverage. The section of the population enrolled in the ACA plans, roughly 11-12 million across the nation at present, are of the lowest paid layers of the working classthose earning between 138-400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. In 2016, this is an annual income of $16,242 to $47,080 for an individual and $33,465 to $97,000 for a family of four. Over the past three years, many individuals and families, who previously had health coverage with their employers, have been cut off of plans and pointed in the direction of the health exchange with the threat of being fined by the Internal Revenue Service each year they fail to purchase coverage that meets the ACA guidelines. The IRS fine, referred to as the individual mandate, increased to 2.5 percent of adjusted gross income in 2016or $695 per adult and $347.50 per childwhichever amount is greater. The fines are assessed when taxes are filed each year, often completely wiping out long awaited tax refunds or leaving a balance due for already struggling families. One of the touted benefits of the insurance marketplaces is that competition between the different companies will keep prices lower. In reality, plans that offer the cheapest insurance one year may be the most expensive the next and in order to keep the monthly expenses from skyrocketing, households are often required to switch plans or insurance companies each year during the open enrollment period. This is along the lines of the advice given by Covered California Director Peter V. Lee on California's exchange web site, CoveredCA.com. In an article published Tuesday, Lee stated, Shopping is going to be more important this year than ever before, almost 80 percent of our consumers will either be able to pay less than they are paying now, or see their rates go up by no more than 5 percent, if they shop and buy the lowest-cost plan at their same benefit level. Thats the power of shopping. In addition to the increased bureaucratic burden placed on families, switching insurance often means changing doctors, health care facilities, or in the case of changing between the various tiered plans, changing copays and benefits actually covered by the plan. Furthermore, after not seeing lucrative enough profits some companies have left the exchanges altogether and enrollees in these plans are forced to seek new coverage. Lee goes on to say, Under the new rules of the Affordable Care Act, insurers face strict limits on the amount of profit they can make selling health insurancewe can be confident their rate increases are directly linked to health care costs. According to the Covered California web site, some insurance companies have claimed the increased rates are due in part to consumers who may be enrolling in health insurance only after they become sick or need care. The site goes on to state, the exchange is aggressively marketing to attract healthy consumers year-round, and it is working to ensure special enrollment is available only to those who meet qualifying circumstances. Along with the IRS fine through the Individual Mandate, one of the main tenets of the ACA when it was pitched to Congress was the enrollment of a high number of young healthy individuals who were previously uninsured to help cover the costs of the elderly and sick. Essentially, the insurance companies are seeking to enroll more individuals who wont actually need insurance but will pay the costly premiums in order to offset the costs. Cost increases will be announced throughout the country leading up to the vote for the presidential election in November. Both candidates stand for the further enrichment of the health care industry at the expense of the working class, albeit by different means. Donald Trumps initial call relating to Obamacare in replacing it with something terrific has been more formally defined along the typical right-wing lines of opening the industry up more broadly to the free market and implementing Medicaid block grants to the states, a way of reducing government spending. Hillary Clinton would like to further enshrine the reactionary Affordable Care Act and, while claiming to support a few modest expansions to Medicaid and Medicare, her statements are almost indistinguishable from Obamas when the act was first introduced. Health care costs in the United States are currently the highest in the world, with per capita spending reaching nearly $10,000 per individual. Yet the US population suffers from more disease and obesity and has shorter life spans than other industrialized countriesproblems that disproportionately impact the working class and poor. According to a report from the Senate Interior Department, 1,068 people were deported from Berlin between January and the end of June 2016. The number of deportations has almost tripled compared with the same period last year, surpassing the total for last year. In all of 2015, Berlin authorities carried out approximately 800 deportations. The senate aimed at a doubling of deportations this year, explained Interior Senator Frank Henkel (Christian Democratic Union, CDU), boasting that Berlin had so far surpassed these expectations. Of the 1,068 deported, 904 came from Balkan states. The four countries to which people are most frequently deported are Serbia with 319, Bosnia with 213, Kosovo with 188 and Albania with 184. Almost 100 percent of asylum applications from the west Balkan countries were rejected according to official numbers. The largest numbers of deportees are Roma families who have been seeking protection from civil wars and persecution since the first Balkan War in 1991 and the NATO bombings of Serbia in 1999. The majority of those sent back to their so-called secure countries of origin will face impoverishment and homelessness, as well as exclusion from the labour market, education and health care services, along with racist persecution and discrimination. In addition to compulsory deportations, the Senate of the Interior reports that in the first five months of this year, around 790 people left the country voluntarily. Many only left voluntarily because family members were already forcibly deported with no consideration given to minors or people in poor health and the relatives who remained voluntarily followed them. Tom Schreiber, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) spokesperson for constitutional matters in the Berlin House of Representatives, criticised Henkel on Twitter for failing to mention that there are still around 9,000 people obligated to leave the country. In doing so, Schreiber attacks the CDU interior senator from the right. Among these 9,000 are many who have lived in Berlin long-term and are well integrated but whose suspension of deportation will not be extended. Their children were in many cases born in Germany and speak German but will now be torn from the German school system. This is the real position of the CDU and the SPD on integration. Police and other authorities have been ruthless in carrying out deportations. In a number of cases, families were torn apart and the seriously ill or families who had received no notice of deportation were nevertheless deported. This practice is cynically justified on the basis of alleged tricks to remain by migrants accused of hiding their children with relatives or obtaining false attestations from doctors concerning their inability to travel. Henkel told the press, Whoever has no prospects for staying must leave our country. Because not everyone will go willingly, Berlin will continue to consistently carry out deportations to enforce law and order. This from a minister whom the Berlin courts just recently found had flouted law and order in a police operation in the citys Friedrichshain district. In order to catch those obligated to leave the country more quickly and boost the deportation quota, the senate has now established a special collection centre capable of holding up to 200 people, the location of which the administration has up to now kept secret. With this, a part of the recently adopted master plan for integration will be realised, with its euphemistic language about payment-in-kind facilities and the increased efficiency of repatriations. Once detained in the collection centres, refugees will be processed and deported in groups. In addition to families from the Balkan states, migrants from the Republic of Moldova will also be affected, although the former Soviet state is not considered a secure country of origin and is part of the Eastern Partnership of the European Union. The establishment of special mass accommodations for repatriation is nothing more than the return to deportation prisons under another name. Only last November was the infamous deportation prison in Berlin-Grunau closed for violating EU regulations forbidding the housing of refugees in penal institutions. With a few cosmetic modifications, it will now be transformed into a repatriation centre similar to the closed camps in Bamberg and Ingolstadt. In December 2015, the Berlin Senate responded to a request of the Left Party that separate accommodations be planned in Grunau for around 280 people from secure countries of origin. Amidst remodeling the prison, the Senate Department for the Interior stated that the removal of bars from emergency exits took away a substantial feature of its character as a prison. However, the high concrete walls, barbed wire and metal bars on windows are to remain. The Left Party has no fundamental objections to the housing of refugees in the former prison. During the decade in which they governed in the Red-Red Senate, they themselves did nothing to close the deportation prison in Grunau and they supported deportations. According to a report in the Tagesspiegel last August, the chairman of the Left Partys faction in the House of Representatives, Udo Wolf, only now calls for the removal of everything that suggests a jail. Should the Left Party again participate in a government after the elections in September, they will continue the deportation policy, despite the campaign rhetoric of spokesperson for integration Hakan Tas, who says, Deportations are incompatible with human dignity. A glance in the direction of Thuringia, where Tass party colleague Bodo Ramelow leads a Red-Red-Green state coalition government, shows what the Left Party does for refugees with no prospect for staying. Along with Bavaria and Saxony, Thuringia is among the three states with the most deportations. In a militaristic and bullying speech yesterday in Sydney, US Vice-President Joe Biden restated in unmistakeable terms the determination of American imperialism to maintain its economic and strategic dominance in Asia through every means, including war if necessary. Bidens speech was not only a menacing warning to China in the wake of last weeks ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague against Chinese claims in the South China Sea. It was also directed at laying down the law to Canberra and other regional allies that Washington will not tolerate any equivocation in backing the US as its war preparations in the Indo-Pacific accelerate. Biden cited the remarks made by President Obama in announcing the pivot to Asia in November 2011 in the Australian parliament: In the Asia Pacific in the 21st century, the United States of America is all in. We have made good on that promise, he declared. Weve shown our commitment to lead in the region over and over again. Anyone who questions Americas dedication and staying power in the Asia Pacific is not paying attention. Biden then boasted of Americas unparalleled military strength: We continue to outpace our competitors, spending more on our overall defence than the next eight nations of the world combined. We have the most capable ground forces in the world, an unmatched ability to project naval and air power to any and every corner of the globe and simultaneously And weve committed to put over 60 percent of our fleet and our most advanced military capabilities in the Pacific by 2020. The Obama administrations aggressive military build-up in Asia and provocative freedom of navigation operations challenging Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea have proceeded under the pretext of defending the international rules based systemthat is, a global order in which Washington sets and enforces the rules. Biden, however, bluntly declared that the United States in keeping a laser focus on the future in the Asia Pacific was not doing anyone any favours. Its overwhelmingly in our interest. He stressed again: Our resolve to play a part in shaping the future of this dynamic region is real. As the President said, we are all in. We are not going anywhere. Biden repeated the lie that the American presence in the region is essential to maintaining peace and stability, without which the economic growth and prosperity I believe would falter. America is the linchpin. And we want to ensure the sea lanes are secure and the skies remain open. In reality, US imperialism has been the chief destabilising factor in the Asia Pacific. In the wake of World War II, it maintained its dominance in Asia through fighting two bloody neo-colonial warsin Korea and Vietnamthat cost the lives of millions, as well as instigating and backing military dictatorships throughout the region, including in Indonesia where at least half a million people were slaughtered in the 196566 CIA-backed coup. Now under the pretext of protecting freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, the US navy has dramatically increased its presence in the disputed waters and recklessly sent warships within the 12-nautical-mile territorial limit of Chinese-controlled islets on three occasions. Such naval provocations will undoubtedly accelerate following the PCA ruling, heightening the danger of conflict with the Chinese military. The US is also demanding the involvement of its allies, particularly Australia. Washingtons focus on the South China Sea has nothing to do with protecting vital trade routes through South East Asia, but the opposite. The US is determined to maintain supremacy in waters adjacent to the Chinese mainland as part of the Pentagons war strategy, which includes a naval blockade that would cripple Chinas economy. Bidens impromptu trip to Australia following The Hague decision was to ensure the unalloyed support of the newly-elected government of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for Washingtons sharpening confrontation with China. In 2011 and 2012, Turnbull publicly criticised the pivot, reflecting concerns in sections of the Australian ruling elite that economic relations with China, the countrys largest trading partner, would be compromised. While fully backing The Hague ruling, the Turnbull government has not publicly committed to carrying out Australian freedom of navigation operations. In his speech, Biden emphasised not only the close economic and cultural ties but, above all, the US-Australian military alliance and shared history of reactionary wars. The history that forged the foundations of our alliance in iron and baptised it in blood has long bound the fortunes of our nations, he declared. The remark was particularly chilling as the US insists on Australian support in its reckless provocations against China, which could precipitate war between nuclear armed powers. The vice president stressed the complete integration of Australian forces into the American military, pointing to the major RIMPAC naval exercises currently underway as proof of Canberras commitment to meeting the threats in the Pacific as a united, interoperable front. He noted that an Australian officer, Major General Greg Bilton was embedded in our chain of command and had direct command over American troops, adding that we dont let that happen very often. Indeed, Australian military forces and bases, including critical spy bases such as Pine Gap in central Australia, are so integrated into the Pentagons war plans that they would automatically be involved in any war with China. Biden delivered a rather pointed reminder of American economic clout to those in the Australian corporate elite concerned about trade and investment with China. I have read your editorials The question was who we are, do we have the staying power? Do we have the economic capacity? he said, replying: I say this not to brag, but to reassure. The United States is going to remain the strongest economy in the world. In what amounted to a thinly-disguised threat, Biden declared: If I had to bet on which country is going to lead economically in the 21st century... Id bet on the United States. But Id put it another way: Its never a good bet to bet against the United States. In other words, to all those concerned to preserve economic ties with China at the expense of the US, expect to face American reprisals. Despite Bidens declarations to the contrary, the US is in historic decline as the dominant global power and has resorted to military might repeatedly over the past 25 years in a desperate effort to shore up its position. Bidens speech makes clear that US imperialism, confronting a worsening global economic crisis, is redoubling its efforts to maintain its hegemony by seeking to subjugate China and, in the process, threatening to plunge the region and the world into a catastrophic war. Britains new prime minister, Theresa May, held a working dinner with German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday. She meets French President Francois Hollande today. Her visit is designed to placate the two countries that form the political and economic axis of the European Union (EU) over the implications of Britains exit following the June 23 referendum vote. She wants them to calm down demands for May to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, beginning a two-year period leading to the UK leaving the trade and political block. May wants a period of graceat least until next yearto make the necessary plans, including negotiations with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, that have already begun, and to sound out what sort of trade treaty revisions are available for keeping the Single European Market to British trade and investment. Amid talk of free trade deals with Australia and working alongside the US in turning more forcefully to Asian markets, this goal is shared by both the pro-EU Remain faction of the Tories, led by May, and the partys Brexit wing, which has majority support in the wider membership. Merkel too wants to maintain friendly relations with the UK, even if this means clashing with those within the EU demanding speedy action in order to avoid the contagion and to minimise economic fallout, such as German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, as well as to avoid strengthening other forces in Europe demanding a break with the EU. Hollande is particularly sensitive to this pressure, given the support enjoyed by the far-right, pro-Frexit National Front of Marine Le Pen in France. At a joint press conference in Berlin, Merkel signalled her readiness to come to Mays aid on the timetable for Brexit. No one wants things to be up in the air, she said. I dont think the British citizens want that, nor do the European member states want that. But we all have an interest in this matter being carefully prepared, in positions being clearly defined and delineated. And I think it is absolutely necessary to have a certain period of time to prepare for it. May faced difficult and at times hostile questions over her appointing of Boris Johnson as foreign secretary, who is widely seen as the author of the Brexit vote and of Europes difficulties, and whether ending free movement of labour for EU citizens in order to curb immigration was worth the sacrifice of European trade. She was forced to be evasive because she must at all times straddle the split in her own party, a careful balancing act as is proved by the formation of her cabinet. May was obliged to place Brexiteers in several key posts, including most importantly Johnson, but also David Davis in the specially created post of secretary of state for exiting the European Union and Liam Fox as secretary of state for international trade (i.e., economically orienting away from the EU), another May-created department. However, Mays top posts are filled with those loyal to her, such as Chancellor Philip Hammond who also supported Remain and who recently said that Brexit could take as much as five years. In addition, the appointment of three Brexit figures to areas that would normally fall under the control of the foreign secretary alone lends the appearance rather than the reality of influence. Johnson is policed by May loyalists Tobias Ellwood and Alan Duncan, Fox by Greg Hands and Mark Garnierall Remainers. May herself has announced that she will chair a new cabinet committee on Brexit, and will decide all major policy decisions. There is, in any event, continued and sizable opposition to Brexit within the ruling class, which has necessitated her delayed announcement until 2017. Mays timetable was in fact confirmed as a result of a High Court challenge to Brexit, on Tuesday, which is only one of seven private legal actions that must be heard that argue only parliament and not the prime minister has the authority to invoke Article 50. Notification [triggering] article 50 will not occur before the end of 2016, Jason Coppel QC told the court. A full trial is now scheduled for October. On Monday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its forecast for next years UK growth, in a report on the global economy that spoke of the Brexit vote having thrown a spanner in the works and forcing the IMF to revise earlier estimates of a global world recovery. The figures, however accurate they prove to be given the IMFs poor record, show that it expects the UK economy to grow by 1.3 percent in 2017a downward revision on 0.9 percent since April. The IMF predicted global growth of 3.1 percent in 2016 and 3.4 percent in 20170.1 points lower than forecast in April. The reception given to the IMF report is a measure of the political polarisation within UK ruling circles. The Guardian, which was pro-Remain and supports the overturn of the referendum result, cites the report as a cause for grave concernquoting the passage stating: The vote in the UK in favour of leaving the EU adds significant uncertainty to an already fragile global recovery. The vote has caused significant political change in the UK, generated uncertainty about the nature of its future economic relations with the EU, and could heighten political risks in the union itself. Continuing uncertainty is likely to weigh on consumption and especially investment. The newspaper goes on to state that the impact of the UKs decision to leave could in fact prove worse than expectedciting a forecast from the European Commission stating that there was a risk that the UK economy could in fact contract by 0.3 percent next year. Matt Whittaker, chief economist at the Resolution Foundation, translates this into a fall of 21 billion in the overall value of the UK economy. In the pro-Leave Daily Telegraph, the focus is placed on the fact that Br itain is still expected to be the second fastest growing economy in the G7 this year , after the US, and third next year after the US and Canada, and that it will still outstrip Germany, France and Italy. Nevertheless it was obliged to warn that the IMFs growth projections were based on there being no major trade barriers erected between the EU and the UK after Britain leaves the bloc and assumes that there will be no serious financial disruption, with, at most, limited political fallout. It noted that the rating agency Moodys has warned that the UKs growth prospects could be materially weaker if the Government fails to agree a strong trade arrangement with the EU and had cut the UKs credit rating outlook to negative in the aftermath of last months referendum. The Daily Mail and the Daily Express both reported the description of Douglas Carswell, the anti-EU and anti-migrant UK Independence Partys sole MP, of the IMF as a bunch of clowns. The Republican National Convention staggered through its third day Wednesday in increasing political crisis, as Texas Senator Ted Cruz, the runner-up in the primary campaign, was heavily booed during his speech for refusing to endorse Republican nominee Donald Trump. Hanging over the convention was the threat of open violence against political opponents, combined with continued homilies to the police and calls for a vast expansion of war abroad. The fascistic atmosphere whipped up in support of the campaign of the billionaire real estate and casino mogul was given open verbal expression by Al Baldasaro, a Trump delegate, New Hampshire state legislator and adviser to the campaign on veterans issues. He declared in an interview with the Daily Beast that Clinton should be executed for treason, citing her handling of classified information on a private email server. Anyone that commits treason should be shot, Baldasaro, said. I believe Hillary Clinton committed treason. She put people in danger. When people take confidential material off a server, youre sharing information with the enemy. Thats treason. Im a military man first, he said, and anyone who takes information about our CIA or Secret Service and people at our embassy and puts it out on a server where anyone can grab it, putting Americans in danger to be killed, should be held accountable. As far as Im concerned it is treason and the penalty for treason is the firing squad. Baldasaro is not a fringe figure in the Trump campaign. He was given a prominent role in Trumps efforts to push back against press reports that he had failed to deliver on his promise to give $1 million to veterans groups. Baldasaro served as a public spokesman and defender of the campaign against such criticism. The US Secret Service confirmed Wednesday that it was investigating the statements of Baldasaro, which would be illegal if understood as a threat of violence against a presidential candidate like Clinton, who is under Secret Service protection. Baldasaro was echoing comments made by another Trump delegate, Michael Folk, last Friday, when he tweeted: Hillary Clinton, you should be tried for treason, murder, and crimes against the US Constitution ... then hung on the Mall in Washington, DC. Folk is a West Virginia state legislator and a pilot for United Airlines, which placed him on suspension after the Twitter death threat became public. The comments of Folk and Baldasaro are only the most deranged expression of what has become the main theme of the Republican convention: that the Democratic Party is not merely a political opponent to be defeated in the November election, but an illegitimate and subversive organization whose leaders should be jailed, and in the most extreme version, killed. The most popular chant from the floor of the convention, raised whenever a speaker on the rostrum criticizes the Democratic presidential nominee, is Lock her up. Lock her up. Many delegates wear Hillary for Prison t-shirts along with their pro-Trump regalia. Roger Stone, a close adviser of Trump and a longtime associate of Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, suggested this week that the election of Trump would lead directly to the prosecution and imprisonment of Clinton. He told the Huffington Post, If Donald Trump became president, the Trump Justice Department could investigate her many crimes for which the statute of limitations have not yet run. He added. And I suspect that Attorney General Chris Christie would be just the man for the job. Christie is actually governor of New Jersey. However, he auditioned for the role of chief federal prosecutor in a convention speech Tuesday where he presented a mock indictment of Clinton for a series of actions as secretary of state, including the use of the private email server, inviting the convention audience to shout guilty as he listed each charge. The threats of repression and implicit violence have not been directed only at Democrats, but also against Republicans who came into conflict with Trump and his followers. After protests by anti-Trump delegates were quashed in a series of voice votes, with no balloting of the delegates, former US Senator Gordon Humphrey, a conservative Republican, denounced the Trump campaign in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. The unruly, uncivilized spectacle we witnessed was the Trump presidency in prototype, he said. Many of his supporters, if they are not fascists, acted very much like fascists. They shouted us down, they allowed no debate, no points of order, no questions, no roll-call vote. These tendencies came to a head Wednesday night during the 15-minute speech delivered by Ted Cruz, who was the runner-up in terms of delegates won during the primary campaign. Cruz is himself an arch-reactionary advocate of a quasi-theocratic state, in which Christian fundamentalist dogma would become the law of the land. However, he spoke as a representative of sections of the political establishment concerned that the too-open embrace of political thuggery by the Trump campaign could provoke a social explosion in the United States. The bulk of Cruzs remarks were a standard litany of ultra-right policies, couched in the language of freedom. The destruction of public education was presented as freedom to choose other forms of schooling for ones children. Slashing taxes for the wealthy was freedom to enjoy ones livelihood. Bigotry against gays and lesbians became the exercise of religious freedom, and so on. But in closing his speech, after urging his audience to go to the polls in November, Cruz said, Vote for candidates up and down the ballot who will stand for the Constitution. Vote your conscience. This was clearly understood as a public refusal to call for a vote for Trump, and large numbers in the convention began to boo. Elements of the New York delegation, seated immediately in front of the platform, began to shout and gesticulate. Cruz then declared, We must protect the rights even of those we disagree with. In the context of a convention devoted to the theme that Hillary Clinton is a criminal who should be locked up, this seeming repetition of a truism took on a definite significance. The booing increased, and at this point Heidi Cruz was rushed from the arena for her own safety. What followed was an intervention to try to salvage the remainder of the evening, which was to be devoted to the introduction of the vice presidential nominee, Indiana Governor Mike Pence. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, the last major speaker before Pence, delivered an apocalyptic speech declaring the United States was losing a war with Islamic radical extremists, listing every terrorist attack of the past month in gory detail, and claiming that only the election of Trump could prevent the nuclear annihilation of an American city by Islamists. Pence, by contrast, made a low-key presentation, largely recycled from Republican boilerplate dating back to the Reagan administration, remarkable only for its unstinting and embarrassingly obsequious praise of the hitherto undiscovered virtues of Donald Trump. "People have a right to choose what they can eat, wear or study. A few people cannot decide what others will eat, wear or study," declared Banerjee. By Indo-Asian News Service: Expressing concern over the rise of 'cow protection' vigilantes, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday asserted the peoples' "right to choice" and warned against the bid to "saffronise everything". Addressing a party rally in the city, the Trinamool Congress supremo strongly condemned the brutal assault on four Dalit youths in Gujarat's Una town and affirmed any such attempt in Bengal will not be tolerated. advertisement CONDEMNING ATROCITIES ON DALITS "We strongly condemn the atrocities on the Dalits in Gujarat. In the name of 'gau raksha' (cow protection) they are attempting to create communal tension, attempting to create communal strife," Banerjee said. "I have also come to know that some elements in connivance with a party are asking people here in Bengal about how many cows they have," Banerjee said referring to the Gau Raksha Committee, a right-wing outfit which wants a bovine census in Bengal. "We condemn whatever is happening in Gujarat and if such a thing is tried in Bengal, we will not tolerate that. We will fight politically. People have a right to choose what they can eat, wear or study. A few people cannot decide what others will eat, wear or study," declared Banerjee. "There are attempts to saffronise everything," she said. WARNING AGAINST INTERFERENCE Without taking names, she also warned the Centre against taking people for granted. "When Pathankot happens, we don't give our opinion and bat for the country's unity, when terror attacks happen in Bangladesh we don't give our opinion. When there is trouble in Kashmir we pray for peace, but don't give opinions. Then why you are interfering in our matters," Banerjee said in an apparent reference the central leaders flaying the Trinamool government over law and order issue. "Being in the government means one has to act responsibly. You will be in the government and at the same time try to intimidate us... this is unacceptable," she said. ALSO READ: Kolkata to witness grand Trinamool rally as Mamata makes first appearance on Martyrs Day after poll victory --- ENDS --- A 17-year-old refugee from Afghanistan attacked a group of tourists from Hong Kong on a train in the state of Bavaria, in southern Germany, on Monday evening, injuring four people with an axe and a knife. Shortly afterwards, he was shot and killed by SEF special unit police, who were quickly on the scene and pursued him as he fled the train. Politicians and the media wasted no time in politically exploiting the brutal attack and designated it as an act of Islamist terror. They referred to a video published on the Amaq web site, which is aligned to Islamic State (IS), on Tuesday. It shows a young man with a knife swearing allegiance to IS. He allegedly is the perpetrator. The man also reportedly shouted Allahu akbar (God is great) during his attack in the train. The ZDF television channel broadcast a special programme headlined Axe attack in a train: IS terrorism in Germany, and an expert on Islam declared, We have to anticipate that this form of terrorism will increase here. On the same day, Bavarian interior minister Joachim Hermann (Christian Social Union, CSU) demanded more security measures and a more visible police presence, and passenger checks were stepped up along all rail routes in Bavaria. The young Afghan arrived as an unaccompanied minor in Germany a little over a year ago. He spent a year in an accommodation centre in Ochsenfurt before moving to a support family. Just days before the attack, he heard the sudden news of the death of a friend in Afghanistan. This was reported by his host family, who stated that he was otherwise a very quiet and pleasant person. He left the family on Monday evening saying he was going to ride his bike and that he would be away some time. In his room, he left behind a notebook on which he drew an IS flag. There was also a goodbye letter to his father. He wrote in Pashto, And now pray for me that I can revenge these unbelievers, and pray for me that I make it to heaven. He subsequently boarded a regional train to Wurzburg, and hid in the toilet. The family from Hong Kong, including a son and daughter, and the boyfriend of the daughter, all adults, were completely taken by surprise by the attack. Four were severely injured, with two suffering life-threatening injuries. As other passengers pulled the emergency brake, the train came to a halt and the young Afghan fled. The SIC officers were reportedly quickly on the scene because they were conducting a search for drugs in the local area. The officers pursued the attacker, who ran across an industrial site towards the Main River, injuring a fifth person, a local resident, in the process. He was ultimately killed with a shot to the head by two SEK officers, who confronted him in shrubs on the bank of the Main. Green Party politician Renate Kunast queried on Twitter that night, Why could the attacker not be shot and incapacitated? This was greeted by a tumultuous response by all media outlets, as if she had said something sacrilegious. But the question is entirely legitimate. Why did the officers of the special operations unit, who are trained for highly dangerous situations, not subdue a youth armed with an axe and knife without killing him? The hysterical campaign against anyone who raises critical questions about the behaviour of the police is part of the drive to strengthen the states domestic powers and the development towards a police state. At the same time, the young attacker is referred to as the Afghan and his attack is being used as a pretext to promote discrimination against all young refugees. While smaller in scale, the attack recalls similar recent incidents: In Nice, 32-year-old Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel drove a truck through a crowd of people celebrating the Bastille Day holiday, killing 84 and injuring hundreds more. In Orlando, the psychologically troubled Omar Mateen carried out a massacre in a gay nightclub. In each case, IS claimed responsibility for the attacks, without having connections to the perpetrators. In each case, the perpetrators died at the hands of the police, preventing them from being questioned about their motives. In all cases, politicians responded by calling for a strengthening of the state apparatus and a deepening of the war on Islamist terrorism. In reality, the war on terror is not the solution, but rather the cause of the problem. What can provoke a 17-year-old to lash out with an axe and knife at unknown people? What were the traumatic experiences, pressures and lack of hope that brought him to this position? It was precisely this war on terror, from which the young Afghan fled. The war destroyed his homeland over the past 15 years and recently caused the death of his friend. He had himself achieved the status of an asylum seeker in Germany, but could not be safe for a single moment from deportation since the government has declared Afghanistan a safe country of origin. He could also find no job to give him hope for the future. There was no possibility of bringing his family to Germany. Another terrible incident from recent times illustrates that the motives for such acts of violence need not come from political Islamism: in March 2015, a GermanWings pilot deliberately put a plane in France into a descent, resulting in the deaths of 150 passengers. As the World Socialist Web Site wrote at the time, What immense social pressures are required to drive a young mandescribed by all of his acquaintances as unobtrusive, quiet, pleasant and easy to deal withto murder 149 people? Why had no one seen the warning signs of the coming disaster? To probe these questions inevitably necessitates going beyond the possibly misguided brain of the culprit and considering a social context that is characterised by increasing occupational stress, economic insecurity, public anxiety, social tensions, state violence and militarism. This is also the case with the latest bloody attack by a young Afghan in Bavaria. Instead of encouraging hysteria against Islamism and calling for a strengthening of the fight against terrorism, it is necessary to identify the real roots in society and to take up the fight against war and social desperation caused by capitalism. The International Monetary Fund has revised down its forecast for global growth in 2016 as a direct result of the British referendum decision to quit the European Union. IMF chief economist Maurice Obstfeld said the fund had been prepared to deliver an upgrade on its world growth projection but the Brexit vote had thrown a spanner in the works. Overall the IMF cut its global growth forecast for 2017 by 0.1 percentage points. But the downgrades for the United Kingdom (UK) were much more significant. After cutting its UK forecast by 0.2 percentage points from its April forecast for this year, it reduced the growth prediction for 2017 from 2.2 to just 1.3 percent, the largest decline for any advanced economy. The impact on the UK may be even more significant than forecast by the IMF. Private economic forecasters have warned its economy will stagnate next year, in contrast to the IMF estimate of 1.3 percent growth for 2017. The European Commission has forecast that UK growth could fall by as much as 2.6 percentage points, with the economy contracting by 0.3 percent next year. The IMF update warned that the Brexit vote implies a substantial increase in economic, political and institutional uncertainty, which is projected to have negative macroeconomic consequences, especially in advanced European economies. The IMF acknowledged the outcome could be worse than the present downgraded forecasts. These were based on benign assumptions that uncertainty after the Brexit vote would gradually wane. However, it warned that more negative consequences are a distinct possibility. Such downside risks include the possibility of tighter financial conditions and weaker consumer confidence than presently anticipated. It set out a severe scenario in which there was increased financial stress due to trade relations between the UK and the EU reverting to World Trade Organisation norms, rather than any special relationship. Under such conditions, the global economy would experience a more significant slowdown that would be more pronounced in the advanced economies. The impact of the Brexit vote extends beyond Europe. The IMF said the uncertainty it has generated would impact on Japan, pushing up the value of the yen, which hits Japanese exports, reducing growth by 0.2 percentage points this year to just 0.3 percent. The IMF did not anticipate Brexit would have a significant impact on China because of its limited trade links with Britain but warned that if growth in the EU were affected significantly, the adverse effect on China could be material. This is because the EU is Chinas largest export market. The IMF pointed to financial instability which could be increased by Brexit, noting what it called unresolved legacy issues in the European banking system, in particular in Italian and Portuguese banks. Italian banks alone have some 360 billion in non-performing loans on their books and the Italian government of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is seeking to organise a bailout. Such a move could bring his government into conflict with the rest of the EU, above all Germany, because EU regulations prohibit direct bailouts by national governments. The financial instability is not confined to Italy and Portugal but extends throughout the euro zone, including Germany, because of the failure of European banks to recapitalise sufficiently after taking a hit as a result of the 2008 financial crisis. They had hoped that economic growth would create the conditions where problems could be overcome. The failure of that growth to eventuate has resulted in their further weakening. Besides the immediate financial and trade impacts, the IMF pointed to the political consequences of the Brexit decision, which expressed the deep-seated hostility of broad masses of the population to the political, business and financial elitesa hostility that is universal in all major economies. It said political divisions within advanced economies may hamper efforts to implement long-standing structural challenges and that a shift towards protectionist policies is a distinct threat. The continued fall in growth for the advanced economiesthey are expected to expand by only 1.8 percent this year compared to the forecast of 2.4 percent last yearcoupled with mounting hostility towards the entire political and economic establishment is fueling concerns among economic and financial pundits over the stability of the present order. Financial Times economics commentator, Martin Wolf, added his voice to these warnings in a column published on Wednesday. He denounced the solutions offered by such aspirants to power as Donald Trump in the US and Marine Le Pen in France, based on nationalism, nativism and protectionism, as bogus. But the illnesses are real, he continued. If the governing elites continue to fail to offer convincing cures, they might soon be swept away and, with them, the effort to marry democratic self-government with an open and co-operative world order. But the solutions offered by Wolf were far from convincing. Among other things, he called for a reform of capitalism, curbing the excessive role of finance, greater international co-operation, greater support for aggregate demand, especially in the euro zone, and a fight against economic quacks. He concluded with a passage which is a measure of the growing fear of what the deepening economic malaise signifies. The biggest single issue, he wrote, was to recognise the challenge because our civilisation itself is at stake. But like all would-be-reformers of the capitalist system, Wolf has continually failed to explain why all the measures he advances to ensure its stability have been continually rejected at the highest levels of the political and financial establishment and the flow of economic events continues in the opposite direction. The reason lies in the fact that the present course is not rooted in an incorrect mindset of the political and financial elites, and therefore subject to correction by the sweet reason offered by Wolf and other like-minded commentators, but arises from the irresolvable contradictions of the profit system itself. Following the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in The Hague on July 12 negating Chinas longstanding claims in the South China Sea, Washington has begun ramping up pressure on its allies to collaborate in its military provocations against Beijing as it seeks to subordinate the entire region to its interests. US Vice President Joe Biden is visiting New Zealand today after four days in Australia. In Sydney yesterday, Biden delivered a menacing speech stressing the importance of the US-Australia military alliance, boasting of Americas unparalleled military strength and declaring we want to ensure the sea lanes are secure and the skies remain open. At his reception dinner in New Zealand last night, Biden paid special tribute to US Army Captain Matthew Ferrara, a dual citizen of the US and NZ, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2008. To stress the shared involvement of the two countries in war, Biden is to lay a wreath at the Auckland Cenotaph. New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully last week gave what the Dominion Post described as a nuanced response to The Hague ruling. He emphasised that the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea should be respected by all parties. Ostensibly leaving the door open for discussions and limited concessions to China, he said the ruling provided a platform for resolving the longstanding and complex issues in the South China Sea. New Zealand has endeavoured to maintain a fraught and increasingly unsustainable balancing act between China, its second most important trading partner after Australia, and its strategic and military alliance with the US. In Beijing last September, Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said: We do not see our defence relationships with the United States and China as mutually exclusive. Bidens visit is aimed at ensuring Wellingtons unequivocal commitment to US preparations for war against China. The NZ Defence White Paper, issued last month, endorsed the Obama administrations strategic rebalance or pivot to Asia and marked another step in NZs integration into US war plans. Brownlee stated that $NZ11 billion in pending upgrades to all the defence forces will make them interoperable ... with our close partners. The paper also noted that New Zealand already makes an important contribution to international efforts towards freedom of navigation, including maritime surveillance activities in the South Pacific and South East Asia. Equipping Orion surveillance aircraft with new submarine detection technology will offer a highly valued capability to international coalition operations. The opposition Labour Party, the Greens, anti-immigrant NZ First, the Mana Party and pseudo-left groups have all taken a more openly anti-Chinese position. In addition to denouncing Chinese claims in the South China Sea, they have sought to whip up xenophobia by blaming Chinese immigrants for New Zealands housing crisis and unemployment. In May, during a state visit to China by Prime Minister John Key, the state news agency Xinhua bluntly warned that New Zealand should not allow itself to be hijacked by the ambitions of its military allies. Any attempts by Wellington to break its promise not to take sides on the South China Sea would, Xinhua declared, risk complicating the flourishing trade ties between China and New Zealand. Just days before Bidens visit the Sunday Star Times (SST) reported on July 17 that China had threatened a trade war against NZ, targeting its dairy, wool and kiwifruit exports. The move was in retaliation over high-level complaints about substandard Chinese steel imports flooding the local market for use in major infrastructure projects. Pacific Steel, a subsidiary of Australias BlueScope Steel, lodged a provocative application under local and World Trade Organisation rules several months ago for an investigation into alleged Chinese dumping of steel. Lawyers for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment are deciding whether the investigation should proceed, potentially resulting in punitive anti-dumping tariffs against China. New Zealand officials were reportedly surprised by Chinas combative response, and scrambled to arrange urgent talks. The SST noted that the Chinese believe New Zealand is part of a US-led alliance to target Chinese national interests. In fact, steel is the forefront of measures by both the US and Europe, amid continuing global stagnation, to shift the burden of the economic crisis onto China. Last month, the US Commerce Department announced separate tariffs of 450 percent and 522 percent on some Chinese steel imports. Facing growing threats of retaliation, the Chinese government has already cut 100 million tonnes of iron and steel production and announced plans to further slash capacity, axing some 500,000 jobs. NZ First leader Winston Peters, along with commentators and bloggers, including the trade union-funded Daily Blog and the E Tu union, promptly launched a nationalist tirade in defence of New Zealands sovereignty. Echoing the turn towards economic protectionism by ruling elites globally, they demanded urgent measures to defend our own steel industry. From Indonesia where he was visiting, Key declared that following a meeting between the Chinese ambassador and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, an absolute assurance had been given that no reprisals or actions would be taken in the event of any investigation. Business commentator for the New Zealand Herald, Fran OSullivan, wrote yesterday that the SST story was planted by high-level New Zealand government officials in order to put the Chinese embassy on the back foot and force a robust investigation into the steel issue so as to ensure the integrity of our trading system. The rise of trade war and protectionist measures, led above all by the United States, echoes the beggar thy neighbour policies of the 1930s that heightened the geopolitical antagonisms and rivalries that were to erupt in the Second World War. The author also recommends: New Zealand union collaborates in cuts to mining and steel jobs [16 October 2015] At 4:53 AM Wednesday, the French National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to extend for a fourth time the state of emergency imposed by the Socialist Party (PS) government after the November 13 terror attacks in Paris. By 489 to 26, it prolonged what has become the longest state of emergency in France since the collapse of the Nazi-collaborationist Vichy regime at the end of World War II. Official claims that this is a temporary response to the latest horrific attack in Francein which an apparently deranged, indebted Franco-Tunisian truck driver plowed into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, killing 84 and wounding over 100do not hold water. Amid a deep crisis of bourgeois democracy across Europe, the ruling elite, facing seething social tensions, is moving to impose a permanent state of emergency and transition from democratic to dictatorial forms of rule. On Wednesday, in a lengthy interview with Le Monde, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve tried to reassure the public that the state of emergency is a temporary, lawful policy to fight terrorism. The state of emergency cannot be a permanent state of affairs, he said, adding: It is not a state of exception, it is part of the rule of law. The Nice attack shows there can be counterattacks and calls for stepped-up vigilance. It is the imminent character of the danger that justifies prolonging the state of emergency. Cazeneuves reassurances are absurd on their face. All his arguments are intended to justify a permanent elimination of democratic rights. As Prime Minister Manuel Valls stated in the Assembly, the PS insists that France will live in imminent danger of events like the November 13 and Nice attacks into the indefinite future. Even if these words are hard to say, it is my duty to do so, Valls said. There will be attacks and there will be other people killed. We must not become accustomed, we must never become accustomed to the horror, but we must learn to live with this menace. If the PS claims the terror threat is eternal, the inescapable conclusion is that the PS supports an eternal state of emergency. Indeed, various press commentators have written that it will be impossible to lift the state of emergency next winter, when the six months expire. They claim it will have to be prolonged for at least another six months to protect candidates in the presidential election of April-May 2017. More fundamentally, Cazeneuve's claims are a political fraud because stopping terror attacks is not the purpose of the governments actions. The state of emergency law was drafted in 1955 to crush an armed insurrection against French colonial rule by the Algerian people that began in 1954, and to limit opposition to the colonial war against the Algerians in the French working classsomething it failed to do. Today, over 60 years later, the main target of the state of emergency is not terrorism, but social and political opposition in the working class. After the Nice attack, even Valls had to confess that the states draconian powers under the state of emergencywhich allows police to ban social protests, carry out unlimited searches and seizures, censor the press, impose house arrest without trial and set up military tribunalscannot stop the attacks. These police state measures do nothing to address the root causes of these attacksNATOs use of Islamist terror networks as tools in the war for regime-change in Syria and the deep social crisis in France. Rather, as European capitalism sinks deeper into the greatest economic and political crisis since World War II, the ruling classes in countries across Europe are moving to dispense with democratic rights. As workers discover that democracy can be overturned by an arbitrarily imposed state of emergency, the fragile and ultimately unviable character of capitalist democracy is being exposed before millions. The same day the French National Assembly voted to prolong the state of emergency, the Turkish government imposed a three-month state of emergency amid a broad purge of the military and state apparatus following last week's failed military coup. In Britain, the referendum vote to leave the European Union has unleashed a massive political crisis. Various sections of the ruling elite are calling for a repudiation of the Brexit vote and trying to purge the base of the Labour Party so as to anti-democratically oust its elected leader, Jeremy Corbyn, and shift Labour's social and foreign policy even further to the right. The German government, which is remilitarizing its foreign policy in the face of overwhelming popular opposition, is making plans to deploy the army within Germany itself. The PS government in France has already used the state of emergency to try to crush explosive social opposition to its austerity measures, notably this spring's mass protests by workers and youth against its regressive labor law. It threatened to ban demonstrations outright, trampling constitutionally protected rights to strike and protest. It violently attacked protests with hordes of riot police and helped organize a counter-demonstration by the police union. The reaction of the French state, especially compared to the previous national states of emergency of the 1950s and 1960s, seems out of all proportion to the terror threat it cites as justification for upending the constitution and suppressing democratic rights. The longest of the three states of emergency imposed during the Algerian war lasted eight months. These emergenciesas the war began in 1955, after the 1958 coup d'etat, and after the failed putsch of the Algiers generals in 1961came amid a war that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and involved the mobilization of millions of soldiers. And while they served to repress working class opposition to the war, the 1958 and 1961 emergencies were also aimed against insurrections by powerful sections of the French armed forces, which had international support, notably in the fascist Franco regime in Spain, and felt the government was capitulating to anti-war sentiment in the working class. Attacks like the Charlie Hebdo killings, the November 13 attacks and last weeks atrocity in Nice were carried out under unclear circumstances by handfuls of terrorists, in most cases known to French intelligence. While they claimed a horrific toll of over 200 lives, this pales in comparison to the mass slaughter conducted during the Algerian war. Yet todays state of emergency has already lasted longer, and the PS clearly intends to maintain it into the indefinite future. What is driving this hysterical, anti-democratic reaction is, in the final analysis, escalating social and political opposition in the working class. A central task facing workers, as this opposition develops and takes ever more politically conscious forms, is the defense of democratic rights against the drive to dictatorship by a ruling class presiding over a bankrupt capitalist order. A horrific video circulated on social media records an incident in the Syrian city of Aleppo in which so-called rebels of the Nour al-Dine Zinki Islamist militia cut off the head of a young boy they had captured on Tuesday. The executioner is seen holding the boy down on the bed of a pickup truck, sawing away at his neck with a small, dull knife and then holding the severed head in the air in triumph after the deed is done. The episode sums up the whole filthy operation mounted by the Obama administration in the attempt to bring about regime-change in Syria. Those who carried out this savage killing either are, or at least were until recently, armed by and on the payroll of the US Central Intelligence Agency. The murdered child, identified as Abdullah Issa, was just 12 years old. His captors claimed that he was a fighter with Liwa al-Quds (Al Quds Brigade), a Palestinian militia fighting on the side of the Syrian government. Liwa al-Quds, however, issued a report saying that he was not one of their fighters but rather the child of a poor refugee family, who was taken hostage in the Handarat Palestinian refugee camp in northern Aleppo. The boy, who appears dazed, had apparently been taken while receiving medical treatment, as an intravenous drip attached to his arm is visible in the video. In the video, one of the childs tormentors can be heard shouting, Well leave no one in Handarat! This is apparently a threat by the militia to ethnically cleanse the camp of its Palestinian population. Liwa al-Quds described the grisly execution of the child as cheap and despicable revenge by the jihadists for losing a battle for control of the area. In a statement, Nour al-Dine al-Zinkis leadership formally condemned the barbaric murder of the child, while claiming it represented individual errors that represent neither our typical practices nor our general policies. The video itself, however, shows a number of the groups fighters cheering on the beheading and recording the tormenting of the boy and his execution on their cell phones. Moreover, the incident comes just two weeks after Amnesty International, the London-based human rights group, issued a report titled Armed opposition groups committing war crimes in Aleppo city. In addition to Al Qaedas Syrian affiliate, the al-Nusra Front, and three other Islamist militias, the report accuses Nour al-Dine Zinki (named first in the report) of having carried out a chilling wave of abductions, torture and summary killings in Aleppo and elsewhere in northern Syria. It further charges the US and its regional allies with arming and supporting these groups, which operate with impunity. The Obama administrations response to this atrocity has been ambivalent at best. Asked whether the execution of the child would affect assistance to the group responsible, State Department spokesman Mark Toner responded that if we can prove that this was indeed what happened and this group was involved in it, I think it would certainly give us pause. Pressed as to what consequences it would have in terms of US support, Toner sidestepped the question: I cant say what that consequence will be, but it will certainly give us, as I said, serious pause. According to a December 2014 report by the McClatchy news organization, Nour al-Dine Zinki was one of the only CIA-backed groups not to be cut off as the al-Nusra Front began making serious gains, either absorbing these militias or seizing their weapons. According to McClatchy, the CIA was paying the salaries of the Nour al-Dine Zinki fighters at the rate of $150 a month. The militia was also the recipient of US TOW anti-tank missiles manufactured by the Raytheon Company, in addition to so-called non-lethal supplies. The savage murder of young Abdullah Issa is a grim exposure of the real character of the forces described by the Obama administration as the moderate oppositionand by its pseudo-left apologists as Syrian revolutionaries. Like Al Qaeda before them, they are a Frankensteins monster created by US and Western imperialism and unleashed upon the people of Syria and the broader region to achieve definite strategic aims by means of regime-change. Responsibility for the torture and beheading of a Palestinian child, along with the killing of hundreds of thousands of Syrians and the driving of millions more from their homes, lies with the Obama White House, the CIA, the Pentagon and the State Department, whose chief officials, from the American president on down, are war criminals who must be held accountable. Directed by Susanna White; screenplay by Hossein Amini, adapted from John le Carres 2010 novel Our Kind of Traitor, a British spy thriller directed by Susanna White, is based on the 2010 novel of the same name by John le Carre. This is the latest of many adaptations of works by the British author and former intelligence agent, now 84. The new movie follows the intrigue that unfolds when a Russian mobster seeks asylum in the UK in return for providing information on the corrupt dealings of British politicians and bankers. A prologue features a performance in Moscow of the Bolshoi Ballet (and an amazing solo by Carlos Acosta). As dancers pirouette across the stage, the head of the Russian mafia, a man known as the Prince (Grigoriy Dobrygin), orders the grisly murder of a family that has just attended the ballet production. The action then shifts to Marrakesh, where a London University professor, Perry (Ewan McGregor), and his barrister wife, Gail (Naomie Harris), are vacationing and attempting to repair their marriage. By chance they encounter the flamboyant Dima (Stellan Skarsgard), the chief money-launderer for the Russian mob, who is keenly aware that he is next on the Princes hit list. Perry and Gail become swept up in Dimas scheme to coerce the British government into providing protection for him and his family. The gangster is offering proof that a British MP (Jeremy Northam) and other officials are being bribed by Russian mobsters to set up a bank in London that will launder billions in dirty money. The British couple make the decision to risk their lives for the welfare of Dimas family. Perry makes contact with MI6 agents Hector (Damian Lewis) and Luke (Khalid Abdalla), who likewise commit themselves to tackling the rot in the British state. Whites film is a fairly conventional spy story. The actors do perfectly well, but the drama is not fundamentally convincing or moving because its view of the world is limited and, in fact, seriously skewed. There are swipes at ruthless financiers and oligarchs and the willingness of British politicians to sell themselves to nefarious foreign interests, but this is hardly earthshaking in 2016. Le Carre is a critic of certain aspects of the current world economy, the predatory practices of large corporations in particular, but he is not an opponent of capitalism. He argues in his most recent works for a certain perspective. This is alluded to in the movies production notes, which claim that the film captures a very British fascination with espionage, international double-dealing and Britain's place in the world. But what is Britains place in the world? Our Kind of Traitor, novel and film, suggest that the UK should shield itself from the poisonous influence of Russia and, by implication (le Carre has spelled this out more explicitly in previous books), America. There is a fantasy here of Britain as an economically beleaguered, run-on-a-shoestring but genuinely independent nation that plays fair. The key figure, in addition to Perry and Gail, is Hector, the tough-talking and tough-dealing secret agent with a conscience and a hatred of the City crooks who [are] the source of all our evils (in the words of le Carres novel). Frankly, this is the author projecting himself and his views as the embodiment of British values onto the world stage. (In the 2014 movie, A Most Wanted Man, based on the 2008 le Carre novel, Gunther Bachmann [the late Philip Seymour Hoffman] functions as the German version of the same policeman-hero-voice of reason, in this case arguing for a kinder, gentler war on terror: Forget blackmail, I said. Forget the macho. Forget sleep deprivation, locking people in boxes, simulated executions and other enhancements. The best agents, snitches, joes, informants or whatever you want to call them, I pontificated, needed patience, understanding and loving care.) White and screenwriter Hossein Amini have added a black wife and an Arab MI6 agent in the interests of cultural diversification. The director says the filmmakers included the latter character because that is the MI6 weve got now. I hope it will make people think about the world that we live in. Will it make people think deeply and critically about the world they live in? The reality White and Amini present in their movie is one in which the British state apparatus is essentially healthy. In the movieand bookDima repeatedly booms out: You English gentlemen! Please! You are fair play, you have land of law! You are pure! I trust you. You will trust Dima also! Of course, events apparently contradict him, but that is because of the actions of a few traitors, rotten apples, who need to be cleared out. For all intents and purposes, Moscow is the font of global dirty dealing and violence. There is nothing here that conflicts with the crude anti-Russian propaganda of the media that forms part of the escalating military provocations of the US-UK political establishment. In general, there is little in the movie or book that flows against the stream. Both White-Amini and le Carre take for granted that which most needs to be criticized: the geopolitical situation as viewed from London and Washington, the framework of the war on terror, the presentation of Russia as a dangerous aggressor, etc. In contrast to some of le Carres early works, The Spy Who Came in From the Cold and others, which took upon themselves disabusing the public of some of the myths of the Cold War, Our Kind of Traitor challenges no important element of contemporary official public opinion. Swindling and money laundering and fortunes made from financial fraud were not invented by Russians. In any event, these are not errant practices that occur due to the lack of government oversight or the buying-off of government officials, but reflect an objective stage in the decay and decline of capitalism. The scandal unleashed by the recent exposure of the Panama Papers demonstrates that rampant criminality is at the heart of todays global profit system. The distorted, conformist view of things, the acceptance of far too many chunks of British and US foreign policy, render the filmmakers incapable of establishing a serious dramatic foundation. The fundamental laziness passes on into the story-telling. White and Amini fail to make credible, for example, how a mild-mannered academic could transform himself so easily into a secret agent with killing skills. Our Kind of Traitor tends to offer diversions to draw attention away from a predictable and sometime implausible script: Skarsgards charismatic performance blankets the movie; the twin girls, orphaned by the assassinations of their parents and sister in the films first sequence, are irresistible; moody cinematography and various exotic locales are further attractions. In the end, the picture in Our Kind of Traitor of Russian gangsters infiltrating the hallowed chambers of the British political and banking system is the world turned upside down. White and company are criticizing the ethics of a European elite that in a globalized environment is allowing the barbarians to overrun civilization. A more clear-sighted and objective approach might be: the American and European ruling elites are throwing their weight around more than ever and fomenting bloodbaths all over the planet. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency on Wednesday. The move was preceded by a five-hour meeting of the National Security Council and a meeting of Erdogans cabinet. The president, who has vowed to purge from all state institutions the virus responsible for the failed July 15 coup, said, The aim is to rapidly and effectively take all steps needed to eliminate the threat against democracy, the rule of law and the people's rights and freedoms. Notwithstanding such reassurances, under the state of emergency the president and his ministers are empowered to bypass the parliament in enacting laws. The government can also decide to curtail legal rights and freedoms. The right-wing Justice and Development Party (AKP) government has already charged over 100 generals and admirals, nearly one third of Turkeys 356 top military officers, in connection with last Fridays coup attempt. The charges include treason, establishing and being members of an armed terrorist organisation, and attempting a coup. The Erdogan government is carrying out a large-scale purge of state employees, including the security forces, police, military judges and prosecutors, civil servants and academics, who are accused or suspected of being connected to the failed coup. Nearly 60,000 people have been detained, sacked or suspended. On Wednesday, the government announced a ban on travel abroad by all academics. Hundreds of state institutions have been closed. Two members of Turkeys constitutional court were arrested Wednesday, among more than 100 judiciary officials taken into custody. The state-run news agency reported as well that the education ministry was closing 626 private schools. The clampdown is likely to intensify with the announcement of the state of emergency. Reports continue to emerge concerning the events surrounding the coup attempt, giving a picture of a major operation. Erdogan himself narrowly evaded being assassinated while on holiday in the southwest resort of Marmaris, according to reports. Helicopter-borne troops attacked his hotel shortly after he left for Istanbulnot the capital Ankarawhere a senior army commander could guarantee his security. The troops sent to eliminate Erdogan killed two police officers and injured seven others. En route to Istanbul, the presidents plane was reportedly in the sights of rebel pilots in two F-16 fighter jets. With ever more senior figures accused of involvement, there are indications that the government fears a possible second coup attempt. In a television interview Wednesday with Al Jazeera, Erdogan said, I dont think we have come to the end of it yet. He reiterated his suspicions that foreign countries were involved in the July 15 attempt, although he did not name any specific governments. However, at least one prominent government official has directly accused Washington of involvement, and Erdogan has charged his American-based rival, Fethullah Gulen, widely believed to be a CIA asset, of having masterminded the coup. Ankara is planning to formally file a request for Gulens extradition with the US government. There are many indications that Washington and Berlin supported the coup plotters. In the aftermath of the abortive putsch, American and European officials and major Western media outlets have almost universally directed their fire against Erdogan rather than the coup plotters. The US and German governments were both noncommittal in the early stages of last Fridays events, despite Turkeys status as a NATO member and the close ties between the Turkish military and the rest of NATOs forces. They issued statements backing the elected government only after it had become clear that the coup was failing. It appears that a centre of the coup operation was Incirlik airbase, where the US stores nuclear weapons and launches bombing attacks on Syria and Iraq. Tensions had mounted in the weeks preceding the coup between Erdogan and his nominal allies in the US and NATO, as the Turkish president sought a rapprochement with Russia. The Obama administration and European leaders had clashed with Erdogan over his support for Islamist groups such as Islamic State and al-Nusra, the Al Qaeda affiliate in Syria, which the US-led coalition purports to be fighting in Syria and Iraq. Erdogan has unofficially sponsored these forces as bulwarks against the Syrian Kurds. Since the failed coup, Washington has threatened Turkey with losing its NATO membership if it does not ease up on the crackdown. CIA director John Brennan was evasive when asked whether the US knew about the possibility of a coup, saying only that he was well aware of sizable domestic opposition to President Erdogan. The speed and scale of the post-coup purge are themselves indicative of the political, economic and social tensions wracking Turkey following the 2008 global financial crisis, the years of US-led wars in the Middle East, constant shifts in US policy that have brought Erdogan into conflict with Washington, and Ankaras war against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in southeast Turkey. As yet, the loyalty and whereabouts of the Turkish Navy are unclear. On Tuesday, the London-based Times newspaper reported that Veysel Kosele, the admiral in command of the Turkish Navy, has been out of contact since the start of the coup, and 14 ships and two helicopters with 25 Special Forces troops are believed to be missing. Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said that everything was accounted for, although a few rebel soldiers were still on the run. Ankara scrambled F-16 fighter jets Wednesday to check reports that missing Coastguard ships had appeared in Greek waters in the Aegean Sea, Turkish military sources reported. Among those arrested or suspended are hundreds of personnel from Prime Minister Binali Yildirims office and from the parliament and various ministries. Included in this number is Ali Yazici, Erdogans aide de camp. Former Air Force commander and Turkish Supreme Military Council member Akn Ozturk has been accused of planning the coup. His group allegedly included Erdogans own top military advisor, the commander of Incirlik airbase, and the commander of the powerful Second Army. Ozturk, who was shown with injuries to his face while under arrest, has denied any involvement. If the involvement of these figures is confirmed, it means the attempted coup was staged by individuals at the centre of the ruling political establishment. Erdogan has, in recent months, sought to sideline his political rivals, including the former president and co-founder of the AKP Abdullah Gul and his former foreign minister and hand-picked prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu, whom he has replaced with the loyalist Binali Yildirim. Davutoglus forced resignation, in particular, evoked the ire of both the US and the European powers. There is no doubt that Erdogan is using the opportunity provided by the abortive coup to settle old scores and legitimise his longstanding efforts to establish a dictatorial regime under the guise of an executive presidency. The Turkish authorities have already revoked the licences of a number of media outlets on the basis of allegations of involvement in the coup, including several TV channels the government had previously taken into administration. They have blocked access to the WikiLeaks web site after it leaked 300,000 AKP emails, dating from 2010 to July 6 of this year, in response to the post-coup purges. Erdogan has thus far focused his attention on supporters of the opposition Gulenist movement. Prime Minister Yildirim told parliament on Tuesday that Ankara had sent four dossiers to the US to back up its demand for Gulens extradition. One of those arrested, Lieutenant Colonel Levent Turkkan, aide to Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar, has reportedly admitted membership of Gulens organisation, which was officially registered by the Turkish National Security Council last May as the Fethullah Terror Organization (FETO). He confessed that he and others spied on top army commanders, and claimed that 60-70 percent of those people who have been accepted inside the armed forces since 1990s are Gulen-linked people. Turkkan said he was informed about the coup on July 14 by Staff Colonel Orhan Yikilkan, who served as an adviser to the chief of staff. Yikilkan told him that the president, the prime minister, the chief of staff and the commanders-in-chief would be arrested, with the coup due to start early Saturday, July 16. Gulen has denied any involvement in the coup and it is by no means clear what part, if any, he played. Nor is it clear which political forces were behind the plot to unseat the Erdogan regime, or their motives and aims. The three opposition partiesthe Kemalists, the right-wing Nationalists and the pro-Kurdish partyjoined the AKP in denouncing the attempted coup. According to the state-run Anadolu news agency, a file was found in Judge Mehmet Sels office at a court house in Istanbul. It apparently contained a document that would have been used to charge Erdogan, former prime minister Davutoglu, Interior Minister Efkan Ala and intelligence chief Hakan Fidan with assisting a terrorist organisation between 2009 and 2015the period when the Kurdish peace process was underway. Millions were brought onto the streets last Friday and Saturday in opposition to the coup. But Erdogan will inevitably utilise whatever popular support this generates to strengthen his hand against the working class. During the coup and in its immediate aftermath, he mobilised thousands of Islamist militia members, mainly from the pro-AKP Ottoman Societies, along with nationalists, who turned on AKP opponents, shouting jihadist and religious slogans. Niles Niemuth, the vice presidential candidate for the Socialist Equality Party, spoke with workers in Rochester and Syracuse, New York about the conditions in their region and their thoughts on the 2016 presidential election. Sign up for the WSWS email newsletter A crew member from the Royal Malaysian Air Force uses binoculars onboard a Malaysian Air Force CN235 aircraft during a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation to find the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. (Photo: Reuters) By Reuters: Top searchers at the Dutch company leading the underwater hunt for Malaysia Airlines jet MH370 say they believe the plane may have glided down rather than dived in the final moments, meaning they have been scouring the wrong patch of ocean for two years. Flight MH370 disappeared in March 2014 with 239 passengers and crew onboard en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur. Searchers led by engineering group Fugro have been combing an area roughly the size of Greece for two years. advertisement That search, over 120,000 square kilometres of the southern Indian Ocean off Western Australia, is expected to end in three months and could be called off after that following a meeting of key countries Malaysia, China and Australia on Friday. So far, nothing has been found. "If it's not there, it means it's somewhere else," Fugro project director Paul Kennedy told Reuters. While Kennedy does not exclude extreme possibilities that could have made the plane impossible to spot in the search zone, he and his team argue a more likely option is the plane glided down - meaning it was manned at the end - and made it beyond the area marked out by calculations from satellite images. "If it was manned it could glide for a long way," Kennedy said. "You could glide it for further than our search area is, so I believe the logical conclusion will be well maybe that is the other scenario." Doubts that the search teams are looking in the right place will likely fuel calls for all data to be made publicly available so that academics and rival companies can pursue an "open source" solution - a collaborative public answer to the airline industry's greatest mystery. Fugro's controlled glide hypothesis is also the first time officials have leant some support to contested theories that someone was in control during the flight's final moments. COMPETING THEORIES AFTER THE CRASH Since the crash there have been competing theories over whether one, both or no pilots were in control, whether it was hijacked - or whether all aboard perished and the plane was not controlled at all when it hit the water. Adding to the mystery, investigators believe someone may have deliberately switched off the plane's transponder before diverting it thousands of miles. The glide view is not supported by the investigating agencies: America's Boeing Co, France's Thales SA , U.S. investigator the National Transportation Safety Board, British satellite company Inmarsat PLC, the U.K. Air Accidents Investigation Branch and the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation. CARRY ON The meeting between officials from China, Australia and Malaysia is expected to discuss the future of the search. The three governments have previously agreed that unless any new credible evidence arises the search would not be extended, despite calls from victims' families. advertisement Any further search would require a fresh round of funding from the three governments on top of the almost A$180 million ($137 million) that has already been spent, making it the most expensive in aviation history. Deciding the search area in 2014, authorities assumed the plane had no "inputs" during its final descent, meaning there was no pilot or no conscious pilot. They believe it was on auto-pilot and spiralled when it ran out of fuel. But Kennedy said a skilled pilot could glide the plane approximately 120 miles (193 km) from its cruising altitude after running out of fuel. One pilot told Reuters it would be slightly less than that. For the aircraft to continue gliding after fuel has run out, someone must manually put the aircraft into a glide - nose down with controlled speed. "If you lose all power, the auto-pilot kicks out. If there is nobody at the controls, the aircraft will plummet down," said a captain with experience flying Boeing 777s - the same as MH370. Like all pilots interviewed for this story, he declined to be named given the controversy around the lost jet. advertisement FUGRO SURVEY Fugro works on a "confidence level" of 95 percent, a statistical measurement used, in Fugro's case, to indicate how certain the plane debris was not in the area they have already combed, a seabed peppered with steep cliffs and underwater volcanoes. "The end-of-flight scenarios are absolutely endless," Fugro managing director Steve Duffield said. "Which wing ran out of fuel first, did it roll this way or did it tip that way?" The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the agency coordinating the search, has consistently defended the defined search zone. It did not immediately respond to questions over whether it was assessing the controlled glide theory. Authorities used data provided by Inmarsat to locate the likely plunge point through communication between the plane and satellite ground station. "All survey data collected from the search for missing flight MH370 will be released," an ATSB spokesman said. Also Read Investigators use font to confirm debris found off Mozambique is from MH370 Debris found in Mauritius to be examined by MH370 investigators --- ENDS --- The RSS Chief is flying to London on July 26 for a number of programmes lined up in the United Kingdom. By India Today Web Desk: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will visit the United Kingdom next week where he is scheduled to attend several programmes, including addressing a gathering of Hindus from Britain and Europe. "I am flying to London on July 26 for a number of programmes lined up in the United Kingdom," Bhagwat told PTI on the sidelines of a book release function in Nagpur last night. advertisement Here are 10 things to know about the trip: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief will attend the gathering of Hindus organised to mark the golden jubilee celebrations of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), which draws inspiration from the RSS, founded in 1925. The HSS was established in 1966. The theme of the gathering is Sanskaar (values of life), Sewa (selfless service), and Sangathan (community spirit)". RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale will accompany Bhagwat. The Britain-based HSS has organised a gathering of over 2,000 Hindus from across the United Kingdom and Europe from July 29 to 31 at Hertfordshire County Show Ground near Luton. 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. Bhagwat will also stay in a special tent during his week-long visit, RSS leaders said. "He will be at Hertfordshire County Showground near Luton on the outskirts of London for the maha shibir (mega camp), being held from July 29 to 31, which will launch the commencement of the year-long golden jubilee celebrations of the HSS," RSS sources said. A number of prominent personalities from the world over will also attend the event and interact with the participants. There were rumours earlier that Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio will also attend. This is the first time that the RSS chief would be addressing such a big gathering of Hindus in the UK. "The event will provide an opportunity of bringing all like-minded Hindus together from across the Europe, besides England. It will probably also help the new generation connect with their cultural heritage," sources said. According to them, it also helps them do social and community work, presenting a perfect model of the Hindu-family in each society to the outside world. The RSS is the ideological mentor of the BJP. Several of its members, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have been the right-wing organisation's exports to the saffron party. --- ENDS --- MIDWAY, FL - Thursday morning on Second Cup, the WTXL Sunrise Crew talked about a recent visit to the Mobley-Thompson Creativity and Innovation Summer Academy. It's a summer camp happening on FAMU's campus. It's Journalism and Communications Week, so WTXL's Christine Souders and Malcolm Hornsby were asked to talked about the interworking of a newsroom and what goes into creating a newscast. The kids were very knowledgeable about what's happening in the world. They had plenty of questions too. Some even want to work in the broadcasting field when they grow up. TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- The Capital City is now home to the first medical marijuana dispensary in the state. Trulieve will open its doors next week. The company has been working for two and a half years to get to this point, providing medical marijuana to those in need of treatment. "We're on the cusp of a new era in the state of Florida and for the cannabis industry nationwide," said CEO Kim Rivers. "Florida is one of the largest states in the country, so I think that this really is a game-changer and a tilting point for the national conversation." Trulieve will be stocked next week with the approved low-THC version of cannabis. Customers must be listed in an official state registry to receive the drug. To get on the registry, customers must consult with a qualified physician like Dr. Joseph Dorn, who's taken a comprehensive state exam to be approved to prescribe medical cannabis. "They're not going to be for everyone, but I do feel like, in order to adequately treat some patients, that we need to kind of think outside the box," Dorn said. Trulieve is connected to Hackney Nursery in Quincy. It's one of just a handful the state has authorized to grow medical marijuana. WTXL was at the nursery in November when it got the green light from the state. President George Hackney says the drug will help many, including kids with epilepsy. "These children have seizures - some of them as many as 100 a day, and just to talk to their parents, their life is miserable," Hackney said, "and this helps reduce the number of seizures they have." "We have been moving very, very quickly," Rivers said. "We actually are not required to start dispensing until early September, but we felt like it was our responsibility to get product into the hands of these patients as soon as possible." Trulieve will open Tuesday. The company will announce plans to deliver products statewide. Business is only open to Florida residents. THOMASVILLE, GA (WTXL) -- A South Georgia firefighter is making a name for herself. Jasmine Rice is the first African-American female to earn the rank of engineer at Thomasville Fire Rescue (TFR). Rice became the first black woman to join TFR in 2013. She said the love for her job started at an early age. "I got interested through my dad," Rice said. "He was the fire chief in Valdosta, Georgia, and he used to bring me to work with him some days. I just loved the family atmosphere that was up there." After finishing fire school training, she headed to Thomasville and made a strong impression. "She takes a lot of initiative," said assistant fire chief Mark Sealy. "She wants to learn. She wants to go out and meet the public. She wants to go out and perform for the city of Thomasville." That drive helped Rice get promoted on July 14 from firefighter-EMT to driver-engineer. "To meet the goals that she's set for herself and to come up through the ranks -- yes, it has been a fast progression," Sealy said. "I adjusted well, I think," Rice said. "The guys are really nice to me. It's family-oriented up here. I just love it." Rice says being the only woman on the team hasn't really been a challenge. In fact, it's come in handy. "Most women that we go to on calls -- they don't feel comfortable talking with guys, and they feel more comfortable with me," she said. In her new position, Rice takes the wheel and heads out to calls around town. "When I get out and they see that I've been driving, it just brings a lot of smiles to people," she said. "That's just something they want to see more of -- more African-Americans doing things." A mother of two, Rice will be formally recognized at Thomasville's city council meeting on August 22. Cincinnati resident April Corcoran allowed her drug dealer to sodomise, rape, forcefully perform oral sex on her 11-year-old. He even videotaped her at his home. By India Today Web Desk: Calling it the worst case she's ever seen, an Ohio judge sentenced a woman to 51 years in prison, after she admitted to allowing her 40-year-old drug dealer to repeatedly rape her 11-year-old daughter in exchange for heroin, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported. The shocking case first came up in June when Cincinnati resident April Corcoran plead guilty to multiple counts of complicity to rape, human trafficking and child endangerment. In each incident, the girl was forced to perform a different sex act with the man. advertisement Then, as a "reward", Corcoran forced her daughter to take small doses of heroin, causing the young girl to vomit each time. The 11-year-old was sodomized, raped, forced to perform oral sex in incidents between February and June 2014. The drug dealer even videotaped her at his home, according to prosecutors. "I made selfish, horrible choices" At her hearing, Corcoran attempted to convince the judge that she was deeply ashamed of what she had done, since her imprisonment. "I made selfish, horrible choices that will affect (the girl) for the rest of her life," Corcoran said. "I am consumed by guilt and shame every day," she said. But the 32-year-old did not convince the judge Leslie Ghiz. "I can honestly say that, in three-and-a-half years on the bench, this is by far the worst thing that has come before this court," said Ghiz. She pointed out that Corcoran never apologised to her daughter for what she did. In fact, the traumatised judge said she had to take breaks while reading everything that was admitted into the court case. "I don't know that you grasp the damage that has been done to this poor child," she said, noting the girl - now 13-years-old - is on medication and struggling with suicidal thoughts. "You showed no kind of mercy," Judge Ghiz said, adding that she won't either before passing the judgement. "I saw my granddaughter... It was horrific" The young girl's grandparents also spoke out in court and told the judge they hoped for justice for their granddaughter. "I viewed the tape. I saw my granddaughter. I heard her small voice. It was horrific, very horrific. How could she do this? How could she do this?" her grandmother said in court. I don't know if my granddaughter is going to be able to have a normal life," she added. The girl is now living with her father and stepmother. --- ENDS --- Qureshi who had been working for several years with IRF was the first one to meet if someone approached the institution for any work. He was picked from his house in Navi Mumbai on Thursday afternoon. IRF has pledged support to their employee and accuse Indian authorities of conspiring against them. Photo credit: PTI By Mustafa Shaikh: More trouble for controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik. What can be seen as the first action by Indian agencies, a Islamic Research Foundations employee has been arrested in a joint operation by Maharashtra ATS and Kochi police. WHO IS HE? IRF has confirmed that Arshi Qureshi, arrested for allegedly indoctrinating Kerala youths to join IS, is their employee. A source close to Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) confirmed to India Today that Qureshi works with IRF in Mumbai as a guest relations manager, which is a front desk job. advertisement Qureshi who had been working for several years with IRF was the first one to meet if someone approached the institution for any work. He was picked from his house in Navi Mumbai on Thursday afternoon. HOW THE POLICE NABBED HIM? Palarivattom police who is investigating the case of missing 21 youths from Kerala who are suspected to have joined IS, recorded statement of Ebin Jacob (25), the brother of Merin alias Mariam, a woman who is missing along with her husband Bestin Vincent alias Yahia. According to sources in IRF, Jacob has alleged that he was forced to convert in Islam and join IS in 2014 by his brother-in-law Bestin and Qureshi, who was with IRF. He also alleged that his sister was also forcefully converted in IRF by Bestin. After this statement a case under Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and under Section 153 (A) of IPC was registered against Bestin and Qureshi. IRF STANDS BY QURESHI IRF sources have said that they don't support forceful conversion and Qureshi is not assigned the job of converting people. "Firstly forceful conversions in Mumbai is not possible. Second allegations suggest that the youths were indoctrinated for IS in 2014. Nobody was aware of IS till that time. How can Qureshi sent them to the terrorist organisation two and a half years ago. We think at this point it's just allegation of some third person. We believe that Qureshi has been taken to Kochi to record his statement in the case. As far as we spoke to him he doesn't remember these names and people. Until there is any evidence against Qureshi, we will provide him aid because he is our employee. We believe that all this is part of conspiracy against IRF," said a person close to IRF. Also Read: Zakir Naik justifies suicide bombing as legal in tactic of war Islamic preacher Zakir Naik's financers traced to Saudi Arabia, UK --- ENDS --- advertisement The house where one of the victims in the alleged drug-related murders was killed. (Courtesy: CTV News) You are the owner of this article. Tarique Rahman, senior vice president of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sentenced by the two-member bench of the High Court today. By PTI: The 'fugitive' eldest son of Bangladesh's opposition leader and former premier Khaleda Zia was on Thursday sentenced to seven years in prison by a court here for laundering nearly USD 2.5 million, overturning a lower court's decision to acquit him in the high-profile graft case. Tarique Rahman, 48, who is senior vice president of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sentenced by the two-member bench of the High Court for siphoning off the money to Singapore between 2003 and 2007 when the party-led four-party righting alliance government was in power. advertisement "He (Rahman) has been tried in absentia as he did not appear despite being summoned...the court earlier declared him fugitive" a court official told reporters after the verdict. Rahman, who has been living in London since 2007, was charged under Money Laundering Act. The court also slapped Taka 200 million fine on him. In a surprise verdict, a Dhaka court on November 17, 2013 had acquitted Rahman of the graft charge but handed down seven years of imprisonment and fined Taka 400 million to his friend and business partner Giasuddin Al Mamun in the same case. The High Court, however, upheld Mamun's jail term but lowered the amount of fine to Taka 200 million, an equal amount of penalty slapped on Rahman. BNP earlier rejoiced the lower court's verdict but the judge of the court, who retired within few days after the verdict came under the scanner of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) as he reportedly left the country soon after. According to one of the pending charges, Rahman allegedly masterminded a fatal grenade attack in 2004 on a rally of the then main opposition and now ruling Awami League killing 24 people. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina narrowly escaped the assault but with permanent hearing impairment. Bangladesh earlier formally asked London to extradite Rahman to face justice. It is unclear if Rahman has sought an asylum in the UK as the British authorities earlier declined to make any public statement on the issue calling it a "personal matter of an individual". The Anti-Corruption Commission brought the money laundering charge against Rahman during the past military- backed interim government which spearheaded a massive anti-graft campaign under the State of Emergency from 2006 to 2008 when Rahman was put behind the bar. He was allowed to take an overseas tour for medical treatment under a Supreme Court order but he preferred to stay back in London as the subsequent general election installed Awami League to power with three fourths majority. --- ENDS --- The raspberry bushes are laden with juicy fruit. The grapevines, entangled in one another, are also weighty with clusters of grapes. We're at Avichai Buaron's home in Amona, standing in his back yard, which is looking like a small Italian farm with olive trees and the mountainous vista that surrounds it. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter We stood on the exact opposite spot from which we overlooked the outpost two weeks prior with his Palestinian neighbors, the owners of the land on which Amona was established. It's easy to fall for the charms of the beautiful scenery and the fresh grapes and raspberries, to fill one's lungs with the clean mountain air and forget that this outpost is actually an oil barrel, with a brush fire making its way towards it, threatening to set the entire area aflame. Amona residents (Photo: Tal Shahar) And so Amona became a symbol of active resistance against the evacuation of outposts, with the violent clashes over the demolition of nine structures in February 2006. At the time, half a year after the Gaza disengagement, thousands of activists arrived at the outpost and barricaded themselves in its homes. Some 6,000 police were sent to evacuate them, and the encounter deteriorated to stone-throwing and beating with clubs, with some 300 injured on both sidesmostly from among the protesters. It's doubtful if anyone truly thought Amona would be emptied of its residents after those clashes. It grew and developed, even though it was clear to all that it was spreading over private land. Years of court deliberations are now coming down to December 25, 2016the date set by the High Court of Justice (HCJ) to evacuate the outpost. After the petition that led to the demolition of the nine homes, the Palestinian land owners turned to the HCJ again in 2008 asking to evacuate the entire outpost. Six years later, they won the case. Meanwhile, the Jewish residents of Amona have been trying to legalize their outpost so they can remain in their homes. They know that at the end of the day, not just Amona's future is at stake, as its evacuation would create a precedent for other outposts. With the deadline looming ahead, Buaron and his neighbors have been wandering around the corridors of the Knesset and government in search of a solution. The 43-years-old father of seven, Buaron, a lawyer and publisher of magazines for the religious-national sector, says the state gave the residents of Amona the impression that the fact the land is privately owned would not constitute a problem. The incident a decade ago in Amona (Photo: Gil Yohanan) "We came here 20 years ago, young families and singles, out of Zionism. We were told a new neighborhood was being built for (the nearby settlement of) Ofra, and no one thought or knew this was private land." Isn't that pretending innocence? "No," he says. "Arik Sharon came here when he was a minister and asked, 'Why aren't you building here?' The head of the regional council at the time, Pinchas Wallerstein, said the State of Israel was building a neighborhood here. The Housing and Construction Ministry paved a road. We were relying on what the state said and did." We follow him to an empty lot at the northern part of the outpost, right by the row of homes that were destroyed in 2006. The lot has been cleared by heavy equipment and iron rods stand out of the ground, connected to the foundations prepared under it. "The Housing and Construction Ministry prepared 40 lots here," Buaron says and whips out documents written in the early 2000s. "It's all in writing. Here, this is a government document that says the land owner is the Custodian's Office, which is responsible for the government and abandoned property in Judea and Samaria. "It's not just the paperwork. We were made to understand that there is abandoned land here that is owned by the government. Look at how many public funds were invested here: this document reports on some NIS 900,000, and here is another talking about NIS 1.1 million, a third is mentioning NIS 600,000 for daycares, and this one is talking about the NIS 405,000 that the Housing and Construction Ministry spent on paving the access road. And that is all before millions more were spent on connecting a power line to this hill." Uri Goldberg, a 32-year-old economist and a father of four, says the claim that Amona's residents are lawbreakers is ridiculous. "I wouldn't come to live here if I had known the outpost was built on private land. When I got here 10 years ago, we were made to understand there was a problem with only nine houses, and that after those were demolished, the rest that remained were legitimate. I'm a rational person. I wouldn't build a home and start a family in a place considered illegal." One of the houses in the outpost (Photo: Tal Shahar) Great land, practically paradise The dozens of Palestinian land owners are not interested in any of these explanations. Ibrahim Khalil Yakub, one of the petitioners asking to evacuate Amona, owns 46 dunam in the outpost. He's 55 years old, a resident of the nearby Ein Yabrud, and doesn't believe a word the settlers say. "This is my grandfather's plot, and I am one of his heirs. We raised everything on that land: wheat, barley, hummus, cucumbers. Great land, practically paradise. We arrived one morning in 1996 and saw big containers were left on the land. When we came close, soldiers stopped us and told us to go. We realized these were water containers for Ofra. We said, 'This is our land,' but they didn't care. Afterwards, a road was paved from Ofra to the hill, and structures were erected there, and we were looking from afar how our land was taken and made into a settlement. We were sent from one bureaucrat to the next at the Civil Administration, but we kept hitting a wall and didn't get our land back." Miriam Hassan Abelkarim from Silwad is another one of the owners of the lands Amona is built on. The 82 year old can still remembers helping her father farm the land, but since the water containers were put there, she too has been barred from coming near her own property. "We have triedme, my husband and my kidsto go there several times, but the military sent us away. I haven't been on my land in 20 years," she said. Atalla Hamed, 63, from Silwad, was similarly banished from his land. "My land borders that of Miriam's. One day, someone put a caravan on the border between them but I was allowed to keep working the land until they put up another structure where settlers were living in and the military and residents told me not to come anymore. I came anyway, but I was sent away. We turned to the IDF's District Coordination and Liaison Office, but it didn't help," he recounts. The court proceedings regarding the ownership of the land lasted years. In the end, all of Amona's structures were declared illegal, and a demolition order was issued to each of them. So far, however, the orders haven't been enforced. Meanwhile, the settlers turned to different official bodies in an effort to resolve the issue. Buaron has documents according to which most of the Palestinian land owners in Amona are absentee landlords, meaning they have not been living in the territories since 1967. Attorney Shlomi Zacharia of legal NGO Yesh Din, who filed the petition to the High Court of Justice on behalf of the Palestinians, explained that the issue of absentee landlords is not relevant in this matter. L-R: Yakub, Hamed, and Abelkarim (Photo: Tal Shahar) "This is an argument that has already been rejected at court," Zacharia said. "The HCJ determined that the moment the land was defined as privately-owned, the structures and residents on it must be evacuated. In any case, the lands of absentee landlords, which is not the case here, cannot be used for settlement even according to the biggest supporters of the settlement enterprise, including the late attorney Plia Albeck." Meanwhile, settlers, lawyers and politicians suggested different solutions like buying the land from the Palestinians or compensate them with alternative lands. Ibrahim received no such proposal, "and even if they offer this to me, I won't agree," he said. "If I sell my land, I don't deserve to live here." What if you were offered both money and land elsewhere? "If it's a matter of money, then there are people on our side willing to buy Tel Aviv. Are you willing to sell Tel Aviv and leave it?" Miriam was just as determined. "Even if they give me 1,000 dunams, I'm not willing to give up even a meter of my land!" Another idea offered by politicians from the right wing is solving the problem by passing legislation that declares private lands on which Jews reside as state lands. An attempt to that end was done in 2012 regarding homes at the Ulpana neighborhood in Beit El. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to oppose the legislation at the time after then-Attorney General Yehuda Weinsten clarified to him that the Knesset had no authority to pass laws concerning territories that are not under Israeli sovereignty. So the chances of a similar law passing this time are slim. Avichai Buaron In any case, Ibrahim, Miriam and Atalla won't hear of it. They are counting down the days to December 25. At the end of our conversation with the Palestinian land owners, we drove with them to an observation point in the village of Taybeh that provides a clear view of the hill Amona is built on. While Ibrahim's plot was not visible from that viewpoint, Atalla could point to a group of trees at the western part of the outpost that marks his land, while Miriam expressed her desire to "return to my land before I die." 'We're just the tip of the iceberg' We sat at Buaron's dining room with Goldberg the economist and Nachum Shwartz the farmer who grows cherries and has a goat pen. The 42-years-old Shwartz from Ofra is one of the first to settle in the outpost. "When I was a child, we would climb up on this hill in midweek trips, on vacations, and on the weekends. There wasn't a single Arab here except for a Bedouin who was wandering around with some goats," he said. Buaron also claimed he did not have a clue the land belonged to anyone. "When I got here in 1996, there were five structures here and two water tanks. We were in the middle of nowhere on stony ground. I didn't see any worked land." Buaron raises another issue. According to data collected by right-wing NGO Regavim, 2,026 structures in settlements in the West Bank are on private Palestinian land. The fate of these structures will likely be the same as the fate of the Amona homes. "We're just the tip of the iceberg. There are 289 housing units in Beit El on Palestinian land, 166 in Eli, 73 in Kokhav HaShahar. Nokdim, where (Defense Minister) Lieberman lives, has 14 units on private Palestinian land as wellone of them is two houses away from his home. Who is the madman who allowed building on private land? And if Amona is evacuated, what would happen with the other homes in Judea and Samaria that have a similar status? In Gush Katif, the government demolished 1,500 Jewish homes and called it disengagement. Here, there are over 2,000 homes. How will it be called then?" Over the past few months, as part of the intensive lobbying the residents of Amona have been doing at the Knesset, they have been meeting with each of the right-wing MKs, getting declarations of support from them, and trying to convince them to find a way to bypass the High Court's ruling. "So far, most of the ministers and 22 Knesset members have expressed their strong objection to the evacuation of Amona," Buaron said. "Some of them, like (Tourism Minister) Yariv Levin for example, even said the coalition would not survive the evacuation of Amona. (Welfare Minister) Haim Katz said, 'We fought (Ariel) Sharon on the disengagement and if we need to, we will fight Netanyahu on Amona.' (Jerusalem Affairs Minister Ze'ev) Elkin stressed that the Likud party would not let that happen, while (Education Minister Naftali) Bennett said a right-wing government would not evacuate Amona. "We know that some of the politicians won't take (their statements) all the way, but we also know that quite a considerable part of them will go to war over this issue. We expect all of the ministers to bang on the table and demand (the evacuation) will not be. The government created this mess, so the government should solve it. And it's important to us to stress that we are not interested in the establishment of an alternative outpost. We want to stay here," he added. Buaron, Shwartz and Goldberg can still remember the 2006 evacuation well, as they witnessed it up close. "Here, no one will hug soldiers or cry in their arms. The evacuation here will be harder than that of Neve Dekalim," the settlers warned a day before the evacuation of those nine houses a decade prior. They equipped themselves with building blocks, wooden planks, spikes and paint buckets. Residents of Amona (Photo: Tal Shahar) Like them, Buaron uses wording reminiscent of the Gaza disengagement. "The riot police forces carried out (former Prime Minister Ehud) Olmert's orders with the utmost determination and zero sensitivity," he said. "Police violence was insane. Hundreds of teens, boys and girls, ended up with scars and serious bruises that they carry on their bodies to this very day. The adults were also on the receiving end of the riot police's violence. The well known among these adults were (MK) Moti Yogev, (then-MK) Benny Alon, (then-MK) Aryeh Eldad and (then-MK) Effi Eitam, but there were dozens of others. Some of the ones who got hurt were older people. I only got beat up a little bit because I managed to get away. I felt insanely helpless, I couldn't understand how we got to that situation." Buaron particularly remembers an exchange he had with the commander of the Judea and Samaria Division at the time, Yair Golan, now the deputy IDF chief of staff. "I was standing next to him when I saw the police officers coming with upside down clubs, intending to beat us, really going at it against the protesters with everything they've got. I told Golan, 'Listen, this will end with fatalities.' He asked, 'What do you propose?' I told him, 'Stop this.' And Golan responded,'Then go from house to house and get the youth off the rooftops;you have 10 minutes.' And we did indeed go in those 10 minutes from house to house and helped lower the flames." You can't say only the police was to blame for what happened. "We were passive," Buaron insists. "There were, for example, teenagers who tied themselves to some of the houses, and we were sure the police would simply release them from the chains, but what they actually did was kick them over and over again. What really broke me was when I saw a policeman lean a ladder against the wall of one of the houses and climb up on the roof. When he was about to climb over the handrail, one of the teenagers offered his hand to help him up, and then the policeman beat him. The night after the evacuation we were asking ourselves what happened there. It rattled us." And what would happen if once again a solution can't be found that satisfies both the settlers and the petitioners by the High Court's deadline? If the government has no choice but to send police officers to evacuate them from their homes? "We believe in the right to protest in the Israeli democracy," Buaron said. "If the prime minister and the ministers won't find a solution, we will fight this with everything we have. We'll set up a site with equipment and food for people to join the protest that would say 'Enough. Enough of the evacuations, enough of destroying families, enough of this suffering.' There will be over 10,000 people you'll have to evacuate. So far, over 6,000 have already said on Facebook that they will show up when called upon. They'll sit on their rear ends and protest against the evacuation. And you, the leaders of the right wing, will have to deal with it. Shaked will issue an arrest order against her own voters, and Bibi will crash with his voters, while Yvette (Lieberman) will be building holding facilities for masses of people and Erdan will send 5,000 more officers to drag Likud voters out of the outpost. But heavens forbid, we will not be violent and will not raise our hands against soldiers and police officers. We're against that." But these situations usually deteriorate to violence. "Nothing has changed. We won't raise our hands against police officers. We're a public who is hurting and, enough, leave us alone. Just like the miners in Ireland protest their conditions and the French truck drivers fight for half a percent in their pensions and in Israel there are protests over the price of cottage cheese, it is expected, ethical and honorable for thousands of people to join the fight against uprooting people from the homes in which they've been living for decades. I intend to bring the people here, but the one who needs to take responsibility over this is the prime minister." "We won't have control over every one of the people who will come here," Shwartz added. "They'll sit here and prevent the evacuation and technically and physically it's going to be very hard to evacuate them. It'll be the most complicated thing in the world, we're not simply going to stroll out of here." "We just hope the politicians of today see what has become of the politicians of 2006. Let them look at what happened to Olmert, where Katsav is today and how Mofaz disappeared. Let them look and tell themselves, 'Something in their political career has gone wrong.' And that's it, a word to the wise," Buaron concluded. SKOPJE- Authorities in Macedonia say five police officers have been arrested on suspicion of participating in a smuggling ring that allegedly helped hundreds of refugees and migrants cross the country's southern border with Greece. Police said Wednesday that 14 other suspects were also arrested and an unspecified number of assault rifles and other weapons were seized following countrywide raids at 24 locations. Macedonia closed its border in March amid efforts across Europe to prevent a repeat of mass migration to the continent in 2015. Thousands of stranded migrants remained camped out on the Greek side of the border until late May. Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon stated his intention Wednesday to oppose the decision taken by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Histadrut Chairman Avi Nissenkorn to postpone the opening a new public broadcasting corporation until January 2018. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter I, and my party, will oppose the delay of launching the public broadcasting corporation both in the Knesset and in the government, Kahlon warned. The Kulanu chairman, who was apparently not made privy to the details surrounding the decision, presented to Netanyahu on Wednesday the costs involved in delaying the launch date of the corporation by more than a year - which could amount to as much as half a billion shekels: We will not allow waste of public funds without any reason, Kahlon assured. As part of the coalition agreements between Kulanu and Prime Minister Netanyahu's Likud party, budget transfers exceeding 10 million shekels must receive the finance ministers approval. In this case the money which will need to be transferred in order to implement the delay will require to be approved by Kahlon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon (Photo: Flash90) The new public broadcasting corporation was supposed to become live in October this year. On Monday however, Netanyahu and Nissenkorn announced that it would not do so until January 2018 without prior consultation with executives if the corporation. The Histadrut and the ministry of communications issued a joint statement explaining the decision: The new alternative public broadcasting via the new corporation is still not ready. Given the importance of not creating a break in public broadcasting - and of (maintaining) a continuous and full public broadcasting schedule - the closure of the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA) will be postponed until early 2018, the statement read. Contrary to their claims however, the New Broadcasting Company said on Tuesday night that it would indeed be ready to begin transmission by September 30. The current postponement is devastating for public broadcasting, said Eldad Koblenz, General Manager of the New Broadcasting Authority. Those who have espoused views condemning the prime ministers decision have claimed that it is merely a move designed to weaken public broadcasting and keep a lid on the establishment. Even Bayit Yehudi Chairman Naftali Bennett expressed concerns on Tuesday evening over the decision describing it as surprising. Over the last few days, Bennett said, attempts have been made to narrow the freedom of the press and perhaps even to restrict it. I admit that it is not easy to wake up every morning to biting media criticism but this is the job of the media in a democratic state and it is our responsibility to preserve it as it is. Unlike Kahlon, Bennett has still not stated publicly whether he will vote against the decision but did indicate to his close associates in private conversations that he does not plan on supporting it. There is a limit to everything, he added. The deal reached by Netanyahu will require a change in law and will therefore need to pass through a legislative committee meeting of ministers both in the Knesset and in the economics committee. Nine months ago, Dareen Tatour posted a poem to Facebook entitle 'Resist my people, resist them,' which included clauses appearing to incite to violence such as: 'Follow the caravan of martyrs,' 'I will not succumb to the peaceful solution,' 'Never lower my flags until I evict them from my land. Pay no mind to his agents among us who chain us with the peaceful illusion.' Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Days later, Israeli police arrested Tatour, accusing her of inciting violence on the social network. Blaming incitement for the latest 10-month spate of Palestinian attacks, Israel is taking its fight to a new level: A new law in the works, co-sponsored by Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, aims to force Facebook and other social media platforms to take down content Israel deems as fueling violence. Some critics warn it goes too far, limiting free expression. Tatour, an Arab citizen of Israel, is one of several hundred people detained in recent years for allegedly spreading incitement. Hoping to further clamp down on what it sees as the driving force behind a 10-month spate of Palestinian attacks, Israel is now preparing a law that aims to rein in content on social media, including Facebook, a platform it says plays a central role in inspiring attackers. Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan. "We are left with no choice in order to protect the public." (Photo: Motti Kimchi) "Where is the democracy here? There is no democracy. Voicing your opinion is the only medium for an individual in a democracy," Tatour, 34, said by phone from the apartment outside Tel Aviv where she was confined to house arrest after spending three months in jail. Tatour claimed her poem was never a call to violence, but merely an expression of anger against what she saw as Israel's excessive use of force. The current violence erupted in mid-September over tensions surrounding a Jerusalem site holy to both Muslims and Jews. Since then, Israel has repeatedly pointed to examples of social media content that it says fueled attacks, from drawings depicting Jews being killed to instructions on how best to stab an Israeli. The latest wave of attacks has killed 34 Israelis and two visiting Americans, mostly in stabbings. More than 200 Palestinians have been killed at the same time, the majority of whom are said by Israel to have been attackers. The rest were killed in clashes with Israeli troops. Israel is attempting to combat incitement to violence on social networks, Facebook being one of the most prominent. In a bid to extinguish what they see as the wellspring of the violence, Israeli police scour social networks, sifting through hundreds of thousands of posts that may be deemed as inciting to violence. Posts that directly call for or encourage murder immediately set off alarms, but officials also look for certain keywords, the type of exposure a post gets in terms of followers or likes and whether the user is affiliated with a militant group. The police declined to say how many people are on the monitoring team, when it began operating or what tools it uses to scour Arabic social media sites. Cartoon posted on Facebook inciting violence against Jews Shlomi Avramzon, a Justice Ministry official who heads a team that assesses content for incitement, says the process has built-in checks so as not to infringe on freedom of expression. He says that unlike other crimes in Israel, police need to receive permission from the State Attorney's Office before they can launch an investigation. If the state attorney's office wants to issue an indictment, it must first receive clearance from the attorney general. According to police figures obtained by the Israeli Movement for Freedom of Information, 426 Arabs were arrested for incitement between 2011 and 2015, much of it on social media. The figures did not differentiate between Palestinians and Arab citizens of Israel. Some 64 Jews were arrested during that time. Over the last year and a half, the Justice Ministry said 45 indictments had been served, the majority against Arabs. Inciting cartoon on Facebook. The new legislation is will order the removal of such posts. The new social media law, dubbed "the Facebook Law," would enable courts to order social networks to remove posts in cases in which the user cannot be found or is not under Israel's jurisdiction. Israeli authorities identify inciting material and seek the court order. It is not clear if the law could be enforced. Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan said authorities could sue Facebook if it did not comply with the court order for any damage that the incitement causes. Erdan, one of the law's sponsors, said that as a test, Israel asked Facebook to remove 74 posts it said amounted to incitement. Facebook agreed to remove 24, a sign Erdan said pointed to a need to hold social networks accountable for content their users post. "We are left with no choice in order to protect the public other than advancing a law that will give us a legal tool to act against internet companies," Erdan said. "I've called on Mark Zuckerberg to take responsibility." Erdan denied that Israel is infringing on freedom of expression, insisting it was preferable to investigate people for potentially incriminating posts, even if they were innocent, rather than risk violence. Another draft bill by an opposition lawmaker goes further, seeking to force social networks to self-monitor for incitement or face a fine. Facebook did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Facebook's website says it reviews "reports of threatening language" and removes "credible threats of physical harm to individuals." Aaron Mackey, a legal fellow at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a US group promoting civil rights in the digital world, said it was unlikely that the California-based Facebook would be bound by the Israeli law. Such legislation was a slippery slope toward censorship of its Arab minority, he added. "It can become problematic when a policy intended to prevent certain speech about violence is actually used to repress speech from certain disempowered communities." Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman met Thursday with Galei Tzahal (the IDF's radio station) commander Yaron Dekel, following a controversy over a show broadcasted on the radio station's airwaves about controversial Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. Lieberman stated that while the ranks of government would not interfere with the content of the radio station's broadcasts, "Darwish, who called in his poems for the (removal) of the Jewish people from the land of Israel cannot be a part of the (Israeli narrative)." The Minister told Dekel that if Darwish is a part of the Israeli narrative, than it's a slippery slope to including Mufti Haj Amin Al Husseini or even German dictator Adolf Hitler in that discussion. Yishai Schlissel, who murdered 16-year-old Shira Banki at last year's Jerusalem pride parade, is suspected of conspiring to cause an attack on this years parade as well. Schlissel is currently serving a life sentence in prison, and authorities suspect he planned an attack on the 2016 parade from prison. Several of his relatives have been questioned by police recently, his brother even being arrested for fear that he'd perpetrate an attack on the marchers. A year ago, Shira Banki was murdered at the Pride parade . Several hours after she was stabbed, the Dawabsheh familyparents and baby were burned alive in their home . A great abyss has opened beneath our feet. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter A year before that, the teenager Mohammed Abu Khdeir was murdered in horrifying brutality . We repressed it. Thought a handful of psychopaths were behind it. We didn't really stop to think about it. When Shira Banki, a 16-year-old girl who came to show her support at the Pride parade, was murdered by a Jewish zealot who decided he was God's messenger on earth burdened with the responsibility of saving Jerusalem's sanctity from the abomination that was the parade, it was clear to us at the Yerushalmit Movement that this time we can't just go on with our lives, that we had to do something. But what can be done? We started calling on people to come outside, sit together in a "public Shiva," and think of what can we do now. And do all of this at Zion Square, of all places, a location that has turned into a symbol of zealousness and violence. We sent text messages everywhere, bought cookies and brought mats to sit on, and hoped people would come. And they did, thousands of them. Shira Banki's mother, 2016 Pride March, lays a flower at the site where her daughter was stabbed (Photo: Gil Yohanan) Among them were ultra-Orthodox Jews who sought to distance themselves from the attack and explain that the murderer did not represent them in any way. There were also those from the Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance, who experienced the horror up close. There were LGBT persons from East Jerusalem who have no place neither here nor there. Jerusalemites camesecular and religious, leftists and rightists, young and old. They intentionally came or coincidentally passed by and decided to stay. They came and sat in circles or stood in grounds. They talked quietly or yelled in rage. But they looked each other in the eye. They were together. When the "public Shiva" ended, we knew something meaningful had happened here. We weren't completely sure what that was, but we knew we had touched some deeply-rooted need of people to get to talk, even if it's only once, to "them," those different than them. And we knew we needed to keep this on. Since then a year has passed. We come to the square every Thursday, sit in circles, with psychologists, educators and social activists who come to offer guidance, and with fear and uncertainty of what would happen in this year's parade. People come and join us, or simply pass by. They talk to each other quietly, or in shouting. They come and look "the other" in the eye. Over the past year, there were weeks in which the fear of terrorism left the streets empty, and the circles in Zion Square were the only gathering in an otherwise deserted and terrified street. There were weeks in which new people joined the circles, the latest of whom were teenage girls from the settlements who came to mourn the loss of Hallel Ariel and sat down to sit and talk to leftist teens who were in the circle. Shira Banki There were teens who passionately explained that Jerusalem needs to be only for Jews, and they suddenly discovered that they were sitting in a circle of immigrant teens who were not Jewish according to Halacha (Jewish law). And for one joyous moment, they were completely confused. There were old Yemenites that joined in singing in Arabic with Arabs from the east of the city. There were so many different vignettes and stories, funny and scary. And always very meaningful. It's still not completely clear what took place there in the square. A public therapy session? A public mechanism to relieve stress and pressure? It's uncertain. The only thing that is clear is that we made contact there with a large need of people to talk. To get to know each other. To look each other in the eyes. Shira was stabbed on July 31, 2015, and she died three days later. However, we mark today, at Jerusalem's Pride parade, together with her family, the anniversary of her death and a year to continuing the discussion in the square. We'll mark it the only way we can: Making Jerusalem into a massive meeting place with different circles. Between Jews and Arabs, rabbis and LGBT people, youth from the periphery and normative adults. Between everyone and everyone. We'll be at Zion Square and Maccabi Mutsri Square and in Menorah Park. Jerusalem has a long history of zealotry and hatred. It also has the ability to become a place of meeting. And hope. This is our choice, and it's only dependent on us. Tehila Friedman is a fellow at the Shaharit Foundation and a board member of the Yerushalmit Movement. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and Jerusalem Police District Commander Yoram Halevi placed flowers Thursday on the spot where 16-year-old Shira Banki was murdered during the 2015 Jerusalem pride parade. "I understand the pain and criticism of those who disagree with my decision to not participate in the parade. I chose another way to honor the memory of Shira Banki, (may she rest in peace)." "I hope from the bottom of my heart that we will (be able to) unit all against any (instance of) incitement, violence, and (for) every person and community's right to free speech, without difference of race, religion, or gender," he continued. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the company also plans a compact SUV and "a new kind of pickup truck" to complement its existing fleet. By AP: Electric car maker Tesla Motors is working on multiple new vehicles, including heavy trucks and buses that could be unveiled as early as next year. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the company also plans a compact SUV and "a new kind of pickup truck" to complement its existing fleet. Tesla currently makes a luxury sedan, the Model S, and a luxury crossover, the Model X. It plans to release a lower-priced car, the Model 3, next year. advertisement Musk discussed the products in his much-anticipated "master plan" for the company, which was posted on Tesla's website Wednesday night. It was Musk's second such manifesto; he released the first in 2006, when Tesla was first starting out and hadn't yet sold its first car, the Tesla Roadster. Musk used a portion of the plan to defend Tesla's semi-autonomous Autopilot system, which can maintain a set speed and keep the car within its lanes and lets drivers take their hands off the wheel for minutes at a time. The government is investigating the system after a Tesla driving in Autopilot mode crashed into a tractor-trailer in Florida in May. The Tesla driver died. Also read: Tesla crash could hurt sentiment on driverless cars Musk says it's important to deploy partial autonomy now because, when used correctly, it "is already significantly safer than a person driving by themselves." "It would therefore be morally reprehensible to delay release simply for fear of bad press or some mercantile calculation of legal liability," Musk wrote. He said Autopilot is still in "beta" testing mode, a term the company uses to decrease complacency for drivers and imply that the system will continue to be refined. But he said Autopilot went through extensive internal testing before it was introduced with a software update last October. Musk also predicted there will be a "significant time gap" before true self-driving cars are approved by regulators. But Tesla is clearly preparing for that day. Musk envisions small autonomous buses that can accommodate strollers and bikes and a shared fleet of Teslas that can eventually be summoned by a smartphone. Musk also pushed for the combination of Tesla and solar energy company SolarCity. Tesla proposed buying SolarCity last month for up to $2.5 billion. Shareholders must still vote on the proposal. Musk, who is the chairman of both companies, envisions becoming a seamless provider of solar panels and Tesla Powerwall backup systems to customers to power their homes and electric cars. "We can't do well if Tesla and SolarCity are different companies, which is why we need to combine," he said. advertisement But some investors and analysts have made clear that they're concerned about the deal's conflicts of interest. SolarCity is run by Musk's cousin Lyndon Rive. SolarCity's shares have risen 27 per cent since the all-stock bid was made, to $26.95. But Tesla's shares are up just 4 percent. Tesla's shares rose 1 per cent to close at $228.36 Wednesday. In his 2006 plan, Musk laid out Tesla's goal of using profits from its first car - the sporty Roadster, which went on sale in 2008 - to fund the development of a wider range of vehicles, including lower-priced family cars. Tesla is meeting that goal. The company stopped making the $100,000 Roadster in 2012, the same year it debuted its $70,000 Model S sedan. Last year, it introduced the Model X SUV. And recently it began taking orders for the Model 3, a smaller sedan which will sell for $35,000. Tesla says the Model 3 will go on sale at the end of 2017. But there have been some stumbles. All three of Tesla's vehicles have launched after repeated delays, and there have been some early quality problems, like door handles that don't work. Tesla also recently announced that vehicle shipments didn't reach projected levels in the second quarter. The company now expects to deliver around 79,000 vehicles this year, lower than its earlier forecast of 80,000 to 90,000. Tesla delivered 50,580 vehicles last year. advertisement Musk didn't give a financial update in his plan. Palo Alto, California-based Tesla has never made a full-year profit in its 13-year history, and it lost $889 million last year. Musk has said he expects Tesla to make a profit in 2020, once the Model 3 is in full production. Also read: Tesla has no plans to disable autopilot feature: Report --- ENDS --- Hundreds of rabbis have come out in support for for the Religious-Zionist Rabbi Yigal Levinstein, the head of a distinguished IDF preparatory yeshiva found himself at the center of conrtoversy following comments labelling LGBT people perverts. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The Rabbis penned a letter which was published on Wednesday night stating: There is no place for legitimizing these phenomena or this behavior which celebrates a lifestyle contrary to human morality and the path of the Torah. The love toward every human being from Israel and the obligation to show respect to every person cannot be used as a reason to twist the religious truth or to cut corners regarding forbidden acts, the rabbis wrote. It is the duty of a rabbi in Israel to deal with all religious or moral matters in a clear fashion as teachers in Israel. In this vein, we reject the attempt to shut the mouths of rabbis in Israel, the letter continued. Rabbi Yigal Levinstein One of the people who initiated the petition said that he wanted to express his opposition for comments made by Bayit Yehudi Chairman Naftali Bennett who this week criticized Rabbi Levinstein and claimed that his remarks against the gay community did not represent religious Zionism. We find it difficult to understand how a politician - however talented - can take it on himself to exclude rabbis who have shaped religious Zionism for many years, who have educated thousands of students who have become role models. Three hundred rabbis across the country signed the declaration along with respected educators and heads of Yeshivas, Hebrew learning centers and IDF preparatory yeshivas. In light of the recent public discussions regarding the remarks of Rabbi Yaakov Ariel , Rabbi Yigal Levinstein and other rabbis, read the letter, we wish to express our support to every rabbi who expresses his rabinical opinion which stems from faith in the Torah, impartially and without apologies. Rabbi Yaakov Ariel The rabbis concluded their letter pledging that they will continue to express their religious opinion on every matter which demands it, without fear, in fulfillment of their public responsibilities, on behalf of the silent majority - religious and nonreligious. Despite the talk, Yedioth Ahronoth was informed that Rabbi Levinstein was invited on Thursday morning to speak with the chief of staff of the defense ministry, Maj. Gen. Udi Adam to clarify matters. The meeting is expected to take place in the Kiryah in Tel Aviv where Maj. Gen. Adam is likely to demand that Levinstein retract his comments. The defense ministry, together with the education ministry, finances the IDF preparatory Yeshiva. However, officials have claimed that even if Levinstein does not apologize, there are no legal grounds on which finances can be withheld. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman met Thursday with Army Radio commander Yaron Dekel over a show broadcast on the station this week that included the work of controversial Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish presented under the banner of "Israeli canon." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Lieberman lamented the fact that "someone who writes texts against Zionism, which are used to this very day as fuel for terror attacks against Israel, gets the honor of his creations being included by the station as part of texts that made it into Israel canon, alongside 'Jerusalem of Gold' and 'The Silver Platter.'" During their meeting, the defense minister told Dekel that "Mahmoud Darwish, who called in his poems for the (expulsion) of the Jewish people from the land of Israel cannot be a part of the foundational narrative of (Israeli society) as was displayed in the program broadcast on Army Radio." Army Radio commander Yaron Dekel (Phtoto: Alon Basson/Defense Ministry) According to a statement from his office, Lieberman told Dekel that the same logic used by the Army Radio editors to approve Darwish's work for discussion could be applied to add the legacy of Mufti Haj Amin al-Husseini to the Israeli narrative, or to discuss the literary merits of Adolf Hitler's book Mein Kampf on the air. Lieberman further said to Dekel that the government was not going to interfere with Army Radio's content, but that the point of having a military radio station in a democratic and complex society like Israel is to strengthen solidarity and not to deepen divides. Lieberman went on to say that there is a difference between freedom of speech and incitement, and that Dekel should emphasize that to the Army Radio staff. Dekel said during the meeting that he places importance on the protection of free speech, arguing that studying a text does not equate to agreeing with it. He added, however, that framing these texts as part of an Israeli narrative may be misconstrued. Defense Minister Lieberman (Photo: Gil Yohanan) During the show, broadcast on Monday night, host Kobi Meidan was discussing one of the Palestinian poet's more famous poems, "Identity Card," written in 1964. In the poem, Darwish describes the thoughts and feelings of an Arab standing at the checkpoint in front of a soldier. Among the verses of poem are the lines: "Write down! I am an Arab And my identity card number is fifty thousand I have eight children And the ninth will come after a summer Will you be angry?" "I do not hate people Nor do I encroach But if I become hungry The usurper's flesh will be my food Beware.. Beware.. Of my hunger And my anger!" Darwis was born in 1941 in a village in the western Galilee and then moved to Haifa. He later left the country and passed away in 2008 in Houston. He's buried in Ramallah. He is considered by many to be the Palestinians' national poet. Mahmoud Darwish (Photo: Atta Asiwat) Atyaeb Ranieb, an Arab journalist hosted on the show, explained that the poem "is an angry one, with a tone of rage towards the occupier, the enemy, the settler and the invader." Ranieb described the "destruction left by the occupation in urban centers like Haifa and Jaffa. At the time, (Arab) society was in shock, in post-trauma, and the option offered by Darwish was of a voice that wants to fight against the occupation." Despite a variety of political content featured on Army Radio over the years, Israel's defense ministers, including Lieberman's two most recent predecessors Moshe Ya'alon and Ehud Barak, mostly avoided interfering with the station's broadcasts. Meanwhile, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has informed Minister Lieberman that he cannot directly interfere with Army Radio's content. More than 200 French Jews arrived in Israel aboard a special Aliyah (immigration) flight organized by The Jewish Agency for Israel in partnership with the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption and Keren Hayesod-UIA on Wednesday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The new immigrants were greeted by Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel Natan Sharansky, Minister of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption Sofa Landver, Minister of the Interior Aryeh Machlouf Deri, and Chairman of Keren Hayesod-UIA Eliezer Sandberg upon their arrival at Ben-Gurion Airport. This is the largest Aliyah flight from France this summer. Half of the new immigrants were teenagers, children, and toddlers who will join the Israeli education system at the end of the summer vacation. The immigrants also include several families in which three generationsgrandparents, parents, and childrenmade Aliyah together. The majority of the immigrants will make their homes in Netanya, Raanana, Jerusalem, and Ashdod. The flight was planned months ago, without any connection to recent events in France. French Jews make Aliyah (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Julie Abutbul, who immigrated on the flight with her husband and five children, said "we always knew we wanted to make Aliyah, we just didn't know when." She was prompted to leave France because "we understood that our lives there aren't normal. The hardest part was to see the soldiers standing around outside of my childrens' school every day." Regarding integrating into Israeli society, she said "we understand that our absorption process will be difficult, but we hope and believe that here we will be able to have a different life, that we'll be able to find happiness here and start a new life for us and for our children here." Speaking at the event, Jewish Agency Chairman Sharansky praised the arrival of the French Jews who are coming not necessarily out of persecution, but of their love for Zionism and because they recognize that they are able to strengthen their Jewish identity in Israel. "We must do everything we can to ease their professional, educational, and personal integration into Israeli society and ensure that they feel at home from the moment they first set foot on our homelands soil. New immigrants from France (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Meanwhile, Minister of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption Sofa Landver touched upon the fact that this massive Aliyah flight occurred right after the terror attacks in Nice. She welcomed them, and praised them for coming to strengthen Israel and Israeli society. The French Jewish community is the largest in Europe and the third-largest in the world numbering just under half a million Jews. French Jewish immigration to Israel has surged since 2012 when only 1,900 people immigrated from France to the Jewish state. 2014 marked the first time in Israels history that over 1% of a Western nation's Jewish community made Aliyah in a single year, an achievement repeated in 2015, with the arrival of some 7,800 immigrants from France the most ever. In total, nearly 10% of the French Jewish community has immigrated to Israel since the year 2000, half in the past five years alone. In response to this unprecedented Aliyah from French Jews, The Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption have developed a special plan to facilitate Aliyah from France and ease French Jewish immigrants integration into Israeli society. The plan includes efforts to deepen young French Jews Jewish identity, bring them to experience Israel on a variety of programs, provide French Jews with comprehensive Aliyah information and counseling, remove barriers to employment, and increase the number of Jewish Agency representatives in France. WASHINGTONUS Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday urged members of a US-led coalition to increase information-sharing and get more creative in the fight against ISIS as the group seeks to boost recruitment by adopting new languages and moving into new areas. Kerry said the US-led coalition was making progress in fighting Islamic State, and the number of the group's fighters were estimated to be down by about one-third. A victory in liberating the northern city of Mosul from ISIS would mark "a critical turning point" in the fight, he said. But further efforts were needed, Kerry told about 30 defense and foreign ministers in Washington to discuss the effort. For instance, he said, it was critical to break down structural barriers to allow more sharing of information about threats. BAMAKO- Fighting broke out in a town in Mali's desert north on Thursday between pro-government militia fighters and Tuareg rebels, a town resident and a fighter said. "Everyone is hiding inside. We are hearing the sounds of gunfire. There's small arms and heavy weapons fire," one town resident told Reuters, asking not to be named out of fear of reprisals from the armed groups. MOMBASA- Police in Kenya's port city of Mombasa on Thursday shot and killed two men they said were wanted fighters belonging to the Somali al Shabaab group, a senior officer said. The two, who had been under surveillance for two months, were killed after police raided their hideout in Mishomoroni area, deputy area police chief Walter Abondo said. Another man escaped. "We have identified the dead suspects...and the two have been linked to terrorism activities in Malindi and Lamu," Abondo told reporters, referring to towns north of Mombasa that have witnessed attacks and heightened activity related to al Shabaab. Shira Banki was a 16 year old who was stabbed to death at last year's Jerusalem Pride march. Her father, Uri Banki, spoke at the concluding ceremony of this year's Jerusalem March for Pride and Tolerance. His full remarks follow: Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter A year has passed without Shira. A year of great personal pain, but also of public pain and shock that has not ended. One of despairing things that we heardmany timesafter the murder was that because Shira was not part of the LGBT communityprecisely because of this, the public shock was so large and the incident has not been forgotten by the public. How disturbing is that thought, that if somebody else had been murdered from the community, there was a significant risk that the incident would have become one internal to the community that would not have touched society at large, who would have felt, "To us, the straights, this wouldn't have happened." Shira Banki And lookit happened. In this case, the knife was blind: It hurt those present regardless of their sexual orientation. And lookit could happen to anyone. Radicalization and intolerance are blind to their victims. Moderation and tolerance are opening your eyes and looking at your fellow. Uri and Mika Banki, Shira's parents (Photo: Gil Yohanan) It's easy to condemn the murder and the murderer, and to our great happiness, most of the public from all parts of the population, all over the scale of religious faith, condemned the murder. But many deny or ignore the direct connection between impassioned, hateful discourse and arrogant and uncompromising confidence in one's own rightnessand the murder. Shira's parents (Photo: Gil Yohanan) History is full of people and societies who were so "right" that they didn't leave place for anybody else to speak up and trampled anyone who tried to speak or think differently. In hindsight, the mistakes and cruelties of every one of them who was so sure of themselves, are evident for all to see. When a person hears on the news that a girl has been murdered, that someone's child didn't go home, if he doesn't have a heart of stone, he's pained by it, but he's also relieved that disaster did not strike him, and he tries to repress the horror. The oh-so-natural human tendency to suppress an incident and forget about itthis is what brings the next incident. Sometimes it's a fight, sometimes it's an eruption of violence, and sometimes it's murder. Shira Banki This Sunday marks the beginning of the three-week period between the 17th of Tamuz and Tisha B'Av. The destruction of the Temple that we commemorate on Tisha B'Av is not just a religious event. It's a national event that has shaped the Jewish people, but many Jews don't know history or prefer to ignore its lessons. Jewish national existence in the Land of Israel ceased, and the Temple was destroyed, not only because of baseless hatred, but also, and possibly mainly, because of religious and political extremism that led to a bloody civil war inside the walls of Jerusalem and ultimately the destruction. The lesson that we have something to learn from the murder of Shira, and from the national destruction of 2,000 years ago, is that moderation is a virtue for all of usbecause extremism, no matter the kind, is a sure path to destruction. All of our silence against extremism and inflammation and allowing humiliating and violent public discourse, whether it comes from fear or whether it comes from indifference or alienation, damages our quality of life and sometimes even takes a life. Two days ago, a gay man was beaten in the streets, and people were silent because they weren't gay. Yesterday, an Ethiopian was humiliated at a club, but people averted their gazes because they weren't Ethiopian. Last week, they ripped a prayer book because the person holding it wasn't Jewish enough for the tearer, but people thought that it wasn't their business, because they don't pray and don't go to the Western Wall a lot. MC Gila Almagor (Photo: Gila Almagor) A few days ago, a woman stopped a girl of Bedouin origin from sitting down across from her on the train, but this didn't touch a lot of people, because they don't travel by train and also aren't Bedouin. Ultra-Orthodox girls of Mizrahi descent don't get into a school, elitist in its own estimation, but it's not most people's business; they're not ultra-Orthodox and they send their kids to learn somewhere else anyway. A week ago, a school principal stopped an Arab girl from entering her school to speak about coexistence, but it wasn't important to a lot of people because they aren't Arab. 'Love your neighbor as yourself' (Photo: Gil Yohanan) (Photo: Gil Yohanan) Last year, they murdered our daughter because she thought that everybody deserved to live their lives without being disgraced because of who they are. This time it was very much our business, but it was too late for us, and Shira will no longer see the change in reality and widespread moderation and the public discourse. A lot of people thought, and thinking to this day, that it's their business. Some of them are standing here with us, and some of them aren't here, each one for his own reasons , but they all think so, and we thank them and hang our hope on them. It's not too late for you. Don't let hatred, ignorance, and prejudice sweep you away. Get up and stand for your right to live in a tolerant and moderate society. Thank you. Brig. Gen Ofek Buchris will stand trial after being indicted for rape and indecent assault which he allegedly committed during his previous command in the military. An indictment was issued against him in a special military court on Thursday. Buchris also stands accused of inappropriate behavior. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The IDF Spokespersons Unit issued a statement on the matter saying, The individual is an extremely accomplished officer. The Military Advocate General has said that the decision was taken with a heavy heart. However, as part of a thorough investigation, evidence which seemed to corroborate that the officer carried out a number of serious sexual offences against a female junior soldier during her mandatory service, and against an officer when the two served together when he commanded the Golani brigade. The Military Advocate General therefore decided to issue the indictment. The decision was taken after the Military Advocate General heard the testimony of two reliable complainants over the course of several weeks who appeared to have no ulterior motive for filing a lawsuit. The court also heard Buchris's version of events. Brig. Gen. Buchris (Photo: Elad Gershgoren) The case gathered pace in March when Buchris was investigated on suspicion of a string of rape charges including of a soldier under his command five years ago in a country villa. He was also accused of sexual harassment of a female officer who claimed that she was harassed by Buchris when he commanded the Golani brigade. 'You took advantage of me' One of the female soldiers who was allegedly raped wrote him a letter about the incident and about how the incident has negatively impacted her life. This letter, written two years ago, is one of the central pieces of evidence in the trial against the former head of the Golani battalion. A copy of the letter was published on Israeli Channel 2. Buchris allegedly read the letter when the female soldier sent it and then destroyed it. "Its not by chance that the IDF outlawed officers sleeping with their subordinates," the letter read, "it comes from a need to protect the subordinates from a situation wherein a commander uses their power and status to obtain what they want, and where the subordinate feels that they must accede to their commander only because of the fact that they have the power to do so. I felt everything that happened occurred through a bizarre and twisted legitimacy. I now understand that at that time I didn't really understand what was happening and that I was blinded by your power and your authority." "Now, in retrospect," the letter continued, "after processing what happened, I understand that you took advantage of me. You took advantage of my loyalty, you took advantage of my naivete, of the fact that I wouldn't tell anyone what happened in those side rooms. You took advantage of your power and the knowledge that there isn't anyone who can tell you 'no', even if you gave them the option of doing so. I understand that everything that happened was an exploitation of your positionyour ability to put psychological pressure on me as your soldier. Needless to say, the trauma I went through following your sexual exploitation of me as your subordinate affected and hurt me a lot and in many ways. All of my trust in people was destroyedI can't trust anyone and the way I live my day to day life has been really affected. I told my parents and immediate family everything that happened." 'It never happened' Buchris is accused of raping three soldiers who were under his command and is accused of sodomizing one of them several times. The high ranking officer, who was supposed to become the head of the Operations Division, was also accused of indecent acts against a female major under his command. There are 17 pages of indictments against Buchris, two of which deal with him committing sexual offenses between 2010 and 2013. Brig. Gen. Ofek Buchris (Photo: Aviahu Shapiro) The acts allegedly occurred at his country home, in his offices on base, in his bureau, and even in his military provided car. One instance occurred in the house of one of the victims. After the publication of the Military Advocate General's decision on the filing of indictments, Buchris maintained his innocence, claming that "it never happened," when confronted outside of his house. "This is a battle for my life and I intend to win. We were astonished by the decision to indict me. No matter what happens, everything will be clarified in the courts. I'm sure that when the issue will reach the courts and the proceedings become public, everyone will see the truththe truth will come to light." A KC-10 Extender manned by a crew from the 70th Air Refueling Squadron departed Travis Air Force Base, California, July 11, 2016, and traveled across the Atlantic to escort three F-35A Lightning II models back to the United States. The fighters had just finished participating in the worlds largest airshow at Royal Air Force Station Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. The F-35s performed in a Heritage Flight and were displayed as static aircraft. Their arrival in Fairford marked the first transatlantic flight for the aircraft model. Because of its location on the West Coast, Travis AFB is usually regarded as the Gateway to the Pacific. A mission across the Atlantic provided new and unfamiliar challenges to the crew. The flight route across the North Atlantic Tracks, or NATS, was a new structure of flight routes for the pilots. NATS is like a highway in the sky, said 2nd Lt. Chris Riessen, 70th ARS copilot. There are planes coming from Europe, planes coming from America, and (NATS) makes sure no one collides. Throughout the mission, which spanned from England to Washington D.C. to Arizona, the KC-10 Extender provided 10 aerial refuelings to each fighter. In summation that is approximately 125,000 pounds of fuel supplied to the fighters from the KC-10, according to Tech. Sgt. James Whittaker, 70 ARS boom operator. Because the F-35As are built for stealth and speed, they carry a maximum fuel load of 18,000 pounds. This fuel capacity requires regular aerial refuelings from tankers to safely travel long distances. The A model, which is part of the Air Force fleet, requires a boom for refueling, whereas the Marine Corps B model and the Navys C model are refueled by a drogue. The KC-10 Extender is unique among other refueling platforms because it is capable of performing both types of refueling without modification. But fuel was not the only support capability the tanker provided for the fighters. Thirty thousand pounds of F-35 cargo and 5,000 pounds of F-35 crew support passengers were transported in the KC-10 as well. As far as getting all your gear, getting all your gas, and getting all your people in one spot, the KC-10 definitely does it best, Whittaker said. You name it, we do it. Riessen finds this dual role mission to be the unique force multiplying capability for the Extender. The dual role aspect is one thing our airplane can do that no other airplane can do, he said. The KC-135 can fuel fighters and take them across the ocean, but our aircraft can fuel fighters and take cargo. Thats something that separates us from other aircraft. Once the KC-10 departed Fairford, the aircraft underwent aerial refueling from both ends. After completing one set of aerial refuels for each fighter, the KC-10 took on 90,000 pounds of fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker. Every day, the flying crew chiefs are the first ones out to the jet, the last ones to leave, and are called upon to provide maintenance during the flight to keep the mission moving on time. Minutes before take off from Joint Base Andrews, Washington D.C. to Luke AFB, Arizona, the KC-10 experienced a hard no-fly maintenance issue. Fail lights indicated that the EHSI (Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicators) were not working properly. EHSI is a digital platform essential for determining critical flight positioning information. We were able to make sure the KC-10 was able to complete the mission and stay on schedule by resetting the circuit breakers and fixing the (EHSI) problem, said Senior Airman Nicholas Porter, 749th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. While the flight marked the return of the first F-35A transatlantic mission, it was a flight of firsts for many of the aircrew as well. Porter had never been on an Air Force mission to England. Riessen attained his title of copilot just hours before the mission started. First Lt. Justin Greenway, 70 ARS pilot, refueled F-35s for the first time in his career. Additionally, this mission was his qualifying flight for the role of aircraft commander. There are 59 KC-10s left in the Air Force fleet; one-third of the fleet is at a deployed location at any given time, and the aircraft is expected to be phased out in the next 10 years. These limiting factors make every flight in the Extender a significant one for Greenway. Every time I fly in this airplane, I pinch myself because I cant believe Im flying a legacy, former wide-body airliner, and Im refueling jets that are 15 feet from me, he said. Im also on the receiving end, taking gas from aircraft that are 15 feet from me. To do that successfully is very rewarding. After dropping off the F-35As at their home station at Luke AFB, the KC-10 and crew returned to Travis AFB, mission complete. Former 919 SOW commander dies The 919th Special Operations Wing mourns the passing of one of its former commanders -- Brig. Gen. Mark Stogsdill. Stogsdill passed away July 19, 2016 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. Stogsdill assumed command of the 919th SOW in 1998 during a period of significant change in the unit's history. The wing had recently converted from the AC-130A Spectre gunship to the MC-130E Combat Talon and MC-130P Combat Shadow. He was a pioneer in what is now known as Total Force Integration as he spearheaded the association between Air Force Special Operations Command's 5th Special Operations Squadron and 9th SOS at Eglin Air Force Base and the Air Force Reserve Command's 711th SOS and 8th SOS at Duke Field. These associations involved moving Reservists to Eglin and active duty members to Duke Field in order to create efficiencies and synergies across these low-density, high-demand assets. "General Stogsdill's leadership helped shape the 919 SOW into the successful organization it is today," said Col. James Phillips, 919th SOW commander. "From the early associations with the active duty squadrons through the combat deployments after 9/11, he enabled our Citizen Air Commandos to directly contribute to the global mission of United States Special Operations Command and meet our nation's strategic objectives." Stogsdill faced further challenges following the 9/11 attacks as the 919th SOW was mobilized and deployed overseas. For two years, he led the unit through numerous combat deployments where the wing proved tremendously successful in its missions and became one of the most highly decorated wings in the Air Force Reserve. He earned his commission in 1969 through Officer Training School at Lackland AFB, Texas. He completed Undergraduate Navigator Training the following year at Mather AFB, California. After six years on active duty, Stogsdill joined the Air Force Reserve in 1975. He was a master navigator with more than 6,500 flying hours including 450 combat hours flown in AC-130 Spectre gunships during the Southeast Asia conflict. His last assignment came in 2004 when he was selected to serve as the commander of the 94th Airlift Wing at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, after successfully completing his command tour at Duke Field. Stogsdill retired from military service two years later and returned to Northwest Florida where he remained active in the local community. He served as a member of both the Crestview Military Affairs Council and the Emerald Coast Military Affairs Council, as well as supporting our veterans and military families as a board member of the Fisher House. "Over the last few years, General Stogsdill came by my office on a regular basis to see how the wing was doing," said Phillips. "The main purpose of these visits was to see what we needed and what he or the organizations that he represented could do for the men and women of the 919th SOW. Although he had been retired for many years, he still cared deeply about this unit and worked hard to ensure the 919th's mission was understood and valued by residents throughout the Emerald Coast." This selfless service made an indelible impression on Phillips and many others who served with Stogsdill. "General Stogsdill truly epitomized the Air Force core value of Service Before Self," said Phillips. "Without question, the Northwest Florida community has lost an outstanding leader and the 919th SOW has lost a great friend." For Lt. Col. Thomas Miller, the 919th SOW Chief of Plans and Programs, a standout example of Stogsdills leadership came on 9/11. The wing had just completed what he described as a grueling eight months of formal inspections and a major deployment to the Middle East. The wings leadership was gathered in the command post, reviewing the lessons learned from those experiences, Miller recalled. Mid-way through the meeting, we looked up at a television and saw the second aircraft hit the World Trade Center. At that point, General Stogsdill took a deep breath, pushed aside all the paperwork and told everyone that our lives and future had just taken a huge change. He immediately led the wing through preparations for mobilization in support of the upcoming battle, Miller continued. Within a few days, we started mobilizing and deploying our people to the Middle East to begin our nation's Global War on Terrorism. His inspirational leadership during that trying time was key to our successes. We have lost a great leader and true friend, and he will be dearly missed. My sole motivation behind letting myself into that abominable prison house called school was the little white stick that my mother allowed me to grab and lick after the classes were over. I used to look with wishful eyes the attractive white box of ice cream walla who also had other varieties-the red tangy one that came in twenty five paisa, the slightly yellow one that came in fifty paisa and the expensive white creamy one that came in full one rupee. My mother had warned me against eating the orange one as she said it contained worms that came out if you sprinkled salt on it! So my childhood remained deprived of that one single taste that so often contented the appetite of my not-so-affluent friends.

When I went to college I read about globalisation, about the invasion of markets by foreign goods and of absolute wiping out of the local economy by organized production houses. But I could not understand these things till one day while crossing from near my school my eyes failed to spot that old ice cream walla whose presence had become such an inseparable part of the entire set up. It came as a rude shock to me that his place was now taken by three four colourful wheeled vans endorsing attractive logos and pictures of branded ice cream.

That changes are always for better or worse is like putting an emotion into plain black and white. I may have in my own personal way some attachment with the white stick ice cream or with the more expensive soapy, frothy softie of my school days but the accessibility, taste and variety that the present day ice cream industry is offering is no doubt incomparable.

Who would have thought barely a decade ago of eating ice creams made of real fresh fruits- a la Gelato Vittorio or a cool creamy liquid fried in hot boiling oil or what is called today the fried ice cream.

In India the ice cream industry took sometimes to catch the global cue because the country has an indigenous rich and well developed dessert market. What ice cream would stand in competition against Indian sweets? But no you cant say so just because you are born in the land of Kulfi. You will have the authority only when you taste Baked Alaska (an ice-cream sponge cake dish topped with meringue), Arctic roll (British dessert made of vanilla and flour), Adzuki (Japanese red bean ice cream) and Dondruma( a Turkish ice made of salep and mastic resin).

We Indians who generally go gaga over a handful of varieties that Baskin Robbins offers are unaware of the fact that the company actually makes 1000 flavours! What we get in India generally as branded ice cream is nothing but milk and corn flour seasoned with a few chemicals and packed in attractive cones, cups and cornettos. Our knowledge of Ice cream is so poor that we do not even know what cornetto is! Most of us think it is the name of an ice cream that Kwality offers. Update your dictionary- it is actually the registered name of an improved variety of waffle cone that does not become soggy and that was invented and patented by an Italian firm called Spica in 1960!

The world offers so much in shape of that delicate, cool, tender delight called ice cream that I being a lover of it feel choked with emotion at my own minisculeness and misfortune of not having tasted even a fraction of that tremendous, rich and inexhaustible treasure. What is thy life O mortal, my heart cries out, if thou hast not known the glories of the Australian Giant Sandwich Monster, the Manoco Bar, the Irish Scottish Sliders, the Argentine Helado, the Greek Kimaki and the Japanese Macha!

Sometimes I wonder whether there is an intricate connection between the survival of a race and its appetite for ice cream! Otherwise why would the Greeks, the Romans, the Chinese and the Persians survive the ravages of time and the Glorious Harappan civilization fade into oblivion? And let us be pragmatic and not blame some harmless ecology or innocent river for their decline. The reason I am sure was hidden in their food habits-they having failed to secure the divine blessings of the Gods. Yes, thats precisely what the ancient Greeks called ice cream! Imagine what foodies they must have been that nearly 4000 years ago they got for themselves ice houses constructed at the banks of Euphrates and as early as 5th century BC they began its marketing by selling ice cones mixed with fruit and honey. A honey flavoured cornetto.!

Roman emperor Nero (62 AD) was fond of fruit ice cream and hence sent his servants to fetch ice from mountains! The Falooda that we eat today is actually a Persian dish Faloodeh made from starch and has its origin around 400BC. The Chinese who claim to be the pioneers in almost everything -be it the first currency notes, the first stint with silk or the first to flood the markets of neighbours with cheap plastic goods-were not far behind in making ice cream too. They are credited to have invented a device that made quick ice using salt peter (no, it was not imported from Bihar, China had enough of it).

The unfortunate Charles I whom the world knows as an autocrat, a despot, a tyrant, an enemy of democracy and parliament was also a lover of ice cream! It is said that he made his chef keep the formula a secret so that it remained a royal prerogative.

Our great Mughals, we should not forget were the die hard lovers of food and all that is rich and luxurious in the modern Indian cuisine has a Mughal origin. So they too loved ice cream and they too enjoyed it in royal feasts and ceremonies. When they could get choicest fruits from Farghana and Samarquand and the best wines from Persia, why couldnt they send relays of horsemen to bring ice from Hindukush for their aromatic fruit sherbets?

But were sending horsemen to run and fetch ice or storing ice in underground icehouses near rivers, the only way of making ice creams in those days? Sadly, yes. And thats why the common man remained deprived of and unknown to its delectable taste. But lets thank Nancy Johnson of Philadelphia who first got the patent for a small hand run ice cream freezer. Gradually with the coming of electricity there also came a revolution in ice cream making. Thereafter Giant corporates like Howard Johnson, Dairy Queen, Baskin Robbins, Gelato Vittorio, Ben and Jerrys, Haagen Dazs and Carvel changed the concept of ice cream in the world. Soft serves, Sundaes and super premiums began to be offered by shops next door.

Thanks to globalisation, the world has really become a small place to live in. Today I can access any ice cream from the world over in my local confectionary shop. but among the confused tastes of multitudinous flavours I some how always try to find that one singular taste of the white stick ice-cream which trickled through my fingers and ran into my nursery uniformspoiling it but leaving an imprint on my memory which has failed to faint in all these years. Cleveland: Donald Trump has termed as an "innocent mistake" the plagiarism surrounding his wife Melania's speech at the Republican national convention as the party's presidential nominee rejected the resignation by the speechwriter. Meredith McIver, an in-house Trump staff speechwriter, had apologised for the plagiarism in the first address by Melania to the party members here in a bid to project the real estate tycoon and reality TV star as a serious-minded family man and unite the still divided opinion within the party. Melania's speech on Tuesday was initially widely appreciated before the lifting of sentences verbatim from a 2008 speech First Lady Michelle Obama made at a Democratic national convention came to light, triggering an embarrassing plagiarism row. "I offered my resignation to Trump and the Trump family, but they rejected it. Trump told me that people make innocent mistakes and that we learn and grow from these experiences," McIver said. "I personally admire the way Trump has handled this situation and I am grateful for his understanding," she said in a statement issued by the Trump Campaign in the first sign of acknowledgment of similarities between the speeches as more than just coincidence. McIver, who identified herself as a staff writer at the Trump Organisation and not a campaign employee, said: "In working with Melania Trump on her recent First Lady speech, we discussed many people who inspired her and messages she wants to share with the American people." She added that Melania had "always liked Michelle Obama" and "over the phone, she read some passages from Michelle's speech as examples" of what she wanted to tell the convention. "I wrote them down and later included some of the phrasings in the draft that ultimately became the final speech. I did not check Mrs Obama's speeches. This was my mistake, and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused. No harm was meant," McIver said. "I apologise for the confusion and hysteria my mistake has caused, Today. More than ever, I am honoured to work for such a great family," she said. Bellefontaine Neighbors: A 13-year-old suburban St Louis girl suspected of shooting and critically wounding a couple in their 70s at the beauty shop where they work surrendered to police and was being questioned. The shooting happened Tuesday afternoon at King's Beauty Supply in Bellefontaine Neighbors. According to Bellefontaine Neighbors police, the couple caught the girl and a friend trying to shoplift on Tuesday and kicked them out of the store. They recovered the items believed to hair extensions and didn't report the incident. The girls returned later that day, though, and the couple called police, who found the girls in an adjacent parking lot. Officers detained one of the girls on a previous juvenile warrant and released the other, with the couple's approval, police said. The girl who was released is suspected of returning later and shooting the couple. Police said a witness saw her enter the store and then emerge a short time later, running out with a revolver in her hand. Police searched for the girl after the shooting, but their dogs lost her scent in a wooded area between the store and a residential area. Officers warned that she was considered armed and dangerous, despite her young age, before her surrender. The teen, accompanied by family, surrendered at the police station late last morning, police Chief Jeremy Ihler said. "I'm speechless that it was a 13-year-old girl with a handgun," Ihler said. Authorities haven't released the names of the victims. They are the parents of the store's owner and often work there even though they speak Korean and their English isn't great, authorities said. "They're very forgiving people," Ihler said. "The phrase, 'No good deed goes unpunished' fits right here." Washington: In a case of alleged discrimination in the US, a 40-year-old Muslim man was removed from a plane after a flight attendant publicly announced his name, seat number and said she would be watching him. The matter came to light on Wednesday when the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) complained to transport authorities that Mohamed Ahmed Radwan was removed from the American Airlines Flight last December because of his "identifiably Arabic and Muslim name." According to federal law, airlines are prohibited from discriminating against passengers based on religion, ancestry and national origin, among other criteria. CAIR sent a letter to the Department of Transportation (DOT) on Wednesday urging an investigation and also called for a thorough examination into prevailing practices of major airlines, The Charlotte Observer reported. In addition, CAIR said the DOT should develop policy guidelines on objective factors to be looked at while deciding to remove a passenger from a plane. Radwan, a chemical engineer, said he was flying from Charlotte to Detroit on December 6, 2015, on American Airlines Flight 1821. As he was taking his allotted seat, Radwan said, a female flight attendant loudly announced, "Mohamed Ahmed, Seat 25-A, I will be watching you." After a minute, she repeated, "Mohamed Ahmed, that is a very long name, Seat 25-A, I will be watching you." Then a third time, according to Radwan, she said, "25-A: you will be watched." "I was in total shock. I've been flying for over 30 years, and I've never heard something like that," he said. The flight attendant did not make such a statement about any other passenger, Radwan said. When he asked about her statements, the attendant said she was going to monitor everyone. When asked why she singled him out, the attendant accused him of being "too sensitive" and walked away, he said. After a couple of American Airlines employees talked to him, he was told the attendant felt "uncomfortable" and he was escorted off the flight. "I felt too unsafe to fly with American again," he said. Radwan instead booked a much later flight, which cost him about USD 1,500 and interfered with his travel plans. Worse than the inconvenience was the humiliation of being treated like a terrorist, Radwan said. "I've been a US citizen for 13 years, but at that moment I felt my sense of being American taken from me," he said. In April, a Muslim woman was removed from a Southwest Airlines plane at a Chicago airport after she had asked to switch seats as she was told she had made the flight attendant "uncomfortable". A Muslim family of five were also escorted off a United Airlines flight in March for "how they looked". Cleveland: Police fired pepper spray at a surging crowd and detained several demonstrators after skirmishes broke out over a flag-burning protest in the streets outside the Republican National Convention. It was the most turbulent protest since the four-day convention began on Monday. The chaos prevented members of the media and others from getting into the Quicken Loans Arena for the evening's proceedings. At least four people were detained yesterday, and one police officer was bleeding from his elbow. Officers, some wearing riot helmets, yelled at the crowd to move back as the flag-burning group locked arms. Police Chief Calvin Williams was one of several officers in the middle of the crowd, trying to keep order. Police used their horses to create a path to a van for people being detained. Earlier, blocks away from the arena, a right-wing religious group lifted a banner reading "Jesus is angry with you sinners," while kissing lesbians mocked their message, helping turn Cleveland's Public Square into part-carnival, part-debate floor. The expansive square was a free-flowing mix of ideas and beliefs along with colorful characters pounding on bongos and wailing on a sousaphone. The day's demonstrations started with a few dozen people holding banners printed with a red-brick design and forming a human wall to mock Donald Trump's plan to seal off the Mexican border. "We want to wall off the hate of Trump," said Tim Chavez, of Columbus. A half-dozen Trump supporters defended the GOP nominee from attacks by immigration activists. Police officers used bicycles and their bodies to separate those with opposing views. Jesse Gonzalez, of Lakewood, a Cleveland suburb, carried a rifle on Public Square while wearing a camouflage-style "Make America Great Again" hat. "I'm out here to illustrate that not all gun owners, if any or very few, are irresponsible or uneducated," he said. The city's police chief said he spent three hours Tuesday evening riding with bicycle officers on patrol and that he waded into one confrontation because he's "still a police officer." District of Columbia: An unarmed black man trying to help a patient with autism was shot and wounded by Florida police while lying on the ground with his arms raised in the air and pleading with officers to hold their fire. Charles Kinsey was wounded in the leg in the incident Monday in Miami, which came as he was trying to help a disoriented autistic man who had wandered away from a group home where Kinsey works as a therapist. Police said they were responding to an emergency call about a man with a gun walking around and threatening suicide. Cell phone footage shows Kinsey on the ground with his arms in the air, with the heavy-set young autistic man sitting on the ground nearby playing with a small white toy. In the video, Kinsey can be heard shouting to police: "All he has is a toy truck. A toy truck. I am a behavioral therapist at a group home." He was shot anyway. The video ends before that. Kinsey was not seriously hurt. The incident illustrates the edgy mood of US police and the nation in general after the police ambush in Dallas that left five officers dead and another similar incident Sunday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that killed three. Kinsey, 47, told Florida TV station WSVN-Channel 7 that as he lay on the ground he told police that he was unarmed. "I am asking the officer, I said, `sir, please don`t shoot me. Please, do not shoot me.`" Kinsey added: "It was like a mosquito bite, and when it hit me, I`m like, `I still got my hands in the air, and I said, `No I just got shot! And I`m saying, `Sir, why did you shoot me?` and his words to me, he said, `I don`t know.`" The officer who opened fire has been placed on administrative leave for at least a week, the Miami Herald reported. The investigation has been turned over to the Miami-Dade state attorney`s office, it added. New Delhi: In wake of the protests being staged across the nation by the BSP workers to vent their ire against Dayashankar Singh`s slur on former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati, Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said the BJP has already taken action against the defaulter, adding that this episode is being unnecessary hyped for political gains. Naidu said the Opposition parties, especially the BSP, are taking undue advantage of this issue to malign the BJP`s image in the state going for polls next year as they are aware about the fact that the saffron outfit would give them a tough competition. "The issue has ended; we have taken action against him (Dayashankar). The moment our leader made that statement, Arun Jaitley ji in the House (Rajya Sabha) expressed regret. We first expelled him from the post and then suspended him from the party," said Naidu. "Now, if the parties want to protest what can we do? The thing is that the BJP is flourishing and the other parties are not able to digest it, and are doing it for political gains," he added.Naidu further said the BSP is scared of the BJP as its image in Uttar Pradesh is improving. "And we are a tough competitor for the BSP and this why the BSP is protesting against us to malign our image in the state. But we do not care because I believe the people of the state will make an impression about us on the basis of our work," he added.Enraged with Dayashankar`s derogatory remark against Mayawati, the BSP workers are staging a protest across the country, demanding the arrest of suspended BJP state vice-president. The protests are being held at the Jantar Mantar in Delhi, the Hazratganj area in Lucknow, Chandigarh and several other cities of the country where the BSP has a strong political backing.The BJP yesterday expelled Dayashankar Singh from the party for six years.Finance Minister Arun Jaitley yesterday expressed `personal regret` in Parliament over Singh`s remark. "It is not right and I condemn the use of this word. And if a person has said this, we will investigate. I express personal regret. I associate with your dignity and stand with you," Jaitley told Mayawati in the Rajya Sabha.The BSP chief on her part thanked Jaitley and other leaders in the Rajya Sabha for supporting her on this matter. "There are war of thoughts and ideas in the House, but never have I used derogatory words against anyone ever," Mayawati said."Dayashankar Singh should be arrested otherwise if in response to this the people get violent, it will not be on my conscience," she added. Guwahati: Noisy scenes were witnessed in the Assam Assembly for the second day in a row over the Special Category Status issue as the opposition Congress staged a brief walkout alleging partiality by the Speaker over allowing a discussion on the matter. During Zero Hour, Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass asked state Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to give a statement on media reports that the Special Category Status state tag has been withdrawn from Assam. Congress MLA Rakibul Hussain objected to it, saying he was not allowed to raise the issue as Point of Order during Zero Hour yesterday. "You (Speaker) did not allow us to raise the issue and asked us to bring it through a device. We have not raised the issue yet. How can a Minister answer it?" he asked. He was joined by other Congress MLAs, who were confronted by ruling party members, leading to a noisy scene. "The House is not running on any rule. It is being run on your (Speaker) own wish and interest. In protest, we decide to leave the House," Hussain said before walking out with all Congress MLAs. In the absence of the Congress members, Sarma gave his reply by saying that only the nomenclature for the spacial treatment to Assam has been changed. "Earlier, the nomenclature was Special Category Status State and now it has been renamed as North East and Hill States. We continue to get special assistance as recommended by the 14th Finance Commission," he added. The minister also said Assam continues to get fund in 90:10 and 80:20 pattern for many Centrally-sponsored schemes along with 100 per cent assistance in some.Mentioning the schemes, Sarma said: "If you need the detail of funds received under the schemes, I will give that in the House on Monday. "As I said earlier, I reiterate my statement that Assam got Rs 5,000 crore more during 2015-16 compared to 2014-15 from the Centre. Assam continues to get the benefits of the Special Category Status state," he said. As soon as Sarma finished his statement, Congress returned to the House to join the rest of the business of the day. Yesterday, Congress had demanded a clarification from Assam government over continuation of Special Category status to the state following reports of Centre withdrawing the benefit. Hussain had raised the issue as Point of Order after the Question Hour in the Assembly by showing a local news paper report quoting Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley that Centre withdrew the benefit from Assam and North East as a whole. However, the Speaker refused a discussion and asked the opposition to bring the issue through a proper device. On Tuesday, in reply to a query from Congress MLA Ajanta Neog, Sarma had said the state continues to enjoy the Special Category Status tag even after the NDA government came to power at the Centre in 2014. During the last two years, the Centre released Rs 58,016.42 crore to the state since 2014-15 financial year, he had informed the House. New Delhi: BJP and Congress on Thursday joined hands to demand derecognition of Aam Aadmi Party by the Election Commission over using the image of the Golden Temple on its youth manifesto and the recent case of suicide of by its woman activist over an alleged case of sexual exploitation. Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi referred to the suicide case in Delhi and said the case filed earlier by the victim relating to outraging of modesty by an AAP activist should now be treated as abetment to suicide and action taken against top AAP leaders including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. She also demanded derecognition of AAP by the EC. A similar demand was made by Congress MPs Ravneet Singh Bittu and Santok Singh Chaudhary. Chaudhary alleged that an AAP legislator has been named in a case of alleged desecration of Koran, while Bittu claimed that using the picture of the Golden Temple on its youth manifesto had hurt the feelings of Sikhs in Punjab. Both also sought derecognition of AAP. The issue of BJP leader Dayashankar Singh, now expelled from the party, using inappropriate words against BSP supremo Mayawati was raised by Congress chief whip Jyotiraditya Scindia. Maintaining that atrocities against dalits across the country were growing, he said the use of derogatory words against Mayawati showed that despite government claims of following Dr Ambedkar, "the BJP wants a Dalit Mukt Bharat." Several Congress MPs also associated with Scindia. Intervening in the matter, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the party has taken action against the BJP leader and also condemned the incident in strongest words. The Congress members, however, insisted on the BJP taking police action against Singh, to which Kumar said it was upon the state government to do so. BJP members also raised the issue of suicide by two Dy SPs in Karnataka due to alleged pressure from the ministers. Former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa said the Karnataka government did not want honest officers and demanded a CBI inquiry into the matter. Ashwini Kumar Choubey (BJP) claimed anti-national slogans were raised at a rally in Patna which supported controversial preacher Zakir Naik and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi. TDP MPs raised the issue of granting special status to Andhra Pradesh, as the state had lost out revenue to Telangana due to its bifurcation. RJD MP Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav also made a similar demand for Bihar. P Karunkaran (CPI-M) demanded withdrawal of 100 per cent FDI in the defence sector. Ahmedabad: Ahead of his visit to Una to meet Dalits who were thrashed brutally for skinning a dead cow, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday exhorted all community members to unite in the fight against Gujarat BJP's oppressive regime. In a video message released by party spokesperson Ashutosh at a press conference here today, the Delhi Chief Minister asked Dalit youths to not attempt suicide, responding to the news of more than a dozen and half protesting Dalit members attempting suicide in different places in the state over the Una incident. Kejriwal is scheduled to visit Una tomorrow. "In Gujarat, some youths of Dalit community were beaten up so severely that it has shaken people's conscience. Those who saw the video are raising questions over it. And we saw how at different places in Gujarat, Dalit community members tried to commit suicide," he said. "And this is not happening only with the Dalit community. It appears government here is trying to suppress other community members also," Kejriwal said. Dalit community members have been protesting the brutal assault on some community members on July 11 for allegedly skinning a cow at Una in Gir-Somnath district. In the message, Kejriwal added that protesting members should maintain peace and Dalit youths should not attempt suicide. "Why should you commit suicide ?" he asked Dalit youths, adding: "We will fight, we will win, then why kill yourself ? If we all come together, then unity is strength. All community members should come together. We will win. The entire country is with you," he said in a two minute-40 second second video message played at the press conference. Watch the video here: New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday demanded the Election Commission's intervention to derecognise the Aam Aadmi Party after the suicide by an AAP woman worker who had claimed sexual harassment by a party colleague. AAP worker Soni committed suicide after the party member she accused of sexually harassing her was released on bail. Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha during Zero Hour, BJP member Meenakshi Lekhi said the case of alleged outraging of modesty of the AAP worker should now be treated as one pertaining to abetment to suicide. "A case of abetment to suicide should be made out against accused AAP activists, the MLA concerned and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal," Lekhi told the house. "This was not merely a case of sexual harassment but an example of how a structure is being created in a political party where women are being exploited," she said. Demanding the AAP's derecognition, she said the Election Commission should look into the matter. Another BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri attacked the AAP, saying the incident had exposed the anti-women character of the party. Soni, who resided in outer Delhi's Narela area with her two daughters and other family members, had filed a police complaint on June 2 about party colleague Ramesh Wadhwa for harassing her. The case was registered under Sections 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code, police said. New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry on Thursday countered the Arvind Kejriwal government's "campaign" that required bureaucrats were not provided to it, saying 86 officers at the senior level were provided to the city administration against the sanctioned strength of 83. Out of the 309 sanctioned strength of Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS) officers for Delhi government, 83 are at the senior level and 226 are at the junior level. Against the sanctioned strength of 83 DANICS officers in senior level, the Delhi government has been given 86 officers -- three officers in excess, a Home Ministry officer said. Out of the 226 junior level posts of DANICS officers in Delhi, currently, 82 officers are serving, resulting in 144 vacancies. These vacancies are due to non-recruitment of a sufficient number of officers through civil services examination between 2001-2010 and non-induction of officers from feeder cadre to DANICS. As many as 35 vacancies in junior level are on account of non-induction from feeder cadre i.E., Delhi Administrative Subordinate Services (DASS) to DANICS for which the Delhi government allegedly has not sent proper proposals since 2013, the official said. The Home Ministry official claimed that the Delhi government has been reminded regularly to send its proposal complete in all aspects but of no avail. At present, 44 officers recruited through UPSC are undergoing training and they will be available for posting after completing training. "We are forced to issue the clarification as there has been a campaign, which is completely incorrect, against the Home Ministry," the official said. The Delhi government has recently issued several advertisements in newspapers that the central government has not provided adequate officers to Delhi government thus hampering the work. The Home Ministry is the cadre controlling authority of DANICS, DANIPS (Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police Service) and IAS and IPS officers belonging to AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories) cadre. Countering the claim that more bureaucrats were given to the Andaman and Nicobar Island administration than the required, the Home Ministry official said sanctioned strength of DANICS officers in Andaman is 28 but 19 officers are currently serving there, resulting in 9 vacancies. Six posts of DANICS officers at the senior level have been lying vacant in Andaman for more than one-and-half year. Due to the shortage of officers at senior level, the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Island administration has requested the Home Ministry for proving required officers. Accordingly, to meet the requirement of Andaman administration eight DANICS officers, five of whom in senior level, have been transferred from Delhi government to Andaman. "To say that there are more than required number of officers in Andamans is factually incorrect," the officer said. Besides, five DANICS officers have been transferred from outlying areas to Delhi government. Four other DANICS officers are awaiting posting by the Delhi government. "When there is a shortage as claimed in the advertisement, it is not understood as to why the services of these four officers are not utilised," the Home Ministry officer said. Further, out of the 86 DANICS officers, the Delhi government has sent 30 officers on deputation to various organisations. "It is not understood as to how 30 officers have been spared by the Delhi government for deputation if indeed there was an acute shortage of officers as stated in the advertisement," the official said. New Delhi: The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the call letter or admit card for its probationary officers (PO) main examination on the official website. Candidates who have qualified the preliminary examination and have been selected to appear for Main examination can download their admit cards from the state-run banks official website, i.e. sbi.co.in The bank had conducted the prelims exam earlier and declared the results recently. Following are the steps to download the call letters: Go to the official website of SBI - sbi.co.in Click on 'careers'. On the 'Current openings' page, go to tab 'Recruitment of Probationary Officers in State Bank of India'. You will find 'Call Letter download for Main Examination'. Click on it. Enter the required details such as registration no, roll no and password, date of birth etc. and press submit. The call letter will be displayed on the screen. Save the admit card and take its print out for further reference. The PO main examination will be held on July 31. Admit cards for the examination will be available from July 20-July 31, 2016. We will keep you updated. Stay tuned. Berlin: Britain will maintain close economic relations with Germany despite its intention to exit the European Union (EU), Britain's new Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday during her visit to Germany. "Of course, our relations will change, but economic relations will remain close," Xinhua quoted May as saying. Political developments in Turkey, the refugee issue and Brexit were discussed during May's visit with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It was the former's first trip abroad after her appointment a week ago. Merkel, during the meeting, stressed Germany's close partnership with Britain, adding Germany would represent its own interests in upcoming Brexit negotiations, Merkel added. However, the process could go on in a "friendly atmosphere and on the basis of many common convictions," said Merkel. Merkel reiterated that negotiations could only start after a formal request from London. "It is a matter of common concern when Britain applies the exit with a very well-defined negotiating position," she said. May said it would be "part of discussions" in the coming negotiations, whether the British should remain part of the free-trade area without free movement of EU citizens. London: A British nuclear submarine docked in Gibraltar on Wednesday after it collided with a merchant vessel off the coast of the territory located on Spain`s southern tip, Britain`s defence ministry said. "The submarine suffered some external damage but there is absolutely no damage to her nuclear plant and no member of the ship`s company was injured in the incident," the ministry said in a statement. "We are in contact with the merchant vessel and initial indications are that it has not sustained damage," it added. The HMS Ambush submarine was submerged and carrying out a training exercise when it collided with the merchant vessel on Wednesday afternoon. It arrived in Gibraltar later the same day to undergo further checks, the ministry said. The HMS Ambush has the capacity to carry a mix of up to 38 Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes and Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, and can target enemy submarines, surface ships and land targets with pinpoint accuracy, according to the defence ministry`s website. The submarine is a regular visitor to Gibraltar, having stopped in the territory last month and in March. The defence ministry said there "are no safety concerns" associated with the presence of the HMS Ambush in Gibraltar, and that it has opened an "immediate investigation" into the collision. In 2010 a British nuclear submarine, the HMS Tireless, docked in Gibraltar for repairs for nearly a year after a crack was found in a cooling pipe near its nuclear reactor, sparking fears that it could leak and contaminate the environment. People in Gibraltar and in southern Spain staged regular protests against the HMS Tireless and it has been the subject of a high-profile direct action campaign by the environmental organisation Greenpeace. Spain`s prime minister at the time, Jose Maria Aznar, was criticised at home for not insisting that the submarine be moved back to Britain for repair. The captain of the HMS Tireless at the time, Mike Walker, assumed the post of Commander of British Forces in Gibraltar last week. Britain`s defence ministry did not provide details of the damage done to the HMS Ambush, saying only that "this is not a similar situation to the HMS Tireless". Paris: French President Francois Hollande told Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas in Paris on Thursday that his country is committed to leading international efforts to help secure peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Hollande confirmed "France`s commitment to building on the momentum created" on June 3, when Paris hosted senior diplomats to work towards organising an international conference to reboot talks by the end of the year. The French leader "expressed his concern over the the fragile situation in the Middle East and escalating violence", a statement from the presidency said. "While the latest report from the Quartet shows the two-state solution is under threat by continued settlement-building, there is an urgent need to recreate a political perspective," Hollande added. The diplomatic Quartet -- the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia -- earlier this month warned that Israel`s settlement expansion and confiscation of Palestinian land were eroding the possibility of a two-state peace settlement. The Quartet also called on Palestinians to halt attacks and incitement to violence. "France will spare no effort to mobilise the international community into reviving the peace process," he said. Peace talks have been at a complete standstill since a US-led initiative collapsed in April 2014. Panaji: Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal will again visit Goa in the first week of August during which he is expected to meet a cross section of society including farmers. "Kejriwal will be in Goa during the first week of August. This would be his third visit to the state," Goa AAP spokesperson Rupesh Shinkre said today. During the visit, Kejriwal is expected to meet women's groups, people affected with the iron ore mining activity, farmers and agriculturists, he said. "We might also arrange one more interaction with the youth during his Goa visit. The modalities are being finalised," Shinkre said. AAP has announced that they will contest all the 40 seats in the Goa Assembly elections next year. Kejriwal had addressed a public rally in Goa on May 23 this year, during which he criticised both BJP and Congress and accused them of being hand in glove with each other. During his second visit on June 28, he had interacted with fishermen, representatives of small and medium hotels and the youth. Ahmedabad: A fact-finding team which visited Gujarat's Una town in connection with the brutal assault of Dalits, has claimed to have found a new trend among 'cow vigilantes' to show bravado by making a particular Dalit community as their "soft target". The incident of beating up of seven Dalit youths in Mota Samadhilya village of Gir-Somnath district last week has triggered large scale protests across the state. The protests worsened yesterday as seven youths attempted suicide with violence and arson spreading to various places in the state. An eight-member fact finding team, comprising Dalits from various city-based NGOs including Dalit Adhikar Manch, which went to the village from here a few days back, found out that the incident was brutal as the alleged beating of youths started from 9.30 AM and continued unabated till 1.30 PM, and inspite of the victims' kin repeatedly calling police, the latter allegedly did not act. The team members said that Dalits are "soft targets" for these vigilante groups. Dalits are actually not involved in slaughter of cows, but are only doing their traditional business of leather, while they (vigilante groups) refrain from confronting those involved in slaughter, they said. There is a particular Dalit community that deals in the trade of leather. In Gir-Somnath and surrounding districts of Gujarat these self-appointed cow protection committees have come up in the name of saving cows, said Kaushik Parmar, who led the fact finding team to the village. "We have found out that this inhuman incident of beating Dalit youths was not one off. From last many months these particular community members have become target of these cow protection groups," Parmar said. "There have been at least three such incidents in the past two months in the area when the Dalit community members were beaten up by these so-called cow vigilante groups. All those are related to skinning of dead cows," he said. "Earlier, such cow vigilantes used to target those who are involved in cow slaughter. But since last seven to eight months, they have started targeting Dalit community members who are involved in leather business and are soft targets, to show off their bravado. It has been noticed that these groups in the past few months attacked Dalits when they were involved in skinning of dead cows," he said. New Delhi: Amid huge protests over the thrashing of Dalit youths in Una for skinning a dead cow, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday announced that four police officials have been suspended in connection with the case. Earlier in the day, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi visited the home of a Dalit man in Una whose four sons were brutally flogged on July 11 and announced assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the family. Meanwhile, Gujarat continued to simmer for a third consecutive day today as protests against brutal thrashing of Dalit youths, allegedly by some self-styled cow vigilantes, flared up with incidents of vandalism and arson being reported from several parts of the state. In Mehsana district's Kadi town, protesters torched three state transport buses, while a mob held up Ahmedabad-bound Navjivan Express in tracks for several minutes in Surat. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to visit Una in Gujarat's Gir-Somnath district tomorrow. Ahmedabad: A day after Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi toured Una, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to visit this violence-hit town in Gujarat on Friday. According to reports, the AAP chief is expected to meet the Dalit youths who were openly thrashed by a group of right-wing members for skinning a dead cow. Ahead of his visit, the AAP leader exhorted all community members to unite in the fight against Gujarat BJP's 'oppressive' regime. In a video message released by party spokesperson Ashutosh at a press conference on Thursday, the Delhi Chief Minister asked Dalit youths to not attempt suicide, responding to the news of more than a dozen and half protesting Dalit members attempting suicide in different places in the state over the Una incident. "In Gujarat, some youths of Dalit community were beaten up so severely that it has shaken people's conscience. Those who saw the video are raising questions over it. And we saw how at different places in Gujarat, Dalit community members tried to commit suicide," he said. Dalit community members have been protesting the brutal assault on some community members on July 11 for allegedly skinning a cow at Una in Gir-Somnath district. In the message, Kejriwal added that protesting members should maintain peace and Dalit youths should not attempt suicide. "Why should you commit suicide ?" he asked Dalit youths, adding: "We will fight, we will win, then why kill yourself? If we all come together, then unity is strength. All community members should come together. We will win. The entire country is with you," he said in a two minute-40 second second video message played at the press conference. Udaipur: An FIR was on Thursday registered against Patidar reservation agitation spearhead Hardik Patel for allegedly threatening a toll booth staff in Rajasthan's Rajsamand even as police restricted his movement outside his temporary residence here. IG Anand Srivastava said this, however, was not a house arrest as one of the conditions of the Gujarat High Court while granting him bail was that he has to stay at a temporary address outside Gujarat for the next six months. "When he has to stay at the temporary address, he is not supposed to move out and he has been asked to stay at the place only in compliance with the court order," he said. "He was granted conditional bail and this is not a house arrest. This arrangement is in compliance with the court order," he said. Meanwhile, the case was registered against Patel, former Congress MLA Pushkar Dangi and eight others for threatening the toll booth staff from where they passed without paying the toll tax yesterday, Rajsamand SP Vishnu Kant said. "The accused were in four cars and were returning from Nathdwara temple in Rajsamand to Udaipur. As per the complaint of the toll booth staff, they did not pay the tax and threatened the staff following which the FIR was lodged with Delwara police station," he said. The case was registered under sections 384 (punishment for extortion) and 143 (unlawful assembly) of IPC, he added. Hardik is at present staying at the residence of former Congress MLA Pushkar Dangi in Srinath colony. He was summoned by police yesterday after he visited Srinath temple and was reminded of the condition that he does not leave his residence. "If he has to move from that address, he has to seek prior permission from the court. In case of a violation, the court will be informed," Srivastava said. He added that the house where Patel is staying is being monitored by police. Patel was recently released from jail in Gujarat after nine months in confinement. Ahmedabad: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday met the victims of the Una incident in Gujarat and pledged all help from his party. The state has witnessed huge protests after seven Dalit youths were flogged publicly for skinning a dead cow in Mota Samadhilya village of Gir-Somnath district last week. Several youths have reportedly attempted suicide over the assault even as the violence and arson spread to various places in the state. Told Rahul ji everything, how we were all beaten up. He said they will do everything in their power to get us justice, a victim said after meeting Gandhi. Why would we leave this village? People who hurt us should leave, he said. The Gujarat Police arrested seven more persons on Wednesday in connection with the July 11 incident. Later, Rahul Gandhi went to meet some of the victims and their family members at the Rajkot civil hospital. Speaking to media persons after meeting the victims, Gandhi said, "PM Modi talks about Gujarat model, but if anyone here demands education, fights against big corporates, their voice is suppressed." He added, "This is a fight between two ideologies. Gandhi ji, Nehru ji, Sardar Patel ji, BR Ambedkarji on a side and RSS, Modi ji on the other." "Modi ji talks about Gujarat model, but here whosoever raises his voice against their ideology, whoever asks for education, whoever stands against big corporates, are trampled upon and suppressed," Rahul further said. Meanwhile, condemning the incident, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said: "What happened in Una is totally condemnable. The state government not only condemned it but took prompt action." Earlier, a fact-finding team had claimed that the youths who were accused of cow slaughter were brutally beaten up for several hours but police failed to act. It said Dalits are not involved in cow slaughter but made ''soft targets". Chief Minister Anandiben Patel has also met the victims' family and promised them all possible help. New Delhi: In a highly insensitive act, Aam Aadmi Party MP Bhagwant Mann on Thursday filmed and uploaded a video of his journey from his home to Parliament on Facebook. The video showed the position of security pickets on the way to the Parliament. Mann shot a video of himself entering Parliament by crossing several security layers and posted it on social media, inviting attack from MPs across party line, who termed his act as a security breach. In the video, the AAP MP is seen narrating the whole procedure of security checks the parliamentarians have to go through before entering the Parliament. "The car is registered with the Lok Sabha. It has a censor, which has the vehicle details. As soon as so you come near the gate, the censor identifies the car and announces the name and number of the car," Mann says in the video with him crossing several layers of the security. Mann is seen entering the Parliament with his cell phone and recording the procedure of asking questions in Zero Hour. I come to Parliament everyday between 8.30 and 9 a.m. to submit question for the Zero Hour. How a question is submitted and what the procedure involved in it Besides, in a democracy, people are bigger than leaders I had started my video saying these words, said Mann, while defending his move. The AAP lawmaker invited attack from MPs across party line, who termed his act as a security breach. Justifying his act, the defiant AAP leader said, he will again repeat the act tomorrow. While speaking to media persons Mann said, Did my video pose a security threat to Parliament? adding that, I will post a video against tomorrow, let me be served a notice. Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former home secretary RK Singh termed Mann's act as highly insensitive. The AAP MP should have had some sense before uploading the video, there has already been an attack on the Parliament, Singh said. Another BJP MP Menakshi Lekhi slammed Mann saying, It needs to be verified if it was act of foolishness or he was done under influence of some agencies. Congress MP PL Puniya said the act was a security breach. Terming the act as "improper", former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee hoped that the Speaker will take timely and appropriate step in this regard. JD(U) MP KC Tyagi said he was surprised and scarred as the video exposed loopholes of the security. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has token congnizance of Mann's act and said that every Parliamentarian must respect and maintain dignity of Parliament. P.S. - Zee Media is not uploading the video due to security reasons. Chandigarh: A Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader on Thursday announced to give Rs 50 lakh as reward for cutting off the tongue of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dayashankar Singh. The BJP has already sacked its vice president Singh from all party posts after his derogatory remarks against BSP supremo Mayawati which sparked massive uproar and pushed the saffron party in a tight corner. Meanwhile, BSP Chandigarh Unit chief Jannat Jahan offered to give a reward of 50 lakh to the person who will chop off Singh's tongue. Singh had said that "Mayawati is breaking the dream of Kanshi Ram into pieces. Mayawati is selling tickets like a prostitute. "Mayawati gives tickets for Rs one crore and if there is someone who can give Rs 2 crore than she sells it for Rs 2 crore within an hour. If someone is ready to give Rs 3 crore by the evening, she gives the ticket to him. She is even worse than a prostitute," Singh had said. Hundreds and thousands of Bahujan Samaj Party workers today took to the streets in Hazratganj, giving anxious moments to the district administration, police officers and those controlling traffic. State BSP president Raj Achal Rajbhar who was leading the protests told the media that the statement had revealed the "anti-Dalit mentality" of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Lucknow: A huge number of BSP workers on Thursday took to streets to protest and demand arrest of Dayashankar Singh. Here are all the updates:- - Reacting to agitation by BSP workers, Mayawati said dalits across nation see her as 'devi' - BSP workers on Thursday afternoon called off their agitation here against former Uttar Pradesh BJP Vice-President Daya Shankar Singh for his abusive remarks against BSP chief Mayawati after police assured Singh's arrest within the next 36 hours. - If BJP leaders themselves filed an FIR against Dayashankar Singh, then they would have won my heart: Mayawati - Removing from party is a normal process. It would have been better if they (BJP) had registered FIR against him: Mayawati - BSP workers protest at Jantar Mantar against Dayashankar Singh for derogatory slur against Mayawati - DM has given assurance to BSP workers about Dayashankar Singh's arrest - Zee sources say Dayashankar Singh may surrender soon - Dayashankar Singh's brother Dharmendra Singh arrested by police - According to Zee sources, Dayashankar Singh is meeting with lawyers in connection with FIR lodged against him over abusive remarks against Mayawati. - BSP supporters burn Dayashankar Singh's effigy, break barricades installed by police in Lucknow's Hazratganj - BSP workers protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar against Dayashankar Singh's derogatory remarks against the party supremo Mayawati - Police team arrived at the residence of Dayashankar Singh in Ballia district (UP) to arrest him, Dayashankar Singh wasn't there. - Gorakhpur police may arrest Dayashankar Singh anytime now - Dayashankar must be put behind bars for such a mentality. Matter does not end by just apologising: Satish Mishra, BSP MP - Dayashankar was not present at his Lucknow residence, according to local police - Police conduct raids at the Ballia and Lucknow residence of Dayashankar Singh - Police conduct raids to arrest Dayashankar Singh - VIDEO of the massive protest WATCH: Mayawati slur: Massive protest by BSP in Lucknow's Hazratganj against Dayashankar Singh.https://t.co/42HZ0CWzds ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 21, 2016 - Mayawati warns of nationwide agitation by BSP workers, seeks Dayashankar Singh's arrest - Police team arrives at the residence of Dayashankar Singh in Kesar Bagh Officers Colony of Lucknow - BSP supporters broke barricades installed in Lucknow's Hazratganj area - Protest by BSP workers disrupt traffic in Lucknow's Hazratganj area - BSP workers burn effigy of Dayashankar Singh - The workers are Enraged with Dayashankar Singh's derogatory remark against Mayawati. - The protest is being held at the main Hazratganj crossing. - BSP state president Ram Achal Rajbhar said that the party supporters have been asked to gather in the state capital in larger numbers. - Meanwhile, the BJP has expelled Dayashankar Singh from the party for six years.The Lucknow District Magistrate has said that permission to protest at Hazratganj area is usually not given by them due to traffic issues, public inconvenience and security concerns. "If anyone gathers and tries to organise any protest at Hazratganj, we take action accordingly," he said. - BJP state president Keshav Prasad Maurya yesterday sacked him from the party, hours after he announced that Singh had been relieved from all organisational responsibilities. - Dayashankar Singh`s remarks drew severe criticism from members in the Rajya Sabha, including women MPs, with Deputy Chairperson P.J Kurien, saying that the House wants the government to ensure that stringent action is taken against the BJP leader, as per law, for his unforgivable comments.There was uproar in the Upper House earlier as the BSP leaders demanded Dayashankar Singh`s arrest for his unwarranted remark against the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister. - Finance Minister Arun Jaitley earlier expressed `personal regret` in Parliament over Singh`s remark."It is not right and I condemn the use of this word. And if a person has said this, we will investigate. I express personal regret. I associate with your dignity and stand with you," Jaitley told Mayawati in the Rajya Sabha. The BSP chief on her part thanked Jaitley and other leaders in the Rajya Sabha for supporting her on this matter."There are war of thoughts and ideas in the House, but never have I used derogatory words against anyone ever," Mayawati said. "Dayashankar Singh should be arrested otherwise if in response to this the people get violent, it will not be on my conscience," she added. Singh, however, later tendered an apology for his remark. In the ongoing dispute between the Sparkassen Group and Banco Santander, which led to the CJEU's decision in cases C217/13 and C218/13, the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has annulled the decision of the Federal Patent Court which invalidated Sparkassen's contourless colour mark "red" and held that the mark had acquired distinctiveness at the time of the Federal Patent Court's decision in 2015. Yep, that's also red Merpel's emphasis Sparkassen Group has been using the colour red in connection with financial services, namely retail banking, in Germany since the 1960s. In 2002, it filed a trade mark application for the contourless colour "red" (HSK 13) for financial services, namely retail banking, which was granted - after an initial rejection - sometime in 2007. Banco Santander and Oberbank, two new entrants to the German retail banking market that also used the colour red in their home markets, filed for invalidity. In 2009, the German IPO (DPMA) dismissed the actions. On appeal, the Federal Patent Court referred several questions to the CJEU, which the CJEU answered in joined cases C-217/13 and C-218/13 in 2014.The CJEU namely held that it European law precluded an interpretation of national law according to which, in the context of proceedings raising the question whether a contourless colour mark has acquired a distinctive character through use, it is necessary in] that a consumer survey indicate a degree of recognition of at least 70% ( see IPKat post here ).Subsequently, the German Federal Patent Court nonetheless sided with Santander and Oberbank and cancelled the registration of the mark at issue because acquired distinctiveness had not been proven, neither at the time of filing (2002) nor at the time of the decision (2015). Acquired distinctiveness at the time of the decision would have been enough because Germany exercised the option under Article 3(3) second sentence Directive 2008/95 . Under German law, proof of acquired distinctiveness either at the time of filing or at the time of decision leads to validity of the mark ( 8(3) German Trade Mark Act ).On appeal, the BGH held that contourless colour marks were generally lacking distinctiveness ab initio, as consumers would perceive colours primarily as decorative and not as indications of source. However, contourless colour marks - as any other marks - had acquired distinctiveness if a majority ("uberwiegender Teil") of the relevant public recognized [ or relied upon...? ] the mark as indicating a single source for the goods or services for which protection was sought. According to the Federal Court of Justice, the many surveys submitted by the applicant failed to prove acquired distinctiveness at the time of filing in 2002, but supported a finding of acquired distinctiveness in 2015, at the time of the judgment.Since the full reasoning of the BGH decision is not yet published - I am relying on the press release - it is not yet possible to see what convinced the BGH that the Federal Patent Court got it wrong. It seems the assessment of the survey evidence played an important role, which is interesting because the BGH is in principle bound by the fact finding of the lower court. New Delhi: BSP chief Mayawati was on Thursday unrelenting on BJP over the attack on her by Uttar Pradesh leader Dayashankar Singh, saying his sacking was not enough and the party itself should have filed an FIR against him. She alleged in Rajya Sabha that atrocities on Dalits are on the rise in BJP-ruled states in the name of cow protection and the centre should call an all-party meeting to find solution to this issue. Referring to the incident of atrocity on Dalits in Gujarat, she said the state government, instead of CID probe, should set up a separate team to conduct the inquiry in fast track mode. "A report has been published that the BJP member (Dayashankar) has been expelled from the party. It would have been better had the party not only expelled him but also lodged an FIR against him. That would have been admirable," she said while participating in debate on issue of Dalits. Mayawati was referring to Dayashankar Singh, vice president of BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit, who was sacked by the party for making derogatory remarks against her. The BSP leader thanked all Parliamentarians as well as women Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal for "unanimously condemning" the remarks. "It is a positive thing that the entire Parliament has condemned it. You have not only condemned vehemently, but boosted my morale and motivated me to fight for the cause of Dalits," she said. Expressing concern that suggestions emanating from the debates on Dalits are not implemented, the BSP chief said there has been a disturing trend that atrocities on Dalits occur during the period of Parliament session. "The matter is discussed. Leaders give suggestion. In reality nothing happens, just lip service is done." Referring to the recent thrashing of Dalits by a cow protection group in Una in Gujarat, Mayawati said, "it is happening in BJP-ruled states on a large scale. Earlier it was against Muslims and that has stopped. Now, they are targeting Dalits." She accused BJP-ruled Gujarat government of being a "mute spectator" and trying to "suppress" the issue and urged the Centre to speak to the state government to address the matter at the earliest. "My demand is please talk to state government to give justice. Although you have sent Chief Minister to visit the place, that is not enough," the BSP leader said. She demanded that the "negligent" police officers should be brought to book so that such cases are not repeated. Stating that she does not have faith in CID probe, the BSP chief demanded that the state government should set up "some other kind of enquiry committee having two Scheduled Caste judges under strict monitoring of High Court Judge". The committee should investigate the matter on a fast track mode and ensure delivery of speedy justice, she added. "CID investigation is conducted to save culprits and suppress the matter," she said, adding this case should not see the fate of Dalit student Rohit Vemula's suicide case. Asserting that Dalits should not be used as "political weapon", Mayawati asked the Centre to show "some sensitivity" to the matter and call an all party meeting to find solution to this issue. Timely action is required as "manuwadi social system" is still continuing in the country despite adoption of the Constitution, she said. "It is sad to say in this long period after adoption of the Constitution, we have witnessed various atrocities, be in Congress or BJP-ruled states," she said. All parties should think above political line as incidents of atrocities on Dalits are on rise, she noted. She slammed the previous Congress government for not implementing the reservation quota for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and also targeted the current NDA government for delay in passage of a SC/ST job promotion quota bill despite having majority in the Lok Sabha. "Though the bill has been passed in Rajya Sabha, it is pending in the Lok Sabha. The current BJP government has majority in Lok Sabha, but nothing is happening," she said. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condemned the recent terror attacks in Bangladesh and said that India stands with its immediate neighbour in its fight against terrorism. While interacting with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina through video conference, PM Modi condemned the terror attack on Eid congregation in Kishoreganj, which left four people dead. The PM extended condolences to the Bangladesh Premier saying, You are not alone in your fight against terror. India will always fully support you in all your efforts to fight this menace. India's progress is linked to the progress of its neighbouring nations, PM Modi asserted. PM Modi and Hasina interacted with each other during the inauguration of Petrapole-Benapole land port. Earlier this month, Bangladesh was rocked by two terrorists attack. On July 1, 20 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 killing six attackers and capturing one alive, ending Bangladesh's worst terror attack. Few days later on July 07 at least four persons were killed and 12 others injured when the assailants, numbering seven-to-eight men and armed with explosives, machetes and firearms, battled the police for more than an hour at Sholakia Eid prayer venue in Kishoreganj district near Dhaka. Naypyidaw: Muslims make up just over two percent of Myanmar`s population, government census figures showed on Thursday, undercutting claims by Buddhist hardliners that Islam poses a threat to the dominance of their faith. Full details from the 2014 count, the first of its kind in decades, was withheld for almost a year to avoid stirring tensions in the Buddhist-majority nation ahead of elections that propelled Aung San Suu Kyi`s pro-democracy party to power. Islamophobia has rippled across Myanmar in recent years, with Buddhist nationalists sending alarmist messages about the growth of the Muslim population. But the new data affirms that Buddhists make up 90 percent of the population of 51.48 million. They are followed in number by Christians (6.3 percent) and Muslims (2.3 percent or over 1.1 million people). However, the survey does not include the one-million strong stateless Rohingya Muslim minority, who were banned from self-identifying during the census taking. Added together, their number doubles the country`s share of Muslims to around four percent -- an estimate that has been in circulation since the last census in 1983. "Some were worried that there could be a significant difference in the numbers of each religion," Thein Swe, Minister of Labour, Immigration and Population told reporters in the capital Naypyidaw as he released the data. "But there is not much difference when compared with the census data in 1983." The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which supported Myanmar`s government in carrying out census, said the figures should extinguish incendiary rhetoric. "It is time to replace speculation with fact," the UNFPA`s Janet E. Jackson said in a statement. But the UNFPA hit out at the Rohingya`s exclusion from the data as "a serious shortcoming of the census and a grave human rights concern". More than 100,000 Rohingya were displaced by deadly clashes with Buddhists in 2012 and now live destitute in camps in western Rakhine state. They are denied citizenship and face severe restrictions on their movement and access to basic services. Just days before the census was carried out in 2014, Buddhist nationalists accused the international community of bias towards Muslims and attacked humanitarian offices in Rakhine, forcing aid workers to flee. De facto premier Suu Kyi has faced criticism for not taking a stronger stance on the Rohingya or publicly condemning two recent attacks on mosques in other parts of the country. But her government has made moves in recent weeks to rein in the Ma Ba Tha, a monk-led movement at the fore of anti-Muslim protests in recent years. At the core of their ideology is the belief that Myanmar`s Buddhist identity is under attack from Muslims and other ethnic minorities, despite the country hosting such groups for generations. Under the previous military-backed government, the nationalist group successfully lobbied for the passage of controversial race and religion laws that rights groups say discriminate against women and religious minorities. Earlier this month Suu Kyi`s religion minister warned the group could be disbanded if it uses hate speech to stoke conflict. New Delhi: Over 5.48 lakh people and cropped area of 14.361.71 hectares have been affected by floods in various states till now this year, Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday. "The flood managing data is compiled every year by MHA/CWC on the basis of information received from states. As per data maintained by MHA, 5,48,067 people and cropped area of 14,361.71 hectares have been affected during the floods of 2016 so far," Union Minister of State for Water Resources Sanjeev Kumar Balyan said in a written reply. To another question, he said the Union government sends inter-ministerial central teams to states which experience heavy damages due to floods and a NITI Ayog team had visited Madhya Pradesh for such assessment. The Water Resources Ministry had also deputed a technical team for assessing causes of floods and to suggest remedial measures in Vidisha and Hoshangabad districts of Madhya Pradesh, he added. On schemes implemented by the Centre in drought-hit areas, Balyan said the government provides additional employment of 50 days over and above 100 days per household under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). The MGNREGS is executed by Union Rural Development Ministry. Besides, he added, the government also supports irrigation projects in drought affected states by providing central assistance under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna. Beijing: Keeping a close watch on reported deployment of battle tanks in Ladakh by the Indian Army, China on Thursday said the two countries should abide by pacts to maintain peace in border areas even as its media warned that the move may affect the flow of Chinese investments into India. "There have been a series of significant agreements and consensus reached between China and India on upholding stability of the border area," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said here, reacting to reports of deployment of T-72 tanks in the Ladakh sector. "The two countries should abide by relevant agreements and consensus, work in concert to maintain peace and tranquility of the border area and create a favourable environment for improving bilateral mutual trust and bolstering the proper settlement of the boundary question," he told PTI in a written response to a question on the reported deployment. "The China-India border area has long been peaceful and stable. The two countries are committed to resolving territorial disputes peacefully through negotiation, and agree to jointly manage disputes and maintain peace and tranquility of the border area pending the final settlement of the boundary question," he said. However, an article in the state-run Global Times said the tank deployment may upset the flow of Chinese investments into India and called for joint efforts to clear misunderstandings. "A media report stating that nearly 100 Indian tanks have been positioned near the Indo-China border to counter any possible threat grabbed people's attention as more Chinese firms are looking to increase their investment in India," the article said. "However, it is puzzling that while deploying tanks near China's border, India still strives to woo Chinese investment," it said. "The deploying of tanks near the Indo-China border may hit a nerve within the Chinese business community, causing investors to weigh the threat of political instability when they make investment decisions," the article said. The article refers to reports of Indian army deployment of tanks in the Ladakh border to catch up with China's aggressive military and infrastructure build-up across the border. China too reportedly has major mechanised units on its side of the border and tank deployment was aimed at ensuring parity, the reports said. The article said, "China and India share a large potential for economic and trade cooperation, and while this may make Chinese enterprises enthusiastic about investment opportunities in the Indian market, those firms should remain calm in the face of investing risks". Delhi: In more proof of Pakistan's terror activities, two set of pictures have emerged that which nails the role of ISI in fomenting trouble in India. As per a India Today report, in the first picture, Hafiz Saeed is seen with a man who is also a frequent speaker during recent anti-India rallies organised by the JuD chief. This man can also be seen with Hizbul chief Syed Salahuddin. In the second set of photos, the same man is seen with National Security Advisor of Pakistan Nasser Khan Janjua. The man is none other than is Abdullah Gul, son of former ISI chief Hamid Gul. Many anti-India activities organised by Saeed across Pakistan in May and June were held under the banner of Difae Pakistan Council (DFC), which is said to be an umbrella organisation of groups and political outfits who are against India and USA. JuD used its own banners and signs on the convoys. On the other hand, the main stage had only DPC, with only DPC representatives allowed to address the gathering. As Saeed is JuD chief, he is also one of the members of DPC which was formed in 2011. But he is said to have started using the DPC umbrella recently. This could be to garner support from Pakistani authorities. The report further says that two members of the Gul family were also among the founder member of DPC - Gul was given a place as head of his party Tehreek-e-Ettehad, while his son Abdullah was given a berth. DPC consists of religious and anti-Kashmir related groups and thus, no Pakistani authority could ban its activities. Saeed has supposedly been using the DPC banner to carry out JuD activities since then and Abdullah being one of the key members of DPC Pakistan, has been the key facilitator for the JuD chief. Abdullah is also said to be instrumental in getting the mainstream Pakistani media to cover Saeed's events apart from clearing administrative hurdles for him. To be noted is the fact that Pakistan had banned the media coverage of JuD. Further, Abdullah who also runs a think tank named MEASAC research centre and an outfit named Tehreek Jawanan Pakistan (TJP). Abdullah is said to have access to top officials of the ISI and the Pakistan Army and the present Pakistan NSA Janjua has been a frequent visitor to his seminars and talks. Abdullah's father is believed to have facilitated terror activities against India. Now the link between Gul's son and the JuD chief shows that Abdullah might be a link between Pakistani establishment and Saeed. At the same time he may be one of the man behind Lashkar chief's clout in Pakistan. New Delhi: The lower house of Parliament on Wednesday witnessed sharp reactions from various parties over killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani. In a surprising development, BJP's partner in Jammu and Kashmir, PDP, has raised questions on the Wani's killing! "What was the need to kill Burhan Wani," PDP MP Muzzafar Beg asked the Modi government in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Beg also questioned the timing of the encounter. "If Wani was on the radar of intelligence agencies why was he not arrested earlier," Muzzafar Beg asked. Kashmir unrest Life remained paralysed for the 13th day in Kashmir Valley as authorities continued to impose curfew on Thursday, following extension in the separatists called protest shutdown. The violence started on July 9, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in a gunfight with the security forces. Forty five people including 43 civilians and two local policemen, were killed in the clashes in the valley. New Delhi: The Indian government on Thursday strongly condemned Pakistan's encouragement and support to terrorists and their activities against its neighbouring country as the latter marked a 'Black Day' over the Kashmir unrest yesterday. On Wednesday, thousands of Pakistanis observed a 'Black Day' over the Kashmir unrest by taking out protest rallies in various cities, while the government officials wore black armbands at workplaces. Rallies were held in various cities to draw the attention of the international community on the Kashmir issue, the Express Tribune reported. "We saw reports about rallies, events and statements related to Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir over the last two days and noted that events were led by UN-designated terrorists, who had in past protested elimination of dreaded terrorists including Osama bin Laden and Taliban leader Akhtar Mansour in Pakistan," MEA said. "We once again ask Pakistan to stop inciting and supporting violence, terrorism in any part of our country and refrain from its deplorable meddling in our internal affairs in any manner," the ministry said. Adding further it said, "In view of the threats of marches and protests at the High Commission of India in Islamabad, we ask government of Pakistan to ensure full safety and security of the High Commission, all its officials and their families in Pakistan." Blaming Pakistan directly for fanning protests in the Kashmir Valley, the MEA asserted further, "Pakistan must also stop misleading the international community and Kashmiris through meaningless exercises such as the so-called elections today in POK which Pakistan ironically calls Azad." Demanding Pakistan to vacate its illegal occupation of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, the MEA said, "The observance of 'Kashmir's Accession to Pakistan Day' exposes Pak's longing for the territory of Jammu and Kashmir." "India demands that Pakistan must fulfil the obligation to vacate its illegal occupation of POK and refrain from deplorable meddling in our internal affairs in any manner," it concluded by saying. Earlier today, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that Pakistan is trying to destabilise India by sponsoring terrorism. "Pakistan is trying to destabilise India. If terrorism is there in India, it is due to Pakistan which is sponsoring it," Singh said in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Stressing that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir would soon become normal, the Home Minister said, "Our neighbour is conspiring to disturb the situation in the Kashmir Valley in the name of the religion". "They broke off from India in the name of religion, but today they are broken in two parts because of terrorism. Every day they are fighting against it," Rajnath said while hitting out at Pakistan. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notices to Centre and the Maharashtra government while hearing a plea challenging the validity of abortion laws in the country. The petitioner, who is in her 24th week of pregnancy, argued the current laws deny women's rights to abort in case of extraordinary medical complications. As the laws currently don't permit an abortion after twenty weeks of pregnancy, the petition argues that the ceiling is unreasonable, arbitrary, harsh, discriminatory and violative of the right to life and equality, PTI reported. The petitioner has sought that the relevant section must be declared unconstitutional or read down. New Delhi: India's membership continues to be under consideration of the NSG and government was engaging with all members of the 48-nation grouping for an early decision on country's application, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said on Thursday. Noting that the recent Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) Plenary meeting in Seoul (June 23-24) concluded without a decision on India's membership, Singh said the broad sentiment within the NSG was to take this matter forward. At the Plenary, China and some other countries had opposed entry of a non-NPT signatory into NSG. Replying to a written question in Rajya Sabha, the minister also said that engagement was stepped up with China before the Seoul NSG Plenary. "India's membership continues to be under consideration of the NSG. The merits of India's candidature have been recognised by a majority of the NSG members, including in formal bilateral Joint Statements. It is for the NSG to judge the merits of other candidates," Singh said. He said government continues its engagement with the NSG participating government including China on the issue of India's membership of the NSG. "India's membership has been supported by a large and diverse number of NSG members, including the US, France, UK, Russia, Canada, Australia, Germany, Netherlands and Japan. It is natural for India to move ahead on this issue by working with as broad a group of supporters as possible," Singh added. Department of Atomic Energy has been actively associated with government's efforts on India's membership bid, he said. * PermaKat Eleonora Rosati received the 2022 Adepi Award * PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the World Intellectual Property Review's "Influential Women in IP" of 2020. * PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2018. * IPKat founder and Blogmeister Emeritus Jeremy Phillips listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2005, 2011, 2013, and 2014. * Recommended by the European Patent Office as reading material for candidates for the European Qualifying Examinations, 2013. * Listed as "Top Legal Blog" in The Times Online, March 2011. 2010 ABA Journal 100. * One of the only two non-US blogs listed in the Blawg100. * Court Reporter Top Copyright Blog award winner, November 2010. * Number 1 in the 2010 Top Copyright Blog list compiled by the Copyright Litigation Blog, July 2010. * Selected by the United States Library of Congress for inclusion in its historic collections of Internet materials related to Legal Blawgs as of 2010. * Top Patent Blog poll 2009: 3rd out of 50 in the "Favourite Patent Blog" poll and 2nd out of 50 in the "Most-read" poll. Blog of the Year, 20 August 2008. * ComputerWeekly IT Law and Governance, 20 August 2008. New Delhi: Senior Congress leader and former Home Minister P. Chidambaram has said the genesis of the current Kashmir unrest lies in "broken promises and broken faith", and that both the state and central governments were mishandling the present situation. I think the approach (towards Kashmir issue) was wrong. We ignored the grand bargain under which Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India. I think we broke our promises, we broke the faith of the people of Kashmir, and we paid the price for it for 40-45 years, Chidambaram said in an interview to India Today television. He said that state and central governments were still mishandling the situation. We did mishandle it. The governments in Kashmir and at the Centre are mishandling it. Seven million people of Kashmir have an identity, a culture, he said. Chidambaram stressed that Kashmir required a unique political solution and he, as the then Home Minister, made an attempt towards it. We corrected ourselves in 2010. We revamped the standard operation procedures, we sent an all party delegation, we appointed interlocutors. But again we failed to follow it up, he said. He said that as Home Minister, he made a small beginning by moving out troops but was not backed by either the political leadership or defence establishment. When I was the Home Minister, 10,000 troops were moved out. That was the beginning, a small beginning which wasn't followed up again, because the defence establishment was totally opposed to what we proposed, Chidambaram told the channel. We proposed that defence forces and bulk of paramilitary forces must be moved to the borders, must be taken away from cities. We proposed that AFSPA be repealed, and if not repealed must be amended. We proposed that the basic responsibility of maintaining law and order should be given to the Kashmir police and to the paramilitary forces. But the defence forces were totally opposed to this proposal and I must confess that we were unwilling to overrule the defence's point of view, he added. He said that the opinion within the government over handling of Kashmir situation was sharply divided. For example there was hardly any support to my proposal to repeal or amend the AFSPA (Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act). I can't take names, but the political leadership is unwilling to overrule the defence establishment, he said. I was able to convince the CRPF and BSF Director Generals and other senior officers and they told me plainly that they could do their jobs just as well without the AFSPA but I could not convince the defence establishment and the political leadership, Chidambaram added. He said that the gradual shifting of security responsibility from the civilian police to paramilitary and from paramilitary to defence, was something that ought not to have happened. He said that as Home Minister he found that the person calling the shots in Jammu and Kashmir was the GOC (General Officer Commanding), more than the Chief Minister, more than the DG. Srinagar: Authorities lifted curfew in four districts of Kashmir where schools were scheduled to reopen today but the ban on movement of people continued in the rest of the six districts of the Valley as a precautionary measure. Curfew has been lifted from Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam and Ganderbal districts of the Valley but restrictions on the assembly of people under Section 144 CrPC continue in these districts as a precautionary measure, a police official said. He said the curfew was lifted in order to facilitate the reopening of the schools in these areas following the government decision to this effect yesterday. The government yesterday modified its earlier order and announced opening of schools in these four districts from today. The schools were earlier scheduled to open on July 18 but the government had extended the summer vacations till July 25 in view of the unrest that has claimed 43 lives and injured over 3400 others. While officials did not comment on whether the schools opened today, reports from these four districts said the educational institutions remained closed. "Some staff members had arrived for duty at schools but returned home as no students turned up," Nazir Ahmad, a social activist from Bandipora, said. Ahmad said even schools in Garoora, the native village of Education Minister Naeem Akhtar, remained closed. "Please do not expect people to risk the lives of their children," he added. Unofficial reports received from Baramulla, Budgam and Ganderbal also spoke about schools not opening today. Meanwhile, curfew continued in the remaining six districts of the Valley. Normal life remained affected for the 13th day today due to curfew and separatist-sponsored strike against the civilian killings in the clashes between protestors and security forces in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8. The separatist groups, which are spearheading the ongoing protests, have, however, relaxed the bandh in the valley from 2 PM today till night. The "relaxation" was announced by the separatist camp to allow people to stock essential commodities. The strike will resume from tomorrow till July 25. Srinagar: Curfew continues across Kashmir Valley for the 14 day on Friday as separatists extended shutdown till Monday over the killing of local Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. A state police spokesperson told reporters that the restrictions will "remain strictly in place day till further orders". The fresh order by the police came as separatists asked Kashmiris to open their shops and stock essentials after they temporarily relaxed the shutdown from 2 pm on Thursday. The shutdown relaxation sparked rumours that the government will also ease its curfew restrictions. The authorities had earlier decided to relax curfew across the Valley to allow the people to buy essential items. In Srinagar, the police and paramilitary presence was beefed up and areas where restrictions were a bit lax in the past few days also came under strict curfew. Some shopkeepers in Lal Chowk area and surrounding areas, including upscale Polo View, Lambert Lane and Residency Road markets, had assembled to open their stores after 2 pm. However, they were not allowed as police closed almost all entry points to Lal Chowk. The authorities also decided to open schools in four districts of Ganderbal, Bandipora, Badgam and Baramulla on Thursday. The valley has 10 districts. However, most of the schools had very little or no presence of children. The Valley has been reeling under curfew announced by the authorities and a total protest shutdown called by the separatists for the last 13 days following violent protests which started on July 9, a day after Hizbul commander Burhan Wani was killed in a gunfight with security forces. Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday chaired an all-party meeting to review the volatile situation in the violence-hit state following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani earlier this month. The meeting was, however, boycotted by Omar Abdullah-led National Conference. The NC had earlier said that actions in the recent past have shown that there was no "effective leadership" in the state government. Burhan Wani, a Hizbul Mujahideen commander, was killed in an encounter with security forces on July 8, triggering violent clashes between protesters and law enforcing agencies across the Valley, leaving 45 people dead and thousands injured. The meeting came as authorities today decided to relax curfew across the Kashmir Valley in the afternoon to allow people buy essentials of life. "Curfew will be relaxed in the afternoon to provide relief to the people," a senior police official said. "The relaxation period will be reviewed in the evening as it depends upon how the law and order situation behaves," said the official. Authorities also decided to open schools in four districts of Ganderbal, Bandipora, Badgam and Baramulla on Thursday. There are ten districts in the valley. Thursday`s decision to relax curfew coincided with the separatists appeal to end the ongoing protest shutdown after 2.00 pm for the remaining portion of the day. Separatists have again called a shutdown from Friday till Monday. The valley has been reeling under curfew restrictions announced by the authorities, and a total protest shutdown called by the separatists for the last 13 days. Anantnag: Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday met families of the victims of violence in this volatile south Kashmir district, the worst affected by the current unrest that has left dozens dead and thousands injured in the aftermath of the July 8 killing of a top rebel commander. It was for the first time that Mehbooba Mufti reached out to some south Kashmir families whose members were either killed or injured in the deadliest cycle of violence in years that has gripped the entire valley. According to the chief minister's media aide, Suhail Bukhari, Mehbooba Mufti met "several families of the south Kashmir Anantnag district". Most of the nearly 45 deaths in the current unrest have been from south Kashmir where the slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander belonged to. "She reached out to them. She felt heartfelt grief and sorrow over the loss of their near ones and expressed her sympathies with them," Bukhari told IANS. Thane: In a suspected case of honour killing, a 16-year-old Dalit boy was allegedly killed by family members of an upper caste girl with whom he was in love with in Navi Mumbai. Seven persons have been arrested in connection with the case and the 17-year-old girl has also been detained, police said Thursday. Following the incident, some members of the Republican Party of India (RPI) took out a morcha to Nerul Police Station late last evening demanding action against the police personnel who had allegedly refused to initially register a complaint by the parents of the boy of his abduction by the girl's brothers. The Navi Mumbai Police yesterday suspended two officers of Nerul Police Station in this connection. The boy, identified as Swapnil Sonawane, a resident of Dharave village in Nerul area of Navi Mumbai in Thane district, was in love with a 17-year-old schoolmate. However, the girl's parents did not approve of the relationship. On Tuesday night, a group of around 20-25 people, including the girl's family members, severely beat up the boy with iron rods at Dharave village in Navi Mumbai, police said. The boy was later taken to a local hospital where he was declared brought dead, they said. Subsequently, the police yesterday arrested the girl's brothers Sagar Naik (25), Sajesh Naik (21), father Rajendra Naik (50), mother Malti Naik (43), the brothers' friends Ashish Thakur (23) and Durgesh Patil (22), and an autorickshaw driver Sameer Shaikh (23). The accused have been booked under relevant IPC sections for murder, kidnapping, rioting and criminal intimidation and also under The SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities Act), police said. The arrested persons were produced in Vashi court yesterday and remanded in police custody till July 25, Senior Police Inspector, Nerul, Adikrao Pol said. The girl was also detained and sent to a Bhiwandi remand home, police said. Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale said that two officers of Nerul police station have been placed under suspension against whom there are allegations that they refused to register the complaint of the boy's family. An officer of the ACP rank from another division will carry out investigation into the case, he said last night. Pune: After months of protests over the appointment of Gajendra Chouhan as the chairman of the Film and Television Institute, the prestigious institution has now adopted a slew of tough measures aimed at creating a peaceful environment for its students. An Indian Express report on Thursday said that the FTII administration has now made it mandatory for all new students to submit a general conduct affidavit that restricts them from violating the decorum and decency on the campus and insulting faculty members. As per the report, the new entrants will have to sign as many as five affidavits on a Rs-100 stamp paper. I agree to maintain decorum and decency on the campus, including in hostel and staff residential areas, and in any circumstances would not be insulting to the faculty, staff members and elders, reads one of those affidavits. I understand that the institute has full right to initiate disciplinary proceedings against me for violation of any of its rules & regulation by me, says the self-declaration affidavit by the candidate for general conduct on FTII campus. The affidavit also makes it clear that hostel accommodation is not the right of a student. I understand that accommodation in FTII may be provided only on the basis of its availability, subject to fulfilling other terms and conditions, it says. Another important clause of the affidavit states that the students must pay pay all kinds of fees 100 per cent in advance and not bring any kind of external and/or emotional pressure on FTII for any exemption. Besides, the new students and their parents will now have to give an anti-ragging undertaking to the institution a measure aimed at curbing the menace of ragging. The new measures have evoked sharp reactions from senior students, who say that ''these are obviously a knee-jerk reaction by the administration to the protests against Gajendra Chauhan.'' ''We dont agree with such arm-twisting methods employed by the administration, aimed at instilling fear in the minds of the freshers,'' one of the senior FTII students was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, the FTII governing council also recently cleared the appointment of a Proctor who would have the power to rusticate students. Mumbai: In more trouble for controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, one of his close aides was arrested by the Maharashtra ATS and the Kerala Police in a joint operation for alleged terror links late on Thursday. The development was confirmed by news agency ANI which said Arshid Qureshi, a youth associated with Zakir Naik 's Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) was arrested from the Navi Mumbai area. Maharashtra ATS & Kerala police in a joint operations arrest a youth associated with Zakir Naik's organisation IRF in Navi Mumbai area ANI (@ANI_news) July 21, 2016 According to media reports, Qureshi has been arrested on charges of recruiting Kerala youths for global terror outfit Islamic State. The arrest was made in connection with a case registered against Qureshi under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 34 IPC and 13 UAPA. If Qureshi's links with IRF is established, this could be the first arrest of a member of televangelist Naik's organisation, which is under scanner since two of the Bangladesh cafe attackers said they were inspired by his preachings. According to reports, Qureshi was held after the police raided a flat in Seawoods. He was produced before a magistrate's court in CBD-Belapur on Thursday and remanded in transit custody for four days. He will be questioned by the Maharashtra ATS and later taken to Kerala. Ebin Jacob (25), the brother of Merin alias Mariam who is missing along with her husband Bestin Vincent alias Yahia from Kerala, had told police that there was an attempt to forcibly convert him to Islam and make him join IS. Ebin had told Kochi police that Bestin and Qureshi were behind the attempted conversion. Based on this statement, the Palarivattom police slapped charges under Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on the duo and booked them under sections of the IPC. The case against Qureshi and Bestin could be the first registered under UAPA against any of the 21 Keralites who have gone missing and allegedly joined the IS. Malkangiri: Five hardcore Maoists, including a dreaded Maoist couple involved in about 150 cases and carrying a reward of Rs nine lakh on their head, surrendered before the police in Odisha's Malkangiri district on Thursday. The five ultras have said they decided to surrender in order to return to the social mainstream as they realised that Maoists were unleashing terror on tribals and poor people, said Deputy Inspector General of Police S Saini. The five who surrendered before the DIG were Sukhdev and his wife Rukmini (both active in Malkangiri and Baipariguda divisions of the Maoists in Odisha) and Raju Sodhi, Deba Beti and Laxman Madkami (active in Darabha division in Chhattisgarh), the police said. Sukhdev and his wife Rukmini were active for over a decade and decided to give up arms after they realised that the Maoists were harassing tribals and poor people, said Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Mitrabhanu Mohapatra. Around 150 cases involving that of murder, landmine blasts, abduction and attack on the police were pending against the couple in different police stations, police said. While the state government had announced a reward of Rs five lakh on the head of Sukhdev, Rukmini was carrying a reward of Rs four lakh, Mohapatra said. Sukhdev, an active Maoist for 15 years, functioned as the commander of Malkangiri division, while Rukmini was engaged in Maoist activities for 12 years and said to be the woman commander of Baipariguda Maoist division, police said. Similarly, Raju, Deba Beti and Laxman were involved in a number of crimes like landmine blasts and attack on police in Sukma and other areas of Chhattisgarh, they said. The rebels told the police that they were fed up with Maoist activities after realising that tribals and poor people were being harassed and exploited by the Maoists who, they said, have deviated from their ideology, the police said adding, they would be rehabilitated as per the state government's policy on surrender of Maoists. The IPKat is ready for a busy end of term A buprenorphine transdermal delivery device comprising a polymer matrix layer containing buprenorphine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in treating pain in humans for a dosing interval of at least 7 days, wherein the transdermal delivery device comprises 10 %-wt buprenorphine base, 10 to 15 %-wt levulinic acid, about 10 %-wt oleyloleate, 55 to 70 %-wt polyacrylate, and 0 to 10 %-wt polyvinylpyrrolidone. buprenorphine The test for a preliminary injunction in life sciences... Defendants could have avoided the problem if they had cleared the path for their products. from the Patents Court, things have started to pick up in recent weeks. Mr Justice Arnold has been particularly busy. At the end of last month Mr Justice Arnold handed down not one, but two decisions in thedispute (see previous Kat report here ). In the first decision - [2016] EWHC 1517 - the judge held that there was no threat to infringe Napp's patent on the basis of theprinciple. In the second decision - [2016] EWHC 1581 (Pat) (not yet on Bailii) - he granted Napp an injunction pending appeal.Talented Kat friend Simmons & Simmons ) brings readers up to speed:Napp commenced infringement proceedings against both Sandoz and Dr Reddys in February 2016 for threatening to infringe its patent by preparing to launch generic buprenorphine transdermal patches. Buprenorphine is an opioid indicated for the treatment of non-malignant pain, Napps buprenorphine transdermal patch, BuTrans is its most important product. At the same time as commencing its actions, Napp applied for a preliminary injunction against Sandoz who had already obtained a marketing authorisation for its product. As a result, Sandoz provided undertakings not to launch pending the first instance decision. Arnold J ordered an expedited trial for early June 2016. Validity was not challenged by either Defendant.The invention lay in the use of certain penetration-enhancing excipients which are solid at room temperature and were therefore thought to be of limited use in assisting diffusion out of the matrix into the skin. The patent disclosed that on melting and cooling, these excipients formed so called supercooled melts, which have a melting point above room temperature, but remain liquid after cooling to room temperature.It was only necessary to consider claim 1:The main issues on construction were (i) whether the percentage values in the claim related to input or output values and (ii) the correct interpretation of the numerical ranges.Arnold J preferred the Defendants arguments on both issues, finding that the skilled person would have understood the claim to mean (i) output values and (ii) values to be expressed in terms of whole numbers applying the conventional rounding approach e.g. to extend 10 %-wt to 9.5 to < 10 .5 % wt. The word "about" should be taken to mean "a small degree of permitted imprecision over and above that implied by the usual rounding convention", although in Arnold J's view the inclusion of this word mean that the claim lacked clarity and he would have been tempted to find such a claim insufficient.Theprinciple has been considered in previous patent authorities ([1998], [2011] ). In the present case Arnold J commented that the court was forced, as a matter of practical reality, to draw a line somewhere and referred to a hypothetical scenario in which only 0.01% of products fall within a claim as precisely the kind of situation covered by theprinciple.In relation toactions, it was clear that if what the defendant threatens to do would only involve infringement on ascale, then that threat does not justify the commencement of proceedings by the patentee (whether to seek an injunction or a financial remedy). However, if there is a clear threat to do acts which fall within the claim sufficiently often that they cannot be discounted asthen that is sufficient to justify bringingproceedings. In this case (i.e. where any infringement would be on a very small scale see below), he concluded that even if the level of infringement cannot be discounted as, an injunction would be both disproportionate and a barrier to legitimate trade.Both Defendants had served confidential PPDs which provided results of testing samples of their products. Uncertainty stemmed from the fact that the manufacturing processes for transdermal products are inherently variable and for this reason, it is not known how representative the tested samples are of future products.Statistical evidence was put forward by experts by all parties and evaluated by Arnold J on the basis of his findings on construction. In relation to Sandozs product, even on Napps evidence, both of their figures of 1 in 69 million patches (which was based on a confidence interval of 50%, which was accepted by Arnold J to be the correct interval for the balance of probabilities standard of proof) and 1 in 25,600 patches (based on Napps argued confidence interval of 95%) would beand accordingly there was no threat by Sandoz to infringe.Dr Reddys had provided a less detailed PPD but stated that to avoid infringement they would implement a testing regime based on a statistical protocol devised by its expert which would incorporate the Courts findings as to what proportion of infringing patches amounts toThe protocol to be used by Dr Reddys was dependent upon the Courts construction of the claims and required a finding of (i) the correct confidence interval and (ii) the threshold for theprinciple, which Arnold J found to be no more than 1 in 10,000 products falling within the claim. Arnold J concluded that Dr Reddys testing regime was sufficient to ensure its products would not fall within the claim other than to aextent. Accordingly, there was no threat by Dr Reddys to infringe either.The findings of no threat of infringement were dependent upon the findings on construction and permission to appeal was granted on construction alone.Napp applied for an injunction pending the Court of Appeal decision. Arnold J considered the criteria set down by the Court of Appeal in [2013] , but noted that it was of concern that Lord Hoffmans judgment in the Privy Council case[2009] had not been cited. Whilst theguidelines state that it will not usually be useful to attempt to form a view on the prospects of the appeal, Lord Hoffman had stressed inthe need to consider the relative strength of the parties cases on appeal. Whilst this factor troubled Arnold J, and he considered Napp to have a weak case on appeal, based onthis factor could not outweigh others.Thefactors that persuaded Arnold J to grant an injunction in this case where:Dr Reddys solicitors had made enquiries to the effect that the Court of Appeal could, if it granted expedition, hear a one day appeal before the end of July 2016. On this basis, Arnold J decided to only grant an injunction until 16 August 2016. It is of note that, if such an expedited appeal does happen within this timeframe, then these proceedings will have progressed from Claim Form to Court of Appeal judgment in only 6 months!Damages would not be an adequate remedy for Napp in respect of either Sandoz or Dr Reddys. This is a market where a price war is inevitable which will lead to significant price depression for Napp. Further, Sandoz had already effectively lost its first mover advantage due to the undertakings it had provided (in relation to which the correct remedy was a claim on the cross undertaking in damages).Overall granting the injunction was the lesser of two evils and in such circumstances it is prudent to preserve the status quo. Echoing the Court of Appeals additional comments in, Arnold J provided a further warning to generic manufacturers by including in his reasoning the fact that the Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday hit out at the BJP over the derogatory remarks against BSP chief Mayawati saying that it shows its "anti-Dalit" stand. He also said such derogatory statement against a national leader is against `democratic norms`. "Such derogatory remarks against a national leader is against the democratic norms. Mayawati is the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and a Dalit leader, who is respected on the national level," he said in a statement. Condemning the remarks, made of BJP leader Dayashankar Singh (who has since been expelled), he said: "The derogatory remarks against Mayawati shows BJP`s anti-Dalit stand." Patnaik`s statement comes as his government is under attack from the opposition BJP over the killing of five tribals in crossfire during an anti-Maoist operation by security personnel in Kandhamal on July 8. Besides, at least 20 children of Juang tribe died due to malnutrition in mineral-rich Jajpur district in last four months, raising questions about the development claims of the state government. Dhaka: A Bangladesh court Thursday sentenced the eldest son of the main opposition leader to seven years in prison for money laundering, a prosecutor said. "The High Court convicted and sentenced Tarique Rahman to seven years in jail and fined him 200 million taka ($2.5 million) over money laundering charges," deputy attorney general Moniruzzaman Kabir told AFP. Kuala Lumpur: Families of those lost on flight MH370 pleaded on Thursday for authorities to continue hunting for the Malaysia Airlines jet on the eve of a meeting that could decide how much longer the frustrating deep-sea search continues. The appeal by an international group of MH370 next-of-kin, Voice 370, called on "Malaysia, Australia and China not to abandon the search" if the current zone being trawled for the wreckage is found to be empty, a statement by the group said. "If for any reason an immediate extension of search activities cannot be carried out, then the search should merely be suspended, not abandoned in totality," Voice 370 said. The statement was released at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur in which a dozen grim-faced next-of-kin held up placards pleading with authorities not to give up the search. The Boeing 777 vanished March 8, 2014 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people aboard, mostly Chinese nationals, in what remains one of the greatest mysteries in aviation history. The Australian-led operation is scouring the seafloor within a 120,000-square-kilometre (46,000-square-mile) belt of remote Indian Ocean where authorities believe the passenger jet went down. The Voice 370 statement was issued as as transport ministers from Australia, China and Malaysia prepared for a meeting Friday that may dictate how much longer the search continues. That area currently being surveyed is expected to be fully searched possibly in the next few weeks. The three countries have said the hugely expensive high-tech sonar operation far off western Australia will not be further expanded without "credible" new evidence pointing to a crash site. Australian Transport Minister Darren Chester said this week that Friday's meeting in Malaysia would be an opportunity to "discuss next steps" as the search nears completion. Many families are skeptical the search is in the right place, and Voice 370 has previously called for a full public double-checking of data used to determine the suspected crash region. Its statement on Thursday also repeated calls for a concerted international effort to find and study more debris in the western Indian Ocean. Those finds have confirmed the plane went down but have so far shed no light on the cause of the crash. Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday said it has approached the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to send a fact- finding team to Kashmir to investigate the alleged human rights violations and recent killings of innocent people. "We have requested UNHRC to send a fact-finding mission to Kashmir (in India) and probe recent killings of innocent Kashmiris," the Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said. Briefing journalists at the Foreign Office here, he urged the international community to take notice of the situation in Kashmir and extend its support to the Kashmiri people. Aziz repeated the words of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that Kashmir is not India's internal matter. "Kashmir is not India's internal matter because it is recognised under the United Nations," he said and accused India of using "state-sponsored terrorism to justify illegal occupation over Kashmir". "India will not be able to legitimise its occupation," he said. To a question as to why Sharif is not using his 'personal relations' with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to defuse tension in Kashmir, Aziz said: "PM Sharif's personal ties with Modi are not state ties". He further said: "It does not matter how many times Modi speaks to Sharif on phone in a day what matters is whether the former talks to the latter about the Kashmir issue." When asked if Pakistan is considering severing diplomatic tie with India over the Kashmir violence, Aziz said: "Severing ties with India over the issue is no solution to the issue of Kashmir." The adviser declared that Pakistan "fully backs" All Parties Hurriyet Conference (APHC) leader Syed Ali Geelani's four-point formula on Kashmir. Aziz also said that India wants to do point scoring on the issue of filing an application in a local Indian court for registration of case against Prime Minister Sharif. "Filing an application by an Indian organisation against PM Nawaz Sharif (for declaring Hizbul commander Burhan Wani and observing black day in this connection) in an Indian court is a point-scoring from the Indian government," he said. A case has been filed in a court in Ambala, India by the Anti-Terrorist Front against Sharif accusing him of hatching a conspiracy to provoke riots in Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi: Astronomers, using Hubble Space Telescope, have for the first time conducted search for atmospheres around temperate, Earth-sized planets beyond our solar system. The findings increase the chances of habitability on two exoplanets - TRAPPIST-1b and TRAPPIST-1c. The lack of a smothering hydrogen-helium envelope increases the chances for habitability on these planets, said team member Nikole Lewis of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore. If they had a significant hydrogen-helium envelope, there is no chance that either one of them could potentially support life because the dense atmosphere would act like a greenhouse. They found that the two exoplanets, approximately 40 light-years away, are unlikely to have puffy, hydrogen-dominated atmospheres usually found on gaseous worlds. As per NASA, TRAPPIST-1b completes a circuit around its red dwarf star in 1.5 days and TRAPPIST-1c in 2.4 days. The planets are between 20 and 100 times closer to their star than the Earth is to the sun. The planets orbit a red dwarf star at least 500 million years old, in the constellation of Aquarius. Video credit: NASA Goddard/YouTube The team of scientists, led by Julien de Wit of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts, observed the planets in near-infrared light using Hubbles Wide Field Camera 3. These initial Hubble observations are a promising first step in learning more about these nearby worlds, whether they could be rocky like Earth, and whether they could sustain life, says Geoff Yoder, acting associate administrator for NASAs Science Mission Directorate in Washington. This is an exciting time for NASA and exoplanet research. Taking advantage of a rare simultaneous transit on May 4, when both planets crossed the face of their star within minutes of each other, astronomers measureed starlight as it filtered through any existing atmosphere. This double-transit, which occurs only every two years, provided a combined signal that offered simultaneous indicators of the atmospheric characters of the planets, says NASA. With more data, we could perhaps detect methane or see water features in the atmospheres, which would give us estimates of the depth of the atmospheres, said Hannah Wakeford, a researcher at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The researchers hope to use Hubble to conduct follow-up observations to search for thinner atmospheres, composed of elements heavier than hydrogen, like those of Earth and Venus. These Earth-sized planets are the first worlds that astronomers can study in detail with current and planned telescopes to determine whether they are suitable for life, said de Wit. The research has been published in the July 20 issue of the journal Nature. New Delhi: In July last year, NASA released the first stunning image of the sunlit side of Earth captured by the space agency's Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) onboard NOAA's DSCOVR satellite. Now, the camera has recorded a full year of life on Earth from its orbit at Lagrange point 1, approximately 1 million miles from Earth, where it is balanced between the gravity of our home planet and the sun. To mark one-year of EPIC capturing earth from 1 million miles away, NASA released a stunning time-lapse video comprising of more than 3, 000 images of the Earth as it moved around the sun for 365 days. EPIC takes a new picture every two hours, revealing how the planet would look to human eyes, capturing the ever-changing motion of clouds and weather systems and the fixed features of Earth such as deserts, forests and the distinct blues of different seas. EPIC will allow scientists to monitor ozone and aerosol levels in Earths atmosphere, cloud height, vegetation properties and the ultraviolet reflectivity of Earth. New Delhi: Ever wondered how female astronauts deal with their menstrual periods while they're in space? Perhaps, you may recall the 'Sally Ride space tampons', which might be the most-discussed tampons in the world. Until Ride became the first American woman in space in 1983, tampons and sanitary napkins were never part of those countless things that go into planning a launch. When NASA engineers offered 100 tampons to Ride for a one-week mission, she literally responded by telling them that would not be the right number. This indicates that the engineers didn't have a clue, and they weren't the only ones, though. But, turns out menstruating in space is more or less similar to it is on Earth. However, the real problems lie here. As per a report on Science alert, waste disposal systems onboard the ISS are not all designed to handle menstrual blood. This is because the toilet system is connected to the water reclamation system (which recycles urine into drinking water). Therefore, personal hygiene is less than ideal in space due to limited shower facilities and water supplies, making menstruating during spaceflight not as practical as it is on Earth. According to a study published in the journal Microgravity, more and more astronauts are opting for oral contraceptives to skip/suppress their periods altogether during both spaceflight and training. The most common form of suppression being the oral progesterone pill or simply, 'the pill', and the second being the IUD (intrauterine device). An intrauterine device is inserted into the uterus by a doctor and can safely last for three to five years. Another popular option is subdermal implants, which are safe to use for up to three years. Finally, there's another option via injections, particularly the depo shot. Depo-Provera, which is a hormone injection similar to progesterone, must be administered once every 12 weeks, and can be safely used for two to three years. This shows that women, whose body structures are different from that of men, have to face difficult tasks and situations, and this happens even when you are an astronaut! Lucknow: Dayashankar Singh, the UP BJP leader, who was expelled for making highly derogatory remarks against BSP chief Mayawati, is likely to surrender before the state police any time soon, said sources on Friday. Singh is said to consulting his lawyers in connection with FIR lodged against him over abusive remarks against Mayawati. Uttar Pradesh Police on Thursday detained Singhs brother Dharmendra for questioning about the former's whereabouts. According to reports, Singh's brother was detained by police in Ballia district of UP. Meanwhile, the BJP leader's wife Swati Singh today alleged harassment by BSP goons. ''BSP people are publicly making statements saying "Unki patni, beti ko pesh karo". My daughter is in trauma,'' Dayashankar's wife said. What BSP people are saying, is it not condemnable? Shouldn't such people be also removed from party, she asked. FIR must be lodged against all those who spoke against me, my daughter. A case must be registered for mentally harassing my daughter, she demanded. The development came a day after the BJP sacked Daya Shankar Singh from all party posts after he made derogatory remarks against BSP chief Mayawati, sparking an uproar in Parliament and causing huge embarrassment for the party. In Lucknow, the BSP filed a complaint against Singh under the SC/ST Act at the Hazratganj Kotwali and police later confirmed that an FIR was lodged. Speaking at a meeting in Mau where he was being felicitated by BJP workers, Singh, while accusing Mayawati of selling party election tickets, questioned her character, saying her behaviour was worse than that of a 'prostitute' and it was the reason why followers of Kanshi Ram were deserting her. A videotape of Singhs remarks circulated on social networks and created a storm, inviting condemnation from all around. In Rajya Sabha, where Mayawati was present, Leader of House Arun Jaitley expressed regret and promised action. It is not right and I condemn the use of such words and I will look into this matter. I express personal regrets. I associate our dignity with yours and stand with you, Jaitley told the BSP leader, addressing her as Behen Mayawati. Kolkata: Lashing out at the central government for "destroying federalism and pushing the states to destruction", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday ridiculed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking credit for development carried out by her government. Addressing a mammoth rally in the city, Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, strongly condemned the "atrocities on Dalits" in Gujarat and expressed alarm over the rising attempts to saffronise everything" and "proliferation of cow protection vigilantes". "The Centre is interfering in everything. It is destroying the federal structure. The Constitution has specified both the centre and the state's roles. But they are interfering in our working and constantly threatening us. "Because of the Centre's erroneous polices, the states have been pushed towards destruction. The Centre must remember that its existence is because of the states," said Banerjee. Asserting the people's "right to choice", she warned against the bid to "saffronise everything". "We strongly condemn the atrocities on the Dalits in Gujarat. In the name of 'gau raksha' (cow protection), they are attempting to create communal tension," said Banerjee referring to the recent brutal assault on four Dalit youths in Gujarat's Una town and affirming any such attempt in Bengal will not be tolerated. "I have also come to know that some elements in connivance with a party, are asking people here in Bengal about how many cows they have". "If such a thing is tried in Bengal, we will not tolerate that. People have their right to choice. A few people cannot decide what others will eat, wear or study," she asserted. "There are attempts to saffronise everything," said Banerjee addressing the Trinamool's annual Martyr's day rally observed in remembrance of 13 youths killed in police firing July 21, 1993 in the city. She also accused the Modi government of unleashing central agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Department (ED) that "led to over 80,000 industrialists leaving the country". Taking a jibe at Modi's pet schemes, including the 'Swachh Bharat' campaign, Banerjee claimed that funding for most of the central schemes has either been stopped or the state's responsibilities increased. "It is the state government which is carrying out development, but the entire credit is going to Modi. "Modi keeps talking about 'Swachh Bharat', but where is the cleanliness? The cleanliness is only in the advertisements," she said. Ridiculing the BJP for pitching its achievement under the Adarsh Gram Yojana, Banerjee said that funds for at least 39 central schemes have been stopped while in 59 other schemes, the state's contribution has been enhanced from 10 to 90 per cent. She also warned the central dispensation against taking people for granted. "When Pathankot happens, we don't give our opinion and bat for the country's unity, when terror attacks happen in Bangladesh, we don't give our opinion. When there is trouble in Kashmir we pray for peace, but don't give opinions. "Then why you are interfering in our matters," Banerjee said in an apparent reference the central leaders flaying the Trinamool government over law and order issue. While a host of leaders including vice president Mukul Roy declared Trinamool's "Delhi ambitions" and averred of playing a decisive role in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Banerjee insisted she did not harbour any aspirations of becoming the prime minister but exuded confidence of her party coming to power in Tripura. "We want regional parties to flourish, we want federal structure to be strong. Many are saying Mamata wants to become the prime minister. But no, I want to stay in my hut in Bengal and work for the people," she said. "We will come to power in Tripura," said Banerjee who would be visiting the state and address a rally on August 9. Even as she claimed the reports of factionalism within the Trinamool as "media creations", she warned her party members from falling prey to greed. "Because of the wrongdoings of one or two people, the whole party gets maligned. You cannot function whimsically, you have to follow the party discipline. I don't want people in Trinamool who fall prey to greed," said Banerjee who has been cracking the whip on rising illegal syndicates, many of whom are allegedly patronised by Trinamool leaders. Chandigarh: A married woman was allegedly gangraped by three youths in a hotel in Karnal district of Haryana, days after a 21-year college student in the state was raped for the second time by same offenders who had sexually assaulted her three years ago. The woman, hailing from Sonepat, was raped yesterday in Karnal, they said, adding, she was in contact with one of the accused over phone for the past few days. "The accused called the woman to Karnal yesterday and once she arrived, he took her to a hotel where he was joined by two of his accomplices in the crime," DSP Karnal, Jitender Gahlawat said. He said all the three accused, two of whom hailed from Asandh and one from Karnal, have been arrested today. They have been charged with rape and other relevant sections of IPC. The accused fled the spot after hiring an autorickshaw for the victim, the DSP said, adding, she was taken to a hospital by the driver after her condition worsened. A case was registered against the accused after recording the victim's statement. The incident comes close on the heels of a gangrape incident involving a 21-year-old college student in Rohtak. The victim was allegedly raped by five persons in Rohtak district on July 13. This was a repeat offence with two of the offenders also named as accused in a case of gangrape of the girl in Bhiwani three years ago. Yesterday, Haryana police had constituted an SIT to probe into the matter. The NHRC also issued a notice to the Haryana Government seeking report in the incident. Nazanins husband, Richard, said: The shock was because two weeks earlier, we had been sent signals this would not happen. The Revolutionary Guard sent me a message that the UK government should make an agreement, and I should pressure them. If the UK government reached this agreement, then Nazanins case would be closed without court. Back in April, Nazanin had taken her daughter Gabriella to visit her parents, who live in Iran. On the day that the pair were due to fly back to the UK, Nazanin was arrested by authorities in Iran and forcibly separated from her toddler. Gabriella is currently being cared for by her grandparents but the Iranian government has seized her passport so she cannot return to her father. Nazanin was held in prison without charge for over three months. Until recently, she was not allowed to see a lawyer, her daughter, her parents or even take a call from her husband. Nazanin was indicted alongside three other defendants, of whom she has no prior knowledge. The only thing the four have in common in Western passports. The vague charges could mean anything but nothing good. In the statement, Richard points out that the motive of Irans authorities was not any wrongdoing on Nazanins part but to gain a political advantage, so this indictment is a lot of smoke and walls. The Regime is not even consistent with their treatment of her; twice Nazanin has been released and twice her release has been retracted; her case was dropped and then she was indicted. in his statement, Richard said: What I see most is infighting. Nazanins fate is of different people intervening to show how powerful they are and make someone else look stupid, asserting they are the kings of their castle. This is why the charges keep changing, why the first set were rushed out full of typos, why the Tehran Guards said privately to ignore what the Kerman Guards put in the media. Wrapped up in their battles, this cacophony of chiefs are remarkably insulated in how they use other peoples lives. The only comfort that Nazanins family and friends can take is that in order to increase their bargaining power with the government, Nazanins have improved. She is allowed weekly visits from Gabriella and will soon be allowed to talk to her parents via phone twice a week; she was even permitted a copy of War and Peace to read. However, whilst Nazanin remains in prison there is still no telling what might happen. Beijing: About two million Chinese couples had applied to have a second child last year before the government officially junked its over three and half decades old controversial one-child policy, official media said on Thursday. The government first eased the restriction by allowing a second child for parents, if one of them is an only child. At the end of 2015, Chinese lawmakers passed a historic legislation allowing all couples to have two children from January 1, 2016 ending its over three and half decades old policy that prevented over 400 million births in the country. The one-child policy, implemented from 1978, restricted China's population to over 1.357 billion as per census in 2013. Despite massive publicity to the lifting of the one-child policy, the two child rule has evoked less enthusiasm among 100 million qualified couples who are eligible to have second child as they are not keen due to heavy costs involved in bringing up another baby. The National Health and Family Planning Commission today issued a bulletin saying that 89.2 per cent of the migrant population have access to free family planning. The commission said the government spent 11.2 billion yuan (USD 1.7 billion) last year on the support of rural households exercising family planning, up by 1.46 billion yuan from 2014 and benefiting over nine million individuals. China has a population of 1.3 billion, the largest of any country in the world. Kabul: Two districts in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz were coming under sustained attack by Taliban fighters on Thursday, Afghan officials said. At least one policeman was killed and four were wounded in the fighting in the Qalay-i-Zal district, said Mahmood Danish, spokesman for the governor of Kunduz province. Airstrikes were called in to help repel the insurgents, he said. Officials in the district reported earlier that the Taliban began attacking in waves earlier this week, and had taken much of the district, which is east of the provincial capital, also called Kunduz. Kunduz is strategically important, bordering Tajikistan to the north. It is a bread-basket province, and sits on a major crossroads connecting the country north to south and east to west. The provincial capital was overrun by Taliban in September, sending shockwaves through the country as it was the first time the insurgents had taken a major urban center since launching their insurgency 15 years ago. The city of Kunduz came under threat again in April, when Afghan forces aided by US troops and air power pushed the insurgents back into the surrounding districts. Also today, in the Dasht-i-Archi district northeast of the city of Kunduz, the head of the local community council, Abdul Nazar, said the Taliban had been attacking all day, and had taken most of the district. He said that no reinforcements or logistical support had arrived in the district. Kunduz lawmaker Abdullah Qarluq told The Associated Press that the Taliban had taken complete control of Qalay-i-Zal "and also 98 per cent of Dasht-i-Archi." He put Afghan security forces' deaths at 11, for both army and local police. The conflicting casualty figures could not immediately be reconciled. The Taliban have escalated their attacks as part of their summer offensive against Afghan government forces. Beirut: Al-Qaeda`s Syrian affiliate Al-Nusra Front has executed 14 captured men it accused of fighting for President Bashar al-Assad, in retaliation for a regime advance near Damascus. A video distributed via the group`s social media accounts showed 14 men, many with injuries including black eyes, stating their names as they lined up in pairs in front of the group`s black flag. "Implementation of the death sentence against a group of... regime prisoners because of their attack on Harira village in Wadi Barada," text on the video read. The footage showed the men being shot in the head simultaneously as they knelt in front of Al-Nusra fighters. Wadi Barada is an area in the Qalamun region of Syria`s Damascus province and is mostly controlled by an array of opposition groups, including Al-Nusra. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said that Al-Nusra had threatened to execute prisoners if government forces entered Harira. The threats came in an earlier video in which one of the captured men warned that the group would kill 14 captives if the government attacked. Al-Nusra is the local affiliate of Al-Qaeda and has regularly carried out executions of government forces. In September 2015, it executed at least 56 regime fighters at a military airport in Idlib province in the northwest of the country. More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011. Dhaka: Bangladesh`s elite security force said Thursday it had arrested a top regional head of the homegrown Islamist extremist group blamed for an attack on a Dhaka cafe in which 20 hostages were murdered. Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officers stormed a flat in an apartment building in the industrial town of Tongi, just north of the capital Dhaka, and arrested four members of the Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). "Among them was Mahmudul Hasan, the southern regional head of the JMB. He is a top militant trainer," RAB spokesman Mufti Mahmud Khan told reporters. Police recovered hand-made bombs and bomb-making materials from the house, indicating the militants "were planning to carry out an act of sabotage," he said. Bangladesh`s government has blamed JMB for the July 1 attack on an upscale cafe in Dhaka`s Gulshan neighbourhood in which 20 hostages, including 18 foreigners, were shot and slaughtered. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the Gulshan attack, releasing photos of the carnage and of the five men who carried out the deadly assault. Bangladeshi authorities rejected the claim, saying international jihadist networks have no presence in the world`s third largest Muslim majority nation. But national police chief Shahidul Hoque said recently that authorities were investigating whether the Gulshan attackers had any international connections. RAB spokesman Khan said officers were probing whether Hasan and the three other detained JMB operatives, including a medical student, had played a role in the Gulshan attack. "They will be questioned," he said. Hasan-trained militants were responsible for the murder of a police constable and deadly bomb attack at the nation`s most respected Shiite shrine in Dhaka late last year, he added. Bangladesh has been reeling from a deadly wave of attacks in the last three years. The government and police say homegrown extremists are responsible for the deaths of some 80 secular activists, foreigners and religious minorities since 2013. Both IS and a branch of Al-Qaeda have claimed responsibility for many of the attacks. Critics say Hasina`s administration is in denial about the nature of the threat posed by Islamist extremists and accuse her of trying to exploit the attacks to demonise her domestic political opponents. Last month, authorities launched a crackdown on local jihadists, arresting more than 11,000 people, but critics allege the arrests were arbitrary or designed to silence opposition. Paris: The Tunisian man who killed 84 people on the French Riviera by ploughing his truck into Bastille Day crowds had been planning the attack for months with the help of at least five accomplices, the Paris prosecutor said on Thursday. "The investigation under way since the night of July 14 has progressed and not only confirmed the murderous premeditated nature of Mohammad Lahouaiej Bouhlel`s act but also established that he benefited from support and complicity," Francois Molins told a news conference. The prosecutor said he had placed the five people - an Albanian couple, a Tunisian man and two Franco-Tunisian men - under formal investigation after they were taken into custody. None of them had been known to intelligence services. Records of Bouhlel`s phone use indicated a large number of exchanges, calls and text messages over the last year with several of the accomplices under investigation, he said. Bouhlel received a text from one of the men a few days after the January 2015 Islamist attacks on the Charlie Hebdo newspaper and a Jewish deli saying: "I am not Charlie ... I am glad, they brought in Allah`s soldiers to finish the job." A day after that text was sent, on Jan. 11, millions of French people rallied in Paris and other French cities under the slogan "Je Suis Charlie" (I am Charlie) in solidarity with the victims at the satirical newspaper. The July 14 attack by the Tunisian delivery man at peak holiday time on the Riviera plunged France into new grief and fear, just eight months after jihadist gunmen killed 130 people in Paris. Islamic State has claimed the Nice attack, calling Bouhlel one of its soldiers, but authorities say they have yet to find evidence that the 31-year-old, who was shot dead by police, had any actual links to the militant group. Rome: The bodies of 21 women and one man were found on a rubber dinghy adrift near the Libyan coast on Wednesday, just hours after they had set sail for Italy, humanitarian group Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said. An MSF ship patrolling the central Mediterranean came to the rescue of two dinghies that were sailing close together and managed to pull 209 people, including 50 children, to safety. However, 22 migrants were found dead at the bottom of the first dinghy, lying in a pool of fuel. "It is still not entirely clear what happened, but they died a horrible death. It is tragic," said Jens Pagotto, MSF Head of Mission for Search and Rescue Operations. "It seems that water and fuel mixed together and the fumes from this might have been enough for them to lose consciousness," he told Reuters by telephone. The survivors, most of them from West African states such as Nigeria and Guinea, were being brought to Sicily along with the dead and were due to reach the port of Trapani on Friday. Italian authorities have reported a jump in the number of migrants who have left Libya this week on overcrowded boats in search of a better life in Europe, as people smugglers take advantage of calm seas and hot summer weather. More than 2,500 people were rescued on Tuesday and one body was recovered, Italy`s coast guard said. Almost 600 people were saved on Wednesday. As of Monday, 79,861 migrants had arrived in Italy by sea so far in 2016 compared with 83,119 during the same period last year. Almost 3,000 migrants have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean in the first seven months of this year, according to the International Organization for Migration. Pagotto said the two dinghies had probably left the north African state of Libya in the early hours of Wednesday and were picked up some 17 nautical miles east of Tripoli. The Italian coastguard received a distress call at about 10 a.m. (0800 GMT) and notified the MSF ship MV Aquarius, which took three hours to reach the scene. An Italian naval vessel also helped with the rescue. "The survivors had been on the boat with the bodies of these women for hours on end. Many are too traumatized from what they have endured to be able to talk about what had happened," said Pagotto. He said a team of trauma specialists would be on hand to help the survivors when they reached land. Beijing: A youth named by China as the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism, but reviled as a fake by many Tibetans, began an important Buddhist rite on Thursday, the first time in 50 years it has happened in Tibet, state media said. Although officially atheist, China selected Gyaltsen Norbu as the 11th Panchen Lama in 1995 in a drive to win the hearts and minds of Tibetans. Tibet`s current spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, whom Beijing brands a dangerous separatist, had announced his own choice of a six-year-old boy, but he was taken away by authorities and has since vanished from public view. The Kalachakra ritual is esoteric but for Buddhists very important rite for activating dormant enlightenment, and has not been carried out in what China calls the Tibet Autonomous Region for half a century. The Dalai Lama, who fled his homeland after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule in 1959 and lives in exile in India, has carried out the rite overseas. Activists say China has violently tried to stamp out religious freedom and culture in Tibet, which remains under heavy security. China rejects the criticism, saying its rule has ended serfdom and brought development to a backward region. The official Xinhua news agency said China`s Panchen Lama had begun the ritual at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, the Panchen Lama`s traditional seat. Monks from the monastery would join those from Labrang, another important seat of Tibetan Buddhist in Gansu province, for the four-day event, the report said. About 50,000 Buddhists were expected to attend, it said. China has gradually exposed its Panchen Lama in public roles in the hope he will achieve the respect commanded by the Dalai Lama among Tibetans and globally, and in 2012 he made his first trip outside mainland China when he visited Hong Kong. The London-based group Free Tibet said the ritual would be the biggest religious platform Beijing has given its Panchen Lama to date. "The officially atheist Chinese government has long tried to impose its authority on Tibet by co-opting Tibetan Buddhism," said Free Tibet director Eleanor Byrne-Rosengren. "Its decision to have Gyaltsen Norbu preside over a ritual as important as the Kalachakra marks a stepping up in these efforts." Chinese troops marched into Tibet in 1950. After the Dalai Lama fled, the 10th Panchen Lama stayed on and was initially seen as a collaborator. It later emerged that his criticism of Beijing had earned him more than a decade spent either in prison or under house arrest. Freed in 1977, he was politically rehabilitated the following year and died in 1989. Beijing: Chinese Muslims should promote social harmony and resist illegal religious "infiltration", President Xi Jinping said while visiting a mosque in a heavily-Muslim part of western China, state media reported on Thursday. There are about 21 million Muslims in China, ranging from the Uighur people who live in the violence-prone far western region of Xinjiang to the Hui, many of whom are highly Sinified, and other ethnic groups. China`s constitution guarantees religious freedom, but rights groups say the officially atheist ruling Communist Party seeks to restrict religious practice, especially for Muslims. China strongly denies such charges. Touring Ningxia, home to about 2.4 million mostly Hui Muslims, Xi said Chinese Muslims should practice their religion as part of Chinese society and "carry forward the patriotic tradition", the official China Daily said. "Religions in our country, the endemic ones and those from abroad, have become deeply embedded in the Chinese civilisation, whose history covers more than 5,000 years," Xi said while visiting a mosque in Ningxia`s regional capital Yinchuan. "They will continue to flourish while taking root here." Muslims must "resolutely oppose illegal religious infiltration activities" and promote religious and social harmony, Xi said, the official Xinhua news agency added, without elaborating. The Chinese government says it has been facing a rise in Islamic extremism, especially in Xinjiang, where hundreds have died in violence in recent years. Beijing blames foreign extremists for stirring up tensions, particularly in Xinjiang, where it says it faces a determined campaign by extremist separatists who want to establish an independent state called East Turkestan. But many rights groups and exiles doubt the existence of a coherent extremist group in Xinjiang, and say Uighur anger at repressive Chinese policies is more to blame for the unrest. Cleveland: The US has nothing to fear from the vast majority of Muslims as radical Islamists constitute a small minority of the global Muslim community, a close aide of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said today. "We are at war with radical Islamists, we are losing the war, and we must change course to win the war," said Newt Gingrich, a close confidant of Trump told Republican delegates at the ongoing Republican National Convention in this Ohio City. "We have nothing to fear from the vast majority of Muslims in the United States, or around the world. The vast majority are peaceful. They are often the victims of the violence themselves," he said. "They are people we would be happy to have as our friends and neighbours. The challenge is, when even a small percentage of a billion, six hundred million people support violence against those who disagree with them, that is still a giant recruiting base," he said. For example, Pew Research finds that just 9 per cent of Muslims in Pakistan support ISIS. Unfortunately, that 9 per cent is 16 million people. And that's just one country, he said. One of the first few leaders to endorse Trump during the primaries, Gingrich argued that the real estate tycoon has the courage to tell some important truths about our national security. "In contrast to Donald Trump, our national security and foreign policy elites, led by Hillary Clinton, are incapable of speaking with such honesty. While they lie about the threat, we need to tell the truth about the? danger. If our enemies had their way, not a single woman in this room could define her future," he said. "If our enemies had their way, not a single Jew or Christian in this room would be alive unless they agreed to submit. If our enemies had their way, gays, lesbians and transgender citizens would be put to death as they are today in the Islamic State and Iran," he added. "If our enemies had their way, every person on earth would be subject to conversion by the sword and to a cruel and violent system of laws. There would be no individual liberty. There would be no equality," he said. Gingrich alleged that if Clinton is elected it would be terrifying for the country. "Every American should be terrified at the prospect of a Hillary Clinton presidency. If Hillary is elected, she will keep in place the people and the systems that lie to us every single day about this threat," he said. "In a world where Pakistan has nuclear weapons where North Korea has nuclear weapons and where Iran--the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism--is close to having nuclear weapons this, a catastrophic attack on innocent Americans, is a very real threat," Gingrich said. Kuala Lumpur: Families of those lost on flight MH370 pleaded on Thursday for authorities to continue hunting for the Malaysia Airlines jet on the eve of a meeting that could decide how much longer the frustrating deep-sea search continues. The appeal by an international group of MH370 next-of-kin, Voice 370, called on "Malaysia, Australia and China not to abandon the search" if the current zone being trawled for the wreckage is found to be empty, a statement by the group said. "If for any reason an immediate extension of search activities cannot be carried out, then the search should merely be suspended, not abandoned in totality," Voice 370 said. The statement was released at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur in which a dozen grim-faced next-of-kin held up placards pleading with authorities not to give up the search. The Boeing 777 vanished March 8, 2014 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people aboard, mostly Chinese nationals, in what remains one of the greatest mysteries in aviation history. The Australian-led operation is scouring the seafloor within a 120,000-square-kilometre (46,000-square-mile) belt of remote Indian Ocean where authorities believe the passenger jet went down. The Voice 370 statement was issued as as transport ministers from Australia, China and Malaysia prepared for a meeting Friday that may dictate how much longer the search continues. That area currently being surveyed is expected to be fully searched possibly in the next few weeks. The three countries have said the hugely expensive high-tech sonar operation far off western Australia will not be further expanded without "credible" new evidence pointing to a crash site. Australian Transport Minister Darren Chester said this week that Friday`s meeting in Malaysia would be an opportunity to "discuss next steps" as the search nears completion. Many families are skeptical the search is in the right place, and Voice 370 has previously called for a full public double-checking of data used to determine the suspected crash region. Its statement Thursday also repeated calls for a concerted international effort to find and study more debris in the western Indian Ocean. Several pieces of debris that apparently drifted thousands of kilometres toward the African coast have been identified as definitely or probably from the Boeing 777. Those finds have confirmed the plane went down but have so far shed no light on the cause of the crash. The letter echoes many similar statements by politicians, NGOs, and citizen activists, especially around the time of state visits between Iran and its prospective Western trade partners. Staunch critics of the Iranian regime, such as the National Council of Resistance of Iran, decried European participants in such visits for failing to address the issue of Irans human rights abuses in the context of discussions with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his colleagues. The Eurasia Review article reminds readers that in one instance, in March, the Rouhani administration cancelled a planned visit to Vienna because the Austrian government refused to obstruct a planned NCRI protest that was to focus on human rights issues. Yet the following month, eight European commissioners led by EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini traveled to Tehran to explore new trade deals, without precondition. But such a precondition is exactly what de Gucht, Michel, and others have urged. The letter calls for Europe to make expanded relations with the Islamic Republic dependent upon a verifiable improvement in human rights conditions, including a suspension of the death penalty. On July 9, the NCRI held a major international gathering near its headquarters outside of Paris. In it, speakers from dozens of countries called attention to evidence that far from improving, the human rights situation in Iran has only deteriorated in recent years. The most prominent such indicator is the rate of executions, which UN assessments have found to reached levels not seen in more than 25 years. This trend continues to the present day, as evidenced by the website Iran Human Rights. On Monday it reported that over the previous seven days, at least 30 people had been executed in Iranian prisons, the vast majority of them for non-violent, drug-related crimes. The site also reported that 10 prisoners in a single prison, Rajai Shahr, had recently been transferred to solitary confinement to await their executions, which could take place imminently. The violent enforcement of drug laws is arguably a symptom of increasingly stringent efforts on the part of the Iranian regime to exert control over civil society. This trend also points to the difficult that European governments would likely face in trying to influence Irans human rights record, even if they were making serious efforts to do so. This is to say, Irans general crackdown has included not only the execution of nonviolent criminals and the repression of domestic dissent, but also paranoid resistance to what the regime describes as cultural and economic infiltration. On Tuesday, IranWire indicated that one of the latest examples of this was an attack on the use of English or other foreign words and non-Persian script in commercial signs and other public spaces. The report indicates that Iranian locations of the Nutella Bar and other franchise businesses have been informed that they must remove all their signs, in accordance with existing laws against the use of foreign names and idioms. The requirements, like many other restrictive Iranian laws, are explicitly defined as matters of public morality, and have apparently come to be enforced much more strictly in the months since the Iran nuclear deal was implemented. That deal, concluded last July and put into effect in January, was regarded by some as a possible sign of broader opening between Iran and the West. But Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other hardliners were quick to lash out against that perception, thereby helping to lead to a situation in which the regime is no longer making reasonable accommodations for the relevant laws. In the past, for instance, untranslatable proprietary names have been allowed to remain on Iranian signs. But this appears to no longer be the case, as the regime goes to greater lengths to prevent Western culture from being visible in Iranian society. This, however, is a difficult prospect in light of the high level of demand for Western goods and Western lifestyles. As a result, the regime is apparently seeking a strange sort of compromise in some cases, formally allowing such goods only on the condition that government authorities can control or monitor their use. This appears to be the case with iPhones, which are not currently sold legally in Iran, but which are available and widely obtained via the black market. As Fortune reports, the Iranian regime has moved to accept the devices into the open market by ordering Apple to register those that it sells to Iran. This would presumably allow the cyberspace division of Irans security forces to more effectively monitor individual users of smartphone applications, which have been a headache for Iranian efforts to control the flow of information and prevent the public expression of dissent. Tehran has declared that if Iran doesnt register its products with the Iranian government, it will ban iPhones in the country. But it is not clear how the government would enforce the ban in light of the fact that the devices already in use in the country were almost all illegally obtained. Hong Kong: Hong Kong student leader Joshua Wong was found guilty Thursday of participating in a protest that led to mass pro-democracy rallies, in a prosecution blasted as a "chilling warning" by rights campaigners. The verdict comes as tensions remain high in the semi-autonomous city with fears growing that Beijing is tightening its grip. Wong has always said the various protest-related cases against him were political persecution. Rights group Amnesty International described cases against peaceful protesters as intimidation Thursday in the wake of the verdict. Wong was convicted for taking part in an unlawful assembly after he and other students climbed over a fence into a Hong Kong government complex forecourt known as Civic Square on September 26, 2014. That protest triggered wider rallies that exploded two days later when police fired tear gas to disperse crowds. The verdict could see Wong jailed for up to five years. Fellow student leaders Alex Chow and Nathan Law were also convicted over the same protest Thursday -- Chow for taking part and Law for inciting others to do so. "No matter what is the penalty... we will still continue to fight against suppression from the government," Wong said after the ruling. "We know facing the largest communist regime in the world is a long-term battle for us to fight for democracy." The three defendants, who smiled in resignation at the verdict, were released on bail and are due back on court on August 15 for sentencing. Amnesty said that "vague charges" against student leaders "smacked of political payback". "The Hong Kong authorities` prosecution of three pro-democracy student leaders sends a chilling warning for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the city," it said in a statement. It added the city`s public order laws failed to meet international standards and were being used "in an attempt to intimidate people from exercising their right to peaceful assembly".Teenage Wong, now 19, was at the forefront of the "Umbrella Movement", which brought parts of Hong Kong to a standstill for more than two months in 2014 as residents called on Beijing to allow fully free elections of future leaders. Young campaigners were left angry and frustrated after the rallies failed to win political reform, with Wong and Law since founding a new political party, Demosisto, campaigning for self-determination for Hong Kong. Pro-independence groups demanding a complete split from Beijing have also emerged. Wong has been in and out of court hearings for the past year after being charged with multiple offences linked to various protest actions. In the ruling Thursday, magistrate June Cheung said Wong had known that climbing over the fence was "disturbing order". Defence lawyers had argued authorities should not have fenced off Civic Square -- previously a popular protest site open to the public -- in the febrile months before the Umbrella Movement. The prosecution said the fact they climbed into the square was unlawful and that the protest was pre-planned. Both Wong and Law were acquitted in June over an anti-China protest in the first of a series of cases against him to reach a verdict. Another student leader, Billy Fung, was charged Thursday over a protest in January where students stormed into an official meeting at Hong Kong University angered by the appointment of a pro-Beijing figure to a senior university role. There is concern that Beijing is increasingly interfering in education and media, as well as politics. Hong Kong was returned to China by Britain in 1997 with its freedoms guaranteed for 50 years, but there are fears those liberties are disappearing. Dublin: Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny and French President Francois Hollande on Thursday called on Britain to start the process of leaving the European Union (EU) as soon as possible. The French President was in Dublin for talks with the Irish leadership that focused on "Brexit" and issues of international security. The two leaders said the activation of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which triggers the process for an EU member state to leave the block, would allow the start of methodical negotiations, EFE news agency reported. They also highlighted the importance of maintaining close relations between the EU and London in future. "Ireland and France are Britain's nearest neighbours, with significant and complex economic, human, cultural and historical links," a statement said, adding that "In consequence, both countries have specific and indeed unique concerns to be addressed in future negotiations". When asked about the possibility of Britain being granted a concession to access the single market, Kenny said this privilege goes along with the free movement of people. Hollande is on a one-day visit to the Irish capital to participate in various engagements. His visit is cut short due to last week's terror attack in Nice. He will also meet Irish President Michael D Higgins before returning to Paris where he will meet Britain's new Prime Minister, Theresa May, to discuss "Brexit". Paris: Not all jihadists are psychopaths, and not all psychopaths turn violent. However when a person craving violence is drawn in by Islamic State ideology offering them glory and a sense of belonging, it provides a volatile mix that can lead to the kind of massacre seen in the south of France last week, experts say. French investigators are at a loss to explain the motives of Mohamed Lahouaiej Boulhel, a Tunisian who crushed 84 people to death with a truck in an IS-claimed attack in Nice after an apparent lightning-fast radicalisation. He is the latest in a long line of attackers inspired from afar by IS extremists to be described as suffering from mental or personality disorders. Like Omar Mateen, who shot dead 49 people in a gay Orlando nightclub, Bouhlel was cruel to his wife and children, according to prosecutors, and was reported to be chillingly calm during the attack. Investigators found gruesome evidence on his computer of corpses and searches for images of car accidents, and those interviewed by police said he had shown no sign of religious fervour until recently. "Could he have become extremely religious willy-nilly, or was he cherry-picking what he likes about IS, because what he really liked was the violence?" said Mary-Ellen O`Toole, a retired FBI profiler. "IS didn`t create this guy, but he was already well on his way and IS was the conduit." Profiling terrorists is a major headache for security and intelligence forces, with motives as wide-ranging as the kind of people drawn to carry them out. "Terrorist acts are behaviours, with all kinds of different motivations and combinations of motivations. The acts and motivations are usually logical - not `crazy` or `senseless` - to the perpetrator," forensic psychiatrist William Reid told AFP. "History and current news is full of examples of killing people without mental illness or instability."However experts are not surprised that IS, with its brutal propaganda videos, appeals to those considered mentally disturbed. Brian Michael Jenkins, a terrorism expert with the US-based RAND think tank, said that IS` brutal online propaganda would likely only appeal to those who were "already sliding between a fantasy world and a real world." "It is difficult to remotely motivate ordinary individuals to carry out horrendously destructive and self-destructive acts. IS in particular is a magnet for psychopaths." Experts say there are numerous reasons why IS lures jihadists, from resonating with their personal anger and feelings of injustice to offering them an extreme belief system and psychological rewards of participation or rewards in the afterlife. Jenkins said the poor level of understanding of Islam of many jihadists meant religion alone could not explain their acts. "Radicalisation may consist of nothing more than embracing Daesh`s flag, the religious component may be no more than brief encounters on the internet." The Islamic State "will applaud their actions, it will make them a hero. It offers identity, meaning, participation in an epic struggle. It offers them a passage to paradise."Many people interviewed by investigators described Bouhlel as "someone who did not practise the Muslim religion, ate pork, drank alcohol, took drugs and had an unbridled sexual activity". His father told AFP he suffered depression and had fits of rage, "screaming and breaking everything in front of him." When he was 19, his father took him to see a psychologist, who told L`Express news magazine he "suffered from an altered reality and behaviour problems. The beginnings of psychosis." Investigators found he had pored over websites researching vehicle accidents, Bastille Day festivities and the Orlando shooting. Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said that roughly eight months ago Bouhlel had shown videos of a hostage being decapitated to a friend, and that he had a "clear, recent interest in the radical jihadist movement". "This is a person who days before the incident was researching what he was going to do, fuelling his obsession with violence by watching all this stuff. That`s not mentally ill, he is thinking strategically," said O`Toole. Psychopathy is a personality disorder, not a mental illness, although it can be present alongside other psychological disorders. "He did a recon beforehand, he was taking pictures of himself on the day of the attack. If he knew what he was going to do later that night he certainly wasn`t stressed by it." While unable to say whether Bouhlel suffered any mental illness, O`Toole said the majority of his traits were "only seen collectively in someone who is psychopathic." "This is probably one of the most callous crimes you and I have ever heard of, it`s very cold-blooded and it`s predatory. He was actually hunting people to drive over." "That`s not just the result of watching one too many violent videos. That`s part of your personality." O`Toole said that the profiles of so-called "lone-wolves", acting from afar on orders by IS to kill its enemies, meant it was hard for security services to spot them, as their warning behaviours would only be visible to family and friends, who needed to be trained to spot them. Sydeny: Top searchers at the Dutch company leading the underwater hunt for Malaysia Airlines jet MH370 say they believe the plane may have glided down rather than dived in the final moments, meaning they have been scouring the wrong patch of ocean for two years. Flight MH370 disappeared in March 2014 with 239 passengers and crew onboard en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur. Searchers led by engineering group Fugro have been combing an area roughly the size of Greece for two years. That search, over 120,000 square kilometres of the southern Indian Ocean off Western Australia, is expected to end in three months and could be called off after that following a meeting of key countries Malaysia, China and Australia on Friday. The three countries agreed in April 2015 that should the aircraft not be located within the search area, and in the absence of any new credible evidence, the search area would not be extended. So far, nothing has been found. "If it`s not there, it means it`s somewhere else," Fugro project director Paul Kennedy told Reuters. Kennedy does not exclude extreme possibilities that could have made the plane impossible to spot in the search zone, and still hopes to find the craft. But he and his team argue another option is the plane glided down - meaning it was manned at the end - and made it beyond the area marked out by calculations from satellite images. "If it was manned it could glide for a long way," Kennedy said. "You could glide it for further than our search area is, so I believe the logical conclusion will be well maybe that is the other scenario." Doubts that the search teams are looking in the right place will likely fuel calls for all data to be made publicly available so that academics and rival companies can pursue an "open source" solution - a collaborative public answer to the airline industry`s greatest mystery. Fugro`s controlled glide hypothesis is also the first time officials have leant some support to contested theories that someone was in control during the flight`s final moments. Since the crash there have been competing theories over whether one, both or no pilots were in control, whether it was hijacked - or whether all aboard perished and the plane was not controlled at all when it hit the water. Adding to the mystery, investigators believe someone may have deliberately switched off the plane`s transponder before diverting it thousands of miles. The glide view is not supported by the investigating agencies: America`s Boeing Co, France`s Thales SA, U.S. investigator the National Transportation Safety Board, British satellite company Inmarsat PLC, the U.K. Air Accidents Investigation Branch and the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation. CARRY ON The meeting between officials from China, Australia and Malaysia is expected to discuss the future of the search. The three governments have previously agreed that unless any new credible evidence arises the search would not be extended, despite calls from victims` families. Any further search would require a fresh round of funding from the three governments on top of the almost A$180 million ($137 million) that has already been spent, making it the most expensive in aviation history. Deciding the search area in 2014, authorities assumed the plane had no "inputs" during its final descent, meaning there was no pilot or no conscious pilot. They believe it was on auto-pilot and spiralled when it ran out of fuel. But Kennedy said a skilled pilot could glide the plane approximately 120 miles (193 km) from its cruising altitude after running out of fuel. One pilot told Reuters it would be slightly less than that. For the aircraft to continue gliding after fuel has run out, someone must manually put the aircraft into a glide nose down with controlled speed. "If you lose all power, the auto-pilot kicks out. If there is nobody at the controls, the aircraft will plummet down," said a captain with experience flying Boeing 777s - the same as MH370. Like all pilots interviewed for this story, he declined to be named given the controversy around the lost jet. Fugro works on a "confidence level" of 95 percent, a statistical measurement used, in Fugro`s case, to indicate how certain the plane debris was not in the area they have already combed, a seabed peppered with steep cliffs and underwater volcanoes. "The end-of-flight scenarios are absolutely endless," Fugro managing director Steve Duffield said. "Which wing ran out of fuel first, did it roll this way or did it tip that way?" The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the agency coordinating the search, has consistently defended the defined search zone. It did not immediately respond to questions over whether it was assessing the controlled glide theory. Authorities used data provided by Inmarsat to locate the likely plunge point through communication between the plane and satellite ground station. "All survey data collected from the search for missing flight MH370 will be released," an ATSB spokesman said. ($1 = 1.3113 Australian dollars) Dhaka: The 'fugitive' eldest son of Bangladesh's opposition leader and former premier Khaleda Zia was on Thursday sentenced to seven years in prison by a court here for laundering nearly USD 2.5 million, overturning a lower court's decision to acquit him in the high-profile graft case. Tarique Rahman, 48, who is senior vice president of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sentenced by the two-member bench of the High Court for siphoning off the money to Singapore between 2003 and 2007 when the party-led four-party righting alliance government was in power. "He (Rahman) has been tried in absentia as he did not appear despite being summoned...The court earlier declared him fugitive" a court official told reporters after the verdict. Rahman, who has been living in London since 2007, was charged under Money Laundering Act. The court also slapped Taka 200 million fine on him. In a surprise verdict, a Dhaka court on November 17, 2013 had acquitted Rahman of the graft charge but handed down seven years of imprisonment and fined Taka 400 million to his friend and business partner Giasuddin Al Mamun in the same case. The High Court, however, upheld Mamun's jail term but lowered the amount of fine to Taka 200 million, an equal amount of penalty slapped on Rahman. BNP earlier rejoiced the lower court's verdict but the judge of the court, who retired within few days after the verdict came under the scanner of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) as he reportedly left the country soon after. According to one of the pending charges, Rahman allegedly masterminded a fatal grenade attack in 2004 on a rally of the then main opposition and now ruling Awami League killing 24 people. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina narrowly escaped the assault but with permanent hearing impairment. Bangladesh earlier formally asked London to extradite Rahman to face justice. It is unclear if Rahman has sought an asylum in the UK as the British authorities earlier declined to make any public statement on the issue calling it a "personal matter of an individual". The Anti-Corruption Commission brought the money laundering charge against Rahman during the past military- backed interim government which spearheaded a massive anti-graft campaign under the State of Emergency from 2006 to 2008 when Rahman was put behind the bar. He was allowed to take an overseas tour for medical treatment under a Supreme Court order but he preferred to stay back in London as the subsequent general election installed Awami League to power with three fourths majority. Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that other countries might be involved in July 15 coup attempt. "There might be other countries involved in the coup attempt. Judicial process will reveal it," Xinhua news agency quoted Erdogan as saying on Wednesday. Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric based in the US, and his people were behind Friday's coup attempt, Erdogan said. The Turkish president said he was informed about the attempt first by his brother-in-law and his initial reaction was disbelief. He admitted that there was intelligence weakness. "If there were accurate intelligence they could prevent the attempt," Erdogan said. They had a list of suspects of possible Gulen movement members. They could not act due to restrictions of law, but their connections were revealed during interrogations, he said. Elaborating on a huge number of detentions and purge in state institutions, he said every step was taken within the law. Erdogan said the government has sent request to the US for extradition of Gulen. "I hope they will take a step as soon as possible," he added. "We have collected many documents. Many are detained. But we are yet to finish. I don't think vanquishing this coup attempt has reached an end. They might have different plans for the next period," the president said. Erdogan also said there could be a link between Gulen movement and the pilots who shot down Russian jet in November last year. Erdogan said he would approve if the parliament passes the death penalty law. "The world is not only with the EU, and countries like the US, Russia and China all have death penalty ... It is the Turkish people's call and the parliament's right to decide whether to pass the law of death penalty," Erdogan said. Since the coup failed on last Saturday, over 9,000 people have been arrested facing court decisions, according to the president. Islamabad: Thousands of Pakistanis on Wednesday marked a Black Day over the Kashmir unrest by taking out protest rallies in various cities, while the government officials wore black armbands at workplaces. Rallies were held in various cities to draw the attention of the international community on the Kashmir issue, the Express Tribune reported on Thursday. Pakistan had announced to observe the Black Day on July 20 after violence erupted in Kashmir over the killing of terrorist Burhan Wani. People from Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Muzaffarabad and other cities participated in the rally and shouted anti-India slogans. The speakers have urged the UN to intervene and resolve the dispute, the report said. The Pakistani government had directed all officers to wear black armbands at their workplaces to denounce Indian atrocities in Kashmir. In a message, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that his government will raise the Kashmir case at all diplomatic, political and human rights fora. He extended an unflinching support to the Kashmiri people. More than six decades ago the UN passed resolutions to hold plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir but its people are still waiting the fulfilment of that promise, the report quoted Sharif as saying. In one of the protests, some 20,000 people have blocked a highway connecting Islamabad to Muzaffarabad. Kashmir Affairs Minister Chaudhry Barjees Tahir reportedly said that the world peace was linked with the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. If the United Nations can get its resolutions implemented in East Timor, then why not on Kashmir? the report quoted him as saying. Various political, religious and social organisations participated in the rallies. In Lahore, the lawyers community observed the day by hoisting black flags on bar buildings and wore black armbands at courts. Beijing: Chinese and Pakistan border troops have for the first time launched joint patrolling of the border connecting PoK with Xinjiang province amid reports that over 100 Uighurs have fled the restive region to join ISIS. The state media reported about the joint patrol even as Chinese President Xi Jinping asked the Chinese Muslims to practice their religion 'as part of Chinese society and direction'. The People's Daily Online today published a dozen photos with a caption "the frontier defence regiment of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Xinjiang, along with a border police force from Pakistan, carry out a joint patrol along the China-Pakistan border". The photos show teams of armed troops from both sides conducting foot patrols in a number of areas. This is the first time China-Pakistan began joint patrols in recent years though Chinese troops have been conducting patrols in the area since 2014. Though there is no write-up to provide details of the joint patrolling and what prompted both the countries to launch it, it coincides with reports of over 100 Uyghur Muslims sneaking out of Xinjiang to join ISIS. US think-tank New America Foundation yesterday said tough religious restrictions on Muslim minorities in China's far west may have driven 114 Uighurs to join the ISIS but found that the recruits had no prior experience with jihad, raising questions about China's official narrative of radicalisation in Xinjiang by the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM). Uighurs are a predominantly Muslim Turkic-speaking ethnic group who hail from Xinjiang and China in the past has stated that a number of militants from the community who fought in Syria were caught after their return to cause violent attacks in the volatile province, which bore the brunt of the militancy reportedly carried out by the ETIM. The New America Foundation in its report said banning and or strictly controlled the observance of certain Muslim practices, such as growing beards and fasting during Ramadan has led many to join the ISIS. The separatist militant group ETIM in the past is reported to have training bases in Pakistan's tribal areas and subsequently, Pakistan military under pressure from China carried out massive air and ground operations to clear the Uyghur militants' bases. Currently, the work is underway for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which connects both the countries through highways, rail, optic cable network and pipelines. Once the USD 46 billion project is complete, Xinjiang will get linked to Pakistan's Gwadar port. Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s daughter, Maryam Nawaz, has said that the Pakistan Muslim League-(Nawaz) plans to pass the much delayed legislation against "honour killings" within weeks in the wake of the murder of outspoken social media star Qandeel Baloch. Maryam said on Wednesday that the bill will go before a parliamentary committee as early as Thursday, reports the Dawn.Passing the law would remove a loophole that allows other family members to pardon a killer in cases of `honour killing`. Maryam said the government wanted to pass the law unanimously and had been negotiating with various religious parties in parliament. "We have finalised the draft law in the light of negotiations. The final draft will be presented to a committee of joint session of parliament on July 21 for consideration and approval," she said. She added that after the parliamentary committee approves the bill, it would be presented for a vote before a joint session of parliament.A spokesman for Jamaat-i-Islami, one of the two major religious parties in parliament, said his party would not oppose the bill. However, the Council of Islamic Ideology, which advises the government on the compatibility of laws with Islam, warned that it would not support any law that removed the forgiveness loophole, even though the council considers honour killings a crime. "Islamic law and the Koran say that the right to forgive or punish lies first and foremost with the victim`s family. So if this bill is trying to completely take away that right from the family, then of course that is against Islamic teachings," said council spokesman Inam Ullah. The religious parties and the council hold significant influence over public opinion and the government fears a backlash if any law passes without their approval. Madrid: Spain said Thursday it had asked London for "urgent" explanations after a British nuclear submarine collided with a vessel off the coast of Gibraltar, forcing it to dock in the disputed territory. The incident sparked environmental fears as well as concerns it could lead to yet another diplomatic row between London and Madrid, which wants Gibraltar back centuries after it was ceded to Britain in 1713. The HMS Ambush submarine was submerged and carrying out a training exercise when it collided with an unspecified merchant vessel on Wednesday afternoon, damaging the front of its conning tower and forcing it to dock for checks in the overseas British territory on Spain`s southern tip known as "the Rock". "The ministry has asked the British embassy in Madrid for urgent explanations over the extent of the breakdown and all relevant information regarding the circumstances of this incident," Spain`s foreign ministry said in a statement. Britain`s navy tried to allay fears on Wednesday, saying there were "no safety concerns" as the collision had not damaged HMS Ambush`s nuclear plant, adding that initial indications suggested the vessel had not been damaged. Gibraltar`s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said he was "satisfied" with the assurances that the submarine posed no danger. "HMS Ambush is therefore as welcome today on the Rock as ever," he said in a statement. "Gibraltar has often played host to nuclear submarines, something which the government welcomes as it helps to demonstrate the strategic importance of the United Kingdom and to the Royal Navy in particular."Earlier Thursday, Antonio Munoz, a spokesman for Spanish environmental group Ecologists in Action, called for more information on the incident. "We don`t have any form of report to see if there was a radioactive leak," he said. "We don`t know exactly where the collision happened, where the other vessel is, whether the vessel that collided with the submarine was a freighter, an oil tanker... We don`t know whether there was a leak from the vessel." The incident revived memories of another submarine incident at the turn of the century, when Britain`s HMS Tireless was forced to dock in Gibraltar for repairs for nearly a year after a crack was found in a cooling pipe near its nuclear reactor. Its presence caused outrage in Gibraltar and southern Spain, which people staging regular protests, and strained ties between London and Madrid. The tiny rocky outcrop of Gibraltar has long been the subject of an acrimonious sovereignty row between both countries. Spain`s conservative government, which has been in place since 2011, has been particularly vocal about its desire to see the territory come back into its fold. In one particularly belligerent row over disputed waters, Spanish authorities upped checks at its land border with Gibraltar in 2013, creating hours-long logjams and forcing the European Commission to wade in and ease the crisis. And there have been repeated incidents involving fishing or police patrol boats in disputed waters off the coast of Gibraltar. What Prince Turki bin Faisal said represented the redrawing of some lines of history that everybody has insisted will persist until the millennium or the next millennium, said former U.S. Attorney General, Michael Mukasey, Circa reported. The Saudi prince addressed the NCRIs leader, Maryam Rajavi, who had earlier told the crowd that the overthrow of the religious dictatorship [in Iran] is possible and within reach, and said, your legitimate struggle against the Khomeinist regime will achieve its goal, sooner, rather than later. I, too, want the overthrow of the regime, said Prince Turki bin Faisal, who was once the head of Saudi Arabias intelligence branch. Circa quoted Gingrich as saying that Prince Faisals comments meant that the Saudis are beginning to believe that the current dictatorship is such a threat, that they need to publicly, openly be with the Iranian freedom movement (and) that Iran is really a danger to the stability of the whole region. Howard Dean, a former Democratic presidential candidate, told Circa, This is an absolutely astonishing event. Circa also reported the Iranian regimes reaction to the event. A spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in interviews in Iran that Faisals speech indicates the longstanding link between Saudi Arabia and the MEK. Circa concluded its report by quoting retired commandant of the Marine Corps and four-star General, James Conway, who spoke of Irans involvement in Iraq and Syria, where Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah are utilized in proxy wars and integrated into the political system. If you accept that a future Iran with nuclear weapons tied to terrorism could see one day a nuclear weapon in one of our cities that would make Iran a serious consideration, and I would say a serious threat, said the General. Cleveland: U.S. Senator Ted Cruz refused to endorse Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at the party`s convention on Wednesday, drawing angry jeers from Trump supporters and shattering the facade of party unity that has been carefully built up in Cleveland this week. Anti-Trump Republican delegate Ken Cuccinelli told Reuters he escorted Cruz`s wife, Heidi, off the floor of the Republican National Convention out of concern for her safety following her husband`s speech. For the third day in a row, what was supposed to be a carefully scripted show of unity was thrown into turmoil by unexpected events that have raised questions about whether the party can unite around Trump to defeat the presumptive Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, in the Nov. 8 election. Cruz, who came in a distant second to Trump in the race for the Republican nomination, stopped short of endorsing Trump after a bitter and personal campaign and mentioned him only once, drawing boos and repeated chants of "We want Trump." Cuccinelli, a former Virginia attorney general, said: "When the speech ended, there was an ugly crowd behind us." A witness said one person shouted: "Goldman Sachs" at Heidi Cruz in reference to her employment at the investment bank. Cruz began his speech saying: "I want to congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night." Later in the speech, he urged: "Please, dont stay home in November. Stand, and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution." Some critics saw the appeal for people to vote their conscience as a vote of no-confidence in Trump. Republican strategist Eric Fehrnstrom, who is not affiliated with any campaign, tweeted: "`Vote your conscience` was the rallying cry of the Never Trump movement. For Cruz to bring that message into #RNC hall was a colossal error." "It`s taken me about 30 minutes to calm down and stop shaking with anger," said Erik Layton, an alternate delegate from California who had shouted: "Go home" at Cruz after his speech. "I just don`t know why Cruz did this. It baffles my mind." Trump, 70, a businessman and former reality TV star who has never been elected to public office, made his entrance to the convention hall near the end of Cruz`s speech, applauding Cruz`s remarks but, by his appearance, drawing attention away from his former rival. In a tweet after the convention adjourned for the night, Trump wrote that Cruz broke a promise they both had made to endorse the party`s White House choice. "Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didn`t honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal!" Trump wrote. EXCHANGE OF INSULTS During the campaign for the party`s nomination, Trump insulted Cruz`s wife`s looks and suggested the Texan`s father was with John F. Kennedys assassin just before the president was shot in Dallas in 1963. Cruz, 45, who as a Tea Party conservative in the U.S. Senate angered many mainstream Republicans in Congress and spearheaded tactics that led to a government shutdown over the federal budget, called Trump a serial philanderer and a narcissist during the campaign. A Cruz adviser who asked to remain anonymous said Cruz anticipated a backlash from the crowd if he did not endorse Trump. "We knew people were going to be mad if he didnt say the words, but he congratulated him and called for unity behind common values. He expected people to not be thrilled about this," the adviser said. Trump won the party`s nomination on Tuesday with 1,725 delegates, followed by Cruz with 475 delegates. Several delegates were outraged by the reaction to Cruzs speech, saying it could undermine Trump`s support among Republicans who had supported the senator from Texas. I thought it was shameful, said Manette Merrill, a Cruz delegate from Washington state, adding she was now confident she would not vote for Trump in November. They talk about unity ... and then they act like that. That is not going to get us to unify, she said. The drama did not prevent Trump`s vice presidential running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, from receiving a raucous welcome inside the convention hall to end the day`s events. Accepting the convention`s nomination, Pence spoke of Trump as a friend of the working class who has persevered in the business world. "He`s a doer in a game usually reserved for talkers," Pence said. Trump briefly joined Pence on the stage, shook his hand, patted him on the back, gave a thumbs-up and, in a signal to the crowd, pointed at Pence. But the Cruz speech, the latest in a series of disruptions, overshadowed any show of solidarity. CRUZ A TOP SOCIAL MEDIA TOPIC Cruz swiftly became one of the top trending topics on Twitter and Facebook immediately following his speech, with about 157 tweets mentioning his official Twitter handle @tedcruz posted every minute. The overall immediate sentiment was slightly more positive than negative, according to social media analytics firm Zoomph. The most mentioned moment on Twitter on Wednesday was the crowd`s reaction to Trump`s arrival at the conclusion of Cruz`s speech. Cruz was also the most mentioned speaker of the night, followed by Pence. Cruz was the most searched speaker on Google. In a speech minutes after Cruz finished, former U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich veered from his prepared text to defend Cruz. I think you misunderstood one paragraph that Ted Cruz, who is a superb orator, said. And I just want to point it out to you. Ted Cruz said you can vote your conscience for anyone who will uphold the Constitution. In this election, there is only one candidate who will uphold the Constitution, Gingrich said. "To paraphrase Ted Cruz, if you want to protect the Constitution of the United States, the only possible candidate this fall is the Trump-Pence Republican ticket, Gingrich said. The convention, due to end on Thursday with Trump`s speech accepting the party`s nomination, has been marked by turmoil from Day One. On Monday, chaos erupted when Trump opponents inside his party stormed out of the room and others chanted to vent frustration over a failed attempt to force a vote in opposition to Trump. On Tuesday, similarities between some phrases in a speech by Trump`s wife, Melania, and a 2008 speech by first lady Michelle Obama triggered accusations of plagiarism, putting the Trump campaign on the defensive. A staff writer for the Trump Organization on Wednesday took responsibility for the "chaos" over the speech. Eminent Republicans such as the party`s previous two presidential nominees, Mitt Romney and Senator John McCain, and members of the Bush family that gave the party its last two presidents have stayed away from Cleveland in a show of displeasure at Trump and his rhetoric against illegal immigration and free trade. Opponents brand Trump a bigot with his calls to temporarily ban the entry of Muslims and to build a border wall with Mexico to keep out illegal immigrants. Underscoring the problems Trump has faced with U.S. allies abroad, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told Reuters on Wednesday that Trump threatened U.S. and world security with his "politics of fear and isolation." Ankara: Turkish authorities Thursday imposed a three-month state of emergency, strengthening powers to round up suspects accused of staging the failed military coup despite global alarm over a widening purge. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared the state of emergency, the first in Turkey in one and a half decades, shortly before midnight after an almost five-hour meeting of his national security council. The decision was then published in the official gazette Thursday morning, meaning it has now officially entered into force. He said the nationwide measure would allow Turkey to be cleared of "terrorists" linked to US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom the president accuses of masterminding the failed coup from his leafy compound in Pennsylvania. But with concern growing over respect of the rule of law in Turkey almost a week after the coup that left over 300 dead and raised fears of chaos in the key NATO member, Erdogan insisted that democracy would not be compromised. The state of emergency was needed "in order to remove swiftly all the elements of the terrorist organisation involved in the coup attempt," Erdogan said at the presidential palace in Ankara. But he added: "We have never made compromises on democracy. And we will never make" them. The state of emergency gives the government extra powers to restrict freedom of movement, said an official, adding that it would not restrict financial or commercial activities as "international law sets limits of restrictions". Turkey in 2002 lifted its last state of emergency, which had been imposed in southeastern provinces for the fight against Kurdish militants in 1987. Article 120 of the constitution allows a state of emergency to be imposed "at a time of serious deterioration of public order because of acts of violence." Erdogan vowed that work would now continue "to fight to clean out all those viruses from the armed forces." In a hugely unusual move after the state of emergency was announced, Erdogan early on Thursday read out the morning ezan call to prayer through loudspeakers at the mosque inside his presidential complex, the pro-government Yeni Safak daily said. Meanwhile, mobile users across Turkey received text messages sent by "RTErdogan" urging people to stay in the streets to resist "the terrorists". "The owners of the squares are not the tanks. The owners are the nation," said Erdogan in the text message. Warning that his opponents may launch new provocations, Erdogan has urged his supporters to remain in squares across the country in what he calls a "vigil" for democracy. After announcing the state of emergency in his press conference, Erdogan then spoke by video link to the crowds still filling squares nationwide at midnight. Erdogan also suggested that there would be further detentions in the crackdown, which has already netted several widely known figures. Late Wednesday, a court remanded in custody Ali Yazici, the president`s aide-de-camp who looked after military protocol on state occasions and was regularly seen by his side, on charges of supporting the coup. The crackdown has been extraordinary in scope, taking in not just soldiers but also judges, prosecutors and lawyers. Some 50,000 state employees have either been detained or lost their jobs. Over 20,000 people have been dismissed from their jobs in state education and a similar number in the private sector have been stripped of their licences. Courts have remanded in custody 99 out of 118 generals and admirals detained so far and also placing them in custody, with some later seen bruised and wounded. "Of course that does not mean we have come to the end of it," Erdogan told Al-Jazeera in an interview before announcing the state of emergency.Earlier the Turkish leader lashed out at critics of the sweeping purge, telling France`s Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault -- who had warned Erdogan not to use the failed coup as a "blank cheque" to silence his opponents -- to "mind his own business". "Does he have the authority to make these declarations about my person? No, he does not. If he wants a lesson in democracy, he can very easily get a lesson in democracy from us," Erdogan told Al-Jazeera. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressed it was "vital that the state of emergency is limited for the required time and then immediately lifted. "Only acts which are legally punishable can be targeted, not political opinion." US Secretary of State John Kerry, flanked by allied foreign ministers, said that while "we condemn this coup", it was important that the response to it "fully respects that democracy that we are supporting". Turkey has stepped up pressure on Washington to extradite Gulen, sending several "dossiers" it says are packed with evidence about his alleged involvement. Gulen has urged Washington to reject the extradition call and dismissed as "ridiculous" the claim he was behind the botched coup. Erdogan, asked if other countries could have been involved in the coup, told Al-Jazeera: "There could be." "The Gulen organisation has another superior mind, if you will, and the time will come when those connections will be deciphered." The government says 312 people were killed in the coup, including 145 civilians, 60 police, three soldiers and 104 plotters. United Nations: United Nations officials have questioned if Britain is worthy of being a veto-power on the Security Council after the country withdrew police officers from a peacekeeping mission in South Sudan during recent violence without consulting the world body, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters on Wednesday. Germany and Sweden also withdrew police without consultation and the United Nations has barred all three countries from replacing the officers once the situation improves, said the internal memo by the U.N. peacekeeping department. "The departure of the police officers has affected the operational capability of the mission at headquarters level and has dealt a serious blow to the morale of its peacekeepers," said the memo, which is an account of what happened and used by officials to inform U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Heavy fighting involving tanks and helicopters raged in South Sudan`s capital Juba for several days earlier this month between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and those backing Vice President Riek Machar. At least 272 people were killed. Britain withdrew two police officers, Germany seven police and Sweden three police, according to the memo. It also said the United States was reportedly planning to withdraw nine police. Britain is a permanent veto-wielding power - alongside the United States, France, China and Russia - on the Security Council, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security and mandates peacekeeping missions. Sweden was recently elected a member of the 15-member council for 2017-18. Without naming Britain and Sweden, the memo said that for the states who are also on Security Council, their withdrawal of police from South Sudan "can be considered a lack of respect to their engagement on peace and security." In reference to Britain, the memo said: "This also raises the question of their merits to hold a permanent seat at the Security Council and mandating others on how to handle peace and security issues when they themselves are quick to abandon their post in challenging situations." A spokesman for the British U.N. mission said Britain temporarily removed its two unarmed police officers on July 13 "for the officers` safety" and had told the U.N. police adviser in advance. The spokesperson did not respond to the remarks in the memo about Britain`s permanent Security Council seat. The German, Swedish and U.S. missions did not immediately respond to a request for comment. U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq confirmed on Wednesday that some U.N. police did not stay at their posts during the recent violence in South Sudan and that they would not be replaced with officers from the same country. He did not name the countries. New York: The US Justice Department said Thursday it is suing a Pennsylvania community for religious discrimination over the town`s refusal to grant a permit to build a mosque. The lawsuit alleges that Bensalem Township violated a religious land use act when it refused to grant zoning approval "to allow the Bensalem Masjid to build a mosque on three adjoining parcels of land in the township," the Justice Department said in a statement. The denial "imposed a substantial burden on the Bensalem Masjid`s religious exercise," treating them "less favorably than the township treats nonreligious assemblies," and "discriminated against (them) on the basis of religion," the DoJ said. Bensalem Township, population 60,000, is located some 30 kilometers northeast of Philadelphia. "Our Constitution protects the rights of religious communities to build places of worship free from unlawful interference and unnecessary barriers," said Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department`s Civil Rights Division. The Department "will continue to challenge unjustified local zoning actions around the country when they encroach upon this important civil right," Gupta said. There is no mosque in Bensalem Township. Muslim residents currently meet for Friday prayers at a rented fire station hall. Louis Michel and Karel de Gucht, respectively European Commissioners for Development and Humanitarian Aid and for Trade, wrote calling for EU institutions and member states to prioritise progress on human rights over new deals with the regime. Sanctions on Iran were lifted in January following the nuclear agreement, and, in April, eight European Commissioners visited Iran. Michel and de Gucht, Euractiv reported, drew attention to the rate of executions in Iran, highlighted by Amnesty International and the United Nations, and went on to cite the countrys criminal repression of ethnic and religious minorities, the marginalisation of women, and the lack of guarantees for free and fair elections. The former Commissioners also noted Irans ties to terrorism and to Assad, and drew attention to the regimes bullying attitude toward some European countries. President Hassan Rouhani cancelled a visit to Vienna last April after the Austrian government refused to ban a peaceful opposition rally during his visit. As the Iranian people and the opposition are not allowed to freely express their opinion inside Iran, we should not allow the regimes repression inside the country to be extended to the European capitals, the letter said. Reporting that, when the EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, visited Tehran, he said, As Europeans, we want the Iranian people to have and to see the benefits of this agreement turning into changes in their everyday lives, Euractiv said the letter will come as an embarrassment to the current European Commission. YEREVAN, JULY 20, ARMENPRESS. MP Nikol Pashinyan called on citizens gathered in Khorenatsi Street not to give in to provocations and refrain from encountering with the police forces. Armenpress reports Pashinyan stated that the people should peacefully gather in Khorenatsi Street. Priests of Armenian Apostolic Church are also present at the scene talking to the people and making peaceful statements. Earlier today clashes between riot police and the protesters occurred on Khorentsi Street of Yerevan amid protests for peaceful resolution of hostage crisis. The protesters have been throwing stones towards the police forces. Deputy Chief of the Armenian Police Samvel Hovhannisyan told about several injured among the policemen. Some of the protesters tried to break the riot police line which provoked a clash. Eventually the situation has calmed down and the protest is underway. YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh says the Azerbaijani forces made 16 ceasefire violations in the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijani contact line. The Ministrys announcement reads: Overnight July 20-21 the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime for 16 times by firing more than 190 shots from various caliber weapons at the Armenian positions in Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact. The Defense Army forces are in full control of the situation in the frontline and continue confidently carrying out their military tasks. YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. After the July 20 clashes in Khorenatsi Street and nearby area and on July 21 early in the morning 136 citizens were detained, the Public Relations and Press Department of the Police told ARMENPRESS. In the evening of July 20, protesters have clashed with police forces in Khorenatsi Street. The protesters have thrown rocks and different objects at police officers. As of 02:30 July 21, 28 police officers and 23 civilians suffered injuries. Law enforcement officers began dispersing the crowd on Khorenatsi Street in Yerevan on July 21 at 04:45 early in the morning and dozens were detained in the process. Prior to this the Police warned and urged to disperse from the street since the rally was illegal. The Police announced that the rally is disturbing the nearby residents and public order, however gathered citizens did not comply with the call of the Police. Dozens were dispersed and detained. Prosecution, sentencing and expulsion is necessary to ensure the safety of the regimes opponents and members and supporters of the Iranian Resistance. More than ever, its time that the officials of the regime responsible for running these networks in its various embassies to be prosecuted, sentenced and deported. Meysam Panahi worked as a spy for at least three years and received payments on approximately 30 occasions from a senior MOIS officer called Sajjad totaling 28,600 Euros, according to the evidence brought forth at his trial. He also recruited members for the MOISs spy ring. He admitted to providing information to Sajjad about Camp Ashraf and Camp Liberty in Iraq, where thousands of PMOI members have been residing. Additional witness testimony and evidence, corroborated by reports from the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, probed that the Intelligence Ministry created secret networks in Germany, for the purpose of spying on, and spreading misinformation, to discredit the Iranian Resistance. The main target of these activities have been the PMOI and NCRI. These recruits exploited their refugee status to guarantee their residency in Germany, and worked for the MOIS in European countries in exchange for receiving money. They traveled to Iran with the support of the regimes embassies to receive training and briefings. Their salaries came as cash payments or via the Western Union money transfer systems. According to court documents, despite holding the status of a refugee, Meysam Panahi secretly travelled to Iran to receive espionage training. Panahi has admitted to providing the MOIS with information in particular about the constructions and the residents of Camp Ashraf and Camp Liberty. Both camps have endured at least eight military and rocket attacks, leaving 141 killed and more than 1400 injured. Those who have cooperated by sharing this intelligence are party to these crimes. YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. During the Governments session Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan spoke about the July 17 armed attack considering it unacceptable and condemnable, reports Armenpress. Dear colleagues, on July 17 several gunmen stormed a Police HQ in Yerevan and took hostages, a police Colonel has been killed. On behalf of all of us I express my condolences to Artur Vanoyans family members, relatives, co-servicemen. What happened is impermissible and condemnable since it is impossible to achieve changes through violence, the PM said. He said the Armenian leadership does everything and will do everything to achieve peaceful solution of the issue. In the morning of July 17 gunmen stormed a Police HQ in Yerevan and took hostages demanding the release of Zhirayr Sefilyan, who was imprisoned a month ago, charged with illegal possession, transportation and acquirement of weapons and ammunition. Police Colonel Artur Vanoyan has been killed by the gunmen during the ambush. Colonel Aram Hovhannisyan, Lt.-Colonel Hrach Khosteghyan, Corporal Gagik Mkrtchyan received gunshot wounds. YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. Economy Minister of Armenia Artsvik Minasyan urges the gunmen to make a decision on surrendering which will enable to take further actions based on the law and the Constitution, reports Armenpress. The discharge of the situation requires tolerance, and the gunmen should understand that the Constitutional norm must be in force in the Republic of Armenia, the Minister said. He said the intolerance reached to the point in our society that people think they can solve political issues with such measures. Even if we think this is a political issue, it is obvious that this is not the way to solve it, Artsvik Minasyan said. To the question whether he considers the gunmen terrorists or rebels, the Minister stated: I can judge based on the actions that are described at this moment. There is at least take hostage expression in the Criminal Code which is not being rejected by any side, as for the other perceptions, it will be discussed soon. Referring to the police actions he highly appreciated the high-level of tolerance which is being demonstrated. The examinations of the Human Rights Defenders Office can reveal unlawful behavior and inadequate displays in individual cases, but I want to call you to preach tolerance among the public. Speak about the violations of all peoples rights, Artsvik Minasyan said. In the morning of July 17 gunmen stormed a Police HQ in Yerevan and took hostages demanding the release of Zhirayr Sefilyan, who was imprisoned a month ago, charged with illegal possession, transportation and acquirement of weapons and ammunition. Police Colonel Artur Vanoyan has been killed by the gunmen during the ambush. Colonel Aram Hovhannisyan, Lt.-Colonel Hrach Khosteghyan, Corporal Gagik Mkrtchyan received gunshot wounds. YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. In accordance with the agreement reached with the leadership of Nagorno Karabakh, the OSCE mission conducted a planned monitoring on July 21 of the Nagorno Karabakh Azerbaijan line of contact in the northern direction of Martakert, press service of the NKR MFA informed Armenpress. Field Assistant of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Christo Christov (Bulgaria) and Personal Assistant to the Personal Representative of the CiO Simon Tiller (Great Britain) conducted the monitoring from the military positions of the NKR Defense Army. From the opposite side of the line of contact, the monitoring was conducted by the Field Assistant of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Jiri Aberle (Czech Republic) and Peter Svedberg (Sweden) of the OSCE Office. The monitoring passed in accordance with the agreed schedule. No violation of the ceasefire regime was registered. However, the Azerbaijani side did not take the OSCE mission to its frontline positions. From the Karabakh side, the monitoring mission was accompanied by representatives of the NKR Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense. YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. Imposing a state of emergency in Turkey may lead to strengthening authoritarianism, Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz said on Thursday, TASS reported. "The state of emergency will lead to consolidating even more power in the hands of the president, and we are concerned that more authoritarian actions will follow. Thats why we summoned the (Turkish) ambassador today," Kurz said. The Austrian Foreign Ministry "wants to understand how the situation will develop," he noted. Vienna is also concerned with the fact that Turkish authorities encouraged multi-thousand demonstrations of Turks residing in Austria following the failed coup attempt. "We have information that demonstrations in Vienna were initiated directly from Turkey. This is unacceptable, and we want to express our protest against this," Kurz stressed. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday that the state of emergency will be imposed in the country for three months following a failed military coup attempt. This will provide an opportunity "to promptly respond to actions of different terrorist organizations," Erdogan said. YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. Construction of a special deep wading facility for tanks began in the Alagyaz mountainous training grounds of the Russian Armed Forces in Armenia. Tank crewman will carry out deep wading trainings in the 100x75 meters big pool. They will learn to equip the armored vehicles with special measures, with preparing the tanks for underwater operations. The tank crewmen will adapt to operating the tanks in full lack of visibility, only through the gyrocompass. YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. The European Union Delegation issued a statement in agreement with the EU Members States Heads of Mission in Armenia over the recent events in Armenia, Armenpress was informed by the EU Delegation to Armenia. The statement reads: We stress that the use of force to achieve political change is unacceptable and offer our condolences to the family of Colonel Artur Vanoyan, Deputy Commander of the Patrol Regiment of the Yerevan Police Department. We wish all persons injured in connection with the hostage situation at the police station in Erebuni swift and full recovery. With concern we note reports on excessive use of force and mass arrests by the police. In that regard, we call on the authorities to observe the principle of proportionality in handling public manifestations, which applies to both peaceful and violent gatherings. Likewise, demonstrators need to refrain from violence in the exercise of their civil rights. We also take note of the statements issued by the Ombudsman and call for a full investigation of all cases of alleged wrongdoing by the police, including mistreatment, denial of access to lawyers and medical care. YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. A Greek court on Thursday sentenced eight Turkish military personnel who fled to Greece aboard a helicopter during an attempted coup in their country to two months in prison on charges of illegal entry into Greece, The Washington Times reported. All eight - six pilots and two engineers - received the same sentence, with the recognition of mitigating circumstances of having acted while under threat. The pilot was acquitted of an additional charge of violating flight regulations, and the other seven of being accomplices in the violation. The sentence was suspended for three years, but they were being held in custody pending resolution of their asylum applications. Turkey has demanded their return to stand trial for participation in Fridays coup attempt. The eight deny involvement and have applied for asylum, saying they fear for their safety amid widespread purges in Turkey in the aftermath of the attempted overthrow of the government. The eight arrived at the courthouse in handcuffs and with their heads covered by T-shirts or towels in an attempt to protect their identities. Their asylum applications were being examined, and they will appear before immigration authorities on July 27 for the second time for interviews. YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs that on July 21 the USD exchange rate was 476.07 AMD which is a decrease of 0.49 drams compared to the previous day. Armenpress reports that the Euro increased by 0.27 drams forming 524.82 drams. British pound increased by 0.21 drams forming 628.79 drams, Russian ruble dropped by 0.08 drams reaching to 7.45 drams on July 21. The prices for precious metals are as follows: the price for silver per gram is 301.53 AMD, gold-20,141.17 AMD, and platinum-16,331.51 AMD. YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian received US Congressman Jim Costa on July 21. A broad scope of issues referring to the expansion of Armenian-American partnership was discussed at the meeting. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of MFA Armenia, greeting the guest Minister Nalbandian highly appreciated the friendly partnership between Armenia and the USA and the joint efforts to further develop it. In this context the Foreign Minister of Armenia highlighted the active cooperation between the legislatives of the two countries. Edward Nalbandian expressed gratitude to Jim Costa for his efforts aimed at Armenian Genocide recognition. Thanking for the reception, Congressman Costa mentioned that being involved in Armenian issues for years in the US Congress, he is glad to visit Armenia and receive primary information, as well as for the opportunity to exchange ideas over regional issues and ways to solve them. Minister Nalbandian and Congressman Costa exchanged ideas over regional issues. Edward Nalbandian introduced to Jim Costa the efforts to settle Nagorno Karabakh conflict and to eliminate the consequences of the large-scale military offensive by Azerbaijan against Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) in early April of the current year. Jim Costa mentioned that the USA, as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair country, will continue its efforts for an exclusively peaceful settlement of the conflict. YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. Today our top priority is to find a peaceful way out of this situation, Armenpress reports Vice President of the National Assembly of Armenia, RPA spokesperson Eduard Sharmazanov told the reporters after RPA Executive Body meeting, commenting on the occupation of a patrol service regiment by gunmen. Since the first day the NSS informs the public and the mass media. The law enforcement bodies have had only one goal today, yesterday and before that: to find a way out of this complex issue by negotiations avoiding bloodshed, Sharmazanov stated. Commenting on the days of silence by the authorities, the National Assembly Vice President stated that it was done not to wreck or hamper the negotiation process. We need no more blood. We have no enemies in Armenia. Today our number one task is to do everything to reach a peaceful solution to the problem. This is the official stance of the Republican Party of Armenia. We, as the leadership, will do everything possible to avoiding shedding blood of our compatriots in our capital, in our country, Sharmazanov said, adding that the best way out is the dialogue and listening to one another. Sharmazanov also expressed condolences to the family of the killed police Colonel Artur Vanoyan. General Motors lifted its 2016 profit forecast Thursday following strong second-quarter earnings as it again reaped rewards from booming sales of trucks and sport utility vehicles in its home market. The better-than-expected results included the US auto giant's first quarterly operating profit in Europe in five years. But executives warned that uncertainty created by the British vote to exit the European Union could push the region back into the red in the second half of the year. Net income for the quarter ending June 30 more than doubled to $2.9 billion from $1.1 billion in the year-ago period. The 2015 results were dented by one-time charges. Revenues jumped 11 percent to $42.4 billion, much of that driven by a strong performance in North America due to robust sales of large vehicles and gains from several high-profile launches, such as the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and the Cadillac XT5 SUV. Vehicle launches typically command higher prices than older models. Those higher prices helped GM notch a North American operating profit 31.2 percent above a year ago, even though the automaker sold fewer vehicles in the region. North American sales have been boosted by cheap gasoline and easy access to credit, although most analysts expect the pace of growth to moderate in 2016 compared with the last few years. GM chief financial officer Chuck Stevens said the auto maker's forecast holds that strong US sales will continue in the second half of 2016 and into 2017 due to improving economic conditions. "North America had a great first half of 2016," he told analysts on a conference call. "We expect North America to have a great second half." Operating profits in Europe were $137 million, up from a $45 million loss a year ago, keeping pace with the company's pledge for break-even results in the slumping region for the year. However, GM said the big drop in the British pound and economic uncertainty in that country after the Brexit vote has put strain on Britain's auto industry, potentially leading to a negative hit of $400 million in the second half of the year. Story continues Stevens said there were still a lot of unknowns about Britain and Europe after the Brexit vote, but that British auto sales could fall by five to 10 percent. GM could respond by reining in costs, or reducing the company's footprint in the region, he said. "This is another speed bump along the way, but we're just going to have to deal with it," Stevens said. GM pointed to strong sales in China, but reported another operating loss in South America. Executives cited Brazil as an especially weak market in the region. In light of the better-than-expected quarter, GM now expects 2016 earnings of $5.50 to $6.00 a share, up by 25 cents from the previous range. Earnings in 2015 were $5.02 a share. Shares of GM rose 2.2 percent in late-morning trade to $32.17. A Tesla Model S charges at a Tesla Supercharger station in Cabazon, California, U.S. May 18, 2016. REUTERS/Sam Mircovich (REUTERS) Sometimes all you need to do is ask, for all your dreams to come true. Thats what reportedly happened to Russian Tesla owner Alexander Shavrin, despite his seemingly unnecessary request. Shavrin lives in the city of Perm, near the Ural Mountains about 20 hours east of Moscow by car, but makes commutes to Yekaterinburg , roughly five hours away. Unfortunately for Shavrin, hes the region's only Tesla owner and there are no charging stations along the more than 360-kilometre route. And, according to Jalopnik, his Teslas battery becomes depleted about 30 km before he reaches his destination. So Shavrin asked, and somehow convinced, the regional energy company IDGC of Urals to build a charging station at the halfway mark between the two cities. Thanks to Shavrin, the village of Achit, which has a population of less than 5,000, will now be home to the first electric car charging station in the entire region. According to Jalopnik, the charger will cost about 300,000 rubles, or about $6,091. TOKYO (Reuters) - Gamers in Japan, home of Nintendo's Pokemon, are still impatiently awaiting the launch of the smash-hit Pokemon GO game but the government is already preparing for an invasion of little cartoon monsters, issuing a safety warning. The country's National Center for Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC) issued nine instructions to users of the mobile game, ranging from advising them not to use their real names to warning gamers over fake apps. It is rare for NISC to issue an advisory over specific games, but Japan is just the latest government to do so over Pokemon GO, a game where users chase cuddly cartoon monsters in their real-life neighborhoods. NISC, which said it put its warning out on Twitter and Line, also cautioned gamers over the risk of heat stroke while playing in Japan's sweltering summer sun, and told players not to wander into dangerous sites. Just days after the launch, police in the United States were issuing warnings after a dozen victims in Missouri were lured into armed robberies, and dozens more suffered minor injuries from tripping over while looking for Pokemon. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said on Thursday the government was aware that there were concerns about safety when people play Pokemon GO. "I would like people to follow the advisory the government issued to use smartphones safely," he told a news conference on Thursday. Pokemon GO has been an incredible success since its launch in a handful of countries earlier this month, now with more daily users that Twitter. The Japanese launch is expected imminently. Nintendo has not commented on the launch date. (Reporting by Kaori Kaneko) Learning Management Systems Instructure and Microsoft Add Integration between Canvas and Office 365 A new integration will simplify the interoperability of various functions between Microsoft Office 365 and Canvas from Instructure. Both programs are cloud-based. The announcement came during this year's Instructure user conference, taking place in Colorado. With the new integration, users will be able to: Submit files directly from Office 365 into Canvas assignments; Gain access to Office 365 documents through Canvas SpeedGrader to add feedback; Link Office 365 documents anywhere the Canvas Rich Content Editor can currently be used; Include Office 365 documents in course modules; Enable collaboration of any type of Office document; Create and grade assignments in a Microsoft OneNote Class Notebook and push those grades to Canvas; and Use single-sign-on to gain access to Canvas with an Office 365 login. "Teachers need these new capabilities for their education platforms, and we have continuously focused on providing the best technology we could design and build," said Mitch Benson, vice president of Canvas product, in a press release. "What happened next was that two of ed tech's most established forces connected and worked together to meet the expressed needs of these educators." Added Eran Megiddo, corporate vice president of engineering in education at Microsoft, "We know teachers and students are strapped for time and we want to help them focus on what's really important: teaching and learning." According to attendee Krys Zyak, who referenced the new Canvas and Office 365 integration in his Twitter stream, the company will soon release a similar capability for integration with Google Apps for Education. Student Competitions TI Innovation Design Contest Winners Tackle Real-World Challenges Three teams of engineering students created solutions to challenges involving medicine, space and health to win top honors in the Texas Instruments (TI) Innovation Challenge Design Contest. Texas A&M students won first place for creating a prototype of a space communication system that can be used to conduct low-Earth orbit research. The three teams were tasked with using Texas Instruments technology to come up with their solutions. Nearly 180 teams competed in the contest and the three winners presented their projects to TI executives and judges July 19. First place went to a team from Texas A&M University that created a prototype of a space communication system that can be used to conduct low-Earth orbit research. The team received $10,000 to be applied to furthering their designs or their academic pursuits. Another team from Texas A&M won second place for creating a brace-like device using an ultra-low-power microcontroller to stabilize, limit and assist elbow movements to restore upper arm function to people who have suffered injuries or disorders. The second-place team received a $7,500 prize. Finally, a team from the University of Alabama designed a device that uses Bluetooth technology to wirelessly monitor a person's physical activity through the insole of their shoes. They received $5,000. Each category prize winner received $1,000. The category winners are: "When students marry engineering education with hands-on creativity, they have the potential to turn their innovative prototypes into the next big technology that will change the world," said TI Education Technology President Peter Balyta. The winners received their awards July 19 at a dinner held at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas after earlier in the day touring a TI innovation center and presenting their projects to the judges. RENO, Nev., July 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA) plans to announce its second quarter 2016 financial results in a press release that will be issued on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 after the market close. The Company has scheduled a conference call to discuss the results at 10 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 3, 2016. To participate, please dial 1-877-511-6790 approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call. If calling from Canada, please dial 1-855-669-9657. If calling outside of the United States and Canada, please dial 1-412-902-4141. Please request the Ormat Technologies, Inc. call when prompted by the conference call operator. The conference call will also be webcast live from the Investor Relations section of the Company's website on www.ormat.com/investors. A replay will be available one hour after the end of the conference call. To access the replay, please dial 1-877-344-7529, or from outside of the United States 1-412-317-0088 and use the replay conference ID number 10088771. The webcast will also be archived on www.ormat.com/investors. About Ormat Technologies With over five decades of experience, Ormat Technologies, Inc. is a leading geothermal company and the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation (REG), with the objective of becoming a leading global provider of renewable energy. The company owns, operates, designs, manufactures and sells geothermal and REG power plants primarily based on the Ormat Energy Converter - a power generation unit that converts low-, medium- and high-temperature heat into electricity. With 72 U.S. patents, Ormats power solutions have been refined and perfected under the most grueling environmental conditions. Ormat has 450 employees in the United States and over 600 overseas. Ormats flexible, modular solutions for geothermal power and REG are ideal for the vast range of resource characteristics. The company has engineered, manufactured and constructed power plants, which it currently owns or has installed to utilities and developers worldwide, totaling over 2,000 MW of gross capacity. Ormats current 703 MW generating portfolio is spread globally in the U.S., Guatemala, Guadeloupe and Kenya. Ormats Safe Harbor Statement Information provided in this press release may contain statements relating to current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally relate to Ormat's plans, objectives and expectations for future operations and are based upon its management's current estimates and projections of future results or trends. Actual future results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, see "Risk Factors" as described in Ormat Technologies, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2016. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. English Swedish Stockholm, 2016-07-21 08:29 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Notice is hereby given to the shareholders and the holders of depository receipts in Vostok New Ventures Ltd (Vostok New Ventures or the Company) that a Special General Meeting (the Meeting) of shareholders shall be held on Friday, 5 August 2016 at 11.00 CEST, at Advokatfirman Vinge, Smalandsgatan 20 in Stockholm, Sweden. Notice to attend etc. Holders of depository receipts in respect of common shares of US$ 0.32 par value each in the Company wishing to attend the Meeting shall: (1) be listed in the register of holders of depository receipts kept by Euroclear Sweden AB on Friday, 29 July 2016; and (2) notify the Company of the intention to attend the Meeting not later than Monday, 1 August 2016 by mail at the address c/o Vostok New Ventures AB, Hovslagargatan 5, 111 48 Stockholm, Sweden, mark the envelope Special General Meeting 2016, by telephone +46 8 545 01 550, by fax +46 08 545 01 554 or by e-mail to sgm2016@vostoknewventures.com. The holder of depository receipts shall state his or her name, personal or company identification number, address as well as telephone number. If a holder of depository receipts intends to be represented by proxy, the name of the proxy holder shall be stated. Holders of depository receipts represented by proxy shall issue dated and signed power of attorney for the proxy. If the power of attorney is issued on behalf of a legal entity, a certified copy of a registration certificate or a corresponding document for the legal entity shall be appended. The power of attorney in original and, where applicable, the registration certificate should be submitted to the Company by mail at the address set forth above well in advance of the Meeting. The form to use for a power of attorney can be found on www.vostoknewventures.com. Holders of depository receipts who hold their receipts through nominees (Sw. forvaltare) must request a temporary registration of the voting rights in order to be able to participate at the Meeting. Holders of depository receipts who want to obtain such registration must contact the nominee regarding this well in advance of Friday, 29 July 2016. Proposed agenda 1. Election of Chairman for the Meeting. 2. Preparation and approval of voting list. 3. Approval of the agenda. 4. Election of one or two persons to check and sign the minutes. 5. Resolution that the Meeting has been duly convened. 6. Resolution to approve the acquisition of shares in BlaBlaCar from, among others, Luxor Capital Group and to effect a new common share issue for the consideration of non-cash property. 7. Closing of the Meeting. Chairman for the Meeting (item 1) The Board of Directors proposes that Jesper Schonbeck, member of the Swedish Bar Association, is elected as Chairman for the Meeting. Resolution to approve the acquisition of shares in BlaBlaCar from, among others, Luxor Capital Group and to effect a new common share issue for the consideration of non-cash property (item 6) The Board of Directors proposes that the Meeting resolves (i) to approve the acquisition of shares in Comuto SA (BlaBlaCar) from among from, among others, Luxor Capital Group in accordance with what is set out in the press release available at the Companys website www.vostoknewventures.com, and (ii) to approve an increase in the Companys issued share capital by not more than US$ 2,197,365.12 by an issue of not more than 6,866,766 new common shares of US$ 0.32 per value each in consideration for non-cash property for such common shares of the Company (the Issue in kind). The following terms shall apply for the Issue in kind. The right to subscribe for depositary receipts representing the new common shares in the Company (SDRs) shall be granted only to Luxor Capital Partners, LP, Luxor Capital Partners Offshore Master Fund, LP, Luxor Wavefront, LP, Lead Edge Capital II L.P, Lead Edge Capital II QP L.P and Lead Edge Partners Opportunity III L.P., with a right and obligation for each of them to pay for such new common shares with non-cash property consisting of shares BlaBlaCar to the Company. Subscription for SDRs representing the new common shares in the Company shall be made on a subscription list from and including 5 August 2016 and up to and including 8 August 2016. However, the Board of Directors shall be entitled to extend the subscription period at its sole discretion. Payment for the SDRs representing the new common shares in the Company shall be made by transfer of shares in BlaBlaCar (non-cash consideration) to the Company not later than 8 August 2016. However, the Board of Directors shall be entitled to extend the period for payment at its sole discretion. The assets to be transferred to the Company as the payment of non-cash consideration (as described above) have been valued by the Board of Directors to have an estimated aggregated value of US$ 45,479,595, which corresponds to a subscription price of approximately US$ 6.62 per new SDR, which according to the Board of Directors assessment does not exceed the real value of the depository receipts. When valuing the assets representing the non-cash consideration, the Board of Directors has used the value of the shares used in the last known transaction with BlaBlaCar shares of the same classes, and verified the value using several methods of valuation. Based on the information presented in connection with negotiations, due diligence, and other information known to the Board of Directors about BlaBlaCar and its business, the Board of Directors has estimated that the value of the assets representing the non-cash consideration is at least equal to the aggregate par value of the new common shares of US$ 2,197,365.12 to be issued to Luxor Capital Partners, LP, Luxor Capital Partners Offshore Master Fund, LP, Luxor Wavefront, LP, Lead Edge Capital II L.P, Lead Edge Capital II QP L.P and Lead Edge Partners Opportunity III L.P. In practice, the value at which the non-cash consideration will be accounted for in the Company's balance sheet may, due to applicable accounting rules, change depending on the circumstances on the transaction date but will not be less than the aggregate par value of the new common shares to be issued. The Board of Directors has been provided with a fairness opinion issued by Pareto Securities AB to support the valuation referred to above. The new common shares shall be entitled to dividends for the first time on the record date for dividends that occurs immediately following the registration of the new common shares. Majority requirements and miscellaneous for the resolution regarding item 6 Due to Luxor Capital Groups ownership of more than 10 per cent of the shares in the Company, the planned acquisition of its shares in BlaBlaCar is a so called related-party transaction under the Swedish Securities Councils statement 2012:05 (AMN 2012:05). Even though AMN 2012:05 strictly applies only to Swedish companies, the Board of Directors has considered it to be of importance to follow the principles set in AMN 2012:05, in particular regarding valuation and shareholder approval. The resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors proposal in respect of item 6 requires support for the proposal of shareholders representing not less than half of the votes cast at the general meeting, however not taking into account shares and votes in the Company held by Luxor Capital Group. The Board of Directors has in accordance with AMN 2012:05 provided a statement regarding the acquisition as well as obtained a fairness opinion from Pareto Securities AB in support of its valuation and its statement. The documents are available at the Companys website www.vostoknewventures.com. _______________________ July 2016 The Board of Directors of Vostok New Ventures Ltd Registered office: Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., July 21, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc. (OTCQB:ALLM) (the "Company"), is pleased to announce to its Shareholders that in addition to the near term commercialization of the CTS process, the opportunity to enhance Shareholder Value (by doubling the revenue potential) pre-CTS commercialization made itself available. The Alliance Management Team secured (on behalf of the shareholders) 100% of the Revenue-Stream from Licensing-&-Sales related to the CTS process that is derived in the geographical regions of North America (Canada, U.S. & Mexico) as well as Africa, going forward. These regions represent the largest markets worldwide for processing of cellulose in its many forms of biofuels, fine chemicals, bioplastics, industrial sugars and other valuable products, at the present time and the near-term foreseeable future. The Company originally purchased 51% of AMG Energy Group in December 2013 and on July 21, 2016 Alliance completed the Acquisition of the remaining 49% ownership of the AMG Energy Group, making it a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. AMG owns 100% of EK Laboratories and the CTS Pilot Plant. AMG owns 50% of Carbolosic, LLC which holds the master license to the patented CTS process from the University of Central Florida. AMG Energy Group exclusively owns the North American (including Canada, U.S. and Mexico) and African territories. The transaction occurred via a non-cash, 100% stock swap where the shareholders of AMG Energy Solutions, Inc. (Solutions), a privately held company, received 8,700,000 restricted ALLM share(s) in exchange for 100% of the shares of Solutions. Additionally, Solutions merged with its wholly owned subsidiary AMG Renewables, LLC (Renewables) such that Renewables is the surviving entity. In a separate but simultaneous transaction, the remaining minority owners of AMG Energy Group (Wellington Assets 5% and CTWC 1%) will receive a total of 1,300,000 restricted shares of ALLM in exchange for their ownership interest in AMG Energy Group while Renewables and AMG Energy Group merge leaving AMG Energy Group as the surviving wholly owned subsidiary. With the transaction completed, Alliances organizational chart is concise and revenue flows through directly to the parent, Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc. (ALLM) (the "Company"). These transactions have doubled ALLM's Potential Shareholder Value. About ALLM: Alliance BioEnergy +, Inc. (ALLM) is a publicly traded company focusing on the commercialization and licensing of a patented cellulose conversion technology that it controls through a master license agreement with the University of Central Florida. ALLMs subsidiary, AMG Energy Group, LLC (AMG), owns 50% of Carbolosic, LLC, in a joint venture with Thor Renewable Energy Singapore. Carbolosic holds the exclusive, worldwide license to three (3) issued patents and fifteen (15) filed and pending patents revolving around the core CTS (cellulose to sugar) technology. ALLM also holds the exclusive CTS rights to North America (Canada, US, and Mexico) and Africa. The CTS process is the only known patented, dry mechanical process that can convert virtually any cellulose material into sugars and other products in a matter of minutes with no liquid acids, no applied heat, pressure or hazardous materials of any kind. The CTS process when used in the production of Ethanol is clean, less expensive to build and operate than traditional ethanol plants or other cellulose ethanol technologies and is completely environmentally friendly. Information in this document constitute forward-looking statements or statements which may be deemed or construed to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "forecast", "anticipate", "estimate", "project", "intend", "expect", "should", "believe", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve, and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc. actual results, performance (financial or operating) or achievements to differ from the future results, performance (financial or operating) or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties and other factors are more fully discussed in Alliance Media Group Holdings, Incs filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements attributable to Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by the above-mentioned cautionary statement. Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this estimate, except as may be required by law. 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 [July 20, 2016] Temasys.io Announces General Availability of the Skylink Platform and SDKs LAS VEGAS, July 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Temasys, the global Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) leader in real-time communications for apps and on the web, today, announced the general availability of the Skylink Platform at All About The API in Las Vegas. With the Skylink Platform developers now have access to many improvements and a full suite of APIs, SDKs, and tools to power the next generation of real-time communications within apps and web services. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160720/391546LOGO "Over the past ten months we have introduced major updates to our services, APIs, and SDKs while Skylink services were in Public Beta," said Sherwin Sim, CTO for Temasys. "The evolution from beta to general availability of the Skylink family of products brings with it enhancements to stability, scalability, and improved ease of use and developer experience across the board. These changes, driven by feedback from our active community of customers, address real-world use cases that are reaching end-users on a global market." As part of the announcement, Temasys has released: Skylink Linux and Device SDK - A new SDK for Linux and *nix embedded systems are now in private beta. With this addition, developers of smart IoT, wearables, and robotics applications based on Linux can now add real-time communications to connect to other mobile and web clients. The new SDK also allows for server-side automation of Skylink sessions, and offline media injection. Skylink Media Relay SFU - The Skylink Cloud Platform now offers customers the ability to use a Selective Forwarding Unit (SFU) to support multi-party audio and video calls. This functionality allows increased numbers of participants in interactions and to create more complex call control scenarios, reducing client-side device processing load. Skylink Recording and Archiving - Temasys launched its new recording and archiving feature for Skylink as a private beta several months ago. Skylink Recording 1.0 and Archiving allows video and audio stream to be recorded, mixed and deposited to a customer's AWS S3 bucket. The Recording and Archiving feature supports a wide variety of use cases for financial services or medical reporting, opening Skylink up to the new and growing Fintech and Medtech sectors. The Skylink team will bemaking further enhancements before opening this feature up to wider customer use, including capabilities to handle video resolutions of 4k and above, and additional media output configuration options. Skylink API Privileged and Unprivileged Peer Support - This allows for more granular control of peers and call control management from within the Skylink SDKs. One use case example, where this comes into play, is the idea of a super peer that can create conferences, set up and manage individual "breakout" rooms for other call participants, and control when to merge these sessions back together again, making this ideal for audio and video conferences and collaboration apps and services. SkylinkMDC - Short for "Multipoint DataChannel" the SkylinkMDC is another example of Skylink's recently expanded functionality. SkylinkMDC provides support for simultaneous multi-target, multi-transfers of data. The new Multipoint DataChannel functionality allows developers to take full advantage of the WebRTC DataChannel. Multipoint DataChannel also allows for real-time apps and web services to provide data sharing in the context of a call as a more flexible and complete offering, enabling, for example, the delivery of raw data, groups of files, or single files to all participants, or only specific participants simultaneously. Skylink Screen-sharing Renegotiation - Skylink also added vastly improved support for screen sharing and session renegotiation. Primarily developed for the FinTech market, Skylink now supports multiple screen-sharing capabilities with start/stop functionality and stability improvements for this popular feature. Skylink SecureKey - Temasys added additional enhanced API key security, a feature requested primarily by FinTech and MedTech customers. With SecureKey, the Skylink API can support fully secure, encrypted and time-limited temporary keys. This new feature allows Temasys to generate API keys that expire after a period of time, providing additional application access security to applications and web-based clients. Skylink Console - To support the next iteration of the Skylink PaaS, Temasys has also given the Skylink Console a major overhaul. The update includes a significant upgrade to the user interface, along with improvements to the reporting and analytics available through the portal, and additional content and support for billing, which will be rolled out in phases over the next couple of months. Skylink GoTURN - To support developers working with complex, and sometimes troublesome network scenarios, Temasys' Skylink now offers client-side control of TURN services. As the name implies, Skylink GoTURN gives customers the ability to force the use of TURN in establishing connections between end points immediately, thereby reducing latency and increasing connectivity success rates. Skylink Web, iOS and Android SDKs - Skylink's SDKs for the Web, iOS, and Android have undergone many iterative improvements over the last nine months, largely aimed at bringing increased stability and reliability to the client side of Skylink's capabilities as well as comprehensive refinement of cross-platform interoperability. Skylink SIPConnect - Temasys added, Skylink SIPConnect, to its growing list of features. Available in private beta, Skylink SIPConnect helps applications built with Skylink to interoperate with existing Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)-based services, increasing backward compatibility between WebRTC and legacy VoIP and messaging technologies. "With all of these additions Skylink is achieving its goal of offering a full-stack solution for real-time communications, backed by a team that has been in WebRTC since its start," said Bent Rye, CEO of Temasys. "The new functionality and the dramatic advances Temasys has made over the past year reflects both our commitment to our technology and to the customers who are turning to us for our industry leading technology and our team's deep expertise." About Temasys Temasys Communications is a Platform as a Service (PaaS) company based in Singapore and Palo Alto, CA providing full stack solutions for Web Real-Time Communications (WebRTC), an emerging standard for real-time communications in apps and on the web. Temasys products include the Skylink Platform and the Temasys WebRTC Plug-In for IE and Safari. Temasys is recognized for its expertise in leveraging the WebRTC standard and is actively engaged in its development. Team members participate on W3C and IETF WebRTC standards committees. For more information visit the Temasys website at http://temasys.io/. Contact: Danielle Prager 858-256-6344 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/temasysio-announces-general-availability-of-the-skylink-platform-and-sdks-300301678.html SOURCE Temasys [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 20, 2016] Canvas by Instructure Announces Integration with Microsoft SALT LAKE CITY, July 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Canvas by Instructure (NYSE:INST), a leading software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology company that makes software that makes people smarter, announced today at InstructureCon an integration with Microsoft Office 365 to provide instructors and learners around the world with an improved educational experience. "Teachers need these new capabilities for their education platforms, and we have continuously focused on providing the best technology we could design and build," said Mitch Benson, vice president of Canvas Product. "What happened next was that two of edtech's most established forces connected and worked together to meet the expressed needs of these educators. We're extremely proud of the result and can't wait to roll it out to our robust, global list of educational institutions." Responding to the needs of educators, representatives from the Canvas Platform Team collaborated with Microsoft to help develop improvements to the Canvas base platform that facilitate the best integration experience possible for their millions of users. The Canvas Platform Team believes this integration will be both a model and a catalyst for change to propel greater innovation to rusty technology in edtech. "Our schools rely heavily on Canvas and Microsoft for our daily educational functions, and these platforms have grown essential to the learning process of both our K12 educators and students," said Beverly Miller of Greeneville City Schools, a technologically innovative public school district in Greeneville, Tennessee. "The integration of two of our most prominently used technologies will only help further streamline and enhance learning development within each lassroom." Canvas has millions of active users and is employed by hundreds of universities and colleges in 40 countries. Canvas' K12 platform also is operated in 49 of the 50 states, helping young students learn with greater ease. Canvas combines innovative education tools, a platform for hosting those tools and institutions using the platform to transform learning and teaching in the classroom. This integration with Microsoft follows other critical Canvas innovations, including a transformation of their user interface. "Our relationship with Canvas helps us bring the best tools for learning into the classroom. We know teachers and students are strapped for time and we want to help them focus on what's really important: teaching and learning," said Eran Megiddo, corporate vice president of engineering, Education at Microsoft. "By integrating Office 365 with Canvas, teachers and students can now collaborate online with Office 365 including OneNote Class Notebooks, Word, Excel and PowerPoint directly within their Canvas LMS, saving valuable time so the teachers can remain focused on their students and students can leverage the best tools available and focus on learning." The Canvas and Microsoft integration provides seven main points of interoperability that make using Office 365 and Canvas seamless. Those points are: Submit files directly from Office 365 into Canvas Assignments. Access Office 365 documents through SpeedGrader to add feedback. Link Office 365 documents anywhere you use the Rich Content Editor. Include Office 365 documents in your Modules. Create Collaborations using any type of Office document. Create and grade assignments in your Microsoft OneNote Class Notebook, then push those grades to Canvas. Sign in to Canvas with your Office 365 login using single sign-on. To learn more, please visit https://www.canvaslms.com/. About Instructure Instructure, Inc. is a leading software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology company that makes software that makes people smarter. With a vision to help maximize the potential of people through technology, Instructure created Canvas and Bridge to enable organizations everywhere to easily develop, deliver and manage engaging face-to-face and online learning experiences. To date, Instructure has connected millions of instructors and learners at more than 2,000 educational institutions and corporations throughout the world. Learn more about Canvas for higher ed and K-12, and Bridge for the corporate market at www.Instructure.com. Contacts: Shannon Michael Director of Public Relations Instructure (801) 205-6714 [email protected] Jessica Hutchison Method Communications (801) 461-9779 [email protected] Copyright 2016, Instructure, Inc. All rights reserved. Instructure, Canvas, and the Bridge logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Instructure, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other brands and names may be claimed as the property of others. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121101/SF04201LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/canvas-by-instructure-announces-integration-with-microsoft-300301545.html SOURCE Instructure [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 20, 2016] NetComm Wireless CEO David Stewart Named Communications Ambassador 2016 SYDNEY, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- NetComm Wireless Limited (ASX: NTC) is pleased to announce that its CEO and Managing Director, David Stewart, has been recognised for his significant and valuable contribution to the Australian communications industry with the presentation of the Communications Ambassador 2016 award at the 10th annual Communications Alliance ACOMM Awards Dinner last night in Sydney. John Stanton, CEO, Communications Alliance, presented David Stewart with the prestigious Communications Ambassador award, and said: "He's a man who's been in the industry for more than 30 years. He is somebody who has overseen some of the strongest product and technology innovation in Australia and has always been a great supporter of Australian IT professionals, and of manufacturing. He has been, for a period of three decades, a very consistent, strong innovator and contributor to the health of our sector and the creation of jobs in the industry." "David established NetComm Wireless as a leading global developer of Fixed Wireless, wireless Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, and helped to advance the Australian communications industry through he introduction of a number of first-to-market data communications technologies over three decades. "Through his longstanding commitment to innovation, David expanded NetComm Wireless into global markets through initiatives impacting a broad range of industry segments including building automation, transportation, mining services and energy management; and bringing city-equivalent broadband to regional, remote and outer urban areas in Australia, the US and Europe with Fixed Wireless," said Justin Milne, Chairman, NetComm Wireless. "These are exciting times for our industry and it is a privilege to have been presented with our industry's top accolade for individual achievement. We have come a very long way since we first began connecting people and machines via dial-up and I am tremendously proud of where NetComm Wireless is today," said David Stewart, CEO and Managing Director, NetComm Wireless. The Australian Communications Ambassador award is the highest honour presented by ACOMMS Communications Alliance and CommsDay each year, with previous recipients including former Telstra CEO, David Thodey and former Telstra Group Managing Director, Stuart Lee. Note to editors For high-resolution photos please visit: http://www.netcommwireless.com/sites/default/files/david_stewart_hi_res.jpg To view the video please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2utLiSP68Mo About NetComm Wireless NetComm Wireless Limited (ASX: NTC) is a leading developer of Fixed Wireless Regional Broadband and wireless Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices that underpin an increasingly connected world. Leading telecommunications carriers, core network providers and system integrators utilise NetComm Wireless' 3G, 4G LTE and new generation Fixed Wireless solutions to optimise network performance and to support their connected products and services in the M2M and regional broadband markets. For the past 34 years, NetComm Wireless has developed a portfolio of world first data communication products, and is now a globally recognised wireless innovator. Headquartered in Sydney (Australia), NetComm Wireless has offices in the US, Europe/UK, New Zealand, Middle East and Japan. For more information, visit www.netcommwireless.com. Logo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150324/8521501794LOGO [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] abadonian/iStock/Thinkstock(TALLAHASSEE, Fla.) -- Officials from the Florida Department of Health are looking into a second Zika case that may have been spread locally. The infected person was diagnosed in Broward County, where officials are investigating whether the individual could have contracted the disease by traveling abroad, through sexual contact or via infected mosquitoes. If they find the person contracted the disease from local mosquitoes carrying Zika, it would be the first time the virus is confirmed to have spread within the U.S. through mosquitoes. On Wednesday, the health department announced it was investigating a Zika case in Miami-Dade County as a possible instance of local transmission. Currently both cases are under investigation and the health department has yet to confirm whether or not they occurred due to local transmission of the virus. Zika prevention kits and repellent have been made available at the Department of Health in Broward County and mosquito control is trapping mosquitoes to study. The state surgeon general has requested help from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in studying these two cases. There have been more than 1,300 people diagnosed with Zika in the U.S., but virtually all were infections contracted while abroad. A small number of cases were transmitted via sexual contact with partners who were infected abroad, according to health officials. In order to be classified as a case of ongoing local Zika transmission, there needs to be two cases of Zika infection within a one-mile diameter within a month that are both unrelated to travel or sexual transmission, according to the CDC. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. [July 21, 2016] CloudLock Achieves Advanced Technology Partner Status in Amazon Web Services Partner Network The CloudLock Security Fabric provides a complete solution to secure the apps you buy and build on AWS WALTHAM, Massachusetts, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- CloudLock, the leading Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) and Cloud Cybersecurity Platform, today announced the company has achieved Advanced Technology Partner status in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Partner Network (APN). By reaching this status, CloudLock demonstrates its commitment to enabling organizations to secure their AWS environments, including codeless security and cloud DLP for apps purchased on the AWS marketplace and custom apps built on top of AWS. While IaaS vendors such as Amazon are responsible for securing the infrastructure, security is inherently a shared responsibility. Organizations now focus on user behavior and data exposures instead of the infrastructure itself. In addition, organizations are building their own apps faster than ever, where many of these apps are the most business-critical and store or process highly-sensitive data. With homegrown, custom apps, organizations need to be able to defend against compromised accounts, prevent data breaches, achieve compliance, and enable security operations and forensics. The CloudLock Security Fabric provides powerful security for AWS at the user, console, and application levels and is the only solution to provide visibility and control for apps purchased on the AWS marketplace and custom, home-grown apps built on AWS. CloudLock leverages multiple AWS information sources, including CloudTrail, Config, and Inspector to provide a complete picture of AWS security. CloudLock offers Data Loss Protection (DLP), Visibility and User and Entity Behavior Analytics, Forensics, Compliance, and Configuration Security. As a natural extension of its cloud-native, platform approach, CloudLock offers a collection of security microservices that are exposed either in the CloudLock Dashboard or individually as APIs that can be leveraged for ustom integrations. CloudLock has integrated with AWS to apply these microservices across many Amazon components and applications: Amazon EC2 and S3: Organizations can have sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, employee health information, and sensitive customer data on AWS. This can happen both knowingly and unwittingly, as employees, partners, and even customers can upload sensitive information in violation of policy. No matter the source, organizations are obligated to protect the information that finds its way into the AWS environment. CloudLock discovers and protects sensitive data on AWS, including Amazon S3, without requiring a single line of code. Customers identify sensitive information through CloudLock's out-of-the-box policies, as well as highly configurable regex and automated response actions, to address common compliance concerns. AWS Admin Console: An organization's AWS admin console provides unfettered access to its AWS environment, including the ability to create or delete infrastructure at the click of a mouse. A compromised admin account on AWS can lead to catastrophic damage, including loss of brand reputation and hefty fines for data loss as a result of a breach. CloudLock secures privileged access to the AWS console with user and entity behavior analytics, configuration security (i.e., the creation of AWS access keys, access controls, and security group and password policy settings), activity logging, API call monitoring, incident and policy management, and content classification. AWS Marketplace Apps: There are Marketplace apps of all types, from developer tools to business intelligence software. These apps often access and create sensitive data. CloudLock provides advanced cloud DLP capabilities to secure apps purchased on the Amazon Marketplace out-of-the-box, with no code or application configuration required. Custom Apps on AWS: The custom apps that organizations build often process and store their most sensitive and business-critical data. At the same time, security for homegrown apps is often deprioritized or ignored entirely. CloudLock offers codeless security for the cloud apps you build, including protection from account compromises and data breaches, that can be applied without any changes to your applications. Amazon Inspector: Amazon Inspector is an excellent source of security information about AWS. The CloudLock integration with Amazon Inspector allows organizations to orchestrate configuration security alongside user behavior and data-related incidents, enabling risk identification and remediation, such as modifications to security configurations that indicate potential weaknesses and may enable massive data exfiltration from Amazon S3, or the detection of the use of insecure and unencrypted ports or services. "We are thrilled to be named an Advanced Technology Partner in the AWS Partner Network, enabling organizations to securely leverage cloud applications to power their mission-critical operations," said Manolo Gonzalez, VP Platform and Technology Alliances at CloudLock. "Being the most robust CASB and cloud cybersecurity solution on the market, CloudLock's comprehensive platform, combining threat intelligence and codeless integration with homegrown apps, provides a seamless experience for both SecOps and DevOps teams alike." Learn more about the CloudLock security for AWS or visit the CloudLock listing on the AWS Marketplace. About CloudLock CloudLock is the cloud-native CASB and Cloud Cybersecurity Platform that helps organizations securely leverage cloud apps they buy and build. CloudLock delivers security visibility and control for SaaS, IaaS, PaaS and IDaaS environments across the entire enterprise in seconds. Founded by Israeli Elite Cybersecurity Military Intelligence experts, the company delivers actionable cybersecurity intelligence through its data scientist-led CyberLab and crowdsourced security analytics across billions of data points daily. CloudLock has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as the fastest growing security product company in the U.S. and by Glassdoor as one of the top 3 best places to work in the U.S. Learn more at www.cloudlock.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 21, 2016] Guided Therapeutics Sells First LuViva Advanced Cervical Scan to Russia Guided Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCQB: GTHP), the maker of a rapid and painless testing platform based on its patented biophotonic technology, today announced that it has sold the first LuViva Advanced Cervical Scan to its distributor in Russia. "Russia is an important market with a large potential screening population of more than 65 million women," said Gene Cartwright, CEO and President of Guided Therapeutics. "Cervical cancer is the number one cause of cancer death among women ages 15 to 44 years in Russia and we believe that LuViva's benefits of immediate and pain-free results will encourage more frequent screening." The LuViva will be used for marketing clinical studies and for testing as part of the approval process by the Russian Federal Service for Control over Healthcare and Social Development, more commonly known as "Roszdravnadzor." Approval is expected in 2017. Cervical cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer among Russian women ages 15 to 44 years, with the highest cancer mortality rate, according to the 2016 ICO Information Centre on HPV and Cancer report fact sheet. There are 65.1 million women at risk of developing cervical cancer in Russia. Annually, 15,342 Russian women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 7,371 will die from the disease. Worldwide, the market for cervical cancer screening and diagnostics, as currently practiced using cytology (Pap test) for primary screening, is estimated at $6 billion and is projected to grow to almost $9 billion by 2020. There are about 2.6 billion women aged 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cervical cancer worldwide. About LuViva Advanced Cervical Scan LuViva is a technologically advanced diagnostic device that scans the cervix with light and uses spectroscopy to measure how light interacts with the cervical tissue. Spectroscopy identifies chemical and structural indicators of precancer that may be below the surface of the cervix or misdiagnosed as benign. This technique is called biophotonics. Unlike Pap, HPV tests or biopsies, LuViva does not require laboratory analysis or a tissue sample, and is designed to provide results immediately, which may result in eliminating costly, painful and unnecessary additional testing. LuViva is intended for use with women who have undergone initial screening and are called back for follow up with a colposcopy examination, which in many cases, involves taking a biopsy of the cervix. It has also been used in clinical studies in Turkey and Nigeria as a means to screen women for cervical cancer where the availability of infrastructure necessary for Pap and HPV testing is restricted. The device is used in conjunction with the LuViva Cervical Guide single-use patient interface and calibration disposable. About Guided Therapeutics Guided Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCQB: GTHP) is the maker of a rapid and painless testing platform based on its patented biophotonic technology that utilizes light for the early detection of disease at the cellular level. The Company's first product is the LuViva Advanced Cervical Scan, a non-invasive device used to detect cervical disease instantly and at the point of care. In a multi-center clinical trial with women at risk for cervical disease, the technology was able to detect cervical cancer up to two years earlier than conventional modalities, according to published reports. For more information, visit: www.guidedinc.com. The Guided Therapeutics LuViva Advanced Cervical Scan is an investigational device and is limited by federal law to investigational use in the U.S. LuViva, the wave logo and "Early detection, better outcomes" are registered trademarks owned by Guided Therapeutics, Inc. Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer: A number of the matters and subject areas discussed in this news release that are not historical or current facts deal with potential future circumstances and developments. The discussion of such matters and subject areas is qualified by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally and also may materially differ from Guided Therapeutics' actual future experience involving any of or more of such matters and subject areas. Such risks and uncertainties include those related to the early stage of commercialization of products, the uncertainty of market acceptance of products, the uncertainty of development or effectiveness of distribution channels, the intense competition in the medical device industry, the sufficiency of capital raised in prior financings and the ability to realize their expected benefits, the uncertainty of future capital to develop products or continue as a going concern, the uncertainty of regulatory approval of products, and the dependence on licensed intellectual property, as well as those that are more fully described from time to time under the heading "Risk Factors" in Guided Therapeutics' reports filed with the SEC (News - Alert), including Guided Therapeutics' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 and subsequent filings. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721005671/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 21, 2016] Merck Animal Health Takes Canine Influenza Education Campaign Nationwide Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada) today launched the multi-city If This Dog Could Talk tour to raise awareness of canine influenza (CIV)-a highly contagious disease that within the last year has impacted dogs in more than half of the country. The initiative is being conducted in collaboration with photographer Elias Weiss Friedman and his renowned photo-documentary series The Dogist. His unique storytelling through distinctive photographs will help reach pet owners with critical information about the risk factors for canine influenza and the importance of prevention. This Smart News Release features an interactive multimedia capsule. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721005083/en/ "The Dogist documentary series tells unique stories about the lives of dogs through photographs, celebrating the beauty of dogs," said Elias Weiss Friedman of The Dogist. "One of the most important stories to tell is about a dog's health needs, so I am excited to collaborate on this campaign to help more pet owners understand the importance of protecting their dogs against canine influenza." As part of the campaign, Merck Animal Health will host pop-up events at local dog parks in areas of the country impacted by canine influenza outbreaks. The first event will be held in Chicago, which is where the initial outbreak occurred in 2015 and has continued to be a hotspot for CIV cases. These events will provide a fun, relaxed environment in which pet owners can get the facts about canine influenza, as well as other important tips to keep pets healthy. "I'm part of this initiative because I've seen the devastating impact of CIV first hand-from a dog's health and the emotional toll it takes on owners, to the impact it can have on local businesses and the community," said Natalie Marks, D.V.M., co-owner of the Blum Animal Hospital in Chicago, and national veterinary spokesperson for the If This Dog Could Talk campaign. "When CIV broke in our area, we were seeing upwards of 15 cases a day and were working tirelessly to contain the spread of a very infectious strain of the disease, H3N2. I strongly recommend that pet owners with dogs that are social and regularly commingle with other dogs speak to their veterinarian now about what is right for their pet and to fully understand what puts a dog at risk for CIV." Canine influenza can spread quickly among social dogs in urban areas, doggie daycares, boarding facilities, dog parks, sporting and show events and any location where dogs commingle. Through the If This Dog Could Talk initiative, pet owners will gain important insight into how a dog's story-or lifestyle-can lead to an increased risk of that dog contracting canine influenza. They will also learn about specific preventative measures that can be taken, including vaccination. "At Merck Animal Health, we are pet owners and dog lovers ourselves and we know firsthand the joy dogs bring to our lives. We understand that dogs are a part of our families and we want to keep them happy and healthy, too," said Kathleen Heaney, D.V.M., Executive Director, Companion Animal Technical Services, Merck Animal Health. "This is why we are so committed to ensuring that pet owners have the information and resources needed to protect their four-legged family members from this preventable disease." In addition to engaging with a local veterinarian during each event, pet owners will also have the opportunity to meet and have their dogs photographed by The Dogist. Several dogs that were impacted by canine influenza will also be highlighted during the events-including incredible photos and their stories which will be memorialized in an e-book produced by The Dogist. Those who are unable to attend an event are encouraged to support the campaign to raise awareness of canine influenza by posting photos of their dogs on Twitter (News - Alert) using #IfThisDogCouldTalk and tagging @MerckAH. Select photos could also be featured in The Dogist e-book. For updates on local events, look out for posts from The Dogist on Facebook and Twitter. For more information about canine influenza, visit www.doginfluenza.com or visit the If This Dog Could Talk website at www.doginfluenza.com/IfThisDogCouldTalk. Owners who suspect their dog may have canine influenza or are concerned about their risk should speak with their veterinarian. About Canine Influenza (CIV) Canine influenza has only been present in the United States since 2003, meaning many pet owners are unaware that dogs can get the dog flu-the spread of which is exacerbated through social activity among dogs. In 2015, a new strain of canine influenza emerged in the United States-H3N2-which is estimated to produce ten times more virus than previous strains and has already caused outbreaks in half of all U.S. states. According to clinical studies by researchers at the University of Wisconsin, H3N2 may be shed for an extended period of time-up to 24 days, which is far longer than what is seen with H3N8.1 Because the H3N2 strain is relatively new, close to 100 percent of dogs are naive to the new virus and have no natural immunity to it, meaning virtually all exposed dogs become infected. Prevention is the best approach, and Merck Animal Health offers vaccines to protect against both CIV H3N2 and H3N8. Common clinical signs of canine influenza include coughing, fever, sneezing, ocular discharge and lethargy. In severe cases, pneumonia can develop, and up to eight percent of critically ill dogs may die from complications. About Merck Animal Health For 125 years, Merck has been a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter at @MerckAH. About The Dogist The Dogist is a photo-documentary series about the beauty of dogs started by Elias Weiss Friedman in October 2013 and based out of New York City. The series has traveled to over 30 cities around the world and produced a book in 2015, The Dogist: Photographic Encounters with 1,000 Dogs. To learn more, follow The Dogist on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC (News - Alert)) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov). 1 Updates in Canine Influenza Virus: Management, treatment and prevention of disease. VETgirl Webinar, July 27, 2015. Archived at www.vetgirlontherun.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721005083/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] CHARLESTON -- The Coles County Council on Aging Telecare and Family Caregiver Resource Center Programs, in partnership with Mid-Illinois Family Community Resource Center and Soyland Access to Independent Living, will host a Picnic of Benefit Information from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 2. A variety of benefits and eligibility requirements will be discussed, including: Medicare Extra Help; Medicare Savings Program; Illinois Department on Aging Benefit Access Program; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled; and Medicaid. A complimentary picnic-themed lunch of hot dogs, baked beans, chips, a cookie and beverage will be served. Registration is required by Monday and open only to the first 50 participants. To register, contact Coles County Council on Aging at 217-639-5150. The Coles County Council on Aging Telecare Program will host the eighth annual Princess For The Evening father-daughter dance from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at the LifeSpan Center. This annual event is the only fundraiser sponsored by the Telecare Program and all proceeds benefit the program, which provides assistance to older adults in Coles County. The Telecare Program participated in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program again this year. The program offered income eligible Coles County seniors, age 60 and older, coupon checks that could be exchanged for eligible foods at farmers' markets. CHARLESTON -- The district school board members approved sprinkler repairs in Carl Sandburg Elementary School at their meeting Wednesday. The district will still need to go through a few more steps including getting approval Illinois State Board of Education before starting the repair project. However, Superintendent Jim Littleford said he hopes to expedite the process to get the repairs completed as soon as possible. As previously reported, faulty o-rings, used for sealing, were discovered in sprinkler heads near the beginning of the summer throughout the school. This requires the replacement of the numerous sprinkler heads. Littleford said the district would be replacing 246 sprinkler heads. Because these o-rings are faulty, the sprinkler heads might not operate during a fire, he said. This replacement will cost approximately $18,000 using Health Life Safety funds. Separate from operating funds, these funds are designated to deal with safety concerns. According to Littleford, the board also renewed coverage with Egyptian Trust as the district's health benefits program for 2016-17. In the past, Littleford said the district had a self-funded services program before switching in January to Egyptian Trust. Insurance premiums are expected to see a 5 percent increase starting Sept. 1, he said. The board also awarded a bid contract to The Equity based out of Effingham to cover diesel fuel for buses for the 2016-17 through to the 2018-19 school year. Also in the meeting, board members granted authority to staff to begin the 2016-17 school year. Littleford said especially in the beginning of the school year when having a full staff is important, filling vacancies quickly is crucial. Also approved at the meeting: -- the adoption of the new and revised proposed school board policies -- the adoption of revised job descriptions for the school social worker and school counselor ANGOLA President Mitch Daniels is going to visit Steuben County next month, as in the president of Purdue University. Steuben County Commissioners invited Daniels, the former governor, to attend the dedication of the new Steuben County Event Center, a shining example of how Major Moves money has been put to use locally. President Daniels, former Governor Daniels, has accepted our invitation, said Ron Smith, president of the Steuben County Board of Commissioners. The dedication will take place on Aug. 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the Crooked Lake facilities. Daniels will arrive by plane, landing at the Branch County Memorial Airport, Coldwater, Michigan, because the Tri-State Steuben County Municipal Airports runway isnt long enough to accommodate the official Purdue plane. It was Daniels who pushed for legislation to lease the Indiana Toll Road that resulted in toll road counties each receiving $40 million in proceeds from the 2006 deal. Because the money came to the county under Daniels administration and paid for the Event Center officials decided to seek his presence. The toll road lease, known as Major Moves legislation, put into Steuben Countys coffers $33.7 million as its part of the $40 million shared by local municipalities that receive gas tax distributions. The state leased the toll road for $3.8 billion. Steuben County has used about $1.5 million and counting to build the new event center. When Mitch came here (in September 2006) we had a long talk and he was talking about the possibilities, Smith said in June. When Daniels visits, he will be presented with an inventory of projects Major Moves has funded at the direction of the commissioners and Steuben County Council. The toll road money distributed to local government may be used use for transportation, infrastructure and economic development projects. The Steuben County Event Center includes banquet facilities and will have office space that will house Purdue Extension Steuben County. The banquet facilities feature a 7,000-square-foot ballroom and an ample kitchen for use by preferred caterers. Updated with comments from earnings call and updated stock price. Mattel's (MAT) new curvy Barbie dolls seem to have found a following around the world. The toymaker reported Wednesday that worldwide sales of Barbie in the second quarter surged 23% from the prior year. Excluding the effects of the strong U.S. dollar, Barbie's worldwide sales rose 24%, accelerating from no change in the first quarter. The sales rebound for Barbie coincides with wider distribution for Mattel's new "Fashionistas" Barbie line -- such as at discount retailer Target (TGT) -- that launched in February. The line features tall, petite and curvy versions that are sold alongside the original ultra-thin model. There are seven skin tones, 22 eye colors and 24 hairstyles that accompany the line. In March, Target debuted a new campaign using the revamped Barbie dolls to model looks inspired by its swimsuits, with some of the dolls outfitted with mini versions of Target's latest swimwear. "We are pleased with Barbie's resurgence," a Mattel exec told analysts on a call Wednesday evening. According to Mattel, it has seen "enthusiasm" for the Fashionistas line, an uptick in consumer confidence scores for the brand and more shelf space among major retailers. Strength in Barbie helped Mattel deliver a better-than-expected second quarter, sending shares nearly 4% higher in after-hours trading Wednesday after closing up 1.4% at $32.83. Net sales fell 3% year over year to $957 million compared to Wall Street estimates for $936.7 million. Loss per share clocked in at 2 cents a share, outpacing estimates for a loss of 5 cents a share. Sprout and Noodle Company to Cease Operations Due to Unsanitary Conditions The DOJ entered a consent decree of permanent injunction on behalf of the FDA The U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota has ordered Kwong Tung Foods, Inc., doing business as Canton Foods, to cease operations due to unsanitary conditions. The court motioned this action on behalf of the FDA, which announced the result in a press release. The FDA alleges the Minneapolis-based rice and noodle seller has an extensive history of operating under unsanitary conditions that violate Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations and the FD&C Act. FDA investigators observed numerous unsanitary conditions such as: rodent waste, improper cleaning, mold on equipment, failure to prevent cross contamination, and improper employee sanitation practices. The agency conducted multiple investigations in 2014 and 2015. The FDA expects food companies to follow cGMP regulations, and when a company does not address violations and sanitary protocols are being neglected, it poses potentially hazardous conditions, said Melinda K. Plaisier, the FDAs associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. The FDA is taking the necessary actions to protect consumers and the U.S. food supply. After receiving a warning letter and participating in meetings with the FDA, Kwong Tung Foods failed to take corrective measures. Malaysia has been gripped for more than a year by allegations that billions of dollars were looted from state investment fund 1MDB in an audacious campaign of fraud and money laundering. The US Justice Department has now filed suit to recover more than $1 billion in assets it says were illegally purchased using 1MDB funds. On Thursday Singapore said it had seized nearly $180 million linked to the scandal-tainted fund. Here are some answers to key questions in the saga. What is 1MDB? 1Malaysia Development Berhad, or 1MDB, is a state investment fund Najib launched in 2009 shortly after assuming office. Its portfolio has included power plants and other energy assets in Malaysia and the Middle East and real estate in Kuala Lumpur. The Ministry of Finance-owned fund has been closely overseen by Najib, who serves concurrently as finance minister. Whistle-blowers say Low Taek Jho, or "Jho Low", a jet-setting Malaysian financier who is close to Najib but has no official positions, helped set up 1MDB and played a key role in its financial decisions. What went wrong? The US Justice Department's filing emphatically endorses longstanding claims that 1MDB was used by corrupt Malaysian figures as a "personal bank account," in the words of US Attorney General Loretta Lynch. These figures include Najib's stepson Riza Aziz, Jho Low, other officials, and an individual the US filing calls "Malaysian Official 1" -- a thinly-veiled apparent reference to Najib himself. The Justice Department says billions of dollars raised in 1MDB bond offerings were stolen and diverted across the globe for a range of corrupt purposes. How did the scandal emerge? Concerns grew in 2014 as 1MDB slid into an $11 billion debt hole, and the intensifying public scrutiny led to a string of revelations concerning missing funds. The issue exploded in July 2015 when the Wall Street Journal published documents showing Najib himself received at least $681 million in payments to his personal bank accounts. What are key allegations by US investigators? -- In 2009, $700 million was secretly diverted from a 1MDB joint venture with a small Saudi energy company to bank accounts controlled by Low. Another $330 million was re-routed to his accounts in 2011. -- $1.37 billion was diverted from a pair of 2012 bond offerings to accounts in the British Virgin Islands and Singapore believed controlled by Low, as was $1.26 billion raised in a 2013 bond sale. -- Tens of millions of the diverted dollars were used in 2012 by Najib's stepson Riza, an aspiring film producer, to fund "The Wolf of Wall Street" starring Leonardo DiCaprio. -- Hundreds of millions were used, mainly by Riza and Low, to purchase a Beverly Hills Mansion, penthouse flats in New York, and a high-end London townhouse. -- Also acquired were a Monet painting for $35 million, a Van Gogh for $5.5 million, a $35-million Bombardier jet and a $100 million stake in EMI Music Publishing, according to the US filing. How is Najib implicated? The Justice Department says "Malaysian Official 1" repeatedly conspired with Low to receive millions in illicit payments, and its description of the official strongly suggests that it refers Najib. For example, US investigators said $681 million of 1MDB money was illicitly transferred to an account controlled by "Malaysian Official 1". Najib already has admitted receiving $681 million in past deposits to his personal accounts after they were exposed last year by the Wall Street Journal. He denies they came from 1MDB, saying they were a "gift" from the Saudi royal family. What impact has 1MDB had on Malaysia? As the scandal escalated, Najib purged 1MDB critics from his cabinet, curbed domestic investigations, and enacted a tough new security law, sparking accusations that he was imperilling Malaysia's already fragile democracy to save his skin. Political analysts say only a revolt within the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) appears able to dislodge Najib. But they add that appears unlikely for now as Najib's crackdown has dramatically strengthened his hold on the party. Cuba said Thursday there is "nothing to fear" regarding security as direct flights resume between the communist island and the United States, part of their historic rapprochement. With regular commercial flights set to resume in the coming weeks, Cuba's aging airports are under scrutiny after more than half a century of isolation from the United States during which only charter flights were permitted. "I can responsibly assure you that the level of security at our airport installations complies with world standards, including the standards of the United States. There is nothing to fear," said Cuba's head of civil aviation security, Armando Garbalosa. In an interview with Cuban news site Cubadebate, Garbalosa accused Republican lawmakers in the United States of badmouthing Cuba's aviation security. He said that US officials had been inspecting Cuban airports for 15 years. Washington and Havana agreed in February to restore direct commercial flights, one of the watershed changes initiated in December 2014 when Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro announced a thaw after more than 50 years of Cold War hostility. Commercial flights between the two countries were suspended 53 years ago, though charter service has been allowed since the 1970s. At least eight US airlines have been authorized to operate US-Cuban routes, with the first flights expected in September. The United States still maintains the economic and financial embargo it has imposed on Cuba since 1962. Sri Lanka's cash-strapped national carrier is in talks to lease some of its new Airbus aircraft to Pakistan and Iran to reduce a $1 billion loss, a minister said Thursday. State Enterprise Development Minister Kabir Hashim said SriLankan Airlines was about to conclude a deal with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to lease out one Airbus A330. "The aircraft will be operated for PIA by Sri Lankan crew and it will be based in London," Hashim told reporters. "It will fly to Islamabad and Lahore and we are also in talks to give them three more Airbus A330 planes," he said. Iranian national carrier Iranair had also shown interest in a larger A350 which Sri Lanka is due to take delivery of in a few months' time, the minister said. SriLankan, which has accumulated losses of $993 million, plans to scrap several European flights in the coming months and is looking for an equity partner to revive the business. The government has cancelled five of eight A350 aircraft ordered, together with the A330s, by former strongman premier Mahinda Rajapakse in a controversial $2.3 billion deal in 2013. The government has paid a $15 million penalty for cancelling one plane in the first batch of four A350 planes due to be delivered from October this year, Hashim said. Rajapakse and several relatives are under investigation over alleged corruption in the bumper 2013 deal. SriLankan Airlines was profitable before the former president cancelled a management agreement with Emirates in 2008 following a personal dispute. SriLankan had refused to bump fare-paying business-class passengers down to economy class and give their seats to members of Rajapakse's family. An angry Rajapakse removed the Emirates-appointed CEO of SriLankan Airlines from his post and replaced him with his own brother-in-law, who had no airline or corporate experience. aj/erf/iw The governments of Singapore and Malaysia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a high-speed rail (HSR) linking Kuala Lumpur and Singapore on July 19. The 350km-long HSR aims to cut the travelling time between both cities to 90 minutes. The trains will run at a top speed of more than 300kph. The two termini are located at Jurong East in Singapore and Bandar Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. There are six intermediate stations in Malaysia along the HSR line. They are Putrajaya, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat and Iskandar Puteri. Operation is expected to commence by 2026. CapitaLand president and group CEO Lim Ming Yan welcomes the move as it will increase the traffic of business and leisure travellers between the two countries. This increase is expected to benefit CapitaLands portfolio of shopping malls and serviced residences in both countries, especially those located near the terminals and intermediate stations. In Singapore, CapitaLand owns and manages 19 malls, including three near the upcoming HSR terminus in Jurong East Westgate, JCube and IMM. In Malaysia, CapitaLand has a portfolio of seven shopping malls and 15 serviced residences under the Ascott, Citadines and Somerset brands with over 3,000 units, including those in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Iskandar Puteri. Related Articles From TheEdgeProperty.com.sg dLeedon and Jewel Changi Airport win top architecture awards Living in an urban village Close to the city, yet surrounded by greenery dLeedon the address of choice Singapore said Thursday it had seized nearly $180 million linked to scandal-tainted Malaysian state fund 1MDB, raising the pressure a day after Washington moved to grab more than $1 billion in assets over "enormous" fraud. The back-to-back announcements were the clearest signs yet of a tightening noose on 1MDB, which was founded and overseen by embattled Prime Minister Najib Razak and has caused more than a year of Malaysian tumult. The US Justice Department filed lawsuits Wednesday to seize assets including luxury real estate in Beverly Hills, New York and London, artworks by Monet and Van Gogh, and a Bombardier executive jet, saying they were purchased with money stolen from 1MDB. The US filing accuses an individual it calls "Malaysian Official 1" -- an apparent thinly veiled reference to Najib -- of taking huge sums, along with Najib's stepson, a close family associate and other figures. "The Department of Justice will not allow the American financial system to be used as a conduit for corruption," US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said in announcing the move. Singapore's government followed up by revealing it had seized Sg$240 million ($177 million) worth of bank funds and other assets over suspected fraud and money-laundering related to 1MDB since launching its own investigations last year. It marked the first time authorities in the city-state revealed details of its probes. They said half the frozen Singapore assets were linked to Low Taek Jho, a Malaysian businessman close to Najib's family. The US filing also accused Low of illegally shifting hundreds of millions of dollars into the United States for corrupt activities benefitting Najib's family. - 'Fraud on an enormous scale' - The assets targeted for US seizure include royalties from the 2013 financial crime caper "The Wolf of Wall Street" starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The film was produced by a company owned by Najib's stepson Riza Aziz, using more than $100 million syphoned from 1MDB, the Justice Department said. Both Najib and 1MDB have consistently dismissed allegations of wrongdoing as political attacks by his opponents. But Najib has fuelled suspicions by suppressing information, neutering Malaysian investigations, and ousting officials who questioned the affair. In brief comments to reporters at a public event in Kuala Lumpur Thursday, he declined to directly address specific US allegations, saying "we have to establish the facts first". "Those people involved will have their say through the court process in the United States, so allow the process to take its course," he said. The US seizure would be the largest yet under Washington's 2010 Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative targeting ill-gotten gains parked in US assets by foreign leaders. "The Malaysian people were defrauded on an enormous scale," said FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe. 1MDB, or 1Malaysia Development Berhad, was launched by Najib in 2009 to make strategic national investments. He oversaw its activities in his concurrent role as finance minister. - 'Malaysian Official 1' - Najib is not named explicitly in the US filing. But it refers to "Malaysian Official 1", described as a "high-ranking official" with control over 1MDB and who received $681 million in diverted 1MDB monies into his own Malaysian bank accounts. That appears to point directly at Najib, who was forced to admit last year that he received $681 million in his personal accounts in 2013. He calls them "personal donations" from the Saudi royal family, denying they came from 1MDB. Malaysian social media users hammered Najib on Thursday as a kleptocrat and a liar, and #MalaysianOfficial1 became the country's top-trending Twitter hashtag. "The Wolf of Malaysia, cheating the people out of their money. Wait for the karma!" said a posting on Najib's Facebook page. He also faced new calls to step aside. "I believe the Malaysian people want Najib to go on leave as prime minister so as not to create the perception of abuse of power... or to hinder a full and transparent investigation on this very serious issue," opposition leader Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said. Switzerland also has frozen millions in assets and several other countries are investigating. The production company controlled by Najib's stepson said it was unaware of any funding shenanigans. Anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks has released nearly 300,000 emails linked to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AKP party, with Turkey immediately blocking access on Wednesday. WikiLeaks said the emails came from the party's web domain akparti.org.tr and mainly related to world affairs and not "the most sensitive internal matters". It said the emails, which date between 2010 and July 6 this year, were obtained before the attempted coup of July 16. "WikiLeaks has moved forward its publication schedule in response to the government's post-coup purges," the transparency website said in a statement. The source of the emails "is not connected, in any way, to the elements behind the attempted coup, or to a rival political party or state", it said. A Turkish official said the WikiLeaks website was being blocked "due to violation of privacy and publication of illegally obtained data". The coup represented the most serious threat to Erdogan's 13-year domination of Turkey and the president has said he came within 15 minutes of being killed or kidnapped by the plotters before escaping. Tens of thousands of people including soldiers, police officers, judges and teachers have since been either detained or sacked in a widening purge. The putsch left over 300 dead and caused scenes of devastation, especially in Ankara where raids by F-16s and attack helicopters on strategic targets terrified residents and turned parts of parliament and the police headquarters to rubble. Founded in 2006 and launched a year later by Australian ex-hacker Julian Assange, WikiLeaks came to prominence in 2010 when it released the video of a US helicopter strike in Baghdad that killed two Reuters staff. Later that year it released tens of thousands of internal US military documents relating to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, detailing cases of abuse, torture and civilian deaths. It then leaked 250,000 diplomatic cables from US embassies around the world which deeply embarrassed Washington. Two legendary hawkers were among the 29 restaurants and hawker stalls in Singapore that were given the highly coveted Michelin stars at the famous food guides award ceremony on Thursday (21 July). Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, a hawker stall that has a history dating back to before World War Two, and Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, were both given the Michelin one-star at the inaugural ceremony in Singapore, held at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS). Photo: Yahoo Singapore Frenchman Joel Robuchon, the chef with the most Michelin stars in the world, was the biggest winner, with two of his restaurants in Singapore awarded two-star and three-star ratings. Singapore was hailed as a gastronomic capital by Michelin Guides as it became the fourth Asian destination after Japan, Hong Kong and Macau to be accorded the crowning glory of culinary success. Michael Michaelidis (left) and Joel Robuchon (right), chefs of three-star Joel Robuchon restaurant at at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) (Photo: Nurul Azliah/Yahoo Singapore) The sole restaurant to earn the three-star rating was Joel Robuchon, the French contemporary restaurant at RWS. Six restaurants were given two-star rating including LAtelier de Joel Robuchon, Andre and Les Amis. Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle and Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle joined 20 other one-star winners including restaurants Candlenut, which serves Peranakan cuisine, and Forest, helmed by Singapore celebrity chef Sam Leong. Tang Chay Seng, owner of Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, meeting reporters after being awarded the prestigious one-star Michelin. (Video: Nurul Azliah/Yahoo Singapore) At the ceremony, Michael Ellis, International Director of Michelin Guides, said that Singapore is a natural extension of Michelins global presence. The Michelin inspectors had truly amazing cuisines here based upon Singapores unique cultural and demographic history. Our inspectors were also thrilled to find that Singapores food scene is one of the most dynamic, not only in Asia, but the rest of the world. Singapore has clearly earned her place as a true gastronomic capital, Ellis said. Story continues Calling Singapore a nation of foodies, Lionel Yeo, Chief Executive of Singapore Tourism Board, said that the launch of Michelin Guide Singapore is a testament to the countrys diverse cuisines and culinary reputation. Its a great platform for us to get the word out, to get even more people excited about the dining experience in SingaporeIn terms of branding for our F&B industry, it is amazing. I think the global recognition that Micheiln Guide accords us is something that is truly valuable, Yeo said. Chan Hong Meng of Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken & Noodles (left) and Tang Chay Seng of Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle (right) at the Michelin guide Singapore awards ceremony. (Photo: Nurul Azliah/Yahoo Singapore) Michelin first awarded stars to fine dining establishments in 1926, which are widely considered as the Oscars of the culinary world. The French restaurant guide judges restaurants based on the quality of their products, mastery of flavour and cooking techniques, personality of chef reflected in the cuisine, value for money and consistency between visits. Anonymous Michelin inspectors assess an establishment and give it a one-star rating if it is a very good restaurant in its category, a two-star rating for excellent cooking that is worth a detour, and a three-star rating for exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey. The award of the Michelin stars came after 34 eateries in Singapore on 14 July were given the Michelin Guide Singapores Bib Gourmand rating, which is given to outlets that offer a good value meal for under S$45. Heres the full list of Michelin three-star, two-star and one-star restaurants and hawker stalls in Singapore: Three-star: 1. Joel Robuchon Two-star: 1. Andre 2. LAtelier de Joel Robuchon 3. Odette 4. Shisen Hanten 5. Shoukouwa 6. Les Amis One-star: 1. Alma 2.The Kitchen at Bacchanalia 3. Beni 4. Candlenut 5. Corner House 6. Crystal Jade Golden Palace 7. Cut by Wolfgang Puck 8. Forest 9. Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle 10. Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle 11. Jaan 12. Lei Garden 13. Osia 14. Putien (Kitchener Road) 15. Rhubarb 16. Shinji (Beach Road) 17. Shinji (Tanglin Road) 18. Summer Pavilion 19. Sushi Ichi 20. Terra 21. The Song of India 22. Waku Ghin The human gut is a complex and amazing system, and the more we learn about it, the more amazed we are. It turns out Learning Management Systems Instructure and Microsoft Add Integration between Canvas and Office 365 A new integration aims to simplify the interoperability of various functions between Microsoft Office 365 and Canvas from Instructure. Both programs are cloud-based. The announcement came during this year's Instructure user conference, taking place in Colorado. With the new integration, users will be able to: Submit files directly from Office 365 into Canvas assignments; Gain access to Office 365 documents through Canvas SpeedGrader to add feedback; Link Office 365 documents anywhere the Canvas Rich Content Editor can currently be used; Include Office 365 documents in course modules; Enable collaboration of any type of Office document; Create and grade assignments in a Microsoft OneNote Class Notebook and push those grades to Canvas; and Use single-sign-on to gain access to Canvas with an Office 365 login. "Teachers need these new capabilities for their education platforms, and we have continuously focused on providing the best technology we could design and build," said Mitch Benson, vice president of Canvas product, in a press release. "What happened next was that two of ed tech's most established forces connected and worked together to meet the expressed needs of these educators." One school that intends to take advantage of the new feature is Greeneville City Schools in Tennessee. "Our schools rely heavily on Canvas and Microsoft for our daily educational functions, and these platforms have grown essential to the learning process of both our K12 educators and students," said Beverly Miller, the district's chief technology officer, in a press release. "The integration of two of our most prominently used technologies will only help further streamline and enhance learning development within each classroom." Added Eran Megiddo, corporate vice president of engineering in education at Microsoft, "We know teachers and students are strapped for time and we want to help them focus on what's really important: teaching and learning." According to attendee Krys Zyak, who referenced the new Canvas and Office 365 integration in his Twitter stream, the company will soon release a similar capability for integration with Google Apps for Education. NGSS Online Science Education Gets $1.4 Million Research Infusion A UC Berkeley research team will be using a second grant from the Institute of Education Sciences to expand on prior research that created online assessments for Next Generation Science Standards. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have been awarded a $1.4 million grant from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) to advance research on online middle school science education. The research project, titled Developing and Testing Multi-Component Computer-Based Assessment Tasks for the Next Generation Science Standards, is an ongoing project from UC Berkeley, conducted in collaboration with Stanford University, SERP Institute and San Francisco Unified School District. The purpose of the project is to further test online science assessments for middle school students, focusing on two subjects: structure of matter and ecology. Using funding from a previous IES grant, the researchers created a learning progression for scientific argumentation, which is a central feature of the state-created Next Generation Science Standards. With the new grant, they will continue to develop this learning progression; in addition, they are planning to convert the existing paper-and-pencil assessments to online assessments for wider adoption in K12 science classrooms. The study is to take place in an urban school district in California. Both teachers and students from grades 8-10 will participate. The researchers will use the BEAR Assessment System (BASS) created in the previous grant, an integrated approach to developing assessments that provides meaningful interpretations of student work relative to the cognitive and developmental goals of the domain, according to the proposal. BASS has four building blocks that guide assessment development: progress map, item design, outcome space and measurement model. In addition to using the BASS model, the researchers will create new item templates for computerized delivery to classrooms. The grant was made possible through funding from the National Center for Education Research (NCER), a branch of IES that supports research on the countrys most pressing education needs. NCER has selected 57 research proposals and provided a total of $105 million in funding through its Education Research Grants Program. Further information about the project is available on the research site. Waterford Graded School District Expands Chromebook Initiative Waterford Graded School District (WGSD) in Wisconsin is updating its 1-to-1 Chromebook initiative for students in grades 3-8. The district, with three elementary schools and one middle school, had a 1-to-1 Dell laptop program for grades 7 and 8 for several years, and it had a shared Chromebook program for the lower grades, according to information on the WGSD Meetings site. In the 2015-16 school year, the district implemented a 1-to-1 Chromebook program for grades 3-6, with grade 3 and 4 students receiving new Chromebooks and grade 5 and 6 students receiving the previously shared Chromebooks. With the upcoming 2016-17 school year, students in grades 3 and 6 will receive new Chromebooks, and then the devices will follow the students for three years as they move up through the grade levels, according to a report in The Journal Times. The school district serves approximately 150 students in each grade, so it will purchase roughly 300 new Chromebooks each year at a cost of $65,600 for the devices, plus $15,600 for three-year warranties. It is purchasing the devices from VPC Innovations and the warranties from Technology Resource Advisors. "From here on out it will be a normal budgeting item," Ed Brzinski, superintendent of the school district told The Journal Times. The district will continue to purchase new Chromebooks for the third and sixth grade students each year. He estimates the amortized cost of the devices to be about $77 per year, per student. -A library and dormitory at Malindi High School have been burnt today Wednesday July 20. -Baringo High School is also reported to be on fire, one dormitory already razed down -Over 68 schools have been burnt countrywide in the growing unrest in schools The incident has occurred just a day after another dormitory at the same institution was also burnt down. Students are now demanding to be sent home following the two incidents. Elsewhere, in Baringo county, Kabarnet High school is reportedly on fire with one of the dormitories, Moi hostel burnt down. READ ALSO: Matiang'i blamed for schools unrest Cause of the fire remain unknown amidst the rise of school unrest across the country. One of the schools burnt earlier this month in Nakuru by students. On Tuesday, July 19 three schools including Malindi High School were burnt. Other schools were Ruthimitu Mixed High School and Ndugu high school. Statistics revealed by Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, show over 68 schools have been burnt in 2016. Most affected County Kisii, home to Matiang'i. The CS has been at pains to explain the cause of the wide unrest in school all around the country. A storey dormitory at St Andrew's Kagwa Boys in Nyansiongo, Nyamira county on fire READ ALSO:: Fifth school in Kisii burns within a week A section of leaders have blamed the unrest on poor leadership, poor parenting and rules set by Matiang'i. Some of the rules include banning of prayer days held before national exams and new term dates. Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Wilson has also hit out at Matiang'i for his famous impromptu visits to schools, saying this was to blame for lack of high quality in the education sector Source: TUKO.co.ke (Adds Samarco comment) By Marta Nogueira RIO DE JANEIRO, July 20 (Reuters) - A Brazilian state law to ban upstream tailings dams, the design used at a dam that collapsed at the Samarco iron ore mine in November, could be approved this year, an environmental official for the state of Minas Gerais told Reuters on Wednesday. Anderson Silva de Aguilar, the subsecretary for environmental regulation, also said Samarco, which is co-owned by Vale SA and BHP Billiton (NYSE: BBL - news) , would not be resuming operations this year and may not in 2017 either. In an emailed comment, Samarco said it was following all licensing procedures and had delivered the documents necessary for agencies to allow it to resume partial operations. Support for a ban of upstream tailings dams from Silva de Aguilar, who has been in the job for less than two months, represents a major policy change for his department that could increase the cost of new projects in Brazil's mining heartland. As recently as May, his predecessor, Geraldo Abreu, said an outright ban was not on the cards in a Reuters report which showed that engineers, prosecutors and tailings dam experts were increasingly arguing for a ban. "It was a devastating disaster... it is a stain on the industry," Silva de Aguilar said by phone. "There is now great impetus for us to introduce more rigorous norms and criteria." A dam design used to store mining waste, known as tailings, upstream costs about half the price of other dams but is regarded as having a greater risk of failure because its walls are built on a foundation of mining waste rather than external material or solid ground. It is also the most common, holding back waste at mines across the world. Chile (Stuttgart: 704599.SG - news) , where earthquakes have caused deadly spills in the past, is currently the only major mining nation to ban upstream dams. The dam burst at the Samarco mine killed 19 people, left hundreds homeless and polluted a major river. Brazil's government called it the country's worst-ever environmental disaster. Story continues Vale, Brazil's largest miner and the world's biggest producer of iron ore, has already warned that stricter licensing laws could force it to cut output by as much as 100 million tonnes. Silva de Aguilar said he aims not to curtail Minas Gerais' mining industry, crucial to the state's economy. "The state can't afford to lose mining activity now, our gross domestic product depends on it, but the standards will be much higher," he said. (writing by Stephen Eisenhammer; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Alan Crosby) We can help you make sense of the agribusiness industry, extending from chemicals and fertilizers used as inputs into agriculture, to the commodities, food and by-products that are an output to farming, with policy and regulation applied at every step of the value chain. 100 years ago, July 21, 1916 MATTOON -- Farmers met with severe losses during Thursday afternoon's storm. A number of barns were struck by lightning. Stock was killed as it stood in the field. A barn on the Sam Ellis farm, south of Etna, was destroyed. A mule of J.L. McKay, a neighbor of Mr. Ellis, which was standing hitched to a buggy near the barn, was killed. On the Wayne Miller farm, northwest of Mattoon, a cow standing in the pasture was struck and killed. Ray Donnell, a farmer residing north of Mattoon, lost two valuable horses when they were struck and killed. During the storm on Wednesday, Harry Royer who lives on the John Carr farm northwest of Neoga, lost two cows... TUSCOLA -- Claude Short, a prisoner in charge of Douglas County Sheriff C.N. Jones, jumped head first out of an Illinois Central Railroad car window about a mile north of Dorans, in an effort to escape Thursday night. When he was found, an examination showed that his skull was fractured, one leg was fractured, an arm was broken and he was completely paralyzed. Short was sent to a hospital in Champaign but no hopes are held for his recovery. Short was arrested in Indiana. The prisoner was charged with incest, the charge being made by his 16-year-old daughter. 50 years ago, 1966 CHARLESTON -- Emphasizing the non-partisan nature of his campaign, Charles Percy spoke last night to approximately 250 Coles County Republicans gathered for a dinner at Eastern Illinois University. The Kenilworth Republican is running for the U.S. Senate against Democrat Paul Douglas. By basing his campaign on a non-partisan theme, Percy hopes to win over voters in large urban areas, particularly Chicago, who traditionally have voted Democratic. Percy also said he supports the Lincoln Reservoir project proposed for the Embarras River on the Coles-Cumberland county border... SULLIVAN -- The engagement of Peter Palmer, currently starring in "Carousel" at the Little Theatre in Sullivan, and Mary Louise Farrell has been announced in Sullivan. Miss Farrell is Miss Canada of 1965. Palmer said he and Miss Farrell first met in February while they were appearing in "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" at a theater near San Francisco. Miss Farrell said after their marriage they will perform together as a team. 25 years ago, 1991 Sunday. No paper. 100 years ago, July 22, 1916 MATTOON -- Chief Dispatcher C.A. Keene of the Indiana Division of the Illinois Central Railroad, acting under orders from "higher up," has been circulating for two days among the businessmen of Mattoon a typewritten endorsement of the plans for the proposed new Illinois Central passenger depot now on file with the Illinois Utilities Commission. Monday, June 24, is the date for the final hearing on the Mattoon depot plan. Up to noon today, the endorsement contained the signatures of 20 business men... MATTOON -- The wedding of Rodney Wyatt of Chicago and Miss Helen Byers of Mattoon was solemnized Friday afternoon in Clinton, Ind. Miss Byers is the daughter of Alderman and Mrs. G.S. Byers and is very popular among the younger set in Mattoon. For the past four weeks he has been touring through the east with the Byers family. Mr. Wyatt will soon return to his forestry work in Canada. He expects to be located in Engelhardt Province in Ontario, Canada. Mrs. Wyatt will remain in Mattoon with her parents until fall, after which she will join Mr. Wyatt in Canada... CHARLESTON -- Jack Scott, aged 74, is the father of a daughter born Friday. Mrs. Scott is 41 years of age and this is the ninth offspring born to the couple. 50 years ago, 1966 MATTOON -- Speaking at a breakfast in Mattoon this morning, Adlai Stevenson III, Democratic candidate for state treasurer, said the whole future of state government is at stake in the November election. Stevenson, son of the late United Nations ambassador and former Illinois governor, said local governments are falling into a situation where they bypass state government and appeal directly to the federal government for financial aid. Stevenson, now a state representative from Chicago, said the treasurer's office should assist local governments in municipal finance... LAWRENCEVILLE -- President Lyndon Johnson will be greeted by conservation enthusiasts from the Wabash Valley Association when his plane lands tomorrow at George Field in Lawrenceville. The president will be flying in to attend the dedication of the George Rogers Clark National Historic Park in Vincennes, Ind., just across the Wabash River from Lawrenceville. The Wabash Valley Association is the organization seeking to develop the Lincoln Reservoir project near Charleston. 25 years ago, 1991 FINDLAY -- Aside from a balanced budget, Gov. Jim Edgar said respect for downstate is a major accomplishment of the legislative session. Citing a column in the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper, Edgar said legislative leaders now realize that being from a small town doesnt make someone a hayseed or hillbilly. Were not hillbillies south of Interstate 80, Edgar told supporters during a $75-a-person fundraiser Saturday at the Clarion Inn at Eagle Creek. People south of I-80 share the same sorts of problems, have the same goals as those in the north. We addressed the needs of all of Illinois, not just one part. MATTOON On the hottest day of the year, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center was without air conditioning most of the afternoon Sunday. A transformer that feeds the hospital went out about 11:30 a.m., said Craig DeBower, manager of Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative. Power was restored about 5 p.m. The hospitals two generators were activated and provided enough power to activate necessary equipment, but are incapable of air conditioning the facility on a 100-degree day, said Dennis Riker, vice president for planning at Sarah Bush. Riker said fans were provided to some rooms. Dalias Price of Charleston, local weather observer, said the official high temperature Sunday was 96 degrees. Arbor Investments has paid tribute to its co-founder and former vice chairman Joseph P. Campolo following his death after a battle with brain cancer. YEREVAN, JULY 19, ARMENPRESS. French Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Vahan Hovhannisyan delivered a mass in St. Philip Church of Nice in memory of the July 14 Nice terror victims, Nouvelles dArmenie reports. The Armenian clerical representatives from different states, as well as representatives of the Armenian community of France took part in the mass. 10 year old boy miraculously saved during the Nice terror attack also participated in the mass. He is a member of the Church choir. After the mass the participants led by Archbishop Hovhannisyan went to Promenade des Anglais where the terror attack occurred and prayed for the victims. We came to pay our tribute to the victims and express our solidarity, to share the grief of the Nice residents. Remembering is a step of faith and resistance since by this we maintain the hope of life, Archbishop Vahan Hovhannisyan said. 84 people were killed in terror truck attack in Nice, France in the evening of July 14. Dozens of people were wounded. The driver opened fire on people in the crowd, according to local reports. Police fired back and the driver was eventually shot dead. YEREVAN, JULY 20, ARMENPRESS. The National Security Service of Armenia issued an updated announcement on the hostage situation which resulted from gunmen ambushing a Police station in Yerevan. According to the announcement 5 hostages were released as a result of anti-terror operations conducted in the morning of July 17 till now. The announcement reads: Currently active operations are being conducted for releasing the hostages who are being held in the Police station, as well as finding a peaceful solution to the existing situation. Moreover, the negotiations continue with the gunmen. The National Security Service once more states that the measures taken are specific and highly professional, thus, the persons organizing and conducting those measures do not need outside intervention and assistance. Armenian law enforcement agencies are on standby, however, till now there are no necessary prerequisites for them to engage. Modified On Jul 21, 2016 07:16 PM By Raunak Musk wants SolarCity and Tesla Motors to merge as a single entity and even the companys web address has changed from teslamotors.com to tesla.com, indicating its focus in making more than just electric cars. Teslas Master Plan, Part 2 is out and open, Elon Musk (CEO Tesla) blogged it yesterday on Tesla Motors...err... Teslas blog. The second part of the plan named Master Plan, Part Deux largely talks about the merger of the two companies founded by Musk Tesla Motors and SolarCity. Let us unfold it for you. SolarCity and Teslas merger For the uninitiated, Musk founded SolarCity, a company which deals with solar panels in the United States. How will Tesla and SolarCity work together? Tesla introduced Powerwall, a battery pack which stores energy in your house either from solar panels or the grid, last year. The Powerwall was a huge success and was instantly sold out. In the second part of the master plan, Musk highlighted that the company is ready for mass production of Powerwall, while SolarCity is ready to provide highly differentiated panels. So, this is how the two companies will work together. Futures vehicles Tesla plans to launch a compact SUV and a pickup truck As per the first master plan which was revealed a decade ago, it had cars which Tesla has been introducing till now the Roadster, the Model S and the Model 3. The Model 3 is certainly the most successful model the electric automaker has ever introduced with more than four lakh pre-orders since its unveil a few months ago. Elon Musk indicated that there will not be any model below the $35,000 Model 3 (nearly Rs 22 Lakh), at least for now. But Tesla will launch a compact SUV and a new kind of pickup truck in future. These two new products along with the existing ones such as the Model S sedan, the Model X SUV and the upcoming Model 3 sedan, will help the company address more segments. Autonomous driving and earn money while youre not using your Tesla Musk wrote that Tesla is moving towards fully self-driving in future. The Autopilot feature in the current Teslas has been improving ever since it was introduced commercially in October 2014. Once fully autonomous driving is commercially available in the Teslas, Musk indicated that users can summon their Teslas from anywhere. Just set the route and the car will drive off on its own, enroute youll be able to sleep as well! Moreover, you can also add your car to the Tesla shared fleet just by tapping a button on the Tesla phone app and have it generate income for you while you're at work or on vacation. This will certainly wave off the loan amount to a certain extent and will make Tesla accessible to many. Commercial vehicles Tesla will reveal its commercial vehicles next year, that are currently at an early stage of development heavy-duty trucks and high passenger density urban transports (buses). The company is hopeful that Tesla Semi (semi-truck) will deliver a substantial reduction in the cost of cargo transport. Speaking of the buses, Musk wrote that with the advent of autonomy, Tesla will be able to shrink the size of the buses and will transition the role of a bus driver to that of the fleet manager. He also highlighted a key interior design aspect of the Tesla busses "eliminating the centre aisle and putting seats where there are currently entryways". Like always, Teslas future looks promising with the outlines Musk has mentioned in his blog. What is in store for India, check out Tesla To Consider Manufacturing In India Newmar Corporation is recalling 742 model year 1998-2010 Dutch Star, 2008 Kountry Star, 2008-2009 All Star and Ventana, 2009-2010 Dutch Aire, 2014-2015 King Aire and 2015 Essex motorhomes, built on a Spartan Motors chassis. The flexible exhaust tube may tear allowing hot exhaust to blow against other components or materials. If hot exhaust gas contacts other components or materials, it can increase the risk of a fire. What to do Newmar will notify owners, and Spartan dealers will inspect the alignment of the tubes, correcting them and replacing any that are torn. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 29, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300 or Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277. Newmar's number for this recall is 16V 313. NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger wrote Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, Wednesday to set the record straight on misinformation surrounding the credit union tax exemption, NCUAs recent MBL rulemaking and the agencys field-of-membership proposal. Berger wrote in response to a letter King sent to House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, in which he alleged credit unions tax exemption costs too much money and that NCUA has improperly expanded credit union membership and lending authority. Berger defended the importance of the credit union tax exemption and noted that nearly one-third of banks are Subchapter S corporations that pay no federal corporate income tax. He also pointed out that credit unions helped keep the economy going during the financial crisis, while banks have been hit with more than $100 billion in fines, settlements and buy-backs stemming from their role in causing the crisis. Credit unions and banks with less than $35 million accounted for 81% of hacking and malware breaches at financial institutions in 2016, a 54% increase over industry incidents in 2015. New York City-based data breach response insurance firm Beazley in its Beazley Breach Insights July 2016 findings noted a sharp increase in hacking and malware attacks on financial institutions in the first six months of 2016, particularly those aimed at small banks and credit unions. The study, based on its response to client data breaches in the first six months of 2016, also found a consistent level of hacks in the healthcare, higher education and retail sectors compared to 2015. During the first half of 2016, Beazley Breach Response Services unit managed 955 data breaches on behalf of clients, compared to 611 breaches during the same period last year. Financial institutions incurred 139 of these breaches, with breaches sparked by hacking and malware attacks being particularly common at institutions with revenues below $35 million. Talking Points Theresa May and Angela Merkel meet in Berlin to initiate negotiations for UK departure Both parties desire for UK and Germany to maintain a spirit of unity and friendship Merkel willing to listen to Britain but maintains that Germany holds balance of power British Prime Minister Theresa May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel met in Berlin today to discuss the future economic relationship between their respective countries. Both parties have expressed desire to maintain a spirit of unity and friendship, but seem equipped to battle for a balance of power in the negotiations following Brexit. Theresa May has reiterated the sentiment that the United Kingdom has no real defined plan for an exit from the European Union and is in no rush to trigger the process. She spoke with certainty that the UK wants to retain the closest economic links to the EU as possible and will not simply walk away. May stated Although the county is leaving the EU, the United Kingdom is not leaving Europe, but adds Im very clear, Brexit does mean Brexit. May believes that they will make a success out of the situation and get the best deal for the trade of goods and services for the British people. Chancellor Merkel remarked she would also like to keep a sensiblenegotiating process that is constructive and represents the interests of all parties. However, Merkel wanted to be clear on the fact that Germany would hold the balance of power in the coming negotiations. She stated a desire to make the UK departure work but cannot ignore that the country has significantly lost leverage following the decision to leave. Merkel stated: we are listening to the UK, we are listening to Britain what it actually wants and then we will give the right response. Merkel knows that Britain is an experienced country with strong diplomatic capabilities and that negotiations have the potential to be exhausting. She said they will wait for the moment the UK invokes article 50 before laying her guidelines on the table, but that it is important to lift the uncertainty around the situation as soon as possible. Wales doesn't have the capacity nor did it have any pre-planning for its agriculture policy post-Brexit, according to Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies. Mr Davies, who owns a farm in the Vale of Glamorgan and campaigned to leave, said there was 'deep concern' when speaking to the BBC at the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd, Powys. "There is a real issue around capacity in Welsh Government to reach for the challenge ahead and actually look at the opportunities that are opening up before us. "At the moment I don't think that capacity exists and I don't think there was any pre-planning for the outcome of the referendum. "We've heard on the show field today the lacklustre response to Bovine TB. As we can all look at the headlines about Brexit, there are the day to day challenges that the rural economy and agriculture faces. "I see no impetus coming from government at the moment to address those day to day issues, leave alone the big headline issue of Brexit. "I think it's deeply concerning that we had a priorities for government statement five days before the Royal Welsh and not one mention of agriculture or the rural economy." But Rural Affairs Secretary Lesley Griffiths said there was a real opportunity to 'work together' and adopt a 'made-in-Wales' approach for the future of the industry. With farming fully devolved, Ms Griffiths said it was a chance to create policies and regulations "tailor made for Wales' unique needs". Ms Griffiths will hold a roundtable meeting with representatives of Wales' rural affairs and environment sector to discuss the implications of Britain's impending withdrawal from the EU. "I can't see how there wouldn't be a subsidy scheme, so while it's very uncertain, there are things that will have to happen. 'Uncertainty' for the farming sector First Minister Carwyn Jones, who met with agricultural figures in Cardiff earlier in the month, said there was 'no doubt' Britain's decision to leave the EU had caused uncertainty for the sector. "Indeed, out of all areas of Welsh government business, environment and rural affairs are those most closely linked to the EU," Mr Jones said. "That is why, since the referendum result, meeting key figures within these sectors has been one of my top priorities. "Today is the start of a long, uncertain journey and I will not make any promises that I will have all the answers. "What assurance I can give however is that I will work tirelessly to seek guarantees from the UK Government that Wales will not be financially worse off as a result of the UK leaving the EU. "We will be in listening mode today. Nothing will be off the table and I will ensure the views raised will be at the very forefront of my mind when I am negotiating with the UK Government over the timing and terms of the UKs withdrawal from the EU." CLA Cymru director Rebecca Williams said the first priority should be "to establish a world-leading agricultural policy" and to ensure the sector played the "appropriate leading role in the critical trade negotiations that lie ahead". She said: "We are looking for reassurances that maintaining and nurturing existing markets and opening new opportunities for agriculture will be government priorities." The ACLU of Northern California supports the Movement for Black Lives and the collective #FreedomNow actions taking place globally on Thursday, July 21. We join the call for an end to the tragic and violent deaths of Black people at the hands of police. This violence is the result of decades of systemic and institutional racism. We must have accountable and transparent policing and end the blatant disregard for Black lives.There are events happening in Petaluma, Berkeley, at OPD Headquarters, and Oscar Grant Plaza in Oakland. You can take our free Mobile Justice app with you so you can film the police using your smartphone.Can't make it on Thursday?Here are some online actions you can take right now to make the #FreedomNow global day of action on Thursday, July 21 a success. You can do these from your computer or on your smartphone - all in 15 minutes, tops.* Retweet this message (30 secs): https://twitter.com/mvmt4bl/status/755462853360881664 * Replace your profile pic or banner with a #FreedomNow image. (1 mins): http://freedomnow.movementforblacklives.org/spread-the-word * Share the Facebook event on your profile. (30 secs): https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fevents%2F286952491696228%2F * Visit the #FreedomNow website and RSVP to a local action (1 min): http://freedomnow.movementforblacklives.org/ * Download these images and share them on social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and others). (2 mins): http://freedomnow.movementforblacklives.org/spread-the-word * Invite all your friends to the Facebook event. (5 mins): https://www.facebook.com/events/286952491696228/ * Contact friends and family through email or social media and ask them to do the same. (5 mins)These simple actions contribute to the collective momentum we're building for a world where Black children no longer live in fear. Together, we can follow our dreams to the world we know is possible.ACLU of Northern California The Niger Delta people have for too long claimed to be relegated to the background with regards to the affairs of Nigeria. Fighters with the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), pictured in 2008. The people of this embattled region have for quiet a while claimed to be cheated, debating that their land bleeds the natural resource on which the Nigerian economy thrives, however, they and their children do not get to benefit of the dividends, even at the expense of their well being. The nightmares Oil spillage and gas flaring has immensely destroyed the fragile ecosystem of the region and the people have from time to time called on the Nigerian government to come to their aid; all to no avail. It is on this basis that these region has birthed some of the most notorious and dangerous militant groups that have caused Nigeria to shake to its very foundations. Investigations have revealed five of the most deadly militant groups that have emerged from the region, threatening to destroy the peace and unity of Nigeria if their requests are not tended to. We begin our count from number 5 to number 1, below are the most dreaded militant groups to have emerged from the Niger Delta region. Niger Delta militants 5. Niger Delta Vigilante (NDV) This armed militia group was led by Ateke Tom. The group is composed primarily by ethnic Ijaws from in and around Port Harcourt and their main goal is controlling the area's vast oil resources. Reports suggest that in the late 2003, the NDV precipitated a conflict with their rival Ijaw ethnic militia, the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force (NDPVF). The two groups spent most of 2004 in an escalating conflict which was ended when the Nigerian government and military eventually intervened on the side of the NDV in summer of 2004. Sources revealed that the government's support for the NDV went on to stir the Nigerian oil crisis, beginning in October 2004. 4. Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force (NDPVF) The NDPVF is one of the largest armed groups in the Niger Delta region. This group is composed primarily of members of the region's largest ethnic group, the Ijaw. Founded in 2004 with the aim to gain more control over the region's vast petroleum resources, particularly in Delta state. Sources reveal that until 2005 the group was spearheaded by their charismatic leader, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari. The NDPVF's Ijaw-oriented agenda caused serious chaos with both the Nigerian state and federal governments, as well as with neighboring ethnic groups, chief of which was the Itsekiris. This rivalry caused a lot of conflicts in the Niger Delta region centered primarily around the cities of Warri and subsequently the 'oil capital' of Port Harcourt. Historians says that up until 2003, the center of regional violence was Warri. However, after the violent convergence of NDPVF with the Niger Delta Vigilante (NDV) led by Ateke Tom, the conflict became focused on Port Harcourt and outlying towns. File Photo: The NDPVF's Ijaw-oriented agenda caused serious chaos with both the Nigerian state and federal governments. READ ALSO: JUST IN: Niger Delta militants seize a ship, unveil new target Oil bunkering was the main tool by which the NDPFV attempted to gain control. There are claims that the severe face-offs between the NDPVF and NDV was brought about by Asaris political falling out with the NDPVFs alleged financial supporter Peter Odili, governor of Rivers state, following the April 2003 local and state elections. Asari publicly criticized the election process as fraudulent, and afterwards, the Odili government reportedly withdrew its financial support from the NDPVF and began to support Toms NDV, effectively launching a paramilitary campaign against the NDPVF. 3. Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) Perhaps the most popular militant group to spring up from the Niger Delta region, MEND which was founded in 2014 is composed primarily of members of the region's largest ethnic group, the Ijaw. MEND claims to expose exploitation and oppression of the people of the Niger Delta and devastation of the natural environment by public-private partnerships between the Nigerian government and firms that explore oil in the region. The Economist has described the organization as one that "portrays itself as political organisation that wants a greater share of Nigerias oil revenues to go to the impoverished region that sits atop the oil. In fact, it is more of an umbrella organisation for several armed groups, which it sometimes pays in cash or guns to launch attacks." MEND's stated goals are to localize control of Nigeria's oil and to secure reparations from the federal government for pollution caused by the oil industry. In an interview with one of the group's leaders, who used the alias Major-General Godswill Tamuno, the BBC reported that MEND was fighting for "total control" of the Niger Delta's oil wealth, saying local people had not gained from the riches under the ground and the region's creeks and swamps. In 2006, MEND called President Olusegun Obasanjo to free two jailed Ijaw leaders Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, who is jailed and charged with treason, and Late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, a former governor of Bayelsa state convicted of corruption. In 2007, Obasanjo's successor, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua authorised the release of Dokubo-Asari and Alamieyeseigha. 2. Niger Delta Liberation Front (NDLF) The NDLF was formerly by John Togo who claims that their main goal is to secede from Nigeria and gain independence from Nigeria. Reports reveal that although Togo is the NDLF's most notorious member he was killed on July 19, 2011 by a Nigerian air strike near Warri in Delta state. The group is closely linked to MEND and both groups fought side by side against the Nigerian army. Earlier in 2013, a war erupted within the NDLF after 2 different commanders claimed to be leader. It ended after one was killed in March 2013. Sources reveal that in 1998 the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) was formed and many militants were brought up in the Ijaw Youth Council. In 1999 the Odi massacre occurred in Bayelsa state which was the spark that erupted into violence. File photo of militants in Nigeria. They are accused of committing recent crimes in Lagos READ ALSO: Breaking: Niger Delta group issues last warning to President Buhari In 2004 the Joint Revolutionary Council was formed and recruited members to rock the Nigerian petroleum industry to its core. In 2005 high-ranking member John Togo formed a splinter group after the Joint Revolutionary Council did not deliver much damage. Togo recruited about 4,000 members and went into the Niger Delta to begin attacks. With the death of Togo, the NDLF seemed weak and many members joined the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta. Although many members left around 2,500 remained in the NDLF. For the next 2 years they attacked oil installations on and off. 1. Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) This militant group publicly announced their existence in March 2016. The NDA has since its arrival into the scene, carried out a series of attacks on oil producing facilities in the delta, causing the shutdown of oil terminals and a fall in Nigeria's oil production to its lowest level in twenty years, hence their claim to relevance. The attacks by NDA has caused Nigeria to fall behind Angola as Africa's largest oil producer, the reduced oil output has hampered the Nigerian economy and destroyed its budget. With Nigeria's revenue seemingly dependent on the oil industry, the NDA has given the nation cause to be on the edge. The NDA has said that it seeks to create a sovereign state in the Niger Delta and have threatened to disrupt Nigeria's economy if their aims are not met. There are speculations that members of the NDA are young, educated, and well traveled. File photo: Some militants of the Niger Delta Avengers have continued bombing pipeline installations in the region. The APC-led government has been criticised by the NDA for having never visited the delta and President Buhari's detention of the Biafran independence activist Nnamdi Kanu. The renewal of hostilities within the Niger Delta is one development no government wants to face, not when the economy of Nigeria is dying, and surely not at a time when the Boko Haram war has immensely drained the Nigerian army. With so many promises on his plate, President Muhammadu Buhari would not like to have this war. The ex-general is having the toughest job in all of Africa, at a very old age, when health challenges are feared. The Nigerian leader has commenced the clean-up of Ogoniland in a bid to make up for years of promises failed. However, there are a lot of making up to do, and this war in the Niger Delta will not let the president operate in peace, with these old and new militant groups in the region threatening and making outrageous demand. Nigerians watch keen as their leader is weighed in the balance, the people are watching to see if president Buhari will dialogue with the militants or go at them with military might. Source: Legit.ng On 3-5 October 2017 Kyiv is going to host the Space and Future Forum to network international experts and youth, many of whom will also participate at the first CosmoHack in the world. Joinfo provides media coverage of the Forum, and some of its topics were already discussed ... In Nigeria, the traditional marriage ceremony is one special moment and opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the different ethnic groups in the country. Today we are discussing the Yoruba bride. The Yoruba wedding is known for its elaborate style with the couples always stunning, and the brides have over time showcased their love for style. The brides are always seen in their attire iro and buba of different fabrics especially lace; with the different types of lace trending now plus the traditional aso oke that is tied on the head as gele and sometimes thrown on the shoulder as iborun. READ ALSO: Check out AAnu and Golden's lovely wedding photos The aso oke fabric and head gears is the major attribute of the Yoruba tradition, when a bride wants to get married she wraps her head in the fashion of the moment, then she adorns her aso-oke outfit and gets ready to meet her groom. As a Yoruba bride it has been known from time in memorial that your look for that day has to be the best yet. Yoruba brides are just too adorable! Do you agree with us? Source: Legit.ng A grocery store is coming to downtown Lincoln as part of a major development in the South Haymarket that will also include apartments for adults beyond college age and office space. The three-building complex, to surround the citys Lumberworks parking garage on the north, west and south, is being developed by Lincoln companies Nelnet and Speedway Properties, Mayor Chris Beutler announced Thursday. The grocery store, a small, full-service operation, is being developed by Whitehead Oil, which operates U-Stop convenience stores, working with a small grocery chain. The project combines the experience of Whitehead Oil in Lincoln with the expertise of Jill Moline, who operates small grocery stores in Imperial and the Colorado towns of Wray and Holyoke. It will be a full-service grocery, with meat, a deli and produce, said Whitehead during a Thursday news conference. The key will be to identify demand from downtown consumers who range from college students to retirees, he said. The development at Canopy and N streets, south of the Harris Overpass, will also include 48 one- and two-bedroom apartments aimed at both young urban professionals and retirees, said Clay Smith, general partner of Speedway Properties. The apartments capitalize on some of the new amenities in the area -- the N Street bikeway, the gallery alley leading to the Historic Haymarket and the parking garage, said Smith. And Smith expects the apartments to be popular based on the companys experience in the area. Units at Cadillac Lofts, 1226 P St., and Arena Lofts, 800 Q St., both owned by Speedway, were leased within 40 days without any advertising, and one of the complexes has a waiting list larger than the number of apartments in the building, he said. A wave is sweeping the country of young professionals who want to live in an urban environment, until they are blessed with children, he said. The development also includes 100,000 square feet of office space, expected to appeal to small companies like those outgrowing space at FUSE Coworking in the Haymarket, said Smith. The grocery store fulfills a need, according to Terry Uland, president of the Downtown Lincoln Association. In every survey, respondents say they want a grocery store downtown, said Uland. This is the holy grail for downtown, he said. But making a downtown grocery store profitable is difficult, he said. Whitehall said he and Moline were both separately considering a downtown Lincoln grocery store and decided to combine their strengths. With access to the parking garage, the new space will be accessible to people walking or driving, The development company for the project, called Lumberworks Lofts LLC, expects to spend more than $11 million on the project. The city will likely be contributing $1 million to $2 million in tax increment financing, said David Landis, director of the city's Urban Development Department. The TIF-related agreement will likely go to the City Council this winter, he said. Developers hope to begin construction next spring and hope to be finished something in 2017, Smith said. Speedway and Nelnet are already working together on the Telegraph District, a development east of downtown, and the new headquarters for Hudl in the West Haymarket. We love Lincoln and together we are reinvesting our resources bank into the community, said Smith of the Speedway-Nelnet partnership. The three-building project was one of two proposals for the area around the 475-stall, city-owned Lumberworks garage. Another proposal, from Omaha-based Anant Enterprises, included a hotel, apartments and retail space. The city is still working with developers on a proposed redevelopment west of Canopy Street in the South Haymarket and has made no formal announcements on those plans, Landis said. Hy-Vee is teaming up with CHI Health to bring walk-in health clinics to two of its Lincoln stores. Work has started to remodel spaces at the 50th and O streets Hy-Vee and the location in Williamsburg Village near 40th Street and Old Cheney Road. Matt Hazen, CHI Health's division director for corporate and retail services, said the goal is to have the Quick Care clinics open by mid- to late September. CHI and Hy-Vee teamed up 10 years ago to open the first Quick Care clinic in Omaha, and there are now clinics in seven locations there. There also is one at the Hy-Vee in Kearney. Hazen said the two organizations have become natural partners as Hy-Vee has moved more and more into health and wellness offerings in its stores. Not counting the Lincoln clinics, Hy-Vee so far has opened 43 retail health clinics in stores across its eight-state region. Erin Bailey, Hy-Vees assistant vice president of health and wellness, said the company considers itself an industry leader in promoting health and wellness. "These new retail health clinics are a perfect fit for us as they allow our customers the convenience of easily seeking health care services in our very own stores," Bailey said. Hazen said the two Lincoln Quick Care locations will be very similar to the ones in Omaha. They will be staffed by a physician's assistant or advanced nurse practitioner and will offer medical care for minor illnesses and injuries as well as services such as school physicals and vaccinations. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Holiday hours will vary, but "usually if Hy-Vee is open, we're open," Hazen said. Though standalone urgent care clinics have been around for decades, growth in walk-in clinics in retail stores has exploded over the past few years. According to research from Accenture released in November, the number of retail walk-in clinics in the U.S. is expected to surpass 2,800 by the end of next year. That would be a 47 percent increase since 2014 and nearly the double the number there were in 2012. The Super Saver store at 27th Street and Pine Lake Road opened a walk-in clinic in 2006 in conjunction with St. Elizabeth hospital, long before St. Elizabeth was purchased by CHI. A second clinic later opened at the Super Saver at 27th Street and Cornhusker Highway, but both clinics later moved to standalone locations under different ownership. The only other walk-in clinics in retail settings in Lincoln are the three Minute Clinics inside CVS pharmacies at 14th and Superior streets, 70th and O streets and 56th Street and Nebraska 2. Hazen said a couple of factors are driving the growth in retail clinics. The Affordable Care Act has helped more people get health insurance, meaning there are more people looking for doctors. Also, the continued move by many companies to high-deductible health insurance plans coupled with health savings accounts has shifted more of the health care cost burden onto individuals, which makes them seek out more affordable care. "The consumer demand for these ... we continue to see it grow," Hazen said. And that demand could eventually mean more Quick Care clinics at some or all of the other Lincoln Hy-Vees. "There could (eventually) be one in each store," Hazen said, but for right now we're just looking at these two." For more information on the Quick Care clinics, go to: http://www.chihealth.com/quick-care. I think the best way to begin this is with a leading question. Do you believe that Edward Snowden simply happened to wind up in Russia, or do you raise an eyebrow at the fact that a self-described human rights activist settled under one of the most oppressive regimes on the planet? This saga galvanized authoritarian and libertarian minded Americans, with one side declaring Snowden a traitor and the other a civil rights hero. The sheer amount of information that he disclosed enables anyone to craft any argument about his motivations, and the President of the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Hans-Georg Maassen made his conclusion earlier this year: This would be a spy operation connected to a disinformation and influence operation. A wedge would be driven between the US and its closest allies, especially Germany. After seeing this statement, I became determined to look into this issue as broadly as possible, but the more I learned, the more convinced I became that this really was the work of the Russians. This is an incredibly complex jigsaw puzzle that is missing various pieces, but when you put as much of it together as you can, I think a fairly clear picture emerges: the Russians have a mole(s) inside the NSA. They took advantage of Edward Snowden, Glenn Greenwald, and many other genuine advocates for increased oversight on clandestine government activities in order to achieve their ultimate goal of embarrassing the United States on an international stage, all while providing their Western adversaries reasons to put distance between each other. Bruce Schneier wrote in Wired that he believes Russia and China did obtain the Snowden documents, but not because he handed them over. Schneier argues that Russia and China have already infiltrated NSA networks and had access to all of the files Snowden stole. He raises a compelling point: This is why I find allegations that Snowden was working for the Russians or the Chinese simply laughable. What makes you think those countries waited for Snowden? And why do you think someone working for the Russians or the Chinese would go public with their haul? Because the desired outcome of this operation was not to simply obtain information. Hans-Georg Maassen provided the answer Schneiers question: disinformation. This has been a key tool of Russian subversion of the West, as Anne Appelbaum and Edward Lucas of the Center for European Policy Analysis described in the Washington Post: Russia does not seek to promote itself, but rather to undermine the institutions of the West, often using discordant messages. This piece will take you through some history of Russian intelligence operations, Snowdens background, and the saga itself in an attempt to paint a picture of a man legitimately concerned with NSA overreach, acting out of conscience while becoming a part of something much larger than just one disgruntled contractor in Hawaii. So lets put on our tinfoil hats, enter the world of spies, and consider this possibility over the next few thousand words many of which will not be mine. The Zimmerman telegram was one of the chief motivators to spur the United States to join World War I. Germanys top diplomat, Arthur Zimmerman, offered Mexico huge swaths of America as a reward for joining the cause. The British alerted us to this fact, but it was curious how they knew given that they cut the communications cord connecting each side of the Atlantic; Germany was using a US diplomatic channel to speak to the other side of the world. The only way the British could obtain this information is if they were spying on Woodrow Wilson, which they were. Admiral Hall, the director of Britains naval intelligence, sent an agent to Mexico City to steal a copy of the message from the telegraph office to present to us as proof, and our SIGINT community did not find out until much later how compromised their communications were. In short, everyone spies on everyone and always has. It may sound fanciful, but the world of spies is large and it dramatically influences global affairs every day. Because all this knowledge exists, the best way to combat that information is to release items that cloud the picture, or disinformation. The dictionary definition of the word is false information that intends to mislead, especially propaganda issued by a government organization to a rival power or the media. However, as any SIGINT veteran will tell you, disinformation does not necessarily have to be entirely false, as the Soviets have demonstrated. John Schindler spent a decade as an intelligence analyst and counterintelligence officer in the NSA, focusing his efforts on Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Prior to that, he specialized in cryptology at the U.S. Navy Reserve. He now is a professor of national security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College, a writer for The Observer, and one of Edward Snowdens most vocal critics. He wrote at The National Interest that this saga of betrayal was nothing new: One of the great triumphs of American SIGINT as the Cold War was just beginning was a top-secret effort termed BOURBON, a joint U.S.-UK project to break into Soviet communications. By late 1947, after hard code-breaking work, BOURBON was able to read extensive amounts of encrypted Soviet military and political information. Then, over a period of a few months, BOURBON went dark, in spy jargon: the Soviets changed all their codes and ciphers. This loss was probably the greatest American intelligence setback of the entire Cold War. The United States quickly discovered that William Weisband orchestrated the leak. He was a linguist working within SIGINT, operating as a KGB agent since the 1930s, right around the inception of the NSA.Soviet tactics are such that sometimes they will actually lead you to uncover one source in order to protect another one higher up. Aleksei Kulak might have been a double agent doing just that, as he claimed the KGB had a mole inside the FBI. Herbert Hoover, the authoritarian that he was, launched a massive hunt for the traitor in a campaign called UNSUB Dick that spent the 1960s shaking the FBI to its very core, never finding the mole until identifying him years after he had left the FBI. Given the trauma felt by the Bureau, there is plenty of reason to believe this was intentional misinformation designed to do exactly what occurred. Take one look at the history of Russian SIGINT, and it becomes clear that the US is and always has been the prime target. Russias immediate threat is Europe, but the continent is buoyed by its ally across the ocean, especially when it comes to military affairs. One glance at NATOs funding and it looks more like a branch of the US military than a transcontinental coalition. The Soviet Union spent nearly a century working to undermine American power, with no case more prominent than one that bears resemblance to the Snowden ordeal. Covert Action Information Bulletin was inspired and partially published by former CIA agent Philip Agee. The prime source of its fame came from its Naming Names column, which revealed the identities of undercover CIA officers. Congress quickly passed the Intelligence Identities Protection Act, making it illegal to name covert operatives (it wasnt already???). The column ended in 1982, but not before making a dramatic impact by revealing American meddling in Latin America, as William Blum explained at Consortiumnews.com: Under CIA manipulation, direction and, usually, their payroll, were past and present presidents of Mexico, Colombia, Uruguay and Costa Rica, our minister of labor, our vice-president, my police, journalists, labor leaders, student leaders, diplomats, and many others. If the Agency wished to disseminate anti-communist propaganda, cause dissension in leftist ranks, or have Communist embassy personnel expelled, it need only prepare some phony documents, present them to the appropriate government ministers and journalists, and presto! instant scandal. This dubious practice created uproar around the world, for good reason. Many had come to trust these institutions that wound up being nothing more than levers of power in the CIAs offices. Like Snowden, Agee shone a light on deplorable government practices while also aiding any hegemon not aligned with Western powers. Unlike Snowden, Agee was clearly compromised, as he made giving the SIGINT community a headache his lifes work. He wrote a book in 1975 called Inside the Company: CIA Diary that identified about 250 officers, front companies, and foreign agents working for the US. Oleg Kalugin is respected in all SIGINT circles, as he brings as much credibility to the table as anyone. He was the youngest Soviet general at the height of the Cold War, heading up the foreign counterintelligence office of the KGBs elite First Chief Directorate. He has also been a U.S. citizen since 2003 and a fierce critic of Vladimir Putin, even calling him a war criminal after the invasion of Chechnya. Kalugin told the New York Times that that Agee approached the Soviets in Mexico in the 1970s, but was rejected because the officer could not believe that he was for real. Agee then supplied the Cubans with details of CIA operations in Latin America, which were passed on to the KGB. He was a valuable source said Kalugin. He is much less certain of the entirety of Snowdens contribution, but the KGB legend is sure of one thing: These days, the Russians are very pleased with the gifts Edward Snowden has given them. Hes busy doing something. He is not just idling his way through life. So what gifts did Snowden give to the Russians? There is plenty reason to believe Bruce Schneiers assertion that the Russians and Chinese already had access to the heart of the NSA, but not because of any hack. Jeffrey Delisle, a Canadian naval officer, was caught passing volumes of classified information to the GRU (Russian military intelligence) in 2012, or as he called it American stuff, there was some British stuff, Australian stuff it was everybodys stuff. Snowdens information probably filled in the gaps in Delisles, but his true gift was PR. The high profile rollup of a Russian spy network by US counterintelligence in 2010 surely provided motivation for the Russians to strike back. Of the ten spies expelled from the country, one certainly had a specific job in the event word ever got out. The Kremlin plans for every contingency. American media predictably took Russias bait, and Anna Chapman distracted everyone from the larger story at hand, which was the public humiliation of Russian SIGINT. Snowdens ghost exists all over the early web. The above is his first post on the ArsTechnica forums, and an archived version of Snowdens profile on the now defunct Ryhuana Press gives us quite a bit of insight into the adolescence of Americas most notorious fugitive. I like Japanese, I like food, I like martial arts, I like ponies, I like guns, I like food, I like girls, I like my girlish figure that attracts girls, and I like my lamer friends. Thats the best biography youll get out of me, coppers! He goes on to talk about RPGs and going to an event called Okaton before ending with ...I really am a nice guy, though. You see, I act arrogant and cruel because I was not hugged enough as a child, and because the public education system turned its wretched, spiked back on me. He lists his theme song on this anime site as The Natural Playboy, which is every bit as cheesy as you would expect it to be. As far as nerd cred goes, teenage Edward Snowden was swimming in it. In an interview with James Bamford at Wired that sometimes reads like a PR piece for Snowden, he details an upbringing in a family with a father enlisted in the Coast Guard, a mother working in the US District Court in Baltimore, and an older sister who became a lawyer at the Federal Judicial Center in Washington. Everybody in my family has worked for the federal government in one way or another, I expected to pursue that same path said Snowden. He scored above 145 on two separate IQ tests, and read Greek mythology growing up. I think thats when I started thinking about how we identify problems, and that the measure of an individual is how they address and confront those problems. Snowden missed 10th grade due to mononucleosis, and instead of repeating the year, he enrolled in community college to study computers. Soon after, he began working for a classmates tech business run out of a house at Fort Meade, just a short drive from the NSAs headquarters. I still very strongly believed that the government wouldnt lie to us, that our government had noble intent, and that the war in Iraq was going to be what they said it was, which was a limited, targeted effort to free the oppressed. I wanted to do my part. In 2004, Snowden joined the army before washing out after breaking both of his legs in training. He then took his first job at the NSA as a security guard at one of their covert facilities at the University of Maryland, before landing with the technical team at the CIA, and rising quickly through the ranks. The CIA sent him to their secret school for technology specialists before leaving for Geneva, Switzerland in 2007 to investigate the banking industry. He was assigned to the US Mission to the United Nations and given a cover assignment. Edward Snowden had become for all intents and purposes, a spy. It was this assignment that would serve as the fork in the road, leading to his current stay in Moscow, as he told Glenn Greenwald in the Guardian: Much of what I saw in Geneva really disillusioned me about how my government functions and what its impact is in the world. I realized that I was part of something that was doing far more harm than good. He described an incident where operatives encouraged a banker to drive drunk, helping him get out of it when he was inevitably pulled over, thus creating an intelligence asset for the CIA. This was just the tip of the iceberg of what would perturb Snowden. This was the Bush period, when the war on terror had gotten really dark. We were torturing people; we had warrantless wiretapping. This was the first time he thought about whistleblowing, but the election of Barack Obama gave him hope. I think even Obamas critics were impressed and optimistic about the values that he represented. He said that were not going to sacrifice our rights. Were not going to change who we are just to catch some small percentage more terrorists. Like many of us, Obama let down Snowden. Not only did they not fulfill those promises, but they entirely repudiated them. They went in the other direction. What does that mean for a society, for a democracy, when the people that you elect on the basis of promises can basically suborn the will of the electorate? By 2010, he was living in Japan as an NSA technical expert with Dell, a major contractor for the agency. He spent much of his time advising top officials and military advisors how to shield their communications from Chinese hackers. As he counseled some of our best people on their digital livelihood, he learned more about targeted killings and mass surveillance. He returned to Maryland in 2011, working as Dells lead technologist with the CIA. Snowden described a gig that inferred Top Secret clearance: I would sit down with the CIO of the CIA, the CTO of the CIA, the chiefs of all the technical branches. They would tell me their hardest technology problems, and it was my job to come up with a way to fix them. By 2012, Dell moved him to lead technologist for their information-sharing office, a massive 250,000 square foot former torpedo storage facility in Hawaii. Snowden was shocked to learn that when the NSA passed on the communications of Americans to Israeli intelligence, it was not minimizing the files (where personally identifiable data is removed). This trove included the e-mails and phone calls of millions of Arab and Palestinian Americans communicating with their relatives in Palestine, opening up the possibility that they could be targeted. I think thats amazing, he said, Its one of the biggest abuses weve seen. In early 2013, Booz Allen Hamilton, the other massive security contractor for the NSA, hired him. Most of his short time there focused on Chinese hackers, but they went too far. Its no secret that we hack China very aggressively, but weve crossed lines. Were hacking universities and hospitals and wholly civilian infrastructure rather than actual government targets and military targets. And thats a real concern. The last straw for Snowden occurred in two stages, first with the discovery of a developing cyber warfare initiative codenamed MonsterMind. The program acted very much the way it sounds. Data mining systems harvesting from a Nile size river of traffic are nothing new to surveillance, but this was different in that the attacks back into the river were automated, requiring no human initiative. Snowden highlights the obvious conflict at the heart of this: These attacks can be spoofed. You could have someone sitting in China, for example, making it appear that one of these attacks is originating in Russia. And then we end up shooting back at a Russian hospital. What happens next? The second act came in the form of CIA Director James Clappers testimony to Congress on March 13, 2013. Not only does Americas chief spymaster have a tell that would be called down in a childs poker game, but he blatantly lied under oath, or as Snowden put it: I think I was reading it in the paper the next day, talking to coworkers, saying, can you believe this shit? The man we are supposed to trust with all of our digital communication has such little regard for the laws that govern us that he will willingly lie under oath, and then come back a year later spitting this garbage: I realized later Sen. Wyden was asking about metadata collection, rather than content collection. Thus, my response was clearly erroneous, for which I apologize. I dont know about you, but if I were in possession of documents proving how full of shit this man is, I sure would want to leak them. Part of what makes Snowden such a compelling figure is that no matter what you think of him, he did push some very important violations out into the light. The NSA had simply become too smart and too powerful. Something had to give, and this post from Snowden in the ArsTechnica forums one year after his initial flight to Geneva was a harbinger of things to come: I woke this morning with a new name. I had had a vision. A dream vision. A vision righteous and true. Before me I saw Gamers, Gamers shrouded in the glory of their true namesStep forth, and assume your name in the pantheon. Its always been there, your avatars true name. It slips through your subconscious, reveals itself under your posts, and flashed visibly in that moment of unrestrained spite; in the indulgent teabag. Youve felt it, known it, recognized it. Now realize it. I woke this morning with a new name. That name is Wolfking. Wolfking Awesomefox. On December 1st, 2012, Edward Snowden reached out to journalist Glenn Greenwald, then of the Guardian, now of The Intercept, about leaking government secrets. A month later, he contacts Greenwalds colleague, filmmaker Laura Poitras. In March of 2013, he begins working at Booz Allen, and four weeks later, he claimed to be sick and requested leave without pay. He would send documents to Greenwald, Poitras, and Bruce Gelman of the Washington Post the following month. According to Snowden, he left Hawaii and arrived in Hong Kong on May 20th. But according to Century 21 real estate agent Kerri Jo Heim and neighbor Carolyn Tijing, he was out on May 1st. Heim claims that the owner wanted the couple out so they could sell the home, and Tijing saw Snowden and his girlfriend with moving boxes lining their garage from floor to ceiling before taking off. This might seem like a trivial detail, but when discussing espionage, dates matter very much. If Snowdens narrative differs from on the record witnesses, one cant help but ask why. And if he did leave on May 1st, why did he feel the need to tell journalists a different date? On June 2nd, Greenwald and Poitras land in Hong Kong and Snowden hands them 10,000 documents. The NSA claimed he stole 1.7 million (discrepancy number two). Three days later, the Guardian releases the first revelation from the Snowden documents: the NSA is Collecting Phone Records of Millions of Verizon Customers Daily. The feds monitoring our phones is as old as the technology itself, but what made this so shocking is the pervasive use of the word all, which has a harrowing legal definition in this case. The leak the next day detailed PRISM, a tool that the NSA uses to tap into Microsoft, Google, Yahoo, Facebook, AOL, Skype, YouTube, and Apple, or as Barton Gellman and Laura Poitras reported it: From inside a companys data stream the NSA is capable of pulling out anything it likes. Friday and Saturday brought stories on how Obama orders US to draw up overseas target list for cyber-attacks; and Boundless Informant, a program that tracked metadata and allowed the NSA to identify what countries are surveilled the most. This program is proof that the NSA collects data on Americans about as frequently as they do the Chinese. Should the federal government ever decide to actually prosecute powerful people, this slide will be the nail in James Clappers coffin. Snowdens revelations rocked the world, as our worst suspicions about surveillance were not only confirmed, but also taken to such an extreme as to make George Orwell blush, and PRISM became an elevator pitch to describe the NSA. The response was so powerful that Republican Senator Gordon Humphrey e-mailed Snowden to thank him. The discoveries were just beginning to mount, and the following month would bring bombshell after bombshell, revealing the true extent of the Western intelligence operation for all to see. The NSA had incurred irrevocable damage. The problem with rushing to judgement is that judgement can be sacrificed in the process, as the program that had come to represent the entire story was reported egregiously wrong, and it just so happened to be the leak that Edward Snowden put a shot clock on. On June 9th, the day Snowden was to meet with the Guardian reporters in Hong Kong for an interview, Barton Gellman detailed the deal he made: To effect his plan, Snowden asked for a guarantee that The Washington Post would publishwithin 72 hours?the full text of a PowerPoint presentation describing PRISM, a top-secret surveillance program that gathered intelligence from Microsoft, Facebook, Google and other Silicon Valley giants. He also asked that The Post publish online a cryptographic key that he could use to prove to a foreign embassy that he was the documents source. The day after the Washington Post reported on PRISM, it changed the headline, and the story was nearly twice as long, with no acknowledgement of any change other than a new timestamp, and the key phrase knowingly participated was eliminated from the section about the tech giants roles in the program. Right after the Washington Post released their story, The Guardian released one on PRISM too. Both completely botched their interpretation of this NSA slide. The day after PRISM dropped, Declan McCullaugh of CNET refuted much of the wild accusations in the story, sparking others all over the web. Google fought back in a post titled What the Both newspapers backtracked further over the weekend. The confusion stems from a misunderstanding of the word server. Most of us picture them as the giant boxes across Silicon Valley that contain some of our darkest secrets. The NSA having unfettered access to the largest stores of information in history is beyond dystopian, but there is no evidence of direct access. A server can serve a multitude of uses. The communications everyone is grilling Hillary for relying on and not using both go in and out of a server. Sometimes the government needs to obtain information, and that is why warrants exist. If presented with one, the Facebooks of the world must find a secure method of delivery through a server, and as Karl Fogel put it on his blog: If youre going to comply, might as well do it responsibly and without increasing the compliance burden on yourself. What the hell are the companies supposed to do? Put the data on a CD-ROM and mail it to Fort Meade? In an interview with Chris Hayes, Greenwald pushed back against these criticisms by arguing that there are various agreements surrounding whatever they are designating as a server, which can make access more direct, so the term is allegedly very malleable, but the evidence provided by Greenwald does not prove that. So to recap, Edward Snowden gave an NSA Powerpoint to both the Guardian and the Washington Post, and told at least the Washington Post that they had three days to report the information that wound up being misinterpreted, and one story came out twenty minutes after the other oh, and he wanted them to publish a key so a foreign embassy would know he was the source. I dont know about you, but PRISM sure got the attention of my bullshit detector. This is not to accuse the Guardian and the Washington Post of being complicit, just negligent. They were presented with a massive story that they failed to thoroughly vet. We still do not know the trustworthiness of their source. Snowden even lied about his salary, saying he made $200,000 when Booz Allen claim they paid him $122,000. I now count four discrepancies in Snowdens story anywhere between seventeen and thirty-six days into this ordeal. PRISM should have been a huge moment in the saga, but instead the truth was buried under the weight of even more revelations. Was this by design? As Kevin Drum of Mother Jones wrote: I want to know how far I can trust Edward Snowden. Hes supposed to be a technical guru of some sort, but apparently he didnt understand this. Or, if he did, he didnt bother clearing it up for either Glenn Greenwald or Bart Gellman, who both went with the direct access phrase in their initial stories. If its the former, I wonder just how much he actually knows about NSAs capabilities. If its the latter, I wonder about his motivations. Snowden must be a technical guru, how else did he get that sweet undercover CIA post in Geneva with no formal education? Unless you really want to strap on your tinfoil hat, its the only explanation. As a former spook told the Washington Post: I just have never heard of anyone being hired with so little academic credentials, the former CIA official said. The agency does employ technical specialists in overseas stations, the former official said, but their breadth of experience is huge, and they tend not to start out as systems administrators. So what was next? Greenwald gave Chris Hayes a hint: Although I havent discussed specifically with him what his plans are, he knows that he is holding some cards given that he had access to very top secret information on the part of the most secretive agency in the world. And intends to figure out how best he can protect himself. Thats my guess as to what it is hes doing. Snowden spent the next two weeks in Hong Kong, including his 30th birthday on June 21stat the Russian consulate. Moscow newspaper Kommersant even reported that he spent several days living at the Russian Consulate. The United States revoked his passport on June 22nd, yet Sarah Harrison of Wikileaks said I was traveling with him on our way to Latin America (on the 23rd) when the United States revoked his passport, stranding him in Russia. Yet another discrepancy. This set up the media frenzy of the century, as he was unable to leave the airport without a passport. Anatoly Kucherena, his lawyer, told Spiegel Online that while he was stuck in the transit zone at Sheremetevo airport the only person with him is Sarah Harrison of Wikileaks. Wikileaks is a mysterious organization, seemingly constructed around the ego of Julian Assange, who according to former employee James Ball, would do things like privately promise several thousand Australian dollars to fund Juice News, the makers of humorous pro-WikiLeaks YouTube videos in 2010 when Wikileaks was struggling to get many donations itself. Towards the end of that year, Wikileaks threatened that they would release documents on powerful individuals in Russia, and according to their spokesperson, Kristinn Hrafnsson Russian readers will learn a lot about their country. An official from the FSB (the successor to the KGB) responded Its essential to remember that given the will and the relevant orders, [WikiLeaks] can be made inaccessible forever. The documents never came out. Two years later, Julian Assange had his own show on Russia Today, the Kremlins West-facing propaganda outlet. Wikileaks even sent a delegation to meet Bashar al-Assad, a President only two major countries support (Russia and Iran). While stuck in in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, Assange stated in a press release that he requested Russian security: [H]abria sido la eleccion de su propio Servicio de Seguridad en el interior de la embajada, llegando a proponer la participacion de operadores de nacionalidad rusa. They even employ a man who calls himself Israel Shamir as their content aggregator in Russia, deciding which cables intercepted leaked from the state department go to which outlets. Hrafnsson confirmed to Swedish Radio: Yes. Yes, he is associated with us. Wikileaks later issued a press release stating: Israel Shamir has never worked or volunteered for WikiLeaks, in any manner, whatsoever. That might have to do with the fact that Shamir fabricated a cable, implicating collusion amongst those who walked out of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejads speech to the United Nations. Shamir even wrote a public love letter to Ahmadinejad on his reelection. He is a holocaust denier and has spent most of his life as a professional agitator, spreading conspiracy theories about Jews and the West. He may have even helped Belarus target dissidents during their brutal crackdown in the wake of the 2010 election. Shamirs son is disgraced journalist Johannes Wahlstrom also a holocaust denier. He has written stories based on Wikileaks leaks for Aftonbladet, a Swedish tabloid, and produced a documentary about the organization. According to Swedish Radio, Wahlstrom controls cables in Scandinavia for Wikileaks. Frankly, its hard to see how Wikileaks is not under the thumb of the Kremlin. Spiegel Online flatly asked Snowdens lawyer if he had been taken under the wing of Russian intelligence, and Kucherena responded If he had wanted to speak with the agents, he would have contacted them directly. I assume that Wikileaks helped him with the invitation list for the meeting. The meeting that Kucherena is alluding to included a press conference at Sheremetyevo airport with various human rights groups present along with officials from the Kremlin. Kucherena himself is an interesting figure, as the phrase Kremlin connected typically appears in front of his name in any standard AP or Reuters report. For good reason, he represents deposed Ukrainian President/Putin Puppet Viktor Yanukovych. Kucherena was born in a small village in now Moldova, serving as a sergeant in the Soviet strategic rocket forces. He then moved to Moscow to become an officer of the traffic police, leveraging that job to enter a correspondence course at the Moscow Legal Institute in 1985, joining the bar in 1993. Kucherena gained fame when he successfully defended Sergei Lisovsky in a case where his client was caught carrying $500,000 in cash out of the presidential administrations headquarters in the middle of Boris Yeltsins 1996 reelection campaign. He represents Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov, whom the United States alleges is the mafia boss known as Taiwanchik, a man who has committed many crimes, including the charge of fixing figure skating events at the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002. The website of Kucherenas firm lists other prominent Russian clients but also highlights his free consultations for the disadvantaged. Moscow journalists joke that there are few committees he does not serve on. He sits on the Civic Chamber (which Putin founded in 2005), one of the civic boards attached to the Russian district attorneys office, the interior ministry, and the Federal Security Service (FSB), as well as being a member of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights. He campaigned for Putin in 2012, telling Echo Moskvy, I know his work and I see that he is a worthy president. Kucherena also leads the Institute for Democracy and Cooperation. According to Putin, it is one of two active Russian NGOs in the West. Critics say the institute is Moscows response to human rights organizations like Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch. The institute published a report on human rights in the United States, and four pages in, the report has an entire section dealing with human rights violations perpetrated by the NSA in which Snowden is the star witness. John Schindler and Tom Nichols (Team anti-Snowden) battled Jeremy Scahill (co-Founder of The Intercept, and literally on Team Snowden) on Twitter, with the attacks focused on Kucherena. Scahill devolved the argument into making fun of Schindler for having his dick pics leaked on the internet by Russian hackers, but the best defense to Snowdens FSB lawyer that Scahill could muster is that we do not have the full picture, therefore the truth cannot be ascertained. Nope. The point is that you consistently assert 2+2=5, yet you cannot produce that missing 1. https://t.co/r6shrXGYLV jeremy scahill (@jeremyscahill) June 10, 2016 Tanya Lokshina of Human Rights Watch also attended Snowdens meeting in Sheremetyevo airport, and she claims that Kucherena is a staunch loyalist to the Kremlin and he portrays himself and is being portrayed by the Kremlin as an independent actor and one of the pillars of the Russian legal community. Adding that hes one of those figures whom the Kremlin pushes forward when accused of stifling civil society. Three days after this meeting, Snowden applied for temporary asylum in Russia. He left the airport two weeks later. It was over. The package had been delivered. I do not believe that Edward Snowden is a Russian undercover agent sent here to steal secrets. They did not need him to access NSA files. Jeffrey Delisle, the Canadian naval officer already gave away most of the store, along with whatever the Kremlin learns from all the hacking happening as you read this. The Russians were embarrassed as the United States paraded their spies around for the cameras in 2010, and they wanted us to feel some pain too. Snowden is undoubtedly a libertarian ideologue; he even donated to Ron Pauls presidential campaign. The NSA was committing clear human rights violations, and based off of how Snowden allegedly went about stealing the files (according to Reuters and the NSA), it seems much easier to penetrate NSANet than it should be. He leveraged his system administrator position to get 20 to 25 coworkers send him their passwords, then had a civilian employee give him his PKI (public key infrastructure) certificate that allowed him to access the NSANet, had the civilian employee enter his password in front of him, and poof Edward Snowden had access to all four levels of NSA security (he denies this version of events). A collision was bound to happen, and the Russians were on the lookout, as John Schindler makes painfully clear: As a former NSA counterintelligence officer myself, I can share with you the depressing reality that, during the Cold War, the NSA-led Western SIGINT alliance was never not penetrated, somewhere, by Soviet spies. And thats counting only the moles we know of. Modern reports corroborate Schindlers account, as it was revealed in 2010 that that the NSA was hunting for a Russian mole right around the same time the US was kicking out Russian spies. James Bamford, Glenn Greenwald, Der Spiegel, and Bruce Schneier have all said that there is someone else leaking documents. Russia and China hack us every day, and we are no doubt returning the favor en force, while also innovating the battlefield to attack physical targets, as the joint US-Israeli Stuxnet hack destroyed vital portions of Iranian nuclear installations. We are in the middle of the first ever global cyberwar, and we got hit. Snowden bragged about his security clearance on the ArsTechnica forums and made himself a logical target for espionage. He did not need to be turned. Slides like this one did more work to turn him than any foreign agent could. Russians on the inside of the NSA and/or CIA nudged him in certain directions, one of those possibly being his 2008 declaration on ArsTechnica that he had undergone a transformation and was now Wolfking Awesomefox. He took the job at Booz Allen with the sole intention of stealing documents, and given that he had full access to the entire NSANet, it is difficult to question the NSAs assertion that he stole 99.995% more documents than Glenn Greenwald said he received in Hong Kong. Perhaps he didnt. Maybe Snowden only stole 10,000 documents, but opened the door for this other leaker to steal the next 1,690,000 files. Regardless, he had to be under the influence of another entity, as evidenced by his nonsensical choice to flee to Hong Kong. Kevin Egan, a lawyer who has dealt with extradition cases in the city said: If I was him, Id be getting out of here and heading to a sympathetic jurisdiction as fast as possible and certainly before the United States issues a request for his extradition. James Fallows of the Atlantic nailed the inherent contradiction of his choice: Hong Kong is not a sovereign country. It is part of China?a country that by the libertarian standards Edward Snowden says he cares about is worse, not better, than the United States. China has even more surveillance of its citizens (it has gone very far toward ensuring that it knows the real identity of everyone using the internet); its press is thoroughly government-controlled; it has no legal theory of protection for free speech; and it doesnt even have national elections. Hong Kong lives a time-limited separate existence, under the one country, two systems principle, but in a pinch, it is part of China. Snowden told the South China Morning Post two weeks after he arrived that I have faith in Hong Kongs rule of law. He does not come off as some master spy capable of completing a plan as brazen as this by himself. He simply seems to be a smart, naive guy in way over his head. Fleeing to Hong Kong could not have been his choice. It simply does not line up with a single part of his narrative. His handlers forcing him across the Pacific in the face of certain prosecution by the US justice department is a much more logical explanation. Living at the Russian consulate puts this saga over the limit of Russian coincidences, and now by definition cannot be coincidental. What this looks like is a joint Chinese-Russian operation. The Russians pushed Snowden in certain directions up to the leak, and when he needed safe passage and somewhere to lay low, the Chinese would provide it for him. After enough time had passed, the Kremlin came back to get him for good. This simply became bigger than Snowden at some point. To close the deal, they first sent in their surrogates through Wikileaks to warm him up. Wikileaks may not have originated as an arm of the Kremlin, but financial woes definitely brought in new management, and while the product did not change, their focus clearly did. After letting him languish in the airport for three weeks, the FSB sent in their closer: Kucharenko. Within a week of meeting Snowden, he had him requesting to apply for asylum in Russia. The outcome of the worlds most notorious human rights activists plan landed him in a country that Freedom House classified as not a free country, and one that got less free this past year. The purpose of this operation was to embarrass the US, deteriorate relations in the West, and pick up any additional information the Russians and Chinese did not already have on the NSA. It was mainly a PR stunt, and it worked. Oliver Stone made a movie about it coming out later this year with Joseph Gordon-Levitt playing Snowden and Nicolas Cage probably screaming at someone in every scene. Stone even bought the rights to Anatoly Kucherenas fictional book (the first of three) about US whistleblower Joshua Cold called Time of the Octopus, and Kucherena is one of four people given a writing credit on the Snowden script. This might be the most successful Russian SIGINT operation in history. The NSA has never been a bigger issue in American politics, and this exploit not only changed peoples perceptions, but their behavior as well. After the Guardian dropped the first two stories on the NSAs collection of phone records and the debacle that was PRISM, five of the next seven stories released up until Snowdens birthday party at the Russian consulate in Hong Kong had to do with spy agencies hacking other countries. Isnt that the whole reason everyone has SIGINT in the first place? The leaks portrayed Sweden as a stooge for the US-UK intelligence alliance, which they vociferously denied. Another leak showed that Israeli commandos killed a Syrian general who was actively involved in arming and training Hezbollah as well as nuclear proliferationwhich is relevant to US civil liberties how? Details about the equivalent of the NSAs Navy Seals were even revealed. Would we be as tolerant if the proportionate amount was reported about our actual Navy Seals? I doubt it. The leaks really only hit Western countries. You mean to tell me that 1.7 million documents were obtained from an intelligence agency, and there was no dirt on the Russians or Chinese? Come on. Really the only story in the leaks involving Russia, China, or Iran that got any traction was a release from Irans propaganda arm, the Fars news agency alleging that the US is run by tall white aliens; the same ones who controlled the Nazis. Snowden said this to Wired while refuting the NSAs claim that he took 1.7 million documents, but it speaks to a larger truth: I think they think theres a smoking gun in there that would be the death of them all politically. The fact that the governments investigation failedthat they dont know what was taken and that they keep throwing out these ridiculous huge numbersimplies to me that somewhere in their damage assessment they must have seen something that was like, Holy shit. And they think its still out there. Yesterday, Donald Trump became the official Republican candidate vying for the office of President of the United States this November. While the meaning of that sentence conveys a certain sense of gravitas and heft, its overall importance could very well be lost on Trump. Thats not Paste shitting on the GOPs current candidate, although we have been known to do that. New evidence reported by The New York Times Magazine seems to confirm that Trump doesnt actually have any interest in fulfilling the extremely crucial role of commander-in-chief; he just wants the title. According to the article, if Trump had managed to successfully land the then-thorn in his side John Kasich as Vice President, he wouldve let the Ohio governor do all the actual work. Heres the full excerpt: One day this past May, Donald Trumps eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., reached out to a senior adviser to Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, who left the presidential race just a few weeks before. As a candidate, Kasich declared in March that Trump was really not prepared to be president of the United States, and the following month he took the highly unusual step of coordinating with his rival Senator Ted Cruz in an effort to deny Trump the nomination. But according to the Kasich adviser (who spoke only under the condition that he not be named), Donald Jr. wanted to make him an offer nonetheless: Did he have any interest in being the most powerful vice president in history? When Kasichs adviser asked how this would be the case, Donald Jr. explained that his fathers vice president would be in charge of domestic and foreign policy. Then what, the adviser asked, would Trump be in charge of? Making America great again was the casual reply. The article makes no mention of Trump giving current running-mate Mike Pence that kind of power, which seems even more worrisome. Iceland, Denmark, Austria, New Zealand and Portugal have in common? Theyre the most tranquil nations on the planet, according to the latest Global Peace Index. Thats pretty darn newsworthy amid the recent (if not forever) unrest around the world. Obviously, pockets of peace thankfully exist in all corners of the globe and serene societies can change on any given year. But when it comes to visiting countrywide intolerance to fighting, political stability and lack of terrorism this year, few countries are better than these. Despite its name and latitude, Iceland has surprisingly mild winters (thanks to the Gulf Stream) and refreshingly temperate summers (in the 60s). In fact, this mountainous island nation is only 10% ice and a lot more green than neighboring Greenland. As pictured above, its also stunning. For less wind and more daylight when the sun is still up at 11 p.m., summer is definitely the best time to go. Frequently topping most-livable and happiest-nations-on-earth lists, Denmark is as small as West Virginia but has more fun than nations five times its size. Beer, Legos, Vikings and many of the fairy tales you heard as a child all emerged from here. In addition to its high standard of Scandinavian living, yellow-flowered grasslands, windmills and an absence of corruption abound. For many, Austria is the best European country to visit. This is because it resembles one big national park. Theres more scenery per square mile here than many countries have between entire borders. Highlights include the surrounding Alps, historic Vienna, Salzburgs Old Town, Grossglockner Alpine Road and picturesque Hallstatt. New Zealand is one of the most photographed and filmed countries in the world. This is understandably due to its diverse, natural beauty, which includes jagged mountains, rolling pastures, steep fjords, raging rivers, scenic beaches and active volcanoes. Basically Middle Earth with nicer amenities. Although sparsely populated, both the North and South Islands offer easily accessible adventure. Although not as popular as neighboring Spain, Portugal is widely regarded as the best value destination in Europe. While traveling up the Iberian coast in a single day, you can see limestone buildings perched atop Atlantic shoreline, adorable alleyways, tempting beaches, barren deserts and vine-covered mountains. Along the way, the people and food are equally enchanting. Honorable Mentions: Czech Republic, Switzerland, Canada, Japan and Slovenia round out the top 10. Off the Grid columnist Blake Snow writes epic stories for fancy publications and Fortune 500 companies. Follow him on Twitter. Lincoln, according to ValuePenguin, is the No. 35 city in the U.S. for music fans. Thats not a bad spot among the 200 metropolitan statistical areas for which the website compiled data to create its rankings, which, not surprisingly, found Nashville at the top of the heap. See all the rankings here: www.valuepenguin.com/2016/best-cities-music-fans. Omaha/Council Bluffs comes in at No. 22 in the rankings that quantified data in three categories -- The Band, The Crowd and The Intangibles. That, after digging into what criteria were used, makes sense. But I cant for the life of me figure out how Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is at No. 28. -- and at No. 1, thats right, No. 1 under The Crowd, a compilation that takes into account radio stations, musical instrument stores, record stores, bars and top venues. A quick look at Pollstars listings for upcoming Sioux Falls shows is dominated by two weeks worth of the Sioux Empire Fair with a handful of shows at three clubs and three concerts at the new Sanford Premier Center. I guess there must be a whole lotta music stores, radio stations and bars. Lincoln ranks at No. 9 under The Crowd, while Omaha is at No. 35. And Lincolns Intangibles -- which includes top music schools -- ranks above both Omaha and Sioux Falls. But under The Band, which takes into account the number of musicians, their hourly wage, the number of groups and recording studios, Lincoln ranks well beneath both of its neighbors. Thats another baffler, given that there are, it seems, close to as many bands in Lincoln as there are in Omaha -- which is twice as big. Maybe the count, which uses Bureau of Labor Statistics data, isnt exactly accurate. In any case, Lincoln ranks far above Kansas City (No. 85), Des Moines, Iowa (No. 95), Wichita, Kansas (No. 110) and Topeka, Kansas (No. 133). Maybe it is, even with the flawed stats, a music city after all. Leon Russell postpones Bourbon show The legendary Leon Russell, who had been scheduled to play the Bourbon Theatre on Aug. 6, suffered a heart attack last week and has, according to his website, postponed shows through early September. The Tulsa World reports that Russell, 74, is undergoing tests and is scheduled for surgery. His representatives are optimistic for a full recovery and a return to the road for the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. Russells last Lincoln appearance was at the ill-fated Bluesmasters concert at Haymarket Park in 2012. His last club show here was at the Royal Grove in 2010. Some thoughts on festivals and soul Lincolns going to get a full blast of the retro soul revival in 2016 courtesy of Zoofest and Lincoln Calling. A couple weeks ago, Zoofest featured Lee Fields and The Expressions, who delivered a tightly fused hour and encore of 70s-rooted soul that owed more than a little to the great James Brown. Fields wasnt known as Little JB early on in his career for nothing. Charles Bradley and The Extraordinaires is the headliner for Lincoln Calling, which, now under the auspices of Hear Nebraska, is bringing in more national-level acts than ever. I saw Bradley and his band -- from a very long distance -- at South By Southwest in March, and they were superb. That only leaves Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, the biggest of the big three of the retro soul movement, for a Lincoln show. Shes touring in the western half of the U.S. in the fall, but not coming here. So maybe the Ross Media Arts Center will show Miss Sharon Jones!, the upcoming documentary about Jones, her 2013 record and tour and her battle with cancer, which was discovered that year. With a goal of treating worn, arthritic hips without extensive surgery to replace them, scientists have programmed stem cells to grow new cartilage on a 3-D template shaped like the ball of a hip joint. What's more, using gene therapy, they have activated the new cartilage to release anti-inflammatory molecules to fend off a return of arthritis. The technique, demonstrated in a collaborative effort between Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Cytex Therapeutics Inc. in Durham, N.C., is described July 18 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The discovery one day may provide an alternative to hip-replacement surgery, particularly in younger patients. Doctors are reluctant to perform such operations in patients under age 50 because prosthetic joints typically last for less than 20 years. A second joint-replacement surgery to remove a worn prosthetic can destroy bone and put patients at risk for infection. "Replacing a failed prosthetic joint is a difficult surgery," said Farshid Guilak, PhD, a professor of orthopedic surgery at Washington University. "We've developed a way to resurface an arthritic joint using a patient's own stem cells to grow new cartilage, combined with gene therapy to release anti-inflammatory molecules to keep arthritis at bay. Our hope is to prevent, or at least delay, a standard metal and plastic prosthetic joint replacement." The technique uses a 3-D, biodegradable synthetic scaffold that Guilak and his team developed. The scaffold, molded into the precise shape of a patient's joint, is covered with cartilage made from the patient's own stem cells taken from fat beneath the skin. The scaffold then can be implanted onto the surface of an arthritic hip, for example. Resurfacing the hip joint with "living" tissue is designed to ease arthritis pain, and delay or even eliminate the need for joint-replacement surgery in some patients. Additionally, by inserting a gene into the newly grown cartilage and activating it with a drug, the gene can orchestrate the release of anti-inflammatory molecules to fight a return of arthritis, which usually is what triggers such joint problems in the first place. advertisement "When there is inflammation, we can give a patient a simple drug, which activates the gene we've implanted, to lower inflammation in the joint," said Guilak, also a professor of developmental biology and of biomedical engineering. "We can stop giving the drug at any time, which turns off the gene." That gene therapy is important, he explained, because when levels of inflammatory molecules rise in a joint, the cartilage is destroyed and pain increases. By adding gene therapy to the stem cell and scaffold technique, Guilak and his colleagues believe it will be possible to coax patients' joints to fend off arthritis and function better for a longer time. The 3-D scaffold is built using a weaving pattern that gives the device the structure and properties of normal cartilage. Franklin Moutos, PhD, vice president of technology development at Cytex, explained that the unique structure is the result of approximately 600 biodegradable fiber bundles woven together to create a high-performance fabric that can function like normal cartilage. "As evidence of this, the woven implants are strong enough to withstand loads up to 10 times a patient's body weight, which is typically what our joints must bear when we exercise," Moutos said. Currently, there are about 30 million Americans who have diagnoses of osteoarthritis, and data suggest that the incidence of osteoarthritis is on the rise. That number includes many younger patients -- ages 40 to 65 -- who have limited treatment options because conservative approaches haven't worked and they are not yet candidates for total joint replacement because of their ages. Bradley Estes, PhD, vice president of research and development at Cytex, noted, "We envision in the future that this population of younger patients may be ideal candidates for this type of biological joint replacement." Guilak, who also is the director of research at Shriners Hospitals for Children -- St. Louis, and co-director of the Washington University Center of Regenerative Medicine, has been collaborating with Cytex on this research. The scientists have tested various aspects of the tissue engineering in cell culture, and some customized implants already are being tested in laboratory animals. He said if all goes well, such devices could be ready for safety testing in humans in three to five years. Rocks formed beneath the ocean floor by fast-spreading tectonic plates may be a large and previously overlooked source of free hydrogen gas (H 2 ), a new Duke University study suggests. The finding could have far-ranging implications since scientists believe H 2 might be the fuel source responsible for triggering life on Earth. And, if it were found in large enough quantities, some experts speculate that it could be used as a clean-burning substitute for fossil fuels today because it gives off high amounts of energy when burned but emits only water, not carbon. Recent discoveries of free hydrogen gas, which was once thought to be very rare, have been made near slow-spreading tectonic plates deep beneath Earth's continents and under the sea. "Our model, however, predicts that large quantities of H 2 may also be forming within faster-spreading tectonic plates -- regions that collectively underlie roughly half of the Mid-Ocean Ridge," said Stacey L. Worman, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Texas at Austin, who led the study while she was a doctoral student at Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment. Total H 2 production occurring beneath the oceans is at least an order of magnitude larger than production occurring under continents, the model suggests. "A major benefit of this work is that it provides a testable, tectonic-based model for not only identifying where free hydrogen gas may be forming beneath the seafloor, but also at what rate, and what the total scale of this formation may be, which on a global basis is massive," said Lincoln F. Pratson, professor of earth and ocean sciences at Duke, who co-authored the study. advertisement The scientists published their peer-reviewed study in the July 14 online edition of the journal Geophysical Research Letters. The new model calculates the amount of free hydrogen gas produced and stored beneath the seafloor based on a range of parameters -- including the ratio of a site's tectonic spreading rate to the thickness of serpentinized rocks that might be found there. Serpentinized rocks -- so called because they often have a scaly, greenish-brown-patterned surface that resembles snakeskin -- are rocks that have been chemically altered by water as they are lifted up by the spreading tectonic plates in Earth's crust. Molecules of free hydrogen gas are produced as a by-product of the serpentinization process. "Most scientists previously thought all hydrogen production occurs only at slow-spreading lithosphere, because this is where most serpentinized rocks are found. Although faster-spreading lithosphere contains smaller quantities of this rock, our analysis suggests the amount of H 2 produced there might still be large," Worman said. advertisement "Right now, the only way to get H 2 -- to use in fuel cells, for example -- is through secondary processes," Worman explained. "You start with water, add energy to split the oxygen and hydrogen molecules apart, and get H 2 . You can then burn the H 2 , but you had to use energy to get energy, so it's not very efficient." Mining free hydrogen gas as a primary fuel source could change that, but first scientists need to understand where the gas goes after it's produced. "Maybe microbes are eating it, or maybe it's accumulating in reservoirs under the seafloor. We still don't know," Worman said. "Of course, such accumulations would have to be quite significant to make hydrogen gas produced by serpentinization a viable fuel source." If further research confirms the model's accuracy, it could also open new avenues for exploring the origin of life on Earth, and for understanding the role hydrogen gas might play in supporting life in a wide range of extreme environments, from the sunless deep-sea floor to distant planets. Worman and Pratson conducted the study with Jeffrey Karson, professor of earth sciences at Syracuse University, and Emily Klein, professor of earth sciences at Duke. Worman received her Ph.D. in earth and ocean sciences from Duke in 2015. More imaging after thyroid cancer treatment identifies recurrence, but it does not always improve survival, a new study suggests. Researchers from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center looked at 28,220 patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer, using data from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare linked database. They used claims data to track ultrasound, PET scans and radioiodine scans in patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer between 1998 to 2011. These scans would be done to monitor for signs of cancer returning. The researchers found that 57 percent of patients had at least one ultrasound, 24 percent had a radioiodine scan and 15 percent had a PET scan. Patients who had these scans were more likely to have additional treatments, such as surgery, radioactive iodine treatment or radiation therapy. But, while use of imaging rose substantially during this time, the death rate did not change. The study appears in The BMJ. "Over time, we have seen this marked increase in the use of imaging after primary treatment of thyroid cancer despite the fact that the majority of our patients have low-risk cancer. For the most part this imaging isn't affecting survival," says Megan R. Haymart, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School. advertisement "With this post-treatment surveillance imaging, we're picking up more recurrences. But is that clinically significant? We might be picking up really small lymph nodes that if left untreated wouldn't have impacted survival," says study author Mousumi Banerjee, Ph.D., research professor of biostatistics at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. More people are being diagnosed with low-risk thyroid cancer, but the use of imaging among these patients has skyrocketed disproportionately. Thyroid cancer generally has a high survival rate -- roughly 96 percent of patients are alive 10 years later. But a small number of thyroid cancers are more aggressive and likely to return. "There is a place for imaging in thyroid cancer survivors. But the specific type of imaging needs to be tailored to the patient," Haymart says. "When we have a patient with a favorable prognosis, certain types of imaging may not be necessary. But there is a group for whom it might be appropriate." The researchers found that radioiodine scans did lead to improved survival. Ideally, these scans are used when blood tests suggest a rise in a certain tumor marker and the patient is known to be responsive to radioactive iodine treatment. Researchers have raised the question of what kind of surveillance regimen is appropriate after treatment for many types of cancer, including lung cancer and breast cancer. A campaign called Choosing Wisely aims to create a national dialogue about avoiding unnecessary medical tests. This current study highlights the importance of reassessing appropriate imaging after initial cancer treatment. It's an important question because imaging is not without impact, Haymart and Banerjee say. While potential physical harm from these tests is low, many cancer patients report "scanxiety," a feeling of intense distress prior to imaging as they fear bad news. The tests can also be costly. All of this is compounded if the test leads to additional treatment, with some of these treatments having downstream risks. "The impact of these tests on patients' psycho-social well-being is also important. Just because we can image, doesn't mean we should for all. We need to consider whether it is the appropriate thing to do. There is a large group of patients for whom some of these imaging tests may be unnecessary," Banerjee says. This study is the foundation for future work by these researchers. Next steps include looking at the cost-effectiveness of these tests, randomized controlled trials of surveillance imaging, and understanding whether it is the patients or their providers who are pushing for these tests. The Large Underground Xenon (LUX) dark matter experiment, which operates beneath a mile of rock at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in the Black Hills of South Dakota, has completed its search for the missing matter of the universe. Today at an international dark matter conference (IDM 2016) in Sheffield, UK, LUX scientific collaborators presented the results from the detector's final 20-month run from October 2014 to May 2016. The new research result is also described with further details on the LUX Collaboration's website. http://luxdarkmatter.org LUX's sensitivity far exceeded the original expectations of the experiment, collaboration scientists said, but yielded no trace of a dark matter particle. LUX's extreme sensitivity makes the team confident that if dark matter particles had interacted with the LUX's xenon target, the detector would almost certainly have seen them. These new limits on dark matter detection will allow scientists to eliminate many potential models for dark matter particles, offering critical guidance for the next generation of dark matter experiments. "LUX has delivered the world's best search sensitivity since its first run in 2013," said Rick Gaitskell, professor of physics at Brown University and co-spokesperson for the LUX experiment. "With this final result from the 2014-2016 run, the scientists of the LUX Collaboration have pushed the sensitivity of the instrument to a final performance level that is 4 times better than originally expected. It would have been marvelous if the improved sensitivity had also delivered a clear dark matter signal. However, what we have observed is consistent with background alone." Dark matter is thought to account for more than four-fifths of the mass in the universe. Scientists are confident of its existence because the effects of its gravity can be seen in the rotation of galaxies and in the way light bends as it travels through the universe, but experiments have yet to make direct contact with a dark matter particle. The LUX experiment was designed to look for weakly interacting massive particles, or WIMPs, the leading theoretical candidate for a dark matter particle. If the WIMP idea is correct, billions of these particles pass through your hand every second, and also through the Earth and everything on it. But because WIMPs interact so weakly with ordinary matter, this ghostly traverse goes entirely unnoticed. The LUX detector consists of a third-of-a-ton of cooled liquid xenon surrounded by powerful sensors designed to detect the tiny flash of light and electrical charge emitted if a WIMP collides with a xenon atom within the tank. The detector's location at Sanford Lab beneath a mile of rock, and inside a 72,000-gallon, high-purity water tank, helps shield it from cosmic rays and other radiation that would interfere with a dark matter signal. advertisement The 20-month run of LUX represents one of the largest exposures ever collected by a dark matter experiment, the researchers said. The rapid analysis of nearly a half-million gigabytes of data was made possible with the use Brown University's Center for Computation and Visualization (CCV) and the advanced computer simulations at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's (Berkeley Lab) National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC), a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science User Facility. Berkeley Lab is also the lead DOE laboratory for LUX operations. "I am particularly pleased with the support LUX received from NERSC in processing these data," said Kevin Lesko, group leader of Berkeley Lab's Dark Matter group. "The Berkeley students, post-docs and visitors working on this analysis made extensive use of the NERSC for event scanning, calibration, Monte Carlo simulations and the data-blinding scheme." Careful calibration The exquisite sensitivity achieved by the LUX experiment came thanks to a series of pioneering calibration measures aimed at helping scientists tell the difference between a dark matter signal and events created by residual background radiation that even the elaborate construction of the experiment cannot completely block out. "As the charge and light signal response of the LUX experiment varied slightly over the dark matter search period, our calibrations allowed us to consistently reject radioactive backgrounds, maintain a well-defined dark matter signature for which to search and compensate for a small static charge buildup on the Teflon inner detector walls," said Dan McKinsey, professor of physics at the University of California, Berkeley, senior faculty scientist at Berkeley Lab, and co-spokesperson for the LUX experiment. advertisement "We worked hard and stayed vigilant over more than a year and a half to keep the detector running in optimal conditions and maximize useful data time," said Simon Fiorucci, a physicist at Berkeley Lab and Science Coordination Manager for the experiment. "The result is unambiguous data we can be proud of and a timely result in this very competitive field -- even if it is not the positive detection we were all hoping for." The quest continues While the LUX experiment successfully eliminated a large swath of mass ranges and interaction-coupling strengths where WIMPs might exist, the WIMP model itself, "remains alive and viable," said Gaitskell, the Brown University physicist. And the meticulous work of LUX scientists will aid future direct detection experiments. Among those next generation experiments will be the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment, which will replace LUX at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. Compared to LUX's one-third-ton of liquid xenon, LZ will have a 10-ton liquid xenon target, which will fit inside the same 72,000-gallon tank of pure water used by LUX to help fend off external radiation. LZ is expected to have 70 times the sensitivity of LUX and will continue the search in 2020. "We're looking forward to hosting the LUX-ZEPLIN experiment, which will provide another major step forward in sensitivity," said Mike Headley, Executive Director of the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA). LUX, the first major astrophysics experiment in the Davis Campus of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (Sanford Lab), was installed in 2012 and is located in the former Homestake Gold Mine in Lead, S.D. A South Dakota-owned facility, it is managed by the SDSTA, which reopened the mine in 2007 with $40 million in funding from the South Dakota State Legislature and a $70 million donation from philanthropist T. Denny Sanford. DOE's Office of Science supports Sanford Lab's operations; Berkeley Lab provided management and oversight of the DOE operations support of Sanford Lab for the past five years. The LUX scientific collaboration, which is supported by the DOE and National Science Foundation (NSF), includes 20 research universities and national laboratories in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Portugal. "The announcement of this new result from LUX raises the bar in the search for dark matter, exceeding our expectations," said Natalie Roe, Physics Division Director at Berkeley Lab. "With the successful completion of LUX, we are now focused on the success of LZ, which we hope will produce a dramatic discovery." Major support for LUX came from the DOE Office of Science. The last decades the disease Lyme borreliosis that is spread by ticks has been increasing, but this increase cannot be explained by the increasing deer population only. Results from the research project TickDeer, recently published in Nature Communications, shows that the percentage of ticks with Borrelia is decreasing in areas with a high deer population (deer, red deer and moose). However, the total number of ticks is higher. This means that the risk of catching Borrelia is not decreasing as much as one could hope for despite the "clean host," and all in all a high density of deer give a netto increase in borreliosis. Since 1991 Norway has registered all incidents with borreliosis in a so-called MSIS-statistics for reportable diseases. At the same time data on the wild deer population over all of Norway has been recorded. This is why Norway has a unique set of data material for comparing the relation between the disease progression over time, says professor Atle Mysterud, who led the project. In addition the researchers at the TickDeer-project, which represent a cooperation between the Department of Biosciences (University of Oslo), Norwegian Veterinary Institute, and NIBIO, looked at how the number of deer affects the number of ticks, and in particular ticks with Borrelia. The results show that borreliosis has increased more than the density of deer would suggest. advertisement "We see that the incidence of borreliosis has increased in the southern part of Norway in a period of time where both the deer population and the moose population have decreased. This is why we cannot only blame the deer for getting more of these blood-sucking parasites," says professor Atle Mysterud. "At the west coast an increase in the population density of deer has resulted in an increase in the incidence of borreliosis. The cycle of the Borrelia bacterium in nature is both complex and is influenced by many different drivers, where the hosts of the ticks in an early life stage can influence the cycle. There is also little doubt that a warmer climate is a contributing factor for the tick-borne diseases, something that we are going to have a closer look at in the newly started #EcoTick-project," says Mysterud. "It is also likely that the change in the use of the landscape, resulting in more encroachment, has been an advantage for the ticks." Ixodes ricinus, the tick that is known for infecting humans in Norway as well as in rest of Europe, has a life cycle that is threefold; larva, nymph, and adult ticks. It needs a blood meal in each of the life stages, but they may have different hosts at different stages. In the first stage it is rodents and birds that become victims of these parasites. In the second stage they usually suck blood from slightly larger animals. It is in the last stage that the tick is an adult and needs blood for reproduction. Then the host is usually a large animal like deer. Deer are therefore frequently referred to as reproductive hosts, and are thought to be important for the population dynamics of the ticks. advertisement Ticks are born pure. That is why the hosts in the first life stage of the tick determine whether it will be a carrier of infection or not. Ticks can therefore only be infected in the second and third stage. In the third stage, they are quite large, and we often feel that they crawl on the skin. Therefore nymphs are more often inflicting infection, because we do not notice their bite. In the TickDeer-project the researchers have looked at the populations of deer and counted the ticks on the animals and in the landscape by so called "flagging." In addition, they took samples of the ticks to determine how many of them that contained Borrelia. Deer contributes to keep the ticks clean since they are not carriers of the Borrelia-bacteria. Therefore ticks that have used deer as a host do not contain Borrelia that can infect us. A dense population of deer contributes overall to more cases of Lyme disease. This is mainly because the deer are a good host for the ticks. However, the relationship is not very strong. The project's first mission to protect the world's ice memory will be launched in France on 15 August, in the Mont Blanc massif. Researchers from the CNRS, the IRD and the Universite Grenoble Alpes will be extracting ice samples from the Col du Dome, ultimately for storage in Antarctica. "In the coming decades, or even centuries, this ice archive will be invaluable -- be it for entirely unprecedented scientific discoveries or for understanding local changes in the environment. This project has my full support" -- Jean Jouzel, climatologist and Vice-Chair of the IPCC, 2002-2015; winner of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. On Monday 15 August, and until the beginning of September, an international team of ten or so glaciologists and engineers -- French, Italian, Russian and American -- will be travelling to the Col du Dome (4,300 m (14,108 ft), Mont Blanc) to drill the first ice cores for the Protecting Ice Memory project. The team will be coordinated by Patrick Ginot, a research engineer from the French Research Institute for Development (IRD) working within the UGA-CNRS Laboratory of Glaciology and Environmental Geophysics (LGGE), and Jerome Chappellaz, Director of Research at the CNRS and working within the same laboratory. The goal is to build the world's first library of ice archives extracted from glaciers which are threatened by global warming. Three ice cores, each measuring 130 m in length, will be extracted and lowered into the valley by helicopter before being transported to the LGGE in Grenoble, while maintaining a strict cold chain throughout the process. One core will be analysed in 2019 to begin building a database available to the entire world scientific community. The other two will be transported by ship before being transferred onto tracked vehicles on the high plateaus of Antarctica in 2020 for storage at the Concordia station, which is run by the French Paul-Emile Victor Polar Institute (IPEV) and its Italian partner, the National Antarctic Research Programme (PNRA). The long-term plan is to have dozens of ice core archives stored in a snow cave at -54C -- the most reliable and natural freezer in the world. The Col du Dome glacier represents the first step in this major project, originally launched in 2015 by the LGGE, Ca' Foscari University of Venice (Italy) and the CNR (Italian National Research Council), backed by the Universite Grenoble Alpes Foundation. A second, longer and more complex operation will be carried out in 2017 on the Illimani glacier in the Bolivian Andes. A number of other countries are already candidates to join this project and protect the memory of the glaciers to which they have access: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Brazil, the United States, Russia, China, Nepal and Canada. Why choose now to build this archive? The idea to create this project was born when scientists observed a rise in temperatures on several glaciers. At ten-year intervals, the temperature near to the glaciers on the Col du Dome and Illimani in the Andes has risen between 1.5 and 2. At the current rate, we are forecasting that their surface will undergo systematic melting over the summer in the next few years and decades. Due to this melting and the percolation of meltwater through the underlying layers of snow, these are unique pages in the history of our environment which will be lost forever. "We are the only community of scientists working on climate to see a chunk of its archives disappearing. We urgently needed to build this heritage for the future, much like the Svalbard Global Seed Vault kept on the island of Spitsbergen," explains Jerome Chappellaz, the French project initiator. A vital contribution to environmental and climate science, and crucial for more effectively predicting our future, ice sciences will soon run out of high-quality raw material collected from mountain regions due to global warming. advertisement "Our generation of scientists, which bears witness to global warming, has a particular responsibility to future generations. That is why we will be donating these ice samples from the world's most fragile glaciers to the scientific community of the decades and centuries to come, when these glaciers will have disappeared or lost their data quality," adds Carlo Barbante, the Italian project initiator and Director of the Institute for the Dynamics of Environmental Processes -- CNR, Ca' Foscari University of Venice. A strong scientific campaign and a major sponsorship effort The IPEV, the PNRA and Communaute Universite Grenoble Alpes are working closely with the scientific bodies behind the project -- Universite Grenoble Alpes, the CNRS, the IRD, the CNR (Italy), Ca' Foscari University and the University Grenoble Alpes Foundation. The project contributes to the UNESCO International Hydrological Programme (IHP) within the framework of the snow, glacier and water resources activities of the IHP-VIII (2014-2021) 'Water Security: Responses to Local, Regional and Global Challenges'. This project benefits from the skills and equipment of its partner organisations and receives financial support from private sponsors. The Universite Grenoble Alpes Foundation would like to thank the sponsors of this first mission, without whom the project could never have happened -- Prince Albert 2 of Monaco Foundation, whose purpose is to protect the environment and to encourage sustainable development, Findus France, French manufacturer of frozen food, French glaciologist and ice coring pioneer Claude Lorius, Foundation of French manufacturer of mountain equipment Petzl, GMM, French manufacturer of cable transportation systems, and Pressario, press agency. The Foundation's funding campaign for the 2017 Bolivia expedition is already under way. For more information: http://fondation.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/menu-principal/actions/preservation-des-patrimoines/sauvegarder-la-memoire-de-la-glace/ Long before the advent of social media, human social networks were built around sharing a much more essential commodity: food. Now, researchers reporting on the food sharing networks of two contemporary groups of hunter-gatherers in the Cell Press journal Current Biology on July 21 provide new insight into fundamental nature of human social organization. The new work reveals surprising similarities between the Agta of the Philippines and Mbendjele of the Republic of Congo. In both places, individuals maintain a three-tiered social network that appears to buffer them against day-to-day shortfalls in foraging returns. "Previous research has suggested that social networks across human cultures are structured in similar ways," says Mark Dyble of University College London. "Across societies, there appear to be similar limits on the number of social relationships individuals are able to maintain, and many societies are said to have a 'multilevel' structure. Our work on contemporary hunter-gatherer groups sheds light on how this distinctive social structure may have benefited humans in our hunting-and-gathering past." While previous studies have identified similarities in social structure across hunter-gatherer populations, the researchers say that the new work is the first to explore how hunter-gatherers' distinctive, "multilevel" social organization structures social life and cooperation in important activities such as foraging and food sharing. "No other apes share food to the extent that humans do," says Andrea Migliano, principal investigator of the Leverhulme Trust-funded Hunter-Gatherers Resilience Project. "Hunter-gatherers' multi-level social structure exists in different groups, to help regulate these cooperative systems. Furthermore, multi-level social structures regulate social rules, friendship and kinship ties, and the spread of social norms, promoting a more efficient sharing and cooperation. Sharing is a crucial adaptation to hunter-gatherers' lifestyles, central to their resilience -- and central to the evolution of mankind." The Agta live in northeast Luzon, Philippines. Their primary source of protein is fish, supplemented by inter-tidal foraging, hunting, honey collecting, and gathering of wild foods. The Mbendjele live in an area spanning northern Republic of Congo and southern Central African Republic, where they hunt for meat in the forest. Both groups also trade wild-caught meat or fish for cultivated foods, including rice and manioc. Dyble, Migliano, and their colleagues collected data on food sharing by living with the two communities for many months, making observations on how often households shared food with each other. From this they constructed social networks of food sharing. "Although we had an idea of how camps split into food sharing clusters 'on the ground,' we were able to test these using algorithms which are able to identify sub-communities within the nine camps we studied," Dyble explains. Their analysis showed that food sharing is closely related to social organization. In both communities, individuals maintain a three-tiered social network. First is their immediate household, most often consisting of five or six individuals, second is a cluster of three to four closely related households who share food frequently, and third is the wider camp. "Despite being from different continents and living in very different ecologies, both groups of hunter-gatherers had a strikingly similar social organization," Dyble says. "Cooperation and especially food sharing are essential for survival in a hunting-and-gathering economy," Dyble says. "The proverb that 'it takes a village to raise a child' is certainly true for hunter-gatherers, who, without food sharing to mitigate the day-to-day shortfalls in foraging, could simply not survive." Dyble says that they now intend to explore the structure of other types of social networks in the hunter-gatherer communities, such as cooperation in childcare, and their overlap with food sharing. Applications for Tauranga City Councils events funding have dropped markedly from last year in both number and the overall amount being sought. With the application period now closed for the 2016/17 funding round, council has received 27 applications with a total sum of $177,759.81 applied for. Finnegan and Murphy, two Boston terrier and pug mix puppies, were separated when they were just 8 weeks old in September 2015. Born to the same litter in Mississippi, Murphy was eventually adopted by a friend of his owners, and Finnegan was rescued by Southern Paws shortly after and taken to New Jersey to be adopted. A woman named Erin Ryan found Finnegan online when he was listed for adoption and absolutely fell in love. "My two older sisters and I moved into an apartment together and decided that after waiting all of our lives, we were finally ready to get a puppy," Ryan told The Dodo. A few months later, Ryan moved back home, 30 minutes away from Finnegan, to go to graduate school and desperately missed having a puppy around. While she and her mom considered getting another dog, Southern Paws was looking for a family to adopt a Boston terrier and pug mix puppy - who turned out to be Murphy. "From what we understand, Murphy's original adopters could not care for him and had too much on their plate already, and had to put him up for adoption," Ryan said. Ryan and her family realized Murphy was Finnegan's brother after contacting the rescue and immediately requested to adopt him, and the brothers were reunited in early February. Dodo Shows Adoption Day Hairless German Shepherd Puppies Find The Perfect Families "People always ask us if we think they remember each other or if we think they know they're brothers," Ryan said. "They took to each other so quickly and are the best of buds, we like to think it's because they know they belong to each other and that they remember each other!" Finnegan and Murphy live in separate houses about 30 minutes apart, but still see each other constantly. Even after being separated for the first part of their lives, the pair adores being together and acts as if no time has passed. "They get along incredibly and love being together," Ryan said. "They even insist on sharing a crate at night when Finnegan is visiting home, or else they cry until we put them together." Despite being brothers, Finnegan and Murphy are definitely different, and have very distinct personalities. "We call Finnegan our cat-dog. He is much more gentle than Murphy and is also smaller, we think he must be the runt of the litter," Ryan said. "Murphy is our dopey puppy. He's much more adventurous than Finnegan." Murphy definitely understands the art of causing mischief ... ... and even though Finnegan is a little calmer, he definitely likes to get in on the action, too. The boys spend a lot of time playing together ... ... and rolling around together ... ... and just being together. The University of Nebraska at Omaha plans to rename one of its campuses for a benefactor who has given hundreds of millions of dollars in support of the university. The south campus, or Pacific Campus, will be renamed Scott Campus in honor of Walter Scott Jr., the Omaha businessman and philanthropist who has given more than $220 million to the university privately and through his Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation. The university's Board of Regents is set to ratify the plans, approved by NU President Hank Bounds and UNO Chancellor John Christensen, at their meeting Friday. The Scott name is already a familiar sight on UNO's campus. Many buildings on the site of the former Ak-Sar-Ben race track, including academic buildings, residence halls and the Peter Kiewit Institute, bear the Scott name. Each year, over 100 Scott Scholars pursue degrees on the Omaha campus with scholarships covering university fees, books and materials and room and board. "Walter Scott has had a transformational impact on UNO, our students and the community," Bounds said in a statement. "His longstanding generosity has made college more affordable for students, supported new learning and living facilities that ensure they have an outstanding academic experience, and contributed enormously to the current momentum on campus." Christensen said the honor was "the first of its kind" at the Omaha campus, for a man "who has given tireless support to our students, our campus and our community." If regents approve the change Friday morning, UNO will begin planning a public dedication of the Scott Campus later this year. Late last month, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers came across a startling discovery after a truck trying to enter Mexico was sent back to the U.S. with a particularly disturbing item. The truck was intercepted at Texas' Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry and officials were met with none other than an elephant skull. The truck driver was denied entry into Mexico due to lacking "proper ownership and exportation documentation, as required under U.S. and international law," CBP said in a press release. The seized elephant skull | U.S. Customs and Border Protection "This is the first seizure of an elephant skull at the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry in recent memory," Rick Pauza, a public affairs officer with CBP, told The Dodo. The skull once belonged to a living African elephant, which is listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Dodo Shows Comeback Kids Family Stops At Nothing To Help Their Great Dane Run Yet, sadly, hunting elephants for sport is still legal in a number of African countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Cameroon and Gabon, which often have loopholes in conservation laws allowing for the export of these "trophies" after the animals are killed. "In this case, [the] likelihood is that the person in possession of the item was going to keep it as a trophy," Phillip Land, assistant special agent in charge of the Southwest region for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), said in a statement to The Dodo. The skull was confiscated, and now resides in the possession of the FWS. U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster

UPDATE: A GoFundMe campaign has been started to raise pledges for Lobo's care. If you would like to help, click here. When this puppy left the shelter nearly a decade ago, the world ahead of him must have seemed like his own personal Kong ball. It was 2006. And someone had decided to take this tiny puppy home. And so little Lobo bounded into the big life, far from the uncertain confines of the shelter. Dodo Shows Adopt Me! Scared Little Dog Is So Full Of Joy Now And Looking For A Family Los Angeles County Animal Control Lancaster But more than nine years after he first left the Lancaster Animal Care Center in Los Angeles County, he found himself back again. "It was the original owner who brought him in," a shelter worker, who asked not to be named, told The Dodo. "All the owner stated was that he was ill." So Lobo once again had to strike a pose. And once again, he lives in uncertainty. Los Angeles County Animal Control Lancaster Rhode Island has become the first state in the U.S. to ban bullhooks, taking a huge stand against cruelty to circus elephants this week. Bullhooks are sharp prods that trainers flail against elephants to train them for the circus, among other cruel practices to tame the wild, endangered animals. Whenever an elephant is doing something he wouldn't do in the wild, a bullhook is likely the cause. | Shutterstock "The bullhook is a menacing weapon resembling a fireplace poker, with a sharp tip and hook at the end," Catherine Doyle, of Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), told The Dodo last year. "It is used to forcefully prod, hook and strike elephants in order to dominate and control them, and to make them perform on cue. Elephants in circuses live under the constant threat of the bullhook from the day they are separated from their mothers as calves until the end of their lives." Dodo Shows Wild Hearts Guy And Wild Shark Have Been Best Friends For Decades Nearly 60 U.S. jurisdictions have banned the bullhook, including major U.S. cities like Los Angeles, Oakland and Austin, to name a few. While California has tried to pass a statewide ban on the bullhook, it was vetoed in October. Shutterstock Elephants like Nosey, an elderly arthritic elephant who is rented out for fairs when not traveling with the Liebel Family Circus, also known as the Great American Family Circus, has known the bullhook for most of her life. And she's just one of too many. These bans have acted as a deterrent for circuses who want to use elephants coming to towns across the country. Even when circus elephants are performing, one can often see trainers near them, with a bullhook at the ready in case the elephant makes a wrong move. Bullhooks are used across the world to intimidate elephants who give rides and perform in circuses and zoos. | Shutterstock In a sweltering room during a recent visit to Toronto, Coco Rocha is perched on a chair, looking cool as a cucumber. The Canadian model and businesswoman has a reputation for keeping her head above the fray. Shes built a career on professionalism and a passion for high fashion never developing a diva persona, never snapped stumbling out of clubs and never dating the latest It celebrity. Shes a devout Jehovahs Witness with a strict no-nudity policy, a mom, a wife, a designer and a disarmingly down-to-earth supermodel. The Star caught up with Rocha, 27, in town for an Amope foot care products event, at Her Majestys Pleasure spa and cocktail bar in the fashion district. What was your reaction to hearing Toronto Fashion Week was cancelled? You know what? I dont see any problem with it because everyones going to continue doing what they do best. Change is always good. The fact that there isnt one base or a few people focusing on planning the dates and times, I think we can do without the secretary work. Models will continue to model, stylists will continue to style, designers will do their best. Do you see Toronto as an international fashion city? From day one of my career, I remember coming here and it was hard to work as a model on my own. (Now) you dont necessarily have to leave to go to New York. Models can actually stay here and make money, earn a living. The same goes for designers. Look at Greta Constantine theyre a well respected name, theyre known in Europe, they are known in America and theyre based here and they arent moving from here. I think yes, weve evolved into a great hub for design and for talent. How does your clothing line, Co+Co, which is now available at Hudsons Bay, align with who you are and what your brand is? You should look at me and be like, Yeah, I can wear that. I can afford that. Even in my social media, I was like, how can I show people that models are just like everyone else? My day, as weird as it is, I still go home in my pyjamas and watch the same shows as you. It showed people that I was real and that the industry was accepting. The same goes for my clothing line and my modelling agency, Nomad. All of it is about accepting and evolving. Some designers in the pret-a-porter world, theyve been designing the same way over the last 100 years, and thats fine, but I like to think of things changing. Moving on to parenting. Some high-profile people want to keep their kids out of the limelight but youve established a strong online presence for your daughter, Ioni. Why? Because I own the photos. Plain and simple. Theres no one out there trying to get some photo of my kid. It happened early on a paparazzi tried to snap a photo of her in her little stroller and he told me it was his right. So I thought, my right as a mother is that Ill show what I want you to see. And after that, youre not going to want more photos of our family because Ive already given you enough. I totally understand friends who dont want to do that. Totally get it. I always say theres not one right way of parenting. For me personally I saw this as, I want to show my baby photos. Im obsessed like every other mom about their baby. Youve previously said you believe it would be a lot harder to make it as a model today because todays models have already established themselves with an online presence. Is that good or bad for the industry? Neither. Thats what the industry is now. When I started, it was the backlash against the supermodels. The supermodels were everything to the industry and all of a sudden the industry realized that thats not really good because the clothing is not first, its the models. So they changed that. When I came, it was the time where models were just models, and that was good too. But now weve evolved again. So no, theres no problem that some of these girls our Gigis and our Kendalls and our Bellas had a presence before. And dont think its easy for them. These girls work hard and have their own businesses, their own brand. What is it to be a model in 2016? Its not just a pretty face anymore. Its not just because you have cool eyebrows. Its because you have something to offer, youre thinking of business opportunities. Whats the weirdest photo shoot youve ever done? Um, Ive done shoots with snakes, elephants, camels. Ive had snakes all over my face. If you tell me the snake is not going to kill me, were good. This interview has been edited and condensed. SHARE: OTTAWAWith a military victory over Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, in sight, Canada and its allies are turning their attention to what comes next keeping Iraq together and stopping the spread of terror. Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion and Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan were in Washington on Wednesday, where they and representatives from dozens of other countries heard that the fight against Daesh was going better than expected. A second day of meetings is scheduled for Thursday. U.S. officials said the militant groups forces had squeezed into the Iraqi city of Mosul and its Syrian stronghold, Raqqa. Preparations are currently underway to liberate Mosul, and while the effort isnt expected to be easy, success would eliminate the last real vestige of Daesh presence in Iraq. Sajjan, who said Canada will deploy up to 60 military personnel to a hospital in northern Iraq, wouldnt say how long he expects the fighting to last. But he did describe the pending battles for Mosul and Raqqa as the final push in the military campaign. We also need to keep in mind that even though Daesh will be defeated in that region, we want to make sure that the next step is also looked at, he said. That we look at the political situation. That we have political stability. Religious and ethnic divisions are not new to Iraq, but they did contribute to Daeshs rise as many Sunni Muslims grew angry at how the Shia-dominated government in Baghdad was treating them. Growing Kurdish aspirations for independence in the north have only made matters worse. As we look at defeating Daesh right now, Sajjan said, we need to make sure the political stability is there so that we can help Iraq build a positive future so that a problem like this is not created again. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry emphasized the same message following a meeting in which the international community pledged more than $2 billion in immediate aid and long-term assistance for Iraq. Canada promised up to $200 million in loans through the World Bank for economic reforms. Coming together as we are here is really an effort to support the aspirations and the hopes of the Iraqi people and, unequivocally, to also address the security concerns in each and every one of our countries, Kerry said. If we do not succeed in Iraq, none of our countries will be safer. Yet underscoring the divisions in Iraq, a top Kurdish official complained Wednesday on Twitter about the travesty of Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq not being invited to the anti-Daesh meeting despite its role in fighting the militant group. The other challenge is halting the spread of terrorism and radical ideology. Speaking to The Canadian Press, Dion said wiping out Daeshs so-called caliphate will help eliminate much of the groups legitimacy and drawing power. But you have what we may call an ideology for people who think they will go to heaven if they kill people who dont share their beliefs, he said. And this ideology is something we need to fight, with different tools though. Dion emphasized improved intelligence and police services, as well as deradicalization efforts as key for fighting back against what he described as an ideology that is conquering minds. Read more about: SHARE: VANCOUVERBritish Columbias government is reversing its position and aligning itself with the majority of Canada to enhance protection for the rights of transgender people just days before Vancouvers annual Pride parade. The government will introduce amendments under the B.C. Human Rights Code next week to include gender identity and gender expression among the protected ground its covers, Attorney General Suzanne Anton said Wednesday. Opposition New Democrat Spencer Chandra Herbert had introduced the changes in private member bills four times since 2011, but the Liberal government has repeatedly refused to support the legislation. Its been a long road but were getting there, Chandra Herbert said at a joint news conference with Anton. We will finally see explicit protections ... and join with most of Canada in ensuring that transgender people know that their rights are protected in law, in name and right there on the paper. If passed, B.C. will join seven provinces and one territory that have already changed their regulations. The federal Liberals also unveiled a plan in May to outlaw transgender hate speech and discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act and in the Criminal Code. The changes in B.C. will mean a landlord may not refuse tenancy and an employer may not fire someone because a person is transgender, for example. Morgane Oger, chair of the Trans Alliance Society, said she is encouraged by the proposed changes, but sad they come more than a decade after similar recommendations by the B.C. Human Rights Commission. The society mounted a two-year effort to persuade politicians, socially conservative churches and businesses to lend support, said Oger. I do understand that sometimes government needs to be prodded, she said. We needed to show government that society really is actually behind us. Oger said the changes will ensure children are educated about transgender rights because the code is taught in schools. The government had said that all individuals were equal under the law, so no changes were required, but Anton said she has decided to act after many meetings with people from the LGBTQ community. Transgender persons are protected now. They have not all known that, Anton said. That is the importance of putting it plain and simple into the human rights code. It is a relatively simple change. Premier Christy Clark was excluded from the parade last year after the Vancouver Pride Society required all participants sign a pledge supporting transgender equality legislation. Anton said she will take part in Vancouvers parade on July 31, but a government spokesman said the premier will be out of the province. Clark will take part in Kelownas Pride celebrations in August. Alan Jernigan, president of the Vancouver Pride Society, said parade organizers launched the campaign last year excluding people who werent supportive to achieve exactly this outcome. This has been a result of pressure and work done by many, many activists in many organizations, he added. Vancouver trans activist Marie Little said the changes will have real impact if passed. Shes heard many stories of transgender people being thrown out of their homes or having their clothes cut up, and the proposed amendments could take away some of their hardship. Its obviously about time. Read more about: SHARE: WHITEHORSEThe rhetoric of reconciliation comes easily. Calls for an indigenous inquiry sound simple. But after long demanding action, some provinces are now demanding further consultations. And reassurances they wont have to pay the bills. As Canadas premiers gathered in the land of the midnight sun for their annual summit with the nations indigenous leaders Wednesday, it perhaps dawned on them that words will get us only so far. Dialogue is a starting point, but not the end point. Economic development remains a missing piece of the puzzle. Beyond the dialogue of reconciliation, there needs to be frank discussions and full engagement about working together to break down economic barriers, argued this years summit host, Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski. Yukons appeal for economic progress versus process alone comes against a backdrop of continued delays in the launching of a national inquiry on murdered and missing indigenous women and girls. The Assembly of First Nations complained this month of continued delays in delivering on promised public hearings by the new federal Liberal government. At previous summits, the premiers chorused their condemnations of former prime minister Stephen Harpers Conservatives for resisting a national inquiry. Again at this weeks meeting, they urged Ottawa on. But the inquiry is bogged down by demands from Manitoba for more representation, and concerns from B.C. about the mandate. Moreover, Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett felt the need to reassure skittish provinces that Ottawa does not expect them to defray the inquirys expenses. Bennett said there was some misunderstanding. The confusion suggested a lack of communication not only between indigenous and non-indigenous, but among elected politicians. Political talk can be cheap, but national hearings are a sensitive matter, and the stakes are high. Done properly, economic development can also impose high costs, or pay dividends. Laying the groundwork for development requires no less dialogue than reconciliation to get it right. That means finding a balance between environmental mitigation, consultation, and construction, Yukons pro-development premier said during a day of debate between his fellow premiers and the top leaders of Canadas indigenous groups. Business interests need to engage local First Nations right off the bat, he added, stressing that full-on engagement is a prerequisite to the environmental regulatory process. Indigenous leaders added their own admonitions for economic success: Not just consultations, but consent and proper revenue-sharing. Before you build anything, build a respectful relationship with indigenous peoples, declared Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde, repeating the admonition several times for emphasis. Engagement is a prerequisite, part of the duty to consult that provincial governments should embed in legislation governing development over indigenous areas to ensure indigenous groups have a share of procurement and employment. I put the challenge to the premiers, Bellegarde said. Dwight Dorey, chief of the Indigenous Peoples Assembly of Canada, added that revenue-sharing from resource development will always be a key part of any consultations and negotiations: There are various ways of skinning a moose. Yukons premier added his own caution that, despite best efforts to smooth the way, there will be obstacles, including court challenges from some First Nations in the northern territory. Sometimes as you are cutting the trail, sometimes you encounter thorns along the way. But litigation is still better than confrontation. And at the end of the day, the indigenous leaders, like the premiers, agreed to continue talking about a national inquiry, and a national development strategy. That counts as progress. Martin Regg Cohns political column appears Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. mcohn@thestar.ca , Twitter: @reggcohn SHARE: WHITEHORSEPrime Minister Justin Trudeau hoped to crash the annual premiers conference but was unable to do so because the deal enhancing the Canada Pension Plan has not been finalized, sources told the Star. In a dramatic break from tradition, Trudeau wanted to swoop into the Council of the Federation meeting his first since being elected last October to sign the accord bolstering the national pension scheme. Provincial and territorial officials said plans for a splashy photo op with the prime minister and the premiers were derailed because British Columbia will not finish its public consultations on the CPP until later next month. That means the accord will not be ratified this summer though there is little danger of it being scuttled before federal legislation expected in the fall. The premiers gather each summer in a different province this years summit is the first to be held in a territory and no prime minister has ever attended a COF meeting. Over the past decade under former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper, the annual sessions often descended into Ottawa-bashing with premiers from across the country using it as a forum for airing their various federal grievances. Premier Kathleen Wynne, who proposed the complementary Ontario Retirement Pension Plan in 2014 after Harper refused to improve the CPP, led the charge in thundering against the federal government of the day. But with Trudeaus Liberals winning power, Wynne said we have a federal government that is interested in engaging us. Indeed, four weeks ago, federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau and the provincial and territorial treasurers achieved a provisional agreement to enrich CPP with premiums for employees and employers beginning to rise in 2019. That surprise move allowed Wynne to abandon her controversial retirement benefits scheme that would have impacted every employee and employer without a workplace pension plan starting in 2018. CPP payouts, which currently max out at $13,110 a year, will rise to $17,478 under the revamp, which is not quite as lucrative for contributors as the ORPP would have been. While the draft deal was supposed to have been formally endorsed by the provinces excluding Quebec, which has a separate pension plan by last Friday, B.C. Premier Christy Clarks consultations will not be completed until late August. Clark, who supports boosting CPP, is facing an election next spring and wanted more time to sell British Columbians on the enhancement. We want to make sure that small business and the public . . . know what the changes are (and) whats been proposed, she said in an interview Wednesday. Theres been a real mixed message out there. Some people think its going to be extremely expensive, some people think its going to be quite modest. My view is its going to quite modest, Clark said. We signed onto the agreement in principle because it was our finance minister (Mike de Jong) who took the lead in ensuring that we ended up with a much more modest proposal. In all likelihood were going to get there, but its important to take the time to include the public in these things. Cameron Ahmad, Trudeaus press secretary, said the prime minister was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts this week. But I would highlight the strong emphasis placed strengthening bilateral relationships with all the provinces and territories both by the prime minister personally, and by the entire government, said Ahmad. Last month fulfilling a key promise to Canadian the federal government reached a historic agreement with the provinces to enhance and strengthen the Canada Pension Plan for future generations, and ensure a dignified, secure retirement that Canadians expect and deserve, he said. We believe that Canada works best when its governments come together to achieve progress for everyone. While they were denied an audience with Trudeau at least until a first ministers meeting expected in Ottawa this fall the premiers met Wednesday with indigenous leaders. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde said theres no need to wait until the upcoming public inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls to act on preventing violence. Governments can make investments to end violence amongst our people . . . and deal with investments in housing, in education, in training, in daycare, in shelter, in detox centres, and wellness centres. We all have a role to play as indigenous governments as well to make sure that men are healthy, said Bellegarde. Native Womens Association of Canada President Dawn Lavell-Harvard said indigenous peoples are not looking for a handout were looking for a hand up. Were looking for an opportunity to provide for ourselves, for an opportunity for our people to not just survive on a day-to-day basis, but to actually thrive because we have the economic development opportunities, we have the education and development opportunities, said Lavell-Harvard. SHARE: WHITEHORSECanadas premiers are signalling they need swift action from Ottawa on recreational marijuana legalization to keep cannabis away from kids, motorists and criminals. With a federal panel set to deliver a report this November that will be the blueprint for legislation next spring, the provincial leaders say time is of the essence. Theres real concerns, theres concerns on so many levels, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister said Thursday at the annual Council of the Federation meeting. I would hope that we can develop a national approach, a co-operative approach, rather than each of us going in our own separate ways. There are issues in terms of public health, there are issues in terms of public safety, there are issues in terms of determination of distribution mechanisms and things like that. All of these issues have to be discussed and have been made an important priority by the federal governments commitment to move. British Columbia Premier Christy Clark said Canada is in a troubling limbo period as the provinces and territories await Ottawas next moves. Young people should not have access to marijuana before theyre of age. People should know if theyre consumers of it that the product that theyre getting is what they expect and the criminal element must be kept out, said Clark. Those are the three things Im most concerned about. We need to see the federal legislation. Then once we get through that we will build a system . . . that complies completely, but it will be focused on safety. Clark noted that in B.C. as in Toronto unlicensed storefront pot shops, which claim to sell medical marijuana to patients, are a cause for concern. These illegal dispensaries have become a real problem in Canada. Nobody wants one in their neighbourhood, nobody wants one next to their childs school, but theyre popping up everywhere, she said. Thats why Im glad the federal government wants to move quickly on it because the criminal element is filling that grey area. Weve got to move before they get bigger. While marijuana was not part of the formal agenda here at the annual conference of provincial and territorial leaders, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said she and her colleagues wanted to broach the subject. Wynne, who has 12 provincial departments working on Ontarios cannabis strategy, said its a key public policy change that political leaders must address. Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said his province has a concern around enforcement. We have a committee of ministers who are looking at those issues, looking at the experience in Colorado and I think its very important that were ready, said Wall. In our province, unfortunately, we have a high incidence of driving while impaired and so weve got to be very careful . . . as we move forward, he said. Well be sharing our information with other provinces. Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil said governments across Canada need to be on the same page as legalized marijuana is rolled out. Whats the impairment test? Those are important things in terms of road safety, said McNeil. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley conceded its obviously a very complicated matter. Both my health minister and my minister of justice are in the process of looking at the various options and coming up with a framework for decision-making, said Notley, adding, like other premiers, she will be co-operating with the federal task force led by former deputy prime minister Anne McLellan. Theres a lot of issues outstanding. We want to do it carefully and thoughtfully, she said. Prince Edward Island Premier Wade MacLauchlan said his province is still determining its marijuana policy. I will be directly involved because Im also minister of justice. Were following things very closely as they unfold. Well be looking for the most effective way to deal with it, said MacLauchlan. Read more about: SHARE: Alan Slobodsky, who guided the madcap mayoralty of Mel Lastman and then scores of real estate developments that helped shape Toronto, is being remembered as a bridge-builder. Ill never meet another like him. I was crying when I heard. Im crying now, Lastman, 83, said in an interview after Slobodsky, 54, died Monday following cancer treatment. He did the lobbying (for councillors votes) and everybody liked him not a bit like me, said a chuckling Lastman, Toronto mayor from 1998 to 2003. With Alan there were no threats or anything like that and we never lost a vote I cared about. Slobodsky trained in urban planning. Lastman hired him as an aide while mayor of pre-amalgation North York and then took him to the new megacity, eventually making him his chief of staff. According to the Star in 2000: Slobodsky would wear out a team of experienced torturers before he'd reveal where Mel gets his dry cleaning done, let alone anything of value. After a series of Lastman gaffes, including being photographed shaking the hands of visiting Hells Angels, the Stars Royson James wrote: Don't blame the boys in the mayor's office for the behaviour of the current occupant. They, or any replacement, are simply overmatched. The bond remained strong after Lastman retired and Slobodsky set up a successful practice as a development consultant and lobbyist. When Lastman was upset last year by news of Slobodskys pancreatic cancer, his ex-aide promised to call every evening with treatment updates and he did, until two days before he died. His wife called then instead. Steve Deveaux, chair of the Building Industry and Land Development Association, said Slobodsky was adept at forging truces between builders and neighbouring residents because he could see and understand both sides, rather than just advocate for his client. He was a bridge-builder between the development community and city hall, Deveaux said. He was always spot on to the task at hand, which was growing the city. Slobodsky also loaned his expertise, free of charge, to a residents group fighting a condo complex proposed for land around the Jaffari Centre mosque in Thornhill Woods. Rom Koubi of the Association to Preserve Thornhill Woods said Slobodsky, who lived north of the mosque, became a personal friend who remained upbeat and working until very recently. When Slobodsky received a counterproposal for the project that he considered more objectionable than the first proposal, he was jumping up and down until Koubi told him he had expected as much, or worse, based on Slobodskys expert guidance until that point. Alan stopped and said: You know what, I taught you well. Slobodsky is survived by his wife Rochelle and children Jonathan, Alyssa, and Tara. SHARE: WASHINGTON -- Political conventions are echo chambers designed to generate feelings of invincibility, sending forth the party faithful with a spring in their steps and hope in their hearts. Who would want to be a wet blanket at such moveable feasts? Steve Munisteri would. Although he calls himself "the eternal optimist," he respects reality, which nowadays is not conducive to conservatives' cheerfulness. He served as chairman of the Texas Republican Party from 2010 to 2015 because he discerned "a seismic shift in demographics" that meant his state could "turn Democratic sooner than most people thought." The fact that Republicans have won every Texas statewide office since 1994 -- the longest such streak in the nation -- gives them, he says, "a false sense of security." In 2000, Republican candidates at the top of the ticket -- in statewide races -- averaged about 60 percent of the vote. By 2008, they averaged less than 53 percent. And Republican down-ballot winners averaged slightly over 51 percent. Texas is not wide open spaces filled with cattle and cotton fields. Actually, it is 84.7 percent urban, making it the 15th most urban state. It has four of the nation's 11 largest cities -- Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Austin. Texas' growth is in its cities, where Republicans are doing worst. Dallas has gone from solidly Republican to solidly Democratic. A recent poll showed Harris County (Houston), which is 69 percent minority, with a majority identifying as Democrats. The San Antonio metropolitan area is about three-quarters minority. Travis County (Austin, seat of the state government, the flagship state university and a burgeoning tech economy attracting young people) voted 60.1 percent for Barack Obama in 2012. In the 2014 gubernatorial election, Hispanics were 25 percent of Texas' registered voters but only 19 percent of turnout. Two years later, Hispanics are 29 percent of registered voters. The "blue wall" -- the 18 states and the District of Columbia that have voted Democratic in at least six consecutive presidential elections -- today has 242 electoral votes. Texas, which is not a brick in this wall, has 38 electoral votes. After the 2020 census, it probably will have 40, perhaps 41. Were Texas to become another blue brick, the wall -- even if the 2020 census subtracts a few electoral votes from the current 18 states -- would have more than the 270 votes needed to elect a president. Since 1994, when it passed New York (which has now sunk below Florida to fourth place), Texas has been the nation's second most populous state. Munisteri notes that it is the Republican Party's only large "anchor state." The Democratic Party has two -- California and New York, with a combined 84 electoral votes. Or three, if you count Illinois (20 electoral votes), which in the last four presidential elections has voted Democratic by an average of slightly more than 16 points. Munisteri's conservative credentials are unassailable. He was a precociously conservative teenager -- a member of Young Americans for Freedom in high school in 1976 -- when Ronald Reagan was trying to wrest the Republican nomination from President Gerald Ford. Munisteri, now working with the Republican National Committee, became a Reagan volunteer and had an exhilarating experience: Reagan, having lost eight of the first nine primaries, revived his candidacy by winning all of Texas' 100 convention delegates. Munisteri's politically formative years were the conservative movement's salad days -- the late 1970s, and 1980s, when many conservatives acquired a serene certainty that this is and always will be a center-right country. Munisteri, however, is "a numbers guy," so serenity is illusive. He notes that beginning with Franklin Roosevelt's first victory in 1932, Democrats won seven of nine presidential elections, and if they had succeeded in their effort to enlist Dwight Eisenhower as a Democrat they probably would have won nine in a row. Trends can be reversed but until they are, Republicans risk protracted losing in a center-left country, which America now is, and in a purple Texas, which soon could be. Just weeks after Frances public prosecutor recommended two Paris police officers should face criminal charges for the alleged gang rape of a Toronto woman in 2014, a panel of French judges has ruled to dismiss the case, finding there is not sufficient evidence against the officers to merit a trial. I am shocked and outraged by the judges decision, Emily Spanton, the Canadian tourist who alleges she was raped by two officers inside Paris police headquarters, said Wednesday. Spanton, the 36-year-old daughter of a high-ranking Toronto police officer, came forward to share her story with the Star this week, after a two-year investigation into her allegations of gang rape. Following the prosecutions recommendation, the final step for Spantons case to proceed to trial was a stamp of approval from a panel of French investigating judges. Spantons lawyer, Sophie Obadia, recently told the Star the judges sign-off on the trial was highly likely given the prosecutions well-argued, precise argument. Reached at her Paris office Wednesday, Obadia was surprised and said she would appeal the judges decision immediately. This is not the end, Obadia said. Obadia called the judges decision incomplete, saying one of the major flaws was not giving enough weight to Canadian psychiatric reports concluding that Spantons account of the alleged rape was reliable, and that she was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the ordeal. Multiple French media outlets reported Wednesday that the public prosecutors office is also launching an appeal of the decision, a move that could send the matter to the French Court of Appeal. Sebastien Schapira, the lawyer of one of the two Paris officers, said in an email that his client would like to turn the page on this baseless process that has ruined his life. Due to the appeals by Spanton and the prosecution, however, the fight goes on. This is exhausting for him, but he has confidence in justice, Schapira said. The names of the officers alleged to have gang-raped Spanton cannot be published because of a provision in French law that prohibits the identification of police officers working in certain units. French media have reported the officers, ages 37 and 46, were from a prestigious anti-gang unit and were suspended after Spantons allegations prompted an investigation. Spantons allegations stem from April 23, 2014, when she was a tourist in France and was drinking alone at an Irish pub across the street from 36 Quai des Orfevres, the famed Paris police headquarters. A group of about 10 officers from the Paris police anti-gang brigade were also drinking inside the pub, and Spanton soon joined them. The group drank together, then a few officers and Spanton decided to go to the police headquarters across the street so Spanton could get a tour. A source close to the investigation said Spanton told investigators that, once inside, she was walked past two security checkpoints, given scotch inside someones office, then raped by at least two officers. She then ran away from the officers and flagged down a police officer inside the station and reported she had been raped. Schapira, the lawyer for one of the accused police officers, has previously told reporters his client claims he had consensual sex with the victim. The other officer involved denied having intercourse with Spanton, according to French media. Attempts to reach the lawyer for the other officer were not successful Wednesday. But Spanton told the Star she was exceedingly intoxicated on the night of the alleged assault and was in no state to give consent. According to a source close to the investigation, the prosecutors recommendation that the case go to trial came after a comprehensive probe led by a French investigative judge that found incriminating evidence against the officers, including an explicit text from one officer to another. Hurry up, she is a partouzeuse French slang referring to a woman who has sex with multiple partners at one time. According to French newspaper Le Figaro, the text message was deleted on the senders cell but found on the recipients phone. Last September, more than 100 officers and staff at the Paris police headquarters were asked to give DNA samples to aid in the investigation. French newspapers reported at the time that three DNA traces were found on Spantons underwear, two belonging to officers who are now under investigation and a third that had not been identified. French media have since reported the third DNA sample has still not been identified. Spanton was required to undergo psychological reviews during the probe, and French media have reported the results were contradictory. One report found Spanton was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder but had given a dependable description of the facts. Another stated she has a tendency to overdramatize and that, because of her personality and level of alcohol, the psychologist had strong reservations about relying only on her testimony. By email Wednesday, Spanton said she trusts her lawyers to continue to fight for justice for me. I have full faith that their appeal will correct this miscarriage of justice, she said. Wendy Gillis can be reached at wgillis@thestar.ca Read more about: SHARE: York University student Mustafa Ururyar has been found guilty of sexually assaulting his fellow PhD student, Mandi Gray. In a scathing verdict Thursday, Ontario Court Justice Marvin Zuker said it was without doubt that Ururyar raped Gray on the wintry night of Jan. 31, 2015, after the two returned to his apartment. They had been casually hooking up for two weeks, and were out at a bar with mutual friends that night. Zuker said he found Ururyars story that it had been consensual makeup sex a fabrication. Rape it was, he said, not confusion, not uncertainty. Ururyar, a political science PhD student, looked stunned when the verdict was read. Grays friends and supporters many of whom have been through sexual assault trials of their own held hands and cried. The case, which began the same day as the Jian Ghomeshi trial back in February, turned on the tricky issue of consent. There were no witnesses. Ururyars lawyer, Lisa Bristow, had argued that Gray had gone to police a couple days after he split up with her out of fury as well as to propel herself into the limelight as a champion of sexual assault victims. Unlike most complainants, Gray waived the publication ban on her name and appeared at court for every day in the drawn-out case. For the verdict, however, she chose to stay home. Near the end of his two-hour-and-15-minute ruling, Zuker said it was time to dispel rape myths once and for all. No other crime is looked upon with the degree of blame-worthiness, suspicion and doubt as rape, Zuker said in his ruling. It does not matter if the victim was drinking, he said, or out at night alone, on a date or how the victim was dressed. No one asks to be raped. The blame lies with the perpetrator. Rape is an act of violence and aggression to which the perpetrator uses sex as a weapon to gain power and control over the victim. Grays supporters said the verdict had restored their faith in the criminal justice system. It could not have been any more different than the verdict in my case. It was incredibly validating, said Stephanie Stella, who was a witness in a sexual assault case this past spring. I felt finally, someone gets me. Crown attorney Jennifer Lofft asked that Ururyar, as a convicted rapist, have his bail revoked. Zuker said he will decide that Monday, but sentencing wont be until Oct. 24. Lofft is asking for a medium to maximum penalty of 12 to 18 months in jail, and Bristow is hoping for no jail time. SHARE: Hundreds of police officers, politicians and members of the public gathered at Queens Park Wednesday night to pay tribute to officers recently gunned down in U.S. cities like Dallas and Baton Rouge. These are troubled times in policing, Toronto Police Association president Mike McCormack told the crowd assembled at the Ontario Police Memorial. Thank you for making the effort of coming here and sharing this moment with us. Mayor John Tory spoke of the dedication he sees displayed by officers in serving the public. He noted the city still struggles with equity and divided communities and that there are issues of trust that need to be fixed. He also expressed concern about the recent slayings of officers in the United States. The events we are seeing across the border are concerning, theyre beyond imagination, Tory said. OPP president Rob Jamieson said officers here have been rattled by the U.S. killings. These senseless murders have had a profound impact on police and the communities they serve, Jamieson said in a statement. This vigil gives us the opportunity to band together in a show of support and respect for police personnel, at home and abroad. Toronto police chief Mark Saunders, noting the important role police play in keeping communities safe, dismissed criticisms that have been levelled against police recently. All police are not murderers, all police are not racists, Saunders said, leaning into the podium in front of the memorial. Im hoping for a day that everyone who feels disenfranchised with police comes to the table to have a meaningful talk. Tensions between Black Lives Matter Toronto and police have been high since earlier this year when the activist group held a week-long sit-in outside of police headquarters on College St. SHARE: When Wendy Cukier first challenged her colleagues and students at Ryerson University a year ago to step up and help sponsor Syrian refugees to Canada, her goal was modest: forming 10 sponsorship teams to bring in 10 families. Little did the Ryerson vice-president of research and innovation expect the challenge would get so much traction, not just from her local community but also from OCAD University, the University of Toronto, York University, and communities across Canada. This week, on the first anniversary of the Ryerson University Lifeline Syria Challenge, Cukier, the projects founder, announced the final tallies: $4.5 million raised, 102 teams formed, 150 families sponsored, 23 families or 125 people arrived and 1,000 volunteers recruited. Its really tremendously inspiring to see the work of the community. This is incredibly exciting, said Cukier, who will be leaving Ryerson to be president and vice-chancellor of Brock University in September. Cukiers challenge was in response to the call by Lifeline Syria, a citizens group that modeled on the success of Operation Lifeline, an effort by civilian Canadians that settled 60,000 Indochinese boat people to Canada in the late 1970s. While the Ryerson challenge started slowly, it quickly gained momentum in September when the image of 3-year-old Alan Kurdi lying dead on a beach in Turkey went viral prompting Canadians to respond in droves to the Syrian refugee crisis. Over a short period of time, the number of challenge teams doubled and the three other Toronto universities also joined in. With alumni and personal connections, the project spread to other parts of Ontario such as Prince Edward County and across Canada to such places as Cape Breton Island and Winnipeg. The lesson is, you know you have the untapped capacity to give and the enthusiasm and energy of our young people as a way to solve big problems we face, said Cukier. This innovative model can be replicated in other countries and used for refugees from other countries and it should. Hamzeh Mourad and his family were sponsored from Jordan by Team East End Cares, led by Ashley McCall and husband Chris Monahan both civil servants as well as friends and relatives. The family arrived in Toronto on Dec. 21. Mourads son, Feras, 4, had been diagnosed with leukemia and is recovering after his sister, Hoda, 6, donated her bone marrow. This has been a really rewarding experience, in a very tangible way. Its a wonderful way to help make a difference, said McCall, whose group raised $43,000 to sponsor the family. We have gotten to know the family well. They have become a significant part of our lives. Its very fulfilling. Although McCall and her team had to count on Google Translate to communicate with the family, the newcomers are adjusting well: the kids are in school, both Mourad and his wife, Ghader Bsmar, are enrolled in English classes, with the former working part-time at a local grocery store. There are no barriers. We are like family, Mourad, 33, a native from Homs, said of the new family ties he has formed with his sponsors. Everyday we love Canada more. SHARE: The new contract reached by the Ontario Medical Association and the province last week is a complete surrender that will lead to longer waits for health care, a group of dissident doctors said Thursday. The Coalition of Ontario Doctors is urging fellow physicians to vote against the deal and wants a contract settled by binding arbitration. Our patients need us to stand up for them, said Dr. David Jacobs, a Toronto radiologist. I consider this to be a complete surrender, he said of the tentative four-year deal inked after months of protests and recriminations between the OMA and the Liberal government. It included a small annual increase to the physician services budget to account for population growth and an aging society, but the coalitions Dr. Kulvinder Gill warned it isnt enough to keep pace with a silver tsunami of baby boomers entering their senior years. The deal is cuts disguised as an increase, she added. We are deeply concerned the OMA is rushing a vote. The coalition accused the OMA of secretly reaching the deal and of urging doctors to approve it to avoid the government imposition of deeper cuts, ignoring a directive from association members to seek binding arbitration. One physician compared the tentative agreement to a 1994 deal between the OMA and the NDP government of then-premier Bob Rae that imposed caps on doctor billings and prompted some specialists to stop working when they reached those limits. The problem was that didnt stop people from getting sick, said Dr. Sohail Gandi, a family physician in Stayner, Ont. This agreement parallels 1994. On Friday, the coalition is planning a protest march from the health ministry offices at Queens Park to the OMA office a few blocks north. Health Minister Eric Hoskins has refused to discuss details of the deal, saying it will be made public if its ratified by the OMA on Aug. 6. But the physician services budget will increase slightly above the current $11.6 billion a year currently earmarked for paying doctors. As part of efforts to contain costs as the government seeks to balance its budget by 2018, the cash-strapped government last year unilaterally reduced fees paid to doctors by 6.9 per cent, the OMA has estimated. Those cuts remain in place but association president Dr. Virginia Walley said Thursday that the tentative deal is the best doctors can hope for while the OMA goes through the court system in a bid to win binding arbitration for contracts. She said the accusation from the coalition that the OMA has ignored demands from its members for binding arbitration is a misrepresentation. We have a tentative agreement that, hopefully, will be a bridge until the challenge goes through the court system. This will give us four years of stability, she added, acknowledging warts in the deal. The OMA is now explaining the deal to doctors in sessions around the province and sending daily emails to them highlighting different aspects. Doctors will vote from July 27 to August 3 with the OMAs council taking the results under advisement and making a final decision on August 6. The coalition said its worried the association might override a no vote. SHARE: BATON ROUGE, LA.The man who ambushed and killed three law enforcement officers in Louisiana purportedly described his actions as a necessary evil in a self-described, handwritten manifesto that an Ohio man says was emailed to him by the gunman less than an hour before the shootings. Photographs of the three-page letter show it was signed by Cosmo, the first name of an alias used by Baton Rouge gunman Gavin Long, and the pictures were attached to an email sent from a Google address that Long used. In the letter, Long said he expected people who knew him wouldnt believe he would commit such horrendous acts of violence. He wrote that he viewed his actions as necessary to create substantial change within Americas police force. The Associated Press obtained the photographs of the letter Wednesday from Yarima Karama, a Columbus, Ohio, musician who said he didnt know Long personally but received several emails from him after Long began commenting on Karamas YouTube videos in March. The AP was not able to conclusively verify Long sent the photos himself from his Google account. Metadata reviewed from the three photos indicates they were snapped shortly before 8 a.m. on the day of the shooting using a Motorola Android cellphone, but both photos and time stamps can be modified. The photographs appear to have been taken from inside a car because a gearshift and a cup holder are visible. Police have said officers first saw the shooter at a convenience store at 8:40 a.m. Sunday. Within two minutes, there were reports of shots fired. Police gunned down Long after he fatally shot three officers and wounded three others. It was his 29th birthday. The violence capped two weeks of turmoil for Baton Rouge that began with the killing of a black man, Alton Sterling, by white police officers after a scuffle at a convenience store. That shooting, captured on cellphone video, provoked widespread protests about police treatment of the black community. Karama said he provided a copy of the letter to FBI agents who interviewed him at his home Wednesday. Todd Lindgren, a spokesman for the FBI office in Cincinnati, said he could not respond to any questions about the case due to the Baton Rouge matter being an ongoing investigation, and the FBIs New Orleans office also declined to comment. Louisiana State Police Col. Mike Edmonson said law enforcement officers found an array of handwritten documents in Longs car and the hotel where he was staying, but that he did not know if the material included the letter Karama shared. It was all rants and raves, Edmonson said. In the self-described manifesto, which was started off with the words Peace Family, Long wrote about a concealed war between good cops and bad cops, and said he felt obligated to bring the same destruction that bad cops continue to inflict upon my people. Long, a black military veteran whose last known address was in Kansas City, Missouri, spent five years in the Marine Corps. He served one tour in Iraq before being honourably discharged. Before the Baton Rouge shootings, Long posted rambling internet videos calling for violent action in response to what he considered oppression. He did not specifically mention Baton Rouge or detail his plans for an attack in the letter. I know I will be vilified by the media & police, it read. I see my actions as a necessary evil that I do not wish to partake in, nor do I enjoy partaking in, but must partake in, in order to create substantial change within Americas police force, and judicial system. Karama read the letter in a video posted on YouTube. He declined to provide the AP with copies of the other emails he said he received from Long or with additional technical information about Sundays email that possibly could help the AP conclusively verify Long wrote the letter. Karama, who described himself as a hip-hop artist and community activist, said he provided other information about Longs emails to various news outlets. Im about building my own brand at this point, he said. Ive given the information to who I need to. SHARE: Brazilian researchers have found fresh evidence implicating a potential new culprit in the Zika epidemic: the southern house mosquito, which is 20 times more common than the primary Zika-carrying mosquito and ranges to the mid-latitudes of the United States. The announcement was made Thursday by the government-funded Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, where Brazilian researchers used RNA analysis to detect Zika in Culex quinquefasciatus, also known as the southern house mosquito. The mosquitoes were collected earlier this year in Recife, one of the cities hardest hit by Brazils Zika outbreak. Researchers looked at nearly 500 female Culex mosquitoes collected from Zika-affected households, which were sorted into 80 groups, of which three had Zika-infected insects. While many scientists have dismissed the possibility that Culex mosquitoes could spread Zika, Oswaldo Cruz researchers conducted experiments earlier this year that found Culex quinquefasciatus to be capable of transmitting Zika in a laboratory. This latest discovery adds compelling evidence that Culex quinquefasciatus could spread the virus, said Walter Leal, a chemical ecologist with the University of California-Davis who is collaborating with the Brazilian researchers. The president of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation did caution Thursday that more work is needed to determine what role if any Culex mosquitoes are playing in the current epidemic, noting that another Brazilian researcher in Rio has so far failed to find Zika in around 750 Culex mosquitoes. These latest findings also havent been published yet, a fact that some researchers find puzzling. I would urge the scientists involved to publish their results in a reputable scientific journal as quickly as possible, to ensure robust scrutiny and provide more confidence in these potentially important findings, said entomologist Anthony Wilson with the U.K.s Pirbright Institute, who was not involved with the work. But Leal says this new discovery is just the latest eye opening surprise in the Zika story and has the potential to complicate efforts to stop the epidemic. It looks like there were more vectors than we thought, and this is one of them, said Leal, who spoke to the Star from Recife. We dont have to panic, but we have to know. And now that we know, we have to take care of the Culex. Since 2015, the Zika virus has spread to 48 new countries and territories, primarily in Latin America and the Caribbean. Once considered a mild disease, Zika is now known to cause serious neurological disorders and birth defects, including microcephaly, a condition associated with small heads and development delays. Public health officials consider the Aedes aegypti mosquito to be the primary culprit in spreading Zika, although there is evidence that another closely-related species, the Aedes albopictus, can also transmit the virus. The possible involvement of Culex mosquitoes, however, would greatly complicate efforts to stop the epidemic, which have so far focused almost exclusively on the Aedes aegypti. While the Aedes aegypti bites during the day, breeds in clean water, and prefers urban environments, the Culex quinquefasciatus is a night-biter that thrives in dirty water and rural environments. Culex mosquitoes can also range much further north than Aedes, according to Grayson Brown, a public health entomologist with University of Kentucky, who was not involved with the research. (Culex quinquefasciatus) is very common in the southeastern United States, he said. These mosquitoes are also up in the trees, whereas the Aedes mosquito is down in the bushes during the day. So control measures that are targeted against Aedes arent going to effect the Culex and vice versa. Culex species are common in Canada, though the Culex quinquefasciatus has never been detected here, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. Culex quinquefasciatus is closely related to the Culex pipiens, however, or the northern house mosquito, which can spread West Nile. Brown said many people consider the two Culex mosquitoes part of the same subspecies, however, and theres no pathogen thats transmitted by just one and not by the other. Culex is a harder mosquito to control (than the Aedes). West Nile, once it got here, it went across the continent in three years, he said. Researchers from Wisconsin recently tried to infect Culex pipiens with Zika virus, however, and found that none were capable of transmitting the virus. Read more about: SHARE: KANSAS CITY, KAN. A 20-year-old man was charged Thursday with capital murder in the death of a Kansas City, Kansas, police officer who was fatally shot while investigating a drive-by shooting, Wyandotte County District Attorney Jerome Gorman said. The prosecutor said Jamaal Lewis faces the murder charge in the death Tuesday of 46-year-old police Capt. Robert Melton. Lewis also faces charges of aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a weapon from an incident prior to the shooting of Melton. A second man, 18-year-old Daqon Sipple, has been charged with aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and criminal discharge of a weapon. Its unclear if Lewis and Sipple have lawyers yet. Both have been in custody since Tuesday. Police Chief Terry Zeigler said Wednesday that authorities were not seeking additional suspects, but that the investigation remained ongoing. Zeigler also said Meltons death didnt appear to be a planned ambush, but that it appeared he was shot by someone trying to elude authorities. Melton was by himself searching for a suspect in a drive-by shooting when he drove up to a person who matched a possible suspects description. Before he could get out of his vehicle, he was shot several times through his passenger-side window. Melton was a 17-year veteran of the department. He had also served in the Kansas Army National Guard and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan before he retired in 2012, according to the guard. Meltons death is the second fatal shooting of a Kansas City, Kansas, police officer this year. On May 9, detective Brad Lancaster was fatally shot near the Kansas Speedway the first shooting in the department in 19 years. Curtis Ayers, of Tonganoxie, is charged with capital murder in Lancasters death. Ayers is accused of shooting Lancaster in Kansas City, Kansas, and then fleeing in a car to Missouri, where police shot and wounded him. SHARE: MIAMIA black therapist who was trying to calm an autistic man in the middle of the street says he was shot by police even though he had his hands in the air and repeatedly told them that no one was armed. The moments before the shooting were recorded on cellphone video and show Charles Kinsey lying on the ground with his arms raised, talking to his patient and police throughout the standoff with officers, who appeared to have them surrounded. As long as Ive got my hands up, theyre not going to shoot me. This is what Im thinking. Theyre not going to shoot me, he told WSVN-TV from his hospital bed, where he was recovering from a gunshot wound to his leg. Wow, was I wrong. The shooting comes amid weeks of violence involving police. Five officers were killed in Dallas two weeks ago and three law enforcement officers were gunned down Sunday in Baton Rouge, La. Before those shootings, a black man, Alton Sterling, 37, was fatally shot during a scuffle with two white officers at a convenience store. In Minnesota, 32-year-old Philando Castile, who was also black, was shot to death during a traffic stop. Cellphone videos captured Sterlings killing and aftermath of Castiles shooting, prompting nationwide protests over the treatment of blacks by police. At a news conference Thursday, North Miami Police Chief Gary Eugene said the investigation had been turned over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the local state attorney. He called it a very sensitive matter and promised a transparent investigation, but he refused to identify the officer or answer reporters questions. Eugene, a Haitian-American with 30 years of South Florida police experience, just became chief last week. I realize there are many questions about what happened on Monday night. You have questions, the community has questions, we as a city, we as a member of this police department and I also have questions, he said. I assure you we will get all the answers. The chief said officers responded after getting a 911 call about a man with a gun threatening to kill himself, and the officers arrived with that threat in mind but no gun was recovered. The video does not show the moment of the shooting. Kinseys attorney, Hilton Napoleon II, said there was about a two-minute gap in which the person who shot the video had switched off, thinking nothing more noteworthy would happen. It then briefly shows the aftermath of the shooting. He would not say who gave him the video. Kinsey, 47, said he was trying to coax his 27-year-old patient back to a nearby facility that he had wandered from. Police ordered Kinsey and the patient, who was sitting in the street playing with a toy truck, to lie on the ground. Lay down on your stomach, Kinsey says to his patient in the video, which was shot from about nine metres away and provided to the Miami Herald. Shut up! responds the patient, who is sitting cross-legged in the road. Kinsey said he was more worried about his patient than himself. Im telling them again, Sir, there is no need for firearms. Im unarmed, hes an autistic guy. He got a toy truck in his hand, Kinsey said. An officer later fired three times, striking Kinsey in the leg, assistant police chief Neal Cuevas told the newspaper. After the shooting, Kinsey said he asked an officer why he was shot and the officer said I dont know. Napoleon said officers handcuffed Kinsey and left him lying in the street on his stomach for 20 minutes without rendering first aid. North Miami has a population of about 62,000 people, nearly 60 per cent African-American. The shooting took place in a racially mixed, lower-income area of the city. Witnesses told The Associated Press on Thursday that at least four North Miami officers aimed rifles at Kinsey and the autistic man. Two can be seen in the video, peering from behind utility poles about 75 feet away. The other two, witnesses said, were on the opposite side of Kinsey, off camera, standing behind a car in an apartment parking lot, about 150 away. Thomas Matthews, 73, said he watched the lead up to the shooting through binoculars. He said he tried to tell an officer that the autistic man had a toy truck but she told him to get back. If she would have told the other officers, maybe they wouldnt have shot, said Matthews, an African-American. He ran a North Miami flower shop before retiring and has lived in the area for years. He said he has never had a problem with North Miami police. But I guess with all the shootings that are going on, they are nervous and shook up, Matthews said. Nancy Abudu, the American Civil Liberties Unions legal director in Florida, said her group hasnt received any brutality complaint about the North Miami police or about any questionable shootings before this weeks. Napoleon, Kinseys attorney, said he is already talking to North Miami city officials about a monetary settlement for his client, who is married with five children. City officials did not return a phone call seeking confirmation. Attorney General Loretta Lynch told reporters the Justice Department is aware of the shooting and working with local law enforcement to gather all of the facts and to decide how to proceed. U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, who represents the area, said she was in shock. From what I saw, he was lying on the ground with his hands up. Freezing. But he was still shot, said Wilson, a Democrat. This is not typical of North Miami, she said. Were not accustomed to this tension . . . This cannot happen again. SHARE: CANBERRA, AUSTRALIAThe oceanographer whose calculations helped an American adventurer find potential debris from Flight 370 said Thursday that the Malaysia Airlines jetliner could have crashed slightly north of the current search area. Adventurer Blaine Gibson handed Malaysian authorities in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday three pieces of debris and personal belongings that he found on Madagascar beaches in June, which he suspects came from the Boeing 777 that vanished with 239 people on board during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014. Western Australia University oceanographer Charitha Pattiaratchi said the same drift modelling that Gibson relied on led his team of oceanographers to suspect that the airliner could have gone down just north of the search area in the southern Indian Ocean. The best guess that we think is that its probably around the Broken Ridge region, which is slightly to the north of the area that theyre looking at, Pattiaratchi said. But he could not eliminate the possibility that the aircraft had indeed crashed within the 120,000 square kilometres of seabed currently being searched southwest of Australia. Despite the drift modelling and other predictions officials have made about the planes possible flight path, no one knows what happened to the aircraft or precisely where it crashed in what has become one of aviations biggest mysteries. Officials from Malaysia, China and Australia will meet in Kuala Lumpur on Friday to discuss the future of the underwater search, with fewer than 10,000 square kilometres remaining to be scanned by ships towing sonar equipment. The search of the seabed has not yielded a single clue. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau, which has conducted the seabed search on Malaysias behalf for almost two years, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Pattriaratchis views. Drift modelling was not used to define the search area because no parts of Flight 370 had been found before a wing flap washed up on La Reunion island off the African coast a year ago. The search area was determined by analysis of satellite signals that the plane emitted in its final hours. But the ATSB has previously said that wreckage found far away on the southwestern shores of the Indian Ocean was consistent with the plane crashing in the expansive search area. Pattiaratchis modelling was based on how long the first piece of confirmed Flight 370 wreckage took to reach La Reunion, and his teams calculations of the effects of currents, wind and waves on drifting debris put the crash site just north of the current search area. Pattiaratchi said the results were not definitive. But families of victims are calling for the search to be shifted based on vague clues from debris already found if the seabed search turns up nothing. The ATSB, like Pattiaratchi, had identified Madagascar as a potential place for debris to wash up. Another six pieces of potential debris found there by Gibson are waiting with Madagascar authorities for Malaysia to collect. Pattiaratchi said he had told Gibson that Flight 370 debris was likely to concentrate on Madagascar. Pattiaratchis earlier advice had led Gibson to Mozambique where he found debris in February that experts later determined came from Flight 370. He rang me from the Maldives and said: Where should I go? Should I go to Rodrigues, Mauritius, Reunion, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa? Pattiaratchi said Thursday. I said: Your best bet is the northeast part of Madagascar, which is where he went. Five pieces of debris found in the southwestern Indian Ocean have been determined as almost certainly from Flight 370. Gibson gives credit to Pattiaratchi and Australian government oceanographer David Griffin for his finds, although only one has been confirmed as part of Flight 370. Griffins advice led Gibson to a second Madagascar island where he found the potential debris that he brought to Malaysia. Gibson said he had been told by Malaysian officials that costs were the reason that a Malaysian investigator had twice cancelled plans to fly to Madagascar to retrieve debris he had found. They tell me its a budgetary situation, he said. If youre spending hundreds of millions of dollars to search under water and finding nothing, and its only a plane ticket to pick up six pieces and some personal effects, you ought to just do it. Read more about: SHARE: While Melania Trump was speaking, I tweeted that she was giving a perfectly serviceable speech about someone who did not bear much resemblance to her husband. I was thinking of her description of him as a unifier governing in the best interests of all Americans, including Muslims, and her failure to tell a single story to illustrate his alleged virtues. But it turns out that I was more correct than I realized: Part of Mrs. Trump's speech was ripped off from one by Michelle Obama, and so the words she was using were originally written to describe Barack Obama. Trump is campaigning less on a platform than on his own managerial excellence. He will hire the best people and make the best deals, he tells us. Melania Trump's prime-time plagiarism undermines that story. It is another sign that he is not running a minimally competent campaign. Controversy over the plagiarism, and the Trump campaign's excuses for it and denials of it, have dominated coverage of the first stage of the Republican convention. That can't be what the Trump campaign wanted. But then it's a little hard to know what it wanted. Traditionally the role of a political party's convention is to unify it and excite it for the campaign to come. Campaign manager Paul Manafort chose, however, to attack the popular Republican governor of a must-win swing state on day one. He went after John Kasich for not endorsing Trump, saying that Kasich had embarrassed his state -- simultaneously drawing attention to and exacerbating the party's disunity. Party unity would also have been served by a different approach to anti-Trump delegates, although this screw-up may have been the fault of the Republican National Committee more than the Trump campaign. Those delegates were denied a roll-call vote on the convention's rules, and the process by which they were denied it was not transparent. The alternative would have been to allow a roll-call vote, which the anti-Trumpers would almost certainly have lost. Then some of the losers could be asked to tell reporters that they had been treated fairly but that most delegates were with Trump. Some of them would have played ball. But instead of doing any of that, the Republicans appeared to be operating from a playbook Manafort got from his dictator clients. A roll-call vote, it's true, would have impinged on the convention's schedule, maybe even going into prime time. It would have been no great loss. Last night had only one and a half good speeches. Rudy Giuliani, agree or disagree with his content, made an effective attack on Hillary Clinton. Mrs. Trump's speech, though pedestrian, would have been counted as a success, too, if its banalities had not been borrowed. This is a stunted convention. Many Republican politicians have found somewhere else to be. You might have thought that Trump could at least bring some celebrities to Cleveland; in fact even Mitt Romney's convention outdid him for star power. (Scott Baio is no Clint Eastwood.) The theme of the first day of the convention was supposed to be "making America safe again." It turned out instead to be political incompetence. CLEVELANDCrime out of control. Illegal immigrants running wild. Police under attack. A country in crisis, its international image in tatters, its law-abiding citizens neglected, ignored, and abandoned. Donald Trump accepted the Republican presidential nomination on Thursday with a dark, 77-minute address that painted a dystopian picture of a dangerous and damaged America whose very way of life is threatened by a growing lawlessness only he is equipped and willing to address. For the most important speech of his life, the mercurial businessman abandoned his trademark improvisation in favour of a scripted text far grimmer than any acceptance speech in modern American history markedly more pessimistic than even its obvious inspiration, the 1968 convention address delivered by Richard Nixon. Together, we will lead our party back to the White House, and we will lead our country back to safety, prosperity, and peace. We will be a country of generosity and warmth. But we will also be a country of law and order, Trump said to a roar from the crowd at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. I have a message for all of you: the crime and violence that today afflicts our nation will soon, and I mean very soon, come to an end. Beginning on Jan. 20 of 2017, safety will be restored, he said. The American people will come first once again. My plan will begin with safety at home, which means safe neighbourhoods, secure borders, and protection from terrorism. There can be no prosperity without law and order. The law and order message, borrowed from Nixon and laden with racial overtones, was a big bet by Trump on the level of national fear. Crime, in fact, has dropped steadily under President Barack Obama, though it has ticked back up in the last year, and surveys suggest it ranks low on voters lists of priorities. The address, however, was a fitting culmination of an astonishing primary campaign that saw him rise from political nobody to nominee on the popularity of his demonization of Hispanic illegal immigrants and Muslims. It signalled a full-throated embrace of a general-election strategy focused on motivating white turnout at the expense of appeals to minorities. Trump largely eschewed the personal anecdotes that are a staple of such speeches in favour of sweeping declarations. But he told one emotional story about a young Nebraska woman, Sarah Root, who was killed by an illegal immigrant. Obama, he said, has abandoned the families of citizens so brutally murdered, and who have suffered so horribly. Illegal immigrants, he argued, are roaming free to threaten peaceful citizens. Ive met Sarahs beautiful family, Trump said. But to this administration, their amazing daughter was just one more American life that wasnt worth protecting. One more child to sacrifice on the altar of open borders. The speech included little by the way of policy solutions to the catastrophic problems Trump identified. He did present a modified version of his proposal to ban Muslims from entering the country, saying he would suspend immigration from any nation that has been compromised by terrorism. He reiterated his other signature immigration plank, a gigantic wall on the Mexico border. Build that wall! Build that wall! the crowd chanted, then erupted again when Trump returned to his populist brand of nationalism. The most important difference between our plan and that of our opponents is that our plan will put America first, he said. Americanism, not globalism, will be our credo. The address capped an unusually chaotic convention plagued by gaffes, controversies and vivid displays of disunity. On the final day alone, the Trump campaign was forced to attempt to put out fires over his controversial comments on NATO and his dramatic Wednesday snubbing by vanquished opponent Ted Cruz. The infighting appeared forgotten when Trump took the stage. Delegates chanted we want Trump and U-S-A as he began. Trump devoted an extended section to the anti-trade rhetoric that helped make him popular among his core constituency, lower-income, lower-education white men. He presented himself as champion for the average working people he said would be disregarded by Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Clinton, he said, has bad judgment, a record of foreign policy failure, and no accomplishments other than committing an email crime and then getting away with it. Her legacy, he said, is death, destruction, terrorism and weakness. Hillary Clintons message is that things will never change, he said. My message is that things have to change, and they have to change right now. Every day I wake up determined to deliver for the people I have met all across this nation that have been neglected, ignored, and abandoned. I have visited the laid-off factory workers, and the communities crushed by our horrible and unfair trade deals. These are the forgotten men and women of our country. People who work hard but no longer have a voice. I am your voice! The convention put on display a party animated by anger at Clinton and uninterested in the big-tent appeal recommended by party bigwigs after Mitt Romneys defeat in 2012. The most popular chant was Lock Her Up, a suggestion to imprison Clinton. Before Trump spoke, the convention heard from Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, an immigration hard-liner widely loathed by Hispanics; a pastor, Mark Burns, who started the All Lives Matter chant widely disliked by African-Americans; and evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jr., who joked that the three greatest threats to the country were Osama, Obama, and yo mama. The Democratic convention begins Monday in Philadelphia. Clinton is expected to announce her vice-presidential selection by Saturday. More on thestar.com Trump tells convention, History is watching us now Photos: Day 4 of the Republican National Convention Read more about: SHARE: ANKARA, TURKEYTurkey will be able to extend detention times for suspects and issue decrees without parliamentary approval under a three-month state of emergency approved Thursday by lawmakers following last weeks attempted military coup. Parliament voted 346-115 to approve the national state of emergency, which gives sweeping new powers to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who had been accused of autocratic conduct even before this weeks crackdown on alleged opponents. Erdogan has said the state of emergency will counter threats to Turkish democracy. Even without the emergency measures, his government has already imposed a crackdown that has included mass arrests, mass firings and the closure of hundreds of schools. Erdogan said the new powers would allow the government to rid the military of the virus of subversion, blaming the coup attempt on a U.S.-based Muslim cleric, Fethullah Gulen. The cleric has denied any knowledge of the attempted coup. This is a state of emergency imposed not on the people, but on (the state) itself, declared Prime Minister Binali Yildirim. We will, one by one, cleanse the state of (Gulens followers) and eliminate those who are trying to harm the country. The government hopes the state of emergency will be lifted within 40 to 45 days, said Yildirims deputy, Numan Kurtulmus. Turkey immediately said it was partially suspending the European Convention on Human Rights, allowing it more leeway to deal with individual cases, by invoking an article most recently used by France and Ukraine. The Council of Europe said it had been informed of Turkeys decision, and that the convention will still apply, but that individual exceptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Meanwhile, video emerged of soldiers firing at large protests in Turkey during the failed coup. Footage from CCTV cameras above a major bridge in Istanbul showed soldiers shooting at a man who had his hands up as he approached tanks that were blocking traffic. Other footage, obtained from the Turkish Dogan news agency, showed a mob attacking surrendering soldiers over the same bridge after daybreak. Since the July 15 coup attempt, the government has arrested nearly 10,000 people. More than 58,880 civil service employees including teachers, university deans and police have been dismissed, suspended, forced to resign or had their licences revoked for allegedly being Gulen followers. Turkish state media said Thursday that another 32 judges and two military officers had been detained by authorities. The main opposition Republican Peoples Party, or CHP, slammed the state of emergency move. Speaking ahead of the vote, CHP lawmaker Ozgur Ozel said the decision would amount to a civilian coup against Parliament and was a display of ingratitude to all the legislators who had gathered in the assembly Saturday to oppose the coup attempt. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek defended the move, saying he hoped the state of emergency would be short-lived. He said it would be used to go after rogue elements within the state and that there would have been carnage in the streets had the military coup succeeded. Simsek said that standards of the European Court of Human Rights will be upheld, but didnt elaborate. There will be no curfews. There will be no restriction of movement other than for the suspects, Simsek said. Amnesty International said it recognized that the government had to take measures to prevent another coup attempt, but warned that under the state of emergency, dismissed civil servants would not be able to challenge the decrees in administrative courts and detention periods would be extended. Our concern is that government is going well beyond what might be considered a legitimate response to the coup attempt, said Andrew Gardener of the groups Istanbul office. People are being pursued without any evidence that they participated in this coup, he said, adding that the government is targeting people for their political affiliations. Its not upholding the rule of law. Under the Turkish constitution, the emergency measures allow the government to partially or entirely suspend the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms, so long as that doesnt violate international law obligations. A state of emergency has never been declared nationwide although it was declared in Turkeys restive, Kurdish-dominated southeast between 1987 and 2002. There, governors imposed curfews, called in military forces to suppress demonstrations and issued search warrants. Martial law was imposed across the country for three years following a successful military coup in 1980. In other developments, a soldier allegedly linked to the attack on a hotel where Erdogan had been vacationing during the foiled coup was arrested in southwestern Turkey, the state agency Anadolu reported Thursday. The lieutenant was one of about 30 soldiers said to be involved in the hotel attack in the resort of Marmais. The attackers arrived minutes after Erdogan had left the hotel, according to official reports. In Greece, a court sentenced eight Turkish military personnel who fled there aboard a helicopter during the coup attempt to two months in prison for entering the country illegally. Turkey has demanded their return to stand trial for alleged participation in the coup attempt. The eight, who deny involvement, have applied for asylum in Greece, saying they fear for their safety if they are returned. SHARE: WASHINGTONRepublican nominee Donald Trump hinted at a new world order if he becomes president, saying the United States, under his leadership, might not come to the defence of some NATO members if Russia were to attack them. Trump said he would decide whether to protect the Baltic republics against Russian aggression based on whether those countries have fulfilled their obligations to us. He made the comments in an interview with The New York Times on Wednesday, ahead of his speech to formally accept the Republican nomination for president late Thursday. Trumps remarks about U.S. obligations under NATO to come to the aid of other members of the 28-nation alliance are in line with his views questioning the United States global role. In 2014, the 28-member alliance created a rapid-reaction force to protect the most vulnerable NATO members against a confrontation with Russia. Last week, U.S. President Barack Obama pledged unwavering commitment to defending Europe, adding that in good times and in bad, Europe can count on the United States. NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance of European and North American democracies created after Second World War to strengthen international co-operation as a counterbalance to the rise of the Soviet Union. Presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clintons campaign was quick to pounce on Trumps statements. The president is supposed to be the leader of the free world. Donald Trump apparently doesnt even believe in the free world, Clinton senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement shortly after the interview was published. Ronald Reagan would be ashamed. Harry Truman would be ashamed. Republicans, Democrats and independents who help build NATO into the most successful military alliance in history would all come to the same conclusion: Donald Trump is temperamentally unfit and fundamentally ill-prepared to be our commander in chief, Sullivan added. Trumps running mate, Gov. Mike Pence, was on the defensive early Thursday, telling Fox News that he is confident the Republican nominee would stand by Americas NATO allies, but insisted that those countries must pay their fair share. Pence added that a Trump administration would tell U.S. allies the time has come for them and for their citizens to begin to carry the financial costs of these international obligations. Trump has publicly welcomed praise from Russian President Vladimir Putin, telling MSNBC in December that, when people call you brilliant, thats always good, especially when the person heads up Russia. When the interviewer pointed out charges that Putin kills opponents and that he invaded neighbouring Ukraine, Trump responded that Putin is running his country, and at least hes a leader, unlike what we have in this country. Trump also told The Times that he would not criticize Turkey for cracking down on political opponents and restricting civil liberties following last weeks attempted coup. Of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trump said: I give great credit to him for being able to turn that around . . . Some people say that it was staged, you know that. I dont think so. The U.S. has no right to lecture Turkey and other countries when people are shooting policemen in cold blood, Trump said. With decades in business and no prior political experience, Trump cast the projection of American military might abroad in economic terms. For example, he said it might not be necessary to station American troops abroad, though he agreed its preferable. If we decide we have to defend the United States, we can always deploy troops from the U.S., Trump told the newspaper, and it will be a lot less expensive. Read more about: SHARE: If you are watching this weeks Republican convention, then you probably fit into one of four categories. There are The Converted, for whom the prime-time carnival of conspiracy theories and racial antagonism is mothers milk; The Concerned, who cringe at the populist ignorance on display and fear its spread; The Condescending, who scoff at gaffes and half-full rooms and reassure themselves too quickly that a Trump presidency is a fools fantasy; and The Consumers, for whom The Donalds reality-TV spectacle has finally made mainstream politics worth watching. Then there is a fifth group, perhaps the smallest in number. You will find them in corridors in Cleveland and conference rooms on Capitol Hill, on college campuses and at water coolers across America. They are The Republicans: GOP partisans, the party faithful. When Donald Trump formally accepts their partys nomination this evening, they will be the ones clapping mirthlessly in the hall, making excuses on television panels, and trying to keep dinner-table conversations focused on Hillary Clintons sins. Trump was not their choice, but he is now because they are Republicans, and he is their partys nominee. As they drown their dismay in down-ticket races and dreams of a fresh start in 2020, they are the only sure losers of this election cycle. Parties, under some denomination or other, must always be expected in a Gov[ernment] as free as ours, wrote James Madison, the principal architect of the U.S. Constitution, in 1819. When the individuals belonging to them are intermingled in every part of the whole Country, they strengthen the Union of the Whole. For Madison, national partisanship was the alternative to regional factionalism. By aggregating voter preferences across boundaries, political parties allow democracy and geography to coexist. Still, partisanship is often a dirty word. It is used to deride those who defend the trade-offs that representative democracy requires. It is hurled at Democrats who bury their distaste at Hillary Clintons basement servers so that a candidate who largely shares their values might win the White House, and at Republicans who accept policies that treat gay Americans as second-class citizens to see their views on national security and the economy prevail in Congress. Partisans make these compromises publicly and without apology. Others condemn them for doing so, even as they make bargains of their own behind the curtain in the voting booth. In a complex democracy, only the inattentive and the indifferent get exactly what they want. This is what partisans tell themselves in moments of self-doubt when the party is unpopular or when a particular policy rings false. Yet, as Donald Trump becomes the GOP nominee, the self-spin has never been harder to sustain. It may be hard to believe that so many mainstream Republicans have remained partisan despite a hostile takeover of their party, but are our own concessions so much more defensible? In the simplest sense, the question contains its own answer. It is one thing to accept a different shade of red or blue while remaining in a grand old party, but it is quite another to abide a complete perversion of ones political values out of blind allegiance to a partisan label. Trump is not a different kind of Republican; he is not a Republican at all, at least not in any sense of the word that the partys previous standard-bearers would recognize. Surely that is enough to excuse disloyalty while Trump tops the ticket. Some high-profile Republicans clearly feel this way, including governors, members of Congress, and the partys last two presidential nominees. Their absence from the convention floor is conspicuous. Yet, there is Paul Ryan. There is Mitch McConnell. There are Chris Christie and Rudy Giuliani. Among them are the local operatives and organizers whose names most of us will never know but whose devotion to their party keeps it in business. We may want to dismiss their presence as the product of purely personal political calculation, but that explanation is incomplete without reference to the partisan kinship that binds them to each other and, as of tonight, to Donald J. Trump. If their devotion to party is different than others, then the difference is one of degree, not of kind. Because that sense of togetherness, of mutual commitment and obligation, is the core of political partisanship. It is what binds political parties so that they can consolidate diverse views across an entire country and give voters a comprehensible choice on election day. But it also inspires lucid Republicans to lend their respectability to a nominee who hardly deserves it. Their partisanship is not evil in itself, but it is amoral. That is what makes it vulnerable to abuse. The Cleveland circus may be equal parts entertaining and terrifying, but it is also a warning to everyone who takes part in politics through party affiliation: Know how far your partisanship might take you, or you may learn it has no limit. Adam Goldenberg is a lawyer at McCarthy Tetrault LLP in Toronto and a former Liberal speechwriter. Read more about: SHARE: As dozens of migrants continue a hunger strike inside a provincial jail in Lindsay, Ontario the federal minister responsible for their welfare keeps stalling for time. Ralph Goodale, the minister of Public Safety, says he is concerned about the indefinite detention of undocumented migrants, who are being jailed across the country not because of criminal charges, but because they lack full status as citizens. Goodale expects the public to wait until the fall for his proposed solutions. Thats not good enough. The hunger-striking detainees are refusing to eat to show the desperation and cruelty of their situation. They need help now. If Goodale cannot or will not act immediately, the provincial government under Premier Kathleen Wynne should. After all, a third of immigration detainees are kept in provincial jails like the one in Lindsay. Wynne must refuse to keep any new immigration detainees in a provincial jail, and set free those who are already there. Abdurahman Ibrahim Hassan, a migrant whom officials were trying to deport to Somalia died in police custody in June of 2015. Hassan didnt die in a provincial jail, but his story illustrates the need to stop criminalizing people without status. Hassan took his last breath, at the age of 39, in a hospital bed, while being restrained by two police officers. One officer held his arm, while the other pinned his head to the bed with a towel. Last week, the Special Investigations Unit determined that the two Peterborough police officers should not be charged in Hassans death. As it has done in the past with other controversial deaths involving police, the SIU publicized its findings on a Friday evening. The agency did not even name Hassan in its press release. While the exact cause of Hassans death matters, it is an insult to his life to stop there. He was detained in Lindsays maximum security jail for over three years leading up to his passing. According to his friends and advocates, Hassan, a refugee whose family fled to Canada in 1993, suffered from diabetes, sleep apnea, and took medication for a number of psychological issues. His time in jail undoubtedly affected his physical and mental health. Beyond that, the only reason two officers were present in Hassans room at Peterborough Regional Health Centre was because he had no status, and the Canadian Border Services Agency feared he would run away. While it is terrible to imagine that Hassan died while being physically restrained by police, the prison walls that separate migrants from their families and friends every day in Ontario are equally inhumane. Ontarios government doesnt decide which migrants are detained, but it bears significant responsibility for their well-being in provincial jails. That same government is also responsible when detainees poor health causes them to be hospitalized, as Hassan was. And when a migrant dies in the custody of police who shouldnt have been guarding him, as Hassan did, the provincial SIU must investigate and report to the provincial ministry of the Attorney General. In other words, provinces are forced to do CBSAs dirty work, and to administer indefinite torment to people who should not be in jail. The United Nations standard for detention of an undocumented person is 90 days. The Conservatives ignored this guideline during their decade in power, as did the Liberals before them. A refusal from Wynne and other premiers to assist with detentions would force Ottawa to create humane alternatives to indefinite migrant detention in maximum security jails. There is another provincial ministry involved in Hassans treatment: the provincial coroner, whose office is part of the ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, has agreed to investigate the cause of his death, and to prevent similar deaths in the future. But the coroners office is overwhelmed and under-resourced, and has warned it may not be able to investigate Hassans case until 2018. We dont need to wait that long to propose that Hassan might still be alive today if he had never been detained in a provincial jail. Goodale clearly isnt getting the message. His office issued a statement this week that expressed concern for detained migrants physical and mental well-being, but said nothing about the issue of indefinite detention. This, as hunger-striking detainees in Lindsay put their own lives at risk to demand justice. If Goodale wont listen to the detainees, perhaps a strong stance by the province that jails most undocumented migrants will move him. Desmond Cole is a Toronto-based journalist. His column appears every second Thursday. Read more about: SHARE: Re: Elie Wiesel was a beacon, a pillar, who lost his way, Opinion July 15 Elie Wiesel was a beacon, a pillar, who lost his way, Opinion July 15 I had the privilege and the honour to meet and spend time with Elie Wiesel. One of the things he shared with me was his response when he was asked to comment on the passing of someone with whom he had differences: My religion forbids me from speaking ill of the dead. Clearly columnist Rick Salutin does not subscribe to this approach or to the approach of honouring those who have passed, but rather he chose to use Elie Wiesels death as a platform to advance his own political agenda. Elie Wiesel was a great man, who suffered unspeakable tragedy and who devoted his life to trying to make the world a better place and that is how he should be remembered. May his memory be a blessing and inspiration to us all. Michael B. Soberman, Thornhill Rick Salutins column on Elie Wiesel is thought-provoking. Perhaps Salutin expected Wiesel to be a saint, treading in the footsteps of Gandhi, or showing Mother Teresas overwhelming love for mankind. But then, neither of those pillars of goodness struggled to survive the horrors of Auschwitz and Buchenwald. After that, and Europes indifference to almost two millennia of pogroms, one can understand Wiesels rigid, I must identify with whatever Israel does even with her errors. History is on his side. Wiesel was great man. Tough, very human, and unforgiving. Garry Burke, Oro-Medonte Elie Wiesel famously said that he swore never to be silent whenever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Fine words, but unfortunately, Wiesel ended up taking sides with the brutal Israeli occupation, and never spoke up for Palestinians enduring suffering and humiliation. Thank you to Rick Salutin for his lucid column pointing out that the cry of Never Again in response to the Holocaust is meaningless unless it really means Never Again, for Anyone. David Heap, London, Ont. It wasnt Elie Wiesel who lost his way; it was Rick Salutin and his friends Max Blumenthal and Peter Beinart who lost theirs. There is no shortage of critics of Israel government policy or Israels actions in dealing with Palestinians and the terrorist organizations who lead them. There is however a critical lack of support for Israelis when they face terrorists who seek nothing less than the destruction of Israel and the murder of Jews. Elie Wiesel was a proud Jew and took pride in Israels success and accomplishments. He may not have agreed with everything Israel did but to criticize the Jewish state is to sing the praise of Israels enemies and that he could not do. He once stated, My loyalty is to my people, to our people, and to Israel comes first and prevents me from saying anything critical of Israel outside Israel. Salutin, Blumenthal and Beinart could learn a lot from Elie Wiesel. Harold Pomerantz, Dundas Rick Salutin has written a well-reasoned review of the wonderful achievements and tragic blindspots of Elie Weisels life. His life-long commitment to keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive made for some strange bedfellows and contradictory ethical positions. Dont let the pro-Israel hasbara (nationalist propaganda) machine get away with painting Israels policy as black and white. I am a Jew who is very concerned about the rise in anti-Semitism, much of which results from the conflation of Jewish values with some of Israels policies that are outright racist and repressive. Daina Green, Wards Island I always read Rick Salutins articles and although I may disagree I believe his writings reflect serious thought. However his article on Elie Wiesel was so distorted and hurtful, along with his attack on Israel, that I feel he is stuck in an ideology that interferes with his writings. Harvey Shaul, Toronto It is no wonder that Elie Wiesels depiction of the Holocaust as unique and his defence of Israels actions in Gaza to a clear and present danger must rankle such a dedicated and delusional leftist as Rick Salutin who wrongly considers Peter Beinart as pro-Israeli and universalist values of dubious origin as the be all and end all of a moral universe. Sidney Soban, Toronto It was particularly distressing to read Rick Salutins hit piece on the late author, Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel the day after the horrific massacre in Nice. That attack is a sad reminder, as if any were needed, that Frances enemies and Israels enemies are one and the same Islamists who believe their religious doctrine directs them to murder those they hate. And there is nothing they hate more than Western civilization, which has the audacity to flourish while much of the Muslim world flounders. That Elie Wiesel remained steadfast in his support for Israel, the Jewish state that opens its doors to Jews from every nation and, increasingly these days, to French Jews fleeing hate crimes being perpetrated against them by Muslims in France is to his credit. That progressive Jews such as Rick Salutin, Peter Beinart and Max Blumenthal, handicapped by their own ideological blindness and a withering disdain for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have used the occasion of Wiesels death to cast aspersions on him for failing to hew to their progressive worldview is as shameful as it is disgusting. Mindy G. Alter, Toronto SHARE: I live at Bathurst and Queens Quay. A few days ago a family from Aleppo, Syria, arrived in Toronto to live in our housing co-op. Their sponsors have done everything they could think of to make this family feel safe and at home in our city. The other day, just after 3 p.m., two large jets did a low flyover, presumably as some form of celebration of speeding cars going around and around in circles. It frightened the hell out of me, making me jump out of my seat. I cant imagine what is going through the minds of the new family down the street. Right now I am too upset and angry to say any more about the idiocy of these oversized toys polluting with spent fuels and noise. Karen Margaret Brown, Toronto SHARE: Re: Assisted suicide too much like playing God, Opinion July 18 Assisted suicide too much like playing God, Opinion July 18 As an Orthodox Jew, my first instinct is to agree with Rabbi Dow Marmur that assisted suicide should not be an option for anyone. However, this spring I watched, helpless, as one of my best friends died of bone cancer. As the cancer progressed and his bones started to break, he was in intolerable pain. We could not get through a conversation without him screaming in agony. The only way to manage the pain was for him to be sedated most of the day. He eventually decided to stop his dialysis treatments, which brought an end to his suffering within a week. Had my friend not had a way out, a means of choosing to end his suffering, he might have continued living in unbearable agony for months and months. What kind of quality of life would he have had in that situation? I dont believe that doctor-assisted suicide should be an option for the mentally ill or young people. But witnessing someone I love go through such horrible suffering tells me that there are no easy answers to this issue. Jason Shron, Thornhill Out of charity, I shall assume that Dow Marmur is unaware that his remarks on assisted dying are offensive to those who do not share his notion of a supernatural authority over human life. It is unthinkable that, should Rabbi Marmur face a period of prolonged anguish, deterioration of mind and body, pain, confusion, loss of dignity before a foreseen death, he should be required to accept a medically-induced termination of his life. I find it equally unthinkable that I should be deterred from seeking such a conclusion. I shall not be playing God, since the term for me and many others has no conceptual relevance to invoke in a claim intended to circumscribe my choice to act in accordance with my beliefs and understanding. It is not compassion that directs the opposition of exponents of traditional religion to some of the conditions proposed in legislation regarding assisted death but an an insistence on suppressing values contrary to theirs. G.A. Hamel, Toronto SHARE: Thousands of first-year students on Ontario campuses will be asked to take an international test in math, writing and solving problems this fall, in a bold experiment to see whether higher learning actually boosts these skills. And by giving the same test next February to graduating students at those same institutions, results should show how much the programs are prepping students for work, beyond just their field of study. The pilot project across at least 10 institutions marks the first time Canadian colleges and universities will give students a standardized test to gauge how well they are gaining the soft or transferable skills employers often claim graduates lack. Its almost a revolution in what we think higher education is about; a shift from drilling information to the application of skills, said Harvey Weingarten, executive director of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO), the provinces advisory body on post-secondary learning. While the breezy online quiz based on everyday problems wont affect their marks, each student will learn immediately how they did (and could include the score on future job applications.) Privately, each institution will receive its own scores as well as those of the group as a whole, to see where it might do better. Its kind of nice to know where you actually stand like: Are you smarter than a 5th Grader? said George Brown practical nursing student Tiffany White, who said she wont mind if shes one of the 350 final-year students at the college who are asked to write the test this winter. I can guarantee a lot of students arent going to like the test nobody likes writing a test if they dont have to but these are basic, practical skills we all need for our careers, so its good to know if were gaining them or not. Weingarten said the test is not meant for ranking institutions, because some draw students with more academic and socio-economic challenges than others. York Universitys associate vice-president Alice Pitt said many York students must work at a paying job for more than 20 hours a week, which adds extra challenge and makes comparisons unfair with schools where students dont work as much. Its not the selectivity of your students that should count; its what you do with students who come, she said. And those institutions where students skills dont improve over the course of the program might consider student mentoring and staff professional development, suggested Weingarten. Surely to God literacy and numeracy and problem-solving are important, and if we find theyre not being developed to the level wed like (during college or university) then we have to address how to improve them. Eight community colleges and two universities are taking part so far, with nine more in the process of signing up. Each will ask 350 students from a range of programs to write the test during the first few weeks of school, and another 350 graduating students to write it in February. The Education and Skills Online assessment was designed by Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development officials and is used widely around the world. Weingarten said schools that see steep improvement between first- and last-year students could even be rewarded through funding. The Ontario government has stated it wants to have post-secondary funding reflect not just the number of students, as it has for more than half a century, but also a schools student performance or outcomes. Look, well see if this trial starts producing the kind of evidence we need to make an intelligent funding formula based on student outcomes, said Weingarten. The main goal is quality improvement. Brenda Pipitone is Dean of Academic and Student Affairs at George Brown College, and said she isnt worried about student performance playing a role in future funding. I think its a good discussion to have. If someone doesnt have the skills coming in, its on us to make sure they get that before they leave. SHARE: While Abbott Laboratories' (ABT) 30.7 billion pending deal for St. Jude Medical (STJ) remains on track, the healthcare company's CEO told investors on Wednesday that it continues to face questions when it comes to the pending $7.9 billion deal for Alere (ALR) that it failed to break up in April. As acknowledged by analysts on a Wednesday morning conference call, the medical devices company has in recent months faced concern from investors that it is trying to take on too much challenge at once, having announced two sizable transactions in less than three months. Abbott has seemingly been more focused on the problems facing Alere than on potential financing issues for both deals. The company on Feb. 1 announced a $7.9 billion deal to purchase Alere, a provider of point-of-care testing that had spent the past several months streamlining operations following a management shake-up. Less than three months later, the Waltham, Mass.-based target disclosed on April 28 that it had rejected Abbott's attempt to withdraw its merger offer for a breakup fee of between $30 million and $50 million. Abbott had hoped to end the deal amid concerns about Alere's delayed filing of its 2015 Form 10-K as well as a U.S. Department of Justice bribery probe of Alere announced on March 11 that was centered around whether it broke foreign bribery laws. "From our perspective there's been no change," Miles D. White, the CEO and chairman of Abbott told investors Wednesday morning following the release of its second quarter earnings. "They [Alere] still haven't filed a 10-K. Our access to information has been limited." While some financial information has been provided to Abbott, White asserted that it still has not received a fair amount of requested information. The CEO also criticized Alere's recent announced "update" on its Form 10-K, which included certain preliminary unaudited financial information. "The announcement that they put out was not that forthcoming and I certainly wouldn't share the optimism that one of their analysts shared," White said of Alere's July 14 press release. Even so, it appears that Abbott for now has no way to get out of the deal. Alere is incorporated in Delaware, where merger agreement laws are notoriously tough and often don't allow companies to break merger agreements once they are made. There is little precedence for when a party walks away from buying another in Delaware's Court of Chancery, which presides over these types of cases. In the two cases the court has heard on this matter, it has not allowed the buyer to walk. "Whether it all works out the way originally planned or not I don't know," White said. In the larger of its two pending deals, White said that Abbott's pending acquisition of St. Jude is "tracking well" and that there are "no big surprises" that would prevent it from completing the deal by the end of the year. He noted that it will be responding to a second request from the FDA regarding the transaction. With respect to its quarterly results, Abbott on Wednesday beat analysts estimates by posting a 8% increase in earnings per share, to 55 cents for the quarter ended July 20 from 51 cents for the year earlier period, on a 3.2% increase in sales, to $5.3 billion from $5.2 billion. St. Jude also reported it latest quarterly results on Wednesday. In line with analyst estimates, the company posted flat earnings for the second quarter of $1.06 earnings per share, up from $1.03 for the second quarter of 2015, despite an 11% increase in sales, to $1.56 billion from $1.41 billion. Much of this sales boost came from the company's heart failure division, which saw worldwide sales advance by 48% from the year earlier period Abbott shares jumped 2.1% to $42.67 a piece in Wednesday morning's trading session, assigning the company a $62.26 billion market capitalization. St. Jude shares added 1.3% to $81.25 in morning trading, while shares of Alere fell less than 1% to $43.52. --David Marcus and Alicia McElhaney contributed to this report Congress fails the public so often these days that it almost seems like a waste of time to point out yet another case where its failed to do its job. But passively accepting congressional inability get anything done as the new norm would be akin to giving up on America. So it behooves taxpayers to voice frustration that Congress bolted out of Washington D.C. earlier this month before approving funding to fight the Zika virus. Not all members of Congress are so cut off from reality that they were unaware of what they were about to do. This is why people hate Congress. This is why people hate Washington, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Washington, said at a Capitol Hill hearing. And Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, said, The fact that funding has not flowed is inexplicable to people, on an issue like this of a public health nature. The World Health Organization has declared the Zika virus a global public health emergency. The epidemic came to public attention with an outbreak in Brazil and the birth of several thousand babies with microcephaly. So far the epidemic has struck only lightly in the United States. About 1,300 cases of Zika infection have been diagnosed in the United States. As of last month seven babies had been born here with Zika-related birth defects; in all of those cases the mother was infected in another country. The virus is most often transmitted by mosquito. Officials also have determined that it can be spread through sex. Medical experts are still learning about the virus. In a case reported this week, the son of a man who died from the virus somehow became infected. Medical authorities have not determined how he contracted the disease. In most cases, it should be quickly noted, the virus produces only a mild illness that lasts only a few days. There have been cases reported in Nebraska, but they became infected in other countries. Nebraskans should be more worried about West Nile than the Zika virus. Nonetheless, one of the mosquitos that carries the virus is found in Nebraska, and it may be only a matter of time before it spreads to the Midwest. In a more enlightened era members of Congress might have debated the advisability of using genetically modified mosquitos to eliminate as much as 90 percent of the mosquitos that carry the virus. But Congress, as habitually does, played partisan games. Some not all --Republican members of the House loaded up a Senate bill with numerous poison pill amendments, including one far-flung provision that would have undone the ban on flying the confederal flag at national cemeteries. Naturally the funding bill went nowhere. The next time you feel a bite from one of the little blood-sucking insects that might be carrying the Zika virus, you have good reason to be twice as annoyed as you ordinarily would be. NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of General Mills (GIS) are declining 0.85% to $71.09 late Thursday afternoon after the company announced "restructuring" plans that may include cutting over 1,400 jobs. The job cuts would come as the Minneapolis, MN-based food manufacturer closes and sells plants across the U.S. and overseas. If the company cuts 1,400 jobs, it would lose up to 3.6% of its 39,000 employees, Marketwatch.com reports. The company told the SEC in a filing that it had made a "tentative decision" to close its Vineland, NJ plant by the end of fiscal 2019, which would eliminate 370 jobs and cost $67 million. General Mills said it wanted to shut down the Vineland plant "to eliminate excess soup capacity in its North America supply chain." General Mills also plans to sell its Martel, OH-based dry baking goods facility to Mennel Milling Company, which would cut 180 jobs. The transaction is expected to close by the fiscal 2017 second quarter. If the deal passes, Mennel would become a General Mills supplier. Additionally, the company will close its Marilia, Brazil-based facility by the fiscal 2017 first quarter, which will impact 420 employees, and will stop producing Trix products at its Nanjing, China-based facility by the same quarter, which will impact 300 employees. Separately, 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. TheStreet Ratings has this to say about the recommendation: We rate GENERAL MILLS INC as a Buy with a ratings score of A. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its solid stock price performance, impressive record of earnings per share growth, notable return on equity, expanding profit margins and compelling growth in net income. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had generally high debt management risk by most measures that we evaluated. You can view the full analysis from the report here: GIS GIS data by YCharts NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of Boeing (BA) are dropping 1.3% to $131.80 in after-hours trading on Thursday as the company said it will book charges totaling $2.1 billion as part of its 2016 second quarter earnings. The charges are related to the 787, 747 and KC-46 tanker aircraft program. "These are the right, proactive decisions to strengthen our business going forward," CEO Dennis Muilenburg said in a statement. "Our investment in 787 flight test airplanes paved the way for the growing Dreamliner fleet today and helped refine improvements for other platforms. In the 747 program, the company continues to monitor the air cargo market and aggressively drive productivity and cost reduction as we work to win additional orders to support ongoing production," he added. The Chicago-based aerospace company is scheduled to report earnings on July 27. Separately, TheStreet Ratings Team has a "Buy" rating with a score of B on the stock. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, notable return on equity and good cash flow from operations. The team believes its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income. 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: BA An official website of the United States Government Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes and his wife, Elizabeth Tilson, leave the News Corp. building on July 19 in New York. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) When former network anchor Gretchen Carlson filed an unusually public sexual harassment lawsuit against cable news titan Roger Ailes earlier this month, the complaint did not name her employer, Fox News Channel parent 21st Century Fox, as a defendant. But the company is nonetheless faced with the thorny task of managing its response to what may be the most high-profile sexual harassment lawsuit in American life, since Paula Jones filed suit against President Bill Clinton in 1994. While most sexual harassment cases are handled quietly behind closed doors, the highly public nature of Carlsons suit pushes the media organizations culture onto public display and invites scrutiny over how it responds to Ailess exit, which news reports say is being negotiated. This is not following a typical script, said Debra Katz, a Washington lawyer who often represents plaintiffs in sexual harassment lawsuits. For one, the complaint alleges that Ailess actions came as part of his individual capacity, rather than any official one. Moreover, its public nature is unusual. Most cases settle. This is such an anomaly, she said. The accusations have spurred a parade of the networks employees to publicly defend their boss. Carlsons suit accuses Ailes of pressuring her for sex and ultimately cutting her job when she resisted. Star anchor Megyn Kelly has since told investigators that she, too, endured unwanted advances from Ailes, New York magazine reported. Ailes has repeatedly denied the allegations. Fox News chairman and chief executive Roger Ailes is in negotiations about exiting the popular news network amid a sexual harassment suit brought forward by former host Gretchen Carlson. (Erin Patrick O'Connor/The Washington Post) Fox News did not respond to requests for comment, and 21st Century Fox would not comment further. At least a dozen on-air personalities have shown support for Ailes, with several questioning Carlsons credibility. Shes disgruntled she didnt get her contract renewed, and the timing is very suspicious, Fox host Greta Van Susteren said, according to the New York Times. This is something that is totally inconsistent with the man Ive known probably longer than most people who work in that building, Jeanine Pirro, a weekend host of Fox News who said she has known Ailes for 30 years, told the Times. According to Breitbart News Network, Kimberly Guilfoyle, another Fox News anchor, said: Hes a champion of women. Nothing inappropriate has ever transpired. Ive talked to 30, at least, fellow female colleagues at Fox, and not one of them said anything inappropriate was ever said or transpired. Irving Schenkler, a clinical professor of management communication at New York Universitys Stern School of Business, said many firms follow a standard protocol about who can speak to the media. Usually thats someone in communications. Or, occasionally, a crisis public relations strategist. But 12 voices at once? Its quite striking to see such a leaky corporate vessel in real time, he said. This is not an example of well-calibrated managerial response to a crisis type of situation. Gabriel Sherman, an Ailes biographer and contributing editor at New York magazine, said he wasnt surprised by the ferocious counter-response from Fox talent. Fox News is a cult of personality built around Ailes, he said. The best way to advance your career is to profess your loyalty to the leader. Employment lawyers say some of Fox Newss response has followed standard practice for dealing with a sexual harassment complaint, including bringing in an outside investigative firm to review the claims. In the process, 21st Century Fox has waived nondisclosure agreements to allow former Fox employees who have stories of harassment to speak out about them, according to media reports. You cant conduct a good faith investigation otherwise, Katz said. And although it may be more common for lower-level employees to be put on administrative leave during such an investigation, most companies make a decision based on business reasons when it comes to powerful, high-ranking executives such as Ailes. There is a business calculation here: How indispensable is this executive to the business? she said. Theyre going into full-scale panic mode if theres not a succession plan in place. Its also common for companies to defend the executive in question with statements of support, particularly early in the case. In a statement, Fox News said: The Company has seen the allegations against Mr. Ailes and Mr. Doocy. We take these matters seriously. While we have full confidence in Mr. Ailes and Mr. Doocy, who have served the company brilliantly for over two decades, we have commenced an internal review of the matter. Where companies do get in trouble is if they go beyond supporting the defendant and defame the person bringing the allegations. Katz said Foxs statement seemed pretty close to the typical defense but wouldnt invite more claims against them. What could create problems, she said, is the number of Fox News employees who have come forward to support Ailes and raise questions about Carlson. Best practice is to say were not going to litigate this in the press were going to undertake a robust investigation and take all appropriate legal measures, Katz said. Although she said she thinks Fox mostly did that, other women coming forward on Ailess behalf can be a bad thing for morale. The employees defending Ailes while essentially slamming Carlson also may serve as a force that keeps other Fox News women from reporting sexual harassment. They dont want to be ostracized as Gretchen has, said Brooke Van Dam, director of Georgetown Universitys journalism program. Whether Fox News played any role in approving the comments made by Ailes supporters or did anything to encourage people to speak out is unclear. And employment lawyers say companies typically cant keep employees especially those with the kind of platform TV anchors receive from doing so. But they said it would be rare for employers to encourage them to do so. It would not be a best practice, by any means, before a company has the results of their investigation, to go out and encourage employees to speak publicly, said Amy Bess, an employment lawyer in Washington with Vedder Price. And frankly, its not relevant whether or not hes been helpful to people in their career. One day, Katz said, people may look back on Carlsons suit and say she was brave. Most people who suffer sexual harassment in the workplace suffer quietly, and when they get fired they tend to move on, she said. You can see from the women who spoke out many years later . . . they thought the better course was to lick their wounds and move on. Thats a far more common response than people filing suit and fighting back. Publishing history is full of strange tales, and that recounted by Lucy Sussex in Blockbuster! Fergus Hume & the Mystery of a Hansom Cab is certainly among the strangest and most poignant. In late 1880s Australia a would-be dramatist decided that he might gain more attention from theater impresarios if he were a published author. So Fergus Hume sat down to produce what ultimately became the best-selling crime novel of the 19th century. These days, The Mystery of a Hansom Cab is frequently derided as ill-written or faintly embarrassing, although such reactions puzzle me. In fact, the novel presents an almost Dickensian, top-to-bottom portrait of Melbourne in its Victorian heyday, when the population of the London of the South approached half a million. Moreover, the plotting of the mystery is exemplary. Two gentlemen in formal evening dress, both seemingly drunk, enter a hansom cab late one night in July. Later, one man gets out and disappears, the other remains and is found dead, apparently murdered. Before the crime is solved, Hume gradually uncovers the hidden threads connecting Melbournes most and least respectable citizens, transporting the reader from elegant country houses to the citys Chinese slums and lowest brothels. The book is certainly worth reading. "Blockbuster!: Fergus Hume and the Mystery of a Hansom Cab" by Lucy Sussex (Text Publishing) However, in this engrossing study Sussex is less concerned with the merits of Hansom Cab than with its creation, publication and marketing. She focuses on the reclusive Humes early life, speculates that he was probably gay and provides thumbnail accounts of the various theater managers, actors, bookstore owners and entrepreneurs whose efforts helped bring about his novels immense success. [Do we need another book about Sherlock Holmes?] Fergus Hume was born in one madhouse and grew up in another: His father initially worked as an attendant at the Royal Glasgow Asylum, Gartnavel , but later moved to New Zealand, where he rose to become director of the Dunedin Asylum. From the start, young Fergus revealed a penchant for the sensational. His first prose work, serialized in the local paper, was a science-fiction novel titled Professor Brankels Secret: A Psychological Story. It concerns, Sussex tells us, a German professor researching alchemy. In an old book he discovers a secret formula enabling time travel. But it only deals with the past: the rest of the formula, for futuristic travel, is hidden in another volume. So ensues a thrilling tale of bibliographical pursuit, with drug-taking and attempted virgin sacrifice. Im surprised it hasnt been optioned by Hollywood. At this time, the detective story was just emerging as a distinct genre, drawing inspiration from multiple sources, including Gothic fiction, Poes tales of ratiocination, memoirs of Bow Street Runners and other early policemen, accounts of actual crimes reported in newspapers and the intricately plotted thrillers of Wilkie Collins (The Woman in White) and Mary Braddon (Lady Audleys Secret). By the 1880s, though, the genre was dominated by the newly translated works of French detective story pioneer Emile Gaboriau and by American dime novels featuring such masters of disguise as Old Sleuth. Besides these, Hume almost certainly read contemporary antipodean crime writers such as Mary Fortune, whose stories for The Detectives Album ran for 40 years in the Australian Journal. Sussex covers this historical material in some detail, being the author of the passionate revisionist study Women Writers and Detectives in Nineteenth-Century Crime Fiction: The Mothers of the Mystery Genre. All too typically, Hansom Cab was rejected by one publisher after another. Eventually, Hume entered into a shadowy partnership with a marketing mastermind named Frederick Trischler, who brought the book out in 1886 as a cheap paperback produced by a local job printer. No one is sure of the size of the Australian first edition. Hume said it was 5,000, some modern scholars guess it was much less. Whatever the case, today only four copies are known, and three are damaged. [Brothers of the Quill: How an 18th-century hack found his literary footing] Even though Hansom Cab proved popular in Australia, Hume didnt believe it would be a success elsewhere. So he sold the copyright for 50 pounds to a bankers wife, who joined with Trischler in establishing the Hansom Cab Publishing Company. After moving to London, Trischler deluged newspapers with advertisements for the first English edition, promoting the book as if it were Pears soap. The intense PR campaign paid off. According to Sussex, twenty-five thousand copies a month were printed and sold for fourteen months. Within a few years, sales approached half a million copies. Hume could have retired for the rest of his life had he retained the copyright. Instead, a long career on Grub Street became his lot. After leaving Australia for England, he worked in multiple genres, cranking out as many as eight shilling shockers in a single year and never making much money. Hume finally died of heart disease in 1932 at age 73. By then, his fame had long been eclipsed by that of his onetime rival, Arthur Conan Doyle: The first Sherlock Holmes adventure, A Study in Scarlet, and the first English edition of The Mystery of a Hansom Cab both appeared at Christmas in 1887. For anyone fond of detective stories or fascinated by publishing history, Blockbuster! makes for highly enjoyable and informative reading. Although Sussex never intended a full biography of Hume, I still wish shed gone on to talk more about his later fiction, which ranges from the occult romance A Son of Perdition to the exploits of two series sleuths, the improbable but occasionally anthologized Hagar of the Pawnshop and the utterly forgotten Octavius Fanks of Scotland Yard. Alas, Fergus Hume remains despite his 140 novels essentially the author of just one book. Michael Dirda reviews books on Thursdays in Style. He can be reached at mdirda@gmail.com. CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 18: A woman looks out over the floor of the Quicken Loans Arena on Monday, the opening day of the Republican National Convention, when chaos erupted as the Colorado delegation walked out. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post) Dont you love farce? That line from a peerless Stephen Sondheim song, Send in the Clowns, came to mind repeatedly this week, as television viewers and seasoned pundits alike gaped, gawked and giggled in astonishment at some of the more bizarre goings-on at Clevelands Quicken Loans Arena. Remember all of the dire warnings about how the Republican National Convention would be wild in the streets? Who knew it was going to be wilder on the stage? Farce, in theatrical terms, is the most rigorously disciplined of all forms of comedy; built on a foundation of slapstick and unlikely coincidence, it requires lickety-split timing and an unassailably polished contribution from every person on the stage. But the kind of farce that has enveloped the GOP convention turning it into live theater of the most compellingly watchable variety has relied on a template of its own more spontaneous design. Its farce on the grander scale of what results when an audiences expectations for the orderly congress of an event in our vital national interest are completely upended. Conditioned for the dull, meticulous, reassuringly and confoundingly robotic programming of a normal political convention, weve been instead exposed to the jarring and, yes, entertaining chaos of a Trump convention. At the start of the week, who could have foretold the subplots wed be dragged through, that the blood feud between Donald Trump and his Uriah Heep-like archrival, Sen. Ted Cruz (Tex.), would burst an extraordinary new vessel in prime time, or that Ben Carson would go all Exorcist in his speech on Tuesday evening, likening Hillary Clinton to Lucifer? Or for that matter that the events breakout star would not be a convention attendee, or even a Republican, but Broadway actress Laura Benanti? Rudy Giuliani gave a fiery speech. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post) Ben Carson name-checked Lucifer. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) Wearing a facsimile of Melania Trumps $2,200 white Roksanda dress, Benanti appeared on CBSs The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on Tuesday and did a devastating impression of the candidates wife, whose plagiarized opening-night speech imprinted the convention with a bona fide, indelible scandal. (Benanti instantly earned herself a spot in the modern political parody pantheon, alongside Tina Feys Sarah Palin and Larry Davids Bernie Sanders.) This is, in a sense, exactly the convention Trump promised us when he predicted the gathering would be amazing, one of those adjectives that the Republican candidate has beaten into numbing submission over this already endless campaign. Should we even consider giving credit to him and his inner circle for orchestrating some of the weeks more sensational twists? Or were these the inevitable results of an overburdened campaign machine and the feral personality at its center? At the very least, Team Trump succeeded in keeping reporters energized. As NBC Newss Chuck Todd tweeted on Wednesday night, after Cruz was booed off the convention stage for refusing to endorse Trump: Tonight has done one thing for the political press corps: its made covering conventions great again. Trumps speech on Thursday night, a litany of perceived shortcomings of the current American government, went over well in the hall. It should be noted, though, that the rest of the country might not have been quite as transfixed: Despite Trumps own proven Nielsen prowess, the ratings on the conventions first nights were lackluster. And whether everyone in TV land could follow the synopsis of unfolding convention plotlines was in doubt. Undecided voters in a focus group assembled in Cleveland on Wednesday night by MSNBC were asked whether they understood why the delegates were shouting at Cruz during his speech. Not a single hand went up. In any event, given the odd tenor of the week and in keeping with this abnormal, repellent and mesmerizing election cycle, it seems perfectly reasonable to view this semi-august event through a theatrical prism. No doubt, a review may seem to take irreverent measure of events that were of serious, even disturbing consequence; there was nothing remotely entertaining, for instance, about the spectacle of delegates with faces contorted poisonously, shouting Lock her up! a baseless exclamation aimed at Clinton, out of Republicans most perverse revenge fantasies. On the other hand, the E-list notables trotted out for center-stage testimonials to Trump, celebrities on the sub-basement-level order of Scott Baio, Antonio Sabato Jr. and a former soap star described by one cable anchor as an avocado enthusiast, only served to remind you of all the weightier folks who werent there. Oh, for those savvier showbiz days when a Clint Eastwood would show up on a Republican stage, and do a complete scene with a chair. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) By the conventions closing Thursday, one had the feeling that eons had elapsed since Trumps initial entrance on Monday, when he unwittingly opened the door to farcical disaster. Who will ever forget the reveal concocted for him, as he emerged, silhouetted in the dark, encircled by stage fog, and seemingly ready to sing The Music of the Night? He was followed onto the stage by his wife, who radiated charm and spoke with measured conviction. It was the evenings most convincing performance, far more likable and digestible than the sputtering outrage of former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, who may have revved up the agitated conventioneers but seemed to a lot of the rest of the world as if he might soon require an ambulance. Not long after, the discovery was made by an astute listener from afar, Jarrett Hill, that some of Melania Trumps speech was borrowed from remarks eight years ago by Michelle Obama. And from the point at which plagiarism became the central topic, the convention organizers never again seemed able to control the conversation. That problem reasserted itself Wednesday, when Cruz used his choice spot in the speaking lineup to make a hugely dramatic impact, with a rhetorical device as well planned as Melania Trumps gaffe appeared unintentional. Its interesting that the two most controversial moments in Cleveland were over the unforeseen implications of words, already in the speakers scripts, that the convention minders had ample time to review before they were delivered. Ted Cruz exits the stage amid boos after refusing to endorse Donald Trump in his convention speech Wednesday night. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) In Cruzs case, the omission of a phrase in his speech that was anything close to I endorse created a havoc on the convention floor, the source of which wasnt readily apparent to the average viewer, as that MSNBC focus group revealed. The ever-so-slight smile that crossed Cruzs face signaled, however, that he knew well the hornets nest he stirred. I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation, he said, reacting to the boos from Trumps fans. Trumps arrival at that very moment at the edge of the stage, seeking to steal the spotlight back from Cruz, sealed the cinematic sense of political Kabuki. The enticing mystery was whether at this stage of the farce, Trumps team was now better prepared, whether the candidates entrance this time had been mapped out or merely improvised as the delegates ire grew louder. A skilled playwright or screenwriter might kill for the chance to explore the drama in such a high-intensity confrontation. But maybe fiction wouldnt do it justice. Because sometimes, you just cant make this stuff up. The herd makes a shocking discovery in Ice Age: Collision Course. (Blue Sky Studios/Twentieth Century Fox Film) 6 and older Ice Age: Collision Course (PG) The message in Collision Course, as in all four previous Ice Age movies, is about the importance of love and friendship, overcoming differences and pulling together in a dangerous world. This animated 3-D chapter, fine for kids 6 and older, is funnier and brainier than its 2012 predecessor, Continental Drift. But note that the scientific misinformation which animals lived when, etc. remains baked into the series. In a deliriously funny prologue, the Paleolithic squirrel Scrat, still chasing his elusive acorn, accidentally activates an alien spacecraft, which launches him and the nut into space. There, Scrat accidentally creates a huge asteroid that plummets toward Earth. At first oblivious to the danger, Manny (voice of Ray Romano), the reluctant woolly mammoth hero, is worrying about his daughter, Peaches (Keke Palmer). She and her fiance, Julian (Adam Devine), plan to leave home, and Manny doesnt want to let her go. A meteor shower foretells the coming asteroid. Buck (Simon Pegg), a clever weasel, explains the danger, aided by a holographic image of expert Neil deBuck Weasel (astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson). Then its all about finding a way to avert disaster. (94 minutes) THE BOTTOM LINE: In a brief scene, we see sabertooth tiger Shira chasing an antelope as it begs her not to eat it. Nothing else is shown. PG-13 Thirty years after the original film, "Ghostbusters" is back with a female cast starring Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones. ( / Columbia Pictures) Ghostbusters Forget the social media war over the stars genders in this enjoyably witty reboot. Ghostbusters is generally fine for kids 10 and older. And plenty of men were heard to laugh out loud during a recent screening at the antics of Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones and Kristen Wiig as the new Ghostbusters. The PG-13 seems like a harsh rating, as the film has little strong language, violence or crude humor in that range. It is modern-day New York: A tour guide at a historic mansion gets roughed up and slimed by a ghost. Elsewhere, an uptight physicist named Erin (Wiig) loses her academic career after her book and video about the paranormal hit the Internet. She reconnects with her estranged co-author, Abby (McCarthy), and Abbys sublimely eccentric weapons guru, Holtzmann (McKinnon). They try to capture the mansions ghost, then team with Patty (Jones), a transit worker who saw a ghost in the subway. When they hire a hunky idiot (Chris Hemsworth) as a receptionist, theyre in business. The second half droops, laden with special effects and a so-so villain, but it still amuses. (116 minutes) THE BOTTOM LINE: Apart from all the green protoplasm that angry ghosts slime onto people, there is little realistic violence. Fights with ghosts are all laserlike digital effects, as is the climactic ghostly attack on New York City. Younger teens and preteens could be unsettled briefly when store mannequins seem possessed by spirits. The dialogue includes mild, comically euphemistic sexual innuendo and a B-word. Nicholas Hoult in Equals. (Jessica Forde/A24) Equals Watching this dystopian romance requires a little emotional maturity. It can seem arid and pretentious at times, yet it casts a bit of a spell. Sexual content and suicide themes make Equals a problematic choice for middle-schoolers, despite the PG-13 rating. Even older teens may giggle at the awkward, although not really explicit, sexual awakening of the main characters, Silas (Nicholas Hoult) and Nia (Kristen Stewart). They are young adults stuck in a colorless futuristic society where emotions and sexual longing are banned. Feelings are considered defects. Those who have them are diagnosed with S.O.S., or switched-on syndrome, then isolated, medicated and eventually sent away to die. It could be a metaphor for any condition that sets people apart even the inability to express love. Silas has bad dreams and is diagnosed with early S.O.S. Nia, a co-worker, confides that she is keeping her S.O.S. secret. They fall in love and try to escape. (101 minutes) THE BOTTOM LINE: Nia and Silass mutual sexual awakening gets quite steamy in a series of escalating encounters that are not explicit but do eventually imply a full sexual situation. One nonsexual shower scene implies nudity. There is a verbal reference to a murder and several to suicide. We see someone fall to their death. Woody Allen's latest film is set in 1930s Hollywood and features an ensemble cast of Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Steve Carell, Blake Lively and many others. ( / Lionsgate) Cafe Society Teens into retro culture, particularly movies and music of the 1930s, could spend a diverting 96 minutes watching this middling Woody Allen film. Cafe Society is humorous, of course, and smartly satirical, but also mannered and designed to a somewhat self-conscious fare-thee-well. If Allens aim is to simultaneously emulate and spoof 1930s Hollywood, the result sparkles intermittently. In Jesse Eisenberg, Allen has found the perfect actor to emulate his own nebbishy screen persona of Annie Hall vintage. He plays Bobby, a 20-something kid from a colorful Brooklyn family. Hes newly arrived in Los Angeles, in the hopes his uncle Phil (Steve Carell), a big talent agent, will give him a job. Bobby starts as an errand boy and falls hard for Vonnie (Kristen Stewart), a fellow employee. But she is involved with the married Uncle Phil, so complications and moral compromises ensue. (96 minutes) THE BOTTOM LINE: Theres talk of sex and marital infidelity, but it is understated, and nothing explicit occurs on camera just kisses and subtly implied trysts. It is the homicides committed by Bobbys gangster brother, Ben, that earn the PG-13, with people shot and dumped into fresh cement. There is some blood but no graphic gore. Characters drink and smoke a lot and use rare mild profanity. Dinesh DSouza picked a perfect time to release Hillarys America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party, coming out on the heels of the Republican National Convention, just as the GOP should be rallying around the goal of defeating presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. But any conservative voters who check out the latest film from the conservative filmmaker (2016: Obamas America), author and convicted felon will be disappointed by what they find. Incurious to a fault, its also too incoherent for serious argument. DSouza and co-director Bruce Schooley use reenactments to offer distorted accounts of everything from DSouzas legal troubles to dramatic episodes from American history. DSouza plays himself in an exaggerated scene set in the halfway house where he spent eight months after breaking campaign finance laws; the other convicts are muscle-bound murderers and thieves who provide a straightforward narrative of how ordinary Americans are routinely swindled. DSouza then free-associates, wondering how this narrative might apply to Democrats. The bulk of Hillarys America looks at the administrations of Andrew Jackson through Franklin Roosevelt. DSouzas main point is that Democrats, not Republicans, are racists, and theyre now trying to steal America. Although the film has a slippery grasp on truth, any student of history liberal or conservative will readily admit that 19th-century Democrats did support slavery. The contours of todays political parties didnt come into focus until after the New Deal and the GOPs infamous Southern strategy of the civil rights era. DSouza conveniently never utters that phrase, flashing back instead to re-creations of scenes featuring Democrats beating slaves and putting on Klan hoods. The only redeeming parts of Hillarys America are when it veers into unintentional comedy. In one bizarre sequence, Woodrow Wilson screens The Birth of a Nation at the White House, as a ghostly Klansman appears to leap from the screen and onto the adjacent lawn. DSouzas framing device for his expose of Democratic secrets involves him breaking into DNC headquarters. (Is he even aware of how the Watergate scandal started?) Theres a laziness about Hillarys America, but its cinematic, not historical. DSouza lets scenes drag, jumping through history in ways that quash any sense of discovery and creating an overall sense of boredom. (The wooden acting doesnt help, nor does the orchestral rendition of God Bless America playing over images of national landmarks.) By the time he gets around to attacking Clinton with nothing that will seem new to the average viewer of Fox News the film is more than half over. DSouza may wish to tilt the election, but hell be lucky if his fans can make it through his film without falling asleep. Frank Mujica goes big with his pencil drawing Sin titulo (Untitled), a diptych that stretches across two giant panels at the Art Museum of the Americas. (Frank Mujica/Art Museum of the Americas of the OAS) To judge by (Art)xiomas: Cubaahora: The Next Generation, contemporary Cuban art may not be outspoken, but it certainly isnt reticent. The 15 young Cubans represented in the exhibition at the Art Museum of the Americas are partial to conspicuous gestures. They fill walls and even whole galleries with installations, paintings, sculptures, video animations and photos. Objects hang from the ceiling, or ascend toward it. In one darkened room, Mabel Poblet arrays a tangle of red, white and blue threads, impossible to stroll through without getting entangled. But then thats true of much of this in-your-face art. (At the shows opening, the space was the setting for a performance in which Poblet appeared nude.) Even the simplest pieces are grand in scale. Grethell Rasuas photograph of a Cuban prima ballerinas ankles, feet and bloodied toes is much larger than life-size. Frank Mujicas handsome pencil drawing is not merely on canvas rather than paper; its a diptych that stretches across a pair of towering panels. Cuba has not accepted membership in the Organization of American States, and this exhibition was organized by the cultural wing of Spains government, not Cubas. The show arrived in Washington as part of the celebration of the centenary of the museums Cuban-bred founding director, Jose Gomez-Sicre (1916-1991). Many of the pieces reflect on Cuban identity, but not from an insular perspective. The artists, all born during the 1980s, are clearly aware of the wider world and its art market. Their ideas, materials and techniques show a familiarity with whats on display in New York, Berlin and Hong Kong. Thus the artworks that contemplate Cuba often do so in the context of its big neighbor to the north. Poblet uses a plastic architectural model and video projections to overlap images of the capitol buildings in Havana and Washington, more alike than different. Lisandra Ramirezs They Coming dangles a score of mobiles that feature collages of balloons, space shuttles and celebrities, including American actors, fashion models and politicians. Imperialist notables from an earlier era are yanked from their usual context in Adrian Fernandezs enlargements of details from postage stamps that depict Spanish conquistadors. Adislen Reyes makes folding fans from Cuban and American newspapers to unite two ideologies on the back of a single fan. Alex Hernandezs Natural Selection offers 11 eagles, but 10 of them are not natural at all: Theyre outlines of stylized renderings from crests and seals, including the official U.S. version. The eagles are inscribed in white on glass and mounted slightly away from the wall so their lines throw shadows. The gambit is characteristic of (Art)xiomas, which contains many pieces that protrude into space and toy with viewers perceptions. This swagger can sometimes seem just a sort of artistic assertiveness training, but its also meant to convey urgency. Adriana Arrontes Migration covers the walls around a staircase with dark-colored moths to symbolize human migrants and refugees and the fear they can engender. Ariamna Continos The Ascension is a climbing wall of glass footholds, so that agile mountaineers can follow Jesus to heaven. The piece, however, is not keyed only to Christian tradition: Legends around the vertical pathway list the total adherents of the globes biggest religions, and the number of deaths attributed to religious violence. The threads of Poblets installation represent the chrysalis of human experience, she writes, but they also suggest the bodys internal conduits. Her piece complements Jorge Oteros hand-knit photos of working-class Cubans, which elegantly interlace strands of digital images to construct realistic pictures, woven like the straw hats one of the subjects wears. Where Otero painstakingly slices and reassembles photographic portraits, Rasua and Harold Garcia use photography to document the actual manipulation of bodies. They show flesh that has been temporarily imprinted with the shape of objects a medal, an amulet, a plant stalk that have personal meaning to the person who pressed it against his or her skin. Painter Roger Toledo does something similar with two sweeping landscapes, both of which are embossed with a repeated pattern, as if to dig beneath and look beyond the surface. If the art in (Art)xiomas is not bluntly political, it is actively engaged with the world it sees and represents. We've added more than 4,000 residents to our city on the Silicon Prairie. These folks must all live in rental properties, ride bicycles and purchase items online only, bringing in no revenue. We've added all these start-up companies but, apparently, still face a lack of additional revenue. This must obviously be true, as the mayor is increasing every tax, rate and fee possible ("Mayor calls for fee hikes," July 17)! The mayor's electricity tax dividend has already increased. The sales tax has been increased. The stormwater bond passed, increasing taxes. The mayor now wants a property tax increase. Also, he wants another water rate increase of 5 percent this time. The mayor also wants an increase in the natural gas rate that the city grabs. Finally, the mayor wants an added fee to our garbage bills for the landfill that we can use less and less. We don't have revenue streams in this town, we have revenue rivers! Nebraska dropped from 7 to 11 on list of best states to live, based on cost of living ("Nebraska drops to 11th on CNBC list," July 13). We needed a fresh set of eyes on the city budget and city management but we didn't get that when the same person got re-elected to a third term! Now, we all have to pay for that. Here's a thought, have a huge fundraiser for Parks and Rec in our Pinnacle Palace a couple of times a year! Jeffrey E. Payne, Lincoln 1 of 25 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Can these former felons bring peace to Freddie Grays neighborhood? View Photos A program called Safe Streets has a new post in Baltimore. But its up against a lot. Caption A program called Safe Streets has a new post in Baltimore. But its up against a lot. A team of Safe Streets interrupters passes a Freddie Gray mural at North Mount and Presbury streets in Sandtown, on its way to canvass the neighborhood. With its motto Stop Shooting. Start Living, the team will keep its ear to the ground about any conflicts and will step in to try to head off violence. Freddie Grays death after his arrest in Sandtown in April 2015 set off days of riots and months of violence, which was part of the impetus for opening a Safe Streets post in the neighborhood. Andre Chung/For The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. On a late Wednesday afternoon in the Baltimore neighborhood of Sandtown-Winchester, the sun is out for the first time in weeks and the temperature hovers in the mid-80s. Its the sort of weather that Lamont Medley, a former drug dealer who served 11 years for attempted murder, knows brings people and trouble outside. Sure enough, shortly after 6:30 p.m., Medley hears about a shooting near the busy intersection of North Carey and Laurens streets. The 43-year-old Idris Elba look-alike strides off in that direction and finds two police vehicles and yellow crime-scene tape blocking off North Carey. Antonio Addison, 22, had been shot several times and died at a hospital shortly after. Onlookers tell Medley what theyve heard: Addison was sitting on the stoop of his grandmothers rowhouse when another man walked up, pulled out his gun and started shooting. Medley looks around. The streets tense. People mill about, pointing to the house. Others dash off for their own homes. Medley knows this scene, how it could kindle into more beefs, more gunfire, more death. He stands at the corner, keeping a watchful eye, before ducking into a crowded corner store to buy a bottle of water. There he finds Diddy, a short, slim 24-year-old, and Joe, a tall 22-year-old chomping on mango Italian ice. Both are Sandtown players and could be the next to take a bullet. Yo, Joe, remember me? Medley says. Hey, man. You get a job yet? Nah, havent found one. Medley knows what could happen. How no job, money woes and frustration can build to a boiling point, until somewhere down the line, perhaps in a dispute over a woman or a corner, another life is ruined. He reaches into his pocket. Here, take my cell number, he says. Call me tomorrow. While things might have been different 25 years ago, Medley isnt there to be part of the trouble. Hes there to stop it. He works for the nonprofit organization Safe Streets and hopes his presence, in his Stop shooting. Start living. T-shirt, will help bring calm. If Joe calls, Medley will try to help him find a job and a chance. Joe knows Safe Streets. He nods toward Medley. I love these men, he says. They was us before. Violence interrupter Lamont Medley and Michael Brown, an outreach worker, review mapping data on shootings to determine hot spots for violence in Sandtown. Medley, who grew up in the neighborhood and spent 11 years in prison for attempted murder, now works to prevent murders in Sandtown. (Andre Chung/For The Washington Post) Safe Streets is an organization of former felons trying to head off gun violence in Baltimores toughest neighborhoods through foot patrols, information gathering and direct intervention. Though established in 2007, the program only reached Sandtown in March, when 10 men wearing the groups signature orange or black T-shirts set up operations inside a former convent next to St. Peter Claver Church on North Fremont Avenue. Sandtown is perhaps best known for the events of April 2015: the arrest of 25-year-old Freddie Gray outside the Gilmor Homes projects, the injuries he suffered in police custody, his death as a result one week later, and the protests and riots that followed. Fatal shootings in Baltimore spiked after the riots and helped make 2015 the citys deadliest year per-capita, with 344 homicides. In the 21217 Zip code, which includes Sandtown, 40 of the 44 homicides were shootings, according to police data; Sandtown alone had 10 gun homicides. Since 2006, 43 black men have been shot and killed in Sandtown, the sixth-highest number in the city, according to statistics kept by Edward Ericson Jr. of the Baltimore City Paper. The story of Sandtown, Safe Streets workers and residents alike will tell you, is one rooted in pain. A onetime mixed-income working-class neighborhood, Sandtown slowly disintegrated as redlining made it impossible for residents to secure loans and the departure of the citys blue-collar industries made it difficult to find jobs. By the 1980s, nearly half of Sandtown households made less than $11,000 a year. Today, the median household income is about $22,000. Despite a $130 million effort in the 1990s to tackle vacant housing in Sandtown, and the accompanying crime and lack of jobs, the 72-square-block neighborhood of roughly 9,000 remains plagued by high unemployment (about 21 percent), poverty, vacant buildings (more than 800, according to city records) and a life expectancy thats no better than that of North Korean citizens. There is not a single bank branch in the neighborhood. Violence and open-air drug markets, where Hercules or Ray Charles brands of heroin are sold, present daily struggles. People feel like theyre left out. They gotta make their own way, and thats by doing it on the streets, says Joseph B., a resident who refused to share his surname. What if every time there was a shooting, everybody was outraged, and we displayed our outrage? Imhotep Fatiu, director of Safe Streets Sandtown Medley was one of those making his own way. His mother, a nurse, worked long hours. His father, a former drug dealer, had little to fall back on. By 10, Medley, the youngest of four children, was in the streets, pulling the strings to provide for himself and his siblings. In 1991, at 19, he ended up in state prison, serving 11 years, nine months and 18 days for attempted murder, the result of a gun battle that broke out after he confronted neighborhood players who had robbed a fellow dealer. It was rough trying to take care of myself and provide stuff we needed, he says. The only thing that I saw was negativity: robbing, stealing. Selling drugs, that was the avenue that I took. Now he and his co-workers, called violence interrupters, have returned to their neighborhood with a message for people still engaged in that life: Put down the gun. They will deliver that message by keeping an eye on high-risk individuals and high-risk areas, and showing up at shootings. What if every time there was a shooting, everybody was outraged, and we displayed our outrage? We begin to send a message that the community does not like shootings, says Imhotep Fatiu, the 45-year-old director of Safe Streets Sandtown, a thin man with a shaved head and an intense yet tranquil stare. We want people to buy into that idea. Its more than a job; its a movement. From left, Medley, site director Imhotep Fatiu and site supervisor Greg Marshburn, who says: People who see us say, Man, the new way cant be that bad look at them. We dont make a lot of money, but were shining. (Andre Chung/For The Washington Post) The men, who earn $16 an hour, spent three weeks in training learning conflict resolution and mapping out the areas where violence is most likely to occur. They canvass the neighborhood in eight-hour shifts that start at 2 p.m. five days a week. On Mondays, as well as Wednesday through Saturday, theyre expected to be outside on the streets, ears to the ground. If they hear about a conflict brewing, theyll gather, decide who best knows the people involved and make an overture to squash the beef before it erupts. If they see something unfolding in real time, theyll jump in, trying to redirect a persons anger and buy time so they can get to the root of the conflict before guns come out. What effect Safe Streets will have remains to be seen. Its $520,000 in funding will last only through February. Its interrupters must negotiate the line between being former criminals and rubbing elbows with current ones. And they will be working in a neighborhood that is tired of gun violence but suspicious of police, a situation that existed well before the death of Freddie Gray. A recent report by the No Boundaries Coalition asserted that a shift toward police militarization, zero-tolerance enforcement, and tough-on-crime sentencing had resulted in an us-vs.-them mentality. (The Baltimore Police Department declined to comment on Safe Streets, but a spokesman said officials had read the No Boundaries Coalition report and we are continuously working to improve community relations.) Finally, the interrupters will be working in a neighborhood where the need is so great that theyll have to couple basic social services with their street mediation. But Safe Streets resources to do so are limited: Only about $300 a month is left after paying for salaries and benefits, and T-shirts, food and drinks for the twice-monthly neighborhood events. With that, Corey Winfield, Sandtowns violence prevention coordinator, will try to help residents obtain state IDs, sign up for GED classes, get into auto-technician and other courses, or find jobs. Once you step into that gun world, its the ultimate stakes, says Winfield, 47 and a towering presence with meat hooks for hands. But every man wants a way out. Safe Streets members JJ Allen, left, and Medley discuss which way the line for T-shirts should form as they set up for a kickoff event. (Andre Chung/for The Washington Post) The Baltimore City Health Department modeled Safe Streets on a Chicago program called CeaseFire (now Cure Violence), documented in the 2011 film The Interrupters. The department funds Safe Streets five sites through grant money issued to neighborhood organizations, which directly hire the workers and provide them office space. Similar approaches have been tried elsewhere, with varying success. In 2005, the Districts Peaceoholics was credited with helping achieve a 34 percent drop in violent crime but was disbanded after six years. In 2013, its co-founders were sued by the city for allegedly misusing city grant money. In Chicago, where the model got its start, studies have linked decreases in gun violence to corresponding increases in implementation of the CeaseFire program. For example, there was a 25 percent decrease in homicides in Chicago in 2004, the same year CeaseFire expanded from five to 10 sites. But its likely that a combination of factors, CeaseFire among them, led to the decrease, according to research by Northwestern University professor Wesley Skogan. Before the violence of 2015, Safe Streets efforts had seemed to pay off. McElderry Park, the first site, once went more than 300 days without a fatal shooting. The Park Heights and Cherry Hill neighborhoods hadnt seen gun homicides in 423 days and 440 days, respectively, before July 2015, the peak of the citys homicide spike. Even after Grays death, the historic upswing in homicides largely was not experienced at all in communities served by Safe Streets, says Daniel Webster, a professor of health policy at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Yet adequate funding and sponsorship are continual issues. Safe Streets in Mondawmin, the neighborhood where police and students squared off on the afternoon of Grays funeral, is shut down until the fall while the health department looks for a new neighborhood organization to support a site. And while community leaders in Sandtown had been asking for a Safe Streets site for a couple of years, funding didnt come through until after last years unrest, when area organizations such as the Abell Foundation and the Annie E. Casey Foundation committed money and Catholic Charities expressed interest in hosting a Safe Streets site. And Safe Streets is not without controversy. It has stumbled in big ways, most recently in July 2015, when guns, heroin and cocaine were found in the Safe Streets East office in McElderry Park. The health department shut down operations there for two months while new staff was hired; prosecutors later dropped all charges against the nine people arrested, including two violence interrupters. Cops hate it because they just assume that everyones still a criminal. What happened on the east side thats what every cop has been saying, says former Baltimore police officer Peter Moskos, now an associate professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Now that doesnt mean the whole concept is bad, but it sure as hell is a red flag. Another point of contention is that the information Safe Streets workers gather isnt shared with the police, a practice Safe Streets contends is necessary to get people to talk. The rules they live by it does not help the crime fight in Baltimore City. How do I know that the people theyre mediating with arent responsible for the homicide? says Anthony Barksdale, the former acting police commissioner, who retired in 2014. When asked how he knows Safe Streets is making a difference, Fatiu responds, I dont know of any Safe Streets situation where weve actually mediated, and then a shooting will occur with the same people. Medley greets neighborhood residents "Cousin T," in the wheelchair, and "Easy." Cousin T stopped to tell Medley that he appreciated his presence. (Andre Chung/For The Washington Post) In April, all the violence interrupters head for Gilmor Homes, the scene of last years tension, walking through courtyards where kids play blacktop football. They stop to hand out T-shirts and shake hands of the residents who are sitting on stoops enjoying the warmer weather, drinking from red Solo cups and blasting rap music playing on 92Q radio. People who see us say, Man, the new way cant be that bad look at them. We dont make a lot of money, but were shining, says outreach supervisor Greg Marshburn, a stocky 47-year-old with gray flecks in his beard. On another canvass, Medley walks to North Payson Street, where some of his relatives live, and speaks with Mark Lee, a 55-year-old who works at the Port of Baltimore and grew up in Sandtown, although he no longer lives there. Lee sits with three friends on folding chairs between the stoops of two rowhouses that have stickers in their windows that read: Stop shooting. Start living. Heres the bulls-eye and I like what yall doing, Lee says to Medley. Kids is watching us, even when were not watching them. Medley grins widely enough to reveal the gap in his two front teeth. Safe Streets workers are keenly aware of this dynamic. On days off, they still tend to wear their work T-shirts. They also avoid certain conversations. When he first got out of prison, it was hard for Medley to be on the streets again, he says, remembering the money he could make. But he has learned to handle it. If people start to tell him information that I might not need, that might bring me some trouble, he redirects the discussion, he says. Today, people know what I stand for. The men dont like to linger on their backgrounds, partly because, they say, the media seem more interested in how many times theyve been shot than what theyre doing now. But they will briefly outline their pasts to illustrate their growth. Medley says anger about being in prison was his catalyst for change. I realized it was my own actions that put me in that situation. He earned his GED during his sentence and, after his release in 2002, became a youth counselor and mentored juvenile delinquents at city high schools for more than a decade. When he heard Sandtown was starting up a Safe Streets site, he applied to be a violence interrupter. Today, Medley has four kids, including a daughter who turns 7 in August and wants to be a nurse. He lives in Baltimore County with his wife but regularly stays with relatives in Sandtown to cut his commute time. At one point I had no regard for people or even human life, he says. Now I love people. One person told me that if I changed, anybody can change. And he believes he can help others change as well. In April, Medley came upon two teenagers, one a known gun carrier, arguing over who was allowed to sell drugs on a corner of North Stricker Street. Medley intervened immediately. I took the person that I knew I could get through to first, grabbed that person away from the other person, Medley recalls. Then he said something like, Ho, ho, ho! We cant do this! Yall dont want to send each others families to a funeral. Was he nervous? You cant be nervous, he says. Street people will sense your nervousness, and theyll take advantage of that. So Im real calm. I explained to them the consequences of what could happen: the statistics of us killing us, how their families would feel if they hurt one another. The teens were able to work out an agreement and are still friends, Medley says. But one of them just wanted me to make sure the other person was willing to squash the beef, too. From left: Brown, Medley and Walter Chop Outlaw keep a watchful eye along Pennsylvania Avenue. (Andre Chung/For The Washington Post) June was rough for Sandtowns Safe Streets post. Up to that point, there had been only one shooting, not a fatality, in its boundaries. (The shooting of Antonio Addison happened just outside the line; Safe Streets post boundaries do not exactly correspond to neighborhood boundaries.) But by the end of June, four more shootings had occurred, and one was fatal. As protests broke out in Baltimore in early July over the questionable shootings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana, Safe Streets attention was focused on preventing retaliatory shootings in its post. After any shooting, heaviness fills the office, a mixture of frustration and sadness. The fact that the four June shootings took place before the interrupters were on the clock or on their days off was small comfort. It hurts, because even though I might not know the face or the name, I know loss of life. Ive been that person laying on the ground, fighting to stay alive and praying to God that he dont take me today, Marshburn says on a mild Wednesday afternoon in late June. Around lunchtime that day, he says, two men wearing masks had fired into a crowd at Presstman Street and North Fulton Avenue. A 16-year-old boy was wounded. And 29-year-old Donzell Zelly Canada was killed, Baltimores 127th homicide of 2016. He was one of Freddie Grays close friends. Out on the streets, at North Mount and Lorman, Medley, in his orange Safe Streets T, leans against a stop sign across from Gilmor Homes, watching. To the south, kids enjoy an afternoon at the playground as parents push them on swings. A man sells snowballs, Baltimore parlance for snow cones. But traffic is backed up for three blocks because police have blocked off Presstman. Another interrupter, Julian JJ Allen, 43, walks up to Medley and lights a Newport. They knew who they was coming for, he says. Medley, who is friendly with Canadas mother, nods, a fatigued look on his face. Residents sit on stoops, friends walk down the block, and for the people around him, it seems like this is just another day punctuated with trauma, the sound of a gun going off in Sandtown. He tries to channel his frustration into formulating a plan trying to figure out what information he needs to stem the bloodshed. He rights himself. I know the person I gotta talk to, he says, and he heads down the street with renewed purpose. Andrew Zaleski is a freelance writer based in Maryland. This is his first article for the Magazine. E-mail us at wpmagazine@washpost.com. For more articles, as well as features such as Date Lab, Gene Weingarten and more, visit The Washington Post Magazine. Follow the Magazine on Twitter. Like us on Facebook. Lyon Bakerys home version of its multigrain bread. (Renee Comet for The Washington Post; styling by Bonnie S. Benwick) Its just about impossible to re-create the dense, long-proofed, 12-grain bread made by Lyon Bakery in Northeast Washington. But master baker and co-owner Alan Hakimi has developed a recipe for Post readers thats easy and tastes thisclose to the real thing. It freezes well and makes genius toast; refrigerate for up to 1 week. Youll need an instant-read thermometer and sturdy metal loaf pans. Multigrain Bread 20 to 24 servings (makes 2 large loaves) Theres no real kneading, but you do have to stir a great amount of dough for a good 10 minutes. A kitchen scale will be helpful; youll need an instant-read thermometer and 2 large (10 by 5 by 3 inches), sturdy metal loaf pans. SAF brand yeast works best here; it is available at some kitchen stores, at some Whole Foods Markets and online through various gourmet purveyors, including Amazon.com. MAKE AHEAD The soaked-grain mixture needs to rest at room temperature for 2 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The dough needs to proof for about 2 hours. Its best to store this bread in the refrigerator, for up to 1 week. Wrapped well, the bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. 1/3 cup (about 1 ounce) old-fashioned rolled oats (do not use quick-cooking or instant) 1/4 cup (about 1 1/2 ounces) flaxseed 1/4 cup (a scant 1 1/2 ounces) semolina flour 1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons (scant 1 1/2 ounces) white sesame seeds 1/3 cup (about 1 1/2 ounces) raw, hulled sunflower seeds, plus more for optional rolling 1/4 cup (about 1 ounce) dried millet 1 cup 95-degree water 4 1/2 cups plus 2/3 cup King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour (scant 1 1/2 pounds), plus more for the work surface 1 cup plus 6 1/2 tablespoons about 6 ounces) whole-wheat flour 1/2 cup plus 7 tablespoons (about 3.3 ounces) rye flour Scant 1/2 cup plus 4 teaspoons (scant 2 ounces) spelt flour Generous 1/4 cup honey 1 tablespoon plus 1/8 teaspoon SAF brand instant dried yeast (see headnote) Scant tablespoon (17 grams) fine sea salt Scant 4 cups 72-degree water Combine the rolled oats, flaxseed, semolina, white sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, millet and 95-degree water in a mixing bowl, stirring to moisten. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 2 hours, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Whisk together the all-purpose, whole-wheat, rye and spelt flours in a very large mixing bowl. Add the soaked-grain mixture to the flour mixture, then add the honey and yeast on one side of the bowl and the salt on the opposite side of the bowl. Pour in the 72-degree water; stir with a large, sturdy fork for 10 minutes to form a fairly smooth, firm dough that registers 76 to 80 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. Lightly flour a work surface. Transfer the dough there and divide it in half; let it rest for 5 minutes, then lightly pat each half into a rectangle about 1 1/4 inches thick, with the long side nearest you. Generously flour each portion of dough. Working with one portion of dough at a time, fold over the far long side toward you, tucking its end under tightly with your thumbs, then keep rolling it tightly toward you. Gently roll the loaf in more sunflower seeds, if desired (about 1/2 cup total). Tuck the sides under, so the dough will fit as you put it in the pan. Let proof, preferably in a warm spot (75 degrees), for about 2 hours or until the dough has about doubled in size. Place a wide metal pan or baking sheet on the lowest oven rack; preheat to 475 degrees. Uncover the loaves and brush off any excess flour. Open the oven door and toss about 5 ice cubes onto the hot pan (to create steam), then quickly place the loaf pans on the middle rack and close the door. Reduce the temperature to 400 degrees; bake for 40 to 50 minutes, turning the loaves from front to back halfway through, until quite browned. Transfer the loaf pans to a wire rack to cool for 1 hour, then remove the loaves from the pans and cool them directly on the rack for at least 5 hours before serving or storing. SOURCE From Alan Hakimi, master baker and co-owner of Lyon Bakery, which has a retail outlet in Northeast Washington at Union Market and is based in Hyattsville, Md. Tested by Bonnie S Benwick; email questions to food@washpost.com NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS Per serving | 200 calories, 6g protein, 39g carbohydrates, 3g fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 4g fiber, 3g sugar Recipe Finder More Plate Lab For stories, features such as Date Lab, Gene Weingarten and more, visit WP Magazine. Follow the Magazine on Twitter. Like us on Facebook. Email us at wpmagazine@washpost.com. Items from the Womans National Democratic Club and the National Federation of Republican Women. (Photos by Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post) Theres always a place for politics in this town. And there are some specific sites if youre looking for the history of women in the Democratic and Republican parties. The national club for Democratic women and the headquarters for Republican womens clubs are in the District and Alexandria, respectively. Both are on the National Register of Historic Places, but the similarity ends there. The National Federation of Republican Women is headquarters for 1,369 chapters; the stand-alone Democratic club hosts many events and is a museum. Womans National Democratic Club 1526 New Hampshire Ave. NW As first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt broadcast national radio addresses from the Womans National Democratic Club, which she joined in 1923, a year after it was founded. The charter arrived two years after the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote in 1920. In 1927 the group bought its current home, the Whittemore mansion, which was built in the 1890s near Dupont Circle for a descendant of President John Adams, Sarah Adams Whittemore, and her husband. Over the years, the club filled the house with political memorabilia, fine art and antiques, some donated by cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and other members. A hotel that was closing donated seven large folk art paintings of Democratic first ladies. A sparkling chandelier once hung in a hotel in Paris. Memorabilia from Roosevelts White House days are on display in the Eleanor Roosevelt Library, including the desk of club member Frances Perkins. She was Americas first female Cabinet member, serving as secretary of labor in the Franklin Roosevelt administration. The club regularly hosts events such as book readings, speeches by presidential candidates and weddings. Current president Anna Fierst is Eleanor Roosevelts great-granddaughter. Its wonderful that my great-grandmothers human rights contributions are honored here, she says. But what the founding members wanted, and what Eleanor supported, was getting women involved in the political process. In the 1920s, they challenged women to vote according to their own ideals, not their husbands. National Federation of Republican Women 124 N. Alfred St., Alexandria, Va. A large framed collection of 88 elephant pins demands visitors attention when they enter the headquarters of the National Federation of Republican Women in Alexandria. Unlike the WNDC, the federation initiates and directs political leadership, education and get-out-the-vote efforts. For programming, members count on their local clubs. Virginia has 59, Maryland has 29, and the District, 1. The three-story building was built in the early 1800s as a private home for a prosperous doctor. Visitors are welcome, but like any good guests, they should call ahead. The group, founded in 1938, had been based in the Republican National Committee building on Capitol Hill for almost 50 years. The federations president announced the need for a permanent headquarters in 1989. The organization moved in 1992, and after just one year, it had paid the mortgage on the Alexandria home in full with contributions from state and local chapters. President Carrie Almondhas family roots in the party. Her grandmother Rosemary Lucas Ginn served as the RNC committeewoman from Missouri and was appointed ambassador to Luxembourg by President Gerald Ford. There are 23 million women in this country that are qualified but not registered to vote, Almond says. We purchased an RV and christened it Rosie, after my grandmother, to travel around the country increasing registration and getting out the vote. The Washington Post's Paul Farhi explains what's next for Fox News and the Murdoch family, now that Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes is out. (Peter Stevenson,Jorge Ribas/The Washington Post) The Washington Post's Paul Farhi explains what's next for Fox News and the Murdoch family, now that Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes is out. (Peter Stevenson,Jorge Ribas/The Washington Post) Roger Ailes, the founder and chief executive of Fox News, has resigned from his position under fire, but will remain with the company until 2018 as a consultant, Fox Newss parent company, 21st Century Fox, said Thursday. Ailes will be replaced temporarily by Rupert Murdoch, the chairman of 21st Century Fox, the company said. The resignation marks the sudden and swift end to the 20-year reign of one of medias most powerful moguls, a man who micromanaged talent acquistion at Fox, shaped its conservative viewpoint, and turned it into a ratings juggernaut. Ailess job has been in question for the past week or so, amid a budding sexual harassment scandal. The powerful executive was accused of harassment in a lawsuit filed two weeks ago by former network anchor Gretchen Carlson, who said Ailes pressured her for a sexual relationship in exchange for keeping her job as a host of a Fox News program. Since then, other women have come forward with allegations against Ailes, 76, some stretching as far back at the mid-1960s. Ailes has repeatedly denied the allegations. People familiar with Ailess exit negotiations said he will receive around $40 million, much of which 21st Century Fox was already obligated to pay him under a severance package. Roger Ailes has stepped down as Fox News chairman and chief executive amid a sexual harassment suit brought forward by former host Gretchen Carlson. (Erin Patrick O'Connor/The Washington Post) [It seems over for Roger Ailes. After decades of alleged sexism, why now?] In a statement, Murdoch said: Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organization and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years. Fox News has given voice to those who were ignored by the traditional networks and has been one of the great commercial success stories of modern media. Murdochs statement made no mention of the recent allegations against Ailes. In his resignation letter to Murdoch, Ailes said, I will not allow my presence to become a distraction from the work that must be done every day to ensure that Fox News and Fox Business continue to lead our industry. He also expressed pride in the role that I have played advancing the careers of the many women I have promoted to executive and on-air positions. Many of these talented journalists have deservedly become household names known for their intelligence and strength. Fox News anchor Chris Wallace, in Cleveland to cover the Republican National Convention, said he was stunned by the news of Ailess resignation. In almost 50 years in the news business, Roger Ailes is the best boss I have ever had, he said. I admire him professionally. And I love him personally. I am heartbroken he is gone. While Murdoch, 85, reportedly sided with Ailes, Murdochs sons Lachlan and James were long at odds with him and saw the sexual-harassment allegations as a pretext to remove him. Lachlan, 44, is 21st Centurys executive chairman and James is its chief executive. In a joint statement, Lachlan and James Murdoch made an oblique reference to the scandal, citing their commitment to a respectful workplace. They said: We join our father in recognizing Rogers remarkable contributions to our company. Our talented Fox News and Fox Business colleagues . . . have built something that continues to redefine the cable news experience for millions of viewers. We are enormously proud of their accomplishments. For them, as well as for our colleagues across our entire organization, we continue our commitment to maintaining a work environment based on trust and respect. Carlsons attorney, Nancy Erika Smith, said in a statement that it took only two weeks after the former Fox hosts lawsuit to cause a seismic shift in the media world. We hope that all businesses now understand that women will no longer tolerate sexual harassment and reputable companies will no longer shield those who abuse women. [A Roger Ailes mid-election ouster from Fox News would be a huge deal] Ailes was named founding chief executive of Fox News in 1996 and, with a company reorganization in 2005, took on the role of chairman. He is credited with driving the top ratings of the network, which re-created TV news by catering to, and developing, a vast conservative audience. Fox News is the highest-rated cable network and reportedly has profits of well over $1 billion. Prior to his time at Fox News, Ailes was a media consultant for Richard M. Nixon, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, and for Rudolph W. Giuliani in his first campaign for New York mayor. Among the provisions in the exit agreement is a non-compete clause, which would prevent Ailes from starting a competitor to Fox News. As Ailess fate hung in the balance over the past week, there was speculation that he might raid some of the personalities that he recruited to Fox, including stars Bill OReilly and Sean Hannity, upon his departure. But the non-compete agreement effectively ends that possibility. People close to the company said Ailes will not have a formal role as a consultant that is, in producing programs or news segments. Instead, he will advise Rupert Murdoch during a transition period. Ailess fall played out in the news media that Ailes and Fox had sought to be an alternative to. Given that Ailes was a few months from the end of his current contract, the Murdochs could have let him slide into retirement rather than make an issue of the allegations that Carlson raised. Instead, in an echo of the phone-hacking scandal that beset the Murdochs media and entertainment empire in 2012, the publicity surrounding the allegations apparently built pressure on the family to act. The law firm Paul, Weiss was in the middle of conducting an internal review of complaints of sexual harassment against Ailes and an alleged culture of sexism within the company when the younger Murdochs began to press for Ailess removal last week. Margaret Sullivan contributed to this report. In North Braddock, Pa., a statue of George Washington stands behind a marker near where forces of British Gen. Edward Braddock which included a young Washington were defeated at the Battle of the Monongahela. (Becca Milfeld/For The Washington Post) Last year, I signed up for a bus tour of Braddock Road, a warpath blazed through the wilderness by British forces during the French and Indian War. Remnants of the 18th-century trail run through majestic scenery in the leafy mountainous regions stretching from Western Virginia to Pennsylvania, but the breathtaking panorama was not the main reason I was going. Rather, I was interested in seeing the setting for a story now almost forgotten, a tale that unfolded more than 260 years ago and also happens to mark a milestone in the early life of George Washington. I was also pretty excited by the prospect of making friends with the 15 or so others who would be going on the trip, organized through the French and Indian War Foundation, although I couldnt quite imagine who they would be. Maybe history hipsters who do things like shun modern, industrialized meat. Or couples taking their impressionable children on an in-depth history excursion. I picked up my rental car in the wee hours at Washingtons Reagan National Airport (like the first president, I dont own a car) and set off toward the tours starting point in Winchester, Va., cruising on a chilly spring morning down the George Washington Memorial Parkway an aptly presidential beginning. In the spring of 1755, Washington, then just a 23-year-old military type with greater aspirations, set out on a similar journey to meet up with the nearly 3,000 men participating in the British campaign to clear a road to and overtake Frances coveted-but-remote Fort Duquesne, located in what today is downtown Pittsburgh (back then, a strategic gateway to western territory). Washington would serve as an aide-de-camp under the expeditions leader, Gen. Edward Braddock, a Brit whose lack of knowledge regarding North America and Indian warfare remains one of his defining characteristics. I arrived at my tour groups rustic meeting spot a Food Lion parking lot and was surprised to find the blacktop void of humanity. I spotted a small bus parked in a distant corner, but by the time I made my way over, I was, admittedly, six minutes late. I mounted the steps in eager anticipation and peered inside where more than a dozen people with gray hair, mostly men (all, apparently, early birds), stared back at me. Now I knew who went on Braddock Road day trips. Weve been waiting for you, an irritated woman, one of the few females on the bus, said. Awww, leave her alone, a man from the back shouted. The seat next to him was the only one left in the packed house of retirement-age enthusiasts apparently Braddocks main fan base so I took it. And we were off. Our guide, Norman Baker, an energetic World War II veteran who has spent years retracing the trail and wrote a book about it, guided us down a modern highway. All that remains of the path are faint, ditchlike traces in the ground, which zig-zag back and forth under the road at certain points. As Norman pointed out the first of these, a multi-person Oooooooohh! rang out, including from Kass, the gentleman beside me, who practices Colonial-style land surveying in his spare time. The road swings back across, goes behind this Burger King. Braddocks Road went right behind this Burger King! Norman shouted above the roaring engine as we sped down the thoroughfare. Is that? . . . Theres a tollhouse! Kass shouted, spotting a historic turnpike tollbooth, which was not from Braddocks expedition. Tollhouse! multiple excited voices exclaimed. Not only was I beginning to get the gist of traveling with these folks, I was wholeheartedly joining in. A tollhouse? I hadnt even considered that. Our first stop would be Cumberland, Md., a picturesque town nestled in rolling mountains along the North Branch Potomac River. Deep green hills rim the city, which is home to some 20,000 residents and has a quaint downtown with a mixture of buildings from decades and centuries gone by. But when Braddock and his men stopped here, there was only Fort Cumberland, the westernmost outpost in the British empire. The preserved log headquarters of George Washington at Fort Cumberland in Cumberland, Md. (Becca Milfeld/For The Washington Post) Today, the sightly Emmanuel Episcopal Church, located on a bluff overlooking downtown, is situated where Fort Cumberland once stood. The property is marked by a variety of historical plaques, but for those in the know, the old forts underground earthworks can still be seen in the churchs basement a strange melange of HVAC components and old walls. Then, just a short walk around the corner, nestled at the confluence of the Potomac and its tributary Wills Creek, is a tiny log cabin Washingtons fort headquarters. Although it is not staffed by guides, if you press a button on the porch, a comprehensive account of the buildings history plays to the tune of fifes and drums. We next headed to Big Savage Mountain, where Braddock Road can be followed on foot, then onward to Jumonville Glen and Fort Necessity. These are the respective sites preserved at Fort Necessity National Battlefield where, before Braddocks campaign, soldiers under young Washingtons command fought the earliest battle of what became the French and Indian War by ambushing French soldiers and later were defeated after retreating. Our last stop would be Braddocks grave a bit ahead of ourselves since we hadnt even made it to the battle site where (spoiler alert) Braddock sustained a fatal wound. Nonetheless, we bid the general adieu, sipping from plastic cups filled with merlot and chardonnay at the spot in southwest Pennsylvania where he was buried in the middle of his own road. In Washington: A Life, Ron Chernow wrote that Washington, fearing desecration by Indians, directed wagons across the fresh grave, over and over, to hide it. The generals remains, rediscovered in 1804, have been reburied under a monument off Highway 40, a two-minute walk from the original, wooded site. The bus tour was over, but I was far from done exploring Braddock Road, journeying on my own over the next few months to see the expedition to its end. In late July, I found myself in the suburbs of Braddock and North Braddock some nine miles southeast of Pittsburgh, where a sizable number of dilapidated houses and boarded-up buildings greet visitors. On a similar day in July 1755, Chernow described, Braddocks men stood where these neighborhoods now meet and were ambushed by the French and Indians, who picked them off in the lush forest like skilled hunters. Scores of Brits, Scots, colonists, frontiersmen and farmers were slaughtered in a depraved scene of carnage after traveling some three months and arriving within miles of Fort Duquesne. The wounded who were left behind amid a frantic retreat met an even worse fate scalping. For years afterward, Baker said, bones could be found at the site. More than 900 of the approximately 1,400 British-side troops who engaged in the fight are thought to have been killed or wounded in the bloodbath that would become known as the Battle of the Monongahela, after a nearby river, according to an account on Fort Necessitys website. Theres a trophy among all this for those who seek it. Standing like a larger-than-life Academy Award on a small grassy plot next to a funeral parlor, a large, iridescent, coppery-orange statue of Washington, glowing bright upon a pedestal, depicts him with a sword in hand, gazing valiantly into the distance from the terrain where he would emerge a hero. Even though two horses were shot out from under him and, in many accounts, four bullets pierced his coat, Washington not only escaped unscathed but brought order to the troops amid a harrowing defeat and retreat. Basking in Georges golden orb, I noticed a man on the sidewalk looking at me quizzically, as if someone taking note of the statue was a stranger sight than a giant, glowing Washington. My logical next stop was Fort Duquesne, which is marked today by Point State Park, a wide-open green space in downtown Pittsburgh where two rivers the Allegheny and the Monongahela merge to form the Ohio River. An enormous, awe-inspiring fountain sprays 100 feet into the air on the bank where the rivers meet. Sitting on its ledge, I watched skaters glide by on Rollerblades and a mother playing tag with her small daughter, running around and around the enormous base. Just behind the fountain, the star-shaped outline of Duquesnes perimeter is marked in the grass. There are few hints of the rugged existence forged by the original French frontiersmen who lived here, especially with structures such as Heinz Field, home to the Pittsburgh Steelers, dominating the Ohios northern bank. Near Pittsburghs South Side, the Duquesne Incline, a red cable railway that dates to the late 19th century, still transports people up and down the craggy hillside of Mount Washington. (Becca Milfeld/For The Washington Post) On the south, however, a towering, wooded cliff, too steep to build on, provides a glimpse of what the area might have looked like. Its also home to the Duquesne Incline, a red cable railway that dates to the late 19th century and still transports people up and down the craggy hillside of Mount Washington for $5 round-trip. Up top is an expansive view of Pittsburgh. A three-minute walk along a cliff-side road takes visitors to yet another outlook, where a statue of Washington conversing with a Seneca Indian leader keeps history at the fore as the modern skyline looms in the background. What Braddock aimed to do, a British general by the name of John Forbes finally accomplished more than three years later. Charting a separate course through Pennsylvania, his soldiers arrived at Fort Duquesne in November 1758 with Washington leading one of three brigades only to find it abandoned by the French, who knew they were outnumbered and set it ablaze. As they cut their trail, Forbes and his men built posts and depots, the last of which was Fort Ligonier, which would serve as a staging post for the Duquesne attack. Reconstructed in the 20th century, the fort is located some 50 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, several blocks from the town square of Ligonier, Pa., with its charming bandstand and restaurants. I visited the fort in near solitude in October, touring its protective wooden walls, officers quarters, soldiers barracks, a small hospital complex and even a moat. For such an impressive reconstruction, the absence of visitors was striking. I could only hope that somewhere in Pennsylvania, a bus tour was being arranged in Forbess honor. If in life Braddocks men had been quite unlucky, at least, some 260 years later, they have their fans. Milfeld is a Washington-based journalist. She is on Twitter as @becca_milfeld and tweets about George Washington as @GWcallsShotgun. More from Travel: Washington slept here no, really From his gravesite to where he met his end, fans are flocking to Hamiltons New York D.C. getaway guide: 12 drivable weekend trips Some people have found JetBlues series of marketing emails sent to new customers, with such missives as First dates can be a little awkward, to be in poor taste. (Lucas Jackson/Reuters) After booking her first JetBlue flight recently, Kathie Baker was stunned by the confirmation email. First dates can be a little awkward, it declared. But that seems impossible with someone like you. Just to be safe, lets start with the basics. The airline then proceeded to describe its in-flight amenities: Favorite color: Blue Favorite song: Leaving on a Jet Plane The Post's Chris Elliott shares a few tips for air travelers trying to avoid the dreaded middle seat. (Erin Patrick O'Connor,Julio Negron/The Washington Post) Relationship status: Single & ready to show you 85+ amazing destinations. It was creepy, says Baker, a translator who lives in Pittsburgh. Almost stalkerish. The missive is part of a series of welcome messages sent to new customers. And it isnt happening in a vacuum. Companies are struggling to find the right tone to take with their customers, particularly in the travel industry, which is having one of its most challenging summers in recent memory. The messages they send range from slick to robotic, and decoding them isnt difficult. [Newly passed air travel legislation is an amazing win for consumers] JetBlue wasnt done emailing Baker. The airline next offered to send her special deals, adding, We can skip the mushy stuff and start delivering great offers to your inbox ASAP. Sample subject line: Were all in! Are you? Baker wanted the emails, which she said were in poor taste, to stop. I contacted JetBlue on her behalf. The next day, the airline fell silent. With any luck, they have permanently ceased sending these emails to me, Baker says. Perhaps. JetBlues confirmations are part of a series of marketing emails that all new passengers receive when they buy a ticket, and unless Baker opts out of future emailings, it is likely that she will see more like them. We went with the unique approach to drive engagement and understand customer preferences, while introducing customers to the brand, says JetBlue spokesman Morgan Johnston. As youve no doubt seen over the years, JetBlue has a long history of fresh, witty, fun, inclusive and occasionally tongue-in-cheek marketing. To be fair, some customers approve of the tone. Bilal Kaiser, who teaches digital marketing in Los Angeles, recently received a JetBlue email with the subject line: Fares from $59 we literally couldnt fare less! Hilarious, he says. Made me open the email even though I wasnt planning to travel anywhere at that moment. Thats a sentiment Jean Tang, owner of a New York copywriting agency, seconds. JetBlues irreverent dispatches leverage a familiar construct, create instant intimacy, and theyre funny as heck, she says. And theyre well written. But this summer, is witty prose enough? This hasnt been an easy travel season. Lines are long. Prices are high. Tempers are flaring. Is an informal love letter from a travel company going to make everything right? Jay Baer says theres a lot at stake. Finding the correct words might mean the company gets to keep you. In his latest book, Hug Your Haters, he found that simply answering a complaint was enough to keep 7 in 10 customers. After all, no answer is an answer, he says. Its an answer that says, We dont care about you as a customer at all. [How to avoid the worst seat on the plane this summer] Instead of trying to cozy up to a customer and potentially making some of them feel uncomfortable, most successful companies deliver more standard and predictable responses to any troubles that may arise, says Marilyn Suttle, co-author of Taming Gladys! The Busy Leaders Guide to Creating Fierce Customer Loyalty. Rather than saying, Im sorry if you were upset, which only aggravates the passenger because its obvious theyre already upset, its better to say, Im so sorry you were unhappy with your experience, she says. Experts say that the correct, and prompt, mix can make the difference between the right words and ones that fall flat. Sincerity is crucial, says Taylor Davis, a manager at Litmus, an email analytics firm based in Cambridge, Mass. Especially if youre apologizing. You never want your customers to feel like they are talking to a robot. A simple way for customer service teams to remain sincere is by adding a human element and style when communicating with customers. They should feel like theyre having a comfortable conversation. The line between comfortable and overly casual is easy to cross. Consider Spirit Airlines promotional emails, which have been heavily criticized for a lighthearted tone laced with sexual innuendo. For example, during the sexting scandal of then-Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) in 2011, the airline infamously launched a Weiner Sale with fares direct quote here too hard to resist. Some of its other promotions are so risque they cant even be described euphemistically without offending readers of this publication. Double entendres arent limited to airlines. The Modern Honolulu hotels award-winning Friends With Benefits guest loyalty program, for instance, provocatively invites guests to come back by saying, Weve always got room in our beds for another friend. [How to avoid that thousand-yard stare from standing in long airport lines] Heres the problem: Although promotional pitches may be amusing or suggestive, the travel companies side of individual email conversations with customers usually is of the cut-and-paste style, delivered mechanically and dispassionately. When a company initiates a conversation as it did with Baker, the JetBlue customer its amusing and engaging. When you start the conversation, not so much. And, of course, words arent always enough. If something has gone wrong, nothing says Im sorry like a refund or a ticket credit. This summer, travelers expectations arent that high. They want a relatively problem-free experience, dont want to spend too long waiting in line and if possible theyd like their luggage to travel with them. Theyd prefer not to pay too many fees and not to get service with a snarl. It would be a good start for travel companies to devote even half the time they do working up their unsolicited email messages on answering customers with empathy and humanity. Elliott is a consumer advocate, journalist and co-founder of the advocacy group Travelers United. Email him at chris@elliott.org. More from Travel: There may be an end in sight for controversial and often invisible resort fees What to wear and not to wear on vacation Read past Navigator columns here 1 of 11 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad It takes a boat to reach these secluded beaches in Maryland View Photos Janes Island State Park on the Chesapeake Bay has six miles of beaches and marshlands if you can get to it. Caption Janes Island State Park on the Chesapeake Bay has six miles of beaches and marshlands if you can get to it. The parks 30-mile network of aquatic trails, listed by the American Canoe Associations in its recommendations, brings many tourists to this pocket of the bay. Matt McClain/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. It was no beach day, but we were determined to make it one. Rain misted down and clouds hung heavily above us as my husband and I plopped into our orange kayaks, the only bright colors in a landscape of muted grays and greens. A great blue heron seemed surprised to see us when we cruised into the marsh, flapping away in a whoosh of slate-blue wings. Our paddles sliced rhythmically through the water, past meadows of tawny grass and thick stands of loblolly pines. An hour or so later, a sliver of sand materialized from the fog. Wed made it. Each summer at Ocean City, Md., our family vacation began with staking out a square of sand amid a sea of umbrellas and glistening bodies. An assault on the senses ensued: Kids shrieking in the surf; the lifeguards shrill whistle; music booming from portable radios; that unmistakable smell of sunscreen. I didnt mind and still dont sharing a strand with the masses. But when I read that Janes Island State Park on Marylands Chesapeake Bay has more than six miles of secluded beach accessible only by boat, I had to go. Brian and I booked a campsite at the park in late April to avoid mosquito season, which is legendary at Janes Island. (Being a bug magnet, I didnt want to spend my weekend itching.) Id chosen well. Our site, on the edge of a canal, had an expansive view of the park and its 3,125 acres of marshlands, forests and beaches. We stayed miraculously dry in our tent during a night of thunderstorms and steady rain, awakening to a symphony of birdsong, including the throaty warble of the red-winged blackbird. Id forgotten the French press and had resigned myself to a day without coffee when our friendly neighbor in the RV somehow read my mind and gave me a cup. Fleeces and rain jackets donned against the chill, we headed for the park rangers office our rented kayaks, paddles and life jackets were already waiting for us at the boat ramp. Volunteer coordinator John Somers invited us in and showed us a wall map of the parks six color-coded water trails, all but one of which are protected from wind and currents. The 30-mile network, on the American Canoe Associations list of the countrys recommended water trails, brings tourists of many nationalities to this pocket of the bay. Its like the U.N. in the summer, he said. Somers looked up the days tide report and suggested the yellow trail a straight shot to the centrally located Flat Cap Beach and a return on the novice-to-intermediate red trail, which wends through narrow creeks in the parks northeast. (Taking the blue trail around low tide, he joked, might require portaging our kayaks through mud flats.) Somers also informed us of the one-minute rule if you dont see one of the aluminum trail markers after a minute or so, turn back, or you could get lost. An egret hunts for food. In the marsh, you can see snapping turtles, muskrats, fiddler and blue crabs, river otters and brown pelicans. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post) In the adjacent Ranger Julie Schweikert Nature Center, we visited the parks resident snapping turtle (shes surly, Somers said) and two lively western diamondback terrapins swimming in an aquarium both species we could see out in the marsh, as well as muskrats, fiddler and blue crabs, river otters and brown pelicans. The park is also home to the northeastern beach tiger beetle, a state-listed endangered insect found only in a few isolated spots of the bay including the beaches of Janes Island. A little more than a mile of paddling later, our kayaks found Flat Cap Beach. I stepped onto the windy shore, littered with weathered driftwood, and wondered if Capt. John Smith had laid eyes on such a wildly beautiful scene on his travels through the Chesapeake Bay in 1608. According to Somers, Smith probably passed Janes Island as he traveled north to the Nanticoke River. Smith recorded in his diary that he took a bath in a hot spring, which may have been on the southwestern end of the island. At that time, the Annemessex and Pocomoke Indian tribes probably lived here, fishing for clams, oysters and crabs. Cold be darned, I immediately waded into Tangier Sound, then thought better of it when I noticed small, pale-orange jellyfish moving about my ankles. We squatted to watch some of the animals trapped in tide pools, fierce little knots of life pulsing in place until the water returned. A recently expired horseshoe crab lay in the sand, its helmetlike shell pocked with goose barnacles and teensy oysters. A bit farther down the beach, two big, grayish birds of prey perched on gnarled tree limbs, keeping watch over their domain. The parks seasonal naturalist, Sally Shoemaker, later confirmed that they were northern harriers, a species Id never seen before. Beachcombing along the shore, we noticed dozens of common periwinkles, a species of snail, stuck to the sturdy grasses like fleas on a dogs back. I peeked under pieces of wood, clumps of seaweed and other detritus with the remote hope of seeing a tiger beetle, but no luck the inch-long predators wouldnt emerge until June. Resting on the sand, we ate our PBJs, watching the waves and soaking in the solitude of a beach all our own. Alas, a four-mile paddle awaited. Back in our kayaks, we wove through the channels of the red trail, the water shallow enough to see mussels and oysters clustered on the bottom. I threw some side-eye as we passed a pair of common terns, a species that bombed me once in Ocean City. An osprey, a fish-eating bird, flew overhead dangling its large black talons. Leaving the sanctuary of the marsh for the Big Annemessex River, the rain picked up and the kayaks bounced through the choppy waters. Shoulders aching, we eventually rounded the corner back to Daugherty Canal, passing one of the parks three backcountry camping sites, an adventure for a warmer time. We glided right past our campsite hello, tent! and returned to civilization. Charlie Walton and his wife, JoAn Walton, watch a colorful sunset. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post) Hauling our boats ashore, it hit me that I didnt have a single mosquito bite or patch of sunburn. Even more impressive, we hadnt seen a soul our entire trip, save for a lone kayaker in the distance that morning. It had been the perfect beach day after all. DellAmore is an editor, writer and proud Maryland native. More from Travel: D.C. getaway guide: 12 drivable weekend trips In Chesapeake Bay, Poplar Island is a man-made miracle Touring the Chesapeake Bay with its legendary watermen While avoiding direct criticism of Sen. Ted Cruz for declining to endorse Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at the GOP national convention, Gov. Pete Ricketts on Thursday stressed the need for Republican unity to defeat Hillary Clinton in November. Pointing to his own experience in Nebraska's hotly contested 2014 Republican gubernatorial primary race, Ricketts said it was GOP unity that helped propel him into the governor's office in the general election. "It was a very competitive primary and it got rough at times, but every opponent came to the unity rally the next day and helped me be successful," the governor said during a telephone call from Cleveland. That's what needs to happen now in the presidential race, Ricketts said. Although there never was a formal announcement, Ricketts had been prepared to endorse Cruz at a rally in Lincoln on the day after the Indiana presidential primary election in May, but the Texas senator got knocked out of the race that night by Trump. The next day's Lincoln event was canceled. Ricketts subsequently endorsed Trump, who had become the presumptive Republican nominee, at an airport rally in Omaha days before the Nebraska primary election. Trump needs to "clearly lay out the case why he ought to be the next president" during his Thursday night address to the convention, Ricketts said, and take advantage of that forum to build a united party as he prepares for the showdown with Clinton, who will be nominated at the Democratic National Convention next week. The GOP national ticket of Trump and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, the vice presidential nominee, offers "the best opportunity for the United States to get on a path to grow," the governor said. "Pence knocked the ball out of the park with the best speech of the convention on Wednesday night," Ricketts said. Ricketts said he visited with Pence Thursday at a breakfast meeting of the Indiana delegation. Meanwhile, state Sen. Beau McCoy of Omaha, chairman of Trump's Nebraska campaign, said he believes "there's a distinct possibility" that either Trump or Pence will bring their campaign to Nebraska. McCoy said "it's hard to really know yet" whether metropolitan Omaha's 2nd Congressional District presidential electoral vote might be in play this year. The Clinton campaign already has targeted that electoral vote in Nebraska, setting the stage for a possible battle. "I have not seen any polling," McCoy said. "We probably really won't know until late August or early September." The House contest between Democratic Rep. Brad Ashford and Republican nominee Don Bacon in that district may be a factor in whether that electoral vote could be competitive, McCoy said. McCoy said he was "extremely disappointed" that Cruz would not endorse Trump during his speech to the national convention on Wednesday night. "I really felt it was going back on his word," he said. The Texas senator and Ohio Gov. John Kasich pledged early in the campaign to support the eventual nominee, McCoy said, and neither fulfilled that commitment in Cleveland. THE DISTRICT Police officer hurt while helping motorist A D.C. police officer who was helping a motorist with a flat tire was injured Wednesday night when a stolen pickup truck struck a marked cruiser parked on the side of the Anacostia Freeway, authorities said. The driver of the pickup also was injured, police said, and he and the officer were taken to hospitals. The injuries of neither were thought to be life-threatening. Police arrested the driver of the Ford F-250 pickup and said they would charge him with driving under the influence and unauthorized use of a vehicle. His name was not immediately released pending the filing of formal charges. The crash occurred about 10:10 p.m. in the southbound lanes of the highway near Howard Road and the interchange with Suitland Parkway in Southeast Washington. Peter Hermann MARYLAND Stick-up suspect wore memorable mask A man wore a fairly memorable mask a white and black one known for its use by the Anonymous group when he robbed a 7-Eleven in Montgomery County, as seen on surveillance video, police said. The robbery happened about 3:30 a.m. Tuesday when a man entered the store on Liberty Mill Road near Clopper Road in Germantown and pointed a handgun at the clerk, police said. The man then motioned with the gun toward the cash register, according to police. The video shows the man dressed all in black and wearing the face mask holding a gun as a clerk pulls out a register drawer of cash. The man grabs money. The amount he took is undisclosed. The robber was described as in his mid-20s, about 5-feet-11-inches with a medium build, according to police. His race is not known. Dana Hedgpeth Man held in stabbing near Metro station A Fairfax County man is in custody in connection with the fatal stabbing of a man outside the Addison Road Metro station Wednesday night, police said Thursday. Ali Anthony Jovan, 36, was charged with first- and second-degree murder in the attack, which occurred at 7:18 p.m. about 40 yards from the entrance to the Metro station, which is in Prince Georges County, Metro Transit Police said. Police identified the victim as Vontrel Laarius McDaniel, 35, of Northeast Washington. Authorities said the two men were arguing at a bus bay outside the Metro station when Jovan allegedly stabbed McDaniel in the chest. Metro spokesman Dan Stessel said Wednesday night that the two men are thought to have known each other. McDaniel was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said. Jovan was arrested as he tried to flee, and a folding knife was recovered, police said. In addition to the murder charges, he also was charged with carrying a dangerous weapon with intent to injure, police said. Luz Lazo Police are looking for upskirt suspect Police in Montgomery County are looking for a man they say took up-skirt pictures of a woman at a T.J. Maxx store in Germantown. The incident happened about 1:12 p.m. June 15 at the store on Frederick Road, about two miles from Interstate 270. The victim said she noticed the man using a cellphone to take pictures underneath her dress. When she confronted him, he fled. Anyone with information is asked to call 240-773-6237. Dana Hedgpeth Police say school volunteer Deonte Carraway, 22, made pornographic videos with children during school hours and on school grounds at Judge Sylvania W. Woods Elementary School in Glenarden, Md. (Photo by Mark Gail/for The Washington Post) (Mark Gail/For The Washington Post) After a school volunteer was indicted this year on 270 counts of child pornography involving at least 23 victims, the Prince Georges County Board of Education on Tuesday adopted new policies aimed at safeguarding children against sexual abuse in county schools. The policies address various issues involving employee training, reporting of abuse and inappropriate conduct in a Maryland school system that has reeled amid allegations of children performing sexual acts at the direction of 22-year-old school volunteer Deonte Carraway, who was helping in the schools library and once worked as a paid classroom aide. [Former Prince Georges school volunteer indicted on 270 counts in child porn case] The policies, approved 10 to 0 at a Tuesday meeting, were passed as emergency measures that bypass the usual process of extended consideration during multiple board sessions. School officials said the move paves the way for clarifications to the school systems rules and requirements, which officials are now drafting with an eye toward closing gaps that could have put students at risk. It is one of the many steps we need to take to strengthen our system, said the board president, Segun Eubanks. I do believe that when we implement these policies and related procedures our students will be safer. The new policies follow the release of a task force report in late May that pointed to a need for sweeping improvements, though did not directly reference the Carraway case. The Prince Georges schools chief executive, Kevin Maxwell, said at the time that he did not see its findings as evidence of a systemic problem. But at Tuesdays meeting, the board worked at length on measures that would mean major changes on many fronts. The school systems procedure on volunteers was last updated in 1998. With the boards action, the school system for the first time has an overarching policy on preventing sexual abuse, one that pushes for better handling of volunteers, background checks, school visitors, social media and abuse reporting. There also will be a mandate for annual staff training and reviews of curriculum content. The board also adopted a new policy on reporting abuse and another on inappropriate relationships between students and employees, volunteers and contractors. The districts revised volunteer policy got particular attention. That policy significantly expanded from an earlier version calls for procedures that will include background checks, training and clear parameters for a volunteers access to and interaction with students at school. The policy on improper relationships says that volunteers shall not date, have sexual relations or have an inappropriate relationship with any student and directs school officials to create a clear prohibition on conduct that falls within that realm, including any communication of a sexual nature, giving students access to an employees social networks, or being alone with a student in a closed room or in a personal car. Several board members said they want to do everything possible to keep students safe while also welcoming the contributions of parents and community members. We want to make it a system that is as open to the community as possible but not at the expense of our children, said School Board Member Curtis Valentine. The new policies come as Prince Georges has scrambled to respond to Carraways arrest in February and his alleged trail of abuse. Police have said some sexual acts that Carraway directed and recorded took place at Judge Sylvania W. Woods Elementary School in Glenarden, Md., with students during school hours. [Review finds flaws in how Prince Georges school employees are trained to identify, report suspected child abuse] As angry parents demanded to know why a school volunteer had so much time alone with children, Maxwell appointed a task force to scrutinize district practices and make recommendations . The task force released a 50-page report in May that recommended improvements, many of which are reflected in the policies the board adopted. [Read the full report here] Experts say that school policies alone do not keep students safe and that even the best ones are only effective if they are followed and enforced. But the policies and procedures in Prince Georges fell short, according to several experts, who described them as minimal, vague and dated. Jennifer Alvaro, a longtime clinician in the field of child sexual abuse, said the new Prince Georges policies are night and day from what they had before. Alvaro said the real test will be in implementation. A linchpin will be what kind of prevention and education will they be doing, she said. School officials said most, if not all, of the procedures related to the new policies will be in place before the school year begins. Maxwell said they would be communicated widely. It will be very transparent, very open, very public, he said. Maxwell also said he hopes to have someone in place by the opening of the new school year to lead a new office of monitoring and accountability that would oversee district efforts. In February, Maxwell said the principal of Judge Woods Elementary was placed on paid leave. Later, a teacher was similarly removed from the school. School officials said an investigation of employee actions at the school started in late June, after a go-ahead from law enforcement officials. County prosecutors also have said they are investigating whether school staff failed to report concerns about Carraway. Lynh Bui contributed to this report. Former Pocomoke City police chief Kelvin Sewell has been indicted for misconduct six months after filing a federal racial discrimination lawsuit. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post) A former Pocomoke City police chief and police lieutenant who accused city officials of racism have been indicted on charges of misconduct for allegedly interfering with the investigation of a car accident, the Maryland state prosecutors office announced Wednesday. The indictment by a Worcester County grand jury comes more than a year after the Eastern Shore town fired its first black police chief, Kelvin Sewell, amid racial turmoil. Sewell, 53, who is now an investigator for the Baltimore States Attorneys Office, and former Pocomoke police lieutenant Lynell Green are accused of interfering in a November 2014 car accident to help Douglas Matthews, a local correctional officer, state prosecutor Emmet C. Davitt said. The indictment alleges Sewell conspired with Green to corruptly commit misconduct in office by knowingly, willfully, and intentionally, under the color of his office, interfering with the legitimate investigation of a motor vehicle accident by subordinate police officers. Police officers take an oath to uphold the laws of the State without partiality or prejudice, Davitt said in a statement. Any disregard of that oath should never be tolerated. Former Pocomoke City lieutenant Lynell Green is accused in the indictment of conspiring with former chief Kelvin Sewell to interfere with an investigation into a 2014 accident. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post) An attorney representing Sewell said he could not comment on the charges. We will look forward to addressing this matter in the courtroom when the time comes, said Barry Coburn of Coburn & Greenbaum in Washington. James Cabezas, chief investigator for the state prosecutors office, would not discuss details of the case. The indictment speaks for itself, Cabezas said. That will all come out in the trial. Cabezas said the indictment was not sought in retaliation for the racial discrimination lawsuit filed against city, county and state officials. It is separate and apart from the lawsuit, Cabezas said. [Racial turmoil in Friendliest Town after black police chief is fired] In an interview with the Baltimore Sun, Matthews called the charges against Sewell bogus. He described falling asleep behind the wheel, getting into a car accident and calling the police. He told the Sun that he did not ask for or receive special treatment and does not consider Sewell a friend. The indictment comes six months after Sewell, Green and former detective Franklin Savage filed a lawsuit in federal court against Pocomoke City and its police department, alleging an unchecked pattern and practice of virulent racial discrimination and retaliation. The lawsuit claimed black officers were subjected to discrimination by city, county and state officials. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, alleged Sewell, Green and Savage were mocked, threatened, demeaned, demoted, punished, falsely accused of misconduct, ostracized and humiliated because of their race. The suit, which also names as defendants the citys former manager, its mayor, the Worcester County sheriffs office, the states attorneys office and the Maryland State Police, was filed several months after Sewell refused to dismiss Savage, who alleged he had been racially harassed and filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Savage said during the two years he was detailed to a state task force, he was subjected to the repeated use of the n-word and references to the Ku Klux Klan. Green also filed an EEOC complaint, alleging he was harassed in the department after he attended a mediation session in support of Savage. City and state officials denied the officers allegations of a racially hostile work environment. Sewell was fired by the city council on June 29, 2015 a decision that split Pocomoke City, which bills itself as the Friendliest Town on the Eastern Shore. With 4,000 people, the towns racial demographics are evenly divided, but a majority of the city council is white. Hundreds of demonstrators protested outside Pocomoke City Hall last year demanding Sewell be reinstated as police chief. Instead the city council hired William Bill Harden Sr., an African American, to run its 14-officer police department. [In a racially divided Maryland town, a new black chief takes charge] Andrew G. McBride, co-counsel for the Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, which is representing Sewell and Green in the federal lawsuit, called the case one of the most egregious cases of primary racial discrimination and retaliation for assertion of rights before the EEOC that Ive seen. McBride contended Sewell had a good record as a police chief. He was terminated, McBride said, because he stood up for two African American officers who filed an EEOC complaint. Delegate Dan K. Morhaim says he regrets not disclosing ties to medical marijuana license applicant as he pushed legislation to help industry. (Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun) The Maryland state lawmaker who championed the legalization of medical marijuana in the state and last year joined a team applying to sell the drug told the Baltimore Sun on Wednesday that he should have been more transparent about his dual roles. The Washington Post reported Saturday that Del. Dan K. Morhaim (D-Baltimore County) is the clinical director for a company called Doctors Orders that is seeking a license from the state to dispense medical cannabis. In its application, the company touts Morhaim as a highly sought after team member who was instrumental in legalizing the industry. [Lawmaker who pushed medical pot is part of company trying to sell it] Morhaim, a doctor who fought for more than a decade for the state to legalize pot for medical use, cleared his involvement with Doctors Orders with state ethics officials. But he never said publicly that he was part of a team applying for a license, despite repeated questions from The Post and even as he shepherded legislation this year to expand the types of medical professionals who could recommend cannabis. He also testified before the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission about how to administer the program. The Sun reported Wednesday night that Morhaim said that in hindsight, he should have disclosed the extent of his relationship with the company, if I knew a better way to do it. Thursday morning, Morhaim reiterated to The Post that he had filed all necessary disclosures with state ethics officials and alerted the General Assemblys ethics adviser about his role as a consultant with a prospective marijuana company. I followed all legal requirements, and any miscommunications are unfortunate, Morhaim said, adding that the issue was distracting from the need to get licenses issued so medical cannabis can be grown, processed and provided to patients. The most important thing is that thousands of Marylanders are suffering needlessly, and we need to help them, he said. [Heres who wants to profit off medical marijuana in Maryland] Morhaim shared with The Post a Jan. 23 email from Dea Daly, the General Assemblys ethics adviser, clearing him to sponsor legislation to allow midwives, dentists, podiatrists and other non-physicians to recommend medical marijuana to their patients. Maryland ethics laws generally allow lawmakers to vote on bills affecting their industries provided the legislation isnt targeted specifically at their companies. The bill would not have a direct, financial impact on the entity for whom you consult or on you, Daly wrote to Morhaim. Morhaim also said this week that last fall, he told Hannah Byron, then-director of the marijuana commission, that he intended an affiliation as a clinical medical consultant with an entity that would be applying for a Maryland license. Byron confirmed that conversation. Patrick Jameson, the current executive director, says he was not aware of Morhaim disclosing his position with Doctors Orders. Paul Davies, who as the chair of the medical cannabis board manages meetings at which Morhaim has been given time to address regulators, declined to comment. Jennifer Bevan-Dangel, executive director of the watchdog group Common Cause Maryland, said that Morhaim should have explained his affiliation with Doctors Orders to the public. Disclosure is the publics ability to know all of the potential influencers that can be shaping an elected officials decisions, Bevan-Dangel said. When you dont have disclosure, you dont have trust. Alirio Martinez, a member of Marylands delegation to the GOP convention in Cleveland, waits for a group photo at Progressive Field in Cleveland. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) The African Americans and Latinos who are part of Marylands delegation to the Republican National Convention hear the question often: What are you thinking? They are among a mere sprinkling of people of color on the convention floor this week in Cleveland, and their reasons for supporting Donald Trump as the Republican nominee are varied, sometimes even complicated. [Trumps courtship of blacks hampered by decades of race controversies] Joann Fisher, a black former Navy reservist from Baltimore, said she appreciates Trumps focus on veterans, immigration and jobs. He brought up very specific issues that I think we need to address things that should be at the forefront, she said. He brought up immigrants. Immigrants coming over here is fine, but I would like to see the people who want to be citizens go through a process. 1 of 52 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad What it looked like at the Republican National Convention on Day 3 View Photos Supporters and protesting opponents of Donald Trump show up in Cleveland, as well as campaign merchandise vendors. Caption Supporters and protesting opponents of Donald Trump show up in Cleveland, as well as campaign merchandise vendors. July 20, 2016 Vice-presidential nominee Mike Pence greets the crowd on the third day of the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. Alirio Martinezs family went through that process after emigrating from El Salvador. The Silver Spring resident, whose father worked as a painter after becoming a U.S. citizen, said Trumps tough stance on illegal immigration resonates with him. I agree with him, and my parents agree, he said. A lot of Spanish people agree, because people come and take their jobs. My dad couldnt work anymore because people were coming from Guatemala and Mexico and charging less. He couldnt compete with that, so he just retired. A survey this month from NBC News, the Wall Street Journal and Telemundo showed Trump trailing presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton 76 percent to 14 percent among Latinos. A Pew Research poll in June showed that 24 percent of registered Latino voters would vote for him in a head-to-head contest with Clinton (who had 66 percent). [Hispanic delegate: Not the convention shed hoped for] Trumps support among African Americans has been consistently low. Only 7 percent of blacks in an NBC/Wall Street Journal survey this month said they would vote for him over Clinton. A Washington Post-ABC News poll last month found that 88 percent of blacks view him unfavorably. And yet there was African American pastor Shannon Wright on the convention floor this week, cheering for Trump because she thinks that Democratic policies have failed blacks in deep-blue strongholds such as Baltimore, her home town. Wright accuses Democratic politicians of trying to appease African Americans on the surface level, to get votes. 1 of 22 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad 17 memorable quotes from Republican National Convention speakers View Photos From Ted Cruzs non-endorsement of Donald Trump to plagiarism moment, heres a look at memorable quotes from convention speakers. Caption From Ted Cruzs non-endorsement of Donald Trump to Melanias plagiarism moment, heres a look at memorable quotes from convention speakers. The forgotten men and women of our country, people who work hard but no longer have a voice: I am your voice, said presidential nominee Donald Trump. Michael Robinson-Chavez/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. She said African Americans from Maryland should find hope in Trumps promise to bring manufacturing jobs back to places such as Baltimore by restructuring or ending free-trade deals. Economics and economic development are the two core issues that the urban areas are dealing with, Wright said. We need a president who understands that concept and will do what it takes to bring life back to our manufacturing plants. Trump critics contend that the candidates support from white supremacist groups and long history of racially and ethnically incendiary statements, including during the campaign, should disqualify him from serious consideration by minorities. But a common sentiment among the 10 African Americans and Latinos in Marylands 73-member GOP delegation is that they appreciate Trumps candor and think that his comments are often taken out of context. There are some statements I certainly would have worded in a different way, Wright said. People may have misconstrued his meaning, but hes a real person hes not polished. [The GOPs new convention theme: Lock her up!] Chancellor Torbit, a black hospice-care worker from Baltimore, said he appreciates a person who isnt just trying to make political analysts happy. At least I know where hes coming from, Torbit said of Trump, and I dont have to struggle with that. Martinez said Trumps comments about immigrants who commit crimes dont bother him. Hes not talking about everybody who is Latino, he said. If you know whats going on at the border, crime and everything, thats what hes talking about. The funny part is that a lot of Latinos, my own people, they always talk trash about the other Latinos. They say, Oh, this guy comes from Mexico just to commit crimes. I tell them, You talk exactly like Trump. Why is it a racist thing? You see whats going on and then you talk about it. Six of Marylands 38 voting delegates at the convention are African American or Latino. Another four people of color are either alternates or Maryland representatives on the partys national committee. The delegates say their support for Trump can lead to debates with family and friends in Fishers case, heated conversations with her youngest daughter, who is a Democrat. Its like death talking to her, Fisher said. Shes a diehard, but shes my daughter. What am I supposed to do, kick her to the curb? We respect each others opinions. Were family, and this is America. D.C. Police released surveillance video from June 22 that shows a man burglarizing Bikram Hot Yoga studio in the 1500 block of Okie Street in Northeast Washington. (D.C. Police Dept.) D.C. Police released surveillance video from June 22 that shows a man burglarizing Bikram Hot Yoga studio in the 1500 block of Okie Street in Northeast Washington. (D.C. Police Dept.) At least 10 yoga and Pilates studios have been burglarized over the past month in several neighborhoods, including Capitol Hill, Logan Circle and Chevy Chase, with police listing money and electronic items among the items taken. Authorities would not say whether any or all of the break-ins are related, though several were clustered in and around the Logan Circle area of Northwest Washington and near Union Market in Northeast. D.C. police released surveillance video in one of the burglaries. Forced entry is used in these cases, and offices within the studios have been ransacked, Capt. Mark Beach of the First District station wrote on the departments community Internet bulletin board. He warned operators to make sure that their surveillance cameras are working and that windows and security gates are locked. D.C. police informed the public about the thefts this week on their Internet bulletin board. At least two television news stations broadcast stories on the trend Thursday. The string of burglaries began June 11 with a break-in at a yoga studio in the 1000 block of Florida Avenue NE, near Union Market and Gallaudet University. The same studio was burglarized again July 13, police said. On June 22, police said burglars targeted the Bikram Hot Yoga Ivy City studio in the 1500 block of Okie Street NE. The Northeast neighborhood off New York Avenue is being transformed from mostly industrial and warehouse space into an artsy area with distilleries, studios and coffee houses. In late June and early July, police said more studios were burglarized, including several on 14th Street, a busy thoroughfare lined with restaurants and stores leading from Logan Circle up to the U Street corridor. Others burglarized are near Meridian Hill Park, just west of Howard University. One was targeted in Capitol Hill in Northeast and another in Chevy Chase in Northwest. Police said the burglary at Bikram Hot Yoga in Ivy City occurred about 10:15 a.m., when a man forced open the front door. He then stole money from a closet near the front lobby desk, they said. Video surveillance shows a man in a white shirt wearing glasses and carrying a knapsack getting into the studio, which appears closed. The studio has large plate-glass windows, and cars go by on the busy street outside. The man walks to the front desk and shortly thereafter takes a small crowbar from the knapsack and pries open a drawer or a door. After taking several items, he puts the crowbar back in the knapsack. He then casually walks out of the shop. The studios manager, Amber Speights, said the break-in occurred moments after the teacher for a morning class had left and locked the front door. This guy was totally brazen, Speights said, noting the midmorning time of the burglary. She said her studio is frequented by police officers who take yoga classes before and after their shifts. Speights said the thief left behind an expensive computer and speakers. She said yoga studios are being targeted because they arent the type of places that are usually burglarized. Criminals might think of a yoga studio as an easy target. Based on the surveillance video from her store, Speights said, we hope somebody recognizes him and turns him in. In the wake of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's remarks that he might not honor the U.S. commitment to help defend fellow NATO members if they are attacked, Sen. Ben Sasse on Thursday issued a statement declaring that "Americans keep our word." As Russian President Vladimir Putin "revives Soviet-style aggression and the threat of violent Islam looms over European and American cities, the United States stands with our NATO allies," Sasse said. "Our friends should draw strength and our adversaries should take pause from this simple fact: Americans keep our word." Trump stated in a New York Times interview published on Thursday that under his presidency the U.S. might not defend NATO allies like the Baltic states against Russian aggression if they haven't "fulfilled their obligation to us." Trump has argued that most NATO members are not making sufficient financial contributions to assure NATO's common defense. His comments during the interview have been widely viewed as a sharp departure from U.S. foreign policy. Sasse, a Republican senator, has declined to support Trump and actively campaigned against him in Iowa in advance of this year's first Republican presidential caucus almost six months ago. Two men were arguing at a bus bay outside the Addison Road Metro station in Prince Georges County on Wednesday when one man fatally stabbed the other in the chest, authorities said. The incident occurred at 7:18 p.m. about 40 yards from the entrance to the Metro station, according to Dan Stessel, a spokesman for Metro. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. Stessel said the two men are thought to have known each other. The suspect was arrested at the scene, and a weapon a folding knifewas collected, authorities said. The Metro station did not close because of the stabbing, but Stessel said the bus bay and the Kiss & Ride zone were closed while Metro Transit Police investigated. Police did not immediately release the name of the suspect or the victim. Surveillance video shows a man wearing Guy Fawkes mask robbing at gunpoint a 7-Eleven store on Liberty Mill Road near Clopper Road in Germantown, Md. The robbery occurred in the early morning of July 19. (Montgomery County Police Dept.) Surveillance video shows a man wearing Guy Fawkes mask robbing at gunpoint a 7-Eleven store on Liberty Mill Road near Clopper Road in Germantown, Md. The robbery occurred in the early morning of July 19. (Montgomery County Police Dept.) A man wore a fairly memorable mask a white and black one known for its use by the Anonymous group when he robbed a 7-Eleven store in Montgomery County, as seen on surveillance video, police said. The convenience store is on Liberty Mill Road near Clopper Road in Germantown. Police this week put out a surveillance video and photo of the man in an attempt to identify him. The armed robbery happened around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday. Police said a clerk was working in the store when a man came in. The man was armed with a handgun. He pointed it at the clerk and then motioned with the gun toward the cash register, according to police. In the video, the man is seen dressed in all black and wearing the mask over his face holding a gun as a clerk pulls out a register drawer of cash. The man grabs money and leaves the store. The amount he took is undisclosed. The mask has been seen in different settings, mostly protests, including by a group called Anonymouss Project Chanology, which protests the Church of Scientology. Originally, the mask was meant to represent Guy Fawkes, who was part of the Gunpowder Plot an effort to blow up the House of Lords in London in the 1600s. The robber in the Montgomery case is described as being in his mid-20s and standing about 5-feet-11-inches tall with a medium build, according to police. His race is not known. Anyone with information in the case is asked to call 240-773-5070. A National Park Service contractor who was operating a mower died after a collision with a vehicle along the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, authorities said Wednesday. The man was struck around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday by a vehicle traveling north on the highway in Prince Georges County, according to a U.S. Park Police news release. He had life-threatening injuries and was taken to an area hospital, where he later died. [Northbound lanes on Baltimore-Washington Parkway reopen in Pr. Georges County after accident] Authorities are trying to determine the cause of the crash, which happened near Route 410 in Riverdale. A release said officials were looking into whether the vehicle left the roadway or if the mower was not in the median at the time of the collision. The investigation closed northbound lanes of the highway for several hours Tuesday. No further information was released. Police in Montgomery County said a man took upskirt pictures of a woman at a T.J. Maxx store in Germantown and they are now looking for him. The incident happened about 1:12 p.m. on June 15 at the store on Frederick Road, about two miles from Interstate 270. Police released a surveillance photo this week that shows the man being sought in the case. Police in Montgomery County are looking for this man, who they say used a cellphone to take pictures underneath a woman's skirt. (Courtesy of Montgomery County police) The victim said she noticed the man using a cellphone to take pictures underneath her dress. When she confronted him, he fled. Anyone with information is asked to call 240-773-6237. A delegate holds a sign reading "Make America Safe Again" during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (John Taggart/Bloomberg) Make America safe again? Seriously? An entire night of the Republican National Convention was dedicated to this idea, but the real threat the slaughter that has taken the lives of 7,633 people so far this year was never mentioned. No, America was not safe for Charles Kinsey, the North Miami group home counselor shot by police while trying to calm an autistic patient playing with a toy truck in the street. Both a caller and the police in the North Miami shooting thought the little toy truck the autistic man was playing with was a gun. Of course. Why wouldnt they? There are more guns than people in our country, so it made sense to assume a Glock rather than a Hot Wheel, even when the counselor was lying on the ground with his hands in the air, yelling: All he has is a toy truck in his hand. Thats all it is. Kinsey, who survived the shooting, told the officers, There is no need for guns. [North Miami police shoot black man as he tries to help an autistic patient] But how much do you want to bet this conversation will become about unlicensed toy trucks before it comes close to calling out our countrys insane love affair with guns. Many Americans function like everyone around them is armed. And, statistically, that is not unreasonable. When police shoot someone under questionable circumstances Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge or Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, Minn. well talk about police training and racial tensions. When police are shot to death in ambushes as they have been this month in Dallas and Baton Rouge well talk about fallen heroes and the dangers of the job. When an immigrant shoots someone, well talk about securing our borders. When a mentally ill person shoots someone, well lament access to mental health treatment. And so it goes for religious extremists, enraged husbands or wives, gang members and drug dealers who pull that trigger. [Our insane approach to guns and the people who use them to slaughter us] But when it comes to addressing Americas gun culture, too many of us are silent. Weve given up on the idea that anything can be done, accepting a slow-motion massacre just as deadly as terrorist attacks by ISIS or Boko Haram in other parts of the world. In 2014, acts of terrorism from shootings to bombings to arson and beheadings killed 32,658 people around the world, according to data compiled by the University of Marylands Center for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism and cited by the Institute of Economics and Peace. That same year here in our 50 states? We lost 12,591 people to gun violence, according to the Gun Violence Archive. If you want to expand it to shootings which range from a graze to a life-long, debilitating injury 51,821 people were shot that year. So yes, peoples lives are in danger, and we do need to make American safe again. But its not by fixating solely on terrorism. Between 2001 and 2013, 3,030 people were killed in terrorist attacks on U.S. soil a number that includes the terrible toll of Sept. 11, 2001, according to the University of Maryland data. But during that same time frame, records from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that an astonishing 406,496 people were killed by gunfire. Yet at Making America Safe Again night in Cleveland, no one talked about our nations stunning gun death toll. In an open-carry state, the Secret Service banned weapons from Quicken Loans Arena, where GOP delegates cheered Chris Cox, the National Rifle Associations top lobbyist. Cox argued that Novembers election could mean that a young mother home with her baby wont be able to get a gun to defend herself if an intruder bursts into her house. Nothing in either partys platform comes close to keeping a young mother from owning a gun. Come to think of it, thanks to the inaction of Congress, anyone on the terrorism watch list can buy a gun. So can any felon, convict or suspect who wants to go on Craigslist. How can that Make America Safe Again? Is that who we want to make America safe for? How about the 406,496 in 13 years? The 12,591 people killed in 2014? The 7,633 killed so far this year? Nope. The people in charge werent going to talk about making America safe for them. More than 100 times since 2011, Congress failed to approve even the meekest of gun-control measures. They wouldnt act in 2012 after 20 first-graders at Sandy Hook Elementary School were slaughtered by Adam Lanza. They wouldnt act last month after Omar Mateen, who had been investigated by the FBI before he pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, killed 49 people and injured 53 others in an Orlando nightclub. It was the deadliest mass shooting in American history. Even then, Congress refused to pass a bill that would keep guns out of the hands of people on Americas terrorist watch list. Two nights after GOP delegates waved Make America Safe Again signs, Alonzo Jackson was pumping gas at a Capitol Heights station, not too far from the Capitol. Police said a gunman shot the 68-year-old dead and stole his car. How about making America safe for people like him? Twitter: @petulad Sen. Timothy M. Kaine (D-Va.) is considered a possible running mate for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. At an event on July 21 in Northern Virginia, Kaine played down speculation about the VP decision. (WUSA) Sen. Timothy M. Kaine (D-Va.) is considered a possible running mate for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. At an event on July 21 in Northern Virginia, Kaine played down speculation about the VP decision. (WUSA) What normally would have been low-key meetings with constituents for Sen. Timothy M. Kaine (D-Va.) turned into an intense Thursday in the spotlight as more than a dozen reporters tracked the politician who has risen to the top of the pack of possible running mates for Hillary Clinton. As Kaine made two stops in Northern Virginia, he also batted away new criticism from the left wing of his party over his decision earlier in the week to urge federal regulators to soften requirements for regional and community banks and credit unions. Activists accused Kaine of being too close to the financial industry and of trying to weaken reforms designed to protect consumers. The senator brushed those suggestions aside. [Liberals criticize Kaine for supporting regulations pushed by banks] People are going to say whatever they want, but Im strongly for the regulation of the financial industry, Kaine said. If you spend a lot of time over regulating credit unions and community banks, you are basically letting a lot of the big guys off easily. Kaine added: It wasnt credit unions that tanked the economy. It wasnt local community banks that tanked the economy. Generally, it wasnt regional banks that did things that tanked the economy. Some in the Democratic Partys liberal base, still reeling from the defeat of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary, say that Kaine is not an acceptable choice for vice president. Kaine, a former governor of Virginia who speaks fluent Spanish, and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack are the leading contenders to become Clintons running mate, according to Democrats familiar with the process. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) is also in the mix, while progressive favorites Labor Secretary Thomas Perez and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) are less likely to be selected, according to people familiar with the process. Clinton is expected to name her running mate before Democrats meet in Philadelphia for their nominating convention, which begins Monday. Kaine offered few clues about his status in the veepstakes as he attended discussions on immigration at an Arlington church and on discrimination against Muslims in Sterling. The events provided Kaine with an opportunity to underline what he said were stark differences between Republicans and Democrats. [Profile: Whats a nice guy like Kaine doing in a race like this?] After meeting privately with immigration activists in Arlington, Kaine told a crush of reporters that he heard stories about undocumented immigrants who couldnt attend family funerals and are facing higher college tuition costs after the Supreme Court delivered a blow to President Obamas deportation relief program. He vowed to help Clinton advance comprehensive immigration reform in her first 100 days in office. He showcased his Spanish describing the esperando (waiting) of anxious immigrants hoping for reform and offering his only one-on-one interview to Telemundo after a news conference. Winning over Latino voters is crucial in presidential races. Democrats offer a starkly different vision for inclusion, while Republicans under their nominee, Donald J. Trump, have alienated the fast-growing segment of the American electorate, Kaine said. Theres going to be a mandate thats going to be sent that will say on this clear difference, the American public has a preference, and the preference isnt division and isnt treat Latinos as second class, whether they immigrated yesterday or they are a Latina governor of New Mexico or are a respected federal judge, said Kaine, referring to Trumps attacks on New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez (R) and U.S. District Court Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who Trump said would be biased against him in a lawsuit because of his Mexican heritage. We are going to be invigorated and improved by the talents of Latinos, the senator said. Although vice presidents often serve as attack dogs, Kaine on Thursday stayed true to his Midwestern roots growing up in Missouri and rising through politics in the genteel, Southern ranks of Virginias establishment. He passed on easy opportunities to tear into Trump or even mention the billionaire by name. He said it was important to pull Americans together in an election season when several candidates have found success by highlighting differences among people and appealing to voter anger and resentment. Addressing a group of Muslim and other faith leaders at a Muslim center in Sterling, he lamented how Muslims have been targeted by struggling Americans. He said African Americans are forced to disavow police killers in a way white people werent forced to condemn Dylann Roof after he shot and killed nine in a historically black South Carolina church. Clinton would probably enter her inauguration with the most divided electorate since 1976, when voters were disillusioned with Washington after the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal, Kaine said. And he said unlimited spending in politics rewards negativity and breeds cynicism to depress voter turnout. How do you run and win a campaign without adding to the division? Kaine remarked. We have to have leaders who are pulling us together. Kaine seemed a bit taken aback by the heightened media interest in his schedule on Thursday. Im in a little momentary bubble of attention, but it will be normal again, Kaine, 58, told a throng of reporters Thursday afternoon. Im glad the waiting game is nearly over, but I dont have any idea of what will happen. Kaine said the vice-presidential selection was less of a mystery this time around; he was passed over by Obama in favor of Joe Biden in 2008. He said a big part of the buzz around him is his connection to Virginia, a crucial swing state with 13 electorate votes in play. Its not necessarily just because of me. Its because Virginia is really important, Kaine said. Thats something that I think all Virginians can feel good about: that in a presidential election, people cant take Virginia for granted. At the discussion in Sterling, Mohsin Alikhan quipped that hed love to have a Vice President Kaine visit his mosque in McLean. I will visit whatever my title is, the senator responded. Billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel will be the first openly gay speaker at a Republican convention since then-Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.) addressed delegates at the 2000 GOP summit in Philadelphia. (Carolyn Kaster/AP) Barrier breaker Peter Thiel, PayPal co-founder, is expected to make news when he takes the stage at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on Thursday night. Thiel, Matea Gold reports, is expected to talk about being proud to be gay, according to someone familiar with his remarks. The billionaire libertarian will be the first openly gay speaker at a Republican convention since then-Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.) addressed delegates at the 2000 GOP summit in Philadelphia. Thiel supports gay marriage and plans to say that fights over cultural issues such as which bathrooms should be used by transgender people are distractions. He is instead interested in solutions to economic and foreign policy problems he thinks the United States should avoid unnecessary wars, for instance and plans to speak about why he supports Donald Trumps candidacy. That is not a popular position among Thiels fellow tech moguls in Silicon Valley, where he is an investor and Facebook board member. But so far, Thiels verbal backing has not translated into contributions to Trumps campaign, Gold reports. Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.) presented his case against Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at the GOP convention on Tuesday, July 19. People in the crowd shouted "guilty!" throughout his speech and started a "lock her up" chant. (The Washington Post) Chris Christie, cont. The New Jersey governor and prominent Trump surrogate continued to make a case on Wednesday against Hillary Clintons handling of her emails as secretary of state and the investigation into it. Appearing on MSNBCs Morning Joe on Wednesday, Christie said that FBI Director James B. Comey forgot his job when Comey recommended that criminal charges not be brought against Clinton. After Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch publicly distanced herself from the case following an encounter on an airport tarmac with former president Bill Clinton, Christie said, Jim Comey felt like he had to be FBI director and prosecutor at the same time, Isaac Stanley-Becker reports. So he was saying, As a reasonable prosecutor, I might not bring this case, and my point to Jim, someday when I talk to him about it, will be, When youre called, man, Christie said. quotable Im feeling a little more empowered from the convention. Im running into people here from my community, and theyre surprised that Im for Trump. The word is out. John Stricklett, Trump delegate from Bethesda, Md. The executive director of the state's labor union has warned the Department of Correctional Services that a proposed plan to offer voluntary 12-hour shifts to security staff at Tecumseh State Correctional Institution must be negotiated. Corrections Director Scott Frakes announced Tuesday a couple of pilot projects that would affect staffing, overtime, engagement and safety at Tecumseh and the Nebraska State Penitentiary, beginning in October. At Tecumseh, Frakes said, the department planned to move away from 12-hour emergency staffing and mandatory overtime that has been used since the Mother's Day riot in 2015, and allow protective services staff to opt for 12-hour or eight-hour shifts. At the penitentiary in Lincoln, the department would create sergeant supervisors to reduce the high numbers of staff serving under lieutenants. Mike Marvin said Thursday he had exchanged a string of frustrating emails with Frakes, telling him that NAPE/AFSCME had received a ruling in 2013 from the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations on the issue of implementing a new shift pilot program without first bargaining with the union. On Thursday, Marvin told Frakes if he tries to implement any plan without negotiating it, the union will file a prohibited practice charge with the Commission of Industrial Relations. Frakes said Thursday he was moving forward with the work needed to develop the pilot projects. "And I will not engage represented employees in the planning process, as I stated to Mr. Marvin," he said. Marvin said that in April Frakes was given a proposal that would have established a pilot alternate shift at Tecumseh. It contained a proposal on female-only positions at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women at York, but Marvin said Frakes would only talk about the alternate shifts. "If he had been willing to come to an agreement, the membership would have already voted whether or not to agree," Marvin said in a Facebook post. Marvin received a letter from Frakes, written Wednesday, saying that Frakes takes the quality of life and engagement concerns of Corrections employees seriously and he intends to do all he can to address them. Officers have told him the current shift scheduling makes it hard for them to find a balance in work and home life. "Nebraska Corrections employees will be the biggest beneficiaries of any changes," Frakes said in the letter. "The pilot should demonstrate how 12-hour shifts can be utilized effectively, and would assist in transitioning from the emergency staffing schedule currently in place at the facility." Frakes stressed that no scheduling changes were imminent, and the management team is still exploring how the pilot would be implemented. "I'm hopeful that NAPE leadership will support its members' best interests and join in our management team's good-faith effort to address the concerns of our employees," Frakes said. Marvin reminded Frakes about the Commission of Industrial Relations decision, which ordered the department to cease and desist from unilaterally implementing a pilot scheduling program without first bargaining. "If he tries to implement it," Marvin said Thursday, "we'll file in the CIR and get an order to stop again." All he has to do, Marvin said, is sit down and negotiate in good faith, and then the union would put it out to the membership and see if they want it. "We have put it on the table for the last six years," he said, "but they don't want to give anything for it. They want to dictate everything. They don't want to have any back and forth on it." Protesters call for Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant to veto House Bill 1523, which they says will allow discrimination against LGBT people, during a rally outside the Governor's Mansion in Jackson, Miss., April 4, 2016. (Rogelio V. Solis/AP) The Alliance Defending Freedom, a powerful Christian legal advocacy group, played a key role in helping Mississippis legislature and governor write, promote and legally justify HB 1523, the controversial religious freedom bill that was recently struck down by a federal judge, court documents filed late Wednesday show. The Arizona-based nonprofit organization first offered its help to Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant (R) before the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage last June, emails obtained by opposing attorneys show. The behind-the-scenes help continued through Bryants signing statement, the final step in the legislative process, according to the emails. We looked through a number of Gov. Bryants signing statements and tried to use his voice, Kellie Fiedorek, an ADF lawyer, wrote to one of Bryants attorneys on March 31, offering two different drafts, just before Bryant signed the bill. Please feel free to pull from either one that is most helpful to you and your boss. . . . were here to serve. The ADF, which has helped several states draft bathroom bills targeting transgender people, is now helping represent Bryant and John Davis, the executive director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, in appealing U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reevess June 30 injunction against HB 1523. The bill would let government workers and business owners deny service to same-sex couples if doing so offended their religious beliefs. The ADFs involvement, tacitly acknowledged by in-state HB 1523 supporters in a Mississippi Today article in May, was confirmed in filings Wednesday by the Campaign for Southern Equality in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. The group obtained 62 pages of emails through a Freedom of Information Act request. Lobbying groups often offer model legislation and talking-points support to elected officials. There is nothing unusual or illegal about the exchanges revealed between Bryants attorneys and ADF staff. It is notable, however, because state officials did not disclose aid from the organization. It was officially written by Mississippi state Rep. Philip Gunn (R), the speaker of the House, and passed both the House and Senate easily. Bryant signed it immediately and has ardently defended it. ADF justified its involvement in a statement to The Washington Post. We have provided legal advice to representatives at every level and branch of government for more than 20 years, no different from what many groups that oppose religious freedom do all the time, wrote ADF attorney James Campbell in an email. Campbell, listed as one of Bryants attorneys of record on the appeal, described ADFs involvement on HB 1523 as both unsurprising and unobjectionable. Attorneys for Bryants office did not immediately return calls and emails Wednesday evening. Roberta Kaplan, the New York-based attorney for the Campaign for Southern Equality who led one of four legal challenges against the bill, filed the FOIA request. In court filings, she wrote that HB 1523 was drafted by the ADF, was promoted by the ADF and other conservative Christian groups, and that, as a result, HB 1523 improperly and unconstitutionally reflects the sectarian Christian values of these organizations. The earliest email listed is dated June 24, 2015, from ADF lawyer Austin R. Nimocks to Drew Snyder, a lawyer in Bryants office. I pray this finds you well, Nimocks begins one email. He says an attachment is a model executive order that would prevent state governments from discriminating against their citizens because of their views or actions concerning marriage. The resulting bill adopted many of the identical passages, Kaplan said in her brief. One of the attachments to the filings is a line-by-line comparison by Kaplan of the ADFs five-page model and the final bill. Like HB 1523, [the model] identifies three religious beliefs for special protection: (1) marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman; (2) sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage; (3) [man] or [woman] refer to an individuals immutable biological sex as objectively determined by anatomy and genetics by time of birth, Kaplan wrote. Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood, the only Democrat named in the lawsuits, declined to appeal the injunction, prompting Bryant and Davis to file their own appeals with pro-bono representation. Wherever hateful anti-LGBTQ legislation pops up, the Alliance Defending Freedom is usually not far behind, said Rob Hill, Mississippi director for the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBT civil rights advocacy organization. H.B. 1523 never reflected the true values of Mississippians, so its no surprise that Governor Bryant, Lt. Governor Reeves and Speaker Gunn enlisted ADF when crafting one of the most overtly discriminatory laws in the United States. MICHIGAN Judge blocks ban on straight-party voting A judge on Thursday blocked Michigans new ban on straight-party voting, saying its a direct strike on the rights of blacks in big cities who tend to vote for Democrats with a single mark on the ballot. U.S. District Judge Gershwin Drain signed an injunction a week after hearing arguments. He said the law would place a disproportionate burden on blacks in the fall election, the first election that would be affected. The law was passed by Republicans and signed by Gov. Rick Snyder (R). Straight-party voting, in which all candidates of a single party are picked with just a single mark, is popular in Michigan cities with large black populations, especially Flint and Detroit. It has been on the books for more than 100 years, and has been a common choice in some counties that are steadfastly loyal to Republicans, such as Ottawa. But a ban on straight-party voting would depress turnout and cause long lines at polling places, said Mark Brewer, a lawyer in the case and the former head of the state Democratic Party. The state attorney generals office, which is defending the law in court, said theres nothing illegal because no one would be denied access to voting. Michigan joined 40 other states with bans. Associated Press NATIONAL SECURITY 10-year term in case involving tech exports The former owner of a Houston company was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in prison after admitting that he operated as an unauthorized agent of the Russian government who exported sensitive microelectronics for its militarys use. Alexander Fishenko, who pleaded guilty in September to engaging in a scheme that resulted in more than $30 million in technology sales, largely to Russian military entities, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sterling Johnson in Brooklyn. The sentence, which included an order that Fishenko, 50, forfeit more than $500,000, was confirmed by the U.S. Justice Department. A lawyer for Fishenko did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Fishenko, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen who founded Arc Electronics in 1998, was among 11 people charged in 2012 in connection with what authorities said was an elaborate procurement network intended to evade federal export controls. Reuters FLORIDA Courtroom escapee is found and jailed After nearly a week on the lam, a slaying suspect who slipped from his shackles and bolted from a crowded South Florida courtroom in a meticulous escape plot involving seven accomplices was captured at a nondescript motel, authorities said Thursday. The seven people who investigators say assisted Dayonte Resiles, 21, include a pregnant teenager who staged secretive three-way jailhouse phone calls to plan the caper and an older cousin who provided Resiles with a wig and colored contact lenses to use as a disguise. All seven were arrested on escape and other charges. Resiles, who is accused of killing a woman whose family founded the Halliburton oil services company, was ordered held without bond during a court appearance Thursday. Broward County Judge Michael Davis also ordered Resiles jailed in isolation, including no outside communication except with attorneys. Resiles was captured late Wednesday at a Days Inn in West Palm Beach, about an hours drive north of the Fort Lauderdale courthouse from which he escaped July 15. Associated Press The Lincoln Community Breastfeeding Initiative (LCBI) was selected to present its successful Community Breastfeeding Educator program at national conferences in July and August. Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln, project coordinator for the LCBI, will be presenting on behalf of the LCBI program. The LCBI is a cooperative partnership of health care providers and community organizations focused on improving infant health by providing accurate information on infant nutrition and local support. LCBI works with health care providers, hospitals, childcare providers, and employers across the city to establish policies and practices that encourage breastfeeding education, support consistent messages, and guide mothers to appropriate assistance as it is needed. Breastfeeding the recommended duration (exclusively for 6 months, with solids until 12 months) has been shown to have significant lifetime health benefits for infants, mothers, and the community including lower rates of obesity and asthma and diseases like diabetes and cancer in both babies and mothers. Sources say that despite the widespread support of professional physician associations and the U.S. Surgeon General, under 50% of Nebraska moms are still breastfeeding at 6 months and less than 20% continue for 1 year. Funded by the Community Health Endowment of Lincoln, Lincoln Community Foundation, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and Arbor Health, the program started as a pilot in 2015. To begin the program, seven culturally diverse mothers were trained as Community Breastfeeding Educators (CBEs) to provide peer to peer support to new mothers in their homes and communities. Through a collaboration between Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln, MilkWorks, a non-profit breastfeeding center, and the Asian Community and Cultural Center, the CBEs worked with minority and immigrant mothers to provide support, information, and counseling in 9 different languages. ZIMBABWE Loyalists break with dictatorial Mugabe Veterans of Zimbabwes independence war made a significant break with President Robert Mugabe for the first time on Thursday, calling him dictatorial, manipulative and egocentric. The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association has been a pillar of support for the 92-year-old leader for decades, but it released a statement criticizing the man it had long been quick to defend. The surprise revolt by Mugabes aging corps of loyalists comes after nationwide anti-government protests organized via social media. Many in Zimbabwe are frustrated by a rapidly deteriorating economy, a currency crisis and alleged corruption. We note, with concern, shock and dismay, the systematic entrenchment of dictatorial tendencies, personified by the president and his cohorts, which have slowly devoured the values of the liberation struggle, the statement by the veterans said. The group said it would no longer support Mugabes political campaigns and accused him of abandoning the veterans for the youth league of the ruling ZANU-PF party. A child carries kettles through a flooded street with a woman in Tianjin, China. China says dozens of people have died or gone missing since Monday in massive floods across the country's north. (AP/AP) Mugabe has been in power for 36 years. Associated Press HONG KONG 3 student leaders found guilty in 2014 protests Three Hong Kong student leaders were convicted Thursday of leading or encouraging the massive pro-democracy protests that unsettled the southern Chinese city two years ago. Joshua Wong tweeted that he was found guilty of taking part in an unlawful assembly. The court convicted Nathan Law of the same charge, and it found Alex Chow guilty of inciting others to join an illegal assembly, according to local media reports. Law said the men would seek legal advice on whether to appeal the convictions. Wong said they are due for sentencing on Aug. 15. Each could face up to two years in prison for leading the protests, which marked the former British colonys most tumultuous period in decades. Wong, Law and Chow were charged with storming into a courtyard next to the Hong Kong government complex on Sept. 26, 2014, to protest Beijings decision to restrict elections for the semiautonomous regions top leadership position. They and dozens of other young activists climbed a tall fence and rushed past a barricade surrounding the square, where the government had restricted access months before. Their arrests triggered weeks-long protests that called for greater democracy. Associated Press At least 75 dead, missing in China flooding: At least 75 people in northern China are dead or missing after some of the worst flooding in years, the government said. Continued downpours this week have created havoc across usually dry regions, including the capital, Beijing. Already, 576 people have been recorded as dead or missing nationwide in the first half of the year. 51 injured in Armenia clashes: More than 50 people were injured in clashes near a police station in Armenias capital, Yerevan, where armed men have been holding hostages for four days and protesters have erected barricades on a nearby avenue. Police moved in late at night to clear out the protest camp. The Health Ministry said 51 people were hospitalized, including 28 police officers. The Interior Ministry said about 30 protesters were detained. The police station was seized Sunday by gunmen seeking the release of an opposition figure. Nigerian military rescues 80 from Boko Haram: Nigerias military said it rescued 80 children and women held captive by the Boko Haram extremist group in a remote northeastern village. Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman said they were freed by troops who attacked a gathering of the Islamist fighters in Gangere village in Borno state. He said 42 extremists were killed. Prosecutors to appeal Pistoriuss six-year sentence: Prosecutors in South Africa said they will appeal Oscar Pistoriuss six-year jail sentence for murder, calling it shockingly lenient. The double-amputee Olympic and Paralympic runner fatally shot girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his home in 2013. He testified that he killed her by mistake, thinking she was an intruder. Prosecutors said he shot her intentionally after an argument. Ex-Philippine leader Arroyo freed from years of detention: Former Philippine president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was freed from years of hospital detention after the Supreme Court cleared her of a plunder charge in what anti-corruption advocates called a sad day for justice. The justices voted 11 to 4 to grant Arroyos petition to dismiss the charge for lack of evidence in a case involving the alleged misuse of $7.8 million from the state lottery agency. From news services Lally Weymouth is a senior associate editor at The Washington Post. Tsai Ing-wen is the first woman to be elected president of the small island of Taiwan, a close U.S. ally but also a potential flash point, because Beijing asserts that Taiwan belongs to the Peoples Republic of China and can never be independent. Quite a few Taiwanese in Tsais party see it differently. Although China and Taiwan have been able to paper over their differences to date, tensions have been mounting since Tsais inauguration, when she did not restate the so-called 92 consensus, in which Taipei and Beijing agreed that they are part of one China but with different interpretations. This past week, The Washington Posts Lally Weymouth visited Tsais office for the presidents first foreign interview since taking office. Edited excerpts follow: Q: What is your impression of Chinese President Xi Jinping? A: I think that Chairman Xis courage tackling corruption is an important matter in the development of Chinese society. I also look forward to him showing a bit more flexibility in dealing with cross-strait relations. I hope that he can appreciate that Taiwan is a democratic society in which the leader has to follow the will of the people. Q: Some academics say Xi has a certain deadline by which he wants you to agree to the 92 consensus. Is that right? A: It isnt likely that the government of Taiwan will accept a deadline for conditions that are against the will of the people. Q: Since your inauguration in late May, the Chinese have cut off the official channel that was used to communicate between Taiwan and the mainland. How do you plan to handle day-to-day relations with Beijing? A: We have always had diverse channels of communication across the strait. These include not just official communications but also people-to-people contacts. . . . There are differences between the positions of the two sides of the strait. In Taiwan, we have done our best to minimize that gap. I believe that the Chinese realize the goodwill we have put forth at the inauguration. Q: It doesnt seem that way. I think it was Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office, part of the State Council, which said that your speech was an incomplete exam. There is no public indication that they appreciated your position. Are you, the president, in touch with your counterparts in the Chinese government? A: Different levels of the government have different ways of communicating with their counterparts in China. At this stage, I cannot go into too much detail. Q: Do you feel you are closing the gap between Taiwan and the Peoples Republic of China? A: Over this past period, we have handled relations with China very carefully. We do not take provocative measures, we make sure that there are no surprises, and we hope that through channels of communication, we can gradually build up trust. Q: You represent many of the youth who think of themselves as being Taiwanese, not Chinese. They are more pro-independence than the older generation. As president, you want to maintain cross-strait relations for stability, but at the same time, you must keep your followers happy. How do you balance these factors? A: Different generations and people of different ethnic origins have different views on China. But they all agree on one thing. That is democracy. Q: Is it fair that Washington has considered Taiwan an entity, not a country, since 1979, when the United States changed sides and recognized the Peoples Republic of China (with its capital in Beijing) in lieu of the Republic of China in Taiwan (with its capital in Taipei) as China? A: I am not clear what the U.S. means when they use the term entity. For us here in Taiwan, we believe that we are a country, a democratic country. Q: So isnt it unfair that Taiwan is not recognized in the world? A: It is indeed unfair. Q: American readers would find it hard to understand that you, as a Taiwanese president, are only allowed to come to the United States for 48 hours, and then only if it is a transit stop. A: Indeed. Q: There has reportedly been a drop-off in tourists from the mainland. Will that hurt your tourist industry? A: We hope to have a more diverse source of tourists. Q: China could bring more pressure on Taiwan if it chose to. They could frighten away your diplomatic allies by threatening to weaken your bonds with them. Are you worried about that? A: If they do take economic measures to apply pressure to Taiwan, they will have to think about the price that they are going to pay. Because the surrounding countries will be looking very carefully at what measures China will take against Taiwan. Q: So you think as far as your alliances go, they will stay as they are today? A: We will do everything we can do to maintain those relations and make sure that our diplomatic allies feel that having diplomatic relations with Taiwan is worthwhile. Q: Your predecessor, President Ma Ying-jeou, wanted to buy 66 F-16s from the United States. Even though 47 senators wrote in support of his request, nothing happened. Do you intend to repeat that request? A: At the current stage, what we need are surface ships, submarines and air defense systems, as well as defensive capabilities in terms of cybersecurity. Q: I think Ma also asked for diesel submarines and got nowhere. Will you repeat that request? A: We are trying to develop our own [submarines]. Q: When it comes to the U.S. election, Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump who would be better for Taiwan? A: As the leader of a different country, it is not very wise for us to comment on the presidential election in the U.S. Q: I understand that the focus of your program is domestic that you want to raise wages, to give people more time off. But with a growth rate under 1 percent, how can you spur the economy while delivering increased social services? A: There is no panacea for this. I think Taiwans economy needs an overall structural readjustment. Our new model focuses on innovation and research. This is different from our growth model in the past, which was centered on the manufacturing industry. Q: Isnt China your No. 1 trading partner? A: China is still our largest trading partner; however, complementarity between our economies is decreasing. We had the ability to organize a manufacturing process, and then we moved our manufacturing capability to China to make use of their labor pool. But now the situation is very different. [Chinese] labor costs are increasing, and China has their own capability. Q: So China has become a competitor of Taiwan? A: They are more and more our competitors. Q: I saw that you expressed disappointment over the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on the South China Sea. It held that Taiping Island, which you claim as part of Taiwan, is a rock, not an island, and thus cannot enjoy an exclusive economic zone. Will you abide by the ruling? A: We will not accept their decision. There are a couple of reasons for that. Taiwan is an important interested party in this case, but we were not invited to participate in the proceedings. Secondly, we found it unacceptable that we were referred to as the Taiwan Authority of China. The third reason is that [Taiping Island really is] an island. Q: You are the first woman in Asia who does not come from a political family to be elected president of a country. How did you do it? A: I think that my emergence as a leader is closely related to the development of Taiwans democracy. Taiwans democracy was a gradual development. It was done from the bottom up. Therefore a lot of the more successful political leaders come from civil society, those that are closer to the grass-roots level of the public. Q: It must have been difficult to be a woman leader in such a male-dominated society. A: Yes, to a certain extent. But I think that the society and our democracy are mature enough to place emphasis on the quality and the value of the individual politician, rather than their gender. Some people will find it fashionable to have a woman leader, but I think the reason people chose me as the leader of this country is because my policies and my values suit the needs of Taiwan today. We represent people who want to have change in the society. For years, this place has been dominated politically by a single party, the Kuomintang. People now want the place to be more democratic. They want to place more emphasis on human rights and transparency in terms of government decision-making. This is different from the way the government conducted business in the days when this was pretty much an authoritarian place. Q: The KMT had a long military rule. A: The expectation of the people now is very different. They want democracy. Twitter: @LallyWeymouth Read more from Outlook and follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter. The secret plot to control America, launched from abroad, is an old theme in American pop culture. The Manchurian Candidate, a film made in 1962, imagined a Chinese scheme to engineer a coup detat. Aficionados of paranoid thrillers may also recall Lucky Bastard, a 1998 Charles McCarry novel, which featured a U.S. president controlled by a Soviet case officer who happens to be his wife. But now it is 2016, truth is stranger than fiction, and we finally have a presidential candidate, Donald Trump, with direct and indirect links to a foreign dictator, Vladimir Putin, whose policies he promotes. And yet it is not secret, it is not a plot, there is no conspiracy. No one has been hypnotized or recruited by foreign intelligence. Just as Marine Le Pen, leader of the French National Front, openly accepts Russian money, the Trump campaign advertises its Russian links and pays no real political price. The extent of the Trump-Russia business connection has already been laid out, by Franklin Foer at Slate, among others. Trump has made multiple forays into the post-Soviet world, investing with oligarchs in Russia and Azerbaijan, staging a Miss Universe contest in Moscow, angling to attract Russian money to his projects in North America. He has also surrounded himself with people whose deep links to the corrupt world of Russian business would normally disqualify them from U.S. politics. He brought in a foreign policy aide, Carter Page, who has long-standing connections to Russian companies, including Gazprom, and has supported the Russian invasion of Ukraine. His campaign manager, Paul Manafort, worked for many years in Ukraine on behalf of Viktor Yanukovych, the pro-Russian president ousted in 2014. While living in Kiev, Manafort had plenty of time to absorb the disinformation tactics perfected by the Kremlin, all of which are now being put to use: the thugs at meetings, the appeal to extreme emotions those bereaved mothers at the convention and, of course, fake websites and Internet trolls. Russia is clearly participating in the Trump campaign. The theft of material from the Democratic National Committee a few weeks ago was the work of Russian hackers. Russian state media and social media, together with a host of fake websites and Twitter accounts with Russian origins, actively support Trump and are contributing to some of the hysteria on the Internet. Im not arguing that any of this has been decisive. But whatever resources Putin wagered on Trump, they are paying off. For even if Trump never becomes president, his candidacy has already achieved two extremely important Russian foreign policy goals: to weaken the moral influence of the United States by undermining its reputation as a stable democracy, and to destroy its power by wrecking its relationships with its allies. Toward these ends, Trump has begun repeating arguments identical to those used on Russian state television. These range from doubts about the sovereignty of Ukraine earlier this week, Trumps campaign team helped alter the Republican party platform to remove support for Ukraine to doubts about U.S. leadership of the democratic world. The United States has its own mess to worry about, Trump told the New York Times on Wednesday: It shouldnt stand up for democracy abroad. In the same interview, he also cast doubt on the fundamental basis of transatlantic stability, NATOs Article 5 guarantee: If Russia invades, he said, hed have to think first before defending U.S. allies. Because such language undermines the deterrence value of the alliance, the reaction was instant. The NATO secretary general, as apolitical a figure as you can imagine, issued a statement declaring that solidarity among allies is a key value for NATO. The president of Estonia instantly pointed out that his country is a NATO member in good standing that invests more than 2 percent of its gross domestic product in the military and sent troops to Afghanistan. Its hard to explain just how remarkable Trumps words sound to Europeans who have believed in American values and the security guarantee that backed them. Its also difficult to overstate how dangerous they are. If NATO is no longer a deterrent, then there is nothing to stop Russia from using military or political tools to destabilize European states, as it has already proved it is willing to do. If the United States is no longer a voice for democracy, but rather a country focused on its own mess, then it cant serve as an example or an inspiration, either, and dictators such Putin, among many others, sleep easier. And the reaction at home, in the Republican Party that once stood for democratic internationalism and American power? Newt Gingrich, who once pushed for the expansion of NATO, made light of Trumps comments, dismissing Estonia as some place which is in the suburbs of St. Petersburg. Everyone moved on to other things. I know, I realize that Ted Cruzs speech and Melania Trumps plagiarism matter more, to the U.S. electorate, than the security guarantee that has kept Europe safe for seven decades. But maybe thats how a Manchurian candidate really wins an election, and maybe thats how an era of U.S. global influence comes to an end: not with a bang but a shrug and a whimper. Read more from Anne Applebaums archive, follow her on Twitter or subscribe to her updates on Facebook. A MAJOR theme of the Republican convention so far has been that a vote for Donald Trump is a vote to restore Americas position in world affairs, which President Obama has, in the GOP view, deliberately undermined. Mr. Trump will rebuild our military and stand with our allies, vice presidential nominee Mike Pence proclaimed. He also said: We cannot have four more years of apologizing to our enemies and abandoning our friends. In reality, Mr. Trumps political rise has already disturbed traditional American allies and encouraged adversaries such as Russia, because of the candidates own disparagement of U.S. security alliances with Europe, Japan and South Korea. And in the midst of the Cleveland get-together nearly overlapping with his running mates remarks, in fact Mr. Trump was giving an interview to the New York Times that was giving the lie to his supporters and reinforcing doubts about his potential policies abroad. Stand with our allies? No, Mr. Trump told the Times, we always have to be prepared to walk, lest they rip us off for the costs of defending them. In his transactional world, there is no such thing as a long-term U.S. investment that pays for itself many times over in global stability. Chillingly, Mr. Trump even seemed to place conditions on NATOs ironclad mutual security guarantee, saying he would honor it in the event of a Russian attack on the Baltic states if the victim of that attack had, in his opinion, fulfilled their obligations to us. This is an extraordinary willingness to question 70 years of bedrock political consensus on U.S. foreign policy one that includes Mr. Obama, who has dispatched U.S. troops to defend the Baltics. Of course, there is no such thing as an unquestionable policy. Whats astonishing about Mr. Trump, though, is the obvious casualness with which he muses about such matters as if the words of even a potential commander in chief do not influence world affairs the moment they are uttered. But they do. Equally remarkable was Mr. Trumps unilateral surrender of the moral high ground when it comes to the global cause of democracy and human rights. Republicans love to denounce Mr. Obama for allegedly going on apology tours around the world. Never in his most self-critical moments, however, has Mr. Obama failed to assert the United States right to defend democracy abroad based not on our perfection but on our willingness as a people to pursue betterment. Mr. Trump, by contrast, said this, apropos the undeniably ugly events in cities such as Baltimore and Ferguson, Mo., of late: When the world looks at how bad the United States is, and then we go and talk about civil liberties, I dont think were a very good messenger. . . . I dont know that we have a right to lecture. This is music to the ears of dictators everywhere, from Xi Jinping of China to Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, whose sweeping crackdown in the wake of a failed coup was the specific context Mr. Trump addressed. Where Ronald Reagan saw his country as a shining city on a hill, Mr. Trump, apparently, perceives the moral equivalent of a low-rent district. Contrary to his apologists in Cleveland, Mr. Trump does not understand the value of American global leadership or the moral ground upon which it ultimately rests. If he becomes president, the retreat of U.S. influence for which Republicans now hold Mr. Obama culpable will likely turn into a rout. TURKISH PRESIDENT Recep Tayyip Erdogan has responded to a failed military coup with what amounts to a political coup of his own. Since last weekend, tens of thousands of Turks have been arrested or fired from their jobs: not just military officers involved in the rebellion but also teachers, university professors, judges and thousands of other civil servants. A state of emergency has been declared; hundreds of schools have been closed; dozens of journalists have had their credentials revoked. According to Turks monitoring the purge, those targeted include not just supporters of the exiled Islamic leader Mr. Erdogan blames for the coup, but also anyone suspected of not supporting his government, including members of minority groups and secular liberals. Mr. Erdogan, who called the failed putsch a gift from God, is not just moving to further consolidate what already had become an authoritarian regime. He is also attempting to force the United States, Turkeys NATO ally, to aid his crackdown in particular by handing over the alleged mastermind of the coup, Pennsylvania-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. The Obama administration is rightly resisting and it must continue to do so even if it means a breach in cooperating with Turkey against the Islamic State. Mr. Gulen leads a peaceful, if secretive, Islamic movement that operates schools in Turkey, the United States and other parts of the world. For years, his followers in the Turkish police and judiciary were allied with Mr. Erdogans own Islamist party ironically, the two combined to purge the Turkish military of officers suspected of coup-plotting. But the two leaders fell out in late 2013, when the government moved to close some Gulenist schools and prosecutors suspected of Gulenist sympathies brought major corruption cases against the government. Mr. Erdogan has since carried out purges of the police, judiciary and press to eliminate Mr. Gulens followers, and it is not surprising he would blame the coup attempt on his rival. What he has not offered is evidence that a 75-year-old man confined to a remote compound in the Poconos somehow orchestrated a military uprising across Turkey. Remarkably, Mr. Erdogans foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, told The Post on Tuesday that there was no need for proof. They should understand, they dont need any evidence, Mr. Cavusoglu said of the Obama administration. Actually, they do. Though the United States has an extradition treaty with Turkey, Mr. Gulen cannot be arrested or returned to his homeland unless Turkey can convince the Justice Department, and federal courts, that he may be properly charged with a crime. (For the record, Mr. Gulen has denied any involvement in the coup.) In other words, he cannot be treated like Mr. Erdogans Turkey-based opponents and be swept up without due process. President Obama apparently tried to explain this to Mr. Erdogan in a phone call Tuesday. According to spokesman Josh Earnest, Mr. Obama said that the United States doesnt support individuals who conspired to overthrow democratically elected governments but also that the United States follows the rule of law. It wont be surprising if Mr. Erdogan doesnt accept that answer, or if he tries to use Turkeys military relationship with the United States including U.S. use of Incirlik Air Base for bombing Islamic State targets as leverage. So be it: Mr. Erdogan needs to understand that the United States cannot be bullied into abetting his consolidation of a dictatorship. My fellow Americans, I believe we have come to another rendezvous with destiny, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, the GOP vice-presidential nominee, told the crowd at the Republican National Convention Wednesday night. This is another time for choosing. Pence was referring to Ronald Reagans famous 1964 A Time for Choosing speech on behalf of Republican presidential nominee Barry Goldwater, an address so important in conservative circles that it is known simply as The Speech. It was an apt analogy. Goldwater went down in defeat that year, but the speech made Reagan an overnight star in the conservative firmament and launched him on the path to the presidency and undisputed leadership of the conservative movement. Last night may have been Mike Pences Time for Choosing moment. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) sought to claim the Reagan mantle with his convention address, hoping that his eloquence would make delegates think as they did after a defeated Reagan addressed the convention in 1976 that we nominated the wrong man. But unlike Reagan in 76, Cruz refused to endorse the rival who vanquished him and got booed off the stage as a result. Pence, by contrast, had the crowd in Quicken Loans Arena enthralled. His speech was the first moment all week that both Trump loyalists and Trump skeptics (of which there are many here) appeared, at least for a moment, to be united. His address was Reaganesque from the memorable zingers and the self-deprecating jokes to the twinkle in his eye and his aw shucks delivery. Sharing his family story, he declared If Dad were with us today, I have a feeling hed enjoy this moment and probably be pretty surprised. He delivered a brilliant dissection of Hillary Clinton as the candidate who literally personifies the failed establishment in Washington, D.C. The Democrats, Pence declared, are about to anoint someone who represents everything this country is tired of. You know, Hillary Clinton wants a better title. And I would, too, if I was already Americas secretary of the status quo. To struggling American workers, he declared: They tell us this economy is the best that we can do. Its nowhere near the best that we can do. Its just the best that they can do. It was not long before the crowd was chanting We like Mike! Pences oratory had many asking: Where did this guy come from? In fact, Pence has been a quiet hero in conservative circles for many years. As a member of the House, he won plaudits for his political courage opposing spending measures during the George W. Bush administration when Republicans were in charge of Congress. He was one of the only elected officials to address tens of thousands of activists at a tea party rally outside the Capitol in 2009. In 2012, many conservatives were urging him to run for president and had he done so he would almost certainly have had his moment as front-runner and a real shot at the nomination in that weak field. But he decided that he wasnt ready, that he needed executive experience. So he ran for Indiana governor instead, where he built an impressive record as a conservative reformer. Not a lot of people would have had the humility to make that decision. Being Donald Trumps running mate will not be easy a challenge became apparent Wednesday night. In his speech, Pence declared that Donald Trump will rebuild our military and stand with our allies. But on that very day Trump gave an interview to the New York Times in which he questioned whether he would come to the defense of NATO allies if they were attacked by Russia, violating the fundamental tenet of NATOs charter, which holds that an attack on one is an attack on all. To conservatives who question his decision to join the Trump ticket, Pence had a ready answer: While were filling the presidency for the next four years, this election will define the Supreme Court for the next 40. We all better think very, very carefully about what this means for our Constitution and limited government. Elect Hillary Clinton, and you better get used to being subject to unelected judges using unaccountable power to take unconstitutional actions. Everything from the right to life, to the right to keep and bear arms, to the rule of law depends on making sure Clinton does not get to select the replacement for the late justice Antonin Scalia, Pence said. If Trump wins, Pence will be a much needed conservative voice inside the White House. And if Trump loses, Pence could emerge as the leader who can pick up the pieces and unite a divided Republican Party while putting it back on the hopeful, optimistic path of the Reagan Revolution. Read more from Marc Thiessens archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. The forgotten men and women of our country, people who work hard but no longer have a voice: I am your voice, said presidential nominee Donald Trump. The forgotten men and women of our country, people who work hard but no longer have a voice: I am your voice, said presidential nominee Donald Trump. Michael Robinson-Chavez/The Washington Post From Ted Cruzs non-endorsement of Donald Trump to Melanias plagiarism moment, heres a look at memorable quotes from convention speakers. From Ted Cruzs non-endorsement of Donald Trump to plagiarism moment, heres a look at memorable quotes from convention speakers. From Ted Cruzs non-endorsement of Donald Trump to plagiarism moment, heres a look at memorable quotes from convention speakers. The main purpose of the modern political convention is to produce four days of televised propaganda. The subsidiary function, now that nominees are invariably chosen in advance, is structural: Unify the party before the final battle. In Cleveland, the Republicans achieved not unity, but only a rough facsimile. The internal opposition consisted of two factions. The more flamboyant was led by Ted Cruz. Its first operation an undermanned, underplanned, mini-rebellion over convention rules was ruthlessly steamrolled on Day One. Its other operation was Cruzs Wednesday night convention speech in which, against all expectation, he refused to endorse Donald Trump. Its one thing to do this off-site. Its another thing to do it as a guest at a celebration of the man you are rebuking. Cruz left the stage to a cascade of boos, having delivered the longest suicide note in American political history. If Cruz fancied himself following Ronald Reagan in 1976, the runner-up who overshadowed the party nominee in a rousing convention speech that propelled him four years later to the nomination, he might reflect on the fact that Reagan endorsed Gerald Ford. Cruzs rebellion would have a stronger claim to conscience had he not obsequiously accommodated himself to Trump during the first six months of the campaign. Cruz reinforced that impression of political calculation when, addressing the Texas delegation Thursday morning, he said that I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father. That he should feel so is not surprising. What is surprising is that he said this publicly, thus further undermining his claim to acting on high principle. Donald Trump is officially the Republican nominee for president. Here are excerpts from his speech, plus everything else that happened on the final day of the GOP convention. (Nicki DeMarco/The Washington Post) The other faction of the anti-Trump opposition was far more subtle. These are the leaders of the partys congressional wing whove offered public allegiance to Trump while remaining privately unreconciled. You could feel the reluctance of these latter-day Marranos in the speeches of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan. McConnells pitch, as always, was practical and direct. Weve got things to achieve in the Senate. President Obama wont sign. Hillary Clinton wont sign. Donald Trump will. Very specific, very instrumental. Trump will be our enabler, an instrument of the governing (or if you prefer, establishment) wing of the party. This is mostly fantasy and rationalization, of course. And good manners by a party leader obliged to maintain a common front. The problem is that Trump will not allow himself to be the instrument of anyone elses agenda. Moreover, the Marranos necessarily ignore the most important role of a president, conducting foreign and military policy abroad, which is almost entirely in his hands. Ryan was a bit more philosophical. He presented the reformicon agenda, dubbed the Better Way, for which he too needs a Republican in the White House. Ryan pointedly kept his genuflections to the outsider-king to a minimum: exactly two references to Trump, to be precise. Moreover, in defending his conservative philosophy, he noted that at its heart lies respect and empathy for all neighbors and countrymen because everyone is equal, everyone has a place and no one is written off. Not exactly Trumps Manichaean universe of winners and losers, natives and foreigners (including judges born and bred in Indiana). Together, McConnell and Ryan made clear that if Trump wins, they are ready to cooperate. And if Trump loses, they are ready to inherit. 1 of 50 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad What it looks like at the Republican National Convention on Day 4 View Photos The scene from Cleveland on the final day of the convention. Caption The scene from Cleveland on the final day of the convention. July 21, 2016 Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump delivers his speech. Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. The loyalist (i.e., Trumpian) case had its own stars. It was most brilliantly presented by the ever-fluent Newt Gingrich, the best natural orator in either party, whose presentation of Trumpism had a coherence and economy of which Trump is incapable. Vice presidential nominee Mike Pence gave an affecting, self-deprecating address that managed to bridge his traditional conservatism with Trumps insurgent populism. He managed to make the merger look smooth, even natural. Rudy Giuliani gave the most energetic loyalist address, a rousing law-and-order manifesto, albeit at an excitement level that surely alarmed his cardiologist. And Chris Christies prosecutorial indictment of Hillary Clinton for crimes of competence and character was doing just fine until he went to the audience after each charge for a call-and-response of guilty or not guilty. The frenzied response was a reminder as to why trials are conducted in a courtroom and not a coliseum. On a cheerier note, there were the charming preambles at the roll-call vote, where each state vies to outboast the other. Connecticut declared itself home to Pez, nuclear submarines and . . . WWE. God bless the USA. Read more from Charles Krauthammers archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. The patio at the Racine Art Museum, 441 Main St., will be the site of Saturdays BONK! a free performance series featuring the talents of poets and musicians from near and far, presented by the Racine Public Library. The 94th edition of the monthly event will be held outside at 6 p.m. on July 23, if weather permits, and inside RAMs galleries, if not. In either spot, it will offer a diverse lineup of performers, featuring writers Jennifer Morales and Scott Woods, and musical duo Oh My Love. Together they will present an evening that will not only entertain but inform and inspire, according to Nick Demske, BONK! curator. Fostering change Both writers are very focused on issues of race and culture, addressing them in some really advanced ways, Demske said. Poetry is not an idle practice for them, he said. They see writing as a vehicle to foster change. Morales who was the first Latino elected to the Milwaukee Board of School Directors is a poet and performance artist who writes about breaking cultural boundaries, and the triumphs and difficulties that can result from such action, said Demske, also a poet and librarian with the Racine Public Library. She talks about real resolutions, he said. And thats something thats needed. Woods a poet and librarian at Ohios Columbus Metropolitan Library is also an activist, as well as a very powerful reader and performer, according to Demske. Scott is such a great presenter, and the substance of his work is as profound as anyones, he said. We are really lucky to have him here. The evenings musical act, Oh My Love, is a Madison-based electronic pop duo, with influences ranging from Bon Iver and Regina Spektor to Gorillaz and Radiohead. Their sound is unique, and one that Demske said he is excited to add to BONK!s diverse musical repertoire, which has included everything from rap and gypsy jazz to classical music through the years. Wider view BONK!s event at RAM is one of several outdoor performances organizers aim to schedule each summer. Augusts BONK! will be held at the Eco-Justice Center, in Caledonia, for example. And throughout the year, the monthly events have been hosted by a wide variety of area venues from the Hot Shop Glass studio to the River Bend Nature Center and Gateway Technical College. Being able to introduce the BONK! audience to different places around the community is one of the things Demske said he loves about the series. A big part of what we want to do is to show people what an amazing place they live in, he said. We want to expand our world a little more, each time. BONK! is made possible by partnerships and relationships developed throughout the community including sponsorship from the Racine Public Library, Friends of the Library, Racine Community Foundation, Racine Arts Council, Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation, Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church and Olde Madrid restaurant, as well as a team of devoted volunteers, according to Demske. BONK! is a community resource that is truly a cooperative, he said. There is no one owner. Jessica MacPhail, director of the Racine Public Library, said she is very excited about the BONK! program. Nick is tapping into a creative vein that runs through the Racine area, and BONK! draws audiences from all over, MacPhail said. The Friends of the Library have been financial sponsors of the program for several years, and the Racine Public Library is also a proud sponsor, she said. Saturday lineup More about the series past, present and future is available at bonkperformanceseries.wordpress.com. Meanwhile, here are brief bios of the July 23 performers to whet your appetite for the show at RAM. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., admission is free. JENNIFER MORALES: A multi-genre writer (poetry, fiction, nonfiction) and performance artist, Morales wrestles with questions of gender, power, identity, complicity and harm in her work. Yet she still finds the world beautiful. Meet Me Halfway, her collection of short stories about race relations in Milwaukee, was published by the University of Wisconsin Press in 2015. Now residing in Viroqua, Morales lived for more than 20 years in Milwaukee, where she raised her children and served on the Milwaukee Board of School Directors. She earned her masters of fine arts from Antioch University in Los Angeles, and now serves as a board member of the Driftless Writing Center (http://moraleswrites.com). SCOTT WOODS: The author of We Over Here Now (2013, Brick Cave Books) and Urban Contemporary History Month (2016, Brick Cave Books), Woods has published and edited work in a variety of publications. He has been featured multiple times in national press, including appearances on National Public Radio. In April of 2006 Woods became the first poet to ever complete a 24-hour solo poetry reading a feat he bested with six more annual 24-hour readings, without repeating a single poem. He was the president of Poetry Slam Inc. and emcees the Writers Block Poetry Night, an open mic series in Columbus, Ohio (www.scottwoodswrites.net). OH MY LOVE: This musical duo features the pop-perfect voice of Hannah Luree and the buzzy and playful electronic tracks of Christian Lisser. Oh My Loves sound is driven by powerful vocals, glistening melodies, driving synth and heavy-hitting, hip-hop, electronic beats. The Madison-based groups third release, Ghosts & Bubblegum (May, 2016) has received abundant critical acclaim. To hear what they do and learn more about them, go to www.ohmylovemusic.com. Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.) presented his case against Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at the GOP convention on Tuesday, July 18. People in the crowd shouted "guilty!" throughout his speech and started a "lock her up" chant. (The Washington Post) Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.) presented his case against Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at the GOP convention on Tuesday, July 18. People in the crowd shouted "guilty!" throughout his speech and started a "lock her up" chant. (The Washington Post) Delegates to the Republican National Convention are divided this week over a crucial question: Should Hillary Clinton be summarily executed? Or merely imprisoned without trial? Most favor the latter position, judging from the nightly chants of Lock her up! from the convention floor and the regular calls from convention speakers to outfit Clinton in jumpsuit or stripes and place her behind bars. But a minority would deal more decisively with the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. On Wednesday, word broke in Cleveland that New Hampshire state Representative and Donald Trump delegate Al Baldasaro, who has shared the stage with Trump at campaign events, said in a radio interview that Hillary Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot for treason. The Republican nominee and his advisers themselves are split on the issue. Hillary Clinton has to go to jail, okay? She has to go to jail, the candidate declared last month. Shes guilty as hell. 1 of 52 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad What it looked like at the Republican National Convention on Day 3 View Photos Supporters and protesting opponents of Donald Trump show up in Cleveland, as well as campaign merchandise vendors. Caption Supporters and protesting opponents of Donald Trump show up in Cleveland, as well as campaign merchandise vendors. July 20, 2016 Vice-presidential nominee Mike Pence greets the crowd on the third day of the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. But his longtime adviser Roger Stone has long argued for more. Hillary must be brought to justice arrested, tried and executed for murder, he tweeted two years ago. Stone suggested anew this week (at a rally also attended by Baldasaro) that Clinton murdered her friend Vince Foster. In Turkey, Erdogan is imprisoning his foes without trial. In Russia, enemies of Putin have been killed. But in America, we usually deal with political opponents in elections. Those at Quicken Loans Arena have other thoughts. Lock her up! said Michael Flynn, retired general and Trumps national-security adviser, chanting with the delegates. If I did a tenth of what she did, I would be in jail today. Lock her up, veteran Jason Beardsley, another convention speaker, concurred. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker on Wednesday night ignited the crowd by saying: If she were any more on the inside shed be in prison. Darryl Glenn, Senate candidate and county commissioner in Colorado, told the convention-goers that she loves her pantsuits but she deserves a bright orange jumpsuit. Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi praised Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention. Bondi said foe Hillary Clinton's security clearance deserved to be taken away. (The Washington Post) Hillary for prison! She deserves to be in stripes, Pat Smith, the mother of one of the Benghazi victims, declared from the podium. Chris Christie, in his Star Chamber presentation to the convention Tuesday night, held a mock trial to hold Hillary Rodham Clinton accountable. Lock her up! the delegates chanted. Were getting there, Christie replied. He and the audience went on to convict Clinton on numerous charges, including being an apologist for an al-Qaeda affiliate in Nigeria, resulting in the capture of innocent young women. Why lock her up? Because shes the enemy. Pastor Mark Burns, in the conventions first moments, said in his opening benediction that our enemy is not other Republicans but is Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party. Those surprised by this weeks vengeful words probably werent paying attention earlier. Trump lawyer Michael Cohen last month tweeted the allegation that Clinton murdered an ambassador. Corey Stewart, chairman of Trumps Virginia campaign, accused Clinton of essentially encouraging the murder of police officers. Rocker Ted Nugent, a prominent Trump supporter, said Clinton and President Obama should be tried for treason and hung. Trump himself often speaks favorably of violence (Punch him in the face. . . . Knock the crap out of them) and has talked of using presidential powers to torture suspects, target innocent relatives of terrorists, restrict press freedoms, go after a judge presiding over a fraud case against him, and get the Justice Department to investigate opponents. Is it okay for political figures to talk this way? Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort, who previously represented Ferdinand Marcos, Mobutu Sese Seko and other strongmen, doesnt seem to mind. Asked at a news conference Wednesday morning about how angry the convention has been, Manafort replied, The tone that I saw was joy. Asked about the Lock her up chant, Manafort opined that it probably reflects the attitude of a lot of people in America. Reflects? Or encourage those who have violent thoughts of extra-constitutional remedies? Calls for killing Clinton have been heard before at Trump events. At an event this month, one man repeatedly shouted, Hang that b----! Last week, a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, Mike Folk, tweeted that Clinton should be tried for treason, murder and then hung on the Mall in Washington. This week, Duane Flowers, a county commissioner in Ohio, said at a public meeting that Clinton should be hanging from a tree. At the Republican convention here, sales of Hillary for Prison T-shirts have been brisk. And the hateful have felt emboldened: Officials shut down the chat function on the conventions live-stream after a barrage of anti-Semitic comments. Will the cries for blood and vengeance cause a backlash outside this angry convention? Hillary Clinton now belongs in prison? Cmon, Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), a Never Trump holdout, tweeted Tuesday night. We can make the case that she shouldnt be elected without jumping the shark. Sorry, Fonzie. This shark was jumped many episodes ago. Twitter: @Milbank Read more from Dana Milbanks archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. In his July 17 op-ed, GOP minds are at sea the wrong one, George F. Will correctly condemned Chinas attempted annexations in the South China Sea and its refusal to abide by the Permanent Court of Arbitrations verdict in favor of the Philippines. But his call on the United States to enforce the verdict was severely undercut by the fact that the decision was based on the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, a treaty the United States failed to ratify in 2012. Why? Because a majority of Senate Republicans refused to support it, saying it violated the same so-called conservative principles that Mr. Will has so vigorously championed. Mike Lofgren, Alexandria Regarding the July 14 editorial A fateful choice for China: Without Chinas consent, the arbitration initiated by the former government of the Philippines violates the practice in international law that arbitration be premised on each states consent. This tribunal exceeded its own jurisdiction. The issues are territorial disputes, which are not subject to the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. China has made an optional exceptions declaration in accordance with UNCLOS and excluded issues such as maritime delimitation from processes such as this arbitration. This arbitration case damaged international law and may open the door for abusing arbitration procedures, undermining the authority and effectiveness of international law. By rejecting the arbitration, China defends its interests and advocates international justice through the true spirit of international law. Disturbingly, the arbitration was combined with military coercion. U.S. warships and warplanes in the South China Sea, a manifestation of might is right, escalated tensions and weakened diplomatic negotiation. China has always maintained that negotiation and consultation are the most feasible and effective ways to resolve the South China Sea dispute. But the former government of the Philippines rejected this. China has resolved boundary issues with 12 of its 14 land neighbors and part of maritime delimitation in the Tonkin Gulf with Vietnam, an unmatched record. We have confidence in addressing the issue of the South China Sea by negotiation and consultation and hope the Philippines will return to the right track. We hope the United States makes the right choice, refrains from provocative military operations, facilitates diplomatic efforts and doesnt let this issue define the relationship between our nations. Zhu Haiquan, Washington The writer is press counselor and spokesman for the Chinese Embassy. Donald Trump walked on stage at the Republican National Convention July 18 to Queen's "We Are the Champions." Trump was introducing his wife Melania who also addressed the crowd. (The Washington Post) Donald Trump walked on stage at the Republican National Convention July 18 to Queen's "We Are the Champions." Trump was introducing his wife Melania who also addressed the crowd. (The Washington Post) Danielle Allen is a political theorist at Harvard University and a contributing columnist for The Post. When airplanes hit the twin towers nearly 15 years ago, not only our compatriots but also the complacent pleasures of our post-Cold War prosperity were snuffed out in the flames. We would have to defend ourselves. But would we be able to do so without sacrificing our core values, our civil liberties, our openness to the world and our philanthropic spirit? We entered an existential struggle not just with terrorists but also with ourselves. Tuesday night, with Donald Trumps nomination for president, we learned that within a significant part of our country the terrorists have struck their mark. Donald Trump, emerging from shadow, gives a thumbs-up sign as he walks on stage to introduce his wife, Melania Trump, Monday at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (Timothy A. Clary/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images) The Republican Party has snuffed out its openness to the world and the philanthropic spirit it once claimed under the mantle of compassionate conservatism. Those conservatives who still adhere to those values, and to a steady and disinterested defense of civil liberties, are a party in exile. I raise my glass to you, for such attempts as you made to stave off defeat. Now we must face the development of an isolationist party, open to labeling peacefully protesting fellow citizens as enemies, and ready to stoke an emotional maelstrom around narratives of betrayal in the pursuit of ends that remain obscure. In its effort to develop the Trump campaign into a movement, this big brassy convention is trying to make the man more than he is. Following the script laid out in Trump surrogate Jeffrey Lords book What America Needs: The Case for Trump, the convention is giving us Trump the Defender, the Truth-Teller, the Leader Who Can Get Things Done and Who Puts America First, the Rebuilder for the Republican Party and the Champion the silhouetted figure who entered to the relevant Queen song Monday. The only Trump we havent yet gotten from the table of contents of Lords book is Trump, the Debt-Bomb Defuser. Perhaps that role strikes too close to home given all the debt-bombs that have gone off in Trumps life. So thats the script. Take note, so you can judge the contents of this convention for yourself. Against the backdrop of these big themes, it may be the small moments that tell us more truly who Trump is. Here are a few. Monday night, Trump made a World Wrestling Federation-style entrance to introduce his wife. He had the entire nations attention, perhaps for the first time. He didnt have to speak for long, but he should have said something that mattered. It was the one-liner opportunity of a lifetime. What did he produce? Oh, were gonna win. Were gonna win so big. Thank you very much, everybody. Thank you. Thank you very much. Were going to win so big. Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. Were going to win so big. Thank you. Thats it. A big fat serving of nothing. The grandiose buildup led nowhere but to ego affirmation. This is not the performance of generosity and humility we should seek from our best leaders. Tuesday night, Donald Trump Jr. made the teeniest, tiniest of slips, in a speech written for him by Frank H. Buckley of George Mason University. Well hold Buckley responsible for what came off like a Freudian slip. Late in his speech, Trump Jr. proudly announced that his father would be a president who speaks his mind and not just when it behooves him to do so. I think Trump Jr. meant to suggest that his father doesnt speak his mind merely when it is in his own interest to do so. But his actual words said something else. During his speech at the RNC in Cleveland on July 19, Donald Trump Jr. discussed how education can lead to more opportunities for success, but that schools today are "stalled on the ground floor." (The Washington Post) It behooves us to say things that it is our duty or obligation to say, and when they are timely, appropriate and fitting. In other words, those who speak when it behooves them to do so exercise good judgment. As Trump Jr. said, his father frequently errs in this judgment. His father is given to wildly irresponsible remarks and tweets. Judge Curiel come to mind, anyone? In the smallest details, the truth will out. Third, for the past few months, the coverage of the election has taken it as a truism that the Trump campaign is fueled by concerns about trade, immigration and national security. But this convention has upended my view of that. Pay attention to the relative amount of applause when trade themes are invoked as against the immigration and national security themes. The former doesnt get much. Its the latter two that turn out to be at the core of the response to Trump. We are indeed watching the long tail of Sept. 11. Finally, there is how Lord ends his written defense of Trump. Trump, he argues, believes we are a country founded on freedom and liberty. Strangely enough, this echoes Paul Ryans interview Monday with the Wall Street Journal, when he explained how he could work with Trump. There are principles, he argued, and policies, and as long as the two agree on principles, they can disagree on policies and still work together. Then Ryan proceeded to tick off his core principles, counting on his fingers as he went. The first finger got, Liberty, freedom, free enterprise, self-determination. The second finger got, Government by consent. The third finger got Constitution. Ryan seemed to stop, and then he caught himself remembering a fourth principle. He tapped his fourth finger and said, Upward mobility. Well, whats wrong with those principles? Notice anything missing? Im a lover of liberty, of free enterprise, of self-determination, of upward mobility, of government by consent, and of the Constitution. But I am also a lover of equality. Liberty and freedom? Turns out Trump and Ryan agree on that pleonasm. But that weird redundancy short-circuits the core of our political tradition. We are a country founded on the union of liberty and equality. Skeptical? Dont take it just from me. I know Im always quoting the old guys, and here I go again. Take it from Lincoln. Liberty and equality belong together like hand and glove. As he put it: Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Yes, the party of Lincoln is dead. So to the party in exile, a name for your new party is waiting. May you now found the Lincoln Party. Then I will raise my glass to you again. Joost Oppenheim plays with Solomon Oppenheim, the youngest of his 13 grandchildren. Joost, two of his four children and seven of his grandchildren, including Solomon, decided to become German citizens. (Julie Zauzmer/The Washington Post) The July 17 Metro article American Jews consider German citizenship was a revelation. It is something I could not fathom, as the son of German Jewish refugees who barely escaped the Nazi killing machine. My parents and my fathers siblings settled in New York City in the early 1940s, eternally grateful for the welcoming hand that saved their lives. Such gratitude was never lost on my twin brother and me, who were born in New York at the end of World War II. My parents were intent on raising Americans, with love, loyalty and appreciation for this blessed land. I remember the manifestation of those sentiments in small but meaningful ways: flag displays during national holidays, voter registration efforts and my father serving as an examiner for the Boy Scout merit badge in citizenship. While I harbor no ill will whatsoever toward contemporary Germany and do not fault other Jews who become German citizens, for whatever reason, German citizenship is not an option to me. This is my home. I am a son of America. Im certainly not blind to Americas imperfections, but I cant think of any place Id rather be. I would no sooner accept German citizenship than I would citizenship of North Korea or Iran. Rob Klein, Gainesville I am one of the American Jews who have taken advantage of German citizenship because of my parents leaving Germany in the 1930s. My family is forever grateful that our grandfather saw early that Hitlers Germany was not a place his four children could thrive. He sent them out of the country starting in 1933. By 1938, all were in the United States or Palestine. I made the decision in 2007 to seek German citizenship for many of the reasons Joost Oppenheim stated in the article American Jews consider German citizenship. I am no less a Jew or an American, nor have I been released from my obligation to remember the Holocaust because of my decision. I also sought German citizenship because my mother, one of those four children, always alluded to the uncertainty of those times by saying you never could have too many passports. It is good to have options. Given todays times, when a Supreme Court justice talks of moving to New Zealand, it indeed is good to have options. Barbara Kaufmann, Washington A truck decorated to support Republican Donald Trump was parked in in Scranton, Pa., near the site of a campaign rally featuring Democrat Hillary Clinton and Vice President Joe Biden earlier this month. (Brian Snyder/Reuters) From this hilltop town overlooking the Ohio River, I scan the community of Aliquippa on the opposite bank for any remnant of the vast Jones & Laughlin Steel complex that once employed 10,000 there. They tore the last of it down years ago, a passing police officer explains. A few far smaller non-steel businesses now operate on the site. Spontaneously, and ever so slightly wistfully, he adds: My whole family worked down there. J & L, as the steelmaker was known, is gone; its highly improbable this area will ever see its like again. However, heres what you can see across the Western Pennsylvania mill and mine region that lies between the nations capital and Cleveland, scene of this weeks Republican jamboree: Leslie Rossi painted her property red, white, and blue to drum up support for Donald Trump ahead of the states Republican primary on Tuesday. Rossi believes this final push to promote pro-Trump delegates is critical to ensuring a Trump nomination. (Dalton Bennett/The Washington Post) At the Jonnet Flea Market, near Blairsville, patient elderly men staff tables piled with used crossbows and fishing rods, old board games, vintage milk cartons, 1940s pulp novels, mechanics tools. A young couple with their child, the only customers at 11 a.m. on a Saturday, pay $2 for a baby stroller. Along the streets and highways, billboards announce gun shops, prayer meetings, ethnic club events, drug-treatment programs. Every town has its war memorial. And on one lawn sign, T-shirt and bumper sticker after another, you read: Trump: Make America Great Again. Donald Trump carried every county in Pennsylvanias GOP primary, but he rolled up some of his biggest margins around here, including 67 percent in Armstrong County, where coal is still a big job-provider, threatened by both cheap natural gas and Obama administration environmental policies. Bernie Sanders, though he lost statewide, was strong in Armstrong County, too, edging Hillary Clinton by just under 100 votes out of roughly 6,000 cast. Trump by himself, however, exceeded the two Democrats combined total. Armstrong County, in short, is a stronghold of the proverbial white working class, though Jeff Pyle, the countys representative in the state legislature, disdains that media cliche. Were mill hunkies, is what we are, he says a term that recasts an old epithet for Hungarians and other Eastern European immigrants as a badge of industrial honor. Over onion-smothered hot sausages at Stanleys Bar & Grille in Armstrongs second-largest town, Ford City Smoking Permitted, it says on the door Pyle, a Republican, as are most registered voters in this once-Democratic county, offers his take on the Trump phenomenon. Hes had to analyze Trumps appeal long and hard, because, like with elected GOP officials higher up the political food chain, his constituents support for the billionaire overtook him as he held out for one of Trumps rivals to gain traction. The thing I hear all the time is Hes got balls, Pyle says. Even he kindles to one part of Trumps message: We may be mill hunkies, but we know bad trade deals. There are still 2,200 factory jobs in Armstrong County (total population, 68,000 and shrinking), but thats down 30 percent in the past decade. Ford City has never been the same since its huge plate-glass factory downtown closed. A historical marker notes that it shut in 1991, before trade with China took off, and before the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). More recently, though, in 2008, a large factory that made pottery toilet fixtures closed and its production reportedly shifted to China. Pyle says Ford City people, when traveling, used to make a point of visiting a bathroom in every town along the way just to see if their handiwork was in use. Not now. When Trump boasts that hell bring the jobs back, mill hunkies hear a promise to restore their pride and their way of life. Hillary Clinton, by contrast, is associated with Barack Obama and his Environmental Protection Agency, whose rules disfavor coal and the nearby utilities that burn it, as well as, according to Pyle, a long list of job-creating projects, which, he has come to hope, might get off the ground under a Republican president. History teaches that social crisis can breed desperate thinking. In a very different time the year 1889 among a very different people the Plains Indians a Northern Paiute spiritual leader named Wovoka mobilized thousands by assuring them that performing a ritual known as the Ghost Dance would restore their lost world; ancestors would come back to life, bison herds would reappear; whites would be banished. After the movement fizzled, undone by federal repression and its adherents own disillusionment, a study commissioned by the U.S. government observed that something akin to the Ghost Dance could have happened in any deeply distressed society, no matter how sophisticated. The paradise lost is the dreamland of youth, it noted. When a people lies crushed and groaning beneath an alien yoke, how natural is the dream of a redeemer, an Arthur, who shall . . . win back for his people what they have lost. Trump for Presidents redemptive promises are hardly more plausible than those of the Ghost Dance. Yet the sense of loss that the campaign both evokes and exploits is, in some parts of this country, all too real. Read more from Charles Lanes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. Donald Trump is officially the Republican nominee for president. Here are excerpts from his speech, plus everything else that happened on the final day of the GOP convention. (Nicki DeMarco/The Washington Post) Donald Trump is officially the Republican nominee for president. Here are excerpts from his speech, plus everything else that happened on the final day of the GOP convention. (Nicki DeMarco/The Washington Post) Donald Trump painted a dire portrait of a lawless, terrorized nation as he accepted the Republican presidential nomination here Thursday night, delivering a sweeping indictment of a feckless political and corporate class that he argued was thrusting the United States into a perilous decline. Declaring that he alone has the leadership strength to secure the homeland and rejuvenate the economy, the billionaire real estate mogul offered himself as a law and order candidate and made a direct appeal to blue-collar Americans who have felt left behind in the 21st century. The forgotten men and women of our country people who work hard but no longer have a voice: I am your voice, Trump said in a long address to fired-up delegates on the closing night of the Republican National Convention. Rather than pivoting to the political middle with an uplifting address, Trump punctuated the turbulent four-day convention with a heavy speech with simple declarations. And he focused intensively on the alleged dangers posed by immigrants and refugees, showing that on the biggest stage of his campaign he would not shy away from rhetoric that many minority voters find repulsive. Trump spoke with so much gusto it sounded much of the time as though he were screaming, and by the end his face was notably red and glistening with sweat. The address lasted an extraordinary 76 minutes, with balloons falling in Quicken Loans Arena and fireworks shooting over Lake Erie nearly an hour after scheduled. [Read his full remarks, annotated] The tone of his prepared text was hard-edged at times severe and echoed the dark themes of Richard Nixons 1968 campaign. Trump is betting that general-election voters feel so beleaguered that they will heed his call for radical change. Trump described the country as beset by illegal immigrants, some of them killers. The crowd chanted back at him, Send them home, and Build the wall. And Trump decried an increase in homicides in some cities. I have a message to every last person threatening the peace on our streets and the safety of our police: When I take the oath of office next year, I will restore law and order to our country. Believe me. Believe me, he said. Trumps relentlessly gloomy tone was a jarring contrast to the sunny introduction by his daughter Ivanka Trump, who portrayed him as a generous, magnanimous business executive who would be the peoples champion and a fighter who delivers results. She said her father has been an advocate for women in his company and would do the same as president, saying that he supports equal pay for equal work and would change labor laws to help make quality child care affordable all priorities of presumed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Donald Trump laid out stark differences between his agenda and that of Clinton. He asserted that his rival is a puppet of corporations and elites, and that she would keep our rigged system in place. 1 of 50 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad What it looks like at the Republican National Convention on Day 4 View Photos The scene from Cleveland on the final day of the convention. Caption The scene from Cleveland on the final day of the convention. July 21, 2016 Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump delivers his speech. Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. Trump blamed Clinton directly for the past decade and a half of foreign operations that have wrought turmoil in the Middle East and cast the former secretary of state as a favor-trading, self-enriching agent of overseas powers. This is the legacy of Hillary Clinton: death, destruction, terrorism and weakness, he said. But Hillary Clintons legacy does not have to be Americas legacy. [See what it looks like from the foot of the stage and more in 360 from Cleveland] As Trump attacked Clinton, the attendees chanted, Lock her up! as they had for previous speakers. At one point, Trump tried to shush his supporters. He gestured no with his hands and declared that together they should beat her at the polls in November. Clintons campaign chairman, John Podesta, said in a statement: Tonight, Donald Trump painted a dark picture of an America in decline. And his answer more fear, more division, more anger, more hate was yet another reminder that he is temperamentally unfit and totally unqualified to be President of the United States. In virtually every policy realm, Trump vowed to put the countrys interests before any other redirecting Washingtons gaze inward in an age of globalization. Americanism, not globalism, will be our credo, he said. As long as we are led by politicians who will not put America first, then we can be assured that other nations will not treat America with respect the respect that we deserve. The American people will come first once again. Thursdays address was the most consequential of Trumps brief and remarkable political career. He strode onstage to the Air Force One theme song before an enormous screen displaying his name in huge gold letters. The stakes were made higher by missteps and missed opportunities during the conventions first three nights, putting pressure on the nominee to convince the general electorate that he has a credible and appealing vision for the nations future. Throughout his remarks, Trump cast himself as a change agent and Clinton as a guardian of the status quo. I have joined the political arena so that the powerful can no longer beat up on people that cannot defend themselves, he said. Trump directly addressed some of the more controversial policy proposals of his candidacy, including his vague, newly formulated vow to temporarily ban people from any nation connected to terrorism from entering the United States. We dont want them in our country, Trump said. He added, I only want to admit individuals into our country who will support our values and love our people. Anyone who endorses violence, hatred or oppression is not welcome in our country and never, ever will be. He also vowed, We are going to defeat the barbarians of ISIS and we are going to defeat them fast, referring to the Islamic State. Earlier in the evening, Maricopa County (Ariz.) Sheriff Joe Arpaio, one of the most polarizing figures in the immigration debate, vouched for Trumps proposal to build a wall along the Mexican border. He said, Donald Trump will build the wall at which point the crowd chanted Build the wall! and restore law and order and keep drugs and illegal immigrants from entering our country. But another moment illustrated the swift evolution of some Republicans on social issues. Billionaire entrepreneur Peter Thiel said, I am proud to be gay. I am proud to be a Republican. But most of all, I am proud to be an American the first to make such a declaration at a GOP convention. Thousands of delegates rose to their feet and cheered. When Trump later referred to the recent massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando and said he would protect our LGBTQ citizens, the crowd applauded loudly. Taking it in, Trump said, As a Republican, I have to say, it is so nice to hear you cheering. Trump was under pressure to project unity for the fractured Republican Party, which was split anew by an extraordinary uproar Wednesday night on the convention floor. As it became clear that Sen. Ted Cruz (Tex.) would not endorse his former primary rival in his prime-time address, the crowd booed and jeered him until he exited the stage. As speakers all week have done, Trump sought to rally Republicans to his cause with sharp and relentless attacks on Clinton and the Democratic Party. We cannot afford to be so politically correct anymore, he said to enthusiastic cheers. So if you want to hear the corporate spin, the carefully crafted lies and the media myths, the Democrats are holding their convention next week. But here, at our convention, there will be no lies. We will honor the American people with the truth, and nothing else. One of the loudest crowd responses came when Trump introduced his new running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, who has strong support among evangelicals and other conservatives. In a remarkable departure from past GOP conventions, Trump made no mention of God, religion or his faith. And although he thanked the evangelical community for supporting him, he sounded a rare note of self-deprecation, saying, Im not sure I really deserve it. Trump was unquestionably the star of the final evening. Throughout the night, his family, friends and employees talked glowingly about his character and leadership style. In gauzy videos as well as speeches, they described him as a compassionate visionary with a connection to the common man and a drive to fix problems and finish projects. I truly believe Mr. Trump is Americas blue-collar billionaire, said Jerry Falwell Jr., president of Liberty University. He is down-to-earth. He loves America and the American people. He is a true patriot and a champion of the common man. At center stage was Trumps eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, who introduced herself as nonpartisan. Like many of my fellow millennials, I do not consider myself categorically Republican or Democrat. She spoke passionately about her fathers competitive drive. I have seen him fight for his family, she said. I have seen him fight for his employees, I have seen him fight for his company, and now I am seeing him fight for our country. Its been the story of his life and, more recently, the spirit of his campaign. And she said her father cannot stand to see empty main streets and boarded-up factories, college graduates who are crippled by student debt and mothers who cannot afford the cost of child care. Other politicians see these hardships, see the unfairness of it all, and say, I feel for you, she said, evoking former president Bill Clintons legendary displays of empathy. Only my father will say, Ill fight for you. Donald Trump picked up from his daughter by saying he is ready to go to work for the country. Its time to deliver a victory for the American people, he said. We dont win anymore, but we are going to start winning again. . . . America is a nation of believers, dreamers and strivers that is being led by a group of censors, critics and cynics. He continued with an appeal to voters: To every parent who dreams for their child, and every child who dreams for their future, I say these words to you tonight: Im with you, I will fight for you, and I will win for you. Matea Gold in Cleveland contributed to this report. From the crowd booing Sen.Ted Cruz to vice presidential nominee Mike Pence delivering a speech, here's what happened during the third day of the Republican Presidential Convention. (Thomas Johnson/The Washington Post) From the crowd booing Sen.Ted Cruz to vice presidential nominee Mike Pence delivering a speech, here's what happened during the third day of the Republican Presidential Convention. (Thomas Johnson/The Washington Post) Republican leaders attempted Wednesday to steer their national convention in a more substantive and unified direction behind GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, but their efforts came up against an eruption of lingering bitterness from the brutal primary campaign season. The capstone of the evening was supposed to be a speech by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, the newly named vice-presidential nominee. But the more riveting moment came earlier, when Sen. Ted Cruz (Tex.) pointedly refused to endorse Trump, who had bested him in the race for the nomination, and urged Republicans to vote your conscience. As Cruz was speaking, delegates chanted, Endorse Trump! to which the senator replied dismissively, I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation. [Republicans prepare for Donald Trump to take the stage on day 4 of the RNC] In response, delegates from Utah, Washington and Arizona, some with the word troublemaker attached to their floor passes, began shouting, Ted! Ted! Ted! 1 of 52 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad What it looked like at the Republican National Convention on Day 3 View Photos Supporters and protesting opponents of Donald Trump show up in Cleveland, as well as campaign merchandise vendors. Caption Supporters and protesting opponents of Donald Trump show up in Cleveland, as well as campaign merchandise vendors. July 20, 2016 Vice-presidential nominee Mike Pence greets the crowd on the third day of the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. Cruz was jeered off the stage as Trump, with his characteristic showmans instincts, entered the hall and gave a thumbs-up. The showdown between two of the GOPs most abrasive personalities was evidence that many party stalwarts have not reconciled themselves to the fact that the celebrity billionaire who vanquished 16 opponents in the primary will be their standard-bearer in the fall. Their resistance continues, even though speaker after speaker pleaded with them to consider that the alternative is a Hillary Clinton presidency. After a long and spirited primary, the time for fighting each other is over. Its time to come together and fight for a new direction for America. Its time to win in November, said Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.), another defeated candidate. But he spoke via video, having decided to avoid the convention. Former House speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.), who had been in the running to become Trumps vice-presidential pick, tried to do damage control in his speech: Ted Cruz said: You can vote your conscience for anyone who will uphold the Constitution. In this election, there is only one candidate who will uphold the Constitution. The call for unity was the sentiment of many on the convention floor, as well. Theres a lot of diversity in our party and thats a strength of our Republican Party, said West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. I have a lot of respect for Ted Cruz. But Ive made the choice that Im all in to defeat Hillary Clinton, and everyone should be all in to defeat Hillary Clinton. Clinton has been a stronger unifier of the Republican Party than Trump. As happened during the first two days of the convention, the hall broke into calls of Lock her up! on Wednesday when those onstage referred to the controversy over Clintons unauthorized use of a private email server when she was secretary of state. Ted Cruz was being loudly cheered by many of the delegates at the Republican National Convention on July 20 until he urged voters to "vote their conscience." (Peter Stevenson,Sarah Parnass,Jorge Ribas,Alice Li,Dalton Bennett/The Washington Post) But several of the speakers dwelled less on painting a relentlessly negative portrayal of the state of the country and more on framing the choice that will confront voters in the fall on national security, the economy and the future of the Supreme Court, among other things. [Donald Trumps vision of doom and despair in America] The theme of the evening was Make America First Again, and it was aimed at setting the stage for the most important moment of the four-day convention: Trumps acceptance speech Thursday night. The Democrats have not led us to a crossroads, they have led us to a cliff, Florida Gov. Rick Scott told the gathering. But this election is not actually about Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. In fact, this election is not about you or me. This election is about the very survival of the American dream. Pences speech had intentional echoes of one of the most famous ones that Ronald Reagan gave: his 1964 Time for Choosing speech on behalf of that years presidential nominee, Barry Goldwater. That nationally televised address is often considered the moment when Reagan went from being seen as a Hollywood actor to becoming one of the most influential leaders of a burgeoning conservative movement. Pences speech used not only the title phrase but also a call to a rendezvous with destiny and a dismissive reference to the presumption that a little intellectual elite in a far distant capital can plan our lives better for us than we can plan them for ourselves. Pence and others acknowledged that Trumps personal style can rub many the wrong way, but they portrayed his personal qualities as evidence that he is a strong and authentic leader. Donald Trump gets it. Hes the genuine article. Hes a doer in a game usually reserved for talkers. And when Donald Trump does his talking, he doesnt tiptoe around the thousand new rules of political correctness. Hes his own man, distinctly American, Pence said. The expectation that Cruzs comments would fall short of a full embrace brought a gibe from an earlier speaker, conservative radio show host Laura Ingraham. We should all even all you boys with wounded feelings and bruised egos pledge to support Donald Trump now, she said. In addition to Cruz, another former Trump rival, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, spoke from the stage. [Ted Cruz is both winner and loser after last nights speech] However, two others former Florida governor Jeb Bush and Ohio Gov. John Kasich have been notable no-shows at the convention. Kasichs boycott is particularly awkward, given that he is governor of the state where the convention is taking place, and has been making appearances in this city. Cruz had told Trump on Monday that he was not going to endorse him, chief Cruz strategist Jason Johnson said. However, the senator from Texas did not share the text of his speech in advance of its delivery with the Trump campaign or Republican officials, according to a senior convention official familiar with the program. Text of the address was delivered to party officials shortly before its delivery. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorized to discuss convention planning publicly, described Cruzs decision to withhold an endorsement as a cheap shot, especially after Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus allowed a prolonged roll call of the states Tuesday night to formalize Trumps nomination and publicly record the raw delegate totals. He could have said, I encourage you to vote for Republicans up and down the ballot. . . . This was not a Ronald Reagan moment, the official said. Trump tweeted a response, referring to the promise by all primary candidates to support the eventual nominee: Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didnt honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal! Former Virginia attorney general Ken Cuccinelli II, a Cruz adviser who had led the procedural revolt against Trumps nomination, said he escorted Cruzs wife, Heidi, from the arena after her husbands speech because he was concerned for her safety. He said she had only one RNC staffer with her and no security personnel. I pulled her away so she could get out. People were closing in on her physically, he said. People in my own delegation started approaching her and yelling at her. Someone pointed at her and said, Goldman Sachs. He said he was surprised by the reaction. I thought everybody would just let Cruz have his 15 minutes, Cuccinelli said. It was intended as a courtesy, but they were just wired so tight to react so negatively to Ted. There was also the lingering drama from the Monday address by Trumps wife, Melania, which included portions lifted from the speech Michelle Obama gave at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, when her husband, Barack Obama, was running for president. In a statement issued using the Trump Organization letterhead and not the campaign insignia, a staff member took responsibility for the insertion of the material and apologized. She said that she offered to resign but that Trump and his family encouraged her to stay. Meredith McIver said she was an in-house staff writer who worked on the speech. A person she has always liked is Michelle Obama, McIver said of Melania Trump. Over the phone, she read me some passages from Mrs. Obamas speech as examples. I wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing in the draft that ultimately became the final speech. Shortly before the campaign distributed McIvers statement, Trump addressed the controversy via Twitter, although he did not weigh in on allegations that his wife had borrowed language from the first ladys speech. Multiple commentators and Trump opponents have said the duplication of the phrases amounts to plagiarism. Good news is Melanias speech got more publicity than any in the history of politics especially if you believe that all press is good press! he wrote in one message. And he attempted to shift blame to Clinton, writing, The media is spending more time doing a forensic analysis of Melanias speech than the FBI spent on Hillarys emails. Louisa Loveluck, Welsey Lowery, Ed OKeefe, Philip Rucker, Isaac Stanley-Becker and Katie Zezima in Cleveland contributed to this report. Donald Trump. (Washington Post illustration/Photo by Greg Allen/Associated Press) The Republican presidential convention this week has highlighted Donald Trumps view of America and it sounds like a terrible, terrible place. In Trumps eyes, the United States is practically a Third World country, with crumbling roads, aging bridges and decrepit airports. Its led by stupid people even Mexico has smarter leaders, he says and the entire world is laughing at America and its depleted military. Cities have exploded with violence; Islamic State fighters posing as refugees might attack at any moment; and the economy is doing lousy, with a real unemployment rate that could be eight times as high as the official one. Trump even compared the health of the nation to a friend who is dying of cancer and is barely holding on. If we dont get tough, and if we dont get smart, and fast, were not going to have our country anymore, Trump said in a recent policy speech. There will be nothing, absolutely nothing, left. [The truth behind the claim that American poverty is worse under Obama] Trump promises that if he becomes president, all of these problems will dissolve and he will fulfill his Make America Great Again slogan. But his current assessment of the state of the union is one of the most dismal and depressing messages ever pushed by a major-party nominee, and it has been amplified by a long line of convention speakers this week. The world has lost confidence in us. The inevitable consequence: weakness, decline, and, ultimately, chaos and oblivion, South Carolina Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster said on Tuesday night. We feel an eerie unease. The overwhelmingly gloomy tone stands in stark contrast to previous conventions that struck a much more celebratory note, with nominees sharing their sunny vision for the future. Rather than Ronald Reagans Morning in America, Trump talks of a dark and long night. Trump continued to deliver his heavy message on Thursday night as he accused President Obama of a rollback of criminal enforcement, resulting in a burst of murders in several major cities. Trump said in his prepared remarks that illegal immigrant families are being released by the tens of thousands into our communities with no regard for the impact on public safety or resources. Abroad, Trump said Americans have lived through one international embarrassment after another. This will all change in 2017, said Trump, who spent more time detailing the countrys problems than his proposed solutions, according to his prepared remarks. On the convention's third night. (Washington Post illustration/Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) Staying negative could turn off many general-election voters, and it risks clashing with their personal experience, because life has improved for many Americans in recent years. Last month, the unemployment rate stood at 4.9 percent lower than the seven-decade average of 5.8 percent and less than half of the 10 percent jobless rate that marked the peak of the Great Recession in October 2009. Although wages have largely remained stagnant, the Labor Department and wage analysts have noted a recent uptick in employee pay that, although small, represents the biggest such increase in years. Meanwhile, consumer confidence has rebounded to above-average levels after plummeting to all-time lows in 2008 and early 2009, according to the Conference Board and the Michigan Survey of Consumers. Violent crime rates also have fallen significantly since the 1990s, despite recent spikes in the number of homicides in several major cities. The Islamic State has been severely weakened and has lost more than half of the land it once controlled in Iraq and Syria; many intelligence experts say the recent attacks inspired by the group in California, Orlando and southern France are a sign of desperation rather than strength. [How Nice represents both the decline and growing danger of terrorism ] Democrat Hillary Clinton has presented a much more positive view of the country, saying that America is already great. A few fellow Republicans have also gently pushed Trump to deliver a more hopeful vision. Our party has to be in the long term and in the medium and the short term a unifying, a lifting and a hopeful party, Ohio Gov. John Kasich told members of Michigans GOP convention delegation over breakfast Tuesday. That party that can enunciate the hopes and dreams and the unity is the party thats going to do well. Trump has said the November election will give voters two options: more of the same with Clinton or something completely different with him. According to a Washington Post-ABC News poll this month, 28 percent of those surveyed said they thought the country was going in the right direction, while 68 percent said it was on the wrong track. While decidedly negative, optimism is slightly higher than when Obama was elected during the recession in 2008: Then, 19 percent of those polled said the country was headed in the right direction. Still, many American families continue to feel financially insecure. A Washington Post-ABC News poll in March found that a third of working, middle- and upper-middle class Americans said they struggle to maintain their current standard of living. Republican voters who said they were struggling financially were more likely to support Trumps nomination than those who said they were living comfortably or felt as if they were moving up in life, according to the poll. [Trump vs. Hillary on the issues] Ben S. Bernanke, a former chairman of the Federal Reserve, recently wrote that although measures of personal financial security have largely returned to pre-recession levels, many people continue to hold stubbornly negative views about the economy and diminished expectations for the future. Without doubt, the economic problems facing the country are real, and require serious and sustained responses, Bernanke said in a June 30 blog post. But while perceptions of economic stress are certainly roiling our national politics, it may also be that our roiled politics are worsening how we collectively perceive the economy. This division falls along party lines: Nearly 6 in 10 Democrats in a recent CNN/ORC poll rated the national economy as at least somewhat good, compared with about 4 in 10 independents and fewer than 3 in 10 Republicans. Unease about the future is not just about economic stability. Many Trump supporters also worry that the country is no longer safe, especially following a series of terrorist attacks and the recent killings of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge. Polling has shown growing distrust in politicians, government and the media. In Cleveland, convention speakers have stoked those fears. The theme on the first day was Make America Safe Again, and speakers included a father whose teenage son was murdered by a gang member living in the country illegally, a mother who blamed her sons death in Libya on Clinton, and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who graphically described the 2012 attacks in Benghazi, Libya. Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. (Washington Post illustration/Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) We cannot continue down this path, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, whom Trump considered as his running mate, told an ever-dwindling crowd late Monday night. More lives are at stake. Our way of life is in jeopardy. Our very existence is threatened. Themes of terrorism and crime came up again Tuesday, when the convention was supposed to focus on making America Work Again. Most speakers instead listed reasons why Clinton should not be president or should be prosecuted. We live in dangerous times, said Chris W. Cox, executive director of the National Rifle Associations Institute for Legislative Action. Were worried, and we have reason to be. During the primary campaign, Trump often started his rallies by reading depressing statistics about the economy of the town or state he was visiting, sometimes to the annoyance of local Republican leaders who have worked hard to boost their local economies. Republican governors have been especially sensitive to Trumps critiques. At a rally in early May in South Bend, Ind., Trump said that the national unemployment rate is 20 percent or more and that the official unemployment rate was created to make politicians look good. Trump promised to stop the local air-conditioner factory from moving to Mexico, along with other improbable vows. Dont be depressed, Trump said, because were going to fix it. Last week, Trump selected Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate and said that his primary reason for doing so was Indianas booming economy, job creation and low unemployment rate. At the convention Tuesday night, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), who has closely advised Trump for months, sounded Trumpian in his description of the country. Our political system is not working. We operate like the trench warfare battles of World War I, where hundreds of thousands die but no ground is gained, Sessions said. Median incomes have declined. Terrorist attacks are increasing. Respect for America has fallen. Crime is rising, and the president, he blames the police. The theme Wednesday was Make America First Again, but the topics and tone did not adjust accordingly. On stage, former House speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.) said that the United States is losing the war on terrorism; that the threat to the nation was worse than September 11 of 2001; and that electing Clinton could lead to a terrorist nuclear attack on a U.S. city. Trumps campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, insisted that the tone this week has not been a downer. Instead, he said he senses a joyous vibe. There is an anger among the delegates that is out there in America, Manafort told reporters. People are feeling frustrated by the failed leadership, by the difficult economic times and by their fear of living in their communities. But thats not the tone of the convention. Scott Clement and Emily Guskin in Washington contributed to this report. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) addresses the crowd after being introduced by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump as his vice-presidential pick in New York. July 16, 2016 Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) addresses the crowd after being introduced by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump as his vice-presidential pick in New York. Jason Szenes/European Pressphoto Agency Donald Trumps running mate has been in public office since 2000, mostly in Congress, and is a favorite among social conservatives. Donald Trumps running mate has been in public office since 2000, mostly in Congress, and is a favorite among social conservatives. Donald Trumps running mate has been in public office since 2000, mostly in Congress, and is a favorite among social conservatives. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence looked on from the ground below as Donald Trumps helicopter circled dramatically over Cleveland on Wednesday afternoon, waiting for the GOP presidential nominees official arrival at the Republican National Convention. When the chopper landed the theme of Air Force One blaring on loudspeakers the governor led a procession to greet the real estate mogul. Were going to win Ohio, right? Come here, Mike, Trump said into a microphone moments later, offering brief remarks to reporters and a rope-line of supporters. He signaled for Pence to shake his hand; Pence obliged heartily, finally looking comfortable. The made-for-TV spectacle marked the start of a delicate dance for Pence, whose warm prime-time speech at the convention of Trump on Wednesday was light on policy specifics and heavy on adjectives. Trump is genuine, independent, no-nonsense, tough, Pence said. Ill grant you, he can be a little rough with politicians on a stage, and Ill bet we see that again. But Ive seen this good man up close, his utter lack of pretense, his respect for the people who work for him and his devotion to his family, he said to cheers at Quickens Loan Arena. And if you doubt what Im saying, remember, as we say back home, you cant fake good kids. The Indiana governors embrace of Trumps personal qualities comes even as he struggles to assuage skepticism among his longtime admirers over his decision to join the ticket with a man who many see as his polar opposite in both manner and idealogy. Pence acknowledged as much during his speech Wednesday, albeit lightheartedly: Trump, he said smiling, is a man with a large personality, a colorful style and lots of charisma. Its like, I guess, he was just looking for some balance on the ticket. Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence spoke about his upbringing and family during a speech at the GOP convention July 20. (The Washington Post) [In picking Mike Pence, Donald Trump may have just given Democrats a boost] On foreign and domestic affairs, Mike Pence is a starkly different shade of red than Trump: a man who has endorsed a robust American presence abroad and has been guided by his religious convictions at home. After the speech, it still remains to be seen how far Pence will go in supporting Trumps unorthodox and largely isolationist policy agenda; and that question has stirred anxieties among longtime Pence allies and friends, who were surprised to hear his name rise to the top of Trumps short list and shocked that Pence ultimately accepted the position. Dan Senor, a veteran GOP strategist and foreign policy wonk, summed up the cognitive dissonance felt by many Pence admirers in a tweet he sent hours after the decision was announced: Its disorienting to have had commiserated w/someone re: Trump about how he was unacceptable, & then to see that someone become Trumps VP. Kevin Madden, a veteran GOP strategist and former adviser to 2012 GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney, said during a recent interview that vice-presidential candidates always have to juggle their own policy convictions against the agenda put forward by the top of the ticket. But the unruffled Pence, whose long career in public life has rested on his staunch conservative principles, is distinctly dissimilar to the celebrity real estate mogul, who is known for his brash and bombastic style. Some political strategists say that the brand Pence has cultivated and his political future could be tainted irreparably by his decision to join the ticket. I think that this arranged marriage is going to force him into a bit of a two-step with his core policy principles, Madden said. Its certainly something that he will have to wrestle with, more so than probably any other VP candidate that weve seen. [Why Mike Pence said yes to Donald Trump] 1 of 52 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad What it looks like at the Republican National Convention on Day 3 View Photos Supporters and protesting opponents of Donald Trump show up in Cleveland, as well as campaign merchandise vendors. Caption Supporters and protesting opponents of Donald Trump show up in Cleveland, as well as campaign merchandise vendors. July 20, 2016 Vice-presidential nominee Mike Pence greets the crowd on the third day of the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. For many Trump critics-turned-allies, Pence has helped quell concerns about Trumps political inexperience and his unorthodox positions on a range of issues important to them. He brings a calmness to a very explosive nominee. And hes also highly experienced in how to get legislation passed in Washington, former Texas governor Rick Perry said. Pence may yet overcome the criticism if he proves himself capable of installing himself as a guiding force in Trumps inner circle, pushing the real estate mogul more in line with party orthodoxy on international trade and foreign affairs. Donald Trump is not someone who is seen as a policy wonk or who is very issue-interested. He is interested in selling big bold rhetoric, Madden said. If somehow [Pence] can demonstrate that hes having an influence on Donald Trump, then that could be seen as a positive. [But] he hasnt demonstrated a capacity for changing. During the speech, he said urged voters to support Trump for the sake of sanctity of life, for the sake of the Second Amendment. . . . We must assure that the next president appointing justices to the supreme court is Donald Trump. But Pence has also appeared to warm to Trumps more controversial policies. Earlier this year, he called Trumps proposal to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the United States offensive and unconstitutional. Trump has since moderated his rhetoric on the ban, speaking about it in geographic terms rather than implying a religious test. And Pence has recently come on board. His past criticism of Trump, however, will probably continue to define their relationship in the press in the coming months. Their differences were put on display during an awkward interview with CBSs 60 Minutes shortly after the announcement. Pressed on Pences vote for the Iraq War in 2003, Trump attempted to defuse the criticism and in so doing invited accusations of a double standard against his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Its a long time ago. And he voted that way and they were also misled. A lot of information was given to people, Trump said. Hes entitled to make a mistake every once in a while. Asked whether Clinton was entitled to the same second chances, Trump scoffed: No. Shes not. [4 ways Mike Pence hurts Donald Trumps case against Hillary Clinton] Pence himself has already shown flashes of what it takes to be an effective attack dog for Trump. He took multiple swipes at his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, and President Obama during his speech, accusing Democrats of taking minority communities for granted and pledging that the Trump administration will champion working people. Over in the other party, if the idea was to present the exact opposite of a political outsider, the exact opposite of an uncalculating truth-teller, then on that score youve really got to hand it to the Democrat establishment. They outdid themselves this time, he said. Pences speech Wednesday night came after two tumultuous days here at the convention, which was considered by political strategists as an opportunity for Trump to present a united Republican Party ahead of a grueling general-election campaign against Clinton. It was also seen as a chance to court persuadable voters who may be amenable to Trumps message and strong rhetoric. But several interruptions by members of the Never Trump movement also showcased continued resistance to Trump within several factions of the GOP. And key absences, including those of Ohio Gov. John Kasich and former Florida governor Jeb Bush, added to that perception. Hillary Clinton campaigned with Sen. Timothy M. Kaine (D-Va.) in the Virginia suburbs of Washington on July 14. He is a finalist in her search for a running mate. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post) Liberal activists who backed Sen. Bernie Sanderss campaign cried foul Thursday over what they describe as pro-banking lobbying by Sen. Timothy M. Kaine, a finalist to become Hillary Clintons running mate. Kaine (D-Va.) signed a bipartisan letter Monday urging the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to carefully tailor its rulemaking regarding community banks and credit unions so as not to unduly burden these institutions with regulations aimed at commercial banks. At issue are compliance rules under the post-recession banking law known as Dodd-Frank. Kaine was also one of four senators to sign a second letter Monday on behalf of regional banks seeking relief from a daily reporting requirement of liquidity. Activists said the request to Federal Reserve Chair Janet L. Yellen and other officials to lengthen the time between reporting would allow some very large banks too much leeway. Liquidity can be a measure of a banks health and risk-taking. [Sen. Cory Booker of N.J. remains under VP consideration for Clinton] The requests would help banks of many sizes avoid oversight, said Charles Chamberlain, executive director of the activist network Democracy for America. Lets be really clear: It should be disqualifying for any potential Democratic vice-presidential candidate to be part of a lobbyist-driven effort to help banks dodge consumer-protection standards and regulations designed to prevent banks from destroying our economy, Chamberlain said. Kaine, campaigning in Northern Virginia, dismissed criticism over the letters. People are going to say whatever they want, but Im strongly for the regulation of the financial industry, Kaine said. Its important you dont treat every financial institution the same, he said. It wasnt credit unions that tanked the economy, it wasnt local community banks that tanked the economy, generally wasnt regional banks that did things that tanked the economy. Kaine spokeswoman Amy Dudley said Kaine is a strong supporter of Dodd-Frank. He backed the proposed changes, she said, as a way to draw distinctions between types of banks and to train federal oversight where it is most needed. Kaine believes its important that the rules are tailored to the character of individual institutions so that we dont accidentally choke off capital access to the families and small businesses in our communities, Dudley said. The toughest regulation should be on the biggest and riskiest institutions. Credit unions, community banks and regional banks need to be carefully regulated, but the nature of the regulation can be different to ensure scarce resources are efficiently spent allowing regulators to focus on the bad actors. Dodd-Frank allows the CFPB to grant some reporting and compliance exemptions. Opponents say loosening Dodd-Frank to exempt large classes of financial institutions could open consumers to bad practices such as risky mortgages. Our presidential ticket cannot beat the billionaire bigot by simply being not Donald Trump, Chamberlain said. Making Senator Tim Kaine our vice-presidential candidate could be potentially disastrous for our efforts to defeat Donald Trump this fall. The activist network had endorsed Sanders, and many of its members worked as Sanders volunteers. The group endorsed Clinton last week while praising Sanders for airing important issues including banking reform. Fifteen Senate Democrats and one independent signed the letter. Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Cory Booker of New Jersey did not sign it, making Kaine the only Clinton vice-presidential prospect who did so. Banking laws specifically the question of whether to expand on Dodd-Frank rather than contract it were a major issue in the Democratic primary. Sanders advocated breaking up large financial institutions to give consumers greater leverage. He did not sign either letter. Hours before Clinton was expected to announce her decision, Kaine noted his warmness toward the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade bill that is opposed by Clinton, Trump and the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Also Thursday, an ad hoc group claiming to represent more than 1,200 of the 1,900 Sanders delegates who will attend the Democratic convention next week said a peaceful convention protest against Kaine would be likely. The group cited a survey of Sanders delegates Sunday that showed less than 3 percent of delegates considered Kaine an acceptable Democratic vice-presidential nominee. RACINE A member of the Racine Police and Fire Commission the city panel that oversees police officers has come under scrutiny after apparently making anti-police and other inflammatory remarks on social media. J. Mark Freeman, bishop of the Second Missionary Baptist Church, 1205 Lathrop Ave., allegedly posted anti-police remarks on Facebook and made other inflammatory remarks on Twitter. Racine Mayor John Dickert appointed Freeman, who is black, to the commission this spring. Dickert said Wednesday he is aware of the postings and remarks. They are divisive. They are inflammatory. I disagree with them, Dickert said. One Facebook post depicted a police officer wearing a pointed white hood aiming a gun at a black youth. One tweet, posted July 3, said Independence Day In The United Snakes of AmeriKKKa. Another tweet, from Jan. 23, read AmeriKKKa has then (sic) poisoning people since Plymouth rock!!! Calls to Freemans church and phone were not returned Wednesday night. Freeman had apparently protected his Twitter account Wednesday night so that only his followers could read his tweets. After seeing the posts, Dickert said he contacted Freeman and asked Freeman if he could continue serving as an unbiased member of the commission. Dickert said Freeman told him that he wanted a few days to think about it, but later told Dickert he felt he could continue to serve on the panel without any issues. Freeman was appointed to the Police and Fire Commission in April, according to the citys website. His term is slated to expire April 30, 2021. Dickert also said he cannot consider removing Freeman from the commission without a formal complaint of some kind. The mayor said he did not know whether the commission had the power to unilaterally vote Freeman off the panel. Racine Police Chief Art Howell declined to comment on the issue Wednesday night. Todd Hoover, president of the Racine Police Association, which represents the departments unionized officers, could not be reached for comment Wednesday night. Social critic Freeman has established himself as a vocal social critic in Racine. In a Black History Month event sponsored by the Racine NAACP in February, Freeman delivered a fiery speech on the importance of voting and urged the crowd to make black history a daily event. Its 365 days a year, seven days a week and 24 hours a day, Freeman told the crowd. Dont let black history be there for just a short time. He doesnt run away from the tough conversations that we need to have in our community, Dickert said Wednesday. We have to continue talking about these things. The concern over Freemans comments comes as police officers across the country have come under fire from snipers and other attacks. A sniper killed five officers in Dallas in early July, while three officers were shot dead in Baton Rouge on Sunday. The anti-police rhetoric reached Racine on July 8, when a 43-year-old Racine man was arrested for making online threats against law enforcement officials. Byron L. Cowan was arrested by Racine detectives and regional FBI personnel after he allegedly posted threats against police officers and their families on social media. Were in a fragile situation right now, Dickert said. What we need to do is try and work together to resolve these issues. We need to work hard to fix these problems. They are divisive. They are inflammatory. I disagree with them. Mayor John Dickert, speaking of social media postings made by the Rev. Mark Freeman Donald Trump is officially the Republican nominee for president. Here are excerpts from his speech, plus everything else that happened on the final day of the GOP convention. (Nicki DeMarco/The Washington Post) Donald Trump and his people were trying to make something here in Cleveland this week, but precisely what seemed unclear, despite the themes they laid out for the four nights of the Republican National Convention. Make. Make. Make. Make. America. America. America. America. Safe on Monday. Work on Tuesday. First on Wednesday. One on Thursday. And Trump himself every single night. A great American concept, perhaps, but how was it going over as the partys reality or unreality show was being televised nationally from the Q? A lot of contradictions, mostly. More talk about who and what they wanted to undo, dismantle, destroy, obliterate or send off to the clink than create and build and empower. More boilerplate speeches in a half-empty hall by third-rate celebs and second-tier pols than the showbiz glitz and glam promised by the man who hates to be bored. Was he watching except when his kids were on? Much rhetoric that in both style and substance appeared more aimed at the base than at whatever undecided voters there might be out there still trying to make a choice. And most noticeable of all, more disharmony than unity. Rather than making America one again, the convention could not even make itself one again. The top story on two of the four nights of the convention was the still-flaring civil war between Ted Cruz and his rebels and Trump and his triumphant followers, with raucous jeers echoing through the arena at dramatic moments on both nights. First when Trumps power players shut down a Cruz delegate rebellion on the rules, and then when Cruz in return declined to keep the pledge and endorse the nominee during his prime-time speech, a pledge Cruz had taken before Trump gave him the new first name Lyin, insulted his wife and implicated his dad in the John F. Kennedy assassination. Donald Trump acknowledges the convention attendees Thursday. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) In this bizarre year, with this unusual candidate, to be concerned about such things apparently was to be too politically correct or sensitive for the times. It was left to the thousands of pundits and operators in Cleveland to argue over whether Trump and his crew manipulated the Cruz beat-down and used it in jujitsu style to his tactical advantage, as he has done so often over the past year. Aside from that gobsmacking spat, the overriding messages from the podium were centered not so much on the four delineated topics as other themes: Be afraid, very afraid, of this dangerous world. Direct your hatred at the weak, evil, corrupt Hillary Clinton. And love Donald Sr., who must be a good man and therefore a good president because his wife said so in her own prosaic if unwittingly provocative and unoriginal fashion and Don Jr., Ivanka (the most polished speaker of the brood) and the other children seconded that opinion in their neat and clean and utterly normal offspring-of-a-billionaire way. As Trump supporters and anti-Trump protesters gathered in Cleveland for the Republican National Convention, both looked for answers on whether the country is safe or not. (Alice Li,Jorge Ribas/The Washington Post) It was the speech delivered by Don Jr. on Tuesday night that made Adam Gilbertson, a delegate from Minnesota, envision a Trump presidency in a new way. As a farm and implement dealer and original Marco Rubio delegate from Lakeside, a Twin Cities suburb, the 39-year-old Gilbertson wasnt a huge Trump supporter during the primaries. But when Junior described how the old man taught the children the construction-biz ropes and introduced them to hard hats and other workers below the upper class, Gilbertson said he started to feel more optimistic about a Trump White House. Gilbertson was in his seat in the farthest backstage-left reaches of the arena floor (his state preferred Rubio, after all), when Jersey boy Chris Christie undertook his kangaroo court prosecution of Clinton. Asked if he was part of the unangelic chorus that hooted at Ben Carsons evocation of Clinton as a follower of Lucifer, or who later responded to Christies case against her by chanting Lock her up! Lock her up! he smiled and equivocated. No. Yeah. No, he said. There was some political theater going on. Im not sure I want to lock her up, but I dont want to give her a promotion. Gilbertson had served 10 years as a National Guard officer, including five years of duty in Iraq, and, like many of the speakers with military backgrounds, said that he would have been disciplined or jailed himself if he had been electronically careless with classified information. A catalogue of the most popular words and phrases uttered by the nightly retinue of speakers could have been lifted from old horror or Armageddon movies and pulp crime fiction. Mix and match these from the first 40 or so speakers: Dangerous. Danger. Fear. Fear. Fear. Fear. In the crosshairs. Never bow down. Destroy evil. Deteriorate. Trampled. Threatened. Weaker. Socialism. Benghazi. Failed to protect. Have our backs. Unparalleled threats. Unconditional victory. Obama. Weakness. Do not feel safe. Shattered. No longer leading. Shrinking. Wake up, America! Proud patriots. American exceptionalism. Destructive pattern. Bumbling indecisiveness. Led us to a cliff. Lives at stake. Evil exists. Crooked Hillary. Weak. Spineless president. Something wrong. Economic disaster. Elites. Disdain. Dismissal. Scorn. Hunt. Fish. Pray. God called us. Cold, calculated lying. Falsely. Falsely. Failed. Guilty. Guilty. Youre fired. Ben Carson speaks at the convention on Tuesday. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images) The speeches did not necessarily follow the intended themes. Aside from Don Jr. talking about his interactions with construction workers, and the experiences of a California avocado grower, there was not much detailed discussion of working on Make America Work night. As Jesse Ferguson, one of Clintons Twitter-happy press people, pointed out with a certain delight, there were only two mentions of education, four of the middle class, five of trade, one of college affordability, one of investment, and, as might be expected, a big zilch for family and medical leave. Perhaps the shouts of Lock her up! that night amounted to an indirect call for the employment of more prison guards. What symbols did this convention use to illuminate its concept of Make America One point? Open that final night with a few figures not renowned for their tolerance. Out came Jerry Falwell Jr., president of Liberty University, who has no use for same-sex marriage or full LGBT rights. Then out ambled Joe Arpaio, sheriff of Maricopa County in Arizona, who made his name as an original birther, insisting for years that he was gathering information to prove that President Obama was not born in America, and whose obsession now is to build a wall in an effort to keep people out of America. Falwell attempted to rouse the crowd by calling colleges left-wing indoctrination camps. Shouts of Joe! Joe! Joe! and Build the wall! Build the wall! echoed during parts of Sheriff Joes speech. On Make America First night, the most eclectic night of all, syndicated talk show host Laura Ingraham sent the audience into a certain kind of rapture with her cocky attacks, including a reference to man buns. Ted Cruz sent much of the crowd into a loud and stunning round of boos by saying everything but the words they wanted to hear that he was endorsing Trump, a scene not seen at a Republican convention since Nelson Rockefeller was jeered when he called Goldwaterites extremists at the Cow Palace in San Francisco 52 years ago. And some guy wearing sunglasses named Ruffin, who owns a Vegas casino, talked to the delegates as though he was letting them in on a backroom condo deal. The state of Chicago. Wheres Chicago? Miami. Where the hells Miami, he muttered at one point, peering out from the teleprompter to look around the convention floor for recognition of places where Trump made some money. At the GOP convention Wednesday, Republican vice-presidential candidate Mike Pence speaks about his upbringing and family. (The Washington Post) No way Mike Pence, the vice presidential wannabe, could match any of those performances, and his generally sober, aw-shucks Indiana-style speech was unavoidably overshadowed, remembered mostly for the on-stage air kiss he received from Trump afterward, a new boss whose peculiarities he had described, aptly, as distinctly American. And the candidate himself seemed to be writing his own script, or at least throwing out all convention conventions. Never known for false modesty, he made sure that he was somehow present, in person or by remote camera, every night of the affair, bouncing between Cleveland and New York on his Trump jet. Once he even went head to head with his own show, appearing on Fox at the same time that one of his designated speakers was gesticulating from the Q podium. As a master of the stream-of-consciousness ad-lib speech, he seemed almost angry on those occasions when his inner circle forced him hostage-like to read from a teleprompter. In the dark and closely scripted acceptance speech closing the convention, Trump opened with a law-and-order riff, described a world and country in decline and the ills of political correctness, and near the end employed a phrase that captured his notion of American unity while at the same time satisfying his large sense of self. It was about everyone, but it also pointedly was about him. He was with the American people, he said. I am your voice. There seemed to be a jarring contrast between the gloom and doom emanating from the podium and the general demeanor of delegates on the convention floor and out and about in the hotels and streets of Cleveland. No matter how dire the rhetoric, the reality was something else. Delegates come to conventions to enjoy themselves, and they have the financial wherewithal to do so. Members of the Texas delegation dance Wednesday at the convention. (Evan Vucci/AP) One minute the Texans in their red-white-and-blue cowpoke uniforms were smiling and boogieing and rhythmically swaying their arms to the pop music blaring over the arena loudspeakers, the next they were huzzah-huzzahing to speeches denouncing Democrats for inducing the decline and fall of Western civilization. Here the delegates from North Dakota were having the time of their lives amid the buzzing throngs crowding the Fourth Street alley leading to the Q; there they were clapping and cheering their way through Rudy Giulianis chronicle of fear and loathing. Oh, my God, he was amazing! Sandy Boehler, the national committeewoman from North Dakota, said of the former New York mayor, whose speech was a nostril-flaring attack on the weaknesses of Clinton and Obama. He just put it all in perspective. Yet Boehler, a member of the RNC site selection committee, was more interested in praising the ambiance in Cleveland outside the arena than inside it. She blanched at the Lock her up! chants during Christies prosecution of Clinton. Thats not how I do things, but . . . its just a rally. As for the electric charge that seemed to juice the convention hall at every mention of the Democratic candidates name, Boehler made an uncommon concession to the difference between politics and real life. Of course not, she said, when asked if she hated Clinton. I dont hate anybody. No. Shes a mother and a grandmother. We just have different perspectives. Not exactly the message of this year, or of this convention. Sen. Timothy M. Kaine (D-Va.), left, and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, right, have emerged as the leading contenders to be Hillary Clintons running mate. Democrats close to Labor Secretary Tom Perez, center, do not expect him to get the nod. (From left to right: Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post; Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post; Jeffrey MacMillan) Once again, Hispanics are in the mix of potential vice-presidential candidates. And once again, they appear poised to be passed over for a white guy. It has happened before to Henry Cisneros in 1984 and Bill Richardson several times. This year, two Hispanic men, Housing Secretary Julian Castro and Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez, have been among the Democrats Hillary Clinton is considering to pick as a running mate. The 2016 presidential campaign cycle began with the predominant theory that Clinton would need to seriously consider a Latino for the No. 2 slot, given the rapid growth of Latinos and campaigns by two Latino Republican presidential candidates. That is no longer the case. First, Republican Donald Trumps historic unpopularity with Latino voters may have erased any political urgency to choose a Hispanic candidate. Second, both leading Hispanic contenders lack experience that Clinton has told friends and advisers she considers critical for the role: Neither has military or national security experience considerable drawbacks in a time of heightened domestic and global strife. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro is on Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's short list of potential vice presidential candidates. Here's what you need to know about him. (Sarah Parnass,Osman Malik/The Washington Post) [Two names emerge from Clintons VP deliberations: Kaine and Vilsack] In the waning days of the Clinton veepstakes, Virginia Sen. Timothy M. Kaine and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack have emerged as her leading choices, according to several Democrats familiar with her thinking. But many of those Democrats say other contenders remain in the mix, with Perez mentioned most frequently as an additional likely finalist. Democrats also say that the potentially historic selection of a Hispanic running mate sparked months of bitter, backroom jockeying between the close aides and associates of Castro and Perez. Perez boosters suggest Castros very public profile and early mention as a possible Clinton running mate may have hurt him in the end. Both endured embarrassing headlines this week, prompting loyalists to privately accuse the opposing side of planting the stories. All of it has left Latino leaders in business, media and politics anguished, conceding that Clinton faces no significant risk of losing Latino support if she skips over Castro and Perez. Richardson the former New Mexico governor who was considered for vice president in 2000, 2004 and 2008 is a loyal Clinton supporter but recalled the raw political nature of the vice-presidential search process for Al Gore, John F. Kerry and Barack Obama. At the very end, what makes the final decision is a bunch of white guys that are polling. They are not, in my judgment, sensitive about national security or ethnicity, he said. They are looking for additional votes for the presidential candidate. When he was told he did not get the job in 2004, Kerry said something like, Well, we have a shot at North Carolina, Richardson recalled. In 2008, he was told by Obama campaign staffers that he did not poll well in the Hispanic community because of his last name. The fact that Richardson was not picked, however, could have had as much to do with reservations about him by the nominees as with the electoral college priorities of their campaigns. Cisneros, who served as mayor of San Antonio, did not respond to a request for comment. Democratic nominee Walter F. Mondales decision to interview Cisneros in 84 electrified Latinos, and it was widely read as an indicator of their growing political clout. But privately, Cisneros previously recalled, Mondale told him it was highly unlikely that, as a mayor, I would be selected. Alex Nogales, president and chief executive of the National Hispanic Media Coalition, has toiled for years with top Hollywood bosses and network news executives about the lack of representation on television news and the big screen. He said Castro or Perez would make Hispanics a visible part of the cultural life of the United States. All of a sudden, this community would have more of a flexibility to discuss its problems, to discuss its good points, its qualities, its humility, its hard-working nature, he said. All of these attributes would come to the fore. Would it help the Latino community? A thousand times over, yes. Javier Palomarez, president of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said he has spoken directly with Clinton about Castros prospects on two occasions in the past year. He has also conveyed his preference to Clintons political director, Amanda Renteria, the first Hispanic to hold the senior campaign position. When Palomarez first spoke with Clinton, he said that she agreed that Castro deserved serious consideration. But when Palomarez raised the issue with her again during a telephone call in early May, she seemed to wane just a little bit, he recalled. When he mentioned Castro, Clinton said, Whatever role he has, he will have an important role in my administration, Palomarez recounted. People close to Perez said they do not expect him to get the nod either, based in part on his lack of foreign policy experience and what they perceive as less of an imperative on Clintons part to put a Hispanic in the ticket. On Wednesday, Palomarezs group announced its endorsement for Clinton after previously taking the unorthodox step of endorsing Castro for vice president. I should hope that her campaign as white as it is would recognize the power of the Hispanic vote and recognize that Julian Castro, beyond being Hispanic, is the right man for the job, Palomarez said. The push for a Hispanic vice president has been muted from the start. An attempt by Texas state lawmakers to send Clinton a letter backing Castro fizzled in recent days. Facebook groups touting Castros candidacy mostly lie dormant. Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus expressed general support for the concept of a Latino vice president but did nothing to actively campaign for Castro or Perez, partly out of respect for Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.), a senior member of the group who was also briefly touted as a possible contender. The urgency to pick a Latino running mate faded once Trump defeated Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), as well as former Florida governor Jeb Bush, who was seen as a formidable foe by Democrats because of his multicultural and bilingual family. Trump won the GOP nomination in part by calling for a Mexican border wall, calling some Mexican immigrants criminals and rapists and mocking Bush and his Mexican-born wife for speaking Spanish. A recent poll by Univision among Hispanic voters gave Clinton a 45-point lead over Trump. Of the two Hispanics in the mix, Castro enjoys a wider profile, but neither is well-known by the broader Democratic Party. Both men have executive experience: Castro ran the nations seventh-largest city and a Cabinet department, while Perez was county council member and deputy attorney general before leading the Labor Department. But this week, both were the subject of unfavorable news reports. On Monday, the Associated Press reported that Castro violated the federal Hatch Act barring government officials from using their official perches for political reasons. A Wall Street Journal article on Wednesday detailed how Perezs grandfather once worked for the Dominican Republic dictator Rafael Trujillo. For decades, millions of people from across Latin America have fled their home countries to escape dictatorial regimes. Kaine or Vilsack, meanwhile, could struggle to win over Hispanics. Both are Roman Catholic as are most Hispanic Americans but both could be seen as having robbed qualified Latinos of the chance to serve a heartbeat from the presidency. As Iowa governor, Vilsack signed an English-only bill in 2002 under intense political pressure and with his reelection looming. He apologized to Hispanic organizations for the decision in 2004 when Kerry considered him for vice president, but he declined to discuss the issue with reporters when his wife, Christie Vilsack, ran for Congress in 2012 against the man who had drafted the bill as an Iowa legislator Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), a staunch opponent of immigration reform. Kaine would have an easier time telling his story to Latinos. A freshman senator and former governor of Virginia, he took a break from his studies at Harvard Law School in the early 1980s to work with Jesuit missionaries running a Roman Catholic school in Honduras. He learned to speak Spanish and speaks it frequently in public with a native-sounding accent. At the White House, which is closely monitoring Clintons selection process, press secretary Josh Earnest on Wednesday offered praise for Vilsack, Perez and Kaine. He made a point of saying that Obama considered Kaine one of his own, even though he had not served in the Cabinet. Juliet Eilperin, Anne Gearan, Abby Phillip, Karen Tumulty and John Wagner contributed to this report. Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence spoke about his upbringing and family during a speech at the GOP convention July 20. (The Washington Post) Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence spoke about his upbringing and family during a speech at the GOP convention July 20. (The Washington Post) Indiana Republican Craig Dunn said that his states governor, Mike Pence, is going to be a firefighter extinguishing political blazes caused by presidential nominee Donald Trump. Pence, the new GOP vice presidential nominee, is widely expected to carry out the key duty of defending Trump among Republicans still skeptical of his candidacy. He is likely to be called on to clarify Trumps ever-shifting views on policy and to pay special attention to key battleground states two things he did before lunch on Thursday. Pence is also preparing to play an active role on the fundraising circuit, tapping his strong connections to some of the GOPs deepest pockets to help raise millions of dollars for the Trump campaign. Theyre going to have extra work for him. And he can handle the extra work, Dunn said. Pences speech introducing himself to the nation as Trumps running mate was overshadowed by the convention hall uproar over Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), who was booed off the stage after refusing to endorse the GOP nominee. Nonetheless, many delegates here paid close attention to Pences address and felt he skillfully described his humble Indiana upbringing to a nation still widely unfamiliar with him. He cited his political hero, Ronald Reagan, telling the convention, This is another time for choosing a play on the premise of a famous 1964 speech by the president. He touted his deep Christian faith and promised Republicans that Trump would cut taxes and defend Israel. And he repeatedly attacked Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, but did so with a softer touch than Trump. The Fix's Chris Cillizza explains why Gov. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) was the best vice presidential pick of the candidates Donald Trump was considering. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post) Pence exuded solid conservative values, stability, and a long record of service to the conservative movement a total counterbalance to Trump, said Chip Nottingham, a delegate from the District of Columbia who was part of a bitter clash here this week between GOP leaders and hundreds of delegates who attempted to slow or halt Trumps nomination. Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), the conservative chairman of the House Budget Committee, described Pences remarks as just wonderful and predicted that Republican congressional candidates facing tough reelection fights would absolutely campaign with him in the coming months. What Donald Trump did was genius in balancing the ideological and geographic perspective and the style factor that people may want to see. I think its an excellent ticket, Price added. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), who initially supported Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) for president, said his wife correctly predicted that Trump would pick Pence, a longtime family friend. Mr. Trump was my fifth choice, but she has said all along that he would surround himself with capable people, he said. In the coming weeks, Pence plans to play an active role as one of the main conduits between the Trump operation and the GOP donor class, according to people familiar with the plans. Pences team is already building out an active fundraising schedule for him, including phone time with donors something Trump dislikes doing and high-dollar finance events across the country. The Indiana governor has close ties to some of the wealthiest contributors in the party, both through the Republican Governors Association and the Koch political network, where he has long been a favorite. While the network does not plan to target resources on the White House ticket, some of its top donors expressed excitement and relief that Pence got the vice presidential nod, and have already volunteered to host events for him. 1 of 17 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Who is Indiana Gov. Mike Pence? View Photos Donald Trumps running mate has been in public office since 2000, mostly in Congress, and is a favorite among social conservatives. Caption Donald Trumps running mate has been in public office since 2000, mostly in Congress, and is a favorite among social conservatives. July 16, 2016 Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) addresses the crowd after being introduced by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump as his vice-presidential pick in New York. Jason Szenes/European Pressphoto Agency Wait 1 second to continue. But he still faces some concerns across the Republican spectrum. Bill Bennett, the radio talk show host and former Reagan education secretary, graded Pences convention speech a solid B+. It was a good solid thing. Thats the word solid that keeps coming up when we talk about Pence. Hell never upstage Trump, he said. But Bennett also said the speech didnt grip, saying that former House speaker Newt Gingrich, former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani and radio talk show host Laura Ingraham delivered better convention speeches. Guy Short, a Colorado delegate also involved in the earlier delegate fight, liked the speech but wanted Pence to talk more about his sudden political conversion. I do wish he would have addressed the unity issue head-on, he said. Its a big reason he was picked. Pence was where many of us are now. Help us get to where you are, Mike. Tell us how you did it. How did you overcome some of the larger disagreements and the seeming contradiction in tone between you and Donald Trump? On Thursday morning, Pence was on the Fox News Channel clarifying Trumps views on NATO. In an interview with the New York Times published on Wednesday night as Pence addressed delegates, Trump said he would consider defending nations in the military alliance only after reviewing whether they have fulfilled their obligations to us. Im very confident that Donald Trump will stand by our allies and stop apologizing to our enemies, Pence told Fox, adding later: Were going to begin to say to allies around the world that the time has come for them and their citizens to carry the cost of these international obligations. Pence also attended a Thursday breakfast meeting for Pennsylvania delegates, vowing that Republicans would win the state in a presidential race for the first time since 1988. Everyone here today I hope will leave this convention, will leave that floor tonight, will leave this city tomorrow, more determined than ever to change the direction of our nation back to strength at home and abroad by electing Donald Trump, he said, according to local news reports. Amid his new breakneck schedule, Pence also took time to stop by a breakfast for Indiana delegates. The appearance was such a surprise that many members of the delegation werent there to see him, while the governors new Secret Service detail kept some of his old political colleagues at bay. Thats a far cry from three weeks ago, when Dunn said he was out shooting sporting clays with Pence. Its a different world than what it was three weeks ago, he said. Matea Gold and David Weigel contributed to this report. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) speaks at a news conference where he and DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) "denounced the divisive rhetoric" surrounding the Republican National Convention on Thursday. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) Sen. Timothy M. Kaine of Virginia and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack remain two of the leading contenders for Hillary Clintons running mate, but Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey is also under active consideration, according to a Democrat with knowledge of the process. Booker, a freshman senator and former mayor of Newark, has drawn relatively little attention throughout Clintons selection process but remains a serious prospect. He was among the roughly half-dozen potential running mates who met with Clinton at her home in Washington on Friday, a fact first reported Thursday by Politico. Booker was dispatched Thursday to Cleveland to participate in a news conference billed by the Clinton campaign as an opportunity to denounce the divisive rhetoric surrounding Donald Trumps Republican convention. Booker stayed mum at the event about being under consideration by Clinton but offered a long, impassioned defense of the former secretary of state almost as if he were auditioning for the job. Im happy to do what the coach asks me to do, Booker, a former college football player, said, adding that there were a lot of qualified people who could fill the role. Sen. Timothy M. Kaine, left, and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack remain contenders. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post; Jeffrey MacMillan/Capital Business/The Washington Post) [Once again, Hispanics were considered for VP. Once again, theyre expecting to be passed over.] Bookers presence in the final group keeps a person of color in the mix after a search that has included Hispanics and one woman, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. The Democrat familiar with the process emphatically denied that Booker remains in contention because he is black. Booker has impressed Clinton with his work as mayor of Newark and as a bold thinker and risk-taker. He also performed very well among white suburban voters, particularly women, during his 2013 Senate run. The Hispanic finalists, Labor Secretary Thomas Perez and Housing Secretary Julian Castro, have not been told they are out of the running, but after conversations with Clinton, they came away with the impression that they were unlikely to be picked, Democrats said. Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, could announce her running mate sometime Friday. Early in the day, she is scheduled to appear in Orlando, the site of last months mass shooting at a gay nightclub, making it unlikely that an announcement would come before that event. Kaine is a former Virginia governor and former Democratic National Committee chairman. Vilsack served two terms as governor of Iowa before joining President Obamas Cabinet. In an interview with The Washington Post's Mary Jordan, Javier Palomarez of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce said that he would "love" to see a Hispanic vice-presidential candidate. (Victoria Walker/The Washington Post) [Obama spokesman volunteers Kaine as VP possibility] Although both are widely viewed as accomplished executives, their selection would probably be panned by some on the partys left wing. On Thursday, liberal activists who backed Sen. Bernie Sanderss presidential campaign cried foul over what they describe as pro-banking lobbying by Kaine. On Monday, the former Virginia governor signed a bipartisan letter urging the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to carefully tailor its rulemaking regarding community banks and credit unions so as not to unduly burden these institutions with regulations aimed at commercial banks. Kaine was also one of four senators to sign a second letter Monday on behalf of regional banks seeking relief from a daily reporting requirement of liquidity. Charles Chamberlain, executive director of the activist network Democracy for America, said it should be disqualifying for any potential Democratic vice-presidential nominee to help banks dodge consumer protection standards. Meanwhile, an independent group billing itself as the Bernie Delegates Network has raised the specter of a protest on the convention floor if Clinton picks Kaine or a similar VP choice. If she chooses someone like herself . . . theres going to be blowback, said Jeff Cohen, an organizer for the network, which both he and a Sanders spokesman said is not working under the direction of the senator from Vermont. Cohen said many Sanderss delegates would prefer a more progressive choice, such as Warren, about whom Sanders has also spoken favorably. Many Sanders delegates also have problems with Vilsack, Cohen said, because they consider him too close to corporate agri-business. Cohen said that more than 1,200 Sanders delegates have signed up on the groups website, which serves as a way to keep in touch with one another. In a recent survey, he said, about 200 indicated they would be prepared to take part in a protest on the convention floor if Clinton chose a corporate-oriented running mate deemed unacceptable. Kaine attended two events in Northern Virginia on Thursday and has no events scheduled Friday. Vilsack is on a two-day swing through Missouri to discuss the opioid epidemic. He is expected to return to Washington about 5 p.m. Friday. During a meeting with immigration activists at a Northern Virginia church, Kaine offered a forceful endorsement of the contributions made by foreign-born residents but few clues about his status as a possible Clinton running mate. I said all along what Im going to say now: Im a happy senator, and Im not looking for another job, said Kaine, who declined to answer a barrage of questions from the news media about the veepstakes. During Thursdays news conference in Cleveland, Booker said the Democratic convention next week in Philadelphia would have a much different tone than the Republican gathering. When you see our convention next week, youre going to see the spirit, Booker said. He said Clinton is a devout person whose faith is on display in her care for others, in contrast to the hatred being aired in Cleveland. Booker said watching the convention has been a painful experience for him. Its as if truth means nothing, he said, calling the GOP a counter-factual party. What brought him to Cleveland, Booker said, was the level and intensity of the hate and cruelty that Ive seen on the floor and coming out of speakers. Isaac Stanley-Becker in Cleveland, Abby Phillip in New York and Fenit Nirappil in Arlington, Va., contributed to this report. Ted Cruz was being loudly cheered by many of the delegates at the Republican National Convention on July 20 until he urged voters to "vote their conscience." (Peter Stevenson,Sarah Parnass,Jorge Ribas,Alice Li,Dalton Bennett/The Washington Post) Ted Cruz was being loudly cheered by many of the delegates at the Republican National Convention on July 20 until he urged voters to "vote their conscience." (Peter Stevenson,Sarah Parnass,Jorge Ribas,Alice Li,Dalton Bennett/The Washington Post) Sen. Ted Cruzs pointed refusal to endorse Donald Trump during his prime-time address here at the Republican National Convention has reopened wounds from the hard-fought GOP primary, threatening further divisions in a party already struggling to unite behind their nominee. [Latest updates from the convention] During a contentious breakfast here Thursday morning with the Texas delegation some in the group booed and heckled their senator Cruz delivered a lengthy defense of his exhortation to Republicans the night before to vote your conscience. He said the party needs to stand for shared principles if Republicans want to win in November, but he also vowed not to speak negatively about Trump. In that speech last night I did not say a single negative word about Donald Trump, Cruz said. And Ill tell you this morning, and going forward, I dont intend to say negative things about Donald Trump. But some at the breakfast had some negative things to say about Cruz. A man held up a sign reading Clinton/Cruz 2020. Others yelled at him to sit down or accused him of sowing discord and reneging on promises. Cruz justified his remarks by saying that he congratulated Trump on securing the nomination. He also assured attendees that he will not be voting for Clinton in the fall. But he was far from conciliatory, repeating that although he would listen to Trumps speech Thursday, he would not be endorsing the real estate mogul. Im going to be listening to how he and the campaign conduct themselves every day from now until November, Cruz said. He also stood by his decision not to honor a pledge he made last year to support the eventual GOP nominee, saying that the pledge was rendered moot because Trump attacked his family. The day that was abrogated was the day this became personal, he said. Im not going to get into criticizing or attacking Donald Trump, but Ill just give you this response: I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father. Cruz asserted that he is not going to act like a servile puppy dog and thank Trump for taunting his family. A man yelled at Cruz to get over it because its all politics. No, this is not politics, Cruz said. I will tell the truth. Cruz said his speech Wednesday night was a blueprint for what he believes Republicans need to do to win in November talk about things such as conservatism and issues such as immigration and terrorism. If the dominant word is Trump or of the dominant word is Hillary or email server, were going to lose. 1 of 52 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad What it looked like at the Republican National Convention on Day 3 View Photos Supporters and protesting opponents of Donald Trump show up in Cleveland, as well as campaign merchandise vendors. Caption Supporters and protesting opponents of Donald Trump show up in Cleveland, as well as campaign merchandise vendors. July 20, 2016 Vice-presidential nominee Mike Pence greets the crowd on the third day of the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. He swiped at the Trump supporters who booed him Wednesday night after he urged people to vote their conscience: What does it say when you stand up and say, Vote your conscience, and rabid supporters of our nominee begin screaming, What a horrible thing to say? Cruz campaign manager Jeff Roe left the door open for Cruz to endorse Trump in the future. We would love and would pray that we get to a position where we could support Donald Trump, Roe said. But Trump will have to earn it, he said. Cruzs remarks Thursday morning also sowed discord within the Texas delegation, with members yelling at one another. If he said that about your wife or your dad, I hope youd do the same thing. I hope youd have some character, Steve Toth said to fellow delegate Thomas Mathis as they verbally jousted. [The times Donald Trump and Ted Cruz bickered about their wives ] Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort said early Thursday that he and the campaign were disappointed with Cruzs speech. Cruz used very bad judgment. I think he made a mistake, Manafort said on NBCs Today show Thursday. I think he was not respectful to the invitation by the convention to come and speak. He understood what the responsibilities are of somebody in his position, and he didnt meet them. Asked about Cruzs remarks, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence Trumps running mate said Thursday morning on Fox News that he was grateful Cruz delivered a speech but added that he did not hear it in its entirety . This was a tough and challenging primary, Pence said. These were tough competitors. And Ive been through a few tough elections myself, and I know that those feelings can be strong. But Pence said he believes the party is coming together ahead of a tough general election against presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Theres always going to be differences and nuances in the way people express that, Pence said. But what I sensed in that hall the last several days, and especially last night, is a Republican Party that is coming together around the stakes of this election. [The speech that threatened to tear the convention apart] Others were less diplomatic. Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee tore into Cruz in a Facebook post after the speech, accusing the senator from Texas of betraying Trumps trust. From where I sit, I didnt see a statesman step forth for the countrys future, Huckabee wrote. I saw a self-absorbed politician grab the microphone and try to line up his own future. Ted walked in tall and walked out small, he wrote. Trump trusted Ted and was rewarded with a betrayal. Reality-television star Phil Robertson chastised Cruz in an interview Thursday for his refusal to endorse Trump, even though the Duck Dynasty star had endorsed Cruz in the GOP primaries. I was behind Cruz, Robertson said. He lost. I lost. Now hes out. Once you do that, you need to swallow your pride. The people said: This is the one we want. We dont want Cruz. We want this one. You need to get behind him. Even some of the staunchest anti-Trump Republicans at the convention have suggested that Cruz could have chosen his words more carefully. He hasnt been here, former Virginia attorney general Ken Cuccinelli II said. So he doesnt know the word conscience has become kind of a buzzword this week in the rules. And Im a rules person, as you may have noticed. Its the first speech I wish Id been able to vet, because I think we could have easily improved it for the audience in the room. Cruz was jeered off the stage Wednesday night as Trump, with his characteristic showmans instincts, entered the hall and gave a thumbs-up. The showdown between two of the GOPs most abrasive personalities was evidence that many party stalwarts have not reconciled themselves to the fact that the celebrity billionaire who vanquished 16 opponents in the primary will be their standard-bearer in the fall. [A mighty challenge awaits Trump tonight] Former House speaker Newt Gingrich, who had been in the running to become Trumps pick for running mate, tried to do damage control in his speech. Ted Cruz said, You can vote your conscience for anyone who will uphold the Constitution, Gingrich said. In this election, there is only one candidate who will uphold the Constitution. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), who endorsed Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) in the primary, said Gingrich did a good job putting Cruzs remarks in context. But he predicted that Cruzs refusal to endorse Trump would hurt him. The first time I ran for state Senate, the incumbent I defeated, who had signed an oath to abide by the primary results, then went against me in the general election, Wilson said. So thats always been important to me: If someone signs an oath, they should abide by it. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Trump supporter who ran against Cruz, blasted the Texans speech as awful and selfish. Roe went after Christie on a Philadelphia radio station. That guy turned over his political testicles long ago, Roe said on the Chris Stigall show. So I dont take what he has to say with any meaning. Katie Packer, a Republican strategist who founded Our Principles PAC in a vain attempt to stop the Trump nomination, called the Cruz speech a Rorschach test. If you cant stand Trump, like me, you saw it as bold, she said. If you love Trump, you saw it as a betrayal. If you dont like Trump but have been cowed or fallen in line, you saw it as self-serving because you need that to feel better about your own weakness. She said that she believes that Cruz will be a force to be reckoned with in the next presidential election but that he will have to account for creating a mess as the party should be uniting. At the end of the day the GOP is going to need to grow beyond its base to win nationally in a general election,she said. Cruz is not the candidate who will help accomplish that. The call for unity was the sentiment of many on the convention floor. Theres a lot of diversity in our party, and thats a strength of our Republican Party, said West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. I have a lot of respect for Ted Cruz. But Ive made the choice that Im all in to defeat Hillary Clinton, and everyone should be all in to defeat Hillary Clinton. Clinton has been a stronger unifier of the Republican Party than Trump. As happened during the first two days of the convention, the hall broke into calls of Lock her up! on Wednesday when those onstage referred to the controversy over Clintons unauthorized use of a private email server when she was secretary of state. Cruz had told Trump on Monday that he was not going to endorse him, chief Cruz strategist Jason Johnson said. However, the senator did not share the text of his speech in advance of its delivery with the Trump campaign or Republican officials, according to a senior convention official familiar with the program. Text of the address was delivered to party officials shortly before its delivery. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss convention planning publicly, described Cruzs decision to withhold an endorsement as a cheap shot, especially after Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus allowed a prolonged roll call of the states Tuesday night to formalize Trumps nomination and publicly record the raw delegate totals. He could have said, I encourage you to vote for Republicans up and down the ballot. . . . This was not a Ronald Reagan moment, the official said. Trump tweeted a response, referring to the promise by all primary candidates to support the eventual nominee: Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didnt honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal! Cuccinelli, a Cruz adviser who had led the procedural revolt against Trumps nomination, said he escorted Cruzs wife, Heidi, from the arena after her husbands speech because he was concerned for her safety. He said she had only one RNC staffer with her and no security personnel. I pulled her away so she could get out. People were closing in on her physically, he said. People in my own delegation started approaching her and yelling at her. Someone pointed at her and said, Goldman Sachs. He said he was surprised by the reaction. I thought everybody would just let Cruz have his 15 minutes, Cuccinelli said. It was intended as a courtesy, but they were just wired so tight to react so negatively to Ted. Dave Weigel, Louisa Loveluck, Wesley Lowery, Ed OKeefe, Philip Rucker and Isaac Stanley-Becker contributed to this report. Correction: An earlier version of this article misidentified Texas delegate Thomas Mathis as Shawn McAwney. Paul Yandura, standing, and Donald Hitchcock were drawn to the peace and quiet of West Virginia. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post) In 2008, Paul Yandura and his partner, Donald Hitchcock, were searching for a weekend escape from their hectic life in the District. The couple was drawn to the peace and quiet of West Virginia and bought a cabin with mountain views in Hardy County, about 125 miles west of Washington. The three-bedroom cabin cost $310,000, and they loved their screened-in porches the size of D.C. studios. As Yandura and Hitchcock got to know the area, their ambitions started to transfer from their city careers to their new home in Hardy County. They looked to nearby Wardensville, a sleepy town of about 250 residents, and the vacant storefronts on Main Street began to look like pure potential. We came up with a goal: to make Wardensville a place to shop, stay and live, Yandura said. [They wanted to do something cool for their Va. vacation home. So they got a silo] Yandura and Hitchcocks decision led to a wave of new businesses and transplanted residents. Eight years later, D.C. license plates are visible in cabin driveways throughout the county, and downtown Wardensville has the feel of a gentrifying neighborhood. 1 of 16 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad D.C. transplants try to revitalize West Virginia town View Photos Efforts are drawing other new residents and spurring new businesses in Wardensville. Caption Efforts are drawing other new residents and spurring new businesses in Wardensville. Paul Yandura and Donald Hitchcock established Lost River Trading Post, a store and gathering place in Wardensville, W.Va., population 250. The couple discovered the town in 2008 on a weekend getaway and loved it so much they decided to relocate to Wardensville, buy a house and work to revitalize the community. Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. In 2013, Yandura and Hitchcock became real estate agents, moved to the area full-time and bought a store on Main Street. Their Lost River Trading Post is a coffee shop and antique store where they host occasional supper clubs with guest chefs from the city, gallery openings and history lectures. Craft beers line the shelves, and coffee pots featuring the newest in brewing technology are available for sale. The two began selling both residential and commercial properties in the county, and growth is dramatic. Sixteen businesses have opened their doors on Main Street in the past two years, and overall real estate transactions in east Hardy County grew from 61 sales in 2012 to 115 sales in 2015. In 2015, Yandura and Hitchcocks Wardensville branch office of Lost River Real Estate brought in $8.84 million in home sales, up from $3.20 million in 2014. The median sale price in the county is $125,000, with an $800,000 modern glass castle at the upper limit. Most people can find a finished home in the $200,000s and $300,000s, said Yandura, while reaching into the $400,000s puts you in luxury land. Life as a real estate agent has been a learning experience for Yandura, who lived in Detroit, Los Angeles, New York City and the District before his move. Property viewings are sometimes interrupted by charging bulls, he said, and a herd of horses may show up on another piece of land. Wardensville, W.Va., is a sleepy town of about 250 residents. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post) Yandura often has to educate his city clients about the geographical realities of mountain life. An attractive piece of land might not have a road connecting it to main arteries, for example, and a cabin might be connected by such crumbling roadways that traveling one mile takes 30 minutes. I always say, Lets drive around first, Yandura said. At first, said Yandura, D.C. residents sought out cabins for weekend getaways. But as they got to know the area, more transplants began considering moving in full time. A friend from Yanduras days working in the Clinton administration was drawn to settle in the area with her child after hearing his stories and researching the local school district. Now, were seeing more families, Yandura said. [He remade H Street and Logan Circle. Now D.C. developer takes on a country town.] A fortuitous federal initiative also laid the groundwork for teleworking. In 2010, Hardy Telecommunications received a federal grant to lay fiber-optic cable for Internet service throughout the area. The initiative, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funded in a public-private partnership with the Commerce and Agriculture departments, brought blazing-fast Internet speeds to millions of rural residents around the country, and it opened the door for Hardy County to support teleworkers. The infrastructure can completely support my work, said Julie Fitzgerald, a contractor with the Defense Department who bought a four-bedroom home on 2 1 /2 wooded acres near Wardensville in 2014. The Internet is better than what I had in D.C. its consistent, reliable and fast. I can Skype, I can go to meetings it supports all those tools. Squash is sold at the Wardensville Garden Market. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post) Fitzgeralds job requires face time, and she holds on to an Old Town Alexandria condominium where she stays during the week, arriving in Washington on Sunday evenings and returning to the quiet life by Thursday mornings. As soon as I turn off of Interstate 81 onto Route 55, I start to feel the change. The house is such a haven for me. And silly things, like that I can get pizza delivered to my house, are appealing, said Fitzgerald, who originally wanted to be in the more remote Lost River area. What is happening in the area seems to fit the definition of gentrification; the new residents moving into Wardensville and Hardy County often have D.C. salaries that far exceed the areas median household income, which the 2010 Census put at $31,347. Wealthy gentrifiers moving into the relatively poor, rural area come with their own tastes, and the new businesses popping up often seem like they belong in Columbia Heights or Bloomingdale. Breweries, restaurants with city-level prices and art galleries are bringing the larger world into the small town. [On Marylands Eastern Shore, a home in the woods is now of the woods] As in Washington, with gentrification comes tension. I know some of the local people who see me bringing in money through real estate and the store think that I am a mastermind in a bad way, Yandura said. Yandura can see, he said, how their ambition for economic development is irritating to some residents, and how the flowing money leads to suspicion. Some people think we must have somehow been given something free by the government. The Lost River Trading Post is a coffee shop and antique store. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post) Change is difficult from some people, and so is the fact that its the outsiders who are coming in and being the movers and shakers, said Martha Bradfield, a longtime resident. Of the 16 new Main Street businesses, 13 are owned by newcomers (people who were not born in the town). Bradfield is a descendant of the founding Warden family, whose ancestors arrived in the 1700s. The town was settled in 1832 by her great-uncle. I realize that a lot of people who have lived here all their lives probably would like to see it remain a sleepy little town, she said. In 2001, Yandura and Hitchcock lived in a gentrifying Columbia Heights. To Hitchcock, their two moves have several parallels. When we moved to Columbia Heights, we lived on an alley and saw crime every day, and were constantly calling the police. Here, the analogy is that instead of crime, we see sidewalks that need to be swept and beautification projects that can happen, Hitchcock said. Some people have no problem throwing trash out the windows. And we have been participating in river cleanups, because the river has been neglected. And as in Columbia Heights, Hitchcock feels that the burden of friendliness is on the newcomers. In Columbia Heights, we would walk our dog and say hello to everyone we saw, Hitchcock said. The same thing happens here: At the post office or the grocery store, I am always the first one to say hello. Some say hello back, some dont. The new residents moving into Wardensville and Hardy County often have D.C. salaries that far exceed the areas median household income, which the 2010 Census put at $31,347. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post) Sexual orientation adds another layer of complications to the rapid changes. Yandura and Hitchcock are gay, Fitzgerald is a lesbian, and several of the new movers and shakers are gay as well. Yandura and Hitchcock have also held professionally gay positions: Yandura worked for the White House liaison to the LGBT community under President Bill Clinton, and Hitchcock was a national field director at the National Coalition for LGBT Health. A rainbow pride flag now flies on Main Street, and the town is incorporating a more visible gay culture into its existing community. We were told at one point that one of the churches was going to boycott our business because we are gay, Yandura said. But one of the preachers came in and apologized and said they should never treat people like that. And the truth of the matter is that there have been gay people in this town for many years. Yandura has adjusted as well. Some of our biggest critics have become our friends, he said. They hunt and shoot guns, and now we go with them. I was just at the National Rifle Association gun range shooting a gun, for the first time ever. Bradfield urges skeptical neighbors to see the economic development as a necessity. Its important that we think about the revenue, like the B&O [business and occupation] tax, Bradfield said. We only have 255 residents, and we need to keep the town going. That is serious. Bradfield says that Yandura and Hitchcock have proved themselves. They are trustworthy, honorable people, she said, and they are so interested in seeing the town and community progress they are not out for their own interests. The Lost River Trading Post also hosts occasional supper clubs with guest chefs from the city, gallery openings and history lectures. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post) Yandura and Hitchcocks newest plans are specific to the towns needs. Recently, they bought 100 acres on the edge of town and have plans to create a farmers market and employ locals to plant, harvest and sell crops. They just hired 14 teenagers from the area, Yandura said. According to a highway department study, on average 4,000 cars pass through Wardensville every day. That average probably is bumped up significantly by weekenders: Many D.C. residents drive on U.S. 48, which becomes Wardensvilles Main Street, on their way to ski weekends in Davis, W.Va., or hiking trips through Canaan Valley or Seneca Rocks. The weekend-trippers are an attractive buyers market that projects such as the farmers market hope to capitalize on. However, plans for Corridor H, a highway project decades in the making intended to more smoothly connect remote areas and mountainous passes throughout the Appalachian Mountains, will complicate matters. The highway, which is 80 percent complete, will one day bypass downtown Wardensville. The rerouting creates a sense of urgency. We want to build this town up to be attractive now, Bradfield said. Hopefully, when they travel down Corridor H, they will refer to Wardensville and stop off. In the meantime, as new residents continue to add new flavor to Wardensville, Yandura hopes to keep the reins on development. None of us want this to become D.C., Yandura said. People come to West Virginia for the nature, and we dont want overly done tourism like in some Virginia towns. We just want a little bit of something to do. For Bradfield, who lives in the town with her husband and enjoys walking around the newly active Main Street, the change is thrilling. We will continue to progress, Bradfield said. We dont want to regress or stay the same. Life is pretty dull when that happens. MOUNT PLEASANT The question on whether to relax parking regulations for trailer-type vehicles may ultimately be decided by voters. The Mount Pleasant Plan Commission on Wednesday recommended the village look into holding a referendum on a proposed ordinance that would allow trailers, boats, campers and other such vehicles to be parked on driveways. That practice is currently prohibited, though the rule is rarely enforced and only after a complaint. Officials are determining whether the village is legally able to put the proposal on a referendum, Mount Pleasant Community Development Director Logan Martin said. If it is not, the commission recommended that the Mount Pleasant Village Board keep its current rules intact and not change the ordinance, Martin said. The issue has proven divisive, with a public hearing Tuesday attracting 90 people who were generally split on whether restrictions should stay or go. Were not getting any consensus as far as what we should do, village Trustee and Plan Commission member John Hewitt said. The Village Board may issue a final verdict Aug. 8, though that date has not been finalized. If a referendum is held, it would be on the Nov. 8 general election ballot. Divisive issue The issue arose last year after a Farmington Lane resident asked the village to consider changing its rules following a complaint from a neighbor. Under current rules, trailers and commercial equipment shorter than 30 feet long have to be parked in back or side yards. Equipment longer than 30 feet must be stored indoors. The proposed change would allow vehicles 40 feet or less in length to be parked on driveways on residential lots one-half acre or less; there would be no limit on size on lots more than one-half acre. Opinions have sharply differed on the proposal. Some residents favor complaint-driven enforcement and argue the ordinance change would blight neighborhoods, while others say such vehicles dont cause any harm and the enforcement system is unfair. The man who plowed a truck into a crowd during Bastille Day celebrations in the Riviera city of Nice last week killing at least 84 and injuring more than 300 plotted his attack for months and had accomplices, the Paris prosecutor announced Thursday. Speaking to reporters here in the French capital, Francois Molins said an analysis of the attackers cellphone revealed photographs and search histories suggesting that Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, the 31-year-old Tunisian-born driver of the truck, had contemplated an attack as early as 2015. [Attacker in Nice is said to have radicalized rapidly] Molins also confirmed that five suspects four men and one woman have been identified and taken into custody. They will face preliminary terrorism charges over their alleged roles in the July 14 attack. The suspects are a Tunisian-born man identified as Choukri C., 37; two Franco-Tunisian men, identified as Mohamed Walid G., 40, and Ramzi A., 21; and two Albanians identified as Artan H., 38, and Enkeledgia H., 42. None were known to French intelligence services, although Ramzi A. had been convicted of petty crimes on six occasions from 2013 to 2015. The Washington Post's Michael Birnbaum reports from Nice, France a day after at least 84 people were killed when Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, 31, drove a truck into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day. (Michael Birnbaum,Jason Aldag/The Washington Post) Bouhlel, the Nice attacker, fit a similar profile: Before the massacre, he was unknown to intelligence services but had a criminal record in his case, for armed assault. Molins said a considerable number of text messages and calls linked Bouhlel to the suspects. In the aftermath of the January 2015 attack on the satirical publication Charlie Hebdo, for instance, one of the men in the group sent him the following message: I am not Charlie. . . . I am glad, they brought in Allahs soldiers to finish the job. A previous announcement by the prosecutors office revealed that Bouhlel had sought information online about other attacks, such as the recent shooting at an Orlando nightclub and the killing of Dallas police officers. [Shouts, a desperate dash and then bodies, limbs and blood] His computer was said to have contained pictures of Osama bin Laden, coverage of the Charlie Hebbo attack, and what Molins earlier this week described as pictures of corpses and pictures related to radical Islam. In the aftermath of the Nice attack, the Islamic State declared Bouhlel a soldier of the militant groups self-proclaimed caliphate, although French authorities said their investigation has not found any direct links between Bouhlel and the Islamic State. Thursdays announcement followed an admission by Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve that national police units had not been patrolling the entrance to Nices Promenade des Anglais, where the attack occurred, that night. He had previously claimed the opposite. Georgetown University faculty member Rollie Flynn spent 30 years working with the CIA and identifies the traits of a lone wolf terrorist attack and why they are difficult to police. (Erin Patrick O'Connor/The Washington Post) Also Thursday, President Francois Hollande ordered an official inquiry into police practices on the night of the attack. The results are expected next week. We will see proof that the preparations were from the start of the required serious standard, Hollande said, speaking from Ireland. If there were any shortcomings, they will come to light. Read more: What France thinks of multiculturalism and Islam Map: Frances growing Muslim population Attack propels anti-immigrant sentiments into Frances mainstream Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Libyas U.N.-backed government on Thursday sharply criticized France for sending troops into eastern Libya, declaring it a violation of the nations sovereignty. The statement, on the national unity governments Facebook page, came a day after France announced that three of its soldiers were killed in eastern Libya while on a mission in apparent operations against the Islamic State. The revelation was the first official acknowledgment by the French government that its special forces were actively operating in the fractured North African nation, which has been divided between two competing administrations. A rival to the unity government operates in eastern Libya, where the French mission took place. The United States and Britain also have small numbers of elite forces operating in Libya, but they are said to be assisting militias that support the unity government. [France offers few details on troop deaths in Libya] Libyas Presidential Council demanded an explanation from the French government, emphasizing that it completely rejected this violation of Libyan soil. While it welcomed support in fighting the Islamic State, the government said it should be viewed as a partner and consulted. Militias loyal to the government, as well as those belonging to its eastern rivals, have laid siege to the Islamic States stronghold in the coastal city of Sirte. In recent days, officials and commanders have predicted that the militants could soon be pushed out of the city, although reports suggest that they are putting up stiff resistance. There are an estimated 2,000 to 5,000 Islamic State fighters across Libya, which has been gripped by unrest and political upheavals since a Western-aided uprising in 2011 deposed longtime ruler Moammar Gaddafi, who was captured and killed by rebels. France, then under the leadership of Nicolas Sarkozy, was a key player in the 2011 mission. [The showdown over Libyan port of Sirte] The Associated Press, quoting Libyan officials, reported that the French soldiers were killed Sunday in an attack on their helicopter. An Islamist militia known as the Defending Benghazi Brigade asserted responsibility for the attack and said the helicopter belonged to Khalifa Hifter, a Libyan general who opposes the unity government. Demonstrations have erupted in Tripoli and other Libyan cities against French military presence, according to local news reports. Waving Libyan flags, some of the hundreds of protesters carried placards that read: No French Intervention and Get your hands off Libya. On Tuesday, the French Defense Ministry declined to confirm the reported details of the soldiers deaths. But French President Francois Hollande, addressing a military training center in southwestern France, specifically mentioned a helicopter crash. The official confirmation of French forces in eastern Libya presented diplomats with a potential headache: France has been a strong supporter of the unity government. Theyre doing this in Benghazi as theyre doing it elsewhere, as if the political dynamics dont matter, said Mattia Toaldo, a senior fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, a London-based research institute. But they do matter. In Paris, government spokesman Stephane Le Foll said in a radio interview Wednesday that French forces in Libya were there to ensure that France is present everywhere in the fight against terrorism. Toaldo said this shed light on the possible political motives behind Frances operation. Hollande, he said, is probably pursuing a domestic political agenda as much as an international one. Showing that hes fighting Daesh is helping much more domestically than helping Tripoli achieve stability, Toaldo said, using another name for the Islamic State. Hollande, with approval ratings consistently below 20 percent, is the least popular French president in recent memory, and his tenure has included three major terrorist attacks in France, most recently the truck rampage last week through Bastille Day crowds in the Riviera city of Nice. The Islamic State described the driver in the Nice attack, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, as a soldier in its self-proclaimed army, although it remains unclear whether he had direct connections to the terrorist organization. McAuley reported from Paris. Correction: An earlier version of this story said that Slahis cousin and brother-in-law were both senior figures in al-Qaeda. The cousin and brother-in-law are one person, not two different ones. Mohamedou Ould Slahi, one of the most controversial and colorful prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the author of a best-selling memoir about his time there, has been cleared for release from the military facility, U.S. officials announced Wednesday. Slahi, 45, who was born in Mauritania, had appeared before a parole-style review board June 2 that recommended his transfer. In making its decision, the board said it considered the detainees highly compliant behavior in detention. There also were clear indications of a change in the detainees mind-set. I am just thrilled that he is finally cleared again and the government of Mauritania has said it welcomes him home, said Nancy Hollander, one of Slahis attorneys. The prison has 76 detainees, and 31 of them have been approved for transfer. Slahi, who was subject to some of the harshest treatment meted out at Guantanamo Bay but cooperated with the U.S. military, was suspected of playing a role in the 2000 millennial plot that targeted tourist sites in Jordan and Los Angeles International Airport. Both his cousin and brother-in-law were senior figures in al-Qaeda, and Slahi pledged allegiance to Osama bin Laden in the early 1990s. Slahi was detained in his native country in November 2001, turned over to the United States, and flown to Jordan for interrogation. After eight months in custody, he was flown in July 2002 to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan and then moved the following month to Guantanamo Bay. His book, Guantanamo Diary, which was published last year, is thought to be the only existing memoir written by a current detainee. It took years of legal maneuvering by his lawyers before the heavily redacted book could be published. His torture included threatened sexual abuse, sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme temperatures, a simulated kidnapping, a mock execution on a boat, and the threat that the military would bring his mother from Mauritania to Guantanamo Bay and harshly interrogate her, according to a Senate investigation and other documents. Slahi wrote that he thought coming to Cuba from Jordan and Afghanistan was a blessing, believing the United States would treat him humanely. But the interrogation methods worsened considerably as time went by, he wrote. His cell was kept was unbearably cold, he recalled. I was shaking most of the time. I was forbidden from seeing the light of the day. He added: I was living literally in terror. According to U.S. military files disclosed by the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks, Slahi moved to Germany in 1990 to study electrical engineering but began to move in radical Islamist circles. He first traveled to Afghanistan in 1990. At a military tribunal in 2004, Slahi admitted that he traveled to Afghanistan to wage violent jihad, that he wanted to die for Islam and that he trained at an al-Qaeda camp near Kandahar. He was fighting against the communist government in 1990 with the mujahideen that the U.S. supported with millions of dollars, Hollander said. That was not the same al-Qaeda in 2001. In November 1999, Slahi moved to Canada. The next month, Canadian authorities questioned him about Ahmed Ressam, who was arrested with explosives while trying to cross the U.S.-Canada border. Ressam, an Algerian, was convicted of attempting to bomb Los Angeles International Airport and sentenced to 37 years. In January 2000, Slahi returned to Mauritania because his mother was ill and he was arrested repeatedly there before being flown out of the country by the United States. In 2010, a federal judge ruled that Slahi must be released from custody because the government was unable to prove that at the time of his capture he was part of al-Qaeda or was providing any support to the organization. Hollander said the governments accusations against her client are based on information that was false. They never had anything on him, she said. He should never have been there. Read more: This photo was posted on the Twitter page of al-Qaedas affiliate in Syria, Jabhat al-Nusra, on April 1. It shows fighters marching toward the northern village of al-Ais in Syrias Aleppo province. (Uncredited/AP) The Obama administration has begun to see Jabhat al-Nusra, al-Qaedas affiliate in Syria, as a global threat that could eventually rival the Islamic State, echoing a Russian argument that it has long resisted. A new U.S. proposal to coordinate counterterrorism operations in Syria with Russia, discussed by President Obama last week with President Vladimir Putin, is partly designed to stop Moscows Syrian government ally from bombing civilians and U.S.-backed moderate opposition forces. But stopping al-Nusra, which has been one of the main beneficiaries of the ongoing Syrian civil conflict, appears to have become an almost equally important goal. The proposed deal would start with coordinated U.S. and Russian strikes against al-Nusra. The groups capacity is growing, and it is the largest al-Qaeda affiliate now in the world, Brett McGurk, the administrations envoy to the global coalition against the Islamic State, said this week. [Massive tragedy in the making in the opposition-held areas of Aleppo] Nicholas Rasmussen, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, told Congress last week that senior al-Qaeda leaders are increasingly migrating to a growing safe haven in Syria. Some have come from Pakistan and Yemen, where the group has suffered losses, while others may be among those recently released from years of detention in Iran. These leaders include individuals who have been part of the group since the time even before 9/11, Rasmussen said. And now that many of them are in Syria, we believe they will work to threaten the U.S. and our allies. The operatives are believed to include those involved in al- Qaedas external operations directorate. Rasmussen did not provide names, but there are strong indications that one of them is Saif al-Adel, an Egyptian who worked closely with Osama bin Laden and once served as al-Qaedas military commander. Adel, who fled from Afghanistan to Iran in 2001, was released from a form of house arrest by that country last year in exchange for an Iranian diplomat being held hostage in Yemen. Others freed by Iran include Abu Kayr al Masri, who once ran al-Qaedas management council, and Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah, an Egyptian referred to in a 2008 classified U.S. document as the most experienced and capable operational planner not in U.S. custody. Its hard to gauge just how much it will benefit them, Seth Jones, director of the International Security and Defense Policy Center at the Rand Corp., said of al-Qaedas dispatch of senior operatives to al-Nusra. But al-Qaeda is putting all its chips in Syria. The U.S. proposal to Russia has been criticized by some U.S. diplomatic, intelligence and military officials as naive, given Moscows repeated violations of agreements with the West. The administration had long seen al-Nusra as a relatively marginal threat to this country, and it remains a sideshow to the main fight against the Islamic State, one U.S. official said. [Islamic States ambitions and allure grow as territory shrinks] But a senior U.S. intelligence official disagreed. While all attention is focused on the Islamic State, which has shifted much of its own focus toward terrorist attacks in Europe and the United States as it has lost territory in Syria and Iraq, this official said, its only a matter of time before we get hit by core al-Qaeda. Its a reality. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive issue. Just as the Islamic State has done with its own potential recruits, al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in September called on Muslims in the United States to carry out lone-wolf attacks and to consult the organizations Inspire magazine for ideas. Earlier this month, one of bin Ladens sons, Hamza, threatened revenge for the U.S. killing of his father in Pakistan in 2011. If you think that your sinful crime . . . has passed without punishment, he said, then you thought wrong. What is correct is coming to you, and its punishment is severe. The United States has centered on the Islamic State since its forces flooded across Syria and Iraq in the summer of 2014. Born from the remnants of al-Qaedas Iraq operations in the previous decade, it competed with the Syrian affiliate, al-Nusra, whose leadership eventually broke relations between the two over doctrinal disputes in 2013. Since then, they have taken sharply different paths in Syria. While the Islamic State, from its headquarters in the north-central city of Raqqa, seized territory to the north and across the Iraqi border to the east, al-Nusra jumped directly into the civil war against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Early in its bombing campaign that began in Iraq and Syria in September 2014, the U.S. military launched an airstrike against a group of senior al-Qaeda members, known as the Khorasan Group, who had relocated to Syria and were, according to U.S. officials, planning imminent attacks against the United States. In addition to destroying training camps, the strike killed Muhsin al-Fadhli, a notorious al-Qaeda financier and facilitator. The military described Fadhli, who had been released by Iran, as the Khorasan leader and among the few trusted al-Qaeda leaders that received advanced notification of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. After Fadhlis death, FBI Director James B. Comey said the Khorasan Group had been diminished and the Islamic State posed the greater threat. ISIL is not your parents al-Qaeda, Comey told CNN last summer. Its currently the threat that were worrying about in the homeland most of all. ISIL, ISIS and Daesh are alternate names for the Islamic State. [How Nice represents the dumbing down and growing danger of terrorism] But over the course of 2015, al-Nusra gradually grew in strength and stature, becoming the most powerful, and successful, anti-Assad force; it is currently believed to number about 10,000 fighters. Al-Nusra began to win even as so-called moderate opposition forces lost ground in populated areas of western Syria, where they were starved of resources by U.S. and regional backers who feared they would turn weapons over to the militants. Al-Nusras successes were a major factor in Russias own bombing campaign, begun in September in support of Assad. When the administration charged that the Russian and Syrian air forces were using al-Nusras presence as a smokescreen to target the moderate opposition, Moscow said that the al-Qaeda fighters were interwoven with the rebels and that it was up to the United States and its allies to separate them. In February, Secretary of State John F. Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, formed an international group that pushed for a cease-fire in the Syrian civil war, with only the Islamic State and al-Nusra excluded. When Russia initially paused its bombing under the cease-fire, the United States took advantage of the suddenly clear skies in western Syria to attack al-Nusra in April, targeting its spokesman, Abu Firas al-Suri, and a car carrying what Pentagon officials said were core al-Qaeda members. Within weeks, the truce began to break down, with Russian and Syrian aircraft and artillery pummeling opposition forces, and civilians, in the name of fighting al-Nusra. The United States, Moscow repeatedly charged, had not lived up to its agreement to separate the opposition forces it backs from the militants. In the proposal Kerry took to Moscow last week, the administration said that if Russia would use its leverage to ground the Syrian air force, the United States would work harder to end the overlap. And it would share intelligence and join the Russians in bombing al-Nusra. Read more: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during the third day of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) Presidential candidate Donald Trump has set off alarm bells with a suggestion that a Trump administration would not automatically defend fellow members of NATO from a Russian attack if they have not lived up to their financial obligations. Trump, in an interview transcript published Thursday in the New York Times, went beyond his earlier assertions that he might reconsider the U.S. role as one of 28 nations in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, because many European countries are not spending enough on defense. When asked whether he would provide military aid to the Baltic countries if Russia were to attack, Trump replied, If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes. Trump was more vague when asked what he would do if the answer were no. Well, Im not saying if not, he said. Im saying, right now there are many countries that have not fulfilled their obligations to us. [Trumps foreign policy views a departure from GOP stances] The Republican nominees remarks provoked a swift rebuke from NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Solidarity among allies is a key value for NATO, he said in a statement in which he did not mention Trump by name, saying he will not interfere in U.S. elections. This is good for European security and good for U.S. security. We defend one another. Noting that the United States has always stood by Europe since NATO was formed as the bedrock of security after World War II, Stoltenberg added, Two world wars have shown that peace in Europe is also important for the security of the United States. Though U.S. administrations have for decades complained that Europe is getting a free ride, Trumps comments represented a repudiation of Article 5, the heart of the alliance, that an attack on one is considered an attack on all. Article 5 was first invoked after the terrorist attacks against the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, and is the reason European and Canadian troops were sent to Afghanistan. [Pence promises U.S. will stand by its allies] Theres no question the NATO allies could be doing more, said James Goldgeier, dean of the School of International Service at American University and a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. 1 of 50 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad What it looks like at the Republican National Convention on Day 4 View Photos The scene from Cleveland on the final day of the convention. Caption The scene from Cleveland on the final day of the convention. July 21, 2016 Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump delivers his speech. Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. But nobody ever said were going to pick and choose who were going to defend based on how much theyre spending. The alliance would unravel if everyone did that. For some in the Baltic states Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania the American businessmans comments provoked confusion and surprise. Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves pointed to his countrys role in the war in Afghanistan as proof of the countrys commitment, sharing on Twitter a message that said Estonia had one of the highest casualty rates per capita in the conflict. Estonias commitment to our NATO obligations is beyond doubt and so should be the commitments by others, the Estonian Foreign Ministry added in an emailed statement. We take our commitments seriously, Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics said in Washington, where he was attending meetings to coordinate military action against the Islamic State. We hope and expect that all our allies, big and small, take their commitments the same. It was not the first time that Trump has criticized NATO, formed in 1949 by the United States, Canada and 10 European countries to defend one another against the Soviet Union. His primary objection has been economic. Washington pays about a fifth of NATOs direct costs, more than any other country, and roughly 75 percent of all military spending, according to a 2015 NATO report. [Trump questions need for NATO] In an interview with The Washington Post editorial board published March 21, Trump called NATO a good thing to have but said it was obsolete and no longer affordable in an era of large U.S. deficits. I dont want to pull it out, he said of U.S. membership, adding: NATO was set up when we were a richer country. Were not a rich country. . . . NATO is costing us a fortune and yes, were protecting Europe but were spending a lot of money. Number one, I think the distribution of costs has to be changed. I think NATO as a concept is good, but it is not as good as it was when it first evolved. He made a similar argument at a CNN town hall. Frankly, they have to put up more money, he said. We are paying disproportionately. Its too much, and frankly its a different world than it was when we originally conceived of the idea. Military spending by NATO allies has long been a bone of contention for U.S. officials. NATO members are expected to spend 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense. In fact, only five countries do, among them the United States. In a 2011 speech when he was defense secretary, Robert M. Gates warned that NATO faced military irrelevance if Europeans did not spend more. The blunt reality, Gates said, is that there will be dwindling appetite and patience in the U.S. Congress and in the American body politic writ large to expend increasingly precious funds on behalf of nations that are apparently unwilling to devote the necessary resources or make the necessary changes to be serious and capable partners in their own defense. But no critics have gone as far as Trump did in the Times interview, representing a change from decades of internationalist Republican foreign policy and a rejection of the idea of America as the indispensable nation. This is as opposite to the Reagan approach to foreign policy as you could get, Goldgeier said. You can argue the Europeans and the E.U. should do more to defend themselves. But you have to have a shared commitment. Its not foreign policy going to the highest bidder. Two weeks ago at a NATO summit in Warsaw, President Obama reaffirmed that the United States has Europes back, saying that in good times and in bad, Europe can count on the United States always. White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Thursday that the U.S. commitment to mutual defense is ironclad. The recognition that NATO is the cornerstone of American national security is a policy that the United States has pursued under every post-World War II president, Democratic and Republican, he said. But Earnest acknowledged that Obama believes Europe needs to pay its fair share. He noted that NATO member countries have agreed to spend 2 percent of their GDP on defense by 2024. Sean Kay, who chairs the international studies program at Ohio Wesleyan University and informally advised Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.) during his run for the Democratic presidential nomination, called Trumps approach more like a bull in a china shop. Its in a long tradition, from the founding of NATO, to get the Europeans to defend themselves and be less reliant on the United States, he said. The problem is the way hes going about it. It does damage to the idea. Watch the White House response at 8 wapo.st/WhiteHouseNATO Read more: Trump on a clash of civilizations Turkeys parliament backed emergency measures Thursday giving authorities broad powers to pursue alleged supporters of a failed coup, even as the government said it has rounded up nearly 10,000 people since the attempted military takeover. The strengthened hand for authorities with tens of thousands of others under scrutiny or suspended from their jobs came amid further signals of more crackdowns to come. Hours earlier, Turkey declared a temporary suspension of a European-drafted rights pact that covers issues such as detention and searches. Lawmakers passed the state of emergency motion by a comfortable majority, giving Turkeys cabinet the ability to rule by decree for at least the next three months. The decrees can be overruled by parliament but are not subject to review by Turkeys Constitutional Court. The cleansing is continuing, and we remain very determined, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a speech late Wednesday. He described a virus within the Turkish military and state institutions that had spread like cancer. [Turkish mayor urges graveyard for traitors] The hard-line moves contrasted sharply with an effort by Turkish officials to reassure the country that the post-coup upheavals would not harm the economy or cause permanent harm to Turkeys relations with the West. But worries have been growing from Turkeys NATO allies and others. Turkey is a critical front-line partner in the fight against the Islamic State and efforts to control the flow of migrants into Europe. There also is concern that Turkish society and freedoms could come under much tighter control amid the purges and probes following last weeks unsuccessful coup. The left-wing, pro-minority Peoples Democratic Party denounced the state of emergency Thursday, saying the measures and crackdowns had become a tool and opportunity for the government to purge all opposition and limit democratic rights and freedom. The wide-ranging fallout after last weeks coup attempt has expanded by the day: detaining and firing judges, military leaders and academics. On Thursday, one of Turkeys most prominent human rights defenders, Orhan Kemal Cengiz, was detained at Istanbuls Ataturk Airport and later transferred to a local police station. His wife, writer Sibel Hurtas, reported his detention on Twitter. [Trump says U.S. shouldnt criticize Turkeys Erdogan over post-coup purge] With the new powers taking shape, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus cited Frances decision to also temporarily suspend provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights following the Paris rampage in November that was carried out by militants linked to the Islamic State. Those attacks left 130 people dead. After a military coup in 1980, martial law was imposed in Turkey. And Turkey imposed emergency rule over its restive Kurdish regions in the southeast in 1987 and lifted it 15 years later. 1 of 63 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad The scene in Turkey after an attempted coup View Photos The nations military tried to overthrow the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Caption The nations military tried to overthrow the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. July 17, 2016 Women mourn near the flag-draped coffin of a relative in Istanbul, during the funeral of seven victims of the July 15 coup attempt. Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty Images Wait 1 second to continue. But it has never done so for the entire country. Emergency rule grants authorities special powers to use the military and other security services to break up demonstrations and other public gatherings. Another deputy prime minister, Mehmet Simsek, was tasked with pushing a calming message to businesses and investors fearing an economic plummet. Life of ordinary people and businesses will go un-impacted, uninterrupted, business will be as usual, Simsek wrote in a Twitter post. One international ratings agency, Standard & Poors, however, downgraded Turkeys credit rating deeper into junk status, citing the coup attempt and resulting political turmoil, causing the countrys currency to fall and stocks to plunge Thursday. [Nearly one-third of Turkeys top officers charged in coup plot] State media, meanwhile, has announced the detention of another 32 judges and two military officers, bringing to nearly 10,000 the total number of those arrested. In addition, about 40,000 others judges, civil servants, military, police and journalists have been suspended from jobs or put under investigation as the countrys leaders seek to root out opponents and perceived internal dissent. Western leaders have been increasingly uncomfortable with the crackdown. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said it would be in Turkeys interest to keep the state of emergency only for the duration that it is absolutely necessary. He also warned against arresting people just on the basis of their political attitude rather than a proven role in the coup. Austria summoned Turkeys ambassador and questioned him about the countrys future. We want to clarify . . . which direction Turkey is going to take, Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz said in a radio interview cited by Reuters. In Washington, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Turkeys allies will be closely watching Erdogans next moves. We are going to continue to urge them to protect the kinds of democratic traditions and institutions that helped them repel the coup in the first place and are critical to Turkeys success in the future, Earnest told reporters. The Obama administration is drawn deeper into the crisis by Turkeys claim that the coup was inspired by a U.S.-based Turkish cleric, Fethullah Gulen, a former ally of Erdogan whom Turkey accuses of running a terrorist organization. Critics, however, claim that Erdogans government is using the coup attempt as an excuse to eliminate the last vestiges of opposition to its rule. The crackdown against alleged Gulenists has showed no signs of relenting, and on Wednesday Turkey issued a ban on professional travel for all academics, opened investigations into military courts and closed schools. Gulen has denied any link to the plot, implying instead that Erdogan staged it as part of a bid to consolidate power. Gulen lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, and his backers operate education networks in Turkey, the United States and elsewhere. Turkey has requested Gulens extradition from the United States. In Washington, Secretary of State John F. Kerry said the Justice Department has jurisdiction over the issue. Read more: Turkey seeks probes of U.S. charter schools linked to Gulen Thousands of Turkish judges purged after coup attempt Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Editor's Note: Racine County GOP convention delegate Bill Jaeck will share his perspective on the convention and provide updates from Cleveland throughout the week. The Democratic National Convention is next week in Philadelphia. CLEVELAND For the Wednesday session Im going to dispense with the chronological reporting of the past two days and jump right into the fireworks created by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. The controversy actually started midday with speculation that Cruz would not endorse Donald Trump while two other speakers, Scott Walker and Marco Rubio, would. Youll recall all three had presidential campaigns that were eventually suspended. The first clues about Ted Cruzs position came at 1 p.m. As a Ted Cruz delegate delivering one vote out of a total of 475 nationwide, I was honored to attend his thank-you party that afternoon at a Cleveland restaurant. Senator Cruz, with his wife Heidi by his side, started by saying thank you from the bottom of his heart. He stated, It has been a privilege of a lifetime to stand with each and every one of you to fight for our country." He concluded his remarks by saying, I dont know what the future holds but I do know from the very first days of this nation God has blessed the United States of America and I am convinced God is not done with this country. So no endorsement or reference to Donald Trump. Interesting! In the arena later that evening, Cruz was the 18th speaker. By now the tension and peer pressure had ratcheted up since Marco (video only) and Scott preceded him with Trump endorsements. Would Ted finally endorse Trump in the evening? I didnt believe so because he had that opportunity to do so in the afternoon and didn't. The Texas delegation was a few yards from Wisconsin on the floor map so I had a chance to ask many of them. They also believed he would not endorse. So with that knowledge I listened intently as Cruz opened his presentation and said, I want to congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last evening. The audience, of course and rightfully so, viewed this as an announcement and not an endorsement. He then spoke to his vision for America which included making America safe and building a wall obvious platforms of Donald Trump. Near the end of his presentation, there were audible crowd chants of Say it and Endorse him that then migrated into outright boos. During his speech he had a smug look on his face and smiled during the delegate boos. With that continued facial expression, he walked off the stage without endorsing. Behind-the-scenes drama After the session I had a chance to discuss what happened with Gov. Walker around 11:30 p.m. He stated all speaker presentations were fully vetted ahead of time by the Trump campaign, but that they did not have Ted Cruzs until it was placed in the teleprompter. Before that, Scott received a text from Trump to call him in the green room, which he immediately did. Scott said, like everyone else, he did not know what Ted was going to say. I told him some Trumpeters attended Cruzs midday rally and probably got back to Trump campaign staffers with some nervous anxiety. We then discussed the strategy of Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who decided to not attend the convention or endorse. My feeling is history will determine whether this strategy helped or doomed Cruz. Scott also made a more macro point about this election. He said, I believe we can get 90 percent of the bills passed in Congress signed into law with a Donald Trump presidency, whereas 100 percent will not pass with Hillary Clinton in office. A vote for anyone other than Donald Trump is a vote for Hillary, which is unacceptable. Scott also referenced Mike Pence as he told me, He is a humble and decent person and is one of the best reasons to vote for Donald Trump." Other speakers On the walk to the convention center I purposely stopped by protesters with my RNC badge fully displayed. During several discussions, as one might expect, the other side was strong willed, probably raised their voices an octave or two, but we engaged in peaceful conversations with two opposing view points. Thats what defines this great county with its first amendment. We can agree to disagree. At the convention center day three opened up with a new theme, Make America First Again. The first speaker was Rick Scott, governor of Florida, who made some great points. He stated, This election is about the survival of the American dream. Washington grows while the rest of the nation struggles. The Democrats havent led us to a crossroads, theyve led us to a cliff.. and do the right thing for this country and vote for Donald Trump. And finally I have some great news. We get to fire the politicians. And who better to let the politicians know you're fired than Donald Trump? We need a president that is politically incorrect and tells us like it is. Next up was Laura Ingraham, conservative commentator, and it was one of the best presentations that rocked the coliseum with everyone standing. She stated, We should all even you boys with wounded feelings and bruised egos we love you, but you must honor your pledge to support Donald Trump now, TONIGHT." To all my friends up there in the press, you all know why in your heart Donald Trump won the Republican nomination. You know it," Ingraham said. "You know why he won it? Because he dared to call out the phonies, the frauds and the corruption that has gone unexposed and uncovered for too long. Do your job." Ingraham challenged the media. "Doing your job is a novel concept. She then referenced Hillary Clinton in Clinton's belief that theres a government solution to every problem, but Laura said, No, Hillary, you are the problem. Another great act was our Gov. Walker as he immediately differentiated himself by running on the stage without a podium or teleprompter the first presenter to do so. He led with a theme, America Deserves Better, which was repeated by the audience numerous times. It was a rousing, upbeat speech where everyone was standing. He spoke with passion for 10 minutes and my favorite line beside the above was, We believe in a country where those who honorably serve in law enforcement and put their lives on the line are not just respected, but revered. I caught up afterward with Brad Courtney, Chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, about his reaction to Scott's address. He said, Governor Walker elegantly stated the case for a Donald Trump and Mike Pence ticket whereas the alternative will lead Hillary to be president of the United States and that would be disastrous for Wisconsin and the U.S. Walker's full speech can be seen here. When former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich spoke he tried to interpret (or clean up) what Ted Cruz meant to say, but it looked awkward and clumsy, in my opinion. He did effectively cite all the terrorism in the last 37 days depicting how dangerous the world has become when an Obama administration doesn't lead. Then came the keynote speaker, vice presidential candidate Michael Pence, who in a pleasant surprise, was introduced by our own Paul Ryan. Paul referred to Pence as, A man of solid character, of great dignity and a pro-growth Reagan conservative. My favorable impressions centered on his sure and steady demeanor, as he is not flashy, but smart and articulate. With his gubernatorial and congressional background, hell make a great compliment to Donald Trump. At the end of his presentation, Trump came on stage to shake Pence's hand, followed by Mike's wife and children. All in all it was a thrilling and rewarding day. Jamilly Vitoria Santos da Silva, center, stands next to her mother, Rebeca Arruda as they wash a dog in a bucket in a favela as members of the Brazilian military along with health care workers to talk to residents about the threat of Zika virus. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post) Brazilian researchers said Thursday they have found Zika in Culex mosquitoes in the northeastern city of Recife in what could prove to be an important discovery. But they cautioned that more study was needed. Until now, Zika was believed to be carried mainly by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is much less numerous, lives in clean water and is more likely to bite during the day. Aedes aegypti thrives in tropical and subtropical climates it is found in Southern U.S. states such as Florida, but is absent in large parts of the United States. The virus is also carried by the Aedes albopictus mosquito, which lives in more rural environments. Culex mosquitoes are much more widespread. They breed in dirty water and bite at night. Public health officials have feared that Culex mosquitoes could be involved in Zika transmission, something that would necessitate new strategies to combat the disease which is blamed for an outbreak of the birth defect microcephaly. Brazil has confirmed around 1,700 cases of the birth defect, which causes babies to be born with unusually small heads and can cause cognitive and learning difficulties. It means that we have a second species of vector involved in transmission. And with this vector having totally different habits from Aedes aegypti, we will have to create new strategies to combat Culex as well, said Constancia Ayres, a researcher from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, a leading government-led research institute in Recife, who led the study. Researchers from the foundation collected 5,000 mosquitoes from houses in Recife where suspected Zika transmission had taken place. They found 86 percent of these mosquitoes were Culex. Culex is a much more abundant species, Ayres told a news conference in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday, where she presented the results. The researchers analyzed 456 female Culex mosquitoes, which they divided into 80 pools or sample groups of between one and 10 mosquitoes each. They found Zika-infected insects in three of these pools. Ayres said the research proved that Culex can transmit Zika and that it could have played a role in the rapid spread of the disease in Brazil. It can transmit Zika. What we need to know now is which species is the most important if Culex is the primary vector or the secondary vector. We need to do more research, she said. Paulo Gadelha, president of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, expressed some caution during Thursdays news conference. He said that a study at the institution in Rio by researcher Ricardo Lourenco-de-Oliveira had so far failed to find Zika in around 750 Culex mosquitoes. It could be that mosquitoes circulating in the Northeast [of Brazil] have more interaction, he said, stressing that more research was needed. Gadilha said the discovery did not change the low risk of Zika during Brazils Olympics, which open in Rio on Aug. 5 during the countrys cooler winter season. The risk you have of Zika during this period is very, very remote, he said. Stephen Higgs, director of Kansas State University's Biosecurity Research Institute, explains the anatomy of a mosquito. (Kansas State University) Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas said that if researchers have found Zika in Culex mosquitoes only a handful of times, its hard to know what that means; it may not be a finding of great biological significance. But if they are detecting the virus in Culex mosquitoes in large numbers and on a consistent basis, That would be a game changer. Hotez was skeptical that Culex mosquitoes are going to start spreading Zika in a significant way. So far, every place weve seen Zika has been a place where you have Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, he said. There no reason why one would have to speculate that another mosquito vector is involved. Read more Zikas terrifying path Colombia offers the possibility that the Zika epidemic may not be as bad as feared Brazil says there is almost zero risk of Zika during the Olympics. Really? Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Brady Dennis in Washington contributed to this report. Speaking just days after Canada pledged to command and organize a 1,000-strong NATO combat force in Latvia, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan insisted that Canadas leading role in the US-led alliances military build-up against Russia will not prevent it from deploying forces to Africa. Sajjan told a July 13 press briefing that a military intervention in Africa would be a risky venture, but then committed the Liberal government to announcing a deployment to an unspecified African country in the coming weeks. We will be moving ahead on this, said Sajjan, because it is extremely important to send a message to our multilateral partners that Canada will play a responsible role in the world. Sajjans comments were backed up by General Jonathan Vance, the Chief of the Defence Staff, the next day. Speaking at the investiture of a new army commander, Vance summarized the rapidly expanding list of overseas Canadian operations, declaring, Internationally, the army is at the forefront, managing conflicts around the world, contributing to operations in Iraq, building capacity with allies and partners in Poland, Ukraine, and very soon in Africa. According to press reports, the Canadian Armed Forces Africa deployment could involve up to a 1,000 troops and will include a contingent of CF-18 fighter jets. There has been no official confirmation of the destination of the troops, but it is widely anticipated they will be sent to Mali, where French imperialism has been waging a counter-insurgency war against anti-government rebels since 2013. Also reportedly under consideration is the Central African Republic (CAR). Like Mali, the CAR is a former French colony which has been convulsed in recent years by violent sectarian conflict. Currently, 13,000 troops have been deployed to Mali and 12,000 to CAR under the banner of the United Nations. Most of these troops are drawn from neighboring African countries, however both interventions are effectively led by the French with, in the case of Mali, support from the German and Dutch militaries. In late June, the Security Council agreed to increase the UN troop contingent in Mali by 2,500. The Trudeau government, with the support of the media, is casting the Canadian militarys impending African intervention as a peacekeeping mission aimed at protecting the local population from various Islamist militias, re-engaging with the United Nations and strengthening Canadas commitment to humanitarian goals. Speaking at the UN last March, Trudeau proclaimed, Canada will increase its engagement with peace operations, not just by making available our military, police, and specialized expertise, but also by supporting the civilian institutions that prevent conflict, bring stability to fragile states, and help societies recover in the aftermath of crisis. This is all hogwash. Since coming to power late last year, Trudeau and his Liberals have pursued an aggressive, militarist foreign policy aimed at asserting the predatory interests of the Canadian ruling class. The new government has made good on its election pledge to deepen Canadas longstanding military-strategic partnership with the US, the most aggressive imperialist power on the planet. In less than a year, Trudeau has tripled the number of Special Forces personnel active on the frontlines in the Mideast war in Iraq, given his backing to Washingtons and Japans stridently anti-Chinese stance over the South China Sea conflict and agreed to dispatch 450 troops, a frigate and six fighter jets to Europe to join the war drive against Russia. While expanding Canadas participation in Washingtons three principal military-strategic offensivesin the oil-rich Middle East and against Russia and Chinathe Trudeau Liberals have shunned the bellicose rhetoric of their Conservative predecessors. In contrast with Stephen Harper, who celebrated Canada as a nation of warriors, Trudeau has resurrected the lie that Canadas foreign policy is motivated by humanitarian ideals and the canard that Canadas military has a vocation for peacekeeping. Through this propaganda, the government aims to camouflage its aggressive foreign policy and rally popular support for employing the CAF to intervene around the world, hiking military spending, and procuring new warplanes, battleships, drones and other advanced weapons. The governments own document for the defence policy review it launched in April admits as much, noting that, peace support missions are increasingly deployed to hostile environments where violence is systemic Unlike traditional peacekeeping missions of the past, most current missions operate where there is no clear peace accord to be monitored. The missions, adds the document, are moreover frequently authorized under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, thereby allowing use of force. Even neo-conservative commentators, who are critical of the Trudeau governments peacekeeping rhetoric because they believe it constitutes an obstacle to Canada playing a frontline role in support of US imperialism, have been compelled to acknowledge that the peacekeeping label is misleading and that the upcoming CAF intervention in Africa will be a war in all but name. The National Posts Matthew Fisher compared the coming African deployment to Canadas involvement in the Afghan war, where the CAF played a pivotal role in supporting the US-led neo-colonial occupation by leading counter-insurgency operations in Kandahar, a Taliban stronghold. One hundred fifty-eight Canadian troops lost their lives in Afghanistan and thousands of others were either wounded or psychologically traumatized. Noting that in 2005-2006, Defence Minister Bill Graham and the militarys top commander, Gen. Rick Hillier, toured the country to prepare Canadians for the likelihood of casualties in Afghanistan, Fisher called on Sajjan and Vance to in the same way now prepare Canadians for the dangerous slog ahead in Africa. In an editorial last Thursday, the Globe and Mail agreed with Fishers assessment, stating that the coming African intervention could prove to be no easier than Canada's difficult, deadly experience in Afghanistan. According to Fisher, West Africa has become a terrifying place, with Islamic terrorists flooding south across the Sahara from the chaos of Libya to cause mayhem, anarchy and despair in half a dozen impoverished countries. This self-serving war on terror narrative carefully omits mention of precisely what caused the chaos of Libya, as Fisher puts it. The country was plunged into sectarian conflict by the 2011 US-led NATO regime change war in which Canada played a prominent role. NATO air strikes killed thousands, laid waste to much of the countrys infrastructure, and were coordinated with and bolstered the very extremist, Islamist forces against whom the Liberals and the media now claim Canadian troops must be mobilized to fight. Fisher, to say nothing of Trudeau and his Liberals, also avoids any reference to Africas brutal colonial past, which remains the chief reason for the mass poverty and misery which continues to blight the West Africa region and much of the rest of the continent. The period of direct colonial rule was followed by ruthless neo-colonial domination and the enforcement of IMF restructuring programs aimed at slashing social spending and boosting investor profits. The reality is that the Trudeau governments military intervention in Africa is being driven by geopolitical and economic interests. An operation in West Africa would help strengthen Canadas cooperation with French imperialism, a key NATO ally with thousands of troops in the region. As early as 2013, the Harper government aided Paris by airlifting troops and military equipment to Mali, and this was repeated by the Trudeau government at the end of last year for Frances Operation Barkhane. This mission stretches across Pariss former colonial possessions, from Mali in West Africa to Chad in the center of the continent. In May, Foreign Minister Stephane Dion travelled to Tunisia to proclaim his support for the government and unveil a security agreement between the two countries that will facilitate the training of Tunisian security forces on the border with Libya. This deal could help pave the way for a Canadian military deployment to Libya, which has Africas largest oil reserves, should the European powers act on their long-discussed plans to mount a new military intervention there. Canadian troops have considerable experience operating on the African continent. As well as their role in Libya, Canadian troops began in 2011 to participate in the US-led Operation Flintlock in West Africa. The annual military exercise involves special forces from Mali, Nigeria, Mauritania, Niger and neighbouring countries. Canadian corporations have substantial investments in Africa, investing more than $25 billion in mining operations across the continent. In Burkina Faso, where a terrorist attack in January by Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb was seized upon by Canadas ruling elite to step up pressure for a military deployment to the region, Canadian companies control three of the countrys five biggest mines and have invested $1.6 billion. Canadian-based Iamgold is one of the two principal investors in Malis largest gold mine. In 2014, the Harper government named Burkina Faso and Mali as priority countries for Canada, meaning that they offered considerable potential for business investments and should be a focus of Canadas foreign policy. On Tuesday, Massachusetts State Police officer Joseph Flynn and New Hampshire State Trooper Andrew Monaco were arrested for their roles in the May 11 beating of Richard Simone, Jr. after a high speed chase. Two counts of simple assault are being brought against Flynn in New Hampshire, where the incident took place, and three counts of simple assault against Monaco. Although news reports are suggesting that enhanced penalties might be imposed on Flynn and Monaco because they were on duty when they committed the assault, the two have been released on personal recognizance bail of $2,000 and $3,000, respectively. Their arraignment is scheduled for September 13. The officers arrests were announced by the office of the New Hampshire Attorney General. The high speed chase began in Holden, Massachusetts, next to Worcester, when police there recognized Simone as someone with outstanding warrants. He fled in his pick-up truck, ending up in Nashua, New Hampshire, where he stopped the truck on a residential street. Video of the arrest clearly shows Simone getting out of his truck, demonstrating that his hands were empty, and then getting down on his hands and knees. He is surrounded by eight cops, most with guns drawn, and one with a canine. After Simone voluntarily gets on the ground, Flynn and Monaco rush in and punch him while other officers hold him down. According to court documents, he was hit 22 times. Municipal police from Holden and Nashua were involved in the arrest, but none have been charged in the assault on Simone. The May 11 event was filmed by helicopters from several area news outlets. As has become common across the United States, the police would have faced no consequences for their violence if video did not exist. The Boston Globe quoted civil rights attorney Howard Friedman as saying that they dont bring criminal charges often in situations like this, but you looked at the video and there was no question that they were beating someone after [he] had given up. Friedman went on to lament that such violence against surrendering suspects is sadly common. News reports have not indicated whether Flynn and Monaco have military backgrounds, but the Worcester police department has instituted a policy of training National Guard veterans for civilian policing roles. The Massachusetts National Guards web site, www.thenationsfirst.org, boasted in May 2015 of the Nations First Civilian Police Academy for Citizen-Soldiers. On May 1, 2015, 34 returning members of the Army Military Police and Air Force Security Forces were graduated from the programwhich over a period of 16 weeks enhanced the training theyd received in the military. The announcement of the graduation paraphrased Military Police Command Sergeant Major Richard Woodring as saying this is the way were going. That this is a great concept, and theyre going to take this on the Active Duty side and say, hey, this is what theyre doing in Massachusetts. Donald Trump might be the one to occupy the Oval Office if he wins in November, but is it possible that he's interested to delegate the specifics of governing to his vice president? One report indicates yes. According to The New York Times, Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., approached onetime primary foe John Kasich with a seemingly unprecedented offer. The paper reports that Trump Jr. reached out to a senior advisor to Kasich in May and asked whether the Ohio governor would be interested to join the ticket if he could potentially become the most powerful vice president in American history. When asked what that meant, Trump Jr. allegedly explained that Kasich would be put in charge of both foreign and domestic policy. Perplexed, the advisor questioned what that would leave Trump to do. Trump Jr.'s alleged response? The businessman causally said that his father would be busy "making America great again." The Times reports that the Trump team viewed Kasich as the dream running mate, but knew wooing him would be an uphill battle since the politician expressed zero interest in the job. Ultimately, the mogul chose Indiana Gov. Mike Pence to join him on the ticket. VIDEO: Donald Trump Chooses Gov. Mike Pence as Running Mate On Wednesday afternoon, just hours before Pence is scheduled to speak at the Republican National Convention, Trump addressed the flap without calling out the Times story directly. "John Kasich was never asked by me to be V.P." he wrote, adding that he "Just arrived in Cleveland - will be a great two days!" John Kasich was never asked by me to be V.P. Just arrived in Cleveland - will be a great two days! a Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 20, 2016 Kasich and Trump repeatedly clashed during the Republican primary, with Trump even mocking the way Kasich eats. "He has the news conference all the time when he's eating," Trump said in April. "I have never seen a human being eat in such a disgusting fashion." Earlier in April, Trump also said Kasich should drop out of the race. "All he's doing is just he goes from place to place, and loses, and he keeps on running," he said. Kasich ultimately dropped out of the race in May, after briefly aligning with onetime adversary Ted Cruz. Authorities in Asia and Europe moved Thursday against assets including artworks and real estate wanted by the U.S. in connection with its lawsuits against 1MDB, the Malaysian state fund linked to the producer of The Wolf of Wall Street. Singapores Attorney Generals office said that a trio of Singaporean government bodies had Thursday seized $177 million (S$240 million) of assets in connection with the FBI lawsuits, which were filed in California a day earlier. Half of the assets seized in Singapore belong to Jho Low, the flamboyant 33-year-old financier who is said to have advised Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and who has a special credit on The Wolf of Wall Street. Low is the owner of Good Star, a company which the FBI says was responsible for siphoning $1.03 billion of funds from 1MDB. The FBI alleges that Good Star laundered some $400 million of that money in the U.S., including as funding for Red Granite, the production company behind The Wolf of Wall Street. Red Granite says that, to its knowledge, none of the money it received was in any way illegitimate. For his part, Low has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has played down the extent of his connections with Razak. In Singapore, Lows assets include at least two upmarket apartments. One, bought in 2013, is a triplex that cost $31.5 million (S$42.9 million.) The assets were seized by Singapores Attorney General, the Commercial Affairs Department and the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In Switzerland, authorities seized paintings by Monet and Van Gogh believed to be linked to stolen 1MDB funds, local media reported. A spokeswoman for the Swiss Federal Office of Justice told the Reuters news agency Thursday said that the paintings seized were La maison de Vincent a Arles by Van Gogh and Saint-Georges Majeur and Nympheas avec Reflets de Hautes Herbes by Monet. The operation is not over yet so we will not comment at the moment on the location of the paintings, the spokeswoman told Reuters. Story continues In Malaysia, the FBIs actions have sparked sharply differing reactions. Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammed called for Malaysians to take to the streets in protest. At a news conference, Mohammed also called for a referendum on whether Razak should stay in office. Formerly a close friend of Razak, but now a sword political enemy, Mohammed has attempted for several years to use the slow-burning 1MDB scandal to unseat Razak. But Razak has successfully resisted and used many instruments of government to slow and downplay probes within the country. Malaysian Attorney, General Mohamed Apandi said Thursday that no evidence has yet been presented by any agency anywhere in the world that shows funds to have been misappropriated from 1MDB. He said he had strong concerns at the insinuations and allegations made against Razak. Razak is not specifically named in the FBI documents. The FBI refers only to Malaysian Official 1, identifying him as a high-ranking government official who oversaw the fund and is a relative of Red Granites Riza Aziz. (Aziz is Razaks step son.) Razak stuck to a strictly legal approach on Thursday. This is a civil action not a criminal action. Those involved would have to go through the court process in the U.S., he told local reporters. Related stories Red Granite Fires Back at Money Laundering Allegations, Says It 'Did Nothing Wrong' FBI to Seize Assets of 'Wolf of Wall Street' Producer Red Granite (Report) Olivia Wilde Considered 'Too Old' for 'Wolf of Wall Street' Role When 150 Silicon Valley executives penned an open letter warning of the dangers of a Donald Trump presidency, one big name wasnt on that list: libertarian billionaire PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel. An independent thinker who has voiced some strong and controversial opinions on the state of our democracy the 48-year-old Thiel is backing Trump and will address the Republican National Convention tonight before Trump formally accepts the partys nomination. Here are ten things to know about Thiel: 1. He was born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1968. He immigrated to the U.S. with his parents when he was a year old. 2. Despite earning a BA and JD from Stanford, he questions the utility of a university education. You have this priestly class of professors who arent doing a whole lot of work, supported by a system dedicated to convincing people to buy indulgences and amass enormous debt for the dubious salvation that a diploma represents, Thiel told The New York Times last month. Five years ago, Thiel began a fellowship program to support young entrepreneurs and help innovators realize their ideas outside of college. Related: 13 Things You Should Know about Ivanka Trump 3. He made a fortune with PayPal and is now worth an estimated $2.8 billion. Thiel co-founded the online payments system in 1998. The company went public in 2002 and was sold to eBay for $1.5 billion that year. Thiel ranks 234th on the Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans. 4. Hes was an early backer of Facebook and is now a major tech investor. Thiel put $500,000 in seed funding into the social media company in 2004. Although he sold most of his 10 percent stake in the company in 2012, he still sits on its board of directors. Thiel is also founder, co-chair and a major shareholder in Palantir, a data analysis company that is Americas third most valuable tech startup behind Uber and Airbnb. Thiel has also invested in Airbnb and online payment company Stripe. Story continues 5. He was once an avid chess player. Thiel was once among the highest rated under-21 chess players in the country. Cruz Launches His Next Presidential Bid With a Stink Bomb in Cleveland 6. Hes known for his libertarian views. I stand against confiscatory taxes, totalitarian collectives, and the ideology of the inevitability of the death of every individual. For all these reasons, I still call myself libertarian, he wrote in an essay for CATO Unbound, adding that, I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible. He has spoken out against Medicare and Social Security spending. He has also contributed to Republican candidates, and initially backed Carly Fiorina in the 2016 presidential race. 7. Hes supporting anti-aging research. Through his non-profit Breakout Labs, Thiel is funding research to increase the human healthspan, tackle neurodegenerative diseases, and reverse age-related decline. Most people deal with aging by some strange combination of acceptance and denial. I think the psychological blocks to thinking about aging run very deep, and we need to think about it in order to really fight it, he said in a Reddit post. Related: Christie Unites the GOP by Condemning Clinton for 8 Major Failures 8. Hes gay. CNN reports that in his RNC speech, Thiel will declare that he is proud to be gay and will push the party to embrace LGBT rights. Thiel would be the third openly gay speaker at a Republican convention, and the first in 16 years. 9. He bankrolled wrestler Hulk Hogans lawsuit against Gawker for publishing a part of Hogans sex tape. Thiel was initially outed by Gawker in 2007, and his displeasure with the site and its articles about him and others apparently led him to spend a reported $10 million to back the legal case against the site brought by Hogan. Its less about revenge and more about specific deterrence, he told The New York Times about his support for the lawsuit. In May, a judge upheld an earlier verdict that Gawker must pay $140 million in damages to Hulk Hogan. Gawker subsequently filed for bankruptcy. 10. Hes provided funding for an organization that seeks to set up a libertarian utopia. Thiel provided $500,00 toward the creation of the Seasteading Institute, whose mission is to establish permanent, autonomous ocean communities islands beyond the control of governments to enable experimentation and innovation with diverse social, political, and legal systems. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: Not all money advice is helpful. Some so-called tips could even set you up for financial failure. U.S. News spoke to five finance experts and asked them which money tips they think people are better off ignoring. Here's what they said. You should always go for the highest return. Of course you want to make the most money possible off your investments, but going for the highest return isn't always a smart strategy. "It may not necessarily suit your goals," says Michelle Hutchison, money expert for personal finance site Finder.com. The risk on these investments may be too high, or they could come with significant fees. [See: Retirement Planning Decisions You Might Later Regret.] A home is always a good investment. Several experts pointed to the notion that buying is better than renting as a bit of money wisdom everyone should ignore. "People think 'if I rent, I'm a loser,'" says David Schneider, a certified financial planner at Schneider Wealth Strategies in New York City. On the contrary, renting can save money in the long run, says Pete Lang, an investment advisor and founder of Lang Capital in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Homes come with steep transaction costs and maintenance expenses. Plus, there is no guarantee they will appreciate in value. Don't ever go into debt. Conventional wisdom says debt is always bad, but it can be useful for some money management strategies. "Some people don't want any debt, and there are others who are totally comfortable leveraging debt," says Margaret Paddock, Twin Cities market leader of The Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank. The key is to not overextend your obligations and understand your personality and commitment when it comes to paying back debts in a timely manner. Pay off your debt before savings. Along the same lines, some people advise only saving money once your debt is paid off, but you may want to ignore that. "You can do both," says Kimberly Foss, a certified financial planner and founder of Empyrion Wealth Management in New York. "Some of the debt you have may be cheaper than what your investments could earn." Story continues Don't go into retirement with a mortgage. Being mortgage-free in retirement can be a good thing, but retirees shouldn't liquidate assets to do so. By dipping into retirement funds early, people could find themselves subject to steep tax penalties. Or they could end up prematurely depleting their cash reserves and making it hard to sustain their desired lifestyle in retirement. College is a must if you want to make good money. It's true many employers nowadays require a college degree, but there are also plenty of well-paying job opportunities for those with technical training. Hutchison says one of the biggest money mistakes she sees people making is going to college, racking up student loans and then dropping out. "Don't go to college if you don't have your heart in the course," she says. Only invest in stocks that provide dividends. "People are obsessed with dividends, but there's nothing magic about them," Schneider says. Dividends are deducted from a company's earnings, which could reduce the value of shares. In other words, dividends don't come without trade-offs. Schneider says investors could be missing out on some worthwhile stocks by focusing only on those offering dividends. Use your age to balance your portfolio. A common rule of thumb is to subtract your age from 100 and use the resulting number as the percentage of your investments to put into stocks. The rest should go into cash or bond funds. That advice may have been good at one time, but with today's extended lifespans, it's too conservative, Schneider says. Putting half of your money in bonds at age 50 could be a good way to run out of cash in retirement. Buy bonds to generate income. Speaking of bonds, Schneider says it's a myth that bonds are good for income. "Actually, they are a buffer for risk -- a risk reducer," he says. Some money should be invested in bonds to keep funds safe in the event of a market downturn, but don't expect to make much income off them. You can't time the market. The prevailing wisdom for stock investments is to buy and hold for the long run because there is no way to time the market and avoid downturns. Lang says buying and holding is an important component of long-term investments, but a certain level of timing is possible for short-term investments. "Without a doubt, there are numerous managers who have erected [investing] strategies that rely on some sort of timing," he says. You only need a handful of stocks to be diversified. If you're buying individual stocks, more is better, according to financial experts. "A relatively small percentage of the stocks in any market make the most gains," Schneider says. Investors need to own a large number of stocks to make sure at least some of those winners are in their portfolios. Another option is to buy mutual funds, which contain multiple stocks, rather than putting your money in individual companies. [See: 10 Painless Ways to Save More for Retirement.] The stock market is too risky. After the latest recession, some people have decided that opting out of the stock market is best. While it's true that stocks come with risk, skipping these investments could make it hard to have adequate money in retirement. "Even my 90-year old clients have 10 percent of their portfolio in stocks," Foss says. Always sell when a stock goes high. The old adage is buy low and sell high, but Schneider says you shouldn't be too quick to sell your best-performing stocks. "If you sell all your winners for a fast gain, then you're left with all your losers," he says. Stop investing when the market is down. The uncertainty of a down market leads many people keep money in their pocket rather than investing. However, Lang says, "When there's blood in the street, that's a good time to invest." [See: 10 Costs to Include in Your Retirement Budget.] You don't need a pro to help you pick stocks. We live in a do-it-yourself society, and people may be tempted to think they can pick a stock portfolio on their own, especially given the wide range of information available today on stock prices and trends. However, even the most thorough individual investor may not be able to match the breadth and depth of knowledge an investment pro possesses. "The greatest likelihood is [a DIY investor] is going to have an under-diversified portfolio," Schneider says. However, not all finance professionals are created equal, and some of them may give bad money advice as well. "If you're working with someone and you get that gut feeling and aren't comfortable, ignore that advice," Paddock says. More From US News & World Report NextShark Jahrah, who only has a first name as customary in Indonesia, went out to collect rubber on Sunday morning in the forest in Jambi Province on Sumatra Island, Indonesia. The search parties only found success a day later, on Monday, when they discovered a 22-foot-long (6.7-meters-long) python with a bulging stomach resting in the woods. Her family then reported her missing to the local authorities, and a search has been carried out since then, Anto, the local villages chief, said. Getting stood up for a date or an appointment isn't always so awful; often, the person who bailed on you isn't meant to be in your life anyway. (Also there's always pizza to comfort you.) Here are 17 stories from Reddit of people who got stood up and, in some cases, found a silver lining.A 1. "I was supposed to meet my friend at a nightclub, and he didn't show up. I was upset, but figured I had already paid the cover to get in, so I might as well stay for a while. A guy I struck up a random conversation with introduced me to his friend, and we really hit it off well. We talked, danced and drank together for the rest of the night. I got her number, and we went on a few dates afterwards. We have since been together for 10 years, married for 6 of them, and just had our first, wonderful baby boy last year." via GIPHY 2. "I planned coffee with a guy and showed up at the coffee shop and bought two coffees. After half an hour, the barista realized that I had gotten stood up, so she gave me back my $3 and offered me a muffin." 3. "I got stood up and decided to go to a local electronics store and buy something to cheer myself up. Turned out they were having a free raffle that day. I won a free PlayStation 3!" via GIPHY 4. "When I was in high school, I had planned a movie date with this girl I liked. So I arrived early at the movie theater, bought a pair of tickets and waited. When the movie started, I called her to see if she was coming but I kept getting her voicemail. As I'm about to give up and watch the movie alone, her mom shows up knowing her daughter just stood me up. We watch the movie together, she pays me back for the tickets and we part ways. My day went from sad, to sad and uncomfortable." 5. "Sitting in a lounge on a weekday in the afternoon, I was meeting a potential employee, so I told the server: 'There will be one more. She should be here shortly.' I waited for half an hour after when she should have met me and thought, 'Oh well, I'll eat anyway.' I had a few beers, read the paper and went up to pay when the server told me it was on the house. I thanked her, and she said, 'We're not all like that; I wouldn't have ditched you.' At first I was just thinking that she was meaning she wouldn't have missed the interview, but about an hour later it all clicked, and I had to punch a bear to gain back my man card." Story continues via GIPHY 6. "It was Valentine's Day in college. I spent 6 hours tying to get ahold of my girlfriend. Her RA said she was in her room. The RA let me in the dorm, and I knocked on her door. Three minutes later, a man in a cowboy hat answered. I delivered $100 of gifts right onto her messy bed, said f you and left. The RA takes me to her room where we talk about it. I then hooked up with the RA." 7. "Back in 1981, Eric Clapton came out of seclusion and played some small venues, including Viking Hall in Bristol, Tennessee. I invited a girl and bought tickets, but she blew me off with no notice. I still have the unused ticket." via GIPHY 8. "A girl ditched me to watch The Jersey Shore." 9. "I got stood up for a dinner date. I tried calling her, but couldn't get through. I called her home, and her mom told me that she left the house an hour ago. I was really worried and didn't know what to do, so I just kept waiting for two hours I was young and naive. However, it turned out that there was a massive subway problem, and she was stuck in a tunnel for almost two hours. She eventually showed up, and we had dinner!" via GIPHY 10. "My friend stood me up for dinner, so I was sitting at a table all by myself. A really cute guy in the bar right across from the table came over and started a conversation with me. We ended up dating for a bit, but it really did not go anywhere. The fact that being stood up led to a date with a cute guy was pretty cool, though." 11. "I got stood up and went and bought a vibrator instead." via GIPHY 12. "I was supposed to go on a date with someone I met online. She never showed up and I found out later that she died in a car accident." 13. "The first time I got stood up was the first time I got drunk. In high school, my sister had invited some friends over for drinking since my parents were away, and I planned on going out with a guy that I'd had a huge crush on for a long time. He never showed. My sister's friends took pity on me and fed me alcohol. Later it also became the first time that I projectile vomited." via GIPHY 14. "I got stood up by a girl who was supposed to have called me. I got pissed off and grabbed a friend to hit up some bars and pool halls. I ran into a girl I knew who dated a different friend. She was with another girl. Me and that girl will be married for seven years this summer." 15. "When I got stood up twice by the same guy in one month last year, not only did I realize he doesn't deserve me, but my mom took me out for pizza and ice cream both times!" via GIPHY 16. "I had someone stand me up after I was already at the roller derby venue. My date couldn't find parking, had a panic attack and left. He then deleted his online dating profile and never spoke to me again." 17. "A girl once stood me up, and I confronted her on it. Her response? 'Sorry for not arriving, but on my way there, I ran into another friend and decided I'd rather go out with him.'" Posts have been edited from Reddit for length and clarity. The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has announced the nominees for the 37th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards. Once again, PBS earned the most nominations, with 54. PBS plethora of nominees include a PBS NewsHour expose of the for-profit universities milking students eligible for tuition paid by the G.I. Bill, G.I. Bill$, Rape on the Night Shift from Frontline, and The Kill Team, about American war crimes in Afghanistan, from Independent Lens. CBS snagged the second-most nominations, with 37 followed by HBO with 19, NBC with 14, and CNN with 13. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, which blew the lid off worldwide corruption and financial crime in 2016 with the Panama Papers, received a New Approaches: Documentary nomination for a piece on Australian mining in Africa called Fatal Extraction. The biggest topics receiving nominations for coverage were the Paris terrorist attacks of November, the San Bernardino shooting in December, and ongoing reporting on the 2016 presidential election. NATAS president Bob Mauro praised the work of a segment of the TV world that can sometimes go under-recognized. The network, cable and online news organizations deliver immediate and immersive coverage of important national and international stories, as well as thoughtful analysis of contemporary events, he said. The many documentaries nominated this year offer the viewer a wide range of in-depth explorations of critical topics that affect us all. The 37th annual News & Documentary Emmy honors programming that was aired during the 2015 calendar year. The ceremony will be held Sept. 21 at Jazz at Lincoln Centers Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City. Related stories Paget Brewster Returns to 'Criminal Minds' for Multiple Episodes in Season 12 Broadcast TV Networks Broaden Digital Offerings, But Worry About Core Businesses TV News Roundup: Elizabeth Hurley's Son to Star on 'The Royals,' Chris Wood Joins 'Supergirl' In its 50 years of existence, Star Trek has introduced a wide cast of characters to boldly go where no one has gone before. The best characters have often encouraged vigorous debate among Trekkies, as they are compared by their rank and species and evaluated for differences in their flaws and virtues. The worst looking at you Voyager and Enterprise leave fans wondering if theres a point to their existence. A quick note: to keep the list manageable, were restricting the list to the main cast of the five Trek shows. That means you wont be seeing movie villains like Khan or recurring characters like Q. But let it be said that if we did include him, Q would top the list by several light years. 39.) Wesley Crusher (The Next Generation) By far the most hated character in Trek history. A super-genius kid who would on more than one occasion save the Enterprise while others with infinitely more experience struggled. Even the man who played him, Wil Wheaton, hated him. 38.) Travis Mayweather (Enterprise) No backstory, no fears, no desires. No Trek crew member was more pointless and two-dimensional than Mayweather, except perhaps for 37.) Hoshi Sato (Enterprise) A poor mans Uhura whose sole purpose was to serve as a translator for the crew since the technology for the Universal Translator hadnt been invented yet. Like many of the characters at the bottom of this list, Rick Berman and Brannon Braga were unable to flesh Sato out beyond her basic premise. 36.) Neelix (Voyager) And now for the Voyager portion of our list, starting with the ships mohawked chef. He never fit into the shows plots, leaving him to spout dumb food jokes and platitudes of optimism to the weary crew. 35.) BElanna Torres (Voyager) Next we have the Human/Klingon hybrid lieutenant, whose entire personality too often boiled down to her being a hothead. In truth, she seemed to be designed as a hybrid of Worf and Tasha, but failed to even come close to being as memorable as either of them. 34.) Chakotay (Voyager) Another character that the writers ran out of material for. At best, Captain Janeways right hand man was a dull character. At worst, the attempts to honor Gene Roddenberrys dedication to diversity by delving into Chakotays Native American background came off as offensively stereotypical. In honour the late actors birthday (he would have been 65 today), we look back a some of his performances to explain what made him the star he was. He made TV unpredictable People forget that the crazy alien Mork was introduced during a particularly bizarre episode of family sitcom Happy Days and involved the comedian freaking out the Fonz. - Robin Williams: A Life In Quotes - Mara Wilson Plays Tribute To Mrs. Doubtfire Co-Star But watch an episode of the subsequent series Mork & Mindy (ABC had no choice but to commission a spin-off when they saw how hilarious Williams was in the role) and you really get a sense of his improv abilities. So good was he that the writers eventually started putting a stage direction in the scripts Robin goes off here where Williams was just expected to riff for the duration of the scene. That led to some amazing moments and castmates desperately trying not to giggle. He inspired a generation of teachers Oh captain, my captain, Carpe diem these were phrases from 1989s Dead Poets Society that made a host of wannabe educationalists think they could change the world. Dead Poets has its flaws (though Williams was rightly nominated for the Best Actor Oscar) but watching the actor as Mr Keating jumping on desks, doing classes outside and inspiring his pupils to defy authority (a bit) was stirring to many. When he died, Twitter users jumped onto the network to proclaim how influential hed been. Dead Poets Society made me want to be a teacher, wrote @TheLakePoets. I wanted to be a journalist, saw Dead Poets Society, changed plans and became a teacher, said Jacqueline Prins. As she added, Good actors do change the world. He wasnt afraid to shock his core audience Insomnia, One Hour Photo, even Good Will Hunting despite being a huggable comedian, the star was always in touch with his darker side. Clearly, as his suicide attests, he had his personal demons. And unlike many actors hellbent on maintaining their cuddly, family-friendly image, Williams wasnt against tapping into that negativity. Story continues The result was some of his best performances. As a killer outfoxing Al Pacino in a town without night, Insomnia is arguably one of Christopher Nolans best three films. Similarly, as Sean Maguire in Hunting, Williams made us empathise deeply with his loss, but also recognise the kernel of rage that drove him to help Matt Damons young prodigy. Mrs. Doubtfire Taking the mickey out of Pierce Brosnan; trying to pick up a woman forgetting that hes dressed like an old woman; that final farcical scene in the restaurantthe 1993 comedy pretty much sums up the actors many on-screen skills. Eliciting pathos in the midst of chaos, its a role that ONLY Williams could have played. He revolutionised animated voiceovers Yes, there had been iconic cartoon voices before (Phil Harris as Baloo), but think how Williams turn as the Genie in Aladdin shaped modern animated movie-making. For starters, it became cool for stars to lend their vocals to films. Without the Genie, its unlikely we would have had Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy in Shrek, Tom Hanks in Toy Story and so on. Furthermore, his performance helped change the way animators worked with their voice artists. The result is a quickfire, incredibly funny movie packed full of adult gags while aimed at kids. Few actors straddle that line as well as Robin Williams did. Photos: Action Press/Rex_Shutterstock/Giphy/Everett As every good businessman knows, Singapore is the place to set up a new company or your Southeast Asian hub. The problem is that were a small market, so were not that lucrative if youre selling a product or even a service - unless youre selling ghostbusting services. But wait, you may cry. There are so many bomohs and religious leaders here, surely someone would be able to take down whatever is haunting you. Thats true to some extent, but if theres something strange in the neighbourhood, who you gonna call? Russell Lee? So heres my informal proposal for getting the Ghostbusters to come to Singapore. Maybe Ghostbusters 2 will be shot in Singapore! Everywhere also got ghost. (Property Guru) 1. Everyone has seen/heard/smelt a ghost before. Our ghost population density is one of the highest in the world. Seriously. Do you know anyone who hasnt had a ghostly encounter before? Dont pee on trees because things live inside them. Every other toilet has had some sort of hair pulling supernatural shenanigans there. Ghostly white ladies roam the roads hailing taxis (or do they just Grab Taxi now and then no show?). The Ghostbusters will have a field day handling just one nights worth of ghosts. Are they in between the walls? (punggolwaterway.com) 2. Marbles in the HDB block I predict that the most steady income stream theyll have will be from those wretched marbles in the HDB blocks. Yes, we all know its due to the pipes contracting and expanding but youre secretly imagining pale ghostly children playing with marbles in between the walls right? Everyone will think the same way, and before long the Ghostbusters will have an SOP for this and will farm out this sort of ghostbusting to Thor Chris Hemsworth Kevin the himbo. Every entrepreneurs best friend. (PIC Grant) 3. Their high-tech equipment will win the governments hearts and money They are effectively carrying giant nuclear reactors in their backpacks along with mini-super computers, and that will please so many stat boards and ministries. So theres SMART Nation, who will use them as the poster boys for coding, computing, and DIY inventions. Theyll be able to claim so much from PIC grants because one Proton Pack can do the work of 10 bomohs. And finally, the Science Centre confirm plus chop will hold an exhibition on their equipment. So much of their business costs are settled already that their revenue will effectively become profit. Story continues Will Tyler Creasman call the Ghostbusters? (Swedish Immigrant) 4. Niche market for Western ghosts Have you seen the ghosts in Ghostbusters? They are translucent slimy floating things that seem more akin to colourful pee sai than long-haired wraiths dead-set on vengeance (dead set, geddit geddit?). Honestly, Id be more scared of seeing a real life Slimer than meeting a pontianak, because I really wouldnt know if salt or holy water or my Yang Qi will be enough to fend him off, and I doubt the nearest priest would either. So the Ghostbusters would specialise in destroying ang moh ghosts like this, and conquer the niche market for Western ghosts. Plus expatriates have deeper pockets, so they can charge more. One people, one nation, one Singapore. (IPS Commons) 5. Theyll fit right in the multicultural society Unlike the Ghostbusters, Singapore is naturally multicultural, with different races everywhere you look. The Ghostbusters stick out wherever they go because they are very obviously trying to be a multicultural, all-inclusive group. But here in Singapore, nobody will bat an eyelid. They can take all the wefies they want and well just think theyre regular folk. So no problems with assimilation there! Do you think the Ghostbusters would succeed here? Send us your business proposals soon and maybe well set up a ghostly containment unit soon! Marcus Goh is a Singapore television scriptwriter. Hes also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. He Tweets/Instagrams at Optimarcus and writes at marcusgohmarcusgoh.com. The views expressed are his own. Some time around the end of March, the U.S. passed the 1 million mark for solar installations, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Even more impressive is the fact that 90 percent of these systems came online in the last 10 years. Here are the stories of five families and one community that now depend on solar and how they paid for it. Home Equity Line in Arizona Who: Kathleen Watson Where: Buckeye, Arizona (just west of Phoenix) When she went solar: 2011 How she paid: Home Equity Line of Credit Upfront cost: $10,258 (after tax credit and local incentives) Why she paid with a HELOC: Kathleen didnt have the liquid cash to pay for the system outright, but also didnt want to take a lease that could have made it hard to sell her house. So, she put $10,000 on her HELOC, which she paid off in 37 months. Her interest payments for that loan totaled about $400 a year, but since they were tax deductible, the actual interest cost was about $300 a year for just over three years. Average monthly savings: More than $65 per month. Watson says she paid an average of $75 a month before she installed her solar system. Now she pays about $10 a month for connection fees, and her solar system is generating 100 percent of her power needs. Bottom line: Although it cost a lot more to go solar in 2011 than it does today, I have no regrets about doing the project when I did, says Kathleen, who as a single person living in a 1,400-square-foot home uses very little electricity. Its paid for, and I have been reaping the savingsand living with clean energyfor five years already. Cash in California Who: Jon and Mami Humann Where: Mission Viejo, California When they went solar: 2014 How they paid: Cash Upfront cost: $17,668 (after federal tax credit and a rebate from State of California) Why they paid cash: We both work as financial managers, and I created a spreadsheet to compare the overall economic benefits of a lease versus just buying the system outright, says Jon. The lease didnt produce significant savings. Over the course of his systems 30-year warranty, he says, the Humanns will come out about $80,000 ahead with the purchase compared to the lease. Average monthly savings: $233 Bottom line: In their first year with solar, before they installed their new Jacuzzi, the local utility issued the Humanns a $250 energy credit for the year. In year two, with the energy-guzzling outdoor spa, the Humanns paid $140 for electricity for the entire year. Their monthly savings will pay back the initial cost in a little over six years, Jon says, and then they estimate they will be ahead $2,860 per year. More on Alternative Energy A Loan in Maryland Who: Cathy and Randy Ribaudo Where: Rockville, Maryland When they went solar: 2016 How they paid: A 20-year solar loan Upfront cost: $0 Why they choose a solar loan: I didnt like the idea of a lease because the solar company is using all these customers' roofs to build a solar farm mostly for its own profit, says Randy. Plus, the lease offer contained an escalator clause that would have increased our payments about 3 percent a year on the assumption that electric rates will increase at that rate. We didnt want to commit to that. Average monthly savings: The Ribaudos report that they are breaking even. Their pre-solar electric bill was about $225 per month. Their solar system is generating more electricity than they use, but they are paying about $7 per month to be connected to the grid, and they pay $235 per month toward their solar loan. Bottom line: We considered other financing options, but the solar company offered an extended warranty if we went with their lender, says Randy. A Lease in New Jersey Who: John and Aimee Lyden Where: Williamstown, New Jersey When they went solar: 2015 How they paid: A 20-year solar lease Upfront cost: $0 Why they chose a lease: The Lydens are raising three kids on a single salaryhes a network administrator at Rowan Universityso paying $27,000 for solar panels was out of the question. I looked at the zero-down-payment solar loan options, but they were all predicated on giving the solar company $8,000 as soon as we got our check for the federal tax credit. Problem was, with their single income, high property taxes in Williamstown, New Jersey, and three child tax credits, he would receive only about $4,000 from the tax credit. Although the federal government would let him take another $4,000 credit the following tax year, the solar loan companies insisted on the full $8,000 in the month of June following installation. Unwilling to float the $4,000, he chose a solar lease insteadand hes been thrilled by the results. Average monthly savings: $40 per month Bottom line: The lease is perfect for us, says John. We are saving real money without any out-of-pocket costs at all. Off the Grid in Vermont Who: Sebastian Lousada and Sabra Ewing Where: Vershire, Vermont When they went solar: 1983 with upgrades over the years. Considering a major upgrade in 2016 Upfront cost: In 1983, they spent almost $5,000 in cash to install the system, and have spent about $4,000 in upgrades over the 33 years that they have had their system. For the upgrade installation they are considering now, the cost would be $13,874 (after federal tax credits) and they have not decided yet if they would pay cash or opt for a solar loan or lease. Why they chose to go solar: When Sebastian Lousada and Sabra Ewing built their home in 1983, on 250 acres in Vershire, Vermont, the nearest utility pole was a mile away. Running electrical lines would have cost $20,000, and we didnt want any part of nuclear power anyway, says Sebastian. So they initially installed a 200-watt array of solar panels on a wooden rack, (set low enough to allow Sebastian to brush off snow), wired them to a bank of batteries for lights in the evening, and manually turned on a propane-powered generator for those cloudy winter stretches when their electricity-sipping lifestyle (which includes a propane-powered refrigerator, gravity-fed well system, and wood stove for heat) drew more power than their system could support. We were incredibly careful about turning off lights and unplugging things when they were off to avoid phantom loads, he says, and we just tried to keep from needing that generator. That effort has gotten easier and easier over the years as theyve added panels. We have six different types up there now, Sebastian says. Its like a museum of solar technology. Sebastian and Sabra have replaced the batteries every six years or so, and have upgraded the inverter. Its currently a 0.8 kilowatt system, but it may get a lot bigger. The couple is now considering a major system upgrade.Green Mountain Power, their local utility, has presented a plan to install 12 new solar panels that would produce 3.36 kilowatts. Total cost: $13,874, after the federal tax credit. This installation would include six Aquion saline battery stacks, which have several advantages over other technologies, according to Josh Castonguay, chief innovative officer at Green Mountain Power. Saline batteries have a high cycle life, can discharge 100 percent of their capacity, and hold their charge for weeks without significant energy loss, he says. Plus, theyre nonflammable. The new system will allow the couple to add more lights to their house and, most importantly, upgrade the heat in the barn where they run Vermont Hard Cyder, a winery, distillery, and cider mill. A City Powered by Solar With about 13,000 residents, North Adams is one of the smallest cities in Massachusetts, set in picturesque Berkshire County near the New Hampshire and New York state lines. Since September of 2015, 80 percent of the power for the citys 33 buildings has come from its three solar arraysthe largest of which is a 14-acre, 3.5-megawatt field of photovoltaic panels that sits atop a capped landfill. The landfill is on a 170-acre parcel, so no neighbors were affected and there was no opposition to the project, says Ross A. Vivori, the city assessor, who spearheaded the solar project. Installed at no upfront cost to taxpayers through a lease arrangement, the panels have slashed the citys electric bill. Before the solar went in, the city spent about $900,000 a year for electricity. For fiscal year 2016, North Adams first full solar-powered year, the city has saved 42 percent in energy, according to Vivori, about $378,000roughly the cost of six teacher salaries in the area. Since installation, the landfill array has provided (at publication time) about 1.85 gigawatt hours of electricity, preventing the release of 4.8 million pounds of carbon, the equivalent of planting 55,482 trees. 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. (Adds context) By Lauren Hirsch and Chris Prentice NEW YORK, July 21 (Reuters) - Brewers Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller received U.S. antitrust approval for their $107 billion merger on Wednesday, bringing the largest-ever consumer products deal a big step closer to completion. The combination of the world's top brewers, which together will make nearly 30 percent of the world's beer, now only needs regulatory clearance from China, a blessing that is widely expected given the proposed divestment of SAB's business there. The deal has already been cleared by Australia, Europe and South Africa, and AB InBev said it still expects closure this year. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) approval, which is notable after the regulatory authority derailed several recent mega-mergers, came a day before SABMiller was to meet with shareholders at its annual general meeting in London. While its takeover by the Belgian-based brewer of Budweiser is not yet on the agenda for a shareholder vote, there has been speculation in recent weeks that some activist shareholders may try to push for a renegotiation of terms, given the steep drop in the British currency. AB InBev will make concessions beyond its publicly stated offer to sell SAB's stake in MillerCoors, its U.S. joint venture with Denver-based Molson Coors, as part of the deal. AB InBev will also have to curb its use of incentive programs to limit competition. Reuters previously reported that the DOJ was investigating AB InBev's practice of financially rewarding beer distributors for selling more of its own beer than its competitors. Craft beer companies had vocally objected to the practice, which they argued hurt their ability to sell. "Independent distributors that sell (AB InBev's) beer will have the freedom to sell and promote the variety of beers that many Americans drink," Deputy Assistant Attorney General Sonia Pfaffenroth of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division said. The world's top two brewers hold brands Budweiser, Stella Artois, Miller and Pilsner Urquell. Story continues "While we will make some adjustments to certain aspects of our U.S. sales programs and policies, our fundamental approach and commitment to this market will not change," said AB InBev Chief Executive Officer Carlos Brito in a statement. AB InBev will also be required to secure the DOJ's approval before acquiring any beer distributors or craft beer brands. AB InBev has already acquired several regional craft beer companies, looking to benefit from a rapidly growing niche market in the slowing beer industry. Recent deals include Colorado-based Breckenridge Brewing, Oregon-based 10 Barrel Brewing and Virginia-based Devil's Backbone Brewing Company. "The DOJ's significant requirements ... appear to address some of our major apprehensions with the merger. With effective enforcement of these provisions, small brewers can rely on their independent distributor partners to access the market," Bob Pease, president and chief executive officer of the Brewers Association, said in a statement on Wednesday. Terms of AB InBev's agreement with the DOJ expire in 10 years. AB InBev will also divest the rights to all SABMiller beer brands currently imported or licensed for sale in the United States. Molson Coors Brewing Co, which will buy SAB's 58 percent stake in their U.S. joint venture, saw its shares close up 3 percent at $100.80 on Wednesday. The deal changes little within the U.S market, according to Adam Fleck, equity analyst with Morningstar in Chicago. Still, he added: "There's a chance to increase the profitability for Molson Coors and MillerCoors enterprises that will make MillerCoors more competitive." Globally, the deal positions the combined companies to dwarf rivals like Heineken and Carlsberg. AB InBev will have more breweries in Latin America and Asia and an entrance to Africa, as major markets such as the United States weaken due to craft beer popularity. (Additional reporting by Martinne Geller in London; Editing by Michele Gershberg, Bernard Orr and Mark Potter) BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Anheuser-Busch InBev said on Wednesday it welcomed the approval of its takeover of SABMiller by the United States Department of Justice, and reaffirmed its intention to close the deal by the end of the year. Anheuser-Busch said in a statement "it has entered into a consent decree with the United States Department of Justice, which clears the way for U.S. approval of its recommended combination with SABMiller". "The company reaffirmed its expectation to close the global transaction in the second half of 2016," it added. The Justice Department's antitrust division is expected to announce a settlement agreement later on Wednesday allowing the merger to proceed. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio, editing by David Evans) LONDON (Reuters) - Aberdeen Asset Management (ADN.L) has reduced the levy on withdrawing from its UK property funds, it said on Thursday, as a surge of investor redemption requests following Britain's vote to leave the European Union began to slow. Abdereen said it has reduced the dilution adjustment on its UK Property fund and UK Property Feeder Unit Trust from 17 to 7 percent. The move reduces the hit that investors take for selling out of the fund. Aberdeen said the change reflects a reduction in the volume of redemptions by investors in the last week and a rise in its cash balances after a number of property sales. "Our hope is that trading in the funds continues to revert to more normal levels. This should allow us, in time, to remove the dilution adjustment altogether," Aberdeen Chief Executive Martin Gilbert said. The asset manager lifted the suspension on investors withdrawing money from the funds on July 13, after freezing exits in the wake of Britain's vote to leave the European Union, in common with several other property funds. Andrew Bailey, chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority which regulates property funds, told Britain's parliament on Wednesday there was a need to avoid fire sales of property to meet redemption requests from investors. "The latest evidence we have is that the position is stabilising, the pattern of withdrawal requests versus investment requests has gone much more into balance," Bailey said. More than 18 billion pounds in UK commercial property funds aimed at retail investors were frozen in early July following a tide of redemption requests. Aberdeen said it applied the dilution adjustment to reflect the fact that properties would have to be sold for below market value in order to provide liquidity. (Reporting By Lawrence White and Huw Jones; Editing by Rachel Armstrong and Sinead Cruise) From Esquire If Kanye wants to work with you, that's probably a good sign. And while Ye's love for Adidas has certainly helped pad the brand's coffers, it isn't the only thing that has the Three Stripes flying high. According to the company's most recent financial report, profits are soaring, with Q1 growth at over 31 percent. And it isn't just Yeezy Boosts, Stan Smiths, and Pharrell collabs that are getting the job done. [contentlinks align="left" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="More Adidas" customtitles="Adidas Finally Introduces Colored Boost Technology" customimages="" content="article.46635"] According to Paul Bowyer, senior director of running at Adidas North America, the biggest area of growth is in running shoes, specifically with the UltraBoost and the AlphaBounce. "The momentum we have in running is undeniable," says Bowyer. "We're seeing runners switch brands, athletes choose Adidas over our competitors and sneakerheads demand a performance shoe." Based on the numbers provided by Adidas, the UltraBoost Uncaged is their fastest-selling performance shoe ever (at least in America). More than 11,000 pairs were sold in the first hour alone, and the style sold out completely in a day. The AlphaBounce wasn't far behind, selling out the first shipment in only 48 hours. With more and more athletes choosing Adidas as their performance shoes, and with the brand increasingly becoming a player in the streetwear scene, it isn't hard to see why their fortunes are up and why a certain competitor is having a bit of a tough time lately. By Heather Somerville SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Agriculture technology startup Indigo has raised $100 million in a new round of funding, bringing its total financing to more than $150 million, a sign of growing investor interest in new ways to ease food scarcity. The $100 million investment led by the Alaska Permanent Fund, a $54.3 billion fund owned and managed by the state of Alaska, is believed to be the largest single financing round into the private ag-tech sector, Indigo said on Thursday. The $156 million raised by Indigo so far will support the Massachusetts-based company's efforts to create resilient crops that can better withstand water shortages. Indigo, which declined to give its valuation, restructures seeds by adding microbes to farm crops. This helps crops to be more resistant to insects, drought, severe weather and nutrient-poor soil, the company said. Microbes are a diverse group of microscopic organisms found in humans, plants and animals, and living everywhere from the surface of rocks to bottom of the ocean. Some cause disease, but others are essential to life - they break down waste, for instance, and help humans digest food and plants grow. According to Indigo, the microbes in plants have changed as more pesticides have been introduced to agriculture. Indigo has sequenced the genome of more than 40,000 microbes, building a massive database, Chief Executive Officer David Perry told Reuters. He said the company has identified microbes that may help plants survive more stressed conditions, particularly those brought by climate change. Indigo has not yet earned any cash from sales of the new technology and the results of its efforts are not yet known. The company's revenue will come from future payments at harvest, based on a farmer's increased earnings as a result of the higher yield from Indigo's seed technology. The company's cotton seeds were planted this spring on more than 50,000 acres, primarily in western Texas, Perry said. It is the company's first commercial product. Story continues "Ultimately we will judge our success on the yields at harvest, Perry said. Trials have shown a 10 percent greater yield of cotton when water was scarce, he said. Farmers will plant Indigo's reformulated wheat seeds, which the company said will grow better in water-scarce environments, on more than 20 million acres in parched states including Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado this fall. Indigo aims to also re-engineer soy and corn seeds. "They are also big economic opportunities," Perry said. (Reporting by Heather Somerville; Editing by Diane Craft) Combined revenue of $4.99 million for the month of June represents a 22% increase versus the average of the prior 12 months [1] Expanded distribution, excellent base-volume growth in national accounts, and increased levels of promoted-volume all contributed to growth Integration of businesses and plans to capture $7.5 million in committed cost and revenue synergies on track DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / July 21, 2016 / New Age Beverage Corporation (formerly American Brewing and Bucha, Inc.) (ABRW), the Colorado-based owner of the XingTea, XingEnergy, Aspen Pure, and the Bucha Live Kombucha brands today announced that it achieved its highest recorded month in history in June. Company-wide sales on a combined and integrated basis was up 22% for the month versus the prior 12 month average, with its Aspen Pure Brand, Bucha Live Kombucha brand, and its Colorado Distribution arm leading growth. "Of the 13 or so years we have been in operation, this was our highest month ever," said Scott LeBon, CEO of NABC, Inc., New Age Beverage's operating company. "I am so pleased because we delivered the result in the midst of our integration and creation of the new company with no loss of focus whatsoever. We have distributed huge brands like Vitamin Water, Monster and others via our Colorado distributor that historically really contributed. Now, we have a new portfolio and our own portfolio and they are doing great. Xing, Aspen Pure, and now Bucha are all contributing and building momentum heading into the most important months of the year." For the month of June, the Functional Waters group, led by the Aspen Pure brand, was up 19% in revenue versus the average in the prior 12 month period. The Kombucha Beverages group, led by Bucha Live Kombucha, was up 23% vs. the prior 12 months average, and the remainder of the business including XingTea, XingEnergy and the New Age Distribution group was up 22% over the same time period. The New Age Beverage Corporation was created in the end of June to provide a portfolio of healthy beverages as alternatives for consumers. Since that time the team has been focusing on converging the businesses and capturing committed cost and revenue sysnergies of $7.5 million. In revenue synergies the Company is expanding distribution of Bucha into the historical XingTea and New Age accounts, and XingTea and the other brands into Bucha's key customers. That focus is already contributing to sales with multiple new points of distribution for the Company's brands since the merger. Story continues [1] Results for the 1-month period ending 6/30/16 of consolidated proforma net revenues (unaudited) About New Age Beverage Corporation New Age Beverage Corporation is a Colorado-based, healthy functional beverage company originally founded in 2003 and re-created via the combination of XingTea, Aspen Pure Artesian Water, Bucha Live Kombucha, and New Age Beverages in June 2016. The Company trades under the symbol ABRW on the OTC exchange and intends to file with FINRA for a new trading symbol as soon as the Company name change is finalized. The Company competes in the fast growing healthy functional beverage segments including Ready to Drink (RTD) Tea, Kombucha, Energy Drinks and Functional Waters with the Brands XingTea, Bucha Live Kombucha, XingEnergy, and Aspen Pure. The brands are sold in 46 states within the US and in more than 10 countries internationally across all channels via direct and store door distribution systems. The company operates the websites www.mybucha.com, www.xingtea.com, www.aspenpure.com. Safe Harbor Disclosure This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions 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. Forward-looking statements are any statement reflecting management's current expectations regarding future results of operations, economic performance, financial condition and achievements of the Company including statements regarding New Age Beverage Corporation's expectation to see continued growth. The forward-looking statements are based on the assumption that operating performance and results will continue in line with historical results. Management believes these assumptions to be reasonable but there is no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. New Age Beverage Corporation competes in a rapidly growing and transforming industry, and other factors disclosed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission might affect the Company's operations. Unless required by applicable law, ABRW undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. For investor inquiries about New Age Beverage Corporation please contact: Chuck Ence cence@newagebev.us Websites: www.mybucha.com www.xingtea.com www.aspenpure.com SOURCE: New Age Beverage Corporation By Angela Moon NEW YORK (Reuters) - Airbnb said on Wednesday it hired former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to help craft its anti-discrimination policy to combat discrimination occurring on the home-sharing company's platform. Airbnb, which allows private homeowners, or "hosts," on the site to rent apartments and houses on a short-term basis, has received complaints of discrimination based on race, gender and sexual orientation. "While we have a policy that prohibits discrimination, we want this policy to be stronger," Airbnb Chief Executive Brian Chesky said in a blog post announcing the hiring of Holder. Holder, the first African American to hold the position of U.S. Attorney General, will be working with John Relman, a civil rights attorney and authority "on fair housing and public accommodation issues," Chesky said. In June, Holder wrote to lawmakers on behalf of ride-hailing service Uber to argue against the use of fingerprint-based background checks as they consider how to regulate ride-hailing service drivers. Airbnb has said that discrimination occurring on its platform is the biggest challenge facing the company. Last month, the hashtag #AirbnbWhileBlack trended heavily on Twitter in the United States, serving as a forum for black travelers to share experiences of racial discrimination from white Airbnb hosts. By Angela Moon NEW YORK (Reuters) - Airbnb said on Wednesday it hired former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to help craft its anti-discrimination policy to combat discrimination occurring on the home-sharing company's platform. Airbnb, which allows private homeowners, or "hosts," on the site to rent apartments and houses on a short-term basis, has received complaints of discrimination based on race, gender and sexual orientation. "While we have a policy that prohibits discrimination, we want this policy to be stronger," Airbnb Chief Executive Brian Chesky said in a blog post announcing the hiring of Holder. Holder, the first African American to hold the position of U.S. Attorney General, will be working with John Relman, a civil rights attorney and authority "on fair housing and public accommodation issues," Chesky said. In June, Holder wrote to lawmakers on behalf of ride-hailing service Uber to argue against the use of fingerprint-based background checks as they consider how to regulate ride-hailing service drivers. Airbnb has said that discrimination occurring on its platform is the biggest challenge facing the company. Last month, the hashtag #AirbnbWhileBlack trended heavily on Twitter in the United States, serving as a forum for black travelers to share experiences of racial discrimination from white Airbnb hosts. (Additional reporting by Heather Sommerville in San Francisco) Los Angeles laws require hosts of short-term rentals (for 30-90 days) to pay the same lodging tax as hotels. However, the city has had a hard time hunting down hosts flaunting the rules via online rental services. Effective August, hosts will be taxed 14% through Airbnb. The company will collect taxes from hosts and pay a lump sum to the city. The city budget is already counting on collecting $5 million annually from the Airbnb deal, according to the Los Angeles Times. Also, as part of the deal, city officials will be able to audit tax payments and fine Airbnb for advertising rentals that are not registered with the city. Los Angeles is the second largest American market for Airbnb, after New York. However, short-term rentals of less than 30 days are not legal in the city. The tax agreement is part of Airbnbs technique to work towards complete legalization. These agreements allow cities to rightfully benefit in the economic impact of home sharing while also making it easier for Airbnb hosts, the vast majority of whom are middle class people sharing their own home, to comply with local tax laws, John Choi, Airbnbs Los Angeles public policy manager, said in a statement. We are pleased that this process is moving forward and will benefit Angelenos. Rentals on Airbnb are currently taxed in over 190 cities around the world, and the company says it has paid out $85 million in tax revenue. Related Articles By Kit Rees and Atul Prakash LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's top share index slipped on Thursday after four straight days of gains, with airline stocks falling sharply after industry bellwethers easyJet and Lufthansa warned of slower bookings and a worsening outlook. Shares in easyJet (EZJ.L) dropped 5.3 percent after the carrier said it could not predict the outcome for the end of the year as growing security concerns, weaker consumer confidence and currency volatility hit the group during its most profitable peak summer period. The sector also came under pressure after Lufthansa (LHAG.DE), Germany's largest airline, cut its full-year profit target saying advance bookings to Europe had fallen sharply due to "terrorist attacks in Europe and to greater political and economic uncertainty". Its shares slid 6 percent. "The airline sector looks set for a pretty unpleasant ride in the short term, and investors might want to fasten their seat belts, because there could be turbulence ahead," Nicholas Hyett, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said. "The industry has been increasing capacity for some time and that is starting to have an effect on pricing, squeezing revenue per seat. Until now easyJet has been coping well, with rising passenger numbers offsetting lower revenues per seat. Capacity growth is continuing but the scale of yield declines is nonetheless starting to hit revenues." Airline stocks, including a 3.6 percent drop in British Airways owner IAG (ICAG.L), dragged the blue-chip FTSE 100 share index (.FTSE) to close 0.4 percent lower at 6,699.89 points. However, the index is up 5.6 percent from a slump arising from Britain's June 23 vote to leave the European Union. On the positive side, equipment rental company Ashtead (AHT.L) rose 5.1 percent, gathering strength from a surge in shares of U.S. peer United Rentals (URI.N) after it reported better than expected results overnight. Among mid-caps, bookmaker William Hill (WMH.L) rallied 10.6 percent, recovering its post-Brexit losses, after the company fired Chief Executive James Henderson because the bookmaker's board said he was failing to deliver enough growth in online and international gambling. Story continues Shares in William Hill had fallen to a four-year low on June 24 immediately after the Brexit vote, and remain more than 20 percent down since its profit warning in March. "We view the CEO departure as relatively unsurprising given pressures in the online business (company profit warning in March) and are encouraged that 2016 guidance is retained," analysts at Credit Suisse said in a note. Online electricals retailer AO World (AO.L) jumped 9.8 percent after saying its full-year outlook was unchanged despite economic uncertainty following the Brexit vote and its potential effect on consumer confidence and suppliers' foreign exchange exposure. "The company continues to grow its European proposition, with sales more than doubling during Q1 year-on-year," Shore Capital said in a note. "Encouragingly for investors, the business is making advances in achieving a positive gross margin whilst also commencing trading from its new Bergheim logistics base." (Reporting by Atul Prakash; editing by Mark Heinrich) Delta Air Lines DAL kicked off the second-quarter earnings season for the airline sector last week with an earnings beat. United Continental Holdings UAL also posted a second-quarter earnings beat on Jul 19 (after market close). The Chicago-based carrier went a step ahead by beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate on the revenue front as well. With more reports scheduled for release, we will soon gain an insight into the sectors overall second-quarter performance. Despite the bottom-line outperformance of two key players in the airline space, there is no denying the fact that carriers are struggling to deal with multiple headwinds. The increase in terror attacks is a looming threat to airlines. This is because such attacks give rise to the possibility of air travel demand slackening due to security fears. Furthermore, the Brexit vote late last month also dealt a heavy blow to carriers which have a significant U.K. exposure. Subsequently, carriers like Delta have announced their intentions to trim capacity to UK. Apart from other challenges, unit revenue issues are also a dampener. That unit revenue problems are not a thing of the past can be made out from United Continentals bearish guidance with respect to passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM: a key measure of unit revenue) for the third quarter. Notwithstanding the impressive start, we expect the above headwinds to hurt airlines second-quarter earnings. This can be made out from the fact that second-quarter earnings for the transportation sector (of which airlines are a part) are projected to decline13.9%. The top line is expected to shrink 1.4%. Investors interested in the transportation sector eagerly await the earnings releases by major airline players on Jul 22. Lets take a look at the possibilities of a beat or miss these players have. American Airlines Group Inc. AAL is slated to release second-quarter 2016 results before market opens. The company posted an earnings surprise of 5.93% in the first quarter of 2016. Moreover, the company recorded an earnings surprise in each of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 2.74%. It is to be seen how the company performs this time around. Story continues According to our quantitative model, a company needs the right combination of two key ingredients a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better to increase its odds of an earnings surprise. The Fort Worth, TX-based carrier has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). The combination makes an earnings beat unlikely. As it is, we caution against Sell-rated stocks going into the earnings announcement (read more: American Airlines Q2 Earnings Likely to Disappoint). AMER AIRLINES Price and EPS Surprise AMER AIRLINES Price and EPS Surprise | AMER AIRLINES Quote Controladora Vuela Compania de Aviacion, S.A.B. de C.V. VLRS is an airliner that focuses on passenger transport. The Mexican carrier also engages in non-passenger services, transporting cargo shipments, animals, fresh food, among others. The carrier has a positive Earnings ESP of 28.57% with the Most Accurate Estimate exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 28 cents by 8 cents. However, the carriers Zacks Rank # 4 (Sell) acts as a spoiler making an earnings beat unlikely for the second quarter. Results will be out before market opens tomorrow. CONTROLADORA VL Price and EPS Surprise CONTROLADORA VL Price and EPS Surprise | CONTROLADORA VL Quote 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 DELTA AIR LINES (DAL): Free Stock Analysis Report CONTROLADORA VL (VLRS): Free Stock Analysis Report UNITED CONT HLD (UAL): Free Stock Analysis Report AMER AIRLINES (AAL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Algiers (AFP) - Ejecting Western Sahara from the African Union is "impossible", Algeria's prime minister said Thursday after his country's arch-rival Morocco urged the bloc to rethink its position on the "phantom state". Morocco quit the AU in protest in 1984 after the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) was accepted as a member, but its monarch said Sunday that it hopes to rejoin the bloc. Morocco regards the former Spanish colony as its sovereign territory, but a local independence movement -- backed by Algeria -- has long fought for self-determination. On Sunday Morocco's King Mohammed VI told AU leaders his country wants to rejoin the union, but said recognition of a "pseudo state" is "hard for the Moroccan people to accept". Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal told journalists outside parliament on Thursday that reconsidering Western Sahara's status was "impossible". "If Morocco wants to join the AU without preconditions, Algeria will have no problem, but there are procedures to follow," he said. Morocco's return to the AU would need to be validated by a vote. In 1991, the United Nations brokered a ceasefire between Moroccan troops and Sahrawi rebels of the Algerian-backed independence movement the Polisario Front but a promised referendum to settle the status of the desert territory has yet to materialise. "The position of Algeria is clear and constant: we support the UN solution and respect for international law," said Sellal. Algeria has "no problem with the Moroccan people or Morocco in general," he said. He said Algeria was ready to re-open discussions on bilateral cooperation. Algeria has kept the land border between the two countries closed since 1994. In a message sent to an AU summit in Kigali and quoted by the MAP Moroccan news agency, King Mohammed VI said that although Morocco had left the club, "it never quit Africa". "For a long time our friends have been asking us to return to them, so that Morocco can take up its natural place within its institutional family. The moment has now come," the monarch said on Sunday. Jeff Bezos Sebastian Thrun Sun Valley Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is now the third-richest man in the world. According to Bloomberg, Bezos' total net worth hit $65.05 billion on Thursday, pushing him past Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway's founder, by $32 million. That puts Bezos' net worth behind only two people in the world: Amancio Ortega, Spain's business magnate, best known for founding the clothing retailer Zara, and Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates. Bezos' rise is largely because of his stock ownership in Amazon, the online retailer that's now the fifth most valuable company in the US behind Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft, and ExxonMobil. Amazon's stock has been on an absolute tear since February, jumping over 50% in less than five months. It was only in April when Bezos displaced Mexican mogul Carlos Slim as the fourth-richest person in the world. But Bloomberg also pointed out that Buffett's net worth took a hit this month after he donated $2.2 billion in July. Bezos' net worth could grow even more next week, when Amazon reports its quarterly earnings, which most analysts expect to be another blowout quarter. But don't expect Bezos to celebrate his wealth in any fancy way. He's notorious for his frugality, which is deeply ingrained in Amazon's corporate culture as well. Perhaps he's more interested in seeing how his cameo role in the upcoming "Star Trek Beyond" will look like this weekend. NOW WATCH: You may have Amazon credits waiting for you here's how to check More From Business Insider Amazon Prime is offering a new benefit to some members: student-loan discounts. Amazon and Wells Fargo on Thursday announced a partnership that will offer Amazon Prime Student members a discount on private student loans taken out through Wells Fargo Education Financial Services, the banks student lending arm. Prime Student members are eligible for a 0.50% discount on Wells Fargo-issued loans. Prime Student members are also eligible for an additional 0.25% discount for enrolling in automatic monthly repayments. Amazon Prime is the workhorse of Amazons retail business, and this move is clearly aimed at indoctrinating future members from a young age. Amazons Prime Student memberships are already half the cost of a regular membership, though of course youre incentivized to remain a member after graduation if this is tied to the rate on student loans. A report from earlier this summer indicated that 52% of all Amazon customers in the US were Prime members. These 63 million Prime members spent more than double the amount annually $1,200 versus $500 that non-Prime members spent on the site. In his annual letters to shareholders, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos describes Prime (and Amazons other business units) as a flywheel, or a wheel that can be pushed on at any point to accelerate its rotation. In the latest edition, Bezos wrote that Amazon wanted Prime to be such a good value that youd be irresponsible not to be a member. So whether that means offering more items via same-day Prime Now delivery, or more good shows on Prime Video, or a discount on student loans via a partnership with the USs biggest bank, Amazon has found another way to grease that wheel a little more. NOW WATCH: You may have Amazon credits waiting for you heres how to check More From Business Insider By Giulia Segreti MILAN (Reuters) - Online retailer Amazon.com is set to announce on Friday the first in a series of investments in Italy worth at least 500 million euros ($550 million), a bet on the government's plan to go from laggard to leader in digital commerce, sources said. Amazon will invest 150 million euros to build a major storage and logistics center outside Rome, its second in Italy, said one source close to the matter. The new center, due to open next year, will employ 1,200 people. "There are wide margins of growth for small and medium businesses in Italy, which are still very much behind their European counterparts on e-commerce," the source said. It will be the biggest foreign IT investment to be unveiled in Italy since Prime Minister Matteo Renzi announced in April a new tactic to speed up broadband rollout across the country. He enlisted the help of state-controlled utility Enel to lay fibre-optic cable alongside its existing power network. The European Union's fourth-largest economy comes last in the EU for Internet usage, with barely half of Italian households subscribing to fixed-line broadband. However, online shopping is growing and will have almost doubled between 2011 and the end of this year when transactions are estimated to reach around 19 billion euros, according to national ecommerce association Netcomm. Amazon also plans to build data centers in Italy in the next 12 months for its expanding cloud-service division, housing them in old power stations belonging to Enel, two sources said. Enel Chief Executive Francesco Starace has said previously that Amazon is among companies interested in acquiring three old stations, following reports by newspaper Corriere della Sera. Amazon has a share of 14 percent of Italian Internet retailing, second to eBay with 24 percent, according to research firm Euromonitor International. It has already invested some 450 million euros in the last six years in Italy, its fourth largest European market, after the United Kingdom, Germany and France. Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos will visit Italy and is set to meet Renzi in Florence on Friday, sources said. (Additional reporting by Emma Thomasson in Berlin; Editing by Mark Bendeich) Say its Saturday night in Kabul and youre a $200-a-month Afghan soldier whos a little short on cash. What to do? One easy way to raise a few Afghanis, the local currency, is to jam a clip into your M16 or AK-47, blow off a bunch of rounds and sell the cartridge casings to a scrap metal dealer. And if youre out for a really big night, fire off a few artillery shells. A Reuters story today suggests that the cash-for-ammo-trash business is one reason why the U.S. spent more than $300 million on ammo for Afghan Security Forces last year. Afghan Defense Ministry officials denied that there was a problem, but a commander in Helmand province said troops can fire off 10,000-20,000 rounds in a single night with no Taliban casualties to be found. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: Ibtihaj Muhammad Ibtihaj Muhammad (pronounced: Ib-tee-haj) isn't going to the Olympics worried about all of the bad news that's coming out of Rio. She's going with a different goal in mind: to change the perception of Muslim women. While winning medals is a goal, her primary focus might be more about changing people's perceptions. "I want people to see that there are Muslim women who challenge the stereotypes and conceptions of what Muslim women are," Muhammad told Business Insider. And that's what she's all about. Muhammad is the first Muslim-American to qualify for the Olympics as someone who wears a hijab, a traditional Muslim headscarf. To some, this could simply be glossed over, but the significance of this should not and cannot be lost, especially given the current state of the world. "I feel that Muslims aren't always painted in the most positive light," Muhammad said. "I want to hopefully show Muslims a different narrative than what we're used to hearing." She added that she's seeking to overturn the notion that all Muslim women are "docile, oppressed, that we're all Arab," instead wanting to showcase the potential that a Muslim woman has on as grand a stage as the Olympics. As a member of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People, it's undeniable that Muhammad's already done a fair bit of work when it comes to advocating for Muslim women. After all, it's not every day that a fencer is named as a Pioneer on that list with people like Aziz Ansari and Alan Stern. But her story as an observant Muslim woman from New Jersey is, as Time magazine says, "That's not just the story of Ibtihaj Muhammad. That's the story of America." NOW WATCH: Usain Bolts key to winning More From Business Insider On Wednesday night, America will meet the man who could be the nations next chief executive officerand its not Donald Trump. The Constitution says that the executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America, but Trump isnt one to be bound by tradition. He has, instead, made it clear that he intends to hire the best and the most talented people to exercise power on his behalf. And right at the top, running the United States government, would be Trumps pick for vice president: Indiana Governor Mike Pence. Thats how those closest to Trump have described the role. He needs an experienced person to do the part of the job he doesnt want to do, Paul Manafort told the Huffington Posts Howard Fineman about the VP search back in May. He seems himself more as the chairman of the board, than even the CEO, let alone the COO. And, The New York Times Magazine reported Wednesday, Donald Trump Jr. described the vice presidency in similar terms to a senior Kasich adviser: Donald Jr. wanted to make him an offer nonetheless: Did he have any interest in being the most powerful vice president in history? When Kasichs adviser asked how this would be the case, Donald Jr. explained that his fathers vice president would be in charge of domestic and foreign policy. Its a long way from John Nance Garners memorable description of the office as not worth a warm bucket of piss. Recommended: It's Official: Hillary Clinton Is Running Against Vladimir Putin So its striking how little focus theres been on Pences record as an executive. He made his reputation in Congress as a legislator and advocate of conservative ideas, and his tenure as governor may be best known for a series of ideological clashes, including over religious freedom and gay rights. But the office for which hes been tapped is, as Trump imagines it, an operational role, not an ideological one. Story continues On that score, some observers give Pence strong marks. We have a pretty effective government, said Laura Albright, a professor of political science at the University of Indianapolis. His administrationalthough it has had its own controversies policy wisehas gotten a lot done. The Trump campaign has been noticeably tardy in embarking on the long, arduous process of selecting and vetting prospective appointees in a Trump administration. Thats one of Pences strengths. To Pence's credit, he has a good understanding of what kinds of traits and qualities are needed for the positions, Albright said. Relative to some other governors, he's done a really good job of finding people who fit positions. But not all Indianans agree. Before he abandoned his re-election bid to join Trumps ticket, Pence faced an uncertain political future in the state. I don't think it's any secret that this race was going to be very close and very much a referendum on Mike Pence because he just wasn't popular, the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institutes president John Ketzenberger told NPR. Recommended: Michelle Obama's Glorious and Savvy 'Carpool Karaoke' Clip And whatever Pences successes as an administrator, hes struggled to deal with dissent. He tried setting up a state news agency in 2015, to bypass the independent press, only to abandon the half-baked proposal in the face of near-universal criticism. Similarly, he hasnt gotten along with independent officials. Indiana elects an unusual number of statewide officeholdersnot just a governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general, but also a secretary of state, treasurer, auditor, and superintendent of public instruction. All but that last office are occupied by Republicans. Pence, though, clashed with the Democratic schools superintendent, then tried to outflank her. He briefly established a parallel state agency she didnt control; stripped her automatic appointment as chair of the state Board of Education; and pulled the plug on an $80 million federal grant. Given the number of federal independent agencies, many of which will retain Democratic majorities even if Trump wins, its a worrying precedent. In the months between now and November, Pences record is likely to receive substantially more scrutiny. But for the moment, hes being assessed mostly in terms of his electoral impactlikely negligibleand not as the man who might run the federal government for the next four years. Thats a mistake. Trumps advisors have made it perfectly clear that he intends to delegate day-to-day operational responsibility to his vice president. When Pence takes the stage tonight, voters should listen closely. They could well be hearing from the nations next chief executive. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Conservative commentator Ann Coulter sat down with Michael Isikoff of Yahoo News at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland Tuesday to talk about Donald Trump, Roger Ailes and her dream of blowing up the Republican establishment. Mike Pence: The stupid choice A vocal Trump supporter, Coulter has made no effort to hide her disappointment in the Republican presidential nominees choice of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate. Asked to envision a scenario in which Trump is elected and then somehow rendered incapacitated, causing Pence to become president, Coulter said, Thats not good. We wouldve been so close to saving America, and because of this stupid choice it will all be lost. Roger Ailes never sexually harassed me Perhaps the biggest story emerging outside the Quicken Loans Arena this week is the imminent departure of longtime Fox News head Roger Ailes amid allegations of sexual harassment. Isikoff asked Coulter, a longtime Fox News commentator, Does it bother you that the head of Fox News may have been a serial sexual harasser of women on his network? Coulter replied that she doesnt know whether the allegations are true, so I guess that kind of makes a difference. Regardless, she said, I have no inside information on whats happening, adding that she never actually worked for Fox News, contrary to popular belief. I ran into Roger Ailes at Rush Limbaughs house, at Geraldos wedding, she said. He never sexually harassed me. How do you solve a problem like Paul Manafort? Mike Pence isnt the only member of Team Trump who rubs Coulter the wrong way. Her dissatisfaction with campaign director Paul Manafort has also been well documented on Twitter. What, Isikoff asked, is Coulters problem with Manafort? Hes a political consultant, she replied. They dont care about the country, they care about making money. Her problem, she explained, is less about Manafort and more about political consultants in general, who, she worries, will ruin Donald Trump the same way they ruined [Marco] Rubio and others. Story continues For Petes sake, its not like we looked around the country and thought, I want a reality TV star to run for president, Coulter said. Trump was the only one who wasnt being controlled by consultants. Now, she argues, he too is being advised by the exact class of people who have destroyed my party. The solution? I want to blow up the political consultants, the pollsters, the entire Republican establishment, she said even if Al Sharpton had to become president to do that. The Coulter effect Donald Trumps road to the Republican National Convention is paved with border wall promises and attacks on immigrants. But Isikoff believes it was Coulter who actually influenced Trumps views on the issue that would become the cornerstone of his campaign. Sure, Trump had made comments about his opposition to immigration reform and the need to build a wall. But, Isikoff pointed out, it wasnt until after reading Coulters book Adios America: The Lefts Plan to Turn Our Country Into a Third World Hellhole that Trump really started to ramp up the rhetoric. Coulter happily embraced this theory, claiming that shed sent the book to several other conservative leaders including three of Trumps Republican primary rivals with no results. Then, the week before Adios America came out, I did that interview with Jorge Ramos, she said, referring to her heated exchange with the renowned Univision anchor in which Coulter argued that Mexican immigrants were more of a threat to the U.S. than ISIS. The interview promptly went viral, and soon, Coulter claims, she received an email from Trump requesting an advance copy of her book. And then, the Mexican rapist speech, Coulter said, giddily recalling Trumps now-infamous campaign announcement, in which he described Mexican immigrants as criminals and rapists. My work was done. _____ Related slideshows: On the ground at the GOP convention A photo report >>> Armed at the RNC >>> Front pages cover Donald Trumps final primary victory >>> Melania Trump in the convention spotlight >>> Convention floor erupts when no roll call taken to change rules to unbind delegates >>> How newspapers covered the RNCs fiery first day >>> Demonstrators protest outside the RNC >>> Donald Trumps America >>> At least one person in Cleveland is have a fantastic week and thats conservative firebrand Ann Coulter. The Never Trump crowd had a way to stop Donald Trump, she told a long line of adoring fans waiting for her to sign books in front of Barnes & Noble in the University Circle area in East Cleveland. They had 30 years to take his positions on immigration and trade. Coulter was there to sign copies of her most recent book, her eleventh, Adios America: The Lefts Plan to Turn Our Country Into a Third World Hellhole. The conservative pundit came into prominence writing legal briefs for Paula Jones attorneys in the 1990s, which became fodder for her first book, High Crimes and Misdemeanors: The Case Against Bill Clinton. The firebrand has since made a career of going after the left. But in recent years, her book sales had faltered, until Donald Trump came along. Trump adopted, and cited as his source, much of Coulters latest book on immigration and trade, bringing her legions of new followers. John Alberty was originally a Ted Cruz supporter, but he started to follow Donald Trump after Cruz dropped out. The 79-year-old from Bricksville, Ohio, learned of Coulter from Trump and has become a fan. He and his grandson, Tony Apolozer, a 20-year-old radioactive therapy student at Cuyahoga Community College, were waiting on line to meet Coulter and have her sign their book. They waited a while as Coulter was running more than an hour later and theyd got there early to be at the front of a line of about 80 people. Behind them in line was 14-year-old Donovan Barnes, who sported a Trump T-shirt advertising his adoration of the GOP nominee. Barnes, who also learned of Coulter from Trump, was heckling some pro-choice women who were protesting across the street. They held a hand-painted banner that read: AnnWed call you a c but you lack the depth and warmth. Story continues Thats why you dont have boyfriends, Barnes yelled. Go get an education, and gender studies isnt one! The crowd cheered him on. Coulters opening act, Milo Yiannopoulos, arrived about 40 minutes late. He calls himself the Dangerous Faggot, the name of his self-titled traveling show. Yiannopoulos was having the best media day of his life, as his publicist kept saying into his constantly ringing cell phone, because hed just been banned by Twitter. An outspoken critic of Muslim immigration in America and Europe, Yiannopoulos was banned for abusive behavior towards African-American actress Leslie Jones, who recently starred in the Ghostbusters reboot. I am going to make Twitters life a living hell, Yiannopoulos yelled on a hastily set-up loudspeaker so everyone could hear, to cries of God protect you, from the crowd. Twitter is nakedly using its platform to political ends. Coulter soon showed up, more than an hour late. She spoke for three minutes before disappearing into the bookstore. Everyone, listen up, an aide told the crowd. You have to have purchased copies of Adios America, or any of Anns books to get in for the signing. And take out your phones. You have to be able to prove to us that youve pre-ordered Anns next book, In Trump We Trust, E Pluribus Awesome, out this August, to take a picture with her. The first 30 people in line immediately whipped out their phones. Indeed, especially for her, Its great to be at a convention where the nominee is Donald Trump, she said with a wave to her fans. Anne Hathaway is mourning the loss of her friend and former director Garry Marshall. Marshall died on Tuesday evening of complications from pneumonia following a stroke at a hospital in Burbank, California. He was 81. Hathaway, 33, starred in her first motion picture at age 15 when she landed the role of Mia Thermopolis in the Marshall-directed Disney classic The Princess Diaries in 2001. "Garry was goodness itself. He was generous. He was kind beyond kind. He was thoughtful and sweet and so funny you would pee yourself a little," Hathaway wrote in a tribute on social media along with a black and white photo of Marshall and Julie Andrews. "I met him when I was a child who thought she was a grown-up; he treated me with grace and patience and respect and always, always love." Following news of Marshall's death, the mother of one texted her Princess Diaries costar Heather Matarazzo. Both actresses reprised their roles in the 2004 sequel. Hathaway would go on to be a member of the star-studded cast of Valentine's Day, which Marshall directed in 2010. "I'm so happy I made three films with him. I'm so happy he blessed my son in my belly the last time I saw him (we never think it will be the last time)," Hathaway continued in her post. Heaven just got funnier. I love you Garry. Thank you for everything. #GarryMarshall #RIP A photo posted by Anne Hathaway (@annehathaway) on Jul 20, 2016 at 9:01am PDT "Before we made the Princess Diaries, he told me 'You never know if a movie is going to be a hit or not. The only thing you can control is the memories you make when shooting it. So, letas make some good memories.' That advice changed my life even more than the film did." The Oscar-winning star concluded her tribute writing, "Garry: for a kid from the Bronx with weak lungs, you did good. I'm happy to have known you. I can never thank you enough for my life. I'm going to do my best to be just like you. I love you. Safe travels, my friend." Coatzacoalcos (Mexico) (AFP) - A Mexican journalist was shot dead in front of his wife and two adult children outside his home in a crime-ridden eastern state where 18 other reporters have been murdered since 2010. Pedro Tamayo Rosas, a 45-year-old who covered the police beat for two online dailies in Veracruz state, was killed late Wednesday in the town of Tierra Blanca, prosecutors said. The preliminary investigation indicates "there were two assailants who approached Tamayo to greet him at a business in his home," the Veracruz prosecutor's office said in a statement. A family member said on condition of anonymity that Tamayo had come out to help his wife and two sons man a food stand when he was killed. The gunmen opened fire and fled in a vehicle, the statement said. Tamayo succumbed to his wounds in a hospital. The authorities are "not ruling out any line of investigation, including his journalistic work," as a motive, the statement said. Tamayo worked for the media outlets El Pinero de la Cuenca and Al Calor Politico. Mexico is among the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, with more than 90 media workers killed and 17 others having disappeared since 2000, according to the international press rights group Reporters Without Borders. In Veracruz alone, 19 journalists have now been murdered in the past six years. Donald Trump Jr. CLEVELAND There's another member of the Trump family that some observers are noting could have a political future after his big convention speech Donald Trump Jr. Asked if he heard any speeches that made him feel as if the speaker had a future in presidential politics, Rep. Lou Barletta of Pennsylvania told Business Insider that Trump Jr. "knocked it out of the park." "Donald Jr. probably came the closest," Barletta said. "Interesting, another person who has no political experience. That's what the American people are looking for right now. Someone who is honest, tells it like the way it is." Trump Jr.'s speech, highlighting why voters should support his father in the fall and his vision for the country, was widely praised. Like Barletta, Rep. Tom MacArthur of New Jersey also mentioned Trump Jr. when asked about who at the convention emerged as a possible future presidential candidate. He said Trump Jr.'s speech was "energetic" and "terrific" with "clear points." However, he added that he doesn't "know what Donald's son's future is and if he has political interests." "I think they both have a future in politics," Ned Ryun, a grassroots conservative activist and founder and CEO of American Majority, told Business Insider of both Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, who also spoke at the RNC. "They're very well spoken, come off very well, so I think they do." The only hiccup in the speech was a line that led to an allegation of plagiarism. However, the author of the original line told Business Insider that he worked directly on Trump Jr.'s speech. Even David Axelrod, the chief strategist for President Barack Obama's campaigns, made note of the speech's widespread appeal. "In fairness, folks I respect had [a positive] reaction to Don Jr., responding to his powerful speech as meaningful validation of his dad," he wrote on Twitter. Donald Trump Jr. Trump Jr. focused on what he believes to be failures of the Obama administration and the platform of presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and attempted to humanize his father while talking about education, wages, and race. Story continues "The other party gave us public schools that far too often fail our students, especially those who have no options," Trump Jr. said. "Growing up, my siblings and I, we were truly fortunate to have choices and options that others don't have. We want all Americans to have those same opportunities." "Our schools used to be an elevator to the middle class. Now they're stalled on the ground floor," he continued. "They're like Soviet-era department stores that are run for the benefit of the clerks and not the customers, for the teachers and the administrators and not the students. "You know why other countries do better on K through 12? They let parents choose where to send their own children to school. That's called competition. It's called the free market. And it's what the other party fears. They fear it because they're more concerned about protecting the jobs of tenured teachers than serving the students in desperate need of a good education." He said the current immigration system "imports immobility" and "drives down employment and wages for Hispanic Americans, for African Americans, and for everyone." "There's so much work to do," he said. "We will not accept the current state of our country because it's too hard to change. That's not the America I know. "We're going to unleash the creative spirit and energy of all Americans. We're going to make our schools the best in the world for every single American of every single ethnicity and background. We're going to put Americans first, all Americans, not a special class of crony elites at the top of the heap." "What a rush," he posted on Twitter following his address. Veteran political strategist and ex-Trump aide Roger Stone laid out an interesting scenario for Trump Jr.'s future to Business Insider. It's one he wants to see come to fruition. "What Id really like to see is Donny Jr. run for Congress against Chelsea Clinton out in Westchester," he said "Now that would be classic." NOW WATCH: Heres the footage that Republicans suggest shows Hillary Clinton lied under oath More From Business Insider Washington (AFP) - Top diplomatic and military officials from the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group met Thursday to prepare the assault on the city of Mosul, the jihadists' Iraqi bastion. Defense and foreign ministers from more than 40 countries gathered in Washington for a second day as their local militia allies made advances in Syria. While news from that front was dominated by the Syrian Democratic Forces' siege of Manbij, a city in northern Syria, the leaders in Washington were focused on a far bigger prize. "Mosul will be the ultimate test," Brett McGurk, the US special presidential envoy to the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL -- another term for the IS group -- told the assembled delegates. Backed by coalition air strikes and military advisers, Iraqi and Kurdish forces have made inroads in recent months into territory once controlled by IS group fighters. But the daunting target of Mosul, Iraq's second city that is home to two million people, will be the campaign's center of gravity in the weeks and months to come. "I am confident we are going to succeed, we are going to deprive Daesh of its geographical base," US Secretary of State John Kerry said after the talks concluded, using his preferred term for the group, an acronym formed from its Arabic initials. "But Daesh will remain dangerous even when that defeat takes place," he warned. On the first day of the talks, the defense ministers met separately to talk battlefield tactics while the foreign ministers pledged $2 billion in reconstruction funds. The officials hailed the sum, but warned it may not be enough once the final battle is underway. "We note with concern that military operations to liberate Mosul... and the possible displacement of up to one million people as a result, could increase humanitarian needs even beyond the recently pledged resources," their final statement read. Thursday's meeting brought them together to discuss how to ensure that any victory in Mosul is quickly followed by a political settlement and the return of refugees. Story continues "Let us remember, Mosul is where Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared his phony caliphate in June of 2014," McGurk said, referring to the IS group's elusive leader. "And if we get this campaign right on the ground, in all its aspects, it is where we can begin to seal his fate." The battle for Mosul and the Islamic State group's Syrian base Raqa will be tough if the jihadists decide to hold out in their symbolic strongholds. But the Iraqi city also poses a political challenge. - End of the 'caliphate' - The remaining civilian population is mainly Sunni Muslim -- albeit with a historical Christian minority -- and distrustful of the Shiite-led government in Baghdad. The city is also near the fracture line between Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region and the Arab center, a point of tension between the local anti-IS forces. The challenge facing the ministers in Washington -- including Iraqis and Kurds -- was to agree on how post-war Mosul will be rebuilt and governed. "Mosul will be the most complex operation to date," McGurk said, warning that a million civilians from many ethnic and religious groups remain inside the city. Nevertheless, he added, the plan is "well underway" with an agreement on the type and number of Iraqi and Kurdish troops and militia to be used in the assault. Critically, there has been an agreement that 15,000 locally recruited troops from Mosul's Nineveh province -- largely Sunni Arabs -- will be involved. In light of the coalition's experience after the liberation of Tikrit, Ramadi and Fallujah, resources will be set aside for refugee camps and reconstruction. "I believe thanks to the pledging conference yesterday and the meetings we're having this week that that foundation is being set," McGurk said. "The liberation of Mosul -- and of Raqa -- is now an achievable objective and it's one we must get right." US Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Kerry, who are co-chairing the meeting, said that driving the IS group out of Iraq and Syria was possible and necessary. But they warned that although taking Mosul would deny the group space to train, plan and spread propaganda, it would not stop the jihadists from inspiring attacks far from their heartland. IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 21, 2016 / Khang & Khang LLP (the "Firm") announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against TransEnterix, Inc. ("TransEnterix" or the "Company") (NYSE MKT: TRXC). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares between February 10, 2016 and May 10, 2016 inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the Firm prior to the August 1, 2016 lead plaintiff motion deadline. If you purchased shares of TransEnterix during the Class Period, please contact Joon M. Khang, Esquire, of Khang & Khang, 18101 Von Karman Avenue, 3rd Floor, Irvine, CA 92612, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com. There has been no class certification in this case. Until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. You may choose to take no action and remain a passive class member. According to the complaint, throughout the Class Period, TransEnterix made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: there were deficiencies within the Company's 510(k) submission regarding the SurgiBot that undermined the likelihood that the SurgiBot would receive clearance from the Food and Drug Administration, which would leave TransEnterix unable to commercialize the SurgiBot in 2016, and would impair the Company's ability to obtain approval for and commercialize its other robotic surgery platform in the United States. If you wish to learn more about this lawsuit, or if you have any questions concerning this notice or your rights, please contact Joon M. Khang, a prominent litigator for almost two decades, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com. This press release may constitute Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. Contacts Joon M. Khang, Esq. Telephone: 949-419-3834 Facsimile: 949-225-4474 joon@khanglaw.com SOURCE: Khang & Khang LLP By Dena Aubin NEW YORK, July 21 (Reuters) - An Arab-American family whose business and personal bank accounts were closed in 2014 without explanation can sue JPMorgan Chase for racial discrimination, a federal judge in Detroit has ruled. Filed in February, the lawsuit by Najah Manni, his wife Kathy and their two children says the largest U.S. bank further discriminated against them by terminating a contract with their debt collection and services business in 2015, defaming Najah as a "reputational risk" in the process. They are seeking damages for defamation and violations of Michigan's Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act and the U.S. Equal Credit Opportunity Act. "We believe this case and the allegations of discrimination are without merit," said JPMorgan spokesman Darin Oduyoye. In a decision on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Sean Cox rejected the bank's motion to dismiss the lawsuit, finding discrimination was a plausible explanation for why the bank "unilaterally terminated" more than 30 profitable accounts held by the Mannis. The judge noted the family's claims that other Arab-Americans had complained of similar account closures. JPMorgan had argued that its deposit agreements permitted it to close accounts "at any time for any reason or no reason" and said there was no evidence of discrimination. The Mannis, who state in their complaint that they are of Arab and Chaldean descent, own Michigan-based JM Adjustment Services. They claim they previously had $5 million deposited with JPMorgan. JM Adjustment also provided services to JPMorgan until its contract was terminated in 2015. In their lawsuit, the Mannis claim JPMorgan told Najah the arrangement was ending because he posed a "reputational risk" to their business. The Mannis had plausibly claimed the bank's explanation for the termination might be a pretext for discrimination, Cox said. The Manni family is represented by former Michigan U.S. Senator Carl Levin, now a lawyer at Detroit's Honigman Miller Schwarz & Cohn in Detroit. Levin could not immediately be reached for comment. A number of Arab-American groups have complained of sudden account closures in recent years. In 2013, the Arab-American Civil Rights League filed a proposed class action against Huntington National Bank, part of Ohio-based Huntington Bancshares, over the issue. The case is still pending, with a settlement conference set for August. The JPMorgan case is: JM Adjustment Services et al v JPMorgan Chase Bank, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, No 16-cv-10630 (Reporting By Dena Aubin; Editing by Anthony Lin and David Gregorio) The Catholic Church in Argentina has launched a probe into whether a group of nuns assisted a former minister stash heaps of cash and jewels in their convent. Four nuns are suspected of helping to hide $9 million at the Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima convent on the outskirts of the capital Buenos Aires, the BBC reports. Reverend Tom ODonnell, who is spearheading the investigation, said they would try to determine if there was a canonical crime. Last month, Jose Lopez who was the public works secretary in the former government of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner was arrested after he was reportedly seen throwing bags of cash over nunnerys wall. When police arrived the suspect claimed to be a church official before allegedly offering them a bag containing $1 million dollars, according to the Guardian. Local media recently released CCTV footage appearing to show two nuns helping the suspect carry the cash into the convent, according to the BBC. One of the nuns is expected to appear before a judge next month. The case has gripped the nation and sparked fresh media scrutiny over the legacy of former President Kirchner. Since President Mauricio Macri took office last year a number of former officials have been investigated for money-laundering. [BBC] boss, meeting, success A few years ago, researchers at the Harvard Business School and the Wharton School published some attention-getting findings about the surprising benefits of asking for help. Apparently, soliciting advice from someone more experienced than you doesn't make you look stupid instead, it helps you look more competent. By plumping up the experienced person's ego, you engender positive feelings toward you. But a 2015 study suggests that there's one glaring exception to that phenomenon. According to the findings, men in leadership positions wind up looking less competent when they ask for other people's help. The researchers behind the 2015 study arrived at this conclusion after a series of clever experiments. The first focused on 65 business students embarking on "leadership ventures" in which they participated in challenges like mountaineering in Antarctica and climbing a volcano in Ecuador. On each venture, students took turns acting as the leader of the day, meaning they had to coordinate all the activities. As soon as the students returned from the expedition, they completed a questionnaire. Some students were asked how often each person had asked for help when they were the leader; other students were asked to rate each person's competence as leader. Results showed that male leaders who asked for a lot of help were perceived as less competent than male leaders who asked for less help. For female leaders, asking for help didn't significantly affect their competence ratings. A follow-up study suggests that the reason why we perceive male leaders who ask for help as less competent is that they seem less like a typical male leader. boss, laptop, employee This research stands out as some of the first to look at the leadership behaviors that can hurt men. Scientists have generally paid more attention to the leadership behaviors that can hurt women, such as acting dominant or assertive. Story continues While you could interpret this research to mean that men in positions of power should do their best to go it alone, the study authors caution against that takeaway. They cite research suggesting that asking for help is a way for leaders to learn and improve their team's performance. The researchers say that one way for male leaders to reduce the risks associated with asking for help is to attribute their requests to external, as opposed to internal, factors. As in, "The printer might be broken. Can you help me?" and not, "I don't know how to fix the printer. Can you help me?" Ultimately, being a male leader (or any leader) may require some flexibility and experimentation with different behaviors. The authors write: "[E]ffective leadership may necessitate a balance that incorporates collaboration, relationship building, and seeking assistance from others, including subordinates, when needed." Once you figure out the ideal balance, you'll be on your way to tackling the day-to-day demands of managing your team like a boss. NOW WATCH: Katie Couric learned to be a leader by following this humble advice from her mom More From Business Insider The Republican National Convention is halfway over, and Donald Trump is now officially the GOP nominee. Tuesday evenings theme was Make America Work Again, and another Trump family memberthis time, Donald Trump Jr.was criticized for delivering a speech containing borrowed lines. Other speakers included former presidential candidate Ben Carson, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and House Speaker Paul Ryanall of whom made calls to unite the party against Hillary Clinton. Our own Ron Fournier explained how that contributes to the conventions unusually negative vibe. Russell Berman described how many Republicans in Cleveland have begun jockeying for position in the 2020 presidential race. And Jeremy Raff explored why so many convention-goers are armed. The theme tonight is Make America First Again, and Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who has yet to endorse the GOP nominee, is among the speakers. Others include Eric Trump, Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and Indiana Governor Mike PenceTrumps VP pick who, Yoni Appelbaum writes, might just end up becoming Americas chief executive. Follow along here for live updates. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Today in 5 Lines The third day of the Republican National Convention begins, with a stacked list of speakers, notably Donald Trumps running mate Mike Pence and Texas Senator Ted Cruz, whose event this afternoon was briefly interrupted when Trumps plane flew over. Were covering it all live here. Meredith McIver, a staff writer for the Trump Organization, issued a statement taking responsibility for apparent plagiarism in Melania Trumps convention speech. Hillary Clinton will announce her VP pick on Saturday during a campaign event in Florida, sources close to the campaign told CNN. Today is the Federal Election Commissions filing deadline; at the end of May, Trump reported $1.3 million cash on hand, and Clinton reported $42.5 million. A U.S. appeals court struck down a Texas voter-ID law, saying it had a discriminatory effect on minority voters. And Representative Mark Takai, of Hawaii, died at age 49. Today on The Atlantic Police Protection Is a Privilege: The Republican National Convention is a high-security event, with more than 5,000 working law enforcement personnel. But some Cleveland residents wish similar resources could be used to protect the citys neighborhoods. (Conor Friedersdorf) The Sound of (RNC) Music: The 90s pop-rock band Third Eye Blind became the unexpected voice of artist protest at the Republican National Convention Tuesday night by performing a song with pro-gay lyricsand none of their hits. (Spencer Kornhaber) CEO Mike Pence?: Donald Trump has made it clear that, as president, he would delegate much of his executive power to his VP. That means his running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, could very well be the man running the federal government for the next four years. (Yoni Appelbaum) The Atlantic is at the conventions! You can sign up for our daily convention newsletter here, or find out about our events in Cleveland or Philadelphia. And follow stories throughout the day with our Politics & Policy portal. Story continues Snapshot Donald Trump gestures to vice presidential running mate Governor Mike Pence after arriving near the site of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday in Cleveland. Evan Vucci / AP What Were Reading Trumps Race Barrier: Donald Trumps pursuit of winning over black voters continues to be hampered by a long history of questionable statements about blacks and race. Will he be able to surpass those obstacles as he pivots toward the general? (Michael Kranish, Washington Post) Recommended: It's Official: Hillary Clinton Is Running Against Vladimir Putin #NeverTrump Lives On: The movement has failed to prevent Donald Trump from becoming the GOP nominee, but the battle isnt over: Never Trumpers will continue to fight against the ideals he represents and for the future of American conservatism. (David French, National Review) Meet Karen Pence: She is a former Indiana art teacher and the wife of the GOP vice presidential nominee, Mike Pence. But she may be best known for the role shes played in the Indiana governors career as chief adviser. (Tom LoBianco, CNN) Republicans Wishful Thinking: Neither Donald Trump nor his backers at the Republican National Convention have offered any substantive ideas in the way of economic policy, The New Yorkers John Cassidy writes, yet somehow, his supporters still hail him as a job creator and economic problem solver. How Trump Settled on Pence: The New York Timess Robert Draper provides an inside look of the selection process, beginning with a conversation between a senior adviser to Ohio Governor John Kasich and Donald Trump Jr. back in May. Heres a sneak peek: Then what, the adviser asked, would Trump be in charge of? Making America great again was the casual reply. Visualized From Lincoln to Trump: Track the evolution of the Republican Party in these 13 maps. (Andrew Prokop, Vox) Question of the Week What song should Donald Trump come out to when he walks on stage Thursday night at the Republican National Convention? Tonight is the last call for submissions! Send your answers to hello@theatlantic.com or tweet us @TheAtlPolitics, and our favorites will be featured in Fridays Politics & Policy Daily. -Written by Elaine Godfrey (@elainejgodfrey) Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian police on Thursday arrested a man for an apparent attack on a Sydney police station, after he set himself alight and drove a car into its underground carpark. Police said they had no reason to believe it was a terrorist attack or that the man, in his 60s, was connected to any terrorist organization. Media reported the man's car contained gas canisters while New South Wales state assistant police commissioner Dennis Clifford said there appeared to have been some kind of fire accelerant in it. "Until we do some background investigation, we're just uncertain about the motive," Clifford told reporters. "There's nothing to indicate this is in any way related to terrorism." A staunch U.S. ally, Australia has been on heightened alert for attacks by home-grown militants since 2014, having suffered several "lone wolf" assaults, including a cafe siege in Sydney in which two hostages and the gunman were killed. Clifford said officers spotted the man sitting in his car outside the station, and when they approached him he set the inside of the car alight. The man then tried to drive into the front of the police station before driving it into a roller door under the station. Police put out the fire, and the man was taken to hospital with severe burns, Clifford said. Media reported that the man was known to police and was believed to have a mental illness. Clifford declined to comment on those reports but said the man was in a critical condition in hospital. Police earlier cordoned off the station in Merrylands, in Sydney's west, while officers from the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit searched the vehicle. No members of the public or police officers were injured during the incident, police said. (Reporting by Jane Wardell and Byron Kaye; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Robert Birsel) CLEVELAND David Blaska, a Wisconsin delegate to the Republican National Convention, came here hoping to see the party nominate anyone other than Donald Trump. But after a week of hearing speeches from top GOP brass and hobnobbing with fellow party members from across the country, he has come up with a justification for how hell vote in November. Im going to vote for Pence, Blaska said, referring to the vice presidential nominee, which will effectively count as a vote for Trump. Im swallowing hard. Blaska, a well-known conservative blogger and former Dane County board member, said the best things that Trump have going for him are Pence, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who Republicans fear will be replaced by a liberal justice, changing the composition of the court for decades. That fear about the court lurching to the left was part of Gov. Scott Walkers message to the Wisconsin delegation Thursday. He said the three words that should instill absolute and total terror in your hearts and minds: Justice. Elizabeth. Warren. Walker also provided a more detailed defense of Trump than he gave in his convention speech Wednesday night. I believe that Donald Trump is fundamentally prepared to change Washington and take power out of that city and send it back to our states, Walker said. By putting Mike Pence out there as his (vice presidential) candidate, it should send a message: This is a guy whos ready to govern. Hes not just talking about shaking things up in Washington, hes prepared to do it. Walker also noted Trump was not his first pick (I was my first pick, he joked), but while Trump may not be perfect, the last time there was a perfect person on this planet was 2,000 years ago. The focus Wednesday night was supposed to be on Pence, but Texas Sen. Ted Cruz stole the spotlight by, rather than endorsing Trump, urging conservatives to vote their consciences in November. Speaking with reporters Thursday, Walker reiterated that during a debate in Cleveland last August, he pledged to support the nominee and is endorsing Trump because he meant what he said. Walker declined to criticize Cruz for not endorsing, saying that voters will have the ultimate say on Cruz. Vote your conscience was a rallying cry of the anti-Trump forces that unsuccessfully tried to change the rules of the convention to deny Trump the nomination. Although Cruz didnt criticize Trump, his pronouncement ripped the scab off the partys wounds, emboldening those like Bill Folk, an alternate delegate from Racine who remains anti-Trump and is considering voting for libertarian Gary Johnson. Even if that means Hillary Clinton wins, so long as I dont vote for her, so be it, Folk said. The nation needs to grow up a little bit more in order to support the values I truly believe in as a Republican. To be perfectly blunt, I dont know that (the convention) brought unity, Folk added. If I heard We must unite one more time I was going to pull my hair out. A far greater number from the state delegation who responded to the State Journal supported Trump heading into the convention and said the event fostered unity. Oh yeah, the convention is helping Republicans unite, said Keith Best, an alternate delegate from the 5th Congressional District. The grassroots teams understand why we need to unite, said Sue Lynch, an alternate delegate from the 3rd congressional district and a past president of the National Federation of Republican Women. Every delegate I talked with from other states and I talked to lots of them said they were supporting Trump, enthusiastically, said Bob Spindell, a delegate from Milwaukee. Many delegates if not becoming pro-Trump, are really taking (seriously) the reality that we have to be anti-Hillary and that being anti-Hillary means voting for Donald Trump, said Brian Westrate, a delegate from Eau Claire. He said for the most part he encountered two groups of Trump voters at the convention: People whose primary motivation is that they dont like Hillary Clinton and people whose primary motivation is they like Donald Trump. If both of them go into the polling place in November and cast the same ballot we can win, Westrate said. Roger Stauter, a delegate from Monona, said he still wont vote for Trump, especially after he made comments suggesting he would abandon the nations European allies. Stauter said while he has seen some of the unification that tends to happen at conventions, there is an undercurrent of unease, which he described as regretful guarded hopefulness. The regret is that everything was teed up for a Republican victory, Stauter said. The hopefulness is guarded because of the unfiltered comments Trump makes. There is a hopefulness because Hillary Clinton is carrying a ton of baggage as a candidate and may be very defeatable. By Swati Pandey SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's antitrust watchdog on Thursday gave the green light to a A$9.1 billion ($6.79 billion) buyout of rail freight giant Asciano Ltd by a global consortium led by Canada's Brookfield Asset Management Inc . The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) had been concerned the deal would give Asciano's new owners, which include Australian stevedoring company Qube Holdings Ltd , too much control of the freight market. ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said the regulator had concluded there was "not likely to be a substantial lessening of competition in any market after the deal was restructured to address officials' concerns. Investors sent Qube shares to a two-month high of A$2.505 on the news. At 0120 GMT, they were up 3.2 percent at A$2.44 in a firm Australian market <.AXJO>. Asciano shares were 0.9 percent higher in late morning trades. "To come through with no objections, no further delays, was a little bit of a surprise," said John Corr, chief investment officer at Aurora Funds Management. "Qube shares probably suggest it's a good deal for them." The go-ahead came as a relief for Asciano shareholders following a year-long takeover battle that began with Brookfield's initial solitary bid of $6.8 billion last July. The ACCC could have mounted a legal challenge, a move that would have hit the company's share price. "The decision by the ACCC is clearly a major milestone in the process of acquiring these important businesses," Qube said in a statement. The takeover must still be approved by Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board but analysts expect it to get the nod as the restructured deal keeps Asciano's strategically important ports out of Chinese hands. Brookfield and Qube joined forces in February to make a joint offer for Asciano's port assets only, leaving the railways to China Investment Corp (CIC) [CIC.UL] and others. Asciano shareholders in June voted in favor of the buyout. (Additional reporting by Tom Westbrook; Editing by Stephen Coates) * Deal still needs FIRB approval * Deal "not likely" to substantially lessen competition - ACCC * Asciano shares up 1 pct, Qube hits 2-mth high (Updates to add fund manager comment, Qube shares) By Swati Pandey SYDNEY, July 21 (Reuters) - Australia's antitrust watchdog on Thursday gave the green light to a A$9.1 billion ($6.79 billion) buyout of rail freight giant Asciano Ltd by a global consortium led by Canada's Brookfield Asset Management Inc. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) had been concerned the deal would give Asciano's new owners, which include Australian stevedoring company Qube Holdings Ltd , too much control of the freight market. ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said the regulator had concluded there was "not likely to be a substantial lessening of competition in any market" after the deal was restructured to address officials' concerns. Investors sent Qube shares to a two-month high of A$2.505 on the news. At 0120 GMT, they were up 3.2 percent at A$2.44 in a firm Australian market. Asciano shares were 0.9 percent higher in late morning trades. "To come through with no objections, no further delays, was a little bit of a surprise," said John Corr, chief investment officer at Aurora Funds Management. "Qube shares probably suggest it's a good deal for them." The go-ahead came as a relief for Asciano shareholders following a year-long takeover battle that began with Brookfield's initial solitary bid of $6.8 billion last July. The ACCC could have mounted a legal challenge, a move that would have hit the company's share price. "The decision by the ACCC is clearly a major milestone in the process of acquiring these important businesses," Qube said in a statement. The takeover must still be approved by Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board but analysts expect it to get the nod as the restructured deal keeps Asciano's strategically important ports out of Chinese hands. Brookfield and Qube joined forces in February to make a joint offer for Asciano's port assets only, leaving the railways to China Investment Corp (CIC) and others. Asciano shareholders in June voted in favour of the buyout. ($1 = 1.3399 Australian dollars) (Additional reporting by Tom Westbrook; Editing by Stephen Coates) SYDNEY, July 21 (Reuters) - Australia's antitrust watchdog on Thursday gave the green light to a A$9.1 billion ($6.79 billion) buyout of rail freight giant Asciano Ltd by a global consortium led by Canada's Brookfield Asset Management Inc. Australia's Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) had been concerned the deal would give Asciano's new owners, which include Australian stevedoring company Qube Holdings Ltd , too much control of the freight market. But ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said in a statement that the regulator had concluded there was "not likely to be a substantial lessening of competition in any market" after the deal was restructured to address officials' concerns. The deal must still be approved by Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board. Asciano shareholders in June voted in favour of the buyout. ($1 = 1.3399 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Tom Westbrook; Editing by Stephen Coates) Authorities in Singapore and Switzerland have seized assets connected to Malaysian businessman Jho Low. He is at the center of yesterdays Department of Justice filing that also alleges Red Granite, a company that Low helped to finance through his alleged friendship with Riza Aziz, was used to launder funds illegally stolen from the 1MDB Malaysian investment fund. Among the assets seized today were a $35 million Monet painting. The seizures come a day after the DOJ filed a major complaint relating to the scandal. Singapores Attorney General announced that assets worth over $175 million had been seized. Many below to Low, who received a special thanks credit on The Wolf Of Wall Street, the film that is at the center of the money laundering allegations. Low reportedly introduced Wolf lead Leonardo DiCaprio to Aziz, the co-founder of Red Granite and stepson of the Malaysian prime minister. Swiss authorities, responding to a DOJ request, seized three paintings, among them the Monet and a Van Gogh. Related stories Red Granite Refutes DOJ Claims It Conspired To Use Laundered Money To Fund 'Wolf Of Wall Street' Feds File "Kleptocracy Enforcement Action" To Seize Assets Of 'Wolf Of Wall Street' Producer Red Granite 'Wolf Of Wall Street' Producer Red Granite Now Cooperating In Federal Probe Into Funding The auto sector is yet to enter the full-fledged Q2 earnings season, keeping its focus firmly on news developments. The biggest news of the week, of course, was Tesla Motors, Inc.s TSLA new Master Plan. Meanwhile, regulators revealed that automakers may not meet the U.S. fuel standards target for 2025. A new appeals court ruling exposed General Motors Company GM to several additional ignition switch-related lawsuits, while an audit revealed that Takata was manipulating test results of airbag inflators it was supplying to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. HMC. Further, Ford Motor Co. F posted strong first-half sales data for Europe. Recap of the Weeks Most Important Stories 1. Tesla revealed its Master Plan, Part Deux that sketches out the companys business outline for the next few years. The plan focuses on the expansion of product portfolio, introduction of car sharing services, solar energy-based battery systems and development of self-driving capability. Tesla is developing heavy-duty trucks, to be named Tesla Semi, and high passenger-density urban transport, i.e. buses. These vehicles are expected to be unveiled next year. The company also plans to create an integrated solar-roof-with-battery product for which it is planning to acquire SolarCity. Further, Tesla will lay significant emphasis on developing and refining self-driving technology. In the long run, it also plans to offer car sharing services on autonomous vehicles. In fact, Tesla plans to allow car owners to generate income by offering their cars for the car-sharing service. 2. Regulators revealed that U.S. auto manufacturers are not on track to meet fuel standards by 2025. The government hopes to achieve a fleet-wide target of 54.5 miles per gallon for U.S. vehicles by then. However, if the current trends persist, the vehicles could have an average efficiency of 50.8 miles per gallon only. While manufacturers are not on track to meet fuel economy standards, federal regulators do believe that it is within their capacity to accomplish the task (read more: Auto Manufacturers May Not Meet Fuel Economy Standards by 2025). Story continues 3. A federal appeals court ruled that General Motors cannot use the 2009 bankruptcy as an excuse to defend itself against lawsuits over defective ignition switches. The second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said that General Motors was aware of the defective switches when it went bankrupt but had concealed the fact. With this, hundreds of pre-bankruptcy claims can be revived, including some lawsuits claiming that the value of the automakers vehicles has declined as a result of its actions. Around 1,000 death and injury lawsuits were awaiting the appeals courts verdict. In addition, the ruling may affect 399 injury and death cases which were settled by the automaker (read more: GM in Trouble on Court Ruling, May Face Billions in Claims). 4. An audit revealed that Takata was manipulating test results of airbag inflators it was supplying to Honda. The audit started in Oct 2015 and its initial stage focused on airbag inflators that were not covered by recalls as of that date. Per Bloomberg, the audit revealed that Takata often eliminated certain test results to show lesser inconsistency in the performance of its inflators. Honda also announced the recall of 190,578 vehicles in India due to defective Takata passenger front airbag inflators. 5. In the first half of 2016, Fords sales in the Euro 20 markets increased 7.4% to 718,300 vehicles compared with the industrys growth rate of 9.3%. Considering all the 50 European markets, the companys sales grew 7.1% to 807,200 vehicles compared with the industrys growth rate of 6.7% (read more: Ford's Europe Sales Up 2.6% in June, 7.4% in First-Half 2016). Performance Auto sector companies had mostly positive fortunes on the stock market last week. General Motors gained the most ahead of its second-quarter earnings release. AutoZone, Inc. AZO was the only stock to lose value among the ones listed below. Over the last six months, Harley-Davidson, Inc. HOG outperformed the others with a 23.7% gain. Meanwhile, Honda lost the most over the longer term. Company Last 1-Week Period Last 6 Months GM +2.8% +7.0% F +1.9% +15.5% TSLA +2.6% +14.9% TM +1.3% -2.0% HMC +1.1% -6.0% HOG +0.9% +23.7% AAP +0.5% +14.2% AZO -0.2% +12.1% Auto-Tires-Trucks Sector Price Index Auto-Tires-Trucks Sector Price Index Whats Next in the Auto Space? General Motors will report second-quarter financial results before the market opens today. Many other auto sector companies will report earnings over the week. 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 FORD MOTOR CO (F): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA MOTORS (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report HONDA MOTOR (HMC): Free Stock Analysis Report AUTOZONE INC (AZO): Free Stock Analysis Report HARLEY-DAVIDSON (HOG): Free Stock Analysis Report GENERAL MOTORS (GM): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Chinas biggest search engine Baidu, Inc. BIDU has reportedly rolled out its first search interest based indexes tracking the movement of some economic indicators of China. According to Bloomberg news on Wednesday, the indexes tracked down unemployment rate and forecast Apples second quarter 2016 sales (a demonstration of accuracy). Baidus search technology is taking into account user positions, location requests and Wi-Fi hotspot logins to track down consumer behavior and extract economic trends. The company stated that it will release consumer and employment indexes from this month. More granular level data will be rolled out from next month including industry and company specific data, useful mainly to hedge funds, managers and investors. Charges will be per the volume of data requested. BAIDU INC Price BAIDU INC Price | BAIDU INC Quote Wu Haishan, a senior data scientist at Baidu, sounded upbeat about the companys capabilities in the space. He stated that Baidus technology system has a competitive edge over other Chinese Internet giants when it comes to the accuracy of its forecasts. It appears that the privately compiled index market in China is gaining traction as market watchers are relying more on these indexes than those compiled by the government. E-commerce giant and local player Alibaba Group Holding Limited BABA and payments network UnionPay are older players in this space. However, it seems that the Chinese government is keeping a close eye on these private index compilers. Recently, China Minsheng Banking Corp. compiled a purchasing managers index, which was suspended for unexplained reasons. At present, Baidu has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). Some better-ranked stocks in the wider technology sector include Blucora, Inc. BCOR and Internet Initiative Japan Inc. IIJI, 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 BAIDU INC (BIDU): Free Stock Analysis Report INTERNET INIT J (IIJI): Free Stock Analysis Report BLUCORA INC (BCOR): Free Stock Analysis Report ALIBABA GROUP (BABA): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research DHAKA (Reuters) - Bangladesh's security force arrested four members of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen (JMB) on Thursday, including a regional leader of the banned group blamed for the Islamist attack on a cafe in Dhaka in which 22 people were killed, mostly foreigners. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) raided an apartment on the outskirts of the capital Dhaka and arrested the group's southern region leader and three other members, including a medical student, said RAB spokesman Mizanur Rahman Bhuiya. "They will be interrogated intensively to understand if they had any connection with the cafe attack," he told Reuters. A huge quality of ammunition, weapons, bomb-making materials and jihadi books have been recovered from the house, which was used for training recruits, Bhuiya added. Five Bangladesh militants, most from wealthy, liberal families, stormed an upmarket restaurant on July 1 and murdered customers, before they were gunned down. The majority of victims were foreigners from Italy, Japan, India and the United States, before they were gunned down. The attack, claimed by Islamic State, marked a major escalation in the scale and brutality of violence aimed at forcing strict Islamic rule in Bangladesh, whose 160 million people are mostly Muslim. Bangladesh has faced a series of attacks on liberal bloggers, university teachers and members of religious minorities over the past year. The government says home-grown militant groups are behind the attacks. (Reporting by Ruma Paul) A Bangladesh court Thursday convicted the exiled eldest son of the main opposition leader for money laundering and sentenced him to seven years in prison, a move that could end his political ambitions. Two high court judges overturned a 2013 acquittal by a lower court of 51-year-old Tarique Rahman, who lives in exile in London and now faces a ban from politics. Rahman, who was also fined 200 million taka ($2.5 million), is the eldest son of opposition leader and two-time former prime minister Khaleda Zia and was considered her political heir apparent. "The high court said Tarique Rahman influenced political power to help his close friend Giasuddin Mamun to get and then launder 200 million taka," deputy attorney general Moniruzzaman Kabir told AFP. The move comes at a volatile time in Bangladesh, which is reeling from a wave of deadly attacks by Islamist extremists. Earlier this month five armed men stormed an upscale cafe in Dhaka's diplomatic zone and killed at least 20 hostages including 18 foreigners, in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. Police say local Islamist group, the Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), was behind the siege. A week later, suspected Islamists from the same group attacked the nation's largest Eid prayer congregation, killing three people, according to police. The Bangladeshi government says those attacks and a number of other killings of secular writers, foreigners and religious minorities are part of a plot to destabilise the country. It has blamed 70-year-old Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its Islamist ally. The BNP protested the money laundering verdict, saying it was part of the government's "political vengeance" against Rahman. "The lower court did not find any evidence against Tarique Rahman. The judge who gave that verdict was forced to flee the country following government pressure," BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed told AFP. "These are all parts of a conspiracy to keep him out of politics and to destroy the Zia family," he said. Story continues The judge who acquitted Rahman in 2013 has since fled the country and is believed to be in Malaysia. - Opposition in disarray - Party spokesman Ahmed said at least 24 BNP activists including a senior official were arrested after staging protests following the verdict. Dhaka police inspector Morshed Alam told AFP 10 supporters were detained outside the BNP's headquarters in the capital. Prosecutors said Rahman would now face a ban from politics unless the Supreme Court overturned his conviction. Justice minister Anisul Huq told reporters that Rahman, who also faces several other charges of graft, would have to surrender to the court before he could appeal. "There is no opportunity to appeal from London," he said. Nonetheless his lawyer Mahbub Uddin said they would appeal the verdict. "We hope we'll get justice," he told reporters. The BNP, founded by Rahman's father and popular army strongman Ziaur Rahman in the late 1970s, has been in disarray in recent years. It boycotted the last general election in 2014, allowing Zia's bitter rival Sheikh Hasina's party to win without even contesting most of the parliamentary seats. Last year Prime Minister Hasina's secular government launched a crackdown in which thousands of BNP activists were detained and prosecuted for violent protests that left nearly 150 people dead. Rahman has especially irritated Hasina's government after claiming that her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman -- widely regarded as the hero of Bangladesh's 1971 independence war from Pakistan -- was in fact a stooge of Islamabad. Cleveland (AFP) - Donald Trump will need to deliver the speech of his life Thursday, seeking to salvage a fractious Republican convention after his chief rival declined to endorse him for president. The most controversial White House contender in modern times will accept the nomination of the party of Abraham Lincoln, which has guided more candidates to the Oval Office than any other. Nationwide polls put the New York mogul, who has never held elected office, almost neck and neck Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state heavily criticized over an email scandal. The four-day Republican convention in Cleveland, which braced for violent protests, has passed off with only a handful of arrests. But inside the halls, the convention itself has been anything but uneventful, with public spasms of disunity -- and the embarrassing revelation that a prime-time speech by Trump's wife Melania had plagiarized remarks made by First Lady Michelle Obama. When Trump takes center stage on Thursday night, watched by tens of millions of Americans on prime-time television, he will need to prove that he is worthy of the White House and capable of being commander-in-chief. Many Republicans will be watching to see if he tries to heal deep party divisions, laid bare late Wednesday when his main rival Ted Cruz was booed off stage, or demands dissidents fall into line. The speech will also sound the firing gun on the general election, offering Trump a chance to overcome voters' concerns about his divisive campaign rhetoric. His campaign has defied political norms -- fueling ethnic tensions, offending key voting blocs, eschewing big-spending ad buys or campaign infrastructure and relying on heavy media coverage. "Mr Trump's speech will focus on his vision," his campaign chairman Paul Manafort said Thursday, and "deal with current affairs such as the crisis facing cities and terrorism." Before Trump takes to the stage, his daughter Ivanka will try to warm up the crowd and soften her father's image. Story continues In a slew of emails to supporters Thursday, she spoke of a loving dad who encouraged his young daughter to succeed, of an inspirational leader and a crack negotiator destined to win. "My father is someone you want fighting for you," she wrote. "He will outwork everyone in the room. He will always stay one step ahead of his competitors." - NATO questions - Trump's roller-coaster campaign defeated 16 rivals and steamrolled stubborn party opposition after being written off as a joke. He has shocked foreign leaders by questioning key pillars of American foreign policy. On Wednesday he qualified normally sacrosanct support for NATO allies, warning it would depend "if they fulfill their commitments to us." Responding to the comments, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg told AFP there was a need for solidarity. "I will not interfere in the US election campaign, but what I can do is say what matters for NATO," he said. "Solidarity among allies is a key value for NATO. This is good for European security and good for US security. We defend one another." But Trump's biggest problem may be among Republicans. Many establishment Republicans do not support him and the convention has seen a key leader in the party's conservative wing break ranks. On Wednesday, the rapturous welcome for arch conservative Senator Cruz turned into deafening boos after he provocatively told delegates to "vote your conscience" in November. Eric Trump, the nominee's second son, described the speech as "classless." But Cruz was unrepentant, defending himself at a breakfast meeting with Republicans from his home state of Texas. "We're not going to win this election by yelling and screaming and attacking people," he said to applause. Trump and Cruz were at loggerheads on the primary campaign trail: Cruz complaining that Trump was not a proper conservative and about his allegedly liberal "New York values" while the tycoon savaged Cruz as "Lyin' Ted" and posted a deeply unflattering photograph of his banker wife, Heidi. - 'Puppy dog' - Cruz had at one point pledged to support the eventual nominee, but he was defiant Thursday: "That pledge was not a blanket commitment that if you go and slander and attack Heidi, that I'm going to nonetheless come like a puppy dog and say thank you very much for maligning my wife." It was left to Trump's pick for vice president, the socially conservative Indiana Governor Mike Pence, to try to overcome the Cruz debacle in delivering a speech introducing himself to voters. He fed the crowd self-deprecating jokes and a clear conservative message, defending Trump as a man "who never quits, who never backs down" in a message given a standing ovation. The most unifying aspect of the convention has been savage assaults on Clinton, portraying her as a criminal and a liar who should be jailed, with cries of "lock her up, lock her up." Clinton, who will formally accept the Democratic nomination at her own convention next week, is expected to steal the limelight on Friday or Saturday by announcing her vice presidential running mate. The Beatles Live at the Hollywood Bowl, a 1977 live album containing material from the Beatles' Hollywood Bowl concerts in August 1964 and August 1965, is coming back in an expanded release globally on Sept. 9 on CD and digital download for the first time, it was announced Wednesday by The Beatles' Apple Corps' Ltd. and Universal Music Group. A 180-gram vinyl release will follow on Nov. 18. The new package, a companion release to the new Ron Howard film The Beatles: Eight Days a Week: The Touring Years, includes all the tracks of the 1977 album plus four additional unreleased songs and a 24-page booklet with an essay by music journalist David Fricke. The cover photo for the album, also on the poster for the film, was taken by the group's U.S. tour manager Bob Bonis on Aug. 22, 1964, as they boarded a chartered flight in Seattle to Vancouver, B.C., for their first concert in Canada. Wednesday's announcement said the new release is sourced from the original three-track tapes of the concerts, which have been remixed by producer Giles Martin and engineer Sam Okell at Abbey Road Studios. It was Martin's father, Sir George Martin, who produced the original album and wrote in the original liner notes: "The chaos, I might almost say panic, that reigned at these concerts was unbelievable unless you were there. Only three-track recording was possible; The Beatles had no 'fold back' speakers, so they could not hear what they were singing, and the eternal shriek from 17,000 healthy, young lungs made even a jet plane inaudible." Revealed Giles Martin in Wednesday's announcement: "A few years ago Capitol Studios called saying they'd discovered some Hollywood Bowl three-track tapes in their archive. We transferred them and noticed an improvement over the tapes we've kept in the London archive. Alongside this, I'd been working for some time with a team headed by technical engineer James Clarke on demix technology, the ability to remove and separate sounds from a single track. With Sam Okell, I started work on remixing the Hollywood Bowl tapes." Read More: Ron Howard's Beatles Doc to Hit Hulu, Select Theaters in September Martin said the tapes now sound better than ever. "Technology has moved on since my father worked on the material all those years ago. Now there's improved clarity, and so the immediacy and visceral excitement can be heard like never before," he explained. "My father's words still ring true, but what we hear now is the raw energy of four lads playing together to a crowd that loved them. This is the closest you can get to being at the Hollywood Bowl at the height of Beatlemania. We hope you enjoy the show. ..." The Beatles: Eight Days a Week: The Touring Years, directed by Howard, concentrates on the group from the years 1962 to 1966 and will include footage of the "Boys" performance featured on the Hollywood Bowl album. It will premiere six days after the album's release on Sept. 15 in the U.K., France and Germany, Sept. 16 in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand and Sept. 22 in Japan. The film will be available to U.S. subscribers of Hulu starting Sept. 17. The original 1977 version of The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl was assembled from two group shows in 1964 and 1965 and released on album, 8-track and cassette by Capitol Records in the U.S. and Parlophone Records in the U.K. in May 1977. It debuted on the U.S. Billboard album charts on May 21, 1977, and peaked at No. 2, and hit No. 1 in the U.K. It was never, however, released on legitimate CD, but it was heavily bootlegged. One such unauthorized release featured all three shows from Aug. 23, 1964, and Aug. 29-30, 1965, in stereo, complete with malfunctioning mikes. Read More: Muhammad Ali: The Day He Met The Beatles Track listing for The Beatles: Live at the Hollywood Bowl 1. "Twist and Shout" [Aug. 30, 1965] 2. "She's a Woman" [Aug. 30, 1965] 3. "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" [Aug. 30, 1965 / Aug. 29, 1965 - one edit] 4. "Ticket to Ride" [Aug. 29, 1965] 5. "Can't Buy Me Love" [Aug. 30, 1965] 6. "Things We Said Today" [Aug. 23, 1964] 7. "Roll Over Beethoven" [Aug. 23, 1964] 8. "Boys" [Aug. 23, 1964] 9. "A Hard Day's Night" [Aug. 30, 1965] 10. "Help!" [Aug. 29, 1965] 11. "All My Loving" [Aug. 23, 1964] 12. "She Loves You" [Aug. 23, 1964] 13. "Long Tall Sally" [Aug. 23, 1964] 14. "You Can't Do That" [Aug. 23, 1964 - previously unreleased] 15. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" [Aug. 23, 1964 - previously unreleased] 16. "Everybody's Trying to Be My Baby" [Aug. 30, 1965 - previously unreleased] 17. "Baby's in Black" [Aug. 30, 1965 - previously unreleased] This story first appeared on Billboard.com. Its fashionable and lucrative to be anti-Trump. (Photo: Getty Images) Urban Outfitters has struck gold in a very unlikely way: by selling merchandise with the message IDK Not Trump Tho. The clothing chains target demographic, millennials, is most likely responsible for the slogans success, according to Fortune. Comedian Dave Ross turned a joke into a lucrative licensing deal. (Photo courtesy of IDKNotTrumpTho.com) The way the company adopted the snarky slogan is just as surprising. Apparently, comedian Dave Ross brainstormed the political dig and decided to have it printed on a custom campaign sign that he planted in his front yard. He tweeted a picture of the sign, and it almost immediately went viral, so he launched a website, IDKNotTrumpTho.com, where he peddled anti-Donald-Trump merchandise emblazoned with the shorthand joke. The slogan made its way to Urban Outfitters, and a licensing deal was struck. After the first 300 shirts sold in less than 24 hours, the licensing company, ShopperTrak, and the retailer realized they would be enjoying one of the most successful designs theyve collaborated on to date, according to Ross, whos (of course) also profiting from the deal. ShopperTrak spokesperson Jennifer Braner confirmed that this kind of runaway success is rare for a company like Urban Outfitters. It is rare for major retailers to be political, let alone in such a divisive manner. Most simply showcase their levels of patriotism at relevant times during the year, she said. Meanwhile, clothing company American Apparel has partnered with Trump himself to produce T-shirts for the mogul turned politicians campaign. As Fashionista pointed out, the pairing with the company, whose clothes are made in the U.S., may sound appropriate as Trumps campaign slogan is Make America Great Again but upon closer inspection, its actually contradictory, considering the company has participated in a gay pride campaign and Trump is against gay marriage. Something the two do have in common, though, is a propensity for controversies involving immigrants. As the New York Times reported, American Apparel was forced for fire 1,800 immigrant workers in 2009 who were unable to prove that they were legally allowed to work in the U.S. The company has atoned for the firings by getting involved in human rights activism. But a cornerstone of the GOP presidential nominees campaign is building a wall on the Mexican-American border to ostensibly keep immigrants out of the country Mexicans he has accused of being drug dealers, criminals, and rapists. Story continues Trumps rival, Hillary Clinton, has the support of a clothing designer when it comes to her campaign merchandise. The presumptive Democratic nominee sells a T-shirt designed by Marc Jacobs on her website. The design is reminiscent of Shepard Faireys now-famous Hope poster, which he designed for the Barack Obama campaign. The top is modeled on Clintons website by a young woman the same customer Urban Outfitters sells its trendy tee to. Designer Vivienne Westwood has made a name for herself designing political tees that promote social causes, from Climate Revolution to I Am Not a Terrorist. And simple black-and-white tops from the Repeal Project, which promote and raise money for abortion rights, have been a smashing success in Ireland, where they sold out within an hour of going on sale. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. The saying Strike while the iron is hot is appropriate in all walks of life and the investing corner is no exception. Investors, after all are putting their hard earned money into a stock. Naturally, they wont want the money to go down the drain and will want to make handsome returns out of their portfolio of stocks. One of the well-accepted winning strategies is to maintain a diversified portfolio that would lead to handsome returns at all times. With time at a premium these days, it is next to impossible for investors to keep track of market movements to identify opportune moment(s) for buying or offloading a particular stock to maximize returns. Therefore, one needs guidance from proper channels, backed by sound logic and not out of the blue. Broker Ratings A Valuable Guide Investors more often than not fall back on opinions of broker(s)/analysts following a particular stock while arriving at their investment decision (buy, sell or hold). Generally, three types of brokers (sell-side, buy-side and independent) are present in the investment world, with sell-side analysts being most common. They are employed by various brokerage firms to provide unbiased opinion to investors on the stocks under their coverage after thorough research. Buy-side analysts are employed by hedge funds, mutual funds etc. while the independent ones simply sell their reports to investors. Analysts attend company conference calls/presentations and scrutinize every detail available publicly before advising investors about their course of action. Naturally, it is in the best interest of investors to pay heed to such well-researched information as they aim to generate maximum returns from their portfolio. Earnings Estimate Revisions Since brokers follow the stocks in their coverage minutely, they revise their earnings estimates on a stock after carefully examining the pros and cons of an event for the concerned company. Their action is certainly not arbitrary or illogical. The estimate revisions serve as an important pointer regarding the price of a stock. Story continues Upward estimate revisions generally lead to prices moving north. Similarly, lackluster earnings results often lead to stock price depreciation. Investors tend to be guided by the direction of estimate revisions and stock price while formulating their investment strategy. To take care of the earnings performance, we have designed a screen based on improving analyst recommendation and upward estimate revisions over the last four weeks. What About Top Line? While we have talked about the bottom line in detail, the top line (revenue portion) cannot be ignored. Actually, according to many market watchers a revenue beat is more creditable for a company than a mere earnings outperformance, especially in an environment of revenue weakness due to macroeconomic headwinds like a strong dollar or lackluster demand for travel (which will hurt travel-focused companies). To address top-line concerns, we have included in our screen the price/sales ratio which serves as a strong complementary valuation metric. Screening Criteria # (Up- Down Rating)/ Total (4 weeks) =Top #75: This gives the list of top 75 companies that have witnessed net upgrades over the last 4 weeks. % change in Q (1) est. (4 weeks) = Top #10: This gives the top 10 stocks that have witnessed earnings estimate revisions over the past 4 weeks for the upcoming quarter. To ensure that the strategy is a winning one, covering all bases, we have added the following screening parameters: Price-to-Sales = Bot%10: The lower the ratio the better, companies meeting this criteria are in bottom 10% of our universe of over 7,700 stocks with respect to this ratio. Price greater than 5: A stock trading below $5 will not likely create significant interest for most investors. Average Daily Volume greater than 100,000 shares over the last 20 trading days: Volume has to be significant to ensure that these are easily traded. Market value ($ mil) = Top #3000: This gives us stocks that are the top 3000 if one judges by market capitalization. Com/ADR/Canadian= Com: This takes out the ADR and Canadian stocks. Here are five of the 10 stocks that made it through the screen: Dean Foods Company DF, based in Dallas, TX, is a leading processor and distributor of milk and other dairy products in the U.S. as well as a leading manufacturer of various specialty food products. The company has an impressive track with respect to earnings, having surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters by an average of 17.8%. Big Lots, Inc. BIG, based in Columbus, OH and founded in 1967, is a broad-line closeout retailer in the United States. The company offers products under various merchandising categories, which include Food, Consumables, Furniture, Seasonal, Soft Home, Hard Home, and Electronics & Accessories. The company has an impressive record with respect to earnings, having surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three out of the last four quarters by an average of 8.5%. Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. AHT is a Dallas, TX-based hotel real estate investment trust engaged in investment and management of properties in the hospitality sector. For 2016, the companys earnings are projected to grow 7.40%, which is higher than the industry average of 4.1%. California Resources Corporation CRC, based in Los Angeles, CA, produces, gathers, processes and markets crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids and electricity primarily in its home state. The company has an impressive track with respect to earnings, having surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three out of the last four quarters by an average of 14.5%. Bunge Ltd. BG: Based in White Plains, NY, Bunge is a leading agribusiness and food company with over 35,000 employees and operations in about 40 countries. It is a global leader in oilseed processing, and grain & oilseed marketing. The companys 2016 earnings are projected to grow at 10.20%, which is higher than the industry average of 9.9%. 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 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 DEAN FOODS CO (DF): Free Stock Analysis Report BIG LOTS INC (BIG): Free Stock Analysis Report ASHFORD HOSPTLY (AHT): Free Stock Analysis Report BUNGE LTD (BG): Free Stock Analysis Report CA RESOURCES CP (CRC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Joe Biden urged Turkey to pursue the instigators of a failed coup according to the rule of law during a call with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on Thursday, the White House said. "(Biden) expressed his unyielding support for Turkish democracy and praised the Turkish people's commitment to democratic institutions," it said in a statement. "The vice president urged that the investigations into the coup's perpetrators be conducted in ways that reinforce public confidence in democratic institutions and the rule on law." (Reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) The battle between Bill Ackman and Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE: HLF), quite unbelievably, is still as heated as it ever was. For those unfamiliar with the story, Ackman is the hedge fund manager who famously (and publicly) bet $1 billion against the multi-level marketing company back in December 2012, and called it a "pyramid scheme." In The Beginning... At the time, Ackman said he wouldn't be covering his short position until the stock went to $0. While this seemed like hyperbole, it clearly wasn't, as his firm, Pershing Square Capital, has maintained its short position for all of these years, despite annual carrying costs of around $100 million and the fact that 10 percent of the fund's capital has been tied up in this position since late 2012. In what has become typical of Bill Ackman, an investor who is not known for his modesty or for keeping a low profile, the hedge fund manager unveiled his short thesis at an event billed as the "Inaugural Sohn Conference Special Event." Related Link: Bill Ackman: 'There Are No Incentives To Remain An Herbalife Distributor' The public way Ackman went about attacking Herbalife certainly helped him in the near term, as the stock cratered for days after the presentation. In the longer term, however, it could be argued it was a mistake driven by Ackman's ego, as other prominent investors such as Dan Loeb and Carl Icahn went long the stock in an effort to squeeze Pershing Square. In fact, Herbalife hit a multi-year low on record volume in December 2012, in the wake of Ackman's accusations. On December 21, 2012, Herbalife shares closed at $27.27 after trading in the high- to mid-$40 range before Ackman's position became public. Within weeks, however, the stock had recouped most of its losses and then subsequently soared throughout 2013, hitting a high above $80 by January 2014. At this point, Pershing Square had racked up massive losses on its short position and things looked quite bleak for Ackman. Nevertheless, in the ensuing years, Herbalife has pulled back and the stock has traded between $30 and $60 since the beginning of 2015. Story continues Current Saga The backstory is interesting to say the least, and things got more interesting last Friday when the FTC announced a resolution to an investigation of the nutritional supplement company that began in March 2014. Although the details of the settlement are quite damaging to Herbalife, or at the very least, the language used by the FTC is damning, it can't be viewed as a victory for Pershing Square, as Herbalife's share price actually jumped more than 20 percent on the news. According to sources, Ackman is sitting on a $500 million loss and, not surprisingly, he came out firing on Wednesday. First, however, it's important to outline all of the FTC's findings and the company's financial settlement with the agency. In the agency's complaint, which was filed on Friday in Los Angeles Federal Court, the FTC accused Herbalife of misrepresenting the true nature of its business. Rather than being a wholesaler of nutritional supplements, the FTC said Herbalife is really in the business of selling "business opportunities" to distributors. Furthermore, Herbalife has consistently and grossly exaggerated the financial rewards of this distributorship business opportunity. In so many words, the agency called the Herbalife opportunity a rip-off, stating, "Consumers have suffered and will continue to suffer substantial monetary loss as a result of [Herbalife's] violations of Section 5(a) of the FTC Act" (which refers to "unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce). All of these findings are consistent with Ackman's short thesis. The FTC also made it very clear it believes the key to the company's business is its ability to expand its distributor base, which drives growth in wholesale sales to these distributors. In order to continue adding distributors, who buy nutritional supplements directly from the company, Herbalife used highly misleading promotional practices that emphasized the potential for huge financial rewards. Related Link: Social Media: The Multi-Level Marketing Breeding Ground Like What? For example, the FTC said that the company's marketing materials featured "pictures of big houses, fancy cars, cash, and boats." The reality, however, was much different as most distributors actually lost money while attempting to get their business off the ground. According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, of the 680,000 Herbalife distributors in 2014, only 205 or 0.03 percent earned more than $600,000. The other indictment of the company that the FTC complaint reaffirmed is that the vast majority of its sales are a direct result of its aggressive and misleading "business opportunity" pitch. The agency said that more than 75 percent of the company's products are purchased by people pursuing the distributorship opportunity and not by consumers that are becoming distributors only to get discounted products, as the company has claimed. So, on the one hand, the FTC settlement clearly establishes that Herbalife is a multi-level marketing company whose financial success is predicated on an ever-expanding distributor base and not retail sales to end consumers. On the other, however, the settlement almost reaffirms the company's business model because it doesn't accuse Herbalife of operating a pyramid scheme and it outlines changes that the company needs to make to avoid further trouble. Significantly, while the FTC findings more or less affirm Ackman's long-running accusations, the hedge fund manager is still getting crushed on his short position and Herbalife will not be shut down anytime soon. In fact, the sanctions brought against the company could be described as a slap on the wrist. Under the settlement agreement, Herbalife will have to pay a $200 million fine and make changes to its business practices. The $200 million is a pittance to a company with a $6 billion market capitalization and that is expected to record $4.62 billion in sales this year. Also, the changes outlined in the settlement, while potentially damaging, offer a clear path for Herbalife to avoid further regulatory scrutiny. Furthermore, the FTC agreement only applies to Herbalife's operations in the United States, which account for a mere 20 percent of its sales. Going forward, Herbalife will need to make changes to its compensation plan, track retail sales to end consumers, and change distributor incentives that reward people for recruiting a downline. In addition, promotional activity meant to expand the distributorship base that relies on representations of lucrative financial rewards and a lavish lifestyle will be prohibited. "Herbalife is going to have to start operating legitimately," FTC Chair Edith Ramirez said Friday, "making only truthful claims about how much money its members are likely to make, and it will have to compensate consumers for the losses they have suffered as a result of what we charge are unfair and deceptive practices." CEO Michael Johnson said the settlement is "an acknowledgement that our business model is sound." Obviously, Ackman had a decidedly different take on the FTC resolution. Related Link: Just How Much Money Did Bill Ackman Lose In Q1? Ackman's Latest While the complaint vindicates many of the Pershing Square chief's accusations, his commentary on Wednesday was a little bizarre. The investor accused Herbalife's largest shareholder, Carl Icahn, along with the company management of stock manipulation. He cited the comments from Johnson about the settlement affirming the company's business model is sound, along with a statement released by Icahn which declared the FTC "concluded that Herbalife is not a pyramid scheme." The FTC later described Icahn's statement as being "inaccurate," saying that "they were not determined not to be a pyramid." "You have the CEO of a public company and a controlling shareholder misleading the public and you can see the impactthe 22 percent rise in the stock price on the public being misled," Ackman said on Pershing Square's quarterly conference call Wednesday. "They're trying to manipulate the stock price higher." He also decreed that the SEC would likely investigate Icahn and the company for stock manipulation. The investor then took things even further by saying, "Herbalife actually has been shut down by the FTC, they just haven't realized it yet." His reasoning? He contends that Herbalife knew it would be shut down if the FTC sued them for being a "pyramid scheme." Rather than have this fate happen, according to Ackman, Herbalife negotiated a settlement with the harshest possible findings, but that didn't include references to the company being a "pyramid scheme." Herbalife Responds For its part, Herbalife was quick to respond to this convoluted logic, which seems to suggest that the FTC ruling will eventually drive the company out of business. "After more than two years of working with the FTC, I think we understand the terms of the settlement agreement very well. We would not have settled unless we had the greatest confidence in our ability to comply with the agreement and grow our business and we believe this will be proven out over time." Pershing Square remains short Herbalife stock, although it seems as if Ackman has finally backed off of his assertion that the government will come to his rescue any day now and just up and shut the $6 billion company down. He told Pershing Square investors during Wednesday's conference call, "We're short the stock, not for emotion, not for anything else other than we believe this is a massively overvalued company. We believe a fraudulent business will not survive." Although Ackman may be proven correct some day, the market continues to tell a different story. Did you like this article? Could it have been improved? Please email feedback@benzinga.com with the story link to let us know! See more from Benzinga 2016 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Cambridge, MA-based Biogen BIIB, one of the worlds leading biotechnology companies, focuses on therapeutic areas including neurology, immunology and hemophilia. The company is best known for its multiple sclerosis (MS) franchise comprising treatments like Avonex, Tysabri, Tecfidera and Plegridy. Biogen also has a presence in the hemophilia market with two marketed products in its portfolio Alprolix and Eloctate. The MS franchise remains the main contributor to the top line and Biogen is working on consolidating its position in the MS market. Since the emergence of the first progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)-related death in a patient on oral MS drug, Tecfidera, Biogen has been reporting a slowdown in Tecfideras growth rate. Investor focus will remain on scrip growth of this oral MS treatment in the coming quarters. The continued ramp up of Plegridy will also be in focus. BIIB has a pretty good earnings track record with the company delivering positive earnings surprises in each of the last four quarters with an average surprise of 9.54%. Currently, BIIB has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), but that could definitely change following the companys earnings report which was just released. We have highlighted some of the key stats from this just-revealed announcement below: Huge Earnings Beat: BIIBs second quarter 2016 earnings were far better-than expected. The company posted earnings of $5.21 per share while our consensus called for EPS of $4.69. Revenues Top: Biogen posted revenues of $2.9 billion, beating the consensus estimate of $2.8 billion. Tecfidera revenues improved 4% sequentially. Updates Outlook: Biogen now expects earnings of $19.70 - $20.00 per share on revenues of $11.2 - $11.4 billion. Earlier this year, the company had guided towards 2016 earnings of $18.30 - $18.60 per share on revenues of $11.1 - $11.3 billion. The Zacks Consensus estimate for revenues and earnings is currently $11.3 billion and $19.04 per share, respectively. The Board also authorized a share buyback program worth up to $5 billion. CEO to Step Down: Biogen also announced that its Chief Executive Officer, George A. Scangos, will step down in the coming months after a successor is identified. Story continues Pre-Market Trading: Shares were up more than 5% in pre-market trading. BIOGEN INC Price BIOGEN INC Price | BIOGEN INC Quote Check back later for our full write up on this BIIB earnings report later! 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 BIOGEN INC (BIIB): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Beirut (AFP) - At least 51 civilians, including 15 children, were killed in bombardment of several rebel-held areas across Syria on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said. The group said at least 13 people, including three children, were killed in government air strikes and shelling on the Eastern Ghouta area outside the capital Damascus. Among the areas targeted was Douma, where the central market was hit, an AFP photographer said. Government bombardment also hit two neighbourhoods of the rebel-held east of Aleppo city, where 15 people were killed, among them six children, the Observatory said. Opposition-held neighbourhoods of Aleppo have been effectively under siege for the past two weeks, after government forces advanced to within firing range of the only remaining supply route into the east of the city. Since then, government forces have seized part of the road, completely severing the east of the city from the outside world. The Observatory also reported that 23 civilians were killed in strikes and shelling in different parts of the northwestern province of Idlib. It said 17 people, including five children, were killed in strikes on the town of Tal Manas but it was unable to confirm if the raids were carried out by the Syrian government or its Russian ally. The monitor -- which relies on a network of sources inside Syria for its information -- says it determines what planes carried out raids according to their type, location, flight patterns and the munitions involved. A key ally of the Syrian government, Russia began carrying out air strikes in the country in late September. Elsewhere in Idlib, the monitor said three people had been killed in government shelling on the town of Badama, and another three people, including a child, in government air strikes on the town of Sarmada. More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria, and more than half the country displaced, since the conflict began with anti-government protests in March 2011. You won't actually see the words, "made with the cooperation of the CIA" in the credits of Zero Dark Thirty or Argo, but these films carry the Agency's seal of approval, which is less about authenticity and more about myth-making. That's what journalist Nicholas Schou calls it in his new book Spooked: How the CIA Manipulates the Media and Hoodwinks Hollywood. "When the legend becomes fact print the legend," is what newspaperman Maxwell Scott (Carleton Young) tells Jimmy Stewart's Ransom Stoddard at the end of John Ford's classic The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Hollywood and the media always are in pursuit of a good story. And the CIA has stories it's eager to tell with the help of Hollywood, says Schou. "It's a joint partnership between Hollywood and the CIA in terms of image making. Zero Dark Thirty was...an illustrative case where you didn't just have the CIA trading access to Langley, to consultants, for a big powerful Hollywood project like it did with Argo, but they worked very closely with the producers of that to try to get the story out there the CIA wanted. That comes pretty close to propaganda," Schou tells The Hollywood Reporter of the 2012 film about the hunt for Osama bin Laden. Zero Dark Thirty enjoyed abundant access to CIA headquarters, including people whose role in the mission was still classified, as well as a private dinner with some of those involved in the bin Laden takedown - among them CIA chief Leon Panetta, who reportedly was starry-eyed at the prospect of Al Pacino playing him (James Gandolfini ended up in the role instead). Read More: Oliver Stone Reveals Clandestine Meetings With Edward Snowden, NSA Worries While Senators John McCain and Dianne Feinstein got over what they perceived as Zero Dark Thirty's promotion of torture, in Schou's view they were missing a larger point - the film's cat-and-mouse game that led to a bin Laden courier never took place. Instead, the Pakistanis had the Al Qaeda chief under house arrest when an agent from Pakistani intelligence (ISI) contacted the CIA and offered to turn him over for the $25 million reward. Pakistani guards were recalled from the Abbottabad compound and, in a pre-dawn raid, Navy Seals met almost no resistance in taking bin Laden. Managing editor of the O.C. Weekly and author of Kill the Messenger (the basis for the 2014 movie of the same name), Schou centers his argument on an article by legendary investigative journalist Seymour Hersh that appeared in the London Review of Books in May 2015. Known for breaking stories like the My Lai Massacre and the Abu-Ghraib torture scandal, Hersh is a longtime contributor to The New Yorker. His piece on bin Laden, which relies heavily on an anonymous retired senior U.S. intelligence official, has been discredited by most mainstream news outlets as well as the CIA. "Seymour Hersh's story has been widely attacked for being very thinly sourced and relying on too few [and] unnamed sources. But it's been borne out by other prominent national security reporters and even former CIA officials who have said this is something that has been discussed in back channels for a long time," says Schou, whose other sources include VICE Media reporter Jason Leopold's articles, culled from government documents made available under the Freedom of Information Act, as well as New York Times Magazine reporter Carlotta Gall, who heard a similar account from ISI sources while doing research in the region. The shaky relationship Zero Dark Thirty has with the truth is rivaled by Argo, the 2013 best picture winner about the clandestine removal of a handful of American citizens from Tehran during the Iran hostage crisis of 1979. "If you talk to CIA officers like Bob Baer, he says that movie's just complete fiction. The guy who's turned into a hero in the movie was actually a makeup artist. The whole narrative is basically something that is highly convenient to the CIA, that they collaborated with Hollywood on making this story," says Schou, who goes on to mention points about the downplayed role of the British, New Zealanders and Canadians in favor of CIA heroism. Read More: Acting CIA Director Disputes 'Zero Dark Thirty' Accuracy in Rare Public Statement The author argues this matters not because Argo is meant to be more factual than other Hollywood movies but because its deviations from the truth shed an unduly favorable light on the agency that had a hand in the hostilities in Iran. "Both the CIA and Hollywood end up as main characters in this heroic story. But this wasn't the way it actually happened." But Schou believes the Agency's power is on the wane in Hollywood. The last time the author met with press people at the CIA, he says, they were despondent over publications like The Intercept and Wikileaks, which famously released information the agency would have preferred to keep classified. Case in point is the upcoming Oliver Stone movie Snowden, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as NSA leaker Edward Snowden (already the subject of an Oscar-winning documentary, Citizenfour, directed by Laura Poitras). Stone has held several clandestine meetings with Snowden, and moved production on his film to Germany to escape NSA scrutiny, which only partially alleviates Schou's concerns about Hollywood getting the story wrong. "They have a way of doing that, don't they?" Boos Cruz It was striking for a candidate to give a prime-time convention address and decline to offer even tepid support for his own partys candidate. But Cruz, who ran a fierce and bitter primary against Trump, urged conservatives to vote their conscience. The delegates in Cleveland jeered him in response. (newseum.org) On Wednesday night, Sen. Ted Cruz stirred the pot at the Republican National Convention by giving a major speech in which he refused to endorse the GOP nominee. It was striking for a candidate to give a prime-time convention address and decline to offer even tepid support for his own partys candidate. But Cruz, who ran a fierce and bitter primary against Trump, urged conservatives to vote their conscience. The delegates in Cleveland jeered him in response. The media embraced the turmoil. CIVIL WAR, the Daily News declared. Other newspapers, including the Boston Herald and the Chicago Sun-Times, went with the same pun: BOOS CRUZ. (Colin Campbell/Yahoo news) Follow our complete convention coverage here. See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Tumblr. Second Amendment Shredding? We recently received an email (below) regarding Minnesota's Proctor City Council views on the Second Amendment. Initially there was apparent broad support, until one councilor decided to propose various amendments. If you read these you will see just how much the aforementioned councilor wanted to impose deep restrictions - Section 7 in particular taking the breath away. These are typical of many who wish to interfere with rights and trying to eviscerate the 2A. The results of the meeting referred to on 7/18/16 fortunately returned a vote of 0 for and 5 against.We will give more details later, plus some details of the original resolution. Dear Friends, At the Proctor (Minnesota) City Council meeting on July 5th the City Council passed a Resolution reaffirming our 2nd Amendment rights. One of the Councilors tried to amend the Resolution to include language that would restrict our rights, luckily the motion to amend the Resolution failed to receive a second and failed. That's the good news, unfortunately, here is the bad news. At the upcoming Proctor City Council meeting on July 18th at 6:00pm, that same Councilor intends on introducing an Amendment to the original Resolution that will encourage even greater restrictions on our 2nd Amendment rights. If you live in Proctor and support your 2nd Amendment rights, I encourage you to attend and show your support. If you don't live in Proctor but know a gun rights supporter that does, please encourage them to attend and show their support. Here is the proposed Amendment to the original Resolution: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CITY OF PROCTOR AMENDMENTS TO RESOLUTION NO. 37-16 WHEREAS, it is important to protect the citizens of the United States from harm while adhering to the Second Amendment, and WHEREAS, gun violence should not be tolerated, WHEREAS, it is government responsibility to enhance public safety by tightening existing laws in a responsible and focused manner, while protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners, NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Proctor as follows, Section 1. The City Council of Proctor supports, restricting possession of ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. Section 2. The City Council of Proctor supports, regulates the sale of ammunition by requiring sellers to be licensed, buyers to undergo background checks and transactions to be recorded. Section 3. The City Council of Proctor proposes, allowing weapons that already are owned with "bullet buttons" that make it easy to detach magazines that are Minnesota compliant, but prohibiting "bullet buttons" on new weapons. Section 4. The City Council of Proctor proposes, limiting the lending of guns to non-family members who have not completed background checks. Section 5. The City Council of Proctor proposes, preventing gun sales to anyone on the government's "No Fly List" for terrorism suspect. Section 6. The City Council of Proctor proposes, preventing the sale of "green tip" SS109 and M855 cartridges. Section 7. The City Council of Proctor proposes, amending the Second Amendment to conform to the original intent of its draftsmen: "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms when serving in the Militia shall not be infringed." Section 8. The City Council of Proctor proposes, requiring background checks for online sales and at guns shows. "You don't have to be Jewish to fight by our side." 2016 JPFO All rights reserved. jpfo@jpfo.org 1-800-869-1884 Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership 12500 NE 10th Pl. Bellevue, WA 98005 USA Americas most aggressive civil rights organization We make the NRA look like moderates Join JPFO Back to Top Bellissimo! Bradley Cooper and his supermodel girlfriend, Irina Shayk, put their beach bodies on display while on vacation in Lake Garda, Italy. The American Sniper star, still sporting a thick beard, looked toned and muscular in a black bathing suit after taking a swim with his blue goggles. Shayk, meanwhile, was stunning as she put her assets on display in an itsy-bitsy black bikini. The globetrotting couple of nearly two years, who were recently spotted together enjoying Wimbledon, vacationed in Italy this time last year. The pair were seen kissing and cuddling on the peddle beaches of the Amalfi Coast last August. VIDEO: Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk Have PDA-Filled Date Night in New York Cooper, 41, and Shayk, 30, also shared some European PDA back in March during a romantic night out at the L'Oreal Red Obsession Party in Paris. The duo were all smiles as they mingled with guests, with Cooper keeping his hand securely around his girlfriend's waist. The couple were first linked in April 2015, but even before taking to social media as a couple they have not been shy about their relationship. They made their first public appearance as a couple in early March while attending a Paris Fashion Week event. (Recasts to add details, company denial, background throughout) By Guillermo Parra-Bernal and Tatiana Bautzer SAO PAULO, July 21 (Reuters) - Shares in Brazil's largest listed banks posted their biggest decline in a month on Thursday on concerns about the financial health of Odebrecht SA, the engineering group that is embroiled in a large corruption scandal, despite a denial by the company that it would seek an accommodation with creditors. In a statement, Odebrecht denied plans to seek an in-court reorganization, as reported by financial blog Brazil Journal earlier on Thursday. Ongoing negotiations with banks as well as efforts to sell assets "continue to be positive," the statement said. The blog, which did not cite any sources, fanned worries over the outlook for banks, which face a deluge of requests from companies to restructure up from 100 billion reais ($30 billion) in problematic loans. Brazil's banking industry has struggled with a harsh recession and record delinquencies this year. A stock index grouping banking and financial shares trading in the Sao Paulo Stock Exchange dropped as much as 2.1 percent on the report. The index recouped part of the losses after Odebrecht denied the report, and was trading down 1.0 percent at 6,095 in late afternoon trading. With Brazilian bankruptcy filings doubling this year and the economy poised to contract for a second straight year, lenders are giving more repayment time, cutting borrowing costs and extending maturities for small and large corporate borrowers alike. Banks had about 130 billion reais in refinanced and restructured loans on their books last year. Preferred shares of Itau Unibanco Holding SA, the nation's largest bank by market value, shed 1.3 percent to 33.96 reais. Those of Banco Bradesco SA fell 0.7 percent, while common shares of state-controlled Banco do Brasil SA dropped 1.7 percent on Thursday. Odebrecht, which has about 100 billion reais in obligations, borrowed heavily in the past decade as it expanded its business into defense, shipbuilding and biofuels. It currently ranks as Brazil's largest private-sector employer. Story continues Reuters reported in April that Odebrecht entered talks with banks to refinance up to 35 billion reais in loans, following the involvement of Latin America's largest engineering group in a major corruption scandal that curtailed access to funding. While some asset sales have succeeded, others have hit a snag as a result of the scandal. Lenders may slow the disbursement of a $4.125 billion loan to Peruvian gas pipeline operator Gasoducto Sur Peruano GSP SA until Odebrecht fully exits the project overseeing the construction of the pipelines, three people said. ($1 = 3.2864 Brazilian reais) (Reporting by Guillermo Parra-Bernal; Editing by Clive McKeef) By Lisandra Paraguassu BRASILIA, July 21 (Reuters) - Brazil's government plans to include steps to ease restrictions on foreign ownership of agricultural land in a package of measures to resuscitate the recession-stricken economy, a senior government official told Reuters. Apart from easing the restrictions that former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva introduced in 2010, the government wants to expand regional airports and pursue state-funded public works, said the official, who asked for anonymity to discuss the plans freely. The package would also include instructing state-controlled banks to increase loans to small- and mid-sized companies to generate more jobs, the official said, adding that the lenders' capital position poses no immediate concern. The policies, a combination of regulatory and investment promotion steps, underscore how interim President Michel Temer plans to reverse two years of economic decline. The Senate will decide late next month whether to dismiss President Dilma Rousseff, whose erratic policies plunged Brazil into the worst recession in eight decades. Rousseff was replaced by Temer, her vice president, in May, pending the impeachment trial, in which senators are widely expected to vote for her permanent removal. In recent weeks, Brazilian equities, bonds and currency rallied on the prospect for Rousseff's impeachment and the election of a Temer ally to preside over the lower house of Congress - marking a victory for a government seeking to approve unpopular economic reforms. (Writing by Guillermo Parra-Bernal; Editing by Daniel Flynn and Chizu Nomiyama) * Graphic on Brexit impact http://reut.rs/2aqnwkw LONDON, July 21 (Reuters) - Britain's June 23 referendum decision to leave the European Union has had far-reaching consequences for the world's economy, businesses, investors and politics. Following are the main developments: July 21 The European Central Bank appears relatively calm about Brexit's impact on the euro zone economy - at least so far. At his news conference, ECB President Mario Draghi says the initial market stress was "contained". But its too early to know for certain, he says. French President Francois Hollande says rather bluntly he will tell British Prime Minister Theresa May when they meet later in the day that Britain that exit talks must start fast and without any pre-negotiating. He also wants explanations for the delay in launching Article 50 - the formal start of divorce. Bit of a change in tone from German Chancellor Angela Merkel who only went as far as saying: "Nobody wants a long period of limbo." May is ignoring demands like Hollande's; Article 50 won't be until next year. There may be some people enjoying a bit of Schadenfreude with this one. Daily Mail and General Trust, owner of the vehemently pro-Brexit Daily Mail newspaper, said that total advertising revenue across its media unit was down by an underlying 4 percent in the three-month period to June 30 It blamed uncertainty over Brexit. Investment demand for British commercial property dropped by the largest amount on record after the vote, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors says. Retail sales also took a dive, registering the biggest fall in six months. Officials blamed the weather, not Brexit. IMPORTANT DATES AHEAD: - July 21: European Central Bank policy meeting - Aug. 4: Bank of England policy meeting, economic forecasts - Sept. 16: Informal EU summit in Bratislava - Sept. 25-28: UK Labour Party conference - October TBA: Italian constitutional reform referendum - Oct. 2: Re-run of Austrian presidential election - Oct. 2-5: UK Conservative Party conference - Oct. 13-15: Scottish National Party conference - Oct. 20-21: Formal EU summit in Brussels PREVIOUS July 20 Moody's says Brexit won't hurt EU finances but there is now a risk of political fragmentation. Story continues From the it-all-depends-on-who-you-are department: Appliance-maker Electrolux's CEO Jonas Samuelson tells us the weaker pound - around 10 percent down vs euro since the Brexit vote - means his company takes a conversion hit on its imports into Britain. He adds, "We have gotten indications from house builders that they will be cautious going forward until there is clarity on what the demand for them will look like." But business solutions giant SAP is getting a boost, according to CEO Bill McDermott. He says, "We have seen a rise in customers saying: help me rethink and re-imagine how I can run my business. Help me understand if the regulatory environment changes in the EU. Help me understand some of the arbitrage I could do offset the currency impact." Busy day for Mrs May. First comes Prime Minister's Questions, in which Theresa May will, for the first time as premier, trade barbs with her parliamentary opponents - colourfully, if she sticks to tradition. Lots of hear-hears and shame-shames. Then it is off to Berlin to meet Angela Merkel to discuss Brexit with the German chancellor. Merkel's attitude to the divorce negotiations will dictate how amicable they are. The Bank of England's spies across the country report in that there is "no clear evidence" yet of any sharp slowdown in the UK economy as a result of Brexit. Britain says it will give up its right to be EU president next year. Conflict of interest? REGULAR ITEMS: - Global Markets - Currency reports - Brexit Factbox: [nL8N19T1LJ (Reporting by Jeremy Gaunt; Editing by David Goodman) By Anjuli Davies and Olivia Oran LONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - (This July 18, 2016 story was refiled to correct a name in paragraph 21) Market ructions caused by Britain's decision to leave the European Union are set to widen the gulf between Wall Street and European investment banks, potentially leaving the continent without its own global champion. The Brexit vote has pushed shares in Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE) and Credit Suisse (CSGN.S) to record lows and triggered a string of analyst downgrades, highlighting expectations that Europe's already-struggling investment banks will be pushed further to the sidelines by their U.S. counterparts. "In our view, the uncertainty created post Brexit, if it leads to long-term negative impact on profitability, could result in further restructuring in Tier Two investment banks," JPMorgan analysts wrote in a note on July 11, downgrading their estimates for European banks in favour of their U.S. rivals. Brexit is seen as a negative for banks on both sides of the Atlantic because the uncertainty could subdue dealmaking and trading activity. And banks may also face the cost of relocating some London-based businesses and staff to other EU cities. But European banks will find it tougher as Brexit comes on top of post-financial crisis structural overhauls that their U.S. counterparts have largely completed. Since Britain's vote to leave the European Union, some headhunters on Wall Street have reported getting more calls from investment bankers at European groups asking about jobs at their U.S rivals. "People I've been in discussion with since the middle of last year have all of a sudden started saying 'you were right ... I should be more open-minded ... I don't want to be the last guy here to turn the lights off. Is it too late in the year to move?' Gary Goldstein, founder and CEO of executive search firm Whitney Partners in New York, said. Europe's banks were already on the back foot before the vote, focused on cost-cutting and shoring up capital while more strongly-capitalised U.S banks have been able to go out to win new business. Story continues "We have been getting a number of calls from senior bankers at the European institutions in the U.S.," Kevin P. Mahoney at Bay Street Advisors, LLC, said. "The concerns range from the European banks' inability to lend, and thus compete on deals going forward, to the quickly eroding value of their stock awards and overall compensation." GLOBALLY RELEVANT Some senior executives, worried about the risks of Wall Street dominating the region, argue that Europe needs its own investment banks to service companies at home and abroad and help to spur economic growth. "It is in the interests of Europe at large to have a strong, globally relevant bank in Europe," Alasdair Warren, head of corporate and investment banking EMEA at Deutsche Bank told Reuters. "If the only globally relevant banks of scale are North American, it's not politically or socially good for Europe. But of course, all institutions, irrespective of geography need to be globally competitive." Barclays' (BARC.L) chief executive Jes Staley said earlier this year that the region risked tipping over into American dominance, which could leave Europes capital markets entirely dependent on firms based elsewhere. European companies could also play a role in supporting their home banks. In a research paper in March, think-tank Bruegel said companies could help to bolster the continent's investment banks. "We recommend that the big European corporates should cherish the (few) remaining European investment banks, by giving them at least one place in otherwise U.S.- dominated banking syndicates," the paper said. "That could help to avoid complete dependence on U.S. investment banks." WALL STREET VS THE REST In 2007, the eight biggest European banks' FICC (fixed income, currencies and commodities) revenue was $48 billion (36.3 billion) , compared with the $38 billion generated by the five biggest U.S. banks, according to data from analytics firm Tricumen. Last year, European banks' revenue was $26 billion while U.S. banks was $43 billion. In eight years, there has been a $22 billion fall in FICC revenue at European banks and a $5 billion increase at U.S. banks. Europe's 26 percent advantage has turned into a 40 percent deficit. European banks' total fee revenue from bond issuance, equity capital markets and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) fell from $17 billion to $13 billion between 2007 and 2015, while U.S. banks' fees remained unchanged at $23 billion. "I would expect European banks to lose more market share to the U.S. banks," Darko Kapor a partner at Tricumen, said. The Wall Street banks potentially face some big Brexit costs. The five largest U.S. banks employ around 40,000 people in London, more than in the rest of Europe combined, taking advantage of the EU "passporting" regime that allows them to offer services across the bloc. If they have to set up new continental European outposts this could be extremely costly. It could cost 50,000 pounds ($66,215) per person, on average to relocate an employee to the EU, according to consultancy Crossbridge, taking into account the costs of hiring and redundancy, new building, rent and other infrastructure and contingency costs. U.S. investment banks have 20 percent more EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) staff in Britain than their European counterparts, according to industry analytics firm Coalition. "Most banks (U.S. and European) have put in place a hiring freeze and are following a "wait and watch" approach. Some banks that had launched restructuring before Brexit are looking at accelerating those programs," Coalition said. (Additional reporting by Lawrence White and Mike Stone, editing by Jane Merriman) Proctor City Council - 2A resolution update details Following on from the Proctor City Council (Minnesota) article on 7/19/16 - "Shredding the Second Amendment?", we show here a report on the meeting (received by email from Travis W) and, a copy (below) of the original resolution which was drafted to ensure Second Amendment support, and had originally been voted on and passed. (NOTE - previous use of restrict, interfere, eviscerate should actually be better replaced solely by infringe in the context of the 2A. "The meeting went good. Two residents spoke at length against the proposed Amendment. They made some really good arguments against gun control. When it came time for us on the council to debate it, the councilor decided not to introduce it at which point the Mayor blew up at him for wasting our time. The councilor then decided to introduce it and I gave it a second so we could discuss it. The Mayor started off by stating he opposed it. Another councilor, who is a former Marine and currently a police officer, stated that he opposed it and made the argument that we need to start blaming the individuals for their actions instead of the guns they use in those actions. Then it was my turn to speak on it and I went into great detail to explain what "militia" meant, who the "militia" is composed of, and why the founders felt the need to protect the People's right to have firearms so they could fight back against the standing armies that our government may one day rise up against the People. The final councilor chose not to speak on the issue and we voted. The vote was 0 For the Amendment and 5 Against the Amendment. The councilor who introduced it also voted against it but I'm sure that was a political maneuver so he would retain the right to bring it up at a further date by being a member of the voting majority." Resolution No. 37-16 City of Proctor A RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO ANY FURTHER INFRINGEMENT OF SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS AND IN SUPPORT OF PROTECTING AND DEFENDING INDIVIDUAL SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF SAINT LOUIS CITY OF PROCTOR WHEREAS, the City Council of Proctor is sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America; and WHEREAS, a government of, by, and for the people has long been a cherished American value and the foundation of our freedom; and We The People's fundamental and inalienable right to self-govern, and thereby secure rights to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness is guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence; and WHEREAS, the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution provides: "A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed"; and WHEREAS, the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the inalienable and individual right of the people to keep and bears arms; and WHEREAS, the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution was adopted in 1791 as part of the United States Bill of Rights; and WHEREAS, the Ninth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides: "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people"; and WHEREAS, the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people"; and WHEREAS, federal acts, laws, orders, executive orders, rules, or regulations regarding firearms are an infringement upon and work to erode the freedoms preserved by the Second Amendment; and WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court in District of Columbia v. Heller ruled that the Second Amendment protects an individual's, rather than a collective, right to keep and bear arms; and WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court in McDonald v. City of Chicago opined that the right of an individual to keep and bear arms protected by the Second Amendment is incorporated by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and applies to the States; and WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court in the District of Columbia v. Heller decision affirmed the right to keep and bear arms is unconnected to any service in a militia; and WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court in United States v. Miller opined that firearms that are part of ordinary military equipment, or with use that could contribute to the common defense are protected by the Second Amendment; and WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court in South v. Maryland and Castle Rock v. Gonzales ruled that citizens do not have a constitutional right to police protection; and WHEREAS, the Federal Government is currently taking measures to mandate or encourage restrictive gun control measures at the national level; and WHEREAS, there have been discussions regarding plans to impose regulation on the manufacture, transfer and possession of firearms, ammunition and related materials by private citizens; and WHEREAS, the citizens of Proctor recognize their duty as citizens to act in accordance with the United States Constitution and agree that the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed upon by any government or organization, political or otherwise; and WHEREAS, the City Council of Proctor believes in the right of our citizens to keep and bear arms and opposes any infringement on the People's Constitutional rights to keep and bear arms; and WHEREAS, the City Council of Proctor supports the action by the Minnesota Legislature to protect our citizen's Second Amendment Rights. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Proctor as follows: Section 1. The City Council of Proctor supports the protection and defense of our Second Amendment freedom and the individual right to keep and bear arms, and we support the Minnesota Legislature in protecting those rights. Section 2. The City Council of Proctor opposes any further infringement on the Constitutional rights of citizens to acquire and possess firearms and ammunition and to use them in a safe and responsible manner. Section 3. The City Council of Proctor calls upon our state legislators and elected officials to join with us in the affirmation of the rights of our citizens under the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Section 4. The City Council of Proctor calls on other communities and jurisdictions to join with us in this action by passing similar resolutions. Section 5. That copies of this Resolution be immediately transmitted to the President of the United States; the President of the United States Senate; the Speaker of the House of Representatives; each member of Congress from the State of Minnesota; the justices of the United States Supreme Court; the Attorney General of the State of Minnesota; the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Minnesota legislature; each individual legislator that represents our district in the State of Minnesota; and the Sheriff of St. Louis County. "You don't have to be Jewish to fight by our side." 2016 JPFO All rights reserved. jpfo@jpfo.org 1-800-869-1884 Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership 12500 NE 10th Pl. Bellevue, WA 98005 USA Americas most aggressive civil rights organization We make the NRA look like moderates Join JPFO Back to Top From Town & Country Indiana Jones fantasies aside, the typical archaeological dig may only yield a few pottery shards. So Must Farm, the excavation of a Bronze Age community in England's Cambridgeshire Fens, is truly exceptional. Called "the dig of a lifetime" by the project's online diary, the site has already produced "exceptional textiles," metal objects including the tip of a broken sword, tools such as axes, sickles, and gouges, and decorative items like colored beads. Mark Knight, from the Cambridge Archaeological Unit described the discovery as "a genuine snapshot" of life in the Bronze Age. Very little is known about the average man during the this time period, making this discovery especially significant. The discovery is also being described as "the British Pompeii" because the site is so perfectly preserved. According to CNN, the settlement was actually destroyed by a fire 3,000 years ago. "The blaze took hold on a summer's day and may well have burnt itself out in less than an hour. The round houses-of wattle, reed and timber-and their contents collapsed into the water and more importantly, into the river silt," writes Nick Glass. "It's the speed of the event-the brevity of it, the almost instant entombment of the material-that makes the find so exciting." The fire had the same effect as Pompeii's volcanic ash; the destruction occurred in such a way that the blaze actually preserved the site. Gross went so far as to say, "It's as if the archaeologists have arrived just after the fire, rather than 3000 years later." For more information about Must Farm, check out the online diary, subscribe to their Facebook page for updates, and head over to CNN for a full site analysis. mcdonalds ronald mcdonald protest The fast-food business model is under threat. Chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's have long relied on cheap labor to keep menu prices low while still driving a healthy profit. But the days of cheap labor could soon be over, turning the entire business model on its head, according to Deutsche Bank analyst Brett Levy. The industry is facing unprecedented pressure to raise wages because of three major factors: a shrinking labor pool, local legislation increasing the minimum wage, and new overtime pay rules, Levy wrote in a recent note. "With a high level of scarcity across the labor pool (with a current ~5% unemployment rate), it has created an intense headcount battle," Levy wrote. "Second, the ongoing changes to wage-related legislation has created an artificial escalation of costs, which in some cases are greater than companies can handle." That, along with new overtime pay rules, "could combine to plunge the restaurant industry into a challenging and potentially prolonged phase of escalating wages," he wrote. While the federal minimum wage, at $7.25 per hour, hasn't been raised in seven years, state and local governments across the country have been enacting legislation to push their minimum wages higher. burger king About one in three states now has a minimum wage that's higher than $7.25 per hour, and those states have plans in place to raise wages even higher on an annual basis. As labor costs inflate, restaurants will be forced to raise menu prices and fire some workers as well as reduce labor hours for its remaining employees, according to Levy. To absorb the cost of a $1 per hour wage increase, a fast-food chain with 18 employees would have to significantly raise prices or cut 180 monthly labor hours, according to his estimates. Former McDonald's USA CEO Ed Rensi predicted a similar scenario in a recent interview with Business Insider on this topic. "They are going to raise prices to offset the cost of labor, and then they are going to lose customers," Rensi said. "And guess what happens when they lose customers? They fire employees because they don't need them anymore." Story continues Longer term, many companies would have to invest more in technology and automation to further reduce the need for employees, according to Levy. NOW WATCH: What this billionaire learned from a Navy SEAL living in a tent in her apartment More From Business Insider MUMBAI(Reuters) - Oil explorer Cairn India Ltd, controlled by billionaire Anil Agarwal, said on Thursday consolidated net profit in the first quarter of its business year fell 28 percent from the same period a year ago due to lower crude oil prices. The crude oil and gas producer, with assets in Rajasthan state's Barmer basin, Andhra Pradesh's Ravva basin and Gujarat's Cambay basin, reported April-June profit of 3.6 billion rupees ($53.61 million). Sales fell 28 percent to 18.85 billion rupees. The first-quarter's performance represented a significant improvement on the previous quarter however, when Cairn India reported a loss of 5.6 billion rupees. The improvement was due to a recovery in prices in April-June, when the Brent crude oil price averaged $47.03 a barrel. Earlier in the day, Navin Agarwal, chairman of the company, informed shareholders in its annual general meeting that the company plans to quadruple its natural gas output from the Rajasthan field in the next 18 to 24 months. The company also hopes to complete the process of the merger with parent company Vedanta Ltd by the end of March 2017. ($1 = 67.1473 Indian rupees) (Reporting by Promit Mukherjee; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) As a lifelong Republican, Caitlyn Jenner wants the GOP to openly embrace the transgender community. On Wednesday, the I Am Cait star, who has been making the rounds in Cleveland for the Republican National Convention, talked politics and more at the Big Tent Brunch event hosted by the American Unity Fund. Jenner discussed her hopes for the country, as well as her experience coming out as a transgender, and prefaced the speech with a disclaimer: "Everything I'm going to say is my opinion, I do not speak for the trans community," she said. "I speak for myself." READ: Caitlyn Jenner Is Nervous to Dance With Men: 'I Don't Want My Kids to See That' When asked if she was a "real Republican," the 66-year-old former athlete, born Bruce Jenner, joked that revealing her political affiliation was harder than announcing her transition. "It was easy to come out as trans, it was harder to come out as Republican," she said as the crowd laughed. Though anti-gay legislation like North Carolina's controversial bathroom law and Georgia's "religious liberty" bill, were spearheaded by GOP lawmakers, Jenner feels the party just needs to be better educated on LGBTQ issues. "I think the Republican party needs to understand, they need to know people who are trans," she said. "There's actually trans people out in this audience right now, that you don't know are trans." READ: Caitlyn Jenner Discusses What It Would Take To Improve Her Relationship With Kris Jenner The ex-Olympian-turned-activist explained that her loyalty to the GOP stems from her late father, William Jenner, a member of the 5th Range Battalion. "Thinking if my dad knew what was going on with this country when he fought so hard, and so many people died around himI think he would be very disappointed," she said, holding back tears. "Because of that, I feel like our best hope is to get back to constitutional government, is in the Republican Party." Story continues EXCLUSIVE: Caitlyn Jenner on '20/20' Special 1 Year Later: 'I Wanted to Be About This Community' While Jenner didn't hesitate to reveal that she's been disappointed in the Republican Party over the last decade, she's not losing faith in America's future. "I'm not giving up on this country, I'm not giving up on our Constitution," she added. After the event, Jenner tweeted out a photo with moderator Margaret Hoover. "Great Q&A this morning with @MargaretHoover," she wrote. READ: Caitlyn Jenner Is 'Proud' of Dad-to-Be Rob Kardashian: 'Things Are Going Well' Find out what made Jenner change her views on the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton, in the video below. Related Articles In a move that further enhances its capabilities to maximize digital revenues for its members while seemingly taking another step into the United States, SOCAN has acquired Audiam, the rights management firm founded in 2013 by Jeff Price and David Willen, both formerly with TuneCore. Terms of the deal -- announced Thursday (July 21) -- were not disclosed. This marks the second acquisition of a rights management company for SOCAN, the Canadian performing rights organization. In May, SOCAN acquired MediaNet, which had a database with more than 51 million sound recordings as well as serving as the backroom to a bunch of online stores and digital services. In addition to moving into the U.S., the two deals also help expand SOCAN into mechanical licensing for digital. In announcing the latest deal, SOCAN says Audiam maintains one of the most complete databases of sound recordings matched to the underlying song/composition metadata. Moreover, Audiam has sophisticated audit and auto-match technology to proactively find works that are not licensed, which means that royalties are not being properly paid out. Canadian Performing Rights Org SOCAN Collects $307.8 Million "In 2013 Audiam shook up the music royalties system by identifying and correcting serious gaps in the digital music rights value chain, particularly with music used in YouTube videos, by correctly matching data to the rights-holder," SOCAN CEO Eric Baptiste said in a statement. "By acquiring Audiam, SOCAN steps even further ahead with our vision to lead the global transformation of music rights with substantial new tools for our more than 135,000 member songwriters, composers and music publishers, dramatically expanding our ability to ensure that creators are properly and fairly compensated." In the announcement, SOCAN said it will instantly leverage Audiam's identification technology and services to more accurately pay members' performing rights royalties on YouTube and other digital platforms, expanding service offerings to songwriters, composers, and music publishing members. Story continues SOCAN also plans to integrate Audiam's other strong business lines such as North American licensing and administration of mechanical income from digital services, including Spotify, Google Play and Apple, as well as leverage Audiam's proven track record to identify and recover pre-existing mechanical royalties that typically have remained unpaid. Audiam Raises Additional $1 Million From Music Biz Investors This marks the second company that Jeff Price has founded or co-founded that has been sold. He founded TuneCore and raised capital from Opus Capital and Guitar Center before selling to Believe Digital. In this new deal, Price will remain CEO of Audiam, which will remain a separate organization from SOCAN for the "foreseeable future." But he will work closely with Baptiste and report to the board of Audiam, which includes SOCAN representatives. Audiam's existing clients remain on board and includes the publishing catalogs of such songwriters and publishers as Bob Dylan, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Jack White, Jason Mraz, Steve Miller, Hyvetown, Round Hill Music, Imagem, Pretty Lights, Ruthless, Jimmy Buffett, Victory, Epitaph and Sumerian. "SOCAN is not only the most technologically advanced, efficient and transparent music rights organization on the planet, but its board of directors and executive team are singularly focused on assuring all the works of composers and publishers are licensed and they are paid for the use of their music," Price said in a statement. "Adding their resources and knowledge to Audiam allows us to finally fix the global industry problems, remove liability for services and get rights-holders paid." HALIFAX, NS / ACCESSWIRE / July 21, 2016 / Troy Grant, President and CEO of ELCORA ADVANCED MATERIALS CORP. (ERA.V) (ECORF) (ELM.F), (the "Company" or "Elcora"), is pleased to announce that yesterday, July 20, 2016, Darrell Samson, Member of Parliament for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook, was in Bedford touring Elcora's new Graphene Research and Development (R&D) Centre. During his visit, MP Samson announced a $495,750 repayable contribution to the project through ACOA's Business Development Program (BDP). This support has assisted Elcora with purchasing equipment and completing renovations to its new R&D Centre, which is now up and running at full capacity. Funds are also being allocated to hire staff and conduct marketing activities. Elcora will use its new R&D Centre to explore further applications of the raw material graphite, which is processed into graphene. Initially, the company is planning for small scale production of up to 100 kg of graphene per year. Current forecasts are to increase output to 10 tons per year within a few years. An integral component of Elcora's research and marketing will be working with application developers to use graphene in the commercialization of products. The potential uses for graphene are virtually limitless, from bullet proof vests to water purification. Elcora is dedicated to electricity storage, specifically developing batteries for electric cars. That's why, on Wednesday, June 22, Elcora hosted the first North America stop of the 80eDays Electric Car Challenge. Eleven international race teams met at the new Graphene R&D Centre to be briefed on the route. This event helped to demonstrate that electric cars are a sustainable, reliable means of transportation. Elcora's scientists are dedicated to unlocking the full potential of graphene. They are creating a strong foundation of research to support new opportunities and discoveries that will help make Nova Scotia an international centre of interest for the development of graphene applications. Story continues The Government of Canada and the governments of the four Atlantic Provinces are committed to working together to build a vibrant economic future for Atlantic Canada. Through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, they are focusing efforts and resources to stimulate the region's economy and address both long standing and emerging regional challenges, and build on Atlantic Canada's competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential, growing innovation ecosystem, and skilled workforce. Quotes "The Government of Canada is making targeted investments to expand innovative research in Clean Technology. Organizations such as Elcora will help to drive economic growth and build on the strong foundation of scientific research in the region." - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency "Supporting clean technology projects such as this one will help to diversify our region's economy, open up new markets and create high-quality jobs for Atlantic Canadians. Exploring new applications of revolutionary materials like graphene will help to accelerate clean growth, and it will all be done right here in Bedford, Nova Scotia." - Darrell Samson, Member of Parliament for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook "Graphene is widely believed to be the next wonder substance that will have the ability to change mankind. The race is on to refine processing technology and to discover practical applications for this material. While the challenge is enormous, the rewards to be had by advancing this material commercially are even greater. This lab is at the forefront in that development and could not have happened without the support of these targeted investments by our elected officials." - Troy Grant, President, Elcora Advanced Materials Corporation Associated Links About Elcora Advanced Materials Elcora was founded in 2011 and has been structured to become a vertically integrated graphite & graphene company that mines, processes, refines graphite, and produces both the graphene and end user graphene applications. As part of the vertical integration strategy, Elcora has secured high-grade graphite and graphene precursor graphite from its interest in the operation of the Ragedara mine in Sri Lanka which is already in production. Elcora has developed a unique low cost effective processes to make high quality graphite and graphene that are commercially scalable. This combination means that Elcora has the tools and resources for graphite and graphene vertical integration. Graphene is the basic building block of graphite, which is made of stacks of graphene layers. Graphene is made of a single layer of carbon atoms that are bonded together in a repeating pattern of hexagons. The one atom thick graphene is one million times thinner than paper, so thin that it is considered two-dimensional. Graphene's flat honeycomb pattern grants it many unusual characteristics. Graphene is stronger than diamond, about 100 times stronger than the strongest steel with equivalent thickness, with a tensile stiffness of 150,000,000 psi, and is the thinnest and strongest known material. This gives graphene many competing advantages in that it can be used as a textile to make wearable electronics or bulletproof vests. Graphene is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity like silicon; however, unlike silicon, graphene is highly flexible and conducts electricity much more efficiently. Since it is such a versatile material, the applications for graphene are limitless. Some examples of graphene applications are: ocean water purification systems, medical devices such as implants or pacemakers, construction materials, or coatings. For further information please visit the company's website at http://www.elcoracorp.com. For further information please contact: Troy Grant, Director, President and CEO, Elcora Resources Corp., T: 902 802-8847 F: 902 446-2001. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock Exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and reserves, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of Elcora, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. 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. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Elcora's expectations are exploration risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by Elcora with securities regulators. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. SOURCE: Elcora Advanced Materials Corporation. What did we just watch? And can we see more, immediately?! Director Luc Besson, the mastermind behind such iconic films as La Femme Nikita and The Fifth Element, debuted the very first footage from his new movie, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, at Comic-Con on Thursday and...we really don't know how to describe it. So, we'll let Besson do it. The film centers on Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne). "They're space agents, they go through time and space. And they're so cute!" he exclaimed. RELATED: 'Snowden' Cast Talk Politics and Pokemon Go at Comic-Con: 'It's a New Level of Invasion' EuropaCorp Besson created an entire universe for the movie, filled with new planets -- hence the title -- aliens and spaceships. If it's all sounding reminiscent of another sci-fi flick featuring blue aliens, well, he said of his process bringing the comic to the big screen, "I had a version of [the script] that was pretty good. And then Avatar came, so I threw my script in the garbage." Exactly how out-there is Valerian? Hall H was treated to a handful of in-progress sequences that showcased Ethan Hawke with a nose ring and Delevingne kicking some serious a**. (In one standout scene, Laureline is escorted through a space station by two guards. "Don't you think you should cuff me? Firstly, because it's protocol. Secondly, because I'm very tempted to escape," she deadpans before promptly beating them up.) "It's a long, extremely impressive list of extremely strong female characters," Delevinge said of Besson's pedigree. "Laureline is on that. She's an extremely strong, independent, determined individual." The teaser concluded with DeHaan's "space bro" Valerian visiting a Club, where Rihanna, looking like the intergalactic version of Velma Kelly from Chicago, is...performing? "Really, you guys don't even know. Rihanna's part is so crazy. It's so awesome," DeHaan gushed. "I worked with her the first two weeks of the shoot. And whenever I told anyone what I'd be doing for those first two weeks, their jaws were on the floor and they were so jealous." Story continues Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets hits theaters on July 21, 2017. Related Articles Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony Getty Image As you have surely heard, Dwyane Wade left the Miami Heat to sign with the Chicago Bulls this offseason. Even though Wade isnt the player he once was, it was still a big move. However, to hear Carmelo Anthony tell it, the three-time champion almost wasnt a Bull. According to Melo, the only reason that Wade is in Chicago and isnt a New York Knick is bad timing. Related Links: Carmelo reveals NYK had "a chance" to sign Dwyane Wade but timing wasn't right. "If it was 2 days earlier we probably would have had D-Wade" Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) July 20, 2016 Of course, the idea that the Knicks had a chance to sign Wade isnt really notable. Every team had a chance, although some teams chances were very slim. New York, though, is still a bit of a destination, and they have a real win-now roster, having added Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. However, logistically, considering Wade got $23 million for Chicago, the math doesnt really check out. One has to assume that by two days earlier Melo meant before the team signed Courtney Lee, Lance Thomas, and Brandon Jennings, at which point New York could have offered Wade an approximately $16 million salary a number comfortably below his mark with the Bulls. We cant say whether theres any truth to Anthonys assertion, but it bears mentioning Wade would have been forced to play for less money with the Knicks. Then again, perhaps the lure of New York City would have made those negative financial ramifications worth it for a player with a crossover off-court presence who is married to movie star Gabrielle Union. Who knows? As always, though, timing is everything in life. 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. EXCLUSIVE: In a multimillion-dollar publishing deal, The Cartel author Don Winslow has moved from Random House to HarperCollins Publishers, where he will publish his next two novels through the William Morrow imprint. The novel titles arent being revealed at this point, but sources said that the first will be shopped shortly to studios, producers and filmmakers. That novel is a contemporary tale set in New York with a strong lead role. It will be published next summer through William Morrow here, and in the UK by HarperCollins UK Crime & Thrillers publisher Julia Wisdom, as well as in HarperCollins foreign-language markets. Winslow held onto publishing rights in Germany, Spanish-language territories and Italy, where his works have a strong following. The second book will complete the epic war on drugs trilogy that Winslow started with The Power Of The Dog and continued with The Cartel. Latter was one of the best-reviewed books of 2015, and it sold at auction in a multimillion-dollar deal to Fox, where Ridley Scott plans to direct it. Deal was negotiated by William Morrow vice president and executive editor David Highfill and The Story Factorys Shane Salerno. Winslow separately has a deal with William Morrow to co-author with Michael Mann a fact-based novel about two historical figures that changed the face of organized crime. That one will be published through Michael Mann Books, the multi-book imprint that Highfill secured for HarperCollins last April. Don Winslow is a daring and bravura storyteller, and his work is full of characters and language at once frightening, funny, heartbreaking and wholly original, Highfill said. There is really no one like him, and its a huge honor to have the opportunity to work with him. Winslow said he was very excited to be working with David Highfill and the entire team at William Morrow/Harper Collins. I have watched closely how strongly they support their authors and how well their books are distributed around the world. These two new books mean a great deal to me and are the product of years of exhaustive research. Story continues Winslow, a former private investigator, has written 19 novels, and his books have been catnip for filmmakers. His books have attracted in one form or other Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mann, Oliver Stone (who helmed the Winslow novel adaptation Savages), Robert De Niro, Peter Berg and William Friedkin. His titles include The Winter Of Frankie Machine, The King Of Cool, and A Cool Breeze On The Underground. DiCaprio is attached to star in and produce the Winslow novel Satori at Warner Bros. Related stories Julie Payne Dies: Longtime Ridley Scott Collaborator Was 64 Want To Get An Option Deal With Ridley Scott's Scott Free? Here's Your Chance 'Mercy Street' Season 1: A Look Behind The Scenes - Exclusive Video * ECB reaffirms loose policies, CEE currencies rise * Good auction demand fails to lift Hungarian bond prices * Budapest equities index reaches 9-year highs * Hungarian bond auction still seen drawing good demand (Recasts with ECB meeting) By Sandor Peto BUDAPEST, July 21 (Reuters) - Central Europe's main currencies firmed to new highs on Thursday after the European Central Bank said it would keep its loose policy for an extended period. The euro zone is Central Europe's main trading partner and loose monetary policy there supports the region's high-yielding currencies. The leu touched a 3-month high, the zloty a 4-week high and the forint a one-week high against the euro. The zloty led the daily gains, firming half a percent by 1450 GMT, to 4.3565 versus the euro. "(ECB president Mario) Draghi sounded quite optimistic to me," one Budapest-based currency dealer said. "The change in currencies is not huge but the direction is positive." Even before the ECB's news conference, Hungary's and Romania's bond auctions attracted healthy demand and both governments sold more debt than planned. Hungary's yield curve steepened at the auction as 3-year bonds were sold at lower levels than two weeks ago, while the 10-year yield rose. Hungarian yields rose 2 basis points along the curve after the auction, with 10-year bonds trading at 2.96 percent late in the session. Hungary's central bank is expected to keep its own rates on hold on Tuesday, but the short end of the government debt yield curve is getting support from unorthodox liquidity-boosting measures as the central bank will impose restrictions on the amount that commercial banks can hold in its 3-month deposits. Poland's 10-year yield dropped by a few basis points to 2.92 percent during the ECB's new conference, returning to Wednesday's closing levels. Bundesbank president Jens Weidmann said the ECB may discuss after its summer break reviewing the conditions for the central bank's bond purchases. Story continues But on Thursday the ECB did not make any change on the conditions of its 80 billion euro per month asset buying programme. The scheme has helped buoy government bonds in Central Europe as well, where the biggest economies have kept their own currencies rather than adopting the euro. "I do not feel a big change in ECB policies," the Budapest-based dealer said. Sentiment in the region's equities markets remained positive. Most of its main equities indices rose, led by Budapest which gained 0.7 percent and set a new 9-year high. Oscar de la Renta has always been a favorite among the rich and famous when it comes to red carpet dressing. Following the news of Creative Director Peter Copping's departure from the house, we take a look at the stars that glittered in his designs. Emma Stone sizzled at the Cannes Film Festival last year, donning an Oscar de la Renta Pre Fall 2015 black chantilly lace cocktail dress with organza ruffles that was both classic and daring. Supermodel Karlie Kloss also shimmered at the same festival, opting for the house's Fall 2015 ocean silk faille gown with black flower embroidery to wear to the De Grisogono Divine Party. The vibrant blue hue made this the perfect summery sartorial choice, while the pointed neckline kept things edgy Copping's daywear was also popular with celebrities. Claire Danes opted for a sweet but glamorous look with a ruby broderie anglaise day dress from the Spring 2016 collection to celebrate being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The knotted neckline added depth while the hemline, falling just above the ankle, was modern and fresh. Selma Blair rocked an Oscar de la Renta Resort 2016 marigold silk faille cocktail dress with a black lace bustier and neoprene laser-cut floral embroidery to Operation Smile's 2015 Smile Gala event in Beverly Hills. The sharp tailoring and contrasting tones made this an arresting look. Actress and model Jaime King looked sophisticated attending the 2016 Parker Foundation Gala in a black lace gown with azalea organza underlay from the Spring 2016 collection. Finally, Maggie Gyllenhaal made a bold statement and stole the show at the 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in a dark navy and hyacinth duchessina gown from Copping's Fall 2015 collection. Although classic from the front, the backless bustier added a daring element to the design. CLEVELAND - Veteran newsman Charlie Rose has covered numerous presidential conventions over his illustrious career, but never one as enjoyable as the 2016 Republican National Convention, he says. On Thursday, the final day of the RNC, the 74-year-old Rose told The Hollywood Reporter he has never seen a convention like the current one in Cleveland, but it still does not rank as the most outlandish he has witnessed. "I was a young man in Chicago in 1968 - that was a convention," Rose tells THR from the floor of the Quicken Loans Arena. The 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago featured multiple violent protests leading up to, and during, the event. TV cameras captured baton-wielding police battling protesters. Although arrests of protesters were made on Wednesday outside the RNC, no extreme violence occurred. However, two police officers were assaulted and sustained minor injuries during the Wednesday incident, according to authorities. Inside the convention Wednesday night, chaos broke out when Texas Sen. Ted Cruz refused to endorse Donald Trump. Cruz was booed off the stage for the snub, with many in the audience cursing his name. Cruz's wife was escorted from the floor by security for safety reasons. On Monday, the opening night of the convention, Trump's wife, Melaina, made headlines after it was pointed out a portion of her speech mirrored one given by Michelle Obama in 2008. A Trump staffer took responsibility for the alleged unintended lift on Wednesday. After all that, Rose says this convention has been "the most fun" to cover. "This is a Trump convention, not a Republican convention," he tells THR. "Trump is something beyond Republican and Democratic politics. What the Trump movement is, it's against the establishment, both Republican and Democrat." Read More: Caitlyn Jenner: "It Was Easier to Come Out as Trans Than Republican" A Chicago gang member will likely spend the rest of his life in prison after he killed a pregnant teenage girl in 2011, firing on her multiple times as she reportedly pleaded for mercy, PEOPLE has confirmed. Timothy Jones was sentenced this week to 90 years in prison after he was convicted of first-degree murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm in the August 2011 shooting death of Charinez Jefferson, then 17, prosecutors said in a news release. Jones, 23, was sentenced Monday in Cook County, a court clerk representative tells PEOPLE. Jones' defense attorney, Kevin Sterk, tells PEOPLE they are planning an appeal and that he believes it was "physically impossible" for his client to have been the shooter. Prosecutors say Jones fired on Jefferson multiple times, on Aug. 16, 2011, after he saw her with a friend of her's, who was a member of Jones' rival gang. Jones fired on Jefferson's male friend but missed and he ran away, prosecutors say. Then he started shooting Jefferson, who was seven months pregnant. "She kept begging for her life, and he still shot her," witness Romell VanTrease said last year, according to the Chicago Tribune. "She begged for her life ... said, 'I'm pregnant.' " (Prosecutors said Jones was angry because in the preceding 24 hours, approximately, he had been injured in a separate shooting, according to the Tribune.) Jones swore at Jefferson as he fired, and kept firing after she fell to the ground, according to the Tribune, which cited prosecutors. She was seven months pregnant. Jefferson did not survive the shooting, but her son, Kahmani, did though the now 5-year-old remains "fully incapacitated" with little hope of recovery, prosecutors say. 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. Story continues The Victim's Mother Speaks Out in Court Jefferson's mom, Debbie, cared for Kahmani since Charinez's death, even as she was urged to remove him from life support, she told the Tribune in 2014. "I couldn't see turning the machine off on him. Who am I to judge whether he lives or dies, okay?" she said. "I was just grateful that he's still here." Debbie died from cancer earlier this year, according to the Tribune, but not before she wrote an impact statement for Jones' sentencing. It was read by a prosecutor in court Monday, according to the paper. In it, Debbie said she "had to find a way in my heart to forgive you ... I had to let go of anger, resentment, bitterness and hatred." "I watched you during the trial and you showed no remorse. So maybe you wouldn't know how I feel," Debbie wrote. "From this day forward, when you open and close your mouth and eyes, and you are still able to walk and talk, stop and take a minute and think about the lives you destroyed." She wrote, "All of your sleepless nights and dreary days, I pray you ask God for forgiveness and to have mercy on your soul." Defense Attorney: 'He Does Still Proclaim His Innocence' Sterk, Jones' attorney, tells PEOPLE that one of the hardest things he's had to do, professionally, was listen to Jefferson's family statements at Monday's sentencing. "To say that it was heartbreaking doesn't do it justice," he says. Even still, Jones is adamant that he is innocent of the crimes for which he was convicted, Sterk says and Sterk says he plans to file an appeal and seek post-conviction relief in the form of a lighter sentence. Sterk says Jones had had emergency surgery on his leg and stomach, with a rod installed in his leg, five months before the 2011 shooting, and would not have been walking the streets, as the prosecutors argued. Sterk also called into question the testimony of both eyewitnesses. He says that Jones knew Jefferson for years before the shooting. "[Jones] prays for them and feels terrible for their loss," Sterk says. "At the same time, he does still proclaim his innocence." A Chinese environmental group has won a landmark public interest lawsuit against a glass manufacturer, with the firm fined more than $3 million for excessive pollution, a court said. The Jinghua Group Zhenhua Decoration Glass Limited Company, based in Dezhou in the eastern province of Shandong, was ordered to pay nearly 22 million yuan ($3.3 million) for its surplus emission of pollutants and told to make a public apology, the city's Intermediate People's Court said on a verified social media account. The suit, filed by the government-affiliated All-China Environment Federation (ACEF) in March of last year, was the first of its kind since a new Chinese environmental protection law came into force at the start of 2015, making it easier for unofficial groups to mount legal actions on public interest grounds. The glass producer had emitted hundreds more tonnes of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and smoke dust than the maximums stipulated by regulations, the court said in its ruling, issued Wednesday. China's ruling Communist party has tried to cut pollution through the courts, but efforts have been hampered by corruption and low levels of fines. Air pollution saw a modest improvement in the second quarter, with air quality improving in most cities year-on-year, the environmental campaign group Greenpeace said Wednesday in a report, citing data collated from China's environmental protection ministry. Even so, levels of PM2.5 -- the smallest, most dangerous particulates -- were above the Chinese government limit of 35 micrograms per cubic metre in nearly three quarters of the 359 cities for which figures were available during the first six months of this year, Greenpeace said. The World Health Organization has lower recommended maximums, of a 25 microgram average over 24 hours and 10 micrograms over a year. The Chinese government has declared a "war on pollution", but critics say efforts have fallen short of expectations. South China Sea China just suffered a lopsided, humiliating, and very public defeat when the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled against its nine-dash line claims in the South China sea. The ruling prompted widespread anti-American sentiment and demonstrations across the country, and perhaps motivated the world's most populous country to make an extremely dangerous, destabilizing move. The ruling puts the Chinese Communist Party in an awkward position, as China has invested heavily in its South China Sea reclamation project, the modernization of its navy, and an overall push to become a regional hegemon. The CCP pushes a "China dream" narrative, which involves China rising as a world power following its "century of humiliation," according to Malcolm Davis of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. To back down from any of its positions would make the CCP appear weak and ineffective before a newly energized nationalist movement, and thusly China can conceivably go forward in only two ways without significantly damaging its legitimacy. Potentially, China could leverage its soft power. As the world's second-largest economy and a major trade partner with Japan, the Philippines, and the US, there is some room for negotiation. But China, with its introverted, authoritarian government, is notoriously weak in the soft power department. Trying to attract the support of the newly appointed Philippine President Rodrigo Duerte seems an especially dubious prospect, as he was elected on a largely nationalist platform. And many Filipinos view China as an invasive power because of the nation's competing claims on the Scarborough Shoal and the bullying actions of Beijing's navy in those waters. China Navy That leaves one option for the CCP flexing its hard, or military, power. So far, in the South China Sea, China has enjoyed enormous success in employing a "salami-slicing" method of incrementally militarizing the region without taking any step so bold as to prompt a response from the US. Story continues China could continue along this incremental course, increasing naval patrols of the South China Sea shoals and islands, as well as by continuing to establish radar installations and military-grade runways. Or China could declare an Air Defense Identification Zone, similar to its actions following the 2013 dispute with Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. chinese j-11 takeoff Though some observers doubt that China could credibly keep out the US' mature military, the US Naval Institute recent published an article stating that because of China's improved fighters and bombers, as well as its burgeoning network of radar outposts in the South China Sea, it pretty much could establish such a zone. But the most dangerous and aggressive move that China could pursue would be to directly defy The Hague's ruling and go right ahead with building out the Scarborough Shoal a move Obama has already warned Chinese President Xi Jinping about. Developing the Scarborough Shoal, which is 150 miles from Manila and clearly in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, would represent a brazen break with international law and courtesy. This would also conceivably out Chinese forces within a few hundred miles of important US military and naval bases like the Subic Bay. Scarborough shoal map south china sea philippines manilla subic bay The US Navy patrols China's claims in the region regularly, skirting just outside of its territorial waters with elements from the USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike group, which also regularly perform freedom of navigation operations, or FONOPS, in the area. If China moved forward on the Scarborough Shoal, it would dash any attempts at branding its expansion as peaceful, and it would further isolate Beijing from its neighbors. The move could also force the US to intervene for its own interests, as well as on the behalf of the Philippines, whose navy is comparatively weak. US navy uss ronald reagan rimpac 2010 carrier strike group Furthermore, China has repeatedly made it clear that it has no intentions of respecting The Hague's ruling or ceasing its island-building activities, going as far to warn that US FONOPS in the region could end in "disaster." With the US preoccupied with a heated election and US military power stretched thin across the world, China's apparent will to ignore international law and order to seize a vital shipping corridor in the South China Sea proves that the Middle Kingdom is now more dangerous than ever. NOW WATCH: The US and 25 other nations are working together in the worlds largest maritime exercise More From Business Insider BEIJING (Reuters) - A youth named by China as the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism, but reviled as a fake by many Tibetans, began an important Buddhist rite on Thursday, the first time in 50 years it has happened in Tibet, state media said. Although officially atheist, China selected Gyaltsen Norbu as the 11th Panchen Lama in 1995 in a drive to win the hearts and minds of Tibetans. Tibet's current spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, whom Beijing brands a dangerous separatist, had announced his own choice of a six-year-old boy, but he was taken away by authorities and has since vanished from public view. The Kalachakra ritual is an esoteric but for Buddhists very important rite for activating dormant enlightenment, and has not been carried out in what China calls the Tibet Autonomous Region for half a century. The Dalai Lama, who fled his homeland after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule in 1959 and lives in exile in India, has carried out the rite overseas. Activists say China has violently tried to stamp out religious freedom and culture in Tibet, which remains under heavy security. China rejects the criticism, saying its rule has ended serfdom and brought development to a backward region. The official Xinhua news agency said China's Panchen Lama had begun the ritual at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, the Panchen Lama's traditional seat. Monks from the monastery would join those from Labrang, another important seat of Tibetan Buddhist in Gansu province, for the four-day event, the report said. About 50,000 Buddhists were expected to attend, it said. China has gradually exposed its Panchen Lama in public roles in the hope he will achieve the respect commanded by the Dalai Lama among Tibetans and globally, and in 2012 he made his first trip outside mainland China when he visited Hong Kong. The London-based group Free Tibet said the ritual would be the biggest religious platform Beijing has given its Panchen Lama to date. "The officially atheist Chinese government has long tried to impose its authority on Tibet by co-opting Tibetan Buddhism," said Free Tibet director Eleanor Byrne-Rosengren. "Its decision to have Gyaltsen Norbu preside over a ritual as important as the Kalachakra marks a stepping up in these efforts." Chinese troops marched into Tibet in 1950. After the Dalai Lama fled, the 10th Panchen Lama stayed on and was initially seen as a collaborator. It later emerged that his criticism of Beijing had earned him more than a decade spent either in prison or under house arrest. Freed in 1977, he was politically rehabilitated the following year, and died in 1989. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by John Ruwitch and Nick Macfie) Distraught relatives of 24 Chinese tourists who died after a fire ripped through their bus in Taiwan broke down in tears Thursday as they arrived on the island to identify their loved ones. The mainland tour group was travelling just a few kilometres away from Taipei's Taoyuan airport to catch a flight home Tuesday when their bus was engulfed in flames and careered through an expressway barrier, killing all 26 on board, including a Taiwanese driver and guide. Investigators are probing the cause of the accident and say the fire started at the front of the bus, near the driver's seat. Questions are still swirling over why none of the passengers were able to escape through emergency exits. One female relative in her 50s collapsed in tears and pounded a table in front of gold-framed portraits of the dead -- including three children -- at a funeral parlour near the airport, where the bodies are being kept. Two other women sank to their knees in front of the images of the victims. They were among dozens of relatives who arrived at the parlour as Buddhist volunteers chanted outside. The family members bowed three times in front of the portraits and laid white flowers in front of them. They then returned to their hotel where they will meet Taiwanese officials Thursday evening. Chinese officials have demanded Taiwan take measures to ensure the safety of mainland visitors to the island, after a number of fatal accidents involving tourists from China in recent years. Liu Kezhi, secretary-general of China's Association for Tourism Exchange across the Taiwan Straits, expressed "strong dissatisfaction" over the accident. "I hope Taiwan will take real measures and put high importance on the safety of mainland tourists, so that similar issues will not happen again," Liu told reporters after paying his respects to the dead. Taiwan's Premier Lin Chuan also paid his respects at the parlour Thursday. Relatives were due to have DNA samples taken to help with identification on their arrival at the airport, according to the Travel Agent Association, which is coordinating their stay. Story continues They will only be able to see the bodies of their family members after the DNA results have been processed, which will take a day, the association said. The group from China's northeastern Dalian City was on an eight-day trip around the island, taking in popular spots including Alishan nature reserve and Taroko Gorge. A highway police officer and a truck driver tried to save the trapped tourists, with pictures showing them attempting to smash windows with fire extinguishers. One eye witness said passengers inside the bus had been pounding on windows as the bus swerved off the highway. A post-mortem carried out on the driver's badly burnt body revealed he had inhaled a large amount of smoke, prosecutors said. syria glass shatter violence During a discussion at the Brookings Institution last week on identifying emerging security threats, CIA Director John Brennan said the bedlam in Syria has become one of the most intricate issues the US faces. "I must say in my experience in working in Middle Eastern issues, Syria is the most complex, complicated issue I have ever had to deal with," Brennan said in a question-and-answer session. Brennan, who has been at the helm of the CIA since 2013, said Syria's chaos has resulted from "so many internal players, so many external players, so many goals and objectives that are frequently in tension with one another." Syria's civil war has been ongoing since March 2011 and features a bevy of competing groups, often backed by international actors. The Syrian government is currently supported directly and indirectly by both Russian and Iran, while the US and other Middle Eastern nations support various rebel forces to at least some extent. Russia has carried out airstrikes against ISIS and other rebel groups throughout the country since September 2015. And Iran has bolstered the Assad regime by deploying Shiite militias in the country, by sending Afghan refugees into the country to fight, and by encouraging the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah to come to the aid of the Syrian government. syria map Arrayed against the Syrian government are a plethora of rebel groups with various ideologies, foreign backers, and their own alliance networks. The number and fluidity of the groups has caused headaches for their various international backers such as the US, France, Turkey, and the Gulf states especially as even US-vetted groups are believed by Amnesty International to have committed war crimes. One of the strongest rebel forces on the ground is the Nusra Front, Al Qaeda's affiliate in Syria, which fights alongside certain segments of the Syrian opposition. And the Nusra Front has become enough of a concern for foreign powers that Russia and the US have agreed to start coordinating their airstrikes to better destroy both Nusra and ISIS. Story continues And despite several setbacks recently, ISIS still manages to control a large portion of territory in Syria, including its de facto capital of Raqqa. A high-level ISIS member who was recently captured admitted just to make the situation even more complex that the Syrian government and ISIS maintained a "good relationship" and that the Syrian regime bought oil from the terror group. The final main group in Syria is the Kurdish YPG, which has staked out its own autonomous territories along the Turkish border and has been the most successful anti-ISIS force. However, the Kurds have managed to maintain a relative peace with the Syrian government while coordinating and receiving support from both the US and Russia. NOW WATCH: A Syrian refugee describes his hellish journey to Europe with a 25-day-old child More From Business Insider Higher revenues drove Citizens Financial Group, Inc. CFG to deliver a positive earnings surprise of nearly 7% in second-quarter 2016. Earnings per share came in at 46 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 43 cents. Also, the reported figure improved 15% year over year, on an adjusted basis. Following the earnings release, Citizens Financial gained over 2% at the beginning of the trading session. This is perhaps due to the earnings beat which came on the back higher net interest income. However, we will get a fair idea about the price reaction following the completion of todays trading session. Also, the quarter witnessed continued growth in loan as well as deposit balances, while maintaining a strong capital position. On the flip side, the company recorded a fall in non-interest income and a rise in provisions. Expenses on an adjusted basis increased. Net income available to common shareholders increased 13% year over to $243 million, on an adjusted basis. Citizens Financial Group Inc. (CFG) EPS BNRI & Surprise Percent - Last 5 Quarters | FindTheCompany Revenues Rise, Loan Growth Continue Total revenue for the quarter was $1.28 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.26 billion. Further, revenues improved 7% year over year. Citizens Financials net interest income increased 10% year over year to $923 million. The rise was primarily attributable to average loan growth. Also, net interest margin improved 12 basis points (bps) year over year to 2.84% mainly due to enhanced loan yields, resulting from the companys initiatives to improve pricing and portfolio mix. However, non-interest income edged down 1% year over year to $355 million. The decline was mainly due to a revenue fall in several fee categories including card, trust & investment services mortgage banking, and foreign exchange and letter of credit. These decreases were partially offset by higher service charges & fees, and capital markets fees. Non-interest expense decreased 2% year over year to $827 million. The decline was mainly due to reduced costs tied with outside services, occupancy and equipment, partially offset by higher salaries and employee benefits and amortization of software. Notably, the prior-year quarter included $40 million in restructuring charges and special items. On an adjusted basis, non-interest expenses increased 3% year over year. Efficiency ratio declined to 65% in second-quarter 2016 from 67% in the prior-year quarter. Generally, a lower ratio is indicative of the improved efficiency of the bank. As of Jun 30, 2016, period end total loan and lease balances increased 7% year over year to $104.4 billion, reflecting growth in commercial and retail loan portfolios. Period end total deposits rose 6% from the prior-year quarter to $106.3 billion. Mixed Credit Quality As of Jun 30, 2016, allowance for loan and lease losses increased 4% year over year to $1.25 billion. Provision for credit losses increased 17% year over year to $90 million. However, net charge-offs for the quarter declined 17% year over year to $65 million. Also, total nonperforming loans and leases edged down 1% year over year to $1.04 billion. Strong Capital Position Citizens Financial remained well capitalized in the quarter. As of Jun 30, 2016, Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 11.5% compared with 11.8% at the end of the prior-year quarter. Further, leverage ratio came in at 10.3% versus 10.4% as of Jun 30, 2015. Other Developments Citizens Financial remains on track with its several revenue and efficiency initiatives. Further it announced the launch of TOP III efficiency initiatives which are anticipated to generate pre-tax revenue and expense benefits of $73$90 million and $10$15 million of tax benefits in 2017. The company also completed the sale of consumer real estate-secured loans classified as troubled debt restructurings. The transaction is expected to result in a third-quarter 2016 pre-tax gain of around $70 million on the sale of $310 million of loans held for sale. The company intends to utilize about 3040% of this gain to fund costs tied with its efficiency and balance sheet optimization initiatives in third-quarter 2016. Outlook 3Q16 Compared with the second-quarter 2016, loans are predicted to grow approximately 1.5%, while NIM is expected to decline slightly. The company expects low single-digit growth in non-interest income. However, expenses and provisions are anticipated to be stable. Loan to deposit ratio at the end of the quarter is estimated at 99%. Our Viewpoint Results reflect a decent quarter for Citizen Financial. We remain optimistic as the company remains focused on several of its initiatives to grow revenues and improve efficiency. With a diversified traditional banking platform, Citizens Financial remains well poised to benefit from a recovery in the economy of regions where it has a footprint. However, a continuous decline in mortgage banking revenues, regulatory issues as well as competitive pressure remain matters of concern. CITIZENS FIN GP Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise CITIZENS FIN GP Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | CITIZENS FIN GP Quote Currently, Citizens Financial carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Among major banks, JPMorgan Chase & Co. JPM kick-started the second-quarter earnings season on a positive note. Driven by improved trading revenues, the company reported earnings of $1.55 per share that handily outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.43. Also, the figure reflects a 1% rise from the year-ago period. Notably, the results included a legal benefit of $430 million. Citigroup Inc. C came out with second-quarter 2016 earnings from continuing operations per share of $1.25, handily beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.09. Results were primarily aided by lower expenses, partially offset by reduced revenues. Higher provisions and lower revenues led Bank of America Corporations BAC second-quarter 2016 earnings to decline 16% year over year to 36 cents per share. However, earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 34 cents. Results reflected improved fixed income trading revenues and efficient cost control. 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 JPMORGAN CHASE (JPM): Free Stock Analysis Report CITIGROUP INC (C): Free Stock Analysis Report BANK OF AMER CP (BAC): Free Stock Analysis Report CITIZENS FIN GP (CFG): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research By Huw Jones LONDON, July 21 (Reuters) - Veterans of the City of London's financial services industry are setting up a forum to help the British government in Brexit talks with the European Union, people involved in the project said on Thursday. Britain's shock vote to leave the bloc has forced financial firms to rethink their business strategy which has until now depended on having an EU "passport" to operate across the region from a base in London. Daniel Hodson, a former chief executive of London derivatives exchange LIFFE which is now part of ICE, said the new group - initially known as City United - aimed to bring together under one roof those in the financial sector who backed and opposed Brexit. Hodson was director of Vote Leave which campaigned for Brexit in last month's referendum. He said other members of the group included another City of London veteran, Anthony Belchambers, a former head of the Futures and Options Association. Graham Bishop, a pro-EU consultant who has advised EU institutions, is also a member. "There is a need to bring those who supported both sides together in an effective way that recognises the political reality of the situation," Hodson told Reuters. The group, which will be renamed the Financial Services Negotiation Forum, will have a formal launch in September. The City of London Corporation, which administers the capital's "Square Mile" financial district had backed staying in the EU. TheCityUK, which promotes Britain's financial sector, had warned that Brexit could damage competitiveness. Hodson said it was clear from government statements that continued full membership of the EU's single market was not on the table and therefore the financial sector must come up with a common position to help the government with trade talks. "We will be independent and fact based ... TheCityUK will play a very important part and we will be working with them," Hodson said. Other supporters of the new group spoke of "bitterness and angst flying around the City" and the need to get coherence around what needs to be done between the leave and remain camps. Story continues Richard Tice, chief executive of Quidnet Capital and who co-chaired the referendum campaign group Leave.EU. said the referendum result was clear and bodies like the City of London should get on with making it work. The City of London Corporation and TheCityUK had no comment. The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) said on Tuesday that since the referendum, financial sector had lacked a loud and visible champion communicator at a time of great uncertainty. "There have been a number of discussions beneath the radar, but that's not good enough," CISI Chief Executive Simon Culhane said in a statement. "Instead there has been almost total silence and zero direction or reassurance," Culhane said. (Reporting by Huw Jones. Editing by Jane Merriman) Hillary Clinton, the presumptive presidential nominee, appears to have narrowed her list of prospective running mates to just two or three, and her final decision is likely to come either Friday or Saturday, just ahead of the Democratic Convention in Philadelphia next week. Locked in a bitter and increasingly tight race with Republican nominee Donald Trump, the former secretary of state has little margin for error in picking a running mate someone who not only complements her personality and political mindset but also strengthens her hand in one or two key battleground states. Related: Clinton Opens the Door to a Trump Surge in Key Swing States Clinton could also be helped by a political partner who strengthens the ticket on national security and anti-terrorism issues. While Clinton consistently runs ahead of Trump in the polls on questions of government experience and competence, her rival is viewed as a stronger and more forceful leader, better equipped for leading the country against ISIS and domestic terrorists. Here are the three potential choices who are getting the most media buzz: Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia. The former mayor, governor and Democratic National Committee chair has been widely considered to be Clintons safest pick because of his breadth of experience, center-right policy stands, even-tempered demeanor and his ability to help put Virginia in the Democratic column again. Related: 56% of Voters Think Clinton Should Have Been Indicted Clinton is looking for someone both well-grounded in government and absolutely loyal, and the 58-year-old Kaine easily fits that bill. Even Kaines description of himself as boring doesnt bother Clinton one bit. I love that about him, she told Charlie Rose of CBS News. If theres a flaw in his armor, it may be the recent report by Politico that Kaine took full advantage of Virginias lax ethics law governing public officials by accepting more than $160,000 of gifts between 2001 and 2009, when he served as lieutenant governor and governor. Story continues Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The former Iowa governor and Obama administration Cabinet member is another extraordinarily capable -- yet not terribly exciting political veteran who would bring considerable political smarts and gravitas to the ticket. The 65-year old Vilsack, a one-time small-town mayor, has been described as a solid centrist with strong ties to Iowas agriculture industry. Vilsack has the added advantage of having a close, long-standing friendship with Clinton. And he is likely to be able to help Clinton pull out a victory this fall in Iowa, an important battle-ground state that leans red. Hes not a lot of bling and glitter, hes just Iowa solid, Bonnie Campbell, an Iowa Democratic strategist, told The Washington Post. Related: After Clinton Embraces Sanders Costly Spending, He Endorses Her Ret. Admiral James G. Stavridis If anything, the retired four-star Navy admiral and NATO commander is the longest of long-shots on a very short list of candidates. Stavridis, 61, currently the dean of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, has no discernible political experience. However, he worked closely with Clinton while she was secretary of state and he boasts experience overseeing NATO operations in Afghanistan, Libya, Syria and the Balkans. With Trump and his allies blasting Clinton for serious missteps in Libya and Syria, Clinton might find Stavridis a good person to have riding shotgun when the campaign really heats up this fall. Four others still being mentioned: Colorado Gov, John Hickenlooper; HUD Secretary Julian Castro, Labor Secretary Thomas Perez and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: CNN commentator Carl Bernstein said the imminent exit of rival Fox News chief Roger Ailes didnt leave anyone at his network salivating, instead calling the news leader a nefarious genius. Legendary investigative journalist Bernstein told TheWrap, Ailes is a nefarious genius. Probably the most influential non-office holding political figure of the last 20 years in America. Bernstein spoke to TheWrap at one of CNNs several broadcast centers at the Republican National Convention, this one beside the Quicken Loans arena in Cleveland, Ohio, where the evening speeches had already begun. Also Read: 5 Ways Roger Ailes' Fox News Exit Will Shake Up Cable News for Years to Come Said Bernstein of Ailes: His influence is enormous. He single-handedly, using sleight of hand and the phrase fair and balanced which it isnt in terms of the culture wars [created] as important an instrument as has existed in setting the agenda for the country. But the journalist insisted that CNN is not rejoicing at the widespread reports that Ailess exit is imminent, apparently demanded by James and Lachlan Murdoch, Ruperts more liberal sons who now run the corporation. I dont think anybodys salivating. I dont believe that at all, he said. Also Read: Megyn Kelly Ripped as Flesh-Baring 'Escort' During Convention Coverage Bernstein also said that the cable networks had grievously failed to adequately report aggressively on Trump. It seems to me that all the networks cable and the traditional networks have grievously failed by not doing investigative documentaries about the candidates, he said. The vast reportorial failure is egregious. Even though they did great on the debates, covering the debates, analyzing the debates do I think there was too much cutting to the theatrics on all of cable? Yes. However, Bernstein said he did not think CNN had sinned worse than other cable networks in this regard. I dont, he said, when pressed on the matter. There is a formula that shouldve been thought through a little more in terms of, Hey, lets wait and see what they [candidates] say and run it later. Story continues Also Read: How Jeff Zucker Turned Donald Trump From a Reality Star to a Frontrunner (Video) Everybody in this cycle has been learning as we go around, he continued. We shouldve been doing more reporting, and by we I mean all of cable and all the networks. Related stories from TheWrap: The First Thing That Roger Ailes' Successor at Fox News Must Do Fox Stock Slips 3 Percent After Reports of Ailes' Ouster Ted Cruz Booed Off Stage After Failing to Endorse Donald Trump at Republican Convention By Luis Jaime Acosta BOGOTA (Reuters) - Banana harvests in Colombia, the world's fourth-largest exporter, and other Latin American producers could be crippled by the potential arrival of a fungus which withers the crop, a top agricultural official warned on Thursday. The Fusarium wilt, popularly referred to as Panama disease, attacks the roots of plantain and several varieties of bananas and can prove lethal. It can remain in soil for up to 30 years. The arrival of the wilt in Latin America could heavily damage banana exports and may put food security in producer countries at risk, Carlos Soto, the head of the Colombian Agricultural Institute said in an interview. "In the case that the fungus arrives, it's devastating, it will finish everything," Soto said. "We're designing a contingency plan to react in case of an outbreak and before it can spread." Colombia is working with Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia to coordinate a response to the disease, Soto added, and will pitch the plan to Central American countries in the coming weeks. Key to the plan is training for farmers so they can better spot the disease and more intense inspection of agricultural products and migrants at borders, Soto said. Colombia is an important transit country for Asian and African migrants looking to reach the United States via Central America, often through the north of the country, a principle banana area. It is possible the disease may already have arrived in Venezuela, Soto said, but it has yet to be detected. "I'm very worried about Venezuela because there's no sanitary conditions and that means they could have the fungus and not even know it, and with such a porous border, illegal commerce and migration, it could be dangerous." Soto said. Colombia and Venezuela share a partially closed 2,219-kilometer border that is a hub for smuggling and illegal transit. Fusarium, which discolors leaves, has been detected in Indonesia, China, Philippines, Malaysia, Pakistan, Australia and Mozambique. Colombia has about 47,000 hectares (116,000 acres) of banana crops and some 400,000 hectares (988,000 acres) of plantain meant for domestic consumption. In 2015, the country exported 92 million boxes of bananas to the European Union and the United States, valued at $800 million. Colombia is the world's fourth-largest exporter after Ecuador, Costa Rica and Guatemala. (Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Helen Murphy, G Crosse) Twitter has banned a Breitbart editor after racist online trolls chastised Ghostbusters star Leslie Jones, forcing her to quit the social network. Read: I Ain't Afraid of No Trolls: 'Ghostbusters' Star Leslie Jones Says She's the Target of Racist Slime on Twitter Technology editor and conservative, Milo Yiannopoulos, has been barred from the microblogging site after Jones pointed out that he was accused of orchestrating the vicious remarks about her. Yiannopoulos spoke to Inside Edition at the Republican National Convention Tuesday night, where he said: "Am I responsible for what every else does on Twitter? No!" He added: "I didn't tweet anything racist, I didn't tweet anything sexist. I made a few jokes at the expense of a Hollywood actress." On Monday night, the actress said someone was posting under a fake account that made homophobic remarks to other users. The actress begged: "Please help me find this fake Acct posting the most awful s*** in my name. Help!" Adding: "Stop letting the ignorant people be the loud ones. Y'all I got more love than hate but they louder. F*** that be louder." Her final tweet on Monday night read: "I leave Twitter tonight with tears and a very sad heart. All this cause I did a movie. You can hate the movie but the s*** I got today...wrong." Read: Ray Parker Jr. Would Have Loved to Contribute to New 'Ghostbusters' Song: 'I Wish They Had Called Me' Prior to barring the Greek-British journalist, Twitter released a statement about Jones situation. The said: This type of abusive behavior is not permitted on Twitter, and weve taken action on many of the accounts reported to us by both Leslie and others. We rely on people to report this type of behavior to us, but we are continuing to invest heavily in improving our tools and enforcement systems to prevent this kind of abuse. We realize we still have a lot of work in front of us before Twitter is where it should be on how we handle these issues. Story continues Watch: House Speaker Paul Ryan Blasts Trump's Judge Comments as 'Textbook Racism' Related Articles: By Malathi Nayak NEW YORK (Reuters) - Comcast Corp, the No. 1 U.S. cable company, said on Thursday it will introduce prepaid TV and internet services to attract customers whose credit ratings do not quality them for postpaid services. The service will roll out later this year in Illinois, Michigan, Georgia, Florida and Indiana, and will extend to the entire country by the end of 2017, Philadelphia-based Comcast said in a statement. Cable and satellite providers are looking for new ways to add customers, in the face of intense competition from streaming video services. The new offering, which does away with credit checks and annual contracts, lets customers refill their service at any time for a period of seven or 30 days for $15 and $45 respectively, the company said. The price of a TV starter kit starts at $80, and an internet starter kit costs $80. Comcast said it hopes to target customers without bank accounts with its new Xfinity Prepaid Services. According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp, nearly 10 million U.S. households are "unbanked" and another 25 million are "underbanked," meaning they have poor access to banking services. Comcast also said it has signed a deal with pre-paid wireless service Boost Mobile to sell Xfinity Prepaid at a few Boost Mobile locations later this year and 4,400 Boost Mobile locations within Comcasts service area by the end of 2017. The company's new prepaid offer is in line with the wireless industry's prepaid cellular service offerings that give customers with low credit scores or low income, the chance to skip credit checks and annual service contracts. We want to create an easy, pay-as-you-go option for people who want more flexibility and predictability when buying our services, said Marcien Jenckes, executive vice president, consumer services, Comcast Cable, said in a statement. Comcast, which will announce earnings on July 27, said it will not include pre-paid customers when it reports subscriber numbers in its quarterly reports. (Reporting by Malathi Nayak; Editing by Steve Orlofsky) philadelphia The Philadelphia Federal Reserve's manufacturing index unexpectedly fell in July, although most of its sub-componenets showed improvement. The headline index came in at -2.9 for July. Economists had forecast that it dipped to 4.5 from 4.7, according to Bloomberg. But beyond the headline, the indicators for new orders and shipments were positive, while employment was flat for the month. Company responses reflected an improvement in their business outlook for the next six months. This month, the Philly Fed's special question to business owners is on the importance of seasonal factors in monthly production levels. Most firms said seasonal factors were not significant. And of those that had seasonal patterns affect them, 57% said their effects have not changed over time, while 30% thought they were less important. NOW WATCH: Hedge fund manager explains why America does not need to be uneasy about a Trump presidency More From Business Insider The Star Trek Beyond world premiere was a night of firsts. The event took place on the preview night of Comic-Con and, for the first time, a movie was shown outdoors on an IMAX screen. Also for the first time at a world premiere, a 90-piece orchestra was on hand to provide live accompaniment of the film's score. Sadly, it was also the first Star Trek premiere since the series was rebooted without co-star Anton Yelchin in attendance. Yelchin, who played Chekov in three of the films in the new franchise, died last month after a freak automobile accident at his home in Studio City. "As wonderful as this is to be here with all of you and to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, there is something wrong tonight," said producer J.J. Abrams, who directed Yelchin in the first two Star Trek films, released in 2009 and 2013, and produced Beyond. Abrams added: "There is something missing tonight. There is someone missing tonight." Read More: Anton Yelchin's Parents Thank Industry for Support, Take Out Full-Page Ad On the red carpet, the cast and crew wore black Star Trek command insignia lapel pins. On stage at San Diego's Embarcadero Marina Park amphitheater, Star Trek alums Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg and Zoe Saldana were joined by newcomers Idris Elba, Sofia Boutella and director Justin Lin, all of whom also honored the late 27-year-old actor. "Anton Yelchin should be here," Abrams continued. "Anton's parents are here - Irina and Victor. We love their son, and if I could ask everyone to have a moment of silence for our dear friend Anton." Following the moment of silence, the San Diego Symphony began to play a medley of Star Trek theme music. During the performance, a light show appeared above the audience's heads while fireworks exploded over the marina. Quinto, who plays Spock in the series, also said a few words for the late Leonard Nimoy, who died earlier this year. "I just want to take a moment to honor him, to acknowledge him, to celebrate him and to love him. We all carry him with us in our hearts tonight," Quinto said. Story continues Beyond sees the crew of the USS Enterprise separated following an attack lead by the the dictator Krall (Idris Elba) that leaves them stranded in a hostile, mysterious world. The movie hits theaters on July 22. Read More: Anton Yelchin: A Critic's Appreciation Bookmark THR.com/ComicCon to keep up with all the highlights. The Star Trek Beyond world premiere was a night of firsts. The event took place on the preview night of Comic-Con and, for the first time, a movie was screened outdoors on an IMAX screen. Also for the first time at a world premiere, a ninety-piece orchestra was on hand to provide live accompaniment of the film's score. Sadly, it was also the first Star Trek premiere since the series was rebooted without co-star Anton Yelchin in attendance. Yelchin, who played Chekov in three of the films in the new franchise, passed away last month after a freak automobile accident at his home in Studio City. "As wonderful as this is to be here with all of you, and to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, there is something wrong tonight," said producer J.J. Abrams, who directed Yelchin in the first two Star Trek films, released in 2009 and 2013, and produced Beyond. Abrams added: "There is something missing tonight, there is someone missing tonight." Read More: Anton Yelchin's Parents Thank Industry for Support, Take Out Full-Page Ad Out on the red carpet, cast and crew could be seen wearing black Star Trek command insignia lapel pins. On stage at San Diego's Embarcadero Marina Park Amphitheater, Star Trek alums Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg and Zoe Saldana were joined by newcomers Idris Elba, Sofia Boutella and director Justin Lin, all of whom honored the late 27 year-old actor, along with Abrams. "Anton Yelchin should be here," Abrams continued. "Anton's parents are here, Irina and Victor. We love their son and if I could ask everyone ot have a moment of silence for our dear friend, Anton." Following the moment of silence, the San Diego Symphony began to play a medley of Star Trek theme music. During the performance, a light show appeared above the audience's head, while fireworks exploded over the marina. Quinto, who plays Spock in the series, also said a few words for the late Leonard Nimoy, who passed away earlier this year. "I Just want to take a moment to honor him, to acknowledge him, to celebrate him and to love him. We all carry him with us in our heart, tonight," Quinto said. Story continues Beyond sees the crew of the USS Enterprise separated following an attack lead by the the dictator Krall (Idris Elba) that leaves them stranded on a hostile, mysterious world. The movie hits theaters on July 22. Read More: Anton Yelchin: A Critic's Appreciation 19 Nepalis arrested in Malaysian crackdown The authorities in Malaysia have arrested as many as 154 foreign nationals, including 19 Nepalis, in a crackdown on illegal migrants in Kuala Lumpur. By Mia Galuppo The Star Trek Beyond world premiere was a night of firsts. The event took place on the preview night of Comic-Con and, for the first time, a movie was screened outdoors on an IMAX screen. Also for the first time at a world premiere, a ninety-piece orchestra was on hand to provide live accompaniment of the films score. Sadly, it was also the first Star Trek premiere since the series was rebooted without co-star Anton Yelchin in attendance. Yelchin, who played Chekov in three of the films in the new franchise, passed away last month after a freak automobile accident at his home in Studio City. As wonderful as this is to be here with all of you, and to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, there is something wrong tonight, said producer J.J. Abrams, who directed Yelchin in the first two Star Trek films, released in 2009 and 2013, and produced Beyond. Abrams added: There is something missing tonight, there is someone missing tonight. Read More: Anton Yelchins Parents Thank Industry for Support, Take Out Full-Page Ad Out on the red carpet, cast and crew could be seen wearing black Star Trek command insignia lapel pins. On stage at San Diegos Embarcadero Marina Park Amphitheater, Star Trek alums Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg and Zoe Saldana were joined by newcomers Idris Elba, Sofia Boutella and director Justin Lin, all of whom honored the late 27 year-old actor, along with Abrams. Anton Yelchin should be here, Abrams continued. Antons parents are here, Irina and Victor. We love their son and if I could ask everyone ot have a moment of silence for our dear friend, Anton. Following the moment of silence, the San Diego Symphony began to play a medley of Star Trek theme music. During the performance, a light show appeared above the audiences head, while fireworks exploded over the marina. Quinto, who plays Spock in the series, also said a few words for the late Leonard Nimoy, who passed away earlier this year. I Just want to take a moment to honor him, to acknowledge him, to celebrate him and to love him. We all carry him with us in our heart, tonight, Quinto said. Story continues Beyond sees the crew of the USS Enterprise separated following an attack lead by the the dictator Krall (Idris Elba) that leaves them stranded on a hostile, mysterious world. The movie hits theaters on July 22. Read More: Anton Yelchin: A Critics Appreciation Director Oliver Stone on Thursday made his first appearance at San Diego Comic-Con to promote his upcoming film Snowden, which hits theaters in September. Snowden is the true story of real-life whistleblower Edward Snowden, a former government employee who leaked classified information, exposing the NSA's monitoring of American civilians. When asked about why he wanted to tackle the story, Stone said: "Snowden is a larger-than-life story of what is happening right now, under our noses and it affects the majority of you, in this audience." The director said that the project was turned down by every major studio. He eventually found funding from France and Germany and domestic distribution from Open Road, which was responsible for last year's Oscar winner Spotlight. Read More: Comic-Con: Oliver Stone's 'Snowden' to Hold Secret Screening Stone met Snowden for the first time in January 2014 in Moscow, where the activist is currently residing under asylum. "He is a man who is covert and keeps to himself and lives on the computer," the filmmaker said Snowden. "I met him under conditions of secrecy. He was going through a painful period, and I found him very resolute and strong. He has never wilted in the face of opposition. He has only gotten stronger." Stone added: "He is still a mystery. We went as far as we could, and he cooperated with us. [But] there are things that we don't know, and things that he will hopefully reveal one day." The Snowden panel took place in Comic-Con's Hall H, where the director was joined by the film's stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Shailene Woodley, who play Edward Snowden and his girlfriend Lindsay Mills. Read More: New Book Alleges CIA Manipulates Hollywood to Promote War on Terror Gordon-Levitt also made the trip to Moscow to meet with Snowden. The actor's first impression? "He is very polite," he said. What surprised Gordon-Levitt most about Snowden was the whistleblower's optimism. "He is extremely optimistic about technology and the future and how technology can improve the state of democracy and the state of the human race," he said. Story continues During the Q&A portion of the panel, an audience member asked Stone about his thoughts on Pokemon Go. Stone called the augmented reality game "a new level of invasion," adding that "corporations are data mining everyone in this room." The director went on to say that the technology used in the mobile game is a form of "totalitarianism." The below new trailer for the film also debuted at Comic-Con. Bookmark THR.com/ComicCon to keep up with all the highlights. (Adds Chinese Commerce Ministry comment) WASHINGTON, July 20 (Reuters) - The U.S. Commerce Department said in a statement on Wednesday it had determined that large home washing machines from China had been dumped in the United States. U.S. appliance maker Whirlpool Corp had urged the government in December to impose duties on washing machines manufactured in China by Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and LG Electronics. Whirlpool had alleged that the machines were being sold in the United States at prices below production costs. Samsung and LG will be required to pay cash deposits on washing machines imported from their production facilities in China following the ruling, Whirlpool said in a statement. The cash deposit rate for Samsung is 111.09 percent, and the rate for LG is 49.88 percent. In 2014, imports of large home washing machines from China were valued at an estimated $899.4 million, according to the Commerce Department. China's Commerce Ministry said the U.S. methodology was incorrect, urging the U.S. to listen to the opinions of the companies involved and to "abandon its mistaken methods". The companies involved were all multinationals and China hoped both sides could address each other's concerns via talks to avoid worsening the situation, the ministry added. The United States slapped duties in 2012 on Samsung and LG washing machines made in South Korea and Mexico after finding the products were sold too cheaply in the United States or benefited from unfair levels of government support. Whirlpool had said the duties were being circumvented by shifting production to Chinese factories. (Reporting by Arathy S Nair in Bengaluru and Mohammad Zargham; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing; Editing by Eric Beech and Nick Macfie) Conan traveled to San Diego Comic-Con, and to celebrate all things superhero, the show created an opening video that parodied Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The video started with Conan OBrien and Andy Richter lamenting movies that featured superheroes fighting over something very stupid. The two then began fighting about how they would rate a movie they just saw, which was very stupid. They soon found themselves in a dark, rainy, deserted cityscape. OBrien said, If were going to fight, it would have to be in the rain at night. It didnt take long to reveal that OBriens superpower was his gravity-defying hair. His pompadour punched Richter. Richter retaliated by kicking OBrien through a seemingly endless line of brick walls. Though there was a lot of epic action, its doubtful the fictitious film will be released with a title like Conan v Andy: Wait, Why Is This Happening? Conan airs weeknights at at 11 p.m. on TBS. Leslie Jones and Kristen Wiig dish on Ghostbusters cast and SNL: Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Cynthia LuCiette, on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. An unarmed black mental health worker was allegedly shot by police in Florida on Monday while caring for an autistic man. North Miami Police received a 911 call on Monday about an armed man who was threatening suicide, but arrived to find caregiver Charles Kinsey in a street alongside a man who turned out to be his patient. Video of the incident shows Kinsey trying to coax the patient who sits cross-legged with a toy truck at his lap back to a mental health center after he had wandered away, CBS News reports. Read: Rudy Giuliani Sparks Outrage With Black Lives Matter Remarks: 'The Real Danger Are Other Black Kids' Despite being unarmed, Kinsey said he instinctively put his hands in the air as police arrived. However, an officer reportedly discharged a weapon and Kinsey was shot in the leg. "I was thinking as long as I have my hands up. Theyre not going to shoot me. This is what I'm thinking; they're not going to shoot me. Wow, was I wrong," Kinsey told reporters from a hospital bed. Video appears to show Kinsey with his hands still in the air after he had been shot. As police approached Kinsey, he said he was cuffed and bleeding on the concrete when he asked an officer why he was shot. Kinsey said the officer responded, "I don't know." North Miami Police have put the officer on administrative leave. The department released a statement asking anyone with footage from the incident to come forward to aid in their investigation. Story continues Read: Dallas Gunman's Parents Tearfully Break Their Silence: 'I Love my Son... I Hate What He Did' In a press conference held late Thursday morning, newly named North Miami Police Chief Gary Eugene reminded reporters that police arrived to the scene following a report of a man with a gun. "Our officers responded to the scene with that threat in mind," the chief said. "We had a witness statement that there was a gun." Eugene said the investigation will be "methodical and thorough" as the investigators "gather every fact" before reaching a judgement. In subsequent remarks, local congresswoman Rep. Frederica Wilson expressed outrage over the video. "This is like a nightmare," she said. "This is not supposed to be happening in North Miami...a city where police officers and the community gel." Watch: Hero Mom Wounded While Shielding Her Sons From Gunfire During Dallas Sniper Attack Related Articles: 3-member govt team to hold talks with Dr KC Amid mounting pressure from various quarters to address demands of Dr Govinda KC, the government on Wednesday night formed a three-member committee to hold talks with him. Donald Trump CLEVELAND On Monday night, Melania Trump said her husband "will never, ever, give up. And, most importantly, he will never, ever, let you down." This line drew some attention for being an apparent reference to Rick Astley. I'd like to focus on the fact that it's not true. Donald Trump has a decades-long track record of giving up and letting people down. He talked a big game about construction projects he never delivered. He failed to pay his contractors. He put his companies into bankruptcy four times. His business partners took deposits for luxury condos and then never built them. He promised donations to charity and then didn't make them. He failed to teach his "students" at Trump University anything useful. He divorced two of his wives. He stopped selling Trump Steaks. And until this campaign, he never made good on his threats to run for office. When you keep this track record in mind, can we be the least bit surprised that Trump says he wouldn't necessarily honor our NATO treaty commitments to our European allies? Of course Trump would take his disregard for commitments and promises with him to the White House. Donald Trump's interview with The New York Times, in which he praised Turkey's increasingly autocratic president and wavered on whether he'd defend NATO members against Russian invasion, is alarming. This interview is an invitation for Russia to invade the Baltic states, potentially starting a world war. This man cannot be entrusted with the presidency. But the interview is not the least bit surprising. It is entirely in line with his personality: celebrating bullies, dishonoring commitments, spouting off on issues without bothering to understand them. What is surprising is the way other Republicans, who claim to care about America's commitments to allies and leadership in the world, have brought themselves to endorse this man. In his video message to the convention, Sen. Marco Rubio attacked President Barack Obama for "appeasing our enemies and betraying our allies and diminishing our role in the world." Then he endorsed a man who believes our commitments to our allies are optional and the United States is too riven with internal problems to stand up for civil liberties around the world. Story continues "When the world looks at how bad the United States is, and then we go and talk about civil liberties, I dont think were a very good messenger," Trump said. If Trump ever became president, he would sorely let down all the Republicans who have debased themselves to endorse them. But unlike his business partners and his customers and his wives, they won't even be able to say he promised to do better. NOW WATCH: Heres the footage that Republicans suggest shows Hillary Clinton lied under oath More From Business Insider British designer Peter Copping, the creative director at Oscar de la Renta, is leaving the company after less than two years. According to The New York Times, Copping announced he was leaving due to personal circumstances [that] require me to return to Europe." Copping said, "I have loved my time in New York where I hope to return at some point in the future. The company's CEO, Alex Bolen said in a statement that "we wish Peter well in his future endeavours," but stressed that company would go on without him. "We have always been in the business of creating beautiful clothes, and two of our greatest assets are our design studio and atelier," Bolen said. "Our team will continue to work on next seasons collection with a keen focus on the level of sophistication and craftsmanship that are the hallmarks of the house." Copping who previously worked for Nina Ricci in Paris and Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton was the only designer besides Oscar de la Renta to head up the family-run brand. He was handpicked by de la Renta for the job and joined the brand after the designer's death in 2014. A replacement has yet to be announced for Copping, but the label will show its spring 2017 show on the 12th of September as previously scheduled. It will be designed by an in-house team. This is not the only shakeup at a major fashion house this year. The creative directors of Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Dior, Lanvin and Tods have all announced their departures. Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here? Is Louis Vuitton Replacing Nicolas Ghesquiere With Jonathan Anderson? Alexander McQueen's DNA Cloned For New Fashion Line Possibly Without His Brand's Blessing Stella McCartney Sounds Off On Fur In Fashion Industry PARIS (Reuters) - An autopsy showed no signs that violence had been inflicted on a young man whose death in police hands sparked two nights of unrest near Paris, a source close to the matter said on Thursday. The man was suffering from "a very serious infection", the source said. Family members had said earlier that police hit the man as they detained him for trying to prevent the arrest of his brother on suspicion of violence and extortion. Angry crowds hurled petrol bombs at police and set cars alight in the Val d'Oise region 40 km (25 miles) north of Paris during a second consecutive night of violence following the death of the 24-year old. Nine people were arrested in the fighting, which involved some 200 locals and 180 police officers, Jean-Simon Merandat, director of the local prefect's office, said. About 15 cars and dozens of public garbage bins were set on fire by crowds, who also hurled petrol bombs at a nursery school and a town hall, Merandat told public radio station France Info. Weeks of rioting erupted in Paris's often grim suburbs in 2005 after the death of youths who were electrocuted when they hid from police in a power generation hub. Merandat told France Info nobody was injured on either side in the second night of confrontation and that calm had returned by the early hours of Thursday. The protests in the Val d'Oise area began on Tuesday night when, according to deputy prosecutor Francois Capin-Dulhoste, man died as he was being taken away by police after being arrested. Five police were slightly injured on the first night, when they were shot at by people with firearms, he said. Capin-Dulhoste said the dead man suffered a heart problem during transportation to a police station but that the cause of death was being investigated. (Reporting by Brian Love and Chine Labbe; Editing by Nick Macfie, Larry King) CLEVELAND On Wednesday afternoon, I ran into Chris Wilson and David Polyansky, two of Ted Cruzs top advisers, just outside the security perimeter of Quicken Loans Arena. We chatted briefly, and they moved quickly down the street. Everyone was waiting to see what Cruz would say in his speech that evening, and Wilson and Polyansky looked like they were anticipating it as well. Wilson told me Thursday thats because they were expecting Cruz, the U.S. senator from Texas, to be greeted with some hostility by at least some in the audience. Theyd been tipped off that Donald Trumps top adviser, Paul Manafort, was mobilizing Trump supporters inside the hall. We sent them the speech two hours beforehand, and we got word that Manafort was moving delegations around and organizing yell leaders and delegates, Wilson told Yahoo News. Manaforts apparent machinations led to the loud booing of Cruz at the end of his remarks Wednesday night, when he urged voters to follow their conscience and did not endorse Trump. Wilson said that the booing had elevated the moment, and Cruz. If they had not organized the yelling and the booing, it would have come off as an incredibly positive speech, said Wilson, who worked on data analytics and strategy for Cruzs presidential campaign and remains close to him now as Cruz plans his next steps. Sen. Ted Cruz takes the stage at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (Photo: Khue Bui for Yahoo News) There had been some consultation between the Trump and Cruz campaigns after Cruz submitted the text of his remarks, over a phone call, Wilson said. He indicated that Manafort made suggestions about language but did not want to go into details. Cruzs campaign manager, Jeff Roe, told a Philadelphia radio show on Thursday that there was some back and forth with the Trump campaign and they clearly wouldve liked us to go further. The negotiations over the text continued, Roe said, as recently as walking on the stage. And 95 percent of the way through the speech, the active whip operation got active and started demanding to endorse and booing, and it obviously got sideways at the end, Roe said. _____ Story continues Related slideshows: On the ground at the RNC Convention A photo report >>> BOOS CRUZ: Newspapers react to Ted Cruzs RNC stunner >>> Armed at the RNC >>> Front pages cover Donald Trumps final primary victory >>> Melania Trump in the convention spotlight >>> Convention floor erupts when no roll call taken to change rules to unbind delegates >>> How newspapers covered the RNCs fiery first day >>> Demonstrators protest outside the RNC >>> Donald Trumps America >>> CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Texas Sen. Ted Cruz on Wednesday night tore the scab off the still-healing wound inflicted on the Republican Party by his bitter primary battle with nominee Donald Trump, and then Trump himself poured salt in it. In a stunning speech, Cruz pointedly refused to endorse Trump as the partys nominee for president despite boos and catcalls from the crowd demanding that he do so. As it became obvious no endorsement was coming, security officials hustled his wife, Heidi Cruz, from the floor when some members of the crowd turned on her. Related: Cops, Communists, and Characters at the GOP Convention Virginia delegate Ken Cuccinelli, a former state attorney general and a close Cruz ally, said he had to place himself between Mrs. Cruz and members of his own delegation who became physically threatening. Then, as Cruz reached the end of his remarks, Trump himself unexpectedly emerged from a doorway at the back of the hall, prompting a roar from the crowd that drowned out the end of the Texas senators remarks. The drama made the acceptance speech delivered later by Indiana governor and vice presidential nominee Mike Pence more than a little anticlimactic, as most of the discussion after the nights events had ended centered on whether real party unity was even possible anymore with Trump at the top of the ticket and a hardline conservative like Cruz -- who came in second in the GOP primary -- refusing to bend the knee. In the halls of the arena afterward, many attendees were furious with Cruz. But not all. A strong anti-Trump element remains in the GOP, and some Cruz supporters saw his speech as a heroic stand for conservative principles. What you heard tonight was Ted Cruz, said Dianne Williams, an alternate delegate from Texas who had been allowed onto the floor for the Cruz speech. Hes not going to go against his principles. Hes not going to lie. He doesnt have to. He is who he is ... hes not going to compromise his values for Trump. Story continues Related: GOP Leaders Tepid Praise Spells Trouble If Trump Wins Like others, Williams predicted that once Republican voters get over their whirlwind romance with Trump, they will appreciate what they gave up in Cruz. In four years, if Trump wins, or even if Hillary wins, people are going to see how right this man was and how wrong they were, Williams said. Let me tell you, if youve read the Bible you know the Easter story, and it was the governors choice that every year he would let a prisoner go. In the story, the people of Jerusalem are given the choice to have the death sentence of one prisoner revoked by the Roman authorities. The two candidates are Jesus of Nazareth and accused criminal Barabbas. We have chosen Barabbas, Williams said. Texas delegate Deborah Kelting, also a Cruz supporter, said, Im going to quote Winston Churchill. Some people will change their principles for their party and some people change their party for their principles. She said the GOP base would come to regret aligning with Trump, predicting, There is going to be a rude awakening in the next four years. Theyre out there, crying for the balloons, she said, referring to the thousands of balloons suspended in nets above the arena floor, ready to be released at the end of the convention Thursday. But what they think theyre getting and what theyre getting are not the same. Related: Cleveland Protests Turn Violent as Trump Receives GOP Nomination While some in the Texas delegation were incensed with Trumps entrance on top of Cruz, others were ready to give the candidate the benefit of the doubt. Its just probably unfortunate timing, because Secret Service sort of herds the president, and he got there and they tried to get him into his seat as quick as possible, said Texas delegate Brian McAuliffe. Representatives of the Trump campaign were plainly furious afterward, but how Cruz actually wound up on the stage delivering a call for voters to vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution without mentioning the partys chosen candidate was unclear. The Trump team had Cruzs speech in advance -- it was sent to reporters under embargo well before he began speaking. Trump himself tweeted that he had seen the speech two hours in advance but let him speak anyway. A top Cruz aide, again on Twitter, claimed that Cruz had personally told Trump two days ago that he would not endorse him. Perhaps in his acceptance speech tonight, Trump will find a way to bind up the wounds of his party after last nights mini civil war. But it would be a dramatic departure from character for him to de-escalate conflict rather than fueling it. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: With the TV-news yapping about Melania Trumps speech plagiarism winding down, TV talking heads finally are beginning to notice how dangerous has been the original rhetoric spoken at this weeks RNC. On a special RNC edition of Bill Mahers Real Time on HBO last night, panelist Dan Savage agreed with the host that the hate at this years convention is out of control though a certain amount of tearing down the other party goes on at all political conventions. You have Israelis writing columns comparing what is being said now about Hillary with what was said about Rabin before he was assassinated by an unhinged right winger, Savage said. Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated in November of 1995 after attending an anti-violence rally in support of the Oslo Accords, by a conservative opposed to the pact. This is the ugliest convention Ive ever seen and its really an extension of the candidate, of the nominee, Minnesotas Sen. Al Franken told MSNBCs Andrea Mitchell this morning. Heres a guy whose whole campaign started with Mexicans are rapists and drug dealers, and John McCains not a war hero because he got captured, and I saw on TV Muslims, thousands of Muslims in New Jersey, cheering when the World Trade Center went down, and on and on. Theres too much to chronicle. And so its probably not surprising that you see a convention in which theres so much spewing of hate: lock her up, lock her up. And worse. A lot worse. The Secret Service says it is investigating Trump adviser Al Baldasaro, after he said in an interview that presumptive Dem nominee Hillary Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot for treason because of the 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi. Donald Trumps overtaking of the Republican party and his constant escalation of outrageous rhetoric is in danger of mainstreaming the kind of hatred that has long been relegated to the fringes of American politics where it belongs, Clinton Communications Director Jen Palmieri said in a statement about the investigation. This week at the Republican convention, weve seen the clearest embodiment yet of this dangerous phenomenon. Story continues [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SeDjWOuOyY&w=620&h=340] Related stories Jon Stewart Anchors Donald Trump Acceptance Speech Coverage On 'The Late Show' Donald Trump Scares Everyone For Their Own Good In RNC Nom Acceptance Speech Donald Trump's RNC Speech: The Industry Reacts Danaher Corp. DHR is set to report second-quarter 2016 earnings results before the opening bell on Jul 25. Last quarter, the company posted a positive earnings surprise of 4.9%. The company has a decent surprise history for the trailing four quarters, having beaten estimates thrice and met the same once, with an average positive surprise of 2.4%. Let's see how things are shaping up for this announcement. Factors to Consider Danahers operations have been suffering due to macroeconomic concerns, especially uncertainty in Latin American and European regions like Russia and the Middle East, and this may weigh on the companys financials this quarter as well. Prolonged weakness in industrial markets in China, North America, Latin America and the Middle East has acted as a headwind for the company and may prove to be upsetting for the to-be-reported quarter as well. Also, Danahers operations remain vulnerable to foreign currency headwinds, as a significant portion of its revenues is derived from regions outside the U.S. Foreign currency fluctuations had a negative impact of around 2% on the companys top line during the first quarter. The companys Instruments platform, particularly the Fluke business, has been witnessing a substantial decline in revenues across all major geographies including the U.S., Western Europe and Latin America. Its Test & Measurement segment has also been suffering due to a slowdown in all major geographies and product lines. These factors could negatively impact Danahers top line in the to-be-reported quarter. Also, Danaher is consistently following its aggressive acquisition strategy. These acquired units complement Danahers existing units, and add to the top line. DANAHER CORP Price and EPS Surprise DANAHER CORP Price and EPS Surprise | DANAHER CORP Quote Earnings Whispers Our proven model does not conclusively show that Danaher will beat earnings estimate in this quarter. This is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), #2 (Buy) or #3 (Hold) for this to happen. This is not the case here as you will see below: Story continues Zacks ESP: The Earnings ESP for the company currently stands at 0.00%. This is because both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate stand at $1.11. Zacks Rank: Danaher has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). As it is, we caution against Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Rank #4 or 5) going into an earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions. Stocks That Warrant a Look Here are some companies that you may want to consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter: The Earnings ESP for Potlatch Corporation PCH is +42.86% and it carries a Zacks Rank #2. The company is expected to release its quarterly results on Jul 26. AK Steel Holding Corporation AKS has an Earnings ESP of +50.00% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company will report results on Jul 26. Landec Corp. LNDC has an Earnings ESP of +6.67% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is expected to release earnings results on Jul 26. 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 POTLATCH CORP (PCH): Free Stock Analysis Report LANDEC CORP (LNDC): Free Stock Analysis Report DANAHER CORP (DHR): Free Stock Analysis Report AK STEEL HLDG (AKS): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Pramod Mishra is a biweekly columnist for The Kathmandu Post. He is the department chair of English Studies at Lewis University in the United States. At a 2016 Food Waste Summit* in Washington, D.C., Tom Vilsack, the former U.S. secretary of agriculture, told a story about his adult son going through the Vilsacks refrigerator and throwing out everything that was past the date on its packagingeven if it was frozen. The secretarys point: If his own son doesnt understand what the dates mean, who does? The answer: not many of us. In a recent survey led by the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic, almost 85 percent of consumers said that theyd thrown out food based on the date on the package. With the exception of baby formula, there are no federal regulations on date labeling. Forty-one states and the District of Columbia require date labeling on certain food items, nine states do not, and no two states have the same law. Often the best if used by, sell by, and use by designations are just manufacturers best guesses about how long their food will taste its freshest. Supermarkets may also use the dates as a guide when stocking shelves. But the dates have nothing to do with how safe the food is. The result? Take something as basic as milk. In most states the sell by date for milk is 21 to 24 days after pasteurization. But in Montana, milk can no longer be sold 12 days after pasteurization, a point made in the film Expired, which shows milk being taken off supermarket shelves and poured down the draineven though it would be deemed just fine in most of the rest of the country. More clarity on what dates on food labels mean may be coming, as Congress considers the Food Date Labeling Act. One of the most common arguments people seem to have at home is about whether or not food should be thrown out just because the date on the label has passed, says Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, who introduced the bill with Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. Its time to settle that argument, end the confusion, and stop throwing away perfectly good food. The legislation proposes two labels to be used nationally: one that indicates quality, when food is at its peak freshness, and another that indicates safety, the date past which food is considered unsafe to eat. The wording has yet to be decided, but in the Harvard survey, more consumers understood that best if used by means quality and expires on signals safety, according to Emily Broad Leib, the clinics director. Story continues In the meantime, another way to tell whether food is still edible is to trust your own senses. If it seems off to you, it probably is. Food thats getting funky is likely to look, smell, and taste bad before it becomes unsafe. (Foodborne illness comes from contamination, not from the natural process of decay.) If you have questions about your food, download the Department of Agricultures FoodKeeper app or go to foodsafety.gov/keep/foodkeeperapp. Youll find advice on how best to store your food to maximize freshness and flavor. *The Food Waste Summit was hosted by the Keystone Policy Center and National Consumers League. Who Wastes the Most Food in the U.S.? How to Cut Food Waste at Home Shop your refrigerator first. Cook or eat what you already have before buying more food. Plan your menu before you go shopping, make a list, and buy only whats on the menu. Buying in bulk saves money only if you're able to use the food before it spoils. Buy only what you need, or buy in bulk and split the purchase with another family. Use the edible parts of food that you normally do not eat. For example, turn stale bread into croutons or bread crumbs and saute beet greens for a side dish. Freeze, preserve, or can surplus fruits and vegetablesespecially abundant seasonal produce. You can freeze leftovers too. Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the September 2016 issue of Consumer Reports magazine. 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 2006-2017 Consumers Union of U.S. LONDON, July 21 (Reuters) - Ratings agency DBRS said on Thursday it cut Turkey's long-term foreign currency rating by one notch to a speculative grade BB(High), reflecting a deterioration in the rule of law and rising geopolitical tensions since last Friday's failed coup. It also cut Turkey's short-term foreign and local currency issuer ratings and said the trend on all ratings was negative. "Turkey's large external financing needs are a key source of vulerability," DBRS said in a statement. "Moreover, the failed coup attempt and its fallout could divert political attention from the much-needed structural reform agenda, which is important to boost national savings and reduce external imbalances." DBRS said it could cut the rating further if Turkey's instiutional quality continued to weaken or if a sharp reduction in capital inflows severely affected the economy and financial system. (Reporting by Nigel Stephenson, editing by Mike Dolan) NEW YORK / ACCESSWIRE / July 21, 2016 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC reminds investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against of Gerdau S.A. ("Gerdau" or the "Company") (NYSE: GGB) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Southern District of New York, 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"). 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. On or about March 26, 2015, Brazilian authorities announced that a Federal Police investigation, dubbed Operation Zelotes, had uncovered a multibillion-dollar tax fraud scheme at the Ministry of Finance ("Finance Ministry"), reporting that as many as 70 companies had bribed members of the CARF, a body within the Finance Ministry that hears appeals on tax disputes, to obtain favorable rulings that recused or waived the amounts that the companies owed. On or around March 29, 2015, it was reported that Gerdau was among the companies under investigation. On December 4, 2015, the Brazilian publication Jornal do Comercio reported that a report by a committee of the National Congress of Brazil had named Gerdau, along with other companies, as a beneficiary of a tax evasion scheme. On this news, Gerdau's ADR price fell $0.11, or 6.96%, to close at $1.47 on December 4, 2015. On or around February 25, 2016, post-market, Brazilian police raided Gerdau offices in connection with Operation Zelotes, as police carried out some 20 court orders for testimony and 18 search warrants in Recife, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Brasilia. Gerdau's CEO, Defendant Johannpeter, was among the individuals ordered to testify by day's end. In an e-mailed statement, Gerdau stated that the Company had never authorized the use of its name in illegal negotiations and that the Company abided by rigorous ethical standards. On this news, Gerdau's ADR price fell $0.03, or 3.16%, to close at $0.92 on February 25, 2016. On February 29, 2016, Gerdau announced that it would delay the release of its fourth-quarter financial results as the Company "analyze[d] the case records involving Gerdau in the recent phase of [the] Zelotes Operation." On May 16, 2016, various news outlets reported that Brazil's federal police had accused Gerdau of evading $429 million in taxes and indicted a total of 19 Gerdau personnel, including Defendant Johannpeter and some of the Company's executives, directors and lawyers, on corruption-related charges including bribery, money laundering, and influence peddling. On this news, Gerdau's ADR price fell $0.13, or over 7%, to close at $1.72 on May 16, 2016. No Class has yet been certified in the above action. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Investor Relations Coordinator, Eitan Kimelman 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 Gerdau you have until July 25, 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 Beaumont-sur-Oise (France) (AFP) - Violence erupted in the northern suburbs of Paris for a third night in a row, with 15 cars set ablaze by residents furious over the death of a young man in police custody. The unrest began on Tuesday night after it emerged that Adama Traore, 24, had died shortly after being arrested in the town of Beaumont-sur-Oise. Authorities said an autopsy revealed he was suffering from a serious infection at the time of his death and that his body showed few signs of violence. He was taken into custody after interfering in the arrest of his brother in an extortion case, said a source close to the investigation. Local prosecutor Yves Jannier said Traore "fainted during the ride" to the police station, and paramedics were called immediately but were unable to revive him. Jannier said the infection was "very serious" and had "impacted several organs", while the medical examiner had found scratches but no "marks of significant violence" on the man's body. However, Traore's family said it would seek an outside expert's opinion before his burial. "The infection that Adama Traore may have been suffering from does not explain the causes of his death," said the family's lawyer Karim Achoui. Traore's twin sister, Hawa, said she did not believe the autopsy findings were accurate, but called for calm. "We will find the truth. Calm down," she told AFP, addressing those on the streets in support of her brother. - 'Healthy, tall, sporty guy' - On Tuesday night five members of the paramilitary police were injured in clashes, and nine cars set on fire, while several public buildings were damaged. One person was arrested. The unrest continued on Wednesday night in a series of villages situated near each other some 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of Paris, where 15 cars were set ablaze and protesters tried to set a mayor's office and a preschool on fire. Story continues "Eight people were arrested. Some for throwing incendiary devices at security forces, others for trying to set a public building on fire," said local government official Jean-Simon Merandat. Youths in the suburb say they are convinced that police are responsible for Adama's death. "He was healthy, a tall, sporty, stocky guy," said Sofiane, 30. "We know it is going to be covered up. We know if things don't burn nothing will come of it, that is how we feel," said Ornel, 24. The violence comes as security forces are stretched to their limit, after months on high alert for terror attacks, and violent anti-government protests in which police have become a target of hatred. In 2005, when two teenagers were electrocuted after hiding in an electricity substation while being chased by police, sparking weeks of massive riots. The violence was seen as an urban revolt against the system from France's "ghettos" with their grim high rise buildings, high levels of poverty and unemployment and populations of first and second generation immigrants who feel marginalised by society. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 21, 2016 / Defiance Silver Corp. (DEF.V) (DNCVF) ("Defiance"), is pleased to announce that Peter J. Hawley, BSc, BEng, P.Geo. has joined Defiance as a Director and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Hawley adds significant depth to the board with his 36 years of geological and mining experience spanning grassroots exploration through to development and production. Having worked extensively with a large number of intermediate and senior mining companies including Teck, Noranda, Placer Dome and Barrick Gold, Mr. Hawley was also the founder, CEO & Chairman of Scorpio Mining Corporation from 1998 to December 2014 when Scorpio combined with U.S. Gold and Silver Inc. to form Americas Silver Corporation, where he still remains a Director. Peter is also the CEO of Scorpio Gold Corporation, a low cost open pit heap leach gold producer in Nevada, USA. Mr. Hawley has a track record of raising significant funds for private and public companies along with structuring mergers and acquisitions. Bruce Winfield, President & CEO of Defiance, stated, "On behalf of the Board, I would like to welcome Peter to the Defiance team. Peter brings another experienced mine finder and developer to the Board. His success in both fund-raising and deal structuring will be a tremendous asset to Defiance as we advance the San Acacio Silver deposit." Defiance has granted 200,000 incentive stock options to Mr. Hawley. The options are exercisable on or before July 20, 2021, at a price of $0.41. The grant of stock options is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. A Panoramic Video on the San Acacio Deposit is available on our website, or Click Here to visit our Defiance YouTube Channel. Defiance Silver Corp. is a silver explorer and developer advancing the San Acacio Deposit, located in the historic Zacatecas Silver District of central Mexico. Defiance is managed by a team of proven mine developers with a track record of exploring and developing 7 operating mines to date. Defiance's corporate mandate is to expand San Acacio to become one of Mexico's premier high grade wide vein silver deposits. For more information on the property or Defiance, please visit Defiance's website at www.DefianceSilver.com. Story continues On behalf of Defiance Silver Corp. "Bruce Winfield" President and CEO For more information, please contact: Sunny Pannu - Corporate Development (604) 669 7315 or via email at pannu@defiancesilver.com 2300 - 1177 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6E 2K3 www.defiancesilver.com Tel: 604-669-7315 Email: info@defiancesilver.com 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. SOURCE: Defiance Silver Corp. Democratic Capitol Hill interns attempted to dispel the diversity controversy caused by House Speaker Paul Ryan's group selfie last week, by sharing a new photo of their own. In the image, snapped by Texas Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson's intern Audra Jackson Tuesday, hundreds of interns of a variety of ethnicities gathered on the U.S. Capitol building steps. "My intern Audra Jackson led Democratic Interns in their own selfie 2day showing #DemInternDiversity #DemInternSelfie," Johnson wrote on Twitter. Of other posed photos of the interns, she added, "The picture of the Democratic interns look a lot different than the #speakerselfie #DemInternSelfie #Diversity." The picture of the Democratic interns look a lot different than the #speakerselfie #DemInternSelfie #Diversity pic.twitter.com/B7MucXwLwB a US Rep E.B.Johnson (@RepEBJ) July 19, 2016 Democratic House Interns organized to show show the diversity of the Democrats #DemInternSelfie #DemDiversity pic.twitter.com/Fg0tbVYQd8 a US Rep E.B.Johnson (@RepEBJ) July 19, 2016 Now THIS is what I call an intern selfie. pic.twitter.com/mgQ7QLn1gw a RJ (@rjkhalaf) July 19, 2016 The photo directly references Ryan's "#SpeakerSelfie" with more than 100 Capitol Hill interns which was called out on the Internet for featuring an overwhelmingly white group. Johnson's image is a little misleading, however: the Ryan photo does not feature only Republican interns, as the Congresswoman seems to assert. Story continues Democratic Capitol Hill Interns Share Their Own Selfie in Response to Paul Ryan's| 2016 Presidential Elections, politics, Paul Ryan Ryan took the selfie at an event for the 2016 Congressional Summer Intern Lecture Series which is open to interns across both aisles, RJ Khalaf, an intern for Congressman Andre Carson told USA Today. Related Video: Hillary Clinton on Sexism in Media Khalaf said interns were randomly selected to attend the event though a lottery, and charged that the lack of diversity was not Ryan's fault. He told USA Today, "It's a better representation of the fact that so many interns on the Hill are not people of color." From ELLE "Hello my fellow Republicans!" When Caitlyn Jenner took the stage Wednesday morning in Cleveland, the crowd erupted into cheers. She wasn't at the Quicken Loans Arena - the site of the Republican National Convention. Instead the Olympian-turned-reality TV star and trans activist was 10 blocks away at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, speaking at the American Unity Fund's brunch, an event focusing on how the GOP can be more inclusive of LGBT people. "It's rare for Republicans to have so big a celebrity among us," said AUF President Margaret Hoover, introducing Caitlyn. "You are the most famous Republican in the world!" "Thank you," Caitlyn responded, "but they already nominated Donald [Trump] last night." Republicans have taken a decidedly anti-LGBT stance in their party's platform, which it writes every four years before the convention. It's against gay marriage and gay parenthood, as well as transgender people using the bathroom of their choice in public, among other topics. Caitlyn explained why she identifies as a Republican, in spite of the party's resistance to LGBT rights. She teared up talking about her father, who was in the military and, she explained, inspires her political views. "If my dad knew what was going on with this country that he fought so hard for, if he saw what's happening with our country, he'd be very disappointed," she said. "Because of that, I feel like our best hope to get back to a Constitutional government is the Republican Party. I have to admit, I've been very disappointed over the last five, 10 years, but I won't give up hope on it. That's why I stand on the Republican side." Hoover asked Caitlyn how people react when they hear she's trans - and a Republican. Caitlyn joked that it's harder to explain to people why she's a Republican saying, "It was easy to come out as trans!" "As far as social issues - I get it," she continued, noting that "the Democratic Party does a better job when it comes to the LGBT community, the trans community, all that kind of stuff." Story continues She went on to talk about her faith - "Maybe that's why God put me on this earth, to tell this story" - and the issue of barring trans people from using the bathroom that matches their gender identity. "I haven't had any issues with bathrooms myself. I haven't used a men's room in a year and a half," she said to the cheering crowd. "And thank God because there are some great conversations going on in the ladies rooms!" "But this issue is not about me; it's about the kids," she continued. "Bullying is the biggest problem. Not fitting in. They get bullied in school, with online bullying they're bullied internationally. Now you're telling me the state of North Carolina is going to come in and bully you too?" Earlier this year, North Carolina became the first state to ban people from using government-owned bathrooms and locker rooms that don't match the gender on their birth certificates. The Obama administration later stepped in, ordering public schools to allow transgender students the right to use a bathroom and locker room of their choice. Since then, nearly half of all states have fought the administration's decision, all but assuring it will end up at the Supreme Court. Despite Caitlyn's strong words Wednesday, she doesn't appear to be reconsidering her vote come November, or her political leanings. But Rachel Hoff, the first openly gay person to sit on the Republican Party's Platform Committee, thinks Caitlyn's talk is a good start for opening the lines of communication between Republicans and the LGBT community. Hoff, who was at the event Wednesday, has been outspoken about her disagreements with the party on LGBT issues. "I think the transgender community is at the center of the fight for LGBT rights right now, and I think it's important for people, especially here at the RNC, to have the experience of interacting with people from the transgender community," she told Cosmopolitan.com. "This kind of conversation we had today is perhaps a little bit unexpected at the RNC." Melania Trumps biography in the official program from the RNC is in question after declaring the prospective first lady graduated from a university, when she didn't. Read: After Melania Trump's RNC Speech, Her Stunning $2G Dress is Already Sold Out The program says Trumps third wife graduated from the University of Ljubljana in her native Slovenia, but she never got a diploma. She dropped out after a year before beginning her modeling career. "After obtaining a degree in design and architecture at university in Slovenia, Melania was jetting between photo shoots in Paris and Milan," the program said. The false information seems to have come from the website, MelaniaTrump.com, which features the same nonfactual statement, word-for-word. A man in Slovakia named Peter Butolyn claims he was her first boyfriend after meeting when she was 16. However, Melania denies they dated. Butolyn says she was a very bright student and after high school, she enrolled at the University of Lublijana where she studied architecture. He says she dropped out after one year and moved to Milan to become a model full time. As Melania went on to have a successful modeling career, she never returned to college. Read: Trump Campaign Denies Melania's Speech Was Lifted From Michelle Obama The misinformation comes amid new reports of a rift between Melania and Trump's grown children. She was notably absent on Saturday when Trump introduced his vice presidential pick, Mike Pence. The campaign said she was busy rehearsing her speech, but NBC's Katy Tur reports that Trumps wife refused to attend the photo-op because she was upset at the thought process of picking Pence. Tur claims that Melania is upset because the Trump kids pushed Pence on their dad and she didnt show up in protest of the choice. Watch: Well, That Was Awkward: Trump and Pence Clash in Their First Joint Interview Story continues Related Articles: FRANKFURT, July 21 (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank may abandon plans to spin off its retail unit Postbank, a German business magazine reported. Germany's largest bank announced plans last year to sell its Postbank retail chain, mainly to free up regulatory capital. But Manager Magazin reported that Deutsche Bank may end up keeping Postbank because it saw only a slim chance of floating the lender or finding a buyer for it by the end of 2017. Manager Magazin also said Deutsche Bank was considering splitting itself into a lender focused on capital markets and one focused on retail and corporate clients, a plan it said was internally dubbed 'Project Jade'. Deutsche Bank said in statement that 'Project Jade' was not about splitting up the bank, but has been a long-running project aiming to simplify its structure. It did not comment on its plans for Postbank. Chief Executive John Cryan acknowledged in May that a flotation of Postbank was challenging in the current capital market environment, which has seen hardly any listings in Germany so far this year. "We are either hoping for market recovery, or are looking for a slightly more creative way to exit our position (in Postbank)," he said at the time, declining to elaborate. When the decision to spin off Postbank was taken, Deutsche Bank's supervisory board opted against an alternative plan of splitting the bank into a retail banking unit - which would have included both Postbank and its own-branded retail chain - and a pure investment and commercial bank. This so-called "big solution" was, at the time, thrown out because of the expected technical difficulties of executing such a move and concerns that a complete exit from retail in favour of investment banking would raise Deutsche's risk profile in the eyes of ratings agencies. (Reporting by Arno Schuetze; editing by Adrian Croft) A year later Its in everyones long-term interest to take serious lessons from the killings in Tikapur Dish Network on Thursday reported improved second-quarter earnings, but it lost more pay TV subscribers than in the year-ago period and more than Wall Street had expected. In fact, the company reported its biggest quarterly pay TV sub decline ever. "This was, by far, the worst subscriber result Dish has ever had," said MoffettNathanson analyst Craig Moffett. "This includes Sling TV additions. The results of the satellite TV platform were even worse." Indeed, Dish in its earnings report once again included subscribers for its Sling TV streaming service, but didn't detail how many of those it had recorded in the quarter or how many it had in total at the end of June. Dish continues to be engaged in a carriage dispute with Tribune Media that saw 42 TV stations and the WGN America cable network go dark last month. The satellite TV company, led by Charlie Ergen, lost 281,000 net pay TV subscribers in the second quarter to end it with more than 13.59 million. In the first quarter, the company had lost 23,000 net subscribers, and in the second quarter of 2015, it had lost 81,000. Wells Fargo analyst Marci Ryvicker had projected a loss of 123,000 subs in the latest period. "Our gross new pay TV subscriber activations continue to be negatively impacted by stricter customer acquisition policies for our Dish branded pay TV subscribers, including an increased emphasis on acquiring higher-quality subscribers, as well as increased competitive pressures, including aggressive marketing, more aggressive retention efforts, bundled discount offers combining broadband, video and/or wireless services and other discounted promotional offers," Dish said in a regulatory filing. It also highlighted an increased churn rate, saying that "continues to be adversely affected by increased competitive pressures, including aggressive marketing, bundled discount offers combining broadband, video and/or wireless services and other discounted promotional offers, as well as cord cutting." Plus, "in the past, our gross new pay TV subscriber activations, net pay TV subscriber additions and pay TV churn rate have been negatively impacted as a result of programming interruptions and threatened programming interruptions in connection with the scheduled expiration of programming carriage contracts with content providers." Story continues In terms of the Tribune Media dispute, it added: "On June 12, 2016, Tribune removed 42 of its local broadcast channels in 33 markets across 34 states and the District of Columbia from our programming lineup, after we and Tribune were unable to negotiate the terms and conditions of a new programming carriage contract. While we work to reach an agreement, we are offering "over-the-air" antennas at no additional charge so that customers in affected markets can watch Tribune's local broadcast channels. We cannot predict with any certainty the impact of such removal on our business, results of operations and financial condition." Read More: Dish's Charlie Ergen Relinquishes President Title Dish also said in its filing that losing subscribers is part of its strategy as it has instituted stricter financial policies for its hunt for customers. ''Our strategy has included an increased emphasis on acquiring and retaining higher-quality subscribers, even if it means that we will acquire and retain fewer overall subscribers," the company said. Dish also said on Thursday that it lost approximately 15,000 net broadband subscribers in the latest quarter, bringing its total broadband base to approximately 613,000 subscribers. It was the company's first quarterly broadband user drop ever. Dish also posted earnings of $410 million, or 88 cents per share, compared with $324 million in the year-ago quarter, or 70 cents per share. Wall Street had on average projected $338.6 million, or 73 cents per share. Second-quarterly revenue rose to $3.84 billion from $3.83 billion, below Wall Street consensus estimates. On the earnings conference call, Ergen discussed the outlook for the pay TV sector, the Tribune Media dispute and consolidation. "The pay TV industry, the linear industry as we know it, [is] a mature-to-declining business," he said, reiterating a comment he had made on the first-quarter call, adding that "it's clearly been a declining business for Dish for a while." He said the company was focusing more on the profitability of subscribers than in the past. "We have just gone to a strategy that says it doesn't make sense to use if we invest in a customer if we don't get a return," Ergen said. "We'd rather also make money." That wasn't an issue years ago, but it is now amid increased competition and a stronger cable industry, he explained. "OTT has a bright future," Ergen also told analysts. He predicted that Sling TV would be where the needle would move for Dish. Ergen explained that downtown Manhattan, apartment complexes and the like are new opportunities for Sling where Dish used to not be available. He also said that OTT services are more seasonable, predicting more sign-ups before the Olympics and football season, for example. Dish management also said the company hasn't seen much in terms of moves from traditional satellite TV to Sling TV as the two have different audiences. And Ergen said Sling has more interest from content companies than it has space for. Asked about the subscriber impact from the Tribune Media blackout, Ergen said such disputes always have a negative effect, but didn't estimate its size. He called the showdown an "honest" dispute and said WGN America was "not a super-popular channel for Dish customers," meaning Dish subs don't see as much value in it as Tribune Media executives or other people. In the case of blackouts, "we have to be prepared that we will never put that channel back up again," he said, adding that any Dish sub who really wants WGN America has likely already left. "We are certainly prepared to live without" Tribune Media and WGA America, Ergen said, but added that at the right price the company would renew a carriage deal. He also lauded the long-standing relationship Tribune Media and Dish have. "We take no joy from Dish's loss of nearly 300,000 subscribers in second quarter of this year," a Tribune Media spokesman said. "Nothing would make us happier than to get our valuable programming back up on Dish's network and to help Dish reverse this trend. We simply ask that Dish pay us fair market value for our programming, which includes everything from the upcoming Olympics to NFL football in 22 of our markets to acclaimed entertainment, such as our hit shows Underground and Outsiders on WGN America. In the interest of our viewers, yesterday we offered to extend our previous agreement with Dish to September 15, with no true-up or retroactive payments once we reach a new deal. This would enable Dish to immediately restore our stations and WGN America to its network at no added expense, even as we continue to negotiate. We also put a very fair proposal on the table. We hope Dish takes us up on our offers." Asked about pay TV industry deals and whether they would continue and whether there would be deals in the OTT space, Ergen said: "I would say that there probably will be consolidation within the video business," due to synergies between linear and OTT offerings. Regulators will be more open to it "in a mature market" if consumers have multiple choices, he said. Ergen also suggested that many companies will launch OTT businesses and some of those will consolidate as not everyone will get it right. Read More: What's Behind Dish's Biggest Pay TV Subscriber Loss? REUTERS - Domino's Pizza Inc's shares hit a record high after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly sales and profit, helped by store openings and a jump in revenue from the services and products it provides to franchisees. The company's shares, which have been on a tear, rose as much as 6.3 percent to a record high of $145.52 in morning trading on Thursday. Most of Domino's outlets are operated by franchisees, who pay the company for such things as dough and ovens. The Ann Arbor, Michigan-based company said a net 215 Domino's outlets were opened outside the United States in the three months ended June 19, all of them franchised. A net 28 outlets were opened in the United States, none company-owned. Domino's had 12,692 stores globally as of March 27, out of which 7,691 were franchises outside the United States. Same-store sales at company-owned outlets in the United States - Domino's biggest source of store revenue - rose 9.1 percent, outpacing the 5.7 percent average forecast of analysts polled by research firm Consensus Metrix. Total international sales jumped 12.4 percent in the quarter, while total U.S. sales rose 12 percent. Sales at international outlets open for at least a year rose 7.1 percent. Domino's has been outperforming rivals in the United States, helped by investments to take advantage of technologies such as smart watches, digital wallets and apps that make it easy for customers to place and pay for orders. Yum Brands Inc's Pizza Hut, one of Domino's biggest rivals, reported flat same-store sales in the latest quarter. Revenue from Domino's supply chain business, through which it supplies franchisees, rose 12 percent in the quarter. The business contributed more than 60 percent of the company's total revenue. Domino's net income rose to $49.3 million, or 98 cents per share, in the quarter, from $45.9 million, or 81 cents per share, a year earlier. Analysts on average had expected earnings of 94 cents per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Story continues Total sales rose 12 percent to $547.3 million, beating the average analysts' estimate of $533.4 million. Up to Wednesday's close, Domino's stock had risen by nearly a quarter this year. (Reporting by Subrat Patnaik and Abhijith Ganapavaram in Bengaluru; Editing by Ted Kerr) The Secret Service confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday that it "will conduct the appropriate investigation" after Donald Trump adviser Al Baldasaro said in a radio interview that Hillary Clinton should be "put in the firing line and shot for treason" for her actions in the Benghazi email scandal. Secret Service spokesman Robert Hoback said in a statement to THR, "The U.S. Secret Service is aware of this matter and will conduct the appropriate investigation." Questioned Thursday on radio program the Jeff Kuhner Show, host Jeff Kuhner asked, "What do you make of Benghazi and as a veteran? Is Hillary Clinton responsible?" The New Hampshire state representative firmly responded, "I'm a veteran that went to Desert Shield, Desert Storm. I'm also a father who sent a son to war, to Iraq, as a Marine Corps helicopter avionics technician. Hillary Clinton, to me, is the Jane Fonda of the Vietnam." "She is a disgrace for the lies that she told those mothers about their children that got killed over there in Benghazi. She dropped the ball on over 400 emails requesting backup security. Something's wrong there," the war veteran, who has spoken at numerous Trump events, continued in his explanation of Clinton. "This whole thing disgusts me," Baldasaro said. "Hillary Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot for treason." The bewildered political adviser further shared his puzzlement on Clinton not being charged by the FBI for mishandling classified information. "What I don't understand is, how can Democrats, liberals, progressives, how can you turn your back on somebody - a piece of garbage like her - that gets away with stuff like this and your everyday normal American goes to jail or gets kicked out of the military or loses their job on the State Department," he said. "It's a shame how the Democrats turn their back on that stuff." Story continues The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to The Hollywood Reporter's request for comment. Listen to the full interview below. July 20, 4:41 p.m.: Updated with Secret Service statement. Read More: GOP Convention Day 2: Watch Speeches From Tiffany Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Chris Christie and More Making US-Russia relations great again. Republicans in Cleveland all seem to know one thing about president Barack Obama: Hes not a national security leader, and US allies dont trust America anymore. Donald Trump will change that. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obamas foreign-policy of leading from behind, moving red lines, feigning resets with Russia, Trumps VP nominee Mike Pence told the audience. We cannot have four more years apologizing to her enemies and abandoning our friends. America needs to be strong for the world to be safe, and on the world stage, Donald Trump will lead from strength. As Reagan said, trust, but verify. Trump himself did not seem to get the message. In an interview with the New York Times that occurred minutes before Pences remarks, he told reporters that he would not immediately aid come to the aid of members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization if they were attacked by Russia, instead waiting to see if have fulfilled their obligations to us. Of course, that is not how treaties work, and US commitment to aid NATO allies has been the cornerstone of global security since the end of World War II. National security leaders were aghast at his comments, as were leaders like the president of Estonia, one of the small Baltic countries in question. We are equally committed to a l l our NATO allies, regardless of who they may be. That's what makes them allies. toomas hendrik ilves (@IlvesToomas) July 21, 2016 The only time NATOs mutual-defense provision was invoked was after the 9/11 attacks, when European nations rallied to the US. Trumps eagerness to blame Americas problems on othersimmigrants, competitive rivalsextends to allies, who he argues are driving up US defense spending. In the past, that had extended to merely promising to review defense agreements, but this is the first time Trump has said he would not follow treaty obligations in the event of an invasion. That obsession may play well with the base, but it doesnt gibe with his arguments that Obama has weakened the US military. Story continues The move also does nothing to dispel Trumps coziness with Russia. Trump has repeatedly praised Russian leader Vladimir Putin. His campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, is a long-time confidant of Russian-backed strongmen. Last week, the Republican platform was altered at Trumps behest to remove strong language defending Ukraine, which is facing a civil war against Russian-backed separatists. Ronald Reagan would be ashamed, Jake Sullivan, Hillary Clintons national security adviser, told reporters. Harry Truman would be ashamed. Republicans, Democrats and Independents who help build NATO into the most successful military alliance in history would all come to the same conclusion: Donald Trump is temperamentally unfit and fundamentally ill-prepared to be our Commander in Chief. Read more from Quartz on the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. More stories from Quartz: donald trump Donald Trump dismissed claims that Sen. Ted Cruz's refusal to endorse the Republican nominee on Wednesday reflected a rift in the party. In a tweet Thursday morning, Trump claimed that the Republican Party was unified behind his candidacy while simultaneously taking a shot at Cruz, who lost to Trump in the Republican primary and refused to endorse him in a high-profile convention speech. "Other than a small group of people who have suffered massive and embarrassing losses, the party is VERY united. Great love in the arena!" Trump wrote. Many prominent Republicans at the convention were furious at Cruz's refusal to endorse Trump, subjecting the Texas senator and his wife to heckling and booing as they exited the convention arena. Several prominent Congressional Republicans still have not endorsed Trump, including Sens. Ben Sasse, Mark Kirk, Lindsey Graham, and Mike Lee, as well as leaders like former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, and former presidents George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush. NOW WATCH: Trump praised Scotland for voting to leave the EU it didn't More From Business Insider (WASHINGTON) Republican nominee Donald Trump hinted at a new world order if he becomes president, saying the United States, under his leadership, might not come to the defense of some NATO members if Russia were to attack them. Trump said he would decide whether to protect the Baltic republics against Russian aggression based on whether those countries have fulfilled their obligations to us. He made the comments in an interview with The New York Times on Wednesday, ahead of his speech to formally accept the Republican nomination for president late Thursday. Trumps remarks about U.S. obligations under NATO to come to the aid of other members of the 28-nation alliance are in line with his views questioning the United States global role. In 2014, the 28-member alliance created a rapid-reaction force to protect the most vulnerable NATO members against a confrontation with Russia. Last week, President Barack Obama pledged unwavering commitment to defending Europe, adding that in good times and in bad, Europe can count on the United States. NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance of European and North American democracies created after World War II to strengthen international cooperation as a counter-balance to the rise of the Soviet Union. Presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clintons campaign was quick to pounce on Trumps statements. The president is supposed to be the leader of the free world. Donald Trump apparently doesnt even believe in the free world, Clinton senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement shortly after the interview was published. Ronald Reagan would be ashamed. Harry Truman would be ashamed. Republicans, Democrats and independents who help build NATO into the most successful military alliance in history would all come to the same conclusion: Donald Trump is temperamentally unfit and fundamentally ill-prepared to be our commander in chief, Sullivan added. Story continues Trumps running mate, Gov. Mike Pence, was on the defensive early Thursday, telling Fox News that he is confident the Republican nominee would stand by Americas NATO allies, but insisted that those countries must pay their fair share. Pence added that a Trump administration would tell U.S. allies the time has come for them and for their citizens to begin to carry the financial costs of these international obligations. Trump has publicly welcomed praise from Russian President Vladimir Putin, telling MSNBC in December that, when people call you brilliant, thats always good, especially when the person heads up Russia. When the interviewer pointed out charges that Putin kills opponents and that he invaded neighboring Ukraine, Trump responded that Putin is running his country, and at least hes a leader, unlike what we have in this country. Trump also told The Times that he would not criticize Turkey for cracking down on political opponents and restricting civil liberties following last weeks attempted coup. Of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trump said: I give great credit to him for being able to turn that around. Some people say that it was staged, you know that. I dont think so. The U.S. has no right to lecture Turkey and other countries when people are shooting policemen in cold blood, Trump said. With decades in business and no prior political experience, Trump cast the projection of American military might abroad in economic terms. For example, he said it might not be necessary to station American troops abroad, though he agreed its preferable. If we decide we have to defend the United States, we can always deploy troops from the U.S., Trump told the newspaper, and it will be a lot less expensive. Billions in unspent dev budget for Tarai frozen A large chunk of the development budget allocated to the middle and western regions of the Tarai has been frozen as it remained unspent after development activities slowed during the Tarai unrest and Indian blockade. TIME: Does what Donald Trump has said feed the idea that, politically, America might not be willing to go to war for the Baltics? Stoltenberg: I relate to what the U.S. has actually done. And the U.S. has increased its presence in Europe. The U.S. has proven once again that its ready to defend and protect European allies. After many years of decline now the number of U.S. troops and forces in Europe is again going up. TIME: Is there a message of unpredictability being sent by the American political system? Stoltenberg: I have to relate to the decisions taken by the United States, the administration and the Congress, and what we have seen is a will of the United States to live up to all its commitments and to increase its presence in Europe. After years of reduction in the number of U.S. troops in Europe we have now seen an increase. TIME: Why is predictability important? Stoltenberg: Uncertainty can always create dangerous situations, can lead to miscalculations, to misunderstandings, power vacuums which can trigger dangerous situations. So transparency, predictability, contributes to stability, and stability is good for our security. Any miscalculation can be dangerous and thats also a reason why NATO has increased its presence in the eastern part of the alliance, in the Baltic countries, in Poland, with four multinational battalions, sending a very clear signal that an attack on any NATO ally will trigger a response from the whole alliance. The reason to have strong collective defense is not because we want to fight the war but because we want to prevent the war. Our increased presence in the eastern part of the alliance is not to provoke a war but it is to prevent the war. Because as long as any adversary knows that an attack on one ally would be an attack on the whole alliance, then there would be no attack. So deterrence is a way to maintain peace as long as deterrence is credible, then there is peace. TIME: There has been such a high level of Russian activity in these NATO allies aimed at destabilizing these countries, what is the danger of a message of unpredictability for those three countries in particular? Does it make them more vulnerable? Stoltenberg: It is exactly to avoid any misunderstandings, any miscalculations that we are now deploying four battalions [to them and Poland] The reason why were doing that is exactly to avoid any possibility of miscalculation, because as long as NATO is there, its obvious that any attack will trigger a response form the whole alliance. TIME: Do Donald Trumps statements with regard to NATO contribute to the sense that the alliance is not cohesive, is not holding together? Stoltenberg: Its for the people of America to elect the next president of the United States. Its not for me. TIME: What does it say to NATO allies that the GOP is willing to choose a NATO skeptic? Stoltenberg: I respect that in all NATO allies there are different opinions, different views and open discussions. We have seen that over decades and we have always managed to find a platform for unity and also ability to adapt and to change. MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has issued an executive order banning the use of honorifics for himself or his cabinet, in a step his office said aimed to reinforce his populist, "simple" style. Duterte approved the directive on July 15 to halt use of terms such as "Honorable" or "His Excellency", insisting instead on just "president" for himself and "secretary" for the ministers. The order will not surprise the millions of Filipinos who rallied behind Duterte, an alternative election candidate they swept to power for his down-to-earth style, casual attire and brusque, at times comical, remarks. Though he will formally be addressed as president, Duterte still prefers to be called "mayor", according to a presidential palace statement. For more than two decades Duterte was the maverick mayor of southern Davao City, where he earned a reputation as a public servant and ruthless crime-fighter. Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the directive was intended to preserve Duterte's "populist" style. "He encourages less ceremonial communications," Abella added. Duterte took office three weeks ago and will give his first State of the Nation address on Monday, at what is normally a lavish affair more like a fashion show than a policy speech. Duterte has ordered this year's event held to a significantly reduced budget, with far fewer guests and a business dress code. (Reporting by Martin Petty; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) - The World Anti-Doping Agency asked the International Olympic Committee to "consider its responsibilities" as it debates whether or not to ban all Russian competitors from the Rio Games. A statement from WADA said the global anti-doping group was "satisfied" with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision Thursday to deny an appeal by Russian track and field athletes for Rio reinstatement, saying it helps ensure a "level" playing field at next month's Games. "It is now up to other international federations to consider their responsibilities under the World Anti-Doping Code as it relates to their Russian national federations and up to the International Olympic Committee... to consider its responsibilities under the Olympic Charter," the WADA statement said. AFP Drake and Future kicked off their Summer Sixteen tour at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin with one consistent theme: too many hits, not enough time. Following an opening set by Future, who had DJ Metro Boomin accompanying him onstage as he ran through his own hits, Drake lit up the night with a rapid succession of crowd favorites. At 10:01 p.m., about 30 minutes after he was supposed to perform, the audience started a loud-but-brief "We Want Drake" chant. Not even half a minute after the chant fizzled out, the curtain dropped and Drake ascended from under the stage onto a high platform and began the show with the title track for the tour, "Summer Sixteen," as the word "Revenge" blazed behind him on a large curved screen. Drake very quickly set the mood for the show, sweet-talking the Austin audience (with lots of shout-outs to the "ladies"), checking the time throughout the concert and promising to stick to the point: the music. Drake's Chart Dominance, Streaming, and Why Album Sales Aren't What They Used to Be: Guest Analysis "I go by the name Drake, I come from a place called Toronto, Canada, but Texas is one of the most important places in the world to me, so it's a real honor to stand here," he said before explaining that he was in town to perform, not "talk your ear off." With his ambitious setlist -- he played parts of more than 50 songs -- there wasn't really much time for talking anyway. After performing "9," "U With Me?" and "Feel No Ways," Drake paused to joke with the audience. "I just had to take some time to see who had the Views album," he said. "I just had to know." And then he got serious, stating that "in Austin, Texas, we can't slow it down," before launching into the first of many rapidfire medleys of his hits and features. The first set alone included "6 God," "Worst Behavior," "Blessings," and "I'm On One." Throughout the night, the dynamic stage lit up with fireworks, flames and loud booms while the large curved screen at the back gave the show an edge with sequences of galaxies, aerial views of storms, and underwater shots. The set onstage also changed throughout the night, as platforms with display screens on the front, rose and fell, sometimes lifting Drake up to punctuate rap or at one point giving the stage the look of a jail as Drake rapped among raised platforms displaying with looked like prison bars. Story continues Perfect 10s: Drake Joins Adele, Santana & Whitney Houston for Elite Chart History "If you in love tonight, make some noise 'cause this next one's for you," Drake announced before "Child's Play," a song that may be a subtle shout-out to Texas. The rapper was spotted in Houston last week, filming the video for "Child's Play" at VLive, a strip club. While in town, he was also seen at Cheesecake Factory, which he references in the song with "Why you gotta fight me at Cheesecake/ You know I love to go there." Drake wrapped up the first act of the show with "Faithful," descending underneath the stage as DVSN -- the show's opening act -- entered and sang his own verse of the song. During the brief interlude -- no more than three minutes, really -- Drake's father, Dennis Graham, walked around ground-level seating, shaking hands with audience members as he passed by and stopping for the occasional picture or Snapchat video. The already visually spectacular set was even more impressive during the second half of the show. Drake rose up from underneath the stage again and the hundreds of white balloons that had been hanging from the ceiling lit up in pink as the music for "Hotline Bling" began. He performed the song through a heady combination of light fog and the pink light up balloons undulating up and down from the ceiling at random, occasionally pulling out some of his famous dance movies from the song's music video. Drake's 'Views' Back at No. 1 on Billboard 200 for 10th Week Following "Hotline Bling," Drake declared, "I gotta see my people in Austin," before stepping into a metal container that lifted him up and over the ground level audience in a semicircle as he sang "Hold On, We're Going Home." After an hour onstage solo, Drake finally performed "Grammys," effectively bringing Future back onto the stage for a quick but energetic run-through of hits from their joint album, What a Time to Be Alive. Onstage, the rappers' chemistry was easy to see as they performed hits like "Big Rings," "Jumpman" and "I'm the Plug." Before "Diamond's Dancing" Drake took the time to shout out Future, explaining that "there's only one person I could share this stage with." After about just 10 minutes onstage with Future, Drake's next series of performances were clips of his songs with Rihanna, who the latest rumors says he's now officially dating -- rumors Drake fed by saying "I wish I had her here" at the beginning of "Work." He wrapped up that set with his more reggae and African-inspired songs, "Controlla" and "One Dance," and then checked the time. "We're at about an hour, 45 [minutes], should we go for it?" Talking to someone offstage, Drake asked, "You say it costs money?" before continuing with the show, claiming he'd "pay what it costs to be a boss." French Montana Recruits Drake for 'Pump It Up'-Referencing 'No Shopping,' Joe Budden Responds The next songs of the night were his most energetic of the show, as he launched into "Back to Back," his Grammy-nominated diss track of rapper Meek Mill. After "Know Yourself," and the audience cheering for half a minute, Drake asked, "Was that to tell me you want me to do more?" In return he demanded the crowd "be the loudest I hear you tonight" as he began "Energy." The night ended on a somewhat somber, but affectionate note in typical Drake fashion. He ended "Legend" with a repeat of the hook -- "Oh my God, Oh my God/If I die, I'm a legend" -- with just the audience and keyboards backing him, and then he had a message for the crowd. Drake Shares Funny Letter He Wrote to His Mom in 2006 Referencing "crazy" things that had been happening lately, Drake said, "Everyday you wake up is a blessing. You can make a change in your life or someone else's." With a promise to work on a new album and return to Austin, he concluded, "I go by the name of Drake, I come from the 6, but Austin, Texas, I love you more than you'll ever know," before descending underneath the stage for the last time that night. The Summer Sixteen tour will continue throughout the U.S. into September, making its way back through Texas with two shows in Houston before ending in Vancouver. Full setlist: Summer Sixteen Still Here Started From the Bottom 9 U With Me? Feel No Ways Headlines Trophies HYFR 0 to 100 6 God Worst Behavior We Made It Blessings All Me No Lie Versace Pop That Over I'm On One Up All Night Miss Me Crew Love With You Child's Play Fire and Desire Come and See Me Faithful (with DVSN) Hotline Bling Hold On, We're Going Home The Motto Right Hand For Free My Way Grammys (with Future) Scholarships (with Future) Love Me (with Future) I'm the Plug (with Future) Big Rings (with Future) Jumpman (with Future) Diamonds Dancing (with Future) Work Take Care/Too Good Controlla One Dance Back To Back Pop Style Hype Know Yourself Energy Legend From Good Housekeeping Couples who drink together, stay together... right? According to a new study from The Gerontological Society of America, our suspicions that sharing a cocktail with our spouses is good for our relationship just might be correct. The study, which surveyed nearly 5,000 married people over the age of 50, found that relationships are happier when both people involved have the same drinking habits. Whether the happy couples were abstaining together or drinking together didn't matter - all that mattered was that they were both choosing to do the same thing. "We're not sure why this is happening," one of the study's authors, Dr. Kira Birditt of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, told Reuters Health. "But it could be that couples that do more leisure time activities together have better marital quality." Makes sense, right? Interestingly, though, while the study found husbands were more likely to drink than wives, it also found that wives were more likely to have a problem with differing habits. When they drank but their husbands didn't, wives were more likely to be unhappy with their marriage. Hmm. Of course, we don't advocate drastically changing your drinking habits in an effort to improve your relationship ("We're not suggesting that people should drink more or change the way they drink," Dr. Birditt told Reuters Health), but hey - now you've got the perfect excuse to pop open that bottle of wine with your S.O. tonight. [h/t Reuters Health] Cairo (AFP) - An Egyptian court will begin examining two appeals in October filed by former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, his lawyer and a judicial official told AFP on Thursday. Morsi, Egypt's first democratically elected president who was overthrown in July 2013 by then-army chief, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has been convicted of numerous charges in four trials. He was sentenced to death in June 2015 along with other defendants over mass prison breaks and attacks against the police during the 2011 uprising which toppled longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak. The Court of Cassation -- Egypt's top appeals court -- will begin examining this ruling on October 18, a judicial official told AFP. In April 2015, Morsi was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in violence against protesters during his one year in power. The court will examine this conviction on October 8. Morsi's lawyer, Abdel Moneim Abdel Maksoud said the court will only look into the cases of "all the defendants who are in custody" and not those who were convicted in absentia. "We don't know if the court will issue its decision on the same day," said Abdel Maksoud. Even if Morsi's appeals are successful he will be tried again in a new court on the same charges. In his latest conviction, a court sentenced Morsi last month to life in prison for leading an unlawful organisation -- his now-blacklisted Muslim Brotherhood -- and 15 years for having "stolen secret documents concerning state security," his lawyer said. He was sentenced to life in prison last year for "espionage" on behalf of Iran and other countries, as well as militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Courts have since sentenced hundreds of Islamists to death, including other Muslim Brotherhood leaders, though many have appealed and been granted new trials. Hundreds of Morsi supporters were killed during protests following his ouster. Thousands of others were detained in a crackdown that was later expanded to include leftist and liberal dissidents. CAIRO (Reuters) - EgyptAir expects to receive in December the first of nine new Boeing 737-800s ordered as part of plans to upgrade its ageing fleet, its chairman Safwat Mosallem said on Wednesday. The airline announced last week it had ordered nine Boeing 737-800 planes in a deal valued at $864 million at current list prices. Eight of the planes will be financed by Dubai Aerospace Enterprise. Mosallem told reporters that four Boeing 737-500 planes had now been retired after about 25 years of service. "The airline is keen to develop its fleet by relying on the most modern aircraft," Mosallem said. "The first of these aircraft will arrive next December to boost the company's fleet in the coming period as we expect a recovery in the tourism and airline sectors." (Writing by Lin Noueihed; editing by Adrian Croft) Brokers commission slashed by 40 percent The Finance Ministry on Wednesday gave approval to the Securities Board of Nepal (Sebon) to reduce stockbrokers commission by around 40 percent. Cairo (AFP) - Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Thursday his country is serious about pushing forward peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. "Egypt's recent serious effort aims to break the deadlock that has hung over peace efforts," he said in a speech broadcast live on state TV. "It is a sincere effort to make everyone face their responsibilities and warn of the consequences of delays in achieving peace," he said. His remarks followed a trip by Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry to Israel earlier this month, the first such visit in nine years. Sisi said in May that Egypt was willing to take part in peace talks, saying there was a "real opportunity" for an Israeli-Palestinian deal that could lead to warmer ties between his country and Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who met Shoukry during his visit, welcomed Sisi's offer. Shoukry also met Palestinian leaders in the West Bank city of Ramallah. The last round of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks collapsed in April 2014. In 1979, Egypt was the first Arab state to sign a peace treaty with Israel after years of conflict. It remains an influential player in the region. However, ties between the countries have been cold over Israel's policies toward the Palestinians. Netanyahu has called on Palestinians to engage in direct negotiations with Israel, but Palestinian leaders say years of talks have not ended Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas has instead tried to put pressure on Israel through diplomacy at the UN. In June, representatives from 28 Arab and Western countries, the Arab League, European Union and the United Nations met in Paris to discuss ways push peace efforts forward. Neither Israeli nor Palestinian representatives were invited to attend the meeting, which aimed to prepare for a peace conference by the end of the year. The Palestinians have welcomed the French bid but Israel strongly opposes the initiative. Eli Lilly and Company LLY is set to report second quarter 2016 earnings results on Jul 26 before the market opens. The companys performance has been pretty good with earnings surpassing expectations in three of the last four quarters with an average positive earnings surprise of 9.42% during this period. However, Lilly delivered a negative earnings surprise of -2.35% in the first quarter of 2016. Lets see how things are shaping up for the company this quarter. What Our Model Indicates Our proven model shows that Lilly is likely to beat estimates this quarter because it has the right combination of two key ingredients. Positive Zacks ESP: Earnings Surprise Prediction or Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, is +1.18%. This is very meaningful and a leading indicator of a likely positive earnings surprise for shares. Zacks Rank #3 (Hold): Note that stocks with Zacks Ranks of #1, #2 and #3 have a significantly higher chance of beating earnings. The sell-rated stocks (#4 and #5) should never be considered going into an earnings announcement. The combination of Lillys Zacks Rank #3 and +1.18% ESP makes us very confident in looking for a positive earnings beat on Jul 26. LILLY ELI & CO Price and EPS Surprise LILLY ELI & CO Price and EPS Surprise | LILLY ELI & CO Quote Factors at Play Products like Trajenta, Cialis, Forteo, Strattera, Erbitux, and animal health products should drive growth while revenues from new products like Cyramza, Trulicity, Jardiance, Portrazza and Basaglar will increase. The company had upped its outlook earlier this year to reflect currency rates and a lower tax rate resulting from the recognition of a discrete tax benefit in the first quarter. Meanwhile, the modification of the companys agreement with Incyte Corporation INCY provides Lilly with an upfront payment of $35 million that will be recognized as other income in the second quarter. The takeback of North American rights for Erbitux will also boost sales. Investors will also be focused on the performance of recently launched Taltz for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. However, price revisions in Japan, effective Mar 1, will impact sales. Other headwinds include generic competition being faced by drugs like Alimta and Cialis in certain territories. Meanwhile, Humalog sales declined in the U.S. in the first quarter. Moreover, Alimta may continue to experience some softening in later lines of therapy (second line and beyond) reflecting the launch of Cyramza in the second-line setting as well as competition from immuno-oncology agents. Stocks That Warrant a Look Here are some health care stocks that you may want to consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter. Gilead Sciences Inc. GILD has an Earnings ESP of +6.91% and carries a Zacks Rank #2. It will be reporting results on Jul 25. Amgen Inc. AMGN has an Earnings ESP of +1.10% and carries a Zacks Rank #3. It will be reporting results on Jul 27. 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 LILLY ELI & CO (LLY): Free Stock Analysis Report GILEAD SCIENCES (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report AMGEN INC (AMGN): Free Stock Analysis Report INCYTE CORP (INCY): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Kurdish Peshmerga In a few months, a major operation will take place at Iraqs second largest city of Mosul. After capturing the city in 2014, ISIS forces have since entrenched themselves effectively blending in amongst the civilian populace. Being one of the last remaining bastions for ISIS militants, Mosul has remained a constant threat not just for coalition forces in the Middle East, but abroad as well. Backed by a sense of optimism, US and Iraqi forces are preparing for the major assault on the city. But they wont be alone in the campaign for Mosuls liberation. An elite unit of 400 Kurdish Peshmerga have also answered this call and have been preparing themselves for the fight to come. Known as the Black Devils, this resilient unit has been claimed to be the first responders against ISIS activity. Possessing a name thats reminiscent of other elite forces, Fox News reports that the unit has the battle skills to go along with the unit designation. After a fierce battle against terrorist forces in the outskirts of Mosul, the unit, along with the assistance of US Navy SEALS, established their headquarters in the ancient Christian town of Tel Asqof, about 8 miles away from ISIS epicenter becoming the areas Quick Reaction Force (QRF). In an interview with Fox News, Major Raad, a former interpreter for the US Army explained, If anyone has a problem and gets attacked, we go there. Speaking about how ISIS felt about their effectiveness, Raad continued, They never have mercy on us. They just kill us. Having been attacked nearly every day by ISIS forces with snipers and 120mm mortar rounds, the unit has experienced 7 deaths and 57 casualties during the ongoing campaign. According to Fox News, the unit is comprised of members aged from anywhere between 20 and 55 with many of them being immediate family members and childhood friends. Kurdish peshmerga Established in 2014 about the same period when ISIS started making headlines the Black Devils dont merely engage in direct attacks. They also specialize in clandestine operations that deal with secrecy and rooting out ISIS sleeper cells. Story continues Listening in on conversations over the airwaves, they have become adept at thwarting ISIS plans, such as suicide bombers. After studying their radio transmissions, theyve been able to crack some of their code. Fox News stated that after ISIS code was analyzed, sending a bird would mean that an incoming mortar was imminent, and that visiting the farmer suggested that an airstrike was inbound. It remains to be seen whether the campaign to recapture Mosul will be successful. However, the repercussions, even with a favorable outcome for Iraqi forces, will impact the world. Already the United Nations is bracing for the inevitable surge of fleeing refugees from the city of 1.5 million. The impact of the Mosul military campaign on civilians will be devastating," ABC News reports from a statement by the UN humanitarian coordinator Lise Grande. "Mass casualties among civilians are likely and families trying to flee are expected to be at extreme." More From Business Insider Tesla Model X Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled a new master plan for his company Wednesday night in a blog post titled "Master plan, Part Deux." In the newly revealed road map, the Silicon Valley tycoon announced plans to introduce a new compact SUV and a new pickup truck. In the process, the company is marching head-on into the most competitive segment compact SUVs and the most territorial segment pickup trucks in the US auto market. But Musk's decision to do so makes sense. In the blog post, the Tesla CEO cited his desire for the company's products to reach a greater swath of the automotive market than luxury sedans and premium SUVs. With the addition of these two models, Tesla would indeed achieve that goal. Compact SUVs make up the single largest segment in the US auto market with more than 2.9 million vehicles of the type sold in 2015. Last year, compact SUV sales grew more than 20% compared to 2014 and that growth has continued into 2016. However, the strength of the segment also begets the high-pressure competition that exists within it. Models such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Nissan Rogue dominate the market by offering great utility and rock-solid reliability at a reasonable price. It's also a segment seldom frequented by electric automakers. The only compact SUV in recent memory to reach the mass market was the Toyota RAV4 EV and was discontinued in 2014. Coincidentally, the RAV4 EV was actually powered by Tesla's battery and electric drive systems. So, in that respect, Tesla has been here before. Toyota RAV4 EV In addition, the compact SUV will, in all likelihood, be built on the same platform as the $35,000 Model 3 sedan. Since Musk confirmed in his new master plan that a car cheaper than the Model 3 will be unlikely, the new compact SUV will be priced higher than most mass-market offerings. However, none of the mass-market SUVs have Tesla's brand cache. Considering the type of demand Tesla has seen for the Model 3, Tesla will likely have no problem finding buyers for its compact SUV. Story continues Pickup trucks The pickup truck is one of the great symbols of Americana. As a result, they are big business in the US. Americans bought more than 2.5 million pickup trucks last year which translates to more than 16% of all passenger vehicles sold. For that reason, American truck-buyers are fiercely territorial with the market neatly carved up by Ford, GM, and RAM. For the last couple of decades, Nissan and Toyota have tried desperately to gain traction in this segment, but have, thus far, not made much headway. In 2015, Ford sold more than 780,000 F-Series trucks in the US commanding roughly 36% of the full-size pickup truck segment. Toyota, the best performing brand not from Detroit, sold just 119,000 full-size Tundra trucks which translates to about 5% of the segment. Ford and Chevrolet tried out all-electric versions of their respective Ranger and S10 compact trucks in the late 90s with not a whole lot of success. Since the Ranger EV and the S10 EV were put out to pasture, the electric truck segment has been a very quiet neighborhood for the last 15 years. Ford Ranger EV 1998 It will be interesting to see Tesla's approach to the pickup truck. Although its ultra-torquey electric drivetrain is perfect for towing, it remains to be seen if Tesla will actually build a bonafide truck. The company could opt for a crossover-truck mashup in the realm of a Honda Ridgeline or a car-truck combo such as the cult classic Chevrolet El Camino. In statement to Business Insider, Kelley Blue Book analyst Akshay Anand wrote, "Elon Musk has laid out a grand plan, but it's all in the execution for Tesla. There are plenty of lofty goals, and with them, come items such as cash burn, production, etc. First off, Model X issues need to be solved. Second, Tesla needs to deliver the Model 3 on time and reliable. Third, the Model 3 needs to sell to enough consumers to make the rest of Musk's plan feasible. It's awesome that Musk is really thinking about the future, but acting out the plan will be an interesting challenge." Anand is right. At the end of the day, Tesla will have to tackle its immediate challenges such as ramping up production and delivery of the Model X. At the same time, the company has to finish development and ramp up delivery of the Model 3 as well. Only then, can Tesla dive into the Musk's new master plan. NOW WATCH: We took a spin around the track in the highly anticipated $156,000 Acura NSX heres what its like More From Business Insider Equity Residential EQR is slated to report second-quarter 2016 earnings after the market closes on Jul 26. Last quarter, this Chicago, IL-based residential real estate investment trust (REIT) reported in-line results. Over the trailing four quarters, the company met estimates in three and missed on the other occasion. This resulted in an average negative surprise of 0.29% Lets see how things are shaping up for this announcement. EQUITY RESIDENT Price and EPS Surprise EQUITY RESIDENT Price and EPS Surprise | EQUITY RESIDENT Quote Factors to Consider Persistent weakness in the New York portfolio and the recent downtrend in the San Francisco portfolio compelled Equity Residential to cut its 2016 guidance for same store revenue and net operating income (NOI) in early June. In fact, the residential REIT, which blamed the new rental apartment supply for hurting rent growth, now expects second-quarter 2016 same store revenue growth of around 4.04.2%. Though occupancies and renewal rates in these markets have been in line with the companys projections, new lease rates are falling short. As a result, the full-year same store revenue growth projections were lowered to 4.04.5% from the prior expectation of 4.55.0%. Also, with same store expense growth guidance of 2.53.0%, the full-year same store NOI growth projection has been revised down to 4.55.5% from 5.06.0%. Moreover, Equity Residential is repositioning its portfolio to focus on high-barrier markets. In fact, the company opted for substantial sale out of its portfolio in recent times. Its sale of the Starwood portfolio, together with the other 2016 dispositions, has resulted in the company's exit from the South Florida and Denver markets and should eventually complete its planned exit from the Phoenix market as well as specific New England submarkets. While the assets sale might help the company focus exclusively on its core, high-density urban markets in the long term, the earnings dilution impact from such a move would be impossible to avoid in the near term. For second-quarter 2016, Equity Residential had earlier revealed expectations of normalized funds from operations (FFO) per share of 7478 cents. Earnings Whispers? Our proven model does not conclusively show that Equity Residential will beat estimates this quarter. This is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) for this to happen. But that is not the case here, as you will see below. Zacks ESP: The Earnings ESP, which represents the percentage difference between the Most Accurate estimate of 76 cents and the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 77 cents, is -1.30%. Zacks Rank: Equity Residential carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). We caution against stocks with Zacks Rank #4 or 5 (Sell rated) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions. Stocks to Consider Here are a few stocks in the REIT sector you may want to consider, as our model shows that they have the right combination of elements to post a positive surprise this quarter: American Campus Communities, Inc. ACC has an Earnings ESP of +1.89% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company will report results on Jul 25. Taubman Centers, Inc. TCO has an Earnings ESP of +7.22% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company will release results on Jul 28. Regency Centers Corporation REG has an Earnings ESP of +1.25% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company will release results on Aug 2. Note: All EPS numbers presented in this write up represent funds from operations (FFO) per share. FFO, a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs, is obtained after adding depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses to net income. 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 TAUBMAN CENTERS (TCO): Free Stock Analysis Report REGENCY CTRS CP (REG): Free Stock Analysis Report EQUITY RESIDENT (EQR): Free Stock Analysis Report AMER CAMPUS CTY (ACC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research CLEVELAND Eric Trump, Donald Trumps second-youngest son, delivered an impassioned argument on behalf of his fathers presidential bid, insisting he is the candidate who will truly help struggling Americans. The third of Trumps adult children to address the Republican National Convention this week, Eric Trump cast his father as an outsider of the political system who will use his business experience to help boost the fortunes of a nation struggling under a stagnant economy. Its time for a president who has always been the one to sign the front of a check, not the back, Eric Trump said. Repeatedly invoking unemployed workers, single mothers and veterans who struggled under the care of the federal government, Eric Trump said his father had put a successful business career on hold out of love of country and a desire to turn dreams into reality for all Americans, as he had done for himself. To make this sacrifice, to run for the most powerful yet unforgiving office in the world. There is no greater calling and there is more selfless act, Eric Trump said. My father is running for you. As the younger Trump spoke, his father sat in the audience listening to the speech from a spot in the VIP section sandwiched by his older kids, Donald Jr. and Ivanka. It was the second time in three days Trump made an appearance in the convention hall, and as his son spoke, the GOP presidential candidate waved and nodded to delegates who ran up to snap photos of him. At moments, Eric Trumps speech touched on themes close to his fathers heart, as he reminded his audience about the elder Trumps litany of primary victories, the historic number of votes he had received and how he had started a movement. Vote for the candidate who has never been a politician. Vote for the candidate for has never received a paycheck from our government. Vote for the candidate that cannot be bought, sold, purchased, bribed, coerced, intimidated, or steered from the path that is right and just and true, Trump said. Vote for the candidate you know is running for the right reasons. _____ Story continues Related slideshows: On the ground at the RNC Convention A photo report >>> Armed at the RNC >>> Front pages cover Donald Trumps final primary victory >>> Melania Trump in the convention spotlight >>> Convention floor erupts when no roll call taken to change rules to unbind delegates >>> How newspapers covered the RNCs fiery first day >>> Demonstrators protest outside the RNC >>> Donald Trumps America >>> By Suleiman Al-Khalidi AMMAN (Reuters) - The European Union has relaxed trade rules with Jordan in return for allowing thousands of Syrian refugees to work in its companies, EU and Jordanian officials said on Thursday. Jordanian manufacturers that employ a certain number of refugees will pay less or no duties on many of their exports to the EU for the next 10 years, boosting an economy strained by the presence of over 650,000 Syrians fleeing civil war. The new policy, agreed in principle at a donor conference in London in February, is part of an EU strategy to stem the tide of asylum seekers coming to Europe by improving refugees' conditions in countries neighboring Syria. "Im convinced that this decision will strengthen Jordan's resilience in the face of the refugee crisis," EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said. Jordan has started to allow Syrian refugees to work in its industrial firms and in export zones where manufacturers are now allowed to have refugees make up 25 percent of their workforce. "This is an opportunity to transform the Syrian refugee crisis to an economic opportunity, Planning Minister Imad Fakhouri said. "We can benefit from them as a surplus labor in the sectors that dont adversely affect Jordanian employment opportunities. The EU has also earmarked soft loans and grants from worth 747 million euros in 2016 and 2017, Fakhouri said. Jordan has issued 20,000 work permits so far and U.N. sources expect up to 78,000 Syrian refugees will get them shortly many more in coming years. The EU already has a deal with Turkey, rewarding it financially and with other benefits in return for stemming the flow of migrants from its shores. (Editing by Robin Pomeroy) Butwal-Gorakhpur power line to be built as backup Nepal and India have agreed to build the proposed Butwal-Gorakhpur cross-border transmission line. A meeting of the energy secretaries of the two countries held in New Delhi recently decided to implement the project (Fixes typo in headline) ISTANBUL, July 21 (Reuters) - European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn on Thursday urged Turkey to respect the rule of law, rights and freedoms after declaring a state of emergency following a failed military coup. The EU is "concerned" about developments after Turkey imposed emergency rule earlier in the day and measures taken so far in the fields of education, judiciary and media are "unacceptable", Mogherini and Hahn said in a statement. Tens of thousands of public-sector workers have been sacked, suspended or detained as the government seeks to purge its bureaucracy of suspects behind the attempted intervention on July 15. Officials blame a religious movement for the plot. Any temporary suspension of the European Convention of Human Rights must follow the rules of derogation, they said without elaborating, after a Turkish deputy prime minister said Turkey would do so during emergency rule. (Reporting by Ece Toksabay; Writing by Ayla Jean Yackley; Editing by David Dolan) The New York police evacuated streets in midtown Manhattan early on Thursday, July 21, after a suspicious object was thrown at a police car near 46th Street and Sixth Avenue. The NYPD Bomb Squad gave the all clear after examining the object. This video shows the evacuation on Sixth Avenue. Police said a man suspected of throwing the object was found at Columbus Circle. It was initially unclear if an arrest had been made. Credit: Twitter/HulkySmashSmash Evan Rachel Wood is taking on one of her most powerful roles to date. Shes playing Eva in Into the Forest (out July 29), an intimate apocalyptic drama based on Jean Heglands feminist novel of the same name. Stuck in a house with no power, two teen sisters Eva and Nell (Ellen Page) cling to each other for survival; in the films most harrowing sequence, Eva is sexually assaulted. For Wood, mastering the role of Eva took fierce commitment. The actor screamed so hard that the capillaries in her eyes burst while she was shooting the assault scene, and she ate poker-chip sized portions of lettuce and chickpeas to get a sense of Evas hunger. As Wood tells TIME, I really wanted to feel what the girls were feeling. The film suggests that strength triumphs over all, even in the sort of post-apocalyptic landscape where a girl has to carry a rifle just to pick berries. Characters with emotional depths like this are rare in an industry that still banks on stereotypical portrayals of women. A feature film starring two LGBT leads is even rarer; just last month, Wood created a confessional video to spotlight issues facing the bisexual community, while Page has been a powerful advocate in the fight for LGBT equality. Wood spoke to TIME about her film and why the future of women in film is in the next generations hands. TIME: Your character, Eva, doesnt always speak up about what shes going through. It makes me wonder how you reveal the emotion as an actor. Evan Rachel Wood: Exactlyshe internalizes a lot. If you know me, Im the opposite. Im loud and clumsy, and I talk a lot. I admire the quiet ones in the corner who are paying the most attention. I tried to be deeper and quieter. Even if I wasnt saying anything in a scene, I was always trying to communicate with movement. In the beginning, I thought I had you pegged as the mother figure, but you two go back and forth with that role. How does that affect your work relationship? We were each others rocks, taking care of each other just like you said in the film. I just got extremely protective when Ellen was in any kind of peril. Once, I got so angry with the crew, Ellen was there shivering and shaking, and things were taking too long, and I felt primal about it. I was like, Guys, come on! I jumped on her and held her. We were really in it. Story continues Youve talked openly about your bisexuality. Do you feel a sense of responsibility to discuss LGBTQ issues? I advocate for things that Ive struggled with because thats how I can do the most good. Once I broke through barriers, it was like I took the red pill to get out of The Matrix. It made me want to speak out, because I dont want anybody to feel like I did. Im happy and successful, but Ive gone through a lot of sh-t, so I just feel lucky I have a way to say, Heres how I did it, and I hope this helps. Its unusual to have so many out womenyou, your co-star Page and your director Patricia Rozmenainvolved in one film. Did you bond over that? Absolutely that was one thing that made Ellen and I comfortable with each other. But it was just a coincidence that all three women are out we never viewed it as an LGBT film. Weve struggled with similar things as well-known actresses. Ellen and I became friends right before she made her speech, and I was just about to get divorced. After that, she just relaxed and opened up. Theres a scene in the film when your character is sexually assaulted that must have been emotionally taxing. I was nervous the whole time leading up to it. I had to convince my body and mind that it really was happening. We did it in one take and the capillaries in my eyes burst from screaming. After Ellen held me, and that was it. I gave a speech to the crew about not staying silent and speaking up. I dont think you can throw a stone without hitting a woman thats been sexually assaulted or sexually harassed. What do you think people are missing about sexual assault right now? That its a lifelong thing. Once youve been violated, youre never the same. It creeps into your life in so many debilitating ways. You cant measure the crime or the pain based on the minutes that it happened. That is the quickest and easiest part, its the lifetime of confusion and pain thats the most damaging. Im a little tired of caring about abusers lives. They say, his life is ruined forever and the girls has only been ruined for 15 minutes, well they shouldnt have to suffer for their whole lives, and thats fing unfair and backwards. Ask any psychologist or woman and the resounding answer is, thats bulls-. What have you experienced? I think theres been an array of harassment and abuse in some form or another. Ive experienced a bit of everything on the spectrumthe verbal, physical, and psychological. Unfortunately, thats something most women know. While the circumstances are so different, you and Ellen have both played strong characters who go through with unplanned pregnancies. Any fear that people might misinterpret your characters decision to have her baby as preachy in any way? I dont think either of those films [Juno] were taking a stance on pro-choice or pro-life. They were just honest portrayals of women when given that responsibility to make decisions, and I think we both played two strong independent women who just happened to choose that way. I actually added the line I dont think I can lose anything else, because I was wondering what people would think about Eva keeping it, if they were thinking we were trying to send some sort of message. People arent used to seeing a quiet post-apocalyptic movie like this. Did you intend for it to play as a wake-up call? YesI think its important to see what it would actually be like without the zombies and laser guns. We take a lot for granted and were so disconnected from our environments, and each other, which is the essential part of being. I hope thats what people take it away from it. How does getting to do such raw portraits of two women in a movie like this affect your standards for the future? Its hard after working on something like Into the Forest, because the roles are so few and far between. Its hard to go back to the other thing. Im at a point where Im lucky. This new show Im on Westworld is really revolutionary for women, but I definitely feel nervous because its such a dream role. People are naturally eager to say this is a movie about strong women, which is a label you seem to resist. What should films about women illuminate? Into the Forest showed every side of womentheir ability to be incredibly strong and fierce mothers and warriors, but they have vulnerability and are so fragile at the same time. Id like to see the amazing dichotomy, instead of the stereotype of being complicated, crazy or emotional. Its really incredible the range that women are capable of, so instead of writing them off as emotional or crazy, lets delve into why they are and give women more of a chance to play intelligent, strong characters. We never give credit for what women go through. Do you think conditions are improving for women in film? Seeing this film get made after Ellen read this book was really inspiring. Were going to have to start doing things ourselves. Theres a new generation coming up right now thats going to change things. If the roles arent coming, you have to take matters in your own hands. Zimbabwes nationwide protest on July 6 was a clear sign that its citizens have had enough and are discovering the courage to call their government to account. The countrys 92-year-old President Robert Mugabe and his ruling party have run the economy into the ground and appear to be out of options: Diamond reserves have run out, China is no longer interested in extending condition-free loans, and government coffers are completely empty. The situation is so bad that even military personnel did not receive their pay on time last month. As if this wasnt bad enough, the country is facing a severe El Nino-induced drought that has forced the government to declare a state of disaster in some of the worst-affected areas. At this critical juncture, the recent surge of citizen-led activism united under the banner of the #ThisFlag movement has the potential to upend the status quo. It began this April, when a previously unknown pastor, Evan Mawarire, posted a video on Facebook that went viral and unwittingly launched a nationwide social media campaign. Soon, Zimbabweans at home and in the diaspora began posting videos of themselves draped in the national flag and calling for government reforms to address the numerous serious issues facing the country. Last week, the movement won a critical victory when a court in Harare dropped charges against Mawarire, who had been detained by police following the nationwide protest. The events in Zimbabwe have captured the attention of the world. But commentators have persistently failed to identify the essence of the movements significance. Prevailing sentiment makes two main errors: Analysts either dismiss #ThisFlag as no more than a social media campaign or assert that it is calling for an Arab Spring-like revolution to remove President Mugabe. Both perspectives miss the point: This citizen-led movement is neither restricted to social media, nor is it calling for a revolution. Instead, it aims to mobilize citizens to hold the government accountable for the poverty, corruption, and injustice that plague Zimbabwe. Story continues Although it began online, #ThisFlag has long since moved beyond the confines of the internet. In June, the movement organized a public debate with the Reserve Bank Governor to air citizen discontent about the forthcoming bond notes Zimbabwes proposed own version of the U.S. dollar. Public engagement of this sort in Zimbabwe is rare, as officials are loath to place themselves in the firing line of disgruntled citizens. During the event, a lawyer linked to #ThisFlag presented an articulate legal argument against bond notes and has since begun building a case to challenge the constitutionality of the Reserve Banks actions. Next, the movement organized a peaceful nationwide stay-away protest on July 6, resulting in eerily empty streets and an unprecedented one-day closure of schools and businesses across the country. The state responded by arresting Pastor Mawrire, which precipitated the movements next mass demonstration on July 13, when thousands of people thronged around the courtroom in his support. (President Mugabe finally broke his silence on the recent events at a state funeral on July 19 when he called for Mawarire to leave the country.) Such effective use of social media as a tool for mobilizing grassroots activism has rocked the government. You can tell by its reaction: On the day of the nationwide shutdown, it allegedly blocked the WhatsApp private messaging service, which is widely used in Zimbabwe. And, even as it denied any involvement, the countrys Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority released a menacing statement noting with concern the gross irresponsible use of social media and telecommunications services and threatening to identify perpetrators through registered SIM cards. The governments nervousness shows that it is aware of the role that social media, especially secure private platforms like WhatsApp, can play in mobilizing nonviolent resistance to its rule. Another common misunderstanding about #ThisFlag is the assumption that the movement is calling for the end of the Mugabe regime. In fact, up until now, its messaging is notable for lacking any such demands. Although other affiliated movements such as #Tajamuka (we have rebelled) have repeatedly called for Mugabes removal, #ThisFlag has carefully chosen to avoid the Mugabe must go mantra that has been repeated by Zimbabwes opposition movements for decades to little effect. The lack of regime change rhetoric has been so noteworthy that Mawarire has even been accused of being a government plant, despite his recent assertion that Mugabe is as complicit in the countrys woes as the rest of government. In fact, it is both politically astute and eminently realistic to avoid calling for the presidents removal. In the past, the ruling partys propaganda has capitalized on denouncing any regime change agenda as subversive, whether it comes from Zimbabwes citizens or from the international community. #ThisFlags rallying cry against poverty, injustice, and corruption has made it much more difficult for government spin doctors to twist the movements central message. In any event, its unlikely that Mugabes immediate removal from office would provide any solutions to the countrys woes. Under a transitional clause in the constitution, upon Mugabes death, resignation, or removal, the ruling party can install a leader of its choice. And those waiting in the wings are just as much part of the problem as Mugabe himself. Instead of focusing on the president, #ThisFlag has sought to break peoples fear of speaking out, creating an active citizenry ready to hold its government to account. While #ThisFlag remains explicitly nonpartisan, the movements activists are already encouraging citizens to register to vote ahead of the 2018 polls. The efficacy of non-violent civil resistance has been well documented. Research shows that nonviolent campaigns have significantly higher (53 percent to 26 percent) odds of success than violent resistance for two main reasons. First, non-violent resistance movements enjoy more legitimacy, both domestically and internationally. Second, it is more difficult for an oppressive regime to justify violent crackdowns against a nonviolent movement and any such action is likely to backfire. #ThisFlag has been explicit in its call to nonviolence, denouncing any acts that involve vandalism or destruction of property and instead encouraging peaceful demonstrations. The movement has focused primarily on policy issues such as the impending bond notes and a crippling import ban rather than on personality politics. And this distinctly nonpartisan approach has transcended ethnic, racial, and party divisions, mobilizing citizens around bread-and-butter issues. Zimbabwes notorious security sector which includes the military, the police, and the intelligence service remains the elephant in the room. Though these bodies once presented an insurmountable obstacle to any political transition, the situation is no longer so certain. The militarys loyalty is divided among various factions of the increasingly fractured ruling party, and unpaid salaries show that even those essential to bolstering the regime are not escaping the countrys economic crisis. There have already been some glimpses of softening attitudes among the police, despite the widespread brutality it wielded against protesters in the wake of the shutdown. During Pastor Mawarires court proceedings, police officers stationed within the court room joined in song with scores of well-wishers as they awaited the verdict. At one point, riot police stormed the courtroom, but left less than five minutes later after a polite exchange with a defense lawyer. While there is no certainty that #ThisFlag will gain any traction with the security establishment, the movements nonpartisan commitment to demanding economic accountability has the potential to resonate with the security forces, particularly when their salaries are delayed. In these early stages, it is hard to know just how effective #ThisFlag will be. There is much left undone most importantly, activists must find a way to reach the rural areas where two-thirds of the population lives. The movement must also address how to keep its central message clear while working with activists that may hold different values. But it would be a mistake to overlook the movements significance and its potential to bring about transformative change. The combination of dire economic circumstances and innovative civil resistance methods places the government in an unfamiliar corner, and may just set the stage for serious changes as the 2018 elections get closer. In the photo, anti-riot police guard the entrance of the Harare court where pastor Evan Mawarire was due to appear on charges of inciting public violence on July 13. Photo credit: JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images * EBS FX volume declining * Citi analyst says Mandelzis exit disappointing (Adds third source close to company on selection process) By Patrick Graham and Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss LONDON/NEW YORK July 21 (Reuters) - Former Barclays global head of electronic trading Tim Cartledge is seen as a leading contender to take the helm at EBS BrokerTec after Thursday's announcement that Chief Executive Gil Mandelzis will step down, sources close to EBS said. Cartledge has been chief strategy officer at EBS since November 2015. Interdealer broker ICAP Plc said in a statement on Thursday that Mandelzis decided to leave EBS, a unit of the London-based company. ICAP said Mandelzis will leave New York-based EBS "in due course" without giving a reason for his departure. Mandelzis has been in the job since 2012. ICAP CEO Michael Spencer said the company was considering internal and external candidates. Two industry insiders with close ties to EBS said the company has cherry-picked a number of senior staff from banks to refresh a business that dates to the early days of electronic trading in the early 1990s. As the head of Barclays' fixed income, currencies, and commodities electronic trading, Cartledge helped build the British bank into one of the big three global banking players in foreign exchange, a position it has relinquished since he left early last year. "I know that Tim Cartledge is seen by everyone inside EBS as being in pole position to take over," one of the sources, a former EBS employee who still works closely with the company, said. A second source said: "They have surrounded Gil with talent from banks which seems like a fairly healthy thing. It is natural that you replenish the talent base from time to time and natural that someone like that take over when Gil leaves." A spokeswoman for EBS declined to comment on whether Cartledge was likely to be appointed chief executive. Speculation about Mandelzis leaving the company had swirled for many weeks. Story continues Like its competitors, which include Thomson Reuters , EBS has been struggling to combat a slide in volumes over the last three years, as the currency market struggled with changes in regulation and a market manipulation scandal. EBS forex volume for the first six months of the year totaled $105.3 billion, down 15 percent from a year earlier. A research note from Citi said Mandelzis' departure is a "disappointing development" for EBS. "Mr Mandelzis has been a key driver of innovation at EBS BrokerTec, both in terms of product development but also in terms of driving a more collaborative approach across different parts of the business." The company has appointed head hunters Korn Ferry to run the recruitment process and a third source close to EBS said the selection was still in its early stages. (Reporting by Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss in New York and Patrick Graham in London; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Tom Brown) By Anjuli Davies and Olivia Oran LONDON/NEW YORK, July 21 (Reuters) - Former senior Goldman Sachs investment banker Gordon Dyal has poached several new hires for his investment banking boutique Dyal Co after emerging as the lead adviser to Syngenta in February on its sale to ChemChina. When ChemChina announced it would buy Swiss seeds and pesticide group Syngenta for $43 billion, amongst a raft of big name bank advisers, one new name stood out: Dyal Co. At the time a one-man band, Dyal has now hired Tim Quandt, a former managing director at Goldman Sachs, and Paresh Lala, a top-ranked vice president also from Goldman Sachs, according to sources familiar with the matter. Grant Curry, a former associate at UBS, and Howard Sun, a former associate at JPMorgan, have also joined the firm, the sources said. Dyal's wife, Jill Dyal, is listed as chief operating officer and managing partner of the new boutique on LinkedIn. Dyal declined to comment. After joining Goldman Sachs as a partner in 1998, Dyal decided to retire in March 2015, after 16 years at the company, latterly as co-chairman of the investment banking division and member of its management committee. He was previously co-head of European M&A and investment banking in the region, living in London between 2000 and 2010. He became global head of M&A in 2004, before taking on his role as co-chairman in 2011. The big-game hunting enthusiast is an elected trustee of the Wildlife Conservation Society and owns a ranch in Montana. An increasing number of so-called independent advisory shops have popped up in recent years focused solely on advising clients on takeovers and other corporate activity as merger activity has soared, and now capture around 30 percent of the global fee pie, according to Thomson Reuters data. Deal volume industry-wide globally rose 42.2 percent to a record $4.7 trillion in 2015, according to Thomson Reuters data, spurred by mega mergers like Anheuser-Busch Inbev SA's $106 billion acquisition of SABMiller Plc and oil major Royal Dutch Shell Plc's $70 billion purchase of BG Group Plc, although activity has slowed so far this year from those record levels. Story continues Formed largely by Wall Street veterans, these firms typically have smaller teams, which means that deals may have a better chance of staying secret. They also do not have capital intensive trading arms that have been dragging down profitability at the bulge banks or financing arms that can create conflicts of interest. Longtime Citigroup executive Michael Klein has expanded his New York-based shop M. Klein & Co, which was the lead adviser to Dow Chemical Co on its $130 billion merger with DuPont last year, to more than 20 employees. Former star Morgan Stanley dealmaker Paul Taubman formed boutique advisory firm PJT Partners, which was merged last year with the advisory arm of the Blackstone Group LP and spun off into a publicly traded company. Other boutique banks in the United States include Qatalyst Partners, formed by Credit Suisse technology banker Frank Quattrone; LionTree Advisors, started by ex-UBS media banker Aryeh Bourkoff; and Centerview Partners, started by UBS vice chairman Blair Effron and Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein executive Rob Pruzan. (Editing by Adrian Croft) Manila (AFP) - Former Philippine president Gloria Arroyo was released from detention Thursday following nearly five years in a military hospital after the Supreme Court dismissed corruption charges, her lawyer said. The 69-year-old, who suffers from a spinal illness, was accused of stealing 366 million pesos ($8.8 million) in state lottery funds meant for charity programmes while she was in office between 2001 and 2010. The Supreme Court threw out the case Tuesday, citing insufficient evidence, but her release was delayed for procedural reasons. "It's a happy day today because she has just been freed," said Laurence Arroyo, who is also a distant relative through marriage. "Finally justice has been done." A convoy of vehicles carrying Arroyo, her supporters and lawyers left the suburban hospital compound near Manila but she could not be seen from her car's tinted windows. Outside the gates of the hospital, supporters drenched by rain cheered Arroyo's release and carried placards reading: "We love Gloria." Arroyo returned to her home in a smart area of the capital minutes after her release. Laurence Arroyo said she may now seek medical treatment abroad for her disease. In a statement issued by her lawyers Wednesday, Arroyo thanked the Supreme Court and newly installed President Rodrigo Duterte for not standing in the way of her release. Government Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales defended the decision to charge Arroyo for plunder, and said on Wednesday she was preparing another corruption charge against her. The former leader was jailed in 2011 under the administration of arch critic, then-president Benigno Aquino. Aquino questioned the ruling to free Arroyo on Thursday, saying she should be held accountable for the mismanagement of funds that were supposed "to alleviate the suffering of many of our countrymen". Duterte succeeded Aquino in June, and said he was willing to pardon Arroyo. Story continues Another of Arroyo's lawyers, Estelito Mendoza, had suggested that the Supreme Court waited until Aquino stepped down before issuing its ruling as a "courtesy" to Aquino. Arroyo was initially arrested on charges of electoral sabotage for allegedly conspiring with election officials to rig 2007 senatorial polls. Because of her illness, the government allowed her to be detained in a military hospital. She was granted bail for the vote-rigging case in July 2012 after the court -- while not dismissing the charge -- ruled evidence against her was weak. But the corruption case against Arroyo was lodged the same year, keeping her in detention. Despite being detained, Arroyo has won a seat in the House of Representatives in the past three elections, serving as a congresswoman while being held in the hospital. By Nate Raymond NEW YORK, July 21 (Reuters) - A former employee of Western Asset Management Co avoided prison Thursday for repeatedly accessing an ex-supervisor's email account after leaving the financial firm, conduct his attorney blamed on a concern that he was being criticized. Kristopher Rocchio, 39, was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry Pitman in Manhattan to one year of probation, 100 hours of community service and ordered to pay $39,095 in restitution. The sentence was confirmed by the office of Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, which had sought up to a year in prison, and followed Rocchio's guilty plea in March to a misdemeanor charge of unauthorized computer intrusion. Rocchio previously admitted that after leaving Legg Mason Inc's Western Asset Management to become a vice president at investment manager Neuberger Berman, he used his former supervisor's log-in information to read his emails. Prosecutors had at the time of the Staten Island resident's December arrest alleged that he accessed his former supervisor's account on about 100 occasions without authorization. Authorities said he also sent himself a spreadsheet with compensation and performance evaluation information for various employees as well as a PowerPoint presentation on Western Asset's internal metrics. Steven Feldman, Rocchio's lawyer, did not respond to requests for comment. Feldman had previously said Rocchio's actions were due not to a desire to help his new employer, but because he and his former supervisor did not get along "and he wanted to see if he was speaking bad about him." The case is U.S. v. Rocchio, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 16-cr-00222. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York, editing by G Crosse) Excitement Builds for New Honda CBR250RR The release of a teaser video for the new Honda CBR250RR has put the moto-related internet into fever pitch over speculation of when the bike will finally be released. The teaser hit first showed up last week, offering 16 seconds of seizure-inducing glimpses of the bike that many are now saying will be unveiled on Monday, 25 July. The video, released by Indonesian importer Astra Honda, appears to show a bike similar to the one that was first displayed as a concept toward the end of last year. Along with rumors of its launch date, there are also rumors that production of the motorcycle will begin next month. The model is expected to be sold in Asian markets and there is no word of when or if it will make its way to the United States or Europe. If it does, it will likely come with a boosted capacity, possibly as high as 350cc. CCWB, PABSON condemn arson attack on school bus The Central Child Welfare Board (CCWB) has said its serious attention was drawn towards an arson carried out on a school bus by an unidentified group on Thursday morning. Exxon chemical Exxon Mobil is buying InterOil in a deal worth more than $2.5 billion. In a statement on Thursday, Exxon said it will pay $45 per share for the oil and gas company, which has a market cap of about $2.4 billion. In addition, InterOil shareholders will get an additional contingent resource payment of $7.07 per share for each trillion cubic feet equivalent (tcfe) of the Elk-Antelope field that's above 6.2 tcfe. The field, which is being certified for its size, could see InterOil shareholders paid for up to a maximum of 10 tcfe. "InterOils resources will enhance Exxon Mobils already successful business in Papua New Guinea and bolster the companys strong position in liquefied natural gas," Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson said in the statement. Exxon would get six licenses to operate in about four million acres of land in Papua New Guinea previously owned by InterOil. The announcement culminates Exxon's winning bid for the company. Earlier, Oil Search said it won't top the competing offer for InterOil because that won't have been in its shareholders' best interest, according to the Wall Street Journal. ExxonMobil will pay Oil Search a termination fee. The deal was unanimously approved by the boards of both companies and is expected to close in September 2016. Shares of both companies were little changed following the announcement. NOW WATCH: Here's what popular dog breeds looked like before and after 100 years of breeding More From Business Insider Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) and InterOil Corporation (USA) (NYSE: IOC) disclosed that they struck an agreement by which the former would buy the latter for a total transaction value of over $2.5 billion. The oil firm would buy all of the outstanding shares of InterOil for $45 a share in addition to cash payment based on Elk-Antelope resource size. The oil firm indicated that the number of shares paid per share of InterOil would be calculated based on the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of ExxonMobil shares in a measuring period of 10 days. Related Link: The Future Of Big Oil Isn't Necessarily Oil Exxon Mobile said a Contingent Resource Payment (CRP) would involve an additional cash payment of $7.07 per share for each trillion cubic feet equivalent (tcfe) gross resource certification of the Elk-Antelope field above 6.2 tcfe subject to a maximum of 10 tcfe. The company added that the CRP would be paid on the completion of the interim certification process in line with the Share Purchase Agreement with Total SA. That means it would include the Antelope-7 appraisal well, scheduled to be drilled later in the current year. The company indicated that the CRP would not be transferrable and would not be listed on any exchange. Exxon Mobil's chairman and CEO, Rex Tillerson, commented, "This agreement will enable ExxonMobil to create value for the shareholders of both companies and the people of Papua New Guinea." He added, "InterOil's resources will enhance ExxonMobil's already successful business in Papua New Guinea and bolster the company's strong position in liquefied natural gas." See more from Benzinga 2016 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. f35a While the F-35 Lightning II continues its turbulent march to combat readiness, the jet's manufacturer posted better than expected quarterly revenue earnings on Tuesday. Lockheed Martin, the Pentagon's top weapons supplier, also lifted its 2016 revenue and profit forecasts for a second time despite significant snags in developing America's most expensive arms program. Considered a bellwether for the US defense sector, Lockheed Martin's stock also posted a record high of $261.37 in early trading on Tuesday. What's more, the world's largest defense contractor's shares were already up approximately 18% this year. And all of this is great news for the troubled fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. f35b "(The) consensus expectations are finally positive for the F-35 and for improvement in the defense budget, which has led to a higher valuation," Bernstein analyst Douglas Harned wrote in a note, according to Reuters. The now nearly $400 billion F-35 weapons program was developed in 2001 to replace the US military's F-15, F-16, and F-18 aircraft. Lockheed Martin's "jack of all trades" F-35s were developed to dogfight, provide close air support, execute long-range bombing attacks, and take off from and land on aircraft carriers all while using the most advanced available stealth capabilities. Adding to the complexity, Lockheed Martin agreed to design and manufacture three variant F-35s for different sister service branches. The Air Force has the agile F-35A; the F-35B can take off and land without a runway, ideal for the amphibious Marine Corps; and the F-35C is meant to serve on the Navy's aircraft carriers. Story continues As it stands now the Pentagon expects to buy 2,457 of these supersonic warplanes. f35 variants According to Lockheed Martin, sales in its aeronautics business, the company's largest, rose 6% in the past three months due to delivery of 14 F-35s. The company has said it plans to deliver 53 F-35 jets in 2016, up from 45 a year earlier. Highlights from Lockheed Martin's quarterly earnings report: Net sales rose to $12.91 billion (from $11.64 billion in Q2 2015) Net income rose to $1.02 billion (or $3.32 per share), which is up from $929 million (or $2.94 per share) in Q2 2015 Generated $1.5 billion in cash from operations Raised 2016's profit forecast to $12.15$12.45 per share (from $11.50-$11.80) Raised 2016's full-year sales of $50.0 billion-$51.5 billion (from earlier estimate of $49.6 billion-$51.1 billion) Defense giants Northrop Grumman and Raytheon are expected to report quarterly results next week. Reuters contributed to this report. NOW WATCH: America's $400 billion warplane has some major flaws More From Business Insider By Yasmeen Abutaleb SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Facebook Inc (FB.O) said on Thursday it had completed a successful test flight of a solar-powered drone that it hopes will help it extend internet connectivity to every corner of the planet. Aquila, Facebook's lightweight, high-altitude aircraft, flew at a few thousand feet for 96 minutes in Yuma, Arizona, Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a post on his Facebook page. The company ultimately hopes to have a fleet of Aquilas that can fly for at least three months at a time at 60,000 feet (18,290 metres) and communicate with each other to deliver internet access. Google parent Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O) has also poured money into delivering internet access to underserved areas through Project Loon, which aims to use a network of high-altitude balloons to made the internet available to remote parts of the world. Yael Maguire, Facebook's engineering director and head of its Connectivity Lab, said in an interview that the company initially hoped Aquila would fly for 30 minutes. "We're thrilled about what happened with our first flight," Maguire said. "There are still a lot of technical challenges that need to be addressed for us to achieve the whole mission." He said he hoped the system might be brought into service "in the near future." Zuckerberg laid out the company's biggest challenges in flying a fleet of Aquilas, including making the plane lighter so it can fly for longer periods, getting it to fly at 60,000 feet and creating communications networks that allow it to rapidly transfer data and accurately beam down lasers to provide internet connections. Maguire said Aquila will go through several more test flights and hopes it will soon break the world record for the longest solar-powered unmanned aircraft flight, which currently stands at two weeks. Facebook, which has more than 1.6 billion users, has invested billions of dollars in getting more people online, both through an initiative called internet.org - which offers a pared-down version of the internet to poor areas - and by building drones. (Reporting By Yasmeen Abutaleb; Editing by Jonathan Weber and Jonathan Oatis) Global health officials are racing to better understand the Zika virus behind a major outbreak that began in Brazil last year and has spread to many countries in the Americas. The following are some questions and answers about the virus and current outbreak: How do people become infected? Zika is transmitted to people through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same type that spreads dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said Aedes mosquitoes are found in all countries in the Americas except Canada and continental Chile, and the virus will likely reach all countries and territories of the region where Aedes mosquitoes are found. How do you treat Zika? There is no treatment or vaccine for Zika infection. Companies and scientists are racing to develop a safe and effective vaccine for Zika, but the World Health Organization (WHO) had said it would take at least 18 months to start large-scale clinical trials of potential preventative shots. How dangerous is it? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that infection with the Zika virus in pregnant women is a cause of the birth defect microcephaly and other severe brain abnormalities in babies. The CDC said now that the causal relationship has been established, several important questions must still be answered with studies that could take years. According to the World Health Organization, there is strong scientific consensus that Zika can cause the birth defect microcephaly in babies, a condition defined by unusually small heads that can result in developmental problems. In addition, the agency said it could cause Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that can result in paralysis. Conclusive proof of the damage caused by Zika may take months or years. Brazil reports the number of confirmed cases of microcephaly at more than 1,600 as doctors and Brazilian health officials find that some suspected cases of microcephaly are not the disorder. Suspected ones under investigation declined to 3,257. Colombia confirmed two cases of microcephaly linked to Zika. Brazil registered 91,387 likely cases of the Zika virus from February until April 2. Current research in Brazil indicates the greatest microcephaly risk is associated with infection during the first trimester of pregnancy, but health officials have warned an impact could be seen in later weeks. Recent studies have shown evidence of Zika in amniotic fluid, placenta and fetal brain tissue. What are the symptoms of Zika infection? People infected with Zika may have a mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain and fatigue that can last for two to seven days. But as many as 80 percent of people infected never develop symptoms. The symptoms are similar to those of dengue or chikungunya, which are transmitted by the same type of mosquito. How can Zika be contained? Efforts to control the spread of the virus focus on eliminating mosquito breeding sites and taking precautions against mosquito bites such as using insect repellent and mosquito nets. U.S. and international health officials have advised pregnant women to avoid travel to Latin American and Caribbean countries where they may be exposed to Zika. Cases of sexual transmission have also been reported, prompting health officials to advise use of condoms, or abstaining from sex, to prevent infection between partners. How widespread is the outbreak? Active Zika outbreaks have been reported in at least 50 countries or territories, most of them in the Americas, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Brazil has been the country most affected. (http://1.usa.gov/1ovAJyh) Africa (1): Cape Verde Americas (41): Anguilla, Argentina, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bonaire, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthelmy, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Eustatius, St. Maarten, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, U.S. Virgin Islands and Venezuela Oceania/Pacific Islands (8): American Samoa, Fiji, Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tonga. What is the history of the Zika virus? The Zika virus is found in tropical locales with large mosquito populations. Outbreaks of Zika have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Southern Asia and the Western Pacific. The virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys and was first identified in people in 1952 in Uganda and Tanzania, according to the WHO. Can Zika be transmitted through sexual contact? The World Health Organization (WHO) said sexual transmission is "relatively common" and has advised pregnant women not to travel to areas with ongoing outbreaks of Zika virus. It also advised women living in areas where the virus is being transmitted to delay getting pregnant. The U.S. CDC is investigating about a dozen cases of possible sexual transmission. All cases involve possible transmission of the virus from men to their sex partners. The WHO has also identified Zika cases in Argentina, Chile, France, Italy and New Zealand as likely caused by sexual transmission. British health officials reported Zika was found in a man's semen two months after he was infected, suggesting the virus may linger in semen long after infection symptoms fade. The PAHO said Zika can be transmitted through blood, but this is an infrequent transmission mechanism. There is no evidence Zika can be transmitted to babies through breast milk. What other complications are associated with Zika? Zika has also been associated with other neurological disorders, including serious brain and spinal cord infections. The long-term health consequences of Zika infection are unclear. Other uncertainties surround the incubation period of the virus and how Zika interacts with other viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes, such as dengue. (Compiled by the Americas Desk) By Kieran Guilbert DAKAR (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Children in Ivory Coast bear the brunt of sexual violence in a culture where rape is widely considered "insignificant" and perpetrators usually go unpunished, activists say. Two in three rape victims in the West African nation are young girls, according to a recent U.N. report, which recorded some 1,130 cases of rape between 2012 and 2015. Yet the number of rape cases is likely to be far higher, the U.N.'s Ivory Coast mission (UNOCI) said, as many victims do not come forward due to the fear of retaliation and stigma within their communities and a lack of confidence in the legal system. While Ivory Coast has recovered from two civil wars, in 2002 and 2011, to boast one of Africa's fastest growing economies, years of conflict have fueled a culture of violence, where rape is rife, according to the UNOCI. "Rape is considered banal by a lot of people, they claim sex is an obligatory rite of passage for every woman," said Jean Claude Kobena of the Abidjan-based group SOS Violences Sexuelles. "They think no one should be imprisoned for an act they see as so insignificant," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Children are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence because so many roam the streets, out of school and forced to work because of widespread poverty, child rights experts say. Almost half of the 20 million population of Ivory Coast live in poverty, and six out of every 10 children of secondary school age are not in education, according to data from the World Bank. "Millions of kids are out of school and on the streets, relying on odd jobs to survive, which exposes them to abuse and rape," said Save the Children's country director Famari Barro. NO MORE 'MISDEMEANORS' Rape victims and their families are often not aware of how to report the crime, or cannot afford to do so, activists say. Victims may have to travel far to a court, and they must first obtain a medical certificate - which can cost up to 50,000 CFA francs ($85) - to prove they have been raped before pressing charges, said the United Nations children's agency (UNICEF). Most rape cases in Ivory Coast are therefore settled out of court, usually without the victim's consent, with the intention of avoiding stigma and preserving peace within communities, and sparing the suspected rapist from jail, the UNOCI's report said. "For victims to seek justice, the culture of settlements must end, allowing them to speak up and be referred to support services," said UNICEF deputy representative Christina de Bruin. While investigations were opened in 90 percent of rape cases documented by the UNOCI, less than a fifth led to a conviction. In all 203 cases that ended in conviction, the perpetrators were found guilty of a lesser offense than rape - often indecent assault - which is a common legal practice, the report said. "Although seen as a way for victims to access justice and facilitate a prompt judgment, this practice minimizes the gravity of rape," the UNOCI said. Ivory Coast should revise its criminal code, which punishes rape without defining it, provide victims with free legal aid and hold special court sessions for rape cases, the UNOCI said. The justice ministry this week in a confidential document seen by the Thomson Reuters Foundation issued a notice telling the authorities not to recategorize rapes as 'misdemeanors'. Issued a week after the UNOCI report, it also says sexual offences must be fully investigated and prosecuted, even if out-of-court settlements are reached or complaints are withdrawn. The Ivorian government spokesman did not respond to requests for comment. "Children have the right to be protected from these criminal acts which can cause lifelong incurable wounds," said de Bruin. ($1 = 596.8100 CFA francs) (Reporting By Kieran Guilbert, Editing by Ros Russell; 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) From Good Housekeeping Imagine having a big family - make that really big, as in seven kids. Now picture a small house - like, tiny: 230 square feet. And now think about taking a nine-month road trip with your big family in your tiny housewhich used to be a school bus. It would drive most parents to the brink, but with a lot of organization and a little delegation, Julie and Shane Good stay admirably calm living this way. "Our kids are accustomed to not having a ton of space," says Shane, 39. "It comes naturally to big families. And being able to get out and see the real world and let kids experience what it's like to climb hills and see rivers is exciting." Photo credit: Shane Good Six years ago, the Goods sold their home in Alabama and souped up a 35-foot International AmTran Genesis school bus. Julie homeschools the kids (Isaiah, 13; Arwen, 12; Ashton, 10; Ethan, 8; Elisha, 6; Kiera, 4; and Seth, 2), and Shane and Julie make money through various jobs; their YouTube show, Bus Life With 9; and performing contemporary Christian music at churches. This lifestyle is the couple's version of living their values: "I never saw my parents when I was growing up, because I was so busy with activities," Julie says. "When we started having a family, I wanted to be a part of my kids' lives as much as possible." Isn't there such a thing as too close for comfort? Sometimes, Julie admits: "I don't care if you're a saint - living in a small space has its moments." All kids, of course, squabble at times. Still, the payoffs are worth it, Julie says: "The greatest lesson in our family is learning to respect and love one another." Photo credit: Shane Good The "skoolie's" interior is highly compartmentalized. The rear is a 71/2-foot-long bed where the couple sleeps and everyone snuggles for movie nights. Above-bed cabinets store clothes (each child has a few outfits), and the hallway is flanked by two sets of bunk beds for five kids; the two middle boys sleep on the dining table, which converts into a bed. The full kitchen, which has a deep sink that doubles as a baby bathtub, allows Julie to whip up meals from scratch. Story continues Photo credit: Shane Good All nine Goods share one toilet and shower, though there is also an outdoor shower. Clutter is kept to a minimum: Each of the younger children has a decorated oatmeal container for storing LEGO and other toys. "Once in a while I'm tempted to go shopping, but I'll talk myself out of buying things," Julie says. Depending on their plans, the Goods drive all night or park and sleep under the lights in a supermarket parking lot. If the couple leaves on foot to run an errand, the kids may surprise them by tidying up. "A small environment gets messy, but seven pairs of hands can clean fast," Julie says. The Goods know that they won't be able to live like this forever, but for now, they cherish the closeness. "Parents today are so disconnected from their kids because of schedules," Shane says. "Whatever we do, we do it together." Photo credit: Shane Good This article originally appeared in the August 2016 issue of Good Housekeeping. (Reuters) - African budget airline Fastjet Plc (FJET.L) said it would raise up to 19.2 million pounds through a share issue. The carrier said it would issue the shares at 50 pence each, a premium of 116 percent to the stock's Wednesday close. Fastjet shares jumped nearly 57 percent to 35.9 pence at 1245 London time on Thursday on the London Stock Exchange. The airline also said its new Chief Executive Nico Bezuidenhout would start a business review when he joins the carrier in August. Ed Winter stepped down as Fastjet's CEO in March, under pressure from the company's second-largest shareholder, Stelios Haji-Ioannou. Haji-Ioannou has also called for the dismissal of Fastjet Chairman Colin Child. The carrier, which is facing tough conditions in its home market of Tanzania, said it intended to break even on cash flow by the end of 2017. Fastjet expects to report a trading loss for 2016. (Reporting by Mamidipudi Soumithri in Bengaluru; Editing by Kirti Pandey) (Reuters) - African budget airline Fastjet Plc said it would raise up to 19.2 million pounds ($25.3 million) through a share issue. The carrier said it would issue the shares at 50 pence each, a premium of 116 percent to the stock's Wednesday close. Fastjet shares jumped nearly 57 percent to 35.9 pence at 1145 GMT on Thursday on the London Stock Exchange. The airline also said its new Chief Executive Nico Bezuidenhout would start a business review when he joins the carrier in August. Ed Winter stepped down as Fastjet's CEO in March, under pressure from the company's second-largest shareholder, Stelios Haji-Ioannou. Haji-Ioannou has also called for the dismissal of Fastjet Chairman Colin Child. The carrier, which is facing tough conditions in its home market of Tanzania, said it intended to break even on cash flow by the end of 2017. Fastjet expects to report a trading loss for 2016. ($1 = 0.76 pounds) (Reporting by Mamidipudi Soumithri in Bengaluru; Editing by Kirti Pandey) Contractor resumes work on TIA project Spanish contractor Constructora Sanjose has resumed work on the $75-million Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) improvement project after a long break. By Crispian Balmer ROME (Reuters) - A former Italian premier who wrote the European Union divorce clause that Britain is poised to trigger said on Thursday that Brussels should offer no concessions to London in looming negotiations to quit the trading bloc. "When it comes to the economy they have to lose," said Giuliano Amato, explaining that only then might the British reconsider abandoning the world's largest single market. Britain voted in a referendum on June 23 to leave the EU. To do so, London will have to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which starts a two-year countdown to a formal exit from the 28-nation bloc. "I wrote Article 50, so I know it well," Amato told a conference in Rome, saying he had inserted it specifically to prevent the British from complaining that there was no clear cut, official way for them to bail out of the Union. "My intention was that it should be a classic safety valve that was there, but never used. It is like having a fire extinguisher that should never have to be used. Instead, the fire happened." Amato served as Italian prime minister in 1992-1993 and again in 2000-2001. He later helped draft a lofty European Constitution which eventually morphed into the less ambitious Lisbon Treaty. A committed EU supporter, Amato said the so-called Brexit vote was a "disaster" and urged other European leaders not to follow the example of Britain's David Cameron, the prime minister who called last month's referendum. Cameron stepped down on July 13 and was replaced by Theresa May. "If another leader is as mad as Cameron to offer a referendum on EU membership, for example in Holland or Austria, there is a risk (they would vote to quit)," Amato said. To show Britain the error of its ways, Amato said the EU had to be "especially tough" in the Brexit talks. "Don't give Britain the possibility of thinking that Brexit is a better way of doing what they have always done, grabbing what suits them (in the EU) and opting out of what they don't like. Brexit is a total opting out. They know this very well. "The more they realise that they are losing, then the more chance there is that in 2020 someone will do something about it," he added, acknowledging that this was an "absurd hope". Britain is due to hold national elections in 2020 and Amato said he hoped a party promoting a pro-European agenda might win power and put a brake on Brexit plans. For that reason, he said it was important to stretch out the talks. "I hope that the negotiations are dragged on so they won't be wrapped up by 2020. (Prime Minister) May wants to wrap things up by 2019, but it will be easy to prolong matters." (Reporting by Crispian Balmer; editing by Mark Heinrich) BAMAKO (Reuters) - Fighting broke out in the town of Kidal in Mali's desert north on Thursday between pro-government militia fighters and Tuareg rebels, a town resident and a fighter said. "Everyone is hiding inside. We are hearing the sounds of gunfire. There's small arms and heavy weapons fire," one resident told Reuters, asking not to be named out of fear of reprisals. Tensions have been building for several days in Kidal, one of northern Mali's main towns, between the Tuareg-dominated Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) and rival Gatia militia fighters, leading to sporadic clashes. A peace agreement signed last year by the government, its militia allies and the Tuareg separatists was intended to ease tensions between armed groups in the north and allow the army to concentrate on fighting Islamist militants. However the deal is fraying. The government of neighbouring Niger attempted to mediate between the groups in Kidal, and representatives of the pro-Bamako militia and the rebels signed a truce on Sunday. (Reporting by Souleymane Ag Anara, Writing by Joe Bavier, Editing by Angus MacSwan) Nablus (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - A fire burned a home Wednesday in a Palestinian village where an arson attack by Jewish extremists a year ago killed a toddler and his parents, residents and authorities said. Inhabitants of the village of Duma in the occupied West Bank and a Palestinian official said they suspected another extremist attack, but Palestinian firefighters had not commented on the cause. The blaze damaged the home of Mohammed Dawabsha, located near the house that was firebombed on July 31 last year. Dawabasha and his wife suffered smoke inhalation, but there were no other injuries. UN Mideast envoy Nickolay Mladenov said Israel was obliged under international law to protect those living under its occupation. "I am concerned by reports of yet another arson attack on the home of the Dawabsha family last night in Duma in the occupied West Bank," he said in a statement. "If confirmed, this despicable act would be the third incident in this particular village in the last year." Israeli police said they were investigating the cause, but that they had so far not found any evidence of a Jewish extremist attack. Dawabsha said he and his wife heard noises outside their home in the middle of the night. "We went outside and afterwards we heard an explosion in the bedroom and saw huge flames," he said. Neighbours assisted them in moving to safety. Last year's attack on a family home in the village killed 18-month-old Ali Saad Dawabsha and fatally injured his parents. Five-year-old Ahmed was the sole survivor from the immediate family. Mohammed Dawabsha is part of the same clan but is not an immediate relative of the family. The 2015 attack sparked global condemnation and drew renewed attention to Jewish extremism, including accusations Israel had not done enough to prevent such violence. In January, a court charged two Israeli settlers over the firebombing after slow progress in the case led to criticism from human rights groups and Palestinians. Story continues Mladenov said the courts were still moving too slowly. "Indictments have been made, but the perpetrators of this terrible crime have yet to face justice," he said. "I call upon the authorities to move swiftly in bringing the perpetrators of this terrible crime, as well as this latest incident, to justice." In March, another fire burned the Duma home of a key witness to the arson attack, but the cause was not clear. Israeli authorities said at the time they were investigating. Now that millennials make up the largest group in the American workforce and are becoming parents, financial advice will become a critical part of their lives. In many cases, individuals will consult with a financial advisor to plan their long term financial goals and budgeting. But a 2015 report from Boston-based research group Cerulli Associates found that the number of financial advisors in the U.S. fell for the fifth straight year. According to the report, the number of financial planners hit its peak in 2008, but has fallen by approximately twelve percent through 2015, leaving a growing shortage of advisors in the industry. Thats why TD Ameritrade Institutional (NYSE:AMTD) plans and sponsors the NextGen Financial Planning Scholarships. Now in its fourth year, TD Ameritrade Institutional offers scholarships to 12 students and two universities to encourage growth in the field. Students studying financial planning from various universities are selected based on their academics, recommendations and commitment to giving back and awarded $5,000. Two of the awards are reserved for candidates from underrepresented groups to increase racial, ethnic and gender diversity. A total of $75,000 in grants are awarded to universities to foster financial planning education program. Many of todays financial advisors learned through training programs not provided in college, but those programs no longer exist, says Kate Healy, the managing director of marketing for TD Ameritrade Institutional. As a result, Healy says that its imperative for universities to begin offering a financial planning field of study. She cites that the degree is new in universities and began to grow within the past ten years. If you think of the millions of Americans out there and our complicated financial lives, there wont be enough advisors to give financial advice, says Healy. TD Ameritrade Institutionals goal is to cultivate the next generation of financial advisors. Millennials arent just candidates for the job -- the generation will soon be seeking financial advice as they become parents. Story continues There are more CFPs (certified financial planners) over the age of 70 than there are under the age of 30, says Healy. Healy says that firms should begin to recruit millennial planners to both fill employment gaps as well as appeal to millennial investors, allowing them to broaden their client base. One of the winners, Gerika Ballard, a rising junior at Utah Valley University in Orem, UT, told FOXBusiness.com that she wanted to become a financial advisor after discovering her passion for helping people. After an 18-month service trip with the Latter Day Saints in Washington State, Ballard knew that she wanted to help people. She says the combination of wanting to help people and her obsession with numbers led her to pursue the financial planning major in school. When financial health improves, your physical, social, mental and spiritual health improves as well, says Ballard. Ballard says that her favorite aspect of financial planning is that it not only has an immediate impact on a person, but that it has a lasting effect. I get to see changes that will help people now and 50 years from now, says Ballard. Related Articles ATHENS (Reuters) - Eight Turkish soldiers who fled to Greece in a military helicopter after last week's failed coup fear they will be killed if they are sent back home, one of their lawyers said on Thursday. The men - three majors, three captains and two sergeant majors - landed in the northern Greek border city of Alexandroupolis on Saturday after issuing a distress signal. They were arrested and have sought political asylum. "They believe that, one way or another, they will lose their lives (in Turkey)," said Vasiliki Ilia Marinaki, a lawyer representing four of the men, as they appeared in court with their faces covered. "Regardless of whether the death penalty is imposed or not, they believe that in the end they will be killed," she said. They were convicted on Thursday of entering Greece illegally and were handed a two-month suspended jail sentence. Their asylum requests are being examined and they are to appear before immigration authorities next week for further interviews. Turkey has branded the men "traitors" and "terrorist elements" and has asked Greece to extradite them. Greece says it will examine their asylum requests quickly. Turkey abolished capital punishment in 2004 but President Tayyip Erdogan has told crowds of supporters chanting for the death penalty that such demands may be discussed in parliament. Since the coup attempt crumbled on Saturday, the Turkish government has launched a purge of the armed forces and judiciary, rounding up thousands of people. The eight men say they did not know a coup was under way and they were obeying orders by their superiors to transport the wounded from the streets to ambulances, according to their lawyers. They decided to flee when their Black Hawk helicopter came under fire by police on the ground. "They were in a state of emergency and that is why they entered Greek territory," Marinaki said before the ruling. "In any case, they entered Greece officially, meaning they landed officially at the airport, they disembarked and immediately requested political asylum." In a joint statement read out by another lawyer, Katerina Dapoudani, the eight reiterated they had "absolutely no involvement" in the coup attempt. "We apologize for any tumult we caused the Greek state but we had no other choice. We believe in democratic principles and human rights...We are officers of the Turkish army, and we are proud of that," the statement said. "We served with self-sacrifices all these years and we love our country. We are saddened by the situation prevailing in Turkey." (Reporting by Karolina Tagaris; editing by Mark Heinrich) The Florida police officer who shot and wounded an autistic mans caretaker earlier this week was aiming at the patient, who he felt was a threat, when he accidentally missed and shot the wrong person, a police union chief said Thursday. The officer, who has not yet been named, was responding to a call Monday of an armed and suicidal man when authorities say he found 47-year-old Charles Kinsey and another man sitting in the street. Police officers at the time did not know the other man was a disabled patient who had wandered from an assisted living facility, said John Rivera, president of the Police Benevolent Association in Dade County. Officers also did not know the 27-year-old patient was playing with a toy truck and thought it was a firearm, he said. It appeared to the officers that the white male was trying to do harm to Mr. Kinsey, Rivera said at a news conference. In fearing for Mr. Kinseys life, the officer discharged his firearm trying to save Mr. Kinseys life and he missed. Video of the incident appears to show Kinsey lying down and putting his hands up while trying to get his patient to comply. An officer then fired three times, striking Kinsey in the leg, North Miami Assistant Police Chief Neal Cuevas told the Miami Herald. As long as I got my hands up, theyre not going to shoot me this is what Im thinking, Kinsey told WSVN-Channel 7 from a bed at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Theyre not going to shoot me. Wow, was I wrong. The officer behind the shooting, who has been placed on administrative leave, issued a statement through the police chief Thursday. I took this job to save lives and help people, the statement said. I did what I had to do in a split second to accomplish that and hate to hear others paint me as something I am not. Rivera said Kinsey did everything right during the encounter with police. This wasnt a mistake in the sense that the officer shot the wrong guy or he thought that Kinsey was the bad guy, Rivera said. This was a mistake in the sense that he knew or felt that Mr. Kinsey was a victim and was about to lose his life. And rather than sit there and watch nothing, he intended to stop the white male and accidentally shot Mr. Kinsey. He thought Mr. Kinsey was about to be killed, Rivera later added. Prithvi Man Shrestha is a political reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering the governance-related issues including corruption and irregularities in the government machinery. Before joining The Kathmandu Post in 2009, he worked at nepalnews.com and Rising Nepal primarily covering the issues of political and economic affairs for three years. Dublin (AFP) - Britain should begin the process of leaving the European Union "as soon as possible", France and Ireland said after talks between President Francois Hollande and Prime Minister Enda Kenny in Dublin. Hollande and Kenny "looked forward to the notification as soon as possible by the new British government of the UK's intention to withdraw from the Union, which will permit orderly negotiations to begin", said a joint statement issued after the meeting. They "also agreed on the importance of maintaining the closest possible partnership between the EU and the UK, based on a balance of rights and obligations, including in respect of the four freedoms," it said. "Ireland and France are the UKas nearest neighbours, with significant and complex economic, human, cultural and historical links. In consequence, both countries have specific and indeed unique concerns to be addressed in future negotiations," it added. Britain voted to leave the European Union but Prime Minister Theresa May has indicated she does not plan to invoke Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty -- the formal exit procedure -- before the end of this year. The negotiations are expected to hinge on Britain's desire to restrict the freedom of EU citizens to live and work in Britain and on what access Britain might be allowed to have to the EU's single market. PARIS (Reuters) - French President Francois Hollande on Thursday told Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas of his concern at the "fragility" of the situation in the Middle East in a context of mounting violence, the president's office said. In a statement after the two leaders met in Paris, the French president's office said France was committed to leading international efforts to help secure peace between Israel and the Palestinians. "While the latest report from the Quartet shows the two-state solution is under threat by continued settlement-building, there is an urgent need to recreate a political perspective," the statement added. With U.S. efforts to broker an accord in deep freeze for two years and Washington focused on its November presidential election, France hosted a conference last month with the aim of breaking the apathy over the impasse and stir new diplomatic momentum. (Reporting by Michel Rose) London (AFP) - French energy giant EDF will decide next week whether to give the final green light to the controversial construction of two nuclear reactors in Britain, it said in a statement Thursday. "EDF has today called a meeting of its Board of Directors which will be held on 28 July 2016," said the statement, published on the group's website. "The agenda includes the final investment decision for the construction of two EPR (Electron paramagnetic resonance) reactors... in the south-west of England." The planned nuclear plant at Hinkley Point has been billed as a crucial part of Britain's future energy supply, but critics say it is too expensive. The so-called HPC project between EDF, which is 85 percent owned by the French state, and China General Nuclear Power Corporation carries a projected price tag of A18 billion ($24 billion, 21.7 billion euros), making it one of the world's most costly nuclear power plants. Unions at the majority state-owned EDF have sought to delay committing to the project due to concerns that it could bankrupt the company, which has more than 37 billion euros in debt. The French firm said the project "would strengthen EDF's presence in Britain" and enable the group to "mobilise all its significant nuclear engineering skills following the final investment decision." "HPC is a unique asset for French industry as it would benefit the whole of the nuclear industry and support employment in major companies and smaller enterprises in the sector," it said Thursday. France's finance minister Michel Sapin said last month that Britain's decision to quit the European Union had made the project "more difficult." "We have to see where we are, we have to recover our balance. Brexit has made waves," Sapin said on BBC's Newsnight programme. On the heels of his starring turn on The Grinder, Fred Savage has signed an overall deal with the studio behind the well-received Fox comedy series, 20th TV. Under the multiyear pact, Savage will write, direct and produce projects for the studio and potentially could render acting services as well. Savage, who started his career as an actor, had been focused on directing for most of the past decade, making a rare major foray into acting with his starring role opposite Rob Lowe on The Grinder, which ran for one season. As a director, Savage has worked on 20th TVs comedy series Modern Family for which he received a DGA nomination Sons of Tucson, Friends with Benefits, Friends with Better Lives and The Crazy Ones. Fred is quite simply one of the most talented, creative forces out there; he can literally do it all, said 20th TV President of Creative Affairs Jonnie Davis. Weve loved working with Fred as a director, and when (exec producer) Nick Stoller proposed getting him to star in The Grinder for us last season, it was a stroke of genius, and everyone from the critics to the audience welcomed him back with open arms. While that show sadly ended, we knew we wanted to stay in business with Fred for the long haul. His creativity and passion are infectious, and his relationships in the community are second to none. Savage has directed more than 200 TV episodes. He has served as producer and director on Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Party Down, Best Friends Forever and Garfunkel & Oates. Some of his first directorial gigs were at 20th TV, including on the Fox comedy series Oliver Beene. (20th TV chairmen) Gary Newman and Dana Walden, along with Jonnie Davis and their teams, have been supporters of mine since the very beginning of my career behind the camera, giving me opportunities long before anyone else would, Savage said. Im very appreciative of the confidence theyve shown in me. Story continues For his role as Stewart Sanderson in The Grinder, Savage received a Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy Series. The Wonder Years alum has been a frequent guest co-host on Live with Kelly this summer and is considered in the running for the permanent co-host job. Savage is repped by WME and Jackoway Tyerman. Related stories Neal Baer Inks Pod Deal With 20th Century Fox TV Glenn Ficarra & John Requa Ink Overall Deal With 20th Century Fox TV 20th Century Fox TV Unveils Comic-Con Slate: '24: Legacy', 'The Exorcist', 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' & More Benghazi (Libya) (AFP) - French, British and American soldiers are in Libya to "monitor" Islamic State group jihadists, a military commander in the east of the country told AFP on Thursday. "French, American and British soldiers are in the Benina base" near Benghazi, said air force chief Saqr al-Jaroushi, whose forces are allied with a government based out of the eastern city of Tobruk that is not recognised by the international community. He said around 20 soldiers at the base were charged with "monitoring the movements of the Islamic State jihadists and how they store ammunition." "There are no (foreign) pilots fighting in the place of our pilots and fighters," he said. He added that other foreign military personnel were carrying out similar tasks at other bases and towns across Libya, including the capital Tripoli, Misrata, 200 kilometres (125 miles) to the east and Tobruk in the far east of the country. Jaroushi commands the air force that forms part of the forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar and the House of Representatives in Tobruk, a rival to the Government of National Unity (GNA) that operates out of Tripoli. France, Britain and the US recognise the GNA as the legitimate government of Libya. Jaroushi's remarks come a day after the GNA criticised the presence of French troops in the chaos-wracked country, as President Francois Hollande confirmed France has soldiers there after three died in a helicopter crash. The soldiers were carrying out a reconnaissance mission alongside Haftar's troops. The presence of the troops in Libya was a "violation" of the nation's sovereignty, the GNA said on its Facebook page following Hollande's announcement. The Pentagon said in May that it has a "small presence" in Libya tasked with trying to identify which groups might be able to assist the United States in its mission to combat IS. British media reported in May that British special forces had taken part in combat missions against IS in the country's northeast. Story continues - Battle for Sirte rages on - For two months, pro-government forces have been fighting fierce clashes against IS jihadists in their stronghold of Sirte in central Libya. On Thursday, the troops claimed they had secured "advances... on two fronts" in Sirte, after pounding jihadist positions with aerial and heavy artillery raids. Twenty-two pro-government troops were killed in the fighting on Thursday and another 175 were wounded, a Misrata hospital official said. A total of 280 troops have been killed and 1,500 have been injured since the bid to recapture Sirte was launched in May. A victory in Sirte would help the UN-backed government build its credibility, as it struggles to assert its authority over a nation steeped in violence. Paris (AFP) - The French parliament definitively adopted a set of contentious labour reforms on Thursday which sparked months of violent protests against a package seen as a threat to cherished workers' rights. Prime Minister Manuel Valls used a constitutional tool to force the legislation through parliament three times, to avoid rebel Socialist backbenchers sinking it. After a lengthy bicameral shuttle the reforms were considered adopted on Thursday afternoon after no lawmakers called a vote of no confidence in the government. In a sign of the divisions among the Socialists, lawmakers from the ruling party were only two votes short of calling a vote of no confidence. The Republicans opposition party said it would take the matter to the constitutional council, and the Left Front said it would do the same to denounce "a forceful passage which only strengthens a democratic crisis in our institutions". Valls praised "a great step for the reform of our country: more rights for workers, more visibility for our small and medium enterprises and more jobs." The proposed labour reforms are aimed at making the job market more flexible and reducing unemployment, stubbornly high at around 10 percent. But critics see the measures, which would make it easier to hire and fire people, are too pro-business and would fail to bring down the jobless count. File-sharing 'mastermind' arrested in Poland US authorities have charged a Ukrainian man alleged to be the mastermind of the world's biggest online piracy website. DUBLIN (Reuters) - French President Francois Hollande said on Thursday he had no precise information on whether French planes were responsible for an air strike that killed about 56 people around the northern Syrian city of Manbij. Syria's foreign ministry has said Tuesday's attack, which hit the village of Toukhan north of Manbij, was carried out by French forces. "On the actions of the coalition, I have no exact information on what French planes could have done," Hollande said, referring to a U.S.-led military coalition fighting the militants. "We are striking in the framework of the coalition and are very careful in our strikes," he told reporters. France's foreign ministry said in a daily briefing that it "gave no credit to statements made by the regime of Bashar al-Assad" and that an investigation by the coalition would establish if coalition air strikes against Islamic State had killed civilians. (Reporting by John Irish and Conor Humphries; Editing by Mark Trevelyan) CLEVELAND, OHIO -- Donald Trump heads into the final night of the Republican convention here tonight as the partys official nominee and faces the most important speech of his brief political life. In addition to trying to mend the divisions in the Republican Party, revealed in a controversial speech by his former rival Ted Cruz last night, Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort said that Trump would also address current affairs at some length. In a press conference Thursday morning, Manafort acknowledged that it is somewhat unusual for a candidate to address current affairs at length in an acceptance speech, but that the circumstances warrant it. Related: Clintons Veep Shortlist Just Got a Lot Shorter Mr. Trumps speech will focus on his vision, he said. Given the circumstances of whats been going on in the world and the United States over the past month, there will be a section in it that will be -- a bit more than normal in a convention speech -- that will deal with current affairs such as the crisis facing cities and terrorism facing the world. Signaling that Trump will depart from the usual bromides to address current events may raise the level of public interest in the speech. In an interview with The New York Times published Thursday morning, Trump again raised the possibility that the US might not honor its treaty obligations to NATO allies if they dont honor their financial obligations, raising questions about whether or not he has a solid grasp on major issues in international affairs. Discussing NATO allies, with whom the US has a mutual defense treaty, reporter David Sanger asked, If Russia came over the border into Estonia or Latvia, Lithuania, places that Americans dont think about all that often, would you come to their immediate military aid? Trump declined to say. I dont want to tell you what Id do because I dont want Putin to know what Id do. I have a serious chance of becoming president and Im not like Obama -- that every time they send some troops into Iraq or anyplace else, he has a news conference to announce it. Story continues Related: Cops, Communist, and Characters at the GOP Convention When reminded of US treaty obligations, Trump said, We have many NATO members that arent paying their bills...Many NATO nations are not making payments, are not making what theyre supposed to make. Thats a big thing. Sanger tried again: My point here is, can the members of NATO, including the new members in the Baltics, count on the United States to come to their military aid if Russia attacked them? And count on us fulfilling our obligations. Have they fulfilled their obligations to us? If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes. NATO Military Expenditures as Percent of GDP in 2016 | FindTheData When Manafort was asked Thursday morning if Trump was setting a new standard for helping NATO allies he avoided the question entirely. Related: GOP Leaders Tepid Praise Spells Trouble if Trump Wins No, he said, not addressing the question about the Baltics at all. What Mr. Trump has said consistently is that he thinks NATO needs to be modernized, and NATO needs to be brought into the world of the 21st century. Where terrorism and ISIS, which didnt exist when NATO was created, are taken into account in the way we deal with things. In the interview, Trump also suggested that the Turkish government and Kurdish separatists -- who have been at each others throats for nearly 40 years -- are friends who can simply be brought together through meetings. Well, it would be ideal if we could get them all together, Trump said. And that would be a possibility. But Im a big fan of the Kurdish forces. At the same time, I think we have a potentially we could have a potentially very successful relationship with Turkey. And it would be really wonderful if we could put them somehow both together. Sanger asked Trump if he has a diplomatic plan for doing that. Related: Christie Unites the GOP by Condemning Clinton for 8 Major Failures Meetings, Trump said. If I ever have the opportunity to do it, meaning if I win, we will have meetings, we will have meetings very early on...Very early on. I think its a natural. I think its a natural. I mean, we have two groups that are friendly and they are fighting each other. So if we could put them together, that would be something that would be possible to do, in my opinion. When Trump takes the stage tonight, there is no question about what will happen inside the arena. There is virtually no chance that his remarks wont be well received by the vast majority of the thousands of GOP delegates in attendance. But acceptance speeches like this one always have a broader audience in mind -- its Trumps first opportunity to command the stage as the official GOP presidential candidate, and to present himself to the American people as a whole. One of Trumps notable shortcomings throughout his campaign has been the kind of apparent ignorance of basic facts about international relations that he displayed in The Times interview. Related: Cleveland Protests Turn Violent as Trump Receives GOP Nomination In going in-depth on foreign policy tonight, he takes a risk. A speech that reinforces the idea that he is a dilettante at a time when the world appears to be spinning out of control would be a poor way to start his general election campaign. However, in speaking to what will likely be the biggest nationwide -- even worldwide -- audience he has yet faced, he also has an opportunity to project new seriousness on an issue that is causing Americans increasing concern. How he handles it will suggest much about the direction of the Trump campaign in the future. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: July 21 (Reuters) - The following is the full text of the resignation letter sent by Fox News Chief Executive Roger Ailes to Rupert Murdoch, the executive chairman of Twenty-First Century Fox Inc, the parent of Fox News. It was provided to Reuters by Ailes lawyer. Dear Rupert, With your support, I am proud that we have built Fox News and Fox Business Channels into powerful and lucrative news organizations that inform our audience and reward our shareholders. I take particular pride in the role that I have played advancing the careers of the many women I have promoted to executive and on-air positions. Many of these talented journalists have deservedly become household names known for their intelligence and strength, whether reporting the news, fair and balanced, and offering exciting opinions on our opinion programs. Fox News has become Number 1 in all of cable because I consistently identified and promoted the most talented men and women in television, and they performed at the highest levels. Having spent 20 years building this historic business, I will not allow my presence to become a distraction from the work that must be done every day to ensure that Fox News and Fox Business continue to lead our industry. I am confident that everyone at Fox News and Fox Business will continue as the standard setters that they are, and that the businesses are well positioned for even greater success in the future. I am proud of our accomplishments and look forward to continuing to work with you as an adviser in building 21st Century Fox. All the best, Roger. (Editing by Bill Rigby) BANJUL (Reuters) - A court in Gambia convicted 11 opposition supporters on Thursday on charges including unlawful assembly, rioting and conspiracy after they staged a protest in May calling for elections reforms in a case that has drawn international criticism. The convictions of the United Democratic Party (UDP) supporters comes just a day after another group of 18 party members were jailed on similar charges. Those convicted on Thursday participated in an April 14 march near the capital, Banjul, and refused to defend themselves before the court or participate in their trial. "I therefore hold that the prosecution has proved the ingredients of the case beyond all reasonable doubts. I therefore hold all the accused persons guilty," Justice Simeone Ateh Abi announced in the court. The trial was held in the town of Mansa Konko, around 130 km (81 miles) east of Banjul. Each of the defendants was convicted on seven separate counts. The sentences for the individual charges ranged from monetary fines to three years in prison, with the combined sentences totaling 18 years imprisonment. It was unclear, however, whether the accused would be allowed to serve those sentences concurrently. Another group of 21 UDP supporters is still on trial. The protests were a rare instance of open opposition to the iron-fisted rule of President Yahya Jammeh, who has ruled the tiny West African country for two decades after seizing power in a bloodless coup. Rights groups accuse him of cracking down on political opponents figures as he eyes a December election, where he will seek his fifth term, after he scrapped term limits. Both the United Nations and the United States condemned the arrests. (Reporting by Pap Saine, writing by Joe Bavier, editing by G Crosse) DAKAR (Reuters) - Gambia sentenced a prominent lawyer and 18 of his supporters to three years in jail on Wednesday for "unlawful assembly" and for holding a protest without a permit, a court document reviewed by Reuters showed. Ousainou Darboe, a lawyer, was arrested after taking part in a small protest near the capital Banjul, along with other senior members of the United Democratic Party (UDP). Both the United Nations and the United States condemned the arrests. Justice Eunice Dada Oshim convicted them for unlawful assembly, for "riotously interfering with vehicles", holding a procession without a permit and disobeying an order to disperse. The total sentences came to eight years, but the judge ruled that they should run concurrently. Protests are rare in Gambia, a tiny territory along the banks of a river that is almost encircled by Senegal. President Yahya Jammeh has ruled for two decades since seizing power in a bloodless coup. But rights groups say he has been cracking down on opposition figures in recent months with an eye on December's election, where he will seek his fifth term, after he scrapped term limits. (Writing by Tim Cocks; Editing by Hugh Lawson) DAKAR (Reuters) - Gambia sentenced a prominent lawyer and 18 of his supporters to three years in jail on Wednesday for "unlawful assembly" and for holding a protest without a permit, a court document reviewed by Reuters showed. Ousainou Darboe was arrested after taking part in a small protest near the capital Banjul, along with other senior members of the United Democratic Party (UDP). Both the United Nations and the United States condemned the arrests. Justice Eunice Dada Oshim convicted them for unlawful assembly, for "riotously interfering with vehicles", holding a procession without a permit and disobeying an order to disperse. The total sentences came to eight years, but the judge ruled that they should run concurrently. Protests are rare in Gambia, a tiny territory along the banks of a river that is almost encircled by Senegal. President Yahya Jammeh has ruled for two decades since seizing power in a bloodless coup. But rights groups say he has been cracking down on opposition figures in recent months with an eye on December's election, where he will seek his fifth term, after he scrapped term limits. "The sentencing of senior opposition figures such as Ousainou Darboe is the latest in a continuous chain of violations committed against those who dare to speak out in Gambia," Stephen Cockburn, Deputy Regional head of Amnesty International in West and Central Africa, said in a statement. "Imprisoning opposition leaders ... not only fragrantly violates their human rights but is also likely to enflame an already tense situation". (Writing by Tim Cocks; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Bernard Orr) Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland has passed the legendary Louis Brandeis in one area the longest wait between a nomination and a confirmation approval to the Court. Obama Garland speaks On Wednesday, Garland hit day 126 in the nomination process. One hundred years ago, Brandeis went through a 125-day process in 1916 between his nomination as the first Jewish candidate for the Court and his confirmation. In Garlands case, he could set a record that may stand for some time, considering the earliest his nomination process in Congress would be in the Senates lame-duck session after the November elections. Judge Garlands long wait reflects the intense partisan politics that surround this Supreme Court vacancy politics that were similarly intense in Brandeiss day, said National Constitution Center president and CEO Jeffrey Rosen in a New York Times op-ed this week. Brandeis faced a long nomination process because of his religion, his politics, his record of fighting monopolistic businesses, and the opposition of former President William Howard Taft. The Senate held the first-ever Judiciary Hearing on a Supreme Court nomination to consider Brandeis for the Court. During the nomination fight, Brandies wrote his friend, the legal scholar and Harvard Law School dean, Roscoe Pound, about the uproar over his nomination. I doubted very much whether I ought to accept, but the opposition has removed my doubts, Brandeis said in February 1916. In the end, the Senate approved Brandeis by a 47 to 22 vote. After Brandeis, the longest waits in the nomination and voting process were for the nominations of Robert Bork (114 days) and Potter Stewart (108 days) as Associate Justices and Abe Fortas as Chief Justice (100 days). The Bork and Fortas nominations failed. Media Alert: Watch our Town Hall event about Justice Brandeis on C-SPANs Book TV at 10 p.m., Sunday, July 24. Gary Johnson says hes trying to keep a low profile. The former governor of New Mexico is wearing Nike sneakers and jeans in a coffee shop in Cleveland outside the security perimeter of the Quicken Loans Arena where the Republican National Convention is being held, and says he ditched the tie he wore yesterday to look even more unassuming today. I didnt want to come, I really didnt, Johnson tells TIME of the convention. And being here, I really want to keep the lowest profile possible. I really want to be respectful. I want to be respectful of the Republican National Convention and I want to be respectful of Trump winning the nomination. Johnson wants to respect RNC boundaries because its a party hes now challenging for the presidency, running as a Libertarian. (He was a member of the Republican Party when he served as governor from 1995 to 2003.) But hes been underwhelmed so far by the perception that most convention speeches have focused on attacking Hillary Clinton rather than promoting Donald Trump. Its a lost opportunity to actually tell us, what do you stand for, Republicans? Johnson says. Of course, he didnt exactly want to keep a low profile; he came to the convention to drum up media attention. The idea here is to win this, but the only chance of winning is to be in the presidential debates, he says of raising his poll numbers to the point where he would be automatically included. But he does seem genuinely surprised by the Johnson fans that have come out of the woodwork in Cleveland. Before we spoke, he did a quick television hit outside the coffee shop, which was interrupted by people wanting to take selfies with him. By the time the camera stopped rolling, ten or so people were gathered on the sidewalk to watch, barely blinking when Utah Sen. Orrin Hatchs motorcade blocked traffic and let the President pro tempore of the United States Senate out right beside them. Story continues At least a dozen people with Trump for President buttons on said they were going to vote for me, Johnson says. He says he gave more than 70 media interviews yesterday and estimates that hundreds of people have also pledged their support to him this week. Among other issues, Johnson wants to raise the retirement age for Social Security, abolish the I.R.S., scale down the military and, of course, legalize marijuana. (Hes the former CEO of a marijuana products company) Ive always maintained that you shouldnt show up on the job impaired, Johnson says of his decision to swear off pot while running for (and potentially as) president. In 2012, Johnson also ran as a Libertarian, but got just about 1% of the vote. This year, with the momentum hes seen in evidence at the convention, Johnson believes he could win some states outright. He lists Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, the Dakotas and Alaska as options, and says his running mate, former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld, could help with more states in the East. In some recent national surveys, the Johnson/Weld ticket has cracked double digit support. Read More: Can Libertarian Gary Johnson Be a Factor in 2016? And he says that Texas Sen. Ted Cruzs decision not to endorse Trump Wednesday night was, in fact, an endorsement for him. That was a backhanded Johnson endorsement, he says. Vote your conscience, but OK, so you go into the voting booth, its not an essay on vote your conscience. Its multiple choice. For now, Johnsons immediate goal is being included in debates with Trump and Clinton. When asked how he would handle an unpredictable Trump on the debate stage, Johnson laughs. I think the unpredictable is going to be Johnson, he says. Johnson is the comet here when it comes to the dinosaur two-party thing. Boom! General Motors Company GM is a leading global automotive company in the U.S. General Motors is focused on investment in innovative technologies and vehicles which should provide sustained growth while maximizing shareholder value. In Jun 2016, General Motors announced an investment worth $290 million in its Bowling Green Assembly plant to improve and revamp the facilitys vehicle assembly operations with new technologies and processes. These improvements will help enhance the quality of vehicles produced. The company is also gaining new contracts to expand its business. In Jul 2016, the company and ride-hailing company Lyft Inc. expanded their short-term rental program Express Drive to California and Colorado. However, General Motors is facing a challenging situation due to a delay in the recall of 2.6 million vehicles with defective ignition switches. Recently, a federal appeals court ruled that the automaker cannot use the 2009 bankruptcy as an excuse to defend itself against lawsuits over defective ignition switches. This ruling has exposed the company to several additional liabilities. The automaker also recorded decline in U.S. sales in the first half of 2016. Moreover, General Motors was forced to scale down or shut its manufacturing operations in some regions due to production constraints such as high costs and unfavorable currency translation effects. Estimate Trend & Surprise History Investors should note that the second-quarter earnings estimate for General Motors has decreased by 3 cents to $1.47 over the past 30 days. General Motors has delivered positive earnings surprises in the past. It surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in all the trailing 4 quarters with an average beat of around 21.13%. Thus, investors have been eagerly awaiting General Motors latest earnings report. We have highlighted some of the key stats from this just-revealed announcement below: Earnings General Motors adjusted earnings increased 44% to $1.86 per share in the second quarter of 2016, significantly beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.48. Story continues GENERAL MOTORS Price and EPS Surprise GENERAL MOTORS Price and EPS Surprise | GENERAL MOTORS Quote Revenues General Motors reported revenues of $42.4 billion, 11% higher than $38.2 billion recorded in the year ago quarter. Revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $39.1 billion. Key Stats/Developments to Note Based on the strong financial performance in the first half of 2016, General Motors expects 2016 earnings per share in the range of $5.50$6.00, higher from previous forecast of $5.25$5.75 and also higher than $5.02 recorded in 2015. Zacks Rank Currently, General Motors has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), but that could change following its earnings report which has just released. Market Reaction General Motors share price increased 5.72% to $33.29 in pre-market trading after the automaker released the second quarter results. It would be interesting to see how the market reacts to the results during the trading session today. Check back later for our full write up on General Motors earnings 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 >> 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 GENERAL MOTORS (GM): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research FRANKFURT, July 21 (Reuters) - German financial technology firm Number26, an online bank operating in eight European countries, on Thursday received its full German banking licence, following earlier approval by the European Central Bank. The Berlin-based start-up, which launched its app in early 2015, allows its roughly 200,000 customers to open a bank account and transfer money through their mobile phones, but so far had only been able to provide the user interface. To facilitate its banking business, Number26, which now calls itself N26, relied on German banking software company Wirecard, restricting it from expanding into other areas. N26 said it would offer users savings, investment, credit and insurance products directly via an app, adding that it would seek collaboration with other fintechs rather than developing the new products in-house. To date, only a few European fintechs have a full banking licence, allowing them to operate across the continent. The most prominent are UK-based Tandem and Atom Bank, both digital banks hoping to attract customers to take their business online. Number26 has raised $53 million from a broad array of investors, including Peter Thiel, the Silicon Valley investor who co-founded PayPal and invested in Facebook in 2004, and Li Ka-Shing, one of Asia's richest men. (Reporting by Nadine Schimroszik and Tina Bellon; Editing by Keith Weir) Government team starts works to hold talks with Dr KC The three-member committee formed by the government on Wednesday night to hold talks with Dr KC has started its work from early Thursday. * German exports to Britain stagnated in Jan-May period * Companies held off UK investments prior to Brexit vote * Now firms freeze plans to see how divorce talks shape up * Britain likely to remain major market for Germany By Michael Nienaber and Paul Carrel BERLIN, July 21 (Reuters) - Some German companies are holding off making investments in Britain until they know more about the relationship the country will forge with the rest of Europe following the Brexit vote. While big companies like Siemens and Bosch have the deep pockets to take a longer-term view about one of Europe's most lucrative markets, and weather uncertainty about how the divorce will play out, smaller firms are more cautious. Britain is a major market for Germany, accounting for around 7 percent of its exports, and is likely to remain so regardless of Brexit. But Germany's VDMA association, which represents thousands of firms in the engineering industry, said many of its members were unwilling to make any financial commitments. "Companies want to continue to do good business in Britain and most are likely now waiting to see how the exit negotiations go, once they start," said its head Thilo Brodtmann. Family-owned industrial manufacturer Kemper, for example, has shelved plans to expand its British business. Before the Brexit vote the company, which makes air filter systems and fume extraction units for the car and construction industries, had planned to invest in its UK marketing and servicing operations this year. "We definitely won't do that now," CEO Bjoern Kemper told Reuters from his office in Vreden, close to the Dutch border in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. He said Kemper's British sales have fallen this year, partly because customers had put off spending decisions ahead of the June 23 referendum, and that he saw little prospect of a rebound in the short term following the decision to leave the EU. The company, which has overall annual turnover of about 40 million euros ($44 million), said it expects to lose around 1 million euros in UK sales this year as a result of economic uncertainty before and after the Brexit vote. Story continues COMPLEX TALKS Little is clear about how Brexit will affect the British and German economies. The Bank of England said on Wednesday it saw "no clear evidence" that a sharp economic slowdown was yet under way in Britain after last month's vote, though there were signs investment and hiring were being put on hold. New Prime Minister Theresa May says her government is formulating its position for talks that will determine the country's relationship with the EU, and has appealed for time to work out how best to approach the complex Brexit negotiations. British officials have stressed they believe investment will flow again once foreign businesses can see how Britain's post-Brexit ties with the EU are starting to shape up. "People are not disinvesting, they are just on hold ... if by December or March they can see a decent landing point, they'll move ahead again," one senior economic official told Reuters. Kemper is more exposed to Britain than most German companies, with the country accounting for a tenth of its turnover, but its experience nonetheless reflects some of the challenges the Brexit vote poses to Germany's economy. In the first five months of 2016, German exports to Britain stagnated on the year, official data shows. The slowdown contrasts sharply with last year, when German shipments to Britain surged almost 13 percent to just under 90 billion euros, a record for German exports to Britain. In 2015, Germany sold more goods only to the United States and France. The VDMA engineering association said German exports from the sector to Britain fell by 4.2 percent in the first quarter, year-on-year. In a further sign that political uncertainty has harmed economic ties, German foreign direct investment to Britain fell 6 percent on the quarter in the first three months of 2016, Bundesbank data show. Markus Kerber, managing director of the BDI Federation of German Industries, told Reuters it expected a significant deterioration in economic relations with Britain in the coming months. "When it comes to new German foreign direct investment, it's looking bad," he said. MARKET ACCESS The immediate uncertainty is perhaps less problematic for big companies whose size and financial muscle allows them to plan further ahead. Siemens said late last month that it was not scaling back investment in a British wind power factory due to go into production in a few months. German car parts maker Bosch, which employs 5,300 people in UK factories, told Reuters last week that it was sticking to its plans and intended to invest 20-25 million euros in Britain this year, about in line with last year. Much of the negotiations between London and Brussels, when they come, are likely to boil down to a trade-off between Britain's controls on immigration and its access to the EU single market. Tougher immigration controls will likely mean less market access. Reduced market access for Britain could be damaging for trade flows between Britain and the EU. However, some German companies could profit from such a scenario. Stephan Gais, CEO of German firm Mahr, which makes high-end measuring tools used in the auto and chemicals sectors, said uncertainty caused by Brexit was hurting his business. But he also scented opportunity should trade between Britain and the EU become more complicated as a result of the divorce. "There are a few British competitors and if they have difficulties in Europe that would of course help us." ($1 = 0.9092 euros) (Reporting by Michael Nienaber and Paul Carrel; Editing by Pravin Char) By Michael Nienaber and Paul Carrel BERLIN (Reuters) - Some German companies are holding off making investments in Britain until they know more about the relationship the country will forge with the rest of Europe following the Brexit vote. While big companies like Siemens (SIEGn.DE) and Bosch have the deep pockets to take a longer-term view about one of Europe's most lucrative markets, and weather uncertainty about how the divorce will play out, smaller firms are more cautious. Britain is a major market for Germany, accounting for around 7 percent of its exports, and is likely to remain so regardless of Brexit. But Germany's VDMA association, which represents thousands of firms in the engineering industry, said many of its members were unwilling to make any financial commitments. "Companies want to continue to do good business in Britain and most are likely now waiting to see how the exit negotiations go, once they start," said its head Thilo Brodtmann. Family-owned industrial manufacturer Kemper, for example, has shelved plans to expand its British business. Before the Brexit vote the company, which makes air filter systems and fume extraction units for the car and construction industries, had planned to invest in its UK marketing and servicing operations this year. "We definitely won't do that now," CEO Bjoern Kemper told Reuters from his office in Vreden, close to the Dutch border in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. He said Kemper's British sales have fallen this year, partly because customers had put off spending decisions ahead of the June 23 referendum, and that he saw little prospect of a rebound in the short term following the decision to leave the EU. The company, which has overall annual turnover of about 40 million euros (33.3 million), said it expects to lose around 1 million euros in UK sales this year as a result of economic uncertainty before and after the Brexit vote. COMPLEX TALKS Little is clear about how Brexit will affect the British and German economies. Story continues The Bank of England said on Wednesday it saw "no clear evidence" that a sharp economic slowdown was yet under way in Britain after last month's vote, though there were signs investment and hiring were being put on hold. New Prime Minister Theresa May says her government is formulating its position for talks that will determine the country's relationship with the EU, and has appealed for time to work out how best to approach the complex Brexit negotiations. British officials have stressed they believe investment will flow again once foreign businesses can see how Britain's post-Brexit ties with the EU are starting to shape up. "People are not disinvesting, they are just on hold ... if by December or March they can see a decent landing point, they'll move ahead again," one senior economic official told Reuters. Kemper is more exposed to Britain than most German companies, with the country accounting for a tenth of its turnover, but its experience nonetheless reflects some of the challenges the Brexit vote poses to Germany's economy. In the first five months of 2016, German exports to Britain stagnated on the year, official data shows. The slowdown contrasts sharply with last year, when German shipments to Britain surged almost 13 percent to just under 90 billion euros, a record for German exports to Britain. In 2015, Germany sold more goods only to the United States and France. The VDMA engineering association said German exports from the sector to Britain fell by 4.2 percent in the first quarter, year-on-year. In a further sign that political uncertainty has harmed economic ties, German foreign direct investment to Britain fell 6 percent on the quarter in the first three months of 2016, Bundesbank data show. Markus Kerber, managing director of the BDI Federation of German Industries, told Reuters it expected a significant deterioration in economic relations with Britain in the coming months. "When it comes to new German foreign direct investment, it's looking bad," he said. MARKET ACCESS The immediate uncertainty is perhaps less problematic for big companies whose size and financial muscle allows them to plan further ahead. Siemens said late last month that it was not scaling back investment in a British wind power factory due to go into production in a few months. German car parts maker Bosch [ROBG.UL], which employs 5,300 people in UK factories, told Reuters last week that it was sticking to its plans and intended to invest 20-25 million euros in Britain this year, about in line with last year. Much of the negotiations between London and Brussels, when they come, are likely to boil down to a trade-off between Britain's controls on immigration and its access to the EU single market. Tougher immigration controls will likely mean less market access. Reduced market access for Britain could be damaging for trade flows between Britain and the EU. However, some German companies could profit from such a scenario. Stephan Gais, CEO of German firm Mahr, which makes high-end measuring tools used in the auto and chemicals sectors, said uncertainty caused by Brexit was hurting his business. But he also scented opportunity should trade between Britain and the EU become more complicated as a result of the divorce. "There are a few British competitors and if they have difficulties in Europe that would of course help us." (Reporting by Michael Nienaber and Paul Carrel; Editing by Pravin Char) * IMF wants cenbank lending to government eliminated * Fund to meet over 3rd Ghana review late August * Zero deficit financing seen as key to IMF programme By Kwasi Kpodo ACCRA, July 21 (Reuters) - Ghana's parliament has taken a step towards passing a law on central bank reform that could breach a key tenet of its $918 million aid deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), parliamentary and finance sources told Reuters. The parliamentary finance committee has recommended a change to the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Amendment Bill to allow central bank financing of the budget deficit up to 5 percent of the previous year's total revenue, the committee's chairman said. Current law allows the Bank to finance the deficit up to 10 percent but the IMF wants the funding eliminated as part of Ghana's austerity program to restore economic balance and boost sustainable growth. Until 2014, Ghana had one of Africa's fastest-growing economies based on its exports of gold, cocoa and oil. Growth has slumped sharply since and any threat to the IMF programme will hit the confidence of domestic and foreign investors. "The finance committee is of the view that the zero financing provision as contained in the Bill should be amended to a 5 percent limit and that is what we are recommending," chairman James Klutse Avedzi told Reuters. If the bill passes with the 5 percent amendment it would likely make it harder for the Fund's Board to approve disbursement of the next tranche of balance of payment support. The Fund said in a document issued in Dec. 2015 that Ghana should: "Submit to Parliament a revised Law that strengthens the functional autonomy of BoG (and) sets a zero limit on monetary financing to the government and public institutions. One economist close to the process said it is "absolutely central" to the whole IMF deal. TIMING CRUCIAL The finance committee's amendment comes in the context of an apparent delay on a decision by the IMF Board on whether to disburse the next tranche of aid to Ghana following the third staff review of the programme in May. Story continues The Board will now complete its review after that recess and only if the government undertakes certain steps, including passage of the law to back zero central bank financing, said the Fund's Ghana representative Natalia Koliadina. "The completion of prior actions is not unusual in Fund programs and, while their implementation takes time, they need to be met before the board meeting," she said in an email to Reuters, adding that the programme is "broadly on track." "Subject to this work being completed and prior actions met IMF staff will finalise the preparation of the required documentation for the Executive Board's consideration of the review," she said. The uncertainty is more acute because Ghana will hold an election in December when President John Mahama is expected to face a close race against opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo. Parliament rises on July 29, thus the bill must pass by then. Parliamentary sources said the central bank wants the amendment but MPs in the ruling party say it could tie the government's hands in the run-up to the election. A senior opposition MP told Reuters that the IMF's restriction on deficit financing is unfair because it impinges on national sovereignty. (Additional reporting by Matthew Mpoke Bigg) Gilead Sciences Inc. GILD is scheduled to report second-quarter 2016 results on Jul 25, after the market closes. Last quarter, the company had missed expectations with a negative earnings surprise of 1.65%. Gilead otherwise has an impressive track record, with earnings. The companys earnings surpassed expectations in three of the last four quarters, with an average positive surprise of 6.39%. Will this biotech major be able to beat estimates this time? Let's see how things are shaping up for this announcement. Factors Likely to Impact Q2 Results In the first quarter of 2016, Gileads hepatitis C virus (HCV) franchise, consisting of blockbuster drugs Sovaldi and Harvoni, registered both sequential (12.2%) and year-over-year (5.6%) decline. The year-over-year decline was mainly due to lower sales of Harvoni in the U.S. (down 53.3% year over year to $1.4 billion), reflecting lower patient starts and the full-quarter impact of higher commercial rebates, which were entered into during the first quarter of 2015. The sequential decline was primarily due to lower revenues in the U.S. and Japan. However, Sovaldi had recorded growth in the first quarter of 2016. Performance of the HCV franchise was also disappointing in Europe. Nevertheless, Gilead noted on the first-quarter call that there was an uptick in new patients in the first quarter of 2016 and the company expects new patient starts to remain consistent through 2016. The company expects its HCV business to remain strong and sustainable. Good news came in for the HCV franchise during second-quarter 2016. Gilead was successful in its efforts to expand its HCV franchise. Late last month, the company gained FDA approval for Epclusa, the first all-oral, pan-genotypic, single-tablet regimen for the treatment of adults with genotype 1-6 chronic HCV. It is also approved for use in certain other patient populations. Subsequently, Epclusa gained EU approval earlier this month. Story continues As far as the HIV business is concerned, Genvoya, the companys first tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)-based single-tablet regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection uptake, has been strong both in the U.S. and EU since the drugs launch in Nov 2015. Genvoya may soon be among the most prescribed products for patients new to treatment. While Descovy was launched both in the U.S. and EU during the quarter, Odefsey gained approval in the EU. Both Descovy and Odefsey are the two other TAF-based regimens in the companys HIV franchise. TAF-based regimens are expected to drive the HIV franchises sales. Given the launch of these TAF-based regimens, the company expects switches out of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-based single-tablet regimens into the TAF regimens to grow significantly. The company at the same time believes it can maintain its ability to retain switch patients (implying fewer patients to switch from Gilead's TDF-containing regimens to non-Gilead products). The company noted on the first-quarter call that 82% of Genvoya's prescriptions came from switches while 49% of the switches have come from Stribild (another HIV-1 drug belonging to Gilead). Other antivirals and products are expected to perform well. For 2016, Gilead continues to expect net product sales in the range of $30$31 billion. Meanwhile, Gilead is actively pursuing partnerships/acquisitions to strengthen its product portfolio as well as pipeline. During the quarter, the company acquired Nimbus Apollo, Inc. and its acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitor program in a deal worth up to $1.2 billion. On the second-quarter call, investors should keep an eye on the guidance based on the companys performance while deals/acquisitions are also something to look out for. Why a Likely Positive Surprise? For the second quarter of 2016, our proven model also shows that Gilead is likely to beat earnings estimates because it has the right combination of two key ingredients. Positive Zacks ESP: Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, is +6.91%. This is a meaningful and leading indicator of a likely positive earnings surprise for the shares. Zacks Rank #2 (Buy): Note that stocks with Zacks Ranks of #1 (Strong Buy), #2 and #3 (Hold) have a significantly higher chance of beating earnings. However, we caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 or 5 (Sell-rated stocks) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions. The combination of Gileads Zacks Rank #2 and +6.91% ESP makes us reasonably confident of an earnings beat this season. GILEAD SCIENCES Price and EPS Surprise GILEAD SCIENCES Price and EPS Surprise | GILEAD SCIENCES Quote Other Stocks That Warrant a Look Gilead is not the only company looking up this earnings season. Here are a couple of other health care stocks that you may want to consider as our model shows that they too have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter. Eli Lilly and Co. LLY has an Earnings ESP of +1.18% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is scheduled to release second-quarter results on Jul 26. Amgen Inc. AMGN has an Earnings ESP of +1.10% and a Zacks Rank #3. It is scheduled to report second-quarter results on Jul 27. Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. BMY has an Earnings ESP of +1.49% and a Zacks Rank #1. It is scheduled to report second-quarter results on Jul 28. 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 LILLY ELI & CO (LLY): Free Stock Analysis Report GILEAD SCIENCES (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report AMGEN INC (AMGN): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research DETROIT, July 21 (Reuters) - General Motors Co Chief Financial Officer Chuck Stevens said on Thursday that "everything is on the table" regarding where the company may cut costs in Europe to offset an expense of up to $400 million in the second half of 2016 due to Britain's vote to exit the European Union. Stevens also told reporters that the company's acquisition price for Cruise Automation, made as GM strives to develop self-driving vehicles, was $581 million, split evenly between cash and stock. Stevens said future expenses include bonuses based on performance goals for key Cruise employees. Earlier Thursday, GM reported record profits that handily beat analysts' expectations. (Reporting by Bernie Woodall; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe) (Adds potential cost of air bag recall, updates stock price) By Bernie Woodall and Joseph White DETROIT, July 21 (Reuters) - General Motors Co on Thursday raised its forecast for full-year profits after reporting a record second-quarter profit as it continued to capitalize on strong sales of pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles in the United States. The earnings handily beat Wall Street expectations, sending shares up as much as 4.4 percent. The world's third-largest automaker said it expects adjusted earnings before interest and taxes of $5.50 to $6.00 per share for 2016, up from a previous expectation of $5.25 to $5.75 per share. Second-quarter net income rose to $2.87 billion, or $1.81 a share, from $1.1 billion, or 67 cents a share, a year ago. Factoring out a $100 million charge for legal costs, GM earned $1.86 a share in the latest quarter, well ahead of the $1.52 consensus forecast among analysts. More than 90 percent of the company's pretax profits came from North America, where profit margins rose to 12.1 percent from 10.5 percent a year before, driven by demand for pickup trucks and large sport utility vehicles. GM also reported its first quarterly profit in Europe in five years, but warned that currency and market disruptions caused by Britain's decision to quit the European Union could force the automaker to slash up to $400 million in costs from second-half results in Europe. GM Chief Financial Officer Chuck Stevens said "everything is on the table" as the company looks for ways to offset Brexit-related costs. He said the company has not given up on its goal of breaking even in Europe for the year, and described Brexit as "a speed bump along the way." GM has four pickup truck and one large-SUV plant in North America, all running around the clock producing at more than 100 percent of planned capacity, a spokesman said. The rate is higher than the company's sedan plants, some of which have been down to prepare for new products. Story continues In a securities filing of its quarterly results, GM also said it may be forced by U.S. safety regulators to recall another 4.3 million vehicles for potentially defective Takata air bag inflators at a cost of $550 million. GM disclosed for the first time that it paid $580 million in cash and stock to acquire Cruise Automation, the self-driving car startup, earlier this year. Stevens said the ultimate cost of the deal could rise based on the performance of the operation and payments to employees. GM's strong performance in North America helped generate $3.2 billion in free cash flow for the second quarter. Stevens said GM expects $6 billion in free cash flow for the year. The automaker has said it will buy back up to $9 billion in shares through 2017. Stevens said the company could review the plan if cash flow exceeds expectations. GM's operations in the Middle East and Asia outside of China continued to be a drag on results. The company reported a $300 million loss in its consolidated international operations, wider than the year-ago $100 million loss. Stevens said GM is reviewing its investment plans for the region, including planned investments in India. GM stock rose as high as $32.87 before easing to $32.15 up 2.1 percent on Thursday. (Editing by Bernadette Baum and Jeffrey Benkoe) Govt team leaving for Kabul tomorrow A team of government officials is leaving for Afghanistan on Friday to make an assessment of the potential security risk facing Nepali migrants in the war-torn country. General Motors (NYSE:GM) has a message for investors: Truck discounts will be short-lived. Beginning last week, GM made headlines for putting steeper discounts on its highly profitable Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups. Citing J.D. Power data, Bloomberg reported that GM doubled incentive offers on certain models during the first 10 days of July. But GM Chief Financial Officer Chuck Stevens, speaking to analysts on a conference call Thursday, said the truck promotions were aimed at moving 2016 models off the lot. That is absolutely not a shift in our focus and discipline around incentives. That was nothing more than a tactic to kick off the model-year 16 sell-down as we get ready to launch both model-year 17 trucks and SUVs, as well as new products, he said. Stevens also acknowledged that with consumer demand possibly leveling off, incentive spending has risen slightly across the industry. Despite a decline in sales, GM showed no signs of slowing down in the second quarter. The automakers profit more than doubled to $2.87 billion, a post-bankruptcy record, as trucks and sport-utility vehicles overshadowed weaker sales of less-profitable vehicles. GM said Thursday its global vehicle sales nearly remained level in the latest period, showing just a slight loss of 0.1%. Declines were more profound in GMs largest market, North America, where sales were down 5.7%. In the U.S., sales have retreated 4.4% since the start of 2016. But those declines were largely driven by a planned reduction in deliveries to rental fleets. GM has argued that scaling back those sales will refocus the car maker on profitable growth and help improve residual values. Meanwhile, consumer demand for trucks and SUVs, two segments that generate strong profits for GM, have lifted the companys bottom line. GM also cited pricing gains in the second quarter fueled by the launch of new products, including the Chevrolet Malibu and Camaro. Story continues GM booked record North America pretax earnings of $3.6 billion, and executives expect a strong second half. GM raised its 2016 earnings guidance by 25 cents to a range of $5.50 to $6 a share. Second-quarter earnings came in at $1.81 a share, or $1.86 a share when excluding one-time charges. Revenue jumped 11% to $42.4 billion. GM beat expectations for the top and bottom lines. Analysts expected an adjusted profit of $1.52 a share and revenue of $38.9 billion. GM was the first automaker to report earnings following the U.K.s vote to leave the European Union in late June, and the company believes its operations in the region could be negatively affected. GM said the impact of a weaker British pound and uncertainty in the European market could cost the company up to $400 million. Executives also warned that turning a profit in Europe this year could prove difficult. In the second period, GM posted a quarterly profit in Europe for the first time in five years. Also on Thursdays earnings call, CEO Mary Barra provided additional details on GMs plans for self-driving cars. GM, which made a $1 billion investment in Lyft, made a separate move to acquire Cruise Automation, which develops autonomous vehicle technology. Barra said GM has already begun test-driving cars on public roads using Cruise Automation software. According to Stevens, the Cruise Automation purchase was completed at a cost of $581 million, half of it in cash and the other half in stock. Related Articles VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 21, 2016 / Wolf Wiese, CEO of Golden Dawn Minerals Inc. (GOM.V) (3G8A.F) (the "Company" or "Golden Dawn") announces signing (LOI) Letter of Intent, for a Metal Purchase Agreement (MPA) With RIVI Capital of San Francisco. The MPA is a part of the overall financing strategy consisting of Debt, Equity, and the Metal Purchase Agreement (MPA) described below. This will fund the capital expenditures to resume mining, processing and purchase of the Greenwood Project consisting of the 220/400 t/d Mill, the Lexington and Golden Crown Mines, AKA the Greenwood Project; Located 500 km, East of Vancouver B.C. near the City of Greenwood on Trans Canada Hwy # 3. The terms of the agreement are as follows: RIVI shall be entitled to twelve percent (12%) of the total combined gross production of gold ("Au") ounces limited to the Lexington and Golden Crown Mines, at a gold-equivalent ("GEO") price per ounce of four hundred dollars US $400 for the life of the Project. RIVI will purchase the Metal Stream for a total of US $4,000,000 in two tranches; US$3,000,000 upon signing the Final Agreement, and the second tranche of US $1,000,000 four months post reaching 85% production levels of the Greenwood project. The company will pay 10% interest per annum on the first US $3,000,000 advanced until 85% of 200 t/d production is achieved. The MPA includes the Lexington and Golden Crown Gold/ Copper Mines. The 100% company owned May Mac Silver/Gold Mine with its ancillary Mill and tailings pond located 15 Km from the Greenwood Projects Mill is excluded from this Metal Purchase Agreement (MPA). The Lexington and Golden Crown Mines do not have a permanent NSR (net smelter return) obligation, except for a fraction of the Golden Crown Mine Claims. Thus the impact of the MPA on the economics calculated in the recent PEA (JUNE 2016) is minimal. Stream Reduction. Upon delivery of a minimum of 15,000 ounces of gold from the two Mines (Lexington and Golden Crown), and providing the one year average price of gold is above US $1200 per ounce, the Company shall have the option to reduce the Metal Stream from 12% of gross production to 6%, and increase the per-ounce payment from US $400 to US $650. Story continues RIVI shall have the right to nominate and maintain one board member to the board of directors for the term of the MPA. Such director will not be compensated by the Company. The board member must meet the TSX Venture Exchange requirements and approval as well as the approval of the Company's Board of Directors. The RIVI director will be instated upon the signing of the Final Agreement. In the event that RIVI terminates this LOI and RIVI fails to proceed on terms substantially consistent with the signed LOI, then the Company shall be deemed to have earned a Break-up Fee in the amount of US $50,000 which shall be immediately due and payable. In the event that the company does not enter into a final agreement and substantially consistent with the signed LOI subsequently not accepted by the company; RIVI shall have earned a break fee of US $100,000. This transaction will close the earlier of 60 days, or in a maximum of 60 days from the execution of this LOI. GOLDEN DAWN MINERALS INC. "Wolf Wiese" Wolf Wiese Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Corporate Communications 604-221-8936 allinfo@goldendawnminerals.com THIS PRESS RELEASE WAS PREPARED BY MANAGEMENT WHO TAKES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS. 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. THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CERTAIN FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS WHICH INVOLVE KNOWN AND UNKNOWN RISKS, DELAYS, AND UNCERTAINTIES NOT UNDER THE COMPANY'S CONTROL WHICH MAY CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE COMPANY TO BE MATERIALLY DIFFERENT FROM THE RESULTS, PERFORMANCE, OR ACHIEVEMENTS IMPLIED BY THESE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. WE SEEK SAFE HARBOR. SOURCE: Golden Dawn Minerals Inc. (Adds details of bankers in 9-11) NEW YORK, July 21 (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs' work with Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB is under the spotlight over U.S. government allegations that billions of dollars were diverted for the personal use of officials and some people associated with them. The Wall Street bank helped 1MDB, which was founded by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in September 2009, raise $6.5 billion in three bond sales in 2012 and 2013 to invest in energy projects and real estate to boost the Malaysian economy. Instead, more than $2.5 billion raised from those bonds was misappropriated by high-level 1MDB officials, their relatives and associates, according to U.S. Department of Justice civil lawsuits filed in court on Wednesday. Prosecutors said the money was used to buy artwork, including paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet, luxury properties in New York and London and to pay off gambling debts in Las Vegas. Goldman Sachs, which earned close to $600 million to arrange and underwrite the 1MDB bonds, has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Still, the lawsuits allege investors were not properly informed about the use and nature of the bonds. The U.S. Justice Department said that the offering circulars for two of the bonds issued in 2012 contained "material misrepresentations and omissions" over what the proceeds of the bonds would be used for and the nature of the relationship between 1MDB and International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), an entity owned by the Abu Dhabi government. IPIC guaranteed one bond directly and another one indirectly. The U.S. government also alleged in its Wednesday lawsuit that no reference to IPIC's indirect guarantee was included on one of the offering circular. "We helped raise money for a sovereign wealth fund that was designed to invest in Malaysia. We had no visibility into whether some of those funds may have been subsequently diverted to other purposes," a spokesman for the bank said. Story continues The FBI and other U.S. regulators, including New York's Department of Financial Services, have been investigating Goldman Sachs' business relationship with 1MDB. The Wall Street bank had deep ties with 1MDB and Malaysia. In May 2012, it had helped 1MDB raise $1.75 billion in a bond deal it dubbed "Project Magnolia", and $1.75 billion in a separate bond issue it called "Project Maximus" in October 2012. Goldman's former Southeast Asia chairman Tim Leissner had helped arrange the sale of U.S. dollar bonds for 1MDB. Leissner resigned in February after he allegedly violated the firm's internal rules, a person familiar with the matter has said. Leissner could not be reached for comment and his lawyer in New York did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment outside local business hours. Leissner was the second Goldman banker linked to 1MDB deals to leave the bank. Roger Ng, then managing director and head of Southeast Asia sales for fixed income, currencies and commodities, also left two years ago. At the time, Goldman declined to provide a reason for his departure. After 1MDB received the proceeds of the 2012 bonds, approximately $1.3 billion was misappropriated and fraudulently diverted to bank accounts in Switzerland and Singapore, according to the lawsuits. In 2013, Goldman helped 1MDB raise $3 billion, in a third transaction referred to as "Project Catalyze". The Department of Justice lawsuit said that more than $1.26 billion in proceeds from that bond was diverted to overseas shell company accounts. U.S authorities said that the offer document used to sell the bond failed to disclose that individuals connected to 1MDB would receive hundreds of millions of dollars from the bond proceeds within days of its closing. "This fact would have been material to the bond transaction, as it would have alerted investors to the possibility of conflicts of interest and related-party transactions," one of the lawsuits said. (Reporting by Carmel Crimmins and Olivia Oran; Additional reporting by Sumeet Chatterjee; Editing by Grant McCool, Anshuman Daga and Martin Howell) NEW YORK (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs' (GS.N) work with Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB is under the spotlight over U.S. government allegations that billions of dollars were diverted for the personal use of officials and some people associated with them. The Wall Street bank helped 1MDB, which was founded by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in September 2009, raise $6.5 billion in three bond sales in 2012 and 2013 to invest in energy projects and real estate to boost the Malaysian economy. Instead, more than $2.5 billion raised from those bonds was misappropriated by high-level 1MDB officials, their relatives and associates, according to U.S. Department of Justice civil lawsuits filed in court on Wednesday. Prosecutors said the money was used to buy artwork, including paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet, luxury properties in New York and London and to pay off gambling debts in Las Vegas. Goldman Sachs, which earned close to $600 million to arrange and underwrite the 1MDB bonds, has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Still, the lawsuits allege investors were not properly informed about the use and nature of the bonds. The U.S. Justice Department said that the offering circulars for two of the bonds issued in 2012 contained "material misrepresentations and omissions" over what the proceeds of the bonds would be used for and the nature of the relationship between 1MDB and International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), an entity owned by the Abu Dhabi government. IPIC guaranteed one bond directly and another one indirectly. The U.S. government also alleged in its Wednesday lawsuit that no reference to IPIC's indirect guarantee was included on one of the offering circular. "We helped raise money for a sovereign wealth fund that was designed to invest in Malaysia. We had no visibility into whether some of those funds may have been subsequently diverted to other purposes," a spokesman for the bank said. The FBI and other U.S. regulators, including New York's Department of Financial Services, have been investigating Goldman Sachs' business relationship with 1MDB. Story continues The Wall Street bank had deep ties with 1MDB and Malaysia. In May 2012, it had helped 1MDB raise $1.75 billion in a bond deal it dubbed "Project Magnolia", and $1.75 billion in a separate bond issue it called "Project Maximus" in October 2012. Goldman's former Southeast Asia chairman Tim Leissner had helped arrange the sale of U.S. dollar bonds for 1MDB. Leissner resigned in February after he allegedly violated the firm's internal rules, a person familiar with the matter has said. Leissner could not be reached for comment and his lawyer in New York did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment outside local business hours. Leissner was the second Goldman banker linked to 1MDB deals to leave the bank. Roger Ng, then managing director and head of Southeast Asia sales for fixed income, currencies and commodities, also left two years ago. At the time, Goldman declined to provide a reason for his departure. After 1MDB received the proceeds of the 2012 bonds, approximately $1.3 billion was misappropriated and fraudulently diverted to bank accounts in Switzerland and Singapore, according to the lawsuits. In 2013, Goldman helped 1MDB raise $3 billion, in a third transaction referred to as "Project Catalyze". The Department of Justice lawsuit said that more than $1.26 billion in proceeds from that bond was diverted to overseas shell company accounts. U.S authorities said that the offer document used to sell the bond failed to disclose that individuals connected to 1MDB would receive hundreds of millions of dollars from the bond proceeds within days of its closing. "This fact would have been material to the bond transaction, as it would have alerted investors to the possibility of conflicts of interest and related-party transactions," one of the lawsuits said. (Reporting by Carmel Crimmins and Olivia Oran; Additional reporting by Sumeet Chatterjee; Editing by Grant McCool, Anshuman Daga and Martin Howell) NEW YORK (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs' (GS.N) work with Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB is under the spotlight over U.S. government allegations that billions of dollars were diverted for the personal use of officials and some people associated with them. The Wall Street bank helped 1MDB, which was founded by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in September 2009, raise $6.5 billion (4.9 billion) in three bond sales in 2012 and 2013 to invest in energy projects and real estate to boost the Malaysian economy. Instead, more than $2.5 billion raised from those bonds was misappropriated by high-level 1MDB officials, their relatives and associates, according to U.S. Department of Justice civil lawsuits filed in court on Wednesday. Prosecutors said the money was used to buy artwork, including paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet, luxury properties in New York and London and to pay off gambling debts in Las Vegas. Goldman Sachs, which earned close to $600 million to arrange and underwrite the 1MDB bonds, has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Still, the lawsuits allege investors were not properly informed about the use and nature of the bonds. The U.S. Justice Department said that the offering circulars for two of the bonds issued in 2012 contained "material misrepresentations and omissions" over what the proceeds of the bonds would be used for and the nature of the relationship between 1MDB and International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), an entity owned by the Abu Dhabi government. IPIC guaranteed one bond directly and another one indirectly. The U.S. government also alleged in its Wednesday lawsuit that no reference to IPIC's indirect guarantee was included on one of the offering circular. "We helped raise money for a sovereign wealth fund that was designed to invest in Malaysia. We had no visibility into whether some of those funds may have been subsequently diverted to other purposes," a spokesman for the bank said. Story continues The FBI and other U.S. regulators, including New York's Department of Financial Services, have been investigating Goldman Sachs' business relationship with 1MDB. The Wall Street bank had deep ties with 1MDB and Malaysia. In May 2012, it had helped 1MDB raise $1.75 billion in a bond deal it dubbed "Project Magnolia", and $1.75 billion in a separate bond issue it called "Project Maximus" in October 2012. Goldman's former Southeast Asia chairman Tim Leissner had helped arrange the sale of U.S. dollar bonds for 1MDB. Leissner resigned in February after he allegedly violated the firm's internal rules, a person familiar with the matter has said. Leissner could not be reached for comment and his lawyer in New York did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment outside local business hours. Leissner was the second Goldman banker linked to 1MDB deals to leave the bank. Roger Ng, then managing director and head of Southeast Asia sales for fixed income, currencies and commodities, also left two years ago. At the time, Goldman declined to provide a reason for his departure. After 1MDB received the proceeds of the 2012 bonds, approximately $1.3 billion was misappropriated and fraudulently diverted to bank accounts in Switzerland and Singapore, according to the lawsuits. In 2013, Goldman helped 1MDB raise $3 billion, in a third transaction referred to as "Project Catalyze". The Department of Justice lawsuit said that more than $1.26 billion in proceeds from that bond was diverted to overseas shell company accounts. U.S authorities said that the offer document used to sell the bond failed to disclose that individuals connected to 1MDB would receive hundreds of millions of dollars from the bond proceeds within days of its closing. "This fact would have been material to the bond transaction, as it would have alerted investors to the possibility of conflicts of interest and related-party transactions," one of the lawsuits said. (Reporting by Carmel Crimmins and Olivia Oran; Additional reporting by Sumeet Chatterjee; Editing by Grant McCool, Anshuman Daga and Martin Howell) The third night of the Republican National Convention delivers highly anticipated speeches from Donald Trump's running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, and from his former GOP rival, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. While Pence is expected to stress unity within the party amid the night's theme to "Make America First Again," Cruz made headlines before he even took the stage. It was unclear whether or not Cruz would formally endorse Trump, now the official GOP nominee, during his speech. When he took the stage, he appeared to be sticking to the speech that was delivered ahead of time to media. Saying very little about Trump, Cruz focused on criticizing Hillary Clinton and the Obama administration. He has stopped short of endorsing Trump, telling the crowd to "Vote your conscious." Adding, "To those listening, don't stay home in November." The moment incited chants from his supporters in the crowd, while CNN flashed to another area of the convention where others were silent and unmoving. Day three of the convention will also welcome Trump's son Eric Trump, who told ABC's Good Morning America on Wednesday morning that he didn't use any speechwriters for his address: "I wrote every single word of my speech myself." Ivanka Trump, who will be introducing her father Thursday night, spoke to CNN about Trump, her dad, compared to Trump the politician. "He is authentic. Nobody tells him who to be," she said in an interview that aired before the speeches kicked off Wednesday night. "I know the man, so when I hear things that are factually inaccurate, it's sometimes hurtful. I could never support someone who was sexist or racist. I know who he is as a human being and I know those things are not true." Heading into the night, Trump's campaign was still hoping to overshadow the controversy surrounding Melania Trump's plagiarized speech from her Monday night address. Story continues Read More: Donald Trump Adviser on Hillary Clinton's Benghazi Scandal: She Should Be "Shot for Treason" Early this morning - after 36 hours of campaign denials - the Trump campaign released a statement from the speechwriter who accepted responsibility for using portions of a speech given by Michelle Obama in 2008. Up until that point, the campaign had praised her speech, with only Donald Trump Jr. blaming the speechwriters. Meredith Mclver, an in-house staff writer at the Trump Organization, said in the statement: "I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused." "Good news is Melania's speech got more publicity than any in the history of politics especially if you believe that all press is good press!" Trump said on Twitter. On Wednesday, Trump arrived to the Cleveland hall via helicopter. Melania Trump was not with him, but will be attending Thursday when her husband will formally accept the nomination with a speech. So far, Trump has bucked convention by making appearances on both nights - candidates typically do not appear until the final night. After his showy, WWE-style entrance Monday and video message Tuesday, many questioned if the nominee would make another expected appearance on Wednesday. Former House Speaker Newt and wife Callista Gingrich, radio host Laura Ingraham and two other former GOP rivals, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (via video) and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, will also take the stage as speakers. Repeating "America deserves better" during his speech, Walker took a page out of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's playbook by inciting the crowd to repeat his mantra about Clinton. "[She] is the ultimate liberal Washington insider," he said. "If she were anymore on the inside, she'd be in prison." Rubio spoke via video, focusing most of his time on attacking Clinton. He did serve up an endorsement, saying he supports Trump. "The time for fighting each other is over," he says. Marco Rubio supports Donald Trump for president at the #RNCinCLE https://t.co/KjpeNheq0X https://t.co/eDbbiJOStM - CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) July 21, 2016 The night's speakers are expected to continue to take aim at Clinton - the presumptive Democratic nominee was the subject of a mock court session put on by Christie the night prior. He had the crowd chanting "Guilty!" and "Lock her up!" when reciting examples of Clinton's acts. Dr. Ben Carson also delivered an eyebrow-raising speech that linked Clinton to Lucifer. However, Tuesday also saw humanizing speeches from his children Tiffany Trump and Donald Trump Jr. See those and other highlights from Day 2 here. In addition to being plagued by the plagiarism controversy, the RNC has been hit with criticism that the focus on Clinton is upstaging the point of the convention - to unite the part and celebrate its nominee - and the overwhelmingly white gathering of delegates at the convention. Several arrests were also made Wednesday afternoon right outside the convention. It appeared at least 10 arrests were made after two police officers were assaulted during an anti-Trump protest. 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();>>>>>>> The third night of the Republican National Convention delivered highly anticipated speeches from Donald Trump's running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, and from his former GOP rival, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. While Pence stressed unity within the party amid the night's theme to "Make America First Again," Cruz delivered on the headline-making news that circulated before the night even began when he refused to endorse the official GOP nominee during his primetime address. When Cruz took the stage, he stuck to the speech that was delivered ahead of time to media, saying very little about Trump in his speech. Instead, he Cruz focused on criticizing Hillary Clinton and the Obama administration. He urged voters to head to the polls and "Vote your conscience." Adding, "To those listening, don't stay home in November." The moment incited chants from the crowd, who began to shout "We want Trump" as they realized that the official endorsement was not going to come. Focusing his speech on freedom, he did endorse some Trump policies, saying: "We deserve an immigration system that puts America first, and yes, builds a wall." By the end, the crowd began to boo and Trump emerged from the back of the Quicken Loans Arena to steal his former rival's thunder. Shifting attention away from Cruz, a smiling Trump appeared to greet and shake hands. The Trump family and New York delegates were visibly disappointed, while Cruz continued to smile on stage. After Cruz concluded his speech, the scene turned chaotic as supporters yelled "Say his name!" and booed while Cruz exited. His wife Heidi Cruz also had to be escorted out. Read More: Ted Cruz Booed After He Refuses to Endorse Donald Trump Trump's son Eric Trump was next to take the stage. When he did, he at first repeated: "Wow." Eric Trump, who told ABC's Good Morning America earlier that he "wrote every single word of my speech myself," then proceeded to deliver a passionate address about his father. Story continues "Vote for the candidate who can't be bought, sold, purchased, bribed, coerced, intimidated, or steered from the path that is right, and just, and true," he said. "And quite frankly friends, vote for the one candidate that does not need this job." He continued: "Oprah Winfrey once famously asked my father if he ever envisioned funning for the presidency of the United States. His answer, only if it got so bad that I had no choice. Well ladies and gentleman that day has come." Donald Trump sat in the family box as Eric spoke and appeared to leave the convention hall after he was done. But he appeared again after Pence concluded his speech. Pence, the GOP vice presidential nominee, said the upcoming November race has the power to define the next 40 years. Ivanka Trump, who will be introducing her father Thursday night, spoke to CNN about Trump, her dad, compared to Trump the politician. "He is authentic. Nobody tells him who to be," she said in an interview that aired before the speeches kicked off Wednesday night. "I know the man, so when I hear things that are factually inaccurate, it's sometimes hurtful. I could never support someone who was sexist or racist. I know who he is as a human being and I know those things are not true." Heading into the night, Trump's campaign was still hoping to overshadow the controversy surrounding Melania Trump's plagiarized speech from her Monday night address. Read More: Donald Trump Adviser on Hillary Clinton's Benghazi Scandal: She Should Be "Shot for Treason" Early this morning - after 36 hours of campaign denials - the Trump campaign released a statement from the speechwriter who accepted responsibility for using portions of a speech given by Michelle Obama in 2008. Up until that point, the campaign had praised her speech, with only Donald Trump Jr. blaming the speechwriters. Meredith Mclver, an in-house staff writer at the Trump Organization, said in the statement: "I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused." "Good news is Melania's speech got more publicity than any in the history of politics especially if you believe that all press is good press!" Trump said on Twitter. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, radio host Laura Ingraham and two other former GOP rivals, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (via video) and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, also were some of the night's speakers. Repeating "America deserves better" during his speech, Walker took a page out of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's playbook by inciting the crowd to repeat his mantra about Clinton. "[She] is the ultimate liberal Washington insider," he said. "If she were anymore on the inside, she'd be in prison." Rubio spoke via video, focusing most of his time on attacking Clinton. He did serve up an endorsement, saying he supports Trump. "The time for fighting each other is over," he says. Marco Rubio supports Donald Trump for president at the #RNCinCLE https://t.co/KjpeNheq0X https://t.co/eDbbiJOStM - CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) July 21, 2016 Gingrich went off-script in an attempt to smooth over Cruz's refusal to outright endorse Trump. "With no requirement for endorsement, [Trump] encouraged his competitors to speak once again," he said. "Gov. Rick Perry, Gov. Chris Christie, Gov. Scott Walker, Dr. Ben Carson, Sen. Marco Rubio and Sen. Ted Cruz have all responded to Donald comes generosity." He continued: "So, to paraphrase Ted Cruz, if you want to protect the Constitution of the United States, the only possible candidate this fall is the Trump-Pence Republican ticket." The statement was reportedly not included in his prepared remarks sent to press. He also said in his speech that the price Americans would pay for electing Clinton would be what he calls the "loss of America as we know it." "We should be terrified at the prospect of a Hillary Clinton presidency," he said. The night's speakers were expected to continue to take aim at Clinton - the presumptive Democratic nominee was the subject of a mock court session put on by Christie the night prior. He had the crowd chanting "Guilty!" and "Lock her up!" when reciting examples of Clinton's acts. Dr. Ben Carson also delivered an eyebrow-raising speech that linked Clinton to Lucifer. Tuesday also saw humanizing speeches from his children Tiffany Trump and Donald Trump Jr. See those and other highlights from Day 2 here. In addition to being plagued by the plagiarism controversy, the RNC has been hit with criticism that the focus on Clinton is upstaging the point of the convention - to unite the part and celebrate its nominee - and the overwhelmingly white gathering of delegates at the convention. Several arrests were also made Wednesday afternoon right outside the convention. It appeared at least 10 arrests were made after two police officers were assaulted during an anti-Trump protest. On Wednesday, Trump arrived to the Cleveland hall via helicopter. Melania Trump was not with him, but will be attending Thursday when her husband will formally accept the nomination with a speech. Trump's appearance during Cruz's speech marks the third night in a row that he has bucked convention - candidates typically do not appear until the final night. 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();>>>>>>> Gretchen Carlson's legal team is declaring victory now that Roger Ailes has resigned as chairman and CEO of Fox News, following her lawsuit alleging that he repeatedly sexually harassed her. Carlson's lawyers issued a statement Thursday afternoon in response to Ailes' exit: "Within just two weeks of her filing a lawsuit against Roger Ailes, Gretchen Carlson's extraordinary courage has caused a seismic shift in the media world. We hope that all businesses now understand that women will no longer tolerate sexual harassment and reputable companies will no longer shield those who abuse women. We thank all the brave women who spoke out about this issue. We will have more to say in coming days as events unfold." Ailes and the network he founded appear to have parted amicably, with the longtime news guru staying on as an adviser to Rupert Murdoch, who will be stepping into Ailes' former role. Employment litigators say it's common for executives to depart prior to the conclusion of an investigation, and an exit is not necessarily an admission of guilt. If a leaked draft term sheet that made the rounds earlier this week is accurate, which the latest reported $40 million buyout reports suggest, the network decided to indemnify Ailes from any claims against the network and him. That means the company would foot his legal bills and pay any damages - even if Carlson never names Fox News in her suit. So far the network itself has not been sued, despite reports that more than a dozen women have contacted Carlson's legal team with similar stories. Attorney Nancy Erika Smith told The Hollywood Reporter that her client had no reason to believe "Fox News authorized Mr. Ailes to behave this way or condoned it in anyway" and, unless she learned otherwise, the network isn't a target. Prominent anchor Megyn Kelly reportedly told investigators that she was harassed by Ailes in her early days as a correspondent, but that doesn't mean she reported it back then or that the network was aware of it. Story continues Other implications for Carlson's lawsuit remain to be seen, and the biggest unknown factor is the internal investigators' report. If it shows conclusively that Ailes harassed Carlson, that would bolster her damages claim or, more likely, a settlement. If it doesn't contain conclusive proof, Carlson's attorneys would face a steep uphill battle. Carlson has said she filed the suit to stand up for herself and for other women who may have experienced similar harassment, so Ailes losing his position of power at the network may be enough for her to walk away. In his resignation letter, obtained by the Drudge Report, Ailes tells Murdoch he doesn't want his presence to be a distraction from the work being done at a business he spent two decades building. Ailes doesn't address Carlson's accusations directly, instead opting to focus on unnamed women with whom he had positive relationships. "I take particular pride in the role that I have played advancing the careers of the many women I have promoted to executive and on-air positions," he writes. "Many of these talented journalists have deservedly become household names known for their intelligence and strength, whether reporting the news, fair and balanced, and offering exciting opinions on our opinion programs." Read More: Roger Ailes Resigns as Fox News Chief After Sexual Harassment Accusations Read the full letter from Ailes to Murdoch below. Dear Rupert, With your support, I am proud that we have built Fox News and Fox Business Channels into powerful and lucrative news organizations that inform our audience and reward our shareholders. I take particular pride in the role that I have played advancing the careers of the many women I have promoted to executive and on-air positions. Many of these talented journalists have deservedly become household names known for their intelligence and strength, whether reporting the news, fair and balanced, and offering exciting opinions on our opinion programs. Fox News has become Number 1 in all of cable because I consistently identified and promoted the most talented men and women in television, and they performed at the highest levels. Having spent 20 years building this historic business, I will not allow my presence to become a distraction from the work that must be done every day to ensure that Fox News and Fox Business continue to lead our industry. I am confident that everyone at Fox News and Fox Business will continue as the standard setters that they are, and that the businesses are well positioned for even greater success in the future. I am proud of our accomplishments and look forward to continuing to work with you as an adviser in building 21st Century Fox. All the best, Roger. Read More: Roger Ailes Exit Prompts Mixed Reactions From Industry Heavy rains lash country due to active monsoon line Rain occurred across the country today due to the presence of the monsoon line towards Nepal. By Lacey Johnson FORT MEADE, Md. (Reuters) - A Yemeni man facing charges relating to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States had his bid to fire his court-appointed lawyers denied again by a judge on Wednesday at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Suspected al Qaeda training camp leader Walid bin Attash, who could face the death penalty if convicted, has been fighting to replace his lead attorneys in the case since October. The judge, U.S. Army Colonel James Pohl, denied the request for a third time, saying bin Attash failed to show good cause for the move. "Any attorney that approaches me ... I might lose control over myself," bin Attash said through an interpreter at the military tribunal. He said he had not met with his legal team in five months. "They begin feeling so powerful that they can do whatever they want," said bin Attash, who has been held at the Guantanamo prison for almost 10 years. His lead defence attorneys, Cheryl Bormann and Michael Schwartz, kept their distance by opting to sit at the back of the courtroom. Bormann, a Chicago lawyer who has represented bin Attash since 2011, said in February that years of isolated detention and torture had turned him into "a damaged human being" who no longer trusted her. She blamed the breakdown in attorney-client trust largely on the U.S. government, which she accused of secretly recording their meetings and seizing legal documents from bin Attash's cell. She also cited an 18-month delay caused by an FBI investigation of defence attorneys. Pohl said that bin Attash may choose to represent himself. Bin Attash is expected to make a decision on Thursday on representing himself. Bin Attash and his four co-defendants are charged with hijacking, terrorism, war crimes and conspiring with militants who slammed hijacked airliners into New York's World Trade Center, the Pentagon outside Washington and a Pennsylvania field. Almost 3,000 people were killed in the 2001 attacks. Nearly 60 motions are scheduled for the two-week hearing. They include questions about prisoner communications and what evidence the prosecution will provide about the years the men spent at secret Central Intelligence Agency prisons. The hearing was monitored over closed-circuit television at a press room at Fort Meade, outside Washington. (Editing by Ian Simpson and Will Dunham) Cleveland (AFP) - They demand her imprisonment, paint her as above the law, and warn her election would trigger the Apocalypse -- the Republican National Convention's collective hatred of Hillary Clinton has proven an intoxicating unifier. Republicans may be split over whether to support Donald Trump, the brash billionaire whom the Republican Party elevated to its presidential nominee on Tuesday, and who has consistently blasted Clinton as "Crooked Hillary." But their embrace of the invective against the presumptive Democratic nominee is absolute. They come to the convention's podium with Clinton's name on their lips: Hillary the liar, Hillary and Benghazi, Hillary and her emails, Hillary and past escapades of her husband, former president Bill Clinton. Trump's one-time presidential rival Ben Carson even linked her to Lucifer himself. "She should be in jail," Rudy Giuliani, who was mayor of New York during the 9/11 attacks of 2001, told MSNBC. On Monday, Giuliani fired up the convention crowd, stoking terrorism fears and blasting Clinton for her "dereliction of duty" related to the 2012 attack on the US mission in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans. "Hillary Clinton's experience is exactly the reason she should not be our president," he said, adding he could never trust her to keep America safe. On Tuesday, the Clinton-bashing duty fell to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a former federal prosecutor, who conjured a mock trial seeking to convict the former secretary of state who served in President Barack Obama's administration from 2009 to 2013. He charged her with ineptitude on an array of diplomatic fronts, from Syria, Libya and Nigeria to Iran, Cuba, China and Russia. "Is she guilty, or not guilty?" he asked half a dozen times to the assembled delegates. The response: "Guilty!" - 'Lock her up' - Adding to the raised-pitchforks tone, Republicans unleashed full-throated chants of "Lock her up! Lock her up!" Story continues Of the 25 speeches Tuesday, fully 19 were anti-Hillary. Just six focused primarily on singing Trump's praises, including addresses delivered by his son Donald Jr and daughter Tiffany. The 70-year-old billionaire businessman has never been elected to public office, but surrogates praised him as a "change agent" and a great leader who will, as his slogan declares, "make America great again." Clinton is viewed unfavorably by some 56 percent of Americans, according to a RealClearPolitics poll average, only slightly better than Trump's 59.2 percent. Republicans are furious she has not been indicted for sending and receiving classified information on a private email account and server that she used while secretary of state, an action rebuked by the FBI director James Comey as "extremely careless." "If I did a tenth of what she did, I would be in jail. Crooked Hillary Clinton, leave this race now!" thundered retired US Army lieutenant general Michael Flynn on Monday before a cheering crowd. While they blame her for Benghazi and accuse her of covering her incompetence on that tragic night, one retired Marine and informal advisor for Trump ramped up the rhetoric to an unacceptable level, calling for Clinton's execution. "Hillary Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot for treason," Al Baldasaro, a New Hampshire state representative, told conservative talk radio host Jeffrey Kuhner on Tuesday. The US Secret Service said it launched an investigation into Baldasaro's remarks. The Trump campaign distanced itself from Baldasaro's remarks. "We do not agree" with the comments, Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks said in a short statement. Sharon Day, co-chair of the Republican National Committee, assailed Clinton's economic policies. But she also made it personal, accusing Clinton of having "viciously attacked the character of women who were victims of sexual abuse... at the hands of your husband." Day is eager to see a female US commander in chief, "but not that woman Hillary Clinton. Not now, not ever." Her campaign shoved back, lambasting Republicans for making the "Lock her up" chant "the mantra of the RNC." "If you closed your eyes, you could imagine it being a lot like a witch trial -- they were barely one step removed from screaming 'burn her at the stake,'" Clinton's campaign said in a fundraising email. Is all the Clinton-bashing too much? "I do believe it's effective," especially since there is such a long Clinton record to comb through, Gary Emineth, a delegate and entrepreneur from North Dakota, told AFP. "I think it will be a vote against Hillary Clinton and that might be enough for Trump to win," Emineth said. Next week, Democrats gathering for their own national convention will all but certainly assail Trump with equal relish. Passengers at Heathrow Airport were left fuming after they were only allowed to take hand luggage on flights and had to leave their suitcases behind. The situation at the airports Terminal 3, which affected all airlines, was due to a fault which meant luggage couldnt be checked in as usual. Luggage nightmare - passengers were told their cases would follow later (Pictures: PA) It meant that passengers found themselves unable to take their suitcases with them, with some cases due to be flown out to them later in the week. Passengers with Virgin Atlantic were told to only travel with carry-on bag containing essential items like medication. Furious travellers branded the situation ludicrous. Gareth Llewellyn tweeted: So were restricted to one 23 x 36 x 56 cm bag tomorrow? That is somewhat ludicrous. What is actually wrong at Heathrow? And Wesley Fitzgerald added: Two hour delay, check. Luggage still in Heathrow, check. Rooms downgraded, check. Welcome to New York. Best go have a beer then. Pornstar Eva Lovia was caught up in the chaos, tweeting: Well apparently @londonheathrow wont have my bags to me for 2 days after I land and arent compensating at all. Splendid. Heathrow Airport apologised for the problems, with a spokesman said the issue had been resolved and passengers would be able to check in their bags as normal. Were sorry theres been disruption and are grateful to passengers for their patience, said the spokesman. The problems came after a computer glitch caused chaos at Heathrows Terminal 5 earlier this week. TV presenter Phillip Schofield was among thousands of people caught up in delays caused by problems with a new computerised check-in system. Jerusalem (AFP) - Thousands of revellers attended Jerusalem's Gay Pride parade under heavy police protection on Thursday, a year after an ultra-Orthodox Jew killed a teenager at the march. Marchers carried rainbow flags emblazoned with the Star of David and a group banged drums as they walked. Many laid flowers under a picture of Shira Banki, 16, who was killed at the march in July last year. Israeli media said a record 25,000 people took part in the parade, up from an estimated 5,000 last year. They were escorted by over 2,000 police officers who blocked off roads and set up checkpoints around the areas the march passed through. Banki was attacked at random by Yishai Shlissel, an ultra-orthodox Jew who also stabbed five other people and is now serving a life sentence. Israeli police said they had suspected Shlissel had been in contact with his brother from prison to organise an assault on this year's parade. His brother, Michael, was arrested and was being held in police custody as the march got underway. Police said in a statement they uncovered information that "Yishai Shlissel had planned, with his brother Michael Schlissel, to attack march participants". Police said 30 other people who planned to attack the march were also arrested, several of them in possession of knives. There was no indication they were linked to Shlissel. Shlissel had spent 10 years in jail after a similar attack on the 2005 Jerusalem Gay Pride march and had been released just three weeks before last year's event, leading to criticism of police. All marchers were inspected before joining, with many pre-registering, while carrying a weapon of any kind was prohibited, police said. Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, attended, saying he "came here for this march of tolerance to show our solidarity." Isaac Herzog, head of the opposition Labour party also attended. Last year, around 5,000 people marched, and organisers were prepared for a higher turnout this year. Story continues Tom Canning, one of the organisers who himself narrowly avoided being stabbed last year, said he was satisfied with the security steps taken by police. "I think the police got a big blow from what happened last year," he told AFP. "This year the entire security plan has been in planning for the last three months and is being managed by the highest ranks of the police." -'Cowardice'- Israel has long had by far the most liberal approach to homosexuality in the Middle East, compared to its Arab neighbours, with a large and influential gay community. The annual Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem, a city sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians, is however far smaller than the one held in nearby Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv's parade typically attracts tens of thousands of people to what is considered one of the world's most gay-friendly cities, while Jerusalem is far less welcoming. The march came at a difficult time for Israel's LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community, with an alleged homophobe recently nominated as the army's chief rabbi. The military named Colonel Eyal Karim as its chief rabbi despite him having allegedly referred to gay people as "sick and disabled". A gay pride march in the southern city of Beersheba was also cancelled by organisers last week after the high court agreed with police that it could not go through the city's main thoroughfare due to security threats. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat drew the ire of many in the gay community for announcing he would not attend Thursday's march in part because it "offends the (ultra-Orthodox Jewish) public and the national-religious public". Imri Kalmann, co-chair of Aguda, the Israeli National LGBT Task Force, was scathing in his criticism. "I think it is cowardice. He is not doing it because this is his opinion. He is doing it because he wants to please voters," he said. By Lawrence Delevingne NEW YORK (Reuters) - Accounting firm KPMG has resigned as the auditor for Visium Asset Management, according to a letter sent to investors of the embattled hedge fund firm this week. The hedge fund has been liquidating funds and laying off staff following charges some staff were charged with securities fraud. Jacob Gottlieb, Visiums managing partner, noted that it hired accountants PKF OConnor Davies LLP to perform 2015 audits for its hedge funds, which are being liquidated. The transition to a new auditor is not expected to delay or otherwise affect the current schedule for paying redemptions, Gottlieb wrote in the letter, which was sent out on Wednesday. Spokesmen for Visium and KPMG declined to comment and PKF OConnor Davies did not respond to a request for comment. On Monday, former Visium portfolio manager Stefan Lumiere pleaded not guilty to charges that he engaged in a scheme to defraud investors by inflating the value of a bond fund and overstating its liquidity. The charges stemmed from a probe that has already resulted in two people pleading guilty and insider trading charges against Sanjay Valvani, another portfolio manager at Visium who committed suicide in June following his indictment. Separately, Chicago-based hedge fund firm Citadel hired 17 Visium portfolio managers, mostly from the flagship Visium Global Fund, according to two people familiar with the situation. According to one of the people, they will begin work in August for a new Citadel stock-focused unit run by Richard Schimel, Aptigon, that is set to begin trading securities later this year. Most will be based in New York City, according to the person, who requested anonymity because the information is private. The letter from Visium's Gottlieb also noted that the Global Fund would be unwound. It's unclear what the liquidation, combined with the Citadel hires, would mean for a deal with AllianceBernstein (AB). AB said in June that it had signed a letter of intent with Visium under which it would assume management of the Global fund, its investment team and certain support staff. Story continues A spokesman for AB declined to comment. The news of the Citadel hires was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. (This story fixes typo in headline) (Reporting by Lawrence Delevingne; Editing by Carmel Crimmins) By Scott Malone and Daniel Trotta CLEVELAND (Reuters) - Kirtland Park, on the shores of Lake Erie near downtown Cleveland, was designated as a place where hundreds of protesters could camp during the Republican National Convention. It is less than a quarter full. One measure of the shortfall: With about 10 transportable toilets on hand Tuesday night and about 15 tents, the city was providing one plastic commode for every two campers. U.S. political conventions typically are protest magnets, and the Republican National Convention that nominated Donald Trump as its presidential candidate after a bitter primary campaign had been seen as a major draw. But three days in, the crowds were far smaller than expected. Activists said deadly attacks on police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Dallas had scared off some would-be protesters. Others saw the presence of "open carry" gun-rights advocates as a threat to their safety. Cleveland's heavy police presence discouraged others, protest leaders said. "I'm extremely disappointed with turnout," said Lee Garnett, a 39-year-old tech worker who came from San Francisco to protest Trump's nomination. As he stood in Kirtland Park on Tuesday night, about two dozen activists listened to a man strum a guitar and sing. Garnett said friends had backed out. "It was fear of violence. Fear of violence from the police and fear of violence from the Trump supporters," he said, citing Trump's prediction in March of riots if he were denied the nomination. City records show three of five officially permitted protests planned for the first three days of the convention did not occur. Either organizers canceled events or supporters failed to take part, city officials said. The American Civil Liberties Union had won a court battle to reduce the size of the security area around the convention hall, arguing that people needed more space to exercise their free speech rights. But the designated 1.7-square-mile (440-hectare) "event zone" easily accommodated the few hundred protesters on hand at any given time. At rallies, police officers appeared swiftly and often outnumbered the protesters. On Wednesday, police arrested 18 people - the biggest number of the convention so far - after they scuffled with police while trying to set fire to an American flag near the convention entrance. 'CHILLING EFFECT' Cleveland has put 500 police officers on the streets, backed by about 3,000 reinforcements from as far away as California and Texas. Hundreds of cops on bicycles, with others on foot and horseback, have directed and controlled crowds. "It has a chilling effect on the exercise of free speech, which is so critical in a democratic society," said Terry Gilbert, a veteran Cleveland civil rights lawyer. "That's dangerous. I think that could change the whole dynamic of protest." Cleveland police say the events have gone smoothly so far, with little violence and only 23 convention-related arrests through Wednesday. Cleveland activist Art McCoy, founder of civil rights group Black Man's Army, which often protests against police use of force, said his group is not marching. "We've decided to be still and observe," McCoy said, adding that he doubted convention protests would change relations between minorities and local police. "The convention is just a distraction." Local activist Rachelle Smith said the Dallas shooting, in which five people were killed, influenced her choice to act as a legal observer and adviser rather than leading protests. "I expected numbers to be bigger whether from people coming in from out of town or people from Cleveland getting involved," she said. But Christine Link, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, said Clevelanders have little experience assembling large-scale protests. "Cleveland is not Chicago or New York," she said. "We don't have the activist networks, we don't have the populations of those cities." SENSE OF OBLIGATION Ann Wright, 70, a member of the antiwar group Code Pink who traveled from Honolulu, said the same fear that caused some to stay home prompted her to travel to Cleveland. "People who have privilege - I'm a white woman, I'm a retired lieutenant colonel - have to do this because we can," said Wright, a former U.S. Army officer and former U.S. diplomat. Protest organizers were not giving up. On Wednesday, a group of immigrant-rights activists donned ponchos with a brick pattern and stood shoulder to shoulder in what they called a human wall. Trump has promised to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. "It's a beautiful sight," Ivan Vargas, a 28-year-old business consultant from Atlanta, said as the march kicked off. "These are people who are ready to put their bodies on the line." At the end of the event, piles of unworn ponchos remained on the ground. (Additional reporting by Kim Palmer; Editing by David Greising and Jonathan Oatis) House meet postponed till 2 pm The Legislature-Parliament meeting has been put off till 2 pm after three major parties remained adamant on their erstwhile position regarding the house proceeding. Surely you've seen that little blue tick next to the Twitter name of your favourite actor, artist, or website. It means they're the real deal, not some copycat, impostor, or satirical account. For a long time, there wasn't any sort of application process for getting that verification badge. For the most part, the honour was only bestowed upon accounts that were considered of "public interest." This week, however, Twitter announced that finally, anyone is free to apply to have their account verified. This is what you need to do if you want that little blue tick alongside your name. Before completing a necessary form, your account must include a verified phone number and email address along with a bio, a profile and header photo, a birth date (if youre an individual), a website, and your privacy settings set to public. If you don't have those all set, don't even bother applying. Twitter also made a few profile suggestions that arent necessarily deal-breakers if theyre absent, but including them will help your chances. The company recommends having an account name that matches your actual, stage, or company name. At least one of your photos should reflect the person or company brand. And, finally, if youre trying to verify a company account, its useful if the email address associated with the account is operated through the company's domain. In addition, you may also be asked to scan a copy of your government-issued ID (such as a driver's licence or your passport) and give an explanation of why your account is newsworthy and how it impacts your field. Of the new verification process, Tina Bhatnagar, Twitter's vice president of User Services, says, "We hope opening up this application process results in more people finding great, high-quality accounts to follow, and for these creators and influencers to connect with a broader audience." So if you have the time and you think your account can make the cut, why not try? Just because you're not Hollywood-level famous doesn't mean you're not notable enough to be verified. And who knows? It could lead to more followers, more fans, and more respect in your industry. Story continues Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here? 12 Hidden Snapchat Features Every 20-Something Should Know We Can't Tear Our Eyes From NASA's First Supernova GIF 20 Pokemon Go Memes You HAVE To See china boy shocked chinese For years, economists have been saying that China needs to "rebalance" its economy, and the government is on board with this daunting project. That means the country is attempting to move from an economy based on investment in industrial manufacturing to one based on domestic consumption driven by regular Chinese people working in the services sector. That is, China has been moving toward fewer coal miners and construction workers in favor of more bankers and shopkeepers. But what if we've got this all wrong? What if China is transitioning too early? That's what HSBC economists Qu Hongbin and Jing Li have posited in a recent note, "China's new challenge: Faster services expansion, slower productivity growth." From the note (emphasis added): "Both economic theory and empirical evidence suggest that premature deindustrialisation in developing countries can be damaging. It blocks the main channel of productivity growth, and therefore reduces the economy's potential growth rate and its prospects of catching up with more advanced economies. "Based on the experience of some Latin American countries, a lack of adequate investment and a tendency of specialising according to short-term, rather than long-term, comparative advantage are common mistakes made by developing countries. "This kind of development strategy can result in an underdeveloped industrial sector and slow productivity growth. Given that China's GDP per capita is only 14% that of the US, we believe it is way too early to shift towards services-led growth." Work, work, work, work, work What really worries HSBC is that the service sector's jobs, while in general more labor intensive, are less productive for the economy than jobs in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. The bank's analysts point out that workers in the former are just 80% as productive as those in the latter. services sector productivity china Arguing against a shift to service-led growth is a super controversial thing because the Chinese government has already made rebalancing a top project if not in deed, then certainly in word. The reason for that is simple: debt. Story continues China has a debt-to-GDP ratio of over 280%. Most of that is concentrated in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. In 2009, when the world was falling apart, the Chinese government decided to just open the money spigots to keep its economy running at full steam. That, coupled with a general lack of global demand for materials like steel and coal produced in Chinese factories, has led to overcapacity in those sectors. So, to combat that overcapacity, China would like to have fewer people working the jobs where they're making the things that it seems the world has entirely too much of. The rest of the world would love that, too. Last week, the US House of Representatives held a hearing on the Chinese economy, "Evaluating the Financial Risks of China," and much of it focused on what that country's economic slowdown has done to the American steel industry. During the hearing, Thomas Gibson, president of the American Iron and Steel Institute, pointed out that 33 steel manufacturers have gone bankrupt since the 1990s. He also said that, between 2011 and 2015, the Chinese government claimed that 90 million tons of overcapacity in its steel market had been taken care of. In reality, 300 million tons had been added to China's steel output. So what Gibson would like is for China to slow its production and wind the steel industry down. The problem with this solution, says HSBC, is that moving away from industry and manufacturing means that China won't grow as fast not just in the short term, but also in the long term. From the note (emphasis added): "The efficiency loss during such a 'rebalancing' can be huge. Between 2012 and 2015, the total number of migrant workers in the manufacturing sector declined by nearly 7m, compared with an increase of 5m in the three biggest services sectors (ie wholesale and retail, residential services, transportation and logistics). Based on 2015 statistics, each worker in the manufacturing sector generated RMB45,000 more output than their counterpart in the three biggest services sectors. Therefore, if all 5m workers had been employed in the manufacturing sector rather than services, China's total output in 2015 could have been RMB225bn higher, which is around 0.3% of annual GDP." HSBC suggests that the country makes more targeted and productive investments in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. But, to be honest, the Chinese government hasn't shown that kind of subtlety. Even now, banks continue to lend to unproductive corporations in order to keep workers employed and avoid a hard landing in the short term. Meanwhile, the transition to the service sector continues. Pretty controversial ideas, no? NOW WATCH: Forget The Great Wall this glass bridge is the next big thing to visit in China More From Business Insider Intel CEO Brian Krzanich Although much smaller in size than Intel, ARM is one of Intel's biggest competitors because of its near monopoly in smartphone chip technology. And with ARM getting acquired for $32 billion by Japan's Softbank, which is pledging to invest more in the company, Intel can't take the situation lightly. During Intel's earnings call with investors, CEO Brian Krzanich was asked about the ARM acquisition and what he thinks about the growing competition between the two companies. Krzanich's answer: competition is good, but we're competing against our own technology. "Theres always going to be competition in this market. I expect it...its always been out there," Krzanich said. Krzanich went on to point out that Intel's always been a company competing against its own technology, in a clear reference to the Moore's Law, the industry standard that stipulates the number of transistors in a chip doubling every two years, first established by Intel cofounder Gordon Moore. He continued: "We are built on a model that says we have to build a continuous improvement of our product such that were replacing ourself with a better cost per performance model over time. And so we know that even if there was no competition, weve got to build a product thats better and drives replacement as well as growth...we really have to build a product that are so competitive that people want to replace our product with our new product. Thats been one of the best models to use for making sure we stay ahead." Krzanich's comments make sense, but it does raise some concerns as Intel has been delaying the Moore's Law process from 2 years to closer to 2.5 years lately. In fact, Krzanich said last year that the 2.5 years could become the new standard, potentially putting Intel in a less competitive position. Intel reported in-line numbers for the quarter, but its stock dropped in after hours as its data center business saw another slow down. Although Intel owns over 90% of the data center market, ARM could become a bigger threat in the market long-term, as it's already signed up big companies like PayPal to use ARM-based chips in its data centers. Story continues NOW WATCH: Airplane designers have a brilliant idea for the middle seat More From Business Insider Ankara (AFP) - Just a week ago they would have been seen as gleaming representatives of their country and one of its most respected institutions. But now top figures within the military detained over Turkey's coup plot are regarded as heinous traitors, paraded before state media looking battered and humiliated. So far 125 generals and admirals have been detained, 109 of whom have already been placed under arrest by the courts. Images published by the state-run Anadolu news agency showed many of them face to the wall, their hands tied with plastic handcuffs. While several figures of national renown have been detained, government officials said it is still unclear who was the number-one leader of the coup on the ground, which the authorities blame on US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen. "We do not know yet. It is not yet clear," Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said at a briefing with foreign reporters this week. "There are so many names in the file, so many mid- and-high level personnel," he said. Responding to the images of the suspects looking in a bad physical condition, he said their injuries had been caused by fighting during Friday's coup bid and not abuse in interrogation. "This is the result of combat," said Kurtulmus. Here are some of the top people under suspicion. - Ex Air Force chief, General Akin Ozturk - Ozturk, 64, was from 2013-2015 the chief of the Turkish air force after a glittering military career. He is probably the most prominent figure to have been detained over the coup. State media have twice published images of him, once looking haggard with a bandaged ear and then appearing even more gaunt with a blackened eye. Some pro-government media have painted Ozturk as the mastermind of the coup inside Turkey. But in his statement to prosecutors, Ozturk denied being either ringleader of the coup or taking part at all. "Who planned it and directed it, I do not know," he said. "I did not participate in the coup. Others are witness to this." Story continues He said the coup could have been the work of "foreign missions who want to see a weak Turkey." - Aide to chief of staff Levent Turkkan - Lieutenant Colonel Levent Turkkan was the aide of Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar and regularly photographed at his side. Akar was held for hours by the plotters and has been hailed as a hero by the authorities. Pictures in Turkish media have shown Turkkan stripped to the waist, with a bandage round his chest and both his hands also in bandages. The state-run Anadolu agency published what it says is a confession by Turkkan, where he admitted to being a member of Gulen's group. "I have obeyed the orders and instructions of the big brothers exactly," he is quoted as saying. He said he had placed a bug in the office of Akar's predecessor as chief of staff Necdet Ozel while he was in the job. "I put a recording device in the room in the morning and took it back in the evening hours." - Erdogan's aide-de-camp, Ali Yazici - Yazici had worked since 2015 as Erdogan's aide-de-camp, his top military advisor, and pictured right by his side in all major events. In his statement to prosecutors, he admitted making poor decisions on Friday over Erdogan's security but denied having any kind of link to Gulen's group. "For me Fethullah Gulen is the leader of a terrorist organisation," he is quoted as saying. - General Mehmet Disli - General Mehmet Disli is suspected of conducting the operation to capture Akar during the stand-off. Hugely embarrassingly for the authorities, he is the brother of Saban Disli, deputy secretary general of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Saban Disli distanced himself from his brother and the coup, saying on Twitter: "We are under the command of the crescent flag and our leader is Recep Tayyip Erdogan. A brother who is a general with the name of Disli is not going to change this." Mehmet Disli however has denied any links to Gulen and the coup. "I am a victim... I have been threatened with death and detained," he said in his testimony. Just in time for another presidential election, Dinesh DSouza the Michael Moore of the right is back with his latest incendiary documentary. Hillarys America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party tries to tarnish the lefts legacy as a supporter of civil rights while taking down the partys standard bearer. The film doesnt just play like a greatest hits of Hillary Clintons scandals from email-gate to Benghazi it makes the argument that the Democratic Party has a history of supporting slavery and racism. Though Hillarys America probably wont be selling out theaters in the West Village any time soon, it is resonating with conservative audiences. It opened to a robust $77,500 in just three theaters, and expands to 1,200 theaters this weekend. The movies success is vindication for DSouza. After scoring a big hit with 2016: Obamas America, his career was derailed in 2014 when he pled guilty to making illegal campaign contributions to a U.S. Senate candidate and was sentenced to eight months in a halfway house. DSouza spoke with Variety about his legal challenges, Donald Trumps campaign, and why movie critics hate his work. Has Donald Trump seen the film? Im hoping he will see the film, because it applies to him. The main attack on Trump is that hes a racist. He hates immigrants. Hes a fascist. Our movie turns the tables on all of that, and we actually show that the Democratic Party has been implicated in slavery, in segregation, in lynching, and in the support of Fascism in the 1930s. Weve got the goods on Hillary and the Democrats. All of this could be really helpful to Trump. He doesnt even have to get into it. He can just say, Hey, go see the movie. Related Content Film Review: Hillarys America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party Would you call Trump racist or sexist given the derogatory comments hes made about women and immigrants? Trump can be loose-lipped and hes a bit of a wild man. He says things that are sometimes ill-considered and insensitive, but insensitive is not racist. Story continues Your film claims that you were convicted for breaking campaign finance laws because President Obama wanted revenge for your previous films. Do you have any evidence to suggest that you were targeted out of retaliation by the Obama administration? The FBI claimed that they had uncovered my case as a result of a routine review, but apparently this routine review yielded only a single offender. This notion of straw donations is very, very common in American politics. This apparent nationwide search only found one Dinesh DSouza. I had given $20,000 over the campaign finance limit. No American has gone to prison or been locked up for doing what I did absent corruption, and in my case they didnt even allege corruption. Thats why I think that this was a raw deal. Justice isnt just a matter of whether or not you did it. Its also a matter of does the penalty fit the crime and do other guys who did the same thing get roughly the same penalty. Given that you believe that your conviction was a politically motivated attack, are you concerned about making another film? What will happen to you if Hillary Clinton wins? I am somewhat concerned about that. Im being very careful. I was a little careless with the campaign finance donations. I should have known that there was a big circle on my back. If you tick off the thin-skinned narcissist in the White House you should expect that theres going to be some retribution. Im being extra careful, but Im not being paranoid either. We do live in a free country, you can say whatever you want, and certainly if something were to happen to me, if the creator, producer, and narrator of Hillarys America were to disappear, who would be the main suspect? Your film links the Democratic Partys history of supporting slavery over 100 years ago with Hillary Clintons candidacy. Arent those separate topics? If you really think about the Democratic Partys arguments for Hillary this year, it would go something like this: Yes, Hillary Clinton has made mistakes. But nevertheless she is the leader of a good party. A party that has stood up for blacks and for immigrants and outsiders. A party that has helped to secure civil rights and womens rights. My point is that this underlying morality tale is in fact false. The Democratic Party has been the party of slavery, segregation, lynchings, forced sterilization, and I could go on. People dont know this. The point isnt just history for its own sake. Its to disrupt the illegitimate claim of the Democrats, who claim to have been always fighting for the right side of history. If that is the case, why do African-Americans vote overwhelmingly for Democrats? The core ideals of the Republican Party, I think, are very appealing and could easily win a majority of support. The main problem with the Republican Party is Republicans. And by Republicans, I dont mean the rank-and-file voter. I just mean the people who run the party. The people who run these election campaigns. To me, this is not an election about building a wall. Its not even an election about tax policy or even ISIS. The core issue is that this country is built on an idea that a guy can start at the bottom and that there are going to be ladders of opportunity that we can climb. And that how far we get up the ladder depends on luck and our own effort. Which is the party that protects the ladder? To me thats the Republican Party. I think the Republican Party does a horrible job of describing what it actually stands for and a horrible job of communicating its message to Hispanics and to blacks. What do you make of the Melania Trump plagiarism controversy? If Melania Trump was putting in for the Pulitzer Prize, this might actually be a matter of some seriousness, but the truth is who the heck cares? Were basically talking about the Eastern European model wife of Donald Trump. The election is between Trump and Hillary, so to me this is just a complete and ridiculous sideshow. Trump has been a controversial nominee even among Republicans. Are you a supporter? Im very much behind him. My position on this whole thing is not, Never Trump. Its Never Hillary. What do you like about Trump? I dont know enough about Trump. I like that hes unashamed about being successful in business. I like the fact that hes an undisputed patriot. I like the fact that he calls it like he sees it. I like that when someone throws a punch against him, he doesnt go into the fetal position. He punches back. What are you doing next? Im giving some serious thought to putting my toe in the water of feature films. At the end of the day, Hollywoods most powerful messaging is not in documentary films. Its in romantic comedies and horror films and animated family films. The big man in Hollywood is not Michael Moore. Its Steven Spielberg. The reviews for Hillarys America have been pretty bad. Have you read them? I have combed through the critical reviews looking for a single factual error in the film and Ive yet to find one. It looks like the critics go through the familiar 50-word vocabulary: paranoid, delusional, agitprop, blah, blah, blah. They just recycle those phrases ad nauseum as though they actually mean something. The truth of it is, I actually dont care what those guys say. I only care about the audience reaction, which youll notice is a lot more favorable. Im not worried. A 14% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. That, in my opinion, is way too high. Id be happy if it was in single digits. Editors note: The movie now has a 7% on Rotten Tomatoes. Related stories Film Review: 'Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party' Coming Soon to Campaign Season: The Anti-Hillary Movie Lionsgate to Distribute Controversial Documentary 'America: Imagine the World Without Her' Greg Heartsill told his friends and neighbors he supported Sen. Ted Cruzs presidential bid, advising the Iowa campaign and running to be one of his delegates to the Republicans nominating convention. The state representative helped Cruz win a narrow victory in Iowas leadoff caucuses back in February, and arrived in Cleveland as a delegate this week. So it was only slightly awkward when the Columbia, Iowa, resident joined the rest of Iowas delegation in giving their support to Donald Trump, his partys nominee. Party unity matters still for his state, and the delegation rallied around the eventual victor under state party rules. People need to realize this is a binary choice. You only have two choices, Heartsill said on Wednesday even as he was eager to hear Cruz address the convention. Hillary Clinton would be a third term for Barack Obama, and we cant have that. Thats the only choice that matters. So went much of the chatter in Cleveland this week. Clintons name was often spoken more than Trumpsin speeches from the podium and in conversations with party activists here. Trump is an imperfect vessel for the GOP and its orthodoxy, but hes the partys best tool to keep Clinton out of the White House. Selling Trumps candidacy was less of the goal than tearing down Clintons. On the floor Wednesday night, aides passed out signs that proclaimed America deserves better than Hillary. We need a businessman, not a Hillary-crat, small businesswoman Michelle Van Etten said. Kentucky state Sen. Ralph Alvarado criticized the President and his apprentice Hillary Clinton and acknowledged the difficult choice: Do you want someone who is brutally honest, perhaps to a fault, or somebody who is brutally dishonest? So it continued through the third night of this convention, with Vice Presidential nominee Mike Pence joining the pile-on as he officially joined the ticket. Lets resolve here and now that Hillary Clinton will never become President of the United States of America, Pence said, earning some of his biggest applause of the night. Story continues The rhetoric found welcome ears in the hall. Its necessary, Theresa Peel said of the anti-Clinton messaging. I was not fully informed just how bad she was, the Waxahachie, Texas, woman said. For those like her, the innuendo of Clintons dodgy behavior is a better motivator to back Republicans than anything that can be said about Trump. The delegates spoke not just of opposing their rival, but of jailing her. Hillary Clinton is the ultimate Washington liberal inside. If she were any more on the inside, she would be in prison, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker roared, drawing the crowd to its feet. That is why we need to support Donald Trump and Mike Pence. Seldom were speakers giving specific reasons to back Trump. Cruz spoke Trumps name just once as he addressed the crowd, never endorsing a rival who suggested Rafael Cruz had a tie to assassination of John F. Kennedy. Dont stay home in November, Cruz extolled delegates. Vote your conscience. Thousands of delegates roared into boos as Cruz wrapped up his speech, which veered off-script and ended without an endorsement. It was merely the latest reminder that Trump is the partys nominee, not the partys leader. Instead, the bulk of the speakers seemed determined to make people vote against Clinton. A vote for anyone other than Donald Trump in November is a vote for Hillary Clinton, Walker said. Its hardly the uplifting message of Ronald Reagans Morning in America or Barack Obamas Hope and Change. Even Clintons slogan these days, Stronger Together, carries a warmer tone. The time for fighting each other is over. Its time to come together and fight for a new direction for our country, Marco Rubio said in a video message to delegates. He did not attend the convention of his one-time rival, but he summed up how many of these delegates were feeling. Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fstory%2fthumbnail%2f15213%2fhttps_3a_2f_2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com_2fuploads_2fcard_2fimage_2f152440_2f1c9216572b2d48068e09cd7b875c7308 Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is well-known for directing controversial remarks at nearly anyone but himself. So, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's team pulled together Trump Yourself, a tool that pairs a person's social photo with quotes from Trump. SEE ALSO: Watch Ted Cruz get booed for not endorsing Trump For example, your #TrumpYourself filter might look like this: Image: trump yourself Or perhaps something like this: Image: Trump yourself There are filters tailored to other elements of identity, including Trump's quotes on Muslims, his stance on same-sex marriage and his remarks about Mexican immigrants truly something for everybody. And in case you thought pet-lovers were safe, there's even a little something for dogs: Image: trump yourself Correction, July 21, 12:40 PM: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that filters rely on data from Facebook to select filters. A representative from Hillary for America relayed that the tool is simply "choose your own adventure." By Lindsy Long and Hera Poon HONG KONG (Reuters) - A Hong Kong court on Thursday found bespectacled teenage democracy activist Joshua Wong guilty of unlawful assembly related to demonstrations that paralyzed key arteries of the Chinese-ruled city in 2014. Wong, 19, was acquitted of inciting others to join a rally that kicked off pro-democracy protests a year and a half ago, when activists scaled a fence in front of a government building complex. "No matter what the price we need to pay, we will still continue to fight against suppression from the government," Wong, who rose to fame at age 15 for forcing the Hong Kong government to shelve a pro-China national education scheme in schools, told reporters. The 79-day "Occupy Central" street demonstrations crippled parts of Hong Kong and were one of the boldest populist challenges to Beijing's Communist Party leaders in decades. Two other student leaders were also charged in connection with the rally. Alex Chow was found guilty of unlawful assembly and Nathan Law was found guilty of inciting others to join. The men said they had not yet decided whether they would appeal. Before she announced the charges, Magistrate June Cheung Tin-ngan acknowledged that the case was politically sensitive but said the court would not be influenced and was "absolutely not the place to solve political or societal problems". Amnesty International Hong Kong director Mabel Au released a statement calling the charges vague and saying they smacked of political payback by the authorities. Sentencing will be on Aug. 15. Hong Kong is technically part of China but governed by separate laws under a "one country, two systems" framework agreed with the British when it was handed back from colonial rule in 1997. Relations between the two have frayed in the year and a half since the end of the protests. At the time, police used tear gas, pepper spray and batons to deter the activists who were demanding - but ultimately failed to obtain - open nominations in the city's next chief executive election. The charges against the student activists have been seen as a potential flashpoint that could anger more radical protesters or turn the students into political martyrs at a time of increasing friction between the financial hub and Beijing. There were no immediate protests outside the court but another student activist, Billy Fung, was arrested on Wednesday night for criminal intimidation, disorderly conduct in a public space, criminal damage and attempted forcible entry in connection with disrupting a Hong Kong University council meeting in January, police said. Fung and others believed there had been political interference in the appointment of the new council chairman. Last week, the Hong Kong government and the Electoral Affairs Commission sparked anger when they said candidates for September's Legislative Council elections - who this year include pro-democracy and independence activists - must sign a declaration that Hong Kong is an "inalienable" part of China and that advocating and promoting independence could render them ineligible. (Reporting by Lindsy Long, Hera Poon, Sharon Shi, Venus Wu and Clare Baldwin; Editing by Nick Macfie) Rome (AFP) - Italian police slapped cuffs on a fugitive Thursday after a high-speed chase turned into a hobble when the mobster broke his ankle. Giuseppe Alvaro, 33, a member of the powerful 'Ndrangheta crime syndicate in southern Italy, was surprised by police as he hid in an olive oil mill near Monterosso Calabro in the Calabria region. Alvaro, who had been on the run since 2007 and was wanted for money laundering and possessing illegal arms, gashed his leg throwing himself out of a window and broke his ankle on landing, police said in a statement. He was easily apprehended, clapped in irons, and taken to hospital for his injuries. Alvaro had taken over command of a 'Ndrangheta clan following the arrest of his father, a known criminal boss, in 2005, and his orders were followed to the letter by his footsoldiers, police said. Italy's Interior Minister Angelo Alfano congratulated officers on a successful sting on the acting head of "one of the 'Ndrangheta's most powerful clans". Notoriously ruthless, the 'Ndrangheta has surpassed the Sicilian Mafia and the Naples-based Camorra thanks to the wealth it has amassed as the principal importer and wholesaler of cocaine produced in Latin America and smuggled into Europe. That trade is worth billions and previous police operations have indicated that the 'Ndrangheta has well-established links with Colombian producer cartels, Mexican crime gangs and mafia families in New York and other parts of North America. The organisation is made up of numerous village and family-based clans based in Calabria, the rural, mountainous and under-developed "toe" of Italy's boot. India gang rape victim demands 'strict action' against the accused A woman in India who was allegedly gang raped for the second time in three years by the same men says she wants "stringent action" against the accused. Hong Kong (AFP) - A key figure in Hong Kong's 'Umbrella Revolution' was convicted Thursday of participating in a protest that sparked mass pro-democracy rallies, in a prosecution blasted as a "chilling warning" by rights campaigners. Joshua Wong -- who led the demonstrations that paralysed the city for months -- could be jailed for up to two years following the verdict, which comes as tensions remain high in the semi-autonomous city with fears growing that Beijing is tightening its grip. The 19-year-old has always said the various protest-related cases against him were political persecution. Rights group Amnesty International described cases against peaceful protesters as intimidation Thursday in the wake of the verdict. Wong was convicted for taking part in an unlawful assembly after he and others climbed over a fence into a government complex forecourt known as Civic Square on September 26, 2014, triggering wider rallies that exploded two days later when police fired tear gas to disperse crowds. Fellow student leaders Alex Chow and Nathan Law were also convicted over the same protest Thursday -- Chow for taking part and Law for inciting others to do so. "No matter what is the penalty... we will still continue to fight against suppression from the government," Wong said after the ruling. "We know facing the largest communist regime in the world is a long-term battle for us to fight for democracy." The three defendants, who smiled in resignation at the verdict, were released on bail and are due back in court on August 15 for sentencing. The charge of participating in an unlawful assembly has a maximum sentence of up to five years, but the magistrates court where the trio were tried can only give a maximum jail term of two years per offence due to its status as a lower court. Political analyst Ivan Choy said the public may have an "antagonistic attitude" towards the government if the trio receive a heavy sentence, while Amnesty said that "vague charges" against student leaders "smacked of political payback". Story continues "The Hong Kong authorities' prosecution of three pro-democracy student leaders sends a chilling warning for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the city," Amnesty said in a statement. It added the city's public order laws failed to meet international standards and were being used "in an attempt to intimidate people from exercising their right to peaceful assembly". - Interference by Beijing - Wong was at the forefront of the 'Umbrella Movement', which brought parts of Hong Kong to a standstill for more than two months in 2014 as residents called on Beijing to allow fully free elections of future leaders. Young campaigners were left angry and frustrated after the rallies failed to win political reform, with Wong and Law since founding a new political party, Demosisto, campaigning for self-determination for Hong Kong. Law is also a candidate for the city's upcoming legislative council election, but he will not be able to stand if his prison sentence is over three months. Wong has been in and out of court hearings for the past year after being charged with multiple offences linked to various protest actions. In the ruling Thursday, magistrate June Cheung said Wong had known that climbing over the fence was "disturbing order". Defence lawyers had argued authorities should not have fenced off Civic Square -- previously a popular protest site open to the public -- in the febrile months before the Umbrella Movement. The prosecution said the fact they climbed into the square was unlawful and that the protest was pre-planned. Both Wong and Law were acquitted in June over an anti-China protest in the first of a series of cases against him to reach a verdict. Another student leader, Billy Fung, was charged Thursday over a protest in January where students stormed into an official meeting at Hong Kong University angered by the appointment of a pro-Beijing figure to a senior university role. Hong Kong was returned to China by Britain in 1997 with its freedoms guaranteed for 50 years, but there are fears those liberties are disappearing. Kuwait City (AFP) - Kuwait, which is hosting troubled Yemen peace talks, has issued an ultimatum to the warring parties to strike a deal within 15 days or leave the Gulf state. Three months of UN-brokered talks in Kuwait have failed to make headway with the Iran-backed Huthi rebels and the government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, both holding firm to their positions. "We have given 15 days for Yemeni sides taking part in the talks to resolve all the issues," Kuwait's deputy foreign minister Khaled al-Jarallah told Dubai-based Al-Arabiya news channel late Wednesday. "If matters are not resolved within the 15 days, we have hosted them enough and consequently our brothers have to excuse us if we cannot continue hosting" the talks, Jarallah said in Brussels. The talks resumed in Kuwait on Saturday after a 15-day break. UN special envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said on Saturday that the negotiations would last for two weeks and warned that they may be Yemen's last chance for peace. "It's time for decisive decisions that will prove your true intentions and national responsibilities to Yemenis," he told a meeting of the two delegations. The envoy said the discussions between the Huthis and their allies on one side and the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi on the other would focus on strengthening a ceasefire that came into effect on April 11 but which has been repeatedly violated. They would also deal with "forming the military committees that will supervise the withdrawal and handover of weapons... and opening safe passages for humanitarian aid," he said. But the two-week deadline by the United Nations angered the Huthis who reiterated their demands for a national unity government ahead of any other solution. The government is calling for implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2216 which requires the rebels and their allies to withdraw from areas they have occupied since 2014, including the capital Sanaa, and to hand over heavy weapons. Story continues The government wants to re-establish its authority across the entire country, much of which is controlled by the rebels. More than 6,400 people have been killed in Yemen since a Saudi-led coalition intervened in support of Hadi's government in March last year. Another 2.8 million people have been displaced and more than 80 percent of the population urgently needs humanitarian aid, according to UN figures. Acapulco (Mexico) (AFP) - Morgue workers lift a dismembered male body dumped on the street of a poor Acapulco neighborhood in broad daylight, then pick up his severed leg and a bag containing his head. Placing the body parts in the back of a van, they drive away to the Mexican Pacific resort's only coroner's office, overflowing with scores of unidentified and unclaimed corpses. Back inside the morgue's cold chambers, bodies lie in pairs side by side on shelves meant to hold just one -- grim evidence of the drug cartel-related killings swamping the authorities in Mexico's murder capital. Officials granted AFP journalists a rare visit last week, when a worker opened a set of refrigerator doors to reveal the bodies inside. Grey body bags cover most of them, however, bare feet stick out on one shelf. A red bag is marked "fetus." A cockroach scurries along the bottom of a fridge. There are 174 bodies in all inside the five chambers, with a capacity meant for 95. Three have languished here since 2012. And there are no signs the number of new arrivals will drop despite the government's effort to combat the country's drug gangs. Flies buzz around the three autopsy tables and the stench of death hangs in the warm air half an hour after another decapitated body has been examined. The morgue -- which employs 10 doctors -- is "saturated because of the issue of violence and the bodies are not claimed," says Carlos de la Pena, head of Guerrero state's health department, which oversees the region's three overcrowded morgues. - Daily deaths - A total of 902 people were murdered last year in this once-glamorous city, and another 461 in the first half of this year, according to official figures. Among a population of more than 800,000, that's a rate of 111 murders per 100,000 inhabitants in 2015, making Acapulco one of the world's most violent cities outside war zones. The fridges contain the corpses of 53 murder victims and the bones of 16 others found in clandestine graves or remote parts of the city. The rest are natural deaths, accident victims and remains from a crematorium that closed last year. Story continues Most bodies that pass through the morgue are claimed. However, "there are relatives who know the bodies are here but they don't claim them," the morgue's coordinator Carlos Estrada says. "We don't know why." Estrada, 61, says the morgue handled two to three bodies, mostly accidents, per day 20 years ago. Now it's three to five, mostly murders. "It's shocking because many times, we work on a body that's unknown," he says. "But it's a job that has to be done." Officials are waiting for investigators to finish a backlog of paperwork to begin burying the unclaimed corpses in two months. The bodies are continuing to pile up despite the deployment of thousands of soldiers and police on the streets and beaches. At least 10 murders were reported during AFP's five-day visit last week. A woman was killed near the morgue. Two more people died in a drive-by shooting at a strip bar. Another three decapitated bodies were found. "I've had shifts where I've had six, seven, eight bodies," says Jose Esteban Anzastiga, a morgue van driver. Some 95 percent of Acapulco's murders are linked to gang conflicts, Guerrero state's security spokesman Roberto Alvarez said. The main groups battling for control of the local drug trade are the Beltran Leyva gang and the Independent Cartel of Acapulco, he added. Both are also plagued by internecine struggles. Troops are not enough to solve the "security crisis" in Acapulco, he acknowledged, saying the economy has to improve and that people must participate by reporting crimes. - 'The rhythm of fear' - The struggle to get witnesses to testify is evident at the July 14 crime scene with the dismembered body. The body parts lie behind a stolen taxi. It was abandoned with its trunk open on an avenue of the crime-ridden San Agustin neighborhood. As people look on, investigators take pictures of the torso covered in black plastic bag. The stumps of his severed legs stick out. Another bag containing the head lies nearby. A note held down by rocks was left behind, signed "La Verga Panda," a small local gang. An investigator asks a woman watching from the gate of her humble home's garage, "Did you see someone?" "I saw nothing," she answers. No one ever sees anything, the investigator tells AFP on condition of anonymity. Ten other residents near the crime scene all say they had neither seen nor heard anything. Some were not there when it happened. "We have learned to live to the rhythm of fear," says a 60-year-old man in front of a store, declining to give his name because of security concerns. "This no longer scares us," he adds, referring to the body across the road. Last week, he says, he had to duck for cover during a drive-by shooting at a taxi stand. Others say criminals demand money to allow people to have parties. Gangs have threatened to go door-to-door collecting money. Many Acapulco residents are psychologically scarred by the violence. Doctors Without Borders, the international charity group that helps victims of wars and natural disasters, launched a mental health program in January 2015 for those affected by crime. More than 1,100 people have since met with psychologists, including victims of threats, extortion, kidnapping and torture. Most suffer from depression and anxiety, some from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). "People are afraid to speak," says Edgardo Zuniga, the MSF program's coordinator. "We think there are more." It may have been a hoax explosive, but the NYPD officers sitting in their vehicle as a deranged man threw in a suspicious object didn't know that. Instead of running for the hills, two brave men in blue hit the accelerator with the object still terrifyingly close, to ensure none of the hundreds of people in a Times Square intersection got hurt or worse. Read: 15 Brave Men Come Together to Move Overturned Car Back on Its Wheels After Crash "We were scared," Officer Hameed Armani, an immigrant from Afghanistan, said at a Thursday press conference about the seven-hour stand off that began with the bomb hoax. "We thought we were gone." Before that happened, the duo was determined to do the job they're sworn to do: Save lives. "We knew what each other was thinking," the other officer, Peter Cybulski, recalled. "We're not gonna let this take anyone else out." So Cybulski said they turned on their siren and "did what we had to do." The heroes sped a block and a half away, as one of them even held the object, before coming to a halt as far away from Manhattan crowds as possible. Now, they're being named among the best of the best. "These two officers are heroes of the NYPD, heroes of New York City," Commissioner William Bratton tweeted. The overnight stand-off dragged into Thursday morning at Columbus Circle, one of New York City's busiest subway hubs, after a man allegedly tossed what turned out to be a battery powered lantern, a wax candle wrapped in tin foil and a white cloth through the NYPD van window late Wendesday. Read: Girl, 10, Dies Pushing Two Toddlers Out of Path of Runaway Car The suspect took off in an SUV, police say. He was reportedly spotted in the vehicle near Columbus Circle at about 2 a.m., kicking off an overnight negotiation between the man and police. Story continues Upon stopping the SUV, a male driver was observed placing a red plastic helmet on his head. The male did not communicate with the officers, who then called for backup, NYPD Chief of Department James ONeill told reporters Thursday. According to police, police used a remote-controlled bomb robot equipped with a camera and mircophone to speak to the suspect as he sat in the SUV. As the negotiation continued into Thursday morning, police presence and barricades snarled traffic and made commutes miserable for thousands as subway lines were diverted away from the area. Police described the suspect to CBS New York as emotionally disturbed. He was finally wheeled away on a stretcher by 8 a.m. Watch: Man Uses Rock To Smash Car Window To Save Dog In Hot Car Related Articles: By Laila Kearney NEW YORK (Reuters) - A New York man accused of tossing a fake bomb into a police van in Times Square and later barricading himself inside a vehicle in an hours-long standoff was undergoing a psychiatric evaluation on Thursday after surrendering to police. Hector Meneses, 52, gave up at about 8 a.m. after forcing police to shut down Columbus Circle, a busy shopping area and major traffic circle north of Times Square, through the morning rush hour, a New York Police Department spokesman said. Meneses, who wore a red plastic helmet and was from the borough of Queens, was taken to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation, police said. He was accused of lobbing a makeshift device into a police van in tourist-packed Times Square at about 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday and then fleeing in a gold-colored SUV. At about 2 a.m., police spotted his vehicle in the Columbus Circle area, which is packed with high-end retail stores. The man barricaded himself inside and said he had explosives inside the car. Police from a hostage team negotiated with him for about six hours, New York Police Chief of Department James ONeill told reporters. Police said in a statement that no explosives were found. Meneses is accused of first-degree reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, first-degree false reporting of an incident and other charges, the statement said. Immediately after the device was tossed into the van, a sergeant and an officer drove from the crowded area, then inspected the package. It contained a candle, cylindrical object and an electronic device with a flashing light wrapped in white cloth, police said. "I was nervous, he was nervous," Sergeant Hameed Armani said as he and Officer Peter Cybulski spoke to reporters. "I said, 'If it happens, it happens, but I'm not going to stop here.'" The bomb squad determined the device was a hoax. (Additional reporting by Barbara Goldberg; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Peter Cooney) Photographed by Sophie Davidson. Last weekend, direct action group Sisters Uncut staged a protest in Hackney, East London to highlight the shortage of suitable accommodation for those fleeing domestic abuse. Sisters Uncut say that 60% of all women referred to Hackney Refuge are refused. And nationally, one-third of women are turned away from refuges, normally due to lack of space. But this isnt the only group of women affected by the two-headed monster that is austerity and the housing crisis. Over the last few months Ive spoken to lots of women whove struggled to find somewhere safe to live because their lives took an unexpected turn, as well as some of the army of housing activists, refuge managers and support workers trying to keep vulnerable women with a roof over their head. And the message is clear. Its getting much harder. Women, and their children, are at an increasing risk of living in unsafe situations because there just isnt the housing available to them. Its more than women fleeing abuse its single mums, women on housing benefit, women who have been trafficked here, care-leavers and ex-offenders. Theyve all been hit, and most of them fall into more than one of those categories. Sisters Uncut take the view that its outrageous for so many women to be refused hostel spaces. They say there are upwards of 1000 empty council homes that could be used in this capacity or to house women after theyve stayed in a refuge. Although since the occupation, Philip Glanville, Hackney's representative for housing has denied this number is accurate. If there is nowhere to go, then they wont leave or they will bounce back to the relationship, said one sister. Were saying to the council: use your empty homes to house those vulnerable women. Its a request echoed by Anna Smith, Chief Executive of Advance, a charity supporting women to get out of abusive situations across West London. How often is housing an issue? All the time. It affects every case we deal with", she said, adding that spending too long in refuges, beyond six months, because of lack of social or supported housing was dangerous. They get frustrated and there is a risk they will move back; they need to be moving on and supporting themselves. Story continues Naomi. Photographed by Sophie Davidson. Naomi, 37, knows first-hand how difficult it is to leave an abusive relationship, and then to face homelessness because of that decision. Last year, she moved from London to Portsmouth to be with her then girlfriend, but the relationship rapidly became abusive. I spoke to her over the phone, a female friend in the background shouting out any details Naomi missed. Naomi told me how the relationship isolated her. I was trapped. I was cut off from friends and family and depended on her completely. The violence made me a scared person. She made me feel I wasnt worth anything. I never had a chance to tell anyone. Shed wake me up in the middle of the night and beat me up. Eventually a friend drove to collect her in person, and she stayed on his sofa until earlier this year. No local authority would accept her on to the housing list, especially since she had voluntarily left London to go to Portsmouth. Sisters Uncut told me that many local authorities ask for a high proof of violence from women presenting as homeless because of domestic abuse. Its taking us back to a time when domestic violence wasnt believed and it wasnt a priority, said one sister. For people living in social housing, moving out of the area can be disastrous, something Naomi acknowledges I left myself vulnerable. But this was far from the first time shed been left without a home of her own. Since she left care at 16, Naomi has moved between social housing, homelessness and private renting. At one point, Naomi was in prison. Homelessness charity Crisis, estimates that between one-quarter and one-third of all homeless people have passed through the care system. Ive slept in parks, and at bus shelters and I sofa surfed for a year. Fortunately, charity Working Chance, which gets female ex-offenders into work, helped Naomi secure housing in London after she was released in September 2014. Jocelyn Hillman founded Working Chance ten years ago and has seen up-close what cuts are doing to the life chances of already vulnerable and marginalised women. When we spoke last week, she told me the office had just that afternoon clubbed together to get a hostel place for a client. Weve known women given a tent when they leave prison. Earlier this year, a report from HM Prison Inspectorate into Bronzefield Prison in West London found that the number of women leaving the jail with somewhere to go had dropped from 95.5% in 2014 to 83.7% in 2015. Two women with no accommodation settled were given sleeping bags. She said the pool of available housing for her clients was ever-shrinking. It took her longer to find somewhere safe for her clients to stay. Her experience was reflective of the whole sector. All the charities are drowning. According to research published earlier this year, small charities like Jocelyn's have lost 44% of their local government funding since 2008, struggling to meet spiralling demand as austerity has forced people into more vulnerable situations. Naomis got somewhere to live for now, but when we spoke she was waiting for her landlord to kick her out any day. She was three months behind on her rent, having found it difficult to make ends meet. She was feeling pretty rotten. Im on tablets for anxiety and depression. There are times I dont want to be on this planet. Naomi reckons that because she doesnt have children her Local Authority didnt consider her a housing priority. But plenty of women with young children are similarly struggling to get any kind of secure housing. I met Kellie and her four-year-old daughter earlier this year at a protest held by London-based housing action group Digs. Its campaign #yesdss highlights the growing problem of private landlords and estate agents refusing to accept tenants who to pay their rent using housing benefit. Discrimination against housing benefit claimants disproportionately affects women, who are most likely to be working in low waged work or caring for someone. According to The Guardian, more than half of people under 34 claiming housing benefit are single mothers. Kellie. Photographed by Sophie Davidson. Kellie, 34, spoke to me as the Digs crowd trailed around Hackney, protesting at estate agents known to not accept housing benefit. Her daughter happily scuttled around the crowd on her scooter. Kellie, strained and keen to talk about her experiences, had come to the march because she was angry about what had happened to her. She was on the verge of moving for the third time in her daughters life. She first fell into difficulties when she was pregnant in 2011. The father of her baby, a foreign national, was unable to get work without the right visa. Kellie is a childminder, and as the pregnancy wore on, less people were willing to take her on. At first she tried to stay in the flat shed been living in before her pregnancy, paying the landlord with housing benefit. But the house began to crumble. While she was living there with a small baby, she had no cooker or washing machine for three months, and mouse and moth infestations. She and her partner split up. I had terrible depression after the baby was born. The house was falling down around our ears and I was told I had no choice but to stay. Kellies complaints fell on deaf ears until finally the landlord sent a letter saying they were raising the rent and she would be evicted if she didnt leave. Eventually, a friend offered her a place to live but during the tenancy, the owner decided to sell the property, and Kellie began her search to find a landlord willing to accept a single mum on housing benefit. The anxiety was something Id never experienced before. It made being a mum a million times harder. I was stressed out, jobless and homeless. Youre going to people you think will help you but they dont. Kellie sought advice from organisations like Shelter. She needed a local connection to an area to get social housing. She went to Southwark council as shed spent most of her life there and thats where her family lived. They refused because shed been living outside the borough, in the neighbouring Lewisham, for more than six months. Lewisham denied her because she hadnt lived in that borough for more than 24 months. She learned this is called gatekeeping and is commonly used by local authorities to shift financial responsibility for people. Still on her search for a private landlord, Kellie even subscribed to specialist websites who for 10 a month promise to find landlords that accept benefits claimants. But the response was overwhelmingly negative. Its about money for them, you are overlooked as a human being. At one point, she was so frustrated she staged a solo protest outside the Houses of Parliament. Kellie was unable to secure even one viewing. Id write to people and say Im planning on fulltime childminding and coming off housing benefit but theyd tell me the property was gone. She also found that where landlords were willing to take people on housing benefit, the rent was much higher. She felt the discrimination belonged in a different era. There was one note that said No animals, no children, no DSS. Kellie was baffled by the reluctance of landlords to let to a qualified childminder with references and a guarantor. Kellie and her daughter lived in boxes for six months under the threat of eviction, while the new owner of the house decided what to do. Eventually they moved again, into a friends house. He later became her partner. But when he lost his job earlier this year, he also lost the house it was tied to. When I caught up with Kellie some weeks after the demo, they had moved in with his parents. She was sharing a bed with her daughter, while he slept on the office floor. The psychological cost that her daughter might incur weighs heavily on Kellies mind. I worry what the long-term impact will be on her. When we moved the first time her mood changed. There were tantrums. The next time, she would wake up several times a night. Kellie said that during this most recent move, her daughter would get cross when she was packing and say I like it here and I dont want to move. But Kellie had also found the move traumatic. When we were packing up to come here, I was crying all the time, because I didnt know what was happening next. It would be ok, if it was just me. But I dont want my daughter to feel that insecurity. I want her to feel that she is where she belongs. Desperate not to upset her daughters routine any more, Kellie and her partner face a long commute each morning to take her to school in her old area, which doesnt always work with their own work schedules. Theyre saving for a deposit so that they can rent without government assistance. Realistically, that could take at least six months. Living in limbo was a reoccurring theme amongst the women I spoke to. For women who had been trafficked to the UK and were awaiting a decision on whether they could stay, limbo could be a long time. Emilie Martin works directly with victims of trafficking at Hestia, which operates across London and the South East. She ensures women (and some men) get the support they need. Emilie tells me the increase in referrals is staggering, from 174 in June 2015 to 255 in 2016. She says that a fifth of women are pregnant or have a new born baby with them. And that almost all of them are deeply traumatised. While decisions are made, many women live in the organisations safehouses. The decision-making process is supposed to take 45 days, but Emilie said she had never seen it and that women were housed here for up to two years. While the government had a duty to pay for housing while a decision was made, after that the responsibility was more vague. Emilie said she had two weeks after a positive decision to help a victim of trafficking find somewhere to live but that it was more and more difficult to get housing from a Local Authority. Instead they are placed in temporary accommodation for a long time. Given that a significant proportion of her clients are victims of sexual exploitation, much of that unimaginably cruel, being endlessly housed in generic, mixed-gender hostels seems an additional punishment. The forthcoming Housing and Planning Act is going to make things worse as it forces local authorities to sell off high value social housing and scraps the obligation to build some homes for social rent in every new development. The Act was introduced by a Conservative government that insists the bill will free up empty homes and land for house building, but remains hugely controversial. It only narrowly passed into law this summer after an extraordinary 150 days ping ponging between the House of Lords and House of Commons as agreement was sought. Even many Conservative MPs were against the bill, knowing it would upend many of their constituents lives. On the Hackney estate that the Sisters Uncut occupied flat sits proudly looking out over, it did seem eerily quiet for the sheer number of available homes. There were just two little boys playing on the patch of grass outside the flats balcony. A Sister pointed out a nearby, similar estate covered in bright green scaffolding. It was in the process of being demolished, and new, much more expensive flats put in its place. It wasnt hard to see that if you stop putting people into a council estate, eventually no one will live there and the land can be sold off. For every Kellie or Naomi, there are thousands more. The new flats arent for people like them. So where are they all supposed to live? Anna Smith (at domestic abuse charity Advance) said local authorities had to better acknowledge the high risk of harm that women face if they arent housed properly, but that they were struggling with that under the sheer weight of competing groups. There are young people, street homeless, people with mental health conditions, these are all priorities. For a government obsessed with home ownership, its ironic that its getting rid of low-rent social housing, which has traditionally been the only way someone on a low-income has ever been able to afford to save enough to buy a place of their own. For the greater part of the population, schemes like Starter Homes or shared ownership mean nothing. Instead, an ever-increasing number of people will spend their lives moving, at great personal and financial cost, from place to place according to the whim of private landlords. But a problem cannot be solved by moving it around. The government has to admit that regardless of its ideological opposition to building low-income housing, the number of people who need it is growing. And this time, as the actions of groups like Digs and Sisters Uncut show, people arent going to leave quietly. Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here? There Are Over Five Thousand Newly-Recorded Cases Of FGM In England Heres What Students Think About University Tuition Fees Rising AGAIN Update: More Details Emerge About Attack On German Train By Lawrence White and Kirstin Ridley LONDON (Reuters) - HSBC is reviewing a past investigation of forex trades after the arrest on Tuesday night of a senior manager in New York for alleged fraud, according to a source familiar with the matter. HSBC examined the trades done by Mark Johnson, its global head of foreign exchange cash trading, in 2013 as part of a broader internal probe and found no irregularities, the source said. A spokeswoman for HSBC declined to comment. Johnson was on Wednesday charged in a criminal complaint filed in a federal court in Brooklyn with engaging in a scheme to front-run a $3.5 billion transaction by one of the bank's clients, alongside former HSBC executive Stuart Scott. Both men were charged with wire fraud conspiracy. On Wednesday the bank said it was co-operating with the Department of Justice's (DoJ) investigation. In its statement, the DoJ did not name the client the pair allegedly defrauded, but a different source familiar with the situation said the trades involved British oil firm Cairn Energy . An HSBC spokesman said the bank is cooperating in the DoJ's foreign exchange investigation. Cairn Energy was not immediately available to comment. Scott, who was head of cash trading for Europe, left HSBC in 2014. "Our client strongly denies the allegations. Given there are ongoing proceedings it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time," Gerallt Owen, a lawyer at Withers who is representing Scott said in an emailed statement. The investigation could deal a reputational blow to HSBC in a business area in which it is particularly strong. The lender specializes in helping clients engage in cross-border deals, aided by its large global network at a time when many rival investment banks are shrinking. Authorities in the UK said they had been working closely with counterparts across the Atlantic, although the DoJ is the first prosecutor to lay charges in the multi-year worldwide investigation into forex market-rigging. Some of the world's biggest banks, including HSBC, paid a combined total of around $10 billion to settle U.S. and British allegations of foreign exchange manipulation in 2014 and 2015. Britain's Serious Fraud Office dismissed suggestions it had missed possible wrongdoing while sifting through 500,000 documents in its wider forex investigation before closing it earlier this year. "There is no suggestion that something was missed. We followed the evidence available to us in our jurisdiction in respect of the Forex investigation and reached the conclusion that it was insufficient to support a realistic prospect of conviction," a spokesman said. Britain's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said it is continuing to investigate individuals over allegations of misconduct in the foreign exchange investigation. "We have been liaising with the DoJ regarding FX investigations on both sides of the Atlantic. We will not comment on specific strands of investigations," a spokesman for the FCA said. (Reporting By Lawrence White and Kirstin Ridley, additional reporting by Jamie McGeever; editing by Rachel Armstrong and Susan Thomas) WASHINGTON, July 21 (Reuters) - Humana Government Business Inc, a unit of Humana Inc, and Health Net Federal Services LLC have been selected to provide managed care support to the U.S. Defense Department's TRICARE healthcare program, the Pentagon said on Thursday. The total potential value of Humana's contract, including all option periods, is estimated at $40.5 billion. The instant award, which comprises the nine-month base period, is valued at $67.4 million, the Pentagon said in a statement. The total potential value of Health Net's contract, including all option periods, is estimated at $17.7 billion. The instant award, which comprises the nine month base period, is valued at $49.3 million, the statement said. (Reporting by Eric Beech) Joshua Wong found guilty of unlawful assembly in Hong Kong A court in Hong Kong has found student activist Joshua Wong guilty of taking part in an unlawful assembly. WARSAW (Reuters) - Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Thursday there was a clear link between illegal immigration to Europe and terrorist attacks on the continent. "It is clear as two and two makes four, it is plain as day. There is an obvious connection," Orban told reporters after a meeting of the Visegrad Four group of central European leaders in Warsaw. "If somebody denies this connection then, in fact, this person harms the safety of European citizens," he said through an interpreter. (Reporting by Marcin Goettig; Editing by Mark Trevelyan) Have you been eager to see how Huntington Bancshares Incorporated HBAN performed in Q2 in comparison with the market expectations? Lets quickly scan through the key facts from this Ohio-based banks earnings release this morning: In-Line Earnings Huntington Bancshares came out with earnings per share of 21 cents, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Strong top line was offset by higher expenses. How Was the Estimate Revision Trend? You should note that the earnings estimate for Huntington Bancshares remained stable prior to the earnings release. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has remained unchanged over the last 7 days. Also, Huntington Bancshares has a decent earnings surprise history. Before posting in-line earnings in Q2, the company delivered positive surprises in two of the prior four quarters. Overall, the company surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by an average of 2.44% in the trailing four quarters. HUNTINGTON BANC Price and EPS Surprise HUNTINGTON BANC Price and EPS Surprise | HUNTINGTON BANC Quote Revenue Came In Higher Than Expected Huntington Bancshares posted revenues of $787 billion, which outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $777 million. Moreover, it compared favorably with the year-ago number of $780 billion. Key Stats to Note: Tangible book value per common share increased 8.6% to $7.29 Average earning assets recorded 8.5% jump Provision for credit losses escalated 20% What Zacks Rank Says The estimate revisions that we discussed earlier have driven a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Huntington Bancshares. However, since the latest earnings performance is yet to be reflected in the estimate revisions, the rank is subject to change. It all depends on what sense the just-released report makes to the analysts. Check back later for our full write up on this Huntington Bancshares earnings 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 >> 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 HUNTINGTON BANC (HBAN): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. By Hyunjoo Jin SEOUL (Reuters) - Hyundai Motor said on Thursday it plans to open its first dedicated store for its Genesis luxury car line near Seoul later this year, as the South Korean automaker looks to build a separate identity for the brand Hyundai Motor, best known as a value automaker, launched Genesis as a standalone brand in November hoping to compete with the likes of Germany's BMW (BMWG.DE) and Audi AG (NSUG.DE) in the higher-margin premium segment. The store will be located at what will be South Korea's biggest shopping mall, Starfield Hanam, due to be opened later this year by retailer Shinsegae Group near Seoul, the carmaker said. U.S.-based Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) was also in talks to open a store at the mall, although a decision had not been made, an official at Shinsegae said. Regarding plans for further standalone Genesis outlets, Hyundai said that "while many options are being considered nothing has been decided at this moment". South Korean newspaper Electronics Times said on Thursday that Hyundai planned to open 10 dedicated Genesis stores in South Korea by next year, including in Seoul's wealthy Gangnam district and the southeastern city of Busan. The Genesis line-up currently features two models, a range that the company plans to expand to six by 2020 including an SUV. (Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Tony Munroe and Stephen Coates) Update: The pitch for Idiocracy anti-Trump ads "was killed," Crews told Business Insider. "Etan Cohen went out and said we were making anti-Trump ads, but we weren't. I'm not anti-Trump. I'm not anti-Hillary [Clinton]. I'm not pro-anybody." Original story: Ted Cruz failed to take down Donald Trump in the Republican primaries, but maybe Terry Cruz Crews can get the job done. With elements of the current election cycle often compared to the zany, low-I.Q. future America depicted in the 2006 satire Idiocracy, it's perhaps no surprise that Crews may soon reprise his character from that film - pumped-up, machine gun-toting, R&B-belting President Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert Camacho. In Idiocracy, Camacho, a former professional wrestler and porn star, presides over a failing, fervently anti-intellectual U.S.A., where commercialism and the cult of personality reign supreme and society teeters one flush away from the sewer. Now, the film's writers, Etan Cohen and Mike Judge, are prepping a series of anti-Trump spots starring Crews as Camacho. The clips will break once Fox clears the rights for the character's appearance, according to an interview with Cohen in BuzzFeed. It all began a few months back, when Cohen noted that current political events - mainly Trump's rise to become the presumptive GOP presidential nominee - echoed aspects of the movie, with reality and satire converging faster than he dreamed possible. More from Adweek: SNL's Colin Jost and Michael Che Take Weekend Update to the Conventions "I never expected #idiocracy to become a documentary," he tweeted in February, setting off a mini media frenzy that culminated in a "Movement to Classify Idiocracy as Documentary" group on Facebook - and possibly a wave of outrageous ads with Crews chewing up (or more likely blowing up) scenery as his unhinged presidential alter ego. "This is what satire is for to be able to hold up a mirror and say, 'This is crazy,'" Cohen told BuzzFeed. "Idiocracy was like that, but this all of a sudden felt like a very immediate need for the true meaning of satire and what it can actually do." Story continues Such spots would mark Camacho's third term, so to speak, counting his original Idiocracy appearance and a series of election-cycle spots that ran on Funny or Die in 2012. Here's one of those 2012 ads for posterity: In that effort, scripted by Judge, the character proclaimed, "I have traveled back in time from the future to address your stinking ass!" - promising Americans "hoap" for a better tomorrow. His proposals ranged from a jobs-creation program, where all citizens would work at the U.S. Mint, printing up enough money to make everyone rich ("Everybody's gonna be million percenters!") to a taxation scheme covering defecation ("When you're squattin' on the stool / You put some fool through school!"). Then there was the notion of building a giant wall between the U.S. and Mexico to keep out illegal immigrants. Oh wait, that was Trump. Never mind. "They both seem to be intent on destroying the world but maybe Camacho more accidentally [than Trump]," Cohen said. Hey, we'd cast our ballot for campy Crews/Camacho in an orange comb-over any day! For his part, Crews seems on board with the 2016 parody ads but hints, in character as Camacho, that they won't be anti-Trump. "I INTERRUPT INSTAGRAM TO BRING YOU THIS VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE," he wrote Sunday on Instagram. "I am NOT Anti-Trump, Pro-Hillary, Anti-Bernie, Pro-Trump, Anti-Hillary, Pro-Bernie, or AntiPro-any write in candidate, regardless of what you read on the Internet. I firmly believe NO government can solve my problems, and I choose no political affiliation because I like THINKING FOR MYSELF. I am PRO-CAMACHO." Given the current political climate, a Camacho commercial flight seems especially apropos, as a total descent into inane meta-parody may well be the only hoap for the Republic. This article first appeared on Adweek.com. PayX Platform Presented at Leadership Council to the Media for Social Impact Summit 2016; Platform Reduces Costs for Non-Profit, Remittance Sector SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 21, 2016 / IFAN Financial, Inc. (OTC PINK: IFAN), ("IFAN" or "the Company"), a designer, developer, and distributor of software to enable mobile payments, announced that it has begun a sales and marketing initiative to add Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Charities and the International Remittance market to its global customer base. At the invitation of Edward Martin, a member of the Leadership Council, IFAN presented its PayX platform at the Media for Social Impact Summit 2016. The Media For Social Impact Summit is an exclusive by invitation only event that unites representatives of leading media companies, advertising firms and creative agencies with high level United Nations representatives and communication experts to highlight the power of media to drive social change and strategize campaigns around pressing global issues. Organized by the United Nations Office for Partnerships and PVBLIC Foundation, the summit showcases innovative social campaigns and movements through keynotes, interviews, case studies and roundtables and provides a unique opportunity for delegates to network and learn from the brightest minds in media and build lasting partnerships that further social progress. Jason Aplin (EVP Sales & Marketing) met with Global Leaders in Design Agencies, Media, and Filmmakers at the Summit. He said, "The PayX Platform was presented and well received as a cost effective solution in facilitating the needs of those who are unbanked, the underbanked global diaspora, and those engaged in international remittance." He added, "The PayX Platform is seen as a mechanism for partnerships with NGOs and leaders of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) that offer a method of generating additional revenue to further their causes. The PayX Platform eliminates many of the costly fees associated with donations and money movement for non-profits. There are countless charities involved in these areas. Currently, when they accept a donation via credit card, they have to give up a significant portion. We can offer the same services for far less, meaning that more of the donation gets to where the donor wants it spent." Story continues J. Christopher Mizer, President and CEO of IFAN Financial, "The world is rapidly moving towards cashless transactions and this is another arena where IFAN can help reduce costs, enhance security and deliver a user friendly experience all at the same time. IFAN is entering the preliminary stages to develop a long-term strategic relationship with the United Nations and its partnering organizations. McKinsey and Company estimates that 2.5 billion people are without banking services of any kind. Around 2.2 billion of them live in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East - the very markets that are most likely to grow in the coming years. By making transactions easier, by bringing our services to those who need them, we can make a difference in their lives and boost their economies." About IFAN Financial, Inc.: IFAN Financial, Inc., along with its wholly owned subsidiaries and joint ventures, design, develop, and distribute technology to enable and enhance mobile and traditional payments. The IFAN Platform consists of proximity based beacons, merchant processing, a mobile wallet, and prepaid card and debit card options. IFAN's consumer facing entity, PayX, includes a portfolio of payment solutions through the mobile optimized platform capable of facilitating on-demand payments, auto-payments, split-funded payments, proximity marketing, and spending of platform funds through a linked card. IFAN and PayX provide businesses with the world's first white label, mobile optimized platform that connects to any point of sale system and enables the next generation of marketing and payments with the capability to remit internationally. For more information, visit www.ifanfinancial.com. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains "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. Although forward-looking statements in this release reflect the good faith judgment of management, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those discussed in these forward-looking statements, including but not limited to our ability to maintain our website and associated computer systems, our ability to generate sufficient market acceptance for our products and services, our ability to generate sufficient operating cash flow, and general economic conditions. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time which attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows. If one of more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those expected or projected. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this release. Contact: IFAN Financial, Inc. Steve Scholl Chief Financial Officer 3517 Camino del Rio South Suite 407 San Diego, CA 92108 Direct: 858-277-9868 FAX: 619-923-2907 sscholl@ifanfinancial.com www.ifanfinancial.com SOURCE: IFAN Financial, Inc. Is the financial system getting betteror worse? Its tough to tell given two contrasting trends evolving in the U.S. and Europe. Here at home, Republicans have (amazingly) decided to endorse a return to the Depression-era Glass-Steagall separation of commercial and investment banking. This is notable in part because it corresponds to a similar position in the Democratic platform. Clearly, both parties feel a need to respond to the general sense of outrage about the divide between the fortunes of Main Street and Wall Street. As Jon Green, a spokesman for the Take on Wall Street coalition spear-headed by Senator Elizabeth Warren and supported by a variety of labor unions and non-profits put it, Americans are still angry with Wall Street and the big banks, and with 75% of voters across the political spectrum demanding more accountability, both parties had no choice but call for restoring the Glass-Steagall firewall that is at the heart of ending too big to fail. True enough. While Glass-Steagall isnt a silver bullet for preventing financial crises, it speaks to a growing public awareness that banking is still too complex and geared toward serving itself rather than society and the economy as a whole. But Republicans also favor rolling back the existing Dodd-Frank financial regulation. And Speaker Paul Ryans latest tax plan actually widens things like the carried interest loophole that benefits hedge funds and private equity, part of the shadow banking sector, which is where most financial risk has migrated over the last eight years. More important, and little noted, is the fact that Brexit has provided huge new opportunities for regulatory arbitrage. Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other European capitals have launched into a vigorous competition to try to nab the lucrative European banking business that could very well move out of the U.K. post Brexit. At an event in Frankfurt last week, Andreas R. Dombret, a member of the executive board of the Bundesbank, the German central bank, said that barring an incredibly loose and tolerant interpretation of EU financial regulatory rules, something that I cant imagine or support, it was clear that the bulk of European trading and clearing would have to move out of London and into a continental European banking capital. No wonder then, that the French, Germans, and others are already vying to attract that business with proposals for looser taxes and regulation on banks. The Brits are playing the same game. Following a meeting with the heads of the worlds largest banks, including JP Morgan, Goldman, Citi, etc., George Osbourne, the British Treasury Chancellor, promised that where possible, every measure will be deployed to constructively safeguard and protect the UKs financial services industry, announcing plans to cut the corporate tax rate from 20% to 15%. Reading about the meeting between the Chancellor and executives from the worlds five largest banks, I couldnt help but think of the movie The Godfather. Given the desperation of public officials throughout Europe to please the banking sector, Lloyd Blankfein, Jamie Dimon and other financial CEOs may be, for the first time in eight years, in a position to make any number of offers that cant be refused. My fear is that this could start a regulatory race to the bottom, similar to the war for international IPO business between New York and the London in the 1990s. That would be a shame, given other positive emerging trends in capital markets, like the new calls from a coalition of U.S. business investors and financiers to end mandatory quarterly earnings guidance for companies, which often puts business in the position of having to meet short-term Wall Street expectations rather than focusing on longer-term strategies. The fight for banking business could also make it difficult for Theresa May and the British government during Brexit negotiations, which will include trying to come to the best terms not only for British capital, but for industry, and most importantly labor. Globalization is, after all, commonly defined as the free movement of capital, goods, and people. I worry that once again, capital may have the advantage. The Lucasfilm booth at San Diego Comic-Con is a step back from last year, where The Force Awakens was one of the dominant films of the show. But that doesnt mean there arent some surprises. Tucked inside the booth which is designed to resemble the Rebel base on Yavin 4 featured in the original Star Wars and soon to be in Rogue One are several costumes of key characters. Most of them were first unveiled last week at Star Wars Celebration Europe. Stationed outside was one of the new Shoretroopers from the tropical planet Scarif. Inside, there was becaped Imperial Director Orson Krennic, flanked by Death Troopers The rag-tag team of Rebels trying to snatch the Death Star plans (from left): Chirrut Imwe (Donny Yen), Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen), Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), and Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed) And there, all by his lonesome in the corner, was this peculiar fellow. His name is Edrio Two Tubes. Hes an ally of guerrilla rebel fighter Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker), who assists Jyn and Cassians team. Heres how the plaque beneath the costume describes Mr. Two Tubes: Edrio Two Tubes is a mercenary pilot who flies alongside his eggmate, Bethnic. They share the nickname derived from the breathing apparatus that allows Tognath physiology to process oxygen atmospheres. Edrios native world of Yar Togna was conquered and occupied by the Empire, forcing him to flee as a refugee. With a desire to strike back at the Empire, Edrio and Benthic have allied with Saw Gerrera. This is the first time a denizen of Yar Togna, or even the planet itself, has been referenced in the Star Wars universe. Now you know as much as we do. Presumably more will be revealed when Rogue One arrives in theaters on Dec. 16. Read Yahoo Movies complete Comic-Con coverage. 'Kabali' will have a record release in Kerala Superstar Rajinikanth-starrer Tamil action drama "Kabali" will release on 306 screens in Kerala. According to a trade analyst, it's the biggest release for a Tamil film in the state, fondly known as God's Own Country. BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Less than 10 percent of Iraqi territory remains in the hands of Islamic State, but battlefield advances have not been matched by better security inside Iraq, the country's defense minister said on Thursday. Iraq is now mounting a campaign to retake Mosul, the de facto IS capital, after recapturing Falluja late last month. But a suicide bombing in Baghdad less than a week after Falluja fell killed almost 300 people, and bombings since then have taken at least 51 more lives. "Progress in military performance must be paired with progress on the security file," Defence Minister Khalid al-Obeidi tweeted from Washington before a meeting of defense ministers from the U.S.-led coalition battling the ultra-hardline militants. At its peak, IS had captured somewhere between 30 and 40 percent of Iraqi territory. The ground it holds has been drastically reduced, but the militants can still inflict tremendous damage in Iraq's towns and cities. The suicide bombing in central Baghdad earlier this month, which killed at least 292 in one of the worst such attacks since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, was a "stark example" of that failure, he said. IS claimed responsibility for the attack. Obeidi said the battle for Mosul, which has gained momentum since the recapture of Falluja and a northern air base, required air strikes, intelligence, logistics and engineering support [nL8N1A30TM}. He said he expects most residents, which he estimated at around two million, to flee Mosul as they've done in recent battles, and that the offensive would requires coordination with peshmerga forces from the autonomous Kurdish region. That population estimate is nearly double recent projections from the United Nations, which predicts displacement from Mosul will require the largest humanitarian relief operation in the world this year. Obeidi acknowledged the need for political understandings about the offensive and post-IS management, but it is far from certain that Iraq can accomplish that before the battle begins. Although Iraqi and U.S. officials have not announced a timetable for moving on the city, a senior Baghdad-based diplomat and a Western official have said Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi wants to push into Mosul by October. Western officials say retaking the city without a plan to restore security, basic services and governance, along with money and personnel to implement it, risks repeating the mistake U.S. President George Bush's administration made in 2003, by toppling one government without plans for a new one. Mosul and its outskirts are a mosaic of different ethnic and religious groups lying between Turkey, Syria and Iraqi Kurdistan, and the fight against IS has exacerbated tensions among many of those communities. Obeidi said Iraq needed the help of its allies in securing cities and borders, but that the participation of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a coalition of mostly Iran-backed Shi'ite militias, would be determined by "military plans and a decision by the commander-in-chief". Some PMF elements have been accused of rights violations in earlier battles, including Falluja. Obeidi condemned such abuses on Twitter as "a betrayal of the army's sacrifices" and said violators would be held accountable. (Reporting By Stephen Kalin, editing by Larry King) As part of our series on mind-blowing movie fan theories, were changing the way you watch some of Hollywoods most famous films. Today a double! 1971s Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and the Johnny Depp remake Charlie And The Chocolate Factory from 2005. The theory Published in 1964, Roald Dahls masterpiece about a reclusive confectionary inventor who hides five Golden Tickets in bars of chocolate around the world so a group of kids can win a visit to his factory has thrilled readers for generations. Its been adapted for the screen twice originally starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka and again with Johnny Depp. But while Dahl has never shied away from darkness in his stories, there are some downright macabre people out there on the internet who have a far more malevolent interpretation of the story. They posit that Wonka bringing kids to his factory so he can find an heir to his empire is not the real reason he does it. In fact, the key to Wonkas mind-blowing sweets and chocolate is that its made from childrens body parts the competition is actually a way of getting more into his clutches. Thats right, the Whipple-Scrumptious Fudgemallow Delight is people! And whats more Willy is a serial child murderer. Bet youre glad you never got a golden ticket now The evidence For starters, lets look at the science. Gelatin, an important component in jelly sweets amongst others, is partly made by boiling animal skin, bones and cartilage. Yep, thats what youre tasting in your daily Haribo. So if Wonka the foremost candy inventor in the world was in search of the best-tasting sweets ever, why wouldnt he look at alternative and perhaps more delicious ingredients for gelatin? Might human bones be the answer he was looking for? Anyone whos seen the films knows one thing. Willy Wonka is, like, weird. In Tim Burtons 2005 remake, Christopher Lee plays the invented character of Wonkas dad, a dentist who inflicts pain on his son and forces him to be laughed at because of his dental furniture. You dont have to be a trained psychologist to think that a boy whos grown up being bullied both paternally and by fellow children might want to inflict pain on said species. You see it in every detective show ever. Story continues And why do only kids find the Golden Tickets? Adults buy chocolate and in greater quantities. In other words, Wonka deliberately made it so that children would win in order to gut them. Both Gene Wilder and Johnny Depps performances are unique in their own way, but Wilder in particular pulls off a kind of moral ambivalence sociopathy? about the fate of the kids during the journey. After all, why would a normal person let children near the kind of death-inducing machinery that litters the various rooms? The tube branching off the chocolate waterfall didnt need to be almost-boy-sized. On top on that, when Wilder sees Augustus Gloop drinking from the chocolate river, he could have easily saved him. Instead, he causes a ruckus and runs towards him, leading to the German fattie falling off the bank. Also in the 1971 film, Grandpa Joe and Charlie break the rules by imbibing some fizzy lifting drink which almost ends with them being decapitated by an unnecessary ceiling fan. Ever noticed how good the Oompa Loompas are at rhyming? Its almost as is they know whats going to happen. In the 2005 film, there are even full backing tracks and Katy Perry-level choreography. Thats because theyve all been written and rehearsed beforehand and are part of the Wonkas psychopathic enjoyment of the carnage. Its worth pointing out too that when Roald Dahl was drafting the novel, there were originally between 10 and 15 kids invited to the factory. That was eventually whittled down to six, including a girl called Miranda Mary Piker, who was ultimately culled by the author in the final novel. But according to the writers official website, before that, Piker suffered an ignominious fate after falling into the Peanut Brittle Room. Dahls poem, sung by the Oompa Loompas, included the lines: Soon this girl who was so vicious Will have gotten quite delicious And her parents will have surely understood That instead of saying, Miranda, 'Oh the beast we cannot stand her! Theyll be saying, 'Oh, how tasty and how good! Er, shes dead and youre eating her, people. Have you looked closely at the boat from the scary river ride and the bubble-fuelled car in the 1971 movie? Neither of them have any spare seats. In other words, its almost as if Wonka knew that some of the kids wouldnt make it out of the rooms theyve just come from. Tell us that isnt creepy But why does he invite people so publicly, you may ask? Why not just steal youngsters off the street to turn them into mulch? Possibly because its a punishment for all the kids sins, which is exactly the kind of narcissistic methodology used by serial killers. In fact, some conspiracy theorists argue that the children represent the seven deadly sins: Veruca Salt is Envy, Augustus Gloop is Greed and Gluttony, Violet Bureaugarde is Pride and Lust, while Mike Teavee is Sloth and Wrath. In other words, Wonka is like Kevin Spacey in S7ven, using giant squirrels rather than weaponised sex toys. Only Charlie is blameless and thats what ultimately changes Wonkas mind. Or more disturbingly, Charlie is a blank slate, ready to take over Wonkas homicidal business. Finally, think back to when Wilder takes the group into the factory for the first time. He unveils an endless contract to be signed in case of accident. But he only asks the kids to sign it. If he was worried about accidents or being sued, wouldnt he get the grown-ups for their signature too? Not if the small print included something about agreeing to use your body for candy-eating pleasure. The verdict Okay, this is a beloved childrens book and in the novel and the Tim Burton version, we see that the kids have survived their ordeal, despite being irreparably damaged (not sure a lifetime supply of chocolate will make up for that). So probably not. But the 1971 version suggests there is something to it. Remember that Dahl himself was involved in writing the screenplay maybe he felt able to include some things in a cinematic take that he wasnt able to on paper? In addition to all the evidence above, ponder the end of the movie, when Charlie is the only kid left. Wonka says that the other children will be recovered. Isnt that what policemen say when they are talking about a corpse? And while he does intimate theyre not dead, we dont see them alive and hes lied consistently throughout the journey anyway. So, next time you take that bite of a Twirl, think about what might have gone into it. Doesnt taste so good, right? - 10 Fast & Furious Franchise Facts That Will Blow Your Mind - Whatever Happened To Andie MacDowell? - 10 Actors Who Hated Their Own Films Photos: Giphy/Rex/Moviestore/Snap Stills/Warner Bros/Paramount/ITV By Idrees Ali and Warren Strobel WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. officials on Thursday called on partners in the coalition against Islamic State to increase intelligence sharing as the militant group morphs to focus on attacks beyond its shrinking self-declared caliphate in Iraq and Syria. "Even as it is losing ground in the Middle East, we know already that theyre going to try to transform themselves into (a) global terrorist organization," U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said after a meeting of defense and foreign affairs chiefs from about 40 nations in the U.S.-led coalition. "We talked about the importance of real-time communication between countries, information sharing" about militant suspects, he said. Kerry said that issue dominated the afternoon's discussions, which for the first time included the international police organization Interpol. He and other officials suggested that wresting control of Islamic State's major remaining strongholds in Mosul, Iraq and Raqqa, Syria is only a matter of time. Brett McGurk, the United States' envoy to the coalition, told the meeting that the liberation of Mosul "is now in sight." But a spate of recent attacks globally claimed or apparently inspired by Islamic State, such as a truck attack in Nice, France, that killed 84 people last week, formed a grim backdrop to two days of Washington meetings aimed at combating the group. The meetings were meant as a show of unity in the coalition, whose members have sometimes differed on strategy. But last weekend's coup attempt in Turkey has raised questions about that key country's focus on the fight. Turkey's foreign and defense ministers did not attend the sessions, but Kerry said a top official from Ankara assured the group that Turkey's commitment to the fight against Islamic State would not be affected. In the wake of deadly attacks in Paris and Brussels, in particular, the United States has pushed allies to share more information on suspected militants, some of whom have easily crossed intra-European borders. Kerry said breaking down bureaucratic barriers was crucial to allow more sharing of information about threats as Islamic State seeks to boost recruitment by adopting new languages and moving into new territories. While improvements have been made, "it is also clear now that we have to do more," he said. The goal, Kerry said, is "that a border guard in southern Europe has the same data about a terrorist suspect as an airport security officer in Manila." Iraqi and U.S. officials have not announced a timetable for an expected assault on Mosul. But a senior Baghdad-based diplomat told Reuters that Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi wants to advance the start of the campaign to October. U.S., Iraqi and U.N. officials have warned that the battle will unleash a flood of displaced Iraqis, necessitating a massive effort for short-term aid and longer-term stabilization. Hinting at another complication, the defense and foreign ministers warned against abuses once Islamic State is ejected from Iraqi cities. Members of independent Shiite militias have been accused of abuses against Sunni Muslims in cities such as Tikrit and Falluja. "Popular Mobilization Forces and similar groups operating in Iraq should be under the firm control of the Iraqi government," they said in a statement. "Every effort must be made to prevent arbitrary detention and irregular screening procedures, while holding violators to account." Iraqi Defense Minister Khalid al-Obeidi said less than 10 percent of Iraqi territory remains in Islamic State's hands, but battlefield advances have not been matched by security gains. A suicide bombing claimed by Islamic State this month which killed at least 292 people in central Baghdad in one of the worst such attacks since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003 was a "stark example" of that failure, he said in a tweet from Washington. German Foreign Minister Walter Steinmeier said that driving Islamic State out of Mosul could strengthen the U.S.-led coalition's efforts in Syria. "The group's structures in Syria and Iraq are intertwined, so that a defeat for Islamic State in Mosul would undoubtedly have consequences for the situation in Syria," he said. (Additional reporting by Andrea Shalal.; Writing by Lesley Wroughton; Editing by James Dalgleish and Bernard Orr) Washington (AFP) - US top seed John Isner and French second seed Gael Monfils cruised into the third round of the ATP and WTA Washington Open but former world number one Caroline Wozniacki dropped out due to injury while leading. Isner, coming off heartbreaking Wimbledon and Davis Cup defeats, fired 14 aces and dropped only three points on his first serve in a 6-3, 6-4 romp over Australian qualifier James Duckworth. "I'm happy I got through my first match. I can get tripped up in those," Isner said. "I'm not looking past anyone." Flamboyant Monfils, who had lost three matches in a row after suffering a mystery illness, fired 10 aces and lost only two points on his first serves in a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Taiwan's Lu Yen-hsun. "I played a very solid match," Monfils said. "I was surprised I could play that good so soon and I want to keep it going for the next few matches." Wozniacki, a two-time US Open runner-up from Denmark, was leading 7-5, 3-4, when a left arm injury forced her to retire from her second-round match against Aussie top seed Samantha Stosur, the 2011 US Open winner. "It happened at 5-all in the first set," Wozniacki said. "I hit a backhand and I just felt the pain." Wozniacki, who has battled injuries all year, fought into the second set but could not stand the pain. At 58th, she is out of the world top 50 for the first time since 2008. "I'll take it and try to run with it as far as I can," said Stosur, who faces US wildcard Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals. Next for Monfils is Croatian 16th seed Borna Coric, who downed Japan's Yuichi Sugita 6-4, 6-4. Isner will meet Cypriot 15th seed Marcos Baghdatis, who ousted Australian John Millman 6-2, 6-4, for a quarter-final berth. Aussie third seed Bernard Tomic fired 12 aces in beating American Donald Young 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 to book a third-round date with Croatian 13th seed Ivo Karlovic, who blasted 19 aces in beating American Brian Baker 6-3, 7-6 (7/4). Story continues Isner and Monfils, who had first-round byes, have split eight career meetings and could play a third time at Washington in Sunday's final. Isner won a 2007 semi-final while Monfils won a 2011 semi-final rematch, both going to a third-set tie-breaker. "I look forward to playing Johnny," Monfils said. "Every time I come here I play him." Neither has won the Washington hardcourt crown. Monfils, ranked 17th, lost to Czech Radek Stepanek in the 2011 final. Isner, ranked 16th, lost the 2007, 2013 and 2015 finals. "To win here would be very special," Isner said. "I've been very close before." Isner lost a third-round Wimbledon match to France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga after taking the first two sets, dropping the fifth set 19-17. Tsonga's next foe, compatriot Richard Gasquet, retired after six games, adding to Isner's woes on what might have been. "It was a very excruciating match for me and even tougher when I landed and found out Gasquet only lasted (six) games," Isner said. "It was a tough pill to swallow." - Isner can't forget Cup loss - Adding to his pain was a Davis Cup home loss to Croatia last weekend after the US team took a 2-0 lead. "You have to try to forget about it," Isner said. "It's tough, though. I haven't forgotten about it. It's hard to forget about it. It's in the back of my mind right now." Since losing to Rafael Nadal in April's Monte Carlo final, Monfils had withdrawn from Munich with a groin strain, the French Open and Halle with a severe illness, but he blitzed Lu in 62 minutes. "It has been a tough month for sure," said Monfils. "I didn't do anything but rest. I don't know how I got this thing. They cannot put a name to it. But I feel much better. I feel my ability is back." German 19-year-old seventh seed Alexander Zverev beat US 18-year-old Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-2. Zverev, ranked 27th, is the youngest to crack the world top 30 since Nadal in 2005. "I'm happy with the way I'm playing," Zverev said. "It's a great start to the hardcourts." Ivanka Trump CLEVELAND All eyes were on Ivanka Trump during the final night of the Republican National Convention. While she's clearly not the biggest speaker of the night her father and presidential nominee, Donald Trump, is also set to speak she might be the best-positioned to win over skeptical Republicans. "She's the Trump secret weapon because she can speak in the first person about how women have prospered in the Trump Organization, how Donald Trump, unlike Hillary Clinton, has paid women more than men," veteran Republican strategist Roger Stone told Business Insider. "I think she helps soften Donald's rough edges, I think she's a giant asset, and I think that's why she's going to be showcased," he said. Ivanka has already been speaking out on behalf of her father ahead of her speech. In an interview with CNN, she described an outspoken but measured man who was an attentive father and thoughtful mentor. "He is authentic," Ivanka said. "Nobody tells him who to be. He is himself. He is his own man. He listens to the opinions of others, he respects the opinions of others, he processes the advice people give him, but ultimately he makes his own decisions." She also pushed back on characterizations of her father as sexist and racist. "The most important thing is I know the man," Ivanka said. "[I] as a woman, I as a person could never support someone who was sexist or racist. I just couldn't. I would not be able to be OK with that. But I know who he is as a human being and I know those things are not true." Trump's children poised, calm, and eloquent present a contrast to the candidate. They might help sway voters who are wary of Trump's brash inelegance. "I think the family is a big asset," Rick Tyler, Republican operative and former communications director for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, told Business Insider. "What we know about the Trump family is that they're a very close family, they work together, they play together, they vacation together, they're very tight. ... And people like that." Story continues It seems the Trump children are already having a measurable effect on voters in Cleveland. A reporter for The Washington Post had conversations with voters in a suburban tavern this week and came to this conclusion: "Above all, three days into the GOP convention, people who had been looking for a reason to feel better about Trump said they found it in his family." Some of Trump's children have already spoken. Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Tiffany Trump all delivered well-received speeches at the convention this week. But political observers seem to have the highest expectations for Ivanka. She's a household name in her own right, having built a reputation for herself as a business titan like her father. She has three kids with her husband, Jared Kushner, a real-estate developer who owns the New York Observer newspaper, and is writing a book called "Women Who Work." And she works at the Trump Organization, so she can speak to how her father treats women in the workplace based on her own firsthand experience at his company. Tyler said that he hopes to hear some personal stories from Ivanka in her speech on Thursday night. "They should talk more about, less in platitudes, but more real stories about their father," Tyler said. "I think that would be very helpful if they did that. If they talked about particular instances, put them in the context so that people get the sense that he's a good dad and he has a good relationship with his kids, which he obviously does." Trump has so far in his campaign had trouble with female voters, a crucial portion of the electorate that could cost him the White House in November if they don't show up to the polls for him. A March Gallup poll showed that 70% of American women have an unfavorable view of Trump, compared to just 58% of men. NOW WATCH: TED CRUZ: Heres why I didnt endorse Donald Trump at the RNC More From Business Insider After the passing of Hollywood legend Garry Marshall on Tuesday, James Corden paid an emotional tribute to the man who brought the world some of the most iconic shows in television history and some of the most memorable films ever made. Marshall created shows like Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, and Mork and Mindy, just to name a few; and Corden grew up in England watching these sitcoms that showed him just a little slice of America. Marshall later created some of Cordens favorite movies like Pretty Woman, Beaches, and The Princess Diaries. Marshall left an indelible mark on Hollywood and on Corden, who ended his tribute by asking viewers to do themselves a favor and watch anything that Marshall made: I guarantee youll leave feeling better than you did before. Watch Michelle Obama sing Carpool Karaoke with James Corden: Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or leave your comments below. James Dobson endorsed Donald Trump for president hours before the newly minted GOP nominee is slated to take the stage the final night of the Republican National Convention. I have decided to endorse Donald J. Trump for President of the United States, not only because of my great concern about Hillary Clinton, Dobson said in a statement. I am supporting Mr. Trump primarily because I believe he is the most capable candidate to lead the United States of America in this complicated hour. The Focus on the Family founders decision to endorse Trump was prompted by Texas Sen. Ted Cruzs address to the RNC on Wednesday night, a Dobson spokesperson told TIME. Cruz congratulated Trump for winning the nomination but did not endorse him, and was booed as he spoke and left the stage. Dobson was one of the evangelical leaders to endorse Cruz early, in attempt to rally evangelical voters around one candidate. Ted Cruzs record on religious liberty, life, and marriage is second to none in this Republican field, Dobson said in December. Shirley [Dobsons wife] and I have been praying for a leader such as this, and we are confident that Ted Cruz has the moral and spiritual foundations to lead our nation with excellence. Dobson recorded a television ad for Cruz, as well as a phone message urging South Carolina primary voters to pick Cruz over Trump. At this point it looks like a vote for anyone other than Ted Cruz is a vote for Donald Trump, Dobson said in the message. Trump won the state. In June, a month after Cruz lost Indiana, Dobson joined Trumps newly formed executive evangelical advisory committee, and released a statement calling Trump a baby Christian who appears to be tender to things of the Spirit. All I can tell you is that we have only two choices, Hillary or Donald, Dobson said then. Hillary scares me to death. And, if Christians stay home because he isnt a better candidate, Hillary will run the world for perhaps eight years. The very thought of that haunts my nights and days. Dobsons endorsement of Trump on Thursday added that he is very enthusiastic that Trump chose Indiana governor Mike Pence as his running mate, and that he is heartened by Trumps commitments to appoint conservative Supreme Court justices, preserve religious liberty, rebuild the military, and defend the sanctity of human life. On Trumps position on abortion, Dobson said he is choosing not to evaluate him based on his past position but rather on what he says are his current convictions. Dobson said his decision was also influence by Trumps children, and their positive relationship with their father. Nearly 80% of white evangelicals support Trump, according to the Pew Research Center. Liberty University president Jerry Falwell, Jr., who was among the first evangelicals to endorse Trump, will also speak Thursday night in Cleveland. Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f152525%2fkitkat2 Once again, countries outside the USA get the coolest Kit Kat treats this time, literally. Tokyo pop-up shop "Kit Kat Chocolatory Wonderland delves into the world of molecular gastronomy with the "Minus-196 Degrees Celsius Kit Kat," which is frozen using liquid nitrogen, reports Rocketnews. Image: PR Times SEE ALSO: Awesome customisable Kit Kat pop-up comes to Australia There are eight Kit Kat Chocolatory boutiques in Japan that focus on seasonal, premium and limited-edition Kit Kats. This one, opened for a limited time only, is marketed as "Below Freezing." It, like the permanent Chocolatory stores, is headed by renowned Japanese pastry chef Yasumasa Takagi. The frozen Kit Kat is said to be especially "cool, crisp, [and] crunchy." Image: PR Times Customers create their own Kit Kats using ingredients like pineapple, marshmallow and caramel corn as toppings before staff members cool the custom candy bar in liquid nitrogen. Visitors to the trendy Daikanyama district pop-up will also be treated to tastings of raw ingredients (beware: 100% chocolate doesn't actually taste sweet) and a photobooth for commemorative photos. Image: pr times If you are in Japan but can't make it to Tokyo between Aug. 5-16 when the shop is open, you can enjoy two new "Tasty in Frozen" bars that will be released as part of the brand's "Sublime" range. These bars are meant to be enjoyed frozen and come in passionfruit and raspberry flavors. Image: pr times If you aren't in Japan, try not to cry in jealousy as you spend your summer eating those plain old room temperature Kit Kats. WARSAW (Reuters) - The World Jewish Congress has demanded an apology from the Polish education minister over her refusal to recognize the complicity of Poles in a 1941 massacre of several hundred Jews at Jedwabne in the country's northeast. Speaking to private broadcaster TVN24, Education Minister Anna Zalewska refused to openly admit Poles' complicity in the pogrom, saying it was a "historical fact, which has been misunderstood many times, with many very biased opinions". "The dramatic situation which took place in Jedwabne is controversial. Many historians, distinguished professors, paint a completely different picture," she said. Before World War Two, Poland was home to Europe's largest Jewish community of some 3.2 million people. Most of them were killed by the Nazi occupiers, who built death camps including Auschwitz and Treblinka on Polish soil. But a 2000-2004 inquiry of Poland's state Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) found that on July 10, 1941, Nazi occupiers and local inhabitants colluded in a massacre of at least 340 Jews at Jedwabne. Some victims were burned alive after being locked inside a barn. The revelation disturbed the Poles' belief that, with a few exceptions, they conducted themselves honorably during a vicious war that killed a fifth of the population, and some still refuse to acknowledge the IPN's findings. The issue of Poles' attitudes to their Jewish neighbors during World War Two is also key for Poland's ruling conservatives, who surged to power in October, partly on a promise to make Poland feel proud of its achievements and win it more respect on the world stage. Anti-semitism was rife in Poland in the run-up to World War Two. After the war, a pogrom in the town of Kielce and a bout of anti-Semitism in 1968 sponsored by the communist authorities forced many survivors who had stayed in Poland to flee. In a statement issued on Thursday, the WJC's President Ronald Lauder said Zalewska should "immediately issue clearly worded apologies and retract" the remarks. "It is disturbing to think that senior government officials in Poland, a country that ... has done so much to advance the cause of Holocaust education and scholarship, now seem to be lurching backward to the days of obfuscation and misinformation," Lauder said. The WJC's demand for an apology comes on the day Poland's parliament approved the candidacy of Jaroslaw Szarek to head the IPN, which investigated the killings in Jedwabne. Speaking to a parliamentary committee earlier this week, Szarek was reported by news agency PAP to have said that Jedwabne was a crime committed by Germans, who "forcibly used a group of Poles in (their) machine of terror". (Reporting by Wiktor Szary; Editing by Catherine Evans) Joe Perry will be back to rock out with the Hollywood Vampires after being off the road since his health scare June 10 during a Brooklyn performance. Joe Perry 'Stable' After Health Scare During Hollywood Vampires Concert Vampires frontman Alice Cooper took to Twitter on Thursday (July 21) to announce Perry's return at the band's concert Friday in California. Joe is back! @JoePerry returns to the @hollywoodvamps tour tomorrow, 7/22 & will be with us thru the end! #joeperry pic.twitter.com/ucJDuw7pTb - Alice Cooper (@RealAliceCooper) July 21, 2016 The tweet added that Perry will be back with the band for the remainder of their tour. Earlier this month, Perry walked offstage mid-performance at the Coney Island Amphitheater in Brooklyn due to a health scare. Aerosmith bandmate Tom Hamilton reassured fans Perry was "better than we all first feared," while Steven Tyler told Billboard he was "really concerned" the incident might have been something bigger. The Hollywood Vampires' North American tour continues Friday at Weill Hall in Rohnert Park, California. The band has three additional dates scheduled with one in Oregon and two in California for the remainder of their tour. Korean support to WFP for zero hunger in Nepal The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has said it welcomes a contribution of $2 million from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to the Saemaul Zero Hunger Communities Project in Nepal. Production sound mixer John Pritchett - an Oscar nominee for Rob Marshall's Memoirs of a Geisha and Sam Mendes' Road to Perdition - will receive the Cinema Audio Society's highest accolade, the CAS Career Achievement Award, at the 53rd CAS Awards on Feb. 18 at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel. Pritchett is perhaps best known for his work with directors such as Robert Altman, for whom the sound mixer worked on seven films including The Player, Short Cuts and Kansas City. He also is credited as the second soundman in Hollywood to go digital, with Altman's Short Cuts in 1993. In total, Pritchett worked on more than 100 movies including four with director Lawrence Kasdan, including Wyatt Earp and French Kiss; four with writer-director David Mamet, including The Spanish Prisoner and State and Main; three with writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson, whose There Will Be Blood earned Pritchett a BAFTA nomination; and two films with Oliver Stone, World Trade Center and W. He also was the sound mixer on 1987's Dirty Dancing, and his 102nd film was Everybody Wants Some for director Richard Linklater. "John Pritchett is a beloved figure and has generously given back to the sound community for many years as a noted mentor and supporter of many of our best practitioners in the field," CAS president Mark Ulano said Thursday in a statement. "I take great pleasure in announcing the CAS' recognition of John and his terrific body of work." Read More: "Highly Relevant" 'West Side Story' Returns for 55th Anniversary Screening Juri will be joining Street Fighter V on June 26 (Capcom) After revealing her at Evo 2016 (much to the joy of your friend and ours Joe LI Joe Ciaramelli), Capcom has announced that the Taekwondo master Juri will be coming to Street Fighter V this month. Specifically, July 26. Juri hasnt changed her look up much since we last saw her in Street Fighter IV, but thanks to SFVs gameplay changes, she obviously needed an update to the way she works. Her V-Skill Kasatsushu allows her to dash behind her opponent and kick them from behind, while her V-Trigger lets her cancel all of her standard attacks, both in the air and on the ground, into one another. Seems pretty useful for combo strings. Finally her Critical Art Sakkai Fuhazan turns her kick into a huge blast of energy, hitting her opponent for a buttload of damage. Juri will be available to pick up on Tuesday, July 26, and her Story mode will be free for all players. Taylor Cocke will leave it to Yahoo Esports very own Street Fighter expert Michael Martin to really dig into Juri upon her release. Follow Taylor on Twitter @taylorcocke. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and other Justice Department officials will make a make a significant antitrust announcement on Thursday at 11 a.m. EDT, the department said. Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Bill Baer and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Sonia K. Pfaffenroth of the Antitrust Division will also participate, the department said in a statement, without providing further details. (Reporting by Eric Walsh) Justin Bieber has been officially warned by Toronto authorities against cuddling lion cubs on camera during future visits to the city. The notice of violation issued by Toronto Animal Services and obtained Thursday from animal protection group PETA follows public complaints received by the city's animal licensing agency after Bieber on two occasions in April and May posed in photographs with big cats. The photo ops had Bieber at one party cuddling a lion cub and then posing with a chained Bengal tiger during a VIP engagement party in Toronto for his father. Toronto Animal Services, in a letter to Bieber and manager Scooter Braun at Island Def Jam Group, cited a municipal code that bars the "keeping" of wild animals such as lions, tigers and cougars in the city, except for domestic cats. The Toronto authorities said Bieber breached that law when he "exhibited" young wild animals in the city on two occasions. "Attached is a notice of violation seeking compliance forthwith for any future visits to the city of Toronto," Carl Bandow, supervisor of Toronto Animal Services' enforcement unit, added in the letter. In an email to The Hollywood Reporter, Bandow confirmed that a notice and a request for compliance was sent to Bieber and that no response had been received. Moira Colley, a spokeswoman for PETA, said Bieber was wrong to pose in selfies with wild animals. "It is clear Justin has a heart for animals and, like most people, just isn't aware of what happens behind the scenes," Colley said in a statement. PETA said the juvenile tiger that appeared at the engagement party for Bieber's father came from the Bowmanville Zoo, where the owner, Michael Hackenberger, a tiger trainer for Hollywood movies, faces five animal cruelty charges after being allegedly caught on video whipping a Siberian tiger in his care. Read More: PETA Slams Justin Bieber for Posing With Chained Tiger Justin Bieber has been officially warned by Toronto authorities against cuddling lion cubs on camera during future visits to the city. The notice of violation issued by Toronto Animal Services and obtained Thursday from animal protection group PETA follows public complaints received by the city's animal licensing agency after Bieber on two occasions in April and May posed in photographs with big cats. The photo ops had Bieber at one party cuddling a lion cub and then posing with a chained Bengal tiger during a VIP engagement party in Toronto for his father. Toronto Animal Services, in a letter to Bieber and manager Scooter Braun at Island Def Jam Group, cited a municipal code that bars the "keeping" of wild animals such as lions, tigers and cougars in the city, except for domestic cats. Justin Bieber Searches for Pokemon With the Masses in Central Park The Toronto authorities said Bieber breached that law when he "exhibited" young wild animals in the city on two occasions. "Attached is a notice of violation seeking compliance forthwith for any future visits to the city of Toronto," Carl Bandow, supervisor of Toronto Animal Services' enforcement unit, added in the letter. In an email to The Hollywood Reporter, Bandow confirmed that a notice and a request for compliance was sent to Bieber and that no response had been received. Moira Colley, a spokeswoman for PETA, said Bieber was wrong to pose in selfies with wild animals. "It is clear Justin has a heart for animals and, like most people, just isn't aware of what happens behind the scenes," Colley said in a statement. PETA said the juvenile tiger that appeared at the engagement party for Bieber's father came from the Bowmanville Zoo, where the owner, Michael Hackenberger, a tiger trainer for Hollywood movies, faces five animal cruelty charges after being allegedly caught on video whipping a Siberian tiger in his care. This article originally appeared on The Hollywood Reporter. Fans take selfies along with a life-size chocolate statue of Rajinikanth, displayed at a cafe in Chennai. Fans take selfies along with a life-size chocolate statue of Rajinikanth, displayed at a cafe in Chennai. Sultan can now move on, as Rajinikanth starrer Kabali is expected to supercede the Salman Khan movie as the highest grossing film of the year. It isnt just Tamil Nadu thats high on Kabalimania, the entire India is looking forward to the release of the movie amidst a storm of hype. A huge statue of Rajinikanth made of 600 kg of chocolate has been displayed in Chennai ahead of the release of the film this Friday. Fans are posing for pictures and taking selfies at the Zuka Cafe outlets in Tamil Nadu. The first life-size chocolate statue of Kabali made news earlier in April this year. According to reports, the movie, directed by Pa. Ranjith, made at a budget of Rs 100 crore, has already amassed Rs 200 crore from film rights alone even before its release. Cashing in on the hysteria, some of the theatres in Tamil Nadu are charging a hefty sum for the tickets, ignoring the legal limit of Rs 120. Apart from India, the movie will be releasing in the US, UAE, France, China, Japan, etc. Tickets have already been sold out in the US and UAE, which prompted even the sardonic Kamaal R Khan to declare that Rajinikanth the biggest superstar in India. Frenzied fans are queuing up in studios and salons to get a Kabali makeover; some are customising their cars. Meanwhile AirAsia, the official partner of the Kabali, has launched a special aircraft to take fans to Chennai, where they can watch the films premiere in the most happening place. Image credit: IANS By Joseph Akwiri MOMBASA, Kenya (Reuters) - Police in Kenya's port city of Mombasa on Thursday shot and killed two men they said were wanted fighters belonging to the Somali al Shabaab group, a senior officer said. The two, who had been under surveillance for two months, were killed after police raided their hideout in Mishomoroni area, deputy area police chief Walter Abondo said. Another man escaped. "We have identified the dead suspects...and the two have been linked to terrorism activities in Malindi and Lamu," Abondo told reporters, referring to towns north of Mombasa that have witnessed attacks and heightened activity related to al Shabaab. Police found grenades, bullets, explosive acid and compact discs that had bomb-assembling instructions in the hideout. The group has said in the past its attacks in Kenya are in retaliation for Kenya sending troops into Somalia in 2011 where they are battling the militants as part of an African Union peacekeeping force. The al Qaeda-linked group also seeks to overthrow the Western-backed Somali government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islamic law. (Editing by George Obulutsa and Angus MacSwan) 25% of Keppel DC Singapore 4 is already committed. Keppel T&T subsidiary Keppel Data Centres has clinched over $144m in contracts at Keppel DC Singapore 3 as well as Keppel DC Singapore 4 ahead of the latters completion. According to Keppels media release, Keppel DC Singapore 4, which is still under construction, also nabbed contracts for colocation and data centre services. Keppel DC Singapore 4 is Keppel T&Ts fourth data centre in Singapore, and its second largest. The carrier neutral facility will feature 183,000 sqft of gross floor area when fully completed. Further, it will be fitted out to Tier 3 concurrent maintainability standards. Phase 1 core and shell construction and fit-out of the facility also remains on track for completion in 2016, with about 25% of data centre space committed. "Trends like augmented reality, the Internet of Things and with more organisations shifting to hybrid cloud models are driving the demand for reliable and robust data centre infrastructure, stated Wong Wai Meng, CEO, Keppel Data Centres. Keppel asserts that the transaction is not expected to materially impact Keppel T&Ts net tangible assets or earnings per share for the current financial year. More From Singapore Business Review No financial incentives given to anyone to retain govt: UML The ruling CPN-UML has refuted the news that it has proposed to provide financial incentives to Upendra Yadav, Chairman of the agitating Federal Socialist Forum Nepal, to save the government. Kids all over the country are showing support for local law enforcement in an incredibly sweet way. Read: Four Girls Raise $10,000 for Victims of Dallas Shootings by Opening Lemonade Stand Packages known as "Survival Kit for Police" are popping up at police departments all over America, from Louisville, Kentucky, to San Angelo, Texas to Waterford, Connecticut, and beyond. Attached to each individually wrapped package is a poem, explaining the contents inside. "Lifesaver to remind you of the many times you have been one," the list begins, with candies like Starburst, Payday, Hershey Kiss and Peppermint Patty mentioned, too. Among the many young heroes who showed they back the blue with a sugary treat is Jackson Bisazza from Massachusetts. Jackson and his parents, Wendy and Brian, dropped off 30 "survival kits" to the Holliston Police Department Tuesday. Holliston police responded with a heartfelt message on Facebook that read: "Jackson, in a world that is fast-paced and often chaotic, we thank you for bringing a slice of generosity, innocence, and happiness to our Officers." Read: Little Girl Goes to Police Station to Thank a Cop As Departments Stand in Solidarity With Dallas According to the Facebook post, the kits have been a positive impact to the department, who mourned along with their Baton Rouge and Dallas brothers and sisters who lost officers in the past month. Watch: Heartbreaking Image Shows 2 Children Praying for Their Police Officer Dad in Front Of Squad Car Related Articles: Correction appended, July 21, 2016 Ted Cruz kicked off his campaign last year at Jerry Falwell Jr.s Liberty University, and Bernie Sanders spoke there too. Now, a day after Cruz was booed off the Republican National Convention stage for not endorsing Donald Trump, Falwell will close out the convention. It was not always clear Trump would earn Falwells support. Trump has had three wives, has espoused contradictory positions on abortion and uses rhetoric that turns off some religious conservatives. But since the lead-up to the Iowa caucuses this winter, Falwell has urged evangelicals to back Trump. We need someone other than a career politician, said Falwell, the leader of the Christian university founded by his father, at a rally for Trump in Iowa in January. The pairing has struck many as unconventional, including Liberty University alums who said Falwell had sold his soul in his endorsement of Trump. But it is crucial for Trumps candidacy. The New York billionaire must turn out voters in the religious right in Ohio, Pennsylvania and elsewhere to beat Hillary Clinton. Last month, Trump met with more than 1,000 Christian evangelical leaders who largely gave the real estate mogul positive reviews. Falwell was there, paving the way for Trumps support. Correction: The original version of this story misstated Jerry Falwells and Liberty Universitys role in the 2012 election. Neither endorsed a candidate. SEOUL, July 21 (Reuters) - South Korea's antitrust regulator conducted an inspection of Google's local headquarters to investigate whether the firm is engaged in anticompetitive behaviour over its Android operating system, Yonhap News Agency reported on Thursday. Yonhap, citing unnamed sources, said the Korea Fair Trade Commission conducted the inspection last week and was probing whether Google forced smartphone makers using Android on its devices to not sell products using other operating systems. Regulators began looking into the matter after the European Union brought charges against Google for anticompetitive behaviour earlier this year. Google and the Korea Fair Trade Commission declined to comment. (Reporting by Se Young Lee; Editing by Stephen Coates) TOKYO, July 21 (Reuters) - A comment by Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda ruling out the use of "helicopter money" as monetary stimulus is a reiteration of central banker's usual stance on the issue, a BOJ spokesman said after the remark caused the yen to surge. "The contents are the same as always," the spokesman told Reuters, referring to Kuroda's remarks in a BBC documentary that there was "no need and no possibility for helicopter money." The yen was up by 1 percent against the euro in London on the comment, which was taken to mean Kuroda was quashing speculation of a further monetary easing at the BOJ's next policy meeting on July 29. The BOJ spokesman said he could not say when the interview was recorded. (Reporting by Yoshifumi Takemoto; Writing by William Mallard; Editing by Kim Coghill) KUWAIT (Reuters) - A Kuwaiti appeals court on Thursday upheld the death sentence of a man convicted of spying for Iran as part of a cell which Kuwait said was trying to destabilize the Gulf Arab state on behalf of Tehran. Iran has denied any links to the alleged cell. Kuwait and some other Gulf Arab countries, mostly ruled by Sunnis, have long accused Tehran of seeking to weaken them by infiltrating local Shi'ite communities and stirring up local politics. The so-called "Abdali cell" was uncovered when security forces raided a farmhouse in Abdali outside Kuwait City last year and found a vast cache of guns and explosives. Kuwait charged 25 of its nationals all of them Shi'ites and an Iranian with spying for Iran and Lebanese Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah. Of those charged, 23 were found guilty of various crimes including intent to carry out "hostile acts" against Kuwait and possessing weapons. Hassan Abdul Hadi Hajiya was sentenced to death in January along with the Iranian citizen charged in absentia. The ruling angered some Kuwaiti Shi'ites, with Shi'ite lawmakers boycotting a parliament session in protest. Citing his "fugitive" status, the court gave no ruling on the Iranian defendant on Thursday. Iran has said Kuwaiti authorities have not contacted it regarding the Iranian suspect. The court also ruled as "not guilty" ten defendants who had originally received 15-year prison terms and reduced the sentences of nine others or lessened them to fines. Zaid Khalaf Anzi, the lawyer for the men whose sentences were reduced, told Reuters that the court had removed the charge of "collaborating with Iran and Hezbollah" but had maintained weapons charges. Hezbollah is Lebanon's powerful Shi'ite militia. Relations between Sunnis - who make up to 85 percent of Kuwait's 1.4 million citizens - and the minority Shi'ite community have been mostly amicable. But the sectarian-tinged rivalry between its massive neighbors Iran and Saudi Arabia, as well as an Islamic State suicide bombing on a Shi'ite mosque in June last year which killed 27 worshippers, have strained that harmony. Last September, the Iranian embassy issued a rare statement expressing "deep dissatisfaction with the association of the name of Iran" with the case. (Reporting By Mahmoud Harby and Ahmed Hegagy; Writing by Noah Browning; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky) Perils of questioning federalism The way forward is not to turn away from the storm of federalism, but to weather its biting winds in anticipation of sunnier skies Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fstory%2fthumbnail%2f15143%2flauraingraham For far too long, men all across America have worn man buns without stigma but that stops today. During the Republican National Convention Wednesday night, conservative commentator Laura Ingraham finally spoke out about the American man bun epidemic. No longer content to sit quietly by the sidelines, Ingraham shared her anti-skinny jeans and manbun-phobic views loudly and proudly. SEE ALSO: Protesters bring their own wall to the Republican convention "And the Democrats answer to all that is to nominate the woman who helped orchestrate America's decline," Ingraham said. "Think about it. That has to be some cruel joke, like skinny jeans on men or man buns or something like that." Men who wear skinny jeans have long been mocked for being too effeminate. But for many in the bun community man bun wearers and their allies the attacks came as a painful surprise, especially at a convention dedicated to, you know, politics. Sadly, her call to arms did not find many adherents on Twitter. While Ingraham's skinny jean and man bun shaming was largely attacked across social media, some proudly came to her side. Ingraham's speech may go down as one of the most infamous anti man-bun speeches in all of convention history. Where do you stand on the man bun divide? Rape victim claims police let off one of her assaulters A 46-year old woman, who was allegedly raped by three men in Bidur, Nuwakot, has accused police of letting off one of the perpetrators. Over the course of the Republican National Convention, Hillary Clinton has been denounced as a criminal (to chants of Lock her up!), linked (by way of a long-dead social activist) to Lucifer, and nominated (by a Trump adviser, speaking on a Boston radio show) to be shot for treason. So there wasnt much left in the way of insults for conservative radio host and author Laura Ingraham to throw at Clinton when she took the podium Wednesday evening. But Ingraham rose to the occasion, comparing Clinton to man buns. In an energetic 20-minute speech, Ingraham managed to touch on a wide range of 1970s-themed topics, including abortion, flag-burning, bloated government bureaucracy, veterans health care and the perfidy of consultants, pollsters and lobbyists. She recalled the awfulness of the late 1970s, before Ronald Reagan rode in just in time to restore Americas confidence, and assured the cheering crowd that the late president is watching us today. On Wednesday, she went on, We have stagnating wages, skyrocketing health care costs, the doubling of the debt, the threat of ISIS, the rise of China. And the Democrats answer to all that is to nominate the woman who helped orchestrate Americas decline. That has to be some cruel joke, like skinny jeans on men or man buns or something like that. _____ Related slideshows: On the ground at the RNC Convention A photo report >>> Armed at the RNC >>> Front pages cover Donald Trumps final primary victory >>> Melania Trump in the convention spotlight >>> Convention floor erupts when no roll call taken to change rules to unbind delegates >>> How newspapers covered the RNCs fiery first day >>> Demonstrators protest outside the RNC >>> Donald Trumps America >>> Havana (AFP) - Renowned Cuban dissident Guillermo Farinas said Thursday he has begun a hunger strike demanding the Raul Castro government end torture and other human rights abuses against opponents. Farina, awarded the European Parliament's Sakharov human rights prize in 2010, told AFP that he stopped consuming food and liquids on Wednesday to coincide with the first anniversary of the reestablishment of Cuba-US diplomatic relations. "We are not asking that the government stop arresting us -- that makes us proud --but that they stop the beatings, the tortures when they arrest us," Farinas said in a phone interview from his home in Santa Clara, in western Cuba. In a letter addressed to President Castro, the 54-year-old dissident said he would continue his fast until the leader pledged that his opponents would no longer be "tortured, beaten, threatened with death." "I will continue until they give me what I am asking or until death," he told AFP. Farinas over the years has gone on several hunger strikes to draw attention to what he says are oppressive policies carried out by the Havana regime, including a 2010 fast that left him near death. The Cuban government, which denies it has political prisoners, did not comment on Farinas's latest demands. According to the dissident, the opposition to the Castro regime faces "an escalation of violence" since the official re-establishment of ties between the former Cold War foes. "They (government leaders) feel legitimized by the governments of the United States and the European Union," he added. The 28-nation bloc is the island's second-largest trade partner after Venezuela. In March, the EU and Cuba signed a deal in Havana to normalize relations. The agreement entails "promoting dialogue and cooperation to foster sustainable development, democracy and human rights," the EU's top foreign affairs official, Federica Mogherini, said at the time. Story continues On the heels of that agreement, Barack Obama visited Cuba in late March, the first US president to visit since 1928. During that historic visit, he met with a group of Cuban dissidents, including Farinas, at the US embassy in Havana. Obama praised their "extraordinary courage." According to the Cuban Human Rights Committee, 93 prisoners are being held for "political reasons or charged and sentenced in politically motivated trials." Leonardo DiCaprio has hit a new fundraising record this year. The Oscar winner raised nearly $45 million at his third annual Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Auction Gala in St. Tropez, France on Wednesday. Last year's event raised $40 million. A-list attendees included Bono, Chris Rock, Mariah Carey, Tobey Maguire, Jonah Hill, Naomi Campbell, Bradley Cooper and Edward Norton as well as supermodels Constance Jablonski, Joan Smalls, Doutzen Kroes and Lily Donaldson. Prince Albert of Monaco was honored with the foundation's first New World Leadership Award. Leonardo DiCaprio Raises $45 Million at His Star-Studded Third Annual Auction Gala in St. Tropez| Bradley Cooper, Jonah Hill, Lana Del Rey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Campbell, the Weeknd Leonardo DiCaprio Raises $45 Million at His Star-Studded Third Annual Auction Gala in St. Tropez| Bradley Cooper, Jonah Hill, Lana Del Rey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Campbell, the Weeknd A video posted by Leonardo DiCaprio | FanGirl (@leonardcdicaprio) on Jul 20, 2016 at 2:49pm PDT Lana del Rey, the Weeknd and Andrea Bocelli performed at the star-studded soiree. DiCaprio, 41, and LDF, which was created in 1998, hosted a silent and live auction with funds raised supporting environmental awareness efforts and research for climate change, conservation and preservation grants across the globe. In addition to the environmental causes, the event honored victims and survivors of the recent Nice attacks with LDF donating a portion of the evening's proceeds to GiveforFrance.org. Great job Leo A photo posted by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey) on Jul 20, 2016 at 3:08pm PDT New couple alert. A photo posted by Chris Rock (@chrisrock) on Jul 20, 2016 at 1:54pm PDT Some of the exclusive items up for bid were DiCaprio's Rolex, his diamond cufflinks he wore when he won his Oscar and a seven-night stay at his Palm Springs property. The actor also rallied his famous friends to donate items including a week on set with Martin Scorsese, a private game of Texas Hold 'Em with Edward Norton and Jonah Hill, an evening with Mariah Carey, a lunch with Margot Robbie as well as a Harley Davidson motorcycle and the Terminator Genisys skull from Arnold Schwarzenegger. He told me don't worry about it @abelxo A photo posted by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey) on Jul 20, 2016 at 5:31pm PDT Too much beauty in one picture. Not only on the outside but the inside : @moalturki A photo posted by Joan Smalls (@joansmalls) on Jul 20, 2016 at 3:34pm PDT Since 1998, LDF has funded over $59 million in environmental projects on every continent and every ocean. Earlier this month, the foundation announced their largest grant of $15.6 million for wildlife and habitat protection, ocean conservation, indigenous rights programs and innovative solutions to combat climate change. Dogs. What are they good for? Barking till 4 a.m. Chewing up your sneakers. Retrieving the newspaper. Maybe. Sure, theyre mans best friend, but increasingly theyre playing a new role one that could have a real impact on peoples livelihoods. Ask Nizam Akbabaoz. In the rural hamlet of Bozkale in eastern Turkey, huge dogs, including the indigenous Kangal breed, are saving farmers thousands of dollars by scaring the crap out of wolves that has been crossing city limits in search of food. Several months ago, a pack of wolves came in the dead of night and tried to attack some of his livestock, says Akbabaoz, whose 20-acre farm is home to dairy cows, cattle and geese. But when they hear the Kangal bark, they dare not come close, he says. Neither would you. Listening to the insistent, deep growl of Akbabaozs 3-year-old Kangal, Gammaz, youd think hes more lion than canine. At close to 140 pounds, Gammaz is a powerful animal, muscles undulating in his shoulders, chest and back. For centuries, ranchers and farmers have battled wolves and bears. In Yellowstone National Park, for instance, ranchers with livestock grazing on the fringes of the park rage against the encroachment of wolves, which have been gaining ground in the region. Across North America, where conservationists have successfully managed wolf reintroduction projects, embattled ranchers have fought back, and their opposition has resulted in culls being rolled out in Montana, Idaho and British Columbia, to the anger of animal welfare groups. A recently published study from the University of Utah surveyed nearly 1,000 farmers, shepherds and townspeople across 58 villages in eastern Turkey with large predator populations; 77 percent reported experiencing harm from wildlife. This harm includes the loss of crops, especially to boars, the loss of hives to bears and the loss of livestock and dogs mainly to wolves, says Cagan Sekercioglu, a National Geographic explorer and co-author of the report. Story continues Shutterstock 411151843 An Anatolian shepherd with young dairy goats in Namibia. Source: Bobby Bradley / Shutterstock We sat and listened as the dogs drove off the cat with amazing force and persistence. Lauren Dixon, farmer Hammering out a solution that will please both conservationists and farmers is no small task. Poison, while frequently effective, is indiscriminate and its use in control programs has been highly controversial. Guns work, but keeping guard night after night in often freezing temperatures isnt sustainable. Nonlethal control methods such as movable electric fencing to protect cattle and sheep from bears and wolves have been tested, but fences are blown over by strong winds or get damaged by falling trees or heavy snow. And thats not to mention the cost and labor involved in installation and upkeep. All of which points to the appeal of livestock guardian dogs, such as Gammaz, in preserving the well-being of farm animals and predators alike. Lauren Dixon, who farms goats, chickens and pigs surrounded by 2.5 million acres of wilderness in Montana, is a recent convert. The problem started years ago when a cougar began showing up nightly and stalking Dixons goats. Then a visiting friends 120-pound malamute was attacked and dragged over a high fence by the cougar. Desperate to remedy the situation, Dixon responded to an ad in the local newspaper offering a pair of unworked Great Pyrenees livestock guardian dogs free to a good home. Like clockwork, the cougar made its nightly appearance. We found the big cat sitting outside of the goat pen, looking quite perplexed, as there were two very large, very vocal Pyrenees standing in the way of her meal plans, Dixon wrote on her blog. When the cougar refused to leave, Dixon opened the gate and the dogs took off after it. We sat and listened as the dogs barks became more and more distant, as they drove off the cat with amazing force and persistence, giving her a run for her life. That was the last Dixon and her farming partner saw of the cougar. Dixons experiences have been echoed by farmers all over the world. The University of Utahs Turkey study found LGDs to be an excellent example of a nonlethal technique to reduce depredation. Similar investigations at sheep farms in Colorado concluded that those not using LGDs lost six times as many lambs as those deploying dogs. Its not only in the wilds of Turkey or Montana that guardian dogs have been brought in to protect livestock and theyre not guarding against just wolves and mountain lions. In South Africa, hundreds of LGDs are being used to keep the peace between farmers and all sorts of spotted creatures. At Cheetah Outreach, a conservation organization based in Western Cape province, dogs have defended against leopards, brown hyenas, black-backed jackals, caracal, lions, cheetahs and even baboons, says Cyril Stannard, an LGD project manager. After 230 Kangal LGDs were deployed in the Bushveld and the Kalahari Bushveld wildernesses, depredation rates fell by an astonishing 95 to 100 percent, he says. As communities around the world continue to expand into the wild, the potential for clashes between ranchers and predators will only grow, stirring the debate about whos right, whos wrong and what to do about it. Hopefully, thats when someone opens the door for the four-legged peacemakers. Related Articles New York (AFP) - Liam Payne of One Direction revealed Thursday that he is working on a solo album, becoming the latest member of the boy band sensations to pursue his own career. The 22-year-old heartthrob took to Twitter to announce that he had signed to Capitol Records to record his debut solo album. "One Direction will always be my home and family but I'm very excited to see what this chapter brings," Payne said. The announcement is certain to further predictions from One Direction's legions of pubescent fans that the band is no longer. One Direction in November released its fifth studio album, "Made in the A.M.," with the group saying it was going on indefinite hiatus but not splitting up. The band at that point had already seen the departure of founding member Zayn Malik who, shedding One Direction's squeaky clean image, released a racy, R&B-driven debut album, "Mind of Mine," in March. Another One Direction member, Harry Styles, has reportedly also reached a lucrative recording deal with One Direction's label Columbia Records. One Direction a whose ranks also include Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan a emerged in 2010 when the then teenagers appeared on British television contest "The X Factor." The boy band went on to release an album of radio-ready pop each year in time for the holiday shopping season and became one of the highest-grossing live acts in the world. Payne's deal marks a commercial coup for Capitol Records, a legendary label now under the Universal umbrella, as all other One Direction works have been on Sony marks. SP Bajracharya honoured Maiti Nepal, an organisation working for woman and child rights, on Wednesday honoured SP Kiran Bajracharya for her contribution in efforts to end modern day slavery and combating trafficking in humans. lindsey graham Sen. Lindsey Graham unleashed a tweetstorm on Donald Trump over his suggestion that the US may not protect NATO members in the event of a Russian invasion. In an interview with The New York Times published Wednesday night, the Republican nominee said that if elected, he may not come to the aid of NATO allies who have not fulfilled their obligation to devote 2% of their gross domestic product to military spending. "Have they fulfilled their obligations to us? If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes," Trump said of coming to the aid of NATO allies. He added: "I'm not saying if not. I'm saying right now there are many countries that have not fulfilled their obligations to us." One of the central principles of NATO, formed as a bulwark against the Soviet Union in 1949, stipulates that an attack on one of the 28 member states warrants a response from all. In a series of tweets on Thursday, Graham said that Trump's suggestion that NATO allies shouldn't be defended if they don't meet their quotas was a gift to Russia. The GOP nominee for President is essentially telling Russians/other bad actors the US is not fully committed to supporting NATO alliance. Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 21, 2016 #2 -- NATO has been the most successful organization in modern history to provide collective defense for democracies. Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 21, 2016 Statements like these make the world more dangerous and the United States less safe. https://t.co/8hrywK6wEM Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 21, 2016 #4 -- I can only imagine how our allies in NATO, particularly the Baltic states, must feel after reading these comments from Mr. Trump. Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 21, 2016 #5 -- . Im 100 percent certain how Russian President Putin feels hes a very happy man. Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 21, 2016 #6 -- Mr. Trump has shown the ability to correct statements such as this. I hope he will do so tonight when the world is watching. Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 21, 2016 One of the more unabashed hawks remaining in the Senate, Graham has frequently spoken out against Trump's isolationist foreign policy proposals, saying they would endanger US national security. Story continues Graham's criticism of Trump's NATO stance echoes presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's assertion earlier this year that Trump's election would "be like Christmas in the Kremlin." Clinton's campaign skewered the Republican nominee over his comments on Thursday, saying that past NATO proponents like Republican President Ronald Reagan would be horrified by the idea of abandoning NATO allies. "Ronald Reagan would be ashamed," Jake Sullivan, a Clinton senior policy adviser, said in a statement. "Harry Truman would be ashamed." He added: "Republicans, Democrats, and Independents who help build NATO into the most successful military alliance in history would all come to the same conclusion: Donald Trump is temperamentally unfit and fundamentally ill-prepared to be our commander-in-chief." While Trump's position makes him one of the only high-profile public NATO skeptics in American politics, his criticism of the treaty organization is shared by others across the foreign policy spectrum. In recent years, some member nations have failed to spend 2% of their GDP on defense, which has irked some members of the Obama administration. In a statement, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg pointed out that many NATO members have increased spending in recent years, likely the result of a resurgent Russian presence. "Solidarity among allies is key for NATO," Stoltenberg said. "This is good for European security and good for US security. We defend one another." NOW WATCH: Trumps youngest daughter Tiffany just spoke at the RNC heres what we know about her More From Business Insider CLEVELAND (AP) In the hours after the deadly attack on police officers in Dallas, Donald Trump offered his thoughts and prayers for all the victims of the weeks violence including two black men killed by the police in separate incidents in Minnesota and Louisiana. Less than two weeks later, there are few signs of sympathy for African-American victims of police shootings inside Trumps presidential nominating convention. A speaking lineup arranged by Trumps campaign, facing an overwhelmingly white audience in a majority-black city, has repeatedly belittled the black communitys frustration. There have been almost no references to black victims of police brutality. The program has instead featured people like prominent Black Lives Matter critic David Clarke, a Wisconsin sheriff who drew a massive ovation by declaring Blue Lives Matter. The Blue Lives Matter call in particular aggravates many minority voters, in Ohio and elsewhere, who make up a growing segment of the electorate. This entire approach, the Trump approach, has been about a return to the days of white supremacy, said Cleveland NAACP President Michael Nelson. You dont want to alienate a significant portion of your voting population. Lynne Patton, an African-American employee of the Eric Trump Foundation, offered a more nuanced message Wednesday night. As a minority myself, I personally pledge to you Donald Trump knows that your life matters, she said. He knows that my life matters. He knows that LGBT lives matter. He knows that veterans lives matter. He knows that blue lives matter. Trumps standing with minority voters stands near record lows as he prepares to face the most diverse electorate in the nations history. The New York billionaire earned the support of zero percent of African-Americans in Ohio and Pennsylvania in a NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released last week. Nationally, a July Associated Press-GfK poll found just 4 percent of blacks and 19 percent of Hispanics would support the New York billionaire if the election were held today. Story continues Yet African-American delegates inside the Cleveland convention hall saw little reason for Trump, or the Republican Party, to change their approach. More than anything, the black community wants jobs, said Virginia delegate Bill Cleveland. What does Trump talk about? Jobs, he said. Attending his fourth convention, Cleveland said he was one of just four African-American delegates at his first. I think there are 80 of us now, he said. The party is growing. There are more than 2,400 delegates at this weeks convention. Beyond the convention walls, Trumps aggressive rhetoric has fueled deep distrust by minority voters. He called Mexican immigrants rapists and criminals in his announcement speech last year. He was slow to disavow a Ku Klux Klan grand wizard earlier in the spring later blaming a bad earpiece. And on the opening day of this weeks convention, he awarded primetime speaking slots to victims of crime perpetrated by immigrants in the country illegally. Trump aide Ed Brookover said the Blue Lives Matter call isnt inconsistent with Trumps desire to attract more African-American support. There are many ways to demonstrate concern for different communities, he said. And we think were doing a good job of that here. Morris Thomas, an African-America delegate from California, said he doesnt want Trump to pander to minorities. My issues are not identified with race, he said, citing a personal focus on the economy and national security. Do I think the party should change its focus so we can pander to voters? No, I dont, Thomas said. If the other side wins, the other side wins. By Joseph Sipalan and Praveen Menon KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Anwar Ibrahim, the imprisoned de-facto leader of Malaysia's opposition alliance, has endorsed a political compact spearheaded by his arch-nemesis Mahathir Mohamad, as ruling party rebels and the opposition join hands to fight against scandal-tainted Prime Minister Najib Razak. This new coalition could potentially pose the biggest political threat to Najib, who has been facing persistent calls to step down over multi-billion dollar graft allegations tied to the state-owned investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) that he oversaw. On Wednesday, U.S. prosecutors filed five lawsuits to seize more than $1 billion in assets they said were tied to money stolen from 1MDB. Both Anwar and former premier Mahathir have long been central figures in Malaysian politics. A bitter feud between the two senior leaders spanning nearly two decades has shaped the political landscape. Anwar, who is one year through a five-year jail term for sodomy - a charge that he and his supporters claim is politically motivated - told Reuters there is "every reason" for the opposition to work with anyone who is committed to an agenda that pushes reforms, democracy and the rights of the people. "Our position is to collaborate with all progressive forces on a democratic reform agenda and pro-rakyat policies," he told Reuters from prison through an intermediary, using the Malay word for citizen. Anwar was at a court hearing this week when he provided the comments. This is the second time Anwar has been sent to prison. He was first jailed by Mahathir on charges of sodomy and graft in the late 1990s, after he was sacked as deputy prime minister by Mahathir. Anwar, who has since been cleared of his earlier convictions, said he is willing to overlook the decades of bad blood he has had with Mahathir if it means giving power back to the people. "Contingent upon a policy which is committed to reforms, democratic and pro-citizenry, then there is every reason for the opposition to engage and work together," he said. PERFECT TIMING Najib has so far appeared unassailable amid the 1MDB scandal, which is the subject of global money laundering probes in at least six countries. He has weathered persistent attacks on his premiership from the time the scandal first broke 18 months ago. He culled dissenting voices from within his ruling United Malay National Organisation (UMNO) and used draconian laws like the Sedition Act to silence activists and opposition party leaders. Just last week, Mahathir announced his plan to form a new splinter party made up of rebels from Najib's ruling United Malay National Organisation (UMNO), which will serve as a platform to work with his old foes in the opposition. Mahathir, who ruled for 22 years, has made no qualms over his main objective, which is to oust Najib over his handling of 1MDB. It is widely speculated that former deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin - who was sacked by Najib last year - will step up to lead Mahathir's new party, lending influence from the southern UMNO stronghold state of Johor. He could possibly be a candidate for prime minister should the opposition succeed in removing Najib. Also in the mix is former UMNO vice-president Shafie Apdal, whose resignation from the party sparked a mass exodus of UMNO members from the Semporna parliamentary constituency of his home state of Sabah, another UMNO stronghold. (Editing by Martin Howell) After two short seasons and a not-all-that-surprising cancellation, Looking is tying up loose ends and giving fans a sense of closure with a 90-minute film, Looking: The Movie, premiering on HBO on Saturday, July 23. It's the final chapter in creator Michael Lannan's story about three gay men -- Patrick (Jonathan Groff), Agustin (Frankie J. Alvarez) and Dom (Murray Bartlett) -- living in San Francisco, looking for love, lust and meaning in their daily lives. In the wake of the shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida on June 12 that resulted in the death of 49 people, Looking: The Movie has taken on a new meaning, as it proudly showcases the club scene that has become a safe haven for LGBT expression. "It's heartbreaking, but it makes you want to be louder, makes you want to be prouder, and makes you want to wave your flag more," Groff tells ET, before adding: "It just makes everything feel so much more important." MORE: Jennifer Lopez Talks Collaborating With Lin-Manuel Miranda on Song Dedicated to Orlando Shooting Victims For director Andrew Haigh, Groff says the club scene is where the director found himself. "He met his husband drunk, dancing in a club," the actor says. "The Stud, which we filmed in the first season, where Patrick is wearing a leather vest and reconnects with Richie [Raul Castillo] on the dance floor -- that is where Michael Lannan had his first kiss with a boy." The series' biggest moments often took place in gay clubs and bars around the city, with many extended sequences in the film preserving that culture on screen. "We used to joke about how half the show was in a gay bar and the other half was Patrick eating take out," Lannan says. "There's a shot I love in episode two of the second season when Agustin walks into a gay club, desperately seeking Eddie [Mean Girls' Daniel Franzese], who he had a fleeting magical moment with in the previous episode. The camera is following over his shoulder as he walks into this mysterious, pulsing temple-like place. We can't see his face, but we feel an excitement, anxiety, urgency, as he moves through this sea of handsome men." Story continues "The whole shot is like five seconds long but it sums up something for me about the experience of walking into your first gay bar, that you kind of relive in some small way every time you go to a bar," Lannan continues. "It's a mix of wonder, fear and incredible possibility. It rocks me to the core that someone would violate that, but it's been great to see people defiantly having fun again, proving that even such a hateful act can't stop us from enjoying ourselves." MORE: 11 Reasons Why HBO Needs to Renew 'Looking' "In the movie, we're celebrating this marriage and people are partying. People are getting together. People are meeting for the first time. I'm watching the last half of the movie and thinking, 'This is what was happening that night,'" Alvarez says of the San Francisco premiere, which closed out the Frameline Film Festival on the last night of the city's pride celebration. The premiere took place in the Castro District just 14 days after the shooting. "People on that day were very emotional and very aware of the importance of living and connecting with each other," Bartlett says. While emotions are running high, the three stars stress that the movie, like the series, is and will always be about love. "There's a warmth to the film that I hope is inspiring and, maybe, in some way healing for all the sh*t that's been going on recently," Bartlett says. "In the days after Orlando happened, I felt really depressed and angry and lost. When something so horrific and unfathomable happens, it's possible to get stuck in that place of despair and fear," Lannan says. "But storytelling can help us move forward, show defiance and see a future again. It can help us grieve, take action and remember how rich life can be." HBO At the center of the story is Patrick, a neurotic video game designer whose indecisiveness often tested the limits of his best friends and got him into trouble with boyfriends as he bounced back and forth between them. His primary lovers, Richie and Kevin (Russell Tovey), both offered love that Patrick couldn't quite reciprocate. In the movie, which takes place a year after Patrick escapes to Denver to hit the reset button, he's back in town as Agustin is about to get married to Eddie. Meanwhile, Dom, who still dons his shearling jacket, has found purpose as owner of a new peri peri chicken restaurant as his best female friend, Doris (Lauren Weedman, who, sadly, does not get enough credit for her contribution to the series), settles into monogamous life with boyfriend Malik (Bashir Salahuddin). (Of note: Bartlett reveals Dom's iconic accessory is in the wardrobe of his Brooklyn apartment. "Sometimes I just put it on and sit around my living room," he says, igniting fantasies everywhere.) Patrick's return to San Francisco reignites unresolved feelings for Richie and a newly blond Kevin, thanks to Tovey's role in Arthur Miller's A View From the Bridge on Broadway at the time. (Slight spoiler: the actor shot all of his scenes in a day before hopping on a plane back to New York City.) And the film sees Patrick negotiating with his feelings on love in order to find happiness. "When I grew up, going to movies and watching TV, I would always live vicariously through the female character," Groff says. "You're always relating to the girl falling in love with the guy, but in a show like Looking, there are two men at the center of the story. That, I think, is pretty powerful and not seen a lot and -- I hate the word important, but that has an impact and hopefully that will continue to have an impact, knowing that is captured forever on film." The film admittedly will not please all fans, but even when the series was on the air, it never did. A realistic look at modern gay culture, the show was often criticized for being banal. One of the few major LGBT-centric series on U.S. television, it was not as loud or sexy as Queer as Folk. It was also not the "gay Girls," a description that stuck with it after it premiered behind Lena Dunham's series. "It's about falling in love, it's about friendships, and it's about male intimacy," Groff says, addressing the realistic tone that often incited ire from critics. At its best, Looking was heartfelt, funny and frustratingly relatable. "It's just life," he adds. In fact, the show often paralleled the stars' own real-life experiences. "I don't want to go too much into it, but Jonathan needed to do some shopping at a sex store. He needed some props," Alvarez says of a time he and his co-star went shopping in New York City's West Village, a moment that was similar to their characters' journey to Rite Aid to get Patrick an enema. "We were like, 'Oh my god. We just experienced this as Frankie and Jonathan.' There were many moments like that." HBO Haigh, the director of the Oscar-nominated 45 Years who also executive produced the series and directed a few episodes, mirrored Looking's tone and pacing after his modern gay classic, Weekend. Yes, there was sex (with the movie seeing Groff in one of the most explicit gay sex scenes in recent history), but there were also a lot of quieter scenes shared between characters. "What I love about working with Andrew in particular is that the scene could be about anything, but the direction of the scene went toward what was happening between these people, what was happening between the words," Bartlett says. "How are they relating to each other?" In the end, the film will satisfy those who enjoyed Patrick's emotional journey over the course of the series. Groff, who is in every scene here, delivers an unwavering, award-worthy performance despite Patrick's penchant for tears and embarrassment as he carries the story to its final conclusion. The final scenes see Groff experience a gamut of emotions. MORE: Why Jonathan Groff's 16-Year-Old Self Is 'Still Freaking Out' Over His Second Tony Nomination "Everything is stripped away," Groff says, crediting Haigh for capturing the actor's ability to cry (or blush) on command. "It's very intimate filmmaking, which is Andrew's thing. The camera is right there, it's about you and the other actor and you're just very exposed. This whole experience has been that for me, which has been great. It allows you to feel all those things." "It's funny, because at the audition for this show three years ago, there was a scene with Richie in the train where he hits on me. I prepared the lines at home and then I came into the audition and during the scene, I broke out into a sweat," Groff says. "I think now, in retrospect, with this show, you're doing these very intimate scenes -- even if it's just a scene on a train with someone hitting on you -- and it makes my palms sweat." Related Articles Speaker meets Deuba, Dahal to find consensus Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar, who is in a bit of tight spot following recent political developments, has been in consultations with leaders of major parties to find a point of compromise to resolve the current political impasse, which is likely to hit the parliamentary proceedings. TRC decides to extend deadline for filing plaints The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has extended the deadline for registering complaints related to conflict-era cases till August 10. With the onset of the Q2 earnings season, investors are waiting to see how the major companies perform. While estimating the performances of machinery stocks, we note that headwinds like economic sluggishness of major industrial goods consumers like China, forex issues and dismal pricing conditions prevailing in energy & mining markets might limit growth. According to the Zacks Industry classification, the machinery industry is broadly grouped under Industrial Products, one of the 16 Zacks sectors. Per our report dated Jul 15, 2016, earnings for the Industrial Products sector are expected to decline 8.6% in Q2, while revenues will likely fall 5.6%. Recently, two machinery bigwigs Graco Inc. GGG and Illinois Tool Works Inc. ITW reported Q2 results. Gracos quarterly net income per share of 89 cents missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10.1%. Illinois Tool Works, on the other hand, managed to keep its earnings streak alive in the quarter. The companys earnings of $1.46 per share came in above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.40. With more and more companies slated to report their Q2 results soon, lets take a look at how these three machinery stocks might fare. What Awaits These Machinery Giants? Gorman-Rupp Co. GRC is expected to report Q2 results on Jul 22. In the last four quarters, the company reported a negative average earnings surprise of 1.89%. Our proven model does not conclusively show that Gorman-Rupp is likely to beat on earnings this quarter. This is because the companys Earnings ESP (the difference between the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate) is 0.00%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the stock is currently pegged at 22 cents per share for Q2. Though the company carries a favorable Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), its 0.00% ESP makes surprise prediction difficult. Over the last 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the stock has remained unchanged for Q2. Story continues GORMAN RUPP CO Price and EPS Surprise GORMAN RUPP CO Price and EPS Surprise | GORMAN RUPP CO Quote Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. SWK is set to release Q2 results, before the market opens on Jul 22. Stanley Black & Decker carries a Zacks Rank #3 but its Earnings ESP of -0.59% makes surprise predictions inconclusive. The companys inorganic growth plans, diversified product portfolio, broad clientele, strategic capital allocation policy and operational efficacy are expected to boost financials in the to-be-reported quarter. However, headwinds like economic sluggishness in certain emerging markets, unfavorable foreign currency translation and dismal energy as well a mining market conditions might overshadow the benefits from the aforesaid positives. (Read more: Stanley Black & Decker Q2 Earnings: What's in Store?). STANLEY B&D INC Price and EPS Surprise STANLEY B&D INC Price and EPS Surprise | STANLEY B&D INC Quote Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc. LECO would release Q2 results, before the market opens on Jul 25. In the last four quarters, the company reported a positive average earnings surprise of 2.67%. However, our proven model does not conclusively show that Lincoln Electric is likely to beat on earnings this quarter. This is because it carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) and has an Earnings ESP of -1.21%. Over the last 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the stock has declined slightly for Q2. LINCOLN ELECTRC Price and EPS Surprise LINCOLN ELECTRC Price and EPS Surprise | LINCOLN ELECTRC Quote Dont miss on our full earnings release articles for these three machinery stocks, as the actual results might hold some surprises! 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 LINCOLN ELECTRC (LECO): Free Stock Analysis Report STANLEY B&D INC (SWK): Free Stock Analysis Report GRACO INC (GGG): Free Stock Analysis Report ILL TOOL WORKS (ITW): Free Stock Analysis Report GORMAN RUPP CO (GRC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Gaming and eSports fans in China have largely been unable to access content from Machinima, given that YouTube access has been blocked under the countrys content-restriction policies since 2009. Now Machinima is charging into the Middle Kingdom under an exclusive licensing deal with Chinese internet giant Sohu, which reaches more than 900 million monthly users. Under the pact, Machinima programming will be available on Sohus Online Video PGC (Professionally Generated Content) platform, the countrys second-largest online video service after Alibabas Youku Tudou. The Machinima content will be offered on an ad-supported basis via a Machinima-branded portal across tv.sohu.com and on Sohu apps. The Sohu PGC platform, first developed in 2014 and merged with the 56 online video platform in January 2016, has more than 3,000 producers that have created 700,000 videos and generates about 100 million daily views. China is the largest market in the world for eSports and gaming, and crucial for Machinima, said Machinima CEO Chad Gutstein. Original Machinima productions coming to Sohus video service include Street Fighter: Resurrection, eSports reality show Training Camp, The Bacca Chronicles from YouTube influencer JeromeASF, and the upcoming Transformers: Combiner Wars based on the Hasbro toy franchise. Sohu execs said they are working closely with Machinima to help develop a fanbase in China. Our audience is dominated by millennials who love gaming and pop culture and Machinima is synonymous with both of these things, Sohu Video product director Tao Zheng said in a statement. Adding its highly entertaining content to our platform is certain to bring a wide array of programs that will excite our viewers. The Sohu deal comes after Machinimas recent agreement with AMC Networks International Iberia to launch a subscription VOD service in Spain and Portugal. Machinima says it has creators producing content in 109 countries. Of the companys 3.8 billion videos watched monthly, 60% are viewed in countries other than the country in which the content was produced. Story continues Separately, Machinima on Thursday released the official trailer for Transformers: Combiner Wars, slated to debut Aug. 2 exclusively in the U.S. on Verizons Go90. The trailer drop for the series was timed for the first day of Comic-Con 2016. Related stories Dwayne Johnson Crashes Onto YouTube, Latest Hollywood Celeb Seeking to Strike Digital Gold 'Aliens' Cast to Celebrate 30th Anniversary with YouTube Mobile Comic Con Live Stream (EXCLUSIVE) YouTube Star Jordan Doww Signs With UTA Omkar Thakur The Hyundai i20 ushered the Indian car buyer into premium hatchbacks back in 2008 when the market was still running high on the Maruti 800s and the Altos. The Hyundai i20 has been instrumental in proving that a hatchback could be spacious and premium while being easy on the pocket opening up a new segment in the Indian market. It was after the Hyundai i20 that we saw the advent of the Polos and the Jazzs with the Baleno being the newest joinee to the party. The i20, since its inception, has sold ten lakh units globally, an achievement for a car that was built in India and exported to markets including Europe. The first generation i20 received updates every two years since its 2008 launch, some tweaks in 2010 and a facelift in 2012. Hyundai sold 3.67 lakh units of the first generation i20 in India and exported a whopping 3.9 lakh units from the manufacturing plant in Chennai. The Elite i20 took a step away from the original fluidic design language and gave us a glimpse of what future Hyundais would look like with its hexagonal grille and the lovely triple-element tail-lamps. Hyundai has managed to sell over 2 lakh units of the Elite i20 in India itself in just over two years to be the highest selling premium hatchback in India. The butch version of the i20, called the i20 Active, has managed to ring in more than 30,000 units in the niche crossover-hatch segment since its launch in 2015. The Hyundai i20 has been a star of the Hyundai line-up with stalwarts like the Verna and Santro along with i10, Grand i10, Eon, Elantra, Creta and the Santa Fe. The i20 competes with the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the Honda Jazz, the Fiat Punto Evo and the Volkswagen Polo in the premium hatchback segment. 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 US election: Ted Cruz booed for failing to back Donald Trump Texas Senator Ted Cruz was booed as he failed to endorse Donald Trump as the Republican nominee, during a speech at the party convention in Cleveland. Were getting used to Donald Trump peppering his presidential campaign trail with hair-raising remarks. But last year, when he said John McCain was no hero because he was captured, the real estate mogul raised more than a few eyebrows on both sides of the aisle. Trump is entitled to his opinion, but its not just politicos who raised a stink. Being a war hero has strong political and social connotations in American culture, often associated with familiar narratives ranging from characters as far apart as George Washington and Rambo. Disruptions to some of these stories have been known to make headline news. Many criticized the movie American Sniper, for example, for portraying the late U.S. Navy sniper Chris Kyle as a hero despite his role in killing civilians overseas. Did Kyles unparalleled kill count make him a hero, or a monster? That debate may never be resolved, but its worth pointing out that kill scores have not always been associated with historys great warriors. Even soldiers who failed to distinguish themselves in combat have had their legacies transformed by their time as POWs. Chiefgall nara Chief Gall (Phizi), Hunkpapa Lakota leader and one of the commanders in the Battle of Little Bighorn. Source: Public Domain Throughout early American history, killing didnt even play into the creation of war heroes. Among Great Plains Native Americans, including the Sioux, Cheyenne and Blackfoot peoples, counting coup was the highest possible achievement for a warrior. In the midst of battle, men would try to touch enemies with hands or weapons, not to wound or kill, but to humiliate opponents and gain prestige by coming away unscathed. Lakota Sioux leader Crazy Horse was widely respected for setting up situations where less experienced men could count coup rather than kill their enemies he recognized that the ritual provided a necessary confidence boost to young warriors in the heat of battle. Beyond the U.S., other cultures also had definitions of military success that transcend Trumps interpretation. In 19th- and early-20th-century Germany, for example, military officers with vicious dueling scars were considered more honorable, ferocious and even fashionable than other soldiers. During officer training, young men would practice fencing without blunted weapons or protection. The winners of these duels werent necessarily the best swordsmen, but their ability to endure pain and permanent disfigurement made them heroic in the eyes of those they commanded. Story continues Elsewhere, specific acts from the time-honored to the bizarre have made people stand out in war. In The Iliad and The Odyssey, Odysseus makes his name as a great warrior by trickery, not battlefield brawn. For Maori warriors before the colonization of New Zealand, killing the first opponent in a battle, known as the mataika (first fish), elevated a fighters status. Across medieval Europe, knights bloodiest, most hard-won victories could be invalidated if they disregarded specific codes of chivalry. In a long tradition dating from the days of the samurai to the end of World War II, Japanese soldiers, especially officers, were encouraged to kill themselves before being taken captive. And yes, Donald, even prisoners of war have become heroes for having spent time in captivity. Look no further than Winston Churchill: The great statesmans initial fame came not from his military or political prowess, but from having been taken prisoner and waging a daring escape as a journalist during the Boer War. Even soldiers who failed to distinguish themselves in combat have had their legacies transformed by their time as POWs. In Britain, men like Roger Bushell, who orchestrated the great escape from Stalag Luft III during World War II, received posthumous awards for their dedication, courage and ingenuity. Although the massive escape Bushell organized ended in tragedy, it mobilized thousands of German soldiers and civilians, diverting their attention away from the war effort. For many European veterans of World War I, historian Adam Luptak explains, disabilities and time spent as POWs were the deciding factors in what made a hero and granted privileged positions in their postwar societies. Some even pointed to their injuries as evidence of heroism and manliness, Luptak says not solely to proclaim their military service but because their actual injuries and experiences caused them so much pain. This idea certainly applied to World War II POW Louis Zamperini, whose story of suffering left adrift on the Pacific Ocean for over a month only to be captured by the Japanese and subjected to unimaginable torture was told in the Oscar-nominated film Unbroken. In an era of drones and torture, heroes and villains are no longer black-and-white concepts. But the idea of the war hero still resonates with combatants and civilians alike. For soldiers, imagining the battlefield in such mythical terms can make fulfilling their duty more bearable and logical. For politicians, heroes can bring morality and legitimacy to a compromised political combat zone. Warfare is changing, and the word hero is adapting along with it. And, as Trump discovered after slighting McCain, soldiers still enjoy a unique social currency, one theyve had since Homers day. War hero may not be a term everyone can agree on, but no matter how you define it, it remains one hell of a force. Related Articles KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia will cooperate fully with any lawful investigation of its companies or citizens, Prime Minister Najib Razak's spokesman said on Thursday after the U.S. Justice Department filed lawsuits linked to scandal-ridden state fund 1MDB. U.S. prosecutors sued on Wednesday to seize more than $1 billion in assets they said were tied to an international scheme to launder money stolen from the Malaysian state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad. "As the Prime Minister has always maintained, if any wrongdoing is proven, the law will be enforced without exception," Najib's spokesman Tengku Sariffuddin said in a statement. In a separate statement, 1MDB said it was not a party to the civil suit, did not have any assets in the United States and had not benefited from the transactions described in the civil suit. (Reporting by Praveen Menon; Editing by Paul Tait) KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - The leader of a Malaysian opposition party called on Prime Minister Najib Razak to step down on Thursday after U.S. prosecutors filed lawsuits linked to scandal-plagued state-owned fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the president of the People's Justice Party (PKR), said the government should also push for an independent commission to investigate graft claims outlined by the civil suits filed in California on Wednesday. "I believe the Malaysian people want Dato' Sri Najib to go on leave as prime minister so as not to create the perception of abuse of power or process to halt or hinder a full and transparent investigation on this very serious issue," Wan Azizah said in a statement. (Reporting by Joseph Sipalan; Editing by Nick Macfie) KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Reuters) - Malaysia's Attorney-General said on Thursday there has been no evidence from any probe conducted by law enforcement agencies across the globe that show funds were misappropriated from state-fund 1MDB. No criminal charges have been made against any individuals for misappropriation from 1MDB, Malaysia's Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi said in a statement. U.S. prosecutors said on Wednesday over $3.5 billion was diverted from 1Malaysia Development Berhad. The U.S. civil lawsuits are seeking to seize $1 billion in assets they said were tied to money stolen from the fund. Apandi also expressed "strong concerns at the insinuations and allegations" of wrongdoing made against Prime Minister Najib Razak in relation to the lawsuits. (Reporting by A. Ananthalakshmi; Editing by Nick Macfie) Segou (Mali) (AFP) - Mali announced Thursday it had opened an investigation into the deaths of 17 soldiers killed in an attack on their base in the centre of the country, as separate violence flared in the north. Two armed groups claimed to have carried out Tuesday's raid on a military camp in Nampala, central Mali, which also left dozens wounded. A day after declaring a 10-day state of emergency, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita paid his final respects to the dead in the presence of bereaved families in Segou, the capital of the region where the attack happened. A previous state of emergency in place since April had only been lifted the week before. "We are mourning today in Segou, crying for our children fallen in battle. Some were 20 years old, others 40. Not every life has dignity. Theirs did," Keita said at a military camp. Keita said he had moved "heaven and earth" in attempts to persuade allies to provide air support to the struggling Malian forces. "We need true solidarity," he added. Both France and the United Nations have stationed troops in Mali in an attempt to curb the country's prolonged insecurity. The president was also due to visit some of the 35 wounded troops still receiving care. Earlier Thursday the justice ministry said prosecutors had opened a terrorism probe into the Nampala attack and called on Malians to "inform the judicial authorities of anything that can help to advance our inquiries." - 'Heavy weapon fire' - Malian jihadist organisation Ansar Dine claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack, along with the recently-founded National Alliance for the Protection of Peul Identity and Restoration of Justice (ANSIPRJ). The military camp massacre was just the latest in a series of assaults on security forces in Mali, and was condemned as a "coordinated terrorist attack" by the government. Meanwhile, in a show of Mali's growing instability, clashes were reported in the restive northern city of Kidal between pro-government and former rebel groups both based there since February. Story continues An unnamed local official described "violent street battles" between the heavily armed factions, with residents barricaded in their homes. "All civilians are indoors. Heavy weapons are firing all over the place, especially in centre of town," said the official. Another official said the fighting stemmed from a struggle between rival Tuareg clans over control of the town. There was no immediate information about casualties. Mali has seen repeated violence since it fell under the control of Tuareg-led rebels who allied with jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda in 2012, including Ansar Dine. Attacks are now becoming more frequent in the country's centre, close to its borders with Mauritania, Burkina Faso and Niger, both from criminal and jihadist elements. Although Islamists were largely ousted by an ongoing French-led military operation launched in January 2013, sporadic attacks from desert hideouts are common. (Reuters) - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed the club are in talks with Schalke 04 attacking midfielder Leroy Sane but the move is stalling over the player's valuation. "Sane is a player of Schalke. Of course we talk to him - Schalke knows we are interested, but at this moment we don't have many possibilities to get him," Guardiola told reporters. The Spaniard was speaking after his side's 1-0 friendly loss to his former club Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, his first game in charge of the English club. "There is a difference between Manchester City and Schalke and it is quite big. I do not know what is going to happen but right now he is with Schalke," he said of the 20-year-old Sane, who was in the Germany squad at the Euro 2016. Schalke 04 sporting director Christian Heidel Winger has confirmed Sane has asked the club for a transfer. Sane scored eight league goals and grabbed six assists for Schalke last season as the Bundesliga club finished fifth in the standings. (Reporting by Ian Rodricks in Bengaluru; Editing by Amlan Chakraborty) A New York City man who allegedly threw a hoax bomb into a marked police van with two officers inside was taken into custody Thursday following an hours-long standoff with police, authorities said. Hector Meneses, 52, of Queens, is suspected of tossing a cylindrical object through the open window of a police van in Times Square late Wednesday, which prompted quick-thinking officers to speed away from the crowded Manhattan tourist destination, according to the NYPD. I look around, saw a lot of kids, a lot of young people, Sgt. Hameed Armani, who was driving the van, told reporters at a news conference. We both look at each other and I was like, Were going to go, but Im not going to have anyone else go with us.' Both Armani and his partner Officer Peter Cybulski said their prayers during the 30-second to a minute-long car ride out of Times Square, Armani said. We thought, this is it. Were not going to make it, but Im happy no one else is going to get hurt, he said. NYPD Commissioner William Bratton hailed Armani and Cybulski as heroes of the city for immediately deciding to move the possible threat to a less-crowded area. They later confirmed the make-shift device was a candle and a harmless electrical component, police said. "These two officers are heroes of the NYPD, heroes of New York City."- @CommissBratton pic.twitter.com/9H6KlRZJlp NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) July 21, 2016 We knew what each other was thinking, Cybulski said. We werent going to let anything happen in Times Square. Meneses was taken into custody shortly before 8 a.m. Thursday, authorities said. Police say he had fled in his vehicle after tossing the object into the police van. Milan (AFP) - Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba will join Manchester United this weekend, according to the barber who styled the French star's hair blonde ahead of an expected move to Old Trafford. Pogba's return to the club he left for free in 2012 was placed under doubt on Thursday after his agent Mino Raiola posted a message on Twitter. "There is no deal done regarding Paul Pogba, lots of bla bla bla," Raiola said. But the barber who gave 'Pogboom' a new hairstyle during his ongoing summer holidays with friends in Miami was less secretive about his client's possible future destination. "Had to change up Pog haircolour for his new team #ManchesterUnited," said Criztofferson, the barber, on an Instagram post which showed him cutting Pogba's hair in his Miami salon. The post was later removed, perhaps at the behest of Pogba, Raiola or bosses at Manchester United. It was replaced with a more sobre message which read: "Cutting up @PaulPogba for the weekend". The second post drew dozens of comments from followers of both Manchester United and Juventus, who are expected to cut a deal that could see Pogba move to Old Trafford for a new world record transfer of 125 million euros. Although fans expect a deal to be made, United manager Jose Mourinho was circumspect when asked by media during pre-season preparations in China. "I don't confirm and I don't deny. I cannot tell you," Mourinho said on the eve of the International Champions Cup match against Borussia Dortmund in Shanghai Friday. Pogba joined United in 2009 but, after becoming frustrated with the lack of first-team chances under former manager Alex Ferguson, he quit the English giants for free to join Juventus in 2012. The 23-year-old has since won four Serie A titles, two Italian Cups and emerged as the most exciting midfield player of his generation. Journalist and Oscar-winning screenwriter Mark Boal has filed a lawsuit against President Barack Obama, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and Army prosecutor Maj. Justin Oshana in response to the governments threat to subpoena Boals taped interviews with accused Army deserter Bowe Bergdahl, who was captured and held prisoner by the Taliban for five years until his release in 2014. Boal, who won the screenwriting Oscar and shared the Best Picture Oscar for The Hurt Locker, spent 25 hours interviewing Bergdahl for a series of podcasts that aired this year on the Peabody Award-winning podcast Serial, which is sponsored by WBEZ, the National Public Radio station in Chicago. Now the Pentagon wants Boal to turn over those tapes as part of Bergdahls court martial proceedings. I support the Army, but this particular military prosecutors tactics contradict and undermine the stated principles and policies of the Commander and Chief and the Attorney General to protect First Amendment rights, said Boal, who was also Oscar nominated for Zero Dark Thirty. Its Orwellian, and bizarre. According to the lawsuit (read it here) filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, The subpoena would invade Boals right to gather and publish newsworthy material under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, the common law and state constitutional and statutory provisions. A draft of the subpoena, sent to Boals production company, Page 1, informed him that in the name of the President of the United StatesYou are hereby required to produce the below listed documentary evidence for use in the court-martial case of the United States v. Sergeant Robert Bowdrie (Bowe) BergdahlThese records must be produced no later than May 1st, 2016. Documentary evidence: The complete unedited audio recordings of conversations between Sergeant Bergdahl and Mark Boal referenced in the Serial podcast as over 25 hours of recorded conversations. If available, include the date and time for all recordings. Story continues In his lawsuit, Boal is seeking a declaration, injunction or writ from the court to prevent the issuance or enforcement of the subpoena. Mark Boal fully supports the military justice system and believes that Bergdahl has to face the music in a fair judicial process, said his attorney Jean-Paul Jassy. But Boal is a civilian and a journalist, and under the First Amendment, he should not be hauled into a military court to divulge his unpublished and confidential materials. We are asking the federal court in Los Angeles to protect Mark Boals constitutional rights. Boals move is supported by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, whose executive director, Bruce Brown, said: We firmly stand with Mr. Boal in his effort to protect these tapes. Well-established law recognizes that journalists cannot do their jobs to keep the public informed if they cannot work free from government interference. The suit notes that President Obama is being sued in his official capacity as President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Related stories Obama-ABC Town Hall Ratings OK, But 'Big Brother' Wins Night In Demo Obama Turns Donald Trump Taunter-In-Chief During First Hillary Clinton Campaign Stop President Obama On Brexit: "We Respect Their Decision" mark cuban donald trump late show with stephen colbert cbs Tech billionaire and "Shark Tank" host Mark Cuban used to support Donald Trump's presidential run, but he has since changed his mind. On Wednesday's "Late Show," host Stephen Colbert asked Cuban why he flip-flopped from saying the real-estate mogul was the "best thing to happen to politics" last year to changing his stance in May, and then announcing he has become a "Never Trump" supporter on Twitter earlier this week. "At the beginning, he was a businessperson," Cuban explained. "I wanted to see a change from the traditional politician, but then he went and opened his mouth." Cuban then added, "He had a really good chance to be different and really have a chance to change things, but he doesnt do the work. Hes lazy." Colbert then wondered what the Billionaire Boys Club thinks of Trump. After joking that they've stopped inviting Trump to the meetings and changed the secret handshake, Cuban explained that the real proof is in who's donating to the Trump campaign. In its search for an alternative to Trump, it was reported that they did tests on Mark Cuban for a possible third-party candidacy. But as for Cuban's own aspirations for presidential run, the billionaire said it's not going to happen. "I just don't want to put my family through it," he said. "My 6-year-old, Jake, loves the idea, but it's just a lot of scrutiny and my kids are young and I want to spend time with them. And typically, I just dislike politics." If Cuban's opposition to Trump wasn't clear enough, he also took part in a special edition of Colbert's "Take the Gloves Off." In it, he takes shots at Trump's bankruptcy record, his business acumen, and his orange tan, among other things. Watch the interview and "Take the Gloves Off" segment below: NOW WATCH: Watch the RNC audience boo Ted Cruz for not endorsing Trump More From Business Insider Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban doesnt like Donald Trump, and he decided to express this feeling by Cuban telling some jokes on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert with Colbert serving as his hype man. A taste of his completely original comedy: Related Links: Donald, the gloves are off. Hey, speaking of gloves, I got you a pair for your birthday. Youre a childs medium, right? Donald, Donald, Ive got a travel tip for you. When youre going through customs and they ask if you have anything to declare, try not to blurt out bankruptcy. I bet you hadnt heard a single small hands joke or bankruptcy joke until this. Youre doubled over in hysterics as once again late-night television has found a way to skewer our politicians in ways the rest of us can only dream. Whats next? Some sort of karaoke-based joke? Where do they come up with this stuff?!? Im sorry. Im burnt out on G-rated, recycled election jokes. Were on month 13 of this stuff and I cant take it anymore. To be fair, the orange cone joke was good. Make American Late Night TV Great Again. (The Late Show With Stephen Colbert) From Harper's BAZAAR Yesterday, Harper's Bazaar celebrated nearly a decade of the annual Fabulous At Every Age reader contest, where five inspiring readers spanning from ages 20 to 60s+ were honored by Bazaar, Estee Lauder and Saks Fifth Avenue. After enjoying a weekend of pampering in New York City, the finalists were celebrated at a chic luncheon at Le Bernadin Prive where actress and author Mary-Louise Parker addressed the finalists, sharing memories of how she's dealt with aging through the years. Below, read Parker's speech, and see our amazing finalists. When I heard the theme for today's luncheon, two very strong images collided in my memory bank. The first was a difficult one. It was a birthday of mine. I remember this morning in striking detail; how I woke with a low level hum of pure "blah," then rolled over underneath those navy blue sheets. It was a bed I hadn't been sleeping in long and wouldn't occupy much longer. Basically it was a stopover, but I was there for a handful of reasons that made sense to me, and anyway, I opened my eyes and looked at the clock. It was morning, which meant it was my birthday. I couldn't bear that thought. I'd reached a certain milestone that some of you ladies are familiar with. You may have been excited by it but it was daunting for me. Maybe some of you will understand why I laid back and put the pillow over my face and started to cry. I felt over. Any kind of youth felt over. Natural beauty was solidly in her grave. I felt past my shelf life, my "use by" date. I wept from somewhere deep, trying to accept that I was in a new phase, whatever that was, and I would needed to accept that and learn to love myself, to accept this day, because it was here now-and maybe it was a new start. On this morning I was 22 years old. "I am glad to be here instead of somewhere whining about how I was more sparkly last year." - Mary-Louise Parker Story continues Now, I knew somewhere that it was absurd, that I was irrational, but I cried anyway. My boyfriend at the time who was nearly double my age, told me that I was absurd and irrational and that made me cry harder. "If you are old, what am I?" he asked me. "A dinosaur," I said. "But it's not the same, it's different for men," I said. In that sense I was right. It was different for them, and still is, but I was wrong about everything else. This is where the second memory comes in. When I turned 35 I didn't have my life in place in the way I'd dreamed, but thankfully I had a watershed moment where I acknowledged how uncommonly blessed I was. I gave a tiny shrug and decided, I'm gonna dress up. I am gonna make all my lovely friends dress up, too. We are going to have a party. I got all my girlfriends to dress in their finest and off we went in feather boas, turbans and high heels, to the Central Park playground. We went down the slides and pushed each other on swings, we popped up and down on the seesaw, and piled into a limo with champagne. I gave them each a book I made of my favorite poems and we read those poems aloud softly in that big black car and then we opened the roof and turned up the music and sang at the top of our lungs to all the passersby in Times Square. The limo driver shuttled us to the Pleasure Chest in the [West] Village, and we skipped in and bought sex toys in our ball gowns and tiaras. We drove up the West Side Highway to my friend Whoopi Goldberg's house and danced and ate cake and banana pudding and laughed our heads off. We celebrated until the wee hours and then we drove to Ray's pizza. Big surprise: I found myself feeling more attractive in my mid and late forties. I was apologizing less, and apologizing less for my apologizing. I was not as apt to believe someone else when they told me who they thought I was. When I became a mother, I had to understand that around my daughter, I couldn't say I hate my hair, my body looks awful, or nothing looks good on me and, what will I wear? I couldn't indulge that needy, self-loathing voice and not expect her to copy it. So, I am wildly in favor of being here to celebrate with you. I keep trying to go back to the theme of celebration, and here is the important part: I have to celebrate whether all of me wants to or not. When I turned 50 I was on the verge of doing absolutely nothing, but snapped out of it when my friends insisted we celebrate. We rented a fabulous if somewhat creepy Tiki-room-themed house in the desert and stayed up all hours. We hiked and did yoga, got henna tattoos and ate candy. We had massages. We swam in the pool with our kids and when they went to sleep we drank from coconuts with fans sticking out and danced and karaoke-d so loud and for so long that the police showed up. I wasn't worried though, because I had all the confidence that comes with being half a century, and besides, they were cute, those policemen, and young enough to be my offspring. One of my friends announced that it was my 50th and they said, "Noooooooo!" Maybe they were only flattering, but I happily took it when they said they didn't believe her. "No, I promise," I said, and I am quite proud that I made it through and can stand here in front of you with flowers in my hair. I am glad to be here instead of somewhere whining about how I was more sparkly last year. Even if I am at that moment where my dear friend Jeff Mashie needs to gently remind me that it's maybe not the best moment to roll up in cut-offs and seven-inch heels with a halter top, I can now pull off calling a group of policemen "nice young men," and I can crawl into bed at 9pm with my readers and a stack of poetry and no one will accuse me of being pretentious or anti social. Most of all I have the particularly sweet honor of hearing a little voice telling me, "Mommy, you look pretty." If I live another day, another year, or another decade, I am nothing but lucky to be around. It's really never too late to understand that what is shiny is at some point going to deepen to a richer and more interesting patina, and that change is an evolution, not a devolution, and it's always, always, worth celebrating. maurice levy While Publicis Groupe posted better-than-expected Q2 earnings on Thursday, the France-based advertising agency holding company warned the next quarter is going to be "difficult." Last year, Publicis lost a number of huge media-buying accounts, including the mammoth $2.6 billion Procter & Gamble North America media business, the Honda media account in Europe, General Mills, and Coca-Cola. It picked up some sizeable briefs along the way like Visa, GSK, and Taco Bell but Publicis CEO Maurice Levy told Business Insider that nevertheless, Q3 will mark "the moment of truth and the most difficult moment of the year." But there are still plenty of reasons to be cheerful, according to Levy. Last December, Publicis announced a major reorganization that saw the business split itself into four separate divisions Publicis Communications, Publicis Media, Publicis Sapient, and Publicis Healthcare designed to help its hundreds of agencies from Saatchi & Saatchi, Starcom, Sapient Consulting, to Leo Burnett work better together under its new "power of one" concept. That's improved the scope of work it is offering clients, Levy explained. So a client that was just working with one of Publicis' many creative agencies is now more likely to be taking up media or digital consulting services too. Levy is also cheered by how well the company's inaugural Viva Technology Paris event a kind of mix between CES and TechCrunch Disrupt went earlier this month. Speakers included Alphabet chairman Eric Schmidt and Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and 45,000 people visited. Publicis invested 10 million euros in the event, where it also announced a big collaboration with Chinese tech firm Tencent. "It was way beyond our wildest dreams. We wanted to do an event like no other exists," Levy said. "The question now is how we will beat such success next year ... we got a few returns. The publicity was just incredible, in terms of credibility in the field of technology, the people who were asking if what we are doing is true, is fake, is window dressing, or whatever, they have been able to measure our credibility to the key players of the industry ... obviously now we have to make it work financially and this is what we are going to do in the year to come." Story continues French labor reforms Manuel Valls Levy is also cheered by the French labor reforms, which were pushed through Parliament by Prime Minister Manuel Valls earlier this week without a vote. The bill which was designed to create jobs and make the French economy more competitive with the rest of the world weakens union powers, extends the working week, and should make layoffs and modifications to things such as overtime wages easier. The bill, which was pushed through parliament after months of strikes and protests, has been watered down from the original version in order to make concessions to the unions. Levy does not think the reforms go far enough as many minor measures were removed, but thinks the fact that it has been passed it is a good sign. "Kudos to the government who have been able to stay strong on the will of reform," he said. "Now we need to make sure we are getting the decrees of application and that they will implement the reform quickly. It is a good step in a good direction, although I was hoping for a giant step, which was the first reform." The ANA report There are still some issues from previous quarters that linger over Publicis and the rest of the advertising sector. bob liodice The second half long-awaited Association of National Advertisers (ANA) report into US agency rebates was published earlier this month. The first report, published in June, suggested non-transparent behavior such as taking rebates from media owners and not disclosing them to clients was "pervasive" in the US media agency landscape. The second section of the report offered guidelines to marketers on how to manage their media agency relationships, which included recommendations including revising the wording of their contract and renegotiating their audit rights. Publicis has felt the direct impact of that report. As Business Insider first reported, JPMorgan Chase called in auditors to examine its relationship with Publicis media agency Zenith. The two auditors it has hired happen to be the two companies that carried out the ANA report: K2 and Ebiquity's Firm Decisions. While the audit is taking place, JPMorgan Chase has suspended its activity with Zenith and has appointed Vayner Media to take over in the interim. Levy admits the suspension of activity is "quite unusual," but believes this is down to JPMorgan Chase being a bank and therefore being cautious to comply with regulation. "We have regular audits made by many of our clients and some are doing an audit on a yearly basis. It's not something uncommon and we feel extremely good about the necessity to do that audit. We believe it will go well. It is still in process and we don't believe there will be any wrongdoing," he said. Publicis released a lengthy statement in response to the first half of the report last month, saying the ANA had "failed its members, advertisers, agencies, and the entire industry by releasing a report that relies on allegations about situations involving unnamed companies and individuals to make broad, unsubstantiated and unverifiable assertions." Levy told us on Thursday: "In any given democracy, when there is an issue and somebody is accused of doing something wrong, the first right of that individual, or company is to know the facts and defend itself. So we want to know the facts and we want to check what those facts are in order to bring the right answers. So we find it quite awkward that the process went this way." Brexit Maurice Levy IGNITION 2015 Speaking of democracy, Publicis is still waiting to see what impact Britain's intended exit from the European Union will have on its business. When Levy spoke to us the day Britain voted for a Brexit last month, he told us he was "stunned to the point that it did exactly feel as if I had no legs." Now he has got over the shock somewhat, Levy said there are still two questions Publicis has about how Brexit will affect its business: Will there be a decline in GDP in the UK or the EU? (To which he believes nobody knows yet.) And what are the Groupe's plans for the UK? The UK is Publicis' second-biggest market. "We made a clear statement that we are going to stay [in the UK.] We are going to continue to invest. And we are going to continue to develop our operations. We will be there for a very long time and I wrote to all our people in the UK to tell them that we stand by them," Levy said. He added that he hopes new Prime Minister Theresa May "will act quickly" in order to make the right decision to "build a better future for the EU." Publicis reported a better-than-expected second quarter on Thursday. Sales rose 0.9% to 2.46 billion euros ($2.7 billion), while organic growth which is the measure the industry usually uses to measure success as it strips out the effects of acquisitions and currency fluctuations was up 2.7%. Publicis' share price was up 2.7% to 65.98 euros at the time of writing. Rival advertising holding company IPG also reported earnings on Thursday. The firm which owns agencies including R/GA, McCann, and FCB posted organic revenue growth of 3.7% in its second quarter. Total revenue increased 2.2% to $1.92 billion. NOW WATCH: 9 phrases on your resume that make hiring managers cringe More From Business Insider Paris (AFP) - British Prime Minister Theresa May said Thursday she was committed to obtaining restrictions on EU migration in her negotiations with the union on leaving the bloc. "The message the British people gave in their vote for the UK to leave the EU had a very clear message that we should introduce some controls to the movement of individuals from EU countries into the UK. "I'm clear the government should deliver, and will deliver on that for the British people," she said after talks in Paris with French President Francois Hollande. CLEVELAND Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Yahoo News on Wednesday that vulnerable GOP senators are smart to stay away from the partys nominating convention but that their absence has nothing to do with Donald Trump. Ive advised candidates every time we have a convention not to come. So its not related to Donald Trump, McConnell said in an interview a day after he delivered his speech to the delegates who formally anointed the brash entrepreneur their champion. If youre in a contested race, and it happens to be a presidential year, ask yourself, Whats the best use of this week? the Kentucky lawmaker said. Its probably not coming up here and going to a lot of parties. McConnell noted that many of the Republican senators are not delegates and therefore dont need to be in Cleveland. So the fact that a lot of our candidates have not come or only come for a day or so really has nothing to do with the top of the ticket, it has to do with the fact that we have a lot of very competitive races, he said. Aides to some Republicans who fear for their reelection prospects have told Yahoo News that their swing-state fortunes depend on pulling off a difficult balancing act attracting Trump voters while not attaching themselves too closely to the nominees more controversial policies. That has led to some fairly tortured arguments from lawmakers elected in a GOP wave in 2010 and now facing the voters again. Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, one of the most vulnerable Republicans, has couched her position as support but not endorse. In all, McConnells party has 24 senators up for reelection, against just 10 for Democrats. We are largely on defense this cycle, the majority leader said. And the convention is not, honestly, the best way if youre in a purple state, a competitive state that can go either way probably not the best way to spend your week. In his speech on Tuesday night, McConnell made an affirmative case for Trump based on policy a rarity at a convention that often feels much more focused on tearing down Clinton than building up the former reality show stars standing with voters. The senator argued that a Trump presidency would mean repealing Obamacare, building the Keystone XL pipeline, and stripping Planned Parenthood of federal money. But he did not embrace any of Trumps signature policies. In the interview, McConnell suggested that Republicans in Congress will have considerable influence over a Trump administration. Story continues The fact that Donald Trump seems to not have a lot of fixed notions about a number of these issues is an advantage, hes going to have to rely on people like us, McConnell said. The Republican leader pointed to Hillary Clintons poor public opinion poll scores on trustworthiness, and said that she is in terrible shape. So much so, he said, that I think Joe Biden would have been a tougher opponent. McConnell, who has repeatedly praised his former Senate colleague, said that the onset of the political season means his genuine friendship with the vice president does not yield much talk about legislative dealmaking. Right now, theres not much business to be done because its such a totally political time of year, he said. We still talk, but we dont talk about can we reach an agreement on this or that. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks during Day 2 of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, July 19, 2016. (Photo: John Locher/AP) McConnell defended his unprecedented decision to block Obamas pick to fill the Supreme Court seat held by the late Antonin Scalia, denying nominee Merrick Garland any hearings or votes and leaving it to the next president to choose the ninth justice. But, he acknowledged, if Clinton wins it will be somebody I probably wont like. _____ Related slideshows: On the ground at the RNC Convention A photo report >>> Armed at the RNC >>> Front pages cover Donald Trumps final primary victory >>> Melania Trump in the convention spotlight >>> Convention floor erupts when no roll call taken to change rules to unbind delegates >>> How newspapers covered the RNCs fiery first day >>> Demonstrators protest outside the RNC >>> Donald Trumps America >>> Please join us on Saturday, July 23, in New York Citys Central Park to hear Alice Mizrachi in person along with other intellectuals, artists and trend-makers who love good conversation, a rich mix of food and great music. Welcome to OZY FUSION FEST. With a harness and hydraulic lift, Alice Mizrachi scales a six-story building to set up her ambush. She signals to her ragtag team of high schoolers below to get in position. Off they go armed with 20-foot paint rollers and spray-paint cans. Theirs isnt the work of vandals; its fine art gone rogue. Big, bold art is incredibly sexy to me, especially when it confronts you in places you least expect, says the 39-year-old Mizrachi, who honed her artistic chops at the Parsons School of Design. Today, shes shimmying up blighted brick walls in the east side of Buffalo, N.Y., around the corner from abandoned homes and crumbling streets. The city has been in free fall since the 60s, hemorrhaging more than half of its population thanks to a flagging economy. Its not the first place youd look for art, but Mizrachis massive mural of a mixed-race couple catches the eye of even a non-seeker, especially in todays climate. Mizrachi wants her art to accost the public hence her choice of exhibitionist city walls over dainty easels. Mizrachi is the godmother of New Yorks vivid street art scene. Artists view her as a leading force and a bridge-builder between old-school graffiti artists and younger experimental artists, says Diana McClure, an art critic and writer based in Brooklyn. Her art has graced walls in New York, Argentina and Munich, as well posh galleries and glossy magazines worldwide. Thats her legal work, anyway she declined to comment on her uncommissioned works for, well, self-protective reasons. You can encounter her glowing feminist goddess with wispy wavelike locks in a Tel Aviv bus station or stumble upon an All We Need Is Love proclamation on a dilapidated box truck in New York. The upper crust meet her at Washington, D.C.s Museum of Contemporary Art and The National Womens Museum, as well as in New York magazine and The Huffington Post. In 2007, she co-founded YOUNITY Arts Collective, an all-female urban art collective in New York City. Street art is dominated by men, says Ohio-based street artist Stephanie Rond, but women such as Mizrachi are making headway: Its empowering to view murals [in which] women are active citizens, not as painted objects. Story continues Unnamed Source: Courtesy of Alice Mizrachi Of late, its children telling Mizrachi what to paint, in a sort of wall art therapy session. This has her shepherding gaggles of kids from high school classrooms to after-school programs, using art as a tool for healing and collaborating with urban youth to tackle thorny issues such as inequality, migration and identity. Recent topics included Black Lives Matter and the persistence of poverty in Buffalo. All too often, you walk into a classroom and no one discusses these uncomfortable situations, she says, taking a breather after painting with 13 teenagers under the sweltering Buffalo sun. Though the picture has the ring of a Lifetime movie portraying her do-gooding work, Mizrachis ambition faces the nasty Gordian knot of the education system as she calls for a revival in the way we teach art. Few are heeding her plea. Across the country, arts education is in shambles. According to a decades-long study from the Department of Education, fewer elementary schools offer visual arts, dance and drama classes compared to a decade ago, with nearly 4 million elementary school students receiving no visual arts instruction at all. Yet according to a 2012 study from the National Endowment for the Arts, low-income students who have arts-rich experiences in high school are 10 percent more likely to complete challenging material like a calculus course than students who have less exposure to the arts. Mizrachi knows what its like to treat art as an escape from hard times, as it was for her growing up in Queens, New York. Her parents fled Tel Aviv and settled in the United States in the 1960s, around the time of the Six-Day War in which Israel fought Egypt, Syria and Jordan in a bloody battle to keep its independence. As a first-generation American, Mizrachi grew up among the swaying sounds of hip-hop, funk, soul and disco in the streets and, not to mention, Hebrew at home. She romantically describes her father, who fixed cars and patched roofs, as a sculptor of sorts; her mother baked and sewed, giving Mizrachi a kind of creative, DIY household. She never wanted to be anything other than an artist, and she has drawn inspiration from different patches in her life: ancient Judaic and Islamic patterns, African art, the urban graffiti she grew up with. But as with any artists process, description is a mere sieve, and we wont pretend to capture the essential center of Mizrachis work. Instead, well let you see her toiling away for yourself. Mizrachi paints in Tel Aviv Related Articles Another steady lineup of high-profile politicians is on deck to take the stage at the Republican National Convention Wednesday, the night after Donald Trump became the official Republican nominee. The lineup includes Trumps running mate, a could-have-been running mate and three former rivals. Heres a look at the major politicians on the schedule Wednesday. Vice presidential nominee Mike Pence The Indiana Governor was chosen to reassure the Republican base with his socially conservative credentials, but hell likely spend more of his time talking about Trump. His speech will be a preview of some of the themes that Trump will hit Thursday night and through November. The speech will also be Pences chance to introduce himself to Americans. Nearly half of respondents in a recent poll said that they did not know enough to have an opinion on him. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich The former Speaker has been out of office since the late 1990s, but hes been a regular presence on cable news networks since then. Gingrich ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, then made his way to the final round of the vice presidential shortlist. Gingrich will be joined by his wife, Callista. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker The second-term Governor beat back a recall attempt which helped build his national profile and seemed like a rising star heading into 2016, but he was an early casualty of the crowded Republican primary. Walker then backed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz over Trump and helped lift the Texan to a victory in Wisconsin. Walkers tweeted endorsement of Trump later on was tepid, though he praised the selection of Pence. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio Another former rising star, the first-term Senator was one of the last Republican presidential candidates to drop after Trump beat him in his own home state. Rubio had long insisted that he would not run for re-election to the Senate, but he recently changed his mind. He has opted to stay away from the convention, however, and will appear only on video. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz Trumps last major rival, the first-term Senator has yet to endorse Trump, making his speech tonight something of a wild card. If Trump loses, Cruz would likely mount a second campaign for the White House in 2020. mq-25a stingray x-47b The US Navy just named the first carrier-based Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) the MQ-25A Stingray. The Navy has been pursuing a carrier-based drone since 2006 first as a long-range stealthy bomber, then as a surveillance and strike craft, and finally as a flying tanker. Though air-to-air refueling is hardly a breakthrough, having a carrier-based tanker provides the Navy with a possible solution to one of their most pressing problems anti-access area denial (A2AD). Both China and Russia have developed ranged platforms capable of locking US forces out of key locations in their respective areas, but the Stingray could increase the range of US carrier-based aircraft indefinitely, allowing them to burst enemy A2AD bubbles. For instance, China's famous DF-21D "carrier killer" ballistic missile has a range of about 810 miles. The US's longest-range carrier-based aircraft only have a range of about 550 miles, which forces the US to either operate carrier-based aircraft outside of their effective range or risk bringing an entire carrier, with 6,000 sailors and about 70 aircraft, within range of the DF-21D. The Stingray, once integrated into carrier fleets, will extend the range of US carrier's existing F-18s, allowing them to effectively operate from a safe distance. Once fielded, the Navy will look to increase the role of the Stingray. mq-25a stingray x-47b Were probably going to drop some of the high-end specs and try to grow the class and increase the survivability [later], Vice Adm. Joseph Mulloy, deputy chief of naval operations for integration of capabilities and resources, told the US Naval Institute's news service. It has to be more refueling, a little bit of ISR (Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions), weapons later and focus on its ability to be the flying truck. Story continues The Naval Institute reports that a request for proposals to build the Stingray will be issued this year, and the service hopes to field the Stingray by 2020. NOW WATCH: The US and 25 other nations are working together in the worlds largest maritime exercise More From Business Insider Meg Whitman It's a cloudy day in Birmingham, Alabama, and Meg Whitman, CEO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, has invited a handful of her top regional sales general managers to have dinner. Some of her big corporate sales captains were there, too, including Dan Belanger, vice president of the East Coast region, and Jeff DiLullo, vice president of sales strategy and operations. During the meeting, she has uncharacteristically put away her phone and set aside her PC. She's glued to the conversation, not checking emails and texts a rare thing for her. (Whitman says she even wakes up in the middle of the night to check her email.) The regional sales managers are lambasting her. Thousands of members of the salesforce have not been properly paid since Hewlett Packard split itself apart the previous November, they tell her. That's six months of wacky pay. It's gotten so bad that some salespeople couldn't make their mortgages and were facing foreclosure. Others were behind in their alimony payments. HPE even wrongly told one salesperson that he owed the company over $130,000 after the first quarter from taking a "draw," one person told us. A draw is when salespeople take an advance against their future commissions, but they risk having to pay the company back if they don't hit their sales goals. The amount of money a salesperson can take as a draw is limited. There's no way he could have racked up $130,000 in debt a few months into the year, even if he had sold absolutely nothing, this person said. Multiple people told us that HP had miscalculated $40,000 to $50,000 of many salespeople's pay simply because the software it used for tracking their compensation worked so poorly. 'The frozen middle' Whitman first got wind of problems with the software that helps salespeople track their pay in March, a program called myComp. So she assembled this team to meet with her to sort it out. She was shocked to discover the level of dysfunction with myComp and how long it's been going on, several people said. Story continues elsa frozen ride She sees it as another example of HP's stymied culture, what Whitman internally describes as the "frozen middle" the 20,000 to 30,000 people inside the company who are stuck in the past and resist change. "She's trying to thaw these people out and get them moving again," one former HP employee said. In truth, the wacky compensation tracking was a problem for HP for years, long before the split, these sales managers told Whitman at the meeting. But splitting HP into two companies with two separate IT systems, and the acquisition of Aruba, a wireless networking company HP bought for $2.7 billion a year earlier, caused the situation with myComp to get really, really bad, they say. As one person close to the company says, the way the myComp software was set up was "overly complicated," where sales data could be put in one day and withdrawn the next. As one HP salesperson described it to Business Insider, "Some days I'm at 95%. Some days I'm at 34%. This is not just me this is every person I know. Not just my team, but within the whole entire sales [team], anyone who sells hardware at HP." By some estimates, 4,000 salespeople were affected by the faulty myComp compensation tracking, one person close to the company told us. Still 'a nightmare' After that dinner meeting, Whitman sprang into action immediately. She had an apology email sent to the team from various sales execs, including Antonio Neri, an executive vice president reporting to Whitman, one person said. Executives told salespeople that Whitman was aware of the problem and it was "top of mind" for her. They said that she brought all the people responsible for compensation and the myComp program together, told them to fix it, and said she would review the situation quarterly. She also told them to pay the salespeople what the company owed them. In June, salespeople got their "true up" checks, which were supposed to include all the money HPE owed them. Nightmare on Elm Street And those payments were often wrong, multiple people said. Some folks were underpaid, others were overpaid and left with the fear that HPE would demand the money back. A source close to the company said that seniority had nothing to do with it; senior salespeople were in the same boat as everyone else. "I know guys who run big accounts threatening to leave. Then, after eight months, they 'true up' everyone, and it's wrong. It's like, come on. It's like a full-time job tracking this," one HPE salesperson said. Another said: "Meg found about the problem circa mid-March. She was well aware of it by mid-April. She pulls out all the stops tells people in operations, finance, all the stakeholders, to make it right. Then they 'trued up,' and it's still a nightmare." One reason the system was so broken is that HPE sells some products to smaller customers through third-party partners known as value added resellers, or VARs. These VARs order products through distributors, not directly from HPE, and HPE salespeople are supposed to be compensated for those sales as well. But the company doesn't have a precise way of tracking which salesperson should be credited for which sale. One sales manager described it like this: "The problem is there are no real numbers to deal with. Not a daily bookings report. Not even a weekly [point of sale] report coming out of distributors." In a statement to Business Insider, HPE acknowledged that the company had a problem paying people their earned commissions after the split, leaving them on the "draw" system for months longer than is typical. But it says that it has fixed the situation for the vast majority of the people who were affected: "It is common for sales employees, at Hewlett Packard Enterprise and other companies, to be paid on a draw before they start receiving their actual incentive compensation. While our recent separation into two companies contributed to temporary delays in the transition from draw to incentive-based pay for a subset of our Americas-based sales representatives, we have worked to simplify the process and at this time the issue is resolved for almost all of our sales representatives." A salesperson appears to go off the rails The whole situation got some ugly exposure last month after a top salesperson apparently sent an email to Belanger, the East Coast sales boss, and copied Whitman and a bunch of people outside of HPE who work at the distributors. Look eyes stress The email used some salty language to describe HPE's execs and complained how they can't pay their salespeople. That email "went all over the industry," one person said. Others say the email was spoofed, meaning it didn't really come from the person it said it was from. Still, it served its purpose by exposing some of HPE's internal struggles. On top of that, Whitman is in the process of splitting HPE again: the huge Enterprise Services unit will be part of a new company formed with onetime rival CSC. And the pressure is on not to have that situation aggravate this one. As for those who have been waiting eight months be paid correctly, one salesperson said: "This is a serious issue in the organization. They are pushing us hard to make our third-quarter numbers, and we're saying: 'We're busting our asses for you, and you can't make this right for us?' I like HP. I want to stay here because I believe in the products. But I can't stay here if I'm not getting paid properly." NOW WATCH: This video proves the US Navy and US Marine Corps have the best diving boards and swimming pools More From Business Insider Mexico City (AFP) - Mexico's government, which has criticized Donald Trump's vow to build a huge border wall, said Thursday it will contact the Republican candidate's campaign and his Democratic rival after their conventions. The Republican convention ends Thursday after having confirmed Trump as its standardbearer earlier this week, while the Democrats will formally name Hillary Clinton as their candidate next week. "Once the Republican and, in the coming week, the Democratic conventions end, we will seek to establish institutional communication with both campaign teams," Foreign Minister Claudia Ruiz Massieu said. Ruiz Massieu said Mexico's embassy in Washington and consular network were already reinforcing dialogue with the federal and local governments in the United States. She declined to comment on the Republican Party's election platform, which supports Trump's plan to build a wall covering the entire southern border with Mexico. But, she said, Mexico will work "with the US government that will be elected in November to review the actions that we must take jointly to make the border more efficient, orderly and safe." The Mexican government had announced in March plans to contact the winners of the Democratic and Republican primaries in order to rebut "disinformation" that was said about Mexico during the campaign. Trump has angered Mexicans by saying he would make their government pay for a massive wall to keep out "rapists" and other criminals from crossing the border. Pena Nieto told CNN earlier this month that his country would not pay for a wall. In March, the Mexican leader said Trump's "strident rhetoric" recalled the rise of Adolf Hitler. Ruiz Massieu spoke at a news conference previewing President Enrique Pena Nieto's trip to Washington on Thursday and Friday. The White House talks will focus on security, migration and trade, she said. El Chapo Guzman fake escape story prison photo Sinaloa cartel chief and vaunted Mexican kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman is currently languishing in a prison near Ciudad Juarez in northern Mexico, surrounded by nearly 700 guards, police, and soldiers. But on both sides of the border, authorities are preparing for Guzman to be shipped north to face trial in a US court, which many suspect will be in Brooklyn, New York. The US District Court for the Eastern District of New York, based in downtown Brooklyn, is one of seven US District Courts with indictments pending against Guzman. The US attorney in Miami recently joined the Brooklyn court's case as a special counsel. The Mexican government has already approved extradition requests from District Courts in Southern California and Western Texas, but where Guzman faces trial and he may face proceedings in multiple district courts will be decided by the US Department of Justice. Loretta Lynch Robert Capers US district attorney new york "The Department of Justice then has to essentially coordinate among and choose which cases ... they deem to have the strongest claims and evidence," professor David Shirk, of the University of San Diego, told Business Insider earlier this year. The DOJ then "sends that information to the US State Department, which is the official mechanism for delivering the extradition file to the Mexican government," Shirk added. Despite the extradition requests that have already been approved, the District Court in Brooklyn is generally considered to have the strongest chance of eventually getting Guzman. The court has a long history of trying violent, well-known defendants, including terrorists and mob bosses. Loretta Lynch, the US attorney general and the person who may decide Guzman's destination, previously served as US attorney in Brooklyn and may steer the kingpin to her former stomping grounds. Story continues Assuming that Guzman ends up in Brooklyn, though, a new trial will not be his only concern. 'Brooklyn's Abu Ghraib' Abu Ghraib prison Iraq torture detainee abuse Iraq war While facing trial in Brooklyn, Guzman may be held in the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), which, CNN notes, the Justice Department reserves for "extremely dangerous, violent, or escape-prone" inmates. Numerous investigations of rights abuses and reports of abuse of Muslim and immigrant prisoners have earned the facility the nickname "Brooklyn's Abu Ghraib," referring to the Iraqi prison that was the scene of numerous human-rights abuses during the Iraq war. The MDC also has a reputation for strict security and tight control over prisoners' comings and goings, making it extremely unlikely that Guzman will be able to mount the kind of activities or escapes he's pulled off in the past. "He's definitely not going to be digging any tunnels in Brooklyn," former MDC prisoner Esteban Gonzalez told CNN. "I can tell you that. Once those metal doors close behind him, it's pretty much over." "El Chapo's basically going to be locked down ... in his cell 23 hours a day," Robert Hood, a former Federal Bureau of Prisons warden, told CNN. Guzman will likely be allowed an hour of recreation a day in a rooftop area enclosed on all sides by a chain-link fence. New York City Brooklyn jail Metropolitan Detention Center His surroundings in Brooklyn will be a far cry from his lockups in Mexico. During his first stint in jail from 1993 to 2001 in southwest Mexico, he dined lavishly and reportedly had so many conjugal visits that he had to keep a supply of Viagra on hand. Captured again in 2014, he spent the next 17 months under tighter security, but was still able to mount an escape that involved extensive aid from prison officials. Since Guzman's third capture in January, the Mexican government has seemed dead-set on keeping him locked up, going so far as to move him from jail in central Mexico to a prison near the US border after a suspicious power outage. Guzman, because of his status, would likely be held in isolation in Brooklyn, and while that may be safer than being in the general population, it may not be a better experience. "It will be very, very lonely for El Chapo," Arnett Gaston, former commanding officer of New York's Rikers Island jail and federal-prisons-bureau consultant, told CNN. "He won't have cellmates to talk to." A lost cause? Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto delivers a speech during a welcome ceremony at the National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico, April 20, 2016. REUTERS/Edgard Garrido Despite or maybe because of the humiliation that Guzman has heaped on Mexican officials, with his daring escapes and sprawling criminal empire, Mexican citizens have proved less enthusiastic about his possible extradition. According to a May survey by polling firm Parametria, just 35% of Mexicans said that they agreed with Guzman's transfer to the US down from 50% in March 2014, a month after Guzman's second capture. Only 27% of Mexicans said that they disagreed with the Mexican government's plans to extradite Guzman, down from 38% in January 2016. But the number who said that they neither agreed nor disagreed with the decision climbed to 27% in May from just 16% in January. Mexicans' seeming ambivalence about Guzman's possible extradition is likely the result of a combination of factors. For many, dismay about the state of the country and its leadership has likely influenced their opinion. An April poll found that Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto had just a 30% approval rating, with disapproval at 66%, while in August 2015 more than seven in 10 Mexicans said that they were dissatisfied with the country's direction. And while Guzman has surely earned the scorn of many Mexicans, others likely remain endeared to him. His largesse and charisma has earned him a kind of "Robin Hood" status among people in his native Sinaloa state. And, like many other cartels, Guzman's organization likely practices a version of narco corporate social responsibility that keeps many people in its fold. El Chapo defender protest The consensus since Guzman's recapture in January has been that he will eventually find himself in a US courtroom. But that seeming ambivalence among the Mexican public, along with the success that Guzman's legal team has had in slowing the proceedings against him with appeals and injunctions, appear to have given heart to those who still back him. "If it were a lost cause, I wouldn't be defending him," Guzman's lead attorney, Jose Refugio Rodriguez Nunez, told CNN. NOW WATCH: 1 YEAR LATER: Heres what may come next for 'El Chapo' Guzman More From Business Insider TV's comic book invasion continues. Eisner Award-wining author Greg Rucka and illustrator Nicola Scott's Image Comics title Black Magick is being developed for the small screen, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Michael London's Groundswell Productions (The Illusionist) has landed the rights to the comic following a multiple-party bidding war and plans to develop the property as an hourlong cable or streaming drama. Black Magick, first published in April,is described as a gritty thriller about witchcraft and crime. The comic centers on Rowan Black, a robbery-homicide detective in the fictional port city of Portsmouth, USA, itself a cauldron of occult mystery. She is also the latest in a long line of witches stretching back for millennia. For years, Rowan has struggled to keep a balance between her two lives, but the past is finally catching up to her. Peculiar and mysterious murders draw Rowan into an investigation where the lines between her two lives continue to erode, where she is left with no choice but to harness her powers to not only save the people she loves, but to preserve a future for all humanity. Read More: 'Walking Dead' Creator Adapting 'Chronicles of Amber' for TV (Exclusive) Rucka, whose comic work includes Action Comics, Batwoman, Detective Comics and Superman: World of New Krypton, is a three-time Eisner Award winner. His comic Lazarus is also being developed for television with Legendary TV and Matt Tolmach, with Rucka penning the pilot. His credits include feature films Whiteout, based on the comic of the same name. His novel and comic series Queen & Country is also set up at Fox with Ellen Page set to star. "We had a lot of attention and some very difficult choices to make when it came to finding Black Magick a home," Rucka said. "Ultimately, Michael and Groundswell took the day with a passion and sincerity that certainly make Nic and I feel that Rowan is in very good hands." Story continues For Groundswell, the title comes as the company continues to establish itself in television with Syfy's The Magicians and Hulu's Hugh Laurie drama Chance. The production company is also shooting FX pilot Snowfall for John Singleton and was nominated for an Emmy for HBO's Kerry Washington vehicle Confirmation. On the film side, the company's credits include Milk, Trumbo, The Visitor and more. Read More: 'Hamilton' Producers Adapting Neil Gaiman's 'Interworld' for TV "Greg and Nicola have created an indelible small town character and put her at the center of a gripping mystery driven by a fresh take on the mythology of witchcraft," London said. "Our plan is to find a world-class creator who can realize their vision for series and then take it to the cable and streaming networks." Rucka is repped by Cheng Caplan, InkWell Management and Stone Genow. London is repped by WME and Bloom Hergott. The news comes as comic book adaptations remain in high demand across broadcast, cable and streaming services following the success of series including AMC's The Walking Dead, Netflix's Marvel fare like Jessica Jones and The CW's DC Comics universe with Flash, Arrow and Supergirl, among others. michael moore trump win real time with bill maher hbo After being one of the most outspoken opponents of Donald Trump's presidential run, Michael Moore conceded that he was likely to win during Wednesday's special Republican National Convention episode of HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher." "I'm sorry I have to be the buzzkill here so early on," Moore began, "but I think Trump is going to win. I'm sorry." As the audience booed the filmmaker, Maher interjected. "Boo if you want. I'm glad you're saying it," he said. "The enemy is complacency. Say it everyday. He certainly could win." Before Moore's admission, the panel members discussed what they believe are hateful messages at the RNC, which Moore said were playing well with a large number of Americans. "It might have sounded crazy to us," the "Bowling for Columbine" director said, "but to millions and millions of Americans, this was music to their ears. One of the things I've been concerned about this week is that ... we've been sitting in our bubble, having a good laugh at this total, as you said, s---show, but the truth is this plays to a lot of people that [Trump] has to win to become the next president." Moore's concession follows months of campaigning against the real-estate mogul, including standing outside Trump Tower in New York City with a sign that read "We are all Muslim" in response to Trump's suggested ban on Muslim immigration to the US. Moore made a pledge in May to team up with Maher to stop Trump's run. Moore also told Business Insider in May that Trump could win if he won Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin the "upper kind of Midwestern-type states." But he also expressed some optimism then. "I know the statistics," Moore said. "I know that 81% of the country is either female, people of color, or young adults from 18 to 35, and [Trump] has significantly offended all three of those groups, and they aren't going to vote for him." Watch Moore's statements on Trump below (at around 10 minutes in): NOW WATCH: Watch the RNC audience boo Ted Cruz for not endorsing Trump More From Business Insider Michael Moore may be an outspoken Democrat, but he's putting his money on Republican presidental nominee Donald Trump in the 2016 presidentail election. "I think Trump is going to win," the Oscar-winning filmmaker told Bill Maher on Wednesday during a live episode of the comedian's Real Time show. "I'm sorry I don't want to say it," he added. "People are in denial about this, but the chance of him winning is really good. Please don't live in denial about this." "He's going to turn his presidency into a reality show," he continued. Michael Moore: 'I Think Trump Is Going to Win' the Presidential Election| 2016 Presidential Elections, Real Time With Bill Maher, Bill Maher, Donald Trump, Michael Moore While his comments earned boos from the liberal audience, Maher stood by Moore's statement. "Boo if you want the enemy is complacency," he explained."Say it every day." "We've been sitting in the bubble, having a good laugh at this total s--- show, but the truth is that this plays to a lot of people that [Trump] has to win to become the next president," Moore said, reflecting on New Jersey governor Chris Christie's attack of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during his Republican National Convention speech. "I live in Michigan, and let me tell you: it's going to be the Brexit strategy," Moore explained. He compared Middle America specifically Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania to the middle of England. "Mitt Romney lost by 64 electoral votes," he said. "The total electoral votes of those four states in the Rust Belt: 64. All he has to do is win those four states." Moore called Trump's anti-immigration views "music to people's ears" in Michigan. RELATED VIDEO: Ted Cruz Taunted By Angry GOP Convention Delegates as He Refuses to Endorse Donald Trump "More people in the Michigan primary voted Republican than Democrat," Moore pointed out. "That should be disturbing to people." This isn't the first time the Bowling for Columbine filmmaker has gone after the Big Apple businessman. Earlier this year, he stood outside the New York's Trump Tower carrying a sign that read "We are all Muslim" after Trump said he would ban Muslim immigrants from entering the United States if he were elected president. On a special Wednesday edition of Real Time with Bill Maher, the outspoken comedian and television host welcomed MSNBC host Joy-Ann Reid, columnist Dan Savage, and filmmaker Michael Moore to his show. Moore is famously liberal and a fierce opponent of Republican nominee Donald Trump, but he admitted he feared the worst will happen this November. Im sorry to have to kind of be the buzzkill here so early on, but I think Trump is going to win, Moore said to groans and boos from the audience. Boo if you want, Maher said to his audience before shifting his attention back to Moore. I am glad youre saying it. Everybody should say that. The enemy is complacency. Say it every day. [Trump] certainly could win. Its going to be the Brexit strategy, Moore said, referring to the recent vote by the United Kingdom to leave the European Union. The middle of England is Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. And Mitt Romney lost by 64 electoral votes. The total electoral votes of those four states in the Rust Belt? 64. All he has to do is win those four states. Reid, for her part, explained why she think Trump will lose the election to presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. What happens is people of color stay home, unfortunately, in off years, she said. But in presidential years, with normal turnout Donald Trump is going to need like 65 to 66 percent of the white vote, which is not easy to do. If African Americans and Latinos didnt exist, if they were all sort of beamed to another planet, sure, Donald Trump would win. Which is tomorrow nights Republican National Convention program, quipped Savage in response. Bill OReilly and Montel Williams Square Off in Nasty, Personal Dispute: Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. New York (AFP) - Already famous for her toned arms, we now know Michelle Obama has pipes to match. The first lady toured the White House grounds with "Late Late Show" television host and British comedian James Corden for his "Carpool Karaoke" segment, belting out hits like Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" and Beyonce's "Single Ladies." The sing-along session -- a recurring bit on the late-night talk show that's featured stars like Justin Bieber, Adele and Elton John -- included banter about the Obama family's secret service code names, Snapchat and life after the White House. "Are you not going to miss, like, 24-hour room service?" Corden asked. "Just calling down at 3:00 am, 'I want a grilled cheese and a milkshake?'" Obama replied that freedom rediscovered will outweigh the loss of presidential luxury. "I can make a mean grilled cheese sandwich," she added. Obama also noted that her ride with Corden was only the second time in nearly eight years that she's had the chance to "rock out" in a car, the first being when she taught her daughter Malia how to drive. Obama also highlighted her global girls' education campaign by singing the initiative's theme song "This is For My Girls," which features pop stars Kelly Rowland, Janelle Monae and Missy Elliott. Elliot even dropped by the carpool to help the first lady reprise the rapper's 2001 classic "Get Ur Freak On." In light of the recent Melania Trump plagiarism row, it's perhaps no coincidence that the rap Obama chose included the lyrics: "Ain't no stoppin' me/Copywritten so, don't copy me." James Cordens First Lady Carpool Karaoke is out also the first time he was tailed by the Secret Service in one of these popular videos. Missy Elliott seems to have been paying a call to the White House too that day. Corden visited the White House in late June, making an appearance on First Lady Michelle Obamas just-launched Snapchat account to crown her his latest Carpool Karaoke companion. Cordens an Emmy nominee for best late-night talk show. Todays issuing of the video comes a month after the release of Cordens Carpool Karaoke with Selena Gomez, which is passing 36M views at writing. That video had been released two weeks after Cordens Broadway Carpool Karaoke to promote his hosting of the Tony Awards ceremony, which was broadcast on CBS. The First Lady must clock 118M YouTube views to match the Carpool Karaoke record currently held by Adele. By today, the FLOTUS Carpool video teaser had nearly 5M views: [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln3wAdRAim4&w=620&h=340] Related stories Donald Trump Promises "Good Grouping Of Words" At Tonight's RNC Speech, Calls Melania Speech Plagiarism Squawk "Unfair" Donald Trump Declines Melania Speechwriter Resignation Offer Over Plagiarism Controversy 'Melania Trump' Visits Stephen Colbert's Show To Set Record Straight On RNC Keynote Speech James Corden's "Carpool Karaoke" has had serious star power in the past, with guests like Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, and Adele riding in the passenger seat. However, on Wednesday's all new installment, the Late Late Show host might have driven with his most important guest yet: Michelle Obama. The first lady joined the talk show host for a ride around the White House grounds, without her security detail. In fact, Obama revealed that this was only the second time in seven and a half years that she's "been in the passenger seat, listening to music, [and] rocking out." WATCH: James Corden Reveals His Dream Carpool Karaoke Guests And they certainly did rock out. After kicking things off with the classic Stevie Wonder hit "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours," FLOTUS really got to show off her surprisingly impressive vocal skills when Corden cranked up Beyonce's "Single Ladies." From the vocal nuances to the dance moves, Obama, 52, nailed every second of the song, even blowing Corden out of the water for most of their karaoke duet. "We were just fully in the Beyhive," Corden said after wrapping up the well-choreographed performance. "We just dropped the mic into the hive," Obama added. "We were making honey in the Beyhive. We were making honey for our Lemonade!" WATCH: George Clooney and Julia Roberts Crash Gwen Stefani's 'Carpool Karaoke' Just when you thought watching the first lady sing and dance along to one of Beyonce's catchiest songs was going to be the most epic thing from this segment, Missy Elliott suddenly appeared out of nowhere in the back seat of the SUV and they all sang "This Is for My Girls." The song was commissioned by Obama for her Let Girls Learn initiative and the White House's #62MillionGirls campaign, and the trio totally slayed the powerful anthem. WATCH: Adele Perfectly Nails Nicki Minaj Rap on the Most Incredible 'Carpool Karaoke' Ever Story continues However, Corden couldn't let a visit by the rap icon pass without getting them all to sing along with Elliott's 2001 megahit "Get Ur Freak On," which might have been one of "Carpool Karaoke"'s greatest highlights yet. Check out more epic Carpool Karaoke moments in the video below. Related Articles The Late Late Show Starring James Corden travelled to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. to shoot a very special episode of Carpool Karaoke with First Lady Michelle Obama. And let's just say the FLOTUS knows how to flow! The First Lady started off her trip with James Corden by singing the Stevie Wonder hit, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours." After talking for a bit the two slayed performance of Beyonce's "Single Ladies." Obama was so pleased with the performance she exclaimed, "We were making honey. We were making honey to put in our lemonade." Obama talked about her Let Girls Learn campaign to spread education to girls all over the world. She even has a song to for the cause, "This Is For My Girls," which rapper/producer Missy Elliott helped the two sing. And since Missy was already in the car, they went ahead and sang her hit "Get Ur Freak On." The tour and the singing was a fun way for the first lady to enjoy her last few months in White House. Whoever becomes the next First Lady OR First Gentleman has some pretty big shoes to fill...and notes to hit. Microsoft (MSFT) reported a strong quarter on July 19, besting expectations on the back of strong growth in their cloud services business where they compete with Amazon (AMZN) and IBM (IBM). So it got me thinking to revisit my thesis from June that MSFT was one of four stocks, including AMZN and IBM, to own for the long-term as a serious innovator in big data and artificial intelligence. What my digging found stunned me. Apparently in April, Microsoft made a little purchase from a biotechnology company called Twist Biosciences. Twist doesnt make or test drugs. They like to play around with DNA. And the purchase might have been small in dollars for MSFT, but it was big in what my brain can comprehend terms. From the Twist press release dated April 27, 2016 Twist Bioscience, a company accelerating science and innovation through rapid, high-quality DNA synthesis, today announced Microsoft Corp. has agreed to purchase ten million long oligonucleotides from Twist Bioscience to encode digital data. DNA for Digital Data Storage? Then, on July 7, MSFT gave up the goods about their research with the University of Washington. From the Microsoft blog, by Mike Brunker Researchers at Microsoft and the University of Washington have reached an early but important milestone in DNA storage by storing a record 200 megabytes of data on the molecular strands. The impressive part is not just how much data they were able to encode onto synthetic DNA and then decode. Its also the space they were able to store it in. Once encoded, the data occupied a spot in a test tube much smaller than the tip of a pencil, said Douglas Carmean, the partner architect at Microsoft overseeing the project. In the video that accompanies this article I describe the amount of data being generated by information-intensive companies like hospitals, industrial giants like General Electric, and video-centric businesses like Alphabets (GOOGL) YouTube. Story continues The IoT Deluge Overpowers the Cloud And then there is the building tsunami of data being collected from the IoT (Internet of Things). Last year, when Cisco (CSCO) projected that 50 billion devices would be connected to the Internet by 2020 and would generate nearly 50 trillion gigabytes of data annually, they probably were underestimating the fecund potential of mobile video platforms and services like Facebook Live (FB) or Snapchat. So where does DNA come in to this equation to be the problem solver? DNA is an amazing information storage molecule that encodes data about how a living system works. Were repurposing that capacity to store digital data pictures, videos, documents, said Luis Henrique Ceze, a UW associate professor of computer science and engineering and the universitys principal researcher on the project. Ceze, who is conducting research in the teams Molecular Information Systems Lab (MISL) housed in a basement on the UW campus says, This is one important example of the potential of borrowing from nature to build better computer systems. DNA very simply has some ideal attributes for data storage and manipulation such as being dense, robust, and yet flexible. So it can not only stand the test of time, but also weather extremes and magnetism. Unlike silicon-based storage, its also immune to power outages or surges. Today, the vast majority of digital data is stored on media that has a finite shelf life and periodically needs to be re-encoded. DNA is a promising storage media, as it has a known shelf life of several thousand years, offers a permanent storage format and can be read for continuously decreasing costs, commented Emily M. Leproust, Ph.D., CEO of Twist Bioscience. Years Away from Shoeboxes and Sugar Cubes Extrapolating the storage of 200 megabytes in a space like the tip of a pencil leads these researchers to estimate that a few data centers could fit in a few sugar cubes. Or the entire Internet in a shoebox. Alas, the technology is not fully developed yet and would be cost-prohibitive vs. existing data storage conventions. So its certainly not commercially-viable right now. Again, from Mike Brunkers article Ceze said the biotechnology industry made big advances in both synthesizing (encoding) and sequencing (decoding) data in recent years. Even so, he said, the team still has a long way to go to make it viable as an archival technology. But this research, led by Karin Strauss at Microsoft, is advancing computer science and technologies at a faster pace because of this cross-disciplinary approach where scientists and engineers know they can learn so much from the wisdom of life found in the genetic code. Gilder on Life-Based AI On the surface, this project appears to be simply borrowing from nature to build a bigger digital attic as Brunker calls it. But Im thinking that the insights gained from experimenting with the amazing information storage molecule will teach us much more about life than computers. Then again, Im partial to brains and evolution more than bits and bytes, so dont take my word for it. As beautiful coincidence would have it, the day after finding this Microsoft-UW-Twist story while searching for news after MSFT earnings, this morning I picked up my latest copy of the excellent Modern Trader magazine run by my friend Dan Collins in Chicago. The August edition has a terrific interview with the technology and economics visionary George Gilder, whose Microcosm still has an important place in my list of formative books. Gilder is much more outspoken than I remember, especially on politics and central banking. Definitely make time to read the interview online at ModernTrader.com. One thing he said grabbed my attention right away, but might not have if I hadnt read about the MSFT research last night Silicon will ultimately prove to be a dead end for artificial intelligence. Real AI will be accomplished through carbon technology like the human mind. So, youre safe. Until the computer scientists can copy your brain, youll still be needed and employable. But keep learning anyway, because these guys are busy working on stuff. Be sure to watch my video to get the whole story and keep me employed. Kevin Cook is a Senior Stock Strategist for Zacks Investment Research where he runs the Tactical Trader portfolio. 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 INTL BUS MACH (IBM): Free Stock Analysis Report AMAZON.COM INC (AMZN): 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 CLEVELAND In the most important speech of his political life, Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence introduced himself to voters late Wednesday as a man holding to impeccable conservative credentials, risen from modest all-American roots, married three decades to the love of his life, and possessing a sense of humor about himself. In other words, Donald Trumps most important advocate cast himself as the anti-Trump. After days of Republican calls to toss Hillary Clinton in prison, or maybe shoot her dead, of entertainers who addressed delegates from the podium in the Quicken Loans Arena and declared minutes later, with absurd certainty, that President Obama is secretly a Muslim, Pences speech was perhaps most remarkable for how fundamentally conventional it was. Its down-to-earth qualities were thrown into relief after the nights most theatrical moment a surprise entrance by Trump during the speech by Sen. Ted Cruz, upon which the entire crowd literally turned its back on the Texas lawmaker, moments after furiously jeering at his refusal to endorse the nominee. Im a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order, Pence said, using a refrain he has repeated throughout decades of life in politics. The Indiana governor, officially picked as Trumps running mate on Friday, jokingly but deliberately cast himself as the brash entrepreneurs boring policy sidekick. Hes a man known for a larger personality, a colorful style and lots of charisma, Pence said. And so, I guess he was just looking for some balance on the ticket. He breezily acknowledged one of his biggest challenges that many Americans simply dont know who he is with a quip that the speech was for those of you who dont know me, which is most of you. He joked that his late father would probably be pretty surprised to see his son rise to such prominence. Slideshow: Mike Pence through the years >>> He sketched out an autobiography that evoked the setting of a smiling family on a farmhouse porch in small-town Indiana implicitly presenting a stark contrast with his political traveling companions gilded New York lifestyle. Story continues When I was young, I watched my mom and dad build everything that matters: a family, a business and a good name. I was raised to believe in hard work, in faith and family, Pence said. The best thing that ever happened to me, even counting tonight, was that 31 years ago, I married the girl of my dreams, a school teacher and artist. She is everything to me. Would you welcome my wonderful wife, Karen Pence, he asked, shortly before declaring that regardless of any title Ill ever hold, the most important job Ill ever have is spelled D-A-D. Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana, Republican vice presidential nominee, speaks on the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (Photo: Mark J. Terrill/AP) He went on to attack Hillary Clintons management of world affairs as Obamas secretary of state. He accused her, as Republicans have accused Democrats for decades, of believing that government is a cure-all and of putting faith in an activist judiciary. He called Clinton the opposite of an uncalculating truth-teller. Inevitably, he raised the topic of the Benghazi attacks in 2012, Republicans shorthand for what they consider Clintons personal and professional failures, arguing that she had left the four Americans who died there in harms way. Erroneously, he suggested that she had dismissed their sacrifice with her now-infamous comment What difference, at this point, does it make? a comment she actually made to address the question of whether the killers were terrorists carrying out a premeditated attack or had spontaneously decided that theyd they go kill some Americans. Pence accused Clinton of supporting higher taxes and more regulation. If she were to win, he argued, the secretary of the status quo would essentially represent the equivalent of a third term for Obama. He recited the traditional Republican credo, calling for less government and more private sector. He attacked the news media. He invoked Ronald Reagan not just as the president who converted him to Republicanism, but echoing Reagans words of support for the GOP firebrand Barry Goldwater, by referring to 2016 as a time for choosing, Reagans description of 1964. It was a recitation of Republican orthodoxy, delivered without the familiar Trump bluster, and without embracing Trumps most controversial policies, such as his call for a wall on the border with Mexico, or the carpet-bombing of cities held by the so-called Islamic State. Pence undertook two other notable tasks: He reached out to Democrats and he worked to soften Trumps image with voters who might only now be tuning in to a political contest defined by the former reality stars boisterous and often coarse style. Pence spoke to union members, coal miners, African-Americans and Hispanics, asking whether the Democratic Party had taken them for granted. Trump appears to have made inroads with blue-collar, rust-belt voters who oppose free trade, but has struggled mightily with Hispanics and, if public opinion polls are right, has less African-American support than any recent Republican nominee. The Indiana governor repeatedly invited voters to consider Trumps most controversial comments as the result of an excess of candor: for example, describing undocumented immigrants as rapists; insulting women and calling the judge presiding over a case against him biased, based simply on the fact that he is of Mexican heritage. Donald Trump gets it, hes the genuine article. Hes a doer in a game usually reserved for talkers. And when Donald Trump does his talking, he doesnt tiptoe around the thousand new rules of political correctness, Pence said, to applause. He delighted the crowd by suggesting that Clinton would soon feel the same sting that humbled Trumps rivals in their many debates during the primary election. Ill grant you, he can be a little rough with politicians on the stage and Ill bet we see that again, Pence said, to laughter and cheers. And Pence embraced the argument that prominent Republicans say may be Trumps strongest. In the end, this election comes down to just two names on the ballot, Pence said. So lets resolve here and now that Hillary Clinton will never become president of the United States of America. _____ Related slideshows: On the ground at the RNC Convention A photo report >>> Armed at the RNC >>> Front pages cover Donald Trumps final primary victory >>> Melania Trump in the convention spotlight >>> Convention floor erupts when no roll call taken to change rules to unbind delegates >>> How newspapers covered the RNCs fiery first day >>> Demonstrators protest outside the RNC >>> Donald Trumps America >>> Little Bubba's life is finally turning around. Read: Little Dog Named Bubba Tests Positive for Heroin and Meth in Shocking Case of Animal Cruelty Authorities said this California Chihuahua was high on meth and heroin when he was found "lethargic" in a Tustin motel room, but just four months later, little Bubba is drug-free and ready to go home with a new family. "We've been testing him," Katie Ingram of OC Animal Care said in an interview with KCBS. "He did test positive for methamphetamine, but now he's clean and healthy, ready for adoption." A young couple from Orange showed up later that Wednesday. They immediately bonded with the 7-month-old Chihuahua. "They were a really nice couple and told us that Bubba would have a sister," Ingram said. By 4 p.m., shelter staff approved the adoption, and the unnamed couple was able to take the pup home that night, the Orange County Register reported. "It made it more meaningful that they were able to help him out because of his rough start in life," Ingram said. According to KCBS, the couple had followed Bubba's story since he was rescued from 40-year-old Joshua West. When officers arrested West on March 22, they discovered little Bubba hiding in the corner of the motel. Read: Parents Call 911 Twice With No Answer After Newborn Is Fatally Attacked by Family Dog "I walked in and saw all these drugs on the ground," said animal control officer Lieutenant Brian Frick, according to the Orange County Register. "[Bubba] was so cold and lethargic, I thought it was just that he'd been taken from his mom too soon. I never suspected he may have gotten into drugs." Little Bubba tested positive for meth and heroin, authorities reported. He was sent to the OC Animal Care, where he completed his detox in May. West has since been charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of controlled substance paraphernalia. There is a warrant out for his arrest following a missed May court date, and his bail is set at $2,500. Story continues Watch: Ex-Cop Charged in Killing of 2 K9 Partners Now Linked to Death of Third Dog Related Articles: By Noah Barkin BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel and fellow European leaders are pressing the new British government to trigger divorce proceedings with the European Union as soon as possible. But behind the scenes, senior German officials who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, say they fear a swift move by London to invoke Article 50 of the EU treaty risks creating an impossibly short window for negotiating Britain's departure. Further complicating the task, EU leaders have rejected the possibility of any negotiations before Britain moves on Article 50, a step which would start a two-year countdown to Brexit. Behind their stance is a desire to send a message to Britain that it cannot hold the EU hostage by horse trading on the terms of an EU exit before it commits to leave. But six top officials in Berlin and Brussels described this position as problematic, with one dismissing it as "absurd". Some believe Europe's hard line on the sequencing of Brexit talks will need to be revised, perhaps as early as October, when new British Prime Minister Theresa May is due to attend her first meeting of EU leaders in Brussels. The comments reveal the depth of anxiety in Europe's key capitals about how both sides in the Brexit showdown have positioned themselves in the weeks after the shock June 23 vote to leave the bloc. "It was not wrong to send a tough message after the Brexit vote but I don't think the current stance is sustainable," said one official. "You need to start some sort of process as soon as possible, whether you call it negotiations or not." A second senior official said: "It's absurd to think that we won't negotiate on anything before Article 50 is invoked." May, on her first foreign trip since replacing David Cameron as prime minister last week, visited Berlin on Wednesday for talks with Merkel before traveling to Paris on Thursday to discuss Brexit with French President Francois Hollande. At a news conference in Berlin, she said Britain needed time to agree on its objectives for the talks and would not trigger Article 50 this year. Merkel said it was understandable that Britain would take a few months to figure out its negotiating strategy, but added: "Nobody wants a prolonged period of limbo." The French have taken a tougher line, pressing Britain to move fast, and launching an open campaign to woo London-based financial firms to Paris. FAR TOO SHORT Behind the concern of the German officials is a creeping realization that the two-year window for negotiating a Brexit, as set out in Article 50, is far too short. An extension of the period is possible, but it would require the unanimous agreement of the remaining 27 EU member states, and is therefore seen as unlikely, or at best unsure. Berlin is also skeptical about the possibility of Britain revoking Article 50 once it has been triggered. This means that something will have to give, German officials say. They spell out two possible scenarios. Under the first, the EU would revise its position and agree to a prolonged period of negotiations before Article 50 is invoked. That would win both sides extra time before the clock starts ticking, but it would represent a climbdown and probably provoke outrage in some EU capitals, notably Paris. The second option, in the event May triggers Article 50 early next year, would be for Britain to settle for a very basic framework for its future ties with the EU, based on an existing model similar to that of Norway or Switzerland. Even then, the deadline of two years is widely viewed as a stretch. A third senior official said it took the EU three years to seal its divorce from Greenland, a negotiation that was focused almost exclusively on fishing rights. That official estimated that the EU and Britain, because of the complexity of their relationship, needed at least twice that time -- six years -- to seal their separation, describing two years as "mission impossible". Adding to the muddle is the heavy election calendar in Europe next year, which officials fear could lead to paralysis. Germany, France and the Netherlands are all holding elections in 2017, Spain is still struggling to form a government after two inconclusive votes, and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has said he will resign if he loses a referendum on constitutional reform in the autumn. Leaders in these countries will be focused on their campaigns. If there are changes in power, new governments will need time to settle in. "Do you really think that Europe will be in a position to focus on Brexit talks next year if its five biggest countries are in the middle of elections or dogged by political uncertainty?" a senior Brussels-based official said. DOWN TO EARTH Even if formal negotiations do not start for half a year or more, the official said it was important that Britain and the EU converge on a "corridor of principles" for Brexit talks in the months ahead. One of the big worries in Berlin and other capitals is that London has unrealistic expectations about what it can secure from the Brexit negotiations, particularly on the tradeoff between access to the EU's single market and respect for the bloc's core principle of free movement. British diplomats also acknowledge that the team May has put together to steer Brexit talks has a starry-eyed view of what concessions London can win from the EU and say their European counterparts need to deliver this message to them directly. "A lot of people have 'climbed up trees', people like David Davis and Liam Fox," said one of the German officials, referring to the new Brexit and trade ministers in London. "They need time to climb down." The problem is not just on the British side. It remains unclear who will take the European lead in negotiations, although officials say the aim is to clear this up by September. Berlin is reluctant to hand over responsibility to the executive European Commission, its president, Jean-Claude Juncker, and his chief of staff Martin Selmayr, out of fear they could take an overly confrontational stance toward Britain. An alternative would be to let the European Council, led by Poland's Donald Tusk, take the lead, with input from sherpas in European capitals and with the Commission playing a secondary, supportive role. Either way, agreeing a common negotiating strategy between the remaining 27 EU countries is becoming a huge challenge, especially because Berlin and Paris have different views about how to treat Britain during the process. (Editing by Timothy Heritage) Mitsubishi is recalling just over 100,000 Outlander crossovers in the U.S. to address a problem with their windshield wipers. Documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explain that the wiper motors in Outlanders from the 2007 to 2013 model years may be at risk of corrosion. The motors in those vehicles were manufactured by DENSO Corporation in Japan. NHTSA explains that when the wipers aren't in use, water may be able to enter the motor (for example, if the Outlander is parked outside during a rainstorm). ALSO SEE: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Limited long-term road test: putting it to the test with kids Over time, that water can cause the motor components to corrode, which can prevent the motor from working properly. That creates a safety hazard for owners trying to drive their vehicles in rain, snow, and mist. The recall affects 100,082 Outlander vehicles registered in the U.S. Owners of those vehicles were mailed recall notices on Friday. After receiving the notices, owners will be able to schedule service with their local Mitsubishi dealerships. Dealers will replace the Outlander's wiper motor at no charge. For additional details, owners are encouraged to call Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820 and ask about recall SR-17-003. Information is also available at NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236--just ask about safety campaign #17V-461. Montel Williams has some words for Fox News' Bill O'Reilly after walking off The O'Reilly Factor before his scheduled interview Wednesday night. O'Reilly, who is hosting his show live from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, called Williams' decision to not appear on the show "cowardly.'" "He walked out in a huff. The producer tells me he was mad about some gay thing," said O'Reilly on air to Fox News host Eric Bolling during The O'Reilly Factor. "It is his loss because he will never be on this program again. He's not a man of his word, he's unprofessional. Montel look, I've known you for a long time, but that is about as low as it gets." Williams later shared his side of the story via a Periscope post where he said he did not appear on the show after realizing the topic discussion had been changed without his approval. Williams told CNNMoney he understood he would be discussing a poll suggesting President Barack Obama is racist as well as talking about the speech he gave during an LGBT brunch that Caitlyn Jenner also attended. The brunch was part of the RNC. Read More: Caitlyn Jenner: "It Was Easier to Come Out as Trans Than Republican" "Suddenly Eric Bolling is involved and it's all about Obama being a racist," Williams told CNNMoney. "I walked before air, they chased me halfway around the building. My detail had to stop them ... I'm solely focused on my [LGBT] speech. When that was eliminated, why stay?" Williams pointed out that the incident was the first time in five years that he had decided to not participate in a scheduled interview. He proceeded to throw the "coward" word back at O'Reilly, questioning his journalistic credentials and touching upon his custody battle where he was accused of domestic violence. "Then you have to try and take it to another place O'Reilly and try to call me a coward because I won't talk to you when you're producer and your line producer clearly hoodwinked each other and couldn't figure out how to explain what it is that you wanted me to do?" said Williams. Story continues Williams continued, "If I'm a coward just because I won't talk to you. Someone who is going to call someone a name on air and not even to their face. I'm calling you one now so the whole world can see it." As for appearing on the show again, Williams doesn't seem to mind. "In the history of the O'Reilly show I've only done it three times. I don't care." LIVE on #Periscope: Responding to Bill O'Reilly... #gopconvention https://t.co/yqngNk4xgQ - Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) July 21, 2016 Bill O'Reilly responded with the following statement to THR. "Topic was not changed and Williams knew about it for hours ahead of time. Just minutes before air time, he demanded the segment include his take on gay rights or something. When told that was not possible because the talking points set up voting demographics, the topic he agreed to, he bolted. My entire staff witnessed this debacle and script was written four hours before air. First time in nearly 20 years a guest has done that. Unbelievably unprofessional for a person in the industry." Read More: 'Art of the Deal' Ghostwriter Says Donald Trump Sent Him Cease and Desist Letter July 21 10:15 a.m. PT: Updated with Bill O'Reilly's statement. KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Relatives of people aboard the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 urged governments on Thursday to step up the hunt for the aircraft, a day before a meeting where ministers could decide to call off the search. Malaysian, Chinese and Australian ministers will meet in Kuala Lumpur on Friday to discuss the future of the search for MH370, which disappeared during a flight from the Malaysian capital to Beijing in March 2014, carrying 239 people. Almost A$180 million ($135 million) has been spent on an underwater search spanning 120,000 square kilometers in the southern Indian Ocean, the most expensive in aviation history. Jacquita Gonzales, the wife of MH370 steward Patrick Gomes, said China and Malaysia had not contributed enough to the search effort, which is coordinated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. "China, you could do more. I'm sorry for being so frank but you have the most at stake here," she said at a news conference. Most of the passengers aboard MH370 were Chinese nationals. "(Malaysia), you need to do your bit and not just say 'I'm so sorry, we're short of funds, there's nowhere else to search'," Gonzales said. K.S. Narendran, whose wife was a passenger on MH370, called on the Malaysian government to seek help in securing funding. "This country and its leadership have wealthy friends. And I suppose therefore, there really should be no argument for a paucity of funds," he said. The three governments had previously agreed that unless any new credible evidence arose, they would not extend the search which was originally scheduled to end in June but has been hampered by bad weather and is expected to resume in December. (Reporting by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Robin Pomeroy) Morena Baccarin seems to have had no trouble dropping the baby weight! The 37-year-old actress hit the red carpet on Tuesday, where she showed off her post-baby bod, just four months after giving birth. WATCH: Ben McKenzie and Morena Baccarin Welcome a Baby Girl: Find Out Her Name! The Deadpool star enjoyed a night out at the International Rescue Committee's 6th Annual GenR Summer Party in New York City, flaunting her figure in a curve-hugging purple dress. Getty Images The mom of two was all smiles at the event, taking boyfriend Ben McKenzie along for a little date night. Getty Images McKenzie and Baccarin welcomed daughter Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan on March 2. ET caught up with the couple at the Fox Upfronts in May, where they raved about their little girl. "It's been real. It's a whole other ball game. Going from one kid to two kids is insane," said Baccarin, who has a 2-year-old son, Julian, from her marriage to director Austin Chick. "He's a great dad," she gushed of McKenzie. "I'm a lot more easygoing as a father," the Gotham star shared. "It's great. I'm loving it. It's a joy." WATCH: Morena Baccarin and Ben McKenzie Plan to Marry, Her Ex 'Blindsided' By Relationship See more in the video below. Related Articles (Adds Musk comments on Autopilot and autonomous driving.) By Joseph White and Paul Lienert July 20 (Reuters) - Tesla Motors Inc Chief Executive Elon Musk Wednesday unveiled an ambitious plan to expand the company into electric trucks and buses, car sharing and solar energy systems. In a blog post titled "Master Plan, Part Deux," Musk sketched a vision of an integrated carbon-free energy enterprise offering a wider range of vehicles, and products and services beyond electric cars and batteries. The newest elements of the strategy included plans to develop car and ride sharing programs as well as commercial vehicles - businesses where other companies already compete, and in some cases have ample head starts on Tesla. The new vehicles range from a commercial truck called the Tesla Semi to a public transport bus, a "new kind of pickup truck" and a compact SUV. The vehicles will be unveiled next year alongside Tesla's existing fleet of electric cars. Musk restated his argument that Tesla should acquire solar panel installer SolarCity Corp, where he is a major shareholder, and said he aims to make Tesla's Autopilot self-driving system 10 times safer than cars that humans drive manually. The plan did not detail how the new projects would be financed at a time when Both Tesla and SolarCity are burning through cash. Musk summarized the plan saying Tesla aimed to "create stunning solar roofs (for homes) with seamlessly integrated battery storage. Expand the electric vehicle product line to address all major segments. Develop a self-driving capability that is 10X safer than manual via massive fleet learning. Enable your car to make money for you when you aren't using it." Musk said he envisions Tesla owners allowing others to use their vehicles through a smartphone application. He indicated there will be a "Tesla shared fleet," but did not offer details of how that fleet would be managed. Rival automakers are pursuing some of these goals as well. Story continues "In cities where demand exceeds the supply of customer-owned cars, Tesla will operate its own fleet, ensuring you can always hail a ride from us no matter where you are," he said. Such a service would put Tesla in competition with ride hailing services such as Uber or Lyft. Musk said all future Tesla products will have fully self-driving capability, including trucks and buses. He vigorously defended Tesla's decision to offer what he described as a "beta" system to allow partial autonomy in its vehicles, a system called Autopilot. Federal regulators are investigating Autopilot after a fatal accident involving a Tesla Model S operating with the system engaged. "When used correctly, it (Autopilot) is already significantly safer than a person driving by themselves," he wrote. Musk did not say when fully autonomous Teslas would be ready, but indicated it could require roughly five years of additional testing. Most major automakers, as well as internet search company Alphabet Inc, are investing heavily in automated driving technology. Germany's Daimler AG is working on automated heavy trucks and electric commercial vehicles. General Motors Co and Toyota Motor Corp are among the auto companies working on car sharing and forging alliances with ride hailing companies. On June 21, Musk proposed Tesla buy SolarCity. He outlined a combined company that could provide consumers with the tools for a largely carbon-free lifestyle - electric cars recharged with electricity generated by SolarCity solar panel systems, or stored in the home using battery packs produced by Tesla's battery Gigafactory under construction near Reno, Nev. Musk owns 22 per cent of SolarCity's shares, and has outlined plans to offer buyers of Tesla electric vehicles a solar power generation and battery storage system. To fund projects Tesla in May sold about $1.7 billion in new shares. Much of that will be used to accelerate development of its new Model 3 car lineup and reach a production pace of 500,000 vehicles a year by 2018. On Monday, SolarCity said it raised $345 million to fund projects, and increased its debt facility by $110 million. (Reporting by Joseph White and Paul Lienert; Editing by Andrew Hay) By Aung Hla Tun YANGON (Reuters) - A journalist from the BBC's Myanmar-language service walked free from prison on Thursday after a court accepted his appeal against a three-month sentence handed down in June for striking a policeman. "I'm in good health and I'm very thankful to those who expressed concerns and worked for my release," the journalist, Nay Myo Lin, told Reuters by telephone. Thein Than Oo, his lawyer, told Reuters the court in Mandalay, the country's second largest city, accepted Nay Myo Lin's appeal and he was freed from prison soon afterwards. Photographs uploaded to the BBC Myanmar-language Facebook page showed a smiling Nay Myo Lin walking out of prison beside his pregnant wife. The journalist was handed a three-month jail sentence with hard labor on June 6 after he was convicted of striking a policeman while covering student protests last year. The scuffle between Nay Myo Lin and the police officer happened after the officer, standing in the middle of a moving motorcade, knocked a man off a motorbike, defense lawyer Thein Than Oo told Reuters. A witness video appeared to show that. The incident happened during a demonstration by a group of students in Myanmar's commercial capital, Yangon, in March last year to protest against an education bill they said would stifle academic freedom. It was broken up by police before reaching its destination, with members of a riot squad with batons charging into the protesters. At the time of his sentencing, Nay Myo Lin said he had no intention of hurting the policeman and had been trying to, "give protection to a citizen who was being treated unjustly in my presence". (Editing by Timothy Mclaughlin, Robert Birsel) YANGON (Reuters) - Myanmar government leader Aung San Suu Kyi has accepted an invitation from President Barack Obama to visit the United States, the government said on Thursday, in what would be her first trip to America since she won an election in November. Suu Kyi planned to travel at a "mutually convenient time", a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman said. Another government source said the trip was likely to coincide with the U.N. General Assembly session in New York in September. Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, swept to power in a historic election in November after decades of campaigning against military rule. It took over the running of the country after a transition from semi-civilian rule in April. "She accepted President Obama's invitation to visit the U.S. before his presidency ends," said Aye Aye Soe, a spokeswoman at the foreign ministry, which is run by Suu Kyi. Visiting U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes delivered Obama's invitation during a meeting with Suu Kyi in the capital, Naypyitaw, on Wednesday. Suu Kyi, 71, is barred from becoming president by the constitution drafted under the previous regime, because her two sons do not have Myanmar citizenship. She is instead foreign minister and has also assumed the newly created post of state counsellor. She is in overall charge of running the government. The U.S. embassy in the city of Yangon did not comment. Suu Kyi, who spent years under house arrest during military rule, visited the United States as the leader of the opposition in September 2012. The U.N. General Assembly session in New York is scheduled from Sept. 13 to Sept. 26. Obama will leave office in January after a November election. (Reporting by Aung Hla Tun; Editing by Robert Birsel) SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - Jul 21, 2016) - Holberton School, the two-year school for full-stack engineers, today announced that NASA has selected first-year student Sravanthi Sinha to intern at the NASA Frontier Development Lab, joining students from such prestigious universities as UC Berkeley and Cambridge. A six-week long research accelerator, championed by NASA's Office of the Chief Technologist and hosted at the SETI Institute, is engaging young researchers from around the world to take on one of the truly existential threats to our species. "We are honored to be hosting this innovative research accelerator at the SETI Institute, where the integration of machine learning and planetary science is being applied to meaningful and important asteroid research." said Bill Diamond, CEO of the SETI Institute. "We're delighted to have Sravanthi representing the Holberton School in this endeavor, leveraging their creative project-based educational approach." The NASA Frontier Development Lab (FDL) is bringing together a team of postgraduate researchers in data analytics and planetary science and challenging them to think outside the box on the threat of asteroid impacts. The initiative is under the aegis of experts from the space agency and the SETI Institute, with deep-learning expertise contributed by NVIDIA and Autodesk. "I am honored to have even been considered for this honor, and to be representing Holberton" said Sinha, part of the school's inaugural class. "Now I get to spend my summer with some of the brightest young minds from around the world, working on some of the coolest projects." The San Francisco-based Holberton School offers an alternative to college, online courses and coding bootcamps -- training high quality full-stack software engineers in two years by using a system already proven in Europe to scale to graduate thousands of elite engineers a year. The curriculum is based on peer-learning, a methodology where students help each other to learn and reach their goals. In the old educational system this is called cheating, in the business environment it's called collaboration. The school also uses a project-based approach -- meaning no formal teachers, no lectures -- students learn by building -- which leads them to be really prepared to take on a job and maybe even hunt for asteroids. Story continues About Holberton School Holberton School is a project-based alternative to college for the next generation of software engineers. Using project-based learning and peer learning, Holberton School's mission is to train the best software engineers of their generation. At Holberton School, there are no formal teachers and no formal courses. Instead, everything is project-centered. The school gives students increasingly difficult programming challenges to solve, and give them minimal initial directions on how to solve them. As a consequence, students naturally look for the theory and tools they need, understand them, use them, work together, and help each other. Read more about Holberton School: - Holberton School website - Holberton School Meetup page - Holberton School blog - Facebook page - Follow Holberton School on Twitter By Idrees Ali WASHINGTON (Reuters) - NATO's mutual defence guarantee is a commitment that comes without any "conditions or caveats," British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said on Thursday. "It is an absolute commitment that we help each other if any one member of NATO is attacked," Fallon said in Washington. Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump told the New York Times that if he is elected, he might abandon NATO's guarantee that any member, including the United States, would defend the others if they were attacked, or Article 5. Trump said that Washington would only come to the aid of other members if they had "fulfilled their obligations to us." However, Fallon said that member states were increasingly accepting their responsibilities and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was an important alliance given a resurgent Russia. "We've seen a growing solidarity and unity about the alliance now," Fallon added. Separately, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson told reporters in Washington that the mutual defence commitment was "incredibly important." Fundamentally it is the NATO treaty, that doctrine of mutual defence, that has guaranteed the peace in Europe for decades and will do, I think, for decades to come, Johnson said. (Reporting by Idrees Ali. Additional reporting by Kylie MacLellan.; Editing by James Dalgleish, Toni Reinhold) Paris (AFP) - Truck attacker Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel had long plotted the carnage in the French city of Nice that killed 84 people, with the assistance of five suspects who are now in custody, prosecutor Francois Molins said Thursday. Here is what we know so far about Bouhlel and his alleged accomplices. - Bouhlel, the attacker - Bouhlel, a 31-year-old Tunisian who had been living in France since 2005, carried out the attack during Bastille Day celebrations on July 14, ramming a truck into a crowd that had been enjoying a fireworks display. Molins said photos on his phone showed he had likely staked out the event in 2015, and initial details of the investigation reveal he had been fascinated with jihad for some time. However many people interviewed by investigators described the father of three as "someone who did not practise the Muslim religion, ate pork, drank alcohol, took drugs and had an unbridled sexual activity", Molins said earlier this week. While the Islamic State group claimed the attack, describing him as a "soldier", investigators have not found direct proof of his allegiance to the jihadists. On Bastille Day this year, the attacker used a rented truck to carry out the deadly attack on the crowd on the promenade, after apparently monitoring the walkway in the preceding days. His family and friends have described him as violent and possibly suffering from mental illness. Bouhlel was shot dead by police during the rampage. Investigators have since managed to track down other suspects through his phone. - Ramzi A. - With a criminal record for robbery and drug offences, Franco-Tunisian Ramzi A. is the only one of the suspects who was known to investigators prior to the attack. Born in Nice, he received two text messages from Bouhlel minutes before the carnage began. In one of the messages, the killer thanks him for a pistol he allegedly gave him the previous night, and mentions five other weapons. Police found a Kalashnikov and a bag of ammunition as they searched a cellar of one of Ramzi A.'s associates on Wednesday, but what the weapon was intended for was unclear. Story continues Officers also found more than 2,500 euros ($2,750) in cash and 200 grams of cocaine in Ramzi A.'s home. - Artan H. and his wife - Ramzi A. has claimed that an Albanian aged 38, named Artan H., gave him the pistol Bouhlel mentioned in his message. The Albanian and his wife -- Enkeledja Z., who holds both French and Albanian nationality -- were both taken into custody Sunday. - Chokri C. - On April 4 this year, Tunisian Chokri C., aged 37, sent Bouhlel a Facebook message reading: "Load the truck with 2,000 tonnes of iron... release the brakes my friend and I will watch". Video surveillance placed Chokri, who had no previous police record, with Bouhlel in the truck on the Promenade Des Anglais prior to the attack. His fingerprints have been found on one of the truck doors. - Mohamed Oualid W., 40 - Molins said Bouhlel and Mohamed Oualid W., a 40-year-old French-Tunisian, called each other 1,278 times between July 2015 and July 2016. Investigators also found a message in Bouhlel's phone from Oualid on January 10 2015 -- roughly a year after attacks on the Charlie Hebdo weekly which spawned the hashtag "I am Charlie" in support of those killed. The message read: "I am not Charlie ... I am happy they have brought soldiers of Allah to finish the job." Pictures of Oualid apparently taken in the truck used in the attack were also found on Bouhlel's phone. Abuja (AFP) - Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said the government was in talks with oil rebels whose attacks have hit production, as the head of the state-run energy firm laid bare damage to the sector. Buhari said in a statement that "his administration is talking to Niger delta militants through oil companies and law-enforcement agencies to find a lasting solution to insecurity in the region". The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) group has claimed the bulk of the attacks since February, which have targeted the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as well as oil majors Shell, Chevron and Eni. The militants have revived long-standing grievances about widespread poverty in the southern swamps and creeks that saw attacks and kidnappings in the 2000s, slashing output until a government amnesty in 2009. But the militants, who have previously scoffed at claims they are involved in back-channel talks, have added self-determination for the delta region to their list of demands. Attacks on pipelines and other infrastructure have hit Nigeria's output, exacerbating a wider economic crisis sparked by persistently low global oil prices for the last two years. OPEC-member Nigeria ordinarily gets 70 percent of government revenue from oil sales. The new group managing director of the NNPC, Maikanti Baru, on Thursday met chief of defence staff General Gabriel Olonisakin in Abuja and appealed for military support to secure key oil and gas facilities. As well as militant attacks, kidnapping and piracy, he said there were nearly 1,500 cases of "pipeline hacking", causing the loss of 109 million litres of petrol and 560,000 barrels of crude to refineries. Between 2010 and 2015, more than 3,000 acts of vandalism were recorded while last year, 643 million litres of petrol valued at more than 51 billion naira ($175 million, 160 million euros) were lost. "The 2016 national budget plan was based on 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil production," he said. Story continues "However, the budget plan is now grossly impacted due to renewed militancy: with about 700,000 bpd of oil production curtailed due to pipeline vandalism." Domestic natural gas supply had also been halved, he said, leading to "significant power outage" in a country already hit by regular cuts because of ailing and badly maintained grid infrastructure. In all, between 2,500 to 3,000 megawatts of power has been lost, he added. ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria's economy is likely to be growing at a rate of about 3.3 to 3.5 percent by the end of this year, the budget minister said on Thursday. Udoma Udo Udoma made the comments at a news conference after a meeting of the National Economic Council, a body that advises the government. Nigeria's economy contracted by 0.36 percent in the first quarter of the year and the central bank governor has said a recession appears to be imminent. (Reporting by Felix Onuah,; Writing by Alexis Akwagyiram; Editing by Ulf Laessing) By Felix Onuah ABUJA (Reuters) - The Nigerian government is talking to militants in the Niger Delta to end a wave of attacks on oil and gas facilities which have cut oil production by 700,000 barrels a day, top officials said on Thursday. But the Niger Delta Avengers, a militant group that has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks, said it was not aware of any talks, saying there would be no dialogue without involving the international community The government was using oil companies and security agencies to talk to the militants "to find a lasting solution to insecurity in the region", President Muhammadu Buhari said in a statement. Buhari also said his government was reviewing an amnesty program for former militants, which offers cash and job training, after initially slashing the scheme's budget by two-thirds and angering militants. "We understand their feelings," Buhari said. "We are studying the instruments (of the amnesty). We have to secure the environment, otherwise investment will not come." In June, government officials said a one-month ceasefire had been agreed with the Niger Delta Avengers but the group reiterated on Thursday no talks were going on. "We are not aware of any peace talk," the group said in a statement on its website. "President Buhari... is not sincere to the Nigeria people and their foreign allies." Militants say they want a greater share of Nigeria's oil wealth to go to the impoverished Delta region. Crude sales make up about 70 percent of national income and the vast majority of that oil comes from the southern swampland. Nigeria, an OPEC member, was Africa's top oil producer until the recent spate of attacks pushed it behind Angola. Pipeline vandalism has reduced oil production by 700,000 barrels a day, Maikanti Baru, the new managing director of state oil firm NNPC, said in a statement. "The 2016 national budget plan was based on 2.2 million barrels per day of crude oil production," Baru said. "However, the budget plan is now grossly impacted due to renewed militancy: with about 700,000 bpd of oil production curtailed due to pipeline vandalism." "Domestic natural gas supply to power is equally impacted with (an) estimated drop of about 50 percent from 1,400 million standard cubic feet of gas per day," he said. (Reporting by Felix Onuah; additionalk reporting by Parikshit Mishra; Writing by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Angus MacSwan) Nora Danish hasn't set a wedding date yet. 21 Jul Actress Nora Danish and her boyfriend Nedim Nazri are planning to get married in a private event held in Bali, Indonesia. However, Nora has not revealed an exact date for the joyous day but has confirmed that it will take place this year. "We have planned to have the wedding in Bali, however it is just a plan and we haven't decided on the details yet," the actress was quoted as saying to mStar. Added the "Polis Evo" actress, she is not in a rush to prepare for her wedding at the moment as she and Nedim wants to have a simple ceremony. Her marriage with the Minister of Tourism and Culture of Malaysia, Dato' Seri Nazri Aziz's son would be Nora's second marriage, as before this in 2002 she was married to Rizal Ashram Ramli for two years. In other related news, Nora who is the beauty ambassador of Safi Rania Gold said that she had shot a music video called 'Raniaku' with actor Remy Ishak in Uluwatu, Bali. Directed by Nan Salleh, the music video which cost around RM500,000 to produce is now available on YouTube. (Photo Source: Nora Danish Instagram) kim jong un Like clockwork, North Korea leader Kim Jong Un threatened to retaliate with a "physical response" once the location of America's most advanced missile defense system in South Korea was decided well it's been decided and now the Hermit Kingdom is acting up. After a series of defiant North Korean nuclear weapons tests, the Pentagon agreed to arm South Korea with a THAAD battery. On Tuesday, the rogue nation fired three ballistic missiles, equipped with a range (between 300 and 360 miles) capable of reaching all of South Korea. And the latest show of force took form in a ballistic missile test simulating a strike on South Korean ports and airfields, which are heavily operated by US military forces. Currently the US maintains approximately 28,500 troops in South Korea. The pressure to deploy America's most advanced missile-defense system began after Pyongyang tested its fourth nuclear bomb on January 6 and then launched a long-range rocket on February 7. 'We cannot not act' During a July 13, Hudson Institute discussion on US missile-technology preeminence, US Army Gen. Charles Jacoby, former commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), stressed the importance of deploying THAAD to protect the Korean peninsula and US interests. "There are tens of thousands of American citizens living there, there is still US forces there, they are playing a defense role and they are at risk everyday to a host of threats that now include the potential for ballistic missile carried weapons of mass destruction," Gen. Jacoby said. "We cannot not act." "If we are still defending with bows and arrows when the conflict escalates we are not going to create the deterrent effect that we need to to keep peace on the Korean peninsula," Gen. Jacoby said. Similarly during a discussion at the Brookings Institution on identifying emerging security threats, CIA Director John Brennan said that the deployment of THAAD to the region was an "obligation" on behalf of the US. Story continues "We have certain obligations to our partners and the region so that the appropriate steps are taken to reassure our friends, partners, and allies of US commitment to the security of that area," Brennan told Business Insider. Reuters contributed to this report. NOW WATCH: Meet THAAD: Americas answer to North Korean threats More From Business Insider When Texas Senator Ted Cruz declined to endorse Republican nominee Donald Trump on the GOP convention stage, the reaction from delegates was immediate. In the wake of his speech, peoples voices on social media have been more split: some laud his act as one of bravery, while others are happy to join in the boos. Heres a sample of what people are saying about the non-endorsement; Last night, Cruz showed that he's earned a leading role in the nation's political future. And that nation is Canada. Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) July 21, 2016 We tried to help and warn Ted Cruz. Very sad. Such brainpower. Such a shame. Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) July 21, 2016 Ted Cruz saying "vote your conscience" and being met with a chorus of boos will be in Hillary's ads this fall. Josh Barro (@jbarro) July 21, 2016 Ted Cruz is 45 years old. Hillary Clinton is 68. Donald Trump is 70. Cruz knows he is playing a very, very long game. Kristen S Anderson (@KSoltisAnderson) July 21, 2016 No joke: Cruz has positioned himself as the only prominent national Republican untainted by the Trump catastrophe. That is a big deal. Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) July 21, 2016 LION TED CRUZ. Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) July 21, 2016 Since it's obvious the shock is contrived, let me ask: What the Hell did they expect from the son of the man who killed JFK? Light'n up. Jason Johnson (@jasonsjohnson) July 21, 2016 Democrats weighed in as well: Story continues Remember this is the man who shut down the federal government because he didn't like affordable health care for all. #BetterThanThis D Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) July 21, 2016 And of course, so did Trump. Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didn't honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 21, 2016 Cruz, it seems, is feeling pretty chipper during his morning-after: From Esquire CLEVELAND, OHIOThe Man Who Wasn't There still isn't here, but that's not to say he isn't around. We learn from this week's New York Times Magazine that the brain trust of the nominee's campaign went for one of the Grandest of Grand Bargains. We also learn that, at least in its pitch to John Kasich, He, Trump considers his role as president to be not far distant from his role as chancellor of Trump University. Namely, he's the midnight-movie TV pitchman while Kasich is the guy who does the actual job, hides the dough, shreds the documents, and accepts all subpoenas. Or something like that. From the Times Magazine: One day this past May, Donald Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., reached out to a senior adviser to Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, who left the presidential race just a few weeks before. As a candidate, Kasich declared in March that Trump was "really not prepared to be president of the United States," and the following month he took the highly unusual step of coordinating with his rival Senator Ted Cruz in an effort to deny Trump the nomination. But according to the Kasich adviser (who spoke only under the condition that he not be named), Donald Jr. wanted to make him an offer nonetheless: Did he have any interest in being the most powerful vice president in history? When Kasich's adviser asked how this would be the case, Donald Jr. explained that his father's vice president would be in charge of domestic and foreign policy. Then what, the adviser asked, would Trump be in charge of? "Making America great again" was the casual reply. Damn. Now back to our midnight feature, House of Wax. [contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="" customtitles="Chris Christie's Speech at the RNC Proves He Is Owned by Trump" customimages="" content="article.46835"] It's no secret that there are problems with John Kasich that no amount of theatrical reasonableness can disguise. Here at the convention, I've heard a lot of Ohio Republicans telling me that Kasich can be a real piece of work to deal with, and he remains wedded to the notion of the Balanced Budget Amendment, the Worst Idea In American Politics. But you have to give him credit for keeping the brainworm of ambition that lives in the head of every politician from controlling every aspect of his behavior (Hi, Speaker Ryan!) and devouring the last vestige of his self-respect (Yo, Chris Christie! What up?). He spoke to the Michigan delegation Wednesday morning, complimented them on the beauty of their state, and pumped them up for a victory in November. The name of the nominee did not pass his lips. Story continues But the real money shot in that anecdote was that Junior The Elephant Murderer offered Kasich the heretofore unknown constitutional office of Actual President, or Prime Minister, or something beyond even the function Dick Cheney served in the Avignon Presidency. He, Trump wants the title. He, Trump wants the job. He just would prefer not to do it. That's left to all those guys who taught Junior to hang concrete and mix sheetrock. [contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="" customtitles="Trump Junior Had One Job Last Night" customimages="" content="article.46843"] Click here to respond to this post on the official Esquire Politics Facebook page. (Adds details of results, outlook) CHICAGO, July 21 (Reuters) - Steelmaker Nucor Corp on Thursday reported a higher quarterly net profit as lower costs offset a decline in revenue and the company said it expected a strong improvement for earnings in the third quarter thanks to higher efficiency and a better outlook for non-residential construction markets. Steelmakers like the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company have struggled with low prices, complaining that China has flooded the market with cut-price product. During the second quarter the company said the average sales price per ton of steel was down 9 percent versus the same period in 2015. Nucor said that its energy, heavy equipment and agricultural markets remain weak, while automotive demand for steel had remained strong. The company reported second-quarter net income of $234 million or 73 cents per share, up nearly 90 percent from $125 million or 39 cents per share a year earlier. Analysts had on average expected earnings per share for the quarter of 70 cents. Revenue was down almost 5 percent in the quarter at $4.2 billion versus $4.4 billion a year earlier. Analysts had expected revenue in the quarter of $4.5 billion. (Reporting By Nick Carey; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Bill Trott) By Guillermo Parra-Bernal, Marco Aquino and Mitra Taj SAO PAULO/LIMA, July 21 (Reuters) - Lenders could accelerate the disbursement of a $4.125 billion loan to Peruvian gas pipeline operator Gasoducto Sur Peruano GSP SA if Brazilian engineering group Odebrecht SA fully exits the project overseeing the construction of the pipelines, three people familiar with the matter said on Thursday. Odebrecht, which is ensnared in a corruption scandal in Brazil, is pulling out of Peru to raise cash and repay debts. For the banks, Odebrecht's exit from the construction portion of the project would make financing less risky, one of the people said. The group of about 20 banks working on a syndicated loan to GSP this week rejected three bids for Odebrecht's 55 percent stake in the pipeline operator, as bidders refused to buy the Brazilian firm's 71 percent interest in the project overseeing the construction of GSP's pipelines, the people said. The sources declined to be identified because the deal has not been finalized. Potential buyers, which include Canada's Brookfield Asset Management Inc, Spain's Ferrovial SA, and a Sempra Energy-led consortium, have until Aug. 25 to submit fresh bids, the people said. GSP needs $600 million to repay a bridge loan used for building the pipeline, one of the people added. The situation underscores the challenges facing Odebrecht, Latin America's largest engineering conglomerate, as its involvement in Brazil's worst-ever corruption scandal undercut access to financing. The "Operation Car Wash" investigation has found a ring of graft and bribery between state companies and contractors, including Odebrecht and other builders. Several of Odebrecht's 15 subsidiaries are refinancing up to 35 billion reais ($11 billion) in loans and selling assets, Reuters has reported. Odebrecht, Ferrovial, Brookfield and Sempra all declined to comment. Techint Group, an Italian steelmaking group that the sources said have teamed up with Sempra on the bid, declined to comment. Story continues Macquarie Infrastructure Corp, which the sources named as another member of the Sempra consortium, denied being part of it in an email sent to Reuters. Gasoducto Sur Peruano, a 34-year concession to build and operate more than 1,134 kilometers (700 miles) of natural gas pipelines across Peru's southern region, needs $5 billion in investments in coming years. If the banks approve a winning bid for the partial or full sale of Odebrecht's stakes, the loan could be approved and disbursed by mid-September, or about 60 days later than previously expected, the people said. Reuters reported last month that Odebrecht hoped to raise about $2 billion from the sale. Enagas SA and Grana y Montero SA are Odebrecht's partners in GSP, with a 25 percent and 20 percent stakes in the company, respectively. Grana y Montero has 29 percent of the pipeline construction project. Lima-based magazine Semana Economica had reported the rejection of the bids earlier this week. ($1 = 3.2621 Brazilian reais) (Reporting by Guillermo Parra-Bernal, Marco Aquino and Mitra Taj; Editing by Daniel Flynn and Richard Chang) The Republican nominee for president, Donald J. Trump, has chosen this week to unmask himself as a de facto agent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a KGB-trained dictator who seeks to rebuild the Soviet empire by undermining the free nations of Europe, marginalizing NATO, and ending Americas reign as the worlds sole superpower. I am not suggesting that Donald Trump is employed by Putinthough his campaign manager, Paul Manafort, was for many years on the payroll of the Putin-backed former president of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych. I am arguing that Trumps understanding of Americas role in the world aligns with Russias geostrategic interests; that his critique of American democracy is in accord with the Kremlins critique of American democracy; and that he shares numerous ideological and dispositional proclivities with Putinfor one thing, an obsession with the sort of strength often associated with dictators. Trump is making it clear that, as president, he would allow Russia to advance its hegemonic interests across Europe and the Middle East. His election would immediately trigger a wave of global instabilitymuch worse than anything we are seeing todaybecause Americas allies understand that Trump would likely dismantle the post-World War II U.S.-created international order. Many of these countries, feeling abandoned, would likely pursue nuclear weapons programs on their own, leading to a nightmare of proliferation. Trumps sympathy for Putin has not been a secret. Trump said he would get along very well with Putin, and he has pleased Putin by expressing a comprehensive lack of interest in the future of Ukraine, the domination of which is a core Putinist principle. The Trump movement also agrees with Putin that U.S. democracy is fatally flawed. A Trump adviser, Carter Page, recently denouncedto a Moscow audienceAmericas often-hypocritical focus on democratization, inequality, corruption and regime change. Earlier this week, Trumps operatives watered down the Republican Partys national-security platform position on Ukraine, removing a promise to help the Ukrainians receive lethal aid in their battle to remain free of Russian control. Story continues Recommended: How Erdogan Made Turkey Authoritarian Again Now, in an interview with Maggie Haberman and David Sanger of The New York Times, Trump has gone much further, suggesting that he and Putin share a disdain for NATO. Fulfilling what might be Putins dearest wish, Trump, in this interview, openly questioned whether the U.S., under his leadership, would keep its commitments to the alliance. According to Haberman and Sanger, Trump even called into question, whether, as president, he would automatically extend the security guarantees that give the 28 members of NATO the assurance that the full force of the United States military has their back. Trump told the Times that, should Russia attack a NATO ally, he would first assess whether those nations have fulfilled their obligations to us. If they have, he said, he would then come to their defense. Unlike Trump, leaders of countries like Estonia believe that the U.S. still represents the best hope for freedom. These sorts of equivocating, mercenary statementsunprecedented in the history of Republican foreign policymakingrepresent an invitation to Putin to intervene more destructively in non-NATO countries such as Ukraine and Moldova, and also represent an invitation to intervene directly in NATO countriesthe Baltic states, first and foremost. This is why the Estonian president tweeted in a cold panic immediately after Trumps interview appeared online: Estonia is 1 of 5 NATO allies in Europe to meet its 2% def[ense] expenditures commitment. The president, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, also noted that Estonia fought with no caveats with NATO in Afghanistan. Unlike Trump, leaders of such countries as Estonia believe that the United States still represents the best hope for freedom. In his interview with Haberman and Sanger, Trump argued, in essence, that there is nothing exceptional about the U.S., and that therefore its leaders have no right to criticize the behavior of other countries: When the world looks at how bad the United States is, and then we go and talk about civil liberties, I dont think were a very good messenger. As someone who has covered President Obamas foreign policy fairly extensively, I feel confident in stating that he has never expressed such a negative view of the U.S. We are truly in uncharted waters. Recommended: Translating Trump's Foreign Policy Republican Party foreign policy, to date, has been fairly clear on a number of subjects: The United States, Republican foreign-policy thinkers have argued, should help to expand the number of free countries in the world; they believe that the U.S. should come to the defense of free peoples whether or not those peoples can, or will, reimburse the United States for expenditures in pursuit of freedom; that Europe represents the stable platform from which the United States projects its power, and ideas, into the world; that Russian imperial dreams should be countered in a robust fashion by the U.S. and its allies; and that the withdrawal of the U.S. from three key regions of the worldEast Asia, Europe, and the Middle Eastwould create vacuums soon filled by non-democratic regimes that would operate counter to U.S. national-security interests. Donald Trump, should he be elected president, would bring an end to the postwar international order, and liberate dictators, first and foremost his ally Vladimir Putin, to advance their own interests. The moral arc of the universe is long, and, if Trump is elected, it will bend in the direction of despotism and darkness. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Sydney (AFP) - Australian resources company Oil Search Thursday pulled out of a plan to buy rival InterOil after its bid was bettered by US giant ExxonMobil. The move leaves the way clear for the American firm to acquire the Papua New Guinea explorer, with expectations that PNG will be well-placed to meet surging liquefied natural gas demand in Asia over the coming years. Oil Search combined with France's Total in May to make a US$2.2 billion offer for the PNG energy firm. But it was trumped by a "superior proposal" from ExxonMobil, Oil Search revealed on Monday, with managing director Peter Botten adding Thursday it was not in the Australian-listed company's interest to submit a revised offer. ExxonMobil's proposal includes paying US$45 per InterOil share, valuing the firm at US$2.5 billion. "Given the decision by ExxonMobil to make an offer for InterOil on the terms it has announced, we do not believe it is in the best interests of our shareholders for Oil Search to submit a revised offer to acquire InterOil," Botten said. Total told AFP in Paris Wednesday it did not intend to increase its offer if there was a tussle for InterOil. Shares in Oil Search rose 0.75 percent to Aus$7.38 in mid-day trade in Sydney. Oil Search, Australia's second-largest oil firm, is already a partner with ExxonMobil in the massive PNG LNG Project, which made its first shipment in 2014. Another key operation, the Papua LNG Project, is under development. It will be operated by Total and includes one of Asia's largest undeveloped gas fields, Elk-Antelope. Botten said ExxonMobil's purchase of InterOil could facilitate collaboration between the two projects. "The bid by ExxonMobil clearly underscores the merits of our offer for InterOil and highlights both the quality of our LNG assets in PNG and the potential value that would be created by cooperation between PNG's two world-class LNG projects," he said. NATO has once again come under fire, as Donald Trump has called into question the basic assumption underlying the military alliance. Speaking to The New York Times, Trump said that he would not necessarily extend the security guarantee inherent in NATO's Article 5 to all 28 members of the alliance. Given a hypothetical of Russia attacking the Baltic States, Trump said that he would provide aid contingent upon whether the state had "fulfilled their obligations to us." While the alliance does have its flaws, and Europe could do more to meet their own defense needs, NATO continues to function as a critical institution for worldwide stability, with its assurance of mutual defense as the alliance's bedrock. The following map, taken from NATO, shows the organization's incredible reach: NATO global map The blue on the map shows NATO's core, which is structured around the organization's 28 member states. This number will soon expand to 29, as Montenegro is undergoing accession talks. All member states are treaty-bound to come to each other's defense in case they are attacked. Member nations also contribute to a shared, inter-operable military command, as well as sharing information and intelligence. NATO forces are active in a training role in Afghanistan, an antipiracy role off the coast of Somalia, and as a counterterrorism force in the Mediterranean. In addition to NATO members, the organization also has a range of partner countries spanning the globe. The flesh-colored nations are NATO partner nations. These nations share intelligence with NATO, and New Zealand goes as far as contributing forces to NATO operations. And the lime green Partnership for Peace (PFP) partner countries span a wide range of former Soviet nations, the neutral Nordic states, and other non-NATO nations in Europe. PFP is intended to strengthen bilateral relations between NATO and other states in a range of fields from military cooperation to intelligence sharing. Every nation in PFP can choose to contribute as much or as little to NATO as it chooses. Story continues Some PFP nations, such as Macedonia and Austria, even contribute personnel to NATO operations. Likewise, the Mediterranean Dialogue is a NATO partnership focused on providing security and sharing intelligence throughout the Mediterranean region. The Istanbul Cooperation Initiative similarly focuses on providing security and intelligence cooperation throughout the Middle East. In March, NATO came under fire from Trump after he called the alliance "obsolete." More From Business Insider Mark Boal, the screenwriter of The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty, contends in a federal lawsuit filed on Thursday that a potential government subpoena demanding about 25 hours of recorded interviews conducted with U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl runs against reporter's privilege and First Amendment principles. He's seeking a declaration from a judge that would prevent the subpoena from issuing or being enforced. "This case is brought to protect and defend Plaintiffs' constitutional right to communicate important stories about matters of immense public concern," his lawsuit states. "Without this Court's protection, Plaintiffs - and specifically Boal - will be forced to provide a military prosecutor in North Carolina with unpublished materials and confidential information or face contempt charges..." In 2015, Boal interviewed Bergdahl, who deserted his post in Afghanistan amid mysterious circumstances and was later found to be with the Taliban. In the interviews, Bergdahl said he was concerned about poor conditions on the ground and was trying to purposely cause an alarming event that would command notice from higher ups in the military chain-of-command. Initially, many believed that Bergdahl was a traitor who joined forces with the Taliban, but Bergdahl asserts that he never intended to get captured. Boal's interviews with Bergdahl also cover his controversial release where the soldier was exchanged for five Taliban prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay. The interviews were played in part on the acclaimed podcast Serial with Boal having plans to develop the story into a feature film. Bergdahl is scheduled to go to trial in February. "Issuance and enforcement of the Subpoena would force Boal to decide between facing a contempt certification in a military court in North Carolina, and ultimately in this Court under 10 U.S.C. 847(b), or sacrificing his work and his constitutional and common law rights and become the arm of a military prosecutor," states Boal's complaint in California federal court. Story continues The United States of America, President Barack Obama, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and several other members of the military including Major Justin Oshana - Bergdahl's prosecutor - are named as defendants. According to the complaint (read in full here), Oshana has provided Boal's lawyers with a draft of the subpoena which demands complete unedited audio recordings. Although there is no federal law protecting reporters' sources (even if such a law is constantly been proposed by lawmakers including vice presidential nominee Mike Pence), Boal is holding up the First Amendment as well as common law and state statutory provisions as protecting a right to gather and publish newsworthy material free of government interference. In a statement upon filing, Boal says, "I support the Army, but this particular military prosecutor's tactics contradict and undermine the stated principles and policies of the Commander and Chief and the Attorney General to protect First Amendment rights. It's Orwellian, and bizarre." He is being represented by Jean-Paul Jassy (who represented The Hollywood Reporter in a motion to open up court records pertaining to a Sumner Redstone healthcare battle). This is not the first time that Boal's research has provoked court battles and courted political controversy. For instance, after Zero Dark Thirty came out, there was an extensive Freedom of Information Act fight aimed at finding out how much the government cooperated with Boal and director Kathryn Bigelow about the hunting and killing of Osama Bin Laden. This time, Boal is against cooperating with the government and is hoping to prevent disclosure. Mark Boal has sued the U.S. government in response to its threat to subpoena his taped interviews with accused Army deserter and prisoner of war Bowe Bergdahl, who is facing a general court-martial. Boal, the screenwriter of Zero Dark Thirty and The Hurt Locker, was planning to make a movie about the U.S. Army sergeant with director Kathryn Bigelow. Bergdahl spent five years as a prisoner of war of the Taliban until his release in May, 2014, in exchange for five Taliban prisoners at the U.S. military facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Boal filed the suit in Los Angeles federal court on Thursday, naming as defendants President Barack Obama, Department of Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter, Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning, Army court-martial convening authority General Robert Abrams and U.S Army Prosecutor Major Justin Oshana. Boal said he filed the action to prevent the nearly unprecedented move by the military prosecutor in the Bergdahl case to force a private citizen into military court to relinquish legally protected materials for an ongoing military trial. Boal has been a journalist for 20 years and won Academy Awards for best picture and original screenplay for The Hurt Locker, which drew upon his experiences as an embedded reporter in Iraq in 2003. The threatened subpoena from the North Carolina-based military prosecutor against a civilian is unlawful and inconsistent with the First Amendment, the common law, Department of Justice guidelines for the issuance of subpoenas to reporters and state protections for reporters, the suit said. Mark Boal fully supports the military justice system and believes that Bergdahl has to face the music in a fair judicial process, said Boals attorney Jean-Paul Jassy. But Boal is a civilian and a journalist, and under the First Amendment, he should not be hauled into a military court to divulge his unpublished and confidential materials. We are asking the federal court in Los Angeles to protect Mark Boals constitutional rights. Story continues The suit asserts that Boals taped confidential interviews with Bergdahl are protected under the First Amendment, and notes that many of Bergdahls revelations made during his 25 hours of interviews were made public with his express and legal consent by way of the multi-part Serial podcast. I support the Army, but this particular military prosecutors tactics contradict and undermine the stated principles and policies of the Commander and Chief and the Attorney General to protect First Amendment rights, Boal said in a statement. Its Orwellian, and bizarre. Boals litigation is supported by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. We firmly stand with Mr. Boal in his effort to protect these tapes, says the organizations executive director Bruce Brown. Well-established law recognizes that journalists cannot do their jobs to keep the public informed if they cannot work free from government interference. Bergdahl faces one count of desertion with intent to shirk important or hazardous duty and one count of misbehavior before the enemy by endangering the safety of a command, unit or place. The trial is set for February. Related stories John Boyega to Star in Kathryn Bigelow's Detroit Riots Movie Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal Reteam for Detroit Crime Drama Bowe Bergdahl Movie Project in the Works From Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal; Rival Project at Fox Searchlight On Alex Zull's folding table a block away from the entrance to the Republican National Convention site, the runaway bestsellers among his offerings are those with the crudest of anti- Hillary Clinton slogans. There's a button that reads, beneath a snarling photo of the former Secretary of State: "Life's a Bitch, Don't Vote For One." Then there's one that likens the former Democrat U.S. senator's candidacy for president of the United States to a Kentucky Fried Chicken special: "2 Fat Thighs, 2 Small Breasts a Left Wing." And the "Hillary for Prison" button, well, you have to take Zull's word on that one, because that one's sold out. All at a price of $5 apiece. By 4 p.m., the 22-year-old vendor has pocketed $1,000. Beside the hot-selling buttons is a pile of t-shirts that show Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on a motorcycle headed toward the White House as a cartoon Clinton tumbles to the pavement at Trump's back wheel. Outside GOP Convention, Calling Hillary Clinton a 'B----' Is a Bestseller| 2016 Presidential Elections, Republican National Convention, Donald Trump, Hillary Rodham Clinton Outside GOP Convention, Calling Hillary Clinton a 'B----' Is a Bestseller| 2016 Presidential Elections, Republican National Convention, Donald Trump, Hillary Rodham Clinton On the back of cartoon Trump's shirt is this quip: "If you can read this, the bitch fell off." Outside GOP Convention, Calling Hillary Clinton a 'B----' Is a Bestseller| 2016 Presidential Elections, Republican National Convention, Donald Trump, Hillary Rodham Clinton Zull, who says he is neither Republican nor Democrat ("I'm nothing, I don't care"), sees in the convention-goers who stop at his table all anti-Clinton glee. "I don't know how many people walk by that button board and just laugh. Nobody barely wants Trump things. It's the bitch buttons that's what's making the money this week," Zull said Wednesday. He's from Miami and in Cleveland just for the convention sales opportunity. Across 4th Street, rival vendor Dawn Parsons, 40, tells PEOPLE the same three anti-Clinton buttons are her bestsellers. "People are very amused by them," says the mother of three. As for calling Clinton the b-word, Parsons admits that, as a woman, it makes her "a little uncomfortable." Outside GOP Convention, Calling Hillary Clinton a 'B----' Is a Bestseller| 2016 Presidential Elections, Republican National Convention, Donald Trump, Hillary Rodham Clinton "And you don't even want to know what my mother would say," adds Parsons. On the convention floor, one delegate who does not want to give her name, tells PEOPLE that, regardless of political differences with Trump's opponent, calling Clinton a "bitch" is "absolutely offensive." WATCH: Ted Cruz Taunted by Angry GOP Convention Delegates as He Refuses to Endorse Donald Trump Robin Bernstein, a Florida delegate, says: "The Trump organization has not sanctioned any of this and would not be a part of anything like this no matter how well they are doing." The tamer name-calling on the unofficial souvenirs outside labels the former First Lady a "tramp" and "liar." (Inside the convention venue, official RNC merchandise sticks to featuring the Trump Pence campaign logo and elephants, the GOP mascot.) And there are ample references to Clinton's email scandal a shirt that reads "Delete Hillary," a button that reads, "Hillary's Lies Matter." Outside GOP Convention, Calling Hillary Clinton a 'B----' Is a Bestseller| 2016 Presidential Elections, Republican National Convention, Donald Trump, Hillary Rodham Clinton "This is a very tough campaign," says Parsons, as she makes change on a sale of a camouflage trucker hat with Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan. Outside GOP Convention, Calling Hillary Clinton a 'B----' Is a Bestseller| 2016 Presidential Elections, Republican National Convention, Donald Trump, Hillary Rodham Clinton A stampede of Cleveland police officers suddenly barrels down the narrow street and her fellow vendor, Zull, utters a startled expletive, looking anxiously in the direction they are running. At the end of the block, a knot of demonstrators some hoisting anti-gay signs, others sporting anti-Allah t-shirts is angrily clashing with counter-protestors. It's a melee that would leave two officers injured and 17 people under arrest. Does Zull worry that the viciousness of the messages on his buttons and shirts is fueling ugliness on the fringes of this political convention? "I do and I don't," Zull says. "I guess I feel bad. My dad just laughs at the bitch thing. But my mom's like, 'You're horrible!' I have to admit it is disgusting." The murder of Pakistani social media star Qandeel Baloch last week has led authorities to push for long-pending legislation against so-called honor killings where women who defy conservative norms are murdered by family members. Baloch, who was often described as the "Kim Kardashian of Pakistan," was strangled to death on July 15 by one of her six brothers, Waseem, as she slept in her family home in Multan. A fashion model and social media phenomenon, Baloch was famous for her risque pictures and selfies which, though tame by western standards, pushed the boundaries in an orthodox Islamic country like Pakistan. She had 740,000-plus followers on Facebook, 41,000 followers on Twitter and 123,000 fans on Instagram. "I believe I am a modern day feminist. I believe in equality... I don't think there is any need to label ourselves just for [the] sake of society," Baloch wrote in a Facebook post before her death. Baloch recently sparked a major controversy in Pakistan by posting pictures of herself with Mufti Qavi, a prominent Muslim cleric. Following his arrest, Waseem was quoted stating said that he "was proud" of what he did because his sister was "bringing dishonor to the family." Read More: Pakistani Model and Social Media Star Qandeel Baloch Murdered in Honor Killing In the wake of Baloch's murder, a bill against honor killings is expected to be presented before a parliamentary committee as early as Thursday, according to Reuters. The proposed law would remove a loophole that allows the victim's family members to pardon the killer. This loophole means most perpetrators of honor killings in Pakistan escape punishment. Once approved by the committee, the bill is expected to be presented before a joint session of parliament in "a couple of weeks," Reuters quoted Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the daughter of Pakistan's Prime Minister and an influential member of the ruling party, as stating. Story continues This year's Oscar-winning documentary short, A Girl In The River, put the spotlight on honor killings in Pakistan. More than 1,000 women are murdered every year in this manner every year in the country. The film, by Pakistani documentarian Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, was based on the real-life story of 19-year old Saba who lived to tell the tale of her attempted honor killing by her family members. "There is no place for honor killings in Islam," the Karachi-based filmmaker told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview earlier this year ahead of the Oscars. "It's just that Islam has been manipulated over the years and distorted to such a degree by men to suit them," she added. "There is a big distinction between the religion and its followers. If the followers distort the religion, we must not hold the religion accountable for that. We must hold the followers of that religion accountable for it." Read More: Oscars: Short Doc Nominee Speaks Out Against Honor Killing, Men Who "Distort" Islam Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fstory%2fthumbnail%2f15237%2fpanda Now this is how you beat the heat. This delightful footage of a panda eating a carrot popsicle originally posted by the panda's caretaker in China's Sichuan province is sure to provide a little vicarious relief from high summer temperatures. Added bonus: this panda is very cute. Let's take things to the next level, though. Where can we get our own carrot popsicle? Middle school students help a penguin walk again with 3D printing 'Metroid: Federation Force' gets a new video and a free demo Festival goers get massively pranked by a mysterious porta potty Watch Gary Busey's bizarre behavior in his 'Hitman' cameo One Week Unscheduled Shut Down Due to Mechanical Failure VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 21, 2016 / Para Resources Inc. (the "Company" or "Para") (PBR.V) (WKN:A14YF1) (OTC:PRSRF) is pleased to announce production results for the month of June 2016 for the El Limon Mine as follows: Para's President, Randy Martin states, "The commissioning of the re-furbished El Limon Mines is slightly behind schedule due to unanticipated downtime but we anticipate maintaining our ramp up plan that will see full production by the end of 2016. Our team is actively training the local miners and mill operators and as their skill levels rise, production and recovery rates will rise as well. Most of the start-up issues we have encountered can be attributable to a lack of experience but the team is progressing well. We are working through the feed material we have in inventory that has slightly higher dilution from the underground development work done in preparing the new faces. We expect the head grade to improve over the coming months as the inventory is depleted. Gold recoveries are also expected to improve as the circuits are fine tuned." The Company further reports that on Thursday, July 14, 2016, the shaft on Ball Mill -1 broke requiring an unplanned shut down. The shaft was removed and shipped to a contractor in Medellin for repair. The repaired shaft will be returned to El Limon and re-installed on Thursday July 21, 2016, when production will resume. ABOUT EL LIMON The El Limon property is located in the northwest part of Colombia near the town of Zaragoza, Antioquia, Colombia and is accessible via both paved highways and gravel roads. The mine is situated in the wide Zaragoza Gold District which extends from El Bagre to Remedios and based on the historical alluvium mining and the number of primary underground gold mines, is considered to be one of the most prolific gold zones in Colombia. The El Limon claims cover a total area of approximately 321 hectares, including 129.6 hectares in RPP No. 12011 and 191.1 hectares in the concession contract No. 620 which is located west of the currently exploited zone. Story continues Typical production grades of the region range from 8-12 g/t Au diluted. However, higher grade mines do exist, such as Quintana and El Limon mines at 8-29 g/t Au diluted. Vein widths are typically below 1 m although both the hanging wall and the footwall zones can contain appreciable economic mineralization within the high-grade cores. The El Limon mine is currently operating underground on Levels 6 and 7 where the diluted head grade continues to be high at approximately 8+ gpt Au. The vein system is open at depth but constrained at both ends by faults. Management believes the El Limon property offers multiple exploration targets that could significantly increase the life of the mine. It is management's intention to utilize some of the cash generated from mining, to drill the property to expand the number of targeted areas for mining. Mr. Paulo J. Andrade, a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (MAIG #6136), Senior Geologist, VP and Country Manager for Para Resources, Inc., a CP/QP under NI-43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. ABOUT PARA RESOURCES: Para Resources is an exploration stage gold mining and toll milling company. Para owns approximately 70% of the El Limon project, in Colombia, which in addition to its current underground operation has toll milling opportunities, and exploration and development upside. In addition, the Company is gearing up to commence trial mining operations at its Tucuma Project and in particular on the Angelim prospect in Para State, Brazil. Para Resources will continue to take advantage of current market conditions to acquire and develop additional highly economic, near-term production assets that have strong exploration and development upside. Management's production decisions for the El Limon Gold Project are not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. As a result, the project has a much higher risk of economic or technical failure and may adversely impact the Company's projected profits, if any. The risks associated with this decision are set forth in the Company's latest annual management's discussion and analysis available on the Company's website and the under Para's SEDAR profile on www.sedar.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "C. Geoffrey Hampson" C. Geoffrey Hampson, Chief Executive Officer and Director For further information, please contact: Andrea Laird Telephone: +1-604-259-0302 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation service provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. All statements, analysis and other information contained in this press release about anticipated future events or results constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. Management believes that its estimates regarding its production plan and recovery from the El Limon mine are reasonable; however there are no assurances that the production estimates will be met for factors beyond the control of management, including the impact of proposed improvements at the mine, the impact of general business and economic conditions, fluctuating metal prices, currency exchange rates, possible variations in grade or recovery rates, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, higher prices for fuel, power, labour and other consumables contributing to higher costs and general risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, government regulation, environmental risks and title disputes or claims. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements even if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Para Resources Inc. Paris (AFP) - Merchants plying the ancient Silk Road between China and the Mediterranean moved more than gold, fabrics, spices and tea -- they also exported gut parasites, researchers said Friday. It has long been theorised that the Silk Road helped spread bubonic plague, leprosy, anthrax and other infectious diseases between East Asia, the Middle East and Europe -- though concrete archaeological evidence has been scant. But now analysis of the contents of an ancient latrine along the route has revealed evidence that traders 2,000 years ago did indeed spread disease. The team from Britain and China examined faeces preserved on wood and bamboo sticks wrapped in cloth -- the toilet paper of their day -- that were excavated in 1992 at the Xuanquanzhi pit stop in north-west China. Unearthed from a latrine dating back to 111 BC, during China's Han Dynasty, and which was still in use in 109 AD, seven samples yielded eggs from four types of parasite: roundworm, whipworm, tapeworm and Chinese liver fluke, the researchers wrote in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. The fluke, a parasite that causes pain, diarrhoea, jaundice and liver cancer, needs wet, marshy areas to complete a life cycle, whereas Dunhuang is in an arid area on the edge of the desert. "The liver fluke could not have been endemic in this dry region," said a statement from Cambridge University, whose researchers took part in the study. "In fact, based on the current prevalence of the Chinese liver fluke, it's closest endemic area to the latrine's location in Dunhuang (in north-west China) is around 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) away, and the species is most common in Guandong Province -- some 2,000 km from Dunhuang." Xuanquanzhi in Dunhuang was a popular stopping place for merchants, explorers, soldiers and government officials. "Finding evidence for this species (liver fluke) in the latrine indicates that a traveller had come here from a region of China with plenty of water, where the parasite was endemic," said study co-author Piers Mitchell. "This proves for the first time that travellers along the Silk Road really were responsible for the spread of infectious disease along this route in the past." The Silk Road is so called for perhaps the most famous commodity that crossed its inter-connected network of trade routes criss-crossing Eurasia. London (AFP) - Paul Pogba's agent denied on Thursday a potential world record transfer sending the France star to Manchester United from Juventus had been finalised as Jose Mourinho looks to reinforce the Premier League giants. United have reportedly had an A86 million offer ($113 million, 102 million euros) turned down by the Italian champions as they try to lure France international Pogba back to Old Trafford four years after allowing him to leave on a free transfer. But Mourinho's side are expected to return with an improved bid that approaches Juventus's A100 million asking price after United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward met Pogba's agent Mino Raiola to thrash out personal terms this week. However, Raiola took to Twitter to insist the deal, which would easily shatter the previous world record fee of A85 million paid by Real Madrid for Gareth Bale in 2013, was not concluded yet. "There's no deal done regarding Paul Pogba, lots of bla, bla, bla," Raiola tweeted on his verified account. Mourinho, whose side are on a pre-season tour to China, admitted the club needed one more signing before the season starts but would not confirm whether it would be 23-year-old Pogba. "I don't confirm and I don't deny. I cannot tell you," Mourinho responded, after he was asked directly at a news conference in Shanghai whether he could confirm the reports. "I don't think it's correct to speak about players of other clubs, and he's a Juventus player and not a Manchester United player. "The only thing I can tell you is that my board, my directors they did fantastic work to do 75 percent of the job I asked them to do," said Mourinho. "I asked them for four players. To be more accurate I asked them for four or five players I need. "I gave them a few options and they did for me 75 percent of the job with (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic, (Henrikh) Mikitharyan and (Eric) Bailly and they have just 25 percent to do until the 31st of August." Story continues - Cutting a relaxed figure - While Pogba's future is debated by some of football's leading powerbrokers, the man himself appeared completely unflustered by the hype while on holiday with Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, who is another of Raiola's clients. A series of social media posts by the star show Pogba soaking up the sunshine and working out in Miami, where he has also been pictured playing basketball while wearing a jersey of the recently crowned NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers. However, a trip to a Florida barbershop ramped up further speculation over Pogba's future following a less-than-subtle Instagram post from his barber. "Had to change up Pog haircolour for his new team #ManchesterUnited," read a post from Criztofferson, the barber, underneath a picture which showed him cutting Pogba's hair in his Miami salon. The post was later removed, perhaps at the behest of Pogba, Raiola or bosses at United, and replaced with a more sobre message which read: "Cutting up @PaulPogba for the weekend". Juventus persuaded Pogba to turn his back on United in 2012 after he made just a handful of appearances in England and fell out with then manager Alex Ferguson, who slammed him for showing no respect to the club. Pogba has since emerged as one of the top midfielders in Europe, playing an integral part in the France side that reached the Euro 2016 final and helping Juventus win four successive Serie A titles. And Mourinho has reportedly made the Frenchman his top transfer target as he bids to make a big impact in his first season at Old Trafford having already spent more than A50 million on defender Bailly from Villarreal and former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mkhitaryan as well as recruiting Ibrahimovic who left PSG on a free transfer. The car manufacturers attempt to get out of the wrongful death lawsuit from Paul Walkers daughter has been stopped in its tracks by a L.A. Superior judge. Meadow Rain Walkers legal pursuit of Porsche can go forward said Judge Stephen Pfahler in a final ruling Tuesday, rejecting the companys motion to quash the matter in state court on the basis that it wasnt directly corporately connected to California. Facts show that Porsche purposefully availed itself of the benefits of doing business in California, the judge said in a tentative ruling after a hearing on July 18. Making a substantial number of sales to California through an intermediary even a truly independent intermediary does not preclude a finding of purposeful availment. First filed on September 28 last year, the multi-claim jury-seeking complaint from Meadow Rain Walker and her guardian Brandon Birtell says that the death of the Fast And Furious star and 2005 Porsche Carrera CT driver Roger Rodas on November 30, 2013 was due to defects in the car. Absent these defects in the Porsche Carrera GT, Paul Walker would be alive today, the filing alleged. porsche logo In a November 12 response the Volkswagen-owned Porsche also said that Walker knew the car could be dangerous. With HCF Porsche AG, Porsche Cars North America Inc., and Beverly Hills Porsche as the defendants, the German based company also said that Walkers death was his own comparative fault partially because the vehicle had been abused and altered as well as misused and improperly maintained. Of course, this doesnt mean that its a clear ride for the younger Walkers case. A case filed by Rodas widow in federal court against Porsche was tossed out in April with the ruling that the manufacturer would unlikely be found responsible for the accident. The autopsy of Walker by the LA County Coroners office concluded that he and Rodas died of trauma and burn injuries. A LAPD investigation of the November 2013 crash cited speed as the cause. Meadow Rain Walkers unspecified damages seeking suit says that the Carrera CT was traveling between 63 to 71 mph when the crash in Santa Clarita happened. Thats far less than the 80 to around 93 mph that the police in their report said the vehicle was going when the accident occurred Story continues Walkers father also filed a wrongful death suit against the company in state court last November. Judge Pfahler is weighing if his case, his granddaughters case, and several others should be consolidated. Attorneys from global law firm DLA Piper are now representing Porsche in the legal action. One of the companys in-house attorneys Jeffrey W. Gates is also involved. Jeffery Milam of Pasadena and Roger Garrett, Ryan Squire, Jennifer Slater and Edward Racek of Garrett & Tully are representing the younger Walker and the actors estate in the case. Related stories No. 5 'Furious 7' - 2015 Most Valuable Movie Blockbuster Tournament 'Fast 8' Will Ride With A New Female Villain Paul Walker's Father Sues Porsche For 'Fast And Furious' Actor's Death By Heather Somerville (Reuters) - PayPal Holdings Inc (PYPL.O) on Thursday showed strong growth in its online payments business, meeting Wall Street earnings expectations and announcing a partnership with Visa Inc (V.N) that is expected to boost the reach and revenue of the money-moving service. The deal is intended to make it easier for customers to use Visa credit and debit cards in PayPal transactions and allow shoppers to use PayPal in brick-and-mortar retail locations. PayPal shares were up about 2 percent in after-hours trading. Shares are up more than 30 percent over the last six months. The San Jose, California, company raised its full-year 2016 revenue guidance to a range of $10.75 billion to $10.85 billion, and projects growth of at least 16 percent. Second-quarter earnings rose to 36 cents per share, in line with analysts' expectations, and year-over-year revenue growth rose 15 percent to $2.65 billion. The Visa partnership allows PayPal users to cash out their PayPal accounts instantly by using a Visa debit card. Any balance in the user's PayPal account can be immediately transferred to a bank account tied to the Visa card. The process used to take several hours or days, said Bill Ready, PayPal's global head of product and engineering. Some retail locations that accept Visa tap-and-pay - a feature that allows the shopper to wave a card or mobile phone over a reader to pay - will also accept PayPal. Ready would not offer specifics on the timeline or locations. Ready declined to say how much additional revenue the Visa partnership might generate, but said: "When you make payment super low-friction, super easy to do, you see a great increase in volume and conversion rates." Some investors voiced concerns about additional transaction expenses, while others cheered the partnership as driving "meaningful upside" for PayPal, analyst Bill Carcache of Nomura Securities said in a research note. "A collaboration between PayPal and Visa could present a formidable obstacle to Apple Pay (and) Google Wallet," added Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT. Story continues The 18-year-old PayPal is a leader in online payments despite an increasingly crowded field. It has 188 million quarterly active customer accounts, an 11 percent increase, and completed 1.4 billion transactions, a 25 percent jump from the same period last year. PayPal completed a spin-off from e-commerce company eBay Inc.(EBAY.O) a year ago. Its current market cap is more than $48 billion. (Reporting by Heather Somerville in San Francisco; Editing by Matthew Lewis) Still shy of his two-year anniversary at Oscar de la Renta LLC, creative director Peter Copping exited the company abruptly Wednesday. Copping could not be reached immediately for comment. In a statement released by the company Wednesday night, the designer said, After almost two years at Oscar de la Renta, personal circumstances require me to return to Europe. I have loved my time in New York where I hope to return at some point in the future. Copping, the first designer to take over the atelier following the October 2014 death of de la Renta, has struggled with mixed reviews since joining the company. One source familiar with the company indicated Wednesday that the collection was challenged commercially and had failed to gain traction at retail. Chief executive officer Alex Bolen did not respond to a request for comment, but said in a statement, We have always been in the business of creating beautiful clothes and two of our greatest assets are our design studio and atelier. Our team will continue to work on next seasons collection with a keen focus on the level of sophistication and craftsmanship that are the hallmarks of our house. We wish Peter well in his future endeavors. After relocating to New York in fall 2014, Copping started in the companys West 42nd Street offices in November of that year. He presented his first collection under the label in February 2015. He was initially hired in October 2014 for what was meant to be a gradual succession, with Copping working alongside de la Renta for a season. That did not happen due to de la Rentas death in October 2014. Announcing Coppings appointment, Bolen noted that the designer and his predecessor shared the same aesthetics, and many of the companys fabric mills, embroiderers and knit factories already knew Copping well. His experience in shoes, handbags and jewelry was also seen as upsides as the company was intent on further growth in those categories. Differences were apparent, though. While de la Renta had favored lengthy runway shows in which up to 70 looks were not unusual, Copping showed 55 for his debut. Story continues Copping took on the top design job at de la Renta after working at Nina Ricci for five years as artistic director. Prior to that, he had worked for 12 years at Louis Vuitton as studio director under Marc Jacobs. A graduate of the Royal College of Art and Central Saint Martins in London, Copping spent his postgrad years working in Europe for Sonia Rykiel and Christian Lacroix. In New York, he reported to Bolen and set the design direction for all of the companys product categories including bridal, home decor, fragrance and childrens wear. But many considered Coppings aesthetic at the house as still in development. In reviewing his most recent resort collection, WWDs Jessica Iredale said, Peter Coppings creative direction at Oscar de la Renta is still in its infancy, as he discovers the world of the late designer and how to treat it. Resort was Coppings second collection third if you count bridal for the house, and he used it to explore one of de la Rentas signature motifs bright color through the lens of his favorite places. I really wanted to marry two of Oscars worlds, New York City and Punta Cana, Copping said. It goes without saying that de la Rentas love for unapologetic femininity, which Copping shares, was also a major factor. During an April appearance in Los Angeles, Copping spoke of the importance of the celebrity dressing. But he wasnt sold on the prospect of the see-now-buy-now runway issue. All of these are interesting things to debate, but it has to be right for the house. Its a difficult thing to put into work logistically, and probably far easier for the really big structures like fast fashion or companies with a huge network of stores, which is why I guess Burberry was interested in doing it. Related stories New Label Merlette Captures an Escapist Spirit The Outnet Grows Up: Net-a-porter's Little Sister No More Judy Blame Celebrates Jo Malone London Collaboration at Spotted Pig Peter Copping is stepping down as Creative Director at Oscar de la Renta. The British-born designer is leaving his post at the New York label to return to Europe, Business of Fashion (BoF) reports. He released a statement saying: "After almost two years at Oscar de la Renta, personal circumstances require me to return to Europe. I have loved my time in New York where I hope to return at some point in the future." A replacement for Copping has yet to be announced, with the house explaining that the design team that worked under his direction will take over on the brand's forthcoming collection. A statement from CEO Alex Bolen read: "We have always been in the business of creating clothes, and two of our greatest assets are our design studio and atelier. Our team will continue to work on next season's collection with a keen focus on the level of sophistication and craftsmanship that are the hallmarks of our house. We wish Peter well in his future endeavors." However, rumors are already circulating, with BoF reporting speculation that Monse founders Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, who worked at Oscar de la Renta for 12 and six years respectively, could be set to return to the company to take the reins. Copper's news comes less than two years after he took up the illustrious role, stepping in to fill founder Oscar de la Renta's shoes after his death in October 2014. His collections for the house sustained the iconic designer's approach to ready-to-wear and bridalwear, centered on unapologetic femininity, dreamy red carpet glamour and full-blown elegance. Copper's creations during his tenure at the house tended to focus on dramatic Latin American and Hispanic- inspired silhouettes adorned by ruffles and florals. The announcement is the latest to rock the turbulent fashion industry, which has seen a rapid succession of high-profile resignations in recent months that began with Alexander Wang's departure from Balenciaga last summer and has since seen Raf Simons suddenly exiting Dior, Alber Elbaz quitting Lanvin, Hedi Slimane saying goodbye to Saint Laurent and Francisco Costa and Italo Zucchelli parting ways with Calvin Klein. N26 team N26, a mobile banking startup backed by PayPal founder Peter Thiel, just took a major step forward in its mission to replace banks. The year-and-a-half-old startup, based in Berlin, was awarded a full German banking license by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority and the European Central Bank on July 18. This license gives the company regulatory approval to conduct banking operations across Europe and expand its current platform, which includes real-time banking, cash withdrawals, and money transfers. "This banking license will allow us to significantly enhance the diversity of our product portfolio. For our customers, that means access to the best financial products, right on the app," Valentin Stalf, founder and CEO of N26, said in a Thursday statement. Instead of developing all products in-house, N26 wants to partner with innovative fintech companies around the world to provide customers with the best savings, investments, credit, and insurance products directly with its app, according to the statement. The company is planning to roll out innovations in the next year like real-time credit, greater security through artificial intelligence, and expense sharing. "The customer could have an account with us, but they can invest some money with or get a loan from Lending Club, or do an international transfer with Transferwise," Stalf previously told Business Insider. "Then we would be better than every traditional bank and able to offer a better rate." N26 was launched in January 2015 and currently has a user base of more than 200,000 customers in eight European countries. It raised a Series B round of $40 million in June. Disclosure: Business Insider's parent company, Axel Springer, has a small stake in N26. NOW WATCH: Investing legend Ray Dalio shares the simple formula at the heart of his success More From Business Insider Twelve years ago, Peter Thiel made the luckiest gamble of his life. He bought 10 percent of a startup founded by a scrappy Harvard kid for $500,000. It was that companys first infusion of outside cash, and it helped it grow incredibly fast. The firms signature product, built around the kids idea of how identity should work online, picked up 4 million users in 2005 and another 6.5 million in 2006. In 2012, Thiel cashed out those original shares. They now fetched more than $1 billion. To this day, he remains on the board of that company: Facebook, Inc. Until this week, that famous betthe most lucrative angel investment in historywas the main reason that most Americans would have ever heard of Peter Thiel. Along with his co-founding of PayPal, its why his character appeared on screen in The Social Network and a big part of why The New Yorker profiled him in 2011. But now he is stepping into a new and much more prominent role in the American republic. Thiel will speak first on Thursday evening at the 2016 Republican National Convention, whereaccording to early reportshe will endorse Donald Trump. Recommended: Is Wikipedia Foreshadowing Tim Kaine as Clinton's Pick for Vice President? Many people are uncertain in this election year, but most Americans agree that our country is on the wrong track, he told Wired. I dont think we can fix our problems unless we can talk about them frankly. Thiel is a real American character, down to his endless contradictions. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Thiels father moved the family to Ohio when he was very young. Thiel is a committed Christian who hates what he calls the ideology of the inevitability of the death of every individual, by which he means bodily death. Accordingly, he is investing millions in an immortality project. Finally, he is openly gay, speaking at a convention that has endorsed aggressively anti-LGBT policies. Story continues Thiel attended Stanford University for philosophy and law. Like Newt Gingrich, Thiel is a self-conscious intellectual, fond of Leo Strauss, Ayn Rand, and Rene Girard. His failure to secure a Supreme Court clerkship under Justice Antonin Scalia led him to the technology industry. He founded PayPal during the first tech boom, aiming to start a pan-global currency. In 2004, he founded Palantir, a startup-like contractor that works with large corporations and national-security agencies. Now he controls four massive financial funds, including a general hedge fund and a venture-capital pool. For most of the last decade, Thiel has fashioned himself as an old-fashioned libertarian with a techno-futurist bent. Like many Republicans, he supports paring back regulationbut his crusade against government goes much further than that. He has invested in sea-steading operations, which seek to create new floating city-states on enormous ships that float beyond national borders. He preaches that interplanetary space travel is important not because there is some universal human drive to discover, but because other planets dont have laws yet. Recommended: Jon Stewart's Pitch-Perfect Rant on Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' Many California-based designers and developers have a techno-libertarian bent, even if most of them ultimately pull the level for Democrats. But Thiel goes further in his ideology than almost anyone elseincluding in his support for Trump. Last week, more than 140 CEOs, investors, and leaders from across the sector publicly denounced Donald Trumps candidacy. And earlier this year, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, criticized Trump, though he avoided saying his name. Instead of building walls, we can help build bridges, Zuckerberg said, alluding to Trumps most famous policy proposal. But maybe Thiels support for Trump shouldnt come as a surprise. Survey his ideas over the past two decades and unrelated events come into focus. Peter Thiel emerges as a kind of richer, suaver Donald Trump. First, Thiel seems to believe that the post-1970s economy has left most Americans behind. Talking to The New Yorker in 2011, he implied that older elites had grown out of touch with regular Americans to a dangerous degree. Most college-educated Boomers benefitted from postwar affluence in a way that their less educated peers did not, he said. Sounding almost like a leftist, he blamed the globalized Information Age for consolidating wealth (including his) and destroying manufacturing jobs. You have dizzying change where theres no progress, he said. Second, Thiel loathes political correctness, and has said so for years. I always think the biggest political problem we have is the problem of political correctness, properly understood, Thiel told Glenn Beck two years ago. Before his widely praised book on business strategy came out in 2014, his only prior published work was The Diversity Myth, an attack on 1990s multiculturalism. Recommended: How a Guy From a Montana Trailer Park Overturned 150 Years of Biology Third, both men are connoisseurs of litigation. Trump has been involved in 3,500 lawsuits, an unprecedented number for a presidential nominee. He has filed roughly 1,900 of those suits. Meanwhile, Thiel is dumping tens of millions into a secret war to bankrupt the news site Gawker and drive it out of business. Media law experts say that Thiels actions are unprecedented in American Constitutional law. Meanwhile, Trump has said that he would like to make it easier to sue journalists. Like Trump, too, Thiel savors narrowing in on the truly ludicrous comment and saying things that make people wonder, did he really say that? In a 2009 essay for the Cato Institute, he appeared to express doubts over whether it was a good idea to give women the right to vote: The 1920s were the last decade in American history during which one could be genuinely optimistic about politics. Since 1920, the vast increase in welfare beneficiaries and the extension of the franchise to womentwo constituencies that are notoriously tough for libertarianshave rendered the notion of capitalist democracy into an oxymoron. Pay attention to the words in the sentence and youll see that Thiel never says outright that women should not be allowed to vote. Rather, he says that women tend to favor government intervention, andsince Thiel opposes government intervention in the economyletting women vote therefore effectively ended capitalist democracy. The reader can draw their own conclusions about what the right policy correction should be. It would be absurd to suggest that womens votes will be taken away or that this would solve the political problems that vex us, he later added. This is the fourth Trumpian streak in Thiel: Hell spout something contrarian or outrageous seemingly just to say it. Two years ago, he told Glenn Beck that idea that human activity alters the climate is more pseudoscience than science. (97 percent of climatologists, and every major U.S. scientific organization, disagree with him.) Yet during the Paris conference on climate change last year, he published an editorial in The New York Times calling for enormous reinvestment in nuclear energy. (Though that too was sly: Thiel is careful never to endorse climate change in the op-ed.) This contrarianism has come back to bite Thiel, as Packer reported in 2011. In September 2008, Thiel bucked common wisdom and assumed that government bailouts would mollify the markets. He commanded his hedge fund to invest heavily in global stocksand lost just as heavily as they tumbled. In 2009, he bet against common wisdom again and shorted the marketcausing him to lose big, again, and miss out on a historic recovery. Now, though, he is playing with something far graver other peoples money. Despite Thiels reported libertarianism, he supports a candidate who has called for an unprecedented rollback on religious freedoms in this country. And despite his aversion to nation states and geopolitics (or maybe because of it), he supports a candidate who would toss NATO out the window and recklessly endanger world peace. Thiel will be cool about it, no doubt. This might be the best investment hes made since that fateful August bet on Facebook. Hell be well positioned close to a new American president and the much less stable world order he brought aboutalthough an order where there will still be business to conduct. Its nice, too, that as the 243rd wealthiest person in the world, Thiel may be rich enough to escape whatever horrors befall the average American in a post-NATO world. Or this could be a career-staining stumble for him. Libertarians are on the ascent across the country: Among Millennials, the second-most popular presidential candidate isnt Trump, but Gary Johnson of the Libertarian Party. Instead of becoming their standard-bearer, Thiel, the seer of Silicon Valley, has permanently allied himself with the orange oligarch of Manhattan. Well know in five months whether it was a wise choice. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Lawyers for 93-year-old Sumner Redstone are saying his mental status is sound and not in dispute and that he therefore does not need an examination to determine his capacity, as demanded by his long-time-confidant-turned-frenemy, Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman. The attorneys filed papers in late June rejecting a demand that the billionaire media baron make himself available for a full psychiatric examination in his Beverly Park home as soon as Aug. 17. Just as vehemently, Daumans lawyers on Wednesday renewed their demand that the exam occur as soon as possible. They said the need for the review has been made clear by the starkly divergent opinions earlier experts previously have reached about the mental capabilities of Redstone, the Harvard-trained lawyer who is now a frail, bed-ridden shell of his former self. In light of Mr. Redstones precarious health and mental state, time is of the essence, said a filing Wednesday by Dauman. It is obvious that this matter can only be fairly adjudicated if there is an immediate examination of Mr. Redstone by Plaintiffs order a psychiatric examination of the frail executive, who controls ownership of both Viacom and CBS Corp. The motion was made by lawyers for both Dauman and George Abrams, a previous long-time confidant of Redstones who was also ejected from the board that oversees the billionaires stake in Viacom and CBS Corp. The two men told Massachusetts probate court Judge George F. Phelan that they want a professor of psychiatry and a professor of neurology Spencer Eth and Bruce Price to visit Redstones Beverly Park mansion to complete their examinations. The two plaintiffs also called for an order allowing Redstones staff and medical assistants to attend the exams, along with a speech pathologist, Anne Lefton, who has become Redstones regular in-house interpreter. Lawyers for the frail magnate, who eats through a feeding tube, made it clear in their filing Wednesday that they oppose the exam by Eth and Price. They said the magnates condition has stabilized since last year, when he had to be hospitalized and was described by visitors as vacant, almost ghostly. Story continues Many visitors and family members agreed that Redstones condition had spiraled downward after two long-time lady companions, Sydney Holland and Manuela Herzer, were thrown out of his Beverly Park mansion. Redstone first ejected Holland, 44, when he learned the some-time dating service owner was cheating on him with a younger man. Herzer was next out the door, in October, when Redstone accused her of cutting off his access to yet another girlfriend, who regularly came to his home to provide sex therapy. Dauman and Abrams, who served as Redstones lawyer for more than half a century, filed their lawsuit in the Boston-area probate court after being summarily pushed out of Redstones life in May. The two men previously had been among Redstones closest advisers but he accused them of being disloyal and not adhering to his wishes about his media empire. Both were thrown off the board and the trust that oversee National Amusements Inc. (NAI), the theater chain that also serves as the holding company for Redstones shares in Viacom and CBS Corp. Dauman and Abrams have asked Phelan to order that they be restored to both the NAI board and trust. Viacom controls BET, VH1, Nickelodeon and Paramount Pictures, while CBS Corp. controls the television network and Simon & Schuster. The trust will wield tremendous power once Redstone dies or is declared incapacitated; having the power to determine the fate of the shares Redstone uses to control the two corporations. Their total book value stands at more than $40 billion. The bad news came to Dauman and Abrams in mid-May, in the form of a FAX from an obscure lawyer not previously connected to Redstone. The formal letters from Michael Tu told the two men they were no longer needed on the NAI board or the Sumner M. Redstone Trust. Both men questioned whether their long-time friend was really behind the ouster. In alternative, they theorized it was Redstones daughter, Shari, who engineered the maneuver as part of her plot to become the secret hand guiding Viacom. Over many years, she had made no secret of her displeasure with the conglomerates underperformance and she pinned much of the responsibility on its CEO, Dauman. The 62-year-old heiress sharply denies the contention that she made her father push Dauman and Abrams out, noting that she voluntarily passed up an opportunity, earlier this year, to become chair of Viacom and of CBS Corp. It is unclear when Judge Phelan will rule on the motion demanding a mental exam. The judge previously set out a protracted briefing schedule for case focusing on issues like the mental exam and the question of which states courts should oversee Redstones case. California is also in the picture because National Amusements and Shari Redstone went to a Los Angeles judge, seeking to have the ouster of Dauman and Abrams from the NAI panels reversed. But that judge, David J. Cowan, appears so far to be waiting for the Massachusetts case to run its course. Also in the mix: Delawares Chancery Court, which oversees governance in the state that is the corporate home of most American companies. A judge there will rule on a case in which the five Viacom directors challenged their replacement on the conglomerates governing board. Related stories Viacom's Philippe Dauman Says He's Been Given 'Good Reason' to Resign How Wanda Plans to Acquire Paramount China's Wanda is Front-Runner to Buy Paramount Stake (Reports) While Manila triumphed over Beijing in a historic legal decision last week, the fight in the South China Sea is far from over. On July 12, the Permanent Court of Arbitration issued a 500-page unanimous ruling in Republic of Philippines v. People's Republic of China, and found that Beijing had violated the Philippines' economic and sovereign rights. The court concluded there was no legal basis for China's nine-dash line territorial claim, which encompasses approximately 85% of the South China Sea. However, within a day of the ruling, China landed a civilian aircraft on Mischief Reef a tiny bit of land in the Spratly Islands that was found to belong entirely to the Philippines. Chinese state-run media published photos of the China Southern Airlines crew posing in front a plane after the landing. China Southern Airlines "That timing [of the flight] was clearly a signal of discontent of the ruling, but this was going to happen sooner rather than later," Gregory Poling, director of Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Business Insider. "Of course, in light of the ruling, this is rubbing salt in the Philippines' wound," Poling added. "The court ruled China's initial occupation of Mischief Reef and its construction of facilities there illegal," Poling said, "so every day that China continues to make use of those facilities it is violating international law." NOW WATCH: The US Navy just flexed its muscles in the world's most contested region More From Business Insider By Clodagh Kilcoyne ST MACDARA'S ISLAND, Ireland (Reuters) - It is said that people don't come home for Christmas to the small western Irish village of Carna, they come back for St. MacDara's Day. On that day, every July 16, hundreds make a pilgrimage off the coast of Gaelic-speaking Carna to tiny, uninhabited St. MacDara's Island, to a celebration of mass and blessing of boats. It will keep them safe throughout the year, locals believe. St. MacDara, the patron saint of seafarers, is believed to have built the small church on the island in the sixth century. After mass, the locally crafted boats, known as Galway Hookers, bow their sails in the direction of the church three times to bless the year ahead. "It is like a second Christmas half way through the year," said Cliona Ni Chualain, the organizer of MacDara's festival. Her family own a Galway Hooker built in 1895 called 'Blath na hOige', meaning 'Flower of Youth'. "I've done it since I was a baby and for us it's a family gathering, a community gathering. It's pretty special. And when you're on the island there is this feeling of calmness. I wouldn't be a practicing Catholic but there is something very, very spiritual about it." 'Blath na hOige' and other nautical celebrants can be seen in a Reuters photo essay at http://reut.rs/2adLaEM Local fisherman Johnny Cloherty reckons the pilgrimage, one of the few remaining snapshots of Irish yesteryear, has kept him safe for the last 40 years in the Atlantic Ocean, where he harvests seaweed and fishes for lobster and crab. "It does yeah, definitely," said Cloherty, 58, from nearby Mweenish Island. "I'd be out there in the winter and keep near that island (MacDara's). It's a good thing." But like many in small rural parts of the country, Cloherty, who starts working at 5 a.m. each day and doesn't finish until 10 p.m., has seen young people leave the area in increasing numbers in search of jobs and a different lifestyle. There are now only about 30 Galway Hookers left and the days of all 30 trawling the western Irish coastline together are fading with fewer and fewer crew to go around. "I don't think the young people will be going out fishing. It's sad. Say another 10 years, who will be out there? Nobody knows," Cloherty said. (Writing by Padraic Halpin Editing by Jeremy Gaunt) jamie dimon On Thursday, numerous CEOs including Warren Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway, Mary Barra of General Motors, and Larry Fink of BlackRock all got together and signed a letter listing a bunch of ways to improve corporate governance in America. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon also signed the letter, which is odd, since the very first suggestion is: Boards of directors should be truly independent from the company and meet without the CEO present on a regular basis. In an interview with CNBC after the letter was published, Buffett said Dimon was the one who rallied him to the cause about a year ago. And that's weird. Here's why: Dimon is both the CEO and the chairman of JPMorgan, and that's not an accident. Through the years Dimon has fought hard to maintain complete control of his massive international corporation. That is what makes suggestion No. 1 so very interesting. Do as I say, not as I do I think you'll all recall the so-called London Whale, the 2012 JPMorgan trading disaster that blew a $6 billion hole in the bank's balance sheet. Heads rolled, including that of chief investment officer Ina Drew. Dimon was forced to head down to Washington and explain to Congress how one trader could lose so much money in his house. It was a very public, very embarrassing display of arrogance and mismanagement, and shareholders were rightfully angry. That is why shareholders at JPMorgan's 2013 shareholder meeting took up the unthinkable: They considered whether to split the roles of CEO and chairman of the board at the bank. Dimon was furious. He threatened to abandon the bank entirely if he lost control of the board. But he didn't. Dimon went to war, and he won. The Wall Street Journal crowned him on its pages, and a year later he was telling his peers that his reign over JPMorgan would continue for at least five more years. JPMorgan did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment; this post will be updated if we hear back. Story continues To be sure, Dimon helped JPMorgan through one of the most dangerous times in the history of American capitalism. He has the respect of Wall Street and Washington, and perhaps because of that he thinks of himself as the exception to this new rule he is suggesting. And maybe he is. But acting above the fray will not instill confidence in his fellow CEOs who may, unlike him, be mere mortals. Instead, they will be sitting in their C-suites rolling their eyes and thinking, "You first, Jamie." NOW WATCH: 50 Cent will pay $23.4 million to creditors over the next 5 years here's how he made and lost millions More From Business Insider A man was arrested in Sydney Thursday and a bomb disposal squad was examining his car after he drove it into an underground police station car park. Australian police said there was "nothing to indicate" a link to terrorism but would not rule out the possibility. The man, aged in his 60s, parked his car in the driveway of the station in the western suburb of Merrylands about 7.00pm (0900 GMT), New South Wales state police said, adding that the inside of the vehicle burst into flames as an officer approached it. "The man then drove that vehicle down the driveway and collided with the roller shutter door (of the car park) under the police station," Assistant Commissioner Denis Clifford told reporters outside the station. "He has been treated by ambulance and conveyed to hospital in a serious condition with what I understand are very serious burns." Clifford said there was "nothing to indicate this is in anyway related to terrorism". "We'll keep an open mind but we are not moving in that way at this stage," he said, adding that "we have nothing to indicate he is linked to anyone else". The man has a history of mental health issues, police told AFP earlier. No-one else was hurt in the incident, police added. The Australian government lifted its terror threat level to high in September 2014 and recently said nine terror events had been prevented since then. But several have taken place, including the terror-linked murder of a police employee in Sydney in October. "Police are on high alert, and we've been that way for some time due to events here and overseas," Clifford said. "It's a situation police are well aware of... it's just a miracle that no-one else was seriously injured." LONDON (Reuters) - British opposition Labour lawmaker Angela Eagle, who this week dropped out of the race to oust party leader Jeremy Corbyn, has been advised by police not to hold her regular advice session with constituents due to safety risks, her office said on Thursday. Last month, Labour lawmaker Jo Cox was murdered as she attended her "surgery," one-to-one meetings when members of the public have the opportunity to raise issues with their local lawmaker. A 52-year-old local man, Thomas Mair, has been charged with Cox's murder and will go on trial in November. "We have received advice from Merseyside Police that the safety of Angela, her staff and constituents cannot be guaranteed," said a staff member at Eagle's office, which was vandalised last week. A spokesman for Eagle said Friday's cancelled surgery had been due to be an open drop-in session. Future surgery sessions, due to resume in September after a scheduled August break, would now be appointment-based, he said. Labour is locked in a bitter internal power struggle, with Corbyn refusing to stand down despite most of his policy team resigning and Labour lawmakers overwhelmingly backing a vote of no confidence in his leadership. Eagle, formerly the party's top business spokeswoman, triggered a leadership contest earlier this month by challenging Corbyn. She withdrew from the race this week after receiving less support from lawmakers than rival Owen Smith. The staff member said the office in Wallasey near Liverpool in northwest England was still open to members of the public and could also be contacted by phone or email. On Tuesday, police said a 44-year-old man, who had been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill after an email was sent to Eagle, had been released on bail pending further enquiries. Eagle has previously said Corbyn, who has strong support among party grassroots members, "needs to get control of the people who are supporting him". Last week Corbyn said he condemned any violence or threats. (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan; editing by Stephen Addison and Giles Elgood) LONDON (Reuters) - British opposition Labour lawmaker Angela Eagle, who this week dropped out of the race to oust party leader Jeremy Corbyn, has been advised by police not to hold her regular advice session with constituents due to safety risks, her office said on Thursday. Last month, Labour lawmaker Jo Cox was murdered as she attended her "surgery," one-to-one meetings when members of the public have the opportunity to raise issues with their local lawmaker. A 52-year-old local man, Thomas Mair, has been charged with Cox's murder and will go on trial in November. "We have received advice from Merseyside Police that the safety of Angela, her staff and constituents cannot be guaranteed," said a staff member at Eagle's office, which was vandalized last week. A spokesman for Eagle said Friday's canceled surgery had been due to be an open drop-in session. Future surgery sessions, due to resume in September after a scheduled August break, would now be appointment-based, he said. Labour is locked in a bitter internal power struggle, with Corbyn refusing to stand down despite most of his policy team resigning and Labour lawmakers overwhelmingly backing a vote of no confidence in his leadership. Eagle, formerly the party's top business spokeswoman, triggered a leadership contest earlier this month by challenging Corbyn. She withdrew from the race this week after receiving less support from lawmakers than rival Owen Smith. The staff member said the office in Wallasey near Liverpool in northwest England was still open to members of the public and could also be contacted by phone or email. On Tuesday, police said a 44-year-old man, who had been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill after an email was sent to Eagle, had been released on bail pending further enquiries. Eagle has previously said Corbyn, who has strong support among party grassroots members, "needs to get control of the people who are supporting him". Last week Corbyn said he condemned any violence or threats. (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan; editing by Stephen Addison and Giles Elgood) CLEVELAND On Varietys PopPolitics on SiriusXMs POTUS Channel from the Republican National Convention, Nikki Schwab of Daily Mail previews Ivanka Trumps Thursday night speech in which she will introduce her father. With the onus on Donald Trump to appeal to general election voters, Ivanka may prove to be an asset to the GOP Presidential nominee in turning around his lopsided negative approval ratings among women, Schwab says. SiriusXMs POTUS is rebranded as Convention Radio during the Republican and Democratic conventions. Also on the show: Antonio Sabato Jr. explains why hes supporting Donald Trump and isnt reluctant to say so in a left-leaning industry. Dinesh DSouza says that Hillarys America, his latest documentary, was more of a horror movie about the Democratic Party. A number of conservative documentaries are being screened this week, but the filmmaker says hes more willing that Hollywood conservatives to provoke. DSouza also talks about why he claims his conviction on an election law violation was politically motivated, even though he plead guilty and expressed contrition to the judge. Mark Shriver, the president of the Save the Children Action Network and a former Maryland legislator, talks about what it was like to be on the floor as Ted Cruz delivered his non-endorsement speech. And he talks about the Trump and Clinton positions on issues like early childhood education and childrens health. Listen below: PopPolitics, hosted by Varietys Ted Johnson, airs Thursdays at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT on SiriusXM political channel POTUS 124, which is rebranded Convention Radio during the Republican and Democratic conventions. Related stories RNC 2016 Ratings Have Fox News Flat, Big Jumps for CNN, MSNBC Al Jazeera Makes Inroads with GOP, Trump Campaign at Republican Convention TV Ratings: Ted Cruz Fireworks Aren't Huge Draw for Broadcast, But NBC Wins Night Three of RNC Coverage By Hyunjoo Jin SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean steelmaker POSCO posted a weaker-than-expected quarterly operating profit, but said it was likely to benefit in the longer term as measures to curb overcapacity in top producer China start positively impacting product prices. China, which is under fire from global rivals for dumping cheap steel exports on to the world market, has said it remains committed to tackling its glut and plans to eliminate 100-150 million tonnes of annual production - more than the United States produces per year - over the next five years. "We believe restructuring in China will happen in the next four-five years, as China is struggling with trade regulations worldwide and facing pressure from the United States and the European Union," Kim Young-joong, vice president at POSCO, said at an earnings conference call on Thursday. "Restructuring should have a positive impact (on prices) for the long term." He expects steel prices to hover around $350 per tonne for hot-rolled coil in China in the second half, higher than a year ago but lower than the first half on lingering overcapacity. Chinese steel prices have surged around 36 percent this year to 2,350 yuan ($352) per tonne, helping many Chinese producers swing to a profit from heavy losses in 2015. However, POSCO's consolidated operating profit for the April-June period fell 1 percent from a year ago to 678.5 billion won ($597.69 million), missing the 725 billion won average estimate of 14 analysts polled by Reuters. The company's earnings were eroded by a delay in the construction of its joint steel mill in Brazil, which led to higher costs for its construction unit, POSCO Engineering & Construction, according to analysts. Its revenue dropped 15 percent to 12.86 trillion won, below analysts' estimate for 13.7 trillion won. The steelmaker, however, said it would pay a quarterly dividend from the second quarter, with the amount to be decided in early August. Story continues POSCO shares ended down 1.4 percent in the wider market that fell 0.2 percent prior to the earnings announcement. The shares, which fell for a sixth straight year in 2015, have jumped almost 30 percent so far this year, tracking higher steel prices in China - also the top consumer of the commodity. China is ramping up efforts to tackle its chronic steel overcapacity, earmarking 27.6 billion yuan ($4 billion) in funds to pay for closures in the steel and coal sectors. Its key steelmakers Baosteel Group and Wuhan Iron and Steel Group last month announced restructuring plans. But worries linger about demand, with the rebound in China's economy showing signs of losing momentum. POSCO, however, sees Chinese steel demand slowing less than expected this year, helped by "an improvement in auto production and Beijing's economic stimulus effects". ($1 = 1,135.2100 won) ($1 = 6.6742 yuan) (Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Himani Sarkar) PPG Industries Inc. PPG has a diversified business and a leading position in several paints and coatings end markets. The company is gaining from healthy momentum across automotive OEM, automotive refinish and aerospace markets. PPG Industries also has been actively focused on growing its business inorganically, manifested by major buyouts (including Comex) and its aggressive cost cutting and restructuring actions. It should also gain from its restructuring actions that include right-sizing headcount and production capacity. However, PPG Industries is exposed to currency headwinds and macroeconomic challenges. Lets have a quick look at this Pittsburgh-based coating giants second-quarter 2016 release. Estimate Trend & Surprise History Investors should note that the earnings estimate for PPG Industries for the second quarter has seen a downtrend over the last month. PPG Industries has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in 2 out of the 4 trailing quarters with an average beat of 0.97%. Earnings PPG Industries logged adjusted earnings of $1.85 per share for the quarter, up 10.8% year over year. It beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.84 by a penny. The results benefited from successful commercialization of new innovative products, aggressive cost management and earnings accretive cash deployment. Revenues PPG Industries posted second-quarter revenues of $4,064 million, essentially flat year over year. It trailed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4,155 million. Unfavorable currency impacted net sales by 2%. In local currencies, net sales rose by over 1%. Acquisitions contributed over 1% to sales. PPG INDS INC Price and EPS Surprise PPG INDS INC Price and EPS Surprise | PPG INDS INC Quote Key Stats/Developments to Note PPG Industries remains committed to deliver higher organic growth, including continued commercialization of its innovative, industry-leading coatings technologies. The quarter saw increased growth in Europe, Asia and Latin America and expects the trend to continue. Demand in U.S. and Canada was negatively impacted due to lower architectural coatings volumes. Story continues In the second quarter, PPG Industries announced the sale of its European fiber glass business as well as completed the sale of its minority ownership interest in Pittsburg Glass Works and acquisition of MetoKote. The company spent $800 million to fund its portion of the Pittsburgh Corning Asbestos Settlement Trust. No shares were repurchased in the quarter to benefit from a 5.5% per annum prepayment discount on all future trust-funding requirements. Zacks Rank PPG Industries currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), but that could change following the companys earnings report which was just released. Market Reaction PPG Industries shares were inactive in pre-market trading. It would be interesting to see how the market reacts to the results during the trading session today. Check back later for our full write up on PPG Industries earnings 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 >> 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 PPG INDS INC (PPG): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese Muslims should promote social harmony and resist illegal religious "infiltration", President Xi Jinping said while visiting a mosque in a heavily-Muslim part of western China, state media reported on Thursday. There are about 21 million Muslims in China, ranging from the Uighur people who live in the violence-prone far western region of Xinjiang to the Hui, many of whom are highly Sinified, and other ethnic groups. China's constitution guarantees religious freedom, but rights groups say the officially atheist ruling Communist Party seeks to restrict religious practice, especially for Muslims. China strongly denies such charges. Touring Ningxia, home to about 2.4 million mostly Hui Muslims, Xi said Chinese Muslims should practice their religion as part of Chinese society and "carry forward the patriotic tradition", the official China Daily said. "Religions in our country, the endemic ones and those from abroad, have become deeply embedded in the Chinese civilization, whose history covers more than 5,000 years," Xi said while visiting a mosque in Ningxia's regional capital Yinchuan. "They will continue to flourish while taking root here." Muslims must "resolutely oppose illegal religious infiltration activities" and promote religious and social harmony, Xi said, the official Xinhua news agency added, without elaborating. The Chinese government says it has been facing a rise in Islamic extremism, especially in Xinjiang, where hundreds have died in violence in recent years. Beijing blames foreign extremists for stirring up tensions, particularly in Xinjiang, where it says it faces a determined campaign by extremist separatists who want to establish an independent state called East Turkestan. But many rights groups and exiles doubt the existence of a coherent extremist group in Xinjiang, and say Uighur anger at repressive Chinese policies is more to blame for the unrest. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Michael Perry) DailyFX.com - Talking Points: - ECB likely on hold until next staff projections in September. - EUR/USD hovering around $1.1000 pre-meeting. - As market volatility stays elevated post-Brexit, it's a good time to review risk management principles. Join me today at 07:30 EDT/11:30 GMT for live coverage of the European Central Bank rate decision. The European Central Bank meets for its July rate decision today, one in which, in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote, was rife with potential for surprise action. Instead, however, the stability in financial markets will most likely allow the ECB to keep rates on hold, staying with the pattern of only making a significant change to policy when the staff economic projections (SEP) are released (recall our discussion over the past year on how central banks, in an effort to become transparent, have become too predictable). Chart 1: EUR/USD Daily Chart (September 2015 to July 2016) Preview for ECB: No Rate Cut Yet but Tweaks to QE Program Possible There are two things to watch for, if this meeting is going to be used as a runway to potential action at the end of Q3 or the beginning of Q4. First would be any language regarding the timetable for the QE program. Currently, it is set to end in March 2017; seeing the seeds planted for another six-month extension to September 2017 seems very possible. Second, given the downdraft in core sovereign bond yields in recent weeks, the ECB will indicate that it needs to adjust the way its bond buying program is conducted. The ECB allots its bond buying based on the capital key. What is the capital key? The capital of the ECB comes from the national central banks (NCBs) of all EU member states. According to the ECB, the NCBs shares in this capital are calculated using a key which reflects the respective countrys share in the total population and gross domestic product of the EU. As such, it's no surprise that Germany - as the country with the largest capital key contribution - has seen the belly of its yield curve (3Y-7Y) drift lower into negative territory, below the ECB's -0.40% deposit level - the threshold at which the ECB no longer purchases bonds in its QE program. Likewise, the ECB needs to either: remove the limiting parameter of -0.40% on its bond buying; or discard the capital key variable. In the first case, German yields would like move lower the fastest; in the second, peripheral yields like in Italy and in Spain. In either case, the potential for a signficant Euro move absent a notable driver - like a rate cut - seems limited. Story continues This is updated to reflect market changes from its original publication on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. See the above video for a technical review of the USDOLLAR Index, EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD. If you haven't yet, read the Q3'16 Euro Forecast, "Euro Awakes to Brexit Nightmare; Time for a Turn in EUR/USD?"as well as the rest of all of DailyFX's Q3'16 quarterly forecasts. --- Written by Christopher Vecchio, Currency Strategist To contact Christopher Vecchio, e-mail cvecchio@dailyfx.com Follow him on Twitter at @CVecchioFX To be added to Christopher's e-mail distribution list, please fill out this form 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. Harare (AFP) - Zimbabwe's war veterans, who have played a crucial and sometimes violent role supporting President Robert Mugabe, on Thursday denounced him as "dictatorial" in the latest sign of growing national instability. A series of recent street protests -- the largest in many years in Zimbabwe -- has been triggered by an economic crisis that has left banks short of cash and the government struggling to pay its workers. Mugabe, 92, has often used his security forces to crush dissent since he came to power in 1980 after leading the liberation war in the 1970s that ended British colonial rule. But the surge of rare public demonstrations have revealed deepening anger at the ageing president, who has vowed to stand for re-election in 2018, and at his ruling ZANU-PR party. The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans' Association issued a strongly-worded statement in Harare, saying it would no longer support Mugabe in elections. "The ZANU-PF party leadership has dismally failed to... address the economic problems that have beset our great nation," it said. "We note with concern, shock and utter dismay the entrenchment of dictatorial tendencies, personified by the president and his cohorts." In February, Zimbabwean police shocked many observers by using water cannon and teargas to prevent a meeting planned by the previously loyal war veterans to air their grievances against the regime. Starting in 2000, the war veterans led the seizures of white-owned commercial farms in what Mugabe said was a reversal of imbalances from the colonial era. The government-supported seizures have been blamed for the drastic slump in food production that contributed to the country's economic collapse. Some veterans have also been accused of the widespread intimidation and violence during past elections that have kept Mugabe in power. - Mugabe under pressure? - This week, Mugabe shrugged off criticisms by Christian pastor Evan Mawarire, who has become the figurehead of the anti-government protests fuelled by social media postings. Story continues "I don't even know him," Mugabe said, accusing Mawarire of inciting violence and being backed by foreign countries. Earlier this month, many offices, shops and some government department were closed for a one-day strike against economic troubles that have been worsened by a severe drought. Zimbabwe spends at least 80 percent of its revenue on state workers' wages, according to officials, and about 90 percent of the population is out of formal employment. Last week hundreds of Mawarire supporters rallied outside a Harare court until he was released when a case against him of attempting to overthrow the government was dismissed. Other protests have erupted at the border with South Africa after many basic imports were outlawed, and in Harare over police officers allegedly using road blocks to extort cash from motorists. The war veterans' anger at Mugabe has been heightened by criticism aimed at them by his wife, Grace, 50, who is one possible candidate to succeed him. Some of the veterans back former vice-president Joyce Mujuru, herself a former fighter, to take over as president. She was expelled from the ZANU-PF party in 2015 at the apparent instigation of Grace, who accused her of plotting to topple the president. Other veterans support Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a hardliner seen as the most likely successor to Mugabe. Salaries for civil servants and soldiers have again been delayed this month, and further protests are planned in the capital on Saturday and Monday. The government is seeking an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan to ease the money shortage, but donors are wary of support that could prolong Muagbe's rule rather than encourage reform. Zimbabwe abandoned its own currency in favour of US dollars in 2009 to end hyperinflation. Prince Harry does not want us to forget his late mother's work in raising AIDS awareness. The royal thanked global leaders "like my mother, Princess Diana," while speaking at the International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, on Thursday, about the importance of not letting the fight against HIV/AIDS slip into the background. "When my mother held the hand of a man dying of AIDS in an East London hospital, no one would have imagined that just over a quarter of a century later, treatment would exist that could see HIV-positive people live full, healthy, loving lives," Harry said. AP Images "But we now face a new risk, the risk of complacency," the 31-year-old cautioned. "As people with HIV live longer, AIDS is a topic that has drifted from the headlines. And with that drift of attention, we risk a real drift of funding and of action to beat the virus." MORE: Prince Harry Vows to Carry on Princess Diana's Legacy by Raising Awareness for HIV and AIDS Harry then called for "a new generation of leaders to step forward ... to make sure no young person feels any shame in asking for an HIV test." "It is time for us to step up and acknowledge that stigma and discrimination still act as the greatest barrier to us defeating this disease once and for all," the prince added. WATCH: Prince William Becomes First Royal to Cover a LGBT Magazine, Takes Stand Against Bullying Joining Harry was musician Elton John, who co-hosted a session with the royal on the effects of HIV/AIDS on the youth. Prince Harry and Sir Elton being interviewed by Yolanda and Beatrice @CRFprojects pic.twitter.com/SRjhZI5WOX Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 21, 2016 This is not the first time Harry has spoken up about the disease. Story continues WATCH: Harry Remembers Mom Princess Diana, Say He's 'Sure She's Longing' for Him to Start a Family Last week, the prince underwent an HIV test on Facebook Live from the Guys and St. Thomas' Hospital in London, to highlight the importance of getting tested, "whether you're a man, woman, gay, straight, black, white, whatever, a ginger!" Watch the video below for more. Related Articles Image via suedejury Art by Suede Jury By Jon Tanners An artists duty, as far as Im concerned, is to reflect the times. I think that is true of our painters, sculptors, poets, musiciansas far as Im concerned its their choice. But I choose to reflect the times and the situations in which I find myself. That to me is my duty, and at this crucial time in our lives when everything is so desperate, when every day is a matter of survival, I dont think you can help but be involved. Nina Simone Dope on the corner, look at the coroner Daughter is dead, mother is mournin her Strayed bullets, AK bullets Resuscitation was waiting patiently but they couldnt Bring her back, who got the footage? Channel 9, cameras is looking Its hard to channel your energy when you know youre crooked Banana clip, split his banana pudding Im like Tre, thats Cuba Gooding I know Im good at Dying of thirst, dying of thirst, dying of thirst Kendrick Lamar, Sing About Me, Im Dying of Thirst On the morning of Friday, July 8, I cried listening to ScHoolboy Qs Ride Out. Midway through a long drive, the menacing bass consumed me like a wave. It was the culmination of a wretched weeka week of violence that unnerved, numbed, angered, and confused in alternating measures, a week that once again saw cops killing black men and, in a new turn, saw the retaliatory killing of cops. The song swarmed my car, its ominous sonic weight a more effective commentary on the week than a song specifically addressing events of the preceding days. With musics intangible coloring, it captures a testimony of distressed experience, the paranoia of a life lived ever on the edge transmuted into crushing music. Q snarls: Bruh, this aint the eighties, mane/Niggas shootin everything, everything. Though Q is rapping specifically about the modern climate of gang conflict, this promise of wanton, senseless violence hangs over Qs stunning new album Blank Face LP like the pall that currently cloaks Americathe bitter assurance that each week will bring a new procession of slain names. Story continues It is easy to recoil in horror at fresh bloodshed. The week of July 4 delivered plenty. Policemen erased the lives of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and St. Paul, Minnesota, their names made hollow memorials as hashtags. Sterling and Castiles deaths spurred the killings of officers Lorne Ahrens, Michael Smith, Michael Krol, Patrick Zamarripa, and Brent Thompson during a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest in Dallas, Texas, and the subsequent killings of officers Montrell Jackson, Matthew Gerald, and Brad Garafola in Baton Rouge. The death toll promises to rise as long as black men and women continue to die on the other end of officers gunscontinue to die unjustly, period. July 2016 should be remembered as one Americas darker months, but this violence is not new. The litany of the slain is not new. The death of Michael Brown in 2014 may be seen as the inciting incident for two years of heightened tension between black Americans and police officers. Even that moment was but a new public face on issues of systemic racism and violence with roots hundreds of years deep. An artists voice is a great gift and a necessary one in a time, as Nina Simone so painfully put it, when every day is a matter of survival. As the world burns for every cellphone camera to see, avoiding involvement in dialogue is a perilous choice. We need our artists to testifyit is a burden that accompanies the privilege of having a platform. An artists voice is a great gift and a necessary one in a time, as Nina Simone so painfully put it, when every day is a matter of survival. The morning after the Dallas shootings, I saw my friend Michael Uzowurua Los Angeles-based producer/artist whos worked with Earl Sweatshirt, Vince Staples, Frank Ocean, Anderson Paak, Vic Mensawriting poignantly about the week of violence on Facebook, a place not typically known for nuanced, vital thought, though now a common ground for verbal prostration in the face of grief and absurdity. My first thought is again and sadly Im not surprised, he said in a subsequent email correspondence. Im numb, but in agony, and thats the deepest form of pain Ive ever felt. its crippling to say the least, so at times its beyond difficult to even muster the courage to speak up. This is what makes it so difficult for me to decide what the artists duty is in this time, especially for black artists or any artist who identifies with whoevers being oppressed or harmed, he continued. It really differs from artist to artist and I think the best thing any artist can do, first and foremost, is take care of themselves, because their existence is a statement in and of itself. How can one be carefree in a country that so consistently disdains black lifedisdains the life of any of its citizens? Qs fourth album plays as modern deliverance on Simones edict, echoing Uzowurus understanding that being alive can be politically meaningful. Blank Face LP is autobiography as protest, documentation implying a call to action, an often angry, violent window into a world many have never seen (and some actively choose not to see). Even in celebration, an air of mourning and fatalism hangs around it. Blank Face LP feels both prescient and reactive. It is haunting that it arrived at the close of one of Americas darker recent weeks, a seeming gift of horrific second sight. And yet it is the sure product of a painful past, as Q himself noted on Twitter. Screen Shot 2016-07-21 at 12.18.12 AM A common thread in the weeks since the storm: This violence is not new. The cameras are new. The infinite news loop is new. The need to film each interaction with police as a matter of evidence and survival is new. The atrocities on autoplay are new. The violence has existed; the scars date back hundreds of years. Qs latest work updates classic gangsta rap sounds and symbols with a certain dystopian darkness, observing dangerous life through the pitch black tint of a world filming its own attempted suicide. Albums like Blank Face LP can be a tool for igniting discourse and increasing awarenessan apparatus aiding the survival Simone discussed. A lot of people may not see [the world] from your perspective, so when you tell it, it gives that listener a chance to see it in that way, says Desi Mo, a Long Beach rapper and Vince Staples collaborator, via phone. If youre not out protesting, the way that youre presenting this information to somebody whos listening can make them go out and do it, can make them reconsider the way theyre living their own life. It seems as though no tragedy is enough to get us to wake up and change, so how can a song move men and women where atrocities have not? Yet in a time when each night wracks sleep with fear of the next days news, it makes the urge to bear witness and create art feel futile, a whimper into the void. It seems as though no tragedy is enough to get us to wake up and change, so how can a song move men and women where atrocities have not? L.A.s Boogie spoke to this paradox of the urge to speak in the grip of helplessness on Hypocrite. I dont even wanna get asked bout it Its hard enough for me to rap bout it Without me thinking Im a hypocrite I should be out here in the shit, not trying to make a track bout it Boogies confusion is as important as any clear prescription. It is an honest response to an era dredging up the same despicable questions and leaving few easy answers, aside from the should-be truisms that innocent black people must stop being killed by police officers and that increased violence will not end our problems lest that end be in complete annihilation. Boogies response is also indicative of the sort of music we need right now: honest and brave, specific and personal, potent without being pedantic or condescending. It bears the same power as Qs street journalism and grim humor, the ability to provide a window into a world and ignite discussion for those on the periphery. On the Black Hippy remix of his rising single THat Part, Q shows one logical end of Boogies confusion, an eruption of fatalistic rage: Gangbangin like we stand for somethin When Alton Sterling gettin killed for nothin Two cowards in the car, theyre just there to film Sayin #BlackLivesMatter shouldve died with him Wrong nigga in your hood, you gon ride on him White nigga with a badge, you gon let that slide? Tell me how they sent that footage off and slept that night I feel bad that my daughter gotta live this life Ill die for my daughter, gotta fight this fight Qs new verse gives voice to bewilderment and anger, justifiably boiling over in the face of unending injustice. The call for retaliatory violence is a dangerous one, but understandable when video records of innocent people being killed seem powerless to prevent future killings. In the face of mounting horrors, testimony is important, especially when it arrives in increasing concentration and encourages others to testifyto tell their stories and share perspectives that might otherwise get pushed by the wayside. Rage, ignorance, and cynicism are not acceptable excuses for silence. While we may not have reached a critical mass yet, the last few years have seen a promising swell in impactful biographic and observational music: YGs My Krazy Life and Still Brazy, Vince Staples Summertime 06, Anderson Paaks Malibu, Boogies The Reach, Kamaiyahs A Good Night In The Ghetto, Kodak Blacks Lil Big Pac, Earl Sweatshirts I Dont Like Shit, I Dont Go Outside, Run The Jewels self-titled second album, among others. Outside the strict boundaries of hip-hop, Beyonce, DAngelo, Dev Hynes, Solange, Anohni, Shamir, Tunde Olaniran, and Kevin Abstract have all made moving musical statements by mining experiencetheir own and that of others. Music finds political power in this exploration of human truthsthrough plumbing the depths of specific emotion to identify commonly shared feelings and create a language for navigating this world. If artists happen to be cogent political and social thinkers beyond their music like Killer Mike, Frank Ocean, or Tom Morello, all the better, but they need not be the ones changing policy. To paraphrase Tupac, our artists dont have to change the world, but we need them to inspire those who will. Our perks, our outlet, and our platform all accounts for our privilege, and I think that allows us as artists to still be very effective when it comes to shaping cultural movements and commenting on current events, says Uzowuru. Comments on current events can be used as discourse and I truly believe discourse leads to the cultural movements that are so needed. For many, the desire to be outspoken can be crippled by the inertia of despair, the sense that one actiona song, a tweet, a conversationwill have no impact. Small contributions eventually form larger movements and have the power to push thought forward, even if only on a grassroots level. I think even upcoming artists, their music is so influential, says Desi Mo. Even if you say something smallyou dont have to make a whole record about the situationbut I think an artist showing that they care, even a little bit about the situation, I think it has the power to make other people care about it. Testifying is an act easier said than done, but now is a time for courageousness, even in the face of mounting obstacles. If ever there is a time for our artists to be present, it is now. Be present in clarity or confusion, in anger, in mourning, in celebration of what beauty life does hold or in despair that human beings continue to treat each other so terribly. Testifying is an act easier said than done, but now is a time for courageousness, even in the face of mounting obstacles. To be absent is to be silent as a battle rages between progressivism and regression, humaneness and hate, people pleading for peace and violent nihilistslife versus untimely death. We see this vile, brutish possibility rearing its head: In Trumps virulent, bigoted speeches and the ugliness they inspire, echoing Americas dark past and the climate of vulnerable Weimar Germany. In the increasing division of our major political parties. In the unceasing escalation of violencein the United States, in France, and in countries like Bangladesh that continually receive short shrift in the rotation of tragedy paraded around by major news outlets. There is no one way to be political, says Zuri Marley, Blood Orange collaborator and granddaughter of Bob Marley. You can care. You can give a shit. Show up. Thats my current mantra. Show up for yourself, which in turn allows you to show up for other people. More from Pigeons & Planes Johannesburg (AFP) - South African prosecutors said Thursday they would push for a longer sentence for Oscar Pistorius, describing his six-year jail term for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp as "shockingly too lenient". After he was sentenced earlier this month, Pistorius' lawyers said the double-amputee Olympic sprinter would not appeal against the term, which was criticised by many activists as too short. "The sentence of six years imprisonment, in all the circumstances, is disproportionate to the crime of murder committed (and) shockingly too lenient," the National Prosecuting Authority said in a strongly worded statement. The NPA said the sentence was "an injustice and has the potential to bring the administration of justice into disrepute", saying it would file papers to apply for leave to appeal on Thursday. Pistorius shot Steenkamp, a model and law graduate, in the early hours of Valentine's Day in 2013, saying he mistook her for a burglar when he fired four times through the door of his bedroom toilet. At his sentencing, High Court judge Thokozile Masipa listed mitigating factors for giving him to less than half the minimum 15-year term for murder, including the athlete's claim he believed he was shooting an intruder. "He cannot be at peace. I'm of the view that a long term of imprisonment will not serve justice," said Masipa. She was also the judge who had originally convicted him of the lesser charge of culpable homicide, the equivalent of manslaughter. Members of the ruling African National Congress women's league, who attended many court sessions, have criticised the sentence for failing to send a strong message against domestic violence in South Africa. Pistorius, 29, previously a role model for disabled people worldwide, is being held in Kgosi Mampuru II prison in Pretoria. He was released from the same jail last October after serving one year of a five-year term for the culpable homicide conviction. Story continues But an appeals court upgraded his conviction to murder in December. - Long legal battle - At a sentencing hearing in June, a sobbing Pistorius hobbled on his stumps across the courtroom to demonstrate his physical vulnerability. His lawyers argued he should not be returned to jail on account of an anxiety disorder and depression. But Steenkamp's father Barry told the court that he wanted Pistorius to "pay for his crime" of murdering Reeva. Pistorius, who pleaded not guilty at his trial in 2014, has always denied killing Steenkamp in a rage, saying he was trying to protect her. The Supreme Court of Appeal last year ruled he was guilty of murder, irrespective of who was behind the door when he opened fire with a high-calibre pistol he kept under his bed. Barry Steenkamp and his wife June issued a statement on the latest twist in the long legal case, saying they "always fully supported (prosecutor) Gerrie Nel and his team's fight for justice". Law expert Llewellyn Curlewis told AFP that the state "has a good chance of a successful appeal." "To prohibit a precedent being set, the Supreme Court of Appeal might be inclined to hand down a more severe sentence," he said. The year before he killed Steenkamp, Pistorius became the first double-amputee to race at Olympic level when he appeared at the London 2012 games. He said in a recent television interview that he believed Steenkamp would want him to devote his life to charity rather than to be in prison for killing her. Saying he believed an intruder was in the house and seconds from their bedroom, Pistorius said an "instant fear" drove him to grab his gun and walk on his stumps towards the bathroom. "All of a sudden I hear a noise, at the toilet. I presumed it was the toilet door opening and before I knew it I'd fired four shots." (Adds details) PARIS, July 21 (Reuters) - PSA Group unveiled a second Iranian manufacturing deal on Thursday as the French carmaker seeks to reclaim the leading position it once enjoyed in the Middle East's biggest auto market, until U.S.-led sanctions forced its withdrawal. The Paris-based carmaker struck a framework deal with Iranian counterpart SAIPA to invest 300 million euros ($330 million) in the development and production of three Citroen models through a new joint venture. PSA, which pulled out in 2011 under U.S. pressure, now faces stiffer competition from Chinese rivals that have grabbed more business in the intervening years - as well as western peers such as Renault flocking back with newer models. "This agreement opens up a new chapter in our history of cooperation with SAIPA," PSA Chief Executive Carlos Tavares said. "Our aim is to provide our Iranian customers with modern vehicles that meet the highest comfort, safety and technology standards." Iranian car registrations approached 1.6 million cars at their 2011 peak, with PSA claiming almost 30 percent of the market, before collapsing under the weight of sanctions. The deal with SAIPA, Citroen's partner since 1966, follows a joint venture deal inked last month between stablemate Peugeot and state-owned Iran Khodro. PSA's smaller DS premium badge has also clinched a distribution agreement in the country. Under the agreement, to be finalised by the end of 2016, Citroen and its Iranian partner will introduce the first of three planned new models for the French brand in 2018. ($1 = 0.9104 euros) (Reporting by Laurence Frost. Editing by Jane Merriman and Alexandra Hudson) putin Turkey was shaken last Friday as a faction of the military tried unsuccessfully to force President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from power. The coup attempt failed within a day, and Erdogan was quick to use the opportunity to solidify his already increasingly authoritarian rule by implementing a three-month state of emergency, temporarily suspending the European Convention on Human Rights, and removing tens of thousands of employees from military and government positions. And as Turkey continues to takes steps toward increasingly illiberal democracy, a big winner of the failed coup is Russian President Vladimir Putin. Anna Borshchevskaya, an Ira Weiner fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, writes in The Hill that the coup attempt will force Erdogan and Putin toward a closer relationship as Turkey moves further away from the West and its demands for human rights and open democracy. This budding new relationship is already on display, Borshchevskaya writes, citing Middle East expert Alexander Shumilin, by the fact that Erdogan has accused the coup organizers of also being responsible for the downing of a Russian fighter plane by Turkey in November. That incident caused a precipitous decline in the relations between the two countries, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov telling reporters that the incident seemed like a "planned provocation." putin erdogan So, as Ankara seeks to throw the coup's plotters under the bus for all manner of failed Turkish policy and inner-societal problems, Borshchevskaya notes that Putin will also use this time to better influence Turkey's foreign policy particularly in Syria. Borshchevskaya also translates a statement from Ruslan Pukhov, the director of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, given to the Russian publication Kommersant, in which he says Erdogan "will have neither the energy nor resources to help pro-Turkish oppositionists in Syria." Story continues Essentially, Turkey may be significantly less capable of carrying on its foreign policy opposing Syrian President Bashar Assad after the coup attempt. This could hamper the effectiveness of rebel groups that have relied on Turkey for support and strengthen both Russia and Syria's hand in the region. But all in all, the greatest benefit to Putin from the coup will be further instability and strife within a critical NATO ally on the vanguard of the increasingly unstable Middle East. NOW WATCH: IAN BREMMER: Turkeys president wants to emulate Putin but its not going to work More From Business Insider By James Pearson SEOUL (Reuters) - "Now we'll begin a mathematics review assignment for members of the 27th expeditionary unit of the distance learning university," the woman's voice crackled over the radio. "Turn to page 459, question 35; 913, question 55; 135, question 86." Isolated North Korea has restarted coded radio broadcasts, presumed to be targeted at its spies, for the first time in 16 years last month, South Korea said on Wednesday. The messages, a recording of which was broadcast by South Korean TV channel KBS, were disguised as a mathematics lesson for distance learners and reappeared on North Korean radio station Voice of Korea in the early hours of Friday. North and South Korea are still technically at war after the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, and tensions are running high. North Korea, which has carried out a string of rocket and nuclear weapons tests in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions, said on Wednesday it had conducted a ballistic missile test that simulates strikes against South Korean ports and airfields used by the U.S. military, apparently referring to three missile launches on Tuesday. Those missile launches were seen as a show of force a week after South Korea and the United States chose a site in the South to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) anti-missile system to counter threats from the North. FOR YOUR SPIES ONLY The radio messages, also known as numbers stations, work by broadcasting strings of seemingly random numbers over shortwave signals to an agent in the field. The technique, a method of sending one-way secret messages, dates to the French Resistance in World War Two and is still in use by some governments today. South Korea jams most North Korean radio frequencies but Pyongyang-based Voice of Korea broadcasts on shortwave signals which can be picked up far beyond the Korean peninsula, and are difficult to jam. The receiving agent, armed with a radio and a pen, uses an easily concealed pad with corresponding letters on it to listen to and decrypt the secret message. "(North Korean) numbers broadcasts have been on hold for quite some time but have recently resumed, something we think is very regrettable," Jeong Joon-hee, a spokesman for South Korea's unification ministry, told a media briefing on Wednesday. It was not clear whether the signals were meant to deceive or deliver genuine instructions. "I can't speak to their intentions, but we hope that the North will refrain from an old practice like this and behave in a manner that's conducive to improving South-North ties," Jeong said. Seoul has also operated a numbers station, former agents told Reuters in 2013. Officials at the National Intelligence Service were not immediately able to confirm their use. South Korea's station is known as "V-24" to amateur radio enthusiasts who have tracked the source of the signal to a location somewhere south of the Demilitarised Zone separating the two Koreas, and has been known to begin with a scratchy rendition of Beethoven's Piano Sonata No 8. (This version of the story corrects time of broadcasts resuming in paragraph 3) (Additional reporting by Jack Kim; Editing by Nick Macfie) The United Nations will be selecting a new Secretary General this fall. TIME foreign affairs columnist Ian Bremmer spoke with Danilo Turk, Slovenias former president, about how he would change the UN: What is the single most important thing that a UN secretary general can do to make the United Nations a more effective institution? In the short run (in the first four to six months) the Secretary General should propose changes in the recruitment system. At present hiring people takes many months and this has to be changed so that the organization could respond more effectively to the needs in the field. As all the changes in the UN, this one too has to be accepted by the Member States. Staff unions also have to be consulted in the process. So, a small working group convened by the Secretary General should prepare the proposal. When this is accepted by member states the Secretary-General should design an appropriate model of rotation and related personnel policy. What aspect of the UNs work do you believe is in greatest need of reform? Personnel policy is fundamental to all. This is understandable given the changes in the nature of the organization from a conference organising and standard setting institution to a much more policy and field oriented one. Today more than half of the 42000 UN staff works in the field and among them about 80 per cent are, according to the recent reports of the Secretary-General, posted in places described as hardship positions These changes are happening at the time of rapid technological development. All this calls for change. However, the UN remains an organization of Member States and all changes have to be accepted by them. As a citizen of Slovenia, what do you believe are the most important lessons the UN should take from its failings in the former Yugoslavia during the 1990s? A generation ago, the UN was much weaker operationally and much less experienced politically. This explains both the shortcomings on the ground and errors in judgement at the headquarters in the 1990s. Much has changed with the subsequent reforms in the UN peacekeeping, based on the excellent report of the year 2000 (Brahimi Report, named after the chairman of the relevant panel, Lakhdar Brahimi). The evolution in the quality of UN work in political analysis, mediation and humanitarian assistance has also been significant. Much of this improvement was motivated by the understanding of the Organizations failings of the 1990s. Story continues You have written about the importance of partnership with civil society, the private sector and academia. In concrete terms, what can these partnerships accomplish? In my vision statement I have written about plurality of partnerships which can accomplish different things in different areas. Lets take the issue of migrations and socio-economic development. The problem was deemed too sensitive in the past to be dealt with comprehensively by the UN. Now the crisis has erupted. The refugee problem affecting Europe is only one of its most dramatic expressions. Effective policy responses are slow in coming. The UN needs a better understanding of the underlying reasons for migrations and the ability to propose effective solutions. Writings of prominent experts like Paul Collier explain the serious nature of the needs at hand. This is why the UN needs the academia and civil society organizations as partners. And solutions will require involvement of the private sector on a large scale. More generally, our World requires horizontal cooperation of many, among whom the UN is a partner and not a superior authority. The World needs a system of World Governance, not a single World Government. No institution can be all things to all people. What things do you believe the UN should avoid trying to do? This is, in fact, a difficult question. The UN Charter is an expression of the philosophy of one world and one global organization. As a consequence the mandate of the UN is comprehensive and open-ended. So the UN has to have a role to play in dealing with all issues of global importance. The question is how? There are policy issues with a high technical contents, such as monetary policy that should be dealt with by others, in particular IMF. In the humanitarian field UN cannot do everything but can further strengthen its unique convening role in a manner that improves the effects of the work of humanitarian organizations. And the list can go on. What can the secretary general do to help the Security Council function more effectively? I am surprised that you left this question for the end. In fact, this is the single most important political question for the Secretary General. The Secretary General has to work with the Security Council on a daily basis and at the time of crisis on an hourly basis. I have witnessed much of this when serving on the UN Security Council and later as UN Assistant Secretary General for political affairs. I have seen and experienced the need for the Secretary General to listen, to understand and to help articulating policy sometimes very discretely and sometimes more visibly. Today, the primary task for the Secretary General in this domain is to help to gradually reduce the level of differences between the Council members. The world needs a global security understanding, and later a global security compact. The UN Security Council must be at the centre of this architecture and the Secretary General must be able to help. The United Nations is selecting a new Secretary General this fall. TIME foreign affairs columnist Ian Bremmer spoke with Christiana Figueres, the former head of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, about how she would change the UN: What is the single most important thing that a UN Secretary General can do to make the United Nations a more effective institution? Deepen the trust among Member States, and between Member States and the UN as an institution. The UN is tasked with many responsibilities, including engaging in active preventive diplomacy, running outstanding field operations, creating the context for ambitious multilateral achievements, and delivering on programs across the many focus areas that have been mandated by governments. None of these can be delivered without trust. In the lead up to the Paris Agreement, we used to say that our three priorities were trust, trust and trust. This is because as deeper trust was established and carefully built, new types of conversations became possible and the elusive common ground began to emerge and grow. My vision is of a United Nations that Member States and citizens everywhere fully trust to help the international community avoid war, to excel at seeding and keeping peace where it is needed, and to foster breakthrough agreements and partnerships that improve peoples lives today and give them greater hope for the future. What aspect of the UNs work do you believe is in greatest need of reform? Last year, the UN supported Member States to reach three breakthrough multilateral agreements that, taken together, lead us towards a more secure and prosperous future for all. These have become known as Agenda 2030. As a consequence of its own success, the UN as an institution now needs to reorganize around the inspiring goals that these agreements established, and ensure that it has the resources and capacity to ensure they are delivered. Many suggestions have been made about the specific reforms that might be needed for example, the appointment of a Deputy Secretary General who is exclusively focused on Sustainable Development, or the establishment of a Sustainable Development Board to oversee the UNs 27 development programs, funds and specialized agencies; ensuring that they all pull in the same direction. An early task for the next Secretary General will be to consider the merits of these suggestions and come to a view about whats needed. But whats clear is that, with the negotiating phase now behind us, the UN must step confidently forward into this new era, pull together much more closely and gear up for the on-the-ground delivery of Agenda 2030. Story continues Youve written of the need for greater UN investment in early-warning of potential conflicts. What are the most important tell-tale signs of impending violence, and how can the UN use these to prevent conflict? There are many factors that are linked to the likelihood of conflict: demographic shifts, exposure to fluctuating global commodity prices, economic performance and levels of inequality, a States human rights record, security of access to vital resources, and communities vulnerability to natural shocks like drought to name but a few. The ongoing build up of adverse factors to use the analogy of fire is like the build up of large stocks of biomass. While lightning will not necessarily strike this year or next, still the build up of that biomass creates an ever-present risk; just one spark can, at any moment, tip the whole situation into conflict. Early warning systems are there to monitor the overall build up of that biomass; it does not help us to track some tell-tale signs, but not others. Rather, the UN system, working very closely with regional organisations, must continually scan and analyze the full range of data available; always on the look-out for the build up of risk. There are several ways in which the UN can use this information to prevent conflict. In the short term, the UN can engage in preventative diplomacy; supporting States to alleviate and de-escalate key risk factors, where it notes that these are building up. For example, where particular communities are facing increasing water insecurity, the UN might support the host country and its neighbors to reach a trans-boundary water sharing agreements that ensures peoples immediate needs are met. In the longer term, there is much that the UN can do to prevent conflict too for example, accompanying countries in their implementation of the 2030 Agenda to ensure that societies everywhere are more prosperous, resource secure and resilient to shocks. What is the most important obstacle to the effectiveness of the Security Council, and what you do to overcome this obstacle? The Security Council is at its most effective when its 15 Members share a common perspective on an emerging situation and can rapidly agree on what they see as the necessary course of action. But as we all know, it is rarely that simple. Given the complexity of many of the threats to peace and security that we see playing out today, and the different worldviews that come together on the Council is it any wonder that a consensus position often takes time to emerge? This is not to excuse inaction we are all shamed by the suffering we see in our world today and must do more to ensure people everywhere are safe and that their human rights are being honored. It is easy to say that there is no simple, quick solution to improving the effectiveness of the Security Council but there are things that the Secretary-General can do. I would work tirelessly to ensure that many issues never need come before the Security Council raising emerging threats early and lending my good offices to resolve a dispute before it becomes a conflict. Should this fail, I would not hesitate to bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in my opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security. While the Security Council deliberated on the matter and what must be done, I would act as a trusted, impartial go-between for the various members, listening to their perspectives and giving 100% to building bridges between them in service of a swift and effective response. No institution can be all things to all people. What things do you believe the UN should avoid trying to do? I believe the UN needs to act as a locus for agreement and as a catalyst for action; creating a favourable context for agreement among Member States, and mobilising a wide range of actors to deliver those agreements. While the UN system can and must align itself to help them deliver, it should not bear the full weight of delivery alone. The private sector, investors, civil society and many other stakeholders are very able to play their part; often having better access to capital flows and delivery infrastructure, including supply chains, than the UN. This approach is what I refer to as the new collaborative diplomacy; inviting the contribution of others and blending the best of governmental and non-government recognizing that more can be achieved through the collaboration of all. What specifically would you do as Secretary-General to help women and girls around the world to achieve their human potential? Womens rights would be a key focus of my work as SG, and I would make this an overarching issue for all UN bodies to give special attention to. There have been some areas of improvement in womens rights globally in recent years, but overall progress has been limited, and significant inequalities and injustices based on gender persist globally. This is both unforgivable and a loss for all of us (not just women), as we all miss out when over 50% of the human population is not supported to achieve its full potential. Evidence shows, for example, that improving gender equality in all sectors can contribute to greater global peace and prosperity. There are many things that I would seek to do on this issue as SG. Firstly, I would strengthen the foundations upon which womens potential can flourish by promoting wider and stronger adherence to the UN Declaration on Human Rights and by implementing the 2030 Agenda many aspects of which are relevant to women in particular. And secondly, I would make a concerted push on particular issues, including: providing greater aid to displaced women across the world (the vast majority of refugees and displaced people are women) and putting additional safeguards in place to prevent them from being abused, and involving women in political negotiations and peacekeeping efforts. TIME foreign affairs columnist Ian Bremmer sat down with Miroslav Lajcak, Slovakias foreign minister and a candidate to be the UNs next Secretary-General, to talk about his plans for the worlds top job: What is the single most important thing that a UN secretary general can do to make the United Nations a more effective institution? As a chief administrative officer, Secretary General must make sure that the Organization is always adapted to new realities and agendas and that the Secretariat is dynamic, competent and diverse. The UN management must be transparent and accountable; the highest level of professionalism, accountability and ethical standards of the UN staff must be demanded and ensured. The Secretary General should be able to effectively enforce management policies while also winning the trust and confidence of staff members and attract the best talent worldwide to work for the UN. What aspect of the UNs work do you believe is in greatest need of reform? The three crucial reviews of United Nations safety and security architecture have been adopted over past year including important Resolutions of the UN GA and Security Council. As the threats to peace and security continue to evolve, these reviews hold a great merit in reflecting on our approach to collective peace and security. It will now be crucial for the Organization to build upon the generated momentum, champion the changes, build support for key reforms and make the UN peace architecture adaptable, modern and effective to cope with current challenges, threats and crisis situations. Prevention and mediation are the areas where we should do more; hence early action saves lives and resources which can be better used in other priority area sustainable development. In addition, there is a crosscutting area in need of reform the irreplaceable contribution of women not just in context of peace and security but in all areas of the UN activities. Story continues Youve written that the number of major violent conflicts has almost tripled since 2008. What can the United Nations learn from its experience of the past ten years to ensure there are fewer armed conflicts over the next ten years? I think much stronger investment (in terms of expertise and human capacities) is needed in prevention, mediation and support of political processes. The Charter calls us to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace. Preventive action and impeding conflict to unfold saves countless lives and spares human suffering. I feel strongly that it should stand in the forefront of UN activities. We need greater political support with minimal financial impact for the prevention, to foster the ability to transform early warning into early action. Furthermore, we need to strengthen the security-development nexus and be better at tackling the root causes of crises, not only their violent symptoms. You have highlighted the problem of youth unemployment in many countries. What can the Secretary General do to address this problem? The youth represents our hope and our future; all countries must invest in young people and give them opportunities to fulfill their potential. The situation with more than 74 million unemployed youth is alarming and a great test of our time. The youth are one of the most vulnerable groups; marginalization combined with the lack of productive work may easily lead to social unrest. Fighting youth employment constitutes a part of preventive approach leading to sustaining peace and security. It also helps to prevent them becoming an easy pray to radical and extremist ideas. Addressing unemployment, including youth was one of the priorities of my country when it presided over ECOSOC in 2012. It was during the Slovak presidency that the ECOSOC Youth Forum was launched. The United Nations has already taken many significant steps; including creation of the UN SG Special Envoy for Youth as well as intensifying the inter-organizational cooperation. The Secretary General should support and encourage further UN engagement with the young people and scaling up the youth focus in the existing programs. Young people are integral and indispensable part of our society, they need to be engaged, included in what we do not as an outside object but relevant partner. No institution can be all things to all people. What things do you believe the UN should avoid trying to do? The universal character, legitimacy and convening power put the Organization in a unique position to confront challenges of the present day. UN is a universal organization, but not a universal cure. UN, for example, should not replace the role of other stakeholders regional organizations, civil society, private sector but should definitely improve cooperation and synergies with these relevant actors in global arena. The Member States through the Charter gave United Nations and its bodies a clear mandate on what to do. UN must constantly strive to fulfill the requirement the Charter laid down. It must remain the leading forum to discuss emerging global threats and challenges, outline steps (provide guidance) for action and remain important partner to the countries in the area of development, peace and security and human rights. UN and the Secretary General have not only convening, but also convincing power to come up with ideas how to address problems, offer solution and, if mandated, effectively, timely put commonly agreed decisions into life. There has never before been a UN secretary general from a former Communist-bloc country. As a citizen of Slovakia, how can the experience of your country influence the work you would do in this role? The East-West divide has been felt all over the world, not only in East and Central Europe. When the Communist bloc crumbled I directly participated in the transformation of political, economic and social reality in post-Cold War Europe. In case of several countries these changes were violent and brought tragedies upon people. My country, fortunately, went through this process without any violence. It went through a massive transformation over the last 25 years. We have experienced many deep cutting changes in a few years that constitutes a unique experience and this is very relevant for the work of the UN: trying to assist other countries with their own national processes related to peace, development, nation building, institutional building and reconciliation. TIME foreign affairs columnist Ian Bremmer is sitting down with the candidates to be the next UN Secretary-General. Here is his Q&A with Vuk Jeremic, Serbias former Foreign Minister. What is the single most important thing that a UN secretary general can do to make the United Nations a more effective institution? Acting decisively to end business-as-usual at the UN. To be clear and transparent as to what I mean by that, Ive produced a detailed policy platform containing 53 specific commitments that I intend to implement from Day One. No candidate for SG has ever done this before. But do I believe that without a clear vision and concrete plan of action, there can be little hope for the UN to meet the expectations of humanity in the 21st century. What aspect of the UNs work do you believe is in greatest need of reform? To be honest many, but let me focus on one: the UNs conflict prevention and peace operations capacities need to be overhauled. We must upgrade the UNs pool of peacemakers and high-level envoys, who will be able to help stave off wars under increasingly complex global circumstances. We also need to establish a new generation of more robust UN stabilization missions that can be deployed wherever a need arises, with updated rules of engagement and a stronger civilian component. Youve written of the need to enhance the UNs counter-terrorism capacity. What can the UN do to more effectively to combat terrorism? Different people are now in charge of various aspects of the UN System in this field, which creates confusion. So first, we need to have one UN official responsible for counter-terrorism related activities. Second, we need to create expert counter-terrorism advisory teams that may be deployed to provide assistance to countries that ask for it. Third, the UN should use its unique convening power to bring together national and religious leaders, community groups, and communications and technology experts to develop cross-border strategies to counter extremist propaganda. Story continues As a citizen of Serbia, what do you believe are the most important lessons the UN should take from its failings in the former Yugoslavia during the 1990s? As a young man, I witnessed the failure of diplomacy, the absence of the rule of law, and the sudden surge in poverty in my country. I fought for democracy and human rights, and worked hard for reconciliation. As a candidate for Secretary-General, Ive stressed the importance of addressing these issues globally. We all remember the tragic failure to defend UN save havens, which is why we need to strengthen UN peacekeeping. We also need to enhance the UNs early warning systems for preventing genocide and other mass atrocity crimes. No institution can be all things to all people. What things do you believe the UN should avoid trying to do? Theres a perception that the UN oversteps its boundaries and competences, especially in the developing world. The next Secretary-General will need to support the ambitions of regional organizations that want to work with the UN as genuine partners. The African Union is one example, and so Ive proposed a New Deal for African Peace Operations. The UN will have to work closely with African leaders on concrete plans to transition a range of security responsibilities to the AU. Beyond the use of new tools of communication, what can the secretary general do to engage more young people around the world in the UNs work? Young people want to live in a safer and cleaner world, with more employment and educational opportunities. This goes to the heart of why the UN needs to make the fulfillment of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially those related to climate change, its top strategic priority. Weve got to better understand young peoples priorities and empower them to contribute their ideas at all levels. Theyre the future, and they need to have a greater say in how its shaped. TIME foreign affairs columnist Ian Bremmer speaks with Srgjan Kerim, Macedonias former foreign minister and a candidate to be the UNs next Secretary-General: What is the single most important thing that a UN Secretary General can do to make the United Nations a more effective institution? Times have changed. The world has changed. The UN is more than due to changing. Management reform is in this regard The Be or Not to Be for the future of the UN. Reforming the UN should be the primary objective for the next UN Secretary General. The UNs ability to improve the lives of millions of people who currently live where there is conflict, poverty and poor governance are directly impacted by the UNs inability to reform itself. To ensure that the UN is fit for purpose for the new generation of challenges, the Secretary General must lead in applying a model of continual change, equipping the organization with more flexibility to adapt, grow and reform over time. More efficient and effective UN management is possible only with a substantive shift in the mindset of the entire UN system including staff, high ranking officers in the Secretariat and the Secretary General. The Member States of the UN should guide the decisions and vision of the organization, not its Secretariat. A U-turn can and should be made on this front to ensure the Secretariat serves Member States. What aspect of the UNs work do you believe is in greatest need of reform? The reform process is a complex one. Each Secretary General has initiated and started reforms in different aspects and areas of the organization to varying degrees of success. But, making it all work has been difficult. The complexity of the issue requires: A clearly articulated strategic vision from the Secretary General To engage Member States in building of the rational for reform To involve the General Assembly through its President in building a consensus among Member States To identify accountable focal points for change within the Secretariat To engage staff unions at the beginning stage of the reform process Story continues The lessons from the past are clear. The 12 fast track change initiatives of Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the Change Plan as a whole is a MUST for the five year term in office of the next Secretary General beginning January 1st, 2017. In other words, strengthening the UN means more effective delivery of mandates, doing more within recognized resource constrains through innovation and change management initiatives as well as making the UN more open, flexible and accountable. Youve identified management reform as the first priority of the next Secretary General. In what way will this help the UN meet current and future challenges? It is true that Management reform is one of the most relevant challenges and tasks of the UN. However, its important to understand that it is not an exercise by itself. Rather it is intertwined with serious improvements of the security architecture of the UN especially peacekeeping, peace building and human security. Streamlining the sustainable development agenda 2030 with climate change and financing for development is also critical. It is a precondition for efficient citizen participation, education, health, human rights and gender equality. Finally, the application of the major tools such as preventive diplomacy, mediation and partnerships also depends on a more efficient, rational and well organized management of UNs activities. Youve written of the need to reform the Security Council. What changes do you feel must be made to make the Security Council more effective? The only way to reach an agreement on this extremely sensitive issue is to negotiate. This is why I initiated and contributed as President of the United Nations General Assembly to the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 62/557, which made it possible to negotiate on reform of the Security Council. My personal view is that when it comes to the most politically sensitive issues which touch upon changes of the UN Charter; decisions must be made based on consensus. Another important point in this regard is serious political preparation and consultations among Member States should precede the process. To make the Security Council work more effectively is not only an issue of enlargement but also of the way the veto power is used, which means a serious and all encompassing analysis is needed to comprehensively review this issue. And, the new Secretary General has to make his or her personal contribution to this cause. No institution can be all things to all people. What things do you believe the UN should avoid trying to do? My latest book Globalization and Diplomacy has the subtitle In Search of a Better World. This vision is shared by hundreds of millions of people across the globe and engaging that sentiment is the only way to change the world for the better. Before the UN can harbor that change effectively, we must focus on reforming the institution itself. Only this way it can truly make a lasting contribution towards peace, security, and prosperity in communities worldwide. The purpose of the UN management reform is to ensure that the organization, its staff, and its constituents are better prepared to address emerging challenges, the fluidity of the geopolitical landscape, shifting security threats-partnering with thematic and regional organizations where appropriate. As a citizen of Macedonia, what do you believe are the most important lessons the UN should take from its failings in the former Yugoslavia during the 1990s? My country was the only of the 6 Republics of Yugoslavia which did not participate in the armed conflicts occurring during the disintegration of the Yugoslav Federation. In spite of that, the engagement of the UN was necessary on its Northern border with its two peacekeeping missions (UNPREDEP and UNPROFOR). Both of them were success stories and serve as a good example of UNs contribution to peace and security. On the other side, the UN missions in other parts of former Yugoslavia werent as successful. As a matter of fact, besides the UN other organizations such as NATO, OSCE and EU also participated in the crisis management process in that area, so it was a complex procedure of coordination and cooperation among various international organizations. The tragedy was that a lot of men, women and children lost their lives and thousands of homes, religious sites and other historic monuments were destroyed. But, at least existing borders were kept intact, which was very important for the overall security architecture of not only the Balkans but Europe in general. A world confronted with unpredictable cyber war activities, terrorism lurking around every corner of the globe, growing migration and massive movement of refugees, evident abuse of human rights as well as women and children, is in need of an organization with the capacity to tackle all these serious issues. And I dont know of a better one than the UN with all of its shortcomings. TIME foreign affairs columnist Ian Bremmer spoke to Vesna Pusic, Croatias former Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, about her effort to become the UNs next secretary general. What is the single most important thing that a UN secretary general can do to make the United Nations a more effective institution? Simplification of procedures and hands-on approach. All aspects of the organization should be simplified, from budgetary and financial rules to management of human resources and decision-making procedures. Coherent system with fewer internal rules, procedures and layers of decision-making makes for a more transparent, accountable and efficient organization. A permanent item on the agenda of the daily staff meetings has to be management of the organization In the vision statement with which you announced your candidacy, you used the words flawed or flaws to describe the UN four times in the first four sentences. What aspect of the UNs work do you believe is in greatest need of reform? I emphasize that fact to make clear that having a perfect UN is not a prerequisite to get results. Whoever becomes the next SG needs to be able to deliver in imperfect circumstances, while gradually improving the organization. The reform is most needed in the peace building architecture and inclusiveness of the UN. Peace building tying peace building and peace sustaining more closely to development; strengthening and emphasizing the role of the UN negotiators. Inclusiveness involving member states, NGOs, but also the global public into the UN life, decision making, key topics and events. Youve described the role of secretary general as servant of the Security Council while arguing that a Secretary-General with the right temperament can help the Security Council reach agreement and can, once a decision has been taken, help keep the Council on side with how it is being implemented. Please describe this ideal temperament. The SG follows the Security Councils directions in matters of peace building. But she or he has to be aware that she has 193 employers who define the possibilities and the boundaries of the organization. A good SG has to know many things: to be a leader, to be an administrator, to be a decision maker, to be a facilitator for other decision makers who often start from opposing position But she or he also has to know One big thing she/he has to care; care about the original goals of the UN and about the people whom it serves. Story continues As a citizen of Croatia, what do you believe are the most important lessons the UN should take from its failings in the former Yugoslavia during the 1990s? UN did many good and important things during the wars of former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. There were some failings. They showed the importance of better defining the mandate of the UN peacekeeping missions the type of mandate who and what you are facing; duration how long you are staying; code of conduct how do you act while there; and the exit strategy when do you get out and what do you leave behind. No institution can be all things to all people. What things do you believe the UN should avoid trying to do? The one thing the UN and the next Secretary-General should avoid doing is setting goals that are overambitious in relation to available recourses. You have spoken of moral authority as a tool available to the secretary general. How would you use this authority? The role of the UN Secretary-General, as defined by the UN Charter, is very limited. Whoever gets elected, will have to earn the respect and authority in order to have influence that exceeds what is given by the Charter. It sometimes takes courage, sometimes compromise, but all of the secretaries-general who have made that position influential have done so to a large extent because of their own personality. The UN will be selecting a new Secretary General this fall. TIME foreign affairs columnist Ian Bremmer spoke with Irina Bokova, Bulgarias former foreign minister and the director general of UNESCO, about how she would change the UN: What is the single most important thing that a UN Secretary General can do to make the United Nations and more effective institution. The next Secretary General should refocus the work of the UN on its core tasks: maintaining peace and security; encouraging sustainable development; protecting human rights and promoting tolerance. To achieve this, the organisation should become much more efficient, accountable and transparent. The Charter of the United Nations provides the Secretary General with ample powers to initiate the necessary reforms and to steer the system in the right direction. My conviction is that the UN can and should do more with less and my experience proves that this is a realistic and achievable goal. What aspect of the U.N.s work do you believe is in greatest need of reform? Prevention of conflicts and peace building should become the main activity of the UN system and the center of attention for the future Secretary-General. We should anticipate potential conflicts and tackle the causes, not just remedy the outcomes. Efficient peacekeeping and peace building must encompass a much broader range of activities: from early warning and meditation, risk reduction and rapid response to humanitarian crises, natural disasters and heritage destruction, to education and promotion of dialogue. We have to aspire to create societies that are resilient, just and inclusive which is the objective of the Agenda 2030. You have called for a new multilateralism, one based on shared values and norms. But even within the Security Council, there are substantial differences and political, economic, and cultural values and norms. What can the Secretary-General do to foster a new consensus within the Security Council? It is natural, I believe, that the nations of the world, including the members of the Security Council should have sometimes different political interests and economic priorities. Finding the common denominator between them through diplomacy and negotiation is precisely why the United Nations was created in the first place. This is by no means an easy task, yet we know it is achievable: COP21 and Agenda 2030 are recent examples of common effort for the common good. Both are a big achievement of the UN and I will spare no effort to make the UN system efficient in accompanying Governments for their implementation. Story continues As to cultural diversity and heritage, they themselves are among the greatest treasures of mankind, treasures that we at UNESCO protect and promote. UNESCOs diverse membership has always been an asset when we needed to mobilise global opinion and enlist countries support in order to protect world heritage, promote girls education, safeguard media freedom and freedom of speech, or fight and religious intolerance, hatred and anti-Semitism. You are advocate peace, dialogue, prevention of conflicts and violent extremism through education, protection of heritage, upholding human rights and gender equality. But much of the worlds violence is fuelled by differences over heritage, gender, and rights. How can the United Nations help resolve this problem? This is indeed the challenge we are facing today. The worlds population is growing rapidly, migration moves millions across borders, technology and globalisation have made the world even smaller. Communities need to learn to live together like no generation before. We are now confronted with otherness, not at faraway borders, but at our very doorstep. I strongly believe that the division nowadays is between those who believe in living together and those who deny it. Isolation, ignorance, intolerance and fear generate religious fundamentalism and populism, lead to conflicts and violence, provide a rich feeding ground for terrorism. Coupled with political depravity, economic inequality and social exclusion, it is an explosive mix that the United Nations must confront without delay. There is no instant magic recipes: education, including education for global citizenship, cultural literacy, awareness of the others, experience of their cultures, early stage engagement between communities, promotion of dialogue these are the ways to learn to live together in a diverse and more tolerant world. The often quoted phrase from the UNESCO Constitution states that since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed. This is a truth I share fully. No institution can be all things to all people. What things do you believe the UN should avoid trying to do? The UN exists to promote peace and security, encourage sustainable development and protect human rights for all. This is the universal framework, within which all societies should be free to pursue their goals in accordance with their cultural identity and convictions. The UN should be ready when necessary to defend resolutely its fundamental principles with all the instruments, provided by the UN Charter, and, at the same time, respect the diversity of its members and promote the dialogue as a mean to foster cooperation and prevent conflict. In what way would you redefine and revitalize peace operations? As I mentioned earlier, efficient peacekeeping must aim at preventing conflict, rather than reacting to its aftermaths. It requires a much more forward-looking UN system, with a better coordination of the broad range of political, economic and humanitarian tools at its disposal. The role of the Secretary General is crucial in order to focus the efforts of the UN system and to engage proactively with the member states and the Security Council in particular when such operations are required in the planning, coordinating and monitoring of the outcomes of such missions. Investing in political processes and development is the best investment for sustaining peace. The Secretary General must also restore the full trust and confidence of the public in the UN peace operations and its peacekeeping forces through strict and efficient zero tolerance policy for improper behaviour or abuse of power. Resolution 1325 on the role of women in peace and security should be taken seriously and implemented jointly with the reviews of the peacekeeping operations. Last, but not least, one of the biggest challenges nowadays is sustaining peace and this is where I will put most of the efforts through strengthening the rule of law and promoting peaceful, inclusive and just societies. The United Nations is selecting a new Secretary General this fall. TIME foreign affairs columnist Ian Bremmer spoke with Susana Malcorra, Argentinas foreign minister, about how she would change the UN. What is the single most important thing that a UN Secretary-General can do to make the United Nations a more effective institution? The UN Secretary-General can have unparalleled impact in leading with the strategic vision required for the Organization to be centred on the primacy of people, planet and shared prosperity; driven by issues; and focused on delivering impact. The complexity and interconnectedness of todays global landscape demands a United Nations that embodies this ethos of interconnectedness in how it tackles challenges; that is forward-looking in anticipating issues around the horizon and forward-leaning in its solutions and partnerships; and that makes the Organization work for people and the planet based on what will yield the greatest sustainable impact, rather than makes issues conform to pre-existing organizational arrangements. The Secretary-General must be at the forefront and indeed propel this cultural shift through her/his strategic leadership and managerial know-how to reorient the Organization to more effectively, efficiently and creatively meet the priorities elaborated for it by Member States and live up to the expectations set for it by those it serves around the world. Serving the UN flag obliges us to always do better in striving to remain relevant and fit for purpose in addressing not only those challenges facing us today, but also in pre-empting those challenges which will confront us tomorrow. What aspect of the UNs work do you believe is in greatest need of reform? Whether supporting UN peace operations, providing humanitarian relief or responding to the unprecedented large movements of refugees and migrants, the United Nations today is overwhelmingly focused on keeping up with seemingly mounting emergency needs. While the Organization must continue to be responsive to these needs, it must become more proactive, and less reactive, through ensuring that its responses and actions build resilience as a preventative strategy. When the United Nations is called upon to respond to a crisis or emergency, it must respond in ways that strengthen and build upon national and local capacities wherever possible in order to bolster resilience and reduce vulnerability to future shocks. This requires an Organization that can respond simultaneously with the immediacy of ameliorating suffering in the short-term, but also with a view towards building resilience and reducing the vulnerability in the long-term that will otherwise trigger crises and incite conflicts. It is only through this more holistic approach that we will be able to collectively manage the shocks that come, while also preventing some of these shocks and mitigating their potential impacts. Supporting this shift requires that we place greater priority on prevention and preparedness. It means promoting holistic action across the Organization that moves us out of the silos that divide us to the issues that connect us. We must remain responsive in the short-term with an enhanced view of what is required in the long-term and be more effective at working with both objectives in mind at all times. This more holistic action must be reflected in the way we work and organize ourselves, in the way we finance and in the way we approach every challenge. Story continues What personal qualities are needed for an effective Secretary-General? Mobilizing the Organization to deliver impact in todays world requires a Secretary-General who is an apt listener. S/he must be able to understand, discern and navigate the many competing priorities and perspectives of the United Nations 193 Member States. Recognizing that the United Nations derives its strength from the collective power of its Member States, s/he must prioritize national ownership. Sh/he must exercise the good offices to build confidence and cultivate trust to find common ground in order to advance progress. An effective Secretary-General is aspirational but also humble in recognizing that the Organization can and indeed must always aspire to do more to live up to and be accountable to the promise of the UN Charter. Leading by example, this spirit of humility and accountability to the ideals of the UN Charter, the people the Organization seeks to serve, and to its Member States must permeate the entire organizational culture. S/he knows that the only way to deliver and indeed multiply impact is through working in unison with local, national, regional and international partners and in overcoming the silos that divide us. Finally, the Secretary-General must have the courage of conviction, the visionary leadership and foresight, and the managerial capacity to steer the Organization to deliver effectively and efficiently on the mandates entrusted to it by Member States. What did you learn about the role of Secretary-General during your tenure as current Secretary-General Ban Ki-moons chef de cabinet? During my service as Chef de Cabinet, I witnessed first-hand the possibility and potential, but also limitations, of the Secretary-Generals role. I have seen where, for example on reaching agreement on the sustainable development goals, the personal sustained commitment of the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon contributed towards facilitating the adoption by Member States of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. I have also seen situations where solutions are elusive and the role of the Secretary-General cannot substitute for the political will that can only emanate from the strength of the United Nations Member States to act. It has been impressed upon me that, to be effective, the Secretary-General must build trust with Member States and establish the rapport to create the space for quiet diplomatic efforts. It has also been impressed upon me that a United Nations that is united with a shared sense of purpose can exceed expectation in what it can accomplish and the impact it can deliver. While serving the United Nations over the last eleven years across humanitarian, peace and security and management sectors, I have seen how a spirit of innovation has supported the Organization in more effectively and efficiently responding to unprecedented challenges through leveraging the ingenuity and expertise that comes through partnership. Drawing inspiration from my work in the private sector, as Secretary-General, I would be outward-looking in inculcating this ethos of partnership and in building and leading teams to multiply impact. Effectively serving at the helm of the Organization also demands accountable and efficient leadership and management expertise. This culture of accountability and efficiency is ingrained in me from my private sector training. It would support me in providing the managerial oversight to inculcate this culture within the Organization, ensuring that the Organization is accountable to its key stakeholders to yield results and deliver the greatest impact through the most efficient use of resources. As the central role of the Secretary-General is to provide the oversight to hold the Organization accountable to its membership, to the people around the world it aspires to serve, and to the ideals codified in the United Nations Charter, this focus on results is fundamental. My private sector experience has equipped me to provide the strategic direction, dynamic, accountable leadership, and managerial oversight that a global institution as complex as the United Nations requires. I bring to it a management style premised on results that is not prescriptive or linear, but adaptable and iterative in adjusting solutions and approaches to the feedback from the communities we serve. This client-based perspective stems from my substantial management expertise. No institution can be all things to all people. What things do you believe the UN should avoid trying to do? While no institution can be all things to all people, the UN by virtue of its founding and the promise of the ideals codified in the United Charter does at times represent all things to all people and can be the last bastion of hope for many around the world in dire circumstances. In order to effectively serve these ideals, the United Nations must exhibit the humility and clear sense of purpose that it does have limitations and prioritize accordingly. The United Nations must exercise a spirit of inclusivity and partnership to leverage the capacities of others to multiply impact in support of a shared vision, while also recognizing when the United Nations has the unparalleled legitimacy to make a difference. The United Nations must be both a catalyst and convener in promoting a shared vision and sense of purpose and mobilizing the Organizations capacities, those of its Member States and those of other local, national, regional and international partners in translating this vision into meaningful impact on the ground. Qualcomm Inc.QCOM reported an impressive financial result in the third quarter of 2016 wherein both the top and the bottom line surpassed past the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Net Income On a GAAP basis, quarterly net income from operations stood at $1,444 million or 97 cents per share compared with $1,184 million or 73 cents, respectively, in the year-ago quarter. Meanwhile, adjusted (excluding special items) earnings per share came in at $1.03, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 83 cents. Revenue Total quarterly revenue of $6,044 million was up 3.6% year over year outpacing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5,553 million. Segment-wise, Qualcomm CDMA Technologies businesses contributed $3,853 million to its revenues in the third quarter, up 15% from the prior-year quarter and its quarterly EBT margin stood at 9% while Qualcomm Technology Licensing generated $2,038 million in revenues, down 5% year over year and its quarterly EBT margin was 86%. Chipset Statistics During the third quarter of 2016, Qualcomm shipped approximately 201 million CDMA-based MSM chipsets, down 11% year over year. This figure managed to surpass the mid-point of the companys guidance which was pegged at 185 million. Average selling price (ASP) of a 3G/4G handset with an in-built Qualcomm chipset during the quarter was around $191-$197. The companys chipsets are used in Apple Inc.s AAPL iPhone, Alphabet Inc. GOOGL -developed Android smartphones and Microsoft Corp.s MSFT Windows handsets. Operating Metrics Quarterly operating income came in at $1,592 million compared with $1,235 million in the year-ago quarter. Quarterly operating margin was 26.3% compared with 21.2% in the prior-year quarter. Quarterly adjusted EBT was $1,693 million compared with $1,398 million in the year-ago quarter. In the reported quarter, the company returned nearly $781 million (53 cents per share) to its shareholders in the form of cash dividends and another $1 billion through the repurchase of 1.8 million shares of common stock. Story continues Cash Flow During the third quarter, Qualcomm generated $1,840 million of cash from operating activities against $2,116 million in the prior-year quarter. Free cash flow (to the firm), in the reported quarter, was $1110 million as against $613 million in the year-ago quarter. Liquidity At the end of the quarter under review, Qualcomm had $5,885 million of cash and cash equivalents and $11,225 million of outstanding debt in its balance sheet compared with $7,560 million and $9,761 million, respectively, at the end of fiscal 2015. QUALCOMM INC Price and EPS Surprise QUALCOMM INC Price and EPS Surprise | QUALCOMM INC Quote Fourth-Quarter Fiscal 2016 Outlook Fourth-quarter revenues are estimated to be in the range of $5.4--$6.2 billion, in the mid-point of $5.8 billion just above the current Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.76 billion. GAAP earnings per share are projected at 8494 cents. Non-GAAP earnings per share are estimated between $1.05 and $1.15. Its mid-point of $1.1 is above the current Zacks Consensus Estimate of 95 cents. Qualcomm is expected to ship 195215 million MSM chipsets in the third quarter. Qualcomm currently carries 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 QUALCOMM INC (QCOM): Free Stock Analysis Report APPLE INC (AAPL): 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 turkey coup protest An AFP photographer who was in Istanbul during last week's attempted military coup said he was "shocked" when he realized how many pro-government protesters were willing to risk their lives to thwart the soldiers' uprising. "People started to march on the Bosphorus bridge and the soldiers started to shoot into the crowd," Bulent Klc, who is from Istanbul, said in an interview with AFP's blog. "And when I saw this, I thought this is something serious." He continued: "I took cover. I was shocked -- I didn't expect so many people would be ready to die. I could see the soldiers shooting. But they, the people facing off in front of them, they didn't stop." Many who bore witness to the military uprising last week were not as shocked by the soldiers' mobilization the Turkish military has a long history of intervening in domestic politics as they were by the people's willingness to face off against tanks, rifles, and air power in the name of preserving Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership and party, the Justice and Development Party (AKP). To that end, most analysts agree that the coup lost any chance of succeeding the moment Erdogan appealed to his supporters via FaceTime to take to the streets. Once they did, it became clear that they were prepared to fight until the end. At least 173 civilians died in the clashes, most of whom were shot by pro-coup soldiers. turkey "One of the guys who was in that minivan with me was shot in the head," Klc said, referring to the van he drove in with other civilians in the uprising's early hours to get to Istanbul's Taksim Square. He continued: "He was a meter away from me. I saw him drop to the ground. I heard bullets whizzing past me, I saw the spent ones falling at my feet. So I began to run. I ran and ran and ran. After about 200 meters, I stopped next to a white car. The driver had been shot, slumped in the seat. I was shocked. I couldn't understand what was going on, what was happening." Story continues Some of the bloodiest scenes occurred at Istanbul's Bosphorus Bridge, which was closed by the military and later swarmed by pro-government protesters demanding that they return to their base. One of Erdogan's closest allies and confidants, 53-year-old Erol Olcak, was shot and killed there, along with his 16-year-old son. He believed in democracy," Firat Arslan, a planning director at Olcak's political-advertising firm, told The Wall Street Journal this week. "He worked for real democracy for his entire life and after all died for it." ' Now the people are divided' By Saturday morning, it had become clear that Olcak did not die in vain: The government regained control less than 24 hours after the soldiers first mobilized, aided by civilians who lay in front of tanks and confronted soldiers head-on. But the mobilization of "Islamist mobs" as a senior Western diplomat characterized the pro-Erdogan protesters who took to the streets that night apparently has some worried about what such a galvanized AKP base, and weakened military, means for Turkey's long-term stability, Reuters reported. turkey Indeed, as another AFP photographer who witnessed the uprising noted, it was not only civilians' willingness to die to defeat the military that was shocking. It was also the fact that they turned on the military long the most respected and cohesive institution in Turkish society so quickly and ferociously. "The images from the bridge, they will change the country, nothing will be as it was before," Ozan Kose, the photographer, told AFP. "The Turkish people have always had respect for the military and on that bridge, they actually killed soldiers and posted the images on social media. Everyone is shocked." He continued: "I saw the eyes of the soldiers on Taksim. They didn't seem like they knew what they were doing. They seemed lost, totally lost. This coup attempt has left so many people dead. Everything in Turkey will change. Now the people are divided into two sides -- those against Erdogan and those for Erdogan." Erdogan's supporters bravely mobilized to defend his democratically elected government against the military, and in doing so proved how far they were willing to go to defend his party's leadership. The problem now, some experts say, is how to demobilize a predominantly Islamist crowd that may be helping to fuel the ruling Justice and Development Party's crackdown on the country's more secularist actors and ultimately driving opposition figures deeper into hiding. "How you demobilize the crowd is a concern. I dont think it is high up on the list of concerns of the AKP government because they really feared for their lives," Hakan Altinay, of Washington's Brookings Institution, told Reuters on Tuesday. Policemen protect a soldier from the mob after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey July 16, 2016. As Turkey expert Aaron Stein of the Atlantic Council noted in a recent analysis, " The Turkish military has traditional viewed its role as guardians of Turkish secularism." The backlash against the military from Erdogan's supporters, then, indicates their comfort with his largely unchecked Islamist government. Now, with a fractured military hierarchy and mass arrests of suspected coup sympathizers, Erdogan will have virtually free reign to expand his Islamist and increasingly authoritarian rule. "Being critical of [Erdogan] at this stage is not possible," Mustafa Akyol, a columnist and author of "Islam Without Extremes: A Muslim Case for Liberty," told Reuters. Erdogan has gotten "so much power and prestige now," Akyol said, that if you criticize him "you will be accused of being with the coup. The upheaval will be there for a while." The former US ambassador to Turkey and Iraq, James Jeffrey, agreed that Erdogan will "be unchecked as long as he maintains the reins of power and can motivate his corps of supporters, especially among Turkey's devout Muslim majority." "In the absence of military checks and bolstered by the adulation of a motivated 'street,' Erdogan now has the momentum he needs to take Turkey in almost any direction he wants," Jeffrey, now a fellow at The Washington Institute, wrote in The Cipher Brief. "No wonder he called the coup a 'gift from God.'" NOW WATCH: Ian Bremmer shoots down the conspiracy theory that the coup in Turkey was meant to fail More From Business Insider Thank you, and god bless each and every one of you. Heidi and I are so honored to join you here in Cleveland where LeBron James just lead an incredible comeback victory, and I am convinced America is going to come back too. (APPLAUSE) I want to congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night. (APPLAUSE) CRUZ: And, like each of you, I want to see the principles that our party believes prevail in November. Conventions are times of excitement, but given the events of the last few weeks I hope youll allow me a moment to talk to you about whats really at stake. Just two weeks ago a nine-year-old girl named Caroline was living a carefree Texas summer. Swimming in the pool, playing with friends, doing all the things a happy child might do. Like most children, she relied upon the love that she received from her mom, Heidi, and her dad, a police sergeant named Michael Smith. That is until he became one of the five police officers gunned down in Dallas. The day her father was murdered, Caroline gave him a hug and a kiss as he left for work, but as they parted her dad asked her something he hadnt asked before. What if this is the last time you ever kiss or hug me? Later, as she thought of her fallen father, and that last heart breaking hug, Caroline broke down into tears. How could anything ever be OK again? Michael Smith was a former Army Ranger who spent decades with the Dallas police department. I have no idea who he voted for in the last election, or what he thought about this once, but his life was a testament to devotion. (APPLAUSE) He protected the very protesters who mocked him because he loved his country, and his fellow man. His work gave new meaning to that line from literature, To die of love is to live by it. (APPLAUSE) As I thought about what I wanted to say tonight, Michael Smiths story weighed on my heart. Maybe Thats because his daughter Caroline is about the same age as my eldest daughter, and happens to share the same name. Maybe its because I saw a video of that dear, sweet child choking back sobs as she remembered her Daddys last question to her. Maybe its because we live in a world where so many others have had their lives destroyed by evil in places like Orlando, and Paris, and Nice, and Baton Rouge. Maybe its because of the simple question itself. What if this right now is our last time? Our last moment to do something for our families, and our country? Did we live up to the values we say we believe? Did we do all we really could? Thats really what elections should be about. Thats why you and millions like you devoted so much time and sacrifice to this campaign. Were fighting not for one particular candidate, or one campaign, but because each of wants to be able to tell our kids and grandkids, our own Carolines, that we did our best for their future and our country. (APPLAUSE) (CHANTING) America is more than just a land mass between two oceans, America is an ideal. A simple, yet powerful ideal. Freedom matters. (APPLAUSE) For much of human history government power has been the unavoidable constant in life. Government decrees and the people obey, but not here. We have no king or queen, we have no dictator, we the people constrain government. (CHEERING) Our nation is exceptional because it was built on the five most beautiful and powerful words in the English language, I want to be free. (APPLAUSE) Never has that message been more needed than today. We stand here tonight a nation divided. Partisan rancor, anger, even hatred are tearing America apart. And citizens are furious, rightly furious, at a political establishment that cynically breaks its promises, and that ignores the will of the people. (APPLAUSE) We have to do better. We owe our fallen heroes more than that. (APPLAUSE) Now, of course, Obama and Clinton will also tell you that they care about our childrens future, and I want to believe them but there is a profound difference about our two partys vision for the future. (APPLAUSE) Theres is the part that thinks ISIS is a J.V. team, that responds to the death of Americans in Benghazi, What difference does it make? And, that thinks its possible to make a deal with Iran that celebrates its holidays, Death to America Day, and, Death to Israel Day. My friends, this is madness. President Obama is a man who does everything backwards. He wants to close Guantanamo Bay, and open up our borders. He exports jobs, and imports terrorists. Enough is enough. (APPLAUSE) And, I am here to tell you there is a better vision for our future. A return to freedom. (APPLAUSE) On education your freedom to choose your childs education, even if you arent as rich as Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. (APPLAUSE) On healthcare, your freedom to choose your own doctor without Obamacare. (APPLAUSE) On taxes, your freedom to provide for your family without the IRS beating down your door. (APPLAUSE) The Internet? Keep it free from taxes, free from regulation and dont give it away to Russia and China. (APPLAUSE) Freedom means free speech, not politically correct safe spaces. (APPLAUSE) Freedom means religious freedom, whether you are Christian, Jew, Muslim, or atheist. (APPLAUSE) Whether you are gay, or straight, the Bill of Rights protects the rights of all of us to live according to our conscience. (APPLAUSE) Freedom means the right to keep and bear arms, and to protect your family. (APPLAUSE) Freedom means that every human life is precious and must be protected. (APPLAUSE) Freedom means Supreme Court Justices who dont dictate policy, but instead follow the Constitution. (APPLAUSE) And, freedom means recognizing that our Constitution allows states to choose policies that reflect local values. Colorado might decide something different than Texas. New York different than Iowa. Thats the way its supposed to be, diversity. (APPLAUSE) If not, whats the point of having states to begin with? Now, Hillary Clinton believes that government should make virtually every choice in your life. Education, health care, marriage, speech, all dictated out of Washington. But, something powerful is happening, weve seen it in both parties, weve seen it in the United Kingdoms unprecedented Brexit vote to leave the European Union. (APPLAUSE) Voters are overwhelmingly rejecting the political establishment, and overwhelmingly rejecting big government. (APPLAUSE) That is a profound victory and it is one earned by each and every one of you. People are fed up with politicians who dont listen to them. Fed up with a corrupt system that benefits the elites instead of working men and women. (APPLAUSE) We deserve an immigration system that puts America first, and yes, builds a wall to keep America safe. (APPLAUSE) A government that stops admitting ISIS terrorists as refugees. We deserve trade policies that put the interests of American farmers over the interests that are funding the lobbyists. (APPLAUSE) And, if we stand together and choose freedom, our future will be brighter. Freedom will bring back jobs and raise wages. Freedom will lift people out of dependency to the dignity of work. (APPLAUSE) We can do this. Forty-Seven years ago to this day, America put the very first man on the moon. (APPLAUSE) That was the power of freedom. Our party, the Republican party, was founded to defeat slavery. (APPLAUSE) Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president signed the Emancipation Proclamation. (APPLAUSE) Together we passed the Civil Rights Act, and together we fought to eliminate Jim Crow Laws. (APPLAUSE) Thats our collective legacy, although the media will never share it with you. Those were fights for freedom, and so is this. Sergeant Michael Smith stood up to protect our freedom. So do the soldiers, and sailors, and airmen, and Marines everyday fighting radical Islamic terrorism. (APPLAUSE) (CHANTING) And, so did the family of Alton Sterling who bravely called to end the violence. So did the families of those murdered at the Charleston-Emanuel AME Church who forgave that hateful, bigoted, murder. (APPLAUSE) And, so can we. We deserve leaders who stand for principal, who unite us all behind shared values, who cast aside anger for love. That is the standard we should expect from everybody. And, to those listening, please dont stay home in November. (APPLAUSE) If you love our country, and love our children as much as you do, stand, and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom, and to be faithful to the constitution. (CHANTING) I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation. (CHEERING) And I will tell you that it is love of freedom that has allowed millions to achieve their dreams. Like my mom, the first in her family to go to college, and my dad, whos here tonight, who fled prison and torture in Cuba. Coming to Texas with just $100 dollars sewn into his underwear. And it is over that I hope will bring comfort to a grieving nine- year-old girl in Dallas, and God willing, propel her to move forward, and dream, and soar, and make her daddy proud. We must make the most of our moments, to fight for freedom, to protect our God given rights, even if those with whom we dont agree so that when we are old and grey, and when our work is done, and when we give those we love one final kiss goodbye we will be able to say freedom matters and I was part of something beautiful. The case we have to make to the American people, the case each person in this room has to make to the American people is to commit to each of them that we will defend freedom, and be faithful to the Constitution. We will unite the party; we will unite the country by standing together for shared values by standing for liberty. God bless each and every one of you, and God bless the United States of America. Camfil data center customers have reported annual energy savings in the six-figure range JERSEY CITY, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / July 21, 2016 / In the industrial age, companies built warehouses. They needed ever more space to store the results of their massive product manufacturing operations. In today's information age, companies build data centers. The idea is basically the same, it's just that the product and storage facility have evolved. Information is the product, and data centers are the warehouses where the product is stored. Everything Is On The Internet There is very little that hasn't been pushed onto the Internet somehow. Unfathomable amounts of information and communication zip through wires and bounce between cellular towers and satellites, all to bring us the instant gratification that we've become so accustomed to. The network is vast, and its storage needs are mind-boggling. Big Data Requires Big Storage It is estimated that there are over 300 million data centers in the U.S. alone. Some may not be much bigger than a storage closet, housing just a few computers to keep a small business running. Others sprawl out, covering millions of square feet, providing a home for thousands of high tech machines that never power down. Just imagine how much data needs to be stored, and instantly accessible, to keep a company like FedEx running, with all of the packages they track and deliver, worldwide, in just one day. Then think about how many other companies exist that require this type of data storage and retrieval - Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, Google, etc. It is data centers that make all of this possible. Keeping It Clean And Cool In order for data centers to function and perform at optimal levels, there are strict environmental conditions that must be maintained. The two biggest enemies of all data centers, large and small, are heat and dust. High temperatures and dust particles in the air cannot only cause performance problems, they can cause complete failure of computer parts and systems. Story continues We've all had enough basic experience with personal computers to understand that cleanliness and heat can have a big impact on their performance. Think about how hot the bottom of your laptop sometimes gets when it's sitting on your lap, and imagine what that kind of heat generation would add up to in a room with one thousand, or even one hundred thousand, computers running. Keeping free of dust and eliminating heat from data center rooms is an absolute top priority. Failure to do either means (a possibly catastrophic) failure of the systems housed within the data center. Big Data Means Big Power The only thing that might be more important than air filtration and cooling in a data center environment is making sure the electricity never runs out. Between the computers themselves and the air conditioning equipment needed to maintain the environment, data centers use a massive amount of power. Estimates say that approximately 2% of all the power consumed in the U.S. is used by data centers, with an astounding 32% of that being drawn by their air conditioning systems. All Up In The Air Most computer systems built today are already as power-saving friendly as they can be. Moving parts are constantly being reduced, and unused peripherals are shut down until they're needed again, keeping power usage at a minimum. This means that the only viable way for a data center to cut down on power usage, and costs, is to work with their air conditioning systems. They're obviously not going to start turning off computers. With more than 30% of power consumption going to the air conditioning systems, adjustments here can make a big difference in performance and costs. Of course, having systems installed that are as energy efficient as possible is a big step, but there is another small, and not so obvious, adjustment that can be made to achieve big results. Small Parts Have Big Effects Air filters installed in the A/C systems are somewhat of a double-edged sword. They are necessary to filter dust particles from the air, but they also inhibit the airflow, creating more work for fans in the system, ultimately driving power costs up and efficiency down. Poor quality and badly maintained air filters in a data center ventilation system can cause as much as a 30% variance in the efficiency of the entire system. It really is simple. If it's hard for the system to push air through the filters because they are improperly constructed, or overused and clogged, the system will consume more power and take longer to achieve the same result as a system running with high quality, clean filters. By choosing filters that are properly made for the environment and system in use, and making sure they are properly changed and maintained, a data center can cut down on a significant portion of their power usage and, ultimately, operating costs. It's one of the simplest and easiest changes to make, and it can produce real and measurable benefits. Camfil offers a variety of air filtration solutions that will meet the needs of any data center, large or small. Both medium and high efficiency air filters are available, with the ability to filter out particles down to the sub-micron particle level. All air filter products have a 5-Star Energy Cost Index (ECI) Rating - the highest rating available. The filters also offer the longest life and lowest average pressure drop over the life of the filter, guaranteed. Camfil air filters can reduce energy expenditures by as much as 40% when compared to competitive products. Illustrating the tremendous benefits that can be achieved by simply choosing the right air filters, some Camfil data center customers have reported annual energy savings in the six-figure range. http://cleanair.camfil.us/2016/07/20/reducing-the-big-costs-of-big-data/ SOURCE: Camfil via Submit Press Release 123 A protest outside a key entrance point to the security perimeter at the Republican National Convention let to multiple arrests on Wednesday as demonstrators sought to burn an American flag, At the corner of 4th Street and Prospect Ave. Cleveland Police said that a protestor lit flag on fire, then lit himself on fire and caught others on fire. Firefighters extinguished the flames. There were no serious injuries, but two officers had minor injuries after they were pushed and punched. The intersection at 4th St. and Prospect Ave. is a visible area of convention coverage, as media outlets like CNN, MSNBC and Bloomberg News have leased for some of their broadcast facilities. The situation was tense for a time. Within about a half hour, after a heavy line of police on foot, horseback and bike came to the intersection, they got the situation under control. Cleveland police said that there were 17 arrests, and that there have been a total of 22 since the convention started. No journalists were arrested. Still, the disturbances at the RNC have been relatively tame compared to that of previous conventions, like the 2008 gathering in St. Paul, Minn., where hundreds were arrested during the week. Photographers and reporters greatly outnumbered the handful of protesters, swarming the demonstrators as they tried to burn the flag. It was unclear just what group they were representing, but several news outlets reported that it was an organization called Revolutionary Communist Party. Tempers flared not just with those in the demonstration but from scattered protesters, with arguments breaking out between those who were pro- and anti- Trump. But they were far outnumbered by members of the media, and at one point a woman angrily asked a group of those on the sidelines, Are there any members of the liberal media here? Another woman demanded that a demonstrator wearing a scarf mask remove it. On Twitter, Cleveland police complained that the massive media presence is making it difficult for law enforcement officers to police demonstrations. Story continues Related stories In a TV-Worthy Plot Twist, Ted Cruz Steals Donald Trump's Thunder and Becomes the RNC's Villain 'SNL' Brings 'Weekend Update' to the Republican Convention (Watch) Mike Pence Calls for Unity in GOP Convention Speech (Watch) Any regular television viewer who hoped that he or she had seen the last of Ted Cruzs perennially pious smirk on a home screen had to be dismayed by his image looming into view during the third night of the Republican Convention on Wednesday. But Cruz ended up delivering the drama on an otherwise drowsy night: Declining to endorse Donald Trump, Cruz got heartily booed by great swaths of the arena. As it became clear that Cruz was going to withhold his verbal donation to Donald, the cameras started cutting to Trump family members, who were staring stonily at the stage. In a clever, undercutting move, Trump himself entered the convention during Cruzs machine-gun-spray attack on everyone including President Obama, who exports jobs and imports terrorists. Trump was trying to pull attention away from Cruz, but Cruzs obstinance overwhelmed the moment; every network reported that Cruzs wife, Heidi, was escorted from the arena under security guard, so hostile was the reaction to her husband. Cruzs non-endorsement woke up a somnambulant convention. The announced theme was Making America First Again it was more like Making America Sleepy Again. CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC regularly cut away from various speeches, including those by radio host Laura Ingraham and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. Indeed, The Kelly File had even gone to a commercial when Walker delivered his best punchline: He said that Hillary Clinton is such a Washington insider that if she were any more on the inside, shed be in jail. (You know the response; all together now: Lock her up! Lock her up! wailed the crowd.) Other speakers included Donalds son Eric Trump, whose long list of what his father will accomplish if elected included combating godless liberals who want the word Christmas stripped from public use. Really: Eric managed to celebrate that old Fox News hobbyhorse, turning it into The War on Christmas in July! There was also vice presidential candidate Mike Pence (started out humble; stayed onstage way past the 11 p.m. network cutoff point, angering local-affiliate weather forecasters throughout this great land) and Newt Gingrich, who lectured the audience about what Cruz really meant, like a professor whod come in to substitute for a teacher who had lost control of the class. Story continues Preceding Cruz vs. Trump, the undercard fight of the night was Bill OReilly vs. Montel Williams. OReilly, who looked as though hed helicoptered into Cleveland from New York City and left his pilot headphones on, spent the early moments of his edition of The OReilly Factor acting as though what was going on onstage was irrelevant. Instead, he cut to Geraldo Rivera, who had ferreted out a flag-burning by, said Rivera, the Revolutionary Communist Party. But OReilly gave his audience a moment of sizzling anger when he said to Eric Bolling that Montel Williams had walked away minutes before he was scheduled to appear on The Factor, and that Williams would never be on this show again hes not a man of his word that is as low as it gets! OReilly gave no explanation of what Williamss beef with OReilly was. On Twitter, Williams wrote, My understanding of the segment was diff than theirs, it wasnt resolved, left, Bill fell apart but he also did not explain his exit. The whole brouhaha was a puzzler. As Scott Walker said in a different context, but over and over America deserves better. By Ginger Gibson and Emily Stephenson CLEVELAND (Reuters) - Ted Cruz was recounting to an audience how he had outlasted most of his 16 rivals for the Republican presidential nomination when a plane carrying the man who had won it all, Donald Trump, flew overhead, interrupting him mid-speech. "All right, that was pretty well-orchestrated," said Cruz, a Republican U.S. senator from Texas who waged a bitter campaign against Trump. Hours later Cruz would take his revenge, refusing to endorse Trump and urging Republicans to vote their conscience during a prime-time speech on the floor of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. He left the podium to a chorus of boos, and his wife was escorted off the floor as the convention erupted in rancor. Susan Hutchison, chair of the Washington state delegation, said she confronted Cruz after his speech and called him a "traitor to the party." So much for party unity. Over three days in Cleveland this week, Republican leaders sought to sell a story of unity. They repeatedly said the party was getting ever closer to rallying behind Trump, who is running on the slogan "Make America Great Again!" and whose candidacy has divided many and exposed deep discontent among Republicans with their leaders. But in a few minutes on Wednesday night that show of unity was blown apart in spectacular fashion. Cruz's non-committal speech infuriated Trump supporters among the thousands of delegates cramming the floor of the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. But their angry jeers triggered recriminations from other delegates. They talk about unity and then they act like that. That is not going to get us to unify, said Manette Merrill, a Cruz delegate from Washington state. Trump will get the opportunity to rally the party when he formally accepts its nomination on Thursday night in a speech expected to be watched by millions of Americans, including undecided and independent voters. WINNING OVER SKEPTICS One of Trump's key goals going into this week's convention was to unite the party after a roughly 18-month primary season that was marked by personal attacks on candidates, sometimes violent rallies, and deep disagreement over what it means to be a Republican. In public and in private the Trump campaign tried to win over skeptics who feel the New York businessman and celebrity TV star does not represent the party's values. It took a harder stance against opponents, for example shutting down a desperate last-minute bid on the convention floor early in the week to stop his nomination. "It's like a slow crawl," former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said of the unity drive as he made the rounds at the convention. "You're kind of doing it. You're kind of looking around to see if anyone else is doing it," he told Reuters. But almost from the start there were blatant signs of party disunity. Ohio Governor John Kasich, who lost to Trump in the nomination fight and disagrees with Trump on a host of issues, declined to attend the convention held in his own state. Instead, he greeted his supporters at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame close to the convention arena to the blaring tune of The Who's "Baba O'Riley" with lyrics like, "I don't need to fight to prove I'm right." Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort told reporters that Kasich was "embarrassing his state" by refusing to get on the Trump train. His remarks were a reminder of the sort of insults that many Republicans had hoped would disappear after a brutal primary season that was characterized by Trump's often personal attacks on his opponents. PLEAS FOR UNITY The pleas for unity were frequent in Cleveland, led by House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, the top elected Republican, who has been slow in warming to Trump. "What do you say that we unify this party at this crucial moment when unity is everything?" Ryan asked thousands of convention attendees on Tuesday night. It was the biggest applause line of his speech - delegates cheered, clapped and waved signs. But U.S. Senator Mike Lee of Utah, one of the "never Trump" holdouts, is still not convinced. Federalism and separation of powers if he focuses on that, he brings along a lot of conservatives like me who havent been sold yet," Lee told Reuters. "He needs to make that a distinct part of his message. Trump and his surrogates have offered scant policy details so far at the convention, nor have they been able to put to rest questions about whether they are capable of mounting a sophisticated presidential campaign to take on his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. The convention has been overshadowed, for example, by controversy surrounding his wife Melania's convention speech - which included lines uttered by first lady Michelle Obama at the Democratic convention in 2008 - and the campaign's initial reluctance to admit the plagiarism. Some Republicans thought it was an unnecessary distraction at a time when the party should be focused on selling itself and its new leader to Americans. Others said that if Trump was really serious about uniting the party he would reach out to his vanquished foes on the campaign trail, including Cruz and Kasich. Ken Cope, a Texas delegate who had backed Cruz for president but will vote for Trump, said the New York businessman needs to "swallow his pride" and stress the contributions his 16 defeated rivals made to the primary process instead of belittling them. "He's a prideful man and hes proud of what he is but were in a general election campaign and it's going to take all of us pulling on the rope if were going to pull the ship to the final line," Cope said. Still others said Trump needed to be more disciplined. Trump supporter John Whitmer, a delegate from Wichita, Kansas, said Trump made a mistake by going on Fox News on Monday night to rail against Kasich as speakers were lauding his candidacy at the televised convention. "You just stepped on your best act," Whitmer said. "I get that you want to talk about Kasich, but everybody needed to be watching what was going on there. After Wednesday night, the best hope for the Republican Party to come together may rest on Clinton, who was frequently vilified at the Cleveland convention this week. She will be formally nominated as the Democratic presidential nominee at her party's convention in Philadelphia next week. When asked if the party was unified, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and close Trump adviser, Newt Gingrich, replied: No, but we will be by the end of Philadelphia. "Trump will get us to 90 percent unity. Shell get us the rest of the way. (Additional reporting by Steve Holland and Amy Tennery in Cleveland and Chris Kahn in New York, editing by Paul Thomasch and Ross Colvin) Maybe Donald Trump is lucky that Ted Cruz knifed him on Wednesday night at the Republican National Convention. Otherwise, the big story would be Trumps new interview with The New York Times. Trumps most astonishing policy statement is his declaration that America would only defend the Baltic states from Russian attack if he concluded that they have fulfilled their obligations to us. Given that Trump has spent his entire campaign insisting that Americas allies are not fulfilling their obligations to us, thats pretty close to saying Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are on their own. Its hard to exaggerate the magnitude of Trumps remarks. NATO, the military alliance that underpins the post-World War II order, rests on the principle that if one member is attacked, the others will come to its aid. Saying that the United States may or may not abide by that principle is the military equivalent of saying that the United States may or may not default on its national debt (which Trump has also said). Were Trump elected, these comments alone would reshape the geopolitics of Eastern Europe, as regional leaders began cozying up to Russia out of fear that the United States wouldnt defend them. (Especially in the wake of Brexit, which has already weakened NATO.) Trumps comments mark a massive shift within the GOP. Since the 1940s, solidarity with the Baltic states has been a passion of the American right. Throughout the Cold War, conservatives railed against Franklin Roosevelts abandonment of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to Soviet domination at the 1945 Yalta Conference. In 2012, Mitt Romney traveled to Poland to emphasize the Republican argument that President Obama had sold out Eastern Europe in an attempt to curry favor with Vladimir Putin. Think about that for a second. Obama, who this year agreed to deploy NATO battalions to the Baltic states, is still widely derided inside the GOP as insufficiently committed their security. Yet the Republican presidential nominee has now implied that America shouldnt defend them at all. But if Trumps comments about the Baltics constituted his sharpest policy deviation, his comments about Turkey were his most astonishing ideologically. Asked about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans massive crackdown on dissent in the wake of a failed coup, Trump asked, How are we going to lecture when people are shooting policemen in cold blood? He added that, When the world sees how bad the United States is and we start talking about civil liberties, I dont think we are a very good messenger. Recommended: It's Official: Hillary Clinton Is Running Against Vladimir Putin To grasp how extraordinary those sentences are, its worth remembering that Republicans have spent the last seven years accusing Obama of not believing in American exceptionalism. Over and over, GOP politicians and conservative pundits have suggested that the core problem with Obamas foreign policythe reason hes presiding over Americas global retreatis that he doesnt believe America is any better than other countries. In 2010, Rich Lowry and Ramesh Ponnuru wrote a widely discussed National Review cover story arguing that Obamas lack of faith in American superiority threatened Americas civilizational self-confidence. In 2011, Newt Gingrich wrote an entire book about the Obama administrations assault on American exceptionalism. In 2011, in a major foreign-policy address at the Citadel, Romney declared: I believe we are an exceptional country with a unique destiny and role in the world. Not exceptional, as the president has derisively said, in the way that the British think Great Britain is exceptional or the Greeks think Greece is exceptional. In Barack Obamas profoundly mistaken view, there is nothing unique about the United States. But we are exceptional because we are a nation founded on a precious idea We are a people who, in the language of our Declaration of Independence, hold certain truths to be self-evident: Namely, that all men are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights. It is our belief in the universality of these unalienable rights that leads us to our exceptional role on the world stage, that of a great champion of human dignity and human freedom. In truth, Obama never repudiated the idea that we are exceptional because we are a nation founded on a precious idea. In the very 2009 interview Romney cited, in which Obama said, I believe in American exceptionalism, just as I suspect that the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism, he also said: We have a core set of values that are enshrined in our Constitution, in our body of law, in our democratic practices, in our belief in free speech and equality, that, though imperfect, are exceptional. Recommended: Michelle Obama's Glorious and Savvy 'Carpool Karaoke' Clip But Trump has now said exactly what Republicans have falsely accused Obama of believing: that the United States is no better than other countries and therefore has no right to champion freedom or democracy overseas. How are we going to lecture, Trump told the Times, when people are shooting policemen in cold blood? On its face, the formulation is curious. If Americans are shooting police, that doesnt explain why the United States lacks standing to criticize Erdogans increasingly authoritarian rule. But Trumps answer offers an insight into his own views about civil liberties. The Times asked him about Erdogans crackdown on free speech, which the Turkish leader has justified as necessary to preserve law and order. In response, Trumpwho has proposed limiting press freedom in the United Statessaid that America lacks standing to criticize because it lacks law and order. Its hard not to conclude that Trump wont criticize Erdogans authoritarianism because he thinks America could use a little more authoritarianism itself. Its ironic. For the better part of a decade, conservatives have warned that Obama doesnt believe America is an exceptionally virtuous nation. He doesnt believe America has the right to preach to other countries. He thinks the only reason for Americans to love America is because its theirs. All the while, the real challenge to American exceptionalism has been brewing on the right. Trump often vows to stop letting other governments rip off the United States. But, as the Times interview shows, he has little interest in convincing authoritarian governments to expand freedom. Instead of making them more like America, hed rather make America more like them. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Rome (AFP) - Over 1,000 migrants were pulled to safety from rickety vessels in the Mediterranean Thursday by rescuers who also recovered 17 bodies, Italy's coastguard said. Around 1,128 people were plucked from five rubber dinghies and three boats in the Strait of Sicily, the coastguard said, without specifying whether the bodies were discovered on one or more of the vessels. The migrants were picked up by the Grecale Italian navy ship, Britain's HMS Enterprise -- operating under the EU's naval mission to tackle people smuggling, the Irish navy's James Joyce patrol boat and a vessel chartered by German NGO Sea-Watch. Rescue teams had discovered 22 bodies -- 21 women and a man -- on a dinghy in the Mediterranean on Wednesday. A day earlier, more than 3,200 migrants were rescued in 25 separate operations as departures from the coast of North Africa continued unabated thanks to good weather and calm seas. The latest arrivals take the number of migrants to have landed in Italy this year to over 80,000, according to the UN's refugee agency. Since 2014, more than 10,000 migrants have died or are feared to have drowned while attempting the perilous journey to Europe by sea, most losing their lives in the central Mediterranean, the UNHCR says. Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f151845%2fc0865313b9ad4e238a78f9f8bf28d179 In a speech before the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night, retired astronaut Eileen Collins delivered a sharp rebuke of NASA's recent leadership, endorsing controversial Republican nominee Donald Trump in all but name. Collins, who was the first woman to command a NASA space shuttle mission, had been expected to deliver a nonpartisan speech, and stopped just shy of issuing a more explicit endorsement. However, the speech will be viewed as a clear critique of NASA's leadership under the Obama administration. SEE ALSO: At Republican convention, astronaut Eileen Collins will talk about 'making America first again' in space While Collins did not mention Trump's name, she did invoke both the Trump campaign's theme for the evening, "Make America First Again," as well as the campaign's overall slogan: "Make America Great Again." "We need leadership that will make America's space program first again," Collins said during the speech. Collins called for better leadership in spaceflight and policy, saying that NASA has lost its number one position in exploration since John F. Kennedy tasked the space agency with sending people to the moon. Although Collins praised NASA's recent robotic missions that have changed the way we see objects in the solar system like never before, she still sees major problems with human spaceflight today. "We know that exploration leads to invention, innovation and discovery," Collins said. "For example, our successful robotic missions to Mars, Jupiter and Pluto have provided valuable information about our own planet, but in 2011, the space shuttle program ended. The last time the United States launched our own astronauts from our own soil was over five years ago." Nations that lead on the frontier, lead in the world, Collins added. We need that visionary leadership again. Leadership that will inspire the next generation to have that same passion. Story continues Collins, who spoke on the anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing and was introduced with an Apollo-themed video, called to mind a familiar refrain from some former astronauts and space policy experts, saying that America has lost its edge in space since the last space shuttle flew in 2011. The Obama administration's 2010 cancellation of the Constellation program designed to bring people back to the moon is also a sore spot for many in the space industry. The cancellation of Constellation a program reportedly rife with budget overruns seemed to leave NASA without a specific human spaceflight goal after the space shuttles were retired, a decision made during the George W. Bush administration. Collins has spoken out about her disappointment in the way the Constellation program ended. "I believe program cancellation decisions that are made by bureaucracies, behind closed doors, and without input by the people, are divisive, damaging, cowardly, and many times more expensive in the long run," Collins said in reference to the program in front of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology in February. Collins also referenced the fact that NASA hasn't launched its own astronauts to the International Space Station since the last space shuttle flew five years ago, as evidence that the agency's leadership has faltered. NASA now relies on Russia's Soyuz spacecraft to deliver people to and from the station, but that could change soon. The agency also has contracts with the private spaceflight companies Boeing and SpaceX to fly astronauts to the Space Station aboard privately-built spacecraft starting as early as next year, a decision the Republican party platform seems to implicitly endorse. Collins isn't the first former astronaut to speak at a political convention. John Glenn the first American to orbit Earth spoke at the Democratic National Convention in 1976. Her speech is getting a mixed response on Twitter. Some people are also claiming that Collins left out a more explicit endorsement of Trump, cutting out the sentence "that leader is Donald Trump," from her speech. (There were also reports that the teleprompter was cutting out during the speeches Wednesday.) Until tonight, Trump could not have been seen as a "pro-space" candidate. On the campaign trail, he once made a comment about how we need to fix infrastructure on Earth before worrying about going to space. However, with tonight's space-focused speeches, Trump seems to angling for the title of "space candidate" in this race for the White House. Senator Ted Cruz, who notably did not explicitly endorse Trump, chairs a Senate committee that helps to oversee NASA. He mentioned the Apollo 11 moon landing during his Wednesday night speech. The moon landing "was the power of freedom," Cruz said. Trump also took the time to pay his respects to the astronauts of Apollo 11 ahead of night three of the convention. "Forty-seven years ago our nation did something that NOBODY thought we could do we were the first to put a man on the moon," a post on Trump's official Facebook page says. "It is time to be number one, again! Believe me, as president, we will once again, make America first again!" A bottle of Hermitage La Chapelle 1961 from France's Jaboulet estate has taken the top spot as the most expensive wine sold at auction in a ranking compiled by iDealWine, a global platform for buying, selling and estimating wines, which also reports on the wine market. A bottle of Hermitage La Chappelle 1961 from the Jaboulet estate sold for 13,320 at auction to an Austrian enthusiast, surpassing its iDealWine estimate by 67%. While the world's most prestigious wines often hit headlines for fetching astronomical sums at auction, this new leader sends a strong message to the world of wine. In fact, this Rhone Valley wine knocked the world-famous Domaine de la Romanee-Conti (DRC) off the top spot. DRC is a reference in the world of Burgundy wines, known the world over as one of the greatest wine producers and accustomed to its place as leader of the pack. In fact, this star of the Cote de Nuits wine region accounts for over 75% of the list, along with the Bordeaux estate Petrus. This preeminence at the top of the ranking is explained by a very strong demand and low production volumes from these legendary estates, explains iDealWine. More precisely, DRC has 12 wines in the list. The most expensive was a Grand Cru Domaine de la Romanee-Conti 2009, which sold for 11,160. Rhone Valley wines are currently on the up in the world of wine. Since the beginning of the year, the wine market specialist saw its WineDex Rhone index jump 5.70%, compared with 5% for the index tracking Burgundy wine prices. The current ranking sees a 1995 Cuvee Cathelin from the Jean-Louis Chave estate, sold for 2,880, take 14th place, while the 2000 vintage, which sold for 2,220, came in 22nd place. Executive sturm und drang aside, Fox News is still head and shoulders ahead of its competition as far as coverage of the Republican National Convention is concerned. But CNN is shrinking the gap considerably. From 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the third night of the RNC, during which former Republican candidate for president Ted Cruz opted not to endorse his partys nominee, Fox News averaged 5.81 million total viewers to CNNs 3.03 million. For Fox News, thats actually a slight decrease from the same night of 2012s RNC. For CNN, though, thats more than double their total viewer average (1.12 million) from 2012. In the 25-54 demographic the one that matters to cable news advertisers the increase is even more massive at CNN: 342,000 to 894,000. Fox News still won, with 1.31 million 25-54 viewers, but it, too, was down in that demo from 2012 (1.42 million). MSNBC, perhaps unsurprisingly, lags behind its cable and broadcast counterparts, though it too, is up from 2012, and by a large margin. In 2012, the third night of its coverage brought in 1.3 million viewers more than CNN, it should be pointed out with 367,000 of those viewers falling into the 25-54 demo. Wednesday night, it pulled in 1.65 million total and 425,000 demo viewers, an increase of 37% and 38%, respectively. The broadcast networks didnt start covering the convention until 10 p.m., and speeches that ran long pushed coverage to about 11:15 p.m., likely resulting in some tune-out. Ratings for the cable networks were even higher during that portion of the evening: Fox News averaged 7.34 million, CNN 3.5 million and MSNBC 1.98 million. Fox News beat all three broadcasters, while CNN finished ahead of ABC and CBS. All told, including CBS, NBC and ABC (just around 10 million), total viewership weighed in at 23.37 million souls, per Nielsen. Thats up slightly from 2012, which saw 21.94 million tune in for VP pick Paul Ryans grand debut. Both pale in comparison to 2008s third night, however, when 37.24 million people watched the introduction of then-Alaska governor Sarah Palin as presidential nominee John McCains running mate. Story continues Unlike most other aspects of the current election, these ratings fluctuations dont defy explanation. More philosophical minds might point to a sort of rubberneck effect, as people anticipated Cruzs endorsement of Trump, which never materialized, resulting in resounding jeers. The jump for CNN is stark, however. There are a few factors that could be at play: One is the person in charge of the network now CNN Worldwide president Jeff Zucker came in just after the 2012 election and immediately put in place a more ratings-sensitive programming strategy to try and reverse years of declines. Another is that, contrary to the prevailing narrative of a corrosive schism in the collective American psyche that has led the country to a more partisan bent, perhaps more of the public now wants to watch what it might perceive as middle-of-the-road coverage. Or it could just be that more people watching TV in general means more people watching something like the convention, and the fact that CNN gained the bigger share is just a coincidence. Related stories Colony Capital's Tom Barrack Hails Donald Trump at Republican Convention Peter Thiel to GOP Convention: 'I'm Proud to Be Gay' Read Donald Trump's Prepared Nomination Acceptance Speech In a heartbreaking message and photo, Zelda Williams is honoring her beloved late father, Robin Williams, on what would have been his 65th birthday. "Still not really sure what to do on days like these ... " Zelda, 26, wrote in a lengthy Instagram post shared Thursday alongside a vintage black-and-white photo of Williams goofing off with her younger self alongside brothers Zach and Cody. The Oscar winner died by suicide in August of 2014 at his home in Tiburon, California. His widow, Susan Williams, later told PEOPLE he was struggling with Lewy Body Dementia, a neurodegenerative disease that causes fluctuations in mental status, hallucinations and impairment of motor function. RELATED: 'It Was Not Depression That Killed Robin,' Says Widow Susan Williams In Thursday's message, Zelda explained that she has found one way to honor her father's memory: donating to causes close to his heart. "I know I can't give you a present anymore, but I guess that means I'll just have to keep giving them in your name instead," she wrote. "This year, I tried to help three causes you cared about in one; rescue dogs, people suffering from disabilities, and our nation's wounded veterans, so I donated to freedomservicedogs.org." The Dead of Summer star went on to explain that the charity rescues dogs "from shelters and train them so that they can be paired with someone in dire need of their help and companionship. Thought you'd get a kick out of furry, four legged friends helping change the world, one warrior in need at a time." Zelda made her grief clear as she concluded her message: "Happy birthday Poppo. Shasha, Zakky, Codeman and I all love you and miss you like crazy. Xo" ZURICH (Reuters) - Britain's decision to leave the European Union threatens to undermine its position as a center for drug research and UK patients could fall behind others in Europe in getting access to new drugs, Roche's chief executive said. Currently, new drugs are approved by the European Medicines Agency, but in future Britain may have to set up its own drug approval system and the country could move to the back of the queue for new medicines, industry executives say. "If certain cutting edge innovative medicines do not become part of the standard of care in the UK, this hampers research and development," Roche CEO Severin Schwan said on Thursday, after reporting first-half results. Britain has a strong reputation for medical research but it is already a difficult market for launching expensive new drugs, such as the modern cancer treatments produced by Roche. Schwan warned that if up-to-date therapies were not generally available in the UK then it would not be possible to conduct clinical trials in the country, since researchers needed to compare test drugs to the best existing standard of care. (Reporting by Ludwig Burger; Editing by Adrian Croft) Roger Ailes has resigned as chairman and CEO of Fox News Channel effective immediately. 21st Century Fox Executive Co-Chairman Rupert Murdoch will assume his responsibilities. The man credited with founding the network exits in disgrace amid a lawsuit filed on July 6 by former Real Story host Gretchen Carlson, who accuses her erstwhile boss of sexual harassment. 21st Century Fox swiftly opened an ongoing investigation into the claims that remains ongoing. Roger Ailes has made a remarkable contribution to our company and our country. Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organization and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years, Murdoch said in a statement obtained by TheWrap. Also Read: Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity May Leave Fox News if Roger Ailes Departs Carlsons lawsuit against Ailes claims he sexually propositioned her, then fired her in retaliation after she complained about discrimination and harassment. Ailes has called her claims false and offensive, and promised a vigorous defense. While numerous Fox News employees have publicly defended Ailes, Megyn Kelly was oddly silent until a New York magazine report, also by Sherman, claimed she, too, was harassed by Ailes. Until a permanent replacement for the decades-long chairman is named, Murdoch has commandeered the reins of Fox News and Fox Business channels. To ensure continuity of all that is best about Fox News and what it stands for, I will take over as Chairman and acting CEO, with the support of our existing management team under Bill Shine, Jay Wallace and Mark Kranz, Murdoch said. Shine has been mentioned as Ailes likely successor. Also Read: Gretchen Carlson on Sexual Harassment: 'We Will Not Be Silenced' (Video) Ailes is set to get about $40 million as part of a severance agreement, according to media reports. That sum essentially equals the amount of money that he is still due under his current employment contract, which was set to expire in 2018. His departure deal also includes a provision that he not start a Fox News competitor, and he will remain as an interim adviser to Rupert Murdoch. Story continues Ailes is a television and Republican icon whose departure from Fox News represents a precipitous fall from grace. He started his career as a staffer on The Mike Douglas Show back in 1962 and was the programs executive producer by 1967. While working on the program, Ailes developed a relationship with Richard Nixon and eventually worked on his presidential campaign. Ailes has been a prominent member of the GOP ever since, working on several campaigns including George H.W. Bushs successful 1988 presidential bid. He withdrew from political consulting in 1992, but is rumored to have advised Republican leaders in the years since, notably George W. Bush following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Also Read: Megyn Kelly Told Investigators Roger Ailes Sexually Harassed Her, Too (Report) Ailes is credited with bringing opinion back to news coverage, starting with Americas Talking, an NBC-owned network that eventually became CNBC. Ailes has also produced Broadway plays, served as president of CNBC and hosted a short-lived talk show during his career. Ailes was named the founding CEO of Fox News in 1996 and the network quickly gained popularity while he called the shots. Fox News is now regularly among the most-watched networks in all of cable and dominates the cable news category. Related stories from TheWrap: Murdochs to Fox News Chief Roger Ailes: Resign or Be Fired (Report) Roger Ailes vs Gretchen Carlson: Supporters on Each Side of the Sexual Harassment Lawsuit (Updating Photos) 5 Most Shocking Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Roger Ailes From Roger Ailes to Peter Thiel It could be a moment for the GOP. Two high-profile Republicans, moving in opposite directions. On the one hand you have Peter Thiel, 48, a super-smart, super-successful, gay businessman addressing the convention his profile on the rise. On the other hand, Roger Ailes, 76, being pushed out for unacceptably boorish behavior. Ailes reign as head of Fox News, and as such the Lord Mayor of the Conservative media, is apparently over. So, is it really the case that the Republican Party has become gulp PC? Maybe just a little bit, though I wouldnt read too much into it. It is true that sexual propositioning by a boss just doesnt fly anymore in mainstream American business. Most Republicans would agree with that. And its even true that same-sex marriage is not the same hot-button issue for many Republicans it used to be, particularly among young Republicans. But truth be told, both Ailes and Thiel are outliers. Ailes alleged sex-for-jobs offer is so blatant that its indefensible. You can imagine some old guy still trying to claim that a comment about a womans outfit is harmless, but imagine trying to pass off the old sex-for-money ploy. (Oh come on, whats wrong with suggesting that someone should have sex with me for a better job? Um, how about everything.) As for Thiel, he really is a category of one. Historically a Libertarian who gave tons of money to Ron Pauls super PAC and supported Carly Fiorina, Thiel is a founder of Paypal and Palantir, and the first outside investor in Facebook. Hes an iconoclasts iconoclast, advocating offshore communities and suggesting that college is unnecessary, among other think different ideas. Hes also a really interesting guy. A few years ago, I had breakfast with Thiel in his luxurious home in a posh neighborhood of San Francisco. A chef of some sort prepared what Thiel described as a caveman breakfast, (I think it was right before the word paleo was introduced), which consisted of poached egg over some greens and other raw items. (Um, good!) We talked about everything under the sun, from technology to government (his two favorite subjects) to aging and education. Story continues In another Peter Thiel moment I recall well, Thiel was pitted against Google executive Eric Schmidt at a panel at a Fortune conference. They were arguing whether technology was creating opportunities for all, with Schmidt saying yes and Thiel saying not so much. Thiel soon enough edged the debate towards ad hominem attacks of Schmidt calling him Googles minister of propaganda. Thiel is of course also now famous infamous, really for funding Hulk Hogans lawsuit against Gawker. This, because a Gawker site sought to out Thiel years ago. As for Roger Ailes, hes certainly made his own mark too, reinventing and rewriting the rules of cable news for one. Those who know him call him brilliant too. I remember I was at a salon on the Upper East Side of Manhattan with him a few years ago. We were asked to go around the room and introduce ourselves. When it was Ailes turn, he paused a moment for effect and said quite loudly, My name is Anderson Cooper. Some guests laughed, some looked bewildered, while others rolled their eyes. So yes, you could argue that Thiel is the wax to Ailes wane in the Republican Party. But really the two men are more like one-offs, which if you think about, points to an issue for the GOP. The party is trying to unite right now, but around what can it coalesce? Andy Serwer is editor-in-chief of Yahoo Finance. Read more: Heres the book every CEO is reading this summer One of the worlds foremost terrorism experts warns theres angst in the C-Suite Were suffering the consequences of too much democracy Pitching a product to Walmart even makes Bo Jackson nervous Heres why the government should give everybody $1,000 a month Munger: Trumps behavior represents a form of sickness 1:13 PM PDT 7/21/2016 by Marisa Guthrie The news chief exits the network after a 20-year career building Fox News into a ratings titan and financial powherhouse for boss Rupert Murdoch. Ailes downfall began after former anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit against him, and other anchors began to speak out about inappropriate behavior. Roger Ailes, the television impresario who built Fox News into a financial and ratings juggernaut, will leave the network he spent 20 years building under a cloud of sexual harassment accusations. The announcement that Ailes is resigning came Thursday (July 21) from 21st Century Fox, the networks corporate parent, after weeks of uncertainly about Ailes future at the company. The announcement said hell step down immediately, with Rupert Murdoch assuming the role of chairman and acting CEO of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network. Terms of the exit agreement have not been released, but Gabriel Sherman, New York magazines Ailes chronicler, reports that the embattled executive may get a massive $60 million payout to walk away. That sum is considerably more than the $40 million that sources tell THR that the 76-year-old owed on his current contract that originally extended into 2018. Ailes exit marks the end of an era at Fox News Channel, the cable news landscape overall and at 21st Century Fox, where the news chief has enjoyed a long and close relationship with Rupert Murdoch. It was Murdochs idea to start a conservative cable news network more than 20 years ago, tapping Ailes, who shared Murdochs conservative ideology, to execute it. But since the 85-year-old Murdoch last summer ceded day-to-day control of 21st Century Fox to his sons James and Lachlan, many observers have predicted that Ailes days were probably numbered. The powerful Fox News chief never had a warm relationship with the Murdoch sons and it was often combative, according to insider accounts. He immediately chafed at reporting to them and after a public power struggle in the days after James was elevated to CEO and Lachlan to executive chairman, the company announced that Ailes would in fact report to all three Murdochs. Rupert Murdoch retains the title of executive co-chairman. Story continues In an interview with THR last summer, Lachlan Murdoch praised Ailes business acumen: The business hes built, and the channels hes built, are terrific. We have a huge regard for him, and hes done a great job. And certainly the priority at 21st Century Fox is to keep the network running smoothly through the transition. Ailes has created a business that contributes almost 25 percent to the bottom line of 21st Century Fox, the single most profitable asset in the companys portfolio. Fox News and Fox Business generated $900 million in ad revenue, $1.5 billion in affiliate revenue and $2.5 billion in total revenue last year, according to data from SNL Kagan. Their operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA) totaled $1.6 billion. (In comparison, Time Warners CNN and HLN generated $600 million in ad revenue, $700 million in affiliate fee revenue and $1.4 billion overall, with around $500 million in OIBDA.) The next task is to put a succession plan in place. And multiple internal candidates have emerged, top among them, New York Post publisher Jesse Angelo, who enjoys a close relationship with the Murdochs (he was the best man at James Murdochs wedding), as well as Bill Shine, a longtime Fox News executive who runs primetime programming and also oversees Fox Business Network and Jay Wallace, who in April was promoted to executive vp news and editorial. David Rhodes, a former Fox News staffer who is now president of CBS News, is the lone external name floated, but he is under contract at CBS for the foreseeable future. And sources have dismissed reports that the Murdochs would bring in someone from their British broadcaster Sky. Whoever takes over will obviously have their hands full. Megyn Kelly is currently in contract talks and the rest of the Fox News primetime hosts - Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity and Greta van Susteren - all have clauses in their contracts that allow them to exit if Ailes does. It is an unusual wrinkle that has not gone unnoticed by Wall Street. Pivotal Research Group analyst Brian Wieser wrote in a July 20 report that the strong political cycle gives Fox News a fortuitous headwind during the transition. But he also acknowledged that a disruption of this nature may introduce some challenges. Reports that the units CEO is set to depart in the wake of sexual harassment allegations introduce concerns for investors beyond the allegations themselves. Fox News is more heavily dependent on its CEO for its personality and operations than are most other networks. Because of this, the network has historically operated as an independent fief, and many of the networks highest profile on-air commentators evidently prioritize loyalty to its current leader rather than to the parent company. These elements lead investors to question whether recent developments create new risks. The city of Rome has issued a permanent ban on gladiator impersonators who are accused of trolling camera-wielding tourists and fleecing them of cash after posing for photos. It was one of the first orders of business for the city's new mayor Virginia Raggi, who has made cleaning up the city one of her top mayoral priorities. Though the faux-gladiators were banned last November by the interim mayor, the edict expired in June. Raggi announced the permanent ban in a Facebook post this week when the order was passed, writing, "Rome is finally off and running!" The move to ban the costumed gladiators altogether comes following a string of complaints from tourists, some of whom claim they were duped into coughing up 50 euros for a photo by the fast-talking, aggressive pitchmen. Some scams include approaching tourists with the promise that they won't be charged any money. Once the photo is taken, however, the actors become aggressive, demanding cash in exchange for the photo. Local English news site thelocal.it also points out that gladiators have been caught groping female tourists, or robbing them from under their noses. Last winter, a film crew from Romania captured a scam on camera after posing for photos with a gladiator. The impersonator demanded 100 for the photo and snatched 50 from a crew member's wallet when he refused. Offenders who break the ban will be fined up to 400. Tourists visiting the city will likewise be spared scams from unlicensed and unscrupulous rickshaw tour operators. hillary clinton Hillary Clinton's campaign quickly slammed Donald Trump's suggestion that a Trump administration might violate the US's agreement to automatically come to the protection of a NATO ally who is attacked. In an interview published by The New York Times on Wednesday night, the Republican presidential nominee suggested that if a small NATO country were attacked by Russia on his watch, he would not defend it unless it had "fulfilled their obligations to us." The underpinning of the NATO alliance, which was formed as a bulwark against the Soviet Union in 1949, stipulates that an attack on one nation is an attack on all, warranting a military response from all 28 member states. In a statement on Thursday morning, Clinton senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan skewered Trump's response, saying that past NATO proponents like President Ronald Reagan would be horrified by Trump's suggestion. "Ronald Reagan would be ashamed," Sullivan said. "Harry Truman would be ashamed." He added: "Republicans, Democrats, and Independents who help build NATO into the most successful military alliance in history would all come to the same conclusion: Donald Trump is temperamentally unfit and fundamentally ill-prepared to be our commander-in-chief." This isn't the first time Trump has expressed skepticism about NATO. In an interview with Bloomberg earlier in the campaign, Trump suggested that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization "may be obsolete." "NATO was set up a long time ago, many, many years ago. Things are different now," Trump said. "We're paying too much." Trump's criticism of NATO is rooted in the fact that after the end of the Cold War some member nations began failing to spend 2% of their annual gross domestic product on defense, a requirement to remain in NATO. With an increasingly aggressive Russia, however, some key member states have upped their defense spending at the urging of the Obama administration. Story continues Experts argue that the outsize American role in NATO allows the US to maintain outsize influence over the vision and direction of NATO operations. Throughout the campaign, Trump has regularly expressed skepticism with longtime strategic partnerships with other nations, claiming that the US takes on too much military burden with Western Europe and countries like Japan and South Korea. The Republican presidential nominee has floated the idea of countries like Japan becoming nuclear powers to defend themselves from attack. "Maybe they would be better off including with nukes, yes, including with nukes," Trump said on "Fox News Sunday" in April. NOW WATCH: Heres the footage that Republicans suggest shows Hillary Clinton lied under oath More From Business Insider How many people around the world know there will soon be a new U.N. Secretary-General? How many care? Perhaps public interest is low because the announced candidates are all thoughtful, experienced women and men with grand ideas. None of them have held a campaign rally to ignite the faithful to build border fences. None have promised to flush the heads of criminals down the toilet or tweeted unflattering photos of an opponents wife. Or maybe its because many people, far more aware of the U.N.s failures than its crucial successes, think the U.N. is irrelevant. Nor is this an ordinary vote. Secretaries-General are not popularly elected. Formally, its not an election at all. The U.N. calls it a selection processthough candidates are actively seeking the office, and there is certainly competition. The candidates audition before the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, known as the P5: the U.S., China, Russia, Britain and France. The 10 non-permanent Security Council members also have their say. The choice is discussed and decided at a private meeting, according to Rule 48 of the Security Council Provisional Rules of Procedure. Any of the P5 can blacklist any candidate for any reason. Once the five settle on a candidate that none of them want to block, they present their selections name to the 193-member General Assembly for a ratification that is a fait accompli. Traditionally, all other candidates withdraw their names to clear a path. For most of us, this is an opaque process with a predictable result: one more vaguely known U.N. chief, offering a vision of the future best compared to elevator music. Given this process, and the reality that Secretaries-General cant really do anything without support from the P5, its amazing that some of them have actually accomplished important things. The U.N. has faced criticism for decades, some of it justified. Its been called a corruption-plagued bureaucratic labyrinth, an organization led by five powerful countries interested mainly in thwarting one anothers plans, and administered by functionaries obsessed with protocol and lacking in common sense. Current Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is most often accused of timidity and an eagerness to please the permanent membersthe U.S. in particular. At times, he has shown enough independence to criticize the governments of Russia, Israel and Saudi Arabia, but he tends to back off when his words draw angry responses. Story continues Heres why the race to succeed him matters. No, the U.N. will not solve all the worlds current problems. There is little reason to be optimistic that the U.N. can broker peace in Syria, end the migrant crisis, resolve tensions in the South China Sea or solve any of our most pressing problems. But in a world where the most powerful countries are deeply distracted, where international cooperation so often falls short and where millions of innocents pay the heaviest price for the worlds turmoil, the U.N. has never been more important. If the U.N. cant move mountains, it can improve the lives of millions by helping to create the kind of world in which as many people as possible can seize the opportunity to realize their human potential. There is a distinguished field of candidates looking to replace Ban when he retires on Dec. 31, and there is new pressure on the U.N. this year to make the election process more transparent. To understand why the choice is so important, lets start with a look at the current state of the world. There is no greater wellspring of trouble in todays world than Syrias civil war. This killing field has drawn limited involvement from the U.S., France, Britain, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey and others. The vacuum of power created within Syrias borders has pulled in ISIS and other terrorist organizations. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed. Millions have been forced from their homes but remain within Syria or neighboring countries. Many more desperate people have headed for Europe, shifting the politics of every member of the European Union. U.N.-brokered peace talks have stalled, mainly because participating governments cant agree on what a future Syria should look like. The need for stability brings outsiders to the table, but their competing interests keep agreement beyond reach. And none of them are willing and able to accept the high costs and many risks that come with direct military intervention to end the war. As talks break down, the U.N. shares public blame. But the failure of talks is not the fault of the U.N., which has no power to force member states to agree on anything. More important, it is in minimizing the resulting human miseryand in investing in the future of other developing countries to minimize the risk of future conflictsthat the U.N. plays its crucial role. And it is through the U.N. that the most powerful can do most to help. The U.N. will have its hands full in coming years, because none of the worlds most powerful governments are looking to expand their international role. After long and costly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Washington will avoid any long-term commitment of troops and taxpayer dollars for the foreseeable future. E.U. leaders, faced with a cresting wave of challenges inside Europe, are not looking abroad for new adventures. Chinas leaders, fully occupied with a complex, high-stakes domestic economic-reform process, have no interest in taking on unnecessary risk. Russia will act forcefully only where Vladimir Putin believes his countrys interests and national prestige are at stake. Nor are these and other countries more likely to cooperate with one another, because cooperation requires domestically unpopular compromise and sacrificeand there are few issues on which their near-term interests obviously converge. In this leaderless world, the U.N. and its agencies have never been more important. The World Food Programme (WFP) has helped feed millions of hungry people and sharply increased its emergency-response speed and efficiency in recent years. In 2015, WFP provided food for more than 6 million refugees and more than 16 million people on the move inside their own countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) is probably best known for its work on the front lines of health crises like outbreaks of the Ebola and Zika viruses. But its most important accomplishments are contributions to achievement of the U.N.s Millennium Development Goals. Just a few signs of progress: The percentage of underweight children less than 5 years old in developing countries fell from 28% in 1990 to 17% in 2013. The number of children who died before their fifth birthday fell from 12.7 million in 1990 to 6.3 million in 2013, in part because the WHO has made unprecedented investment in immunizations in poorer countries. The number of women who died from pregnancy or childbirth fell from 532,000 in 1990 to more than 300,000 in 2015. The number of people who died from HIV fell by 43% between 2003 and 2015. Malaria deaths fell 48% between 2000 and 2015, in part because the WHO helps provide access to medicine and clean drinking water. UNICEF, the U.N. Childrens Fund, helps treat malnourished children and provides needed vaccines, access to safe water, access to education and mental-health care for millions of kids who need them. At a time when there are more displaced people on the move worldwide than at any time in history, the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) assisted 12.3 million refugees in 2015 and 37.4 million more who were internally displaced. The World Bank provides grants, credits and low-interest loans to developing countries to help them finance the infrastructure productsroads, bridges, ports, schools and hospitalson which economies and citizens depend. In the process, it creates jobs and promotes good health, good nutrition, and access to education and training. It helps people in these countries connect with one another and the outside world by investing in modern communication tools. The International Labor Organization (ILO) promotes the rights of workers around the world by pressing governments to comply with international standards for safety and fairness. Peacekeeping will be even more critical in the years ahead. U.N. peacekeeping operations have generated controversy in recent years, with the failure to prevent the murder of civilians in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, and allegations of sexual abuse committed by U.N. peacekeepers in Africa in 2014 and 2015. But the nearly 120,000 peacekeepers serving in danger zones in Africa, South Asia, southeastern Europe and elsewhere provide a crucial stopgap in places where the governments of member states are deeply reluctant to become directly involved. The next Secretary-General will take his or her seat at an especially interesting moment in the history of the Security Council. The U.K. has voted its way out of the European Union, leaving questions about whether it makes any sense that Britain should have a vote while Germany, India and others do notor that France will be the European Unions only voice among the P5. Reform of the Security Councilthe admission of new permanent members, in particularhas been discussed for years. The current members have a clear interest in blocking any demands that they share their veto privileges, but the Brexit vote has pushed the Security Council further out of date. U.N. failures have made headlines for many years. Rightly so. But we shouldnt lose sight of the U.N.s value in an increasingly volatile and violent world or of achievements that dont make front-page news. Nor should we ignore the need for a Secretary-General who can provide quality leadership for the entire organization. The choice of Secretary-General matters, even if the man or woman who holds this position remains in many ways a servant of the P5, because effective leadership of any organization begins at the top. Transparency, accountability, efficiency and effectiveness are not sexy attributes. But where the U.N. is concerned, these qualities save and improve large numbers of lives in a world where emergency relief is both necessary and in short supply. It matters that a number of the current candidates already have important leadership experience inside the organization. The candidates are an impressive group. Listed alphabetically, they are: Irina BokovaBulgarias former Foreign Minister Helen ClarkNew Zealands former Prime Minister Natalia GhermanMoldovas former Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Antonio GuterresPortugals former Prime Minister Vuk JeremicSerbias former Foreign Minister Srgjan KerimMacedonias former Foreign Minister Miroslav LajcakSlovakias Foreign Minister Igor LuksicMontenegros former Prime Minister and current Foreign Minister Susana MalcorraArgentinas Foreign Minister Vesna PusicCroatias former Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Danilo TurkSlovenias former President Christiana Figueresformer head of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change It is expected that former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will soon join this list of candidates as well. Each candidate has a patron. Bulgarias Bokova is thought to be Russias first choice. New Zealands Clark is said to be Britains favorite. Washington apparently favors Argentinas Malcorra. Whats almost certain, though, is that there will be change with the new Secretary-General. The previous eight leaders of the U.N. have all been men, and none have come from Eastern Europe. Thats partially why so many of these candidates are women, East European or both. But far more important than their gender or native country is the experience each can bring to the job. Bokova is the current Director-General of UNESCO. Clark runs the U.N. Development Programme. Guterres is a former U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. Jeremic and Kerim are former presidents of the General Assembly. Malcorra has served as current Secretary-General Bans chief of staff. While being a former head of state might look more impressive, deep experience with a complex bureaucracy is crucial for any bid to make the U.N. run more efficiently and effectively. That may not sound like a grand aspiration, but U.N. effectiveness truly matters for the world. The job of U.N. Secretary-General is becoming more important, and we can hope that the permanent members of the Security Council will base their choice not on regional background, gender or a lowest-common-denominator approach to bargaining but on strong leadership skills. The U.N. deserves a leader who will help the organization better provide the essential services and protections the world so badly needs while investing wisely in human potential around the world to make them much less necessary. From Popular Mechanics During the Second World War, the United States sent thousands of tanks and armored vehicles to the Soviet Union as military aid. The flow of arms and equipment was vital in keeping the Soviet Union in the fight, and ultimately 4,102 M4 Sherman medium tanks were sent to the Eastern Front-where they were known as Emchas. One tank that didn't make it was traveling on the Liberty Ship SS Thomas Donaldson. Liberty Ships were military cargo ships designed for mass production, hauling cargo from the Pacific to the Persian Gulf. The Thomas Donaldson left Scotland on March 11th, 1945 bound for a port on Russia's Kola peninsula. Just twenty miles from port, the ship was sunk by a German U-boat. Several Emchas were on board, and in 2014 one of them was recovered and brought to the surface. The tank is an M4A2 Sherman, equipped with a 76-millimeter gun. Although both gasoline and diesel versions of the Sherman were produced, most sent to Russia were diesel and indeed the angled slope of the back of the hull indicates a diesel engine hides underneath. The M4A2 is in surprisingly good shape for having been immersed in salt water for the last 70 years. That's not surprising-aid recipients from the UK to the USSR reported that American-delivered equipment was always immaculately packed and secured for travel-especially against saltwater corrosion. As a bonus treat, Soviet tankers reported that Emchas often arrived with a special gift stuffed in the main gun's breech: souvenirs from America, and sometimes even a bottle of whiskey. H/T Atlas Obscura By Maria Tsvetkova MOSCOW (Reuters) - Two ancient monuments in the Syrian city of Palmyra were so badly damaged by Islamic State that they can only be rebuilt using substantially new materials, Russian officials said on Thursday. If that were to happen, many historians would view the monuments as mere replicas, shorn of the ancient heritage of the original structures. Experts from Russia's Culture Ministry have assessed the damage in Palmyra after the UNESCO world heritage site was recaptured from Islamic State in March. Retaking Palmyra was the first significant victory over Islamic State by Syrian forces with support from the Russian military. It was celebrated with a concert by Russian musicians in Palmyra's ancient amphitheatre a month after the battle. One of the symbols of Palmyra, the Greco-Roman Temple of Bel, founded in the first century, "can be hardly restored", the Russian experts said in a report presented on Thursday. "A recreation of the monument can only be made by its reconstruction using designs and photographs after preliminary clearing of the building's ground," the report said. This will require at least 3-4 years and "significant financing", the experts added, estimating that the rebuilding of another key monument, the Arch of Triumph, would be possible within 9-12 months. "After the re-creation of the monument it will 60-70 percent consist of new materials," the report said about the arch, whose vaults it said were "fully destroyed" by an explosion. Some original fragments of the nearly 2,000-year-old Temple of Baalshamin could be restored in 2-3 months, they said. A decision on which works will be rebuilt has not been made yet, Russian Deputy Culture Minister Vladimir Aristarkhov told a news conference also attended by the Syrian ambassador to Moscow. Aristarkhov called on other countries, including ones in the West opposed to President Bashar al-Assad, to take part in discussions on the restoring the ruins in Palmyra, including how such work would be funded. (Editing by Alexander Winning and Robin Pomeroy) Washington (AFP) - A convicted Russian agent was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to illegally exporting advanced electronics with military applications. A federal judge in Brooklyn also ordered Alexander Fishenko, a dual US and Russian national, to surrender more than $500,000 in proceeds from the sale of goods to people with suspected ties to the Russian defense forces. "Alexander Fishenko illegally shipped millions of dollars of high-technology products to Russian military affiliated actors in clear violation of United States law," John Carlin, the assistant attorney general for national security, said in a statement. Fishenko was charged in 2012 along with 10 others and two corporations -- ARC Electronics Inc and Apex Systems LLC -- over millions of dollars in exports that federal prosecutors said were disguised as civilian transactions. He pleaded guilty in September to a 19-count indictment in which he was charged with acting as an undeclared Russian agent and conspiring to export controlled microelectronics to Russia. Five other defendants had previously pleaded guilty, three others were convicted at trial in October and three others remain at large. Though Fiskenko's company ARC portrayed itself as a maker of traffic lights, between 2008 and 2012 he led a conspiracy to export advanced microelectronics frequently used in detonation triggers, radar and surveillance as well as missile guidance systems, according to prosecutors. The company is now defunct. The case comes as strategic and security relations between Moscow and Washington have been on tenterhooks over conflicts in Ukraine and Syria. By Freya Berry LONDON (Reuters) - SABMiller's (SAB.L) board will review its $107 billion merger deal with Anheuser Busch InBev (ABI.BR) once all regulatory approvals have been secured, its chairman said on Thursday. The two companies received approval on Wednesday from U.S. antitrust regulators, after they agreed to sell assets and preserve competition from independent craft brewers. The companies are now waiting for China's approval. However, the drop in sterling since the UK voted to leave the European Union has reduced the relative appeal of the all-cash offer aimed at most of SAB's shareholders. Shareholders also voiced concerns about a stock-and-cash alternative structure, created as part of the takeover and designed for SAB's biggest investors, cigarette maker Altria (MO.N) and Colombia's Santo Domingo family. At the company's annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday, Chairman Jan du Plessis said the board would consider AB InBev's offer after it had received preconditions from Chinese regulators. The board would also take into account sterling's fall. "We continue to listen to shareholders," du Plessis said, when asked at the meeting if he would reconsider the terms of AB InBev's offer in light of the changed market environment. "The board will take into consideration all relevant facts and circumstances that we think should be considered." The firm would then write to shareholders, he said. A spokesman for SABMiller declined to elaborate further. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday that the company's board was weighing the terms of AB InBev's offer, amid rising shareholder disquiet. Du Plessis described the pending takeover by AB InBev as a "significant distraction", but said the deal was right for the company and its shareholders. Australia, Europe and South Africa have already cleared the deal, which is expected to close by the end of the year. The maker of beers such as Castle Lager, Peroni and Grolsch earlier reported group net revenue fell 4 percent in its first quarter, ended June 30, with volume flat. Story continues Du Plessis defended the deal's partial share alternative (PSA) structure, saying it had been vital for securing approval of the takeover from the two major shareholders. In response to a shareholder question, he said he would "make a point" of asking AB InBev to issue shares as part of a share swap, in order for SABMiller shareholders to have a holding in the newly merged company. (Reporting by Freya Berry; editing by Susan Thomas and Ruth Pitchford) There are few experiences as exhilarating as being part of a small sailing crew. Salt water splashing across your face, wind whipping round your body as you tug on wet ropes, haul up the sails - and off you go. Add to this the competitive edge of a race between 50 boats across the Solent, and you have the ingredients for a once in a lifetime opportunity. If youve ever wanted to try your hand at sailboat racing, its easier than you think. Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is the only regatta where professionals can race against amateurs. Cowes Week, held annually on the small town of Cowes in the Isle of Wight, is one of the UKs longest running and most successful sporting events. Its been held every August since 1826, except during the two world wars. When it began in 1826, just seven yachts sailed. Today, there are 40 races over the week, with around 50 boats and 8,000 competitors taking part, ranging from Olympic medalists to weekend sailors. You dont have to be a professional sailor to take part. Everyone is welcome at Cowes Week, young and old, seasoned pros and those completely new to sailing or who just want to watch the action unfold from the shore, says Cowes Marketing Director Kate Johnson. Sailing is no longer reserved for rich playboys and aristorats. Now, the official charter sailing partner of Cowes Week, Sunsail, offers individual and group places on their boats, and you dont need any previous sailing experience to join in. Dont panic, youll be fully guided through the days racing by an experienced Skipper and mate, so you can impress your friends with newly learnt terms like jibbing (turning the back of the boat into the wind), tacking (turning the front of the boat into the wind) and boom (the long horizontal pole that extends from the bottom of the mast). And if youre lucky enough to own your own boat, you could consider entering for just the final Saturday (13th August) which has always been a popular sailing day for boat owners who havent raced before, or who worry about entering the cut and thrust of the full Cowes Week series for the first time. Story continues And if the idea of washing the salt water out of your hair every night doesnt thrill you, theres always the electric spectator atmosphere on the shore, sipping on chilled glasses of bubbly and enjoying the beautiful Isle of Wight scenery. Over 100,000 people gather to Cowes to watch the race, and the marquees are filled with glamorously themed pop-up bars and restaurants. Then theres the legendary apres-sail the parties where fans and sailors alike celebrate or commiserate the days races. Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week takes place on the 6th to the 13th August 2016, where it will be celebrating its 190th anniversary. For more information, please visit: www.aamcowesweek.co.uk and www.sunsail.co.uk Sallie Mae SLM delivered a positive earnings surprise of 9% in the second-quarter 2016. The Delaware-based company reported core earnings of 12 cents per share, outpacing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny. However, the reported figure plunged 40% year over year. Better-than-expected results were driven by increased net interest income. Continued rise in private education loan originations was among the tailwinds. However, these positives were partially offset by the absence of gains on sales of loans in the quarter, along with higher expenses and a significant rise in provisions. Sallie Mae (formally SLM Corporation) reported core earnings (primarily adjusting for derivatives), attributable to the company's common stock, of $51 million, a significant drop from $86 million in the prior-year quarter. SLM Corporation (SLM) EPS BNRI & Surprise Percent - Last 5 Quarters | FindTheCompany The companys GAAP net income came in at $57 million, down from $91 million in the year-ago quarter. Private Education Loan Growth Boosts Net Interest Income Net interest income amounted to $212.8 million, up 26% year over year. The rise was mainly driven by an increase in the portfolio size of private education loans. Net interest margin increased 33 basis points (bps) year over year to 5.84%. Non-interest income came in at $15.8 million, reflecting a whopping decline of 82% year over year. The decrease primarily reflects absence of gains on sales of loans in the reported quarter, compared with gains on sales of loans of $76.9 million in the year-ago quarter. The companys total expenses increased 5% year over year to $95.0 million. The rise in expenses was mainly due to increased compensation and benefits expenses. Efficiency ratio decreased to 41.6% in the quarter, from 49.9 % in the year-ago quarter. Generally, a lower ratio indicates improved efficiency. Provision for loan losses was $41.8 million, a significant climb from $15.6 million in the prior-year quarter. As of Jun 30, 2016, the private education loan portfolio was $12.2 billion, up 32% year over year. Notably, loan origination increased 10% year over year to $423 million in the reported quarter. Average yield on the loan portfolio was 7.98%, up 2 bps year over year. Delinquencies as a percentage of private education loans in repayment were 2.1%, up from 1.7%. Deposits Rise As of Jun 30, 2016, deposits of Sallie Mae Bank were $11.9 billion, up from $10.3 billion as of Jun 30, 2015. Increases in brokered deposits, along with retail and other deposits, contributed to the rise in deposits. Strong Capital Position As of Jun 30, 2016, Sallie Mae Banks Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and common equity Tier 1 capital were both at 13.5%. Capital ratios exceeded the well capitalized industry benchmark in regulatory requirements. Upbeat 2016 Outlook Sallie Mae provided updated guidance for 2016. The company expects core earnings per share in the range of 5152 cents for the year, up from the prior outlook of 4951 cents. Operating efficiency ratio is expected to improve 10% compared to the previous guidance range of 810%. Private education loan originations are projected to be $4.6 billion for the year, unchanged from the previous guidance. Our Viewpoint Results of Sallie Mae, which started operating independently following the separation of SLM Corporation in Apr 2014, reflects the companys continued focus on increasing private education loan assets and revenues while maintaining a strong capital position and improving efficiency. We believe that Sallie Maes leading position in the student lending market and its focus on solidifying its presence in the consumer banking business space would help it to perform well in the upcoming quarters. The economic recovery and declining unemployment rate should further enhance the prospects of consumer banking. Nevertheless, we remain cautious owing to several issues that the entity is facing. These include a competitive environment in the saturated banking space and the prevailing regulatory headwinds. Story continues SLM CORP Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise SLM CORP Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | SLM CORP Quote Sallie Mae currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Among other firms in the finance space, Regional Management Corp. RM and Ally Financial Inc. ALLY are expected to release results on Jul 26, while World Acceptance Corp. WRLD is expected to release results on Jul 28. 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 SLM CORP (SLM): Free Stock Analysis Report WORLD ACCEPTANC (WRLD): Free Stock Analysis Report ALLY FINANCIAL (ALLY): Free Stock Analysis Report REGIONAL MANAGE (RM): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. (Refiles to remove extraneous text in paragraph 4) SEOUL, July 21 (Reuters) - Samsung Heavy Industries expects to receive an order this year from Eni to build a floating LNG platform to process huge gas reserves in Mozambique, a spokesman said on Thursday, a sign a long-delayed project is moving ahead. Samsung Heavy is in exclusive talks with Eni as part of a consortium with France's Technip and Japan's JGC in a project worth around $5.4 billion. Samsung's share would be worth $2.5 billion, the spokesman said. "We expect the order in the second half of this year," a Samsung Heavy spokesman said on Thursday. Mozambique made one of the biggest gas finds in a decade in 2010, offering the opportunity to transform one of the world's poorest countries into a major LNG exporter. Eni is due to build offshore processing units while U.S. firm Anadarko is planning a vast onshore development. But the projects have faced uncertainty and investors are keenly awaiting long-delayed final investment decisions. Samsung's announcement opens the door for ENI to make its final call this year, which would make Anadarko's development more likely to proceed, industry sources said. The projects could unlock as much as $30 billion of investment. Mozambique is mired in a deep debt crisis and gas investment is the most likely escape route after donors shunned the southern African country for hiding billions of dollars of state borrowing. (Reporting by Joyce Lee; Writing by Joe Brock; Editing by Ed Cropley) SEOUL (Reuters) - Samsung Heavy Industries expects to receive an order this year from Eni to build a floating LNG platform to process huge gas reserves in Mozambique, a spokesman said on Thursday, a sign a long-delayed project is moving ahead. Samsung Heavy is in exclusive talks with Eni as part of a consortium with France's Technip and Japan's JGC in a project worth around $5.4 billion. Samsung's share would be worth $2.5 billion, the spokesman said. "We expect the order in the second half of this year," a Samsung Heavy spokesman said on Thursday. Mozambique made one of the biggest gas finds in a decade in 2010, offering the opportunity to transform one of the world's poorest countries into a major LNG exporter. Eni is due to build offshore processing units while U.S. firm Anadarko is planning a vast onshore development. But the projects have faced uncertainty and investors are keenly awaiting long-delayed final investment decisions. Samsung's announcement opens the door for ENI to make its final call this year, which would make Anadarko's development more likely to proceed, industry sources said. The projects could unlock as much as $30 billion of investment. Mozambique is mired in a deep debt crisis and gas investment is the most likely escape route after donors shunned the southern African country for hiding billions of dollars of state borrowing. (Reporting by Joyce Lee; Writing by Joe Brock; Editing by Ed Cropley) By Anastasia Lyrchikova MOSCOW, July 21 (Reuters) - A state tender for a company to build and operate a power plant in southern Russia attracted no bids partly because firms feared falling foul of EU sanctions should any electricity be diverted to nearby Crimea, industry sources said. The planned plant is primarily designed to supply power to the Krasnodar region of southern Russia, but according to an energy ministry document published last year it could also divert some of its electricity to Crimea, the Ukrainian region that Russian annexed in 2014. That prospect, the sources said, was enough to alarm some of the potential bidders, which included Russian units of Germany's E.ON, Italy's Enel and Finland's Fortum . Some of the potential bidders felt it might put them at risk of being caught up in the sanctions imposed on Russia over the annexation, which prohibit individuals or entities under EU jurisdiction from investing in infrastructure projects in Crimea in the transport, telecoms and energy sectors. "From a political point of view it's a very risky project," said an energy company source, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential internal company deliberations. "The financial terms just didn't justify that kind of risk." By the July 1 deadline set for the tender, no companies had submitted a bid for the contract. Sanctions risk was not the only factor. The industry sources said some were also put off by tight completion deadlines and the financial terms of the deal, which would see firms investing in the project in return for revenue they earn from power generation. Fortum's Russia unit, Enel Russia and the Russian energy ministry, which ran the tender, all declined to comment. E.ON's Russian unit Unipro referred Reuters to comments made by its Chief Executive Maxim Shirokov to Interfax news agency this month, when he said the timescale for the plant was not realistic. A spokeswoman for Fortum in Finland declined to comment on the group's reasons for not participating in the project. Enel in Italy also declined to comment while Uniper, the Germany-based division of E.ON that oversees its Russian operations, said it decided not to take part for economic reasons. Story continues The failure of the tender shows how the sanctions could be making it harder for the cash-strapped country to attract investment in infrastructure projects, even in cases where the projects are not directly linked to Crimea or Russian companies or individuals blacklisted under Western sanctions. Foreign direct investment in Russia fell to $6.5 billion in 2015, from $70 billion in 2013, the year before sanctions were imposed. A company that took on the power plant project might also have to explain to Western suppliers and shareholders - who too may be wary of falling foul of sanctions - why they were building generating capacity that could support supplies to Crimea, according to the energy company source. A second energy company source said that Western suppliers of some of the utilities interested in bidding had warned the firms about the sanctions risk from involvement in the project. PENINSULA The planned site of the power plant is on the Taman peninsula, the part of mainland Russia closest to Russia and also the point from where Russia this year built an undersea electricity cable to Crimea. The plant is one of the last in Russia to be offered under a special financial arrangement, now being phased out, where the operator receives a guaranteed profit margin for 15 years, protecting them from market fluctuations. As late as the end of last year, Maxim Bystrov, head of the Market Council, an association of power industry companies, said of the Taman tender: "There is interest." The list of interested parties, according to company announcements and official statements, included the E.ON, Fortum and Enel units, Russian state power firm InterRao, the Tekhnopromexport unit of Russian state conglomerate Rostec, and an unnamed Chinese investor. The tender was declared null by the energy ministry, which tends to prefer bringing in private companies to build power plants. Several industry sources said the timetable - two-and-a-half years for completion, with fines payable if an overrun exceeds six months - was too tight. Four utility company sources said that on closer examination the financial terms were not as favourable as they had seemed to be initially. The energy ministry has not said how, with the tender having failed, it plans to choose an operator for the plant. Bystrov, the head of the industry body, said the government was considering awarding the contract without a competitive tender. Sources familiar with the situation said the option under consideration was to award the contract to Tekhnopromexport, which is already building new power plants in Crimea itself. Its parent, Rostec is already under Western sanctions. "Why not, if the construction technology has been worked out here, and we're on schedule?" said Vladimir Golubnichy, head of the Tekhnopromexport unit in Crimea's capital, Simferopol, when asked about the firm taking on the Taman plant. "The questions about sanctions issues have already been worked through. Why not take on the project there as well?" he told Reuters in an interview. Bringing in a state-owned firm would likely mean that the Russian government, struggling to fill gaps in its budget because of an economic crisis, misses the opportunity to attract private investment to the project. (Additional reporting by Anton Zverev and Elena Fabrichnaya in Moscow, Jussi Rosendahl in Helsinki, Christoph Steitz in Frankfurt and Agnieszka Flak in Milan; Writing by Christian Lowe; Editing by Pravin Char) From Road & Track Following months of speculation that it would happen, the Sauber F1 team announced today that it's been sold. Motorsport reports that Longbow Finance, a Swiss investment firm, has purchased both founder Peter Sauber and team principal Monisha Kaltenborn's shares, giving it control of the team. And while Kaltenborn will stay on as team principal and CEO, Sauber will step down from the board and will no longer be involved. Speaking to reporters about the sale, Sauber said: Monisha Kaltenborn and I yesterday signed an agreement which secures the future of the Formula 1 Team and the Sauber Group. I am very happy that my courageous investment to buy the team back, which I made six years ago, with the intention to secure the base in Hinwil and the place in Formula 1 has proved to be correct. Kaltenborn then added: We are convinced that Longbow Finance S.A. is the perfect partner to again make the team competitive and successful in Formula 1. At the same time the new structure will allow us to finally further expand our third party business in which we commercialize our know-how. This solution is in the best interest of our employees, partners, loyal suppliers, the base in Hinwil and for the Swiss motorsport. News of this sale likely comes as a relief to Sauber's employees who, earlier this year, were paid late as a result of the team's cashflow issues. And that wasn't the first time the team has struggled. It's had issues for a while, even going so far as to join Force India and Manor in filing a complaint with the European Union over the way F1 pays out earnings. On July 21, 1925, the famous Scopes Monkey trial over teaching evolution in public schools concluded. Mostly remembered today was the clash between two legendary public figures. But the legal fight didnt end that day in Tennessee. scopessite Eventually, the Supreme Court settled many of the issues about the Scopes case in 1968, in a decision called Epperson v. Arkansas. A unanimous Court ruled on the legality of a 1928 Arkansas law that barred teachers in public or state- supported schools from teaching, or using textbooks that discussed human evolution. A teacher in Little Rock, Arkansas had been given textbooks from her administration that taught evolution, and she sought out court guidance about her situation. Justice Abe Fortas, writing the main opinion in the decision, spoke for seven Justices in stating that the Arkansas law violated the First Amendments Establishment Clause. The States undoubted right to prescribe the curriculum for its public schools does not carry with it the right to prohibit, on pain of criminal penalty, the teaching of a scientific theory or doctrine where that prohibition is based upon reasons that violate the First Amendment, Fortas said. Related Story (from 2011): The John Scopes trial: when monkeys go on trial Two other Justices said the law violated the 14th Amendment s Due Process clause or the First Amendments Free Speech Clause. Fortas referenced the Scopes case in the first paragraph of his opinion, noting that the Arkansas law was based on Tennessees monkey law, and that Tennessee Supreme Court eventually tossed aside the verdict reached against John Scopes in Dayton, Tennessee in 1925, in the case, which was called Scopes v. State. In the Scopes case, high school biology teacher John Scopes was charged with illegally teaching the theory of evolution in violation of a state law championed by William Jennings Bryan. The charismatic Bryan was a three-time presidential candidate for the Democratic Party, a former Secretary of State, and widely known orator. In his later years, Bryan led a movement to have the Darwinian evolution theory barred from classrooms. Story continues In March 1925, the anti-evolution group had its first big success when Tennessee Governor Austin Peay signed the first law in the United States to ban the teaching of evolution. The American Civil Liberties Union soon sought to challenge the law in court. The town of Dayton then approached both sides and offered to host the trial, seeking to gain national publicity. That came quickly when Bryan agreed to argue the prosecutions side in person, and two famed attorneys agreed to represent Scopes. Clarence Darrow was the nations most famous defense attorney and his co-counsel was Dudley Field Malone, another noted attorney. The 11-day trial was broadcast live on the radio, a first for that medium, and it generated an enormous amount of national attention. The noted journalist H.L. Mencken covered the affair, coining the phrase monkey trial and other terms that became part of the trials lore. During the testimony, Darrow referred to the First Amendment in his opening remarks, arguing that the Tennessee law violated the Constitutions Establishment clause. Seven days later came the famous two-hour confrontation between Bryan and Darrow over religion, when the trial was moved outside because of the summer heat. The next day, it took the jury nine minutes to convict Scopes. The judge fined Scopes $100, and the ACLU said it would appeal the decision. After the verdict was read, Scopes spoke for the first time at the trial, defending his decision to pursue the case. Any other action would be in violation of my ideal of academic freedom that is, to teach the truth as guaranteed in our constitution, of personal and religious freedom, he said. Five days later, Bryan died after suffering a stroke while he was staying in Dayton. In January 1927, the Tennessee Supreme Court overturned the Scopes decision on a technicality, but it insisted the state law was constitutional that barred teaching evolution in public school classrooms. The Supreme Courts Epperson decision ended part of the argument over teaching evolution in the classroom, but in later years, the debate has shifted to the right to teach creationism in publicly funded schools. The Court has ruled twice that state laws requiring public schools to use a balanced treatment to teach creationism and evolution were unconstitutional. Another debate is over the proper teaching of the theory of intelligent design, which states that an intelligent designer must have played a role in the creation of man and the world. In 2005, a federal judge based in Pennsylvania held that teaching intelligent design violated the First Amendments Establishment clause. U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III said, the overwhelming evidence at trial established that ID is a religious view, a mere re-labeling of creationism, and not a scientific theory. Recent Historical Stories on Constitution Daily 15 constitutional amendments proposed in Republican convention platforms When does the Supreme Court get involved in settling presidential elections? How Philadelphia lost the nations capital to Washington CLEVELAND Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker officially, and somewhat tepidly, endorsed Donald Trump on the convention stage Wednesday, a full 10 months after dropping out of the Republican primary. America deserves better than Hillary Clinton. Walker said. That is why we need to support Donald Trump and Mike Pence for president and vice president. Walker explained his endorsement to the crowd. Last August, I said that any of the Republicans running would be better than Hillary Clinton, he said. I meant it then, and I mean it now. So let me be clear: A vote for anyone other than Donald Trump in November is a vote for Hillary Clinton. Walker has been reluctant to embrace Trump ever since he dropped out of the race last September, dancing around the subject of whether he was fully endorsing him. Just last month, he commented to WKOW about the Clinton-Trump matchup: Its just sad in America that we have such poor choices right now. The Wisconsin governor said he didnt want to endorse Trump until the real estate mogul renounced his comments that a federal judge of Mexican ancestry was unfit to preside over a civil suit against him because of his heritage. Trump never apologized for those remarks, but Walker appears to have come around anyway. He told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that he was pleased with Trumps choice of Pence, a fellow Midwestern governor, as his running mate. He took aim at Clinton in his speech, much of which focused on the presumptive Democratic nominee. Indeed, he mentioned her by name more times he did than Trump. The simple truth is: Liberal Washington insiders created these problems, he said. And Hillary Clinton is the ultimate liberal Washington insider. If she were any more on the inside, shed be in prison. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker shakes hands with a delegate on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Walker rose to national prominence several years ago, when he backed a bill opposing public sector unions and then faced and then survived a 2012 recall election over the issue. Many expected him to be a frontrunner in the Republican primary this year, but his campaign quickly flamed out. Story continues Liz Mair, a Republican consultant who briefly worked for Walkers campaign, said Walker dropped out of the race early in an effort to help the party nominate someone other than Trump. Unlike a lot of other candidates who stayed in the race way too long and divided up the vote, he actually had the foresight to try to solve this, she said. Although Walker quietly went back to Wisconsin politics after dropping out, Republicans say his White House bid was unlikely to be the last time he vies for national office. He may try again for the Republican nomination in 2020, or could seek a cabinet secretary position if Trump wins. (Mair said hed make a good agriculture secretary.) A lot of our guys get nominated the second time around, Mair said of Walkers chances in 2020. _____ Related slideshows: On the ground at the RNC Convention A photo report >>> Armed at the RNC >>> Front pages cover Donald Trumps final primary victory >>> Melania Trump in the convention spotlight >>> Convention floor erupts when no roll call taken to change rules to unbind delegates >>> How newspapers covered the RNCs fiery first day >>> Demonstrators protest outside the RNC >>> Donald Trumps America >>> The U.S. Secret Service is investigating a New Hampshire state representative and Donald Trump adviser who said Hillary Clinton should be shot for treason. Hillary Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot for treason,Al Baldasaro, a Republican from Londonderry, N.H., said Tuesday on the Kuhner Report, a conservative radio show in Boston. Baldasaro, a veteran, has called himself an adviser to Trump on veterans issues, the Washington Post reported. He also defended Trump in May over questions about his promise to donate $1 million to veterans organizations. The U.S. Secret Service is aware of this matter and will conduct the appropriate investigation, said Nicole Mainor, a spokeswoman for the Secret Service, according to the Post. Baldasaro doubled down on the treason comment in interviews on Wednesday, arguing that Clinton endangered Americans as Secretary of State with her use of a private email server and with her response to the 2012 attack that killed four Americans in Benghazi, Libya. The FBI recommended earlier this month that Clinton not face criminal charges over her use of the email server. As far as Im concerned, it is treason and the penalty for treason is the firing squad or maybe its the electric chair now, Baldasaro said in an interview with WMUR, a station in Manchester, N.H. Anyone that commits treason should be shot, he told The Daily Beast. I believe Hillary Clinton committed treason. She put people in danger. When people take confidential material off a server, youre sharing information with the enemy. Thats treason. Hope Hicks, a spokeswoman for Trump, said in a statement reported by the Post that, Mr. Trump and the campaign do not agree that Clinton should be executed. China has, for the seventh time in a row, taken the top prize as the global leader in supercomputing. The Sunway TaihuLight, at the National Supercomputing Center in Wuxi, a city near Shanghai, has clocked a theoretical peak performance of 125.4 petaflops, meaning 1,254 trillion calculations per second. As announced on June 20 on Top500.org, a website considered the industry benchmark for supercomputer rankings, the machine is nearly three times faster than the previous first-place holder, the Chinese Tianhe-2. U.S. media outlets met the latest rankings news with a flurry of alarmed reporting, evoking the tone, if not the terminology, of the Sputnik era. Chinas New Supercomputer Puts the US Even Further Behind, read one Wired headline on June 21. China Beats the U.S. In Supercomputing Prowess, fretted Fortune. There is no U.S.-made system that comes close to the performance of Chinas new system, concluded U.S.-based Computer World on June 20. What the reports dont explain is precisely how supercomputing serves national security interests, which in turn explains why supercomputing advances by a strategic competitor like China arouse such alarm. The classic trinity of supercomputing applications entails cryptography, the design of nuclear weapons, and weather forecasting, Dag Spicer, senior curator at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, told Foreign Policy. Each of these three operations is considered vital to national security, and each of them requires high-performance computers to simulate complex relationships between exceedingly large numbers of particles, entities, or variables. Of the classic trinity, cryptography weighs particularly heavily. Security is only as good as your fastest computer, noted Hansen Hsu, curator of the Center for Software History at the Computer History Museum. Security is always an arms race. Encryption, at its most fundamental level, is premised on creating cryptographic problems so computationally intensive that, while breakable in theory, would require so much time to crack a year or a century as to be essentially unbreakable in practice. But if you could build a computer so powerful that it would change those 100 years into one year, Hsu said, or one year into a couple of weeks, then the equation is different. Supercomputers have also become central to an ever-increasing range of sciences and industries. Our science is driven today by how we simulate things, Jack Dongarra, a world-recognized authority on supercomputing at the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, told FP. Automobile and airframe manufacturers are major users of supercomputers, with companies running niche, computationally intense applications that, among other things, simulate car crashes virtually. Another emergent field within supercomputing is protein folding, a critically important but computationally draining simulation process. Among its many other applications, it allows for understanding the myriad configurations and processes by which proteins fold and also mis-fold, helping scientists better to understand diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinsons. But excelling in such fields is rarely a simple question of which country holds the top slot on Top500.org. As Dongarra put it, being number one or two doesnt matter too much. Quantity does matter, however, in terms of how many high-performance computers a country possesses, and the portfolio of scientific, military, and industrial projects to which they are collectively dedicated. Whats so impressive about Chinas achievements of late is not only speed, Dongarra stressed, but also the sheer number of Chinese-built systems now found somewhere in the Top500.org rankings. With more and more supercomputers being built by and based in China, scientists and industrialists from around the world become more likely to bring their supercomputing needs to the Peoples Republic and not to the United States. (Take the story of genome sequencing, where the Beijing Genomics Institute has become a prime destination for scientists and pharmaceutical companies worldwide.) The question is now whether the global center of gravity for supercomputing will drift towards China, as it already has for genomic mapping. Significant also is Sunways status as the world greenest supercomputer. Sunway is not only the fastest supercomputer ever to be built; it is also the most energy efficient, by far. It operates at a rate of approximately six gigaflops per watt, nearly three times more efficient than the next most efficient system in the top five of the Top500: the Titan supercomputer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which operates at a little over two gigaflops per watt. This has profound implications for the next major challenge in supercomputing, because it opens the door to Exascale computing, which will achieve speeds in excess of one quintillion (one billion billion) floating point operations per second about 10 times faster than Sunways new record. As outlined in a Fall 2010 report by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, advances in exascale computing could drive forward projects ranging from high-precision climate change modeling to the reverse-engineering of the human brain research fields in which, due to the hypercomplexity of the systems being investigated, even petascale computing remains insufficient. Exascale computing is in many ways less a question of computing architecture than of energy and heat. Could we build this machine today? asks Dongarra. The answer is yes, but if you did it today, it would be very expensive. Electricity is one of the main expenses. While petascale computing in the form of Sunway requires approximately 15 megawatts to operate roughly the amount of energy consumed by 1,400 average American homes it has been estimated that exascale computing would require somewhere in the order of 200 megawatts of power, on par with the annual consumption of a small town. As supercomputers become more central to a variety of fields, they will also become more central to national security. Theres little chance Chinas supercomputing prowess will subside any time soon, particularly given its historic strides in energy-efficient supercomputing. Now might be a good time for the United States to stop worrying about Chinas advances, and start learning from them. ERIC PIERMONT/AFP/Getty Images Despite speculations that Selena Gomez's concert in Malaysia might get cancelled, it has been confirmed by ALIFE that it will indeed go on. ALIFE is a non-profit body representing concert organisers in Malaysia. The organisation had released an official statement clarifying that Selena Gomez's show in Malaysia will go on and it will also be "in accordance to the PUSPAL's dress code and performance guidelines." "The industry, ALIFE and government agencies such as PUSPAL, Tourism Malaysia, local councils and police have been working hard to bridge the gap between international events and local sensitivity. We have faith that regulators will be able to do their job without the interference of political parties, politicians and media sensationalism," the statement stated. There will also be security control during the concert to prevent any inappropriately unforeseen event. "In the case of Selena Gomez, the organizer has provided details to government agencies involved in approving events after studying all aspects of the event especially in terms of safety, performer dress code and event location," ALIFE continued. "All permits have already been obtained." Selena Gomez's "Revival Tour" is set to be held at Malawati Indoor Arena, Shah Alam this 25 July 2016. (Photo source: usmagazine.com) Thies (Senegal) (AFP) - The diminutive Isabelle Sambou, Africa's wrestler of the decade, began fighting her brothers, has gone on to battle resistance to women taking part in sport and now wants an Olympic medal. Sambou, who stands just 152 centimetres (five feet) tall, finished fifth in the 48kg freestyle category at the 2012 London Olympics, a result which catapulted her into the spotlight. Last year the International Wrestling Federation proclaimed her African wrestler of the decade. Her obsession began in playground scraps in the dusty streets of Senegal's southern Casamance region where she grew up. "When I was little, I fought my brothers in the sand. One day they looked at me and said 'you're tough, you should try Olympic-style'," she recalled. Now nine-time African champion for her weight category, she recalls how her career has evolved from traditional Senegalese to freestyle wrestling, which she initially refused to try. "Traditional wrestling, that happens in the towns and villages, whereas Olympic wrestling -- you are representing the colours of your flag -- that takes you somewhere else," Sambou said. Her challenges have come not only from her competitors, but from a training environment where equipment and specialists are scarce, in a nation that frowns upon women practising her sport. - Back to basics - While international counterparts enjoy world-class facilities complemented by the top nutritionists and physiotherapists, the pint-sized grappler trains at a small, poorly-lit gym with her sister -- also a wrestler -- in the provincial Senegalese city of Thies. Sambou made it to the Olympic podium despite her modest surroundings, said Ivorian Olympian and director of development for African wrestling Vincent Aka-Akesse. Her entourage now includes Bulgarian trainers well-versed in the techniques she will have to counter among the Russians and Americans who dominate the sport. Her sessions have increased to three a day since she qualified in April for the Rio Games. Story continues "Isabelle is the most experienced on the circuit. Her offense is great and she defends really well. It's all coming together so that she can get a medal -- gold maybe -- this summer," said Bulgarian Nikolay Minchev. Now that Sambou is working with the kind of props and equipment that are standard in other countries: practice dummies, weights and skipping ropes, "there isn't much standing in the way of her and a medal," said Aka-Akesse. "There is just a small way to go and that's why we brought in Eastern European trainers. They have a wrestling culture and know how to prepare for these big competitions," added the former wrestler ,who has represented his native Ivory Coast and France at Olympic level. - 'I've heard it all' - Sambou's regime now involves jogging at 7:00am, a technical session on the mats in the early afternoon, followed by practice bouts with the continent's best male and female competitors. In the evenings, Sambou can be found watching Senegal's own traditional form of wrestling that sees revered fighters brawl in front of packed crowds, with bouts broadcast live. Sambou has never experienced this kind of adulation at home. Women taking part in wrestling are considered unfeminine by most Senegalese, and of failing to concentrate on what is expected: finding a man. "I've heard it all," said Sambou, reeling off the insults she has parried through the years: "You're going to become a man, you will never find a husband..." She is a strict Christian in a Muslim-majority society and keeps an icon of Jesus on the wall of her bedroom Regardless, the wrestler will concentrate on starting a family after Rio. But until then she remains single and her focus remains singular, said Aka-Akesse. "We already know who she's up against, we have the time to work strategically on each of her opponents," he said. Africa has more talent like Sambou, he said, but they need to be harnessed and developed in a structured way with top-flight training. "I am always telling them: you are training to beat the Russians, the Americans, so you have to see what they are doing, how they prepare." DURBAN (Reuters) - International fullback Willie le Roux and influential centre Paul Jordaan have both returned to fitness and been included in the Sharks' starting line-up for the Super Rugby quarter-final against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday. The inclusion of the duo allows Springbok JP Pietersen to return to wing after being forced to play centre for the last three matches and means the Sharks will field the same backline that did duty when they beat the Hurricanes 32-15 in Durban in May. Former Bok Odwa Ndungane is relegated to the bench. Jean-Luc du Preez also returns from injury to replace Tera Mtembu on the side of the scrum in the only other change for the Durban-based team. (Reporting by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Amlan Chakraborty) Ric Bradshaw, Chairman of the Southeast Regional Domestic Security Task Force, Intends to Learn from all Aspects of the Tragedy in Orlando and Incorporate any Changes into the Existing Protocols at his Office WEST PALM BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / July 21, 2016 / Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said the events that transpired at the Pulse nightclub are something his office is prepared to respond to. /> Bradshaw leads the Southeast Regional Domestic Security Task Force. Recently, a group of law enforcement and first responders from the tri-county (Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach) area held their quarterly meeting in Broward County. Created after the 9/11 attacks, the Southeast Regional Domestic Security Task Force is currently chaired by Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and includes more than 200 law enforcement agencies and fire-rescue departments from Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach counties. South Florida's Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), based in Miami, also has satellite offices in West Palm Beach and Fort Pierce. The South Florida unit is one of 104 JTTFs nationwide and, as in the other locales, it is led by the FBI. It includes U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, and many other local law-enforcement agencies. "We will, after the critique is done from Orlando, look at everything they've talked about. If there are new lessons to be learned, we'll incorporate that," he said. Bradshaw said that none of his law enforcement offices have made any changes to their protocols, as yet. According to Bradshaw, not only does law enforcement consistently share intelligence and train together, but their work extends into the private realm to keep you safe. "We also work with business owners that have nightclubs and other establishments to say what's your security protocol? What happens in there? Do you have a way for them to get out, do you have a safe area they can go to," he pointed out. Story continues Bradshaw firmly believes that staying safe begins with the individual. He lives by the motto, "If you see something, say something." "We're going to be prepared to win. Failure is not an option," Bradshaw said. About Sheriff Ric Bradshaw With over 43 years of law enforcement experience, Sheriff Bradshaw has extensive training in all aspects of law enforcement, with special emphasis on domestic security and community-based policing. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw knows that his first and foremost duty is to keep citizens safe. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office provides police services for over 760,000 residents. Covering fifteen districts, the Sheriff's Office is comprised of over 4,300 total employees, including 1,700 sworn deputies, 980 correction officers and more than 1,500 civilians, along with thousands of local volunteers. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw is Chairman of the Florida Sheriffs Task Force for Region 7, Chairman of the Regional Domestic Security Task Force for Region 7, Executive Board member of the FBI's Joint Terrorist Task Force, member of the Medicaid and Public Assistance Fraud Strike Force, among other law enforcement organizations. For more information, please visit http://www.cornerstonesolutionsteam.com/. Contact Info: Name: Jonathan Cooper Email: Jon@cornerstonesolutionsteam.com Organization: Cornerstone Solutions Address: 6917 Vista Parkway North, Suite 1, West Palm Beach, FL 33411 Phone: (561) 252-9191 Video URL: https://youtu.be/IbzapoHhOmE SOURCE: Sheriff Rick Bradshaw The Sherwin-Williams Companys SHW earnings, excluding costs related to the proposed acquisition of Valspar VAL and gains from reduction in income tax provision, were $4.06 per share in second-quarter 2016. Adjusted earnings missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.17. Reported earnings climbed to $3.99 per share from $3.70 a year ago. Improved operating results of the Paint Stores and Global Finishes Groups led to the increase in earnings. However, currency translation rate changes decreased earnings by 2 cents per share in the quarter. Sherwin-Williams, whose well-known brands include Dutch Boy, Minwax and Krylon, recorded net sales of $3,219.5 million in the second quarter, marking a 2.8% year-over-year rise. Revenues, however, missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,276 million. Increased paint sales volumes in Sherwin-Williams Paint Stores Group led to higher sales in the quarter, partly offset by unfavorable currency translation. Currency swings had an unfavorable effect of 1.5% on consolidated net sales. The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) Street EPS & Surprise Percent - Last 5 Quarters | FindTheCompany Segment Review The Paint Stores Group unit registered net sales of $2.11 billion in the reported quarter, up 6.2% year over year. The improvement was driven by increased architectural paint sales volume across all end markets. Net store sales from stores, open for more than 12 calendar months, rose 5.2% from the prior-year quarter. Net sales of the Consumer Group unit fell 2.6% to $477.5 million, mainly due to the initial shipments of HGTV HOME products by Sherwin-Williams to Lowe's stores a year ago. The segments profits reduced due to lower sales and increased SG&A spending, partly neutralized by improved operating efficiencies. Net sales from the Global Finishes Group segment were down 1.3% to $499.2 million in the quarter, mainly due to unfavorable currency impact that hurt sales by 2.6%. Segment profits enhanced year over year, owing to a fall in costs of raw materials and good cost-control, which were partly offset by unfavorable currency translations. Story continues Latin America Coatings Groups net sales declined 11.2% to $133.3 million, mainly due to unfavorable currency translation and less volume, partly mitigated by a higher selling price. Unfavorable currency translation affected sales by 16.4% in the quarter. Segment profit decreased owing to increasing raw material costs and an unfavorable currency translation rate. Financials and Shareholder Returns Sherwin-Williams made no open market purchases of its common stock in the six-month period ending Jun 30, 2016. As of Jun 30, 2016, the company had $402.7 million cash in hand that will be used to finance the Valspar acquisition. Outlook Sherwin-Williams, which is among the leading paint companies, along with PPG Industries Inc. PPG and Akzo Nobel NV AKZOY, expects consolidated net sales to increase a low to mid-single digit percentage in third-quarter 2016, compared with last year's third quarter. The company anticipates earnings per share in third-quarter 2016 to be in the range of $4.10$4.30 per share. Third-quarter earnings per share include costs related to the planned acquisition of Valspar of around 20 cents per share and an increase in earnings per share of about 10 cents related to the decrease in the income tax provision. For 2016, the company expects consolidated net sales to increase by a low-single digit percentage compared with 2015. It raised its earnings per share guidance for 2016 to the range of $11.65$11.85 per share, compared to $11.16 earned in 2015. The full-year guidance include costs related to the expected buyout of Valspar totaling about $1.30 per share and an increase in earnings of about 45 cents per share related to the reduction in the income tax provision. SHERWIN WILLIAM Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise SHERWIN WILLIAM Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | SHERWIN WILLIAM Quote Sherwin-Williams currently carries 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 PPG INDS INC (PPG): Free Stock Analysis Report AKZO NOBEL NV (AKZOY): Free Stock Analysis Report VALSPAR CORP (VAL): Free Stock Analysis Report SHERWIN WILLIAM (SHW): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research The Sherwin-Williams Company SHW makes and distributes paints, coatings and related products, primarily in the North and South America. The company also has operations in the Caribbean region, Europe and Asia. Its well-known brands include Dutch Boy, Minwax and Krylon. Sherwin-Williams strategy is to grow through acquisitions and internal initiatives such as efficient working capital management and innovation. Sherwin-Williams has agreed to buy rival paints maker Valspar for roughly $11.3 billion. The acquisition will allow Sherwin-Williams to strengthen its position as a leading paints and coatings provider globally, leveraging highly complementary offerings, strong brands and technologies. Sherwin-Williams also continues to invest in its Paint Stores Group segment to boost market share. However, Sherwin-Williams' Latin American operation remains exposed to currency headwinds and soft end-market demand. The company is also faced with volatility in raw material costs. Lets have a quick look at this paint companys second-quarter 2016 release. Estimate Trend & Surprise History Investors should note that the earnings estimate for Sherwin-Williams for the second quarter have declined by a penny over the past month. The company has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in 3 of the trailing 4 quarters with an average beat of around 5.84%. SHERWIN WILLIAM Price and EPS Surprise SHERWIN WILLIAM Price and EPS Surprise | SHERWIN WILLIAM Quote Earnings Sherwin-Williams adjusted earnings for the quarter came in at $4.06 per share. Earnings missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.17. Revenues Sherwin-Williams reported revenues of $3,219.5 million, up around 2.8% year over year. That missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,276 million. Key Developments to Note Sherwin-Williams expects net income per share in the third quarter of 2016 to be in the range of $4.10 to $4.30 per share. Third-quarter earnings per share includes costs related to the planned acquisition of Valspar of around 20 cents per share and an increase in earnings per share of about 10 cents related to the decrease in the income tax provision. Story continues For 2016, the company expects consolidated net sales to increase by a low single digit percentage compared with 2015. The company raised its earnings per share guidance for 2016 to the range of $11.65 to $11.85 per share, compared to $11.16 per share earned in 2015. Zacks Rank Currently, Sherwin-Williams has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), but that could change following its earnings report which was just released. Market Reaction Sherwin-Williams shares fell around 3.2% in the pre-market trading following the release. It would be interesting to see how the market reacts to the results during the trading session today. Check back later for our full write up on Sherwin-Williams earnings 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 >> 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 SHERWIN WILLIAM (SHW): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Jenna Bans is on the move. After more than a decade at ABC Studios, the Shondaland alum has signed a two-year overall deal with Universal Television, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Under the pact, Bans will create and develop new projects for the studio. "Jenna Bans was one of the most sought-after writer/producers this development season because of her proven talent. We are thrilled that she chose to set up shop at Universal TV and look forward to a fruitful collaboration with Jenna," new Universal Television president Pearlena Igbokwe said. Bans, who credits include Shondaland dramas Grey's Anatomy and Scandal, branched out on her own and teamed with Shonda Rhimes to create Off the Map at ABC. Most recently, she had drama The Family, which was canceled after one season at ABC. Bans joins her husband, Justin Spitzer, at Universal Television. Spitzer created and serves as showrunner on NBC comedy Superstore, which is produced by the studio. Bans is repped by UTA and Morris Yorn. By Deborah M. Todd and Jeffrey Dastin SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Former Yahoo executive Dan Rosensweig has not worked at the pioneering internet company in nearly a decade. But last week, as Yahoo Inc (YHOO.O) prepared to sell its core internet business, he was sporting a Yahoo T-shirt and, in an interview, reveled in memories of the company's heyday, along with the deep impact its alumni had - and still have - in shaping Silicon Valley. He recalled a workforce that believed "they were doing something that mattered: bringing people information," said Rosensweig, the company's chief operating officer from 2002 until 2007. "I hire as many ex-Yahoos as I can, because I know their commitment, their talent." Rosensweig - now CEO of the online education company Chegg Inc (CHGG.N) - is one of scores of executives around Silicon Valley who still "bleed purple," as many Yahoo alums put it, despite the company's more recent instability and decline. In the formative years of the web, Yahoo was the biggest, richest internet upstart in Silicon Valley, and it incubated a generation of executives. Now, as a sale and possible dismemberment of the company looms, a wave of sorrow and nostalgia is reverberating through the Yahoo diaspora. "People are sad," said Change.org President Jennifer Dulski, who left Yahoo in 2007 after nearly a decade. "Until it really is over, a lot of us believe there will be a chance for resurgence." She compared the emotions surrounding the auction to "when your parents sell your childhood home." Launched in 1994 by two Stanford graduate students, Jerry Yang and David Filo, Yahoo in its early years was the destination of choice for many making their first forays into the world wide web. The company soared, and then crashed in the first dot-com bubble - and then emerged from the rubble as one of the few internet companies with substantial revenues and profits. The peak came in the mid-2000s, many former executives say, with advertisers desperate for a presence in the new online medium filling the company's coffers. But even then, Google (GOOGL.O) was busily undermining Yahoo's core business - helping people find things on the internet. Story continues By 2008, Yahoo was fending off a contentious takeover bid from Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) and struggling to define its mission. That core question was never really answered, leading to years of management instability and shifting priorities. Google, Facebook Inc (FB.O), Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) and a host of new companies, meanwhile, claimed much of the territory that might have been Yahoo's. The auction of the company's core assets - which has drawn bids from Verizon Communications Inc (VZ.N), AT&T Inc (T.N) and others and is expected to conclude by the end of the month - is likely to value them at about a hundredth of what Google-parent Alphabet Inc is worth. The auction does not include Yahoo's valuable stakes in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (BABA.K), the Chinese e-commerce juggernaut, and Yahoo Japan Corp . THE ALUMNI NETWORK Some of the 23 former Yahoo executives interviewed by Reuters carry other emotions, including frustration with all the missed opportunities, and anger over the management dysfunction that has plagued the company for a decade. Still, many former employees remember the Yahoo of a certain era as a special place, pointing to a youthful energy, a culture of learning and the excitement of being on the front lines of the internet revolution. "Working at Yahoo for people who were young in their career was like going to a large research university," said Dan Finnigan, a former senior vice president of Yahoo and now president and CEO of Jobvite. "People who started in media went into sales, people who started in sales went into recruiting, people went from engineering to product. It was highly encouraged." Luanne Calvert, chief marketing officer at Virgin America Inc (VA.O), was at Yahoo from 1999 to 2002. She credits the experience with making her career. "It was pretty amazing that you could kind of create your own job" at Yahoo, as she did. "I became the queen bee of buzz marketing ... It changed my life in terms of (experience that was) really relevant to the future of marketing." Many ex-Yahoos are quick to acknowledge that the company eventually lost focus as it grew big and bureaucratic, and came to be dominated internally by endless meetings and powerpoint presentations. By 2010, said Shashi Seth, who arrived that year as a senior vice president, "people just looked at Yahoo as a job. It wasn't their passion." Still, even today, the eagerness of ex-Yahoos to work with one another is undiminished. A Meetup group, at least two Facebook groups, a smartphone app called "xY!z Network" and a LinkedIn group with more than 15,000 members tie the ex-Yahoos together. For some, connections with fellow Yahoo alumni turned into lasting business relationships. Slack, the red-hot business messaging upstart, was founded by Flickr creator and former Yahoo executive Stewart Butterfield, and financed by former vice president of Yahoo search Andrew Braccia, who is now a general partner at venture capital firm Accel. Accel has also invested in Cloudera, co-founded by former Yahoo engineering VP Amr Awadallah. Ann Crady Weiss, a former director of business development at Yahoo and co-founder of nursery products company Hatch Baby, said the majority of financing she's received since leaving Yahoo and starting two businesses "came either directly from a Yahoo person or one degree of separation from a Yahoo person." "For me, that alumni network and those referrals set me on a path for success," she said. "Yahoo was critical to my future." Rob Solomon, former Yahoo senior vice president of commerce and current GoFundMe CEO, last year published a list of several dozen former Yahoo executives who moved on to become Silicon Valley power players. Some of its other illustrious members include LinkedIn Corp (LNKD.N) CEO Jeff Weiner, WhatsApp co-founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton, and the late SurveyMonkey CEO Dave Goldberg. The power and reach of the Yahoo diaspora, Solomon said, helps dull the pain of the company's decline. "We know each other, we trust each other," he said. "We've been through a lot together and will all help each other out." (Reporting by Deborah M. Todd and Jeffrey Dastin in San Francisco; Editing by Jonathan Weber) SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore authorities have seized assets worth S$240 million ($176.82 million) in an investigation of 1MDB-related fund flows for possible money laundering, in a probe which has found "deficiencies" at several major banks in the city-state. "The fund flows being investigated include those connected with Good Star Limited (Seychelles), Aabar Investments PJS Limited (BVI), Aabar Investments PJS Limited (Seychelles), and Tanore Finance Corp. (BVI)," said a joint statement by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the Attorney-General's Chambers and the Commercial Affairs Department. (http://bit.ly/29OG3qd) The statement follows a lawsuit filed by U.S. prosecutors to seize more than $1 billion in assets they said were tied to money stolen from the Malaysian state development fund, which was overseen by the prime minister. The Monetary Authority of Singapore said it has completed its inspections of DBS (DBSM.SI), Standard Chartered (STAN.L) and UBS (UBSG.S) and preliminary findings showed instances of "control failings" in all three banks and "weaknesses in the processes for accepting clients and monitoring transactions. "However, the MAS inspections did not reveal pervasive control weaknesses or staff misconduct within these banks, unlike in the case of BSI Bank," the statement said. In May, the MAS withdrew the status of Swiss BSI Bank as a merchant bank for serious breaches of anti money laundering requirements. An onsite inspection of another Swiss bank Falcon PBS in April 2016 found substantial breaches of anti-money laundering regulations. Management oversight and inadequate risk management were found at Raffles Money Change, a money changer and remittance agent. Of the assets seized, about half belonged to Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, known as Jho Low, and his immediate family, the joint statement said. The investigations are ongoing and Singapore has requested information from other countries as part of its probe. Story continues "Appropriate actions will be brought against those who have broken Singapores laws," the statement said. ($1 = 1.3573 Singapore dollars) (Reporting by Marius Zaharia and Aradhana Aravindan; Editing by Bill Tarrant and Sam Holmes) (Adds detail) SINGAPORE, July 21 (Reuters) - Singapore authorities have seized assets worth S$240 million ($176.82 million) in an investigation of 1MDB-related fund flows for possible money laundering, in a probe which has found "deficiencies" at several major banks in the city-state. "The fund flows being investigated include those connected with Good Star Limited (Seychelles), Aabar Investments PJS Limited (BVI), Aabar Investments PJS Limited (Seychelles), and Tanore Finance Corp. (BVI)," said a joint statement by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the Attorney-General's Chambers and the Commercial Affairs Department. (http://bit.ly/29OG3qd) The statement follows a lawsuit filed by U.S. prosecutors to seize more than $1 billion in assets they said were tied to money stolen from the Malaysian state development fund, which was overseen by the prime minister. The Monetary Authority of Singapore said it has completed its inspections of DBS, Standard Chartered and UBS and preliminary findings showed instances of "control failings" in all three banks and "weaknesses in the processes for accepting clients and monitoring transactions. "However, the MAS' inspections did not reveal pervasive control weaknesses or staff misconduct within these banks, unlike in the case of BSI Bank," the statement said. In May, the MAS withdrew the status of Swiss BSI Bank as a merchant bank for serious breaches of anti money laundering requirements. An onsite inspection of another Swiss bank Falcon PBS in April 2016 found substantial breaches of anti-money laundering regulations. Management oversight and inadequate risk management were found at Raffles Money Change, a money changer and remittance agent. Of the assets seized, about half belonged to Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, known as Jho Low, and his immediate family, the joint statement said. The investigations are ongoing and Singapore has requested information from other countries as part of its probe. "Appropriate actions will be brought against those who have broken Singapore's laws," the statement said. ($1 = 1.3573 Singapore dollars) (Reporting by Marius Zaharia and Aradhana Aravindan; Editing by Bill Tarrant and Sam Holmes) Lots and lots of companies are reporting quarterly earnings following the closing bell today: Starbucks SBUX, AT&T T, Chipotle CMG, Visa V, Paypal PYPL have all hit the tape in the post market. Rather than waste time pontificating what these companies and their various industries may have in common (or not), let's simply look at the numbers. Starbucks met earnings estimates of 49 cents in the company's fiscal Q3, but revenues fell to $5.24 billion from the $5.35 billion expected in the Zacks consensus estimate. Global year-over-year growth in same-store sales were up 4%, whereas expectations were for 5.7% growth. Starbucks performance in China improved to 7%. The Zacks ESP was correct at 0% surprise. SBUX shares fell 4.25% immediately on the news. Read more on Starbucks' Q3 earnings results here. AT&T also met bottom-line projections of 72 cents per share, but missed on the top line: $40.52 billion in revenues missed our consensus of $40.66 billion. The telecom giant claimed 1.4 million new wireless net adds, and post-paid churn reached 0.97%. Though the stock is up more than 23% year-to-date, the after-market sell-off did not occur in a big way; shares fell just 0.2% upon the company's Q2 earnings report. Chipotle is trading up in the after-market after missing estimates on both top and bottom lines. (You don't see that too often, do you?) Comp store sales were also worse than expected at -23.6% (-20% had been the consensus). Chipotle did open 58 new stores in the quarter, and its Chiptopia loyalty plan seems to have gained some traction, following the company's problematic e.coli issues earlier this year. Shares are up 2% on the earnings news, but are still down nearly 35% from this time a year ago. Visa notched modest beats on both top and bottom lines, marking the credit-card giant's fifth straight positive earnings surprise. Visa also announced a new $5 billion share buyback, which has helped boost after-market trading a bit. The company also announced -- following a long, drawn-out process -- a partnership deal reached with Paypal, which also reported earnings after the bell. Paypal met EPS estimates of 30 cents while coming out on top of revenue estimates of $2.59 billion to $2.65 billion. More details of the partnership are expected in both companies' conference calls. 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 AT&T INC (T): Free Stock Analysis Report CHIPOTLE MEXICN (CMG): Free Stock Analysis Report STARBUCKS CORP (SBUX): Free Stock Analysis Report VISA INC-A (V): Free Stock Analysis Report PAYPAL HOLDINGS (PYPL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Market sentiments lifted as some of the major banking giants beat earnings expectations in second-quarter 2016, signaling a potentially better picture for the industry as a whole this season. Several issues including industry wide weakness and global concerns plagued the first quarter of this year, but the second quarter depicted a better environment to some extent with positives including rebound in oil prices and continued recovery of the U.S. economy. However, banks continue to face revenue growth challenges amid the persistently low environment and heightened regulatory pressure. Per our latest Earnings Preview article, overall earnings for the Finance sector in second-quarter 2016 are expected to be down 3.3% year over year. Also, revenues are expected to be down 0.5%. Notably, during the first quarter the sector reflected a 6.9% decline in earnings while revenues improved 3.3%. As investors and market watchers are eager to see how companies will perform in comparison with the market expectations, our model offers some insights into it. Per our quantitative model, in order to be confident about a positive surprise call, a stock needs to have the right combination of the two key criteria a favorable Zacks Rank Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), #2 (Buy) or #3 (Hold) and a positive Earnings ESP. Earnings ESP is our proprietary methodology for identifying stocks that have high chances of surprising with their upcoming earnings announcement. It shows the percentage of difference between the Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Our research shows that for stocks with this combination, the chance of a positive earnings surprise is as high as 70%. With most of the companies set to release results, lets have a look at whats in store for the following firms, releasing results in the coming days: Ameris Bancorp ABCB: The Zacks Consensus Estimate of 52 cents for the company remained unchanged over the last 30 days. Notably, the estimate reflects 36.84% year-over-year growth. However, the company has a Zacks Rank #3 with an Earnings ESP of 0.00%, making it difficult to conclusively predict an earnings beat this quarter. Though Zacks Rank #3 increases the predictive power of an earnings beat, we also need a positive Earnings ESP to be sure of the same. Regarding earnings surprise history, despite recording positive earnings surprise in two out of the four trailing quarters, the average earnings surprise was a negative 0.35%. Story continues AMERIS BANCORP Price and EPS Surprise AMERIS BANCORP Price and EPS Surprise | AMERIS BANCORP Quote ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. CNOB: The estimates remained stable ahead of the companys quarterly results. Notably, the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 31 cents for the company reflects a year-over-year decline of 7.84%. Also, it is not likely to beat expectations as the company has a Zacks Rank #3 with an Earnings ESP of 0.00%. Notably, the company reported positive earnings surprise in just one of the trailing four quarters with an average positive surprise of 4.40%. CONNECTONE BCP Price and EPS Surprise CONNECTONE BCP Price and EPS Surprise | CONNECTONE BCP Quote Eastern Virginia Bankshares Inc. EVBS: The Zacks Consensus Estimate of 11 cents for the company reflects solid year-over-year growth of 57.14%. However, the company has a Zacks Rank #3 with an Earnings ESP of 0.00%, lowering the chances of an earnings beat. Notably, estimates remained unchanged over the last 30 days. Eastern Virginia delivered positive earnings surprises in two of the trailing four quarters with an average positive surprise of 4.15%. EASTERN VA BKSH Price and EPS Surprise EASTERN VA BKSH Price and EPS Surprise | EASTERN VA BKSH Quote Bank of Commerce Holdings BOCH: The estimates prior to the companys quarterly results remained stable. The Zacks Consensus Estimate of 19 cents for the company reflects year-over-year growth of 5.56%. However, the company holds a Zacks Rank #3 with an Earnings ESP of 0.00%, making it difficult to conclusively predict an earnings beat this quarter. Bank of Commerce delivered positive earnings surprises in two of the trailing four quarters with an average positive surprise of 8.95%. BANK OF COMMRC Price and EPS Surprise BANK OF COMMRC Price and EPS Surprise | BANK OF COMMRC Quote First Bancshares Inc. FBMS: The Zacks Consensus Estimate of 42 cents for the company has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. The estimate reflects year-over-year growth of 7.69%. The company holds a Zacks Rank #3, with an Earnings ESP of 0.00%. Hence, the probability of an earnings beat by the company is quite low. Notably, First Bancshares delivered positive earnings surprises in all the trailing four quarters with an average positive surprise of 10.74%. FIRST BCSH/MS Price and EPS Surprise FIRST BCSH/MS Price and EPS Surprise | FIRST BCSH/MS Quote 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 CONNECTONE BCP (CNOB): Free Stock Analysis Report EASTERN VA BKSH (EVBS): Free Stock Analysis Report FIRST BCSH/MS (FBMS): Free Stock Analysis Report AMERIS BANCORP (ABCB): Free Stock Analysis Report BANK OF COMMRC (BOCH): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Colin Jost and Michael Che took Weekend Update to the Republican National Convention Wednesday night in a special MSNBC edition of the popular Saturday Night Live segment. VIDEOSJimmy Fallon Mocks Trumps RNC Entrance in Tonight Show Spoof The comedic duo used the unprecedented airtime to take jabs at the likes of actor Scott Baio, former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Donald Trump VP pick Mike Pence, whose speech ran longer than expected earlier in the evening. After an especially unfunny remote where Che played a game of Trumpemon GO, in which he attempted to locate minorities on the convention floor, he and Jost were joined by fellow Not Ready for Primetime Player Kate McKinnon as Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Among their best quips and zingers: * Che referred to the RNC populace as looking like a Gary Busey lookalike contest, to which Jost added that Busey may be more levelheaded. * Were right next to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, said Jost, which is where you will find all of the legendary artists who wont let Republicans use their music. RELATEDLaura Benanti Plays Melania Trump on Colbert, Defends RNC Speech With More Borrowed Lines * For those of you just joining us, Mike Pence just finished speaking and you can still feel the electricity in the room. Static electricity created by all of the shoes softly shuffling towards the exit, Jost joked. * All those Trump celebrities boy did he bring out the heavy hitters. I mean Scott Baio, Antonio Sabato Jr., one of the Duck Dynasty dudes I mean, get this: they were all available, Che said. Jost then added that Trump says he wanted the best and brightest, and I honestly worry Trump thinks Baio and Sabato is Spanish for best and brightest. I thought Trumps whole point is that hes trying to deport people named Chachi. * On Giulianis Night 1 speech, Jost had this to say: Nothing unites people like screaming at them. It sounded like his cable went out during the middle of The Price is Right. Story continues VIDEOSTrevor Noah Links Melania Trumps RNC Speech to Kardashian Snapchat * On Chris Christies Night 2 speech condemning Hillary Clinton: I dont know if people pointed this out, but Christie actually plagiarized part of his speech from the Salem Witch Trials. * McKinnons Ginsburg, who recently made an enemy out of Trump by publicly doubting his ability to govern, said the Republican nominee picked a fight with the wrong 15-pound, 200-year-old marionette doll. She later claimed she rode into the RNC on a dog: His names Mike Pence, and he just got Ginsburgd! * Ginsburg on the possibility of Trump appointing Christie to the Supreme Court: Id rather have an empty chair than a broken chair. What did you think of Jost and Ches RNC-themed Weekend Update? Sound off below! Launch Gallery: RNC Wednesday: Best and Worst Moments Related stories Republican Convention, Night 3: The Best/Worst/Wackiest Moments Jimmy Fallon Mocks Trumps RNC Entrance in Tonight Show Spoof Laura Benanti Plays Melania Trump on Colbert, Defends RNC Speech With More Borrowed Lines Get more from TVLine: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter Three-time Oscar winner Oliver Stone and the cast of his upcoming film Snowden discussed the privacy issues that affect everyone with a smartphoneespecially those playing Pokemon Goduring a panel for the film at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday. The film follows the story of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, who after initial hesitations cooperated with Stone on the film. During the panel, which included stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley and Zachary Quinto, one audience member asked what the cast members and Stone thought of the security concerns associated with the popular mobile game Pokemon Go, eliciting laughs from the audience. Its not really funny. Whats happening is a new level of invasion, the director said. The profits are enormous here for places like Google. Theyve invested a huge amount of money in data miningwhat you are buying, what you like, your behavior. Its what some people call surveillance capitalism. Eventually, he says, that information will allow corporations to manipulate our behavior. That is what they call totalitarianism. Stone said that he had trouble getting funding for the film. It was turned down by every major studio. The script was good, the budget was good, the cast was good, the director said. We call it self-censorship. I dont think there was an enemy like the NSA lurking in the background. It was self-censorship. Indeed, he chose to film the entire project abroad. Though Stone assured the audience that the governments perspective is included in the project, all the actors on the panel said that they agreed Snowden was a patriot, not a traitor (with the caveat, as Gordon-Levitt put it, that the situation is more complicated than a tweet or a headline would make them). The question is were promised privacy in the constitution and if the government is going to change those rules, they need to be open about that, said Gordon-Levitt, who donated his acting fee on the movie to the ACLU. Story continues The movie, which will screen for the first time at Comic-Con on Thursday night to a private audience, will likely generate headlines. I really didnt want to do this film, Stone, who has made several controversial biopics, said. If its current, you get killed with lawsuits. Often what happens is even the protagonist turns against you. Ive had trouble with rock moviesthe egos are amazing. But Stone changed his mind after he met Snowden three different times. For his part, Snowden showed very little interest in the movie. I met him for the first time in late January of 2014, says the director. Over the period of three more meetings until may, it was a process of cat and mouse, of him trusting the process. he wasnt particularly interested in the movie. But he eventually agreed, and Gordon-Levitt, who plays the man in the film, met him. The actor, who called Snowden an old-fashioned gentleman, said he was surprised by his positive outlook. Hes actually really optimistic about technology and the future, the actor said. JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's government will appeal Oscar Pistorius' six-year murder sentence because it was "shockingly lenient", state prosecutors said on Thursday. The Paralympic gold medallist was sentenced in July for murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in 2013. At the time, some legal experts described the prison term as lenient. "The sentence of six years imprisonment, in all the circumstances, is disproportionate to the crime of murder committed, that is to say, shockingly too lenient," the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said. "(The sentence) resulted in an injustice and has the potential to bring the administration of justice into disrepute." The jail term was less than half the 15-years sought by prosecutors, who said Pistorius had shown no remorse for the 2013 shooting. The appeal papers will be filed on Thursday. A Pistorius family spokeswoman could not be immediately reached for comment. (Reporting by Zandi Shabalala; Editing by Joe Brock) SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean President Park Geun-hye said on Thursday the move to deploy a THAAD missile defense system was "inevitable" because of a growing threat from North Korea and that division in the South over its deployment is what Pyongyang seeks. North Korea's launch of three ballistic missiles on Tuesday was the latest evidence that the anti-missile system is needed, Park said at a National Security Council meeting. This month's announcement by South Korea and the United States to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) unit with the U.S. military in a rural melon-farming county in the South triggered loud protests from residents worried about possible negative health and environmental impacts. "If we continue to be divisive and social confusion grows about a decision we had no choice but to make to protect the country and the lives of our people, it would be exactly where North Korea wants us to go," Park said, according to her office. North Korea said on Wednesday it had conducted a ballistic missile test that simulated preemptive strikes against South Korean ports and airfields used by the U.S. military, likely referring to the three missiles fired on Tuesday. The missiles flew between 500 kms and 600 kms (300-360 miles) into the sea off its east coast and could have hit anywhere in South Korea if the North intended, the South's military said. Many residents of Seongju, about 200 kms (120 miles) from the capital Seoul, joined by opposition members of parliament and civic groups, have demanded the government scrap the decision to site the THAAD battery there. Some residents bearing South Korean flags and anti-THAAD banners held a rally in central Seoul on Thursday to demonstrate against the decision. Roughly 2,000 people joined the rally, according to police and organizers, including the governor of Seongju who shaved his head in protest. That follows a raucous standoff last week between residents and the country's prime minister, who was pelted with eggs and plastic bottles and trapped inside a bus for several hours when he visited the county to explain the THAAD decision. Some residents blamed outside leftist activists for the incident. Park said North Korea could stage an act of aggression at any time, including possibly a fifth nuclear test or cyber attack against the networks of national and financial institutions. The North has also increased military equipment near the land and sea border separating the countries, she told the security meeting. The two Koreas remain technically at war under a truce that ended fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War. Tension on the Korean peninsula has been high since North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and followed that with a satellite launch and a string of test launches of various missiles. (Reporting by Jack Kim, additional reporting by Daewoung Kim and James Pearson; Editing by Michael Perry and Himani Sarkar) MADRID (Reuters) - King Felipe VI will hold a formal round of talks with Spain's political parties next week for the fourth time in a seven-month-old power deadlock, his office said on Thursday, as parties struggle to form a coalition administration. This time around, the king is widely expected to propose acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy as a candidate to try and form a government. Rajoy's center-right People's Party (PP) won most of the votes in June, but fell 39 seats short of the majority he needed to govern, the second general election in six months to prove inconclusive. King Felipe will meet the PP, the Socialist Party, the left-wing Unidos Podemos and liberal Ciudadanos on July 28, and the smaller, regional groups, which include Catalan and Basque separatist parties, on July 26 and 27, his schedule showed. Rajoy on Wednesday edged potentially closer toward forming a government after cutting a deal with his most likely partner, liberal newcomers Ciudadanos, to elect one of his ministers to the post of parliament speaker. "For my part, I am ready to govern. I'm aware of the responsibility that I have," Rajoy told reporters on Wednesday. However, such a pact would still fall short of the seats needed to form an administration. When a party wins fewer than the 176 seats needed to control the lower house of the 350-strong parliament, under Spanish law, the king holds talks with all parties across the political spectrum and proposes a candidate to become prime minister. The candidate will then submit a viable proposal for government to a confidence vote in parliament in which they must secure an absolute majority to avoid a second vote 48 hours later. King Felipe has already held three such consultations since the first election in December, of which two resulted in no proposal and one in the nomination of Socialist Party leader Pedro Sanchez, who did not pass the confidence vote that ensued. (Reporting by Amanda Cooper, Editing by Sonya Dowsett and Angus MacSwan) After undergoing 26 surgeries before the age of 8, Edward Garcia never could have imagined he'd one day be begging several surgeons to operate on his brain. But that's exactly the position the young man who from Asuza, California, found himself in in 2011 when he was in excruciating pain and losing his vision due to a problem deep within his brain that no medical professional or machine could detect. "I felt my body kind of shutting down," Garcia, now 31 and a college student studying psychology, tells PEOPLE. Garcia was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a rare condition in which cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the cavities deep within the brain, at 11 months old. Ever since then, his condition has been managed thanks to a surgically implanted drainage system called a shunt. Special Olympics Athlete Gives Surgeon His Gold Medal After Life-Saving Brain Surgery| Health, Medical Conditions, Good Deeds, Real People Stories In 2011, Garcia began waking up every morning with headaches, chest pain and nausea and experiencing progressive vision loss. He knew his shunt had stopped working properly but every doctor he saw disagreed. "Every doctor said my CT scans looked fine," Garcia says, "but I knew this wasn't how I was supposed to be feeling." For months, Garcia saw a series of specialists who couldn't find any problems, but his symptoms continued to get worse. The 11-time Special Olympics athlete knew that if he didn't get the treatment he needed, his condition could cause severe disability or even death. Special Olympics Athlete Gives Surgeon His Gold Medal After Life-Saving Brain Surgery| Health, Medical Conditions, Good Deeds, Real People Stories Eventually, Garcia ended up in the emergency room at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center where he begged the neurosurgeons on duty to open up his brain. "I remember there were five doctors in my room and I told them, 'If you open me up you will find that something is wrong,' " he recalls. One doctor left the room, another, Dr. Isaac Yang, examined the back of Garcia's head. He couldn't see any problem, but when he touched Garcia's neck, it hurt. So, Dr. Yang chose to take Garcia's word for it, and in the operating room, he quickly found that Garcia had been right all along. No CT scan had detected that Garcia's shunt was broken below the region captured by scans. "The technology wasn't good enough to see what Edward could feel," Dr. Yang explains. Dr. Yang repaired the shunt and Garcia woke up after surgery finally free from the crushing pressure he'd been experiencing for months. "The first thing Dr. Yang told me after the surgery was, 'You'll never hear a doctor say this, but I was wrong and you were right,' " Garcia says. Special Olympics Athlete Gives Surgeon His Gold Medal After Life-Saving Brain Surgery| Health, Medical Conditions, Good Deeds, Real People Stories Those were words Garcia never expected to hear. "As a disabled person, people talk down to me and that's what most of the doctors I saw were doing," Garcia says. "Dr. Yang could've easily been like the other doctors and said, 'You're fine' and I could have been sent home again and I could have died." Within months, Garcia was back to training for the Special Olympics he's competed in the event for the past 11 years as as a long-distance walker and he feels back to his normal self. Need a little inspiration? Click here to subscribe to the Daily Smile Newsletter for uplifting, feel-good stories that brighten up your inbox. He still sees Dr. Yang to this day, and at his last appointment, he presented his doctor with a gold medal he won at the Special Olympics state finals this month. "It was a joy to give him the medal," Garcia says. "I told him to look at it when he's at a low point and know that he helped and believed in me when no one else would." By Krishna N. Das and Jonathan Spicer DHAKA/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Jupiter. That single word, by a stroke of luck, helped stop the Federal Reserve Bank of New York from paying nearly $1 billion to the cyber-criminals behind a notorious bank heist earlier this year, according to sources familiar with the incident. When hackers broke into the computers of Bangladesh's central bank in February and sent fake payment orders, the Fed was tricked into paying out $101 million. But the losses could have been much higher had the name Jupiter not formed part of the address of a Philippines bank where the hackers sought to send hundreds of millions of dollars more. By chance, Jupiter was also the name of an oil tanker and a shipping company under United States' sanctions against Iran. That sanctions listing triggered concerns at the New York Fed and spurred it to scrutinize the fake payment orders more closely, a Reuters examination of the incident has found. It was a "total fluke" that the New York Fed did not pay out the $951 million requested by the hackers, said a person familiar with the Fed's handling of the matter. There is no suggestion the oil tanker or shipping company was involved in the heist. The Reuters examination has also found that the payment orders sent by the hackers were exceptional in several ways. They were incorrectly formatted at first; they were mainly to individuals; and they were very different from the usual run of payment requests from Bangladesh Bank. Yet it was the word Jupiter that set the loudest alarm bells ringing at the New York Fed. Even then it appeared to react slowly. By the time the fraud was discovered, the New York branch of the U.S. central bank had approved five of the payments. It took $101 million from Bangladesh Bank and paid it to accounts in Sri Lanka and the Philippines including $81 million to four accounts in the names of individuals. Most of that $81 million remains lost. It was among the most audacious cyber-heists ever to emerge shining a light on worrying weaknesses in the global financial system and into a little-known corner of the U.S. Federal Reserve: its Central Bank and International Account Services unit (CBIAS), which one former employee described as a "bank within a bank." Interviews with investigators, lawyers and current and former central bank officials in several countries, as well as a Reuters review of payment messages, emails and other documents, show disarray and bungling at all the financial institutions involved. But the most striking is the inertia and clumsiness at the New York Fed, the most powerful of the U.S. central bank's 12 regional units and a mainstay of global finance. The heist revealed that the New York Fed lacked a system for spotting potential fraud in real time even though such systems are used elsewhere instead relying at times on checking payments after they were made, usually for problems such as violating U.S. sanctions. Months of bitter finger-pointing over who is to blame for the fiasco have damaged the sensitive diplomacy of correspondent banking, where big Western institutions are entrusted with safeguarding the treasures of smaller economies. Bangladesh Bank is now preparing a legal case to seek compensation for what it says were failures by the Fed, according to a source close to the Asian bank. It also claims that errors by SWIFT, a messaging system used to make international bank transfers, made the bank vulnerable to hackers. Bangladesh Bank spokesman Subhankar Saha said the institutions were working together to try to recover the missing money. He declined to comment further. The New York Fed has denied making missteps and repeatedly said its systems were not compromised. In response to a series of questions from Reuters about its actions during the heist and in the days that followed, it declined to comment, citing a criminal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. SWIFT - the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, a cooperative used by over 11,000 financial institutions around the world - has denied responsibility for any weaknesses in the way Bank of Bangladesh operated and installed the SWIFT system. A spokesman said: We continue to support the bank and cooperate with the investigations. We look forward to receiving a full account of the security incident. Officials are still investigating the heist. But the Reuters examination has uncovered new details about how the New York Fed was slow to react to warning signs and how communications broke down between it and Bangladesh Bank. The Fed relied almost entirely on the SWIFT messaging system with, in this case, little backup for emergencies. Miscommunications and clunky payment processes meant that most of the stolen money disappeared without trace before it could be recovered. "I couldn't believe that that much money could be lost in the SWIFT system, and in the whole federal system for central banks," Carolyn Maloney, a Democratic congresswoman from New York, told Reuters. Maloney, who was the first U.S. lawmaker to publicly raise questions about the incident, added: "It's a wake-up call and it has to be corrected. To me, I see it as a threat to the confidence people could have in the central banking system." Last month, the New York Fed said it took steps to "help strengthen the safety of global payments in light of the potential vulnerabilities." It did not give specifics. But the source familiar with the Fed's handling of the Bangladesh affair told Reuters that the Fed has now set up a 24-hour hotline for emergency calls from some 250 account holders, mostly central banks, around the world. THE HACK Unlike the Fed, the world's most influential central bank whose New York headquarters sits atop 508,000 gold bars stored below street level, Bangladesh Bank is not a large and powerful operation with a global footprint. It had not protected its computer system with a firewall, and it had used second-hand $10 electronic switches to network computers linked to the SWIFT global payment system, according to Mohammad Shah Alam, head of the Forensic Training Institute of the Bangladesh police's criminal investigation department. Hackers may have exploited such weaknesses after Bangladesh Bank connected a new electronic payment system, known as real time gross settlement (RTGS), in November last year. However, it remains unknown exactly who broke into its systems or how they did it. What is evident, according to investigative reports by cyber-security company FireEye seen by Reuters, is that someone obtained the computer credentials of a SWIFT operator at Bangladesh Bank, installed six types of malware on the bank's systems and began probing them in January. The hackers did a series of test runs, logging into the system briefly several times between Jan. 24 and Feb. 2. One day they left monitoring software running on the bank's SWIFT system; on another they deleted files from a database. On Thursday, Feb. 4, the hackers began sending fraudulent payment orders via SWIFT. It was late evening in Bangladesh and most of the staff had gone home. The hackers appear to have timed the heist to coincide with the weekend that in Bangladesh began the following day. The first SWIFT message arrived at the New York Fed just after 9:55 a.m. and ordered the transfer of $20 million from the central bank of Bangladesh to an account in Sri Lanka. Over the next four hours, 34 more orders arrived asking the U.S. central bank to move a total of nearly $1 billion from the account it holds for Bangladesh Bank. Compared to the great maelstrom of global finance, the sums were unremarkable: The New York Fed handles about $800 billion of payments a day. Nevertheless, the Bangladesh orders were odd, surprisingly odd. First, all 35 of the messages lacked the names of "correspondent banks" the necessary next step in the payment chain according to a senior Bangladesh Bank official and a person familiar with the New York Fed's handling of the payments. That fault meant the orders could not immediately be fulfilled. Second, most of the payments were to individuals rather than institutions, according to police investigators in Dhaka and a source close to Bangladesh Bank. And third, the slew of payments that morning was out of whack with the usual pattern of orders from Bangladesh Bank. Over the eight months to January 2016, Bangladesh Bank had issued 285 payment instructions to the Fed, averaging fewer than two per working day, according to a source close to Bangladesh Bank. None of those payments had been to an individual, the source said. The U.S. central bank allows payments to individuals, but it's not common and is generally discouraged, according to one of the former New York Fed employees. The New York Fed declined to comment on the number of payments it typically received from Bangladesh Bank or whether staff had found the numerous messages on Feb. 4 surprising or suspicious. MISSED WARNING SIGNS At the New York Fed, such payment orders are handled by a small group of CBIAS staff who tend to keep to themselves, according to five former employees and senior officials who worked on the team or closely with it. The unit looks after the foreign accounts of mostly central banks and its work is sometimes like "economic diplomacy," said one of the sources, with staff having to make judgments on confidential payments ordered by a wide range of clients. A subset of about 10 staff actually process payment requests, according to the sources. These staff, some fairly junior, can find up to 100 requests waiting for them when they arrive in the morning and may manually review hundreds of payments during the day. Most of the transactions are automatically executed. But when there is a problem, staff mainly check for SWIFT formatting and authentication, and violations of U.S. economic sanctions or money laundering regulations. They may ask clients for more information. When the first 35 messages from Bangladesh Bank were rejected for incorrect formatting, the hackers simply fixed the formatting and sent another 35 requests for payment to the same beneficiaries as before. This time the New York Fed cleared five of them, despite the oddities. They were properly formatted, SWIFT authenticated and went through automatically. The Fed monitors for unusual transactions, but its system had a weakness: While credit card companies can spot unusual patterns in real time, the New York Fed typically looks back through payments, usually the day after they are requested, according to two of the former employees. After the five payments had been made, staff did flag "several" other requests for review to check whether they complied or not with U.S. sanctions, according to a letter that Thomas Baxter, the New York Fed's general counsel, later sent to Rep. Maloney. That manual review found that the payments were "potentially suspicious," Baxter wrote. The Reuters examination found that on that Thursday Fed staff had sufficient concerns about 12 of the payment requests to send a message to Bangladesh Bank at the end of the day, New York time. "The payments contained individuals as beneficiaries and have varying details," the message said. But it was nearly 4 a.m. on the weekend in Bangladesh and no one was available to respond. Besides, the hackers had sabotaged Bangladesh Bank's systems to stop messages getting through. It was only the following day, Friday Feb. 5, that the Fed began a full manual review of the orders from Bangladesh Bank, according to Baxter's letter and sources in Bangladesh. Baxter, the New York Fed's top lawyer, said in his letter that such reviews can occur after payments have been made. Sources in the United States and Bangladesh said that it was at this stage that the presence of the name Jupiter in the payment orders rang alarm bells. One of the Fed's responsibilities is to avoid violating U.S. laws and prevent payments to sanctioned companies or individuals. It was just a stroke of luck that the name Jupiter featured on a sanctions list, thus raising a red flag. DHAKA DELAY Jubair Bin-Huda, a joint director of Bangladesh Bank, was on duty that weekend and arrived at the bank's offices in Dhaka around 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, according to a police report. He and a colleague went to collect the latest SWIFT acknowledgement messages, which would normally have printed off automatically. They found none. They tried to print the messages manually but failed. The hackers had infected the system with malware that disabled the printer, and Bangladesh bank officials did not see the Fed's query and knew nothing of the fraudulent transactions. Instead, according to a police report, Huda assumed there was simply a printer problem which had happened in the past and asked other officials to fix it. He left work at around 11:15 a.m. Since it was a Friday, the Islamic holy day, all other officials left the office at around 12:30 p.m., leaving the printer fix until later, the police report says. Later that day, Fed officials sent two other SWIFT messages to Dhaka. The first asked the same question for four of the five transactions that had already been cleared and those four transactions included the name Jupiter. The second message asked about the 30 other payment instructions, including those queried the day before, according to sources close to Bangladesh Bank and an internal bank document seen by Reuters. The messages did not get through. And the New York Fed did not reach out to Dhaka in any other way. It would often take up to three days for clients like Bangladesh to respond to SWIFT messages, said one former New York Fed employee. But the person added that by that point the New York Fed should have realized someone was trying to wire a billion dollars out of the account "and that's something way outside the norm." Huda returned to work on Saturday, Feb. 6, around 9 a.m., and tried again to use the printer, only to discover the SWIFT software was not starting. Whenever he tried to boot it up, a message appeared on the monitor, saying "a file is missing or changed." Only around 12:30 p.m. did bank staff finally manage to print the SWIFT messages. That's when they first saw the fraudulent transactions and the Fed's queries, and realized something had gone horribly wrong. They scrambled to find out more, but did not tell Atiur Rahman, then the bank's governor, what had happened until the next day. Rahman told Reuters he did not initially appreciate the gravity of the situation. "I never thought that this will become such a big event," he said. "The concerned deputy governor did not explain to me what really went wrong. He just told me that there was an incident like this and that they had already asked for stop payment. They were hopeful the money would be returned." Rahman said deputy governor Abdul Quasem had told him the money was "still in the system" and would be recovered soon. "I said, 'do as you need, it's your department, so take care of it'," Rahman told Reuters. It later became clear much of the money would not be recovered, and Rahman resigned from Bangladesh Bank in March. Quasem, who also left the bank in March, declined to comment, citing ongoing investigations into the affair. TARDY FED As the scale of the theft sank in that weekend, the Fed's reliance on SWIFT messaging, its lack of alternative communications and its inertia became apparent. Since Bangladesh Bank's SWIFT system was still not fully working, officials there hunted for other ways to contact the Fed in New York. Lacking any obvious point of contact, they searched the Fed's website and found an email address but it was only monitored during weekday business hours. On Saturday they fired off three emails to that address over several hours. The first included the line: "Our system has been hacked. Please stop all payment (debit) instructions immediately." It was the weekend and Fed staff did not respond. That email address was unlikely to be synced to their mobile phones, according to a former New York Fed employee. Huda followed up with several calls and a fax to numbers obtained from the Fed website, according to a source close to Bangladesh Bank. Those numbers were also marked as weekday-only contacts and the Fed still did not respond. On Monday, staff at Bangladesh Bank finally managed to get their SWIFT system operating and sent a message headed "Top urgent" to the New York Fed saying 35 payment orders were fake. "Please recall back funds if transferred from your accounts," it said. That message, sent around 1 a.m. in New York, would have been seen when CBIAS employees arrived at 7:30 a.m.. According to former CBIAS employees and senior officials at the New York Fed, it would have dropped like a bomb. The New York Fed, citing the criminal investigation, declined to comment on its communications with Bangladesh Bank and on what it did that Monday to attempt to recall Bangladesh Bank's money. It was only on Monday evening in New York and Tuesday morning in Dhaka four days after the heist began that the New York Fed told Bangladesh Bank that it had alerted the correspondent banks to the fraud. A payment of $20 million to an account in Sri Lanka had already been reversed because of a spelling error in the request. But for four other payments made out to individuals it was too late: $81 million had gone to a Philippines bank and from there disappeared into the giant money-go-round that is the country's casino industry. (See related story: The Philippine connection). The blame game began soon afterwards. SWIFT bridled at suggestions of flaws in its network and rejected any responsibility for the way Bangladesh Bank had installed its RTGS real-time gross settlement system. On Feb. 11 and 14, Eddie Haddad, SWIFT's managing director for Asia Pacific, sent emails seen by Reuters to Rahman, then still governor of Bangladesh Bank. The emails implied that someone within the bank may have been involved in the heist. One said: "I have looked at the logs and the irregular message details, a user account was compromised within BB. It has nothing to do with the SWIFT RTGS channel." On Feb. 19, Alain Raes, SWIFT's head in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, again raised that possibility, writing in an email to Rahman: "While any conclusion would be premature given the limited evidence and our limited view on the events and their context, this could point to sophisticated outsider acting with help from a malicious insider from the Bangladesh Bank." SWIFT, Haddad and Raes declined to comment on the issue for this story. Bangladesh Bank declined to comment. A panel appointed by the Bangladesh government to investigate the heist said in a report in late May that it suspects some insider involvement. It gave no details. Senior police investigator Mirza Abdullahel Baqui said officials were being questioned but only for negligence. Relations between Bangladesh Bank and the New York Fed also soured. On Feb. 24, the bank wrote to the Fed asking what actions it had taken over the payments and why it had failed to stop them. In early May, Fazle Kabir, who had taken over as governor of Bangladesh Bank, wrote to William Dudley, president of the New York Fed, posing similar questions. Dudley telephoned Kabir to arrange a meeting in Basel, Switzerland, on May 10. That meeting was chaired by Gottfried Leibbrandt, chief executive of SWIFT, who was accompanied by his general counsel. The New York Fed was represented by Dudley, Baxter, and other officials. Bangladesh Bank was represented by Kabir, other officials and Ajmalul Hossain, a prominent Dhaka lawyer. The three parties agreed to cooperate. But according to people familiar with the discussion, the two banks left the meeting unsatisfied. The New York Fed is frustrated by Bangladesh Bank's refusal to share with it a review of its cyber security. Bangladesh Bank feels the Fed should have spotted the unusual nature of the transactions, according to a source close to the Asian bank. Further talks are planned, this time at the New York Fed's Wall Street headquarters. The heist has already prompted a handful of formal requests for information from members of the U.S. Congress, and Fed Chair Janet Yellen faced questions on the incident during hearings last month. Maloney, who sits on the House Financial Services Committee that directly oversees the central bank, said she plans to ask the Republican chair to schedule a committee hearing on the incident. She also told Reuters she plans to ask the New York Fed for a clearer explanation why five fraudulent payments were made back in February while the others were not. "Why? What was the difference?" she asked. (Jonathan Spicer reported from New York and Krishna N. Das from Dhaka. Additional reporting by Sanjeev Miglani, Serajul Quadir and Ruma Paul in Dhaka, Karen Lema and Manny Mogao in Manila and Shihar Aneez in Colombo, Tom Bergin in London and Jim Finkle in Boston.; Editing By Richard Woods and Raju Gopalakrishnan) 75th St Corridor_CSXlocomotive A freight train more than 10,000 feet long, hauling hundreds of shipping containers, sits idle in residential Chicago. It's the middle of the afternoon, and the CSX train is just parked there. Waiting. At this stretch of railroad, known as the 75th Street Corridor, that scene plays out day after day. Freight trains spend hours waiting for commuter and Amtrak trains to clear a single intersection, blocking their path and preventing the delivery of goods. The corridor sits in an urban neighborhood southwest of downtown Chicago. It's widely considered the worst choke point for rail movement in the city, which is the busiest rail hub in the nation. With hundreds of billions of dollars in goods traveling through Chicago by rail every year, each minute those freight trains are stalled, companies and consumers alike are losing money or being forced to spend more for the goods those trains haul. Down the track from the stationary CSX train, a Metra commuter train rumbles through the worst part of the corridor: Forest Hill Junction, a six-track intersection shared by Amtrak, commuter, and freight rail. A few minutes later, another Metra train rolls through. Because these commuter trains run perpendicular to the track the freight train uses and almost always have the right of way the freight has to wait. 75th St Corridor_diamonds_overhead "It really is the Gordian knot of Chicago that has to be untangled," Tom Livingston, a CSX vice president for government affairs, told Business Insider. "It would be like two major interstates meeting each other at a four-way stop sign." After a half hour or so, a whistle rings out. The freight train shudders and groans as the conductor nudges it into motion. Finally, slowly, it's back on its way, moving goods through the city. "It really is impactful on the entire nation in terms of moving traffic through," Livingston said. "You have freight moving at every point on the compass, and a lot of it." Story continues 'The Super Bowl of freight rail' 75th Street Corridor This might not sound like a huge problem most people probably prefer their commutes take precedence over freight rail movements. The mess of an intersection, however, takes on outsized importance given its location. Chicago is the rail capital of the country. About 40% of the ton-miles (freight tonnage multiplied by distance traveled) that freight travels in this country goes by rail, and nearly one-third of that goes through Chicago. "There's no other mode of transportation where a third of something goes anywhere," Livingston said. "You can do everything right everywhere else, from sea to shining sea, on our network, and Chicago is the goal line. And you can't fumble on the goal line." Freight rail is divided into three classifications, with Class I being the largest and including national operators like CSX and Union Pacific. Chicago is the only place in the country where six of the seven Class I operators interconnect. That's why Livingston refers to the city as "the Super Bowl of freight rail." The overlap, while vital, leads to massive congestion and costly delays. An Amtrak study of the Chicago rail problem found that a train shipment spends an average of 30 hours traversing the Chicago region. To put that into context, freight often takes 48 hours to get from Los Angeles to Chicago. 75th St Corridor_aerial train In real, economic terms, the Chicago rail hub could potentially affect somewhere between $657 billion and $799 billion annually, according to the same Amtrak study. That figure, however, has been disputed by "an economist who once served as a lead planner for the Chicago region." The study isn't "junk, but that $800 billion number is just absurd," he said, according to Railway Age. Even if that number is overblown, freight rail did move 1.7 billion tons of freight valued at $427 billion in 2010, the last year for which data was available. Given that almost one-third of that travels through Chicago, the economic effects of delays are huge. And these aren't just abstract costs. Rail ships many of the bulk products and household goods consumers rely on: car parts, grain, natural gas, UPS packages, you name it. When rail shipments are held up, those costs can be passed to the consumer. 75th St Corridor_track level Founding Create To alleviate the problems intersections like these pose to freight companies, travelers, commuters, and consumers, the rail companies banded together with Amtrak, Metra, the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and the US Department of Transportation to found The Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program, or Create. Create identified 70 projects throughout the Chicago metro region that, when completed, could drastically reduce delays and better manage congestion. Englewood Junction, on the south side of Chicago near I-94 and 63rd Street, used to be the worst choke point in the region. So Create built a flyover basically an overpass that carries one train over another in a different direction. The Englewood flyover separated 46 freight trains, 78 Metra trains, and 14 Amtrak trains that pass through daily and eliminated 7,500 annual hours of delays for commuters, according to Create. Englewood flyover A similar solution could unclog the 75th Street Corridor. The proposed flyover would eliminate conflicts between 30 Metra commuter trains and 35 freight trains every day. But the project can't proceed unless Create secures the necessary funding. A lack of investment in infrastructure projects like this one has become all too common in the US. America spends far less a percentage of its gross domestic product on infrastructure than many of its economic rivals, and consumers everywhere can feel the effects of that divestment. The 75th Street Corridor is a perfect example of how that oversight harms the economy. America's future competitiveness in a global economy depends on its ability to move a tremendous amount of goods around the country. If trains are stuck waiting for hours on end just to move through Chicago, that harms not just the rail companies and the city of Chicago, but the entire economy as well. For a deeper dive on the state of America's infrastructure, see our special report "The United States of Disrepair." NOW WATCH: There's a multitrillion-dollar issue US politicians actually agree on, and its making gas, food, and travel more expensive More From Business Insider From Cosmopolitan A staffer with the Trump Organization has taken the fall for the plagiarism in Melania Trump's speech at the Republican National Convention Monday night. Meredith McIver, a staff writer, apologized for her mistake and said she offered to resign, but Donald refused to accept her resignation. According to the New York Times, Melania did not like the first version of the speech that two on-staff speechwriters had sent her. (This draft did not include any of the plagiarized passages.) Melania "began tearing it apart" and worked with McIver, who has worked on some of Trump's books. In her statement, McIver admits that she worked with Melania on the speech, and she included phrasing from Michelle Obama's 2008 convention without double-checking her exact words. The full text of the statement reads: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:My name is Meredith McIver and I'm an in-house staff writer at the Trump Organization. I am also a longtime friend and admirer of the Trump family.In working with Melania Trump on her recent First Lady speech, we discussed many people who inspired her and messages she wanted to share with the American people. A person she has always liked is Michelle Obama. Over the phone, she read me some passages from Mrs. Obama's speech as examples. I wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing in the draft that ultimately became the final speech. I did not check Mrs. Obama's speeches. That was my mistake, and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused Melania and the Trumps, as well as to Mrs. Obama. No harm was meant.Yesterday, I offered my resignation to Mr. Trump and the Trump family, but they rejected it. Mr. Trump told me that people make innocent mistakes and that we learn and grow from these experiences.I asked to put out this statement because I did not like seeing the way this was distracting from Mr. Trump's historic campaign for president and Melania's beautiful message and presentation.I apologize for the confusion and hysteria my mistake has caused. Today, more than ever, I am honored to work for such a great family. I personally admire the way Mr. Trump has handled this situation and I am grateful for his understanding.Sincerely, Meredith McIver Follow Megan on Twitter. Theres something missing. Theres someone missing. Anton should be here. So said J.J. Abrams tonight before the world premiere of Star Trek Beyond at San Diegos Embarcadero Marina Park Amphitheater about the late Anton Yelchin. The actor, who plays Pavel Chekov in the rebooted Star Trek franchise died June 19 in an automobile accident at his Los Angeles home. Taking the stage, Abrams called for a moment of silence for Yelchin, saying that the happy occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Star Trek franchise was tempered somewhat by the loss of a man cast members and crew have consistently called family. What followed was more than a minute of silence during which you could hear a pin drop as the crowd and Yelchins castmates, along with Abrams, Beyond director Justin Lin, and more commemorated the actor who died at age 27. Yelchin had played Chekov since 2009s Abrams-helmed Star Trek that rebooted the franchise with new actors in the roles created for the 1960s original series. Tonights tribute came just hours after Abrams, who also directed 2013s Star Trek Into Darkness and now executive produces the series, confirmed that the role of Chekov wont be recast with a new actor. I would say theres no replacing him, Abrams said in an interview with the Toronto Sun. Theres no recasting. I cant possibly imagine that, and I think Anton deserves better. Just before the tribute to Yelchin, Zachary Quinto, who plays Spock in the franchise, paid tribute to the man who originated the role. He talked about his friendship with Leonard Nimoy, who died in February 2015 at 83, about what he learned from knowing the man, and ended his tribute with, Heres to Leonard which of course drew a huge cheer. RelatedStar Trek Beyond Review: Enterprise Crew Revs Up Most Action-Filled Voyage Yet Story continues Conan OBrien hosted the pre-screening event, which also featured an elaborate pyrotechnics display and the San Diego Symphony performing music from 2009s Star Trek with a full choir. The orchestra also provided the music for tonights premiere screeing, projected in IMAX for several thousand fans assembled on the San Diego waterfront complimented by truly spectacular weather, though thats standard operating procedure for San Diego. Ladies and gentlemen, those fireworks that was the promotional budget for this film, OBrien joked afterward. Youll never see another billboard again! Paramount announced earlier this week that a fourth installment of the Star Trek reboot series has been greenlighted, with Chris Hemsworth, who played James T. Kirks father George in Star Trek, reprising his role in an as-yet-unrevealed capacity. Erik Pedersen contributed to this report. Related stories 'MacGyver' Co-Creator Peter Lenkov: "We're Trying To Get The Original Cast Members On The Show" - Comic-Con Paramount Picks Up Action Comedy Pitch For Gary Sanchez Team Fan-Fic Genre Pic 'Slash' Acquired By Gravitas Ventures Ahead Of Comic-Con Panel Starbucks ICMMM While customers may have protested Starbucks' changes to its loyalty program earlier this year, now, membership numbers are skyrocketing. Membership in the coffee giant's loyalty program increased 18% year-over-year to 12.3 million active members in the US, the company reported on Thursday. Growth of the loyalty program seems to be accelerating in the US. In April, the company reported 16% year-over-year growth from the same quarter last year, with 12 million active loyalty members. While new members have been joining the program at an impressive rate, Starbucks paid a hefty price for its success. In the second quarter, global comparable store sales at locations open for at least one year rose 4%, missing the forecast of 5.4%. According to Starbucks executives, the new rewards program is partially to blame. The launch of the revamped loyalty program took a significant amount of in-store training and marketing. As a result, Starbucks' summer Frappuccino happy hour promotion launched one week later than it had the prior summer and, with marketing campaigns around both the rewards program and the Frappuccino promotion, was less popular than in prior years. Comparable sales of blended drinks decreased 1% in the quarter. Starbucks' loyalty program has come under fire in 2016, due to a controversial revamp in early April. While many customers said the new program was more confusing and required members to spend more money to achieve rewards, the changes have ultimately succeeded in drawing new members to Starbucks Rewards. Starbucks provided some major incentives for customers to sign up for the revamped rewards program. The chain upgraded customers to Gold rewards status automatically if they made a purchase using their Starbucks card or app between April 12 and May 2. rewards starbucks The revamped loyalty program has also received positive feedback from analysts. "The more money spent, the more stars earned which is, all else equal, more incentive to spend more money," Nomura analyst Mark Kalinowski wrote of the revamped rewards program in a research note. Story continues With more loyalty program members comes more mobile order and pay orders, as both initiatives are heavily linked to Starbucks' app. Starbucks reported that mobile order and pay usage now makes up 5% of US transactions, up from 4% in the second quarter. The new rewards program allows the chain to offer more personalized deals to customers. According to Starbucks executives, the company is now utilizing emails with personalized deals and plans to launch targeted offers that members will receive via app while making purchases. Further, the revamped rewards program is key to expanding Starbucks' rewards program far beyond coffee. In March, Starbucks announced it would be releasing a prepaid Visa card by the end of the year that allows customers to earn rewards points, or 'stars,' to be used at Starbucks every time they use the card. While the new Starbuck Rewards has boosted new member counts, Starbucks fell short of analyst expectations for the quarter. The coffee giant reported on Thursday it earned $5.24 billion in fiscal-third-quarter revenue, missing the forecast for $5.34 billion, according to Bloomberg. NOW WATCH: How to make this popular Australian coffee drink that Starbucks sells across the US and Canada More From Business Insider John Cho hasnt spoken to George Takei since the original Mr. Sulu expressed his displeasure with the portrayal of the character as gay in the franchises newest feature-film installment. But he plans to. I havent talked to him, Cho said Wednesday at the world premiere of Star Trek Beyond at Comic-Con in San Diego. Ive been meaning to reach out, but its been pretty bananas. Theres no hatchet to bury. I love him. Thats not going to change. And I hope he doesnt think any less of me, even though he disagrees about the direction that weve taken in this movie. Cho, who plays Sulu in the current series of movies, revealed earlier this month that the filmmakers decided to include a scene in Beyond showing Sulu with his husband and daughter as a hat-tip to Takei, a gay-rights advocate who married partner Brad Altman in 2008. Takei soon after expressed displeasure with the narrative choice, saying that it deviated from Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberrys vision for the character. Doug Jung, who wrote the screenplay for the film with Simon Pegg, said Wednesday of Takei, I understood his point of view. I thought it was slightly misconstrued in how people took it. But hes certainly entitled to his opinion, and we all have such tremendous respect for him. The premiere Wednesday was billed as the first outdoor IMAX presentation of a film, and featured live accompaniment from the San Diego Symphony. During the films introduction, executive producer J.J. Abrams paid tribute to star Anton Yelchin, who died in June in an accident at his home in Studio City. There is something wrong tonight, Abrams said. There is something missing tonight, and there is someone missing. Anton Yelchin should be here. Abrams acknowledged Yelchins parents, who were in the audience. We love their son, he said. Star Zachary Quinto paid tribute to the original Mr. Spock, Leonard Nimoy, who died in February. I just want to take a moment to honor him, to acknowledge him, to celebrate him and to love him, Quinto said. We all carry him with us in our hearts tonight. Story continues Related stories Syfy to Launch Interactive Live Broadcast From Comic-Con Comic-Con Preview: Networks Boost Presence as Film Studios Take a Back Seat Box Office: 'Star Trek Beyond' Warps Toward $55 Million Debut Stefan Bradl to Leave MotoGP for WSBK By: Jamie Klein Co-author: Oriol Puigdemont Stefan Bradl is poised to leave MotoGP and join Honda's World Superbike effort in 2017 after failing to reach an agreement to join the Avintia Ducati team. The Spanish team had been courting Bradl to join Hector Barbera on one of its satellite Ducati machines after the German rider was informed by Aprilia that his services will not be required next season. A source from within Avintia however has confirmed to sister site Motorsport.com that negotiations with the 2011 Moto2 champion have failed to produce an agreement, meaning that the 26-year-old will now exit the premier class after five seasons. Stefan Bradl Instead, he is set to join Nicky Hayden at the Honda Ten Kate squad in World Superbikes, a move that will mean Michael van der Mark leaves the team after two seasons. The Dutchman is believed to be a prime target for Ducati's WSBK team, where he could replace Davide Giugliano, although he has also been linked to the Crescent-run Yamaha outfit. Meanwhile, Loris Baz is now expected to be confirmed for a second season at Avintia alongside Barbera as a result of the team's failure to agree terms with Bradl. That leaves Aspar as the only team still to determine its 2017 line-up. Talks with Alvaro Bautista are ongoing, while Yonny Hernandez and Eugene Laverty both also remain in the frame. New York (AFP) - Sting announced Thursday that his new album will come out later this year in a return to his rock roots that will touch on the migrant crisis and climate change. "57th & 9th" -- the title an allusion to the intersection where the "Englishman in New York" heads to the studio -- will come out on November 11, his label said. The former frontman of The Police, speaking to Rolling Stone, said that the album would return to a rock sound after years of more experimental work. "It's rockier than anything I've done in awhile," he told the music magazine. A longtime advocate for Amnesty International and other human rights causes, Sting said a song on the album, "Inshallah," will explore mass migration into Europe and another, "One Fine Day," will attack deniers of climate change. "The biggest engine for migration will be climate. Millions of people will be looking for somewhere safe," he told Rolling Stone. "I'm still in a bit of a depression about Britain exiting the EU for no good reason. At least the EU has a program to tackle climate change," he said, referring to the landmark June 23 referendum on "Brexit." The 64-year-old rocker said that the album will also feature a dark ballad entitled "50,000" that he wrote when contemplating mortality after pop icon Prince's death. Sting's last album, 2013's "The Last Ship," accompanied his Broadway musical of the same name that was based on his childhood memories living around shipbuilding. The musical was a commercial disappointment and Sting said he started working on "57th and 9th" in his unexpected free time afterward. Sting has been touring North America this summer with Peter Gabriel, a fellow rock veteran, as the two collaborate on each other's songs. Sting has sold more than 100 million albums as a solo artist and with The Police, who shook up pop music by incorporating a reggae sound. * Q2 underlying EBIT NOK 1.62 bln vs poll NOK 1.42 bln * Sees 2016 global demand growing 4-5 pct vs earlier 3-4 pct * Sees China demand alone to grow by 5-7 pct in 2016 (Adds share, analyst detail) By Gwladys Fouche OSLO, July 21 (Reuters) - Strengthening Chinese demand led Norsk Hydro, one of the world's largest aluminium producers, to raise its forecast for global aluminium demand growth this year to 4-5 percent as it reported forecast-beating earnings on Thursday. The company's global aluminium demand forecast, revised up from 3-4 percent, is now closer to peer Alcoa's forecast of 5 percent. Norsk Hydro said it saw stronger Chinese economic activity than previously anticipated and now expected aluminium demand in the country to grow 5-7 percent in 2016, up from a previous forecast of 3-5 percent. "(In China) we see aluminium moving into infrastructure, but also very much into building and construction," Chief Executive Svein Richard Brandtzaeg said while presenting second-quarter results. Norsk Hydro repeated it expected a largely balanced aluminium market for 2016 with a margin of plus or minus half a million tonne of spare aluminium. Norsk Hydro has faced a challenging market for years as the price of aluminium - used in the aerospace, construction and automotive sectors - has been low due to concerns about oversupply and a Chinese economic slowdown. But prices have recovered somewhat recently: LME benchmark three-month aluminium was up to a two-month high of $1,617 on Thursday. Q2 BEATS FORECASTS Shares in Norsk Hydro were the best performers on the European STOXX 600 index, reaching a five-month high of 5.2 percent at 0854 GMT against an index down 0.38 percent after posting forecast-beating second-quarter earnings. The company reported underlying operating profit of 1.62 billion Norwegian crowns ($190.73 million), down from 2.67 billion in the year-ago period, beating forecasts for 1.42 billion crowns in a Reuters poll of analysts. Story continues Core earnings for the firm's key primary metal division were 702 million crowns, more than double what analysts had expected in the poll, though down from 1.45 million year-on-year. The division's good result was partly boosted by two one-off items - an insurance refund of 50 million crowns and a tax reversal of 75 million crowns - but it was also due to lower fixed costs and carbon costs. In recent years Norsk Hydro has been working on cutting costs to counter the effect of low aluminium prices. Though they have recovered somewhat recently, they are still down 40 percent over the past five years. "Hydro's Q2-16 beat consensus 12 percent on underlying EBIT, demonstrating the "Better" improvement plan can deliver incremental shareholder value, in our view," UBS said in a note to clients. UBS has a neutral rating on the stock. Credit Suisse raised its rating of Norsk Hydro by two notches to "outperform" from "underperform" immediately after the results. (Editing by Adrian Croft) Juba (AFP) - South Sudan's President Salva Kiir appealed Thursday to his rival Riek Machar to return to the capital and help rebuild the peace after a wave of deadly gun battles threatened to plunge the country back into civil war. The whereabouts of Machar, the rebel leader who was reappointed vice president as part of a peace deal to end almost two years of bitter conflict, are not known. "I am appealing to Dr Riek Machar to return back to Juba so that we can continue with the implementation of the peace agreement (which) ... needs the two of us to implement," Kiir said in a statement. He said he pledged his "100 percent commitment" to ensuring Machar's security while in Juba, following the intense fighting that erupted between rival troops just as the two men were meeting in the capital on July 8. "I will be expecting a response... within 48 hours so that we establish contact and continue building and promoting peace amongst our people now suffering because of this uncalled-for conflict," Kiir said. Machar has not been seen since he left Juba after days of fierce fighting that claimed the lives of at least 300 people and sent tens of thousands fleeing, many to Uganda. The unrest in the world's youngest nation left an August 2015 peace deal hanging by a thread. Tens of thousands of people have been killed since the war first erupted in December 2015 when Kiir accused Machar, then his vice president, of plotting a coup. More than two million people have also been driven from their homes in the conflict, which has reignited ethnic divisions and been characterised by gross human rights abuses. From Good Housekeeping Remember your childhood crush? The one who, looking back, really needed to fix his bowl haircut or nose-picking habits? Usually, little-kid crushes are fleeting, but for one couple, those butterflies ended up in a lasting marriage, decades later. Photo credit: Courtesy of Kim and Evan Leach and Match USA Today reports that Kim Kuhl and Evan Leach first met when they were 14 and 15, respectively, at a North Carolina summer camp. "Things are pretty innocent at that age; it was one of those things (where) you have eyes for a guy," Kuhl told the newspaper. But, like those summer flings go, nothing really happened after camp ended. They saw each other a few times, but lost touch. Twenty-five years later, in 2013, both Kuhl and Leach were on Match.com, and Leach sent Kuhl a "wink" without even realizing she was the same person from camp. (She had changed her name in a previous marriage.) He messaged her, and she messaged back, immediately remembering who he was. She wrote: "mid to late 80's, YMCA, camp, Blue Ridge" Finally, he checked out her Facebook page, and it all clicked. Photo credit: Julien LB Photography Paris They met up, and they knew they had found something real. "This was the first time in six years or seven years since [my] divorce that I opened up to someone because it was so easy," Kuhl said. They were married in Paris in March of this year. "We believe people come in and out of your lives for a reason and we are thankful for that," the couple said in a statement through Match.com. ZURICH (Reuters) - Swiss prosecutors on Wednesday said they were helping their counterparts in the United States in an investigation into cash allegedly stolen from the Malaysian state investment fund 1MDB. The Swiss Office of the Attorney General (OAG) gave the update after the U.S. Department of Justice said it had filed civil lawsuits to seize assets worth more than $1 billion, allegedly stolen from the fund, which was overseen by Prime Minister Najib Razak. Najib has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The Swiss OAG on Wednesday said it took note of the announcement by U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch earlier on Wednesday about an "international conspiracy to launder funds misappropriated from 1MDB." "The OAG confirms that a U.S. mutual legal assistance request is being currently executed," the OAG said in a statement. "In the frame of its current criminal proceeding, the OAG has also sent mutual legal assistance requests to different countries, including the USA," it added. The Swiss opened their own criminal proceedings in August 2015 against two formal officials of the fund on a string of corruption charges. Their investigation has since been extended to other officials and the BSI bank. (Reporting by John Revill, editing by Larry King) AT&T (T) just released its second-quarter earnings results, posting earnings of $0.72 per share and revenue of $40.52 billion. Currently, T has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), but it is subject to change following the release of the companys latest earnings report. Here are 5 key statistics from this just announced report below. AT&T: 1. Matched earnings estimates. The company posted earnings of 72 cents per share (excluding 17 cents from non-recurring items), which was in line with our Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.72. 2. Missed revenue estimates. The company saw revenue figures of $40.52 billion, just missing our estimate of $40.66 billion. 3. One year after our acquisition of DIRECTV, the success of the integration has exceeded our expectations, said CEO Randall Stephenson. Cost synergies are ahead of target, weve added nearly 1 million DIRECTV subscribers since the acquisition, and our new video streaming services are scheduled to roll out later this year. 4. In the report, the company said that full-year guidance is on track to meet or exceed expectations. 5. T was down $0.52, or 1.22%%, to $42.00 as of 4:50 p.m. EST in after-hours trading shortly after its earnings report was released. Heres a graph that looks at AT&Ts latest earnings performance: AT&T INC Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise AT&T INC Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | AT&T INC Quote AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services, the nation's fastest 3G network and the best wireless coverage worldwide, and the nation's leading high speed Internet access and voice services. 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 AT&T INC (T): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research TAIPEI (Reuters) - EVA Airways Corp, Taiwan's second-biggest airline, said on Thursday it will suspend flights to Turkey after the Turkish president declared a state of emergency in a widening crackdown on suspected participants of a failed military coup. President Tayyip Erdogan said the emergency, lasting three months, would allow his government to take swift measures against coup supporters and that it was allowed under Turkey's constitution. "We need to see how political developments unfold ... We also see our customers' safety as a priority," said Golden Kou, an EVA Airways vice president. Taiwan's government has issued a warning about traveling to Turkey. EVA will suspend flights to Istanbul beginning next week until end of the year, Kou said, adding the passenger load rate on its sole Turkey route dropped to 50 percent following the coup compared with more than 80 percent in May and June. EVA launched the Istanbul route in March. Shares of EVA were unchanged in afternoon trade on Thursday, trailing the main index's 0.5 percent gain. (Reporting by Faith Hung; Editing by Christopher Cushing) I know this is an Unpopular Opinion, but Im tired of hearing about peoples student loan debt. I keep seeing articles about it cropping up on The Atlantic and it has become increasingly irritating. Im Canadian, and I went to University in the same city I grew up in so I would avoid student loan debt. My parents didnt pay a dime towards my degree or the degrees of my two siblings. We always knew they werent contributing; it wasnt a secret that they werent paying for our schooling. As such, in grade 10 I started tutoring ESL and later worked retail to save money for school. By Sunil Kataria (Reuters) - Frenzy gripped southern India on Thursday, a day ahead of the release of Tamil cinema superstar Rajinikanth's crime-drama film titled "Kabali." Chennai, the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, buzzed with activity with men plastering life-size posters, depicting Rajinikanth's character in the movie. "I have been putting up posters for my one and only star," said a laborer as he imitated some trademark moves of his favorite actor. Fans also braved the harsh heat standing in lines outside theaters in last minute attempts to buy tickets for the movie, which will be released across 12,000 screens on Friday. Rajinikanth, one of Asia's highest paid actors, plays an aged gangster who battles with his enemies in an effort to protect his family and business. Made on a budget of 1 billion rupees, or $14,892,126 U.S. dollars, "Kabali" is expected to earn double the amount within the first three days of its release. The film has already raked in at least 400 million rupees, roughly $6 million U.S. dollars, through brand tie-ups, according to media reports. Malaysia-based company AirAsia will host a "Kabali" themed flight on Friday, screening the film to flyers traveling from Bengaluru to Chennai while serving them some of Rajinikanth's favorite food items. The film marks the return of Rajinikanth to the screen since 2014, when his last film, "Lingaa," was released. (Reporting by Sunil Kataria in New Delhi) CLEVELAND Ted Cruz, Donald Trumps chief rival for the Republican nomination, addressed the GOP convention by congratulating the party nominee but stopped short of endorsing him. In fact, he was booed in the Quicken Loans Arena as he would up his speech without endorsing him. Shouts of Endorse Trump! and Go home could be heard as he neared the end of the speech, when he told voters to vote their conscience but made only one mention of the GOP nominee. Trump entered the arena just as the delegates and gallery were continuing their boos of Cruz. At points, what Cruz was saying was nearly drowned out out by the angry shouts. I congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night, Cruz said, in the only time that he named Trump in his speech. And like each of you, I want to see the principles that our party believes prevail in November. The boos contrasted to the extended ovation that greeted Cruz, as there were conflicting reports on whether he would give an endorsement. Instead, he pointedly avoided it. He devoted his speech to competing party visions for the country, framing them as matters of freedom and federalism. He focused on national security, education and health care. He did talk of key Trump campaign themes, like building a wall along the border of Mexico and he attacked trade agreements. We stand here tonight a nation divided. Partisan rancor, anger, even hatred are tearing America apart, he said. And citizens are furious rightly furious at a political establishment that cynically breaks its promises and ignores the will of the people. He opened his speech by paying tribute to a Dallas police officer who was killed earlier this month. I have no idea who he voted for in the last election, or what he thought about this one, Cruz said. But his life was a testament to devotion. He protected the very protesters who mocked him because he loved his country and his fellow man. His work gave new meaning to that line from literature, To die of love is to live by it.' Story continues He also cited the internet Cruz opposed the FCCs net neutrality rules. Keep it free from taxes, free from regulation. And dont give it away to Russia and China, he said. He also mentioned social issues. Cruz opposed the Supreme Courts decision legalizing same-sex marriage, but actually appeared to recognize that there were constitutional protections for gays and lesbians. Whether you are gay or straight, the Bill of Rights protects the rights of all of us to live according to our conscience. Cruz dropped out of the race in early May, shortly after he suffered a big loss in the Indiana primary. Earlier in the day, Trump had appeared on Fox & Friends and repeated a story that linked Cruzs father to Lee Harvey Oswald. CNN reported that Cruzs wife, Heidi, had to be escorted out of the arena by security. Related stories In a TV-Worthy Plot Twist, Ted Cruz Steals Donald Trump's Thunder and Becomes the RNC's Villain 'SNL' Brings 'Weekend Update' to the Republican Convention (Watch) Mike Pence Calls for Unity in GOP Convention Speech (Watch) Former Republican candidate Ted Cruz was booed off the stage at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night after he failed to endorse Donald Trump during his primetime speech. Cruz urged Republicans to vote in in the general election, and at one point seemed like he might actually endorse his former rival, but then didnt. Instead, he told thousands of gathered delegates to stand and speak and vote your conscience a comment that elicited loud boos from the audience. Also Read: Republican National Convention Brings Out the Crazies (Photos) Earlier in the day, news networks speculated that Cruz might not actually endorse Trump during his speech, an unusual move during a time when the party is attempting to radiate an image of unity ahead of the general election. After it became clear that Cruz was not intending to endorse the partys newly-named nominee, the crowd at the Quicken Loans arena in Cleveland, Ohio, broke into chants of: Endorse Trump! Cruz tried to laugh off the awkward moment saying jokingly, I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegates. Also Read: Does Meredith McIver Actually Exist? Twitter Has Its Doubts More boos could be heard on the floor of the convention as Cruz left the stage. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich took to the stage minutes later and attempted to minimize the damage, telling delegates to vote their conscience but added, There is only one candidate who will uphold the Constitution. And that of course, he believes, is Trump. In typical Trump fashion, Donald blew off the snub from Cruz, tweeting later in the night that it was no big deal! Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didn't honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 21, 2016 Related stories from TheWrap: Caitlyn Jenner Hits Convention, Says Coming Out as Republican Was Harder Than Transgender Republican Convention Delegates Defend Melania Speech But Hey, 'Somebody Goofed' Joe Eszterhas: Trump Is an 'Ahole,' but I'm Still Not Voting for Hillary (Exclusive Video) CLEVELAND, Ohio - Toward the end of Ted Cruz's speech at the Republication National Convention on Wednesday, a woman in the crowd on the third level, center stood and screamed at the Texas senator, "Say his name! Say Trump" She wasn't alone. The Quicken Loans Arena erupted in chaos when it became apparent that Cruz, who was also vying for the GOP nomination along with Donald Trump, was not going to endorse the billionaire businessman who locked up the nomination officially on Tuesday. "That son of a bitch is going to say his name," another man shouted out from the crowd. Cruz started the night with a standing ovation and his speech was being well with numerous pauses for massive applause. But, toward the end, rumblings cascaded across the arena. As he exited the stage, booming boos filled the arena while Cruz looked around. It was a bitter battle all primary season between Ted Cruz and Trump. The two men seemed to clash more often and more personally than any other GOP candidates. At one point, their wives were even drug into the mix. On multiple occasions during the primary season, Cruz condemned Trump's behavior and said his nomination would ensure a victory for Hillary Clinton in the fall. See More: Ivanka Trump on Her Father Donald Trump: "I Could Never Support Someone Who Was Sexist or Racist" 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();>>>>>>> The third night of the Republican National Convention delivered highly anticipated speeches from Donald Trump's running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, and from his former GOP rival, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. While Pence stressed unity within the party amid the night's theme to "Make America First Again," Cruz delivered on the headline-making news that circulated before the night even began when he refused to endorse the official GOP nominee during his primetime address. When Cruz took the stage, he stuck to the speech that was delivered ahead of time to media, saying very little about Trump in his speech. Instead, he Cruz focused on criticizing Hillary Clinton and the Obama administration. He urged voters to head to the polls and "Vote your conscience." Adding, "To those listening, don't stay home in November." The moment incited chants from the crowd, who began to shout "We want Trump" as they realized that the official endorsement was not going to come. Focusing his speech on freedom, he did endorse some Trump policies, saying: "We deserve an immigration system that puts America first, and yes, builds a wall." By the end, the crowd began to boo and Trump emerged from the back of the Quicken Loans Arena to steal his former rival's thunder. Shifting attention away from Cruz, a smiling Trump appeared to greet and shake hands. The Trump family and New York delegates were visibly disappointed, while Cruz continued to smile on stage. After Cruz concluded his speech, his wife Heidi Cruz had to be escorted out. Trump's son Eric Trump was next to take the stage. When he did, he at first repeated: "Wow." Eric Trump, who told ABC's Good Morning America earlier that he "wrote every single word of my speech myself," then proceeded to deliver a passionate address about his father. "Vote for the candidate who can't be bought, sold, purchased, bribed, coerced, intimidated, or steered from the path that is right, and just, and true," he said. "And quite frankly friends, vote for the one candidate that does not need this job." Story continues He continued: "Oprah Winfrey once famously asked my father if he ever envisioned funning for the presidency of the United States. His answer, only if it got so bad that I had no choice. Well ladies and gentleman that day has come." Donald Trump sat in the family box as Eric spoke and appeared to leave the convention hall after he was done. But he appeared again after Pence concluded his speech. Pence, the GOP vice presidential nominee, said the upcoming November race has the power to define the next 40 years. Ivanka Trump, who will be introducing her father Thursday night, spoke to CNN about Trump, her dad, compared to Trump the politician. "He is authentic. Nobody tells him who to be," she said in an interview that aired before the speeches kicked off Wednesday night. "I know the man, so when I hear things that are factually inaccurate, it's sometimes hurtful. I could never support someone who was sexist or racist. I know who he is as a human being and I know those things are not true." Heading into the night, Trump's campaign was still hoping to overshadow the controversy surrounding Melania Trump's plagiarized speech from her Monday night address. Read More: Donald Trump Adviser on Hillary Clinton's Benghazi Scandal: She Should Be "Shot for Treason" Early this morning - after 36 hours of campaign denials - the Trump campaign released a statement from the speechwriter who accepted responsibility for using portions of a speech given by Michelle Obama in 2008. Up until that point, the campaign had praised her speech, with only Donald Trump Jr. blaming the speechwriters. Meredith Mclver, an in-house staff writer at the Trump Organization, said in the statement: "I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused." "Good news is Melania's speech got more publicity than any in the history of politics especially if you believe that all press is good press!" Trump said on Twitter. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, radio host Laura Ingraham and two other former GOP rivals, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (via video) and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, also were some of the night's speakers. Repeating "America deserves better" during his speech, Walker took a page out of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's playbook by inciting the crowd to repeat his mantra about Clinton. "[She] is the ultimate liberal Washington insider," he said. "If she were anymore on the inside, she'd be in prison." Rubio spoke via video, focusing most of his time on attacking Clinton. He did serve up an endorsement, saying he supports Trump. "The time for fighting each other is over," he says. Marco Rubio supports Donald Trump for president at the #RNCinCLE https://t.co/KjpeNheq0X https://t.co/eDbbiJOStM - CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) July 21, 2016 Gingrich went off-script in an attempt to smooth over Cruz's refusal to outright endorse Trump. "With no requirement for endorsement, [Trump] encouraged his competitors to speak once again," he said. "Gov. Rick Perry, Gov. Chris Christie, Gov. Scott Walker, Dr. Ben Carson, Sen. Marco Rubio and Sen. Ted Cruz have all responded to Donald comes generosity." He continued: "So, to paraphrase Ted Cruz, if you want to protect the Constitution of the United States, the only possible candidate this fall is the Trump-Pence Republican ticket." The statement was reportedly not included in his prepared remarks sent to press. He also said in his speech that the price Americans would pay for electing Clinton would be what he calls the "loss of America as we know it." "We should be terrified at the prospect of a Hillary Clinton presidency," he said. The night's speakers were expected to continue to take aim at Clinton - the presumptive Democratic nominee was the subject of a mock court session put on by Christie the night prior. He had the crowd chanting "Guilty!" and "Lock her up!" when reciting examples of Clinton's acts. Dr. Ben Carson also delivered an eyebrow-raising speech that linked Clinton to Lucifer. Tuesday also saw humanizing speeches from his children Tiffany Trump and Donald Trump Jr. See those and other highlights from Day 2 here. In addition to being plagued by the plagiarism controversy, the RNC has been hit with criticism that the focus on Clinton is upstaging the point of the convention - to unite the part and celebrate its nominee - and the overwhelmingly white gathering of delegates at the convention. Several arrests were also made Wednesday afternoon right outside the convention. It appeared at least 10 arrests were made after two police officers were assaulted during an anti-Trump protest. On Wednesday, Trump arrived to the Cleveland hall via helicopter. Melania Trump was not with him, but will be attending Thursday when her husband will formally accept the nomination with a speech. Trump's appearance during Cruz's speech marks the third night in a row that he has bucked convention - candidates typically do not appear until the final night. 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();>>>>>>> Coming to you live every morning from Cleveland, Unconventional is the one thing you need to read to understand whats really happening at the conventions. Each edition will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the biggest (and weirdest) moments of the day, with original dispatches from the entire Yahoo Politics team plus a sneak peek at whats next. Traitor! People react to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, as he addresses delegates during the third day session of the RNC in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 20, 2016. (Photo: Matt Rourke/AP Photo) CLEVELAND The official theme of the penultimate night of the Republican National Convention was Make America First Again. And Ted Cruz didnt disagree. He just disagreed that putting Donald Trump first was the best way to do it. In an emotional, precedent-shattering address Wednesday, Trumps vanquished primary rival followed his own conscience and pursued his own agenda by refusing to endorse his partys newly minted nominee while implicitly putting himself forward as an alternative party leader should Trump crash and burn in November. In response, thousands of delegates booed and turned their backs on the Texas senator, choosing instead to face Trump, who had materialized on the other side of the Quicken Loans Arena in silent, seething protest. Vote for Trump! Vote for Trump! they shouted. Go home, Ted! It was perhaps the most clamorous and divisive convention moment since 1976, when Cruzs hero Ronald Reagan challenged incumbent President Gerald Ford for the GOP nomination. For weeks, the media was abuzz about whether Cruz would show support for Trump. But after a primary in which the tycoon mocked the senator as Lyin Ted and linked his father erroneously to Lee Harvey Oswald, Cruz couldnt bring himself to do it. The most Cruz could muster was a curt congratulations. I congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night, Cruz said 20 seconds into his speech. He went on to add in a line that wasnt part of his prepared remarks that, like each of you, I want to see the principles that our party believes in prevail in November. Not the nominee. The principles. Cruz didnt mention Trump again. Story continues From left to right in foreground, Vanessa Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump and Tiffany Trump stand as they listen to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speak on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images) There was a reason Cruz started his speech with an allusion to the Cleveland Cavaliers incredible comeback victory in the 2016 NBA finals. Since suspending his campaign in early May, he has been busily plotting his own return. Three weeks after the decisive Indiana primary, Cruz traveled to Mexico with his wife, Heidi, his campaign chairman, his campaign manager and his national finance chairman. He soon demanded a massive, top-to-bottom review of the decisions made in the presidential primary. And in late June, he invited more than 100 of his top bundlers and donors to a retreat in La Jolla, Calif. They seem to have concluded that the convention was the proper place to launch Cruzs 2020 campaign and that the proper way to do it, strategically, was by speaking out against Trumps hostile takeover of the Republican Party. What if this, right now, is our last time? Cruz said, speaking as much to himself as to the delegates. Our last moment to do something for our families and our country? Did we live up to our values? he continued. Did we do all we could? And with that, Cruz was off. Much of what the senator said was unsurprising. He made common cause with citizens [who] are furious rightly furious at a political establishment that cynically breaks its promises and ignores the will of the people. He criticized President Obama as a man who does everything backwards. He spoke about children, and Abraham Lincoln, and the United States quest to put a man on the moon. But under the rubric of a return to freedom, Cruz also embraced a vision for our future one he implied was better than both Clintons and Trumps that emphasized his more libertarian leanings and softened some of his sharp edges. Gone were the strident appeals to the religious right. In their place were lines like gay or straight, the Bill of Rights protects the rights of all of us to live according to our conscience and The internet? Keep it free from taxes, free from regulation. Cruz bemoaned partisan rancor and hailed his partys historical commitment to civil rights. He even reminded the audience, implicitly, that he supports letting each state decide whether to legalize marijuana, which puts him well outside the GOP mainstream. We deserve leaders who stand for principle, Cruz said, again contrasting himself with Trump. Unite us all behind shared values. Cast aside anger for love. That is the standard we should expect, from everybody. When the delegates in the Quicken Loans Arena realized that Cruz was reaching the end of his remarks with no endorsement in sight, many began to boo. Some threatened Heidi Cruz, who had to be escorted backstage. The senator didnt back down. In an apparent allusion to the failed, months-long campaign by some of his supporters to free the GOP delegates to vote their consciences in Cleveland, Cruz urged those listening not to stay home in November. Stand, and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution, Cruz said. The message was unmistakable: Its OK if you cant stomach the thought of voting for Trump. Vote for true conservatives instead. Spectators react as Texas Sen. and former Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz speaks on the third day of the 2016 Republican National Convention. (Photo: David Maxwell/EPA) Right beneath Cruzs podium, the delegation from New York Trumps home state howled in disgust. I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation, Cruz said, as the jeers grew louder. Then, in a twist out of reality TV, Trump himself emerged from the wings, pumping his fist as he joined his family in the VIP box across the hall. He stood erect and jut-jawed, glaring at Cruz. All at once, thousands of delegates pivoted toward their nominee, as if pulled by some sort of gravitational force. Thank you, Cruz said. And may God bless the United States of America. The delegates booed. Cruzs speech was over. Their backs were turned to him. The program continued as planned in the aftermath of Cruzs mutiny. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich attempted to soothe the delegates; Trumps running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, delivered a rousing address that would have dominated coverage on any other day. But just when the GOPs troubled convention seemed to be getting back on track, all anyone in Cleveland could talk about was Cruz. Word began to spread of Republicans accosting the senator backstage and yelling, Traitor!; GOP mega-donor Sheldon Adelson reportedly refused to admit Cruz to his suite. Predictably, Trump weighed in on Twitter. Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didnt honor the pledge! Trump wrote in reference to the vow Cruz made last September to support the eventual nominee. I saw his speech two hours early, but let him speak anyway. No big deal! Others were less sanguine. I think it was awful, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie told CNN. I think it was selfish. To say cute things like: You should vote for the candidate you believe in from the top of the ticket to bottom this is the kind of Washington talk that people in this country are repelled by. I sat there shaking my head. On Friday morning, Cruz doubled down when a Texas delegate questioned his decision, dispatching with the previous evenings politesse to lay directly into Trump. That pledge was not a blanket commitment that if you go and slander and attack Heidi that Im going to nonetheless come like a servile puppy dog and say, Thank you very much for maligning my wife and maligning my father, Cruz snapped. The bet Cruz is making is that Trump will lose in November and that, by 2020, Republicans will see things his way. Its a huge risk. And no one not even Cruz has any idea whether it will pay off. _____ Oh, and some other people spoke too Conservative political commentator Laura Ingraham speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 20, 2016. (Photo: Mark J. Terrill/AP) Dont worry weve got you covered. Olivier Knox on Mike Pence: In the most important speech of his political life, Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence introduced himself to voters late Wednesday as a man holding to impeccable conservative credentials, risen from modest all-American roots, married three decades to the love of his life, and possessing a sense of humor about himself. In other words, Donald Trumps most important advocate cast himself as the anti-Trump. Hunter Walker on Newt Gingrich: Cruzs speech left many of the party delegates and activists on the convention floor booing. However, Gingrich argued they misunderstood the senators remarks. To paraphrase Ted Cruz, if you want to protect the Constitution of the United States, the only possible candidate this fall is the Trump/Pence Republican ticket, Gingrich argued. Liz Goodwin on Scott Walker: Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker officially, and somewhat tepidly, endorsed Donald Trump on the convention stage Wednesday, a full 10 months after dropping out of the Republican primary. Last August, I said that any of the Republicans running would be better than Hillary Clinton, he explained. I meant it then, and I mean it now. So let me be clear: A vote for anyone other than Donald Trump in November is a vote for Hillary Clinton. Jerry Adler on Laura Ingraham: Over the course of the Republican National Convention, Hillary Clinton has been denounced as a criminal (to chants of Lock her up!), linked (by way of a long-dead social activist) to Lucifer, and nominated (by a Trump adviser, speaking on a Boston radio show) to be shot for treason. So there wasnt much left in the way of insults for conservative radio host and author Laura Ingraham to throw at Clinton when she took the podium Wednesday evening. But Ingraham rose to the occasion, comparing Clinton to man buns. Holly Bailey on Eric Trump: Repeatedly invoking unemployed workers, single mothers and veterans who struggled under the care of the federal government, Eric Trump said his father had put a successful business career on hold out of love of country and a desire to turn dreams into reality for all Americans, as he had done for himself. To make this sacrifice, to run for the most powerful yet unforgiving office in the world. There is no greater calling and there is more selfless act, Eric Trump said. My father is running for you. _____ Overheard OH in #RNCinCLE: "You know how in Harry Potter the death eaters have that mark? That's what putting that hat on is." 1 bro to hat buying 2nd Garance Franke-Ruta (@thegarance) July 20, 2016 _____ How do you solve a problem like The Donald? Worth noting: Florida Sen. Marco Rubio also appeared in the Q last night; he just wasnt on stage. Instead, Rubio beamed in via Jumbotron to deliver the full-throated Trump endorsement that Cruz had denied the delegates and that, until now, Rubio himself had refused to utter. After a long and spirited primary, the time for fighting each other is over, Rubio said, praising Trumps positions on taxes, terrorism and the Supreme Court. Its time to win in November. Seeing Rubio, Walker, and Cruz speak in quick succession was a striking reminder of how challenging it is for Republicans to respond to the rise of Trump especially Republicans who want to run for president again. How do you solve a problem like The Donald? Which approach puts you in the best position for future electoral success? Pulling a total 180, but refusing to do it person (a la Rubio)? Showing just enough deference to avoid the blame for a Clinton victory in November (a la Walker)? Or openly rebelling on the convention stage (a la Cruz)? Its a cliche, but in this case, its true: Only time will tell. _____ Convention diary Click through for the full Yahoo News Convention Diary from South Carolina delegate Jerry Rovner. _____ Finally: Trump speaks tonight. Heres what he should say. GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump gives two thumbs up while introducing his wife, Melania, on the first day of the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) At least according to Yahoo News National Political Columnist Matt Bai: Id resist any advice to go all Mitt Romney on the national audience tonight. Youve already made your choice about how youre going to run and maybe even win this race, and it has nothing to do with broadening the partys appeal. I remember when I met you back in 1999, when you were first playing around with presidential politics, and you were talking about breaking up the two-party paradigm and making government work. I think theres a version of you that could have run that campaign this time, had there been any real market for it. I dont think you started out thinking you would demonize immigrant groups or attack powerful women. I think you realized early on where the most visceral emotion was in the Republican electorate, and you seized on it, because thats what youre great at. And if it makes the rest of the party cringe, then so be it, right? Because the anger youre channeling is something you feel, too. You know what its like to suffer the contempt of the enlightened, and they dont. Youve known it all your life. So this has become your theory of the race not to persuade anyone of your underlying prudence or intellect, but to galvanize huge numbers of enraged white men (and a lot of enraged white women, too) who feel left behind, Americans who fear social change and despise their political leadership. Thats been the unrelenting theme of this convention, the darkest and most divisive such gathering any of us have ever seen, from one bilious speaker to the next. Theres no joy or idealism here in Cleveland. Its like Reagans morning in America if you were being hanged in the morning. And if your entire candidacy is going to be a conduit for rage, Donald, then you might as well ride it. Go off script. Wave your hands like a madman. Feed off the crowd. Make the convention into a primetime rally. _____ The big picture Photographer Khue Bui is on the ground in Cleveland, capturing all of the action for Yahoo News. Heres his most unconventional pic of the day. Sen. Ted Cruz speaks during the RNC Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 20, 2016. (Photo: Khue Bui for Yahoo News) _____ By the numbers A law enforcement officer tries to extinguish a burning American flag on July 20, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio, during the third day of the RNC. (Photo: John Minchillo/AP) 10,867: The number of people registered, as of July 1, to protest during the RNC 23: The number of protestors arrested so far _____ What to watch Thursday Theme: Make America One Again 7:20 PM Session: Remarks by Brock Mealer, a motivational speaker Remarks by U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee Remarks by Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma Remarks by Dr. Lisa Shin of the National Diversity Coalition for Trump Remarks by Reince Priebus, chairman of the national Republican Party Remarks Jerry Falwell Jr., president of Liberty University Remarks by Peter Thiel, the venture capitalist and hedge fund manager who co-founded PayPal Remarks Tom Barrack, CEO of Colony Capital, an international investment firm Remarks by Ivanka Trump, the second of Trumps five children and executive vice president of the Trump Organization Remarks by Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president _____ Related slideshows: On the ground at the GOP convention a photo report >>> Boos Cruz: Newspapers react to Ted Cruzs RNC stunner >>> Armed at the RNC >>> Front pages cover Donald Trumps final primary victory >>> Melania Trump in the convention spotlight >>> Convention floor erupts when no roll call taken to change rules to unbind delegates >>> How newspapers covered the RNCs fiery first day >>> Demonstrators protest outside the RNC >>> Donald Trumps America >>> Ted Cruz CLEVELAND Ted Cruz on Thursday delivered an impassioned defense of his Wednesday-night speech that prompted loud boos and jeers from the Republican National Convention audience. During a breakfast with the Texas delegation, Cruz took questions many of which were heated from his home-state delegates looking for answers on why he not only refused to endorse nominee Donald Trump but actively encouraged people not to vote for the billionaire if doing so would violate their conscience. In a particularly emotionally charged exchange, a woman in the Texas delegation asked Cruz about the pledge he agreed to earlier in the year stipulating that he would support the party's nominee at the end of the primary season. She said Cruz lied to her by abdicating the pledge. "I will tell you when I stood on that debate stage and they asked every candidate will you support the nominee, I raised my hand and I raised it enthusiastically," Cruz said. "With the full intention of doing exactly that." "And I'll tell you the day that pledge was abdicated," he continued. "The day that pledge was abdicated was the day this became personal." Ted Cruz says he won't back Trump "like a servile puppy dog" after Trump attacked his family https://t.co/HqOPJ9a8IP https://t.co/dOqd6c838e CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) July 21, 2016 Insisting that he was not trying to attack Trump, Cruz said he was "not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father," referring to an attack Trump made on the appearance of Cruz's wife, Heidi, and to a conspiracy theory promoted by Trump that Cruz's father, Rafael, was somehow involved in the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy. "And that pledge was not a blanket commitment that if you go and slander and attack Heidi, that I'm going to nonetheless come like a servile puppy dog and say thank-you very much for maligning my wife and my father," he said. The Texas senator then addressed a man in the back of the room rubbing his hands under his eyes to mimic crying. Story continues "You might have a similar view if someone was attacking your wife," Cruz said. "In fact, I hope you would. I hope you would." The man told Cruz to "get over it" because "this is politics." "No, no, this is not politics," Cruz fired back. "I will tell the truth. I will not malign. I will not insult. I will not attack. I will tell the truth. This is not a game. This is not politics. Right and wrong matter. We have not abandoned who we are in this country." The cowboy-hat-clad crowd erupted in a roaring cheer. Ted Cruz says he won't get over Donald Trump's personal attacks: "Right and wrong matters" https://t.co/HqOPJ9a8IP https://t.co/xJcrSA7od6 CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) July 21, 2016 During his speech Wednesday night, Cruz told delegates and viewers that they should "vote your conscience" in November, leading to loud boos as Trump was entering the Quicken Loans Arena. "And to those listening, please, don't stay home in November," Cruz said. "Stand, and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution." Cruz added Thursday that he wasn't "eager" to speak at the convention. "What does this say when you stand up and say 'vote your conscience' and rabid supporters of our nominee begin screaming, 'What a horrible thing to say!'" Cruz said. He said that if Republicans can't make a case to America that voting for Trump is consistent with voting their conscience, they don't deserve to win. "It is not simply blindly chanting a name and yelling down dissenters," he said, alluding to Trump's popular "Trump! Trump! Trump!" chant. "Can anyone imagine our nominee standing in front of voters answering questions like this?" Cruz said. "I owe this to you I owe this to you every day." He said the Republican Party "isn't a social club." "We either stand for shared principles or we're not worth anything," he said before making a reference to butting heads with former House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. "Let me ask folks here a related question: How many of y'all here would like to see more leaders stand up to John Boehner and Mitch McConnell?" he said. "I want to point out to folks here, you're sitting and you saw last night why so few elected leaders do. Because when you do stand up, leadership screams, 'Support the team. You're a Republican. We're the leadership. Sit down. Shut up. Support the team.'" "If that's the price, I ain't gonna do it," Cruz said. "I'm going to honor the commitments I made to the voters in the state." Cruz said he went to Twitter after his speech to read through various articles. He said one had a word cloud from each night of the convention. "You look at my word cloud, and the word that's about 50 times bigger than any other word is freedom," Cruz said. "The prior night's word cloud, the dominant word, anybody guess what it was? Multiple people shouted out "Hillary!" "Trump," Cruz said. "You know what, if we go to November and the dominant word voters hear is 'Trump,' or for that matter, if the dominant word is 'Hillary' or 'email server,' we're gonna lose." "I wasn't elected to do the convenient thing," he said before exiting the event. "I was elected to stand up and do what was right." NOW WATCH: TED CRUZ: Heres why I didnt endorse Donald Trump at the RNC More From Business Insider The Republican National Convention wrapped up its third day in Cleveland, Ohio, on Wednesday night (July 20), and the event once again had Twitter losing its mind. Like Melania Trump on Monday, Ted Cruz sparked heated debate with his speech -- but unlike Melania, Cruz's controversy was all about what he didn't say onstage (more on that below). In addition to Cruz, Donald Trump's son Eric Trump and running mate Indiana Gov. Mike Pence took the podium, as did former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, radio personality Laura Ingraham and Florida Gov. Rick Scott, among others. Prophets of Rage Perform in Protest of Republican National Convention: Watch The night's theme was "Make America First Again," so first things first, let's take a look at the night's biggest moments, in music and beyond. Ted Cruz Goes Rogue The big story of Wednesday night's lineup was whether Trump's most bitter rival during the presidential primary would turn a corner and endorse his onetime foe. But when Ted Cruz wrapped up his speech, the crowd erupted in boos realizing he never once urged the RNC crowd to vote for Trump. He only suggested to "vote your conscience" -- wherever that might lead. 'Trump Yeah' After Cruz's non-endorsement, country star Chris Janson joined the house band for an appropriately riled-up version of Tim McGraw's "Truck Yeah" -- replaced, of course, with "Trump Yeah." Janson had the crowd hollering Trump's name after Cruz chose not to say it. Sweet Caroline Kennedy? In a 2007 interview, Neil Diamond revealed that JFK's daughter Caroline Kennedy was the inspiration behind his hit "Sweet Caroline"; he even performed the song at Kennedy's 50th birthday party that same year. So the house band's decision to play the 1969 hit even though it was inspired by America's most famous liberal family was surprising at the RNC -- but it was still a huge hit in Cleveland. (Trump's VP pick Pence did later reference JFK as a childhood hero, along with MLK.) Story continues "Sweet Caroline," a crowd favorite, plays at #RNCinCLE ahead of first speaker pic.twitter.com/ew6aNXiXy4 - Newsday (@Newsday) July 20, 2016 Can't even tell you how turnt this crowd got when the house band played Sweet Caroline. #RNCinCLE #ItsLit - Sam Sanders (@samsanders) July 20, 2016 House band is playing Sweet Caroline. You guys do know that was written about a democrat, right? #RNCinCLE - DJ Clark (@TheDJClark) July 20, 2016 'Born in the USA,' Again Politicians have been using Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" as a patriotic pump-up jam for decades (including Donald Trump himself, as recently as January), but if you look beyond the chorus, you realize it's not the pro-American anthem it appears to be. Well, the RNC house band worked around that whole "lyrics" issue by only repeating the titular chorus on Wednesday night and avoiding the verses. Y'all... Y'all.. Y'all know what "Born in the USA" was actually about right? - Just Blaze (@JustBlaze) July 21, 2016 High Times After the house band covered David Bowie's drug-referencing "Station to Station" on Monday, they reached high yet again on Day 3, performing The Who's "Eminence Front," which Pete Townshend has introduced in concert like this: "This song is about what happens when you take too much white powder; it's called 'Eminence Front.'" Hop on the Speedwagon REO Speedwagon's "Roll With the Changes," another house band number, has some pretty fitting lyrics for the hopeful President Trump: "So if you're tired of the same old story/ Turn some pages/ I'll be here when you are ready to roll with the changes." Out of Right Field The house band broke out a funky, lesser-known treat for the crowd: The Bar-Kays' "Soul Finger," a 1967 soul/funk single that peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. Country Closer As Trump joined Pence onstage following his running mate's biggest speech to date, the country theme started by Janson had its fitting conclusion as Rodney Atkins' "It's America" played the hopeful first and second families offstage. Ted Cruz wanted to leave Republican delegates with a case of buyers remorse. The plan was carefully scripted: snub Donald Trump by not endorsing him at the Republican convention on Wednesday night. Unleash a stirring cry for conservative values that would evoke memories of Ronald Reagans 1976 clarion call at Gerald Fords coronation. That show-stealing speech set Reagan on a glide path to the 1980 nomination, which is what Cruz is hoping for in 2020. But the plan went awry, and sparked an ugly clash at the GOP convention in Cleveland. As Cruzs speech dragged past the 20-minute mark with just a perfunctory mention of Trumps triumph, the crowd grew restive. Say his name! some Trump allies shouted. Go home! others yelled. Then the host himself twisted the knife. As Cruz was wrapping up, Trump stepped on his peroration, walking into the arena to join family in his VIP box. The boos for the Texan rang long and loud. Two Trump sources told TIME the outburst was orchestrated by the campaign after they were tipped off that Cruz would withhold the endorsement. Read More: Watch Ted Cruz Fail to Endorse Donald Trump at the Republican Convention The speech was a gamble that could upend the 2016 runner-ups planning for 2020 and shape the contours of a coming party fight should Trump lose. Some RNC officials believe Cruz is actively laying the groundwork for a presidential run in four years regardless of what happens in November. That could set up a remarkable challenge to a sitting President from his own party. For Cruz, the prime-time address was an all-in wager. Decline to endorse at Trumps coronation, and Cruz might alienate millions of Republicans at a moment when he is trying to recast himself as a team player. Embrace Trump, and risk tainting a personal brand built on conservative purity. Not to mention help a man who insulted his wife and father. Most Republicans eyeing future runs for national office have embraced Trump. Thats a product of calculation, not affection: many worry a failure to fall in line could backfire if the outspoken billionaire blames his defeat on their disloyalty. But Cruz has made the case for a year that the GOP loses when it nominates insufficiently conservative candidates. And hes betting a Trump loss would prove his point. Story continues Before the speech, Cruzs most-passionate supporters were split on the best course of action. The move wasnt made lightly; much of the address was crafted by Cruz himself. In the end, it was a bet that kneecapping Trump would help push the party toward a conservative revolution, with the Texan at the head of the column. Read More: Watch Republican Delegates Boo Ted Cruz I want to congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night, Cruz began. Of course, Trump had effectively clinched the nomination months earlier. And Cruz never mentioned the man at the top of the ticket again. The dramatic set piece followed negotiations between the two campaigns and Republican officials, as well as a phone call between the candidates themselves. The speaking slot was one element of an agreement that prevented Cruzs name from being placed into nomination during the roll call of the states on Tuesday night. But if Trumps team expected a graceful concession, the patina of deference was short-lived. In a convention conspicuously light on Trump accolades, the nonendorsement was the sharpest blow yet. It sent an unmistakable message that four months before the 2016 election, the battle for 2020 has already begun. Weeks ago, in fact. Its easy to spot the signs across Cleveland: Senator Tom Cotton, the ambitious freshman from Arkansas, stopped in on a breakfast of New Hampshire delegates; Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, who may be gearing up for another go, hobnobbed with early state activists. Walker must first win re-election, but hell be back on the national stage, an aide told TIME this week. Nobody has spent as much time charting his postelection path like Cruz. He dropped out after his defeat in Indiana on May 3, but it was a case of leaving one race to join another. He has continued to spend money. Allies hatched a plan over the next four years to smooth Cruzs reputation as a solitary climber by parceling out cash to select Republican allies. Aides closely monitored the snuffed delegate revolts against Trump, ready to pounce if opportunity struck, yet careful to avoid any fingerprints. A brawl over the rules that will govern the next Republican nominating contest was driven by Cruz loyalists. The ham-handed effort, which could have excluded anyone who isnt a registered Republican from future primaries, was a change expected to benefit the Texas purist if it had passed. Read More: How Mike Pence Tried to Heal the Republican Rift Cruzs close-knit corps of political advisers has never left his side. Some key staff, including strategist David Polyansky and communications hand Catherine Frazier, migrated back to his Senate office. Others landed at a pair of new nonprofit groups that will tend his interests, keep talent in house and prepare for his 2018 Senate re-election. But that is not the ultimate goal. A second run for the presidency is almost surely in Cruzs future. Hes 45 years old, campaign manager Jeff Roe told reporters on Wednesday. He came in second. You can read between the lines. The only question is when. I expect Ted Cruz to run no matter what in 2020, said Carroll Maxwell, a delegate from McKinney, Texas, who was waiting Wednesday afternoon to enter a crowded party Cruz threw at a bar to thank supporters. Thats what Id like to see. But among his most fervent fans, there was no consensus about how Cruz should handle his speech Wednesday night. Many said he should back an imperfect nominee for the sake of party unity; others were aghast at the idea. He cant, Arizona delegate Gayla Coletto said of a Trump endorsement. If he does that, hell lose 90% of us. Gesturing at the lengthy line on a hot afternoon, Jean Griswold, a delegate from Concord, N.C., and a member of Cruzs Tar Heel State steering committee, tried to explain the ardor fans feel for the Texas Senator. The people you see here would walk over glass for him, she said. As we look to 2020 or 2024, these people here will all be there for him. The question after his risky bet on Wednesday night is whether thats still true. With reporting by Zeke J. Miller / Cleveland Hours after getting booed for not endorsing Donald Trump in his primetime speech at the Republican National Convention, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said he wasnt going to be a servile puppy dog to the partys nominee given Trumps personal attacks against him during the primary season. I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father, Cruz told his states GOP delegation at a breakfast in Cleveland Thursday morning. Trumps former GOP rival, who like the rest of the field signed a pledge during the primaries to support the partys nominee, said that agreement was abdicated when the brash real estate mogul mocked his wife, Heidi, and suggested that his father was involved in the assassination of John F. Kennedy. That pledge was not a blanket commitment that if you go and slander and attack Heidi that Im going to nonetheless come like a servile puppy dog and say, Thank you very much for maligning my wife and maligning my father, Cruz said. During the late stages of the bitter GOP primary race, Trump threatened to spill the beans on Cruzs wife after an anti-Trump super-PAC ran ads featuring a racy photo of Melania Trump. Donald Trump then shared a photo on Twitter featuring an unflattering photo of Cruzs wife next to a flattering photo of his own. Trump also at one point gave credence to a sketchy National Enquirer report that linked the elder Cruz to Kennedys assassin. Fielding questions from the Texas delegation, Cruz assured them he would not be voting for Hillary Clinton, but would not commit to voting for the Republican nominee. At one point, Geraldine Sam, a Texas GOP delegate and former La Marque mayor, stood up and yelled, This is not about you. This is not about your wife your word is your bond. Let me be very clear: This is not a social club, he said. We either stand for shared principles, or were not worth anything. During his primetime address Wednesday, Cruz urged the crowd inside Quicken Loans Arena to vote for someone who embodies the principles that our party believes in. Story continues Stand, and speak, and vote your conscience. Vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution, Cruz said. In response, thousands of delegates booed and turned their backs on the Texas senator, choosing instead to face Trump, who had materialized on the other side of the Quicken Loans Arena in silent, seething protest. Endorse Trump! Endorse Trump! they shouted. Go home, Ted! I think it was awful, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie told CNN. I think it was selfish. To say cute things like You should vote for the candidate you believe in from the top of the ticket to bottom this is the kind of Washington talk that people in this country are repelled by. I sat there shaking my head. Cruz was unapologetic. What I said last night is what I believe, Cruz said Thursday morning. If anyone here thinks I was eager to come to this convention and give a speech laying out and supporting many of the principles Trump laid out during the campaign despite the fact he nor his campaign has ever taken back anything hes said about my family let me assure you, I was not. He added: This is not a game, this is not politics. Right and wrong matter. On Twitter, Trump said he saw a copy of Cruzs prepared remarks before the speech but allowed the Texas senator to speak at the convention as scheduled. Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didnt honor the pledge! Trump tweeted. I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal! Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didnt honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 21, 2016 But in March, Trump himself said he would not honor the pledge, either. During a CNN town hall in Milwaukee, Trump was asked if he would continue his pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee. No, I dont anymore, Trump said. No, well see who it is. With Yahoo News Andrew Romano contributing reporting Related slideshows: On the ground at the GOP convention A photo report >>> BOOS CRUZ: Newspapers react to Ted Cruzs RNC stun >>> Armed at the RNC >>> Front pages cover Donald Trumps final primary victory >>> Melania Trump in the convention spotlight >>> Convention floor erupts when no roll call taken to change rules to unbind delegates >>> How newspapers covered the RNCs fiery first day >>> Demonstrators protest outside the RNC >>> Donald Trumps America >>> San Francisco (AFP) - Tesla plans to build a new pick-up truck, and an urban bus, and launch a sharing system of self-driving cars, the company's founder Elon Musk announced Wednesday. The projects are part of what the billionaire entrepreneur called a "secret" second "master plan" for the US electric car manufacturer posted on the company's website at a time it is looking to rebound from concerns over the safety of its "Autopilot" semi-autonomous driving mode. "In addition to consumer vehicles, there are two other types of electric vehicle needed: heavy-duty trucks and high passenger-density urban transport," Musk wrote. "Both are in the early stages of development at Tesla and should be ready for unveiling next year." He also restated his ambition to make all Tesla vehicles completely autonomous -- capable of driving without a human driver. Once regulators approve the technology, he said, "you will also be able to add your car to the Tesla shared fleet just by tapping a button on the Tesla phone app and have it generate income for you while you're at work or on vacation." "In cities where demand exceeds the supply of customer-owned cars, Tesla will operate its own fleet," he added. The new road map follows a first master plan Musk unveiled in 2006, when he promised "an electric car without compromises" and a long-term vision of building "affordably priced family cars." Tesla Motors launched its first electric car in 2008 called the Roadster, which had limited distribution, followed in 2012 by the Model S, which has gained appeal globally among well-heeled buyers willing to pay some $70,000 or more. Profits from those models have enabled the company to begin plans for its more affordable Model 3, at roughly half the price of the Model S, for which it has already received more than 300,000 pre-orders. But Tesla's reputation has been hit by a fatal crash involving its self-driving system in Florida, and another crash in Pennsylvania, prompting federal safety investigations. Musk -- the South African-born co-founder of PayPal who also runs the private space exploration firm SpaceX -- also outlined a plan to provide easy-to-use solar energy through SolarCity, a company Musk wants to merge with Tesla. "What really matters to accelerate a sustainable future," he wrote, "is being able to scale up production volume as quickly as possible." CEO Elon Musk unveiled a new master plan for Tesla Motors that includes fully autonomous cars, the ability to essentially rent your car to others when youre not using it, and Tesla pickups, buses, and semi trucks. The plan Musk laid out Wednesday, his second in the young companys history, also leans heavily on his bid to buy SolarCity, the solar panel installation firm. The two companies together, along with Telsas Powerwall home batteries designed to store power from solar panels, could create a smoothly integrated and beautiful solar roof with battery product that just works, Musk wrote on Teslas website. Musk has tweeted about the master plan for days, writing at one point that he was going to pull an all-nighter to finish it. The plans release comes as Tesla is wrestling with several high-profile challenges, most notably two government investigations of a fatality involving its partial self-driving feature Autopilot. Consumer Reports has called on Tesla to reprogram the Autosteer feature of Autopilot so that it requires drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel, and to change the name of Autopilot to reflect the fact that it doesnt actually drive the car on its own. The electric carmaker also has not yet shown that it can build cars at high volume, a challenge it faces to fulfill roughly 400,000 orders for its Model 3. The upcoming small sedan is the most affordable car the company would have at about $35,000. (The companys flagship Model S sedan starts at $66,000, but versions climb well above $100,000.) Production is scheduled to start in late 2017. Teslas new master plan, which did not include a timetable, includes four key pieces: Acquire SolarCity. The combination would create one order experience, one installation, one service contract, and one phone app, Musk wrote. So people could have solar panels that charge their Tesla Powerwall home batteries and also their Tesla cars. The two companies already know each other well. Musk is the biggest shareholder in both, and his cousin is CEO of SolarCity. Musk also disclosed that the company is ready to scale the Powerwall battery, which it announced last year but on its website still only allows people to reserve one. Story continues Add more vehicle segments. Musk wants to build a compact SUV and "new kind of pickup truck." He also aims to go beyond the consumer market, producing semi trucks and buses. Both are in early stages of development at Tesla and should be ready for unveiling next year, Musk wrote. We believe the Tesla Semi will deliver a substantial reduction in the cost of cargo transport, while increasing safety and making it really fun to operate. He envisions the buses, which he called high passenger-density urban transport, as being autonomous, with drivers becoming fleet managers. Musk also hinted at what he may view as a solution to Teslas production hurdles, saying the companys engineering has transitioned to focus heavily on designing the machine that makes the machineturning the factory itself into a product. Produce vehicles able to operate autonomously. As the technology matures, all Tesla vehicles will have the hardware necessary to be fully self-driving with fail-operational capability, meaning that any given system in the car could break and your car will still drive itself safety, Musk wrote. He envisions a time you will be able to summon your Tesla from pretty much anywhere. Once it picks you up, you will be able to sleep, read, or do anything else enroute to your destination. But Musk acknowledges that refining the software to accomplish this will take longer than installing the hardware, and that regulatory approval will take significant time. Musk wrote that Tesla rolled out partial autonomy, or Autopilot now, because when used correctly, it is already significantly safer than a person driving by themselves, and he added that it would no more make sense to disable Teslas Autopilot, as some have called for, than it would to disable autopilot in aircraft, after which our system is named. Make money from your Tesla. Musk wrote that drivers one day could use add their cars to a Tesla shared fleet by using the companys app. So, for instance, others could pay you to drive your car while you were at work. More from Consumer Reports: 5 least reliable cars from Consumer Reports' survey Best Used Cars for $25,000 and Less Which Car Brands make the Best Vehicles Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S. By Nate Raymond NEW YORK (Reuters) - The former owner of a Houston company was sentenced on Thursday to 10 years in prison after admitting that he operated as an unauthorized agent of the Russian government who exported sensitive microelectronics for its military's use. Alexander Fishenko, who pleaded guilty in September to engaging in a scheme that resulted in over $30 million in technology sales, largely to Russian military entities, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sterling Johnson in Brooklyn. The sentence, which included an order that Fishenko, 50, forfeit over $500,000, was confirmed by the U.S. Justice Department. A lawyer for Fishenko did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Fishenko, who founded Arc Electronics Inc in 1998, was among 11 people charged in 2012 in connection with what authorities said was an elaborate procurement network intended to evade federal export controls. Five defendants including Fishenko pleaded guilty, while three former Arc Electronics employees including Fishenko's alleged right-hand man, Alexander Posobilov, were convicted at trial in October. Prosecutors said Fishenko, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen, led a conspiracy to supply cutting-edge microelectronics that are frequently used in military systems to, among others, the Russian military via intermediary Russian companies. Prosecutors said Fishenko and Posobilov hired and trained a cadre of Russian-speaking sales people to lie to vendors about why Arc was seeking these technologies and to falsify export records. Seven of Arc's top 10 clients were specially authorized by the Russian Ministry of Defense to procure parts for its military, prosecutors said, and the company functioned as the U.S.-based arm for one Moscow-based client, Apex System LLC. Those who received Arc's products included a technical research unit for the Russian FSB internal security agency and Russian entities that built air and missile defense systems and that produced electronic warfare systems, prosecutors said. Story continues Fishenko pleaded guilty two weeks before a scheduled trial to all 19 counts he faced, including that he acted as an unauthorized agent of a foreign government and conspired to commit export violations and wire fraud. In court papers, his lawyers say that while he admitted to being, as defined in statute, an unregistered agent of the Russian government, he was not a "spy," as some media have characterized him. As for the export violations, they say Fishenko intended for Arc to be a lawful export company, but "wrongly fostered a laissez-faire attitude toward the licensing requirements." (Editing by Bernadette Baum) CLEVELAND, Ohio - One of the youngest Texas delegates attending the Republican National Convention, Nick Allman, made a wager with a buddy in the group whether Ted Cruz would endorse Donald Trump on Wednesday night. The 23-year-old lost $100. "I don't necessarily agree with what Ted did, but I have serious respect for him," Allman told The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday, the final day of the RNC. "That took major, major courage." Cruz was booed off stage Wednesday night after he refused to endorse Trump for president. Cruz and Trump were locked in a bitter battle for months during the primary season as the two men vied for the GOP nomination. Allman, a San Antonio resident, says Cruz may feel the repercussions of his decision should Trump beat Hillary Clinton in the fall. "If Donald Trump does become president, he's going to become a very powerful man, and he's not going to forgive Sen. Cruz for what he did yesterday," Allman says. "I was walking out and some of my fellow Texans were saying 'he's done,' they're never voting for him again.' Yet, Allman says he is still a fan of Cruz. "This wouldn't turn me off," he adds, calling the move "gutsy." Still, Almman says Cruz might be in trouble. "There is no way, as far as politics are concerned that, that was a smart move for his career," Allman says. "I mean, I get it. Trump insulted his wife, called him a lair for several months - that'll do things to you." Read More: Charlie Rose Says RNC Event Has Just Become the "Trump Convention" Meeting a Supreme Court deadline to act, a federal appeals court on Wednesday undercut most of Texas five-year-old law requiring photo IDs to vote, calling it the strictest in the nation. In addition, the same court raised at least the prospect that the state of Texas could lose its right to pass new election laws without federal supervision, after this falls election. The 203-page decision, a widely splintered result from the en banc U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, came out on the very day that the Supreme Court in April had set as the point for the lower court to make up its mind, or face the prospect of having the Texas law put on hold by the Justices. In the wake of the ruling by the 15 judges of the Fifth Circuit, announced in eight separate opinions, the case of Veasey v. Abbott is now due to return to U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos of Corpus Christi, who originally struck down the photo ID law in October 2014, finding that it discriminated against the poor, and against black and Latino voters. Under Wednesdays ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court, the trial judge is now under two specific orders: First, she is to work out in time for the November elections remedies for the violation of Section 2 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. That section outlaws changes in voting laws that have the effect of limiting the voting rights of minorities, even if they were not specifically intended to do so. Among other suggestions she is to consider is to grant an exemption for those who simply cannot afford to pay for the documents that the law specifies as necessary. If in the meantime the legislature is called back into special session and fixes the Section 2 violation, Judge Gonzales Ramos is to take that into account, while still making sure that some remedy is in place by election day, November 8. The judges remedy under this part of her assignment would not allow her to nullify all of the photo ID requirement. For those who can obtain or already have the kind of IDs that the law requires, they must produce them in order to vote, the main opinion stressed. Story continues Second, the judge is to reconsider the part of her 2014 ruling that the photo ID law was actually passed by the state legislature with the specific intent to discriminate against minorities in violation of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The lead opinion in the case, spelling out the views of seven of the 15 judges, said the judge had reached too far back into Texas history to find discrimination based on race and had relied too heavily upon claims of bias that opponents of the law had made about its sponsors. (Many of the sponsors, on the advice of their lawyers, specifically avoided talking about the potential racial impact of the law.) Even so, that opinion plus the opinions of two judges who would have preferred a ruling that discriminatory purpose has already been proven cited considerable evidence that bias was, indeed, the main motivating factor for the 2011 law. The trial judge is to decide that question without gathering new factual evidence. If Judge Gonzales Ramos were now to newly find discrimination, under the terms of the Circuit Courts order, no part of the 2011 law could survive. A law passed with bias as the motive would be unconstitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment, and none of it could be enforced. The more significant potential impact of a finding of discriminatory intent, however, could be the most drastic remedy that the Voting Rights Act currently provides: Texas could be put back under the Acts pre-clearance requirement, under Section 3. That would mean that the state could adopt absolutely no new election law or method if the U.S. attorney general objected, and then only if the attorney general could be persuaded that the law or voting change would not discriminate, either on purpose or in its practical effect. Texas formerly was under a pre-clearance requirement, as were some or parts of other states, mainly but not solely in the South, under the Voting Rights Acts Section 5. But the Supreme Court made that requirement unenforceable in its 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder, striking down the formula that Congress used to decide which states or local governments had to get election changes pre-cleared in Washington. That ruling, however, did not affect the potential pre-clearance requirement available under Section 2, which applies nationwide. Within hours of the Shelby County decision, Texas began enforcing its photo ID requirement for voters (the law is popularly known as SB 14). Since then, the law has been used in four elections in Texas, including this years primary election in May, because lower courts and the Supreme Court have allowed it to go into effect even while under court challenge from the Justice Department, minority voters, and civil rights groups. In Wednesdays ruling, the Circuit Court specified that the Corpus Christi trial judge is to give priority first to sorting out the narrower remedies for the Section 2, discriminatory effect violation. Those remedies must be in place in time for the state, sometime in October, to make plans for the November 8 election, the Circuit Court specified. If the judge does once again find discriminatory intent and moves ahead to fashion remedies for that, those remedies cannot be put into effect until after the November election, according to the decision. The Circuit Court conceded the point of the challengers that SB 14 is the strictest voter ID law in the nation. The law has a specific list of the kind of official IDs that must be presented, makes it difficult or for the poor costly to obtain any of them, and it makes only the narrowest exceptions, even in hardship cases. The Circuit Courts main opinion credited the claim that SB 14 has the effect of keeping some 600,000 Texas voters from being able to cast ballots. Because the ruling is final on the question of the illegality of the photo ID law under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, the state presumably could attempt to challenge that in the Supreme Court now. However, such an appeal might await the next step on that the remedy that the trial judge now imposes. The Circuit Court conceded that there was a possibility that it could be drawn into the case again after the trial judge rules. The challengers conceivably could try to get the Supreme Court to review what the Circuit Court did in overturning Judge Gonzales Ramos on discriminatory intent, but also could await her further ruling and any remedies she imposed, if dissatisfied at that point. The ruling emerged amid what one of the dissenting judges said was a gravely fractured result, with no majority opinion, but only a plurality opinion that draws six separate dissenting opinions and a special concurrence. Here, in some detail, is what the Circuit Court actually did: First, the plurality opinion that is, the one opinion that spoke for the most number of the 15 en banc judges was written by Circuit Judge Catharina Haynes. It was joined in full by Haynes and six other judges, and in major part by two others. Second, the two judges who did not fully join the Haynes opinion Circuit Judges Gregg Costa and James L. Dennis each wrote a separate opinion dissenting on the discriminatory intent question. They would have upheld the trial judges 2014 opinion that such illegal purpose has already been proven. Circuit Judge Stephen A. Higginson, who joined the Haynes opinion in full, wrote a separate concurring opinion (joined by Judge Costa) seeking to answer the objections made by the dissenters to the main ruling that SB 14 had made to the ruling striking down Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Circuit Judge Edith H. Jones wrote the main dissenting opinion, joined by four other judges. Three of the judges who supported the Jones dissent also wrote separate dissenting opinions joined by others in that bloc. Circuit Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod did not join others dissents, but wrote one for herself, joined by one of the other bloc of dissenters. The two dissenters who wanted to uphold Judge Gonzales Ramos on the discriminatory intent issue Judges Costa and Dennis wrote separate opinions for themselves; Judge Costas was labeled as a partial dissent, Judge Denniss as an opinion concurring in part, dissenting in part and supporting the judgment. The Circuit Court had little difficulty overturning another part of the trial judges ruling: that SB 14 imposed an illegal poll tax because it put a financial penalty in gaining access to the necessary photo IDs. And the court chose not to rule on separate claims by the challengers that SB 14 put an unconstitutional burden on the right to vote, in violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments, but it did order those claims dismissed. The dispute over SB 14 is likely headed ultimately to the Supreme Court, but other cases against other states photo ID laws are underway, and could reach the Justices earlier than the Texas case because of the heavy tasks still left for Judge Gonzales Ramos in Corpus Christi. Lyle Denniston is currently the National Constitution Centers constitutional literacy adviser. Later this summer, Denniston will become our full-time Supreme Court correspondent based in the Washington, D.C. area. Recent Stories on Constitution Daily 15 constitutional amendments proposed in Republican convention platforms Constitution Check: Does spending on war amount to declaration of war? The Scopes Monkey trial and the Constitution Texas voter photo ID law nullified Republican National Convention Texas CLEVELAND The third night of the Republican National Convention was the craziest yet. The primetime program of speakers was going relatively smoothly until Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who came in second place to Donald Trump in the primaries, took the stage. Cruz declined to endorse Trump, who is now the party's nominee for president, and told people to "vote their conscience" in November. Some delegates from both Cruz and Trump's home states saw this as a sign of disrespect, while some applauded Cruz for going against the grain. "The question is, do you believe that the convention belongs to the nominee or that it belongs to the delegates and the party?" Texas delegate Michael Goldman told Business Insider Wednesday night. "And I'm firmly in the second camp. Not all of us who came here came for that person who was nominated. I came for Sen. Cruz." Goldman said he voted for Florida Sen. Marco Rubio in the primaries, but came to the convention as delegate bound to Cruz. He said he was "thrilled" that Cruz didn't endorse Trump, but acknowledged that there was a "big divide" in the Texas delegation on the convention floor. "I would say it was a minority of the delegation that was really happy that he put some daylight between himself and the nominee, but it was a substantial, healthy element," Goldman said. Texas delegate Colton Buckley said he wasn't surprised at Cruz's speech or the reaction to it. Once it became clear that Cruz would not endorse Trump, many in the arena started chanting and booing, eventually drowning out Cruz's speech. "In Texas, when you sign a document or a pledge that says you're going to stand up and support your party's respective nominee whether it's you or not, you know that bond means something," Buckley said. "And Ted Cruz showed tonight on numerous occasions that he's not a true Texan." Story continues Some Texas delegates were displeased with another aspect of the Cruz portion of the evening the fact that Trump created a distraction by entering the arena at the end of his speech. "I thought it was uncalled for," Chris Carmona, a Texas delegate who supported Cruz in the primaries, said. He said some of the booing toward the end of Cruz's speech came from delegates who were angry with Trump stealing the spotlight. "There were a lot of boos at the end for Trump interrupting his speech," Carmona said. "[A] lot of people didn't realize that." He described one scene he witnessed on the floor within the Texas delegation: "A guy near us lost his mind. Yelled 'Classless!' It was funny." Delegates from Trump's home state slammed Cruz over his speech. "I think he blew the value of his speech," Joe Kasper, a New York delegate, said. "It was a really good speech, it was really intellectual, he was intelligent, he was well-spoken, but New Yorkers are smart and we realized when he was winding down his speech that he wasn't going to endorse Donald and we think he's a fool." Kasper described the scene from the New York delegation: "We started chanting 'Endorse Trump!' and then when he didn't, we interrupted him, and he was booed. And rightly so." Kasper, who said his "loyalties were equally divided" between Trump and Ohio Gov. John Kasich in the primaries, said that Trump showing up at the tail end of Cruz's speech was him trying to show that this convention is not "business-as-usual." Chris Arnold, an honorary delegate from New York, said it "didn't take a lot of courage" for Cruz to do what he did. "He showed a great amount of disrespect to the overwhelming amount of people that voted for our nominee, Donald Trump, the most in the history of any primary," Arnold said. "[W]hat we saw was completely self-serving." NOW WATCH: Heres the footage that Republicans suggest shows Hillary Clinton lied under oath More From Business Insider If youre a parent to-be or mom/dad to a newborn, chances are youve already been inundated with a whole host of information that youre not always sure what to do with. If sleepless nights werent enough, terms like baby led weaning, tummy time and cry it out may have left you in a tizzy. As a mom to two-and-a-half-year-old twin boys (yes, I survived to tell the tale), Im here to guide you through the jargon that is now part and parcel of the parenting world. A is for Attachment Parenting - AP is a parenting philosophy that continues to gain in popularity. It believes that a close attachment to parents during childhood, forms the basis for a secure, independent adult life. AP advocates responsive child rearing and encourages practices like bonding at birth, breastfeeding, co-sleeping and babywearing among others. B is for Babywearing - This is the practice of wearing or carrying a baby in a wrap, sling or carrier. Its been around for centuries but is once again gaining popularity due to its many benefits which include keeping your baby close and having your hands free at the same time. Babywearers also swear that its the easiest way to sooth a fussy little one. The important thing to remember is to choose an ergonomic carrier that are now finally available in India with several homegrown brands entering the market. C is for Colic - Bless your heart with tons of patience if youre a parent to a baby with colic. The repeated bouts of excessive crying that most commonly accompany nightfall, have no real reason and no proven remedy. We ourselves tried medications that aimed at eradicating gas, swaying, rocking, car and pram rides and even white noise. All to no avail. The only good news - your baby will slowly grow out of it as the initial months roll by. D is for Dream Feed - Dream Feeding refers to giving your baby milk either by nursing or through a bottle while they are still asleep. Many parents believe this allows their baby to sleep longer. If you do plan to dream feed its often recommended to wait for three hours from the babys last feed. Story continues E is for EBF - Exclusive Breastfeeding refers to an infant receiving ONLY breastmilk. The WHO and most major pediatric associations including Indias IAP recommend EBF for six months followed by continued breastfeeding along with complementary food for a minimum of two years. Breastmilk contains all the nutrients an infant needs and nursing is beneficial in numerous ways to both mother and baby. F is for Fourth trimester - We all know that a pregnancy involves three trimesters and nowadays the first three months post a babys birth are commonly referred to as the Fourth Trimester. The idea behind the phrase is that this period is like an extension of a babys life in the womb where they still havent adjusted to sights, sounds, smells and schedules of the world outside. Lots of skin-to-skin contact, nursing on demand and following your babys cues are some ways to ease this transition. G is for Gentle Parenting - Time in instead of time out, compassion instead of the cane. The overriding principles of Gentle Parenting are that every child should be brought up with understanding, empathy and a respect for their needs. It aims to make parenting peaceful and positive which is a shift from the traditional controlling and authoritarian approach that was in vogue during earlier generations. H is for High Chairs - Running after your tot with a spoon and bowl in hand is no longer the picture postcard for mealtimes with the littles. High chairs and booster seats have now found acceptance in many Indian homes. Theyre a comfortable, safe place for a baby to sit at and even foster independence in eating from an early age. This apart from providing adequate restraint that prevents your wiggly little one from wandering off. To be continued July 21 (Reuters) - Theranos Inc hired two executives to oversee regulatory, quality and compliance standards, in a bid to turn around the struggling blood-testing company after it received sanctions from U.S. regulators. Dave Wurtz, who previously worked at Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, was appointed vice president, regulatory and quality. He will work on getting FDA clearances and approvals, marketing new products, and look into medical-device quality systems. Daniel Guggenheim, who formerly served as assistant general counsel at McKesson Corp, will be chief compliance officer. He will make sure that Theranos complies with all state and federal regulations. Theranos said its board had also created a compliance and quality committee. The company, once valued at $9 billion, was founded by Elizabeth Holmes in 2003 to develop an innovative blood testing device that would give quicker results using just one drop of blood. Its fortunes, however, waned after the Wall Street Journal published a series of articles starting in October last year that suggested the devices were flawed and inaccurate. Earlier this month, Holmes was barred from owning or operating a lab for at least two years. (Reporting by Anya George Tharakan in Bengaluru; Editing by Sayantani Ghosh) (Adds detail, comment) July 21 (Reuters) - Blood-testing company Theranos Inc said on Thursday it hired two executives to oversee regulatory, quality and compliance standards, as the company tries to recover from a series of regulatory sanctions and investigations. The company named former Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc executive Dave Wurtz vice president, regulatory and quality. Daniel Guggenheim, who previously served as assistant general counsel at McKesson Corp, was appointed as chief compliance officer. Theranos, once valued at $9 billion, was founded by Elizabeth Holmes in 2003 to develop a blood testing device that would deliver quicker results using only a drop of blood. The company came under pressure after the Wall Street Journal published a series of articles beginning October last year that suggested the devices were flawed. Earlier in July, Holmes, once touted as the Steve Jobs of biotech for her innovative technology, was barred by a U.S. regulator from owning or operating a lab for at least two years. The ban, among other sanctions, came six months after the regulator sent a scathing letter to the company, saying its practices were jeopardizing patient health and safety. Theranos is also facing a class action lawsuit filed in May accusing it of endangering customer health through "massive failures" that misrepresented test results. The company is also being investigated by other federal and state agencies. Last month, Forbes estimated that the startup's value had shrunk to $800 million. "If the company wants regulators to take its claims of self-reform seriously, Holmes has to leave," Professor Eric Gordon of the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan said in an emailed statement. On Thursday, Palo Alto, California-based Theranos said its board had also created a compliance and quality committee. (Reporting by Anya George Tharakan and Natalie Grover in Bengaluru; Editing by Sayantani Ghosh and Sriraj Kalluvila) The Florida therapist shot and injured by a police officer while trying to help an autistic patient who had wandered away from a mental health center said he was shocked that police shot him even though he had his hands in the air. Charles Kinsey, 47, who works at MacTown Panther Group Homes in Miami, Fl., said he went to the street to bring the patient back to the facility. North Miami police arrived at the scene after receiving a 911 call saying there was a man in the street with a gun threatening to shoot himself. They ordered Kinsey and the patient, who was playing with a toy truck, to lie on the ground, the Associated Press reported. As long as I got my hands up, theyre not going to shoot me this is what Im thinking, Kinsey told WSVN-Channel 7 from a bed at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Theyre not going to shoot me. Wow, was I wrong. Video footage from a cellphone shows Kinsey lying on the ground with his hands up while trying to get his patient to comply. An officer then fired three times, hitting Kinsey in the leg. Sir, theres no need for firearms, Kinsey told the news station he said to police before he was shot. It was so surprising. It was like a mosquito bite. Kinsey said he asked the officer why he fired his weapon, and the officer responded, I dont know. I was more worried about him than myself, Kinsey said of the patient, whose name has not yet been released. Joyce Kinsey, Charless wife, told WSVN-Channel 7, Im just grateful hes alive and able to tell his story. In a statement to the Miami Herald, North Miami police spokeswoman Natalie Buissereth confirmed the shooting, saying, Arriving officers attempted to negotiate with the two men on the scene, one of whom was later identified as suffering from autism At some point during the on-scene negotiation, one of the responding officers discharged his weapon. The Kinseys did not immediately respond to TIMEs request for comment. Istanbul (AFP) - Thousands of Turkish government supporters on Thursday streamed across one of the two bridges spanning the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul to protest against the coup that sought to unseat President Recep Tayyip Erdogan one week ago. The Bosphorus Bridge between the Asian and European sides of Istanbul was one of the key battlegrounds in Friday night's coup attempt, as rebel soldiers descended in tanks to block it to traffic only to be countered by protesters who descended in force. Responding to a call by Erdogan not to stop protests against the coup, his supporters filled the massive structure to denounce the putsch less than a week after it was beaten, AFP correspondents said. Many carrying lit torches, they carried nationalist signs like "Our flag, our nation" and brandished slogans denouncing the US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen who Ankara blames for the coup. They marched from the district of Kisikli on the Asian side -- where Erdogan has a home and regularly spoke to supporters in the aftermath of the coup -- to the European side of the city. As a result, the bridge was closed to traffic from 1900 GMT and instead filled with a sea of people. Erdogan has repeatedly said that despite the defeat of the coup, people must stay out on the streets to ensure there is no repeat of the attempt to oust the government. NEW YORK (AP) -- Worn down and banged up, the Baltimore Orioles found the perfect remedy for all their ailments - a well-pitched game. Chris Tillman tied for the major league lead with his 14th win, throwing four-hit ball for seven innings and helping the depleted Orioles avert a four-game sweep at Yankee Stadium, beating New York 4-1 Thursday. ''You could tell he was trying to give us what we really needed,'' manager Buck Showalter said. The Orioles had lost four straight overall, costing them their lead in the AL East. ''We don't look at snapping anything. There's been ups and downs,'' Showalter said. ''You try to get a grip on reality.'' Baltimore slugger Chris Davis, shortstop Manny Machado and Showalter returned from a stomach bug that's hit the clubhouse. ''It's bad,'' Tillman said. ''I doesn't look like fun.'' Orioles center fielder Adam Jones didn't play because of back spasms, catcher Matt Wieters missed his third consecutive game after being hit by a pitch in the foot and rookie outfielder Joey Rickard sat out with an injured thumb. Showalter said Wieters and Jones were day to day. Tillman (14-2) matched White Sox ace Chris Sale for the most victories in the majors. He won his fourth straight start, allowing exactly one run over seven innings in each outing. The last Orioles pitcher to permit one or fewer runs while going at least seven innings for so long was Jim Palmer, who did it in six straight starts in 1978. Tillman gave up three hits and two walks to the first eight batters, capped by Starlin Castro's RBI single. The tall right-hander then set down 16 of his final 17 hitters. ''Got in sync,'' Tillman said. Brad Brach pitched the eighth and Zach Britton closed for his 30th save in as many chances. The Yankees had won four in a row. ''I think you have to look at it, you took three of four from a good Baltimore team, and you have to move on,'' manager Joe Girardi said. Story continues CC Sabathia (5-8) lost on his 36th birthday, leaving him 0-4 in his past six starts. He also stumbled and fell on the mound while trying to throw a pitch in the sixth, with the ball skittering onto the grass and resulting in a balk. J.J. Hardy grounded a two-out, two-run single off the glove of shortstop Didi Gregorius in the first inning, and Jonathan Schoop sliced a two-out, two-run double in the seventh. The Orioles began the day 3 for 33 with runners in scoring position since the All-Star break. Mark Trumbo, tied for the big league lead in home runs, threw down his bat after popping up in a key spot in the first, but Hardy soon delivered with the bases loaded. Julio Borbon singled in the seventh for his first hit in the majors since 2013 with the Cubs, setting up Schoop's double that finished Sabathia. TRAINER'S ROOM Orioles: RHP Hunter Harvey, Baltimore's first-round draft pick in 2013, is set for Tommy John surgery. The 21-year-old pitched in the rookie and Class A levels this year, and has been beset by injuries during his pro career. ''It's brutal,'' Showalter said Yankees: 3B Chase Headley didn't start for the second straight game with an excused absence for personal reasons. He pinch hit in the eighth and grounded out. TILLMAN TIME Tillman struck out seven and walked two. He is 7-0 with a 3.23 ERA in 10 starts vs. AL East opponents this year. UP NEXT Orioles: RHP Dylan Bundy (2-2, 3.70) faces Cleveland at Camden Yards. The 23-year-old made his first major league start last weekend and gave up three home runs in 3 1/3 innings at Tampa Bay. Yankees: The NL West-leading Giants visit Yankee Stadium for the first time since 2013. New York RHP Masahiro Tanaka (7-2, 3.15) is 4-0 in his past six starts. He has never pitched vs. San Francisco. Giants ace LHP Madison Bumgarner (10-5, 2.12) gets his first look at the Yankees. The following timeline charts the origin and spread of the Zika virus from its discovery nearly 70 years ago: 1947: Scientists researching yellow fever in Uganda's Zika Forest identify the virus in a rhesus monkey 1948: Virus recovered from Aedes africanus mosquito in Zika Forest 1952: First human cases detected in Uganda and Tanzania 1954: Virus found in Nigeria 1960s-80s: Zika detected in mosquitoes and monkeys across equatorial Africa 196983: Zika found in equatorial Asia, including India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan 2007: Zika spreads from Africa and Asia, first large outbreak on Pacific island of Yap 2012: Researchers identify two distinct lineages of the virus, African and Asian 201314: Zika outbreaks in French Polynesia, Easter Island, the Cook Islands and New Caledonia. Retrospective analysis shows possible link to birth defects and severe neurological complications in babies in French Polynesia March 2, 2015: Brazil reports illness characterized by skin rash in northeastern states July 17: Brazil reports detection of neurological disorders in newborns associated with history of infection Oct. 5: Cape Verde has cases of illness with skin rash Oct. 22: Colombia confirms cases of Zika Oct. 30: Brazil reports increase in microcephaly, abnormally small heads, among newborns Nov. 11: Brazil declares public health emergency November 2015-January 2016: Cases reported in Suriname, Panama, El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, Paraguay, Venezuela, French Guiana, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Guyana, Ecuador, Barbados, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Curacao, Jamaica Feb. 1: World Health Organization (WHO) declares public health emergency of international concern Feb. 2: First case of Zika transmission in United States; local health officials say likely contracted through sex, not mosquito bite Feb. 5: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says virus being actively transmitted in 30 countries, mostly in the Americas Feb. 8: U.S. President Barack Obama requests $1.8 billion to fight Zika Feb. 12: Brazil investigating potential link between Zika infections and 4,314 suspected cases of microcephaly. Of those, 462 confirmed as microcephaly and 41 determined to be linked to virus Feb. 17: Brazil investigating potential link between Zika and 4,443 suspected cases of microcephaly. Of those, 508 confirmed as microcephaly and most of those cases are linked to the virus. WHO seeks $56 million to fight Zika. Feb. 18: CDC adds Aruba and Bonaire to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 32. Feb. 23: CDC investigating 14 cases of possible sexual transmission of Zika. CDC also adds Trinidad and Tobago and Marshall Islands to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 34. Feb. 25: Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases number more than 580 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating an additional 4,100 suspected cases of microcephaly. Feb. 27: France detects first sexually transmitted case of Zika. Feb. 29: CDC adds St. Maarten, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 36. March 1: Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 641 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating an additional 4,222 suspected cases of microcephaly. March 8: WHO advises pregnant women to avoid areas with Zika outbreak and said sexual transmission of the virus is "relatively common." March 9: CDC adds New Caledonia to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 37. March 15: Cuba reports first case of Zika contracted in the country. March 16: Cape Verde identifies first case of microcephaly. March 18: CDC says during Jan. 1, 2015 to Feb. 26, 2016, 116 residents of the United States had evidence of recent Zika virus infection based on laboratory testing. Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 863 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating an additional 4,268 suspected cases of microcephaly. March 19: CDC adds Cuba to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 38. March 21: South Korea confirms first case of Zika. March 22: CDC adds Dominica to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 39. Bangladesh confirms first case of Zika virus. Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 907 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating an additional 4,293 suspected cases of microcephaly. March 29: Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 944 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil said the number of suspected cases of microcephaly dropped slightly to 4,291. March 31: According to the World Health Organization, there is a strong scientific consensus that Zika can cause the birth defect microcephaly as well as Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that can result in paralysis, though conclusive proof may take months or years. April 1: CDC adds Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 40. April 4: CDC adds Fiji to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 41. April 5: Vietnam reports first Zika infections. April 6: Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 1,046 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. The number of suspected cases of microcephaly dropped to 4,046. April 7: St. Lucia confirms first two cases of Zika, contracted locally. April 12: Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 1,113 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. The number of suspected cases of microcephaly dropped to 3,836. It was the second week in a row that the overall total figure fell. April 13: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that infection with the Zika virus in pregnant women is a cause of the birth defect microcephaly and other severe brain abnormalities in babies. The CDC said now that the causal relationship has been established, several important questions must still be answered with studies that could take years. CDC adds St. Lucia to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 42. April 14: Colombia confirms two microcephaly cases linked to Zinka. April 18: Peru reports first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus. CDC adds Belize to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 43. April 19: Chilean authorities find Zika mosquito for first time in decades. April 25: Canada confirms first sexually transmitted Zika case. April 26: Brazil says the number of confirmed cases of microcephaly climbed to 1,198 from 1,168 in the week through April 23, but suspected ones under investigation continued to decline to 3,710 from 3,741 a week ago. Brazil registered 91,387 likely cases of the Zika virus from February until April 2, the health ministry said, in its first national report on the epidemic. April 29: Puerto Rico reports first death related to Zika, according to the CDC. The country also confirmed 683 Zika cases, including 65 pregnant women, and five suspected cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome from Zika, the CDC reported. May 4: Panama confirms four microcephaly cases tied to Zika. May 6: Spain gets first case of Zika-related brain defect in a fetus. May 9: CDC adds Papua New Guinea, Saint Barthelemy and Peru to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 46. Honduras suspects first case of microcephaly in Zika patient. May 11: Brazil says the number of confirmed cases of microcephaly dropped to 1,326 in the week through May 7 as doctors and Brazilian health officials find that some suspected cases of microcephaly are not the disorder. Suspected ones under investigation continued to decline to 3,433. May 12: CDC adds Grenada to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 47. May 13: Puerto Rico reports first case of Zika-related microcephaly. May 20: WHO says an outbreak of Zika virus on the African island chain of Cape Verde is of the same strain as the one blamed for birth abnormalities in Brazil. May 24: Brazil reports the number of confirmed cases of microcephaly at 1,434 for the latest week to May 21. Suspected ones under investigation declined to 3,257. May 26: CDC adds Argentina to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 48. June 9: WHO issues updated guidelines on prevention of sexual transmission of the Zika virus, including advising women living in areas where the virus is being transmitted to delay getting pregnant. June 14: El Salvador confirms first case of microcephaly linked to Zika. June 23: CDC reports seven babies 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. June 28: First baby with Zika-related birth defect microcephaly born in Florida. June 30: CDC adds Anguilla to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 49. Guinea-Bissau confirms three cases of Zika, government says. Spain records first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus, health authorities said. July 8: CDC confirmed that a Utah resident's death last month is the first Zika-related death in the continental United States. July 14: CDC adds Saint Eustatius to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 50. July 18: CDC reports that caregiver of Utah man who died of Zika tested positive for virus. July 19: Florida health officials are investigating a case of Zika virus infection that does not appear to have stemmed from travel to another region with an outbreak. July 21: CDC reports 400 pregnant women in U.S. with evidence of Zika infection, up from 346 a week ago. The health agency also reports three more babies born in U.S. with birth defects linked to the Zika virus, bringing total to 12. Florida Department of Health said it was investigating a non travel-related case of Zika in Broward County, marking the second such case in the U.S. SOURCES: World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Reuters (Reporting by Ben Hirschler; Editing by the Americas Desk) Jay and Bey making it work. (Animation: Giphy) You love rose, your partner loves whiskey. Whatever drinks you and your partner like, the good news is, drinking together could be good for your relationship. A new study has found that drinking with your partner is associated with greater happiness than drinking separately. Conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, the study asked more than 2,700 married couples about the impact of alcohol on their relationship. They were asked a series of questions, including how much they drank with their partner, how often they drank together, and how critical, demanding, or irritating their partner is. It concluded, of course, that couples who drank together rather than apart or at different times from one another were happier and those who had issues in their relationship tended to have one person drinking while the other wasnt. The researchers concluded that concordant drinking couples reported decreased negative marital quality over time, and that drinking reportedly had powerful effects on marital quality for younger couples. So its all about how you drink rather than how much you drink, as the findings stress the importance of considering the drinking status rather than the amount of alcohol consumed. Happy hour anyone? Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. ROME With one week to go before the 73rd Venice Film Festival reveals its lineup, two U.S. titles with awards buzz Tom Ford-directed thriller Nocturnal Animals and Denis Villeneuves sci-fi pic Arrival are virtually assured a Lido launch. Another hot U.S. title, Antoine Fuquas Western The Magnificent Seven, could also be headed to the fest, but is more uncertain. And though festival artistic director Alberto Barbera is still making last-minute decisions, new features from prominent European auteurs Emir Kusturica (On The Milky Road) and Wim Wenders (The Beautiful Days of Aranjuez) are also very likely to be among the contenders vying for a Golden Lion, as is the latest work from French director Stephane Brize (Une Vie). Word on what pics will surface on the Lido is particularly muted this year, indicating the usual uncertainty about titles being ready and Barberas down-to-the-wire decision-making. Fords Nocturnal Animals, which is set in the L.A. art scene and the Texas criminal underworld, is the second film directed by the fashion designer. Two years ago at Cannes, Ford pre-sold world rights to the thriller, which stars Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal, to Focus Features in a standout $20-million deal. Adams will likely be doing double duty on the Venice red carpet. Villeneuves Arrival, previously titled Story of Your Life, stars Adams as a linguistics expert recruited by the United States government after an alien spacecraft lands on Earth. The fests announced opener, Damien Chazelles La La Land, a tribute to the Golden Age of American musicals which stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. La La Land will world-premiere in competition Aug. 31. Kusturicas On The Milky Road (pictured) is an adventure epic in which Kusturica himself plays a man at three different stages of his life, including as a wartime milkman who has a blossoming affair with a woman played by Monica Bellucci. This hotly anticipated pic is the Serbian directors first fiction feature film since 2007s Promise Me This. Story continues The Beautiful Days of Aranjuez, by Wenders, who is a Venice aficionado, is based on a play by his Wings of Desire co-writer Peter Handke. Like Wings, it features a Nick Cave cameo. The play turns on a conversation about love between a man and a woman played by Reda Kateb and Sophie Semin. More of a long shot for Lido play is the arrival at the fest of Chilean director Pablo Larrains Jackie, starring Natalie Portman as Jackie Kennedy, depending on whether the biopic has completed post-production in time. As previously announced, two episodes of Italian director Paolo Sorrentinos TV series The Young Pope, toplining Jude Law as conservative cigarette-smoking American pontiff Pius XIII, will world-premiere as an out-of-competition special event. Several of the other Italian titles in Venice will instead focus on issues confronting Italian youth against the backdrop of the countrys economic crisis. They will almost certainly include Giuseppe Piccionis depiction of contemporary student life in the Italian provinces, Questi giorni (These Days); teen pregnancy drama Piuma by Italo-Brit writer and director Roan Johnson (The First on the List); and Daniele Vicaris Sole, Cuore, Amore, (Sun, Heart, Love) about two young Roman women who make different life choices. Tipped to represent the Arab world is Egyptian director Sherif El Bendarys Ali, the Goat and Ibrahim, about a young man who believes that the soul of his late girlfriend, who died during the countrys revolution, has been reincarnated in a goat. The Venice fest will run from Aug. 31 to Sept. 10. The lineup will be announced July 28. Jay Weissberg contributed to this report. Related stories Venice Fest To Celebrate Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jerzy Skolimowski Paolo Sorrentino's 'The Young Pope' TV Series to World Premiere at Venice Film Festival Karlovy Vary Review: 'Underground Fragrance' A group of business leaders this week signed an open letter calling for reforms in how publicly-traded companies are run. JPMorgan Asset Management CEO Mary Callahan Erdoes weighed in on the key principles the group is rallying behind. This all started with the heightened debate around short-termism, and short-termism really goes against the grain of what all Americans are looking for. when they think about investing their profits, their savings for the future so that they can have a proper nest egg for retirement, Erdoes told the FOX Business Networks Maria Bartiromo. Erdoes said that the objective of the letter was to help guide companies toward the right long-term objectives. Trying to think about how to get the dialogue back to corporate governance that gears everyone towards the right long-term goals was the goal for this. She said a great deal of thought was put into determining the business leaders who would be a part of penning the letter. We brought a group of people together starting with the real asset managers that govern and invest in these companies, Vanguard, BlackRock, T-Rowe, Capital Group, JPMorgan Asset Management, State Street, and then we gathered together some leading CEOs that we also thought were very important for the dialogue who run great companies, so General Electric, General Motors, Verizon. And then of course two of the people we think are the greatest thought leaders in the United States, Warren Buffett and Jamie Dimon, she said. She also said one area that the group wants addressed lies with assigning corporate board seats. Whats the role of the board, the role of the board is to oversee the company and not be beholden to the CEO, to be independent, to meet away from the CEO when you have board meetings. To be able to make sure that the right things are happening in the company, she said. Erdoes then explained JPMorgans policy for assessing company management. We [JPMorgan Asset Management] meet with about 10 different company management teams or boards of directors on a daily basis. And every time we do that were looking for are you thinking about the shareholder? Are you investing for the long term? Are the right checks and balances in place? Related Articles Kiev (AFP) - The brazen murder of a prominent independent reporter in a Kiev car bombing has sent chills through Ukraine's tight-knit journalistic community at a time when it already faced grave threats. The killing on Wednesday of Ukrainska Pravda reporter Pavel Sheremet came 16 years after the beheading of Giorgi Gongadze -- the news site's founder, who appeared to probe too deeply into the dark side of what was then a Russian-backed state. Ukraine's 2014 pro-EU revolution that culminated in the ouster of Moscow-backed president Viktor Yanukovych had spawned new hopes and expectations for journalists in the former Soviet nation. The newly elected authorities promised that heavyweight politicians and powerful tycoons would lose their grip on the media -- but that vow was never kept. "The threat was always there and still remains," Ukrainska Pravda reporter Mariana Pietsukh told AFP. "Everything depends on which topic you work on and whose affairs you pried into." No motive has yet been established for Wednesday's car bombing but officials have said the attack may have been staged to destabilise Ukraine -- a veiled reference to Kiev's sworn foe Moscow. President Petro Poroshenko described the death of Sheremet -- a 44-year-old Russian national born in Belarus -- as a "terrible tragedy" that would see the guilty punished. - 'I want you dead' - But journalists like current Ukrainska Pravda editor Sevgil Musaieva-Borovyk do not appear to put too much trust in Ukrainian officials' words -- and she said that Sheremet's death follows a pattern of intimidation. Musaieva-Borovyk told AFP that she first felt the sense of danger when the site's co-founder Olena Prytula and her partner Sheremet found themselves being followed late last year. "Our emails were hacked, our phones were tapped," Musaieva-Borovyk said. "Once, I received a copy of all the investigations planned by Ukrainska Pravda and our personal correspondence with colleagues." Story continues She did not know who broke into the site's computer system -- but the list of potential suspects is long. These include not only corrupt officials and oligarchs but also pro-Kiev hackers who have already revealed the personal details of thousands of reporters accredited with the rebels to work in Ukraine's eastern war zone. "They wrote to me: 'I want you dead', 'your reputation is tarnished', and other awful things," Musaieva-Borovyk says. Other independent reporters agreed that life for the media has not improved much since Ukraine's break with Russia and its hope to anchor its future with the West. "I do not think that this country has changed that much," Hromadske.ua executive director Kateryna Gorchynska said during one of the web channel's broadcasts. "There are not enough changes in our government and in the institutions that should stop them from doing illegal things". - 'Mortal danger' - The Independent Media Trade Union of Ukraine said Sheremet's murder "proved that journalists are in mortal danger not only in the combat zone, but also in their own homes". The list of reporters killed of Ukraine includes the 32-year-old Vesti newspaper reporter Vyacheslav Veremiy during the three days of carnage that claimed more than 100 lives in the February 2014 pro-Western revolt. Pro-Russian journalist and blogger Oles Buzyna was shot dead in a playground outside his home in Kiev in April 2015. The 45-year-old was a critic of the new government and his death sparked fierce condemnation from Moscow. The Independent Media Trade Union of Ukraine lamented that the problems facing journalists were not treated seriously and were given little attention. "The low level of attention of public opinion that verged on indifference are among the factors that make these criminal attacks repeated over and over again," it warned. Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f151716%2fdonaldtrump2 Little children are forced to learn to say "I'm sorry," but some presidential candidates have yet to master that lesson. Donald Trump came under fire recently when it was discovered that his wife, Melania Trump, plagiarized parts of her speech from Michelle Obama. Not only has the Trump campaign refused to fire the speechwriter who was allegedly responsible for some of the plagiarism, the candidate has yet to apologize for the blatant error (even though the speechwriter did). SEE ALSO: Trump's VP tweet makes history "Good news is Melania's speech got more publicity than any in the history of politics especially if you believe that all press is good press," Donald Trump wrote in a non-apology on Twitter. This isn't the first time Donald Trump has failed to take responsibility for a seemingly obvious misstep. In fact, the candidate seems to have made non-apologizing a part of his political platform. "I fully think apologizing is a great thing, but you have to be wrong I will absolutely apologize sometime in the distant future if I'm ever wrong," Trump boasted to Jimmy Fallon in September. Here's a highly condensed look at the more egregious things Trump has said and absolutely refused to apologize for. 1. The time he tweeted a meme from a Neo-Nazi message board. On July 2, Trump tweeted the above meme, featuring a star with a strong resemblance to the star of David, the Jewish star. The meme was later traced back to 8/chan, an alt-Internet message board known for attracting Neo-Nazis and white supremacists. But instead of directly apologizing for the meme, Trump labeled it a Sheriff's star and used the infamous Frozen defense. The original meme was pulled from a user who also belongs to the alt-right. At least he kept things consistent. 2. The other time he tweeted a Neo-Nazi. It's impossible to do a background check on every single person you retweet. How could Trump have known that a user he retweeted by the name of @WhiteGenocideTM, who believed that America was experiencing a genocide of white people conducted by Jews and people of color? Give the guy a break! Story continues In lieu of apologizing for the tweet, Trump went for the most sophisticated alternative: he deleted it. 3. The other other time he retweeted a Neo-Nazi. Trump seems to have a lot of affection for his Twitter fan, @WhiteGenocideTM. After retweeting this image of a homeless Jeb Bush from a Twitter user whose profile literally reads "Jewmerica," Trump neither apologized nor took it down. It was only a simple retweet, sent to his 9.92 million followers. 4. When he accused decorated war veteran John McCain of not being a "war hero" because he was captured. Image: AP "Hes not a war hero, Trump said at the Family Leadership Summit in July 2015. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who werent captured." McCain spent five and half years in a notorious Vietnamese prison, where he was repeatedly tortured. Trump himself never served in the military. At a press ceremony following the event, Trump refused to apologize for his words but instead directly reversed them. "If somebodys a prisoner, I consider them a war hero," Trump said. OK. 5. When he apologized for calling Megyn Kelly a bimbo by calling her a bimbo again. Last summer, Trump drew criticism after he retweeted two tweets that called Kelly a bimbo. Kelly had confronted Trump about his past disparaging remarks towards women during a televised debate. In January, Trump issued this passive aggressive non-apology: 6. The time he accused Jeb Bush of making immigration policy decisions based on his wife's Colombian heritage. "To subject my wife into the middle of a raucous political conversation was completely inappropriate, and I hope you apologize for that, Donald," Bush said during the September 17th, 2015 debate, before asking Trump to apologize directly to his wife. In lieu of apologizing, however, Trump threw her a bone of a compliment and stood by his words. "No, I won't do that, because I've said nothing wrong," Trump said. Case never closed. 7. Or when he made fun of Bush's mom. Image: Paul Sancya/AP When Jeb Bush decided to bring his mother on the campaign trail, Trump mocked him for needing the help of his "mommy." "And then you wonder why they booed me when I attacked poor, poor, poor Jeb Bush who brings out his mother because he needed help," Trump said during a campaign rally. "Mommy please come walk in the snow, mom," he added imitating Bush. Trump never apologized to Bush. Needless to say, Mommy was not pleased. 8. He even attacked Jeb's brother. Trump accused George W. Bush of lying about weapons of mass destruction and of failing to prevent the September 11th attacks. Jeb Bush's family can do no right in Trump's eyes. 9. When he mocked a reporter who has a disability. In November, Trump mocked reporter Serge Kovaleski by imitating some of his more obvious mannerisms and twitches. Trump moved his hands in a way that closely mirrored some of of Kovaleski's own gesticulating. Instead of apologizing for his remarks, Trump denied that he was mocking him, accused the reporter of using his disability to "grandstand" and asked The New York Times to apologize for making the allegation. Donald Trump, presidential candidate and media victim. 10. When he made fun of Carly Fiorina's face In a Rolling Stone profile published in September, Trump said of Fiorina, "Look at that face! Would anyone vote for that?" Trump said. "Can you imagine that, the face of our next president? I mean, she's a woman, and I'm not s'posedta say bad things, but really, folks, come on. Are we serious?" Trump has yet to apologize to Fiorina, at least not to her face. 11. For forcing us all to read to the bottom of this list. Trump's outlandish statements and lack of regret have generated endless shame and an 1,000 word plus list. If you're still reading this list, thank you and we apologize for nothing. a tribe called red A Tribe Called Red are gearing up to release their next album, We Are The Halluci Nation, and ahead of its forthcoming release on September 16, the Canadian producer trio have shared a loaded single. Featuring Iraqi-Canadian rapper Narcy, drum group Black Bear, and Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def), R.E.D. is an exciting taste of their upcoming album. Premiered via Ebros Beats 1 show, R.E.D. is just as exhilarating as its line-up would imply. Featuring huge drums, on-point rapping from both Yasiin and Narcy, R.E.D. is one hell of a track. Full of mesmerizing samples and chunky synths, A Tribe Called Red are making a big case for themselves as one of the most overlooked producer collectives out there right now. In a press release about the song, Narcy said, I think it is the first time in history where you have an African, an Iraqi, and the Indigenous of Canada are on one song. Explaining further, he said, Its an important breaking in culture, we are coming together to counter the narratives built around the history of our communities and showing the power of our people combined. It feels like the beginning of something new and old, the rebirth after many injustices. Listen to R.E.D. below. More from Pigeons & Planes How a trip to Liberia with First Lady Michelle Obama changed what I post on social media How a trip to Liberia with First Lady Michelle Obama changed what I post on social media When you are asked if you would like to go to Liberia with Michelle Obama you say, Yes! 1 It doesnt matter if youre not up to date with your vaccinations, if you dont have a passport, or if you know very little about the area youre traveling to. You. Say. YES! When I learned that I would be traveling to Liberia to meet First Lady Michelle Obama to work with her on her newest project, Let Girls Learn, I knew this would be a life-changing experience. Let Girls Learn is the First Ladys initiative to give girls and women all over the world access to education. As I waited for my documents, doctors appointments, and other travel related planning I read everything I could about Let Girls Learn and the phenomenal partnership with the Peace Corp in Liberia (who were hosting the camp Id be visiting) called GLOW. GLOW stands for Girls Leading Our World and this pro- woman educational summit was designed to bring girls from all over Liberia together to teach them everything from how to be a powerful leader to making reusable menstrual pads. As well as access to feminine hygiene products. Menstural Pads Peace Corps First Lady Michelle Obama BlaireBercy Figuring out how to make a cool, reusable pad to many people in the U.S. might not seem to go hand-in-hand with education, but in other countries where women and girls are forced to miss at least one week of school per month because of their periods, a reusable pad can make all of the difference. Pads and tampons are expensive wherever you are but they should not cost you your career and education, which is why #LetGirlsLearn lent their support to help women and girls in Liberia get the access and resources they need to stay in school. NYC Michelle Obama Blaire Bercy Liberia As I sat on a 16-hour flight from New York to Nigeria I was beside myself with excitement and the importance of what I was about to be a part of set in. Id never traveled this far and while I was overwhelmed by how fantastic the journey was, I read about how the Peace Corps volunteers from the camp Id be visiting (in Kakata) were forced to evacuate when Ebola hit this region and were able to return less than a year ago and eager to get back to work. They knew the time away from these girls could change the course of their lives. The volunteers had been working hard to educate and empower others, and now that they were back they were going to hit the ground running. Story continues Michelle Obama Blaire Bercy GLOW LetGirlsLearn Peace Corp Another reason this trip was deeply meaningful to me was the fact I was given up for adoption by my birthmother. She could not, and would not, give birth to me in Africa because of religious and cultural reasons. I was adopted by my mother a first generation American who had lived a full life of breaking stereotypes, risking her life to fight against racism and oppression and, at the time of my birth, decided to return to being an educator in the public school system where her masters degree and life experience would benefit the next generation of children. Liberia Blaire Bercy Michelle Obama JFK My mother instilled in me that school is very important but what school does not, and will not, teach is equally important. I was sent to summer camp with copies of Atlas Shrugged, required reading by my mother, and The Once and Future King, required school reading. She encouraged me to join multi-cultural groups and non-profits that taught leadership training, showed me how to find my own appreciation for art and literature from around and world, and to be truly proud to be a BLACK woman. The GLOW camp I was about to visit in Liberia was an accelerated version of everything Ive known to be true and believed in. It was also the opportunity to listen to these young women share their truth and what they want from this world. Their goals and questions would be addressed and answered in a group of their peers and Michelle Obama! FLOTUS was coming to listen and learn with these young women and now with the First Lady attending they would have an audience far wider than before. What drew me in to the Let Girls Learn/Peace Corps curriculum the most is the importance to all areas of education. Not only what people in the U.S. would consider the standard classroom or university education, but all of the other aspects that help women find their voice and empower them to make educated choices for their futures. Peace Corp Let Girls Learn GLOW Liberia Michelle Obama Blaire Bercy My time in Libera. The moment I landed in Monrovia I was taken directly to the Peace Corp camp in Kakata City. I was a little jet lagged but ready to meet the volunteers and girls who were preparing for the big visit the next day. Over the course of the hour-long drive, I got to see a good portion of the city, but the moment I got the camp I could feel the energy shift. We were still in Liberia, the rain was periodically pouring, it was still a steamy 97 degrees but everyone was buzzing at the excitement of the GLOW camp the next day and the special guest, First Lady Michelle Obama! Part of the reason this Peace Corp camp was so special, protected, and sacred was that some of the volunteers, who were giving me a full tour, were volunteers who were evacuated due to Ebola and were now back to continue their work. Everyone I spoke to said that these girls and this community was their family. Not like family. They considered them their family-family. They were bonded together and they would have done anything to return to their family in Liberia after being evacuated and sent back to the U.S. Can you imagine if you were ripped away from your siblings or family and told that there was not a definitive date on if or when you would ever see them again? Liberia is gorgeous and lush but this is not a region where girls are texting all day and sending snaps to friends who are far away. There is no way to Facetime with a member of your family or group to check in and see how everything is going. The determination of the volunteers and girls to return made this entire event feel more important. Everyone was so happy and appreciative to be together again and the girls were ready to meet our First Lady and proudly show what they have learned and have been working on. Liberia Let Girls Learn Blaire Bercy Liberia is BEAUTIFUL! There was not a person at the camp that the gravity of this situation was wasted on. New Peace Corp volunteers to girls meeting for the first time, everyone knew that the First Lady coming meant business. I think we are used to celebrities or people we admire to arrive and take up some of the space with their tremendous presence. This didnt happen. After giving many, many thanks to the young women attending, volunteers, and staff, our First Lady turned the floor directly over to these young woman to get the day started. She wanted to actively listen and be a part of the conversation. These girls needed every moment of this special opportunity and I was so surprised and moved to see how quickly our First Lady was to join the group let these girls get on with business. Today was about these girls, focusing on community lead change and making their time here important. After the introduction the Peace Corp leaders began the day and the stations, The First Lady participated in each, and some the girls even taught her what theyve learned. Each station had a specific focus designed to help these young women in every aspect of their lives. No matter what they decide to do with their lives they will move forward with the knowledge of the GLOW camp and the wise words of First Lady Michelle Obama. FLOTUS Peace Corp CAMP LIBERIA Michelle Obama Blaire Bercy Before we left the camp on this glorious day we were all given the chance to take a photo with the First Lady. I was told we were going to do a selfie, and as someone who does NOT take selfies (you have my word and if we ever meet Ill gladly turn over my camera roll for you to see) this made me a little nervousokay a LOT nervous. Ive been watching the First Ladys official Snapchat account since she joined and for the past eight years Ive seen her gorgeous photos gracing covers of magazines and newspapers. I was hoping, at best, I could toss on a few filters and possibly cut myself out of the pic. I mean I was meeting her! She was the focal point of the image. I assumed that we would be introduced, *click *, then Id be quickly ushered to the area where I could pass out or cry from the overflow of emotions. WRONG. That did not happen. Throughout the day I met many members of her staff and they all felt this day in Liberia at the Peace Corp camp was just as important as everyone else. They wanted to talk about HelloGiggles and what we think young women and girls want to see and read about. So as I made small talk with them as I was about to meet our First Lady, I asked about protocol. Do I just walk up and smile? They suggested something that surprised me, they suggested that I actually speak to her! Aside from a thank you and a few arm selfie stretches I hadnt given a tremendous amount of thought to what I should say. So when it was my turn to take a pic, I told her my story, I told her everything in this post about my life and why this trip was important to me. I told her how (in another life) I could have easily been a young woman at the camp and not a visitor. Then SHE ASKED ME FOR A HUG. THE HUG THE HUG Okay, now I was very nervous. It was roughly 90 degrees with 85% humidity and, on top of it, I was now nervous-sweating, while my First Lady embraced me. I offered an apology for my damp appearance and she immediately responded with, were all sweating, and we took our picture. FLOTUSxHG HEARTS Having my picture taken and riding the intense wave of emotion I got a rush of adrenaline clarity and as I was saying thank you and goodbye I asked Michelle Obama the one question I had, which was: How do we, as women, as HelloGiggles, as a community continue to grow initiatives like Let Girls Learn and help? Her response was simple and honest: we need to continue to do what weve been doing. Covering the stories, publishing and sharing posts that have meaning for us. Shining the light on situations that we love. Speaking about the tougher issues that we might be afraid of, and perhaps diversifying what most of us share on our personal accounts. I, for one, will be skipping a food pic, or two, for something a little more important. An accomplishment of my own or someone elses that I am proud of or can learn from. An article I find empowering. A post by someone who is meaningful. Something inspiring. Not that a perfectly poached egg isnt gorgeous and wonderful, but if were all here to connect Id like to pass on more than a culinary humble brag. Not every time, just some of the time, which is not much to ask. Like the girls who attended this Peace Corp x Let Girls Learn x GLOW camp Ive been changed and sent back home with the fire to inspire the women around me to have open and honest conversations about their goals and happiness. Leading by example is the best way. Read about her entire Let Girls Learn trip from First Lady Michelle Obama herself HERE in her exclusive travel diary for HelloGiggles. You can also watch our video with facts from whitehouse.gov, peacecorps.com, and letgirlslearn.gov: The post How a trip to Liberia with First Lady Michelle Obama changed what I post on social media appeared first on HelloGiggles. In the upper bowels of the Republican National Convention at Clevelands Quicken Loans Arena, while looking down at GOP delegates decked out in patriotic red, white and blue, Steve Hilton is seated next to me in orange socks, corduroy light-blue pants and a T-shirt. The English strategist was behind the successful rise of former U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron, who recently resigned after opposing the passage of Brexit, the vote to leave the European Union that Hilton himself supported. Now in the U.S. with Crowdpac, a crowdfunding voter platform based in San Francisco, Hilton discussed how global politics is being upended and how the Republican nominee at the heart of it all can try to win in November. OZY: After Brexit, weve seen a host of the pro-Leave leaders, including Boris Johnson and Andrea Leadsom, refrain from taking on leadership roles. So when these politicians lead in pushing divisive action through but step away immediately after, what happens? How do you pick up from that? Steve Hilton: What weve seen happen will far outlive any immediate political ups and downs. For me, the decision to leave the EU, which I campaigned for very strongly, has been the most positive development in terms of world politics since the fall of the Berlin wall. The technocratic policy agenda that has been pushed by governments of left and right for decades, that is uncritical of globalization, that prioritizes efficiency over all concerns, that is callous about the individual consequences of that people have had enough of that. Thats far more consequential than whichever candidate ends up with whichever job in politics. OZY: Weve seen an equally transformative period happening in American politics. Would you say the same about Donald Trump that the figurehead matters less, because the consequences last longer than the candidate? S.H.: I hope so. And I think its important to see it in its proper context, which is not just Trump on the Republican side, but Bernie Sanders on the Democratic side. Its the same movement of people who are saying weve just had enough of what Sanders calls establishment politics and establishment economics. Story continues OZY: What tangible effect does that type of politics have? S.H.: Its led to a world that has become dehumanized. Individual peoples lives seem less important than the promotion of a particular technocratic ideology for how the world should be organized. This economic and foreign policy has had really disastrous consequences for a lot of people. We should acknowledge the examples of globalization that have done amazing things for lifting people out of poverty in poorer countries. But its making poor people in rich countries poorer. And the elites have been too blase about that. What youre seeing now is people acting through the political system to take back power and control, this notion of people power. Gettyimages 98430286 Steve Hilton (center), the English strategist behind the rise of former U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron. Source: Oli Scarff/Getty OZY: How can what Trump has done be called people power when, yes, he speaks to a certain segment that has been left behind by globalization, but hes also alienated a whole other segment of people? S.H.: The nomination and, should he win, presidency of Trump is prompting a really useful examination of these nostrums that have been held without real intellectual challenge for a long time. Its right to say that there are aspects of his political policy and campaign that are a long way from the values I support. But you have to make a decision: What is most likely to deliver the direction of change that you believe in? Is it someone who is challenging the establishment or someone who is part of the establishment? OZY: What effect can crowdfunding technology have on elections, from local school boards to the presidency? S.H.: Were trying to give people the chance to affect the outcomes of elections through the mechanism the insiders know really works, which is money. It levels the playing field by making it easier for people to donate. And that makes it easier for people to run for office too one of the reasons change is slow is that you have a narrower and narrower group of people running for office. OZY: Taking from your experience as a strategist for Cameron, what could Trump do to help him win in November? S.H.: The most important thing you have to do to win a campaign is to be optimistic, positive and inclusive. Now those words, I know, are not the words that come to most peoples minds when they think of Trump. But when you think of the message of Make America Great Again, its a very positive, optimistic message. What that needs to be accompanied by is a real effort to show how that will help everyone. Not just the disaffected group that has been pretty well documented as the core support of Trump, but beyond that to people who think they are on the other side but whose lives in a practical sense would more likely be improved by a model Republican agenda. Donald Trumps Las Vegas hotel has reached a settlement of $11,200 in a complaint by two workers who said they were discriminated against for union organizing. The complaint accused the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas of firing a union supporter and denying a full-time job transfer to another worker, while offering job opportunities to workers if they would not support the union, according to a release from the Culinary and Bartenders Union on Thursday. The case had been set to go to trial. The hotel which is co-owned by the presidential nominee and casino tycoon Phil Ruffin, who spoke at the Republican National Convention will now pay the two workers a combined $11,200 in lost wages, the release said. The union accused the hotel of an aggressive anti-union campaign. The hotel did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. Trump has boasted repeatedly throughout his campaign that he doesnt settle lawsuits. But a review by USA Today last month found that Trump and his businesses had reached a settlement in at least 100 cases. The New York Times has also reported on Trumps specific settlements. I dont settle lawsuits very rare because once you settle lawsuits, everybody sues you. Very simple, Trump said at a March press conference in Jupiter, Fla. Its like business. I teach it. I could settle the case now if I wanted to settle the case. I dont settle cases, Trump said, speaking about the Trump University lawsuit in a March interview with MSNBCs Morning Joe. You know what happens? When you settle cases, everybody sues you. At least with me, I dont settle cases very often. By Rodrigo Campos NEW YORK, July 21 (Reuters) - Donald Trump has said a lot of things that, were he a sitting U.S. president instead of a candidate for the job, could be expected to roil financial markets. If investors were taking the Republican presidential nominee at his word, they would be selling shares of Apple Inc, Mondelez International Inc and Ford Motor Co, and cashing out of Mexican equities - all targets of Trump threats of boycotts, barrier walls or import taxes. Investors betting on a Trump presidency would be buying shares of U.S. companies that dealt exclusively with domestic customers and suppliers. Yet the Trump trade is not much in evidence on Wall Street, where some market strategists and investors told Reuters they find it difficult to position their portfolios for his possible presidency, in part because many of his proposals are contradictory or lack specific implementation details. Should Trump win the Nov. 8 election, some investors said, it is not clear how the New York businessman could push through policies that clash with mainstream Republican party views on free trade and low taxes. "The investment community in particular is having trouble figuring out what (Trump) is about," said Bruce McCain, chief investment strategist at Key Private Bank in Cleveland. "They are not taking individual items as seriously as they would with other candidates," he said. Traders said they will be watching Trump's speech at the Republican convention on Thursday night for signs of how he would address business and tax issues, though they expect scant detail. The Trump campaign did not respond to calls and emails requesting comment on how investment strategists viewed his policies. BREAKING UP BANKS U.S. stock indexes have rallied to new highs as Trump received the nomination of his party on a platform that includes a proposal to reinstate the 1933 Glass-Steagall law that would require a breakup of the largest U.S. banks. Story continues A Trump presidency "would not be good for markets at all," because of the uncertainty among investors about his true priorities, said Paul Zemsky, chief investment officer of multi-asset strategies and solutions at Voya Investment Management in New York. Zemsky, however, said he has not so far been selling securities because of Trump. "It's hard to react to things that are said because of the lack of specificity, and the probability of him being elected is still low so changing your portfolio because of him is not likely to be profitable," he said. To be sure, Trump has supporters on Wall Street. Anthony Scaramucci, founder of SkyBridge Capital, has backed Trump and said he would be good for the economy because he would cut back on business-limiting regulations, such as those governing bank investments and labor policies. He also thinks Trump would bring in tax reform. Although never elected to public office, Trump defeated 16 Republican rivals to win the nomination. He trails Democratic rival Hillary Clinton by 7 percentage points, narrowing the gap from 15 points late last week, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday. If Trump's stated proposals were carried out, that could leave the economy significantly weaker because they would result in large federal budget deficits and an anti-global stance that could hurt trade, according to a June analysis by Moody's Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi. Zandi forecast the loss of 3.5 million jobs during a Trump administration alongside a drop in stock prices and real estate value. Trump has said he would renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada, build a wall between the United States and Mexico to stop illegal immigrants, and raise a 35 percent tariff on products made in Mexico by Ford and United Technologies Corp's Carrier Corp. Yet there has been no selloff of Mexican stocks, which are up 10 percent so far in 2016. That is the best gauge of investment reaction to Trump, said Jack Ablin, chief investment officer at BMO Private Bank in Chicago. "For the most part," Ablin said, "that suggests to me the investment community has not considered a Trump presidency a probable scenario at this point." (Reporting by Rodrigo Campos; Editing by Linda Stern and Tiffany Wu) By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican foreign policy veterans and outside experts warned that the suggestion by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump that he might abandon NATO's pledge to automatically defend all alliance members could destroy an organization that has helped keep the peace for 66 years and could invite Russian aggression."Statements like these make the world more dangerous and the United States less safe," Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a Trump critic who is one of the Republican Party's leading foreign policy voices and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a statement. "I can only imagine how our allies in NATO, particularly the Baltic states, must feel after reading these comments from Mr. Trump. I'm 100 percent certain how Russian President Putin feels he's a very happy man," he said.Trump's comments in a New York Times interview "would seem to put him on the same page with Mr. Putin," Richard Armitage, who was deputy secretary of state in the George W. Bush administration, said in an interview with Reuters. In the New York Times interview, Trump, in response to a question about potential Russian aggression toward the Baltic states, said that if Moscow attacked them, he would decide whether to come to their aid only after reviewing whether those nations "have fulfilled their obligations to us." He added," If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes." "It's the end of NATO," Robert Hunter, a former U.S. ambassador to the alliance under President Bill Clinton, told Reuters. "The essence of NATO, more than any other single factor, is the commitment of the United States of America to the security of the other 27 members." Responding to Trump's suggestion that his decisions would depend in part on whether states that were attacked were meeting their financial commitments to the alliance, former diplomat Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, said it is important not to see NATO or any alliance solely in budget terms. "More important is the net benefit the U.S. derives from the stability and security of the country and region affected and the price the U.S. would pay if stability were to be lost or its interests undermined," Haass told Reuters.Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, which created NATO in 1949 and calls an attack on one member an attack on all, has been invoked just once - to help defend the United States after the 9/11 attacks. Following the attacks, NATO sent AWACS planes to patrol over U.S. skies, with more than 800 crew members from 13 NATO countries flying over 360 sorties. As part of the eight measures approved to support the United States, NATO, about three weeks later, sent elements of its Standing Naval Forces to patrol the Eastern Mediterranean and monitor shipping, expanding that to include the entire Mediterranean several months later. A NATO official, speaking on condition of anonymity, also noted that the alliance "deployed a third of the troops in Afghanistan for over a decade, where over one thousand soldiers from non-U.S. NATO allies and partners gave their lives. Still, some experts downplayed Trump's comments, even as they criticized them. Kurt Volker, who was U.S. ambassador to NATO under both Republican President George W. Bush and Democratic President Barack Obama, said it was inadvisable to create doubts in adversaries' minds about the consequences they would face if they invaded a country. "Putin loves it," Volker said. But he said the general European attitude was to take Trump's pronouncements with a grain of salt. "Everyone knows it's an election campaign," he said. "It doesn't necessarily tell you what U.S. government policy is going to be." (Additional reporting by Jonathan Landay, Yara Bayoumy, Warren Strobel and Doina Chiacu in Washington and Emily Stephenson and Ginger Gibson in Cleveland; Editing by Leslie Adler) Donald Trump told The New York Times that if elected, he would not automatically come to the aid of NATO allies in the Baltics if they came under Russian attack. In the interview Wednesday, he also said he would not pressure Turkey about purges or crackdowns on civil liberties following the failed coup last weekend. Claiming that the U.S. has to "fix our own mess" before intervening in the running of other countries, Trump told the Times he would press the hard-line nationalist "America First" theme of his campaign. "I don't think we have a right to lecture," Trump told the newspaper ahead of his address Thursday night acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention. "Look at what is happening in our country. How are we going to lecture when people are shooting policemen in cold blood?" Trump added that, if elected, the U.S. would not automatically guarantee security to the 28 members of NATO . Russia recently started a review of the terms of Baltic countries' independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991. The GOP presidential candidate told the Times he would decide to go to the aid of small Baltic states only once he reviewed whether they had "fulfilled their obligations to us." He added, "If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes." At a press conference in Vilnius, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite told journalists: "Regardless of who becomes the next president of the United States, we trust America. It has always defended nations under attack, and will do so in the future." A spokesman for the Estonian prime minister said: "Estonia's commitment to our NATO obligations is beyond doubt, and so should be the commitments by others." You can read the full interview here Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. More From CNBC By Ginger Gibson CLEVELAND (Reuters) - Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump said that if he is elected, he might abandon NATO's guarantee that any member, including the United States, would defend the others if they were attacked. Trump told the New York Times that Washington would only come to the aid of other members if they had "fulfilled their obligations to us." The statements came in response to a question about potential Russian aggression toward the Baltic states. Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort did not dispute the quotes, saying they were consistent with the candidate's desire to modernize U.S. treaties. "He thinks NATO needs to be brought into the world of the 21st century, where terrorism and ISIS, which didnt exist when NATO was created, are taken into account the way they are dealing with things," Manafort said. "Back when NATO was created, it was more nation state operations. Today, its amorphous, borderless countries of ISIS that represent challenges to the West." Trump has been quoted as saying he would force allies to shoulder defense costs that the United States has borne for decades, cancel longstanding treaties he views as unfavorable, and redefine what it means to be a partner of the United States. "I would prefer to be able to continue" existing agreements, he said, but only if allies stopped taking advantage of what he called an era of American largesse, the New York Times wrote. The appearance that Trump could hesitate to act if a North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally is in need drew quick criticism at home and abroad. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's senior foreign policy adviser, Jake Sullivan, said in a statement: "Trump has apparently decided that America lacks the moral authority to advance our interests and values around the world." Former Republican rival Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina joined the criticism, saying Trump's remarks made the world more dangerous and the United States less safe. "The GOP nominee for President is essentially telling Russians/other bad actors the US is not fully committed to supporting NATO alliance," Graham wrote on Twitter. "I can only imagine how our allies in NATO, particularly the Balkan states, must feel after reading these comments from Mr. Trump." NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday that he would not interfere in the U.S. election campaign but added that solidarity among allies was a key value for the group. "This is good for European security and good for U.S. security," the NATO head said in a statement. "The United States has always stood by its European allies." For months, Trump has raised questions about the money the United States pours into NATO. His rhetoric has raised alarm in allied countries that still rely on the U.S. defense umbrella. The phrase "America First" was used in the 1930s by isolationists who sought to keep the United States out of World War Two. Trump was quoted in the Times as saying that if elected, he would not exert pressure on Turkey or other authoritarian allies about purging political opponents or cracking down on civil liberties. He said the United States would have to "fix our own mess" before trying to sway the behavior of other nations. "I dont think we have a right to lecture," Trump was quoted as saying. "Look at what is happening in our country. How are we going to lecture when people are shooting policemen in cold blood?" (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee and Ginger Gibson in Cleveland; Additional reporting by Patricia Zengerle in Washington; Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Lisa Von Ahn) Washington (AFP) - US Secretary of State John Kerry reaffirmed Washington's promise to protect its NATO allies Thursday after White House hopeful Donald Trump called it into question. Kerry would not be drawn on Trump's claim that he would evaluate an ally's request for assistance based on how well he judged it to be paying its way in the alliance. But he took the opportunity of a news conference to mark the end of a summit between members of the coalition against the Islamic State group to restate US policy. "I'm not going to get into the presidential race," he said. "I'm not in politics. "So let me just restate American policy with respect to NATO, because I want our NATO partners to be clear about where we stand," he continued. "This administration, like every single administration Republican and Democrat alike since 1949 remains fully committed to the NATO alliance and to our security commitments under Article Five, which is absolutely bedrock, to our membership and partnership with NATO." Under Article Five of the NATO treaty, members agree to regard an attack on one member as an attack on all and promise to mobilize together to defeat the threat. In an interview published Thursday in the New York Times, Trump called this vow into question. He warned that he would only come to the aid of the Baltic states in the event they were invaded by Russia if he judged they had "fulfilled their obligations to us." This drew a furious response from Estonia and Latvia, and outrage from Trump's domestic political critics. Donald Trump Donald Trump late Wednesday reacted to Ted Cruz's Wednesday speech to the Republican National Convention that earned the Texas senator boos from the crowd when he declined to endorse Trump. "Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didn't honor the pledge!" Trump tweeted. "I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal!" Cruz earned the ire of the convention's delegates and of Trump, who arrived toward the end of the speech when he did not endorse the real-estate mogul during a prime-time speech and told the crowd that it should vote its "conscience," a not-so-subtle dig at Trump. Cruz's remarks, and the subsequent backlash, amounted to an extraordinary moment in a convention that was meant to unify the party ahead of a November general-election matchup with presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Instead, the Cruz speech outshone later remarks from Mike Pence, the Indiana governor whom Trump selected last week to be his running mate. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, appearing two speaking slots after Cruz, was forced to attempt to clean up some of the Texas senator's remarks. Cruz's speech earned rebukes from several prominent Republicans and conservative figures. Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey told CNN that Cruz was "selfish." Prominent conservative link aggregator Matt Drudge claimed the remarks had condemned Cruz to "Republican hell." NOW WATCH: Watch the RNC audience boo Ted Cruz for not endorsing Trump More From Business Insider A soothing massage might feel relaxing, but could it have real health benefits, too? Documented in early Egyptian tomb paintings and Chinese writings from as far back as 2700 B.C., massage involves a range of techniques for rubbing the body to relieve muscle tension and pain. For example, Swedish massage employs long strokes and kneading movements, and deep tissue massage uses focused, intense pressure in tight or painful areas. Today, Americans are increasingly turning to massage. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the proportion of Americans who got massage therapy increased by 38% between 2002 and 2012. Users typically seek out a trained massage therapist (not a medical doctor) and can spend anywhere from $40 to $250 or more per hour, depending on where they live, the type of massage, and the setting. (Expect to pay more at a fancy spa.) Does It Work? Limited research suggests that massage therapy might ease lower back paina condition that affects eight in 10 adults at some point in their lives, says Consumer Reports chief medical adviser Marvin M. Lipman, M.D. For example, a 2015 review of 25 small to midsized clinical trials conducted by researchers with the independent Cochrane Library. It found that among people with lower back pain lasting more than four weeks, massage provided better relief than either no treatment or a "placebo" treatmentsuch as lightly touching the skin. Massage therapy also appeared to relieve discomfort better, on average, than treatments like acupuncture, traction, and relaxation exercises. Most important, when compared to no treatment or a placebo treatment, massage improved functions such as walking ability, sleep, and other important components of daily life. The studies reviewed were small (124 people, on average), notes Andrea Furlan, M.D., Ph.D., the reviews lead author and a scientist at the Institute for Work & Health in Toronto. I really believe massage is effective, she says, but we need bigger and better-designed clinical trials before we can be sure. Story continues So, how might massage ease discomfort? Scientists havent pinpointed a mechanism, but they think it might stimulate nerves that mute pain signals. Another theory suggests that massage may trigger the release of pain-reducing hormones called endorphins. Research suggests that massage may have benefits beyond pain relief. For instance, a 2010 analysis of 17 clinical trials found that it may help relieve depression. Trying massage for back pain probably wont hurt, and might help, says Lipman. But if you try it, tell your practitioner beforehand about medical conditions you have and medicine you take. Massage isnt appropriate for everyone. People taking blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin or generic), for example, should avoid deep tissue massage because intense pressure could cause bruising. What to Know If You Go Most states regulate massage therapists; requirements can vary. Its best to work with practitioners who are certified by a national organization, such as the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Some health insurance policies cover a limited number of massages if prescribed by a physician, but massage therapy is not covered by Medicare. 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. Ankara (AFP) - The Turkish authorities were slow to realise the threat of US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of masterminding the attempted coup, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said on Thursday. Gulen is accused of leading what the government calls the "Fethullah Terrorist Organisation" (FETO) and planning to topple President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, but has strongly denied the allegations. Simsek, now a key figure in the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) that came to power in 2002, said the authorities had waited too long in allowing the Gulen movement to grow in Turkey. "Yes, it is true that during our time they (Gulenists) had a free hand. We accept that," Simsek told a foreign media briefing. "Why? Because we didn't have experience of running this country in the past. We did not have many people working in the Turkish bureaucracy." But the former finance minister said the AKP did not know that members of the Gulen movement were building a global network that would encompass interests ranging from media to education to business. - 'Necessary response' - Gulen and Erdogan were long seen as allies, joined by the desire to have Islam play a central role in politics in the traditionally secular but mainly Muslim state. "We thought they were doing something good for the country. As soon as Erdogan saw the threat, he gave the necessary response," said Simsek. The Turkish authorities started purging thousands of members of the security forces and judiciary deemed to be loyal to Gulen after a widespread corruption probe launched in 2013 that implicated some of Erdogan's inner circle. "We do not want a religious movement to be controlling the Turkish judiciary, police or army," Simsek said. Gulen's loyalists insist they are a loose grouping of like-minded individuals who promote charity and moderate Islam. Simsek defended his party and government against accusations they ignored the threat by saying that the movement had existed since the 1970s and 1980s. Story continues "There is evidence that this has been happening since the 1970s," he said, adding that Gulen supporters had worked for the state since the premierships of Bulent Ecevit and Suleyman Demirel in that decade. Since Friday's coup bid, thousands of people within the military and judiciary have been detained over accusations of links to Gulen, prompting global alarm over the crackdown. About 9,200 people have been detained including soldiers, judges and prosecutors. Turkeys parliament approved on Thursday a state of emergency as human rights groups and opposition parties raised concerns that the measure, passed in the aftermath of an attempted military coup, could be used to harass peaceful critics of the government. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the state of emergency in a speech late on Wednesday night, five days after the violent power grab that left more than 200 people dead. The parliament approved the emergency measure a day later. The declaration grants the government expanded powers to rule by decree as the authorities continue to reassert control of the country and round up people suspected of ties to the coup plot. The clampdown comes in response to a bloody military insurrection that nearly succeeded as a helicopter gunship fired on the house of parliament and the president said he evaded capture by a matter of minutes. This measure is in no way against democracy, the law and freedoms, Erdogan said Wednesday night, according to the Associated Press. On the contrary it aims to protect and strengthen them. The presidents assurances did not convince human rights advocates who are now anticipating that Erdogans administration could expand the crackdown beyond participants in the coup, resulting in reprisals against critics. The danger is, and what makes people so fearful, is that anyone who speaks out against these abuses, or anyone who opposes the government in any way, will be tarred with siding with the coup plotters and being part of it, says Andrew Gardner, a Turkey researcher at Amnesty International. The declared state of emergency offers a basis for the sweeping government action already underway. More than 9,000 people have been detained and some 37,000 civil servants suspended in an ongoing crackdown on alleged coup supporters. Those detained include more than 6,800 military personnel, including 99 generals, or roughly a third of the senior commanders of the armed forces. Story continues The clampdown is targeting people accused of ties to supporters of Fethullah Gulen, a controversial U.S.-based religious figure who the government accuses of masterminding the coup. The government suspended some 15,200 employees of the ministry of education and demanded the resignation of 1,577 university deans. In addition, 2,277 judges and prosecutors have been detained, according to Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus. On Thursday morning, a respected human rights lawyer and journalist, Orhan Kemal Cengiz was detained in Istanbul and taken to a police headquarters. Cengiz wrote for newspapers affiliated with the Gulen movement, but was regarded as an independent voice. Its absolutely crystal clear that the authorities dont have evidence of wrongdoing, or in the detentions, criminal conduct, on behalf of all the individuals, says Gardner. They cant collect information, evidence this fast. At the very least, it is arbitrary, discriminatory practices on behalf of the authorities based on peoples perceived affiliations, political views. The government has also blocked access to at least 20 news websites, revoked the press credentials of 34 journalists, and revoked the licenses of 34 media organizations, according to Amnesty. It is always worrying of course to have these restrictive behaviors of governments, because it restricts some other rights of the people, whereas it is not related with any kind of threat at all, says Sebnem Korur Fincanci, president of Turkeys Human Rights Foundation. Also on Thursday, the government announced it would limit certain rights guaranteed under the European Convention on Human Rights, a step permitted under the treaty in times of emergency. The government has not listed which rights it plans to derogate. The convention does not allow states to suspend certain fundamental rights, including the right to life and the prohibition on torture, but rights groups say Turkeys derogation could provide a legal context for other steps, such as suspending education as seeks to shut down 524 private schools over suspected links to the Gulen movement. Turkish officials insist the derogation of rights under the treaty is a temporary and limited measure that will not be used against political opponents. Officials point out France also derogated rights under the treaty following the terror attacks in Paris in November 2015. Our citizens with different political views or lifestyles should not feel uncomfortable. This is not a proclamation of martial law; there wont be curfews. The right to assembly will continue to be exercised, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told journalists in Ankara on Thursday. Turkish political leaders from both the ruling party and the opposition rallied against the coup attempt last Friday, producing a striking moment of national unity. But reactions to the state of emergency suggested that the tenuous national consensus was rapidly collapsing. In parliament on Thursday the emergency declaration passed by a vote of 346 to 115. The leftist opposition Peoples Democratic Party assailed the emergency declaration. The historic opportunity to take steps against the coup with social consensus by democratic measures was not taken. We find this cheap, pragmatic and stillborn approach of celebrating the state of emergency unacceptable, the party said in a statement. ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey will follow France's example in suspending temporarily the European Convention on Human Rights following its declaration of a state of emergency, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Thursday, according to broadcaster NTV. President Tayyip Erdogan announced a three-month state of emergency late on Wednesday after last weekend's failed military coup, saying it would enable the authorities to act more efficiently to bring those responsible to justice. France declared its own state of emergency following last November's attacks by Islamist militants in Paris. In comments quoted by NTV, Kurtulmus also said Turkey's state of emergency could end within one to one and a half months. He identified "structural and individual" intelligence failures during the coup attempt and also said that work was underway to restructure the army, NTV reported. (Reporting by Ayla Jean Yackley and Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Gareth Jones) ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey's declaration of state of emergency aims to minimize the risks it faces in the long-run and it will not impact the lives of ordinary citizens, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said on Thursday. "We will not limit any citizens apart from those who are related to the parallel betrayal network," Simsek said in an interview with Turkey's NTV television, referring to the perpetrators of Friday's failed coup. (Reporting by Seda Sezer and Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by David Dolan) ANKARA (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday a cut in Turkey's foreign currency credit rating by Standard & Poor's after a failed military coup had been a political decision and showed the rating agency had "sided with the coup, not with democracy". Erdogan told Reuters in an interview in his palace in Ankara that if fellow rating agency Moody's followed suit, it would not be an objective decision. He said there was no liquidity problem in Turkey's strong financial sector. (Reporting by Samia Nakhoul, Nick Tattersall and Orhan Coskun and Tulay Karadeniz; Writing by Nick Tattersall) Alexandroupoli (Greece) (AFP) - A Greek court on Thursday sentenced eight Turkish military officers who fled last week's failed coup to suspended two-month prison terms, an AFP reporter said. The officers, sought by Turkey to face a military trial at home, have requested asylum in Greece and will remain in police custody until their cases on that issue are heard early in August. The prison sentence for illegal entry was suspended for a three-year period, the court in the northern city of Alexandroupoli said, taking into account that the men felt threatened. In his defence, one of the Turkish officers told the court through a translator that he did not want to return home owing to "indiscriminate" arrests by Ankara authorities. "We saw indiscriminate arrests of military personnel and we were afraid," the suspect said. Another said: "I'm proud to be an army man. I would not have left Turkey had my life not been in danger." The case threatens to strain ties between the two NATO allies, with Ankara labelling the eight "terrorists". Turkey's ambassador has warned that failure to return the officers "will not help" ties. "I hope we will manage to swiftly go through the phases of due process and manage to return these terrorist elements so that they will face justice," Kerim Uras told reporters in Athens on Tuesday. - Greece on alert - "We thought of going to Bulgaria, Romania or Greece -- finally we chose Greece," said the officer who opened Thursday's trial, held under tight security. The officers flew to Alexandroupoli by military helicopter on Saturday and were allowed to land after sending a distress signal to authorities. A Turkish detachment arrived after them and returned the Black Hawk helicopter to Turkey. Greek military units have been placed on "heightened vigilance" amid reports that additional Turkish military personnel could be trying to flee to the Greek islands, a navy spokesman told AFP. Story continues The eight men, who declined to give their ranks and units in court, arrived in handcuffs with their faces hidden. They claim that they were in the process of airlifting wounded men during the clashes that broke out during the attempted coup on Friday, but came under fire by police. "We had to land in a field near Istanbul and wait, before deciding to flee," the first suspect said. According to one of their lawyers, Ilia Marinaki, the soldiers -- identified on arrival as two commanders, four captains and two sergeants -- fear for their safety and that of their families after the abortive bid to topple President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkish authorities insist they would receive fair treatment at home, despite indications that some suspects have been subjected to rough treatment as Erdogan launches a huge crackdown on suspected coup plotters. Historic foes, Greece and Turkey both became members of NATO in 1952. Ties have improved dramatically in recent years although there are irritants such as airspace and maritime border disputes. Greece last year also faulted Turkey for allowing thousands of mainly Syrian refugees and migrants to sail to its shores, before an EU deal stemming the flow came into force in March. A senior British banker at HSBC has been arrested in New York City and charged, along with a colleague, over allegations they fixed foreign exchange rates to defraud a client and subsequently wove a web of lies to cover up their actions. The Department of Justice (DoJ) said in a statement that Mark Johnson, the head of global foreign-exchange-cash trading at HSBC Bank, was arrested by federal agents at JFK International Airport on Tuesday night. Stuart Scott, the banks former head of foreign exchange cash trading for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, who is also a British citizen and resides in the U.K., was also charged, it said. The allegations arise from investigations involving the FBI in connection with the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force set up by President Obama in 2009. The charges are the first leveled against individuals relating to revelations that bankers at some of the worlds biggest financial institutions rigged the $5 trillion-a-day foreign-exchange market by coordinating their trades over private online chats. U.S. authorities fined four major banks, not including HSBC, nearly $6 billion in 2015 over the scandal. Johnson, 50, and Scott, 43, are alleged to have conducted a scheme of so-called front running, which involved purchasing British currency ahead of a clients transaction in late 2011 in order to make the deal more profitable for HSBC and, ultimately, themselves. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Johnson and Scott caused the $3.5 billion foreign exchange transaction to be executed in a manner that was designed to spike the price of the Pound Sterling, to the benefit of HSBC and at the expense of their client, said the DoJ statement, adding that HSBC allegedly made about $8 million in profits from the transaction. An HSBC spokesman told the Guardian the bank continues to cooperate with the investigation. As alleged, the defendants placed personal and company profits ahead of their duties of trust and confidentiality owed to their client, and in doing so, defrauded their client of millions of dollars, U.S. Attorney Robert L. Capers said in the statement issued Wednesday. When questioned by their client about the higher price paid for their significant transaction, the defendants wove a web of lies designed to conceal the truth and divert attention away from their fraudulent trades. (Corrects to show that more than 1,000 people from state institutions, not the military, are on the run) ISTANBUL, July 21 (Reuters) - Turkey's ruling AK Party gave a free hand for years to a religious movement led by U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen it now accuses of orchestrating a failed military coup, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said on Thursday. Gulen, an ally-turned-arch-enemy of President Tayyip Erdogan, denies any involvement in last Friday's abortive coup. He still has large numbers of supporters in Turkey, including in the judiciary, police and armed forces. "As soon as President Tayyip Erdogan saw the threat (posed by Gulen's supporters) he gave the necessary response. We had thought they were doing something good for the country," Simsek told reporters in unusually candid comments. Simsek also said more than 1,000 people in state institutions were still on the run nearly a week after the coup, without elaborating. (Reporting by Ece Toksabay; Writing by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Gareth Jones and David Dolan) ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey's ruling AK Party gave a free hand for years to a religious movement led by U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen it now accuses of orchestrating a failed military coup, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said on Thursday. Gulen, an ally-turned-arch-enemy of President Tayyip Erdogan, denies any involvement in last Friday's abortive coup. He still has large numbers of supporters in Turkey, including in the judiciary, police and armed forces. "As soon as President Tayyip Erdogan saw the threat (posed by Gulen's supporters) he gave the necessary response. We had thought they were doing something good for the country," Simsek told reporters in unusually candid comments. Simsek also said more than 1,000 people in state institutions were still on the run nearly a week after the coup, without elaborating. (This story corrects to show that more than 1,000 people from state institutions, not the military, are on the run) (Reporting by Ece Toksabay; Writing by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Gareth Jones and David Dolan) (Adds details of recommendations, reactions from investor group, attorney) By Ross Kerber BOSTON, July 21 (Reuters) - Leaders of top U.S. companies and investment firms on Thursday released a set of governance recommendations meant to encourage long-term economic growth, an unusual step that drew mixed reviews from advocates of deeper corporate reforms. The executive group urged companies to maintain diverse boards, to feel free to avoid issuing earnings guidance, and to report results clearly, in keeping with generally accepted accounting principles, among other suggestions, according to a statement posted on the group's website. Backers of the principles included well-known chief executives Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase & Co, Jeff Immelt of General Electric Co, Larry Fink of BlackRock Inc, Warren Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway Inc and Jeff Ubben of ValueAct Capital. The statement said that while the group holds varied views on corporate governance, "we share the view that constructive dialogue requires finding common ground - a starting point to foster the economic growth that benefits shareholders, employees and the economy as a whole." Questions of how well companies run themselves have taken on heightened importance since the financial crisis and with the rise of shareholder activism, bringing challenges to some of the CEOs themselves. Dimon for instance has beaten back calls to split his dual role as CEO and chairman of JPMorgan's board. In its statement the CEO group said it began its work "to see if we could reach some consensus on what we think works in the real world." The comments drew some praise from the Council of Institutional Investors, whose voting members include big public-sector pension funds and endowments. Its executive director, Ken Bertsch, said in an emailed statement that the endorsement of the guidelines by the stellar executive panel "makes clear that corporate governance has entered the mainstream." Story continues The executives deserve credit, he said, for advocating standards including the election of corporate directors by majority vote, and calling dual-class voting - a structure in which one share class has less voting power than another - "not a best practice." Bertsch said the principles should have gone further on some issues, however. For instance, they do not address whether boards should act on proposals endorsed by a majority of investors. The principles also failed to please everyone on the topics of director tenure and retirement age. Boards filled with aging members have become a touchy subject amid calls for more minorities and women to be represented. Berkshire Hathaway's latest proxy filing, for instance, showed that five of its 12 directors were older than 80. The principles state that companies should spell out their approach on the matters. Michael Peregrine, a corporate attorney and partner at the law firm of McDermott, Will & Emery, in an interview called the approach "a missed opportunity" since the panel could have offered more specifics to help directors make sensitive decisions on retirements. "Many boards are clamoring for clarity, they want to do the right thing," he said. (Editing by Phil Berlowitz and Matthew Lewis) By Ross Kerber BOSTON (Reuters) - Leaders of top U.S. companies and investment firms on Thursday released a set of governance recommendations meant to encourage long-term economic growth, an unusual step that drew mixed reviews from advocates of deeper corporate reforms. The executive group urged companies to maintain diverse boards, to feel free to avoid issuing earnings guidance, and to report results clearly, in keeping with generally accepted accounting principles, among other suggestions, according to a statement posted on the group's website. Backers of the principles included well-known chief executives Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase & Co , Jeff Immelt of General Electric Co , Larry Fink of BlackRock Inc , Warren Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway Inc and Jeff Ubben of ValueAct Capital. The statement said that while the group holds varied views on corporate governance, "we share the view that constructive dialogue requires finding common ground a starting point to foster the economic growth that benefits shareholders, employees and the economy as a whole." Questions of how well companies run themselves have taken on heightened importance since the financial crisis and with the rise of shareholder activism, bringing challenges to some of the CEOs themselves. Dimon for instance has beaten back calls to split his dual role as CEO and chairman of JPMorgan's board. In its statement the CEO group said it began its work "to see if we could reach some consensus on what we think works in the real world." The comments drew some praise from the Council of Institutional Investors, whose voting members include big public-sector pension funds and endowments. Its executive director, Ken Bertsch, said in an emailed statement that the endorsement of the guidelines by the stellar executive panel "makes clear that corporate governance has entered the mainstream." Story continues The executives deserve credit, he said, for advocating standards including the election of corporate directors by majority vote, and calling dual-class voting - a structure in which one share class has less voting power than another - "not a best practice." Bertsch said the principles should have gone further on some issues, however. For instance, they do not address whether boards should act on proposals endorsed by a majority of investors. The principles also failed to please everyone on the topics of director tenure and retirement age. Boards filled with aging members have become a touchy subject amid calls for more minorities and women to be represented. Berkshire Hathaway's latest proxy filing, for instance, showed that five of its 12 directors were older than 80. The principles state that companies should spell out their approach on the matters. Michael Peregrine, a corporate attorney and partner at the law firm of McDermott, Will & Emery, in an interview called the approach "a missed opportunity" since the panel could have offered more specifics to help directors make sensitive decisions on retirements. "Many boards are clamoring for clarity, they want to do the right thing," he said. (Editing by Phil Berlowitz and Matthew Lewis) BERLIN (Reuters) - Brett McGurk, the United States' envoy to the coalition against Islamic State, on Thursday said the liberation of the northern Iraqi city of Mosul from Islamic State was now an achievable goal and had to be prepared carefully. "The liberation of Mosul is now in sight," McGurk told about 30 defense and foreign ministers gathered in Washington to discuss the U.S.-led fight against the extremist group. McGurk said detailed planning was under way to ensure that aid organizations could quickly move in to provide food, shelter and other support for an estimated one million people in the city who have been living under harsh Islamic State rule. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department said on Wednesday it had agreed to a settlement with Anheuser-Busch InBev SA that will permit ABI to proceed with its acquisition of SABMiller Plc . "The settlement requires ABI to divest SABMillers entire U.S. business including SABMillers ownership interest in MillerCoors, the right to brew and sell certain SABMiller beers in the United States and the worldwide Miller beer brand rights. This settlement will prevent any increase in concentration in the U.S. beer industry," the Department said in a statement. (Reporting by Mohammad Zargham) The Justice Department has announced that it has charged Artem Vaulin, a 30-year-old native from Ukraine with conspiracy to commit copyright infringement and money laundering in connection with the operation of Kickass Torrents. In a press release, law enforcement calls KAT the "most-visited illegal file-sharing website," with 50 million unique monthly visitors and allegedly responsible for enabling users to distribute films, television shows, and video games valued at more than $1 billion. Vaulin was arrested today in Poland, says the Justice Department, which is now moving to seek extradition. "His arrest in Poland, however, demonstrates again that cybercriminals can run, but they cannot hide from justice," says assistant attorney general Leslie Caldwell. In recent months, Kickass Torrents has reportedly reacted against ISP blockades in several countries by joining the dark web. The feds say they have seized domain names associated with KAT. The U.S. government will now attempt to do to Vaulin what it has for the last four years been trying with Kim Dotcom, the leader of Megaupload, who was indicted on similar grounds and is still fighting extradition efforts. By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - United Nations officials have questioned if Britain is worthy of being a veto-power on the Security Council after the country withdrew police officers from a peacekeeping mission in South Sudan during recent violence without consulting the world body, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters on Wednesday. Germany and Sweden also withdrew police without consultation and the United Nations has barred all three countries from replacing the officers once the situation improves, said the internal memo by the U.N. peacekeeping department. "The departure of the police officers has affected the operational capability of the mission at headquarters level and has dealt a serious blow to the morale of its peacekeepers," said the memo, which is an account of what happened and used by officials to inform U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Heavy fighting involving tanks and helicopters raged in South Sudan's capital Juba for several days earlier this month between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and those backing Vice President Riek Machar. At least 272 people were killed. Britain withdrew two police officers, Germany seven police and Sweden three police, according to the memo. It also said the United States was reportedly planning to withdraw nine police. Britain is a permanent veto-wielding power - alongside the United States, France, China and Russia - on the Security Council, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security and mandates peacekeeping missions. Sweden was recently elected a member of the 15-member council for 2017-18. Without naming Britain and Sweden, the memo said that for the states who are also on Security Council, their withdrawal of police from South Sudan "can be considered a lack of respect to their engagement on peace and security." In reference to Britain, the memo said: "This also raises the question of their merits to hold a permanent seat at the Security Council and mandating others on how to handle peace and security issues when they themselves are quick to abandon their post in challenging situations." A spokesman for the British U.N. mission said Britain temporarily removed its two unarmed police officers on July 13 "for the officers' safety" and had told the U.N. police adviser in advance. The spokesperson did not respond to the remarks in the memo about Britain's permanent Security Council seat. The German, Swedish and U.S. missions did not immediately respond to a request for comment. U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq confirmed on Wednesday that some U.N. police did not stay at their posts during the recent violence in South Sudan and that they would not be replaced with officers from the same country. He did not name the countries. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Michael Perry) GENEVA (Reuters) - South Sudan's arrest of a prominent newspaper editor is unlawful and he must be released, the United Nations expert on freedom of expression said on Thursday. Alfred Taban, founder and editor of the privately run Juba Monitor, was detained on Saturday for writing articles that criticised South Sudan's leaders over a flare-up in violence earlier this month. "The arrest and detention of Mr. Taban are unlawful as they are directly linked to the legitimate exercise of his right to freedom of expression," U.N. expert David Kaye said. "Any pressure against journalists based on the content of their reporting represents regressive steps that South Sudan cannot afford to take," he said. It was crucial that a country seeking to establish peace and stability should encourage freedom of expression for everyone, and South Sudan should stop targeting journalists, he added. In the articles, Taban said President Salva Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar had been unable or unwilling to control their troops in the latest spasm of violence, in which at least 272 people were killed. The fighting erupted on July 7 in the capital Juba between followers of Kiir and Machar, a former rebel leader who became vice president under a deal to end a two-year civil war. In 2015, at last seven journalists were killed in South Sudan. In the latest fighting, another was killed in Juba. Information minister Michael Makuei said this week he had no comment on Taban's arrest and he was not responsible for the arrest of any South Sudanese, journalist or not. (Reporting by Tom Miles; Editing by Angus MacSwan) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States blacklisted eight people and seven companies on Thursday for supporting the Syrian government, assisting its weapons program, and helping those already on the U.S. sanctions list. The U.S. Treasury Department said its measures targeted, among others, a shipping company used by the Syrian Air Force and the firm's manager; a firm that supplied aircraft tires to the Syrian defense ministry and the firm's sales manager; and a money changer who moved funds between Syria, Russia, and Lebanon on behalf of the Syrian government. Also on the list are two firms and a man who had provided support to the Scientific Studies and Research Center, which Treasury said is responsible for producing non-conventional weapons and missiles for the Syrian government. The measures, the latest round of sanctions related to the ongoing civil war in Syria, freeze any U.S. assets and prohibit Americans from transactions with the targets. "From expanding its weapons of mass destruction program to inflicting horrific violence upon the Syrian people, the Assad regime relentlessly engages in destabilizing behavior," Adam Szubin, Treasury's acting under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement. "Treasury will continue to act against those responsible for fueling the Assad regime's repressive actions and dangerous weapons proliferation." (Reporting by Yeganeh Torbati; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) By Mica Rosenberg NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. government asked a federal appeals court on Thursday to block the release of a report detailing how HSBC Holdings Plc (HSBA.L) is working to improve its money laundering controls after the British bank was fined $1.92 billion. In a brief filed with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. Department of Justice sought to overturn an order issued earlier this year by U.S. District Judge John Gleeson to make a report by the bank's outside monitor public. "Public disclosure of the monitor's report, even in redacted form, would hinder the monitor's ability to supervise HSBC," the government's court filing said, adding that bank employees would be less likely to cooperate with the monitor if they knew their interactions could be released. A spokesman for the Justice Department declined to comment. HSBC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The filing comes a week after U.S. congressional investigators criticized senior officials at the Department of Justice for overruling internal recommendations to criminally prosecute HSBC for money-laundering violations. Instead, the government in 2012 fined HSBC and entered into a five-year deferred prosecution agreement that stipulated all charges would be dropped if the bank agreed to install an independent monitor to help improve compliance. In the 2012 settlement, HSBC admitted to violating U.S. sanctions laws and failing to stop Mexican and Colombian cartels from laundering hundreds of millions of dollars in drug proceeds through the bank. HSBC agreed to monitoring by former New York prosecutor Michael Cherkasky, now the executive chairman of the compliance company Exiger. One of the bank's mortgage customers filed a motion to unseal Cherkasky's report to find out whether the bank continued to engage in what the customer claimed were unsafe business practices. The Justice Department in its brief frequently cited a 2016 decision by a U.S. appeals court to uphold a deferred prosecution agreement with Fokker Services, a Dutch company accused of illegally shipping aircraft parts to Iran and other countries. The appeals court ruled that a Washington-based District Court judge lacked the authority to reject an agreement reached by U.S. prosecutors and the company. Story continues In an earlier court filing, the government said that while HSBC has made significant progress since the agreement, it is still not doing enough to thwart money laundering. The case is U.S. v. HSBC Bank USA NA et al, 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 16-308 (Reporting by Mica Rosenberg; Editing by Leslie Adler) Credit: Jake Giles NetterAt last month's Hellfest in France, musician Benjamin Waxx collaborated with a slew of artists, including members of Halestrom and Shinedown, to record a cover of Motorhead's "Ace of Spades" as a tribute to the band's late frontman, Lemmy Kilmister. Waxx then spliced together all the contributing performers, which also included Megadeth's Kiko Loureiro and members of Atreyu, into a single recording, which you can listen to now on YouTube. Lemmy died last December from cancer at age 70. Since his death, many in the music community have offered tributes to the rock legend. Additionally, a life-size statue of Lemmy will be built in front of his favorite local drinking spot, the Rainbow Bar & Grill in Los Angeles. Perhaps Halestorm and Shinedown will pull out their cover of "Ace of Spades" during their summer together on the Carnival of Madness tour, which begins tonight in Southaven, Mississippi. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. By Jeff Mason and Susan Cornwell WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House urged Malaysia on Thursday to demonstrate good governance and a transparent business climate, a day after U.S. prosecutors sued to try and seize $1 billion in assets they said were bought with money stolen from a state development fund. The civil lawsuits present a potentially thorny issue for the two countries that have grown closer during the administration of President Barack Obama, who has visited the southeast Asian nation twice in the last two years. The lawsuits will likely affect relations, but they did not come as a surprise, said a U.S. congressional aide. "It has been a concern of a lot of people for a long time. Corruption in Malaysia is a huge problem," the aide said. No criminal charges have been filed in the scandal surrounding Malaysia's 1MDB sovereign wealth fund, which was overseen by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. Obama spoke generally with Najib on a visit to Malaysia last year about the need for transparency and good governance, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said at a news briefing. For business interests who are considering doing business in Malaysia, they're going to be looking for signs that there is good business climate, Earnest told reporters. The Malaysian government "should be conspicuous about making clear that they're committed to transparency and good governance, and the kind of rules that will encourage people who are considering investing in Malaysia's fast-growing economy to have confidence that they can do so fairly, Earnest said. Najib said in response to the lawsuits that his government would give its full cooperation to international investigations of the 1MDB case. Malaysia's Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi, however, expressed "strong concerns at the insinuations and allegations" of wrongdoing against Najib in the lawsuits. He said in a statement that none of the probes conducted by law enforcement agencies across the globe over the past year show that any funds were misappropriated from 1MDB. The U.S. investigation is the largest set of cases brought by the Justice Department's Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, which seeks the forfeiture of the proceeds of foreign corruption. Targeting assets ranging from valuable paintings and a private jet to the 2013 hit movie "The Wolf of Wall Street" and rights to popular songs, the civil lawsuits said $3.5 billion was misappropriated from 1MDB. 1MDB said in a statement that it was not a party to the lawsuit, did not have any assets in the United States, "nor has it benefited from the various transactions described." (Reporting by Jeff Mason and Susan Cornwell; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Grant McCool) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia said on Thursday it had received reports of a "potential, imminent threat" against U.S. citizens in areas of the city of Jeddah frequented by Westerners. The notice on the embassy's website provided no other details. "Its a security message, not a travel warning, that our consulate put out in Jeddah. Obviously, our consulate felt that the information they had was credible enough, serious enough to warrant sending that message out immediately," State Department spokesman John Kirby told a briefing. "There is a potential specific threat to Americans traveling to Jeddah, and in particular, public venues in Jeddah," Kirby said. "So it's very specific to the location and it makes it clear that this is a potential threat to Americans there." On July 4, a suicide bomber was killed and two people were wounded in a blast near the U.S. consulate in Jeddah. It was the first bombing in years to attempt to target foreigners in the kingdom. The same day, a suicide bomber detonated a bomb near the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, Islam's second-holiest site, killing four security officers. A third attack took place in the eastern city of Qatif, home to many members of the country's Shi'ite Muslim minority. (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton and Warren Strobel; Editing by Bernadette Baum and James Dalgleish) By Stanley Carvalho ABU DHABI (Reuters) - The rise and fall of Abu Dhabi tycoon Khadem al-Qubaisi, named this week in U.S. Justice Department lawsuits seeking to seize over $1 billion in assets, illustrates the unpredictability of an opaque Gulf business world fueled by huge sums of oil money. In a few years, Qubaisi rose from obscurity to become one of the top executives in the United Arab Emirates by taking the helm of International Petroleum Investment Co (IPIC), a state-run company investing some of Abu Dhabi's petrodollars. His fall was even faster. In April last year he was abruptly replaced as managing director of IPIC, and in subsequent months he resigned from a string of management positions and board memberships at other companies around the UAE and the region. Neither Qubaisi nor the companies involved gave any public explanation for his departure, and his current whereabouts are not publicly known. Attempts by Reuters to contact him or his lawyers were unsuccessful, while IPIC declined to comment. Some members of Abu Dhabi's business community believe he fell out of favor with top officials of the emirate because he became too flamboyant, in a society where many of the richest and most powerful people keep low profiles. He was bold, brazen, aggressive and to an extent an achiever, but he was also flashy and flamboyant, which was at variance with the top brass of Abu Dhabi, one executive who knew Qubaisi told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. His flamboyance was tolerated until things got out of hand and it became an embarrassment." Civil suits filed in U.S. federal court on Wednesday aim to seize over $1 billion in assets which U.S. prosecutors say were tied to money stolen from Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB, which established close ties with IPIC during Qubaisi's tenure. Qubaisi and several other people and institutions named in the suits, including another former Abu Dhabi executive, Mohammed Ahmed Badawy Al-Husseiny, have not been charged with crimes. Story continues But the suits allege Qubaisi received proceeds from 2012 bond sales by 1MDB "for his own personal benefit", violating the terms of his post as managing director of IPIC. The U.S. government is claiming the right to seize assets including luxury properties in New York and California, Monet and Van Gogh paintings, and a Bombardier jet. SPECTACULAR Born in 1971, Qubaisi attended high school in Abu Dhabi and studied at a UAE university, obtaining a bachelors degree in economics in 1993, according to people familiar with him. In the same year he joined the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), now one of the richest sovereign funds in the world. He rose to become a senior financial analyst in ADIA's North American equities department and in 2000 moved to IPIC as an investment manager. It was after he was appointed IPIC's managing director in May 2007 that Qubaisi engineered his most spectacular deals. IPIC bought a majority stake in Aabar Investments, a local holding company, and embarked on a string of high-profile investments across the globe, including stakes in German carmaker Daimler AG, space tourism firm Virgin Galactic, and Spain's Banco Santander. Qubaisi raised IPIC's international profile by publicizing his successes, and hit back at critics. Questioned about his deals by a Reuters reporter two years ago, he replied: Remember, I am a boxer. If anyone plays around with me, I can squash them like a mosquito." But after the global financial crisis hit the UAE in 2009, signs of strain began to emerge in Qubaisi's business empire. Aabar borrowed aggressively but then suffered losses as investments turned sour. Meanwhile, Qubaisi left IPIC heavily exposed to 1MDB when the Abu Dhabi company guaranteed $3.5 billion of the Malaysian fund's bonds in 2012. This became an embarrassment for Abu Dhabi when big losses at 1MDB were disclosed in early 2015. IPIC is now trying to claw back its money; last month it claimed $6.5 billion from 1MDB and Malaysia's government in a case which it submitted to the London Court of International Arbitration. Another Abu Dhabi state fund, Mubadala, said it would bolster IPIC's finances by merging with it. Qubaisi, meanwhile, has been under investigation by UAE as well as U.S. authorities. In April, financial sources said the UAE central bank had told banks to freeze the assets of Qubaisi and Husseiny and provide information about their deposits and transactions. The central bank and other Abu Dhabi officials did not respond to queries on the nature of the probe. (Editing by Andrew Torchia; editing by Peter Graff) By Stanley Carvalho ABU DHABI (Reuters) - The rise and fall of Abu Dhabi tycoon Khadem al-Qubaisi, named this week in U.S. Justice Department lawsuits seeking to seize over $1 billion in assets, illustrates the unpredictability of an opaque Gulf business world fueled by huge sums of oil money. In a few years, Qubaisi rose from obscurity to become one of the top executives in the United Arab Emirates by taking the helm of International Petroleum Investment Co (IPIC), a state-run company investing some of Abu Dhabi's petrodollars. His fall was even faster. In April last year he was abruptly replaced as managing director of IPIC, and in subsequent months he resigned from a string of management positions and board memberships at other companies around the UAE and the region. Neither Qubaisi nor the companies involved gave any public explanation for his departure, and his current whereabouts are not publicly known. Attempts by Reuters to contact him or his lawyers were unsuccessful, while IPIC declined to comment. Some members of Abu Dhabi's business community believe he fell out of favor with top officials of the emirate because he became too flamboyant, in a society where many of the richest and most powerful people keep low profiles. He was bold, brazen, aggressive and to an extent an achiever, but he was also flashy and flamboyant, which was at variance with the top brass of Abu Dhabi, one executive who knew Qubaisi told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. His flamboyance was tolerated until things got out of hand and it became an embarrassment." Civil suits filed in U.S. federal court on Wednesday aim to seize over $1 billion in assets which U.S. prosecutors say were tied to money stolen from Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB, which established close ties with IPIC during Qubaisi's tenure. Qubaisi and several other people and institutions named in the suits, including another former Abu Dhabi executive, Mohammed Ahmed Badawy Al-Husseiny, have not been charged with crimes. But the suits allege Qubaisi received proceeds from 2012 bond sales by 1MDB "for his own personal benefit", violating the terms of his post as managing director of IPIC. The U.S. government is claiming the right to seize assets including luxury properties in New York and California, Monet and Van Gogh paintings, and a Bombardier jet. SPECTACULAR Born in 1971, Qubaisi attended high school in Abu Dhabi and studied at a UAE university, obtaining a bachelors degree in economics in 1993, according to people familiar with him. In the same year he joined the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), now one of the richest sovereign funds in the world. He rose to become a senior financial analyst in ADIA's North American equities department and in 2000 moved to IPIC as an investment manager. It was after he was appointed IPIC's managing director in May 2007 that Qubaisi engineered his most spectacular deals. IPIC bought a majority stake in Aabar Investments, a local holding company, and embarked on a string of high-profile investments across the globe, including stakes in German carmaker Daimler AG, space tourism firm Virgin Galactic, and Spain's Banco Santander. Qubaisi raised IPIC's international profile by publicizing his successes, and hit back at critics. Questioned about his deals by a Reuters reporter two years ago, he replied: Remember, I am a boxer. If anyone plays around with me, I can squash them like a mosquito." But after the global financial crisis hit the UAE in 2009, signs of strain began to emerge in Qubaisi's business empire. Aabar borrowed aggressively but then suffered losses as investments turned sour. Meanwhile, Qubaisi left IPIC heavily exposed to 1MDB when the Abu Dhabi company guaranteed $3.5 billion of the Malaysian fund's bonds in 2012. This became an embarrassment for Abu Dhabi when big losses at 1MDB were disclosed in early 2015. IPIC is now trying to claw back its money; last month it claimed $6.5 billion from 1MDB and Malaysia's government in a case which it submitted to the London Court of International Arbitration. Another Abu Dhabi state fund, Mubadala, said it would bolster IPIC's finances by merging with it. Qubaisi, meanwhile, has been under investigation by UAE as well as U.S. authorities. In April, financial sources said the UAE central bank had told banks to freeze the assets of Qubaisi and Husseiny and provide information about their deposits and transactions. The central bank and other Abu Dhabi officials did not respond to queries on the nature of the probe. (Editing by Andrew Torchia; editing by Peter Graff) Kampala (AFP) - The Ugandan army said Wednesday it had evacuated 38,000 civilians caught up in fighting in Juba, the capital of crisis-hit South Sudan. Most of those taken across the border were Ugandans but "they were joined by hundreds of Kenyans, Rwandans among other nationalities who wanted to leave South Sudan for their safety," Ugandan army spokesman Paddy Ankunda told AFP. Describing the evacuation process in recent days as successful, the army spokesman said "the total number of civilians evacuated from South Sudan by road under protection of the UPDF (Ugandan army) since the start of the operation has reached 38,000". The evacuation operation began on Friday. The Ugandan army joined the conflict in South Sudan soon after it began in December 2013, fighting on President Salva Kiir's side against a rebel force led by arch-rival Riek Machar, now the country's vice president. The combat troops only pulled out late last year. The recent violence in the capital echoes the fighting that first triggered the civil war and marks a fresh blow to a deal reached last year to end the bitter conflict which began when Kiir accused Machar of plotting a coup. Kiir is a member of the Dinka tribe, while Machar is a Nuer, and the dispute has split the country along ethnic lines and caused tens of thousands of deaths. The Ugandan army's rescue operation involves a heavily protected convoy of 30 vehicles which have been ferrying people the 200 kilometres (125 miles) from Juba to the Ugandan border. Once the evacuees safely reach Ugandan territory, helicopters take young children, the sick and pregnant women to a hospital in Gulu, in the north of the country, said Ankunda. These are people who fled Juba after deadly fighting broke out earlier this month between government forces and the rebels. The United Nations' refugee agency, UNHCR, estimated that 10,300 South Sudanese found refuge in Uganda between Friday and Tuesday. DUBLIN (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May must justify any foot-dragging over the opening of formal talks to quit the European Union, French President Francois Hollande said on Thursday, adding pressure on her to launch negotiations quickly. Hollande, due to meet May in Paris later on Thursday, told a news conference during a visit to Ireland that he would hear May out but did not see an interest in putting off exit negotiations. May has said her government is unlikely to trigger the formal divorce process until next year as London works out how best to tackle the complex negotiation. Hollande said that May's appointment last week as prime minister had more quickly than expected resolved the question of who would lead the negotiations on Britain's behalf, leaving little reason to postpone. "First we spoke of September, then October and now December. There needs to be justifications. If it is to delay the negotiation, which itself could take time, I think it would create a damaging uncertainty," Hollande said. "If it is to have more time for the negotiations so that the negotiations are shorter, then that can be envisaged." In reaction to the pressure from Hollande, a spokeswoman for May said her government needed the time to prepare the negotiations. Hollande, who was speaking in Dublin where he and Irish Prime minister Enda Kenny issued a joint statement urging rapid exit talks, also said he would confer with German leader Angela Merkel after his meeting with May. In talks in Berlin on Wednesday, Merkel agreed with May that Britain needed time to put together a negotiating stance before triggering a formal divorce from the bloc, though the German leader was clear that no one wanted "a long period of limbo". (Reporting by John Irish and Conor Humphries; Writing by Brian Love; Editing by Leigh Thomas and Raissa Kasolowsky) By Huw Jones LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's regulator for the payment systems used by banks to shift cash said it would hold off from taking further action to boost competition as lenders sold off their holdings in a core payments system to MasterCard (MA.N). Britain is trying to increase competition in a banking sector dominated by a handful of large players like Barclays (BARC.L) and RBS (RBS.L) which own chunks of the payments system. Easy and commercially attractive access to the country's payment systems is essential for newcomer banks which can't afford to build their own systems. The Payments Systems Regulator (PSR) said in the final conclusions of its market review into competition in the sector that access to new entrants was becoming easier. PSR's report coincided with an announcement by MasterCard that it was buying VocaLink, one of Britain's core payment systems, for 700 million pounds, triggering announcements from Barclays, RBS and others about how much cash they will receive from the sale of stakes. In February, the PSR had said that 18 banks and building societies should cut their stakes in VocaLink to increase competition. Common ownership of VocaLink by a small number of banks was having a negative effect on innovation and competition, it said at the time. VocaLink processes more than 90 percent of salaries, over 70 percent of household bills and almost all state benefits. PSR's market review looked at so-called indirect access, meaning a new bank or payment company plugging into the system via another bank and the charges that entails. Some banks are less willing to give access to money remitters due to concerns about complying with tougher rules to crack down on money-laundering but these rules were being looked at, the PSR said. Switching between indirect access providers was also difficult in some cases, it said. The watchdog said the impact of anticipated market developments would address many concerns and it had therefore decided not to take any further action at this point. Story continues More banks with direct access to the payments system planned to become indirect access providers within the next nine months, it added. "The more we can open up access, the more challenger banks and building societies will be able to come to market and compete on a level playing field," PSR Managing Director Hannah Nixon said in a statement. "This in turn will give more options to consumers." The PSR, a unit of the Financial Conduct Authority, also launched a public consultation on how it proposes to use its powers to force a payment system operator to grant access or vary the terms of existing access. (Reporting by Huw Jones; editing by Adrian Croft) Shakhtarsk (Ukraine) (AFP) - Pro-Russian insurgents in war-torn eastern Ukraine have staged sabre-rattling training exercises in preparation for the possible deployment of an armed international police force in rebel-held areas. The simulated street fighting Wednesday in the rebel-controlled town of Shakhtarsk saw around 100 camouflaged fighters armed with thick metal shields training cheering crowds how to form lines to push back against advancing troops. One rebel held up a banner reading "No to a foreign armed mission" while several others tried to overturn a car. Kiev is pressing for an international armed police presence in the region so that it can be brought under control and seal Ukraine's porous eastern border with Russia allegedly used by rebels to smuggle in weapons and supplies. The Organization of Security of Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) the group that would be responsible for policing the conflict zone has 580 unarmed staff based in the region and recently had its mandate to monitor the shaky truce extended to the end of March 2017. The idea of arming that mission does not sit well with the self-proclaimed "people's republics" in the industrial regions of of most Russian-speaking Lugansk and Donetsk. - 'Repel Ukrainian junta' - "We will repel the Ukrainian junta and the armed mission at the very border of the People's Republic of Donetsk," one camouflaged fighter who refused to give his name shouted out while a mock street revolt unfurled behind him. A separate exercise saw about 1,000 civilians get into a fight with the imitation OSCE force in order to disarm them. They pelted them with bottles of water and rocks and eventually succeeded in taking control of an insurgent tank that was playing the role of an OSCE tank vehicle. The OSCE press office tried to calm the waters by noting that no decision on arming their monitors was imminent and would need prior approval from the European security body's 57 members. Story continues One of those is Russia a former superpower that views Ukraine's aspiration to one day join the European Union with a great degree of rancour. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said it would be possible for OSCE members to carry pistols for self-defence in some cases, but has never endorsed fully arming the mission. The pro-EU government in Kiev accuses Russia of backing the militias in a conflict that has plunged Moscow's relations with the West to a post-Cold War low and complicated the resolution of other urgent matters such as the Syrian war. Russia denies any direct involvement in a 27-month war that has claimed nearly 9,500 lives. But it admits that volunteer and off-duty soldiers have fought alongside the rebels and defends the separatists' position at global venues such as the United Nations. Ukraine's call for an armed mission has found little support among its Western allies or the OSCE itself a monitoring body that has no experience in performing police missions. "People have the right to express their position," the OSCE press office told AFP in a comment on the demonstration by rebel forces. "And we are always ready to discuss their problems," the OSCE office added. An unarmed Florida man is telling his story after he was shot by police while trying to help an autistic patient who escaped from a mental health center. According to 7 News, the shooting happened on Monday (July 18) but the footage was released Wednesday afternoon (July 20). Charles Kinsey, who has been identified as a caretaker and a behavioral therapist at MacTown Panther Group Homes, was attempting to calm down a 23-year-old autistic man when police arrived. Reportedly several North Miami police officers arrived on the scene following a 911 call about a man wielding a gun in his hand claiming to be suicidal. Cell phone footage shows Kinsey with his hands up in the air as the autistic patient plays with a plastic object. Kinsey is heard saying, All he has is a toy truck. A toy truck. I am a behavior therapist at a group home..Rinaldo, please be still, Rinaldo. Sit down, Rinaldo. Lay on your stomach. A few minutes later, Kinsey was shot in the leg by an officer. The moment was not captured on camera. Im like this right here, and when he shot me, it was so surprising, Kinsey said from a hospital bed. I thought it was a mosquito bite, and when it hit me I had my hands in the air, and Im thinking I just got shot! And Im saying, Sir, why did you shoot me? and his words to me, he said, I dont know. Kinsey and the autistic patient were searched and handcuffed. When asked why he was shot, Kinsey says he was told by the officer, I dont know.They realize this was something inappropriate regarding the shooting, he said. If police departments come out more and admit fault, that would probably go a long way. The North Miami police department released the statement, arriving officers attempted to negotiate with the two men on the scene, one of whom was later identified as suffering from autism At some point during the on-scene negotiation, one of the responding officers discharged his weapon. The officer who shot Kinsey has been placed on administrative leave. Ted Cruz fails to endorse Donald Trump, Mike Pence has his big night, protests resume and a young supporter celebrates in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News, photos, clockwise from top right: Brian Snyder/Reuters, Mary Altaffer/AP, John Minchillo/AP, Khue Bui for Yahoo News, background photos: Getty Images [3]) Yahoo News has enlisted participants at the Republican National Convention representing different viewpoints and roles to file daily diary entries on their experiences in Cleveland. They are your eyes and ears at one of the most unconventional political gatherings in generations, offering a front-row seat on the convention floor, behind-the-scenes access to key political meetings and a vivid picture of what conventions are really like, both inside and outside the arena. Here are yesterdays entries. _____ Ted Cruz committed political suicide Wednesday night with his speech. Even the Texas people were booing him. I dont think hell be running for higher office again. There wasnt chaos. It was just everyone was mad at him. All he had to do was say, I support Donald Trump, and the speech would have been great. He would have set himself up for a future presidential run. He didnt, but now it doesnt matter. That was the feeling on the floor. Republicans are united. It was just that Cruz let his ego get in the way of backing Donald Trump. The media might say whatever, but that is the truth. I was just listening to people at the convention. I walked around to get some input and I heard the same thing from every state. I went to the Midwest, and to Texas. They all were saying the same thing. On the other hand, Mike Pence did great tonight. He is smart, down to earth and a good addition to the ticket. I was talking with one of his fellow Indiana lawmakers earlier, and she spoke very highly of him. She talked about how she wants to continue all of his policies now that hes going to be gone. I dont know if people saw, but Trump was there and watched his son Eric give his speech. Trump only came out for a few minutes, but he was there giving him some support, which was very gracious, and he didnt want to steal any thunder. Earlier in the day, we had breakfast with the South Carolina delegation. Sen. Tim Scott and Gov. Nikki Haley were there, and they talked. We went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and I talked to a lot of people from different states. People said it was the best convention theyve ever been to in awhile. Someone said it was so good that Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the DNC chair, was sitting around taking notes on how to run a convention. Story continues Thursday is the big day, and everyone is going to be getting ready to dress up in their states paraphernalia. Everyone is excited. You can judge a man by his kids, and the kids did great the past couple [of] nights. But were excited for tomorrow, for their dad to address everyone. As told to Andrew Bahl/Yahoo News ________ Weve been all over, including inside the arena, over the last three days to do the hard work of keeping Republicans honest. Theyre giving us a lot to work with. But one thing that has stood out to me is that its surprising to see a convention that is so sparsely attended. Seeing speakers like Ben Carson on Tuesday night, for example, addressing an arena in which even lower levels are fairly empty, as they were, was something Im not used to seeing at a convention. That really struck me. But when everything that youre hearing coming from the floor is anger, vitriol and rhetoric that I think even their hardcore believers know isnt actually true then its not that surprising. It says a lot about how theyre not really trying to broaden their appeal. Thats been a big thing Ive noticed. Its going to be a very different next week at the Democratic convention. Our goal is to give people something to vote for, not just something to vote against. Our candidate and our convention will be more about communicating an uplifting vision for America, and recognizing that were all in this together, that were stronger together. We think itll draw a very sharp contrast with the disorganization, chaos and ugliness were seeing here in Cleveland. Weve had an agreement with our counterparts at the RNC to allow each other access to debates and conventions. Weve held three morning press conferences here at the RNC so far now. Theyve been very well-attended lots of cameras, lots of reporters, and weve spent time in the arena and radio row making sure were setting the record straight. On Monday, we had Iraq War veteran Ruben Gallego, now a congressman from Arizona. On Tuesday, we had Reps. Joe Crowley, D-N.Y., and Tim Ryan, D-Ohio. Ryan talked about how all of Donald Trumps products are made abroad China, Bangladesh, you name it rather than in Steubenville or Youngstown. Joe Crowley, being from Trumps home borough of Queens, said its not just that Trump is not making things in Ohio hes not making them back home, either. Trumps not opening up production facilities in Queens. Hes outsourcing. So weve had a really cool set of perspectives that bring it all together between the people who know him best in New York and the people who see the impact of what he doesnt do here in Ohio. And weve had very successful events for the last three days. Were starting Thursday morning with Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn. And Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., will be joining DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and fanning out all across the convention sites to keep calling them out. What we wont get to do is see enough of Cleveland. Its a beautiful city, but I dont know that Im going to have time to see enough before leaving, so I definitely want to come back. As told to Hunter Walker/Yahoo News _______ We had our last meeting Wednesday night to deal with logistics for our big demonstration. It is going to be 90 or 91 degrees tomorrow, and we want to make sure for people we have a cold bottle of water in everyones hand. There is no shade on the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge, so we want to make sure people are hydrated. Were trying to sort out distributing T-shirts and getting people out to the march. I deeply believe that Thursday can be a turning point for this campaign and for this country. I dont know whether Trump will use this speech to run to the center or to fan the flames of intolerance that he has already ignited. But I do know Thursday night is a critical moment in American political history. And we cant be silent. When the nomination of Trump became inevitable this spring, a few dozen physicians and nurses based in Cleveland started Stand Together Against Trump. Were not professional protesters. Were your neighbors, your colleagues. We live in communities in and around Cleveland. Were Democrats, Republicans and independents. Most of us are people who havent protested before. But we felt that we needed to stand up for our hospital colleagues, many of whom are immigrants and Muslims. Trump has relentlessly attacked these colleagues, who contribute greatly to our Cleveland community. We also started Stand Together Against Trump for our children, who we hope will grow up in inclusive communities that value diversity. And we started it for you for all of those who believe in an America that looks very different than the one Donald Trump is trying to create. Signs used for protest training hang on a wall at the headquarters of Stand Together Against Trump in Cleveland. (Photo: Courtesy of Bryan Hambley) Over the past several days here in Cleveland, reporters have asked us what our group is going to do to steal the spotlight on Thursday. Thats a difficult question to answer. We havent convinced Stephen Colbert to show up and host more Hunger Games. We certainly dont have any guns. We made our signs in my backyard. Our best chance of stealing Trumps moment is to get as many of us as possible out there on Thursday to show a positive counter to his hate, to show a better America to the world. We will be gathering at Public Square in Cleveland wearing yellow, standing together in peaceful demonstration. This is a crucial moment for our nation. In many ways, I feel like America is hanging by a thread. It remains to be seen whether we as a nation can pull together in the face of racism and hatred, or whether we will crumble. When my grandchildren ask me what I did to stop the rise of Donald Trump, I want to be able to say that I did more than just vote. That I did more than send a few tweets. I want to be able to say that I did everything I could to counter his hate-filled message with positivity and peace. If we stand together against Trump on Thursday, we can make a difference. Were expecting a crowd in the high hundreds, low thousands. It probably wont be 5,000 or 10,000, given that the next-largest protest was 700 people. But were all excited. Were all a little anxious. But we want to be out there. We dont want to be watching that moment on TV. As told to Andrew Bahl/Yahoo News _______ The Mississippi delegation had breakfast together on Wednesday morning. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry was there and he was just great. He spoke well of Donald Trump even though he ran against him. Perry said he did not initially support Trump because he supported himself first. But he supports Trump now. Hes funny hes really funny. And hes a good speaker. I didnt realize this about him. And hes been so supportive of Marcus Luttrell, the Lone Survivor Navy SEAL; he treats him almost like a son. Perry said at the delegate breakfast that health care policy and education policy should be decided at the state level, not the national level. I agree with that. What works in one part of the country does not necessarily work somewhere else. This is a big country, and its not the same in every state. I think that a smaller government is much easier to control than a national one. We dont all wear the same size shoe, you know. Paul Ryan was at the breakfast too. He shared his agenda for the House of Representatives with us. I want to get a copy of that, because it sounds good if they could get all of that accomplished. It would be good to see some action in the Republican House and Senate before the election. Hes very good. Ryan endorsed Trump too. So I think, really, 90 percent of the people are on board with the Trump nomination. At the convention, there are just a few that are not endorsing Trump. Theyre still bitter. It was really great for Mississippi that these men took the time to speak with us. After that, I had a luncheon at the Powerhouse. The luncheon honored the Mississippi delegates and was sponsored by AT&T and Mississippi Power, among others. And not having to buy lunch saved us a little bit of money! Were also trying to see as much of Cleveland as we can. Weve been seeing a lot of roads closed by the protesters. Weve been getting stuck in a lot of traffic because of that. I shouldve known better. At least I know for tonight. After lunch, I headed back to the hotel and dealt with some work back home before heading to the convention center. Im a real estate agent, so I had a couple things to follow through on. I want to see if Im making any money at home to pay for this trip. Instead, I ended up taking a nap. I slept a long time and had to jump up in a hurry to get back to the arena. Its an exciting day and tonights lineup is really great. I made it in time to see Laura Ingraham speak and she did a great job. She was actually one of the first speakers of the night. I was excited to hear Mike Pence. I havent had a chance to research him, but I got my daughter to go online and check him out. Hes good, Mom, she said. Hes good. Hes a good Christian man and a family man. I think hes going to attract a different kind of voter to the ticket. I think hes going to bring more evangelicals into the fold than we had before. Conservative political commentator Laura Ingraham speaks on the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 20, 2016. (Photo: Mark J. Terrill/AP) I must say, however, Im disappointed in Gov. John Kasich for not attending the convention. He is the governor of Ohio and this convention bringing so much attention and money to his state, in any case. Its all been good so far here at the RNC. I thought that Donald Trump Jr. knocked it out of the park Tuesday night. He did really well. It is great to directly hear the Trump children say how much they love and respect their dad. Its so different from how people try to portray him. Trumps a hard-working businessman, and since his kids could walk, theyve been in conference rooms with their dad. If hes in a meeting and he gets a call from one of his children, no matter whom hes talking with, he takes the call from his family. He is just a good dad. His kids might have college degrees but they have good common sense too. As a of friend of mine once said: A lot members of Mensa couldnt find their way out of a paper bag, but you have many successful small-business owners who have more common sense than anything else. Im excited to hear Ivanka Trump, our nominees other daughter, speak tomorrow night. I always enjoy hearing from his family. Tomorrow will be another busy day of breakfasts and luncheons, but Im looking forward to a great last night. As told to Susanna Heller/Yahoo News _____ Related slideshows: On the ground at the RNC Convention A photo report >>> BOOS CRUZ: Newspapers react to Ted Cruzs RNC stun >>> Armed at the RNC >>> Front pages cover Donald Trumps final primary victory >>> Melania Trump in the convention spotlight >>> Convention floor erupts when no roll call taken to change rules to unbind delegates >>> How newspapers covered the RNCs fiery first day >>> Demonstrators protest outside the RNC >>> Donald Trumps America >>> * Q2 underlying sales up 4.7 pct vs forecast 4.4 pct * Consumer demand remains weak; Latin America seen worsening * Dollar Shave Club expertise to boost other businesses (Adds context, comments, bullet points) By Martinne Geller LONDON, July 21 (Reuters) - Consumer goods group Unilever beat second-quarter sales forecasts on Thursday, helped by price rises, but kept its full-year target unchanged as some of its markets worsen and comparisons get tougher in the second half of the year. The Anglo-Dutch maker of Dove soap, Lipton tea and Magnum ice creams predicted the economic environment in markets such as Brazil and Argentina would get worse before it gets better. But Unilever expects to keep improving its own global performance with initiatives such as cost savings and a new organizational structure that it expects to save 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) by 2018. Despite economic volatility in major markets, Unilever reported underlying sales growth of 4.7 percent in its second quarter, excluding the impact of foreign exchange moves, acquisitions and disposals. On that basis analysts were expecting 4.4 percent growth, according to a company survey of forecasts. "Companies like Unilever, which offer consistent growth even in difficult economic times, have come to be seen by investors as a safe port in a storm," said Hargreaves Lansdown analyst George Salmon, noting Unilever trades at 22 times forecast earnings, more than 50 percent higher than five years ago. Its London-listed shares were little changed at 0907 GMT. The company said consumer demand remained weak, with industry sales volume growth low in emerging markets and negative in Europe and in North America. It sold 1.8 percent more products in the second quarter, with the remaining rise in sales coming from higher prices due to a slight easing of deflation in Europe and price increases in Asia. Finance chief Graeme Pitkethly told Reuters the company was sticking to its full-year sales growth target of 3-5 percent, and margins for the full year would improve in the historical range of 0.3-0.4 percentage points, rather than the 0.5 points delivered in the first half. Story continues On a reported basis, turnover in the first half fell 2.6 percent to 26.3 billion euros. Net profit rose 2 percent to 2.7 billion, with earnings per share up 1 percent at 88 euro cents. Regarding its purchase of U.S. brand Dollar Shave Club, announced on Wednesday, Unilever said it would use that company's knowledge and expertise selling directly to consumers to expand its other brands. The company said its profitable but poorly performing spreads business was showing signs of improvement, a year and a half after it announced plans to separate it into a stand-alone division. ($1 = 0.9083 euros) (Reporting by Martinne Geller; Editing by Greg Mahlich and Mark Potter) (Adds comments on coal, consumers, TPP, paragraphs 3-13) By Nick Carey CHICAGO, July 21 (Reuters) - Full-year 2016 freight volumes at Union Pacific Corp could fall between 6 percent and 8 percent from 2015, driven by declining coal volumes, weak shale oil business and the strong U.S. dollar, the company's top executive said on Thursday. Chief Executive Lance Fritz told Reuters a "not very robust" showing by U.S. consumers would also hurt freight. Previously the company has said it expected freight volumes for the year to be down in the "mid-single digits." Fritz spoke to Reuters after the Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad reported a lower second-quarter profit that met analyst expectations. Like the other major U.S. railroads, Union Pacific has been struggling to manage a major decline in coal freight volumes as utilities have switched to burning cheaper natural gas and the strong U.S. dollar has weighed on coal exports. Fritz said the decline in coal has been partially offset recently by rising natural gas prices and a hot summer, where demand for electricity spikes with the use of power-hungry air conditioning units. "There are probably opportunities for coal to grow in (power) generation," he said. "We just to don't see it growing back to where it used to be." Fritz said as a result the company is looking for new markets and is growing its business outside of coal. As an example, he said Union Pacific has been focusing on growing its cross-border business hauling finished vehicles and auto parts between the United States and Mexico. He said U.S. consumers may not be spending more for a number of reasons. "There's plenty for consumers to be concerned about," he said, "whether it's the global economy, terrorism, some of the acts of violence that they see randomly occurring." "Even the Great Recession is not too distant in a lot of people's memories," he added. "So I think all of that could be creating cautious behavior." Some U.S. business leaders say the best opportunity for Congress to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership, one of the world's biggest multinational trade deals, will be during the lame-duck session after the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 8. But Fritz said he was not so sure. "It's a really hard call," he said. "It's very difficult to move anything in a lame duck session... but we'd like to see that and we'd really encourage that." (Reporting By Nick Carey; Editing by David Gregorio) On Jul 20, 2016, we issued an updated research report on UnitedHealth Group Incorporated UNH. UnitedHealths second-quarter 2016 earnings per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate and improved year over year on higher revenues. Solid performance at health services business Optum, and membership increase also contributed to the outperformance. UnitedHealth leverages core competencies in advanced technology-based transactional capabilities through its diverse operations in healthcare and well being. Through Optum, its health services business, the company covers almost every aspect of health and wellness management.. This business is highly profitable and currently contributes 42% of UnitedHealths total revenue. Optum is on track to achieve significant growth and meet performance targets for this year. UnitedHealths commendable Medical member base reflects its leading market position across all private health insurance segments of North and South America. The company has grown its membership by 40% over the past five years. Its well diversified operations across commercial, government programs as well as international offerings reflect its competitiveness. In order to mitigate the risks associated with stringent and increasing U.S regulations, the company remains focused on expanding its operations worldwide, mostly through overseas acquisitions. The Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company boasts a strong balance sheet. This, in turn, helps it to consistently engage in efficient capital deployment through share repurchases, mergers, dividend increases or other similar strategic moves. However, the companys weak debt-to-capital ratio raises concerns. Also, the company remains exposed to stiff competition with the same intensifying pending mergers of medical sector giants like Anthem Inc. ANTM, Cigna Corp. CI and Humana Inc. HUM. Also, UnitedHealth plans to shut down its exchange business in 2017 as rising forex regulations puts pressure on profitability. The company has already reduced its marketing efforts for individual insurance policies sold on exchanges for 2016. UnitedHealth experienced a low level of medical care over the past couple of years. This resulted in reduced medical claim costs and increasing profits. However, management expects a return to more normalized medical utilization trends soon, which will wipe out the extra earnings benefit that the company had been enjoying so far. The commercial business, which accounts for one third of the companys operating margin, has not been as profitable as expected. The shift in Group Employer benefits moved to the subsidized Public and Private Exchanges is likely to have been the primary reason behind the underperformance. 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 CIGNA CORP (CI): Free Stock Analysis Report HUMANA INC NEW (HUM): Free Stock Analysis Report UNITEDHEALTH GP (UNH): Free Stock Analysis Report ANTHEM INC (ANTM): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Beirut (AFP) - US-backed fighters on Thursday gave the Islamic State group 48 hours to leave the battleground Syrian town of Manbij, after US-led air strikes nearby killed scores reported to be civilians. Elsewhere, a monitor said at least 51 civilians were killed in bombing raids on rebel-held areas across Syria. The 48-hour ultimatum was issued by the Arab-Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is fighting IS with coalition air support. The force has been waging a major campaign since June to oust IS from Manbij, in Aleppo province, with US-led air support. The deadline follows a major backlash after reports that at least 56 civilians, including children, were killed in air strikes by the coalition near Manbij on Tuesday. "In order to protect civilian lives and property and to protect the town from destruction we announce that we accept the initiative under which besieged IS members would leave with their individual light weapons," said the Manbij Military Council, part of the SDF. "This initiative is the last remaining chance for besieged members of Daesh (IS) to leave the town." An SDF commander told AFP that the initiative was first floated last week by tribal leaders in Manbij, which is a key IS bastion. "But we took this decision now after IS used residents as human shields, after the media pressure on us, and to protect whatever civilians are left in the town," he said on condition of anonymity. The statement also urged civilians to try to leave Manbij or distance themselves from areas where clashes are taking place. - Outrage over civilian deaths - The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said civilians killed Tuesday were villagers fleeing fighting in Al-Tukhar, 14 kilometres (nine miles) from Manbij. The anti-IS coalition has said it is investigating the allegations, and US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter on Wednesday pledged a "transparent" investigation. Story continues Syrian activists called for international protests over the incident, and local demonstrations have already been held inside Syria. The opposition Syrian National Coalition on Wednesday urged the US-led anti-IS alliance to halt its strikes to allow a thorough investigation into what it termed a "massacre". Coalition president Anas al-Abdah said the alliance was responsible for the "crimes" in Manbij, which he said killed at least 125 civilians. And there has also been international consternation, with the UN children's agency UNICEF saying it had received reports up to 20 children might have been killed in the incident. "No matter where they are in Syria or under whose control they live -- absolutely nothing justifies attacks on children," said UNICEF's Syria representative, Hanaa Singer. Rights group Amnesty International also expressed alarm and demanded "a prompt, independent and transparent investigation." The Pentagon has acknowledged 41 civilian deaths in its strikes in both Syria and Iraq since 2014, but the Observatory has reported nearly 600 civilians killed in US-led raids in Syria alone. - Further civilian casualties - On Thursday afternoon, the Observatory reported quiet in Manbij, though it was unclear if the calm was temporary or in response to the SDF's ultimatum. Earlier in the day, the monitor had reported additional US-led air strikes and it said the SDF had advanced inside the town overnight. Elsewhere in the country, the Observatory said at least 51 civilians had been killed in bombardment of rebel-held areas. It said at least 13 people, including three children, were killed in government air strikes and shelling on the Eastern Ghouta area outside the capital Damascus. Another 23 people were killed in strikes in Idlib province, though it was not clear if they were carried out by the regime or its Russian ally. Government bombardment also hit two neighbourhoods of the rebel-held east of Aleppo city, where 15 people were killed, among them six children, the Observatory said. Opposition-held neighbourhoods of Aleppo have been effectively under siege for the past two weeks, after government forces severed the only remaining supply route into the east of the city. The UN on Thursday called for a weekly 48-hour truce in Aleppo to allow aid deliveries to the besieged east. Jan Egeland, the head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, warned that more than 200,000 people in eastern Aleppo were "on the brink of starvation". "Humanitarian convoys are ready, humanitarian workers are ready. We have the supplies. We need a break in the fighting," he said. KickassTorrents (KAT) is the biggest pirate site in the world, hosting thousands of torrents covering the biggest movies and music in the world. The 30-year-old Ukrainian founder, Artem Vaulin, was arrested in Poland today, and the US government has requested his extradition. A court in Chicago has also ordered the seizure of bank accounts and domain names related to the site. DON'T MISS: New Gorilla Glass should make the iPhone 7 screen practically indestructible Vaulin has been formally charged with conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and criminal copyright infringement. As of the moment, the main KickassTorrents site appears to be down worldwide. In a press release given to Ars Technica, the Department of Justice said that they'd chased Vaulin around the world trying to capture him. Vaulin is charged with running todays most visited illegal file-sharing website, responsible for unlawfully distributing well over $1 billion of copyrighted materials. In an effort to evade law enforcement, Vaulin allegedly relied on servers located in countries around the world and moved his domains due to repeated seizures and civil lawsuits. His arrest in Poland, however, demonstrates again that cybercriminals can run, but they cannot hide from justice. An undercover IRS agent allegedly pinned KAT's bank account by going undercover to buy and ad on the site. The agent bought a "faster download" ad for five days, at a rate of $300 per day. Banner ads were priced at thousands of dollars, allowing a witness to estimate KAT's annual advertising revenue at $16 million. That estimate may be way off, however. Pricing illegal online activities is difficult, as proven by the trial of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht. In that case, the prosecution's estimate of revenue was off by an entire order of magnitude. Based on the DOJ press release, the case against Vaulin seems to be quite clear-cut. Assuming the extradition goes through, this will be a landmark first case against the head of a major pirate site. But if history has taught us anything, it's that there will be three new torrent sites springing up in KAT's place tomorrow. Story continues Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com Washington (AFP) - The US government issued an urgent warning Thursday that it has information about a possible attack against its citizens in the Saudi port city of Jeddah. The State Department said the US embassy had "received reports of a potential, imminent threat against US citizens in areas of Jeddah frequented by Westerners, such as markets, restaurants and shopping malls, among others." The security message, published online and sent to US travellers registered with department, did not give further details on the reported threat, but reiterated existing guidance for visitors to Saudi Arabia. "Remember to vary your routes and times in all instances when traveling in the Kingdom," the notice said. "All US citizens are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, and take extra precautions when travelling throughout the country." Earlier this month there were three bomb attacks in Saudi Arabia including one in Jeddah, the kingdom's second city and major Red Sea port, and which CIA director John Brennan said bore the hallmarks of the Islamic State group. Regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia is part of the US-led international coalition battling the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. Since March 2015, the country has also led a coalition fighting Shiite rebels in Yemen. In the past year, Saudi authorities have stepped up the arrests of radical Islamists and in 2015 announced that they had dismantled an IS-linked group, detaining hundreds of suspects, mainly Saudis. Saudi Arabia's top cleric, Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Sheikh, has declared the IS group to be an "enemy of Islam." Washington (AFP) - The US Justice Department has moved to seize more than $1 billion in assets linked to a state fund founded by Malaysia's prime minister, painting a scathing picture of fraud on an "enormous scale". The lawsuits filed Wednesday puts renewed pressure on Prime Minister Najib Razak, with court documents making thinly veiled references to him as a beneficiary in the alleged theft of more than $3.5 billion by his stepson, a family friend and various officials. The assets targeted are believed to have been purchased with money stolen from state investment fund 1MDB and include fine art, high-end US real estate, and a business jet. Najib's stepson Riza Aziz also used more than $100 million in suspect funds to finance the 2013 Martin Scorsese financial crime caper "The Wolf of Wall Street," which starred Leonardo DiCaprio, according to the Justice Department. "The Department of Justice will not allow the American financial system to be used as a conduit for corruption," US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said. The asset seizure would be the largest ever under Washington's 2010 Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, which targets ill-gotten gains of world leaders that pass through the US. 1MDB, or 1Malaysia Development Berhad, was set up in 2009 by Najib and controlled by him in his concurrent role as finance minister. Its funds were to be invested in economic development projects. "The Malaysian people were defrauded on an enormous scale," said FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe. Najib has repeatedly dismissed allegations of wrongdoing as political attacks by his domestic opponents, and has moved to thwart Malaysian-led investigations. His spokesman responded to the US action by stressing Thursday that Malaysian authorities had found no wrongdoing, while pledging to cooperate with any international probes. "As the Prime Minister has always maintained, if any wrongdoing is proven, the law will be enforced without exception," the spokesman said. Story continues - Luxury homes, Van Gogh and a jet - Prosecutors are seeking to seize film royalties from a production company owned by Najib's stepson, Red Granite, including those generated by "The Wolf of Wall Street." Nearly 20 other assets have been targetted, including high-end real estate in Beverly Hills, New York, and London, artworks by Monet and Van Gogh, and a Bombardier Global 5000 business jet. The US complaint alleged that high-flying Malaysian businessman Low Taek Jho, or "Jho Low", a close Najib family friend who helped create 1MDB, laundered hundreds of millions into the United States to fund such purchases and a lavish lifestyle. In one eight-month span in 2009-2010, Low allegedly transferred $85 million to casinos in Las Vegas. Najib is not named directly in the filings, but they refer to "Malaysian Official 1," described as a "high-ranking official" with control over 1MDB. The filing said "Malaysian Official 1" was the "ultimate beneficiary" of a Malaysian bank account that held tens of millions of allegedly misappropriated funds. Lynch would not explain why Najib was not explicitly named. "We essentially allege what we need to allege in order to obtain the legal process that we're trying to obtain," said Lynch. "We don't go beyond that." The US filing has re-energised calls in Malaysia for Najib's removal and prosecution. "In light of the latest development, the prime minister can no longer hide behind a wall of silence and must instead address the nation on this matter," said Azmin Ali, a top Malaysian opposition leader. Switzerland and Singapore already have frozen millions in assets on suspicion of 1MDB-related money-laundering, but no major figures have been brought to justice yet. Production company Red Granite said it was unaware of any inappropriate funding. "Red Granite continues to cooperate fully with all inquiries and is confident that when the facts come out, it will be clear that Riza Aziz and Red Granite did nothing wrong," the company said. 1MDB released a brief statement stressing that it was not a party to the US suit, but offered no comment on the alleged embezzlement of its funds. Andrews Air Force Base (United States) (AFP) - Defense Secretary Ashton Carter on Wednesday pledged openness on allied accountability a day after dozens of civilians were killed in raids near an IS-held town in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Tuesday that children were among at least 56 civilians killed in strikes by the coalition as they fled Al-Tukhar in Aleppo province, near the key Islamic State group stronghold of Manbij. "We will conduct an investigation on any possible civilian casualties in this matter, as we always do, and we'll be transparent about that," Carter told a briefing at this air base outside Washington. General Joe Votel, head of Centcom said allies would "continue to do all we can to protect civilians from harm," at the same news conference. "It is an extraordinarily dynamic situation up around Manbij right now, as we talked about a little bit earlier." The Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance off militias, has been fighting since May 31 to retake Minbej. "So it's a very difficult fight. ISIL is trying to hold onto that area, so we do see them showing up at a variety of different locations," Votel said. "And so when it's a dynamic situation like that... we have to respond. And I think that's the situation in which we found this particular" operation. Rights groups say war crimes have been committed by all sides in Syria's conflict, which began in March 2011 and has killed more than 280,000 people. The government is accused of widespread torture, as well as indiscriminate fire on civilian populations. And the Islamic State jihadist group has regularly carried out gruesome executions of its opponents. United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The United States will back a candidate to be the next UN chief who has great leadership and management skills, Ambassador Samantha Power said Thursday as the Security Council kicked off voting for the next secretary-general. Council ambassadors met behind closed doors for a secret straw poll, the first of several rounds of voting to be held over the next two months to pick a successor to Ban Ki-moon. "This could not be a more important job and it could not be a more important time to choose the best possible leader for this organization on which so much depends and so many depend," Power told reporters ahead of the vote. "We are looking for somebody with great leadership skills, great management skills -- someone who has a commitment to fairness and accountability, and who stays true to the founding principles of the United Nations," she added. There are 12 candidates in the race, six of them women. The bulk of the contenders -- eight -- are from eastern Europe. Among the top contenders are Argentina's Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra, Slovenia's ex-president Danilo Turk, New Zealand's ex-prime minister Helen Clark and Antonio Guterres, who served as Portugal's prime minister and headed the UN refugee agency. Britain's envoy called for a "strong" secretary-general to be elected while France stressed language skills, vision and decisiveness as important criteria for the job. The 15 ambassadors including those from the powerful permanent five -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- are to each rate the candidates with ballots marked "encourage", "discourage" or "no opinion." The results of the first round of straw polls will not be announced, but they will be communicated to the governments that have put forward candidates. - High time for a woman? - Power said the next UN leader will have "so much to do" from confronting terrorism to combating climate change, advancing the UN's development goals and making sure UN peacekeepers "act on behalf of civilians." Story continues Council members are facing calls to pick the first woman secretary-general after eight men in the job, and to give preference to a candidate from eastern Europe, the only region that has yet to be represented in the top post. "It is high time for a woman," British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said, but he added that there were "very, very strong men" in the race and that Britain will not use its veto to block a man from winning the post. For Britain, supporting a candidate from eastern Europe is "the least important criteria here," he said. French Ambassador Francois Delattre said the best candidate to become the world's number one diplomat must have "leadership, diplomatic skills and multilingualism." "The next secretary-general will have to have the skills, decisiveness and vision to lead the organization in these testing, and troubled times," added Delattre. The secret vote follows a new, more open process that for the first time in the UN's history provided for hearings to allow candidates to present their pitch for the top job before the General Assembly. The council is expected to arrive at a consensus on a nominee for the top post probably in October. The General Assembly will then be asked to endorse the nominee, who will begin work on January 1. New York (AFP) - The US Justice Department said Thursday it is suing a Pennsylvania community for religious discrimination over the town's refusal to grant a permit to build a mosque. The lawsuit alleges that Bensalem Township violated a religious land use act when it refused to grant zoning approval "to allow the Bensalem Masjid to build a mosque on three adjoining parcels of land in the township," the Justice Department said in a statement. The denial "imposed a substantial burden on the Bensalem Masjid's religious exercise," treating them "less favorably than the township treats nonreligious assemblies," and "discriminated against (them) on the basis of religion," the DoJ said. Bensalem Township, population 60,000, is located some 30 kilometers northeast of Philadelphia. "Our Constitution protects the rights of religious communities to build places of worship free from unlawful interference and unnecessary barriers," said Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. The Department "will continue to challenge unjustified local zoning actions around the country when they encroach upon this important civil right," Gupta said. There is no mosque in Bensalem Township. Muslim residents currently meet for Friday prayers at a rented fire station hall. US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew on Thursday said top economies should refrain from competitive currency devaluations -- a message likely directed at China, which hosts a G20 finance ministers meeting this weekend. "The global outlook... underscores our focus on the commitment made at the last G20 in Shanghai to consult closely with one another on exchange rate policy, and to refrain from competitive devaluation," Lew said during a visit to Athens. Finance ministers and central bank chiefs from the so-called Group of 20, which brings together the biggest industrialised and emerging economies, are scheduled to meet in China on Saturday and Sunday. "We have seen progress in this regard since the last G20 meeting, and we will continue to encourage the use of the full range of policy tools to promote shared, sustainable growth," he said. Beijing rattled global investors with a surprise devaluation last August, when it guided the normally stable yuan down nearly five percent over a week, in a move largely perceived by analysts as an attempt to boost exports as economic growth slowed. The talks this weekend will also likely be dominated by Britain's shock decision to leave the European Union in a referendum last month. On Greece, which is hoping to exit recession this year after a seventh year of austerity cuts, Lew noted that investors were unlikely to return without "long-term clarity" on the prospects for the recovery of the Greek economy. A failure to confront the subject of debt relief for Greece has clouded the perspectives for its economic recovery. "The challenge is to get the trajectory onto a path where...it's clear that Greece can sustain its debt. To the investor world, the notion that it's okay now but it may not be okay in the future is not a good signal," the US secretary said. Among the organisations managing Greece's recovery, the International Monetary Fund has said it won't give a penny to Greece's latest bailout -- the third since 2010 -- until it sees a concrete plan from the Europeans to substantially cut the country's massive debt burden. The IMF and EU disagree on just how much Athens can improve its finances through ongoing reforms and thus whether it will be able to pay down the debt. Leading North American independent refiner and marketer of petroleum products, Valero Energy Corporation VLO is set to report second-quarter 2016 results on Jul 26, before the market opens. Lets see how things are shaping up prior to the announcement. In the preceding three-month period, the company reported a negative earnings surprise of 17.81%. Coming to the earnings surprise history, Valero Energy beat estimates in three of the last four quarters. Lets see how things are shaping up for this announcement: Factors to Consider Valeros refining segment, which contributes the bulk of its revenues and earnings, is the major driver of its results. However, given that refiners are buyers of crude, an increase in oil prices will affect crack spread and limit profitability. Further, the current high level of domestic stockpile of gasoline has raised concerns over the performance of refiners in general and Valero in particular. Moreover, Valero Energy expects a fall in throughput volumes in 2016. Also, continued weakness in its ethanol business is likely to negatively impact earnings for the firm. VALERO ENERGY Price and EPS Surprise VALERO ENERGY Price and EPS Surprise | VALERO ENERGY Quote Another area of concern for the company is its weak operating cash flow. However, all is not lost for the company. Among independent refiners, Valero has the most diversified refinery base. The company has a capacity of 3.0 million barrels per day through its 15 refineries located throughout the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. More importantly, Valero is well positioned to profit from increased refining margins, mainly due to its strategic refinery structure that enables it to use cheaper oil for more than half of its needs. Earnings Whispers Our proven model does not conclusively show that Valero Energy is likely to beat earnings this quarter. That is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1(Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) for this to happen. That is not the case here, as you will see below. Zacks ESP: Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, is 0.00%. Both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Valero Energy stand at $1.09. Zacks Rank: Valero Energy carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), which lowers the predictive power of ESP. We caution against Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Rank #4 and 5) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions. Currently, the stock is trading at $50.78. We expect the earnings release to lead to stock movement. Stocks to Consider Though earnings beat looks uncertain for Valero Energy, here are some companies you may want to consider on the basis of our model, which shows that they have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter: Spectra Energy Corp. SE has an Earnings ESP of +40.00% and a Zacks Rank #1. The company is slated to release earnings on Aug 3. Enterprise Products Partners LP EPD has an Earnings ESP of +3.13% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is slated to release earnings on Jul 28. Hess Corporation HES has an Earnings ESP of +1.60% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is slated to release earnings on Jul 27. 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 ENTERPRISE PROD (EPD): Free Stock Analysis Report SPECTRA ENERGY (SE): Free Stock Analysis Report VALERO ENERGY (VLO): Free Stock Analysis Report HESS CORP (HES): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research A U.S. federal appeals court struck down Texass voter-ID law on racial-discrimination grounds Wednesday, handing a major victory to voting-rights activists ahead of the 2016 election. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Senate Bill 14 disproportionately burdened black and Hispanic voters, thereby violating the federal Voting Rights Acts ban on racial discrimination in American elections. The record shows that drafters and proponents of SB 14 were aware of the likely disproportionate effect of the law on minorities, and that they nonetheless passed the bill without adopting a number of proposed ameliorative measures that might have lessened this impact, Judge Catharina Haynes wrote for the majority. Most cases in the federal appeals courts are heard by three-judge panels. One such panel previously sided with the plaintiffs last August. But the Fifth Circuit agreed to rehear the case, Veasey v. Abbott, in a rare en banc hearing with its entire complement of 15 judges in March. Recommended: The Many Scandals of Donald Trump: A Cheat Sheet Nine of those judges sided with lower courts on its findings of that the law had a discriminatory effect. The Fifth Circuit also sent back the plaintiffs claims legislators had a racially discriminatory purpose to the lower courts for further consideration and rejected claims the law imposed an unconstitutional poll tax. The ruling comes just over three years after the U.S. Supreme Courts landmark ruling in Shelby County v. Holder revived the controversial law: The law in question, known as Senate Bill 14, imposed voter-ID requirements on Texas voters when it was signed by then-Texas Governor Rick Perry in May 2011. But a federal court blocked the law from going into effect soon thereafter, ruling that Texas hadnt proved the law lacked a racially discriminatory purpose or effect. Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act required certain jurisdictions, including Texas, to receive federal approval for changes to voting laws before enacting them. Critics argued the law would leave thousands of poorer voters, many of them from African American and Hispanic communities, without the means to cast a ballot. SB 14 lay dormant until June 2013, when a Supreme Court decision helped revive it. In a sharply divided 5-4 ruling in Shelby County v. Holder, the Court struck down the formula in Section 4 that determined which jurisdictions fell under Section 5s preclearance requirements. With that formula gone, Section 5 became inoperative. Texas officials announced a few hours after the ruling that they would enforce SB 14. A group of Texas voters then challenged SB 14 under a different part of the Voting Rights Act that forbids racial discrimination in voting laws nationwide. That provision, known as Section 2, is a weaker alternative to preclearance. Section 5 required state officials to prove the absence of discriminatory intent or effect when crafting new election lawsan extremely high threshold for those jurisdictions. Section 2 instead places the burden to prove racial discrimination or effect on voters themselves. Story continues Texass next step would be a last-minute request for the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene. But the Fifth Circuits ruling tilts the odds of success before the shorthanded court against the state: A 4-4 split among the justices would uphold the lower courts decision in favor of the plaintiffs. The justices have signaled they are keeping an eye on the case. After the Fifth Circuit agreed to an en banc hearing in March, the high court set a de facto deadline of July 20 to issue a ruling before either Texas or the plaintiffs could ask the justices to intervene. The Fifth Circuit met the deadline with only a few hours to spare. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. (Adds details) By Nikhil Subba July 21 (Reuters) - Visa Inc reported a higher-than-expected quarterly profit, as more customers use credit and debit cards for payments, and announced a $5 billion share buyback program. The company's payments volume rose 10.2 percent to $1.35 trillion on a constant dollar basis in the quarter ended June 30. Cross-border volumes grew 5 percent during the quarter. "While little has changed in the global economic environment, and cross-border commerce continues to be challenged by a strong U.S. dollar, domestic consumer spend across the globe remains strong and resilient," Chief Executive Charlie Scharf said in a statement. The company's third-quarter profit was weighed down by costs related to the acquisition of Visa Europe. Visa completed its acquisition of Visa Europe last month in a deal initially valued at as much as $23.3 billion. The strategic rationale for merging Visa and Visa Europe does not change with or without the Brexit vote, Chief Financial Officer Vasant Prabhu said on a conference call. Visa also said the long-term impact of Britain's vote to leave the European Union on its business was too early to determine, although it would affect currency exchange rates in the short term. "The Brexit vote has introduced significant uncertainty, which is never good for business sentiment," Prabhu said. The company said it expects to take a restructuring charge in the fourth quarter to resize its global cost structure due to the Visa Europe merger. Visa also unveiled a partnership with PayPal Holdings that will allow customers of the online payment service to pay with Visa credit cards. Both, Visa and Mastercard have been investing heavily in their Internet operations as more consumers shop online using credit and debit cards. Visa's net income fell to $412 million, or 17 cents per Class A share, from $1.69 billion, or 69 cents per Class A share, a year earlier. Excluding costs related to Visa Europe, the company reported an adjusted profit of 69 cents per share. Story continues Total operating revenue rose 3.2 percent to $3.63 billion. Analysts on average were expecting the company to earn 66 cents per share and revenue of $3.65 billion for the quarter, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. (Reporting by Nikhil Subba in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva) By Andreas Cremer and Jan Schwartz BERLIN (Reuters) - Volkswagen's (VOWG_p.DE) efficiency drive at its namesake brand is paying off, but talks over further savings and strategy changes will be tough, the carmaker's labour boss predicted. Europe's largest automaker said on Wednesday its first-half profit rose 7 percent to 7.5 billion euros (6.2 billion), excluding one-off items, beating forecasts and helped by an improved performance at the mass-market VW brand. However, the German group is under pressure to make more savings to help meet the billions of dollars of costs following its admission in September that it installed illegal software to mask emissions on about 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide. VW also said in June it needed big savings to help fund investments in electric cars, transport services and autonomous driving. "We are facing a lot of work in the coming weeks," VW works council chief Bernd Osterloh told Reuters in an interview. Analysts have said a lasting improvement in profitability at the VW brand, the group's largest by sales, will depend on ongoing talks between management and labour over the future of German plants and a long-term strategy for the brand. VW's powerful unions are seeking fixed targets for production and investment in order to protect jobs. "This will not always work without any tensions," Osterloh said with regard to the talks due to resume next week. VW's labour boss said he had reached a common understanding with brand chief Herbert Diess to create a financially strong and innovative brand that can offer stable jobs, good pay and a reasonable rate of return. "We are pulling together with Mr Diess as long as the direction is right," said Osterloh, who has called on management to ensure workers won't bear the brunt of the transformation. "It's common knowledge that I like battling for Volkswagen and its employees, and with all my strength." The talks started in early June and are due to be concluded in time for VW's annual review of spending plans in November. (Editing by Mark Potter) By Mirwais Harooni and James Mackenzie KABUL (Reuters) - Zahir Jan, a scrap metal dealer in the southern Afghan province of Helmand, pays about 175 Afghani ($2.55) per kilo of spent cartridge casings and has no trouble finding supplies from poorly paid soldiers and policemen looking for extra cash. If they don't have enough on hand, he says they're happy to fire off their weapons for 5-10 minutes until he has what he needs. "This is a good business now and there are buyers waiting in different areas," he said. Along with official and media reports that some soldiers and police even sell weapons and ammunition to the Taliban, the issue illustrates a problem for commanders trying to improve controls on vital supplies like fuel and ammunition. A senior Afghan officer in the army's technical and weapons branch, who didn't want to be named as he is not authorized to speak publicly, said troops in Helmand and the northern province of Kunduz fired 7,000 artillery shells in May alone. "We asked army commanders about it and said if each shell killed only one person, we should have 3,500 Taliban dead in each province," he said. "It's very clear they fire aimlessly and collect the shell casings for copper and sell them." Another officer, a commander in Helmand who arrived in the province six months ago following a clearout of senior officers in the army's 215th corps, estimated that up to 8 out of every 10 soldiers sold ammunition casings. "One hundred percent, it happens," he said, also speaking anonymously as he was not authorized to talk to the media. "The reason is the lack of a proper logistics system as well as insufficient pay and leave." Despite recent efforts to improve pay and conditions for Afghan soldiers, morale remains a problem, with many serving for months or even years without leave, earning around $200 a month. The clearout of senior officers in Helmand was prompted by reports of abuse and corruption, including cases where officers stole soldiers' pay or demanded bribes to allow them to go on leave. Assessing just how widespread ammunition misuse is and how far the sale of cases involves deliberately or wastefully firing off ammunition rather than collecting spent cartridges from normal operations remains difficult. The defense ministry declined to provide ammunition usage figures. But at least seven officials in different parts of the government and military said soldiers discharging their weapons purely in order to produce saleable scrap metal was a problem. The United States spent more than $300 million from its Afghanistan Security Forces Fund on ammunition for Afghan army and police last year, Department of Defense figures show. In a report from February, Pentagon inspectors said the systems for supplying and maintaining equipment for police and army units were "immature and unreliable". Lack of proper controls raised the likelihood of "misuse, theft, and diversion to unauthorized purposes." A scandal last year involving rigged fuel contracts increased the pressure for improvements, and more attention is being given to keeping track of ammunition, which NATO officials say is a "top priority". "Reporting has been sketchy," said Australian army Brigadier Scott Hicks, deputy director of the logistics and maintenance operation within the NATO-led Resolute Support training and assistance mission. "We're getting better at it with fuel and we're working on ammunition at the moment," he said. FORMS AND PAPERS Afghan officials acknowledge there have been cases of ammunition misuse, but deny the problem is widespread. "Several forms and papers have to be filled out to obtain ammunition and there has to be accountability for everything," said Mohammad Radmanish, a defense ministry spokesman. NATO officers have, however, been trying to move the Afghan army to overhaul its logistics with new computerized systems and more timely reporting from the field that would enable unusual patterns of ammunition use to be spotted more quickly. In particular, they are trying to get away from Soviet-era supply doctrine, in which supplies are "pushed" out based on centralized estimates of likely needs. NATO officials say the system, while relatively simple, makes it harder to see when supplies are misused. Instead, they are working to have frontline units "pull" in supplies through requests to headquarters, which must track and forecast the needs of its subordinate units. However, they face problems convincing some Afghan commanders who are not comfortable with new methods that require more sophisticated systems and place heavy demands on a force where many soldiers are illiterate. Kenneth Watson, civilian director of Resolute Support's logistics and maintenance training, said more transparency was essential for foreign donors pledging billions of dollars to support Afghan forces. "As a coalition, we have to have visibility on assets and we have no visibility with a manual-based system," he said. At the far end of the supply chain, such considerations weigh little for low-paid soldiers with more to worry about than foreign donors. "Unfortunately it's very difficult to stop," said the commander in Helmand. Sometimes, he said, units can fire off 10,000-20,000 rounds in a single night. "We'll ask about casualties on our side or in the Taliban, and there isn't even a single injury." (Reporting by Mirwais Harooni and James Mackenzie, with additional reporting by Mohammad Stanekzai in Lashkar Gah; Editing by Ian Geoghegan) Jason Bourne is opening soon so thank goodness Matt Damon is taking the opportunity to bust out an impression of John Malkovich in Rounders, the poker movie they starred in together that came out 18 years ago. In an interview with BBC Radio 1, Damon talks about what it was like shooting with the actor. In the film, Damon plays a total good guy with a gambling addiction who loses a ridiculous amount of cash to the Russian gangster Teddy KGB, played by John Malkovich with a luxuriously overstated Russian accent. Apparently the transformation was way too abrupt for Damons standards, and Malkovichs scene work really stuck with him. Watch Damons impression of John Malkovichs impression of a Russian guy below. Damon even does Malkovichs ridiculous head movements from his portrayal of a subterranean overlord who is great at playing cards. Mr. Chairman, delegates, friends and my fellow Americans, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am deeply humbled by your confidence. And on behalf of my family, here and gone, I accept your nomination to run and serve as vice president of the United States of America. (CHEERS, APPLAUSE) And let me thank Speaker Paul Ryan for that gracious welcome. Paul, youre a true friend and a great American leader. But Paul knows me well, and he knows the introduction I prefer is just a little bit shorter: Im a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order. (APPLAUSE) You know, Im new to this campaign and honestly I never thought Id be standing here. I thought Id be spending this evening with all my friends from the great state of Indiana. (APPLAUSE) Yet, there I was, a few days ago in New York City with the man who won 37 states, who faced 16 talented opponents and outlasted every one of them and along the way brought millions of new voters into the Republican Party. (APPLAUSE) You know, hes a man known for a larger personality, a colorful style and lots of charisma. And so, I guess he was just looking for some balance on the ticket. (LAUGHTER) Well, for those of you who dont know me, which is most of you (LAUGHTER) I grew up on the front row of the American dream. My grandfather immigrated to this country. I was raised in a small town in southern Indiana, in a big family with a cornfield in the backyard. Although we werent really a political family, the heroes of my youth were President John F. Kennedy and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (APPLAUSE) When I was young, I watched my mom and dad build everything that matters: a family, a business and a good name. I was raised to believe in hard work, in faith and family. My dad, Ed Pence, was a combat veteran in Korea. (APPLAUSE) Dad ran gas stations in our small town and he was a great father. If Dad were with us today, I have a feeling hed enjoy this moment and probably be pretty surprised. (LAUGHTER) But its such a joy for me to tell you that my mother is here. Would you join me in welcoming the light of my life, my mom, Nancy. (APPLAUSE) You know, growing up I actually started in politics in the other party until I heard the voice and the ideals of the 40th president and I said on for the Reagan revolution. (APPLAUSE) But the best thing that ever happened to me, even counting tonight, was that 31 years ago I married the girl of my dreams, a school teacher and artist. She is everything to me. Would you welcome my wonderful wife, Karen Pence. (APPLAUSE) And regardless of any title Ill ever hold, the most important job Ill ever have is spelled D-A-D. (APPLAUSE) Karen and I are blessed. Karen and I are blessed to be the parents of the three greatest kids in the world: a writer named Charlotte, a college student named Audrey and a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps Michael J. Pence. Im so proud of you guys. (APPLAUSE) Now, if you know anything about Hoosiers, you know we love to suit up and compete. We play to win. Thats why I joined this campaign in a heartbeat. You have nominated a man for president who never quits, who never backs down, a fighter, a winner. Until now, hes had to do it all by himself against all odds, but this week, with this united party, hes got backup. And on November 8th, I know we will elect Donald Trump to be the 45th president of the United States of America! (APPLAUSE) Now, well win because were running on the issues facing this country and because were leveling with the American people about the stakes and the choice. You know, the American people are tired of being told. Theyre tired of being told that this is as good as it gets. Theyre tired of hearing politicians in both parties tell us that well get to that tomorrow while we pile a mountain range of debt on our children and our grandchildren. And as Ronald Reagan used to say, theyre tired of being told that a little intellectual elite in a far-distant capital can plan our lives better for us than we can plan them for ourselves. (APPLAUSE) In the end, this election comes down to just two names on the ballot, so lets resolve here and now that Hillary Clinton will never become president of the United States of America. (APPLAUSE) Now, Hillary Clinton essentially offers a third Obama term. And the role is perfect for her. She championed Obamacare because years earlier she had all but invented it. The national debt has nearly doubled in these eight years and her only answer is to keep borrowing and spending. And like the president, she thinks the path to a growing economy is more taxes, more regulation and more government. (AUDIENCE JEERS) Now, they tell us this economy is the best that we can do. Its nowhere near the best that we could do, its just the best that they can do. (APPLAUSE) Now, let me tell you, I know firsthand it doesnt have to be like this. In my home state of Indiana we prove every day that you can build a growing economy on balanced budgets, low taxes, even while making record investments in education and roads and health care. (APPLAUSE) You know, Indiana is a state that works because conservative principles work every time you put them into practice. (APPLAUSE) AUDIENCE: We want Mike! We want Mike! Now, today, while the nation suffers under the weight of $19 trillion in a national debt, we in Indiana have a $2 billion surplus, the highest credit rating in the nation, even though weve cut taxes every year since I became governor four years ago. (APPLAUSE) We have fewer state employees than when I took office, and businesses large and small have created nearly 150,000 new jobs, and theres more Hoosiers going to work than ever before. Thats what you can do with common sense Republican leadership and thats exactly what the no-nonsense leadership of Donald Trump will bring to the White House. (APPLAUSE) You know, Donald Trump gets it, hes the genuine article. Hes a doer in a game usually reserved for talkers. And when Donald Trump does his talking, he doesnt tiptoe around the thousand new rules of political correctness. (APPLAUSE) Hes his own man, distinctly American. And where else would an independent spirit like his find a following than in the land of the free and the home of the brave. (APPLAUSE) The funny thing is AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA! You know, the funny thing is the party in power seems helpless to figure out our nominee. The media has the same problem. (LAUGHTER) They all keep telling each other that the usual methods will work against him. They keep thinking theyve done him in, only to wake up the next morning and find that Donald Trump is still standing and running stronger than ever before. The man just doesnt quit. (APPLAUSE) Hes tough. He perseveres. Hes gone about as far as you can go in business, but hes never turned his back on the working men and women who make this country grow. (APPLAUSE) And Donald Trump will never turn his back on those who serve and protect us at home and abroad. (APPLAUSE) You know, its been a heartbreaking time for the women and men in our law enforcement community. And in this time of great testing for them, lets let them know here and now, all across this country, we will always stand with those who stand on the thin blue line of law enforcement in America. (APPLAUSE) Now, you know, while Donald Trump was taking my measure as a possible running mate, I did some observing myself. Ive seen the way he deals with people who work for him at every level. And Ive seen the way they feel about working for him. Now, Ill grant you he can be a little rough with politicians on the stage, and Ill be we see that again. (APPLAUSE) But Ive seen this good man up close, his utter lack of pretense, his respect for the people who work for him and his devotion to his family. (APPLAUSE) And if you still doubt what Im saying, remember, as we say back home, you cant fake good kids. How about his amazing children, arent they something? (APPLAUSE) These are the true measures of our nominee, chosen by the voters as the right man for these times. This is the outsider, my running mate, who turned a long-shot campaign into a movement. Now, over in the other party, you know, if the idea was to present the exact opposite of a political outsider, the exact opposite of an uncalculating truth-teller, then on that score youve got to hand it to the Democratic establishment, they outdid themselves this time! (APPLAUSE) I mean, at the very moment when America is crying out for something new and different, the other party has answered with a stale agenda and the most predictable of names. People in both parties are restless for change, ready to break free of old patterns in Washington. And Democrats are about to anoint someone who represents everything this country is tired of. You know, Hillary Clinton wants a better title and I would, too, if I was already Americas secretary of the status quo. (APPLAUSE) You know, the choice couldnt be more clear. Americans can elect someone who literally personifies the failed establishment in Washington, D.C. or we can choose a leader who will fight every day to make America great again. Its change versus status quo. And my fellow Republicans, when Donald Trump becomes president of the United States of America, the change will be huge. (APPLAUSE) You know, for years weve had fundamental problems in America that get talked to death in Washington, D.C., but they never get solved and they even get worse. Weve seen entire stretches of our country written off by bad economic policies in ways that are deeply unfair to American workers. Weve seen relentless mandates from the executive branch. It seems like no aspect of our lives is too small for the present administration to supervise and no provision of the Constitution is too large for them to ignore. (APPLAUSE) Meanwhile, weve seen borders that go unrespected, a military thats been diminished, and promise after ringing promise to our veterans, promptly forgotten. Then Donald Trump came along and started saying what practically everybody was thinking anyway, that our leaders need to be stronger. Under Donald Trump, our deals will be smarter, our soldiers will have what they need and our veterans will have what they earned. We will secure our borders, protect our nation. In all this, we will be more serious. And when we do, this nation will start winning again. (APPLAUSE) You know, thats the message that men and women in both parties have been longing to hear. But none of us should think for one second that this will be easy. The outcome of this election depends on us and how we contend with an incredible onslaught thats coming our way. You know, this wont be Americas first glimpse of the Clinton machine in action, as Bernie Sanders can tell you. (LAUGHTER) And this time around, shell have the press doing half her work for her. (AUDIENCE JEERS) The good news is it wont be nearly enough, not against a candidate whos captured the attention of the country the way Donald Trump has. (APPLAUSE) On issue by issue, he and I will take our case to the voters, pointing out the failures of the Obama/Clinton agenda and showing a better way. We will win the hearts and minds of the American people with an agenda for a stronger and more prosperous America. (APPLAUSE) Now, the establishment in Washington, D.C. thinks its only a narrow range of voters who are giving Donald Trump a serious look. But I can tell you firsthand theres a lot of Americans out there who feel like Democrat politicians have taken them for granted. (APPLAUSE) Its union members who dont want a president who promises to put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business. (APPLAUSE) Those miners want an American energy policy and they know that Donald Trump digs coal. (APPLAUSE) Its African Americans, who remember generations of hollow promises about safe streets and better schools, and they know Donald Trump will fight for equal opportunity. And he loves educational choice. (APPLAUSE) And its Hispanic Americans, who respect the law, want jobs and opportunities for their families, who know that Donald Trump will uphold the law and get this economy moving for every American. (APPLAUSE) You know, the party of Lincoln was founded on equality of opportunity. And during these difficult days, it will be our party and our agenda that opens the doors for every American to succeed and prosper in this land. (APPLAUSE) You know, in so many ways the Democratic Party has abandoned those it used to protect. Maybe theyve become too entrenched in power, so comfortable at times that they lose patience with the normal legislative process. Its so much simpler to impose their values by executive order or court action. And make no mistake about it, Hillary Clinton has some big ideas along those lines, too. (AUDIENCE JEERS) As this election approaches, every American should know that while were filling the presidency for the next four years, this election will define the Supreme Court for the next 40. (APPLAUSE) We all better think very carefully very carefully about what this means for our Constitution and limited government. Elect Hillary Clinton and you better get used to being subject to unelected judges using unaccountable power to take unconstitutional actions. So let me say, for the sake of the rule of law, for the sake of the sanctity of life, for the sake of our Second Amendment and for the sake of all our other God-given liberties, we must ensure that the next president appointing justices to the Supreme Court is Donald Trump. (APPLAUSE) And Hillary Clintons record on foreign affairs gets even worse. You know, it was Hillary Clinton who helped undo all the gains of the troop surge, a staggering failure of judgment that set ISIS on the loose. It was Hillary Clinton who instigated the presidents disastrous agreement with the radical mullahs in Iran. And it was Hillary Clinton who left Americans in harms way in Benghazi and after four Americans fell said, what difference at this point does it make? (AUDIENCE JEERS) As the proud father of a United States Marine, let me say from my heart, anyone who said that, anyone who did that should be disqualified from ever serving as commander in chief of the armed forces of the United States of America! (APPLAUSE) Seven-and-a-half years of Barack Obama and Hillary Clintons policies have weakened Americas place in the world. Terrorist attacks at home and abroad, grim and heartbreaking scenes from France just a few short days ago, and the attempted coup in Turkey all attest to a world spinning apart. History teaches us that weakness arouses evil. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obamas foreign policy of leading from behind, moving red lines, feigning resets with Russia, and the rise, rule and reign of ISIS are a testament to this truth of history. We cannot have four more years apologizing to our enemies and abandoning our friends. (APPLAUSE) America needs to be strong for the world to be safe, and on the world stage Donald Trump will lead from strength. (APPLAUSE) Donald Trump will rebuild our military and stand with our allies. Donald Trump will confront radical Islamic terrorism at its source and destroy the enemies of our freedom. (APPLAUSE) And if the world knows nothing else, it will know this: America stands with Israel! (APPLAUSE) You know, if you looked at the calendar this morning you might have noticed the presidency of Barack Obama ends exactly six months from today. (APPLAUSE) AUDIENCE: We like Mike! We like Mike! And this much is certain, this much is certain of the Obama years. Theyre not ending well. There seems to be so many things that divide us and so few great purposes that unite us as they once did. And its at moments like this, moments when politics fail, that I believe wed do well to remember that what unites us far exceeds anything that sets us apart in America. (APPLAUSE) That we are, as we have always been, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. (APPLAUSE) Should I have the awesome privilege to serve as your vice president, I promise to keep faith with that conviction, to pray daily for a wise and discerning heart, for who is able to govern this great people of yours without it. My fellow Americans, I believe we have come to another rendezvous with destiny. And I have faith, faith in the boundless capacity of the American people and faith that God can still heal our land. (APPLAUSE) But we have a choice to make. This is another time for choosing. If you want a president who will protect this nation, confront radical Islamic terrorism and rid the world of ISIS, if you want a president who will restore law and order to this country and give law enforcement the support and resources they deserve, if you want a president who will cut taxes, grow our economy and squeeze every nickel out of the federal bureaucracy (APPLAUSE) if you want a president who will build strong borders and enforce our laws, and if you want a president who will upend the status quo in Washington, D.C. and appoint justices to the Supreme Court who will uphold the Constitution (APPLAUSE) we have but one choice and that man is ready, this team is ready, our party is ready. And when we elect Donald Trump the 45th president of the United States, together we will make America great again! (APPLAUSE) Thank you, and God bless you, and God bless the United States of America! C. GINGRICH: Thank you. Thank you for that warm welcome. Newt and I are excited to be with you, and so many of you friends at this extraordinary convention. Weve enjoyed reconnecting this week with Republicans from all across America. As many of you know, Newt and I love American history, and recognize that we are gathered here in Cleveland at an historic moment. This week we nominate a Republican candidate for president who, for the last year, has given hope and encouragement to millions of Americans. As one of 17 candidates, Donald Trump received more primary votes than any Republican in American history. (APPLAUSE) C. GINGRICH: As he assured that we can America great again for all Americans. Newt and I are proud to be working to elect a president who will put America first and make our country safe again. We are also delighted by the selection of Governor Mike Pence as our vice presidential candidate. (APPLAUSE) C. GINGRICH: Newt and I have known Governor Pence since he first served in Congress in 2001. And we are confident that he will make an exceptional vice president. Tonight Newt is going to speak about making America first again in safety at home and abroad. As the son of a career soldier, Newt was convinced at an early age to dedicate his life to our country and to the protection of freedom. Newt has been studying national security since 1958. Tonight he speaks from firsthand knowledge, having served in the United States Congress, as well as on the Defense Policy Board, the Terrorism Taskforce, and the United States Commission on National Security. Newt has spent a lifetime fighting to put America first, to keep America safe, and to return power to the American people. Please welcome my husband and former speaker of the house, Newt Gingrich. (APPLAUSE) N. GINGRICH: Wow. Thank you for that very generous welcome. And thank you, Callista. You know, she makes documentary films, writes best-selling childrens series on American history, sings in the basilica choir, plays the French horn in the Fairfax Band. I am amazed at her achievements. N. GINGRICH: Im also proud to be here as a Republican activist to the extra effort Donald Trump has invested in bringing the Republican Party together. (APPLAUSE) (APPLAUSE) With no requirement for endorsement, he encourages competitors to speak once again. Governor Rick Perry, Governor Scott Walker, Dr. Ben Carson, Senator Marco Rubio, and Senator Ted Cruz have all responded to Donald Trumps generosity. (APPLAUSE) Now I think you misunderstood one paragraph that Ted Cruz, who is a superb orator, said, and I just want to point it out to you, Ted Cruz said you can vote your conscience for anyone who will uphold the Constitution. In this election, there is only one candidate who will uphold the Constitution. (APPLAUSE) So to paraphrase Ted Cruz, if you want to protect the Constitution of United States, the only possible candidate this fall is the Trump-Pence Republican ticket. (APPLAUSE) That way we have a Republican ticket to implement Republican principles in Washington. Now what I want to focus on is a subject that has dominated by thinking for decades, how do we keep America safe? Keeping America safe is the first responsibility of the American president. There have been many fascinating things to watch about the extraordinary historic rise of Donald Trump, but the most significant has been Donald Trumps courage to tell some important truths about our national security. For example, we are at war. We are at war with radical Islamists. They are determined to kill us. They are stronger than we admit. And there is no substitute for victory. (APPLAUSE) In contrast to Donald Trump, our national security and foreign policy elites, led by Hillary Clinton, are incapable of speaking with such honesty while they lie about the threat. We need to tell the truth about the danger. If our enemies had their way, not a single woman in this room could define her future. If our enemies had their way, gays, lesbians, and transgender citizens would be put to death as they are today and the Islamic State and Iran. If our enemies had their way, every person on earth would be subject to conversion by the sword and to a cruel and violent system of law. There would be no individual liberty. There would be no equality. There would be no freedom. If you doubt we are at war, if you doubt that the threat is as real as I say, let me refresh your memory. On Monday, an Afghan refugee in Germany used an ax and knives to slash and wound train passengers while shouting Allahu akbar. Last week, ISIS claimed responsibly after a Tunisian man drove a cargo truck into a crowd in Nice, France. He murdered 84 people including 10 children, three Americans, and injured over 300 others. Two weeks ago, almost 300 people were killed and more than 200 were wounded in bombing attacks in Baghdad. Two days before that, radical Islamists in Bangladesh killed 20 hostages, including three American college students. A few days before that, at the Istanbul airport in Turkey, ISIS attackers armed with guns and bombs killed 44 people and injured hundreds more. Last month, a radical Islamist in Paris stalked a French police officer to his home where he murdered the officer, tortured his wife to death in front of the 3-old-son, while streaming it all on social media. He was pondering out loud whether to kill the 3-year-old when he was killed by police. Two days before that, an attacker pledging of allegiance to ISIS killed 49 people in an Orlando nightclub, and wounded dozens more. All of this in just the past 37 days. We cannot let ourselves grow numb to these accumulating atrocities. One analysis estimated (APPLAUSE) One analysis estimated that since January, 2015, some 30,000 people have been killed at the hands of terrorists. Lets be clear, Donald Trump is right. We are at war with radical Islamists. We are losing the war. And we must change course to win the war. (APPLAUSE) Let me be very clear, because I know the news media will do their best to distort this, we have nothing to fear from the vast majority of Muslims in the United States or around the world, the vast majority are peaceful. They are often the victims themselves. They are people we would be happy to have as our friends and neighbors. (APPLAUSE) The challenge, the challenge is when even a small percentage of a 1.6 billion people support violence against those who disagree with them, that is still a giant recruiting base. For example, Pew Research finds that only 9 percent of Muslims in Pakistan view ISIS favorably. Unfortunately, 9 percent is 16 million people, and that is just one country. So the truth is although we are losing the war with radical Islamists, we have been very lucky. The danger we face is much worse than the horrors that happened in Germany on New Years Eve when 1,200 women were assaulted. It is worse than what is happening in France where there are stabbings of Jews in the streets and the nations security chief warned recently that Europe is on the brink of civil war. It is worse than what is happening in Israel where average citizens fear for their lives whenever they leave their homes. The danger is even worse than September 11th when 19 hijackers murdered almost 3,000 Americans. The worst-case scenario is losing an American city to terrorists armed with weapons of mass destruction. Instead of losing 3,000 people in one morning, we could lose more than 300,000. Instead of losing two great buildings, we could lose block after block after block after block to a nuclear event. That is not just my view, back in January of 2001, the Hart- Rudman Commission warned the terrorists quote will acquire weapons of mass destruction and some will use them. Americans will likely die on American soil, possibly in large numbers. Fifteen years later, the dangers are even greater in a world where Pakistan has nuclear weapons, where North Korea has been weapons, and where Iran, the worlds state sponsor of terrorism, is close to having nuclear weapons, this, a catastrophic attack on innocent Americans is a very real threat. Which brings us to the heart of the matter, we are sleepwalking through history as though this is all about politics. It is not. (APPLAUSE) It is about our safety and our survival as a country. We cannot keep in place the people and the systems that have brought us to this point and then lie to us every single day about the threat. That is why every American should be terrified at the prospect of a Hillary Clinton presidency. Hillary Clinton has been right at the center of this dishonesty. We know this administration and its allies lied to us about the Iran nuclear deal. We know it because they openly bragged about it to The New York Times. We know that Hillary Clinton lied to us knowingly about the terror attack on our Benghazi consulate. We know that Hillary Clinton and President Obama lie to the American people when they say they can safely screen the Syrian refugees. They cannot. And yet, Hillary wants to increase the number by 500 percent. So when you hear about Hillarys dishonesty, of the emails, or taking millions from the Saudis or other Middle Eastern dictatorships, remember, this is not about politics. The cost of Hillarys dishonesty could be the loss of America as we know it. (APPLAUSE) The first step forward to safety is electing a leader who will be truthful with the American people about the realities we face. Only then will we understand, support, and demand the strategies require to confront this threat. And because safety and security are the preconditions for our freedom and prosperity, it is also the first step towards rebuilding the America we love. Donald Trump understands this. And that is why he will rebuild our military because he knows that a strong military is the best way to secure peace. (APPLAUSE) Donald Trump will secure our borders because there is no such thing as a nation without a border. Donald Trump will enforce our immigration laws, he will end the policy of deliberate non- enforcement, and will end the abuse of our visa programs to protect American workers and their wages. Donald Trump will take care of our veterans by holding bureaucrats at the Veterans Administration accountable. He will fire those responsible for the waiting lists and will give veterans more choices about their care. With Donald Trumps leadership, no bureaucrat will get between a veteran and their doctor. (APPLAUSE) Donald Trump will get America building again. He will blow apart the ridiculous regulations and requirements that drive up infrastructure cost and drag out the time-line to get anything built. The Trump infrastructure program will make us once again the most competitive economy in the world. Donald Trump will rebuild our education system and give every parent of every income and every ethnic background a choice about where their children goes to school. Donald Trump will help us rebuild and strengthen our communities. (APPLAUSE) Here again, the first step is safety. The basis for strong families and good jobs and vibrant neighborhoods, that means restoring law and order. Donald Trump will show zero tolerance for people calling to the death of police officers. (APPLAUSE) Think about this, if anyone publicly threatens the life of the president of the United States, the Secret Service is on the them an instant. Our law enforcement officers deserve the same respect as the president of the United States. (APPLAUSE) Of course if individual officers are found to have violated someones rights, they must be held accountable under the law. America is based on the rule of law. We are one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. (APPLAUSE) That it what has allowed us to absorb more people from more backgrounds than any nation in history. Nobody is above the law and nobody is too small to deserve its protection. Donald Trump won our partys nomination because he is willing to tell the truth about the things that matter. He has a great running mate in Mike Pence. They will put our safety first and they will defend America first. (APPLAUSE) We can be proud to stand with them. So tonight, the challenge for everyone in this hall and everyone Republican, Democrat, or independent who is watching at home, and knows we cannot continue on our current course, is to rise above our factions, and rise above the politics we have inherited, to ignore the lies of the news media and the old order, to reject the suicidal dishonesty of Hillary Clinton and her establishment allies, and to stand with Donald Trump and Mike Pence for what we know is true. We can make America safe again. We can make America work again. We can make America first again. And together, we can make America great again for all Americans. Thank you and God bless the United States of America. * MH370 vanished in March 2014 with 239 passengers, crew * Fugro combing area roughly size of Greece for two years * Malaysia-China-Australia tripartite meeting on Friday By Jonathan Barrett and Swati Pandey SYDNEY, July 21 (Reuters) - Top searchers at the Dutch company leading the underwater hunt for Malaysia Airlines jet MH370 say they believe the plane may have glided down rather than dived in the final moments, meaning they have been scouring the wrong patch of ocean for two years. Flight MH370 disappeared in March 2014 with 239 passengers and crew onboard en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur. Searchers led by engineering group Fugro have been combing an area roughly the size of Greece for two years. That search, over 120,000 square kilometres of the southern Indian Ocean off Western Australia, is expected to end in three months and could be called off after that following a meeting of key countries Malaysia, China and Australia on Friday. So far, nothing has been found. "If it's not there, it means it's somewhere else," Fugro project director Paul Kennedy told Reuters. While Kennedy does not exclude extreme possibilities that could have made the plane impossible to spot in the search zone, he and his team argue a more likely option is the plane glided down - meaning it was manned at the end - and made it beyond the area marked out by calculations from satellite images. "If it was manned it could glide for a long way," Kennedy said. "You could glide it for further than our search area is, so I believe the logical conclusion will be well maybe that is the other scenario." Doubts that the search teams are looking in the right place will likely fuel calls for all data to be made publicly available so that academics and rival companies can pursue an "open source" solution - a collaborative public answer to the airline industry's greatest mystery. Fugro's controlled glide hypothesis is also the first time officials have leant some support to contested theories that someone was in control during the flight's final moments. Story continues Since the crash there have been competing theories over whether one, both or no pilots were in control, whether it was hijacked - or whether all aboard perished and the plane was not controlled at all when it hit the water. Adding to the mystery, investigators believe someone may have deliberately switched off the plane's transponder before diverting it thousands of miles. The glide view is not supported by the investigating agencies: America's Boeing Co, France's Thales SA , U.S. investigator the National Transportation Safety Board, British satellite company Inmarsat PLC, the U.K. Air Accidents Investigation Branch and the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation. CARRY ON The meeting between officials from China, Australia and Malaysia is expected to discuss the future of the search. The three governments have previously agreed that unless any new credible evidence arises the search would not be extended, despite calls from victims' families. Any further search would require a fresh round of funding from the three governments on top of the almost A$180 million ($137 million) that has already been spent, making it the most expensive in aviation history. Deciding the search area in 2014, authorities assumed the plane had no "inputs" during its final descent, meaning there was no pilot or no conscious pilot. They believe it was on auto-pilot and spiralled when it ran out of fuel. But Kennedy said a skilled pilot could glide the plane approximately 120 miles (193 km) from its cruising altitude after running out of fuel. One pilot told Reuters it would be slightly less than that. For the aircraft to continue gliding after fuel has run out, someone must manually put the aircraft into a glide - nose down with controlled speed. "If you lose all power, the auto-pilot kicks out. If there is nobody at the controls, the aircraft will plummet down," said a captain with experience flying Boeing 777s - the same as MH370. Like all pilots interviewed for this story, he declined to be named given the controversy around the lost jet. Fugro works on a "confidence level" of 95 percent, a statistical measurement used, in Fugro's case, to indicate how certain the plane debris was not in the area they have already combed, a seabed peppered with steep cliffs and underwater volcanoes. "The end-of-flight scenarios are absolutely endless," Fugro managing director Steve Duffield said. "Which wing ran out of fuel first, did it roll this way or did it tip that way?" The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the agency coordinating the search, has consistently defended the defined search zone. It did not immediately respond to questions over whether it was assessing the controlled glide theory. Authorities used data provided by Inmarsat to locate the likely plunge point through communication between the plane and satellite ground station. "All survey data collected from the search for missing flight MH370 will be released," an ATSB spokesman said. ($1 = 1.3113 Australian dollars) (Additional reporting by Siva Govindasamy in SINGAPORE; Editing by Clara Ferreira Marques and Ryan Woo) By Jonathan Barrett and Swati Pandey SYDNEY (Reuters) - Top searchers at the Dutch company leading the underwater hunt for Malaysia Airlines jet MH370 say they believe the plane may have glided down rather than dived in the final moments, meaning they have been scouring the wrong patch of ocean for two years. Flight MH370 disappeared in March 2014 with 239 passengers and crew onboard en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur. Searchers led by engineering group Fugro have been combing an area roughly the size of Greece for two years. That search, over 120,000 square kilometers of the southern Indian Ocean off Western Australia, is expected to end in three months and could be called off after that following a meeting of key countries Malaysia, China and Australia on Friday. The three countries agreed in April 2015 that should the aircraft not be located within the search area, and in the absence of any new credible evidence, the search area would not be extended. So far, nothing has been found. "If it's not there, it means it's somewhere else," Fugro project director Paul Kennedy told Reuters. Kennedy does not exclude extreme possibilities that could have made the plane impossible to spot in the search zone, and still hopes to find the craft. But he and his team argue another option is the plane glided down - meaning it was manned at the end - and made it beyond the area marked out by calculations from satellite images. "If it was manned it could glide for a long way," Kennedy said. "You could glide it for further than our search area is, so I believe the logical conclusion will be well maybe that is the other scenario." Doubts that the search teams are looking in the right place will likely fuel calls for all data to be made publicly available so that academics and rival companies can pursue an "open source" solution - a collaborative public answer to the airline industry's greatest mystery. Fugro's controlled glide hypothesis is also the first time officials have leant some support to contested theories that someone was in control during the flight's final moments. Since the crash there have been competing theories over whether one, both or no pilots were in control, whether it was hijacked - or whether all aboard perished and the plane was not controlled at all when it hit the water. Adding to the mystery, investigators believe someone may have deliberately switched off the plane's transponder before diverting it thousands of miles. The glide view is not supported by the investigating agencies: America's Boeing Co , France's Thales SA , U.S. investigator the National Transportation Safety Board, British satellite company Inmarsat PLC , the U.K. Air Accidents Investigation Branch and the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation. CARRY ON The meeting between officials from China, Australia and Malaysia is expected to discuss the future of the search. The three governments have previously agreed that unless any new credible evidence arises the search would not be extended, despite calls from victims' families. Any further search would require a fresh round of funding from the three governments on top of the almost A$180 million ($137 million) that has already been spent, making it the most expensive in aviation history. Deciding the search area in 2014, authorities assumed the plane had no "inputs" during its final descent, meaning there was no pilot or no conscious pilot. They believe it was on auto-pilot and spiraled when it ran out of fuel. But Kennedy said a skilled pilot could glide the plane approximately 120 miles (193 km) from its cruising altitude after running out of fuel. One pilot told Reuters it would be slightly less than that. For the aircraft to continue gliding after fuel has run out, someone must manually put the aircraft into a glide nose down with controlled speed. "If you lose all power, the auto-pilot kicks out. If there is nobody at the controls, the aircraft will plummet down," said a captain with experience flying Boeing 777s - the same as MH370. Like all pilots interviewed for this story, he declined to be named given the controversy around the lost jet. Fugro works on a "confidence level" of 95 percent, a statistical measurement used, in Fugro's case, to indicate how certain the plane debris was not in the area they have already combed, a seabed peppered with steep cliffs and underwater volcanoes. "The end-of-flight scenarios are absolutely endless," Fugro managing director Steve Duffield said. "Which wing ran out of fuel first, did it roll this way or did it tip that way?" The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the agency coordinating the search, has consistently defended the defined search zone. It did not immediately respond to questions over whether it was assessing the controlled glide theory. Authorities used data provided by Inmarsat to locate the likely plunge point through communication between the plane and satellite ground station. "All survey data collected from the search for missing flight MH370 will be released," an ATSB spokesman said. (Additional reporting by Siva Govindasamy in SINGAPORE; Editing by Clara Ferreira Marques and Ryan Woo) I had more fun in the last two days than I probably had in my lifetime. Georgia delegate Will Carter is the second-youngest delegate at the Republican National Convention. Its been absolutely awe-inspiring, and its been such a great experience, he tells Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric. Rep. Chris Collins, R-N.Y., was also on the convention floor today. Collins was the first member of Congress to endorse Trump. Its been a wild ride, he tells Couric. America is fed up with establishment politics, Republican and Democrat alike. I am so, so proud of Mr. Trump, says Montana alternate delegate Susan Reneau. And I will defend him, and I will pledge allegiance to him, and I will always, always vote for him. By Jeff Mason and Susan Cornwell WASHINGTON, July 21 (Reuters) - The White House urged Malaysia on Thursday to demonstrate good governance and a transparent business climate, a day after U.S. prosecutors sued to try and seize $1 billion in assets they said were bought with money stolen from a state development fund. The civil lawsuits present a potentially thorny issue for the two countries that have grown closer during the administration of President Barack Obama, who has visited the southeast Asian nation twice in the last two years. The lawsuits will likely affect relations, but they did not come as a surprise, said a U.S. congressional aide. "It has been a concern of a lot of people for a long time. Corruption in Malaysia is a huge problem," the aide said. No criminal charges have been filed in the scandal surrounding Malaysia's 1MDB sovereign wealth fund, which was overseen by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. Obama spoke generally with Najib on a visit to Malaysia last year about the need for transparency and good governance, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said at a news briefing. "For business interests who are considering doing business in Malaysia, they're going to be looking for signs that there is good business climate," Earnest told reporters. The Malaysian government "should be conspicuous about making clear that they're committed to transparency and good governance, and the kind of rules that will encourage people who are considering investing in Malaysia's fast-growing economy to have confidence that they can do so fairly," Earnest said. Najib said in response to the lawsuits that his government would give its full cooperation to international investigations of the 1MDB case. Malaysia's Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi, however, expressed "strong concerns at the insinuations and allegations" of wrongdoing against Najib in the lawsuits. He said in a statement that none of the probes conducted by law enforcement agencies across the globe over the past year show that any funds were misappropriated from 1MDB. Story continues The U.S. investigation is the largest set of cases brought by the Justice Department's Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, which seeks the forfeiture of the proceeds of foreign corruption. Targeting assets ranging from valuable paintings and a private jet to the 2013 hit movie "The Wolf of Wall Street" and rights to popular songs, the civil lawsuits said $3.5 billion was misappropriated from 1MDB. 1MDB said in a statement that it was not a party to the lawsuit, did not have any assets in the United States, "nor has it benefited from the various transactions described." (Reporting by Jeff Mason and Susan Cornwell; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Grant McCool) Investors are always looking for stocks that are poised to beat at earnings season and Allegheny Technologies Inc. ATI may be one such company. The firm has earnings coming up pretty soon, and events are shaping up quite nicely for their report. That is because Allegheny Technologies is seeing favorable earnings estimate revision activity as of late, which is generally a precursor to an earnings beat. After all, analysts raising estimates right before earningswith the most up-to-date information possibleis a pretty good indicator of some favorable trends underneath the surface for ATI in this report. In fact, the Most Accurate Estimate for the current quarter is currently at a loss of 38 cents per share for ATI, compared to a broader Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 39 cents per share. This suggests that analysts have very recently bumped up their estimates for ATI, giving the stock a Zacks Earnings ESP of 2.56% heading into earnings season. ALLEGHENY TECH Price and EPS Surprise ALLEGHENY TECH Price and EPS Surprise | ALLEGHENY TECH Quote Why is this Important? A positive reading for the Zacks Earnings ESP has proven to be very powerful in producing both positive surprises, and outperforming the market. Our recent 10 year backtest shows that stocks that have a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better show a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and have returned over 28% on average in annual returns (see more Top Earnings ESP stocks here). Given that ATI has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and an ESP in positive territory, investors might want to consider this stock ahead of earnings. Clearly, recent earnings estimate revisions suggest that good things are ahead for Allegheny Technologies, and that a beat might be in the cards for the upcoming 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 >> 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 ALLEGHENY TECH (ATI): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Little Ankit was no more little when he visited us after 3 long years last week. Those days are still fresh in my memory when my nephew Ankit would peg me into playing school-school with him. He would always enjoy his role as a teacher while Ib be stuck playing his over-grown student. When he said he wanted to be a Science teacher, I saw the art of explanations that he had cultivated at that tender age insisting his success as a teacher like none other. And so it was a surprise when, at the age of 15, he declared, No Masi. I want to be an engineer like dad, like Rohit bhaiya, Avnish jiju, and mausaji. It was then that I realized, my entire family was an orchard of engineers those whom Ankit listed and those whom he missed. As if there is no other profession left for this generation. But the case was not alike with our previous generation. We had teachers, doctors, government service holders, CAs, and businessmen in the family including a handful of engineers. I recalled how I was made to feel somewhat lesser of a person when all my cousins successfully enrolled in engineering colleges and I opted for literature. My decision encouraged many to forfeit me as dim-witted. Few relatives enjoyed the idea of dad having insufficient means to fund an engineering degree. But majority consisted of well-wishers who gave in to the popular theory that a girl I was after all; the heights in ones career that can only be achieved through engineering was not meant for a girl meant to be married off in a few years, that my degree in literature would only aid in finding a suitable match and sitting through my childs English Medium Schools PTAs. Years later, as I have rebuked the yellow of their jaundiced eyes with a career secured in the field where my alacrity lies - When you were so meritorious, why didnt you consider engineering? is a question I encounter too often for my comfort. Just when I inferred that this mindset is a typical of the community I belong to (Bengali), I moved to Hyderabad, and my discernment was served with some fresh coffee. Whichever part of the country has higher literacy rate, parents are striving to chisel engineers out of their children. Every teenager, I know today, has only two career options summarized by their parents - either you be an engineer, get into a giant MNC, get an onsite to US or Europe, earn in foreign currency, and treat yourself to a lifetime of comfort, or you get yourself an auto rickhaw. The top scoring students get into engineering colleges through entrance exams, and those who wont make the cut, pay insane donations to get into private colleges. Milking their obsession, private engineering colleges have transformed themselves into money making machines standing in the guise of educational institutions. Hey, you are from India? I know India. Most of the engineers in my country are Indians. You are a nation of engineers. remarked an American tourist amiably whom I met in Sri Lanka. I wasnt quite sure if I should pride over my people for earning themselves a name in a foreign land or sulk that a nation with some of the richest businessmen, highly gifted scientists, mathematicians, economists, performance artists, journalists, and renowned doctors is gradually compressing into a nation of engineers. Doctors earn well only past years of practice and securing a reputation for themselves. Engineers get paid in 7 digits from Day 1. Spat one of my uncles whose daughter had ranked among the top 100 in the state medical entrance exams. My daughter is going for engineering only. He pronounced his verdict, pretending oblivious to the fact that since childhood all of his daughters dreams were aimed at being a doctor, and despite being forced to take up pure science she picked biology as additional to pursue medical in future - the future that she will never be allowed. I can foresee already - another H1 B, another event of brain drain, and some countless fragments of broken dreams. Investors are always looking for stocks that are poised to beat at earnings season and Eli Lilly and Company LLY may be one such company. The firm has earnings coming up pretty soon, and events are shaping up quite nicely for their report. That is because Eli Lilly is seeing favorable earnings estimate revision activity as of late, which is generally a precursor to an earnings beat. After all, analysts raising estimates right before earningswith the most up-to-date information possibleis a pretty good indicator of some favorable trends underneath the surface for LLY in this report. In fact, the Most Accurate Estimate for the current quarter is currently at earnings of 86 cents per share for LLY, compared to a broader Zacks Consensus Estimate of earnings of 85 cents per share. This suggests that analysts have very recently bumped up their estimates for LLY, giving the stock a Zacks Earnings ESP of 1.18% heading into earnings season. LILLY ELI & CO Price and EPS Surprise LILLY ELI & CO Price and EPS Surprise | LILLY ELI & CO Quote Why is this Important? A positive reading for the Zacks Earnings ESP has proven to be very powerful in producing both positive surprises, and outperforming the market. Our recent 10 year backtest shows that stocks that have a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better show a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and have returned over 28% on average in annual returns (see more Top Earnings ESP stocks here). Given that LLY has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and an ESP in positive territory, investors might want to consider this stock ahead of earnings. Clearly, recent earnings estimate revisions suggest that good things are ahead for Johnson & Johnson, and that a beat might be in the cards for the upcoming 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 >> 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 LILLY ELI & CO (LLY): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. From Good Housekeeping When the temperatures are high and the sun is beating down, you might be tempted to pull a blanket over the shade of your stroller in an attempt to block your child from the sun. New research shows, however, that doing so could actually harm children more than it helps them. The findings, which come from a group of researchers in Sweden, show that fully covering a stroller or pram with cloth - even if you use a light fabric - can result in extremely hot conditions and a lack of air circulation for your child. Young children's body temperatures can rise nearly five times as fast as adult body temperatures, according to Mirror, so making this mistake could put your child in danger. Fortunately, there are other (safer) ways to keep your kids cool and out of the sun. Gordon Grajek, a test engineer for the Good Housekeeping Institute, recommends ditching the blanket in favor of a UV-rated umbrella, which will provide shade without restricting airflow around your child. Another option is to attach a clip-on fan to your pram or stroller. Lexie Sachs, the senior textiles analyst in the Textiles, Paper & Plastics Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, recommends the Babies R Us Soft-Touch Stroller Fan, which she uses for her own child. Photo credit: Babies R Us [h/t Mirror] CLEVELANDLock her up! Lock her up! Chris Christie nodded his approval as Republican delegates demanded the jailing of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. If the protest was impromptu, it was no accident: The prosecutor-turned-governor of New Jersey had called his Tuesday night speech an indictment, ending each section with a leading question: Guilty or not guilty? The delegatessome of whom carried signs and wearing shirts saying Hillary for Prisonshouted a full-throated GUILTY! This is an unusually negative conventiona low-blow infomercial focused far more on why Americans should vote against Clinton than why they should vote for Donald Trump. On Tuesday alone, 13 of the 19 speakers delivered addresses that largely assailed Clinton. Her record. Her character. Her scandals. Or, as one delegate scrawled in red ink across an unflattering photo of Clinton, Her Unworthiness. Recommended: It's Official: Hillary Clinton Is Running Against Vladimir Putin Why is the convention so negative? For the same reasons next weeks Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia likely will be an anti-Trump orgy. The 2016 electorate includes an unusually large number of undecided voters. Most of those voters hate both candidates. Both campaigns think their path to victory is to win almost by defaultto make their rival the most feared alternative. In a sad way, the strategy makes sense. With a variety of methodologies, polls suggest that the percentage of undecided voters is in the neighborhood of 25 percent. A recent survey by USA Today/Suffolk University identified nearly one in five respondents holding a negative view of both Clinton and Trump. When asked to choose between the two, 26 percent chose Trump, 19 percent chose Clinton, and 44 percent were undecided. With their conventions, Trump and Clinton begin a dreary march to be anointed the least loathsome. Story continues Although Trump has a slight edge, said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, the majority are up for grabs as these voters grapple with holding their noses and picking one of them or opting for a third party option. Or staying home, come November." The dynamic exists in each state. In Michigan, 32 percent of voters called themselves undecided in a poll by the Lansing-based Marketing Resource Group, roughly the share of the vote going to both Clinton and Trump. Recommended: Michelle Obama's Glorious and Savvy 'Carpool Karaoke' Clip The high number can be partly attributed to the firm's decision not to ask which way voters leaned if they were uncomfortable committing firmly. Still, its twice the number of uncommitted Michigan voters the firm identified at this point in the 2012 presidential cycle. Trump and Clinton are trying to disqualify each other, said Chris Kofinis of Park Street Strategies, a public relations and research firm based in Washington. It is delicate work, considering the fact that undecided voters are united mostly by their intense frustration with the political system. Among their numbers are moderate Republican women, mostly white and suburban voters; young liberals who supported Bernie Sanders; and self-identified independents. Trump can use Clintons record of scandal and deception to drive up her negative ratings among moderate women, but if he goes too far, those same voters might turn against him. Threatening to jail your opponent is mean, and these people dont like mean, said the GOP consultant Alex Castellanos. Accusing Clinton of murder, comparing her to the devil, and dredging up the Monica Lewinsky scandal represents the type and tone of politics that has pushed these voters out of the two major parties and into the undecided category. Yet Trump and his surrogates cant seem to help themselves. Look, I love negative attacks as much as the next person...but this election calls for different strategies. On the Benghazi and email scandals, for instance, there is a credible case to be made against Clintons management and honesty. Al Baldasaro didnt make it. Instead, the New Hampshire state representative and Trump adviser on veterans issues said Wednesday, The whole thing disgusts me. Hillary Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot for treason. Clinton faces a similar challenge. Her strategy depends on persuading Americans to vote against Trump because he is temperamentally ill-suited for the job, a liar and a bully who enriched himself by gaming the legal system and taking advantage of other people. Recommended: Chris Christie, Tom Cotton, and Paul Ryan: The Hollow Men She has a credible case, but Democrats could go too far. Shouts of fascist from the convention floor, for example, would be the Philadelphia analogue of Lock her up! Smug dismissals of Trumps populist approach and policies might be viewed by undecided voters as an indictment of them. Trump's advisers privately hope that Clinton and her fellow Democrats overreach on the issue of racial division, specifically by yielding the convention stage to black activists whose appearance could be construed as anti-police. Kofinis believes both candidates, but particularly Clinton, are missing an opportunity to define themselves in a positive way. Time and again, his focus groups of undecided voters show that negative attacks backfire and that aspirational messages are hungrily gobbled up. I know that sounds Pollyannaish, Kofinis told me. Look, I love negative attacks as much as the next person and I know the power they can have. But in this election, undecided voters are different from the undecided voters of past elections. That calls for different strategies. Id like to think Kofinis is rightthat the growing numbers of independent and swing voters stand ready to march behind a positive, aspirational candidate. But his theory wont be tested by these two particular candidates, both emblems of what political scientists call negative partisanshipthats when voters are motivated not by their love of a cause or candidate, but by their fear of the other side. With their conventions, Trump and Clinton begin a dreary march to be anointed the least loathsome. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. In 1976, Ronald Reagan, who almost snatched the GOP nomination from incumbent Gerald Ford, was asked by Ford in the middle of the Republican convention to join him onstage and say a few words. Reagan warmly praised his rival for having treated him and his wife, Nancy, with grace and respect. But in his remarks, there was no endorsement. Reagan never explicitly said, Vote for Gerald Ford. Instead, Reagan spoke of a time capsule, ruminating on what Americans 100 years in the future would say of Reagans generation. In the future, Reagan surmised, citizens would know whether the world had suffered a nuclear holocaust and whether the cause of individual freedom had been wiped off the planet. Whether [Americans] will have the freedom that we have known up until now will depend on what we do here, he said. The delegates bathed Reagan in applause; significant discord didnt erupt on the convention floor. Last night, Ted Cruz also spoke of his conservative vision of freedom and defined what it meant to him to live in a free society. But he also sent a rude jolt through the Republican Party when he urged Americans to vote their conscience. What he didnt do, before leaving the stage amid a chorus of boos and jeers,was offer an endorsement of the nominee, Donald Trump. Ronald Reagan waves to the crowd at the 1976 Republican National Convention in Kansas City, Mo. Behind Reagan, from left, stands Gerald Fords sons, Mike Ford, Jack Ford and Steve Ford; Vice President Nelson Rockefeller; President Gerald Ford; Betty Ford; and vice presidential candidate Bob Dole. (Photo: David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images) Cruzs non-endorsement, though, shouldnt have been terribly surprising to Trump and his fans. They should have seen it coming weeks ago. Cruz was speaking in a long, contentious tradition of conservatives bucking their party when they believe that their fundamental principles limited government, unregulated markets, constitutional respect for restricting Washingtons power to run peoples lives are being threatened. Cruz, rightly or wrongly, sees Trump as just such a threat to the conservative project. Cruz had legitimate reasons for refusing to endorse the brash New York mogul. Undoubtedly, as Cruz said this morning, one was that Trump had crossed a line during the primary race, threatening to spill the beans on Cruzs wife and smearing Cruzs father with the absurd accusation that he was involved in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Story continues It also seems safe to assume that political expediency drove Cruzs non-endorsement. The Texas senator seems to be betting that Trump will lose to Hillary Clinton, and hewants to pick up the pieces for another presidential campaign in 2020. But Cruz, who has a deserved reputation in the Senate as abomb-thrower prone to snubbing his partys leadership, isnt stupid. He is keenly aware that his conservative forebears, when faced with their own intraparty feuds and ideological rifts, often opted to define themselves as conservatives first and Republicans second. Mike Pences signature line Im a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order says so explicitly. Sen. Ted Cruz addresses the delegates at the Republican National Convention Wednesday night in Cleveland. (Photo: Carolyn Kaster/AP) Cruzs predecessors often put what they deemed ideological purity ahead of the imperatives of party unity and partisan loyalty. By prioritizing the conservative cause over the GOPs short-term political interests, conservative Republicans have advanced the conservative movement in electoral politics, paving the way for bigger victories in the wake of stinging defeats. Before Reagan spoke out for his conservative vision at the 1976 convention, Barry Goldwater flaunted his preference for ideological warfare over party unity. In the run-up to Goldwaters 1964 convention address, the Republican convention in San Franciscos Cow Palace was a discordant place. Keynoter Mark Hatfield, the Oregon governor, compared the John Birch Societys anti-communist extremism to the communist movement itself and to the Ku Klux Klan. Goldwaters defeated primary opponent, New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller, mounted the platform as Goldwaters delegates threw paper at him. Given only five minutes to make his remarks, Rockefeller tarred right-wing extremists for breed[ing] hate, fear and terror. They have no program for America no program for the Republican party, he said to boos and jeers. They spread distrust. They engender suspicion. They encourage disunity. When Goldwater finally took the stage, he and his supporters were more focused on buoying the cause of conservatism than on ensuring party unity and even victory at the polls. Most famously, Goldwater defended his cause. Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice, he said. And moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. Equally famously, Goldwater lost in a landslide in November, but Reagan stepped in to pick up the pieces. Conservative intellectual icon and founder of National Review William F. Buckley Jr. once described conservatives as nonlicensed nonconformists. While he supported some Republican candidates, his ultimate goal was to push conservatism into the political and intellectual mainstream, and rather than bow to calls for GOP unity, he denouncedmoderate Eisenhower Republicans as politically, intellectually and morally repugnant. In Thursday nights acceptance address, then, Trumps challenge in some key respects isnt even within his control. The likes of Cruz, anti-Trump leader Sen. Ben Sasse and conservative #NeverTrump voices such as columnist Jennifer Rubin all have concluded that Republican partisan considerations are significantly less important than defending what they see as their conservative principles and anti-big-government worldview from Trump-ism. For his part, Cruz has decided that he can survive the Trump uprising, prove to at least some conservatives that he faced down an apostate, and rebuild his party on Nov. 9. History suggests he may have made a winning bet, and history will prove him right or wrong. Matthew Dallek, an associate professor at George Washington Universitys Graduate School of Political Management, is author of Defenseless Under the Night: The Roosevelt Years and the Origins of Homeland Security. _____ Related slideshows: On the ground at the Republican National Convention a photo report >>> Boos Cruz: Newspapers react to Ted Cruzs RNC stunner >>> Armed at the RNC >>> Front pages cover Donald Trumps final primary victory >>> Melania Trump in the convention spotlight >>> Convention floor erupts when no roll call taken to change rules to unbind delegates >>> How newspapers covered the RNCs fiery first day >>> Demonstrators protest outside the RNC >>> Donald Trumps America >>> (Cover tile photo: Brian Snyder/Reuters) An iron ring set in the stone pillar of a 15th-century chapel in the Scottish city of Aberdeen may not look like much, but historians say it could be a direct link to a dark chapter in the citys past the trial and execution of 23 women and one man accused of witchcraft during Aberdeen's "Great Witch Hunt" in 1597. "I was skeptical, to be honest the ring is not all that spectacular, but it is actually quite genuine," said Arthur Winfield, project leader for the OpenSpace Trust in the United Kingdom, which is restoring the chapel as part of a community-based redevelopment of the East Kirk sanctuary at the historic Kirk of St Nicholas, in central Aberdeen. Winfield told Live Science that two places within the kirk (the Lowland Scots word for "church") had been equipped as a prison for witches snared in the Aberdeen witch hunt: the stone-vaulted chapel of St Mary, and the tall steeple of the kirk, which was at that time the tallest structure in the city. [See more photos of the "witch prison" in the Scottish church] Winfield said that neither location would have been warm in the winter of 1597, when those accused of witchcraft awaited trail, and likely their execution: "In the winter nowadays, the temperature gets down to 3 degrees [Celsius] in St Mary's Chapel, and I guess it would be even colder up in the spire." Witch hunting in Scotland in the 16th century was not carried out by mobs with pitchforks, but by royal commissions at the orders of the king. As a result, Aberdeens city archives today hold meticulous original records of the witch trials and executions in 1597, including payments to a local blacksmith for the iron rings and shackles installed to imprison accused witches at the Kirk of St Nicholas. The city records also detail the costs for the rope, wood and tar later used to burn the convicted witches at the stake, at Castle Hill and Heading Hill in Aberdeen, before large crowds of onlookers. As a small mercy, most of the condemned were strangled to death before their bodies were burned, according to the University of Edinburghs online Survey of Scottish Witchcraft. Story continues The Great Witch Hunt Chris Croly, a historian at the University of Aberdeen, told Live Science that Aberdeens Great Witch Hunt of 1597 was one phase of a wave of witch persecutions across Scotland sparked by the witchcraft laws of King James VI of Scotland (who became James I of England in 1603). "It is often said that Aberdeen burned more witches than anywhere else that may not be entirely accurate, but what is absolutely accurate is that Aberdeen has the best civic records of witch burning in Scotland, and so it can appear that way," Croly told Live Science. He said the wave of witchcraft persecutions that began in Europe in the 15th century and reached Scotland in the 1590s, continued into the Americas in the 17th century and led to the infamous witch trials at Salem in Massachusetts in 1692 and 1693. [Black Magic: 6 Infamous Witch Trials in History] Many Protestant and Catholic authorities at the time were united in a belief that witchcraft was the result of witches "communing with the devil" and that biblical scripture justified their execution. "That's how this wave can sweep through both Protestant and Catholic countries," Croly said. One the most famous cases of the 1597 witch trials in Aberdeen involved two members of one family. The mother, Jane Wishart, was convicted of 18 counts of witchcraft, including casting spells that caused illness in her neighbors; inducing a mysterious brown dog to attack her son-in-law after an argument; and dismembering a corpse that hung on a gallows, to provide the ingredients for her magic. Wishart's son, Thomas Leyis, was also convicted of heading a coven of witches that had danced with the devil at midnight in Aberdeen's fish market area. Both mother and son were strangled and burned, and the city records note that it cost "3 pounds, 13 shillings and 4 pence" to provide enough peat, tar and wood for Leyis pyre. Buried beneath the kirk In 2006 and 2007, the East Kirk of St Nicholas was the scene of a major archeological excavation before restoration work could be done to develop the former church as a community center. The redevelopment effort is known as the "Mither Kirk Project," from the Lowland Scots words for "mother church." No remains of the accused witches were found at the site, and Croly noted that they would have been buried elsewhere, on "unhallowed ground." But the excavations had provided archaeologists with an extraordinary look at the lives of the people of the city from the 11th to the 18th centuries, he said. Over the course of the excavation, the remains of more than 2,000 people, including 1,000 entire skeletons, were disinterred from grave sites that lay under the floor of the East Kirk, said Croly, who was Aberdeens city historian at the time of the excavations, and worked closely with city archaeologists on the project. [8 Grisly Archaeological Discoveries] Most of the bodies were buried before the 1560s, when the Protestant Reformation in Scotland forbade burials inside churches, but the practice was profitable and continued in a small way until the 18th century, he said. The excavations had also found evidence of earlier church buildings beneath the existing kirk that dated to the 11th century, and the graves of nine babies that had been laid out together in an arc near an 11th-century wall possibly the victims of an epidemic of disease, Croly said. Now that archaeological tests on the bodies from the kirk have been completed, the Mither Kirk Project plans to hold a ceremony later this year to reinter the bodies in a vault beneath the current floor level. At a later date, the former "prison for witches" in St Mary's Chapel will be redeveloped as a "contemplative space," said Arthur Winfield, the project leader for the OpenSpace Trust. "That space will be kept as an area of peace and tranquility essentially, it is going to be respected for the chapel that it was, and will be again," he said. 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. Woodward, Inc. (WWD) reported third-quarter fiscal 2016 earnings of 81 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 76 cents by 6.6%. Earnings also increased 22.7% from the prior-year figure of 66 cents. Continued weakness in the Industrial segment was offset by a strong performance at Aerospace and a lower tax rate in the quarter. Total Revenue The companys quarterly net sales of $507.7 million missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $523 million by 2.9%. Revenues, however, were up 2.6% from the year-ago figure of $494.8 million mainly on the back of higher contribution from the Aerospace segment. Operational Update Woodwards total cost and expenses increased 1.6% year over year to $444.3 million in the reported quarter. Costs were up primarily due to higher cost of goods sold and an increase in interest expense. Quarterly Segmental Performance Aerospace: Segment revenues were up 7% year over year to $308.6 million driven by higher defense sales, including both OEM and Aftermarket, and solid commercial and regional OEM sales. Earnings came in at $57.7 million, up 24.4%,on the back of higher sales volumes and strong aftermarket activity. Industrial: Segment revenues were $199.1 million, down 3.5% year over year owing to the persistent market weakness and sluggish growth in China which led to end-user reluctance to invest in large capital projects. These headwinds were, however, partially offset by strength in wind converters and aftermarket sales. Earnings declined 28.1% to $22 million primarily due to lower sales volumes and product mix. WOODWARD INC Price and Consensus WOODWARD INC Price and Consensus | WOODWARD INC Quote Financial Condition Woodwards cash and cash equivalents as of Jun 30, 2016 were $118.1 million, compared with $82.2 million as of Sep 30, 2015. Long-term debt (excluding current portion) was $685 million as of Jun 30, 2016, down from $850 million as of Sep 30, 2015. Story continues Free cash inflow was $31 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, compared with an outflow of 19 million in the year-ago period. In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, net cash generated from operating activities was $362.5 million, compared with $171.5 million in the prior-year quarter. Payments for property, plant and equipment in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were $128.6 million, compared with $190.9 million in the year-ago period. Fiscal 2016 Guidance Net sales are expected to be $2 billion. The company reaffirmed its earnings expectations in the range of $2.75$2.95 per share. Upcoming Peer Releases Roper Technologies, Inc. ROP is scheduled to release its second-quarter earnings on Jul 25. The Zacks Consensus Estimate stands at $1.61. Nanometrics Incorporated NANO is scheduled to release its second-quarter earnings on Jul 26. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is 25 cents. Watts Water Technologies, Inc. WTS is expected to release its second-quarter earnings on Aug 4. The Zacks Consensus Estimate stands at 71 cents. Zacks Rank Woodward Inc. currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download7 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 ROPER INDS INC (ROP): Free Stock Analysis Report NANOMETRICS INC (NANO): Free Stock Analysis Report WOODWARD INC (WWD): Free Stock Analysis Report WATTS WATER TEC (WTS): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research DADAAB REFUGEE CAMP, Kenya Nafiso Mohamed Noor says she never wants to go back to Somalia. But if the Kenyan government follows through with its plan to close the worlds largest refugee camp by the end of the year, she may not have a choice. Noor knows what it means to return prematurely to a war zone. In May 2015, after Kenya renewed what has become a perennial threat to shutter the sprawling, windswept settlement on its northeastern frontier that houses more than 326,000 refugees, most of them from neighboring Somalia, she decided to sign up for the U.N.s voluntary repatriation program. Better to go back on her own terms than risk being rounded up and deported without warning, she thought. So in August, after waiting three months for the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) to process her application, she boarded a flight to the Somali capital of Mogadishu. She found her old house in Wardigle, a neighborhood whose name in Somali roughly translates to stream or channel of blood, still standing. But less than two months later, a mortar fired by al-Shabab militants crashed into her kitchen. The round sheared off her right breast, sliced a 3-inch gash in her left foot, and left shards of metal embedded deep in her left hip. The shrapnel is still there, she said recently, tracing a faint crescent shape near the ball of her femur on an X-ray taken here in Dadaab. There, it looks like a moon. Noor returned to Dadaab as soon as she recovered from her injuries, but she once again faces the prospect of repatriation to Somalia before the war there is over. In May, the Kenyan government said it planned to close Dadaab for good, along with another refugee camp along its northwestern border that houses nearly 200,000 mainly South Sudanese refugees, citing security concerns. Since it invaded Somalia in 2011 to create a buffer zone against the growing al-Shabab threat, Kenya has seen a dramatic surge in domestic terrorist attacks. The government claims that some of the worst attacks, including those at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi in 2013 and at Garissa University College last year, were planned in Dadaab, although it has never produced any evidence to support this. Story continues Nafisa Mohamed Noor holds an x-ray against the sky, revealing shrapnel from a mortar shell that is still embedded in her hip. (Photo by TY MCCORMICK / FOREIGN POLICY) But unlike previous threats to shutter the camp, the government followed this one up with action. It disbanded its Department of Refugee Affairs in May and later announced a plan to move 150,000 people out of Dadaab by the end of the year through a combination of voluntary repatriation, relocating non-Somali refugees, and removing Kenyans who falsely registered as refugees from the UNHCRs rolls. The government has not addressed the discrepancy in numbers nearly 200,000 people would remain in Dadaab even if the government succeeds in relocating 150,000 or explained how the camp would be closed if some or most of its inhabitants decide they wish to remain behind. If Dadaab were actually to be emptied by the end of 2016, the exodus would rival the massive forced relocation of Rwandan refugees registered in Zaire, now Democratic Republic of the Congo, after that country was invaded by Rwanda in 1996. And according to experts, it would almost certainly violate international law, which prohibits the forceful repatriation of refugees. Even the voluntary repatriation process currently underway could fall into a legal gray area, some experts argue, since many refugees fear they will be forcefully uprooted or are struggling to survive on limited food rations in the camp. Our objective is to close the camp, said Haro Kamau, the deputy commissioner of Garissa County, who oversees Dadaab. You cannot be a refugee forever. I think the situation in Somalia today allows for people to go home. Opened in 1992, one year after the collapse of Siad Barres dictatorship plunged Somalia into civil war, Dadaab has long since evolved into a massive informal city. Thousands of makeshift dwellings, jury-rigged with scraps of plastic and ringed by identical thornbrush hedges, fan out in orderly grids. Markets, schools, and small businesses like Sahruja Hair Salon and the Kempinski Hotel a single-story affair with a listing metal roof comprise the camps only permanent structures aside from the aid agencies, which hunker down behind blast-proof Hesco barriers. Kenya does not wish to assimilate hundreds of thousands of Somalis, so it keeps the refugees in a permanent state of limbo, unable to leave or work legally in the camp, and unable to safely return to their home country. Three generations of Somalis have now grown up in Dadaab, and the majority of the younger inhabitants have never seen their home country. Now they are beginning to trickle back. Flights carrying refugees to Mogadishu leave from Dadaab several times per week, as do buses bound for the southern Somali port city of Kismayo. More than 10,000 people have returned home so far this year, according to UNHCR, which administers the voluntary repatriation program and is currently working with the Kenyan government to weed out Kenyans who claimed refugee status in order to gain access to humanitarian aid. The U.N. initially pushed for Kenya to reconsider its plan to close the camp, citing humanitarian concerns, but it has since bowed to pressure by the Kenyan government and agreed to help halve the population of the camp by the end of the year. A woman stands next to her home in Dadaab in July 2011, when thousands of new refugees arrived because of the famine in neighboring Somalia. (Photo by OLI SCARFF / GETTY IMAGES) This is for real, Kamau said of the governments plan to shutter Dadaab. He said the terrorist threat was the overriding reason for the closure but added that arms smuggling, human trafficking, and environmental degradation from the massive refugee population also factored into the decision. But it remains unclear what will happen once the government runs out of volunteers for repatriation. Noor, for one, says she has no interest in returning to Somalia, despite her nostalgia for the peaceful Mogadishu where she grew up. Born in 1975 in a white stone house a few blocks from Villa Somalia, the presidential palace, she is old enough to remember the days when Mogadishu was known as the white pearl of the Indian Ocean. I still have fond memories of those years, she said. But I could not stand to live in a place where the suicide bomber bumps into you in the street, where a truckload of explosives can ram into your house, where a stray mortar can hit you in the street. Noor initially fled Somalia in 2011, when the fighting between al-Shabab militants and African Union peacekeepers was at its fiercest and hundreds of people were starving to death each day because the Islamist militants wouldnt allow emergency food aid into famine-affected areas. She arrived in Dadaab with nine children, her disabled husband, and the equivalent of about U.S. $20. It was all that remained of her middle-class life in Mogadishu. Life in the camp was harsh. The winter winds stirred up vast curtains of dust and sand that poured through every chink in their flimsy tarpaulin dwelling. The food rations provided by the U.N. agencies were never enough. But at least there was peace, she said. A woman walks along the edge of the Dagahaley refugee camp, which makes up part of the giant Dadaab refugee settlement, on July 23, 2011 in Dadaab, Kenya. (OLI SCARFF | GETTY IMAGES) There was also education for her children, all but the youngest of whom enrolled in one of the camps 52 schools. Tens of thousands of refugees have been educated on the U.N.s dime over the years, but the Kenyan governments tight restrictions on employment mean that few opportunities await graduates. We are wondering about why a government should waste peoples talents and not allow them to work or to integrate after all these years, said Aden Noor Ibrahim, who like Noor arrived with his family during the famine of 2011. Mostly bald with a flaming red beard the color of henna, Ibrahim kept goats and other livestock before al-Shabab captured his region in southern Somalia and forced him to flee. He said that life in Dadaab was bearable at first, but that cuts to food rations provided by U.N. agencies meant that he and his children, aged 4 to 19, now often go hungry. (In June 2015, the World Food Programme (WFP), the U.N.s food relief agency, cut food rations by 30 percent because of funding shortfalls.) Unable to work in the camp, Ibrahim decided last year to risk returning to Somalia in order to provide for his family. He took a job as a porter in Kismayo, which, having been liberated from al-Shabab in 2012, is now ruled by the notorious militia leader and former al-Shabab member Ahmed Madobe. He braved near-daily threats from clan militias that operate there with impunity but was finally forced to return to Dadaab because of illness. The main hospital in Kismayo lacked even basic medical supplies, he said, and he was unable to afford private medical care for a painful chest infection. He says he wont return to his home country until the war there is over and an effective government is in place. We have nowhere to go and nowhere to stay. The situation in Somalia is in fact worse than what we already fled from, he said. They say this repatriation is voluntary, but 150,000? How will that be voluntary? Aden Noor Ibrahim arrived in Dadaab during the 2011 famine in Somalia. (Photo by TY MCCORMICK / FOREIGN POLICY) Lack of healthcare is a major concern for many refugees contemplating the possibility of return. After more than a quarter-century of grinding civil war, most health care in the country is provided by the U.N., by foreign medical charities or by private operators. Outside of a few major urban areas like Mogadishu and Kismayo, it can be virtually impossible to see a doctor. Only 44 percent of births are attended by a trained midwife, and one in 12 women dies from pregnancy-related complications, according to the United Nations. The mortality rate for children under the age of 5 is among the highest in the world. There is totally no medical care in Somalia, said Abdewali Hire Hassan, who works for the Kenya Red Cross in Dadaab. The medical facilities that exist are private and they want to milk people for money, so only the rich can get care. For refugees, there will be nothing. It will be like throwing people away in a ditch. For those refugees who see education for themselves or for their children as the only hope of escaping poverty, the situation in Somalia looks similarly bleak. Dadaab may be an open prison with few employment opportunities for even its brightest students, but at least it adheres to Kenyas national curriculum, and a handful of lucky graduates receive scholarships each year to study in Kenyan universities or in the West. By contrast, Somalia has no public education system to speak of, and only 10 percent of primary school-aged children were in school as of 2010, according to a report by the Global Campaign for Education, which ranked the countrys education system the weakest in the world. Word of Dadaabs impending closure has sent shockwaves through the camps network of primary and secondary schools. At Hagadera Secondary School, a shabby warren of concrete classrooms topped with metal roofs, teachers say theyve seen a dramatic drop in class attendance since the announcement in May. Less than 30 percent of students are coming to school now, down from 60 to 80 percent, said Hussein Ismail, Hagaderas principal. They will say, You know, I will be repatriated whether I want to be or not. Why am I doing homework? One of those still showing up is Sadia Abdi Mohamed, a talkative 22-year-old with heavy eyelids and a broad smile who is hoping to win an Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) scholarship, funded by the German government and administered by UNHCR, to study at a university in Kenya. Sadia Abdi Mohamed hopes to receive a DAFI scholarship to study at a university in Kenya. (Photos by TY MCCORMICK / FOREIGN POLICY) I have known since I was 5 that I want to be a doctor, a gynecologist, and to assist other women, she said. I am not happy about going back to Somalia. I want to stay here [in Kenya] and finish my education. In 2008, militiamen from a rival clan killed Mohameds father, burned down her familys home in Mogadishu, and tortured her mother and sisters. I left my motherland Somalia because of insecurity, torture, persecution and injustice to human rights, she wrote in her application for the DAFI scholarship. I am planning to fight the dropout of girls from schools and I shall encourage them that education is important and that it is the key of the world. If Dadaab is shuttered and its schools boarded up, Mohamed and thousands like her may never see the inside of a classroom again. Even carrying the educational certificates they earned here back to Somalia could put them in danger, since al-Shabab has been known to target those educated in Kenya in order to deter others from fleeing to the camps. Some worry that sending thousands of young men back to a place where there are few educational or professional opportunities will only widen the pool of potential extremist recruits. They may join those militia groups, so it may even worsen the small peace we have there, said Ismail. Although it is assisting with the voluntary deportations, the U.N. has stopped short of endorsing a full closure of the camp. Experts say that goal would be nearly impossible to achieve without forcefully repatriating refugees, a violation of international law. [C]amp closures are likely to lead to mass deportation back to refugees countries of origin, triggering a serious violation of international and Kenyan law prohibiting forced return to persecution or other serious harm, Leslie Lefkow, the deputy director of Human Rights Watchs Africa division, wrote in May. Asked what will happen if the Kenyan government cannot meet its goal of reducing the camps population by 150,000 through strictly voluntary measures, Ahmed Baba Fall, UNHCRs head of operations in Dadaab, said, I think you better ask that question to the government, not to me. They are the ones who said they will close the camp by November and they are the ones who said that repatriation will be voluntary and humane I am still asking myself what you are asking me: What do we do with those who are not going? Somali refugees wait to begin their journey by bus to Kismayo. (Photo by TY MCCORMICK / FOREIGN POLICY) Hamara Sankus gets fingerprinted by UNHCR staff as part of the voluntary repatriation process. (Photo by TY MCCORMICK / FOREIGN POLICY) Refugees who volunteered to be repatriated back to Somalia board buses in Dadaab. (Photo by TY MCCORMICK / FOREIGN POLICY) Kamau, the deputy commissioner of Garissa County, said he did not anticipate that anyone would refuse repatriation. It would be very unkind for any refugee to refuse to go home, he said. Since many refugees fear they will be forced out if they do not agree to leave, and since conditions in the camp have grown more desperate as WFP has cut ration levels for residents, some human rights advocates believe that even the early repatriation process now underway is not strictly voluntary. You cant talk about voluntary repatriation until everybody feels safe and that staying is a choice, said Ben Rawlence, the author of City of Thorns, a new book about Dadaab. Whats happening at the moment is illegal and forced and wrong. On a recent morning at the parched airstrip in Dadaab, a group of several hundred refugees waited to board brightly painted buses bound for Kismayo. Each of them received an aid package to help them transition to their new lives outside the camp: a blanket, a mat to sleep on, and $200. Dressed in a faded brown shawl and plastic flip-flops, Hamara Sankus pressed her left thumb into a blue inkpad. With three quick impressions on a form provided by the UNHCR, she had given up her status as a refugee, making her ineligible for future assistance should she ever return to Dadaab. Moments later, her two children had done the same. Sankus said the decision to return to Somalia had been hers alone, but she wasnt sure what to expect when she arrived there. She and her children, 18-year-old Mohamed and 13-year-old Salado, would find out soon enough. What does the future hold? she asked before climbing aboard a pink bus with yellow stripes. Whatever God plans for me. Top image by OLI SCARFF / GETTY IMAGES CLEVELAND At 39, Tom Cotton of Arkansas is the youngest member of the U.S. Senate. The Harvard-educated veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars has rapidly become a leading Republican voice on foreign policy and potential future presidential candidate. Unlike some other rising stars in the party, Cotton decided to attend Donald Trump 's nominating convention and accept a speaking role on its opening night. His home state's deep-red status Mitt Romney carried Arkansas by more than 20 points in 2012 made that a low-risk proposition. And it gave Cotton, in addition to a large television audience for his speech, a chance to mingle with delegates from Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, the three most important early states in presidential politics. He chatted about Trump and his own future inside the Quicken Loans Arena with me. What follows is a condensed, edited transcript of our conversation. HARWOOD: One of the questions that has been raised about Donald Trump is, "Is he more friendly with Russia than it is in America's best interests to be?" COTTON: Vladimir Putin was a KGB spy and he never got over that. He does not have America's best interests at heart and he does not have any American interests at heart. I suspect, after this week, when Donald Trump is the nominee and he begins to receive classified briefings, similar briefings to what I receive as a member of the Intelligence Committee, he may have a different perspective on Vladimir Putin and what Russia is doing to America's interests and allies in Europe and the Middle East and Asia. HARWOOD: His criticism of John McCain. You asked him to retract and apologize. He said that President George W. Bush lied to get us into war in Iraq and didn't protect us because 9/11 actually happened? COTTON: Well, I disagree with those statements and I said them at the time. But I think that Donald Trump and a Republican Congress will have an agenda that's better for the American people. And, you know, Hillary Clinton has a lot of things to answer for as well, to include direct lies to the American people and the FBI director has now corroborated that. Story continues HARWOOD: but you're willing to live with those things that are distasteful to you because of Hillary Clinton? COTTON: Well, I mean, the Clintons have set some of their own standards for low conduct in office. HARWOOD: Right, but what do you think of his standards? COTTON: Well, again, I've said that I disagree with those statements you cited, at the time, and I still disagree with them. I don't think they're helpful to the campaign. You know, the Republican Party is bigger than any one man. It's bigger than Donald Trump. It's bigger than me. I think that Donald Trump, like all Republicans, should be focused on the issues that matter to the American people. HARWOOD: What does the Republican Party do about the perception that it is the party of less educated people, and Democrats are the party of more educated people? Because, as education levels rise, that is not a promising formula. COTTON: Well, I would dispute that. I mean, we just passed legislation in the Senate that protects our food producers, our farmers, and our ranchers from very left-wing, labeling laws in Vermont, because the left is anti-science when it comes to the benefits of GMO food. HARWOOD: Is there anything specific that you would like to see your party do to broaden its appeal to Latinos, African-Americans, young people, women? COTTON: I think the Republican Party principles appeal to all Americans of all stripes. All races all regions, again, are dominated by working Americans people who drive our trucks, people who get our oil and gas and coal out of the ground, and teach our kids and nurse us back to health. And when we appeal to the broad, working class of America, we're going to appeal more to every ethnic group; black, white, Hispanic, Asian, and so forth. That's what we have to be focused on; the very real, practical, everyday anxieties of every American. HARWOOD: You want to run for president some day? Do you think about it? COTTON: During the 9/11 attacks, I was a student in law school. And that obviously shifted my course in life. I ended up joining the Army. And one lesson I took away from that is it's good to have a plan in life. But write your plan in pencil because you never know what the world's going to put in your path. HARWOOD: All right, I didn't hear no. More From CNBC Teenage delegates shouted to be heard over The Thong Song. Polaroid photos and discarded snap bracelets littered the floor, and the partygoers scribbled notes with milky pens before heading to a take a selfie with a sign declaring them the New Conservatives on the Block. This was the Make America Dance Again, 90s dance party, hosted by the College Republican National Committee, and about 200 young conservatives were there to party like it was 1999. Back in the 90s, they made deals and stuff like that, and they got things done, says Austin Evans, a 21-year old guest of a delegate, of what he now thinks of as a gentler time. We kinda got along with each other. But werent Clintons in power during this golden age of pogs, Pokemon and political harmony? Bill Clinton seemed like a fun guy, said Tim Slocombe, 20. His friend Michael Talaganis, 19, says the 90s were a time when everything [was] available to you. If a 90s nostalgia party seems out of place at a GOP convention largely devoted to vilifying Hillary Clinton, that could be because the youngest Republicans are out of step with a quickly aging GOP. According to Nick Allman, founder of the Republican National Convention Youth Caucus, fewer than 2% of the delegates at the RNC are under 30. The current model wont last very long demographically, notes Slocombe, who voted for John Kasich in the primary and hasnt quite come around on Donald Trump. Old Christian white people are dying out. And when they do, the party will change dramatically. Many young Republicans want the GOP to modulate its hard-line stances on social issues like gay marriage and drug legalization in order to attract younger, more diverse voters. Those issues are far less important than some of the other things were dealing with, and by clinging to them, you drive away potential Republicans, says Allman, a 23-year old student at Trinity University and delegate from San Antonio. You gotta give it up or youre gonna lose. Story continues In interviews with nearly 20 young RNC delegates, alternate delegates, and guests, there was a near unanimous consensus that the party establishment needed to back off LGBT issues like traditional marriage and transgender bathroom access in order to attract more young voters. A lot of people think that we just straight up cant deal with any LGBTQ community members, says David Morton, an 18-year old alternate delegate from Massachusetts. The new generation of young Republicans, thats not how we think. Peter Thiel, the openly gay Silicon Valley entrepreneur who is slated to speak during primetime Thursday night, could be a read as an olive branch towards this younger, more tolerant wing of the party, as could a speech by Eric Trump Foundation vice president Lynne Trump, who used the more progressive phrase LGBTQ. Many also said they wanted the party to go in a more libertarian direction, which they said included relaxing on other social issues, like abortion and marijuana legalization. Im more in favor of less government forcing people to decide whether to get an abortion or not, says Eric Shure, a 32-year old delegate from Florida. We need to take a step back and look at medical marijuana in the way it can be used, says Tanner Goldsmith, an 18-year old alternate delegate from Georgia. The vast majority of the young Republicans interviewed at the RNC said Trump had not been their first choice. Most voted for Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz or John Kasich, and some hadnt even decided if theyd vote for the nominee. Many said they thought the candidates rhetoric was alienating young voters, even if they werent convinced Trump actually believes what he says. If Trump did not have the harmful rhetoric about either Muslims or immigrants, I could 100% vote for him, says Jorge Villarreal, a Mexican-American 19-year old at-large delegate to Texas. But because of the things he said about those coming here illegally, like my parents who were granted amnesty under Reagan, I just cant in good conscience vote for a President like that. Other young Republicans also said they wished Trump would cool it a little. Michael Talaganis, a 19-year old Republican, said he thought Trumps promises were way too radical for us to enact. Trying to build a wall, trying to have Muslim immigrants have special ID cards, thats completely unconstitutional, he said . The youth in the Republican party is the future of this country, said Curtis Boucher, an 19-year old alternate delegate from Massachusetts. He has a message for the older GOP establishment: Embrace change. Its not going to be the same republican party that my father was a part of or my grandfather was a part of. Zachary Quinto is opening up about what it's like to be a gay American amid the country's current social and political climate. In an interview with Time, the 39-year-old Star Trek Beyond star reflects on life as an out actor in the wake of the Orlando shooting at gay nightclub Pulse and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's appointment of vice presidential candidate Mike Pence, who has previously spoken out against LGBT rights. "I am scared," Quinto said of the political climate. "I don't take anything for granted." "There are indicators of the pendulum swinging the other way right now in terms of the political temperature and the landscape of Trump," he explained. "It's absurd to me, but I have to have faith that we'll endure and triumph. I have to feel like people will look at these two old white men, who represent everything that is negative in history, and say there are more people who want to go a different direction. I hope so." "We have to fight with everything we have to continue the path that we've been able to gain such ground on in the last five to 10 years," he continued. "It's just a bleak and dangerous moment in our geopolitical landscape right now. It's unprecedented in our lifetime how precariously we're all perched not just here in this country but around the world." He also explained how the political tension in our world today is echoed in the themes found in Star Trek Beyond. "Our adversary in this movie is a being who's diametrically opposed to the Federation," Quinto said. "He wants to destroy a place that's a hub for different species and races people from all over the galaxy coming together and inhabiting this one place. It's weirdly parallel to what's going on all over the world right now." "There's waves of nationalism and xenophobia and fear-based thinking and intolerance," he went on. "It's alarming." Story continues RELATED VIDEO: Star Trek Re-Releases First Two Movies In 4K Blu-Ray Star Trek Re-Releases First Two Movies in 4K Blu-Ray" data-ad-channel="peoplenow" data-ad-subchannel="peoplepicks" data-auto-play="no"> Ultimately, the actor pointed out that while this "blockbuster summer popcorn movie" doesn't delve into any of these themes explicitly, " Star Trek represents is the idea that unity will always overcome hatred," he said. Star Trek Beyond hits theaters Friday. For Immediate Release Chicago, IL July 21, 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 Lockheed Martin (LMT), Northrop Grumman Corp. ( NOC) , General Dynamics Corp. (GD), Raytheon Co. (RTN) and Orbital ATK Inc. (OA). Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free. Here are highlights from Wednesdays Analyst Blog: If Hillary Clinton Becomes President, Defense Stocks Could Win Big Hillary Clinton has always embraced a strong defense platform, and it would be safe to say that she is more hawkish on national security in comparison to her peers. Over the course of this election season, Clinton has collected the most money than any other candidate from contractors in the defense industry. According to Politico , she has accepted at least $454,994 in campaign funds over a 14-month period ending this past February. The reason for this high amount? Politico explains that Clintons large defense-related contributions could possibly be due to donors at defense-related companiesbetting that a Democrat is more likely to win the White House in the fall, or that the Democratic Partys highest elected official, [President Obama], has called for a $2.4 billion increase in defense spending for fiscal year 2017. Defense Stance During her time as Secretary of State, Clintons track record suggests she would be more aggressive than President Obama when it comes to using military force. She advocated for the United States intervention in Libya, pushed Obama to arm Syrian rebels in the fight against ISIS, and backed Israel. While on the campaign trail, Clinton has said she plans on cracking down on ISIS, as well as holding China responsible in the ongoing territorial fight over the South China Sea. The Democratic frontrunner has yet to provide any specific defense strategies, but she has used certain phrases and themes during her campaign that give us a somewhat clearer picture. Story continues On her campaign websites National Security page, Clinton promises to ensure we are stronger at home; stick with our allies; embrace all the tools of American power (i.e. to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and building a strong relationship between Americans and Cubans); be firm but wise with our rivals, or in other words, stand up to Russian president Vladimir Putin and make sure China is held accountable; and have a real plan for confronting terrorists. Stocks to Watch What does this mean for the defense industry? Well, in short, some pretty good things. As a whole, the Aerospace/Defense industry current sits in the bottom 42% of all 265 industries ranked on the Zacks Industry Rank, but could potentially see a much-needed boost if Clinton wins in November. Clintons commitment to making sure the U.S. military is strong, modern, and sophisticated bodes well for defense contractors, as the need for more weapons means more business. Companies like Lockheed Martin (LMT) and Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC) could see sales of their F-35 stealth fighter jet and B-21 bomber, respectively, rise if Clinton takes office. Current Pentagon plans call for approximately $400 billion in spending on the F-35 and B-21 as the Air Force is looking to replace its aging bomber fleet. Other defense companies like General Dynamics Corp. (GD) , which makes Gulfstream jets, tanks, and warships, and is one of only two contactors in the world equipped to build nuclear-powered submarines; Raytheon Co. (RTN) , maker of a diversified line of military products like missiles, radars, and sensors, among others; and Orbital ATK Inc. (OA) , which produces and delivers launch vehicles, and supplies ammunitions and related accessories to government agencies, could all too see an increase in valuation and in the number of contracts they receive. Bottom Line Investors in the defense industry wont have to worry too much about the results of the election, because even if Trump wins, the defense budget would likely see an increase as well. But Clinton is an obvious favorite among these companies, and under her administration, the industry would probably get a significant boost in research and spending dollars. 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 >> 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 LOCKHEED MARTIN (LMT): Free Stock Analysis Report NORTHROP GRUMMN (NOC): Free Stock Analysis Report GENL DYNAMICS (GD): Free Stock Analysis Report RAYTHEON CO (RTN): Free Stock Analysis Report ORBITAL ATK INC (OA): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. For Immediate Release Chicago, IL July 21, 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 Zafgen (ZFGN), Celgene (CELG), Amgen (AMGN), AbbVie (ABBV) and Biogen ( BIIB). Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free. Here are highlights from Wednesdays Analyst Blog: Biotech Stock Roundup: Q2 Earnings on the Way This week, there were the usual regulatory and pipeline updates in the biotech sector. Biosimilars are taking center-stage with quite a few companies in the news this week related to their progress in this area. Meanwhile, Zafgen (ZFGN) , a company focused on obesity and complex metabolic disorders, has decided to suspend the development of its lead pipeline candidate. In other news, immuno-oncology continues to attract deals with Celgene ( CELG) agreeing to shell out up to $2.561 billion under a collaboration agreement. Recap of the Weeks Most Important Stories 1. The obesity market continues to pose challenges with yet another company deciding to change its priorities. Zafgen said that it has decided to suspend the development of its lead pipeline candidate, beloranib, and to refocus its resources on the development of a second-generation MetAP2 inhibitor, ZGN-1061, in severe and complicated obesity. Beloranib was placed on full clinical hold in Dec 2015 by the FDA. Following discussions with the agency, Zafgen decided that the obstacles, costs and development timelines for beloranib did not justify additional investment in the program. Zafgen also announced a workforce reduction. A few weeks back, Arena, which has a marketed obesity drug in its portfolio, had announced a cut in its workforce and said that it would be shifting its priorities to its proprietary clinical stage pipeline. Though Arena did get some good news this week -- the FDA granted approval for a new once-daily formulation of the companys obesity drug, Belviq. 2. Amgen (AMGN) , which is facing the prospect of biosimilar competition for many of its core drugs, got a bit of a breather recently with the FDA issuing a complete response letter (CRL) for Sandozs biosimilar version of Amgens Neulasta (pegfilgrastim). Amgen is already facing biosimilar competition from Zarxio Sandozs biosimilar version of Neupogen while an FDA advisory panel recently voted in favor of approving Sandozs biosimilar version of Enbrel. Amgen itself is working on bringing biosimilars to market and recently got a favorable vote from an FDA advisory panel for its biosimilar version of AbbVies (ABBV) top-selling drug, Humira. Last week, Amgen signed up with Japanese company, Daiichi Sankyo, to commercialize nine biosimilars in Japan including the biosimilar version of Humira (Read more: Amgen and Daiichi Sankyo Team Up for Biosimilars in Japan ). 3. Biogen (BIIB) is also progressing with the development of biosimilars. Samsung Bioepis, the joint venture between Samsung BioLogics and Biogen, said that its regulatory application for SB5, a biosimilar version of Humira, has been accepted for review. 4. Celgene has entered into a strategic worldwide collaboration with immuno-oncology focused company Jounce. Celgene could end up paying up to $2.561 billion for the deal which provides Celgene with the option to jointly develop and commercialize Jounces lead candidate, JTX-2011, and additional innovative immunotherapies targeting B cells, T regulatory cells and tumor-associated macrophages. This deal once again outlines the growing importance of immuno-oncology. Meanwhile, Celgene gained EU approval for the use of its blockbuster cancer drug, Revlimid in adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma, a rare sub-type of aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (Read more: Celgene's Revlimid Gains EU Nod for Mantle Cell Lymphoma ). Story continues 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 >> 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 ZAFGEN INC (ZFGN): Free Stock Analysis Report CELGENE CORP (CELG): Free Stock Analysis Report AMGEN INC (AMGN): Free Stock Analysis Report ABBVIE INC (ABBV): Free Stock Analysis Report BIOGEN INC (BIIB): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Gundersen Health System is one of the first in the state and the only in the region to sell a life-saving drug for opiate users without a prescription. Narcan, a drug that temporarily reverses an opiate overdose, is available at all Gundersen and Degen Berglund pharmacies in La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen and Prairie du Chien. Effective Monday. Making it available supports our commitment to comprehensive efforts to fight this epidemic in the communities that we serve, said Michael Dolan, an internal medicine doctor at Gundersen. Customers must ask a pharmacist for Narcan, which runs $80 per dose and is administered as a nasal spray. They also will receive information about local drug treatment and counseling resources. Those who administer Narcan must call 911, even after it revives users, Gundersen emergency room physician Chris Eberlein said. With the increasing potency of narcotics on our streets, it has been my experience that a single dose of Narcan is not always enough to fully reverse an opiate overdose, he said. They can overdose again when the Narcan wears off. Walgreens and other pharmacies soon will make the drug available without a prescription. Tri-State Ambulance paramedics used Narcan on 139 patients in 2015 and 105 people so far this year. Those trained to administer Narcan through the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsins La Crosse location reported using it 64 times this year. As the future President of these United States, Donald Trump will have to deal with the delicate issue of cyberattacks. So good thing he's got a coherent handle on this tricky and nuanced topic, right? Nah, just kidding. He sounds more like your drunk uncle at Thanksgiving blaming everything on "the cybers." DON'T MISS: If you want to be the best at Pokemon Go, you have to pay In the full transcript of an interview with the New York Times published today, Trump outlines his plans for cyberwarfare. And by "plans," I mean faint ramblings about the cybers: [DAVID E.] SANGER: You've seen several [NATO members in the Baltics] come under cyberattack, things that are short of war, clearly appear to be coming from Russia. TRUMP: Well, we're under cyberattack. SANGER: We're under regular cyberattack. Would you use cyberweapons before you used military force? TRUMP: Cyber is absolutely a thing of the future and the present. Look, we're under cyberattack, forget about them. And we don't even know where it's coming from. SANGER: Some days we do, and some days we don't. TRUMP: Because we're obsolete. Right now, Russia and China in particular and other places. SANGER: Would you support the United States' not only developing as we are but fielding cyberweapons as an alternative? TRUMP: Yes. I am a fan of the future, and cyber is the future. You heard it here first, folks: Donald Trump, who we're not sure has ever touched a computer, is a fan of the future, and cyber is the future. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com Facebook Messenger has a new Secret Conversation Feature The social network that launched a thousand privacy scares is giving you a way to send messages so private that neither the company nor anybody but your correspondent can decrypt and read them. Facebook (FB) calls this new Messenger feature Secret Conversations, and it not only lets you scramble messages, but it also lets you set them to self-destruct. The catch: If you switch to this more secure mode, every message you encrypt runs the risk of self-destructing even if you dont want it to. But that could be a worthwhile tradeoff for knowing that your messages cant be read by anybody but the recipient. The social network has never offered that option before, although its Whatsapp messenger service deployed end-to-end encryption in April. You may not have it yet, but you soon should the company said in its announcement that itll be more widely available this summer. How it works First youll need the latest version of Facebook Messenger for Android or iOS; theyre the only ones that support Secret Conversations right now. Then youll need a strong sense of which mobile device you will keep around for a while and keep secure you can only enable encryption on a single phone or tablet, and anybody who can unlock it can read your secret chats. Now select a friend in Messenger, tap their name at the top of the conversation (in iOS) or the i in a circle at the top right corner (in Android) and choose Secret Conversation. Facebook Secret Conversation Once the recipient designates a phone or tablet as their encrypted device, youll open a separate thread in which your messages appear in black bubbles instead of the usual blue. What you wont see is a request to generate an encryption key, exchange it with correspondents or do any of the other chores associated with enabling encryption. All that happens in the background; as a Facebook white paper explains, the app generates keys on each device for each message. Facebook only gets an identity key confirming that you are you; you can see yours and your friends in a secret conversation by tapping their name at the top of the screen and then choosing Device Keys. Story continues Facebook built this function using Signal, open-source software developed by Open Whisper Systems with help from $2.3 million in funding from the government-backed Open Technology Fund. Edward Snowden has repeatedly endorsed Signal on Twitter, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation gave it a perfect score in last years secure messaging scorecard. A Secret Conversation can include photos, emoji, thumbs-up Likes and stickers, but not voice calls, video or group conversations. You can also set a message to self-destruct after its been viewed your options range from 5 seconds to a day by tapping the clock icon to its right. A clock will count down on both devices, after which the message vanishes unless the recipient takes a screenshot of it. Note that youll keep sending self-destructing messages to this person unless you tap the clock icon again and switch the timer to Off. Issues and limitations Facebooks Secret Conversation is vastly easier than other encrypted options and has the virtue of coming in an app that, as Facebook just bragged, 1 billion people use a month. Even the announced limited scale of the trial turns out to matter little when anybody with this feature can invite friends to use it. (Security-minded Facebook friends, come at me.) Unfortunately, Secret Conversations are chained to one device in a way that other encryption setups including WhatsApps are not. Enabling the app on a new device wipes previous encrypted messages off the old one, and even a full, encrypted backup of an iOS device to iTunes will not preserve them. So, really, every Secret Conversation is potentially self-destructing until future versions address this. This message will self-destruct Its not an unavoidable limit. Its just that adding multiple devices adds a lot of complexity, explained Matthew Green, a cryptography professor at Johns Hopkins University whom Facebook paid to help with the project. There needs to be a mechanism for registering many devices, for ensuring that nobody adds a device you dont want, etc. For example, while I can use GPG Suite on multiple Macs to encrypt e-mail messages using the Pretty Good Privacy standard, doing so requires me to have multiple copies of the private key at the root of this cryptography system. Generally you dont want to share the same key across multiple devices, Green wrote (confession, we didnt bother to PGP-encrypt our e-mails). You want to have different devices with different keys, and then add or remove them from the identity that is you so that they can receive messages from a sender. Adding encryption to the popular web version of Messenger would be even harder, as Motherboards Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai explained in a post this week. All these hangups should explain why Facebook hasnt made encrypted messaging the default users would rebel at finding themselves cut off from chats. But even though Secret Conversations is only optional, Facebook has put secure encryption in the hands of hundreds of millions of more people. Thats something politicians should think about before they resume talking about encryption as something only criminals use. Email Rob at rob@robpegoraro.com; follow him on Twitter at @robpegoraro. By Julia Fioretti BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The French data protection authority on Wednesday ordered Microsoft Corp to stop collecting excessive data on users of its Windows 10 operating system and serving them personalised ads without their consent. The CNIL said the U.S. company had three months to stop tracking browsing by users so that Windows apps and third-party apps can offer them targeted advertising without their consent, failing which it could initiate a sanctions procedure. A number of EU data protection authorities created a contact group to investigate Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system following its launch in July 2015, the French privacy watchdog said. The action against Microsoft mirrors that taken by the CNIL against Facebook, which was ordered in February to stop collecting users' information then used for advertising without their consent. Microsoft processes information on all the apps downloaded and installed on Windows by a user and the time spent on each one to identify problems and improve its products. However the CNIL said it considered this to be excessive since the data "are not necessary for the operation of the service". The French watchdog also said that Microsoft puts advertising cookies on users' terminals without properly informing them beforehand or giving them a chance to opt out. "It has been decided to make the formal notice public due to, among other reasons, the seriousness of the breaches and the number of individuals concerned (more than ten million Windows users on French territory)," the CNIL said in a statement. "The purpose of the notice is not to prohibit any advertising on the companys services but, rather, to enable users to make their choice freely, having been properly informed of their rights." While the fines that can currently be levied by European data protection authorities are paltry compared to the revenues of big U.S. tech companies, a new European Union data protection law set to enter into force in two years provides for fines of up to 4 percent of a company's annual global turnover. David Heiner, vice president and deputy general counsel for Microsoft, said the company would work closely with the CNIL over the next few months to understand its concerns fully and "to work toward solutions that it will find acceptable." The CNIL also said Microsoft was still illegally transferring data to the United States using the Safe Harbour framework, which was struck down by the top EU court in October on concerns about mass U.S. surveillance practices. Companies have had to rely on alternative legal structures such as "standard contractual clauses" to move data across the Atlantic in line with tough EU data transferral rules. Heiner said Microsoft relied on a variety of legal mechanisms for transferring data from Europe to the United States, including standard contractual clauses. A new EU-U.S. data transfer pact will be open to companies as of Aug. 1 and Microsoft has said it will sign up to it. (Additional reporting by Alissa de Carbonnel) We usually think of cyborgs as part human, part machine, but roboticists don't limit themselves that way. Researchers have developed a hybrid robot built with body parts from a novel source: sea slugs. The new robot combines a Y-shaped muscle from the mouth of a California sea hare (Aplysia californica) with a 3D-printed skeleton. Researchers surgically removed the so-called "I2" muscle from the mouths of sea slugs and glued them to flexible, 3D-printed plastic frames. When the muscles were subjected to an external electric field, the resulting contractions produced a deliberate clawing motion that was able to move the tiny robot up to 0.2 inches (0.5 centimeters) per minute. [The 6 Strangest Robots Ever Created] The robot was modeled after the way sea turtles crawl, because the researchers wanted to create something that could move with only one Y-shaped muscle, study lead author Victoria Webster, a graduate student at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, told Live Science in an email. But, it should be possible to apply similar techniques to create more complex robots with different movement styles, such as the inchworm-inspired version that the team is working on now, she added. With a few more developments, the scientists said, teams of robots could be deployed for tasks such as searching for toxic underwater leaks or finding an airplane's "black box" flight data recorder after it has crashed into the ocean. And one day, the designers would also like to make entirely biological robots by replacing the plastic parts of the new hybrid bot with organic material. "We're building a living machine a biohybrid robot that's not completely organic yet," Webster said in a statement. Sea slugs live in a wide range of temperatures and conditions, so their muscles can function in myriad environments. This natural versatility is key to developing biological machines that are capable of operating in different environments. Story continues "By using the sea hare as our material source, we have obtained materials which are more robust than the cells which have been used in the past," Webster said. The team is now experimenting with including the ganglia, or nervous tissue, that controls the I2 muscle. "They respond to direct chemical stimulation or to stimulation of the sensory system nerves," Webster said. "By stimulating the nerves, we may be able to steer the robot in the future." The scientists also developed a method to mold collagen gel from the sea slugs' skin into "scaffolding" for completely organic machines. These nonhybrid robots would be inexpensive, nonpolluting and biodegradable, the scientists said, enabling them to release many robots without having to worry if some of them are lost. "Our hope is to continue developing these devices to include organic controllers, sensors and skeletons," Webster said. The study's findings were published online July 12 in the journal Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems. 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. By Deborah M. Todd and Jeffrey Dastin SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Former Yahoo executive Dan Rosensweig has not worked at the pioneering internet company in nearly a decade. But last week, as Yahoo Inc prepared to sell its core internet business, he was sporting a Yahoo T-shirt and, in an interview, reveled in memories of the company's heyday, along with the deep impact its alumni had - and still have - in shaping Silicon Valley. He recalled a workforce that believed "they were doing something that mattered: bringing people information," said Rosensweig, the company's chief operating officer from 2002 until 2007. "I hire as many ex-Yahoos as I can, because I know their commitment, their talent." Rosensweig - now CEO of the online education company Chegg Inc - is one of scores of executives around Silicon Valley who still "bleed purple," as many Yahoo alums put it, despite the company's more recent instability and decline. In the formative years of the web, Yahoo was the biggest, richest internet upstart in Silicon Valley, and it incubated a generation of executives. Now, as a sale and possible dismemberment of the company looms, a wave of sorrow and nostalgia is reverberating through the Yahoo diaspora. "People are sad," said Change.org President Jennifer Dulski, who left Yahoo in 2007 after nearly a decade. "Until it really is over, a lot of us believe there will be a chance for resurgence." She compared the emotions surrounding the auction to "when your parents sell your childhood home." Launched in 1994 by two Stanford graduate students, Jerry Yang and David Filo, Yahoo in its early years was the destination of choice for many making their first forays into the world wide web. The company soared, and then crashed in the first dot-com bubble - and then emerged from the rubble as one of the few internet companies with substantial revenues and profits. The peak came in the mid-2000s, many former executives say, with advertisers desperate for a presence in the new online medium filling the company's coffers. But even then, Google was busily undermining Yahoo's core business - helping people find things on the internet. By 2008, Yahoo was fending off a contentious takeover bid from Microsoft Corp and struggling to define its mission. That core question was never really answered, leading to years of management instability and shifting priorities. Google, Facebook Inc, Amazon.com Inc and a host of new companies, meanwhile, claimed much of the territory that might have been Yahoo's. The auction of the company's core assets - which has drawn bids from Verizon Communications Inc, AT&T Inc and others and is expected to conclude by the end of the month - is likely to value them at about a hundredth of what Google-parent Alphabet Inc is worth. The auction does not include Yahoo's valuable stakes in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, the Chinese e-commerce juggernaut, and Yahoo Japan Corp. THE ALUMNI NETWORK Some of the 23 former Yahoo executives interviewed by Reuters carry other emotions, including frustration with all the missed opportunities, and anger over the management dysfunction that has plagued the company for a decade. Still, many former employees remember the Yahoo of a certain era as a special place, pointing to a youthful energy, a culture of learning and the excitement of being on the front lines of the internet revolution. "Working at Yahoo for people who were young in their career was like going to a large research university," said Dan Finnigan, a former senior vice president of Yahoo and now president and CEO of Jobvite. "People who started in media went into sales, people who started in sales went into recruiting, people went from engineering to product. It was highly encouraged." Luanne Calvert, chief marketing officer at Virgin America Inc, was at Yahoo from 1999 to 2002. She credits the experience with making her career. "It was pretty amazing that you could kind of create your own job" at Yahoo, as she did. "I became the queen bee of buzz marketing ... It changed my life in terms of (experience that was) really relevant to the future of marketing." Many ex-Yahoos are quick to acknowledge that the company eventually lost focus as it grew big and bureaucratic, and came to be dominated internally by endless meetings and powerpoint presentations. By 2010, said Shashi Seth, who arrived that year as a senior vice president, "people just looked at Yahoo as a job. It wasn't their passion." Still, even today, the eagerness of ex-Yahoos to work with one another is undiminished. A Meetup group, at least two Facebook groups, a smartphone app called "xY!z Network" and a LinkedIn group with more than 15,000 members tie the ex-Yahoos together. For some, connections with fellow Yahoo alumni turned into lasting business relationships. Slack, the red-hot business messaging upstart, was founded by Flickr creator and former Yahoo executive Stewart Butterfield, and financed by former vice president of Yahoo search Andrew Braccia, who is now a general partner at venture capital firm Accel. Accel has also invested in Cloudera, co-founded by former Yahoo engineering VP Amr Awadallah. Ann Crady Weiss, a former director of business development at Yahoo and co-founder of nursery products company Hatch Baby, said the majority of financing she's received since leaving Yahoo and starting two businesses "came either directly from a Yahoo person or one degree of separation from a Yahoo person." "For me, that alumni network and those referrals set me on a path for success," she said. "Yahoo was critical to my future." Rob Solomon, former Yahoo senior vice president of commerce and current GoFundMe CEO, last year published a list of several dozen former Yahoo executives who moved on to become Silicon Valley power players. Some of its other illustrious members include LinkedIn Corp CEO Jeff Weiner, WhatsApp co-founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton, and the late SurveyMonkey CEO Dave Goldberg. The power and reach of the Yahoo diaspora, Solomon said, helps dull the pain of the company's decline. "We know each other, we trust each other," he said. "We've been through a lot together and will all help each other out." (Reporting by Deborah M. Todd and Jeffrey Dastin in San Francisco; Editing by Jonathan Weber) SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's antitrust regulator inspected Google's Seoul headquarters to investigate whether the firm is engaged in anticompetitive behavior over its Android operating system, Yonhap News Agency reported on Thursday. Yonhap, citing unnamed sources, said the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) made the inspection last week and was probing whether Google forced smartphone makers using Android on their devices to not sell products using other operating systems. Regulators began looking into the matter after the European Union brought charges against Google for anticompetitive behavior earlier this year. A person with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters the KFTC conducted an on-site inspection at Google's South Korean headquarters but declined to elaborate further. Google and the KFTC declined to comment. South Korea's antitrust regulator has investigated Google before. In 2013, the KFTC cleared Google of wrongdoing after a two-year investigation on whether the company hurt competition by forcing smartphone makers using Android to pre-load its search engine on the handsets. (Reporting by Se Young Lee; Editing by Stephen Coates) A month ago, Onalaskas contested Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) ordinance was surprisingly tabled for 30 days rather than passed forward for further discussion. The plan commission sub-committee meeting following the month of silence, though, was a different story. Although city officials spoke little on the topic, they left the extent of the conversation to be had at the plan commission meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, in the Onalaska council chambers. Discussion there will revolve around four questions. First, when should PILOTs be initiated? As the ordinance stands, a PILOT payment would be pursued when a non-profit rezones, applies for a variance or a conditional-use permit, adds a new building or expands a current building, or if there is a purchase of taxable land to be converted to tax-exempt. Secondly, what portion of the property should a PILOT payment be based off of? PILOT payments, when triggered, are applied by taking the value of the property in question and multiplying it by the citys mill rate. So essentially, as the ordinance stands, if a non-profit adds a 10-by-10-foot addition to their property, that triggers a PILOT payment and the entire property of that non-profit is valued and used for the PILOT equation, not just the addition. Third, should the mill rate be the citys multiplying value? Other possible options include utilizing the essential services revenue portion of the citys general fund, instead of the mill rate, as Katie Aspenson, Onalaskas interim land-use and development director, said. Essential services include police and fire protection and street budget items, according to the PILOT fact sheet Aspenson and city staff developed last month, which is available to view on the citys website at www.cityofonalaska.com. Lastly, should they modify the requirement for a PILOT and routinely ask tax-exempt properties to make voluntary payments? Tuesday night Bob Muth was again the swing vote between city engineer Jarrod Holter who made a motion to pass the item forward and Skip Tempe who again wanted to kill the item before it advanced. The citizens of the city do not want this, and I think we should kill it right here, Tempe said, which sparked amen murmurs from the crowd of 30 who crammed into the police training room in the basement of city hall (the council chambers are currently getting a new sound system installed). But having gone through this before, Holter argued that the entire plan commission should have a chance to weigh in on the topic this time. I dont believe the sub-committee with the three individuals here should make the decision, Holter said. I think the plan commission should be the one to have all its membership and make a recommendation so all plan commission members can have a say in the matter. Muth agreed with Holters remarks. I think this is a very important issue and I think it should move forward. At this point, Im not giving my opinion, but I agree that we need to go forward and let the whole plan commission make a decision, Muth said. Although the city didnt say much about the topic, those who showed up to speak during the public input portion of the meeting did. Public input took over half the meeting, as many familiar faces came to reiterate their stance against the policy. Some read written, prepared statements, and others simply spoke on a whim and told the sub-committee why they opposed the topic. But this public input session was the first of its kind not everyone who spoke did so in total opposition. Charlie Handy, a member of the board of control for Luther High School, said he was personally fairly comfortable with how the ordinance was drafted. I would just ask that everybody take the time to read the ordinance thats already on the books and the one that (the city) is proposing, find the differences, he said. Thats really where this debate needs to be: in the differences. The whole plan commission will now have its chance to discuss the topic. If it approves the ordinance as written, it can send it forward to the common council meeting on Aug. 9. If the council approves, it then goes to the administrative and judiciary committee for another approval. If all governing bodies approve of the ordinance as written, it can be established as city code as early as October. But thats assuming a smooth road ahead. Its possible that the plan commission, common council, or administrative and judiciary committee would want to request changes, which would make the process longer. The cost of living in Ghana remains one of the highest in the world considering the current economic challenges in the country. But the heat and pressure related to living in Ghana is most felt among residents of specific areas in the capital city of Accra. Find out some of the most expensive residences to live in Accra. 1. Cantonments Cantonments is an affluent suburb of the Ghanaian city Accra, in the Accra metropolitan district, a district in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. In fact, this area is sought of designed to only accommodate the high class in Ghana. Buying a house in this area may cost you at least thousands to millions of dollars! Never dream of renting an apartment around this affluent area if you barely earn between 10,000 - 50,000 cedis a month. 2. East Legon Hills East Legon is a district in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana and home to the main campus of the University of Ghana. Most expatriates do make it to this area especially due to the cool nature of the environment. What is not "cool" about this area is the extent to which things are just expensive! From plush shopping malls to exquisite apartments, this area is where you are most likely to meet the richest persons in Ghana. Renting out a two bedroom apartment cost you 500 to 1000 dollars per month depending on the kind of house you would love to live in. 3. Labone Estates Labone is a district bounded to the south of Accra by the Labadi road. As an extension of touristy Osu, Labone offers a mix of houses dating from the early 20th century. Unlike Osu, however, Labone remains largely residential albeit with the siting of some embassies and corporate headquarters in the district. But you must be prepared to pay much should you have a taste for such a serene and decent residential area. 4. East Airport Residential Area The name just makes out for what it would be like to live in such an area. This is airport people. And just as the name suggests, Airport residential area remains one of the most expensive places to live in Ghana. To be honest, this is an area mostly cut out for expatriates considering its proximity to the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). Unfortunately, it remains highly difficult to rent an apartment in such a plush area as most of the houses here are residential estates exclusively quoted in dollars! 5. Ridge Even though Ridge is gradually losing its place in the list of expensive place in Ghana, it remains certain that the residence - which is home to Ghana's former president Jerry Rawlings and other dignitaries - is one of an expensive place to stay. Apartments (2-3 bedrooms) are all quoted in dollars. You may have to be a top executive just to own an apartment in such a plush area. Are there other expensive places in Accra we may have missed? Share with us on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Source: YEN.com.gh In what Randy Hughes said was one of the proudest moments of my career, the longtime La Crosse brewmaster lifted one of the first cans of the brand-new Old Style Oktoberfest beer to his lips, took a swig and exhaled as he invoked the toast: MAN, thats good. Prost! Thus Hughes hailed the return of Old Style beer to its birthplace originally Heileman Brewing Co. in La Crosse Thursday, as well as the launch of the new brew as a specific homage to the citys Oktoberfest. Hughes did so in the ballroom of the City Brewery Hospitality Center Banquet Hall, to the cheers and similar toasts from Oktoberfest board members, spouses and friends, along with City Brewery officials and representatives of the Pabst Brewing Co., which owns the Old Style brand. The roll-out of the new brew and Old Styles homecoming occurred nearly 17 years to the day that its production in La Crosse ceased, said Greg Deuhs, who was assistant brewmaster to Hughes at the time and now is Pabsts brewmaster. Although only the Oktoberfest blend will be produced at City Brewery initially, this definitely opens the door for potential opportunities between the brand and city to further collaborate down the line, a Pabst spokesman said. I had long hoped and dreamed this day would come, Hughes said. To get a quality beer and the Heileman shield and La Crosse name on a can its a great day. Old Style is back in La Crosse. With that, the two dozen or so Oktoberfesters men in lederhosen and women in dirndls in the ballroom sang Ein Prosit, with a particularly robust emphasis of the songs closing words, Ziggy zaggy, ziggy zaggy, oi oi oi. The song is a traditional German toast to health and well-being. Although seasoned Oktoberfest fans are prone to breaking out in the song at the drop of a Tyrolean hat, it was especially fitting for this occasion. German malts and hops are among the secrets to Old Style Oktoberfest the first new Old Style beer in 15 years. The original Old Style of the 1970s and 80s was more of an American blend, said Hughes, who began working at Heileman in May 1978 and became brewmaster in May 1995. Hughes and Deuhs collaborated on the recipe for the Marzen-style Old Style Oktoberfest, which will reach store shelves next month and be sold in four-packs of 16-ounce cans. Deuhs attributed the choice of the 16-ouncers as opposed to the typical 12-ounce cans were because weve gotta have the fest size, while Hughes added some practical, and historical, considerations. When the craft beer craze created waves in the industry, craft brewers typically eschewed using cans, opting for bottles instead, Hughes said. Now, many have graduated to 16-ounce cans, he said, adding, Its a hot package even for craft brewers. Its the package of choice, and its a full pint. The larger can provides a lot of space for graphics and longevity on the shelves, Hughes said. The design on the Old Style Oktoberfest can showcases its La Crosse connections, including the Heileman label and a statement that it is brewed here. It also will be the official beer sponsor of the Sept. 29-Oct. 2 event and will be in the Golden Keg that is tapped to open the festival. Duane Moore, the 1997 festmaster, noted that former La Crosse Tribune artist Bob Hess drew the couple on the front of the can for the first Oktoberfest in 1961, and it has continued as a symbol for the festival. If its tied to Oktoberfest, it had to have those, said Moore, who was among those attending the roll-out of the new beer. On the back side of the can is a surprisingly detailed rendition of the Oktoberfest grounds, also including the Cass Street Bridge and riverboats and railroads that have been so important in La Crosses development. Hughes attributed the ability to create Old Style Oktoberfest to the work of the City Brewery upper management and owners and Pabst management. ... I want to thank the people at Pabst for letting us show what we can do here. After the ceremony, the dignitaries and attendees escorted a case of Oktoberfest, carried in the typical brewery symbol of a horse-drawn beer wagon to City Hall, for delivery to Mayor Tim Kabat. The mayor wasnt in, having returned Wednesday night from a trade mission to La Crosse sister cities in Epinal, France, and Friedberg, Germany, so the beer will be waiting when he returns to work, possibly today. Asked whether the return of an Old Style label to La Crosse was unanticipated, 97 Festmaster Moore responded, It isnt surprising. After a reflective pause, Moore added, You wonder why they didnt do it quicker. The number of fatal domestic violence incidents in Wisconsin reached a new high in the first half of 2016, according to End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin. The organization last week decried the 39 domestic-violence-related deaths, which it said is 70 percent higher than average and a significant increase beyond the previous high. The statistic includes law enforcement officers killed while responding to domestic incidents but excludes children because theyre classified as child abuse cases. There has been one fatality in the La Crosse area so far this year, according to New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Center. There have been 34 lethal domestic violence incidents in New Horizons seven-county service area since the group began keeping track in 1986. Thats pretty much one a year, which is too many, too many, New Horizons executive director Ann Kappauf said. Seven of those have been in the city of La Crosse, including the one this year: a 29-year-old woman who was stabbed in March and died in the hospital. Her husband was charged with first-degree homicide in the case. Last year also saw a fatality. In March 2015, a 28-year-old Holmen woman was killed. Her boyfriend, who is facing a first-degree intentional homicide charge, confessed to striking her in the head and slicing her neck while their two young children were inside the house, according to court records. The La Crosse Police Department was called to more than 1,536 domestic abuse situations last year and 827 so far in 2016. Those numbers include only cases immediately identified as domestic disturbances. Some are identified as domestic abuse cases as details gathered later in the investigation reveal personal relationships. The New Horizons crisis line answered 2,445 calls in 2015, from victims, and their friends, family and neighbors who worried about them. The shelter serves 1,500 people a year, with 221 of those looking for a safe place to stay. Mosdt clients are between 25 and 49, but New Horizons serves people of all genders and ages, including children. They were fleeing abusive situations and had nowhere else to go, Kappauf said. Those numbers have increased in the past few years; however, Kappauf speculated that the increase is due more to awareness of resources than an increase in abuse. She said New Horizons has also seen an increase in people staying longer because of a lack of affordable, safe housing. On the law enforcement side, the number of domestic violence cases is on track to grow slightly, though not by much, according to La Crosse Police Department Domestic Abuse Reduction Team coordinator Sgt. Linnea Miller. The numbers are consistent, but what were finding is that they are more and more violent, Miller said. One of the main factors in avoiding fatalities is the departments DART program, which brings victim services both within and outside the department together to prioritize victim safety. We are so very lucky here, Kappauf said, referring to how law enforcement handles domestic violence. Officers main tool is a research-based lethality assessment with a list of questions required to be asked at every domestic incident. The assessment asks whether the victim was choked or threatened with a weapon among other things, which gives law enforcement and prosecutors a clearer picture of the amount of danger a victim is in. Its really a victim-centered approach, Miller said. We provide them with what they need to be safe. Police refer victims to advocates while monitoring the situation to help reduce repeat offenses and improve relationships between victims and law enforcement. Officers do whatever they can to make victims feel safe, going so far as to deliver them to New Horizons shelter door. Advocates do everything from help victims through the process of getting a restraining order to matching them up with a safe place to live to simply providing support and safety planning. They are trained to understand the victims struggle to admit their loved one has been abusing them. Its not easy because they are dealing with someone they care a lot about or love, Miller said. The advocates both with New Horizon and DART are not allowed to report incidents to police without a signed release from the victim. It strikes a balance between overwhelming victims at a time when they are most vulnerable while also building relationships to help get victims out of the situation. Miller echoed Kappaufs sentiment, saying that any fatalities are too many. Sometimes everything you do is just not enough, Miller said. While domestic disturbances remain the most dangerous calls for officers to respond to, Miller said she could not recall a fatality of an officer during a domestic altercation in her 16 years with the LCPD, something she attributes to policies like one recommending officers to respond in pairs to dangerous situations. BLACK RIVER FALLS A former employee will spend a year in jail for embezzling nearly $180,000 from Jackson Electric Cooperative. Judge Mark L. Goodman said Jeffrie C. Cook avoided prison because he paid restitution in full before his plea and sentencing hearing Thursday in Jackson County Circuit Court. Cook, 47, also will serve five years on probation after his jail term, which will not include release privileges. He pleaded no contest to two counts of felony theft of over $10,000 in a business setting as part of a joint agreement reached by the prosecution and defense. Jackson Electric representatives shared the impact the thefts and their aftermath had on employees, members and the co-ops reputation. Gary Woods, co-op board president, said the boards reputation was affected by Cooks actions, and he urged the judge to impose a strict sentence. Because of the selfish act of an employee, the reputation of the Jackson Electric board is tarnished, he said. Your honor, there should be no leniency in this case. The co-op has implemented measures to safeguard against crimes like Cooks, which Babcock reported in May 2015 after discrepancies were discovered in check deposits after Cooks resignation. Cook for five years had been depositing some monthly checks without recording them into the co-ops financial records and then removing the same amount in cash from the deposit and keeping it for a total of $179,792. He told authorities he took the money because of personal financial difficulties. Jackson County District Attorney Gerald Fox said the joint recommendation of two years jail and five years probation came because Cook satisfied the restitution but also needed punishment because of the crimes wide-ranging impact. An Onalaska woman convicted of taking nearly $20,000 in union dues is again charged with embezzling from her employer. According to a criminal complaint, Melissa Roby, 41, was hired as executive director of the Association of Wisconsin Symphony Orchestras in 2014. In the fall of 2015, the nonprofit board discovered discrepancies in ledgers that Roby had been asked repeatedly to provide. She was fired on Oct. 12. A review of the books showed $1,143.79 was missing, but the groups treasurer said he believed there was more, noting unauthorized cash withdrawals and other spending for non-AWSO purposes, the complaint states. Ten days before Roby met with the board, a $5,000 check from her aunt was deposited in the account. The AWSO was not aware that Roby had been convicted in 2009 of embezzling from the Holmen Education Support Personnel union while serving as treasurer. She was sentenced to five years probation. When questioned by investigators, Roby admitted borrowing money from the AWSO account to make house payments and buy food and clothing for her children but said she believed the money had been repaid. Roby told police medical bills had forced her to file for bankruptcy. She was charged Thursday in La Crosse County Circuit Court with felony theft in a business setting. As part of her 2009 sentence, Roby was ordered to pay nearly $24,000 in restitution. According to court records, she owed nearly $16,500 on completion of her probation in 2014. The bankruptcy filing indicates Roby owed $15,000 to the teachers union. BLACK RIVER FALLS A Merrillan man has been charged after being accused of sexually assaulting two boys for years. Thomas D. Comstock, 53, was charged Wednesday after a 25-year-old man came forward last week to report Comstock assaulted him when he was a young boy. Another male victim, whos now 17, subsequently reported he also was assaulted, according to the criminal complaint filed in Jackson County Circuit Court. The first victim estimated he was sexually assaulted anywhere from 50 to 100 or more times from age 4 until he was 18, sometimes with Comstock performing oral sex on the victim and other times having the victim perform oral sex on him, according to the complaint. The victim told authorities Comstock stopped the oral sex acts after he resisted during one instance when he was between 11 and 13 years old, but he recalled other instances when he was older in which Comstock touched his genitals, according to the complaint. The second victim spoke to authorities after the first victim informed him of the assaults and recalled two times that Comstock performed oral sex on him when he was 4 or 5 years old, according to the complaint. Comstock is charged with five counts of felony sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, each of which carries a maximum prison term of 40 years. Judge Anna Becker on Wednesday set a $5,000 cash bond that includes conditions to not have contact with the victims or any males younger than 18. Hes due back in court for an adjourned initial appearance on Aug. 1. MADISON A transgender student has filed a federal lawsuit alleging a Wisconsin school district wont let him use the boys restrooms and repeatedly uses his female birth name, violating federal anti-discrimination laws and the U.S. Constitution. The Transgender Law Center and the civil rights law firm Relman, Dane and Colfax PLLC filed the lawsuit Tuesday in Milwaukee against the Kenosha school district. The filing states Ashton Whitaker, a 16-year-old student at Tremper High School, was designated a girl on his birth certificate but began identifying as a boy in middle school. The lawsuit alleges the district has denied him access to boys restrooms and directed staff to monitor his restroom usage, forcing him and other transgender students to wear green wristbands to help staff recognize them. As a result, Whitaker drastically reduced his liquid intake, aggravating a medical condition that causes him to faint, and suffered stress migraines. Teachers also continue to call him by his female birth name, he had to room with girls on an orchestra trip to Europe and the principal initially denied him the ability to run for junior prom king, telling him he could run only for prom queen, according to the lawsuit. School administrators relented only after his classmates protested, the lawsuit noted. The districts actions violate Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, as well as the U.S. Constitutions equal protection guarantees, the lawsuit argues. Whitaker said in a news release that the districts actions have made his life miserable and hes worried about how hell navigate his upcoming senior year. A message left at the school district on Wednesday morning wasnt immediately returned. Wisconsin is one of several conservative-led states suing President Barack Obamas administration over its directive to public schools to let transgender students use bathrooms that match their gender identity. Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin tried to pass a bill during the 2015-16 legislative session that would have made it the first state in the nation to force public school students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their birth gender. The measure went nowhere. At least 13 states and the District of Columbia prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity in schools. Hundreds of school districts, from Anchorage, Alaska, and Tucson, Arizona, to Fairfax County, Virginia and Chicago, have adopted similar protections. At least two other transgender students have filed lawsuits similar to Whitakers seeking the right to use boys bathrooms and locker rooms. Gavin Grimm filed a lawsuit in Virginia seeking the right to use the boys bathroom at his high school. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Grimm in April, ruling the judge who had rejected his claim ignored the Obama administrations rule. The school board has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take the case. A 14-year-old Maryland middle school student filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday alleging school officials have barred him from using the boys restrooms and locker rooms. On the other side of the issue, dozens of families filed a federal lawsuit in May to stop Township High School District 211 in suburban Chicago from allowing a transgender student who was born a boy but identifies as a girl from using the girls locker room. CLEVELAND Imitation may be the highest form of flattery, but plagiarism, not so much. This is especially so if youre Melania Trump on opening night at the Republican National Convention. Or, is it? By the reaction, both within and without the campaign, youd have thought the woman had lifted Lady Macbeths Out, damned spot, or, say, Hillary Clintons What difference, at this point, does it make? Instead, Melania Trump or one of her speechwriters lifted nearly 60 words from Michelle Obamas speech at the 2008 Democratic convention. The lines in question fall squarely in the category of boilerplate. Banal, in other words, such that one wonders why anyone would bother. This isnt to disparage Michelle Obamas speech, which was original to her and benefited from the ring of authenticity and the future first ladys passion. Repeated by Melania, it was as inspiring as a fortune cookie platitude. Whatever the reason or whoever was responsible for the obvious duplication, it was, just to be clear, plagiarism someone elses thoughts and words presented as ones own. A couple of words were moved, perhaps to make the plagiarist feel better, but the result was to ruin what otherwise was a rather sweet, if not quite triumphant, presentation by the foreign-born wife of presumptive nominee Donald Trump. Was anyone really expecting more? How simple it would have been the day after to say oops and move along. Instead, campaign manager Paul Manafort denied the plagiarism Tuesday morning. In a matter of hours, several revisions and amendments to the denial were added. Melania wrote the speech herself. No, she had speechwriters. Does the truth really hurt so much? It is doubtful that anyone beyond the media (or the Trump campaign) cares much about this scandalous affront to intellectual property (cough, cough). Half the country watching Mrs. Trumps speech likely werent paying close attention to her words, given the visual distraction of her physical presence. But, as always, the handling of the episode has become the story. If we opened another fortune cookie, it might read: Denial and cover-up are often worse than the crime. Heres another: Always tell the truth as soon as possible. Trump, the man who frequently says, Believe me, and trust me, may need to tweak his message. Moreover, isnt the view from Trump Tower that deny-and-cover is Hillary Clintons template? If for no other reason, Trumps people should have fessed up to, yes, horrors, mistakenly using some of Mrs. Obamas speech. Were so sorry. Forgive this inadvertent display of admiration for her speech, which we studied without intending to copy. End of story. As you know, this isnt the way things went and an entire day of news coverage (and now this column) was devoted to the plagiarism followed by the deception. Again, few seem to care as much as the media do in part because reporters and writers are necessarily attuned to the risks and consequences of plagiarism. Otherwise, most people recognize that leaders and CEOs have to rely on staff and speechwriters to get things right. Sometimes they screw up. In a high-profile case such as this, theyre usually fired and the ship sails on. But Trumps campaign made it known Tuesday that no one would be fired, leaving people to wonder what really happened. Manaforts denial and aggressive dismissal of anyone questioning the speechs origins suggests that the never-wrong narcissism of the boss is either contagious or Trump likes to surround himself with mirror images. Then again, maybe hes protecting the boss wife. The truth is, Melania probably didnt write her speech, though as is typical, she worked with speechwriters, one of whom may have purloined Obamas words. Its too bad because Trump could have used this episode as an opportunity for compassion and perhaps even a sympathetic narrative: Melania is an immigrant and a retired model. Shes not a professional writer. To prepare for her debut, she wanted to see what other first ladies have said in their speeches. She was so moved by Mrs. Obamas speech that she wanted to offer some of those same thoughts. She just doesnt understand the rules about borrowing others words. They could have made lemonade. Instead, poor Melania was left holding the lemons. The following editorial appeared in Wednesdays Chicago Tribune. Last summer, when Donald Trump visited with the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board at the start of his campaign, we had no idea nada, none, zippo we were hosting the future Republican nominee for president. Its been a surprising political cycle, to say the least. With that in mind, the board met Tuesday with the Libertarian Party candidate for president, former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, and his running mate, former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld. Could these outsiders climb enough in the polls to earn the right to participate in the fall presidential debates? We wont again underestimate the voters ability to shock. Yes, Johnson and Weld appear capable of making waves. Johnson hit 13 percent in a new CNN presidential poll. He likely needs to reach 15 percent in future polls to qualify for the debates. Thats doable. Could they go all the way to the White House? Well, thats jumping ahead. What earns their disarming buddy routine a minute of your time is their intriguing mix of government experience and mad chef political thinking. Each is a former two-term Republican governor in a Democratic state who got the local economy moving. Governing across party lines means each is comfortable at compromise, a spirit at the heart of their quixotic campaign. Johnson and Weld arent running as anti-government-free-will Libertarians with a capital L. They are agile, practical-minded thinkers with a few quirks: Conservative on money issues, socially liberal, skeptical of government power and military entanglements. Not so scary, right? Most people are Libertarian, Johnson told us. Its just that they dont know it. That pithy line is a grabber, especially since they come across as decent fellows (with Weld more the orator during our hour together). What makes them worth a serious look? Many voters dont want politics as usual. Republican primary and caucus voters rejected traditional candidates and messaging in favor of Trump. On the Democratic side, Bernie Sanders, a democratic socialist, came reasonably close to upsetting Hillary Clinton. And today? A majority of the electorate (58 percent!) is dissatisfied with the major party candidates for president, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. Among registered voters, 47 percent strongly dislike Hillary Clinton; 49 percent strongly dislike Trump. Now how do a couple of no-nonsense former governors sound? The history of third-party candidates suggests that Johnson/Weld wont get over the hump. In 1992 Ross Perot caught fire, winning 19 percent of the popular vote, yet didnt claim a single state in the Electoral College. But this year could be more hospitable to a third-party ticket. Trump, with his reckless blather, frightens many voters. Clinton, cited by the head of the FBI as extremely careless for mishandling sensitive emails as secretary of state, has, um, a credibility deficit. Our time with Johnson and Weld only scratched the surface of their views. The federal government is an obstacle to prosperity and an inefficient problem-solver, Johnson posited. Hes inclined to shut down or pare back agencies such as education and commerce and direct that money to the states. He wants a balanced budget. To preserve Social Security, hed raise the retirement age and apply a means test. Thats sensible advice, not scary, especially since Johnson says he could compromise with Congress. The most radical notion Johnson floated isnt so radical: He favors legalizing marijuana, noting that its happening already. He wont risk alienating voters by calling for the legalization of heroin, for example; he does support ideas like needle exchanges that save lives. Concerning the war on terror, Johnson sounded cautious, fretting about the unintended consequences of trying to save the world. Said Weld about American troops in Afghanistan: When should they come home never? We have to leave 8,400 troops there because we decided to do what the British Empire and Russian empire decided to do and failed miserably? We would disagree, but appreciated the directness of his answer. There is more polishing for this duo to do if theyre to sway many voters. Theyre at odds on some issues: Do they want to abolish the income tax in favor of a consumption or flat tax? Johnson likes the former, Weld the latter. And Mr. Johnson, if your origin story as a Libertarian involves having been handed a short book as a lad, please do a Google search and determine the title of that worthy tome. Obviously this is a long-shot candidacy. The most likely scenario that propels Gary Johnson to the presidency is a frankly impossible bank shot: If no candidate claims an Electoral College victory, the deadlocked race would be thrown to the House of Representatives. Did we say impossible? After Trump, maybe nothing is. CLEVELAND America deserves better than Hillary Clinton, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker told attendees of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday. Walker's speech was his most earnest pitch yet for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, a candidate he has acknowledged wasn't his first choice or even his second. But like many other GOP leaders, Walker's endorsement of Trump was framed by his opposition to presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. "Last August, I said that any of the Republicans running would be better than Hillary Clinton. I meant it then, and I mean it now," Walker told the convention audience. "So let me be clear: a vote for anyone other than Donald Trump in November is a vote for Hillary Clinton." Walker led the crowd in a call-and-response routine his "Why?" met with "Because America deserves better!" throughout his remarks. Just a few weeks ago, the governor and former presidential candidate's name was being floated as a potential "white knight" challenger to Trump on the convention floor. For a few weeks, Walker distanced himself from Trump after the candidate made controversial comments about a judge's ethnicity, and said several times he was looking for Trump to clarify those comments before the convention. But by the beginning of July, Walker had agreed to speak at the convention, signaling his intentions to fully back Trump as the nominee. His speech on Wednesday was a plea for unity, for the sake of defeating Clinton. He argued the former Secretary of State cannot be trusted with classified information, citing the FBI's investigation of her email use. And breaking from his prepared remarks, he mentioned a recent conversation with Trump about the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Walker said Trump should be the one to select Scalia's replacement, not Clinton. Republicans are presenting "a better way forward," Walker said, nodding to the policy agenda being offered by House Speaker Paul Ryan. Electing Trump is the key to implementing that agenda, Walker argued. The agenda includes a "comprehensive" approach to national security, rolling back government regulations, overhauling the tax code and developing a more effective approach to fighting poverty. Walker's speech offered something the convention had been missing, said University of Wisconsin-Madison political science and journalism professor Mike Wagner a traditional appeal for ideological unity, reminding voters of the stakes of the election. Walker held up Wisconsin as proof that "Republican leadership works," resurrecting portions of his campaign stump speech as he highlighted his own political achievements in a state that has traditionally supported Democratic presidential candidates. Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesman Brandon Weathersby said the speech was more of a pitch for Walker's future presidential ambitions than an endorsement of Trump, and said Walker "is only looking out for himself." "You see, it wasn't too late for Wisconsin and it's not too late for America," Walker said. "If you've had enough of Washingtons brokenness, wastefulness, empty promises and arrogance, join us. Help us elect Republicans to office from the courthouse to the statehouse to the White House." Walker took a decidedly different tack from Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, whom he endorsed in Wisconsin's GOP primary. Cruz was shouted down with "Trump" chants and boos as he urged Republicans to "vote their conscience," voicing support for some of Trump's proposals but never offering an endorsement. Both Walker and Cruz have been the subject of speculation about future presidential campaigns this week, although Walker has insisted the only campaign on his mind is a potential re-election bid in 2018. Wagner said it was "striking" to see them follow different strategies. "Walker made an ideological case for Trump. Cruz made one that appeared to oppose Trump. Walker is likely to earn the higher marks in the postgame conversations," Wagner said. CLEVELAND Just shy of a year ago, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker stood onstage at the Quicken Loans Arena and vowed to support the Republican Party's presidential nominee, whoever it may be. This week, he came full circle. Onstage at the same arena, he urged the party faithful to support a candidate he acknowledges wasn't his first choice or even his second. And in doing so, he positioned himself miles apart from Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Walker's second choice. Cruz and Walker spoke blocks away from each other Thursday morning, addressing their state delegations on the final day of the convention and each of them addressed the full convention. Walker told Wisconsin's delegation he is backing Trump not for the sake of party unity, but because he believes it's the best thing to do for the country. He continued to frame his endorsement as a choice between Trump and presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, who he said is "unfit" to be president. At the same time, Cruz defended his refusal to abide by the candidates' pledge and endorse the party's nominee. He suggested the pledge lost its validity the moment Trump attacked Cruz's wife. Walker was on the receiving end of Trump's often personal insults during the campaign, too. But he shrugged them off on Thursday as he has done in the past. "I'm a big boy. I can handle that," Walker told reporters. But he passed up the opportunity to criticize Cruz, saying he would leave it to voters and delegates to respond. Instead, he continued to try and walk a line between backing Trump and attempting to distance himself from some of the candidate's more controversial comments. In particular, Walker was critical earlier this summer of comments Trump made about a judge's ethnicity, saying several times he was looking for Trump to clarify those comments before the convention. The governor stressed repeatedly, both to delegates and reporters, that his endorsement doesn't mean he agrees with everything Trump has said or done and said that's one area where he disagrees. But Walker can overcome those disagreements to support the candidate whose last name isn't Clinton. "One of two people is going to be the next president of the United States," Walker said. "Its either going to be Hillary Clinton or its going to be Donald Trump. And I believe that its fundamentally unacceptable Hillary Clinton becomes president; therefore, I support Donald Trump." Wisconsin Democrats said this week Walker's support for Trump is about his own future political prospects. The governor is "only looking out for himself," said Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesman Brandon Weathersby. While Walker made the case to his state's delegation to get behind Trump, he also told the room the "number one priority in the state of Wisconsin" is to re-elect Republican Sen. Ron Johnson, who faces a tough challenge from Democratic former Sen. Russ Feingold. He also focused on the appeal of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as a vice presidential candidate, a point stressed by party leaders, including Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, throughout the week. "One of the best reasons to vote for Donald Trump is not just because Mike Pence is a conservative, and he is, but because hes a good and decent and honorable man whos been one of the most effective governors in the country," Walker said. Echoing points from his Wednesday night speech, Walker on Thursday argued the former secretary of state cannot be trusted with classified information, citing the FBI's investigation of her email use. He also said Trump should be the one to select a justice to fill the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Walker acknowledged there are still Wisconsin conservatives who haven't come around to Trump, but insisted there's "too much at stake" to support a third-party candidate or leave the presidential line on the ballot blank. Later on Thursday after an interview with the kids' TV channel Nickelodeon he tried to make that case to Milwaukee-based conservative radio host Charlie Sykes, who continues to carry the "Never Trump" banner. Walker told the Wisconsin delegation he hoped to convince Sykes to give up the fight, but instead, Sykes put Walker on the defensive in the 12-minute interview. Another Wisconsin Republican still in the "Never Trump" camp, conservative strategist Brian Fraley who is observing the convention from Wisconsin said both Walker and Cruz's decisions were based on political calculations. "Walker's conscience told him to back Trump no matter what because he sees the only alternative is a Clinton presidency and a liberal Supreme Court. Cruz's conscience led him to support Republican principles and left the door open for a future determination on how to vote in November," Fraley said. "Both candidates did what they think is best for the nation and what best positions them politically in the future. Only time will tell which calculation was correct." Both Walker and Cruz have been the subject of speculation about future presidential campaigns this week, although Walker has insisted the only campaign on his mind is a potential re-election bid in 2018. University of Wisconsin-Madison political science and journalism professor Mike Wagner said it was "striking" to see them follow different strategies. "Walker made an ideological case for Trump. Cruz made one that appeared to oppose Trump. Walker is likely to earn the higher marks in the postgame conversations," Wagner said. Fraley pointed out that another former presidential candidate, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, joined Cruz in declining to endorse Trump. But Rubio, in a video message played for the convention Wednesday night, didn't tell Republicans to "vote their conscience" like Cruz did. Fraley said he's not personally upset with anyone who follows either the Walker or the Cruz school of thought. "However, it does sadden me to see Walker, a principled leader I respect and support, diminish himself by so wholeheartedly supporting and cheerleading for Trump. I wish he had left the pompons at home and taken the straightforward and understated Rubio approach instead," Fraley said. "It should surprise no one that there is tremendous push to go along to get along and put party first at all costs, especially at the party's national convention," he added. "But just because I'm not surprised does not mean I am not disappointed. Trump is as eminently vulgar, ideologically rudderless, vain and authoritarian today as he was during the Wisconsin campaign." Two men have filed for election in hopes of gaining the judges seat in Houston County that is currently held by Carmaine Sturino, who was appointed to the bench in October following the retirement of long-time Judge James Fabian. Dan Moulton of Chatfield is the first challenger in the Third Judicial District, which is made up for 11 counties in southeast Minnesota. Moulton has lived in Chatfield his entire life on a farm and has privately practiced law in Rochester for more than 30 years. in private practice. In addition to that work, hes been trained as a law clerk in Olmsted County and in the Minneapolis city attorneys office. Hes also a city attorney for several communities in the area. He completed a trial seminar with the National Institute of Trial Advocacy in Lawrence, Kan., as well as seminar in deposition techniques in Chicago and prosecution techniques in Minneapolis. During his career, hes taken on cases of attempted murder, vehicular homicide, arson, personal injury, family law, probate and other matters. The other challenger is La Crosse attorney Tim Guth of Caledonia, who has 28 years of experience in law. Hes been in private practice since 1993, serving mostly criminal defendants in Houston and Winona counties. Guth is also a public defender in La Crosse, Buffalo, Monroe, Jackson, Crawford and Vernon counties in Wisconsin. He represents clients with family law matters, divorce and child custody cases and has tried more than 40 jury trials in Winona County. Guth has a bachelors degree in political science at St. Olaf College and Hamline University School of Law. He served in the Army from 1984 to 1988, attending Special Forces training at Fort Bragg and becoming a Green Beret. They face incumbent Judge Carmaine Sturino, who was the second female to occupy the bench in the Third District. After graduating from Drake University Law School, she spent 14 years as an attorney, practicing exclusively in the Third District. That included work as a public defender, prosecutor, private attorney and conciliation court referee, a career that spanned criminal, civil, family court, jury verdicts, plea negotiations and agreements. Shes certified with the Center For Legislative practice, has a bachelors degree in political science and public administration from UW-La Crosse, and has had stints as an assistant public defender, assistant county attorney, and work as a parallel protection facilitator, family law practice, and was a law clerk for Fabian. The race will be narrowed to two candidates in Tuesdays primary election. There has been a lot of talk around the country about how the Trans-Pacific Partnership is good for our agricultural economy. Im not buying it. Over the last several decades, the story of trade agreements ratified by Congress has been one of broken promises. Backers of trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Korea Free Trade Agreement, promised U.S. farmers increases in farm income and more rural economic activity. These promises largely remain unfulfilled. In fact, agricultural imports have surged while exports have lagged behind under recent free trade agreements, hurting U.S. farmers. Wisconsin Farmers Union believes that the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a global trade agreement among 11 Pacific Rim countries, poses a serious threat to dairy farmers. Among other concerns, the agreement could lead to greater imports of milk protein concentrates, which displace demand for milk produced on U.S. farms. New Zealand, the leading exporter of concentrates, is a member of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Exchange rates are especially important when it comes to trade in agricultural commodities. When the value of the U.S. dollar is high, U.S. commodities are relatively more expensive to international traders, and traders will opt to buy commodities from other countries instead. Since U.S. negotiators failed to secure binding prohibitions on currency manipulation in the agreement, all of the supposed gains to agricultural exports under the deal easily could be wiped out by currency manipulation. Another possible detriment to the agreement is that Canadas milk quota system is supposed to be phased out over the next decade. Will it still have the ability to protect its farm structure? And how will that impact our fragile U.S. dairy market? Meanwhile, the U.S. trade deficit continues to rise. Without some safeguards in place and a provision to address currency manipulation, the Trans-Pacific Partnership is not going to be good for American agriculture. Under the agreement, dairy prices will struggle; the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that imports will rise by close to 5 billion pounds by 2025. This is in comparison to less than 4 billion under current trade agreements. But think of the exports, they say! Were told exports will save us, but look at what has happened over the last 18 months exports have fallen by nearly 13 percent in volume and 33 percent in value. That means there is less money returning to the local economy and more money leaving the U.S. to buy imports. Additionally, dairy farm numbers in the U.S. have been declining for several decades now. In 1970, there were around 648,000 farms. In 2006, there were 75,000. We have fewer than 58,000 dairy farms across the country today. Wisconsin is losing one farm a day on average and California is losing up to two per week as a result of low milk prices. With falling exports and rising imports, there will be pressure for prices to remain below farmers production costs. We cant risk another economic downturn like those weve experienced under previous trade deals. Wisconsin Farmers Union opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership and has urged our representatives to reject the agreement. Where do our candidates and elected officials stand? President Barack Obama supports the Trans-Pacific Partnership. In contrast, presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have voiced opposition to it. Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, says that he is undecided, even though the proposal was released in November of last year. Johnson did vote to authorize the president to fast-track the agreement. Johnsons Democratic challenger, Russ Feingold, opposes the deal. While many in our agricultural community would have you believe that the Trans-Pacific Partnership is all sunshine and roses, past trade deals should give us serious pause. Dont believe the hype. Standing up for Wisconsin farmers means standing against the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Darin Von Ruden is a Westby dairy farmer and president of the Wisconsin Farmers Union. Representatives from U.S. Rep. Ron Kind's district offices will be available at open office hours in multiple counties in Wisconsins Third Congressional District. Kind's representatives will be at Viroqua's McIntosh Memorial Library, 205 S. Rock Ave., Tuesday, July 26, from 10 to 11 a.m. Kinds office can assist people who are having issues dealing with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Internal Revenue Service, Immigration and Naturalization Service, and a number of other federal agencies. NYCOMED Amersham has confirmed it will be putting forward plans to redevelop part of its site but say the company is determined to keep the workforce in the town. The health and science group announced the proposals last week and said it will be consulting with neighbours and local councils in the New Year before going ahead with the plan. Leaders of the al-Qaida and Islamic State terrorist groups have been urging followers in Western nations to carry out attacks with whatever weapon is available -- including a knife, a car or a fist. This month, Mohammed Bouhlel showed how deadly simple attack methods can be. He killed 84 people in the French port city of Nice with a truck. Daniel Benjamin was a counterterrorism official at the U.S. State Department. He is now the director of the John Sloan Dickey Center for International Understanding at Dartmouth College. Its a frightening moment, he said. How many easy and simple ways can we identify to kill people? Vehicles as weapons Terrorists have begun using vehicles as weapons for several years. So-called car-ramming assaults by Palestinian militants have killed many people in Israel. Vehicles have also been used in a series of smaller attacks in France, Britain, Canada and the United States. In 2006, Iranian-American Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar drove his car into a group of students at the University of North Carolina. Nine people were hurt. The attack in Nice was unusual, however, because of the size of the vehicle and the size of the crowd. Scott Stewart is the vice president of tactical analysis at the intelligence advisory company Stratfor. He told VOA on Skype that whats kind of unusual about this [Nice] attack is that such a large vehicle was used against such a large crowd; you had such a huge death toll. Low-tech methods It was likely easy for Mohammed Bouhlel to find information about how to carry out his attack. In 2010 al-Qaida began urging its followers to use vehicles to kill what it called the enemies of Allah. And in January, 2015, IS spokesman Mohammad al-Adnani urged supporters of the group to kill Westerners with whatever means available -- whether an explosive device, a bullet, a knife, a car, a rock or even a boot or a fist. His words have been effective. In June, Larossi Abballa, a 25-year-old Frenchman and former recruiter for a terrorist group, used a knife to stab a police officer and another person near Paris. And this week, a 17-year-old Afghan asylum-seeker used an axe and a knife to attack people on a train in Germany. At least five people were injured before the teen was shot dead by police. One reason that militants are turning to low-tech methods is because Western officials have improved their ability to stop large and complex attacks. But American intelligence and law enforcement agencies have long feared a low-tech attack such as that which happened in Nice. They admit it is difficult to defend against such an attack. Colin Clarke is a political scientist at the Rand Corporation, a research group. He asked: What are you going to do? Take peoples cars away? Security barriers and large trucks carrying loads of sand are used to protect government buildings in the United States. Scott Stewart of the Stratfor company says officials are going to consider using those sorts of things or large vehicles to block streets during large events in the future. Michael Rubin is a former official of the U.S. Department of Defense. He now works at the American Enterprise Institute, a research group in Washington. He notes that the United States has many so-called soft targets. He says because terrorists have begun to use simple methods, the country needs to think in different ways about how to defend against terrorist attacks. Rubin told VOA were very good at preventing the last terrorist attack. Were not forward thinking. In a blog post last week, he disagreed that some attackers work on their own. These attackers are often called lone wolves. Rubin said many of them are supported by terrorist groups online and may have been radicalized over the internet. Every lone wolf now has a pack behind them, he wrote. Im Jonathan Evans. Masood Farivar reported this story. VOAs Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story ram v. to forcefully hit something pack n. a group of usually wild animals that hunt together Turkish leaders are saying life will continue as normal for most people despite a state of emergency. The state of emergency, approved by Turkeys Parliament, gives more powers to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. It allows him to expand a crackdown begun after last weeks failed coup led by some members of Turkeys military. Already, thousands of people have been arrested. But Mehmet Simsek, Turkeys deputy prime minister, said most people wont see major changes in their lives. Life of ordinary people and businesses will go un-impacted, uninterrupted, business will be as usual, he wrote on Twitter. The Parliament on Thursday voted 356-115 to approve the three-month state of emergency. Erdogan said he needs new powers to rid the military of the virus of subversion. The Associated Press reported Thursday that the government arrested nearly 10,000 people and closed hundreds of schools. It said 58,881 civil service workers were dismissed, forced to resign or had their licenses taken away. And academic leaders and teachers were banned from leaving Turkey. The lynching has started, said Beyza Ustun, an official of the Kurdish-led, Peoples Democratic Party. Her opinion reflects the concern of Turkish minority groups of more threats to their rights. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry criticized the coup attempt. But he also said: We need to have Turkey respect democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. President Barack Obama called Erdogan on Tuesday. He said the United States would assist Turkeys investigation of those responsible for the coup, according to the White House. But Obama also urged the Turkish president to avoid reducing public confidence in Turkeys democracy. Turkey is very important to the United States battle against Islamic State militants. It uses a military base in Turkey to conduct air attacks against IS in Syria and Iraq. Simsek, the deputy prime minister, said there could have been carnage in the streets if last weeks coup succeeded. He said the government is going after those who organized and carried out the coup. We owe it to our people to go after them, he said. We will have a legal framework for it." In a televised speech to the nation on Wednesday, Erdogan said the state of emergency would protect Turkeys democracy. This measure is in no way against democracy, the law and freedoms, he said. Erdogan has been accused of taking too much power for himself -- even before the current state of emergency. And some world leaders called on Erdogan to end the state of emergency as soon as possible. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said it is important the rule of law is kept in Turkey. He said Turkey should keep the state of emergency only for as long as necessary and then immediately end it." Luis Ramirez reported on this story for VOANews.com. Bruce Alpert adapted this story for Learning English. Hai Do 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 coup -- n. an attempt to takeover a government ordinary -- adj. normal or usual, not unusual or special unimpacted -- v. not affected uninterrupted -- v. not stopped or affected lynching -- n. to kill someone illegally fundamental -- adj. basic carnage -- n. the killing of many people framework -- n. the basic structure of something When a losing politician doesn't get the seat he or she wants, that person usually says something nice and positive about the winner and offers his or her endorsement. But that didn't happen. Ted Cruz's speech certainly stole the show at last night's Republican National Convention. The former Republican presidential candidate was booed by many people in the crowd for not endorsing Trump. Cruz was the most talked about speaker at the RNC last night, even overshadowing vice presidential nominee Mike Pence. He told the crowd to stand and speak and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp; Donald Trump didnt seem too bothered by the speech, in fact he almost seemed pleased with it. He tweeted the following: Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didn't honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 21, 2016 Trump's Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton also jumped on the crowd reaction. She tweeted after the speech: But Clinton wasn't the only one with a Twitter message. Green Party presidential candidiate Jill Stein echoed the former First Lady's tweet with one of her own: I rarely agree with Ted Cruz. But he's right that you shouldn't vote for a candidate just because a party tells you to. Vote your values. Dr. Jill Stein (@DrJillStein) July 21, 2016 Just like Stein, former New Mexico governor and Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson is telling his supporters and undecided voters that a two-party system isn't the only party they should consider as he shared this with his followers: The Competition Commission on Wednesday approved a merger between Nestle SA's pet food business and the company that owns Bob Martin, which makes snacks and treats for dogs. The deal was approved without conditions. The commission said it found that the proposed merger between Martin & Martin and Nestle SAs pet food unit was unlikely to lessen competition in the pet food market, or raise any public-interest concerns. "The transaction is mainly a replacement of one market participant by another," the commission said in a statement. Martin & Martin also manufactures food for cats. Its other brands include Epol and Vitagen. WASHINGTON D.C., USA - This week, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) joins thousands of partners for the 21st International HIV/AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016) in Durban, South Africa. The conference returns to Africa for the first time since 2000, coinciding with the thirty-fifth anniversary of the first reported cases of AIDS. Image by 123RF The U.S. governments commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic cannot be overstated, said Ambassador Deborah L. Birx, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy. We are investing with our voices, our capacity, and our dollars to help achieve an AIDS-free generation in which no one is left behind, in the U.S. and around the world. We owe it to the millions of people who lost their lives to AIDS, and the millions more who we can still reach to finish the journey we started 35 years ago. Demonstrating the U.S. governments leadership toward reaching this goal, today, PEPFAR, in partnership with Johnson & Johnson and ViiV Healthcare, announced investing a combined $85 million investment to support 56 DREAMS Innovation Challenge winners* in 10 sub-Saharan African countries. Of this investment, $40 million is focused on keeping girls in secondary school, which dramatically reduces their vulnerability to HIV infection, and nearly half of these education-focused resources are directed to Malawi. Throughout the course of AIDS 2016 and beyond, PEPFAR will continue to translate words and policy into concrete actions, including: As a global community, we have made great progress, but there is much work to be done to end AIDS by 2030 (#EndAIDS2030). This week, more than 20,000 adults and 2,100 children died from AIDS-related causes. More than 37,000 adults were infected with HIV, including 7,500 young women. Nelson Mandelas words from the 2000 International AIDS Conference in Durban still ring true, In the face of the grave threat posed by HIV/AIDS, we have to rise above our differences and combine our efforts to save our people. History will judge us harshly if we fail to do so now, and right now. The International AIDS Conference is the largest conference on any global health issue and was first convened in 1985 as a forum to bring together policy makers, community leaders, scientists, and health experts. This years theme, Access Equity Rights Now serves as a call for action and cooperation in reaching people who lack access to the life-saving treatment, prevention, and support services they deserve. *Currently, the organisations selected are considered provisional winners until further notice. Africa still holds huge potential for growth and investment, but in order for this to happen basic needs and services must be attended to first. Much of the potential for business investment lies in finding ways to improve the lives of people in Africa, be this through supplying power, better access to quality FMCGs or through empowered healthcare. Image by 123RF The Economist in its April 2016 issue states, The continents future depends on its people, not commodities. An article on Bizcommunity states, The UN estimates the continents population to double to 2.5 billion by 2050 making it not only a billion reasons to believe in the prospects of Africas consumer market, but two billion plus reasons in the long-term. When South Africa is taken out of the equation, Sub-Sahara Africas median age is 25 years. Couple this demographic dividend with the rapidly growing population, and the continent has a great potential not only to produce and consume its goods and services, but also to export. The rise in population and income is leading to increased demand in housing, healthcare, education, and retail and banking services among other products and services. Pharmaceuticals are a key growth area Creating access to medicine and going one step further to produce pharmaceuticals in Africa, has been identified as a key growth area for the continent. Not only is there a great demand for affordable healthcare, but having healthier populations has a knock-on effect of encouraging economic growth in other sectors. Carlos Lopes says in his article Making medicine in Africa - the untapped possibilities that could save millions of lives on the M&G online that, Africa carries 25% of the worlds disease burden, but consumes less than 1% of global health expenditure. The pharmaceutical market in Africa is 70% imported. 37 African countries have some pharmaceutical production, although only South Africa produces some active pharmaceutical ingredients. He goes on to explain that medication is really expensive for communities across Africa and that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), a seven day course of treatment with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin might cost almost a months wages for many in Kenya. To treat malaria in a child under five in Uganda could cost something in the region of 11 days household income for a single course of artemisinin-combination therapy. Lopes continues, Africa carries 25% of the worlds disease burden, but consumes less than 1% of global health expenditure. It manufactures less than 2% of the medicines it consumes. Over 70% of the worlds HIV/AIDS cases and 90% of the deaths due to malaria currently occur in Africa. In addition, the continent bears 50% of the global deaths of under five children mainly due to neonatal causes as well as pneumonia, diarrhoea, measles, HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. The tragedy is that these diseases are treatable: most related deaths could be prevented with timely access to appropriate and affordable medicines. Africas capacity for pharmaceutical research and design (R&D) and local drug production is amongst the lowest in the world. The problem of inadequate investments in this area, unfortunately, continues. With economic growth projected to keep growing and the continent pursuing an agenda for economic transformation, there is a huge market opportunity. Local manufacturing would create modern jobs, stimulate economic activities and many ways increase productivity. To be able to generate wealth and give its future generations a chance, Africa must take ownership of its health. Market research is vital There is great potential to develop a burgeoning pharmaceutical industry in Africa, but supply and demand change nuances and market readiness, need to be carefully researched in each individual region. The above mentioned Bizcommunity article goes on to state that, The Africa rising narrative is still alive and sound though its not for those investors hunting for hot money. As rightly put by OSullivan of Old Mutual, investors need to take a long-term view of Africa to realise maximum return. Africa is still on spotlight globally. There is a need for investors to get a thorough understanding of the continents consumer markets prior to entry. Before entering any African market it is essential to establish what will work within that particular region and country. The benefits need to be carefully weighed up in comparison to barriers of entry. Market research would be the first step in understanding demand and supply chain dynamics and what scope there is for growth in the pharmaceutical sector. What the local communities, health workers and legislators are open to. He's considered one of India's best actors, but when Irrfan Khan dropped by the sets of The Firstpost Show for a chat, he showed us that he has a wickedly humorous streak as well. All was going well until Irrfan was asked in the 'Rapid Fire' round to rank these actors according to their talent: Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan. Irrfan promptly rattled off: "Ranbir, Shah Rukh-Aamir, Hrithik, and then Salman." Apparently unable to make up his mind, he then qualified, "Salman should come last, baaki sab ek ya do number pe hi ho sakte hain." He then quipped: "Salman ke fans mujhe gaali to nai denge na?" Irrfan also sportingly submitted to all the other questions he was asked, including naming his top-five actors: Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone and Kangana Ranaut. As for his top-three directors, Irrfan named Anurag Basu, Vishal Bhardwaj and Shoojit Sircar as his favourites. When he was asked to rank a list of actresses that included Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt and Kangana Ranaut according to their talent, Irrfan asked to "pass": I have yet to do a film with Katrina, until then I can't decide," he laughed. Irrfan was on The Firstpost Show to talk about Madaari, his upcoming release. However, we delved a little into his family background as well Irrfan hails from a zamindar family where hunting etc was a way of lie. "All zamindars hunt as a hobby, so we went with our father too. But I never enjoyed hunting; I liked being in the forest. I detested it (hunting), my mother detested it... My father and mother never had a harmonious relationship and one of the reasons was this," Irrfan told us. Irrfan described how his desire to become an actor led him to the National School of Drama and had to firmly tell his mother, who wanted him to "settle down, that marriage was not an option just yet. He also recalled how he got his role in Mira Nair's Salaam Bombay and describes it as, "My first break and my heartbreak". Coming back to the subject of Madaari, the film is releasing on theatres on the exact same day as Rajinikanth's Kabali 22 July. isn't that daunting? Irrfan has a surprising answer: "Madaari was supposed to release on 15 July but because Great Grand Masti was leaked online, they asked us to swap our date with them. Incidentally Kabali was also expected to release on 15 July at that time. Now we are both releasing on 22 July. I'm feeling very nice about it; I feel like Rajinikanth sir has blessed me. I feel very proud to have my poster for Madaari next to his poster for Kabali in the theatres." Ahead of Rajya Sabha taking up the landmark GST Bill, main Opposition Congress today said it was not opposed to the Goods and Services Tax and only want the tax rate not to be changed at whim of executive order. Stating that there were enough number of days left during the current monsoon session of Parliament to approve the constitutional amendment bill, senior Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram said if the government is 'clever' it can come up with a formulation to keep GST rate stable that is acceptable. "We are not opposed to the GST. Please make a distinction between what is idea of GST and particular GST bill which is before Parliament today. We are the authors of GST idea, we are authors of GST bill. Therefore, we are entirely in favour of GST. I would have passed this if BJP had supported it in 2012-13," he told Karan Thapar on India Today news channel. The Bill pending before Parliament, he said, was a "flawed one" and the Congress party had suggested three major changes including an 18 per cent rate of GST in the Constitution bill. If the government disagreed with the formulation, it can come up with a different formulation, he said. "There are various ways to reach a point... There are various ways of doing it... I think you must understand why we want certain degree of certainty about rate. GST is an indirect tax (and) by definition it is a regressive tax. "We don't want that rate to be fiddled around by executive orders. We need a certain degree of certainity... If the government is clever then it can come up with any formulation that is acceptable... Provided it (rate GST) is not changeable at the whim of executive order," he said. Chidambaram said the government has to put its views on any modification to the Bill in writing before the Congress party can take a stand on the legislation. "If you are willing to modify those clauses, the minimum we need to know is language of modified clauses... Once modified draft comes, we may agree, we may ask for changes there, I think we should get modified draft (first)." On government mustering numbers by getting regional parties like TMC on board, he asked if such a crucial legislation should be passed on strength of numbers or strength of argument. "I think bill of this nature, should be passed on strength of its contents. The bill is flawed that's why government is willing to make change," he said. "There are enough number of days to pass GST bill, if there is will then there is way. Chennai: IT body Nasscom Thursday said that the industry needs to wait and watch, rather than panic, on the outcome of the US Presidential elections, though it warned of lasting impact of 'Brexit' on India. Republican candidate Donald Trump is a frontrunner for the US President's post and is widely feared in India for his stance on the outsourcing industry and existing immigration policies. "You see, IT industry does not have a view on candidate Donald Trump. But President Trump is a different matter", National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) president, R Chandrashekhar said here, to a query on how the domestic IT industry was looking at Donald Trump. "There is a big difference between candidate (Donald) Trump and incumbent (Trump). When a President becomes incumbent, the real world, governance come into picture", he told reporters. "Indian IT industry actually helps create jobs even ostensibly in United States. This lead us to believe that we can afford to sort of wait and see the circumstances. But we do not need to panic, for sure", he said. Meanwhile, speaking on the impact of Britain exiting from the European Union, Chandrashekar said that it may reflect in the second or third quarter results of the domestic IT firms. "The impact may show up in next two or three quarters and it will roll out over a much longer period. "First and foremost, till December 2016 itself, UK said they will not invoke Article 50. So, from a technical stand point they have not started exiting by the end of calendar year 2016. After that, it may take up to two years, of exiting from European Union", he said. However, he clarified that soon after Britain decided to exit the European Union, there was "knee-jerk" reaction as the value of currency and shares fell very dramatically. "Short term impact for India are largely negative.", he said, adding, if the currency (Pound) depreciates further, current IT contracts, if not re-negotiated would either become loss making propositions or would not yield the same kind of margins. "In terms of large contracts made by big companies, the decision-making will slow down. Impact on some of the large deals could get impacted. Lot of Indian companies used London as base. So that will get re-evaluated", he said. On the longer term point of view, Britain exiting from UK holds opportunities for India, he said. The Kingfisher-Vijay Mallya case is slowly proving to be a dangerous trendsetter for Indian banks and investigative agencies, not just because of the inability of the banks to recover the Rs 9,000-crore loan from Mallya, but also because of the message it sends to other bank loan defaulters and habitual law-breakers. The message is that if you are a very rich person with sufficient hold in power centres, you can cock-a-snook at the system after defaulting a few thousands of crores to a host of banks. Worse, you can mock them from a safe distance with counter-arguments about why you are not paying your dues in full and also why you are not facing the law of the land. In this process, the banks become the bakras (or sacrificial lambs) and investigators turn out to be mere onlookers. That is precisely what billionaire Vijay Mallya is doing now. In an interview given to Autosport on Wednesday, Mallya spoke about a witch-hunt being waged against him in India. So sadly in India, these investigative agencies are political tools that do not hesitate to go on a wild-goose chase, and in the process it is nothing but persecution. There is no other way I can describe what is happening other than a witch hunt. I just have to ride out the storm," said Mallya to the motor racing magazine. The liquor-baron still offers complete willingness to fully co-operate with any investigation. "They [the Indian authorities] have had access to many executives of Kingfisher Airlines, and they have had access to thousands of documents," said Mallya. "If the missing link is only to interview me, come to London and interview me, get on the radio conference and interview me, send me an email with questions and I will reply. I have nothing to hide." He continues, it seems a bit contradictory and disconcerting, that just because I'm not physically present in India, that they should issue an arrest warrant and cancel my passport. What confidence does that give me about their real intentions?" Here, Mallya is smartly playing the psychological game to sway the public opinion in his favour, a game to show how he is being unfairly treated in the entire Kingfisher loan default episode. But, is it really the case? Take a closer look at the Kingfisher case. The Airlines stopped flying in October, 2012. The loans to 17 banks (about Rs 7,000 crore then) became Non-performing Assets (NPAs) on the books of banks in the same year. There were no serious efforts to repay the money (at least if one goes by the banks involved in the lending process) till late last year when the banks were pulled by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to dig out the dirt from under their carpets. Lets be clear on one point. Till the time public pressure mounted on the case, neither the banks nor Mallya seemed to have any major problems. Everyone was in the bar and all were drinking with much bonhomie. So, neither Mallya nor the lenders can claim the highest standards of honesty or responsibility in this case. Banks were not even willing to approach the investigators till recently against Mallya. And finally, when all hell broke loose with the RBI opening the Pandoras box, banks rushed to courts to seek detention of Mallya and cried foul in public. Just a week before banks could move the Supreme Court seeking Mallyas detention, the liquor king boarded a flight to UK. If no one had tipped off Mallya about what was in store for him in the approaching days, he would still be here in the country. Possibly, all those stories of a 'sixth sense' and 'guardian angels' are indeed true and some power beyond the human senses worked in the favour of the beleaguered entrepreneur. But, plain logic would also say that the possibility of some mortals tipping off Mallya cannot be ruled out. As Mallyas lawyers have highlighted in the past, he isnt the one who owes the maximum dues to Indian banks. There are cases of bigger NPAs. But, Mallyas case assumed significance since many other defaulters would well have been studying this case closely to decide their next course of action. That the Mallya case has the potential of sending a wrong signal to the defaulter brethren is something Firstpost had pointed out long back. There were several mistakes banks and investigators committed in the Mallya case. First and foremost, they acted very late in this case. Banks should have recognised the problem early and alerted investigators of Mallyas wrongdoings (as evident from a few banks tagging Mallya as a wilful defaulter), which they failed to do at the right time. As for investigators, they failed to foresee the chance of Mallya leaving their jurisdiction (or simply ignored the warning signals?). The third mistake was cancelling Mallyas passport prematurely. This happened when cases were going on in various courts against Mallya and courts have been issuing summons to him. By cancelling Mallyas passport too early, the government gave him a good reason not to come back and face trial. The decision to request Mallyas deportation from the UK was a wrong step since there were was no strong case against him in the homeland to warrant such an action, so is the request to the Interpol for a red corner notice and seeking extradition. It was an all-noise and no-proof case. In short, this is a classic case of both investigators and lenders acting late and bungling the case. Banks also rejected Mallyas offers to partly pay the loan or go for a one-time settlement (OTS) for the right reasons. Mallyas offer that sleuths can come and question him in UK is akin to mocking the system since courts have been issuing non-bailable warrants against Mallya or asking him to appear in person (read here and here). Mallya is personally responsible for the Kingfisher loan default (over Rs 9,000 crore to date adding the accrued interest amount) since he has given a personal guarantee to the loan. But, as it appears today, the Kingfisher-Vijay Mallya case has set a bad, dangerous precedent in the Indian banking sector. It puts at risk the very validity of a personal guarantee issue by promoters to banks against large corporate loans that are ultimately public money. New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate has extended by one week the time given to a firm linked to Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi for submission of documents in connection with its probe into alleged money laundering in a land deal in Rajasthan's Bikaner district. Officials said the second summons for production of documents in this case was set to expire this week but after the firm sought some more time to comply, the Investigating Officer (IO) of the case allowed it to be done by the next week. The agency had, on the first occasion, dismissed as "unauthorised" the appearance of a lawyer in response to the notices first sent in this regard last month to the firm Ms Skylight Hospitality. The notice was sent after the ED had conducted extensive searches in this case in Bikaner district and other places last month and had claimed to have seized a number of documents. The agency is expected to issue summons to a number of other people and entities involved in the case in the near future, sources said. The probe is related to the purchase of 275 bigha land allegedly by the company in the Kolayat area of the border town of Bikaner. The central probe agency had registered a criminal case of money laundering in this case last year on the basis of FIRs filed by the state police after the local tehsildar had made a complaint. Vadra has denied any wrongdoing and had dismissed allegations of fraudulent land deals against him saying they were false and that he will "always be used for political gains", the Congress party had called the action "sheer political vendetta". PTI Una (Saurashtra): Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday visited the home of a Dalit man whose four sons were brutally flogged on 11 July for skinning a dead cow and announced assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the family. Gandhi, who flew to Gujarat on Thursday morning, drove straight to the house of Babubhai Sarvaiya in Samadhiyala village of Una and spent 40 minutes with the family. Gandhi was accompanied by the party's Gujarat affairs in-charge Gurudas Kamat, state Congress president Bharatsinh Solanki and other party leaders as well as Congress and Dalit leader Kumari Selja. Scores of people thronged Samadhiyala village in Una taluka (tehsil) of Gir-Somnath district as the Congress leader spent time in the village. Even as he freely interacted with them, Gandhi asked Jitu Sarvaiya, Babubhai's nephew, if this was the first time or they had been suffering caste discrimination for long. "There was nothing new in this. This is quite normal," Sarvaiya said. Jitu, 20, is an engineering student and the only educated member of the family. He said that since there were no work avenues they were engaged in the business of skinning dead animals for the tanneries. Jitu said,"We don't want money, but we wish support for sustenance and livelihood. We clear the dirt of the society and this is what we are given in return by the society." Gandhi sat with the family and held Babubhai Sarvaiya's hand as they all became emotional. The Congress vice president shared tea with the Dalit family, something they are not used to by high-caste people. Gandhi is also reported to have watched the video clip of the assault on the youth at the village. The clip has gone viral and the incident been widely condemned. Gandhi later left for Rajkot city, the nerve centre of the Saurashtra region, where he was to call on Dalit youngsters undergoing treatment after their suicide attempts in the government Civil Hospital there in protest against the 11 July incident by a cow vigilante group. Ahmedabad: A fact finding team which visited Gujarat's Una town in connection with the brutal assault of Dalits, has claimed to have found a new trend among 'cow vigilantes' to show bravado by making a particular Dalit community as their "soft target". The incident of beating up of seven Dalit youths in Mota Samadhilya village of Gir-Somnath district last week has triggered large scale protests across the state. The protests worsened on Wednesday as seven youths attempted suicide with violence and arson spreading to various places in the state. An eight-member fact finding team, comprising Dalits from various city-based NGOs including Dalit Adhikar Manch, which went to the village from here a few days back, found out that the incident was brutal as the alleged beating of youths started from 9.30 AM and continued unabated till 1.30 PM, and inspite of the victims' kin repeatedly calling police, the latter allegedly did not act. The team members said that Dalits are "soft targets" for these vigilante groups. Dalits are actually not involved in slaughter of cows, but are only doing their traditional business of leather, while they (vigilante groups) refrain from confronting those involved in slaughter, they said. There is a particular Dalit community that deals in the trade of leather. In Gir-Somnath and surrounding districts of Gujarat these self-appointed cow protection committees have come up in the name of saving cows, said Kaushik Parmar, who led the fact finding team to the village. "We have found out that this inhuman incident of beating Dalit youths was not one off. From last many months these particular community members have become target of these cow protection groups," Parmar said. "There have been at least three such incidents in the past two months in the area when the Dalit community members were beaten up by these so-called cow vigilante groups. All those are related to skinning of dead cows," he said. "Earlier, such cow vigilantes used to target those who are involved in cow slaughter. But since last seven to eight months, they have started targeting Dalit community members who are involved in leather business and are soft targets, to show off their bravado. It has been noticed that these groups in the past few months attacked Dalits when they were involved in skinning of dead cows," he said. "Instead of targeting those involved in slaughter, these groups started targeting Dalits," charged another fact finding team member Subodh Parmar. "One farmer whose cow was killed had called this family (Dalits who were beaten up in Una last week) to dispose of the dead cow. They (victims) took the dead cow outside the Mota Samadhilya village and were skinning it, when about 30 to 35 people of cow protection group came and started abusing and beating them," Kaushik Parmar claimed. "The beating continued from 9.30 AM to 1.30 PM. The family members of victims and others called up police but it did not turn up," they said. The accused themselves made the video footage and also had a group photograph clicked after doing the act, they said. The fact finding team members have demanded that the state should ban such cow protection groups. "Such cow protection groups should be banned across the state. There is already a law against cow slaughter in the state, then what is the need of such vigilante groups," Kaushik Parmar said. The team has also demanded that police should add IPC section related to criminal conspiracy in the FIR registered in connection with the Una incident. Guwahati: Flood situation continued to be serious in Assam on Thursday affecting nearly two lakh people in seven districts where erosion has washed away hectares of land, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority said. The seven affected districts are Lakhimpur, Golaghat, Morigaon, Jorhat, Dhemaji, Sivasagar and Kokrajhar. More than 320 villages are under water in the floods that have snapped surface communication by damaging roads, breached embankments and caused large-scale erosion in many areas, the ASDMA said. The Brahmaputra is flowing above the danger mark at Nematighat in Jorhat and Dhubri, Dhansiri at Numaligarh in Golaghat, Jia Bhorali at NT Road Crossing in Sonitpur district, Sangkosh in Golakganj and Beki at Road Bridge in Barpeta district. Boats have been pressed into service to rescue and evacuate the marooned people whose houses are under waist-deep to neck-deep water from the over-flowing rivers. Over 4,200 people have taken shelter in 24 relief camps and relief distribution centres. Do you remember what our so-called liberals were recommending when Punjab was literally burning during the Khalistani agitation? Had the then Punjab director general of police KPS Gill listened to these liberals, dominating our think tanks, universities and national media, Khalistan perhaps would have been a reality by now! Similarly, if we go by the recommendations of these liberals for Kashmir now, it will become the surest way towards the countrys disintegration. What do these liberals say? For them if Kashmir is in turmoil, it is precisely because of the unholy alliance between the BJP and PDP in the state at a time when a man called Narendra Modi is Indias Prime Minister. For them, whatever we are seeing today in Kashmir has nothing to do with terrorism and fundamentalist Islam. In fact, under the influence of these liberals, some important national dailies have now even stopped using the term terrorists altogether; instead, they now prefer to use the word militants. As I have already written in this forum, Kashmirs present woes are essentially because of the diminishing phenomenon of Kashmiriyat based on the Sufism, the principal feature of the Muslims in the Indian subcontinent. Sufism talks of coexistence with, not total domination over others as propounded by the fanatic Wahabism, financed by Saudi Arabia and implemented by Pakistan in Kashmir. The disturbing elements in Kashmir are essentially Islamists, not freedom fighters that they claim to be. Just see the videos of the speeches of any Hurriyat leader to realise this point. Pakistani journalist Kunwar Khudune Sahid brilliantly wrote the other day in The Nation, one of Pakistans leading dailies, that Burhan Muzaffar Wani, whose killing on 8 July triggered the present bedlam in the valley, was the offspring of the global jihadist movement that emerged in the last quarter of the previous century, hammering Muslim-majority freedom movements into Islamist struggles wherever the occupying force was non-Muslim including Palestine, Kashmir and East Turkestan. And the problem with any Islamist freedom movement is that it intrinsically contradicts the very idea of freedom." It is a huge myth that Kashmir will be normal once the government starts dialogue with the separatists. The then prime minister Manmohan Singh had held three Round Tables with all the stake holders in the valley. He had set up five working groups as a result of the round table initiative, including one on Centre-state relations. But when things were to be implemented, came the stone-throwing incidents in 2010, inviting police retaliations that resulted in 112 deaths. In fact, that time, there was some genuine reason for the eruption of the crisis - the Indian Army claimed to have killed three "Pakistani infiltrators" but it was later revealed to be a case of a fake encounter. But this time, there was no such reason the security forces killed Wani, a known terrorist. Besides, the forces have demonstrated exemplary restraint the death toll, though unfortunate, is at 43 at the time of writing. Admittedly, both Central and state governments have displayed their limitations in tackling the present crisis. It is highly debatable whether the body of Wani should have been handed over to his relatives for burial to provide the Islamists the grand opportunity to demonstrate their force. Besides, there has been a great intelligence failure. But this should not distract us from the fact that the present government by the PDP-BJP alliance is the best that could have happened to the state. As late chief minister Mufti Mohammad Syed had said in an interview to another Pakistani newspaper The Dawn, The BJP got 25 seats from Jammu in the Assembly Elections. I think ignoring this mandate will be a mistake. The BJP also got a nationwide mandate in the 2014 Parliamentary Elections. I believe it is important to respect the mandate and form a government which is inclusive and takes into account the interests of all three distinct regions viz Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh. In my view, the partnership with the BJP is an excellent opportunity to reconnect people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh with each other. This alliance could be a paradigm shift in Kashmirs political history and reduce regional tensions. Internationally too, the PDP-BJP alliance is a message of our diversity. Good-governance and restoration of Kashmiriyat are keys to the peace and prosperity of Kashmir, not talking to the Islamist separatists. The latter need to be dealt with as sternly as possible, not pampered as they are now with crores of rupees spent on their security and health. And for this, the state needs judicious use of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), not its total withdrawal as demanded by our so-called liberals. The AFSPA is a special provision envisaged by the countrys Parliament. It is meant to be used in these two extraordinary circumstances secessionist violence and internal disturbance. The Act is applicable to the armed forces (including the paramilitary), not the general police personnel. Only when the latter, working under normal laws, are not able to take control of the situation and armed forces are called into the service, does the AFSPA come into relevance. It provides the armed forces the power to arrest those suspected without warrant, search their places and fire upon, even causing death, those who are acting in contravention of any law and those in assembly of five or more persons or those who are in possession of deadly weapons. Obviously, there are conditions attached in the AFSPA and soldiers/officials violating these can always be prosecuted. In fact, available data with me suggests that since 1990, the security forces have been accused of 1,511 cases of human rights abuse. All of these were thoroughly investigated, including by the National Human Rights Commission. A total of 1,473 cases were found to be completely false and had been possibly instigated by terrorist organisations. Where culpability was established, 104 soldiers, including 40 officers, have been punished in 35 cases so far. But critics question why the armed forces are immune to acting under normal laws such as no searching without warrants and no firing without the magisterial order. The answer is very simple. If the armed forces cannot do anything on their own and need civilian clearance during their operations, how will be their effectiveness different from that of the normal police and paramilitary forces? And if that is the case, where is the need to call them? As it is, armed forces have been consistently pointing out that they are not interested in managing internal security. So, those opposing the AFSPA should vent their anger not against the armed forces but the political or civilian leadership, which is summoning them to do the job that is supposed to be done by police and paramilitary forces. If you do not call the army, there is no need for AFSPA. It is true that by its very nature, any extraordinary or anti-terrorism law is bound to affect some individual rights such as liberty of the individual, privacy, autonomy and freedom among others. But their being invoked is necessitated for public welfare. All told, terrorist attacks are, fundamentally, an assault not on individuals or on the liberty of individuals, but on the security and welfare of the people as a whole. And since the fight against secessionism and terrorism is not a normal fight, one has to appreciate the need to transcend the excessive individualism that the blind champions of human rights suggest. Contrary to what the habitual army-bashers say, if Kashmir continues to be with India and if any organisation that the ordinary Kashmiri, as distinct from the separatist, is most comfortable with, then it is the Indian Army. In the process, the Army has made tremendous sacrifices, both in terms of men and material. Abrogating the AFSPA or removing some of its key provisions in an attempt to make it humane could place the Army (and other security forces) at a great disadvantage in their fight against a vicious insurgency that has now religious overtones. Any watering down of the Act will result in de-motivating the troops whose lawful actions may expose them to decades of litigation in civil courts. Let us be proud of our armed forces. They need to be encouraged and strengthened, not maligned at. Credit: US Senate(CLEVELAND) -- Donald Trump's former rival Sen. Ted Cruz was roundly booed after failing to endorse Trump during an address to the Republican National Convention -- a jab from the Texas lawmaker at the real estate mogul, who tormented him as "Lyin' Ted" during the primary. Cruz told delegates and voters to "vote your conscience" in November and never specifically said that people should cast their ballots for the Republican nominee. During the course of his speech, Cruz only mentioned Trump once, to congratulate him on getting the nomination. "To those listening, please, dont stay home in November. If you love our country, and love your children as much as I know you do, stand, and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution," Cruz said. As he continued speaking, and the crowd began to realize that an endorsement seemed less likely, the cheers that marked the early part of the speech became boos. "I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation," Cruz said to the vocal Trump home-state supporters who were placed right in front of the stage. They were yelling "We want Trump! We want Trump!" Cruz's wife, Heidi, was seen leaving the arena when the booing started getting very loud. Former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli told ABC News that he escorted Heidi Cruz out of the convention hall because it was volatile and the Trump folks were physically approaching and confrontationally yelling, he said via text. The fact that Cruz spoke at all came as a surprise to some considering how bitter the primary campaign became towards the end. At one point, Trump insinuated that Cruz's wife Heidi was less attractive than his own wife Melania, and later he made suggestions that Cruz's Cuban father was somehow connected to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He also questioned whether Cruz was eligible to run for the presidency because he was born in Canada. Shortly after Cruz exited the stage to a growing round of boos, Trump entered the arena on the opposite side to sit with his family and watch his son Eric address the crowd. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Srinagar: Local newspapers in Kashmir Valley were on Thursday back on the stands after five days, a day after Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti met editors and owners of city-based newspapers and expressed regret over restrictions on the media. Most of the local newspapers, including those papers which alleged a clampdown by the government, were published on Thursday as the newspaper distributors and hawkers returned to their business. "It is good that newspapers have resumed their publications. We are happy not only from the business point of view, but because it will also spread factual information in the Valley where rumour mills are always buzzing," a newspaper distributor in Srinagar said. Local newspapers in the Valley whether English, Urdu or Kashmiri had failed to hit the stands on Saturday after the police allegedly raided some printing facilities and seized newspapers, plates and even detained the printing staff. Following the police action, a meeting of Kashmir-based newspaper editors, printers and publishers was held on Saturday where they decided to stop their publications until the government owned up to the clampdown and apologised. The journalists also held a protest against the clampdown, terming it as an attack on the freedom of press and stopped their publications. However, on Tuesday, the government said there were no restrictions on printing and publishing of newspapers. The District Magistrates of Srinagar and Budgam have clarified that there are no restrictions on printing and publishing of newspapers in the districts, an official spokesman said. But the newspaper editors and owners on Wednesday said since the government had not changed its press emergency, they regret that it may not be possible to resume the publication of newspapers. The government must own the ban and issue a statement guaranteeing that media operations are not being hampered from the movement of staff, to news gathering, printing and the distribution of the newspapers, they said in a statement. They, however, decided to resume their publications after they met the Chief Minister on Wednesday who expressed regret over the restrictions and said it was not a deliberate attempt on part of the government, but happened because of some communication gap. Though there has been no deliberate attempt on part of the government to impose any restrictions on the publication of newspapers, however, whatever has happened, because of some communication gap, is regrettable, Mehbooba had told them. The chief minister assured the editors and owners that the Government would facilitate to the maximum extent possible smooth movement of journalists and other newspaper staff to ensure that they can perform their professional duties in a hassle-free manner. She assured them that the State Government is committed rto independence of the media at all costs and complaints of highhandedness against the press, if any, amid the prevailing situation will be looked into". Kolkata: Expressing concern over the rise of 'cow protection' vigilantes, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday asserted the peoples' "right to choice" and warned against the bid to "saffronise everything". Addressing a party rally in the city, the Trinamool Congress supremo strongly condemned the brutal assault on four Dalit youths in Gujarat's Una town and affirmed any such attempt in Bengal will not be tolerated. "We strongly condemn the atrocities on the Dalits in Gujarat. In the name of 'gau raksha' (cow protection) they are attempting to create communal tension, attempting to create communal strife," Banerjee said. "I have also come to know that some elements in connivance with a party are asking people here in Bengal about how many cows they have," Banerjee said referring to the Gau Raksha Committee, a right-wing outfit which wants a bovine census in Bengal. "We condemn whatever is happening in Gujarat and if such a thing is tried in Bengal, we will not tolerate that. We will fight politically. People have their right to choice, what they can eat, wear or study. A few people cannot decide what others will eat, wear or study," declared Banerjee. "There are attempts to saffronise everything," she said. Without taking names, she also warned the Centre against taking people for granted. "When Pathankot happens, we don't give our opinion and bat for the country's unity, when terror attacks happen in Bangladesh we don't give our opinion. When there is trouble in Kashmir we pray for peace, but don't give opinions. Then why are you interfering in our matters," Banerjee said in an apparent reference the central leaders flaying the Trinamool government over law and order issue. "Being in the government means one to act responsibly. You will be in the government and at the same time try to intimidate usthis is unacceptable," she said. Kolkata: A councillor of West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress was on Wednesday arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide of a local businessman over debt in South 24 Parganas district, police said. Ananta Roy, a member of the Rajpur-Sonarpur Municipality on the city's southern fringe, was arrested after a complaint against him that he repeatedly threatened Biswajit Roy. Biswajit (38), who hanged himself on Tuesday, in his four-page suicide note named the Trinamool leader for driving him to take the extreme step. "My husband owed some money to a businessman named Prasanta Panja. Ananta Roy repeatedly threatened my husband to repay. On Tuesday, he (Ananta) organised a meeting at a local club over the dues and forced Biswajit to sign a piece of paper stating that he will give money to Panja," said the victim's wife. According to India Today, locals said that Biswajit owed some money to the TMC leader. He had returned a part of it and had promised to return the rest in due course. However, Roy started mounting pressure on Biswajit for returning the money. He was called to a Kangaroo court at a local club where the TMC leader was also present. Ananta Roy's arrest comes eight days after Anindya Chatterjee, another Trinamool leader and councillor of the Bidhannagar municipality, was arrested on the charge of extortion. According to the India today report, another co-accused Prasanta Panja was also arrested and a probe has been launched. According to Biswajit's suicide note the duo were continuously harassing him for money. Following Trinamool supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's cracking of the whip on illegal syndicates, the police has arrested extortionists and criminals across the state. With inputs from IANS Revolutionary healthcare-related ideas are going to come from the developing countries, and not the developed ones. Resources manpower, infrastructure and financial are all restricted in developing countries. Countries like India, Brazil, Latin American countries, China, etc are going to be at the forefront of innovative healthcare strategies, because reach and affordability is going to be paramount in these countries. Despite Arvind Kejriwals, and by extension his party AAPs, political histrionics in New Delhi, they have been on point as far as education and healthcare is concerned. Credit must be given where due, and they certainly deserve every bit of praise that they have received for their healthcare reforms in the capital. The introduction of free health clinics in New Delhi, known as 'Mohalla' (community) clinics equipped with smart-tablets that collate data from several medical devices like ECG, pulse oximeter, glucometer, BP monitor, etc have cut down on manpower costs and have increased efficiency. Moreover, the consultations are now paperless and completely digital, making the entire exercise environment friendly as well. All this, at nearly 1/20th the cost of a fully fledged clinic. The medical details of every patient is available (on cloud) at the touch of a button. The success story of these community clinics was recently featured in the Washington Post, and is what prompted the question at hand: What New Delhis free clinics can teach America about fixing its broken health care system. The technology that made the instant diagnosis possible at Peeragarhi, a West Delhi district, was a medical device called the Swasthya Slate. This $600 device (roughly Rs 40000), the size of a cake tin, performs 33 common medical tests including blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate, blood haemoglobin, urine protein and glucose. It also tests for diseases such as malaria, dengue, hepatitis, HIV, and typhoid. Each test only takes a minute or two, and the device uploads its data to a cloud-based medical-record management system that can be accessed by the patient. A proposal to open thousand of such clinics in New Delhi has been made. This simple yet effective technology can teach the developed world a thing or two. Solutions are often simple, if our hearts are in the right place. This success story also highlights the developed countries (especially the US) disincentivising the reduction in healthcare expenditure, as exemplified by the experience of the man who developed this tech, Kanav Kahol. Kanav Kahol was a biomedical engineer and a researcher at the Arizona State Universitys department of biomedical informatics, until he became frustrated at the lack of interest shown by the medical establishment in reducing the cost of diagnostic testing. He worried that billions of people were getting no medical care or substandard care because of the medical industrys motivation to keep the prices high. In 2011, he returned home to New Delhi to develop a solution. It is plainly visible that the American free market enterprise in healthcare is out of control. There are just too many middlemen (read salespersons/companies, and insurance companies) who make huge profits while patients end up paying five to ten times the real cost of surgery/treatment. The big difference in corruption in healthcare between India and the US is that while in India kickbacks are unregulated and unequal, in the US it is institutionalized and legal (in different forms). For example in India it is often seen that a salesperson of a machine/instrument/drug/implant is often several times richer than the doctor he is selling it to. Very rich doctors making a killing off the kickbacks do exist in India, but they are such a minority that it just exemplifies the inequality. The biggest kickbacks I have got till date are pens, writing pads and laptop-bags with company logos. In the US, the bounty is shared in a more egalitarian manner in the form of consulting fees, speaking fees, travel scholarships and royalties. In other words institutionalized. The US is far from a model healthcare system; as this recent article by The Guardian, that tries to determine which country has the world's best healthcare system, states: The US scores poorly on many fronts, ranked 11th out of 11 in the Commonwealth Fund 2014 list. And yet it far outstrips all its peers in terms of the amount it spends on healthcare a whopping 17 percent of the GDP. Almost all visits to the doctor (often a specialist, rather than general practitioner) will generate co-pays for the patient and revenue streams for the physician that some fear encourages excessive testing and intervention: a consumer, rather than care-led, culture. Preventive medicine and public health are harder to incentivise. Patchy access to insurance can leave emergency rooms clogged with chronic conditions. Obesity and mental illness often go entirely untreated. Though the system fosters excellence and innovation in places, the messy combination of under-insurance and over-insurance has left the US with the highest healthcare costs in the developed world and some of the worst overall health outcomes. But of course, the pitfalls of the US in healthcare does not necessarily mean Indian healthcare is particularly awesome. India neither has a capitalist driven private healthcare model like US nor a socialized universal healthcare program like UK, France, Scandinavian countries, etc. Our government hospitals are terribly staffed, have poor infrastructure and are maintained worse than public toilets. Only the middle class and the elite can get some form of treatment, if they can afford it, in private hospitals (80 percent of healthcare expenditure in India is private). The very poor are left to the mercy of government hospitals machinery. They can get lucky sometimes but again it is a matter of luck. The government spends a little more than 1 percent of the GDP on healthcare, which is among the lowest in the world. While New Delhis healthcare model brings in some cheer, it is just a small change in a huge nation. There is still a very long way to go. Before we can start comparing our healthcare to developed countries, we have to fix the rot in our own system where we spend more on politicians, corruption, defence and freebies than on healthcare. Our healthcare system would truly be great the day the best medical professionals/infrastructure/facilities are available to everyone, and not just those who can pay for it! This article originally appeared on Quora and was written by Dr.Raghuraj Hegde, an Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon based in Bangalore, India. The elephant has entered the china shop. It is dismantling the super-structure and demolishing the brittle varna shelves in gay abandon. Historically oppressed, discriminated against, violated and exploited, the Dalits today are more organised and connected than ever before. Events in the past 72 hours across different parts of India point to a new assertiveness among Dalits for social justice. And it has brought in a flash India's most powerful and fastest-growing political party to its knees. The alacrity with which the BJP condemned its Uttar Pradesh vice-president Dayashankar Singh's outrageous, sexist and demeaning comments against BSP supremo Mayawati and then proceeded to sack and expel him from the party for six years all within the space of a few hours, is a testament to this new reality. Though votebank politics surely played a part in speeding up the damage control process, it will be unwise to interpret BJP's action solely through the prism of upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections. Why? Because the new reality demands that any party which wants to have a pan-India presence, as the BJP clearly does, cannot afford to antagonize the rising underclass who for the better part of the last 70 years have been at the receiving end. Dalits, who constitute approximately 17 per cent of the Indian population, are still under-represented in key areas of the society and face institutional inequality but things are changing. Their voice is now getting heard. It is a recognition of the new reality that BJP's massive Dalit outreach which now lies shattered included the induction of five Dalit ministers among 19 in Narendra Modi's recent cabinet expansion. It may seem a strange theory to float, exactly when Dalits have been under atrocious attack in Gujarat, that a churning is taking place in India's caste hierarchy. Yet it is evident in the way the oppressed is challenging the social order through everyday acts of defiance. This new brash, aggressive, yet inclusive Dalit movement has a pan-Indian consciousness. It is less reliant on a single political party or a leader. To understand the point I'm making, let's look at the simultaneous Dalit backlash in two states. In Uttar Pradesh, BJP's sacked vice-president Daya Shankar, a Thakur by caste, first withdrew his offensive remarks against Mayawati, then issued a groveling apology and finally fled the scene when police raided his residence. Meanwhile, thousands of BSP workers descended on the streets in Lucknow, stepping up their attacks against the BJP. Angry workers protested in front of the Ambedkar statue at Hazratganj demanding his arrest, broke police barricades and burnt Singh's effigies while shouting slogans. It could, however, be interpreted as an organised protest under the aegis of Mayawati who has been the sole claimant of BR Ambedkar's legacy and has historically led the Dalit movement. But BSP hardly has any presence outside UP. The brutal Dalit backlash in Gujarat, therefore, cannot be laid at her door. And it also pre-dates the Mayawati incident. In Saurashtra, the public flogging of a group of Dalits by members of the 'gau raksha samity' (cow protection unit) over skinning of a dead animal in Mota Samadhiyala, a village near Una town on 11 July, has resulted in an explosion of anger against BJP and its lackadaisical Chief Minister Anandiben Patel. The largely spontaneous nature of the mobilization and the scale of aggression against the administration point to seething resentment that was waiting for just a spark to be ignited. The CM, after letting the angst simmer till it boiled over, hastened on Thursday to meet Balu Sarvaiyya who, along with family members was flogged by the gau rakshaks. But it was too little and too late. As the video of four Dalits being stripped and tied to a car and flogged with steel pipes, iron rods and paraded in the market became viral, several youths (more than 20 according to latest reports) tried to commit suicide. Many came out on the streets, torched or vandalised a dozen vehicles, blocked the highways and got injured in lathicharge while pelting stones at the police. At least one policeman died of injuries. The cops have so far arrested 16 and four policemen have been suspended. The Gujarat government has ordered a CID-Crime Branch inquiry, formation of a special designated court and filing of a chargesheet in 60 days in the case. But Wednesday's near total Gujarat bandh, called by Dalit groups who constitute 7.5 per cent of the state population, shows Dalits are unimpressed. About 200 protestors were arrested after clashes with police in several places as they forcibly downed shutters, attacked public transport, halted trains and vehicular traffic. In Ahmedabad, 2,500 members of the cleaning staff stayed away from work. Fearing a similar backlash in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has admitted that the procedure followed to demolish the Ambedkar Bhavan was flawed and that the government is ready to pay up for reconstruction. According to National Crime Records Bureau data compiled till 2014, crimes against SCs and STs are up 40% and 118% over five years, respectively. This is a direct result of the conflict under way among the newly confident underclass and the resentful upper class who want a restoration of the old order. Not being able to come to terms with the new reality, the Patels, patidars and members of the middle class have launched their own movements. Hindustan Times quotes Dalit activist Ram Kumar in a report: "In my fathers generation, if a Pandit came along, he would sit on the chair, and the rest would sit on the floor. And now, if a pandit comes, he can sit with us, or can stand and we keep sitting. Even a few decades back, scenes of ruling party shaking in fear at uprising of the oppressed class and rival parties rushing to cash in on the anger would've been unthinkable. It is chaotic, messy and rambunctious but nevertheless a good sign for democracy. Weird cocktail names like 'Sex On The Beach' and 'The Screaming Orgasm' are so yesterday! The newest drink to make it to the list of cocktails with odd names is one that has a desi twist. The cocktail we aren't kidding you is called 'Madarc***d'. According to News18, the cocktails menu at the Equilibrium Restaurant, Singapore serves this drink, which is inspired by an Indian gaali. You can order it for the sum of $23. If the name has you intrigued, then here's the drink's description: "Enticing flavours of India, creamy chai latte shaken with amaretto, bulleit bourbon, hazelnut syrup, fresh cream and honey water". How that combination of ingredients gets an expletive for a title is anyone's guess. The drink was first 'discovered' when a Twitter user posted pictures of the bar's menu and many others followed suit. If you were wondering if this was a mistake on the restaurant's part and if they actually meant something else, then you are so wrong! The restaurant has owned up to it and are proud for reasons not many approve off. In a note shared on the Equilibrium Facebook page, the management said: "Heard of "Madar***d"? Yes, we are certainly aware of the meaning. But we aren't swearing at you. It's a name of our cocktail on the bar menu. We would not imagine doing it in India itself, but Singapore is a multi-racial country with little bias and a wider berth when it comes to humour. We saw the humour in introducing an Indian-inspired cocktail with a tongue-in-cheek name." While some users on social media had a good laugh, a few others were offended. The restaurant, however, has got plenty of attention, as they have now dared patrons to come try the drink inspired by a gaali. They've even announced special offers for the same. New Delhi: Attacking BJP over Una Dalits assault incident, CPM on Thursday asked the Gujarat government to disband cow protection committees and crack down on rabid communal outfits purveying "anti-Dalit" and "anti-Muslim" sentiments. "It is not enough for the state government to arrest culprits involved in the Una outrage. It must act to disband the cow protection committees and crack down on the rabid communal outfits which are purveying anti-Dalit and anti-Muslim sentiments," ex-CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat said. Karat made the remarks in the editorial of forthcoming issue of party mouthpiece People's Democracy. Likening the Una assault to the "barbaric" lynching of five Dalit men in Jhajjar in Haryana in 2012, Karat said attacks on Muslims and Dalits, who are engaged in the trade of cattle and leather, have taken place in parts of the country in recent months. The committees, he claimed, conduct vigilante actions against Muslims and Dalits and cited killing of Mohammad Akhlaq in Dadri and hanging of two cattle traders in Jharkhand are two recent "shocking" examples in this regard. The Marxist leader also said that the Gujarat incident has exposed "carefully-constructed Dalit prem" of BJP-RSS combine. "The BJP central government had made a big show of observing the 125th birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar. At the same time, the BJP government in Maharashtra has presided over the demolition of the historic building which had housed the office of Dr Ambedkar in Dadar, Mumbai," he said. Thank god for votebank politics. Middle-class distaste notwithstanding, it is this compulsion that sees the poor, the deprived of the nation, ignored voters or repressed most of the time, getting cheap rice, bicycles, mixer-grinders, and all sorts of largess at election time. At times, it also gets a woman leader a humble apology from male chauvinist pigs. But for votebank politics, BJPs number two leader in Uttar Pradesh, the inaptly named Dayashankar Singh, would not have had to eat crow and lose all party posts for six years no mean deprivation in a state which is going to polls in six months' time for using the P-word against Dalit leader Mayawati, more importantly, Dalit leader Mayawati from Uttar Pradesh. Nor would Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, or any BJP head honcho for that matter, have rushed to denounce his fellow partymans slip of tongue and sounded so contrite, going to the extent of telling the Rajya Sabha, I regret the use of such words and will ensure the matter is taken up, and I personally express regret to Mayawatiji. I associate our dignity with yours and stand with you. The battle for Uttar Pradesh is truly joined-up. All those meticulously planned Dalit outreach programmes by the BJP in UP, signalled to coincide with the birth centenary of late RSS chief Madhukar Dattatreya Deoras a few months ago, exhorting party members to adopt a Dalit family as ones own, all those holy dips with Dalit seers on the occasion of the Sihansth Kumbh, duly renamed Samrasta snan (social harmony bath), and sharing of meals with the lowest of the lower-castes by party president Amit Shah; all those posters of Babasaheb Ambedkdar strung at all the party functions whatever the occasion, could not be allowed to be squandered away by motormouth functionaries. Not when the UP elections are beckoning. So far so very good. Whatever the motive, the ruling party at the Centre, many of whose leaders have openly proclaimed that a womans place is at home and her only task is to procreate for the continuance of the Hindu race, have learnt to display respect for women; learnt to be sensitive about Dalit sentiments or at least appear to be so. Hypocritical you say, dont knock hypocrisy. At least it reveals your priorities and what you are hypocritical about. And appearances do matter. One day theyll become, if not part of the culture, a habit at least. Especially if our leaders can take the next big step forward and not limit their consternation to a political leader using such words against a prominent woman leader, to go by Arun Jaitleys words, but venture beyond and encompass all women, all Dalits, and all minorities. High hopes indeed, but vote bank politics may make them so. The countrys oppressed and browbeaten, it seems, have long memories. Mayawati hasnt forgotten former army boss but current junior External Affairs Minister VK Singhs remarks likening Dalit children burnt alive in Haryana to dogs and facing no opprobrium for such heartless insensitivity. Probably because the elections in Haryana had been over by then. But the pain of Dalits in Haryana is felt by Dalits everywhere, including in UP. (VK Singh had used a variation of the P-word for the countrys press too but then the press is no votebank they never won anyone in any elections nor prevented anyone from winning one, the latest being the example of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal.) Nor has any BJP leader expressed any real sorrow for the cruel, bestial beating of Dalits by cow vigilantes (a whole new breed that the BJP has gifted the nation since coming to power at the Centre) on camera, in Gujarat. Rather, it is being seen as just a law and order problem with Home Minister Rajnath Singh dishing out kudos to the Gujarat government for its prompt and fitting handling of the situation. But votebank politics demands the nurturing of votebanks throughout the year, every year, or they may start unravelling at the crucial moment, as they appear to be headed in Uttar Pradesh. As they did in Bihar, when one inadvertent comment by the RSS supremo about reconsidering caste-based reservations reverberated throughout the state to the disadvantage of the BJP. They may learn a lesson or two from Mayawati herself. This is how she manages to keep her flock intact even at the worst of times, retaining 20 percent of the votes in Uttar Pradesh even in the face of the Narendra Modi wave in 2014, even if she did not win a single seat in that Lok Sabha election. The BJP does seem to have a lot to learn but maybe theyll get better at nurturing votebanks and achhe din will lie ahead for the cowed and wretched of India. One can always hope. In a single stroke, sacked BJP Uttar Pradesh vice-president, Dayashankar Singh, has caused irreparable damage to his partys poll prospects and has consolidated the position of Mayawati and her Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in the state, ahead of the crucial UP Assembly elections next year. Of late, there had been reports suggesting that Mayawati was getting marginalised in the state, as a section of Dalits and OBCs were seen gravitating towards the Hindutva fold. The BJP leadership was quite enthused with the accretion of support from these marginalised social groups, which normally were associated with the BSP. But Dayashankar Singh's utterances that equated Mayawati to a sex-worker, who sells MLA tickets to the highest bidder have clearly squandered away the BJPs gains. To understand the political dynamics, let us first try to unravel the man that is Dayashankar Singh. Though originally from Bihar, Singh's family association with Ballia district entitled him to find a place in the BJPs state unit. His close associates say that he was a dubious character right from the word go, and had been involved in several recruitment scams in the past. But Singh possesses a unique quality of getting proximity with the top leadership. "He would not have got the post, had he not been close to the top leadership," said a BJP office-bearer, who rues the fact that senior leaders ignored objections from the ground level, when Dayashankar Singh was given charge of leading the state Yuva morcha. "He managed to get close to Amit Shah as well, through various sources," he pointed out. Herein lies the problem. Dayashankar Singh is not the only one to have found entry into the BJP on account of his proximity to top leaders. In a political party like BJP, where office bearers had to pass through several filters, the practice of scrutiny is now given a go by. There are many Dayashankar Singhs waiting in the wings to commit indiscretion on account of their hubris. What makes the BJPs task most difficult is the partys attempt to appeal to caste sensibilities. That is something which the BJP has never been known for. Look at the manner in which BJP president Amit Shah has been holding caste rallies all across Uttar Pradesh, winning over caste groups by projecting certain leaders without bothering much about their credentials. For instance, the party is so desperate to get Brahmin support that it does not hesitate to rope in people with criminal antecedents into its fold. This is the precise reason why leaders like Uma Shankar Singh get promoted without going through the organisational filter. They are deemed as representatives of caste groups, without realising the fact that the caste complexity in UP cannot be oversimplified. And indications are such that Amit Shah and his team have been pursuing mobilisation of castes in the same away as they did in Bihar that came a cropper in the 2015 Assembly election. A glimpse of Mayawati's shrewdness was evident on Wednesday, in the manner in which she launched an attack on the BJP in her Rajya Sabha speech. Though the House unanimously criticised Dayashankar Singh's remark, and the Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley expressed his regret to Mayawati, the BSP chief used this occasion to put across a strong message to her constituency Dalits. She did not hesitate for a moment to bracket the BJP as a party of upper castes which is opposed to the rise of Dalits in politics. Little wonder then, that like a seasoned politician, Mayawati twisted the knife deep to create a highly discomfiting moment for the BJP, making it difficult for them to wrest and dominate UPs political narrative. Those who know UP can vouch for the fact that the BJP would have to pay a heavy political price for this indiscretion. In his fight against the RSS, Rahul Gandhi has found an unlikely ally: The Hindu Mahasabha. In a surprise statement on Wednesday, the Mahasabha not only owned up to Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse, but also claimed he was part of what is now referred to as the saffron parivar. "The BJP and RSS were with Nathuram Godse on the issue when the decision to kill Mahatma Gandhi was taken. In fact, it was only two hours after Mahatma Gandhi was shot that members of RSS went to Jawaharlal Nehru and said that they would eliminate the Hindu Mahasabha. Godse was very much a part of RSS and Hindu Mahasabha and it is sad that after he gave his life for a noble cause, politics is being played over him," Pandit Ashok Sharma, national vice-president, Hindu Mahasabha told The Times of India. This is not the first time Godse, the man who pulled the trigger on Gandhi, has been linked to the RSS. That his brother Gopal, a co-conspirator in the case, who was sentenced for life, had also claimed that they were part of the RSS, is widely known. All the brothers were in the RSS. Nathuram, Dattatreya, myself and Govind. You can say we grew up in the RSS rather than in our home. It was like a family to us. Nathuram had become a baudhik karyavah (intellectual worker) in the RSS. He has said in his statement that he left the RSS. He said it because Golwalkar and the RSS were in a lot of trouble after the murder of Gandhi. But he did not leave the RSS, Gopal Godse had told Frontline in an interview. Many other independent sources link Godse to the RSS, at least during his formative years. Justice GD Khosla's account Godse joined the RSS at the age of 22 and later on went on to join the Hindu Mahasabha. During the trial for murder, he resorted to filmy melodrama. And, before being hanged, Godse may have even regretted his violent act. These observations lie hidden in the work of Justice GD Khosla, a former judge of the Punjab high court, who was part of a three-member bench that heard an appeal filed by Godse and his accomplices after being found guilty of Gandhi's murder by a trial court. In The Murder of the Mahatma by Justice Khosla whose words have often been quoted out of context by several Godse bhakts to build up Mahatma's murderer as a hero he writes: "It was said afterwards that Godse had, during his last days in gaol, repented of his deed and declared that were he to be given another chance he would spend the rest of his life in the promotion of peace and the service of his country." On 10 February, 1949, a trial court found seven persons guilty of Gandhi's assassination. Godse and Narayan Apte a philanderer who believed his stars would protect him from any punishment were sentenced to death. Four days later the convicted criminals approached the high court to appeal the decision. Khosla writes: "Godse did not challenge his conviction upon the charge of murder, nor did he question the propriety of the death sentence. His appeal was confined to the finding that there was a conspiracy. " Justice Khosla is often portrayed as a man who had sympathy for Godse. But, this is a falsehood that was first perpetuated by Godse's followers and then, in deference to Goebbels' philosophy, acquired a life of its own. Justice Khosla was in fact in awe of the Mahatma and wrote glowingly of Gandhi after meeting him in Delhi just a few days before his assassination. "And as he went on talking, understanding came to me that this man had only one sentiment, one passion, one source of strength within him and that was a deep and pervading feeling of love. He loved Hindus and Muslims, Sikhs and Christians alike. He loved the British who had ruled over us for 150 years, he loved the Pakistanis who had hounded out millions of Hindus from their ancestral homes," he reminisced. Let's come to the statement that is credited to him to suggest the judge had empathy for Godse. "I have, however, no doubt that had the audience of that day been constituted into a jury and entrusted with the task of deciding Godse's appeal, they would have brought in a verdict of 'not guilty' by an overwhelming majority," Khosla writes capturing the mood of the people in the court after Godse completed his argument with a speech. But this statement acquires a different and the correct meaning when read in the right context: "It seemed to me that I was taking part in some kind of melodrama or in a scene out of a Hollywood feature film. Once or twice I had interrupted Godse and pointed out the irrelevance of what he was saying, but my colleagues seemed inclined to hear him and the audience most certainly thought that Godse's performance was the only worthwhile part of the lengthy proceedings. A writer's curiosity in watching the interplay of impact and response made me abstain from being too conscientious in the matter. Also I said to myself: 'The man is going to die soon. He is past doing any harm. He should be allowed to let off steam for the last time.' " Godse was the son of a village postmaster. During his childhood, to ward off evil influence, his mother dressed him up as a girl and made him wear a nose ring (nath), leading to the name Nathmal and then Nathuram. Since he failed to clear matriculation and find a stable job, Godse was forced to start a small tailor's shop. Justice Khosla writes: "At 22, he joined the Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh an organisation of which the avowed aim was to protect Hindu culture and solidarity. A few years later he shifted to Poona, and became Secretary of the local branch of the Hindu Mahasabha." But, the judge is silent on whether Godse was still an active member of the Sangh when he killed Gandhi. Dr Rajendra Prasad and the RSS challenge The problem with proving the status of Godse's membership is complicated by the secrecy that shrouded the RSS during the 1940s. This is best captured in a letter written by Dr Rajendra Prasad who later went on to become India's first president to Sardar Patel on 12 December, 1948. (Dr Rajendra Prasad, Correspondence and Select Documents, Volume 10, page 182-183, Allied Publishers). In his missive to Patel, Prasad argues that the government must explain to the public the reasons behind the action it has taken against the RSS (it was banned after the Mahatma's murder). An annexure with the letter explains the RSS, its ideology and modus operandi: -Through the RSS, the Maharashtrian Brahmins have been dreaming of establishing in India a Peshwa Raj after the withdrawal of the Britishers. The RSS flag is the Bhagwa flag of the Peshwas. The RSS people argue that the Peshwas Maharashtrian rulers were the last to be conquered by the British and, after the termination of the British rule in India, the Maharashtrians should be vested with political powers. -The RSS practises secret and violent methods that promote fascism. -There is no constitution of the organisation, its aims and objectives have never been clearly defined... Only the inner circle is taken into confidence. -There are no records of the proceedings of the RSS organisation, no registers are maintained... The RSS is thus strictly secret as regards to its organisation. Technically, it would be difficult to prove if Godse was a Sangh member. In fact, as Dr Prasad pointed out, since the RSS didn't maintain any record, not much about it can be proven legally. But, it is also a fact that the Hindu Mahasabha contributed both to the RSS and its political offshoot Jan Sangh (later BJP) by way of leadership. For a long time before Independence, it was common for politicians to be members of the Mahasabha, RSS as well as the Congress at the same time. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, for instance, was an active member of the Mahasabha till he founded the Jan Sangh. It is true that the RSS was never indicted for its role in Gandhi's murder. Soon after Gandhi's death, home minister Sardar Patel banned the organisation, accused its members of celebrating Gandhi's murder and warned it against creating an atmosphere of hate. But none of its leaders were charged with the murder of hatching the conspiracy. Yet, Gopal Godse's statement, the Mahasabha's claims and the undisputed fact that Nathuram was indeed its member during his youth will make it difficult for the RSS to easily disown the man who killed Gandhi in January 1948. There are bigger things in life than Rahul Gandhi having his eyes closed. Maybe like Rodins thinker, he was thinking. Besides, there isnt one of us who hasnt flaked out at some time or the other in a public forum. And to be fair some of us do our collect our thoughts with our eyes closed. I know I do and I concentrate better. You shut out the world. There has been so much this week to shut out. Now, I am not saying Rahul is aspiring to be Socrates or Aristotle but before we nail him for casual indifference wouldnt it be fair to just ask him if he was caught napping? I nodded off during the Arnab 'noise-hour' the other night and if you can achieve that state in those conditions then you can sleep just about anywhere. Come on people! Be kind. This is not a 'bash Rahul' week and we are detracting from other major tectonic fractures in our social structure that are a lot more dangerous than Rahuls eyes wide shut. Uppermost in my mind is the rape of a girl in Haryana by the same five creeps three years after their first assault on her. It is frustrating not to know if all five have been arrested, but no one tells you. Some say two, some say three, where are the others? What sort of parole system do we have when rapists are given bail and then have the temerity to repeat the offence and six days later, are poncing about free as larks? We can blame the government for sure, because most of the crap seems to be hitting the ceiling right where the BJP holds up the roof. Haryana and the repeat rape. Gujarat and the thrashing of the four Dalits for skinning a dead, foul-smelling cow. In Uttar Pradesh, we have this newly-minted BJP VP fella insulting Mayawati by saying she is worse than a sex worker, which is a bit nasty against the oldest profession, but hey, guess what? BJP again. Not quite a happy week for the BJP. Also why are the chief ministers and other frontliners such shrinking violets that they cannot come out and face the public instead of sending their minions. Somewhere in their minds they must be thanking their stars for Rahuls nap. If it wasnt for that little diversion, the media would have ridden them out all tarred and feathered. For being ugly chauvinists, racists, clumsy, casteist, pro-rape, anti-justice, slow-off-the-mark on all counts and, most infuriatingly, still incapable of biting the bullet. Why not fling Dayashankar out of the window? Catch the five rapists and parade these criminals. Get the weight off the derrieres of the police in these states. Show us the faces of the so-called cow-saviours, who handed the rod to each other in a macabre relay while the police watched the beatings for three hours. And you are worried about Rahul Gandhi sleeping. Maybe he was just swallowing his nausea. New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research (Amendment) Bill, 2016 with the new HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar asserting that the NDA government is committed to ensure "quality education" for all. "The Narendra Modi government is committed to ensure Sabko Shiksha aur Acchi Shiksha (Education for all and Quality Education)," Javadekar said in Lok Sabha after members from various parties participated in the discussions on the bill. He said the BJP government is committed to ensure quality education especially at higher levels like the NITs where the role of faculty and teaching community should be understood. "Teachers can make a difference to story of India. There will be in-service training and pre-service training. All vacant slots will be fulfilled," he said. Javadekar said the government is trying to ensure safe guard of teaching community's "dignity" withA"compassion" and also added that the teachers will be given "freedom". And along with these there will be emphasis on accountability. Stressing on the role of research, he said several schemes are being evolved to promote research especially among technological institutes. A separate funding of Rs 1,000 crore will be made for this, he said adding under this, "customized research" of industries will be encouraged wherein academicians from NITs and IITs and other such technological institutes will be involved. "We will encourage more incubation centres and under which even after graduation NIT and IIT pass outs and graduates can also be allowed to visit their institutes and take part in research," Javadekar said. The bill, later passed by voice vote, seeks to establish the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Andhra Pradesh as an institute of national importance under the National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research (NITSER) Act, 2007. Among others Congress member Shashi Tharoor, (Congress), Kambhampati Haribabu (BJP) and RSP member NK Premachandran also spoke. Bad mouthing political rivals no longer comes as a surprise in Indian politics but BJP leader Dayashankar Singhs comments against Mayawati hit a new low. He stated on camera that the BSP leader is "worse than a prostitute." Apparently, this was the brightest attack he could come up with to take down his political rival before the 2017 Assembly polls. Even a prostitute fulfills her commitment after she is paid. But Mayawati sells party tickets to anyone who paid her the highest amount. If someone gives her Rs 1 crore for a ticket she will give it to the other person who is offering Rs 2 crore... Mayawati has become worse than a prostitute and abandons the ideals of Kanshi Ram," Singh said. Singh's comment was offensive not only to Mayawati, but also to all women. By comparing sex workers with someone selling favours, he equated a professional choice with favouritism and bribery. His statement caused an uproar in the Monsoon session of the parliament and led to BJP heavyweights such as state president Keshav Prasad Maurya, Arun Jaitley and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi apologising for the comment. Singh was sacked from his post of the state units vice-president and he too apologized, saying he is willing to go to prison. But Singhs comment only goes to prove two things: that while male politicos may be attacked in several ways by their political rivals, their gender is never used as a weapon; and such sexist remarks against Mayawati may never stop even though previous such comments also caused uproars and led to apologies. The woman Dalit leader has been attacked on her physical appearance, her singledom, her caste and her relationship with BSP founder Kanshi Ram as rivals across political parties took cheap shots at her for the lack of a better way to bring her down. In 2009, Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, while campaigning for a Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate, offered to give Mayawati a "jaadu ki jhappi and pappi" (a hug and a kiss) on a public platform. The SP top brass who were present on stage did not bat an eyelid at his comment. In 2013, SP leader and the then UP tourism minister Om Prakash Singh called her "an ugly-faced marauder," according to Zee News. The next year, SP supremo Mulayam Singh targeted his arch rival on her singledom. According to The Times Of India, the leader had said, "Unko kya kahen yeh samajh mein nahi aata ... Shrimati kahen, kunwari beti ya behenji kahen (I don't understand how one should address her, as Mrs, Ms or sister). It was a cheap attempt to derogate her as in Hindi, the phrase comes laced with a more repugnant insult. Sadly, such misogynistic references are not only used by her male opponents. In December 2014, BJP leader Shaina NC referred to her short hair and said she was confused whether to address Mayawati as a 'he' or a 'she', according to a report published in DNA. This only shows how deep our prejudices run against single women who are in a position of power, especially when they have humble beginnings. That the woman in question has been elected as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh four times seems to have escaped everyones notice. So why is it that our politicos are so intent on ridiculing Mayawati in the worst kind of personal attacks? Uttar Pradesh has the maximum number of seats in Lok Sabha and the fact is that whoever wields power in the state can also call the shots in the lower house, irrespective of whether they are a part of the alliance in power at the Centre. Thats one reason that the UP leader has attracted so many slurs. Another sad fact is that the amount of power a woman holds is directly proportional to the character assassination attempts and mudslinging aimed at her, especially if she does not confirm to the gender stereotypes of a sari-clad, bindi-sporting, shy woman. Mayawati breaks all stereotypes. Added to this is the fact that whether you approve of it or not, Mayawati has her own brand of politics. It cannot be denied that she has managed to make a mark in a largely male-dominated space. Her steady rise to power and increasing clout within the Dalit community has long irked her opponents. She established herself as a prominent face in Uttar Pradesh politics despite being a single Dalit woman, a shocker even in today's context. While Indian patriarchal society conveniently chooses to derogate rivals they cannot dismiss by making sexist remarks, this is not only an Indian phenomenon. Sexism and misogyny in politics are a global issue. According to CNN, China's state-run agency Xinhua had belittled Taiwan's newly inaugurated president Tsai Ing-wen, linking her single status to her political policies. Even Britain's newly appointed Prime Minister Theresa May was not spared when people decried one of her outfits for showing too much cleavage, according to The Express. In another incident, Tory leadership rival Andrea Leadsom said that she will have a better stake in the future of UK as she is a mother while May does not have children. When such sexist thoughts find resonance in the larger society, it is tough to make the offending leaders accountable for their actions. Belonging to a party which is part of an intellectual eco-system that generally revels in low talk, vicious personal attacks and theatrics, Uttar Pradesh BJP leader Dayashankar Singh does not surprise much with his intemperate utterances against BSP leader Mayawati. The only problem is it comes at a wrong time for the BJP. Assembly election is round the corner in the state and its a critical one for the party. And the state vice presidents attack is so direct that it cannot be buried under convoluted arguments, a tactic the party usually resorts to in such situations. Action or no action against Singh, the BJP might just have kissed good-bye to its chances in the state. The attack on Mayawati at this juncture has the potential to upset the carefully drawn strategy of the party to woo Dalits to its fold. It has been following the strategy diligently over the last many months, convinced that polarisation games might neutralise the Samajwadi Party to a big extent, but weaning Dalits away from the BSP needed a much subtler approach. With Muslim voters already alienated and the 2014 pro-Modi euphoria no more visible, it can hardly afford to displease the Dalits, the latters core social base. Singh has managed to provide the BSP, which was so far directionless, a major talking point before the election, and Mayawati is no fool in politics to let go of the godsend. To make matters worse for the BJP, this development comes in the backdrop of televised images of Dalit youths being beaten up mercilessly by members of a cow protection group in Gujarat. As Prime Minister Narendra Modis home state grapples with the biggest Dalit agitation in years as many as 17 have tried killing themselves so far, according to media reports the general anti-Dalit image of the party has only got accentuated. If it were the Muslims, the party would have put up a strong defence for the assaulters with some clever spin, but Dalits throw a different challenge. First, a section of the powerful Patel community and now the Dalits, it is obvious to the opposition parties that the social engineering that helped the BJP thrive in Gujarat is falling apart. They also realise that the fundamental incompatibility between the ideology of the Hindutva groups that claim closeness to the BJP and the existential Indian social reality has started surfacing. They would be eager to carry the message from Gujarat to battle ground Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere. Mayawati, in particular, would utilise the opportunity to keep her flock together. Obviously, the BJP leadership would be cursing Dayashankar and all such loud-mouths in the party for its predicament. But havent such characters been integral to the party that treats nastiness as a political asset? Having all kinds of hate-mongers under one umbrella may be politically expedient at one point but in the long run it can only bring disaster. It can justify, in whatever crooked manner, citing ideology, the attacks on Muslims and Christians, and even the liberals and the secular, but how can it do so in case of attacks on lower castes? Sooner rather than latter it is going to recoil on the BJP. A social backlash would be much more damaging for it than a political backlash. Can the party stop them? Not really, given the fact that the cultural and educational gap between those at the top rungs of the party and the fringes is so huge. Arun Jaitely and Yogi Adityanath, Sushma Swraj and Sadhvi Prachi, Suresh Prabhu and Griraj Kishore in one bracket look strange. The middle space between the extremes is too shallow to bridge the divide. Thus despite the great irritation shown by Modi, Jaitley and other seniors, expect those at the bottom to keep making ridiculous statements and the fringe Hindutva groups to run their own agenda for example, whos going to stop the Gau Raksha army? They will keep alienating Dalits. Dayashankars remark on Mayawati is the symptom of a bigger disease running in the party. How the BJP leadership handles it would be interesting to watch. New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday asked the BJP-led central government to come "clean on Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar meeting Vijay Mallya in London". According to the media reports, Ranjit Kumar was seen meeting liquor baron Vijay Mallya who is wanted in loan default and money laundering cases. "Modi government should come clean. First Modi government allowed Mallya to flee and now sending its law officer to meet him? Why," Kejriwal asked in a tweet on Thursday, alleging that the government allowed the businessman to flee the country. Mallya has fled to London to evade arrest in India. His deportation has been sought from Britain, where he has been based for more than four months. However, Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar rubbished the allegations about his reported meeting with Mallya and said that he had no idea about the same. "I have no idea about what the allegations are and I don't know what meeting they are talking about. I don't have a Twitter account. I don't tweet or follow people," Kumar was quoted as saying by ANI. In April, the Indian government had also cancelled Mallya's passport and a non-bailable arrest warrant was issued in connection with the investigations into cases lodged against him. Auto refresh feeds "I will not accept that this problem is just one created by Pakistan or separatists," he said. "You cannot escape the issue by just blaming Pakistan for the problems in Kashmir," he said. "Just because of good tourism in one season in Kashmir, you cannot think you solved the problem. If you do not pay attention to this problem, it will turn into a law and order problem." "There must be a conspiracy being hatched by Pakistan. But you have to look at the measures you are taking to counter it," Yechury told the government in Rajya Sabha. In response, a beleaguered Arun Jaitley said that BJP will take strict action against Dayashankar Singh. "I should tell Mayawati ji that the party shares her grief over this issue, I will look into this matter, we stand with her...I am personally hurt that a BJP party person used such derogatory words against Mayawati," he said. "This is not only a woman's issue. This is a man's issue," said TMC MP Derek O'Brien. Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury stressed on the fact that the man making such remarks was none other than the vice president of the UP unit of BJP and demanded that he be arrested. "A man speaks with such language on the day both houses are discussing issues on violence on Dalits?" she said. "The nation will not forgive BJP for this, especially with what is going in Gujarat," ANI quoted Mayawati as saying. "There are wars of thoughts and ideas in the House, but never have I used derogatory words against anyone ever," she said. "The insulting words used against me are against all of womankind," said Mayawati. "Dayashankar Singh should be arrested. Otherwise, if in response to this people get violent, it will not be on my conscience," she added. UP BJP vice president Dayashankar Singh's cheap remark against BSP chief Mayawati created uproar in the Parliament as Opposition leaders attacked the Modi government over the issue. In response, a beleaguered Arun Jaitley said that BJP will take strict action against Dayashankar Singh. "I should tell Mayawati ji that the party shares her grief over this issue, I will look into this matter, we stand with her...I am personally hurt that a BJP party person used such derogatory words against Mayawati," he said. "This is not only a woman's issue. This is a man's issue," said TMC MP Derek O'Brien. Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury stressed on the fact that the man making such remarks was none other than the vice president of the UP unit of BJP and demanded that he be arrested. "A man speaks with such language on the day both houses are discussing issues on violence on Dalits?" she said. "The nation will not forgive BJP for this, especially with what is going in Gujarat," ANI quoted Mayawati as saying. "There are wars of thoughts and ideas in the House, but never have I used derogatory words against anyone ever," she said. "The insulting words used against me are against all of womankind," said Mayawati. "Dayashankar Singh should be arrested. Otherwise, if in response to this people get violent, it will not be on my conscience," she added. UP BJP vice president Dayashankar Singh's cheap remark against BSP chief Mayawati created uproar in the Parliament as Opposition leaders attacked the Modi government over the issue. "On one hand, BJP did a lot of things to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti and assured Dalits that they will do a lot to celebrate it. On the other hand, Dalits still do not have reservation rights in the private sector," she added. "The legal rights which Ambedkar created for the backward sections of the society will only reach the society when honest work is done for providing those rights to them," she said. "Even after the country got independence, whether it is Congress rule or BJP rule, the sad truth is that the Dalits are still suffering," Mayawati said in the Rajya Sabha. "There is an urgent need to change the mindset of the major political parties of the country towards Dalits," she said. "I have to tell the Union government that this is a serious matter. I ask the government to give justice to the Dalit victims in Gujarat. It is not enough to just send the Gujarat CM to meet them. Action needs to be taken against authorities which were negligent. They should be arrested," she said. "In the name of protection of cows, a lot of unfair things are being done. Injustice against Dalits is being done in the name of protection of cows," said Mayawati in the Rajya Sabha. Crimes against Dalits being done in the name of cow protection, says Mayawati "Instead of making Dalits a political weapon, Congress, BJP and other parties should be reminded that they should rise above petty politics and work for the development of backward sections," she said. "The victims often do not get justice in case of a CID probe," said Mayawati in the Rajya Sabha. "Gujarat government did not act quickly enough. It was only when the media picked up this issue that some action was taken." "This Una incident case should run in a fast track court. We also demand that one of the judges should be a Dalit," Mayawati said. "Forget about Dalits getting justice, even their FIR is not filed many times and the latest example is the Una (Gujrat) incident," she also said. Deputy Chariman PJ Kurien denies that the House is taking the subject lightly. Rajya Sabha is currently debating Aam Aadmi Party lawmaker Bhagwant Mann's video of him entering Parliament by crossing several security layers. Mann then posted it on social media, inviting attack from MPs across party line, who termed his act as a security breach. In the video, which went viral, Mann was seen showing entry gate through which MPs enter Parliament House and saying how strong is the security. "The car is registered with the Lok Sabha. It has a censor, which has the vehicle details. As soon as so you come near the gate, the censor identifies the car and announces the name and number of the car," Mann says in the video with him crossing several layers of the security. On the fifth day of the Monsoon Session (Friday), Aam Aadmi Party MLA Bhagwant Mann's filmed a video entering Parliament by crossing several security layers, which eventually caused uproar in both the Houses. Mann, who posted it on social media, invited attack from MPs across party line, who termed his act as a security breach. As soon as the House assembled, she informed it about the action being taken on the issue which had led to the adjournment of Lok Sabha proceedings on July 22. "The inquiry committee shall inquire into the serious security implications and related aspects.... (and) suggest suitable remedial measures to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future and recommend appropriate action in the matter," the Speaker said. The member is "advised not to attend the sittings of the House" until a decision is taken in the matter, Mahajan said. Mann was not present in the House. The panel has also been asked to "suggest remedial measures" so that such episodes are not repeated. Mahajan has formed the nine member panel headed by BJP MP Kirit Somaiya which includes Anandrao Adsul (Shiv Sena), Meenakshi Lekhi, Satya Pal Singh (both BJP), B Mahtab (Biju Janata Dal), Ratna De Nag (Trinamool) and K. C. Venugopal (Congress) and other members. Therefore, the "act of the member" has put the security of the Parliament in peril, she said. Mahajan said she had consulted leaders of all political parties and everyone supported her actions on this issue. Describing Parliament as "sanctum sanctorum" of democracy, Mahajan recalled that on 13 December, 2001, security personnel had sacrificed their lives protecting the parliament and after that entire security system was reviewed and overhauled. It put "security of the parliament in peril", Mahajan added. Mann has been asked to appear before the panel by 10.30 am tomorrow and make his submission. Addressing the Lok Sabha as soon as it reassembled after the weekend break, Mahajan said taking audio video footage of security zones in the parliament by Punjab's Sangrur MP Mann on July 21 and putting them on social networking site was improper. "The act of the member of audio-visual recording of the Parliament and posting it on the social media puts the security of Parliament in peril," the Speaker said, adding that several members had expressed concern over the issue on Friday last. The panel, chaired by BJP member Kirit Somaiya, has been asked to submit its report by August 3, while Mann has time till tomorrow morning to submit his explanation to the committee. Acting tough, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan today said AAP MP Bhagwant Mann's videography of the Parliament House complex had put its security "in peril" and asked him not to attend the House till a decision is taken on the matter while setting up a nine-member panel to probe the issue. The Lok Sabha is likely to discuss The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill today. Apart from this, the Lower House is also slated to discuss The Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Bill. Sasikala Pushpa began crying in the House over the issue of attacks on women in the country. She has alleged that she was harassed and was being forced to quit her post. "So what if we disagreed with you? This is not the country we are used to living in," O'Brien said. "The Prime Minister needs to come in the House and say that we can live in the India we know, the India of unity and diversity." "For Rs 15, they (Dalits) are being killed because they are Dalits. I am a gau sevak. But in the name of gau sevaks, don't cross the line. This is a sitaution which has gone beyond the border of this country. Since they are taking these decisions, they must listen to what the UN had to say about this country," he said. "The curb on religious fundamentalism, this is a dangerous situation. If it happens and happens and happens, it is a decision. This is a decision of this government. Otherwise, the Defence Minister would not have said what he said yesterday," TMC MP Derek O'Brien said, referring to Parrikar's remarks that Aamir Khan needs to be taught a "lesson" because of his remarks on intolerance. An angry Parrikar responded by saying that he did not take the name of any person in the video. "Since the BJP government came to power, they targeted Muslims first. Now, they are committing atrocities against the Dalits. The Prime Minister should come to the Parliament and clarify on what is happening," Mayawati said. CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury responded to Parrikar and said, "What he said is objectionable. That cannot be acceptable. Tomorrow, are you going to threaten me? If he is raksha mantri, kiska raksha ho raha hai?" Defence Minister Parrikar responded to the uproar in the Rajya Sabha over his remarks against Aamir Khan and said, "Let them see the video themselves and make up their minds." "We should think about the respect for women. In Bareilly, a teacher was abducted during daytime. This is not right. The government should speak. Why is the government silent?" she said. "There are rapes taking place against Dalit women everywhere in the country. The government should take this matter seriously," Mayawati said. Naqvi agreed with her and said the government was ready for a discussion. "I am really embarrassed for standing here and talking about the same issue once again, even after the Nirbhaya gangrape...I want a discussion on women's protection. I do not care which place. I do not want politicising of this issue," Jaya Bachchan said in the Rajya Sabha. An emotional Jaya Bachchan got up in the Rajya Sabha and demanded a discussion on the issue of safety of women. "In view of seriousness of matter, Bhagwant Mann is further advised not to attend the sessions of Parliament for further two weeks," she said. "The chairperson (of the committee) has sought extension of time for further two weeks. I have accepted the request for extension," Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said. On the issue of AAP MP Bhagwant Mann being barred from the Parliament for making a video of the Parliament House complex, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that the committee probing this issue had asked for more time. "This legislation will only be passed after a serious discussion. I hope the Finance Minister passes the Bill not on the strength of his numbers, but on the basis of logic," Chidambaram said. "Government tried to pass the GST Bill without the support of the principal Opposition and I am happy they failed," he said. "Many issues are still outstanding issues and still need to be resolved. We had earlier tried to pass the GST Bill with the support of the Opposition and we failed," he said. "I welcome the friendly tone of the Finance Minister's speech. I think the tone and approach has changed over the last few weeks," Congress leader and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram said. "People of India expect low indirect taxes. There are many voices in the government which speak for the corporate, but someone must speak for the people. I am doing that," Chidambaram said in the Rajya Sabha. "When this Bill is passed today, we will prepare for the next stage of the debate, which is the Central GST Bill. I want an assurance from the Finance Minister....This is a very important legislation. I want an assurance that when that Bill is brought, that will be brought as a Financial Bill and not as a Money Bill," Chidambaram said. "Persuade all parties and sections of the people that a standard of 18 percent is the most appropriate," he added. "The worry that we have is creeping taxation. But that is what Parliament is for. Taxation is the exclusive power of the Parliament. It is ultimately Parliament which calls the shots in taxes," he said. "I, on behalf of my party, loudly and clearly demand that the GST rate should not exceed 18 percent," Chidambaram said in the Rajya Sabha. Bill in next stage of GST debate should be brought as a Financial Bill: Chidambaram Chidambaram warns that a rate too high, something like 23 percent, will be inflationary. He insists that the Bill needs to be passed as a finance Bill. The critical point we shouldnt be miss here is that the Congress is pitching for 18 percent standard GST rate and isnt ready to give up on this point in any case. This comment is crucial since the NDA government has not yet arrived on a single rate. Chidambaram attacks the Narendra Modi government, saying it does not care about the problems of the common people. Chidambaram stresses on the point that the rate should be changed only with the permission of Parliament, and thus makes Congress compromise formula that the GST rate should be included in the GST Bill, though his party is willing to compromise on the earlier demand that the rate should be included in the constitution. According to Firstpost Financial Editor Dinesh Unnikrishnan, P Chidambaram has hit the core point in his speech the final GST rate. Chidambaram positions Congress as the voice of poor and emphasises on the fact that standard GST rate should not exceed 18 percent on the lines of what governments chief economic advisor, Arvind Subrmanian, suggested. "It (GST) violates states' autonomy. It results in permanent revenue loss to the state of Tamil Nadu. We strongly oppose this Bill," AIADMK MP A Navaneethakrishnan said in the Rajya Sabha. "We have moved an amendment that the compensation should be for at least 5 years," he added. "Tamil Nadu will lose Rs 9270 crore because of GST. This is not a small amount," he said. "Till date, the revenue-neutral rate has not been fixed by the government," he said, adding that this was a problem in the GST Bill. "Petroleum and petroleum products must be kept outside GST permanently. We can save our people only then," he said. "It is a well-known fact that Tamil Nadu is a manufacturing state. It is also known that this method of taxation is destination-based. We strongly oppose that," he said. He then went on to elaborate on the changes which AIADMK wanted in the GST Bill. "The composition of the GST Council is not fair. The weightage of each state's vote should be in proportion to their representation in the country," said the AIADMK MP in the Rajya Sabha. "Now let me tell you about the ping pong match," O'Brien said "I'm feeling like a teenager in the presence of these senior lawyers," O'Brien said. "There is the politics of the Bill. GST can also be interpreted as the Girgit Samjhauta Tax," TMC MP Derek O'Brien said in the Rajya Sabha. TMC MP Derek O'Brien has always been dramatic in his speeches, and his speech during the GST Bill is a perfect example. The money has to first come from Centre to states and then from states to local bodies. If the availability of funds to local bodies gets delayed, that can seriously hamper functioning of local bodies, Patel cites. In a larger context, this problem is not for MCGB alone. It would apply to all big and small local bodies across the country in the GST regime. Patels remarks suggest the magnitude of challenge the Modi government has while implementing the revolutionary tax regime. Patel raises the challenge of GST implementation. Under the GST regime, when various indirect taxes including sales tax, VAT and Octroi get consolidated in one uniform tax rate, will large local bodies such as MCGB get funds on time for its daily functioning? Patel asks. Firstpost Financial Editor Dinesh Unnikrishnan says that NCP Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel raises an interesting case of states within the states, citing the example of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGB), which under Octroi alone garners about Rs 8000 crore to Rs 9000 crore per annum. "The Prime Minister should come to the House apologise to the nation. If he cannot come, we will be happy even if Finance Minister Jaitley apologises," Budania said. "It was Congress which forced you to follow the right path of this Bill." "At that time, the then Gujarat CM had said that this Bill is against the welfare of the nation. Today, the same man who is now PM, said that this Bill is benefitial for the nation," he said. "When the Congress had brought this Bill to the Parliament, then BJP had protested against it," said Narendra Budania, Congress MP from Rajasthan. PM Modi should apologise to the nation for his U-turn on GST Bill: Congress in Rajya Sabha "We have given this notice for discussion to wake up the government. It is unfortunate that the Taj of Hindustan is burning but the central government cannot feel the heat. Which kind of heat will wake up the Kashmir government?" Azad said. "Today, it has been 30 days since curfew was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir. I do not think that any state in India has seen curfew for 30 days since Independence," Congress leader Azad said. "Please call for an all-party meeting and send a delegation to Kashmir," he said. "This cannot be solved through law and order machinery," he said. "The silence of the Prime Minister is more eloquent than words. He is sending the message that the government does not care about the situation in Kashmir." "This is one of the most grave situations I have risen in to speak. I have not seen continuous curfew for 30 days in my life. How can we remain silent? More than 1000 incidents of firing have been reported in a month. More than 8000 have been injured. 60 are dead. It is inhuman and criminal. Why are we using pellet guns? I am told that even Israel does not use pellet guns against Palestinians," CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury said. "If you (BJP) were not opposing this Bill at that time, this Bill would have been passed two years ago. So, you are actually responsible for delaying the Parliament passing this Bill, but we are taking the blame," he said. "Why was it that in 2011, some ministers who are sitting on that side were opposing this Bill?" Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said in the Lok Sabha. "Today, the Parliament is going to take a big step for the freedom from tax terrorism," he said. "Some people will know the condition of taxation in our country," he added. "Today is 8 August. On this day many years ago, Mahatma Gandhi had moved the nation with 'Bharat choro' slogan," PM Narendra Modi said in the Lok Sabha. "Therefore, who won and who lost is not a matter of debate," the Prime Minister further said. "But the credit for this Bill does not belong to one party. It belongs to the culture of Indian democracy," Modi said. "It is true that someone created this Bill while someone else nurtured it," he said. "Just as someone gave birth to Krishna and someone else raised him," he said. "The most important requirement was the creation of trust between Centre and the states. The most important thing was to not decide this on the basis of sheer numbers. That is why I have earlier said that democracy is not just about numbers," he said. "We were successful in taking care of a lot of flaws with the GST Bill. 'Ek manch, ek manth, ek marg, ek manzil' is the mantra behind GST which all of us have experienced," the PM said. "Sometimes, there were doubts about the GST. When I was the CM, even I had doubts about GST. And today, because of seeing GST continuously as a CM, my viewpoint changed when I viewed it as Prime Minister," Modi said. "All Centre and states need to unite to create a mechanism for Ek Bharat," PM Modi said in the Lok Sabha. I had different view of GST because I looked at it earlier from the point of view of a CM: PM Modi in Lok Sabha "A message will go to the people through GST that the consumer is the king," Modi said. "GST gives a guarantee of security to small traders and businessmen. It will result in economic growth." "Despite our differences, we made efforts to take GST forward," he said. "A uniformity in the processing of taxation will come through GST." "In the entire discussion of GST, none of us used it as a platform for politics. We rose above politics for the welfare of the nation," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in the Lok Sabha. GST will send the message that the consumer is the king: PM Modi in LS "Even during the all-party meeting, I had said that the credit for the GST Bill goes to all political parties," the Prime Minister said. "It is a matter of great strength for Indian democracy that all of us are making efforts to take this forward together," he said. "It is also true that we need to have IT-preparedness and legal preparedness. In the world, even the countries which are praised for their democracy find it tough to deal with Bills," he said. "Because of GST, the taxpayer will realise that he will benefit from honesty. Therefore, we will succeed in bringing down the generation of black money," Modi said. "There will be data integration. Because of a strong cross-checking mechanism, a seamless method which will help in catching any wrongdoing will be created," the PM said. "GST will help in curbing corruption and black money," Modi said. "Corruption will move towards zero because of GST," he said. "When something happens in Africa, the Prime Minister tweets about it. But when the Taj of India is burning, the heat is not reaching the central government," he added. "We were told that he spoke on Kashmir issue in Madhya Pradesh because the CM told him to do so. This shows that the Parliament means nothing to the PM and he would not have spoken on the Kashmir issue if the Chief Minister had not asked him to do so," he said. "This is the fourth time we are asking the Prime Minister to provide a statement in the House," Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said in the Rajya Sabha. PM spoke on Kashmir in Madhya Pradesh just because the CM told him to do so: Azad in RS "When you truly feel pain from the heart, it will reach Kashmir," he said. "When you say Kashmir is an integral part of India, it should not only be on paper. There should be integration of hearts and minds. What about the integration between federal and state government?" said Azad. "Law and order in Kashmir in not just in the hands of Jammu and Kashmir police, but also in the hands of paramilitary forces," Azad further said. "If someone says that Mehbooba Mufti should alone solve the problem in Kashmir, that is not possible for her," he added. "Kashmir is secular. The destruction of Kashmiriyat and insaniyat is not happening because of democracy but because of the pellet guns," he said. "There is a difference between communalism and separatism. Militants are also targeting Muslims. Militancy has no religion," Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said in the Rajya Sabha. "You can only keep Kashmir in India when you treat Kashmiris as equals," he said. "Shoot the people but do not use pellet guns. Pellet Guns are worse than live bullets. It is worse than killing people," he further said. "The Prime Minister said that the people of the country love Kashmir. But the people of Kashmir should also love the country," JD(U)'s Sharad Yadav said. "Merely repeating what Atal Bihari Vajpayee said is not going to create that trust. Create that trust by stopping the communal polarisation that is taking place in the country," he said. "If everyday you talk about abrogating Article 370, you talk about love jihad, ghar wapsi, are you creating trust?" said Yechury. "Unless you address the central question of the promises made to the people of Kashmir at the time of independence, this problem will not be solved," he said. "The problem today can only be solved if you initiate a political dialogue. I have urging this government that this can only come through with an atmosphere of trust. "The trust deficit exists (in Kashmir) because of the string of betrayals of the promises made," said the CPI(M) leader. He also took a dig at the government's foreign policy and said, "When you want to wish Happy Birthday, you go to Pakistan." "If other governments have engaged in dialogue in the past, what is preventing this government from initiating the political dialogue?" Yechury said. "The threat we face today is not a mere question of autonomy. There is also an orchestrated terrorist threat in Kashmir," he said. "Today, there is an attempt to create dual power in Kashmir," Dasgupta further said. "Let us remember that dialogue cannot be done if we are going to tie the hands of the executive." "While I agree with Sitaram Yechury that we need a form of political approach, the form and time of that approach should be different," he said. "We have been talking about development and healing hearts and unfortunately, we have come across a rather big emotional divide. At an earlier time, it was thought that Article 370 would facilitate the process of integration. But we may have actually hardened the emotional divide," he said. "A lot of the people who have taken to the streets may be spontaneous. But there is also a large degree of pre-meditation in the protests," he said. "That was the death of Burhan Wani. The death of any Indian should be a source of anguish. But Burhan Wani never considered himself an Indian. And what do you say about a person who glamourises terrorism?" Dasgupta said. "The problem we face in Kashmir today is somewhat different from the problems we have faced earlier," he said. "Three months ago, Kashmir was peaceful. We had a unique political experiment. It was an alliance between the Valley and Jammu, something which was unique and encouraging. And then something broke loose," he added. "While we try to evolve a consensus on this issue, we should sometimes be brutally frank about what we are dealing with," Swapan Dasgupta, nominated MP, said in the Rajya Sabha. "I wish people in this Parliament talked about sending a delegation to AIIMS, where a girl injured by pellet guns is admitted," he said. "Why do we only remember Kashmir when it is burning? Guns will not solve any problem," he said. "The people of this country should understand what the problem in Jammu and Kashmir is." "Why wasn't there any problem in Kashmir until 1987?" said a dramatic PDP MP Nazir Ahmad Laway in the Rajya Sabha. Why do we remember Kashmir only when it is burning? asks PDP MP in Rajya Sabha Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia: When we are talking about Swachh Bharat, we should first clean our minds. Fringe elements have now turned into the Centre today. Why the Home Minister didn't visit Rohith Vemula? PM made a strong statement: Shoot me, not the Dalits. But why he didn't include Muslims? Muslims can never be part of Hindu nationalism but they are a part of Indian nationalism. Sexual violence against Dalit women has increased. About eight lakh Dalits are dependent on selling skins, bones of dead cows, what will they do now? AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi: No democracy in the world has prioritise animal life over human life. But the Indian democracy has. Why do gua rakshaks have come to power? The credit goes to the idealogy of ruling party. What right do so-called gau rakshaks have to look at what I eat? NK Premchandran, RSP MP from Kollam: The attrocities against the Dalits is politics. Educational, economical and social upliftment is the need of the poor. We all should work together and committ ourselves in taking action in order to stop the atrocities on Dalit. Also, I would appeal all the state governments to take strictest action against anti-social elements who try to disrupt the harmony of secular fabric of the country. It is pointless to blame the other government. Why did we celebrate Ambedkar's 125th anniversary with such genuinty? Respecting Ambedkar is like respecting India. Seva Bharati, an RSS organisation, is one of the organisations which has been majorly active at the grassroots for the upliftment of Dalits. Dalit community has contributed a lot towards Indian heritage. When India was under the British Rule, no matter how atrocities were inflicted on them, still they stood by India. They never demanded a separate country. We in the government emphathise with the Dalits. On PM Modi's silence, Singh said, "Has any PM spoken during all discussions in Parliament? When PM spoke on the atrocities, and gau rakshaks, I issued an advisory that strict action should be taken against such gau rakshaks. Our biggest challenge is to counter the twisted mentality of the perpetrators. What happened in Una was extremely condemnable. "This is rumour that after BJP came to power that the atrocities on Dalit have increased. Just ask yourselves if this is true. Show me the data records. I don't want to point fingers at any political party. But following figures would explain: In 2013, 39,346 cases were registered against atrocities, 40,300 and 35,564 were registered respectively," Singh said. "We can make India world's best country if we consider humanity above all. There are many articles in our Indian constitution for Dalits. But there is a need for effective laws to act on these articles. Our government is working at socio-economic development of the Dalits." "It is painful that even after 70 years of independence we are still discussing atrocities on Dalits. We cannot deny that there are people from several castes and religion. We should not politicise the atrocities on Dalits," Singh said. On Friday, 12 August, 2016 the bills for consideration and passing in the Lok Sabha are Mental Health care Bill,2016 and Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016. Congress leader Anand Sharma said that the government should not be hypocritical. He said, "When administrators have high salary, MLAs have a good rise, why don't we get the same treatment?" Ram Gopal Yadav, SP, Uttar Pradesh raised the issue of the low wages of the members of Parliament. He said, "The pay of the MP's is only a fraction of ministers in Telangana Assembly or Delhi Legislative Assembly. We are asked to reduce our expenditure but we cannot do that when we have to entertain people of our constituency. The rising inflation also makes it difficult for us to sustain ourselves." In the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha Congress leader Shashi Tharoor raised the issue of failing start-ups in India. He said, "The government has given tax incentives to the start-ups but everyone knows that they don't make any money in the first few years. Hence the tax incentives should be given to the angel investors." After GST this is the second resolution which has been adopted unanimously. She added, "This house earnestly appeals to all sections of society in India to work for the early restoration of normalcy and harmony. This is to restore confidence in people and youth in general. The resolution is adopted unanimously." Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan announced that the resolutions proposed on the Kashmir issue has been passed. She said,"This house expresses serious concern over the violence in Kashmir Valley. Everyone here conveys loss of life caused by the deteriorating situation. The house is of the firm view that there cannot be a compromise on security." Dubbing passage of the GST Constitution Amendment Bill as historic, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said that manufacturing taxes and VAT will come down with the new national sales tax but the same for services tax will be decided by states and Centre. The Goods and Services Tax (GST), which will subsume over a dozen central and state levies including excise duty, service tax and VAT, is "perhaps the most important" tax reform, he said soon after Rajya Sabha overwhelmingly voted for the legislation. "Today is a historic day for the reason that Rajya Sabha has passed the GST bill which have been held up for a very long time. All members present at the time of voting, voted in favour of the bill," Jaitley told reporters in Parliament House. Thanking Congress and other opposition parties for supporting the legislation, he said proceedings in the Upper House demonstrated to the world that this is a great day for Indian democracy and Indian federalism. "In fact Indian democracy and Indian federalism are at there very best in as much as all national political parties and regional parties, state governments have come together to usher a major taxation reform.. The government wanted to build a larger consensus, which we succeeded in doing," he said. Asked if the implementation of the GST would mean rise in cost of air travel, mobile bills and eating out because of incidence of service tax going up in the new regime, he said that tax rate would be decided by the GST Council, comprising of the Centre and the states. "Manufacturing taxes will certainly will come down, VAT will come down. What level services taxes are to be kept is a discretion of GST Council. It will depend on what states along with Centre will decide," he later told Times Now. On Congress demand for not converting the supporting GST legislation as Money Bill, Finance Minister said he has not pre-decided on bringing the Bills as Money or Finance Bills. "Once the GST is implemented, it will bring basic changes as far as the Indian tax structure is concerned, it will converge India into one unified market, with one unified tax in the country, it will improve the base of taxation, it will make evasion extremely difficult. "The central and state governments have to work together to make this a great success. Overall, I think we had an excellent debate," he told reporters. He said although every state government is on board in order to implement one of the most important taxation reform in India, the fact is that it has been passed unanimously all regional and national parties have actively supported it. Congress hoped that subsequent legislations for its implementation like CGST and IGST bills would be brought in the Winter Session as financial and not money bills. Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said he was only half satisfied with the Finance Minister's promise made in the Upper House in this regard. "It's a half promise. Therefore, I am half satisfied," he told reporters after the passage of the Constitution Amendment Bill. Chidambaram said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has assured that he will hold discussions with the Congress party before bringing the bills. Senior Congress leader and former Law Minister Kapil Sibal cited the example of Aadhaar Bill to claim the new legislations could be converted into Money Bills to block voting. "We have seen the Aadhar Bill was converted into a money bill and we were not given the right to vote on it. We have doubt that this GST bill will also be turned into a money bill whereby a discussion on it will take place in Rajya Sabha but members will not be allowed to vote on it. We are concerned over it," he said. "We hope that it will be a financial bill and there will be a discussion on it and we will be given the right to vote on it," he said. Another Congress member Renuka Chowdhury said, "They have considered many of our aspects. Have to wait and see what happens in the winter session." NCP leader Praful Patel said it is very good that the Constitution amendment bill to bring GST was passed with general consensus. "It is good for the country and states will also benefit, especially those which considered themselves as backward as they will get more revenue. "We hope that the Bill to be brought by government in November will also be passed with general consensus. Finance Minister has given an assurance that whatever bill will be brought, it will be honoured," he said. Earlier in the day, Congress had made it clear to the government that firm assurances for keeping the GST rate capped at 18 per cent and bringing subsequent legislations needed for its rollout as financial bills alone could ensure its support to the long-pending Constitution Amendment bill. "We also demanded an assurance that the CGST and IGST should not be moved as money bill. The Central GST and Integrated GST are bills which will apply on taxpayers, on common man. They must be debated and voted upon by both Houses of Parliament. We hope to get assurance from the Finance Minister. If these assurances are forthcoming, we will be able to support," Chidambaram told reporters. The GST Bill will finally be taken up for discussion in the Rajya Sabha. India Inc had said it is looking forward to introduction of the much-awaited Goods & Services Tax (GST), saying it would be a very significant step in the field of indirect tax reforms in India. The government has circulated official amendments to the GST bill to drop 1 percent additional tax and include a definite provision in the statute for compensating states for revenue loss for 5 years as it gears up to discuss the long-pending bill in Rajya Sabha. The eleventh day of Parliament's Monsoon Session on Monday began with AIADMK Rajya Sabha member Sasikala Pushpa's statement where she said that she was facing a "life threat" and was being "compelled to resign". Sasikala, who hit the headlines for slapping DMK leader Tiruchi Siva at the airport on Saturday, said: "I am receiving an unconditional apology from Tiruchi Siva. Something was spoken against my party leader and I behaved like that." The parliamentary proceedings over the day saw the passage of the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2016, and the Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2016, that provide for putting the NEET in place for admission to medical and dental courses across the country from next year; and National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research (Amendment) Bill, 2016 in Rajya Sabha. The Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws Amendment Bill 2016 was moved in the Lok Sabha for consideration and passing. Key proceedings/issues discussed in Lok Sabha: Supplementary demands over additional spending The government sought parliament's nod for additional spending of Rs 1.03 lakh crore, though the cash outgo will only be Rs 20,948.26 crore. Presenting the Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2016-17 in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley sought parliament's approval for a transfer of Rs 5,000 crore towards National Employment Guarantee Fund and Rs 1,000 crore for providing funds to Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves for Sovereign Strategic Crude Oil Reserve at Vizag, Mangalore, and Pudur. Bill for speedier recovery of bad loans passed The Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws Amendment Bill 2016 was moved in the Lok Sabha for consideration and passing. Piloted by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, the bill seeks to amend four laws the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002; the Recovery of Debts due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993; the Indian Stamp Act, 1899; and the Depositories Act, 1996. Special status: TDP MPs protest in Parliament Unhappy over the Centre's stand on special status to Andhra Pradesh, TDP, a partner in NDA government, staged protests both inside and outside Parliament. Seeking immediate announcement for special status, the MPs of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) tried to disrupt the proceedings in the Lower House. Holding placards and raising slogans in support of their demands, the TDP members in the Lok Sabha began the protest as soon as the house met for the day. They rushed to the speaker's podium, demanding that the government fulfill its commitments under Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan repeatedly appealed to members to return to their seats but they continued the protest. The Speaker conducted the proceedings amid the uproar before adjourning the proceedings till 2 pm. Attack on Dalits and Muslims Opposition members expressed concern over growing attacks on Dalits and minorities and called for stern action against cow vigilante groups which have been targeting them. Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandopadhyay underlined the need for action against those targeting the Dalits and Muslims to uphold secularism and communal harmony. Key proceedings/issues discussed in Rajya Sabha: GST Bill listed for Wednesday The government has listed the GST bill for discussion in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, hoping it will be passed through consensus, but the opposition Congress said that consultation is still on over the issue and an agreement is not yet finalised. In view of the development, the BJP has issued whip for all its Rajya Sabha members to be present in the house for the next three days. "The GST bill is listed for Wednesday. We hope it will be passed through consensus," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said. Bills to put in place NEET passed The Rajya Sabha passed by voice vote the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2016, and the Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2016, that provide for putting the NEET in place for admission to medical and dental courses across the country from next year. The bills provide for a Constitutional status to the 'National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and seek to amend the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, and the Dentists Act, 1948. Responding to a debate on the bills in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda said the whole exercise was aimed to stop multiplicity of examinations, to bring transparency to curb corruption and to stop exploitation of students. Uproar over Manohar Parrikar's comments on Aamir Khan Rajya Sabha witnessed a brief uproar by opposition members over alleged remarks by Manohar Parrikar against actor Aamir Khan even as the Defence Minister denied having said what was been quoted to him. During the Zero Hour, Derek O'Brien (TMC) raised the issue of "dangerous" rise in religious fundamentalism in the country, saying the government, ministers and people associated with the ruling party were "shooting their mouths off every day". "The Prime Minister needs to come and say these are in fact mistakes, this is not thinking of the government. Prime Minister come here and assure us that we can live in the India we know Unity in Diversity". As soon as he finished his Zero Hour mention, Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad quoted a report which said 'Parrikar takes a swipe at actor Aamir; those who speak like this must be taught a lesson'. "So may I ask him (Parrikar who was sitting in the House) what lesson he is going to teach us...The entire nation should be told what type of action and lesson he is going to teach the minorities of this conuntry," Azad said. To this, Parrikar said: "I would only say one thing. Let the members see the video...and make up their mind". However, this did not pacify the agitated opposition. Even a child knows that you have to keep your eyes closed during meditation. And even a child knows that meditation calms the mind. And only a calm mind can solve complex issues. It is the tragedy of Rahul Gandhi's life that like Salman Khan, he remains a deeply misunderstood figure but unlike the Bollywood sultan, the Congress vice-president's fan following is limited to only his party members. When Rahul was busy solving India's complex problems sitting inside the Parliament House, critics and mischievous media created a furore, saying that he was sleeping. Be that as it may, now that the Congress vice-president has got up from his vipassana and rushed to Una in Gujarat where Dalits are up in arms against the ruling BJP, critics are issuing cynical tweets. Rahul Gandhi's Schedule: Sleep in parliament. Wake up in Dadri. Sleep in parliament. Wake up in Europe. Sleep in parliament. Wake up in Una. Kiran Kumar S (@KiranKS) July 21, 2016 Una is the next destination for political tourism. Rahul Gandhi finally wakes up from his sleep. Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) July 21, 2016 RahulGandhi's visit to #Una is just a photo-op&he will forget abt it like he conveniently forgot Kalavati,the moment cameras stopped rolling Sanju Verma (@Sanju_Verma_) July 21, 2016 One feels a little sad for the Gandhi scion. Like a 'true leader', he comes down from ivory tower every now and then and rushes to the 'aid' of people in distress but cynical critics and political rivals accuse him of 'disaster tourism' and call him a 'photo-op' specialist. On Thursday, for instance, the Congress vice-president flew to Una in Gujarat where Dalit community members involved in leather trade were publicly and brutally flogged by 'gau suraksha samiti' (cow protection unit) members for skinning a dead animal. The video has since gone viral and triggered statewide protests among the Dalit community leading to a near-total bandh on Wednesday. A head constable was killed during stone-pelting in Amreli while 20 youths have tried to commit suicide. Vehicles have been vandalized, highway blocked, shops forcibly shut down and violent clashes with police have erupted leading to over 200 arrests. Amid this cauldron, the Congress vice-president, who was famously 'meditating' during the Parliament debate over Dalit atrocities on Wednesday, dropped in and had tea with the family members of those who were beaten up. "He asked questions about issues and discrimination being faced by us in our village. We told them that still the practice of untouchability is prevalent here as we are made to stand away from others," Jitu Sarvvaiya, a cousin of the victims who is studying engineering at a college in Bhavnagar district, told reporters. "Rahulji said he feels ashamed that such incidents are still taking place in the country and gave his personal number to us to contact in case of any emergency," Jitu said. It's a stunning show of humility that the scion of Nehru-Gandhi dynasty descended on earth and was kind enough to be tutored about India's caste system and the deep social injustice that Dalits face. It was indeed a touching gesture from Rahul's part to give the victims his 'personal number'. Problem is, critics are not getting impressed. They are pointing out that Rahul has this habit of not following up on promises. In 2009, for instance, Rahul suddenly paid a visit to the thatched house of one 74-year-old A Rajammal in Tamil Nadu's Tiruchy, drank a glass of water and promised to fulfill her long-term dream of patta for the house she had been residing for several decades. Six years since that visit, the widow is still waiting. Cynical critics are also alleging that Rahul's Dalit outreach is selective. They allege that when Jisha was found raped and brutally murdered, Rahul didn't find time to visit Kerala where his party was in power. The Dalit law student at the Government Law College, Ernakulam, was raped, killed and her mutilated body was found near her home in Perumbavoor, where she lived with her mother. It prompted BJP to take a dig at the Congress vice-president. "Why Rahul Gandhi has not visited Kerala? He could visit Hyderabad two times after the unfortunate suicide of Rohit Vemula in Hyderabad University," senior BJP leader and Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu had said during an election rally in Kerala. The state was then ruled by Congress-led UDF. But even if Rahul sometimes forgets to visit certain places, what about the places he visits? Here, too, skeptical political rivals accuse him of lack of political maturity. When Rahul had rushed to the aid of JNU students, for instance, he came under attack from Arun Jaitley. The Union finance minister during a Rajya Sabha speech suggested Rahul Gandhi's visit to the campus in the aftermath of the controversial protest amounted to providing respectability to a movement whose charter was to break India because the campus was not a sovereign territory like some foreign embassy. "Slogans were raised for breaking up the country and it was the country's misfortune that a leader of Congress, which has been in the mainstream so far, went there to express sympathies with those who did so. It was ideological hollowness," Jaitley had said. Between 'distress tourism' and personal visits abroad, Rahul Gandhi's life is one big vacation. It is the sad tale of a Dynast who remains a misfit in politics. Q: What happens when Rohith Vemula meets Babar? A: The BJP finds itself stuck between Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, afraid of losing both. Since Vemula is still fresh in its memory, the story that needs to be recounted to the BJP is that of Babar. As a 12-year-old, Babar became the ruler of Fergana in eastern Uzbekistan. Soon after he decided to conquer Samarkand, only to lose Fergana to an internal rebellion. And when he returned to claim his kingdom, Babar lost Samarkand. For the BJP, a similar drama is playing out in its backyard Gujarat as it tries to conquer Uttar Pradesh. While its armies circle Lucknow, Gujarat is in the throes of a rebellion and invaders like Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal are hovering over the state. The state's Dalits have been on the warpath for the past few days. They are protesting public humiliation and flogging of a family of Dalits in Una village of Gir Somnath with bandhs, arson and suicide attempts by 'Gau Rakhshaks' self-styled gangs that dispense justice in the name of a cow. For almost 20 years, Dalits were part of the virat Hindu Parivar assembled by the BJP. Snared by the BJP's Hindutva ideology, Dalits had formed a formidable coalition that ensured BJP's successive electoral wins in the state. The parivar is now disintegrating. Rattled by a series of attacks on Dalits, the community is reconsidering its affiliation, introspecting if it has a place in the saffron parivar's concept of Hindutva, asserting its identity. Dalits are nearly 7 percent of Gujarat's population. Traditionally, they were supporters of the Congress but moved into the BJP fold in the 90s. Their anger could prove costly to the BJP, especially when Patels are already threatening to jettison the BJP. The problem with the growing Dalit unrest is two-fold for the BJP: One, since it is spontaneous and devoid of centralised leadership, it is much more difficult to control and manage. Two, it is sending out a wrong signal to Dalits in UP, where the BJP is trying to reach out to them. The Dalit churn, incidentally, hasn't begun in Gujarat just because of the incident in Una. Dalits were uncomfortable because of a series of attacks by people from upper castes that failed to stir the Gujarat government into action. On 11 July, for instance, a group of 49 persons from upper castes hacked a Dalit in Sodhana village of Porbander to death. After protesting for four days, the Dalits agreed to claim the body and perform its last rites when the government arrested some of the accused and promised strict action. Before that, a Dalit teenager was locked inside her house and torched in Surendranagar district, leading to sporadic protests. According to the The Times of India, crime against Dalits rose to 19 percent in Gujarat in 2014, the highest growth across the country. The problem with BJP is that it took the wrong inspiration from Rohith Vemula's suicide. When the Dalit student committed suicide in Hyderabad University, instead of taking quick punitive action, it decided to brazen it out, going to an extent of pointing fingers at the dead student and his mother. Compare this alacrity with the haste it has shown against its vice-president Dayashankar Singh for his derogatory remarks on Mayawati. If the BJP had shown similar urgency and sensitivity in dealing with Vemula's suicide, it would have immediately quelled allegations of the party being anti-Dalit. Mishandling the Vemula episode led to anxiety among Dalits and doubts over the BJP's credentials. As cases pile up one after the other, the angst is pouring out on the streets. As Firstpost has pointed out in a series of articles, BJP may pay a huge price for its misadventures in UP. Elections in Gujarat are about 18 months away. It is too early to argue that the Dalit protests will harm the BJP in the next polls. Its impact would depend on its intensity, spread, and longevity. But, the Dalit unrest has given an opening to the Congress in the state. In theory, the Congress couldn't have asked for a better deal. The clashes with the Hindutva Parivar is threatening to break the compact Dalits-Patels-OBCs and other upper castes have had for two decades. But, on the ground, the Congress is still not in a position to channel this anti-government sentiment into an electoral revolution. The party has no leader, its cadre is dejected and the AAP is snapping at its heels. Rahul Gandhi's tour of Una, where he met the victims, is aimed to express solidarity with Dalits. But, the party will have to do more than that to build it into a larger movement against the Anandiben Patel government and threaten the BJP's existence. But, as Rahul's history shows, he and his party will forget all about Una after his symbolic visit. It is beyond doubt that Babar's Fergana is under serious threat. But it is doubtful if the man who has been compared with Bahadur Shah Zafar of the Gandhi dynasty has the skills and courage to sack the BJP's final bastion. Damascus: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accused his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a fierce critic, of exploiting a failed coup to "implement his own extremist agenda," in an interview published Thursday. Speaking to the official Cuban Prensa Latina agency, Assad declined to be drawn on whether he would have liked to see Erdogan ousted in last week's coup attempt. Erdogan has regularly called for Assad to leave office since the Syrian conflict erupted in March 2011, and Damascus accuses Turkey's government of support for "terrorism". "We don't interfere, we don't make the mistake to say that Erdogan should go or stay. This is a Turkish issue and the Turkish people have to decide," Assad said, according to a transcript of the interview on Syria's state news agency website. "But what is more important than the coup d'etat itself, we have to look at the procedures and steps that are being taken by Erdogan and his coterie recently," he said, referring to measures including the mass dismissal of judges and teachers. "He (Erdogan) used the coup d'etat in order to implement his own extremist agenda, Muslim Brotherhood agenda, within Turkey, and that is dangerous for Turkey and for the neighbouring countries, including Syria," Assad said. Turkey has pressed a crackdown on suspects accused of staging last week's failed coup, detaining or sacking over 50,000 soldiers, police, teachers and officials. Ankara has also imposed a state of emergency. Despite once-warm ties, Syria and Turkey have become arch-foes since Erdogan sided with the opposition against Assad when the uprising began. The main political body of the Syrian opposition, the National Coalition, is based in Turkey, which also hosts millions of Syrian refugees. Damascus accuses Erdogan's government of arming opposition groups and allowing jihadists to flood across its borders into Syria. As news broke of the attempted coup on 15 July, there was celebratory gunfire in some government-held cities in Syria. More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria since the war began, and successive attempts to find a political solution to the conflict have failed. Assad criticised the United Nations, which has appointed a series of envoys to seek a negotiated end to the war, saying it was "an American arm". "Those mediators are not independent," he said, referring to the UN's current peace envoy Staffan de Mistura, and his predecessors Lakhdar Brahimi and Kofi Annan. "They reflect either the pressure from the Western countries, or sometimes the dialogue between the main powers, mainly Russia and the United States," he added. "There is no United Nations role in the Syrian conflict, there is only Russian and American dialogue." WASHINGTON A U.S. policy institute said it may have located a secret facility used by North Korea in the early stages of building its programme to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons, which if confirmed would be critical to the success of any future nuclear deal, according to a report seen by Reuters on Thursday. The report by the Institute for Science and International Security said there has always been doubt about whether North Korea has disclosed all of its nuclear facilities. Confirming their location would be critical to the success of any future agreement to freeze and dismantle North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, it said. The site, 27 miles (43 km) from the nuclear complex at Yongbyon, may have played a key role in development of centrifuges that refine uranium hexafluoride gas into low-enriched and highly enriched uranium, the report said. "It is necessary to identify where North Korea enriches uranium and part of that is understanding where it has done it in the past," said David Albright, the institute's president. What may once have been the early centrifuge research and development facility is believed to have been inside an aircraft part factory inside a mountain next to Panghyon Air Base. It was located using commercial satellite imagery, the report said. It was unclear whether the aircraft part factory was still operational but information from defectors indicates there may be three production-scale centrifuge manufacturing plants operating in the country although their locations have not been confirmed, said Albright. Tensions have been escalating between North Korea and South Korea, the United States and Japan over Pyongyang's fourth underground nuclear test in January and a series of missile launches. North Korea's nuclear programme is based on highly enriched uranium and plutonium separated from spent reactor fuel rods. The reclusive government, which for more than a decade denied having a gas centrifuge programme, in November 2010 revealed the existence of a production-scale gas centrifuge plant at Yongbyon but insisted it had no other such facilities. In June 2000 a Japanese newspaper quoted Chinese sources as saying a facility was located inside Mount Chonma, the report said. Information recently obtained from "knowledgeable government officials" suggested the undeclared facility was associated with an underground aircraft parts factory, it said. Working with Allsource Analysis, which interprets satellite imagery, the institute determined it most likely was Panghyon Aircraft Plant, which made parts for Soviet-supplied fighters. The report quoted an unidentified official as saying the site could have held between 200 and 300 centrifuges. (Reporting by Jonathan Landay; Editing by Yara Bayoumy and James Dalgleish; CATEGORY - WORLD) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. They demand her imprisonment, paint her as above the law, and warn her election would trigger the Apocalypse the Republican National Convention's collective hatred of Hillary Clinton has proven an intoxicating unifier. Republicans may be split over whether to support Donald Trump, the brash billionaire whom the Republican Party elevated to its presidential nominee on Tuesday, and who has consistently blasted Clinton as "Crooked Hillary." But their embrace of the invective against the presumptive Democratic nominee is absolute. They come to the convention's podium with Clinton's name on their lips: Hillary the liar, Hillary and Benghazi, Hillary and her emails, Hillary and past escapades of her husband, former president Bill Clinton. Trump's one-time presidential rival Ben Carson even linked her to Lucifer himself. "She should be in jail," Rudy Giuliani, who was mayor of New York during the 9/11 attacks of 2001, told MSNBC. On Monday, Giuliani fired up the convention crowd, stoking terrorism fears and blasting Clinton for her "dereliction of duty" related to the 2012 attack on the US mission in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans. "Hillary Clinton's experience is exactly the reason she should not be our president," he said, adding he could never trust her to keep America safe. On Tuesday, the Clinton-bashing duty fell to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a former federal prosecutor, who conjured a mock trial seeking to convict the former secretary of state who served in President Barack Obama's administration from 2009 to 2013. He charged her with ineptitude on an array of diplomatic fronts, from Syria, Libya and Nigeria to Iran, Cuba, China and Russia. "Is she guilty, or not guilty?" he asked half a dozen times to the assembled delegates. The response: "Guilty!" Adding to the raised-pitchforks tone, Republicans unleashed full-throated chants of "Lock her up! Lock her up!" Of the 25 speeches Tuesday, fully 19 were anti-Hillary. Just six focused primarily on singing Trump's praises, including addresses delivered by his son Donald Jr and daughter Tiffany. The 70-year-old billionaire businessman has never been elected to public office, but surrogates praised him as a "change agent" and a great leader who will, as his slogan declares, "make America great again." Clinton is viewed unfavorably by some 56 percent of Americans, according to a RealClearPolitics poll average, only slightly better than Trump's 59.2 percent. Republicans are furious she has not been indicted for sending and receiving classified information on a private email account and server that she used while secretary of state, an action rebuked by the FBI director James Comey as "extremely careless." "If I did a tenth of what she did, I would be in jail. Crooked Hillary Clinton, leave this race now!" thundered retired US Army lieutenant general Michael Flynn on Monday before a cheering crowd. While they blame her for Benghazi and accuse her of covering her incompetence on that tragic night, one retired Marine and informal advisor for Trump ramped up the rhetoric to an unacceptable level, calling for Clinton's execution. "Hillary Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot for treason," Al Baldasaro, a New Hampshire state representative, told conservative talk radio host Jeffrey Kuhner on Tuesday. The US Secret Service said it launched an investigation into Baldasaro's remarks. Sharon Day, co-chair of the Republican National Committee, assailed Clinton's economic policies. But she also made it personal, accusing Clinton of having "viciously attacked the character of women who were victims of sexual abuse... at the hands of your husband." Day is eager to see a female US commander in chief, "but not that woman Hillary Clinton. Not now, not ever." Her campaign shoved back, lambasting Republicans for making the "Lock her up" chant "the mantra of the RNC." "If you closed your eyes, you could imagine it being a lot like a witch trial they were barely one step removed from screaming 'burn her at the stake,'" Clinton's campaign said in a fundraising email. Is all the Clinton-bashing too much? "I do believe it's effective," especially since there is such a long Clinton record to comb through, Gary Emineth, a delegate and entrepreneur from North Dakota, told AFP. "I think it will be a vote against Hillary Clinton and that might be enough for Trump to win," Emineth said. Next week, Democrats gathering for their own national convention will all but certainly assail Trump with equal relish. New Delhi: India's progress is linked to that of all its neighbours, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday as he along with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina inaugurated Petrapole-Benapole land port which will serve as a key trade route between the two countries. Addressing via video conferencing the event which was also joined by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he said Integrated Check Post (ICP) will serve to foster more economic integration and connectivity between India and Bangladesh. Underlining that economic development and connectivity are very closely linked to each other, Modi said, "India's progress is linked to progress of all its neighbours." He said inauguration of the "biggest land port in South Asia" is a "very important milestone" in the relations between India and Bangladesh. "Both India and Bangladesh have not only ventured on the path of development but are also marching together," he said. Petrapole-Benapole is a key land border crossing for India-Bangladesh trade, with over 50 per cent of bilateral trade passing through it. Petrapole ICP will provide better facilities for effective and efficient discharge of functions such as security, immigration, customs. It will also provide support facilities for smooth cross-border movement of people, goods and transport. Modi noted that every year 15 lakh people and one-and-a-half lakh trucks cross this border point. At the outset, he conveyed his deep condolences to Hasina over the loss of lives in the recent attacks and told her that India is with her in the fight against terror. "In the fight against terrorism, do not consider yourself alone. India's full support is with you," he said. "It's a matter of pain for me as well as for people of my country that there were two terror incidents in Dhaka and Kishoregunj during the holy month of Ramadan. It's a sad moment when temples and their priests as also civilians were subjected to inhumane torture," he said. Modi also thanked Mamata for joining the programme and appreciated her role in improving India-Bangladesh ties. Brussels: Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday stressed the need for solidarity in the alliance after Donald Trump raised the issue of his own commitment to defending other countries in the group. Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, suggested in a New York Times interview that under his leadership the US could review its relationship with a Nato ally before deciding whether to spring to its defence. Nato is based on the principle of collective defence, with all members agreeing to defend each other against external attacks. "I will not interfere in the US election campaign, but what I can do is say what matters for Nato," Stoltenberg said in a statement sent to AFP. "Solidarity among allies is a key value for Nato. This is good for European security and good for US security. We defend one another." Trump said that in the event of a Russian attack on the Baltics, Nato's newest members, Washington might assess whether those nations "have fulfilled their obligations to us" before deciding whether to come to their aid. "If they fulfil their obligations to us, the answer is yes," he said. A cornerstone of the 28-member trans-Atlantic alliance is its Article 5 commitment that an attack on one member state is an attack on all. The pledge has only been invoked once in the group's 56-year-history in defence of the US after the 11 September, 2001 attacks. "We have seen this in Afghanistan, where tens of thousands of European, Canadian, and partner nation troops have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with US soldiers," Stoltenberg said. Trump also reiterated to the New York Times that under his presidency, the US would force allies to shoulder defence costs that the US has borne for decades. Stoltenberg acknowledged that the US was "stepping up its support" for European allies "and increasing its presence". But he noted that defence spending also rose in European NATO members and Canada this year. "This year we expect a further increase of three percent or US $8 billion (7.26 billion euros)," he said. WASHINGTON NATO's mutual defence guarantee is a commitment that comes without any "conditions or caveats," British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said on Thursday. "It is an absolute commitment that we help each other if any one member of NATO is attacked," Fallon said in Washington. Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump told the New York Times that if he is elected, he might abandon NATO's guarantee that any member, including the United States, would defend the others if they were attacked, or Article 5. Trump said that Washington would only come to the aid of other members if they had "fulfilled their obligations to us." However, Fallon said that member states were increasingly accepting their responsibilities and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was an important alliance given a resurgent Russia. "We've seen a growing solidarity and unity about the alliance now," Fallon added. Separately, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson told reporters in Washington that the mutual defence commitment was "incredibly important." Fundamentally it is the NATO treaty, that doctrine of mutual defence, that has guaranteed the peace in Europe for decades and will do, I think, for decades to come, Johnson said. (Reporting by Idrees Ali. Additional reporting by Kylie MacLellan.; Editing by James Dalgleish, Toni Reinhold) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Kathmandu: A 33-year-old Nepali man has been arrested for allegedly swindling millions of rupees from workers based in Lebanon and Cyprus through Facebook by assuring them of visa for Canada and the US. A special team of the Metropolitan Police Crime Division arrested Tul Bahadur Tamang, a permanent resident of Mankha Village in Sindhupalchok district near Tibet border, from his rented room in Bhaktapur near Kathmandu. Tamang, who faked his identity on Facebook as "JV", approached different people, claiming he had a permanent residency (PR) status of the US, police said. Police said Tamang swindled Rs 900,000 from Srijana Dong, working in Lebanon, assuring her to take her to the US on a dependent visa. He managed to swindle an additional Rs 1.3 million from the Dong family, assuring her brothers also to send them to Canada. Another victim Kusum Lama, who was working in Cyprus, was swindled of Rs 900,000 by Tamang with an assurance to take her to Canada, police said. Tamang has been sent to the Metropolitan Police Range, Teku and an investigation into the matter has been initiated, police added. Cleveland: Donald Trump has termed the plagiarism surrounding his wife Melania's speech at the Republican national convention an "innocent mistake" as the party's presidential nominee rejected the resignation by the speechwriter. Meredith McIver, an in-house Trump staff speechwriter, had apologised for the plagiarism in the first address by Melania to the party members in a bid to project the real estate tycoon and reality TV star as a serious-minded family man and unite the still divided opinion within the party. Melania's speech on Tuesday was initially widely appreciated before lifting of sentences verbatim from a 2008 speech First Lady Michelle Obama made at a Democratic national convention came to light, triggering an embbarrasing plagiarism row. "I offered my resignation to Trump and the Trump family, but they rejected it. Trump told me that people make innocent mistakes and that we learn and grow from these experiences," McIver said. "I personally admire the way Trump has handled this situation and I am grateful for his understanding," she said in a statement issued by the Trump Campaign in the first sign of acknowledgment of similarities between the speeches as more than just coincidence. McIver, who identified herself as a staff writer at the Trump Organisation and not a campaign employee, said, "In working with Melania Trump on her recent First Lady speech, we discussed many people who inspired her and messages she wants to share with the American people." She added that Melania had "always liked Michelle Obama" and "over the phone, she read some passages from Michelle's speech as examples" of what she wanted to tell the convention. "I wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing in the draft that ultimately became the final speech. I did not check Mrs Obama's speeches. This was my mistake, and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused. No harm was meant," McIver said. "I apologise for the confusion and hysteria my mistake has caused. More than ever, I am honoured to work for such a great family," she said. Islamabad: Pakistan's ruling party plans to pass long-delayed legislation against "honour killings" within weeks in the wake of the high-profile murder of an outspoken social media star, the daughter of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Wednesday. The bill will go before a parliamentary committee as early as Thursday, said Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who is an increasingly influential member of her father's ruling party. The government has faced mounting pressure to pass the law against murders carried out by people professing to be acting in defense of the honor of their family. The law would remove a loophole that allows other family members to pardon a killer. The brother of social media star Qandeel Baloch, often described as Pakistan's Kim Kardashian, has been arrested in connection with her strangling death and told a news conference he was incensed by her often risque posts on social media. Some 500 women are killed each year in Pakistan at the hands of family members over perceived damage to "honor" that can involve eloping, fraternizing with men or any other infraction against conservative values that govern women's modesty. Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the government wanted to pass the law unanimously and had been negotiating with religious parties in parliament. "We have finalised the draft law in the light of negotiations," she told Reuters in an interview. "The final draft will be presented to a committee of joint session of parliament on July 21 for consideration and approval." Maryam said once the parliamentary committee approved the bill, it would be presented for a vote in a "couple of weeks" before a joint session of parliament. A spokesman for Jamaat-e-Islami, one of the two major religious parties in parliament, said his party would not oppose the bill. Pakistan's other main religious political party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, could not be reached for comment but it has only a small number of seats in parliament. Both religious parties have traditionally opposed legislation empowering women. The upper house of parliament passed the bill in 2014 but it lapsed after the government failed to put it up for a vote in the lower house because it was preoccupied with legislation aimed at tackling security problems and economic reforms. A senior government official told Reuters all major parties were now backing the bill and it was likely to be passed in a few weeks by a joint session of parliament. "The prime minister is taking personal interest," added a second official and close aide to Sharif. "You will see in coming days more will be done, big changes will be announced." In a rare move, this week the government became a complainant in the police case against Baloch's brother accused of her murder, designating it a crime against the state and thereby blocking her family from forgiving their son. 'Right to Forgive' Baloch had long divided opinion in the deeply conservative Muslim society with her social media photos and posts. She was unapologetic about pushing the boundaries of acceptability for women and changing "the typical orthodox mindset" of Pakistanis. Many viewed her as a disgrace to the cultural values of Islam and Pakistan. Others hailed her as a "feminist icon". She ran into political controversy last month after her "selfie" photographs with a prominent Muslim cleric, went viral, leading to him being fired from a prominent Muslim council. After her death, the cleric, Abdul Qavi, told media that her murder should serve as an example for others who tried to malign the clergy. He is being investigated for her murder along with Baloch's two brothers. Although government officials appeared confident of backing for the bill in parliament, it could still face resistance. The influential Council of Islamic Ideology, which advises the government on the compatibility of laws with Islam, warned that it would not support any law that removed the forgiveness loophole, even though the council considers honor killings a crime. "Islamic law and the Koran say that the right to forgive or punish lies first and foremost with the victim's family," said council spokesman Inam Ullah. "So if this bill is trying to completely take away that right from the family, then of course that is against Islamic teachings. The state cannot completely take away that right from the family." The religious parties and the council hold significant influence over public opinion and the government fears a backlash if any law passes without their approval. "This mentality - that you can get away with murder in the name of honor - it has to be done away with," said Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, whose documentary on honor killings "A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness" won an Oscar this year. "I am hopeful that this law will pass but the change in mindset will talk so much longer ... I think Qandeel Baloch's murder is the tipping point." Juba: South Sudan's President Salva Kiir appealed Thursday to his rival Riek Machar to return to the capital and help rebuild the peace after a wave of deadly gun battles threatened to plunge the country back into civil war. The whereabouts of Machar, the rebel leader who was reappointed vice president as part of a peace deal to end almost two years of bitter conflict, are not known. "I am appealing to Dr Riek Machar to return back to Juba so that we can continue with the implementation of the peace agreement (which) ... needs the two of us to implement," Kiir said in a statement. He said he pledged his "100 percent commitment" to ensuring Machar's security while in Juba, following the intense fighting that erupted between rival troops just as the two men were meeting in the capital on 8 July. "I will be expecting a response... within 48 hours so that we establish contact and continue building and promoting peace amongst our people now suffering because of this uncalled-for conflict," Kiir said. Machar has not been seen since he left Juba after days of fierce fighting that claimed the lives of at least 300 people and sent tens of thousands fleeing, many to Uganda. The unrest in the world's youngest nation left an August 2015 peace deal hanging by a thread. Tens of thousands of people have been killed since the war first erupted in December 2015 when Kiir accused Machar, then his vice president, of plotting a coup. More than two million people have also been driven from their homes in the conflict, which has reignited ethnic divisions and been characterised by gross human rights abuses. There has been much debate in the last decade the world over on the nature of the religion of Islam. This has come to a head in India with the recent carnage at the Holey Artisan Bakery, Dhaka and the arrest of five Hyderabad youths, by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on 29 June for allegedly planning terror attacks on behalf of the Islamic State (IS), supposedly deeply radicalised with evidence said to have been found of the groups connection with IS. There have been quotations from the Quran spouted out of context to prove that it is a faith that encourages violence and hence a danger both to modern civilisation and to the exercise of democracy. And this is complicated by the many interpretations given to the Quran, the scripture for every Muslim, whatever their sect, by clerics of different sects of Islam. Note the frequent reference to Dr Zakir Naik by the Indian media in the shadow of the terrorist outrage in Dhaka. At the outset it is important to understand that unlike Judaism and Christianity, its direct predecessors in the evolution of religion in West Asia, with which it shares most of its principal exponents termed Prophets, Islam has no Church, no Papacy, no head cleric. Indias Dar ul Uloom of Deoband in North Western UP was established only in the late nineteenth century. Its fatwas no doubt carry weight because they are based on erudite scholarship but are only opinions, by no means binding on Muslims as religious decrees. The Quran is indeed the ultimate authority on the religion. And central to this faith is belief in God-La illaha Illallah (there is no God but God). But what exactly is God to the Muslim? The opening lines of the opening Chapter of the Quran Surat al Fatihah, regarded as the essence of the Quran declare: Praise be to God, Master of all creation, the Compassionate, the Merciful, the Ruler of the Day of Judgment God is therefore universal and just, and the embodiment of compassion. I might emphasise that every action initiated by a Muslim is expected to begin with the prayer Bismillah ir Rehman irraheem (In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful), as indeed is every chapter of the Quran. And this Surat al Fatihah is expected to be repeated several times in each of the five time prayers enjoined upon a Muslim. Besides, the ritual of prayer concludes with the turn of the head first right and then left, with the recitation As salaam Alaikum wa Rehmatullah, thus symbolically wishing upon ones surroundings peace and the benefit of Allahs compassion. This is also the wording of a Muslims greetings. The concept of Allah in Islam is then ultimate compassion. Although Buddhism, as explained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, believes in no God, the fountainhead of the faith is comprised in the Four Noble Truths, which begin with dukkha or suffering, its cessation and the Ashtangika (eightfold) Marg or path to liberation, dukkha being a concept springing from the Sanskrit concept of karuna. This constituted the dharma chakra pravartana sutra, the first sermon of the Buddha after he attained nirvana or enlightenment. The Surat al Fatihah referred to, prays for guidance to the Right Path (sirat ul mustqeem). And the Quran, in the opening verses of its second Chapter, describes to the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) what the Quran means: But does his faith make a Muslim vulnerable to the call of extremism? Let us take the example of Hyderabad where the suborned Muslim youth hail from. On 3.3.2011, the National Commission of Minorities received a representation from Maj SG M Quadri (Retd) President, Help Hyderabad, an NGO working for the welfare of Muslims in Hyderabad. In this letter Maj Quadri dwelt on the concern, even alarm, spreading in the Muslim community not only in Andhra Pradesh but across the country at what he called being marked with a terrorist stigma. This was with reference to the case concerning the Mecca Masjid blast in which the 7th add. Metropolitan Secession Judge Radha Krishna acquitted nine Muslim youths out of 22 accused who were arrested in this and other cases of bomb blast. In his judgment of Crime No. 198/2007 of Gopalapuram Police Station, all under IPC, booked on 15 June, 2007, in which the complainant was inspector of Police Task Force (Central Zone) Ramachandran, later arrested by Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) in a disproportionate assistance case. Curiously, none of the cases brought against these young men were for the bomb blasts at Mecca Masjid, nor was that incident even mentioned in the charge sheet. The arrested Muslim youth had been shown as members of HUJI of Bangladesh. Subsequently, on a visit to Hyderabad, on my request the accused in the so-called Mecca Masjid Blast case who had been subsequently acquitted, met me. Of these, one had owned a Computer Centre but had, according to him, been blacklisted on grounds of having been a student of Karate. Another had participated in a demonstration protesting encroachment on a Kabristhan and had been arrested, as had another also in a demonstration. All of them lived within two kilometers of the Mecca Masjid; but had never been arrested for any criminal offence. But all of them were tortured to force admissions and sign documents confirming their guilt. Clearly, the names of these young men must have been part of the police record in the local thana. But in this connection, they invited our attention to a report by advocate LR Ravichander who had been appointed by the AP State Minorities Commission AP as Commissioner to investigate complaints of illegal detention & torture of Muslim youth by the Police at safe/farm houses on Hyderabads outskirts. Shri LR Ravichander submitted his interim report on September 2007, wherein he mentioned all the atrocities in detail. His following remark sums up the tragedy, this is not only the case of twenty or twenty two youths only, but a matter of a healthy Democracy. If you have tears, this is the only occasion when you can shed them! This report clearly accuses the police of mala fide. Before me the young men reiterated allegations of gross abuse and torture by the police authorities to force them to sign confessions, the contents of which they did not recall. They identified the following police officials, who had been their alleged persecutors: Harish Kumar Gupta, then DCP now promoted to JCP Ramachandran, then Circle Inspector, now ACP LK Shinde, Inspector (Retd) (LACP) Pawan Kumar (DCP (SS) now JCP Hyderabad then has a history of cases against young Muslims established to have been fabricated. It is also clear that those responsible for this have not been held to account and instead some have enjoyed promotion. Besides, the State had made no effort to compensate these wrongly accused and forced to undergo hardship even not having committed any crimes, not made any serious attempt to rehabilitate them. The recent arrests then need to be approached with the necessary caution. But does that mean that young Muslims are not to be suspect in terrorist activities? That would fly in the face of irrefutable facts from several parts of the world that the canker of extremism has affected large sections of the Muslim community particularly the young and the educated. Arguing that this is not in keeping with my own view of Islam is of little consequence because the view of Islam by the likes of Al Baghdadi has found acceptance in large parts of that group of Muslims, particularly of the West who are not heir to the rich legacy of convergence that has marked the religious history of South and Southeast Asia. The catalyst towards this conflict might be different, as India itself demonstrates: Kerala, with its large 27 percentage of Muslims who are educated and wealthy have not proved fertile ground for terrorism, yet Kashmir with its Muslim majority has. But in the latter case this recourse is taken by those misguided into thinking that this is best for their unhappy people, while another section of the same community with identical credentials has taken recourse to seeking inclusion, through competitive examination, to find remedy. In Assam the conflict is ethnic, not religious. The remedy then has to be found by the Muslims themselves, in addressing the issues affecting their youth. Here India enjoys a unique advantage. Heir to a history of convergence of a thousand years we have lessons to share with the world The author is a former Chief Information Commissioner, and served as chairman, national commission of minorities ANKARA President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday a cut in Turkey's foreign currency credit rating by Standard & Poor's after a failed military coup had been a political decision and showed the rating agency had "sided with the coup, not with democracy". Erdogan told Reuters in an interview in his palace in Ankara that if fellow rating agency Moody's followed suit, it would not be an objective decision. He said there was no liquidity problem in Turkey's strong financial sector. (Reporting by Samia Nakhoul, Nick Tattersall and Orhan Coskun and Tulay Karadeniz; Writing by Nick Tattersall) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. United Nations: The UN Security Council held its first informal poll on Thursday on the dozen candidates competing to succeed Ban Ki-moon as secretary-general on 1 January, a secretive vote behind closed doors. The 15 council members decided not to reveal the results unlike the informal "straw" polls 10 years ago, which were made public and led to Ban's election to the world's top diplomatic post. Japan's UN Ambassador Koro Bessho, who holds the rotating council presidency, confirmed after the two-hour closed council session that the vote had taken place. "This is private," Britain's UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft told reporters earlier. "This is a recruitment process. It must be done respecting the confidentiality of the candidates." The United States, Britain and France stressed on Thursday that they want a strong secretary-general to lead the United Nations through turbulent times, but Russia and China haven't made clear what qualities are key for them. "This could not be a more important job," US Ambassador Samantha Power said as she headed into the council to vote. "And it could not be a more important time to choose the best possible leader for this organisation on which so much depends and so many depend." France's UN Ambassador Francois Delattre noted that some have compared the vote for UN secretary-general to the vote for a new pope to lead the Catholic church. It's "critically important" to ensure that the process inspires trust and ensures that "we simply have the best candidate selected to become the world's number one diplomat," he said. According to the UN Charter, the secretary-general is chosen by the 193-member General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. In practice, this has meant that the council's five permanent members the US, Russia, China, Britain and France have veto power over the candidates. By tradition, the job of secretary-general has rotated among regions and Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe have all held the top post. East European nations, including Russia, argue that they have never had a secretary-general and it is their turn. There has also never been a woman secretary-general and a group of 56 nations are campaigning for the first female UN chief. The 12 candidates include six men and six women eight from Eastern Europe, two from Latin America, one from Western Europe and one from the Asia-Pacific region. Washington: The United States gathered its allies in the coalition fighting the Islamic State group on Wednesday and agreed on a plan to corner the jihadists in their final bastions. US Defence Secretary Ash Carter told reporters that an accelerated military effort would soon see the group pushed back to Raqa in Syria and Mosul in Iraq. He warned that isolating and taking out what he called the Islamic State "parent tumor" would not eliminate its violent ideology or its ability to spring attacks elsewhere. But defense ministers from the Western and Arab countries of the coalition now have a military plan to liberate the cities with local Iraqi and Syrian forces. "Today, we made the plans and commitments that will help us deliver Islamic State the lasting defeat that it deserves," Carter told reporters at an airbase outside Washington. "Let me be clear: They culminate in the collapse of Islamic State's control over the cities of Mosul and Raqa." Separately, US Secretary of State John Kerry is meeting with foreign ministers from the coalition countries to discuss the broader political and humanitarian plan. And donor countries were set to pledge what officials hoped would be up to USD 2 billion to help civilians return to normal life in liberated areas of Iraq. Baghdad needs the money to rebuild in areas that have been retaken and enable the population to return. "The fight against Daesh is obviously far from finished, even as we have progress. Mosul is not yet free. Acts of terrorism remain a constant daily danger," Kerry said. "But the momentum there is nobody at this table who would argue that the momentum hasn't shifted it has shifted," he said, sitting with allied foreign ministers. "And Daesh has been driven out of almost half of the territory that once occupied in Iraq," he said, using his preferred term for the Islamic State group. The two days of meetings were called as jihadist attacks some of them inspired or ordered by the Islamic State group are proliferating around the world. The coalition, and in particular its US leadership, are keen to seize back the narrative and emphasize what they see as progress on the main battlefield. But their task is complicated by the jihadist violence erupting in French seafront resorts, on German passenger trains and in the streets of Turkey and the Middle East. In recent weeks, jihadists have claimed horrific attacks in Nice, Istanbul, Baghdad and Dhaka that have left hundreds dead and injured. Rotana, is getting ready to celebrate the opening of its first hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Centro Shaheen Jeddah. Perfectly suited for business and leisure travelers, the Centro Shaheen features 252 modern, stylish, contemporary and affordable rooms and studios. Located on Madinah Road and just 20 minutes from King Abdulaziz International Airport,Centro Shaheen Jeddah is well situated to provide easy access to the city's business hubs as well as to Jeddah's booming north side. Surrounded by high-end shopping malls, the hotel is also conveniently close to the fashionable Tahlia Street and the traditional markets of Al Balad, the city's historical center. "We are not just opening a hotel," Area Vice President, Mohammad Haj Hassan explained. "We are bringing to Jeddah and Saudi Arabia a new concept, one that provides business and leisure travellers with style and comfort but at very affordable rates. This opening will be another example of Rotana's strategic plan to spread our brand and standards around the Kingdom and across the region." "It is very exciting to see Rotana entering such a prominent presence in this city that serves as the gateway to Makkah and Al Madinah, besides its status as a business and trade hub and as a time-out destination," said Haj Hassan. Haj Hassan highlighted that although Saudi Arabia continues to boast the region's largest economy, its hospitality industry has lagged in reaching its potential. Today, however, the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia is booming, fueled by the drive to diversify the nation's economy and a need to put trained and qualified young Saudis to work. Rotana is aggressively establishing properties around the Kingdom, with Centro Shaheen Jeddah the third the first and second being Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana and Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana of six hotels Rotana is opening in Saudi Arabia. Regionally, Centro Shaheen Jeddah is just one of 18 hotels Rotana will open before the end of 2017. Haj Hassan went on to say: "With the government encouraging private investment in the Kingdom's hospitality industry we feel that we are well-positioned not just to take excellent care of our guests but to provide employment opportunities for Saudis today, tomorrow and into the future. We have already introduced a program that provides local hires with the skills and understanding to offer world-class service. You can expect to see the fruits of this training front-and-center at the Centro Shaheen Jeddah." Hospitality is expected to be a major growth sector in the Saudi economy for the foreseeable future. A specialized report, recently issued regarding the hospitality industry in GCC countries, predicts the sector will achieve an annual growth rate of 9.5%, bringing the size of the industry to USD 35.9 billion by 2018, compared to its size in 2013 of USD 22.8 billion. The occupancy rate is expected to reach between 68-74% from 2013 to 2018. About Rotana Rotana currently manages a portfolio of over 100 properties throughout the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, with an aggressive expansion plan in place. Rotana has chosen to acknowledge how precious time is by making all time spent in their range of hotels 'Treasured Time'. This means Rotana has pledged to understand and meet the individual needs of all guests. In so doing, Rotana has evolved its product brands to include, Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Centro Hotels by Rotana, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana, Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana and The Residences by Rotana. Treasured Time. The Rotana promise to you. Further information on any Rotana property, its brands or reservations can be obtained by visiting rotana.com or by contacting one of the regional sales offices. Tum kitne Burhan maroge? Har ghar se Burhan niklega (How many Burhans will you kill? A Burhan will emerge from every home)!" This wasn't just a grief-stricken mother's anguish at the untimely death of her son. It was a collective outpouring of anger; an interminable sense of rage that now threatens to consume the long-troubled Kashmir Valley. July 8 started out as another summer day, the first summer in three years that had come with a modicum of cheer. With over 6,000 arrivals every day, tourist footfalls were happily back to an all-time high. Taxicabs and hotel rooms were again much in demand. Back in the Jammu & Kashmir secretariat beyond Lal Chowk, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and her government, barely 90 days old, were grappling with the business of governance. All that changed in a matter of hours-and how! advertisement In the space of three short hours that evening, the Valley was sent hurtling into chaos, reminiscent of, but perhaps even more uncertain than, the troubled early 1990s when hundreds of Kashmiris joined a fuming militant movement for azadi, then too, avidly pushed by Pakistan. Kashmiri protesters pelt stones at security men during clashes in the city, July 10. Close to dusk, 21-year-old Hizb-ul Mujahideen (HM) commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani was killed in what officials described as a "brief but fierce" gun battle in Kokernag in Anantnag, which, until she was sworn in as CM on April 4, was represented by Mehbooba Mufti in the Lok Sabha. Conducted by the J&K Police's Special Operations Group (SOG), backed by a Rashtriya Rifles (RR) unit of the army, the encounter at an isolated homestead in Waye-Bemdoora village ended in the slaying of Burhan and two other HM men, Sartaj Ahmad Sheikh and Pervez Ahmed Lashkari. Two police personnel suffered bullet wounds in the exchange of fire. Four weapons-Kalashnikovs snatched from security personnel-and a generous supply of bullets were recovered from the slain terrorists. What would ordinarily have been written away and forgotten as yet another of the dozens of 'encounters' in the troubled state, Burhan's killing sparked off a never-seen-before flare-up of rage across the Valley. Protesters pelted stones and Molotov cocktails at police and paramilitary personnel. Completely unmindful of their own safety, ordinary people were seen fighting pitched battles with armed security personnel, even ransacking and torching police posts, bunkers and army camps. Womenfolk and children as young as 11 and 15 years old joined in. By July 12, four days after the Burhan encounter, some 30 civilians, all young Kashmiris with no fathomable link to militancy, and one policeman, had died. An estimated 1,300 had been admitted to hospitals with bullet and pellet wounds, forcing state-run hospitals in Srinagar to declare a 'medical emergency'. Although a big backlash was expected, given Burhan Wani's huge connect with a swelling number of young Kashmiris increasingly alienated both from the idea of India and Kashmir's mainstream politics, almost everyone-from the Mehbooba Mufti government, to the security establishment in Delhi, to the J&K police, to the separatist hardliners, failed completely to anticipate the scale and tenor of the reaction. Senior sources within J&K's police establishment told India Today that the SOG felled Burhan after pinpointing the location of the smartphones he had been using for the past several days. If this is true, then it has to be assumed that everyone of consequence in the police force, civil administration, army and government, including the CM, who is also the state's home minister, was aware of the operation and the potential crisis the HM commander's capture or killing could precipitate. advertisement Incredibly, despite this, when news of Burhan's slaying began spreading like wildfire within minutes of the Kokernag encounter, the government seemed completely unprepared. In fact, the move to disable mobile internet and telephony, even in the most-likely-to-burn districts of Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag and Shopian, came long after infuriated crowds from all over the Valley had set out to converge on Tral, the dead militant's village in south Kashmir which now has his grave. In the wake of Afzal Guru's controversial hanging in February 2013, and despite the Union home ministry's decision to inform the then CM Omar Abdullah just 12 hours before the execution, swiftly deployed measures had helped ward off what could have been an identical crisis. Evidently, the Mehbooba Mufti government failed to apply any of the lessons from 2013. Voices from within the ruling PDP are only now bandying about suggestions that "the police should have delayed declaring his (Burhan's) death". advertisement J&K Police's intelligence chief S.M. Sahai, usually clued in to all that is unfolding in the state, admits that the security forces were taken by surprise. Trouble, he says, erupted at unlikely locations while expected epicentres, like Burhan's village of Tral, remained relatively peaceful despite the huge assembly of 150,000 mourners at his funeral. Much of the early violence, including the looting of weapons and torching of a police station, Sahai told india today, occurred at locations like Damhal Hanjipora, which had never reported trouble before July 9. Admitting that the violence could have been contained in normal circumstances, police officials point to the fact that "with a large chunk of police and paramilitary units already committed to securing the ongoing Amarnath yatra, not only were we thin on resources, but had virtually no time for mobilisation". "Alive or dead, Burhan Wani is merely symbolic of what actually rankles every Kashmiri," says a former officer whose three-decade-long policing career straddles the insurgency in Kashmir. The utter futility of innocent lives lost underscores Kashmir's new reality-the alienation of an entire generation of younger Kashmiris smarting with anger and unwilling to compromise on their ultimate dream-azadi. It's a cohort that self-radicalises, happily feeding off the internet, hero-worshipping men like Burhan and ignoring the appeals for peace, even those by usually venerated veterans like Syed Ali Shah Geelani. His call for restraint, asking protesters not to attack police stations and ambulances, was reportedly met with derision on the streets. advertisement Flashes of what unfolded after the Burhan killing had been abundantly visible for close to a year. Spontaneous mini uprisings have almost been an everyday occurrence across the Valley. And the phenomenon, routine in the more troubled south Kashmir districts, intermittently spilled to the north, like in Kupwara's Lolab valley on April 29 when stone-pelting villagers actively helped some suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists escape the security forces' cordon. A man injured in the clashes in Srinagar at a local hospital. Back in April, days after violence erupted in the usually trouble-free Handwara, triggered by rumours of an army soldier molesting a schoolgirl, the refrain for azadi was already resonating. In the thick of it all in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, a police officer actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations admits that the "current atmosphere closely mimics that in the late 1980s and early 1990s". An important difference, he says, is that while that upsurge of militancy was fuelled and sponsored by the Zia-ul-Haq regime in Pakistan, what is happening now is completely home-grown. Consider this: close to 40 per cent of Kashmir's population, born after 1990, has no experience of life without strife, without fear, without the persistent, invariably unnerving presence of khaki or camouflaged military fatigues, jackboots and Kalashnikovs. "Unlike in the '90s when people who joined the struggle had no notion of what the state could unleash, today's youth has a more-than-fair idea of what to expect," says Parvez Imroz, 60, chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society. The downslide, from the relative calm of the early 2000s, has been in the making since 2010 when 112 young Kashmiris-out of the thousands that took to the streets to articulate their frustration over police excesses and the then incumbent Omar Abdullah government's failure to come good on poll promises-were gunned down by security forces. Thirty-eight-year-old former journalist Khurram Parvez, now a full-time rights activist based in Srinagar, says the dejection which set in post the summer of 2010 crackdown turned to anger and resentment after Afzal Guru's execution on February 9, 2013. He says it renewed the resolve of Kashmir's youth for whom the "idea of azadi only consolidated further with Narendra Modi's ascent to Delhi in 2014 and his subsequent arrival in J&K in 2015". ADGP Sahai too acknowledges the fact that "anger has been building since 2013" and had become increasingly evident over "the past six to eight months, demonstrating itself in the increased participation at militant funerals". The numbers say it all: since the summer of 2010, close to 10,000 FIRs invoking provisions of Jammu and Kashmir's Public Safety Act have been filed in instances of stone-pelting. But the move has clearly failed; the number of youngsters hurling stones at security personnel has only swelled. The late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's decision to form an alliance with the BJP at the end of a belligerent poll campaign in which Mehbooba Mufti vociferously warned Kashmiris of the perils of allowing the Modi-led BJP even the slightest foothold in the Valley, has clearly left a large section of those who voted for the PDP feeling cheated. This includes youngsters affiliated with the Jamaat and Hurriyat separatists, who are now actively pushing apprehensions that the saffron ingress into the Valley will eventually annihilate Islam and Kashmiriyat. It's no surprise, then, that the PDP strongholds in South Kashmir have been the worst affected by the protests. In fact, Mehbooba's parliamentary constituency, Anantnag, is where the maximum security forces were deployed to quell protests, resulting in as many as 15 civilian deaths. Events outside the Valley, right from the Dadri lynching in Uttar Pradesh to the attacks on Kashmiri students studying outside the Valley have found resonance among militant mindsets. Equally bruising to the Kashmiri psyche have been the government proposals to create segregated enclaves for estranged Pandits and retired soldiers and calls by BJP men for revocation of Article 370. Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, legislator from Kulgam for the fourth successive term and the only CPI(M) member in the J&K assembly, attributes the current unrest to the absence of a political response. "The first reaction of the government (in Delhi) was to send in more troops," he says pointing to home minister Rajnath Singh's decision to fly in additional CRPF companies on July 10. Meanwhile, at the Centre, no major policy decision was taken even at the July 12 meeting with the prime minister (newly returned from his African tour) which was attended by Rajnath Singh, minister for external affairs Sushma Swaraj, defence minister Manohar Parrikar, minister in the PMO Jitendra Singh and NSA A.K. Doval. The only firm conclusion, insiders report, was that the situation had worsened because the state government was not proactive in taking firm preemptive steps. The Centre believes the situation worsened because the PDP-led government allowed crowds to gather during Burhan's funeral. An appeal for peace to the people of Kashmir was issued by the prime minister soon after the meeting. However, the Centre also seems to believe that only 25 per cent of the Valley is affected by the unrest and the strong action taken by the security forces was justified as the crowds had become violent. In fact, it might revive the earlier policy of not handing over the bodies of slain militants to families and calling a few selected relatives to burials controlled by the security forces instead. A stronger line with Pakistan is another likely outcome. Many in the Sangh parivar believe Modi erred in allowing international considerations to dictate his Pakistan policy. Now Kashmir is likely to determine the tone of this relationship once more. As expected, the conflagration in the Valley delighted Islamabad which has looked at cross-border terrorism and civilian protests as a two-pronged strategy of keeping the Valley on the boil. On July 11, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's office issued a statement, calling Burhan Wani a "Kashmiri leader" and "expressed his deep shock" at his killing "and that of many other civilians by the Indian military and paramilitary forces". The statement earned a quick slapdown from New Delhi. On July 11, the MEA called it interference in India's internal affairs and said Sharif's statement reflected its "attachment to terrorism and its usage as an instrument of state policy". Back in April in the wake of the trouble in Handwara, the PDP education minister and spokesperson Naeem Akhtar acknowledged the growing alienation in the Valley, but insisted that the 'Agenda of the Alliance'-a 16-page charter that spells out the common ground for the PDP-BJP partnership-had the ingredients to rescue the situation. Three months on, Akhtar must surely see that the Coalition has barely moved on the much tom-tommed agenda. The promise to "help initiate a sustained and meaningful dialogue with all internal stakeholders, which will include all political groups irrespective of their ideological views and predilections" remains a pipedream. Denotifying 'disturbed areas' as a precursor to partially revoking AFSPA (Armed Forced Special Powers Act), "reconciliation and confidence building within and across the LoC" and virtually every other point listed in the document remains unfulfilled. In the current crisis too, Mehbooba's evidently clueless government went MIA. Three days into the protests, the CM herself was nowhere in evidence, barring a couple of statements calling for peace. Akhtar, who emerged to address a news conference on July 11, left in a huff after reporters persisted with discomfiting queries. And while the rest of the PDP ministers remained ensconced in their heavily guarded official homes in Srinagar, most of the BJP promptly headed home to Jammu. So where is it all headed? "They (the protesters) will soon tire and things will return to 'normal' until the next eruption," says a former cop familiar with the workings in Delhi and Srinagar. Pointing out that there has been "no discernible increase in local recruitments to militant ranks", Sahai insists the current protests over Burhan's killing are "no popular endorsement for militancy". Even if accurate, the officer's assessment is little comfort for Kashmir's future. What remains unresolved and a far greater worry is the seething fury consuming Kashmir. More than home-grown militants, the prospect of ordinary school- and college-going youngsters, many as young as 10 and 12, battling police and willing to die doing so, is a frightening prospect. with Sandeep Unnithan and Uday Mahurkar The nightmare for security forces in Kashmir has always been the Pakistani militant-fighters from its Punjab province who pass through a three-month military-style training camp in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and infiltrate the Line of Control to attack security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. They are trained to ambush and engage in long firefights with the security forces. This year, Pakistani militants laid three ambushes, killing 15 security personnel; the worst, the June 25 ambush of a CRPF convoy, killed eight troopers. Security forces saw the local militant as more of a nuisance value element. A heavily guarded LoC fence meant crossing over into PoK for either arms or training was difficult. Without training, the local militants had limited utility, and were mostly in support roles, acting as guides for Pakistani militants. Their real utility seemingly lay in social media. Photographs and videos of local militants brandishing assault rifles snatched from security forces turned them into poster boys for militancy and fuelled fresh recruitments. And in death, they would prove to be far greater phenomena. The first signs of their posthumous appeal came in January this year when huge crowds thronged the funeral of a Hizb-ul Mujahideen militant in Pulwama. Shakir Ahmed had been gunned down by the security forces. The crowds were even larger than the one for J&K chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's funeral in Anantnag on January 8. Senior army officials point to a twopronged strategy Pakistan put in place after the violent 2010 stone-pelting protests: cross-border infiltration of terrorists and a focus on creating triggers for agitational politics within the Valley. Fewer than 200 militants are now thought to be active in Jammu and Kashmir. Around 40 per cent of these are local militants. Recruitments of local militants, which began in 2010, peaked last year when over 60 locals, most of them from south Kashmir, joined groups like the Hizbul Mujahideen. In Burhan, local militancy found fresh life. His missives, eagerly shared by locals on social media, either reassured Amarnath yatris of their safety or warned security forces of attacks. Strangely, the Hizb-ul Mujahideen commander in J&K had no FIRs filed against him and no killings to his name. Army officials say police would have found it hard to frame a case against Burhan if he had been caught alive. Burhan's death in a July 8 encounter has now triggered a maelstrom of violence in the Valley, reason why former chief minister Omar Abdullah tweeted on July 9 that "Burhan's ability to recruit from beyond the grave would far outstrip anything he could have done on social media". Incidentally, recruitment levels of local militants had gone down this year. Less than 30 locals are thought to have joined the ranks of groups like the HM. After the fresh cycle of violence, no one is quite sure if this trend will hold. In any case, the local militant has established himself as a permanent thorn in the flesh of the security establishment. -by Sandeep Unnithan --- ENDS --- In the run-up to the 2014 general elections, then BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi memorably told an audience in Amethi, the fiefdom of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi: "Smriti Irani is my younger sister." Within two years, the pampered sister turned into a liability at the high-profile human resource development ministry, picking fights at the slightest provocation, and eventually locking horns with Big Brother himself. When she drafted a bill aimed at almost destroying the autonomy of the premier Indian Institutes of Management-the PM disagreed but Irani would not budge. Not just that, when yoga guru Ramdev, backed by Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, sent her a proposal on a Vedic Education Board, she turned it down. And then one Tuesday evening, she found herself out of the ministry, shifted to textiles, till now headed by a minister of state. Irani finally paid the price for courting too many controversies, and being high on rhetoric but low on actual performance. Her wild temper and galling arrogance made it impossible for the ministry to function smoothly. "Several bureaucrats asked to be shifted out while university vice-chancellors were wary of meeting her. She was always suspicious of their motives," says an NCERT official. advertisement Though not bereft of achievements, she leaves behind a controversial legacy for successor Prakash Javadekar. Immediately after taking over, she forced then Delhi University V-C, Dinesh Singh, to abandon his four-year degree course at the behest of the BJP's student wing, the ABVP, and the Delhi University Teachers' Association (ironically, dominated by Left-wing thinkers). Singh was humiliated and the University Grants Commission was forced to change its earlier stand of supporting the four-year programme. "She tried to rule by terror rather than persuasion," says a Delhi University professor. Irani was reportedly called to Nagpur by the RSS leadership and reprimanded for the fiasco. Many thought her proximity to RSS joint general secretary Krishna Gopal, who coordinates Sangh relations with the BJP and the Modi government, would serve as a shield. Her speeches before the RSS were particularly populist, often announcing a landmark decision and then boasting that "you will see it being implemented very soon". As an RSS leader puts it, "She was ever ready to please the top leadership but forgot that at the end of the day she had to perform. She had no larger vision or a future-oriented blueprint that could impress. Her moves appeared largely cosmetic." In the 25 months on the job, Irani was still not able to frame a National Education Policy. Instead, she had a public spat with former cabinet secretary TSR Subramanian, an admirer of Modi's good governance pledge, refusing to heed his request that the draft policy report made by a committee headed by him be made public. The wrangling reached such a level that Subramanian threatened to make the report public himself. There has also been no change in the UGC set-up as she, her officials and the PMO couldn't agree on many key issues. The RSS had passed a resolution at its annual Pratinidhi Sabha early this year on the need for affordable and accessible education but the leadership found her to be lacking in ideas on this as well. Her actions have also led to delays in implementing Modi's grand vision of setting up 20 new education institutions of global standard. The differences with the PMO over the draft Indian Institutes of Management Bill, 2015, and delays in implementing free wi-fi access at central universities also didn't help. By then, controversy had virtually become her second name. Be it the Rohith Vemula suicide or the Goa snooping-on-women-in-the-trial-room issue (right after she was dropped from the national executive last year), it all seemed to end badly. Her public performances-like offering to be beheaded by opponents-earned her many admirers but PM seems to have been unimpressed. advertisement Irani also took on the media. From a Twitter war with a state education minister to calling out journalists for alleged bias to her high-handed behaviour with heads of educational institutes and scholars, the establishment was never comfortable with her. For the first time ever, two vice-chancellors, Visva-Bharati University's Sushanta Dattagupta and Pondicherry University's Chandra Krishnamurthy, were sacked. IIT Bombay chairman Anil Kakodkar resigned in a huff as did IIT Delhi's R.K. Shevgaonkar. Says social activist and Manushi editor Madhu Kishwar, a caustic Irani critic from the beginning: "Freeing the HRD from her is a major course correction by the prime minister." The latest controversy was over Ramdev's proposed National Vedic Education Board. The Sangh parivar has been divided on who should hold the reins. Both Modi and Amit Shah wanted Ramdev at the helm, but a section of the RSS, wary of the yoga guru, preferred that it be governed jointly by a set of Vedic scholars. Irani chose to take a stand against Ramdev and, by that yardstick, Modi and Shah. advertisement Of course, the last two years also had their pluses. Irani launched reform initiatives like the Global Initiative of Academic Networks to recruit scholars from abroad for higher education institutions. She also mooted the indigenous ranking framework for universities and under the Swachh Vidyalayas scheme, achieved the target of four lakh toilets in schools. The feisty former TV soap queen is not ready to give up yet. If sources close to her are to be believed, she's been relieved of the heavy duty ministry because she may be needed to lead the party's campaign, not just in Amethi, but in Uttar Pradesh for the 2017 assembly polls. For a performance-driven prime minister, that possibility for now remains in the realm of speculation. Follow the writer on Twitter @UdayMahurkar --- ENDS --- The germ of an idea that created India's largest safety shoes company was not born out of any PowerPoint presentations from suited-booted consultants. It was a mere challenge that a co-traveller on a Delhi-Gwalior train journey threw at Nitin Tiwari. "Can you produce this in India?" the person asked, pointing to his safety shoes, worn by workmen on shopfloors. That prompted Tiwari, 43, to explore a new arena and expand his father's leather business. Today, his firm, Acme Fabrik Plast Co, makes 8,000 pairs of safety shoes a day, has annual revenues of Rs 180 crore and counts companies such as Toyota, Honda, Dow Chemicals and BASF among its clients. The economies of the developed world were built on the edifice of several small businesses over several decades. But nearly two years after the Narendra Modi government announced its Make in India push, the glass is still half full. As Nirmala Sitharaman, minister of state for commerce and industry, noted in her keynote address at the India Today Make in India Emerging Entrepreneur Awards, the government is taking steps to make doing business easier, removing infrastructure bottlenecks, providing last-minute connectivity and uninterrupted energy supply. She cited the instance of coal, where the country is now self-sufficient. "No thermal power plant needs to worry about coal supply," she said. She cleared the air on the Centre's objectives through the Make in India drive, stating it was not just export-oriented, but also aimed at the big market that is India. advertisement NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, chief architect of the Make in India campaign, talked of the iconic lessons in entrepreneurship countries such as China, and even Singapore and Taiwan, have to offer. "Large enterprises destroy jobs while start-ups create them. India must become a country of disruptionists," he said. India must grow at 9-10 per cent and that can happen only when the manufacturing sector grows at 14 per cent, he added. What is probably less visible in the entire Make in India drive, however, is the need to provide an intensive push at the grassroots level, creating a better ecosystem where the county's 3.6 crore micro, small and medium scale units, employing eight crore people, can move up the value chain. In his speech, Kalraj Mishra, Union minister for micro, small and medium enterprises, underlined the need to invest in small units. "Our goal is to make India a manufacturing hub. It can be possible only when there is investment in small enterprises," he said. The government has taken a few big initiatives to pump prime manufacturing, but the country still has a long way to go, said Aroon Purie, Editor-in-Chief, India Today, as there are problems with land acquisition, labour laws, taxation reform and poor infrastructure. "But as the Make in India Emerging Entrepreneur award winners show, entrepreneurship is alive and well in India, often despite the government," he said. Methodology The objective of the awards was to identify and reward small yet successful Indian manufacturing companies that exemplify the spirit of Make in India. Ten sectors were considered-Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Food Processing, Automobiles, Textile and Garments, Defence and Aviation, Electronics Systems, Construction, Leather, Renewable Energy and Innovation. Samagra, the social development and political consulting arm of Fourth Lion Technologies, worked as the knowledge partner for the India Today Group for this award. It leveraged four sources to identify relevant companies: analyst reports and databases, previous awards, targeted interviews and published information. Based on this, the team first shortlisted more than 100 companies across the 10 sectors. Subsequently, it created a list of five success parameters to analyse each company:a) growth potential (production, revenues); b) employment generation (number of employees, job-oriented growth);c) brand image (testimonies, media news etc); d) contribution to industry (uniqueness, IP, process improvement);e) genesis & background (entrepreneur's struggle, story of the company). In the end, an eminent panel comprising Baba Kalyani, Chairman, Bharat Forge; Uday Kotak, VC & MD, Kotak Mahindra Bank; Manish Sabharwal, Co-founder & Chairman, TeamLease; and Aroon Purie, Editor-In-Chief, India Today, further scrutinised the list and selected the winners. advertisement MAKE IN INDIA AWARDS Vilas Chhikara - Innovation - SNPC machines, Sonepat, Haryana. Photo: Chandradeep Kumar Fellow brickmakers sometimes visit his factory to see the machine that makes bricks. They then strike two bricks against each other and listen to the sound. "Then they hug me. The older generation believes that if two bricks produce the sound of steel, they are perfect," says Jhajjar-based Vilas Chhikara, 26, CEO of SNPC Machines. They make the world's only Mobile Brick Making machine in Firozpur Bangur village in Sonepat, a product that stood 19th among 30 innovations that bagged the DST-Lockheed Martin India Innovation Growth Programme awards for 2016. It took seven years of experimentation for Chhikara, his four brothers and three friends to get a prototype of the machine ready in 2014. The invention eliminates all intermediate steps in the brick-making process, cutting costs and time. Of their two designs, one can churn out 4,000-6,000 bricks per hour while the other can produce 10,000-12,000 and requires only three people to operate. In a traditional brick kiln, one worker generally makes 1,100 bricks in a day. "None of us is an engineer. It was sheer jugaad," says Chhikara. An MBA from Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, he hopes things will change under the government's aggressive Make in India policy. Tax and excise to the tune of Rs 4.2-7 lakh add hugely to the cost of the machine that sells at Rs 34.9 lakh. advertisement -Sukant Deepak Bharat Malkani - Defence and Aviation - Max Aerospace, Mumbai As a child, walking to Jamnabai Narsee School at Juhu airport, Bharat Malkani would see the planes flying overhead and dream of building a military fighter plane one day. Having studied electronics at Manipal University and technology management at Washington University, Malkani, 50, returned to India in 1989. In 1991, he visited the air trade show in Dubai and came back determined to start his own aviation company. With Rs 5 lakh in hand and an 80 sq ft rented space in Vile-Parle, he started a company. It got approval from DGCA for maintenance of planes in 1995. He also began production of black boxes. Earlier, the government relied on the US and Israel for modification of planes. Today Max Aerospace is the only private Indian company that integrates weapons in aircraft. Malkani supplies military equipment to HAL, IAF and the navy, and civil aviation equipment to Lufthansa, Air France and other airlines. He has modified a hundred-odd planes to date. The childhood dream had taken wing. advertisement -Kiran Tare Vijay Shastri and Satya Vadlamani - Biotech and Pharma - Murli Krishna Pharma, Mumbai. Photo: Abhijit Patil When Satya Vadlamani, 51, left a cushy job at Ajanta Pharma in 1997 to set up a trading company for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), she wanted to spend more time with her family. But her firm, called Murli Krishna Exports then, kept her busier than before. In 2004, the electrical and electronics engineer teamed up with analytical chemistry expert Vijay Shastri, to manufacture pellets, the process of coating a drug to enhance its effectiveness and reduce side-effects. The company used water instead of the older solvent-based technology, making the pellets safer for consumption. It wasn't easy. Family pressures apart, setting up a plant back then was difficult. "It's easy to take shortcuts,"she says, "but it wasn't what I wanted." Today, the company has 128 employees on its rolls and 60 on contract. Its plant at Ranjangaon near Pune complies with good manufacturing practices as per WHO and EU guidelines. The company earned Rs 42 crore in revenues in 2015-16 and supplies to 64 firms in 18 countries. -MG Arun Nitin Tiwari - Leather - Acme Fabrik Plast Co, Gwalior. Photo: Chandradeep Kumar While at the Dhaulpur military school, Nitin Tiwari, originally from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, never imagined he would end up working in his father's company. Business was not on his mind when he started working with a computer company in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. He does not remember the name of the fellow commuter on a train journey from Delhi to Gwalior 13 years ago but is eternally grateful to him for changing the course of his life and making a successful entrepreneur out of a computer engineer. They had got talking and the man asked him what his future plans were. When Tiwari said he wasn't sure, his co-passenger asked him: "Can you produce these in India?", pointing to the safety shoes he was wearing. Their soles and toes reinforced, safety shoes are essential footwear for those working in any industrial environment. "The person took off his shoes and gave them to me," Tiwari says. "I started from there." Safety standards in India were in an abysmal state in 1994, and Tiwari took up the challenge to bring them on par with international standards. He spent the next seven years fulfilling family responsibilities. "My business took off after I got married in 2000," he says. He bought a shoe-making machine from China the next year. It took him another four years to set up his first manufacturing plant at Gwalior in 2005. Today, he runs seven plants-in Gwalior, Kanpur and Bhiwandi near Mumbai. Producing more than 8,000 pairs a day, Acme is India's largest safety shoe producer today, and has been clocking 25 per cent growth every year since 2012, claims Tiwari. -Kiran Tare Viral Desai - Textile and garments - Zenitex mill pvt ltd, Surat. Photo: Shailesh Raval A study of companies such as Ford Motors and Pepsi while doing his MBA prompted Viral Desai, 38, to set up Zenitex, a textile process and dyeing company, in 2003. Over the years, this enterprise has become a model venture in the textile industry for using sustainable practices and has won the Best Industry of Gujarat and National Energy Conservation award for three consecutive years. Growing up in a family that ran a silk textile business, Desai, an alumnus of the Metas Adventist College in Surat, saw close at hand the wastage in the textile industry and "the dark side of the production units". With Zenitex, he introduced sustainable initiatives such as using renewable energy and reducing consumption. Water consumption is a key concern for the industry. "Being a water-based industry, scarcity has always been an issue. This led us to think of ways to save water," says Desai, who holds a certification from the Limca Book of Records for winning the most number of awards in the field of energy conservation. "Once we started saving water, we felt the benefits of savings in terms of energy." It worked well for his balance sheet as well. Zenitex also has variable frequency drives and inverters on all machines and utilities in the process plant; the unit is run using power generated by windmills. This year, Zenitex installed an auto coal-feeding system in their boiler for better combustion. The factory unit in Surat has a green cover of over 5,000 trees and plants with drip irrigation facilities. "We follow the belief that if you take care of nature, it has its own unique way of giving back in abundance," says Desai. -Aditi Pai Madhav Kamat - Electronics - Electronics Automation Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru. Photo: Nilotpal Baruah When Russian-made electronic timers installed on missiles failed unexpectedly in the 1999 Kargil war, it was Bengaluru-based Electronic Automation Pvt Ltd (EAPL) the Indian Army turned to for procuring timers. Madhav Kamat, 75, founded EAPL with his friend way back in 1984. "Those were the days when nothing worked in favour of the manufacturing sector," he recalls. "I started this company with our first product-electronic timers, which until then were being imported. But for everything, we had to go to New Delhi, and approvals were hard to come by." Today, EAPL manufactures a wide range of products, including tachometers, monitoring devices and digital counters. "Our first product (electronic timers) continues to be our flagship product, having sold over 2 million units to diverse industries," says Kamat. EAPL's electronic timers command a 30 per cent market share in the segment in India. EAPL has a turnover ofRs 16 crore and a workforce of about 130 employees in two plants. The company has achieved 60 per cent localisation; critical components are imported from Taiwan, South Korea, China and Singapore. According to Kamat, this is the right time for entrepreneurs to plunge into manufacturing. "Today, there are plenty of factors working in favour of budding entrepreneurs. Competition will make us better and strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem." -Aravind Gowda Sitaram Shah and Vandan Shah - Automobiles - Sipra Engineers Pvt Ltd, Mumbai. Photo: Mandar Deodhar After a master's in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, in 1964, Sitaram Shah worked in the UK for three years, but returned to India to launch Sipra Engineers in Mumbai, which produces die casters for the automobile industry in 1968. A relative helped him get his first major client in Bajaj Auto Limited. After a decade, Shah took his plant to Nashik. His association with Bajaj came to an end and he struggled for a while. He then took to exporting the readymade die. It worked. Son Vandan, a graduate in industrial engineering, took the Nashik plant to the next level as its MD. Today, the company's turnover is close to Rs 150 crore. -Kiran Tare Dharmesh Surelia - Construction - Macons Equipments Pvt Ltd, Ahmedabad. Photo: Shailesh Raval In 2001, when Macons started manufacturing the mobile concrete batching plant of 12m3 to 30m3 per hour, it became the first Indian manufacturer to do so. The equipment was built in technical collaboration with Danish company Intercon. "At that time, India did not have this technology. I wanted to bring innovative products to India and expose our customers to products from Europe," says Dharmesh Surelia, 46, who founded Macons in 2000 with his first facility in Vatva. A mechanical engineer from SSVPS, Dhule, he joined the family business of construction equipment manufacture in 1990. By 1995, he had started designing his own products based on the gaps he saw in the existing equipment. His first design was a soil compactor. In 2000, he started Macons and began making stationary/mobile concrete batching plants, leveraging his decade-long experience in the manufacturing industry. Another major achievement in the founding year was the kerbing machine, which was "the first such indigenously designed; and developed machine". The machine is a much-needed product in road building for laying dividers and drain lines. "These machines proved ideal for successful operations at various NHAI projects all over India," says Surelia. By 2005, Macons had started exporting its first batch of products to Germany. Sixteen years into its existence, Macons designs and produces 15 types of equipment with over 100 models of various products. The company, which now has two more facilities in Changodar and Matoda, has sold around 3,000 products to over 1,000 clients across the country with a capacity to produce 250 big machines in a year. With a growth rate of around 80 per cent this year, Macons expects to touch the Rs 100 crore turnover mark in 2016-17. -Aditi Pai Patricia Narayan and Praveen Narayan - Food Processing - Sandeepha Chain Pvt Ltd, Chennai Born to conservative Christians in Nagercoil, Patricia Narayan bid her family goodbye the day she got herself a Tamil Brahmin husband. But when he turned out to be a wastrel and barely able to hold on to their catering business, she decided to take back her life. "I realised my passion for food would have to double up as my livelihood," she says. She took a professional course in commercial cooking and set up her first kiosk on Marina beach. Soon she bagged catering contracts for the Slum Clearance Board and the National Institute of Port Management. When, in 2006, she lost her spirit and her newly married daughter Sangeetha in a car crash, her son Praveen quit his job in the merchant navy and helped her set up the first unit of the restaurant chain that came to be called Sandeepha. This was in 2010. Sandeepha now has four branches in Chennai. "I'm my own psychiatrist," says Patricia. "When I'm depressed, I read my own story." -Saranya Chakrapani Paul Needham - Renewable energy - Simpa Networks Pvt Ltd, Noida A serial entrepreneur once employed by Microsoft, Needham saw opportunity in the dusty bylanes of India's small towns from his cosy office in North America. "The situation was complicated: one, there was no or partial access to power; two, there were people who could not make upfront payment for solar installations," he says. He co-founded a company, along with two microfinance experts, Jacob Winiecki and Michael MacHarg, to give small solar house systems on a pay-as-you-go model in India. They manufactured a unique electricity meter that allowed people to recharge, track and control supply. They could buy energy for Rs 10-20 a day. For Rs 20, they got a fan, three light points and a mobile charger. Today, 20,000 homes use Simpa's solar installations, with nearly 30 per cent of these homes in areas not connected to a power grid. -Anilesh S Mahajan --- ENDS --- One of the most significant aspirations of the Narendra Modi government's much-publicised 'Make in India' initiative is to boost India's manufacturing sector considerably, not only to spur economic growth, but also to generate large scale employment. The aim is to create 100 million jobs and have manufacturing contribute 25 per cent to the country's GDP by 2022. However, this will not be easy, going by some of the data coming in of late. Industrial output growth, measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), was in the negative zone, at -0.8 per cent for April, contrary to the one per cent growth market analysts had anticipated. This was due to a below par performance of the manufacturing and mining sectors, and a decline in capital goods output. Weak manufacturing growth, a struggling agriculture sector courtesy widespread drought, and cost control across sectors are also causing panic in the job market. Job creation in eight employment-intensive industries for the first half of fiscal 2016 fell year-on-year to 91,000 from nearly 500,000 in the first half of fiscal 2015. advertisement A joint report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and apex industry chamber Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in September 2015, while expressing pessimism at the targets for the Make in India initiative, said manufacturing still accounted for only 17 per cent of India's GDP, and has remained more or less stagnant for the past five years. This compares poorly with neighbour China, where manufacturing and industry comprise around 44 per cent of its GDP. While India's share in the global GDP increased from 2.2 per cent in 2009 to 2.5 per cent in 2013, its share in global manufacturing actually fell from 2.2 per cent to 2 per cent in the same period. Similarly, although manufacturing exports increased from $188 billion in 2011 to $203 billion in 2014, India's share in the global export market hovers at 1.5 per cent. These shortfalls have been reflected in the job market, the report says. Only four million jobs are estimated to have been created in manufacturing since 2010. "Extrapolating this growth of 1.5 per cent, we will fall short of the (government's) target by 92 million jobs by 2022," the BCG-CII report adds. REFORMS PUSH The government would like to argue otherwise. India has grown at 7.6 per cent in 2015-16, outpacing even China. Several measures it has taken, it says, to make the country more investor-friendly are bearing fruit. It cites the foreign investment numbers to prove its point. FDI inflows to India touched $55.46 billion in 2015-16 from $36.04 billion in 2013-14, which the government attributes to the FDI policy reforms undertaken in its two-year rule. On June 20, the government unleashed another round of FDI reforms, inviting investment in nine sectors, including aviation, defence and pharmaceuticals, which it said should spur growth and create more employment. The government also gave a major push to the Make in India project through a week-long jamboree in Mumbai in February this year, at the end of which it said it has been able to get commitments for $222 billion in overseas investment in manufacturing. These measures apart, several states are devising their own ways to attract investment. The Gujarat government, for instance, is planning to set up an electronics products manufacturing hub in the state, in line with its newly announced Electronics Policy 2016, which will generate about 500,000 jobs over five years. The Uttar Pradesh government has secured investment deals worth Rs 5,000 crore for setting up mobile manufacturing units in the state, while Maharashtra has already cleared land allotment for 130 industrial units with an investment of Rs 6,266 crore. Taiwanese contract manufacturing giant Foxconn had announced a $5 billion investment in the state. Clean energy investments in India touched $7.9 billion in 2014, propping India as the seventh largest clean energy investor in the world. advertisement WOOED BY INDIA The government cites moves by global manufacturing giants such as GE, Siemens, HTC, Toshiba and Boeing to invest in high-tech manufacturing here as an example of the country growing more investor-friendly. In 2015, India jumped 12 places over last year to 130 in the ease-of-doing-business rankings, thanks to a string of measures by the Centre and some states, including reducing the number of clearances needed to start new businesses. "In terms of brand building and marketing, things have progressed really well," says S.V. Sukumar, partner and head, manufacturing sector, at consulting firm KPMG India. "The country has been able to capture investors' mindshare, if not business share." While the FDI move will have an impact in the short term, the initiatives taken to improve infrastructure, for instance, will have a significant long-term impact. advertisement But there is still much more to be done. According to the latest World Bank's India Development Update, although India's economy expanded at a faster pace in financial year 2016, a number of its growth engines stalled. Agriculture-having faced two consecutive years of drought-rural household consumption, private investments and exports have not performed to their potential. To sustain the growth it has achieved, the economy needs to activate these engines, while ensuring demand from urban households and public investments does not run out of fuel. "There are good reasons for confidence in India's near-term prospects," says Onno Ruhl, World Bank country director in India. "However, a pickup in investments is crucial to sustain economic growth in the longer term." The recently approved Bankruptcy Code will be of help in this regard. Once implemented, it will help unleash the productivity Indian firms need in order to create jobs and become globally competitive, he adds. The government is fully tuned to this reality. "It is not just about opening up sectors, but also promoting India as a market, making India predictable," Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog, said after the FDI push was announced. advertisement MAKING FOR INDIA Creating local demand for products and services thus becomes crucial. "Investors will be keen to know how much they can make and sell in India," says KPMG's Sukumar. "India has to be a market first." Business sentiment is yet to take off, and private investment has been lagging. One measure that can boost up investor confidence is the Goods and Services Tax (GST), for which there is yet to be consensus among all states. Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra says 'Make in India' is only a rallying point to gather attention. "Once it has set the direction, the government should move out of the way," he said during the high decibel 'Make in India' week in February. "At this point, companies are making in India as they used to, but are they making and growing in India is the question to ask," says Rajesh V. Shah, co-chairman and managing director at steel maker Mukand Ltd. For this to happen, demand has to improve. The government has intervened to bring down steel imports, offering some relief to the industry, but a recovery may not happen too soon. "There is a big debt overhang in many companies, and they are not going to invest in a hurry," says Shah. This means several challenges remain for the Make in India drive, though an earnest start has been made. Plugging the loopholes will be crucial to get anywhere near the targets the government has set. Follow the writer on Twitter @MGArun1 --- ENDS --- It has been nearly two months since Mamata Banerjee took over as the chief minister of West Bengal for the second time, and she is letting everyone know that she means business. A US delegation led by the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas A. Shannon met her in the first week of July. Among other things, say sources in the chief minister's office, they discussed investment in the state. If Mamata made history last term by overturning 34 years of Left rule in West Bengal, she also undid a lot of that good with her intransigence on Nandigram and Singur, failing to deliver the poriborton she had assured her electorate. West Bengal failed to shake off the image of being a graveyard of industry under her. advertisement Didi is determined to change things this term and the audience at her felicitation ceremony in June, by the nine chambers of commerce and industry in Kolkata, got the first taste of it. "Is the market in an economic slowdown or are we making it slow by just chanting Hare Rama, Hare Krishna," an admonitory Mamata thundered. She is certainly laying the foundation for industry to invest. A 2015 World Bank ease of doing business survey ranked the state 11th in the country. Last year, she introduced single-window clearance for 38 industries, a process that can be initiated online. She has also been giving infrastructure a big push, the 2015-16 budget setting aside $8.2 billion. Of this, $99.7 million was allocated to the construction of Asia Highway 2, connecting the Nepal border (Kakarbhitta) to the Bangladesh border (Banglabandha). A number of road development projects have been taken up under public-private partnerships, including the Barasat-Krishnanagar section and the Palsit-Dankuni and Panagarh-Palsit projects. In 2014-15, the state government commissioned a 250 MW thermal power unit in Durgapur and renovated a 210 MW unit of the Bandel thermal power station. Land acquisition has been famously hard in the state, a problem made worse for industry by the fragmented nature of holdings. And Mamata herself won't be seen as the one responsible for evicting farmers. The state is instead offering 6,000 acres of contiguous land in industrial parks. "Industrial parks all over the state have readily available land," says land and land reforms department secretary Manoj Pant. "The government has special incentive packages for parks in Purulia, West Midnapore and Bankura." The CM reiterated this at her felicitation ceremony. "Land is not a problem. Give us proposals and we will consider them." "This kind of push will have a big impact on industry," says Abhirup Sarkar, chairman of the West Bengal Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation. "She might have political compulsions in not acquiring land directly, but she's amenable otherwise. She's giving land ceiling clearances and asking industrialists to form consortiums to steer clear of ceiling constraints." In the state's rural areas, holding land in excess of 24.8 acres requires clearance under Section 14Y of the West Bengal Land and Land Reforms Act, 1955. Keeping within the constraints of her land policy, Mamata is also concentrating on expanding sectors where the land required is less but the potential to generate jobs and bolster the rural economy is rich. Her thrust, therefore, is on sectors such as food processing, animal husbandry, fisheries and textiles. The state is also proposing to set up three biotechnology hubs in Bardhaman, Kalimpong and Medinipur districts. advertisement She has also been wooing industry assiduously at various forums. Thanks to her efforts, the 2016 Bengal Global Summit garnered investment proposals worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore, while the 2015 edition netted Rs 2.43 lakh crore. (These are government claims.) The state has also organised three business conclaves-Bengal Leads-in 2012, 2013 and 2014, and held roadshows in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. "One very visible change we see in her is a clarity on the industrial roadmap, strong focus on implementation of projects and realisation that industry plays an important role in generating employment and tax revenue," says Indian Chamber of Commerce president Rajeev Singh. The growth has started reflecting in the state's numbers, though Mamata's detractors attribute any improvement to the low economic base. With ministry of statistics and programme implementation recording a gross state domestic product of over Rs 8 lakh crore in 2014-15, West Bengal stood fifth in the country. In terms of gross value added, its growth rate of 10.48 per cent in 2014-15 was impressive in comparison with the national average of 7.5 per cent. Per capita income growth in the state was also significant at 12.8 per cent, an improvement on its own 9.5 per cent in 2012-13 and comparing favourably with the national average of 6.1 per cent. advertisement Slowly but surely, Mamata's industry is bearing fruit. A Thailand-based special purpose vehicle company, CPS Indian, is investing Rs 550 core on aqua and prawn feeds. The Emami group will set up a 2 MTPA (million tonnes per annum) cement grinding unit at a cost of Rs 500 crore. Sajjan Jindal's JSW is planning a 4.8 MT cement plant and a 1,320 MW power plant in Salboni at an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore. ITC will invest nearly Rs 3,000 crore in two integrated consumer goods manufacturing facilities in Uluberia and Panchla and an information technology facility in Rajarhat. Having driven Tata away unceremoniously in 2008, in a blaze of bad publicity, Mamata is now keen to have an automobile industry footprint in the state. She plans to visit the Turin unit of Fiat in Italy when she goes to Rome for the canonisation ceremony of Mother Teresa in the first week of September. Fiat, ironically, has a manufacturing tie-up with Tata in India. advertisement She has roped in Mahindra and Mahindra to set up an auto ancillary unit in the 13 acre Raghunathpur industrial park in Purulia. The Rs 150 crore endeavour will be the largest such project in eastern India, claims an official in the state industries department. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu too were vying for this project, says a senior officer of the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC), but West Bengal got lucky. "The main reason is that contiguous land was readily available with the industries department," says WBIDC executive director R. Kamala Kanth. Another area that ranks high in Mamata's priorities is the maritime sector. She is looking to build inland waterways to connect with the national waterways network. Large freighters with full capacity cargo cannot dock at the Kolkata and Hooghly ports. A minor sea port on the Shankarpur-Tajpur coast in East Midnapore with a draft facility of 15 metres is being planned as a gateway to eastern Asia. "A 36 month project, it will be fully operational by 2019," says a senior bureaucrat in the state industries department. "It's going to steal Dhamra port's thunder." Further, with the central government prioritising the defence sector and easing FDI norms, West Bengal is hoping to bag a few manufacturing contracts. "The competition will be cut-throat," says the bureaucrat, "but everything will depend on the relationship the state has with the Centre." Mamata made a conciliatory start by inviting the entire Modi cabinet at her swearing-in. She has also been batting for the Goods and Services Tax (GST), indicating clearly that the 12 TMC members in the Rajya Sabha will ensure its smooth passage. Hailing GST as 'positive', 'pro-people' and 'pro-industry', she says, "I may be opposing the Centre politically, but I'll support them on 'positive subjects'." "This is a practical, pragmatic Mamata," says Kallol Dutta, a member of Mamata's core committee on industry. "She has realised that by rolling out GST, she can reduce the state's debt burden by earningan additional Rs 5,000 crore in revenue." West Bengal had a debt burden of Rs 2.7 lakh crore in 2015. Finance minister Amit Mitra in the vote-on-account budget session in the assembly said debt repayment would rise to Rs 9,781 crore in 2016-17. At 35.5 per cent, the state's debt to GSDP ratio is the highest in the country. How, then, does Mamata plan to service the sundry populist measures she has announced? These include food security for 80 per cent of the population, free treatment and free blood in government hospitals, 4 million cycles, Rs 80 lakh for school shoes, scholarships and stipends for higher education of 3.3 million girl children, and doles for the unemployed. "These will cost the state only Rs 10,000 crore," claims a senior government officer. Tax revenue has gone up-from Rs 72.9 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 11.3 lakh crore in 2015-16, according to RBI figures-but the state's tax revenue to GSDP ratio, at 5.7 per cent in 2014-15, was the lowest among non-special category states. There are other negatives too. Mamata's policy on SEZs remains fuzzy. She has, for instance, been reluctant to extend the SEZ tag to the Infosys project in Rajarhat, which has been on the back-burner for seven years. "The SEZ policy is going to lapse in 2017, and if Infosys fails to start their SEZ by next year, they will lose the chance forever," says Swarup Ray, a senior executive in the state IT department. "Now the concept of SEZ has changed. A small tract of five acres or even 10,000 sq ft area can be declared an SEZ. But since Mamata Banerjee agitated against the proposed SEZ at Nandigram, for which the erstwhile Left Front government was going in for massive land acquisition, she has to stick to her guns." Wipro, which was planning a second unit in Kolkata, also said that minus the SEZ status, it might have to shelve its expansion plan. --- ENDS --- In the winter of 2007, Rahul Gandhi, newly inducted into the All-India Congress Committee as a general secretary, proposed that Youth Congress office-bearers be elected and not selected. The idea was to throw the youth wing of the Congress, till then limited to those either with political backgrounds or with connections to those with such a background, open to all. "He wanted to create a set of leaders who did not have the baggage of dynasty and were not steeped in the ills of the Indian political system," says a party general secretary. "His plan was that by the time he was ready to take charge of the party, this set of young leaders would graduate to the senior team, heralding a new form of politics in the country." This transformative process, which was guided by people like G. Mohan Gopal, former head of the National Judicial Academy, Bhopal, and former vice-chancellor of the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, and Sachin Rao, who has an MBA degree from Michigan University, produced some new leaders - Rajeev Satav in Maharashtra, Rizwan Arshad in Karnataka and Pijush Hazarika in Assam. But almost a decade later, with Rahul still only on the verge of being crowned the president of the Congress, his ambition to have a team of his own - consisting of young men and women from non-political family backgrounds - stands defeated. Satav, of course, is one of the 44 Congress members in the Lok Sabha. But Arshad could not win the 2014 general elections and was later accommodated in the Karnataka Legislative Council. Hazarika is now a BJP MLA. advertisement The Congress vice-president, therefore, has had to fall back on the same old brigade of Congress leaders he once wanted to get rid of to revive the party's fortunes in the states and at the Centre. In Uttar Pradesh, where assembly elections are due next year, Madhusudan Mistry, one of Rahul's favourite backroom boys, was given marching orders and veteran Ghulam Nabi Azad made general secretary in charge. State president Nirmal Khatri, another Rahul favourite, has been replaced by Raj Babbar. Though two of Rahul's favourites-Jitin Prasada and R.P.N. Singh - remain in the state, the party, which has hired the services of poll strategist Prashant Kishor, has chosen former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit as the chief ministerial candidate for Uttar Pradesh, a top source confirmed to India Today. In another development, the high command has decided to include former Amethi MP Sanjay Singh in the party's election management committee. In the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Singh had threatened to contest against Rahul in Amethi. He was immediately offered a Rajya Sabha seat from Assam. The fact that the Congress has had to fall back on the 78-year-old Dikshit, who had an inglorious exit from Delhi, indicates that Rahul's experiment to create a second rung of leaders to take over from the party veterans has come a cropper. It's also one of the key reasons why Rahul has been reluctant to ascend the throne and initiate the much-anticipated reshuffle at the top. The 2014 rout had provided a moment, an opportunity, but the party has only been in reverse gear since then. Prior to the 2014 elections, Rahul had, in an informal session with journalists, said he was opposed to giving tickets to people who had corruption charges against them. The reference was to former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan, who was later given a ticket, and was one of the two Congress candidates to win from the state. A year later, he was made president of the state unit. "Chavan's victory was a lesson for Rahul," says an AICC member. "He understood the difference between grassroots connect and theories on paper. He was surrounded by people who knew how to throw numbers, but had no clue how to win over voters. Chavan's appointment was the first big shift." While speculation was rife that with Rahul taking charge, Sonia Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel would be shown the door, it was Rahul's most trusted aide, Kanishka Singh, who lost his job. "He was assigned to sister Priyanka," says a Congress Rajya Sabha MP. After the Lok Sabha debacle, Rahul did prepare a list of new recruits to be inducted into the restructured AICC, but nothing has come of it. One of the four persons to have access to that list is Patel. In poll-bound Punjab, command was first handed to Kamal Nath, another veteran earlier seen to be not in Rahul's good books. Nath's tenure ended in two days amid the furore over his alleged role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi. The brief then went to Asha Kumari, an MLA from Himachal Pradesh, who is from a royal family and happens to be the niece of Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. If that was not enough, former Union minister Pawan Bansal, who had to resign amid allegations of bribery, has been made head of the party's urban renewal task force in the state. "Youth Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja, who is close to Rahul, is an MLA in the state," says a Lok Sabha MP. "It's surprising he has not been given a bigger role." advertisement Much earlier, Rahul had to give in to Capt. Amarinder Singh's demand to make him president of the Punjab Congress even though it meant sacking Rahul's preferred candidate, Partap Singh Bajwa. Several insiders say this was a direct fallout of what happened in Assam, where strongman Himanta Biswa Sarma switched to BJP over Rahul's unyielding refusal to address his grievances. "Rahul did not anticipate that Himanta would quit. The day it actually happened, Rahul realised his mistake. Since then, he has been careful with regional stalwarts," says a general secretary. A top leader from Haryana says it was the Himanta effect again that prevented the high command from taking action against former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda despite having clinching evidence that he had a role in the defeat of Congress candidate R.K. Anand in the Rajya Sabha elections last month. advertisement Bajwa is not the only state president to lose his chair. In Tamil Nadu, state chief E.V.K.S. Elangovan has been made to resign. Before the state elections in May, former finance minister P. Chidambaram, who did not have a comfortable relationship with Rahul, reportedly told him he could not work with Elangovan and would not be able to contribute much to the campaign strategy. Chidambaram was later rewarded with a Rajya Sabha berth from Maharashtra and is regularly consulted on key economic issues. He is, in fact, expected to hold fort in the upper house on the GST debate. In Kerala too, state Congress chief V.M. Sudheeran, again a Rahul choice, is likely to be sacked, though the high command has not been able to find a replacement yet. In Karnataka, the only big state where the party is in power, there may soon be a new president in energy minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is very close to former union minister S.M. Krishna. The high command has recently appointed Dinesh Gundu Rao, son of former chief minister Gundu Rao, as working president. advertisement Rao's appointment, in fact, reveals a pattern in Rahul's new tack-he seems to have given up on his earlier strategy of avoiding dynasts. In Assam, after the death of state president Anjan Dutta last month, the party chose Debabrata Saikia, son of former chief minister Hiteswar Saikia. Ironically, most of those who have survived and grown in stature under Rahul are dynasts. Two shining examples are party chief whip in the Lok Sabha, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot. However, his dilemma with dynasts has also taken extreme turns, with fatal results for the party. Many in the Assam Congress believe the party lost the assembly election because of CM Tarun Gogoi's son, Gaurav, whose bitter power struggle with Himanta resulted in the latter's exit. Grassroots workers too have complained of Gaurav's high-handedness, yet Rahul has appointed him as an observer for the Tripura Congress. He will have C.P. Joshi, who was general secretary in charge of Assam, for company. It's this tendency of Rahul to use different yardsticks for different sets of favourites - Elangovan, Bajwa and Khatri lose their positions while Gaurav gets rewarded-that keeps the Congress under him on an uncertain path. The struggle is not between the old and new; it's to move beyond stopgap appointments and effect a comprehensive restructure. On that score, the Congress vice-president is yet to give a credible account of himself. Follow the writer on Twitter @KDscribe --- ENDS --- GET OUR APP Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here. Indiana Governor Mike Pence made his debut Wednesday as the Republican Party's vice presidential nominee, delivering his formal acceptance speech on the third day of the party's national convention in Cleveland. Protests continued outside the hall as well, as we hear from VOA National correspondent Jim Malone in Cleveland. Albania's governing and opposition parties compromised on sweeping judicial reform Wednesday, ending a deadlock that risked blocking the Balkan country's move toward European Union accession talks. The reform package was aimed at overhauling the judiciary to make it independent, capable of fighting endemic corruption and ending impunity for politicians. The deal followed 18 months of talks with European Union and U.S. officials. The United States had warned of "severe, long-lasting" consequences from Washington if politicians failed to pass the reform. Parliament will vote on the reform Thursday. A candidate to join the EU since June 2014, NATO member Albania needs to do more about crime and corruption, public administration, and human and property rights, but reforming the judiciary is the EU's top priority. The deal had been held up over the role EU and U.S. officials would play in a body that will vet judges and remove corrupt ones. The opposition party had argued that was a breach of sovereignty. Political analysts say many politicians were reluctant to vote in a reform that could see them face arrest. EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn has said that he wants the reform to "have teeth" and that the EU will see how it works before recommending the start of accession talks. Defense ministers from more than 30 countries have reviewed and agreed upon the next steps for taking on the Islamic State terror group in its final strongholds. Following the counter-Islamic State meeting Wednesday at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the coalitions next moves would culminate in seizing control of Mosul, the major IS hub in Iraq, and Raqqa, the terror groups self-proclaimed capital in Syria. Officials said Carter used the meeting to determine strategies to accelerate the campaign in Iraq and Syria, especially now that the Iraqis are setting up their push to retake Mosul, the largest Iraqi city controlled by the terror group. "With respect to Mosul, we shouldn't underestimate the amount of preparation necessary to take on an operation like that, said General Joseph Votel, head of U.S. Central Command, which overseas military operations in the Middle East. Contributions Last week, the United States committed an additional 560 troops to help shape the fight for Mosul, and Carter announced after the meeting that other countries in the room had indicated their intent to contribute additional requirements to help the battle against IS succeed. It was very encouraging to see so many countries be willing to do so much more across such a wide spectrum of capabilities, Carter said, pointing to new coalition commitments ranging from providing strike aircraft to conducting training and stabilization efforts. A second counter-IS meeting of both foreign ministers and defense ministers will be held Thursday at the U.S. State Department. Officials said leaders would concentrate on "what comes after" battles are won, so that peace and stability can follow the fights. "The biggest strategic concern of this group of defense ministers was that the stabilization and governance efforts will lag behind the military campaign, Carter said. Making sure there's no such lag must be a significant strategic priority for us." U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry hosted a fundraising conference Wednesday at the State Department to try to raise at least $2 billion for Iraq as it retakes territory from the terror organization. Kerry said that in order to eliminate the group from Iraq, the government in Baghdad has got to be viewed as responsive to the needs of the people in all parts of the country, regardless of tribe, regardless of ethnicity, regardless of creed." The coalition has established an "immediate stabilization" fund, which officials say contains about $100 million at any given time. "This is kind of to get the lights on, to get police trained, to get them back in the streets, to allow people to return to their homes," Brett McGurk, special presidential envoy to the Coalition to Counter Islamic State, told reporters Tuesday. He highlighted the city of Tikrit as an example of the stabilization effort's success. Nearly the entire Tikrit population has returned to the city since it was liberated last year and overall in Iraq, more than 700,000 Iraqis have returned to their homes in areas that IS used to control, according to McGurk. Diaspora IS fighters The coalition also must worry about the large numbers of Islamic State fighters likely to disperse after the so-called caliphate is destroyed in Iraq and Syria. "This isn't going to be some kind of absolute victory. Nobody's going to sign a surrender document," Anthony Cordesman, the Burke Chair in Strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told VOA. The leaders at the counter-IS meeting extended their focus to Islamic State networks outside Iraq and Syria. IS has about eight self-declared affiliates around the world, from Afghanistan to Libya. Cordesman cautioned that the rising threat against global society, however, was bigger than IS. Lone wolf attacks were the cause of nearly 50 deaths in Orlando, Florida, and more than 80 were killed in such attacks in Nice, France. "We can't afford to become obsessed with an acronym. The broader threat of Islamic extremism has not diminished," said Cordesman. Turkey turmoil One noticeable absence from the meetings is Turkish Minister of Defense Fikri Isik. Turkey's ambassador to the United States is representing Ankara instead as the country deals with the aftermath of a coup attempt carried out last week by elements within the military. Carter said he spoke with Isik by phone Tuesday and reiterated U.S. support for Turkey's democratically elected civilian government. He said Isik assured him that Turkey remains a determined and committed partner in the fight against Islamic State. Turkey is home to Incirlik Air Base, which houses U.S. refueling aircraft and attack aircraft used in the counter-IS fight. More than 3,000 U.S. personnel are based in the country as well. Scientists attending the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban say there is still no vaccine in sight to prevent HIV/AIDS infections. While it is impossible to predict when such a goal will be reached, says Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, he is optimistic about researchers' progress. "It is impossible to say exactly how far we are, but one thing we can say is that over the last seven years we have made important strides in the direction of getting a vaccine, he said, but getting an HIV vaccine will probably be one of the most important and difficult scientific challenges in all of HIV research." Although no specific vaccine has become the sole hope, scientists are vigorously pursuing tests and trials called HVTN 702. The vaccine being tested was developed from a trial in Thailand several years ago, and showed a modest degree of effectiveness. The trial of the vaccine is set to start in South Africa and other African countries later this year, but Fauci says it could be quite some time before results are known. "It will take at least a couple of years to determine if that vaccine works, he said. If it does, then hopefully we will be closer to where we need to be." The Vaccine Research Center at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in South Africa is testing the ALVAC gp120 vaccine, according to Fatima Laher, who leads the center. "The vaccine work that we do is to prevent HIV infection from happening in people who are negative, she said. We are only a few months away from opening that trial that will show whether or not this vaccine will prevent people from getting HIV." Thursday is Donald Trump's day at the Republican National Convention. After three days of praise from some of the party's biggest names and his formal nomination as the Republican presidential nominee, Trump will give his address in Cleveland, Ohio. The Republicans have branded the final day of the convention under the theme "Make America One Again." Unity has been a key focus for Republicans after their contentious primary season battle that ended with Trump as their pick to go up against Democrat Hillary Clinton in the November election. One-time rivals Marco Rubio, Chris Christie and Ben Carson put aside their previous opposition and used their convention speeches to back Trump. But on Wednesday one of the last Republicans to drop out of the race, Ted Cruz, drew boos for refusing to endorse Trump. "To those listening, please, don't stay home in November," Cruz said. "Stand, and speak and vote your conscience. Vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution." A short time later, those representing the state of New York chanted over Cruz as he spoke, demanding he announce his backing of their nominee. "I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation," Cruz responded. The rest of his speech was difficult to hear over the noise of the crowd. Boos turned to cheers again as Cruz walked off stage just as Trump appeared elsewhere in the arena. Trump addressed the situation later on Twitter. "Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didn't honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal!" Former House speaker Newt Gingrich cast Cruz's comments as a call to vote for Trump. "Ted Cruz said you can vote your conscience for anyone who will uphold the Constitution. In this election, there is only one candidate who will uphold the Constitution," Gingrich said. Gingrich, as well as Rubio in a video played at the convention, used their remarks to also sharply criticize Clinton. "We cannot keep in place the people and the systems that have brought us to this point and that lie to us every single day about the threat," Gingrich said. "That is why every American should be terrified at the prospect of a Hillary Clinton presidency." Indiana Governor Mike Pence, Trump's pick for vice president, had the main speaking slot Wednesday and cast himself as a personality who balances the ticket with Trump. "He is a man known for a large personality, a colorful style and lots of charisma, and so I guess he was just looking for some balance on the ticket," he said. Pence also lobbed his own criticism at their Democratic challenger. "At the very moment when America is crying out for something new and different, the other party has answered with a stale agenda and the most predictable of names," he said. "People in both parties are restless for change, ready to break free of old patterns in Washington and Democrats are about to anoint someone who represents everything this country is tired of." Trump gave an interview to the New York Times on Wednesday in which he said he will prioritize the country's needs and make sure NATO allies "have fulfilled their obligations" to the U.S. before deciding whether to come to their aid. "We are going to take care of this country first before we worry about everyone else in the world," he said. Trump pledged to scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico unless they negotiate new terms that include discouraging U.S. companies from moving their operations out of the country. He also said the U.S. should "fix its own mess" before pressuring other governments. "When the world sees how bad the United States is and we start talking about civil liberties, I don't think we are a very good messenger," Trump told the Times. U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is questioning whether the United States would automatically defend other NATO allies if they were attacked, a bedrock principle of the U.S.-European military alliance since the end of World War II. As he gets ready to address Americans Thursday night as the 2016 Republican presidential candidate, Trump told The New York Times that he, if elected, would set conditions on how the United States would respond to an attack on any of the other 27 NATO countries. Trump said he would first see if other countries have shared the cost of funding NATO defense expenses that the U.S. has largely borne but that he says can no longer afford. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg immediately rebuffed Trump, saying, "Solidarity among allies is a key value for NATO." Stoltenberg added: "We defend one another. We have seen this in Afghanistan, where tens of thousands of European, Canadian and partner nation troops have stood shoulder to shoulder with U.S. soldiers. Two world wars have shown that peace in Europe is also important for the security of the United States." White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the United States has "a steadfast commitment to our NATO allies," which he described as "iron clad." He said there should be no mistake or miscalculation made about the U.S. commitment to the NATO alliance. Fulfilling obligations? Trump said he "would prefer to be able to continue" existing agreements. But asked whether the U.S. would defend three small Baltic states Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia from a Russian attack, Trump said he would decide whether U.S. assistance was warranted only after reviewing whether they "have fulfilled their obligations to us." The three nations have been NATO members since 2004. He said, "If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes." Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves voiced his irritation at Trump's views, tweeting that Estonia is one of five NATO countries in Europe that is meeting its commitment to spend 2 percent of its budget on defense and that it had "fought, with no caveats" alongside NATO allies in Afghanistan. The NATO involvement in Afghanistan, occurring after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, is the only time the treaty's mutual defense clause has been invoked, warfare aimed at destroying al-Qaida's Afghan training operations. Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, a Trump adviser who spoke on his behalf at this week's Republican National Convention, told VOA that too often NATO members want to have a military that mirrors that of the U.S., with an Army, Navy and Marine Corps, but that they cannot afford to do so and "are not paying for it now." "It'll be a good relationship, one based on brutal honesty and based on mutual respect for each other's capabilities and understanding that all of the countries in NATO can't all try to look alike when talking about military resources and capabilities," Flynn said. Shifting approach Trump acknowledged that his approach to U.S. foreign affairs differs from past Republican presidential candidates, who since the end of World War II seven decades ago have supported an internationalist agenda, in which the U.S. views itself as the dominant force in the world for peace. He said he would press his theme of "America First," which he said meant to him that "we are going to take care of this country first before we worry about everyone else in the world." 'Fix our own mess' Trump said the United States has to "fix our own mess" first before trying to alter other countries' behavior, such as not pressuring Turkey in the wake of last week's failed coup, or other authoritarian allies, as they purge political opponents or crack down on civil liberties. "I don't think we have a right to lecture," Trump said. "Look at what is happening in our country. How are we going to lecture when people are shooting policemen in cold blood?" Asked whether the U.S. should urge Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to observe Western standards of justice in dealing with opponents of his government in the aftermath of the putsch, Trump demurred. "When the world sees how bad the United States is and we start talking about civil liberties, I don't think we are a very good messenger," he said. Trump defined U.S. interests abroad almost entirely in terms of economic interests. "We are spending a fortune on military in order to lose $800 billion," Trump said, in a reference to what he claimed are U.S. trade deficits. Last year, the figure was actually $531.5 billion. Trump further pledged to scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico unless they negotiate new terms that include discouraging U.S. companies from moving their manufacturing operations out of the country. A Hong Kong court yesterday found teen protest leader Joshua Wong guilty of taking part in an illegal rally that sparked massive student-led pro-democracy street protests in the southern Chinese city two years ago. The 19-year-old Wong tweeted that he was found guilty of the charge of participating unlawful assembly by court of Hong Kong. A magistrate handed down the verdict for Wong and two other young student leaders, Nathan Law and Alex Chow, following a trial earlier this year. Chow was convicted of the same charge while Law was found guilty of inciting others to join an illegal assembly, according to local media reports. The three face up to two years in prison. Theyre due for sentencing on Aug. 15 said Wong, who became globally famous for his role in leading the protests, which marked the former British colonys most tumultuous period in decades. We might need to go into prison. However, no matter what is the penalty or the price that we need to pay, we will still continue to fight against suppression from the government, Wong told reporters after the verdict. Facing the largest communist regime in the world, its a long-term battle for us to fight for democracy. The three were charged with storming into a courtyard dubbed Civic Square beside the Hong Kong government complex on Sept. 26, 2014, to protest Beijings decision to restrict elections for the semiautonomous regions top leader. They and dozens of other young activists climbed a tall fence or rushed past a barricade surrounding the square, which had been open to the public until the government cut off access months before. Huge crowds of demonstrators turned out to demand their release after they were detained by police, who responded two days later with volleys of tear gas. The move backfired, driving even more protesters to take to the streets, where they remained for 79 days to press their demands for greater democracy in what became known as the Umbrella Movement. Its the first conviction for Wong, who has been involved in several other court cases this year. Last month he was acquitted of obstruction charges stemming from a separate anti-China protest earlier in 2014. Hes also involved in a contempt case still before the courts. Amnesty International criticized Hong Kongs Public Order Ordinance, on which the prosecution based its case, noting it has been criticized by the United Nations Human Rights Committee for not meeting international human rights law and standards on the right of peaceful assembly. The prosecution of student leaders on vague charges smacks of political payback by the authorities, said Mabel Au, the groups Hong Kong director. Kelvin Chan, Hong Kong , AP Another of the highlighted topics of yesterdays AL plenary session was one raised by Song Pek Keis spoken enquiry. The lawmaker was calling for a general plan of the infectious diseases building that still raises many questions from society. Song remarked on the urgency always emphasized by the government on the construction of these facilities, which she thinks can be arranged in harmony with the views of residents. The lawmakers enquiry called for a complete plan that would include both a budget and a construction timeframe. Replying to her questions was the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, who noted, the government has been working on this case continuously. The secretary explained that the decision to lower the height of the building after the debate on May 17 had resulted in different understandings related to the provision of altimetry quotas in such a way as to avoid a potential lawsuit that would create further delay to the construction of the infectious diseases building. The government representative added: The separate and programmed demolition process of five buildings will start from now, adding that the works will last for a period of 120 working days and will have a total budgeted amount of over MOP1.1 million. He further remarked that a final decision had been agreed that the building will be eight storeys high and will have 80 isolation wards. Zheng Anting commented: We have waited for so long [for the buildings construction] maybe we can wait a little more, also noting that it seems a rushed calculation to arrive at over a million to demolish the buildings [while] the project is still not concluded. Ma Chi Seng alse questioned the new number of wards, unsure of whether the new number would be sufficient. Several of the lawmakers reiterated their stance that it would be preferable to build a larger unit located on the Islands Health Complex instead. RM root planning group against demolishment A group of local urban planers named Root Planning opposes the demolition of the old warehouse of the public hospital and the former drug rehabilitation center to make room for the new Infectious Diseases Building. The group claims the buildings have historical and architectural value and urge the government to rethink their decision to demolish them. To the challenges facing KFC and Apple in China, add a surprise backlash from Beijings spat with the Philippines over the South China Sea. Nationalists are protesting at KFC outlets and calling for a boycott, spurred by government accusations that Washington encouraged Manila to oppose Beijings claims to vast tracts of ocean. Photos circulated online show young Chinese wearing scarves with patriotic slogans smashing Apple iPhones in protest. State media have fanned public anger with a torrent of criticism of last weeks ruling by a U.N. tribunal, which found no legal basis for Beijings claim to most of the South China Sea. The Chinese public, as optimistic and positive as they are, are deeply patriotic and nationalistic, especially people who are younger, said James Roy of the research firm China Market Research Group. KFC and Apple are just very closely associated with the United States, and you are seeing people picking the closest symbol they can think of to demonstrate against. The protests are a reminder of the political risks for global brands in China, where they regularly become targets of nationalist sentiment, often stirred up by official media. In 2012, sales of Japanese autos plunged when Tokyo and Beijing were in a dispute over control of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. The Chinese leadership has tried to tamp down this weeks protests with demands in state media to leave foreign companies and their customers alone. This is not the right way to express patriotism, said the governments Xinhua News Agency. The China Daily newspaper called the protests jingoism that does a disservice to the spirit of devotion to the nation. Some KFC customers have responded by posting photos of themselves online with a bucket of chicken, axes or other weapons and signs reading, patriotic hooligans, try harassing me and Ill take you out. Phone calls to spokespeople for KFC in China and written messages sent through the company website werent answered. A man in the eastern city of Yangzhou, northwest of Shanghai, said he watched a protest Tuesday morning after seeing a note online appealing to people to take part. He said it also told protesters to boycott Japanese and Korean goods. A group of more than 20 people including children broke into the restaurant and shouted at customers to leave, the witness, Guo Lu, said by phone from Yangzhou. He said police arrived quickly and pushed the protesters out of the restaurant. The timing is unusually bad for KFC, which is Chinas biggest restaurant chain with more than 5,000 outlets but is overhauling its struggling business after a food scandal and marketing missteps. KFCs owner, Yum Brands Inc., is preparing to spin off its China unit, which also includes Pizza Hut restaurants, as a separate company in October in hopes of improving its performance. KFC has long been an all-purpose target for protests about U.S. issues, especially in areas outside big cities with few other foreign symbols. In 1999, after NATO jets bombed the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, protesters wrecked KFC restaurants. The company and other foreign chain restaurants in China also face an upheaval as customers migrate to fast-growing local competitors they say offer more nutritious meals. For its part, Apple has faced a series of legal hurdles this year in China, its second-biggest market. In April, it suspended its iBooks and iTunes Movies services, reportedly due to an order by Chinese regulators. The next month, an intellectual property tribunal ordered Apple to stop selling its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in Beijing after finding they look too much like a model made by a small Chinese brand. Apple was allowed to continue sales while it appeals. Also in May, a court ruled a Chinese company is allowed to use the iPhone trademark on bags, wallets and other leather goods. An Apple spokeswoman responded to a request for comment by pointing to CEO Tim Cooks positive comments in April about the companys future in China. Cook said Apple was really optimistic and planned to open five more stores in China during the current quarter for a total of 40. Joe McDonald, Beijing, AP The local government signed a new memorandum with the mainland on the reduction of taxation on aircraft and ship leasing businesses and on tackling tax evasion on dividends, interest, royalties and capital gains. The Protocol on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Evasion of Income Tax was signed in Beijing. The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong, and the deputy administrator of the State Administration of Taxation, Wang Qinfeng, signed the document on behalf of the MSAR and the Central Government, respectively. The Government Information Bureau said in a statement that the memorandum includes a reduction in the withholding tax on lease rentals in aircraft and ship leasing businesses (which are treated as royalties) from 7 percent to 5 percent; and enhancements to measures for tackling tax evasion on dividends, interest, royalties and capital gains. Leong indicated that the new protocol on tax would improve the fairness of the taxation system as applied to residents of the region and of the mainland, as well as creating a better business environment and enhancing transparency in order to tackle tax evasion. The arrangement was first signed in 2003 with subsequent revisions in 2009 and 2011. North Korea said yesterday it test-fired ballistic rockets as part of a simulated pre-emptive attack on ports and airfields inSouth Korea, in a likely reference to the three missile launches that Seoul says the North carried out a day earlier. Leader Kim Jong Un guided the launches and expressed his satisfaction with them, the Norths official Korean Central News Agency reported, without saying when the tests happened. The KCNA said the launches once again examined the operational features of the detonating devices of nuclear warheads mounted on the ballistic rockets the designated altitude over the target area. Lee Chun-geun, a scientist at South Koreas Science and Technology Policy Institute, said that the North Korean missiles were believed to be carrying warheads, which contain trigger devices but not plutonium or uranium, to see whether those warheads could detonate properly. The launches were the latest in a series of weapons tests North Korea has carried out since Kim in March ordered tests of a nuclear warhead explosion and ballistic missiles capable of carrying such warheads. Pyongyang said it conducted a similar test of a warhead-detonating device when it fired a submarine-launched missile in April. North Korea is pushing to manufacture a warhead small enough to be placed on a long-range missile that can reach the continental U.S., but South Korean defense officials say the North doesnt yet have such a miniaturized warhead. Some civilian experts, however, believe the North has the technology to put warheads on shorter-range missiles that can strike South Korea and Japan. The three reported launches came as North Korea loudly criticized the planned deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defense system in South Korea. Seoul officials said all three missiles landed in the waters off the Norths east coast. AP The oceanographer whose calculations helped an American adventurer find potential debris from Flight 370 said yesterday that the Malaysia Airlines jetliner could have crashed slightly north of the current search area. Adventurer Blaine Gibson handed Malaysian authorities in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday three pieces of debris and personal belongings that he found on Madagascar beaches in June, which he suspects came from the Boeing 777 that vanished with 239 people on board during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014. Western Australia University oceanographer Charitha Pattiaratchi said the same drift modeling that Gibson relied on led his team of oceanographers to suspect that the airliner could have gone down just north of the search area in the southern Indian Ocean. The best guess that we think is that its probably around the Broken Ridge region, which is slightly to the north of the area that theyre looking at, Pattiaratchi said. But he could not eliminate the possibility that the aircraft had indeed crashed within the 120,000 square kilometers of seabed currently being searched southwest of Australia. Despite the drift modeling and other predictions officials have made about the planes possible flight path, no one knows what happened to the aircraft or precisely where it crashed in what has become one of aviations biggest mysteries. Officials from Malaysia, China and Australia will meet in Kuala Lumpur today to discuss the future of the underwater search, with fewer than 10,000 square kilometers remaining to be scanned by ships towing sonar equipment. The search of the seabed has not yielded a single clue. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau, which has conducted the seabed search on Malaysias behalf for almost two years, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Pattriaratchis views. Drift modeling was not used to define the search area because no parts of Flight 370 had been found before a wing flap washed up on La Reunion island off the African coast a year ago. The search area was determined by analysis of satellite signals that the plane emitted in its final hours. But the ATSB has previously said that wreckage found far away on the southwestern shores of the Indian Ocean was consistent with the plane crashing in the expansive search area. Pattiaratchis modeling was based on how long the first piece of confirmed Flight 370 wreckage took to reach La Reunion, and his teams calculations of the effects of currents, wind and waves on drifting debris put the crash site just north of the current search area. Pattiaratchi said the results were not definitive. But families of victims are calling for the search to be shifted based on vague clues from debris already found if the seabed search turns up nothing. The ATSB, like Pattiaratchi, had identified Madagascar as a potential place for debris to wash up. Another six pieces of potential debris found there by Gibson are waiting with Madagascar authorities for Malaysia to collect. Pattiaratchi said he had told Gibson that Flight 370 debris was likely to concentrate on Madagascar. Pattiaratchis earlier advice had led Gibson to Mozambique where he found debris in February that experts later determined came from Flight 370. He rang me from the Maldives and said: Where should I go? Should I go to Rodrigues, Mauritius, Reunion, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa? Pattiaratchi said yesterday. I said: Your best bet is the northeast part of Madagascar, which is where he went. Five pieces of debris found in the southwestern Indian Ocean have been determined as almost certainly from Flight 370. Gibson gives credit to Pattiaratchi and Australian government oceanographer David Griffin for his finds, although only one has been confirmed as part of Flight 370. Griffins advice led Gibson to a second Madagascar island where he found the potential debris that he brought to Malaysia. Gibson said he had been told by Malaysian officials that costs were the reason that a Malaysian investigator had twice canceled plans to fly to Madagascar to retrieve debris he had found. They tell me its a budgetary situation, he said. If youre spending hundreds of millions of dollars to search under water and finding nothing, and its only a plane ticket to pick up six pieces and some personal effects, you ought to just do it. Rod McGuirk, Canberra, AP Chinas best-known liberal journal has endured, by its publishers count, 16 major clashes with authorities since its founding in 1991. It has irritated, and outlasted, two Chinese leaders, he says, but it likely wont survive President Xi Jinping. Du Daozheng, publisher of Yanhuang Chunqiu and a stalwart of the Communist Partys liberal wing, announced this week that the magazine had been suspended. Earlier, government officials replaced the 93-year-old Du, saying he was due for retirement, and seized the magazines offices and servers. Analysts say the effective shuttering of the magazine shows that Xis administration is quashing dissent by going to lengths not seen in decades. Yanhuang Chunqiu, which drew a following by exploring sensitive historical subjects, was run and protected by powerful reform-minded officials and intellectuals within the Communist Party itself. Although the magazines former staffers filed a lawsuit last week to regain control, Du said he announced the publications suspension because he feared new issues would go out to its 190,000 subscribers under government control without his approval. He struck a weary note as he considered the likelihood of taking back the magazine. I dont think we will pass this final obstacle, Du said in an interview this week at his Beijing home. In 25 years weve had differences and clashes with authorities, but weve always scraped by. Both sides talked and made earnest concessions. This time it feels very different. It feels disrespectful of law. It feels crude. It feels violent. In a notice posted on the magazines website July 15, the Chinese National Academy of Arts, under the Ministry of Culture, said Du had been replaced under a loosely enforced regulation on officials serving into old age. The order came while Du was in the hospital suffering from high blood pressure following his wifes death. The ministry did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment yesterday. Senior editors have pledged not to abandon the publication altogether. Still, party members and political observers say the magazines likely closure marks the end of an era. While it lasted, the magazine served as a unifying force for liberals, they say. The reform-minded factions of the party have always converged under this magazines banner, said Feng Chongyi, a professor in China studies at the University of Technology in Sydney. It was their platform, perhaps their only platform in mainland China. Du is among the last of a generation whose inclinations toward gradual, mild political reforms were bolstered by their revolutionary credentials. He joined the Communist Party at 14, worked as a reporter for the official Xinhua News Agency and served in the 1980s as head of the state press and publications administration, or Chinas top censor. He was an aide to Communist Party leader Zhao Ziyang, and was ousted with Zhao amid the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, Du founded the magazine with support from Xiao Ke, a former vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, and other top-ranking party officials who identified themselves with Deng Xiaopings reform and opening movement and longed for greater political openness. The journal was known for its commitment to political and economic liberalization and unvarnished historical analyses. Feng said the magazines approach to examining history was not in line with Xis emphasis on adhering to the partys official history, and that Xis resolve is such that even someone with Dus connections and stature had hit a dead end. They mostly wanted to examine history, the good and the bad, Feng said. That to Xi is a distraction that he cant tolerate, and hes not scared to move because he is not scared of his elders. Hours after being released from the hospital, Du took sympathetic calls at home. He flipped through two tattered notebooks containing the phone numbers of thousands of family friends, party luminaries and the magazines numerous supporters, many of whom have passed away. The old guards influence has waned considerably, Du said. He reminisced about when he and his close friend Li Rui, Mao Zedongs former secretary, could write letters that reached top leaders. Why cant they stand even the advice and grumblings of old cadres? Du said. These few years, our freedoms have regressed. Weve regressed compared to previous leaders. To run counter to the current of the times [] is dangerous. On an afternoon this week the magazines editorial offices were locked and its building empty except for two people who sat in a reception area. A woman who identified herself as a Ministry of Culture employee said she could not answer questions, then closed the door. Although staffers could not work, top editors have pledged to try to resume normal operations at another location, said deputy editor Wang Yanjun, speaking by telephone from home. He spoke optimistically about the lawsuit, saying: We place more trust in Xis vow to govern the country according to law. Du emphasized that he and the magazines supporters are party members and patriots first and foremost. Under a picture of Mao and former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai on his bookshelf were placed awards he won for participation in the war against the Japanese, and a copy of the July issue that will likely be Yanhuang Chunqius last. In the issue was calligraphy by Xi Zhongxun, the reform-minded father of the current president, who in his late years praised Dus magazine as pretty decent and urged Du to mentor his son, then a young city official in Hebei province, if the opportunity came. I never did, Du said with faint irony. Weve had a lot of high-level official support, and the size of our subscription base shows how many people think we represent the right direction for the country, he said. As an old Communist Party member, Ive done my duty to my conscience. For that, I have no regrets. Gerry Shih, Beijing, AP Juliet Risdon is a Director of JML Property and a property investor. Having been established in 1994, JML Property offers Investment Property & Homes. It specializes in managing properties for owners and investors, and providing attractive and comfortable homes for tenants. In the second part of this three part article, we look what steps can be taken to maximize the possibility of getting back the whole security deposit when a tenant vacates a property. What steps can you take to ensure you get your deposit back? Some of the steps you can take: A. Check your inventory Replace any broken and missing items, and of course repair anything that could be considered damaged. Arranging everything neatly so it can be easily counted is also a great help, and you will be surprised how long it takes to go through a full inventory count. B. Check the contract Are there any special conditions about the return of the apartment that you need to comply with? If so, you can either make sure that you comply with them or contact the agent or landlord ahead of time to make an alternative arrangement. C. Give the correct notice Each time a landlord needs to replace a tenant it costs them money. Ensure that you give enough notice in line with Macau law and your contract. The Minimum Rental Contract Term according to the Macau Government Website on Tenancy, there is a MAXIMUM period of 30 years that a rental agreement can run, but there is NO minimum period. If there is no time frame stipulated on an agreement, the government deems the agreement to be valid for 1 year. Under Section 1038 of Macau Civil Code, the Landlord does not have right to terminate a tenancy agreement for residential purposes within 2 years from the starting date of the lease term unless it agreed by both parties. Simply put, it means that if you have an agreement that is 2 years or longer, the landlord cannot terminate the agreement prior to the end of the initial 2-year period. However if both parties agree to a shorter contract that will terminate after 1 year for example, this is a legally binding agreement D. Repair any damage Hanging pictures and mirrors in the apartment when you arrive is of course standard procedure, but do make sure that you fill and paint the holes that are made in the wall before leaving. E. Return the apartment and any linen clean! If you have pets ensure you do a deep clean of rugs, sofas and their favorite areas. Remove all food from the fridge and freezer and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned, and getting a cleaner in to leave the place tidy and free from overflowing trash bags will also be a big help. F. Talk to the landlord or their agent in advance about any concerns Most of all be pleasant and helpful to the person you are dealing with and show that you are doing your best. www.JMLProperty.com info@JMLProperty.com A seaplane making its inaugural flight crashed into a highway bridge outside Shanghai yesterday, killing five people on board, local authorities and state media said. The Cessna 208B, operated by Joy Air General Air, was carrying two crew members and eight invited guests, mostly government workers and local journalists, according to local media. The five survivors who included the pilot were sent to a hospital for treatment, the Jinshan district government said on its official microblog. A woman who answered the phone at Joy Airs offices declined to provide any information, saying all company executives were at the crash site. Joy Air, Chinaslargest seaplane operator, did not release an official statement. The Jinshan government said the cause of the crash was under investigation. The seaplane took off from Jinshan in suburban Shanghai and was bound for the Zhoushan islands, about 75 kilometers (47 miles) to the south. The route is designed for tourists and sightseers who want to escape to the islands from sprawling Shanghai. Local journalists were invited to tour the seaplane before its takeoff, and some of them boarded the aircraft for the subsequent flight along with local officials. Yesterdays flight appeared to have been a media tour to help promote the airlines new coastal service. Speaking from his hospital bed, one of the passengers, local television cameraman Wu Liangliang, told local media that the seaplane circled several times, then made an abrupt left turn before crashing into the bridge. It was like something out of a dream, Wu said. Another survivor, propaganda official Song Wanjun, told local media that he and three other passengers were in the rear cabin and survived by escaping through the rear emergency exit. I was the last one to crawl out, but those in the front rows could not, Song told the Xinmin Evening News, a local newspaper. I was calling on everyone not to panic, but to wait for rescue. AP At least three suspects have been targeted by the Judiciary Police (PJ) as responsible parties in a recently reported illegal money collection fraud, according to a report by Jornal Va Kio. According to the latest information released yesterday by the police, 110 people have lodged complaints after they failed to have returned to them the money they deposited into the illegal investment scheme. The case is similar to others that have occurred recently in Macau. The complainants, mostly Macau residents, had deposited funds in an investment scheme with a high rate of return since 2014. Suddenly, during this month, the scheme was exposed when the bank cheques they had previously received on a monthly basis were not honoured. The money involved in the scheme amounted to approximately MOP89 million, according to TDM. According to several media reports, the local company running the operations behind the scheme, Glory Sky International Holdings Group, runs two restaurants, a beauty salon and a gallery close to the Ruins of St. Pauls. The director of the PJ, Chau Wai Kuong, revealed that the three suspects are staff members at the company, each holding a senior position. Chau advised that preliminary evidence indicates that the incident is not related to casinos. Chau further stated that the case is currently under investigation, with the police force having predicted that in the next few days more members from the group of investors might come forward, thus increasing the list of victims as well as the sums involved. Donald Trump, a real-estate developer, TV personality, and political novice, was formally nominated as the 2016 Republican presidential candidate yesterday [Macau time] in Cleveland after his campaign and party officials quashed the remnants of a movement to block his ascension. The candidates home state of New York cast the votes that put Trump over the 1,237 delegates needed to claim the nomination, with his son Donald Trump Jr. announcing the states tally. Its not a campaign anymore; its a movement, Trumps son said from the convention floor. Speaking to real Americans, giving them a voice again, and its my honor to be able to throw Donald Trump over the top in the delegate count tonight with 89 delegates. Congratulations, Dad, we love you! Trumps other adult children, Eric, Ivanka, and Tiffany, were standing nearby and they all swayed as New York, New York blared over the speakers and attendees celebrated. Giant screens in the arena played images of fireworks, along with the words Over the Top. Such a great honor to be the Republican Nominee for President of the United States. I will work hard and never let you down! AMERICA FIRST! the nominee wrote in a message to his nearly 10 million Twitter followers. He is set to formally accept the nomination in a speech on the final night of the convention today. Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, who was the first member of the Senate to endorse Trump even as other prominent Republicans kept their distance, spoke earlier on behalf of the nomination. Sessions called Trump a singular leader who can get the country back on track. He has the strength, the courage and the will to get it done. Shortly after Trumps selection was made final, his chosen running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence was formally put on the Republican ticket by voice vote. Eric Holcomb, Pences lieutenant governor, put his name into nomination, citing the growth of the economy and technology sector in the Hoosier State and Pences ability to eliminate red tape. It is exactly that type of leadership our country is lacking, and exactly the type of leadership Americans will send to White House this fall with Donald Trump and Mike Pence, Holcomb said. These two leaders are not just prepared for winning, they are prepared to govern. As the convention moved through a roll call of the state delegations, with each reporting their allotment of delegates to the chair as a group, ballots also were cast for some of Trumps vanquished primary rivals, including Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Ohio Governor John Kasich, and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, though their names were never put in nomination. Trumps nomination follows party dissension that was displayed Monday at the convention, when delegates reacted angrily and some walked out when they could not get a roll-call vote on the partys rules. They wanted the opportunity to voice their differences with the nominee and Republican National Committee guidelines that they say favor the partys leaders and power brokers. A 70-year-old billionaire who had never run for elected office before, Trump announced his candidacy in June 2015 by promising to make America great again. Trump faced opposition inside and outside the party for calling for a temporary ban on Muslim immigration, for inflammatory comments about ethnic minorities and women, and for complaints that hes unqualified for the job. Yet Trump outlasted a field of more than a dozen Republican rivals by garnering 13.3 million votes in primaries and caucuses. At the convention, he and party officials managed to brush aside long-shot challenges to his nomination. Anti-Trump forces tried to change party rules to allow delegates to vote their consciences regardless of how their state voted, but fell far short of that goal. Trump had argued that millions of Republicans have spoken and selected him to be their standard-bearer in a race against presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton in November. House Speaker Paul Ryan initiated the roll-call vote, then handed over the proceedings to Republican National Committee staff, partially out of concern that delegates opposed to Trumps nomination would use the vote to stage a protest, according to a Republican aide. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus was in the wings to assist with procedural maneuvering. With the outcome never in doubt, the threat of a protest from anti-Trump factions dissipated as the state-by-state tallies were announced with no noticeable disruptions. Confusion over the rules led to a last-minute challenge from delegates from Alaska, but that snafu only temporarily delayed the proceedings. Ken Cope, a delegate from Midlothian, Texas, said an effort to protest Trumps nomination would have wasted time and strengthened Clintons hand. Weve got to come through this thing unified, said Cope, who was a Cruz supporter in the primary and now says he backs Trump emphatically. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, a one-time Trump rival for the nomination who previously endorsed Cruz, announced his states votes from the floor. He said he pledged to support the nominee when the candidates debated in the same arena last August, and that Trump can win the Badger State which hasnt voted for a Republican for president since 1984. Its always an uphill battle in our state, but if he clearly defines the difference between Hillary and him and how hell make every-day Americans lives better, hell win, Walker said in an interview. Democrats gather at their national convention next Monday in Philadelphia, where Clinton is set to be formally nominated. Both candidates have already engaged the general-election fight, exchanging barbs and focusing attacks on each other, as polls indicated a narrow lead for Clinton at this stage of the campaign. The parade of speakers on the first night of the convention laced into Clinton as much as they lauded Trump. She and the Obama administration were expected to be the targets of many of the addresses on Tuesday night as well. John McCormick, Mark Niquette and Justin Sink, Bloomberg Brian Hall from the Department of Psychology at the University of Macau will receive three Early Career Awards from the American Psychological Association (APA) in August in Colorado. The three awards include the Theodore Blau Early Career Award for Outstanding Contribution to Professional Clinical Psychology, the 2016 Award for Outstanding Contribution to Trauma Psychology by an Early Career Psychologist, and the 2016 Early Career Psychologist Award for International Psychology. These awards recognize psychological scientists in the early stages of their careers who have attained outstanding achievements or made outstanding contributions to professional clinical psychology, trauma psychology and international psychology respectively. MGTO to announce hotel shutdown The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has called a press conference today to announce the shutdown of a hotel. Several departments related to the issue will attend the press conference where the shutdown of a hotel will be made public. The hotel in question is not yet clear, but its possible that it is the Beijing Imperial Palace Hotel that has been subject to multiple complications recently. The latest such complication was announced last week, when the Court of Final Appeal rejected an appeal over unpaid VIP gaming commissions during a dispute over money allegedly owed to Hoi Cheng Nga, who runs Macau-based Energy Travel Agency. Regional drill for MERS virus reaction The Health Bureau (IHM) is co-conducting a drill today, together with mainland China and Hong Kong health departments. The aim of the drill is to test the regional cooperative measures to be enforced in the case of a MERS virus outbreak. The three regions expect to test a communication system, as well as their abilities in co-prevention and co-control to combat the spreading of the virus. A total of 135 people will participate in the drill, including 70 people from IHM, 13 from the Fire Service Bureau, 50 from the Judiciary Police, and two from the Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT). Several streets around the IFT building will have limited access, and a number of parking spaces will be closed. The State Council of the PRC appointed Wang Zhimin to be the new head of the Central Government Liaison Office in Macau, as announced in a statement released by the Council. Li Gang, the former Liaison Office head, is now the deputy head of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council. Wang Zhimin was born in 1957 in the Fujian province, and graduated from Fujian Normal University before starting his career in 1975 in the province where he grew up. Between the years of 1976 and 1978, Wang worked at the Fuzhou Military Area Command (Fuzhou MAC) as a soldier and also as a secretary. Afterward, between 1978 and 1982, he studied at the PLA Information Engineering University. From 1982 to 1992, he served at the Fuzhou MAC, and at the office of the Fujian Secretariat. During the following two years, from 1992 to 1994, Wang worked for Xin Hua News Agency Hong Kong branch, before he was assigned back to Fujian in 1998 to work as an assistant of the Mayor of Xiamen, the capital of Fujian. Wang spent until 2006 in the province, when he was appointed deputy head of the Central Government Liaison Office in Hong Kong. In 2015, Wang became the deputy head of Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council. Li Gang, the former head of the Liaison Office was born in 1955 in Shandong province. Li was an English major graduate before he started working in 1974. He was the head of the Macau Liaison Office between 2014 and 2016, having worked as deputy head of the Hong Kong Liaison Office from 2003 to 2012 prior to his appointment to Macau. Before that he served at Chinas Ministry of Culture. TWIN FALLS Hastings has announced that its stores, e-commerce and corporate office will discontinue operations at the end of a liquidation process. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection five weeks ago, intending to expedite its search for a buyer that would help it complete its remerchandising strategy. In a statement released Thursday morning, Hastings announced the winning buyer Wednesday was a joint venture that will instead oversee a liquidation of our stores to ensure we are maximizing the value of all of our remaining merchandise and assets as we prepare to close. We thank our customers and employees for their loyalty over the years, and we hope to see our customers at store closing sales, a company spokeswoman said in the statement. The court is expected to approve the agreement Friday with Hilco Merchant Resources LLC and Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, the companies that will oversee the store closing sales. A tack room, chicken coop and wood shack all burned Tuesday afternoon in a fast-moving fire along Idaho 21, said Mary Lewerenz, the owner of the structures. Her home was spared from the fire. They did a great job of having sensible space, and thats what saved their home, said BLM Fire spokesman Brandon Hampton. Hampton said trees around the house were trimmed and nearby vegetation removed. The green grass around the house was well-irrigated. But just before 6 p.m., 10 other structures in the area were threatened. As many as 150 local, state and federal firefighters, including eight smoke jumpers, are battling the blaze. Hot shot crews are on the way from Oregon and Nevada to help out. Its steep terrain, and its tough to get into, BLM Fire spokesman Brandon Hampton said. About a dozen planes and helicopters are in the air dropping retardant and water from Lucky Peak Reservoir. The fast-burning fire which started south of Hilltop Station has reached more than 2,000 acres covering both sides of the highway, according to the Bureau of Land Management. The fire, which is burning on both sides of the highway, has passed around Hilltop Station, Hampton said. Firefighters set up a dozer line to protect the grocery/restaurant building. A fire in 2013 on the east side of the highway significantly reduced the vegetation. The thick grass and sage on the west side is posing a challenge to firefighters. The BLM is asking Boise County residents to stay off of Rocky Canyon Road, as the fire has the potential to move that direction. BLM officials had earlier said at least two structures were burned. About 100 people from the BLM, the Forest Service and the Boise Fire Department were working the fire shortly before 3:30 p.m. Resources included aerial tankers, helicopters and other aircraft, along with ground crews and several engines. Winds on the ridgeline near the fire were pushing smoke to the east-northeast, toward Idaho City, according to the National Weather Service. But there will be patchy smoke in Boise tonight too. And it could be worse in the morning. Once the sun sets, the smoke will settle, and it should move toward Boise overnight, Korri Anderson, meteorologist at the Weather Service. I expect the smoke to drain down into the Valley overnight. The temperature Tuesday afternoon was about 90 degrees, with humidity around 12 percent. The fire was first reported around 1:35 p.m. near milepost 14 of the highway, Hampton said. The BLM showed up about 10 minutes later. Flames were already on both sides of the road at that time. Investigators have determined the fire started along Idaho 21, and it was human caused. Weve got investigators trying to determine which side of the road it started on, Hampton said. He characterized the area as grassy sage. Its prime winter habitat for deer, he said. Reporters about a mile south of Hilltop Station were just 150-200 yards from the flames. Its not clear if the popular restaurant and convenience store is threatened; a photo of the nearby smoke was posted to its Facebook page shortly before 2 p.m. Idaho 21 remains closed in both directions from Lucky Peak Dam Road to Robie Creek Road, and Hampton urged residents to avoid the area. The Idaho Transportation Department posted notice of the road closure at 1:38 p.m. Evacuations havent been issued at this point, but that could change, Hampton said. Dozens of people pulled over on Highway 21 below the closure area to watch the fire and take photos. At 6:30 p.m., fire officials had no estimate for when the fire would be contained. Just three weeks ago, flames burned 2,500 acres around Table Rock, destroying one home. That fire was caused by fireworks, authorities said. Tuesday, the U.S. Forest Service was also fighting two fires up near Idaho City. As of Monday evening, the largest measured 30 acres. TWIN FALLS The College of Southern Idaho's Outdoor Recreation Center cut the price of its Redfish Lake kayaking weekend because it wants the July 29-31 trip to fill up. CSI students, faculty and staff get discounts; now everyone else pays $100 for the trip instead of the previous price of $225. It's the ORC's last adventure of the summer: head to Redfish Lake on a Friday afternoon, pack kayaks with camping gear and clothing and paddle to campsites across the lake for a Dutch oven dinner and an evening around the fire. The next morning, participants will eat breakfast, break down camp and spend the day kayaking around Redfish lake, fishing and hiking, before heading back to Twin Falls in the vans on Sunday. The price includes transportation, one meal and all kayaking and camping gear. Registration closes at noon July 28, and participants must be 16 or older. No refunds. You can register in person at the ORC Rental Desk, or at 208-732-6475 with a credit or debit card. A pre-trip meeting at 5:30 p.m. July 27 at the ORC is required for this adventure. Kayaks have limited space, so organizers will hand out a packing list at the meeting. The trip is not recommended for people with health issues or those without any kayaking experience, organizers said. Information: Christa Gessaman, 208-732-6697. BURLEY Cruz Kelly Chacon was sentenced in May to 18 months in federal prison after the Internal Revenue Service found she prepared more than 2,500 falsified income tax returns for clients at her business, Kellys Tax Service, in Burley. Now her insurance-producer license has been revoked by the Idaho Department of Insurance. Insurance professionals hold a position of trust and have a duty to be honest and forthright in all of their dealings, department director Dean Cameron said in a statement. We are obligated to remove the license when we are made aware of misdeeds that could negatively impact the insurance-buying public. The IRS Criminal Investigations division found that between 2008 and 2011, Chacon and her employees prepared tax returns claiming the child tax credit and the additional tax credit for non-qualifying clients this increased their returns and revenue for Chacons business, the IRS said. In February, the business owner pleaded guilty in federal court to assisting, advising and counseling clients to submit materially false federal income tax returns to the IRS. RUPERT A preliminary hearing scheduled Wednesday for Heyburn police officer Jeremiah Justesen is off. Justesen, already set for trials in separate battery and domestic battery cases, was arraigned in June on a charge of intimidating a witness and 27 no-contact order violations. Now the officers case is under advisement to allow a judge time to research the statutes being argued by the prosecution and defense and make a decision on bounding it to a district court. Justesen was arraigned in November on misdemeanor domestic battery in the presence of a child. Police said that two months earlier, in front of two children, Justsen grabbed a woman by the wrists, hit her in the back of the head and pushed her throat. A one-year no-contact order was put in place to prohibit Justesen from contacting the woman and from being within 300 feet from her. But police said that in April, Justesen sent 27 messages to her through Facebook and Instagram. In one message, he tried to get the woman to back down from testifying against him, court records said. While the case is under review, Justesens trials for domestic battery and misdemeanor battery Justesen is separately accused of grabbing a boy by the neck and putting him in a headlock in January were pushed to September 20. TWIN FALLS Twin Falls County Prosecuting Attorney Grant Loebs issued a statement early Thursday in response to coverage by the national alternative press of an alleged sexual assault of a 5-year-old girl at the Fawnbrook Apartments in Twin Falls. Loebs said investigators are continuing to gather new evidence and that the nature and extent of the charges against two boys involved may change as a result. The boys, ages 10 and 14, are being prosecuted in juvenile court for their alleged role in the June 2 incident. The cases have been sealed and authorities have released few details other than those to refute claims made by anti-refugee and anti-Muslim blogs, namely that the assault was a rape committed by Syrian refugees. Locally, a small group of Twin Falls residents speaking at City Council meetings have accused authorities of a cover-up. Conspiracy websites and far-right online media have taken a particular interest in the incident, using it to stoke anti-Muslim sentiment and make a case for halting refugee resettlement. Several of those outlets have claimed the victims family continue to be harassed by the boys and that police are doing nothing to stop it. As the case has played out, local authorities have been bombarded by death threats and menacing emails and phone calls. Loebs disputed claims of inaction in his statement Thursday, saying violations of no-contact orders issued in the case will be investigated and prosecuted. The prosecutor also sought to quell allegations that authorities were being unresponsive to the victims family. The victim an her family continue to be served by Victim Services officials in the Twin Falls County Prosecuting Attorneys Office, Loebs said. My office is in constant contact with the family and any and all questions they have are being answered and counseling and other services are being offered. Loebs also said his office has advised the family how to access information about the case as it plays out. The statement comes one day after leaders in the anti-refugee movement announced they were coming to speak and rally in Twin Falls next month, and as state lawmakers in other parts of the state have taken an interest in the case. RUPERT Burglaries, theft and unlawful entries are calls that arent out of the ordinary for Rupert Police in a month. But a recent small hike in break-ins in the city have officers reminding the public to keep their doors locked. From July 12-17, police responded to six such calls, which Detective Jeff McEwen said likely arent related. But they are, he said, crimes of opportunity that make theft and burglaries much easier especially where valuable items are left in plain sight in unlocked cars or where homes are left unlocked. That would be the big thing, McEwen said. Lock their vehicles and keep valuable possessions with them. One call described several vehicles being broken into on D Street. Another call described a purse being taken from a car outside of Pizza Hut on Oneida Street. Three others reported their homes being broken into along H and J Street, with items either being stolen or gone through. One of those calls included a man living on First Street, who came home from work to find his back door open and his house rifled through. Drawers, cabinets and other storage areas were opened. Items were pulled out and thrown all over the home. Nothing of significant value was taken, however, and an officer could not find evidence of a forced entry. McEwen said that in small towns like Rupert, its common to leave doors unlocked. Rashes of break-ins, however, arent. So when theres a noticeable increase in calls, its a reminder to keep valuable possessions safe. The detective, who had three of the cases on his desk when speaking with a Times-News reporter, said he has reason to believe none of the incidents are connected. One of the cases includes home video may eventually identify a suspect. McEwen cautioned against calling the break-ins a developing trend but said people in Rupert should still be cautious with their valuables. Look out for anything out of the ordinary, he said. People hanging out or loitering in the area. If theres someone in the area you dont recognize, feel free to call the Rupert Police Department. TWIN FALLS Camille Barigar stood unnoticed in the audience as dozens of young ballerinas danced on the stage of the College of Southern Idahos Fine Arts Center. Barigar likes to wander in and watch participants of the dance, theater and jazz summer camps. Of all the events she helps bring to campus, these camps are her favorites. Its because she understands the importance of arts education for youth. It makes you happy knowing you are doing something that matters, Barigar said. For the past 17 years, Barigar has worked as the fine arts special events coordinator at CSI. She is responsible for bringing such events as the longstanding Arts on Tour to campus year and has helped establish new projects such as the CSI Stage Door Series and CSI Spring Arts Experience. This week, Barigar learned she was selected as a recipient of the 2016 Excellence in Arts Administration award from Idaho Gov. C.L. Butch Otter and first lady Lori Otter. There were 11 winners this year including Karen Fothergill, an art teacher at Filer High School. Recipients will receive their awards Nov. 10 at the Capitol. Barigar was nominated by Doug Maughan, CSI public information officer. Nominations are reviewed by the Idaho Commission on the Arts and then presented to the Otters, for their decision. The awards were established in 1970 by the Idaho Commission on the Arts to recognize exceptional artists, arts organizations and arts supporters. Its a huge honor, she said. Ive been tearing up all week. There are times in your career when you need recognition, and it came at the right time. Barigar, who is the spouse of Twin Falls Mayor Shawn Barigar, has received threats in the fallout of the citys handling of the Fawnbrook Apartment case, where a 5-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in the complexs laundry facilities. Growing up in Hollister, the piano was an escape for Barigar. When she wasnt taking care of her mother, who had multiple sclerosis and used a wheelchair, she was playing the piano. She was self-taught at first and later lessons. She was also active in theater. Barigar said her mother also loved the arts and often played Ray Charles while cooking in the kitchen. Its the reason Barigar plays Ray Charles in her kitchen. The arts were my lifeline, she said. Music comes out of every pore of my body. Since her office was moved to the Fine Arts building nine years ago, Barigar has collaborated with CSI faculty even more. The conversations that go on out there and in the pod, Barigar said. We come up with great ideas. Lets talk, lets figure out the ins and outs. Its been a good partnership. Shane Brown, a theater instructor, said Barigar is a valuable asset to the school and community. I think most of the education that goes on in this building is outside the classroom, Brown said. Camille is integral to that. The two recently teamed up for the CSI Spring Arts Experience in April that featured Romeo and Juliet, CSI Arts Fair, live music and free drop-in classes. We just come up with these crazy ideas, Brown said. She just jumps right in there, and we brainstorm and make it happen. She is good at taking an abstract concept and figuring out how to bring it into the real world. TWIN FALLS Several high-profile figures in the anti-refugee resettlement and anti-Islamic political world are coming to Twin Falls to speak in early August. Pamela Geller co-founded the group Stop Islamization of America and was part of the Draw the Prophet contest in Texas last year, which drew national attention when two gunmen attacked police officers outside the event and were subsequently killed by police. Ann Corcoran writes the blog Refugee Resettlement Watch and has been following the refugee controversy in Twin Falls. Both are speaking at Canyon Crest Dining and Event Center on Aug. 3 about the national security crisis resulting from Islamic immigration and indoctrination, its impact on Twin Falls, and why it must be stopped, according to the events Facebook page. The public portion of the event starts at 6:30 p.m. Earlier that day, Geller is planning a rally at the Twin Falls County Courthouse steps at noon to demand justice for a 5-year-old girl who, authorities say, was sexually assaulted by three boys from Iraq and Sudan at the Fawnbrook Apartments on June 2. The case is in juvenile court, and some advocates for the family and opponents of Islam and refugee resettlement have accused local law enforcement and city officials of trying to cover it up or not being responsive to their concerns. Then on Aug. 4, Brigitte Gabriel is speaking at 7 p.m. at the John Roper Auditorium on Filer Avenue East. Gabriel was born in Lebanon to a Christian family and went on to emigrate to the United States, founding the conservative national security-focused, anti-Shariah law group Act for America and becoming a writer and lecturer on the threat posed by Islam. Her talk is being sponsored by We the People Magic Valley, a group that, according to its website, consists of a coalition of the John Birch Society, Act for America, and Dallypost Tactical, which is run by eastern Idaho political activist Lance Earl. Earl was in Twin Falls last week and spoke before the City Council about his views on immigration and the U.S. Constitution. The City Council has been invited to a separate legislative session with Corcoran before the main event on Aug. 3, although it remains to be seen if any of them will go. Mayor Shawn Barigar said he is unable to attend. TWIN FALLS There are still more than three months to go before the election, but the City Council is already asking anyone interested in replacing Don Hall to get involved with city government. Hall, who has been on the Council for more than a decade and has served two terms as mayor, is running unopposed as the Republican candidate for the District 2 county commissioner seat. He plans to resign from the Council in January to become county commissioner, which is a full-time job in Twin Falls. Without an opponent to run against the deadline for anyone else to be on the county ballot has passed, although someone wishing to run as a write-in candidate still has until Oct. 11 Halls election to the county board seems all but a formality. Once Hall resigns, Mayor Shawn Barigar will appoint his replacement, subject to the City Councils confirmation. Whomever is appointed would stand for election in their own right, should they wish to continue on the Council, would have to run for the seat in November 2017. Although its too soon to know if the Council seat will be up for appointment, we as a city will be implementing several significant documents that staff and council have been developing for more than a year, Barigar said in a statement. Our hope is that if a citizen is interested in being considered for future appointment to the council seat, that they will become educated about the ongoing work of the city. A formal application process will be announced after the November election, city officials said in a statement. The statement encourages anyone interested to attend City Council meetings to learn more about the budget, strategic planning and the comprehensive planning process. TWIN FALLS Twin Falls two House members have a different take on the reported sexual assault at Fawnbrook Apartments than one of their northern Idaho colleagues. Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, sent a letter to her fellow lawmakers a week ago repeating concerns expressed to her by numerous voters from districts around the state about reports of a sexual assault on June 2 against a 5-year-old girl at the Fawnbrook Apartments by three boys from Iraq and Sudan, as well as a number of more general concerns about refugee resettlement. Many citizens statewide are concerned about a cover-up based on portrayals of the incident by various local media reports, the lack of outcry by local elected officials, medical staff discrepancies and silence by some state bureaucrats, Scott wrote. Millions of federal dollars follow these waves of refugee resettlement plans around the country, including Idaho, and a story of this magnitude and nature apparently does not fit the desired narrative of many political agendas. This isnt Scotts first time taking a stand on refugee-related issues. She called on the governor to convene a special session last year to debate refugee resettlement, saying Muslim immigration is part of a religious doctrine calling on them to take over the communities where they settle and accusing the Obama administration of trying to change the demographic makeup of American communities. Please consider providing answers to your constituents to keep them abreast of these important issues and alleviating the fears expressed to me that their own legislators are not interested in this issue, Scotts letter concludes. Rep. Steve Hartgen of Twin Falls said lawmakers are paying attention to what happened, but he criticized the way some have sought to bring more attention to it. I dont think its appropriate for us to dissolve our common discussion into a wave of hysteria and yelling, which has dominated the City Council for a number of weeks, brought on by a very small group of people who appear to be motivated by the hatred of others, Hartgen said. Rep. Lance Clow of Twin Falls said he thought Scott was reacting to all this negative incorrect information that Ive seen out there. On Tuesday, when Clow and the entire Legislature received an email from a citizen accusing them and many other government agencies of protecting those disgusting boys to the detriment of the little girl, he replied by sending the original sender and all of his fellow lawmakers a question-and-answer email that, according to City Councilman Don Hall, was prepared by city Public Information Officer Joshua Palmer and vetted by the citys police and legal staff before being sent out. Among other points, Palmers Q-and-A denies reports on some right-wing websites that it took police two hours to respond. The victims mother stood by reports that it took police more than two hours to get there in an interview with the right-wing website WorldNetDaily a week ago. According to Palmer, the witness who first called the police at 5:20 p.m. reported the girl had been bullied and urinated upon by two boys, and dispatchers confirmed the girl was safe and with family and told the witness to wait with them until police arrived. At 5:40 p.m., Palmer writes, the witness called again to say it might have been a sexual assault, and after again confirming the victim was safe and with family, paramedics and law enforcement were dispatched and arrived at 6:06 p.m. Resources were limited, he wrote, due to another emergency call happening at the same time. Hartgen said his view on the larger refugee issue hasnt changed since last year he thinks the College of Southern Idaho Refugee Center should stay open but that there should be a temporary moratorium on refugee resettlement so the vetting process can be improved. This, he added, is consistent with the views of his partys presidential nominee, Donald Trump, and with those of C.L. Butch Otter and nearly two dozen other Republican governors who called for a halt to refugee resettlement after the terrorist attack in Paris last November. But Hartgen had harsh words for the coverage of the issue on some alternative websites. It seems to attack people on the basis of race and ethnicity as well as on religion, he said. I dont think thats appropriate. As Americans, I dont think we need that. We can handle this problem with good vetting. We dont need to be prejudiced against people that come from different faiths and different ethnicities and different races. TWIN FALLS Bob Sojka hopes focusing on a positive agenda of Idaho-centric issues will help to bring victory to Idaho Democrats this fall. Were kind of tired of being governed by a philosophy of what people are against, Sojka, the chairman of the Twin Falls County Democratic Party, said before cutting the ribbon on the Democrats new headquarters for the campaign season in an office building on Second Avenue North. This years campaign season, Sojka told the crowd of about two dozen, is the second in a row where Twin Falls Democrats have had enough money to rent a field office and hire a full-time staffer, crediting it to the accumulation of many small personal donations. The party is still looking for volunteers to help with the campaign, said Jessi Boyer, campaign field coordinator. When we talk to voters and our candidates talk to voters, we do better in elections because of the issues we represent, Boyer said. Twin Falls County, like most of the state, is heavily Republican. The GOP had a more than 7-to-1 voter registration advantage over the Democrats in the county as of July 5, according to the Idaho secretary of states office. All of the countys state legislators are Republicans, as are all of the county-level elected officials. However, the Democrats have candidates running for all three of the Twin Falls city legislative seats. Catherine Talkington is again running against Rep. Steve Hartgen, Deborah Silver is running against Sen. Lee Heider and Dale Varney is taking another run at Rep. Lance Clow. On the county level, Democrat Jill Skeem is facing off against Jack Johnson, who beat incumbent George Urie in the District 3 GOP primary for county commissioner. Those status-quo politicians are going to have a run for their lives, Talkington told the crowd. So whats the path to victory for the Democrats? Sojka said he wants to focus on a positive agenda, citing issues such as increasing education funding, protecting federal lands and expanding health coverage to the estimated 78,000 uninsured people in the Medicaid gap. Lawmakers cut education funding deeply during the recession. They have increased it since, but Sojka said that with the growth in student population over that time Idaho is still short of where it needs to be. Were still behind where we were when the slashing took place a number of years ago, he said. Talkington, who has already started campaigning she said she knocked on 9,000 doors when she ran in 2014, and this year a map hangs in the back of the office where she highlights the streets she has already hit said education funding is the issue she hears about most from voters. Im running because Im embarrassed about our 49th status in the nation, she said, referring to Idahos low ranking when it comes to education spending. Hartgen said Wednesday he supports education, pointing to the roughly 15 percent increase in state spending over the past two sessions, but that Talkington and the Democrats proposals would be excessive and that there are other areas where the state needs to spend too. She wants to spend all the money on education, he said. And that would mean raising taxes. If youre a tax spender and a tax raiser, youre probably in Cathys camp. Sojka also criticized lawmakers for passing a bill this year forbidding cities and counties from setting their own minimum wage laws, and said right-to-work laws have hurt working people in Idaho and every other state that has passed them. Idaho has low unemployment and has seen more job growth in recent years than many states, figures frequently cited by supporters of the states current policies. Sojka, though, said that doesnt mean much if many of the jobs offer low pay and no benefits. Thats not the formula for middle-class America, he said. Public lands are another big issue for Talkington. Western Republicans generally favor increased state control over federally owned public lands, while Democrats oppose this, worrying that the increase in mining, logging and other uses that would happen with state control could lead to public access being restricted and the lands possibly being sold outright. Talkington called the state takeover movement disingenuous, saying the state cant afford to manage the land. Its corporate interests that are really doing the talking on that one, she said. Talkington and Hartgen have gone back and forth on the issue on the Times-Newss opinion page recently, too. Hartgen reiterated Wednesday that he opposes the sale of public lands, and that the federal government has restricted access on some lands it controls now. I dont know why she continues to promulgate a lie except for political advantage, he said. Editors note: This column ran July 21, 2016, in the Times-News and at Magicvalley.com. Armed combat between the United States and American Indians was considered over by the turn of the 20th century. But 15 years later, the so-called Bluff War deep in Ute country in San Juan County, Utah, and Montezuma County, Colorado, stirred up emotions on both sides. The March 9, 1915, edition of the Twin Falls Times posted the headline Indian Hunters Score on a story about the capture of Tse-ne-gat the son of Ute Chief Old Polk who allegedly murdered a Mexican sheepherder named Juan Chacon the previous year on the Ute Mountain Reservation in Colorado. A posse of 26 cowboys, led by Marshal Aquila Nebeker, found Tse-ne-gat and Old Poke with Paiute Chief Posey near Blanding, Utah. Then known as Grayson, the area was at the center of the Utes last hunting grounds. One White man, one Indian brave and an Indian maiden were killed in the battle, the newspaper said. The Indian maiden was believed to have been shot by the (stray) bullet of an Indian. Two other Indians and a Colorado sheriff were also said to have been killed. State troops initially werent asked to join the battle, which continued for several days. The posse is better able to meet the Indian methods of warfare, said Nebeker, the marshal. But, eventually, the hard-headed lawman requested backup and the hunt for Tse-ne-gat was turned over to Brig. Gen. Hugh Scott of Virginia. Unarmed, Scott met with Posey, Polk and Tse-ne-gat at Medicine Hat near Navajo Mountain, where the young Ute surrendered. Driven by anti-Indian sentiment, the military forcibly removed 160 other Utes from their homelands and resettled them on the Ute Mountain Reservation in Colorado. Tse-ne-gat was tried in Denver and found not guilty of the murder charges. TWIN FALLS Phil Schell devotes his time to being a caregiver for his wife, who has Alzheimers disease, and that doesnt leave much time to cook. The couple relies on the Twin Falls Senior Center for a nutritious lunch at least four days a week. Its a salvation for us, said Schell, a retired drafter who worked for a steel company and in the aerospace industry. But with a growing population of seniors across south-central Idaho and a high demand for meals, the College of Southern Idahos Office on Aging is in a funding crunch thats led to lower meal reimbursements at area senior centers. Couple that with tighter requirements that took effect July 1 for which homebound seniors are eligible to receive home-delivered meals, and some seniors are going without food. At the Twin Falls Senior Center, site/financial director Jeanette Roe says shes having to make difficult decisions, and shes not alone. Other south-central Idaho centers are also struggling to figure out how to offset the funding shortfall and provide a meal to every senior who needs it. In reality, those people wont get fed, Roe said. I dont know how we can morally do this. In June, CSI trustees approved four-year contracts with 16 senior centers across the region. It allows those centers to receive state money, as well as federal funding through the Older Americans Act, which is authorized by Congress. The federal funding has not kept up with the need, Roe said. Last year, the Twin Falls center served more than 60,100 meals. During the first six months of this year, it has already hit the 36,000 mark. Across an eight-county region, the Office on Aging saw a 15 percent increase in the number of home-delivered meals last fiscal year. And the number of congregate meals those served on site at senior centers grew nearly 7 percent. The Idaho Commission on Aging provides the Office on Aging with a budget for senior meals and other services. Decisions on how to allocate money to senior centers are made to serve the largest population possible, said Suzanne McCampbell, director of CSIs Office on Aging. It has to do with the budget. We are only given so much money. The Idaho Commission on Aging said it would answer questions from the Times-News only by email, but it didnt provide responses by Wednesday evening. Locally, the Office on Aging received about $6,000 more than last year, but its not enough to compensate for the growth in meals served. Options were either cutting the reimbursement amount per meal or running out of money before the fiscal year ends. Local senior centers were notified about the changes in March, McCampbell said. Now, centers are reimbursed $2.65 for every congregate meal (a 56-cent cut) and $3.02 for each home-delivered meal (a 33-cent cut). Taking action Across the region, senior center directors are considering a joint meeting to brainstorm funding options, said Roe, the director at the Twin Falls Senior Center. It doesnt matter the size of the center or what it is. Were all suffering. Roe has talked with city officials and plans to meet soon with the Twin Falls County Commission. She has been in contact with U.S. Rep. Mike Simpsons office, as well. And shes working on several grant applications. She also plans to put testimonials from seniors on the centers website, an effort to humanize the problem. I have to make it personal, she said, so people understand the severity of the situation. Theres a misconception that senior centers provide free meals, Roe said. But centers are required to ask for a suggested donation to help cover costs, and a lot of people do donate. But some centers, including West End Senior Center in Buhl, encounter many people who need meals and cant afford to pay. Were finding that the recipients dont have the means to make a donation, said Lynette Butler, site director at the Buhl center. Phil and Penny Schell, who have lived in Twin Falls for 46 years, give beyond the suggested $5 donation per person at the Twin Falls center and attend a monthly breakfast fundraiser. They started coming to the center about seven months ago. Beyond the food, they enjoy the sense of belonging and socializing with others. Making tough decisions Last year, the cost of reimbursing senior meals throughout the region was about $88,000 over budget. About $70,000 in federal carryover money was used to help offset that expense. But now, that money isnt available. This year, we had to make a choice, said McCampbell, the CSI aging center director. The total budget for meals contracted to south-central Idaho senior centers is $527,111, up about $6,000 over last year. But the Office on Aging must also pay for transportation, legal, homemaker, caregiver respite, ombudsman, referral, adult protection and support-group services. Senior centers arent just funded by the Office on Aging, McCampbell said. Other options include seeking grants, contracting with Medicaid and holding fundraisers. A growing need The huge increase in the number of meals isnt a surprise to McCampbell: We expected this to happen because of the growth in the senior population. In Twin Falls County, about 20 percent of population is 60 and older. And more and more of those older folks need help finding a meal. The Twin Falls center can be reimbursed for 30,554 home-delivered meals and 15,772 meals served at the center more than last years contract with the Office on Aging, but not enough to cover the number of meals the center is on pace to serve this year. In Burley, officials from the senior center asked the city council in June for $55,000 to help pay for needed items at the center and to help keep the Meals on Wheels program running. The council didnt make a decision during the meeting. Its a challenging time for senior centers particularly, in small, rural areas, said Pat Bruning, site director for the Silver & Gold Senior Center in Eden. The Eden center is doing extra fundraising and tries to involve the community. But there can sometimes be a limit to the amount of fundraising we can do to make up the difference, she said. Last year, the center served 4,724 meals on site and provided 1,779 home-delivered meals. Thats pretty big for the little town of Eden and Hazelton, Bruning said. In Buhl, funding cuts mean were probably going to have to hold more fundraisers, Butler said. The center already holds a major dinner and auction fundraiser each August, a gun show breakfast and a farmers market on Wednesdays. Plus, a thrift store brings in money. Weve been getting quite a few donations from people here in town, Bulter said. But she doubts this reimbursement cut will be the last. It will definitely hurt, especially if they keep doing their cuts. About five years ago, the Buhl senior center had fewer than 6,000 home-delivered meals. Last year, numbers climbed to nearly 8,700. Home-delivered meals Under a new pilot project, theres stricter rules to qualify for home-delivered meals. Seniors used to qualify if theyre 60 or older, homebound and have a condition that prevents them from cooking. Now, homebound seniors must meet one of the following requirements: be 75 or older, live alone or have an income below the federal poverty level, up to $11,880 per year for an individual or $16,020 for a two-person household. There are some exceptions, McCampbell said, which are handled on a case-by-case basis. The Office on Aging determines whether someone qualifies. Meals are typically frozen and shipped directly to a persons house, where food can be refrigerated for up to two weeks. New requirements seek to serve the people with the most need, McCampbell said. She said the Idaho Commission on Aging worked with her on the pilot project. About 8 percent of current recipients across the region arent eligible anymore under the new requirements. Idahos region three which covers 10 counties, including the Boise area also made similar changes. Senior centers can provide private pay home-delivered meals, but the recipient must pay the full cost. Senior center officials say providing meals saves money for a community in the long run. But they need monetary donations and volunteers. Butler, the director of the Buhl center, said communities need to know whats happening and be supportive of senior centers. Were all going to be there someday, she said. Hopefully, the centers will still be here when we need them. The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) recently issued a new clinical practice statement, "Appropriate Customization of Radiation Therapy for Stage II and III Rectal Cancer: An ASTRO Clinical Practice Statement Using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method." An executive summary of the guideline was published in the May-June 2016 issue of Practical Radiation Oncology (PRO), ASTRO's clinical practice journal, and the full guideline is available as an open-access online article in PRO. The clinical practice statement, which was developed by a multidisciplinary expert working group, outlines recommendations to customize neoadjuvant and adjuvant radiation therapy for patients with moderately advanced rectal cancer based on their risk of recurrence. The statement also examines non-operative therapies for patients who are medically inoperable or refuse abdominoperineal resection, taking into account the emerging technologies available for this subset of patients. The standard of care for all patients with stage II-III rectal cancer has been a combined multi-modality approach of chemotherapy, radiation therapy (RT) and surgery, as established in a 1990 consensus statement from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This standard, however, is based on data collected in the 1970s and 1980s, when both RT and chemotherapy were necessary to reduce the high risk of local recurrence following less sophisticated forms of surgery. Advancements in treatment options over the past three decadesincluding more refined surgical techniques, more effective systemic agents and more focal and shorter-course RT optionshave drastically lowered recurrence rates, creating situations where one or more modalities may be omitted and the side effects of treatment may be reduced. "This statement provides practicing physicians with an idea of how to employ alternative treatment options for rectal cancer patients, such as short-course radiation therapy or non-operative management approaches. It also lets us identify patients who may be more amenable to different treatment sequencing options, rather than grouping everyone with stage II and III rectal cancer together for a single standard tri-modal treatment approach. There are cases where we can achieve the same survival benefit with less treatment," said Karyn A. Goodman, MD, an associate professor of radiation oncology at the University of Colorado and lead author of the practice statement's executive summary. The guideline was developed through the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, where members of an independent, multidisciplinary expert panel rate the appropriateness of different treatment approaches for different clinical scenarios based on a systematic review of published research. Experts in oncology, gastroenterology and internal medicine rated more than 200 unique scenarios combining risk factors that influence treatment decisions with potentially appropriate treatment modalities. Panelists individually scored each scenario on a nine-point scale that assessed the anticipated benefit versus harm for an average patient in that situation. Ratings from the 10-member panel were aggregated into three categories for the Clinical Practice Statement; therapeutic options were labeled as Appropriate for median panel ratings of seven to nine without disagreement, May Be Appropriate for median ratings of four to six or if there was disagreement, and Rarely Appropriate for median ratings of one to three without disagreement. Scenarios and treatment recommendations were grouped into four sections, including (1) neoadjuvant and (2) adjuvant therapies used in conjunction with rectal surgery as well as non-operative management approaches for (3) medically inoperable patients and (4) patients who refuse radical rectal surgery. For neoadjuvant therapy, panelists rated five treatment options, stratified by three patient characteristics: risk classification based on disease stage (intermediate-risk, moderately-high-risk or high-risk disease), distance from the tumor to the anal verge and distance from the tumor to the mesorectal fascia. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation was rated Appropriate for all scenarios, while neoadjuvant brachytherapy alone was rated Rarely Appropriate across all scenarios. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone was rated May Be Appropriate for intermediate- and moderately-high-risk patients with non-threatened mesorectal fascia and Rarely Appropriate for the other scenarios. Forgoing neoadjuvant therapy was rated potentially appropriate only for cases with higher tumors situated far from the mesorectal fascia, where there would be no concern for positive margins following surgery. Goodman explained the importance of radiation in treatment sequencing for tumors situated closer to the anal verge. "Tumors that sit lower in the rectum are in a more narrow part of the pelvis and therefore tend to have a higher risk of positive margins. Lower tumors also have a somewhat higher rate of lymph node metastasis. In these cases, radiation therapy is particularly important to help reduce the risk of local recurrence following surgery by shrinking the tumor, which helps surgeons resect more cleanly, and by eliminating micro-metastatic disease that may remain in pelvic lymph nodes not removed during surgery," she said. Neoadjuvant short-course radiation therapy (i.e., 25 Gy across five fractions) was rated Appropriate for many intermediate- and moderately-high-risk cases with non-threatened mesorectal margins and May Be Appropriate for other scenarios. While short-course radiation is the standard of care for moderately-advanced cases in many Northern European countries, it is rarely used in the U.S., said Goodman, yet she sees this option as gaining traction domestically, as evidenced in part by the recommendations of this panel. For adjuvant therapy, panelists assessed two treatment options, chemotherapy alone and chemoradiation plus four or more months of chemotherapy, stratified by three patient characteristics: circumferential resection margin, distance from the anal verge and risk classification based on total postsurgical nodal count. Adjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) plus chemotherapy was rated Appropriate for all patients with positive margins and for patients with negative margins but higher risk classification and/or lower tumors. Adjuvant chemotherapy alone was rated Appropriate only for patients with negative margins, moderately-high-risk disease and higher tumors; it was rated May Be Appropriate for all other scenarios. For medically inoperable cases (e.g., elderly patients who are not strong surgical candidates), panelists considered five non-operative treatment sequences, stratified by three patient characteristics: performance status based on Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, presence or absence of local symptoms and distance from the anal verge. Chemoradiation was rated Appropriate for medically inoperable patients with good performance status and May Be Appropriate for those with poor performance status. External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) alone and chemotherapy alone were rated May Be Appropriate for all scenarios. Brachytherapy alone and brachytherapy combined with CRT were rated potentially appropriate for lower tumors but rarely appropriate for higher tumors. The guidelines also assess definitive non-operative treatment for patients who experience a pathologic complete response following neoadjuvant chemoradiation and want to avoid radical surgery, particularly those with low-lying tumors who are at higher risk for a permanent colosotomy. Panelists considered three treatment options, including standard-dose chemoradiation alone, chemoradiation plus brachytherapy boost and chemoradiation plus EBRT boost. Each approach was rated Appropriate for scenarios where patients refuse standard therapy. The panel also considered the appropriateness of using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in place of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3-D CRT) in neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings. IMRT is an advanced RT technique that delivers more focal radiation doses and spares more radiosensitive healthy tissue than with 3-D CRT. For each of the three treatment scenarios (neoadjuvant RT alone, neoadjuvant chemoradiation, adjuvant chemoradiation), panelists rated IMRT as May Be Appropriate, noting both upsides, such as reduced toxicity, as well as downsides, such as the higher financial costs, of using the technique. Explore further ASCO: new regimen effective for locally advanced rectal cancer More information: Karyn A. Goodman et al, Appropriate customization of radiation therapy for stage II and III rectal cancer: Executive summary of an ASTRO Clinical Practice Statement using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, Practical Radiation Oncology (2016). Journal information: Practical Radiation Oncology Karyn A. Goodman et al, Appropriate customization of radiation therapy for stage II and III rectal cancer: Executive summary of an ASTRO Clinical Practice Statement using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method,(2016). DOI: 10.1016/j.prro.2015.11.014 Credit: CC0 Public Domain The significant role of beta cell 'hubs' in the pancreas has been demonstrated for the first time, suggesting that diabetes may due to the failure of a privileged few cells, rather than the behaviour of all cells. Researchers used optogenetic and photopharmacological targeting to precisely map the role of the cells required for the secretion of insulin. The team believe that the findings, published in Cell Metabolism, could pave the way for therapies that target the 'hubs'. Dr David Hodson, from the University of Birmingham, explained, "It has long been suspected that 'not all cells are equal' when it comes to insulin secretion. These findings provide a revised blueprint for how our pancreatic islets function, whereby these hubs dictate the behaviour of other cells in response to glucose." According to the NHS, there are currently 3.9 million people living with diabetes in the UK, with 90% of those affected having type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to function properly, meaning that glucose stays in the blood rather than being converted into energy. Beta cells ( cells) make up around 65-80% of the cells in the islets of the pancreas. Their primary function is to store and release insulin and, when functioning correctly, can respond quickly to fluctuations in blood glucose concentrations by secreting some of their stored insulin. These findings show that just 1-10% of beta cells control islet responses to glucose. Dr Hodson, who is supported by Diabetes UK RD Lawrence and EFSD/Novo Nordisk Rising Star Fellowships, continued, "These specialised beta cells appear to serve as pacemakers for insulin secretion. We found that when their activity was silenced, islets were no longer able to properly respond to glucose. " Prof Guy Rutter, who co-led the study at Imperial College London, added "This study is interesting as it suggests that failure of a handful of cells may lead to diabetes". Studies were conducted on islet samples from both murine and human models. The team note that, though the findings present a significant step forward in understanding the cell mechanisms, the experiments therefore may not be reflected in vivo, where blood flow direction and other molecule dynamics may influence the role of the hubs and insulin secretion. Explore further Study characterizes insulin secretion in response to metabolic stress In West Africa, men who have sex with men are exposed to a high risk of HIV infection and could benefit from stronger prevention including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This is what is suggested by the first data from ANRS CohMSM, a study led by Christian Laurent (Institut de recherche pour le developpement, unite TransVIHMI) and his colleagues, the first results of which will be presented at AIDS 2016 in Durban, South Africa (18 to 22 July). Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a key population in the fight against HIV infection, notably in African countries where homosexuality is subject to social rejection. Christian Laurent (Institut de recherche pour le developpement, unite TransVIHMI) notes that "the prevalence of HIV infection is three times higher in African MSM than in the general population." To limit infections, it seems necessary to put in place new prevention strategies for this at-risk population. However, data on African MSM are scarce. The first findings from the cohort study ANRS CohMSM led by Christian Laurent and his colleagues from ARCAD-SIDA (Bamako, Mali), Espace Confiance (Abidjan, Ivory Coast), Division SIDA/IST, Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Prevention (Dakar, Senegal), the Centre Muraz and REVS+ (Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso), Alternatives-Cameroun (Douala, Cameroon), Coalition Plus (Paris, France), and SESSTIM UMR 912 (Inserm/IRD/Universite Aix-Marseille, France) give pointers to the incidence of HIV infection in MSM of four West African countries: Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Senegal. The results of this prospective study are presented in an oral communication at AIDS 2016 in Durban, South Africa (18 to 22 July). This study recruited 386 seronegative MSM who had at least one sexual relation with another man in the three months preceding the study. Participants were offered 6-month follow-up involving an appointment every quarter for screening for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, plus advice on prevention, and provision of condoms. In the event of HIV infection, the volunteers could access suitable medical management including antiretroviral therapy. During follow-up, 8 participants were infected by HIV, so the annual incidence rate was 4.8% (4.8 infected individuals out of 100 in one year). The authors note that "Considering the incidence of HIV infection observed in this study, MSM in these West African countries are eligible for PrEP, in line with WHO criteria." Since 2015, the WHO has recommended giving populations with a 3% annual incidence of infection access to PrEP including the antiretroviral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, on top of conventional means of prevention. Another striking result from this study is that 82% of the participants went to the first appointment, and 69% returned for the second and last. Christian Laurent considers that "these results confirm that there is a demand from these men for access to suitable follow-up and to screening. This is proof that they are fully aware of being exposed to a higher risk of infection." To see whether a longer term follow-up program would be equally acceptable, the CohMSM study will continue for three years, under the aegis of ANRS and Expertise France. Explore further PrEP can reduce new HIV cases by a third among MSM over next 10 years Provided by ANRS Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Tumor growth is critically regulated by the androgen receptor, and treatment strategies to lower androgens, such as testosterone, are a mainstay of clinical treatment. Over time, however, resistance frequently develops and the disease may progress to a castration-resistant form that expresses a variant of the androgen receptor, which evades blockade by drugs that dampen androgen receptor signaling. Thus, clinically there is an urgent need to identify patients expressing androgen receptor variants to determine which treatment options are likely to benefit patients. In this issue of JCI Insight , researchers at the University of British Columbia describe a new imaging tool to detect the presence of the androgen receptor and its active splice variants. Led by Marianne Sadar, the research group developed an analog of an investigational drug that binds to portions of the androgen receptor that are common to the full length and variant forms of the androgen receptor. In a mouse model of prostate cancer, they showed that this compound specifically detected prostate cancer cells expressing androgen receptor by SPECT/CT imaging. These findings suggest that this imaging agent may be suitable for further development for castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. Explore further Study finds first evidence that PD-1 antibody could help men with metastatic prostate cancer More information: Yusuke Imamura et al, An imaging agent to detect androgen receptor and its active splice variants in prostate cancer, JCI Insight (2016). Yusuke Imamura et al, An imaging agent to detect androgen receptor and its active splice variants in prostate cancer,(2016). DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.87850 Provided by JCI Journals Postdoctoral fellow Paul Seli has found that mind wandering is not always the unintended byproduct of boredom, but often an intentional and beneficial cognitive activity. Credit: Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer It's long been associated with failing grades and accidents behind the wheel, but it turns out that the wandering mind may be far more complex than many believe. A new article by Paul Seli, a postdoctoral fellow working in the lab of Dan Schacter, the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Psychology, examines variations in mind wandering. In the article, Seli and colleagues argue that mind wandering happens both with and without intention, noting important differences between the two in terms of causes and consequences. The research pointing to this conclusion is outlined in a paper in Trends in Cognitive Sciences. Researchers first began examining mind wanderingor "task-unrelated images and thoughts"in the late 1970s. Despite a noted difference between intentional and unintentional modes, the distinction had little impact on the field and consequently fell by the wayside. "Over the years, a number of different constructs have been unified under the single term 'mind wandering,' and through that process, the distinction between intentional and unintentional types was lost," said Seli. "However, if intentional and unintentional types of mind wandering behave differently, and if their causes differ, then it would be exceptionally important to distinguish between the two. Without such a distinction, researchers will effectively conflate two unique cognitive experiences, and as a consequence, our understanding of mind wandering will be incomplete and perhaps even flawed." By the time Seli, as a Ph.D. student at the University of Waterloo in Canada, began to look into mind wandering, it was largely regarded as unintentional thought with links to a range of negative consequences. Before long, though, he began to suspect something deeper was at work. "To study mind wandering in the lab, we often present participants with boring tasks to elicit these task-unrelated thoughts," he said. "Throughout these tasks, we typically assess mind wandering by presenting participants with 'thought probes,' which are temporary task interruptions that require them to report whether their thoughts are focused on the task or on something unrelated." Over the course of several experiments, Seli began to realize that some participants weren't simply losing their focus, but seemed to intentionally disengage. "In some cases, the participants clearly didn't care about the task whatsoever they were simply there for the $10 or for course credit," he said. "So when these participants experienced mind wandering, it was likely the case that this mind wandering was initiated intentionally, rather than unintentionally. "Now, there are certainly instances where people care about performing well on these laboratory tasks, and despite their best intentions to stay focused, their thoughts drift away, but it became clear to me that this isn't always true, even though this is often the assumption that is made in the literature. If people do in fact frequently experience intentional mind wandering, and if the causes of intentional and unintentional mind wandering differ, then this would be exceptionally important because it would suggest that attempts to reduce the occurrence of mind wandering will also likely differ." Seli, working first with colleagues in Canada and then at Harvard, set about devising experiments aimed at understanding the distinction between intentional and unintentional mind wandering. One way to demonstrate that intentional and unintentional mind wandering are distinct experiences, the researchers found, was to examine how these types of mind wandering vary depending on the demands of a task. In one study, Seli and colleagues had participants complete a sustained-attention task that varied in terms of difficulty. Participants were instructed to press a button each time they saw certain target numbers on a screen (i.e., the digits 1-2 and 4-9) and to withhold responding to a non-target digit (i.e., the digit 3). Half of the participants completed an easy version of this task in which the numbers appeared in sequential order, and the other half completed a difficult version where the numbers appeared in a random order. "We presented thought probes throughout the tasks to determine whether participants were mind wandering, and more critically, whether any mind wandering they did experience occurred with or without intention," Seli said. "The idea was that, given that the easy task was sufficiently easy, people should be afforded the opportunity to intentionally disengage from the task in the service of mind wandering, which might allow them to plan future events, problem-solve, and so forth, without having their performance suffer. "So, what we would expect to observe, and what we did in fact observe, was that participants completing the easy version of the task reported more intentional mind wandering than those completing the difficult version. Not only did this result clearly indicate that a much of the mind wandering occurring in the laboratory is engaged with intention, but it also showed that intentional and unintentional mind wandering appear to behave differently, and that their causes likely differ." The findings add to past research raising questions on whether mind wandering might in some cases be beneficial. "Taking the view that mind wandering is always bad, I think, is inappropriate," Seli said. "I think it really comes down the context that one is in. For example, if an individual finds herself in a context in which she can afford to mind-wander without incurring performance costsfor example, if she is completing a really easy task that requires little in the way of attentionthen it would seem that mind wandering in such a context would actually be quite beneficial as doing so would allow the individual to entertain other, potentially important, thoughts while concurrently performing well on her more focal task. "Also, there is research showing that taking breaks during demanding tasks can actually improve task performance, so there remains the possibility that it might be beneficial for people to intermittently deliberately disengage from their tasks, mind-wander for a bit, and then return to the task with a feeling of cognitive rejuvenation." Explore further Not all mind wandering is created equal This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu. A longitudinal cut of the mouse brain with a fluorescent protein marking the direct pathway (top) and the indirect pathway (bottom) of the basal ganglia. Credit: Tecuapetla, F. et al. People who suffer from OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) are unable to stop performing certain motor tasks, such as washing their hands. They can literally spend hours stuck to the sink. At the other end of the spectrum, people with ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactive disorder), are unable to pursue the same motor action for long: they sit, they get up, they walk around, always restless, constantly doing this or that for no apparent reason. What makes these people incapable of controlling their most everyday voluntary motions - and in some cases, their thoughts - thus enslaving them in endless repetition of the same action, or in endless change from one action to another? A study published today (July 21) in Cell by a group of neuroscientists led by Rui Costa at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, in Lisbon, Portugal, may contribute to our understanding of what triggers these brain disorders - and to conceive more efficient ways to treat these and other neuropsychiatric diseases. Experts have long thought that the process of selecting a given action is mediated, in the brain, by two neural circuits, known as the direct and indirect pathways and located in an area of the brain called the basal ganglia. "All the diseases that affect the basal ganglia - Parkinson's, Huntington's, Tourette's [tic disease] - have something in common", says Costa: "Patients cannot control their movements". According to him, it is also very likely that the repetitive gestures seen in autism and the pervasive repetitive thoughts that plague patients with OCD and psychosis are linked to anomalous activity in these circuits. So the fundamental question boils down to determining how, in normal conditions, those circuits interact to allow movements to flow smoothly and to ensure that the choice of actions, especially motor actions, to be timely and not random. Outdated dichotomy According to the theoretical model that up to now described the respective functions of the two pathways, activating the first one triggered action, while activating the second inhibited it. This view was first challenged by a study published by Costa in 2013 in Nature. Since then, it has also been questioned by other labs in several countries, losing terrain in light of experimental results obtained in the past few years. In particular, in April this year, Costa's team published, in Current Biology, a paper showing that these pathways are not always competing with each other, but sometimes function simultaneously to promote different outcomes. A longitudinal cut of the mouse brain with a fluorescent protein marking the direct pathway (top) and the indirect pathway (bottom) of the basal ganglia. Credit: Tecuapetla, F. et al. "It's not a question of good cop, bad cop", says Costa. "It's not simply one pathway saying 'do this' and the other saying 'don't do this'. Reality is more complex than that and both pathways are required to promote or to interrupt an action." The work published in Cell - whose first author is Fatuel Tecuapleta, now working at Universidade Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, in Mexico City - now proposes an alternative model of the joint functioning of the two pathways that explains the experimental data, including that based on the classical model. For six years, the team has been doing experiments using optogenetics, a technique that makes it possible to selectively activate each pathway in the mouse brain. In a series of experiments, the animals were put inside an experimental arena where they had to press a lever around eight times to obtain food. During several weeks of training, they learned to execute a sufficient number of lever-presses to elicit reward. After completing the training, the team started submitting the mice, during the performance of the task, to bursts of high-frequency light pulses so as to strongly activate either the direct or the indirect pathway. Veto power What they found was that, when the direct pathway is disrupted, the mice stop pressing the lever and "freeze". On the contrary, when the indirect pathway is activated, the animals don't stay put: interrupting their action, they move away from the lever and start exploring other parts of the arena. It's as if, although perfectly trained to perform the task, they suddenly decided to do something else, namely go for a walk. According to Costa, these results suggest that the role of the direct pathway is to sustain action, while the role of the indirect pathway is to allow - or prevent - switching from one action to another. "What we see is that, for different reasons, the direct pathway 'tells' the animal what action he must continue to perform, while the indirect pathway allows the performance of that action to continue, approves it - but also has the power to stop allowing it, that is, the power of veto." This corresponds to what specialists currently understand about the underlying mechanisms of diseases that affect the basal ganglia. Says Costa: "It is thought that in OCD, which is characterized by repetitiousness, it is the direct pathway that is overly active, thus promoting the repetition of actions. On the other hand, ADHD, characterized by erratic and unpredictable gestures, has to do with dysfunctions of the indirect pathway". The new model could have therapeutic implications. Today, Parkinson's disease, for instance, is treated with a drug, L-Dopa, that activates the direct pathway and inhibits the indirect one. One of the consequences of the treatment is that patients develop uncontrollable repetitive movements. And haloperidol, a well-known antipsychotic drug, which acts by strongly activating the indirect pathway, leads to undesirable motor and cognitive side effects, with patients feeling "slowed down" in their movements and thoughts. "Instead of massively activating one of the two pathways, it might be possible to treat the disorders of the basal ganglia with weaker modulators of both circuits. This could be a more efficient alternative", says Costa. "It isn't a question of inhibiting or activating one of them, but of restoring the balance between them. Explore further New study challenges scientific dogma on how the brain generates actions Provided by JLM&A, SA PM assesses pre-election campaign By Messenger Staff Georgias Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said pre-election campaigning in Georgia for the upcoming October 8 Parliamentary Elections is proceeding without any incidents or complications.Pre-election campaigning was launched a month ago, and we havent faced any negative incidents or complications. I hope political parties will put aside their emotions and private interests and we will hold high-level elections together, the PM said.The PM stressed the first Inter-Agency Commission meeting would take place soon, wherein election issues will be discussed by the representatives of different state bodies, members of political parties and observation organisations, both local and foreign.The PM said holding the Commission meeting with Minister of Justice Thea Tsulukiani would have an important role in making sure the election process will be comfortable for all players.Pre-election campaigning in Georgia officially was launched on June 8.Georgian political parties have agreed they would support the calm election environment in the country.Meanwhile, the United National Movement opposition also says the only force which can trigger confrontation in an election or a pre-election period is the ruling team, and they demand the comprehensive investigation of a by-election clash several weeks ago which left some opposition leaders beaten.Confrontation during the elections could be in the current Governments interests if they wanted the country to change its foreign policy priorities.The Government claims its course is Euro-Atlantic, and if this is really true then peaceful elections are in their interests; however, the Georgian Dream party has been continuously marred by accusations of Russian sympathy ever since coming to power in 2012. The News in Brief Teachers video lesson will not be a mandatory component - Minister of Education Minister of Education and Science Aleksandre Jejelava presented information on the teachers' professional development scheme to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers. According to him, the teachers' professional development scheme which has been implemented in recent years should be considered as having been progressive. It is compliant with Western standards and is based on ECT mechanism. The first stage of pilot testing has been completed. The survey revealed that the programme enjoys general support from teachers. For the first time in the history we managed to create a scheme that enjoys large public support. On the other side, certain shortcomings have been revealed - the main reason of dissatisfaction was the video lesson component, which was considered as hard and unnecessary by the teachers. I would like to emphasize that alongside with developing the scheme, we are also altering it, and as a result, the video lesson will no longer be a mandatory component. We held relevant consultations with the professional union of the teachers and our services. We will provide an alternative, and instead of completely abolishing this component it will be voluntary rather than mandatory. As a result, we expect that more teachers will be willing to move to the next stage in terms of professional development and conduct higher quality lessons, thus providing better education for our students," Aleksandre Jejelava noted. (IPN) Slovak FM on Georgias EU Visa Liberalisation The Slovak EU presidency has an ambition to complete Georgias EU visa liberalisation process before the October 8 parliamentary elections in Georgia, Foreign Minister of Slovakia Miroslav Lajcak said. Lajcak, whose country took over the rotating EU presidency this month, said that the visa waiver in the Schengen area for Georgia would be now the EUs most priced deliverable. He made his remarks when speaking about the priorities of the Slovak EU presidency at a meeting with MEPs from European Parliaments Committee on Foreign Affairs on July 12. The eastern partnership was designed to meet the individual ambitions of its members; it offered tools for transformation and modernization, but after theVilnius and Riga [Eastern Partnership] summits the project has lost much of its traction. So, to regain the initiative, we should start working on a new vision; the revised European Neighbourhood Policy provides a solid context to do so, Lajcak said. Association Agreements and DCFTA [deep and comprehensive free trade area] implementation in the short run is more beneficial for us than for the partners and this makes visa liberalisation now the most priced deliverable for Georgia, which met all the criteria and where important October [parliamentary] elections are due, the Slovak Foreign Minister said, and added that it is also important for Ukraine as it represents a a concrete benefit of their cooperation with the European Union. The visa liberalisation issue came up a number of times in MEPs questions to the Slovak Foreign Minister. One MEP asked about the timeframe of finalization of the visa liberalisation process for Georgia in the view of certain reluctance among some EU members. Before visa liberalisation can go into effect, it requires approval from the council of EU home affairs and justice ministers, which failed to agree on the issue in June after a last-minute objection from Germany, dashing Tbilisis hopes to finalize the process this summer, delaying it at least until the autumn. The European Union is a community of values, and we like to say that the rules must be respected; and this should work in both ways its not only commitments from our partners towards us, but also [its] our [commitments] towards our partners, the Slovak Foreign Minister said. Georgians and Ukrainians met their commitments and it was clearly stated by the European Commission, so it is our turn to deliver it means offering a visa-free regime, Lajcak said. In the case of Georgia, we should not be immune also to the political calendar and to the fact that they will have parliamentary elections in October, and therefore it would be very good to do it [visa waiver] sooner rather than later, he said. I can tell you that the Slovak presidency is working very actively with the [EU] member states, with our Georgian partners and we hope to be able to get the agreement in the Council [of the EU]. We have an ambition to complete the process in time before the parliamentary elections in Georgia. I really believe that thats our responsibility, the Slovak Foreign Minister said, adding that Ukraine comes next, which has also met its criteria. The decision on visa waiver also requires approval from the European Parliament. European Parliaments Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), which is responsible for visa liberalisation issue, is expected to vote on the proposal for visa waiver for Georgia, Ukraine and Kosovo after summer recess. The proposal then has to be voted by the full house of the European Parliament, which will reconvene after a summer recess on September 12. On July 7 European Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee adopted opinions calling for granting visa-free travel to the Schengen area to citizens of Georgia, Ukraine and Kosovo. The opinions in favour of visa waiver for the three countries will be sent to the LIBE committee. (Civil .ge) via @mikevansickler Like most political observers, former Florida governor Charlie Crist thought he had a good handle on who Hillary Clinton was considering for her VP, which she's expected to announce this week, likely during her visit to Florida this weekend. But then his phone started ringing from reporters about a tweet from CBC News Alerts claiming that he, Charlie Crist, candidate for U.S. Congress, was in fact on Clinton's short list. NBC: Hillary Clinton to name VP pick during visit to Florida this week. Ex-Florida governor Charlie Crist said to be among candidates. 1/2 CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) July 20, 2016 And then, helpfully: Crist, an ex-Republican, went to Democrats in 2010. Didn't like GOP's direction, was opposed to obstructionist tactics in Congress. 2/2 CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) July 20, 2016 Could it be true? "That's news to me," Crist told the Herald Times. "I will be at the rally with her in Tampa." (I promise thats the last Melania Trump plagiarism joke, unless I think of more.) Meanwhile the streets of Cleveland continue to teem with lunatics and media people, not that there is always an obvious difference. Among the sights I observed while wandering around out there were: Some women from the antiwar group Code Pink wearing only brassieres above the waist, with the words BUST UP WAR written across their cleavages. A man wearing a T-shirt that said FURNITURE LIVES MATTER. I asked him what the shirt meant, and he said It means we have a furniture company here in Cleveland. A man exercising his open-carry rights by carrying an AR-15 rifle and two Glock 19 pistols, all of which he said were loaded. He also had a Taser. This man was fully prepared to defend himself from any potential threat he might encounter on the streets of Cleveland, including North Korea. I also ran into a candidate for president. Really. His name is Zoltan Istvan, and hes the candidate of the Transhumanist Party. More here. Photo credit: Carolyn Cole, TNS @doug_hanks Miami-Dade Commission Chairman Jean Monestime has endorsed Mayor Carlos Gimenez's reelection bid, six months after extensive talks with Florida Democrats about challenging the Republican incumbent. Gimenez's campaign announced the endorsement on its Twitter account Wednesday afternoon. Monestime did not immediately respond to a request for comment. I am honored to have the endorsement and support of Chairman @JeanMonestime. Lets continue to make #MiamiDade a great place to live! Mayor Carlos Gimenez (@Gimenez4Mayor) July 20, 2016 The endorsement marks a significant cross-over for Gimenez. Though county offices are officially non-partisan, Gimenez was a prime target for Florida Democrats in 2016 as they sought a local Democrat to challenge him and try to take advantage of presidential turn-out to oust Miami-Dade's senior local Republican. Monestime's discussion with Democrats sparked intense push back by local Democrats, including lobbyists, close to Gimenez when the news first in late December. State party officials were so confident of Monestime's intention to challenge Gimenez that they privately told reporters to be ready for an announcement event. But eight days later, Monestime announced he had considered a mayoral run but decided against it. The first Haitian-American elected commission chairman, Monestime could bring Gimenez help in winning support from that constituency in the Aug. 30 mayoral primary that may decide the race. The mayor is facing a challenge from school-board member Raquel Regalado and five other candidates with little name recognition. If nobody wins 50 percent of the vote, the top two finishers face a November run-off on Election Day. As chairman, Monestime has sometimes been seen as an antagonist of Gimenez's. Shortly after his fellow commissioners elected him to the chairman's post in late 2014, Monestime picked a top Gimenez critic, Terry Murphy, as a senior aide. When Gimenez was championing a legalization plan for Uber and Lyft, Monestime briefly tried to block the legislation with an alternative bill opposed by the ride-hailing industry. Except no one told the GOP staffers who were supposed to conduct the brefing. When the 4:30 p.m. English-language press conference ended, Spanish-language reporters clamored for their turn. The Republican National Committees Hispanic communications director, Helen Aguirre Ferre of Miami, who had been standing in the back of the room, kept her cool and made her way to the podium to translate the English-language remarks from the previous briefing on the fly. These are the growing pains of growing the Republican Party. The party is coming together, Aguirre Ferre insisted Wednesday morning at a briefing, this time planned well in advance. Over the past four days in Cleveland, the GOP has accentuated its efforts to communicate with Hispanic voters, dedicating a daily time slot to Latino media so they could disseminate messages from Spanish-speaking surrogates for presidential nominee Donald Trump. More here. Photo credit: Carolyn Cole, Los Angeles Times via TNS @alextdaugherty Annette Taddeo is now going after former rep. Joe Garcia's campaign donors, alleging that he received "maxed-out" contributions from Big Sugar in yesterday's Kendall Federation of Homeowner Associations forum. The Democrats will face off in the Aug. 30 primary in a district that stretches from Westchester to Key West. Both my opponents have taken money from the sugar industry, Taddeo said, in reference to Garcia and incumbent Republican Carlos Curbelo. Garcias campaign responded to Taddeos claim. Joe has never been beholden to special interests and has a long Democratic record of standing up to polluters and protecting South Florida's environment, Garcia spokesman Javier Hernandez said in a statement. "This is just another made-up conspiracy theory that Republicans are famous for. On the issue of Cuba, Taddeo said she and Charlie Crist who ran for governor in 2014 with Taddeo as running mate were ahead of the curve when it came to loosening sanctions against the island. When I ran with Charlie we were the first ones in Florida to say You know what? Its time to change things, she said. Barely a few weeks after the election, the president announced his new changes, to which I approve. Garcia acknowledged that his attitudes toward Cuba have changed over the years. I thought a hard policy in Cuba made a difference. It didnt, Garcia said. The president didnt get there by himself, he got there because people like myself were pushing that policy. The winner of the Aug. 30 primary will take on Curbelo in the general election. Read more here: South Florida congressional hopefuls spar over Obamacare, Big Sugar The Texas senator, the last candidate to lose to Donald Trump in the GOP presidential primary, used his prime-time speaking slot not to endorse the nominee, but to lay out a methodical, ideological vision that sounded like the foundation for a potential Cruz candidacy in 2020. To those listening, please, dont stay home in November, Cruz said. Stand, and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution. Thousands of Trump delegates assembled on the floor of Clevelands Quicken Loans Arena did not take it well. By the time Cruz concluded, the riled-up audience jeered and booed him off stage. It was astonishing political theater. The night had been intended to celebrate Pence, the Indiana governor Trump selected as his running mate. You know, Im new to this campaign, and honestly, I I never thought Id be standing here, Pence said, pivoting to Trump. Hes a man known for a large personality, a colorful style and lots of charisma and so I guess he was just looking for some balance on the ticket. Wednesday was also Floridas unofficial night in the spotlight. More here. Photo credit: J. Scott Applewhite, Associated Press A fishing report that proclaims the fish are biting is only good if the fish are biting when you go fishing. I am sure you have heard, Should have been here yesterday or Youre a day late and a dollar short." Last Friday I got a text message from Ross Tate from Missoula. Tate had decided to go fish whitefish on Flathead Lake earlier that day. He was joined by Kent Aldredge. They went to the narrows just north of Polson Bay and fished north of the hazard marker. We fished just north of the hazard marker in the narrows in 40-60 feet of water and caught 60 whitefish, Tate said in a text message. They were using a Zimmer Rattle-d-Zastor green lure with a dark green fly above it. We tipped the fly with a piece of night crawler and that seemed to work, said Tate. They tipped the 5/8-ounce lure with nothing and caught about 60 percent of their fish off the lure vs. the fly that was tipped with a crawler. We would have caught more but I didnt bring a big enough cooler. The text message was accompanied by a picture that showed a cooler full of whitefish and a short video taken from his phone which you can see on montanaoutdoor.com That text message got me excited to head up to Flathead Lake on Sunday morning with my girlfriend, Berny. I also invited Dick Zimmer to join us. It has been a long time since I have got into a good whitefish bite on Flathead Lake and I was looking forward to the trip. When we arrived at the boat ramp, Ross Tate was standing there, so I went up to see what he was up to. I tried to get out to the narrows, but once I did, the wind and wave action was more than my flat-bottom boat could handle so I came back and was thinking about trailing my boat over and trying the Elmo and Big Arm area, he said. At that point I thought it would be nice to have THE actual guy who caught all those whitefish two days ago in my boat, so I invited Tate along and he accepted. My boat with a deep V was able to handle the waves at the narrows and once we got anchored in 60 feet of water in about the exact spot where Tate was successful a couple of days earlier, we were ready to haul in the whitefish. Well, we should have been there Friday or even Saturday, because I heard reports that anglers were catching whitefish on that day, too! Sunday was different. The dozen or so boats that were fishing the same area where we were caught only one whitefish between all of them. What happened? The young of the year perch that the whitefish had been feeding on must have moved. So we checked out a couple of other spots where we thought the whitefish might be and did not have any luck. Zimmer's cell phone was constantly in use with either him calling anglers who were fishing in other parts of the lake or anglers calling him. The whitefish just were not biting, and if fish are not biting, you cant make them bite, or at least I cant make them bite. So the next time you hear the fish are biting, either from a friend or from the Montana Outdoor Radio Show and you decide to go fishing, I have just two words for you. Good Luck! *** Mark Wards statewide Montana Outdoor Radio Show airs Saturdays from 6 to 8 a.m. in Missoula on KGVO 1290 AM and 101.5 FM. Email Ward at captain@montanaoutdoor.com. A treasure hunter from Virginia has been rescued for the third time in three years from the same place in Wyoming by the Park County Sheriffs Search and Rescue. Madilina Taylor, 41, of Lynchburg, Va., was found safe Monday after prompting a helicopter search of the Jim Mountain trails west of Cody, said the Park County Sheriffs Office. At about 12:40 p.m. Monday, Park County Sheriffs SAR was activated in response to a report of an overdue hiker at Jim Mountain trailhead. A nearby resident reported seeing a woman get out of a 2001 Dodge SUV and hike up the trail on Friday, the release said. The witness said the woman appeared to be poorly equipped for the backcountry. She carried a small bag and was wearing sweat pants and a light jacket. He said the Dodge was still at the trail head and he believed it had not moved for three days. A search of a national database determined Taylor owned the Dodge SUV. On June 26, 2013, Taylor was rescued with her boyfriend Frank Eugene Rose Jr., after the pair spent four days lost in the forest. They were found in the Big Creek area of the Star Hill Ranch. The couple were suffering from exposure, and high waters prevented them from crossing Big Creek. On June 14, 2015, Taylor fell and broke her ankle in the same area. She had to be airlifted to receive medical attention. After this incident, Rose and Taylor told emergency personnel they were in the area both times looking for treasure hidden by art dealer and author Forrest Fenn. Fenn claimed to hide treasure worth millions of dollars somewhere in the Rocky Mountains and wrote two books with clues to its location, the release said. The couple was warned after the second rescue not to return to the area without training in wilderness survival and told they faced arrest if found on private property in the future. After the incident on Monday, SAR crews performed an aerial search of the areas Taylor and Rose were previously found and the Jim Mountain trails. The search was called off after two hour because there was no way to tell which direction Taylor traveled or whether she was still in the back country, the release said. At about 10 p.m., Taylor emerged uninjured from the wilderness near the Grizzly Ranch. She said she saw the search plane but didnt think she was lost so she didnt signal it. She reported seeing grizzly bears on three separate occasions during her time in the wilderness and had had enough. Ranchers gave Taylor a ride back to her vehicle. She said she intended to drive back to the East and had no intentions of returning. The release said Rose is suspected to have accompanied her on the recent trip but was not seen during the incident. Lance Mathess, public information officer and head of SAR for Park County Sheriffs Office, said the monetary cost of rescue operations isnt very high because SAR members are volunteers who donate time and risk their own safety to help others. The two-seat single engine Aviat Husky aircraft is relatively cheap to fly as well with fuel expenses running about $50 per hour. The woman will not be charged for the response and the sheriffs office cannot prevent the treasure hunters from returning to the public land in the area. The only thing the sheriffs office can do is arrest them for trespassing on private property, if they go on private property, Mathess said. For the most part theyre on national forest land. He said all three times the couple have entered and exited the back country in the same locations. They exit the forest on private land and the woman would likely have been cited if a deputy was called when she emerged. Mathess said he hasnt read Fenns books but knows the author has ties to the Cody area and is familiar with surrounding environment. He thinks the couple saw specific landmarks they believe correspond with clues from the books and are returning to a precise location to search. Their strong conviction will likely draw them back to the area but Mathess hopes they add back country survival guides to their reading list. He said the treasure hunting mindset makes it unlikely the couple will tell anyone exactly where theyre hiking but they should at least leave a note on their vehicle detailing how long they expect to be in the forest. People from the big cities and metropolitan areas are so used to help is just a phone call away, Mathess said. I just think they have financial blinders on or economic blinders on. They cant see anything but the treasure. Joseph David Robertson carried a copy of the United States Constitution in his back pocket as he walked into U.S. District Court on Wednesday, a gift from a member of the Oath Keepers. About 50 members and sympathizers of the group formed to battle perceived government overreach showed up to support Robertson as he was sentenced in Missoula Wednesday for polluting federal waters. The 77-year-old Basin man had run afoul of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers for discharging dredged and fill material when he was digging a series of ponds on land north of Basin. Since discovering the ponds in 2013, officials told Robertson he was breaking the law and needed to stop digging them, consult with experts and acquire a permit. Instead, Robertson continued to build, saying the ponds are used to water his horses and fight wildfires in the area. Why do we get punished for protecting our community? How did all our laws get turned around like this? he told U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy at Wednesday's hearing. Molloy ordered Robertson to spend 18 months in jail. When he is freed, he must pay almost $130,000 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service to restore the damage caused by the ponds, several of which were on government property. *** In the hours before the sentencing, a group of Oath Keepers and other supporters of Robertson gathered in front of the federal courthouse in Missoula. Alan Wright of Townsend said he didnt know anything about Robertsons case until he saw a story in the newspaper around a month ago. He said he felt he needed to come to Missoula on Wednesday to show his support. I just thought about it and I said, Wow, how can this guy be imprisoned? he said. How many laws can we endure? Weve gone from people with rights to people with privileges. Wright and other members of the Oath Keepers and their supporters said they hoped that the protest held outside the federal courthouse would draw attention to another example of what they view as government overreach, as well as convince the judge to take a second look at some of the claims made by Robertson. While members of the Oath Keepers have been known to show up heavily armed at rallies or protests, none of the people who came to support Robertson on Wednesday were openly carrying firearms. Steve and Donna Putnam came to Missoula from their home in Pasco, Washington. Putnam said hes attended several Oath Keeper rallies in the past, including three in Portland, Oregon, and several at a memorial on the highway outside Burns, Oregon, where LaVoy Finicum was killed by law enforcement in a standoff following the armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife refuge. Were just standing up for peoples rights, Putnam said, holding a black flag with Finicums brand imprinted in white. (Robertson) should never have been brought to court. Putnam said in the spring, an election was held in Oregon to recall a county judge, Steve Grasty, who had opposed the occupation of the refuge. The recall attempt failed. Somebody should shoot that guy, said Donna Putnam, his wife. *** Jason Van Tatenhove, a Eureka-area man who serves as the national media director for the Oath Keepers, said he had doubts about the performance of Robertsons federal public defense attorney, Michael Donahoe, saying he had refused, for example to push to get an independent assessment of the water system around the ponds admitted into evidence. It sure seems that hes taking orders from someone who doesn't have Joes best interests in mind, Van Tatenhove said. (The report) blows away the entire narrative that has been set up. That report countering the EPA's findings was written after the trial by former Corps of Engineers and EPA employee Ray Kagel. He found no measurable or quantitative adverse impacts to the aquatic ecosystem. Kagel, who runs a wetlands and wildlife consulting firm in Idaho, wrote the document on his own and at no charge. *** While some of the Oath Keepers and other Robertson supporters stayed outside, about 30 filed into the courtroom for the sentencing hearing. Just before the judge entered, the group recited the Lords Prayer. Robertson, a Navy veteran with PTSD, said he was grateful for the show of support from the people who had turned up to watch his hearing. I wish I knew we had brothers like this at the first trial, he said. They beat me up so bad I was back in the hospital. Robertson was convicted in April after his first trial ended with a hung jury. Following the initial trial, Robertson said he was ordered to go through a psychiatric evaluation to determine if he was fit to aid in his defense. They wanted me to be deemed incompetent. They didnt want this, he said. He said he was approached multiple times with plea agreement offers, but he refused to accept them because he believed he had done nothing wrong. His attorney told him, "Youre a veteran, Molloys a veteran, he will cut you a deal, Robertson said. You know where I told him to put that. *** Bryan Whittaker, one of the federal prosecutors on the case, said the people who came to support Robertson had been brought there under false pretenses. While Robertson continues to claim in lawsuits and in interviews that the private property some of his ponds were built on belongs to him, it was sold to another person at a sheriffs sale before he dug the pits. Theyve been played like a piano, Whittaker said. Mr. Robertson will say whatever he wants to get whats best for him. That comment evoked calls of liar from the audience. Molloy singled out one member of the crowd who was particularly vocal, and after a back and forth, ordered that she be removed from the courtroom. Another spectator was removed later for scoffing at comments made by a prosecutor. Whittaker said since his conviction, Robertson had made a comment in a radio interview that he wouldnt allow federal officials onto the land to reclaim the damage from the ponds. The prosecutor said he took the comment as a threat. Robertson said he simply meant that he intended to dig up the road with an excavator to prevent officials from approaching. They can BS but the truth is I wouldnt hurt anyone, he said. *** Donahoe, Robertsons federal public defender, acknowledged there had been some bumps in the road between him and his client, but asked that the judge be lenient. I would ask that the court be generous, Donahoe said in his sentencing recommendation. Hes just a man who is a property owner. He just wants to enjoy his property in peace. Just before sentencing him, Molloy said Robertson has repeatedly ignored court orders and convictions issued in other legal matters that have brought him before state and federal judges. In addition, he disregarded warnings that he needed a permit from the Corps of Engineers for any activity that would result in discharge or placement of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. Molloy said given those facts, he did not believe a probation sentence was appropriate. Mr. Robertson has repeatedly demonstrated that he has no respect for the law, Molloy said. It might be a different story if Mr. Robertson had heeded what he was told. As part of his three-year supervised release after his 18 months in prison, Molloy said Robertson must attend mental health and substance abuse treatment, and is barred from consuming alcohol or entering into bars. As a convicted felon, Robertson also is banned from owning firearms. Robertson said he intends to appeal the case. Although he sent Robertson to prison, Molloy acknowledged the law was murky. During opening statements, the judge said it is difficult to determine how the phrase waters of the United States in the Clean Water Act should be interpreted. The U.S. Supreme Court most recently offered a fractured decision with no majority agreeing on a definition or test. Without clear guidance, Molloy said the legal issue raised in cases like Robertsons was significant and perplexing. Prosecutors asked for Robertson, who had been released until sentencing, to begin serving his prison sentence immediately. After Donahoe did not object, Molloy ordered it done. As she left the courtroom with Robertsons service dog, his wife, Carri, yelled at the prosecution. I hope it was worth ruining my life, too. A compromise on the future of the iconic-but-vacant Missoula Mercantile building downtown is still nowhere in sight. The Missoula City Council's Land Use and Planning Committee met with a Bozeman developer on Wednesday to discuss design revisions for the five-story hotel he is proposing to build if he is granted a demolition permit for the Merc. The meeting was a tense, often uncomfortable session in which two sides those who are hoping to see the Merc's facade saved and a developer who says he doesn't see a way to do it realized how far they are from a satisfying agreement. It's a tug-of-war that has seen little movement since the proposal was first made public in March. Andy Holloran, the developer, spent a good portion of time defending his plans and explaining why it's not feasible for his team to preserve any portion of the existing facade -- an argument he has made for five months. "I hear people say they want to save the facade," he said. "It's four generations of brick. By anybody's evaluation a significant portion of that brick and masonry is failing." At one point, after he was asked several times why the designs don't include the facade, Holloran stated flatly that if the city council wants to see the facade saved, he's "not the guy." "There are windows that are different, there are floor heights that are not matched," he said. "It's just not that easy. If it were easy it would have been done. Some sort of renovation on this project would have been done if it could have been done." Holloran said he understands the pressure that is being placed on the city council members by what he feels is a "vocal minority" that is adamant about preserving the facade. "I apologize, but we're frustrated," he said. "This is a big project for us, but we're at a tipping point. We believe this is an anchor project that was meant for this location. We believe that if it could have been (saved) someone would have done it." Since Holloran first presented his proposal back in March, he has repeatedly stated in various meetings that his company, HomeBase Montana, hasn't found an economically feasible way to preserve the facade. Retail tenants want lots of natural light, pedestrian access and good floor plans among other things if they are going to pay to rent the building, he said. And all of those things are inhibited by the current Merc facade. He said again that his engineers have determined that because the bricks were sandblasted years ago, they can no longer support weight and would have to be reinforced through an expensive process. That was one of the key points in his company's 36-page demolition application permit, which laid out in detail why saving the facade was not economically feasible. At least one engineer has disputed that assessment. And on Wednesday, several city council members expressed dismay that Holloran's newest plan does not include any facade preservation. During a particularly tense portion of the meeting, LUP chair Emily Bentley told Holloran she had expected to see a compromise and she didn't see any give. "I want to see the pharmacy preserved, I want to see the entire Higgins side saved," Bentley said. "I just can't wrap my head around the economic argument for not preserving the facade." Holloran responded that he felt he has compromised. He said his architects have spent a lot of effort, time and capital revising the designs based on feedback over the past few months. "We are interested in bringing back the vitality and bringing back life and creating a project that is highly successful," he said. "Nobody wants a place that is dark." He also said that the plan for the Missoula Mews, a 4,000-square-foot public indoor space that will serve as a sort of museum with photos and artifacts from the Merc, has been largely under-appreciated and overlooked. Holloran said he is giving up a huge amount of money in lost retail rent by dedicating that much valuable ground floor space to the Mews. *** Council member Julie Armstrong pointed out that the city council gets hundreds of emails every week from people who want the Merc gone and are supportive of Holloran's plan as it stands. She said they don't feel comfortable speaking at meetings publicly because it has become such a divisive topic in town. Armstrong also said she was "very uncomfortable" with telling a private property owner what they can do with their land. She said that Holloran has promised to deconstruct the Merc and work with Home Resource to reuse as much as 80 percent of the materials in other projects. "One of the misperceptions I think that the audience out there has is we're going to look at this design and vote on it and Andy's going to walk away and not do (the approved design)," she said. "He's not going to go bankrupt and he's not going to leave a hole in the ground. I want to quit hearing that out in the world." Finally, Armstrong addressed a topic that has repeatedly come up the fact that nobody has stepped up to buy the Merc and preserve it since Macy's moved out six years ago. "I don't see anybody walking up with a cashier's check to buy the building," she said. Council member Gwen Jones assured Holloran that the reason the Mews hasn't been talked about a lot is because many community members are pleased with it, so it's not an issue. Bentley and Holloran eventually came to an agreement that Holloran would spend the next week working with Chere Jiusto of the Montana Preservation Alliance to discuss ways to preserve portions of the facade. Bentley acknowledged that Holloran might come back next week saying what he's said all along: he can't make facade preservation work. A lawyer for Preserve Historic Missoula, Michael Doggett, made a vague reference to wealthy individuals that would be willing to contribute to a project that saved the facade. He said they aren't yet willing to step forward, however. Council member Marilyn Marler said that now would be a good time for that to happen. Moreover, she said, historic preservation advocates need to get specific about how they'd like to see portions of the facade reused. "Let's make something happen,'' she said. "We're beyond nuances. Let's get specific." Ellen Buchanan, the director of the Missoula Redevelopment Agency, said there could be as much as $3 million in public financing available for work on the new hotel if it is built because it's within the Front Street Urban Renewal District. However, she said that the process to determine how that money gets used is complicated and still undetermined. The new hotel would provide the increased tax base that would make those funds available. "I would caution against saying we can take $3 million (and) putting it into the facade," she said. "Also, the longer that building sits there, the longer it runs the risk of going the way many other buildings downtown have and it burns." Rod Austin, the executive director of the Missoula Parking Commission, said that the hotel would increase the occupancy of the nearby city-owned Park Place parking garage, something he's looking forward to. The Merc site's owners, whoever it may be in the future, also have access to 30 spaces in the garage for 50 years because that was negotiated when the city bought the land for the parking garage from the Merc's owners, Octagon Partners of Virginia. Austin said that if the hotel is built, it would increase pressure to build more parking spaces in town. He's already heard from landowners downtown who may be willing to start new projects. "Pressure gets things going," he said. The LUP committee will meet with Holloran again next Wednesday. UPDATE: The Missoula Police Department announced Wednesday that Silvia Olson has been contacted. She informed an officer she is OK and was advised that family members were worried about her. *** The Missoula Police Department is looking for a 32-year-old Texas woman who they say left her home in College Station, Texas, under peculiar circumstances and may now be in the Missoula area. On July 2, Sylvia Olsons belongings, including her identification, were found in a barn near Stevensville. Sgt. Travis Welsh, public information officer for the Missoula Police Department, said they were contacted about Olson's disappearance on July 16. Olsons mother is reportedly concerned that something has happened to her, and Missoula police are asking anyone with information about Olsons whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately. It looks like Missoulas first round of refugees will be from sub-Saharan Africa, not Syria. We havent finalized when theyll be coming, so I cant give you specifics, but it will most likely be Congolese to start, Congolese from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Molly Short Carr said Wednesday. Carr, Missoulas new International Rescue Committee director, arrived in Missoula two weeks ago to start preparations for a resettlement office that was approved earlier this year by the U.S. State Department. A native of Buffalo, New York, she spent most of the past two years as an administrator based in Nairobi, Kenya, working on the other side of the international continuum of refugee resettlement efforts. Carr said she has been in the three camps the Congolese refugees to Missoula are most likely to come from Gihembe in Rwanda, Nakivale in Uganda and Nyaragusu Refugee Camp on the coast of Tanzania. She was in Nyaragusa just a month ago. This year theres been a push to bring certain populations out of Africa, so our resources on the continent were shifted to certain locations, said Carr. Thats why I was with those populations. Refugee numbers from the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo swelled in the mid- to late 1990s as people tried to escape civil war. An estimated 150,000 people reportedly crossed Lake Tanganyika to escape ethnic and political violence. Secretary of State John Kerry announced last week that the Obama administration will meet its highly controversial target of settling 10,000 Syrian refugees in the U.S. by Sept. 30, the end of the federal fiscal year. The national IRC office played it close to the vest, but there were indications in recent months that some of those Syrian refugees would be headed for Missoula. That doesnt appear to be the case, at least not initially, said Carr, who expects the first Congolese to arrive in August or September. Missoula County commissioners touched off a firestorm when they sent a letter to the U.S. State Department last winter saying theyd welcome the resettlement of 100 refugees a year to deal with the worldwide crisis, which has reached proportions not seen since the aftermath of World War II. One hundred is roughly the number Carr expects to work with, though Bob Johnson, a senior adviser for the IRC office in Seattle, said the number isnt set in stone. Its pretty hard to predict because we dont know family size, he said. It could be 100, it could be 125 total people. One hundred within the first 12 months was kind of how we calculated, given that things would start off very slow. Were not going to put more refugees here than the capacity, Carr said. We have to look at whats available, how many refugees would we be able to support and provide assistance to, and how many would the community be able to support and provide assistance to. Missoula has a number of advantages, she noted, including the assistance of Soft Landing Missoula, which has built an impressive network of support and volunteers. Its a bike-friendly community which now offers a fare-free Mountain Line bus system. *** The first arrivals are now in refugee camps in East Africa and should be aware of their destination after up to three years of intensive screening and background checks. The vetting process for Syrian refugees has come under scrutiny but Carr, who has seen the system in action in Africa, insisted it is extremely thorough. "Were going to make sure that everyone who comes through is exactly who they say they are, doing what they said they were going to do," she said. "Were going to be very risk adverse in this process. The highest priority on the national side is security and the integrity of the program." As Carr understands it, the IRCs initial intent is to resettle families, though coming from a war-torn nation they aren't likely to be intact. We may have single moms or dads, we may have older children, younger children. Many of the younger children who come will have lived their entire lives in a refugee camp, she said. Office space for the IRC has been secured in the Solstice Building on West Broadway, and interviews are ongoing this week to fill the positions of caseworker and a half-time finance manager. The focus is on hiring locally from what Johnson characterized as a deep pool of applicants. We feel that the local knowledge of the community is going to be invaluable as we bring in the refugees, Carr said. Those who fled the Congo may speak a variety of languages, including Swahili, Lingala, or Kikongo. Maybe a little English. There are some English training programs in the camps, but its very minimal," Carr said. "Some of them will have French, because the Congo is a French-speaking country. That will be helpful for learning English, because grammatically theyre very similar. Missoula has no Congolese community to speak of, but it does offer a strong international component at the University of Montana and an uncommonly large return population of Peace Corps volunteers. If they were anywhere in East Africa, theyll probably speak Swahili and be able to help us communicate and work with the refugees, Carr said of the latter. The university will do its part, assistant professor Tobin Miller Shearer, director of the African-American Studies program, said in an email Wednesday Oftentimes the first casualty in politics is the truth. Currently, the Democrats are using out-of-state dark money to bastardize the truth relating to Greg Gianforte and stream access issues. In reality, Gianfortes approach to stream access is the ideal balance between public access and property rights, which is where most Montanans position themselves. Yes, it is correct that in 2009 Gianforte filed to Quiet Title against the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks due to a factual and legal discrepancy of where the public access should be on Gianfortes property. This type of suit is a common tool for landowners to use in order to allow the courts to sort out these types of factual and legal issues. Instead of serving the suit, Gianfortes attorney sent FWP letters and emails. FWP corrected their mistake, moved the access point, provided fencing and worked with Gianforte to allow public access and protection of private property rights. Instead of being against public access, as the Democrats are alleging in ads, and as proclaimed by Gov. Steve Bullock, Gianforte actually worked to provide the public with better access while protecting his property rights. This the real Montanan position. It is Bullock who is out of touch with Montanans. In 2012, Bullock used his position as attorney general to bully a rancher in White Sulphur Springs to provide public access over his private property where public access does not exist. This issue is still being litigated. It is Bullock who has sided with out-of-state interests and money to work against rural Montanans who are part of Montanans agricultural tradition. Agriculture is still the No. 1 contributor to the economy in Montana. I wrote an opinion piece in 2012 in which I said, Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock is misusing his office, being a bully and not speaking accurately regarding his plans to engender better landowner relationships with the public for access to hunting and fishing while suing a family ranch for dubious public access. If Bullock really cared about Montanans and their constitutional rights, he would have attempted to use his position to negotiate a deal between the Forest Service and (Howard) Zehntner, instead of using his office to file a questionable lawsuit to gain press for his political campaign. Many farmers and ranchers in Montana allow fishing access on their private property like Gianforte because they value their neighbors. Unfortunately, it is the out-of-state money and extremists who are wrecking the traditional relationship and trust between Montana landowners and those who seek access across private property to pursue their recreational activities. The recent ad run by the Democrat Governors Association is really an attack on Montana values cleverly disguised as a fishing story. Even though Bullock may have been born in Montana, he is the candidate that is out-of-touch with Montana values relating to public access and private property rights. The record on this issue is clear: Gianforte best reflects Montana values relating to public access and property rights. It is Bullock who does not understand private property rights or how to develop a good relationship between landowners and those who desire access. I find it unconscionable that U.S. Sen. Steve Daines voted against the confirmation of Dr. Carla D. Hayden as the 14th Librarian of Congress. Hayden is a graduate of the University of Chicago. She has served for 23 years as the chief executive officer of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, a world-renowned institution. Seventeen other GOP senators joined Daines in voting against Haydens confirmation. It appears that they bought the reasoning of Hans von Spakovsky of the far-right Heritage Foundation. He testified that Hayden was an unqualified, far-left progressive. Nothing was said about the fact that Hayden would be the first trained librarian to be the Librarian of Congress. Since the post of Librarian of Congress was created in 1802, not one librarian was schooled to be a bona fide librarian. Hayden will not only be the first credentialed librarian, but she will be the first woman and the first black American to hold that position. When it comes down to it, Daines has no leg to stand on in defense of his vote. John C. Board, Helena Supreme Court candidate Kristen Juras is working hard to try to hide her anti-public access background from Montana voters. This is because she knows that Montanans overwhelmingly value public access to our rivers, streams and hunting grounds and dont like to be fenced out by billionaire trophy property owners. But Juras cant run from her own words. She has written extensively about Montana's public access laws. She calls our stream access law a "monumental erosion of property rights" and advocates for what she calls the "right to exclude." As a law school professor, she advances an extreme anti-public access agenda in her classroom. Indeed, no candidate for public office in Montana has ever been so anti-public access. Juras also cant hide the fact that she is an academic with no practical experience for the job she is seeking. Not one judge has endorsed her. Her background is checkered including being rebuked by her employer for helping a Delaware corporation lobby to lower its taxes at our expense. She was also the legal counsel for an insurance company which was charged with (and paid a $2 million fine for) criminal bribery. Juras opponent, Judge Dirk Sandefur, is a longstanding and well respected judge who is endorsed by a wide cross section of judges, lawyers and law enforcement officers. He is ready to do the job of being a judge. And, equally important, he wont bring an agenda with him. The billionaires who hate our public access laws and want to fence us out love Juras and will no doubt spend big money to try to get her on the Montana Supreme Court. If you value public access, make sure you vote responsibly this election. John Heenan, Billings POLSON A methamphetamine addiction was behind all the crimes including the shooting of a Pablo woman in December that earned Ashley Rae Hewankorn a 16-year prison sentence Wednesday, according to her attorney. Having lived in this world myself with my son, I get it, Kalispell attorney Thane Johnson told District Court Judge James Manley. Shes a good kid. She will not be back before you if she gets control of this addiction. Hewankorn shot Karen Finley on Dec. 14 after accompanying a juvenile, Isaac Fleming, to a Pablo residence where Fleming had fired two shots at a different person a day earlier. Finley survived. Court documents say the bullet struck a bone in the victims shoulder, was deflected through a lung and wound up lodged against Finleys spine. Manley had rejected a plea agreement in the case and indicated he intended to impose a harsher sentence. Hewankorn had the option Wednesday of withdrawing her guilty plea and going to trial, but chose to proceed to sentencing. I apologize to everybody I hurt during all of this, Hewankorn said before being sentenced. I just want to get better. *** This spring, Fleming, who was 17 at the time of the incidents, was sentenced to five years with none suspended, and five years with all suspended, for two counts of felony assault with a weapon for firing two shots at another resident at the Pablo home of Matthew Hawkins on Dec. 13. Prosecutors charged Fleming as an adult. Court documents say Fleming had been arguing with his girlfriend, Finleys daughter, prior to his altercation with Hawkins. The next day he returned with Hewankorn and Hewankorns sister Charlene. Charging documents say Fleming aimed the gun at Hawkins again while inside the residence, but did not fire this time. Instead, he handed the gun off to Ashley Hewankorn as Fleming and Hawkins engaged in a physical altercation. Hawkins pursued Fleming and Hewankorn outside and broke out a window in their vehicle with a hammer, the documents say. Hewankorn, still in control of the firearm, got out of the vehicle and pointed the weapon at Hawkins, who took off running. Thats when Finley opened the door of the house and yelled at Hewankorn. Hewankorn turned and shot Finley. The two sisters and Fleming then fled. *** Hewankorn, who was 28 at the time, had three tentative plea agreements pending in other felony cases against her. The Lake County Attorneys Office withdrew all three agreements after the shooting. She was sentenced to 10 years for assault with a weapon and, in the cases that were already pending against her at the time of the shooting, three years for burglary and three years for forgery. Hewankorn was credited for 218 days she has already spent in jail, and was also ordered to pay nearly $24,000 in restitution to her victims. That did not, Manley noted, include Finley, and the judge wanted to know why the shooting victim's medical bills were not included. Deputy County Attorney Ben Anciaux indicated the county had been unable to gain her cooperation. Hewankorn also received a six-year deferred sentence for criminal possession of dangerous drugs from Manley, who recommended she spend part of her incarceration at the Elkhorn Treatment Center, a residential treatment-based correctional facility in Boulder. Hewankorn asked if there would also be treatment programs available at the Montana State Womens Prison in Billings, where she will initially be sent. Johnson, her attorney, said he often represents clients whose legal problems stem from drug addictions. One of his three children, now 22, is a heroin addict who is now at a treatment center in Alabama and has been sober for nine months. I can talk to this world, Johnson said. The family of the father of Hewankorns children, a member of the Blackfeet Tribe, recommended him to Hewankorn. There is no middle Mr. Trump and his fellow speakers over four days and nights did not pivot, did not shift, did not seek the notional sweet center of American public life. With few exceptions, the convention was aimed at stirring up true believers and wedding them to his cause. The emotional and cultural core of Mr. Trumps campaign reversal of, and even revenge for, perceived slights, disrespect and loss were undisturbed and at times amplified before a prime-time audience. In Mr. Trumps telling, the most powerful nation in the history of the world was a victim. And Mr. Trump was its avenger. Trump has learned While his message was unchanged, the packaging was updated. Mr. Trump spoke almost entirely from a script, and his unmistakable voice had been sculpted into something resembling a traditional tone for a nomination acceptance speech. Only once did he break the mask when Mr. Trump, grimacing theatrically, mocked those who had said he could never win. The result was a Trump packaged for prime time. Police reports KNIFE ASSAULT Police were called to a credit union on Grand Avenue around noon Wednesday on a report of a man threatening the manager. William Daniels, 39, of Butte told the manager to stop bugging his girlfriend for writing bad checks. By the time police arrived, Daniels was at the probation office on Broadway Street high on meth and threatening his probation officer with a knife, police said. Probation and parole officers had handcuffed Daniels before police arrived. Daniels faces felony charges for intimidation, assault with a weapon, and violating probation. FELONY JOYRIDE A man is accused of stealing a new 2016 Dodge Challenger from Buttes Mile High Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Kia lot on Harrison Avenue around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Police said 56-year-old Frank Kennedy of Medical Lake, Washington, returned the Challenger before police arrived, saying he was just taking it for a test drive. As he was fleeing the dealership, employees subdued Kennedy, who was arrested and charged with felony motor vehicle theft. Police said during his arrest Kennedy told them he would steal the car again when he got out of jail. WARRANTS ARREST Police responding to a street argument near Montana and Park at 2 a.m. Thursday arrested two people on active warrants. Butte residents Shayna Lamping, 21, and Brett Steele, 37, were each arrested on misdemeanor criminal contempt warrants and released from jail two hours later. Counselor's arraignment postponed to July 28 The arraignment for a 52-year-old mental health counselor accused of soliciting a client to plant meth in her ex-husband and his wife's cars has been postponed until later this month. A spokesman in the Butte district court clerk's office said Dana Trandahl's lawyer, Kevin Vainio, was granted a request to defer his client's arraignment to July 28. Vainio's office confirmed the attorney's request for continuance, which they said was in response to a scheduling conflict, but would not elaborate. Trandahl was supposed to be arraigned on Thursday in Butte district court. Trandahl faces charges of felony solicitation and possession of dangerous drugs, and criminal distribution of dangerous drugs. Trandahl allegedly also provided the solicited client with prescription drugs to further incriminate her ex-husband, his wife and his attorney. She remains free on a $100,000 bond. CCC photograph exhibit set at caverns Montana State Parks will host a Civilian Conservation Corps historic photograph identification and display from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park Main Visitors' Center, east of Whitehall. The corps played an integral role 1935-43 in the early development of the caverns, Montana's first state park. Details: 406-287-3541. Tan and beige chicken flies the coop Butte Animal Control picked up a wayward chicken recently on the 1900 block of Gaylord Street. The adult hen, an Ameraucana breed, is beige and tan. If you are missing a chicken, call the animal shelter, 699 Centennial Ave., and 406-497-6528 or stop by from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. HAMILTON The eighth annual Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival south of Hamilton is featuring five new bands, 11 bands total, three bluegrass pioneers and lots of jamming. The festival on Friday through Sunday, July 22-24, is organized by Mike and Tari Conroy and has a family-friendly atmosphere, music and activities. Mike Conroy said this will be an exciting year. The vision was to have an old-timey festival back in the hills, he said. It is a mountain festival in the trees and you can see Hamilton and Darby. The drive up there alone is worth five bucks. The festival is on the Janice Heiland and Pat and Mary Thomas ranch properties amongst the trees. They let us build an old stage up there it is run by a generator as theres no electricity, Mike said. Well have three days of fabulous bluegrass and well feature pioneers. Theyve been at it a long time. Pioneers include Gary Moore from Dry Gulch, Idaho, Glen Stephens from Boise, Idaho, and Forrest Clark from Clinton. The new bands are Kevin Pace and the Early Edition from Spokane, Brothers Parker from Montana and Arizona, Ladd Canyon Ramblers from Oregon, Lochwood from Montana and Portneuf Gap from Pocatello, Idaho. The old standby bands are Pinegrass from Montana, Spring Thaw, Gravely Mountain, Darby Sireens (from Montana and Idaho) and Mike and Tari Conroy. Trinity River from Florida was here last year and they will be here this year, Mike said. They are a professional touring band who sold 101 CDs after their first set here last year. They are really good. The show starts Friday at 6 p.m., on Saturday it kicks off with Kids in Bluegrass at noon and all bands play on Saturday in 45-minute sets. Sunday the stage music is from noon to 3:40 p.m. The festival has a raffle every year and this year it includes a violin made by the Conroys, a Hardtimes quilt made by Janice Heiland and an ornate mirror made by Dave Tobel from Ronan. Mike said there are two special activities at the festival, a tribute and a Sunday gospel session. On Saturday at 6 p.m. well feature the pioneers and will have a tribute to legendary fiddler from Darby, Jim Widmer, who passed away Feb. 29, Mike said. He was something special. On Sunday at 10 a.m. well have an open Bluegrass Gospel show. Teri and I will play and people come up to the stage and sing. Its quite a deal and at noon the regular bands start again. The Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival schedule: On Friday, July 22, stage music starts at 5:45 p.m. with landowner musicians Ted Heiland, Ramona and Rachel Potter; 6-6:40 Portneuf Gap; 6:45-7:25 p.m. Gravely Mountain; 7:30-8:10 p.m. Lochwood; 8:15-8:55 p.m. - Kevin Pace & The Early Edition; 9-9:40 p.m. Trinity River. On Saturday, July 23, stage music starts at noon with Kids In Bluegrass; 12:40-1:20 p.m. Brothers Parker; 1:25-2:05 p.m. Darby Sireens; 2:10-2:50 p.m. Spring Thaw; 2:55-3:35 p.m. Gravely Mountain; 3:40-4:20 p.m. Lochwood, 4:25-5:05 p.m. Mike & Tari Conroy Band; 5:10-5:55 p.m. Throw together band contest; 6-6:50 p.m. Pioneers In Northwest Bluegrass with a special tribute to legendary fiddler from Darby Jim Widmer; 6:55-7:35 p.m. Portneuf Gap; 7:40-8:20 p.m. Ladd Canyon Ramblers; 8:25-9:05 p.m. Pinegrass; 9:10-9:50 p.m. Kevin Pace and the Early Edition; 9:55-10:35 p.m. Trinity River. On Sunday, July 24, the stage music starts at 10 a.m. with an Open Bluegrass Gospel Show. Everyone is welcome to sing and play. Regular bands follow. Noon to 12:40 p.m. Brothers Parker; 12:45-1:25 p.m. Pinegrass; 1:30-2:10 p.m. Mike & Tari Conroy Band; 2:15-2:55 p.m. Spring Thaw and 3-3:40 p.m. Ladd Canyon Ramblers. The festival costs for the weekend are $15 for adults and $7.50 for children under 12. This year there is a Sunday only price of $10. There is plenty of room for camping. The site opens on Thursday at 10 a.m. for campers. The cost of camping is $15 for the weekend. Only dry camping is available. All sizes of campers are welcome. The festival is 10 miles south of Hamilton on U.S. Highway 93. At the 37 mile marker turn west on Forest Hill Road and follow the signs about a mile to parking at the Pat and Mary Thomas Ranch. The festival site is on the adjoining Janice Heiland Ranch. The festival is off the highway and there will be lots of signs, Mike said. Bring your lawn chairs and put your dogs on a leash. Well have food vendors on site. Food vendors include Betty Carter with Burgers and Beyond and a wood-fired pizza wagon from Phillipsburg. There will also be a country store just like an old-time mercantile. Our festival is an affordable, family friendly gathering in a beautiful setting that is geared towards having good clean fun while celebrating the sounds of traditional bluegrass music Mike said. For more information, call Mike Conroy at 406-821-3777 or online visit hardtimesbluegrass.com. Plea deal accepted in prison drug-smuggling HELENA (AP) A magistrate judge has accepted the plea deal of one of five people accused of playing a part in a drug-smuggling scheme at Montana State Prison. Cordero Metzker pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah Lynch set sentencing for Oct. 27. Three other defendants have plea agreements pending. Prosecutors say Metzker arranged to have two women in Tennessee mail methamphetamine and Suboxone to a prison laundry worker between April and August 2015. They say the worker smuggled the drugs into the prison and delivered them to Metzker's friend, inmate Ian Scott Barclay. Barclay is the only one of the five defendants without a plea deal with prosecutors. His attorney says he is also likely to reach an agreement. Authorities investigating grass fire GREAT FALLS (AP) Authorities are investigating whether a fire that burned more than a square mile of farmland north of Great Falls was arson. Vaughn Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jason McAllister tells the Great Falls Tribune that the fire is suspicious and under investigation. The fire was reported Tuesday afternoon. Gusting wind spread it quickly through wheat and hay fields before it was contained that night. Fire officials say crews stopped the blaze before it could damage two nearby homes. Judge dismisses suit seeking to block logging HELENA (AP) A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to stop a logging project in the Kootenai National Forest in northwest Montana. The Alliance for the Wild Rockies had argued in its lawsuit filed in May 2015 that logging on more than 92,000 acres on the east side of Lake Koocanusa violates environmental laws and could harm bull trout, grizzly bear and lynx habitat. U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen on Tuesday granted the U.S. Forest Service's request to dismiss the lawsuit. Christensen says in his order that none of the environmental organization's claims warrants blocking the project. The East Reservoir Project plan approved by the Forest Service calls for logging 8,845 acres spread out across the larger area about 15 miles east of Libby. Guard soldiers deploying to Romania GREAT FALLS (AP) More than 500 Montana National Guard soldiers will deploy to Romania next week to participate in an international training exercise. The Great Falls Tribune reports that the soldiers are members of the guard's 1-163rd Combined Arms Battalion. Nearly 70 soldiers are already in Romania to receive the M1A2 Abrams tanks and the Bradley Fighting Vehicles that were sent by rail and ship in May. They will be participating in an exercise that will involve about 2,800 military personnel from 10 countries, including Armenia, Bulgaria, Canada, Georgia, Moldova, Poland and Romania. Man dies from injuries after crash MISSOULA (AP) A western Montana man has died a day after his pickup truck drifted off a roadway in Ravalli County and crashed. The Missoulian reports that 23-year-old Brandon Flatmo, of Stevensville, died at a hospital Saturday after being taken off life support. Ravalli County Highway Patrol Sergeant Scott Bennett says Flatmo had been driving a pickup truck early Friday when his vehicle left the road and crashed. Emergency responders had found Flatmo on the ground a short distance from the truck. Bennett says authorities are unsure whether the victim had been ejected from the vehicle or had crawled away from the truck after the crash. Flatmo was hospitalized with internal and head injuries. His death marks the 93rd traffic fatality in Montana this year. The crash remains under investigation. A dynamic partnership among Montana Tech, a girls science club and the Butte school district is bubbling to the surface. By fall semester, student support services at Tech and the Butte Girls Excelling in Math and Science GEMS will expand after-school science programs at East Middle School. An extra $50,000 in grants from the Department of Education makes the new outreach program possible, said Amy Verlanic, director of Techs Institute for Educational Opportunities. As part of a $1.2 million grant infusion for Verlanics myriad support services, the bump up in federal funding will employ Tech students, who will help youngsters with homework and mentor them in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Institute. This will allow a whole cadre of college students who will help out, said Verlanic. Were really excited to be expanding this program. Her TRIO Support Services include several on-campus outreach programs like Talent Search, which provides academic, career and financial counseling to high school and middle school participants raised in low-income backgrounds and who want to the first in their family to graduate college. Techs funds comprise a five-year grant spread from 2017 to 2022. Verlanic said the grants will serve 580 disadvantaged students in Butte, Anaconda, Deer Lodge and Helena. The partnership will provide curriculum for the STEM Institute and pay teachers after school for facilitating, said Ronda Coguill, GEMS co-director and Tech materials science lab manager, GEMS is a free club outside of school geared to girls in grades 5-8, a vulnerable time when they are most impressionable. One upside: the science curriculum will boost continuity from grade 7 through senior year. Well pay Tech students to help with homework and well utilize Tech expertise and resources at East Middle School to become a better community partner, said Verlanic. The STEM Institute constitutes near-peer mentoring in which college students serve as role models for middle schoolers. It starts fall semester at East Middle School. They are closer to the student age and another voice in the students lives, Verlanic said. Katelyn McGee, 23, a Tech student seeking a bachelors degree in business technology, is real-world proof that TRIO services work. I came from a low-income home where college was never discussed, said McGee, a 2011 Butte High School graduate. Talent Search was a real opportunity for me to learn about college. Theresa Rader, Tech Student Support Services associate director, mentored McGee and helped her fill out financial aid, scholarship and college application forms. Early in middle school, McGee put college on her radar. She was pretty motivated to go to college and wanted to accomplish great things but really didnt know how to get there, said Rader, who taught her to set goals and toured colleges with her. McGee made family history, earning an associates degree at Highlands College in 2014. Just having that under my belt and to be the first one in the family to have my degree is rewarding, said McGee, now mentoring younger sister Danielle, 20, studying for a bachelors at Tech. McGee worked awhile for Rader, then joined TRIO. Now she works full-time in Techs financial aid office. Our students really do become our family, said Rader. We invest so much more than money in them. We invest our time, trust, loyalty, compassion, strength and love in the students we serve. In many cases, I have spent almost as much time with the students as my own son. Altogether, the U.S. Department of Education awarded Montana $5 million, specifically for first-generation college students. The Montana University System receives $3 million and Montana State University-Billings gets $1.4 million. One thing any longtime resident of Montana is familiar with is the wearying cyclical election-year rush on our public lands the desire by so-called Sagebrush rebels to pry public lands away from our common ownership. How familiar this path is, since at least the 1970s! It seems like every four years Montanans must defend our homeland against these modern-day would-be carpetbaggers. Conservationists, recreationists, hunters and anglers, paddlers, bikers well, everybody have to write letters to legislators, reminding them that which we have been reminding them for decades: we dont want our public lands reapportioned, diced and sliced ever-smaller and sold off to bidders. Its ours. We love Montana the way it is, which is why were here, in Montana. Yet here we are also in another election year, as stressful for the electorate as for the campaigners, it seems. In times like these, regular folks can be found counting the months until the sound and the fury pass and we get back to the business of living here quietly, and loving it. Wilderness is never too far from any of us in Montana, and again, its why were here instead of someplace else. Our pro-wilderness and pro-restoration community service organization, the Yaak Valley Forest Council, has been laboring to connect workers and community to the outdoors on the Kootenai National Forest for parts of three decades now, restoring public lands damaged by decades of mismanagement. We note with pleasure the Bullock administrations new public lands agenda, and the ongoing Forests in Focus initiative, which is helping groups like ours work toward re-establishing a wilder and more diverse landscape, with its attention to local collaborative groups, many of whom are more interested in matters such as fine fuels reduction in the urban interface, improving water quality and wildife habitat, including, in the Yaak, the most imperiled grizzly bear population in Montana. We work where appropriate to support active land management, but in our vision, on the Kootenai, this looks quite a bit different from the past. We seek to restore forest productivity after an era of what was quite frankly industrial liquidation. Recreation is part of the administrations new public lands agenda, and so is sound forest management; the latter of which is our main focus here on the Kootenai. Some parts of Montana are bona fide blue-ribbon recreation areas, and easily safeguarded by the new public lands agenda. In the high stony country of rock and ice, backpackers can still visit high mountain cirques; farther down, can still canoe or sail deep blue lakes and winding rivers beneath high bluffs. Other of our states areas are swamps and dense inland forests, powerhouse cores of a biological diversity that spreads wild breath to further and farther reaches of the state. These rank areas need just as much protection as our states play areas. Our rainy home in the Yaak Valley is the latter a biological treasure but we who live here cherish it all the same. We support retention of all of Montanas public lands our guaranteed birthright and are therefore grateful for Gov. Steve Bullocks and his staffs defense of public lands against the rebels. The Bullock administrations initiative will oppose the transfer of all Montana land at every turn; will restore the currently frozen Habitat Montana, which provides public access and hunting and fishing opportunities for all Montanans, free of charge (funded by out-of-state hunting and fishing license fees). It creates a state position dedicated to protecting public access to public lands, and launches a Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation. This clear, steady vision will help defend Montana against the latest iteration of the attempt to privatize take our public lands, which are the heart and essence of the state. Time and again, we have beaten back these outside interests (most recently, a Utah-based legal foundation that seeks to privatize Montana). Since the days of colonization, Montana has been always viewed by outside interests as a commodity, always for sale. Not under Bullocks watch. Thank you, Governor Bullock and staff. -- Rick Bass, an author and environmental activist, is a board member of the Yaak Valley Forest Council. The University of Montana has suffered tremendously from five painful years of bad publicity, the loss of several thousand students, the accompanying loss of millions of dollars in revenue, and devastating cuts that have gutted its budget and curriculum. Meanwhile, the UM president and the commissioner of higher education have failed to address the unfolding crisis. Instead of accepting any responsibility for the abysmal state of the university, they have assigned surrogates and proxies to attack their critics, portraying them as an isolated and disgruntled minority, all the while continuing to blame the root causes of the present crisis on an array of external and, at times, irrelevant factors. After five years of alarming decline, we have no choice but to confront the stubborn facts in front of us, especially because they have a direct impact on the Missoula and Montana economies: 1. Since 2011, the University of Montana has lost more than 3,000 students; 2. Since 2011, the University of Montana has lost tens of millions of dollars; 3. In addressing budgetary shortfalls, the UM administration has cut low-paid staff positions, as well as a significant number of academic positions either by direct cuts or by not filling positions that have become vacant due to retirements. The administration has refused to cut any high-paid administrators. In fact, the UM administration has spent millions on hiring a team of administrators who have not been able to address the financial and academic challenges confronting UM. Neither the commissioner of higher education nor the UM president seem to understand the fundamental fact that throwing money at pricey bureaucratic positions is not a sustainable solution for an institution fighting for its survival. 4. The plan for downsizing UM originated in OCHE in Helena, the same office which has added new administrative positions for itself. Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian, whose present salary stands at $302,000, is expected to receive a $455,000 bonus, while the UM President Royce Engstrom, expects to receive a $500,000 bonus, to be paid over 10 years. Christian was appointed to the commissioner's post after the Board of Regents decided not to conduct a national search for the position. At the same time, the regents did away with the requirement that the commissioner hold a doctoral degree. Christian holds only a bachelor's degree. UM suffers from inept leadership, both in Helena and Missoula. Worse, the sharp drop in enrollment numbers has had a profound impact on Missoula's economy. It is troubling to see that Gov. Steve Bullock has refused to address the numerous petitions that his office has received, signed by hundreds of Montana residents pleading with him to address the alarming situation at UM. As a Democrat who has voted for Bullock, I expect no less of him than to act like a true leader and confront this situation head on. Montana higher education cannot be used as a political tool in this or any election year. Montana's universities are the state's economic engines and they play a central role in educating and training the workforce for the great state of Montana. What is to be done? First, the leadership of the Montana University System should be recruited through open and transparent national searches, which would allow the best and the brightest, as well as the most competent and experienced to rise to the top. Second, rewards and bonuses should be paid based on performances and outcomes. If, after five years of abysmal performance, a leader and a team cannot produce positive results, they should be replaced by a new group of leaders who can produce the necessary results. Third, the Board of Regents is ultimately responsible for addressing the present crisis at UM. The board is obligated to take a deep look at the underlying causes of the decline and hold open meetings in which a diverse set of voices are heard. UM leadership should be held accountable by Montana's taxpayers. Accountability is the cornerstone of good governance. -- Lewis Schneller, of Missoula, is a retired University of Montana alumnus and a community activist with Missoula Advocates for the University of Montana. The salary bonuses mentioned in his guest opinion are part of the contracts the university system made when hiring its top administrators. The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association fka The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Trustee for Residential Asset Mortgage Products, Inc., Mortgage Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates Series 2005-RS4 Plaintiff, vs. William R. Ramsdell; Tamara L. Ramsdell; Parties in Possession, et al. Defendants. You are notified that a petition has been filed in the office of this court naming you as a defendant in this action. The petition was filed on May 19, 2016, and prays for foreclosure of Plaintiffs mortgage in favor of the Plaintiff on the property described in this notice and judgment for the unpaid principal amount of $63,083.06, with 4.62% per annum interest thereon from June 1, 2015, together with late charges, advances and the costs of the action including (but not limited to) title costs and reasonable attorney's fees, as well as a request that said sums be declared a lien upon the following described premises from February 10, 2005, located in Muscatine county, Iowa: Lot 20, in Block 4, of Brook Street Addition to the City of Muscatine, in Muscatine County, Iowa, commonly known as 112 Park Avenue, Muscatine, IA 52761 (the "Property") The petition further prays that the mortgage on the above described real estate be foreclosed, that a special execution issue for the sale of as much of the mortgaged premises as is necessary to satisfy the judgment and for other relief as the Court deems just and equitable. For further details, please review the petition on file in the clerk's office. The Plaintiffs attorney is Emily Bartekoske, of SouthLaw, P.C.; whose address is 1401 50th Street, Suite 100, West Des Moines, IA 50266. NOTICE THE PLAINTIFF HAS ELECTED FORECLOSURE WITHOUT REDEMPTION. THIS MEANS THAT THE SALE OF THE MORTGAGED PROPERTY WILL OCCUR PROMPTLY AFTER ENTRY OF JUDGMENT UNLESS YOU FILE WITH THE COURT A WRITTEN DEMAND TO DELAY THE SALE. IF YOU FILE A WRITTEN DEMAND, THE SALE WILL BE DELAYED UNTIL TWELVE MONTHS (OR SIX MONTHS IF THE PETITION INCLUDES A WAIVER OF DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT) FROM THE ENTRY OF JUDGMENT IF THE MORTGAGED PROPERTY IS YOUR RESIDENCE AND IS A ONE-FAMILY OR TWO-FAMILY DWELLING OR UNTIL TWO MONTHS FROM ENTRY OF JUDGMENT IF THE MORTGAGED PROPERTY IS NOT YOUR RESIDENCE OR IS YOUR RESIDENCE BUT NOT A ONE-FAMILY OR TWO-FAMILY DWELLING. YOU WILL HAVE NO RIGHT OF REDEMPTION AFTER THE SALE. THE PURCHASER AT THE SALE WILL BE ENTITLED TO IMMEDIATE POSSESSION OF THE MORTGAGED PROPERTY. YOU MAY PURCHASE AT THE SALE. You must serve a motion or answer on or before 11th day of August, 2016, and within a reasonable time thereafter file your motion or answer with the Clerk of Court for Muscatine County, at the county courthouse in Muscatine, Iowa. If you do not, judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. If you require the assistance of auxiliary aids or services to participate in a court action because of a disability, immediately call your District ADA Coordinator at 563-326-8783. If you are hearing impaired, call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942. By:Jeff Tollenaer CLERK OF THE ABOVE COURT Muscatine County Courthouse 401 East 3rd Street, Muscatine, IA 52761 IMPORTANT: YOU ARE ADVISED TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AT ONCE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS. The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors met in regular session at 9:00 A.M. with Howard, Kelly, Sorensen, Sauer and Bonebrake present. Chairperson Sorensen presiding. On a motion by Kelly, second by Howard, the agenda was approved as amended to move the bid letting after claims and delete the closed session as the County Attorney is out of town. Ayes: All. William Hopkins, 3395 Pearl Street, Muscatine, stated the mudslide on his property is getting worse as water flows from the road right into the mudslide area. Hopkins stated he would like the County to bank the road in order for the water to flow into the culvert. Hopkins stated someone needs to come out and clean up the culverts because they are plugged up again and the ditches are full of rock. The Board will discuss the issue with the County Engineer. On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, claims dated July 11, 2016 were approved in the amount of $455,557.85. Ayes: All. County Engineer Keith White presented the bids for four hot mix asphalt overlay projects: LFM-(03-01)-7X-70 - on Pettibone Avenue from 57th Street to Stewart Road; L-(FR-2)--73-70 on 57th Street from Muscatine Corp. Line to Stewart Road and Stewart Road to Pettibone Avenue; LFM-(FR-5)-7X-70 on Stewart Road from the County Line to Fruitland Road; and L-(M16-1)--73-70 on Moscow Road from 155th Street to Hwy 6 (bridge) as follows: Illowa Investment Brandt Construction Co. LFM-(03-01)-7X-70 $598,207.03 $859,909.25 L-(FR-2)-73-70 $592,875.83 $840,503.83 LFM-(FR-5)-7X-70 $575,880.29 $792,244.68 L-(M16-1)-73-70 $480,127.23 $797,181.84 Total $2,247,090.38 $3,289,839.60 Discussion was held with County Sheriff C. J. Ryan regarding the potential purchase of a Courthouse security camera system. Ryan stated that County Attorney Alan Ostergren could not attend, but is in agreement with installing a security camera system in the Courthouse. Ryan stated funds are available in the FY15/16 and Fy16/17 budgets for Courthouse Security totaling $28,531. Ryan presented a quote from FSS, Inc. in the amount of $19,537 which will provide security camera coverage on all three floors of the courthouse. Ryan stated the recording system including storage will be housed at the Jail. Ryan stated FSS, Inc. has provided quality work for the Jail and Public Safety Building. Ryan recommended proceeding with the project. Ryan stated the system is designed to expand if necessary. Bonebrake asked if the extra funds available would cover exterior cameras. Ryan stated he would have to check on that as it was not part of the quote. Dave Watkins, 2566 122nd Street, suggested an outside camera that would cover a juror to the parking lot. Ryan stated he will check on adding exterior cameras, but asked the Board to move forward with approval of the quote for the interior security cameras. The item will be placed on next week's agenda for Board consideration. Discussion was held with Emergency Manager Matt Shook regarding the Wilton Radio Site Addition Project. Shook stated a tower is recommended for better coverage in the areas of Wilton (including the Wilton schools), Stockton and Durant. Shook stated the City of Wilton is providing in-kind donations in the amount of $202,000 which will lower the cost of the site from $477,000 to $275,000. Shook stated this will allow access to the new State of Iowa System making the County eligible for approximately $200,000 in State 911 grants. Shook stated Motorola has guaranteed the site will be ready to provide coverage in the Wilton schools by the time school starts. In response to a question from Sorensen, Shook stated they currently have coverage in all other schools except Wilton. On a motion by Sauer, second by Bonebrake, the Chairperson was authorized to execute an Installation Agreement with Motorola for the Wilton Radio Site Addition Project in the amount of $275,000. Ayes: All. Kelly asked Shook if he has any plans for additional training for local police and fire departments. Shook stated Motorola has offered to come back to conduct additional training free of charge. Bonebrake stated the responsibility for training lies with the Fire Chiefs and Police Chiefs of those departments. Bonebrake stated they can work with Shook to get it set up, but it is not his responsibility. Sorensen stated that if Motorola is offering it for free, they should take advantage of that and get it scheduled. Discussion was held with Jeff Brummel and Carly Evans of Paragon Interiors regarding the proposed relocation of the Department of Human Services (DHS) to 315 Iowa Avenue. Brummel stated the proposal covers moving Community Services to the right of the front door of the building located at 315 Iowa Avenue and reconfiguring the left side for DHS. Brummel stated the project budget includes reconfiguring the Community Services reception counter to make it ADA compliant. Brummel stated the project budget of $208,884.78 covers reconfiguration of the building and tearing down/moving furniture for 38 DHS employees and 16 Community Service employees. Brummel stated all shared meeting rooms will be on the lower level for which DHS will provide the furniture. Brummel stated additional options at a cost of $47,034.37 cover new furniture, flooring and painting in some of the private offices, as well as new furniture in areas of Community Services and DHS to give a more uniform appearance. Sherry Seright stated General Services staff is currently painting the lower level, placing exhaust fans in the lower level restrooms, moving a water heater to make room for storage, and installing a sump pump. Brummel stated the HVAC portion of the project will be handled by AJ Associates. Brummel stated FSS, Inc. is handling moving and setting up the security system for DHS. Brummel stated security does not cover the interior security of Community Services however security cameras were included in the project for the entrances. DHS Region Administrator Felicia Toppert stated DHS will handle and pay for moving of computers and contents of desks, file cabinets, etc. Bonebrake stated he would pull out the cosmetic items until they see how much the new parking lot is going to cost. Budget Coordinator Sherry Seright stated she currently has $325,000 as a placeholder for this project with the rest of the $500,000 budgeted covering the purchase of property and installation of a parking lot. Sorensen stated he wants to place DHS and Community Services into a space that will last for years and wants the cubicle area to look nice. Bonebrake stated he is concerned about the cost of future acoustical adjustments that may need to be added to control the noise level of 38 employees in the same room. Howard stated he thinks they should just do the whole project due to the long term commitment the County is making to this building. Board consensus was to proceed with developing an agreement for approval on next week's agenda including everything except the private office furniture with additional information to be provided on replacement of the private office furniture. On a motion by Kelly, second by Howard, the Chairperson was authorized to execute a Preferred Provider Agreement between the Center for Alcohol and Drug Services, Inc. and Muscatine County. Ayes: All. Discussion was held with Information Services Director Bill Riley regarding a server upgrade quote. Riley stated Dell offered to replace a server at Conservation for $4,058.88 and another at the Sheriff's Office for $6,610.38 for a 58-60% savings. Riley stated these servers were budgeted for replacement in FY17/18. Riley stated his opinion is to wait until FY17/18 to replace the servers as planned. Board consensus was not to proceed with the upgrade at this time. Riley stated he is still looking at the options for the phone system at the Community Services Building. Riley stated he had a rough quote for $14,100 for a new phone system for Community Services, but he wanted to look at what it would take to merge the two phone systems (DHS & Community Services). Riley stated if they use the newer DHS phone system, the approximate cost he was given was $10,000 to merge the two systems. Riley stated the recommended way of doing this is to move a new phone system in ahead of the DHS move for Community Services and then work at adding the DHS handsets when they move in, but he does not have a cost for that yet. Riley will return with more information at a later date. Information Services Director Bill Riley updated the Board on help desk activity for the month of June. On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, the Board approved a contract, bond and certificate of insurance for L-(M16-5)-73-70 for Pavement Marking at various locations throughout the County with the apparent low bidder Vogel Traffic Services in the amount of $77,338.68. Ayes: All. County Engineer Keith White returned with the bids for hot mix overlay stating the Illowa Investment bid was actually one cent higher, but they are still lower than Brandt Construction Co. On a motion by Howard, second by Kelly, the Board accepted a bid from Illowa Investment for four hot mix asphalt overlay projects for a total cost of $2,247,090.39. Ayes: All. County Engineer Keith White updated the Board on Secondary Road Projects. Kelly asked about a culvert concern from Terry Martin on 41st Street. White stated that when the culvert repairs move that direction in a few weeks, they will take care of that issue. White stated he will go look at the mudslide in Fairport. White stated it is an extremely steep hillside and the water will come down whether the road is there or not and unless the County wants to spend a phenomenal amount of money, it will not be fixable. White stated there are two homes that the road is servicing and the County does monitor that road fairly frequently. White will provide an update after looking at it again. On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, the Board accepted the Muscatine County Civil Department - Sheriff's Office Report of Fees Collected for the quarter ending June 30, 2016 in the amount of $19,771.03. Ayes: All. On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, the Board approved the Muscatine County Recorder's Report of Fees Collected for the quarter ending June 30, 2016 in the amount of $63,110.70. Ayes: All. On a motion by Sauer, second by Kelly, the Board accepted the Muscatine County Treasurer's Report of Fees Collected for the quarter ending June 30, 2016 in the amount of $170,286.49. Ayes: All. On a motion by Sauer, second by Bonebrake, the Board accepted the Muscatine County Auditor's Report of Fees Collected for the quarter ending June 30, 2016 in the amount of $1,673.32. Ayes: All. Discussion was held with County Auditor Leslie Soule regarding the potential purchase of new voting equipment after the 2016 General Election. Soule presented quotes from two vendors for 25 precinct scanners, 25 accessible devices and 1 central count reader as follows: Election Systems & Software, Inc. - $264,825.00; and Unisyn - $327,480.00 (includes rental of a central count reader for the 2016 General Election from ES&S). Soule stated Election Systems & Software, Inc. has satisfactorily provided the County's voting equipment since 1994. Soule stated the County needs to rent a central count reader for the 2016 General Election in order to be able to timely count 12,000 - 15,000 absentee ballots. Soule stated the central count reader she is interested in will not be available until December 2016, but Election Systems & Software, Inc. will rent the County the current model and apply the rental charge to the purchase of the newer model after the 2016 General Election. Soule recommended purchasing the equipment from Election Systems & Software, Inc. On a motion by Howard, second by Kelly, the Board authorized the County Auditor to proceed with the purchase of new voting equipment from Election Systems & Software, Inc. Ayes: All. On a motion by Howard, second by Sauer, the Board authorized the County Auditor to execute a rental agreement for use of a DS850 Central Count device for counting absentee ballots at the 2016 General Election with Election Systems & Software, Inc. in the amount of $30,807.00. Ayes: All. On a motion by Kelly, second by Howard, minutes of the June 27, 2016 regular meeting and June 27, 2016 special meeting were approved as written. Ayes: All. Correspondence: Howard reported three contacts complimenting the quality of Deep Lakes Park. Kelly and Sauer reported a contact from Terry Martin regarding beaver dams in a culvert on 41st Street. Committee Reports: Howard attended a Milestones Area on Aging meeting June 28th. Kelly attended a Muscatine Health Association meeting July 6th. Kelly attended a Seventh Judicial District meeting July 8th. Sorensen attended a Regional Workforce Development meeting June 28th. On a motion by Kelly, second by Bonebrake, the Board approved Resolution #07-11-16-01 Authorizing the Issuance of $6,690,000 General Obligation Urban Renewal Refunding Bonds, Series 2016B and Providing for the Levy of Taxes to Pay the Bonds. Roll call vote: Ayes: All. On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, a public hearing was set for July 25, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. on adopting a proposed Commercial Wind Turbine ordinance. Ayes: All. On a motion by Kelly, second by Sauer, a public hearing was set for August 1, 2016 at 9:00 A.M. on proposed revisions to the Muscatine County Zoning Ordinance to add commercial wind energy conversion systems as a permitted special use in some districts. Ayes: All. On a motion by Howard, second by Bonebrake, a public hearing was set for August 1, 2016 at 9:00 A.M. on proposed revisions to the floodplain ordinance. Ayes: All. The meeting was adjourned at 11:47 A.M. ATTEST: Leslie A. Soule, County Auditor Jeff Sorensen, Chairperson Board of Supervisors Civil #: 16-001227 Special Execution Nationwide Advantage Mortgage Company VS. Shaun D. Martin As a result of the judgment rendered in the above referenced court case, an execution was issued by the court to the Sheriff of this county. The execution ordered the sale of defendant(s) Real Estate Described Below. To satisfy the judgment. The property to be sold is Lot 15, Block 38, of Park Place Addition to the City of Muscatine, in Muscatine County, Iowa. Property Address: 624 Jackson St., Muscatine, Iowa 52761 The described property will be offered for sale at public auction for cash only as follows: Sale Date: 08/23/2016 Sale Time: 9:30 am Place of Sale: Muscatine County Jail Lobby, 400 Walnut Street, Muscatine This sale not subject to redemption. Property exemption: Certain money or property may be exempt. Contact your attorney promptly to review specific provisions of the law and file appropriate notice, if applicable. Judgment Amount: $72,554.32 Costs: $2,201.50 Accruing Costs: Plus Interest: $1,091.22 Sheriffs Fees: Pending Date: 07/07/2016 Attorney: David R. Elkin 315 E. 5th St., Ste. 5 Des Moines, IA 50309 (515)244-3188 C.J. Ryan Muscatine County Sheriff Melissa Hurlbut Civil Deputy Civil #: 16-001325 Special Execution Ditech Financial LLC, VS. Bryan J. McNelly; Parties In Possession; Sara J. McNelly, ET AL. As a result of the judgment rendered in the above referenced court case, an execution was issued by the court to the Sheriff of this county. The execution ordered the sale of defendant(s) Real Estate Described Below. To satisfy the judgment. The property to be sold is Lot 4, of Riverview Addition to the City of Muscatine, Muscatine County, Iowa. More propertly known as: Lot 4, in Riverview Addition to the City of Muscatine, in Muscatine County, Iowa Street Address: 1309 Smalley, Muscatine, IA 52761 Property Address: 1309 Smalley, Muscatine, IA 52761 The described property will be offered for sale at public auction for cash only as follows: Sale Date: 08/30/2016 Sale Time: 9:30 am Place of Sale: Muscatine County Jail Lobby, 400 Walnut Street, Muscatine This sale not subject to redemption. Property exemption: Certain money or property may be exempt. Contact your attorney promptly to review specific provisions of the law and file appropriate notice, if applicable. Judgment Amount: $86,181.47 Costs: $32,249.47 Accruing Costs: Plus Interest: $4,897.00 Sheriffs Fees: Pending Date: 07/15/2016 Attorney: Emily Bartekoske 1401 50th St., Ste. 100 West Des Moines, IA 50266 (515)223-7325 C.J. Ryan Muscatine County Sheriff Melissa Hurlbut Civil Deputy CLEVELAND Its no secret unity has been elusive at the Republican National Convention here. Another sign: An Iowa delegate who has been at the forefront of an effort to find somebody other than Donald Trump to be the GOP presidential nominee is leaving the party. Cecil Stinemetz, of Urbandale, sent an email Thursday morning entitled: Why I walked out and leaving the republican party. Stinemetz accused the party of thuggery in connection with Mondays floor fight over whether to have a vote on the conventions rules. At first there appeared a sufficient number of states asking for a vote for one to proceed. But, a handful of those states withdrew their request, prompting a demonstration. The threats and intimidation from those who want to keep a tight grip on power so that only a few can tell everyone else what to do and what to think and how to vote, he wrote. MUSCATINE, Iowa Tears, excitement, and smiles marked the crowning of Morgan Nichols as the 2016 Muscatine County Fair Queen. The 17-year-old, who will be a senior at West Liberty High School, said she has always looked up to fair queens, and is proud to carry the title. "It just feels amazing," she said. Nichols, Princess Belinda Heckman, and Miss Congeniality Alyssa Anderson were crowned Wednesday evening, the first day of the 2016 fair. Although Nichols said she felt nervous during the competition, she is looking forward to attending fair board meetings. "And I'll be helping to get the word out about the Muscatine County Fair and just being able to represent the fair as well as I can," she said. Her nerves were overshadowed by her excitement about her reign during the fair. "I'm showing pigs on Thursday so I'm excited about that, and I'm excited to hand out all the ribbons that are well-deserved across the county," Nichols said. The contestants answered questions before the Queen, Princess, and Miss Congeniality were announced, and Nichols discussed why she felt fair attendance was important. "I think it's important to attend the fair because there are so many hardworking FFA and 4H members as well as all the community members and the fair board that has been working so hard all year around," she said. All over the fair, Nichols said, is evidence of hard work. "Wherever you look there was so much hard work put into it," she said. Ellen Schlarmann, the Iowa State Fair Queen, acted as one of the judges, and said she has enjoyed visiting different fairs and was happy to be a part of the Muscatine County Fair Queen competition. "This was a wonderful group of girls and Morgan was very very deserving. She is a wonderful girl and many accomplishments so I'm excited for her reign," Schlarmann said. Elyse Buysse, the 2015 Muscatine County Fair Queen, said she is proud to hand the title over to Nichols. "I'm really excited for Morgan, she is a great girl and she's going to do a great job representing our county at the state fair," Buysse said. Nichols' extensive experience during the fair, Buysse said, will help her during her reign as the 2016 queen. "She's been part of so many different aspects of our fair that I know she'll do a really great job," she said. MUSCATINE, Iowa The agenda for this Thursday's Muscatine City Council meeting includes requests for approval of 17 nominees for positions on city boards and commissions submitted by Mayor Diana Broderson. The 7 p.m. session at City Hall will also include a discussion on stripping the mayor of her power to nominate citizens for seats on boards and commissions as well as her ability to fire the police and/or fire chiefs. Councilman Tom Spread first made a request April 21 to research changing the appointment authority for boards and commissions to the city council and the ability to appoint and remove the fire and police chiefs to the city administrator, subject to the approval of the city council. Currently, the mayor holds those appointment and removal powers, subject to the approval of the council. On the agenda for Thursday's meeting is a discussion with the city attorney related to the appointment and removal powers in the city code, and the possible approval of a first reading of an ordinance amending those authorities. The city attorney is also slated to make a presentation regarding an amendment to City Council rules. The appointment and reappointment requests from the mayor are as follows: Request to approve reappointments of Scott Natvig and Stacy Lewis to the Airport Advisory Commission. Request to approve reappointments of Rochelle Conway and James Burr to the Muscatine Art Center Board of Trustees. Request to approve new appointment of Keith Porter to the Board of Water, Electric, and Communications Trustees. Request to approve new appointment of Henry Marquard to the Civil Service Commission. Request to approve reappointments of Robert Bahn, Beth Johnson, and Anthony Loconsole to the Convention and Visitors Board. Request to approve reappointment of Bret Olson to the Library Board of Trustees. Request to approve new appointment of Wendi Ingram to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Request to approve reappointments of Dr. Bradley Bark and Dana Kraft to the Recreation Advisory Commission. Request to approve new appointment of Kraig Reed and reappointment of Tom Curry to the Transportation Advisory Commission. Request to approve new appointments of Robert McFadden and Gary Mowl to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. MUSCATINE, Iowa RAGBRAI riders won't be rolling into Muscatine until Saturday, July 30 but the community will see evidence of the participants yet this week. Riders will have long-term parking available from July 22 to 30 before and during the 450-mile trek across Iowa. Riders were able to register for parking spots in the Muscatine High School parking lot. Greater Muscatine Chamber and Commerce Director of Membership & Marketing Janet Morrow said the registered parking in the MHS parking lot has filled up so riders looking for parking will have to park at Mulberry School or at the Muscatine Community School District administration building parking lot if Mulberry School fills up. Riders looking for long-term parking on Friday, June 22 will be received on a first come basis. The price is $65 for one vehicle, $110 for a vehicle and a trailer or $110 for an over-sized vehicle, such as semis, RVs or buses. Muscatine residents should be prepared for heavy traffic on Cedar Street between the Highway 61 Bypass and Muscatine High School as cyclists park their vehicles. Traffic should be back to normal by late afternoon on Saturday, July 23 as the riders will be leaving for the start location of RAGBRAI, Glenwood, Iowa. About 1,000 vehicles are expected to be parked in Muscatine for the week. Once riders are parked Friday, they can take shuttles from the parking lot on Friday, July 22 during the evening and go to the downtown. The shuttles will drop them off at Ruhl and Ruhl or other areas upon request. The shuttles are free and will leave the Ruhl and Ruhl parking lot every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour. Erika Olzheim (third from left) adopted Callista, a Chinese girl (second from left). Her sister, Andrea De Baar (fourth from left) adopted two boys. They visited the orphanage in Anhui province, where Callista spent her first 18 months.[Zhu Lixin/China Daily] 'Knowing nothing about your past is difficult,' mother says Callista Olzheim spent much of the past 14 years searching for her birthparents, and wondering why they abandoned her. She was adopted by Dutch woman Erika Olzheim when she was 18 months old, and has just concluded another trip to China with her adopted family. "Knowing nothing about your past is difficult", said Erika, 53, who brought Callista to Huainan to search for her birthparents. "I want to know if they are still alive, why they abandoned me and if I have siblings", said Callista, whose younger brother is also adopted and originally from Taiwan. It is believed that Callista was born in Huainan, Anhui province, on Dec 26, 2002, and was abandoned the next day in the city's railway station. After being found, she was sent to the Huainan Children's Welfare Home and spent 18 months at the orphanage until Olzheim adopted her. Though the girl has been living happily in Duiven, the Netherlands, for the past 12 years, a growing curiosity has driven her to seek out her natural parents. On this year's trip, she was joined by Erika's twin sister Andrea De Baar, from Zevenaar, the Netherlands, and two of her sons who were adopted from Harbin, Heilongjiang province, and Yixing, Jiangsu province. The sisters said all available records pointed to the children having been abandoned. In the search for Callista's family, they first tried distributing fliers around the Huainan railway station and then turned to the local police, who took a blood sample from Callista to run a DNA test. It returned no positive results. Before and after the Huainan trip, they had tried similar methods in Harbin and Yixing for 14-year-old Stefan De Baar and 12-year-old Vincent De Baar, with no luck. Callista and Stefan said they were driven mostly by curiosity, not hatred of their birthparents. "You don't know what kind of people they are and you can't really judge," said Stefan. Erika has tried to explain to Callista about China's one-child policy, which was replaced last year by another allowing each couple to have two children. "That might be a possible reason for their abandonment," Erika said. "They might have been poorotherwise, they may have taken good care of me," said Callista. When Erika and her husband decided to adopt Callista, they already had three birth children. The De Baar family also has five children, including their two adopted sons. Erika said they adopted the girl and her younger brother "because we want to have a big family and also give the abandoned kids a chance to live a better life by providing them with a good education and a happy family". During their time in Huainan, the two families made a trip to Callista's old orphanage, which they had visited in 2008 and 2014. This time they could only look in from the outside, as they were not aware of a new regulation, which stipulates that foreigners must first get approval from the provincial government's civil affairs department before visiting children's welfare homes. 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 [] Orange South Africa has released its list of the best-selling products in its store for the second quarter of 2016. The Orange Holiday Europe SIM card saw a large increase in sales, indicating that more consumers were travelling to Europe during the second and/or third quarter of the year and continue to find value in this product, said Orange. Orange said it has started sourcing more products locally to mitigate the effects of the fluctuating rand and ensure its prices remain competitive. Oranges list of its top 10 smartphones for the quarter is shown below. Orange Top 10 Smartphones Rank Q2 2016 1 Google Nexus 5X 2 Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen) 3 Sony Xperia Z3 4 Nokia Lumia 550 5 Google Nexus 6P 6 Sony Xperia Z3 Compact 7 Samsung Galaxy A3 8 Motorola Moto G4 9 Sony Xperia Z5 Compact 10 Samsung Galaxy S7 More Orange and smartphone news New Orange ADSL ISP for South Africa heres the plan Our best-selling Sony smartphone has a lot of issues: Orange South Africa iPhone users beg Apple not to use camera-jamming tech How easy it is to fix your smartphone: iPhone 6s vs Galaxy S7 US authorities have arrested the founder of KickassTorrents, the worlds largest torrent site, according to a report by Ars Technica. Artem Vaulin of Ukraine has been charged with copyright infringement and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Vaulin was arrested on Wednesday in Poland, according to the report, with the US seeking his extradition. Vaulin is charged with running todays most visited illegal file-sharing website, responsible for unlawfully distributing well over $1 billion of copyrighted materials, said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell. Vaulin relied on servers in several countries for his site to run and moved his domains due to repeated seizures and civil lawsuits. The report stated that KATs annual advertising revenue was more than $16 million per year as of 2016. Domains seized According to a report by TorrentFreak, a federal court in Chicago has ordered the seizure of several KAT domain names. At the time of writing, the primary .cr domain was unresponsive when visited. KATs .com and .tv domains are expected to be seized soon by Verisign. For the main .cr domain and several others, seizure warrants will be sent to the respective authorities under the MLAT treaty, stated the report. The sites status page was also not responding at the time of writing. More on torrenting Google does not have to hide torrent search results NBC wants to track BitTorrent pirates in real time Hurricane Electric has expanded into Africa with the launch of a new point of presence in Teraco in Johannesburg. The PoP will meet the growing demand for high-speed connectivity in Southern Africas emerging economies, said the company. Hurricane Electric said it is the worlds largest IPv6-native Internet backbone. With the launch of this latest PoP, networks and Internet service providers will now have the opportunity to peer with Hurricane Electrics robust global network via Africas largest Internet exchange point, NAPAfrica, it said. The PoP will also provide local businesses with access to the companys IPv4 and IPv6 network through 100 Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports. In addition, clients will enjoy improved fault tolerance, load balancing, and congestion management infrastructure capabilities in the delivery of next-generation IP services. More on Teraco Teraco building Africas biggest data centre Over 800 Uber partner drivers have not collected City of Cape Town letters which would almost guarantee these operators a path to legal licensing. The legality of Uber is under the spotlight yet again in Cape Town after Fin24 reported this week that traffic police have impounded over 300 cars connected to the service in 2016 so far. This figure already outstrips the 255 Uber cars that Cape Town police impounded between January and November 2015. Amid last years impounds, the City of Cape Town agreed to offer letters of support to Uber drivers to help them with receiving licences from Western Cape provincial department officials. Subsequently, the city, after vetting partner driver applications, said it signed letters of support for 1 035 Uber drivers these letters almost serve as guarantees to get licences from the province. But only 210 out of 1 035 Uber applicants have collected these letters and received licences from the province, meaning the majority of partner drivers operate illegally in Cape Town. Obviously I cant explain why they didnt didnt pursue their applications, Brett Herron, City of Cape Town mayoral committee member for transport, told Fin24. Were not nannies. Were not going to follow up with everybody to say why didnt you do it, said Herron. Herron further said that he feels frustrated with Uber partner drivers non-collection of letters that would help them with licensing. I do feel disappointed and frustrated, Herron told Fin24. You know, I was engaging with Uber management in middle of 2014. By the end of 2014, beginning of 2015 we had carved a path for them to operate lawfully almost ahead of where national department of transport was. We identified that they should have metered taxi operating permits, that we could look at e-hailing as a standard in the market. We found a way that made sense and that we led and we implemented it. Between Uber and their operators, theyve really let us down in continuing to operate unlawfully, many of them, despite a path that we paved for them, Herron added. But Uber has said that bottlenecks on the City of Cape Towns side are key reasons for why its drivers havent collected their letters of support. TCT (Transport for Cape Town) for months was not able to produce Uber with a database detailing which operators had not collected their letters of support, Alon Lits, general manager of Uber Sub-Saharan Africa, told Fin24. Neither was it able to provide feedback on which documents were missing in the instance of applications under consideration. This meant that neither ourselves or the operators were aware of the requisite next steps. While we understand the administrative burdens placed on TCT, any attempts by ourselves to unlock bottlenecks in working with TCT have been delayed, largely due to a lack of response, Lits added. Ubers problematic cash option Moreover, Ubers move to switch on cash payments in South Africa this year has also frustrated Herron. On May 26, Uber switched on its cash payments option in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth. But the agreement between Uber and the City of Cape Town was based on the internet service differentiating itself by being an e-hailing offering that accepts credit cards, said Herron. Seeing as many meter taxis already service the cash market, Uber has to again convince the city that there is an additional demand that warrents the extra supply for cabs that accept cash. When we agreed with them (Uber) that they were creating a new market of users, part of that was on the basis that it was electronic hailing, but the other part was that it was a cash-free system and that people would use credit cards to pay, said Herron. And so the switch to including cash at least I believe is in breach of what our agreement was. And as I understand it, the conditions that we imposed on the licences, when we agreed to support them, was that it would be a cash-free system, Herron said. But Ubers Alon Lits has also challenged this claim by Herron. We have additionally sought legal counsel on the matter and are advised that no condition has in fact been violated, despite comments that a violation has occurred, Lits told Fin24. Despite requests we still have not been advised as to which condition have we allegedly violated, said Lits. Lits further said that there is a long standing prevalence of multiple payment options in the industry without stipulation in the OL (operating licence) conditions. A cash payment option only serves to increase convenience for Cape Town riders. It has a zero impact on targeted crime, and gives a large percentage of the community who do not have access to credit cards an option to move around safely and reliably, said Lits. Letters to be reissued Herron further said that he expressed his frustrations, regarding uncollected letters and the services newly introduced cash option, with Ubers management team last week. The two parties, in the meantime, are set to attempt to address at least the issue of non-collection of letters of support. In my meeting with Uber last week, with the management, they are going to assist us with processing, with getting us to reach this 1 035 that were already agreed to and as quickly as possible, Herron told Fin24. I think whats going to happen is those people who have now not followed through with their applications, were going to scrap and were going to allow a new batch of people to take up that 1 035 licences, Herron said. Despite its problems with local regulators, demand for Uber has exploded since it launched in South Africa in 2013. Over 4 000 Uber driver partners have signed up with the service while the company says it has moved over half a million passengers since launching in the country. Uber does not employ its drivers but rather partners with them on a revenue sharing model. Ubers growth in South Africa, though, has sparked clashes with meter taxi drivers in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban in the last few years amid allegations that the internet service represents unfair competition. Fin24 More on Uber Uber clampdown in South Africa 300 cars impounded Uber safety tips Card skimming is a problem in South Africa, with debit and credit card users scammed out of money thanks to advanced software and hardware used by criminals. Waiters and bar staff at restaurants are often perpetrators of card fraud, and in some cases are recruited by syndicates and supplied with the means to steal customers money. The card fraud perpetrators provide business staff with handheld skimming devices and reward them for skimming customers cards, states The Banking Association of South Africa. If you visit a restaurant or bar and are concerned about card skimming fraud, this is what you need to watch out for. Shoulder surfing and thermal technology When entering your PIN into a point-of-sale device, make sure the keypad is covered and not visible to others. Waiters or bar staff may shoulder surf their victims, watching them enter their PIN. Armed with a smartphone and a thermal imaging attachment, criminals can also steal your PIN using thermal technology. Because you leave behind a thermal signature when you press buttons on a keypad, criminals can use a smartphone with a FLIR ONE thermal imaging attachment to figure out your PIN. As there is a time lapse between the time you press the first and last buttons, it is easy to figure out what your PIN is. To combat this, touch all the buttons on the keypad after entering your PIN. The victims card is often stolen or cloned during the transaction or at a later time in combination with the above. Dropping or cleaning the card Watch out for a waiter who drops you card, leaves the table with your card, or states that your card needs cleaning. Card skimming devices can be hidden under an apron or on a waiters ankle, and only require one swipe to store card details. A waiter may drop your card at the table, and swipe it on a device attached to their ankle, or clean the cards strip by wiping it on the inside of their apron skimming it at the same time. Also ensure that the waiter does not leave the table with your card to fetch a new card machine, as they will have ample time to skim it. These tricks are used in combination with shoulder surfing. The broken card machine This card machine is not working so I am just going to get another one quickly. This is a line patrons must listen out for. Waiters may have a point-of-sale device which has card cloning software loaded onto it. You swipe your card and enter you PIN like you would on a normal card machine, but this device records and stores all your information. When you are done, the waiter claims the machine is broken, and fetches the restaurants legitimate POS device to settle your bill. Using fake point-of-sale devices Handheld skimming devices often resemble real POS devices, with only small differences noticeable. First Calgary Financial has advice for spotting the difference: if you cannot insert your chip card with your thumb pointed at the device and have your thumb remain fully on your card, do not enter your PIN. How to spot a card skimmer at a restaurant The graphic below shows you how to spot a point-of-sale card skimming device. Tips to avoid becoming a victim If you suspect a card machine is fake or being used suspiciously, demand to inspect it and call a manager to verify it is legitimate. Never let your credit or debit card out of your sight. Cover the keypad when entering a PIN. Inspect all slips from POS devices, even after failed transactions. Sign up for SMS notifications from your bank, and regularly check your bank statement. Check your card after every transaction ensure it is the correct card. Touch, but do not press, other keys on a keypad when entering a PIN, as criminals may have access to thermal technology. Use cash if you feel uncertain about the POS device or establishment. More on security Pokemon Go taken down by hackers How to stay anonymous online The Oculus Rift launched on 28 March, with a bundled package containing the headset, tracking sensor, remote, cabled, Xbox One controller, and Luckys Tale selling for $599. However, Oculus does not ship directly to South Africa. This did not stop the head of cloud solutions at Jurumani, Niel Malan, from getting his headset, though. Malan explained that so long as he provided a US shipping address, Oculus was happy to accept his PayPal account which was linked to a South African credit card. Services like MyUS and NYBox can provide you with a parcel forwarding service with an address based in the United States. Once the package arrives in South Africa, the courier will typically send a bill for customs clearance. At the very least you will be charged VAT. Depending on the type of goods, you may also be charged ad valorem and other duties. Malan said he only had to pay VAT on the Oculus Rift. The steps and costs involved to order your own Oculus Rift from South Africa are summarised below. Conversions were done at a rate of R14.26 per dollar. Sign up for a parcel forwarding service Total cost: $0 (R0) Malan used MyUS, and I have used NYBox in the past. Both services have free tiers available, and MyUS offers a free trial of its premium subscription service which offers cheaper courier fees. NYBox lets you either ship to New York, or Delaware. While shipping to Delaware might take a bit longer, it also enjoys 0% sales tax. Place your order on Oculus.com Register and place your order on the Oculus website. Using a Delaware address from NYBox, I was quoted $30 extra for shipping, for a total of $629. Pay for your parcel to be forwarded According to reports, the Oculus Rift box weighs 3.07kg. Using the MyUS shipping calculator, we got the following estimates for shipping prices: MyUS Shipping Partner Average transit time MyUS Basic MyUS Premium DHL Express 1 4 business days R1,768.29 R1,473.60 FedEx Economy 5 10 business days R1,824.50 R1,520.49 FedEx Priority 1 4 business days R1,875.27 R1,562.80 UPS Expedited 2 8 business days R1,846.30 R1,538.70 UPS Worldwide Saver 1 4 business days R2,022.97 R1,685.84 NYBox also offers a number of different carriers, and also has a premium membership programme. NYBox shipping Average transit time NYBox Standard NYBox Premium DHL 2-5 days R2,513 ($176.21) R2,106 ($147.71) Aramex 4-7 days R867 ($60.78) R693.32 ($48.62) UPS Saver 5-10 days R1,872 ($131.31) R1,657 ($116.21) Pay your customs bill Once your item arrives in South Africa, your courier should send you a customs clearance bill. Malan used DHL though MyUS and was only charged VAT on the import, which came to R1,355. If no ad valorem or other duties are applicable, then VAT on imports from the United States is calculated at the items value with a 10% added tax value markup. After youve paid your taxes, your goods will be released, and the courier will deliver it to you. Total cost: an example calculation There are five basic costs to keep in mind when importing goods from the United States: exchange rate, US sales taxes, US shipping, international shipping, and South African taxes. Assuming we import an Oculus Rift using Aramex on NYBox, this is what the total cost might look like: Item Price Converted Oculus Rift $599 R8,542 Delaware sales tax $0 R0 Shipping to Delaware $30 R428 Shipping to SA (NYBox, Aramex) $61 R867 Taxes in SA R1,315 Total R11,152 More on Oculus The best VR headsets in South Africa and where to buy them Take a look inside the Oculus Rift 30 games will be available for the Oculus Rift launch Oculus Rift vs PlayStation VR Price, Specifications There comes a time where companies try a little too hard to create something that does not do very well. We have seen this in the past with hardware and gadgets which are meant to change the world, but instead become bargain bin items dust collectors. Here are some tech innovations in gaming, that should have stayed at the drawing board. PlayStation Vita The year is 2011, and Sony have been hard at work on their latest and greatest creation, the new PlayStation Portable successor. This however was not the PSP 2 as everyone hoped for, but rather something completely new, called the PlayStation Vita. Hype was built around the launch of the handheld which took place worldwide in February 2012, but soon after its release, things all went silent. Sure this could have been part due to the fact that the PS4 released a year after this handheld, or the fact the fact that Sony had zero games in development for the device. Every E3 or major gaming event that took place over the months following the release of the PS Vita was accompanied by indie game announcements and very little substance. Keep in mind that most of these indie games have still not released on the handheld. Sony even went as far as to try and merge the portable gaming platform with the TV when they revealed the PlayStation TV. This however did not go down as well as they hoped, with sales dropping faster than ever. It wasnt until E3 2015, that we could officially call the device dead. The event brought no new games to the platform at all, and Sony completely ignored it by leaving it out of their lineup. We will most likely never see another portable gaming device from Sony, but if we do, I can only hope that it does everything differently to what the PS Vita did. Xbox Kinect Microsoft first announced the Kinect in 2009, when the company showed off some really snazzy tech demos. The hardware was well-received and looked promising, as the Milo demo and some well-scripted and over-rehearsed lounge setups showed the power of the hardware. Unfortunately, the device slowly lost its momentum, as more games relied on gimmicks and dancing around like a lunatic rather than any actual game scenarios. Sure, we could chat to the Kinect about Mass Effect dialogue options, but that was about it. As the Xbox 360s older brother, the Xbox One entered the market, Microsoft decided to give the motion capturing device another go, one which forced gamers into the steep purchase, as it was bundled with every Xbox One console for two year of its release. Yes, if you bought an Xbox One in its first two years, then you would be paying for the Kinect. This was a move by Microsoft to try and push the hardware, as the Xbox One could not function without it at all. As more games used the hardware less, and more gamers cared less about shouting at their TV, Microsoft saw that this was not going to work and decided to scrap the mandatory Kinect option from the console. To make matters worse, Microsoft have now developed the Xbox One S, without a Kinect port. This means that if you want to use it, or have an existing Kinect camera, you would need to buy an adapter to use it. I think we can officially call the Kinect dead in the water, no? PlayStation Move Nintendo had the Wii nailed down. Its motion controllers and awesome active games made the console and its experience unique and worthwhile. Enter the PlayStation Move. It seemed that after the success of the Wii, both Microsoft and Sony wanted a piece of that action. The PlayStation Move was introduced to bridge the gap between the Wiis flick of the wrist, and the Kinects controller-less gaming. Sony came up with a pretty great controller indeed, the PlayStation Move tracked light and motion, which gave it the advantage over the Wii. Unfortunately, you need to have the software to back the hardware, and Sony did not. With only a handful of titles available when the hardware launched in 2010, gamers felt that taking the dive into the hardware would be risky. Sony had some great games like Sport Champions and Sorcery, but they were not enough to push people to buy the hardware. Many game also received updates to enable PlayStation Move play, but again, nothing. Sony might be utilizing the PlayStation Move with their upcoming PlayStation VR, but I have a feeling that it will be phased out for the DualShock 4 instead. Nintendo Wii U Before everyone sends me death threats, hear me out. Nintendos latest console, in all right compared to its previous hardware, was an epic fail. The Wii U was announced at E3 2011, where the gaming giant revealed the successor to the Wii, and entire new console. The problem here is that no one knew what the Wii U was. Was it a new controller? Which the company advertised the hardware as at E3, or was it a new piece of hardware for the Wii? No one knew for sure as Nintendo was not very clear when it came to explaining the new console. Then we come to the price point as the console released as the most expensive Nintendo console on the market. Nintendo had very little third-party games to help back up their Wii U library, and even its launch day first party lineup was the worst the company had experienced in generations. The console however, did very well during its first year, until 2013 where the PS4 and Xbox One were revealed. Coming in at around the same price point as the Wii U, which has not until this day received a price drop, gamers opted for a next generation console rather than the dated Nintendo product. Nintendo did very little to make the console look appealing, as their only releases, being first-party, suffered delay after delay. As of March 2016, Nintendo only sold 12.6 million units of the Wii U in 4 years. Comparing this to the massive success of the Wii, which hit 100 million this is a terrible failure. Have you fallen victim to any of these hardware fails? Let us know in the comments and forum. More Gaming News How to get cheap iPhones and cheap iPhone repairs in South Africa How soon fibre can overtake ADSL in South Africa Fallout Shelter is coming to PC this week WASHINGTON Alarm and condemnation erupted Thursday from European capitals, the White House and leaders of Donald Trumps own party after the Republican presidential nominee suggested the United States might abandon its NATO military commitments if he were elected president. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who backed Trump at the partys national convention only two days earlier, said he totally disagreed with the statement but was willing to chalk it up to a rookie mistake. McConnell called NATO the most successful military alliance in the history of the world, in a Facebook interview with The New York Times. In Brussels, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance agreement was crystal clear: We defend each other. I will not interfere in the U.S. election campaign, Stoltenberg said. But he pointedly added, Two world wars have shown that peace in Europe is also important for the security of the United States. White House spokesman Josh Earnest noted that every president since World War II, Republican and Democratic, has supported the NATO agreement. The cornerstone of that alliance is the pledge that all of the allies have made to mutual self-defense, the White House spokesman said. The U.S. commitment to that pledge is ironclad. Indeed, Trumps suggestion, in an interview with the Times, would upend decades of American foreign policy and rock the security structures that have underpinned European and global stability since the end of World War II. Trump said in the Times interview that he would review allies financial contributions in this case, those from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania before acting under NATOs mutual defense clause, if any of the countries were attacked by Russia. Various U.S. administrations have complained, often bitterly, that many NATO members do not foot their share of the alliances bills. The U.S. accounts for more than 70 percent of all NATO defense spending and only four other allies Britain, Estonia, Greece and Poland meet the minimum 2 percent of gross domestic product spending on defense that NATO requires. But Trumps floating of the idea that the spending target would be a prerequisite for the U.S. to defend a NATO ally was an abrupt break from longstanding American policy. Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves tweeted that his country was one of the few to meet the minimum defense expenditure and noted pointedly that Estonia fought, with no caveats on behalf of the U.S. in Afghanistan. The only time the treatys mutual defense clause has been invoked was in 2002, when NATO surveillance planes patrolled American skies and deployed a third of the troops sent to Afghanistan for a decade. More than 1,000 non-American troops died in Afghanistan. Ilves fellow Eastern European leaders sought to calm the furor. Regardless of who will be the president of America, we will trust in America, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite told reporters in Vilnius. Yet, people throughout Eastern Europe expressed deep concern. Fears of Russian aggression have run high since it annexed the Ukrainian region of Crimea. His words were irresponsible and they inspired fear in me. Im worried about the worlds future, about Polands future, said 39-year-old schoolteacher Lidia Zagorowska in Warsaw, Poland. If I were a U.S. citizen, I would never, ever vote for Trump. Let that be my answer, said Katarzyna Woznicka, 54, walking her dog in downtown Warsaw. Back in the United States, criticism, including some from Trumps fellow Republicans, was blistering. My hope is that if Donald is elected president, we can convince him to change his mind on it, said Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a former primary opponent who now supports Trump. A bitter foe within Trumps own party, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, said: Im 100 percent certain how Russian President (Vladimir) Putin feels hes a very happy man. Some Republicans opposed to Trump have, indeed, sought to cast him as pro-Putin, a position that would put him at odds with both Republican and Democratic foreign policy and also diverge from the current GOP party platform adopted at the convention. Trump supporters succeeded in preventing a reference to arming Ukraine from getting into this years platform, but the manifesto itself is demonstrably not pro-Russia. It accuses current officials in the Kremlin of eroding the personal liberty and fundamental rights of the Russian people. We will meet the return of Russian belligerence with the same resolve that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Republican platform says. We will not accept any territorial change in Eastern Europe imposed by force, in Ukraine, Georgia, or elsewhere, and will use all appropriate constitutional measures to bring to justice the practitioners of aggression and assassination. A San Francisco-based summer program for low-income kids has come to Napa for the first time, bringing with it academics and fun activities, as well as the opportunity for young people to explore serious personal issues. Aim High has been running a five-week summer school at Silverado Middle School for 80 middle-school students from Napa and American Canyon, all at no cost to their families. The free program, which began June 27, was made possible by grants from the Napa Valley Vintners, S. H. Cowell Foundation and others. Having established summer opportunities for students throughout the Bay Area and beyond over the past 30 years, Aim Highs leaders decided to set up in Napa this summer for sixth and seventh graders. Theres just a big need here, said Alec Lee, Aim Highs executive director. The summer in California is a pretty barren landscape [for summer school] so we thought wed be able to do good work [here]. The Napa Valley Unified School District stopped offering traditional summer school last decade as a result of budget cuts. That decision has left many parents struggling to find ways to keep their kids active and learning from June to August. Aim High, which was founded in 1986 at Lick Wilmerding High School in San Francisco and now has 17 summer campuses stretching from Oakland to Marin to even Lake Tahoe, is geared toward students from families that cant afford the thousands of dollars required for summer programs. Were a tuition-free program, said Lee, who added, It costs about $2,000 a kid to go through Aim High. In addition to parents income criteria, Lee said Aim High looks for middle-school kids who show the potential to be the first in their families to attend two- and four-year colleges. The inaugural effort in Napa has about 90 percent Hispanic kids, many of whom are English learners. Many parents expressed satisfaction with the program last Wednesday night, when Aim High held an open house at Silverado Middle School. Its a great program that Napa needed, said Fabiola Rodriguez, a mother of two boys, one of whom is attending Aim High. We need more like this since we havent had summer school in a very, very long time. The summer is two months out of the school year, a long time to be without the refreshing of what theyve learned, said Rodriguez. Its definitely a time where if we dont have this kind of program, the kids can definitely lose that knowledge. She also expressed appreciation for Aim High being a free program. I cant afford a regular camp, she said. Its very expensive. Rodriguez and other parents said they like Aim Highs balance between academics and fun for their children. The weekday program consists of 45-minute courses in the morning, followed by afternoon activities that range from cooking to martial arts to Zumba and more. They also take weekly field trips, some of which have been to Skyline Park and San Franciscos Exploratorium. During the academic section, students rotate among four classes that cover math, science, humanities and something called Issues and Choices. Thats a cool, really important part of what we do at Aim High, Lee said of Issues and Choices. Claire Monfort of American Canyon, who teaches the class, called Issues and Choices one of the rare classes they will ever have in their lives. The class addresses everyday issues for students that include bullying, sexual identity, substance and alcohol abuse, and other tough subjects. In Issues and Choices we present these to them and say, How do you start to identify? Maybe you find yourself attracted to another boy and youre a boy. Maybe you find yourself attracted to a girl and youre a girl. Maybe youve been in the wrong body all these years and you dont know what to do, said Monfort, who works as a counselor and substitute teacher for NVUSD during the school year. Monfort said she asks open-ended questions in Issues and Choices, and the students reveal very powerful stuff. She also acknowledged that students or parents sometimes are not comfortable with the subject matter. I am very conscious about religious backgrounds so I preface every subject before I teach it, said Monfort, who tells her class: If you are uncomfortable at any point with it, I fully respect your feelings and you are allowed to leave the classroom. I am not here to embarrass or humiliate or make someone uncomfortable, she added. What I am trying to get here is, You will feel empowered. That you will start asking questions, questions that you may not feel comfortable asking mom and dad or whomever you live with. What she strives for, according to Monfort, is to give students tools to make good choices. Parent Michelle Montgomery of Napa said she likes the curriculum her daughter is getting at Aim High. They let them think for themselves, said Montgomery. Its more mature and its more advanced, I believe. She said she has no problem with the topics being covered in Issues and Choices, or in Humanities, where the kids have tackled stereotypes. Its better theyre prepared for what life has to bring, said Montgomery. Humanities teacher Theresa Montgomery (no relation) said the theme of the summer has been identity and focusing on the complexity of what that means and all the stereotypes that go into it. One of the stereotypes theyve focused on her in class, which is comprised largely of Hispanic kids, is what it means to be from Napa, based on common assumptions. When you think of Napa, you think of wine and tourism and people coming in, she said. You often dont think of, for lack of a better word, the people who pick the grapes. The instructor said her aim is validating their experiences, and saying you can have a voice in the community. Michelle Montgomerys daughter, Kennedy, said shes enjoyed all aspects of the summer program. We learn about all different kinds of things, and its not like normal school, said Kennedy, who will attend seventh grade in the fall at Silverado. We have fun, and then we get really serious. Its a really good balance. I like it. Aim High plans to return to Napa next summer and for years to come. That would be good news to parent Pellie Smith of American Canyon. Her son, Tristan, is attending this years program. Some of Smiths older children attended Aim High programs in San Francisco when they lived in the city. It was a good program back then, said Smith. When I found out about this [in Napa], of course I jumped in. They teach them to be positive, to be respectful and teach them to look forward to their future, Smith added. Im looking forward to coming back next year. Three adults suspected of kidnapping a man in San Francisco and holding him in a home in Napa last December will be tried for attempted murder in Napa County Superior Court. The investigation led to the lockdown of nearby Pueblo Vista Elementary School. The suspects Luis Angel Campos, 30, Miguel Morales Santiago, 28, and Gabriela Marron, 22 were arrested after the man they allegedly kidnapped escaped and reported the incident to San Francisco Police on Dec. 3. Santiago was picked up by federal law enforcement after being treated at Queen of the Valley Medical Center for a gunshot wound, which investigators said was caused by the victim during his escape. Marron was taken into custody that morning after leaving her residence on the 1100 block of Shetler Avenue. Later that night, investigators found Campos at an apartment on Carolina Street in Vallejo, where officers also reported finding two semi-automatic handguns, at least one of which they believed was involved with the kidnapping. They are currently being held without bail. Judge J. Michael Byrne ordered that Campos, Santiago and Marron stand trial on the district attorneys charges of attempted murder, kidnapping for ransom, assault with a firearm, dissuading a witness by force or threat, and false imprisonment by violence following a preliminary hearing that ended on July 14. During the hearing, Napa Police Det. Curtis Madrigal testified that he interviewed the alleged victim, who had been in a romantic relationship with Marron for about four years, during the investigation. The man, who had blood on his clothes and fingers, claimed that his girlfriend, identified as Marron, was trying to prevent him from testifying in a case against her in Contra Costa County, Madrigal said. Marron was facing jail time for stabbing the victim in the leg a year earlier, he said. Madrigal said that the man had showed up to the first few court dates but not the following two because he thought it was a waste of time and because Marron had asked him not to go. He said that he didnt want to get her in trouble, Madrigal told the court. But when an arrest warrant was issued against him if he didnt appear in court on Dec. 2, the victim told Marron that he was going to show up because he didnt want to get arrested, Madrigal said. Marron and the victim made a plan to go to court together, he said. The victim was picked up the night before by Marron, Campos and another man, later identified as Santiago, Madrigal said. Although he entered the vehicle willingly, the victim began thinking he was getting set up during the car ride from San Francisco to Napa, Madrigal said. The four of them pulled up to Campos house on the 1600 block of Mary C Drive, a pocket of unincorporated Napa County, and hung out in one of the bedrooms for about 10 minutes before Campos and Santiago began threatening him, Madrigal said. While the victim was sitting on the bed, Santiago reportedly pulled two handguns out of his sweatshirt and pointed them at him, Madrigal said. Madrigal said that the victim reported being called a snitch by Santiago, who also threatened to shoot and bury him. Marron told the men not to go easy on him, Madrigal said. Campos struck the victims face and Santiago jumped on the bed, striking him in the back of the head, he said. Luis said that he would have her (Marrons) back to the fullest, Madrigal told the court. He (the victim) was afraid that they were going to kill him. Police reported in December that the alleged victim said that Santiago had attempted to shoot him, but missed, which led to a struggle. The alleged victim managed to shoot Santiago with his own gun before fleeing the house and calling a friend to come pick him up, police said. Campos, Santiago and Marron have been ordered to appear at the next hearing, which is scheduled for Aug. 3. CLEVELAND A day after being booed off the Republican National Convention stage, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz stubbornly defended his refusal to endorse Donald Trump, insisting he is not a "servile puppy dog" who would back anyone who personally attacks his family. The blatant sign of GOP disunity angered some GOP delegates, former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, the Trump campaign and members of the nominee's family. Trump's son Eric called it "classless." Even members of Cruz's own Texas delegation confronted him at an appearance, with one voter shouting at the senator: "Get over it; this is politics!" Trump had repeatedly mocked Cruz throughout the campaign as "Lyin' Ted," disparaged the appearance of Cruz's wife, Heidi, and insinuated that Cruz's father had indirect links to John F. Kennedy's assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald. Speaking to a passionate but divided Texas delegation, Cruz said the unconditional support for the GOP nominee that he had promised earlier this year disappeared "the day this became personal." "I'm not going to get into criticizing or attacking Donald Trump, but I'll give you this response: I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father," he said. "And that pledge was not a blanket commitment that, if you go and slander and attack Heidi, that I'm going to nonetheless come like a servile puppy dog and say thank you very much for maligning my wife and my father," he added. Cruz tried to link arms with Republicans at the party's national convention Wednesday but was booed lustily by delegates when he ended his speech without offering Trump his endorsement or even saying he would vote for the New York billionaire. Cruz's actions drew condemnation from Republicans, who questioned whether the senator had torpedoed his political future. His stand, however, could prove prescient depending on the outcome of the November election and the reaction of grass-roots GOP voters. "He went back on his word to support the nominee. Your word, in politics, has to be your bond. He's politically dead," said B.J. Van Gundy, a longtime GOP activist in Georgia. After Wednesday night, Cruz re-emerged Thursday morning to bring the Texas delegation to its feet at a downtown Cleveland hotel ballroom when he said he could have "turned tail and run, but that ain't going to happen." And yet some in the Texas delegation, a majority of whom supported Cruz, angrily challenged the senator to publicly get behind Trump. Soraya Zamora, a south Texas delegate, stood and pleaded with Cruz to rally behind Trump, pointing to his pledge to back the eventual nominee. "I know that many things were said during the campaign, ugly things," Zamora said. "However, I have to say it's not about Donald Trump. It's not even about Hillary Clinton. It's about the United States of America." The sense of passionate conflict among Texans Thursday was a microcosm of the friction on the convention floor Wednesday night. Yet Cruz and his aides said he had submitted his speech to the Trump campaign for review in advance, and argued they knew it included no endorsement. Cruz told his fellow Texans Thursday that, aside from overcoming the family attacks, he needed to see more from Trump's policy agenda to sway him to vote for his former rival. The candidate has provided relatively few, and thin, policy proposals. Reaction to Cruz was swift. Former House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, who had compared Cruz to the devil, responded by remarking: "Lucifer is back," his spokesman said on Twitter. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who had endorsed Trump, said in a Breitbart interview that Cruz's move was a career-ender. Although Trump tried to publicly brush off the struggle to win Cruz's support, senior Trump adviser Paul Manafort went at Cruz's pro-Constitution profile. "Sen. Cruz, a strict constitutionalist, chose not to accept the strict terms of the pledge that he signed," Manafort told reporters. "So as far as the contract was concerned, he was the one in violation, not anybody else." On Wednesday night, more than 2,000 delegates at the Quicken Loans Arena waited for Cruz to say something anything kind about Trump, but he demurred. "And to those listening, please, don't stay home in November," Cruz said. "Stand and speak, and vote your conscience. Vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution." The delegates responded with angry boos, and Cruz backer and former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli escorted Heidi Cruz off the convention floor as she was heckled by Trump delegates. Associated Press writers Vivian Salama and Sam Hananel contributed to this report from Washington. I lost my wallet in downtown St. Helena Monday afternoon. I had bought a book at Lizas Main Street Books and then walked to Dolci restaurant. At this point, I realized my wallet was missing. I retraced my steps but couldnt find my wallet. I called the St. Helena Police Department and gave them my telephone number in case anyone turned in my wallet. I then said the St. Anthony prayer for lost things. As soon as I finished the prayer the telephone rang. The St. Helena police dispatcher told me my wallet had been found. The woman who works at Kokopelli Gallery had found my wallet outside the store. What an instant answer to prayer. Carole Parr St. Helena FRESNO Police in Central California say a series of arrests they made has wiped out a motorcycle gang that trafficked drugs. Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer told the Fresno Bee on Tuesday that officers also arrested key leaders in a second street gang during a day-long sweep. Authorities made a total of 17 arrests, while seizing 45 guns and 80 pounds of methamphetamine. Dyer says the sweep is an example of the city's new strategy to fighting violent street crime by targeting the leaders of the worst gangs. Fresno police teamed up with state and federal agencies in Tuesday's action, starting early in the morning. Authorities say they executing 14 search warrants in Fresno. They also searched cells at the county jail and at a nearby federal prison. Residents of Moldova asked not to go out into street in dark Lebanon, Israel sign deal on maritime border demarcation Spanish prime minister twice mistakes Kenya for Senegal during his speech Peskov: CSTO meeting to be held before Armenia-Azerbaijan-Russia summit Putin says he is ready to negotiate with Ukraine Putin compares Indian Prime Minister Modi to icebreaker Putin warns Seoul about risk of ruining relations with Russia by supplying weapons to Ukraine Interpol Secretary General visits Armenia Putin: Russia will not abandon the historical legacy of the USSR and the Russian Tsarist Empire Putin sees no point in nuclear strike on Ukraine Olaf Scholz says solution can be found to curb speculative spikes in gas prices Putin calls Russians and Ukrainians one people who find themselves in different states Putin: We proposed Armenia give 5 districts Putin: Washington version provides for recognition of Azerbaijan's sovereignty over whole Karabakh Putin calls Erdogan consistent and reliable partner, although not easy one Italy plans to double national gas production to 6 billion cubic meters a year Putin: The West, as a minority, has no right to impose values on the world Putin: As long as nuclear weapons exist, there is always a danger of their use Putin outraged by US assassination of General Soleimani: What is this all about? FM Abdollahian: Iran will not allow its interests to become plaything of terrorists Mirzoyan and Lavrov discuss preparations for CSTO Collective Security Council Putin proposes to discuss changing structure of UN and UN Security Council Pashinyan's wife accompanied in Tavush by mothers of servicemen who died in first and last days of war Shell reports almost $9.5 billion in profits Putin calls on West not to shift blame on intrigues of Kremlin Hungarian PM expresses readiness to buy electricity from Azerbaijan via Georgia Newsweek: The biggest foreign threat to the U.S. is not Russia or China. It's the EU Putin: In recent years, West has taken steps to exacerbate situation in world Armenian Defense Minister and French delegation discuss possibilities of developing defense cooperation Australia to send 70 soldiers to UK to help train Ukrainian troops Scholz condemns Turkey's stance questioning Greek sovereignty Armenian Defense Ministry: Azerbaijan hands over 10 bodies of killed servicemen to Armenian side Dollar, euro lose value in Armenia Turkish Central Bank raises inflation forecast for the end of 2022 to 65.2% U.S. State Department official visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex in Yerevan Prime Minister Pashinyan sends letter of condolence to Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi Secretary of Armenian Security Council and representatives of French Ministry of Defense discuss cooperation prospects Israel and Turkey to resume defense cooperation Scholz says solidarity is the only way to deal with the energy crisis Israeli and Turkish defense ministers meet in Ankara Turkey to rewrite inflation forecasts again after rate cut Azerbaijan does not want checkpoint on border with Armenia, it wants only 'corridor' Putin plans to attend meeting of CSTO leaders CSTO special session to be held Friday, assistance to Armenia to be discussed Estonia urges Rishi Sunak to increase UK defense spending Moscow perplexed by information about ban to enter Armenia for Konstantin Zatulin and Margarita Simonyan Armenia PM honors October 27, 1999 parliament tragedy victims U.S. and Western officials finalize plans to limit Russian oil prices EU seeks Armenia-Azerbaijan peace for its own energy interests? World economy is approaching recession US Armenians demand Senate member candidate Mehmet Oz to stop his Armenian Genocide denial Azerbaijan president, Russia deputy PM discuss prospects for unblocking South Caucasus communications Armenia opposition MP: Azerbaijan attempting to fulfill much bigger task with its attacks of aggression Armenia opposition pledges to become active again Syria MFA: Terrorist attack in Shiraz shows that terrorism has become U.S. policy main tool Lebanon and Israel approve maritime border agreement Pashinyan to Sunak: Armenia attaches great importance to further development of cooperation with UK U.S. accelerates deployment of modernized version of nuclear bomb at NATO bases in Europe Armenian Foreign Ministry expresses condolences to Iran over Shiraz terrorist act Premier: Armenia set new absolute record in income-salary jobs Armenia premier: We need to ensure 7% economic growth in 2023 also Gazprom: Creating gas hub will benefit Russia, Turkey, Europe and Azerbaijan Ruling force MP: Azerbaijan must withdraw its troops from sovereign territory of Armenia Armenia parliament speaker: We hope Uzbekistan will also remain part of building peace in our region CNN: CIA Director visits Ukraine OSCE needs assessment mission briefs deputy FM on their work in Armenia European Parliament report amendment condemns Azerbaijan policy of erasing Armenian cultural heritage in Artsakh Armenia to provide around $50M loan to Artsakh EU monitors in Armenia set off on first patrol on Azerbaijan border Armenia to introduce system of transition from compulsory to contractual military service Newsweek: American troops are preparing for war with Russia Azerbaijan and Russia discuss increasing number of checkpoints on border between 2 countries Ombudsperson to attorneys of Frances Montpelier: POWs trials in Azerbaijan are aimed at terrorizing Armenian society Karabakh parliament to convene special session Sunday Today marks 23rd anniversary of Armenia parliament tragedy Newspaper: October 31 trilateral meeting in Russias Sochi to not be groundbreaking 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 Ukraine Presidents Office: Kherson direction situation changing unpleasantly for Kyiv 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 130 years have passed since the Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh cut off his ear. Today, the name of the woman Van Gogh gave his ear has been revealed. According to the Art Newspaper, it is Gabrielle Berlatyen, a farmer's daughter, who was working in a brothel . "Until now it has been assumed that the recipient of the ear had been a casual acquaintance of the artist, either a prostitute or the madame at the brothel, " writes the Newspaper. The journalists could sift out the truth thanks to Van Goghs Ear by Bernadette Murphy, which was published last week. The author promised to the descendants of the woman to write her last name in the book, but wrote only her name. The womans name is mentioned in the documents of the Pasteur Institute in Paris , where in 1888 she was treating from rabies. It was revealed, that the woman came to Paris from Arles in Provence, where he was injected with a new vaccine against rabies , which saved her life. In order to pay for her treatment, her family ran into debts, and she had to work as a maid in a brothel. She was too young to be able to register as a prostitute. The source reports that Van Gogh who had mental disorders gave his cut ear to Gabrielle Berlatyen. Note that Berlatyen later married and lived a long life , but never told about his meeting with Van Gogh . YEREVAN. All the injured were given proper medical treatment after Wednesdays clashes between people and police nearby the capital city Yerevan police station, which an armed group has taken over and is holding hostages. Minister of Health of Armenia Armen Muradyan told about the above-said to reporters, after Thursdays Cabinet meeting. As of 9am, [a total of] 51 people, 29 of whom police officers, applied to medical facilities; everyone received proper medical care, said Muradyan. At the moment we dont have very critical, or life-threatening, cases. As for those who were injured during the takeover of the said police station on July 17, the minister said: In connection with the events on Sunday, [police officer] Gagik Mkrtchyans situation was critical. But today it seems there is a positive trend [in his state of health], and he could be disconnected from the artificial respiration apparatus during the day. In his words, ambulances stand nearby the said police station on Thursday, too, and they can provide medical assistance if need be. Medical aid will not be inaccessible to anyone, added Armen Muradyan. As reported earlier, clashes had begun between police and protesters nearby the Yerevan police station, which an armed group has taken over on July 17, on Wednesday at around 9:30pm. Police threw stun grenades, took special measures, and used tear gas to disperse protesters. As of Thursday 2:30am, the number of people taken to hospitals as a result of these clashes was 51, and 28 of them were police officers. At around 4am, police began to clear the street running in front of the said police station from the demonstrators. Law enforcement started quickly detaining protesters, but force was used against some people. Journalists were affected, too. Protesters were also detained from two other nearby streets. A group of armed men stormed into a Yerevan police patrol regiment, on early morning on July 17, and took several police officers hostage. Deputy regiment commander Artur Vanoyan was killed, and four other officers of the law plus one of the attackers were wounded during the ensuing gunfire exchange. Negotiations are still underway to release all hostages and end the armed resistance. Four people are still held hostage. The gunmen demand the release of Jirair Sefilian, an imprisoned radical opposition activist. In the near future Europe will face new turmoil associated with migrants, billionaire George Soros stated in an interview to Corriere della Sera. According to Soros, migratory crisis declines, but this is temporary. Soon the number of refugees will increase again, and Europeans' attitude towards them will deteriorate. The EU is in mortal danger largely due to the problems of migrants, therefore the billionaire is sure that this needs to be solved quickly. He believes that the attempted coup in Turkey will increase uncertainty and complicate the Brussels deal with Ankara, the effectiveness of which he already doubts. Soros also commented on Turkey's reconciliation with Russia. The billionaire declared that it is clear that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is trying somehow to reconcile with Russia and Vladimir Putin. He does not know what his motives are. Perhaps, he wants to become the counterbalancing factor in the relations of Europe and Russia. Besides, Soros urged the EU to provide assistance to Ukraine and called it the major resource for safety, Gazeta reported. To most of us, it might not be relevant to our research what the weather was like on 30 July 1905, however if you were researching the Demmerle Family of the Flatbush neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, the weather would carry a lot more meaning. A pleasant, carefree summer day at Brighton Beach turned tragic when a lightning bolt struck a flagstaff near the boardwalk and sent thousands of tourists and beachgoers into panic. Those hanging out at the base of the flagstaff for relief from the sun, were killed by the bolt, in a moment faster then they could sit down to relax. Among the six killed were the Demmerle brothers, Frank, 23, and Charles, 20, along with their sixteen year old cousin Robert Wasch.[1] While an extreme example, it does demonstrate how the weather plays an important role in our ancestors lives. Climate patterns and weather phenomenon are a huge factor in the push/pull movement concerning historic migration patterns. Beyond the long-term historical changes in climate, day-to-day our ancestors lives were controlled by the weather. Historical weather data can help in setting the scene for your family history narrative. Did a major drought or season of blight affect your ancestors ability to make a living off their crops? Were there any major natural disasters of phenomenon that may have put your ancestors life and well-being in jeopardy? Answering these questions might add important context to your ancestors life. Using historical weather data in your genealogy aids in recreating your ancestors daily life and will help to engage a wider audience of readers. Historical weather research can also aid with investigating family photographs. The fact that there is snow on the ground when the family lived in mild climate could narrow in the possible dates the photo was taken. The shadows present in an outdoor photograph can indicate the exact location and even exact time of day it was taken. S tate Street in Hartford, Connecticut after the Blizzard of 1888.[2] There is a diversity of resources for climatological research that can add to your family history. Historical weather data does not exist for every locale in the United States, however the National Archives holds records for hundreds of observatories concerned with recording scientific data about the weather. The Federal Government began taking an interest in the weather in 1818 when it directed employees of the Office of the Surgeon General to keep diaries on the weather. In 1870, responsibility of recording weather data was transferred to the Office of the Chief Signal Officer. It wasnt until 1890 that the government designated a specific office for these types of observations when they established the first federal Weather Bureau under the Department of Agriculture, which has since existed in various forms. The observations and reports collected from U.S. observatories in the 19th century has been microfilmed on National Archives Microfilm Publication T907, Climatological Records of the Weather Bureau, 1818-1892 (562 rolls). These are available at many branches of NARA, but are not online. Several microfilm publications hold weather data from earlier dates, such as records from the Blue Hill Observatory in Milton, Massachusetts and its various substations, which are available at NARAs Boston Branch. Last week, a research question from a patron led me to examine these microfilms, containing the diary of Dr. John Jeffries, who recorded the daily weather in Boston all the way back to 1774! Claire Kluskens blog post, The Weather Bureau and Genealogy, has referenced other NARA record groups containing historical weather data. Weather Diary and observations for Boston, Massachusetts, July 1799. [3] Some online resources contain databases dealing with historical weather phenomenon. You can access historical climate data and observations for the U.S. from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). An order must be made to view the reports, but they are free and are delivered to your e-mail in a .PDF file. There are several datasets to search, but for genealogical purposes you will most likely want to view Daily Summaries, which provide basic data such as temperature, wind, and precipitation. The National Weather Service has a new project that gathers information on historical tornado occurrences on the United States, however the only available one is for state of Alabama. GenDisasters uses information from town histories, newspapers, and other sources for a database natural disasters in the U.S. and Canada dating back to the 18th century. Original research in newspapers can be a great way to gather historical weather data because several articles from a particular area can provide different accounts on one event. What I found most poignant about the tragedy of the Demmerle brothers was their headstone. From my own perspective, it happens to be one of the most imaginative headstones Ive examined and is symbolic of the power of nature. The motifs used in the headstone consist of vines and tree trunks, suggesting the familys reverence for nature. Paradoxically, mother nature took the lives of these three young men. As the epitaph reads, Taken suddenly in an hour of happiness, struck by a bolt of lightning. [1] New York Tribune, Monday, 31 July 1905, p.1, col.4, image copy, Library of Congress, (http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030214/1905-07-31/ed-1/seq-1/: accessed 3 Jul 2016), Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. [2] Image Source: Connecticut State Library. [3] Reproduced off microfilm at National Archives. --- Jake Fletcher is a professional genealogist, educator and blogger. Jake has been researching and writing about his ancestors since 2008 on his research blog. He currently volunteers as a research assistant at the National Archives in Waltham, Massachusetts and is Vice President of the New England Association of Professional Genealogists (NEAPG). 11:56 Just in: AAP MP Bhagwant Mann summoned by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan after his security breach video. Aam Aadmi Party lawmaker Bhagwant Mann on Thursday filmed a video entering Parliament by crossing several security layers and posted it on social media, inviting attack from MPs across party line, who termed his act as a security breach. In the video, which went viral, Mann was seen showing entry gate through which MPs enter Parliament House and saying how strong is the security. "The car is registered with the Lok Sabha. It has a censor, which has the vehicle details. As soon as so you come near the gate, the censor identifies the car and announces the name and number of the car," Mann says in the video with him crossing several layers of the security. Justifying the act, Mann said he intended to show people how does the Zero Hour questions are submitted and MPs wanting to raise their issues chosen through a lucky draw. In Parliament House, while Mann is explaining how the process works, he is also requested by a staff not to film anything. "Has my video put the Parliament in danger? How is this illegal. I will again make a video and put it. Let the notice come," a defiant Mann said in response to reporters query whether his act was a security breach or not. The MPs also demanded that the matter be investigated. Today, the Lok Sabha was adjourned following the ruckus in Parliament over the video. JD-U's Sharad Yadav says it was immature of Mann to post the video.BJP MP Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi says the video will expose the security measures in the House and help terrorists.Congress leader Anand Sharma asks why the video has not been blocked as yet.The Akali Dal wants an FIR to be filed against Mann.The Rajya Sabha chair says the government can take action on the video.Both the Houses have adjourned over the issue and another day wasted.IMAGE: A screenshot from the video uploaded by AAP MP Bhagwant Mann on social media. Photograph: @BhagwantMann1/Facebook The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] Volunteers needed for student move-in by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Volunteers are needed to welcome students to Southern Illinois University Carbondale and help them move into on-campus residences next month. Classes begin Aug. 22. SIU faculty and staff along with community volunteers will play a vital role in the move-in process that will take place Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 18-20. New students residing in a Living Learning Community (LLC) will move in Aug. 18 and the rest of the new students will move into their residences on Aug. 19. Returning students will move in on Aug. 20. Thousands of students and their families will be arriving on campus those days. Individual volunteers and groups of volunteers are welcome. Volunteers can choose their preference as to which days, hours and locations they prefer to help. Find additional information, including the complete move-in schedule and signup forms, at http://housing.siu.edu/volunteer. During the move-in, University Housing will provide free welcome lunches to all of its residents and accompanying families as well as to volunteers who help with the move-in. Volunteers will receive a complimentary meal ticket when they check in on site. To assure adequate seating for University Housing residents and their families, only they and registered volunteers will receive the complimentary lunches. Other people who are on campus may dine at the residence hall dining facilities by purchasing guest meal tickets, available at the dining hall entrance. Contact Lori Johnson at 618/453-6731 or ljohnson@housing.siu.edu for more information. Living in a chaotic world: how to keep anxiety at bay With shootings and explosions and a coup in recent weeks, it's only natural that anxiety would besiege us. David Cheshire, associate professor and licensed psychologist at UFs College of Medicine, discusses research-tested ways that can help us deal with it. Ella Fitzgerald sang that into each life some rain must fall, but it has felt like torrents of grief have fallen upon us in recent months. We all experience hardships and stress, and we are all very well-acquainted with that pit that forms in our stomach when nervousness takes hold. Many of us are feeling that pit as we process world and national news. Demands from our personal and professional lives compete for our attention, and all too often the pressures of the day require more than we have to give. Recent violence and tragedies such as police shootings in Dallas and Baton Rouge, the Nice truck killings and the attempted coup in Turkey seem to keep mounting. How do we deal with the resulting fear and anxiety? As a psychologist who has spent a great deal of my professional career studying the effects of trauma and grief, I have some knowledge of how to help people deal with the resulting anxiety. Anxiety can turn debilitating When the general public discusses the term anxiety, the usual meaning is one of unpleasantness related to having some arduous task that will require our resources at the expense of doing something that would bring us more enjoyment, such as sleeping late on the weekend, taking in a movie, or spending time with loved ones. When the mental health community talks about anxiety, they are generally referring to a more disabling condition where a persons individual ability to cope with stress becomes overwhelmed, leaving a person paralyzed and incapable of functioning effectively with lifes demands. Where does this sense of anxiety come from? Is it more prevalent now, in the wake of so many tragedies before our eyes? Though the questions seem so simple, the answers may be extraordinarily difficult to uncover. Growing tension Major events, such as a terrorist attack, domestic shootings or natural disaster can exceed our psychological resources and lead to mental health fallout in the form of post-traumatic stress. It is also common for anxiety to be more insidious, with daily stressors slowly mounting over time, gradually becoming so cumbersome and convoluted, that no single episode can account for where the anxiety is originating. Such is also the case with repeated violent events shown in the media; with tragedy after tragedy, cumulative stress builds up incrementally over time, eroding our sense of safety. In each case, the individual experience of anxiety can range from mildly inconvenient to completely debilitating. The experience of anxiety is an individual phenomenon, based on a multitude of factors, including coping skills, social resources and personality variables. For people who are working to manage anxiety, additional life stress can be particularly problematic. Imagine a family that is struggling to make ends meet, but each month somehow they are capable of just barely paying all of the bills. Then one day the family car stops working, and the family must weigh the options of putting money into fixing the car at the expense of paying some other bill, or risk not being able to drive to work and risk losing their source of income. For a family with means, paying for an auto repair may be nothing more than an inconvenience; for a family without means, it may be the difference in being able to stay out of home foreclosure. In similar fashion, the experience of anxiety is particular to the resources an individual is able to bring forward to cope with distress. For people with adequate coping strategies to meet a demand, which may come in the form of family, friends, spiritual resources, financial resources, etc., the effects of anxiety will likely be much more mitigating versus a person who has few coping resources. Nonstop news, with much of it bad Certainly our world has changed with regard to the number of stressful situations to which we are exposed. With a 24-hour news cycle and a public that is hungry for graphic and sensational stories, it is increasingly difficult to shelter ourselves from disturbing news and images. After 9/11, for example, it simply was not possible to escape the onslaught of information about the terrible events. For people who had little room left in their psychological resources to cope with hardship, 9/11 may very likely have placed them at risk for a full-blown anxiety attack. The specific symptoms of anxiety vary from one person to the next, but the general pattern is a feeling of unease and worry, an inability to relax often accompanied by sleep disturbance, irritability and edginess. In more extreme examples of anxiety, panic attacks may result, characterized by feelings of racing heartbeat, shallow breathing, cold sweats and terror. A pivotal study deepened our understanding of protective factors when it comes to life events and our ability to cope with anxiety. The researchers identified three protective factors for individuals facing life adversity: individual factors, family factors and community factors. Individual factors include such things as personality variables, such as cheerfulness and friendliness. Family factors included having a close bond with at least one caregiver, as well as emotionally healthy environments that provided emotional encouragement and independence. Community variables included things like supportive schools, churches and neighbors. The research also found that even when youths are affected adversely by life events, most are able to right the proverbial ship by adulthood and live healthy, productive lives. Weathering the storm What then can individuals do to ward off the ill effects associated with anxiety? There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Consider the following ideas to get started with developing a stress-reduction plan: Give yourself a break. It is actually okay not be plugged in on the latest atrocity that has happened. If you find yourself reacting negatively to what you see on the news, give yourself permission to turn the television off. Plan ahead and keep things realistic. So much of anxiety has to do with ambiguity and uncertainty. Alleviate this by developing a game plan. For example, if your particular brand of anxiety seems to stem when considering finances, actually write down a household budget. You might surprise yourself by being able to come up with creative solutions when everything is laid out in front of you. Remind yourself that the world is generally a safe and friendly place, and dont isolate yourself from connecting with family, friends and loved ones. Stay connected to others. Negative feelings can foster isolation, and isolated people lose the protective factors associated with community. Reach out to others and accept their help if they are willing and able to provide it. Keep things simple. Remember, one step at a time. When things get too big and unwieldy, they become unmanageable and seemingly impossible. Any progress is good progress, and focus on your successes when you have them. Plan for something fun. Give yourself permission to feel good and enjoy the things in life that make life worth living. Consult an expert. There may be people out there who can guide you even if things seem out of control right now. This includes mental health professionals who can help you to build coping resources and learn to relax and let go of the burdens of anxiety. Unfortunately for all of us in todays modern world, theres no shortage of reasons to feel stressed or anxious. But at least there are some simple steps, founded in research, to help us. This article originally appeared in The Conversation on July 21, 2016. Bangladeshi opposition party leader and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, was on Thursday jailed for seven years in a money laundering case. The High Court overturned a trial court's verdict acquitting the Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Rahman in a Taka 20.41 crore ($0.26 crore) money laundering case, bdnews24 reported. The court ordered seven years in prison and a Taka 200 million fine for Rahman. --IANS ask/py/rn ( 84 Words) 2016-07-21-13:01:22 (IANS) Slow-melting of glaciers due to global warming may cause huge floods in Bhutan in the future and result in loss of keystone species which may encourage probable animal poachers to hunt in this country, Indian researchers say. "The effect on India can be severe. In fact there are earlier instances of devastating flood in Indian states located in the Eastern Himalayas. More emissions will result in global warming rate higher than the normal which can directly result into loss of many ecologically important flora and fauna," Rajib Bandopadhyay, Associate Professor, UGC-Center of Advanced Study at University of Burdwan's Department of Botany, told IANS. The Eastern Himalayas are experiencing widespread warming at a rate higher than 0.01 degree Centigrade per year. Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world with negative carbon emissions. However, Its status as a negative carbon emitter does not make it immune to the impact of climate change. "Currently, loss of keystone species is not recorded for Bhutan but the snow leopard, tiger and white-bellied herons are presently threatened. India could be affected in a way that probable animal poachers will hunt in India if loss of keystone species occurs in Bhutan. Also, some international policies (relating to the environment) can also be affected," Bandopadhyay said. The presence and absence of a keystone species impacts the existence of all other organisms around it. In a critical analysis in Current Science, Bandopadhyay and Aparna Banerjee of the varsity have drawn attention to Bhutan and its biodiversity links with India in reference to their location in the Eastern Himalayan (EH) range, one of the 34 biodiversity hotspots in the world. Spanning nearly 750,000 sq. km, the EH hotspot covers Nepal, Bhutan, the Indian states of West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, southeast Tibet and northern Myanmar. "Bhutan is the only country which shares all its land area as the EH region. It occupies a major share (7.60 percent) of the total EH area. Other than a few rare specific flora and fauna of Bhutan, most of the biodiversity found in the country is the same as that found in Eastern Himalayan states of India such as Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, Uttarakhand," Bandopadhyay said. Bhutan also has 10 protected areas (PAs) with biological corridors that are home to mass populations of vulnerable takin (goat-antelope), endangered one-horn rhino, pigmy hog, leopard, red panda and the like, as also varying bird species. Conservation of the natural environment is one of the four pillars of Bhutan's Gross National Happiness creed. Its constitution says that "a minimum of sixty percent of Bhutan's total land shall be maintained under forest cover for all time" to conserve the country's natural resources and to prevent degradation of the ecosystem. "We have parks and that too connected with biological corridors. Indian Manas Park has a good future because it's connected to Bhutan's Manas National Park (called Royal Manas National Park) which is connected to all the parks," a source in the the Royal Manas National Park told IANS on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media. Bandopadhyay said to prevent devastating floods, India and all other Eastern Himalayan countries need to "decrease the rate of deforestation and urbanisation so that effect of global warming will be less and rate of glacier melting will slow down". "Bhutan's ethics and principles on conservation are very strong and their population ratio is very slim. We have good biodiversity in India but we need to take care of it," he added. (Sahana Ghosh can be contacted at sahana.g@ians.in --IANS sgh/ssp/vm ( 612 Words) 2016-07-21-13:44:08 (IANS) Up to 48 militants were killed in Achin district while 49 militants were killed in eastern province of Paktia after the joint forces attacked militant positions, Xinhua news agency reported. In one operation, 22 Taliban militants were killed after the troops raided their bunkers in Sangin district of Helmand province. "A Taliban shadow district governor for Sangin named Mawlawi Aqah was among the killed," the statement said. The forces supported by army's artillery and warplanes also found weapons and defused dozens of improvised explosive devices and landmines during the raids. In Kunduz province, one Taliban fighter was killed and 10 others were injured during the clashes in Qalay e-Zal district, the statement said. Ministry also confirmed loss of four army personnel during the same period. Sporadic clashes have been continuing in the Qalay-e-Zal, bordering Tajikistan since weekend after Taliban tried to capture the control of the district. The Taliban-led attacks and violence have declined over the recent weeks as Afghan security forces have beefed up security operations and NATO-led forces increased drone strikes against the militants. --IANS sm/py/dg ( 220 Words) 2016-07-21-16:28:17 (IANS) According to the media reports, Ranjit Kumar was seen meeting liquor baron Vijay Mallya who is wanted in loan default and money laundering cases. "Modi government should come clean. First Modi government allowed Mallya to flee and now sending its law officer to meet him? Why," Kejriwal asked in a tweet on Thursday, alleging that the government allowed the businessman to flee the country. Mallya has fled to London to evade arrest in India. His deportation has been sought from Britain, where he has been based for more than four months. In April, the Indian government had also cancelled Mallya's passport and a non-bailable arrest warrant was issued in connection with the investigations into cases lodged against him. --IANS av/py/vm ( 157 Words) 2016-07-21-11:20:07 (IANS) There is a mandatory provision in the rule book that elected lawmakers in the Lok Sabha ought to be consulted for taking up projects under Prime Minister Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Union Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said here on Thursday. "I am also an elected member. So I understand the grievances and pain of the elected members. If there are states where the elected MPs are not being consulted, the central government will ensure that such consultation does take place," Tomar told the Lok Sabha during question hour. Answering supplementary questions from members, he said under the rules framed for PMGSY, the superintendent engineer of the concerned projects should contact MPs and ensure that there is a joint inspection of the spot. The issue was flagged during question hour by Congress MP Badaruddoza Khan from Murshidabad who complained that while a sum of Rs 2,623 crore was allotted to West Bengal under the project, "it is a matter of great regret that not a single rupee was allotted" to his constituency for the implementation of the PMGSY and nobody consulted him in this regard. Khan said he has already written two letters to the Union minister. "I have requested the district magistrate. I have raised this question in the general meeting of the Zila Parishad also, but nothing has been done for the last two years," he said. The MP was supported by party colleague and West Bengal Pradesh Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Choudhury. As several members wanted to raise this issue, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said if members want, the house can take up a 30-minute discussion on the subject. Minister Tomar said: "We came to power just some months back, you (Congress) were in power." Heena Gavit, BJP member from Maharashtra, complained that during spot inspection it was often found that "roads were not only of poor quality but also the length of the road constructed was way less than what was sanctioned". She demanded the minister should also initiate actions on such complaints. Minister of State for Roads Ram Kripal Yadav asserted that the government will never make any compromise on the standards of the roads. Speaker Mahajan also told the minister that members want that they are taken into confidence when road construction works in their respective constituencies are taken up. --IANS nd/bim/vt ( 405 Words) 2016-07-21-16:27:12 (IANS) All the Deepika-Ranveer fans, rejoicing their engagement news that was doing the rounds recently, have to pause and give it a look; the leggy lass has put all speculations to rest. The 30-year-old actress, addressing the rumours last night, said, "There is no such plan (marriage) any time soon. I am not pregnant, I am not getting married and I am not engaged." The 'Mastani' of Bollywood turned the showstopper for ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra on the first day of the FDCI India Couture Week 2016, donning a red traditional wear. Talking about her outfit, Deepika said, "Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day and whenever I do (I want to look the same)." The 'Piku' star was accompanied by the recent heartthrob of Bollywood Fawad Khan on stage and the two made a royal couple as they walked the ramp. The India Couture Week 2016 kicked off in New Delhi on Wednesday with people like Shabana Azmi and Sophie Chaudhry attending the event. Manish presented 'The Persian Story' for his Couture Collection 2016-2017, which was described as, "Manish Malhotra's design narrative is inspired by the stunning architecture of Persia, blooming paradise of fauna and flora, and fearless royals that ruled their vast kingdoms. Indulgent hand-woven gold embroidery adorn sheer and velvet fabrics, in lehengas with sheer tops, opulent velvet jackets over cigarette trousers, exquisite gowns and regal sherwanis. Intricate motifs meander on 50 limited-edition pieces, swathed in deep shades of maroon, emerald green and azure blue." (ANI) "When I work on these big projects, I get to meet great human beings. This is where I'm learning more than anywhere else. By working with a big star, I learn how to behave and stay grounded. Experiences such as these make me a better human being," Jagapathi told IANS. Busy with over half a dozen projects across southern indistries, Jagapathi plays the antagonist in the Vijay-starrer. Directed by Bharathan, the film also stars Keerthy Suresh, Aparna Vinod and Daniel Balaji. --IANS hp/nn/vt ( 125 Words) 2016-07-21-13:46:48 (IANS) Actress Madirakshi, who essays Sita in the mythological show "Siya Ke Ram", is working out dedicatedly and she is getting a lot of help from co-actor Danish Akhtar, who plays Hanuman in the show. A war sequence is to be shot for the Star Plus entertainer, and actors are gearing up to be in full form. Madirakshi has been taking time out and working out in the gym too. "The war sequence will have a lot of high intensity fight sequences for me as well and there will be a lot of scenes which will require mental and physical fitness," Madirakshi said in a statement.. "I am focusing on abs and thigh excercises along with cardio to gain the stamina required. Danish is a wrestler and a regular to the gym, so he has been a big help," she added. -*- 'Happy Bhaag Jayegi' cast bring happiness to Kapil's show Abhay Deol, Diana Penty, Ali Fazal and Momal Sheikh -- actors of "Happy Bhaag Jayegi" -- were seen enjoying themselves thoroughly during a visit to the sets of "The Kapil Sharma Show". The whole cast was seen dancing and interacting with the audience. Ali also showcased his singing talent on the show, while Ali Asgar and Sunil Grover emerged in their funny avatars and entertained everyone as usual. The cast shared anecdotes about their upcoming movie "Happy Bhaag Jayegi", a romantic-comedy film directed by Mudassar Aziz. -*- A dog enters 'Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai' "Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai" has a new entrant -- a bull dog. The makers are bringing in the dog into the narrative to break the monotony in the entertaining &TV drama. Vibhuti (Aasif Sheikh) will be seen buying Jankidaas (the dog) and the specialty of it is that whosoever shows him a picture of a person and says that the person uttered bad things about "your mom", the dog makes that persons life hell. Talking about the new entry, Aasif said in a statement: "I love cats a lot and have a pet cat at home too. I am not so fond of dogs though." -*- Vastsal, Ishita share love-hate relationship Actors Vatsal Sheth and Ishita Dutta have been in news for signing a contract with a no-dating clause for their show "Rishton Ka Saudagar - Baazigar", but off screen, they share "good bonding". The actors, who are made to hate each other on screen are seen spending maximum time together in between shots and during lunch breaks. Recently, when Ishita was about to meet with an accident on set with her sari getting stuck in a fan, it was Vatsal who acted like a hero and saved her. When asked Vatsal about his friendship with Ishita, he said: Off screen we share a good bonding and have few things in common. Both of us are pretty chilled out. I love cakes and pastries and so does she." "Every other day she gets me one. I am just an excuse so that she can get one for herself everyday. When asked about this, Ishita said: Its fun shooting with him. He improvises a lot, so that is something that I am learning from him. He is a very good co-actor and a really good friend. --IANS namit/rb/vt ( 549 Words) 2016-07-21-17:46:01 (IANS) Beijing has urged Manila to "walk out of its wrong path" after the top Philippine diplomat refused China's proposal to put aside the recent ruling in an arbitration case concerning the South China Sea. Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay told Philippine television ABS-CBN on Tuesday that when he met with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Mongolia last week, he declined China's proposal to reopen bilateral negotiations by disregarding the arbitral ruling announced on July 12. In response, the Foreign Ministry's Spokesperson Office told China Daily in a written reply on Wednesday that "there is still time if timely remedy is made" by Manila. "China expects the Philippines to walk out of its wrong path at an early date, chart a new course, meet China halfway and once again return to the consensus on resolving disputes through negotiation and consultation," the office said. As the unilateral initiator of the arbitration case, Manila has "paid huge amounts of money" from taxpayers to the Arbitral Tribunal at The Hague as well as to the lawyers from the West, the office said. Chen Qinghong, a researcher on Philippine studies with the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said that if the administration of new Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte persists in a hardline stance toward China and tries to use the ruling for bargaining, this may trigger countermeasures by Beijing. "Still, shelving the arbitration is the best option, as it offers considerable space for navigating the relationship out of deadlock," Chen said. Alsoon Wednesday, US Vice-President Joe Biden assured key ally Australia that there would be no retreat from Washington's so-called pivot to the Asia-Pacific region, regardless of who wins November's presidential election. Biden said in Sydney that the US military would continue to underpin freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, Reuters reported. Zhang Junshe, a senior researcher at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, said the US military's presence in the South China Sea only worsens the situation in the region. US "freedom of navigation" actions - approaching or even intruding on territorial waters - and military drills led by the United States and its allies are "drastically provocative, and such actions should stop immediately", Zhang said. Recently, Fan Changlong, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, called for strengthened combat readiness and well-organized naval and air patrols to "resolutely and properly tackle various emergencies" and safeguard border security. Fan made the call during a recent inspection of the People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command, PLA Daily reported on Wednesday. Infused with grandeur and elegance, veteran fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani ended the second day of the five-day fashion gala with his collection 'Last dance of the courtesan' at the FDCI India Couture Week 2016 on Thursday. The collection which was a tribute and acknowledgement of the highest bastions of culture, poetry, dance and finesse as practiced by the courtesans till a little over a century ago, had embroideries in a new avtar. The showcasing commenced and ended with a Kathak performance by Sufi Kathak dancer Manjari Chaturvedi, who donned a peach-pink lehenga choli and dupatta embellished in swarovski. Embellished with different shapes and sizes of Swarovski crystals, the collection was in hues of ombre, sunset ombre, yellows, creams to peaches to blues, oranges to reds, reds to pinks on fabrics like sushi voile, georgette, cotton jacquard, cotton silks, crepes and cutwork jamdanis to create light and breezy styles in draped forms. With fusion music in the background, a huge crystal chandelier, worn out mirrored pillars and mogras looming from the ceiling added to the atmosphere. The paneled jackets, voluminous skirts, concept saris, lehengas uplifted by opals, pearls and other crystals from swarovski interspersed with French knots and floral embroidery complemented with messy hair buns with flowers tucked on one side, the models in courtesan inspired drapes looked attractive, beautiful and earthy. "The music for show has been actually re-sung using the lyrics as remembered by the last of the nautch artists, now in their 80s and 90s," Tahiliani told IANS. "Acclaimed Kathak dancer of Lucknow gharana, Manjari Chaturvedi, whose devotion to Sufi Kathak and tireless work in preservation of this tradition and restoration of some dignity through an appreciation of that refinement and craft is being appreciated. That world is lost. It was not, what we are used to seeing depicted in commercial cinema," Tahiliani added. The male models flaunted Tahiliani's cream hued creations reminiscing the time when the well-dressed and handsome, rich nawabs visited kothas to see the courtesans and dancers perform. Speaking about the collection and the courtesan theme Chaturvedi said: "It was spectacular the way Tarun brought in an old tradition in a modern format. The courtesans themselves were style icons who lead the fashion scene so many years back. "I am so happy Tarun brought the tradition, look back to let people know that courtesans were great artists," she added. Other designers from the Indian fashion fraternity like Reynu Taandon, Rimple and Harpreet Narula, Rahul Mishra, Anamika Khanna, Varun Bahl, Gaurav Gupta, Manav Gangwani and Rohit Bal will be showcasing their latest collection at the five-day event, which concludes on July 24. --IANS ks/sku/ ( 454 Words) 2016-07-22-01:54:01 (IANS) The body of Puducherry Education Secretary and Secretary to Chief Minister, G Ragesh Chandra who passed away in New Delhi yesterday, was taken to his native place in Kerala in an Air Ambulance. The body was brought to his house here from New Delhi in the wee hours of today and kept till 1030 hours for public homage. Later, his body was taken to the Puducherry Airport from where it was sent to Kerala. Puducherry Lt.Governor Kiran Bedi, Chief Minister V Narayansamy, his Cabinet Colleagues, legislators, former Chief Minister N Rangasamy, Senior officials of the territorial administration were among those who paid rich tributes to Mr Chandra. The body on reaching Nedumbrasserry Airport at Ernakulam will be taken to his native place Ponkunnam by road and the cremation will take place at 1130 hours tomorrow.UNI PAB CS 1235 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-847424.Xml Rich tributes were paid to the decorated portrait of the actor at Pillaithottam on behalf of the Sivaji fans association.Association office bearers and office bearers of the Prabhu ( Sivaji son) fans association participated in the function. French India Viduthalai Kaala Makkal Iyyakkam President D.Sivaraj and volunteers also garlanded the statue of Sivaji on the occasion.UNI PAB CS 1228 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-847426.Xml Presenting the revised budget estimates for the year 2016-17,he said this included 13,000 MW of thermal power, 2,500 MW of hydel power and 3,000 MW of solar power. He said the government headed by Chief Minsiter J Jayalalithaaplaces highest emphasis on the augmentation of power generation to ensure the supply of uninterrupted quality power supply. ''In the last five years, 8,432.50 MW additional power generation has been added to the grid by the State and Central Government agencies, through long term and medium term Power Purchase Agreements and through Solar power purchases'', he added. Observing that the expeditious commissioning of various thermal power projects has helped in bridging the demand-supply gap, Mr Panneerselvam said the projects announced by the Chief Minister were also at various stages of progress. Stating that the state has made a turnaround in the power sectordue to concerted efforts taken by Ms Jayalalithaa, he said the power transmission sector in the State was being strengthened with the assistance of externally aided projects. The Green Energy Corridor Project was being implemented with the assistance of KfW at an outlay of Rs.1,593 crore. Further, various works have been taken up under the JICA assisted Tamil Nadu Transmission System Improvement Project with an outlay of Rs.5,014 crore. UNI GV CS 1642 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-847999.Xml With the objective of creating clean villages andcities, the Government would launching the 'Mission for Clean Tamil Nadu'to achieve the goal of an 'Open defecation free state'. ''This State Mission will create awareness to use toilets and will also help to establish modern Solid Waste Management systems'' Finance MinisterO Panneerselvam said, while presenting the revised budget estimates for the year 2016-17 in the State Assembly today. He said the resources under the 'Swachh Bharat Mission' would be effectively dovetailed with the State schemes to improve sanitation and achieve the goal of an 'Open Defecation Free' Tamil Nadu. Under the 'Swachh Bharat Mission' (Gramin) in 2016-2017, 7.66 lakh household toilets and 50 public sanitary complexes would be taken up in the State. ''Self Help Groups are being engaged in all the Village Panchayats to motivate the construction and use of toilets'', he said, adding, in the last two years, Integrated Solid Waste Management has been taken up in 9,000 village panchayats through convergence with MGNREGS'' theMinister said. For collection, segregation and disposal of waste, currently 52,998 Thooimai Kaavalars were being engaged in these villages and they have been provided with 22,704 tri-cycles, he added. In 2016-2017, the remaining 3,524 Village Panchayats would be taken up under the scheme, thereby giving a universal coverage for solid waste management in rural areas., Mr Panneerselvam said,adding, a sum of Rs.150 crore was provided for Solid Waste Management under the State devolution grants.UNI GV CS 1731 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-848122.Xml Condemning the statement of Sartaj Aziz, the Adviser to the Pakistan Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, wherein, he described slain Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani 'as an icon of the resistance movement in Kashmir', the Congress on Thursday said Islamabad should not glorify terrorism when it affects only India. "It's a disappointing statement because when there was a tragic terrorist attack in Pakistan on the Army School in Peshawar and people were killed, our country unanimously condemned the attackers and extended solidarity to the Pakistani people," Congress leader Shashi Tharoor told ANI. He said Pakistan should realize that lending support and admiration to terrorists is not only against India, but also against themselves. "They claim that they are victims of terrorists. They should not be glorifying terrorism when it affects only India," he added. Aziz had earlier in the day said that the Government of Pakistan has provided and will continue to provide diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the realization of their fundamental right to self determination in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions. He also made a mention of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's statement on the developments on the Indian side of Kashmir and the fact that Pakistan had lodged its protests with the Indian High Commissioner on the situation prevailing across the border. He said that Pakistan has written letters to the UN Secretary General, President of the Security Council, OIC Secretary General, High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Foreign Ministers of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir (Azerbaijan, Niger, Saudi Arabia and Turkey) on the recent situation in Kashmir and has called upon the international community to take appropriate steps to fulfill its commitments towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir under the UNSC resolutions. Earlier today, replying to a discussion on the volatile situation in the Kashmir Valley, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh squarely blamed Pakistan for the unrest. He said, "The neighbouring country instead of fixing its internal matters, is trying to destabilize India." He also criticized Islamabad for observing a "Black Day" in honour of Wani, saying, "The terrorist was involved in many and various heinous crimes and activities." Home Minister Singh appealed to the House to make a united effort to restore peace in Kashmir and was hopeful about the NDA Government achieving this objective sooner than later. He said that the situation in the valley is gradually returning to normal with the supply of essential commodities to curfew bound areas. He said that the loss of 38 lives was a tragedy that must not be repeated. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in response to a query on observance of "Kashmir's Accession to Pakistan Day" (July 19) and 'Black Day' (July 20) in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), has strongly condemned what it called Pakistan's attempts to encourage terrorists and their activities. (ANI) Condemning the atrocities on Dalits in Gujarat's Una, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said what has happened in Gujarat is highly condemnable and such incidents must not be repeated. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Singh said, "Keeping in view seriousness of the matter, the probe of the Una incident has been handed over to Criminal Investigation Department (CID-Crime Branch)." "I believe post Independence, there has been a fall in people's faith in politics and politicians. And thus, there is a need for all of us to take this 'loss of credibility' as a challenge. This challenge can only be overcome when people of nation will not merely see us as political workers, but as socio-political workers," said Singh. "We should not only be concerned about physical violence as verbal abuses equally insults and hurts a person. (Arun) Jaitleyji expressed regret and spoke in Parliament about what happened with Behan Mayawatiji, I too felt ashamed when I was informed about this. Our society should condemn such people," he said. Earlier speaking in the Lok Sabha on the situation arising out of violence in Kashmir, Singh assured the House that peace would soon be restored in the Valley. He informed the members that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Home Affairs has given instructions to the security forces to exercise maximum restraint in handling protesters. He added that an expert committee would be set up that would examine alternatives to the use of pellet guns. Singh blamed Pakistan for the unrest in the Valley, saying the "terrorism in the Valley is Pak-sponsored". He said "Kashmir is the integral part of India" and Pakistan is "keeping an evil eye on it". The Home Minister said, "The neighbouring country instead of fixing its internal matters is trying to destabilise India." Taking a strong exception to Pakistan observing 'Black Day' after the killing of the Hizbul terrorist, Singh said, "The terrorist was involved in as many as various heinous crimes and activities." Singh sought support of all members to make united efforts to restore peace in Kashmir. He expressed hope the government would succeed in improving the situation with their supports. Expressing deep pain over the loss of lives in the violence, Mr Singh informed that 38 civilians lost their lives and one security personnel died while several other injured in the clashes which followed after Wani's death. Singh informed the Lok Sabha that the situation in the Kashmir Valley steadily returning to the normalcy. "Essential commodities are being supplied in the curfew clamped areas and the ban on internet has been lifted," he added. (ANI) The police launched an operation after being alerted of a suspicious man near the Place de la Monnaie in the centre of the Belgian capital, Xinhua reported citing Belgian Newspaper La Libre. The man was wearing a heavy winter coat with protruding wires in a temperature of nearly 30 degrees Celsius, the report added. After hours of intense operations, the man was found out to be a student of nuclear radiation at a university in Brussels. He was researching radiation and radioactivity in the city. The man has been arrested and taken by the police for hearing. The operation had resulted in the blockade of a large swathe of blocks, and the evacuation of several shops around Place de la Monnaie. Special forces and the bomb disposal unit were also called in to assist the operation. "The way he reacted was totally abnormal, which is why we had to use all these means," Christian De Coninck of Brussels police told Belgian broadcaster RTBF. The incident came one day ahead of Belgium's National Day, with heightened security in Brussels in the wake of Nice attacks which killed at least 84 people. Earlier this year, Brussels was struck by three coordinated suicide bombings, which killed at least 32 civilians. --IANS sku/ ( 247 Words) 2016-07-21-03:48:01 (IANS) An aide for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump took responsibility for copying portions of First Lady Michelle Obama's 2008 address for Melania Trump's convention speech on Monday. A statement distributed on Wednesday by the campaign featured an apology from Meredith McIver and an offer of resignation. The statement attributed to McIver said the Republican presidential nominee had rejected her offer to resign, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. Staff writer Meredith McIver, who called herself "a longtime friend and admirer of the Trump family," said in a statement released by the Trump campaign that while working with Melania Trump on her First Lady speech, the two discussed many people who inspired Melania Trump. "A person she (Melania Trump) has always liked is Michelle Obama," Xinhua quoted McIver as saying. "Over the phone, she read me some passages from Mrs. Obama's speech as examples. I wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing in the draft that ultimately became the final speech," she said. According to McIver, she did not check Michelle Obama's 2008 speech. "This was my mistake and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused Melania and the Trumps, as well as to Michelle Obama," said McIver. The statement came two days after embarrassing similarities were revealed between parts of Melania Trump's speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday night and Michelle Obama's 2008 convention speech. The plagiarism charges threatened to overshadow Trump's official ascent to the standard-bearer of a major US political party and came just hours after the Trump campaign fiercely denied the overlap. Shortly after the release of the statement, Trump pointed out one positive side of the episode in his twitter post that his wife's speech "got more publicity than any in the history of politics especially if you believe that all press is good press". In another twitter post, Trump criticized the US media for spending more time "doing a forensic analysis of Melania's speech than the FBI spent on Hillary's emails". --IANS sku/ ( 349 Words) 2016-07-21-07:56:01 (IANS) Speaking after a meeting with Cabinet ministers and top security advisers here yesterday, Erdogan said the measure was being taken to counter threats to Turkish democracy. The declaration followed the firing and suspension of tens thousands of soldiers, educators and civil servants in recent days on suspicion of complicity in the failed coup last week. The Turkish President has warned of further arrests and suspensions to come as the authorities continue to pursue those they believed responsible for the failed coup. More than 50 thousand state employees have been rounded up, sacked or suspended in the days since the coup attempt. Turkey had imposed martial law-like emergency rule in the southeast of the country in 1987. It allowed officials to set curfews, issue search and arrest warrants and restricts gatherings as the security forces fought Kurdish rebels in the region. The emergency rule was gradually lifted by 2002. (ANI) Austria has summoned Turkey's ambassador to explain developments in Turkey after a failed coup attempt triggered a crackdown there and its links to demonstrations in Austria in support of Turkey's president, Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz said today.Kurz told ORF radio in an interview that Austria would ask the ambassador whether Turkish officials encouraged thousands of people in Austria to take to the streets over recent days to support Turkey's president, Tayyip Erdogan. REUTERS RSD PR1107 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0435-847303.Xml Myanmar government leader Aung San Suu Kyi has accepted an invitation from President Barack Obama to visit the United States, the government said today, in what would be her first trip to America since she won an election in November.Suu Kyi planned to travel at a "mutually convenient time", a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman said. Another government source said the trip was likely to coincide with the UN General Assembly session in New York in September.Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, swept to power in a historic election in November after decades of campaigning against military rule.It took over the running of the country after a transition from semi-civilian rule in April."She accepted President Obama's invitation to visit the US before his presidency ends," said Aye Aye Soe, a spokeswoman at the foreign ministry, which is run by Suu Kyi.Visiting US Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes delivered Obama's invitation during a meeting with Suu Kyi in the capital, Naypyitaw, today.Suu Kyi, 71, is barred from becoming president by the constitution drafted under the previous regime, because her two sons do not have Myanmar citizenship.She is instead foreign minister and has also assumed the newly created post of state counsellor. She is in overall charge of running the government.The US embassy in the city of Yangon did not comment.Suu Kyi, who spent years under house arrest during military rule, visited the United States as the leader of the opposition in September 2012.The UN General Assembly session in New York is scheduled from September 13 to September 26. Obama will leave office in January after a November election. REUTERS RSD VN1204 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0435-847383.Xml Bangladeshi opposition leader and former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's elder son Tarique Rahman was on Thursday handed a seven-year imprisonment and fine in a money laundering case. The High Court overturned a trial courts verdict acquitting the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader in a Taka 20.41 crore money laundering case, bdnews24 reported. The court also slapped a Taka 200 million fine on Rahman, who lives in London. The bench of justices Enayetur Rahim and Amir Hossain gave its decision on Thursday on an appeal by the anti-graft body -- Anti Corruption Commission (ACC). Rahman's close business associate Giasuddin-Al-Mamun was also sentenced to seven years in prison and fined Taka 400 million, bdnews24 reported. The ACC filed the case against Rahman and Mamun in October, 2009 for siphoning off the money to Singapore between 2003 and 2007. Rahman's lawyer Zainul Abedin denied that his client was involved in money laundering. He said the defence will scrutinise whether there was any chance of an appeal. A pro-BNP lawyer, told The Daily Star that Rahman cannot move appeal as he was a fugitive in the eye of law living in London on parole for eight years. Rahman, who faces trial for several charges, was arrested on March 7, 2007, during the Bangladesh state of emergency. In September 2008, after securing a bail from the Supreme Court, Rahman went to Britain citing medical reasons. Rahman has been in London ever since and also attends some BNP events in Dhaka. The Bangladesh High Court directed the lower court concerned to issue conviction warrant against Rahman. Since convict Md Tarique Rahman has been absconding the sentence of imprisonment as awarded shall be executed after causing his arrest or when he surrenders before the trial court, it said, the Daily Star reported. The laundered money Taka 20 crore will be kept within Bangladesh Bank until realisation of fine, it added. The High Court also ordered the ACC to take necessary steps in accordance with law to prosecute Md Moyazzam Hosen, Chairman of Hosaf Group, Khadiza Islam, Chairman of Nirman Construction, Mayer Sairee, and Marina Zaman who were the parties in the process of laundering money and aided the convicted persons in gaining the laundered money, Daily Star said. --IANS ask/rn/vm ( 388 Words) 2016-07-21-13:37:41 (IANS) Bangladesh's security force arrested four members of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen (JMB) today, including a regional leader of the banned group blamed for the Islamist attack on a cafe in Dhaka in which 22 people were killed, mostly foreigners.The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) raided an apartment on the outskirts of the capital Dhaka and arrested the group's southern region leader and three other members, including a medical student, said RAB spokesman Mizanur Rahman Bhuiya."They will be interrogated intensively to understand if they had any connection with the cafe attack," he told Reuters.A huge quality of ammunition, weapons, bomb-making materials and jihadi books have been recovered from the house, which was used for training recruits, Bhuiya added.Five Bangladesh militants, most from wealthy, liberal families, stormed an upmarket restaurant on July 1 and murdered customers, before they were gunned down. The majority of victims were foreigners from Italy, Japan, India and the United States, before they were gunned down.The attack, claimed by Islamic State, marked a major escalation in the scale and brutality of violence aimed at forcing strict Islamic rule in Bangladesh, whose 160 million people are mostly Muslim.Bangladesh has faced a series of attacks on liberal bloggers, university teachers and members of religious minorities over the past year. The government says home-grown militant groups are behind the attacks. REUTERS RSD VN1329 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0435-847559.Xml Singapore widened a crackdown on alleged money laundering in a probe tied to scandal-hit Malaysian state fund 1MDB, seizing assets and announcing it will take action against some of the biggest banks based in the city-stateSingapore authorities said in a statement today that they had seized 177 million dollars of assets in an investigation of 1MDB-related fund flows for possible money laundering.They also said they found problems at three major banks, top local lender DBS Group Holdings Ltd, the world's largest private bank UBS AG, and UK-based bank Standard Chartered."The preliminary findings are that there were instances of control failings in all three banks and, in some cases, weaknesses in the processes for accepting clients and monitoring transactions. There was also undue delay in detecting and reporting suspicious transactions," the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) aid in a statement.An onsite inspection of another Swiss bank, Falcon PBS, owned by one of the world's leading sovereign wealth funds - Abu Dhabi's International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), in April 2016 found "substantial breaches" of anti-money laundering regulations, MAS said.It was the first time 1MDB, or 1Malaysia Development Bhd, has been mentioned by the Singapore authorities in official statements about the money laundering investigation. In May, they said they were closing down the operations of Swiss private bank BSI AG in Singapore for serious breaches of anti-money laundering rules, the first such action in 32 years. They didn't identify 1MDB in that announcement, though Swiss authorities did in a related move against BSI.Thursday's joint statement by MAS, the Attorney-General's Chambers and the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) came the day after US prosecutors filed civil lawsuits to seize more than 1 billion dollars in assets they said were tied to money stolen from the Malaysian state development fund.Of the asset seizure announced today, about half belonged to Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, known as Jho Low, and his immediate family, according to the statement.Authorities did not detail the potential action they might take against the banks. Under Singapore law, the banks could face fines or other penalties, and individuals directly involved could face prosecution."The criminal investigations by CAD are targeted at individuals suspected of committing offences in Singapore related to these flows, while MAS has been examining the financial institutions through which the funds flowed for possible regulatory breaches and control lapses," the statement said."EGREGIOUS FINANCIAL CRIME"1MDB, which was founded by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in 2009 shortly after he came to office, is being investigated for money-laundering in several countries.Both 1MDB and Najib have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.Ties between Singapore and Malaysia have improved in recent years. Singapore was part of Malaysia after the end of British colonial rule but they separated acrimoniously in 1965, clouding diplomatic and economic dealings for decades.The MAS said it has carried inspections at DBS, and the local units of both Asia-focused Standard Chartered and UBS."The MAS' inspections did not reveal pervasive control weaknesses or staff misconduct within these banks, unlike in the case of BSI Bank," the statement said.DBS, Standard Chartered said they will fully cooperate with the authorities."Egregious financial crime is highly sophisticated and intentionally designed to evade systems and controls. DBS has previously identified certain questionable activities and voluntarily reported these to the relevant authorities," DBS said.Standard Chartered said it had also reported suspicious transactions whenever it discovered them, adding that it had strengthened its anti-money laundering controls and processes.UBS said it "self-reported the suspicious transactions" and is working closely with regulators."Combating sophisticated international financial crime is complex and UBS is constantly enhancing its comprehensive AML (anti money laundering) processes," it said in a statement."SUBSTANTIAL BREACHES"Falcon's inadequacies included "failure to adequately assess irregularities in activities pertaining to customers' accounts and to file suspicious transaction reports," MAS said.It said that Falcon's management of key client relationships were done out of the bank's head office in Switzerland and that the examination was still ongoing.Falcon said it is in "full cooperation" with authorities and will comment further when investigations are complete.The statement from Singapore authorities also mentioned Singapore-based Raffles Money Change, a money changer and remittance agent, which was found to have inadequate risk management and oversight.The 1MDB-related investigations, which began in March 2015, are ongoing and Singapore has requested information from other countries as part of its probe."Appropriate actions will be brought against those who have broken Singapore's laws," the statement said. REUTERS RSD AS1402 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0435-847639.Xml Pakistan lawmakers in the Senate have unanimously agreed to engage all stakeholders for reviewing Islamabad's terms of engagement with world powers, especially the United States. "There is complete imbalance in our relations with the US, which has been shaping and reshaping our foreign policy goals through means of dictation and bullying," said Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani. According to the Dawn, Rabbani was chairing the meeting of the Senate Committee convened to chalk out policy guidelines in light of the "emerging regional realities". This comes as last week, a few US Congressmen recommended cutting off all American assistance to Pakistan to force Islamabad to go tough on Afghan Taliban. "The situation arising after the negative remarks of (US) Congress legislators regarding Pakistan's role in war on terror has compelled us to determine new terms of engagement to promote our national interest," said Rabbani. The unnecessary criticism has become a frequent trend amongst the US legislators and policymakers without realising Pakistan's efforts for global war on terror, he added. Senator Sherry Rehman, a former ambassador to the US, said that the US has been long seeing Pakistan through the lens of Afghanistan and it is time it recognises it as an independent political entity and regional reality. Vehemently opposing the overwhelming interference of the security establishment in foreign affairs, Rehman said formulating foreign policy was the parliament's job. "I strongly believe the foreign policy should not be drafted by the establishment or any other quarters," said Rehman. "While the states are introducing new foreign policy trends and reprioritising their diplomatic goals, we are living in the past, dancing to the US tunes in submission," said Senator Sehar Kamran. The Senate panel members unanimously agreed to invite all stakeholders in the upcoming meetings to map comprehensive guidelines for future engagements with neighbouring countries and world powers. (ANI) Kirtland Park, on the shores of Lake Erie near downtown Cleveland, was designated as a place where hundreds of protesters could camp during the Republican National Convention. It is less than a quarter full.One measure of the shortfall: With about 10 transportable toilets on hand Tuesday night and about 15 tents, the city was providing one plastic commode for every two campers.US political conventions typically are protest magnets, and the Republican National Convention that nominated Donald Trump as its presidential candidate after a bitter primary campaign had been seen as a major draw.But three days in, the crowds were far smaller than expected.Activists said deadly attacks on police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Dallas had scared off some would-be protesters. Others saw the presence of "open carry" gun-rights advocates as a threat to their safety. Cleveland's heavy police presence discouraged others, protest leaders said."I'm extremely disappointed with turnout," said Lee Garnett, a 39-year-old tech worker who came from San Francisco to protest Trump's nomination. As he stood in Kirtland Park on Tuesday night, about two dozen activists listened to a man strum a guitar and sing.Garnett said friends had backed out. "It was fear of violence. Fear of violence from the police and fear of violence from the Trump supporters," he said, citing Trump's prediction in March of riots if he were denied the nomination.City records show three of five officially permitted protests planned for the first three days of the convention did not occur. Either organizers canceled events or supporters failed to take part, city officials said.The American Civil Liberties Union had won a court battle to reduce the size of the security area around the convention hall, arguing that people needed more space to exercise their free speech rights. But the designated 1.7-square-mile (440-hectare) "event zone" easily accommodated the few hundred protesters on hand at any given time. At rallies, police officers appeared swiftly and often outnumbered the protesters.On Wednesday, police arrested 18 people - the biggest number of the convention so far - after they scuffled with police while trying to set fire to an American flag near the convention entrance.'CHILLING EFFECT'Cleveland has put 500 police officers on the streets, backed by about 3,000 reinforcements from as far away as California and Texas. Hundreds of cops on bicycles, with others on foot and horseback, have directed and controlled crowds."It has a chilling effect on the exercise of free speech, which is so critical in a democratic society," said Terry Gilbert, a veteran Cleveland civil rights lawyer. "That's dangerous. I think that could change the whole dynamic of protest."Cleveland police say the events have gone smoothly so far, with little violence and only 23 convention-related arrests through yesterday.Cleveland activist Art McCoy, founder of civil rights group Black Man's Army, which often protests against police use of force, said his group is not marching."We've decided to be still and observe," McCoy said, adding that he doubted convention protests would change relations between minorities and local police. "The convention is just a distraction."Local activist Rachelle Smith said the Dallas shooting, in which five people were killed, influenced her choice to act as a legal observer and adviser rather than leading protests. "I expected numbers to be bigger - whether from people coming in from out of town or people from Cleveland getting involved," she said.But Christine Link, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, said Clevelanders have little experience assembling large-scale protests."Cleveland is not Chicago or New York," she said. "We don't have the activist networks, we don't have the populations of those cities."SENSE OF OBLIGATIONAnn Wright, 70, a member of the antiwar group Code Pink who traveled from Honolulu, said the same fear that caused some to stay home prompted her to travel to Cleveland."People who have privilege - I'm a white woman, I'm a retired lieutenant colonel - have to do this because we can," said Wright, a former US Army officer and former US diplomat.Protest organizers were not giving up. Yesterday, a group of immigrant-rights activists donned ponchos with a brick pattern and stood shoulder to shoulder in what they called a human wall. Trump has promised to build a wall on the US-Mexico border."It's a beautiful sight," Ivan Vargas, a 28-year-old business consultant from Atlanta, said as the march kicked off. "These are people who are ready to put their bodies on the line."At the end of the event, piles of unworn ponchos remained on the ground.REUTERS PS BL1640 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-847995.Xml A Bangladesh court today handed a seven-year jail term to the son of main opposition leader Khaleda Zia in a case of money laundering, scrapping an acquittal by a lower court, lawyers said.Tarique Rahman, 51, the political heir apparent to the former prime minister, was also fined 200 million taka (2.5 million), said Khurshid Alam Khan, a lawyer for the Anti-Corruption Commission, which had appealed against the previous judgment."The verdict once again endorsed that no one is above the law," Khan told reporters.In 2013, a Dhaka court had acquitted Rahman of charges that he and a close friend, Giasuddin Al Mamun, siphoned off 204 million taka (2.6 million dollars) to Singapore. Today, the court upheld a seven-year jail term for Mamun.Zainul Abedin, a lawyer for Rahman, who lives in exile in London, told reporters the defence had not yet decided if it would appeal against the decision.However, Rahman cannot appeal against his conviction unless he surrenders before the court, Law Minister Anisul Huq told reporters after the verdict, vowing to seek the assistance of British authorities, or international police agency Interpol, if required.Bangladesh does not have an extradition treaty with Britain.Khaleda's Bangladesh Nationalist Party rejected the decision on Rahman, calling it "an attempt to keep him away from politics".Bangladeshi politics has been mired for years in rivalry between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda.Both women are related to former national leaders, and have alternated as prime minister for most of the past two decades.While the women feud, their Muslim-majority country of 160 million has faced a series of militant attacks, the most serious on July 1, when gunmen stormed a cafe in the capital, Dhaka, and killed 20 hostages, most of them foreigners.REUTERS PS BL1650 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-848022.Xml Carcasses of dolphins are washing up on Bulgaria's Black Sea beaches at a higher than normal rate, with a record 108 dead animals discovered this year, local authorities said today.The cause of the deaths has yet to be determined, said Enviroment Minister Ivelina Vasileva after collecting information by regional centres, adding that 77 of the dead dolphins were found in the southern part of the country's Black Sea coast.Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borissov today called for a special meeting with conservation organisations to try to find a solution to the record number of deaths and said on his official Facebook page that steps are being taken to ban fishing in areas populated by the protected species.The number of dead dolphins in 2016 is significantly higher than the 56 found last year and the previous record of 74 in 2012.Media reports of dead dolphins on Bulgarian beaches have been rife in recent years. In spite of repeated allegations, often with finger-pointing at fishermen, the cause has yet to be established conclusively.There are three species of dolphins in the Black Sea off Bulgaria: the short-beaked common dolphin, the harbour porpoise and the common bottlenose dolphin. The dolphin population along Bulgaria's black sea coast is about 15,000, according to environment ministry data.The penalty for killing a dolphin is a fine of up to 11,270 dollars and imprisonment for up to five years. REUTERS PS BL1714 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-848090.Xml Nepali Congress lawmaker Gagan Thapa on Thursday filed a proposal of public importance demanding the Parliament begin discussions on demands raised by Dr Govinda K. C., who has been staging fast-unto-death for last 12 days demanding reforms in Nepal medical education sector. "I have filed this proposal of public importance as it is imperative to seek necessary solutions after holding discussions in the respectable House as it is necessary to take immediate initiatives for protection of his life after addressing sensitive issues of public interest raised by Dr KC," the Himalayan Times quoted Thapa, as saying. He filed the proposal putting forth four specific reasons that the House should discuss the veteran doctor's demands. In the proposal, Thapa has said that it is essential that the Legislature take initiatives to save the life of Dr K. C., who has been staging the fast-unto-death for last 12 days. Likewise, he said the Parliament should urge the government to be responsible towards ensuring that the past agreements signed with Dr K. C. have been implemented. "The government had concluded various agreements with Dr K.C. on reforms in medication education. It is the Parliament's obligation to instruct the government as necessary after finding why the commitments could not be implemented," Thapa's proposal read. Further, the House needs to discuss his demands as they are directly related to the Parliament this time, according to Thapa. He argued in the proposal that status of implementation of the report submitted by the Kedar Bhakta Mathema panel is also directly related to the Parliament. On Dr KC's demand to impeach Chief of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority Lokman Singh Karki, Thapa said the Parliament is the only authority to carry out an independent probe into the allegation. (ANI) NANCHANG, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang warned of more strong rainfall in the Yangtze River basin on Saturday and said the disaster relief task remains "quite arduous." With the approaching of August usually with strong rainfalls and more Typhoon, China is facing a more severe and complicated situation in fighting floods, Wang said while commanding disaster relief work in the eastern province of Jiangxi. Local authorities must enhance forecast of rain and floods, and make full use of water conservancy projects to prevent and mitigate disasters, the vice premier said. They must reinforce monitoring and detection work to prevent breaches of banks and dikes, he said. Continuous rain along the Yangtze have killed at least 237 people and left dozens missing since mid June. Water levels on the Dongting Lake and Poyang Lake, two major bodies of fresh water, have long been higher than the warning line. Local governments and relevant departments must spare no efforts to control the floods and ensure people's safety, Wang said, adding they should improve flood prevention facilities and technologies to reduce future disasters. BERLIN, July 20, 2016 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel(L) and British Prime Minister Theresa May attend a welcoming ceremony prior to their meeting at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, on July 20, 2016. Britain will maintain close economic relations with Germany despite its intention to exit the European Union (EU), Britain's new Prime Minister Theresa May said Wednesday during her visit to Germany. (Xinhua/Guo Yang) BERLIN, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Britain will maintain close economic relations with Germany despite its intention to exit the European Union (EU), Britain's new Prime Minister Theresa May said Wednesday during her visit to Germany. "Of course, our relations will change, but economic relations will remain close," May said here. Political developments in Turkey, the refugee issue and Brexit were discussed during May's visit with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It was the former's first trip abroad after her appointment a week ago. Merkel, during the meeting, stressed Germany's close partnership with Britain, adding Germany would represent its own interests in upcoming Brexit negotiations, Merkel added. However, the process could go on in a "friendly atmosphere and on the basis of many common convictions," said Merkel. Merkel reiterated that negotiations could only start after a formal request from London. "It is a matter of common concern when Britain applies the exit with a very well-defined negotiating position," she said. May said it would be "part of discussions" in the coming negotiations, whether the British should remain part of the free-trade area without free movement of EU citizens. GENEVA, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The World Trade Organisation(WTO) kicked off a regular review of China's trade policy on Wednesday, enabling members to examine China's trade policy and practices over the past two years. Wang Shouwen, head of the Chinese delegation and China's Vice Minister of Commerce, briefed trade representatives on China's economic development, progress in the trade and investment sector, major reform measures and opening-up steps, participation in the multilateral trading system, and assumption of the role as a responsible major country. "New approaches have been adopted in macroeconomic regulation. New growth drivers have been cultivated and traditional ones retooled. In parallel with the reasonable expansion of total demand, the supply-side structural reform has been stepped up," Wang explained. According to the official, reform measures were being unfolded across the board. Among others, reforms of the administrative examination and approval system have been advanced, as have reforms relating to the industrial and commercial registration system, the fiscal and taxation and financial systems and the foreign investment approval system. Wang also mentioned the opening up steps China has undertaken since the previous review in July 2014. "Efforts have been made to build a new open economic system, promote innovative growth of foreign trade and encourage balanced development of two-way investment," he highlighted. These efforts have contributed to China's ongoing economic success and development. "In the past two years, China's economy has been growing steadily at a medium to high speed and with a better quality," Wang said. "In 2015, GDP increased by 6.9 percent, over 13 million new jobs were created in the urban areas... China became the largest trading partner of more than 120 countries and regions," he added. Wang highlighted the setting-up of three Pilot Free Trade Zones in Guangdong, Tianjin and Fujian and the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund, moves that were hailed as part of China's new round of opening up. He also noted that since its accession to WTO in 2001, China has actively assumed its responsibilities as a major developing trading nation, having cut its overall tariff level from 15.3 percent to 9.8 percent and opened up 100 services sectors. It has also played an active role in Doha Development Agenda negotiations and showed its support for the multilateral trading system through constructive action and key initiatives. Beijing has also fully assumed its role as a responsible major country, according to Wang. China has been the largest export market for the Least Developed Countries(LDCs) since 2008...and is an active champion of South-South Cooperation. Over the past six decades, it has provided assistance of over 400 billion yuan(59.87 billion U.S. dollars) to 166 countries and international organizations,according to Wang. He also reminded that China has always fulfilled its duties and obligations as a WTO member. Some 1,800 written questions were sent by 34 members, Wang said, adding that this set a new record for China's trade policy review. Such reviews are mandated by WTO agreements, and give members the opportunity to examine and evaluate at regular intervals members' trade and related policies. Significant developments that may have an impact on the global trading system are also monitored. All WTO members are subject to review, with the frequency of review depending on the economy's size. The United States, China, the European Union and Japan are reviewed every two years. Related: U.S. challenges China at WTO over raw material export duties WASHINGTON, July 13 (Xinhua) -- Amid increasing anti-trade rhetoric in the current U.S. presidential campaign, the United States has challenged China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over its export duties on nine key raw materials. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) claimed Wednesday in a statement that these duties ranging from 5 to 20 percent ad valorem create "an uneven playing field" for U.S. manufacturers. Full story China to resort to WTO over unreasonable U.S.decision on steel subsidy BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua)-- China will use the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement process to defend its interests over an unreasonable decision by America on steel subsidies, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Wednesday. NEW YORK, July 19, 2016 (Xinhua) -- File photo taken on July 16, 2016 shows Donald Trump speaking during a campaign event in New York, theUnited States. New York billionaire Donald Trump clinched enough delegate votes to be officially selected as Republican presidential nominee Tuesday evening in the roll call voting at the ongoing Republican National Convention. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) WASHINGTON, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Two-thirds of Americans oppose the immigration proposals by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, Gallup found in a poll released on Wednesday. Trump has made stemming the tide of illegals a campaign priority, saying he would build a wall on the border with Mexico and deport illegal immigrants if elected president. The poll showed that 66 percent of Americans oppose the idea of building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, including 88 percent of Democrats, 66 percent of independents and 38 percent of Republicans. Similarly, 66 percent of Americans oppose deporting illegal immigrants, including 83 percent of Democrats, 65 percent of independents and 48 percent of Republicans. A great majority of Americans, or 84 percent, favor a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who meet certain requirements over a period of time, including 91 percent of Democrats, 85 percent of independents, and 76 percent of Republicans, Gallup found. Not surprisingly, given the greater support for a path to citizenship than deportation or building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, Americans are more likely to say Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's immigration proposals, rather than Trump's, come closer to their own, Gallup found. Fifty-three percent of Americans say Clinton's immigration policies are closer to their own, compared to 37 percent who say Trump's proposals on immigration come closer to their own. Notably, more Republicans favor a path to citizenship than supporting construction of a border wall or deporting illegal immigrants. Although a majority of Republicans favor this proposal, the 62 percent who do so is much smaller than those (76 percent) who favor a path to citizenship for immigrants living here illegally for a certain period of time, Gallup noted. Related: Donald Trump officially wins Republican presidential nomination CLEVELAND, the United States, July 19 (Xinhua) -- New York billionaire Donald Trump was officially declared as the U.S. Republican Party's presidential nominee on Tuesday. U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan officially announced Trump's nomination after a state-by-state vote. Full story Profile: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump CLEVELAND, United States, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Republican Party on Tuesday formally nominated New York billionaire Donald Trump as its presidential candidate. Born on June 14, 1946, in New York, Trump started his career in his father's real estate firm in 1968 after graduation from Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and was given control of the company in 1971, when he renamed the company "The Trump Organization." Full story Clinton, Trump tied in polls as Republican convention enters second day CLEVELAND, the United States, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are in a direct head-to-head match-up, 46 percent to 45 percent, according to a poll issued Tuesday, the second day of the on-going Republican National Convention. WASHINGTON, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government determined Wednesday it would maintain the existing antidumping duty (AD) orders on carbon steel butt-weld pipe fittings from China, Brazil, Japan and Thailand. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) concluded in a ruling that revoking the current antidumping and countervailing duty orders on carbon steel butt-weld pipe fittings from those countries would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. It has been the fourth "sunset review" since the United States issued AD orders on carbon steel butt-weld pipe fittings from those countries from 1986 to 1992. The AD margins on the products from the mainland and Taiwan are 182.9 percent and 87.3 percent separately. A "sunset review" was conducted every five years after anti-dumping and countervailing duties were introduced. The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the U.S. Department of Commerce to revoke an anti-dumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the department and the ITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would likely lead to the continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies and of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has repeatedly urged the United States to abide by its commitment against trade protectionism and work together with China and other members of the international community to maintain a free, open and just international trade environment. Undated photo shows a Chinese H-6K bomber patrolling islands and reefs including Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea. (Xinhua/Liu Rui) WASHINGTON, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The United States, which often has double standards on global affairs due to its "empire mentality", would be "the last country" that can lecture other countries about international law, a prominent American lawyer told Xinhua. "We (The U.S.) expect other countries to comply with international decrees but we don't, because we don't feel like it," Bruce Fein, a veteran constitutional and international law attorney, said in a recent interview with Xinhua. "There is a double standard here. It's glaring." Fein criticized the U.S. for refraining as much as it can from adhering to international instruments that would limit its ability to "act just based upon sheer power." "We figure why we should bind ourselves at all? We will just do whatever we want," he said. An arbitral tribunal last week issued the so-called award on the South China Sea arbitration case unilaterally initiated by the former Philippine government. The U.S. has said that the award was binding on both parties and expected both China and the Philippines to comply with their obligations under it. Noting that the U.S. hasn't ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Fein said, "How do we lecture on other countries on complying with UNCLOS? We aren't even a signatory ourselves." In his analysis of the nature of the ruling, Fein said the tribunal was deciding "a political matter rather than a legal matter." He pointed out that the tribunal is not a permanent court and only comes together "in an ad hoc fashion" in response to a particular case, which makes it "more political than otherwise." "It's a situation where China itself does not have any representation," he said. "The court only heard one side of the matter. It undermines the legitimacy of the ruling." The attorney on international law said that as a matter of custom, it's not often that countries accept international adjudications and they "pick and choose which decisions they wish to honor." Moreover, Fein blasted what he said the U.S. attempts to "encircle" China, citing Washington's moves to increase its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, from agreeing with South Korea to deploy a sophisticated missile defense system called THAAD, to enhancing security ties with Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines. "What gives the United States the moral authority to police shores that are thousands of miles away?" Fein said, adding that if China meddled with affairs in the Caribbean, the U.S. would not permit that "for a second." In recent months, U.S. warships carried out repeated operations in the adjacent waters of some Chinese islands and reefs on the excuse of exercising what Washington calls the "freedom of navigation." China has insisted that commercial and civilian vessels have never encountered problems in the region. Comparing these U.S. maneuvers to "preemptive attack", Fein faulted the logic behind these operations. "The fact is that they can't point to an actual obstruction of freedom of the seas, so they just say you are endangering it because you have the potential to do it," Fein said. "The Unites States could clog the artery of commerce everywhere in the world if it wanted to," he added. Fein also expressed worries about the rising tensions in the South China Sea region and called on the U.S. to come back to senses and abandon its mentality of exceptionalism. To diffuse tension in the region, the primary responsibility lies with the United States, because "it is the United States that has gone way beyond the customary sphere of influence and tried to project ourselves there," Fein said. WASHINGTON, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday called on Turkey to present evidence that U.S.-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen was behind last week' s failed coup attempt. "With respect to Mr. Gulen, we have consistently said to our friends in Turkey, our allies in Turkey, that we need evidence," Kerry told reporters at the Pledging Conference in Support of Iraq in Washington. "We have a very strict set of requirements that have to be met for an extradition to take place." More than 290 people, includes at least 190 civilians and 100 coup plotters, were killed in the coup attempt that swept Turkey on Friday night but was foiled by Saturday morning. The Turkish government claimed the failed coup was organized by Gulen's followers and has sent official request to the U.S. government for his extradition. Kerry said he had asked his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu to send evidence about Gulen's alleged involvement in the attempted coup, rather than "allegations" , adding that "we need to have evidence which we can then make a judgment about." The top U.S. diplomat also said that the U.S. supported the Turkish government's putdown of the coup attempt. "We support the democratic government. We support the duly elected officials. We condemn this coup and we are clear about our desire to see democracy sustained and flourish in Turkey," Kerry said. "We want to make certain that as the response to the coup is implemented it fully respects that democracy that we are supporting," he added. In a telephone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday, U.S. President Barack Obama urged that the investigations and prosecution of the coup's perpetrators be conducted in ways that "reinforce public confidence in democratic institutions and the rule of law." CLEVELAND, the United States, July 20 (Xinhua) -- One of the themes of 2016 Republican National Convention is to "Make America One Again." Ironically, three days into the convention, even party unity still remains elusive despite Republican presidential nominee for 2016 U.S. election Donald Trump's effort to put on a unity show. Relations between Trump and party leaders were constantly strained during the chaotic primary season where the bombastic and bellicose candidate hurled insults at party establishment and alienated a wide swath of constituencies with controversial remarks. As the primary season came to an end, the past grudge still lingers on. Long before the GOP convention kicked off on Monday in Cleveland, Ohio, four of the five previous GOP presidential nominees still alive, including former presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, announced that they would sit out Trump's coronation party which lasts from July 18 to 21. Meanwhile, Trump's four former rivals in the nomination race, including Ohio Governor John Kasich, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, also did not attend this year's convention. Compared with others, Kasich's decision to dodge was even more conspicuous since the convention was being held in the very state where he was the governor. Even among party leaders who attended the convention, their enthusiasm for Trump appeared to be lukewarm. Despite his earlier endorsement of Trump, House Speaker Paul Ryan, the highest-ranking GOP officeholder, had never concealed his discord with Trump and for once described Trump's comments on a Latino-American judge "textbook" racism. Speaking at the convention on Wednesday night, Ryan made an impassioned plea for party unity without any praise for Trump, now the party's standard-bearer. In fact, the name of Trump just appeared two times at the beginning of his speech. Instead Ryan dedicated most of his speech to the governing agenda he proposed in the House that covers taxes, health care, national security, etc. "This year of surprises and dramatic turns can end in the finest possible way when America elects a conservative governing majority," said Ryan near the end of his speech. In contrary to Ryan's cautious approach towards Trump, some of the 2,472 delegates attending the four-day event was vocal in their criticism of Trump. "I don't think he has the temperament to be the president of the United States," said North Carolina delegate William Gillis, referring to a major talking point currently adopted by Democrats. "(if elected) I ultimately don't think he will move our county in a largely positive direction." Trump first drew widespread criticism last June when he said in his presidential announcement speech that Mexico was sending "rapists" and drug dealers to the United States. Since that, he had repeatedly vowed, if elected president, to deport about 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country. In another outburst of emotional remarks, Trump called for a "total and complete" ban on Muslims entering the United States in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks in November 2015. Since then, the targets of Trump's insults expanded to include women, African-American protesters, family members of rivals, etc. WASHINGTON, July 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. health officials are investigating a possible case of Zika virus spread by local mosquitoes in Florida on Wednesday, as President Barack Obama pledged to provide the state more money to fight the mosquito-borne virus. The Florida Department of Health did not reveal too much information about the patient, only identifying the new case as a "possible non-travel related case of Zika virus in Miami-Dade County." But it was the first hint that Zika may have finally spread to mosquitoes in the continental United States, since no such a case has been reported previously. According to the department's statement, the investigation "is ongoing and the department will share more details as they become available." Meanwhile, the White House said in a statement that President Obama spoke by phone Wednesday with Governor Rick Scott of Florida regarding the possible "first documented Zika infection caused by a mosquito in the continental United States." "The President recognized Florida's strong record of responding aggressively to local outbreaks of mosquito-borne viruses like Zika, and offered federal support and technical assistance for Florida's ongoing case investigation and mosquito control efforts," the White House statement said. Obama also noted during the call that in addition to the two million U.S. dollars that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided to Florida for Zika preparedness, the agency anticipates it will award Florida another 5.6 million dollars in Zika funding this week. Separately, the Utah Department of Health said early this week it's investigating a "unique" Zika case who has not recently traveled to an area with Zika and has not had sex with another patient or someone who has traveled to an area with Zika. The Utah case was reportedly the son of a man who became the first person in the continental U.S. to die after being infected with the Zika virus and may have acquired the virus after caring for his infected father. Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito and it can also be spread sexually. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). As of July 13, 1,306 cases of Zika have been reported in the continental United States and Hawaii, and none of these have been the result of local spread by mosquitoes, according to the U.S. CDC. These cases include 14 believed to be the result of sexual transmission and one that was the result of a laboratory exposure, the CDC said. People stand behind a sign during protests against Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump outside the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S., July 20, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly CLEVELAND, the United States, July 20 (Xinhua) -- One of the themes of 2016 Republican National Convention is to "Make America One Again." Ironically, three days into the convention, even party unity still remains elusive despite Republican presidential nominee for 2016 U.S. election Donald Trump's effort to put on a unity show. Relations between Trump and party leaders were constantly strained during the chaotic primary season where the bombastic and bellicose candidate hurled insults at party establishment and alienated a wide swath of constituencies with controversial remarks. As the primary season came to an end, the past grudge still lingers on. Long before the GOP convention kicked off on Monday in Cleveland, Ohio, four of the five previous GOP presidential nominees still alive, including former presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, announced that they would sit out Trump's coronation party which lasts from July 18 to 21. Meanwhile, Trump's four former rivals in the nomination race, including Ohio Governor John Kasich, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, also did not attend this year's convention. Compared with others, Kasich's decision to dodge was even more conspicuous since the convention was being held in the very state where he was the governor. Even among party leaders who attended the convention, their enthusiasm for Trump appeared to be lukewarm. Despite his earlier endorsement of Trump, House Speaker Paul Ryan, the highest-ranking GOP officeholder, had never concealed his discord with Trump and for once described Trump's comments on a Latino-American judge "textbook" racism. Speaking at the convention on Wednesday night, Ryan made an impassioned plea for party unity without any praise for Trump, now the party's standard-bearer. In fact, the name of Trump just appeared two times at the beginning of his speech. Instead Ryan dedicated most of his speech to the governing agenda he proposed in the House that covers taxes, health care, national security, etc. "This year of surprises and dramatic turns can end in the finest possible way when America elects a conservative governing majority," said Ryan near the end of his speech. Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump greets supporters after arriving by helicopter at a Trump 'Friends and Family Arrival Event" for the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, U.S., July 20, 2016. REUTERS/Jim Bourg In contrary to Ryan's cautious approach towards Trump, some of the 2,472 delegates attending the four-day event was vocal in their criticism of Trump. "I don't think he has the temperament to be the president of the United States," said North Carolina delegate William Gillis, referring to a major talking point currently adopted by Democrats. "(if elected) I ultimately don't think he will move our county in a largely positive direction." Trump first drew widespread criticism last June when he said in his presidential announcement speech that Mexico was sending "rapists" and drug dealers to the United States. Since that, he had repeatedly vowed, if elected president, to deport about 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country. In another outburst of emotional remarks, Trump called for a "total and complete" ban on Muslims entering the United States in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks in November 2015. Since then, the targets of Trump's insults expanded to include women, African-American protesters, family members of rivals, etc. CANBERRA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- An Australian MP has on Thursday urged his government to hold a referendum in 2019 so that parliament can adopt fixed, four-year Parliamentary terms, as the current rolling "three-year" term is considered to be too short. With three-year terms, Australia has one of the shortest parliamentary terms in the western world, while governments sometimes call elections even earlier in an attempt to secure re-election. Liberal MP David Coleman believes adopting a fixed four-year term - similar to that in the United States - would result in greater parliamentary stability, economic certainty and increased voter confidence in the governance system. In an article written for Fairfax Media on Thursday, Coleman said the government should call a referendum for 2019 so that Australians can vote for a set date, four-year system. "If we were to devise a system today from scratch, we would not say: 'let's have an election roughly every two-and-a-half years, at an unknown date, to be determined at the sole discretion of the Prime Minister of the day'," Coleman wrote on Thursday. "That's how our system currently works. We should change it." He said shifting to longer fixed term would bring "substantial benefits to the nation". "A longer term would mean more capacity to implement policy - particularly complex reforms," Coleman said. "Uncertainty around election times reduces business investment and consumer confidence...leading to needless uncertainty in the community. "It would (also) be fair and transparent. A known election date means that any participant in the election - or anyone whose activities are affected by the election - would know where they stand years in advance." "A fixed four-year term would make our system stronger, bringing obvious benefits to the nation," Coleman said. TIRANA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Albania and Germany said here Wednesday that they would strengthen agricultural cooperation. The decision was announced by Albanian Agriculture Minister Edmond Panariti and German Environment Minister Stefan Wenzel after a meeting in Tirana. Panariti praised the support Germany has given to Albania over the years, saying it was a necessity for Albania, especially in the waste monitoring of agricultural products. Panariti said another issue that required more attention was the prevention of agricultural infectious diseases. "We need to attract more German investments in the field of agriculture," Panariti said. Wenzel, for his part, said that Albania's agriculture development is moving forward, adding the two countries should also identify cooperation in other areas. CANBERRA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Deputy prime minister on Thursday shut down calls from controversial Senator-elect Pauline Hanson for Muslim immigration to be banned and CCTV cameras to be installed in Australian mosques. Barnaby Joyce, the nation's Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Nationals Party, said the controversial One Nation policy of banning Muslim immigration into Australia and setting up surveillance cameras in existing mosques was preposterous, and that filtering immigration based on religious beliefs was against the values which Australia was built upon. "I'm not into banning people on the premise of their belief," Joyce said in comments published in News Corp newspapers on Thursday. "If you can put (surveillance cameras) in mosques, then I go to Mass, are we going to have one in the Catholic Church?" Joyce's comments came after apparent Islamic State-led (IS) terror attacks occurred in Nice and in Turkey earlier this month. The attacks were followed by controversial comments made by Hanson and leaving TV personality Sonia Kruger, who have both called for a ban on all Muslim immigrants coming into Australia. CLEVELAND, the United States, July 20 (Xinhua) -- An aide for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said Wednesday she took responsibility for copying portions of First Lady Michelle Obama's 2008 address for Melania Trump's convention speech on Monday. Staff writer Meredith McIver, who called herself "a longtime friend and admirer of the Trump family," said in a statement released by the Trump campaign that while working with Mrs. Trump on her First Lady speech, the two discussed many people who inspired Mrs. Trump. "A person she (Melania Trump) has always liked is Michelle Obama," said McIver. "Over the phone, she read me some passages from Mrs. Obama's speech as examples. I wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing in the draft that ultimately became the final speech." According to McIver, she did not check Mrs. Obama's 2008 speech. "This was my mistake, and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused Melania and the Trumps, as well as to Mrs. Obama," said McIver, adding that her offer to resign was rejected by the Trump family. The statement came two days after embarrassing similarities were revealed between parts of Mrs. Trump's speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday night and Mrs. Obama's 2008 convention speech. The plagiarism charges threatened to overshadow Trump's official ascent to the standard-bearer of a major U.S. political party, and came just hours after the Trump campaign fiercely denied the overlap. Shortly after the release of the statement, Trump pointed out one positive side of the episode in his twitter post that his wife's speech "got more publicity than any in the history of politics especially if you believe that all press is good press." In another twitter post, Trump criticized the U.S. media for spending more time "doing a forensic analysis of Melania's speech than the FBI spent on Hillary's emails." TIANMEN, July 21, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on July 21, 2016 shows a dike breach of Hanbei River in Tianmen City, central China's Hubei Province. The breach occurred at around 8: 30 a.m. Thursday and kept widening. Before the dike breach, the local residents were relocated over safety concerns. Water in Hanbei River has reached its warning level due to recent heavy rain. (Xinhua/Xiong Qi) WUHAN, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Another breached dike was found on a subsidiary of Hanjiang River in central China's Hubei Province, one day after workers completed repair work on the banks of the Kaotian River in the province. A water torrent some 30 meters wide was seen in Hanbei River at 9 a.m. Thursday, inundating a large area of farmland. More than 34,000 residents had been evacuated earlier. On Wednesday, workers finished a three-day repair project on a 81-meter wide breach on dike of Kaotian River. Some 50,000 cubic meters of stone was used to fill the breach. The breach resulted in the flooding of seven villages, 1,000 hectares of farmland, and two fishery ponds, while threatening safe passage across several highways and railways. The rain-battered province is prone to summer flooding. BRASILIA, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's interim government pledged on Wednesday in a press conference that labor law reforms will be sent to Congress before the end of year. Ronaldo Nogueira, Brazilian Minister of Labor and Social Security pointed out that Brazil's current labor legislation dates back to the 1940s, with new types of economic activity periodically being added. He says an update is long overdue. "The Consolidation of Labor Laws is a patchwork which allows subjective interpretations. It will be updated in order to be simplified, so that its interpretation will be same for the worker, the employer and the judge," he explained. Among a number of major changes include strengthening the value of collective negotiation, amending the minimum wage and the length of the work day, and making it illegal to pay end-of-year bonuses in instalments or to break up holidays. In terms of sub-contracting issues, Nogueira added that a working group would be created to define which specialized services could be sub-contracted in order to respond to the concerns among labor unions. Currently, companies can only sub-contract activities that do not have to do with their core business, such as cleaning or security. PANAMA CITY, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Panama on Wednesday officially established a truth commission to delve into the still murky events surrounding the 1989 U.S. invasion that removed General Manuel Noriega from power. Panama's Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister Isabel de Saint Malo presided over the ceremony to install what is being called the December 20 Commission. "There can be no reconciliation without the truth, without recording the collective memory in black and white," Saint Malo said. The commission reflects "the state's commitment to human rights and national identity, not political interests," Saint Malo added, according to the daily La Estrella de Panama. The five-member body will have two years to complete its task, which is mainly "to determine the number and identity of the victims and study reparation proposals," the daily said. On Dec. 20, 1989, some 26,000 U.S. troops invaded Panama as part of what Washington called Operation Just Cause to capture Noriega, who surrendered three days later. He was taken back to the United States and convicted of drug trafficking. There are no exact figures of victims, but different sources place the toll at anywhere between 500 and several thousand. The United Nations claims around 500 civilians died in the invasion, but the Commission for the Defense of Human Rights says the figure is closer to between 2,500 and 3,000. The invasion marked the end of Panama's military dictatorships (1968-1989). Commission members include Svetlana Ines Jaramillo, Maribel Jaen Cocheran, Rolando Murgas Torrazza, Enrique M. Illueca and Juan Planells Fernandez, who will serve as its president. There is a proposal to declare Dec. 20 a day of national mourning and open a museum dedicated to the invasion, depending on the group's findings. Ministers, activists and relatives of the victims attended the ceremony. Then U.S. President George H.W. Bush justified the invasion to, among other things, safeguard the lives of Americans in Panama, where the United States maintained numerous military bases around the Panama Canal, then under its control. WELLINGTON, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The United States Navy is to return to New Zealand waters for the first time since a rift formed between the two countries over New Zealand's anti-nuclear stance 32 years ago. Visiting U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Prime Minister John Key confirmed Thursday that the U.S. Navy had accepted an invitation to join an international fleet review to mark the New Zealand navy's 75th anniversary in Auckland in November. "There is a long-standing process for considering ship visits under our nuclear-free legislation. I will receive advice in due course to assist me in making a decision," said Key in a statement. "There is no specific time frame for this process, but it is likely to be a number of weeks before the advice is prepared and the government is in a position to make any further announcement." Biden, the first U.S. vice president to visit New Zealand since 1970, touched down in Auckland Wednesday at the start of a 24-hour visit to New Zealand. Peace activists said Wednesday they would take to the seas to disrupt any United States navy visits. Peace campaigners last took to the seas to block U.S. Navy visits in the early 1980s, before the New Zealand government banned visits by nuclear armed and powered vessels. The U.S. froze New Zealand out of defense cooperation after the ban, but the Washington and Wellington declarations of recent years have seen renewed military contacts. The international campaign group Greenpeace said Thursday that the U.S. ship decision was a victory for people power. "Thirty years ago New Zealanders drew a line in the sand. We said, 'We are nuclear free' and if a country wants to send a warship here it must be free of nuclear weapons and not nuclear powered," Greepeace New Zealand executive director Russel Norman said. "The U.S. balked at this, but for 33 years we've stood our ground. Now they're sending a ship here on our terms," Norman said in a statement. "Regardless of what you think of the U.S. Navy, or other navies, this is an historic victory for people power." SYDNEY, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Australian authorities has arrested a journalist charged with being a member of a Turkish terror group the Kurdistan Workers' Party. The Australian government listed the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) as a terrorist organization despite it was active in the fight against Islamic State in Syria. Turkish authorities also claimed the separatist PKK have mounted attacks inside Turkey. Renas Lelikan, 38, was arrested on Sydney's northern beaches late Wednesday after the Australian Federal Police (AFP) allegedly found evidence linking him to the group. At a bail hearing in a Sydney court on Thursday, an AFP police prosecutor said they had found over 2,000 emails with attached photos during the raids. "A lot of the material is in Turkish and needs to be translated," said the prosecutor, who declined to be identified. Australia, a staunch ally of the United States in their fight against Islamic State, has held concerns over Lelikan after he was denied an Australian passport on national security grounds last year. He was later given a temporary travel document to return to Australia in last October after being trapped in an Iraqi refugee camp for nine months, ABC reported. The Australian government forbid any Australian traveling to war zones without special permission, and those who do and join either side of the conflict face harsh penalties. Under controversial foreign fighter laws, any duel national will have their Australian citizenship revoked if they are alleged to be a member of an organization listed on Australia's official terror group watch list. Single nationality Australians face a potential imprisonment of 10 years. Lelikan maintained his innocence and that he was "not a threat" after being questioned by authorities for over 10 hours. "My whole life I have never felt sorry (for what I did). It was right. I never did anything against our Australian government," Lelikan told the ABC at the time. "Wherever I went I did my job as a journalist," he said. TAIPEI, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland official on Thursday expressed "strong dissatisfaction" with the serious tour bus accident on Tuesday in Taiwan. Liu Kezhi, secretary-general of the Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits, made the statement to journalists after a remembrance service for those who died in the accident. Twenty-six people, 23 tourists and a tour guide from the mainland and two local people -- a driver and a tour guide, were killed when a tour bus crashed into a highway barrier and caught fire near Taoyuan airport on Tuesday Liu was among a group of four mainland officials to arrive in Taiwan on Wednesday afternoon to assist the families of the victims. TIRANA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Albania and Macedonia on Wednesday signed a protocol to strengthen border cooperation. The document, signed by Albanian Deputy Interior Minister Stefan Cipa and his Macedonian counterpart Agim Nuhiu, determined in detail the areas, manners, circumstances and conditions concerning illegal border crossings. Under the protocol, it is now possible for police units of both countries to cross the border to pursue perpetrators. It is believed that the protocol will encourage exchanges between the two sides and enhance their fight against drugs, illegal trafficking as well as religious radicalism and terrorism. The police units of both countries are also expected to forge closer ties in other areas after the signing of the protocol. XIGAZE, Tibet, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The first tantric Kalachakra instructions delivered by the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu formally started, with some 40 monks beginning a closed-door observance of Yidam, the Kalachakra deity, Thursday morning. The monks, from Labrang Lamasery in northwest China's Gansu Province and Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery in Xigaze, Tibet Autonomous Region, will perform this ritual every morning during the four-day event. The Kalachakra (the wheel of time) ritual includes a series of tantric teachings and initiations given by gurus to help Buddhists through the cycle of life. Public instruction and initiations have been scheduled for every afternoon. On Thursday, monks, nuns, gurus and devotees will arrive at the New Palace of the Panchen Lama, near the Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery, at noon. It is estimated that some 50,000 Buddhists will attend the auspicious the event. This is the first time in 50 years that the ritual has been done in Tibet. People watch U.S. cruise ship Adonia arriving in Havana, Cuba, May 2, 2016. Carnival Corp.'s Adonia left a Miami port on Sunday afternoon and arrived in Havana Monday, with 704 passengers aboard, including several Cuba-born passengers. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) by Ovidio Acosta and Mao Pengfei HAVANA, July 20 (Xinhua) -- A year after the restoration of diplomatic ties between Cuba and the United States, the U.S. embargo remains the main obstacle to the full normalization of ties, say Cuba officials. The current bilateral process represents an opportunity to solve outstanding problems for the first time and brings benefits to Cuba and its development, said Josefina Vidal, head of the U.S. Section at Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "We have worked for many years to successfully change U.S. policy toward Cuba," said Vidal in an interview with Cuba's official daily Granma published Wednesday. "Fidel (Castro) has, at different moments, expressed Cuba's willingness to discuss and resolve our differences with the U.S. in negotiations, without giving up on any of our principles," she said. COMPLEX NORMALIZATION PROCESS UNDERWAY "In the last 19 months, matters of great priority and interest to Cuba have been resolved, in the political and diplomatic sphere," said Vidal. She highlighted several important results - the return of three Cuban agents imprisoned in the United States, the removal of Cuba from the U.S. list of states sponsoring terrorism and the creation of a bilateral commission to monitor relations between the two countries. In the last year alone, Havana and Washington have signed ten cooperation agreements linked to fighting drug trafficking, law enforcement, search and rescue, meteorology, disaster prevention, and environmental protection. Others are currently being negotiated and could be concluded before the end of the year. "The U.S. and Cuba have made significant progress in different areas that will improve the lives of citizens of both countries," said Jeffrey DeLaurentis, Washington's Charge d' Affaires in Havana, in a joint interview with foreign correspondents on Tuesday. "These changes try to stimulate commercial interaction in addition to expanding people-to-people travel. The whole notion of engagement and commercial contact is an important part of our relation but obviously within the confines of the law," he added. The senior U.S. diplomat said both countries are focused on "moving forward" in all areas and making as much progress as possible in the remaining months of the Obama administration. "We have a new course in U.S.-Cuba relations ... and we're trying to make as much progress as possible so the policy is viewed as in the best interests of the U.S. and irreversible," he added. MORE COULD BE DONE IF EMBARGO LIFTED While the embargo is still not lifted, measures touted by U.S. President Barack Obama have allowed American telecommunications and tourism companies to invest in Cuba. "Much more could be done if this policy were eliminated," said Vidal, noting that banking relations particularly stand to benefit. In order to normalize diplomatic relations, Havana demands the lifting of the embargo, the return of the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo, an end to the Cuban Adjustment Act, and the cessation of all activities encouraging subversion in the Caribbean country. On the issue of Guantanamo, Vidal said that "this is the only case in the world of a military base being occupied in perpetuity and illegally, against the will of the government and the people of the country in which it is located." "There has not been a single meeting in which we have not placed this fair demand on the table, just as for the blockade," said Vidal. Vidal noted that financial transfers between the two countries remain blocked, services for Cuban diplomatic missions around the world are denied, and international banks working with Cuba are fined. "There is still intimidation on American and global banks due to the 49 fines imposed by the government of President Obama on ...entities that have legitimate relations with Cuba," explained Vidal. CUBA'S PRINCIPLES UNWAVERING Despite these considerable challenges, Vidal said that "in the current stage, unprecedented bilateral interaction exists alongside the policies of the past, which tells us ...that the process toward normalization of ties with the U.S. will be long and complex. But we will persevere as we have always done." Vidal made it clear that relations with the United States "have always been marked by the contradiction of Washington's will to dominate the island and the determination of Cubans to be free and independent. This is not going to change." Honoring the unwavering commitment of the Cuban government to its principles, Vidal noted that while "Cuba has never been anti-American, it is and will continue to be deeply anti-imperialist." "The fact that we are trying to build a new type of relationship with the U.S. in no way implies that Cuba is giving up its foreign policy linked to fairness in the world, the right to self-determination by all people and help to brother countries," Vidal said. Related: News Analysis: U.S., Cuba taking baby steps towards better relations MEXICO CITY, July 19 (Xinhua) -- For Cuba and the United States, two Cold War foes for over half a century, a belated rapprochement presents exciting possibilities. Cuba is hot now, with tourism, culture and small businesses starting to blossom. CLEVELAND, July 21, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Indiana Governor and Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence speaks at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, the United States, July 20, 2016. Indiana Governor Mike Pence formally accepted the Republican vice presidential nomination on Wednesday night at the 2016 Republican National Convention. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) CLEVELAND, the United States, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Indiana Governor Mike Pence on Thursday accepted his party's nomination for the U.S. vice presidency. Pence, 57, was a Republican lawmaker for 12 years and the third-highest-ranking member of the GOP in the House before becoming the governor of Indiana in 2013. During his stint in Congress, Pence was assigned to the Foreign Affairs Committee, a credential which could make up for Trump's lack of foreign affairs experience in a general election with former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as the standard-bearer of the Democratic Party. Once calling himself as "a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order," Pence is also a beloved social conservative among the devout evangelical conservatives within the party. Therefore, Trump's pick of Pence will also help quell concerns among social conservatives that the New York billionaire developer is too liberal on social issues. However, the two differ on a range of issues crucial to Trump's candidacy. During the primary season, Pence endorsed Trump's rival Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, and was once a vocal critic of Trump's proposal for a temporary ban on Muslim entering the country. Unlike Trump, Pence also joined U.S. President Barack Obama and House Speaker Paul Ryan to back the Trans-pacific partnership deal, a trade deal staunchly opposed by Trump. MIAMI, March 9, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz speaks at a campaign rally at Miami Dade College downtown campus in Miami, Florida, the United States, March 9, 2016. (Xinhua file photo/Bao Dandan) CLEVELAND, the United States, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Ted Cruz, Donald Trump's former rival, was booed off the Republican top stage Wednesday night after failing to endorse the party's presidential nominee. "Stand and speak and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution," Cruz said at the party's convention, instead of urging Republicans to rally behind the New York real estate mogul. The language, which echoed statements from the Never Trump movement,triggered boos and chants of "Trump" and "We want Trump" from the audience. "I congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night," said the Texas senator, the only time Trump's name was mentioned in his speech. "We're fighting, not for one particular candidate or one campaign, but because each of us wants to be able to tell our kids and grand kids ... that we did our best for their future and for their country," he said. Shortly after Cruz exited the stage, Trump entered the arena on the opposite side to sit with his family and watch his son Eric address the crowd. Cruz came second to Trump during the Republican primaries. During the race, Trump labeled Cruz "Lyin'" Ted and questioned whether Cruz was eligible to run for the presidency because he was born in Canada. SYDNEY, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A Jetstar Airways flight bound for Phuket, Thailand was forced to divert to Indonesia in the early hours of Thursday morning after six Australian men were tangled in an onboard brawl. Witnesses onboard the flight from Sydney to Phuket told local media on Thursday the brawl had turned bloody, forcing the pilot to divert to Bali's Ngurah Rai International to safeguard other passengers. Other passengers described the incident as "scary," with young children also bearing witness. A spokesperson for Qantas Group's low-cost subsidiary Jetstar confirmed the plane's diversion after the group of six, who were travelling together, became "extremely disruptive amongst themselves", and were removed from the aircraft. Indonesian authorities will decide whether the men will face aviation offences. Alcohol and heavy drinking were believed to be precursors to the event. KABUL, July 21 (Xinhua) -- At least 120 militants were killed after Afghan army, police and intelligence agency personnel launched wide-scale operations against militants' hideouts within the past 24 hours, said a statement of the Defense Ministry Thursday. Up to 48 Islamic State (IS) militants were killed after the joint forces struck militants positions in Achin district of eastern Nangarhar province, according the statement providing daily operational updates. In one operation, 22 Taliban militants had been killed after the joint troops raided their bunkers in Sangin district of the restive southern Helmand province. "A Taliban shadow district governor for Sangin named Mawlawi Aqah was among the killed," the statement said. The joint forces supported by army's artillery and warplanes also found weapons and defused dozens of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and landmines during the raids. Some 49 militants were killed in the country's eastern province of Paktia, the statement said, adding six Taliban were also wounded during the clashes there. The statement also confirmed loss of four army personnel over the same period. In northern Kunduz province, one Taliban fighter was killed and 10 others were wounded during clashes in Qalay-i-Zal district, it noted. Sporadic clashes have been continuing in the Qalay-i-Zal, bordering Tajikistan since weekend after Taliban tried to capture the control of the district. The Taliban-led attacks and violence have declined over the recent weeks as Afghan security forces have beefed up security operations and NATO-led forces increased drone strikes against the militants across the country. The Taliban and IS militants have yet to make comments. NEW DELHI, July 21 (Xinhua) -- India has said that it imported 600 tonnes of uranium from Russia and Canada last year to fuel nuclear plants in this country. India's junior Atomic Energy Minister Jitendra Singh said that uranium was imported from those countries under bilateral civil nuclear cooperation agreements. "India imported over 345 tonnes of uranium from Russia and 250 tonnes from Canada during 2015-16," Singh told the Parliament Wednesday. He added: "India had imported 297 metric tonnes of uranium in 2014-15 also from TVEL, a subsidiary of Russia's state-owned atomic energy corporation Rosatom." Nuclear power is the fourth-largest source of electricity in India after thermal, hydroelectric and renewable sources. India has 21 operational nuclear reactors and six under construction, which use uranium as fuel. The nuclear component of India's energy production is currently under 3 percent at 6,000 MW. By 2032, India expects to have 45,000 MW nuclear capacity, provided it has assured uranium fuel supplies. DHAKA, July 20 (Xinhua) -- A High Court Division Bench in Bangladesh has awarded former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's eldest son Tarique Rahman a sentence of seven years in jail after scrapping a lower court order that had acquitted him in the money laundering case. The High Court division bench also upheld the previous lower court verdict of seven years of jail term for Rahman's close business associate Giasuddin Al Mamun , who has remained behind the bars since March 26, 2007, in the same case. Mamun's previous fine amount of 400 million taka (5.13 million U.S. dollars) has been commuted and levelled with Tarique Rahman at 200 million taka (2.50 million U.S. dollars) by the bench. A Dhaka court in November 2013 acquitted former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's eldest son Rahman of money laundering charge. Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) accused Rahman and Mamun in 2009 of transferring 204.1 million taka (2.62 million U.S. dollars) to Singapore between 2003 and 2007. According to the case statement, Mamun extracted 204.1 million taka bribe from a local construction company and allegedly deposited the money in a Singapore bank, from where Rahman withdrew some money. The chief prosecutor of the ACC, Anisul Haq, said he would appeal against the verdict. In May 2013 the court issued the warrant of arrest, saying it would ask the Interpol to help detain Rahman, also a senior vice chairman of Khaleda's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as he has been living in London. Rahman, also deputy chief of Bangladesh's largest opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was arrested on March 7, 2007 on charges of corruption during the 2007-2008 military-backed caretaker government. He went to London after he was released on bail in September 2008 for treatment reportedly on condition of not participating in any political activities during his stay there. Khaleda, leader of the BNP, often says political row is to blame in her son' prosecutions during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina 's incumbent government. Since the end of her tenure in 2006, her eldest son Rahman faced over a dozen of cases on charges of corruption, extortion and grenade attacks. RIYADH, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia has said that health services will be provided to around 47,000 Yemeni refugees in the country, local media reported on Thursday. Yemeni refugees suffering from ailments and injuries may receive treatment at Saudi hospitals, local news portal Al Eqtisadiya said. Meanwhile, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has signed an agreement with five private hospitals in Yemeni city of Aden to treat injured Yemenis there for free, Al Eqtisadiya reported, quoting the center's general supervisor, Abdullah Rabea. Rabea said his center supports a total of 61 health facilities across Yemen directly or through the World Health Organization and UNICEF. In addition to the provision of health services, Saudi Arabia announced last month the granting of temporary work permits for Yemeni residents. The renewable permits are valid for six months, covering male Yemenis aged 18 to 60. It also launched an online education program for 1 million Yemeni students in Yemen and other countries. A Saudi-led coalition of mostly Arab countries started a military campaign in March 2015 to restore power to internationally recognized President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after Houthi rebels, backed by allied forces, stormed the capital Sanaa and forced Hadi into exile. Thousands of people have been killed, many of them civilians, and many more wounded since March 2015, in airstrikes and fighting on the ground in Yemen. TAIPEI, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland official on Thursday expressed "strong dissatisfaction" with a serious tour-bus accident on Tuesday in Taiwan. Liu Kezhi, secretary-general of the Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits, made the statement to the press in Taoyuan City after a remembrance service for those who died in the accident. Liu said he hoped Taiwan would launch a thorough investigation into the accident and listen to the relatives of the victims when handling the aftermath of the accident. Twenty-six people, 23 tourists and a tour guide from the mainland and two local people -- a driver and a tour guide, were killed when a tour bus crashed into a highway barrier and caught fire near Taoyuan airport on Tuesday. According to the official, the mainland-based association had repeatedly urged Taiwan to ensure the safety of mainland tourists after a series of accidents involving a number of mainland tourist casualties. Liu is leading a mainland working group that arrived in Taiwan Wednesday to help handle the accident. A meeting was held between the mainland group and the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association on the accident Wednesday, according to Liu. TEHRAN, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Iran has dismantled a terrorist cell and arrested 40 suspects in its southeastern border region, Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said Thursday. In the operations over the past two nights, a 40-meter long and 20-meter deep underground tunnel was discovered in the hideout of the terrorists, official IRNA news agency reported. On Wednesday, the police chief of southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province, Hossein Rahimi, said intelligence forces dismantled and arrested a team of saboteurs in the border city of Khash, Tasnim news agency reported. Governor of Khash country, Mohammad Akbar Chaker Zehi, also told IRNA that the "terrorists" had planned to target two major military and security bases in the province. The reports did not identify the political and ethnic affiliation of those arrested. In June, Iranian security forces killed five members of the Jaish-ul-Adl, or Army of Justice, group in Sistan and Baluchestan, and confiscated substantial amounts of ammunition. The Pakistani-based Jaish al-Adl is a rebel group fighting for the greater rights for Sunni Muslims in the Iranian provinces of Sistan and Baluchestan, and is blamed for numerous attacks on Iran's border posts. DAMASCUS, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces agreed on Thursday to a cease-fire in an Islamic State-controlled town in northern Syria, on the condition of a full withdrawal of IS militants, local Kurdish media said. DAMASCUS, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Rebels in the northern city of Aleppo detonated a tunnel under a police station on Thursday, killing an undisclosed number of government officers, activists and local media said. The blast destroyed parts of the building of the police station in the al-Hal area in old Aleppo quarter, said Sham FM radio. Following the blast, the rebels attempted an assault on government troops' positions in al-Hal marketplace area, a military source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. He said government forces managed to repel the offensive. Some media reports said five officers were killed in the tunnel blast. The explosion was coupled with intense rebel shelling on government-controlled areas in Aleppo, particularly the famous Saad Allah Al-Jabiry Square, where four people were said to have been killed on Thursday. Aleppo, Syria's largest city and once an economic hub, has recently witnessed intensified fighting between an array of jihadi groups and the Syrian army. On July 17, government troops fully severed the last supply route connecting rebel-held areas in the northern countryside of Aleppo and those areas inside the eastern part of the city. Aleppo, located near the borders with Turkey, has been a focal point of clashes between the Syrian army and the rebels. In the summer of 2012, thousands of armed militants stormed residential districts of Aleppo from its countryside, striking the economic nerves of the Syrian government, which has repeatedly accused Turkey of supporting the rebels for undeclared interests in Aleppo. The rebels captured several districts in eastern Aleppo city and tried repeatedly to expand their presence to government-controlled areas in the west. The rebels laid siege to western Aleppo districts after cutting the international road to Aleppo in 2014, a siege broken later by the Syrian army, with the help of Hezbollah. XIAMEN, July 21 (Xinhua) -- If approved, an HPV vaccine currently in the final stages of clinical testing should be available in China within two years, said the developer on Thursday. Work on the vaccine began in 2002 and clinical tests began in 2011. The research is led by the National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, based in Xiamen University in southeast China's Fujian Province. It is the third human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine to reach the clinical test stage, following those developed by Merck and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The GSK vaccine was approved by the China Food and Drug Administration on Monday. Under the commercial name of Cervarix, it is the first HPV vaccine licensed for use in China. The World Health Organization recommends use of HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, which kills about 30,000 women in China each year. Around 130,000 new cervical cancer cases emerge in China annually, accounting for 28 percent of the world total. During the third phase of clinical tests which started in 2012, more than 7,000 volunteers were vaccinated, according to leader of the vaccine program, Zhang Jun of Xiamen University. "The data that we collected has proved the vaccine effective in preventing infection," he said. Zhang pointed out that the difference between his team's vaccine and the GSK product lies in the effective antigen source. "GSK uses insect cells as the effective antigen, while our vaccine uses coliform bacteria," he said. Zhang claimed his vaccine to be more cost-effective than its competitor, giving it an edge in the market, if approved. The team has obtained 18 patents for the vaccine in China and abroad. BANGKOK, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Public debate on Thailand's draft constitution will be held in all provinces throughout the country, confirmed Deputy Premier Prawit Wongsuwan on Thursday. Gen Prawit, who is concurrently defense minister, declined to tell how soon such public debate on the draft constitution will be held in all the 77 provinces while a public referendum for the charter is already scheduled for Aug. 7. "I've already instructed provincial governors and election commissioners to see to it that public debate will be held in every province nationwide so that both sides of the charter issue can express their supporting or opposing views," he said. He made his comments following persistent calls from university academics, politicians and civil groups for the military-led government under Premier Prayut Chan-o-cha and the ruling junta, officially named the National Council for Peace and Order, to clearly respond what to do if the charter was turned down by the public referendum. The deputy premier said he has instructed provincial governors nationwide and the Election Commission, which will be in charge of conducting the referendum, to organize public debate ahead of the Aug. 7 polls. He declined to tell exactly on what date the public debate may be held in respective provinces throughout the country, given a two-week interval until the referendum date. More than 100 academics, politicians and leaders of civil groups recently signed up a statement to the Prayut government and NCPO calling for the referedum to be held in transparent and fair fashion and for the clear response as to what would happen if the charter, drafted up by an ad hoc committee all members of which were handpicked by the premier, was rejected by the referendum. Those who signed on the petition pressing the NCPO and Prayut to take a clear response to the possibility of the charter being rejected by the referendum included former premier/Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, former deputy premier/deputy Democrat leader Banyat Bantattan and executive members of Puea Thai (for Thais) Party. Prayut earlier commented that he will not step down if the charter was rejected. He only said he would adhere to the junta's roadmap which already planned to return democratic rule by way of a general election some time next year. In case that the charter was voted down in the Aug.7 referendum, the premier said he might probably set up a third committee to do the drafting of a charter following the two others which already had done the same thing since last year. Gothom Arya, head of Mahidol University's Research Center for Peace and Humanities, suggested that the Prayut government manage to set up a brand-new charter-drafting panel in the face of a referendum defeat of the charter. According to Gothom, a former election commissioner, the new charter-drafting panel should consist of representatives of the people and civil groups besides bureaucrats, senior government personnel and military officers whom the premier might add. In another development, copies of the names of eligible voters to the referendum displayed at roadside spots in Khon Kaen province in northeastern Thailand and Satul provinces in southern region were torched by unknown hands on Thursday, police said. Similar incidents had earlier occurred elsewhere in the provinces, including the mailing of mysterious papers to eligible voters in Lampang, Lampoon and Chiang Mai provinces with content against the draft charter. The alleged perpetrators of such anti-charter movement are yet to be brought to justice, the police said. SEOUL, July 21, 2016 (Xinhua) -- People from Seongju county hold banners to protest against the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), during a rally in Seoul, capital of South Korea, on July 21, 2016. More than 2,000 people from Seongju county, where one THAAD battery will be deployed, gathered at a square in Seoul for a rally on Thursday, to protest against the deployment of THAAD. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) SEOUL, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) on South Korean soil will negatively affect peace on the Korean Peninsula as well as regional and global security as it breaks strategic balance and boost arms race, experts here said Thursday. "THAAD is an issue to have a big negative impact on the Korean Peninsula, Northeast Asia and the world peace as well as South Korea," Cheong Wook-sik, director of Peace Network and co-chair of steering committee of Civil Peace Forum, said during a press conference with foreign correspondents in Seoul. Cheong expected THAAD in South Korea to raise tensions, rather than deter the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear and missile threats, which the South Korean government cited as a main reason for the THAAD deployment on its territory. The DPRK test-fired three short-range ballistic missiles on Tuesday in an apparent show of force to protest against the decision on July 13 to install the U.S. missile defense system in a county some 250 km southeast of Seoul by the end of next year. Just a day after the agreement between Seoul and Washington on July 8 to deploy one THAAD battery on an unidentified region, Pyongyang fired off a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) off the east coast. The DPRK's military warned of taking "physical measures" when the site is determined. Cheong noted that the DPRK has a variety of vehicles capable of carrying nuclear weapons. THAAD is an advanced U.S. missile defense system designed to shoot down missiles at a relatively high altitude of 40-150 km using a hit-to-kill technology. The DPRK's short-range missiles are known to fly at a lower altitude of about 20 km incapable of being intercepted by THAAD missiles. Pyongyang's SLBM would be extremely difficult to detect and track with the THAAD's X-band radar in times of emergency. China and Russia have expressed strong objections to the THAAD installation in South Korea as the AN/TPY-2 radar can spot Chinese and Russian territories. Seoul has said it will adopt the terminal mode radar with a detectable range of 600-800 km, but it can be converted at any time into a forward-based mode, which can range at least 2,000 km. "THAAD's X-band radar will be operated by U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), not by South Korean troops. There is no room for our troops to intervene in the operation. That's a matter about South Korean sovereignty," said Park Jung-eun, deputy secretary-general of the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD). In terms of sovereignty, South Korea imposed a double standard on the THAAD issue, said Lee Hae-jeong, professor at Chung-Ang University. "(South Korea's THAAD deployment) was a decision to give up military sovereignty toward the United States while claiming sovereignty toward China and Russia," said Lee. After Pyongyang's third nuclear test in 2013, the Park Geun-hye administration called on Washington to delay the transfer of its wartime operational control of South Korean troops to Seoul indefinitely. The previous Lee Myung-bak government had originally agreed to receive its military control right from the U.S. forces by 2015. Since USFK commander Curtis Scaparrotti took issue with the need for THAAD deployment for the first time in June 2014, Seoul had maintained a so-called "three no's" position, which means no request, no consultation and no decision on the deployment, while saying THAAD would be useless as it is designed to shoot down missiles at a high altitude. Seoul's reversal on its previous position would mean the scrapping of the Park Geun-hye administration's major diplomatic and security policies, including the Northeast Asian Peace Cooperation Initiative and the Eurasia Initiative, which need cooperation from China and Russia, said the professor. Lee said the THAAD deployment decision blew away strategic trust, which South Korea has established with China and Russia, and that there is little possibility for Seoul to persuade Beijing and Moscow to understand the South Korean need for the THAAD deployment. As the THAAD deployment means South Korea entering the U.S. missile defense network, it would break a strategic balance in the region. Cheong at Peace Network said it would bring a strategic change from China and Russia, in which the United States and Japan will never benefit at all. Cheong said South Korea's security would be secured without THAAD as the U.S.-South Korea alliance has provided military assets enough to deter the DPRK's nuclear and missile threats, calling for improved relations with the DPRK and re-negotiations on the denuclearized peninsula as a fundamental solution. "(South) Korean people do not think the U.S. as well as China and Russia will use their nuclear weapons against their country as their country has good relationships with them," said Cheong who noted that South Korea should eliminate possibility for the DPRK to use its nuclear weapons by improving relations with its northern neighbor. Many have said negotiations to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula already failed, but there hasn't been any such effective negotiation to resolve the peninsula's nuclear issue, Cheong said, adding that negotiations will build trust and freeze the DPRK's nuclear program, which would lead to denuclearization on the peninsula. Related: News Analysis: Opposition to THAAD deployment in S.Korea gets stronger among villagers SEOUL, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Villagers living near a site in South Korea where one Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery will be deployed have voiced stronger opposition to the installation of the U.S. missile defense system in their hometown. JUBA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's Abraham Malut graduated in 2012 after having acquired a degree in finance and accounting at the University of Juba. However, the 32-year-old still lacks a job despite adding a diploma in information technology to his budding resume. "I have tried to look for a job but failed. Most people here employ only their close relatives and friends," Malut told Xinhua in an interview on Thursday. Malut, with frustration by the unsuccessful chase for a job has retreated to his home in Jonglei state. South Sudan became independent in 2011, marking the end of one of the longest conflicts in recent sub-Saharan African history and ushering in hopes of a more peaceful and prosperous future for its citizens. However, this optimism was punctured by the onset of internal conflict in December 2013 and the resumption of conflict in July despite the warring parties have signed the August peace agreement to end more than two years of civil conflict. The country is faced with a worsening humanitarian crisis, political and economic fragility after conflict displaced more than 2.3 million people, and in addition about 36,000 have been displaced in Juba alone after recent fighting. And despite oil resource contributing 98 percent of revenue to the fiscal budget, subsistence agriculture remains the dominant sector for household livelihoods. About 78 percent of the households in South Sudan derive their livelihood from agriculture. There are few alternative sources of employment as the formal sectors are yet to develop. Another unemployed youth, Lodule Bosco, 28 told Xinhua he is a trained teacher but due to low wages, he abandoned teaching and resorted to riding commercial motor cycle (boda boda) on the streets of Juba to fend for his young family. He disclosed that there are many professional teachers and police officers who have abandoned duty for commercial motor cycle business, due to meager pay that often delays for months. Lodule said his story has epitomized the massive unemployment in a country that can barely feed its 12 million people, with goods ranging from tomatoes, onions, vegetables to grains still being imported from East African countries of Uganda, Kenya, Sudan and Ethiopia. "There are teachers, police officers I know who have abandoned their duties to do boda boda business. If there is capital one can begin a business," he explains. It is the same case with Thomas Benedicto, 30, who is a qualified electrician but opted to ride commercial motorcycle due to failure to land his dream job, after he applied several times for jobs advertised by Non-Governmental Organizations in Juba. He says he has managed to fend for his family due to the lucrative business but he still hopes to get chance to practice his profession. In the aftermath of conflict, many big foreign owned companies that employed big number of South Sudanese like South African brewer, SABMiller have shut down operations and Kenyan banks like KCB, Equity and mobile telecom giant MTN have downsized staff due to economic hardship, leaving many nationals out of jobs. Edmund Yakani, a policy analyst with Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, told Xinhua that unemployment is a public policy and structural problem in the country that has been ignored for long by authorities with dire consequences on the economy. "The government has no scheme of creating jobs. It has its own limited jobs that are institutional, designed by frameworks for state building. They have done less in creating jobs as they have failed to secure peace and security to attract investments," he explained. He added that the government also doesn't have policies that are geared toward boosting entrepreneurship. And that being the largest consumer it leaves the private sector starved of capital to help create jobs. "Instead of looking entirely at oil, we need to look at the agriculture, mining sector and you cannot invest in these without peace and security," he said. Dr. James Alic Garang of the Ebony Center for Strategic Studies said the government should boost non-oil revenue collection through the newly enacted national revenue authority and also invoke departure tax at Juba airport to widen its shrinking revenue base. "Unemployment is a danger in radicalizing youth, as they resort to gun culture as a way of survival. They start developing militia groups, cattle raiding and we have seen this in South Sudan," Yakani said. Political analyst with Sudd Institute local think tank, Augustino Ting Mayai, said it's impossible to imagine a stable South Sudan amid massive youth unemployment. "It is what has driven the majority of them to join various rebellions in the country side," he noted. BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- China's online community is unsure what to make of a new local government policy, which encourages the public to report on individuals they suspect to be suffering from mental illness. Shuangliu District Health Department in Chengdu City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, shared the policy with its followers on Sina Weibo on July 14, promising whistle-blowers a 50-yuan (7.5 U.S. dollars) reward, and an extra 300 yuan if the disorder is confirmed. In addition to the policy, a list of 11 "problems" was also released, which the health department hoped could assist would-be citizen doctors when judging the mental stability of individuals. The list was met with uproar, humor and confusion. While some took the initiative with a pinch of salt, calling it "hilarious," others were quick to attack the government for over simplifying a serious issue. The listed symptoms included, "too suspicious; too talkative; too quiet; too slow; lying in bed all day long; refusing to go to school or work with no reason." Weibo user "huangyulan" said, "looking at the criteria, I have begun to doubt my own state of mind." Another user, "kenshushaonvderichang," called the policy discriminatory. There were also voices of support. "It is better to discover and treat mental problems as soon as possible, as this could help prevent the mentally ill from hurting others," wrote "weiboshunjian" on Weibo. In reply to Xinhua, Shuangliu publicity department said it was concerned that people with undiagnosed mental health issues could be a risk to themselves and others. The policy was driven by a need to ensure early identification, so that psychiatric patients are able to receive the care and support they need, according to the reply. Xinhua reporters also found that the 11 problems corresponded to National Health and Family Planning Commission standards. Moreover, similar standards were adopted by Shanghai health authority in 2012. Xu Yi, a neurologist with the First Hospital of Zhejiang Province, was concerned with the policy. He said diagnosis should be left to professionals. People that live with mental illness usually do have some of the listed behaviors, but we should not label people as "ill" just because they exhibit certain behavior, he said. Xia Xueluan, professor of sociology at Peking University, agreed that the list was too vague. He questioned the moral and legal principles behind encouraging lay-people to report on suspected mentally ill individuals. Chen Guanwen, a lawyer in Shandong Province, said that while the intentions behind the policy were admirable it was not fair on those it targeted. On question-and-answer forum Zhihu.com, one user posited that offering these rewards would further ostracize mental health patients. Mental health experts are wary of the policy and have advised governments to improve the social assistance system, so that those with mental health issues can get professional help. Shi Shangjin, vice head of the Fourth People's Hospital of Ziyang City in Sichuan Province, said that around 0.7 percent of the Chinese population suffer from some form of mental illness. Many psychiatric hospitals and local governments are understaffed and lack funding, Shi said, suggesting that these areas be improved. Chen Guanwen said that psychiatric care calls for better coordination of departments including public security, civil affairs, health and disabled federations. Enditem NICOSIA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Greek and Turkish Cypriots organized rival events on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary of the country's partition. Greek Cypriots held memorial services for about 6,000 people killed in Turkish troops' invasion to occupy part of the island 42 years ago, in reaction to a coup by Greek military officers at the time. Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriots staged a military parade in the occupied part of the capital of Nicosia, albeit at a scaled-down level after a military coup failed in Turkey on July 15. Turkish Cypriot media reported that tanks and armored personnel carriers did not take part in the parade as military units are on high alert following the incident in Turkey. A customary flyover by Turkish jets was also scrapped this year. Turkey has tens of thousands of troops and a strong mechanized force since 1974 in the north of Cyprus, creating a breakaway state in the occupied region, which is only recognized by Turkey. For Wednesday's commemoration, Turkey also sent a delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Yildirim Tugrul Turkes. Turkes told a gathering that despite the coup attempt Turkey looks forward to reaching an agreement for a Cyprus settlement between Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci. Turkes' statement helped alleviate concerns that the situation in Turkey would impact the Cypriot peace negotiations, which are expected to resume on Friday. Akinci said that the current negotiations possibly offer the last chance to reunify Cyprus given the fact that the outcome of the 2018 Cypriot presidential election may make reunification talks even more difficult. On the Greek Cypriot side, President Anastasiades told a rally that the day of the Turkish invasion was a dark day for both Greek and Turkish Cypriots and that he wished this was the last anniversary seeing Cyprus divided. "We have been living for 42 years an absurdity of which there is no similar in world history," he said. Anastasiades also said that the attempted coup in Turkey lends even more credibility to a demand by Greek Cypriots for ending the presence of Turkish troops in Cyprus and a system guaranteed by Greece, Turkey and Britain. SHIBERGHAN, Afghanistan, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The personnel of Afghan law enforcement agencies had captured two Taliban bomb experts in the country's northern province of Jawzjan, the provincial governor said on Thursday. "The personnel of the national intelligence agency detained two Taliban bomb and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) experts and discovered a terrorist bunker containing war arsenal and provision following a recent operation in Mardyan district, Jawzjan province," Governor Lutfullah Azizi told Xinhua. More than 4,000 rounds of AK-47 gun's bullets and 80 rounds of mortar's shell were among other items found in the Taliban bunker in the province with Shiberghan as its capital 390 km north of Kabul, the official added. The Taliban militant group has been using IEDs to target security forces but the lethal weapons also inflict casualties on civilians. Taliban-led attacks and insurgency claimed the lives of over 3,540 civilians and injured 7,450 others across Afghanistan in 2015 and out of the casualties, 713 civilians were killed and some 1,650 injured by IED explosions last year, according to figures provided by UN mission in the country. The militant group has yet to make comments. COTONOU, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Benin government plans to invest 30 billion CFA Francs (about 50 million U.S. dollars) to reinforce national electricity production capacity in the country. Minister of State and Secretary-General of the Presidency Pascal Koupaki disclosed the intention during a press conference here Wednesday. "Benin government has taken two emergency measures purposed to solve the electric energy shortage problem, especially the refurbishment of power plants in Porto-Novo, Parakou and Natitingou, and the rent of two thermal power plants with a total capacity of 150 MW," he said. Over the last few days, Benin has been experiencing electricity shortage going from voltage drop to power outage for hours. A UN peacekeeper helps South Sudan civilians settle down at UN house in Juba, South Sudan, July 12, 2016. Tense calm returned to South Sudan's capital after the two leaders called on ceasefire and ordered all commanders to lay down arms and report to their unit bases. (Xinhua) JUBA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- As South Sudan searches for solution to its nascent fragile peace that suffered a setback in recent fighting in July, the underlying problems in the oil-rich impoverished country go beyond President Salva Kiir and his erstwhile rival first Vice President Riek Machar. Analysts interviewed by Xinhua said the problems that threaten to make the country ungovernable emanate from as far as during its struggle for independence from Sudan, and the failure to undertake reforms in the aftermath of signing the comprehensive peace agreement (CPA) in 2005. This they say has given birth to militia groups, unconstitutionalism and impunity as the then guerrilla Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) disavowed dissent within its ranks, leading to splits that took on ethnic tendencies. Ideological disagreements within the SPLM/A led to incidents like the 1991 Bor massacre, after Machar and Lam Akol now minister of agriculture in the transitional unity government broke away from the late John Garang and formed the SPLA/ Nasir. Its failure to build consensus that is an eye opener into the inner workings of the political establishment and recent violence within the more than two years since independence in 2011 from Sudan. One scholar that captured the underlying fault lines in South Sudan is Professor Mahmood Mamdani, who was part of the African Union five-member investigations panel led by former Nigerian leader Olusegun Obasanjo. The panel investigated the causes of conflict and human rights violations in the aftermath of the fighting in 2013, between forces loyal to President Kiir and Machar. Despite the two parties inking the now shaky August peace deal to end more than two years of civil conflict, fresh fighting in July has opened up the complexities pertaining the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-brokered peace agreement. But the question is how can the war-torn country get back to order? "South Sudan needs a second transition, instead of giving political power to those with the gun, this transition will seek to forge a political compact both at the level of society and that of the political class. It will seek to combine political justice with political reform," Mamdani wrote in an Opinion in the East African Weekly. He added that the transition that was the CPA failed and that it fed the worst anti-reform tendencies in the SPLA and turned into a breeding ground for the violence that erupted in December 2013. "The obvious dilemma with this agreement is that those likely to be tried are the same as those who hold power," he added. Edmund Yakani, the director of Community Empowerment for Progress organization, a civil society organization, said the country's problems is divided into three layers that include leadership, structural and identity crisis. "There is absence of proper governance will among the liberation leaders. So the nation of South Sudan is absent. The ruling party assumes that they liberated the people and the country, and it's only them to define what the state of this country looks like," Yakani said. "Without strong institutional, legislative reforms, forget about South Sudan improving," he added. Yakani also explained the need to build a strong army with national character that cuts across the more than 60 ethnic groups in the country. Economist, Lual Deng of the Ebony Center for Strategic Studies, said the army is predominantly made up of the two largest ethnic groups of Dinka and Nuer which needs to change as requested in the peace agreement. "South Sudan has more than 60 tribes and yet the army is dominated by Nuer and Dinka. If you want to reform the army and get it out of the ethnic and political maneuvering, co-opt other ethnic groups," Deng told Xinhua. He said the signed peace agreement that must first be implemented calls for security, economic and political reforms. "There is no peace agreement where trust and confidence building is undermined like the South Sudan peace agreement is suffering," Yakani said on the need to build trust between the two protagonists to the agreement. Meanwhile, Augustino Ting Mayai of the Juba-based Sudd Institute told Xinhua, that the recent fighting proved IGAD and other peace monitors wrong because it's very difficult for two rival armies to co-exist within an already tense capital Juba. "The previous conflict was generated by political disagreement within the party which was mismanaged. What about now having two belligerent armies within one city," Augustino wondered. He called for the revisiting of some clauses of the agreement especially on the security sector. Augustino related the sporadic fighting in Yei and Torit areas as reaction from the July 8 and 10 fighting between the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in opposition (SPLA-IO) and the South Sudan army (SPLA) which left about 300 people killed. "There cases of violence taking place in Torit, Yei due to what happened in Juba. They are basically interlinked," he observed. He disclosed that in case the two parties refused to adhere to the peace agreement, the government would be starved of badly needed finances from the international community. The transitional unity government is faced with financial difficulty and it has not even elected its speaker and parliamentarians needed to undertake reforms enshrined in the peace agreement. "Without streamlining the security sector due to its hugeness, we won't have a national army and there is need to strengthen accountability and justice sector," he noted. COLOMBO, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka beginning from Thursday, the Foreign Ministry said. During his stay, the deputy prime minister will call on President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. He will also meet Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Home Affairs Vajira Abeywardena and Minister of Foreign Employment Thalatha Athukorale and have discussions on areas of mutual interest. The high level visit is envisaged to expand and increase cooperation in the spheres of political, economic, trade, defence and tourism sectors between the two countries. SHIJIAZHUANG, July 20, 2016 (Xinhua) -- A car drives on a waterlogged road in Shijiazhuang, capital city of north China's Hebei Province, July 20, 2016. A heavy rain hit the middle and southern areas of Hebei Province in last three days. Precipitation in many cities including Handan, Xingtai and Shijiazhuang reached 630 mm. (Xinhua/Wang Xiao) SHIJIAZHUANG/ZHENGZHOU, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Rainstorms have caused severe disruptions across north and central China since Wednesday morning, causing casualties, traffic chaos and the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people. Torrential rain in north China's Hebei Province since Wednesday morning has left 30 people dead and 68 missing, according to the provincial civil affairs department on Thursday. About 163,900 people have been forced to leave their homes. The department has received reports of floods and landslides damaging more than 47,713 houses and 354,600 hectares of crops, causing traffic chaos, power outages and wreaking havoc with communications. As of Thursday noon, direct economic losses from the rain-triggered disaster reached 4.75 billion yuan(711 million U.S. dollars). Relief supplies including tents, quilts and clothing have been distributed in the worst-hit cities including Handan, Xingtai and the provincial capital of Shijiazhuang. In neighboring Henan Province, 12 people were confirmed dead with six unaccounted for, the provincial flood control headquarters said. Storms forced the evacuation of 105,000 people, levelled 2,110 homes and damaged 20,720 hectares of crops. The extreme weather caused two dikes to collapse in the city of Anyang on Wednesday. Soldiers and rescue workers are attempting to close the breach. The direct economic losses in Henan are estimated at 477 million yuan. The National Commission for Disaster Relief and the Ministry of Civil Affairs have sent staff to assist the relief work. MANILA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Detained former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo walked free Thursday after a Supreme Court ordered her immediate release after almost four years of detention. The release came after 15 justices of the Supreme Court voted 11-4 Tuesday to grant Arroyo's petition seeking to dismiss a plunder case before an anti-graft Sandiganbayan court because of insufficient evidence. One of Arroyo's lawyers said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel before the release that Arroyo is "in high spirits." The lawyer said Arroyo's only daughter and a son were with her along with some of her friends and supporters. However, the lawyer added that Arroyo's husband is on vacation abroad with his grandchildren and won't be back until next week. From her detention quarters, the lawyer also said that Arroyo will check in a private hospital for a medical check up. Arroyo suffers from a spine-related ailment. But there are also media reports that the former president will head home. Arroyo was arrested in 2011 on electoral fraud charges but was allowed to post bail. She was detained again in 2012 on plunder case for allegedly misusing 366-million pesos (8 million U.S. dollars) lottery funds of the state-run Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office during her term. Arroyo was president of the Philippine from 2001 until 2010. She is currently a lawmaker in the House of Representatives. Arroyo is the second Philippine president to be jailed for plunder. In 2001, ousted President Joseph Estrada was also jailed after anti-graft court convicted and sentenced him to life in prison in 2007. Estrada was later freed after Arroyo pardoned him. Plunder is a non-bailable offense in the Philippines and carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Related: Philippine Supreme Court acquits former President Arroyo of plunder MANILA, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Supreme Court acquitted on Tuesday former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of plunder, granting the former leader's plea to drop the case against her. TALLINN, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Estonia will likely take over the UK's EU council presidency in the second half of 2017, the Baltic News Service (BNS) reported Thursday after member states ambassadors discussed the issue on Wednesday. The final decision is expected in the next couple of days, but the idea is to continue with the current term schedule instead of having a new country taking over, a well-informed source had disclosed, the BNS report said. The rotating presidency of the EU is currently held by Slovakia, with Malta scheduled to take over in the first half of 2017. Estonia was due to follow Britain in the first half of 2018, but will likely begin earlier due to the outcome of the UK's EU membership referendum. Earlier there was report saying that Belgium had been eager to take over Britain's slot, but that this move was blocked by an alliance of eastern European countries. Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Roivas reiterated on Tuesday that Estonia would prefer to take over the EU presidency as scheduled, that is, in the year of the republic's centenary. "I repeat that while Estonia is ready to move its presidency forward if necessary, our preference is to take on the presidency of the EU in the jubilee year of the Republic of Estonia. A decision in favor of Belgium would definitely make the preparations we have begun already easier," Roivas told BNS. Meanwhile, Kristo Pollu, deputy director of the European Union Secretariat at Estonia's government office, said that if required, Estonia was ready to start its presidency earlier than originally planned. Pollu expressed that the issue didn't only affect Estonia, but that there was a good chance that all presidencies would be brought forward by six months. "From our point of view, the most important thing is to have a clear agreement among countries as soon as possible, so we can go ahead with our preparations. The optimistic expectation is that the decision will be made next week," he added. Though it was a pity that the coincidence of the presidency and the Republic of Estonia's centenary would be lost this way, the country was nevertheless ready to take over sooner, he stressed. GUANGZHOU, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A court in south China's Guangdong province on Thursday upheld the ruling by a lower court to sentence the former head of a local newspaper to 11 years behind bars for graft. The Guangdong Provincial Higher People's Court announced the decision to reject the appeal of Dai Yuqing, former head of Guangzhou Daily, to an open court hearing of Dai's case held in December 2015. The Intermediate People's Court of Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, found Dai took bribes totaling 2.47 million yuan (about 370,000 U.S. dollars) when he served as president of Guangzhou Daily, the official newspaper of the Guangzhou City Committee of the Communist Party of China, and as chairman of the board for both Guangzhou Daily Newspaper Group and an affiliated company of the group from 2006 to 2012. During the above stated period of time, Dai was found to have accepted bribes from his subordinates and local hospitals in exchange for promotions and other personnel decisions and advertisements. He was detained following an investigation into economic discipline violations. The Intermediate People's Court of Dongguan City handed out a ruling in a first-instant trial in April 2015 after it found Dai was guilty of bribe-taking, to sentence Dai to 11 years in jail and to deprive him of 500,000 yuan in personal assets. Dai managed to return 1.25 million yuan before the ruling of the first-instant trial was given. On receiving the ruling by the Intermediate People's Court of Dongguan City, Dai appealed his case to the Guangdong Provincial Higher People's Court. LUSAKA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's main opposition party has dismissed claims that offensive weapons were found at the home of the party's vice-president, saying the weapons may have been planted by the police, a statement seen by Xinhua on Thursday said. Police raided the home of Geoffrey Mwamba, the vice-president of the United Party for National Development (UPND) in northern Zambia's Kasama district and arrested 28 party supporters. The police also found offensive weapons which included petrol bombs, spears and machetes. But Stephen Katuka, the party's secretary-general said the reports were misleading. "We would like to make clear the facts concerning the raid on GBM's house in Kasama, during which members of his family were teargased, including children. The items allegedly found were only recovered once the house was cleared. We know these have been planted," he said. "We also categorically deny the existence of petrol bombs in the residence. What they claim to have found were in fact empty bottles, as you might find in any residence," he added. The arrest of the supporters of the main opposition contender is the latest sign of political tension ahead of elections set for August 11 which have been marred by violence. The police said the party supporters were arrested after they were found tearing campaign posters belonging to the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) and decided to run into the house of their leader after being confronted by the police. LILONGWE, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Malawi High Court in Lilongwe, Malawi, Thursday convicted former Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Raphael Kasambara SC, and two others in the case of the attempted murder of the country's then Budget Director, Paul Mphwiyo, in 2013. The court found the former minister and the two, Pika Manondo and Macdonald Kumwembe, guilty of conspiracy to murder and also found the other two guilty of attempted murder. The attempted murder of the former Budget Director took place on the night of Aug. 13, 2013 at the gates of his residence in the capital, Lilongwe. Mphwiyo was shot three times at close range as he awaited the opening of his gate. He was flown to South Africa for medication where a successful surgery was conducted on his face. Mphwiyo implicated Kasambara and the other two in the case claiming he had personally seen them during the shooting. After a rigorous court hearing and submissions over the years, Malawi High Court Justice Michael Mtambo Thursday handed down the judgement to the three before a jam-packed court and he has since revoked the bail of the convicts. The former minister told journalists he "will appeal conviction" and " will overcome" in the end, adding that "the judge was very compromised". But State Assistant Director of Public Prosecution, Enock Chibwana, has hailed the judgement saying the judge analyzed the submissions without any bias. The shooting and attempted murder of the Malawi former Budget Director is directly linked to the country's historical plunder of public funds where billions of dollars were stolen. Over 70 have since been arrested and the cases are still in court while over 10, among them top government personnel, have been sent to jail. WUHAN, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A section of a major north-south national highway was flooded after the breach of a dike along a branch of the Yangtze River in central China's Hubei Province Thursday. Traffic was disrupted temporarily as floodwater has begun to flow onto a local section -- around Bayi Bridge of National Highway 107, said the latest information from Xiaogan City Administration for Public Security and Transportation. At around noon, the Fuhuan River was found to have broken through the section of the dike near Dongshantou School in the city of Xiaogan, Hubei Province, which led to the flooding of the Bayi Bridge section of the national highway, according to the local sources. The school is closed for summer vacation. National Highway 107 connects the Chinese national capital of Beijing and Shenzhen, a boomtown in south China's Guangdong Province. Armed police are rushing to relocate residents and build an embankment to hold back floodwater and protect the national highway from further flooding, said local sources. This was the second dike breach in Hubei Thursday. At 9 a.m.,it was discovered that the Hanbei River had punched a gap some 30 meters wide in an embankment, flooding a large area of farmland. No casualties have been reported yet. URUMQI, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Religious leaders, scholars and government officials from China and other countries urged Muslims to resist religious extremism and condemn terrorism at a symposium Wednesday. Participants from Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan gathered in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, to share their insights on Islam and experience in combating terrorism. The symposium is hosted by the China Religious Culture Communication Association and China Islamic Association. Keynote speakers said a surging number of terror attacks in the name of Islam in recent years has made it more important than ever to call on Muslims to uphold the spirit of harmony and unity implied in Islamic thought. Chen Guangyuan, chairman of the China Islamic Association, said opposition to religious extremism is part of Islamic teachings and required in Muslims' daily behavior. Wang Zuo'an, director of the State Administration of Religious Affairs, urged effective regional cooperation against terrorism, separatism and extremism. Shohrat Zakir, chairman of the Xinjiang regional government, said people of various ethnic groups in Xinjiang have suffered from terrorism and moved voluntarily to act against religious extremism and maintain social stability. YANGON, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese national working here in Myanmar's capital was attacked and seriously injured on Wednesday night, eyewitness said Thursday. Mr. Bin, 32, was hit on his head when he was on his way back to his staff quarter in the suburban Hlaing Tharyar township where he is temporarily residing. He was admitted to and checked at the Yangon General Hospital, where he was confirmed as having been badly hit on the head. His case has been reported to the Chinese Embassy, according to his boss. The embassy has informed his family in China to come to Myanmar to look after him. Local police authorities are investigating the case. According to local report, there are several criminal cases in four crime hotspots of Yangon, which are referred as Thanlyin, Kamayut, Tamway and Hlaing Tharyar townships. The targeted townships are of highest number of gang violence cases including drug abuse. TOKYO, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government said Thursday that it will file a fresh lawsuit against Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga over the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma base within Okinawa. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga notified Onaga in a meeting Thursday in Tokyo that the government would file the suit with the Naha branch of the Fukuoka High Court on Friday. The government aimed to seek the court's confirmation that Onaga acted illegally in not complying with a state order to retract his revocation of the former governor's permission for the landfill work of the air base relocation, said Suga at a press conference. Onaga told reporters later that a fresh lawsuit would be "extremely deplorable" and that Okinawa "will consider what to do as soon as we receive the complaint." Onaga, firm on his electoral stance, revoked last October his predecessor's permission for the landfill work of the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma's relocation from densely-populated Ginowan to Henoko coastal area of Nago within the prefecture. Political wrangling escalated since then, with the central government suing Okinawa and the latter in turn counter-suing, until a settlement deal was reached in March under mediation of the Naha branch of the Fukuoka High Court. According to the settlement deal, the construction work related to the relocation was halted, while the central and prefectural governments held talks and awaited a final ruling to be made by an arbitration panel under the internal affairs ministry. However, the panel issued its judgment in June with no clear conclusion, only urging the two sides to hold more "sincere discussions." Following the panel's judgment in June, Okinawa Prefecture has said it would not file a fresh lawsuit against the central government. Onaga, along with the majority of people in Okinawa, called for the Futenma base to be moved outside the southern island prefecture, which hosts the bulk of U.S. military facilities in Japan. The central government, however, said that relocation to Henoko within the prefecture is the only way to eliminate the hazards of the densely-populated Ginowan location while maintaining the Japan-U.S. security alliance. Related: Spotlight: Japan's Okinawa residents hold mass rally to protest U.S. military crimes, demand bases be removed from island TOKYO, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of protestors took to the streets of Okinawa in Japan's southernmost Prefecture on Sunday to express their ongoing anger at the disproportionate presence of U.S. military personnel on the island and the crimes committed by them, in particular the brutal rape and murder of a local women by a base-linked worker recently. AMMAN, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Jordan and the World Bank on Thursday announced a framework agreement under which Jordan can receive up to 1.4 billion U.S. dollars in loans. The new deal covers the period from 2017 until 2022, said Jordanian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Emad Fakhoury. "This deal will help the Jordanian economy at this stage," Fakhoury said. "It will also help the country deal with the pressure imposed by the Syria crisis and the influx of Syrian refugees into the country." The funding will be also used to focus on projects that support development projects in Jordan, improving living standards of citizens by creating more jobs and improving services, the minister said. BERLIN, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The German economy remains solid despite external risks result by Brexit, said German Finance Ministry in its monthly report on Thursday. "The overall picture of the current economic indicators signaled a solid basic constitution of the German economy," said the ministry, adding that the economy would continue its "moderate upswing" over the course of the current year despite the increasing risks after Britain's decision to leave the European Union. "The good situation in the labor market continues," it said. In the first half of 2016, Germany's tax revenue increased annually by 5.2 percent to 155.6 billion euros (about 171.5 billion U.S. dollars), signaling a robust economic development. Expenditure also increased by 2.2 percent to 150.7 billion euros, according to the ministry. Earlier this week, German central bank also said that the underlying trend of the German economic growth was strong as the driving factors of domestically supported upswing, including the excellent labor market, rising real wages and an expansionary fiscal policy, remained intact. Related: Merkel sees limited damages by Brexit for German economy BERLIN, July 6 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that she does not see any serious consequences for the German economy by the impending exit of Britain from the European Union. KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Malaysian government said Thursday that it would fully cooperate with any lawful investigation after U.S. prosecutors moved to seize more than 1 billion U.S. dollars in assets related to Malaysian state investment fund 1MDB. "We note the United States Department of Justice's civil lawsuits brought against various assets. As previously stated, the Malaysian government will fully cooperate with any lawful investigation of Malaysian companies or citizens in accordance with international protocols," a spokesman for Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a statement. He said multiple investigations by the Malaysian authorities had found no crime committed. Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali also said there has been no evidence from any investigation conducted by any law enforcement agencies in various jurisdictions which shows that money has been misappropriated from 1MDB. There have been no criminal charges preferred against any individuals for the offence of misappropriation of funds from 1MDB, according to a statement issued by his office. "The attorney general also expressed his strong concerns at the insinuations and allegations that have been made against the prime minister of alleged criminal wrong doing in relation to the civil action," said the statement. Meanwhile, Najib urged the public to not jump to conclusions before the process is completed, saying his government has always strived for good governance. 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) was created by the government of Malaysia to promote economic development in Malaysia through global partnerships and foreign direct investment. However, it was revealed last year that it had suffered huge loss in several years of operations. The United States announced Wednesday it has filed a civil lawsuit to forfeit and recover more than 1 billion U.S. dollars in assets purchased with money stolen from 1MDB. U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said that these assets are associated with "international conspiracy to launder funds misappropriated from the Malaysian fund." In a statement, 1MDB said it was not a party to the civil suit, "does not have any assets in the United States of America, nor has it benefited from the various transactions described in the civil suit." 1MDB reiterated that it would fully cooperate with any foreign lawful authority, but said it had not been contacted by the U.S. Justice Department or any other foreign agency in relation to their investigations. GENEVA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A top International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) official warned Thursday that ongoing violence in Syria's second largest city of Aleppo is creating a situation which is both "devastating and overwhelming." "We hear that dozens of civilians are being killed every day and scores more injured from shells, mortars and rockets. The bombing is constant. The violence is threatening hundreds of thousands of people's lives, homes and livelihoods," said ICRC's head of delegation in Syria, Marianne Gasser, in a statement. "No adult, let alone child, should have to live through this. People are trying to survive in the most desperate of circumstances," she added. According to ICRC, water systems, hospitals, warehouses, ambulance stations, public buildings and civilian homes have been destroyed or damaged on all sides of the front lines by indiscriminate attacks. In light of this, trapped civilians are finding it increasingly difficult to find adequate shelter, food and medical assistance. Gasser urged warring factions to protect the lives of civilians and critical infrastructure at all times. "All parties to the conflict, and all those with influence over them, must stop ignoring the laws of war. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected," she concluded. BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- On the first anniversary of the official opening of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), some early achievements have already been attained. As one of the most important components of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, the NDB has shown characteristics of being stable, efficient and pragmatic ever since its birth. In June 2009, leaders of BRIC countries, i.e. Brazil, Russia, India and China, held their first meeting in Russia's Yekaterinburg, officially kicking off the cooperation mechanism among BRIC countries. The four leaders had also reached consensus on reforming international financial institutions. In April 2010, BRIC leaders met in Brazil's Brasilia and urged the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to address their legitimacy deficits and undertake a voting power reform. In April 2011, BRICS leaders met for the third time in China's Sanya, with South Africa officially joining the mechanism. Governors of development banks from BRICS countries signed a framework treaty on financial cooperation, signalling the start of financial cooperation among BRICS members. In March 2012, BRICS leaders discussed the possibility of establishing a BRICS development bank. In the same month the following year, BRICS members agreed to set up the development bank, and thought it possible to arrange a contingency reserve in the amount of 100 billion U.S. dollars. In July 2014, BRICS leaders in Brazil's Fortaleza signed a treaty on the establishment of the NDB and a Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA). Under the treaty, the NDB, to be headquartered in China's Shanghai, will have an initial authorized capital of 100 billion dollars, and its initial subscribed capital of 50 billion dollars will be equally shared among founding members. In July 2015, the board of governors of the NDB held their first meeting in Moscow to appoint members of the board of directors and the president and vice presidents, with K.V. Kamath from India as the first president. On July 21 of the same year, the NDB officially opened in Shanghai. Projects in infrastructure and sustainable development were set to be the main focus of the bank. In April 2016, the NDB approved its first set of loans valued at 811 million dollars for renewable energy projects in four of its member countries, one each in Brazil, India, China and South Africa, with an estimated reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of four million tons per year. On July 18, 2016, the NDB issued three billion yuan (about 450 million dollars) worth of five-year green bonds, its first bond to raise funds worldwide for clean energy projects. Two days later, the annual meeting of the bank's board of directors was held in Shanghai. Kamath said the NDB will closely follow the development of new energy and technology, and create more financing tools in the future. The NDB Africa Regional Centre will also open in South Africa's Johannesburg by the end of the year. Enditem by Maria Spiliopoulou ATHENS, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The eight Turkish military officers who fled to Greece after last Friday's failed coup attempt were found guilty of illegal entry in Greece on Thursday, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported. The local court at the northern city of Alexandroupolis where they landed on Saturday in a Turkish military helicopter sentenced them to two months in prison. They faced up to five years imprisonment but the Greek judges acknowledged they acted under special circumstances in fear for their safety. The eight men claimed that they fled to Greece issuing a false distress signal to secure permission for emergency landing fearing for their lives when their helicopter came under fire by Turkish police on Friday night. Turkish officials have branded them traitors and said their extradition will be requested. The officers deny any involvement in the coup attempt and have filed claims for asylum request. The process was expected to start with their interviews before the local asylum agency on July 27 and may last two to three months, according to their lawyers. Until then they will remain in custody. During Thursday's trial outside the courthouse a small group of local Greek Muslims were demonstrating against the "traitors" and in favor of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. SYDNEY, July 21 (Xinhua) -- An elderly Australian man has been arrested after driving his car into a police station late Thursday. New South Wales state police Assistant Commissioner Dennis Clifford told reporters late Thursday night a man had crashed his car into the Merrylands police station's roller doorway in western Sydney, before being arrested and transferred to hospital in a serious condition. Clifford said police attempted to question the man as to why he was parked in the police station's driveway, before the car, which contained an accelerant, ignited in flames and was deliberately crashed into the entrance to the station's basement. Due to the nature of the incident, local media initially reported it was a failed terror attack. Australia, a staunch ally of the United State's war in Iraq and Syria, has been on heightened alert for home grown terrorists, with the Merrylands' station in particular subject to multiple threats. While it's understood the man, aged in his 60s, is known to police, he does not have any direct links to terror organizations. "There's nothing to indicate this is anywhere related to terrorism," Clifford said, though investigators will "keep an open mind" and not rule it out at this stage. Australia's national broadcaster reported the man may have mental health issues. Authorities have cordoned off the area while members of the police bomb disposal unit and fire authorities render the area safe and examine the vehicle. No other members of the public or police were injured in the incident. GENEVA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Some 1,055,575 civilians living in hard-to-reach and besieged areas in Syria have received life-saving assistance since relief operations kicked off in February this year, the senior advisor to the UN Special Envoy for Syria reported Thursday. "Altogether, 100 convoys have been able to reach besieged and hard-to-reach areas so far in 2016, compared to only 45 convoys in the whole of 2015," Jan Egeland indicated. "We've reached 18 out of 18 besieged areas, so of course there has been noticeable progress because the diplomats have helped us in 2016," he added. According to the latest UN figures, 68 percent of the population living in besieged locations have been provided with assistance since February. Only 12 percent of those living in hard-to-reach areas have received much needed aid, however. Ongoing fighting between warring factions is one of the main reasons why aid convoys are unable to access trapped populations, the diplomat explained. This is the case in Madaya, Az-Zabadani, Foah and Kafraya which have not received assistance since April. The Norwegian called for a new initiative to ensure that convoys are able to assist populations in need, in a bid to overcome the violence hampering relief operations in the country at war since 2011. "A humanitarian truce could work in the following manner: we get a 72-hour notice to go and get a pause in the fighting for 48 hours. That is what it takes to have a life-line to places where people are on the brink of starvation," he said. VILNIUS, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Presidents of Lithuania and Croatia during their meeting here on Thursday welcomed NATO's decision to strengthen its eastern flank and deploy international battalions in the Baltic states and Poland. Kilinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Croatian president, announced at the meeting that Zagreb is going to join the Germany-led multinational NATO battalion in Lithuania. "Once the new parliament of Croatia is formed, it will be decided how many troops should come here," she said during a joint press conference with Lithuania's president Dalia Grybauskaite. According to the leader of Croatia, deployment details will be discussed later, after Croatia's early general election in September. In words of Grybauskaite, Croatia's political decision to contribute to the formation of NATO battalions in the Baltic States was "a pleasant surprise." Lithuania and Croatia were linked by strong political and economic ties and both countries held close positions on key EU and NATO issues, Lithuania's head of state was quoted as saying in a statement released by the presidency. Lithuania was among the first nations to recognize Croatian independence 25 years ago, and it was during Lithuania's presidency of the Council of the European Union that Croatia became an EU member state. Meanwhile, another special focus during the meeting was placed on the implementation of strategic energy projects. Croatia sees Lithuania, who had an LNG terminal installed in a short span of only three years, as an example of success in ensuring national energy security and diversified gas supplies, Lithuania's presidency said in a statement. Following in Lithuania's steps, Croatia plans to build a similar LNG terminal, therefore, Croatian specialists are interested in Lithuania's experience. "It is important to join our energy infrastructure in order to achieve the level where nobody could blackmail us on gas prices; that said, to achieve the same independence level as Lithuania has already achieved," Grabar-Kitarovic said at the press conference. During the visit, minister of energy of Lithuania Rokas Masiulis and his Croatian counterpart Tomislav Panenic signed a memorandum of understanding which highlights strategic partnership between the two countries in the field of energy. Grybauskaite also pointed to importance of developing bilateral business relations in other areas. According to the presidency, Lithuanian-Croatian trade has increased by 61 percent since 2014 and the export of Lithuanian-made products to Croatia has increased by 87 percent over the last 18 months. Later on Thursday, after their meeting in the Presidential palace, presidents of Lithuania and Croatia attended the opening ceremony of the Croatian Embassy in Vilnius. BEIJING, July 21, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping presides over a symposium on poverty alleviation in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, July 20, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Tao) YINCHUAN, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged developed regions in the east help their partner regions in the west better fight poverty. Xi made the remarks at a national conference on poverty alleviation through east-west cooperation in Yinchuan, capital city of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Wednesday, according to an official statement released Thursday. Pairing and cooperation between eastern and western regions in poverty relief is conducive to coordinated development and common prosperity, according to Xi, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission. China has used the strategy for 20 years, and the widening gap between the east and west has been curbed, said the president, hailing "significant progress" in poverty alleviation in poor western areas and old revolutionary base areas. "Cooperation between paired eastern and western regions in poverty alleviation must continue for a long time," said Xi at the meeting. Eastern regions should make more efforts to aid western regions, which should have a sense of urgency and be proactive in the fight against poverty, he said. Local Party chiefs and government heads in both east and west should personally push for poverty alleviation and consider it a major task. Eastern regions should gradually increase financial aid to the west. Counties in the east should be paired with counties in the west, said Xi, also encouraging partnerships between townships and villages. Industries in the east should be gradually moved west to help alleviate poverty, according to Xi. Xi stressed precision in targeting and helping the poor, not only financially, but also in education, culture, health, science and technology. Officials will be assessed not only on how much effort they make, but also whether their measures are effective, said Xi. Poverty alleviation tasks should be clearly divided, and officials should be held accountable and punished for any failures, he said. At the end of 2014, China had 70 million people living below the nation's poverty line of 2,300 yuan (about 343 U.S. dollars) in annual income in 2010 constant prices. Almost all of them live in the countryside, particularly in the west. China aims to eliminate poverty by 2020, when its 13th Five-Year Plan is completed. BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A nine-year-old Kenyan girl was leisurely closing up her stall, content after having sold all of her pancakes for the day. Little did she know she would be abruptly killed the next second by a U.S. drone strike, along with several Somali terrorists in the house behind. This nightmarish scene, from the 2015 feature film "Eye in the Sky," represents a common real-life scenario for many civilians in countries like Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism based in London, a non-governmental organization, reported recently that the United States has launched 424 drone strikes in Pakistan alone since 2004, killing 424 to 966 civilians, including about 200 children. According to its calculation, U.S. drones have caused 492 to 1,100 civilian deaths in Pakistan and other countries since 2002. However, White House politicians appear to be more interested in the political scores than in the "collateral damage," namely the heavy losses of civilian lives. UNDERESTIMATED OFFICIAL CASUALTY FIGURE Drones were developed from a pet project of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) into an increasingly strong air power for the United States. They have been employed in several hundred operations in at least nine countries, and are more cost-effective than military actions on the ground, thanks to what Washington calls a capability of "extraordinarily precise targeting." For example, U.S. President Barack Obama has taken delight in talking about the recent successful strike on Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour on May 21. However, while Americans may value an efficient anti-terror war, the victims and their families certainly don't feel the same. Pakistani chauffeur Mohammad Azam, who was killed alongside Mansour in May, left behind a blind mother, a handicapped brother and four children all under 10 to be raised alone by his wife. The White House recently released data for the first time revealing that between 64 and 116 civilians were killed in 473 U.S. airstrikes, mostly by drones, between 2009 and 2015, in Pakistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia and North Africa where the United States is not at war, while civilian casualties in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria were not included in the report. The figure has drawn serious doubts from many NGOs and think tanks which have been following the United States' drone strike strategy, saying the number has been severely underestimated. New York-based Human Rights Watch estimated that at least 57 civilians were killed in seven U.S. drone strikes in Yemen between 2009 and 2013, already half of the maximum casualty figure announced by the U.S. government. AN EXECUTIONER IN QUESTION Targets in U.S. drone attacks can be selected merely based on patterns of behavior seen as terrorist activity while their identities remain unknown. Even this standard has given way to some absurd reasons to strike. In February 2002, the CIA launched a targeted drone strike in Afghanistan, killing three local junk collectors. The reason for the strike was "one of the targets has a similar height as Bin Laden." It was estimated that the "signature strikes" accounted for more than two thirds of the drone attacks in Pakistan during Obama's first term. "Too often, remotely piloted aircraft are being used as a tool to wantonly kill individuals, rather than as one of many tools to capture and shut down whole terrorist networks," retired Lieutenant Colonel T. Mark McCurley, a former U.S. Air Force drone pilot, was quoted as saying by a Reuters report in early June. The attacks violated human rights and international law by failing to discriminate civilians from terrorists, Reiner Braun, co-president of the International Peace Bureau, one of the world's oldest international peace federations, told Xinhua. The drone strikes serve as judges and executioners at the same time, Braun added. Former drone pilot Brandon Bryant warned that by using drones to fight terrorism, the United States might actually foster more terrorism, as family members or friends of the collateral damage might want revenge and become potential terrorists. Related: U.S. drones kill 2,227 people in Pakistan since 2008: Interior Minister ISLAMABAD, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Pakistani Senate was informed Wednesday that a total of 2, 227 people have so far been killed in 317 U.S. drone attacks since 2008. RABAT, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Morocco and Somalia signed here Thursday an agreement on religious cooperation. The document, signed by Moroccan Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Taoufiq and his Somali counterpart, Abdelkader Cheikh Ali Ibrahim, aims to strengthen bilateral exchange of experiences in religious affairs. This agreement is meant to protect the Muslim Ummah(community) against any deviation or act distorting the religious precepts with the aim to spread discord, the Moroccan minister told the press during the signing ceremony. Ulemas (Muslim scholars) in all countries are called upon to communicate in order to fulfill their duty in addressing the sources of discord, he added. For his part, the Somali minister said that the agreement will enable his country to get inspiration from the Moroccan experience, which is based on moderation, tolerance and enlightened approach, in the battle against terrorism and its sources. BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- China is eyeing more efficient and coordinated integration of military and civilian development as a new document aims to make the two complementary. The document, jointly released on Thursday by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, was approved in March at a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. "Our country's integrated military and civilian development has just entered a transition from initial to deep integration, and our ideas, top-level coordination and related regulations and mechanisms have lagged behind," it said, underlining the "huge potential" to be gained from such integration. This integrated development should be based on the Party's leadership and state-level coordination and rely on the roles of the market, reform and innovation, with a focus on boosting the "coordinated, balanced and compatible" development of both economic and defense construction, it said. According to the document, the integration of civilian and defense development will involve multiple fields and enable economic progress to provide a "greater material foundation" for defense construction, while the latter offers security guarantees for the former. "By the year 2020, our integrated military and civilian development mechanism should become more mature and related policies should be improved, with major integration progress made in key areas," it said, citing technology, products and infrastructure that will benefit both civilians and the military. COOPERATION & SHARING The guideline called for building an advanced defense science, technology and industry system. Defense enterprises will be regrouped, and more non-governmental investment will be encouraged in defense industries. Cooperation between military and civilian science and technology institutions will be strengthened, according to the guideline, which also called for cooperation between military and civilian education institutions. An insurance system for servicemen will be built, and a sharing system for military and civilian health care resources will be improved. The military's housing system will also be reformed, according to the guideline. The guideline called for enhancing coordination between military and civilian emergency and public security systems. Civilian and military efforts in maritime exploration and safeguarding maritime rights should be coordinated, the guideline said, vowing to advance the strategy for building China as a maritime power. Development of maritime operation capabilities and support facilities will be strengthened, in a bid to better help the military and civilian sectors work together to safeguard the country's territorial waters. It also called for safeguarding the country's overseas interests, protecting the overseas rights and interests of Chinese citizens and institutions. China will continue to actively take part in UN peacekeeping missions and deepen international military-to-military exchanges and cooperation, the guideline said. To strengthen unified leadership and military-civilian coordination,leading organs at both national and provincial levels should be established at an early date to oversee the integrated development of the military and civilian sectors, the circular said. Both military and civilian authorities should standardize procedures for informing each other of their needs and set up a resource-sharing platform to ensure reasonable flow and optimized allocation of military-civilian resources, according to the document. Calling for strong capital input and policy support, the circular encouraged the military and civilian sectors to first collaborate on a series of major projects. "(Authorities) should build several innovation demonstration zones to explore new and sustainable paths and patterns that can be popularized and replicated," it said. COLOMBO, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government will look to expand trade ties with China in the future, the Sri Lankan president's office said on Thursday. The president's office quoted foreign minister Mangala Samaraweera as saying that while Sri Lanka is working on trade agreements with India and Pakistan, it is also looking to expand its trade relations with China in the future. Samaraweera made the comments at a ceremony attended by President Maithripala Sirisena to welcome a group of new foreign envoys to the country. Speaking to the diplomats, the president said the foreign policy of Sri Lanka is to be friendly to every country in the world. Sirisena further said that Sri Lanka is determined to achieve development and end poverty, which he said would help ensure reconciliation in the country. He was speaking after accepting credentials from new ambassadors of Portugal, Ireland, Mexico and Greece. Enditem MOGADISHU, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Somali National Forces (SNA), backed by African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops, killed three Al-Shabaab militants during a security operation in Jubba region in southern Somalia on Thursday. AMISOM Force spokesperson, Joe Kibet told Xinhua over phone that the operation in Buurkoy location was special one and targeted Al-Shabaab militants' checkpoints in the area. "Somali National Army and AMISOM troops carried out an operation in Buurkoy location in Lower Jubba region early Thursday. It was a checkpoint for the militants, the joint forces killed three of Al-Shabaab members there," Kibet said. The AMISOM spokesman added that there were no casualties on SNA and AMISOM sides during the operation. The latest security operation comes amid reports of airstrikes which were conducted in Bula-guduud area, 30 kilometers north of Kismayo, the administrative of Jubbaland at the same region. The American special jets strategically bombarded Al-Shabaab positions enabling security forces to overrun the militant group's compounds. The insurgents later cut off Wirkoy Bridge near Buuloguduud to hinder the advancement of the security forces. The militants reportedly suffered heavy casualties. The locals said the insurgents later detonated explosives on a local bridge in a bid to cut off transport. No details on the number of casualties on both sides have been established. The joint forces have stepped up their onslaught on Al-Shabaab militant group which has been targeting the AU and the SNA bases including major hotels and eateries in Mogadishu and its environs. Enditem Image taken on April 14, 2016 shows tourists visiting Old Havana, in Havana city, capital of Cuba. (Xinhua/Joaquin Hernandez) by Ovidio Acosta and Mao Pengfei HAVANA, July 20 (Xinhua) -- A year after the restoration of diplomatic ties between Cuba and the United States, the U.S. embargo remains the main obstacle to the full normalization of ties, say Cuba officials. The current bilateral process represents an opportunity to solve outstanding problems for the first time and brings benefits to Cuba and its development, said Josefina Vidal, head of the U.S. Section at Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "We have worked for many years to successfully change U.S. policy toward Cuba," said Vidal in an interview with Cuba's official daily Granma published Wednesday. "Fidel (Castro) has, at different moments, expressed Cuba's willingness to discuss and resolve our differences with the U.S. in negotiations, without giving up on any of our principles," she said. COMPLEX NORMALIZATION PROCESS UNDERWAY "In the last 19 months, matters of great priority and interest to Cuba have been resolved, in the political and diplomatic sphere," said Vidal. She highlighted several important results - the return of three Cuban agents imprisoned in the United States, the removal of Cuba from the U.S. list of states sponsoring terrorism and the creation of a bilateral commission to monitor relations between the two countries. In the last year alone, Havana and Washington have signed ten cooperation agreements linked to fighting drug trafficking, law enforcement, search and rescue, meteorology, disaster prevention, and environmental protection. Others are currently being negotiated and could be concluded before the end of the year. "The U.S. and Cuba have made significant progress in different areas that will improve the lives of citizens of both countries," said Jeffrey DeLaurentis, Washington's Charge d' Affaires in Havana, in a joint interview with foreign correspondents on Tuesday. "These changes try to stimulate commercial interaction in addition to expanding people-to-people travel. The whole notion of engagement and commercial contact is an important part of our relation but obviously within the confines of the law," he added. The senior U.S. diplomat said both countries are focused on "moving forward" in all areas and making as much progress as possible in the remaining months of the Obama administration. "We have a new course in U.S.-Cuba relations ... and we're trying to make as much progress as possible so the policy is viewed as in the best interests of the U.S. and irreversible," he added. People watch flag-raising ceremony at the U.S. embassy in Havana, Cuba, Aug. 14, 2015. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) MORE COULD BE DONE IF EMBARGO LIFTED While the embargo is still not lifted, measures touted by U.S. President Barack Obama have allowed American telecommunications and tourism companies to invest in Cuba. "Much more could be done if this policy were eliminated," said Vidal, noting that banking relations particularly stand to benefit. In order to normalize diplomatic relations, Havana demands the lifting of the embargo, the return of the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo, an end to the Cuban Adjustment Act, and the cessation of all activities encouraging subversion in the Caribbean country. On the issue of Guantanamo, Vidal said that "this is the only case in the world of a military base being occupied in perpetuity and illegally, against the will of the government and the people of the country in which it is located." "There has not been a single meeting in which we have not placed this fair demand on the table, just as for the blockade," said Vidal. Vidal noted that financial transfers between the two countries remain blocked, services for Cuban diplomatic missions around the world are denied, and international banks working with Cuba are fined. "There is still intimidation on American and global banks due to the 49 fines imposed by the government of President Obama on ...entities that have legitimate relations with Cuba," explained Vidal. CUBA'S PRINCIPLES UNWAVERING Despite these considerable challenges, Vidal said that "in the current stage, unprecedented bilateral interaction exists alongside the policies of the past, which tells us ...that the process toward normalization of ties with the U.S. will be long and complex. But we will persevere as we have always done." Vidal made it clear that relations with the United States "have always been marked by the contradiction of Washington's will to dominate the island and the determination of Cubans to be free and independent. This is not going to change." Honoring the unwavering commitment of the Cuban government to its principles, Vidal noted that while "Cuba has never been anti-American, it is and will continue to be deeply anti-imperialist." "The fact that we are trying to build a new type of relationship with the U.S. in no way implies that Cuba is giving up its foreign policy linked to fairness in the world, the right to self-determination by all people and help to brother countries," Vidal said. BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday applauded Britain's ban on joining or supporting the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), after Britain listed ETIM as a terrorist organization. The Parliament of Britain on Friday added ETIM as an "Islamic terrorist and separatist organization" to the list of proscribed organizations. "China applauds Britain's updated terror list, which includes ETIM," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang, adding that China welcomes a clearer understanding of the violent and terror nature and the actual harmfulness of ETIM by other countries, including Britain. Stressing that ETIM is generally recognized as a terrorist organization by the international community, Lu said terrorism is "the public enemy of all mankind, and anti-terrorism has no national boundaries." "China would like to work with all parties concerned, including Britain, to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation, fight international terrorism and jointly safeguard global and regional peace, as well as the security of people's lives and property," he added. Marcelino Medina (3rd R), Deputy Foreign Minister of Cuba, meets with Jeffrey DeLaurentis (3rd L), chief of the Section of Interests of the United States in Havana, capital of Cuba, on July 1, 2015. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) by Raimundo Urrechaga HAVANA, July 20 (Xinhua) -- A year after re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba, the United States believes its "engagement approach" with its former Cold War era enemy is working although many challenges remain for both sides, said U.S. Charge d'Affaires in Havana, Jeffrey DeLaurentis. "The U.S. and Cuba have made significant progress in different areas that will improve the lives of citizens of both countries," said DeLaurentis, in a joint interview with foreign correspondents. The top U.S. diplomat in the island said the "complex and long" normalization process between the two countries is underway and many topics have been discussed in the past year. "Additional progress and tough conversations on challenging issues like human rights and claims are ahead. We remain committed to the dialogue and the relationship we're building with Cuba in the interests of both the United States and the Cuban people," he said. DeLaurentis said U.S. President Barack Obama has signed four sets of regulatory measures to loosen up the restrictions imposed by the U.S. blockade on the island which can be only lifted by Congress. "These changes try to stimulate commercial interaction in addition to expanding people-to-people travel. The whole notion of engagement and commercial contact is an important part of our relation but obviously within the confines of the law," he added. Over the last year, Washington has allowed certain companies to do business with the Cuban government in areas like tourism, agriculture and telecommunications, however, the vast majority of them still await for the embargo to be totally lifted in order to engage deeper. A vintage car passes the Hotel Four Points by Sheraton in Havana, capital of Cuba, on June 29, 2016. (Xinhua/Raimundo Urrechaga) Starwood hotels recently inaugurated its first joint hotel in Havana while last May cruise ship Carnival docked in the Cuban capital, making it the first ever U.S. leisure ship to do so in over 50 years. The White House has also authorized U.S. banks to establish correspondent accounts in Cuba, but only one bank has done so, while Cuban financial institutions are still banned from doing the same in the U.S. Perhaps the biggest economic announcement came days before Obama visited Havana in March as he allowed Cuba to use the U.S. dollar in its international financial transactions, not only with Washington but with the rest of the world. Three months later, Havana hasn't been able to do a single transaction in that currency. The U.S. diplomat said last week banking officials of both countries participated in a seminar to address some of these specific issues and ensure the regulatory changes are implemented appropriately. "We're trying to engage with the banks to ensure they too can avail themselves of the possibilities that are now essentially on the table," he said. Both countries, said DeLaurentis, have tried to cover a number of different areas in the last year and several agreements have been signed. "We've reestablished direct mail service, signed a memorandum of understanding in the health field particularly dealing with Zika and best practices on cancer and we're expanding our cooperation in law enforcement, money laundering, human smuggling, cybercrime, among others," he noted. The diplomat also welcomed the start of air service to nine cities in Cuba and later on to Havana in the fall as part of an agreement signed between the U.S. Department of Transportation and Cuba's government. Cuba's President Raul Castro (R) and U.S. President Barack Obama (L) attend a press conference at the Revolution Palace in Havana, capital of Cuba, on March 21, 2016. (Xinhua/Joaquin Hernandez) Regarding the importance the Obama administration has given to engaging with the emerging Cuban private sector, DeLaurentis said Washington will continue to encourage the growth of small and medium private businesses on the island. "The private sector is an important engine for economic growth and we would like to see as much economic growth here as possible. It's encouraging to see the extraordinary innovation, creativity that a number of small business owners have been exhibiting over the last few years and we would like to be as helpful to them as we can," he said. The senior U.S. diplomat said both countries are focused on "moving forward" in all areas and make as much progress in the remaining months of the Obama administration. "We have a new course in U.S.-Cuba relations ... and we're trying to make as much progress as possible so the policy is viewed as in the best interests of the U.S. and irreversible," he added. The results of the U.S. elections in November could alter Washington's Cuba policy if Republican nominee Donald Trump gets to the White House. Hillary Clinton has said she would continue Obama's policy and promote ties with the Cuban people if she is elected. BEIJING, July 21, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (R) meets with visiting Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn in Beijng, capital of China, July 21, 2016. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- China will continue to support the European integration process, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi said on Thursday. "China will remain committed to deepening China-Europe relations and practical cooperation," Yang said when meeting with visiting Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn. Both sides should take the opportunity of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year to consolidate trust and cooperation to usher in a new era of bilateral relations, Yang said. China is an important partner, Asselborn said, adding that Luxembourg is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China and support mutually beneficial cooperation between Europe and China. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Asselborn earlier Thursday. A man looks on as Syrian civil defence workers look for survivors under the rubble of a collapsed building following reported air strikes on July 17, 2016 in the rebel-controlled neighbourhood of Karm Homad in the northern city ofAleppo. (AFP/Xinhua) DAMASCUS, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) agreed on Thursday to a cease-fire in an Islamic State (IS)-controlled town in northern Syria, on condition of a full IS withdrawal, local Kurdish media said. The SDF agreed to a "full cessation of military operations in the town of Manbej and its countryside... the release of prisoners from both sides, and opening a passage for the IS out of that area," according to the Kurdish ARA News. The new deal came amid an offensive by the SDF, under heavy U.S.-led air cover, to recapture Manbej, a strategic town under IS control near the Turkish borders. The deal also came after French warplanes, part of the U.S-led anti-terror coalition that has been striking IS positions since late 2014, were accused to have killed over 120 civilians in Manbej recently. Meanwhile, the report said, the deal also includes a pledge from the IS not to booby-trap the town ahead of their withdrawal. The SDF, which has completely besieged the town, agreed to give the IS militants 48 hours to evacuate, it said in a statement, which described the initiative as the "only, and last chance for the trapped IS militants to leave the town's districts." However, the ARA report said the IS position on the deal is not yet clear. The SDF is a recently formed rebel group supported by the U.S. and led by the Kurdish People's Protection Units. The declared goal of the group is to liberate northern Syrian cities from the IS. A Yemeni tribesman from the Popular Resistance Committees, supporting forces loyal to Yemen's Saudi-backed president, is greeted by a comrade after his release as part of a prisoner exchange with the Huthi rebels in the southwestern city of Taez on June 1, 2016. (AFP/Xinhua) RIYADH, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia has said that health services will be provided to around 47,000 Yemeni refugees in the country, local media reported on Thursday. Yemeni refugees suffering from ailments and injuries may receive treatment at Saudi hospitals, local news portal Al Eqtisadiya said. Meanwhile, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has signed an agreement with five private hospitals in Yemeni city of Aden to treat injured Yemenis there for free, Al Eqtisadiya reported, quoting the center's general supervisor, Abdullah Rabea. Rabea said his center supports a total of 61 health facilities across Yemen directly or through the World Health Organization and UNICEF. In addition to the provision of health services, Saudi Arabia announced last month the granting of temporary work permits for Yemeni residents. The renewable permits are valid for six months, covering male Yemenis aged 18 to 60. It also launched an online education program for 1 million Yemeni students in Yemen and other countries. A Saudi-led coalition of mostly Arab countries started a military campaign in March 2015 to restore power to internationally recognized President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after Houthi rebels, backed by allied forces, stormed the capital Sanaa and forced Hadi into exile. Thousands of people have been killed, many of them civilians, and many more wounded since March 2015, in airstrikes and fighting on the ground in Yemen. NAIROBI, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Foreign companies and state-run investment promotion agencies have intensified their hunt for investors on the sidelines of the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), amid complaints that the investment climate in Africa remained unpredictable. The foreign multinational firms -- the General Electric, a large American corporation with investments in aviation, manufacturing and energy, Chinese manufacturing firm, Gemsy, makers of textiles machinery, Swiss water firm, WaterLex, held talks with investors at various side-events attended by top executives. UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi hailed the growing interest from foreign multinationals to invest in new fields, especially on the so-called "green field projects" in Africa. The green field projects are those starting from scratch, including in oil fields and infrastructure. Jay Ireland, President of General Electric Africa, who previously directed investments worth 120 billion U.S. dollars for GE subsidiaries, said massive investment opportunities in Africa existed, but the field was severely clouded by high risk and lack of consistent business regulations. General Electric has investments in the production of locomotives in South Africa, power, aviation, oil and gas. The Africa chief executive told a meeting of top CEOs in Nairobi Wednesday that more improvements on investment environment were required within Africa, to attract more investment. "We require further investments. The key risk is political risk. The electoral cycle in Africa which leads to the changes of administration has not promoted the consistency of business laws and regulations. "Dialogue with the private sector is important," said Ireland. Ireland, member of U.S. President Barack Obama's Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa, said the GE was keen on building the locomotives with 60 percent of local content. He said the investments made by the foreign multinationals in Africa should also promote development of new skills. Kituyi said such investments are required to keep world trade afloat in the middle of declining foreign aid. "We expect the private sector to plug this shortfall of 25 billion dollars Oversees Investment Assistance (ODA) through these Greenfield investments. We need to focus on dialogue that addresses optimal partnerships to finance this gap," Kituyi told a gathering of foreign and local investors. Business analyst, Annie Roberts, said the risk assessment by New-York-based investors were mostly inaccurate and misleading. "The investors misconceive risk in Africa. They think risk is too high while in actual sense, risk is much lower. The political situation like Kenya is more stable and the business environment facilitates investments," said Roberts, Partner at Open Capital Advisors, a Nairobi-based consulting firm. Roberts said international financial institutions committed some 18.8 million dollars in Kenya towards investments in energy in recent months while private investors put in 2.4 million dollars worth of capital. "Investors are looking for financial returns and social benefits. Some countries are attracting more investor interest than others. These provide a platform for neighbouring countries to equally attract investors," said Roberts. Enditem SOFIA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A 30-member Chinese delegation and representatives of over 100 Bulgarian companies participated in a bilateral production capacity cooperation forum here on Thursday. Bojidar Loukarsky, Bulgaria's economy minister, said at the opening ceremony the event showed the desire for more dynamic bilateral dialogue and wider development of trade and economic cooperation between Bulgaria and China. The minister said China was a priority partner for Bulgaria, and Bulgaria could become a platform for Chinese businesses and goods to the European Union (EU). Over the past decade, Bulgaria's exports to China grew almost eightfold, and China is among its top ten export partners worldwide, Loukarsky said. Meanwhile, Bulgaria has the potential to attract investment and provide opportunities in many industries such as electronics, information and communication technology, engineering, agriculture and food production, he said. Lyu Xinhua, head of the Chinese delegation and chairman of the Council for Promoting South-South Cooperation, said in turn that after China's opening to the world, its economy had been growing rapidly and had a huge investment potential. According to him, investment conditions in Bulgaria were relatively good, due to political and social stability in the country. He said he hoped Chinese businesses would realize the opportunities to be had in Bulgaria with relatively cheap labor and numerous tax benefits. Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Zhang Haizhou said in recent years there had been an upward trend in bilateral trade and economic exchanges. The Chinese delegation in this particular business forum included representatives from 15 powerful companies with strong interest in international cooperation and a desire to hold concrete talks with Bulgarian business on opportunities for joint projects in industrial capacity, Zhang said. Just after the opening ceremony, the head of the Chinese delegation said at a media briefing that China could invest in Bulgaria in infrastructure construction, because there was no other country in the world that could compete with China in terms of timing of construction, cost, technology and efficiency. Furthermore, due to the country's large foreign exchange reserves, the Chinese government may provide financial support for investment abroad, Lyu said. BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese coal producer Shenhua Group on Thursday dismissed media reports about reorganization with another state-owned enterprise (SOE). "Shenhua is not engaged in merging and reorganization with China General Nuclear Power Corporation and has received no related information from any government agencies," said a post on the company's Sina Weibo account. The notice came following reports that the two SOEs are seeking a merger to create a conglomerate with total assets of 204 billion U.S. dollars, but have yet to gain support from authorities. Analysts believe the merger is unlikely as the two giants have completely different main business, focusing on coal production and nuclear power, respectively. Rumors about SOE mergers are on the rise as the central government tries to encourage mergers and acquisition of torpid SOEs to improve their competitiveness. Enditem WANG XIAOYING/CHINA DAILY The South China Sea arbitration case initiated by the Philippines is based on its illegal actions and illegal appeal. The arbitral tribunal does not have the jurisdiction over the South China Sea dispute between Beijing and Manila and therefore its ruling is null and void. The arbitration should have been opposed by the international community. But some countries with ulterior motives, led by the United States, have hyped up the case. Japan has used the case to fulfill its own purpose, trying its best to lure the Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states to its fold, by making promises and passing irresponsible remarks to show its concern over the South China Sea dispute, and claimed the tribunal ruling is binding on China. Yet people familiar with the South China Sea dispute know that by appealing to form an arbitral to deal with the case, the government of former Philippine president Benigno Aquino III violated its agreement with China, including the one in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and the dispute settlement rules of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The tribunal has wantonly abused its power and gone beyond its jurisdiction to pass the ruling. Its trial and investigation on historic rights based on customary laws, islands' and reefs' territorial status and maritime demarcation are beyond the authorization of UNCLOS, so they trample the rule of law and challenge the basic principles of international relations. Such actions are unacceptable to peace-loving countries. China has always adhered to negotiations on the basis of the declaration. And its stance is winning more and more support and understanding from the international community. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe issued a joint statement with China in support of Beijing's stance on the South China Sea during his visit to China in early April. Foreign ministers of China, Russia and India issued a joint communique on April 18, saying the South China Sea disputes should be settled through negotiations among disputing parties in accordance with UNCLOS and the declaration. More than 70 countries have in different ways supported China's stance on the South China Sea issue. And some international organizations such as the League of Arab States and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and dozens of foreign party leaders have issued statements supporting China's stance. Additionally, many scholars and think tank members across the world, including Western countries, such as the US, the United Kingdom, Australia and Germany, have said they agree with China's stance from the standpoint of law and history. It seems the US is plotting with its allies to take advantage of its hegemony in the global media and start a media war against China. But such countries stand on the opposite side of justice and history. Their choice has isolated them and helped China get more supporters. Justice is the best ally China has in the international community. The article first appeared in People's Daily. BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Against all odds in a slack global economy, the New Development Bank (NDB) set up by the BRICS nations has proved progressive for the past year since its establishment. While addressing the annual meeting of the bank's board of directors held in Shanghai Wednesday, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli said the Chinese government will continue to back and facilitate the bank's future development. EFFICIENCY & PRUDENCE The NDB was first proposed at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, capital of India, in 2012. In just one year after its official opening, the NDB has made remarkable progress, and has issued its first bonds worldwide to raise funds for clean energy projects in member states. NDB President K.V. Kamath said the past year has seen achievements in at least three areas, including selecting its first loan projects, the timely payment of equity capital by stakeholders, and the first yuan-denominated bonds in seven years issued by a global financial institution. Wang Lei, a researcher on BRICS cooperation with Beijing Normal University, said the bank is both efficient and prudent. Noting that the bank, proposed and led solely by the emerging economies, has done well in building up its internal organizations and begun to operate in just one short year, he said its performance is indeed very efficient. He also said that, instead of offering services to the whole financial market, the decision to fund green projects has shown that the bank's managers are also quite prudent and pragmatic. SEEK EXPANSION THROUGH PRAGMATIC COOPERATION The NDB now has about 70 staff, the number of which is expected to grow up to around 100 by the end of 2016, when the bank's first regional office in Johannesburg, South Africa will also be opened, Kamath said. As far as Wang is concerned, although the high-level management is now in place and has been operating effectively, the NDB remains understaffed, which is not conducive to expanding its business. In the next phase, Wang suggested the multilateral development bank should prioritize improving its internal structure while strengthening its team building. Meanwhile, another challenge that the NDB is facing when choosing projects to fund is how to expand its financial support from the range of BRICS members to that of other emerging markets and developing countries. In April, the multilateral lender announced it would provide 811 million U.S. dollars in a first of loans for clean energy projects in four of the BRICS nations. But compared to the BRICS members, quite a few low-income countries have a more urgent need to improve their infrastructure. The World Bank estimated that the financial gap for developing countries in upgrading their infrastructure has reached up to 1 trillion dollars, of which traditional development-promoting agencies, including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Development Association, could only provide about 40 percent. "This will be both a responsibility and a pressure for the NDB," said Wang. "The bank should strengthen the research over the development of developing countries' infrastructure as well as their progress in sustainable development." He suggested the financial body, on that basis, design and run new projects in a precise manner, so as to better demonstrate the purposes of South-South Cooperation. SEEK INNOVATION IN COOPERATION In 2012, facing the plunge in commodity prices and a sluggish global recovery, the BRICS economies generally experienced slowing growth rates, and some even saw negative growth. However, combined domestic and international pressure inspired a strong will among the five emerging countries to strengthen their cooperation. So far, the BRICS have developed over 60 cooperative mechanisms, covering various fields such as economy, trade, finance, agriculture, education, science and technology, culture, and think tanks. The cooperation in finance has become the most fruitful, with the NDB as a good example. Over the past year, the NDB has become a tangible force behind the mutually beneficial cooperation within the BRICS. It has also pushed forward a reform of the international financial system, which could no longer objectively reflect the profound changes in today's global economic order. In December 2015, the U.S. Congress eventually ratified the International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s 2010 quota and governance reform plan, which was blocked for years. After that, China became the third biggest shareholder of the IMF, and Brazil, India and Russia were also included among the top ten shareholders of the institution. Such a transformation was brought about by the financial cooperation within the BRICS nations, which had a direct impact on the reform of the international financial system, said Wang. Besides, the NDB has set forth a new set of operating rules for the international financial system with an emphasis on equality both within the BRICS and between donor countries and recipients, which set up a new model of international aid and a new type of partnership, Wang said. But there's still room for the bank to improve itself in financing, according to experts. For example, the NDB should offer more financial aid to developing countries in Latin America and Brazil to give them more options, said Bruno De Conti, economics professor at the University of Campinas in Brazil. "This could help those countries to avoid some harsh requirements imposed by the IMF and World Bank without losing chances of development," he said. ROME, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of migrants and refugees were rescued in the central Mediterranean Sea in the last two days, and the bodies of 22 people were recovered, the Italian navy and humanitarian sources said on Thursday. Overall, at least 2,600 people have been brought to various ports in the southern Sicily region since Wednesday, according to Italy's navy and coast guard. Some 1,146 migrants arrived in Sicily's regional capital Palermo, including 23 pregnant women and 63 unaccompanied minors, the navy specified. They mainly came from Somalia, Libya, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, and other African countries. Another 378 people were brought to the port of Trapani, in western Sicily, by a vessel of the Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) aid group. They had been rescued off the Libyan coasts in the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, while sailing on board three overcrowded dinghies, MOAS said. They mostly came from Sub-Saharan countries. Another MOAS ship with 362 rescued migrants and refugees on board was en route towards Reggio Calabria port, also in Southern Italy, late on Thursday. Meanwhile, rescuers also reported the latest migrant tragedy. The bodies of 21 women and one man were recovered from a dinghy during a rescue operation in central Mediterranean on Wednesday, humanitarian association Doctor Without Borders (MSF) said. Some 209 people were rescued during the mission, and were expected to reach Trapani on Friday. Most of the survivors were from Nigeria, Guinea, and other West African countries. Among them were 32 women and 50 children, of whom 45 were travelling alone, MSF added. According to the rescuers, the group was sailing on board two dinghies, and was forced to launch a distress call only few hours after setting sail from the Libyan coast. The call was received by the Italian coast guard, which notified the alert to an MSF ship patrolling the area. "When our team approached the first dinghy, they saw dead bodies lying at the bottom of the boat in a pool of water and fuel," Jens Pagotto, MSF Head of Mission for Search and Rescue Operations, said in a statement. "It is still unclear exactly how they have died," he added. Finally, an Italian navy ship brought 602 people to the port of Augusta on Wednesday. Mostly from Sub-Saharan countries and Syria, the migrants had been rescued from five inflatable boats in the Strait of Sicily between Libya and Italy. Another 451 rescued migrants reached the port of Messina. The perilous crossing of the Mediterranean has become the key route for migrants and refugees heading to Europe, after the safer alternative by land through Turkey, Greece, and the Western Balkans was shut in spring. Some 79,851 people have arrived in Italy by sea from January to July 17, according to the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR. They were 93,540 in the same period of 2015. Overall, the UNHCR registered over 241,000 new arrivals by sea (between Italy and Greece); at least 2,951 people were reported dead or missing. Enditem TIRANA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Albanian State Police statistics show a massive increase in the cultivation of hashish across Albania in 2016. Up to July, about 725,000 cannabis plants have been destroyed, a figure that exceeded the total of last year's 690,000 plants, Albanian Top Channel TV reported on Thursday. Albania's aerial territory has been monitored from an aircraft of the Italian Interforce for detecting fields planted with cannabis. Official sources from Albanian State Police say that the monitoring has started on June 25 and the obtained information were forwarded to police departments which are engaged in the operational plans for the destruction of Cannabis plants. Police say that the most problematic areas remain those in the south as well as in the remote areas in the north of Albania. Enditem CHANGSHA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The government of Huarong County in central China's Hunan Province offered a large sum of money in compensation and rewards to drivers who volunteered to help close a breached dike. The local government granted more than 2.6 million yuan (about 400,000 U.S. dollars) to cover the loss of 17 trucks and reward the drivers for their bravery. The compensation consists of three parts: depreciated vehicle value, lost income for 40 days and a 10,000-yuan award. A breach in a flood detention basin in Huarong County occurred on July 10, forcing more than 20,000 residents to evacuate. Sixteen private truck drivers steered their vehicles to the breached dike, opened their doors and jumped out. The trucks, which were loaded with gravel, succeeded in stopping the breach from widening further. Enditem WASHINGTON, July 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said that the United States has no right to lecture other countries when it faces a mess back home, a newspaper reported Thursday. The United States has to "fix our own mess" before trying to alter the behavior of other nations, Trump told The New York Times in an interview on the eve of accepting the nomination at the Republican National Convention (RNC) held in Cleveland, Ohio. "I don't think we have a right to lecture," Trump said. "How are we going to lecture when people are shooting policemen in cold blood?" He was referring to the latest two shootings in which eight police officers were killed and a dozen others were wounded by two black gunmen, apparently in retaliation for the killings of two black men by police in the states of Louisiana and Minnesota. These incidents have sparked angry protests across the nation amid rising racial tensions. Previewing his speech for the RNC Thursday night, Trump said the rest of the world would learn to adjust to his foreign policy that will be vastly different from the traditions of the Republican Party since World War II, The New York Times reported. Trump said that he would prefer to be able to continue existing agreements only if allies stopped taking advantage of what he called an era of American largesse that was no longer affordable, according to the Times. In the interview, the brash billionaire repeatedly defined American global interests almost purely in economic terms. He even called into question whether he, if elected, would automatically extend the U.S. security guarantees for the NATO allies. When asked whether he would come to the aid of the Baltic States in the NATO if they were attacked by Russia, Trump said he would decide whether to come to their aid only after reviewing whether those nations "have fulfilled their obligations to us." "If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes," he added. Trump also said he was prepared to scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada if he could not negotiate radically better terms, the Times reported. The deployment of American troops abroad, while preferable, was not necessary, Trump said. If needed, the United States could always deploy troops from American soil, which "will be a lot less expensive," he was quoted as saying. Commenting on the attempted military coup in Turkey that stained U.S.-Turkey ties as Ankara blamed the coup on a Turkish cleric living in the United States, Trump praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for "being able to turn that around." Different from the Obama administration, Trump did not call on Turkey to respect the rule of law in a massive post-coup crackdown and purge of the military. "When the world sees how bad the United States is and we start talking about civil liberties, I don't think we are a very good messenger," he said in the Times interview. Trump called Syrian President Bashar al-Assad "a bad man," but said that the terror group Islamic State poses a far greater threat to the United States. The Republican nominee also vowed to fund a major military buildup, starting with a modernization of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. "We have a lot of obsolete weapons," he told the Times. WARSAW, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Visegrad Group (V4) will play a very active role in the process of reforms the European Union is facing, and will propose solutions which can make the EU stronger, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo said on Thursday. Speaking after the V4 summit here along with leaders from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, Szydlo said: "We see the need to increase member countries' control over the EU decision-making processes, including the control of governments of individual countries." She added every "yellow card" showed to the Commission by governments of individual member countries should be deeply analyzed. European institutions cannot "uncritically impose their will," she said. Szydlo said V4 leaders agreed on the fact that the EU must "go back to its roots," focus more on the citizens' issues instead of focusing on institutions. "Institutional EU in today's shape does not meet the expectations of the Europeans," she said. Szydlo, together with her V4 counterparts, were meeting before an informal EU summit to be held in September in Bratislava. Leaders discussed Britain's referendum result to leave EU and the reasons which led to the decision. It was the first summit at heads of government level since Poland took up the presidency of the V4 on July 1. Enditem ANKARA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's market economy would continue to operate as it has done despite the recent political shocks and the declaration of a three-month state of emergency, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said Thursday. Simsek said in a TV interview that Turkey's economic base is solid with its resilience in times such as global economic crisis and geopolitical rifts. He said the Turkish government will maintain policy course after the failed coup. Due to credit rating agencies' decisions, credit costs may edge up and Turkish companies may find external borrowing as profitable as before, Simsek said, referring to Standard & Poor's downgrading Turkey's credit rating by one notch. "Turkish capital controls are out of the question," Deputy Prime Minister tweeted on Tuesday, vowing that Turkey will maintain sound macroeconomic policies. Turkey's central bank acted last Sunday by cutting commissions on daily liquidity options for banks to zero and providing unlimited liquidity to maintain financial markets following the coup bid. It also said it would increase the daily foreign exchange auction limit from 50 million U.S. dollars if necessary. Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci also tweeted that the economic foundations of the country were "solid." "Despite all undemocratic attempts, our economy will continue to function flawlessly," the minister said. Enditem TEL AVIV-JAFFA, Israel, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Israel's Former President Shimon Peres launched on Thursday a new center for technological innovation at the Peres Center for Peace in Jaffa. The former president and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate talked of the important role technological innovation can play in bringing peoples in the Middle East together. "I implore our neighbors -- let us cooperate and create a startup region," Peres said at the Israeli Innovation Center launching ceremony. "Let us adopt the path of peace and innovation, which is always preferable to war and pain," the former president said, adding that innovation enables dialogue between different peoples. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin attended the ceremony, as well as Tel Aviv's mayor Ron Huldai and main figures in the Israeli high tech industry. Netanyahu joined Peres's notion, saying "innovation and peace complement one another." "Israel has much to share with its neighbors in the region. And this center will be the first step on the long path to building a startup region, an innovation region, a region of peace," said the prime minister. Both Netanyahu and Rivlin lauded Peres's decades-long contribution to the state, and his cutting edge attitude towards innovation. The Israeli Innovation Center, located at the Peres Peace House in Jaffa, is planned to be opened in 2018. It will present the story of Israel as the "start-up nation," with aim to inspire innovation and exhibit Israeli achievements in the field. The center will showcase special exhibitions, house a digital library, a hub for entrepreneurs to meet and discuss future plans, and will offer courses and hackathons. Enditem KOLKATA, India, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday jointly inaugurated the Petrapole Integrated Check Post through video conferencing. "We are together on the path of development and this is an important milestone in our cooperation," said Modi. "We are close neighbours and will promote cooperation in the interest of the people of our country. We are friends and this communication is for the interest of the masses," Hasina replied. While Modi spoke in Hindi, Hasina spoke in Bengali. Petrapole is in North 24 Parganas district of India's eastern state of West Bengal and located 82 km from Kolkata. A large number of trucks carrying commodities travel to Bangladesh through this Indian Customs land port each day while vehicles carrying goods come to India. A large number of people of both countries also travel through this integrated check post (ICP) which has been built on 80 acres of land and is one of the largest ICPs in Asia. Talking about terrorism following the IS attack at Holey Horizon Cafe at the posh locality Gulshan in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka earlier this month, Modi assured Hasina of his support. "Do not feel you are alone in the fight against terrorism. We are together in our fight against terrorism and India is beside you," said Modi. XIGAZE, July 21, 2016 (Xinhua) -- The 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu delivers a sermon during the Kalachakra ritual in Xigaze, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 21, 2016. The first tantric Kalachakra instructions delivered by the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu formally started, with some 40 monks beginning a closed-door observance of Yidam, the Kalachakra deity, Thursday morning. The Kalachakra (the wheel of time) ritual includes a series of tantric teachings and initiations given by gurus to help Buddhists through the cycle of life. (Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi) XIGAZE, Tibet, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The first Kalachakra instructions delivered by the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu have formally begun, with some 40 monks beginning a closed-door observance Thursday morning. The monks, from Labrang Lamasery in northwest China's Gansu Province and Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery in Xigaze, Tibet Autonomous Region, will perform the ritual every morning during the four-day event. The Kalachakra (the wheel of time) ritual includes a series of teachings and initiations that are given by gurus to help Buddhists through the cycle of life. This is the first time in 50 years that the ritual has been performed in Tibet. To embrace the grand event, Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery, the home temple of Panchen Lamas, started preparations one month ago. In Zhaxi Lhunbo last December, the 11th Panchen Lama celebrated the 20th anniversary of his enthronement. Currently serving as vice president of the Buddhist Association of China, the 11th Panchen Lama has received some 1,000 initiations and performed head-touching blessings for about 1.5 million Buddhists. Latest statistics showed more than 100,000 people have attended the ritual held in the New Palace of Panchen Lama near Zhaxi Lhunbo, including 5,000 monks and nuns and 100 lamas. After overnight rainfall and intermittent drizzling, the meadow in the New Palace of Panchen Lama turned muddy and slippery. Still, people swarmed into the venue at noon to hear the public instruction and initiations scheduled each afternoon. Before the afternoon session started, monks in crimson-colored robes carried dozens of huge kettles to pour hot tea for participants to help them dispel the cold. Barley biscuits were also distributed by monks to the excited crowd. A volunteer put cypress branches and barley powder brought by devotees into a yellow stove and burned them to pray for an auspicious ritual. After the 11th Panchen Lama ascended to his silk-covered throne in the afternoon, senior monks from the Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery presented traditional Tibetan offerings to him. The 11th Panchen Lama then led the chanting of scripture, with 100 senior monks kowtowing in front of the throne. The crowd of pilgrims started to throw hada, a silk cloth, toward the 11th Panchen Lama as a greeting. Quickly, hadas piled up in front of the crowd. In his opening remarks, the 11th Panchen Lama called the rainfall "an auspicious sign," mentioning that it also rained once when the 10th Panchen Lama held a ritual. At that time, the 10th Panchen Lama explained that the rain indicated purification, said the 11th Panchen Lama, reminding the elderly to keep warm on the rainy day. Sitting on the ground and with prayer beads in hand, Tsering Wangla from Geding Township of Sagya County, Xigaze, said that the cold and drizzle were "not hardships at all," and he rejoiced at the event "from the bottom of his heart." The 41-year-old farmer woke up at half past five on Thursday morning to prepare for the excursion. It was also his first time to participate in such a ritual. Tsering, 20, a driver from Namling County, Xigaze sat in the back. He took two days off so he could attend the ritual, which lasts until July 24. Hearing the Kalachakra first from his parents when he was small, Tsering said he had wished to hear the precious teaching for a long time and was very happy to join in the ritual. "I didn't expect there to be so many people, and I have to watch from the distance," he said. Aga, a 51-year-old herder from Nagqu in northern Tibet, listened attentively to the instructions of the 11th Panchen Lama. "Receiving the Kalachakra initiation from Panchen Lama is really a hard-won blessing," he said. Monk Shera Phuntsog from Hao Lamasery in Xigaze also treasured the instructions of the 11th Panchen Lama. He said that the first-day instruction was very important as it addressed the proper motivations followers must have when seeking dharma from teachers as well as the commandments they must keep. To ensure the smooth operation of the grand event and offer convenience for participants, a dozen temporary water stations and toilets have been built. Some 50 doctors and nurses from local hospitals have been assembled in 11 medical squads to provide emergency aid when necessary and manage sanitation control. No major emergency treatment was performed on the first day, according to Sogdoi from the Xigaze Health Bureau. BANGKOK, July 21 (Xinhua)-- The Thai government blacklisted a total of 22,992 companies who fail to provide clear locations of their offices or submit required annual financial statements. Pongpun Gearaviriyapun, director-general of Thai Business Development Department (BDD), said the department has put 22,992 questionable companies on the list of firms posing high risks of doing business, among which 7,293 were found to have no headquarters registered, 4,054 failed to submit annual financial statements as required, and 11,293 have not answered queries concerning their financial statements. According to Pongpun, the blacklisted companies, accounting for nearly 3.6 percent of the roughly 640,000 active companies in the country, were detected after the BDD operated inspections of totally 635,000 juristic persons registered with the department. Some of them were found to have intentionally registered their company names resembling well-known businesses as to mislead and cheat people, she added. The BDD also made a resolution to crack down on these businesses. The BDD advised enterprises and customers to check with the department through its mobile application, to ascertain if a registered firm has been blacklisted. Members of armed police force take part in a joint anti-terror drill in Kaxgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 6, 2011.(Xinhua/Yuan Man) LONDON, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The British Home Office has listed the East Turkistan Islamic Movement as an Islamic terrorist and separatist organization. Britain's latest list of proscribed terrorist organizations, published Friday by the Home Office, has officially proscribed the terrorist group Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), also known as the East Turkistan Islamic Party, East Turkistan Islamic Movement or Hizb al-Islami al-Turkistani. "TIP is an Islamic terrorist and separatist organization founded in 1989 by Uygur militants in western China," the Home Office says in the official document. TIP aims to establish an independent caliphate in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China and to name it East Turkistan, says the document. It is based in Pakistan and operates in China, Central Asia, South Asia and Syria, says the document. "The group has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks in China, the latest of these being in April 2014. TIP has links to a number of terrorist groups, including al-Qaida." In November 2015, TIP released the 18th issue of its magazine Islamic Turkistan through the Global Islamic Media Front, detailing TIP's jihad against the Chinese authorities, says the document. "Video footage from September 2015 shows TIP hosting training camps in areas controlled by the Pakistani Taliban in North Waziristan," it says. "More recently TIP has maintained an active and visible presence in the Syrian war and has published a number of video clips of its activities." Examples of TIP involvement in Syria from March to April 2016 include TIP claiming a joint attack with Jund al-Aqsa in Sahl al-Ghab and publishing a video of a suicide bomb attack in April 2016. A video published by the terrorist group in March 2016 promotes the victories of TIP in Syria and calls for Muslims to join jihad; and a video slide show published in April 2016 shows fighters and children in training, the Home Office file says. "TIP has been banned by the UN and is also sanctioned by the USA under the Terrorist Exclusion list," it notes. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks at a press conference in Ankara, Turkey on July 20, 2016. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday declared state of emergency for three months following a failed coup attempt on July 15. (Xinhua/Mustafa Kaya) STRASBOURG, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish government notified the Strasbourg-based Council of Europe (CoE) on Thursday that it intends to temporarily suspend the European Convention on Human Rights in the country. Officially, the Turkish authorities have notified CoE Secretary-General Thorbjorn Jagland that Turkey will "notify its derogation" under Article 15 of the Convention. The possibility of temporarily suspending the convention is provided for by Article 15 in times of public emergency "threatening the life of a nation". It has been used in the past by other member states, most recently by France and Ukraine. However, there are conditions that must still be met, including the right to life, and a prohibition against torture and inhumane treatment. Also, no punishment can be issued without due legal process. The CoE said it was important to note that the human rights convention will continue to apply in Turkey. "Where the Government seeks to invoke Article 15 in order to derogate from the convention in individual cases, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) will decide whether the application meets the criteria set out in the convention, notably the criteria of proportionality of the measure taken," a CoE statement said. Turkey first joined the CoE, which oversees the ECHR in 1950, making it one of the oldest signatories among the 47 members. Jagland said the Turkish government would continue to inform him about the measures taken. The move follows the attempted coup on Friday. Military and police personnel, as well as thousands of civil servants and teachers, have either been arrested or removed from their posts since the failed coup. Staff members of research vessel Zhang Jian retrieve "Rainbow Fish," a submersible capable of diving up to 11,000 meters in the sea, in South China Sea, July 18, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong) LONDON, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government's two recent statements and a white paper regarding the South China Sea provide "authoritative, comprehensive and clear-cut elaborations on China's position," Chinese Ambassador to Britain Liu Xiaoming said Tuesday. Speaking at a press conference in London, Liu said the Chinese government immediately reaffirmed its solemn position that China does not accept nor recognize the award, after the so-called tribunal in the South China Sea arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines announced its award last week. "To further elaborate on China's position, the Chinese government issued two statements and a white paper, and interpretations of these documents by senior officials have also been released," he told journalists. After the tribunal released its so-called award, the Chinese government issued the Statement on China's Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights and Interests in the South China Sea, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry also issued a statement on the award. China's State Council Information Office published a white paper entitled "China Adheres to the Position of Settling Through Negotiation the Relevant Disputes Between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea". "The statements and the white paper provide authoritative, comprehensive and clear-cut elaborations on China's position," Liu said. "In-depth readings of these documents have been provided by State Councilor Yang Jiechi in an interview, by Foreign Minister Wang Yi in his remarks and by Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin in a press briefing on the white paper," he noted. The statement by the Chinese government, the ambassador said, reaffirms China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. "The Statement underscores the facts that China is the first to have discovered, named, and explored and exploited Nanhai Zhudao, or South China Sea islands, and relevant waters. China is the first to have exercised sovereignty and jurisdiction over them continuously, peacefully and effectively," he explained. "The Statement explicitly points out that China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea include its sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao," he stressed. He noted that China stands ready to continue to resolve the relevant disputes peacefully through negotiation and consultation with the states directly concerned. "China is ready to work with them to jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and to ensure the safety of and the unimpeded access to the international shipping lanes in the South China Sea," said the diplomat. The Statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry points out that the subject-matter raised by the Philippines for arbitration is beyond the jurisdiction of UNCLOS (the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), Liu said. "The arbitration infringes on China's right as a UNCLOS state party, namely the right to choose the procedures and means for dispute settlement on its own will," he further argued. "The tribunal has in essence expanded its power, exceeded its authority and abused arbitration proceedings. Its ruling is therefore null and void and has no binding force," he added. According to Liu, the white paper by the State Council Information Office "offers an overall elaboration on how China's sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao was established in the course of history, and what China has been doing to uphold its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests." "The white paper sheds light on the origin and development of the disputes between China and the Philippines. It aims to get to the root of the issue and set the record straight," the ambassador continued. At the same time, Liu noted, the white paper reiterates China's "unchanged commitment to negotiation and consultation as the right way to settle disputes." "China believes only a negotiated result can gain understanding and support from people of countries concerned," he concluded, adding, "only a negotiated result can be effectively implemented and only a negotiated result can be enduring." Demonstrators shout slogans during a protest in Athens, Greece, May 22, 2016. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) ATHENS, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Athens needed to continue its reform path without delay so as to further restore the country's credibility among international creditors and investors, and boost growth, visiting U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said here on Thursday. "I look at the progress estimates and I understand how challenging it was for Greece to reform the pension system, as it is also the case for non-performing loans. It is very important that Greece implements the measures agreed for the privatization fund as well as the reforms in the markets and services," Lew said during a press briefing following a meeting with Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos, adding the measures would mark a positive cycle for the economy and would kick-start the Greek debt discussion. For his part, Tsakalotos referred to the May 24 Eurogroup statement which acknowledged the Greek debt load was not sustainable and underlined "now we are discussing the technical details, and not whether debt relief is needed." According to the Greek official, the talks at the finance ministry and prime minister's office on Thursday also included the impact of Brexit and developments in Turkey following last Friday's failed military coup. Turkish policemen attend the funeral ceremony of special forces police officer Meric Alemdar killed during the failed July 15 coup, at the Kocatepe mosque in Ankara on July 21, 2016. (AFP/Xinhua) ISTANBUL, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A military coup attempt was thwarted within hours last week in Turkey, but it may take years for the repercussions to dissipate in a country facing many headaches. For men in the street, the overthrow bid offered them a chance to show solidarity with the government and love for the country and shook their vision about the future. "When I learned this was a coup attempt, I didn't hesitate an instant and took to the streets to protect the democracy," said Hasan Kul, a 40 year-old plumber in Istanbul. Usually on Friday evenings most Istanbulites dine out with friends and relatives at restaurants, coffee shops or pubs to relax and blow off summer heat. Last Friday night, however, a coup d'etat was staged by a faction in the military, taking everyone by surprise and sweeping soon the metropolis and Ankara, the national capital. "I had to go out for the good of my lovely country," said Yilmaz Senturk, a taxi driver, who took his eight-year-old son with him to the Bosphorus Bridge linking Istanbul's Asian and European parts. At the start of the coup, the gendarmerie closed the two bridges over the Bosphorus, leading to clashes with police and later the citizens. "My son has to learn the meaning of patriotism," said Senturk. "When I was on that tank asking the soldier to surrender, he was watching me from the car." Thousands more joined Senturk on the bridge, prompting soldiers to open fire and inflict casualties. Pro Erdogan supporters gather at Taksim square on July 20, 2016 during a rally in Istanbul, following the failed military coup attempt of July 15. (AFP/Xinhua) Many others also braved the mutineers' tanks to block their advance, or poured into the streets to "protect democracy" as was called for by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. With their country now slowly recovering, many Turks are not sure about the future. Kul, the plumber, sees an economic crisis as "one of the biggest problems" to emerge, as Standard & Poor's has downgraded its credit rating for Turkey further into "junk" status. "During the last three days no one knocked on the door," he said. "I have no special expectation for myself in the future." "Very dark days are waiting for us," bemoaned Guclu Akay, a 50-year-old broker. He spoke of the possibility of an Islamic state to be established in Turkey. "One word that can describe the future of Turkey is darkness," echoed Ahmet Ravali, a retired journalist. "The same can happen here as it happened in Iran after the 1979 coup attempt." Yagmur Iscan, a student aged 24, fears as well the establishment of an Islamic state plus the possibility of a bloody civil war engulfing the country. A decade ago, Turkey was hailed as "a success story" due to its booming economy, proactive foreign policy and progress toward EU membership, noted Aykan Erdemir, a former member of the Turkish parliament. "Today the country is making headlines for different reasons: Frequent terror attacks, rising polarization, deepening diplomatic isolation and a flagging economy," he wrote for the Hurriyet daily news. "Ankara urgently needs to reverse course." "We do not have any alternative other than to heal the wounds all together," said Nazan Gurel, a 65-year-old housewife. Israelis wave their national flag and a rainbow flag during a celebration following the annual Gay Pride march inJerusalem on July 21, 2016. (AFP/Xinhua) JERUSALEM, July 21 (Xinhua) -- More than 20,000 Israelis marched in the Jerusalem Pride Parade under heavy security on Thursday, a year after an Orthodox zealot killed a teenage parader. Organizers of the event called the 15th annual parade the "biggest" Pride Parade in Jerusalem. The parade this year was held under heavy security, with over 2,000 Israeli policemen and border police guards securing it. The Israeli police had set up barriers and operated two security checkpoints to the designated perimeter of the march. The unprecedented security in central Jerusalem follows a deadly attack in the 2015 Pride Parade in Jerusalem, in which an Orthodox Jew, Yishai Shlisel, killed 15-year-old Shira Banki and injured five others. Marchers laid flowers in the spot where Banki was stabbed last year, and her parents are set to speak at the parade's closing rally. Politicians from the center-left Zionist Union Party, the left-wing Meretz Party and the center Yesh Atid Party also took part in the parade. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded the parade on Thursday, saying in a video posted on his Facebook page that the march symbols "unity," calling for Israelis to "accept one another with respect and equality" without regard to "religion, race or sexual preference." Soon after the parade's kickoff, the Israeli police arrested 30 suspects for allegedly planning to obstruct the proper course of the parade, police spokeswoman Luba Samri said in a statement. Israelis carry placards depicting a portrait of Israeli rabbi Benny Lau, a gay rights activist, during the annual GayPride march in Jerusalem on July 21, 2016. (AFP/Xinhua) Police officers recovered knives from two of the suspects, Samri added. Earlier on Thursday, the police said it had arrested Yishai Shlisel, who is currently serving life in prison for Banki's murder, on suspicion of conspiring to carry out another attack this year with his brother from his prison cell. His brother Michael was arrested on Wednesday by the Israeli police, who denied the allegations leveled against him. Police had also ordered Shlisel's family members to stay away from Jerusalem on the day of the parade. Another person, member of an extremist right-wing organization, was arrested by the Israeli police on Thursday morning after he posted inciting remarks on his Facebook page. Other than the high level of security amid last year's attack, the parade received great attention this year over controversial statements against homosexuals made by Israeli orthodox rabbis. The Israel Defense Forces' recently-nominated chief Rabbi, Col. Eyal Karim, said gay people are "sick and disabled," whereas prominent rabbi Yigal Levinstein, who heads a religious pre-military academy, said they are "deviants." Israel is perceived to be a tolerant nation towards the LGBT community, with the Tel Aviv annual Pride Parade attracting thousands of visitors from around the world each year. TIKRIT, Iraq, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Around 1,000 families left their homes on Thursday from a town under control of the Islamic State (IS) militants and besieged by Iraqi security forces in Iraq's northern central province of Salahudin, a provincial security source told Xinhua. The displaced families were tired of walking for long distances under high summer temperatures until they reached the security forces, the source said. The people were suffering from lack of food and water, the source said, adding that three displaced women and a child have died of thirst and scorching weather, the source added. Most of the displaced people are women and children. The military transferred them by vehicles to shelter at an abandoned silo and nearby buildings near the town of Baiji, some 200 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, the source said. Previously, the families in Shirqat, some 280 km north of Baghdad, were prevented from leaving their homes by the IS militants who were using them as human shields against military attacks. The siege and the troops' advance pushed most of the extremist militants to flee the town to the IS major stronghold in Mosul, some 400 km north of Baghdad. The escape of most of the IS militants weakened their grip on the town and pave the way for hundreds of families to leave their homes pushed by total cut of electricity and acute shortage of food, drinking water and medicine due to the military siege. The town also came under sporadic air strikes by the Iraqi and the U.S.-led coalition aircraft on suspected IS positions in the residential areas in Shirqat. The latest exodus brought the number of families left Shirqat and surrounding villages to some 5,000 families during the past days, the source said. Earlier in the month, the security forces and paramilitary units, known as Hashd al-Shaabi, advanced in the southern part of Nineveh province and recaptured the villages of Ich'hala and Imam in the south of the IS-held town of Qayyara, some 350 km north of Baghdad. By retaking control of the two villages on the west side of Tigris River, the troops have cut off the IS supply routes from Mosul to the IS-held Shirqat and Hawijah, a town located some 45 km southeast of Shirqat. As a result of escalating violence in the past two years, more than 3.4 million people are now displaced all over Iraq, with more than half being children. On July 20, the United Nations office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said in a report "the humanitarian crisis in Iraq is one of the largest, most complex and volatile in the world. Over 10 million Iraqis -- nearly a third of the population -- require some form of humanitarian assistance." "During the next six months, massive waves of new displacement are expected across Iraq. As many as 2.5 million people may become newly displaced along the Anbar and Mosul corridors and in Mosul city," OCHA said. 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, on the U.S. that invaded and occupied 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 by Mahmoud Fouly, Ahmed Shafiq CAIRO, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The recent failed coup attempt against Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan is likely to urge him to improve Turkish ties with regional countries to support his reestablished position, said political experts. Over the past few years, Turkey's ties have been tense with some countries in the Middle East region including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Egypt for different reasons, yet the country has recently started to normalize ties with Israel, relaunch dialogue with Gulf states and improve relations with Saudi Arabia. Facing internal pressures from opposition, the Turkish Kurds and the military, Erdogan might have been aware that his position was at stake and he had to win back some influential regional and international powers. Hence, thaw has recently been in Turkish relations with Russia, Israel and Saudi Arabia. "Turkey has already started a new era of diplomacy with the region's countries. Even before the July 15 attempted coup, the new government under Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has been working hard to drive the country back to a more pragmatic foreign policy," Fadi Husseini, a researcher of Middle East affairs, told Xinhua. "The Turkish government has moved steadily to win back regional friends it had lost over the past five years," the researcher added. Husseini continued that the Turkish-Gulf dialogue has been resumed after a three-year halt due to tense relations following the removal of Egypt's Islamist president Mohamed Morsi by the army in 2013, noting the Turkish government's tone has changed towards countries like Egypt and Iraq. "Turkish-Egyptian reconciliation has become possible as a number of influential Arab countries are pushing forward to achieve this goal," the expert argued, referring to leading oil-rich Gulf state Saudi Arabia and its affiliates. Turkish relations with Egypt deteriorated since Morsi's ouster by the Egyptian military and the massive security crackdown on his now-blacklisted Muslim brotherhood group, which Erdogan strongly denounced on many occasions. Egypt was silent to the coup bid against Erdogan, seemingly hoping for its success. Also as a non-permanent UN Security Council member, Egypt showed reservation to a joint statement backing Erdogan's government and rejecting the attempted coup. "Turkey is aware of Egypt's regional weight. I believe that Turkey will reconcile with Egypt sooner or later in accordance with the current approach of the country's foreign policy," Husseini argued, stressing that Turkey's reconciliation with Gulf countries cannot be fully achieved without a settlement with Egypt, the Gulf's closest ally. The Turkish authorities have launched mass purges and tremendous crackdown on dissidents since the failed attempt, arresting, sacking and interrogating some 60,000, including over 2,700 judges, more than 3,000 soldiers and some 15,000 teachers, besides policemen, state employees and others. They have all been accused of having connection with the coup bid and being loyalists of Erdogan's arch foe Fethullah Gullen, a Turkish Muslim cleric currently living in the United States with followers in Turkey and abroad, who denied plotting the attempted coup. The crackdown seems to bother European countries and may affect Turkey's long-time bid to join the European Union (EU), as indicated from the recent remarks of the French foreign minister who said that the failed coup is not "a blank cheque" for Erdogan. "The coup attempt may overshadow Turkish-European relations as Erdogan is unhappy that most European countries were the last to denounce the attempt, especially Germany," said Mohamed Mohsen Abul-Nour, researcher of Iranian and Turkish affairs, noting Erdogan prevented Wednesday some German officials from entering a Turkish airbase used by the U.S.-led anti-IS international coalition. Further, power was cut for a while at Turkey's same Incirlik military airbase that also houses NATO's nuclear weapons storage facility, which made the Pentagon announce they might give up using the base in the future. However, later coordination settled the issue and the coalition's operations at the airbase were resumed Sunday. "Germany as a leading EU state still needs Turkey as a strong NATO partner, yet I believe the recent developments may cause tense between Turkey and the NATO for the next year or two," Abul-Nour told Xinhua. Enditem Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump gives a thumbs up during his walk through at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, U.S., July 21, 2016. REUTERS/Rick Wilking by Matthew Rusling WASHINGTON, July 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who will take the stage Thursday night to accept his nomination, is expected to speak both about the nation's sluggish economy and international threats. "You'll see references to foreign policy and domestic policy, focusing on cutting taxes and growing the economy. And he'll talk about the ability to invoke common sense practical solutions to problems," Ralph Winnie, an alternate delegate for the state of Hawaii, told Xinhua in a phone interview from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.. Trump will focus on rebuilding the country after eight years of U.S. President Barack Obama, Winnie said, referring to the world's largest economy which has still not fully recovered from the downturn since 2008. While the unemployment rate is just below 5 percent, economists note that the number does not measure the true health of the U.S. economy and the job market, as millions of Americans have simply given up looking for work out of sheer frustration. Trump is also likely to speak about the threat of radical Islam worldwide, as the last month has seen terror attacks worldwide, perpetrated by the terror group Islamic State (IS) or those who have been influenced by the extremist group. Indeed, while IS is on the defensive in its strongholds in the Middle East amid a U.S.-led bombardment, the Islamist radicals have taken their war outside their area of control. The group has carried out deadly terror strikes in Turkey, the United States, France and Belgium in just the last few months, in a bid to prove to the world that it is still relevant. Critics have slammed the Obama administration for what they say is no real plan to keep the U.S. safe, especially after a recent attack on a gay night club in Orlando, Florida carried out by a gunman who swore allegiance to IS. The attack ended in the death of 49 people. "(Trump) also believes that we are in a war with radical Islamic terrorists, and this has to be combated. So it's likely that something along those lines will be said in his acceptance speech," Winnie said. Recent weeks have also seen attacks on police by perpetrators who ambushed officers and assassinated eight officers in the cities of Dallas, Texas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana amid rising tensions between police and blacks. Winnie said Trump will likely highlight support for law enforcement in light of recent events. Much is riding on Trump's speech, which will be broadcast nationwide to an audience of millions. Experts said the brash billionaire will need to convince viewers who are on the fence that he can act in a way fitting of a president, as critics have blasted him for what they say is being hot headed and bombastic. Viewers will want to see a candidate they can picture in the White House - someone who is calm and cool under pressure. Moreover, analysts say that Trump needs to unify the divided Republican Party and needs to get over 90 percent of rank-and-file Republican voters to cast their ballots for him on election day in November. Many establishment Republicans and evangelicals are said to be on the fence over whether to vote for Trump or not, and much of their decision may ride on Trump's performance Thursday night. MEXICO CITY, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A new housing program in Mexico aims to help migrants living in the United States build a home to return to in the communities they left behind. The program targets the tens of millions of Mexicans who fled poverty in rural Mexico by emigrating to the U.S. in search of work, offering them access to credit and subsidies, and even to build the homes. Dubbed "Build in your land," the plan expects to help at least 200,000 such families a year who are ineligible for traditional home-building loans since they live and work abroad. Minister of Agrarian Development and Urban Planning (Sedatu), Rosario Robles, told foreign correspondents on Wednesday, the program takes advantage of the fact that some 35 million migrants residing in the U.S. send money back to their relatives in Mexico each year. Earlier this year, Mexico's central bank reported that for the first time remittances surpassed oil to become the country's leading source of foreign revenue, bringing in nearly 24.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2015. "We have calculated that our migrants would pay two dollars (on average) a day over 5 years to be able to have access to this decent housing," said Robles. Those families currently spend 30 percent of their remittances to build or improve their houses in their hometowns, but the process can take many years, said Paloma Silva, director of the National Housing Commission (Conavi), adding these houses will take no more than four months to build. "This year we are going to launch a pilot program for 5,000 homes," said Silva, noting the scheme "has the potential (to build) up to 300,000 homes a year." Those eligible would have to have their own land, earn no more than 11,172 pesos (598 U.S. dollars) a month, have enough savings to pay 5 percent of the financing as a deposit, and not have previously received any federal housing subsidies. The average total cost of building each two-bedroom home is calculated to be about 140,000 pesos (about 7,500 dollars), with the government contributing 64,000 pesos (3,442 dollars) in subsidies. In addition, residents of Mexican states with high migrant rates, including Puebla, State of Mexico and Guanajuato, may be eligible for state subsidies. Migrants can sign up for the program at Mexican consulates in the U.S., and so far 545 migrant families have done so since the program was first unveiled a month ago in the southern state of Arizona. "The migrant is going to continue to send his remittances as usual, and a relative in Mexico is going to be paying the financing," said Silva. ISTANBUL, July 20, 2016(Xinhua) -- Leaders of religious groups attend a ceremony to commemorate victims during last week's failed military coup in Istanbul's Taksim square, Turkey, on July 20, 2016. A ceremony was held on Wednesday at the heart of Istanbul to commemorate the 242 people who lost their lives during last week's failed military coup. (Xinhua/Yilmaz) Single Electronic Window to improve trade performance Gopee-Scoon was speaking at the inaugural Inter-Ministerial Committee Meeting for the project held at the Ministrys head office in Port of Spain on Wednesday. She praised the TTBizLink services for the work done thus far and called for more work to be done to improve Trinidad and Tobagos Ease of Doing Business ranking and the countrys competitiveness. Gopee-Scoon emphasised that the interoperability between Ministries and the involvement of the Customs and Excise Division is pivotal to the success of the project. She noted that the project includes three important components with the first being the enhancement and expansion of the services of the SEW which will focus on upgrading the current SEW to international best practices. The project will also seek to enhance the interoperability of SEW by the exchange and analysis of data between the SEW and the information systems at the Ports at Port of Spain and Point Lisas and the Customs and Excise Division, as well as the information systems of strategic trading partners of Trinidad and Tobago. Thirdly, the modernisation of the governance and the institutional framework of the SEW which will modernise the governance and institutional framework of the SEW by addressing the deficiencies in the regulatory framework, process architecture, and strengthen the institutional governance of the SEW. Randall Karim, Director- Strategy, Business Facilitation and Programme Management, Ministry of Trade and Industry gave a detailed presentation on the project. The strengthening of the Single Electronic Window project is an Inter-American Development Bank-funded project undertaken to support the enhancement and expansion of the current Single Window. Involved in the detailed and extensive two-hour discussions were Minister of Health, Terrance Deyalsingh; Minister of Works and Transport, Fitzgerald Hinds; and Minister of Public Administration and Communications, Maxi Cuffie. Also in attendance were Glen Singh, Comptroller of Customs; Jerry Hospedales, Ministry of Finance; and Walda Dottin-Matthews, Advisor to the Minister, Ministry of Planning and Development. Other members of the Committee include Finance Minister Colm Imbert; Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Clarence Rambharat, and Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, Stuart Young. Locking the GATE Historically, as one of the primary means of upward mobility in this society, people have always fought to give their children the education that they did not have access to. For as long as has been demand for educational services, there have always been parties, many well-meaning, some less so, willing to supply. This country has a thriving and largely unregulated private lessons industry at the primary and secondary levels, and over the past 20 years, private tuition for the SAT and GMAT examinations, which give access to US undergrad and postgraduate scholarships, have also become widely available. For a long time though, tertiary education remained well out of the reach of many, even as attendance at primary and secondary school became universal. Prior to 2000, if you wanted a university education, you, or your parents paid for it. There were limited options in terms of where you could go and what you could do, and this was at public tertiary institutions. Pursuing an undergrad or postgraduate degree at a private institution was prohibitively expensive for all but a few. For better or worse, GATE changed all of that. The Government Assistance for Tuition Programme initially only provided half of the tuition needed and then only at public institutions and for undergrad degrees. Then in 2006, the programme was radically changed to cover 100 per cent of all undergrad degree programmes at public institutions and the majority of them at private ones. Post grad students could access half of the funding to cover the cost of the courses. During debate on the Variation of Appropriation to the Finance Bill in April, Colm Imbert, Finance Minister said participation in education at the tertiary level prior to this period was only 11 percent. In the past 10 years, GATE has brought this figure up to 55 percent. However, the State seems to be having a change of heart and policy about GATE. It announced in February that it was undertaking a comprehensive review of the programme. The justification given was GATEs drain on the countrys declining oil and gas revenues and the lack of evidence to show that GATE was actually fulfilling the countrys skill development needs. Even before the findings of the investigative committees report were in, things did not look good for GATE continuing in a form the public has been accustomed to. In the same debate, the Finance Minister announced that it was necessary to deal with the abusers who had crept into the system. Moreover, Anthony Garcia, the education minister was heard saying on at least one morning show that at least half of the 700 million spent on GATE annually was wasted. Leaked snippets from the committees 70-page report, however, have sent the public into a frenzy, as some of the recommendations, if implemented by government, would render GATE unrecognisable. The report recommends, among other things, that undergraduates pay one-third of their tuition, that postgrads receive no funding at all unless their area of study is aligned to national development goals, that means-testing be reintroduced, that persons over 50 become ineligible and that funding for technical/ vocation programmes be severely curtailed. The education minister has called for calm as the Cabinet is yet to make its decision, but this hasnt prevented some stakeholders from engaging in full scaled panic. In recognition of the fact that nothing final has been said, Business Day is making its preliminary projections on who could turn out to be the biggest losers and winners at the end of the process. The first big losers are likely to be private tertiary institutions. Several of the private tertiary schools we approached were reluctant to discuss their enrolment prior to GATE and after its introduction as well as their levels of profitability over the same period. However, some extrapolations can be made based on other information. Government expenditure for GATE has steadily increased over the past 10 years (see table). From 472.8 million in financial year 2006/07, both the finance and education ministers have estimated that between $650 and $700 million has been spent on GATE every year since 2010. Additionally, checks with the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago show that roughly over the same period, 81 institutions sought to be registered. An institution cannot be considered for GATE unless it is at least registered with ACTT. Documents on the Education Ministrys scholarship division page average that the cost of a post graduate degrees at a public tertiary institution is roughly $70,000, the cost at the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business, is around $100,000 and the cost at other private institutions is around $140,000, or about twice that of the public schools. Even though undergrad degrees cost less, they are also more expensive at the private institutions owing to the fact that a number of them are foreign based. The above would indicate that over the past 10 years, private institutions have been receiving a handsome portion of GATE funding, although the figures do not show if they have been receiving more or less than public institutions. Additionally, even though a large portion of private school fees is sent to their foreign affiliates, many of these schools charge an administrative fee. Several of them also have their own short certificate programmes, the proceeds of which belong entirely to them. The fact that so many institutions, the majority of them private, have sought to be registered with ACTT over the last decade, shows that operating a private tertiary education enterprise has been a growing business area. By the finance ministers own admission, enrolment has also steadily increased, though he did not say which of the two sectors, private or public, received more students. It is safe to hazard a guess, based on the preceding, that both enrolment and profitability at the private institutions have increased over the last decade. But, any changes in the GATE programme may affect this negatively. For one thing, students may balk at paying one-third of a pricey foreign undergrad degree, particularly if a cheaper option is available at a public institution. With half of their funding gone, post grads meanwhile may find footing the bill for a $100,000 plus degree daunting. Additionally, an informal survey of private institutions reveals that 70 per cent of the courses offered by them are Administrative/Business or Finance related. A much smaller percentage were technical or engineering qualifications. If government decides to cut funding for degrees not aligned to national skill priorities, this may be some more bad news for private institutions. According to the Economic Priority Areas, Jobs and Skills for Growth in Trinidad and Tobago report 2012 (see table), these are the priority sectors and emerging priority sectors where skills are wanted, Digital, Export Agriculture, Medical and Health care, Tourism and Light Manufacturing. Other businesses that have mushroomed under the boom in tertiary education may also see themselves taking a hit. If enrolments fall at private and public institutions, it is likely to affect the lucrative rental of apartment to students. Booksellers might also see some losses as there is less demand for expensive texts, some of the titles running into the $500-$1000 range. Those who run ancillary services such as the copying and printing of students material, even those who provide food and grocery services in and around campuses may be affected. However, if this streamlining of the GATE programme works the way it is intended, the big winners could be the people of TT. Wastage of taxpayers money could be potentially reduced. Those who really need financial assistance will get it. The increased difficulty in qualifying for funding may discourage all but the most determined and qualified from applying for tertiary programmes on the taxpayers dime. Of course, there are important caveats. Is the government sure that implementing the recommendations will stop wastage? It is doubtful that all of the leakages in the system are coming from the student end. How will the means test be structured? Can you easily cheat it by altering your answers? The GATE issue is one that will continue to develop in the coming weeks as the countdown to the new academic year begins. The education minister has promised a response from Cabinet in two weeks. The stakeholders anxiously await. Cipriani College: More than just studies in labour and cooperatives The Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies (CCLCS) started off offering courses in Cooperative Studies alone and was not doing as well as anticipated until the International Labour Organisation (ILO) decided to assist the college in what was being offered. That was in 2000. In December of last year ILO again committed to assist the college for a further three-year period in training. The Turin based Centre in Italy, Training Centre, runs courses in learning and capacity development services for government employees, workers and other national and international in support of Decent Work and sustainable development The agreement was signed last December 1, 2015 by Claudia Coenjaers, director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean and Dr Denise Margaret-Thompson, director of the college. In 1998 in response to stakeholder interest and requests the college expanded its initial emphasis on Certificate and Labour programmes to begin offering a range of associate degree programmes. These included programmes in Cooperative Studies, Occupational Safety and Health, the Environment, Human Resource Management, Project Management, Environmental Management, Security Administration and Management and Emergency Management. Two years later full degree programmes were introduced in response to additional stakeholder demands. The college now looks forward to meeting the needs expected by stakeholders in Labour Studies and Security Management areas for Executive Masters programmes. To do that requires the help of the ILO, which is willing to assist in the areas of Green Economy, for jobs through the development of appropriate skills and training; Development of Cooperatives and Cooperative Entrepreneur programmes; Centenary Initiatives of the ILO; and Regional provider of ILO training programmes. But even before this, there were several years of collaboration between the college and the ILO. In 1966 for example the ILO was instrumental in getting the colleges first director of the college, Max Swerdlow, from the Canadian Labour College. It also identified Professor Howard Whitney to develop the first cooperative programme. The ILO continued its relationship with the college and in 2007 secured the services of former head of International Standard Department of the ILO in Geneva, as a special guest lecturer. In 2011 the college and the ILO jointly offered a two-month training course in Labour Market Information System (LMIS) for members of the Organisation of Caribbean States (OECS). Under its new name, The Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies, students do more than just do studies in labour and cooperatives. In 2000 the International Labour Organisation (ILO) donated its library collection to the college and this partnership is ongoing. The collection is now housed in a purpose-built library at the college. We see our partnership with Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies as a great opportunity to increase access to information about decent work to both workers and society, is how Coenjaers described the partnership and added she was proud to work with such a well-established institution. Dr Thompson said, The college is delighted to continue the collaboration with the ILO. As the only tertiary academic in the region the CCLCS plays a major role in empowering the present and future working people both locally and regionally. ISTT proposes standard valuation report However, the formal launch and use of the SVR is on hold at this time while the ISTT seeks majority approval from its membership. This was revealed to Business Day by ISTT President, Marcia Prince-Assam, last Friday (July 15) during the launch of a commemorative magazine marking the institutes 20th anniversary at the Radisson Hotel in Port-of-Spain. A few of the banks approached us, asking for more uniformity in valuation reports for mortgage applicants. So we created a template which would mean no matter which valuator you go to, the same form would be used to complete an assessment. Our template provides a systematised, organised, way of reporting which incorporates the International Valuation Standards and Practice. We are hoping to launch the form soon; we have to get agreement from the membership first on the final version of the template, Prince-Assam said. The ISTT has also embarked on a recruitment drive. It currently has more than 150 members while the total number of surveyors in TT is in excess of 200. To become a member of the institute, surveyors must have a first degree and a minimum of two years experience. Successful applicants are interviewed before being invited to join the ISTT. There are three types of surveyors - Valuation Surveyor, Quantity Surveyor and Land Surveyor. A valuation surveyor is needed if youre going for mortgage, if you need to get a valuation of your property and/or building, if you want to convey a property to a family member. If somebody dies and you need to get a probate, you need a valuation. You also need a valuation for insurance purposes. Also, if by compulsory acquisition, Government is taking your land, to ascertain the market value so then you can decide on the type of compensation. Basically, Prince-Assam explained, valuations are really to provide you with an estimate of your propertys worth, in real property or other types of assets such as plant and machinery. Quantity surveyors, meanwhile, are often referred to as the construction industrys economists, Prince-Assam said, because once a client has a budget and list of materials they intend to use, the quantity surveyor will give you an accurate cost of construction per square metre. Meanwhile a land surveyor works to ensure that boundaries are properly identified by establishing points on the grounds which are the reflected in survey plans/cadastral sheets, which are necessary and often utilised in any matter which may involve encroachment issues and legal disputes. Price-Assam also spoke about how the ISTT can help with Governments diversification efforts. We can assist with this by developing the services offered by surveyors (in relation to) the diversification trust of Government and by adding value to a depleting national commodity which is land. She said surveyors can do so if they are provided with the following: 1) Electronic registration of Deeds, Survey Plans; 2) Re-visit Town and Country regulations; and 3) Approval and publishing of development plans according to the laws et cetera. Prince-Assam, whose one-year term as president ends in October, told Business Day she sees the magazine, recruitment drive and proposed SVR as important stepping stones to bringing the ISTT more into the public limelight, thus making it easier for those in need of surveyors services to connect with qualified persons. Copies of the ISTT magazine are available at its secretariat at The Professional Centre, Fitzblackman Drive, Woodbrook. The institute plans to donate copies to schools and libraries. More information is available at its website, www. instituteofsurveyors.com Free WIFI, lower Internet rates So says Maxie Cuffie, Communications and Public Administration Minister. Cuffie was speaking at the Broadband Caribbean Forum 2016, last Thursday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel At the forum themed, Broadband: Supporting Life in the 21st Century, Cuffie said too many citizens were missing opportunities because they did not have access to the Internet. He said that governments across the region had a historical responsibility to improve the lives of their citizens. In accepting this challenge, the Communications Minister said government had a choice to bite the bullet or pass their responsibility on to the next generation. According to Cuffie, this administration, in choosing to bite the bullet, will offer free WIFI throughout the country, although he did not give a date for the roll out of that programme. He did say, however, that in two weeks, his ministry would be launching a WIFI on Buses initiative as part of the wider policy to increase exponentially the level of broadband access by citizens. The minister anticipated that this free access to WIFI would lead to an eventual reduction in Internet providers rates. There can be no disputing the fact that an island wide broadband system will allow access to goods and services at reduced rates because the Internet ecosystem is based on competition. Among other things, lack of affordable broadband makes it harder for poor citizens to spend their limited income more efficiently because they cant access a competitive market. A tried and true proven free market method of keeping broadband costs low and service high is to encourage competition between broadband providers. Cuffie said the TT government would be looking at our Caribbean neighbours who have already full or partially implemented a national broadband access system to see how they can learn from them. The minister also said broadcasting and telecommunications are poised to become the some of the next engines of growth of the local economy, in the face of declining oil and gas revenues. In this, Tamanas InTech Park was expected to play a key role, giving life to one of many visionary decisions of the late former Prime Minister, Patrick Manning, said Cuffie. The value of modern business etiquette Todays modern business world is becoming increasingly instant with the focus on cultivating relationships becoming less formal. However, once we appreciate that success in any industry or business relies on relationships, whether with co-workers, clients, partners, suppliers, or investors, and when you are well mannered, considerate and learned in dealing with others, you create lasting, productive and long term business relationships. Etiquette represents conventional rules of polite behaviour. They are guidelines on how to behave befitting good manners whilst in the company of others. The concept covers most aspects of social interactions, including self-presentation, communication, courtesy and hospitality. Business Etiquette in particular, covers the interactions between the organization and its various publics, and can assist to improve in areas including team synergy, employee engagement, branding and customer care. Sound business etiquette, is driven by a number of factors, one such combined factor includes Business intelligence which is mastered with the understanding of a mix of intelligences. Business intelligence is defined as the ability of an organisation to take all its capabilities and convert them into knowledge, ultimately, getting the right information to the right people, at the right time, via the right channel, very much synched with the mastery of effective communication. The elements of Business Intelligence [BQ] include: Emotional Intelligence [EQ]: the ability to identify, assess and manage the emotions of oneself, whilst understanding and appreciating the emotions of others. Social Intelligence [SQ]: the human capacity to effectively navigate and negotiate complex social relationships and environments. This concept is very similar to interpersonal intelligence. Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence [L-VQ]: the capacity to be strong with speech, language and writing. Conversational Intelligence [C-IQ]: understanding the use of various types and tones of conversations to influence actions; a very important aspect of modern business etiquette is communicating with tact and diplomacy; Political Intelligence [PQ]: related to the understanding of foreign and domestic state policies and the impact on both business and national matters; Cross Cultural Intelligence [CCQ]: the ability of people within business to recognise, interpret and correctly react to people, incidences or situations that are open to misunderstanding due to cultural differences. In the practice of modern business etiquette, cross cultural competence is a highly desired practice that should be encouraged at all levels of the organization, particularly for organisations desirous of penetrating global markets. Modern Business Etiquette & Business Intelligence [ BQ] Investment into the human capital of any organization sees the rewards not only in terms of dollars and cents, but more so in the development of a strengthened brand, and stronger team dynamic. The business intelligence of any organisation can be quickly evaluated by a simple handshake at a first meeting of clients, or immediately after the first business meeting luncheon, where the organisation representatives business intelligence skills or lack thereof are quickly demonstrated. A simple example related to the understanding of the need for a combined business intelligence framework, can be viewed from the standpoint of a simple business luncheon, from introduction to seating, one must always presume that evaluations are being undertaken. Many times we oft take for granted that perhaps we operate with different rules or codes based on our geography. However, within the business and diplomatic worlds, certain norms and practices are expected and it is optimal to always err on the side doing what is right, simply because its the right thing to do. Next Week: The Art of Introductions Penal man killed in robbery outside bar Dead is salesman and father of one, Capildeo Skinny Harrilal, 58, of Harrilal Drive off Sunrees Road, Penal. Reports are at about 8.30 pm, shortly after purchasing some drinks from inside the bar located along the Cipero Road, Harrilal went to lime outside with other patrons on a concrete bench. While there, two armed men, dressed in dark-coloured clothing, accosted the group and ordered them to hand over cash and all other valuables. Police sources said the bandits robbed the patrons of several items including cellular phones, cash and jewelry. During the ordeal, Harrilal attempted to run away and one of the bandits opened fire. Harrilal sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen and fell to the ground as the bandits ran off. Harrilal was rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital where he subsequently succumbed while undergoing emergency surgery. Yesterday some of his friends described him as a very quiet person who loved his vodka. They believe his death was a clear-cut case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Some of his friends who were at Jennys Bar at Suchit Trace Debe, yesterday believe that Harrilal was returning home from working at a company, located nearby at Golconda, and he stopped off at the bar to take a drink. An operator at the bar yesterday confirmed that the shoot ing occurred outside the bar, less than 15 minutes after he closed the establishment. Officers of the Southern Division as well as from the Homicide Bureau (Region III based at San Fernando) visited the scene. Insp Seales returns to court on August 23 Seales, who was charged with making a seditious statement on June 24 last year, reappeared in the Port-of-Spain Magistrates Court yesterday briefly when the matter was adjourned. He is on $75,000 bail. Seales was arrested on a warrant at the associations Besson Street Police Station office, in June. The arrest warrant carried with it $75,000 bail with surety. It is alleged that Seales made the seditious statement on June 24 last year during a live interview on TV6s Morning Edition. He had claimed there was then an alleged plot by the Peoples Partnership government to frustrate the Police Service to react in such a way that there would be a need for a state of emergency, thereby stalling the September 7 general election. Seales made the comment during the heightened wage negotiations and was suspended the following day by acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams. In a release then, Williams said he made the decision as a result of an allegation of serious misconduct. He is being represented by Pamela Elder, SC, and Owen Hinds Jr. Relatives: Cops killed him like a dog He wasnt an innocent person, said relatives of the slain man. He chose his path. But if you as a police officer is on duty and the person is doing something illegal, do your job. Arrest him and take him to the courts and let the courts do their job. You are not judge, jury and executioner. Police reported that at about 6.45 am on Monday, officers acting on information received, went to a marijuana field in a forested areas off Newlands, Point Fortin. Bailey was wanted for a string of robberies. The officers came across a camp which two men - one of whom was Bailey - were occupying. According to reports one of the men fled the scene but Bailey drew a shotgun and fired at the officers. Bailey was said to have been shot several times when police officers returned fire. He was rushed to the Point Fortin Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Relatives who gathered at the Forensic Science Centre in St James on Tuesday said that the story they received was fundamentally different from the police report. There were other people in that camp, Baileys sister Akila London claimed. They called and told us he was dead. They said he had no gun to shoot anyone with and he was sleeping. People have video where one of the police officers hit him the first (gun) shot and his (the officer) partner finished Bailey off with other shots. London along with other relatives admitted that Bailey had several run-ins with the law, but also said police officers had falsely accused him of several offences. According to police, Bailey was facing charges including rape, robbery, burglary and possession of firearms. People say he raped someone too. He never did that. He was no saint or anything but you cannot be saying that he raped someone when he did not. How you think his family will feel? Not hurt and disgusted? They killed my brother like a dog, London said. Relatives said that since Bailey was being sought by police in relation to several robbery incidents from as early as 2012, Bailey took to the forest to hide out from police. He went into the forest and he would only come out to get foodstuffs and check his daughter, London said. But he would be in the bush right through. Relatives said that although they intend to make a formal complaint with the Professional Standards Bureau and the Police they do not believe anything will come out of an investigation. Man in court for murder The 60 year-old unemployed man was remanded into custody and will reappear in court on August 3. According to the charge which was read out in court, Sylvester was killed following a dispute over bay rum on July 13, at Plum Mitan Main Road, Biche. Sylvester, 56, died from blunt force trauma after being beaten with an object. PC Carlon Denoon of the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region II, laid the charge yesterday after receiving instructions to do so from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard SC. SRP charged for killing SRP PC Ramroop died at the Point Fortin Area Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound inside the Guapo Police Station on November 5. Yesterday, SR P Constable Prakash Deosaran who is based in the South Western Division, was formally charged for the offence of manslaughter by Ag Supt Kenneth Galindo at the Siparia Police Station. He was then taken before Senior Magistrate Armina Deonarinesingh, on the charge and was granted bail in the sum of $100,000 with a surety. The magistrate ordered PC Deosaran to surrender his TT Passport as a condition of bail being granted. The matter was adjourned to July 27 and transferred to the Point Fortin Magistrates Court. The charge was laid by Acting Supt Galindo after Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (South) Joan Honore-Paul reviewed the case file and gave instructions to charge the officer with manslaughter Shot boy on the mend Alexis, Escayg and another man Thomas Hamza Sharpe were all killed in the shootout. The boys aunt Brenda De La Rosa, said Kirchard was awake and aware of what was happening around him. She denied that the child had undergone a second surgery on Tuesday because of additional injuries. The gunshot wound was the only injury that we are aware of. At first when they pressed his legs he was in pain, but now he is able to move them. He is very brave. He is not in any great pain, but he will have some discomfort. It is only when he is irritable that he asks for his mummy and daddy, De La Rosa said. De La Rosa said she could only assume that Kirchard remembered the shooting, but they have not asked him any questions about the incident. He knows that his daddy is dead, he is well aware of that. He sees his daddy as an angel and I believe that is what is giving him comfort at this time. ODPM tests its response mechanisms The aim of the exercise was to test the preparedness of the countrys National Response Framework when impacted by natural hazards. ODPM Chief Executive Officer Dr Stephen Ramroop told Newsday this was the first year they got Cabinet approval to have such a massive exercise. He said there were 1600 participants in yesterdays exercise which included members of civil society and private and public sector agencies where different drills and table top exercises were conducted across the country. The Anglican Church also participated by ringing their bells at 10 am. The churches rang their bells, which is an old fashioned warning system. Having the social and religious network integrated in disaster management is very important, he said. In Tobago, a drill simulating a hurricane approaching the island was also conducted. Ramroop said the ODPM wanted to dedicate a day for the country to have an exercise in an effort to prepare citizens for any disaster. We dont get so many impacts so when we do we might not be fully prepared and we have to figure out how do we get participation from the entire country because when a major disaster occurs its a whole countryside effort. With this exercise we will gauge what is the national response and how many communities we can engage, he explained. It will also give us an idea on how we spend money because 20 to 30 percent of our budget is spent in public education, printing booklets and training so this exercise is going to give us a good indication, he added Of the exercises conducted as of 3 pm yesterday, Ramroop said the ODPM received favourable responses. He admitted there were challenges with communication between intra and inter agencies. The ODPM will review yesterdays exercise and will reveal the findings at a press conference on August 15. UWI mourns Delmar, Prof Nicholsons passing In addition, the UWI is also mourning the death of one of its stalwarts of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at The UWI Cave Hill Campus in Barbados, Professor George Nicholson. Delmar was first appointed to the Open Campus Council for the 2012/2013 academic year. In January 2014, Delmar was appointed Managing Director of the 1st National Bank, the longest standing financial institution in St Lucia. In a related press release about his new appointment, President of 1st National Bank and former University Council member, Dr Charmaine Gardner, mentioned that Mr. Delmars appointment came at a time when the bank had strategically realigned its structure and operations. With his 23 years of experience in the Caribbean banking and financial services sector, the Open Campus was very grateful for the wealth of experience and wisdom from Mr Delmar, in his role as Chair of the Finance Sub-committee of the Campus, contributed to generating strategies for funding its operations and structures across the Caribbean region. With his accumulated experience and professional expertise in essential areas such as retail banking, sales, small business, home financing, product management, marketing and personal banking, the Open Campus has lost a significant backer of many courses and programmes in the same fields offered from the Campus. In her tribute, Principal of the Open Campus, Dr Luz Longsworth states that: As we continue to pay tribute to this man of honour, professionalism and goodwill, the Open Campus will fly its flags at all Open Campus Country Sites at halfmast on July 19, 2016 and on the day of his funeral. Even as we celebrate his immeasurable worth to St. Lucia and the Caribbean, to youth development, as well as his constant support of The UWI Open Campus, we deeply mourn this loss of such a wonderful human being. He was one of our own and we extend our sympathies to his mother, wife and children. He will be remembered with deep admiration and respect. Regarding Prof Nicholsons passing and in expressing his condolences on behalf of The UWI, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles reflected on Professor Nicholsons relationship with the regional institution: George was a good friend for many decades, and stalwart of The UWI. He served on many inter-campus committees, and was critical in establishing working relationships between the medical faculty at Cave Hill, Mona and St Augustine. He was a respected regionalist who believed in the One UWI and wanted to serve no other configuration. Professor Nicolson served as former Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences (then called the School of Clinical Medicine and Research) during the period 1992 to 1996. As a consultant physician at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 1979, he established and developed the first renal clinic and served as Director of the Haemodialysis Unit. He played a major role in the first living related donor transplant in the English-speaking Caribbeantreating the patient with dialysis until that patient was ready for transplant and putting together the team of surgeons, nurses and anaesthetists charged with the actual operation. He went on to become a founding member of the Barbados Kidney Association and a founding member of the Caribbean Association of Urologists and Nephrologists. Rowley: GATE recommendations to be implemented soon GATE is an expenditure costing taxpayers about $750 million a year, he said noting that Government was committed to maintaining the programme to ensure human resources development. At the same time, he said, what we are not going to do, is to continue funding the programme where we know it has waste, abuse, some possible corruption and some esoteric appendages. The issue of the GATE review was raised by Trinidad and Tobago students and also Pro Vice Chancellor of the UWI Cave Hill Campus, Professor Eudine Barriteau, yesterday afternoon at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus, Mona, Jamaica, during a question and answer session, Barriteau asked how it would have affected medical students. It is not going to be a free for all, for waste, corrupt practices, under-performance, or hop scotch, Rowley said. We are now forced to ensure that what we support is supportable. He reiterated that there were instances where students moved from one programme to another using GATE funding up to three or four times. Asked for a time frame within which the recommendations will be implemented, Rowley said the recommendations, which are yet to be considered by Cabinet, will soon be implemented. When I get back to Trinidad, the Cabinet will meet and look at the recommendations, he said. At first glance, he said, the recommendations are not capsizing the programme, but we are being told to make some adjustments. The recommendations include some elements of means testing which, he said, means that if there are people who can make no contribution, then they will have to be catered for on that basis. He continued, If there are persons for whom the contribution to GATE is an addition, then that ought to be taken into account, so that all us, on balance, can get the best of what the country has to offer. I dont think we could ask for more than that. Medical students, in particular, he said, ought not to worry too much because, even if we become a little more selective in what we fund, as against funding the endless spectrum, the area of healthcare delivery is an area of grave shortage in the country. At present, he said, existing hospitals in TT were understaffed, not just doctors but support staff, in a number of existing areas. In addition, he said, two hospitals, one in Arima and the other in Point Fortin, were under construction, and the Couva Hospital, which is soon to be handed over, will require staff. We are depending on you to compete your studies and come back to populate these hospitals. So it does not seem that we are going to make a policy and stop training you, he said. In the meantime, he said, Government was encouraging foreigners to hold the fort while they were being trained. You dont have to be worried too much except that we dont want you to be wasting taxpayers money, he said. He said that GATE was introduced in 2004 to develop human capital when the economy was doing well and when the country was earning more money than ever in its history. It was not a problem to fund GATE 100 percent and at the scale we were funding it, he said. However, he noted that in 2009 the revenue stream was affected with a bit of recovery in between the following years. By 2016 going into 2017, he said, we are now experiencing considerable reduction in our revenue. There is a huge gap, he said, between the graph of bills to be paid and the graph of revenues coming in hence a huge deficit in the 20016 budget. The same kind of gap will continue into 2017, but beyond, he said, we could see the gap in the graphs closing. PM: We will be guided The Prime Minister made this comment in response to a statement posted on Mannings Facebook page, in which his son Brian indicated that the family would be unwilling to accept a national award on his fathers behalf. Following the Peoples National Movements (PNM) general council meeting last Saturday, party general secretary Ashton Ford reported that Rowley said Cabinet was considering offering the ORTT posthumously to Manning, who died on July 2 at the age of 69. What was said is that a recommendation will be made, the Prime Minister said. Rowley added, So if they (Mannings family) publicly say they will decline the recommendation, then we will be guided. Attorney General (AG) Faris Al-Rawi yesterday said the Government was very comfortable that Rowley proposed Manning be awarded the ORTT. Brian Manning said his father, declined the award when he was alive and we will continue to respect that decision now that he has passed. Al-Rawi said it was equally proper for the Manning family to have declined the offer of the ORTT. In the statement, Brian Manning reiterated the familys view that the best way to honour his fathers life, would be the re-establishment and expansion of the Divine Echoes orchestra initiative and the establishment of the Patrick Manning Development Fund at the IFC (International Financial; Centre). Al-Rawi said both of these ideas remain on the table for discussion. He said the Divine Echoes, which was created under Manning, was not a far cry from the social intervention initiatives of the Government. On the fund, Al-Rawi said this was something Government and the IFC would have to discuss, taking into consideration the current economic circumstances. The AG added that Government remains committed to finding the best way to honour Mannings legacy. Manning had rejected the ORTT in August 22, 2014 when it was proposed by then prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Manning felt then it would not be acceptable as a sitting parliamentarian to receive the ORTT. He also said Persad-Bissessar had not consulted him about it and protocol dictated such consultations be kept confidential. At a cocktail reception at the Diplomatic Centre on August 21, 2014, Persad- Bissessar announced Manning and former prime minister Basdeo Panday would receive the ORTT. Garcia: Fair treatment for CREDI teachers The Ministers assurance came as he met CREDI officials at his St Clair Ministry on Tuesday. Garcia and Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Dr Lovell Francis, met with a CREDI team led by Roman Catholic Archbishop Joseph Harris; CREDI president, Dr Joycelyn Rampersad, and acting dean, Alfred Wafe. The team raised several issues concerning CREDIs accreditation and their graduates being denied access to promotion. They indicated that teachers vying for principal or senior teachers positions were being deprived of interviews due to their CREDI degrees not meeting requirements. Garcia requested a list with the names of the affected teachers and details of each case: He said, We need to determine whether the claims surrounding the denial of interviews for promotion were made based on personal issues (not meeting requirements/ criteria) or if its a case that is pointing out to the institution they graduated from. He also promised to look into the matter with the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) for further clarification. The team also mentioned initiatives for which they required the Ministrys support such as the Retaining Adolescent Male Interest in Education in Preparation for Life workshop and other programmes. Opposition MP: Make report public In a statement, Charles said, The Government must publish the full report submitted by the task force. The population must demand the details as this government cannot be trusted. He said while there is nothing wrong with routine reviews of government initiatives, we should know if we are getting value for money, these should be done in the context of a wider national development policy. Charles claimed the mandate given to the task force was to reduce cost not to increase value for money. These are two fundamentally different outlooks on the programme, he stated. He said if GATE is not preforming at its optimal standard then the task forces mandate should have been to assess solutions to the shortcomings, to measure its impact and provide some judgement on its efficacy and not simply to find ways to cut cost. On Sunday last, Education Minister Anthony Garcia said no decision has been taken with respect to the recommendations made by the GATE task force. We would like to have a serious deliberation on the report because of the far-reaching implications of the recommendations, Garcia said. Last week, Garcia estimated it could take one to two weeks to consider the report and its contents from the level of Cabinet. What you need to know about the Octagon Art Festival on Sunday in Ames news The Obama administration just gave Russia permission to fly advanced surveillance aircraft over our country (NationalSecurity.news) After Barack Obamas routine deference to mindless Islamic barbarians, his handing Iran money to build nuclear weapons, his throwing our military into social chaos and his steadfast refusal to protect our borders, one could question whether he lacked any real desire to protect the country he swore an oath to. Now, however, all measure of doubt and question should be removed. As reported by AMI Newswire, the Obama administration has granted permission to Russia to overfly the United States with surveillance aircraft using advanced technology. Now granted, Russia already overflies the U.S. and has satellites watching us all the time. But to give Moscow this extra capability without any indication that we are getting the same in return is beyond madness. Some would say it borders on treason. Despite serious compliance concerns from the State Department that Russia does not adhere to international treaties on arms control, the United States has agreed to allow a Russian surveillance aircraft to fly across the U.S. mainland, a congressional source told AMI. The overflight will be conducted by a Tupolev-154 three-engine aircraft, nicknamed Careless, that has been specially equipped with advanced cameras. The flight will be held under the auspices of the Open Skies Treaty, a 2002 international agreement that allows 34 signatory nations to fly over one anothers territory and monitor military installations. The decision comes in the wake of a strongly worded letter to President Barack Obama from three key national security lawmakers who urged the White House to refuse Russias request to install upgraded sensors on its Open Skies overflight aircraft. In recent years, instead of using the Treaty for its intended purpose, Russia has been using its Open Skies flights to expand its espionage capabilities, stated the June 14 letter, which was signed by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA), Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes (R-CA) and Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX). Given the threat to U.S. national security and Russias continued failure to uphold both the spirit and letter of its commitments under the agreement, we urge you to deny this request and explore whether commercially available satellite imagery can better fulfill the goals of this Treaty, the lawmakers wrote. Even the reputedly tolerant State Department has serious compliance concerns regarding Russias approach to arms control treaties in general, according to a fact sheet posted on the departments website. The Open Skies Treaty falls within the range of concerns. Playing down the lawmakers concerns about Russian intentions , though, a State Department official told AMI that the treatys primary role is confidence building among nations. The official cited the State Department website fact sheet, which reads in part: The treatys primary value is its role in building transparency and confidence, not intelligence gathering. However, the June 14 letter regarding intelligence gathering is not an anomaly. For years, American lawmakers have objected to Russias use of the Open Skies Treaty to further its intelligence and, ultimately, expeditionary goals. In 2014, during a Congressional floor debate, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL), charged that the Obama administration allowed Russia to upgrade its Open Skies aircraft in ways that will directly threaten U.S. national security. In 2015, Lt. Gen. Vincent Stewart, who heads the Pentagons Defense Intelligence Agency, expressed frustration with how Russia was being allowed to use the Open Skies accord. The Open Skies construct was designed for a different era, Stewart told a Congressional committee. I am very concerned about how it is applied today and Id love to talk about in a closed hearing. Except, Obama doesnt want to hear about it. This year, Stewart was even more direct, telling Congress: Russias application today has gone far beyond the original intent of the treaty, adding I would love to deny the Russians having that upgraded capability. So would any sane American citizen truly concerned about sovereignty and national security two things youd think a president would have uppermost in his mind. But not this president. If this isnt a perfect example of how choosing the wrong person, for all the wrong reasons, to lead our country can actually threaten our long-term survivability, then no such example exists. We cannot afford to make the same mistake in November, when one of the candidates, we already know, is a corrupt, wholly compromised individual who is more concerned with feathering her own next than in protecting you. Susan Katz Keating of AMI Newswire contributed to this report. 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 >> Deepika Padukone walk the ramp opening show for India Couture Week 2016 New Delhi, Thu, 21 Jul 2016 NI Wire Designer Manish Malhotra in association with 'Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang' kickstart the India Couture Week 2016 with 'The Persian Story' -Beautiful Deepika Padukone & Charming Fawad Khan walk the ramp leaving the crowd enthralled 20th July 2016, New Delhi: There's something magical about the fine marriage of craftsmanship and heritage. Manish Malhotra's opening show for India Couture Week 2016 brought this magic to life, as he unveiled The Persian Story. The collection weaves together the subtle nuances of history and legacy, to recreate the glory of a bygone era. Manish Malhotra's design narrative is inspired by the stunning architecture of Persia, blooming paradise of fauna and flora, andfearlessroyals that ruled their vast kingdoms. Indulgent hand-woven gold embroidery adorn sheer and velvet fabrics, in lehengas with sheer tops, opulent velvet jackets over cigarette trousers, exquisite gowns and regal sherwanis. Intricate motifs meander on 50 limited edition pieces, swathed in deep shades of maroon, emerald green and azure blue. This season, the traditional dupatta is reimagined for the confident, modern woman. Breathtaking jewellery with uncut polki diamonds and pearls by Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang (Available at GK1) added to the mystic aura. On this occasion, Mr. Sandeep Narang, Owner, Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang said, We are thrilled to be on board with Manish for the opening show of Indian Couture Week 2016. It was like a dream come true when Deepika & Fawad sizzled the ramp by wearing our masterpieces. Manish undoubtedly is an ace designer when it comes to Indian wear and our jewellery beautifully matched the attire & concept of The Persian Story'. Speaking about The Persian Story' Manish said, 2016 marks an important milestone as the Manish Malhotra' label celebrates 11 years. The Persian Story is a special collection as it represents a new design story for the label. While the collection is inspired by the stories, sights and poetry of Persia, every outfit has its own unique story told in the language of distinct colours, detailed motifs and rich fabrics. I would like to thank my good friend and sponsor of this show, Mr. Sandeep Narang, for providing the stunning jewellery for this opening act of ICW 2016. In a contemporary version of a Persian folktale, the scenography took guests back to the time of conquerors like Alexander the Great. The showing culminated with the stunning Deepika Padukone in a resplendent red velvet lehenga that featured a beautiful, seemingly never-ending trail, walking the runway. The lehenga showcased the fine work of craftsmen of yore and was completely embroidered in vintage badla work. Shabana Azmi, Sophie Choudhary, Pernia Qureshi, to name a few - graced the front row. DEAD PULPITS ARE GREATLY FACILITATING A DYING NATION By Chuck Baldwin July 21, 2016 NewsWithViews.com Upon hearing about the deaths of King Saul and his son (and Davids best friend) Jonathan, David lamented, How are the mighty fallen! (II Samuel 1:19) It is my opinion that Davids lamentation could be spoken regarding the death of the American pulpit. For all intents and purposes, and for the most part, the American pulpit IS dead. It has been replaced with corporate CEOs, carnival barkers, entertainers, motivational speakers, denominational hacks, and groveling statists. The Holy Scripture identifies them another way: as hirelings, ear-ticklers, and wolves in sheeps clothing. Where once the American pulpit was noted as being ablaze with righteousness (Alexis De Tocqueville), it is now most famous for being awash in rigor mortis. Americas colonial pastors must be turning over in their graves. Americas colonial pastors were the fire and inspiration for Americas break from the tyranny of the British Crown. Patriot preachers such as John Witherspoon, John Leland, Jonathan Mayhew, Isaac Backus, Samuel Cooper, Ebenezer Baldwin, James Caldwell, John Peter Muhlenberg, and Jonas Clark were as important to the success of the American Revolution as were the patriots Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Sam Adams, Dr. Joseph Warren, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Richard Henry Lee. Listen to how John Adams delineated the duty of Americas pastors: "It is the duty of the clergy to accommodate their discourses to the times, to preach against such sins as are most prevalent, and recommend such virtues as are most wanted. For example, if exorbitant ambition and venality are predominant, ought they not to warn their hearers against those vices? If public spirit is much wanted, should they not inculcate this great virtue? If the rights and duties of Christian magistrates and subjects are disputed, should they not explain them, show their nature, ends, limitations, and restrictions, how much soever it may move the gall of Massachusettensis?" Note again: If the rights and duties of Christian magistrates and subjects are disputed, should they not explain them, show their nature, ends, limitations, and restrictions . . . ? It is the DUTY of pastors to explain, show their nature, ends, limitations and restrictions regarding civil government, all the while paying no attention to the anger it may create it the hearts of some. The vast majority of pastors today will shirk their duty by saying something like, Im only called to preach the Gospel. That is pure POPPYCOCK, and they know it. While the Gospel is the cornerstone of the Bible, if you take away all of the scriptures that do not specifically refer to the Gospel, you will have a VERY SMALL Bible. The Bible is a book of science; a book of history; a book of mathematics; a workbook for families; a book of business and economics; a book of geography; a book of archeology; a book of soldiering; and a book of GOVERNMENT. To ignore what the Bible teaches on all of these subjects is to make the vast majority of the scriptures completely irrelevant. And that is exactly what the modern pulpit is doing: it is making the Bible completely irrelevant--especially to the affairs of government. And while many secularists will accuse politically involved pastors (conservative pastors, of course--they dont mind liberal clergymen getting involved in politics whatsoever) of trying to create a theocracy, they need to be reminded that the religious and secularist communities of colonial America fought side-by-side for Americas independence. The reason they could do this was because, for the most part, both groups understood the Natural Law principles of liberty that are common to ALL men. Listen to John Adams again. This time to what he said on the floor of the Continental Congress as he passionately appealed to his fellow delegates to approve a Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. This is the same speech in which he famously said, Sir, before God, I believe the hour is come. My judgement approves this measure, and my whole heart is in it. All that I have, and all that I am, and all that I hope, in this life, I am now ready here to stake upon it; and I leave off as I begun, that live or die, survive or perish, I am for the declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment, independence now and independence forever. Adams speech, perhaps more than any other, convinced delegates to vote in support of our Declaration of Independence. Without a doubt, it is one of the most important speeches in American history--perhaps second only to Patrick Henrys immortal Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me Death speech. Here is one paragraph from that speech by John Adams: If we fail, it can be no worse for us. But we shall not fail. The cause will raise up armies; the cause will create navies. The people--the people, if we are true to them, will carry us, and will carry themselves, gloriously, through this struggle. I care not how fickle other people have been found. I know the people of these colonies, and I know that resistance to British aggression is deep and settled in their hearts, and cannot be eradicated. Every colony, indeed, has expressed its willingness to follow, if we but take the lead. Sir, the declaration will inspire the people with increased courage. Instead of a long and bloody war for the restoration of privileges, for redress of grievances, for chartered immunities, held under a British King, set before them the glorious object of entire independence, and it will breathe into them anew the breath of life. Read this declaration at the head of the army; every sword will be drawn from its scabbard, and the solemn vow uttered, to maintain it, or to perish on the bed of honor. Publish it from the pulpit; religion will approve it, and the love of religious liberty will cling round it, resolved to stand with it, or fall with it. Send it to the public halls; proclaim it there; let them hear it who heard the first roar of the enemys cannon, let them see it who saw their brothers and their sons fall on the field of Bunker Hill, and in the streets of Lexington and Concord, and the very walls will cry out in its support. Notice he said, Publish it from the pulpit; religion will approve it, and the love of religious liberty will cling round it, resolved to stand with it, or fall with it. And for the love of religious liberty and possessing the resolve to stand with it, or fall with it, the preachers of colonial America sounded forth the clarion call of liberty from pulpits throughout New England just as Adams said they would. For example, listen to the message that Jonas Clark (who was the pastor of the men who stood on Lexington Green and fired the shot heard round the world that began Americas War for Independence) delivered on April 19, 1776, the first anniversary of that epic day. I delivered that famous message word-for-word to my folks at Liberty Fellowship in Kalispell, Montana. Listen to how this courageous pastor applied the Biblical and Natural Law principles to the events on Lexington Green and to Americas war for separation from the British Crown. (As far as I know, this video presentation is one of a kind. I know of no other such word-for-word reenactment of Pastor Clarks thrilling message to be in existence.) Order my verbatim reenactment of that message - Jonas Clark's Message It was these kinds of sermons with which the colonial pastors of New England filled their churches. Compare these messages to the fluff and ear-tickling claptrap that fills our churches today. The Biblical Natural Law principles of liberty and government have not been explained, expounded or extrapolated to any significant degree since the dawn of the 20th Century. If one wants to study the teachings of church leaders relative to these issues, one would have to read the scholars and commentators who lived during the Nineteenth Century or earlier. The study of Natural Law is as dead to modern pastors as the study of Guli Guli. But Natural Law is taught throughout the scriptures. In truth, if one does not have at least a rudimentary knowledge of Natural Law, he or she cannot really comprehend Revealed Law (the Holy Scriptures). Natural Law is nothing more than Gods creative revelation of Himself to man. These principles not only make for good government, but also make for a sane, civilized society. The rejection and repudiation of the Creators Natural Laws by Americas pulpits paved the way for the rejection and repudiation of the Redeemers Revealed Law. Pastors have no one to blame but themselves for Americas descent into unbelief and lawlessness. The Natural Law principles endowed us at creation UNITE us around fundamental governing principles that are as immutable as the laws of physics, biogenesis, thermodynamics, etc. It matters not that we are believers or unbelievers, black or white, rich or poor, conservative or liberal, Democrat or Republican. Natural Law teaches all of us the principles of good government, lawful authority, justifiable resistance, individual liberty, etc. Take away our Creators Natural Laws and we are left with every man doing what is right in his own eyes, which is exactly what America--including Christian America--is doing today. When men have no understanding of Natural Law and, therefore, feel no obligation to obey the Natural Law written in their hearts, they are less likely to understand, much less obey, the Revealed Law written on paper. Readers should know that I have a DVD containing four messages on the subject of Natural Law. Of course, these four messages only serve to provide a most basic understanding of Natural Law principles, but at least it is a beginning. I dare say that most Christians have sat in churches all of their lives and NEVER heard a message remotely resembling the truths and principles contained in these messages. The titles of the messages contained on this DVD are: 1- Biblical Evidence For Natural Law 2- Christs Law Of The Sword 3- The Law Of Necessity 4- Liberty In Law The name of the DVD is Natural Law And Liberty and may be ordered here. I thoroughly believe that these messages will help pulpit and pew alike to awaken to an entirely new vista of Biblical understanding. Once a person is aware of Natural Law, the Bible will literally come alive with fresh understanding and insight, especially in the areas of liberty, government, and law. These messages will also help unbelievers to comprehend the Natural Law principles of liberty that unite all of us, regardless of our faith or lack thereof. As David lamented the deaths of King Saul and Jonathan, so should we lament the death of the American pulpit. But we should do more than that. If we cannot successfully awaken our pastors to their duty, we should find and support pastors who properly understand their duty and who are willing to faithfully discharge it, because dead pulpits are greatly facilitating a dying nation. [If you appreciate this column and want to help me distribute these editorial opinions to an ever-growing audience, donations may now be made by credit card, check, or Money Order. Use this link.] [I also have many books and DVDs available for purchase online. Go to Chuck Baldwin Live Store] Nebraska has recently been hit by a statewide drought. Most of the state, but especially Northeast Nebraska, has experienced little to no precipitation within the past couple of months. Records are being broken as the days without rainfall continue. This drought, however, should not come as Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a news conference following the National Security Council and cabinet meetings at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey, July 20, 2016. [Photo/VCG] Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan declared a state of emergency on Wednesday as he widened a crackdown against thousands of members of the security forces, judiciary, civil service and academia after a failed military coup. Erdogan said the state of emergency, lasting three months, would allow his government to take swift and decisive measures against supporters of the coup and was allowed under the constitution. Emergency rule, which would take effect after it is published in Turkey's official gazette, would allow the president and cabinet to bypass parliament in passing new laws and to limit or suspend rights and freedoms as they deem necessary. Erdogan made the announcement during a live television broadcast in front of his government ministers after a nearly five-hour meeting of the National Security Council. "The aim of the declaration of the state of emergency is to be able to take fast and effective steps against this threat against democracy, the rule of law and rights and freedoms of our citizens," Erdogan said. He also pointedly rebuffed criticism from Western governments that have accused him of going too far in efforts to neutralize suspected opponents. About 60,000 soldiers, police, judges, civil servants and teachers have been suspended, detained or are under investigation since Friday's military coup attempt. The failed putsch and the purge that followed have unsettled the country of 80 million, a NATO member bordering Syria, Iraq and Iran and Western ally in the fight against Islamic State. Tunisias security authorities announced Wednesday the arrest of members of an IS-cell plotting to attack sites in the coastal city of Sousse, a year after an attack on a hotel in the city killed 38 people. The cell linked to IS was dismantled on Tuesday. It was planning terror attacks against key sites in the city, according to the ministry of interior. A number of the cells members had received combat training and watched videos on how to make explosives, reports say. Interior ministry did not give further details on the militants. Sousse, located in the central-east of the North African country was last year scene of a terrorist attack claimed by IS. A Tunisian, reportedly trained in neighbouring Libya, slaughtered 38 people, including 30 British tourists at a resort hotel. Two other terror attacks befell the country last year. Two IS commandos killed 21 people most of whom were foreign tourists at Bardo Museum in Tunis in March. In November, a Tunisian exploded himself against a military van currying members of the presidency guard, killing three of them. Tunisian President Caid Essebsi has called for more military aid for the country in the fight against terrorism. France, UK, Germany and the United States have provided logical support. Earlier this month, NATO planned to set a fusion centre to help Tunisia ward off terrorists. Morocco is forging ahead with its industrialization plan, which attaches particular importance to aviation-related industries. The recent opening of Latsimas factory to supply Airbus is part of an endeavor to make Morocco a hub for aeronautic industries by attracting component suppliers for leading aircraft manufacturers. The new factory is located in the outskirts of Casablanca and stretches over a surface area of 6000m2 with a total investment of 10 million in 5 years. Latsima is specializing in cabling and manufacturing avionic racks and cockpits for Airbus A350 and A320. Latisma is part of a growing aeronautics sector in Morocco that takes advantage of its low labor costs and proximity to Europe to supply components to manufacturers there and the US. The industry, employing 11,500 people, has achieved in 2015 exports worth $1 billion and has been recording a growth rate of 15 % annually. Moroccos aim is to create 23,000 jobs in the aeronautic sector by 2020, increase exports to $1.6 billion per year and boost to 35% the proportion of locally-produced components. There are 100 European and American companies operating in the country, including Bombardier, Alcoa and Stelia, a subsidiary of Airbus. Training features prominently in Moroccos plan to boost its attractiveness for aviation industry investments. The IMA aeronautics institute (Institut des Metiers de lAeronautique), near Casablancas international airport, equips aerospace companies with skilled workforce to meet manufacturing requirements. The UN issued a serious warning regarding an imminent propagation of the Islamic states terrorist activities, as the militants affiliated to the terrorist organization are facing a defeat in Libya, which will propel them to seek other sanctuaries in the Maghreb. The warning came in a confidential report obtained by the Associated Press and the AFP. In the report, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon voices fears over a relocation of IS Jihadists from their stronghold in the Libyan coastal city of Sirte where forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA) have tightened their grip. The recent pressure against ISIL in Libya could lead its members, including [foreign terrorist fighters], to relocate and regroup in smaller and geographically dispersed cells throughout Libya and in neighboring countries, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon wrote in the confidential report, using an alternate acronym for the terrorist organization, according to AFP. The offensive by the GNA forces on Sirte led to a drop in IS fighters from an estimated 4000 to 1000, the Associated Press said. Countries of the Maghreb are expected to witness a return of their nationals fighting alongside IS in Libya, the report noted. Outside Iraq and Syria, IS branch in Libya is alarmingly the most dangerous taking advantage of the porous borders between Libya and its neighbors where different terrorist organizations enjoy free movement and engage in different sorts of trafficking. Moroccos success in combating religious extremism and Islamic radicalization continues to gain regional and international recognition with many African countries voicing desire to benefit from the experience of the North African Kingdom in this field. The latest of these countries is Somalia, which has just signed a cooperation agreement with Morocco in this field. Somali minister of Islamic affairs Abdelkader cheikh Ali Ibrahim said the agreement would enable his country to benefit from Moroccan pioneering experience, which is based on moderation and tolerance to counter jihadist threats. To fight Islamic radical ideology and lunatic ideas, Morocco launched a leading center that provides training to hundreds of imams of various nationalities. The center seeks to inculcate in Imams the precepts of a tolerant and non-violent form of Islam based on Maliki rite and teach them how to counter extremism and religious radicalization through sound argumentation and dialogue. Morocco has been providing, for many years if not for centuries, training to foreign Islamic scholars and imams, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, in order to disseminate an Islam of the middle path doctrine, a vision of religion based on tolerance, intercultural dialogue and respect of other faiths. During the few past years, with the rise of Al Qaeda and now the Islamic State, the Moroccan experience to counter Jihadists propaganda is prompting a growing interest worldwide. Based on a tolerance-based version of Islam, the Moroccan approach provides the necessary tools to spot early signs of extremism to religious professionals, who are in constant contact with their communities. The Presidency Council (PC) of the Government of National Accord (GNA) is not pleased with the presence of French Special Forces in Libya, which surfaced after three soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash during the weekend and after Paris confirmed their death on Wednesday. There can never be wavering on Libyas sovereignty, a statement released by the PC underlined, adding that foreign troops can intervene in Libya only in answer to a request and in coordination with the council itself and according to what preservers national sovereignty. French government spokesman Stephane Le Foll admitted the presence of their Special Forces in Libya, but refused to comment on the alleged death of their troops. However, President Francois Hollande later confirmed that three soldiers were killed in a helicopter accident during dangerous intelligence operations. Reports have stated it was shot down by members of the Defend Benghazi Brigades. We completely reject violating the sanctity of the Libyan soil, the PC statement outlined and invited other Libyan parties to rally behind it to prevent such actions. Hundreds of people were in the streets of several cities to protest the presence of French troops in the country. The U.S. and the UK are also said to have troops in Libya but the reports have not been confirmed yet. In a bid to justify the presence of French troops in the North African country, President Hollande stated that Libya is only a few hundred kilometers from Europes shores and it is experiencing dangerous instability especially with the presence of the Islamic State. This year, the extremist group has claimed responsibility for several attacks in France. Feel the Kaine. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images Over the past two days, the New York Times, Washington Post, and Associated Press have all reported that Tim Kaine is emerging as a (if not the) favorite to become Hillary Clintons running mate. On Wednesday night, the Times reported that Bill Clinton is privately lobbying for the Virginia senators selection. Its not hard to see why the Clintons might be feeling the Kaine: The former governor of Virginia and current member of the Senate Armed Services Committee boasts both executive and foreign-policy experience, speaks fluent Spanish, has ties to a swing state, and is a known quantity, having been vetted by Democratic nominees in cycles past. In a race where most polls show Clinton with a solid lead, picking a moderate, experienced white man makes some tactical sense. Still, Kaine has his drawbacks. His selection would prompt a 2017 special election to replace his seat. With Democrats consistently failing to turn out in off years, that could hand the GOP a precious vote in the upper chamber. But the senators greatest liability may be his relationship to the partys grassroots left. Kaine has alienated advocates for reproductive choice by promoting abstinence-focused education and laws making parental consent a prerequisite for abortion access. Hes frustrated environmentalists by supporting offshore drilling in the Atlantic and expanding construction of natural-gas terminals (that said, the rest of his environmental record is fairly strong and includes opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline and support for the Clean Power Plan). And he bucked the will of most Senate Democrats including progressive leaders Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders by voting to give the White House fast-track authority to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership. (The senator has not taken an official position on the final draft of the deal).* This week, Kaine provided left Democrats with two fresh reasons to see his selection as a repudiation of their agenda. On Monday, the senator added his name to two letters urging the federal government to scale back regulations on community and regional banks. In a letter co-signed by 15 other Senate Democrats and every Senate Republican Kaine asked the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to exempt community banks and credit unions from many of its regulatory requirements. In justifying these exemptions, the letter suggests that these regulations would make it more difficult for these small banks to continue spurring economic growth and that such rules are unnecessary, anyhow, since community banks were not the primary cause of the financial crisis. This latter point is a bit of non sequitur. Just because a reckless activity was not the primary cause of the last global economic crisis doesnt mean that activity isnt worth preventing. According to the Intercepts David Dayen, the rule Kaine proposes could allow community banks and credit unions to sell high-risk mortgages or personal loans without the disclosure and ability to pay rules in place across the industry. Such bad loans may not take down our financial system, but they could ruin the lives of the families that receive them. In a second letter to the Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Kaine and his co-signers argue that large regional banks like PNC, BB&T, and SunTrust should be exempt from two regulations meant to reduce their risk of collapse. While Kaine stepped up to the plate for banking interests this week, he simultaneously snubbed consumer-advocacy groups. On Wednesday, Kaine was one of 13 Democratic senators to withhold his signature from a letter authored by Sherrod Brown, which called for strengthening new rules against abusive payday lenders. The senators office told the Huffington Post that he is working on his own separate Virginia-focused letter on payday lending. For the left, the timing of Kaines decision to sign these letters may be as concerning as the substantive positions he takes within them. Its possible that the senator didnt take these stances in spite of the scrutiny they would receive at this point in the veepstakes, but rather because of that scrutiny: As Dayen notes, regional and community banks are a key source of Democratic fundraising. Kaines decision to back their interests in these letters could be intended, at least in part, as a way of boosting his credibility with these donors ahead of his addition to the partys ticket. Which is to say, they could be designed to indicate that a Clinton-Kaine White House would be responsive to such donors concerns. On Thursday, Kaine spokesperson Amy Dudley emphasized the senators broader comittment to financial reform. Sen. Kaine is a strong supporter of Dodd Franks financial protections because certain financial institutions wreaked havoc on the American economy, hurting millions of Americans in the process and believes we need strong rules to stop that chaos from happening again, Dudley said in a statement obtained by Politico. The toughest regulation should be on the biggest and riskiest institutions. Credit unions, community banks and regional banks need to be carefully regulated, but the nature of the regulation can be different to ensure scarce resources are efficiently spent allowing regulators to focus on the bad actors. Regardless, Kaine began the week as a disappointing vice-presidential candidate to the Sanders-Warren wing of the Democratic Party, and will end it an even more disappointing one. On Thursday, the liberal advocacy groups Democracy for America and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee both announced their official opposition to Kaines selection. Clinton is expected to reveal her pick at a rally in Florida this Saturday. According to the AP, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Labor Secretary Tom Perez accompany Kaine on Clintons short list. *This article has been corrected to reflect that Senator Kaine has taken no position on the final draft of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Caitlyn Jenner on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention. Photo: Josh Lederman/AP It was easy to come out as trans, Caitlyn Jenner, doyenne of Americas first family, told a crowd assembled at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland on Wednesday morning. It was harder for me to come out as a Republican. She wanted to reform the party, she said, perched on a stool and wearing a Jackie O. blazer, a pencil skirt, and a pair of strappy heels. She praised Barack Obama for lifting the ban on transgender soldiers in the military, criticized the Republican platform for being downright hostile to LGBT concerns, and called bathroom use by transgender people a nonissue. Maybe we should ban Republican representatives at the state level from being in bathrooms, Jenner said at the event, hosted by the American Unity Fund, a conservative nonprofit that advocates for LGBT rights. It was an unusual statement made at an unusual event, one designed to push against the bigotry the Republican Party has quintupled down on this campaign cycle. And unusual not just for that. The Big Tent Brunch was a celebrity-studded corporate-financed fete at a convention that has noticeably lacked them. Jenner is A-list, perhaps the only true celebrity at the Republican confab aside from Trump himself. (Sorry, Gary Busey.) And the breakfast was sponsored by AT&T, Facebook, Microsoft, Pfizer, and Quicken Loans, among others. Appalled by Trump, many other corporations are staying far, far, far away. Sure, there was a party at the Rock and Roll site on Monday night funded by Microsoft, Blue Cross Blue Shield, AT&T, and Pepsi. Theres a Lee Brice and Pat Green concert billed as a Salute to the Tech Industry tonight. There are other things going on. But Republican officials, delegates, lobbyists, and journalists including yours truly have received far fewer invitations than they have in past years, as companies have shied away from throwing parties, sponsoring the convention itself, or putting their logos on anything here in Cleveland. Caitlyn Jenner, center, arrives to speak at an American Unity Fund brunch. Photo: Josh Lederman/AP Corporations have refused to cough up cash for the main event, too. Major 2012 donors JPMorgan Chase, Ford, Motorola, Wells Fargo, and UPS declined to give any money to the Republicans for the convention this year. Apple and HP Inc. also declined to provide funding, or to help out in any other way. And some other companies have pulled back their support. Coca-Cola, for instance, donated $75,000 for the convention, one dollar for every nine it gave in 2012. Microsoft donated $1.5 million in cash and services for the last go-around, and is providing a variety of Microsoft technology products and services instead of making a cash donation this year. A letter leaked to Politico shows that a number of other blue-chip companies FedEx, Visa have reneged on their contributions, leaving the convention committee to beg Sheldon Adelson for $6 million to cover the events budget shortfall. Over the past couple months, negative publicity around our potential nominee resulted in a considerable number of pledges backing out from their commitments, a letter to Adelson from RNC organizers says. Negative publicity, or true revulsion at his wide variety of abhorrent beliefs. Many corporate executives find Trumps politics horrific, even going so far as to express that thought in public. Your campaign doesnt just seem wrong. It feels un-American, wrote Josh Tetrick of Hampton Creek in a full-page advertisement that appeared in the New York Times and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Trump would destroy much of what is great about America, said Reed Hastings of Netflix. A truly gigantic slate of corporate executives has let the Clinton campaign use their names. Moreover, supporting the RNC has proven to be a public-relations headache for the companies that have gone ahead with sponsorship. A number of activists put together a campaign to pressure businesses from sponsoring the convention especially targeting Google by delivering 500,000 signatures to its headquarters and flying a plane over the Bay Area pulling a banner that read Google: Dont be evil. #DumpTrump. Companies that support the RNC are using their brands to put a stamp of approval on Trumps hate, one of the pressure groups said. As a result, the whole shebang has been thinner, tinnier, less lavish, more sparsely attended, and less fun than at past conventions, both Republican and Democratic. Take that Monday night party at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It appeared to be something of a flop: Big swathes were empty, and senators John Cornyn and Roger Wicker, who were scheduled to speak, showed up and skipped out a short time later without doing any stage time. Or take a Tuesday night concert sponsored by the Recording Industry Association of America and AT&T. Third Eye Blind played little-known songs from their catalogue while trolling the audience with exhortations like Raise your hand if you believe in science! Taken as a whole, companies seem to be telling the RNC that there are indeed consequences for offending and alienating huge portions of the population Mexicans, immigrants, Muslims, women, and people with disabilities among them. Jenner, for her part, included that in her critique of the party she loves. I would tell Donald that these people have been marginalized for so many years, Jenner said, referring to transgender individuals. Theyre a small voting community, but theyre out there. A group tries to burn an American Flag as police move in near the sight of the Republican National Convention in downtown Cleveland. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images Halfway through the third day of the Republican National Convention, it seemed as if everyone had fully resigned themselves to playing their characters in the theater that was Cleveland. In the Public Square, you had people from the Westboro Baptist Church screaming about the sins of the homos, filmed by hordes of people thrilled to catch the insanity on tape, not far from people in suits calmly eating at food trucks. The area surrounding the Quicken Loans Arena was a stage for documented opinions, not dialogue or tension. The city had become 1 to 1 to 1, as someone described it, meaning one cop for every one protester for every one media member. It was like the buddy system: If someone was yelling, someone else would be right there filming it, and not too far away there was a hovering police officer. Photo: Rembert Browne I wasnt planning on going, because I didnt know it was happening, but I started walking to the supposed location, in front of the entrance to the arena. *** Photo: Rembert Browne Per usual for the week a week less about protests and more about loud opinions they were greeted by onlookers either filming or being berated. And next to them, a flurry of police. Photo: Rembert Browne 3:48 p.m.: The police force has created an inner ring around the protest that is slowly pushing outward, moving people out on three different streets. Photo: Rembert Browne It is tense, but nothing feels dangerous in the slightest. And with every passing minute, people are losing interest and leaving. 4:02 p.m.: I walk back to the Public Square. Apparently the Bikers for Trump are here, but so far I dont see a biker, or even a bike. 4:08 p.m.: Im not even all the way into the square when people on all sides begin running back toward the arena. Not running, sprinting. It starts with about ten people, but in mere moments there are hundreds headed back to the original site of the advertised flag-burning. I follow the group. 4:15 p.m.: Apparently the burning of the American flag is back on. Someone had done it, which accounts for the race back to the arena. Making my way there, I end up in a tight, packed corner. This is a very different scene, with a very different energy. Before it was more people versus Westboro with the cops watching; this time, people versus cops. 4:25 p.m.: As the space gets tighter, a woman with a megaphone stands next to me and begins speaking into it. A man named Joey Johnson, whom she refers to positively as the infamous flag-burner, has been arrested for burning the American flag, which she says is within his legal rights. And she isnt lying about him being infamous he also burned a flag at the 1984 Republican National Convention and became a defendant in the 1989 Supreme Court case Texas v. Johnson, about flag desecration. The woman with the megaphone describes herself as part of a group known as the Revolution Club. Their mission: The problem is the system, and the only solution is a revolution. Shes wearing a shirt with a picture of Bob Avakian on the front, chairman of the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA. The more she speaks, the more she gains the attention of the police nearby. Also, the more she speaks, the more she is heckled by men behind me, who are shouting, Burn a fag, not a flag. 4:28 p.m.: An argument bubbles up between two people in the crowd. Again, its difficult to truly describe many people here as protesters; its mainly just people with cameras and people who want to say things they believe in, in front of cameras. 4:31 p.m.: The police suddenly begin a unified push back of the crowd, with many barking Move! every time they march their bicycles forward. They successfully move everyone back significantly, clearing up the street. This appears to be the last breath of the mild unrest. 4:34 p.m.: I see the Revolution Club has found a new home, on the sidewalk farther down the street. And now they have a banner in addition to the megaphone. Photo: Rembert Browne 4:36 p.m.: Walking up to the group, I see a commotion. The murmurs suggest a second person just lit a flag on fire. There is someone on the ground, with one arm held by a police officer and another by a man who appears to be a protester. The police officer says, Let go of her. The protester looks back and tensely replies, No, you let go. 4:37 p.m.: The options of where to move dramatically decline as the police move in. To the left of me, a wall; to the right, a police van; behind me, protesters; and in front, officers, some on horseback. 4:38 p.m.: A horse looks ten times bigger when theres a cop on top and its on the sidewalk and you have very few options of where to go and you begin thinking about how much it would suck to get stepped on by a horse. 4:39 p.m.: I have to squeeze by the open police-van door in order to get out of the way. The officer standing in the door does not appreciate me moving his car door, even with the arrival of the horses, and swings the door back at my body. Screenshot Photo: Rembert Browne 4:42 p.m.: Back in a more open area of the street, I notice people beginning to run again, or at the very least speed-walk. The woman who attempted to burn the flag is handcuffed, and police are trying to move her. She isnt going quietly. Photo: Rembert Browne 4:43 p.m.: She is escorted out in perhaps the most dramatic way possible, down a long, empty street surrounded by a throng of police, while people chase after her, chanting Let her out! and filming her capture. 4:45 p.m.: Upon reaching a barricade at the end of the long road, the police take her around the corner away from the crowd. Some people go around the barricade and are not stopped. 4:46 p.m.: A small crowd forms on this side street where the woman accused of burning a flag is being detained in a police van. Chants begin, some led by the same woman who spoke of the Revolution Club less than an hour earlier. But after a few minutes the police begin to clear out the area. 4:53 p.m.: You get the two lighters, she had two lighters with her, one officer says to another, about the womans possessions. I have no idea why I am still allowed to be here; the number of non-officers in the area is rapidly shrinking. I attempt to be invisible in plain sight up, leaning against the gate, looking indifferently out in the distance should anyone give me a glance. 4:54 p.m.: The same officer who asked about the lighters is now holding the American flag. As he folds it, I can see that some of it is visibly burned and tattered. Photo: Rembert Browne 5:01 p.m.: By five, the area has been vacated of press. A minute later, they bring the handcuffed woman out of the back of the police van. Photo: Rembert Browne 5:03 p.m.: They take pictures of her, make her hold a dry-erase board with her name and other information. She doesnt say anything, just stands there and does as she is told. After three days of hearing the word protester being used to describe everyone shouting in the street, its refreshing to see someone perform an act of protest so quietly and with no cameras around. Photo: Rembert Browne After all of that, they put her back in the van and shut the door. Its over. Ted Cruz leaves the stage after speaking during the Republican National Convention. Photo: Andres Kudacki Good morning and welcome to Fresh Intelligence, our roundup of the stories, ideas, and memes youll be talking about today. In this edition, Cruz takes a stand, Pence faces his destiny, and Elon Musk unveils his master plan. Heres the rundown for Thursday, July 21. WEATHER Large portions of the country will be hit by the potentially dangerous heat wave moving east from the Southwest across the Midwest through the weekend, plunging more than 20 states into triple-digit temperatures. New York will be sunny and clear with highs just breaking 90. [USA Today] FRONT PAGE Why Doesnt This Feel Better? Ted Cruz Booed Off Convention Stage In a perfect bit of typecasting, Ted Cruz may be the biggest troll at the Republican National Convention. Near the end of a rousing speech, with the whole crowd eagerly anticipating his endorsement of Donald Trump, Cruz instead called on Americans to vote your conscience pretty much the opposite of what the Trump camp wants voters to do. The convention hall erupted into angry boos, and conservatives are outraged but others see it as a bold (if self-serving) stand against electing a madman. EARLY AND OFTEN Pence Accepts the Vice-Presidential Nomination, Lives Up to His Boring Reputation Last night was supposed to be Mike Pences night before Ted Cruz effectively stole it. Pence took the stage in Cleveland to accept his partys nomination for vice-president and did exactly what he was there to do: Give a speech so boring, so conservative in every meaning of the word and so totally bereft of surprises, that it will make the Trump ticket look slightly less like a ticket of race-baiting, huckster robber barons. Wed discuss his speech in more detail, but frankly cant remember what he said. [NYT] Trump Wants Fracking Exec for Energy Secretary Sources close to Donald Trump say that if he becomes president, he would likely tap Harold Hamm for secretary of energy. Hamm is the the chief executive of Continental Resources, an Oklahoma-based oil-and-gas company, and a major proponent of fracking. If confirmed, Hamm would be the first energy secretary to come directly from the oil-and-gas industry. Needless to say, his appointment would represent a historic setback for environmentalists; speaking at the Republican National Convention last night, Hamm said environmental regulations were increasing Americas dependence on Middle Eastern oil. [Reuters] Court Rules Texas Voter-ID Law Violates Voting Rights Act Again A federal-appeals court has ruled to support a lower-court ruling that Texass restrictive voter-ID law violated the Voting Rights Act. The ruling may have serious consequences for the election in November. Opponents of the law mostly Democrats have claimed that it unfairly targets and disenfranchises minority voters. Minority voters make up a huge voting block in Texas and are more likely to vote Democratic a fact not lost on Republicans, who are now scrambling to salvage the portions of the law that pass muster with the courts. [Politico] In Rare Bout of Self-Control, Trump Stops Short of Calling for Clinton to Be Shot To be honest, with all the vitriol being thrown around this election season, were surprised that people even noticed New Hampshire delegate Al Baldasaros recent comments that Hillary Clinton who he also charmingly described as a piece of garbage should be shot for treason. Not only did they notice, but now the Secret Service is investigating the comments, and the Trump campaign has had to do something it hates: Distance itself from violent, alarmist rhetoric. Yesterday, Trump spokesperson Hope Hicks said, Mr. Trump and the campaign do not agree. Baldasaro has been described in the past as a Trump advisor. [The Hill] THE STREET, THE VALLEY Monopoly: The Drinking Game In a change of heart, anti-trust regulators have approved a massive $107 billion merger for the worlds two largest breweries: Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller. To get approval, the companies needed to promise to limit practices that discourage competition, including the use of incentive programs that had been a major point of contention for craft-beer companies. [Reuters] Tesla Master Plan Unveiled: Solar Panels, Trucks, Robot Cars, and Presumably, Space Lasers Tesla CEO Elon Musk the eccentric billionaire recently voted most suited for their own name unveiled his long-awaited master plan yesterday. With Tesla under pressure from nervous investors not to diversify too much, Musk decided to ignore them entirely, announcing plans for new solar-powered vehicles, electric trucks for freight, buses for mass transportation, and self-driving cars that could be used in ride-sharing programs to make money for you when you arent using it. Free money, almost always a good idea. [Bloomberg] Download Planet Earth While You Can, KickassTorrents Owner Faces Jail Time You may not know the name Artem Vaulin, but if youre like us, youve downloaded a lot of Fraiser from him. Vaulin is allegedly the owner of the worlds most popular torrent website, KickassTorrents. But now, Vaulin is in a Polish prison, facing extradition to the United States where the government wants to charge him with illegally distributing copyrighted materials worth more than $1 billion. [Gizmodo] Eric Holder to Do for Airbnb What He Did for the Country: Totally Solve Its Racial Issues Perhaps Silicon Valley is starting to have a bit too much clout? After facing criticism over racial discrimination on its platform, Airbnb is bringing in the big guns, and they are seriously big guns. The online vacation-home marketplace announced yesterday that it had hired Eric Holder, the one-time U.S. attorney general, to draft its new, non-racist antidiscrimination corporate strategy. Good get, guys! [Bloomberg] MEDIA BUBBLE Playboy Realizes All that Nudity Was Good for Business Layoffs were announced yesterday in Playboys digital division. Among those looking for a new job is chief content officer Cory Jones. If thats not bad enough news, Playboy also cancelled its annual Comic-Con party in San Diego. Who ever heard of a Playboy party anyway? [The Wrap] Live-Action Pokemon Movie in the Works (Please Say Gerard Depardieu Will Play Pikachu) Legendary Pictures acquired the rights for a live-action Pokemon movie, and Lionsgate announced yesterday that it will begin work on the movie next year. For some reason, the movie will be a remake of the obscure 3DS game Great Detective Pikachu which never even came out in the United States. The new movie should be ready for release just around the time everyone stops caring about Pokemon again. [AV Club] The Associated Presss Executive Editor Is Stepping Down Kathleen Carroll, the APs executive editor and its highest-ranked editorial staffer, has announced that she is planning on retiring at the end of the year. Carroll is stepping down for the best reason weve ever heard: to spend time with her family and mostly to sleep in on weekdays. Enjoy it! [Poynter] PHOTO OP This Really Happened Were sure theres a perfectly reasonable explanation for this Photo: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images MORNING MEME Topical! This is what the internet is for. OTHER LOCAL NEWS Seattle Man Has Roommate Drama This Seattle man seems to have taken in stride something that would have irreparably traumatized us. Namely, discovering a delusional stranger had been living in his attic. The man discovered his surprise roommate after hearing noises, seeing mysterious lights on, and finally, when she locked herself in his office claiming, This is my house. I live here. Ive been here for three days. Jimmy said I could live here. The mans name is not Jimmy. [KOMO] Pill-Popping Pooch Gets Owner in Trouble Again When a woman in St. Lucie County yes, Florida was pulled over and discovered to have illegally prescribed pills on her, she did the natural thing and claimed that the pills were her dogs. Why a trick that totally worked when we spilled juice as children wouldnt work on a police officer over an illegal stash of pills is a mystery. [Off the Beat] HAPPENING TODAY Better Than Christmas Today is the 17th annual gatherings of the Juggalos. The must-be-seen-to-be-believed yearly reunion of die-hard fans of the Insane Clown Posse is one of this nations greatest traditions and 10 billion times cooler than Burning Man. Just saying. [NYT] RNC to Reach Peak Trump Today is the main day of the Republican National Convention, when it is all about the Donald and he officially accepts the presidential nomination. Or maybe he wont. Maybe hell take the stage with Joaquin Phoenix or something, explain that this whole thing has been for a music video, and we can all have a big laugh. Fingers-crossed emoji. [Mic] Senator Ted Cruz speaking at the RNC. Photo: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images When he took the stage in Cleveland, Ted Cruz had no way of knowing that Donald Trump had given a New York Times interview repudiating Americas right even to disapprove of authoritarianism and backing away from its commitment to defend NATO allies against a Russian invasion. (I dont think we have a right to lecture, Trump said of the crackdown in Turkey. Look at what is happening in our country, he said. How are we going to lecture when people are shooting policemen in cold blood?) It is not even certain that Cruz was thinking in moral terms at all. But the interview retroactively justified Cruzs extraordinary decision to take the stage in prime-time and decline to endorse his partys nominee, even as the boos rained down. Trumps foreign-policy comments symbolize the reason a significant number of Republican intellectuals have refused to endorse him. He is ignorant and has dangerous views completely outside the normal range. He does not merely repeat bizarre conspiracy theories that some Republicans believe (Barack Obama may have faked his birth certificate) or that most Republicans believe (scientists are faking global warming). He has his own set of strange beliefs. He admires dictators and may well be heavily influenced by one. Trumps web of ties to Putin, who has a record of attempting to manipulate foreign elections, looks even more dangerous considering his green light to Russia to annex the Baltic NATO states. In light of the risks presented by Trump, who might break the rule of law and the democratic form of government, his party has offered a strange message. Rather than tamp down the fears of what he would do, they have inflamed them. This message came through in the warm-up speakers. Former Trump business associate Phil Ruffin declared, A tsunami is coming and his name is Donald Trump. Florida attorney general Pam Bondi warned, November 8 is going to be a day of reckoning. Mike Pences speech accepting the vice-presidential nomination promised, When Donald Trump is president, the change will be huge. He sneered at Hillary Clinton as the secretary of the status quo. The status quo does not sound so bad as an alternative to the election of a madman. And this, intentionally or not, formed the message of Cruzs snub. If the Trump campaign had realized how the event would play out booing and chaos on the floor, delegates screaming that Cruz was a traitor, and the image of disunity prevailing they would never have given Cruz a speaking slot. Cruz may well be motivated by strategy as much as principle he alone among the major contenders refused to endorse Trump, giving him sole ownership of what may be a large slice of the party electorate in 2020. Competitors like Marco Rubio and Scott Walker look like midgets next to Cruz now. And, to the extent nonstrategic considerations drove his decision, he may have understandably held a grudge against Trumps petty insults against him, his father, and wife. But Cruzs speech will instead symbolize something else: the refusal of an educated, professional politician to risk handing executive power to the most dangerous figure ever to have a chance to obtain it in the history of the United States. or Already a subscriber? Sign In What is your email? This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. Enter your email: Please enter a valid email address. Submit Email or Connect with Google Sign In To Continue Reading Create Your Free Account edit email Sign in with Facebook Sign in with Google Choose a password to create an account: Enter your password or sign in with a different email Forgot Password? Password must be at least 8 characters and contain: Lower case letters (a-z) Upper case letters (A-Z) Numbers (0-9) Special Characters (!@#$%^&*) New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our This password will be used to sign into allsites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. Sign In Create Account Photo-Illustration: Photo: Michael Krinke Photography/Getty Images If you began to pay attention to politics starting any time later than the early 1970s, you know political conventions consist of nothing more than a four-day-long infomercial, where each party is afforded a rare chance to transmit its message to the public unfiltered. For a variety of reasons, the Donald Trump campaign has made poor use of this opportunity. Some of the causes of its failure were routine on night one, angry, rambling general Michael Flynn blathered too long and pushed the smooth, compelling Joni Ernst out of the prime-time slot. Then this small disaster was eclipsed by the much larger disaster of Melania Trumps speech having turned out to include plagiarized passages. Then the campaign compounded the problem by insisting on lying and changing its account, so that the news media given an actual news story to uncover blotted out the intended message with wall-to-wall plagiarism coverage. By the last day of the convention, Trump loyalists now look back with fondness at the innocent, early days of the convention, when the only thing that had gone wrong was a plagiarism scandal that blotted out their message. And then Wednesday night, Ted Cruz spoke. Normally, the speech by the runner-up is an important moment in securing party unity. Cruz was open about his refusal to fully endorse the nominee, because the nominee is a sociopath who called Cruzs wife ugly and insinuated that his father helped assassinate John F. Kennedy. The Trump campaign could have denied Cruz a speaking slot, or offered only a videotaped address it could vet in advance. Alternatively, it could have let Cruz speak and then spun the positive elements of his coy not-quite-endorsement dont stay home, Hillary is bad, and so on. Instead, incredibly, the Trump campaign settled on a third option. It would allow Cruz to speak, but it orchestrated booing from the delegates. Perhaps its belief was that a hostile audience reaction would force Cruz to ad lib an endorsement. Instead, he stuck to his script, and the result was an increasingly angry crowd booing the speaker off the stage. This was not a spontaneous failure. This was the Trump campaigns idea of the best use of television time a televised refutation of their claim to have unified the party. Its as if Trump had purchased a television spot for Trump Steaks that showed a customer spitting out the beef in disgust and saying he wouldnt feed it to his dog. If Trump had managed to stage a normal, drama-free convention, it would have been overshadowed by his news-making interview with the New York Times. In the interview, Trump broke decades of precedent by telling the reporters that he wouldnt defend Baltic NATO allies against a Russian invasion defending fellow members from a Russian invasion being the primary formative purpose of the NATO alliance. Trumps campaign manager, Paul Manafort, tried to clean up the mess by denying to reporters that the candidate had said what he said. Unfortunately for him, the Times taped the interview which should not have come as a surprise to the campaign, since Trump asked during the interview if it was being taped: Trump: I would prefer that we be able to continue, but if we are not going to be reasonably reimbursed for the tremendous cost of protecting these massive nations with tremendous wealth you have the tape going on? David Sanger: We do. Maggie Haberman: We both do. So denying the authenticity of the quotes was probably a bad idea. Perhaps the most damaging element of the interview was Trumps response to the crackdown in Turkey, where President Erdogan is carrying out mass arrests. Here was Trumps response: I think right now when it comes to civil liberties, our country has a lot of problems, and I think its very hard for us to get involved in other countries when we dont know what we are doing and we cant see straight in our own country. We have tremendous problems when you have policemen being shot in the streets, when you have riots, when you have Ferguson. When you have Baltimore. When you have all of the things that are happening in this country we have other problems, and I think we have to focus on those problems. When the world looks at how bad the United States is, and then we go and talk about civil liberties, I dont think were a very good messenger. What made this answer so unfathomable is that Trump impugned the moral standing of the United States. Republicans have spent eight years falsely accusing President Obama of doing this very thing. Trump repudiated the primary thread of agreement that runs through every strand of right-wing foreign policy, from isolationism to realism to neoconservatism. It seemed for months that Trump had developed a more effective and populist brand of nationalist politics. But what kind of nationalist denigrates his own country? Without delving far into the philosophical basis for nationalism as a philosophy, the executive summary you would read on page one of Nationalism for Dummies is: OUR country good, THEIR country bad. Instead, Trump is handing Hillary Clinton the opportunity to tee up his line When the world looks at how bad the United States is and then announce that she thinks the United States is good. For all of Trumps managerial dysfunction, it was widely believed that he had a command of the uses of television as a medium for propaganda, and nationalism as a message for connecting with the public. It turns out hes bad at both of these things, too. Let the purge begin. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images When reporters asked Republican primary voters why they planned to vote for Donald Trump, one of the most common replies was that the billionaire couldnt be bought. Liberals and conservatives may disagree about exactly which special interests control the American government (at times, Trump has suggested that Syrian refugees have their own K Street lobbyists), but both sides are concerned about the donor classs influence over policy. But, as with so many other aspects of Trumps appeal, the idea that his wealth will insulate his administration from the temptations of cronyism is a transparent con. Many populist politicians are opposed to the revolving door between the public and private sectors, which threatens the independence of regulators. And Trump is no exception except, instead of locking the revolving door, hed like to take a sledge hammer to it. In a new audio recording obtained by Reuters, Chris Christie tells dozens of Republican donors that Trump plans to let businesspeople serve in government part time without having to give up their jobs in the private sector. In Trumps America, progressives wont have to worry about former banking executives regulating their old colleagues active CEOs will be doing that for their current ones. In the recording, Christie also says Trump hopes to purge the civil service of Obama appointees. One of the things I have suggested to Donald is that we have to immediately ask the Republican Congress to change the civil service laws. Because if they do, it will make it a lot easier to fire those people, Christie says. This would ostensibly allow the Republican president to cleanse the federal bureaucracy of liberals, and staff agencies that conservatives dont like with cronies willing to sit on their hands. At another point in the recording, Christie tells the donors that neutralizing the Environmental Protection Agency and its job-killing regulations would be a top priority for Trump should he win in November. Protest against failed coup attempt. Photo: Evrim Aydin/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images Less than a week has passed since a military coup flung Turkey into chaos. The attempt to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ultimately failed, and power has stayed in the hands of Erdogan and his ruling AKP party. Though short-lived, the coup was bloody, with more than 200 people killed and more than 1,400 injured as major cities Istanbul and Ankara descended into temporary war zones. Violence has abated, but on Wednesday, Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency to remove this threat and strengthen the values of democracy. The declaration gives Erdogan the power to issue decrees that have the force of law, thus consolidating power within the executive branch. A woman takes a selfie in front of the special police forces base building in Ankara on July 19, 2016, after it was bombed during the failed coup. Photo: Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP/Getty Images The government is carrying out mass purges across all sectors to try to deplete its ranks of suspected collaborators. The depth and breadth of the crackdown is so large some have called it a countercoup. Approximately 60,000 military and civil servants including judges and teachers are under scrutiny or have been suspended for suspected involvement in the plot to overthrow Erdogan. Exact numbers are sketchy, since most of the information comes from the state-run media, but heres a sampling of whos been caught up in the rush to clean house: More than 6,000 military personnel have been arrested, and close to 100 top generals nearly a third of defense leadership face charges. More than 9,000 police officers have been fired, and nearly 3,000 prosecutors and judges have been suspended. More than 1,500 deans of public and private universities were pressured to resign, and more than 20,000 teachers were also put on leave. The Turkish government also put a ban on academics traveling outside the country, and urged any Turkish professors engaged in research or postings abroad to return as soon as possible. A bus detaining Turkish soldiers who allegedly took part in a military coup. Photo: Yasin Akgul/AFP/Getty Images Many of those targeted have alleged ties to Fethullah Gulen, an Erdogan rival and moderate Islamic cleric living in exile in Pennsylvania. Erdogan has openly accused him of being the mastermind behind the plot, and has called on the United States to extradite Gulen to Turkey. The Obama administration appears to be a bit more skeptical of the accusations about Gulen, who has denied involvement and condemned the coup. The White House has said it would examine the evidence and act in keeping with the extradition treaties between the countries. According to the New York Times, President Obama offered to help Turkey with the investigation into the coup when he and Erdogan spoke Tuesday by phone. A pro-Erdogan supporter holds an effigy of U.S.-based cleric Fetullah Gulen hanged by a noose during a rally at Taksim Square in Istanbul. Photo: Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty Images Erdogans heavy-handed response is also a source of unease; Erdogan has increasingly become more authoritarian during his 14-year tenure. A failed-but-legitimate lunge on his power is not likely slacken his grip. Many see the crackdown as an excuse to further clamp down on free speech and dissent in the wake of the coup. On Wednesday, Turkey allegedly blocked Wikieaks after nearly 30,000 documents between AKP officials posted on the site. The Turkish public generally opposed the coup, but the attempt may have split wider Turkeys fissure between secularists and Islamists, the latter of whom largely turned out to support Erdogan and have continued rallying since the thwarted coup. Theres a sense of shock and intimidation by the scale of Islamist fervor in the streets because of all this, Soner Cagaptay, a Turkey expert at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told the Washington Post. A few years ago, you would never have seen these jihadi types out in public like they have been in recent days. Add to that Turkeys key political and geographic role in perhaps the most critical global and humanitarian crises: Turkey is a key NATO ally, and the staging site for United States-led coalition operations against ISIS in Syria. Turkey is also flooded with Syrian refugees from across the border, thousands of whom are using the country as the launching point to reach Europe. Erdogans authoritarianism was a sticking point in the March deal between the European Union and Turkey. In that deal, Turkey agreed to absorb refugees in exchange for 6 billion euros and expedited talks on its ascension into the EU talks which might be a bit more precarious in the wake of the coup. A Trump supporter. Photo: Anadolu Agency/Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images In the months since Donald Trump unofficially won his partys nomination, many on the left and the right have come to an uneasy consensus: That Trumps candidacy presents a uniquely awful threat to the nation. So singular have we taken Trump to be, in his hateful, crude, careless brutishness, so unapologetic in his loathing for women, for people of color, for immigrants and Mexicans and Muslims, that we tend to try to dismiss him as an aberration, a showman who hornswoggled an angry and economically struggling populace in a black-swan event brought on by a large (and largely inept) Republican field. Here in Cleveland, where attendance at the convention has been sparse and protests disorganized, its easy enough to find confirmation of the idea that this guy is an outlier, an unusually bad man who has so thoroughly scared even his own party that a number of reasonable Republicans have staked out a critical distance from him and those who are here cant muster enthusiasm for him. In a way, this is true. But it is not a comfort. Because, even if they are tepid on Trump personally, those Republicans who are here who are speaking nightly, on television, to millions of Americans are exhibiting a frothing excitement for the resentments and aggressions hes given them permission to voice openly. It turns out that Donald Trump is far from unique. What we have seen, this week, is the Republican Party offering its stage and its imprimatur to speakers who have not appeared reluctant or conflicted, but rather buoyed and energized by the way in which Trumps candidacy has allowed them to come out as inciters of sexist, racist, violent mob action and xenophobic fearmongering. Whats more, by framing their hateful rhetoric in terms of patriotism, they are reminding us that much of the poison in this country runs deep. The radical adjustment of norms should perhaps have been obvious with the initial, improbable announcement that Scott Baio, a C-list actor from the 1970s and 80s, would be a featured convention speaker. Thats not because Baio is a washed-up sitcom star whose role signaled the flaccidity of the speaking lineup. Its because Baios only renown in recent years has been as an internet troll who has tweeted an image of Hillary Clinton in front of the word cunt and an unflattering picture of Michelle Obama with the caption WOW he wakes up to this every morning. He also got into an online argument with the womens publication Jezebel that involved his wife referring to the feminist sites employees as lesbian shit-asses. Baios place on the speaking docket meant that the Republican Party was willing to kick off its convention with the vileness of sexist and racist and homophobic internet discourse. Onstage, Baio didnt call anyone a cunt or a shit-ass or even a lesbian, but his speech trafficked in the barely coded language of white resentment and objection to government safety nets. Explaining what it means to be an American, Baio noted, It doesnt mean getting free stuff. It means sacrificing and sometimes doing the things you dont want to do including the hard work in order to get where you want to be. Baio concluded with a line he likely unknowingly lifted from Langston Hughes, imploring, Lets make America America again. Ironically, Baio and Hughes were probably meditating on a similar version of America, one in which white-male power was assumed, in which Baio could assure himself that the promise of freedom and opportunity was on offer to all, but in which many other Americans, including Hughes, understood America was not America to them. The real motivating energy of the week has come with the full-throated, jeering opposition to Hillary Clinton, and to Barack Obama. The Clinton-Obama alliance alluded to in so many Republican speeches is more than strategic in the eyes and rhetoric of Republicans: Clinton and Obama are the symbols of the upending of American power, two people who have criminally reversed the order of things, and who, we are told again and again, must not only be removed from power, but punished, jailed, locked up, even destroyed. Hillary Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot for treason, New Hampshire state representative, as well as Trump delegate and adviser, Al Baldasaro said on Tuesday. Baldasaro made the comments on a radio show, but he used a frame describing himself as the father of an Iraq veteran with a particularly unique grudge against Clinton that perfectly matched what had come from the official Republican stage on Monday night, when parents of dead Americans many of them women and people of color had been brought out and used as battering rams. Pat Shaw, whose son Sean Smith was killed in Benghazi, said from the RNC stage: I blame Hillary Clinton. I blame Hillary Clinton personally for the death of my son personally. For this, Shaw continued, she knows the penalty: Hillary for prison. She deserves to be in stripes. At a convention that is trafficking in xenophobia, racism, and the vilification of women, those on the front lines that first night were themselves people of color and women. There were speeches by black and Latino parents of people who, the chyron blithely informed, had been killed by immigrants. Milwaukee County sheriff David Clarke, who is black, got the job of delivering the good news that the Baltimore police lieutenant charged in the death of Freddie Gray had been acquitted. He also described the investigation into Grays horrific death in police custody as malicious prosecution conducted by the activist Baltimore states attorney, Marilyn Mosby, who is a black woman. Monday also featured Rudy Giuliani, in an oratorical fever, keening for a time when there was no black America, no white America, just America What happened to it? Whered it go? How has it flown away? He did not directly suggest that this America flew away when we stopped electing men like Giuliani to run things and instead started electing men like Barack Obama and women like Hillary Clinton, but his speech did go after both of them, sneering at Obama for weakness on terrorism and Clinton for dereliction of duty and failure to keep her people safe with a syntactical trick that briefly made it sound as though he was holding her responsible for the terrorist attacks of September 11 (he was in fact referring to Benghazi). Giuliani made the ominous promise that What I did for New York, Donald Trump will do for America, a pledge that can only have been meant to assure America that under a Trump presidency, there will be more police brutality. Im being serious; I am pretty sure that was what Rudy Giuliani was telling us. I am sure of it because that has been the message of the week so far: The Republican Party wants to return us to a time in which white-male authority and power was absolute, in which punishment could be meted out as the majority desired, quelling the threats of minority upstarts. Christie leads a guilty or not guilty chant about Hillary Clinton. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images This feeling crescendoed on the second night, with what felt like some convention catharsis, the mock trial of Hillary Clinton staged with gusto by New Jersey governor, and former federal prosecutor, Chris Christie. Proclaiming that he was hoping to do something fun tonight, Christie recited to the crowd a litany of Clintons supposed sins. With every offense, he asked them, Guilty or not guilty? Guilty! they boomed, with increasing vigor. Watching from the press seats, high above the floor, it was possible to see the crowd undulating with excitement, surging toward Christie with their fists in the air, electrified by this call to mob justice. It was chilling. I was not the only person in the room to be reminded of 17th-century witch trials, the blustering magistrate and rowdy crowd condemning a woman to death for her crimes, which often, even then, included reports that she had been consorting with a black man. So evocative were the callbacks to some of the worst nightmares of Americas past that it barely came as a surprise when former presidential candidate Ben Carson then directly accused Clinton of familiarity with Lucifer. The soap star Antonio Sabato Jr., who was an RNC-sanctioned speaker on Monday night, lingered on a religious theme on Tuesday, telling the press that we have had a Muslim president for seven-and-a-half years, a conviction clearly not based on reality, but based on Sabatos belief that the president does not follow the God that I love and the Jesus that I love, and that if you understand Obama thats not a Christian name. This is America, where the women know the devil and the devil is a dark figure. And the men at the pulpits, and those who support their place there, are your only hope for national salvation. It came as no surprise to hear speakers on both nights harken back to Ronald Reagans famous City on a Hill speeches, which bookended his administration and are regularly used by conservatives as a shorthand reference to their belief in American exceptionalism. The City on a Hill image derived from Jesuss Sermon on the Mount speech has been invoked by plenty of politicians before, including John F. Kennedy, but its American origins are in John Winthrops Model of Christian Charity sermon, which he gave en route to the New World in 1630. He advised his fellow colonists that their new town would be as a city upon a hill, with all eyes upon it. Winthrop was one of our earliest elected leaders, serving 12 years as the governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. A wealthy Englishman, he held Native American slaves, and both of his sons held black slaves; he even helped write the first law in America sanctioning the practice. In 1648, Winthrop also presided over the trial and conviction of the first American woman to be hanged for witchcraft, Margaret Jones, a Puritan midwife. This is America, before America was even America. Dont think that Trump is the exception to an American rule; he is the living embodiment of a cruel and unjust strain of our history that has yet to die out completely. Perhaps the most important sentence so far in this grim and angry week was uttered by Giuliani, who darkly warned, Theres no next election; this is it. Theres no time left for us This is a party and a power structure that feels threatened with extinction, willing to do anything for survival. They may not love Trump, but he is leading them precisely because he embodies their grotesque dreams of the restoration of white, patriarchal power. This is what its like to be in Cleveland this week; all eyes are upon us. I thought they were saying, CROOOZ. Photo: John Moore/Getty Images Recently, Donald Trump suggested that Ted Cruzs wife was ugly and hiding terrible secrets, while Cruzs father was a likely co-conspirator in the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Despite this history and despite Cruz informing him in advance that he had no plans to make an endorsement Trump allowed Cruz to give a prime-time speech at the Republican National Convention Wednesday night. During that speech, Cruz did not make an endorsement, opting instead to say several cryptic things about this falls election that could easily be interpreted as a tacit suggestion to vote for Trump or else, to do the very opposite. Did we live up to the values we say we believe in? Thats what elections should be about. - Ted Cruz David Frum (@davidfrum) July 21, 2016 To those listening, please don't stay home in November. If you love our country, stand and speak and vote your conscience #RNCinCLE Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) July 21, 2016 When Cruz implored the conventions attendees to vote your conscience, the convention hall erupted with boos and chants, commanding Cruz to formally endorse the partys standard-bearer. These boos may or may not have been initiated by Trump himself. Two sources tell me Trump team actively whipped the boos at the end of Cruz speech Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) July 21, 2016 But early dispatches from the convention hall suggest outrage over the snub was felt in virtually every corner of the 2016 GOPs coalition. From this Evangelical who spoke to the Washington Posts Philip Rucker: Incredible reaction from a New Mexico GOP delegate to @PhilipRucker re: Cruz: pic.twitter.com/vwhbWGURjS Ed O'Keefe (@edokeefe) July 21, 2016 To the country-club set in their glass boxes: From @DanaBashCNN: Some people on donor suite level so angry at @tedcruz they called him disgrace to his face; one man had to be restrained Dylan Byers (@DylanByers) July 21, 2016 To the profane populists of the Trumpian proletariat: HEIDI CRUZ escorted out by security as crowd gets angry at Cruz for his speech. One Trump supporter shouting "Goldman Sachs!" at her Manu Raju (@mkraju) July 21, 2016 To the staffers of the Republican National Committee: RNC sources: @tedcruz "speech different than version he gave RNC in advance." Officials + Cruz had to be physically separated after. #GOP David Shuster (@DavidShuster) July 21, 2016 To the hypocrites who deserve every ounce of humiliation they receive: "It was an awful, selfish speech," Chris Christie tells NBC News about Ted Cruz Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) July 21, 2016 But at least it played well with the conservative intellectuals who seem to have forgotten that Ted Cruzs initial primary strategy was to normalize Donald Trump so as to harvest the fruits of his hateful demagoguery once the mogul dropped out: Photo: Pat Gaines The world is rarely so clear-cut as right and wrong, black and white, dog person and cat person to the contrary, most of us spend our days navigating moral ambiguities and shades of gray. Also, some people prefer their four-legged companionship in llama form. And in a stroke of good news for those people, a paper recently published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science recently struck a blow for owners of nontraditional pets: A team of Dutch researchers pulled together a ranking of the best exotic pets, looking beyond the usual suspects to focus on things like camels, voles, and the excellently named screaming hairy armadillo. The project was a response to the Dutch Animals Act, a 2013 law mandating the types of animals that could be kept as pets in the Netherlands: production animals (a category that includes livestock, rabbits, and certain rodents), and species that didnt require any special knowledge or skills on the part of their owners. The researchers focused on this latter category, compiling their list based on a Dutch survey of the most common exotic pets; after excluding cats, dogs, and production animals, they were left with a total of 90 species (all mammals sorry, lizard fans though the authors noted that future research could adapt the ranking system for birds or reptiles). Several different teams of animal-behavior experts ranked the animals on criteria like behavioral needs, whether being kept as a pet would harm their health and well-being, and whether their presence posed any danger to humans or other animals. At the end, the Sika deer took first place, with two types of wallabies, llamas, and Asian palm civets (a little guy that looks kind of like a raccoon) rounding out the top five. The authors noted, though, that the rankings may be skewed in favor of some less-than-scientific factors. Scientists may show differences in their assessments, as they may change with time (tiredness), or may unintentionally be related to size, color, cuddliness, or ugliness of the assessed species, they wrote. And cuddliness, on a related note, is just one of many reasons why PetSmart is unlikely to be flooded with civets or Sika deer anytime soon. Dogs and cats are a special kind of pets, lead author Paul Koene, an animal behavior researcher at the University of Wageningen, said in a statement. Wallabies which clocked in at number 24 will certainly not replace them. Some scientists, meanwhile, have expressed misgivings about the paper, arguing that we have enough trouble just taking care of dogs and cats. After all, not everyone has the time, the funds, and the know-how to properly care for a traditional pet and its a rarer person still who has room in their apartment for a llama. Swiping into the subway is a pain. Remember the time Hillary Clinton tried to do it like 12 times and just couldnt get it quite right? Across the pond, the London Underground, or Tube, system uses cards with RFID microchips that let users hold the card up to a reader to gain access. Easier, yes, but the system still requires you keep track of a card at all times. Alternatively, you could just pry the microchip out of the card and embed it in a set of acrylic fingernails, so that every time you wave your hand the entrance gates bow to your technological power. Lucie Davis, a 22-year-old jewelry-design student from London created this fingernail set as a school project, she explained on Instagram. The RFID chip is hidden within the nail, covered by a blue-and-white paint job which mimics the designs on a standard Oyster Card (the prepaid and refillable card Tube riders use). Technically, the nails violate a Transport of London rule which prohibits removing an RFID chip from an Oyster Card, CNET reports, and Im not sure fake nails, with their penchant for breaking off, are the ideal location for embedding an important piece of tech. Still, points for innovation. Kat Von D and Jeffree Star Photo: Getty Images Theres no feud like a beauty-world feud, and the latest and pettiest involves two major celebrity gurus: Kat Von D, high priestess of tattoo eyeliner, and Jeffree Star, self-appointed internet makeup cop. Collectively theyve amassed more than 12 million followers on social media and have the kind of die-hard followers that make the Beyhive seem like a handful of cuddly ladybugs. The two friends just had an epic falling-out, and its a tale that involves allegations of theft, abusive behavior, racism and Nazis, assault, and a good ol Kardashian plug. A bit of background first. Jeffree Star is a celebrity with a throng of slashes behind his name. Hes a musician, hes an entrepreneur, hes a makeup artist, and, at one point, he was kind of a big deal on Myspace. His fashion line, Beauty Forever, showcases an eclectic cluster of printed tees and beanies. Theres Flawless on a hat for $15, We Are the Weirdos on a backpack for $20, but if you are pining for the You Cant Twerk With Us tank top, retailing for $23.99, youre out of luck its sold out. In 2014, Star launched his eponymous beauty brand. As small brands go, its quite successful, and its not hard to see why. Before branching into highlighters and a colorful eye-shadow palette, Jeffree Star Cosmetics specialized in liquid lipsticks, and as one knows the current appetite for creamy-yet-matte lipsticks is an insatiable one. This is where the feud with Kat Von D comes into play, though, depending on whom you might ask, the story takes on different dimensions. In terms of makeup empires, Kat Von Ds trounces Stars. For one, its been around much longer since 2008, in fact. Von D birthed the line after starring in tattoo-artistry hallmarks Miami and LA Ink. Her makeup line is widely successful, and Lolita, a creamy dusty rose, is the best-selling lipstick in Sephora. Von Ds entry into beauty has not been without controversy. Each of her lipstick shades are attached to a creative name, some more thoughtful than others. A bright-orange hue called Underage Red sparked the ire of concerned shoppers; Celebutard, a peachy nude, enraged others. The former was met with an apology from Von D herself, while the latter was pulled from Sephora shelves. On Monday, Von D released a photo of Star that featured a giant red slash across his face on Instagram. In the caption, she wrote: After years of making excuses for, and rationalizing Jeffrees inappropriate behavior (including, promoting drug use, racism, and bullying) I can no longer hold my tongue after recent events. I know that over the years, many of you were introduced to Jeffree through me, and regardless if you chose to continue to follow him or not, I just would like to disassociate myself from him and his brand from this point on. I plan on posting a video explanation as to why I felt compelled to make such a statement. But for the time being, I simply want to apologize to anybody and everybody who has ever had to deal with any of his negativity. And yes, with a heavy heart, I will be pulling the shade Jeffree from my collection. Star retaliated with a series of tweets alleging that when he launched his makeup line, Von D became distant and unsupportive. She accused me of something that wasnt true, so I told her to fuck off and then blocked her number, he wrote. This whole situation is sad and gross. I dont need to clap back or make a video about someones post. Its getting trite. In the video that followed, Von D explained she could no longer condone Stars penchant for bullying and hate speech. The straw that broke the camels back, it seems, was when Von D learned of Stars failure to pay the artist who designed his beauty brands logo. She even went on to detail her role in the creation of his beauty brand, explaining how she linked Star to factories to assemble his line, and how her suggestions were put to use on the brands logo that he continues to use today. Stars history of bullying has been documented on social media. He launched a targeted attack against Kylie Jenner and her lip glosses, outlining his belief that they are made of inferior ingredients. Before Kylie, he raged against Lime Crime, though most were in agreement about his concerns. Educate yourself on where youre spending your hard earned money, he wrote on Instagram. A little over a year ago, he wore a jacket emblazoned with an image that resembles the Nazi eagle and posted it to Instagram. It received 25,000 likes. Most recently, blogger Stephanie Nicole outlined the brunt of his bullying in a video posted to YouTube. In it, she describes how Star lashed out at a young fan who gave a bad review on YouTube, how he issued a series of maligning Snapchats directed toward makeup artist Shayla Mitchell, and how, in an old video, he joked that throwing battery acid on a black womans face was needed to help her skin match her foundation. Its worth noting that obnoxiousness has been baked into Stars brand since the beginning. On one of his first singles, We Want Cunt, Star brandishes his tender hold on the English language against a backdrop of synthesized pop music, robotically cooing lines like Niggas on death row request me before their last meals, and Asian tourists scream when I walk down the street. They worship me like Jesus, praying at my feet. Just when you think hes exhausted his personal dictionary of insults, he sings, Im not doing your makeup, filthy preteen hoe. Spread em, forget em, and then say my name. Im Jeffree Fucking Star, of internet fame. Internet fame, of course, can quickly get ugly. Star denies not paying the logo artist for his work, and insists there are two sides to every story (he has yet to deny accusations of racism). Im traveling on a tour bus with bad wifi. My side of the story will be uploaded in a video tonight, he said on Snapchat Tuesday. We wait. UPDATE: On Wednesday evening, Jeffree Star uploaded a video to YouTube to explain his side of the story. In the 23-minute video, he says his relationship with Von D deteriorated after she broke off all forms of communication six months ago without any explanation. Providing text messages as evidence, he explains that he heard from Von D for the first time in six months on Friday, when she texted to inquire why he hadnt paid artist B.J. Betts for his contribution to the Jeffree Star Cosmetics logo. Both Betts and Star have since tweeted that all matters regarding payment have been resolved. Star emphasized his confusion and frustration at the events that transpired in the video below. Okay, Phyllis. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images In case you havent heard, women arent exactly lining up to support the Republican presidential candidate. Donald Trump has some serious issues where womens equality is concerned, and his vice-presidential pick, Mike Pence, isnt much better. But at least one woman is pulling hard for the Trump-Pence team because, quite simply, she doesnt think American women would be better off with a female president. Phyllis Schlafly, notorious anti-feminist and equal-rights amendment opponent, told Think Progress that theres no reason to put a woman in the White House. Our greatest presidents have all been men, she said, and theyve been very good for our country. Schlafly went on to agree with the Republican party platform, which makes no mention of equal pay or paid family leave. [Thats] not what we want at all, she said. Women dont need anything special. Weve got very generous family leave right now. I do think the support of the children is the responsibility of the husband, not the employer. To all those single moms out there: tough luck. But paid leave isnt her biggest point of contention that would be the opening of military combat roles to women, which Clinton has supported. Its terrible because once you go in the army, you go where youre told, and women are not suitable for combat and cant do combat as well as men, she said, despite evidence to the contrary. Its endangering the survival of our country to pretend that women can engage in military combat like men. Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images After members of the New York Liberty, the Phoenix Mercury, and the Indiana Fever began wearing slightly altered warm-up shirts as a response to the recent shootings of black people and police officers over the past few weeks, the WNBA has fined both the teams and the players for their statement. Because players warm-up shirts are not allowed to be altered in any way, even the slightest change is grounds for being fined. Members of the three teams have worn plain black warm-up shirts without their team logo, but with the Adidas branding. In the beginning of July, Minnesota Lynx players wore shirts that read, Change starts with us justice & accountability, in response to recent deadly shootings. Afterward, the WNBA sent out a reminder of the leagues uniform policy. But because the New York Liberty have worn the altered shirts four times, and the Mercury and Fever followed suit by wearing them on Tuesday, they are now on the receiving end of a league fine. Each team will be fined $5,000, and each player will be fined $500. holy fucking shit. thats my main torrent site Reply Thread Link Not sure how long this has been going on for, but Demonoid currently has open registration! Reply Parent Thread Link omg bless you! I was already breaking out my whiteboard trying to figure out where I was gonna download the latest mr. robot ep lol Reply Parent Thread Link Omg does it work as well as Kickass? This news just depressed I legit get everything from KAT Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Mte!! How am I going to watch casual and mr robot in Europe :( damn Reply Parent Thread Expand Link seriously! I was just on there last night! I can't believe this! Reply Parent Thread Link Same. Low key freaking out rn. Most times I would remember to turn on my VPN, but I know there were instances that I didnt. D: Reply Parent Thread Link FUCK NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Reply Thread Link shit Reply Thread Link NOOOOOOOO where do I go now? Reply Thread Link Fuck the US government, for this and another 1000000000000000000000000000000000000000 000000000+ reasons. Reply Thread Link MTE, putos gringos, they have to fuck us up in every way Reply Parent Thread Link number one reply for every problem in the world!! Reply Parent Thread Link why does america always ruins everything Reply Thread Link Thanks Obama. The US should focus on fighting drug dealers instead of Internet piracy or invading countries that have oil Reply Thread Link Um, no. The war on drugs should be over. Reply Parent Thread Link mfte Reply Parent Thread Link ia Reply Parent Thread Link no, screw the drug dealers. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lmao right...what kind of terrible opinion Reply Parent Thread Link he should be regulating downloaded pizzas Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Also: Copyright infringement exacts a large toll, a very human one, on the artists and businesses whose livelihood hinges on their creative inventions. Vaulin allegedly used the Internet to cause enormous harm to those artists." L M F A O Oh certainly, Hollywood is bleeding dry bc of torrents! lmao get the fuck out Reply Thread Link or maybe hollywood is bleeding dry because the shit their pushing out is not worth $15 a ticket or a $1 a song e-e Edited at 2016-07-21 04:18 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link l m a o ur icon Reply Parent Thread Link I agree. Concert tickets are expensive enough. Reply Parent Thread Link why wont somebody think of the filthy rich artists!! Reply Parent Thread Link Fucking literally mte and rme. Reply Parent Thread Link The smaller artists are bled dry. So maybe the companies should restructure...oh, wait. That's logic. Carry on, Hollywood. Carry on. Reply Parent Thread Link Well tbh I havent been using it after i got Apple Music.. Ok spill, what do ya'll use? Reply Thread Link Like I'm gonna tell you. Reply Parent Thread Link Ew Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I still use other sites but mainly depend on Apple Music now Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Apple Music or Spotify? Which one is superior and why? I use Spotify, but I don't know much about Apple Music so haven't really bothered checking it out? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Fuck. This site has become my go to torrent site. It definitely became better and more useful than piratebay for me. Reply Thread Link I do try not to use torrents anymore though because a couple years ago I got a couple letters from Charter lol. I'm too lazy for proxies and shit. Reply Parent Thread Link same here, i'm too cheap and lazy for a vpn so you can avoid getting busted if you don't seed? i need to know more Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I got a cease-and-desist letter from warner bros lol. Didn't have to pay the money but I stopped using torrents ever since. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link My sister got a notice for downloading Dallas Buyer's Club. Like, a legal notice. It was such bullshit. I honestly haven't torrented in AGES because I'm paranoid now. Reply Parent Thread Link Same here. Wtf am I gonna do now?! Lol Reply Parent Thread Link omg who is in your icon?? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link god damn it Reply Thread Link i stream 99% of things Reply Parent Thread Link Same. I did in high school (I graduated in 2007), but I didn't use them in college and never went back. I also only stream shows that don't air on the regular channels (Game of Thrones is really the only one now). Reply Parent Thread Link mte. i dont have a lot of storage on my computer so i dont want to deal with local files Reply Parent Thread Link stream or download if I'm desperate I can't trust torrents anymore after I had Morpheus and it pretty much destroyed my computer Reply Parent Thread Link but is the video HD? bc unless i'm using netflix, any stream i've tried in brazil is basically the worst ugh Reply Parent Thread Expand Link same Reply Parent Thread Link What sites do you use?? Reply Parent Thread Link lol i got an email from streaming game of thrones this year, probably since i let it keep going to watch veep after bc i was too lazy to close it. whoops. Reply Parent Thread Link same. i use spotify and stream any movie or show i want on primewire.ag too lazy to download shit to my computer Reply Parent Thread Link Same here. I don't really rewatch stuff anyways so streaming really saves a lot of space too. Reply Parent Thread Link GOD DAMMIT Reply Thread Link also: private server torrents, bitches Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I can never find invites for any of the private trackers. :( People always want to trade invites but the only one I belong to is Jpopsuki lmao. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I don't know any :( Reply Parent Thread Link hook this poor geoblocked european up please :( i couldn't even watch things legally if i'd want to Reply Parent Thread Link I wish I could snag an invite but I don't know anyone on those sites :( Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Ha! Well I hope he's not that either Reply Parent Thread Link lmao me too Reply Parent Thread Link m2 Reply Parent Thread Link same Reply Parent Thread Link Whoops. So did I Reply Parent Thread Link same Reply Parent Thread Link Me too. I was like... wait... was he??? Reply Parent Thread Link it would be easier to give him a nice send off saying maybe he's doing something amazing at starfleet academy rather than killing his character off Reply Thread Link I agree, just say he's retired from Starfleet or on leave or something. Killing the character off-screen is in poor taste imo Reply Parent Thread Link mte Reply Parent Thread Link i like the way they handled paul walker's death in furious 7 Reply Parent Thread Link I did not expect to cry in that movie, but I found the end really touching. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah I really hope they just say he's been reassigned to another ship or gone back to Starfleet for some more training. Reply Parent Thread Link exactly. there's no need to kill him off. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah, IA. Give the character a happy 'ending,' it's the least they can do. :\ Reply Parent Thread Link i think that's the route they will end up going for, it'd be kinda tasteless to kill him off and jj knows it Edited at 2016-07-21 02:44 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link how many are they making? surely 3 is enough for this series Reply Thread Link chris hemsworth is going to be back in #4 as kirk's dad according to jj so it's happening Reply Parent Thread Link Lol, I jokingly want them to just do some Back to the Future shit where they have to make sure Kirk's parents stay together in the past Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Enough to kill me Reply Parent Thread Link Why would they stop after 13 movies? Especially with a new Trek series coming out now? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link they should let him live on in the movies, no need to kill the character. just say he got reassigned or quit if you're to address it Reply Thread Link This is so sad and yeah, there's no need to kill him off. Sometimes, they really don't have a choice to kill characters off after an actor's death, but that's not the case here. Let Chekov live. Reply Thread Link just let him get a promotion or something, no need to kill him Reply Thread Link Yes. Give him some big success and let the end of his story be celebratory. No need to milk a real life tragedies for onscreen drama. Reply Parent Thread Link Awww ) --IANS mg/vm But later that day, I received the information that the national government had already accepted transfer of the shares. I immediately wrote to the prime minister, demanding that the shares be transferred to Bougainville. I was initially reassured that he understood the serious dangers involved in the national government accepting the equity. I believed he understood our concerns and was ready to consider the shares coming to Bougainville. WHEN I met prime minister Peter ONeill on Saturday 2 July, I was not aware that the national government had already accepted the transfer of 17.4% equity from Rio Tinto. I became much more concerned by the statement of the former minister responsible, Ben Micah, reported in the Post Courier of 12 July. He alleged that the negotiations with Rio Tinto about equity transfer had been under the direction of the prime minister. Micah said that he had been in discussions with Rio together with the prime minister and we have kept Mr. Momis abreast of our discussions. If there was cooperation between the prime minister and Mr Micah, that would be very worrying. But more importantly, it is completely untrue that the prime minister and Mr Micah have kept me advised of their discussions. To say so is a complete lie. My last discussion with them was in December 2015. At that time I was advising them of the Autonomous Bougainville Governments strong opposition to the national government taking over the Rio Tintos 53.8% equity in BCL. (They were then proposing to pay Rio Tinto US$100 million for those shares.) I also opposed their argument that the ABG say nothing about Rio having responsibility for environmental and other legacy issues. They feared that such concerns could damage their commercial negotiations with Rio Tinto. My last communication with them on the issues was my letter to the prime minister of 10 December 2015. Since then I have not had a single word from them about their thinking about the BCL shares. If, as Mr. Micah says, they have kept working on this, then they have done it in complete secrecy, with not a word to me or the ABG. That secrecy in unacceptable to Bougainville, for they are playing with rights to Bougainvilles resources as if the issues do not have anything to do with Bougainville. But in a response to my letter to the Prime Minister of 3 July, received through his chief of staff, the prime minister provided assurances to me that: He was not aware of the acceptance by national government-owned company Petromin, of the transfer of the 17.4% equity; and He was willing to ask the National Executive Council [Cabinet] to re-consider the issue of that transfer of the equity. Whatever happened in negotiations between PNG and Rio Tinto, my demand is that the prime minister honours his most recent assurances. So he must ensure the earliest possible decision to transfer the 17.4% equity to the ABG. If that does not occur, then the relationship between the ABG and the national government, indeed, between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea, will come under terrible pressure. I wrote to the Prime Minister again on Monday 18 July, strongly advising him that he now has an opportunity to end the tension developing over the shares issues. In a single move, he can develop a new and more positive relationship between his government and Bougainville. I have urged the prime minister to resolve the issues, once and for all. I have asked him to do so in advance of the motion of no confidence on Friday 22 July. This is an opportunity for him to counter allegations against the prime minister and his government. He can send a strong signal to the whole country of his creative and unifying leadership, and of hope for the future. Bougainville has come full circle. We are back to where we were in 1997, at the beginning of the peace process. Then we were deeply divided. Only by unifying and working together could we successfully negotiate the Bougainville Peace Agreement. But in the period since the agreement was signed, it has become clear that some divisions remain. We have two groups of Meekamui people that oppose one another in claiming to be the true government of Bougainville. The leader of U-Vistract, a failed Ponzi fraud scheme, claims to head a kingdom of Papaala, that he says is somehow in charge of Bougainville. We have small outside mining interests, with very poor track records, that have linked up with small Bougainville factions. We have a greedy adviser to a silly landowner leader causing new divisions. We have a small group now of seven or eight former combatants from outside the Panguna area claiming that they will decide what happens there. We even have a supposedly educated Bougainvillean, who has been outside Bougainville for years, now coming back and trying to scare our people with false awareness campaigns, telling complete lies. They include claims that the Bougainville Mining Act is against the people. She tells former combatants that the amnesty under the peace agreement will end in 2020, and that they will then face the death penalty under PNG Law. We, the true leaders or the only true government of Bougainville, must unite against these unfortunate, deluded, and irresponsible people who are seeking their own advantage by sowing division and confusion. Only by uniting can we make real progress in the next stage of our efforts to build lasting peace in Bougainville. So I am asking the elected leaders of Bougainville to work with me to unite the people of Bougainville around two main issues. First, we must unite in demanding that the whole of the Rio 53.8% shareholding in BCL be transferred to the ABG. Second, we must unite in developing the strongest possible international campaign to apply all necessary pressure on Rio Tinto to accept its mine legacy issues such as the needs of relocated villages. At the same time we must work to persuade the national government to accept its responsibilities for Panguna legacy issues. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday squarely blamed Pakistan for the present unrest in Jammu and and also said that the neighbouring country is "sponsoring" terrorism in India. "There can be no denying the fact that our neighbour (Pakistan) is singularly responsible for the present deterioration of the situation in the state," Singh said while replying to a short-duration discussion in the Lok Sabha that was taken up on Wednesday. The terrorism that India is witnessing today is "Pakistan-sponsored", the Home Minister said, adding that though the country was "created in the name of religion", Pakistan "has failed to keep itself united," he said. Rajnath Singh said is the integral part of the country and Pakistan was keeping an evil eye on it. " is India's crown (Mukut). It is heaven and the neighbouring country is keeping an evil eye on it. I am hopeful that the pride of Kashmir will be restored," he said. Taking strong exception to the 'Black Day' Pakistan observed after the killing of Hizb-ul operative Burhan Wani, Rajnath Singh trained guns at the neighbouring country, saying: "The terrorist was involved in various heinous crimes and activities, and Pakistan need not worry about Muslims in India." "Pakistan came into existence in the name of religion but failed to keep the Muslims together and underwent a division. Most of its parts are troubled. So, it will be better for them if they could keep them united," he said and also invoked former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's poem to suggest that those who fuel fire in the homes of others get caught in the same blaze. Referring to Vajpayee's famous lines -- "Chingari ka khel bura hota hai" (To play with fire is often dangerous), Rajnath Singh sought to caution Pakistan against its continued role in sponsoring terrorism. He also sought support of all the political parties and the members to make united efforts to restore peace in Kashmir. "The situation in the Kashmir Valley is steadily returning to the normalcy. The essential commodities are being supplied in the curfew clamped areas and the ban which has been imposed on internet has been lifted," he said. Rajnath Singh also said the NDA government at the Centre is pursuing Vajpayee's roadmap of "Kashmiriyat, Jamhooriyat and Insaniyat (Kashmiri spirit, democracy and humanity)" towards Kashmir but at the same time there is no room for "inhumanity and violence". He denied that the security forces were harsh while controlling protesting mobs in the valley and hastened to add that personally he would always favour that minimum force is used to maintain control. The minister admitted that "there could be some aberrations" in the form of high-handedness by security forces. On use of lethal weapons and pellet bullets, which have caused large number of injuries, including eye wounds, the minister said the home ministry will soon set up an expert committee to explore "alternative" to such weapons. "The committee will study use of other non-lethal weapons in lieu of pellet guns. It will set up an expert committee to find an alternative to pellet guns used by security forces to control protesters in the valley. The committee will submit its report within two months," he said. Rajnath Singh also informed the house that 38 civilians lost their lives and one security personnel died while 2,180 persons were injured in the clashes in the valley following Wani's death. On the demands of an all-party delegation to be sent to Kashmir, the Home Minister said: "I have spoken to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who said it could be discussed when she comes to Delhi in the next 2-3 days as the situation there was returning to normal." "I myself wanted to go there and stay in a guest house to establish dialogue with the people," Rajnath Singh said. He named Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin -- Pakistan-based terror heads -- for fuelling tension in Jammu and Kashmir following the July 8 killing of Burhan Wani. --IANS bns/bim/vt Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said Pakistan is trying to destabilise India by sponsoring terrorism. "Pakistan is trying to destabilise India," Singh said in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on the situation in Kashmir. "If terrorism is there in India then it is due to Pakistan which is sponsoring terrorism," the Home Minister said. "Our neighbour is conspiring to disturb the situation in the Kashmir Valley in the name of the religion," Singh alleged. He stressed the situation in Kashmir would soon become normal. "I am confident that the pride and fame of Kashmir will be restored," Singh asserted. Lashing out at Pakistan, Singh said: "They broke off from India in the name of religion, but today they are broken in two parts because of terrorism. Every day they are fighting against it." has said it would ask the US government to declassify files pertaining to the December 1989 invasion in which a military action led to the capture of dictator Manuel Noriega for drug trafficking and left between 500 and 5,000 persons dead, the media reported on Thursday. The Panamanian government would submit the request on behalf of a special commission it launched to determine how many persons were killed, identify the victims and make a record of the human rights violations committed, Efe news reported. At least 26,000 US troops invaded on December 20, 1989, to capture Noriega, who surrendered two weeks later and was subsequently convicted in the US of drug trafficking, money-laundering and other charges. Noriega, 82, the former strongman is currently serving a lengthy sentence in for the murder of dissidents, embezzlement and corruption. On Wednesday, Panamanian Vice President and Foreign Minister Isabel De Saint Malo established the so-called Special Commission of December 20 to head the probe and said the ministry would ask the US to declassify the documents at the panel's request. Among other objectives, the commission will also be tasked with recommending victims' reparation proposals with the help of law experts. The special commission will receive support from the UN Development Programme and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights office. The process of forming the commission began in January 2015, when the Panamanian government said it met victims of the invasion to determine the panel's members and objectives. Key Indian equity indices on Friday closed on a flat-to-positive note as profit booking along with caution ahead of upcoming macro-economic data points eroded investors' risk-taking appetite. According to market observers, caution over ahead of the RBI's monetary policy review and a long weekend also forced investors to vacate some of their positions. The wider 51-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) provisionally closed at 9,788.60 points -- up 19.65 points or 0.20 per cent. The 30-scrip Sensitive Index of the BSE, which opened at 31,367.25 points, provisionally closed at 31,283.72 points -- up 1.24 points (at 3.30 p.m.), from its previous close at 31,282.48 points. The Sensex touched a high of 31,523.87 points and a low of 31,243.71 points during intra-day trade. --IANS rv/vm (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday visited Una town in Gujarat and met the family members of Dalit men who were brutally assaulted by cow protection vigilantes last week. Balu, the father of a Dalit youth who was beaten up, showed his wounds to Gandhi at the Mota Samadhiyala village. Gandhi assured he would do "everything in his power" to get justice for the victims. The Gujarat Police arrested seven more persons on Wednesday in connection with the July 11 incident. The Dalit men were beaten up for skinning a dead cow. --IANS mak/rn/vm Polish scientists have developed a portable device enabling pregnant women to examine the state of their baby, including its heart rate, early detection of placenta abruption, baby's hypoxia or being tied with the umbilical cord. The device, Pregnabit, is aimed at prevention and early detection of possible threats for pregnancy, Xinhua reported. "Early detection of threats contributes to quicker reaction and implementing suitable medical procedure. Thus the baby's life can be saved by, for example, performing caesarean section," Patrycja Wizinska-Socha, a researcher working on this device, was quoted as saying. According to the Polish Press Agency, the newly-developed equipment uses professional probes like a traditional cardiotocography technology (CTG) device. However, it is much smaller and portable, thus enabling women to take them home and perform self-examinations at any time and place. The device can be placed on a pregnant woman's belly with a special belt. The examination takes about 30 minutes. After collecting data, the device sends it to a medical tele-monitoring centre where well-qualified personnel analyse results. The device is expected to enter the market in 2016 and will be aimed at doctors, midwives and schools of childbirth first. "Sex Chat with Pappu & Papa", a fiction web series which seeks to delve into hitherto taboo subjects like condoms and homosexuality, will be launched in 15 languages. Y-Films, the youth wing of Yash Raj Films, has come up with the five-part fictional series which will deliver information across different themes related to sex and sexuality. The film will be dubbed in six Indian languages Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Bengali, and also subtitled in 10 international languages, including English, Chinese, French, Dutch, Spanish, German, Bahasa, Malay and Thai, to begin with to get this important message out to as many people as possible, read a statement. Starring Anand Tiwari, Kabir Sajid, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Alka Amin and veteran Sachin Pilgaonkar, the series marks the directorial debut of Ashish Patil, who heads Y-Films. It is written by Gopal Datt and Devang Kakkad with story supervision by Amritpal Bindra and Anand Tiwari. Patil said: "Most parents clam up when having to talk to kids about the 'birds and the bees'. Research clearly shows that sex talk with parents is directly linked to safer sexual behaviour. "We're here to help get this important chat started -- in 15 languages -- after all. Hence, we're also delighted to have partners like Durex on board help us get this message out to as many people as possible globally." "Sex Chat with Pappu & Papa" tells the story of the Watsa family. It will feature a curious seven-year-old boy Pappu, who asks the most outrageous questions of his Papa, Anand, who attempts to answer them to the best of his ability -- initially with a lot of awkwardness and eventually with a lot of fun and simple anecdotes. The series is presented by condom brand Durex. The content has been heavily researched and ratified by some of the foremost medical experts, top hormonal, gynecological doctors of the country. --IANS sug/rb/vt With the makers of the film 'Flying Jatt' not taking remedial action despite objections over the use of a Sikh religious symbol, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is mulling legal action against them. At a meeting of the SGPC held here on Thursday under the chairmanship of its President Avtar Singh Makkar, it was decided to initiate legal action if the makers of the film did not remove the objectionable scenes. The SGPC is demanding that use of 'Khanda', a Sikh religious symbol, by the hero of the film Tiger Shroff on his back and his attire be removed from the film. "We will not tolerate misuse of religious symbols of Sikh in films. This is hurting religious sentiments of the Sikhs," the SGPC President said here. The promo of the film was released recently by Balaji Films, the producer of the film. SGPC Additional Secretary Diljit Singh Bedi said the objection was regarding the hero's turban, attire, and 'Khanda' sign on the back. Bedi said the SGPC had sent a communication to the film producers in November last year objecting to the use of the 'Khanda' symbol but got no response. On December 30, SGPC President Makkar wrote to the producers again but the scenes were not removed. Besides Tiger Shroff, the film features actress Jacqueline Fernandez and professional wrestler Nathan Jones. Bedi said the film's producers were trying to provoke the Sikhs and would be responsible for the consequences. --IANS js/bim/dg As the United States and Cuba mark one year of resumption of full diplomatic ties, the top priority for Havana remains ending the decades old US economic embargo, a senior official here said. Josefina Vidal, North America Director in the Cuban Foreign Ministry, on Wednesday said the process of fully normalising bilateral relations would be "long and complex" and could only occur if the embargo, imposed in 1962, was eliminated, EFE news reported. Vidal, the island's chief negotiator since the thaw began in December 2014, said the "dissuasive and punitive components" of the embargo were still having a negative impact on the Cuban economy. US President Barack Obama's visit to Cuba in March was "an important step" towards improving relations and an opportunity to present the island's position on "priority" and sensitive issues on their bilateral agenda such as human rights, she said. Asked how much more Obama can achieve before leaving the Presidency in January 2017, she said Cuba was hopeful the US President would use all executive powers at his disposal to change the existing US policy and ensure the continuity of the new bilateral stage. "In short, (the president) can do much more to make the process irreversible going forward," Vidal said of Obama, whose administration has already taken steps such as restoring direct postal services between the US and Cuba and giving airlines approval to provide services to the island as early as the fall. Referring to the impact of the upcoming US presidential elections on the bilateral dialogue, she said the island was hopeful that the next president would heed the wishes of the US public, adding that Americans support the shift in policy towards Cuba by "a very wide margin". On July 20 last year, the two former Cold War enemies initiated their bilateral thaw by upgrading their respective interest sections to formal embassies. Venture capital funding in healthcare IT sector has reached $3 billion globally in the first half of 2016, says a report by global communications and consulting firm Mercom Capital Group. Venture capital funding in the Health IT sector, including private equity and corporate venture capital, came in at $1.6 billion in 140 deals in the April-June quarter of 2016 compared to $1.4 billion in 146 deals in January-March quarter, 2016, Mercom Capital said in a statement on Thursday. There were 12 Indian Healthcare IT companies that received VC funding during April-June, the report said. "The big reason for the jump in VC funding was record fundraising by Chinese companies. This is the first time since 2010 that health IT companies in the US have been outraised by other countries," said Raj Prabhu, CEO and Co-Founder of Mercom Capital Group. VC Funding for US companies fell by almost 37 percent quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) and Chinese companies for the first time emerged as the top healthcare IT funding recipients, the report said. Among the notable Indian transaction in the latest quarter, Gurgaon-based online price shopping and drug delivery company 1mg (previously HealthKartPlus) raised $16 million in funding from Maverick Capital Ventures, Sequoia India and Omidiyar Network, the statement added. Bangalore-based developer of a health and fitness mobile app HealthifyMe raised $6 million in funding from IDG Ventures India, Inventus Capital and Blume Ventures. --IANS gb/dg Tom Dadey believes Republicans have a choice to make: They can either support the GOP ticket of Donald Trump and Gov. Mike Pence or they can vote for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. "I think Donald Trump is going to win by a comfortable margin at the end of the day," Dadey, the Onondaga County Republican chairman, said by phone from Cleveland. Dadey is in Ohio for the Republican National Convention, which concludes Thursday when Trump, a Manhattan real estate mogul, is expected to accept the party's nomination for president. The experience in Cleveland, Dadey said, has been "very exciting." He was with the New York delegation Tuesday night when the state GOP voted and Trump officially became the party's presidential nominee. New York Republican Chairman Ed Cox spoke before the vote. Following his remarks, Donald Trump Jr. announced that his father won 89 delegates in his home state. "After (Trump Jr.) was done, I reached over and gave him a fist bump," Dadey said. The convention began Monday and has featured several prime-time speakers over the past three days. The speakers included former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who Dadey says "blew the roof off" Quicken Loans Arena with his fiery address Monday night. The daily events also include breakfasts hosted by the New York GOP. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich spoke at one of the breakfast events and declared New York "in play" in 2016. Dadey, who was one of the first New York county GOP chairs to endorse Trump, agrees with Gingrich. He believes Trump can be competitive and even win the Empire State. The last Republican presidential candidate to win New York was Ronald Reagan in 1984. "I think Trump is going to do very well upstate. I know he is. I've seen some polling to that effect," Dadey said. "He's going to do well in the suburbs. He's doing really well on Long Island. And if he gets 30 percent of the vote in New York City, Hillary Clinton's got a real problem." The convention will wrap Thursday night with Trump's acceptable speech and other speakers, including his daughter Ivanka and Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus. Dadey summed up the entire program in one word: Excellent. "The crescendo is clearly building to Thursday night," he said. Oil and gas major Cairn India on Thursday said it is working to merge with its parent, London-listed Vedanta Resources at a time when key shareholder, the state-run Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), is yet to give its assent to the merger. "Your company continues to work towards completion of merger with Vedanta," Cairn India chairman Navin Agarwal told shareholders at the company's 10th annual general meeting here. "Your company will get access to Vedanta's tier-one metal and mining assets, which are well-invested, low cost and have a long life," he said. Under the proposed merger, a Cairn India shareholder will get one Vedanta equity share and 7.5 preference shares for every Cairn India share. LIC, as the single largest domestic minority shareholder, owns 9.06 per cent in Cairn India and 3.9 per cent stake in Vedanta. The Anil Agarwal-led natural resources firm Vedanta Ltd. received approvals last September from both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the NSE on the company's proposal to merge with its hydrocarbons subsidiary Cairn India. Merging Cairn India with itself would provide Vedanta access to the oil explorer's cash and help reduce its debt burden. Vedanta took majority control of Cairn India for $8.67 billion in 2011 and holds 59.9 percent in the latter through its various units. "We will continue to invest in our existing assets to increase production and maximize economic recovery. I remain confident that your company will play a pivotal role in India's quest for energy security," said Cairn India's fiscal 2016 annual report quoting Navin Agarwal. The company's polymer flood projects at Mangala in Rajasthan continued to yield positive results and contributed an average of 14,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, during the year the report said. Amid the low global oil price environment, Cairn India has focused on optimising costs, building talent and capabilities and keeping employees focussed on goals and priorities of the organisation, enabling the company to generate free cash flow over $637 million, it added. Despite steep drop in crude oil prices, Cairn India adhered to its stated dividend policy with a pay-out amounts to 31.6 per cent of the company's annual consolidated normalized net profit, the chairman said. --IANS bc/vd Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) President Mayawati believes her party colleagues regard her not just as their behenji (sister) but also as their devi (goddess). I enjoyed reading the article, "Trump and the Sultan" by Thomas L Friedman (July 21). I agree with Friedman that if Donald Trump wins the race to the White House it will be a sad day for America. I would go a step further and say it will be a sad day for India and the world, too. Foreign groups dealing with potential Chinese buyers have a new regulatory headache. Conglomerate HNA Group has delayed a shareholder vote on its $6-billion bid for US electronics distributor Ingram Micro after the Shanghai Stock Exchange belatedly raised questions about the deal. It's another reason for companies to treat suitors from the People's Republic with scepticism. BJP on Thursday hit out at former home minister P Chidambaram over his radical proposal on the issue, saying it compromises the security and asserted that the Modi government will secure the unity and integrity of the country without any compromise. Senior party leader and Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said wisdom had dawned on the senior Congress leader after his party lost power and asked what the governments of "Nehru ji to Sonia ji" did all these years. "This is nothing but cheap . This compromises security of India," he told a press conference and termed Chidambaram's comments objectionable, saying it was least expected from a former home minister. Chidambaram had on Wednesday advocated restoring the "grand bargain" under which had acceded to India by granting a large degree of autonomy, warning that otherwise the country will have to pay a "heavy price". He also suggested relaxing AFSPA. "After losing power, he is giving sermons. Our party and government are committed to the unity and security of the country. Its unity and integrity is paramount and not the life of a terrorist. We will secure it without any compromise whatsoever," Naidu said. Attacking Chidambaram over his reported comments that there is a sense of fear in over the PDP's alliance with BJP, he said Congress aligned with Conference and PDP all these years and was not able to digest the "historical turn" the state had taken with the PDP-BJP alliance in power. "He speaks about broken promises. He should say which promises. Now he remembers them. Congress ruled the country for all these years. It formed governments with NC and PDP. He was the home minister. He should say which were the promises not fulfilled. "What did successive governments, from Nehru ji to Sonia ji, do?... This is nothing but doing over national security for short term benefits," Naidu said, targeting some "armed-chair" politicians and sections of media. The Kashmir problem was not caused by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and people know who were in power and how they handled it, he said targeting Congress governments. The government, Naidu said, was equally committed to the development of Kashmir and referred to Modi's visits to review developmental activities. Referring to the killing of Burhan Wani, which sparked protests in the valley, he accused some parties and columnists of directly or indirectly showing sympathies with the terrorist, who was wanted in 15 murder cases, by making it a big issue. "How can anybody sympathise with terrorists?... Those who are carrying out propaganda about Kashmir are doing injustice to the country," he said. If security forces make mistakes, there is mechanism within system to redress them, he said. Targeting Pakistan, Naidu said one can realise the extent of frenzy it is trying to build over the issue as he accused it of funding and abetting terrorism and referred to the Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Sayeed's mention of Wani at a meeting there. It is waging a proxy war against India, he said. Opposition parties are carrying out misinformation campaign against the government due to the prime minister's rising popularity, he claimed. He also made a mention of Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia's remarks in the Lok Sabha that there should be "plebiscite" in Kashmir and said Scindia clarified to him that he did not mean it. Scindia had used Urdu word 'Rai shumari' which, he later clarified, was meant for dialogue. Attacking BJP over Una Dalits assault incident, CPI (M) on Thursday asked the Gujarat government to disband committees and crack down on rabid communal outfits purveying "anti-Dalit" and "anti-Muslim" sentiments. "It is not enough for the state government to arrest culprits involved in the Una outrage. It must act to disband the committees and crack down on the rabid communal outfits which are purveying anti-Dalit and anti-Muslim sentiments," ex-CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat said. Karat made the remarks in the editorial of forthcoming issue of party mouthpiece 'People's Democracy'. Likening the Una assault to the "barbaric" lynching of five Dalit men in Jhajjar in Haryana in 2012, Karat said attacks on Muslims and Dalits, who are engaged in the trade of cattle and leather, have taken place in parts of the country in recent months. The committees, he claimed, conduct vigilante actions against Muslims and Dalits and cited killing of Mohammad Akhlaq in Dadri and hanging of two cattle traders in Jharkhand are two recent "shocking" examples in this regard. The Marxist leader also said that the Gujarat incident has exposed "carefully-constructed Dalit prem" of BJP-RSS combine. "The BJP central government had made a big show of observing the 125th birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar. At the same time, the BJP government in Maharashtra has presided over the demolition of the historic building which had housed the office of Dr Ambedkar in Dadar, Mumbai," he said. The efforts made by the Sangh parivar to reach out to dalits have been phenomenal. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) announced a countrywide programme inviting all savarna VHP activists, no matter where they live, to adopt one Dalit family and treat them as an extension of their own family which means mingling with them, sharing meals, water and celebrating festivals. India on Thursday lashed out at Pakistan for inciting and supporting terrorism in Jammu and and instead asked it to vacate its illegal occupation of Pakistan-occupied- (POK). In a sharp reaction over anti-India rallies being held in Pakistan and other statements emanating from there over the situation in Kashmir, the External Affairs Ministry said India strongly condemns encouragement and support to the UN-designated terrorists and their activities from Pakistan. Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup also said that in view of threats of marches and protests at the High Commission of India in Islamabad, Pakistan should ensure full safety and security of Indian officials and their families there. "We have seen reports about rallies, events and statements related to J&K in Pakistan and POK over the last two days. We have also noted that the events were led by the UN- designated terrorists, who had in the past protested the elimination of dreaded terrorists including Osama bin Laden and Taliban leader Akhtar Mansour in Pakistan," swarup said. "India strongly condemns the encouragement and support which such terrorists and their activities receive from Pakistan's state. We once again ask Pakistan to stop inciting and supporting violence and terrorism in any part of our country and refrain from its deplorable meddling in our internal affairs in any manner," the Spokesperson added. Asserting that the observance of 'Kashmir's Accession to Pakistan Day' exposes Pakistan's longing for the territory of J&K, Swarup said,"India demands that Pakistan must fulfil the obligation to vacate its illegal occupation of POK." India also asked Pakistan to stop misleading the international community and Kashmiris through meaningless exercises such as the so-called elections on Thursday in POK, which Pakistan ironically calls 'Azad' (free). At least 43 people have died and more than 3,000 have been injured in the violence that erupted in after the killing of 22-year-old terrorist Burhan Wani by security forces on July 8. India has accused Pakistan of not only pushing in terrorists but also fanning discontent within the Valley by providing support to terrorist outfits in fomenting the recent trouble in Kashmir. Pakistan used Wani's killing to needle India at the United Nations and issued statements where it accused India of atrocities in Kashmir. Pakistan also observed 'Black Day' on July 19 to express solidarity with the people of the Valley over the killing of Wani. Trinamool Congress' supremo today set the stage for Lok Sabha elections in 2019 from the platform of Martyrs' Day, which happens to be Trinamool Congress' biggest annual public event. Despite some relief over the past week, we are still in a drought here in Cayuga County (in addition to most of central New York). Officially, the state has declared parts of Cayuga County as experiencing a "severe" drought, and it is the first drought watch issued statewide in more than 10 years. While there are no public regulations on water usage, some of us might be a bit worried about well levels, and even for those on public water systems, conserving water is a great idea, drought or otherwise. Todd Walter, director of the state Water Resources Institute and a professor at Cornell, has done a great job explaining the current drought. Walter explains that the low stream flow, up until recently, had been attributable to little snowpack in our area. A more normal winter snowpack would have meant steady stream levels as late as June, but now that the lack of rain has reached well into July, the blame for low stream flow can be shifted to the drought. According to Art Gaetano of the Northeast Regional Climate Center at Cornell, our spring (March-June) was the lowest recorded rainfall in the Ithaca area. The lack of snow didnt help our winter only brought about three quarters of the average precipitation. While it is well-established that we are in a drought, most people will wonder at what point our area will recover. Unfortunately, it isnt as simple as a good rainfall, such as the one that parts of central New York experienced last week. While a good rain can do a lot to boost lawns and other plants, it doesnt really solve the problem that we are experiencing in general, which is a lack of groundwater. And in order for groundwater to recharge, we need a longer period of steady or regular rainfall, not just one big storm. Groundwater is recharged when rain falls on soil that is already saturated, causing water to leave the root zone. Additionally and you may have noticed this a particularly hard rainfall can have minimal impact if it ends up running off. During particularly heavy rainfall events, the ground becomes so saturated so quickly that additional water runs off rather than filtering through the soil, leading potentially to erosion, flooding or other problems. What about climate change? Walter explains that, although specific weather events are difficult to link to climate change, we look set to see conditions like last winters more often. An additional possibility, as Ive discussed in past columns, is that climate change increases the likelihood of longer dry spells punctuated by stronger, shorter rainfall events, such as what weve experienced this summer. The drought is significant. What can we as individuals do? It is hard for us, surrounded by beautiful fresh water resources, to realize the importance and value of fresh water. But we need to work to preserve our natural resources, including and especially water, by reducing waste. There are many ways to reduce water consumption, and many of them can be practiced simply by paying more attention to how much we use as we go about our day-to-day lives. While the government is likely to reach out to the Congress for the smooth passage of the constitution amendment Bill on goods and services tax (GST) and senior ministers might meet Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi for negotiations, several new Bills are scheduled to be tabled in the Lok Sabha next week. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is nervous about the fallout of the anti-Dalit violence in Gujarat and the derogatory comments on Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati by one of its leaders. BJP on Thursday termed as "political pilgrimage" and "photo-op" Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi's visit to Gujarat following attacks on some Dalit men and accused the opposition of trying to make political capital out of social tensions. With the party coming under increasing attack from opposition over its "anti-dalit" stand, senior party leader M Venkaiah Naidu sought to highlight its pro-Dalit and pro- weaker sections credentials by noting that it had highest number of SC, ST and OBC Members of Parliament. He claimed in a press conference that the opposition was afraid because weaker sections of the society were moving to the BJP and the Modi government was "immensely popular". So they have launched a disinformation campaign against it, he alleged. They are doing so because of the UP assembly polls, he said. "They, including our main rival (Congress) are instigating one community against another," he said. Attacking Gandhi over his Gujarat visit, the Information and Broadcasting Minister said he did not find time to visit Kerala where a Dalit girl was raped and murdered and the Hyderabad university, where many dalit students committed suicide during the UPA government. He also targeted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over his likely visit to the place on Friday. "Now they are making a political pilgrimage. It is nothing but an attempt to make political capital out of social tensions," he said. Taking a swipe at Gandhi over reports that he dozed off in Parliament during the debate on the issue of attack on Dalits, he said "Now he is doing a photo-op. We know what he was doing in Parliament". At another press conference, party spokesperson Vijay Sonkar Shastri hit back at Gandhi over his remarks that the Dalit protest in Gujarat was an outcome of fight between two ideologies with Gandhi-Nehru-Ambedkar on one hand and BJP on the other. He should not "misguide" the country with his "lack of knowledge" of history and eyeing Dalit votes. "Does Rahul know how much difference was there between the ideologies of Ambedkar and Congress? Nehru had created such a situation that Ambedkar had to leave Union government. Congress did not even confer him with Bharat Ratna. Attacking the BJP and RSS over the Dalit thrashing incident, on Thursday said "weaker sections are being terrorised and trampled upon in Gujarat", a state that Prime Minister Narendra Modi projects as a "model." On a day's visit, the Congress vice-president also met the kin of the tannery workers who were beaten up allegedly by self-styled vigilante for skinning a dead cow and assured them of all help. He also visited the hospital in Rajkot where the victims are admitted and said weaker sections of the society are being terrorised and trampled upon in Gujarat and vowed to defeat the "RSS ideology" not only in the state but the entire country. Rahul said the parents of the victims whom he met told him that their children were beaten up by 40 people on July 11. "Mother and father said that they do not see any way out. In Modiji's Gujarat, we are being beaten, terrorised and trampled every day," he told reporters at Rajkot airport after meeting the victims. "Modiji talks about Gujarat model, but here whosoever raises his voice against their ideology, whoever asks for education, whoever stands against big corporates, are trampled upon and suppressed," Rahul said. "What is this fight? This is is a fight of two ideologies. On the one side are (Mahatma) Gandhiji, Sardar Patel, (Jawaharlal) Nehruji, Babasaheb Ambedkar, and on the other hand is RSS, (M S) Golwalkar (Former RSS Chief) and Narendra Modiji," he said. "I told the victims that we will defeat this ideology not only in Gujarat but in the whole country," he said. Bringing up Rohith Vemula suicide issue, Rahul linked the Hyderabad campus incident with suicide attempts by youths during the ongoing dalit protests in Gujarat . "Some time back, I went to Hyderabad. There the youth had committed suicide. The government in Delhi attacked the same family were demanding their rights," he said. "Today I went to the hosptial here, where eleven people from different parts of the state who tried to commit suicide are admitted. What does this means, it means that in entire Gujarat, weak people, whichever caste they belong to who do not have money, are being suppressed," the Congress scion said. Earlier, family members of the victims said Gandhi felt "ashamed" that such incidents are taking place in India. In a crackdown on cattle smugglers in Haryana, 18 cows were rescued in Bhiwani district in the wee hours today. The truck ferrying the cattle was asked to stop for checking during patrolling on Dadri road in Bhiwani. However, instead of halting, the driver sped the vehicle towards Dadri, Secretary of Regional Transport Authority and City Magistrate, Mahesh Kumar said. On being chased, the truck was left abandoned at Ramnagar village with 19 cows. The three occupants of the truck fled from the scene. Police has impounded the truck. However, as the animals were crammed in the vehicle beyond capacity, one of them died due to suffocation. The other cows have been shifted to a 'gaushala' (cow shed), Kumar said, adding a case was registered. About two million Chinese couples had applied to have a second child last year before the government officially junked its over three and half decades old controversial one-child policy, official media said today. The government first eased the restriction by allowing a second child for parents, if one of them is an only child. At the end of 2015, Chinese lawmakers passed a historic legislation allowing all couples to have two children from January 1, 2016 ending its over three and half decades old policy that prevented over 400 million births in the country. The one-childpolicy, implemented from 1978, restricted China's population to over 1.357 billion as per census in 2013. Despite massive publicity to the lifting of the one-child policy, the two child rule has evoked less enthusiasm among 100 million qualified couples who are eligible to have second childas they are not keendue to heavy costs involved in bringing up anotherbaby. The National Health and Family Planning Commission today issued a bulletin saying that 89.2 per cent of the migrant population have access to free family planning. The commission said the government spent 11.2 billion yuan (USD 1.7 billion) last year on the support of rural households exercising family planning, up by 1.46 billion yuan from 2014 and benefiting over nine million individuals. China has a population of 1.3 billion, the largest of any country in the world. A total of 239 rhinos were killed by poachers in the last 16 years in Assam, Forest Minister Pramila Rani Brahma said today. Replying to a query of Congress MLA Ajanta Neog during Question Hour in the Assembly, Brahma said the 239 rhinos were killed by poachers from 2001 to July 2016. "The morale of forest staff is very low. There is no proper basic amenities. Transit camps are in dilapidated conditions and there are no facilities of drinking water. They do not even get their ration every month - it is given only once or twice in a year," she said. The minister said the department had employed casual staff, but unfortunately their pays are not regular. "It is said that money is sanctioned for uniforms, but they do not get it... How will they survive? I discussed the issue with the chief minister as we are serious about stopping poaching," Brahma said. She said the equipment, including arms such as .303 rifles, are of very old technology and most times there is scarcity of bullets. "We need to modernise the equipment. We need to provide good transit camps, uniforms, shoes and all other facilities. My first priority is to prevent poaching, but I cannot claim that I will be able to fully eliminate poaching," Brahma said, adding that there is a big international racket operating for rhino horns for its medicinal value. "In Assam, a horn is sold for Rs 1.5 lakh and above. Once it crosses international border, its value touches crore. In Myanmar, it is Rs two crore and it is Rs three crore in China. So unless we break this racket, sporadic incidents of poaching will continue," the minister said. She informed the house that a total of 705 poachers have been identified and 661 of them have been arrested since 2001. Congress MLA Rakibul Hussain appealed to all parties and organisations to rise above politics on rhino poaching issue and condemn the poachers strongly instead of blaming each other. On BJP MLA Padma Hazarika's allegation that government officials, including police, are involved in poaching, Brahma said she does not have any proof of that yet. She also said a video-monitored counting will be initiated soon on each treasury across the state to evaluate how many horns are stored and if those are real or made of bamboo. (REOP CES9) In a written reply to a separate query by Padma Hazarika, Brahma said the forest department is working on a roadmap till 2030 to face emerging challenges from various quarters. "We are expecting to rebuild the department with a new vision. We have formed different committees to work on various aspects. We hope that within the next three months, the Strategic Paper will be ready," she added. This long-term vision will focus on development of forest for the benefit of the future generation, the minister said. The government, she said, is currently working on short-term goal of modernising the arms and equipment for an allocation of Rs 25 crore under non-Plan section. Besides, the forest department has initiated many steps for modernisation under Assam Project on Bio-Diversity Conservation, Brahma added. A total of 518 Indians including 55 civilian prisoners are languishing in various jails in Pakistan, the Government informed the Rajya Sabha today. Replying to a question, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said the total prisoners included 463 fishermen. "As per the list exchanged between the governments of India and Pakistan on July 1, there are 518 prisoners who are Indian or believed to be Indian in Pakistani jails," he said. About incidents of attacks on members of the minority community in Bangladesh, Singh said India was closely monitoring the situation, adding Bangladeshi authorities have conveyed that their investigations into past attacks suggest that these are the handiwork of local radical and terrorists outfits. To a question on 39 Indians abducted by ISIS in June 2014, Singh said government was actively following up the case and taking all necessary steps to secure their release. The Minister, to a separate question, said a total of 22,286 Indians died in 110 countries from 2013-2015. Asked whether a group of Indian students were sent back by the US authorities in spite of having valid visas, the Minister said there were instances of denial of entry by the US Immigration department to Indians holding valid visas. "According to the US government, these students has presented information to the Border Patrol agent which was inconsistent with visa status," he said adding, "No instance of discriminatory treatment towards Indian students by the US authorities has come to notice of the government." Replying to another query, the Minister said an agreement between India and the US on development of an International Expedited Traveller Initiative will facilitate expedited entry of pre-approved Indian travellors upon arrival in the US. Asked whether the Indo-US Joint Statement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US implied a right wing shift in India's foreign policy undermining its long standing position of independence from any military alliance, Singh replied in negative. "There is no change in India's long-standing policy of not joining any military alliance. The Joint Statement issued during the visit of Prime Minister to the US is also based on this fundamental tenet of our foreign policy," he said. AUBURN An Auburn man with an extensive history of sexual abuse will be spending more time in prison for rape. Allen Lawton, of 136 Clark St. Apt. C, pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in May in exchange for a sentence of two years in prison plus five years post-release supervision. However, last week, Judge Thomas Leone said he could not go along with the agreed-upon sentence after he reviewed the defendant's criminal history, including a 2013 charge of second-degree rape. Instead, Leone offered the 21-year-old three years in prison and seven years post-release supervision and gave Lawton a week to accept the new sentence or withdraw his guilty plea. In Cayuga County criminal court Thursday, Lawton chose to go forward with the new sentence. He will also have to pay around $1,500 in fees and have his risk level re-assessed as a sex offender. Also in court: An Auburn man who fled New York state after being charged with rape has admitted to having sex with an underage girl in Cayuga County. Joseph Kowal, of 5555 West Lake Road, pleaded guilty Thursday to third-degree rape, saying he had sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old girl in October 2013. Kowal was 26 at the time and, according to Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann, the victim had a child as a result of their relationship. A second felony offender convicted of third-degree robbery in 2007, Kowal faces a maximum of four years in prison for the crime. Still, he is expected to receive two years in prison plus five years post-release supervision. Now 28 years old, Kowal pleaded guilty to the first count in court. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 27. A Locke man will spend time in prison for selling heroin in Cayuga County. Kyle Henline, of 5183 Erron Hill Road, pleaded guilty Thursday to third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. The 19-year-old initially appeared in Cayuga County criminal court with his attorney Rome Canzano to ask for judicial diversion, which the district attorney opposed. According to Budelmann, Henline sold heroin to a man in Moravia in March, and that man suffered a near-fatal overdose as a result of the sale. "Someone nearly died," Budelmann said. "I've also heard from many people that Henline is the guy to go to for drugs in the Moravia area." Leone denied Henline's request to transfer his case to drug court, stating he did not think Henline "deserved the opportunity." Henline then decided to plead guilty to the felony. Leone is expected to sentence Henline to two years in prison followed by two years post-release supervision. Sentencing is scheduled Aug. 11. A Weedsport man will go to trial for allegedly menacing his ex-fiance with a knife. Shawn Devaul, of 2757 East St. Apt. 13, was in court Thursday for a hearing to decide whether a statement he made to state police would be admissible in his case. According to Trooper James Siddall, Devaul admitted to having an argument with the mother of his four children in February. "He said he grabbed the front of her shirt while she was driving and said, 'Maybe I should just kill you and myself,'" Siddall recalled in court, noting that their children were reportedly in the car at the time. Siddall also said Devaul admitted having a knife in his pocket at the time. Leone ruled that Devaul's statement which was made and signed after he was read his Miranda rights can be used at trial. Devaul has been charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree menacing and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Prior to Thursday's hearing, Leone did offer the 33-year-old a sentence of one to three years in prison in exchange for a plea of guilty. Devaul, however, rejected the offer and chose to go to trial. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted. Air India will launch its services between Ahmedabad and Newark in New York from the Independence Day. The airline will deploy its warhorse 787 Dreamliner (AI 171) on the route, which will have one stop-ver at the London airport. "The introduction of this flight will bridge the demand of 6 lakh Indians in Ahmedabad, who have been looking for seamless connections to Newark and London for a over a decade," AI's western region director Mukesh Bhatia said. The tri-weekly flight will leave the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel international airport at 0530 hrs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and arrive in London at 1015 hrs and leave for NYC at 1230 hrs and land in Newark at 1500 hrs. Bhatia said if there is enough demand, Air India could increase the frequency to five days a week. On the return leg, the flight AI-172 will depart from Newark at 2230 hrs, arrive at London at 1015 hrs and leave at 1230 hrs to land at Ahmedabad at 0200 hrs. Bhatia said the airline could sell over 75 per cent of the seats for the inaugural flight and the flight is booked over 70 per cent for the first 45 days, which he said is not a bad load factor. The airline will be offering 248 Economy seats and 18 Business seats. Bhatia said the airline has made special provisions for the Newark passengers to reach almost a dozen British cities through the code share with British Airways and also through similar arrangements with United Airlines and Delt for the US cities and also Air Canada. With this, Air India now connects 34 international destinations across the US, Europe, Australia, the Far-East and Southeast Asia and the Gulf, while its domestic network covers 52 destinations, including the Northeast, Ladakh, the Andamans. Citing shortage of staff, Resident Doctors' Association of the AIIMS has urged the hospital administration to recruit more resident doctors to cater to increasing number of patients visiting the premier hospital in the country every day. According to the resident doctors association, the current numbers of doctors in AIIMS emergency department is only seven against the required 20 senior resident doctors. The resident doctors said that they are over burdened and are struggling to handle the large number of patients inflow because of shortage of staff at the emergency which is leading to anger and unrest among patients resulting in scuffle between the doctors and the attendants. "The current staff is under immense stress and the AIIMS administration should take up the issue seriously and solve solve this issue instead of focusing on other issues," said a senior resident of AIIMS. The Resident Doctors' Association also held a meeting with the Director today in this regard and put forth their demands. The resident doctor association also said that currently there were only 75 (non-academic) junior residents against 100 posts and most of residents from these 75 will also resign as they will get closer to post graduation entrance exams in two months because of their examinations. "Also there are only two senior residents at at the surgical emergency and it is impossible for them to be present in each shift for 24 hours so everything in surgical emergency is left with only non academic junior residents," the doctor said. As an uneasy calm prevailed in violence-hit Kashmir, an All Party Meeting today called for a national initiative to address problems confronting the state and an "inclusive engagement of all the stakeholders" to carry forward peace and reconciliation process. The meeting, convened by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, was however boycotted by opposition National Conference. The five-hour long meeting here while discussing the prevailing law and order situation in Kashmir Valley took note of the empathy and sense of solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir reflected during the debate on the prevailing situation in the State in both Houses of Parliament, an official spokesman told reporters. "The meeting calls for converting this political consensus into a national initiative for addressing the problems confronting Jammu and Kashmir and its people," he said, adding the meeting called for "inclusive engagement of all the stakeholders" in Jammu and Kashmir for carrying forward the peace and reconciliation process in the State. The spokesman said the meeting expressed deep grief and concern over the loss of life and injuries caused during the law and order situation prevailing in the Valley since July 8 -- the day when Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani was killed. The unrest has claimed 43 lives and injured over 3,400 others. The meeting also observed a two-minute silence to pay homage to those who lost their lives in the law and order situation, the spokesman said. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the leaders of all the political parties for their presence to deliberate over the prevailing situation. She, however, expressed dismay over the non- participation of the NC at the meeting. "I had spoken to NC working president, Omar Abdullah, myself last evening and requested him to attend the meeting," Mehbooba said, adding the presence of the leaders of the largest opposition party in the State would have added value and substance to the meeting. In a two-page letter to senior Minister of PDP Abdul Rehman Veeri, the NC yesterday said in absence of any "credible, effective and humane leadership" in the state, an all party meeting was a "futile" and "meaningless" exercise. Leaders of various political parties--Pradesh Congress Committee president G A Mir, CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami, Panthers Party president Harshdev Singh, Peoples Democratic Front leader Hakim Mohammad Yasin, Democratic Nationalist Party leader Ghulam Hassan Mir, Lok Jan Shakti Party leader Sanjay Saraf, Awami Ittehad Party leader Sheikh Abdul Rashid, CPI leader A R Tukroo and BJP State president Sat Sharma also spoke at the meeting. Talking to reporters outside the meeting hall at SKICC, Tarigami said the situation in the Valley was "grim" and it was "essentially a political unrest" that needed a political response. "I feel the situation is grim and the response that we want to such a grim situation, especially by the government of India on immediate basis, we expect that they understand these realities and face them. "What has happened till now is there is flare up which is extinguished, people get killed, it is discussed and then the same story is repeated. If that happens, I am afraid, there will be bigger troubles ahead," Tarigami said. The CPI(M) leader said the government should not look at the situation in isolation and should not rely exclusively on security forces. "I want to place this before the whole country that please draw lessons. The Parliament of India which is in session, should not look at this as an incident, do not think in isolation of whatever is happening or how much of blood has been wasted here, you cannot ignore this. "The first thing is do not terrorize the people of Kashmir by relying exclusively on security forces, that is not an answer, not at all. It is unacceptable to all of us," he said. Tarigami said the situation in the Valley was not just a law and order problem. "Yes, law and order is involved partly. "But essentially it is a political unrest and needs a political response." The first thing which we will expect from the government of India, the Parliament of India, is to recognize the nature of the uncertainty, to recognize the nature of the unrest with which we are confronted with today, he said. "I will expect the Prime Minister to speak in the Parliament and at least sending a message to the people of Kashmir that the pain which the people of Kashmir are feeling right now, that pain is being felt by the rulers as well," he said. He said "the cure to this pain is not bullets, this is a political pain, it is a political disease and its cure should be found within the political spectrum". "I advise them that do not seek excuses that it is being done by that country or from anywhere, this fire is here, inside the country and is a result of that neglect which is there since many decades now. "This pain is an expression of the pain which Kashmiris are feeling since decades," he said, adding, "I appeal to the government of India and the Parliament, treat people of Kashmir as human beings. Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh today condemned the incidents of violence on Dalits in the country and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "silence" over the issue. "There appears to be a dangerous pattern behind the incidents of verbal and physical abuse and violence on Dalits everywhere which are either being ignored or encouraged at the peril of sparking off a caste war in the country," alleged the former Punjab Chief Minister in a statement issued here. Questioning the "silence" of the Prime Minister on the matter, he wondered why had he not intervened till now. "How can you shut your eyes when your fellow countrymen are being treated with such brutality and cruelty," he asked Modi. Referring to the "flogging and parading" of three Dalit youths in a Gujarat town by members of a "self-styled" cow vigilante group, Amarinder claimed there was "genuine anger and outrage" not only among the Dalits but all the "well-meaning" Indians as regards the direction the country was headed for. He also condemned the "abusive" language used by former Uttar Pradesh BJP vice president Dayashankar Singh against Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, describing it as "most condemnable and deplorable". No punishment will be enough for the person who used such language against the four-time Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, he added. Expressing concern over such incidents, the Punjab Congress chief urged the Prime Minister to personally intervene in the matter. "Given the alarming sensitivity of the situation, it calls for urgent intervention at the highest level, lest the country is pushed into a caste war," he warned. He also announced that his party will stage protests across Punjab against violence and atrocities on Dalits. The protests will be staged at all the district headquarters on Sunday, while he will personally lead one at Kartarpur, said Amarinder. A top Republican leader today asked people to vote for party's presidential nominee Donald Trump, saying that "America deserves better" than Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate for the White House. "If you've had enough of Washington's brokenness, wastefulness, empty promises and arrogance, join us. Help us elect Republicans to office - from the courthouse to the statehouse to the White House. Because America deserves better," Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker told his party delegates and supporters here during the ongoing Republican National Convention. Walker was also among the 17 presidential aspirants of the Republican party, but dropped in the early days as Trump gained momentum. The Wisconsin Governor said the country can't afford to have another four years of the Obama Administration by electing Clinton in the November general elections. "America deserves better than Hillary Clinton. That is why we need to support Donald Trump and Mike Pence for President and Vice President," he said. "Last August, I said that any of the Republicans running would be better than Hillary Clinton. I meant it then, and I mean it now. So let me be clear: a vote for anyone other than Donald Trump in November is a vote for Hillary Clinton," he said. "Make no mistake: we can't wait four more years and 'get them next time. The consequences are too great. After hearing the FBI Director's recent comments, I wouldn't even give Hillary Clinton the password to my iPhone - let alone access to classified information. This isn't just another Clinton scandal, Hillary's scandal put our national security at risk and that makes her unfit to be President," he said. Florida Governor Rick Scott said, "Trump is the man for that job. A lot of politicians like to give speeches where they say we are at a crossroads. But that's not really where we are. Today, America is in terrible world-record-high debt, our economy is not growing, our jobs are going overseas, we've allowed our military to decay, and we project weakness on the international stage." "Washington grows while the rest of America struggles. The Democrats have not led us to a crossroads, they have led us to a cliff," he said. In his address, Scott acknowledged that some have reservations about Trump. "Perhaps he's sometimes not polite. He can be a little rough. And he may be too direct. But, this election is not actually about Donald Trump, or Hillary Clinton. In fact, this election is not about you or me either. This election is about the very survival of the American Dream," he said. Protesters clashed with police in the Armenian capital Yerevan, furious over the government's handling of a four-day hostage crisis in which pro-opposition gunmen seized a police building, killing one officer and taking several hostage. Stone-throwing protesters attacked police officers deployed outside the building where the gunmen supporters of jailed opposition leader Zhirair Sefilyan have been holding four police officers hostage since Sunday morning, an AFP reporter said. Police hit back firing tear gas and stun grenades into the crowd. "Many officers were wounded" in the clashes, deputy chief of Armenian police, Samvel Hovhannisyan, told AFP. Protesters have called on the government to allow an opposition MP to deliver food to the gunmen. However the gunmen have refused to accept provisions from the government. The gunmen, who captured a large arsenal of police weapons, freed four hostages on Sunday and Monday, but were still holding four hostages as of yesterday night. The hostages include Armenia's deputy police chief General Major Vardan Egiazaryan and Yerevan deputy police chief Colonel Valeri Osipyan. The attackers have demanded the resignation of President Serzh Sarkisian and the release of Sefilyan. More than 1,500 anti-government protesters rallied in Yerevan on Monday, calling for a bloodless resolution to the crisis. Sefilyan the leader of small opposition group named the New Public Salvation Front and six of his supporters were arrested in June after authorities said they were preparing to seize government buildings and telecoms facilities in Yerevan. A fierce critic of the government, he was arrested in 2006 over calls for "a violent overthrow of the government" and jailed for 18 months. He was released in 2008. Last year, Sefilyan and several of his supporters were arrested again on suspicion of preparing a coup, but released shortly afterwards. Sarkisian, a former military officer, has been president of the tiny country of 2.9 million people since winning a vote in 2008 that saw bloody clashes between police and supporters of the defeated opposition candidate in which 10 people died. Amid continuing stand-off between media persons and a section of lawyers in the Kerala High Court, Advocate General C P Sudhakara Prasad today favoured a judicial probe into the protests by lawyers against media coverage of the case of an alleged bid by a government pleader to molest a woman in the city last week. "Ordering a judicial probe is the solution. Efforts are being made in this direction," Prasad told a Malayalam channel here, a day after a group of advocates allegedly attacked media persons outside the Kerala High Court complex. He was of the view that both advocates and media persons were equally responsible for the incidents. A final decision in this regard is expected only after a meeting of the representatives of media persons and advocates with the High Court authorities. Anticipating more protests, Ernakulam District Police today issued restrictions against assembly of people in High Court area for 15 days. Meanwhile, the lawyers in the High Court abstained from today's court proceedings to "condemn the attack committed by media persons with the active participation of police". Criticising the advocates' protest, Chairman of Kerala State Human Rights Commission Justice J B Koshy said advocates boycotting court proceedings was against the Supreme Court's directive. "It is a noble profession. Holding the dignity of this profession is duty of advocates," Koshy said. Unruly scenes were witnessed in the Kerala High Court premises yesterday afternoon when some lawyers supporting government pleader Dhanesh Mathew Manjooran allegedly attacked media persons who were standing at a road leading to the Court complex. At least five media persons were injured in the protests. TV footage of the incident had shown media persons being chased and kicked by advocates even as police tried to rescue them. Recent attacks on African nationals were neither racial nor premeditated acts against a particular community but spontaneous criminal attacks by anti-social elements, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj informed the Rajya Sabha today. To ensure safety of Africans and avoid repetition of such instances, the government is trying to accommodate in campus hostels the African students who are studying in India on scholarships since such attacks have taken place outside campuses, she added. "The recent attacks on African nationals in Delhi and outside were not any kind of racial attacks," she said while replying to questions about the incidents including the killing of Congo national Oliver in the national capital. "These were not premeditated acts against a particular community. These were spontaneous criminal attacks perpetrated by anti-social and criminal elements," she said. She said the Government of India is giving a number of scholarships to African students for studying here and will now work with campuses to provide them accommodation within campuses too. To help prevent the recurrence of any such attacks, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh will hold meetings with African community in major metropolitan cities where they reside and he will be accompanied by Secretary (Ecnomic Relations) and police commissioners of these cities. "A sensitisation campaign is also being carried out," she said, adding, "I have written to seven states which have more presence of African nationals to do sensitisation on pattern of that done in Delhi to avoid recurrence of such incidents." She said as a backlash of the killing of a Congo national in Delhi in May this year, there were few incidents of attacks against Indians in Kinshasa, the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in which some Indians sustained minor injuries. After this, the Indian Embassy in Kinshasa raised the issue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of DRC and sought police protection from the local government there for securing their life and property. "An advisory was also issued to all Indian nationals assuring them of all assistance," she said, adding that there were no serious injuries on Indians there. "A monitoring mechanism has been established under the States Division of the Ministry to obtain feedback on various previous cases in coordination with respective state government," she said. BJP today condemned the use of foul language by BSP activists during a protest here over the remarks of a now-expelled leader of the saffron party, saying the protesters hurled "even more derogatory" remarks against it. The protest in Lucknow by BSP workers was held against the derogatory remarks of Dayashankar Singh against Mayawati. "We do not support the statement given by Singh. We also condemn it that's why he was expelled from the party," BJP state general-secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak said. "But whether the language used by BSP workers during demonstration and dharna in the state capital was not derogatory," he questioned. Pathak said that the BJP took a serious cognisance of Singh's derogatory comments against Mayawati and had already expelled him for six years from the party. "But the language used by BSP workers during their protest on this issue were even more derogatory and insulting to the entire women community in the country," he said. Senior Congress leader and MLA Akhilesh Pratap Singh said, "Congress condemns use of derogatory language by any one." BSP workers, who staged a dharna in front of the Bhimrao Ambedkar statue in Hazratganj, displayed banners with foul language printed on them. IG (public grievances) D K Mishra said that raids were being conducted to arrest Singh. Taking a suo-moto cognizance of the incident, State Women Commission chairperson Zarina Usmani has sought a report from the district magistrate and SSP Lucknow. Condemning Singh's remark, she said his comments were an insult to the entire women community. Lambasting former Union Minister P Chidambaram for his "grand bargain" comment to resolve Kashmir issue, the Jammu and Kashmir unit of BJP today said that such a formula was dangerous for the integrity of the country and reiterated abrogation of Article 370 was the only step to bring the Kashmiri people into the national mainstream. "The statement of former Union Home minister where he advocated for restoring grand bargain under which Kashmir acceded to India by granting a large degree of autonomy, shows that he lacks knowledge of the state as such a formula is dangerous for the integrity of the country with will have serious repercussions," BJP state spokesman Virender Gupta said in a statement here today. "The ultimate solutions lie in the abrogation of article 370, taking steps to bring the people of Kashmir Valley in the national mainstream," he said. Gupta said that it seems that former Home minister has little knowledge about Jammu and Kashmir and the circumstance under which Jammu and Kashmir acceded to Indian Union. "It was Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir who signed the Instrument of Accession, of course, that was endorsed by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah who was a popular leader only of Kashmir Valley but had no following in Jammu and Ladakh regions. "No condition was attached at the time of accession by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah," Gupta said. More than a dozen local nonprofit organizations were given grants Thursday as part of an annual award to improve programs and services in Cayuga County. The Cayuga Community Fund, an affiliate fund of the Central New York Community Foundation, distributed more than $35,000 to 14 nonprofits across the county. Several grants were awarded to improve health, education and social services in the county. ARISE, a child and family service organization in Auburn, received $3,000 to provide low-income families basic necessities such as personal hygiene products and cleaning supplies while the Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. John was given $2,150 for its soup kitchen, which serves a free meal to community members every Saturday. In addition, Cayuga Home for Children, or Cayuga Centers, received nearly $2,000 to create a special needs playground, and Perform 4 Purpose was given $3,000 for school workshop equipment. A grant of $1,500 was also given to the Southern Cayuga Anne Frank Tree Project to support the annual community read event and the Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency got $3,900 to enhance its "Breastfeeding Support Group" for participating mothers. Meanwhile, some grants will be used to purchase new technology to assist with health and safety. The E. John Gavras Center, or UCPA, got $2,250 to install a security system while Auburn Memorial Medical Services and Cayuga County Highland Search and Rescue received $2,000 and $1,000 respectively for new software. The Locke Volunteer Fire Department was also awarded nearly $3,400 to purchase two new defibrillator kits and Unity House of Cayuga County received $3,800 for new adjustable beds for their rehabilitation program. Still, the Transportation Project for Cayuga County received the largest grant of $5,000 to help purchase two new wheelchair accessible vans for senior and disabled citizens. Lastly, some money will go to preserving historic resources in the county. The Village of Aurora Historical Society was given $2,500 to fix the Patrick Tavern, the oldest building in the village, and the Community Preservation Committee received $500 to update the History of Willard Memorial Chapel and the Auburn Theological Seminary video, which is shown to visitors and tour groups. Government bonds (G-Secs) advanced following heavy demand from corporates and banks, but the interbank call money rates turned cheaper due to subdued demand from borrowing banks amid ample liquidity in the banking system. The 7.59 per cent government security maturing in 2026 rose to Rs 102.22 as compared to Rs 102.16 previously, while its yield inched down to 7.26 per cent from 7.27 per cent. The 7.59 per cent government security maturing in 2029 gained to Rs 101.57 from Rs 101.3825 previously, while its yield edged down to 7.40 per cent from 7.42 per cent. The 7.88 per cent government security maturing in 2030 moved up to Rs 104.1525 from Rs 103.9650 previously, while, its yield softened to 7.39 per cent from 7.41 per cent. The 7.61 per cent government security maturing in 2030, the 7.68 per cent government security maturing in 2023 and the 7.72 per cent government security maturing in 2025 were also quoted higher at Rs 102.3250, Rs 102.5050 and Rs 102.43 respectively. The overnight call money rates finished lower at 6.10 per cent from Wednesday's close 6.45 per cent. It resumed higher at 6.70 per cent and moved in a range of 6.70 per cent and 6.00 per cent. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), purchased securities worth Rs 61.54 billion in 12-bids at the overnight repo auction at a fixed rate of 6.50 per cent as on today, while its sold securities worth Rs 42.49 billion from 20-bids at the overnight reverse repo auction at a fixed rate of 6.00 per cent as on July 20. Breastfeeding may be a cost-effective intervention aimed at reducing the long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes among women with gestational diabetes, scientists have found. Researchers at the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen in Germany studied the metabolism of women with gestational diabetes after giving birth. Along with partners at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the German Centre for Diabetes Research (DZD), they were able to show that breastfeeding for more than three months brings about long-term metabolic changes. Four per cent of all pregnant women in Germany develop gestational diabetes before the birth of their child, researchers said. Although their blood sugar levels initially return to normal after delivery, one in two of the mothers affected develops type 2 diabetes within the next ten years. While it has been shown that lactation can lower this risk by 40 per cent, the reasons for this are not yet understood. In an earlier study, researchers led by Professor Anette-Gabriele Ziegler, Director of the Institute of Diabetes Research (IDF) at the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, showed that breastfeeding for more than three months postpartum has a protective effect, which lasts for up to 15 years after gestational diabetes. In the recent study, they examined whether the metabolism could be responsible for this. For their analyses, scientists examined almost 200 patients who had developed gestational diabetes. The participants in the study received a standardised glucose solution and gave a fasting blood sample beforehand, and during the test. The scientists then compared the samples on the basis of 156 different, known metabolites. On average, the women had given birth three and half years earlier. "We observed that the metabolites in women who had breastfed for more than three months differed significantly from those who had had shorter lactation periods," said first-author Daniela Much from the IDF. "Longer periods of lactation are linked to a change in the production of phospholipids and to lower concentrations of branched-chain amino acids in the mothers' blood plasma," Much said. This is interesting because the metabolites involved were linked in earlier studies with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, researchers said. "The findings of our study provide new insights into disease-related metabolic pathways that are influenced by lactation and could thus be the underlying reason for the protective effect," said Sandra Hummel, head of the Gestational Diabetes working group at the IDF, who led the study. The research was published in the journal Diabetologia. British Prime Minister Theresa May heads to Paris today for Brexit talks with French President Francois Hollande after Germany agreed to give Britain more time to prepare its withdrawal from the EU. On her first foreign trip since taking office in the wake of Britain's seismic June referendum, May told German Chancellor Angela Merkel that her government would not ask to leave the EU before the end of 2016 in order to plan a "sensible and orderly departure". Ahead of the meeting in Paris, Hollande flew to Ireland -- the EU country which will be most affected by Britain's decision to leave the 28-nation bloc. Ireland's concerns revolve mainly around the future of its lucrative exports to Britain and its border with British-ruled Northern Ireland. Prime Minister Enda Kenny has also raised the possibility of a vote by Northern Ireland, which voted to stay in the EU, to unite with Ireland. Worried about growing euroscepticism at home, France has urged Britain not to draw out its negotiations to leave the European Union although it accepts that formal talks may not begin for several months. "The pressure is on Britain. It has put itself in this situation," a French diplomatic source said. The diplomat said Britain could not get a custom-made agreement on its future relations with the EU. "That is not possible. It has to choose between existing options." Hollande has a presidential election looming next year and faces the far-right National Front, which wants France to leave the EU too. Britain yesterday took the first step towards Brexit by announcing it was relinquishing its six-month EU presidency which had been due to start in July 2017 and will be taken up by Estonia instead. But during her visit to Berlin, May said she would not initiate the formal procedure for Brexit "before the end of this year" at the earliest. Merkel, who is expected to play a pivotal role in the Brexit talks along with France, said it was in the interests of all that Britain had a "well-defined position" before beginning the negotiations. "No one wants things to be up in the air - neither Britain nor the member states of the EU," Merkel said. Britain's EU referendum on June 23 triggered turmoil in Britain's two main political parties and sent shockwaves through the global economy. The key sticking points in the Brexit negotiations are likely to be the freedom of EU citizens to live and work throughout the bloc and Britain's access to the EU's single market. EU immigration was an emotive issue in the referendum. Brexit campaigners argued that the hundreds of thousands of EU immigrants arriving in Britain every year have been pushing down wages for low-paid Britons and overburdened public services. Demanding the arrest of former Uttar Pradesh BJP vice-president Dayashankar Singh for making derogatory remarks against her party chief Mayawati, a local BSP leader Jannat Jahan-Ul-Haq today offered Rs 50 lakh to anyone who brings his tongue. As the BSP workers held a protest here today against Singh's remarks, Jannat Jahan, a party leader from here, courted controversy with her outburst. "The derogatory language used by Dayashankar against our party chief shows the BJP's true character. They do not know how to respect women. They are anti-Dalits, anti-farmers too and now anti-women also. Such a person (Dayashankar) should be sent to jail immediately," she said during the protest. She then added "Whosoever gets me his (Dayashankar's) tongue, Jannat Jahan will give him Rs 50 lakh." The BSP leader's remarks evoked sharp reaction from BJP, which said the party had already acted against Dayashankar and the matter should not be politicised. "Our party has already acted in the matter. My senior leader Arun Jaitley has expressed regret over the matter. What else do they want? Now, Jannat Jahan is making such remarks, a wrong cannot be countered by another wrong to make it right," Chandigarh BJP President Sanjay Tandon said. However, the BSP leader stuck to her remarks and told reporters after the protest that she stands by what she has said. "I stand by my statement. Mayawati ji is an iron lady of BSP, using such derogatory remarks cannot be tolerated," she said. When asked what is the difference between her and the BJP leader who attacked Mayawati, Jahan said "It should be tit-for-tat in life. It should be tit-for-tat for me". Hundreds of BSP workers today took to the streets here demanding the immediate arrest of Dayashankar Singh for his derogatory remarks against party supremo Mayawati even as police carried out raids in Lucknow and Ballia to trace the now expelled BJP leader and detained his brother. Leading the protest at the busy Hazratganj crossing, leader of opposition in the Legislative Council, Naseemuddin Siddiqui said the administration is being given 36 hours to arrest Singh. The party workers held the protest for about five hours beginning 8 AM. Siddiqui ended the protest around noon after giving the ultimatum to the District Magistrate that Singh be arrested quickly. Police said raids have been conducted in Lucknow and Ballia to arrest Singh. In Ballia, Singh's brother Dharmendra was taken into custody from his house, SP, Manoj Jha said. Since early morning party workers from different districts converged at the Ambedkar statue at the Hazratganj crossing on the call of the party to stage dharna against Singh. In the dharna, which threw traffic out of for hours, a BSP worker was slightly injured while trying to set an effigy ablaze. Singh had sparked an outrage by his derogatory comments against the BSP supremo. He had stated that "Mayawati is breaking the dream of Kanshi Ram into pieces. Mayawati is selling tickets like a... Reacting to the protests, senior BJP leader and Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the issue is over and the BJP has already taken action against him. "This issue is over. We took action against him. Now what else should we do, tell? What he said was completely objectionable. The leader of the House too condemned the statement at the earliest. He was removed from his post, and later on he was suspended also. Let them protest, they keep on protesting; be it Congress or others. The thing is that BJP is moving ahead, and they can't digest that," he said. The state's Samajwadi Party government has made it clear that action as per law will be taken against Singh on the basis of the FIR. Last night, an FIR was lodged against Singh under sections 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups), 504 (intentional insult with intent to breach peace) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the IPC and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act after a complaint against him was lodged with Hazratganj police by party national secretary Mevalal Gautam. Hundreds of BSP workers today staged a demonstration in the busy Hazratganj area here to protest against the derogatory remarks made by Dayashankar Singh against party supremo Mayawati even as police carried out raids to trace the BJP leader. Raising slogans and burning effigies, the BSP workers converged near the Ambedkar statue in Hazratganj on the call of the party to stage a dharna against Singh, who has since been expelled by the BJP. Traffic was thrown out of gear in the city as BSP workers, raising slogans and carrying placards, thronged the area. In the dharna, a BSP worker was slightly injured while trying to set an effigy ablaze. The shirt of the injured worker caught fire but he along with others promptly pulled it out and escaped with minor burns. BSP had asked its workers from different districts to reach the state capital to lodge a strong protest against the remarks made by the BJP leader and in response hundreds of Mayawati loyalists started making it to the state capital since last night. Singh had sparked an outrage by his derogatory comments against the BSP supremo. He had said that "Mayawati is breaking the dream of Kanshi Ram into pieces. Mayawati is selling tickets like a... Reacting to the protests, senior BJP leader and Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the issue is over and the BJP has already taken action against him. "This issue is over. We took action against him. Now what else should we do, tell? What he said was completely objectionable. The leader of the House too condemned the statement at the earliest. He was removed from his post, and later on he was suspended also. Let them protest, they keep on protesting; be it Congress or others. The thing is that BJP is moving ahead, and they can't digest that," he said. With the Samajwadi Party government making it clear that action will be taken against Singh on the basis of the FIR, police in Lucknow and Ballia raided his premises but Singh was not found. A police team was sent to Singh's house in Ballia last night but he was not found, Deputy Superintendent of Police K C Tyagi said. The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) today declined to interfere with the prayer of senior IPS officer T P Senkumar to set aside the order of the Kerala government removing him from the post of state police chief. Citing Supreme Court directives in similar cases, the CAT bench headed by Justice N K Balakrishnan said the government is well within its authority to appoint another person in a cadre. However, the bench said salary and emoluments of the officer cannot be reduced and a government order in this regard should be issued in a month. Senkumar, who had been made Chairman and Managing Director of Kerala Police Housing and Construction Corporation on state deputation after removing him from the post of state police chief, had submitted that as a member of the 1983 Kerala cadre IPS batch, he was the senior most IPS officer in the state. He had also contended that new DGP Loknath Behera belongs to the 1985 batch and is hence junior to him. In a top-level reshuffle on May 31 after taking over the reins of the state following the assembly elections, the CPI(M)-led LDF government had shifted Senkumar and appointed Behera in his place. Challenging it, Senkumar also contended that he had been removed from the post in violation of the Supreme Court guidelines and also of Section 97 (1) of Kerala Police Act. However, justifying Senkumar's removal, the Kerala government had submitted 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 was submitted during the hearing on the petition by Senkumar challenging his removal as state police chief. Senkumar had said that as the state police chief, he 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. CBI has arrested a Sub-inspector of Delhi Police for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 70,000 from the brother of an accused to favour him in a case. Tilak Singh Pal, posted at Nihal Vihar Police Station, was arrested last evening, CBI spokesperson said. "A case was registered under section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 on the allegations that the Sub-Inspector of Police Station Nihal Vihar, Delhi Police, was demanding a bribe of Rs one lakh from the complainant for getting the bail of the complainant's brother in a case being investigated by him," CBI spokesperson said. A trap was laid and the Sub-Inspector was caught while demanding and accepting the bribe of Rs 70,000 from the complainant, the spokesperson added. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has received 11 complaints of fee hike against unaided private schools, including four of Delhi, affiliated to it this year, HRD minister Prakash Javadekar today said in Rajya Sabha. In a written reply, Javadekar said among the complaints received four are from Delhi, three each from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh and one from Haryana. "All these complaints have been taken up with the respective School Management Committees," Javadekar said in his reply. The HRD minister also said that the affiliation by-laws stipulate that private-unaided CBSE schools should consult parents through their representatives before revising their fees. Amid a raging row over attack on dalits for skinning a dead cow in Gujarat, the Centre has flagged the anomaly and sudden increase in crimes against people belonging to (SC) in Gujarat and Chhattisgarh and sought details from the administration there. Gujarat and Chhattigarah have reported the highest crime rate of 163.30% (6,655 cases) and 91.90% (3,008 cases) against members of SC community during last year. "The anomaly and sudden increase in respect to Gujarat and Chhattisgarh are abnormal and are being highlighted so that these states can provide actual data in case there was a mistake in reporting," according to the agenda papers for meeting on 'Monitoring the implementation of constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Castes" held here on Thursday by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The papers said that Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, which had reported 1,190 and 242 such crimes respectively in 2013, are among the states that deserve special attention. Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan also have high rate of crimes against SC people in years 2013, 2014 and 2015. A total of 8,946 cases were reported last year in Uttar Pradesh as against 8,075 and 7,078 incidents in 2014 and 2013. In Rajasthan, 7,144 such cases were reported in 2015 as against 8,028 in 2014 and 6,475 in 2013, the agenda papers said. The issue was taken up at the day-long meeting, attended by representatives of various state governments and senior police officials, against the backdrop of attack on the Centre from the opposition parties on the Gujarat incident where dalit youths were assaulted by vigilantes for skinning a dead cow. The agenda papers also highlighted recent trends in atrocity cases received in the Commission for (NCSC) which include death of research scholar Rohith Vemula in the University of Hyderabad. "A SC research scholar of the University of Hyderabad allegedly hanged himself to death, 15 days after he was expelled from his hostel along with four other researchers. There are cases reported from the Delhi University regarding harassment of SC scholars," the agenda papers highlighted. A case of preventing an SC bridegroom from riding on the horseback was reported from Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, in addition to cases of prejudice in mid-day meal, honour killings and rape and murder of SC women in other parts of the country, it said. Inaugurating the meeting, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot said there has been a rise in criminal cases of atrocities against people of reserved class. "We feel such incidents should not happen. It is a matter of concern for us. If at all such cases happen, states must ensure speedy and prompt justice to victims," the Minister said. He said the government has made a provision to consider it as a crime if an man from SC community is stopped from sitting on a horse as part of marriage procession. The first day of school will look a little different at three Flagstaff Unified School District schools as new principals take the reins. Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy is also in a transition year, FALA Dean Deidre Crawley said in an email. Crawley said the school is taking the year to examine past successes and create a clear vision for the future in terms of leadership after the resignation of its director. New principals at Knoles, Puente de Hozho and Kinsey elementary schools have spent the summer getting to know their buildings and staff, and sat down with the Daily Sun to introduce themselves to the community. Tammy Nelson, Kinsey Elementary School Nelson, an NAU graduate, has spent 23 years in education, including 21 years in FUSD. The former Mount Elden Middle School assistant principal said she is excited to lead the Kinsey Inquiry and Discovery School magnet program after experiencing the Alpine Leadership Academy program at the middle school level. I have had the blessing of going on expeditions with the middle schoolers, Nelson said. I am a big proponent of getting kids outside and linked to their community. Nelson said she looks forward to expanding the magnet program, which was a teacher-driven initiative. The staff here is very dedicated to student success, Nelson said. They love being at Kinsey and they are passionate about this magnet. They really want to connect the kids at this school with the culture of northern Arizona. She and her husband want to hike the entirety of the Arizona Trail in sections, and she said she is looking forward to sharing her love of the outdoors through the magnet program. Nelson said she did not originally plan to be an educator. She spent a few years in business before going back to school for degrees in elementary education and special education. While in college, Nelson did her student teaching at Kinsey. I feel like Im coming home, she said. Nelson said she started her teaching career wanting to just be a really good teacher, but has enjoyed opportunities in administration. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to live my passion, Nelson said. Its great to love what you do and find joy in the children. Nelson said she has spent most of the summer meeting with staff members and learning about the first year of the magnet program. I now have some really clear and specific data for how to grow the magnet, she said. Pete Galvan, Knoles Elementary School Galvan and his family moved to Flagstaff from the Phoenix area three years ago, continuing a long career in education and school administration. I wasnt the best student in high school, Galvan said. My grades werent the best, so after high school I joined the military; I went into the Air Force for four years. Then I went back to school, and my best subject was math. Galvan said he originally went to college to study engineering, but he said his own experience inspired him to pursue education as a career. Throughout high school I had been told I wasnt college material, Galvan said. And once I was in college and getting good grades, I wanted to go back and make an impact on a kid like me, someone who had potential but didnt have the support or encouragement. Galvan served as an assistant principal at Sinagua Middle School before he decided to apply to be a principal. Galvan is the father of six, including three children who attend Knoles, and his wife is also a teacher in FUSD. My kids go to Knoles, so I have experienced a lot of the Knoles culture from the parent side, and I am excited to get to experience it from the administration side, Galvan said. Galvan said he has spent most of the summer getting to know faculty and staff, as well as making notes on improvements needed for the school, such as a fresh coat of paint near the library. As an administrator, Galvan said he wants to focus on providing teachers with the support and material they need. My philosophy is teacher-first, Galvan said. A lot of people say they are students-first, but the teachers are the ones with the students every day. If Im teacher-first then they will be students-first. Robert Kelty, Puente de Hozho Elementary School Kelty knew he wanted to change his career path to education when he was presented with a blanket from students and families after working with Teach for America in Crownpoint, on the Navajo Nation. That moment changed my life forever, he said. Kelty originally went into Teach for America to take a two-year break before entering medical school, a plan that never materialized. Throughout his career he taught at Puente de Hozho, was named Arizona Teacher of the Year, served as Coconino County Superintendent of Schools for an appointed term and part of an elected term and worked for Teach for America overseeing efforts in various regions. In his time in countywide and national positions, Kelty said he often held up Puente de Hozho as an example of innovative teaching and learning. I felt that I had found a school that knew the secret, he said. They knew how to empower kids and families through language and culture. Kelty said returning to the school where he taught for six years felt like the story was coming full-circle for him. Kelty understands Spanish and some Navajo, and said the Navajo culture and language component of the school resonated with him after his work on the Navajo Nation. Its an honor, Kelty said of being named the schools principal. When you look at the history of American Indian education in this country, it can be a dark history. This school is rewriting that history. When we empower kids and believe in kids, thats when students flourish. Kelty said the emphasis on language and acceptance of other cultures has built a culture of support and caring at the school itself. When you walk into Puente you feel the love and the happiness, Kelty said. Its a family atmosphere, and I want to make sure we can keep that culture of family here very much intact. While almost all countries that used to invest in Pakistan pulling out their money, "all weather" ally China has stepped in to pump-in nearly USD 600 million in 2015-16, almost half of the total FDI received by the cash- starved country last fiscal. Pakistan received Foreign Direct Investment of USD 1,281.1 million in July-June, which is USD 358.2 million higher than FDI received in the preceding fiscal year, figures released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said. This was 38.8 per cent more than the FDI figure in 2014-15. With almost all countries that had traditionally invested in Pakistan now pulling out their investments, China has increased its FDI as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Express Tribune reported. Almost half of the total FDI that Pakistan received in the last fiscal year originated from China alone. Chinese and Pakistani leaders describe their strong bilateral ties as "all weather". FDI from China amounted to USD 593.9 million in 2015-16, which is up 131.3 per cent from 2014-15 and constitutes 46.3 per cent of the total FDI Pakistan received over the entire fiscal year. Pakistan, which has seen several terror attacks, has faced low levels of foreign investment in recent years. The SBP has called an increase in FDI 'imperative' for the sustainability of the economy's external sector. China was followed by Norway (USD 172.3 million), United Arab Emirates (USD 164.2 million), Hong Kong (USD 130.9 million) and Italy (USD 103.5 million) as the largest contributors to FDI in 2015-16. According to the SBP report, China has emerged as a dominant investor because of its interest in power projects. Chinese companies have been interested in coal-based thermal generation, as it entails low unit cost compared to furnace oil and high-speed diesel, the SBP said. "Excluding power, FDI inflows into the country have declined," it noted. The United States has traditionally been a big source of FDI, but that trend is changing now. As opposed to making fresh investments in Pakistan, it is now pulling out its money instead, the report said. US investors have pulled out USD 65.5 million from Pakistan in 2015-16, although net inflows from the world's largest economy amounted to USD 208.9 million in the preceding fiscal year. In addition to the US, other major outflows of FDI were from Saudi Arabian (- USD102.2 million), Egyptian (- USD 5.6 million) and German (- USD 33 million) investors in July-June, SBP data shows. The largest net outflow of FDI in 2015-16 was recorded in petro chemicals (- USD 136.1 million) followed by metal products (- USD 59.1 million). Pakistan received FDI of USD 709.3 million in 2014-15, which was 58.2 per cent less than the FDI received in the preceding fiscal year, the report said. Largest contributor to the FDI during 2014-15 was the US (USD 238.7 million), followed by China (USD 229.5 million) and United Arab Emirates (USD 222.4 million), it said. For the first time in 50 years in Tibet, China-backed Panchen Lama today began a rare Buddhist ritual, amid criticism from overseas Tibetan groups that Beijing was trying to legitimise him as a religious leader and challenge the Dalai Lama's spiritual hold over Buddhism. The first tantric Kalachakra instructions delivered by the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu formally started inXigaze in Tibet with some 40 monks beginning a closed-door observance of Didam, the Kalachakra deity, state-run Xinhua agency reported. The Kalachakra (the wheel of time) ritual, a very important Buddhists rite for activating dormant enlightenment, has not been carried out in Tibet for half a century, it said. The ritual includes a series of tantric teachings and initiations given by gurus to help Buddhists through the cycle of life. Itis estimated that some 50,000 Buddhists will attend the four-day long event. The 81-year-old Dalai Lama, who fled his homeland in 1959 and lives in exile in India, has carried out the ritual overseas. The 25-year-old Panchen Lama, regarded in Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy as second most important after the Dalai Lama, has been making efforts to establish his control over the deeply religious Tibetan population which revere the Dalai Lama. Bainqen Erdini was officially selected as Panchen Lama in 1995 in controversial circumstances after China removed the then-incumbent abbott of Tashilhunpo Monastery Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as he was appointed by the Dalai Lama. While whereabouts of Nyima were not known, a Tibetan official said in September last year that he is receiving education, and living normally. London-based Free Tibet said the resumption of the ritual was intended to increase the standing of the young monk who many Tibetans regard as a fake. "The officially atheist Chinese government has long tried to impose its authority on Tibet by co-opting Tibetan Buddhism," Free Tibet director Eleanor Byrne-Rosengren said. The Panchen Lama's "presence at this Kalachakra stems from the Chinese occupation rather than from genuine religious legitimacy", he said in a press release. China today formally arrested a chief of a village in south China's Guangdong Province for allegedly taking bribes, days after his detention triggered protests by all the villagers who backed him for resisting land grabs by a construction lobby. The procuratorate of Lufeng City said that Lin Zulian, former head of Wukan village, has been arrested for taking a substantial amount in bribes from village livelihood and procurement projects since 2012. "Lin admitted to accepting bribes in a video released by the procuratorate last month," state-run Xinhua agency reported. Home to 13,000 residents, Wukan was thrown into the international spotlight in 2011 when residents protested for months against the village committee's illegal land grabs, corruption and violations of financing and election rules. Lin, 72, was elected head of the Wukan village committee in 2012, after protests over land grabs led to rare concessions from the Communist Party and the ousting of local leaders. Lin was appointed the new CPC chief of the village after the event. Days before his detention, Lin had posted an open letter online pledging to launch a mass protest to demand justice for illegal land sales and unauthorised construction on village land. Villagers continued to hold protests over his detention saying he was "falsely implicated" for his efforts to resist land acquisition. China is slated to develop New Bhubaneswar (Odisha) and Baiyappanahalli (Bengaluru) railway stations, while Mumbai Central, Jammu, Jaipur and Varanasi stations will be modernised matching airport-like amenities with Belgium's help. Putting the redevelopment of stations project on the fast track, Railways has finalised the blue print to involve foreign countries and also to take help of the World Bank for changing the skyline in a significant way. Talks with countries like China, Belgium, France and Germany are in final stages for potential station redevelopment projects under the proposed Foreign Rail Technology Cooperation Scheme (FRTCS), said a senior Railway Ministry official involved with the project. Besides the foreign countries, state governments and public sector undertakings (PSUs) will also be roped in for modernisation of about 400 stations across the country. As per the firmed-up plan, Indian Railway Station Development Corporation (IRSDC) along with China Railway Construction Engineering Group will be developing New Bhubaneshwar and Baiyappanahalli stations. Railways is also planning station development through Valorisation route (Land/air space commercial development) by formation of joint venture with Belgium Railways entity, which could be assigned Mumbai Central, Jammu, Jaipur and Varanasi stations. According to the agreed action plan, redevelopment of two stations -- Ludhiana and Ambala -- would be undertaken in association with France. Similarly, with Germany, projects relating development of Nagpur, Secunderabad or as mutually decided will be undertaken. Railways is also planning to redevelop three more railway stations in association with government of India PSUs. Recently, IRSDC had issued the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) to the selected bidder to develop Habibganj railway station along with seven other railway stations, including Chandigarh, Shivaji Nagar (Pune), Bijwasan (New Delhi), Anand Vihar (New Delhi), Surat (Gujarat), SAS Nagar (Mohali) and Gandhi Nagar (Gujarat). The Habibganj railway station is the first station to be redeveloped through PPP route -- at a cost of Rs 450 crore, with a dual aim of providing world-class amenities for passengers and generating revenue for the public transporter. The IRSDC issued the LoA to the selected bidder-- who have been entrusted to complete the development project by 2019. To prevent illegal entry of people at airports, CISF has sought uniform electronic tickets with barcode as well as barcode readers at the departure gates. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which provides security cover at airports, detected 34 cases of persons entering the terminal building of the airport in the national capital during the last 14 months, according to Union Minister Jayant Sinha. "The persons caught were handed over to Delhi Police for further legal action in the matter," the Minister of State for Civil Aviation said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today. On whether CISF has asked for installing PNR readers at the airport gates to the check illegal entry, Sinha replied in the affirmative. "CISF has requested for uniform format in e-tickets together with bar coding on the same and barcode reader at departure entry gates to prevent use of fake e-tickets," he said. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has issued instructions to the airport operators to install 2D bar code scanner, he added. To woo voters in the Hindi heartland ahead of polls, Congress today announced a three-day bus yatra "27 saal UP behaal", starting July 23 from Delhi to Kanpur. The yatra, covering around 600 km, will be flagged off by party chief Sonia Gandhi and her deputy Rahul Gandhi from the party headquarters at Akbar Road and its top leaders will address the yatra enroute. This will be followed by a meeting of the UP Congress in Lucknow on July 29 that will be attended by Rahul Gandhi, senior party leader and head of the UPCC Campaign Committee Sanjay Singh said. "The yatra will propagate the message to the people of Uttar Pradesh on the failures and misgovernance by successive governments of Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and BJP in Uttar Pradesh for the last 27 years," he said, adding that "we will campaign in such a way that we reach out to every voter at least three or four times". Asked if Priyanka Gandhi will also be part of the yatra, he said, "We have been demanding for so many years that she plays an active role and we are sure that she will accede to our demand this time." Top Congress leaders who will be part of the yatra and will address it at different places include party general secretary and in-charge of party's UP affairs Ghulam Nabi Azad, UP Congress chief Raj Babbar and its chief ministerial candidate Sheila Dikshit. Other important leaders will also address it including CLP leader in the state Pradeep Mathur and Coordination Committee chairman Pramod Tiwari. It also seeks to unite various factions in the party and present a united face of UP Congress. The yatra will cover four districts on each day and will take the route from Delhi to Ghaziabad and will cover Hapur, Amroha and Moradabad, where it will halt on the first day. It will then travel to Shahjahanpur, covering Rampur and Bareilly and on the third day it will cover Hardoi, Kannauj and then end at Kanpur. Alleging rigging in Rajya Sabha elections in Haryana, Congress member Shadi Lal Batra today demanded that the election be countermanded and a CBI inquiry launched to ascertain the facts. "I want to raise the issue of alleged rigging of Rajya Sabha elections (in Haryana)... Where the pen provided by election officials had been changed and votes were cancelled on the ground that the ink was different," Batra said raising the issue during the Zero Hour. He alleged that both the pens were supplied officially. The manner in which the Rajya Sabha election in Haryana was held sounded like a "death knell for democracy", he claimed, alleging that both BJP and INLD had jointly conspired to win the elections through "underhand means". At this point, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the issue was before the Election Commission. "I don't think this type of allegation is correct. This type of sweeping allegation will not be accepted," he added. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien also asked Batra not to level any allegations. Batra further said "Congress members voted for the party-supported independent candidate, but due to this conspiracy, an independent candidate supported by the BJP was declared elected to Rajya Sabha from Haryana on the ground that there was difference of ink on the ballot papers." "EC is probing the matter, but the report has not yet come. I demand that the election be countermanded and a CBI inquiry instituted to probe the whole issue," the Congress member added. Demand for corporate debt is likely to hit a record $62 trillion by 2020, but lenders may get cautious amid a volatile global environment leading to lack of credit, or "Crexit", says a report. According to Global Ratings, despite an "inevitable credit correction" global corporate borrowing demand would reach $62 trillion by 2020, fuelled by expansive monetary policy. However, it said a "heightened sensitivity to unexpected developments similar to UK's referendum to leave the European Union could lead to a crisis of confidence and rapid departure of both lenders and lower-quality borrowers from the debt markets...This scenario can be described as a 'Crexit'". The report's co-author Paul Watters said, "The challenge for monetary authorities is in preventing this possible financial market volatility from infecting the real economy, given that their existing tools are reaching the limit of effectiveness". The report also noted that nearly half of corporate debt issuers are highly leveraged, suggesting that a correction in global credit markets is "unavoidable". "In fact, analysts believe that the credit correction began in late 2015 and will likely stretch through the next few years as defaults spike," the report added. The report has estimated the total outstanding corporate debt, including new issuance and refinancing, to expand to $75 trillion over the next five years. Country-wise, China's share of global corporate debt would rise to 43% in 2020 from 35% last year. US debt could slightly dip to 22% from 24%, while Europe's (Eurozone and UK) share would ease to 16% from 20%, Global noted. "Brazil has had the fastest growth in leverage (as cash flow declined) and we categorise its average funds from operations to debt ratio as aggressive," the report said. "The next fastest are Singapore, Australia, China, Mexico and Hong Kong, which are generally trade-dependent, commodity-reliant, or China-related countries," it added. A city court has directed Narada CEO Mathew Samuel to appear before Kolkata Police within seven days in connection with the ongoing probe into the Narada sting operation. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sanjay Ranjan Paul issued the order yesterday as per provision of Section 41A of CrPC and asked Samuel to appear before the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Economic Offence Wing of the Detective Department within seven days of the receipt of the notice. The order relates to the case lodged against Samuel by Kolkata Mayor and Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sovan Chattopadhyay's wife Ratna Chattopadhyay. The court said that Samuel's presence is required before the Investigating Officer as he is acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case. Two court notices had been sent to Samuel by the Investigation Officer on June 26 and July 1, asking for his appearance, but on both occasions he had failed to appear. When contacted, Samuel, who is currently abroad, told PTI, "Yes, I have received the mail from Kolkata Police containing the court notice. I reiterate that the subject matter is pending for consideration of the High Court of Calcutta and I have submitted all documents, materials, original footage and all equipment that I have used as per the direction of the high court." "I have not yet been served with a copy of the complaint which is the basis for this case," he said. The SIT of Kolkata Police had earlier questioned Trinamool Congress MLA Iqbal Ahmed and IPS officer S M Hussain Mirza in connection with the sting operation, which showed persons resembling TMC leaders accepting cash in exchange of services. On June 17, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had ordered a probe by the police into the sting operation and had claimed her party had not taken "a single penny" from anyone in the Saradha chit fund scam and the Narada sting operation. The SIT under Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar was formed to conduct the probe. An investigation into the Narada sting operation is on by the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, while a case on the issue is pending before the Calcutta High Court. Texas Senator Ted Cruz has launched a scathing attack on President Barack Obama for taking everything backward and presumptive Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton for following his policies. "There is a profound difference in our two parties' visions for the future. Their party thinks ISIS (Islamic State) is a "JV team", that responds to the death of Americans at Benghazi by asking, "What difference does it make?" That thinks. It's possible to make a deal with Iran, which celebrates as holidays 'Death to America Day' and 'Death to Israel Day'. That is madness," Cruz said. "President Obama is a man who does everything backwards - he wants to close Guantanamo Bay and open up our borders, he exports jobs and imports terrorists. Enough is enough. There is a better vision for our future: A return to freedom," he said. The Junior Senator from Texas was speaking at the Republican convention in this city of Ohio. Cruz defeated by Trump during the primary battle. "Freedom means religious freedom, whether you are Christian or Jew, Muslim or atheist. Gay or straight, the Bill of Rights protects the rights of all of us to live according to our conscience. Freedom means the right to keep and bear arms, and protect your family," he said. Clinton, he alleged, believes government should make virtually every choice in ones life. Education, healthcare, marriage, speech - all dictated out of Washington. "But something powerful is happening. We've seen it in both parties. We've seen it in the United Kingdom's unprecedented Brexit vote to leave the European Union," he said. Voters are overwhelmingly rejecting big government. That's a profound victory," he said. Cruz said the countrymen are fed up with politicians who don't listen to them, fed up with a corrupt system that benefits the elites, instead of working men and women. "We deserve an immigration system that puts America first. And yes, builds a wall to keep us safe. That stops admitting ISIS terrorists as refugees," he said. Bastille Day will never be the same either in Flagstaff or, unfortunately, in France. In Nice on the Mediterranean coast, it is the day that a terror truck attack killed 84 people. But in Flagstaff, just a year ago in 2015, July 14 was the day that New Horizons phoned home from Pluto. Nearly 1,600 people at Lowell Observatory atop Mars Hill rose and cheered. Things havent been the same since. The nine-year mission included Lowell astronomer Will Grundy on the leadership team, and after flying 3 billion miles, New Horizons hit its target window spot-on, coming within 7,800 miles of the icy rock. Since the flyby, New Horizons has sent back a wealth of images, each batch more detailed than the one before, with some showing features smaller than half a city block on Plutos diverse surface. As we reported last week, the mission resurrected interest in not only the demoted dwarf planet but also its, discoverer, Clyde Tombaugh, and his institution, Lowell Observatory, which has championed Pluto ever since. It became a world, whereas before it was just this little fuzzy thing, Michael West, Lowells deputy director of science, told the Daily Sun. The mission helps us know who we are, our sun, our planets and how the whole thing formed. Beyond strictly science, the New Horizons flyby was a boon for Lowell, which has seen a 30 percent increase in visitation. The surge in interest about Pluto and New Horizons also creates an opportunity for Lowells outreach staff, West said. Pluto brings people in the door, then we can tell them all about the other astronomy were doing. Some of that astronomy is done in Happy Jack at the new Discovery Channel Telescope. Universities and other observatories have invested in the telescope in order to reserve research time on the instrument, and the findings that Grundy and others from New Horizons continue to generate cant help but raise Lowells profile with future partners and grant-making bodies. Grundy continues to lead the surface composition team and is studying years worth of data beamed back by New Horizons. Most surprising for him is evidence of volatile materials like methane and nitrogen ice altering the landscape. Just like water on Earth has carved geologic features like the Grand Canyon, it appears that these volatile ices are shaping the water-ice bedrock in ways that scientists didnt expect, Grundy said, mentioning jagged mountains and erosion by glaciers. And there will be much more to come in several years: As of July 1, NASA announced that the spacecraft had been approved to fly another billion miles to a distant object in the Kuiper Belt that orbits the sun beyond Neptune. New Horizons is expected to come within 1,900 miles of 2014 MU69 -- about four times closer than it got to Pluto-- during a January 2019 flyby. So our hats are off to Grundy and all of the team at Lowell. Its not every city of 70,000 that can claim a planet as its own as well as one of the leaders of a NASA mission to that same planet. And for an institution founded nearly 125 years ago when a trip to the Grand Canyon, much less Pluto, was a major expedition, Lowell has come a long way. May its next century be just as rewarding and exciting. If Rio residents think the curvy ancient Greek goddess stamped on the Olympic medals looks familiar, they wouldn't be wrong: she's modeled on Brazilian women. "Rio de Janeiro is a city full of curves in the sea and hills, just like the body of the Brazilian woman," said sculptor Nelson Carneiro, 60, who created the 5,130 bronze, silver and gold medals at the national mint, called Casa da Moeda, near Rio de Janeiro. Carneiro says the sensuous side of the city inspired his depiction on the medals of the Greek goddess Nike ahead of the Summer Games starting August 5. "I gave Nike curves. I gave her bigger thighs and hips," he said. Nike, the goddess of victory in Greek mythology, has been the face of Olympic medals since the 2004 Athens Games, with the Parthenon temple in the background. "However, each country can make its own adaptations," said Carneiro, who works with some 2,800 other people at the mint. "It's a special medal made for the world's biggest event. When the athlete receives that medal, I'll feel as if I've also been decorated," Carneiro said. The medals may celebrate ancient tradition, but the technology mixes artisanal and 21st century techniques. First, Carneiro sculpts the design in clay and this is copied by a 3D printer. A steel mold is used to stamp the medals in a hydraulic press and medals are then polished to remove imperfections. - Fortress - ============ The national mint is in an out of the way neighborhood of Santa Cruz, a town north of Rio de Janeiro. Visitors to the facility, which is surrounded by towers and surveillance cameras, are searched as they come in -- and when they leave. "This is also where we make the coins and bank notes circulating in the whole country, as well as Brazilian passports and postal stamps," said the head of the medals section, Victor Hugo Berbert. Work on the medals started a month ago and will go right up to July 31, less than a week before the opening ceremony. The Olympics will have 2,488 medals and the Paralympics, which run from September 7-18, will have 2,642. Each medal weighs 17.6 ounces (500 grams), 20 percent more than the ones handed out in London and heavier than in any previous Olympics. The coveted gold medals are not really gold -- they have 17.4 ounces (494 grams) of silver and just 0.2 ounces (six grams) of gold plating. "If they were solid gold it would cost a fortune," Berbert said, without disclosing the prices. Silver medals are fully silver. The bronze medals, though, are arguably brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, rather than bronze which typically mixes copper and tin. Paralympic medals contain small steel balls to help identify them by sound for those with poor vision. Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagde today asked the government to make a statement on the murder of a Dalit teenage boy in Navi Mumbai, allegedly over an inter-caste relationship. Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who sought to raise the issue in the assembly through an adjournment notice, alleged police officials insulted family members of the deceased, after they went to lodge a complaint at the police station. Seven people, including the girl's relatives and their friends, have been arrested in connection with the murder by Nerul police. Police said the victim, 15-year-old Swapnil Sonawane, was killed because the girl's family did not approve of him as he belonged to a different caste. The boy was allegedly beaten to death on Tuesday night by the family of a 15-year-old girl he was in a relationship with. He was killed because the girl's family did not approve of him as he belonged to a different caste. The girl, who has also been listed as an accused, has been sent to a children's home in Bhiwandi. "The police officer who at first did not register the crime, under pressure, should be sacked," Vikhe Patil said. The Speaker did not admit the adjournment notice and declined to allow a debate on the issue. However, he directed that the state government make a statement on the issue. According Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale, two officers of Nerul police station have been placed under suspension against whom there are allegations that they refused to register the complaint of the boy's family. Rahul Gandhi today met the family members of Dalits, who were thrashed while skinning a dead cow, and assured all possible help to the victims. According to a kin of the victims, Gandhi, who spent around 40 minutes with the family members, said he is "ashamed" that such incidents are taking place in India. Rahul, who was accompanied by Congress leaders Kumari Selja and Gurudas Kamat, also had tea with the family members of the victims in this remote village near Una town of Gir-Somnath district, where the incident took place on July 11. "We narrated to him (Rahul) what happened with my cousins and uncle. He listened to us patiently and assured us all help so that we can get justice," Jitu Sarvaiya, a cousin of the victims, told reporters after Gandhi left. "Rahulji said he feels ashamed that such incidents are still taking place in the country and gave his personal number to us to contact in case of any emergency," he said. The Congress Vice President met Balubhai Sarvaiya and his family members, after landing at the nearby Union Territory of Diu. Seven of family members of Balubhai including him were beaten up in the incident. "He (Rahul) also asked questions about issues and discrimination being faced by us in our village. We told them that still the practice of untouchability is prevalent here as we are made to stand away from others," Jitu, who is studying engineering at a college in Bhavnagar district, said. "We demanded from him that those who were involved in the incident should be given exemplary punishment and kept behind bars for their entire life or else they will once again do this to someone else," he said. "We also told him about police not coming to help us when cow activists were beating my cousin brothers," he said. "We also told him that after the brutal beating for skinning of dead cows. Our family has decided to leave this business of leather....We will work as labourers but never get involved in this traditional business of ours," Jitu said. "We also sought financial help describing the poor conditions of our family for education of our children so that in future they can have a standing of their own," he said. Later, Rahul Gandhi left for Rajkot where the victims of flogging are undergoing treatment. Gujarat Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar later said that Rahul will give Rs 5 lakh as aid to family of the victims. The Dalit protests over the incident have spread to several parts of the state unleashing violence, in which a head constable was killed during stone-pelting in Amreli. Besides, State Transport buses were attacked and more than 17 members of the community have allegedly attempted suicide so far. The protest follows the brutal assault on fellow community members on July 11 for allegedly skinning a cow in Una town of Gir-Somnath district. Sixteen persons have been arrested so far in connection with the assault on Dalits, while four policemen have been suspended for dereliction of duty. Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya today visited the residence of a 24-year-old software engineer here, who was allegedly stabbed to death by his roommate in the US. Dattatreya, a senior BJP leader who represents Secunderabad Lok Sabha constituency, met Gundam Vijay Kumar, father of Gundam Sankeerth and expressed condolences to the family and assured him of all necessary help for getting back Sankeerth's body at the earliest. "Pranith, one of his friends, had called up and told the family members here that Sankeerth was stabbed by one Sai Sandeep Goud, a roommate, on Monday," Sankeerth's uncle Srinivas had said earlier. Sankeerth died while being shifted to a hospital and the accused was arrested by the local police in the US' Austin, Srinivas said, adding that Goud - also from Hyderabad - had joined his flat a fortnight ago. Sankeerth was stabbed to death by Goud in Texas on Monday following a quarrel. Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to take a decision within three months on a PIL alleging that private sale and manufacture of combat apparel was a threat to national security as terrorists posing as security personnel have launched attacks in India, including at the Pathankot Air Force base. A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal asked the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to treat the petition as a representation and to take a decision on it. With the direction the court disposed of the plea by an NGO, Fight for Human Rights, which had sought steps to curb private sale and manufacture of combat apparel, like uniforms, shoes, badges and other gear used by armed forces which were being made by private industries in Ludhiana and Amritsar in Punjab and sold all over the country. One place where such articles are sold is at the Railway Market at Pathankot, the NGO had claimed in its plea. In January this year, the Air Force base in Pathankot was attacked by terrorists wearing Indian Army fatigues, leading to the death of several security personnel. The NGO has said that as per a January 8 guideline issued by Indian Army, civilians and private shopkeepers have been directed not to wear or sell combat apparel. It had sought directions to MoD to take "immediate and concrete" steps "to prevent private enterprises, shops, individuals etc from unauthorisedly manufacturing, stocking and selling of combat uniforms, backpacks, sleeping bags, badges, shoes etc used by armed forces in India". The PIL had also said that MoD be directed to handle with immediate effect the responsibility of manufacturing, stocking and sale of combat apparel and gear used by the armed forces, saying private shops do not check to whom they sell such articles. An Egyptian court will begin examining two appeals in October filed by former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, his lawyer and a judicial official said today. Morsi, Egypt's first democratically elected president who was overthrown in July 2013 by then-army chief, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has been convicted of numerous charges in four trials. He was sentenced to death in June 2015 along with other defendants over mass prison breaks and attacks against the police during the 2011 uprising which toppled longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak. The Court of Cassation -- Egypt's top appeals court -- will begin examining this ruling on October 18, a judicial official told AFP. In April 2015, Morsi was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in violence against protesters during his one year in power. The court will examine this conviction on October 8. Morsi's lawyer, Abdel Moneim Abdel Maksoud said the court will only look into the cases of "all the defendants who are in custody" and not those who were convicted in absentia. "We don't know if the court will issue its decision on the same day," said Abdel Maksoud. Even if Morsi's appeals are successful he will be tried again in a new court on the same charges. In his latest conviction, a court sentenced Morsi last month to life in prison for leading an unlawful organisation -- his now-blacklisted Muslim Brotherhood -- and 15 years for having "stolen secret documents concerning state security," his lawyer said. He was sentenced to life in prison last year for "espionage" on behalf of Iran and other countries, as well as militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Courts have since sentenced hundreds of Islamists to death, including other Muslim Brotherhood leaders, though many have appealed and been granted new trials. Hundreds of Morsi supporters were killed during protests following his ouster. Thousands of others were detained in a crackdown that was later expanded to include leftist and liberal dissidents. Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said today his country was serious about pushing forward peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. "Egypt's recent serious effort aims to break the deadlock that has hung over peace efforts," he said in a speech broadcast live on state TV. "It is a sincere effort to make everyone face their responsibilities and warn of the consequences of delays in achieving peace," he said. His remarks followed a trip by Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry to Israel earlier this month, the first such visit in nine years. Sisi said in May that Egypt was willing to take part in peace talks, saying there was a "real opportunity" for an Israeli-Palestinian deal that could lead to warmer ties between his country and Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who met Shoukry during his visit, welcomed Sisi's offer. Shoukry also met Palestinian leaders in the West Bank city of Ramallah. The last round of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks collapsed in April 2014. In 1979, Egypt was the first Arab state to sign a peace treaty with Israel after years of conflict. It remains an influential player in the region. However, ties between the countries have been cold over Israel's policies toward the Palestinians. Netanyahu has called on Palestinians to engage in direct negotiations with Israel, but Palestinian leaders say years of talks have not ended Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas has instead tried to put pressure on Israel through diplomacy at the UN. In June, representatives from 28 Arab and Western countries, the Arab League, European Union and the United Nations met in Paris to discuss ways push peace efforts forward. Neither Israeli nor Palestinian representatives were invited to attend the meeting, which aimed to prepare for a peace conference by the end of the year. The Palestinians have welcomed the French bid but Israel strongly opposes the initiative. A court in south China's Guangdong province has upheld the ruling by a lower court to sentence the former head of an official local newspaper to 11 years in jail for graft. The Guangdong Provincial Higher People's Court decision to reject the appeal of Dai Yuqing, former head of Guangzhou Daily, to an open court hearing of his case held in December 2015. The Intermediate People's Court of Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, found Dai took bribes totaling 2.47 million yuan (about USD 370,000) when he served as president of Guangzhou Daily, the official newspaper of the Guangzhou City Committee of the Communist Party of China, and as chairman of the board for both Guangzhou Daily Newspaper Group and an affiliated company of the group from 2006 to 2012. During the above stated period of time, Dai was found to have accepted bribes from his subordinates and local hospitals in exchange for promotions and other personnel decisions and advertisements. He was detained following an investigation into economic discipline violations. The Intermediate People's Court of Dongguan City in April 2015 found Dai was guilty of corruption and sentenced him to 11 years in jail and deprived him of 500,000 yuan in personal assets. Dai managed to return 1.25 million yuan before the ruling of the first-instant trial was given. On receiving the ruling by the Intermediate People's Court of Dongguan City, Dai appealed his case to the Guangdong Provincial Higher People's Court, state-run Xinhua agency reported. Fashion jewellery and accessory exporters should focus on maintaining quality and timely product delivery to enhance competitiveness in global markets and boost exports, Textiles Minister Ajay Tamta today said. According to Tamta, Indian exporters have stepped up by increasing exports of fashion jewellery and accessories. "However, they need to do more hard work in maintaining quality, price and delivery of their products to face the competition from other competitive countries as well as promote exports from the country," the ministry said in a statement, quoting Tamta. He was speaking at the 9th edition of the Indian Fashion Jewellery and Accessories Show at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida. Tamta suggested that new crafts other than those being practised in clusters in villages should be introduced in order to generate sustained employment opportunities. There is also a need for development of craft of the Himalayan region as well, he said, promising the exporting community all possible help from the ministry. A fact finding team which visited Gujarat's Una town in connection with the brutal assault of Dalits, has claimed to have found a new trend among 'cow vigilantes' to show bravado by making a particular Dalit community as their "soft target". The incident of beating up of seven Dalit youths in Mota Samadhilya village of Gir-Somnath district last week has triggered large scale protests across the state. The protests worsened yesterday as seven youths attempted suicide with violence and arson spreading to various places in the state. An eight-member fact finding team, comprising from various city-based NGOs including Dalit Adhikar Manch, which went to the village from here a few days back, found out that the incident was brutal as the alleged beating of youths started from 9.30 AM and continued unabated till 1.30 PM, and inspite of the victims' kin repeatedly calling police, the latter allegedly did not act. The team members said that are "soft targets" for these vigilante groups. are actually not involved in slaughter of cows, but are only doing their traditional business of leather, while they (vigilante groups) refrain from confronting those involved in slaughter, they said. There is a particular Dalit community that deals in the trade of leather. In Gir-Somnath and surrounding districts of Gujarat these self-appointed cow protection committees have come up in the name of saving cows, said Kaushik Parmar, who led the fact finding team to the village. "We have found out that this inhuman incident of beating Dalit youths was not one off. From last many months these particular community members have become target of these cow protection groups," Parmar said. "There have been at least three such incidents in the past two months in the area when the Dalit community members were beaten up by these so-called cow vigilante groups. All those are related to skinning of dead cows," he said. "Earlier, such cow vigilantes used to target those who are involved in cow slaughter. But since last seven to eight months, they have started targeting Dalit community members who are involved in leather business and are soft targets, to show off their bravado. It has been noticed that these groups in the past few months attacked Dalits when they were involved in skinning of dead cows," he said. "Instead of targeting those involved in slaughter, these groups started targeting Dalits," charged another fact finding team member Subodh Parmar. "One farmer whose cow was killed had called this family (Dalits who were beaten up in Una last week) to dispose of the dead cow. They (victims) took the dead cow outside the Mota Samadhilya village and were skinning it, when about 30 to 35 people of cow protection group came and started abusing and beating them," Kaushik Parmar claimed. "The beating continued from 9.30 AM to 1.30 PM. The family members of victims and others called up police but it did not turn up," they said. The accused themselves made the video footage and also had a group photograph clicked after doing the act, they said. The fact finding team members have demanded that the state should ban such cow protection groups. "Such cow protection groups should be banned across the state. There is already a law against cow slaughter in the state, then what is the need of such vigilante groups," Kaushik Parmar said. The team has also demanded that police should add IPC section related to criminal conspiracy in the FIR registered in connection with the Una incident. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ahmed Abou Zaid said Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan insulted the Egyptian leadership while speaking to Al Jazeera. Once more, the Turkish president insulted the Egyptian leadership, which shows poor assessment on behalf of president Erdogan, who is in a confusing situation, given the tough circumstances he is facing, Abou Zaid commented in a Thursday statement. According to Abou Zaid, the Turkish president failed to differentiate between the recent military coup against him, and what happened in Egypt on 30 June 2013, which was a complete revolution in which more than 30 million Egyptians took the streets demanding the support of the army. In an interview with Al-Jazeera aired on Wednesday, Erdogan referred to the Egyptian president as a military coup man, much like those who attempted the coup in Turkey. He overthrew the president elected by the people with the use of weapons while he was still the Minister of Defence, Erdogan stated. Can we respect this act? This is in addition to him killing thousands of people. This man has nothing to do with democracy, he continued. Egypt and Turkey have had tense ties since the military-backed ouster of former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, which brought President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to power. Morsi was considered an important ally to Erdogan. Since his ouster, both countries have exchanged accusations and cut diplomatic ties. Ever since the attempted military coup in Turkey, the Egyptian government and media rejoiced, launching a campaign criticising the policies of Erdogan. The popularity of the Egyptian army was highlighted, as well as its strong ties with Egypts citizens, while Turkeys demonstrations against its military and the coup leaders were emphasised. Despite the failure of Turkeys coup attempt, headlines of the Egyptian press the next morning asserted that the coup had succeeded and that Erdogan was ousted. Moreover, Egyptian talk show hosts criticised Turkeys crackdown on democracy and freedoms. On Sunday, Egypt has debunked reported claims that it hindered a United Nations Security Council report that condemned the coup attempt in Turkey, claiming that Egypt had only suggested an amendment to the report. Company is in the process of setting up a Research and Development (R&D) centre here, the first such facility to be located outside of the US, Finance Minister O Panneerselvam told the House on Thursday. In his Budget address, he said after the Global Investors' Meet here last year, several other have been setting up their facilities in southern Tamil Nadu. "Due to the impetus on growth of IT industries in southern Tamil Nadu, Honeywell, HCL Technologies, Zoho Corporation and Syntel are establishing their facilities there," he said. Panneerselvam also said software exports have risen steadily at around 10-12% per annum with Chennai being a hub for IT and ITeS . "In 2015-16, software export is expected to have touched Rs 95,000 crore," he said. Stating that the government has taken key steps for improving the ease of doing business, he said multiple incentives including capital and tax subsidies and infrastructure in the form of industrial parks and power supply have been provided. "After the Global Investors' Meet so far, investments totalling Rs 23,258 crore have materialised and have generated employment for 48,145 persons," he said. He said the Japan International Co-operation Agency has agreed to fund the second phase of the Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Programme with an outlay of Rs 1,560 crore to improve the investment environment. Referring to other initiatives, Panneerselvam said State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) has been taking efforts for creating a land bank of 19,000 acres in southern districts including Ramanathapuram and Pudukottai for promoting industrial growth. SIPCOT has also initiated action for implementing Madurai-Thoothukudi Industrial Corridor (MTIC) Project by forming a Special Purpose Vehicle and it has expedited the land acquisition process. The government was also in the process of developing Ponneri (a town north of Chennai in Tiruvallur District) Industrial Node as a National Investment and Manufacturing Zone under the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor Project, he pointed out. The French government today announced a probe into security measures taken for the Bastille Day celebrations in Nice following accusations after the truck massacre that authorities had underestimated the jihadist threat. A week after Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel ploughed a 19-tonne truck into a crowd, killing 84 people, five suspects arrested over links to the Tunisian were to appear before anti-terrorism judges who will decide whether to charge them. Lawmakers also adopted a law extending a state of emergency for six months, after it was toughened up by the right-dominated Senate. The final version bans gatherings where sufficient security can not be provided and makes it easier to shut places of worship where preachers incite hate or violence. While France mourns the victims of its third major terror attack in 18 months, the government continues to be plagued by questions over possible security failings. Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve called for a police inquiry into the security measures taken in Nice, after an article in Liberation daily claiming that only one municipal police car was guarding the spot where Bouhlel crashed through barriers onto the promenade. Cazeneuve has criticised the article as false and Prime Minister Manuel Valls has accused opponents who suggest the Nice attack could have been thwarted of "lying to the French". The latest attack, which was claimed by the Islamic State group, has politicians tearing into each other, a far cry from the display of unity 18 months ago after the first strike against the Charlie Hebdo magazine and a Jewish supermarket. Just hours after Valls warned that France must "learn to live with the threat", the group yesterday posted a video apparently shot in Iraq, showing two French-speaking jihadists threatening more attacks against the country. However while IS claimed Bouhlel was one of its "soldiers", it has yet to publish footage or photos of the Tunisian as it did after previous attacks. Investigators have said they have no proof yet that the driver, who was shot dead by police, had pledged allegiance to the group. In Nice, investigators found a Kalashnikov rifle and a bag of ammunition in the basement of a 22-year-old man who is among five being held over links to Bouhlel. The suspect received a text messages from Bouhlel on the night of the attack, in which Bouhlel praised him for providing the pistol he used during a shootout with police. All five suspects -- four men and a woman -- are to appear before a judge to face possible charges. About 100 investigators are poring over masses of data linked to the probe. Pictures found on Bouhlel's cellphone indicate he was studying several locations where crowds gathered as possible targets. France's ecology minister Segolene Royal has said she wants to see the Paris climate deal take effect by November, just before a new round of climate talks opens in Morocco. Royal called for "accelerating the ratification" of the accord after a meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in New York yesterday to discuss the deal aimed at curbing greenhouse-gas emissions. "I would like the agreement to be in force in time for the Marrakech conference" that opens on November 7, Royal said. Only 19 countries including and island-states threatened by rising sea levels have so far ratified the agreement, which cannot become effective until 55 countries accounting for 55 per cent of global greenhouse-gas emissions have fully approved it. The United Nations is hosting an gathering on September 21 to push countries to present their ratification of the Paris deal. Royal said countries will be asked to provide "proof" of their intention to fully adopt the agreement. "We should no longer be satisfied with statements of intent," she said. At a UN signing ceremony in April, 177 countries and parties signed the agreement, including the United States and China, the world's biggest polluters. Washington and Beijing have pledged to ratify the climate deal this year. The Paris pact calls for capping global warming at well below two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), and 1.5 C (2.7 F) if possible, compared with pre-industrial levels. France's interior minister acknowledged today that there were no national police stationed at the entrance to the pedestrianised walkway in Nice during the Bastille Day truck attack that killed 84 people. Bernard Cazeneuve's clarification comes as a newspaper accused authorities of lacking transparency over their handling of the massacre. In what represents backtracking from previous claims, Cazeneuve said only local police, who are more lightly armed, were guarding the entrance when Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel drove a 19-metric ton (20-ton) truck onto the sidewalk. Cazeneuve initially said "national police were present and very present on the Promenade des Anglais" and suggested that their cars were blocking the walkway entrance, in a speech two days after the July 14 attack. Cazeneuve launched an internal police investigation into the handling of the attack shortly after today's backtrack, in a move seen aimed to diffuse criticism. President Francois Hollande said the conclusions of the investigation will be known next week, speaking from Dublin where he was meeting with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny about the British decision to leave the European Union. Hollande said that any police "shortfalls" will be carefully addressed, but defended French authorities against the media attacks. "There's no room for polemics, there's only room for transparency," he said. "The necessary, serious preparations had been made for the July 14 festivities." His comments come after French newspaper Liberation said Cazeneuve lied about the whereabouts of the national police officers and cars, and accused authorities of lacking transparency. Using witness statements and photos in its today edition, Liberation showed that only one local police car was stationed at the entrance to the walkway. The paper quotes local Nice police officer Yves Bergerat, who said that guns and bullets of the local force aren't even equipped "to puncture the tires," let alone shatter the windshield of a truck that size. In a statement, Cazeneuve accused the paper of conspiracy theories and maintains that several "heroic" national police, who killed the attacker after an exchange of fire, were stationed further down the promenade. The criticism comes as France's National Assembly finalised the extension of the state of emergency, a security measure that's been in place since the November 13 Paris attacks that left 130 dead and were claimed by the Islamic State group. Five suspects held in custody in relation to the Nice attack are being handed to investigating judges in Paris today. They were expected to file preliminary charges against them. French authorities have been looking for possible accomplices to Bouhlel. Students of new batch joining the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) here, which had last year witnessed strident protests against appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as chairman, will have to sign "general conduct" declaration promising to maintain "decorum and decency" on campus and not to "insult" faculty and staffers. Though the administration has clarified that making students sign such declaration is not a new practice, some students of old batches claimed otherwise alleging the move is aimed at "intimidating" new entrants. The new batch of students will join FTII after two consecutive 'zero' years(no fresh admissions). There are total of five affidavits that students have to sign. The specimen of the self-declaration affidavit of "general conduct" on the campus is available on the official FTII website. "I will follow all rules and regulations of FTII (Institute) regarding academics, discipline and behaviour towards others on the campus. "I understand that the Institute has full right to initiate disciplinary proceedings against me for violation of any of its rules & regulation by me. I agree to maintain decorum & decency on the campus including in hostel & staff residential areas and in any circumstances would not be insulting to the faculty, staff members and elders," it stated. FTII clarified that the then new batch for television course too had signed similar declarations in 2014 at the time of admission. When contacted, FTII director Bhupendra Kainthola termed as "wrong" the claims that students are being asked to sign the affidavits for the first time this year. "All these declarations and affidavits are not new as these documents were signed by 2014 television batch as well. "All these documents are same and there is no change and since new batches of film and television are going to start their session from August 1, 2016, we will explain to them about the rules and regulations of the institute and will ask them to sign the declarations," said Kainthola. As per one of the undertakings, the students have to declare that they will follow all rules and regulations regarding hostel accommodation. "I understand that accommodation in FTII may be provided only on the basis of its availability subject to fulfilling other terms & conditions. I will share accommodation offered to me by FTII willingly with others wherever FTII is providing the same to me," it stated. "I undertake to pay all kinds of fees 100% in advance and I would not bring any kind of external and or emotional pressure on FTII for any exemption including delay in this regard," stated another declaration. Meanwhile, one of the students of the 2014 batch of Television course confirmed that he had signed similar set of declarations at the time of admission to the institute. "..It is quite possible that since there was no Film batch in 2014, the students from Film section did not know about the affidavits and now since film and television batch is coming to the institute, they must have seen the documents," he said. Meanwhile, FTII Students' Association (FSA) president Nachimuthu Harishankar today said they will ask new students not to sign the documents. "We appeal to all new students not to sign documents and we will protest this move of institute," he said. Another students' representative said the institute is trying to "contain" students' energy through such move so that they will not dare to question the administration. "They want to create an atmosphere of fear in the minds of new students with such moves," he said. FTII has also asked students to give written declarations on not "participating in act of ragging" and "not continuing employment or education besides FTII course". The affidavits are to be given on a Rs 100 stamp paper. On July 6, the governing council under Chauhan's leadership had approved appointment of a proctor, besides new rules regarding hostel accommodation. The council had also given nod to new syllabus and a plan to turn FTII into "a holistic institute of cinema, television and allied arts" with introduction of new courses. Last year, massive protests were held on the campus by students for 139 days, before they were called off, against the appointment of Chauhan--who is mainly known for his portrayal of 'Yudhishthir' in mythological TV serial 'Mahabharata'. Congress leader Anand Sharma today alleged that the government was blocking the appointment of judges as it was "very angry" after the Supreme Court's decision in the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), a charge strongly refuted by the Centre. Elaborating on the vacancies of judges in several high courts across the country, Sharma said "for the last one year, the collegium, the CJI, they have made recommendations to the government, but after the NJAC judgment, the government seems to be very angry and on path of confrontation with the collegium of the Supreme Court." The Supreme Court had in October last year declared as unconstitutional the law brought by the government to replace the over two-decade-old collegium system of judges appointing judges in the higher judiciary and quashed the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act. "Therefore, the attempt of this government is to block appointments and force a situation where the memorandum of procedure of appointments (MoP) as proposed by collegium of Supreme Court is diluted so that people owing allegiance to particular ideology, people having certain leanings, will get accommodated", the Congress leader alleged during Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha. The situation, he claimed, was so serious that the Chief Justice of India T S Thakur broke down in front of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and "months have passed but the Prime Minister is unmoved". "PM has not taken any action, nor his government. His government has to address this issue and explain why it is blocking names which have been recommended by High Court and Supreme Court collegiums, and when will these vacancies be filled so that poor people can get justice," Sharma said. Refuting the charges, former Law Minister Sadananda Gowda said "the matter raised by Anand Sharma is far away from the truth. After NJAC verdict, the government itself went to the CJI. I myself went to the CJI. I said that the new MoP will take some time for finalisation... "So we said that there is a huge pendency across the country... We said the appointments can be proceeded as per the earlier MoP." Gowda, who has now been shifted to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, said he had himself written a letter to CJI, and on that basis, the appointments started. "Last year, 31 new appointments have been made to High Courts. This year from January to April, 51 appointments have been done and 87 ad hoc Judges have been appointed," he said. Referring to the vacancies in various courts, Sharma said "over five crore civil and criminal cases are pending in various courts across India. "Many poor people are in jail and for longer than the duration of the sentence of the crime for which they are booked and fighting." The situation is further exacerbated due to the lack of appointment of Judges to the vacant posts in the High Courts, the Congress member said. Around 470 judges' posts were vacant in 24 High Courts across the country as of today, which is a serious issue, he said. A special court today sought CBI's response on the bail pleas of two persons arrested in a corruption case involving Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's former Principal Secretary Rajendra Kumar. Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar issued notice to the probe agency and fixed the matter for hearing on July 25 on the bail applications of Kumar's close aide Ashok Kumar and Managing Director of a PSU R S Kaushik. The court, which was scheduled to hear arguments on Kumar's bail plea, will now take up the application for hearing on Saturday after CBI sought an adjournment. The court, meanwhile, ordered defreezing of the bank account of Dinesh Kumar Gupta, an accused in the case, noting that it was not part of case property. Advocate Harsh Kumar Sharma, who appeared for Gupta, said his client and his family were going through a tough time. However, CBI opposed the plea for defreezing the bank account, saying that it was investigating the money trail. Besides the four accused, CBI had also arrested former Deputy Secretary in Kejriwal's office Tarun Sharma and co-owner of the private firm, Sandeep Kumar. All the six accused are at present in the judicial custody. According to CBI, the five accused were allegedly showing undue favours to private firm Endeavour Systems Pvt Ltd (ESPL) which the agency alleged was floated by Kumar for the award of government contracts worth over Rs 50 crore. CBI had registered a case against Kumar and others in December last year alleging that the officer had abused his official position by "favouring a particular firm in the last few years in getting tenders of Delhi government departments". G K Nanda, former Managing Director of Intelligent Communication Systems India Ltd (ICSIL), a Delhi government undertaking, has also been arrested in the case. Nanda, who is a predecessor of Kaushik, is at present in judicial custody. The accused have been charged under section 120-B of IPC (criminal conspiracy) and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act relating to criminal misconduct for allegedly favouring ESPL in bagging of five contracts. CBI has alleged that the accused persons had entered into a criminal conspiracy and caused a loss of Rs 12 crore to the Delhi government in award of contracts between 2007 and 2015, and claimed that the officials had taken "undue benefit" of over Rs three crore while awarding the contracts. This is the same case in which the agency had come under scathing criticism from court which had directed it to return the documents sought by the Delhi government seized during December 15, 2015 search of Kejriwal's office. The arrest of the top state government official had triggered a political storm with the Delhi government accusing the Centre of indulging in "political vendetta" and "paralysing" governance. A Greek court today sentenced eight Turkish military officers who fled last week's failed coup to suspended two-month prison terms. The officers, sought by Turkey to face a military trial at home, have requested asylum in Greece and will remain in police custody until their cases on that issue are heard early in August. The prison sentence for illegal entry was suspended for a three-year period, the court in the northern city of Alexandroupoli said, taking into account that the men felt threatened. In his defence, one of the Turkish officers told the court through a translator that he did not want to return home owing to "indiscriminate" arrests by Ankara authorities. "We saw indiscriminate arrests of military personnel and we were afraid," the suspect said. Another said: "I'm proud to be an army man. I would not have left Turkey had my life not been in danger." The case threatens to strain ties between the two NATO allies, with Ankara labelling the eight "terrorists". Turkey's ambassador has warned that failure to return the officers "will not help" ties. "I hope we will manage to swiftly go through the phases of due process and manage to return these terrorist elements so that they will face justice," Kerim Uras told reporters in Athens on Tuesday. "We thought of going to Bulgaria, Romania or Greece - finally we chose Greece," said the officer who opened today's trial, held under tight security. The officers flew to Alexandroupoli by military helicopter on Saturday and were allowed to land after sending a distress signal to authorities. A Turkish detachment arrived after them and returned the Black Hawk helicopter to Turkey. Greek military units have been placed on "heightened vigilance" amid reports that additional Turkish military personnel could be trying to flee to the Greek islands, a navy spokesman told AFP. The eight men, who declined to give their ranks and units in court, arrived in handcuffs with their faces hidden. They claim that they were in the process of airlifting wounded men during the clashes that broke out during the attempted coup on Friday, but came under fire by police. "We had to land in a field near Istanbul and wait, before deciding to flee," the first suspect said. Total installed solar power generation capacity in the country touched 7,805 MW mark by June-end this year with Rajasthan topping the charts with 1,294.60 MW, Parliament was informed today. Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh followed Rajasthan with grid connected solar power generation capacity of 1,267.41 MW and 1,123.36 MW respectively as on June 30, 2016, New and Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal said in a written reply to Lok Sabha. India has set an ambitious target of adding one lakh MW of solar power generation capacity, including 40,000 MW from solar rooftops. In another reply, the Minister said the government has taken several initiatives to achieve this target. He further said the World Bank has approved concessional loan of USD 500 million, Clean Technology loan of USD 120 million and Clean Technology Fund grant of USD five million to State Bank of India for the grid connected rooftop solar projects. As on June 30, 2016, estimates show that states will invest Rs 6,254 crore on solar power projects in the current fiscal, Goyal said. The estimated investments by states on solar projects was Rs 18,113 crore in 2015-16 and Rs 6,672 crore in 2014-15. Government has planned to add over 10,000 MW of solar power generation capacity during the current fiscal. An FIR was today registered against Patidar reservation agitation spearhead Hardik Patel for allegedly threatening a toll booth staff in Rajasthan's Rajsamand even as police restricted his movement outside his temporary residence here. IG Anand Srivastava said this, however, was not a house arrest as one of the conditions of the Gujarat High Court while granting him bail was that he has to stay at a temporary address outside Gujarat for the next six months. "When he has to stay at the temporary address, he is not supposed to move out and he has been asked to stay at the place only in compliance with the court order," he said. "He was granted conditional bail and this is not a house arrest. This arrangement is in compliance with the court order," he said. Meanwhile, the case was registered against Patel, former Congress MLA Pushkar Dangi and eight others for threatening the toll booth staff from where they passed without paying the toll tax yesterday, Rajsamand SP Vishnu Kant said. "The accused were in four cars and were returning from Nathdwara temple in Rajsamand to Udaipur. As per the complaint of the toll booth staff, they did not pay the tax and threatened the staff following which the FIR was lodged with Delwara police station," he said. The case was registered under sections 384 (punishment for extortion) and 143 (unlawful assembly) of IPC, he added. Hardik is at present staying at the residence of former Congress MLA Pushkar Dangi in Srinath colony. He was summoned by police yesterday after he visited Srinath temple and was reminded of the condition that he does not leave his residence. "If he has to move from that address, he has to seek prior permission from the court. In case of a violation, the court will be informed," Srivastava said. He added that the house where Patel is staying is being monitored by police. Patel was recently released from jail in Gujarat after nine months in confinement. Haryana Government has decided to establish state-of-the-art cyber forensic laboratory equipped with high-end tools at the premises of Haryana Police, Gurgaon. It has also decided to set up hi-tech training facility in the same premises for advance level training of police officers from not only Haryana but also other state police forces. The government wants to enhance technological capabilities of Haryana Police for monitoring of social media, an official spokesperson said here today. A proposal to this effect has been approved by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, he said. He said that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard would soon be signed between National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), New Delhi and Haryana Police. The spokesman also said that NTRO, New Delhi, would be responsible for extending technical support, customised equipments, hardware, software, servers, workstations, application and training to set up cyber forensic laboratory, including capability of social media monitoring. The Haryana Police would provide about 3000 sq feet space for setting up of laboratory and training facility, the spokesperson said. The NTRO would depute technical experts at the laboratory for providing training and smooth functioning of the lab whereas, Haryana Police would depute personnel on 24x7 basis for day-to-day manning of the facility and maintenance. All recurring expenditure for managing smooth running of the facilities, lease line bills and consumable items would be borne by Haryana Police, he said. He said that a team of NTRO has also visited Technical Analysis Wing in CID and discussed various aspects of social media monitoring and unauthorised usage of satellite phone. The Madras High Court today dismissed a petition seeking a direction to ban a Tamil daily and a bi-weekly for allegedly violating the press code and ethics while reporting the matter related to the arrest of a 24-year-old man in connection with the murder of an IT employee here. The PIL filed by 'Madurai Mavatta Devendrakula Vellalar Uravinmurai Sangam,' sought a ban on the two publications for publishing photos of family members of the murder accused Ramkumar. The First Bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice R Mahadevan, said: "To our mind, such a petition is not maintainable." "....If it is perceived that any press people have acted beyond the parameters permissible, then they would have to give a complaint to the Press Council of India," it said. The bench held that the issue cannot be styled as a PIL by an association to come to court. The matter relates to the arrest of Ramkumar of Tirunelveli district, in connection with the sensational murder of 24-year-old Infosys employee, Swathi at Nungambakkam Railway Station on June 24. The petitioner alleged that the mediapersons had taken the photos of family members of Ramkumar, despite their refusal to show their face on camera, and the photos were published on the official website of the bi-weekly and the Tamil daily. He claimed that their actions were totally against rules framed by Information and Broadcasting Ministry and Press Council of India. Just because Ramkumar belonged to the dalit community, the media had targeted his family members and forcibly taken their photographs, the association alleged. Dismissing the petition, the bench said, "The petitioner, a caste association, seeks to rake up the issue on caste basis rather than the social aspect of the crime." "The only aspect which is sought to be urged is that in the process aforesaid, the media people had forcibly entered the premises of the family members of the accused, which is said to be without their consent." "On that basis, a direction is sought to Union of India and the Press Council of India to issue necessary directions to register cases and ban the publications." "To our mind such a petition is not maintainable," it said. Besides seeking a ban on the two publications, the petitioner sought a direction to the Commissioner of Police, Chennai to register a case as per provisions of Prevention of Civil Rights(SC/ST Atrocities) Act against them. Second largest private sector lender HDFC Bank today reported a 20.2 per cent growth in net profit to Rs 3,239 crore for the three months to June on the back of a healthy rise in core net-interest income, even as the asset quality marginally worsened. The Aditya Puri-led bank, known for retail lending focus that has been helping it grow much higher than the industry and maintain industry-best asset quality for long, has also begun to face challenges its peers have been suffering. While gross non-performing loans rose to 1.04 per cent from 0.95 per cent, its net NPA remained flat at 0.3 per cent. Accordingly, provisions rose to Rs 866.7 crore from Rs 728 crore a year ago. But, deputy managing director Paresh Sukthankar was quick to dismiss any concern on the asset quality front saying the bank is "comfortable" with the rise in bad loans. "We are still very comfortable," Sukthankar told reporters adding "no serious large chunky" corporate account had contributed to the rise in the bad loans. "Primary growth driver is the rise in net interest income, which is 71 per cent of our net revenue and grew 21.8 per cent. So, that clearly sets the tone for the topline," Sukthankar said. He said loan growth, which grew nearly three times the industry average at 23.2 per cent, was driven by small-and- medium corporate borrowers and individuals. Growth in NIIs was driven by average assets growth of 20.2 per cent and a expansion in net interest margins at 4.4 per cent from 4.3 per cent. Net revenue rose 20 per cent to Rs 10,588 crore. Net interest margin for the quarter stood at 4.4 per cent, and Sukthankar guided for the margins to remain in the 4-4.4 per cent range. Fees and commissions rose to Rs 1,977.9 crore from Rs 1,713 crore, but foreign exchange and derivatives revenue dipped to Rs 314.5 crore from Rs 348 crore. Total income rose to Rs 19,322.63 crore during the quarter under review, up 17.08 as against Rs 16,502.97 crore in the same period last year. Net interest income grew 21.8 per cent to Rs 7,781.4 crore from Rs 6,388.8 crore last year, while other income (non- interest revenue) grew 14 per cent to Rs 2,806.6 crore. Other income accounted for 26.5 per cent of net revenue. On asset quality deterioration, Sukthankar said: "There is really isn't any one chunky segment or a business which is contributing to these 8-9 basis points increase. And that the higher provisions are largely to ensure that we have a very healthy coverage on our NPLs." It did not sell any bad loans to asset reconstruction companies in the quarter. Total balance sheet size stood at Rs 755,100 crore compared to Rs 629,322 crore a year ago. While total deposits rose 18.5 per cent to Rs 573,755 crore, advances grew 23.2 per cent to Rs 470,622 crore. Sukthankar said growth on the retail side came from usual products like personal loan, credit card and home loan. The bank saw its commercial vehicle segment and auto loans growth at at 18.8 per cent and 18.9 per cent, respectively. Total capital adequacy ratio as per Basel III guidelines, was at 15.5 per cent as against a regulatory requirement of 9 per cent. Tier-I CAR was at 13.3 per cent as on June 30, 2016 compared to 12.8 per cent as at June 30, 2015. The shares of the country's most valuable bank in terms of market capitalisation of about USD 46 billion ended at Rs 1,228.45, showing a marginal drop of 0.30 per cent on BSE. IT body NASSCOM today said fresh hiring in the current financial year may be lower than last year as IT companies are facing pressure on margins, besides focusing on automation of jobs. "Hiring activity in the year before last was 2.20 lakh (new jobs were created in IT sector). Last year, (FY 2015-16) there were about two lakh additions. This financial year, we are expecting it to be on the lower side of that", National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) President R Chandrashekhar told reporters here. Declining to give an exact figure, he said, "I cannot reliably predict what is going to happen. These are trends". Explaining about the decrease in hiring activity, he said, fresh hiring is either static or gently declining. It is not as if overall hiring is going down. It is not going to be in the same pace as it was, he said. Chandrashekhar attributed the companies' focus on automation and pressure on margins for the decrease in hiring activities. "They (IT companies) are adopting higher productivity by reducing the strength and focusing on automation. For a country like India, automation works differently as cost effectiveness on automation is different because our economic levels are different," he said. While certain jobs within the industry may be automated, those which are off-shored are actually coming in to India. There is a loss of jobs because of automation within India and also because of a new set of jobs which are coming due to off-shoring and technology changes, he said. "In short, for the next two years, we are still quite optimistic. Our fundamentals are stronger than others (countries)", he added. French President Francois Hollande today urged Britain to begin talks to leave the EU "as soon as possible" and ruled out granting access to the EU's single market without access by EU workers to Britain. "The sooner these negotiations begin the better, and the shorter they are the better," Hollande said after meeting Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny in Dublin, calling for negotiations "as soon as possible". "Things should not drag on," Hollande said, hours before he is due to meet British Prime Minister Theresa May in Paris for the first time. He said he expected May to give her "reasons" on why she was planning to delay until next year invoking Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty -- the formal procedure for withdrawal from the European Union. Hollande's tough talk contrasted sharply with a more accommodating German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who agreed to give Britain more time to prepare its departure during May's visit to Berlin yesterday. On her first foreign trip since taking office in the wake of Britain's seismic June referendum, May told Merkel that her government would not ask to leave the EU before the end of 2016 in order to plan a "sensible and orderly departure". Merkel, who is expected to play a pivotal role in the Brexit talks along with France, said it was in the interests of all that Britain had a "well-defined position" before beginning the negotiations. Faced with growing euroscepticism at home, Hollande has taken a harder line since Britain's seismic June 23 vote to leave the EU. He has a presidential election looming next year and faces a challenge from the far-right National Front, which wants France to leave the EU too. The Brexit talks are expected to hinge on Britain's desire to restrict immigration of EU citizens but still retain vital access to the EU's single market. Hollande appeared to rule out the possibility. "Access to the single market cannot be guaranteed unless free movement of workers is respected," he said. Hollande and Kenny also said in a joint statement that there should be "a balance of rights and obligations, including in respect of the four freedoms", referring to the free movement of goods, services, capital and people in the EU. EU immigration was an emotive issue in the referendum. Brexit campaigners argued that the hundreds of thousands of EU immigrants arriving in Britain every year have been pushing down wages for low-paid Britons and overburdened public services. Ireland's concerns revolve mainly around the future of its lucrative exports to Britain and its border with British-ruled Northern Ireland, which would be the EU's only land border with Britain once it has left. Actor Matt Damon only accepts acting offers that allow his family to join him but he is open to the idea of returning home every two weeks to see them. The 45-year-old actor has made a pact with his wife Luciana Barroso and his kids that he'll never accept an acting job unless they can join him abroad, reported Female First. "When making the movie, I always take them and go on a big family trip. Every decision to make a movie is really up for to the family. If it is going to be too disruptive, I just can't do it. Sometimes it is an adventure. Last year I went to China for six months and it was a big family trip and that was awesome," he said. If the "Jason Bourne" star isn't allowed to tag his family along with him, he will only accept the role if it's guaranteed he can return home after two weeks of shooting. "We try to not be apart for two weeks. We have this two week rule, but three weeks has been the longest we have ever been apart. India on Thursday pitched for the formation of guidelines for enhancing flexibility, developing methodologies and ensuring transparency in phasing out of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a potent greenhouse gas, to limit . Speaking on behalf of all developing countries, India made the proposal at the 38thmeeting of the Open Ended Working Group of Parties to the Montreal Protocol here. "Parties across the developing and developed world have reiterated their commitment to moving away from high Potential (GWP) HFCs for limiting increase in . The key issue that the parties have started discussing is baseline for developing and developed countries," M K Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests said. Officials from nearly 200 countries are gathered here to chalk out details of an agreement to cut the use of HFCs, used in heating and air conditioning, by amending the 1989 ozone-protection treaty. The meeting aims to draw schedules for countries to reduce HFC use and agree on financial support for developing nations to limit their use before a final summit in Kigali, Rwanda in October. Besides highlighting absence of verifiable historical data is a challenge in establishing a baseline for both developed and developing countries, India also submitted a Conference Room Paper (CRP) aimed at improving the transparency and flexibility of the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol (MLF). "MLF has been key in supporting the earlier transition away from ozone depleting substances, and is widely recognised for its success as the only global scale financial transfer mechanism for mitigating environmental impacts. However, based on earlier experience of developing countries, there have been concerns around the flexibility and transparency of this extremely important mechanism," Singh added. The Indian submission emphasised on five key issues including developing guidelines for incorporating the principle of flexibility, improving understanding of methodologies for calculating incremental cost, developing cost guidance for enhancing energy efficiency, increasing institutional strengtheningfor supporting any new commitments and prioritising technical assistance for building capacity to address safety issues. "Based on the interventions, it is expected that parties will move forward to an acceptable baseline keeping the data related issues and constraints in context. Highlighting such challenges is critical for addressing the ground realities and challenges for moving towards an amendment for phasing down high GWP HFCs," he said. India's membership continues to be under consideration of the (NSG) and government was engaging with all members of the 48-nation grouping for an early decision on country's application, the Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said on Thursday. Noting that the recent NSG Plenary meeting in Seoul (June 23-24) concluded without a decision on India's membership, Singh said the broad sentiment within the NSG was to take this matter forward. At the Plenary, China and some other countries had opposed entry of a non-Nuclear Proliferation Treaty signatory into the NSG. Replying to a written question in the Rajya Sabha, the minister also said that engagement was stepped up with China before the Seoul NSG Plenary. "India's membership continues to be under consideration of the NSG. The merits of India's candidature have been recognised by a majority of the NSG members, including in formal bilateral Joint Statements. It is for the NSG to judge the merits of other candidates," Singh said. He said government continues its engagement with the NSG participating government including China on the issue of India's membership of the NSG. "India's membership has been supported by a large and diverse number of NSG members, including the US, France, UK, Russia, Canada, Australia, Germany, Netherlands and Japan. It is natural for India to move ahead on this issue by working with as broad a group of supporters as possible," Singh added. Department of Atomic Energy has been actively associated with government's efforts on India's membership bid, he said. Membership of the NSG would enable India to have enhanced and uninterrupted access to nuclear technology, fuel and materials required for its expanding civil nuclear programme, Singh added. He said it would create a predictable environment for the large investments required for setting up nuclear power plants in India to meet the India's Intended Nationally Determined Contribution pledge of 40% of its power capacity coming from non-fossil sources by 2030. Singh also asserted that India has a well developed and diversified indigenous nuclear power programme. The Indian-American community has an important role to play in strengthening Indo-US ties, Indian Ambassador to the US Arun K Singh said, underlining that people-to-people contact is a key dimension of the bilateral relationship. "I think, what gives a real, solid and fundamental basis to the (India-US) relationship is the people-to-people dimension of the relationship," Singh told members of the Indian American community in Cleveland and those attending Republican National Convention here at a reception hosted in his honour. At present there are 3.5 million Indian-Americans in the US and they are all over the US. There are 110,000 Indian- origin doctors in the US, he said, adding that recent statistics show that every seventh patient in the US is seen by an Indian doctor. Forty per cent of the all hotel rooms in the US are owned and managed by people of Indian-origin, generating USD 13 billion to the US economy, he said. Not only this, every year about 140,000 Indian students come to the US for higher studies bringing is about USD 4.5 billion to the US economy, he said. "So it's a huge engagement with US institutions," Singh said at the reception hosted by Indian-American Forum for Political Education headed by Dr Sampat Shivangi, an eminent Republican from Mississippi. Referring to the number of meetings he had in Cleveland with the top leadership of the Republican party on the sidelines of its convention, he said this reflects their interest in India-US relationship. "I believe all of you will have an important role to play in contributing to this. All of you in a sense are permanent Ambassadors here. You have an understanding of the US. You have an understanding of India and Indian society. So based on this understanding and the network that you have you will be in a position to take forward this relationship in different areas," Singh said. Shivangi said there is a very positive momentum on India US relationship, in particularly after the recent visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Referring to the Republican platform passed by early this week, India-US relationship would strengthen further and reach a new height under the next Republican president. India US relationship has a bipartisan support and would deepen further if the party is voted to power to the White House coming November, he said. Shivangi, a delegate to the Republican National Convention, has been organising a reception for the Indian Ambassador for the last three conventions. "This is an effort to honour the Indian Ambassador and establish relationship between the Indian Government and the community," he said. A 58-year-old Indian-origin man has been charged with manslaughter for causing the death of a 40-year-old woman and critically injuring her daughter after he slammed his car into their vehicle. Jairam Budhu of Queens was allegedly driving with a suspended license and was speeding when he rammed his car into the vehicle of Zaakika Rasool on July 17. Authorities said Budhu drove through a stop sign and struck the passenger side of Rasool's car, causing her and her 9-year-old daughter to be ejected from the car. Rasool was taken to an area hospital where she died as a result of severe head trauma that she sustained as a result of the collision. Her daughter was also transported to a local area hospital with serious physical injuries, including head trauma, and remains hospitalised. Budhu fled the scene on foot without exhibiting his license and insurance identification card or providing his name, residence or insurance carrier. On July 19, police, responding to a call, allegedly found Budhu drinking alcohol on the front porch. He was placed under arrest. A review of New York State Department of Motor Vehicles' records indicated that Budhu's driver's license was suspended for failure to pay a driver's responsibility assessment. "What may have started out as an uneventful day turned horrifically tragic for a young family when the defendant allegedly sped through a stop sign and crashed into their stopped vehicle, allegedly causing a mother and her young daughter to be ejected through their vehicle's back window and which resulted in the death of the mother and serious injury to her child," Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said. Budhu was arraignedyesterday before Queens Criminal Court Judge Gia Morris on a criminal complaint charging him with second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, criminal negligent homicide, leaving the scene of an accident (with death), leaving the scene of an accident (with serious injury) and a violation of New York Vehicle and Traffic Laws. Budhu, who faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted, was ordered held without bail and to return to court on August 3. A British man was today sentenced to life imprisonment for killing an Indian-origin single mother he had met on a dating website in a "drunken rage" here. Miles Donnelly, 35, pleaded guilty Monday to the murder of 44-year-old Usha Patel, whose body was found in her flat in Cricklewood area of north-west London in October last year. Donnelly was told by Judge Rebecca Poulet at the Old Bailey court that he would have to serve a minimum of 23 years before any parole for strangling Patel to death. "In my assessment, this case is a stark warning to anyone who plans to meet anyone after limited internet contact," the judge said in her ruling. "Usha Patel invited this defendant to come into her flat. She was clearly anxious to meet a new partner. She paid for this invitation with her life. She was, in my judgment, an extremely vulnerable woman...Both in her background and in the immediate moments leading to her death, when she was heavily intoxicated. Your brutal attack on this woman must have been terrifying for her," she added. Donnelly had initially denied charges of murder but on the day his two-week trial was to begin earlier this week, he admitted to killing the single mother. The court heard that Donnelly, a.K.A. Miles Ryan, first came into online contact with Patel in April last year and the pair went on to meet in person before continuing to keep in touch. The murder occurred after Patel invited him over to her home on October 7 with the understanding of having sex. They had both undressed when Donnelly attacked the mother-of-one in a drunken rage, stabbing her 16 times and punching her around the head. Detectives investigating the murder found his set of house keys inside the flat and forensic evidence including samples from a wine glass was also matched to him. After he killed Patel, Donnelly hid at the home of a 43-year-old woman who lived on the same street as him. He stayed there for 36 hours before attacking her with a stool as well. He was eventually arrested on October 11, 2015. Patel, who had her five-year-old autistic son in the flat during the murder, was discovered the next day when the boy's grandfather arrived to pick him up and was told his mother was still sleeping. Donnelly had a lifestyle of drink and drugs and a long criminal history. Iran has arrested 40 members of a "terrorist group" who plotted to attack military targets in the southeast of the country, the interior minister said today. Iran's southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, has been the scene of armed clashes in recent weeks between Iranian forces and Sunni militants. Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli, in statements carried by the official IRNA agency, did not identify those detained. He said the suspects had built a tunnel 40 metres (132 feet) long and 20 metres deep which they had planned to use to carry out attacks. The governor of the city of Khash in Sistan-Baluchistan said those arrested had "intended to carry out terrorist and sabotage acts" against important military and security centres. Mohammad Akbar Sharekzehi said the suspects had "advanced military equipment" and were arrested by security forces in a nearby house before they could carry out "their evil plan". The governor gave no further details. On July 6, Iranian media reported that four Iranian border guards were killed in a clash with armed rebels in Sistan-Baluchistan province without elaborating. In June, Iranian state television said that a police officer and five "terrorists" said to be members of the Jaish al-Adl jihadist group were also killed in the Khash region. The same month, Iran's intelligence ministry said it had thwarted a major jihadist plot to carry out bomb attacks in the capital Tehran and other provinces and arrested suspects, without elaborating. Jaish al-Adl is thought to be behind a number of attacks in Sistan-Baluchistan in recent years, and Tehran accuses it of ties to Pakistan-based Al-Qaeda cells. Ninety per cent of Iran's population is Shiite, but the country has significant Sunni populations in its restive border regions, notably Kurdistan in the northeast, Sistan-Baluchistan and Khuzestan in the southwest. In Sistan-Baluchistan, security forces also clash frequently with drug traffickers. The province lies on a major transit route for opium and heroin being smuggled from Afghanistan and Pakistan to Europe, the Middle East and Africa. FMCG major ITC today reported an over 10 per cent rise in its standalone net profit at Rs 2,384.67 crore for the April-June quarter in spite of a challenging operating environment amid continued pressure on legal cigarette industry. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 2,166 crore in the corresponding quarter of FY2015-16. The Kolkata-based company also reported an increase of 8.28 per cent in net sales to Rs 13,156.68 crore for the quarter under review as against Rs 12,150.48 crore a year earlier, ITC said in a BSE filing. "The company delivered steady performance during the quarter despite a challenging operating environment marked by continuing pressure on legal cigarette industry volumes and persistently sluggish demand conditions prevailing in the FMCG industry," it said. However, operating conditions in hotels and paperboards, paper and packaging segment remained subdued, the FMCG giant said. ITC's overall expenses during the quarter moved up 8.11 per cent to Rs 9,988 crore as against Rs 9,238 crore in the corresponding period of 2015-16. Revenue from the total FMCG business including cigarettes increased 7.11 per cent to Rs 10,615.75 crore from Rs 9,910.93 crore in the corresponding quarter a year ago. During the quarter, revenue from cigarettes increased 6.42 per cent to Rs 8,230.60 crore from Rs 7,733.43 crore in the year-ago period. "Despite the challenging operating environment, the company continues to consolidate its market leadership through relentless focus on delivering world-class products, continuous innovation and value addition and best-in-class execution," ITC said. Revenue from FMCG-Others segment was up 9.53 per cent to Rs 2,385.15 crore during the April-June quarter as against Rs 2,177.50 crore in the year-ago period as most categories witnessed margin expansion driven by enhanced scale of operations and product mix enrichment. "Segment results recorded improvement in comparison to the corresponding period in the previous year despite higher investment in brand building, consumer and trade promotion activities and gestation costs relating to new categories, viz juices, dairy, gums and health and hygiene segment," it said. However, revenue from its hotel business was down marginally by 0.16 per cent to Rs 287.36 crore during the quarter as against Rs 287.83 crore in the corresponding period last fiscal as it continued to be impacted by a weak demand and pricing scenario against the backdrop of excessive room inventory in key domestic markets. "Although segment results improved as compared to the corresponding quarter in the previous year, the same remained muted due to the challenging business context as aforestated and gestation costs of the recently commissioned ITC Grand Bharat, Gurgaon," the company said. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) today opposed the moves for drafting of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and demanded withdrawal of armed forces special powers act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir. The National Executive of the party, which met here today, passed resolutions on the issues while critically examining policies and actions of the BJP-led government at the Centre. Patron leader of IUML, Panakkad Sayed Hyderali Shihab Thangal criticised the government's reference of the UCC issue to the Law Commission and said the Code was against the Constitutional principles. "Every citizen has the right to practice and preach any religion according to the Constitution. Muslim community is the most targeted in India. "The latest form of attack is the call for Uniform Civil Code. There is a hidden agenda behind this to divide people on the basis of religion and caste," Thangal said. The IUML also took note of the plight of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and demanded the withdrawal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the trouble-ridden state. "The people are suffering between the regular stoning and firing in the state for last few days. Armed forces are using the special powers of AFSPA against the people," Basheer said. Taking a strong note of terrorism worldwide, IUML termed ISIS as anti-Islam. "ISIS is not Islam. It is anti-Islam. The term Islamic terror is wrong. We stand for peace and love. That is our religion. Terrorism must be treated from the root itself," Basheer added. The League also said that Muslim youth are being targeted in the country and the State is charging false cases against them. "Youths charged with false cases are acquitted after a prolonged court trial which destroys their whole life. They must be compensated for this witch-hunting," Basheer told reporters after the executive meet. Demanding counselling for the youth in Kerala from being brainwashed and radicalised, IUML also pressed for a thorough probe into the episode of youth missing from Kerala, who are suspected to have joined the IS. The party also lashed out at the NDA government and said Islamic preacher Zakir Naik is being targeted by a section of media even after the Maharashtra investigating agency failed to find any evidence against him. "Stories are fabricated against Zakir Naik and others. Maharashtra probe agency couldn't find any connection with ISIS or failed to establish that he inspired any terror activities. He is being hunted," party general secretary E T Muhammed Basheer said. Jammu and Kashmir government today ordered a magisterial probe into the killing of three persons including two women in army firing at Qazigund in Anantnag district on Monday and asked the inquiry officer to submit his report with 15 days. Amry has already ordered an inquiry into the incident. District Development Commissioner, Kulgam ordered the magisterial inquiry into the killing of three persons - Showkat Ahmad Itoo, Seda Begum and Nelofar - in a firing incident at Churat near Qazigund, 80 km from here on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Monday. According to a government notification, Additional District Magistrate Ghulam Hassan Sheikh has been appointed as the inquiry officer. "He (Sheikh) will hold the inquiry into the circumstances which led to the incident and submit the report within 15 days," the notification read. Regretting the incident, the Army on Tuesday had ordered an inquiry into the incident and assured all possible assistance to the bereaved families and six others who were injured in the "unfortunate" incident. "The Army deeply regrets, the unfortunate loss of life in the incident at Churat, Qaziund where the troops were forced to open fire when a large mob turned violent, resorting to heavy stone pelting and attempted to snatch weapons from the soldiers. An inquiry has been ordered into the incident," the Army had said. Forty-three persons were killed and scores of others injured in the ongoing unrest following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. This is the first instance when the government ordered a probe into any incident which led to the killing of protesters anywhere in the valley. On July 19, a local court here has also directed the police to register a case against its officer accused of acting "beyond the powers" in connection with the killing of a youth in Tengpora area of Srinagar on July 10. A judicial commission will probe the untoward incidents that occurred outside the Kerala High Court in which a group of advocates had allegedly attacked media persons during their protests against coverage of the case of an alleged bid by a government pleader to molest a woman in the city last week. After holding a meeting of representatives of media and High Court Advocates Association here, Advocate General C P Sudhakara Prasad said Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ernakulam, will probe the criminal cases that occurred in connection with the incidents. A day after unruly scenes were witnessed outside the court as some lawyers supporting government pleader Dhanesh Mathew Manjooran allegedly attacked media persons who were standing at a road leading to the Court complex, the Advocate General convened the meeting today following a directive from Acting Chief Justice Thottathil B Radhakrishnan. "A judicial commission will probe the untoward incidents and the situation that led to such incidents occurring (outside the High Court) on July 20," Prasad told reporters here after the meeting. According to other decisions taken at the meeting, both the parties will abide by Acting Chief Justice's decision on the media room which has been locked following the advocates' protest inside the High Court Complex. A media representative, who attended the meeting, said High Court Advocates Association President S U Nazar has given an assurance that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure a friendly atmosphere for journalists to cover court proceedings from tomorrow. Representatives of Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ), legal correspondents in Kochi, representatives of Bar Council, Kerala High Court Advocates Association, Director General of Prosecution Manjeri Sreedharan Nair and other senior officials of the Advocate General's office attended the meeting. Meanwhile, a section of lawyers abstained from today's court proceedings to "condemn the attack committed by media persons with the active participation of police". TV footage had shown media persons being chased and kicked by advocates even as police tried to rescue them. At least five media persons were injured in the attack. A Congress team, formed by party president Sonia Gandhi, will embark on a fact-finding tour of Gumudumaha in Odisha's tribal-dominated Kandhamal district where five persons were killed during an anti-Maoist operation on July 8. The five-member team will try to ascertain the circumstances in which five villagers, including two women and a child, were killed in the forest area, said Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Prasad Harichandan. Harichandan said the team, constituted by Gandhi, comprise central party leaders V Kishore Chandra Deo, Jairam Ramesh, Arun Oraon, Vincent Pala and K H Muniyappa. As the incident in Kandhamal drew widespread criticism and condemnation, a Congress delegation, led by the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Narasingha Mishra, had visited the village and interacted with the family members of the victims. The party has held the BJD government in the state responsible for the killing of innocent villagers. Party leaders led by the OPCC president had also gheraoed Baliguda police station for two days and held a demonstration demanding a High Court monitored judicial inquiry by a sitting judge into the tragedy. Under attack over the incident, the state government has ordered a probe into the incident by a Special Investigating Team (SIT). A judicial inquiry has also been ordered into it. After several days of unrest, Kashmir remained largely peaceful today with police saying no untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the Valley. But the move of the authorities to ease curfew in four districts of the Valley for allowing reopening of schools did not work even as newspapers hit the stands after five days. While officials did not comment on whether the schools reopened today, reports from the four districts--Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam and Ganderbal--said the educational institutions remained closed. Though authorities lifted curfew from the four districts, restrictions on the assembly of people under Section 144 CrPC continue in these districts as a precautionary measure, a police official said. Curfew, however, continued in the remaining six districts of the Valley. The curfew was lifted in order to facilitate the reopening of the schools in these areas following the government decision to this effect yesterday. A police official said the day passed off peacefully with no untoward incident reported from anywhere in the Valley. Normal life, however, remained affected for the 13th day today due to curfew and separatist sponsored strike against the civilian killings in the clashes between protesters and security forces in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. Forty-three persons were killed and scores of others injured in the unrest. The government yesterday modified its earlier order and announced opening of schools in the four districts from today. The schools were earlier scheduled to open on July 18 but the government had extended the summer vacations till July 25 in view of the unrest. "Some staff members had arrived for duty at schools but returned home as no students turned up," Nazir Ahmad, a social activist from Bandipora, told PTI. Ahmad said even schools in Garoora, the native village of Education Minister Naeem Akhtar, remained closed. "Please do not expect people to risk the lives of their children just becasue someone sitting in a coSy office in Srinagar thought of opening schools in such circumstances," he added. Ahead of his visit to Una to meet Dalits thrashed for skinning a dead cow, AAP convener today exhorted all community members to unite in the fight against Gujarat BJP's "oppressive" regime. In a video message released by party spokesperson Ashutosh at a press conference here on Thursday, the Delhi Chief Minister asked Dalit youths to not attempt suicide, responding to the news of more than a dozen and half protesting Dalit members attempting suicide in different places in the state over the Una incident. Kejriwal is scheduled to visit Una tomorrow. "In Gujarat, some youths of Dalit community were beaten up so severely that it has shaken people's conscience. Those who saw the video are raising questions over it. And we saw how at different places in Gujarat, Dalit community members tried to commit suicide," he said. "And this is not happening only with the Dalit community. It appears government here is trying to suppress other community members also," Kejriwal said. Dalit community members have been protesting the brutal assault on some community members on July 11 for allegedly skinning a cow at Una in Gir-Somnath district. He said protests by Patidar community members last year was peaceful but police resorted to violence and government jailed several youths under sedition charges. "When I talk to businessmen here, they say they get phone calls that if you do this you will be killed," he said, adding that government is "spreading fear by scaring and beating people using its police." "I feel everybody in Gujarat should come together. Dalits, Patidars, businessmen, all need to come together and stand against this oppression. The entire country is with you," he said. In the message, Kejriwal added that protesting members should maintain peace and Dalit youths should not attempt suicide. "Why should you commit suicide ?" he asked Dalit youths, adding: "We will fight, we will win, then why kill yourself ? If we all come together, then unity is strength. All community members should come together. We will win. The entire country is with you," he said in a two minute-40 second second video message played at the press conference. Speaking to media persons, Ashutosh questioned the role of police in the atrocity committed against Dalits in Una, and charged that even the Centre is trying to protect the Gujarat government by giving it a "clean chit. Ashutosh also questioned Home Minister Rajnath Singh's statement in Parliament on Wednesday in response to the Una incident. "The Home Minister is also giving false statements in Parliament. It was said in Parliament that Dalit atrocities in Gujarat was very less. Our data shows that between 2001 and 2016, many incidents of Dalit atrocities have been reported. From 1,033 in 2001 to 1,052 in 2015, and 409 in till June 2016, it has continued to increase under BJP regime," he said. "Second, he has given a clean chit to the Gujarat government. I would like to say that there is an environment of terror under this government," he charged. The teenaged son of a cloth merchant here was allegedly kidnapped for ransom by unidentified men, police said today. Anmol (15), son of Ashok Kumar of Pirthala village, was allegedly kidnapped last night, they said. As per the complaint registered by the police, Anmol had gone to the village temple at 7.30 PM where he received a phone call from his friend asking him to collect his computer chip after which the boy went to take it on his scooter, police said. Meanwhile, the boy's mother rang him up but the phone remain unattended till the kidnapper received the call and asked her to hand over the cellphone to his father. The kidnapper demanded a ransom of Rs 50 lakh for the return of their son and told them the time and place for the exchange, they said. "We have seized the mobile cover and spectacles of Anmol at the canal bank near the village and a search operation has been launched," Sadar police station SHO Pradeep Kumar said. He said some youths of the village, including the merchant's friend, have been detained in the connection and investigation is underway, he added. Relatives of a 35-year-old woman, who died alongwith her new born at a private hospital in Medak district post delivery, today staged protest with the bodies demanding action the authorities besides compensation, police said. The incident took place after the baby delivered at the hospital in Zaheerbad town, passed away this morning. The mother, Ghousia Begum (30) too was declared brought dead at Gandhi hospital at Hyderabad where she was hurriedly shifted today in a critical condition after excess blood loss following a cesarean operation. According to Mohd Pasha (35), his wife was hospitalised on July 19 for her third delivery and gave birth to a child yesterday. However, it died today. Now, relatives of the patient are demanding action against concerned doctors, hospital management along with a compensation alleging medical negligence. Following the incident, district Medical and Health department swung into action and sent a team to the hospital, to investigate the incident. Sub Inspector of Zaheerabad police station, Rajsekhar said appropriate action will be taken after receiving a complaint. RJD supremo Lalu Prasad today questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi is silent on the assault of some dalit men at Una in Gujarat last week. "PM who cries at the drop of a hat or tweets on anything happening even saat samundar paar won't utter even a single word on unfortunate incidents of Gujarat," he said in a tweet. Prasad has sought to embarrass the Prime Minister at a time when his government was under attack from opposition in Parliament and outside over incidents of atrocities on dalits. On July 11, a few dalit youths were allegedly assaulted in Una in Gir-Somnath district of Gujarat for skinning a dead cow. Sri Lanka's two major political parties today said they would extend their unity government beyond the initially agreed period of two years for a full five-year term. The United National Party (UNP) led by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) had entered into an agreement last August to form a unity government limited to a period of two years. "Both the President and the PM have said that this government cannot be toppled which means that the government will continue for five years," Duminda Dissanayake, minister of agriculture and SLFP general secretary said in a joint press conference with UNP leader and minister of state enterprises Kabir Hashim. The announcement came at a time when the joint opposition group and backers of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa have mounted a challenge to the government. The joint opposition is to start a protest walk from the central town of Kandy next week to reach the capital Colombo covering a distance of 72 miles. "If they think the government can be toppled through rallies and walks they are mistaken," Dissanayake said. "The current government formed by the two major parties a year ago was based on a solid foundation to restore democracy, law and order and economic stability," Hashim said. A section of lawyers today went on the rampage at the district court complex here pelting stones and empty beer bottles at mediapersons, injuring at least five of them, a day after unruly scenes were witnessed outside the Kerala High Court in Kochi. Five mediapersons were injured and two cameras of TV journalists were destroyed in the melee which occurred in front of the district court complex at Vanchiyoor here. A section of lawyers across the state had boycotted courts today protesting against the violence in the High Court complex. A group of advocates had yesterday allegedly attacked mediapersons outside the High Court complex leaving five persons injured during their protests against the media coverage of the case of an alleged bid by a government pleader to molest a woman in the city last week. Reacting to the development, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said strict action will be taken against those responsible for the violence and government will not tolerate such incidents. He also said there should not be enmity between advocates and mediapersons. The trouble started today as some lawyers chased away mediapersons, who had come to report the 'Kadakampally land grab case', and closed the gates of the court complex. They also closed the media room and allegedly pasted posters stating 'no admission to members of the fourth gender' in various places of the complex, the media room and vehicles of TV channels. When the mediapersons tried to take visuals of the posters, it was objected to by the advocates saying videography was prohibited in the complex. Advocates then chased away mediapersons and pelted stones and empty beer bottles, besides verbally abusing them. The car of a television channel vehicle was also damaged. Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) district President C Rahim said the reporters, despite the provocation, did not react even as they were chased away by the lawyers. He wanted a probe into the incident by an Assembly committee and strict action against those responsible for the attack. The advocates also raised slogans against the media. Some locals, allegedly in an inebriated condition, also chased away the mediapersons and during the scuffle two television cameras got damaged. The situation was brought under control after the intervention of former CPI(M) MLA V Sivankutty. After getting an assurance from IG Manoj Abraham that attackers would be booked, the mediapersons left the court premises. Police also intervened to restore calm. Meanwhile, after holding a meeting of representatives of media and High Court Advocates Association at Kochi, Advocate General C P Sudhakara Prasad said, "A judicial commission will probe the untoward incidents and the situation that led to such incidents occurring (outside the High Court) on July 20." He also said the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ernakulam, will probe the criminal cases that occurred in connection with the incidents. Libya's United Nations (UN)-backed government has criticised the presence of French troops in the chaos-wracked country, as President Francois Hollande confirmed France has soldiers there after three died. The presence of the troops in was a "violation" of the nation's sovereignty, the government of national accord said on its Facebook page on Wednesday following Hollande's announcement that its soldiers had been in the country. The government said it would welcome "any help given to us by friendly nations in the fight against Daesh", using another name for the Islamic State (IS) group, which controls the key Libyan city of Sirte. But, any assistance given "should be based on a request (by the Libyan unity government) or in coordination" with it, the statement added. Hundreds of people took to the streets of several Libyan cities to protest against the French military presence, mainly in Tripoli and Misrata, some 200 kilometres (125 miles) east of the capital, according to an AFP photographer and Libyan television. "Get your hands off Libya," read one placard held by a child attending the protest in the capital. "No French intervention," read another, written in English. Protesters waved the Libyan flag as one woman burned a French flag. Hollande on Wednesday said three French soldiers were killed during a mission to gather intelligence in . Without revealing when the incident took place, Hollande said the troops died in a helicopter accident while taking part in "dangerous intelligence operations". Libyan sources gave a different account of events, telling AFP the M17 helicopter was shot down by surface-to-air missiles. They were "probably targeted by Islamist groups in the Magroun area, about 65 kilometres west of Benghazi" on Sunday, a commander of forces loyal to a controversial general, Khalifa Haftar, said. Another source close to Haftar who opposes the internationally backed unity government in Tripoli as well as the Islamist factions that have overrun large parts of the country said the dead soldiers were military advisors. Announcing their deaths earlier Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian praised the officers' "courage of devotion" but gave no details of how they were killed. Rival militias in have been vying for power since the overthrow of veteran dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. Several Islamist groups, including the Islamic State, have a presence around Benghazi which is situated in the east, analysts said. IS's main stronghold is the central coastal city of Sirte. Forces loyal to the unity government have been embroiled in a two-month battle to try to retake the city from the jihadists. Odisha government today hit back at Chief Minister Raman Singh over his comment that its concern over construction of barrages and dams over Mahanadi river by Chhattisgarh government are "politically motivated", saying raising an issue affecting the state's people cannot be "political". "It is not political to raise an issue affecting the people of the state. How did Chhattisgarh carry out construction of barrages and dams unilaterally without consulting Odisha? We will not compromise with the state's interest," Odisha's Industries Minister Debi Prasad Mishra told reporters here. Rejecting Odisha's objection on the construction in upper portion of Mahanadi in Chhattisgarh side, Raman Singh yesterday said: "Odisha CM Patnaik never raised these issues with Chhattisgarh. The concerns are politically motivated and not based on facts and figures. The inter-state sharing of water is a sensitive issue and should not be used for political gains." Earlier, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought his intervention to stop these constructions by the Chhattisgarh government. Mahanadi is the 'lifeline' of Odisha as the fate of the state's 65 per cent population is dependent on it, wrote Patnaik who also raised the matter in the inter-state council meeting held at New Delhi earlier this month. The industries minister said two new projects, Pairy-Mahanadi Intra State Link Project and Tandula Reservoir Augmentation Scheme on Mahanadi river project will severely affect flow of water in Hirakud reservoir of Odisha. This apart, he said, Chhattisgarh government is also contemplating construction of a reservoir based dam in Kelo river adjacent to Odisha border. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today cautioned Trinamool Congress party workers to stay away from greed and corruption as these adversely affect the image of the party. "The biggest work of a political worker is to attain credibility of masses. If you don't have credibility as an individual you don't have the right to be in politics," she told her party's Martyrs' Day rally here. "For me the true party worker is that person who carries the party flag and says Trinamool Congress Zindabad. People keep a close watch on what a party worker does in their respective booth areas," she said. Meanwhile, Congress MLA Tushar Kanti Bhattacharya from Bishnupur assembly constituency and CPI(M) MLA Dipali Biswas from Gajole joined TMC at the rally. Councillors of several other municipalities too joined TMC. Banerjee said the whole party is blamed for the wrong deeds of few people and cautioned a section of party workers to stay away from infighting. "There may be 400 blocks and out of that party workers of two blocks may be tainted. But for these two blocks the entire 398 blocks can't be blamed. I would request you all to lead a simple life. If you try to lead an extraordinary life, you tend to fall in the trap of greed and corruption. You all should stay away from it," she said. "You should stay away from infighting and quarrelling. Instead of serving your own interests you should serve the interests of the party. All of you have to follow the guidelines of the party. I will not allow any kind of work which goes against the people," she said. Banerjee's comment comes in the backdrop of the arrest of a TMC councillor of Salt Lake earlier this month on charges of extortion and for being involved in the business of syndicate. Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee told the rally "Those who deviate from party line should stay away. Delhi Police have arrested a man for allegedly stealing luxury vehicles and recovered a stolen BMW car in west Delhi's Paschim Vihar area, police said today. Robin, 27, was caught by a police team while he was trying to sell the BMW which had been stolen from Noida yesterday. The customer of the stolen vehicle, Mohit Saini, managed to escape, said Pushpendra Kumar, DCP (West). Besides the BMW, a Fortuner SUV has also been recovered at the instance of Robin. An Audi car stolen by him from Noida which later met with an accident was also traced, he said. Robin is a notorious interstate car thief whose gang is said to be active in Delhi and neighbouring areas, Kumar said. The gang would visit posh colonies in early mornings in their stolen luxury vehicles and then flee after stealing high-end cars, he said. The accused used to sell the stolen vehicles to one Nawab, a resident of Uttarakhand, the officer added. A 29-year-old man was gunned down by three unknown assailants at Sewri here, police said today. The victim, identied as Sushant Godekar, was shot at Reti Bunder area of Sewri late last night. He was rushed to hopsital where doctors declared him dead, they said. As per the preliminary investigations, the victim was had various criminal cases pending against him, police said. The motive behind the murder was not known yet, official said. A case against unknown persons has been registered and probe into the murder was underway, police added. A man was stabbed to death by unidentified assailants on his way back home on the outskirts of Jammu city, police said today. The incident occurred last night when some persons intercepted and attacked Pankaj Khajuria with sharp edged weapons at Bun area in Nagrota, they said. The victim was rushed to a hospital by some passers-by. However, he succumbed to injuries there, police said, adding before his death he told the police that he was attacked by unidentified persons. A case has been registered and three persons have been detained, they said. The victim was working in a private company in Jammu. Nagaland police have arrested from Kohima two activists of insurgent outfit Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) who were wanted by Manipur Police in several cases, police said today. The Kohima Police conducted search operation near New Reserve in Phesama area of Kohima district yesterday and arrested the two, Senior SP Joseph Hesso said. Both had been members of People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and were arrested in 2006. After being released, they joined KCP, The Senior SP said the two were handed over to Manipur police. Business-to-business e-commerce player mjunction expects 33 per cent growth in revenues and profit, and projects expansion in gross merchandise volume at the same rate to touch Rs 88,000 crore in this fiscal. Mjunction is a joint venture company of Tata Steel and state-run SAIL. "Our GMV was Rs 63,000 crore in 2015-16. We only get a fraction of that as our fees. We expect GMV to grow by 33 per cent this fiscal to about Rs 88,000 crore. This will lead to 33 per cent growth in revenue and net profit," mjunction Services CEO Viresh Oberoi told PTI. Mjunction provided technical solution for spectrum auction held in March 2015. The auction fetched record bids of over Rs 1.1 lakh crore to government. However, there was no auction of spectrum in 2015-16. Government plans to conduct mega-spectrum auction in September in which mobile airwaves worth Rs 5.66 lakh crore will be put on the block. Mjunction is auctioneer for this sale as well. The 17-year-old IT company started with a platform for selling metal and coal but at present has eight business units and it expects significant growth in new business vertical. Mjunction claims that there are 75,000 sellers on its platform and about 1 lakh buyers. "We expect that from 3 per cent last year, steel price is going to increase by 16-18 per cent this year. Steel and coal will contribute but most definitely the major portions will be coming from new businesses," Oberoi said. Among new business lines, mjunction has made a foray into transaction for tea, ocean line chartering, tenders for governments etc. The company is also expanding its regional and international presence to grow its business. "We are entering Bangladesh now. The next story is international growth as far as our business is concerned. Today international growth is only 3-4 per cent topline, but we see that our international businesses start contributing at a larger part than that was contributing so far," Oberoi said. The company has already entered in Dubai, Australia, Singapore and Thailand market. "Thailand is just being signed up and for Bangladesh we are in discussion with clients. We have selected our local partner in Bangladesh," Oberoi said. Muslims make up just over two per cent of Myanmar's population, government census figures showed today, undercutting claims by Buddhist hardliners that Islam poses a threat to the dominance of their faith. Full details from the 2014 count, the first of its kind in decades, was withheld for almost a year to avoid stirring tensions in the Buddhist-majority nation ahead of elections that propelled Aung San Suu Kyi's pro-democracy party to power. Islamophobia has rippled across Myanmar in recent years, with Buddhist nationalists sending alarmist messages about the growth of the Muslim population. But the new data affirms that Buddhists make up 90 per cent of the population of 51.48 million. They are followed in number by Christians (6.3 per cent) and Muslims (2.3 per cent or over 1.1 million people). However, the survey does not include the one-million strong stateless Rohingya Muslim minority, who were banned from self-identifying during the census taking. Added together, their number doubles the country's share of Muslims to around four per cent, an estimate that has been in circulation since the last census in 1983. "Some were worried that there could be a significant difference in the numbers of each religion," Thein Swe, Minister of Labour, Immigration and Population told reporters in the capital Naypyidaw as he released the data. "But there is not much difference when compared with the census data in 1983." The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which supported Myanmar's government in carrying out census, said the figures should extinguish incendiary rhetoric. "It is time to replace speculation with fact," the UNFPA's Janet E. Jackson said in a statement. But the UNFPA hit out at the Rohingya's exclusion from the data as "a serious shortcoming of the census and a grave human rights concern". More than 100,000 Rohingya were displaced by deadly clashes with Buddhists in 2012 and now live destitute in camps in western Rakhine state. They are denied citizenship and face severe restrictions on their movement and access to basic services. Just days before the census was carried out in 2014, Buddhist nationalists accused the international community of bias towards Muslims and attacked humanitarian offices in Rakhine, forcing aid workers to flee. De facto premier Suu Kyi has faced criticism for not taking a stronger stance on the Rohingya or publicly condemning two recent attacks on mosques in other parts of the country. But her government has made moves in recent weeks to rein in the Ma Ba Tha, a monk-led movement at the fore of anti-Muslim protests in recent years. Delhi-based taxi service operator MyTaxiindia has raised $1 million (about Rs 6.7 crore) in bridge round of funding from existing investor Nihon Kotsu, a taxi rental company in Japan. "MyTaxiindia will use the capital for expanding services to tier 2 and 3 cities," a company release said, adding that a portion of the sum will also go towards technology development, marketing and branding. Nihon Kotsu is an 88-year-old service provider that operates limousines across Japan. It has a fleet of over 4,000 black and yellow taxis in Tokyo alone. "MyTaxiindia is currently in talks with other investors to raise USD 5-10 million in a Series A round," Anshuman Mihir, Co-founder and CEO, MyTaxiindia, said. Established in December 2013, MyTaxiindia offers inter-city taxi rental solutions and provides one-way fare ride to commuters for outstation trips. It recently tied up with SpiceJet to give passengers the option of booking a taxi to reach the airport at the time of ticket purchase and is looking for more such tie-ups. India has asked New Development Bank (NDB) to focus on making a strong pipeline of projects in the infrastructure sector which can play a catalytic role in promoting inclusive growth. "As a top-class financial institution, it (NDB) must develop a strong pipeline of projects and respond in a fast and flexible manner to further the aspirations and interests of its members," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said at the first Board of Governors meeting of NDB here. The speech was read by Joint Secretary in the Finance Ministry Raj Kumar, as Jaitley could not attend the meeting because of the ongoing Parliament session. The board also decided that the second annual meeting of NDB will be held in India in 2017. "True to its nomenclature, the 'New' Development Bank has to focus on financing demonstrable projects with innovative approaches and instruments for speedy creation of infrastructure," he said. He stressed that NDB should focus on energy generation projects, both renewable and non renewable, which utilise cost effective and clean technologies, transport projects and urban sector infrastructure projects. "Investments in sustainable infrastructure play a catalytic role in anchoring a more resilient recovery, improving potential growth and fostering inclusive growth in the countries. This is also the niche area of focus of the New Development Bank," Jaitley said. Set up by the BRICS group of countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) in July 2014, NDB started operations a year later with an initial subscribed capital of USD 50 billion with total paid-in capital of USD 10 billion. The founding members of the bank have already brought in capital of USD 1 billion as initial contribution. NDB announced its first batch of loans on April 16, providing USD 300 million to Brazil, USD 81 million to China, USD 250 million to India and USD 180 million to South Africa. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today called for taking all the stakeholders on board as part of a politically-inclusive agenda to address the problems confronting the state. She also batted for reviving the dialogue process with Pakistan. "The country's political leadership has to take on board all the stakeholders and pursue an agenda which is politically -inclusive and development-intensive to address the challenges confronting Jammu and Kashmir," Mehbooba said addressing an All-Party Meeting to discuss the prevailing situation in J-K. She said the government would act as a facilitator for resolving the problems and challenges confronting Jammu and Kashmir if tangible steps are taken to reach out to all the stakeholders. "A new course for Jammu and Kashmir can be chalked out only by reaching out to all the stakeholders including the youth, who have to pay big price because of the uncertainties plaguing the state for the over past six decades," she said. Stressing that the voice of J-K people should be heard and tangible confidence building measures be taken to address the alienation and reduce trust deficit, she said, "A beginning in this regard can be made by implementing recommendations of the five Working Groups, constituted by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and reiterated in PDP-BJP's 'Agenda of Alliance'." Mehbooba said the recommendations comprehensively dealt with almost all aspects of the problems confronting Jammu and Kashmir including the centre-state relations, strengthening relations across LoC, confidence building measures (CBM) across segments of society in J&K, economic development of Jammu and Kashmir and ensuring good governance. Mehbooba said that her government strongly believes that nothing was valid and should happen for Jammu and Kashmir except with the active involvement of its people. "However, the people from all shades of political opinion shall have to evolve a consensus on a pragmatic and workable solution to the problems confronting the state in the interest of peace and stability," she said, adding that the time has come to strike a new benchmark in the light of the global and regional realities for the resolution of the state's problems. Referring to young boys indulging in stone-pelting, Mehbooba said they do not know what they were doing and some of the people who were instigating them have been identified and so will be others. "A 12-year-old child comes out to throw stones, does he know why he is throwing (stones)? There are some people behind them, some of whom we have identified and others too we will identify. "I request them as well why have you involved young children, why have you made them a shield? You have pushed them to camps, police stations, you tell them what they have to do during the day, but you yourself escape during the night," she said, apparently targeting the separatists. "But this issue cannot be solved by stones, bullets, guns or encounters." Pitching for dialogue between India and Pakistan, the chief minister said the neighbouring country should help in creating a conducive atmosphere for it. Mehbooba said her government wants to ban the use of pellet guns as a crowd control measure and sought cooperation of police saying they should "tolerate" and refrain from using such weapons as the protests will not continue forever. "If there is an injury on you, let it be, but if we save a youth's eyes or arms from pellet guns, then I think it will be your biggest sacrifice. Because this (protests) will not continue forever, it is temporary. But I need your cooperation," she said. The chief minister said while the police had exhibited patience during the last three months of unrest in the Valley, there were some mistakes which warrant action. She said once peace is established in the state, she would ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi to begin a dialogue process. "Establish peace here and the next day I will go to Delhi and request the Prime Minister to talk to everyone and find a solution...To do justice with our people - those people who come out to vote on the edge of sword - for their safety, prosperity and development." "If this vandalism, stone-pelting continues, then I will be focused on that only," she said, asking the police to help the government to establish peace. Recalling the visit of the all-party delegation, she regretted that separatists did not respond to its members. "I also wrote a letter to them asking them to talk, because no one is with violence in today's world. No one will listen to what someone, who has picked up arms, has to say even if his account is good. Whatever is said by way of violence, is lost." Dialogue is possible only when a conducive atmosphere is created in the state and Pakistan should also contribute to it, she said. The no-trust motion against Nepal Prime Minister K P Oli could not be taken up today as ruling and opposition parties differed over the issue of initiating discussion on the vote tabled by the opposition. Nepali Congress and CPN-Maoist Centre have been exerting pressure on the government that the no confidence motion registered in parliament earlier this week should be put up for discussion. They have also demanded that Oli should resign to clear the way for formation of a new government. However, the ruling coalition has been insisting that the Parliament should first endorse two remaining bills related to the fiscal budget before having a discussion on the no-trust motion. As her efforts to bring the two opposing alliances to an agreement failed, Parliament Speaker Onsari Bharti has re- scheduled the Parliament meeting tomorrow, according to sources at the Parliament secretariat. "After Nepali Congress proposed to go for a package deal on the issue the major parties have agreed to hold discussion on the issue to sort out differences before the Parliament meeting starts tomorrow," they said. Oli, who became prime minister last October heading Nepal's eighth government in the past 10 years, has been facing a no-trust motion after the Maoists withdrew support from the coalition government last week. The no-trust motion in the 601-member Constituent Assembly was backed by 183 NC parliamentarians, 70 from CPN-MC and three from CPN-United. The three parties have a combined strength of 292 in Parliament. Oli's Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) currently has 175 elected seats in parliament, far fewer than the 299 needed to win a vote of confidence. The six Madhesi parties, whose combined strength is 50, have also announced to support the no-trust motion. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday pulled up the Ministry of Environment and Forest, asking why they were not preparing the report on the mining plan in Meghalaya and instead seeking opinion of an expert body. "Is this a joke? You (MoEF) are the regulatory authority and you do nothing. You just seek reports from experts. We do not understand why you do not do this yourself. Do not use our orders for escaping from responsibility," a bench headed by Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said. "Why cannot you do it yourself? For every small thing you need a consultant," the bench said and directed the ministry to inform it about the mining policy and plan. The bench observed this after the counsel appearing for MoEF said the ministry has sought the opinion of an expert body which carries out research and development programme in environmental science and technology. The tribunal directed the MoEF, Ministry of Coal and the Meghalaya government to hold a meeting to finalise the mining plan and submit a report before it. It observed that entire mining projects in Meghalaya were at a "stand still", which have serious consequences on the environment as well as economy of the state. The bench, which fixed the matter for further hearing on August 30, asked the Meghalaya government to file a report as to how they are planning to dispose of the extracted coal. The green panel had earlier said that no extracted coal would be allowed to be transported from Meghalaya after May 15 when the state government will take it over and will be free to sell or auction it. On December 23 last year, the green panel had extended the time for transportation of extracted coal in Meghalaya till May 15 and fixed February 15 as the last date for payment of royalty, after the state government had said if the extracted coal is not transported before the rainy reason, it may cause pollution in rivers. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) today said it has awarded a Rs 533 crore contract for widening of Salasar-Nagaur Section of national highways 65. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued Letter of Award (LOA) for development of national highway section in Rajasthan under phase IV of National Highways Development Projects (NHDP) to Dineshchandra R Agrawal Infracon Pvt Ltd, NHAI said in a statement. "The 120 km long Salasar-Nagaur section would be executed on Hybrid Annuity Mode and completed is 30 months from the date of commencement of the project," the statement said. The Salasar-Nagaur section traverses through Churu and Nagaur districts of Rajasthan and is a vital link to Salasar Balaji or Salasar Dham, a place of religious importance. The project will have 10 km long service road, 5 vehiculer under passes, 4 pedestrian under passes and one railway-over-bridge at Ladnun besides six bypasses of 30 km length at Sujangarh, Jaswantgarh, Ladnun, Nimbi Jodha, Jhareli and Deh. State-owned NHPC today said it has entered into a pact with Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) for undertaking hydro power projects in overseas markets. "NHPC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 21, 2016 with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)," NHPC said in a filing to BSE. As per the MOU, NHPC and BHEL will look after the civil and electro mechanical packages respectively. NHPC is a Mini Ratna category-I enterprise with an authorised share capital of Rs 1,50,000 million. It is a premier organisation in the country for development of hydropower. During 2015-16 fiscal, NHPC power stations generated 23,404 million units. In the last fiscal, NHPC had a sales of Rs 7,347 crore with a net profit of Rs 2,440 crore, according to its website. Presently, NHPC is engaged in the construction of five projects aggregating to a total installed capacity of 4,290 MW. The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to UP Power Corporation Ltd and the District Magistrate of Gautam Budh Nagar after a 10-year-old girl lost her hands as she accidentally came in contact with a high tension wire over her house in Greater Noida. The Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report about the incident that occurred on July 7. The girl suffered burn injuries due to shock from the 11 KV cable over her house in Mirzapur village of Rabupura area of Uttar Pradesh, an official statement said, adding she was taken to Safdarjung hospital in Delhi where both her hands had to be amputated. Stating that authorities cannot escape responsibility for allowing the electricity line at a dangerous height in a residential area, it issued a notice to the District Magistrate, Gautam Budh Nagar and the Chairman, UP Power Corporation Limited calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks. They are also expected to inform about the steps being taken to avoid such incidents in the future. "The Commission has noted that in the reported incident, the state administration as well as the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) cannot escape their responsibility for not ensuring that such a high voltage line should not have passed through the residential areas at a height that even a child could touch it. "Such inaction by the concerned authorities amounts to violation of Right to Life and safety of the people," an NHRC statement said. The NHRC said it has come across many such cases where due to negligence of authorities, people were electrocuted. Registration of a criminal case, fixing responsibility of the guilty and granting monetary relief to the victim would not alone compensate the loss in every case, it said. "It is imperative for the authorities to have a sensible approach to avoid occurrence of such horrific incidents," the Commission added. Nigeria's military says it has rescued 80 children and women held captive by the Boko Haram extremist group in a remote northeastern village. Army spokesman Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman says they were freed on Tuesday by troops who attacked a gathering of the Islamic fighters at Gangere village in Borno state. He says 42 extremists were killed and troops released 42 children and 38 women. The military has reported freeing as many as 10,000 Boko Haram captives this year but none of the 219 girls from Chibok school. That mass abduction in April 2014 shocked people around the world and brought global attention to the seven-year Islamic insurgency that has spread across Nigeria's borders. The insurgency also has caused a massive humanitarian crisis among thousands of people forced from their homes. A biker without a helmet will not be allowed to buy fuel from any petrol pump in Maharashtra, the state government informed the Legislative Assembly today. State Transport Minister Diwakar Raote told the House that the decision has been taken to promote safety on roads. "Supplying fuel to riders not wearing helmets is seen as encouraging riding without helmets," Raote said in a statement. The minister's announcement came after the Mumbai police decided to implement the "No Helmet, No Petrol" policy. Concerned over the increasing number of road accidents involving two-wheelers, the police tied up with petrol dealers and associations to ensure that helmet-less motorcyclists produce the safety gear before they are allowed to refuel their vehicles at any petrol pump in the city. They asked the petrol pump association not to supply fuel to bikers without helmet starting August 1. After making helmet compulsory for pillion-riders two months ago, Mumbai police has taken this imitative to ensure riders do not avoid helmets. Police have said they want people to remain aware of the initiative. IT body on Thursday said that the industry needs to wait and watch, rather than panic, on the outcome of the US Presidential elections, though it warned of lasting impact of 'Brexit' on India. Republican candidate Donald Trump is a frontrunner for the US President's post and is widely feared in India for his stance on the outsourcing industry and existing immigration policies. "You see, IT industry does not have a view on candidate Donald Trump. But President Trump is a different matter", Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) President, R Chandrashekhar said here, to a query on how the domestic IT industry was looking at Donald Trump. "There is a big difference between candidate (Donald) Trump and incumbent (Trump). When a President becomes incumbent, the real world, governance come into picture", he told reporters. "Indian IT industry actually helps create jobs even ostensibly in United States. This lead us to believe that we can afford to sort of wait and see the circumstances. But we do not need to panic, for sure", he said. Meanwhile, speaking on the impact of Britain exiting from the European Union, Chandrashekar said that it may reflect in the second or third quarter results of the domestic IT firms. "The impact may show up in next two or three quarters and it will roll out over a much longer period. "First and foremost, till December 2016 itself, UK said they will not invoke Article 50. So, from a technical stand point they have not started exiting by the end of calendar year 2016. After that, it may take up to two years, of exiting from European Union", he said. However, he clarified that soon after Britain decided to exit the European Union, there was "knee-jerk" reaction as the value of currency and shares fell very dramatically. "Short term impact for India are largely negative.", he said, adding, if the currency (Pound) depreciates further, current IT contracts, if not re-negotiated would either become loss making propositions or would not yield the same kind of margins. "In terms of large contracts made by big companies, the decision-making will slow down. Impact on some of the large deals could get impacted. Lot of Indian companies used London as base. So that will get re-evaluated", he said. On the longer term point of view, Britain exiting from UK holds opportunities for India, he said. Noisy scenes were witnessed in the for the second day in a row over the Special Category Status issue as the opposition Congress staged a brief walkout alleging partiality by the Speaker over allowing a discussion on the matter. During Zero Hour, Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass asked state Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to give a statement on media reports that the Special Category Status state tag has been withdrawn from Assam. Congress MLA Rakibul Hussain objected to it, saying he was not allowed to raise the issue as Point of Order during Zero Hour on Wednesday. "You (Speaker) did not allow us to raise the issue and asked us to bring it through a device. We have not raised the issue yet. How can a minister answer it?" he asked. He was joined by other Congress MLAs, who were confronted by ruling party members, leading to a noisy scene. "The House is not running on any rule. It is being run on your (Speaker) own wish and interest. In protest, we decide to leave the House," Hussain said before walking out with all Congress MLAs. In the absence of the Congress members, Sarma gave his reply by saying that only the nomenclature for the spacial treatment to Assam has been changed. "Earlier, the nomenclature was Special Category Status state and now it has been renamed as and Hill States. We continue to get special assistance as recommended by the 14th Finance Commission," he added. The minister also said Assam continues to get fund in 90:10 and 80:20 pattern for many Centrally-sponsored schemes along with 100% assistance in some. Mentioning the schemes, Sarma said: "If you need the detail of funds received under the schemes, I will give that in the House on Monday. "As I said earlier, I reiterate my statement that Assam got Rs 5,000 crore more during 2015-16 compared to 2014-15 from the Centre. Assam continues to get the benefits of the Special Category Status state," he said. As soon as Sarma finished his statement, Congress returned to the House to join the rest of the business of the day. On Wednesday, Congress had demanded a clarification from Assam government over continuation of Special Category status to the state following reports of Centre withdrawing the benefit. Hussain had raised the issue as Point of Order after the Question Hour in the Assembly by showing a local news paper report quoting Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley that Centre withdrew the benefit from Assam and as a whole. However, the Speaker refused a discussion and asked the opposition to bring the issue through a proper device. On Tuesday, in reply to a query from Congress MLA Ajanta Neog, Sarma had said the state continues to enjoy the Special Category Status tag even after the NDA government came to power at the Centre in 2014. During the last two years, the Centre released Rs 58,016.42 crore to the state since 2014-15 financial year, he had informed the House. The oceanographer who led American adventurer Blaine Gibson to Madagascar where he found a potential debris field from the missing Malaysia Airlines jet said on Thursday that drift modeling suggested that Flight 370 (MH370) could have crashed slightly north of the current search area. The comments come after Gibson on Tuesday handed Malaysian authorities in Kuala Lumpur three pieces of debris and personal belongings found on Madagascar beaches in June, which he suspects came from the Boeing 777 that vanished with 239 people on board during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014. Another six pieces of potential debris found by Gibson are waiting with Madagascar authorities for Malaysia to collect. Western Australian University oceanographer Charitha Pattiaratchi said he had told Gibson that Flight 370 debris was likely to concentrate on Madagascar. Pattiaratchi's earlier advice had led Gibson to Mozambique where he found debris in February that experts later determined came from Flight 370. "He rang me from the Maldives and said: where should I go? Should I go to Rodrigues, Mauritius, Reunion, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa?" Pattiaratchi said Thursday. "I said: 'Your best bet is the northeast part of Madagascar,' which is where he went." Pattiaratchi said the same modeling led his team of oceanographers to suspect that the airliner could have gone down just north of the search area in the southern Indian Ocean. "The best guess that we think is that it's probably around the Broken Ridge region, which is slightly to the north of the area that they're looking at," Pattiaratchi said. But, he said he could not say that the aircraft had not crashed in the 120,000 square kilometers of seabed currently being searched southwest of Australia. Officials from Malaysia, China and Australia will meet in Kuala Lumpur on Friday to discuss the future of the search, with fewer than 10,000 square kilometers remaining to be scanned by ships towing sonar equipment. The underwater search has not yielded a single clue. Pattiaratchi's modeling was based on how long the first piece of confirmed Flight 370 wreckage took to reach La Reunion Island off the African coast a year ago. Another four pieces found along shores on the southwest of the Indian Ocean have since been determined as almost certainly from Flight 370. A state green panel has given first-stage clearance to Orissa Integrated Ltd (OIPL) for diverting 17.02 hectares of revenue forest land to set up a 4,000-Mw Ultra Mega Projects (UMPP) in Sundargarh district in Odisha at a cost of Rs 29,000 crore. According to the proposal, the UMPP requires a total of 1,302.36 hectares, which includes 17.02 hectares of revenue forest land, 1,285 hectares of non-forest land and 1,105.86 hectares of private land. At a recent meeting of the Bhubaneshwar Regional Empowered Committee (REC), the proposal of the OIPL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of state-run Finance Corporation of India, was discussed. According to sources, REC has recommended "stage-I" approval to the proposal with some conditions. OIPL has been asked to furnish the details of non-forest land as well as private land identified for compensatory afforestation along with Record of Rights (RoR) and non-encroachment certificate from the tehsildar before the issue of stage-II approval, they said. The company has been asked to raise compensatory afforestation to 27.89 hectares in one compact block considering fragmented nature of the leftout forest of 10.87 hectares. It has also been asked to furnish revised Forest Rights Act (FRA) certificate for 17.02 hectares before issuance of stage-II approval and submit the status of non-forest land duly authenticated by the competent revenue authority. The project cost is pegged at Rs 29,000 crore and is estimated to generate over 4,500 jobs in the state. As per the rule, the state government gives stage-I and II forest clearances to the projects based on REC recommendations. A Karnataka Administrative Service officer in Hassan today allegedly tried to commit suicide even as the controversy over alleged suicide of two DySPs that put the Siddaramaiah government in a spot is yet to die down. Assistant Commissioner E Vijaya allegedly attempted suicide by hanging at her residence here, officials said. They said Vijaya had reportedly sent a message to an Additional SP, who is her neighbour, about committing suicide, and she soon rushed to her house and rescued the officer. Vijaya is now undergoing treatment at a Hospital. Her mother Sumitramma alleged that pressure from higher officials and protest by few groups had led her to attempt suicide. Vijaya was recently transferred as Administrative Officer of Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, against which she had moved the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal which stayed the order. Several organisations had protested against her alleging that she was "corrupt" and had also demanded reinstatement of Nagaraj whom she had replaced. Hassan MLA H S Prakash, who visited the hospital, told a local channel that "she is still under observation, but doctors have said that she is out of danger." Earlier this week, sub-inspector with Vijayanagar police station in Bengaluru Roopa Tambad had allegedly attempted suicide by taking an overdose of over-the-counter pills, after being pulled up by a senior officer in connection with a case she was handling. She is now undergoing treatment at a private hospital. Mangaluru DySP M K Ganapathy was found hanging from a ceiling fan in a room at a lodge in Madikeri on July 7, triggering a huge political storm as he had named a Minister and two IPS officials in his pre-death declaration. In another case on July 5, the body of Chikkamagaluru sub-division DySP Kallappa Handibag (35), accused of kidnapping a person for ransom, was found hanging in his father-in-law's home at Murgod in Belagavi district. His family had alleged harassment and conspiracy by senior officials. Delhi Police today told the Delhi High Court that one of the witnesses examined in the sexual harassment case lodged by a former woman volunteer of AAP against party leader Kumar Vishwas, has denied the allegations made by the complainant against him. The submission was made by the police in a status report filed before Justice Mukta Gupta who is hearing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader's plea to quash the FIR lodged against him under sections 354 A (sexual harassment) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of a woman) of IPC. The court also issued a fresh notice to the complainant seeking her response on Kumar's plea and listed the matter for further hearing on November 10. As per the police status report, the female witness was the one who, according to the complainant, had called her to a 'kavi sammelan' held at a well-known city-based hotel where the AAP leader had allegedly made "sexually coloured" remarks and advances towards her. In the FIR, the complainant has accused Vishwas of making sexually coloured remarks towards her, alleging that he was "trying to exploit" her "physically" and had made advances towards her several times in 2014 and 2015. Vishwas has denied the allegations. The police had earlier told a magisterial court, which had ordered lodging of the FIR, that during its probe, nothing was found to substantiate the allegations levelled by the woman against Vishwas to register any criminal case against him. In its status report before the high court, the police have said that the complainant has shown some photographs of her with Vishwas as well as an audio recording of the alleged threat made to her. Police said that no CCTV footage of the day of the event was available with the hotel as they keep video records for only a month. It also said that investigation was going on and the party leader was yet to be questioned. The Opposition in Rajya Sabha today launched a frontal attack on the BJP over growing attacks on Dalits and other sections, saying a "Taliban-like attitude" was prevailing in some parts of the country and the 'Gujarat model' had been thoroughly exposed. Participating in a discussion on recent incidents of atrocities on Dalits in various parts of the country, the members also said the situation in Gujarat was "explosive" as Dalits were attempting to commit suicide. The debate came amid large-scale protests after the recent case in Una in Gujarat, where four Dalit youths were brutally beaten up in public by some cow vigilantes. Initiating the discussion, senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav sought a ban on 'Gau Rakshaks' (cow vigilantes) operating in some parts of the country. He said there was a "Taliban-like attitude" and it was matter of shame that even after 70 years of independence, atrocities against dalits, especially women, were increasing. "Who created these 'Gau Rakshaks'? Why doesn't the government ban them? What is this tamasha? .... We talk about Taliban ... Our caste system has a Taliban-like attitude, we need to discuss that," Yadav said. Congress and other members joined him, saying the incident only exposes the real face behind the "Gujarat model" being propagated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Observing that the youths were joining such groups because of rising unemployment, Yadav said "in Gujarat, these Gau Rakshaks say 33 crore gods and goddesses live in the cow. Such superstitions are being spread in this country." Congress leader Ahmed Patel said the situation in Gujarat was "explosive" as Dalits were attempting suicide. He warned that the Centre should ensure that the recent "shameful" incident does not turn into a communal one ahead of next year's Assembly elections in the state. "You have talked about Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, but the situation is just the opposite." Patel said the real face of the Gujarat model of development was being exposed now. "We have always said that Gujarat model worked for the benefit of few industrialists. They (BJP) have always divided the society and ruled." Terming the situation as "very explosive" in Gujarat, he said if urgent steps are not taken to control it, then the situation might explode. He said the centre should not have "arrogance" of having absolute majority" and steps should be taken to reach out to people. He also questioned why Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel met the victims only yesterday even though the incident had taken place over a week ago. Senior CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury charged the government with inventing "new avenues for attacks on Dalits" ever since it rose to power in 2014. Terming the mindset of the ruling party as "worrisome" and that of bolstering "obscurantism", he said "I keep wondering that when it came to Dalits, there is diarrhoea of words and constipation of action. There are voluminous speeches but no action." Observing that India of the last two years was not the India he remembered, Yechury said cow is venerated here but absurd charges are framed against people who skin the dead cow. "New avenues of persecution and repression are brought about with Ministers comparing Dalits to dogs." "Last year, of the 25 students committing suicide in the country, 23 were Dalits", he said, adding that a mindset was being created against them with some Ministers abusing them and RSS top brass seeking review of reservation policy. Yechury said there has been 19 per cent increase in cases of attacks on Dalits in 2014 with the number touching to 47,064. Besides 1.23 lakh cases are in trial stage while conviction rate was less than 5 per cent at 5,102 as against a high conviction rate of 43 per cent in 2013. He said it was shocking to note that in the recent case while the Gujarat government failed to provide any panel of lawyers to Dalits to defend themselves, the state government has expressed reservations against implementing the sub-plan for them saying it is very difficult. Urging the government to encourage "spirit of scientific temper" and getting rid of obnoxious and atrocious frame of mind, Yechury it should stop promoting Hindu societal ideology where 'khap panchayats' prevent inter-caste marriages and manual scavenging continues. Asking BJP to embrace a "change of heart", he said time has come for Dalit empowerment as he also condemned a BJP leader's attack on BSP chief Mayawati. Derek O'Brien (TMC) too condemned BJP leader Dayashankar Singh for use of derogatory words against Mayawati and said he was deeply embarrassed over it. On Gujarat incident, he said "Let us all venerate the cow, but then why mock the cow-worker. Superficial symbolism is BJP's style. I think that PM Modi is trying to translate Ambedkar's work, but sometimes the meaning is lost in the translation." Lashing out that how can one oppress a cow worker, he sought to know how many members in Rajya Sabha were wearing leather shoes and said 2.5 lakh people are employed in tanneries and India was a leading exporter of leather. O'Brien said he came from of a community of 75,000 people and "I can eat whatever I want and drink whatever I feel...This is the power of democracy." He also read a line from Rohith Vemula's suicide note, "Every time a Dalit student joins a university, supply him with a nice rope so that he can hang himself with it." "The problem is with the mindset. In the past, there are people from the ruling parties who have made obnoxious statements" regarding Dalits and said "unless we punish the mindset, whole system will get rotten." Vishwambhar Prasad Nishad (SP) said there was a need to restrain Gujarat Police and added that "dalits are unsafe there...Only industrialists are flourishing in that state". A Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK) said "abolishing untouchability is the only way to empower dalits" and demanded that the BJP leader who had abused Mayawati should be dealt with in accordance of law. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, in his intervention, said the issue should not be made a subject to politics and all parties should work together to abolish caste system. "No politics is needed on this subject. If there were 46,000 cases of atrocities on Dalits in 2014, the number was over 45,000 in 2013," he said. On the Gujarat incident, he said the Chief Minister has Economically supported the victims and suspended the guilty police officials. Congress member P L Punia said incidents of atrocities against dalits have increased in recent times and that is a "matter of concern". He said that incidents against dalits have increased by over 7,000 during 2015 to 54,355. On the Una incident of Gujarat, Punia alleged the incident took place because of complicity and negligence of police and action should be taken against them. He said there was delay by the Gujarat government in taking action. Punia claimed the government has cut the budget for SC sub-plan by Rs 20,000 crore and also for social welfare scheme by Rs 66,000 crore. BJP member Shambhuprasad Tundiya strongly condemned the incident in Una and said chargesheets would be soon filed in this case. Terming the incident as "heinous crime", he said the conditions of dalits in Una is very pathetic. Tundiya said the state government has taken prompt action and also announced compensation for the affected dalit families. He said this matter should not be politicised. Narendra Jadhav (nominated member) said this Una incident is "most despicable and horrific" and demanded that strongest action should be taken on fast-track basis. Quoting NCRB data, he said the incidents of atrocities against dalits have risen. During 2014, he said Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar were the top three states in the list of crime against dalits. The conviction rate in crime against scheduled castes is 22 per cent as against the national average of 45 per cent, he said, adding that the conviction rate is very low in Gujarat. To deal with this issue, Jadhav said there should be enforcement of law, provision of inter-caste marriage, non- usage of surname and proper implementation of SC/ST sub-plan. Referring to the derogatory remark against BSP supremo Mayawati, DMK member Kanimozhi said: "If she has been targeted because she is following the path of BR Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram, then she should be proud of that. We are standing with her and she should contine this great work." On Una incidents, she asked why the government was not banning those organisations which were taking law in their hands. (Reopen PAR37) When Athawale was speaking about the dalit issue, the Opposition accused him of trivalising the serious matter. Pramod Tiwari (Cong) said, "It is shameful for the Government of India that he is speaking in such lighter vien." He also accused Athawale, also a dalit leader, of congratulating the BJP member for such remark. Immediately, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien intervened to stop Tiwari and asked him not to attribute what the Minister has not spoken. "I have heard his speech. He congratulated the party for taking action against the BJP member," Kurien added. Dilip Kumar Tirkey (BJD) said atrocities on dalits are continuing despite laws in place. The situation has aggravated as nobody fears the laws. The laws to protect adivasis and dalits are only on paper and not being implemented at the ground level, he said, and suggested the Centre to create a separate fund for them. Echoing same views, Majeed Memon (NCP) said the laws to protect dalits are not implemented by local officers while expressing concern about growing inequality in the society. D Raja (CPI) said dalits in the country do not enjoy "equality, liberty and fraternity" guaranteed in the Constitution and it is shocking to see attempts been made "subvert and replace" with the idea of Manusmriti. He also said that in 2004, the Madhya Pradesh government had issued an ordinance banning cow slaughter. Demanding the government to take steps to stop lynching of dalits, Raja alleged that "there are organised right wing forces in the country" and "there are people in political sphere and those close to them who are influencing bunch of thoughts" by cow protecting groups. "This is the challenge we are facing. The government will have to take action. The government should explain whether it will act or not," he sought to know. Raja also expected the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Upper House during the debate on such a sensitive issue. "I was hoping PM was here. In the US Congress, he (PM) spoke that Constitution is holy book of India. He took names of Ambedkar and Gandhi. PM should have come and listened to the anguish of members...." he said. In the midst of the debate, Jaya Bachchan (SP) requested the Chair to give more time to NCP leader Majeed Memon to talk about the dalit issue. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said he was not differentiating between male and female members and was allotting time fairly. To this, Bachchan said, "We are not debating on that (gender issue). You had stopped me a minute before the allotted time earlier. I remember. You did it when Nirbhaya issue was debated. I felt atrocity was on me at that time." Kurien said, "I don't know what you mean by that. ...Usually, I try to be fair irrespective of female or male. Error is human". He said he did not do any such thing intentionally. In the wake of the alleged gang rape of a young Dalit woman in Rohtak, a top United Nations official has condemned the "heinous culture of impunity" surrounding violence against women anddemanded immediate action to end the "brutality". "The reported gang rape of a young Dalit woman in India by the same five men who had raped her three years ago underlines the heinous culture of impunity that surrounds violence against girls and women," UNICEF Principal Gender Advisor Anju Malhotra said in a statement on Wednesday. She said approximately 120 million girls worldwide 1 in every 10 will experience sexual violence and a majority of these girls are violated for the first time between the ages of 15 and 19. "But outrage is not enough. We need action now to end this brutality that has become routine and to give the victims of violence the justice and protection they deserve," she added. The 21-year old girl has told investigators that she was not only drugged and gang-raped, but that two of her attackers had drugged and raped her three years earlier. Over 5.5 lakh of the 33.08 lakh sanctioned posts of primary teachers in government schools across the country are vacant, Rajya Sabha was informed today. HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar, in a written reply to a question on primary education, told the House that 5.56 lakh or 16.82 per cent of the total sanctioned posts in schools across states and union territories were vacant as on March 31. Replying to another question, he gave details as per which out of 16,823 sanctioned teaching posts (2,386 professors, 4,747 associate professors and 9,690 assistant professors) in various central universities under University Grants Commission (UGC), 5,983 posts were vacant. Among the vacancies as on June 30 are posts of 1,284 professors, 2,185 associate professors and 2,514 assistant professors. The HRD minister also said that out of 454 total teaching posts in Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), 175 were vacant as on February 29. (REOPENS DES36) Javadekar also informed the House that the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an autonomous body under UGC which evaluates 'quality status' of a higher educational institution, has revised its grading system. NAAC, he said, has informed that it has reviewed and revised its grading system from a four-grade system to a seven-grade system. More number of letter grades within the same cumulative grade point average (CGPA) range will lead to further differentiation in quality of accredited institutions, the minister said. Pakistan today said it has approached the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to send a fact- finding team to Kashmir to investigate the alleged human rights violations and recent killings of innocent people. "We have requested UNHRC to send a fact-finding mission to Kashmir (in India) and probe recent killings of innocent Kashmiris," the Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said. Briefing journalists at the Foreign Office here, he urged the international community to take notice of the situation in Kashmir and extend its support to the Kashmiri people. Aziz repeated the words of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that Kashmir is not India's internal matter. "Kashmir is not India's internal matter because it is recognised under the United Nations," he said and accused India of using "state-sponsored terrorism to justify illegal occupation over Kashmir". "India will not be able to legitimise its occupation," he said. To a question as to why Sharif is not using his 'personal relations' with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to defuse tension in Kashmir, Aziz said: "PM Sharif's personal ties with Modi are not state ties". He further said: "It does not matter how many times Modi speaks to Sharif on phone in a day what matters is whether the former talks to the latter about the Kashmir issue." When asked if Pakistan is considering severing diplomatic tie with India over the Kashmir violence, Aziz said: "Severing ties with India over the issue is no solution to the issue of Kashmir." The adviser declared that Pakistan "fully backs" All Parties Hurriyet Conference (APHC) leader Syed Ali Geelani's four-point formula on Kashmir. Aziz also said that India wants to do point scoring on the issue of filing an application in a local Indian court for registration of case against Prime Minister Sharif. "Filing an application by an Indian organisation against PM Nawaz Sharif (for declaring Hizbul commander Burhan Wani and observing black day in this connection) in an Indian court is a point-scoring from the Indian government," he said. A case has been filed in a court in Ambala, India by the Anti-Terrorist Front against Sharif accusing him of hatching a conspiracy to provoke riots in Jammu and Kashmir. Republican Vice-President nominee on Thursday gave Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton the title of 'the secretary of the status quo' who personifies the failed establishment that weakened America's place in the world. "At the very moment when America is crying out for something new and different, the other party has answered with a stale agenda and the most predictable of names. People in both parties are restless for change, ready to break free of old patterns in Washington. "And Democrats are about to anoint someone who represents everything this country is tired of," Pence, 57, said in his vice presidential acceptance speech. "You know, Hillary Clinton wants a better title and I would, too, if I was already America's secretary of the status quo," Pence said amidst applause from the audience during the ongoing Republican National Convention. Pence said the choice could not be more clear. "Americans can elect someone who literally personifies the failed establishment in Washington, DC or we can choose a leader who will fight every day to make America great again. It's change versus status quo... My fellow Republicans, when Donald Trump becomes president of the United States of America, the change will be huge," the Indiana governor said. Pence said the establishment in Washington DC thinks it's only a narrow range of voters who are giving Donald Trump a serious look. "But I can tell you firsthand there's a lot of Americans out there who feel like Democrat politicians have taken them for granted. It's union members who don't want a president who promises to put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business," he said. Pence alleged that Clinton's record on foreign affairs is even worse. "You know, it was Hillary Clinton who helped undo all the gains of the troop surge, a staggering failure of judgement that set ISIS on the loose. It was Hillary Clinton who instigated the president's disastrous agreement with the radical mullahs in Iran. And it was Hillary Clinton who left Americans in harm's way in Benghazi..." he said. He alleged that seven-and-a-half years of Barack Obama and Clinton's policies have weakened America's place in the world. "Terrorist attacks at home and abroad, grim and heartbreaking scenes from France just a few short days ago, and the attempted coup in Turkey all attest to a world spinning apart. History teaches us that weakness arouses evil," he said. "Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama's foreign policy of leading from behind, moving red lines, feigning resets with Russia, and the rise, rule and reign of ISIS are a testament to this truth of history. We cannot have four more years apologizing to our enemies and abandoning our friends," he said. America needs to be strong for the world to be safe, and on the world stage Donald Trump will lead from strength, Pence said. Former Philippine president Gloria Arroyo was released from detention today following nearly five years in a military hospital after the Supreme Court dismissed her corruption charges, her lawyer said. The 69-year-old who suffers from a spinal illness was accused of stealing 366 million pesos (USD 8.8 million) in state lottery funds meant for charity programmes while she was in office between 2001 and 2010. The Supreme Court threw out the case on Tuesday, citing insufficient evidence, but her release was delayed for procedural reasons. "It's a happy day today because she has just been freed," said Laurence Arroyo, who is also a distance relative through marriage. A convoy of vehicles carrying Arroyo, her supporters and lawyers was seen leaving the suburban hospital compound near Manila but she could not be seen from her car's tinted windows. Her lawyers said that after being freed Arroyo would go to a private hospital for a check-up. In a statement issued by her lawyers Wednesday, Arroyo thanked the Supreme Court and newly-installed President Rodrigo Duterte for not standing in the way of her release. Government Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales defended the decision to charge Arroyo for plunder, and said on Wednesday she was preparing another corruption charge against her. The former leader was jailed in 2011 under the administration of arch critic, then-president Benigno Aquino. Aquino questioned the ruling to free Arroyo on Thursday, saying she should be held accountable for the mismanagement of funds that were supposed "to alleviate the suffering of many of our countrymen". Duterte succeeded Aquino in June, and said he was willing to pardon Arroyo. Another of Arroyo's lawyers, Estelito Mendoza, had suggested that the Supreme Court waited until Aquino stepped down before issuing its ruling as a "courtesy" to Aquino. Arroyo was initially arrested on charges of electoral sabotage for allegedly conspiring with election officials to rig 2007 senatorial polls. Because of her illness, the government allowed her to be detained in a military hospital. She was granted bail for the vote-rigging case in July 2012 after the court -- while not dismissing the charge -- ruled evidence against her was weak. But the corruption case against Arroyo was lodged the same year, keeping her in detention. Despite being detained, Arroyo has won a seat in the House of Representatives in the past three elections, serving as a congresswoman while being held in the hospital. Chinese and Pakistan border troops have for the first time launched joint patrolling of the border connecting PoK with Xinjiang province amid reports that over 100 Uighurs have fled the restive region to join ISIS. The state media reported about the joint patrol even as Chinese President Xi Jinping asked the Chinese Muslims to practice their religion 'as part of Chinese society and direction'. The People's Daily Online On Thursday published a dozen photos with a caption "the frontier defence regiment of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Xinjiang, along with a border police force from Pakistan, carry out a joint patrol along the China-Pakistan border". The photos show teams of armed troops from both sides conducting foot patrols in a number of areas. This is the first time China-Pakistan began joint patrols in recent years though Chinese troops have been conducting patrols in the area since 2014. Though there is no write-up to provide details of the joint patrolling and what prompted both the countries to launch it, it coincides with reports of over 100 Uyghur Muslims sneaking out of Xinjiang to join ISIS. US think-tank New America Foundation on Wednesday said tough religious restrictions on Muslim minorities in China's far west may have driven 114 Uighurs to join the ISIS but found that the recruits had no prior experience with jihad, raising questions about China's official narrative of radicalisation in Xinjiang by the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM). Uighurs are a predominantly Muslim Turkic-speaking ethnic group who hail from Xinjiang and China in the past has stated that a number of militants from the community who fought in Syria were caught after their return to cause violent attacks in the volatile province, which bore the brunt of the militancy reportedly carried out by the ETIM. The New America Foundation in its report said banning and or strictly controlled the observance of certain Muslim practices, such as growing beards and fasting during Ramazan has led many to join the ISIS. The separatist militant group ETIM in the past is reported to have training bases in Pakistan's tribal areas and subsequently, Pakistan military under pressure from China carried out massive air and ground operations to clear the Uyghur militants' bases. Currently, the work is underway for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which connects both the countries through highways, rail, optic cable network and pipelines. Once the $46 billion project is complete, Xinjiang will get linked to Pakistan's Gwadar port. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a tete-a-tete with NCP chief Sharad Pawar in the Rajya Sabha today as he also exchanged pleasantries with some other opposition members. Immediately after the Question Hour when the House was dispersing for lunch break, the Prime Minister rose from his seat and walked towards the opposition benches. He shook hands with Congress Deputy leader Anand Sharma as he went up and reached Pawar with whom he was seen having a short chat. Some other MPs including DMK's Kanimozhi and nominated member Anu Aga also walked up to the Prime Minister and exchanged pleasantries. After having word with the NCP chief, Modi left the House. The NDA government lacks majority in the Rajya Sabha and it hopes to get support from some opposition parties to ensure the passage of key bills like the one on GST. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today assured all possible assistance for the development of coir industry in the country. Appreciating the active participation of stakeholders from coir-producing states, especially Kerala and Tamil Nadu, in the India International Coir Fair 2016, and the efforts of the Coir Board to promote the four-day fair which recently concluded here, the prime minister assured necessary assistance to the coir industry during a meeting with Coir Board Chairman C P Radhakrishnan in New Delhi early today. Radhakrishnan apprised Modi of the current scenario of the industry in the country and stressed the need for a paradigm shift in the advancement of technology in the industry, a release from the board said. The chairman also presented a portrait of the prime minister, made out of a coir mat, as a memento to him. The piece of work made by Travancore Cocotuft, a leading coir exporter at Cherthala in Kerala, had attracted lakhs of people who visited the fair, it said. Israeli police said today they have thwarted another attack on Jerusalem's annual gay pride march that was plotted by the extremist ultra-Orthodox Jew already in prison for last year's deadly attack. Yishai Schlissel is serving a life sentence for his 2015 stabbing spree in which he killed a 16-year-old girl and wounded seven other people. That attack came shortly after he had been released from prison after serving a sentence for stabbing several people at the 2005 pride march. Police say that even behind bars, Schlissel has been plotting to further harm gay pride participants. Schlissel was taken for questioning from his cell and his brother, Michael, was arrested as an accomplice. "We have thwarted and prevented attempts to harm people during the march. The march will take place as planned and without change," said Jerusalem district police commander Yoram Halevi. He did not elaborate. The heavily secured march has been a point of contention for years in this deeply divided city. Known for its rich religious history and tradition, Jerusalem holds a modest gay pride parade annually, in contrast to the raucous one in the liberal Israeli city of Tel Aviv, which this year drew some 200,000 people. Even so, it has faced much resistance from ultra-Orthodox extremists who have protested it and deemed it an "abomination." In recent days, rabbis have spoken out against the gay community and protests are expected Thursday. Police are promising unprecedented security for the march, with some 2,000 officers deployed to secure its route. The American Consulate is advising US citizens to exercise caution at the march. Jerusalem's secular mayor, Nir Barkat, said this week that while the gay community has the right to march, he will forgo the event because it is offensive to the city's many religious residents. Responding to criticism from the gay community, Barkat laid flowers ahead of the march at the site where 16-year-old Shira Banki was killed last year. "I understand the pain and criticism of those who do not agree with my decision not to participate in the parade," he said in a statement. "I chose a different way to honor the memory of Shira Banki, a sweet girl who was murdered because of hatred. A 33-year-old Nepali man has been arrested for allegedly swindling millions of rupees from workers based in Lebanon and Cyprus through Facebook by assuring them of visas for Canada and the US. A special team of the Metropolitan Police Crime Division arrested Tul Bahadur Tamang, a permanent resident of Mankha Village in Sindhupalchok district near Tibet border, from his rented room in Bhaktapur near Kathmandu. Tamang, who faked his identity on Facebook as "JV", approached different people, claiming he had a permanent residency (PR) status of the US, police said. Police said Tamang swindled Rs 900,000 from Srijana Dong, working in Lebanon, assuring her to take her to the US on a dependent visa. He managed to swindle an additional Rs 1.3 million from the Dong family, assuring her brothers also to send them to Canada. Another victim Kusum Lama, who was working in Cyprus, was swindled of Rs 900,000 by Tamang with an assurance to take her to Canada, police said. Tamang has been sent to the Metropolitan Police Range, Teku and an investigation into the matter has been initiated, police added. Former MP Prakash Ambedkar today said police restrained him from visiting the Kopardi village in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, where a 15-year-old girl was brutally gang-raped and murdered a few days ago. "I was on the way to Kopardi with party workers to visit the girl's family. However, when we reached halfway, Ahmednagar Police requested me not to visit the village citing law and order situation, and also served me a notice (barring entry)," the grandson of Dr B R Ambedkar said. "I was told that some people in the village had a meeting yesterday and they have decided to throw eggs and tomatoes at me if I went there," he said. Superintendent of Police, Ahmednagar, Saurabh Tripathi said police asked Ambedkar to return as the situation in the village was "tense". "He complied with our notice and decided not to visit the village," the SP said. Meanwhile, Ambedkar also appealed NCP president Sharad Pawar to intervene and stop the incident from acquiring "casteist colour". He also appealed the people to maintain peace. He would visit the victim's family after the situation becomes normal, Ambedkar said. "Gau raksha jaruri hai (cow protection is necessary) but who will save humans," newly inducted Union Minister and Dalit leader said on Thursday, asserting that incidents like the attack on Dalits in Gujarat should not be be allowed to recur. Law alone will not ensure that there is no crime against Dalits, he said and suggested that promotion of inter-caste marriages can help in checking casteism in the society. "All should work together and nobody should politicise things," he told reporters at the sidelines of an event here. "Law alone will not ensure that there is no crime against Dalits. For this, people need to work together. Law will take its own course. Unless the society changes, inter-caste marriages are promoted, unless efforts are made to bring together two sides of the society, I feel casteism will not end," he said. To a question over attack on Dalits by vigilantes for skinning a dead cow in Gujarat, he said these sort of incidents should not happen. "The message should go that Dalits are also citizens of this country. They should also be respected. 'Gau Rasksha jaruri hai' (cow protection is necessary) but who will save humans. It is not right to attack people like this. "That is why I would like to appeal to all the people of the country that Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar has given us a Constitution, which ensures social and economic equality, and accordingly we should work and end any wrong mentality," said Athawale, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment. He said there has been no government under which crimes have not been committed. "But the governments should ensure strict punishment (to guilty)," the Minister said after participating in inaugural session of day-long meeting on 'monitoring the implementation of constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Castes' here. The meeting comes at a time when the Centre is under attack from the opposition parties on the Gujarat incident where Dalit youths were assaulted by vigilantes for skinning a dead cow. There is a proposal to allow licence for driving gearless scooters after 16 years of age, Parliament was informed today. A group of ministers has recommended a number of suggestions, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Pon Radhakrishnan told Lok Sabha in a written reply. "There is a proposal to allow licence after 16 years of age for gearless scooters below 100 cc," Radhakrishnan said. He also said that the government plans to fit speed limiting devices in vehicles. "Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued notification...Wherein speed limiting device or speed limiting functions are mandated to be fitted in certain categories of transport vehicles having maximum preset speed of 80 km per hour conforming to the standard," he said. The Ministry has constituted a panel comprising Transport Ministers from states, headed by Rajasthan Transport Minister Yunoos Khan to prepare a draft for stricter road safety bill. Protests continued on Thursday in some parts of Gujarat over the brutal thrashing of Dalits at a village in Una town of Gir Somnath district, even as many political leaders met the victims and their families. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi reached Mota Samadhiyala village in Una to meet families of the victims. Incidents of violence were reported late last night in Rajkot and Mehsana, while protest marches were today held in Limbdi and Surat, police said. In Rajkot, a BRTS bus stand was damaged, while a state transport bus was damaged at Unjha in Mehasana district late last night though nobody was hurt, they said, adding barring sporadic incidents, nothing major has been reported so far on Thursday. The state transport bus service resumed after remaining suspended on Wednesday in view of the protest, officials said. Dalit protesters tried to block a train on Thursday for a short while near a railway station at Udhna in Surat. Thousands of protesters took out a rally and blocked the Ahmedabad-bound Navjivan Express for some time before police managed to clear the tracks. A rally was also taken out in Limbdi town of Surendranagar district. In Modasa of Arvalli district, shops were shut against the forced closure and damages suffered during the bandh called by Dalits on Wednesday. FIRs have been filed against both shopkeepers and protesters following Wednesday's incident in which several shops were damaged by Dalits when they tried to enforce the bandh, police said. Meanwhile, NCP leader Praful Patel along with his party's Gujarat MLAs, Jayant Patel and Kandhal Jadeja, met one victim, Bhanubhai Sarvaiya, and his family members at Mota Samadhiyala in Una and offered them compensation of Rs 2 lakh. They then left for Rajkot to meet the hospitalised victims. Later, Patel alleged that Chief Minister Anandiben Patel took nine days, which is a long time, after the incident to reach the victims. "As a public representative, when the entire state is on fire and a sense of distrust prevails, it becomes our responsibility to console the affected family members and make them feel that we are there with them in their time of difficulty," he said. Gujarat continued to simmer for a third consecutive day as protests against brutal thrashing of Dalit youths at Una, allegedly by some self-styled cow vigilantes, flared up with incidents of vandalism and arson being reported from several parts of the state. In Mehsana district's Kadi town, protesters torched three state transport buses, while a mob held up Ahmedabad- bound Navjivan Express in tracks for several minutes in Surat. In Dholka town of Ahmedabad district, a rampaging mob vandalised Mamlatdar Office and hurled stones at police, who in turn fired 12 teargas shells to quell the protest. Following the incident, police detained 40 people, which, however triggered more protests as locals gheraoed the police station demanding release of the detainees. The situation is under control now, police said. In Kadi town, three state transport buses were set ablaze at different places, hours after thousands of Dalits took out a silent protest march in the town. "While two buses were burnt near GIDC, another was torched at Detroj road," police said. As per state transport authorities, a total of six buses have been torched while more than 50 buses damaged by protesters across the state in the last three days. In several parts of state, a shutdown was observed, besides road blockade and silent protests. Amid tension, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi met the kin of the tannery workers who were beaten up allegedly by self-styled vigilante for skinning a dead cow on July 11 and assured them of all help. He also visited the hospital in Rajkot where the victims are admitted. Separately, NCP leader Praful Patel along with two MLAs in Gujarat met one victim, Bhanubhai Sarvaiya, and his family members at Mota Samadhiyala and offered compensation of Rs 2 lakh, before leaving for Rajkot to meet the hospitalised victims. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to visit Una in Gujarat's Gir-Somnath district tomorrow. Meanwhile, at Modasa in Arvalli district, shopkeepers called for a market bandh to protest against damage caused to their property during the state-wide bandh call given by Dalits yesterday. "They (shopkeepers) said they have suffered damage to property worth over Rs 5 lakh. While Dalit protesters filed an FIR against some businessmen under sections of Atrocities Act, the businessmen also filed an FIR stating that a mob damaged property worth Rs 5 lakh yesterday," police said. Near Udhna in Surat, thousands of Dalit protesters took out a rally and halted Navjivan Express until police cleared the tracks. Markets in Limbdi town in Surendranagar remained shut with around 1,000 protesters taking out a silent march, police said. Incidents of violence were also reported late last night in Rajkot and Mehsana, while protest marches were held in Limbdi and Surat today, police said, adding a city bus was damaged in Rajkot last night. State transport bus service resumed today after remaining suspended yesterday in view of the protest, officials said. 16 people have been arrested so far in connection with the assault on Dalits, while four policemen have been suspended for dereliction of duty. Since the time of eruption of protests, 17 dalit youths have tried to commit suicide in separate incidents across state. A head constable of police was a lone casualty in clash with mob in Amreli town on Tuesday. The humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders says a rescue vessel is bringing the bodies of 22 migrants to Sicily after they perished aboard a smugglers' boat. The bodies of 21 women and one man were found today in a pool of fuel at the bottom of the boat. The same rescue effort saved 209 people who were aboard two rubber dinghies. The organisation said today that the survivors and bodies will arrive in Trapani, likely tomorrow. The survivors are among 567 migrants saved yesterday in five separate rescue operations coordinated by the Italian coast guard. Vessels from NGOs, several nations' military fleets and passing cargo ships rescue migrants from unseaworthy boats launched from Libya's shores. Hundreds of thousands of migrants have been rescued in the past few years. Three persons including a retired army man have been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle 600 bottles of illicit liquor to Gujarat in a red beacon- fitted vehicle, police said today. Kripa Shankar Sharma, 45, Praveen Dwivedi, 28, and Mahesh Singh, 34, were arrested by the crime branch from Gopi Nath Bazar in southeast Delhi's Cantt area, said Ravindra Yadav, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch). Following a tip-off, police searched the red beacon car having fake defence series number plate and recovered 600 bottles of illicit liquor labelled with 'for CSD only' tag from the boot of the vehicle. Sharma, the alleged kingpin who had joined army in 1991 and retired in 2012, would impersonate himself as a serving Subedar in the army while smuggling illicit liquor from Delhi to Gujarat, the officer added. A 23-year-old man, who allegedly appeared in the ongoing Madhya Pradesh police constable recruitment test here in place of a registered candidate, was nabbed, taking the number of arrests of such impersonators to 12. The test is being held by Vyapam, also known as Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board, which became infamous in the recent years for the rackets which rigged examinations for government jobs and professional courses. Jaiveer Gadaria, hailing from Dholpur in Rajasthan, told the police during interrogation that he wrote the test in place of Ramdeen Gurjar, a candidate, on June 19, Inspector Dipak Khatri of Sukhisewania police station said. Gadaria was caught yesterday when he tried to write the constable recruitment test again for another candidate, Satish Gadaria (20), who too belongs to Dholpur. Police suspect that he is part of a gang which rigs the test for willing candidates by offering impersonators. Bilkhiria Police here had yesterday arrested Virendra alias Bablu, a resident of Agra, when he tried to write the test for Jitendra Singh (30) from Morena district, said Inspector Rajesh Kumar Sinha. A total of 12 such impersonators have been arrested so far in last four-five days, including five in Sagar district and two in Bhopal. Sanjay Dubey, a resident of Mirjapur in Uttar Pradesh who was the leader of the gang trying to rig the test at Sagar, told police that the gang charged Rs 3.5 lakh per candidate, said the investigating officer Inspector B M Dwivedi. Most of these impersonators hail from Uttar Pradesh. Nine lakh candidates are appearing for the constable recruitment test, while there are some 14,000 vacancies to be filled. (Reopens BOM28) Vyapam director Bhaskar Lakshakar told SBI associate (SBBJ) has reported net loss of Rs 221.56 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, as provisions for bad loans soared. It had registered a net profit of Rs 270.62 crore in the April-June period of last financial year, 2015-16, SBBJ said in a regulatory filing. The bank's provisions for bad loans and contingencies more than quadrupled as of June 30, 2016 to Rs 995.09 crore, from Rs 212.94 crore parked aside for the same duration last financial year. Its total income increased to Rs 2,771.85 crore in the first quarter of the current financial year, from Rs 2,683.26 crore in the year-ago period. SBBJ showed rise in gross non-performing assets (NPAs) to 6.2% at the end of June quarter of the current financial year, from 4.45% year ago. Net NPAs were at 3.65% of net advances, up from 2.36%. Also, the return on assets fell to (-)0.82%, from 1.07% at the end of June 2015. The bank also informed that it provided Rs 61.53 crore towards pension and Rs 3.89 crore towards gratuity during the June quarter. Besides, on merger plans with parent SBI, it said the bank has entered into negotiation with State Bank of India (SBI) for acquisition of the business including assets and liabilities of the bank by SBI. "While the decision is purely exploratory at this stage and there is no certainty in relation to completion of the acquisition. No decision has been taken at this stage approving the acquisition and the same will be taken by the Bank's board upon evaluating all the relevant considerations, including pursuant to discussion with relevant stakeholders," the bank added. SBBJ stock closed 2.79% down at Rs 670.85 on BSE. Shiv Sena in Goa has demanded an inquiry into the state government's spending on hearings before Mahadeyi Water Dispute Tribunal since 2012, while alleging that it was "loot of public money". "Goa government has spent Rs 2.11 crore on fighting the case related to Mahadeyi water dispute before the Tribunal. Of the total amount, Rs 1 crore was paid only to the then Advocate General Atmaram Nadkarni," Sena's Goa chief Sudip Tamankar claimed yesterday. He alleged that the entire exercise was a "legal loot of public money". The amount was spent betweenSeptember 5, 2012 and November 7, 2015, Tamankar said, and claimed that the information was procured by him under RTI Act. Asserting that the money spent was "unwarranted", he said when the Mahadeyi water dispute was heard before the Supreme Court from 2007-2012, the government had spentonly Rs 10.89 lakh on 28 hearings. "The government has appointed a panel of 17 lawyers to defend Goa before the water tribunal who are provided expenses like food charges (Rs 9.48 lakh), transportation charges (17.44 lakh) and other expenses as Rs 5.2 lakh," he said. "When these lawyers are accommodated in Goa Niwas, which is a government premise and has nearly 14 vehicles to transport people, the question is what are these transportation and food charges?" he asked. Goa is fighting a case in the water tribunal against Karnataka and Maharashtra over diversion of Mahadeyi river water upstream. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returned to the capital today to resume his official duties despite doctors advising him to take rest as he suffered from a leg infection following his heart surgery. Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz tweeted photos of the premier sitting in a plane, saying: "Prime minister at work during the flight to Islamabad. Just arrived." "The leg wound hasn't completely healed yet. It may take a few more days," she said. Maryam also tweeted a photo of the Premier in his office here, saying he went there straight from the airport. Yesterday, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid had said doctors had advised Prime Minister Sharif not to travel to Islamabad before this Sunday. He had said the Premier had an infection in his leg after one of his arteries was used for his open-heart surgery. "The Prime Minister is also suffering from fever but the condition is not serious," he said. It was not clear what forced Sharif to travel to Islamabad against the advice of doctors. Sharif had been staying in his Raiwind residence in Lahore since his return from London on July 9 after undergoing a heart surgery. He had undergone a successful open-heart surgery on May 31. He was to leave for Islamabad last Sunday to discharge his duties but was unable to do so due to the infection in his leg. A group of big-hearted Sikh bikers in Canada have ridden a total of 12,000 kilometres for a noble cause, raising over 60,000 dollars for a Cancer charity. Twenty-four members of the Sikh Motorcycle Club rolled into Surrey, Canada, two weeks after departing for their journey to raise awareness about the devastating diseases. On 13 bikes, the members rode a total of 12,000 kilometres - about 1,200 per day - through British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, before turning around in Montreal. They completed their tour on Sunday. More than 70 individuals and groups made donations to support their initiative, raising a total of 61,194 dollars for the cancer society. The money will go toward the organisation's efforts to fund research, prevention initiatives and assist those fighting cancer. Along the way, the bikers met community members and appeared on local TV and radio stations to share their journey. "Every city they went to the Sikh community, the non-Sikh communities, everyone was cooperative of them," club founder Harjinder Singh Thind was quoted as saying by CTV . "We thought about those kids that are in need that need that money and so that gave us energy and we kept fighting through it," said rider Charnjit Dhadda. The ride was in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Foundation, and the funds will be used for research and prevention for paediatric cancers and also children currently undergoing cancer treatments. Allan Mugford, the agency's regional director for the Fraser Valley, said they were "stunned and amazed" by the fundraising effort. "This is a totally committed and passionate group of community members," he was quoted as saying. Beyond fighting childhood cancers, the riders had another mission -- bringing communities together. "The main purpose of this club was to build a bridge between the mainstream community and us - that the Sikh next door living here is one of us. And so we were able to make that a success," Thind said. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was today relieved of the charge of Urban Development with the portfolio being given to his cabinet colleague Satyendar Jain. The move is being seen as a step to minimise the workload of Sisodia who, according to sources, wants to focus more on education sector. Besides, being the Deputy Chief Minister, Sisodia takes care of chief ministerial work in absence of Kejriwal who in the coming time will be busy campaigning in Punjab, Goa, Gujarat where elections are scheduled next year. However, the government has attributed the change to better coordination of work between Sisodia and Jain, who are holding important portfolios in the Kejriwal Cabinet. The Deputy Chief Minister holds charge of about eleven departments including education, finance, planning, land and building, revenue, vigilance, services, administrative reforms, information technology, law and justice. Jain, who now has the Urban Development Department in his kitty, also holds important portfolios like power, home, PWD, transport, health and industries. Urban Development plays an important role in the government as the department looks after the works of municipal corporations and development in unauthorised colonies. The AAP chief is to visit Una town of Gir-Somnath district in Gujarat tomorrow where some Dalit youths were brutally thrashed last week for allegedly skinning a dead cow. This would be his second visit to the BJP-ruled state in less than a fortnight. He had visited Gujarat on July 9 to kickstart AAP's poll campaign. In the first week of August, Kejriwal is expected to visit Goa to meet the farmers there. Software exports by the Information Technology and IT-enabled services industry from Tamil Nadu have touched Rs 95,000 crore in 2015-16, Finance Minister O Panneerselvam said today. "Chennai has become a hub for IT and ITeS. Over 50 multi-national companies are having their global facilities in Chennai. Software exports have grown steadily at around 10-12 per cent per annum and are expected to have touched Rs 95,000 crore in 2015-16," he said, presenting the budget for the financial year 2016-17, here. Stating that the government has been providing support for the growth of IT industry, he said, various companies-- Honeywell, HCL Technologies, Zoho Corporation, Syntel Ltd were establishing their facilities in Southern Tamil Nadu. On the provision of free laptop scheme, one of the pet schemes of AIADMK government, Panneerselvam said the scheme will continue and 5.35 lakh students will be provided with laptops in current financial year. For the information technology department, he said, "a sum of Rs 890 crore is provided for this scheme in revised budget estimates. Spain said today it had asked London for "urgent" explanations after a British nuclear submarine collided with a vessel off the coast of Gibraltar, forcing it to dock in the disputed territory. The incident sparked environmental fears as well as concerns it could lead to yet another diplomatic row between London and Madrid, which wants Gibraltar back centuries after it was ceded to Britain in 1713. The HMS Ambush submarine was submerged and carrying out a training exercise when it collided with an unspecified merchant vessel yesterday afternoon, damaging the front of its conning tower and forcing it to dock for checks in the overseas British territory on Spain's southern tip. "The ministry has asked the British embassy in Madrid for urgent explanations over the extent of the breakdown and all relevant information regarding the circumstances of this incident," Spain's foreign ministry said in a statement. Britain's navy tried to allay fears on Wednesday, saying there were "no safety concerns" as the collision had not damaged HMS Ambush's nuclear plant, adding that initial indications suggested the vessel had not been damaged. But Antonio Munoz, a spokesman for Spanish environmental group Ecologistas in Action, called for more information on the incident. "We don't have any form of report to see if there was a radioactive leak," he said. "We don't know exactly where the collision happened, where the other vessel is, whether the vessel that collided with the submarine was a freighter, an oil tanker... We don't know whether there was a leak from the vessel." The incident revived memories of another submarine incident at the turn of the century, when Britain's HMS Tireless was forced to dock in Gibraltar for repairs for nearly a year after a crack was found in a cooling pipe near its nuclear reactor. Its presence caused outrage in Gibraltar and southern Spain, which people staging regular protests, and strained ties between London and Madrid. The tiny rocky outcrop of Gibraltar has long been the subject of an acrimonious sovereignty row between both countries. Spain's conservative government, which has been in place since 2011, has been particularly vocal about its desire to see the territory come back into its fold. In one particularly belligerent row over disputed waters, Spanish authorities upped checks at its land border with Gibraltar in 2013, creating hours-long logjams and forcing the European Commission to wade in and ease the crisis. And there have been repeated incidents involving fishing or police patrol boats in disputed waters off the coast of Gibraltar. Assam Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass today said he will discuss with leaders of all political parties over taking a delegation to the Centre for granting ST status to six communities of the state. "I will discuss the issue with the leaders of all political parties. After that I will take a decision about taking an all-party delegation to the Centre," Dass said during the Question Hour in the Assembly. AGP MLA Phani Bhusan Choudhury requested the Speaker to lead an all-party delegation to New Delhi to meet the Prime Minister and press for granting ST status to Koch-Rajbongshi, Tai-Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Motak and Tea tribes. "During the last Assembly, we had discussed this issue many times and decided to take an all-party delegation under the leadership of the Speaker to the Prime Minister. However, we could not meet him," he said. Congress MLA Rakibul Hussain informed the House about his party's support on this issue. Earlier, replying to a query by AGP MLA Ramendra Narayan Kalita, Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes Minister Pramila Rani Brahma said the previous Congress government had done many work on this issue. "The earlier government had set up a committee under the chairmanship of Home Secretary. Our government is also very serious about the issue," she said. Brahma informed the House that the state government has been periodically writing to the Centre for granting ST status to the six communities. An Additional Chief Secretary and an Additional Director General of Police have attended two meetings called by the Centre on this issue, she said. Sri Lanka has received a number of proposals from India to try and resolve the fishing row, but Colombo will take a decision only after consulting its fishermen, the Fisheries Minister said here today. "We have not given consent to any of the proposals although there have been many" Minister of Fisheries Mahinda Amaraweera told reporters. "No decisions will be taken without consulting our fishermen," he said. Amaraweera's remarks came following reports that Sri Lanka was planning to grant Indian fishermen access to fishing in Sri Lankan waters subject to conditions. Amaraweera said that despite pressures from Indian side none of the boats confiscated by Sri Lanka for poaching in Sri Lankan waters will be released. He said the government was keen to work for the welfare of the northern fishermen who have been affected by the continuous poaching by the Indian fishermen. "We have managed to get the ban lifted for our fish exports to the European Union. The benefits of this will be soon enjoyed by the northern fishermen," Amaraweera said. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, during his visit to India on May 13, had discussed the issue of problems faced by Indian fishermen in his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was reported after the meeting that both sides sought a permanent solution to the issue of frequent arrests of Indian fishermen with India reiterating the need to build a dedicated mechanism for it. Fishing row continues to be an irritant in the bilateral ties. Sri Lankan Navy personnel have arrested over 70 Indian fishermen and seized 101 boats recently for allegedly fishing in Lankan territorial waters. The frequent arrest of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan navy remains unresolved despite high level talks since 2014. Sri Lanka accuses Indian fishermen of straying into its territorial waters, while the latter maintain they are only fishing in their traditional areas, especially around Katchatheevu, an islet ceded to Colombo in 1974. The alleged boss of the world's biggest online piracy site, Kickass Torrents, was hit with US criminal charges, accused of distributing over USD 1 billion worth of illegally copied films, music and other content. The Justice Department unveiled a criminal complaint yesterday against Ukrainian national Artem Vaulin, 30, who was arrested in Poland and is wanted by the US for copyright infringement, money laundering and other charges. Vaulin is alleged to own Kickass Torrents or KAT, which in recent years has eclipsed Pirate Bay and others to become the world's biggest source of pirated media. The US criminal complaint said the website offers "a sophisticated and user-friendly environment in which its users are able to search for and locate content" which is protected by copyright. KAT, which distributes films, video games, television programs, music and other electronic media, is estimated to be the 69th most frequently visited website on the internet, according to a Justice Department statement. "Vaulin is charged with running today's most visited illegal file-sharing website, responsible for unlawfully distributing well over USD 1 billion of copyrighted materials," said Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell. "In an effort to evade law enforcement, Vaulin allegedly relied on servers located in countries around the world and moved his domains due to repeated seizures and civil lawsuits. "His arrest in Poland, however, demonstrates again that cybercriminals can run, but they cannot hide from justice." Polish border guard spokeswoman Agnieszka Golias told AFP today that Vaulin was arrested at Warsaw's Chopin airport yesterday "during an attempt to enter Poland". US officials will seek to extradite Vaulin to face charges filed in a federal court in Chicago, which ordered the seizure of one bank account and seven domain names associated with the file-sharing website. The complaint said officials were able to track and identify Vaulin from records provided by Apple on his iCloud account. According to the complaint, KAT operates in 28 languages and has made available movies that were still in theaters along with other content, earning revenue from advertising throughout its site. The website's value is estimated at more than USD 54 million, with annual advertising revenue in the range of USD 12.5 million to USD 22.3 million, according to the complaint. KAT has moved its domains several times after being blocked in Britain, Ireland, Italy, Denmark, Belgium and Malaysia, according to the complaint, and has relied on a network of computer servers located around the world, including in Chicago. Amid criticism from various quarters over the death of 19 infants allegedly due to malnutrition in the mineral-rich Jajpur district, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said a task force has been set up to ensure such incidents do not recur. "The state government has formed a task force to go thoroughly into the entire issue and see that incidents of malnutrition don't recur," Patnaik told reporters here. His statement came a day after the state's Women and Child Development Minister Usha Devi defended the state government on the death of the 19 tribal children at Nagada village within three months. Devi yesterday said there is no concept of family planning at Nagada village, where the malnutrition was reported, and some families there have eight-nine children. A survey conducted by her department found that 24 Juang tribal families have 122 children. The situation of the tribal village, which is situated on the top of a hill, was due to lack of awareness and the government would take steps to bring these tribals to the mainstream. "It all depends on the villagers. If they are not willing to come down from the hilltop, we will make alternative arrangements for them," she had said. Meanwhile, senior officials visited the hospital at Kaliapani in the area and have inquired about the health condition of children from Nagada village admitted there. Principal Secretary and nodal officer of the special task force Manoj Ahuja and Director Agriculture P K Meherda visited the hospital and held discussions with doctors attending the suffering children, whose number increased to 19 after three more were admitted yesterday. Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), central division, A B Ota, who is heading the task force said the administration has identified 18 malnourished children in the village. They are being treated at the Kaliapani hospital. Senior officers also left for Nagada to verify the condition of the place where Juang tribals have been living for generations. The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) yesterday asked the state government to submit an action-taken report within three weeks over the incident. (Reopens CAL 10) Ota said the government has prepared both short and long- term plans to tackle malnutrition situation in which emphasis has been given to communication, drinking water, health and mini Anganwadi centres. He said in order to ensure basic facilities in the village, the state government has appointed secretaries and directors of health and family welfare, ST and ST development, works and rural development departments as nodal officers. A CPI(M) delegation which visited Nagada village held the state administration responsible for the death of the 19 children. "Besides state and central government, the government should involve industries and mining companies to develop the living standard of the people," said Santosh Das, a CPI(M) state secretariat member. Britain's former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was against allowing second wives of men based in the UK to enter the country to join them, according to UK government documents released today. Muslim men mostly of Pakistani and Bangladeshi-origin tended to be in polygamous marriages, something Thatcher did not want her government to be seen to be condoning, according to Cabinet Office files between 1982 and 1986 released by the National Archives. "The country would be with us on this. We would be crazy to discriminate in favour of the coloured Commonwealth against the UK," Thatcher told then attorney general Sir Michael Havers. Havers was concerned about the legality of such a ban without a change in the law. "I am very conscious of the fact that this is a highly explosive subject and that there is a need for early amendment of the law. I must, however, advise in the strongest terms against taking any action against second wives until there is a change in the law. Such unlawful action by the government cannot be contemplated," his note to the Prime Minister read. The issue caused considerably worry to the government, with a Downing Street policy unit briefing note pointing out that "though the numbers are small, the problem is vexed and the Home Office are exposed to public pressure". At one stage the home secretary of the day, Douglas Hurd, even contemplated breaking the law over the issue of polygamous wives. In March 1986, he wrote arguing for a change in the law to make it possible to refuse such women entry. Until the law changed, Hurd said he was prepared to "postpone compliance with his legal obligation" on the issue of second wives. A note from one of Thatcher's advisers said she "strongly shares the Home Secretary's view that an early change in the law is required". When Hurd suggested making future polygamous marriages invalid but recognising existing ones, she wrote in the margin: "We do not recognise polygamy at all. The files also show that in October 1985 immigration facilities at Heathrow airport came close to being "overwhelmed" by an unexpected surge of young men from Bangladesh seeking entry to the UK. Earlier in 1982, Thatcher had also strongly objected to UK Home Office plans to relax the rules on women immigrants bringing in husbands and fiances, insisting there were already enough ethnic minority men in the UK for them to choose a partner from. "The outcome of admitting more husbands and male fiances would mean that there would be more new families, large numbers on the unemployment register, and in the long run a requirement for the creation of more jobs," Thatcher said. "There were, furthermore, sufficient numbers in the ethnic minorities in this country now to provide an acceptable range of choice for young women without the need for further young men to come to this country," she said. In the UK, it is illegal to marry more than one person. Polygamous marriages, largely confined to Muslim families, are only recognised in Britain if they took place in countries where they are legal, such as Middle Eastern states, Pakistan and Zambia. There are no official figures but it is estimated that there may be as many as 20,000 polygamous marriages in the British Muslim community. Coronation Street On Tour has confirmed plans to head to Glasgow and Belfast - and tickets are going on sale. The soap's visitor attraction is heading on tour as part of an exciting new project. It will premiere at the SECC in Glasgow from August 27 to January 1, before relocating to Belfast subject to full planning permission, reported Digital Spy. Official sets, props and memorabilia, and even the cobbles themselves, will be featured as part of the tour and an impressive inflatable showdome has been built to accommodate this. During the tour, visitors will be able to discover the Duckworths' and Platts' set secrets, experience the much-loved surroundings of Roy's Rolls and the Kabin, before stepping through the doors of the famous Rovers Return for a souvenir picture behind the bar. Fans will also be able to take a trip down memory lane by reliving some of the show's most memorable storylines. ITV has once again teamed with Continuum Attractions for the project following their work together on the successful Coronation Street Tour, which was based on the show's old set in Manchester for two years. Tours will run daily from 10am and tickets for the Glasgow dates are currently on sale here. Dates for Belfast will be announced in due course. Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee will be visiting Tripura on August 9 to strengthen the party in the north east state, where it has emerged as the main opposition party. "I will visit Tripura on August 9. In coming days we will form the next government in Tripura," she told TMC's Martyrs Day rally here. In a setback to Opposition Congress in Tripura, its six dissident MLAs had joined TMC last month making it the main Opposition party in the Left-ruled state. Sudip Ray Barman, who led the Congress dissidents, too was present at the rally. "We will follow the ideals of Mamata Banerjee to oust the Left regime of Tripura. We are confident that we will be able to do so in the next Assembly polls. People in Tripura are fed up with the Left rule there. The Left Front in Tripura will have the same fate as the Left Front in West Bengal faced in 2011," he said. Burman, the former leader of opposition, had been elected leader of the TMC legislature group. Four Islamist militants of the banned homegrown JMB group, including its top regional head, were arrested today, who authorities said were responsible for Bangladesh's worst terror attack on a cafe here in which 22 people, mostly foreigners, were killed. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) raided a hideout of militant outfit Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in Gazipur's Tongi this morning and arrested the four militants. Mahmudul Hassan Tanvir, the 'Amir' of the group's southern region was among the arrested persons, the RAB spokesperson said. The other three have been identified as Ashiqul Akbar Abesh, Najmus Shakib and Rahmatullah Shuvo. RAB's media wing Director Mufti Mahmud Khan said a huge quantity of weapons, ammunition and bomb-making material have been recovered from the house. Khan said the RAB swung into action after receiving a tip-off that the four were present in a building. Khan said these four had taken shelter in the house before Eid during Ramadan and that the house was used for training JMB recruits. He said eight bombs and bomb-making material, a pistol, a magazine, more than 100 rounds of ammunition, eight machetes and some jihadi literature have been seized from the house. Security forces have been looking JMB hideouts since the July 1 attack on Dhaka's Holey Artisan Bakery that killed 22 people, including an Indian girl. The six gunmen were killed by army commandos who stormed the cafe the next morning. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the deadly attack, but the government denied their presence in Bangladesh, saying homegrown JMB militants were responsible for the assault. In the second book of her detective series, author Anita Nair explores the limits of depravity and magnitude of human greed told through the prism of the social evil of human trafficking. Inspector Gowda, the central character of the crime fiction 'Chain of Custody' sets out on a mission to find a 13-year-old girl and lands himself in a child-sex trafficking racket in Bengaluru. This is the second time the inspector makes an appearance after featuring in Anita's earlier thriller in 2013, 'Cut Like Wound.' "Inspector Gowda is actually my alter ego, somebody who does all the things that I wish I could do. I actually am living vicariously through this character," Anita said at the launch here recently. The author was in conversation with Pascal Fautrat, Director of NGO Tara a home for children at the launch of her book at the Alliance Francaise. After deciding on the theme of the novel, Anita said she got down to researching and taking to various people in the field, including police officers who were working on anti-trafficking activities. "I went to rescue shelters and talked to social workers, met abused children. I wasn't really aware about the degree of trafficking happening in the country. Like everybody else I knew what I read in the newspapers. "I had read the reports - children rescued from brothels, children rescued from factories. I didn't have a real understanding what was the extent of it" Anita said. The author said she discovered during the course of her research that "Children and women were treated like commodities. Prices of certain kind of child go up. You can find children as young as 9 years old. In brick factories you can find younger children 4 or 5 years old child working. "It is frightening," Anita said. "As a writer you have a imagination which is a kind of horror. Trafficking defies that. The horror of depravity, human greed. You come to floor when you see how trafficking is conducted. How children and woman are treated? They are not human beings. They are just a bundle of muscle and bone," she said. The author said she did not base the character of Inspector Gowda on any real person. The inspector had joined the police force with much idealism and really thought he will make real difference to the world but he realises very early the hardships involved. "Because of hardships he starts drinking. I found out during research in Bangalore that most policemen drink old monk and coke. Its cheaper which costs Rs 250 and importantly rum doesn't give you hangover," the Bengaluru based author said. Asked about solutions to tackle trafficking, the author said, "As a writer I can create awareness but not provide solutions. We need to address it and talk about it. Unfortunately it is not a breaking material which media pushes but it gets reported once in a while." The author has also introduced a feisty policewoman Ratna in her fiction, someone she said will accompany Gowda in all her novels. Eight Turkish military officers who fled to Greece after last week's failed coup went on trial on Thursday for illegal entry in a case that threatens to strain ties between the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) allies. The eight are being tried in the northern city of Alexandroupoli, where they arrived by military helicopter on Saturday after sending a distress signal to authorities. If convicted, they face a sentence of up to five years in prison. According to one of their lawyers, Ilia Marinaki, the soldiers two commanders, four captains and two sergeants fear for their safety and that of their families after the abortive bid to topple President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. To block their deportation to Turkey, they have applied for asylum in Greece. Whatever the court ruling on Thursday, any action on their fate will likely have to wait until early August when asylum authorities are to decide on their applications. Turkish authorities insist they will receive fair treatment at home, despite widespread retaliatory crackdown by Erdogan's government. Turkey's ambassador has warned that failure to return the officers will not help ties. "I hope we will manage to swiftly go through the phases of due process and manage to return these terrorist elements so that they will face justice," Turkish ambassador Kerim Uras told reporters in Athens on Tuesday. Historic foes, Greece and Turkey both became members of NATO in 1952. Ties have improved dramatically in recent years although there are irritants such as airspace and maritime border disputes. Greece last year also faulted Turkey for allowing thousands of mainly Syrian refugees and migrants to sail to its shores, before the European Union deal stemming the flow came into force in March. The UN Security Council holds its first informal poll today on the dozen candidates competing to succeed Ban Ki-moon as secretary-general on January 1. The 15 council members have decided to keep the vote secret a sharp contrast to the informal "straw" polls 10 years ago which were made public and led to Ban's election to the world's top diplomatic post. Japan's UN Ambassador Koro Bessho, who holds the rotating council presidency, reiterated Wednesday that he would only be confirming that the poll was held behind closed doors. According to the UN Charter, the secretary-general is chosen by the 193-member General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. In practice, this has meant that the council's five permanent members the US, Russia, China, Britain and France have veto power over the candidates. By tradition, the job of secretary-general has rotated among regions and Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe have all held the top post. East European nations, including Russia, argue that they have never had a secretary-general and it is their turn. There has also never been a woman secretary-general and a group of 56 nations are campaigning for the first female UN chief. The 12 candidates include six men and six women eight from Eastern Europe, two from Latin America, one from Western Europe and one from the Asia-Pacific region. For the first time this year the General Assembly held two-hour webcast hearings where candidates made their case to be the next secretary-general and answered questions from U.N. member states. For the first time, each candidate has also met informally with Security Council members behind closed doors for an hour, Japan's Bessho said. Britain's UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said yesterday that "the added transparency and all the other improvements in the process that the UK and others have advocated have increased the chances of the UN having a stronger next secretary-general than it otherwise would have had." According to council diplomats, the 15 council members will receive ballots for each of the 12 candidates with three choices: "encourage," ''discourage" and "no opinion." The result for each candidate will be conveyed to the ambassador from the candidate's country, who will also be told the highest and lowest votes, with no names, the diplomats said. An unclaimed bag was today found at the international airport here, triggering panic. The bag was found unclaimed soon after SpiceJet's Dubai-Amritsar flight landed here this morning. A bomb disposal squad was called to check the bag and nothing was found, officials said. After all the passengers of the flight claimed their luggage at the airport, there was no claimant for the particular bag, officials said. However, later the owner of the bag was identified, though the person concerned is yet to come forward to claim it, they said. It is being verified whether the passenger had missed his flight from Dubai, the officials said. (REOPENS DES 7) In a statement, SpiceJet said Idinirinkarlina Btnanang, an Indonesian national, scheduled to travel on the flight, did board the aircraft after clearing immigration, security check and boarding. She reported back after the flight's departure. "Dubai Airport officials informed the Pilot in Command about the unaccompanied checked-in baggage on board, who in turn requested Amritsar ATC officials for Isolated Parking Stand," it said. "The baggage will be handed over to Btnanang or relevant authorities," the statement added. The United States on Thursday moved to recover more than $1 billion that federal officials say was stolen from a Malaysian wealth fund by people close to prime minister Najib Razak. The diverted funds paid for luxury properties in New York and California, a $35 million jet, art by Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet and helped finance the Hollywood film, The Wolf of Wall Street, according to federal government complaints that demand the recovery and forfeiture of the ill-gotten assets. The complaints, filed in Los Angeles, allege a complex money laundering scheme that the Justice Department says was intended to enrich top-level officials of the government-controlled wealth fund. That fund, known informally as 1MDB, was created in 2009 by Najib to promote economic development projects in the Asian nation. Instead, officials at the fund diverted more than $3.5 billion over the next several years through a web of shell companies and bank accounts in Singapore, Switzerland, Luxembourg and the US, the complaints allege. About $1.3 billon raised through purportedly legitimate bond offerings was swiftly transferred to a Swiss bank account and, from there, distributed to fund officials for their personal benefit. "In seeking to seize these forfeited items, the Department of Justice is sending a message that we will not allow the United States to become a playground for the corrupt," Eileen Decker, the US Attorney in Los Angeles, said at a news conference. "And we will not allow it to be a platform for money laundering or a place to hide and invest in stolen riches," she added. The money the government wants to recover reflects the amount officials were able to trace through the US Financial system. In a statement, Najib's press secretary said the "Malaysian authorities have led the way in investigations into 1MDB" and that the government would "fully cooperate with any lawful investigation." "As the Prime Minister has always maintained, if any wrongdoing is proven, the law will be enforced without exception," the statement said. The Justice Department says the forfeiture demand is the largest single action it's taken under its Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, which seeks to recover foreign bribery proceeds and embezzled funds. Federal officials say the funds laundered into the US for the benefit of officials and their associates were used to pay for property including Manhattan penthouses and Beverly Hills mansions; to settle gambling debts at Las Vegas casinos; and to pay for a London interior decorator, expensive paintings and the production of films, including the 2013 Oscar-nominated movie The Wolf of Wall Street. The US confirmed today it was seeking the extradition of the alleged boss of the world's biggest online piracy site, Kickass Torrents, on charges of distributing over USD 1 billion worth of illegally copied films, music and other content. A day earlier, the US Justice Department unveiled a criminal complaint against Ukrainian national Artem Vaulin, 30, who was arrested in Poland and is wanted by American authorities for copyright infringement, money laundering and other charges. Vaulin is alleged to own Kickass Torrents or KAT, which in recent years has eclipsed Pirate Bay and others to become the world's biggest source of pirated media. Stephen Dreikorn, a spokesman for the US embassy in Warsaw, told AFP today via email: "We can confirm the United States government is seeking extradition of Artem Vaulin." The US criminal complaint said the website offers "a sophisticated and user-friendly environment in which its users are able to search for and locate content" which is protected by copyright. KAT -- which distributes pirated films, video games, television programmes and music -- is estimated to be the 69th most frequently visited website on the internet, according to a Justice Department statement. "Vaulin is charged with running today's most visited illegal file-sharing website, responsible for unlawfully distributing well over USD 1 billion of copyrighted materials," said Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell. "In an effort to evade law enforcement, Vaulin allegedly relied on servers located in countries around the world and moved his domains due to repeated seizures and civil lawsuits. "His arrest in Poland, however, demonstrates again that cybercriminals can run, but they cannot hide from justice." Polish border guard spokeswoman Agnieszka Golias told AFP today that Vaulin was arrested at Warsaw's Chopin airport on yesterday "during an attempt to enter Poland". US officials are seeking to extradite Vaulin on charges filed in a federal court in Chicago, which ordered the seizure of one bank account and seven domain names associated with the file-sharing website. The complaint said officials were able to track and identify Vaulin from records provided by Apple on his iCloud account. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi today said weaker sections of people in Gujarat were being oppressed for opposing RSS ideology in a state which Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls the "Gujarat Model". Declaring his party's support to the agitating dalits, he said the Congress would defeat this idelogy throughout the country. "The youth were thrashed by 40 people. Eleven people tried to commit suicide. It all means that all over Gujarat, the weak people, irrespective of their caste, and who have no money are being suppressed. "It is a fight between two ideologies-on the one hand Gandhiji, Saradar Patel, Nehru and Baba Sahab Amedkar, and on the other hand RSS, Golwalkar and Narendra Modi," he told media after meeting the family members of the dalit youths who were thrashed by cow vigilantes in Gir-Somnath district. He also visited hospitals here and met family members of the dalits who tried to commit suicide in the state during the dalit agitation. "Modiji talks about Gujarat Model but anyone who speaks against this ideology, demands education or fights against big corprorate, is suppressed and crushed. I told them not to worry as Congress and people of Gujarat are with them. We will defeat this ideology in the whole country," Gandhi said. A married woman was allegedly gangraped by three youths in a hotel in Karnal district of Haryana, days after a 21-year college student in the state was raped for the second time by same offenders who had sexually assaulted her three years ago. The woman, hailing from Sonepat, was raped yesterday in Karnal, they said, adding, she was in contact with one of the accused over phone for the past few days. "The accused called the woman to Karnal yesterday and once she arrived, he took her to a hotel where he was joined by two of his accomplices in the crime," DSP Karnal, Jitender Gahlawat said. He said all the three accused, two of whom hailed from Asandh and one from Karnal, have been arrested today. They have been charged with rape and other relevant sections of IPC. The accused fled the spot after hiring an autorickshaw for the victim, the DSP said, adding, she was taken to a hospital by the driver after her condition worsened. A case was registered against the accused after recording the victim's statement. The incident comes close on the heels of a gangrape incident involving a 21-year-old college student in Rohtak. The victim was allegedly raped by five persons in Rohtak district on July 13. This was a repeat offence with two of the offenders also named as accused in a case of gangrape of the girl in Bhiwani three years ago. Yesterday, Haryana police had constituted an SIT to probe into the matter. The NHRC also issued a notice to the Haryana Government seeking report in the incident. A 27-year-old woman has been arrested by Delhi Police for allegedly stealing Rs 17 lakh from her in-laws' house at Shastri Park in northeast Delhi, police said today. Vimla Devi, a Shastri Park resident, complained to the police that she had received Rs 17 lakh after selling a piece of land at her native village and handed over the cash to her younger daughter-in-law. Devi alleged in her complaint that after a quarrel between her son Sushil Kumar and the daughter-in-law on July 12, the woman took away the money with her, said Ajit Kumar Singla, DCP (northeast). Police questioned the woman at her paternal home in Aligarh where she had gone after the quarrel with her husband Kumar. She denied the charges but the stolen cash was found hidden beneath a heap of husk at her maternal uncle Umesh's house in Aligarh, Singla said. Umesh is also involved in the crime and is absconding, the officer added. Under attack over the recent dalit incident in Gujarat, the government today asserted in Rajya Sabha that it will not tolerate such incidents at any cost and rejected the opposition charge that atrocities against the lower caste community had increased in NDA rule. Replying to a debate in the House, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the Gujarat government has taken prompt action in the case involving thrashing of some dalits by cow protection activists and had arrested 16 accused and suspended 4 police officials including an Inspector. The state government is also working to set up a special court to try this case within six months, he said. During the day-long debate, the opposition blasted the government over attacks on dalits and minorities, alleging that a "Taliban-like attitude" was prevailing in some parts of India and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence over such issues. Responding to the opposition charges, Singh said: "Our government will not tolerate any physical violence or verbal abuse against dalits". The Home Minister rejected the opposition charge that cases of atrocities against dalits have increased in last two years and said he could reel out figures of such incidents that took place under Congress rule. "But these things will not help. We have to think about solutions". The Home Minister said some incidents against dalits have taken place in all states and not only in Gujarat. Condemning the incident at Una in Gujarat, he said: "16 people have been arrested. Four police officials, including one Inspector and two Assistant Sub-Inspectors, have been suspended. The case is being investigated by CID crime branch." Singh said this incident is "unfortunate, serious and condemnable" and justice should be delivered in six months. "We don't want to delay this case. We want that justice should be awarded quickly," Singh said, adding the state government has written to Gujarat High Court for setting up of a special court for day-to-day hearing. He said the chargesheet would be filed within 60 days, while rejecting demands for CBI probe into the case. While answering the criticism, the minister said the Modi government had taken a number of initiatives to empower dalits. In this context, he named Jan-Dhan Yojna and Stand Up programme for the welfare of people including those from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He also talked about the government's steps to provide LPG connections and toilets to every family. "We have taken many steps for empowerment of dalits and poor," Singh said. On derogatory remark against BSP leader Mayawati by a leader of BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit who has since been sacked, Singh said: "I felt ashamed when I came to know. The Leader of the House (Arun Jaitley) has already expressed regret over this". "Dalit women are mother, sister and daughter of every Indian," he said, adding those indulging in such acts should be condemned by the society as well. Contending that such incidents occur due to "perverted mindset which cannot be changed only through law", he stressed the need for social-cultural movement to change this mindset. Political organisations would have to paly an important part, he said, while urging all parties to run social programmes to change the image of political class. "Faith in politicians and political system has declined. We need to take the loss in credibility as a challenge". After Rajnath Singh's reply, Congress member Kumari Selja wanted to say something about the Gujarat incident but the Chair disallowed it, following which the party members staged a walkout. Earlier, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Ghulam Nabi Azad targeted the government, questioning why it is "not able to control such incidents". He said earlier such issues of atrocities against dalits, attacks on minorities used to be discussed once in 5-10 years, but now such discussions are becoming very common. "The government talks of making India the world's largest economy but I want to know how will you make it the world's largest economy by alienating 40-45 per cent of the country's population," the Congress leader said. Contending that "The society has broken down" and "connected only by a thread", he referred to TV shows where people are pitted against each other to spew venom. "It is being said that television does not impact while showing such incidents, then why was television banned in Kashmir," said Azad, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, while referring to the recent developments in the state. Azad said the government is angering around 20 per cent minorities and 23-25 per cent dalits in the country. He questioned the silence of the Prime Minister over such issues, including unrest in Kashmir. He referred to Rajnath Singh's remarks that the Prime Minister has called him from abroad and inquired about the situation in Kashmir and had held a meeting on Kashmir as soon as he returned from his foreign tour. "I want to say, why did he not issue a statement from abroad. In last 14 days in Kashmir, the United Nations issued a statement, the US did, but our PM did not come out with a statement appealing to all and calling for an all party meeting to discuss a solution to the problem," he added. He further said the situation is "bad" in the country, in the most sensitive state -- Kashmir --, violence in Gujarat and the incident with Mayawati, but no statement from the Prime Minister. "It looks like as if the government is not worried, let Gujarat burn, let dalits die," he added. Earlier, initiating the discussion, senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav there was a "Taliban-like attitude" and it was matter of shame that even after 70 years of independence, atrocities against dalits, especially women, were increasing. He sought a ban on 'Gau Rakshaks' (cow vigilantes) operating in some parts of the country. "Who created these 'Gau Rakshaks'? Why doesn't the government ban them? What is this tamasha? .... We talk about Taliban ... Our caste system has a Taliban-like attitude, we need to discuss that," Yadav said. Congress and other members joined him, saying the incident only exposes the real face behind the "Gujarat model" being "propagated" by the Prime Minister. Contending that the youth were joining such groups because of rising unemployment, the JD(U) leader said "in Gujarat, these Gau Rakshaks say 33 crore gods and goddesses live in the cow. Such superstitions are being spread in this country." Congress leader Anand Sharma also questioned the silence of the Prime Minister, saying he talks on everything but has not spoken on this issue. "What is the compulsion that despite being the Prime Minister and having been Chief Minister of the state for 12 years that he has not expressed pain on this incident? He has not condemned it. Had the Prime Minister of the country condemned it and promised action, it would have made an impact," he said. He then took a dig at BJP leaders, saying he was not suggesting to them that they should go and tell this to Modi as "it is difficult to make him understand". He demanded that the Home Ministry should make a list of such vigilante groups and take action against them. His party colleague leader Ahmed Patel said the situation in Gujarat was "explosive" as dalits were attempting suicide and warned that if urgent steps are not taken to control it, then the situation might explode. He cautioned that the Centre should ensure that the recent "shameful" incident does not turn into a communal one ahead of next year's Assembly elections in the state. "You have talked about Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, but the situation is just the opposite." Patel said the real face of the Gujarat model of development was being exposed now. "We have always said that Gujarat model worked for the benefit of few industrialists. They (BJP) have always divided the society and ruled." He said the centre should not have "arrogance" of having absolute majority" and steps should be taken to reach out to people. He also questioned why Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel met the victims only yesterday even though the incident had taken place over a week ago. Balwinder Singh Bhander (SAD) called for an all party meeting to deliberate on how to tackle such issues (atrocities against dalits) and that people should desist from giving a political colour to such incidents. Satyanarayan Jatiya (BJP) said there is a need to analyse such incidents and find a solution. K Keshava Rao (TRS) called for the need to revamp the laws and at the same time change the mindset regarding issues related to dalits. He suggested creation of fast track courts to take up cases relating to atrocities against dalits. Zensar Technologies today posted a flat net profit of Rs 76.2 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2016 compared to that of Rs 76.1 crore in the year-ago period. Its revenue grew by 8.2 per cent to Rs 762.4 crore in the reported quarter from Rs 704.6 crore in the year-ago period. "This has been a quarter of good growth. Manufacturing, which saw some softness in the previous quarter, saw a comeback with 6.3 per cent quarter-on-quarter growth (in constant currency). There was a significant traction in digital commerce and Infrastructure Management services in the first quarter," Zensar Technologies Chief Executive Officer and MD Sandeep Kishore told PTI. The applications business has also achieved significant growth enabled by key digital levers, he added. In dollar terms, the company's net profit declined 4.9 per cent to USD 11.4 million, while revenue grew 2.6 per cent to USD 114 million in the said quarter compared to the year-ago period. "Internally, at Zensar, several new initiatives are at play to make Zensar a business that runs fully on Digital. These initiatives will help deliver value to our clients and associates, through enhanced transparency, agility and efficiency in the way we run our business," he said. Digital Services remained stable and contributed 27.3 per cent of the revenues in the first quarter of 2016-17. Talking about geographies, he said the US was a bit "soft", while business in Europe did well. The US accounted for 74.9 per cent of the company's revenues in the said quarter, while Europe and Africa contributed 10.5 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively. On Brexit, Kishore said the company was "watching" the situation closely. "Our exposure to Europe is small at about 10 per cent, so it's not as high as some of the larger players. However, we are closely watching the situation. We are talking to our customers," he added. Its total headcount stood at 8,238 people at the end of June, 2016. While the company saw a gross hiring of 662, its headcount was lower compared to the March fiscal, when Zensar had 8,256 people. Its attrition rate stood at 17.6 per cent in the quarter under review. The results were announced after the markets closed for the day. Shares of the company closed at Rs 1,010.60 apiece, up 0.39 per cent on BSE. By Katya Golubkova, Vladimir Soldatkin and Oksana Kobzeva MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in an interview there were no discussions about possible coordination with OPEC on oil output after a failed attempt to jointly maintain production levels earlier this year. "We do not discuss the issues of coordination of actions between Russia and OPEC... We can't agree on production cuts as we don't have such tools and mechanisms," Novak told in interview cleared for publication on Wednesday. The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other big oil producers, including Russia, were not able to reach a deal in Doha in April on freezing oil production in order to support falling oil prices. Global crude oil prices reached a 13-year low of $27 per barrel in January due to oversupply, but have recovered since then to around $50. The weak price for oil, Moscow's chief export commodity, hit the Russian economy, which shrank by 3.7 percent last year. In the interview with Reuters, Novak said Russia sees its cooperation with OPEC focussing on the exchange of information and analysis on the global oil market, rather than on coordinating production. Russian companies have been increasing oil production this year. Novak said he expects domestic oil output at 542-544 million tonnes this year after it hit 534 million tonnes (10.73 million barrels per day), a 30-year high, in 2015. SAUDI-RUSSIA MEETING Novak said he will likely meet new Saudi energy minister Khalid al-Falih at a conference in Algeria at the end of September. It will be their first meeting since Falih was appointed in May, taking over from veteran minister Ali al-Naimi. "Obviously, we will discuss the situation on the (global) oil market," he said, adding that they will also look into the possibility of joint energy projects in Russia, Saudi Arabia and third countries. Last week, Falih said that the oil industry needs a price above $50 per barrel to sustain investments, adding that downward pressure on prices would prevail because of a huge stocks overhang. Novak said Russia is sticking to its forecast that the oil price will average between $40 and $50 this year. He said though there are risks that it could be lower due to seasonal decline in demand. Trading houses across the globe are betting on oil markets remaining oversupplied for at least two more years even as crude prices stage a recovery driven by early signs of falling production. The Russian minister said he expected global oil markets would balance out by mid- or end-2017, with a lot depending on Saudi Arabia's policy. He said he saw demand rising by at least 0.8-1 percent per year, or by 0.7-1.0 million barrels per day. Novak added that global oil stockpiles have reached 3 billion barrels, of which 500 million barrels he called "excessive" and warned that it will take a long time before they leave the market. "In general, this is almost 1.5 million bpd, meaning that if nothing in addition will be produced (globally) and output is maintained at current levels, this overhang will still cover for the annual increase in demand," Novak said. (Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin, Katya Golubkova, Oksana Kobzeva, Denis Pinchuk, Alexander Ershov, Natalia Chumakova, Darya Korsunskaya and Anastasiya Lyrchikova, editing by David Evans) Commercial Feature is a Business Standard Digital Marketing Initiative. The Editorial/Content team at Business Standard has not contributed to writing or editing these articles. For further information, please write to assist@bsmail.in A coalition of leaders from six Nebraska ag groups on Wednesday came out against amending the states constitution to guarantee the right to farm and said legislators should be focused on tax reform and specifically reducing property taxes. Ag groups were divided last legislative session over a failed Right to Farm constitutional amendment (LR378CA) introduced by state Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell. Supporters said the measure would protect the states top industry from environmentalists, animal rights groups and other threats. Opponents said it would have done more harm than good and would have blocked lawmakers from creating rules to limit farm practices without a compelling state interest. Two states, North Dakota and Missouri, already have right-to-farm measures, and Oklahoma voters in November will weigh in on whether to adopt it. Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson said the new consensus came out of a work group of agriculture leaders that began meeting this year. After discussing concerns about the right-to-farm issue, the group unanimously concluded it should not be pursued as a constitutional amendment. The group said in a news release that its members still support enacting some of the right-to-farm concepts through state law at a time they deem appropriate. We think there are some reasons to take a go-slow approach here. As weve learned about what other states have dealt with as it relates to those kinds of proposals weve been urged to be very cautious, Nelson said in a phone interview. Having the right to farm doesnt mean much if you cant afford to farm we have low commodity prices in practically every commodity we raise in Nebraska. At the same time, we have property taxes that continue to grow. Kuehn said he was surprised by the announcement Wednesday and plans to continue pursuing the legislation. He said a constitutional amendment is the best way to protect and support Nebraska agriculture, because it would stop future activist legislators from regulating farm practices. Working on taxes and tax reform and working on science-based agricultural policy and economic development tools, theyre not mutually exclusive, Kuehn said. The ag leadership group said its main focus in the coming year will be propelling the agricultural economy forward through property tax relief and reform. The group also said it plans to advocate greater access to new technology and biotechnology for the ag industry. The fact that we have such a heavy over-reliance on property to pay for government services is what needs to be addressed. Almost 50 percent of all the government services in Nebraska are paid for through property tax, Nelson said. Farmers, he said, have seen their tax bills increase more than 170 percent in the past decade. The group has not endorsed a specific plan for resolving the states tax issues. Nebraska Cattlemen President Barb Cooksley, whose group previously supported the constitutional amendment, said the ag leaders discussed their priorities with Gov. Pete Ricketts earlier this week. Tax reform across the board is needed. Property, income and sales, she said. We need good roads. We need good schools, hospitals. Taxes impact all of those. We know that no one sector can have it all. Everybody needs to have some tax relief in the state. Agricultural organizations whose leaders participated in the work group include Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Pork Producers Association, Nebraska Soybean Association and the Nebraska State Dairy Association. In a day spent in long meetings with potential investors, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das met about 20 honchos of companies in Hyderabad on Wednesday, July 20th after a packed day spent in Bangalore meeting business leaders there. Addressing a press conference later in the day in Hyderabad, the chief minister declared: "Hamne laal kaalin bichayya hai" ("we have laid a red carpet") for the industry . In Telangana, which claims assured response or clearance to a project within 15 days, he has promised industry that even Jharkhand would match with similar swiftness and offer clearances within 15 days, provide a single window and with an allotted nodal officer to interface with. After meeting companies such as Britannia and Infosys in Bangalore, the chief minister spent the day in Hyderabad meeting heads of companies ranging from those specialising in skill-building to hospitals, dairy and textiles. Some of the companies included TMI Group, which is in the recruitment space, discussing ways to improve employability of youth. The others were Apollo Hospitals, Care Hospitals, Pramati Technologies, Biological E, Dodla Dairy, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Cyient and Sanghi Textiles among others. He says his focus areas are skill-building, industry, agri, IT and tourism. The chief minister also said he personally reviews every month, progress made on any investment proposal worth Rs 100 crore and more. He says the visit to Bangalore and Hyderabad is to invite investors to consider Jharkhand for investment and also to attend the 'Jharkhand Global Investors Summit" slated for February 15 and 16th, 2017. A note shared by the chief minister's team on Wednesday said Shree Cement had signed an MoU with the government of Jharkhand to set up 2 MTA grinding unit with an investment of Rs 500 crore. He said the state had enough power, water and land to offer industry. He said, it is not just the big companies that he was looking at but that he was also keen on the MSME sector, which, he said, could also provide huge employment opportunities. On July 19th, Cisco and the government of Jharkhand signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the IT skills of students of engineering colleges and polytechnics across the State. The partnership is to focus on developing skills required for the new digital economy by providing them with the required technical knowledge through Cisco Networking Academy Program. The company is to set-up up to 15 networking academies in the state that will train upto 6000 students by 2020. Oracle is also to impart IT skill training to students of engineering colleges, polytechnics and degree-level institutions in Jharkhand. Some of the entrepreneurs who met the chief minister and his team of officials, felt at least the state was reaching out and seemed keen to open a dialogue with the industry. After Hindustan Unilever, country's largest consumer goods company, disappointed Dalal Street with below expected June quarter earnings, all eyes now rest on another major FMCG player ITC, which reports its Q1 earnings today. Brokerages believe ITC's net sales may grow 10 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 9450 crore, with cigarettes volume reporting nearly 4 per cent growth YoY, first positive volume growth after 12 quarters, thanks to relative demand improvement, rising sales of 64mm cigarettes and low base (17 per cent volume decline). The company's PAT growth is likely to be muted at 10 per cent YoY to Rs 2490 crore. ITC stock has offered over 17 per cent returns in the last one year and figures among one of the top picks of many brokerages in the FMCG space. "The stock trades at 24.6 times FY18E earnings per share (EPS) of Rs 10," said brokerage Motilal Oswal in a research report. "With most state government budgets out of way without any material increase in VAT rates, we believe near-term overhangs are behind, therefore we maintain 'buy' on the stock," added the brokerage. Though ITC stock carries limited downside, it is important to note the scrip remains event based given uncertainty over Goods and Service Tax (GST) Bill. Below are three factors to watch out for in the June quarter: 1) Trends in cigarettes volume The brokerages estimated the company to report nearly 4 per cent cigarette volumes growth (0.5 per cent in Q4) on a low base which will enable 9.3 per cent EBIT growth, led by rising sales of 64mm cigarettes. "After successfully introducing 64mm cigarettes under Bristol and Capstan brands in FY16, ITC launched Wills Flake and Berkeley cigarettes' 64mm variants keeping the same price of 69 mm in Q1FY16. This indicates ITC is now generating 35 per cent of its total volumes from 64mm cigarettes," said brokerage ICICI Securities. 2) Profit margins in FMCG, Hotels FMCG sales are expected to grow by 5 per cent with Rs 69 million EBIT loss, while hotels are expected to report EBIT loss of Rs 31 million on lower Average Room Rate (ARR). 3) Paper and paperboards business Brokerage expects EBIT growth decline of 7.3 per cent in Paper and packaging on muted sales growth. Shares of VRL Logistics gained 20 per cent intraday to hit its upper circuit in trade on Thursday after the promoters of the company said they have withdrew their plans to launch a regional airline. The scrip settled the day 10.68 per cent lower at Rs 348.20. Instead of a regional airline, the company now plans to launch a regional television channel. It may be recalled, the promoters had announced in May to launch a regional airline in their personal capacity. They had also indicated that they might dilute up to 10 per cent of their 69 per cent stake in VRL Logistics in order to fund the new venture. Speaking to Business Today exclusively, Anand Sankeshwar, the MD of VRL Logistics said the TV channel is likely to be launched in "the next couple of months". Sankeshwar added that the new venture will be under the privately held VRL Media, which already runs a Kannada newspaper Vijayvaani. He, however, refused to elaborate on other plans for the new television venture. To prevent illegal entry of people at airports, CISF has sought uniform electronic tickets with barcode as well as barcode readers at the departure gates. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which provides security cover at airports, detected 34 cases of persons entering the terminal building of the airport in the national capital during the last 14 months, according to Union Minister Jayant Sinha. "The persons caught were handed over to Delhi Police for further legal action in the matter," the Minister of State for Civil Aviation said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Thursday. On whether CISF has asked for installing PNR readers at the airport gates to the check illegal entry, Sinha replied in the affirmative. "CISF has requested for uniform format in e-tickets together with bar coding on the same and barcode reader at departure entry gates to prevent use of fake e-tickets," he said. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has issued instructions to the airport operators to install 2D bar code scanner, he added. The European Commission outlined on Wednesday a new way of assessing whether Chinese companies are exporting at unfairly low prices, as Beijing demands that it no longer be treated as a special case. The European Union has been debating whether to grant China "market economy status" (MES) from December, which China says is its right 15 years after joining the World Trade Organization. Failure to do so could spark a trade war. In cases of alleged dumping, EU trade investigators currently compare Chinese export prices to those of a third country, such as the United States, rather than to domestic prices. China says this is discriminatory and, in any case, will breach WTO rules from Dec. 11, marking its 15 years in the organisation. European Commissioners from the 28 EU members discussed three options: do nothing, simply grant China MES or adopt a new approach. Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen and Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom told a news conference that the commissioners favoured the third option, setting aside the issue of whether or not China is a market economy, while still abiding by WTO rules. "China is not a market economy. We are not granting it market economy status. If it were a market economy, it wouldn't have the problems we are seeing," Malmstrom said. Katainen said the new approach would lead to duties very similar to those in place today. He also advocated speeding up the time it takes for anti-dumping tariffs to apply - to seven from nine months. The European Union has 59 sets of measures in place to counter dumping or subsidies on products coming from China, ranging from aluminium foil to wire rod. Of 34 ongoing investigations, 22 concern China, the most notable related to different grades of steel. In future, the EU could determine that overcapacity or state intervention distorted the market, rendering domestic prices or production costs an inadequate comparison, and instead establish dumping on the basis of international prices. "We are not singling out China. This could go for any country. What we are looking for is whether there are any distortions in a country or even in a sector ... This is the new proposal," Malmstrom said. China's commerce ministry said it would "pay close attention to the relevant process and further assess it after the proposal in more clear". All WTO members must end their anti-dumping surrogate country practice targeting China come December, the ministry reiterated in a statement on its website on Thursday. "It does not depend on any member's domestic standards and has nothing to do with overcapacity problems. China hopes the relevant members will strictly implement their duties under the WTO," it said. Aegis Europe, an alliance of some 30 industry lobby groups that includes producers of metals, ceramics, glass and bicycles, said not granting China MES was positive, but warned against a "rotten compromise", saying the issue of market distortion must still be for the European Commission to decide and subject to legal challenge. It said the EU should stick to its five market economy criteria, chiefly that state influence is reduced, and with the burden of proof on China to show it merited a new approach. The EU and China agreed at a joint summit last week to discuss how to deal with overcapacity, although it is not clear whether this goes beyond production of steel. The Commission will make a formal proposal to EU member states and to the European Parliament later this year. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie About us Overseas tourist visits to Ireland in 2015 grew by 13.1% to 8.0 million in 2015 according to a new report published by Failte Ireland today. The report shows that expenditure by tourists visiting Ireland (including receipts paid to Irish carriers by foreign visitors) was estimated to be worth 5.9 billion in 2015. In terms of spend, Mainland Europe (at 1.6bn) was the largest source market, representing 36% of overseas spend in Ireland. Britain remains Ireland's biggest source market, accounting for 42% of inbound traffic, although Mainland Europe is (at 40% of visitors) the biggest source for leisure tourists. Irish residents took 7.5 million domestic trips in 2015, spending 1.5 billion. Every year, Failte Ireland collates information from a wide variety of sources (including CSO statistics, Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency numbers and its own surveys) to generate a comprehensive portrait of tourism performance in Ireland to share with members of the industry and its stakeholders. Speaking today, a Failte Ireland spokesperson emphasised, "This document provides a rich resource for anyone looking for the fundamental facts about tourism in Ireland and is a valuable resource for those who wish to analyse current trends and patterns in the industry." Source: www.businessworld.ie It was announced today that Topaz have raised 100,000 in aid of the Jack & Jill Childrens Foundation, predominantly through its Small Change, for Big Change fundraising campaign. The Small Change for Big Change fundraising campaign is part of an ongoing, three-year charity partnership that will see 400,000 in vital funding raised for the Jack & Jill Childrens Foundation. To date, the provision of 6,250 hours of vital home nursing care to families has been provided through the support of both Topaz staff and customers. The Jack & Jill Childrens Foundation, which was founded in 1997, provides direct funding to families of children up to the age of four years old suffering from severe intellectual and physical developmental delay as a result of brain damage, enabling them to purchase home nursing and respite care. Speaking at todays announcement, Jonathan Irwin, CEO and Founder of the Jack & Jill Childrens Foundation welcomed the fundraising partnership saying, "I am delighted to be at the Topaz City Avenue site today to celebrate this landmark occasion. The 100,000 that has been raised across the Topaz network already has made a big change in reminding families who have children with severe neurological issues, that theyre not alone and that others care across the country." Topaz and Re.Store customers can continue to pledge their support to the Jack & Jill Childrens Foundation by donating their unwanted, loose Lego bricks in-store, with the LEGO Exchange fundraising drive. Customers can also support the fundraising efforts and be in with a chance to win their local GAA county shirt by donating 2 at their local Topaz or Re.Store throughout the next 4 weeks as part of local fundraising efforts. Source: www.businessworld.ie About us 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 A brand is a promise. Over the years, Nebraska has adopted a number of slogans and taglines which have come and gone. One phrase, however, has not only stayed on our road signs, but it has also remained near and dear to the hearts of Nebraskans. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and I announced that the State of Nebraska would be bringing back this beloved tagline. Last week, we announced the new state brand, Good Life. Great Opportunity. A key part of running an organization like a business means building a trusted brand across the entire enterprise that makes a positive impression on the customers you work to serve, as well as the businesses and investors you are working to recruit. Last year, DED began to develop a new brand to help market Nebraska to businesses, investors and job creators. As DED began this process, the vision for this new brand expanded. Right now, state of Nebraska agencies use a myriad of logos and designs, so I encouraged DED to look for a brand all state agencies could utilize to help all of them create a unified image. To this end, DED engaged a marketing agency to help gather input from Nebraskans and develop a new brand for the state. Developing a brand is a massive challenge because it needs to be something your organization and customers believe in. As John Steinbeck once wrote in East of Eden, No story has power, nor will it last, unless we feel in ourselves that it is true and true of us. To develop a brand Nebraskans would support, we listened first. Over the course of the input process, thousands of Nebraskans provided input through meetings across the state, surveys targeting key audiences, and even conversations with individuals who had moved away. In the process of developing a new state brand in the last year, we heard everywhere that more than ever Nebraskans see our state as the Good Life. While we were searching for a brand Nebraskans would embrace, we also wanted a brand that would help us highlight the many aspects of our state that make it uniquely Nebraskan. This process resulted in Good Life. Great Opportunity. Its a phrase all Nebraskans can embrace. Whether you grew up on a Sandhills ranch or work in an Omaha high rise, this brand is inspired by the men and women who grew Nebraska for our first 150 years. Growing the Good Life in Nebraska is the mission of my administration. Opportunity is the first step towards achieving this mission. From the farms and ranches that are the backbone of our number-one industry to the innovative startups in Silicon Prairie and Fortune 500 company headquarters, this brand will help us highlight opportunity everywhere in our state. With the introduction of Good Life. Great , the state of Nebraska has also developed a brand that provides flexibility for each state agency to choose their own great and tailor it to their specific mission. For example, the State Patrol has selected Good Life. Great Tradition. The Department of Roads has chosen Good Life. Great Journey. as its brand. The Department of Labor has picked Good Life. Great Connections. as the new brand for their agency. Other organizations will also have an opportunity to utilize this brand upon request. For example, the beef industry or a beef producers might choose to use something along the lines of Good Life. Great Beef. As you can see, this brand has a lot of potential to provide a more unified image for state government as we work to make the state of Nebraska more customer-focused and grow our state. In the coming weeks and months, state agencies will work to implement the brand. While you will see a lot of changes, you will continue to see the Good Life in familiar places like our road signs. To learn more about the brand and how it will be used, you can visit GoodLifeGreatOpportunity.com. If you have any thoughts on the new brand or how the state markets itself, please contact my office by emailing pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or by calling 402-471-2244. The German parliaments resolution recognizing the atrocities against Armenians and other Christian minorities in the Ottoman Empire as genocide resulted in an angry reaction from the Turkish government. The resolution, which also mentions the former German Empires complicity, constitutes an additional example of modern Germanys ability to come to terms with the past by admitting own responsibility. However, the possible tensions due to Turkeys resentment not only makes the normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations unlikely but may also affect Turkeys relations with other countries. BACKGROUND: On June 2, the Bundestag Germanys lower house of parliament by an overwhelming majority adopted a resolution referring to the mass massacre and deportation of Armenians and other Christian minorities in the Ottoman Empire during World War I as genocide. The vote on the resolution had been postponed twice on the federal chancellerys request: in 2015, when the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the deportation was commemorated, and in February 2016. The resolution recognizes Germanys complicity: the principal author of the resolution, the Green Partys co-chair Cem Ozdemir (a son of Turkish immigrants) noted that the German Empire had supplied the Ottoman Empire an ally in the Great War with weapons used to carry out war crimes. Moreover, German diplomats and military advisors knew what was happening but made no effort to prevent the atrocities. The resolution also calls for steps towards normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations. Turkeys recently appointed Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said a day before the German vote that what happened to the Armenians had been an ordinary event, and also tried to convince German Chancellor Angela Merkel to prevent the Bundestag vote, to no avail. Predictably, Turkey reacted angrily to the vote. Turkeys most adverse previous reaction took place in 2001, after Frances recognition of the mass killings as genocide. Turkey then postponed the realization of multibillion-euro economic projects. In response to recognitions from other European countries, Turkey has routinely temporarily recalled its ambassadors from these countries, including Austria, Luxembourg, and the Vatican in 2015. However, after the ambassador to Germany was recalled, several Turkish politicians made unconventional demonstrations of anger and frustration. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Germany first needed to answer for the Holocaust, then for the murder of 100,000 people in Namibia. However, Germanys condemnation of the Nazi crimes, including the Holocaust, is a well-known fact. The resolution adopted on June 2 mentions the Holocaust six times and suggests that Turkey should come to terms with its past as Germany did. During the hearings in the Bundestag, both Ozdemir and Germanys former Defense Minister Franz Josef Jung also called on the parliament to address the Herero massacre in Namibia, a former German colony, in 1904-1907. Furthermore, Erdogan suggested that the blood of 11 German MPs with Turkish roots, most of whom supported the resolution, might be tainted and that they should be blood tested to check what kind of Turks they are. The Mayor of Ankara Melih Gokcek posted photos of the 11 politicians, calling them traitors. Some of these MPs reported receiving numerous death threats and have been placed under police protection. IMPLICATIONS: The timing for the adoption of this resolution might seem imperfect. A few days later, a decision was expected on the fate of the EU-Turkey migration deal, providing for the EUs acceptance of Syrian refugees currently residing in Turkey, and the return of the same number of migrants from other countries who previously moved illegally from Turkey to EU member states. The EU would also grant a visa waiver for Turkish nationals. That deal would be particularly important for Germany, as it has been dealing with the largest number of migrants. Following the preliminary stage of the deal, the migration flow from Turkey was reduced. However, Turkey failed to meet some of the visa waiver conditions. Most importantly, Turkish officials refused to make amendments to the laws on terrorism, claiming that such amendments would make the fight against Kurdish militants less effective. They also threatened to cancel the migration deal unless the EU grants the visa waiver without further conditions. The EU, on the other hand, is hardly ready to compromise on the requirements that its neighbors aspiring to visa-free travel should meet. Additionally, the threat to drop the migration deal implies Turkeys readiness to use migration as leverage to pressure the EU if the number of migrants grows again. A number of additional concerns exist regarding the possible increase of authoritarian tendencies and undermining of secularism in Turkey. Particularly, Turkish laws on terrorism have in some cases been used in order to silence or even imprison journalists and other critics of the authorities. Turkeys decision to strip some MPs of their immunity has also caused concerns, as have the recent takeovers of media critical of Erdogans policies. Furthermore, Ankara has recently annoyed Berlin on a number of occasions. The German ambassador has been called in several times, as Turkish authorities have disapproved of some content in German school textbooks, demanded a ban on music videos satirizing Erdogan on German TV and other de facto limitations to the freedom of speech, and so on. Several German journalists have lost their accreditations because of their critical coverage of the situation in Turkey. Yet the Bundestag adopted only a resolution, which has no legal consequences, rather than a federal law, leaving room for a comprehensive political dialogue with Turkey. Ankara must now choose whether to escalate tensions in its bilateral relations with Germany, fulfilling Erdogans warning that the resolution would damage diplomatic, economic, business, political, and military ties. The head of the Bundestags committee on human rights, Michael Brand, seemed confident that bilateral relations would not seriously suffer: I cant imagine that Turkey, which is currently finding itself isolated in its foreign policies in the face of mounting pressure from ISIS and the PKK, could afford to sever its ties with Germany one of its most reliable partners. Any concrete steps towards normalization of Turkeys relations with Armenia, as suggested by the resolution, are currently very unlikely. The Turkish government will hardly yield to what it proclaimed to be unacceptable pressure. It seems that a prediction by Turkeys former ambassador to the United Kingdom, Unal Cevikoz, that increasing pressure on Turkey to recognize the 1914 events as genocide would worsen Armenian-Turkish relations, as well as Turkeys bilateral relations with other states (see the 05/27/15 Issue of the CACI Analyst), was correct. Turkey will also avoid any action that would place Azerbaijan in a difficult position. On the other hand, Armenia will not be interested in a revival of the Zurich protocols, unless Turkey agrees to detach the bilateral relations from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. CONCLUSIONS: The Bundestags resolution is unlikely to have an immediate positive impact on Armenian-Turkish relations, although it may have a longer-term effect. For now, the situation will probably remain tense if Ankara decides to let its frustration influence its relations with Germany and the EU. The genocide recognition by EUs leading member state may potentially have both a political and a psychological impact, inducing some other countries to proceed with recognition. A further growth of authoritarian tendencies in Turkey and its regional ambitions may also encourage additional recognitions. In this regard, the efforts of the Armenian diaspora will be supported by the Kurdish and some other diasporas as well. A possible instrumentalization of the genocide issue in order to contain Turkeys ambitions is not the most favorable approach. However, the current situation became rather predictable after the missed opportunity to normalize the bilateral relations with Armenia. AUTHORS BIO: Armen Grigoryan is an Armenian political scientist, the author of several book chapters, journal articles, and policy papers. His research interests include post-communist transition, EU relations with Eastern Partnership countries, transatlantic relations, energy security, and conflict transformation. Image Attribution: www.zerohedge.com, accessed on July 21, 2016 On June 27, Moscow announced that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a personal letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin expressing his regret and sorrow for the downing of a Russian plane last November and his wish to reestablish bilateral relations. This ended a seven-month standoff between Turkey and Russia that seriously threatened their political and economic relations. Moscow welcomed the apology. Both sides have strong reasons to resume and reinforce their relations. The rapprochement will allow a restoration of diplomatic relations, and remove trade sanctions and barriers to the development of a number of joint projects, including the planned Turkish Stream gas pipeline under the Black Sea. Yet while Ankara and Moscow may return to pipeline negotiations, the gas supply situation to Europe has changed since November. Moscow has made substantial progress pushing an alternative option an expansion of the Nord Stream pipeline. BACKGROUND: With the demise of the South Stream plan in 2014, the announcement of the Turkish Stream pipeline to carry Russian gas to Turkey and beyond gave Turkey a great opportunity to become a key transit state for a substantial volume of Russian gas. At that time, Moscow was in a vulnerable position. It was desperately looking for alternative routes and partners to counter heavy Western sanctions and political and economic isolation. Moscow was willing to recognize Turkey as a transit state for its gas deliveries to the Southern part of Europe. Ankara had set its sights on Turkish Stream as a means to become a major gateway to the EU energy market. Yet the deal did not materialize as fast as Moscow wanted. Ankara and Moscow became mired in price negotiations and faced Brussels disapproval of the deal. While Moscow felt urgency to secure this project, Ankara took its time negotiating from a strong position, even declaring its desire to be not only a transit state, but also a part of the selling and buying process. Last October, Russias Gazprom reached an agreement with a number of German and European companies on expanding the Nord Stream pipeline. Gazprom then decided to reduce the size of the proposed Turkish Stream pipeline by half, linking a reduction in the pipelines capacity from 63 billion cubic meters (bcm) per year to 32 bcm to the construction of North Stream 2; a significant shift in Moscows gas supply initiatives. This step was followed by the downing of the Russian fighter jet in November, putting the two countries seriously at odds. Moscow introduced a range of economic sanctions on Ankara and put the Turkish Stream project on hold. Germany saw the derailed Russia Turkey relations as an opportunity to establish a transit state role for itself. IMPLICATIONS: Germany, like Turkey, has fostered the idea of becoming a transit state for Russian gas to the EU energy market. The Germans have taken an aggressive stance towards Turkey as a potential partner in the Unions gas industry. Since last November, Germany has persistently pushed the idea of expanding Nord Stream to carry Russian gas to the West European market. In February, the German gas transmission system operators (TSOs) submitted the draft 2016 Gas Network Development Plan, which provides a comprehensive action plan for network development to ensure a natural gas supply providing energy security for Germany, to their countrys national regulatory authority, the Bundesnetzagentur. Yet in a German perspective, this action plan is central also in providing energy security for the entire EU. The draft plan proposed two principal options for discussion. The first option stipulates enlarged gas imports from the Caspian region via the EU-backed Southern Gas Corridor, bypassing Turkey through the White Stream pipeline under the Black Sea and then linking up with the Tesla pipeline. The second option requires the implementation of Nord Stream 2 as a key component. Both options exclude Turkey from Germany energy security scheme. In April, after extensive public consultations, the TSOs submitted a principal model case to the Bundesnetzagentur, building on the expansion of the Nord Stream pipeline and arguing that this option received support from a majority of market participants in Germany and Western Europe. Its implementation would amplify Germanys status as a regional energy hub, as up to 80 percent of Russias total exports to Europe could, in theory, be directed via Germany. One of the arguments that supporters of this pipeline use is that this option, unlike the existing Ukraine transit route, will substantially help reduce transit costs. This has been seen as a key factor in the current bearish gas market. Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia and the Baltic States have opposed the expansion of Nord Stream on the grounds that it would threaten EU energy security by increasing European dependence on Russian gas. However, the key impact of this project is that these states, especially Ukraine, will lose transit revenues. Brussels has previously expressed skepticism about Nord Stream 2 but it is now unclear whether it will block the project, given the amount of pressure that German and other West European companies can mobilize. At present, the European Commission has no official position on the project. As the crisis in Russia-Turkey relations is abating, Moscow can resume negotiations with Ankara on Turkish Stream, putting additional pleasure on Germany and other participants in Nord Stream to promote the project in Brussels. Moscow has been careful to keep both options open. Gazprom earlier announced that neither South nor Turkish Stream pipelines have been taken off the table, hinting that even negotiations on South Stream could be resumed. Both projects target the countries of South-Eastern Europe and the Balkan Peninsula. According to Gazprom, the gas supplies to these areas via Nord Stream are not competitive, therefore, either Turkish or South Stream pipeline can be implemented, especially given the fact that the degree of readiness is high for both these projects, both technologically and organizationally. Yet Brussels has opposed them as a threat to its Southern Gas Corridor scheme. Ankara has sought some form of compromise and approval from Brussels in the past, but may now decide to ignore Brussels opinion. Erdogans recent statements have signaled his growing discontent with the EU over a number of political and economic issues. In turn, it appears that Moscow has become more pragmatic and careful in its efforts to balance among Nord and Turkish Stream partners. Recently, Gazproms CEO Alexey Miller said the construction of Turkish Stream depends on Brussels decision and can be resumed only if Gazprom receives a written approval of this project from the European Energy Commission. This indicates that Moscow will not shift gears and work with Turkey but rather respect EU rules and wait for official permission. CONCLUSIONS: Russia-Turkey relations will gradually improve but are unlikely to return to the level that existed before the November 2015 incident anytime soon. Given that Russia remains determined to remove Ukraine from its delivery scheme and secure its shares in EU energy markets, Moscow will push ahead to secure two entry points to the EUs gas market from north and south. Yet Gazprom will likely be more persistent with the northern component. It seems that Germany, the EUs leading member, is both better positioned and a more serious, stable and predictable partner for a major pipeline project. Germany may also provide substantial political support to Moscow in promoting its economic interests in Europe. It is unlikely that Moscow will consider Turkey as a transit state for a substantial volume of Russian gas deliveries to Europe. However, Moscow will still pursue either the Turkish or the South Stream pipelines to remove Ukraine from its gas politics and secure markets in the EUs southern parts. AUTHORS BIO: Najia Badykova is the head of Antares Strategy consulting. Image Attribution: cdn.americanprogress.org, accessed on July 21, 2016 At the end of last year, the European Commission (EC) issued the Fourth progress report on Georgias implementation of the action plan on visa liberalization, endorsing the countrys success in conducting legislative and policy reforms and praising its diligence in meeting institutional and organizational principles and procedures in line with European and international standards. At a June 20 meeting in Luxembourg, the EUs foreign ministers again acknowledged Georgias eligibility for visa-free travel in the Schengen area for a short-stay. However, the countrys much-awaited exemption from visa requirements remains obscure. The visa liberalization (VL) process was thus was expected to be completed by mid-2016. Nevertheless, Germanys objection during a meeting of the EUs justice and home affairs ministers on June 910 reduced Tbilisis hopes to obtain a visa-waiver before the October 2016 parliamentary elections. Germany seems keen to connect Georgias VL process to that of Ukraine and possibly Turkey. It is not very easy to explain to one country how things are with another however, I understand that each country wants to be treated on its own merits, said German Chancellor Angela Merkel after meeting with Georgian PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili in Berlin on June 15. Germany, along with France, Italy and Belgium, supports strengthening the so-called suspension mechanism, which could be applied to any visa free country. On May 20, 2016, the EU Council agreed to revise the proposal that makes it easier for member states to inform the Commission about circumstances possibly leading to a suspension of the visa-waiver. The initiative envisages an extension of the potential grounds for suspension as well as shorter reference periods and deadlines to enable quicker procedures. The specific circumstances allowing a member state to use suspension as a last resort, covers a substantial and sudden increase in the number of irregular migrants, unfounded asylum requests or rejected readmissions applications. Since May 2016, German media has vigorously highlighted criminal activities of Georgian migrants and, drawing upon official data, claimed that the number of Georgian offenders has increased by 35 percent in a year, reaching 4,985 persons in 2015; while asylum seekers has grown from 527 in 2011 to 3,196 in the last year. The coverage, however, did not specify the share of crimes committed by Georgian migrants in Germanys overall crime rate for the given period. Nevertheless, a confidential police report offered a more profound picture. Leaked to the German newspaper Bild in February 2016, and excluding data from North Rhine-Westphalia the state with the largest number of migrants, the report claimed that the actual number of crimes in Germany committed by immigrants during last year could exceed 400,000. Most of these crimes were committed by migrants from Syria, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Eritrea, Macedonia, Pakistan and Nigeria. As the report does not even mention Georgia, it can be assumed that the role of Georgian offenders in Germanys overall crime rate is negligible. Moreover, a report published by the European Commission in May 2015 included a comprehensive study by Commission staff on migration and security risks for the EU associated with Georgias VL. Based on factual analysis and statistics, the document concludes that although the EU is an attractive destination for Georgian migrants as well as Organized Criminal Groups (OCGs), triggering potential security risks, the migrant flows following a VL agreement would still remain limited due to Georgias small population. Thus, the intensity of negative coverage about Georgian migrants in the German press could exaggerate the actual risks, and damage Georgias international reputation and its EU-integration perspectives. Another important point is that VL was initially assumed to be a technical process but has gradually gained a clear geopolitical dimension. Georgia has met all the benchmarks outlined in the four separate blocks of the visa liberalization action plan (VLAP) that the EC presented to the government in 2013. The VLAP enclosed two phases envisaging legislative, policy and institutional reforms with sustainable and unremitting implementation. Although all EU members, including Germany, recognize that Georgia has done its homework successfully and deserves a visa waiver status, the ongoing geopolitical turmoil complicates Tbilisis perspective of taking another historical step towards EU integration. The situation was further adversely affected by the UKs decision to leave EU. Brexit, the ongoing migration crisis and Germanys critical stance towards Eastern Partnership countries has given rise to uncertainty both in the EUs core and in its periphery. These circumstances, coupled with Georgias opaque perspective of VL, may stir further EU skepticism in Georgia, which is especially dangerous in light of the upcoming parliamentary elections. Image attribution: www.georgiatoday.ge, accessed on July 10, 2016 On June 20, the Presidents of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan Serzh Sargsyan, Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev met in Saint Petersburg. After the unprecedented military escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh in early April, the first meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents took place in Vienna on May 16. Putins initiative to convene the second meeting indicates the active mediation role that Russia has taken in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict since the escalation. In April, Russian high officials paid several visits both to Yerevan and Baku to discuss the recent developments with the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaderships. In Saint Petersburg, Sargsyan and Aliyev agreed to increase the number of international observers. The parties also welcomed the fact that the ceasefire regime has generally been upheld in recent months. The presidents also decided to continue similar regular meetings in the future. After the discussions, Sargsyan met with the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group; Igor Popov, James Warlick, Pierre Andrieu and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk. In Saint Petersburg, Sargsyan also had a separate meeting with Putin for a discussion on issues pertaining to Russian-Armenian relations. In his briefing after the Saint Petersburg meeting, Armenias Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandian stressed the fact that Azerbaijan had organized large-scale military exercises while the presidents held talks in Saint Petersburg, which he deplored as an unconstructive approach towards the summit. On June 19-24, Azerbaijan conducted military exercises in regions bordering Armenia, including Nakhichevan. According to Azerbaijans Ministry of Defense, nearly 25,000 servicemen, more than 300 tanks and armored combat vehicles, over 100 rocket artillery launchers, up to 40 military aircraft and over 30 air defense systems, along with naval ships and special forces units were engaged in the exercises. Despite this fact, Nalbandian declared that the meeting had been quite useful. On June 24, the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group issued a joint statement, calling on the parties to follow the joint statements of the Vienna and Saint Petersburg summits. It also urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to remove all remaining obstacles to expanding the mission of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk. The statement also underlined the necessity of establishing an OSCE investigative mechanism. With reference to expanding the mission of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Nalbandian emphasized in his briefing that Azerbaijan has undermined the process of providing financing for that mission within the OSCE committee on financing and budget issues. The results of the Saint Petersburg meeting were interpreted quite differently in Azerbaijan. Novruz Mammadov, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations and Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of Azerbaijan, declared that the parties had agreed on a step-by-step solution to the conflict, which includes Armenias concession of several territories to Azerbaijan. Moreover, Mammadov stated that France and the U.S. are comparably far from these processes, and that considering the level of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, the latter can play a key role in realizing this option. Both Yerevan and Moscow issued immediate reactions to Mammadovs statement. Nalbandian told Armenpress news agency that not a single agreement on the settlement of the issue was reached at the Summit in St. Petersburg. Russias response came on June 23, when Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated during a briefing that this is an attempt by Azerbaijan to interpret the agreements that have been reached in its own way and qualified it as loose interpretations or misrepresentations. According to analyst Sergey Markedonov, the meeting in Saint Petersburg was on the one hand intended to keep the format of negotiations alive and not let it fade away. On the other hand, it aimed to underline Russias special interest in solving the conflict, not outside the OSCE Minsk Group format but together with it. Above all, it was obvious that expectations for the summit were not very high, and that any considerable breakthrough in the peace process was therefore hardly anticipated. Image attribution: en.apa.az, accessed on July 10, 2016 Gomorrah: Screen violence and the root of our fear Published on July 21, 2016 Story by Ornella Duca Translation by: Victoria Weavil en it es pl fr de The controversy over whether or not certain realities should be brought to the big screen is not a new debate, but would it not be more appropriate to reflect on what really causes our fear? Why are we more concerned by the representation of evil than by evil itself? Opinion piece. We'll never know whether, following the premiere performance of the ancient Greek tragedy Medea in 431 B.C., the Athenian crowd called for Euripides to be charged with inciting infanticide. Yet in 2016, Roberto Saviano author of the bestselling novel Gomorrah (10 million copies sold worldwide) and co-creator of the TV series of the same name (topping viewing charts across the continent) is at the centre of a storm of media controversy. His detractors have levelled allegations towards him that he is "celebrating evil", "depicting an absent State", and above all "portraying Italy in a negative light". An absurd controversy Gomorrah directly confronts the general public with a vision of horror and absolute evil, an escalation of endless violence, as shocking as a slap to the face. It depicts a Naples rife with murder, where business is conducted with the Mafia and where the eternal struggle between good and evil proliferates. We are all aware that evil exists, in its most ferocious, boorish form, yet were incapable of reacting to it, at least not until we are truly confronted by its consequences. We barely react reading reports in the paper, or watching them on TV. A massacre resulting in the loss of thousands of lives can, just a few years later, have given way to a dangerous desensitisation. Yet we are fully capable of becoming indignant, even passionately so, when we witness evil depicted in a TV series. It momentarily tears us away from our state of blissful ignorance (or worse still, indifference). Herein lies a terrible paradox: such indignation is directed not so much at the existence of horrific realities, but instead at their illustration. Heaven forbid that any child of ours, innocently playing "nonviolent" video games, might want to get their hair cut like Genny Savastano, the show's principal character, or start swearing and cursing habitually. What we are really afraid of, in other words, is emulation. Is there any real risk in life imitating art? In reality it's the other way around. Children take up arms in Scampia, teenagers discover drugs at all too young an age in Secondigliano, and gravestones with disturbingly recent birth dates mount up in the cemeteries of Naples. This is the reality that inspired Gomorrah, far from the reverse. What are we really afraid of? We mustn't forget that Gomorrah is, in essence, artistic expression enjoying extraordinary success, or that every work of art that reaches the general public (whatever the subject matter) inevitably becomes a tool to serve the interests of whoever consumes it. So it is that teenagers start speaking like the characters in the show, and Facebook groups like O Sistema or Malavita siciliana (The Sicilian Underworld), dedicated to prison detainees, post screenshots from the series, believing that their own lives mirror what happens on screen. (Yes, there really are Facebook groups dedicated to prison detainees that still havent been blocked). Others, however, previously unaware of the existence of such realities, may choose to begin reading up on the history, informing themselves, and seeking to uncover the truth, even after having long been anaesthetised by a rampant crisis of misinformation, often relegating shocking news to the back page of local papers. Confronted by scenes of violence and moral corruption (be it in film, image or novel), there will always be those who draw inspiration from, or identify with, what they see. Yet there will also be others whose civic responsibility will be strengthened as a result. This has always been the nature of art. If a representation of evil is blamed for the existence of the evil itself, we are faced with a paradox. When we look in the mirror, we see the sick society we live in reflected back at us. We find out how low human beings are willing to stoop. We realise how widespread criminality has become a habitual source of fear, above all for those in power, who are partly responsible for that which we see. Perhaps we know, deep down, that ignorant populations are easier to govern. Perhaps, beyond all logical thought, what frightens us most is our slight fascination with all of this. What really terrifies us about our reflection is not knowing, at the end of the day, which side we are really on. Do we have the courage to choose the path of good? Or are we more inclined to slide into violence and moral corruption? What is certain is that we can't assign responsibility for this to a TV series. We have a duty to decide for ourselves; to be capable of making that decision. We have to make up our minds as the society we want to live in, as to what to teach our children, as to who we really want to be. This is our job, not that of Saviano, Jesus or Hitler. --- This article was published by our local team at cafebabel Palermo. Story by Ornella Duca Translated from Perche Gomorra fa paura? CALLER-TIMES file Bring your favorite canine for a fun-filled Yappy Hour at La Palmera from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Center Court at 5488 S. Padre Island Drive. SHARE THURSDAY CONCERT: Another Level will perform from 8-10 p.m. at Cole Park Amphitheater, 1526 Ocean Drive, as part of the Bay Jammin' Concert series. Cost: Free. Information: www.facebook.com/BayJamminConcertandCinemaSeries, 361-826-7259. PETS: Bring your favorite canine for a fun-filled Yappy Hour at La Palmera from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Center Court at 5488 S. Padre Island Drive. Owners and their furry kids will meet one another and to take advantage of photo opportunities and learn about local pet services. Cost: Free. Information: www.lapalmera.com. ARTS: Port Aransas Art Center, 323 N. Alister St., will host its Family Fun Art Days from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Liz Harris will teach the island-themed project each month, and art supplies will be provided. Cost: $5. Information: 361-749-7334. FOOD: The San Patricio-Aransas County Dinner Tonight healthy cooking school will be from 6-8 p.m. at the Aransas Pass Civic Center, 700 W. Wheeler Ave. The event is part of the Healthy South Texas initiative from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to promote health and fitness, provide nutrition education, reduce the rate of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and asthma, and prevent infectious diseases. Cost: $15, includes cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, food samples, wine tasting, door prizes, recipes and other giveaways. Information: 361-364-6234. HIGHER EDUCATION: Del Mar College will host its Start Understanding College, Career and Education for Student Success, or S.U.C.C.E.S.S., night at 6 p.m. at St. Clair Building, Del Mar College East. The event gives assistance with admissions or financial aid applications, scholarships or general questions. Cost: Free. Information: 361-698-1290. FRIDAY FAMILY: Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation will show Alvin and the Chipmunks after dark Friday at Cole Park Amphitheater, 1526 Ocean Drive. Cost: Free. Information: 361-826-7529 MOVIES: Aransas County Public Library will host Family Movie Time at 3 p.m. at 701 E. Mimosa St., Rockport. Cost: Free. Information: 361-790-0153. THEATER: The Port Aransas Community Theatre will perform "Bye Bye Birdie" at 7:30 p.m. at 2327 Highway 361, Port Aransas. Cost: $17. Information: www.portaransascommunitytheatre.com, 361-749-6036. MOVIES: Hurricane Alley Waterpark, 702 E. Port Ave., will screen "Pokemon 200" as part of its Dive-in Movies. Movie schedule subject to change without notice. Cost: $15 after 3 p.m. Information: www.hurricanealleycc.com/divemovies. For more events check Caller.com/vivacc Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times Joanna R. Garza speaks Thursday about her difficulties obtaining a protective order during a Coastal Bend Community Response Coalition public forum on domestic violence at Sugarbakers. The second forum this month gave people an opportunity to speak who didn't couldn't during the first meeting. By Beatriz Alvarado of the Caller-Times A Corpus Christi police officer's widow suggested manpower be increased at the police department's family violence unit. A woman who reported abuse a year and a half ago said her abuser hadn't been arrested until last month. She broke into tears detailing her fear and frustration. And Joanna R. Garza spoke about her difficulties obtaining a protective order. She's been ready since December to break free and receive legal protection from a 4-year abusive relationship, but it feels like the criminal justice system is working against her, she said. "There's no justice," she told the Caller-Times. "It's not fair and it's not right." Concerns from victims of domestic violence and feedback from area leaders vested in finding solutions to the complex problem were voiced during an early Thursday gathering. The meeting was hosted by the Coastal Bend Coordinated Community Response Coalition. The coalition hosted its monthly meeting as a public forum the first time July 7. Thursday was the second attempt at a community wide constructive conversation about domestic violence. The July meeting was in response to domestic violence-related killings in Corpus Christi and Aransas Pass, referred to as the "domestic violence crisis in the Coastal Bend." A second meeting was scheduled shortly after because organizers felt not everyone was able to weigh in on the matter. Almost half the about 100 attendees were newcomers, according to a show of hands. Usually, no more than about 40 crime victim advocates, community leaders and concerned residents attend the meetings. 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. During the meeting, Corpus Christi police chief Mike Markle addressed measures the department has taken to reach out to victims faster. He cited a new policy that requires dispatchers to flag domestic violence reports received via the telephone reporting unit and officers are assigned to visit the victim for face-to-face contact. "If there is even a hint (of domestic violence), we (now) send an officer to make face-to-face contact," said Cmdr. Santiago Escalante. Markle said the next step past the July and Thursday gatherings is a meeting exclusively for leaders to isolate unaddressed hurdles. Frances Wilson, who is the Women's Shelter of South Texas' president and CEO, echoed the sentiment. "From here we need to work a smaller group and talk about solutions," she said after the meeting. "We can talk all day about the problems, but now we have to move on them." Twitter: @CallerBetty SHARE By Beatriz Alvarado of the Caller-Times The Corpus Christi American Federation of Teachers condemned a proposed Mexican-American studies textbook titled "Mexican American Heritage." Scholars and activists with the Responsible Ethnic Studies Textbook Coalition met Monday in front of the Austin-based Texas Education Agency office to oppose the textbook, which is under review by the state for use during the 2017-18 school year. The coalition pointed out the textbook contained multiple factual errors, stereotypes, racial prejudices, and discriminatory language. "In a state where over 50 percent of all school-aged children are of Hispanic descent, the Corpus Christi American Federation of Teachers stands with the (coalition) in opposing the adoption of this particular textbook," a news release states. "It would be disastrous to our integrity as educators, but it would also seriously harm our own children." The Texas Board of Education plans to vote in November on whether to approve the textbook. Twitter: @CallerBetty SHARE COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES TPCO America plant along Highway 35 in Gregory. By Chris Ramirez of the Caller-Times Construction of a Chinese-owned pipe-making plant near Gregory is months behind schedule, but local business leaders are making plans for its expansion. A delegation from the Coastal Bend is on its way to China to meet with executives from Tianjin Pipe (Group) Corp. to discuss the company's long-term vision for its venture in San Patricio County. John LaRue, executive director for the Port of Corpus Christi, and Iain Vasey, who heads the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corp., are leading the team. The goal of the trip is twofold The delegation wants to learn more about the company's efforts to finish the massive plant, and to cultivate relationships with other Chinese companies looking to set up shop in the United States. "It's a project that's very important to this entire region," Vasey said. Also traveling to China are San Patricio County Judge Terry Simpson and Portland Mayor Pro Tem John Green. TPCO America is a subsidiary of Tianjin Pipe (Group) Corp., which has been supplying seamless steel pipe to major international oil and gas companies for roughly two decades, including those based in the Gulf Coast. Its $1.3 billion, 253-acre plant, under construction near state highways 35 and 361, represents the largest single investment by China in a U.S. manufacturing facility. Here, hundreds of local operators will meld scrap steel and hot metal into tons of seamless pipe, mainly for use in the energy industry. LaRue said the delegation will tour the Port of Tianjin, as well as its liquefied natural gas terminal, and meet in the coastal province of Shandong with other potential vendors. The delegation is likely to promote the Coastal Bend's proximity to the Eagle Ford Shale as a key selling point. The energy play has been a magnet for TPCO America and other international companies seeking abundant-yet-affordable fuel supplies, particularly natural gas. The TPCO America plant will be powered by electricity and natural gas and will recycle water and retain stormwater for reuse. Ground was broken on the site in 2011. Construction of the plant's rolling mill, which will use raw steel billets to produce plain end pipe, began in mid-2014. That segment is expected to wrap up this year. As the rolling mill begins operations, it will employ 300 to 400 people initially, and will grow to nearly 800 as production ramps up. In spring, TPCO America officials announced the plant would be operational by the end of 2017. Their forecast came shortly after the company wrapped up production of Tianjin Pipe Generation 2 (TP-G2), a proprietary thread company officials are marketing for its Canadian market. Twitter: @Caller_ChrisRam PROJECT TIMELINE Jan. 1, 2009: Tianjin Pipe (Group) Corp. announces plans to build a $1 billion steel pipe manufacturing facility on 252 acres east of Gregory. May 26, 2009: San Patricio County commissioners unanimously approve more than $40 million in tax incentives for TPCO. April 14, 2010: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality unanimously approves the company's air quality permit application, which had been submitted in November 2008. Aug. 26, 2011: TPCO officials break ground to the cheers of local and state officials and legislators. The company estimates construction to take about 34 months. Nov. 8, 2012: More than 400 people show up for a hiring event to fill the first round of about 30 job openings at the TPCO mill. The company expects to eventually employ between 600 to 800 workers when both plant phases are fully operational. March 19, 2014: TPCO officials announce plans to begin the second phase of construction on the pipe mill as phase one construction wraps up. The plant is scheduled to open in mid-2016. Mid- to late 2017: Company officials expect the plant to be operational. Source: Caller-Times archives 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." CALLER-TIMES FILE Two people camping on the beach near Bob Hall Pier were killed when a drunken driver struck a car that flipped onto their tent, police said. SHARE By Jamil Oakford, jamil.oakford@caller.com The 21-year-old man involved with a crash that killed a couple at Bob Hall Pier on Wednesday morning hasn't been arrested. After the crash, the man was taken to the county detention center and blood samples were collected. On the legal side, detectives are meeting with the Nueces County District Attorney's office as they explore options for criminal charges. Corpus Christi police said detectives are hoping to hear from anyone with information on the incident. According to police, the man's blood testing could take up to eight months due to the backlog the Department of Public Safety is experiencing. Lisa Marie Loftis, 32, and her husband Brian Loftis, 33, were killed while sleeping on the beach about 12:56 a.m. when the man's 2006 Chevrolet pickup struck their Hyundai and it flipped onto their tent, police said. The couple were pronounced dead at the scene. Twitter: @Caller_Jamil SHARE Stephen Dougherty By Fares Sabawi of the Caller-Times The Diocese of Corpus Christi cut ties in 2011 with a former priest who is accused of sexually assaulting a child, according to a statement released Wednesday afternoon. Stephen Dougherty, a 59-year-old Beeville resident who was ordained by the diocese in 2003, was indicted in Bee County for a December 2011 sexual assault of a child on June 14. Following the indictment, a lawsuit was filed July 12 in Nueces County Court against the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Dougherty and the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. The diocese and the religious order are accused of not doing enough to protect the victim. In a statement, the diocese said they received a sexual misconduct allegation on Dougherty in 2011. When the complaint was received, the diocese removed Dougherty from the ministry and immediately notified law enforcement of the allegation, according to the statement. It is unclear if the allegation is related to Dougherty's criminal charge. It also is unclear which law enforcement agency was notified about the allegation. The diocese was contacted by Bee County law enforcement in July 2015 about Dougherty and has complied with that investigation, according to the statement. "We pray for the well-being and fair treatment of all parties concerned," the statement read. The diocese declined to provide any other details pending the criminal investigation and lawsuit. Twitter: @Caller_Fares COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Corpus Christi police investigate a fatal stabbing outside a bar in the 3800 block of South Padre Island Drive on Thursday, June 30, 2016. By Fares Sabawi of the Caller-Times UPDATE: Another man was arrested in this case and police have cleared Alex Anthony Shelley. Read about the other suspect A man suspected in the June 30 murder of 22-year-old Alex Martinez is in custody. The U.S. Marshals Task Force arrested Shelley, 19, on suspicion of murder Wednesday in Houston, according to a news release from the agency. Shelley, who is accused of fatally stabbing Martinez outside of a nightclub in the 3800 block of South Padre Island Drive in Corpus Christi, was found in a hotel in the 700 block of Sam Houston Street in Houston. Martinez, whose girlfriend was expecting his first child, was stabbed several times in the head after an argument between him and another man escalated in the parking lot, according to Corpus Christi police. The suspect ran away and was last seen that night in a white shirt and jeans. Shelley is in Harris County Jail and will be extradited to Nueces County Jail in lieu of a $250,000 bond. Twitter: @Caller_Fares Julie Garcia contributed to this report. SHARE By Jamil Oakford, jamil.oakford@caller.com After being hit by a Ford F-250 pickup, Andy Heines, AEP Texas communications director, remains at Christus Spohn Hospital Memorial in serious condition. About 6 a.m. Wednesday, Heines was on his usual bike route on Paul Jones Avenue when he was hit by the driver of a pickup. Since then, the driver has been arrested and charged after fleeing the scene. As of Thursday afternoon Heines remained in critical care. He is in critical but stable condition, AEP Texas communications manager Omar Lopez said. Heines is on a ventilator and the hospital is keeping a close eye on his condition. Police found the driver of the pickup about two hours after the crash. Alexis Derise Jr., 41, is facing a charge of accident involving injury or death, according to a police news release. His bail was set at $50,000, according to Nueces County Jail officials. Twitter: @Caller_Jamil GABE HERNANDEZ/CALLER-TIMES An electronic filing system is taking longer in Nueces County than the old fashioned way, frustrating families and lawyers in divorce cases. SHARE By Krista M. Torralva of the Caller-Times Families in the midst of divorce are being left in limbo as their cases churn through an electronic filing system. Lawyers pleaded with state district judges during their monthly meeting Wednesday to use their authority to help the Nueces County District Clerk's Office more quickly file family cases, such as divorces and custody issues. Their next step is to petition the Commissioners Court to help District Clerk Anne Lorentzen hire employees who can quickly navigate the technical and legal ropes. Filing civil cases has gotten slower with a state mandated system Nueces County implemented in 2014. The Texas Supreme Court mandated attorneys electronically file all documents in civil, family and probate cases in Texas district and county courts. Nueces County District Clerk officials back then were optimistic about the change because it was expected to save hundreds of thousands of dollars. But the system in Nueces County seems to be slower than in other counties, said lawyers William Dudley and Lanette Joubert who went before the judges. They said they haven't experienced the same delays elsewhere, including neighboring counties, and counties as far as Hidalgo, Travis and Victoria. Lawyers used to go to the clerk's window on the third floor of the Nueces County Courthouse and get their case assigned, most times, on the spot, Dudley and Joubert said. Now, it typically takes 7-10 business days to get the case filed and another 10 days to two weeks to get the other person in the case served, they said. That puts families in a sort of lawless place with children often caught in the middle of feuding parents, they said. "The goal in family law at the very beginning is to give everybody an understanding of what they can or can't do, otherwise there's nothing to prevent the husband from pulling all the money from the bank account. There's nothing to prevent the wife from going out and running all the credit cards and maxing them out," Dudley said. Another common scenario, Joubert said, is a housewife and mother without a job who is suddenly caring for the children and no source of income without a judge ordering the husband to help. Cases involving domestic violence in which a temporary restraining order has been filed get priority, the district clerk said. Still, cases are taking too long, Joubert said. A wife she represents needed a restraining order, but it took five days for it to be issued, she said. "My client was in an absolute sweat the entire time," Joubert said. The lawyers said they don't blame Lorentzen who said in the meeting the office was down to two file clerks last month and now has five. Lorentzen said one person was dedicated to the job when she took office in 2015. "Please give us some time to get those people going. I've got them working on the weekends. I'm trying to get things going. I know how far back we are but please, I'm doing what I can," Lorentzen said. Judges agreed the delays are longer than they should be and questioned why the procedure is so lengthy. When a lawyer or legal assistant enters a case into the system, it essentially holds a spot in a virtual waiting line to get assigned to a court, Lorentzen explained. "It still doesn't make sense why a computer filing system should be slower than manual," 94th District Judge Bobby Galvan said. "It shouldn't be drastically worse." Criminal cases also will shift to the electronic filing system, which concerns civil lawyers that their cases will get delayed further. Twitter: @CallerKMT Colstrip power plant owners have agreed to stop pooling toxic coal ash sludge from its largest units before 2019, as part of a lawsuit settlement filed Thursday. An estimated 200 million gallons of contaminated water has been seeping each year for 30 years from Colstrip ash pond, rendering the groundwater undrinkable for the Colstrip community of about 2,300. The polluted ponds worst ingredient is bottom ash, a highly concentrated coal ash sludge that contains lead, arsenic, boron and other toxic chemicals that can cause liver, kidney, brain and testicle damage. Both the power plant and the Colstrip community depend on water piped in from the Yellowstone River, 30 miles away. The ponds will continue to collect pollution, but removing bottom ash from the cocktail will make it easier for Colstrip owners to deal with the pond seepage contaminating ground water. To use a bathtub analogy, you cannot stop a bathtub from overflowing until you turn off the spigot, said Anne Hedges of the Montana Environmental Information Center, a plaintiff in the lawsuit. The other plaintiffs were the Sierra Club, and National Wildlife Federation. The groups were represented by the environmental legal team Earthjustice. The defendants are Talen Montana, which also operates the plant on behalf five other utilities headquartered in South Dakota, Washington and Oregon. And, Montanas Department of Environmental Quality, included in the lawsuit for not enforcing cleanup of the ash pond complex, which consists of nine containment sections spread over 800 acres. Talen Montana is an environmentally responsible company, said Todd Martin of Pennsylvania-based Talen Energy, Talen Montanas parent company. We and the other owners of the Colstrip plant have invested millions of dollars to minimize the plants impact on the environment. In the next 30 months, the power plant owners will have to come up with a way to dry the bottom ash for storage. The same methods will have to be used by mid-2022 for ash collected by the power plants air pollution scrubbers. The change in coal ash treatment comes as Talen exits its role as plant operator. In May, Talen gave the other owners of Units 3 and 4 two years notice of its exit as operator. The company has said it is losing millions operating the power plant. Talen has been frank about its intention to leave Colstrip altogether in coming years. We believe we have identified the proper technology, but are continuing the process of researching the design and engineering to dewater the coal ash, Martin said. Our departure, in approximately two years, as operator in no way effects our responsibility for, and commitment to, environmental compliance and remediation. Its too soon to speculate on the cost of dewatering the coal ash, Martin said. However, he did say the cost of the settlement will not result in the closure of Units 3 and 4. Signing onto the settlement agreement were Colstrips five other owners, Avista Utilities, NorthWestern Energy, PacifiCorp, Portland General Electric, Puget Sound Energy. The lawsuit was filed in 2012. The other owners have all signed on and we think the settlement is the right thing to do to move forward with certainty on this issue, said Grant Ringel, of PSE. This is the second Colstrip lawsuit to be settled in the last nine days. On July 12, Puget Sound Energy agreed to shut down Colstrip Units 1 and 2 no later than 2022 under settlement terms with the Sierra Club and MEIC. That lawsuit centered on clean air. Talen Energy, which co-owns with Puget Sound Energy, Colstrips two oldest units, also signed the agreement, as did the owners of the other units. Units 1 and 2 are more than 40 years old and would have needed major pollution control upgrades without the settlement. Those portions of the four-unit power plant were also unexpected to survive the rollout of carbon dioxide limits included in the federal Clean Power Plan. Those limits will likely begin in 2022, provided the power plan survives legal challenges. The terms of the coal ash settlement are more significant, said Jenny Harbine, attorney for Earthjustice. Damage from the leaking coal ash ponds spans 30 years. The Colstrip plant has polluted drinking water and threatened groundwater that local ranchers rely on for their livelihoods, Harbine said. The most important step to solving the problem is to stop the leaking, and we expect this agreement to largely achieve that result. In 2008, 57 Colstrip residents sued the power plant owners and obtained a $25 million settlement because of contaminated groundwater. The first phase of the settlement removes the most highly concentrated pollution, Harbine said. The second phase removes the rest, putting the ash ponds out of business in six years. The ash ponds at Colstrip leak nearly an Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of contaminated water into the aquifer every day. Some of the ponds are lined with tarps, but the areas where bottom ash is stored are lined with clay, which Harbine said is inadequate. These bottom ash pods, they might as well be storing their waste in a colander, Harbine said. | BY Lynchy | The Midas Awards for the Worlds Best Financial Advertising polled its international network of agency and industry creatives inviting them to weigh in on how Britains historic exit from the European Union will impact the ad world. With an eye on failing stocks and the plunging pound sterling, the Midas Awards global roundtable discussed what, if any, new opportunities does this monumental change bring to the table? Says Dylan Taylor (above), Creative Partner, The Dylan Agency Australia: From a clients perspective, theres more uncertainty, as everyone waits to see how Brexit plays out. More uncertainty normally means less consumer spending, so more marketing will chase fewer pounds. Says Anna Karena (above), Creative Director, Wunderman Bienalto Australia: Britains own brand as a nation is so Iconic a million globally seen analogies and ideas must have been built off it. The texture for re-defining this, modernising, re-inventing is the most exciting blank canvas and deeply rich creatively. Brexit highlights the need to think beyond any national or regional borders, and to have global vision, said Ken Muir, founding partner, Mohawk UK. This isnt good news for our creative friends and colleagues across the pond, but on a purely mercenary level, Brexit had an immediate effect on the affordability of European creative talent thanks to the huge drop in value of the Euro and the British Pound, said Charles Coxe ,Co-President and Executive Creative Director, Saga USA. Uncertainty on the part of European clients also means that there is more talent freed up to work on projects based in the United States. We have seen these (hopefully temporary, for their sake) benefits firsthand. Frank Izzo, CCO, Blank Page Ink USA said, I do not see any positive effects on the creative side. The opportunities will be outside the UK as the creative epicenter of Europe could shift. The advertising industry is watching and waiting to see how the industry will fare over the next few years as the UK negotiates a new treaty to replace their membership in the EU. Our agency has global clients based in the UK, as well as clients in the US, continental Asia and Australia, and these are particularly vital to us given the short term uncertainty, added Mr. Muir, If we were solely reliant on UK-centric clients, I think we might be concerned about opportunities in the future. Thankfully, thats not the case at Mohawk. Daniela Vojta, SVP, Creative Director, McCann XBC New York said Theres a great divide in the UK and brands have a chance to tap into peoples psych and send them a message that they understand what they are feeling. They can be provocative or earnest, but it could be a time to take risks and take a stand. Client side changes are anticipated. Ken Muir stressed seeing an increasing centralization of their clients marketing functions and budgets over the last few years, and suggested this may change if companies move their HQs out of London entirely but its still too early to call. Ian Henderson, Creative Director for UKs AML Group cited short term uncertainty and delayed decisions and budget freezes as potential client side changes, in addition to some reluctance by EU based clients to appoint UK agencies due to uncertainty over longer-term trade deals, adding that although lower costs may help this. Henderson also mentioned the possible eventual relocation of FS and related clients from London to Paris, Frankfurt, etc. as potential changes. Clients will have to be more in tune with whats happening around them said Ms. Vojta, young people will expect brands to respond to the current events and take a stand. With 20 brands heralded as the strongest B2C brands topping the 2016 Consumer Superbrands survey, the question remains, how will Brexit affect UK-centric brands and the creatives employed to build those brands? I think UK-centric brands are going to have to invest in a lot more research, as the marketplace may be changing dramatically, said Mr. Muir. Its possible that social media (and social media monitoring) will become even more important than they already are as the currency of information in a rapidly-changing/volatile market is more important than ever. Id like to think that small, nimble agencies who are able to react quickly to changing dynamics will thrive but perhaps thats just wishful thinking! Brexit is already affecting creatives based in the UK and the rest of Europe since the decision, we have had dozens of previously booked creatives in Europe reach out to us directly looking for U.S.-based work, as they see that as more reliable right now, said Mr. Coxe. With Londons financial sector being home to over 250 foreign banks, the Midas Awards global roundtable shifted their view of Brexit to focus on financial institutions, Daniela Vojta commented, Financial Institutions will probably have the hardest time since Brexit has caused such a major turmoil and theyll have a lot of problems to solve beyond marketing. However, smart creative can re-install faith and optimism and turn people to their side.According to Mr. Henderson, The UK will continue to be seen as centre of expertise for FS and related sector brands and now better value; but UK agencies will need to work at retaining clients and talent by the usual methods (award-winning ideas mostly!). The results of the Brexit vote led FutureBrand to explore the impact of Brexit on the UKs brand utilizing their country brand index. In an article in Design Week, the UKs country brand strength was ranked at 12 in the list of top country brands in the 2014/2015 country brand index. FutureBrands index explored 18 perceptions that people have around the UK brand. Political freedom was one of the weakest perception scores, with the article stating that with the UK declaring its independence that perception could change. Positive perceptions cited for Brand UK include: made in, infrastructure, public services, heritage and historical points of interest. | BY Lynchy | Travellers or locals will soon be able to rent a custom built, super cool, retro-styled electric bike to explore our beautiful world. The bikes are moving billboards onto which they sell advertising space to brands. If riders post a picture on their social media platforms and the advertising branding is visible they will get half their rent back on return of the bike. Spark Cycles is the beloved brainchild of founder Marcus Thyer, a long time advertising master-retoucher, with campaigns for a slew of major international brands under his recycled bike inner tube belt (yes, its a thing). His passionate advocacy for environmental issues and sustainability, and a rabid love of vintage cars and bikes, led him down another path.. and it was electric. The result was a social cross-media advertising platform, utilising sustainable energy and cool custom design. The Spark Cycles crowd funding campaign has just kicked off. They aim to raise $150,000 in 60 days to open their first full Sydney City depot, and then begin the roll-out of Spark Cycles across Australia.. and the world. Become a Spark backer here. Each personalised Spark cycle has its own GPS tracker, so you can see its journey on our website in real time. Where is PeeWee riding today? What shenanigans is Gary getting up to? Is Goldie showing her rider a good time this afternoon? Sydney creative agency Yolo used his 4 bikes in an online video for a client launching a selfie drone called ROAM-e. At Spark Cycles, the mantra is EVERYBODY WINS. The brands WIN: they get outdoor coverage off the road in parks and bike paths in beautiful touristy locations. they get their branding on a one-of hand crafted bike, which gets plenty of attention. they get social media coverage on a local, national and global scale. they are able to leverage a cool brand they get their brand in front of interested eyeballs in a cool, non intrusive hey, did you see that?! way they get ROI in the form of data collected on posts. they get awesome content for their own social media. they get to interact with potential customers. The bike renters WIN they hire the bikes knowing that they are an environmentally friendly mode of transport. they get to cruise the streets on some beautifully designed electric bikes. they get a mobile phone with data and 1/2 their rent back if they post to social media. The environment WINS less people on polluting forms of transport. the conversation around environmentally sound transportation is delivered in a unique way. the batteries on the bikes are charged by 100% renewable energy. Spark Cycles will have a focus on brands making a positive change. their depot fit-outs will re-use, re-purpose and use recycled materials. The local community WINS employing locals who know the area well a diverse and equal opportunity employer Says Thyer: Good advertising is about good stories; brands get to go on a unique adventure with a unique rider on a unique ebike that will also have its online story told on its own social media. Needless to say, its a designer-greenies Christmas every day. Media enquiries contact Mieke Buchan on 0408 917 758 or randomonium.media@gmail.com | BY Lynchy | NAB and Clemenger BBDO Melbourne has launched More than Money, the banks first whole-brand refresh in six years. It is a major step forward for the bank, showcasing that NAB knows customers need to feel valued and supported. The first More than Money campaign centres on emotional drivers of people against rational facts about money. The campaign launches with two TV commercials that demonstrate that while money is important, life and business are about more than that. One commercial uses home movie footage following a young womans life from birth right through to adulthood. The second follows a NAB Business customer from its start-up days through to international launch, again using real footage of the founders. Andrew Knott, Chief Marketing Officer, NAB, said the new brand promise is an important shift in how the bank is delivering for customers: More than Money is about really understanding and supporting our customers during the big and small moments in life, and helping them by making banking easy and more personal. We are a company with a clear strategy, and we are delivering on that strategy. More than Money is a move forward for NAB; it is the right brand promise for this moment in our history. More than Money is deeply embedded in the banks focus on making the complicated simple for our customers, being a bank that customers can count on and having a positive impact on people, adds Michael Nearhos, General Manager Brand and Products Marketing, NAB. Clemenger BBDO creative chairman James McGrath, said this campaign builds on NABs history of taking its brand in bold directions: We know that a brand message that reflects the belief of an organisation and its people can have a huge impact, As NABs communications partner, we feel that the very rhythm of this campaign mimics the body language of the bank and vice versa. Its a secret weapon for NAB. More Than Money advertising will run across TV, online, out-of-home, digital, social media and in-branch. NAB is also taking a user-centric approach, harnessing the power of digital and social platforms to amplify the More than Money message. This includes: Short form, shareable, content across social media platforms; Online video content bringing to life the new brand promise with stories featuring inspiring people, demonstrating how NAB understands and supports them; Creative integration across nab.com.au, internet banking and affiliated websites. Agency: Clemenger BBDO Melbourne Production company: Revolver Director: Steve Rogers Executive Producer: Pip Smart Post production Offline: Arc Editor: Simon Price Producer: Joseph Perkins | BY Lynchy | Vodafone, via agency FCB New Zealand, has pulled off one of its most innovative marketing activations yet with a high octane stunt featuring kiwi drift car sensation, Mad Mike Whiddett, and the companys own Director of 4G Network, Tony Baird. Mad Mike successfully completed the drift course with his windows completely blacked out, his only vision coming through four tablets fixed to the inside of his windscreen. A live video call across the Vodafone 4G network delivered Mad Mikes only view of the outside world, beaming in from four smart phones attached to the roof of his drift car. plus bonus behind the scenes footage The 4G Redline idea has been under discussion with the companys creative agency, FCB, since December 2014 and was given the green light early this year to demonstrate the power of the Vodafone network. FCB Asia Pacific Executive Creative Director James Mok said the agency wanted to show the reliability of Vodafones 4G network in an interesting way as a mobile network is not easily tangible for the public. This was an incredible collaborative effort by the Vodafone marketing, network and device teams, Curious Films, Mad Mike and his team, and FCB, says Mok. Mad Mike said the #4GRedline stunt was the most extreme and challenging of his career, It was a little risky thats for sure and this was without a doubt the biggest challenge Ive ever had behind the wheel. The whole experience was amazing and like being in a different world because switching quickly between those screens actually made me feel a little bit car sick for the first time in my life, he said. Vodafone Head of Brand and Insights Lou Kuegler said the 4G Redline experiment set out to demonstrate the reliability of the Vodafone 4G network in an innovative, dramatic and authentic way. This is what modern marketing is all about its one thing to say we have a reliable network, its another to demonstrate it, and thats what we set out to do, says Kuegler. The 4G Redline idea is a dream fit for Vodafones innovation strategy. The actual shoot was a high stakes game because unless Mad Mike actually nailed this stunt, we didnt have a story. A blown tyre, a broken clutch and broken axle certainly raised the stakes but it worked and the 4G network delivered the vision Mad Mike needed to manoeuvre the car around the course with confidence, says Kuegler. Creative Agency: FCB New Zealand Regional Executive Creative Director: James Mok Managing Director: Fleur Head Senior Art Directors: Freddie Coltart and Leisa Wall Senior Copywriters: Matt Williams and Peter Vegas Creative Services Director: Jenni Doubleday Senior Designer: Nick McFarlane Senior Finished Artist: Anton Mason Head of Content: Pip Mayne Senior Content Producer: Sonali de Silva Group Account Director: Karla Fisher Account Director: Dave Munn Senior Account Manager: Annabelle Reynolds GM Business Innovation & Strategy: Murray Streets Senior Strategist: Hilary Dobson Lead Editor: Andy Deere Assistant Editor: Blair Walker Editor Behind The Scenes: Corban Koschak Photography / Behind The Scenes: Michael Braid Head of PR / Activation / Social: Angela Spain PR Senior Account Director: Joanna James Brand Engagement Director: Ele Quigan Social Media Campaign Manager: Lena Aziz Media Agency: Y&R Media Group Business Director: Kelly Badland Senior Digital Planner: Lisa Clapperton Production Company: Curious Films Production Company Exec Producer: Matt Noonan Production Company Director: Daniel Max Production Company Shoot Producer: Briar Pacey DoP: Andy Deere Stunt Co-ordinator: Stu Thorp Safety: Willy Heatley Lead Colourist: Peter Richie Colourist Behind The Scenes: Blair Walker Sound Studio: The Coopers Studio Producer: Penny Cooper Sound Engineer: Jon Cooper Client: Vodafone Consumer Director: Matt Williams Head of Brand and Insights: Lou Kuegler Manager Brand and Communications: Nileema Allerston Brand and Communications Specialist: Michelle Lumsden Head of PR: Andrea Brady Elon Musk now owns Twitter. $44 billion deal closes After months of legal wrangling and public acrimony, the on-again, off-again $44 billion deal closed Thursday, handing control of Twitter to Elon Musk. It was an unexpectedly emotional night last week when the Yellowstone Art Museum announced its annual awards. I didn't expect to start sniffling during a celebration of volunteers, docents, philanthropists and artists who have supported the YAM over the years. But when Bozeman artist and longtime educator Willem Volkersz was introduced as artist of the year, YAM head curator Bob Durden choked up and couldnt finish a poem that a visitor wrote about Volkerszs work in the 2015 YAM exhibit, Persistent Memories: Narrative Sculptures by Willem Volkersz. Why all the tears? Volkersz, who immigrated with his family from their native Holland in the early 1950s, spent his boyhood in Amsterdam during World War II. His work in Persistent Memories depicts items left behind by the 166 children from his elementary school in Amsterdam who died in Nazi concentration camps during the war. He was haunted by the fact that he sat in the same desks that they had used. The works are nostalgic, almost whimsical, at first glance because Volkersz incorporates neon and kitschy figurines as part of the sculpture, but as you look closer, you begin to understand Volkerszs point. In "Childhoods (Lost)," he stacks blond suitcases to represent the children who only got to pack one small bag before they were sent to concentration camps. Many never returned. The suitcases are decorated with comic book characters, a piggy bank and figurines reminiscent of the 1940s to represent the objects that the children had to leave behind. Even more impactful is the way one of the installations from the YAM exhibit, "In Memoriam," also using suitcases to represent children, will arrive at the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam in October. Children from Volkerszs former grade school in Amsterdam will march through the streets to the museum, carrying the suitcases, each one labeled with the name of a child who was killed in the Holocaust. Volkersz donated "In Memoriam" to the Holocaust Museum and has donated Childhoods (Lost) to the YAM. It is on display in the Boundless Visions exhibit on first floor of the museum. When told to pack a single suitcase, I doubt little room was left for toys, Volkersz writes in his artist statement for the YAM piece. So Volkersz collected toys for the lost children. His granddaughter, who was 9 when Volkersz finished the piece in 2010, painted one suitcase that sits on top of the towering 12-foot tower of cases. Volkersz points out that 9 was about the same age of most of the victims. Volkersz taught at Montana State Universitys School of Art from 1986 until his retirement in 2001, working with many artists who have gone on to teach themselves. Undoubtedly, Volkersz gave them much to ponder. The anonymous poet who wrote Wisdom Road about his experience viewing "Childhoods (Lost)" wrote of Montanas high winds pushing him to the YAM where he expected to see Western art, but found instead Volkerszs poignant work. After mourning Volkerszs memories with others at the museum, he laughed happily at the slogan on a YAM T-shirt, Art matters. I would agree, art does matter. "Obviously it is devastating when you have anything of your own that is destroyed by any means, but I feel more sorry for our team as we were hoping to export at the end of the year," he said. Your digital subscription includes access to content from all our websites in your region. Access unlimited news content and The Canberra Times app. Premium subscribers also enjoy interactive puzzles and access to the digital version of our print edition - Today's Paper. ^pA landowners fence that illegally encroached on public land in Fergus and Musselshell counties resulting in a lengthy federal investigation has been moved and altered, and remediation has been paid, according to a ranch representative. Under the terms of the settlement agreements, Wilks Ranch Montana Ltd. will perform rehabilitation and stabilization work valued at about $150,000 and will reimburse the Bureau of Land Management a little more than $71,000 to cover costs associated with the inquiry and survey, according to a BLM news release. The nine miles of new fence built in 2014 by a local contractor was meant to separate 2,700 acres of landlocked Bureau of Land Management and state property, known locally as the Durfee Hills, from the surrounding NBar and Pronghorn ranches, which are owned by billionaire brothers Farris and Dan Wilks. ^pThe Durfee Hills have become a popular spot for some elk hunters who can reach the property only by plane or helicopter. The land, located southeast of Lewistown, was also at the center of a controversial land exchange proposed by the Wilkses, who wanted the Durfee Hills in trade for portions of a ranch they own north of the Missouri River Breaks that would provide road access to 50,000 acres of BLM land. The BLM declined to consider the land exchange after initially indicating an interest. ^pWhen told by conservation watchdogs that the new fence around the Durfee Hills encroached on public land, the BLM initially denied the claim in October 2014, but by April 2015 the agency bowed to pressure and sent its survey team to investigate. According to an email from Darryl James, a spokesman for the Wilks brothers, the survey revealed that the Wilkses fence encroachments varied from a few feet to around 20 feet at most, and resulted in ground disturbance and loss of timber on just under 5.3 acres of BLM land. Kathryn Qanna Yahu, a Bozeman conservation advocate who had pressed the trespass issue, said the fence initially encroached on more BLM property near a road used by pilots to land their planes, but that section was moved before the BLM finished its survey. She claims the fence was first put in across the road to intentionally halt plane traffic and cut off hunting access. We are fighting for keeping public lands in public hands and an accountability of what was done, she said. If we had done this on the Wilkses land, there would be hell to pay. Qanna Yahu said she is not satisfied since she has yet to receive documents she requested from the BLM on how the trespass was handled. James wrote that to address the trespass the Wilkses have agreed to: modify the fence in accordance with wildlife-friendly fencing standards; reseed the disturbed area; pay for additional mitigation to control erosion and pre-existing weed infestations, and will pay for a three- to five-year reclamation plan in areas that were bulldozed by the fencing contractor. James said the Wilkses also agreed to pay the market value for the lost timber, and for the cost of the cadastral survey conducted by BLM. Additional mitigation costs will also be born by Wilks Ranch. The market value of the lost timber was $1,288, James wrote, and the survey cost $65,325. To restore the bulldozed area James said the BLM estimated $200,000 in labor and materials. However, much of that cost will be internalized on the ranch as Wilks Ranch personnel will be utilized to conduct the work, James wrote. All work on public land will meet BLM specifications regardless of who conducts the work. James email called the fencing trespass inadvertent and said the enclosure was built in response to repeated trespass by public land hunters crossing onto private property ... Doug Krings, of Central Montana Outdoors, said his group could find no evidence of anyone being cited for trespass on the ranch in the Durfee Hills area. We hunters are responsible to know the boundaries, and the same should apply for landowners, Krings said. He added that hes glad the Wilkses modified the fence on the BLM land and would like to see them make the fence wildlife-friendly on the state parcel, as well. James wrote, From the outset, Wilks Ranch has worked cooperatively with the BLM to identify any encroachments and respond as quickly as possible to mitigate any unintentional ground disturbance. Good fences make good neighbors, and where weve made an error in building our fence, weve been more than willing to make appropriate adjustments and address the unintentional disturbance that our crews caused, said Farris Wilks in the email that James released. We regret our error in the location of the fence and all the fuss its caused over an otherwise common ranch management tool, but were pleased to have come to a point where we can agree with BLM on how to move forward cooperatively, and put this unfortunate incident behind us. James said the fencing contractor has worked out a private agreement with the Wilkses to rectify the situation. An attempt to reconcile a federal encumbrance on a Flathead Lake state park took another unusual turn on Wednesday when a state senator said he will request a performance audit. I see kind of a turf battle going on here, Sen. Brad Hamlett, D-Cascade, told the Environmental Quality Council during its Wednesday meeting in Helena. And this needs to end. At issue is a portion of the 139-acre West Shore State Park on Flathead Lake. Seventy-three acres were purchased in the 1960s through a land exchange. The land that was exchanged in the Blackfoot River valley had an encumbrance because it was purchased with federal Pittman-Robertson funds. When the lands were traded, the encumbrance went to the Flathead Lake property. The encumbrance requires that the land be managed to provide wildlife habitat. Instead, the park has become a popular recreation area. FWP had considered transferring the encumbrance to other wildlife management areas, but those lands have to be equal in value, and therein lies the rub. FWP considered transferring the encumbrance to the Yellowstone, Marias and North Shore Flathead Lake wildlife management areas, but a ballpark estimate of their value was about $4 million. A limited appraisal completed in June showed the value of West Shores 1,400 feet of lakefront ranged from about $6.5 million to $7.5 million. Thats on the low range of whats being looked at, said Paul Sihler, FWP chief of staff. FWP suggested to the state parks board that state parks pay for the property at a fair market price or that some type of lease, again at fair market value, could be worked out. The board balked at that idea during an April meeting. In a sense were paying for the sins of 50 years ago, Mary Sexton, a member of the Montana State Parks and Recreation board, told the EQC. The issue of federal encumbrances came to light late last year. An FWP review found that out of Montanas 55 state parks, 16 had encumbrances, meaning the land must meet specific requirements. The use of these funding sources requires that the lands remain under the direction of the director of the fish and wildlife agency and be utilized for their original purpose, according to FWP. The 15 other parks are OK as long as Montana State Parks stays under FWPs roof. Sihler said FWPs staff has brainstormed how to proceed and plans another meeting in September to see which possibilities are feasible, but that plan now seems to be up in the air. The departments staff is worried that not addressing the issue could jeopardize millions in annual federal funding. Hamlett said the intent of the law has been followed, no harm has been done and he questioned if every land deal going back to George Washington is now open to scrutiny. Instead, he sees the issue as a power struggle between Montana State Parks, which wants to break away from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, to become a separate entity, possibly under the umbrella of the Department of Commerce. This is all about property ownership and control, Hamlett said. These lines on paper become virtual walls when you try to do anything. He said a review of the issue by the Legislative Audit Division would show whether the current situation does indeed put the states federal funding for money like Pittman-Robertson at risk. EQC members Sen. Rick Ripley, R-Wolf Creek, and Rep. Kerry White, R-Bozeman, agreed. A majority of the council voted to send a letter of support for the performance audit. Sen. Jim Keane, D-Butte, said he also sees the issue as a catfight within the agency. We dont need that. Whos suing the agency about this land? he questioned. There is no litigation going on related to this, Sihler said. [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 LOVELL, Wyo. For portions of the past two summers Kacia Cain an otherwise easygoing high school biology teacher in Des Moines, Iowa has discovered her wild side in the dry foothills of north-central Wyoming. Id never done anything at all like this, she said, noting that camping in an RV at a KOA used to be her idea of roughing it. But this was such an opportunity to come out and dig in an ice age cave. Cain, 51, is one of several volunteers who have devoted part of their summers to helping researchers uncover fossils in Natural Trap Cave, located about 25 miles northeast of here. Just getting to the campsite and cave at the base of the Bighorn Mountains was an adventure for the Corn Belt educator used to flatter lands. I didnt think it counted as a road, Cain said of the rocky and rutted route that requires a four-wheel drive vehicle. Then we had to make decisions on the flats about which road to take. It seemed to me that there could be some bad decisions made. The worst was yet to come, though. After finally arriving at the remote site the reality of rappelling 85 feet to the bottom of the cave roused Cains adrenaline, nearly overwhelming her. I was terrified every time I went over the edge, she said. Nightmares In that respect she was not alone. Paleontologist Jennifer Cavin of Bend, Ore., used a portion of her vacation to visit Natural Trap Cave last week. Descending into a 40-degree cave and mucking around in coveralls on her hands and knees in the dirt and mud in search of fossils may not seem like a holiday to most folks. What was I doing? she questioned jokingly. But its not as dark as I thought it would be and theres no bats, which is nice. She had to admit the descent into the cave, and the ascent using a confusing array of climbing gear, has made the project especially challenging. My nightmares last night all involved hanging and not being able to get out, she said. It was up to Juan Laden to ease everyones climbing fears. He volunteered as the lead climbing instructor and safety guru after hearing about the project from friends. Tanned and weather beaten, Laden said that although the attachments to the climbing harness may look like spaghetti, each piece plays a role in safely entering and leaving the cave. Dropping mom Camp coordinator Cory Redman of Des Moines University even talked his 60-year-old mother Marynell Oechesner into climbing into the abyss when she visited from her Powell, Wyo., home. She loved it, he said. The hardest part is stepping off that ledge the first time. It gets easier the more you do it. Unlike some of the other volunteers who were fearful of descending into the cave, Redman saw the activity as an attraction. I actually had never done any cave paleontology, but when someone gives you the opportunity to rappel 85 feet hell yeah, sign me up, he said. Sucked in Now that shes a veteran of several descents and ascents into and out of Natural Trap Cave, Cain said she has a bit of fun dangling 85 feet in the air. After that as a start to the work day, everything else may seem pretty dreary, especially in the cool dimness of the cave. But Cain said even scratching in the tan clay in search of fossils contains moments of joy. Its amazing to uncover these creatures that havent been uncovered since the ice age, she said. Cain got sucked into the project after meeting one of the group leaders, professor Julie Meachen, a paleontologist at Des Moines University. Some of Cains students volunteer as fossil cleaners at Meachens laboratory. I wanted to show students that there are other places to use physiology and anatomy, Cain said. I think a lot of the kids dont realize this kind of work still goes on. If she was going to try and interest her students in the work, Cain felt obligated to check it out for herself. Thats how she ended up in a Wyoming cave kneeling on a blue foam rubber mat, wearing a helmet and headlamp while scraping away dirt far below the caves yawning mouth. I figured I couldnt sell it really well if I didnt do it myself, she said. It worked. Her enthusiasm for the project has rubbed off on her students, and three times as many volunteered at Meachens paleo lab last school year the maximum amount. Regression Despite her journey into the Wyoming backcountry, which has included tent camping and rappelling into the depths of a musty cave where a colony of mice and packrats live while a bull snake circles the opening, Cain said the adventurousness hasnt extended into other parts of her life. It hasnt changed me into a caver or a camper, she said, although it has made her more interested in going on an adventure if the opportunity presents itself. Her family remains fascinated by her fearlessness but confused by Cains desire. This is all really very cool to them, but they would never do it, she said. Maybe it is because in some respects Cain has regressed during her Wyoming adventures. We know its time to go when the sun hits the rock over here, she said pointing her trowel toward a large mound. I guess that makes this seem even more primitive, telling time by the sun. 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. A second standing master has been hired at the Yellowstone County Courthouse, expanding the new program designed to expedite casework. Yvette Lafrentz, the newest Yellowstone County standing master, also handles cases from Judicial District 22, which includes Big Horn, Carbon and Stillwater counties. She is the first standing master District 22 has had and the second hired within two years for Yellowstone County. The biggest caseload increase for Yellowstone County was in the number of abuse and neglect cases. The standing masters are intended to alleviate the judges' caseloads, although a lot of the work Lafrentz has taken on relates to family law. The first standing master position was created out of the Court Administrator position in Yellowstone. Chief Judge Russell Fagg said the judges' offices have had to take on some administrative duties since that position was dissolved, but the judges believe the standing masters are "a better bang for the buck." "I've heard very good reports from attorneys," Fagg said. A standing master oversees some parts of criminal cases and civil cases, including handling hearings in domestic relation cases and mediating disputes in multiple case types. Standing masters have authority to put witnesses under oath and render some judgments, as long as they follow the framework of existing state laws and rules of procedure. The first standing master in Yellowstone County was Jay Porteen. He was hired in August 2015. Lafrentz said the most important quality to have in her job is to be flexible and to recognize that "life happens." Most of her cases have involved family law in some form, whether it be parenting plans or general divorce proceedings. She said parents going through the system should remember to focus on the best interest of their children. "No one knows your children better than you do," Lafrentz said. Lafrentz practiced family law after receiving her law degree in South Dakota, one of the few states with questions regarding Indian Court law on its bar exam. Lafrentz has some knowledge of Indian Child Welfare Act cases. She said she was focused on helping move cases through the court, especially in the 22nd district, where she said Judge Blair Jones' calendar was really backed up. Speeding up the time it takes to resolve abuse and neglect cases was already in the works before the standing masters were hired, Fagg said. He gave credit to a pilot program from Judge Ingrid Gustafson's office. The pilot child dependency court got started in 2010 under Gustafson's leadership. Under that program, abuse and neglect cases that in the past took an average 580 days to resolve began to see resolution in under 400 days. Parental rights' terminations were also reduced from occurring in about 45 percent of cases to 25 percent, a significant improvement to family reunification rates, Gustafson said. Gustafson said this program has "resulted in significant taxpayer savings in reducing foster care and other associated costs." The speed of cases in Yellowstone County continues to be a concern for the judges, who are waiting for the 2017 legislature to approve a budget proposal that would include two new judges for the district. If Yellowstone County were granted two new judges, one would be appointed in January 2018. The other would be elected to take office in January 2019. According to the newest weighted caseload, Yellowstone County needs an additional six judges. This is due to an increase in the county's criminal cases from 1,695 in 2014 to 2,291 in 2015 and child and neglect cases, which have doubled during the same time period. The annual Srishti Expo is back amidst a lot of expectations for the participants as well as the spectators. Srishti Expo 2016 is taking place at Palace grounds, Bangalore on 23, 24 and 25 July 2016. This three day expo has 'Generating Alchemy' as its theme this year. This year's Srishti Expo is going to bring together twenty years of radical thinking by the students, faculty and collaborators of the Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology. About Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology is celebrating its 20 years of excellence in fine arts with a blend of technology. However, the institute which is renowned for its out of the box thinking and producing outstanding works of arts as well as artists believes that it is an unfinished art which has been in the making for two decades. This theme of the institute hints at its never quenching thirst for innovation and perfection. Those who are studying at Srishti and those who have completed their courses are always motivated to create peculiar works and inspired to embark on an eternal journey of exploration. At Bangalore, Srishti offers its Undergraduate Professional Diploma Program, Postgraduate Diploma Programs in Design, Arts and New Humanities as well as the PhD Program in Art and Design. Spread over four campuses, Srishti spaces are vibrant and dynamic. The spaces have evolved in size and nature to match the growth and potential that Srishti aspires to achieve. Apart from the facilities and resources within its space, every campus is Wi-fi enabled fully equipped with required IT support for students and faculty. Sometimes its good to be reminded of just how good a car is by giving it go once more. In the case of the Mitsubishi Xpander, its the smal... Two men appeared in court on Wednesday facing felony DUI charges. Douglas Glen Irish, 60, was charged with felony driving under the influence and appeared in Yellowstone County Justice Court. Judge Pedro R. Hernandez set bond at $7,500 and ordered that he be placed on an alcohol monitoring device if released. Billings police responded to the 3000 block of Grand Avenue on Tuesday after receiving a DUI report, court documents state. A witness had seen a man urinating in the parking lot and falling down into it. Officers received a plate number and found the vehicle still in the lot with the windows down and music playing. Irish told the officers he was waiting for a friend to finish eating and that he'd get a taxi, charges state. Irish failed field sobriety tests and refused to provide a breath sample, court documents state. A conviction in this case would be his sixth. Irish was convicted of DUIs in 1995, three in 1998 and another in 2001, charges state. In a separate case, Leroy Kukes was charged with felony driving under the influence, as well as misdemeanors for driving with a revoked license, driving the wrong way on a one-way and criminal contempt. Kukes also appeared on Wednesday in justice court. Judge Hernandez set bond at $10,000 and ordered that he be placed on an alcohol monitoring device if released. According to court documents, a Yellowstone County Sheriff's deputy saw a vehicle turn west onto Fourth Avenue North, an eastbound one-way, on Tuesday. The deputy pulled Kukes over and asked why he turned the wrong way. Kukes said he was "just turning," charges state. Kukes refused field tests and was taken to the Yellowstone County Detention Facility, where he declined to answer questions and take tests, according to court documents. A conviction would mark the fifth current DUI for Kukes. He was convicted of DUI twice in 1991, as well as in 2006 and 2008. He also has another pending DUI charge in an ongoing case from earlier this year. In Montana a fourth or subsequent DUI is a felony. Both Kukes and Irish are scheduled for separate hearings in Yellowstone County District Court on July 27. Gov. Steve Bullock criticized Montana's entrance into a multi-state lawsuit challenging transgender bathroom guidance issued by the U.S. departments of Education and Justice. Attorney General Tim Fox announced on July 8 that Montana would join 20 other states challenging the directive. "Ultimately, it's his decision," Bullock said Wednesday. "I think local school districts can best figure out how to deal with the directive themselves, probably much better than being in federal court." Fox blasted the bathroom interpretation as an attempt to "usurp control of our local schools." Released in a "dear colleague" letter, the guidance advises schools to let transgender students use the bathroom aligning with the gender they identify with. A White House spokesman said the guidance is not an "enforcement action." The guidance could, theoretically, warn of potential enforcement action like federal funding cuts if schools don't comply, school law experts have said. But it isn't backed up by the force of law. While it sparked national criticism, there was little public outcry in Montana. Neither School District 2 nor Montana State University Billings said they heard concerns from parents. Officials from SD2, Montana's largest school district, said in May that they were reviewing school policies to see if changes were needed in light of the federal order. Bathroom issues in the district are currently handled on a "case-by-case basis" and the district has made accommodations for transgender students in the past, Superintendent Terry Bouck said. Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau also criticized Fox the day the suit was announced. Montana will likely take a backseat role in the suit, which is lead by Nebraska. The battle began to take shape when officials in Charlotte, N.C., passed a sweeping anti-discrimination ordinance that included a provision allowing transgender people to use restrooms corresponding to their gender identity. North Carolina lawmakers passed a law, House Bill 2, nullifying that ordinance and banning others like it. Soon after, the Justice Department said the law violated the federal Civil Rights Act and said it couldn't be enforced. U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch has said North Carolina's law requiring transgender people to use public restrooms and showers corresponding to the gender on their birth certificate amounts to "state-sponsored discrimination" and is aimed at "a problem that doesn't exist." It's unclear how quickly the suit will proceed. A federal court in Virginia allowed a lawsuit filed by a transgender student in Virginia against his local school board for barring him from the boys bathroom to proceed in a lower court. The board argued that the student, who was born female but identifies as a male, shouldn't use the boys bathroom. The board recently appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Bullock, whose office initially didn't respond to requests for comment when Montana joined the suit, banned discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity for state employees and state contractors with an executive order in January. He jabbed North Carolina with a tweet shortly after HB2 was passed, reading, "Dear North Carolina: We're open for business... for everyone." China has banned highway testing of autonomous vehicles while the countrys auto-industry regulator works with local police to determine specific national rules about autonomous car testing. A preliminary draft of the rules has been drawn up and if it completely rules out any highway testing of autonomous cars, local firms could be delayed with their developments of such technologies, restricting them to smaller local roads and unable to test highway cruising capabilities. During a recent forum in Beijing, the head of the autos department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, She Weizhen, failed to announce just when the regulations will be finalized and implemented China, as with other countries, is balancing up pressure from technology firms while still wanting to maintain safety standards on its extensive road network. Given recent controversy surrounding autonomous driving systems, Chinas careful and thorough approach is understandable. Via Auto News PHOTO GALLERY With the Q30 hatchback, Infiniti has a true rival for the likes of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class complete with the firms quirky design language and technical know-how. The car has only been on sale for about six months, but if it proves popular enough, a saloon variant could be considered. Both the US and China are game for this particular segment, and we venture that if the Japanese gave it the thumbs-up it would look something akig to what Theophilus Chin has rolled out. A Q30 Sedan would directly target the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA and could prove quite popular in the worlds two biggest car markets. When you combine the concept-car looks with the proven chassis of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and increased cabin space, Infiniti should have a winner on their hands. Want to take the fight to the Germans? With such a solid base to build upon and a niche thats craving for attention, a Q30 Sedan would fit in Infinitis expanding range nicely. PHOTO GALLERY If you own an Italian exotic and want it transformed into the craziest machine possible, you head to Japan. Beyond its famed drifting scene, the Asian nation is home to a particular fascination for providing high-performance cars with some added flair like this Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, for example. The car in question has been transformed by EXE and borrows components from a number of tuners to create a truly unique beast that makes even an Aventador SV look rather bland. For starters, there is a widebody kit courtesy of Liberty Walk. It includes a set of flared wheel arches, a custom front bumper/splitter package, extended side skirts, a large rear wing and an outlandish diffuser. As if the bodykit wasnt insane enough, the entire exterior has been painted in a glistening shade of red and complemented with a set of candy apple red wheels courtesy of Forgiato that incorporate red-tinted carbon fiber trim on the spokes. The iPE exhaust kit completes the overhaul and promises to give the engine a shout to match the extrovert bodywork. PHOTO GALLERY Toyotas 2017 4Runner SUV will be able to travel further out into the wilderness with one of the two grades that have joined the rest of the family. Dubbed TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road premium, the mid-range trim levels slot between the SR5 Premium and Limited, bringing the total number up to six and setting themselves apart with their unique TRD Off-Road badge on the C-pillar and black painted wheels, with the latter available on the TRD Off-Road. Underneath their rugged-looking exterior, both feature the Multi-Terrain Select system that allows the driver to choose between different modes and adjusts the wheel slip accordingly, an electronic-locking rear differential and a transfer case that can be shifted into low range. These add up to the brands Crawl Control, which proves its abilities in challenging off-road situations by maintaining a constant speed when driving over obstacles, the available Kinetic Dynamic Suspension and a high ground clearance. Open the door and you will find a carbon fiber look for the center console and TRD Off-Road designation on the floor mats of both models, while the Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium adds the TRD lettering on the headrests of the front seats. Full details and pricing on all grades will be available prior to the SUVs launch later this year. PHOTO GALLERY Skoda continues the extensive teasing campaign of its upcoming large SUV, the Kodiaq, which will make an appearance at this years Tour de France, in the final stage of the competition. Marking its 13th consecutive time as an official partner at the event, Skoda is providing a total of 250 cars as organizational and support vehicles as well as more than 50 team cars. The Kodiaq will take center stage, being used as a mobile control center by race Director Christian Prudhomme. It wont be unveiled in its final form just yet, though; instead, the car will be covered in a special camouflage foil, which took specialists 120 hours to apply. The 4.7-meter long SUV, which is said to offer the largest boot space in its class and a customizable third row of seats, will be officially unveiled on September 1, in Berlin, prior to its introduction at the 2016 Paris Motor Show a few weeks later. At the time of its launch, it will become available with an assortment of turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines, mated to a six-speed manual or a DSG, which will send the output to the front axle, in lesser versions, or to the all-wheel drive, in the better equipped models. PHOTO GALLERY Photo: Google Street View As Rutland's walk-in clinic is set to close in late-August and long lineups continue to persist at clinics throughout Kelowna, a local pharmacy is offering an online solution. Revolution Pharmacy has opened up a virtual walk-in clinic, where patients can talk to a doctor by streaming video online. These visits can help patients get refills on their medications, diagnose colds, flu and other illnesses, order laboratory requisitions and refer to specialists if needed, wrote Curtis Fieseler, owner of the pharmacy, in a release. No additional fees are charged for the online service. Fieseler says since they've started offering the service, wait times in the morning have been short, taking just minutes sometimes. This is in stark contrast to the wait times at standard clinics around Kelowna, which can reach over three hours. Fieseler says the service is not meant for people suffering from medical emergencies, and doctors will not renew prescriptions for narcotics or stimulants through the online service. Photo: Contributed Dan Albas wants your input on the type of military Canada needs. The Central Okanagan Similkameen Nicola MP will be hosting a National Defence Round Table on July 27 to hear from his constituents on their suggestions for the military and possible concerns with Canada's current security. What do you think are the main challenges to Canadas security? Do you believe Canada is doing enough to address threats at home and abroad? asks Albas. The Department of National Defence and the Government of Canada have been promoting public consultations all summer long to hear from Canadians. Albas feels the public deserves the opportunity to contribute to the outcome of a new national-defence policy. A number of issues will be discussed during the meeting, including the main challenges to Canadas security, the role of the Canadian Armed Forces in addressing current threats and challenges, and resource and capability requirements to carry out the CAF mandate. The round table is being held July 27 at 7 p.m. at the Coast Capri Hotel in Kelowna. All are welcome and encouraged to attend, RSVP or pre-registration is not required. For more information about the topic and to view the consultation paper and questions that will help guide discussion, visit Albas's website. Photo: Kate Bouey Vernon Fire Rescue were called to Polson Park Wednesday afternoon after smoke was spotted billowing from the trees near the train tracks. Crews quickly brought the fire under control and then doused surrounding trees and bushes with water to ensure the fire did not flare up. VFR Cpt. Darren Cecchini said the fire started in a homeless camp that has been set up in the park and is the second time in two weeks crews have been to that camp. It was a bunch of garbage and sticks and a tarp set up like a tee-pee, said Cecchini. Somebody definitely set it, but I don't know if it was deliberate. A Kalamalka Security guard who works in The Shops at Polson Park mall, said he saw thick, black smoke coming from the area. He then ran through the mall and into the camp to make sure everyone was OK, but no one was at the camp when he arrived. RCMP and bylaw also responded to the scene. The man whos overseeing upcoming improvements to the Billings Logan International Airport got the chance Wednesday to show whats planned to the senator who helped secure some of the needed funding. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, took nearly an hour Wednesday morning for an airport tour led by Kevin Ploehn, Billings director of aviation and transit. Mayor Tom Hanel and about a dozen airport employees, tourism officials and boosters joined Ploehn to show Tester around. Tester recently announced $750,000 in federal funding to help bring direct flights between Billings and Dallas, as well as $1 million for airport improvements. On top of that, Congress recently passed and President Barack Obama signed a bill to continue essential air service, which subsidizes flights between Billings and smaller Eastern Montana communities. One of the first stops was the space in and around the Cape Air holding area on the B Concourse, where single-person bathrooms and a concession area will be added. One challenge in a plan to upgrade the airport's passenger terminals, Ploehn said, is that the airport was built in 1958 and added to in 1978 and 1990. Were trying to get all these points to match, Ploehn explained. Another is the simple fact that the airport must be kept open, even during major construction. You cant just shut down an airport, he said. Steve Wahrlich, who chairs the Tourism Business Improvement District, showed Tester a newly decorated area near the stairs and escalator leading to baggage claim. The display includes highlights of what to do and see in Billings. Your eyes go to where they want to, Tester said with a grin. Mine went to the brewery district. Below the stairway and to the left, Ploehn showed an area that will soon feature a kiosk with touchscreens to help visitors explore the area. After the tour, Tester took a few minutes to talk with the group. He started off by acknowledging the importance of reliable air travel not only to the tourism industry, but to the business community. Kevin talked about the challenges of meeting 21st century needs. Unfortunately, that costs money, Tester said. Im happy the (Federal Aviation Administration funding) bill was passed. The challenge will be designing facilities that will meet peoples needs 10 to 20 years from now. I dont see Billings getting any smaller, Ploehn said. When Tester asked Ploehn whether American Airlines might cease nonstop service between Billings and Dallas once the subsidy goes away, Ploehn said he didnt think so. American is less likely to do that, Ploehn said. If they come into a market, they want it to work out. The airlines recently added seasonal service between Bozeman and Dallas should help Billings secure what officials hope would be year-round flights to Dallas. I think the activity theyve seen in Bozeman has inspired them, he said of American, adding that local officials plan another sales trip this fall to visit American Airlines officials in Dallas. Ploehn and Tester spoke briefly about another challenge airlines face when expanding their service the shortage of pilots as well as, to a lesser extent, flight attendants and mechanics. Tester once again grinned. Better tell Rocky (Mountain College) to ramp up their (aviation) program, he said. Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo Could you picture the Fintry Queen, decked out with flowery curtains, indoor-outdoor carpeting, a three-piece sectional and a satellite dish? All the comforts of home. It could happen. An offer to buy the vessel, and turn it into a floating house, has been made, according to owner Andy Schwab. That's one of the options open to Schwab, as he looks to save her from the wrecking ball. Schwab and the City of Kelowna have a court date set for Monday morning, at which time he expects the court to side with the city in their desire to have him remove the vessel from Sutherland Bay. The issue is where it would go. Schwab said he is working on two scenarios he hopes to have ready for Monday's court appearance. Once of those is a potential sale to an unidentified party in the North Okanagan. "Someone wants to turn it into a house, a private home," said Schwab. "Nine-thousand square feet of waterfront. You don't have to pay any taxes. And they have the property to moor it." He said the price being offered isn't anywhere near the asking price of $350,000. "I don't blame them for low-balling us. For me, I'll lose everything I have in it. The ship will be delivered debt-free, but I'll have lost all my investment," he said. "It's a business loss as well as a loss of a dream in a sense." His other option is to find a place to moor the vessel while he looks for a permanent home. Westbank First Nation scuttled his attempt to move the boat to the north side of the William R. Bennett Bridge, but said another site has potentially come available in the Summerland area in the South Okanagan. Schwab said he hopes to be able to outline at least one of the options to the courts Monday. He owes the city $6,000 in back moorage fees so, either way, Schwab expects to be asked to leave Sutherland Bay. He said the city has agreed to give him until the end of the month to do so. As for Schwab's effort to salvage the Fintry Queen by selling 2017 trips at $10 apiece, he said the money will likely be refunded at the end of the month. Schwab has only raised $5,000 to date. He had hoped to raise $100,000. On behalf of Canadian Blood Services and our Territory Manager, Gayle Voyer, I would like to thank Kelowna residents who support Canadian patients by giving blood. In late April, we announced the need for 200,000 blood donations by July. Thousands of eligible donors answered the call for support and helped us collect more than 193,000 donations. Approximately 2,700 donations were collected in Kelowna, which helped us meet hospital demand. As some of our regular donors are busy with vacation and family time in the warm summer months, we always welcome new donors. To book an appointment for any upcoming Kelowna clinics, download the GiveBlood app, visit blood.ca or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236 6283). We cant thank you enough for the valuable gift you and other gracious donors provide to those in need. Please know that your time, selflessness and spirit of giving in Kelowna are appreciated. Somewhere in Canada, a patient will be thankful. David Patterson Director, Donor Relations, B.C. and Yukon Canadian Blood Services Photo: Contributed Kelowna has made it into the top 10 this month, on a less-than-desirable list. After ranking as the eleventh most expensive city in Canada to rent in last month, Kelowna has now hit number 10. PadMapper, a website that lists rental units across the country, recently released their second Canada Rent Report, which ranks the median price of one-bedroom and two-bedroom rental units across the country. Kelowna bumped out St. Catharines, Ont. in the most recent report, taking the tenth spot with a one-bedroom median rental price of $920. This is an increase of 2.2 per cent from the previous month's report, when the one-bedroom rentals median price was $900. PadMapper uses price data from rental listings from the previous 30 days. While Kelowna is ranked tenth based on one-bedroom rentals, the city is the third most expensive place to rent a two-bedroom unit. The median two-bedroom rental price for Kelowna is $1,400, according to PadMapper's data. To the surprise of few, Vancouver has come out on top again, with one-bedroom median rental prices hitting $1,740 last month. Photo: Getty Images Last weeks report covering Internet censorship and net neutrality generated a significant amount of feedback with an overwhelming consensus strongly in support of net neutrality. I would like to thank the many citizens who took the time to share their support for this topic and in many cases also providing unique insight on the reasons why. This week, the largest concern I am hearing is reaction to an announcement from the prime minister that the Liberal government may impose a national carbon tax on Canadians. The CBC is reporting that the president of WestJet airlines has warned such a tax has the potential to cause serious harm to the aviation industry. Ultimately, this will be a topic for discussion at the premiers conference in Whitehorse this week. My thoughts on a national carbon tax? Without details on how much such a tax could cost Canadians or how it might be implemented and administered it is difficult to fairly assess the impact on taxpayers. For example, in British Columbia revenues raised from the B.C. carbon tax are used to lower taxes in other areas. People who can take advantage by implementing a lower carbon lifestyle, can save both on paying less in carbon taxes, and they may also benefit from reduced income taxes as the B.C. carbon tax is revenue neutral. However, in Alberta the proposed carbon tax will selectively benefit some citizens and at same time the Alberta government will also retain the discretionary ability to spend carbon tax revenues on government select pet projects and initiatives. In other words, the Alberta carbon tax will increase the Alberta governments ability to spend more revenues and is not revenue neutral as it is in B.C. Another concern about a federally imposed national carbon tax is a lack of consistency in policy application. Regular readers of my MP reports will know that many interprovincial trade barriers remain, yet most Canadians I have heard from would like to see it eliminated. Buying Canadian should truly mean buying Canadian with open provincial borders. In Ottawa, even though the Conservative, NDP and Green party all recently voted in support of my motion to potentially help open up inter-provincial trade, the majority Liberal Government opposed this motion arguing a preference for provincial agreement on eliminating trade barriers. Strangely, when it comes to potentially imposing a national carbon tax the prime minister takes a different view suggesting agreement between the provinces may not necessarily be in favour of an Ottawa imposed tax increase. My final concern on a national carbon tax is one that is rarely mentioned in media circles and that is the fact that the Liberal government in 1995 introduced a 10 cents a litre federal excise tax on automotive fuel. Thats in addition to the federal GST and various provincial levies buried in the price of gas, which continues to increase costs for Canadians. My question today to the citizens of Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola is what are your views on a national carbon tax? Is this something you would support and, if so, would you a have preference in what manner such a tax would be implemented? As always, I welcome your comments, questions and concerns on matters before the House of Commons. I can be reached via email or toll-free at 1-800-665-8711. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Photo: UBC Okanagan Have your kids lost faith? A UBC researcher wants to know about the experiences of parents when their adult child leaves the religious tradition they were raised in. Glendon Wiebe, working with UBC Okanagans Barb Pesut, associate professor with the School of Nursing and Canada Research Chair, is hoping to connect with Okanagan families for his study examining family bonds when religion changes or is abandoned. Wiebe, a PhD candidate at campus, says past research has focused almost exclusively on the people who have left the religion while the perspectives of the parents have been mostly ignored. For some parents, keeping the faith is extremely important, and if their child leaves, it can lead to a difficult and somewhat lonely journey, says Wiebe. Others, however, may accept it more readily, depending on the circumstances surrounding their childs religious change." Wiebe says the diversity of the parents experiences is crucial to his research examining faith and family relationships. I recognize that its a sensitive topic for some, but Id like to talk to individual parents to see how they have navigated and responded to their childs departure from the familys religious tradition. For more information or to participate in the confidential study, contact Wiebe at [email protected] or 250-575-7671. Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer The upgrade to the run-down building at Penticton's Lakawanna Park is now complete, with the new Patio Burger & Ice Cream Co. opening its doors this week. Owner Gordon Ferguson described it as a soft opening, with some construction still being completed on the deck and fence out front. "I have never been more excited for a project," said Ferguson. "And the comments and feedback have been phenomenal. I can't wait to welcome everybody." Ferguson approached the city last year about doing the major facelift to the concession stand at the park for three reasons. He felt the park needed more respect, the building needed significant work and the food service needed to change and improve. "The building was rotting out on a signature corner of the city, and I offered to do the full upgrade," he said. It's 100 per cent outdoor seating, with 115 seats outside overlooking Okanagan Lake. They also plan to plant 560 plants, flowers, trees and shrubs, said Ferguson. Mayor Andrew Jakubeit is also pleased with the facelift. "It was a good partnership opportunity to transition a location that needed some attention to take it away from being a drug hang out to a destination where the community can enjoy a burger and a ice cream in a park like atmosphere and utilize other elements of Lakawanna Park," he said. Looking for something to do on the weekend? Castanet's Total Fun Cruiser is going to be right in the middle of the action. Weekend events include, downtown Kelowna's Block Party and the Okanagan Tattoo Show. Watch the video above for a full preview. Photo: Nicholas Johansen - File photo Jim Young, president and CEO of NewLeaf Travel Company, at Kelowna airport in January. Those flying out of Kelowna may be able to bid on cheap last-minute seats thanks to a new partnership between a discount ticket seller and a ticket bidding service. As NewLeaf Travel Company gets set to launch their inaugural flight out of Kelowna on July 25, Jump On Flyaways has partnered with the travel company to help customers bid on any unsold seats on NewLeaf flights. Our bidding platform was developed to allow Jumpers, or flexible travellers, to bid on potentially unsold airline seats, said Roger Jewett, CEO of Jump On Flyaways. Our job is to help NewLeaf fill any unsold seats so they can maximize bookings and revenue. We receive bids during the flight booking period and present them to NewLeaf, who may accept high bids at their discretion. Bids will be accepted by NewLeaf no later than 48 hours before a flight. Jump On was founded in 2013, as a way to activate idle aircraft and fill unsold seats on planes. As a new business, every dollar counts, said Jim Young, CEO of NewLeaf Travel Company. Weve been impressed with Jump Ons proven ability to activate aircraft, and were confident their new bidding platform will result in significant new customer traffic and revenue for NewLeaf. NewLeaf ran into some troubles earlier this year, as the company was found to not have a licence to operate, after unveiling the company in January. In late March, the Canadian Transportation Agency ruled in favour of NewLeaf, as the company does not operate planes, but only resells seats from Kelowna-based Flair Airlines. NewLeaf's first flight will be a round-trip flight from Kelowna to Winnipeg Monday morning. CROW AGENCY Crow Nation celebrated the final milestone in its decades-long struggle to gain a water compact the best way it knows how, with a parade, visits from dignitaries and gifts for the people who helped make the water settlement happen all followed by a big meal. Water is profoundly important to the Crow people, tribal Chairman Darrin Old Coyote told a crowd seated in the grandstands. Our elders tell us that rivers are the veins of the world. Were thankful to the Creator every time we take a drink. Gov. Steve Bullock, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, and Estevan Lopez, commissioner of the federal Bureau of Reclamation attended the community-wide celebration. They were given bolo ties, which Bullock and Tester donned to make their speeches. For her part, Letty Belin on behalf of Interior Secretary Sally Jewell gave tribal officials a framed copy of the page from the June 22 Federal Register certifying the compact, which has been in litigation for years. The Montana Legislature enacted the Crow-Montana Water Compact in 1999, and in 2010, Congress passed the Crow Water Tribes Settlement Act. The agreements give the tribe senior water rights, the right to develop hydroelectric power at Yellowtail Dam, and money to help develop and improve irrigation projects. The 2010 federal law means $460 million to the Crow people, Old Coyote said. Tester said he proudly voted yes on both bills. I was a freshman (state) senator in 1999, Tester said. Little did I know that 11 years later Id be voting for the same settlement as a U.S. senator. Tester said the settlement gives certainty to the Crow people. Without water, theres no economic development, no quality of life and no future. Tribal and state officials havent always seen eye to eye, Old Coyote said while introducing Bullock. "But, this represents a good deal for both parties. According to Bullock, the dispute goes back more than a century when in 1908 the U.S. Supreme Court recognized tribal water rights. A full century later, Bullock said, Crow Nation stands ready to realize the full potential of those rights. The lesson is that "the most complex and contentious issues can be solved if there is determination to keep working under difficult circumstances, Bullock said. You now have a means to put your water to use. Lamenting the fact that I dont get out to this part of the country nearly enough, Lopez, whos based in Washington, D.C., said that plans to design a hydroelectric facility at Yellowtail Dam should be complete by next year. The tribe has already rehabilitated some irrigation systems, he noted. Lopez said that bad weather grounded him at the Denver airport Tuesday night, but he took heart from the fact that he was able to participate in the parade held before Wednesdays noon ceremony. Pam Williams, director of the Interior Departments Indian Water Rights Office, said the compact wouldnt have been successfully completed except for the will and determination of the Crow people. After the long struggle to secure the compact, today is meant to be a day of celebration and positivity looking forward, Old Coyote said. If anyone should understand the seriousness of plagiarism, it should be Montana Republicans. After all, it was the Republicans during the successful U.S. Senate run of Steve Daines who unearthed former Sen. John Walsh's master's paper at the War College which showed significant passages of plagiarized materials. That revelation dealt the death blow to Walsh's election bid, forcing him to turn over his slot to political newcomer Amanda Curtis and almost hand Daines the easy victory. That's why some comments, especially from the GOP, are rather shocking in the clear case of Melania Trump's plagiarized speech at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on Monday. Some apologists, notably Chris Christie, have rushed to Trump's defense, saying that most of her speech was original. But that's like saying most of the money in your bank account is yours. Others continue to pooh-pooh the idea that plagiarism is really any great sin. But we've said it when Walsh was caught, and we'll repeat it because the issue has been thrust in the news again: Plagiarism is stealing. And for a party that espouses values, especially Christian values, it would seem that stealing another's words would draw a swift, harsher condemnation. We recall something, somewhere about thou shalt not steal. Taking words and taking things aren't really much different when you get right down to it. It's taking something that doesn't belong to you without permission. It's dishonest and could point to a character flaw, something that is important to know about the leaders and role models of this country. However, right after the convention, on television network CNN, Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke said that Trump's speech didn't belong as top news of the day. "I'd cut her a break, because I think she did a great job," Zinke said. In other words, we should admire her dishonesty because she did it with style. That's like admiring robbers in a stick-up because they wore clever masks. Melania Trump may not deserve savage treatment. She doesn't deserve to be shunned after all, she is not the one running for office. However, Republican leaders rushing to her defense should know better. The aftermath of the plagiarism case reveals very little about Melania Trump, and more about the GOP leaders who have largely closed ranks around her to defend the speech. But their actions are a ridiculous exercise of defending the indefensible. Trump tried lamely to defend the speech as her own despite more than 60 words of the total 1,400 words identical to that of First Lady Michelle Obama. Trump was caught in a predicament that may not have been her own making. Few politicians sit down at the keyboard or desk to write their own speeches. Most politicians on a national stage have a phalanx of speechwriters to tune the words and polish the thoughts. No one expected that Melania Trump would pen her own speech. On Wednesday, more than a day after the furor, a speechwriter took responsibility for the mistake, offered her resignation to Trump only to have it rejected. In other words, someone else took the fall, and, in truth, the responsibility for lifting those words may not have been her doing. Her words were likely supplied to her. In that case, the scorn might be better reserved for the speechwriters or the editors who should have vetted the words. This represents what Donald Trump's critics (even in his own party) have feared most: That his campaign plays too loosely with the facts and seems oblivious and sometimes even proud of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes. In short, it only bolsters critics who believe Donald Trump doesn't have the qualifications or the sound judgment to be commander in chief. What's even worse is that Republicans have become complicit in this terrible action. Many could have pointed out that Melania Trump is merely the candidate's wife, and not tried to explain away this egregious intellectual word heist. Montana Republicans should be the first not the last to condemn Trump's speech. If plagiarism was so unpardonable with Sen. Walsh, it should have been equally repugnant on Monday. Rep. Zinke wants to give Melania Trump a break? Give us a break. Editor's note: This editorial was corrected with the total number of words in the speech versus the ones that were either identical or very close to the number in Obama's speech. Webcast: Clinical Evaluation & Management of Infants with Congenital Zika Infection Media Advisory For Immediate Release: Wednesday, July 20, 2016 Contact: CDC Media Relations 404-639-3286 Sponsored by CDC in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics, this meeting will be an opportunity to Review what we know and what we dont know about congenital Zika virus infection Discuss clinical evaluation and management of infants with congenital Zika virus infection, including those with microcephaly as well as those born with Zika virus infection but without problems apparent at birth. Pregnant womenin the United States, DC, and US territories have laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection. Infants with birth defects have been born to women who had Zika infection during pregnancy in the US states. Guidance on appropriate care and support is needed to better prepare communities to support these vulnerable infants and families. During this meeting, pediatric health specialists, non-governmental partners, and federal officials will gather at CDC to discuss clinical evaluation and management of infants with congenital Zika virus infection in the United States. CDC will take discussions on clinical evaluation and management into consideration when developing interim guidance for health care providers. Webcast Instructions The general sessions describing the state of the science will be live webcast on Thursday morning; the general recommendations that emerge from Thursdays small group discussions will be live webcast on Friday morning. July 21: 8:30 am 12:00 pm July 22: 8:30 am 9:30 am Due to firewall concerns, some users may need to cut and paste the link into their internet browser. Closed Caption are only available on the Windows Media link. To ask questions during the meeting, email congenitalzika@cdc.gov. In your email, please give your name and professional affiliation. If your question is not answered during the Q&A portion of the meeting, we will reply by email after the meeting has concluded. ***Please Note: The links below are to be used the day and time of the event only. Windows Mediaexternal icon Flashexternal icon Smart Phones and Mobile devicesexternal icon Technical Support For technical support call 1-404-639-3737 ### U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESexternal icon Russia: Anhui Conch signs Ulyanovsk plant agreement 21 July 2016 Anhui Conch Cement is planning to build a greenfield cement plant with a capacity of 5000tpd and an investment of US$500m in Ulyanovsk, Russia. The project will see the construction of a cement plant in the Terengulsky district of the Ulyanovsk region. According to Sergey Morozov, interim governor of the Ulyanovsk region, the agreement became a sort of a quality mark of an investment climate of the region. The governors press office indicates that the negotiations with the Chinese party have been held over the course of a year. Jianchao Wang, vice chairman of the shareholders council of Anhui Conch Group Ltd Co, signed the investment agreement on behalf of the Chinese firm. Published under Tasha Adams: I still sometimes feel like I released him out into the world. I think of him like a grenade where I was always putting the pin back in." DEER LODGE Deer Lodge officials are asking a judge to block the state's plans to move its Title and Registration Bureau to Helena. City attorney Jeffrey Hindoien filed the request for an injunction Monday after Deer Lodge councilmembers approved the move. The city is fighting to keep the government office and its 37 jobs in Deer Lodge. The Montana Standard reported the city's lawsuit contends that state officials decided to close the Deer Lodge office without taking public comment, in violation of the Montana Constitution. The injunction, if it is granted, would block the state from making a move until the lawsuit is resolved. Motor Vehicle Division administrator Sarah Garcia announced last month that the state decided to relocate the bureau to Helena. The move is expected to happen in November. Sign up for our newsletter Southern Montana is on drought alert as temperatures trend above 90 degrees and the rivers draw down. Communities from Big Timber to Miles City were included in a 14-county drought alert area identified this week by the Governors Drought and Water Supply Advisory Committee. Water supply and soil moisture reports from state and federal agencies prompted the move. I was putting in fence posts and I fought that thing all the way down, said Eric Sommer of the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Theres no measurable moisture in the statisticians Lewis and Clark County property. Two feet into the ground, it didnt even turn dark. In parts of the Montana, the dryland hay harvest is down 30 to 50 percent of normal, Sommer said. Because wheat prices are so low and the cost of hay is rising, some farmers have reported baling their wheat for animal feed. South Central Montana farmers near Billings and Hardin have been cutting wheat for about week. Winter wheat conditions seem good, but with drought conditions emerging, farmers report concern about the spring wheat crop which wont be ready for a few weeks. Fire danger is high. The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation tapped severity funding this month and positioned fire and helicopter crews across southcentral and southeastern Montana expecting extreme fire conditions as July wears on. The U.S. Drought Monitor lists portions of 12 Montana counties with moderate drought conditions and one county in severe drought. Included in the list are Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Flathead, Glacier, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Missoula, Sanders, Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Teton and Yellowstone counties. Current Drought Monitor mapping is markedly better than they were at this time last year, when half the counties in the state were in drought condition and northwest Montana was a tinderbox. However theres an undertone of drought that isnt showing up in the monitor, said Ada Montague, drought coordinator for the Governors Drought Advisory Committee. A few timely rain and hail events across the state kept Montana drought conditions just below the surface for the first two weeks of July, Montague said. Snowcams at Big Sky Ski Resort and Bridger Bowl were showing white landscapes around the first week in July. Hail near Glendive piled like spring snow. Those conditions did not make up for an extremely dry June, the driest recorded in 82 years in Yellowstone County. We left the month of June with pretty bad conditions and then we got some pockets of rainfall that influenced the precipitation input for the U.S. Drought Monitor, Montague said. But for the second year in a row, snow left the mountains early and consequently river flows are declining rapidly. The Yellowstone River gauge at Billings is the reporting flows normally not seen until August. River flows are slightly more than half of what they were a week ago, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. In southwestern Montana, fishing has been canceled on portions of the Gallatin, Jefferson and Madison rivers. HELENA A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to stop a logging project in the Kootenai National Forest in northwestern Montana. The Alliance for the Wild Rockies had argued in its lawsuit filed in May 2015 that logging on more than 92,000 acres on the east side of Lake Koocanusa violates environmental laws and could harm bull trout, grizzly bear and lynx habitat. U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen on Tuesday granted the U.S. Forest Service's request to dismiss the lawsuit. Christensen says in his order that none of the environmental organization's claims warrants blocking the project. The East Reservoir Project plan approved by the Forest Service calls for logging 8,845 acres spread out across the larger area about 15 miles east of Libby. HELENA A judicial regulatory panel is accusing a Ravalli County candidate of professional misconduct over a radio ad that says the incumbent judge he is trying to unseat committed fraud. The complaint filed Friday by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel with the Montana Supreme Court says that Robert Myers ad against Judge Jeffrey Langton violates ethics rules for state attorneys. Deputy Disciplinary Counsel Jon Moog, who wrote the complaint, is requesting a formal hearing and disciplinary recommendations against Myers, a Hamilton attorney. The ad features Dan Cox, Myers client in a child custody case. Cox says in the ad that Langton committed fraud by secretly communicating with attorneys for the other party and denied Cox from fully representing himself. The ad ran for five weeks beginning in June on several radio stations in Missoula and Ravalli counties, according to the complaint. The ads statements against Langton are false, and by making them in a campaign ad, Myers engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation in violation of the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel said. Judicial ethics rules prohibit candidates from knowingly or recklessly making any false statements, according to the complaint. Moog noted in the complaint that Myers was fined $10,000 in Coxs child custody case for making legally and factually unsupported arguments, and that the state Supreme Court upheld Langtons rulings and conduct in the case. Myers says the state is trying to intimidate him for criticizing an incumbent judge. He filed a federal lawsuit last month after he learned the Office of Disciplinary Counsel was investigating him. In the lawsuit, Myers attorney says the ethics rules Myers is accused of breaking violates both the First Amendment and the Fourteenth Amendments equal protection clause. Judicial candidates should not be forced to choose between exercising their fundamental right to criticize their opponents or keeping their law licenses, Myers attorney, Matthew Monforton, wrote in the lawsuit. U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy refused Myers request to block the Office of Disciplinary Counsel from pursuing its investigation, but he allowed Myers federal lawsuit challenging the ethics rules to continue. ^pMISSOULA It looks like Missoulas first round of refugees will be from sub-Saharan Africa, not Syria. We havent finalized when theyll be coming, so I cant give you specifics, but it will most likely be Congolese to start, Congolese from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Molly Short Carr said Wednesday. Carr, Missoulas new International Rescue Committee director, arrived in Missoula two weeks ago to start preparations for a resettlement office that was approved earlier this year by the U.S. State Department. A native of Buffalo, New York, she spent most of the past two years as an administrator based in Nairobi, Kenya, working on the other side of the international continuum of refugee resettlement efforts. Carr said she has been in the three camps the Congolese refugees to Missoula are most likely to come from Gihembe in Rwanda, Nakivale in Uganda and Nyaragusa Refugee Camp on the coast of Tanzania. She was in Nyaragusa just a month ago. This year theres been a push to bring certain populations out of Africa, so our resources on the continent were shifted to certain locations, said Carr. Thats why I was with those populations. Refugee numbers from the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo swelled in the mid- to late 1990s as people tried to escape civil war. An estimated 150,000 people reportedly crossed Lake Tanganyika to escape ethnic and political violence. Secretary of State John Kerry announced last week that the Obama administration will meet its highly controversial target of settling 10,000 Syrian refugees in the U.S. by Sept. 30, the end of the federal fiscal year. The national IRC office played it close to the vest, but there were indications in recent months that some of those Syrian refugees would be headed for Missoula. That doesnt appear to be the case, at least not initially, said Carr, who expects the first Congolese to arrive in August or September. Missoula County commissioners touched off a firestorm when they sent a letter to the U.S. State Department last winter saying theyd welcome the resettlement of 100 refugees a year to deal with the worldwide crisis, which has reached^p proportions not seen since the aftermath of World War II. One hundred is roughly the number Carr expects to work with, though Bob Johnson, a senior adviser for the IRC office in Seattle, said the number isnt set in stone. Its pretty hard to predict because we dont know family size, he said. It could be 100, it could be 125 total people. One hundred within the first 12 months was kind of how we calculated, given that things would start off very slow. Were not going to put more refugees here than the capacity, Carr said. We have to look at whats available, how many refugees would we be able to support and provide assistance to, and how many would the community be able to support and provide as^psistance to. Missoula has a number of advantages, she noted, including the assistance of Soft Landing Missoula, which has built an impressive network of support and volunteers. Its a bike-friendly community which now offers a fare-free Mountain Line bus system. Resettling families ^pThe first arrivals are now in refugee camps in East Africa and should be aware of their destination after up to three years of intensive screening and background checks. The vetting process for Syrian refugees has come under scrutiny but Carr, who has seen the system in action in Africa, insisted it is extremely thorough. Were going to make sure that everyone who comes through is exactly who they say they are, doing what they said they were going to do, she said. Were going to be very risk adverse in this process. The highest priority on the national side is security and the integrity of the program. As Carr understands it, the IRCs initial intent is to resettle families, though coming from a war-torn nation they arent likely to be intact. We may have single moms or dads, we may have older children, younger children. Many of the younger children who come will have lived their entire lives in a refugee camp, she said. Office space for the IRC has been secured in the Solstice Building on West Broadway, and interviews are ongoing this week to fill the positions of caseworker and a half-time finance manager. The focus is on hiring locally from what Johnson characterized as a deep p^pool of applicants. We feel that the local knowledge of the community is going to be invaluable as we bring in the refugees, Carr said. Those who fled the Congo may speak a variety of languages, including Swahili, Lingala, or Kikongo. Maybe a little English. There are some English training programs in the camps, but its very minimal, Carr said. Some of them will have French, because the Congo is a French-speaking country. That will be helpful for learning English, because grammatically theyre very similar. Missoula has no Congolese community to speak of, but it does offer a strong international component at the University of Montana and an uncommonly large return population of Peace Corps volunteers. If they were anywhere in East Africa, they^pll probably speak Swahili and be able to help us communicate and work with the refugees, Carr said of the latter. The university will do its part, assistant professor Tobin Miller Shearer, director of the African-American Studies program, said in an email Wednesday His department will be very interested in connecting with the families, and finding ways to support them, Shearer said, especially in terms of providing any orientation that we could to racial realities in the U.S. CHEYENNE, Wyo. A year after two men were found dead in a rare-coin shop in Cheyenne, police have made no arrests and the investigation remains active. In the year since 67-year-old Dwight Brockman and 76-year-old George Manley were shot and killed on July 20, 2015, local police have conducted 130 interviews, executed 19 search warrants and followed up on more than 150 tips related to the case. According to the police department, more than 3,000 man-hours have gone into investigating the killings, and more than 230 pieces of evidence have been collected. Cheyenne Police Chief Brian Kozak said he can't discuss specifics about the case but he says there are people of interest to police among those interviewed. CHEYENNE, Wyo. New wildfires have broken out on national forest land in western Wyoming while firefighters sought to check a growing blaze that has closed one of the highway routes accessing the touristy Jackson Hole region and Yellowstone National Park. The new fires were discovered on Tuesday in the Bighorn and Shoshone national forests. Both are in remote areas. The Arden Fire has burned about 350 acres near Shell Reservoir in the Bighorn National Forest. The Shoshone Lake Fire, which is about 57 acres, is burning west of Lander in the Shoshone National Forest. The new fires are in addition to a large fire burning in the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Sublette and Teton counties about 5 miles north of the community of Bondurant. The Cliff Creek Fire has burned about 12 square miles and closed a 40-mile section of U.S. 191/189 between Daniel Junction and Hoback Junction. That stretch of highway is used by about 2,600 vehicles a day during July. Many are travelers heading to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone via Interstate 80. However, there are several alternate routes available to travelers along I-80 that also lead to the region. "Fortunately, there are other ways for tourists to get here," Jeff Golightly, president and CEO of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, said Wednesday. "There hasn't been an extraordinary interruption in tourism to Jackson." Golightly said local residents who work in the Bondurant area are the most affected by the highway closure because their daily commutes have been interrupted. Bondurant is about 25 miles southeast of Jackson. Because winds are primarily from the west, little smoke from the fires has reached the Jackson Hole region. The Wyoming Department of Transportation is using large signs along I-80 to warn motorists to take one of the alternate routes to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone. "We're trying to let people know in advance before they get there that that's not an option at this time," WYDOT spokesman Dave Kingham said. Fire spokeswoman Ronda Bishop said strong winds that hit the fire Wednesday raised concern that it was too dangerous to reopen the highway. "There is the potential for it to get back down to that section of the highway," Bishop said. "We're just trying to see what happens today with the high winds and the gusts to see where that's going to go. One of the things they didn't want to do is open the highway and then have to close it immediately." A second fire in a remote area of the Shoshone forest has grown over the past few days, burning about a square mile. Those battling the Lava Mountain Fire were focusing Tuesday on the east side of the blaze along Forest Service Road 540 and the private structures in the area. The Triangle C Ranch and the Lava Creek Ranch were evacuated late Wednesday afternoon, with other residences west of the Big Diamond Ranch warned that they should have belongings packed, according to a news release. Parts of the Continental Divide Trail were also closed. 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 Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions Antiques on Main has moved to the Gateway Fashion Mall. The antique mall has been open in Bismarck for 20 years. Its new location will feature 20 dealers, offering pottery, glassware, furniture, toys, clothing, books, photos, decor and collectibles. Dealer brands include Roseville, Rosemeade, WPA, McCoy and Redwing. A grand opening is being held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. New taxi service Dakota Taxi has expanded service to Bismarck. The company started in Dickinson about three years ago, Emmanuel Ezeh, transport manager, said. "There were always a lot of pick-ups from the Bismarck Airport," Ezeh said, so the company expanded here. Dakota Taxi has four cabs. Its main focus is airport service, but the company also offers rides in town. Service is available 24 hours. "We go everywhere in the state," he said, and the company has given rides as far as Minneapolis and parts of Canada. Dakota Taxi can be reached at 701-989-8676 or 701-989-8888. Shoe store opening Famous Footwear is opening Tuesday at Hay Creek Shops. The 6,000-square-foot store will host a grand opening event from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 30. President Rick Ausick said in a statement that the decision to open the new store was based on consumer need. Famous Footwear has more than 1,200 stores nationwide with brands including Nike, Vans, Converse, Sperry, Skechers, Adidas, Naturalizer, Steve Madden, Madden Girl, Franco Sarto, New Balance, Roxy, Circus by Sam Edelman and Carlos by Carlos Santana. New director The Williston Area Chamber of Commerce hired Janna Lutz as executive director following Scott Meske's move to the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce. Lutz has served as executive director of membership services at the Williston Area Builders Association since August 2015. "This is a beautiful piece of North Dakota we live and work in, and I am proud to be able to better serve the members and the community in this new position, Lutz said in a statement. Lutz came to Williston from Orefield, Pa., where she spent several years as vice president of the regional council at the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. "Of critical significance was a professional who could handle the various aspects from education to advocacy to celebrations and networking in the context of our rapidly changing business world. Janna Lutz fit our criteria with significant experience in the chamber arena plus is already a well-known and respected leader in our community, Rick Braaten, chamber board president, said in a statement. Lutz graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor's degree in human development. The design of a third fire hall for northwest Mandan was shelved Tuesday after Mayor Tim Helbling voiced doubts over the city's ability to staff it. Mandan City commissoners voted to not hire the firm TL Stroh Architect and Design at this time even after the previous city commission had voted to negotiate the contract terms. Fire Chief Steve Nardello and a committee recommended the city pay the firm $82,500 for design services. Before the June 14 election, city commissioners voted to spend state-provided HUB funds to pay for the design of the fire hall. The goal is to speed response time to fires in northwest Mandan, where much of the city's growth is occurring. Five firms presented offers, and city commissioners voted to negotiate a contract with TL Stroh. Mandan also has fire halls located on Collins Avenue and 40th Avenue Southeast. Commissioners voted to gauge how much of the $4.3 million in HUB funds promised by the state is received and prioritize its uses carefully. "I personally would like to see this item removed," Helbling said. "When you look at the fire stations we have now the north station and the south station neither one is fully staffed," Helbling said. "I think putting up a third fire station and not being able to staff it, does the city no good whatsover and it provides a false sense of security, and it puts a bunch of expenses on the city for upkeep, maintenance and equipment. You can't staff it. It's not going to do the city any good as far a response times." He said the city should concentrate on staffing the two existing stations first and improve their response times. Park expansion The Young Professionals Network was selected to develop new park concepts for expanding the Richard Longfellow Veterans Park below the Mandan side of the Liberty Memorial Bridge. The roughly two acres of property had been used as an equipment staging area until the new Liberty Memorial Bridge was completed in 2008. The old bridge was imploded the same year. The parcel lies between south of Memorial Bridge and Pirate's Cove. In 2015, the city revised its agreement with the state DOT. The state will maintain ownership of the staging area for a future bridge, but Mandan in cooperation with the city park district can expand Longfellow Park and maintain it. The original park, named after a local war hero, now includes pieces of the old bridge, historical pictures and the former fishing pier. Benches Mandan City commissioners voted to end its contract in March with Signs of Wonders that allows the company to use downtown benches as an advertising venue. Advertising signs with an active contract will be allowed to remain in place with the benches until March 31. Any of the benches not being used for active advertising accounts must be removed within 60 days. Many of the benches have deteriorated and become eyesores, according to the findings of the Community Beautification Committee, which is studying ways to improve the aesthetics of the downtown area. Storefront HB Properties may be reimbursed as much as $30,000 after it invests $89,920 in improvements to its building's facade at 122 E. Main St through Mandan's Storefront Improvement incentive program. The applicant will replace all windows, including two boarded openings boarded, add tan stucco to the exterior of the building's north side and build brick about three feet high around the building's base. Garage doors will be painted tan. The building will house Dakota Crop Insurance and Rocks that Talk. The owner also will place gravel on the north side of the building. A landscaping wall and planter will be extended from the building's west wall to the sidewalk. Because the project would receive public funds, sliding doors will be included in the plans at a main door to make it meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards and city ordinance. Wednesday felt like a hot wet blanket. Just walking outside felt like wading into a hot tub. So why not hop into a real pool? When Bismarck Parks and Recreation planned a free swimming day for Wednesday at all the citys outdoor pools, officials had no way of knowing it would be the hottest so far this summer a day when the actual temperature was far surpassed by how hot the humidity made it feel. Free swimming days always go over big, said Kevin Klipfel, facilities and programs director for Bismarck Parks and Recreation. The heat made the pools that much more attractive. They always go great. We had lines at all three pools this afternoon, he said on Wednesday. The high temperature in Bismarck was 97 degrees as of 4:55 p.m. Wednesday, National Weather Service meteorology technician Rick Krolak said. While it was nowhere near the record temperature of 108 degrees for the day, set in 1960, it was the hottest day so far this summer. Plus, the humidity made it feel far hotter than it actually was. The heat index at 1 p.m. north of Bismarck, as recorded by the Department of Transportation, was 113. Heat index values higher than 100 were common statewide. Early in the afternoon, the National Weather Service moved much of the state from a heat advisory to an excessive heat warning as dew points reached the lower 80s and temperatures climbed into the 90s. The weather service also put much of the state under a thunderstorm watch. Krolak said tornadoes, hail, heavy winds and rain were possible across most of central North Dakota. By 5 p.m., a tornado warning had been issued in eastern McHenry County. A tornado had been spotted near Blaisdell, said Krolak, who asked that anyone who sees any funnel clouds or other weather phenomena to contact the weather service. While the worst of the heat probably is over, heat and humidity will remain above normal the next few days, according to Krolak. The weather service warned of heat-related problems if people didnt take precautions, including staying hydrated, taking breaks in the shade or air conditioning and getting children and pets out of hot vehicles. Take it as easy as you can, Krolak said. Klipfel said parks and recreation staff are encouraged to take longer breaks on days like Wednesday and stay hydrated. Pool staff might get to take an extra dip in the water to cool off. He didnt know of any heat-related problems at any parks and recreation facilities. Swimming wasnt free across the river on Wednesdsay, but that didnt stop people from seeking comfort in the pools and slides of Raging Rivers. The parking lot is full, said Mandan Parks and Recreation marketing specialist Kelly Churchill. Thats how you know its really busy. Churchill said no changes were planned for outdoor activities in Mandan. Participants were advised to take breaks, stay hydrated and seek shade when possible. Mandan Parks and Recreation aquatics manager Kara Haff said Raging Rivers wasnt quite at capacity, but it had a steady stream of swimmers and sliders all day. Lounge chairs were mostly open around 5 p.m. as people sought comfort in the water. Haff said Raging Rivers has been having a good season, on par with last year. The park has only had to close for nine or 10 days due to cool temperatures or high winds. Hot days like Wednesday bring different challenges; she schedules a couple extra lifeguards and a couple extra people to monitor the top of the slides to make sure everyone gets a chance to get out of the heat every hour or so. In addition, a runner makes sure the water bottles for staff stay full. So far, Haff hadnt heard of any staff or visitor problems with heat during the recent heat wave. Klipfel encouraged anyone seeking a refreshing dip to head out to the pools. Were open another month, so take advantage of it, he said. Celebrating jailhouse recovery Audio Article Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle Sears paid a visit to the Chesterfield County Jail last week, meeting with over 50 of the men and women participating in the HARP (Helping Addicts... An icons legacy memorialized Audio Article Enon Library was dedicated in memory of the Rev. Wyatt Tee Walker on Friday, Oct. 21. Board of Supervisors Chair Chris Winslow, right, was joined by Walkers daughter, Patrice Walker... Facebook probably won't be hiring Chicago's 8-year-olds anytime soon. But the social networking giant made a stop here Wednesday to get the city's kids and their parents thinking about a future in computer science or programming. It's a new effort by the company, which has struggled to improve employee diversity and faced criticism for comments on the topic last week. Advertisement Facebook launched TechPrep, a web resource designed to help kids and parents learn programming and pursue training and education, in October 2015. Earlier this year, it kicked off a series of programs around the country to teach communities about the website. A visit to Malcolm X College on Chicago's Near West Side Wednesday night was TechPrep's seventh stop. The event drew nearly 200 attendees, who heard about the event through Facebook advertisements and community groups. Kids took coding classes as adults listened in on TechPrep demos and panels about how minority employees at Facebook got interested in computer science. Advertisement TechPrep's stops are typically in areas with substantial black and Latino communities, and where Facebook has existing relationships with community organizations. Lauryn Ogbechie, the Facebook partner manager who leads TechPrep, said Chicago Public Schools' decision to make coding a graduation requirement was another factor that brought the program here. "That's something that we want to build on from a momentum perspective," she said. "We want to make sure we're able to amplify what students are already able to learn in class with resources they can learn outside of class." The event hit Chicago a week after Facebook drew criticism for its diversity report, in which the company's global head of diversity, Maxine Williams, appeared to attribute troubles with diverse hiring to a lack of talent. "It has become clear that at the most fundamental level, appropriate representation in technology or any other industry will depend upon more people having the opportunity to gain necessary skills through the public education system," Williams said in a blog post about the company's diversity figures. Many criticized the statement, saying qualified talent exists but the company isn't doing enough to find it. In the U.S., just 1 percent of tech employees are black and 3 percent are Hispanic. Women comprise 17 percent of global tech employees at Facebook, and 27 percent of senior leadership, including its very visible chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg. A company spokesman responded to criticisms of the report in an email to Blue Sky on Thursday. "For Facebook, this is not about blame, excuses, or the negation of the great talent that exists in the software engineering space," the statement said. "We work hard through all the mechanisms described in our post and more, to attract and retain all the currently skilled talent possible. We have also been outspoken about the ways bias robs diversity of its potential and have invested heavily in managing bias. We want more women, people of color and others who bring diverse perspectives across all of our business both technical and non-technical." Advertisement TechPrep is one of the company's longer-term diversity efforts. Raquel Lucente, one of the creators of TechPrep, said at Wednesday's event she hopes the program will appeal to a broader range of people than just kids. "We really do want to ensure that we're expanding the definition of pipeline building," she said. Lucente referenced some of Facebook's diversity initiatives, which include short-term, medium-term and long-term pushes for diversity at the company and in the tech industry. Shorter-term programs include a hiring approach requiring recruiters to have at least one diverse candidate interviewing for some positions, a "managing bias" course and training and internship programs for high school and college students. "What can we do with the people we have at Facebook? What can we do with the individuals who may join the company within one to five years, and what can we do to make sure we're expanding opportunities for parents, for students, across the country, who are maybe as young as 8, or as old as 35 and may want to transition as well?" she said. Rogers Park mom Mikal Sutherlin brought her three daughters to the program after seeing an ad while browsing Facebook. She said she wanted a way to more readily find resources to help her daughters learn about computer science. "A lot of these opportunities they have now weren't available to women or not as available to minorities when we were growing up; they weren't even thought of," she said. "They don't know how lucky they are to access so much information and just be able to learn so much." Advertisement Sutherlin said she hopes getting an early start in coding will give her daughters a slew of options when it comes time to choose a career. But for her 11-year-old daughter Naysa, at least, gaming is the real draw. "I like to play games, and I'd like to learn how to make my own, too," she said. mgraham@tribpub.com Twitter @megancgraham RedWave is working to save the lower-temperature heat put off during manufacturing processes and convert that heat into electricity and get it back on the grid, said CEO and co-founder Jim Nelson. (Charlie Nye / AP) RedWave Energy, a local startup developing technology that harvests heat energy, closed a $5.5 million round of funding this week that will help bring it closer to a prototype. RedWave is working to save the lower-temperature heat put off during manufacturing processes like those at glass factories or electric power generation plants and convert that heat into electricity and get it back on the grid, said CEO and co-founder Jim Nelson. Advertisement "A huge amount of heat is wasted in industrial processes, and the reason it's wasted is because it's no longer hot enough to turn a turbine, or be useful in any other application," he said. When he says lower-temperature heat, Nelson is talking about less than 300 C pretty hot for normal standards (water boils at 100 C), but not when it comes to making electricity. Advertisement RedWave's technology uses tiny antennas millions per square inch formed and tuned to pick up the wavelengths from the heat waste, Nelson said. The electrons then flow off the antennas and are turned into electricity that can be placed back on the grid. "If you light a match and put your hand over it, the concept you have is heat, but what you're really doing is absorbing the electromagnetic waves," he said. The Wheaton-based startup brought together scientists from around the county. Idaho National Lab developed the nanoantenna technology, and experts at the University of Colorado-Boulder developed the technology that funnels the electrons off the antenna. It's also working with a manufacturer in Cambridge, Mass., that can help make the nanoantenna-filled film. RedWave plans to focus its operations on developing that film, rather than manufacturing it, Nelson said. Others in the industry, such as General Electric or Siemens, could then license and use the technology. "(Our) secret sauce is really getting that film right," he said. "We believe the best thing is for us to be the technology provider. The strength is the (intellectual property)." Nelson founded RedWave with co-founder and CTO Pat Brady in 2011. It raised a $3 million Series A round of funding in February 2012, and in May received a $3.565 million grant from the Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy. The grant is distributed over three years. Nelson said he expects to start beta testing the product within a year. Advertisement This $5.5 million Series B round closed Monday. Chicago-based Energy Foundry led the round. Private investment firm Northwater Capital, clean tech-focused nonprofit Prime Coalition and Kuwait-based EnerTech Holding Co. also participated. "The funding will get them to a prototype, something people can hold in their hands and see work," said Jason Blumberg, managing director of Energy Foundry. Clean technologies such as RedWave's often have a rough time finding funding, since it takes them longer to get to market and can be more expensive to develop than a software solution would be. Energy Foundry, which uses an investment model designed to reduce risks and time to market for energy startups, doesn't mind taking the long-term technology risks if there are big opportunities, Blumberg said. There are other technologies that turn waste heat into energy, but things get more complex when you start trying to harnessing the lower-temperature heat, Blumberg said. RedWave has brought together the right team of people to make it work, though, he believes. "A lot of people wouldn't even tackle this," he said. "It's hard, but if anyone can solve it, these guys can." Advertisement amarotti@tribpub.com Twitter @allymarotti Abbott Laboratories' CEO remained guarded in his comments Wednesday about the company's proposed $5.8 billion acquisition of Alere, a health care diagnostics company, doing little to clear the uncertainty over whether the deal would be completed. "I have no particular predictions to make," said Miles White during a conference call about Abbott's second-quarter earnings. Advertisement Abbott tried to terminate the merger agreement, announced in February, after Alere disclosed a U.S. investigation into foreign corruption related to its sales practices in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Alere also has delayed filing its 2015 annual report, a document needed before its shareholders can vote on the Abbott transaction. Last week, Alere said it plans to restate certain results but still could not provide details as to the timing of filing its annual report. Advertisement Alere's update did not satisfy Abbott executives. White said the update "provided no new information." "From our perspective, there's been no change," he said. "They still haven't filed a 10-K (annual report) and our access to information has been limited." Abbott agreed to pay $56 per share to acquire Alere and take on $2.6 billion of its debt. Alere, based in Waltham, Mass., specializes in tests used in doctor's offices or clinics to quickly diagnose disease or infection. Alere said in late April that it rejected an offer of up to $50 million by Abbott to walk away from the deal. White was more enthusiastic about another pending deal: Abbott's $25 billion acquisition of St. Jude Medical, announced at the end of April. "Everything is tracking well," he said. asachdev@chicagotribune.com Twitter @ameetsachdev Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises CEO Kevin Brown sits at the bar of one of his establishments, Hub 51, on April 4, 2016, in Chicago's Loop. Lettuce owns, manages or licenses more than 120 locations across the country. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) You may not be familiar with restaurant company Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, but you've likely dined at one of its restaurants. The company is behind 60 restaurant brands, from M Burger and Wow Bao to RPM Italian and Intro. Since its founding in 1971, it has grown to own, manage or license more than 120 locations across the country. And the man charged with the company's day-to-day operation, CEO Kevin Brown, says that's just the beginning. Its newest restaurant, Ema, opened this month in the city's River North neighborhood. Brown discussed some of the secrets behind the company's success and its plans for expansion in a recent interview with the Tribune. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Advertisement Q: What's a typical day for you? A: I have a lot of meetings there's finance, HR, marketing. And that's usually in the morning. And then I try to get into the restaurants either at lunchtime or in the afternoon and into the evening. With a job like this, you're never really off the clock. I always tell my family, when we go away, I never turn the volume off. Sometimes I'll turn it down a little, but I'll never turn it off. You have a responsibility. Advertisement Q: How is the company structured? A: The divisions are not necessarily set up as you might think. We're not set up individually by geography. It's more by who was involved in the concept. I have one partner, Scott (Barton), who has high-end restaurants, yet he has M Burger and Wow Bao also. You've got to be ambidextrous in our organization. And I like to try to keep the senior leadership together, and then they run their divisions. They all have ownership in their divisions, but I want them all to understand that we have this mother ship called Lettuce Entertain You that we're all responsible to maintain. Q: What's the expectation for growth? A: We've been growing pretty steadily, 8 to 10 percent, for the past 10, 12 years. We don't walk around in meetings saying, "let's be bigger." Sometimes the real estate comes to us, and we say, "let's come up with an idea for that" or we have an idea and we say, "OK, let's go find the real estate for that." It's very open. We're not a very rigid organization. As the company grows, you need more control-ability, but I never want that to override our flexibility. We want every restaurant to have its own individual touch, and a lot of that is driven not only by the concept but by the people who work there, and the partners who run it. Kevin Brown, Lettuce Entertain You CEO Q: Many Lettuce restaurants feel independent or family-run. Is that purposeful? A: That's good, that's our intent. Once you get to a second restaurant you can be considered a chain, so we don't ever worry about that. But what we do worry about is we want every restaurant to have its own individual touch, and a lot of that is driven not only by the concept but by the people who work there, and the partners who run it. Q: How does development play out? Advertisement A: There are always a lot of balls in the air. Our test kitchen's going pretty much around-the-clock, it seems. It all starts with food. That's where the ideas germinate from, then we push them out from there. Then you start to formulate the feel, the look, the menu, you put the numbers behind it, and you start to develop all the team and the planning behind it, and build its soul. It's very exciting. Q; How long does it take to go from making the very first dish in the test kitchen to opening night? A: A new idea takes at least a year. It depends if there's travel involved, research, how much tasting is going on. Sometimes we're limited by the construction space. Those things just come along as they come along. We have in-house designers and architects, so as the kitchen's rolling, the floor plan's rolling, the menu's rolling. But really a lot of the time, you have to wait for permits, construction schedules all that stuff is limiting. We can't control all of that. Q: Are you a go-with-the-flow guy in your own life? A: I think you have to be. In this organization, if I don't go with the flow, I think I'm probably out of the flow. Advertisement I think we have a healthy balance. Creatively, we're very liberal, but operationally, financially, we're very conservative. That's why we've succeeded for so long, not just survived. Eighty-five to 90 percent of our success is determined before we open the door. And what I think people don't see is how quickly we react once the door is open. And I mean in the middle of the shift, or between lunch and dinner, one day to the next, changing menus, moving floor plans around, changing recipes, just moving things. You have to be listening to your guests and listening to what's going on. I have a lot of discipline in how we run the organization, but I know there are certain things I have to have a lot of flexibility on, because it's a creative business. I have that balance personally, I always have. I think that's why I enjoy what I do so much because I get to exercise both sides of the brain. Q: What happens when a concept just doesn't catch on? A: We've made a lot of mistakes in our history, so we can see some of the potholes coming. It isn't always perfect coming out of the box, but you just have to be relentless about staying on top of it. If there's one thing this organization is, it's relentless. So you have to keep working with it. You may see something, do it, and if it's not right, you don't beat yourself up about it. You say, "let's change it, and let's try this now." Eventually we're going to get to where we think is going to be right. We're running a business that employs over 7,000 people, and we have a responsibility to them. Yet at the same time, we never want to lose what got us here: the creativity, the food focus, taking care of our employees. We don't grow without making sure all of that's in place. Advertisement Q: Are you open to expanding in other places that you don't currently have restaurants? A: We're definitely looking at other markets, and I'm really not joking we're hoping they're warm markets because we really don't need to go anywhere else in the winter. We're thinking Texas looks good, Florida looks good. And we're looking at other markets that are growing, like any other business would, where there are opportunities. And, anywhere we would go, we would need to do more than one restaurant in that market. sbomkamp@chicagotribune.com Twitter @SamWillTravel Developer Sterling Bay unveiled plans for McDonald's Fulton Market headquarters June 22, 2016. The burger chain is slated to move to the site in spring 2018. The area where it is located is variously known as Fulton Market, West Loop and West Town. (Sterling Bay rendering) The developers of McDonald's planned Near West Side headquarters have received initial approval to build a bigger building on the site of Oprah Winfrey's former Harpo Studios. The proposal to increase the site's allotted density won unanimous approval from the Chicago Plan Commission on Thursday but also requires final approval by the City Council. Advertisement Sterling Bay first submitted plans for the new headquarters a massive two-building, 608,000-square-foot structure to the City Council last month. The complex, which will stretch nine stories tall, will cost about $250 million to build. It is expected to be complete by spring 2018. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 9 Harpo Studios, the former site of "The Oprah Winfrey Show," is being demolished on July 26, 2016, to make way for a new building that will be leased for the McDonald's headquarters in Chicago. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) In exchange for the expansion approval, Sterling Bay has agreed to pay more than $4 million to the city's Neighborhoods Opportunity Fund, Adopt-A-Landmark Fund and Local Impact Fund, which aim to direct money from downtown development projects to Chicago's depressed neighborhoods. Advertisement The world's largest burger chain officially announced in June that it would move downtown from its custom-built headquarters in Oak Brook, the village it has called home for nearly four decades. The new headquarters' neighborhood, alternatively referred to as West Town, the West Loop and Fulton Market, is a highly sought-after and quickly gentrifying area of the city known for trendy restaurants like Girl and the Goat and Au Cheval. By moving, McDonald's is hoping to cater more to young workers who increasingly prefer the city to the suburbs. McDonald's joins a roster of big companies that have moved, or plan to move, from the suburbs to the city, including Motorola Solutions, Kraft Heinz, Gogo, Hillshire Brands, Beam Suntory and ConAgra. sbomkamp@chicagotribune.com Twitter @SamWillTravel Embattled blood-testing startup Theranos Inc. hired two executives to oversee regulatory, quality and compliance standards as the company seeks to reform itself after receiving heavy sanctions from U.S. regulators. Dave Wurtz, who formerly worked at Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., was named vice president, regulatory and quality, and will oversee standards for laboratories and device development. Daniel Guggenheim, who previously served as assistant general counsel at McKesson Corp., will be chief compliance officer, charged with making sure the startup follows federal and state health regulations, board member Fabrizio Bonanni said in a telephone interview. "I want to have a quality program and a compliance program in place, I want to see FDA submissions going forward, I want to see the normal, serious work that needs to be done to effect the transformation of the company from an R&D startup to an operating company in the health-care field," said Bonanni, a former Amgen Inc. executive who joined Theranos's board in May. "Being an operating company means you're subject to all the laws, and you're prepared to satisfy questions from every regulatory agency," he said. Bonanni also will lead a newly formed compliance and quality committee that will advise the board and executives. Bonanni said he has invited two outside experts to join the committee, declining to name the individuals because the positions hadn't been finalized. "When they are named, they will be well known," he said. Theranos, based in Palo Alto, Calif., has been in hot water with health regulators. On July 7, the startup said the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which regulates clinical laboratories, had handed down sweeping sanctions, including the revocation of a key lab certificate, monetary penalties and cancellation of payments from federal health insurance programs for lab services. Theranos was given 60 days to appeal, and said it was working with the agency to resolve its issues. The sanctions were based on a CMS inspection of Theranos' lab in Newark, Calif., where inspectors said they found failures so severe as to jeopardize patients' health. Bonanni declined to comment on any conversations between the board and its shareholders, or on what Theranos' plans would be if the CMS sanctions were enforced. Elizabeth Holmes, the company's founder, majority owner and chief executive officer, could be banned from managing the business for at least two years under the sanctions. When asked how long it would take for Theranos to turn around its operations and have its new quality-control systems in place, Bonanni said "it will take forever it is a never-ending process. We will build a bunch of things first, then we will improve on them, then we'll be inspected and we'll get additional suggestions. You will only be as good as the last inspection was. You'll never rest." The Lincoln Park town home once owned by radio personality Eric Ferguson, top, was sold by former University of Chicago finance professor Toby Moskowitz. A six-bedroom, 6,000-square-foot brick and limestone mansion in the Lincoln Park area that WTMX-FM morning radio host Eric Ferguson owned from 2004 until 2012 was listed last month for $2.795 million. Built in 2004, the custom-built house on North Greenview Avenue in the West DePaul neighborhood has sun-filled living and dining rooms, an eat-in kitchen with a butler's pantry, state-of-the-art appliances, a great room, a master suite with a sitting room, a third level with a rec space, a lower level with a custom bar/wine cellar and a theater room, and a roof deck atop the garage. Advertisement "The house has a really amazing floor plan, and it is filled with light because it essentially is like being on a corner lot," said listing agent Emily Sachs Wong of @properties. "The home has an extensive sound system and a custom theater, and it also has an attached garage and is super close to Wrightwood Park, which is really great." Ferguson, who now lives in Hinsdale, paid $2.45 million for the mansion in 2004. He sold it in 2012 for $2.63 million to its current owner, finance scholar Tobias Moskowitz, who recently joined the faculty of Yale University's School of Management. Advertisement Bob Goldsborough is a freelance reporter. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 (VHT Studios) Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Billionaire Ken Griffin, Illinois richest man, paid $58.75 million in November for the top four floors in the Near North condominium building at 9 W. Walton St., known as No. 9 Walton. This photo shows a rendering of the lobby. (JDL Development / E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune (inset)) History afloat: Draken Harald Harfagre As part of the Fifth Third Bank Centennial Celebration at Navy Pier, Pepsi Tall Ships Chicago 2016 is honored to bring the worlds largest, most authentic Viking warship to the Windy City for the very first time. Draken Harald Harfagre has traveled 4,000 miles to get here, following the same route of the old Vikings who eventually settled in Iceland, Greenland and North America 1,000 years ago. Festival guests are welcomed to view and tour the ship. Fun Facts: Draken Harald Harfagre (English translation: Dragon Harald Fairhair) is named after the first King of Norway (A.D. 872-930) and is the most accurate reproduction of a Viking warship to set sail in more than 1,000 years. It took years for veteran shipbuilders, craftsmen and artists to construct the vessel, relying upon historical clues from archaeological findings, old boatbuilding traditions and legends of Viking ships from Norse sagas. Draken Harald Harfagre is 115 feet long, constructed of oak, and equipped with 50 oars. Under sail, it takes an international group of 32 men and women to crew Draken Harald Harfagre under the command of Capt. Bjorn Ahlander. El Galeon Andalucia Pepsi Tall Ships Chicago 2016 is proud to welcome the historic Spanish vessel El Galeon Andalucia to Chicago for the first time. This floating maritime museum is a 170-foot replica of a 16th-century galleon, the only one in the world sailing today. Fun Facts: The Spanish Crown dispatched galleons from the 16th through 18th centuries on missions to discover and establish trade routes between Spain, America and the Philippines. Building this replica required three years of research in historical and maritime archives in Spain to compile information about galleons shapes, details and measurements. Designed by Ignacio Fernandez Vial for the Nao Victoria Foundation, the replica took 17 months to construct, and launched in Spain in November 2009. The 500-ton El Galeon Andalucia has an overall length of 170 feet and a beam width of 32 feet, making it about twice the size of the Mayflower. El Galeon Andalucias four masts hold six sails that measure almost 11,000 square feet, enabling an average speed of 7 knots (8 miles per hour). Since its launch, crews of 15 to 35 have sailed the ship across the worlds seas and oceans. Technically, El Galeon Andalucia is not an exact replica because its equipped with modern lavatories (although designed to match the ship) and an engine room. But the decks open to the public feature authentic materials, designs and features of 16th-century galleons. El Galeon Andalucia appeared in the NBC series Crossbones, which starred Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member John Malkovich as legendary pirate Blackbeard. The ship spent three months in Puerto Rico where the series, which aired in summer 2014, was filmed. Gen. Pattons When and If yacht Making its maiden journey to Chicago, When and If is a 63-foot Alden schooner commissioned by George S. Patton in 1939. Its name is attributed to Pattons quote, When the war is over, and if I live through it, (my wife) Bea and I are going to sail her around the world. With Gen. Pattons December 1945 death in a traffic accident following the wars end, it seemed unlikely that When and If would ever fulfill its original purpose. But in 2012, Doug Hazlitt, known for his complete restoration of another historic Alden schooner, purchased the vessel with a mission of restoring it to its former glory. As Pattons will requested, the captain and crew have repurposed the vessel for sail training and education by taking on apprentices along and donating a portion of their proceeds to a sailing scholarship program. Fun Facts: In 1939, Patton (a colonel at the time) commissioned John Alden, one of Americas greatest naval architects, to design a schooner to be built by F.F. Pendleton of Wiscasset, Maine. When and If was a new idea: a yacht that would maintain all its classic beauty and hold its own in recreational racing while also being sturdy, comfortable, safe and luxurious enough to take a family on the voyage of a lifetime. When and If remained in the Patton family until 1972 when it was donated to the Landmark School, north of Boston, which for more than 20 years used the schooner in sail training programs for dyslexic children. (Patton himself was dyslexic.) The schooner was almost lost in 1990 when it broke free of its moorings during a November gale. Although the damage was extensive, its structural integrity was unaffected, and after the ship was hauled off the rocks, Gannon & Benjamin Marine Railway boatyard of Marthas Vineyard painstakingly rebuilt it. In June 1994, at the relaunching of When and If, renowned journalist and accomplished sailor Walter Cronkite praised both the schooners wonderful strength as well as the great work done by the craftsmen who brought it back to life. Fred A. Busse fireboat Originally designed as a city of Chicago fireboat, the 90-foot Fred A. Busse was built in Bay City, Michigan, in 1936. Named for the 39th mayor of Chicago, it was the finest diesel-powered fireboat of its day. It served the Chicago Fire Department for many years, and now houses a small museum dedicated to Chicagos firefighting history. Fun Facts: The steel-hulled, 100-ton Fred A. Busse is 90 feet long, has a beam width of 23 feet, a draft of 8 feet and can carry 125 passengers. In May 1939, an explosion shook the giant elevators of the Rosenbaum Grain Corp. at 102nd Street and the Calumet River. Chicago's new fireboat, the Fred A. Busse, raced to control the blaze. For 53 hours, the Busse pumped nearly 33 million gallons of water into the flames, helping to bring it under control at least three days sooner than it usually took to contain such fires. The cost of operating the Busse during the fire, aside from the salaries of the crew, was estimated at $103.81. The Beverly Shores, Ind., station on the South Shore Line is still operating and contains an art gallery. (Susan DeGrane/ Post-Tribune) (Susan DeGrane / Post-Tribune) On July 2, one car on a South Shore Line train exiting Millennium Station offered passengers a virtual trip back in time. In all, 18 passengers joined the "Calumet Rails Excursion" to Michigan City organized by the Calumet Heritage Partnership. The idea was to promote the historical, cultural, economic and environmental significance of the Calumet region, extending from Chicago's Southeast Side to the Indiana Dunes, according to Sherry Meyer, vice president-Illinois for the not-for-profit bistate organization based in Chicago's Hegewisch community. Advertisement In recent years, Calumet Heritage Partnership initiated a feasibility study to create a National Heritage Area designated by Congress, but it's also been hosting excursions aimed at introducing people to the Calumet Region. A kayaking trip on the Calumet River is scheduled for July 30, and a bike trip from Chicago to the Indiana Dunes for early October. During the recent rail excursion, tall buildings gave way to the South Side neighborhoods, factories and landfills, as local historian Cynthia Ogorek spouted facts from her book, "Along the Chicago South Shore & South Bend Rail Line." Advertisement The Calumet City, Ill., native also offered nonrelated historical tidbits, including Abraham Lincoln's casket being offloaded from Lincoln's funeral train at 12th and Michigan Avenue to lie in state at Chicago City Hall; and Joseph T. Torrence, a key figure in the region's steel industry, owning Chicago's famous McCormick mansion even before Edith Rockefeller McCormick. Also among the lesser-known characters Ogorek mentioned was Sam Insull Sr., a utility magnate. He owned a holding company for several electric, gas and street car companies. At one time, Commonwealth Edison was an Insull-owned company. In 1925, Insull purchased an interurban rail line, which he renamed the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad, now known as the South Shore Line and operated by Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District. Insull's line connected with the Illinois Central and shuttled workers from South Bend to downtown Chicago and points in between. It also aimed to serve tourists bound for Lake Michigan's shores. "Insull was a great promoter and developed a series of posters that touted the region," Ogorek said. Some of the colorful marketing images portrayed the area as a hub of industry while others suggested it was a haven of recreation. "Before automobiles, the train station was the front door to your community," Ogorek said, explaining that Chicago's Hyde Park community "passed the hat" in order to pay for an Illinois Central station. Completed in 1881, it included two waiting rooms, restrooms, gothic-style turrets and station master's quarters. The station later was demolished, but that same sense of community pride applied to stations all along the South Shore Line. The Beverly Shores station, built in 1929, appears much as it did in its heyday, with its Spanish revival architecture and neon sign. In addition to serving as a station, it also contains an art gallery. After passing petroleum storage tanks, steel mills, farmlands and forests, the train seemed to creep along at street level through Michigan City. There, the group disembarked to take in a parade and lunch at Station 801, a train-themed restaurant. Advertisement Passengers traveled by bus to Ogden Dunes, stopping to hear croaking bullfrogs in a "pollywog pond" being restored by local preservationists and to observe a Lake Michigan beach threatened by rising lake levels. The tour stopped at Red Mill County Park in LaPorte for a look at the headwaters of the Little Calumet River. The serene wetland empties into a small stream and serves as home to bluegill, turtles, frogs, herons, Sandhill cranes, redwing blackbirds, hawks, songbirds, turkeys, nonpoisonous snakes and a few deer, LaPorte County Parks Superintendent Jeremy Sobecki told the group. "The salmon make it all the way up here," he said. Mary Jadernak lives in a Chicago high-rise and joined the tour to learn more about environmental efforts to address the ravages of industry. "I was born in the Calumet Region and always felt a sadness about the heavy pollution in the area," she said. Many of those listening to Sobecki came from the bistate region, including Munster, Riverdale, Ill., and Chicago's South Shore, Pullman and Beverly communities. "The Cal-Sag channel (which connects to the Little Calumet) cuts through where we live, so it's good to see where this all starts," said Jonathon Shaw, director of Parks and Recreation for Calumet Park, Ill. For information about upcoming Calumet Heritage Partnership events, go to calumetheritage.org. Advertisement Susan DeGrane is a freelance reporter. No, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence did not play the cantankerous dad on "Frasier." Nor did he sling beers at "Cheers." In a bit for MSNBC, "Saturday Night Live" Weekend Update co-hosts Michael Che and Colin Jost asked people outside the Republican National Convention in Cleveland to point out Pence -- Donald Trump's running mate -- among pictures of white male celebrities, including "Frasier" star John Mahoney, "Cheers" star Ted Danson and comedian Steve Martin. Advertisement "Do I know what he looks like? He's got white hair and he's a white man," one man said when Che asked about Pence. "Uh, let's see. Right here?," one woman said as she pointed to a picture of Mahoney. Advertisement "No, that's actually the dad from 'Frasier,'" Jost said. Mahoney, who lives in Oak Park, laughed but declined to comment when the Tribune reached him by phone Thursday. Perhaps Martin, who has hosted "SNL" multiple times, will be willing to take on a new role when the NBC comedy show returns for its 42nd season in the fall. RELATED STORIES: 'The Red Convention': The best late-night jokes about the RNC, Night 3 Melania, Melania, Melania: The best late-night jokes about the RNC, Night 2 Colbert for the win: The best late-night comedy from the RNC, Night 1 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) Ike Barinholtz, "The Mindy Project" star, appears on the upcoming "Suicide Squad" film. (Valerie Macon) Chicago native Ike Barinholtz will play the role of a prison officer in the upcoming "Suicide Squad" film, a new trailer reveals. Barinholtz banters with Will Smith in prison in a trailer posted Tuesday by Warner Bros. Smith plays Floyd "Deadshot" Lawton in the supervillain flick. Advertisement Barinholtz, who grew up in Lakeview, described his "Suicide Squad" role in an interview with the Tribune in April. "It's a very different side of me that you haven't seen on 'The Mindy Project' or 'Neighbors,'" he said. Advertisement "Suicide Squad," due out in Aug. 5, is a superhero film based on the DC Comics antihero team of supervillain characters such as The Joker (Jared Leto) and Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) from the Batman series. MOST READ ENTERTAINMENT NEWS THIS HOUR 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) Having wrapped his Texas trilogy "The Passage," "Low Tide" and "Stop the Pounding Heart" Italian chronicler of the American margins Roberto Minervini heads next door to Louisiana, where he finds a fresh group of desperados to observe in "The Other Side," a soul-draining, feature-length look at the stepchildren of the American Dream. By immersing himself among drug addicts, anti-government zealots and various other extreme personalities, the director manages to capture a troubling side of the country's identity that locals prefer to ignore. Whereas Minervini's previous picturess seemed to radiate a warm empathy toward his subjects perhaps merely a manifestation of his open-minded curiosity toward the extreme cultural difference he found peering into the less explored corners of Southern culture "The Other Side" feels far more shocking in its portrayal. One moment, we see a pregnant woman mainlining heroin in a bar bathroom, and the next, she's spreading her legs for dollar tips on the strip-club stage. Sure, these things happen, but to what extent can they be considered representative of the microcosm under scrutiny? Advertisement MOST READ ENTERTAINMENT NEWS THIS HOUR Sadly, as exploitative as individual moments feel, the casualness with which his cast none of them actors allow this behavior to be seen on-camera suggests that the depravity is hardly exceptional. Still, cinematographer Diego Romero Suarez-Llanos' style seems so much richer than typical fly-on-the-wall coverage in the way it masks the film's nonfiction status. Though the characters never directly acknowledge that they're being observed, a number of scenes feel constructed especially for the camera's benefit, lending a certain illusion of narrative, when what we're actually seeing is a collection of repeated actions a depressing pattern of behavior. Advertisement Minervini's main character, Mark, is a stringy small-time drug dealer with more tattoos than teeth, who passes his days doing odd jobs, getting high with his girlfriend Lisa and breaking into empty buildings. Mark manages to pick up a few bucks here and there doing honest work, but does better selling heroin to friends and family. As a criminal who's deferred his prison sentence until his elderly mother passes away, he's lost the right to vote and to bear arms putting him on "the other side" from those allowed to defend themselves from a greedy government. The movie doesn't delineate particularly well between these two sides, but the idea seems to be that rural Louisiana divides into two groups: They're either shooting up targets at the gun range, or shooting up heroin in the privacy of their homes (or smoking crack, drinking beer, etc. to obliterate the burden of real life). "We done paid our dues," drawls a drunken oldster known as "Uncle Jim," who never once appears sober in the film. Like virtually all of the people Minervini opts to include, he's an inherently pitiful figure: a walking ghost in one of the country's most poverty-challenged communities, overlooked by a system he considers to be more interested in propping up Wall Street than supporting the so-called "common folk" although if Jim and his peers are common, then the United States has bigger problems than it's willing to admit. This microcosm could almost be a kindred spirit to the one presented in "Beasts of the Southern Wild," minus all the agitated camera tremors, had the characters been exclusively white and too stoned to bother with even a pair of bright orange underpants. For the first half of the movie, "The Other Side" observes Mark and Lisa's unconventional relationship, a romance which shows as much disdain for wardrobe as it does the law (with graphic depictions of sex and drug use along the way), alternating with long scenes in which barely lucid characters spew racist and otherwise disrespectful rhetoric about President Obama. But that's mild compared to the militia group that becomes the film's primary focus once Mark mysteriously exits frame: These guys have more money, lots of fire power and a downright frightening agenda. They're convinced that Obama plans to declare martial law any day in Louisiana, and they retaliate by taking their machine guns out to the range and blasting away at effigies of the president. It's enough to make Americans feel ashamed of their countrymen, which is evidently the opposite reaction from what Minervini intended. In one scene, tears well in Jim's eyes as he reads the poem stuck to his fridge: "To all those who feel worthless," it begins. That may as well be the film's own dedication line, miraculously managing to find a serene beauty amid so much desperation and squalor, honoring its characters without letting them off easy. "The Other Side" 3.5 stars No MPAA rating Advertisement Running time: 1:32 Opens: Friday at Facets, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave., www.facets.org. MORE MOVIE REVIEWS: 'Lights Out' review: Watch out for the darkness 'Star Trek Beyond' review: Fun reboot makes the little things count 'Ice Age: Collision Course' review: A watered-down franchise appears extinct 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) Reporting from LAS VEGAS On a trip to Los Angeles about 18 months ago, the London-based filmmaker Paul Greengrass sat down to lunch at Shutters with Matt Damon and editor Christopher Rouse. The latter two had come with a stealth mission. Greengrass had long been unwilling to make his third Jason Bourne movie, and for a time was even burned up about a spinoff done without him. But with the director wandering in a kind of decade-long exile making globalization cautionary tales, they thought it was time for him to direct a new movie about Robert Ludlum's amnesiac assassin in Bourne-ian terms, "to come in." Advertisement "I was skeptical there was one to be done, I was skeptical I wanted to do it and I was skeptical it would hold up with the others," Greengrass, 60, recalled of his response to bringing Jason Bourne beyond the initial trilogy. "But Matt said, 'We're really lucky to have an audience that loves this character.' Chris said, 'The world has really changed since ['The Bourne Ultimatum' in] 2007. I thought, 'Maybe I've been too negative to an old friend.'" Greengrass was telling this story in Las Vegas, where his new movie "Jason Bourne" starring and produced by Damon; edited by and co-written with Rouse would later that day make its debut, the same city it lights up in a blaze of neon destruction. Advertisement The figurative distance covered by the director is even greater. When the new "Bourne" arrives in theaters July 29, it will land the one-time documentarian back in a tentpole fishbowl he'd long swam away from while excitingly but troublingly upping the political-realism ante above most Hollywood blockbusters. "Jason Bourne" at once expands the possibilities of, and tests the appetite for, serious issues in escapist cinema. And it wasn't even supposed to exist not after Universal chagrined Greengrass by making 2012's "The Bourne Legacy" with his foil Tony Gilroy. "I had," Damon said, "given up hope that we would get here." Amid a sea of tattoos and flip-flops and selfie sticks, over the din of piped-in Kesha and slot-machine beeps, the crowd gathered in Caesars Palace to herald the return of Jason Bourne. A somber black-and-white motif anchored by images of Damon-ish intensity adorned the premiere theater, forming a contrast with the pulsating rainbow in the casino beyond. As they walked down an indoor black carpet, principals described their movie's dark themes not far from colorful slots with names like "Hearts & Dreams." (That this theater normally hosts Celine Dion underlined the contrast.) Such an incompatibility substantive ideas and populist distraction -- provides an apt metaphor for the new "Bourne." As one of the few auteurs at the helm of a summer franchise, Greengrass had built his latest work and his career as a kind of paradox. With its trademark handheld cameras and edits faster than a croupier's fingers, "Jason Bourne" vibrates with the momentum fans know well. From its early set piece at an austerity riot in Athens to its fiery third-act car chase shot practically on the Vegas Strip, "Bourne" keeps the plot turns coming. There's the ex-agent's new discoveries about his past; a fresh chapter with his comrade-in-roguery Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles); slippery dealings with a murkily motivated cyber-analyst (Alicia Vikander); and a fraught relationship between new CIA director Robert Dewey (Tommy Lee Jones) and Aaron Kalloor (Riz Ahmed), a Silicon Valley mogul whose user database holds the key to Dewey's intelligence ambitions. Advertisement And yes, Bourne is again on the run from shadowy bosses as he tries to learn what brought him here. But you assumed all that. More novel are the social issues: The film's Athens-to-Vegas arc, for instance, which by going from a flailing economy to capitalist excess puts a spotlight on economic disenfranchisement. Or the privacy debate when Kalloor and Dewey tensely hash out whether a tech company should give the government a backdoor, it so closely echoes the recent Apple-FBI controversy over a terrorist's iPhone you'd think Greengrass shot it last month. (He didn't.) "When we looked at the differences from 'Bourne Ultimatum,' it was shocking how much had changed," Damon said. "We thought, 'If Jason Bourne was on the run, why not run him through today's landscape?'" Because Bourne now remembers what he's done, moral questions also enter. Does he want to use his lethal skills to serve his country or does he refrain out of guilt patriotism or conscience? Crucially, every enemy and good guy in the film lies within the U.S. government. This is a far cry from nearly all other 21st-century thrillers, and even from past Bourne movies (though "Ultimatum" gets close). No longer is the story about the U.S. versus its enemies. It's about the U.S. versus itself. "In a sense all these films are anchored in identity, because Jason Bourne is trying to find out who he is. But with this one I think we're also asking how we want to define ourselves as a country," Rouse said. Advertisement Put another way, the earlier films are post-9/11 movies. This is a post-Edward Snowden movie. And fittingly, it grapples with Snowden-worthy technology hacks, facial recognition and social media, the last of which create issues. In a world in which tech companies offer a kind of ipso facto surveillance, what are their responsibilities to their users? Or their government? "The conflict between social-media giants and the security demands of a nation state seemed really interesting to me," said Greengrass. "It's not right versus wrong it's two rights that are in tension." Director Paul Greengrass looks over the Las Vegas Strip from the 38th floor of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on July 18. (David Becker / For The Times ) These interests stem from his background. Beginning as a TV documentary director in England, Greengrass improbably ended up in Hollywood when his 2002 Irish-massacre piece "Bloody Sunday" caught the eye of a CAA agent, then "Bourne" producer Frank Marshall and Universal Studios. The Cambridge alum who wears Harry Potter glasses, shoulder-length white hair and a mien that in a certain light can have him looking a little like Jay Leno dedicated much of the next four years to "The Bourne Supremacy," the sequel to Doug Liman's "The Bourne Identity," then "Ultimatum." He imported to these movies his obsession with current events (Greengrass is known for being moved to direct films by seemingly unrelated journalism; Paul Mason's global-uprising study "Why It's Kicking Off Everywhere" and a Wired article about hacker recruitment in Vegas were the impetus for this one) and on-the-move documentary-esque shooting choices. "You can never relax in a Paul movie," Stiles said. "Even when you turn the corner, a camera always pops up." But his first two Bourne movies were, Greengrass admits, "painful in their processes." Because his spontaneity often led to key moments being omitted, he and a crew often would be forced to return to various cities for reshoots, sometimes more than once. Hollywood tentpoles also feature rigid release dates and multiple writers an awkward fit for a man who thrives on authorship and on-the-spot pivots. Advertisement Indie Focus Newsletter Sign up for movie news, screening invitations and reviews delivered weekly. Privacy policy Deciding in 2008 after "Bourne" scored three Oscars and global success that he didn't want more agita, Greengrass walked away. He went off to make smaller-scale films in the vein of his earlier eye-popper "United 93" the 2010 Iraq war tale "Green Zone" (a flop, underrated) and 2013 Somali pirate story "Captain Phillips" (a hit, perhaps the inverse). Damon, close with Greengrass, also stayed away. But Universal, short on franchises and not wanting the rights to revert to the Ludlum estate, needed a movie. So executives enlisted Gilroy, who had written all three Bourne films but whose "Ultimatum" script Greengrass had almost entirely rewritten. They hired Gilroy to write and direct a spinoff, "The Bourne Legacy," with Jeremy Renner in the lead role. That sat poorly with Greengrass, who didn't have a warm relationship with Gilroy to begin with. "Tony is all planning and Paul is all spontaneity. And they're each strong personalities," Marshall said of the dueling Bourne torchbearers. Greengrass told confidantes he was truly done with Bourne. The bristling even spread to Damon, who went so far as to take a shot at Gilroy in a GQ interview. (Damon has since apologized. "I was surprised at how upset I was by the idea that there was a Bourne movie and I wasn't in it," he told The Times last week.) "Legacy" performed modestly. Donna Langley, chairman of Universal, said that she was proud of the movie and believed it had a beneficial effect on the public. "We kept the spirit of 'Bourne' alive," she said. Nonetheless, she really hoped Greengrass would come back. But the director remained unmoved. His reluctance remained until that day Rouse and Damon met with him at Shutters. Advertisement We kept the spirit of Bourne alive. Donna Langley, chairman of Universal One of the most notable aspects of the new "Bourne" is how much the story seems to come from the headlines while still staying above the fray--"relevant without being topical or political," Greengrass said. Though some of the political issues in the new "Bourne" seem to come with a point of view (I'm pretty sure the movie takes Apple's side over the government's in the tech-backdoor issue), that may be as much a Rorschach effect as anything else. The film's goal, ultimately, is to live in the churn of current events without offering hard conclusions about them. "They wrote a script that feels like now but you really don't know what will happen tomorrow," said Vikander, whose character is positioned for a key role in future installments, should they come off. One of the screenplay's other distinguishing aspects is its auspices. This is the first "Bourne" movie of the five to date with which Gilroy was not involved. Instead, Rouse, a longtime Greengrass collaborator but first-time produced screenwriter, has taken the reins, with the goal to broaden out the story thematically. "This film is more ambitious in terms of its throw," Rouse said. "We wanted to get into the territory of massive societal forces in play, disenfranchised people and social media." Those issues indeed feel urgent. Combine that with a documentary-style shoot --"Never to anticipate the action but to follow it," Damon describes it--and you're left with a movie of far more realism than most summer action-adventures. Advertisement Unfortunately, more realism also means more reality. "Bourne" features the pandemonium of a public shooting and a fortified vehicle crashing through a crowd of innocents. While the similarities to attacks in Orlando and Nice are incidental, the film's bid for authenticity could strengthen the connection for some viewers. Greengrass downplayed the issue. "It's a bit of a stretch to link what happened in Nice, which is an ISIS attack on an unarmed crowd, to an exuberant popcorn car chase. You wouldn't look at a demolition derby and say, 'Oh my God.' That's what this is a cinematic demolition derby." He added, "I think audiences know what's in filmmakers' hearts." Just the same, after the Nice attack, Universal pulled some TV spots spotlighting the Vegas car chase. Back at the premiere, the feeling was more celebratory. Advertisement After the cast had made its way inside the theater, Greengrass took the stage, seeming like a man happy to be home as he called out cast introductions. Earlier in the day he described why. "In my little imperfect way what I'm trying to do is understand the world," he said. "As a filmmaker, you realize as you get older that each film is part of a dialogue you're having with yourself. That started when I was working in documentaries. And in a way I've never deviated from it." @ZeitchikLAT MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 'I was terrified': Kristen Stewart on working with Nicholas Hoult on their new movie 'Equals' Advertisement First lady gets down to 'Single Ladies' with James Corden in 'Carpool Karaoke' New 'Star Wars' character revealed at Comic-Con After the off-putting "Entourage" movie and that second, egregious "Sex and the City" film, I'm stunned to report that the latest small-screen transfer to hit theaters, "Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie," occasionally justifies its merrily low comic existence. It helps, of course, when you have Joanna Lumley, that epic dame, and her uniquely piquant pronunciation of the word "fabulous," spoken without moving her lips, as if savoring a liqueur-flavored marble in her mouth. Also, it's a treat to watch Jennifer Saunders break into a trot while lugging more handbags, jewelry and accessories than seems humanly possible to lug. Advertisement MOST READ ENTERTAINMENT NEWS THIS HOUR This is not a movie for "Ab Fab" newbies. With little or no foreknowledge, director Mandie Fletcher's update on the travails of hapless publicist Edina "Eddy" Monsoon (Saunders) and her voracious pal Patsy Stone (Lumley) may seem more remote to U.S. audiences than the creatures in "Star Trek Beyond." Also, real life is doing "Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie" no favors this month. In one scene the ladies careen in a scooter down a French Riviera boulevard, scattering pedestrians right and left, and after the terrorist attack in Nice, an uninspired bit of physical comedy tastes miserably sour indeed. Advertisement The whole thing feels a bit desperate. Eddy finds herself in career trouble, at odds with London's high fashion and red carpet scene, and generally rudderless as she rounds the bend of 60. Her straight-laced daughter Saffron (Julia Sawalha) and granddaughter Lola (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) view Eddy and Patsy with wary affection at best, strained patience at worst. The plot cooked up by screenwriter Saunders has Eddy writing her memoirs, only to be rejected by a publisher. What she needs is a hot PR client, and her pursuit of supermodel Kate Moss (played by Kate Moss, convincingly) leads to the apparent accidental drowning of Moss in the Thames, which sends Eddy and Patsy fleeing to the south of France, hiding from the cops. The cameos are relentless: Joan Collins, Jon Hamm, Dame Edna (Barry Humphries, who adds a substantial cameo as a skeezy old flame of Patsy's) and gossipmonger Perez Hilton. The laughs are sporadic. The skill set of Saunders and Lumley remains astonishing. Yet the jokes about washed-up, worn-out social climbers and boozehounds feel a decade or so out of date, and I found Eddy's self-loathing streak to be wanly pathetic, as opposed to touchingly sardonic. Fans of the series may feel a certain obligation to look in on it. It's a casual lark that does the drinking for you. Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic. mjphillips@tribune.com Twitter @phillipstribune "Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie" - 2 stars MPAA rating: R (for language including sexual references, and some drug use) Running time: 1:31 Advertisement Opens: Thursday evening MORE MOVIE REVIEWS: 'Lights Out' review: Watch out for the darkness 'Star Trek Beyond' review: Fun reboot makes the little things count 'Ice Age: Collision Course' review: A watered-down franchise appears extinct 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) Winona Ryder hasn't changed much. Thirty years since her debut in "Lucas," she's still a delicate pixie with giant brown eyes, still the appealingly disheveled outsider. The only difference is, now Ryder is playing the mom instead of the naif. She's starring in the series "Stranger Things" on Netflix, and so - as is the case every time she shows up in a movie since her shoplifting scandal in 2001 - we find ourselves asking: Is this Winona Ryder's big comeback? Advertisement The answer is: probably not, at least not if you're expecting Ryder to reclaim her past glory. Ryder is one of those rare actors whose very presence evokes a certain era. That can be a strength in certain roles, and her casting in "Stranger Things," set in the 1980s, feels particularly appropriate. But that can also be limiting; just look at the flame-outs of Ally Sheedy, Molly Ringwald, Bridget Fonda and pre-"Pulp Fiction" John Travolta. Quentin Tarantino can only revive the careers of so many people. With her unorthodox commune upbringing, encyclopedic knowledge of movies and harmless brand of subversiveness - not to mention that fact that Timothy Leary was her godfather - Ryder was the aspirational exemplar for 1990s Gen Xers. Somehow she's still that same person, even as the world around her has changed a lot. Advertisement MOST READ ENTERTAINMENT NEWS THIS HOUR Ryder shot to fame in the time before Twitter and TMZ. Paparazzi didn't stalk her three-year relationship with Johnny Depp. Even so, Ryder didn't relish the limelight. "I remember when I first started being in magazines, I had pretty thin skin," Ryder told Tavi Gevinson for Interview Magazine. "There was a whole era where I got linked to everybody. People that I had never met. I was like, 'How? I'm home alone reading chapter 12 of a book.'" The critics were also starry-eyed. Ryder received two Oscar nominations, for "The Age of Innocence" in 1993 and "Little Women" the following year, and the acclaim for her roles in "Reality Bites," "Edward Scissorhands," "Beetlejuice," "Mermaids" and "Girl, Interrupted" was universal. She was a mainstream success, but, with her interest in slightly off-kilter parts, she also had a particular appeal among a niche of outsiders. "She inspires a kind of cultist love that I don't see other ingenues inspiring," "Heathers" screenwriter Daniel Waters told the New York Times recently. That explains why the fanboys love her. J.J. Abrams, for example, cast her as Spock's mom in 2009's "Star Trek." The Duffer brothers (twins Matt and Ross), who created "Stranger Things," were especially fond of Ryder because of her roles in the Tim Burton movies they grew up watching. Their sci-fi mystery series is set in 1983, and everything from its synthesizer-heavy score to its plot twists reveals a deep nostalgia for the movies of yore. There are elements of "Poltergeist" and "E.T.," "Stand By Me" and "The Goonies." The story kicks into motion after young Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) goes missing following a wild night of Dungeons & Dragons at a friend's house. Ryder plays his mother, and she's convinced her son is trying to communicate with her through the lightbulbs in her house. It's up to her, along with her older son and a disenchanted sheriff, to decode what happened. Ryder is so ideal for the role, not only because she's so good at exuding a certain brittle scrappiness but because she's such a wistful presence, always reminding viewers of the past. She's a human proxy for the 1980s and '90s, partly because she's been frozen in time since she was the Gen X poster child - she took years off from acting following that shoplifting arrest and hasn't had a major role since. Advertisement She's also either delightfully analog or an annoying Luddite, depending on your perspective (and probably your generation). She keeps cassettes of memorable voice mails and VHS bootlegs, she said in a recent interview. She doesn't understand the allure of a stylist and, in that same vein, hasn't caught on to the person-as-brand ethos of modern celebrity. She doesn't tweet or Instagram or Snapchat. "Even the term 'followers' is faintly creepy to me," she told the Telegraph a couple years ago. Aside from that small role in "Star Trek," in recent years she's played a cheating wife in the Vince Vaughn-Kevin James comedy "The Dilemma" and an angry has-been ballerina in "Black Swan." She also did very good work in parts few people saw, playing scientist Stanley Milgram's wife in "The Experimenter" and a councilwoman in the HBO miniseries "Show Me a Hero." "Stranger Things" is the closest thing she's had to a lead role. Even though it's an ensemble drama, Ryder stands out as much for who she is as how well she acts. Of course, people are going to immediately wonder what's next for her supposed big comeback. There's chatter about a "Beetlejuice" sequel, and she'll be in a Marc Jacobs ad campaign. In the meantime, she's making the press rounds for her new series. Her interviews reveal no viral-ready sound bites, and publicity stunts aren't in her playbook. She may not get back to A-list status again, but maybe that's all right. Hasn't she done enough? RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Earth tones, rotary phones and Winona Ryder: Netflix's 'Stranger Things' is totally '80s Sharing Netflix or HBO Go passwords is now technically a federal crime 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) New paperbacks to check out are "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins, "A Full Life" by Jimmy Carter, "After You" by Jojo Moyes, "Darjeeling" by Jeff Koehler, and "All the Time in the World" by Caroline Angell. (Chicago Tribune) The Girl on the Train: A Novel by Paula Hawkins, Riverhead, 324 pages, $16 Rachel takes the same train every day, accustomed to seeing the same stops and views along the way, including the couple that breakfasts daily on their deck. But for one minute on one day, Rachel witnesses something shocking that sends her to the police, eventually entangling her in the heart of an investigation. Advertisement A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety by Jimmy Carter, Simon & Schuster, 258 pages, $16.99 The former president reflects on 90 years of public and private life, detailing his youth in rural Georgia, the isolation of the Carter family, and his Navy career. Carter also looks at his presidency, his disappointment at losing his re-election bid, and offers observations on his successors. Advertisement After You: A Novel by Jojo Moyes, Penguin, 400 pages, $16 The sequel to "Me Before You" finds Louisa Clark struggling after the loss of Will Traynor and forced to return home after an accident. Her body heals, but her soul doesn't, causing her to join a Moving On support group that eventually leads her to pursue paramedic Sam Fielding until a figure from Will's past appears. Darjeeling by Jeff Koehler, Bloomsbury USA, 293 pages, $18 Koehler explores the history of Darjeeling tea, considered among the finest tea in the world for its color and taste. Koehler looks at the growth of the British East India Company, the labor force that works the tea plantations, and how climate change and unrest in the Himalayan foothills threatens the future of Darjeeling. All the Time in the World: A Novel by Caroline Angell, Holt, 325 pages, $15 After taking a leave of absence from her promising career as a musician, Charlotte accepts a babysitting gig with a glamorous Manhattan family. What was supposed to be a temporary job, however, becomes permanent after a tragedy leaves the family torn apart, and Charlotte must choose between her dreams and the family she's come to love. Keith Cooper, exonerated by DNA evidence of an Elkhart, Ind., armed robbery he had been imprisoned for a decade earlier, was set free in 2006. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune) As Mike Pence cultivates a national image as Donald Trump's running mate, abandoning a re-election bid for a second term as Indiana governor in the process, he may leave unanswered a historic pardon request involving the wrongful conviction of an Illinois man. It's been more than two years since the Indiana Parole Board recommended to Pence the pardon of Keith Cooper for a brutal armed robbery 20 years ago. Advertisement Though Indiana governors have long used their pardon powers for those they think have earned it, legal experts say Cooper, if successful, would be the first they can recall exonerated in the state through a gubernatorial pardon based on innocence. Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence addresses the crowd during the third day of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday. (Toni L. Sandys / The Washington Post) Cooper, 49, watched Wednesday from his Country Club Hills home as Pence introduced himself to a national television audience during a 30-minute speech highlighting his conservative Midwestern values at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Advertisement Cooper said he couldn't help but wonder what about me? "He had the power to do what was right and pardon me an innocent man and he hasn't," said Cooper, a forklift operator. "Listening to Pence's speech angered me," he continued. "Hearing him say, 'That we are, as we have always been, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.' "Does that apply to me?" Cooper was sentenced to 40 years in prison for a 1996 robbery in Elkhart that left a teen clinging to life with a gunshot wound to the stomach. The Indiana Court of Appeals overturned his co-defendant's conviction in 2005, and Cooper was given the choice of being set free with the felony conviction on his record or facing a new trial before the same judge. The Chicago native chose to go home to his wife and three children, who were 8, 6 and nearly 2 when he lost his freedom and who at times were homeless during his nearly decadelong incarceration. Cooper said he does not regret his decision, but living with the felony conviction on his record has stunted his ability to earn a better living and truly clear his name. Keith Cooper, a Country Club Hills resident and Chicago native, petitioned Indiana Gov. Mike Pence for a pardon for a violent 1996 robbery that DNA evidence shows he didn't commit. (Christy Gutowski / Chicago Tribune) (Christy Gutowski / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) Now, long after advances in DNA testing and a nationwide offender database excluded him as the perpetrator and identified another man, which sparked eyewitness recantations, even the original trial prosecutor who secured Cooper's conviction is urging Pence to support the pardon. Advertisement "Justice demands that Mr. Cooper be pardoned," attorney Michael A. Christofeno, now in private practice, wrote in a January 2016 letter to Pence obtained by the Tribune. "We cannot undo the wrongful imprisonment of Mr. Cooper, but we can undo his wrongful conviction with a pardon." His petition is one of 18 pardon requests awaiting Pence's signature. He has pardoned three people since he became governor in 2013. His predecessor, Republican former Gov. Mitch Daniels, pardoned more than 60 people during his eight years in office. Given the Trump-Pence ticket's "Make America Safe Again" theme, delivered amid a difficult time of violence and unrest nationwide with police shootings and racial tensions, political pundits say granting a pardon even one based on actual innocence may be tricky. Bruce Haynes, founding partner and president of Purple Strategies, a Washington-based bipartisan communications consulting firm, said it's unlikely that Pence will make a move before the November election. It would be more of a distraction to Trump's presidential campaign than actual political gain, Haynes said, and because Cooper is a free man anyway, there's no harm in waiting. "If you're Pence, you could say I can wait a few more months and make that decision after the election and, in the meantime, I'm not (affecting) this man in any significant way." He added, "You can't steal the spotlight from the presidential nominee, in particular when it's Donald Trump. ... That would be a cardinal sin for a vice presidential nominee." Advertisement The topic of pardons and clemency can be controversial. Candidates don't want to be perceived as too lenient and may fear the recipient could commit future crimes. There's actually a name for that fear: the Willie Horton syndrome, say criminal justice experts, noting the convicted murderer in Massachusetts who was furloughed on a weekend and committed rape and armed robbery while out. Then-Vice President George H.W. Bush used the issue to help defeat Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis in the 1988 presidential election. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has faced scrutiny during his two unsuccessful presidential campaigns regarding the more than 1,000 commutations and pardons he issued during 11 years in office. Keith Cooper speaks during a Feb. 3, 2014, Indiana Parole Board hearing. (Courtesy of Eliot Slosar of Loevy & Loevy) (Courtesy Of Eliot Slosar Of Loevy & Loevy/Chicago Tribune) Huckabee commuted the 108-year prison sentence of a career criminal in 2000 who nine years later killed four police officers as they sat in a Washington state coffee shop. He also faced questions about his role in the early release of a convicted rapist who went on to commit murder. But, on the other side, being too tough also may have pitfalls. Reporters during George W. Bush's first presidential run pored over several controversial executions carried out while he was Texas governor. Gov. Rick Perry presided over more than 200 executions in 14 years in Texas. Questions over one execution in particular the notorious arson case in which Cameron Todd Willingham was convicted, in part through disproved forensics, of killing his three children persisted during both of Perry's failed presidential runs. Advertisement Though Trump, a billionaire businessman who has never held public office, hasn't been faced with the decision to grant a pardon or clemency, he has offered opinions. Take the infamous case involving the rape of a white Central Park jogger in 1989. Five young men all black or Latino were convicted. Trump took out full-page newspaper ads calling for the restoration of New York's death penalty. The men, though, eventually were cleared and reached a $41 million wrongful conviction settlement. Trump called the 2014 payout "a disgrace" in a newspaper op-ed piece. Fran Watson, a clinical professor of law at Indiana University McKinney School of Law, who directs a wrongful conviction clinic, said she wouldn't bet on the socially conservative Pence making the move to pardon Cooper, especially while in the national spotlight. "I think the governor deserves his reputation for being tough on crime, which means he doesn't lend an ear to someone convicted of (charges related to) an attempted murder," she said. "One would think under these circumstances where even the prosecution and victim and their family are saying you got the wrong man it would be a bit of a given. He's got this really good opportunity to do what is right without anyone objecting." Cooper was set free in 2006. Two years after his release from prison, a recent college graduate named Elliot Slosar who was working on the co-defendant's lawsuit soon began researching Cooper's case as well. Advertisement Lakeisha Cooper: "I deserve my dad's name to be cleared." (Chicago Tribune) Slosar, now an attorney with Loevy & Loevy in Chicago, argues that Cooper was wrongly imprisoned based on flawed police work, tainted witness identifications, an unreliable jailhouse snitch and a trial attorney who mishandled key DNA evidence. The witnesses and the snitch later recanted. The case was the subject of a Chicago Tribune article last year. The Tribune's review of more than 2,000 pages of trial transcripts, police reports, witness interviews and depositions gathered in Slosar's quest showed the case was fraught with problems. For example, Cooper's former defense attorney agreed to a stipulation that DNA test results from inside the sweatband of the shooter's hat showed he could not be excluded as a suspect. But the Indiana State Police lab report stated just the opposite. Years later, the DNA evidence was linked to a man serving a prison term of up to 60 years in Michigan for his role in a 2002 murder. That man has denied involvement in the Elkhart robbery and has not been charged. Nona Canell: "I just had more faith in the system... and we still don't have justice." (Chicago Tribune) Cooper's co-defendant won a nearly $5 million settlement after a federal jury in late 2010 ruled that police violated his civil rights. Cooper petitioned the Indiana Parole Board for a pardon in 2011. It took three years before his case was heard. At the February 2014 hearing, the crime victims urged his pardon. Advertisement The board unanimously recommended that March that Pence grant Cooper a pardon, but the governor has not acted. "The request for Keith Cooper is still under review," said Stephanie Hodgin, the governor's spokeswoman. "It has not been approved or denied." According to Slosar, the holdup doesn't seem to be about innocence but rather whether Cooper has exhausted all other legal avenues for challenging his conviction. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > "It will be extraordinary if Gov. Pence uses his executive power to pardon Keith, an innocent black man, while a national conversation occurs regarding the interplay between race and the criminal justice system," Slosar said. Ironically, Cooper said he had moved his family from Chicago to the small Indiana town just months before the crime because he wanted to escape the city's violence and find a better job. Cooper said some good did come from his time in prison. He went from being a high school dropout to, while in prison, receiving his GED, associate's degree and certificates of achievement in hospice care and prison ministry. He has since remarried and is a doting grandfather. Advertisement Cooper said he suspects his pardon request will be left unanswered before the governor leaves office. Still, he said, he won't give up. "Never," he said. "I'm not a quitter. I didn't give up in prison and I'm sure not going to give up now." cmgutowski@chicagotribune.com Twitter @christygutowsk1 Rows of computers were set up for students at Lyons Township High School to take the PARCC test. (Jennifer Bialobok / Handout) After millions of dollars spent for online and paper exams, technology improvements and teacher training, it's not clear how long the two-year-old state PARCC exams will last and in what format. The Illinois State Board of Education's contract to administer PARCC ends June 30, 2018, state records show, and ISBE officials say there's no renewal option, meaning the agency would have to enter into a new contract to keep PARCC going. Advertisement The state board has already eliminated high school PARCC testing for some 140,000 students for the upcoming school year, a decision announced last week after the federal government pressured the state to fix the way it tests high school kids. And a group of grade school districts on the North Shore asked the state Wednesday to get rid of PARCC in elementary and junior high schools. Nearly 1 million kids take the reading and math exams in the third to eighth grade, and the length of the tests and other issues have spurred some families to ditch the exams. Advertisement Last week, state school Superintendent Tony Smith wrote in a letter to superintendents, principals and regional education officials that "students in Grades 3-8 will continue to take the PARCC assessment." But he didn't say for how long. One thing is clear: Elementary and junior high students are scheduled to take the controversial PARCC exams in the 2016-17 school year. What happens after that is anyone's guess, even though a testing contract is in place. The original $160.5 million contract with NCS Pearson Inc. includes both high school and grade school PARCC testing over four school years, from 2014-15 to 2017-18. But as of last week, the State Board of Education wiped out PARCC high school testing in favor of giving the SAT college entrance exam to 11th graders beginning in April. "The contract with Pearson has not yet been amended to date. We are currently in discussions with Pearson regarding this contract and the services Pearson will provide under the contract during the remainder of the term," ISBE spokeswoman Megan Griffin said in an email to the Tribune. Pearson declined to comment about the contract. The company has so far been paid about $37 million to administer both high school and grade school testing, according to state comptroller records. Federal law requires that states give reading and math exams in the third through eighth grades and at least once in high school. Advertisement In 2014-15, Illinois launched PARCC, short for the Partnership for Assessment in Readiness for College and Careers, an exam based on Common Core learning standards that focus on critical thinking and problem-solving and help prepare students for college and work. The exams were designed to be taken online though districts could opt to use paper and pencil and hundreds of schools reported needing technology upgrades so kids could take the computer-based tests. A fall 2014 state survey estimated that close to $150 million in improvements were needed, ranging from internal wiring to high-speed internet connections and network security systems, and at least $50 million in upgrades were already in progress. Meanwhile, test scores have been dismal and the state tests have drawn opposition from families who questioned the amount of testing at school part of a national movement that has prompted some states to stop using the PARCC exams. Elementary districts that send students to top-performing New Trier Township High School District say their schools and hundreds of others already use tests that gauge student progress, and "PARCC is merely an ineffective and costly redundancy," according to the letter to Smith. The superintendents in Wilmette, Winnetka, Northfield, Glencoe and Kenilworth shared continued concerns about how much time is spent on PARCC exams. "In reality, PARCC takes significantly more time away from core instruction than any other assessment in the state's history," the letter said. Advertisement The group asked that Smith "discontinue use of PARCC for elementary school districts as well, just as ISBE has done for high schools." A state assessment review committee, under ISBE, is now collecting feedback from educators, parents and students about the second year of PARCC testing, which could lead to changes. For example, the 2015-16 testing was streamlined and shortened, but whether the exams are still considered too long remains at issue. Steve Cordogan is chairman of the committee and the former director of research and evaluation in Arlington Heights-based Township High School District 214. He has long been an advocate of less testing, but he said assessing higher-level standards does take time. "The longer the test, the more accurate the test," he said. "Nobody wants to take time out of class to give a long test and yet they want accurate results. Where do you find the balance?" Cordogan asked. While PARCC was shortened this past school year, "How much of a burden does it remain?" While some districts spent money on technology upgrades for the online testing, Cordogan said it didn't go to waste. "The fact of the matter is that tests are going to be computerized in the future." Some lawmakers also will be reaching out to their communities to get feedback about PARCC. Advertisement State Rep. Robert Pritchard, R-Hinckley, said he plans to hold a meeting with constituents. In the past, he said he spoke to students who "really unloaded on me. They were appalled at the time that PARCC took and ... they lost out on instruction time," Pritchard said. He is a member of key House education committees. Pritchard said he doesn't know if there's a better test out there, so the state may have to stick with PARCC and try to improve it. Cordogan said the state is "thinking in terms of simply staying with PARCC, but the question will be what happens to PARCC at the national level. We have all seen PARCC's membership (of states) shrink. And we know PARCC is trying to change the way it positions itself to become a supplier of test items" in addition to full tests. States are beginning to take advantage of the more flexible PARCC products that don't necessarily involve a full test, according to PARCC spokeswoman Heather Reams. Six states, including Illinois, and Washington, D.C., will give the full tests in 2016-17, she said. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Unclear is whether Illinois would be open to an exam that would include PARCC test questions as well as new test items. When the Tribune asked if the state will move to a new grade school test, spokeswoman Griffin said, "At this time, we are committed to continuing to use PARCC at Grades 3-8." Students are also required by federal law to take science exams in certain grades, but those tests are not connected to PARCC. In the previous two years, Illinois high school students took a hodgepodge of reading and math exams, depending on the courses they were in rather than their grade level. Because kids didn't take the same state exams in reading and math, the U.S. Department of Education determined that Illinois was not complying with federal testing requirements and threatened to withhold federal education funds. Advertisement ISBE then announced the change to the high school testing schedule, ditching PARCC in favor of the SAT. While many administrators praised the move to give an exam that kids can use for college admissions, some educators had reservations. Carol Baker, a former high school administrator who is now superintendent in Lyons School District 103, said she would have liked to have seen PARCC continued in high school, so schools could chart the academic growth of students as they moved from eighth grade into high school. At one point, the state was contemplating PARCC tests in ninth, 10th and 11th grades, but given the state's budget crisis, the money wasn't available. "I don't think we put in enough money and effort to implement PARCC," Baker said. Even at the grade-school level, "the challenge continues to be training, resources and funding," Baker said. drado@chicagotribune.com Barbara Sutton, an assistant metro editor, left, laughs as Ellen Soeteber, assistant managing editor for metropolitan news, pours champagne over the head of reporter William Gaines at the Tribune Tower on March 31, 1988. The Chicago Tribune won the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting for a series of stories on the waste and self-interest that dominate the proceedings of the City Council. (Walter Kale / Chicago Tribune) Former Chicago Tribune investigative reporter William Gaines was one of the newspaper's most decorated journalists, with a list of awards that includes two Pulitzer Prizes. Gaines, who spent 38 years at the Tribune, was an expert with records and had a flair for unknotting dense government documents. Colleagues remember him as a soft-spoken and unassuming reporter who found humor in complicated situations. Advertisement "For all his accomplishments and awards and brilliance, he was so nonchalant, so unpretentious. People underestimated him," said Howard Reich, a Tribune critic who with Gaines co-authored "Jelly's Blues: The Life, Music and Redemption of Jelly Roll Morton." "How much of a threat can he be?" targets of his investigations might think. Advertisement "You have no idea," Reich said. Gaines, 82, died July 20 while in hospice care in Munster, according to his daughter, Michelle. A resident of Munster, he had been dealing with Parkinson's disease for 15 years, she said. Born in Indianapolis, Gaines graduated from Arsenal Technical High School and went on to Butler University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in broadcasting in 1956. He spent two years in the Army, working for the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service in Germany, his daughter said. After working in broadcast networks in Michigan and Indiana, Gaines joined the Tribune in 1963. He became an investigative reporter in 1974. In 1976, he won his first Pulitzer Prize as a member of a team that uncovered widespread abuse in federal housing programs in Chicago, and which exposed shocking conditions at two private Chicago hospitals. As part of the reporting, Gaines went undercover as a janitor at a South Side hospital. While he was hired to mop, sweep and throw out garbage, he was also called on to assist nurses and doctors in surgery while still in his janitor's uniform. "The experience was frightening to me; it was depressing, for I knew that it was not just a fluke that I, a janitor, had been called on to do the work of trained orderlies and nurses' aides," Gaines wrote in a 1975 column. Gaines won his second Pulitzer Prize in 1988, along with Dean Baquet, now executive editor of the New York Times, and Ann Marie Lipinski, now the curator of the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University. The series explored self-interest and waste in the Chicago City Council. Advertisement "He had this incredible curiosity and this expansive mind," said Lipinski, a former editor-in-chief of the Tribune. "Everything was of interest to him. Figuring things out and piecing it together however he needed to is really what distinguished him." Colleagues remember Gaines as someone who was always eager to help less-experienced reporters and willing to drop everything to assist them with their stories. Reich said he was in awe of Gaines' investigative skills and document-assisted reporting. "Those years with him made so many stories and projects possible for me. His lessons have resonated in my work ever since," Reich said. "What's important is not only the groundbreaking work he did but the generations of journalists he trained. His impact and legacy ripples throughout all of our work." Gaines retired from the Tribune in 2001, and went on to teach at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he became the Knight Chair in Journalism, his daughter said. During his time as a professor, Gaines led a study with his students to determine the identity of the Watergate informant known only as "Deep Throat." The investigation incorrectly concluded that "Deep Throat" was Fred F. Fielding, a former associate counsel to President Richard Nixon, before the actual informant, W. Mark Felt, the second in command at the FBI under Nixon, acknowledged his identity in 2005. Gaines retired from U. of I. in 2006. Michelle Gaines described her father as an "average guy" whose main hobby was his work. In his free time, he wrote a book about reporting, she said with a chuckle. Advertisement Gaines' textbook is titled "Investigative Reporting for Print and Broadcast," and was published in 1994. Michelle Gaines said the textbook is used in more than 60 journalism programs. Gaines is also survived by his wife, Nellie; and two sons, Michael and Matthew. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. July 24 at Smits Funeral Homes in Dyer. meltagouri@chicagotribune.com Using chains and locks, JT Johnson, left, and Tasha Viets-Vanlear with Black Youth Project 100 block the entrance to the Chicago Police Department's Homan Square facility July 20, 2016, to demand city tax money be invested in alternatives. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune) Dozens of activists and protesters took to the streets of North Lawndale on Wednesday night to demand city tax money be invested in alternatives to traditional policing. An hour into the evening protest, about 10 demonstrators were arrested and charged with obstructing a roadway after they chained their bodies together and blocked the entrance to the Chicago Police Department's Homan Square facility. Advertisement "We're imagining a world without police," said Camesha Jones, 24, of Bronzeville. "The city of Chicago has spent (millions) of dollars because of police misconduct settlements. I'm here to imagine a world where that money would be spent on education, mental health, to open school, clinics, create jobs." The demonstration coincided with similar protests Wednesday in New York and Washington, D.C. Advertisement Organized by a group called the Let Us Breathe Collective, the march started at Douglas Park in front of the home of Chicago police Officer Dante Servin. Protesters then marched down residential blocks and joined activists who were chained together in the road in front of the Homan Square police facility at South Homan Avenue and West Fillmore Street. After singing songs, chanting and reciting poems, the crowd was asked to leave by police. When the group that was chained together refused to move, police took them into custody. Police had to gather tools and use hand saws to remove the protesters. It took police about an hour to make the arrests. Another march pushing for an end to traditional policing is planned Thursday in Chicago and will take the cause directly to Chicago police headquarters. "We want a full divestment from policing and a full investment in black communities," said Charlene Carruthers, national director at Black Youth Project 100. "We want a world where we don't deal with conflict with police and prisons. It's a process. It's not just about tearing things down but building up alternatives, institutions and practices that deal with conflict and harm without punishment." Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > The protests come as the nation is still reeling from the shooting deaths of five police officers in Dallas and three in Baton Rouge, La., and also dealing with the police shootings of Alton B. Sterling in Baton Rouge and Philando Castile in Minnesota. The marches continue a longstanding push against police violence directed at African-Americans. "Our movement has never called for the execution of police officers," Carruthers said. "What we have done is called out the amount of power (police) have in our lives. At this moment, black families are also grieving and our actions continue because black people continue to be killed, live in poverty and live in communities that are hyper-surveilled and policed." Protesters set up a gathering site in a vacant lot near Homan Square and called it Freedom Square. It was another way to engage the community and promote the message to end policing, said Kristiana Rae Colon, co-founder of the Let Us Breathe Collective. Advertisement "We believe that strong communities do not need police and police do not keep us safe," Colon said. "Almost 40 percent of Chicago's budget goes to CPD right now, while we claim we're too broke to fund our schools or pay for mental health services. There is a myth that Chicago is broke. Chicago is investing in what it deems necessary, which is different from what the people deem as necessary. "Violence in black lives comes in the form of police abuse sometimes," she said. "But state violence is also closing schools, closing mental health facilities, funding housing inequities." lbowean@tribpub.com Twitter @lollybowean Former U.S. Attorney Dan Webb has recommended more than 50 reforms to address problems in the city of Chicago's Law Department, which has come under fire in recent months for its handling of potential evidence in police misconduct cases. But Webb's seven-month review found no intentional misconduct during Mayor Rahm Emanuel's administration beyond a previously reported instance, according to the 74-page report released Thursday. Advertisement "For a large and extremely busy office like the (police litigation division) which has around 40 attorneys at any given time, handles hundreds of cases per year, and takes many cases to trial, it may be impossible to eliminate all discovery-related errors or oversights," says the report, which was done by Webb and a team of attorneys from the Winston & Strawn law firm. "However, various policies and procedures can be put in place to help minimize the opportunities for such discovery errors to occur." In a gently worded report that focused more on future reforms than past failings, Webb's group called for new, robust training concentrating, in part, on "reinforcing a culture of compliance in discovery." It recommended better supervision and stronger communication with the Police Department during discovery, the formal legal process in which potential evidence is exchanged between opposing parties. Advertisement The report also recommended that the Law Department stop interviewing defendant officers in a group setting, a practice that critics have said promotes the department's code of silence by allowing officers to align their stories. Webb's team said group interviews are not unethical but should be avoided because of the potential conflicts involved. The report stresses that city attorneys need a stronger understanding of how police records are maintained. For example, city lawyers told Webb's team that they only recently learned about GPS data maintained by the Police Department and that some search warrant-related documents are stored on the West Side. "Almost uniformly, (police litigation division) attorneys acknowledged during interviews that they could benefit from a more comprehensive knowledge of the universe of CPD or other City documents that exist, and that at times they have experienced challenges during discovery as a consequence of not possessing a complete knowledge of all CPD and other City entity information generation and record-keeping," the report states. In an interview with the Tribune, Webb said he and his team found the Law Department eager to improve and quick to adopt changes as the review went on. The problems at the department were more about the flow of information between the department and Chicago police, he said, as opposed to an intentional withholding of records to gain an advantage in court or to further a code of silence that protects problem cops. "I didn't find that there was a culture inside the Law Department for management to put their head in the sand and not want documents to be discovered that should be produced," Webb said. "Their cooperation was not phony." Local plaintiffs' attorneys many of whom were interviewed as part of the review considered Webb's findings to be something of a paradox. Despite the conclusion that the city does not intentionally conceal documents, the report's recommendations indicate that the police litigation division is understaffed, needs more supervision and had a poor communication policy with city agencies responsible for producing documents. "This scenario created a de facto unintentional practice and policy of civil plaintiff's attorneys either not getting requested documents or getting them late in discovery because of these failures," said attorney Antonio Romanucci, who was interviewed by Webb's team as part of the review. "It is all of our hope that the city takes this report seriously and implements the recommendations of the Winston & Strawn report without hesitation and quickly." Webb's findings come one month after a Tribune investigation that detailed how the Law Department routinely fights requests to turn over potential evidence in police misconduct cases. Advertisement A Tribune analysis of nearly 450 cases alleging police misconduct since Emanuel took office found that in more than 19 percent of the cases nearly 1 in every 5 a federal judge ordered the city to turn over police reports, personnel files or other potential evidence it objected to providing plaintiffs. In cases involving allegations of wrongful convictions or serious excessive force such as police shootings, where the financial stakes are the highest and the threat to the city's image are the most serious, the frequency jumped to 27 percent, more than 1 in 4 cases. And in five cases, the city's conduct was found to be so inappropriate that federal judges took the unusual step of handing down sanctions. Those sanctions led a judge in two cases to take the even rarer step of throwing out jury verdicts that had favored the city and ordering new trials. In reviewing the department's procedures, Webb and his team interviewed more than 90 people, including more than four dozen plaintiff's lawyers. They also interviewed every division attorney and reviewed 75 police misconduct cases, most of which were filed in federal court. Webb and Winston & Strawn partner Robert Michels also met with Mayor Rahm Emanuel in March to update him on their findings. The mayor declined to comment on the report. Emanuel tapped Webb to lead the review in early January, just days after U.S. District Judge Edmond Chang sanctioned one city lawyer for intentionally concealing evidence and another for failing to make a reasonable effort to locate key records in a lawsuit stemming from the fatal police shooting of Darius Pinex. Advertisement Pinex family attorney Steve Greenberg praised Webb's recommendations but questioned why the suggested policies weren't already standard practice in the city's Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division, which has handled 1,800 police misconduct lawsuits during Emanuel's tenure. "Some of these are common-sense recommendations that should have been in place a long time ago," Greenberg said. "But in the past, the city preferred to keep blinders on, and it kept the truth from coming out." Stephen Patton, Emanuel's hand-picked corporation counsel, has rejected any implication of wrongdoing among his staff of about 45 attorneys in the Civil Rights Litigation Division. Patton, though, told the Tribune last month that he had instituted several reforms to ensure better discovery practices, including a policy that drastically reduces the Police Department's role in collecting documents needed for litigation. Other reforms include setting up an in-house document management system to ensure that discovery can be better tracked, new policies requiring attorneys to double- and triple-check which records have been turned over, and hiring outside lawyers to represent individual officers in cases involving the most egregious misconduct allegations. In anticipation of Webb's report, Patton had ordered division lawyers to attend a half-dozen discovery and ethics-related training sessions since January. He also has added three new attorney positions to cut the workload and has hired more paralegals. "There is room for improvement in any organization, and the Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division is no exception," Patton said in a statement Thursday. "As I said when we announced this review, we would not wait to implement improvements suggested by Mr. Webb and his team." Advertisement Many of the reforms are applauded in Webb's report, including Patton's recent decision to have city lawyers collect law enforcement records themselves instead of relying upon the Police Department's office of legal affairs. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > "Information we gathered during the review suggests that working through OLA often has proven to be extremely difficult and cumbersome for (city) attorneys," the report states. Since the Tribune's report, a federal judge has sanctioned the city for withholding a key investigative file controlled by the city's Independent Police Review Authority, which investigates excessive force allegations against officers. It marked the sixth time in the past five years that Emanuel's administration had been sanctioned for violations during discovery, the formal process of exchanging information and potential evidence in a civil case. Federal judges also are considering sanctions requests in two other police misconduct lawsuits. sstclair@chicagotribune.com jcoen@ chicagotribune.com Advertisement Twitter @stacystclair Twitter @jeffcoen The State Health Councils right in deciding to hold a do-over meeting on a radioactive waste program. The August 2015 meeting where the program was approved has been contested since it was held and is now the focus of a court case. If the council is serious about the meeting, allowing the public to comment on new rules to allow up to 50 picocuries of radioactive material to be disposed in North Dakota, and to weigh the testimony along with other evidence, then the re-do makes sense. If the meeting is intended to rubber stamp previous action, then it would seem to be an attempt to get out of the court case. The Energy Industry Waste Coalition and the Dakota Resource Council argued in 2015 that the State Health Council failed to give proper notice of the August meeting. The attorney generals office agreed and ordered the council to mail the meeting minutes to the complaining parties. The two groups have taken the council to court, asking a judge to enforce the state's open meetings law by requiring the council to redo the meeting. They argue the attorney generals remedy was insufficient. Nothing is lost by doing the meeting over. No companies have received a permit to dispose of waste in North Dakota. Two companies have informed the Health Department they're interested in a specialized permit. IHD Disposal has since put its permit request for a site near Alexander on indefinite hold due to local protests and Secure Energy Services continues the process for a site north of Williston. The increase in picocuries of radioactive material allowed has gone through a review process. The opposition to the increase may likely fail during a new meeting, but an open session with plenty of notice remains essential. Even if a new meeting is held, it doesnt necessarily mean an end to the lawsuit. South Central District Judge Thomas Schneider will decide the fate of the lawsuit. Sarah Vogel, the attorney for the two groups, believes the council knows it's going to lose and plans the do-over to make the lawsuit unnecessary and possibly avoid paying the other sides' attorney fees. Even if thats the case, its a victory for the two groups and the open meetings law. Its important that open meetings rules are taken seriously. The problem with the attorney generals remedy was it was too easy for the council. Mailing the minutes didnt reflect how grievous an error the council committed. The public deserves a say and hopefully the council will give them an opportunity. Otherwise the court should decide on a solution. One of two shooting victims is transported from the scene on the 1500 block of N Lorel Ave. in the North Austin neighborhood on July 21, 2016. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune) At least 12 people have been wounded in shootings across Chicago since Wednesday evening, police said. Most recently, about 1:10 a.m. Thursday, a 19-year-old man was shot in Park Manor on the South Side. He was on the sidewalk in the 7100 block of South King Drive when someone shot him from a black SUV. He went to University of Chicago Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the left thigh and later was transferred to Mount Sinai Hospital. His condition was stabilized. Advertisement About 12:40 a.m., a 29-year-old man walked in to Community First Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the hand. No further information was immediately available. Around 12:05 a.m., a 24-year-old man was wounded in a shooting in the Englewood neighborhood on the South Side, police said. The man was standing on the sidewalk in the 7300 block of South Morgan Street when he heard gunshots and realized he was hit in the neck. He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. Advertisement About 11:40 p.m. Wednesday, a 21-year-old man and a 31-year-old man were wounded in a shooting in the North Austin neighborhood on the West Side, police said. The two men were in the 1500 block of North Lorel Avenue when they were shot. Police discovered the two men in the hallway of an apartment building. The older man was shot in the head and was taken in critical condition to Stroger Hospital, and the younger man was hit in the right calf and also was taken to Stroger, where his condition stabilized. A woman in a red T-shirt sat on the steps of a building across from the home where the two shooting victims were found. Her family recently moved to Chicago's Austin neighborhood from Iowa to be closer to relatives. But it's been a scary transition, especially for her five children, who had to learn the sound of gunshots, she said. "I thought it was gonna be OK," she said. "But I was wrong." She added that she hopes to move back to Iowa as soon as she can. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > About 10:50 p.m., a 22-year-old man was shot in Kenwood. Someone approached him on foot in the 4900 block of South Woodlawn Avenue, fired shots and fled in a dark-colored sedan. The man was shot in the abdomen and taken to Stroger Hospital in serious condition. Just before 10:20 p.m., a 19-year-old man was shot in the Lawndale neighborhood. He was inside an SUV traveling in the 4200 block of West 16th Street when he was shot in the right leg. The man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where his condition stabilized. Police officers stopped the SUV in the 4200 block of West 18th Street after it was seen fleeing the area of where shots were fired, police said. Officers blocked off a stretch of the sidewalk in the 4000 block of West Cermak Road, where a rifle lay. Police said someone inside the SUV tossed the rifle onto the street while police followed them. About four blocks north, another group of officers put yellow crime tape around a black handgun lying in the intersection of 16th Street and Karlov Avenue. At 9:45 p.m., a 20-year-old man riding in a sedan in East Chatham was shot. He was a passenger in the sedan, which was in the 8300 block of South Ingleside Avenue, when he heard gunfire and felt pain. He was shot in the buttock and calf and went to Stroger Hospital. His condition was stabilized. Advertisement At 9:30 p.m., a 67-year-old man was shot in Roseland on the Far South Side. He was on the sidewalk in the 11400 block of South Harvard Avenue when someone fired shots in his direction from a silver SUV. The man was shot in the right shoulder and his condition was stabilized. Information was not immediately available about where he was being treated. About 9:20 p.m., a 20-year-old man was shot on the Southwest Side in the Wrightwood neighborhood. He was standing in the 7900 block of South Richmond Avenue as someone exited a nearby vehicle and fired shots. The man was shot in the buttocks and got himself to Holy Cross Hospital. His condition was stabilized. About 7:55 p.m, two males, whose ages were not immediately available, were wounded in a shooting in the 5200 block of South Albany Avenue the Gage Park neighborhood on the Southwest Side, said Officer Hector Alfaro, a police spokesman. The two were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were both listed in good conditions. Illinois State Police shut down part of the Eisenhower Expressway after shots were fired on the Interstate early Thursday. No injuries were reported, but a vehicle was hit by gunfire in the eastbound lanes near Sacramento Avenue at about 2:35 a.m., according to preliminary information from state police. Advertisement Police temporarily shut down the eastbound lanes of the expressway to look for evidence. As of 5 a.m., all lanes were open and no shell casings were found, state police said. Advertisement No information was available about the vehicle from which the shots were fired. WGN-TV contributed. Six-year-old Tacarra Morgan woke up in a hospital bed Wednesday and looked at her mother, who hadn't left her side since she'd been shot the day before. "I'm ready to go home," she said. Carolyn Morris said her daughter slipped in and out of sedated sleep through the day. Tacarra spoke for a few minutes on the phone with her grandfather but said she couldn't talk long because her throat hurt. Paramedics had inserted a breathing tube down her throat as they rushed from her West Englewood home, where she was shot in the abdomen Tuesday evening while sitting on her porch. "She's been asking for water," Morris said. But she can't drink because the gunshot wound ripped a hole in her stomach. Nurses have been wetting the little girl's lips with water. Morris finally left her daughter for a few hours Wednesday evening to appear at a community rally at 60th and Paulina, near their home. People who don't know the family dropped off gifts and cards, a wand with a spinning light and a pink stuffed animal. Teachers from Earle STEM Elementary gathered on the family's porch as the rally wound down, hugging well-wishers and talking with relatives visiting Morris and her parents. Down the block, a Police Department civilian whose job includes organizing and speaking at community rallies gave stacks of fliers to volunteers who circled the neighborhood recruiting participants. These rallies are often held the day after a child gets shot. There have been other rallies in the last three weeks for three other children shot in Englewood this month. The rallies aim to bridge the gap between police and residents, to build goodwill, to support families of wounded children. Tacarra was with her mother and grandmother on the porch when the first volley of gunfire rang out a block north. The shooters chased their targets south and fired again, aiming across the intersection toward people fleeing through a vacant lot. They hit the child as she tried to get in the front door. A crowd gathered in that intersection Wednesday evening as an organizer grabbed the microphone and implored participation from residents and cooperation from people who may know what happened -- to Tacarra and to the other children shot in this neighborhood in the last three weeks. Onlookers fanned themselves with aldermanic campaign placards. Englewood District police officers handed out event schedules and tried to stir interest in an upcoming National Night Out event. Three dozen kids in navy blue shirts and shorts stood with their hands behind their back in single-file, the smallest no taller than 5 feet in front and a 6-foot-2 12-year-old in the back. The children were identified by adults in their community as "at risk" and were sent to a University of Chicago program designed to teach kids positive leadership. "You'd be surprised how these kids are drawn to discipline," Officer Martin Smith said. He wore the same blue-shirt-blue-shorts uniform as the children. They stood in line and tightened up when he yelled, "Heads straight." The rally drew to a close around 8 p.m., and the collection of activists, preachers, residents, outreach workers and onlookers stood in a circle holding hands. The boys under Smith's direction formed a circle and bowed their heads. When the prayer circle broke, officers directed the boys back in line. Sgt. Kimberly Woods addressed the boys, standing at attention. She wanted to make sure they passed out fliers within these four corners, and that every person standing here knew of the efforts they were making. "Do you understand?" "Yes, ma'am." Tacarra's family drifted in pairs and threes back toward the house, where the girl's grandfather was sitting with relatives. "One more time!" the sergeant said to the kids. Yes, ma'am." "That's better." They walked away. A group of friends play in standing water left from overnight storms to try to stay cool. The group from Huntley made their own t-shirts and entered a beach soccer tournament at Montrose Beach in Chicago on Sunday July 24, 2016. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) As a heat wave settles into the Chicago area, city, county and state agencies are mobilizing to help keep residents safe. Local health officials are urging people to avoid being outside whenever possible and to stay in air-conditioned areas to keep cool. Dozens of governmental facilities will operate as cooling centers for residents without air conditioning at home, while some communities are planning wellness checks on people most susceptible to becoming ill from the heat and humidity. The National Weather Service has issued an "excessive heat warning" through 7 p.m. Friday, with temperatures expected to reach the low to mid-90s during the day. Advertisement Chicago city ordinance requires certain facilities to provide air conditioning, particularly those housing older or more vulnerable residents, according to the city buildings department. "In summer months, the city requires licensed assisted living establishments, long-term care facilities and adult family care homes and centers to equip, monitor and maintain automatic air-cooling systems or equipment capable of maintaining a temperature of 75 degrees and 50 percent relative humidity in all living quarters, dining areas, bathrooms, common rooms and connecting corridors," building department spokeswoman Mimi Simon said in a statement. Advertisement In some nursing homes, safety and wellness checks are built into their daily routine. At Brookdale, an assisted living facility in the Lakeview East neighborhood, all residents are checked on every morning and if they are not there, a sequential approach to locating the individual and contacting nurses, family and attendants is implemented. To battle the heat, the building is fully air-conditioned and hydration stations are set up on the first floor, lead concierge Thomas Walters said. Ald. Nicholas Sposato, 38th, said people call his office to do wellness checks year-round, but he also relies on people "being good neighbors." "People look after each other, they check up on them and people know who's on the block and check up on the old people," Sposato said. Mayor Emanuel talks Chicago heat wave precautions for the sick and elderly at a senior center on the Southwest Side. (John E. Byrne / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune) The 44th Ward office has much the same approach, touching base with seniors who live alone and reminding them to turn on their air conditioning, said Bennett R. Lawson, chief of staff to Ald. Tom Tunney. Most of the seniors in the 3rd Ward live in senior buildings, according to Ald. Pat Dowell, and the ones who don't maintain a constant communication with the city through Dowell's cellphone or through her office. She also said that many of the seniors belong to churches that also provide wellness checks. Organizations geared toward non-English speakers also have materials in residents' native languages regarding heat stroke and how to stay cool. The Chinese American Service League has home-care services, in which aides go to the houses of the elderly to help with chores and do wellness checks. The center doubles as a cooling facility, and many elderly people take advantage of the air-conditioned lobby to beat the heat, said Yicklun Mo, manager of elderly and family services at the Chinese American Service League. Those who come to the center are given pamphlets about heatstroke, and people also speak to them in their native language about hot weather safety. Advertisement Mayor Rahm Emanuel toured the Southwest Regional Senior Center in Chicago Lawn Thursday morning for a media event to underscore the need for Chicagoans to take precautions in the heat and watch out for each other. Emanuel urged people to call the city if they need help getting services to beat the heat. He alluded to the 1995 heat wave that killed more than 700 people in Chicago, noting much of the city's response to high heat was coordinated in the wake of that debacle. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications was just getting started in 1995. Today it is the hub for the city's handling of heat responses. "Also most importantly to call, there's 311, there's 911," Emanuel said. "As everybody knows the history of how OEMC came about, it started because of a heat wave and there was an uncoordinated response. The city will have that response throughout today, tomorrow, as I said, throughout the weekend as the city deals with this heat wave." The state uses over 120 Department of Human Services buildings as cooling centers from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chicago's Department of Family and Support Services operates six cooling centers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the South Chicago, Hermosa, Uptown, Fifth City, Bronzeville and Englewood neighborhoods. Twenty-one senior centers throughout the city also are available for older residents, open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Advertisement Cook County's Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has 28 facilities open as cooling stations throughout the suburbs with varying hours of operation. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 Mayor Rahm Emanuel greets some seniors following a press conference at the City of Chicago Southwest Regional Center/Southwest Senior Center (Department of Family and Support Services) in Chicago on July 21, 2016. This is one of the twenty one senior centers in the city that senior citizens can use to get a break from the high heat that has arrived in the region. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune) But the majority of those facilities usually are open on weekdays only. Even when state and city agencies offer extended hours to use the buildings to cool off city officials have not announced any such plans that still leaves a large swath of time where some residents without air conditioning must endure the steamy conditions. Meteorologists are predicting the temperature during the heat wave still could remain in the 80s overnight, plenty warm to keep an apartment or unit without air conditioning very uncomfortable. The Garfield Center at 10 S. Kedzie Ave. in Chicago, Berwyn Police Department headquarters and the public safety building in Barrington all are open 24/7, according to the Cook County website. Additionally, the village building in Cicero will be open until 8 p.m., and the Cicero Police Department will be open as a cooling center between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., as well as 24/7 on Saturday and Sunday. The seven Illinois Tollway oases also double as cooling centers and are open 24/7. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > It is difficult to assess how many people actually visit a cooling center for that reason. The state human services department uses the lobbies of its Family Community Resource centers and Division of Rehabilitation Services offices as cooling centers. Advertisement "Because these IDHS offices are mostly used for servicing customers, we do not specifically ask individuals at the cooling sites if they are using services or only using the space as a cooling center," said human services spokeswoman Meghan Powers. Public health department officials said other ways people can manage body temperatures, particularly in the absence of air conditioning, include limiting outdoor activity, avoiding direct sunlight, wearing loose and lightweight clothing, and taking cool baths or showers. Residents also should drink significantly more water than usual and avoid alcoholic, caffeinated and sugary drinks, which can be dehydrating. Two people in Cook County have died this year because of heat-related illnesses, including a 63-year-old North Austin woman who died Tuesday, according to the medical examiner's office. The Tribune's John Byrne contributed. cdrhodes@chicagotribune.com gwong@chicagotribune.com The Illinois Republican Party on Wednesday revoked the credentials of Lori Gayne, a Donald Trump delegate from Chicago who has used a social media handle of "whitepride" for alleged racial slurs and threats of violence. July 21, 2016. (CBS Chicago) CLEVELAND The Illinois Republican Party on Wednesday revoked the credentials of a Donald Trump delegate from Chicago who has used a social media handle of "whitepride" for "publicly made racist comments and threats of violence." Lori Gayne, an elected Trump delegate from the city and west suburban 5th Congressional District, was stripped of her Republican National Convention delegate credentials, state GOP Chairman Tim Schneider said. Advertisement "The Illinois Republican Party has zero tolerance for racism of any kind and threats of violence against anyone," Schneider said in a statement. "Let me be unequivocally clear, racism and threats of violence have absolutely no place in the Illinois Republican Party or in a civil and inclusive society," he said. Advertisement GOP officials said Gayne posted something on Facebook on the opening day of the convention that included a photo suggesting law enforcement officers were prepared to shoot African-American protesters and used a racial slur. In May, a Tribune profile of Trump delegates elected in the March 15 primary revealed that Gayne used the handle "whitepride" on social media. "With all the racism going on today, I'm very proud to be white. Just like black people are proud to be black and now, as white people, whenever we say something critical we're punished as if we're racists. I'm tired of it. I'm very proud," Gayne said then in an interview. "I'm so angry I don't even feel like I live in America. You can call me a racist. Black Lives Matter? Those people are out of control," she said. Other social media accounts she used, which didn't feature her real name, found her lashing out at members of the Muslim religion. Gayne was not immediately available for comment. State Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park, co-chair of the Illinois delegation and a major Trump supporter, said he supported free speech but said Gayne had crossed the bounds to be a representative for Illinois Republicans. "I don't believe her voice is one we want in the party," Cabello said. rap30@aol.com Advertisement Twitter @rap30 CLEVELAND Illinois Republican national committeeman Richard Porter stood before the state's delegation at breakfast Thursday and proclaimed that the booing of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz for refusing to endorse presidential nominee Donald Trump was a display of unity. As Porter described the chaotic convention hall scene as "fun," Jim Fisher bolted from the hotel ballroom. Advertisement "He was saying booing Ted Cruz brings us together," said an angry Fisher, a Cruz delegate from Hudson in central Illinois. The scene was one more example of the depth of the fissures that exist in Illinois and among Republicans nationally as the state's delegation prepares to head home with Trump, the controversial businessman and former reality TV star, atop its November ticket. Advertisement In a week of national convention gaffes, Illinois Republicans kicked out a Trump delegate for posting racist statements on social media, saw Gov. Bruce Rauner and U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk skip the event, and witnessed a Trump alternate delegate loudly opposing U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger's plea to back Kirk for a second term. Support Kirk "as opposed to Tammy Duckworth?" asked Suzanne Amato of Wood Dale. "They're basically one and the same. It's ridiculous to me. We have to keep Mark Kirk in because he's a true Republican? ... He's not a true Republican." Ultimately, Republicans still on the fence over backing their presidential nominee are increasingly trying to rationalize supporting Trump in the context that voters face a "binary choice" between him and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who accepts the Democratic nomination in Philadelphia next week. Illinois delegate Christian Gramm, left, and other delegates react as some call for a roll call vote on the adoption of the rules during first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016. (John Locher / AP) "In our democratic system, right or wrong, that is what it will come down to," said Kinzinger, of Channahon, who has not formally backed Trump. "It's tough. Look, having resisted to this point is hard politically. It's difficult. You know the people that support me in my district are largely Donald Trump supporters. This isn't a political move for me. It's a move of conscience," said Kinzinger, who added that he "intends" and "wants" to back the nominee and "will never support Hillary." Kinzinger and U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam of Wheaton acknowledge a chief concern nationally with Trump's candidacy is to make sure Republicans keep a majority in the House, working off a playbook from House Speaker Paul Ryan rather than one from the presidential nominee. Roskam said the running mate choice of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, a former congressman, will help shore up conservative support for Trump. "He's got to get the base," Roskam said of Trump. Noting Clinton's need to gain the support and energy from backers of former rival Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Roskam said, "It's kind of an interesting year when nobody's got their base." Advertisement State Rep. Patti Bellock of Hinsdale said part of the problem for Republicans is "they are not quite sure if (Trump) is conservative." "He is the nominee, and I think that Republicans after the convention, maybe not all, but people like myself who are still concerned about him will learn in the next week or two if they can come forward." For Bellock and others, there are concerns about a "Trump effect" down the ballot in critical state legislative races. Those are the contests in which Rauner has vowed to help elect Republicans to erode Democratic supermajorities in the state House and Senate and start to curb the power of House Speaker Michael Madigan. Rauner has pledged to support the GOP ticket on Nov. 8, though aides said he would not be formally endorsing Trump. Kirk had vowed to back the nominee before rescinding his support over Trump remarks critical of a federal judge from Indiana of Hispanic descent. Asked about Kirk's attitude toward the party's presidential nominee, state Rep. John Cabello of Machesney Park, co-chair of the state GOP delegation and a strong Trump supporter, said only: "I'm going to help the people that want to help each other." But Paul Minch, a Trump delegate from Downers Grove, said he wants people upset at Rauner and Kirk to "consider the big picture," arguing it's important to remain united against Democrats. Advertisement "I have been working on a few people already to get them to understand the good things Mark Kirk has done and will do," Minch said, noting the battle over the makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court. "If the Democrats win the Senate, well then Trump has to negotiate more and put in someone maybe they won't be as happy with. So that's why it's important for me to work on them and get them to think about it. And maybe they don't agree with everything Mark Kirk has done, but that's OK." Tim Schneider, the Cook County commissioner Rauner tapped to be state GOP chairman, maintained talk of any divisions was illusory. "I've seen nothing but unity this whole week. I've seen nothing but unity," Schneider said. "Even the booing of Ted Cruz was a unifying event to me. It unified people around our nominee," he said, echoing Porter, the state's Republican national committeeman. But Fisher, the Cruz delegate who left Thursday's breakfast, didn't see it as a unifying moment. "For crying out loud, did you see the things Trump did to Ted Cruz right from the very beginning of this campaign? That would be hard for somebody to come back and say, 'Oh, now I endorse this guy who insulted me, who said things about me that were flat-out not true,'" said Fisher, one of nine Cruz delegates in the 69-member delegation. Advertisement "It's very important for the Republican Party to get together, not only at the national level, but the local level, the state level, all of those things. We need to make all of the things that we have as this country a focus of the things we do in this party. Those were very uniting things, and then (Porter) comes up and says (for unity), 'We're booing Ted Cruz,'" he said. Schneider, however, said he believes any rifts in the GOP will heal as the election looms based once again on the "binary choice" they face. "I think those folks will come to the fold, too, because the opposite course four more years of the last eight years and crooked Hillary Clinton as our president is not anything that this country or this party can tolerate," he said. rap30@aol.com mcgarcia@chicagotribune.com Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani addresses delegates during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016. (Paul Sancya / AP) CLEVELAND Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel needs to show his police officers that he has their backs to keep the force proactive against crime. Giuliani, who made an appearance in the hotel where Illinois' delegation is staying, blamed President Barack Obama, some prosecutors and the news media for having a "presumed guilty" attitude toward law enforcement officers in shootings of civilians. He cited cases of officers around the country involved in shooting incidents who were prosecuted, only to be found innocent. Advertisement Emanuel "needs to make his police proactive, rather than reactive. He needs to have his police trained to prevent crime rather than just to react to crime after it's over. To do that you've got to support them. To do that you have to have their back," said Giuliani, the former two-term mayor. "'Cause what you're telling them to do is you're telling them to put themselves in the middle of extremely dangerous, complex situations where sometimes they can make a mistake. And he needs to do what I did, which is to tell all my police officers, I have your back. If you get in trouble, you are not going to be presumed guilty until you're found innocent the way Barack Obama does," the onetime Republican presidential contender said. Advertisement The Chicago Police Department is the subject of a federal Justice Department investigation of officers' use of deadly force. The probe was announced in December, a couple of weeks after Emanuel released video of the October 2014 killing of Laquan McDonald, an African-American teen, by white Officer Jason Van Dyke. The officer was charged with murder hours before the video's release. In the aftermath, Emanuel came under criticism and replaced his police superintendent after initially standing behind Garry McCarthy. Giuliani, a conservative commentator who spoke to the Arkansas delegation to the Republican National Convention, later decried an environment in which "we presume murderers and criminals innocent until proven guilty but we presume police officers guilty the minute the television screen puts on a shooting." "You've got to understand, this is the blue line that protects us from anarchy, and if they don't feel they're backed up, they're just human. They get to be more careful and getting to be more careful means more crimes take place. They don't interrupt crimes. They don't go in trying to stop it," he said. Helping to create that environment, he said, was the media. "You, the media, have some responsibility for this. You convict the police officer before the police officer is found not guilty by a jury and it should change," he told reporters. Mayors should let their police officers know "that if they're proactive and they get in trouble, you're not going to be the first one to get on the train to throw them under the bus," he said. Emanuel has been trying to regain the trust of officers. On Wednesday the mayor decried the type of gang violence that led to the shooting this week of 6-year-old Tacarra Morgan when he noted the dangerous nature of officers' work. Advertisement "There's not a weekend that our officers are not putting their lives on the line, pulling people off the streets with a criminal record that's longer than 'War and Peace,'" he said. In October, before the McDonald video release, Emanuel stood by a contention he made during a Washington, D.C., panel discussion along with Attorney General Loretta Lynch. "We have allowed our Police Department to get fetal, and it is having a direct consequence. They have pulled back from the ability to interdict. ... They don't want to be a news story themselves, they don't want their career ended early, and it's having an impact," Emanuel said, according to The Washington Post. Then in December, under intense public pressure after weeks of protest marches, Emanuel called a special City Council meeting in which he said a code of silence exists in CPD in which officers cover up the wrongdoing of their colleagues. "We cannot ask citizens in crime-ravaged neighborhoods to break the code of silence if we continue to allow a code of silence to exist within our own Police Department," he said. Murders and shootings have spiked sharply in Chicago this year. Advertisement Chicago Tribune's John Byrne contributed from Chicago. rap30@aol.com Twitter @rap30 FARGO -- Chancellor Mark Hagerott said hes hoping it all works out and Dean Bresciani remains president of North Dakota State University, but said the decision will be up to the State Board of Higher Education. Its all definitely doable, at least thats what Ive seen, he said, referring to areas of improvement higher education board members identified when moving to postpone Brescianis contract renewal decision until November. Its the state boards decision. Bresciani has been in limbo since the board decided in late June to delay action on whether to extend his contract in light of concerns, including what members regarded as poor communications and signs NDSUs standing as a research university is slipping. Hagerott met Wednesday, July 20, with The Forum Editorial Board to outline his initiatives, including some guidelines for how the state university system will handle impending budget cuts. When Brescianis status came up, Hagerott said he plans to meet with the NDSU president later this week to discuss meaningful metrics to measure progress toward improvement goals outlined by the board. I have great admiration for all the work he has done, Hagerott said of Bresciani, who took the helm at NDSU in 2010. The school has done incredible things. Hagerott, a Navy veteran, later said he comes from a background in which the position, not the person, is whats important. He said NDSU will continue to succeed, no matter who serves as president. Bresciani appears to have significant backing, the chancellor said, noting that he will meet with local business leaders. Obviously, people feel very supportive, Hagerott said. Budget cuts, including a 4 percent cut that already has been imposed and future cuts, are serving as a catalyst to improve efficiency and collaboration throughout the university system, Hagerott said. Its going to get hard, he said, referring to cuts that will follow a special legislative session in August, which could force personnel cuts. Some campus presidents have already trimmed administration positions. The chancellor has asked presidents to head a variety of studies to guide improvements and to better unify the system. One avenue is to increase shared services. Another is to increase online course opportunities, so expertise at one campus can be widely available. The university system must ensure that its top programs remain strong despite the leaner budget climate, Hagerott said. I really do believe higher education is going to diversify the economy more than anything else, unless we find a diamond mine someplace, he said. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump tests the teleprompters and microphones on stage before the start of the fourth day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) Conventions have multiple purposes, but the part that is televised in prime time has only one: to reinforce the themes and competitive advantages of the presidential candidate. That requires highlighting his strengths, minimizing his weaknesses and damaging his opponent. Three days of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland have produced a slightly different effect, leaving the rationales for Donald Trump's candidacy in tatters. Consider. Advertisement - Trump the CEO. Trump has never been much of a manager, as my Trump-authority colleague Tim O'Brien just made clear in his column. And experts often explain that running the federal government is nothing like running a company especially a family company like Trump's. Oddly enough, a convention sort of is. It's entirely your show. You set the schedule, pick the speakers and, in all but exceptional cases, precisely vet what they say. (You don't, however, get to pick its location. Trump seems to have lied about that for no particular reason other than that's how he rolls.) Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 160 With their families behind them, Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump and Vice Presidential nominee Mike Pence are cheered on by delegates at the close of the final day of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) CEO Trump's convention has been a fiasco. Incompetence is everywhere. Seats throughout the arena are empty in prime time. The schedule has run late, causing key speakers to miss valuable television slots. The arena's video monitor fritzed out on Wednesday night. And, of course, there was the epic plagiarism in Melania Trump's speech. The series of blatant untruths the campaign produced to try to quell the controversy was amateurish even for this group. Worse, the speech plagiarized Michelle Obama of all people. Worse again, it plagiarized a passage on the Obama family values which Donald Trump had gone to great lengths to portray as alien and un-American. ("There's something going on there.") Advertisement Takeaway: If Trump can't run his own convention, how can he run anything more complex? Like a large country? - Trump the Dealmaker. Remember this is the author well, at least subject of "The Art of the Deal." And he's going to put his razzle dazzle to work helping the little people. "We're going to have fantastic trade deals," Trump has said. For some reason, the extraordinary dealmaker couldn't entice the Republican governor of Ohio to be civil to him for four days during a party convention in the governor's state. To make sure there would be no benefits at all coming Trump's way, his campaign manager, Paul Manafort, trashed Gov. John Kasich on the convention's first day. You can look up the number of Republicans who have won the White House without winning Ohio. The list could not be shorter. Ted Cruz was booed off stage during the Republican National Convention's third night on July 20 2016. Wednesday night, however, was the real art of the deal. Trump handed Sen. Ted Cruz a prized prime-time speaking spot. In return, Cruz humiliated Trump on national television, not only refusing to endorse the party nominee but also making sure everyone understood, in real time, just how calculated and deliberate the snub was. Trump's response on Twitter included this curious expression of pusillanimity: "I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal!" So Trump fails to cut a beneficial deal with a defeated rival, gets humiliated by him on national television and responds by saying "no big deal." Look out, bad guys! Takeaway: This guy gets hosed right and left. - Trump the "Make America Great" Guy. Improbably, on the same night that his convention was a mess and his rival humiliated him at his own invitation, Trump told the New York Times that if Vladimir Putin menaces the Baltic members of NATO, which the U.S. is treaty-bound to defend, Trump might back down without a fight. If there is a GOP foreign policy neocon, realist or internationalist (or, really, any mindset but surrenderist) who has not abandoned Trump's calamitous campaign by now, they just did. Advertisement Takeaway: Are you kidding me? One convention delegate told Bloomberg Politics that Cruz's speech Wednesday night was "a big middle finger to this entire convention." True enough. But somehow the delegate failed to notice that with its fraudulent claims, comprehensive incompetence, contempt for expertise and, most of all, its slapdash candidate, the entire Trump campaign is basically flipping off Republican voters on an even bigger scale. Trump, as he has told us, does have big hands. Bloomberg View Francis Wilkinson writes editorials on politics and domestic policy for Bloomberg View. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks during the second day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, on Tuesday, July 19, 2016. (John Locher / AP) The song bellowing through the convention hall of the Republican National Convention as he took center stage should have been "Que Sera, Sera." For Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, the "whatever will be, will be" question is whether he will seek re-election in 2018 or make another run for the White House in 2020. Advertisement The future's not ours to see, so the song goes, but here's hoping for the latter. Walker took to the podium in Cleveland Wednesday night to support the presidential candidacy of Donald Trump and reinforce the calculus that a vote for anyone else would be a vote for Hillary Clinton. Walker stepped back into the national spotlight after dropping out of the Republican presidential race last September. Since then, he has been in his home state trying to re-engage with the voters he neglected during his presidential ambition tour. Advertisement Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 160 With their families behind them, Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump and Vice Presidential nominee Mike Pence are cheered on by delegates at the close of the final day of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Walker is no showboater. He's the opposite a dull guy overseeing a state with more people employed today than in Wisconsin's history. That boring Walker cut taxes by nearly $5 billion and has insisted upon a fully funded pension system. The state's rainy day fund is roughly 150 times more bountiful than when the oh-so-monotonous Walker assumed office in 2011. Need-based financial aid for college students is on the rise. The state's high school graduation rate ranks in the top five of states nationally. And the plain-spoken, tedious Walker has directed more money toward mental health services than any governor in the country. Remind me again. What's wrong with boring? Walker's bland personality contributed to the death spiral of his presidential campaign after he, at first, soared to the top of the list of those expected to win the Iowa caucuses. How wrong political pundits were, myself included, to think that GOP primary voters wanted dull. That they wanted substance. That they wanted a candidate with specific plans to pay down the national debt, curb deficit spending, lead on health-care reform and shrink government. How certain we were, instead, that Trump's pizazz would eventually fizzle and that the debates during the primary election would expose the hollow rhetoric of the guy with the crazy hair. Walker one of the country's most tested elected officials survived a recall election and beat back organized labor. But he got crushed by the steamrolling Trump. Turns out, voters were tired of tightly messaged, politically correct leadership. They craved the crazy. They wanted the gaudy. Trump has not disappointed at the convention in Cleveland. His entrance onto the stage Monday night to introduce his wife included a smoke machine, a slow saunter to center stage and music roaring through the room. I have seen that routine before, but usually at, um, bachelorette parties. This time it was to honor the Republican nominee for president. Walker has been making the rounds in Cleveland, including speaking to and reacquainting himself with the Iowa delegation. He doesn't want to be forgotten. Running for president in 2020 has already started, and his swing through the breakfast gatherings of important early primary states shows he is at least considering the possibility. Let's hope. Advertisement At this moment in time, Trump has tapped into the deep frustration of an electorate demanding radical, even unhinged, leadership. Four years from now, we might be begging for boring. Kristen McQueary is a member of the Tribune Editorial Board. kmcqueary@chicagotribune.com Twitter @statehousechick Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signs legislation to ban the sale of synthetic drugs known as "bath salts" in Illinois on July 18, 2016, in Taylorville, Ill. (Seth Perlman / AP) Nearly half a century after delegates to the Illinois Constitutional Convention explicitly said as much, a Cook County Circuit Court judge confirmed that yes, it's appropriate for voters to propose an amendment to change the way the state's legislative maps are drawn. Redistricting reform "in general" falls within the simply worded yet excruciatingly deconstructed language of Article XIV, Section 3, Judge Diane Larsen said. Advertisement But Larsen's ruling on Wednesday underscored something else you already knew: It's virtually impossible for citizens to get an amendment on the ballot. The Independent Map Amendment yes, that's about redistricting got the boot. Advertisement (Scott Stantis) Collecting hundreds of thousands of signatures, it turns out, is the easy part. The hard part is navigating the thicket of legal precedents that have tripped up every citizen-driven amendment since 1970 except for one. Those measures didn't fail on their merits. They were knocked off the ballot by the guardians of the status quo. And so it goes, so far, with the Independent Map Amendment. The measure would take redistricting out of the hands of lawmakers and assign it to an independent commission. It's precisely the sort of amendment contemplated by the framers of the constitution. They didn't give voters the freedom to enact broad changes, California style, but they knew lawmakers couldn't be counted on to limit their own powers. So the constitution allows voters to amend only Article IV, which deals with the legislature. That includes redistricting. But here's the rub: The changes proposed in the Independent Map Amendment aren't permissible, Larsen ruled, because they touch on areas outside of the legislative article. That's a real trick bag. Nonlegislative officials the attorney general, the Illinois Supreme Court justices already have supporting roles in redistricting under the current rules. By adding or subtracting from those responsibilities, the judge wrote, the proposed amendment steps outside of Article IV. It also ventures out of bounds by assigning a new role to the auditor general, she said. Those arguments and many others were advanced by attorney Michael Kasper, a hired gun for House Speaker Michael Madigan. The judge bought almost all of them. Supporters of the amendment immediately asked for a direct and expedited appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court. Aug. 26 is the deadline for the State Board of Elections to certify the November ballot. It ought to go without saying that this appeal deserves the prompt attention of the state's highest court. But two years ago, the justices showed a shocking disregard for the hundreds of thousands of voters who signed petitions in support of a different amendment. Cook County Circuit Judge Mary Mikva had bounced two measures from the ballot, saying that the case law "dictates a very narrow provision" for voter-driven amendments. In her ruling, Mikva noted that previous decisions "provoked spirited discussions among the justices of the Illinois Supreme Court." Advertisement That's putting it mildly. Some of the earlier opinions were accompanied by blistering dissents. Some were downright baffling. Supporters of the 2014 redistricting amendment, bankrupted by the legal battle, gave up the fight. But supporters of a measure that would have imposed term limits on lawmakers appealed Mikva's ruling. They wanted the Supreme Court to examine the cumulative case law. They were convinced, as we are, that the roadblocks that stand between these measures and the ballot were erected by politicians, not by the authors of the constitution. But the justices refused to revisit those rulings. With the clock ticking on the ballot deadline, they waited nearly three weeks before denying a request for a direct appeal. The 1st District Appellate Court could only look at the case law and shrug: "We are bound by our Supreme Court's holding, sparse as its reasoning may be ..." The Supreme Court ignored that plea for guidance. They didn't examine, explain or expand the legal record. They just let the ruling stand, as if it all made perfect sense. The people of Illinois deserved better then, and they deserve better now. It's time for the seven Supreme Court justices to step up. Ted Cruz was booed off stage during the Republican National Convention's third night on July 20 2016. CLEVELAND For just one night, I liked Ted Cruz. The slippery conservative vanquished by Donald Trump in the Republican primary still rightly put off by Trump insulting both his wife and father on the campaign trail was inexplicably allowed onstage Wednesday night at the Republican National Convention. Advertisement Lyin' Ted slowly delivered a solid speech about conservative ideals and values, building to what many thought might be an endorsement of Trump. But that endorsement never came. Instead, Cruz went gangster. Advertisement Ted Cruz was booed off stage during the Republican National Convention's third night on July 20 2016. He encouraged members of his party to "vote your conscience." Quicken Loans Arena erupted in boos, and passionate Trump delegates went apoplectic. It's the loudest the convention has been all week, a raucous and chaotic scene that nearly drowned out the final lines of Cruz's speech. Trump himself descended into the audience near his family's seats, like an angry boss hoping to short-circuit an uprising on the factory floor. Cruz left the stage with a smile, like he had just stabbed Trump in the gut and dropped the shiv on the floor. I imagined Cruz thinking, "Unity? I'll show you unity, you orange-faced punk. Nobody insults my family!" For party loyalists, it was a disgrace. But for Cruz's supporters and for anyone who agrees with Cruz's past descriptions of Trump as "a bully," "utterly amoral" and "a narcissist at a level I don't think this country's ever seen," it was a gutsy stand by a man who wouldn't sell out his principles for political gain. That makes Cruz a rare bird at this convention. Many have bowed down to Trump, despite the real estate mogul's divisive rhetoric and baffling lack of policy specifics. Chicago Tribune columnist Rex Huppke takes a look at the varied Donald Trump gear for sale at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. July 21, 2016. (Chicago Tribune) It seemed Cruz might cave as well. Why else would the Trump campaign allow him anywhere near the stage, especially on the night Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Trump's running mate, was accepting the vice presidential nomination. They underestimated Cruz. And it cost them. Trump, in his Trumpian way, tried to downplay the Texas senator's headline-stealing speech, tweeting: "Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didn't honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal!" Advertisement But it was a big deal. A huge deal. The self-proclaimed tough guy who makes everyone bend to his will saw what should've been headlines about how great Pence is turned into headlines about Cruz taking a principled stand. Stories about GOP unity became stories about Cruz's wife, Heidi, getting ushered out of the arena because Trump brutes were turning too aggressive. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 160 With their families behind them, Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump and Vice Presidential nominee Mike Pence are cheered on by delegates at the close of the final day of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Rick Wilson, a GOP strategist and another principled Trump rejecter, tweeted: "I'd like to welcome @tedcruz to #nevertrump." It was the biggest moment of the GOP convention, and to Trump's eternal chagrin, it belonged to Lyin' Ted Cruz. It was gutsy. A rare moment of true conviction, and perhaps even a bit of revenge. And for one night, it made me like Ted Cruz. A lot. rhuppke@chicagotribune.com This illustration shows the duel between Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and Vice President Aaron Burr in 1804. (George Eastman House / Getty Images) CLEVELAND I'm worried the Republican Party is going to hit a Hillary-Clinton-bashing ceiling. New Hampshire state Rep. Al Baldasaro, a veteran and an adviser to GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump on veterans' issues, raised eyebrows at the Republican National Convention this week when he said in a radio interview: "Hillary Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot for treason." Advertisement He reiterated that belief to the Boston Globe on Wednesday, leaving me to wonder: Where does the GOP go from there in terms of rhetoric? Don't worry, Republicans. I've got your back. Advertisement Chicago Tribune columnist Rex Huppke takes a look at the varied Donald Trump gear for sale at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. July 21, 2016. (Chicago Tribune) There are two things I've learned here at the convention: Trump loves political theater. Guns are great and if you mention them, people will cheer. Hmmm. Theater, guns, theater, guns, theater, guns "HAMILTON"! Yes, the wildly popular Broadway musical "Hamilton" is theater and, with its epic duel between Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and Vice President Aaron Burr, it features guns! The next winning step for Trump is simple: He must challenge Clinton to a musical duel. This would allow Trump to leverage Hamilton mania while providing a perfect blend of political theater and Second Amendment fervor. ("The only thing that will stop a bad-dueling, singing Democrat with a gun is a good-dueling, singing Republican with a gun!") Advertisement To choreograph the dramatic duel between Trump and Clinton, we can follow the rules laid out in the song "10 Duel Commandments" from Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Hamilton." Step 1: "The challenge: Demand satisfaction. If they apologize, no need for further action." OK, apologizing is weak and Trump is strong so strong, really we can skip that part. Step 2: "Grab a friend, that's your second. Your lieutenant when there's reckoning to be reckoned." Trump has his second in Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, his pick for vice president. Clinton, according to comments Trump surrogate Ben Carson made at the convention Tuesday night, is likely to pick Lucifer aka, the Prince of Darkness, Satan or the devil as her running mate. Advertisement In his convention speech, Carson noted that Clinton studied the work of Chicago-based community organizer Saul Alinsky while she was in college. An acknowledgment at the beginning of one of his books identifies Lucifer as "the very first radical." Thus, Carson said: "So, are we willing to elect someone as president who has as their role model someone who acknowledges Lucifer?" Clinton/Lucifer 2016! So let's assume Clinton's second in the duel will be Beelzebub and move on. Step 3: "Have your seconds meet face to face. Negotiate a peace or negotiate a time and place. This is commonplace most disputes die, and no one shoots." Pence is a devout Christian, so I doubt the meeting between him and Satan will go well. And we've got to have some shooting to please the gun lobby. Advertisement Step 4: "If they don't reach a peace, that's alright. Time to get some pistols and a doctor on site." The National Rifle Association can provide the pistols, easy peasy. Trump will presumably use Carson, a neurosurgeon, as his doctor and Clinton will have to use an Obamacare doctor. Steps 5 and 6: These are kind of boring and Mr. Trump is a busy man. Let's move this thing along. Step 7: "Confess your sins." Hah! Trump and Clinton? Not gonna happen. Step 8: "Your last chance to negotiate. Send in your seconds, see if they can set the record straight." Advertisement Again, Pence and Satan are never going to see eye to eye. Negotiation canceled! Step 9: "Look 'em in the eye, aim no higher. Summon all the courage you require." Here's where Trump needs to hope that Crooked Hillary also shoots crooked. Step 10: "Fire!" And there you have it ratings gold, and a campaign event that's the only logical next step for over-the-top Hillary Clinton haters. Per the rules of musical presidential duels, the loser must step aside and allow his or her second to become the nominee, making the outcome a win-win for Republicans. Advertisement If Trump loses, Pence moves into the No. 1 spot, and he's more of a real Republican than Trump could ever be. If Trump wins, Lucifer rises to the top of the Democratic ticket for president. Which is fine. Because for many Republicans, it seems he would be a more palatable choice than Clinton anyway. rhuppke@chicagotribune.com A new report commissioned by state child welfare officials reveals systemic breakdowns and deficiencies threatening the safety of children placed at Allendale Association, a north suburban residential facility where a teen died earlier this year. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services hired researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago to conduct the review of Allendale after the death of Shaquan Allen at the agency's Lake Villa campus in March. Two employees are charged in his death one with placing the 16-year-old in a chokehold, the other with trying to mislead authorities about what happened. Advertisement The 24-page report, issued last week, cited several strengths of the facility, but it also highlighted numerous concerns about staffing, restraints and oversight. DCFS came in for criticism as well over its monitoring and a lack of placement options for youths who have completed treatment. The report underscored findings from the Tribune's 2014 Harsh Treatment investigation into the state's residential treatment centers and its investigative report in May concerning Allen's death. The Tribune obtained records showing that Allen was in Allendale's care for about 21/2 years even though he was initially cleared to leave for a less-restrictive setting about a year into his stay. Advertisement "Youth who have completed their treatment and, consequently anticipate a timely discharge are commonly demoralized, frustrated and angry as they wait, often for several months, for a place to live outside of the residential program," the authors wrote in the report, which was released to the Tribune through a Freedom of Information Act request. DCFS officials have said they are working to address the problem of juvenile state wards languishing at residential centers beyond their discharge dates. Insufficient staffing and fears of "burnout" among some employees were pervasive in the researchers' interviews and review of agency and DCFS records. The report drew attention to a handful of staff who work 14-hour shifts during 70- to 80-hour workweeks and were on call at all hours. One employee told the researchers, "You can just snap," according to the report, which mentioned that many of these concerns were raised in the context of Allen's death. Allendale officials in the report defended their overtime policies and said they complied with laws and regulations. Still, the report about long work hours troubled DCFS Director George Sheldon, who told the Tribune he was worried that overtime has become a way for some longtime staff to maintain a lifestyle far above their base salaries. "If you're using overtime as an extensive way of doing business, are you putting youth at risk by having employees who are stressed out, tired?" he asked. Allendale continues to be on "intake hold," meaning DCFS has suspended its placement of youth at the facility after Allen's death. It also remains under enhanced monitoring, a DCFS spokesman said. There are 51 state wards at the main Lake Villa campus. Allendale Association is in Lake Villa. (Joe Shuman / Pioneer Press) The UIC report also dealt with restraints a subject raised in the Tribune's investigation in May. Citing Allendale's "mixed success" in reducing restraints, the reviewers said staff had obtained initial training, but at least half did not receive suggested refresher training in proper restraint and de-escalation techniques in a timely manner. More than a quarter of the staff went nine months or more without such instruction, despite recommendations of refresher training every three months. Only two or three workers were referred for additional training in two years, a rate the researchers wrote appeared "very low." Advertisement Allendale officials in the report acknowledged the problem and said they had revised their procedures to require refresher training quarterly and prohibit staff from working if they are behind on their training. The use of chokeholds is strictly prohibited by DCFS policy and the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention model adopted by Allendale, but some of the 24 youths interviewed for the report said staff used the banned technique. Many of the youths indicated they felt unsafe and threatened at Allendale. "They provided numerous examples of incorrectly administered restraints or 'bad restraints' (using terms like slammed to the ground)," the authors wrote. "Some youth specifically talked about staff using chokeholds." The report noted a reduction in restraints overall, a point Allendale President Mary Shahbazian has previously made while emphasizing that restraints should be used as a last resort to maintain the safety of the youths and employees. "We cooperated fully with the UIC team and are reviewing the report," Shahbazian said in an emailed response this week. "Allendale's mission has always been to serve this special community of youth and we will continue to do so." How Allendale addressed internal complaints and allegations made by its residents also came under fire, with the authors observing that "a significant deficiency" exists when it comes to effectively identifying and handling youths' concerns. Advertisement In what the authors said appeared to be "a system-wide conundrum," Allendale and DCFS seem to treat allegations by youth on a case-by-case basis without considering broader trends that could trigger larger questions about safety. The problem is exacerbated by "a longstanding system tendency to discount youth voice" and believe staff over youths, especially when those youths have mental health and trauma issues or are assumed to be vindictive or over-reactionary, according to the report. "In contrast, staff seem to regularly be given the benefit of the doubt," the authors said. DCFS also was admonished for its fragmented data collection much of it produced manually that hampered efforts to track and respond to potentially perilous trends or problem clusters, a breakdown the Tribune identified in 2014. In the wake of Allen's death and other troubling child welfare reports, Sheldon said DCFS has begun implementing reforms. Updating the agency's data collection methods and analysis tools is now a primary focus, Sheldon said. "I have made the decision to mandate cameras," he told the Tribune this week, though he said it was too early in the process to specify a timeline. Advertisement DCFS officials continue to move forward with efforts to revamp the agency's monitoring of residential treatment centers to include community and university partners such as UIC and Northwestern University. The Tribune's 2014 investigation showed internal DCFS monitors were largely ineffective at identifying and addressing the problems that plagued the centers. The Tribune found that hundreds of state wards were reportedly abused or assaulted each year at the centers, while thousands fled to the streets and some were lured into prostitution as a means to survive. The UIC report lamented that DCFS monitors completed most of their visits in short spurts on the same times and days of the week, with the average observation time being 18 minutes. Alan Morris, a UIC clinical psychologist and a report co-author, said it was essential to have procedures in place to raise red flags. "I do think Allendale will emerge a stronger agency," he said. "I think and certainly hope they will take all the recommendations seriously." deldeib@chicagotribune.com Twitter @deldeib The death of an 18-year-old Aurora man found in Chicago over the weekend has been ruled a homicide by the Cook County medical examiner's office. Clarence Vaquale King, of the first block of North Sumner Avenue in Aurora, died of multiple injuries from assault, the medical examiner's office said Thursday. He was pronounced dead shortly after 9:30 a.m. Saturday in the 4500 block of W. West End Avenue in Chicago's West Garfield Park neighborhood. Advertisement He had been reported missing and was last seen in Aurora on Friday night, according to Aurora police. A Chicago Police Department spokesman said in an email that an adult man was found lying on the ground, unresponsive, in a residential backyard. Police are continuing to investigate, the spokesman said. Advertisement King's family reported him missing around 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aurora police spokesman Dan Ferrelli said in an email. Police described King as missing and endangered in a Facebook post this week and wrote that he was last seen around 8 p.m. Friday in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 900 block of Second Avenue, where a large fight was taking place. Ferrelli said the fight appears to have been gang-motivated. Police arrived that night to find several people fighting, then running from the area. Two Aurora teens 19-year-old Immanuel D. Palmer and a 17-year-old were charged with criminal trespassing to land because they were banned from the apartment complex where the fight took place, Ferrelli said. Police are continuing to investigate. King was a former East Aurora School District 131 student, school board President Annette Johnson confirmed. East Aurora High School Principal Anthony Crespo said in an email that staff had been notified, and grief counselors and support were available Thursday in the school's freshman center to students, faculty and staff. Aurora police asked anyone with information to call the Investigations Division at 630-256-5500, saying they would forward information to Chicago police. hleone@tribpub.com sfreishtat@tribpub.com Twitter @srfreish An 18-year-old Aurora man, who was reported missing, has been found dead in Chicago, Aurora police said in a social media post. Clarence King's death is being investigated by the Chicago Police Department, Aurora police said. East Aurora School District 131 board president Annette Johnson confirmed he was a former student in the district. Advertisement Aurora police had initially asked for help on Facebook locating King, who was described at the time as missing and endangered. He was last seen around 8 p.m. July 15 in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 900 block of Second Avenue, where a fight was taking place, according to the post. Wednesday afternoon, police updated the Facebook post with news that King had been found dead in Chicago. They referred all questions to Chicago police, who did not provide additional information Wednesday. Advertisement Aurora police asked anyone with information to call the investigations division at 630-256-5500, saying they would forward information to Chicago police. sfreishtat@tribpub.com Twitter @srfreish Last week, House Speaker Paul Ryan sat down with NPR to discuss, among other things, poverty. As the highest ranking member of the House, Ryan has a crucial opportunity to change the way the government addresses poverty. In his plans to confront this issue, Ryan keeps community efforts and local solutions central. During the last four years, Ryan made visits to several poverty-stricken areas with community organizer Bob Woodson in order to better understand the challenges these struggling communities face. Through these visits, Ryan recognized the influence of community groups and the importance of supporting the efforts of those who have found and are implementing effective local programs. I see problems that can be fixed because I see solutions that are actually occurring. Thats whats exciting about this issue because there are people in communities who are actually out there fighting poverty eye to eye, soul to soul, in neighborhoods that actually do well, that succeed I want to make sure that in these communities we actually empower these groups, we empower these people. We take their lessons and we reapply them throughout the rest of this country. Speaker Ryan emphasized the power of local institutions, including churches, governments, and community organizations to tackle the issue of poverty in a way that is able to address the individual. And the only way you can do that is not micromanage in Washington; is to actually customize benefits Lets break up the welfare monopoly, instead of having just the welfare agency at the county level give people their benefits They dont actually treat the person. Let other providers also provide these full-scale wraparound benefits. Let the Catholic Church do it. Let Lutheran social services. Let America Works, a for-profit agency thats good at this. Ryan continually emphasizes partnership with local communities and the leaders of those communities. He wants to use this same partnership strategy to help address poor relationships between law enforcement and members of impoverished and minority communities. He tells a story about a successful church-facilitated partnership between community members and the local law enforcement agency. I was talking to my friend Buster Suarez, who is a black pastor in Somerset, N.J., [at the] First Baptist Church there. Buster and the other black leaders in Somerset, a low-income community, worked with local law enforcement to set up a group that has instantaneous communications whenever something wrong occurs. And theyve basically fused and merged the minority community with the police department in a very effective way and they have a community policing system that works really, really well. In his focus on community solutions to the pressing issues of poverty and crime, Ryan addresses the importance of subsidiarity and humility in government. Using federal support to enhance, not destroy, local initiatives would be a positive step in the direction towards a more just and peaceful country. Read the entire interview here. For more on how Rep. Paul Ryan has incorporated religious principles and ideas into his political initiatives, check out this article. During the recent Republican National Convention the GOP delegates voted to adopt their partys platform, a document that outlines the statement of principles and policies that the party has decided it will support. Although the document is not binding on the presidential nominee or any other politicians, political scientists have found that over the past 30 years lawmakers in Congress tend to vote in line with their partys platform: 89 percent of the time for Republicans and 79 percent of the time for Democrats. Because of its significance to political decision-making, Americans should be aware of what is proposed in these documents. In this article, well examine a summary outline of the Republican platform as it relates to several non-economic issues covered by the Acton Institute. Tomorrow, well look at the GOPs economic agenda as laid out in the platform. (Next week, after the Democratic National Convention, well examine their platforms stance on the same and related issues.) Conscience rights Supports the ability of all organizations to provide, purchase, or enroll in healthcare coverage consistent with their religious, moral, or ethical convictions without discrimination or penalty. Supports the right of parents to determine the proper medical treatment and therapy for their minor children. Criminal Justice Reform Urges caution in the creation of new crimes and a bipartisan presidential commission to purge the Code and the body of regulations of old crimes. Calls for mens rea elements in the definition of any new crimes to protect Americans who, in violating a law, act unknowingly or without criminal intent. Urges Congress to codify the Common Laws Rule of Lenity, which requires courts to interpret unclear statutes in favor of a defendant. Calls for mandatory prison time for all assaults involving serious injury to law enforcement officers. Supports protecting the rights of victims and their families by allowing them to be told all relevant information about their case, allowed to be present for its trial, assured a voice in sentencing and parole hearings, given access to social and legal services, and benefit from the Crime Victims Fund. Supports protecting prisoners against cruel or degrading treatment by other inmates. Encourage states to offer opportunities for literacy and vocational education to prepare prisoners for release to the community. Education Supports a constitutional amendment to protect parental rights from interference by states, the federal government, or international bodies such as the United Nations. Supports school choice for all students. Proposes that the bulk of federal money through Title I for low-income children and through IDEA for children with special needs should follow the child to whatever school the family thinks will work best for them. Opposes the imposition of national standards and assessments. Encourages state legislatures to offer the Bible in a literature curriculum as an elective in Americas high schools. Supports background checks for all personnel who interact with school children Supports options for learning, including home-schooling, career and technical education, private or parochial schools, magnet schools, charter schools, online learning, and early-college high schools. Supports the prompt investigation by civil authorities and prosecution in a courtroom of sexual assault claims, rather than having them adjudicated in the faculty lounge of colleges. Those convicted of sexual assault should be punished to the full extent of the law. Human Trafficking Supports using the full force of the law against those who engage in commercial sexual exploitation and forced or bonded labor of men, women, or children; involuntary domestic servitude; trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal; and the illegal recruitment and use of child soldiers. Calls for increased diplomatic efforts and accountability for foreign governments to prosecute traffickers, including penalties for any public officials who may be complicit in this devastating crime. Calls for the need to stop slave labor by taking steps to prevent overseas labor contractors who exploit foreign workers from supporting military bases abroad or exporting goods to the United States. Calls for working at home and abroad to ensure that trafficking victims are identified among migrants, refugees, and our own citizens so they receive the rehabilitative care needed to heal and thrive. Calls for the goal of our domestic antitrafficking programs to be the rescue and safe return of victims to their homes, not creating a long-term dependency upon public support. Poverty Supports evaluation of poverty programs based on whether they actually reduce poverty and increases the personal independence of its participants. Supports work requirements for poverty programs. Urge greater state and local responsibility for, and control over, public assistance programs. Religious Liberty Opposes government discrimination against businesses or entities which decline to sell items or services to individuals for activities that go against their religious views about such activities. Opposes any efforts to tax religious organizations. Supports the right of Americas religious leaders to preach, and Americans to speak freely, according to their faith. Says that the federal government, specifically the IRS, is constitutionally prohibited from policing or censoring speech based on religious convictions or beliefs, and therefore we urge the repeal of the Johnson Amendment. Pledges to defend the religious beliefs and rights of conscience of all Americans and to safeguard religious institutions against government control. Endorses the First Amendment Defense Act, legislation in the House and Senate which will bar government discrimination against individuals and businesses for acting on the belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman: This Act would protect the non-profit tax status of faith-based adoption agencies, the accreditation of religious educational institutions, the grants and contracts of faith-based charities and small businesses, and the licensing of religious professions all of which are under assault by elements of the Democratic Party. Encourages every state to pass similar legislation. Endorse the efforts of Republican state legislators and governors who have defied intimidation from corporations and the media in defending religious liberty. Supports laws to confirm the longstanding American tradition that religious individuals and institutions can educate young people, receive government benefits, and participate in public debates without having to check their religious beliefs at the door. Supports the freedom of Americans to act in accordance with their religious beliefs, not only in their houses of worship, but also in their everyday lives. Supports the right of the people to conduct their businesses in accordance with their religious beliefs and condemn public officials who have proposed boycotts against businesses that support traditional marriage. Pledges to protect those business owners who have been subjected to hate campaigns, threats of violence, and other attempts to deny their civil rights. Supports the public display of the Ten Commandments as a reflection of our history and our countrys Judeo-Christian heritage. Affirms the rights of religious students to engage in voluntary prayer at public school events and to have equal access to school facilities. Supports the First Amendment right of freedom of association for religious, private, service, and youth organizations to set their own membership standards. Supports the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Calls for the U.S. to stand with leaders who has protect the rights of Coptic Christians in Egypt, and calls on other leaders across the region to ensure that all religious minorities, whether Yazidi, Bahai, Orthodox, Catholic or Protestant Christians are free to practice their religion without fear of persecution. Supports restoring advocacy of religious liberty to its central place diplomacy. Supports the designation of the systematic killing of religious and ethnic minorities as genocide, and will work with the leaders of other nations to condemn and combat genocidal acts. Supports standing up for repressed religious groups, prisoners of conscience, women trafficked into sexual slavery, and those suffering from disease or starvation. Supports the adoption of a whole of government approach to protect fundamental freedoms globally, one where pressing human rights and rule of law issues are integrated at every appropriate level of our bilateral relationships and strategic decision making. Girls Rock Birmingham is proud to announce their second annual music camp for girls July 25 - 29, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Workplay, 500 23rd Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233. The camp showcase will also be held at Workplay on Friday, July 29, at 6:00 p.m. and is open to the public. Girls Rock Birmingham is a local nonprofit organization centered around providing excellent music education to the girls of Birmingham, cultivating self-empowerment and positive identity development through music, DIY media, and peer collaboration. During the intensive, week-long camp, our volunteer staff instruct the campers in drums, keyboard, electric guitar, bass, and vocals. Campers are grouped into bands and then collaborate with one another to write an original song and perform that song at the showcase at the end of the week. Throughout the week, campers attend workshops covering a variety of topics including: music HERstory, songwriting, screen-printing, self-defense, yoga, and stage presence. These workshops help give the campers tools they can use during camp and beyond. Campers learn to use music as an empowering tool they can draw upon for the rest of their lives. Girls Rock Birmingham welcomes girls ages 9 - 16 to join them for this fun and inspiring one-of-a-kind experience. Registration is open and filling up fast, so sign up today! Financial aid is available for those who need it. No musical experience is necessary in order to participate in camp. Girls Rock Birmingham is ready to help you find the rock star in you! What: Girls Rock Birmingham Second Annual Summer Rock Camp for Girls When: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday, July 25, through Friday, July 29. Showcase is at 6:00 p.m. onFriday, July 29. Where: Workplay, 500 23rd Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233 Who Can Attend: Camp - girls age 9 - 16; Showcase - all ages welcome; this is a family friendly event. Cost: $225, financial assistance is available for those in need. For More Info: Visit www.girlsrockbham.org Girls Rock Birmingham is a non-profit organization centered around building experiences to empower young women and foster self confidence through music education and performance experiences. Visitwww.girlsrockbham.org for more information. Ayman Aly Osman, minister plenipotentiary and head of the Egyptian Economic & Commercial Bureau of the Embassy of Egypt in China and president of Economic & Commercial Counselors Alliance in China (ECCAC). [Photo/China Report] He is a senior diplomatic officer from Egypt, who assumed office in China four years ago and since then has had increasingly deepened feelings toward China. During these years, he has been devoted himself to enhancing friendly communication between Egypt and China and made great contributions to the development of economic and trade partnership between China and Arab countries and that between China and Africa. He is Dr. Ayman Aly Osman, minister plenipotentiary and head of the Egyptian Economic & Commercial Bureau of the Embassy of Egypt in China and president of Economic & Commercial Counselors Alliance in China (ECCAC). Dr. Osman shared with China Report his stories about China during the countdown days of his tenure: China Report: You have the experience of working as a senior diplomatic officer in many countries, and you have been staying in China for four years, during which China has witnessed many changes. What have impressed you the most? Dr. Ayman Aly Osman: For me, China is one of the best countries in many aspects, such as the performance in industrial, agricultural and financial development and international cooperation that have caught world attention, not to mention the outstanding achievements in economic development. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, China has made remarkable achievements in economic development and realized diversified economic development mode, and made scientific, constructive and localized development plans for the southeastern coastal area, the northwestern mountainous area and the northeastern traditional industrial zones. China has been paying high attention to friendly exchanges with other countries in the world and made great efforts to promote cooperation and development of all the countries in the world. Entering the new era, the Chinese leaders have launched all-around, multilevel and wide-coverage diplomatic work, with their footprint left in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America as well as other regions. China follows very equal diplomatic policies to treat all the countries as the same. It is worth mentioning that, China is the first country that organizes great international activities specially targeting at African and Arab countries, such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. I am very glad to see that China would like to further develop such close partnership with the African and Arab countries. At the same time, China has established many important cooperation mechanisms, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). These mechanisms will play an important role for the development of Asian countries and even all the developing countries. Egypt is also one of the intentional founder members of AIIB. Through the mechanism of AIIB, many developing countries will be able to use AIIB's funds in infrastructure construction and therefore promote their development. China Report: Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed "the Belt and Road" initiative in 2013. The Arab countries sit at the convergence zone at the western end of "the Belt and Road" and therefore naturally become important partners for the construction of "the Belt and Road." Which fields do you think China and Egypt may launch in-depth cooperation in for the construction of "the Belt and Road?" Dr. Ayman Aly Osman: The friendship between China and Arab countries has a long history and has been renewed. The ancient Silk Road witnessed the economic and trade connections between both sides in the ancient times. In the new historical period, the communication has been expanded and deepened. Egypt is the first African and Arab country that recognized the new China and established diplomatic relations with the new China. This year, it is the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Egypt. Since 1956, both sides have made remarkable achievements in cooperation in a wide range of fields, such as politics, economy, culture and tourism. At the beginning of this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Egypt. The visit not only reflects that the Chinese leaders pay high attention to enhancing the relations between China and Egypt but also carries the sincere desires of the people of the two countries to deepen the friendly cooperation. Statistics indicate that, currently, the volume of trade between China and Egypt is about US$12 billion to US$13 billion, and the total investment made by China in Egypt is more than US$500 million. Many Chinese state-owned and private enterprises have made investment and launched projects in Egypt. In addition, the two countries have established economic and trade committee as well as productivity cooperation committee for coordination of the economic and trade cooperation between both sides and exploration of potentials for cooperation in productivity and technology development. Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation. Ye Guangfu made his first public appearance on Wednesday, just after completing an underground training mission deep in an Italian cave. A file photo of Chinese astronaut Ye Guangfu. [Photo: CNR.cn] Taikonaut -- the Chinese equivalent of astronaut or cosmonaut -- Ye, 36, is the first of China's five male second-generation astronauts to meet the press. Ye and five other prospective astronauts from Japan, Russia, Spain and the United States spent six nights in Sardinian caves from July 1 to 7, simulating a mission to another planet, during the European Space Agency (ESA) underground training course CAVES (Cooperative Adventure for Valuing and Exercising human behavior and performance Skills.) The mission focused on multi-cultural approaches to leadership, following orders, teamwork and decision-making, according to the ESA. "The cave is isolated from the outside world and is dark, damp and cold. We six were responsible for completing daily tasks such as climbing, exploration and surveying; really arduous but worthwhile training," Ye said as he addressed the media in Beijing. The team went further than previous CAVES course, mapping their progress and taking samples of the environment and life they found. They also tested new techniques for making accurate 3D models of objects and the environment using standard cameras - a technique that could be used in exploring other planets. Ye was selected to join the second batch of Chinese astronauts in 2010. The second batch include five men and two women, Liu Yang and Wang Yaping. Liu was China's first woman in space when she flew on the Shenzhou-9 spacecraft in 2012, followed by Wang, who gave a lecture to students on Earth from space in 2013 on the Shenzhou-10 mission. China's first batch of astronauts had 14 members including Yang Liwei, China's first man in space in 2003. Five years ago, Du Juan, a native of Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan province, was wondering where to go for work after she graduated from Michigan State University. "The overseas life is not as exciting as spending time with family members and friends back in China," Du told The Rising Lab, a data news outlet of Shanghai-based business news magazine CBN weekly. So she decided to seek a job in China rather than stay in the US becoming a part of the growing wave of students from abroad. According to Report on Entrepreneurship and Employment of Chinese Overseas Students released by Center for China and Globalization in 2015, there has been a 78.4 percent increase in students coming back to China since 2010. Another Report on Employment Trend of Chinese Overseas Study Returnees issued by LinkedIn shows that among 7.2 percent LinkedIn members who are Chinese and have studied abroad, the number of people choosing to return is rising with an average increasing rate of 7.14 percent annually during 2010 to 2015. Like many business graduates who anchored themselves in China's first-tier cities, which usually refer to Beijing, Shanghai, Guanghzou and Shenzhen, Du Juan, an accounting major, found a position in PricewaterhouseCoopers Shanghai office. Various job opportunities and rich resources in the financial sector attracted Du to Shanghai, China's financial center. "Top financial institutions arrange more main business and key positions in the first tier cities ", said Du. But after one year of work, Du started to review her job and working environment. She was not satisfied with the repetitive work, overtime and high pressure. Shanghai's high living cost, natural environment and cultural identity also strained her nerves. By comparison, her hometown Chengdu, a second-tier city or "new first-tier" city, was on her mind, especially as Chengdu is developing fast and is catching with top cities. According to LinkedIn's report, the number of overseas returnees who choose their first job in first-tier cities has fallen, while the number choosing "new first-tier" cities such as Hangzhou, Wuhan, Chengdu went up between 2010 and 2015. Data show that the total number of returnees choosing first-tier cities for employment accounted for 70 percent of all returnees in 2010, and the number dropped to 59 percent in 2015 and then to 50 percent in May this year. Shanghai attracted 21.3 percent of returnees in 2016, down from 34.2 percent in 2010, followed by Beijing 18.7 percent of returnees in 2016, a drop from 25.7 percent in 2010. By comparison, only 9 percent of all returnees came back to "new first-tier" cities in 2010, but the number has now jumped to 12 percent. Chengdu is listed as the one of the most popular non-first-tier cities among overseas returnees only after Hangzhou and Wuhan. "Commercial complexes reflect a city's developing ability," said Du. More high-end commercial complexes have opened in Chengdu, including International Finance Square, Tai Koo Li shopping mall, and Yintai Center. The city is also building a "financial town" whose impact is expected to radiate across the enormous west regions. Du feels more at ease about Chengdu's housing price. For a 100,000 yuan per square meter house in Shanghai, she can get a similar one at a good location in Chengdu at one fifth price. In Aug 2013, Du Juan came back to Chengdu to start a new career. She is not alone to return to her hometown. Yuan Shuai, a graduate from Yale University, devoted himself in mergers and acquisitions business of medical industry for four years in Morgan Stanley Hong Kong office before starting his own business on rehabilitation therapy in his hometown Chengdu. Because rehabilitation therapy is expensive, Yuan Shuai took into account the city's income and consumption ability when he chose the base of his company. "Though Chengdu's economy lags first-tier cities, it still ranks at the top among second-tier cities", said Yuan. What makes Yuan more determined to stay is that he can take advantage of his local identity to better manage and coordinate resources. "As medical industry is strictly controlled by the government, I can communicate with authorities better in a familiar environment," said Du. Chengdu is doing a great job in attracting young overseas talents, although Hangzhou, the capital of coastal Zhejiang province and two-hour's drive away from Shanghai, is more competitive. According to LinkedIn's report, Hangzhou ranks first both on number of returnees and increasing rate of returnees between 2010 and 2015. Cheng Yuan, who set up his IT company Fangcloud Technology in Hangzhou in 2013, believes the city has the strongest entrepreneurial atmosphere in China except Beijing. The computing master of the year 2009 from Carnegie Mellon University served as the core engineer of the then-startup Box, which later grew into America's largest cloud storage service provider for businesses. He witnessed the company's growth and had an all-around vision of Silicon Valley's entrepreneurial atmosphere. Cheng's standard of a city's entrepreneurial atmosphere is that entrepreneurship becomes a city's driving force, drawing technology, talent, capital and public opinion for the city's development. "Hangzhou has pioneering companies, such as Alibaba and Netease. They are bringing together IT talent and other IT companies," he said. Top 20 cities with highest increasing rate of returnees (2010-15) 1. Hangzhou 2. Wuhan 3. Chengdu 4. Changsha 5. Chongqing 6. Nanjing 7. Guangzhou 8. Xi'an 9. Taiyuan 10. Harbin 11. Hefei 12. Zhengzhou 13. Urumqi 14. Shijiazhuang 15. Nanchang 16. Wenzhou 17. Kunming 18. Zhuhai 19. Jinan 20. Ningbo The "Credit Youth" Cup national college credit-themed micro-video contest wrapped up in Beijing on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, after some three months of competition that drew students from more than 2,000 higher educational institutes nationwide. A contestant briefs to the judge the short video her team made on July 20, 2016 at the CreditEase headquarters in Beijing. [Photo by Chen Boyuan / China.org.cn] The team from Xi'an International Studies University won the top prize with their short video "Several things about credit." Each contestant was awarded 5,000 yuan (US$749) as prize money. The contest sought to promote university students' sense of credit by means of short-videos, and have these credit-minded students spread the idea that "credit matters." Contestants were evaluated by the videos they submitted in terms of the topic, production as well as the novelty. The contest was organized by the National College Student Credit Ambassador Union with assistance from the Zhicheng Credit Service, which is specialized in credit-associated data collection, integration and risk assessment. Its parent company CreditEase is a national leading inclusive finance and wealth management company in China. Also, the People's Bank of China (PBC), the country's central bank, provided professional guidance for the contest. At the award ceremony, Yuan Xinfeng from the Business Administration Department of the PBC said that China has set June 14 of each year as the national Day for the Caring of Credit Record and that the central bank attaches great importance to college students' credit education. He hoped that through competition, students would be more aware of the importance of credit before contributing to social awareness. Zhao Hui, managing director of Zhicheng Credit, said that the company shoulders the social responsibility to spread knowledge about credit, and in so doing, university students are a group too important to ignore. "University students represent the elites of youth but there is also a general lack of credit among them. Therefore, the competition is a way to help them understand the value of credit so that they can better adapt to the credit-based society upon graduation," she said. Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation. Families of mainland victims of a deadly tour-bus accident that occurred Tuesday in Taiwan arrived on the island via a charter flight on Thursday. The remains of the victims will be cremated July 24 and a funeral service is scheduled to be held on July 25, according to a statement from the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association. Twenty-six people, including 23 tourists and a tour guide from the Chinese mainland and two locals, were killed when a tour bus crashed into a highway barrier and caught fire near Taoyuan airport on Tuesday. Liu Kezhi, secretary-general of the mainland-based Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits, on Thursday expressed "strong dissatisfaction" with the tour-bus accident when briefing the press in Taoyuan City after a remembrance service for those who died in the accident. Liu said he hopes Taiwan will launch a thorough investigation into the accident and listen to the relatives of the victims when handling the aftermath of the accident. You are here: Home Former provincial official Liang Bin stood trial on Thursday on charges of graft. Liang was former head of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Hebei Provincial Committee's Organization Department, before which he was deputy governor of Shanxi Province. He stands accused of taking advantage of his various official posts from 2004 to 2014 to seek benefits for others, such as promotion and real estate development. In exchange, he, or through his wife, accepted bribes worth over 5.57 million yuan (about 830,000 U.S. dollars) from 15 people, according to Anshan Intermediate People's Court, Liaoning. Liang pled guilty after the trial and expressed remorse. More than 40 people, including journalists and members of the public, attended the hearing. The verdict will be announced at a later date. 'Who You Callin' a Human Shield?' | Main | Lost In Translation, This Time in Europe July 21, 2016 At the United Nations, Saudi Money Trumps Rights Criticism The Washington Posts U.S. forces to stay longer in Yemen to fight al-Qaeda? (July 18, 2016) included a paragraph which revealed much about how the United Nations really works. The article, by reporters Thomas Gibbons-Neff and Missy Ryan, detailed how the U.S. military is planning to keep advisers in Yemen on a counterterrorism mission against al-Qaeda, the U.S.-designated terror group responsible for the Sept. 1, 2001 attacks. Gibbons-Neff and Ryan said that the U.S. also was assisting Saudi Arabia in its fight against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels that are at war with the Yemeni government. The Post pointed out that U.S. support for Saudi Arabia was complicated? by criticism of high civilian casualties in the conflict in Yemen.? However, the paper then noted the kingdoms revealing response: Last month, the United Nations put Saudi Arabia on a list of countries responsible for violating childrens rights in armed conflict after determining that the Saudi-led coalition was responsible for the deaths of 60 percent of the 1,953 children reported killed since the start of the conflict. Saudi Arabia has since been removed from the list after threatening to cut its support for U.N. peacekeeping programs [emphasis added].? As CAMERA has frequently noted, U.N. bodies often unfairly single out and malign Israel (for a partial list of examples, see here). Yet, many in the U.S. news media often fail to point out the U.N.s anti-Israel record; treating the organization, instead, as an unbiased actor. In an article on U.S. intervention in Yemen, The Posteven if unintentionallybriefly highlighted how the U.N. really works, or perhaps more precisely, doesnt work. U.S. news media outlets would do well to note it in the future. Posted by SD at July 21, 2016 03:09 PM Guidelines for posting This is a moderated blog. We will not post comments that include racism, bigotry, threats, or factually inaccurate material. Post a comment You are here: Home Flash Capital Airlines began operating two direct routes linking Haikou, capital of island province Hainan, and Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh and Siem Reap on Tuesday. The flight from Haikou to Siem Reap is scheduled to leave Haikou every Tuesday and Saturday at 6:05 p.m., with the inbound flight arriving at 11:05 p.m. The flight from Haikou to Phnom Penh is operated every Thursday. It is scheduled to leave Haikou at 6:30 p.m. and return after midnight. The two flights will be operated by A320 aircraft with a maximum passenger capacity of 173. These are the first direct flights between Haikou and Cambodia. Chinese people enjoy visa-on-arrival services in Cambodia, which boasts tourist destinations including the famed Angkor Wat Temple. Flash Thousands of South Sudanese held peaceful demonstrations in the streets of Juba on Wednesday to protest against the Africa Union (AU)-endorsed regional force. The protesters marched to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) premises and handed over their petition, protesting against a proposal by the AU for the deployment of regional peace keeping troops to the war-torn country. The protests which was organized by a civil society and backed by the government opposed the planned deployment, proposed targeted sanctions on the country's leaders and to sent a call for the review of the mandate of UNMISS. "We members of the civil society organizations, women leagues, student unions, youth and faith-based organizations and representatives of chiefs in South Sudan are presenting this petition during this peaceful demonstration to reject the military intervention and unjustified intended sanctions against South Sudan," said Akouch Ajang, head of South Sudan's Civil Society Alliance. Ajang said the civil society organizations in South Sudan are not in favor of any intervention by foreign forces. "We reject the increment of UN troops to South Sudan," he said. Ajang also said the South Sudan civil society instead wants the international community to support the peace agreement which was inked in August last year. The AU on Monday approved deployment of additional peacekeeping force to back a contingent of 12,000-strong UN blue helmets already in South Sudan after the recent violence in Juba between rival army factions which left at least 300 dead and thousands displaced. President Salva Kiir said last week that he would not accept even a single more foreign soldier on South Sudanese soil. Bol Makueng Yol, spokesperson of Kiir's faction of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) said the move would be considered a declaration of war. According to the AU plan, regional troops will be comprised of forces from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan and Uganda. The recent fighting put a peace deal signed in August 2015 in the balance since Vice President Riek Machar moved out of the capital Juba following fighting between his force and those loyal to President Salva kiir. "As a South Sudan citizen, I don't see a reason for the AU and UN to put military intervention as a solution to our problem. I regard this as an inversion and abuse of our sovereignty. They should have given us a chance to talk," said Valentino Akol, a University student who joined the protest. The heavy fighting in Juba last week was widely criticized by the international community which suggested an arms embargo be imposed on South Sudan as well as lobbied African nations to send more troops to reinforce UNMISS. Flash Kenya said on Wednesday that it has launched a government-led inter-agency coordination platform that will be in charge of migration issues in the East African nation. Director of Immigration Services, Gordon Kihalangwa said the National Migration Coordination Mechanism (NCM) provides a platform for stakeholders to enhance the understanding of migration realities and address the twin problem of duplication and wastage of resources. "The inception of NCM comes at a right time, when Kenya and countries in the region are grappling with similar migration challenges," Kihalangwa told a workshop that brought together high level government officials in Naivasha in northwest Kenya. The body is tasked with facilitating inter-agency coordination, collaboration and information-sharing on migration concerns at the national level. NCM brings relevant government ministries, departments and non-state actors to a common platform. Kihalangwa said the body was conceived from the findings and recommendations of a joint assessment by Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and International Organization for Migration (IOM) in 2014. He said the body also draws from the Migration Profile for Kenya, drafted by IOM and launched by the government in 2015. In July 2012, IGAD member states adopted a Regional Policy Framework (RMPF) to address the migration dynamics in the East and Horn Africa region. To support the implementation of the RMPF at the national level, IGAD and IOM are supporting the establishment and strengthening national platforms and mechanisms for cooperation on migration. NCM will now be domiciled at the Department of Immigration Services, within the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government. Flash Yemen's Houthi forces said Wednesday they fired a ballistic missile on a Saudi border guards base in retaliation for airstrikes by a Saudi-led coalition, Houthi-run state Saba news agency reported. It said the missile was fired late on Tuesday and hit the Saudi border guards base in Najran, a city in southwestern Saudi Arabia near the border with Yemen. "The missile came in response to breaches to the ceasefire and continuing airstrikes by the Saudi aggression," Saba quoted a military source of Houthi group as saying. The Saudi government has yet to comment on the attack, but it's war planes appeared to response to the attack with several air raids on Wednesday morning, targeting Houthi military bases around the capital Sanaa, according to residents. Houthis who control most northern parts of Yemen have launched ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia several times since Saudi-led coalition forces engaged in Yemen's civil war more than a year ago. Saudi forces have since shot down many rockets by patriot missiles suppled by the United States. Saudi Arabia led a coalition from mostly Arab countries intervened in Yemen's conflict in 2015 to restore power to internationally recognized President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after Houthis backed by allied forces stormed the capital Sanaa and forced Hadi with his government into exile in 2014. Flash Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday declared state of emergency for three months following a failed coup attempt on July 15. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks at a press conference in Ankara, Turkey on July 20, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] "In the national security council meeting, we decided to propose the government to declare state of emergency according to article 120 of the constitution. The cabinet has decided to declare state of emergency for three months," Erdogan said at a press conference after a cabinet meeting he chaired on Wednesday. "This practice is not against democracy, law and freedom. In contrary, it's for defending, extending and enhancing these values," he added. "Declaring state of emergency aims to take steps for eliminating the risk posed against our citizens' rights and freedoms, democracy, state of law in our country, in the most efficient and rapid way," Erdogan said. The president called on the nation not to worry, saying that they have taken necessary measures, including the economic ones. The state of emergency will take into effect after approved at the parliament. The failed coup attempt, which began last Friday, was crushed the next day; at least 290 people, including more than 100 "coup plotters," were killed, authorities said. Flash Sudan reiterated its support for China's position regarding the South China Sea issue on Wednesday, saying its support is based on the strategic relations between the two countries. "Sudan has taken the initiative by issuing a clear statement in affirmation to its stance and friendship with China and in support of China via rejecting the intervention in its affairs," Awad Ahmed al-Jaz, Sudanese official in charge of maintaining Sudan-China relations, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on Wednesday. "We maintain historic and deeply-rooted ties with China, and these ties necessitate us to defend and support one another. We have to work together, and just as China stands with Sudan and defends it, we promise that Sudan will remain a defender of China and its issues," he noted. Al-Jaz further reiterated Sudan's willingness to enhance its relations with China to develop strategic bilateral ties in various fields. "Based on the success of the experience of the joint cooperation between Sudan and China, a higher committee for developing bilateral ties has been established, chaired by (Sudanese) President Omar al-Bashir," he noted. He went on saying that "the committee has prepared around 171 cooperation projects between Sudan and China, including economic, commercial, educational, health, mining, cultural, tourist and artistic fields, and we hope this plan will find acceptance by the other party." Al-Jaz revealed that he would visit Beijing on July 27, to deliver a written message from President al-Bashir to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, in regard to enhancing the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries. In the meantime, al-Jaz deems the Sino-Sudanese Relations' Week, to be organized by Khartoum on Thursday, as a message confirming the strong ties, saying "the week will reflect the standing historical bonds between the two countries' peoples." The Sudanese official reiterated Sudan's concern for China's two initiatives, the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road , launched by the Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. "The Chinese president wants to renew an ancient history of the land and sea ties. It is one of the main cross roads, whereas Sudan was one of the main cross points on the Red Sea coast," explained al-Jaz. "Sudan, with a strategic location and joint relations with the Arab and African worlds as well as its previous experiences with China, good relations with the neighboring countries and its location on the Red Sea, is ready to be a strategic point on this vital Road," he added. The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives aim to bring closer the Asian, European and African countries via land and maritime networks of roads to boost infrastructures, financial cooperation and cultural exchange in these regions. In February, the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir appointed al-Jaz Presidential Assistant in charge of managing Sudan-China affairs. Al-Jaz assumed a number of official posts in Sudan, including Minister of the Council of Ministers, Minister of Energy and Mining, Minister of Industry and Minister of Oil. After assuming the energy and mining portfolio, he has made great efforts to cement the longstanding partnership between Sudan and China, particularly in oil industry. China recently honored al-Jaz one of the 10 international personalities who have made great contributions to economic and international relations with China. Flash The United States on Wednesday announced sanctions on three senior al-Qaida members in Iran, in a move to disrupt the terror group's operations and support networks. The three members include Faisal Jassim Mohammed Al-Amri Al-Khalidi, Yisra Muhammad Ibrahim Bayumi, and Abu Bakr Muhammad Muhammad Ghumayn, the U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement. They were accused of being "responsible for moving money and weapons across the Middle East," it said. "Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury took action to disrupt the operations, fundraising, and support networks that help al-Qaida move money and operatives from South Asia and across the Middle East by imposing sanctions on three al-Qaida senior members located in Iran," the statement said. Al-Khalidi is a senior al-Qaida official and part of a new generation of al-Qaida operatives, who participated in the annual al-Qaida Council meeting in May 2015 as al-Qaida Military Commission Chief. Bayumi, a veteran al-Qaida member since at least 2006, was reportedly involved in freeing al-Qaida members in Iran, while serving as a mediator with Iranian authorities. Ghumayn is also a senior al-Qaida leader who controls the financing and organization of al-Qaida members located in Iran. The Treasury Department remains committed to targeting al-Qaida's terrorist activity and denying its critical support networks access to the international financial system, said Adam Szubin, acting under secretary of treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence. Flash Russian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said that his country is working with the United States to push forward the peace process in Syria. "We are working to make our bilateral cooperation more efficient in all aspects of the Syrian conflict settlement process," said the ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. "(The settlement) must be aligned in such a way that would make the work more dynamic and efficient, so that the peace process could move ahead instead of stalling," Zakharova told reporters. According to the spokeswoman, contacts would be intensified among specialists on both military and political spheres under the framework of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG). But Zakharova refused to speak of a possible date for next ISSG meeting. Earlier in the day, a Russian diplomatic source was quoted by RIA Novosti news agency saying that intensive military and political experts' work will begin in the coming days in Geneva of Switzerland. The discussions would be held on the basis of the developments made during the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to Moscow on July 15, the source added. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov after meeting with Kerry Friday said that they discussed in detail steps that the two sides could take to beef up the efficiency of their joint work in supporting the peace process in Syria. The intra-Syrian talks brokered by U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura was paused with still no date set for resumption, while Mistura said on June 23 that the talks could restart in July. Mistura then urged the ISSG, particularly its two co-chairs the U.S. and Russia, to enhance efforts seeking to provide tangible results for peaceful settlement in Syria. Flash A U.S.-backed Syrian rebel group beheaded a 12-year-old boy in Syria's northern province of Aleppo, amid condemnation from the Syrian government. Militants with the Nour Addien Zinki group, which is located and largely fight in Aleppo province, executed Abdullah Issa, a Palestinian child from the Handarat camp for Palestinian refugees in Aleppo. A video clip showing members of the group beheading the boy went viral. The boy, which was said to had been sick, was apparently trying to dissuade his captors from killing him, but in vain. One of the captors pushed the boy face down, grabbed a knife, cutting his head while shouting in exhilaration. According to the group, the boy was accused of being a fighter with a pro-Syrian government Palestinian militia in Aleppo, an allegation totally denied by the Palestinian militia, known as Liwa al-Quds, and the Syrian government as well. The execution of Issa drew a big wave of condemnation by Syrians online and also by news outlets, particularly that the Nour Addien Zinki group is categorized by the United States as a "moderate" rebel group that is backed by the West. Local media headlined "U.S. moderate rebels kill a boy in Aleppo," scoffing at the U.S. claims that "moderate rebels" could actually exist in Syria. The Syrian Foreign Ministry vehemently condemned the beheading, which is said to have happened a day earlier, saying "the terrorist group of Nour Addien Zinki, which is categorized by some countries as moderate, had carried out a cold-blooded crime by beheading a Palestinian kid, who didn't complete his 12 years of age." "The Syrian government condemns this inhuman crime by Nour Addien Zinki movement which is backed and financed by the regimes of hate and extremism," it said, urging the international community to condemn the killing as well. Flash A Syrian monitor group said an Israeli airstrike targeted Syria's southern province of Qunaitera on Wednesday, as a military source denied the report. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said an Israeli warplane was seen in the sky of the Qunaitera province, hitting with a missile an unknown target in al-Baath city in that province, bordering the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The Observatory, which relies on a network of activists on ground, said the target was unknown, stopping short of giving details on other losses. Meanwhile, a military source familiar with the situation denied the report of a possible Israeli strike, saying the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front targeted the al-Baath city with two rockets filled with highly-explosive materials. Speaking to Xinhua on condition of anonymity, the source said the Nusra militants fired the missiles from an area just 300 meters from the fence separating the Israeli-controlled Golan from Qunaitera. He charged the launching spot is supervised by the Israelis, denying, however, that the Israelis were the ones firing the missiles. He added that civilian casualties were caused, stopping short of giving details about the exact target of the rocket fire. Flash The Nigerian military has defeated the Boko Haram fighters operating in restive northeast states, Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau said Wednesday. Speaking at a two-day security seminar in southern city of Port Harcourt, Dambazau, a retired Army chief, said the government was now focused on rebuilding and relocating the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their respective communities and homes. "The war in the North-East with the Boko Haram has been fought and won - as the Boko Haram elements have been routed, degraded and are being decimated," he told his audience. "The task before us is winning the peace, as the victims are gradually returning to their homes, while government is rebuilding, reconciling, and rehabilitating the victims," said the minister, who was represented by Willy Bassey, a director in the Ministry. He said the government was now focused on partnering with the media to ensure that information was properly managed. According to him, Nigeria was currently faced with security challenges in form of cattle rustling, pastoralists and farmers clashes, militancy, kidnapping, cultism and secession agitations which required effective media management. Dambazau said the ministry was currently formulating and implementing new policies to boost operations of five security outfits under the ministry. Boko Haram has been blamed for scores of attacks on churches, mosques, schools and market places in an insurgency that has killed at least 17,000 people since 2009. The armed group made international headlines in April 2014 when its members kidnapped 276 schoolgirls from a school in Chibok, a town in Borno State, Nigeria. Fifty-three of the school girls escaped but the rest remained missing. The violence has hit women and children particularly hard as they are being abducted, raped and trafficked, forced to work as lookouts and used as suicide bombers, according to the UN humanitarian relief agency, known as the OCHA. Flash Two-thirds of Americans oppose the immigration proposals by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, Gallup found in a poll released on Wednesday. Trump has made stemming the tide of illegals a campaign priority, saying he would build a wall on the border with Mexico and deport illegal immigrants if elected president. The poll showed that 66 percent of Americans oppose the idea of building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, including 88 percent of Democrats, 66 percent of independents and 38 percent of Republicans. Similarly, 66 percent of Americans oppose deporting illegal immigrants, including 83 percent of Democrats, 65 percent of independents and 48 percent of Republicans. A great majority of Americans, or 84 percent, favor a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who meet certain requirements over a period of time, including 91 percent of Democrats, 85 percent of independents, and 76 percent of Republicans, Gallup found. Not surprisingly, given the greater support for a path to citizenship than deportation or building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, Americans are more likely to say Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's immigration proposals, rather than Trump's, come closer to their own, Gallup found. Fifty-three percent of Americans say Clinton's immigration policies are closer to their own, compared to 37 percent who say Trump's proposals on immigration come closer to their own. Notably, more Republicans favor a path to citizenship than supporting construction of a border wall or deporting illegal immigrants. Although a majority of Republicans favor this proposal, the 62 percent who do so is much smaller than those (76 percent) who favor a path to citizenship for immigrants living here illegally for a certain period of time, Gallup noted. Flash SpaceX's uncrewed Dragon cargo ship arrived at the International Space Station on Wednesday, carrying a crucial docking port for future American commercial spacecraft and a DNA sequencing device. NASA astronauts Jeff Williams and Kate Rubins reached out with the station's robotic arm and grappled the spacecraft at 6:56 a.m. EDT (1056 GMT), as the orbital laboratory flew 252 miles (about 406 kilometers) over the Great Lakes, U.S. space agency NASA said. Dragon carried almost 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms) of cargo for its ninth commercial resupply mission for NASA, including the first of two international docking adapters, which NASA said will set up the station for "a new era of human spaceflight." The hardware is a ring weighing more than 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms) that will provide a standardized connection point for future crewed spacecraft to automatically dock with the station. Its first users are expected to be the Boeing Starliner and SpaceX Crew Dragon, both now in development in partnership with NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The station's robotic arm will retrieve the docking port from Dragon's unpressurized trunk and spacewalkers will complete the installation in August, said NASA. The rest of the cargo included a miniaturized device that will allow DNA sequencing in space for the first time. The samples in this first test will be a mix of a common virus, a bacteria and mouse cells, in a bid to see how well the machine operates in microgravity. Another interesting science experiment aboard this flight is an investigation that will study how microgravity changes the human heart, and how those changes vary from one individual to another. Dragon was launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket early Monday and will remain docked with the station until Aug. 29. Flash The UK's decision to leave the European Union will have both a positive and negative influence on its ties with China, said experts of China-EU relations on Wednesday. British people voted last month to leave the European bloc, a decision that surprised many parts of the world, including China. Duncan Freeman, a senior research fellow at the Brussels Academy for China and European Studies, said on Wednesday that the Brexit will have both "positives and negatives" on the ever-deepening relationship among the UK, the EU and China. "For the Chinese government, a united EU with the UK is better than a divided EU without the UK, from both a geopolitical point of view and in the sense of negotiating the investment agreement and free trade agreement with the EU. Negotiating with one entity is better than negotiating with a number of entities," he said. "But on the other hand, it can be easier for China to negotiate a separate agreement with the UK." China has been in talks with the EU about an investment agreement since 2013, but the agreement has yet to materialize. Regarding the UK, however, it will be much more difficult to negotiate with China separately than negotiating with China as part of the EU, because the EU has much stronger a position than the UK does on its own, Freeman added. Wang Chong, deputy secretary-general of the Charhar Institute, a Beijing-based think tank, believes that China prefers dealing with individual countries instead of Europe as a whole, citing the examples of China's closer ties with Germany, France and its emerging friendship with eastern European countries. "The Brexit is not too bad for China," Wang said, adding that he believes Chinese-European relations, with or without UK, will sail smoothly. The two believe that the UK's decision is a result of the domestic situation, especially the economic doldrums in the country and across Europe. Duncan Freeman said that the Brexit issue is not really about the EU, but more about many British people having become or having remained economically disadvantaged throughout the past two or three decades. "The underlying issue is about economy and people who are not benefiting from globalization," he said, adding that these people's wages have not seen raises in the past twenty years and the governments have not paid attention to their needs. Wang Chong agrees with that, adding that it's similar to what's happening in the United States where people who vote for the Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump are those who "may have jobs but are not well-paid." Wang said that the EU, currently made up of 28 countries, is facing a dilemma now, namely, whether to keep expanding to take in more countries or to downsize itself to a compact bloc of fewer member states. He and Freeman believed that with the very recent coup attempt in Turkey, the odds of the country joining the EU are "less than zero." Freeman added that most of the political elites in the EU want to keep the EU together, but it also depends on where the UK heads after the referendum, as it will be a demonstration for other member states. The real question is about whether the EU will grow more and more united or carry out reform to give more flexibility to its member states, he said. Flash A thousand people Wednesday demonstrated in front of a United Nations compound in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, the UN Mission in the country announced, and dispersed without incidents after handing over a petition. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that the protestors gathered around the Tomping Compound, where tens of thousands of people had sought refuge from the latest bought of fighting in the country. Some people initially threw stones at the gate, but dispersed after handing a petition to the Mission, reportedly against a proposal by the African Union to deploy a regional peacekeeping force to the country. "A peacekeeping quick reaction force and formed police unit personnel were on the ground to control the crowd and no casualties were reported," a UN spokesman, Farhan Haq, told reporters in New York. The security situation has been unstable in Juba and elsewhere since the recent fighting between the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA) loyal to President Salva Kiir and the SPLA in Opposition backing First Vice-President Riek Machar. Some 272 people, including 33 civilians, have been killed and at least 36,000 civilians displaced. Yesterday, two national UN staff members were physically assaulted by youth protestors in Bor, following a speech by the local governor. "UNMISS condemns physical attacks against its personnel and property and calls on all parties to respect the operations of the UN, its staff and assets," Mr. Haq said today in reaction to the incident. The UN Mission also raised concerns about increased levels of obstruction of its operations, after the Government announced today that flight safety assurances for its rotary wing aircrafts would only be granted for travels to the Greater Upper Nile and Greater Bahr el Ghazal regions. "UNMISS is concerned by these developments, which are a clear violation of the Status of Forces Agreement signed with the Government, and which are preventing the UN from implementing its mandate in the country," said Mr. Haq. Despite restrictions of movement, the Mission continues to conduct patrols in Juba, including the areas known as the "protection of civilians" sites, he added. Flash A High Court Division Bench in Bangladesh has awarded former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's eldest son Tarique Rahman a sentence of seven years in jail after scrapping a lower court order that had acquitted him in the money laundering case. The High Court division bench also upheld the previous lower court verdict of seven years of jail term for Rahman's close business associate Giasuddin Al Mamun , who has remained behind the bars since March 26, 2007, in the same case. Mamun's previous fine amount of 400 million taka (5.13 million U.S. dollars) has been commuted and levelled with Tarique Rahman at 200 million taka (2.50 million U.S. dollars) by the bench. A Dhaka court in November 2013 acquitted former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's eldest son Rahman of money laundering charge. Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) accused Rahman and Mamun in 2009 of transferring 204.1 million taka (2.62 million U.S. dollars) to Singapore between 2003 and 2007. According to the case statement, Mamun extracted 204.1 million taka bribe from a local construction company and allegedly deposited the money in a Singapore bank, from where Rahman withdrew some money. The chief prosecutor of the ACC, Anisul Haq, said he would appeal against the verdict. In May 2013 the court issued the warrant of arrest, saying it would ask the Interpol to help detain Rahman, also a senior vice chairman of Khaleda's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as he has been living in London. Rahman, also deputy chief of Bangladesh's largest opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was arrested on March 7, 2007 on charges of corruption during the 2007-2008 military-backed caretaker government. He went to London after he was released on bail in September 2008 for treatment reportedly on condition of not participating in any political activities during his stay there. Khaleda, leader of the BNP, often says political row is to blame in her son' prosecutions during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina 's incumbent government. Since the end of her tenure in 2006, her eldest son Rahman faced over a dozen of cases on charges of corruption, extortion and grenade attacks. You are here: Home Flash The UN Peacekeeping on Thursday mourned two Chinese peacekeepers who lost their lives on a mission in South Sudan. "We join China in mourning the two peacekeepers who were killed in South Sudan last week," said the UN peacekeeping body on its official Twitter account. The two Chinese peacekeepers were killed and many others injured on the evening of July 10 when they were caught in fighting between government and rebel forces in Juba, capital of South Sudan. On Tuesday, their remains were flown back home for burial. Flash French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve on Thursday ordered an investigation into security arrangements on July 14 in the southern city of Nice where a man drove a truck into a crowd, killing 84 people. Dogged by criticism over security failure, Cazeneuve called on the national police inspectorate to lead an inquiry to shed light on the security measures at the celebration of Bastille Day. "This administrative investigation...will establish the reality of these measures, while unnecessary controversy continues," he said in a statement. The minister's move came after critics asked how it had been possible for a truck driving at high speed could careen two km through a crowd before being stopped by police units in a context of high terror alert. Christian Estrosi, president of the Rivera region and former mayor of Nice, pointed the finger at the Socialist Party, accusing it of completely failing in Nice. "When the interior minister says there were enough police, it constitutes a blatant lie," he told tv news channel iTele. "He said there were 64 national policemen on duty. It's false and the investigation will show it," he added. An Ifop public opinion survey for Le Figaro newspaper on Monday showed that confidence in French President Francois Hollande to win the battle against terrorism tumbled to 33 percent of favorable opinions, down 19 points from support ratings reported after last year's two deadly attacks. Regulations on the use of antibiotics in animal feed are not strictly enforced in China, and the country has no maximum residue limits for antibiotics detected in animal products such as meat and milk. TAn Kaixing / For China Daily Experts warn that excessive use of drugs designed to kill bacteria could result in millions of deaths every year. Shan Juan reports. As the use of antibiotics at China's healthcare facilities comes under increasingly strict control, public health experts at home and abroad are turning their attention to agriculture and calling for enhanced management to prevent potential overuse in the sector. Every year, 50 percent of the antibiotics employed in the world are used in China, with 52 percent of them used to treat animals bred for food, according to the latest report on international antibiotic use, led by Jim O'Neill, former chief economist at Goldman Sachs who was an adviser to David Cameron, the former prime minster of the United Kingdom. The report, called the Global Review on AMR (antimicrobial resistance), warns that by 2005, antimicrobial resistance could be responsible for killing 10 million people across the world every year, the equivalent of one person every 3 seconds - higher than the annual global death toll from cancer. It also estimates that by 2050, AMR could result in 1 million premature deaths every year in China. AMR occurs when microbes evolve to become increasingly, or fully, resistant to previously effective antibiotics. The term also covers antibiotic resistance, which applies to bacteria and antibiotics. "China could suffer an enormous loss of GDP because of that," O'Neill wrote in an email exchange with China Daily. He added that the government recognizes the issue as one of crucial importance and has made efforts to curb excessive antibiotic use, particularly for medical purposes. Statistics from the National Health and Family Planning Commission show that antibiotic use in China's hospitals has fallen by 40 percent since 2012, when the commission imposed measures - including stricter controls, prescription-only access and health education - to curb long-term excess use. However, the report notes that the lack of stringent supervision in the agricultural sector must also be corrected. Xiao Yonghong, a professor at the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology at Peking University and a member of the commission's rational drug use committee, echoed those concerns, saying that while the abuse of antibiotics has almost been eliminated at large hospitals in cities, a lack of surveillance data means it's difficult to assess the scale of the problem at grassroots-level clinics. "Antibiotic abuse in animal farming is still widespread in China," Xiao said, adding that the country has no maximum residue limits for antibiotics detected in animal products, such as meat and milk. A passenger prepares to board a direct flight to Beijing from Rome. [Photo/Xinhua] Italy's Alitalia relaunched its direct flights between Beijing and Rome on Tuesday, after a three-year absence, with the airline saying it was bullish on the potential for growth in air travel to China. "This is a very significant day for Alitalia as we strengthen our presence in the Far East. And let me be very clear: Alitalia is committed totally to the Chinese market and aims to grow its presence in China," said CEO Cramer Ball. In 2013, Italy's national airline stopped its flights between China and Italy after it suffered losses for some years, and Air China Ltd has been operating direct flights between the two capitals. Two years ago, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways injected 560 million euros ($620 million) into Alitalia and bought a 49 percent stake in the airline. After the reorganization, a recapitalized Alitalia revitalized its business. It launched new fleets, renovated cabin interiors, and introduced popular Italian products and food on its planes. Last year, Alitalia posted a net loss of 199 million euros, still a deep deficit but a significant narrowing of the net loss the previous year of 580 million euros. The airline's executives said in Beijing on Tuesday that Alitalia plans to return to profitability by 2017, the company said. Alitalia is operating Airbus A330s on the Beijing-Rome route, offering flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The first flights that depart from both Beijing and Rome were full. Ball said the new flight will encourage business, trade and tourism between the two countries. "Passengers from China will benefit from connections at Alitalia's hub at Rome Fiumicino airport to Italian and European cities such as Venice, Florence, Pisa and Milan, as well as to Paris and London," he added. Li Xiaojin, a professor at the Civil Aviation University of China in Tianjin, said: "There is a tremendous demand of Chinese tourists traveling overseas. The current Beijing-Rome flight operated by Air China can't fully meet the demand, and the new flight launched by Alitalia will better fulfill that demand." "The newly renovated Alitalia should be able to see a good sales growth on the Beijing-Rome route, thanks to the booming demand of international air travel in China and low oil prices." In addition, Alitalia has signed agreements with China Eastern, China Southern and Hainan Airlines, to serve more than 30 destinations in China by cooperating with Chinese airlines for transfer flights. The partnerships are awaiting government approval. Last year, 3.5 million Chinese tourists visited Europe, and 1.4 million traveled to Italy. From 2000 to 2013, the number of Italian tourists who visited China more than doubled, and over 250,000 Italian visitors traveled to China annually. An employee of Goodbaby Group assembles baby strollers in the company's plant in Kunshan, Jiangsu province. [Photo/China Daily] Goodbaby Group said it will open more baby-care stores, amid booming demand driven by parents' strong willingness to trade up to better products. "We are planning to further expand in the domestic market in both distribution and retail network," said Song Zhenghuan, chairman of Goodbaby GroupChina's largest baby-care products maker and retailer. Song said there were currently more than 3,200 stores in China, including multi-brand children's shoe stores, mothercare shops and baby superstores offering products ranging from strollers, car-seats to buggies, but the number will grow to 7,000 to 8,000 in the next few years. Song predicted that the Chinese baby-care market will see a double-digit growth rate with more newborns in the wake of the policy allowing couples to have two children. The group has another listed companyGoodbaby International Holdings Ltdwhich was floated on the Hong Kong stock market in 2010. It focuses on baby-care products design, production and sales, while Goodbaby China will sell those products in its network of shops. Analysts said China has more than 16 million to 17 million babies born each year. They added that baby-related products had in recent years triggered a trillion-dollar market involving both Chinese and Western players who needed to understand each market's specific needs. Young girls display new creations in the Goodbaby (gb) fashion show during the Shanghai 2013 Spring/Summer Fashion Week in Shanghai, China, October 23 2012. [Photo/IC] To capture this opportunity Goodbaby launched a stroller called Pockit, able to be folded and carried onto passenger planes, which became an international best-seller. Cao Min, head of Goodbaby stroller factories, said parents in Asian markets like China and Japan preferred small-sized strollers while consumers in America liked large and robust baby strollers. The company is considered as an "unsung hero", making products for many international baby-care brands such as Uppababy, Pigeon and Quinny. But it decided to promote its own Goodbaby brands as well as two other brands it acquired in 2014: Germany's Cybex and US brand Evenflo. A McDonald's restaurant in downtown Beijing. [Photo/China Daily] McDonald's Corp's turnaround is showing signs of gaining steamhelped by all-day breakfast, value deals and lower commodity priceseven as labor costs and other headwinds linger. The fast-food chain posted a 6.2 percent gain in same-store sales last quarter, the best performance in four years, and earnings topped analysts' estimates. The results showed Chief Executive Officer Steve Easterbrook's plan to revive the world's largest restaurant chain is gathering momentum. Since taking the helm more than a year ago, he has revamped drive-thru ordering, tweaked kitchen operations and slimmed down the menu. The company also has reignited sales in the United States with all-day breakfast and McPick two-for-$2 and two-for-$5 deals. "They're getting back to why customers fell in love with the brand," said Michael Halen, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. "It's really just basic blocking and tackling." As part of the overhaul, Easterbrook even changed the font on order receipts. That makes it easier for workers to read special requests from customers, improving accuracy. Yet challenges remain for the burger chain. Companywide revenue still declined last quarter, the seventh straight drop, and higher labor costs are pressuring its profit margins. McDonald's also is embroiled in a dispute with the National Labor Relations Board over whether workers at its franchised restaurants qualify as company employees, a change that threatens to upend its business model. While revenue dropped 0.9 percent to $5.9 billion in the quarter, that beat analysts' $5.81 billion average projection. Net income rose to $1.23 a share in the quarter, the Oak Brook, Illinois-based company said in a statement. Analysts estimated $1.16, on average. Profit is getting a boost from lower prices for ingredients, such as beef, and that trend may continue. The company said it expects its "grocery bill" of 10 commodities to drop by as much as 4.5 percent in the US this year, a larger decline than the company predicted in January. Bloomberg Evaluation of 20 big cities included proximity to buses, density of network Shanghai municipality and Xiamen, Fujian province, have been ranked as the most developed and convenient cities for public transportation, according to a report issued by amap.com on Tuesday. Twenty big cities were evaluated based on factors such as the number of bus stops and subway stations, trip cost, the total number of bus and subway lines and the density of the public transportation network. Shenzhen, Guangdong province, was next in the rankings, while Beijing was ranked fifth. Chongqing came in last, according to the Public Transport Report of Big Chinese Cities in the First Half of 2016, compiled by map and navigation service provider amap.com. Shanghai boasts the most developed subway system with the highest density and longest total length, with more than 600 km of track, followed by 554 km in Beijing and 278 km in Guangzhou, the top three among the 26 cities in the country with subways. Passenger capacity of Shanghai's subway system exceeded that of buses for the first time in 2014. "Metro lines will measure 800 km in 2020 and there will be more than 500 stations on 18 routes, making Shanghai the defending champion with the most developed underground traffic system in the country," said Sun Jianping, director of Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission. Years of investment in the public transportation system has yielded rewards. The average mileage of a private car in the city was 32 km per day last year, an 18 percent decrease from 2009, according to the Shanghai Municipal Statistics Bureau. The report said that Shanghai also has the most reasonable distribution of bus stops. More than 53 percent of Shanghai's residents are within 500 meters of a bus stop, which compares with 37 percent in Beijing and just under 3 percent for Chongqing. Similarly, 73 percent of Shanghai's residents are within 1 km of a bus stop, which compares with 64 percent in Beijing, and 5 percent for Chongqing. Still, some internet users complain about traffic congestion in Shanghai. Second-tier cities, such as Shijiazhuang; Hebei province; Chongqing, Xi'an, Shaanxi province; and Jinan, Shandong province have surpassed the major cities in terms of congestion, according to a report earlier this month by Didi Chuxing, China's largest ride-hailing business. A Chinese mobile phone user uses the taxi-hailing and car-service app Didi Chuxing on his Apple iPhone smartphone in Jinan city, east China's Shandong province, Feb 22, 2015.[Photo/IC] Didi Chuxing clarified on Thursday that it has no plan to partner with Uber Technologies Inc in response to market speculation that the two ride-hailing giants are negotiating a tie-up in China. Didi said in a statement to China Daily that it has no such plan of merging with Uber's China businessand it doesn't want to comment more on the rumor. A Bloomberg story reported earlier claimed that several institutional investors are pushing the two companies to forge a partnership in the country as they want to put an end to their cash-burning fight over a dominant position in the country. Uber China didn't immediately respond to China Daily's inquiry on Thursday. Both Didi and Uber have spent heavily on incentives and free rides to passengers in order to gain bigger share in the market. Uber has said that it is spending at least $1 billion a year to expand its business in the country. George O'Neal, senior vice-president of Hyperloop One. [Photo provided to China Daily] US startup company Hyperloop One is seeking cooperation with four Chinese companies, as it aims to enter the Chinese market, its senior vice-president told China Daily. It is also talking with a Chinese equity fund backed by a Chinese conglomerate for Series C funding. "Four Chinese companies have participated in our Global Challenge competition with other applicants over the world and we will choose the winner to construct the world's first hyperloop networks," said George O'Neal, senior vice-president of Los Angeles-based Hyperloop One. Hyperloop, a system initiated by US business magnate Elon Musk, uses electric propulsion to accelerate a passenger or cargo vehicle through a tube in a low pressure environment. The vehicles are designed to travel at more than 1,120 kilometers per hour. O'Neal said the firm plans to start building cargo systems in 2020 and the systems for passenger transportation in 2021. "I am impressed by China's high-speed railway, its fast speed and stability, but we still have opportunities in China as the market is so huge and we can make people's lives more convenient by seamless connection," he said. Premier Li Keqiang said in the Government Work Report in March that China will expand major infrastructure projects with the aim of increasing the length of high-speed railways in service to 30,000 kilometers and linking more than 80 percent of big cities in China with high-speed railways. "We are starting Series C funding and talking with a large equity fund backed by a Chinese conglomerate, and we also have a company in Taiwan to connect with the fund from the mainland," said O'Neal. Hyperloop One has financed a total of $130 million in both equity and debt financing through Series A and Series B funding. O'Neal said the largest challenges for Hyperloop One are technological ones. "Our costs are only about only 60 percent that of a rail transit system, and the costs will continue to be decline," he said. Daniel Seah, CEO of Digital Domain Holdings Ltd, introduces the company's development strategy. [Photo/China Daily] The visual effects house behind Titanic and Transformers aims to change how Chinese audiences see videos and movies by bringing its virtual-reality technology to the world's second-largest film market. Digital Domain Holdings Ltd, owner of post-production studio Digital Domain, partnered with leading Chinese video-streaming provider Youku Tudou Inc, to tap into Chinese consumers's growing desire for VR-enabled watching experience. Under a three-year deal, the Hong Kong-listed firm will create VR content for all of Youku's online and mobile broadcast channels in the China market. The two sides will also jointly develop intellectual property business and 360-degree live-streaming and other immersive media experiences. Daniel Seah, CEO of Digital Domain, said by partnering with Youku, which has a huge user base in China, the company is determined to bring the best VR content to local audience. Digital Domain was cofounded by film director James Cameron in 1993. Since then, it has produced visual effects for more than 300 Hollywood movies, which has helped the company win nine Oscars. In April, it spent 135 million yuan ($20 million) to acquire Post Production Office Ltd, a visual effects house co-founded by popular Hong Kong film star Nicholas Tse, marking its determination to expand its presence in the China market. Digital Domain will also partner with Shanghai Film Co Ltd, a major Chinese theater chain, to promote the development of VR-enabled movies. The move comes as China is expected to beat the United States as the world's largest movie market next year. In 2015, China's box-office receipts soared to a record 44.1 billion yuan, up nearly 50 percent year-on-year, data from the Ministry of Commerce showed. Huang Guofeng, an analyst at Beijing-based Internet Consultancy Analysys International, said Digital Domain's abundant experience in image processing and building digital human beings can help it enter the VR sector. "But VR technology is still in its infancy, so it is way expensive to make VR movies now," Huang said. "Also, heavyweights and startups are all eyeing a presence. The competition is too intense." Changan's vehicle attracts attention at the Beijing Auto Show 2016. [Photo provided to China Daily] China is formulating rules for governing the testing of autonomous vehicles on the country's highways, according to bloomberg.com, citing an official from the auto industry regulator. According to the report, She Weizhen, head of the auto department at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), noted recently at a forum in Beijing that a preliminary draft of the rules had been jointly worked out between the regulator and the police. But she did not say when the regulations would be finalized. The regulator has also warned that "automakers will not allow testing their self-driving vehicles on highways before the regulations are released," the report said. The industry has come under increased scrutiny recently after the US began investigating fatal accidents involving Model S sedan and Model X SUV drivers using Tesla Motors Inc's Autopilot system, an assist feature that enables automatic braking by using vehicle-mounted detector systems. The arrival of full autonomy cars is still pending, after a flourish in China's auto sales market and an increasing demand among consumers to prevent vehicle accidents and deaths, contributed to a boom in China's self-driving industry. The nation's major internet companies Baidu Inc, Tencent Holdings Ltd and Alibaba Group, known as BAT, have all rolled out strategies to expand their business wings into the autonomous market, while traditional domestic manufacturers have also kept pace with the trend. Baidu, which is betting big on autonomous driving, successfully completed the first road test of a self-driving car at the end of last year. In April, Chinese internet company LeEco Holdings Ltd launched its concept car LeSEE, jointly built with US auto manufacturer Faraday Future. Its driverless technology was showcased during the launch. In mid-April, Chongqing Changan Automobile Co completed a 2000 kilometer trip with a self-driving car, using cameras and radar. A screen capture of supermodel Miranda Kerr's Twitter post. [Photo/Twitter account of Miranda Kerr] Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr is set to marry Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel. Clearly happy, the former Victoria Secret model shared news of her engagement on her Instagram account right after Spiegel popped the question in the early hours of Thursday morning local time (AEST). The photo had Kerr showing off her diamond ring alongside with animations of Spiegel bending down on a knee with the words "marry me" appearing on the photo. "I said Yes!!!" Kerr said in the photo's caption. Evan Spiegel, Chief Executive Officer, Snapchat and model Miranda Kerr arrive for the state dinner in honor of the Nordic Summit at the White House in Washington, May 13, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] Spiegel, 26, is one of the world's youngest self-made billionaire and is estimated to be worth about $2.1 billion. This is the second marriage for Kerr and the first for Spiegel. Kerr was formerly married to Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom, with whom she has a son. Related: Song Jia, Miranda Kerr pose in vintage style BEIJING -- Chinese procuratorates had filed 30 public interest lawsuits to courts as of the end of June in a pilot reform, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said Monday. They include 11 civil litigation cases, 18 administrative litigation cases and one with both civil and administrative litigation, the SPP said. There were 23 cases for environmental protection-related litigation, accounting for over 76 percent of the total, the SPP added. In July 2015, the SPP began a two-year pilot program that has allowed prosecutors in 13 provincial divisions to initiate public interest litigation cases on environmental protection, preservation of state assets as well as food and drug safety. Family members of the 23 mainland tourists and a tour guide killed in a bus fire in Taiwan will arrive in Taipei on Thursday, as authorities on both sides of the Straits work together to handle the accident aftermath. A chartered flight of China Southern Airlines with more than 90 people expected on board will leave Dalian, Liaoning province, where most of the victims were from, at about 1:15 pm on Thursday and arrive in Taipei at 4:10 pm, according to the airline. The Taiwan authority has requested that contact points be set up to receive the victims' family members, provide transportation and prepare documents informing them of their rights. "We hope to provide the family members and relatives as much clarification on what caused the accident, while providing them with the support they need," said Lin Chuan, chief of Taiwan's executive body. "At the same time, information needs to be transparent ... to ensure that everybody feels that this is being handled properly." Twenty-six people, including 23 tourists and a tour guide from the Chinese mainland and two people from Taiwanthe driver and a tour guidewere killed when the tour bus crashed into a barrier on a highway and caught fire near Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport on Tuesday. It was the deadliest incident involving mainland tourists in Taiwan since the island opened up to mainland travelers in 2008. Premier Li Keqiang has ordered the appropriate mainland authorities to look into the accident as soon as possible and to properly deal with follow-up matters, according to the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. "We are deeply sad for the victims of the accident," the office said in a statement on Wednesday. "Taiwan authorities should identify the cause as soon as possible, properly deal with follow-up matters, protect the interests of victims, strengthen safety management, eliminate potential problems and protect tourists to Taiwan." Nine mainland officials, including a director-level official from the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, arrived in Taipei on Wednesday. They will assist relatives in making arrangements but will not be involved in negotiations regarding compensation, according to the Taiwan Affairs Office. Local media in Taiwan reported that each victim's family could get compensation of about 1.12 million yuan ($168,000). On Wednesday, Taiwan authorities ordered some tour buses off the road after questions arose about why emergency doors and windows of the bus involved in the accident did not open. A preliminary investigation found that the handles of the emergency doors might have been impaired by the heat from the inferno inside the bus, according to China Times. Investigators believed a mechanical or electrical failure near the driver's seat might have led to the accident, media reports said. But prosecutors in Taoyuan district said further investigation was needed to determine the cause of the accident. China Post and AFP contributed to this story. A boy plays in dense green algae on a beach in Qingdao city, East China's Shandong province, July 18, 2016. Green algae is taking over the Yellow Sea in Qingdao, but the invasion hasn't deterred tourists who come to the city for the sea. Despite the government's best clean-up efforts, combating the algae is proving to be an uphill battle. [Photo/IC] China's special envoy on African Affairs, Zhong Jianhua, started a tour of African countries on Wednesday to discuss the South Sudan issue, the latest effort of Chinese government to help restore peace and stability in South Sudan. The tour, which will include visits to Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya, began on the day that the remains of Chinese UN peacekeepers Li Lei and Yang Shupeng were returned to China, arriving in Zhengzhou, Henan province. Li and Yang were killed on July 10 in Juba, capital of South Sudan. Thirteen Chinese peacekeepers have been killed since China began UN peacekeeping missions. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in a statement on the ministry's website that China asks for greater focus and investment from the international community to promote the easing of tension in South Sudan. "Although both sides in the conflict in South Sudan have declared a cease-fire, the situation there remains complex and grave, and what future developments can be expected is shrouded in uncertainty," Lu said. Special envoy Zhong will exchange views with the parties concerned in South Sudan crisis and discuss continued support for the mediation efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. He will urge the conflicting parties to implement the peace agreement signed last year. By the end of 2015, China had sent more than 2,700 troops to African UN peacekeeping bases, according to Xinhua News Agency. In December, China promised at the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation that it would provide $60 million in free aid to the African Union to support the creation and operation of the African Standby Force and the African Capacity for the Immediate Response to Crisis. Taiwan lawmakers and fishermen headed to an island in the South China Sea on Wednesday to protest an international tribunal's ruling in The Hague. Eight lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and the opposition Kuomintang boarded a military plane to Taiping Island, one of the Nansha Islands. Meanwhile, five fishing boats decorated with banners reading "Protect fishing rights, safeguard sovereignty" set out for the island from Pingtung county, Taiwan, to protest the perceived threat to fishermen's livelihoods. The boats are expected to arrive in five to six days. The protests came after the Arbitral Tribunal in The Hague ruled last week that the 0.51-square-kilometer Taiping Island was legally a "rock" and not entitled to an exclusive economic zone. Taiping is inhabited by Taiwan fishermen and garrisoned by Taiwan military forces. Taiwan's authority has rejected the tribunal's ruling, saying it has no legally binding force. KMT lawmaker Johnny Chiang took part in Wednesday's protest visit. He said: "The ruling is absolutely unacceptable. It is necessary for us to visit Taiping at this time to show the international community that it is an island, not a rock." The lawmakers watched a display of combat skills by the coast guard stationed on Taiping and visited facilities that show the island is self-sufficient. They returned on Wednesday afternoon. When the fishermen arrive in Taiping, they will receive drinking water from the island to prove it is not a mere rock and is fit for human habitation, a spokesman for the group said. In another development, China on Tuesday urged the European Union to stay neutral over the South China Sea issue, after the Council of the European Union acknowledged the tribunal's ruling. China's Foreign Ministry responded that the EU is not a party involved in the South China Sea issue. "It should be discreet with its words and actions, pay real respect to international law and respect efforts invested by countries in the region to maintain peace and stability," the ministry's Spokesperson Office said in a written interview with China Daily. President notes during tour of Ningxia how living conditions have improved. President Xi Jinping is encouraging Muslims to practice their religion as part of Chinese society, to adhere to Chinese direction, resist illegal religious infiltration and carry forward the patriotic tradition. He made the remarks on Tuesday during an inspection tour of the Ningxia Hui autonomous region. "Religions in our country, the endemic ones and those from abroad, have become deeply embedded in the Chinese civilization, whose history covers more than 5,000 years," Xi said while visiting a mosque in Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia. "They will continue to flourish only by taking root here," he said. The president said he expected religious figures to continue carrying forward the patriotic tradition and to play an active role in local poverty alleviation. While listening to work reports of provincial leaders, Xi demanded that local governments firmly resist illegal religious infiltration and promote social harmony. More than 2.4 million Muslims live in Ningxia, a region that boasts more than 5,000 religious sites, nearly 4,391 of them Islamic. Li Daguang, a researcher at the PLA National Defense University, said that throughout history, China has been very open to various religions. "The Chinese government is happy to see the religions in our country merging with the local culture, but it objects to activities that under the guise of religion actually hamper national stability and unity." Xi began the Ningxia inspection trip on Monday. In Minning, a town in Yongning county, Xi recalled the sheer poverty he found in Ningxia during his visit as a high-ranking official of Fujian province in 1997. He pushed forward a program of cooperation between Fujian and Ningxia to alleviate that poverty. In that program, residents of places in Ningxia with difficult natural conditions were relocated to the area where a new village named Minning was built. Min refers to Fujian and Ning stands for Ningxia. That village has become the town of Minning, and the annual per capita income has grown from 500 yuan (about $70) in 1997 to more than 10,000 yuan. "I'm gratified to see you have started to live a good life, and your faces show happiness," he told the town's residents. Hundreds of flights and trains were canceled or suspended as torrential rain continued to rage in North China on Wednesday, leaving 13 dead and 62 missing. An orange alert, the second-highest in a four-tier system, was issued for heavy rain in Beijing on Wednesday. From 1 am to 2 pm, the average precipitation in the capital reached 129.4 mm, with the maximum precipitation of 334 mm recorded in the suburban district of Fangshan, according to the Beijing Meteorological Bureau. Heavy rain is expected to last until Wednesday night. Affected by the severe weather, 237 of the scheduled 1,715 flights had been canceled at the Beijing Capital International Airport as of 7 pm. In Tianjin, the downpour also resulted in the cancellation of 188 flights and delayed another 80 as of 3 pm. The Beijing Railway Bureau canceled all regular speed trains leaving Beijing via the Beijing-Guangzhou and Beijing-Jiulong railway lines to southern China due to the weather. Dozens of trains leaving Beijing were delayed. The railway authority said people holding tickets for trains canceled because of floods could get full refunds from ticket windows within 30 days. The rain also left the public transportation system in Beijing in trouble. Nine underpasses were flooded, according to Beijing water authorities. As of 5 pm, 164 bus routes in Beijing were affected, with 15 of them suspended. Some subway entrances were closed temporarily, but passengers could still get into the stations via other entrances. According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the rain in northern China that started on Monday has affected more than 1.7 million people in six provincial regions. Direct economic losses were 840 million yuan ($130 million), and 68,000 people had been evacuated. Zhang Yu in Shijiazhuang contributed to this story. A damaged seaplane is lifted out of the water by a crane after the aircraft crashed into a bridge in Shanghai's Jinshan district on Wednesday. [Photo by Xie Kuangshi / For China Daily] At least five people were killed and another five injured in a seaplane crash on Wednesday in Shanghai. The nine-seat seaplane, operated by Joy General Aviation, crashed into a bridge along the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway at 12:15 pm, 10 minutes after it took off from Jinshan City Beach for its trial flight. Those aboard included the pilot and co-pilot, district government officials as well as reporters who were there to observe. The pilot, 63, has an accumulated flight time of over 30,000 hours. The injured were sent to a hospital in Jinshan, where one of the seriously injured was undergoing an operation. "There was a sudden left turn, almost at 90 degrees. Then the co-pilot yelled 'a bridge!' Then it crashed into the bridge. It was like a nightmare," said Wu Liangliang, a Shanghai Television Station cameraman, who survived the crash. The wreckage was removed from the water by early afternoon. The municipal government said a full investigation has been launched. Joy General Aviation, the largest seaplane operator in China, is a subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corp of China. The craft is manufactured by US-based Textron Aviation, which sells brands such as Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker. Flying at an altitude of 600 meters and with a speed of 260 kilometers per hour, light seaplanes are increasingly used in some Chinese cities for tourism, as they allow passengers to get a clear view of the scenery below. A seaplane can shorten the journey from Jinshan to Zhoushan from hours to about 30 to 45 minutes. Jinshan district plans to build itself into a hub for seaplanes in East China. China has relaxed its ban on the use of low-altitude airspace since 2013, leaving ample room for lucrative business opportunities, related to aviation. Reporters join inspection teams, uncover problems By Huang Zhiling In Chengdu (China Daily) Updated: 2016-07-21 07:54 Reporters will now be included in inspection teams in Sichuan province, according to Yuan Jian, information officer for the provincial Discipline Inspection Commission. The decision was made after a successful trial in which six reporters joined inspection teams in looking at government organizations. In May, three teams went to Panzhihua, Deyang as well as the Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture. The teams covered the provincial departments of agriculture and water conservancy; bureau of press, publication, radio and television; three institutions of higher learning; and three State-owned enterprises. Yuan said two reporters found problems that might have otherwise evaded the teams. Dissatisfied with the routine reports given by local officials, Chen Song, a reporter with Sichuan Daily, and Dai Zunhong, a reporter at Sichuan Television Station, decided to look for problems themselves. Passing the Ma'erkang town government, they heard villagers from the Hongcao valley talk about concerns of a possible landslide during the rainy season. "They told me that a rain-related landslide in the wee hours of June 30 last year damaged their houses and narrowed the riverbed near their houses," Chen said. "Nearly one year has passed since the disaster, but the site of the landslide has yet to be repaired by the local government." An on-site investigation convinced him what the villagers said was true. Dai, visiting Xihua University in Chengdu, found that more than 29,000 students had paid nearly 6.8 million yuan ($1 million) more this year to buy textbooks. The university should have refunded the money to students in cash. Instead it had refunded all the money to a card used by students to buy food in its canteen. Although students complained, the school did not refund the cash. Dai aired the story and the university agreed to refund the cash. Bian Huimin, the university's Party chief, said it would make use of the incident to teach its officials to have a sense of discipline and do the right thing. The idea of including reporters in inspection teams originated in a plenary session of the Discipline Inspection Commission in January, which asked for cooperation between it and the media in combating unhealthy tendencies. In April, the commission and the publicity department of the Sichuan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China asked the media in Sichuan to expose acts that violate Party discipline in formalism, bureaucracy, hedonism and extravagance. It is the first arrangement of its kind in the country, according to Fang Fang, head of the Sichuan government information office. huangzhiling@chinadaily.com.cn (China Daily 07/21/2016 page5) Three men who organized protests against KFC outlets have been detained in Central China's Henan province. According to the official WeChat account of the Puyang Public Security Bureau, a small group of people gathered outside two KFC outlets in Puyang city, Henan province on July 19. Several of the group held a banner proclaiming, "Get out of China, KFC and McDonalds!" The bureau handled the situation in a timely manner, initiating an investigation as soon as the incident was reported. The investigation revealed that three middle-aged men were behind the protest. Given that the men disturbed normal business operation of the two outlets, one man was given 15 days in administrative detention, while the other two will each be held for 13 days. All the punishments are in accordance with Article 23 of the Public Security Administration Punishment Law of the People's Republic of China. Local police in China have been taking action to contain scattered protests calling for a boycott of US products, especially fast-food restaurants like KFC, after an international arbitration court ruled against China's maritime claims last week. XIGAZE, Tibet -- The first tantric Kalachakra instructions delivered by the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu formally started, with some 40 monks beginning a closed-door observance of Yidam, the Kalachakra deity, Thursday morning. The monks, from Labrang Lamasery in Northwest China's Gansu province and Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery in Xigaze, Tibet autonomous region, will perform this ritual every morning during the four-day event. The Kalachakra (the wheel of time) ritual includes a series of tantric teachings and initiations given by gurus to help Buddhists through the cycle of life. Public instruction and initiations have been scheduled for every afternoon. On Thursday, monks, nuns, gurus and devotees will arrive at the New Palace of the Panchen Lama, near the Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery, at noon. It is estimated that some 50,000 Buddhists will attend the auspicious the event. This is the first time in 50 years that the ritual has been done in Tibet. Shanghai Jiao Tong University is expanding its training program for teachers from schools in rural areas, in a bid to help improve the level of local education and benefit more students across China. The program, which was launched in 2007, now provides training to around 90 teachers from China's underdeveloped central and western areas each year. Recently, the university established a strategic partnership with the Only Education Group and it plans to expand the program's scale over the next five years so as to allow more teachers from China's rural areas to participate. Meanwhile, it will establish a long-term tracking mechanism to help adjust the program's content according to feedback received, and there are also plans to invite more experts and scholars to give lectures. According to the university, the ten-day program covers teaching methods and skills development, experiential training, expert lectures and a local school visit. The program also encourages participants to exchange ideas with teachers from schools in Shanghai, so as to understand more about the development of concepts in education. So far, the program has helped train 625 teachers from nine provinces and cities, including Yunnan, Sichuan and Qinghai. It covers nearly 500 schools across the country, benefiting more than 100,000 students. The 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu (above), greets followers at the opening of his Kalachakra instructions on Thursday in Xigaze, the second-largest city of the Tibet autonomous region. An estimated 50,000 devotees are expected to attend the fourday ritual. PHOTOS BY GALSANG JIGME / TIBET DAILY From across the country and overseas, thousands gathered on Thursday for a sacred festival as the highly respected Panchen Lama began one of Tibetan Buddhisms most important rituals, held for the first time in more than half a century. An estimated 50,000 monks, nuns and devotees showed up in the rain in Xigaze, the second-largest city of the Tibet autonomous region, to hear Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu give the Kalachakra initiation, regarded as Tibetan Buddhisms highest teachings. The 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu (above), greets followers at the opening of his Kalachakra instructions on Thursday in Xigaze, the second-largest city of the Tibet autonomous region. An estimated 50,000 devotees are expected to attend the fourday ritual. PHOTOS BY GALSANG JIGME / TIBET DAILY The ritual, which will last four days, began on Thursday afternoon near Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the Panchen Lamas traditional seat. At the same time, about 40 monks began a closed-door observance honoring Yidam, the Kalachakra deity. According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Kalachakra is a ritual that aims to initiate and empower disciples. This is the first Kalachakra, which means wheel of time, given by the 11th Panchen Lama since his enthronement in 1995. The Panchen Lama said that the last Kalachakra, given by the late 10th Panchen Lama in 1954, also commenced on a rainy day. It is a propitious sign, he told his followers. Although it is Tibetan Buddhist tradition that devotees must remove their hats before meeting a high-ranking living Buddha, the Panchen Lama allowed them to listen to his teachings while wearing hats or using umbrellas. The event will also include sessions of public instruction and initiations, scheduled for every afternoon from Thursday to Sunday. Some devotees have made a long and difficult journey to Xigaze. But Im so pleased to be in the audience for the Panchen Lamas Kalachakra teachings, said Pematso, who is from Tianzhu Tibetan autonomous county of Gansu province, about 2,500 kilometers away. The 45-year-old had to cope with arthritis while making the four-day journey from his hometown to attend the ritual. I cherish this opportunity, and I am pleased to attend such a high-level and precious teachings. It gives me many lesson on how to be a righteous person and how to behave properly, he said. Wangdu, a Tibetan in his 70s who is from Sakya county in the Tibet autonomous region, said the event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him to listen to the teachings of a senior living Buddha. I usually herd animals on the mountain. But I realized I have something far more important to do when I learned about the Kalachakra, he said. I will cherish this great opportunity, and I pray that all living beings will get rid of the sufferings of the existence of life cycle. The Panchen Lama, who is vice-president of the Buddhist Association of China, is an accomplished Buddhist leader who has given head-touching blessings to 1.5 million Buddhists. In agony: Family members of victims from the mainland who died in the bus accident that killed 26 people cry as they attend a funeral in Taoyuan, Taiwan, on Thursday. A preliminary investigation found that an electrical problem near the drivers seat caused the fire. TYRONE SIUI / REUTERS A preliminary investigation shows that the fire that engulfed a tour bus in Taiwan was caused by electrical short-circuits near the driver's seat, prosecutors in the island's Taoyuan district said. According to local media, an initial autopsy showed that the driver's respiratory tract was burned, a sign that he possibly inhaled high temperature smoke. The prosecutors said the driver was possibly poisoned by carbon monoxide and became unconscious, losing control of the bus. The bus caught fire and crashed into a highway barrier en route to Taoyuan International Airport on Tuesday. All 26 on board, including the driver, a tour guide and 24 mainland tourists, were killed. One of the major reasons for the heavy casualties was that the left-rear emergency exit failed to open. Investigators found that the exit had a lock system that should not have been there. Safety inspectors check a tour bus in Taipei, Taiwan, on Thursday in the wake of a fire that killed 26 people, including 24 mainland tourists, on Tuesday. ZHENG RENNAN / FOR CHINA DAILY They also discovered a similar lock system on another bus from the same company. Prosecutors said they would further investigate the buses. Liu Kezhi, secretary-general of the Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits, said the mainland was extremely dissatisfied with Taiwan's safety measures for visiting mainland tourists. The mainland requests that Taiwan thoroughly investigate the accident and complete the work necessary to receive victims' family members, Liu told reporters outside a temporary shrine for the victims in Taoyuan's Zhongli district. Relatives of the deceased were taken to the shrine by Taiwan officials. In response, Mainland Affairs Council spokesman Chiu Chui-cheng said Taiwan would work hard to raise the quality of its tourism services and examine problematic parts of the sector. A charter flight with about 40 family members arrived in Taipei on Thursday afternoon, accompanied by about 20 personnel from government institutions in Dalian, Liaoning province, where 21 of the victims were from. "We hope related departments in Taiwan can ascertain the true facts as soon as possible and handle the compensation work well, thus comforting those who have lost their loved ones," said Luan Xusheng, head of Dalian's working group for Taiwan and director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of Dalian. "Staff from our community and various government institutions came to help us after the accident," said a woman surnamed Yao, who lost her nephew Jiang Xin in the fire. Yao said Jiang, 30, and his wife, Gao Ling, 28, were on their honeymoon. "It's really hard to accept the fact. They had lived in their new home for only three days," she said. Contact the writers at zhangxiaomin@chinadaily.com.cn China Post contributed to this story. Taiwan lawmakers and fishermen headed to an island in the South China Sea on Wednesday to protest an international tribunal's ruling in The Hague. Eight lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and the opposition Kuomintang boarded a military plane to Taiping Island, one of the Nansha Islands. Meanwhile, five fishing boats decorated with banners reading "Protect fishing rights, safeguard sovereignty" set out for the island from Pingtung county, Taiwan, to protest the perceived threat to fishermen's livelihoods. Family members of the 23 mainland tourists and a tour guide killed in a bus fire in Taiwan will arrive in Taipei on Thursday, as authorities on both sides of the Straits work together to handle the accident aftermath. A chartered flight of China Southern Airlines with more than 90 people expected on board will leave Dalian, Liaoning province, where most of the victims were from, at about 1:15 pm on Thursday and arrive in Taipei at 4:10 pm, according to the airline. The Taiwan authority has requested that contact points be set up to receive the victims' family members, provide transportation and prepare documents informing them of their rights. I spent most of my first visit to Panama, in June, in the mountainous region near the Costa Rican border. We visited relatives who had moved to the small town of Volcan at the foot of the Baru Volcano, which gives the town its name. Panama, and especially this part of the Chiriqui province, is about as different from Beijing as you can get. Panama's total population is just under 4 million, only about 18 percent of Beijing's estimated 21.7 million inhabitants. Volcan, at 1,400 meters above sea level but not far from the equator, has springtime temperatures year-round. Frequent rains turn the landscape intensely green most of the year. New guidance document aims to promote an environment conducive to innovation, sustainable growth A guidance document for increasing intellectual property cooperation between countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative is expected to be adopted at an ongoing international meeting. "The guidance document aims to inherit and promote the tradition of the Silk Road and advance IP cooperation in the region," Shen Changyu, commissioner of the State Intellectual Property Office, told China Daily in an exclusive interview. He was speaking prior to the High-level Conference on Intellectual Property for Countries along the Belt and Road, where the document titled "Common Initiatives for Strengthening Cooperation between Countries along the Belt and Road in the Field of Intellectual Property" is being rolled out. The World Intellectual Property Organization and several central government departments - SIPO, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, the National Copyright Administration and the Ministry of Commerce - along with the Beijing municipal government are co-hosting the conference in the capital from Thursday to Friday. The document will offer suggestions for IP collaboration from such perspectives as legal systems, professional services, rights protection, public awareness, training, and information sharing and use. "It is designed to help build an IPfriendly ecosystem in the countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, improve their related legal systems and thus promote an environment conducive to innovation and sustainable development," Shen said. The Belt and Road Initiative refers to President Xi Jinping's proposals in 2013 to improve international cooperation through the construction of a Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. "Taking into full consideration the difference in development levels, cultures, innovation capacities and legal systems, the planned statement will reflect the trends of multi-polarity, economic globalization, cultural diversity and IT-based developments," Shen said. With about $21 trillion in economic aggregate, some 29 percent of the world's total, the countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, most of which are emerging economies, are encouraging innovation to promote growth. "Their innovation will become a key growth spot in the regional and even world economy." Shen said. "As IP is playing an increasingly instrumental role in both international trade and the development of countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, how to integrate it into the initiative is a common issue we face." The Chinese government has long cooperated on IP with countries along the routes. Shen said his office has signed bilateral cooperation agreements with 28 out of 65 core countries involved in the initiative. And it has developed a trilateral cooperation mechanism with its peers in Mongolia and Russia. At the same time, SIPO has partnered with regional organizations including the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the Visegrad Group, an alliance comprising four central European countries - the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. This international cooperation covers a wide range, including patent filing processing, international training, data exchanges and documentation sharing. It has made marked progress and been widely acclaimed among the countries involved in the initiative, Shen said. Against such a backdrop, the ongoing conference has gathered together IP leaders from 50 countries and international organizations involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as representatives of the business community and the academic circle in China. They will discuss how to improve regional cooperation for "a more general preferential, inclusive, and balanced international IP system", he said. "The event provides an effective communication channel and also helps create an IP-friendly environment for companies entering countries involved in the Belt and Road." Government data shows that Chinese companies made direct investments worth $14.82 billion in 49 countries in the region last year, an 18.2 percent increase from 2014, accounting for 12.6 percent of total direct overseas investments by domestic investors. zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn Experts call for greater awareness of intellectual property rules The State Intellectual Property Office recently released a series of reports on IP environments in the countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. Guan Yuying, director of the Intellectual Property Research Office at the Institute of Law under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, led a team to research IP environments in the Middle East. The research covered Egypt and six member countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. "Their religion is reflected in IP legislation in the region," Guan told China Daily. "As a result, it is necessary to learn about the cultural differences if a business decides to enter such a market." "They are looking to switch to a diversified industrial structure, which also gives Chinese companies - and their overseas competitors - business opportunities in such matured markets," she added. Dang Xiaolin, a partner at Beijing Sanyou Intellectual Property Agency, whose team conducted research into the IP environments in a number of countries in Central and Eastern Europe, said, "The region has yet to improve its IP infrastructure and patent filing processing capacities." "Also, it is worth noting that the countries covered in the research (into Central and Eastern Europe) differ from other regions in their procedures for securing and maintaining industrial property rights including patents and trademarks," Dang said. The veteran IP attorney identified accurate information gathering through a thorough analysis of target markets and due diligence investigations into local IP environments as vital aspects of a company's strategy. He also suggested that companies forge closer cooperation with specialist IP attorneys and seek aid from Chinese legal counsels for special solutions. He called on Chinese companies facing IP disputes to seek legal recourse in order to protect their legitimate interests. SIPO Deputy Commissioner Gan Shaoning said at the release ceremony for the reports, "Chinese companies that are looking to go global need to have a better understanding of overseas IP rules and environments, which will help protect their own interests and promote business growth while respecting others' rights." Wang Xin A model of a China-made metro train designed for export to Mumbai, India, on display at an international rail technology exhibition in Beijing. Wu Changqing / For China Daily (China Daily 07/21/2016 page12) Hong Kong comedy icon Stephen Chow plays Monkey King in Jeffery Lau's 1995 romance and fantasy-comedy film series A Chinese Odyssey. Photos provided to China Daily Jeffery Lau's project based on Chinese literary classic Journey to the West is being revived, generating a lot of excitement. Wang Kaihao reports. 'There was a sincere love in front of me, but I didn't cherish it ... If heaven gave me another chance, I would say three words to the girl: 'I love you'. If I had to set a time for that love, I wish it could be 10,000 years." Among Chinese moviegoers, you will find many who have not watched Jeffery Lau's two-part 1995 Hong Kong romance and fantasy-comedy films A Chinese OdysseyPandora's Box and Cinderellaloosely based on the 16th-century Chinese literary classic Journey to the West, but it will be not easy to find someone who has not heard of the classic lines above. On Monday in Beijing, Lau announced plans to give A Chinese Odyssey a new lease of life. The latest, A Chinese Odyssey: Part III, is to be released during the Mid-Autumn Festival this year, which falls on Sept 15, not only in China, but South Korea, Vietnam and Myanmar among other Asian countries. However, neither the 54-year-old comedy icon Stephen Chow nor 45-year-old Athena Chu, who acted in the previous installments, will appear in the new film. They will be replaced by younger counterparts from the mainland. Han Geng, 32, will play Monkey King as well as Joker, the monkey's reincarnation, and actress Tang Yan, 33, will continue the emotional entanglement with Joker playing the Fairy Zixia. Actress Karen Mok is the only one from the old cast. "I felt like I was returning home the moment I began work on the new film," a nostalgic Lau says. "All the memories came flooding back." The movie version of the popular TV series Line Walker stars Hong Kong actors (from left to right) Nick Cheung, Louis Koo and Francis Ng. [Photo Provided to China Daily] Once the most popular Hong Kong TV content provider for mainland viewers, Television Broadcasts has again adapted a hit series into a movie. More familiar to viewers as TVB, the company has turned its highly rated 2014 series Line Walker into a movie of the same name. It will premiere on Aug 11. Last year, two of TVB's most popular series, Triumph in the Skies - season 1 was screened in 2003 and season 2 in 2013 - and Return of the Cuckoo (2000) were both adapted into feature-length movies. The large fan following of these series is why they have been turned into movies. According to the producers, the 31-episode series Line Walker has so far been viewed almost 2.4 billion times on digital platforms - mainly mainland streaming sites - since it aired in August 2014 on TVB's Jade Satellite Channel. The fast-paced story, the dramatic twists and the high-profile cast enticed a large number of mainland fans, winning it 8.1 of 10 on Douban.com, the largest Chinese review site for movies, TV, literature and music. Besides TV actress Charmaine Sheh reprising her role, the movie has Hong Kong A-listers Louis Koo, Nick Cheung and Francis Ng. A monk attends the unveiling of the Buddha event at the Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery in Xigaze, Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region, July 20, 2016. The annual ceremony was concluded on Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua] Xinjiang Opera artists perform in Barkol Kazak autonomous county, Xinjiang, June 30, 2015. [Photo/xjblk.gov.cn] The 5th Xinjiang Opera cultural week was unveiled in Hutubi country, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Tuesday. As one of the first batch of China's National Intangible Cultural Heritages to be listed, the Xinjiang Opera, or Xinjiang qu zi, often features humorous stories or well-known anecdotes by the performers. The opera combines the essence of Shannxi Opera, Lanzhou Drum (Lanzhou gu zi), and Qinghai Opera (Qinghai ping xian). The ethnic music of Xinjiang also adds to Xinjiang Opera's final form. It is very popular among local elders . Yet in recent years, the younger generation also become interested in Xinjiang opera. "We must keep on trying new creative things to keep the Xinjiang Opera robust," said Wang Xiaohui, a representative from the Xinjiang Opera Club in Urumqi. The cultural week aims to preserve opera through communication with more people. "We were very inspired by Peking Opera during the creative process," said Li Qingsheng, a Xinjiang Opera performer. Opera performers and scholars from more than 10 provinces and cities attended the event. Marco Meccarelli attends a lecture in Beijing during the 2016 Visiting Program for Young Sinologists. [Photo/Chinaculture.org] Marco Meccarelli is a lecturer at the University of Catania in Italy. He shared his story about how he became a Chinese art historian as he took part in the 2016 Visiting Program for Young Sinologists in Beijing. I was born in a small town, Tolentino, in the heart of Italy, not far from the hometown of the great Italian Sinologist Matteo Ricci (known in China as Li Madou). As a child I knew China through the stories of this famous Jesuit, which fascinated me so much. I remember when I was very young, I watched an American-Italian television miniseries, Marco Polo, originally broadcast by NBC in the United States, by Antenne 2 in France and by RAI state television in Italy in 1982. After watching this movie I thought that I would like to visit China. All of the places looked interesting and I wanted to learn more about the culture. From an early age I had two passions art and Chinese culture. They have always had a strong impact in my life choices. So in the 1994 I decided to enroll at the University of Rome and study Chinese art. My first experience in China, thanks to a scholarship, was in the 2000, during a trip organized by Sapienza University. I visited some of the major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Suzhou, Hong Kong), and spent most of the time in the major museums looking at seasonal or temporary exhibitions of art and viewing scrolls kept in storage. I learned more about China and Chinese culture. My last experience in China was in 2014. I conducted a research trip to Central China (Luoyang, Xi'an, Datong) to study archaeological excavation reports and related research materials from various libraries and institutions, and to visit and photograph artifacts in local museums and ancient sites in Henan, Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces. Hannes Dekeyser attends a lecture in Beijing during the 2016 Visiting Program for Young Sinologists. [Photo/Chinaculture.org] Hannes Dekeyser is a program coordinator at the European Institute for Asian Studies. The 26-year-old Belgian took part in the 2016 Visiting Program for Young Sinologists and was passionate when talking about his ambitions to master the Chinese language as soon as possible, to catch up with the rest of the crowd. This year, 31 Sinologists from 26 countries participated in the program and most of them speak fluent Chinese. My personal profile might be a bit different from the other people in this program. I have not pursued a major in Chinese language, nor in Chinese culture, (yet). Back in 2012, I finished a degree in Tourism Management with particular attention to the BRICS tourism industries, and especially to China. For this study, I decided to embark on a one semester internship in China. I was welcomed by a dynamic Chinese tourism marketing company in Beijing, where I was given the responsibility to build bridges between foreign destination representatives and the booming Chinese outbound travel industry. Being the only foreign colleague in the office, I was immediately and spontaneously immersed in the local business culture, and of course the fabulous and fascinating culture of China. It is an understatement to say that I absolutely loved my life in Beijing. Its food, its people, its way of life. I had never been in a place so different from home. Very soon, though, I felt like this place had become home. Moreover, like most of the first time visitors, I was intrigued to witness the enormous scope and pace of China's development. The vast ambition and the optimism of the people I met just astonished me, and in particular the enormous contrast with the prevailing uncertainties and pessimist growth predictions in Europe at the time. All of this took place in a country with a culture and a political system distinctly different from the form of governance that I was used to. China's meritocracy and its development model are indeed subject to criticism in Europe, but the time in Beijing has opened my mind and convinced me that every form of governance has its merits, which also counts for China. This fascination never let me go. Ever since, I have been observing political and socio-economic affairs in China. Once back in Belgium, I pursued a Master of Science in International Relations, with a particular focus on China's Foreign Policy. In this context, I was given the opportunity to lead a delegation of Belgian university students to Sichuan University in the summer of 2013, for a four-week experience of cultural exchanges and academic in-depth debates between Chinese and European scholars on EU-China relations. I currently work as a Program Coordinator for the European Institute for Asian Studies, also known by its acronym EIAS. This think tank, located next to the Belgian parliament in the heart of Brussels, was founded in 1989 with support from the European Commission. Our core mission is to promote the understanding between the European Union and Asia through a wide range of projects and initiatives including policy research papers, conferences, seminars and training programs. At EIAS, my research mainly relates to China's Foreign Policy, EU-China Relations and actual Socio-Economic and Political Developments in China. In a nutshell, my personal story about China and me. I am aware that I am still in a rather early stage of my career so to end up, these are my main ambitions for the future: First, I want to contribute to the mutual understanding and dialogue between Europe and China through my work at EIAS and for Atlas, and by continuously trying to provide a balanced and nuanced perspective on China. Second, language. I currently follow Mandarin classes at a Belgian Confucius Institute, but the hustle and bustle of our work in Brussels hinders me to have full attention. Learning the language will however be one of my key ambitions for the months and years to come. Third, despite the contemporaneity of our policy research and activities at EIAS, I find it crucial and relevant to take the historical and cultural context of a certain subject into account. Therefore, I want to immerse myself more in these matters. I'm convinced that this visit to China and the interactions with colleagues and experts will definitely contribute to my research and my work for the European Institute for Asian Studies. The recent ruling made by an arbitral tribunal on a case initiated by the Philippines, which rejects China's Nine-Dash Line in the South China Sea as illegal and takes Taiping Island inhabited by Taiwan fishermen as a "rock" rather than an "island", offers an opportunity for both sides of the Taiwan Straits to build up basic mutual trust again. Taiwan's new leader Tsai Ing-wen's unwillingness to accept the 1992 Consensus and its core principle of one China has dented political trust with the mainland, which was further undermined by the "accidental" firing of a missile from Taiwan in the direction of the mainland. Any cross-Straits discord will offer an opportunity for outside forces to take advantage of it and thus erode the rights and interests of the Chinese nation in the South China Sea. The establishment of mutual trust will help both sides offer each other mutual support at a critical time and jointly safeguard the interests of the Chinese nation. The unfavorable award by the tribunal is only the latest stage in the South China Sea disputes. Forcible interventions from the United States and other external forces may further escalate tensions in the region. Under the pretext of the ruling, the Philippines and Vietnam may raise more unreasonable claims in the sea. For both the mainland and Taiwan, the real challenge following the award has just begun, and so they should deepen mutual trust to make sure they are better braced to defend China's legitimate rights and interests in the South China Sea. In doing so, this "common challenge", if properly handled, can help both sides, especially Taiwan, to realize the importance of their mutual trust again. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday stressed that voluntary, unpaid blood donations must be increased rapidly in more than half of the world's countries.[Photo/Xinhua] THE HEALTH authorities in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province, have moved the city's mobile blood donating clinics from the downtown shopping streets to the railway stations. This is because the popularity of online shopping means fewer people are going to these streets to shop. Beijing Youth Daily commented on Wednesday: At first glance, it would seem there is no relation between online shopping and blood donation. But one of the mobile blood donation clinics that was located in the city center reported 100 donors a day in the past but that figure had dropped to 20 or 30. As online shopping is popular at the moment and the number of people going shopping in physical stores is declining, such proactive measures are necessary to encourage people to donate blood. But having said this, more original methods are needed. Perhaps a "door-to-door" approach can be used, stationing the mobile blood clinics by government buildings, offices, factories, residential areas and other crowded places. The increased visibility of the mobile blood donation clinics will secure the recognition and support of potential donors. The health authorities should also consider taking an "Internet Plus" approach. For example, using social media to announce the location of blood donation clinics in advance to let those who live or work nearby know they will be in the area. Large number of students turn out in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, along with their parents and teachers, for a greening, environmental protection, tree planting activity, on April 9. [Photo/Agencies] There are often protests by residents when a local government announces it is planning to build a waste incinerator or sewage or dangerous waste treatment plants. This not-in-my-backyard mentality, if unchecked, will lead to a zero-sum game between governments, enterprises and the public, Beijing Times commented on Wednesday: People produce huge amounts of various kinds of waste in their daily lives, and garbage sorting is yet to be a habit. If everyone disagrees with the building of a waste incineration plant in their hometown, how on earth is all the garbage to be disposed of? Compared with landfills, with the advancement of relevant technology, incinerating garbage is an efficient and comparatively hazard-free way of eliminating waste, and has the bonus that it generates energy. To avoid a zero-sum game dilemma, the government needs to make the decision-making process behind the location of incinerators and treatment plants more transparent and ensure the views of all interests groups are taken into account. Public policies and decisions should be the result of interactions between the public and government within a legal framework. To ensure this interaction is genuine, the environmental protection bureaus should conduct transparent environmental impact evaluations. The bureaus should also be responsible for monitoring the plants' emissions and environmental impact after they come into operation. However, the environmental protection bureaus are part of the local governments and usually yield to the will of local government leaders in practice. The disappearance of a trustworthy environmental watchdog leads to a direct confrontation between the public and the government. There must also be a compensation mechanism for residents and an accountability system that makes it easy for individual citizens to sue polluters and gain compensation for any pollution. A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched during a successful intercept test, in this undated handout photo provided by the US Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency. [Photo/Agencies] Since the United States and the Republic of Korea announced the deployment of the THAAD anti-missile system in the ROK on July 8, the situation in Northeast Asia has deteriorated. At the recent Asia-Europe Meeting summit in Mongolia, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang did not meet with ROK President Park Geun-hye for talks although he held extensive and in-depth discussions with a number of other leaders. A few days after the deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system in the ROK, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea warned that it would respond. It test-fired three ballistic missiles on Tuesday in an apparent reaction to the planned deployment of the advanced missile interception system, and Seoul has said Pyongyang is preparing to conduct a fifth nuclear test, which, if true, will add more uncertainties to the regional situation. The deployment of THAAD will break the established delicate strategic balance in Northeast Asia and likely spark an arms race in the region. Given that the system's radar will be able to monitor the missiles of neighboring China and Russia, the two countries will inevitably intensify their defense facilities. Northeast Asia has long been plagued by such issues as the legacy of suspicion from the Cold War, territorial disputes and issues of history, and thus mutual trust among relevant countries remains fragile. The deployment of THAAD is expected to reduce the level of trust among countries to a new low and further fuel tensions. In a sense, the negative influence of the deployment of THAAD in the ROK is similar to that of the Cuban missile crisis. THAAD's presence in the ROK will also deal a serious blow to ongoing international efforts to push for a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and undercut previous cooperation among China, the US and the ROK in dealing with the DPRK's nuclear developments. A screen reading "Over The Top" is displayed as Donald Trump, presumptive 2016 Republican presidential nominee, receives the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination during the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Cleveland, Ohio, US, July 19, 2016. [Photo/VCG] With his unabashed racist remarks and determined political incorrectness, Donald Trump is riding a wave of protest against political establishment toward the White House. Both at home and abroad, the prospect of Trump becoming president of the United States fills many with alarm. Such is the concern that even Republican Party colleagues have tried to get rid of him. Former president George W. Bush is reportedly worried nominating Trump might mean he is "the last Republican president" and spell the end of the GOP. The US' allies, too, seem concerned about his unexpected momentum on the campaign trail. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, for one, warned Trump is a threat to the US and global security with his "politics of fear and isolation". But like it or not, despite all the ridicule of his "Trumpiness", Donald Trump has defeated 16 party rivals and won the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. Counterintuitive as it may appear, Trump's nomination should not come as a surprise, especially when it is considered in the global context of the so-called Great Rebellion against elitism, or the neo-liberal crony capitalist order. In the words of Paul Ryan, Republican Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Trump has risen at a time "when men and women in both parties so clearly, so undeniably, want a big change in direction for America, a clean break from a failed system". In other words, he has thrived on growing popular aspirations for change. Barack Obama won his bid for the White House with a loud promise of change. He has delivered little of that. So here comes Trump, pledging to make a break and "make America work again". Trump's popularity may not be that anti-establishment, but it does have to do with many Americans' frustration with the status quo. As some have observed, his proposals resonate with those who feel left behind in the rush to globalization, and fed up with establishment politicians. As in the result of the Brexit referendum in the United Kingdom, where former British prime minister David Cameron underestimated the polarization of society, the Trump phenomenon is a clarion call for seriously thinking about what establishment politicians have up till now taken for granted. While such a "rebellion" has taken the relatively constructive form of voter choices in the UK and the US, it may become very different, perhaps damaging, in other places. We all have a good idea of what a gamer looks like, at least in the stereotype in our head. Young, male, probably overweight and greasy-skinned living in his parents' basement, sucking down cheese-flavored snacks to such a degree his fingers are permanently stained orange. Reports from Pew Research note this isn't too far out of line, particularly in the United States. A new report from the Electronics Software Association (ESA) and the AARPformerly the American Association of Retired Persons suggests that there's a larger proportion of older gamers than might be expected. This large bloc of older gamers may well have a say in at least some aspects of future development.The Pew reports note nearly as many women as men are likely to report playing video games, even if men are twice as likely as women to consider themselves to be actual gamers. The ESA / AARP report, meanwhile, notes that while gaming is a young person's sport, there are plenty of formerly young people sticking around, and some new older folks getting in as well, with 36 percent of Americans aged 50 or older calling themselves gamers. Given that U.S. Census data pins the count of 50-plus Americans at around 113 million total, that means about 41 million consider themselves gamers.What's more, that substantial bloc is more female than male, though the split is fairly close, and those females are more likely to be aggressive gamers, reporting play taking place every day. Most of the older gamers are likely to turn to PC, followed closely by mobile gamers. The reason most frequently cited was just the pursuit of sheer fun, though a substantial number also reported turning to games as a means to retain mental sharpness. That mental sharpness may also include, if on more of an unspoken basis, protection against Alzheimer's disease. A report from Alzheimers.org detailed several brain-training games that could offer ...a wealth of puzzles and problems that can be played for hours or merely minutes at a time.It's certainly not outlandish to think that 50 year olds today would be gamers; simple math suggests a 50 year old today would have been 20 in 1986, and those who have any memory of the 1980s know that it was saw both a big rise in console gaming as well as the start of the arcade's decline. The 1980s saw firms like Nintendo and Sega joining in the second generation of the home gaming market, as well as the beginning of arcades shutting down due to too little business to support all of the participants. Young people in that era might well have remained gamers into the increasing console era and the vanishing arcade era as well, so to suggest that today's 50 year olds would have lost that gaming itch altogether doesn't make much sense.Naturally, with information like this, we might well consider something a little different than Lara Croft and Master Chief. While there's nothing saying that, somewhere, some little old lady isn't slamming Red Bull and delivering out appropriate shotgun justicecomplete with teabaggingto her opponents, it's not likely to be a big impact on the console market and the action gaming market. Consider how the study notes that older players are looking for fun and a way to keep the mind sharp; developers here might do well to focus puzzle gaming on the older set, which means targeting the PC and mobile markets.What's more, there may be a demand for games to play with the grandchildren, so cooperative ventures in which the older gamer can play along with the young could be welcome. A report from Nick Yee notes that around 27 percent of female gamers over 35 and 13 percent of male gamers over 35 turn to massively multiplayer online (MMO) titles, so it's not out of line that the older gamers might have an adventuring party in mind when it comes to games.For game developers, it will be a safe bet to skew younger when it comes to development. Pew research, the Nick Yee report, and several others all note that younger gamers are perhaps the biggest market around. There is, however, a clear and potentially growing niche market of older gamers out there, as not only demonstrated by the AARP / ESA report, but also by the evidence of our own eyes. Today's young gamers are likely to be tomorrow's older gamers, and being prepared to make games geared toward the older market ensures that the current crop of gamers will be on hand and contributing to the bottom line into the future.It's one thing to have a market today. It's another entirely to have one tomorrow. To do that requires not only an aggressive approach to drawing the younger players in on the action, but also a careful, husbanding approach to keep the current market in the fold and spending well into the future. A game developer that accommodates these changing needs, while remembering where the biggest demographic lies, should come out ahead in the long run. Villagers picking tea leaves on the hillside in Meitan county, Guizhou province. [Photo by Xing Yi/China Daily] Zunyi City is a well-known tourist destination due its key role in China's revolutionary history, but its picturesque countryside also has a lot to offer visitors. During the Red Army's Long March, a pivotal meeting of the Communist Party of China was held in the city in 1935, which saved the army from being defeated by the Kuomintang. Yet "red" is not the only color that dominates the region. In the surrounding mountainous region, you find endless green tea fields, wetlands and welcoming villages. A 57-year-old tea farmer Xu Xueliang lives in Jinhua village of Meitan county, a 90-minute drive east from Zunyi. Villagers like Xu have grown tea in the area for generations, and the tradition of growing tea in Meitan can be traced to the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) in The Classic of Tea written by Lu Yu, a well-known tea scholar. More recently, the Central Experimental Tea Farm was built here in 1939. "Planting tea is hard work but it isn't very profitable," says Xu, whose family owns a 6,000 sq meter tea . Meanwhile, since last year, villagers have started focusing on agri-tourism - combining tea farming with tourism. "I renovated my home and opened a restaurant and hostel last year," says Xu, pointing to a two-story house painted in bright colors. "A double room costs 100 yuan ($15). It's air-conditioned and we have Wi-Fi!" says Xu. Donald Trump speaks at the Republican US presidential candidates debate at the University of Miami in Miami, Florida, US March 10, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] WASHINGTON -- Two-thirds of Americans oppose the immigration proposals by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, Gallup found in a poll released on Wednesday. Trump has made stemming the tide of illegals a campaign priority, saying he would build a wall on the border with Mexico and deport illegal immigrants if elected president. The poll showed that 66 percent of Americans oppose the idea of building a wall on the US-Mexico border, including 88 percent of Democrats, 66 percent of independents and 38 percent of Republicans. Similarly, 66 percent of Americans oppose deporting illegal immigrants, including 83 percent of Democrats, 65 percent of independents and 48 percent of Republicans. A great majority of Americans, or 84 percent, favor a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who meet certain requirements over a period of time, including 91 percent of Democrats, 85 percent of independents, and 76 percent of Republicans, Gallup found. Not surprisingly, given the greater support for a path to citizenship than deportation or building a wall on the US-Mexico border, Americans are more likely to say Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's immigration proposals, rather than Trump's, come closer to their own, Gallup found. Fifty-three percent of Americans say Clinton's immigration policies are closer to their own, compared to 37 percent who say Trump's proposals on immigration come closer to their own. Notably, more Republicans favor a path to citizenship than supporting construction of a border wall or deporting illegal immigrants. Although a majority of Republicans favor this proposal, the 62 percent who do so is much smaller than those (76 percent) who favor a path to citizenship for immigrants living here illegally for a certain period of time, Gallup noted. US Republican vice presidential nominee Governor Mike Pence (L) and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump walk together with Trump's daughter Ivanka (R) after Trump arrived by helicopter at a Trump 'Friends and Family Arrival Event" for the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, US, July 20, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] CLEVELAND, the United States - One of the themes of 2016 Republican National Convention is to "Make America One Again." Ironically, three days into the convention, even party unity still remains elusive despite Republican presidential nominee for 2016 US election Donald Trump's effort to put on a unity show. Relations between Trump and party leaders were constantly strained during the chaotic primary season where the bombastic and bellicose candidate hurled insults at party establishment and alienated a wide swath of constituencies with controversial remarks. As the primary season came to an end, the past grudge still lingers on. Long before the GOP convention kicked off on Monday in Cleveland, Ohio, four of the five previous GOP presidential nominees still alive, including former presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, announced that they would sit out Trump's coronation party which lasts from July 18 to 21. Meanwhile, Trump's four former rivals in the nomination race, including Ohio Governor John Kasich, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, also did not attend this year's convention. Compared with others, Kasich's decision to dodge was even more conspicuous since the convention was being held in the very state where he was the governor. Even among party leaders who attended the convention, their enthusiasm for Trump appeared to be lukewarm. Observers believe that Donald Trump should talk about an inclusive Republican Party,especially if mentioning the Asian community,when he accepts the GOP nomination for president Thursday night in Cleveland. Trump's acceptance speech may turn out to be the second most important one in his life if he wins the presidency on Nov 8.It will mark the culmination of a long and arduous odyssey that few outside of the candidate and his immediate family thought would produce this opportunity. Trump has called on Mexico to pay for a wall to be built along the US border to stem illegal immigration into America and also has proposed a temporary ban on Muslims entering the country. His hard-line positionsmay have helped in the primaries as polling revealed that immigration was a more important issue to Republicans than to Democrats. However, it could turn into a drag in the general election and may alienate key voting constituencies, like Hispanics and Asian Americans. Lanhee Chen of the Hoover Institution, a key adviser on Asian-American affairs for the Mitt Romney campaign in 2012,said a speech that touches on inclusiveness would help Trump with the Asian community in November. "I want him to say he will build a party of people from all backgrounds and that includes Asian Americans," Chen said in an interview. "It would help if he can demonstrate why the fastest-growing minority group in America (Asians) is an important voting bloc." "I think he already has a message that resonates with Asian Americans jobs, the economy and ensuring that the American dream is still achievable," said Jason Chung, director of Asian Pacific American Initiatives for the GOP. George Leing, a Chinese American, is a GOP national committee member from Colorado. He would like Trump to recognize the historical importance of immigration. "We want to welcome people from all over the world. Americahas been built on immigration, as most of us are descendants of immigrants whether,it is recently or a long time ago. Together, we can move our country forward, but we have to do it legally," Leing said. State Representative Keiko Orrall, a Republican from Lakeville, Massachusetts, and a delegate to the convention, wants Trump to tell voters how he and the party are different from the Democrats. "We want a simpler, smarter and smaller government," Orrall said. "Our message will move this country forward." Lee Hoffman is a delegate from Elko, Nevada, who is retired from the gold mining industry. He said Trump should provide details on who may advise him. "I want Mr Trump to talk about how he will build a team that will advise him," said Hoffman. "He should explain how he will look for an experienced staff from within the party and outside the party too." Britain's new PM Theresa May chairs her first cabinet meeting, with Boris Johnson next to her, the Foreign Secretary, at Number 10 Downing Street in London, on July 19, 2016. [Photo/IC] US Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announces the filing of civil forfeiture complaints seeking the forfeiture and recovery of more than $1 billion in assets associated with an international conspiracy to launder funds misappropriated from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB in Washington July 20, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] WASHINGTON - US prosecutors sued on Wednesday to seize more than $1 billion in assets they said were tied to money stolen from the Malaysian state development fund, which was overseen by the prime minister, and used to finance "The Wolf of Wall Street" film and to buy property and works of art. Civil lawsuits filed in federal court did not name Malaysian premier Najib Razak, referring instead to "Malaysian Official 1." Some of the allegations against this official are the same as those in a Malaysian investigation over a $681 million transfer to his personal bank account. The US Department of Justice said $681 million from a 2013 bond sale by sovereign wealth fund 1MDB was transferred to the account of "Malaysian Official 1." He is described in court papers as "a high-ranking official in the Malaysian government who also held a position of authority with 1MDB." A source familiar with the investigation confirmed that "Malaysian Official 1" is Najib. A spokesman for the prime minister said in a statement that 1MDB has been the subject of multiple inquiries in Malaysia. "The Attorney General found that no crime was committed. 1MDB is still the subject of an investigation by the Royal Malaysia Police," the statement said. The Malaysian government will cooperate fully with any lawful investigations, it said. Najib has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The investigation is the largest set of cases brought by the US Department of Justice's Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, which seeks the forfeiture of the proceeds of foreign corruption. The previous largest case in February sought to seize $850 million. 1MDB, which Najib founded in 2009 shortly after he came to office, is being investigated for money laundering in at least six countries, including the United States, Singapore and Switzerland. 1MDB said in a statement that "it is not a party to the civil suit, does not have any assets in the United States of America, nor has it benefited from the various transactions described in the civil suit." The fund said it has not been contacted by the Justice Department or any other foreign agency on the matter. China urged the Republican Party, currently holding its convention in Cleveland, to "stop groundlessly accusing China and interfering in China's domestic affairs". Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang made the remarks on Wednesday after the party adopted its 2016 platform on Monday. The platform targets China's domestic affairs and levels accusations at China's policies in issues concerning the South China Sea, Tibet, Taiwan and trade. "To promote stable development of China-US ties is in line with the fundamental interests of both countries, and is conducive to peace and development of the Asia-Pacific region and even the world. It is the right direction that both countries should stick to," Lu said. "Parties in the United States should view China's development objectively and reasonably, and understand correctly issues related to China-US ties," he said. "We hope relevant parties will stop groundlessly accusing China and interfering in China's domestic affairs, and will do more to promote trust and cooperation between China and the US." Yan Xiaozhe, a Chinese-American from Iowa, strolled along Cleveland Public Square on Tuesday afternoon, while protesters chanted slogans nearby and bicycle-patrol police stood alertly amid a crowd of onlookers. Yan was not just any tourist in Cleveland. The Chinese community leader was "a guest" of the Republican National Convention. "I was invited as an independent, so I have come here to learn and to observe, to see what I can decide in the next few months before Nov 8 (Election Day in the United States)," he said. "I think America is at a crossroads between Hillary and Trump," said Yan, who immigrated to the US from Northeast China's Jilin province 25 years ago at the age of 29. "It's very controversial. Maybe it's the most contentious presidential election in 20 to 30 years a lot of drama, a lot of big changes." Yan, the founder of the President Youth Leadership Initiative, is one of 20 people from Chinese communities across the US mostly in California, New York and Florida attending the four-day convention as guests. Their presence partly shows the focus the Republican Party has placed on the Chinese-American community, as well as the growing participation of Chinese-Americans in the US political process. "I think it's very important to get involved, to have your community's voice heard by the mainstream," said Yan, who added that he is undecided between GOP nominee Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the presumed Democratic nominee. That sense of involvement was also apparent with David Tian Wang, a 32-year-old from Los Angeles who co-organized an RNC Asian Pacific American National Forum at the Hard Rock Cafe in Cleveland on Wednesday. Wang, a Trump supporter, started an organization called Chinese Americans for Trump, which has grown from three people in June last year to a nationwide organization that now has more than 6,000 registered members. "We help him canvass, write policy focused on education reform and raise funds," Wang said, adding that Chinese-Americans are increasingly becoming politically involved. Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, who spoke at Wednesday's forum, said he was glad that Chinese-Americans were becoming more influential in US politics. Nancy Kong contributed to this story. Juilee Bendkhale could dream of no other profession, but one in fashion. This 36-year-old designer, from Maharashtra, recalls that she was always fascinated with arts and had a leaning towards anything that had creativity in it. She studied apparel designing and started her label, Zuilee derived from her name. She added the Z as that is how my name was pronounced originally. Fascinated with all kinds of fabric, Juilee found herself leaning towards hand-woven fabrics and khadi. She started to collaborate with artisans to revitalise traditional crafts through a contemporary narrative. She adds that she works with local farmers, spinners, dyers and weavers within Maharashtra. We had hand-spun and hand-woven tradition before the British Raj and the industrial revolution, which took over and transformed the way we made textiles, explains the designer. She started reviving some of the techniques and the fabric from the past working with the weavers. We gave it a contemporary cut, which will appeal to the women of this day. She has also worked with Paithani, a weaving technique from Maharashtra, Ikkat and also used subtle embroidery in her clothes. I have used a lot of tie-and-dye too in my designs. Juilee adds that this is her first solo exhibition in Bengaluru, though in the past she has collaborated with leading designers here. She is excited as people here are stylish, sophisticated and they also know their fabric and the importance of our glorious past in textiles and weaving. Her clothes, she says, will appeal to anyone aged between 20 and 50 years of age. In fact, my designs are more appreciated by older women, she adds. The collection offers you soft silks and breathable khadis, made from natural, rain-fed and pesticide free indigenous organic cotton, thus making the collection have a minimal carbon footprint. It is rooted in the Swadeshi movement, says the young designer. The exhibition and sale will be on at Raintree, Opposite ITC Windsor from July 22 to 23. There will be tunics, long dresses and tops in khadi and raw silks with a modern twist. cheap bridesmaid dresses | queeniebridesmaid gold bridesmaid dresses Cleveland Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has virtually neglected education issues so far in this election campaign but South Carolina Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman knows exactly why she wants Trump to be the next president. Education is better handled at the local level, Spearman, a Republican elected in 2014, said in a Wednesday interview outside a South Carolina delegation breakfast at the Republican National Convention. I look forward to having more flexibility, more support from the president, for that idea. Trump has indicated a fondness for local school boards. But he also said at one point this year that education is one of the top-three priorities for the federal government. Its not clear how, or if, hed reconcile those two positions. Spearman has experience in schools at various levels. In addition to her current position, shes served as deputy superintendent of the state education department, executive director of the state school administrators association, as an assistant principal, and as a music teacher. She also served as a GOP state lawmaker. Last year, the state became the second to officially adopt new standards to replace the Common Core State Standards , a move Spearman supported, although the new standards in many ways are quite similar to the common core. Her support for Trump, however, doesnt mean she supports everything has said during the campaign. We asked her if she was concerned about the way Trump speaks about certain groups, and the opinion that some students in particular may be made to feel unsafe by some of his language. She responded by saying: If I had a chance to speak to Mr. Trump personally, I would ask him to really consider now [that] all eyes are on him, including the eyes of our children, and I would ask him to consider to tone his rhetoric down a bit. ... But again, I think folks that I know who have met him believe that theres a better man there. I think he does understand. An unscientific survey released earlier this year by the Southern Poverty Law Center reported that some teachers are worried about a trickle-down effect in schools from Trumps remarks on the campaign trail on immigrant and Muslim students. Spearman also weighed in on why she thinks Obama administration guidance to schools on transgender students is a bad ideabut also where the U.S. Department of Education has an important role to play in other areas of education policy. Click on the video above to see our interview with her. And also check out the work being done by the photographer whos joined us in Cleveland by Swikar Patel, Education Weeks associate director of photography, whos been out on the streets covering protests, photographing and videoing delegates, and capturing all kinds of other color at the convention and around town. See Education Weeks Full Frame photo blog . Photo: Delegates roar at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on Tuesday, July 20, 2016. (Swikar Patel/Education Week) Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . Cleveland Its no secret that most Republicans are big fans of school choice. But they are also big fans of a lean federal government. So how does the party push its agenda to give parents a greater array of optionsincluding access to charters, vouchers, and education savings accounts&mdash while not going so far as to create a federal Department of School Choice? That was the central question posed Wednesday by Rep. Luke Messer, a Republican from Indiana, at a panel sponsored by the partys Cleveland Host Committee here on the third day of the Republican National Convention. Ive heard many Republicans say our education agenda should start and stop with abolishing the federal Department of Education, Messer said. I think the challenge, though, with that being our agenda is that it sounds to your average mom and dad like we dont care about something that is one of the very highest priorities in their life, like whether or not their kid will have access to a high-quality education. So from [my] perspective, a great way to devolve federal power would be to empower parents. Messers preferred solution: Give the states the option of taking their federal dollars for disadvantaged studentsabout $15 billion annually through a program known as Title Iand using it for school choice. That way if Massachusetts wants to continue the existing monopoly approach"meaning one that lacks choicethey can continue to do that, but if Indiana wants to modify the approach and empower families, we can do that. Educational choice, it turns out, was a theme of several convention speakers Wednesday night, including the vice-presidential nominee, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence. ESSA Connections The idea of allowing federal funds to be used for school choice programs or portability in Beltway-speak isnt brand new. In fact, Messer and Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., tried to get the policy included in the Every Student Succeeds Act . They were unsuccessful, in part because of opposition from teachers unions and Democrats, but also because not everyone in the Republican party was sold on the idea. Messer acknowledged that school choice fans have some thinking to do about how all of this might work at the federal level. We need to work hard on the philosophical implications, he said. Much of the policy work in this movement has been done at the state level over the last couple decades. Messer noted though, that the school choice movement is gaining steam: Every GOP presidential candidate who spelled out his or her education agenda this time around included a choice component, he said. Donald Trumps vice presidential pick Mike Pencewho is Messers home state governorhas worked to push forward on charters and vouchers, Messer said. And Trump himself has consistently praised school choice in his campaign speeches.(Donald Trump Jr., also expounded on it in his Tuesday night speech to convention delegates .) Whats more, in Messers view, presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton is behind the eight ball on this issue. Clinton supports charter schools, but strongly opposes vouchers. If you listen to Hillary Clintons rhetoric on these issues, it sounds like something that is decades old, not tied to existing realities, Messer said. Were on the right moral side of this conversation. Every kid in America ought to have the opportunity to walk into a good school, but were also on [the side of] the right social trend. .. When you talk to millennials, 70, 80, 90 percent of millennials support educational choice. Messer said that if Republicans are going to move forward on a school choice agenda, they need to have data and educational outcomes to back up their approach. He noted that Indiana has posted higher graduation rates, even as it has expanded charter and voucher options, so at the very least, school choice hasnt hindered educational progress in the Hoosier State. And he pointed to his fellow panelist, Denisha Merriweather, who took advantage of Floridas tax credit to attend what she says was a higher-quality private school than the public school she was slated to go to. Merriweather, who is now pursuing a masters degree in social work, is a political Independent who wouldnt say which candidate she is supporting in the presidential race. But she doesnt understand the politics surrounding vouchers. I love to tell my story so that people can see that most people taking advantage of a scholarship look like me, said Merriweather, who is black. Supporters cheer during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. --Swikar Patel/Education Week Rep. Luke Messer, R-Ind., arrives before a House Financial Services committee hearing on the annual report of the Financial Stability Oversight Council last June. --Andrew Harnik/AP-File Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . Line of Actual Control between India and China. Advertisement India has reinforced army units defending its border with China in the tense Ladakh region with more tanks, troops and armored fighting vehicles amid an ongoing Chinese military build-up. The Indian Army has deployed some 100 specially modified Russian-made T-72 main battle tanks along its mountainous frontline border in Ladakh, a key geostrategic region located along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement LAC is a demarcation line separating Indian-held territory from Chinese-controlled territory. This is only the second time in half a century India has deployed tanks to this region, a signal of the unease China's unceasing military build-up over the past few years is causing in Delhi. The Chinese build-up focuses on improving the logistics and infrastructure such as roads and bridges its troops will need for a war in this unimaginably difficult terrain. The armored regiment to which the newly deployed troops and tanks belong will raise to a full brigade the Indian Army units in the region. Two infantry regiments are already in place. These three regiments have taken-up positions in eastern Ladakh where temperatures can plummet to -45 degrees Celsius during winter. The newly deployed tanks have been modified so they can operate and fight in the rarefied air in this high altitude region, which is 14,000 feet above sea level. Coping with the deadly cold is another matter, however. The Indian Army said it is using special lubricants and fuel to keep its tanks running in this very hostile environment. The region's vast flat valleys along the mountain ranges, however, permit the movement of masses of tanks and armored vehicles. India is also beefing-up its infrastructure to ease the movements of its infantry and armor in the region. Of special importance to India is repairing and improving its existing airstrips and advanced landing grounds to expedite the flow of troops and supplies. Advertisement TagsIndian Army, T-72 main battle tanks, Ladakh, china, Jammu and Kashmir (Photo : DARPA) DARPA mind-controlled gremlins on the attack Advertisement A mass of unmanned aerial drones attacking enemy targets and controlled by the mind of a single soldier is the end point of an ambitious research program being funded by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency or DARPA. A new but unspecified advance in mind-controlled drone swarms was made recently at Arizona State University (ASU). This brings the program a step closer to the point a single operator can operate multiple flying and ground-based drones using his thoughts. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Panagiotis Artemiadis, director of the Human-Oriented Robotics and Control Lab at ASU, said research began with the idea of human swarm interaction. "We record it from the brain," he said. "We actually saw that the brain really cares about collective behaviors of swarms and now we know where to record from and what to see from the brain signals in order to decode that to collective behaviors for aerial vehicles and swarms of robots." Artemiadis, an assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at ASU, has been working on linking the human brain with machines since 2009. He's been working on mind-controlled drone swarms for the last two years with funding from DARPA, which is developing its own aerial drone swarms for use in war under its Gremlins program. So far, Artemiadis and his team have displayed limited mind-control of both flying and ground-based drones simultaneously. The team will expand its research to include multiple swarms under the control of multiple people. Artemiadis sees the mind-controlled drones "performing complex operations such as search-and-rescue missions." "The goal for the next couple of years is to actually have now a hybrid team of both ground vehicles, mobile robots and aerial vehicles -- quadrotors -- that will collaborate with each other," he said. "We want to do that with tens, even go to 100 robots." Artemiadis' work will go a long way towards advancing DARPA's Gremlins program that seeks to illustrate the feasibility of conducting safe, reliable operations of multiple air-launched, air-recoverable unmanned systems. Gremlins also aims to prove reusable systems can provide significant cost advantages over expendable systems, spreading out payload and airframe costs over multiple uses instead of just one. An ability to send large numbers of small unmanned air systems (UAS) with coordinated, distributed capabilities can provide U.S. military forces with improved operational flexibility at much lower cost than is possible with today's expensive, all-in-one platforms -- especially if those unmanned systems could be retrieved for reuse while airborne. Gremlins intends to attain this aim. "Our goal is to conduct a compelling proof-of-concept flight demonstration that could employ intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and other modular, non-kinetic payloads in a robust, responsive and affordable manner," said Dan Patt, DARPA program manager. The program envisions launching groups of gremlins from large aircraft such as bombers or transport aircraft, as well as from fighters and other small, fixed-wing platforms while those planes are out of range of enemy defenses. When the gremlins complete their mission, a C-130 transport aircraft will retrieve them in the air and carry them home, where ground crews would prepare them for their next use within 24 hours. Advertisement Tagsmind-controlled drone swarm, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, DARPA, Panagiotis Artemiadis (Photo : Getty Images) US Admiral John Richardson, during a visit to a Chinese naval base, said the US would continue conducting freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea to ensure the lawful use of the waters and airspace by all nations. Advertisement Despite China's warnings, the United States would continue to guarantee the rights and the lawful use of the disputed waters and airspace of the South China Sea by all nations through its freedom of navigation operations, a top US Navy official said on Wednesday. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement During a visit to a Chinese naval base, US Chief of Naval Operations John Richardson said US military forces would continue to sail and fly over the disputed sea as long as it does not violate international law. "The US military forces uphold the importance of lawful and safe operations in the South China Sea, and elsewhere professional navies operate," Richardson told Yuan Yubai, commander of the Chinese North Sea Fleet, during a meeting. International law Richardson said US forces would continue protecting waters and airspace worldwide wherever international law allows, including in the South China Sea. Richardson's statement was issued a week after a Hague-based arbitral court ruled that China has no legal basis for its "historic rights" claim to almost the entirety of the South China Sea. The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled that China's territorial claims violate the sovereign rights of the Philippines to explore its exclusive economic zone and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Null and void It also said that there are no legal grounds for China's nine-dash line on which Beijing bases its claims to the disputed maritime territory. China has refused to recognize the ruling of the court, dismissing it as 'null and void' and a 'piece of waste paper.' A Chinese admiral has warned the US and foreign navies to stay out of the disputed sea saying military patrols in the guise of freedom of navigation operations could end in "disaster." China's state-run news agency, Xinhua, said on Wednesday that non-regional countries should stay out of the South China Sea or be prepared to face possible military confrontation. Unsafe maneuvers Over the past months, the US has complained about the "unsafe maneuvers: that Chinese planes and ships have been conducting in the South China Sea. shadowing US ships and planes. Chinese maritime officials said what US forces have been conducting military freedom of navigation patrols, which would only result in heightened tensions in the South China Sea region. The US Navy has been conducting patrols near Chinese-controlled islands in the disputed strategic waterway, angering China as the latter continued to build artificial islands. Lawful operations "The U.S. Navy will continue to conduct routine and lawful operations around the world, including in the South China Sea, in order to protect the rights, freedoms and lawful uses of sea and airspace guaranteed to all. This will not change," Richardson emphasized. Besides China, several Southeast Asian nations are laying claim to islands and reefs in the South China Sea where $5 trillion worth of trade passes through each year. The resource-rich strategic waterway is being claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Advertisement TagsUS forces, People's Liberation Army Navy, china (Photo : Getty Images) China has urged the Republican Party not to interfere in its internal affairs. Advertisement The U.S. Republican Party has been urged not to interfere in China's internal matters including the South China Sea dispute. China on Thursday slammed the U.S. Republican Party for making 'groundless accusations' against the country. Beijing also urged GOP not to interfere in the domestic affairs of China. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang, in a statement, said that all political parties in the U.S. should view China's development in an objective and rational manner. "We hope relevant parties stop their groundless accusations against China and interference in China's domestic affairs and contribute more to bilateral trust and cooperation," Lu said, reported state-run Xinhua news agency. A U.S. Republican Party document, approved on Tuesday, slams China's ruling Communist party for its crackdown on dissent. "The liberalizing policies of recent decades have been abruptly reversed, dissent brutally crushed, religious persecution heightened, the internet crippled, a barbaric population control two-child policy of forced abortions and forced sterilizations continued, and the cult of Mao revived," the paper said. The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled last week that Beijing's territorial claims in the disputed waters have no legal basis. Advertisement Tagschina, US, Republican Party, South China Sea, donald trump (Photo : USAF) U.S. Air Force F-35 stealth fighters Advertisement China has set the stage for conflict in the South China Sea by telling visiting Admiral John Richardson, U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations, it will never stop building man-made islands on parts of the South China Sea an international arbitration court on July 12 said rightly belongs to the Philippines. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Admiral Wu Shengli, commander of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), made this clear at a meeting with Adm. Richardson during the latter's five-day visit to China that ended July 20. Adm. Wu, however, told Adm. Richardson China is committed to peaceful operations in the South China Sea. But he also chided the U.S., saying "flexing military muscles will only have the negative opposite effect," a hint China is prepared for a war against the United States. The U.S. Navy currently has two nuclear-powered supercarriers with 140 aircraft and their warship escorts patrolling the South China Sea to head-off Chinese adventurism, including an expected Chinese declaration of an air defense identification zone. The ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in favor of the Philippines also gives the U.S. Navy the legal right to patrol within 12 nautical miles of some of the contested islands seized by China from the Philippines. According to the arbitration, China should have returned these islets to the Philippines and paid billions of U.S. dollars in compensation. China has done neither and instead has unilaterally declared the award in favor of the Philippines null and void in violation of international law and the rules-based international order. Adm. Richardson told Adm. Wu the U.S. Navy's "freedom of navigation" patrols ensure common access to the South China Sea will continue. The Navy has no intention of cancelling these patrols. He reiterated Washington's position that U.S. forces will continue to sail, fly and operate wherever international law allows. "The U.S. Navy will continue to conduct routine and lawful operations around the world, including in the South China Sea, in order to protect the rights, freedoms and lawful uses of sea and airspace guaranteed to all. This will not change," said Adm. Richardson. Adm. Richardson, however, said he supports "a continued and deepening navy-to-navy relationship." "But I will be continuously reassessing my support conditioned on continued safe and professional interactions at sea," said Adm. Richardson. "In this area, we must judge each other by our deeds and actions, not just by our words." Advertisement TagsAdmiral John Richardson, Admiral Wu Shengli, U.S. Navy, People's Liberation Army Navy, South China Sea, Permanent Court of Arbitration, Philippines (Photo : Getty Images) Chinese Muslims in Xinjiang Advertisement China claims up to 300 Chinese Muslims, mostly from the Muslim majority Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, are fighting for ISIS in Syria and Iraq and that supporters of these militants are inciting the relentless violence plaguing this region. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement A report by New America, a non-partisan think tank in Washington, DC, concludes that 114 Muslim Chinese Uyghurs entered Islamic State territory in Syria and Iraq between mid-2013 and mid-2014. The Uyghurs are a Turkic ethnic group in Eastern and Central Asia who have lived in Xinjiang for over 1,000 years. China's claim that these 300 Chinese Muslims are hardened jihadists, however, is being dismissed by New America and other analysts, however. Most of these Uyghurs with the Islamic State are dirt poor farmers who fled with their families to ISIS-controlled territories in the hope of a better life. The New America report revealed that Uyghur Islamic State fighters are poor and uneducated. These people have the skill level of construction workers on average. The youngest registered Uyghur fighter is 10 years-old while the oldest is 80. The report also noted the Uyghur recruits were entirely new to jihad. Of the 114 recruits, 110 said they didn't have any previous experience with jihad. Of this total, 70 percent said they had never left China before heading for the Islamic State. The report concludes these Uyghurs aren't part of traditional Islamic separatist movements that have existed in China for some time. This finding belies China's claim many of these Uyghur fighters belong to separatist movements such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) that China and the United States have branded a terrorist organization. Beijing often blames the unrest in Xinjiang on ETIM. Chinese repression of the Muslim Uyghurs intensified after 2009 when ethnic riots in Xinjiang's regional capital of Urumqi erupted between Uighurs and Han, China's majority ethnic group. Almost 200 persons, mostly Uyghurs, died in the ensuing violence. Advertisement Tags'Chinese Muslims', Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, china, New America, Uyghurs, ISIS, Islamic State (Photo : Getty Images) Brand new Hyundai cars are displayed at Hyundai Serramonte in Colma, California. Advertisement A group of 30 Hyundai Motor Co dealers in China is seeking between 800 million ($120 million) and 900 million ($135 million) worth of compensation from the South Korean auto manufacturer for dealership losses and closures they blame on its manufacturing policy. Wang Rongzhen, the group's leader, told Reuters on Wednesday that Hyundai has cut the flow of models it supplies to dealers of imported cars in China while boosting its car manufacturing arm in the country. The dealers admitted they are struggling with declining sales since authorized Hyundai dealers can only sell either China-made or South Korean-made units, but not both. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement "We sell cars, if you don't give us cars, naturally we won't be able to go on, we'll close," Wang said in an interview, estimating the group's losses amount to between 3 million ($450,000) and 10 million yuan ($1.5 million) annually. In 2015, Hyundai dealers only sold a mere 7,000 imported vehicles, a sharp plunge from 37,370 in 2011. The group represents 30 of the roughly 40 Hyundai dealers left in the country, down by half over the past three years, according to The Wall Street Journal. Hyundai has admitted that there has been a drop in the sales of its imported cars in China, noting that import dealers only account for one percent of its total sales in China. It said early this week that it is keeping close contact with the dealers to come up with an "amicable solution." "We are concerned for our dealers, and a healthy dealer network is part of our strategy," Wu Yanbing, a representative of Hyundai China, said. Wang revealed that the company has had informal meetings with Hyundai executives since last month. However, Hyundai did not comment on Wednesday on the amount that the group is seeking. Advertisement TagsHyundai, Hyundai dealers, dealer compensation, car manufacturing, dealership (Photo : Getty Images) Chinese demonstrators call for a boycott of Japanese products during an anti-Japanese rally in Shanghai, China. Advertisement Chinese law enforcers and media organizations are calling for rational patriotism following the international arbitration court's decision, which favored the Philippines over the communist country in the case about disputed territories in the South China Sea. Videos have made rounds on the Internet showing netizens staging protests as they believe that the United States was behind the ruling. The Permanent Court of Arbitration stated that there is no legal basis to Beijing's claim to disputed islands and reefs in the South China Sea based on its nine-dash rule. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement According to the Manila Bulletin, furious citizens gathered outside restaurants holding up banners and shouting anti-US slogans in several northern provinces including Hebei and Hunan on Monday. "Get out of China, KFC and McDonalds," one of the placards read. Another says "Join the boycott against the US, Japanese and Philippine companies, and be a patriotic Chinese," while blocking people from entering the restaurants. A KFC employee in Chenzhou, Hunan, confirmed there had been some disturbances on Monday but noted that business was usual the following day, China.org reported. The rally allegedly started last week in Hebei before it reached southern provincial capitals such as Changsha and Hangzhou. Officials in Jiangsu province have asked KFC to shut down to avoid disturbances, according to Sohu. Police officers were reportedly dispatched to maintain public order. Meanwhile, law enforcement officers have reportedly closed roads going to the Philippine Embassy and opposed protests in KFC. In fact, some officers were seen tearing down placards outside a restaurant in China. Yum! Brands Inc. in China has refused to comment on the issue. The police have discouraged people from joining illegal protests instigated on social networking sites. A resident in Tangsha, who works in Beijing, commented that protesters are "simply creating chaos in the name of patriotism," noting that "If KFC closes down, it's the locals who will be out of jobs." Advertisement Tagschina, Philippines, international arbitration, boycott, Yum! Brands, KFC (Photo : Reuters) China Resources Group has invested in Meituan Dianping. Advertisement Meituan Dianping, China's leading online-to-offline service provider, recently announced that it has received an undisclosed amount of capital from China Resources Group's funding unit. China Resources Group is a state-own conglomerate that aims to help startup businesses by providing capital. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The financial details of the deal were not disclosed. This is the second round of funding that Meituan Dianping has successfully closed following the merger of the two companies in October 2015. In January, the company closed a funding round after amassing $3.3 billion in investment, according to Tech Node. Considering the ample resources Meituan Dianping already has in its pockets, many market analysts believe that the latest funding from China Resources Group is a market-centric strategy, wherein the company's online platform can merge with China Resources' retail assets. With this latest deal closed, China Resources Group is expected to integrate several of its retail brands into Meituan Dianping's online platform. Among the rumored brands that are most likely to be added are Suguo, Vanguard, Tesco, Vango, Pacific Coffee, and OLE, according to Shanghai Daily. The new partnership will also strengthen Meituan Dianping's assets in the face of stiff competition with industry giants like Ctrip and Baidu Waimai. The latest investment in Meituan Dianping is just one of the many online endeavors of China Resources Group. Last year, the company launched Ewj.com which served as an online portal for its Vanguard supermarket chain. China Resources Group also launched an on-demand delivery service in the southern and eastern region of China, unfortunately most of these initiatives failed to gain mass interest. Advertisement TagsChina Resources, china resources group, meituan, Meituan-Dianping, meituan dianping funding, china resources group investment Cleveland Education needs to be a bigger part of the Republican Partys message, Ben Marchi, a delegate from Maryland to the Republican National Convention told us in the Quicken Loans Arena on Mondayand some educators deserve a bigger slice of the pie from GOP nominee Donald Trump. The best thing he can do for American education is cut wasteful spending, Marchi said. Monday in the arena We dont spend enough on teachers. So where is too much money spent, according to him? On school administrators. In some respects, that lines up with Trumps views on education spending in general. The real estate executive has said he doesnt like how much money we spend for mediocre results on international exams. In fact, a decent chunk of what Marchi said approximates Trumps stated views on education. We asked him about Trump and these four other K-12 issueswe asked him pretty much the same questions we put to former teacher Kathryn Gardner on Monday: For example, Marchis view that there needs to be a lot of consolidation at the U.S. Department of Education. Trump has said on different occasions hed like to either cut or significantly shrink the department. And the Talbot County resident joins Trump in his dislike of the Common Core State Standards. Marchi said the standards represent absolutely too much federal control. Trump has called the common core a disaster. (The standards arent a federal program, but President Barack Obamas administration did encourage states to adopt them.) Marchi hadnt heard of the Every Student Succeeds Act, the new federal K-12 law. And Trump hasnt said anything about it. But Marchi, unlike Trump, is pretty clear about his views on transgender students ability to use school facilities that match their gender identity. He calls the prospect of girls changing in front of boys in locker rooms absurd. Talbot County schools in Maryland recently decided to follow the Obama administrations guidance saying schools should let transgender students use locker rooms and restrooms that match their gender identities. But Marchi thinks his county district has jumped the gun. This thing hasnt even gone through the courts yet, Marchi said. Want to learn more about where Trump stands on a variety of education policy issues? Check out our interactive graphic on Trump, Clinton, and K-12 . Photo: The Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 18. (Swikar Patel/Education Week) Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . (Photo : Reuters) Huawei has narrowed the gap in its competition with Samsung and Apple. Advertisement Chinese tech giant Huawei has announced that it has signed a partnership deal with General Electric. The two companies are hoping that the partnership would help boost their productivity by developing new equipment and machines. The latest deal between GE and Huawei is part of the former's plan towards what it calls "industrial revolution." A vision which aims to upgrade productivity and efficiency by integrating end-to-end intelligence and analytics with conventional robotics and machinery. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement In a statement, Huawei executive board director William Xu said, "The next ten years are an important period for the traditional economy to move to a digital economy. Companies can not cope with all the challenges alone." The partnership between the two tech giants was revealed during an event in Shanghai. During the same event, the companies also launched a new facility which reportedly cost $11 million. The new facility will serve as a co-working space which will incubate startup firms. As part of its productivity and efficiency drive, GE is looking to save around $500 million this year. The company has also expressed its desire to expand its software portfolio to diversify its revenue stream. According to Tech Node, GE is looking to boost its software-related revenue by $15 billion by 2020. Many industry experts believe that with the new partnership between GE and Huawei, the latter can take advantage of GE's operating system called Predix, the same operating system that has been adopted by several state-backed companies and firms. GE can also benefit from Huawei's wide range of patents and extensive product portfolio. Advertisement TagsHuawei, GE, General Electronics, Huawei News, Huawei partnership, china A&E's 'Born This Way' saving unborn lives, changing hearts on Down syndrome Guest Reviewer | 21 July, 2016 by Michael Foust LOS ANGELES (Christian Examiner) It is not often that a television program literally saves lives, but in the case of A&E's Born This Way, that's exactly what's happening. Heading into its second season and premiering Tuesday at 10 p.m. Eastern, the docu-series follows the lives of seven adults with Down syndrome as they live their lives playing sports, writing songs and even starting a business. In other words, they're doing the same things the rest of society does, each day. One of the stars of the reality program is Sean McElwee, whose mother, Sandra, has written three books about the family's journey. She told the Christian Examiner about two pregnant women who contracted her on social media and decided not to have an abortion after watching the show. "I received a message from one mother who had a positive blood test [for Down syndrome] and she was scheduled for an amniocentesis, and decided to cancel it," McElwee said. "She was fine if her baby had Down syndrome after seeing, with her own two eyes, what the possibilities for the future were. I had another mom who had an abortion scheduled and cancelled it after seeing the show. To me, those two lives right there are worth everything." The Christian Examiner spoke with McElwee about her hope for the show's second season. Following is a partial transcript: Christian Examiner: Why is this show needed in America today? Sandra McElwee: In order for people to not be afraid of people with disabilities, they need to get to know them. And most people don't have anybody in their lives with Down syndrome. By watching Born This Way, they're actually getting to know adults with Down syndrome, from the comfort of their couch. By knowing them, it removes the fear of people with Down syndrome knowing that they're like anybody else. CE: What preconceptions do people have about people with Down syndrome? McElwee: Most people think that people with Down syndrome aren't capable, and that's very false. They just need opportunities, and with the opportunities they really can show what they can do and what their capabilities are. And that's really the biggest key having the opportunity. Since Season 1 aired, it's definitely opened up opportunities for many people with Down Syndrome, and hopefully will continue to open up more. CE: What advice would you give parents who are raising children with Down syndrome? McElwee: Raise your child and support their interests. Don't raise the disability. You're not raising Down syndrome. You're raising your child. Support their dreams. ... At one point Sean wanted to be an L.A. Laker, and I said, "I've never seen a five foot, one inch L.A. Laker, but go out and practice and shoot baskets, because if you want to be a Laker you better practice." Born This Way is rated TV-PG (language, dialogue). Falwell doesn't know if SBC's Russell Moore is 'closet liberal' or conservative 21 July, 2016 by Staff , | CLEVELAND (Christian Examiner) Jerry Falwell Jr., president of Liberty University and a campaign surrogate for Republican nominee Donald Trump, said during an interview at the Republican National Convention that he is unsure as to whether Russell Moore, head of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, is "a closet liberal or a conservative." In the interview with National Public Radio's Steve Inskeep, Falwell said Moore was representative of the divide between "rank and file" evangelicals and their denominational leaders. "There's always been a divide going back 30-40 years. There's always been that divide. Always will be," he said. "I don't know what Russell Moore's politics really are, if he's a closet liberal or a conservative. I don't think it really matters what I say, what evangelical leaders on the Left say, evangelicals and conservatives are voting as Americans. They're voting to save our nation, to control immigration, to stop terrorism and bring jobs back to the country." I don't know what Russell Moore's politics really are, if he's a closet liberal or a conservative. I don't think it really matters what I say, what evangelical leaders on the Left say, evangelicals and conservatives are voting as Americans. They're voting to save our nation, to control immigration, to stop terrorism and bring jobs back to the country. Falwell said he believes none of that can be accomplished by continuing to elect people who make promises on issues important to Christians (and conservatives) and then do not keep them once elected. "They said, 'No more,'" Falwell said. "We want somebody who maybe makes mistakes and talks off the cuff and may not get it right all the time, but at least he's not bamboozling us." Moore and Trump were engaged in a war of words earlier this year. In May, Moore referred to Trump's campaign on CBS's Face the Nation Sunday as "reality television moral sewage." "One of the key aspects of conservatism is to say 'character matters' in public office and in the citizenry, and that virtue has role to play in our culture and in our politics. And now we have a Republican Party that seems not only to surrender in the culture wars but to join the other side," Moore said on the news program. In a tweet from the New York billionaire's Twitter account at 3:05 a.m. May 9, Trump fired back at the denominational leader for his insistence that evangelicals pull back from supporting the Donald's campaign. The tweet was fired broadside "@drmoore." "Russell Moore is truly a terrible representative of Evangelicals and all of the good they stand for. A nasty guy with no heart!" Trump said. The comment was retweeted thousands of times. The SBC leader, who openly criticized Trump's speech at Falwell's Liberty University, calling him a "golden calf" a reference to Old Testament idolatry said conservative support of Trump is a betrayal of decades of conservative, principled opposition to social changes pushed by liberals. Asked by NPR's Inskeep if social issues were still a concern, Falwell said he believed they had fallen to the bottom of the priority list because the country is in such turmoil in "dire straits," as he put it. "Many pastors tell me, 'What difference does it make on social issues if we lose our country? We have to save our country first," Falwell said. Inskeep then asked Falwell if believed being so closely aligned with Trump would damage the standing of his university. Falwell said he had always been clear that the endorsement of Trump was his endorsement, and not that of the school. He also said it was a "rare thing" for him to become active, but he had done so because he believes the election to be so critical. "A lot of Ivy League schools have presidents who are very politically active. I don't think it has an impact on whether a student chooses a school or a donor gives to a school," Falwell said. "I believe we have a responsibility even if we lead a non-profit organization as private citizens to be good citizens. The university is doing well, but I don't think it is because of anything I've said or done." Inskeep then asked Falwell a series of questions about Trump's character, such as whether or not the candidate's personal life was relevant to conservative Christian voters. Falwell responded by invoking Jesus who said, "We're all sinners." "When they ask that question I always talk about the story of the woman at the well. She'd had five husbands and the one she was living with was not her husband. And they wanted to stone her but Jesus said he among you who is without sin cast the first stone. I just see how Donald Trump treats other people and I'm impressed by that," Falwell said. NOTE: Falwell's response was a conflation of two different biblical accounts. One, the woman at the well, is found in John 4:4-26. The other, where a woman is brought to Jesus having been caught in adultery, is in in John 8:1-11. Falwell defended Trump's claims that he is a Christian and said Trump doesn't, because of his background as a New York businessman, talk live evangelical Christians do. "His way of describing his faith may not line up with others. He expresses his faith in a way different than many evangelical Christians do," Falwell said. He added that he believed Trump was a truthful, honest businessman who had treated his employees very well. He also said he had never seen any arrogance in Trump, though he acknowledged he is very outspoken. "What's the old saying? 'If it's true, it ain't bragging.'" A 53-year-old man in eastern Uganda sits alone in a small shanty after losing his family, house and business because he left Islam for Christianity. Muslim relatives drove Kuluseni Iguru Tenywa, a former imam, from his ancestral home the night of June 27 in Budhagali village, Jinja District. Led by his brother-in-law, 45-year-old Isa Nsaja, the relatives gathered outside Tenywas house. I heard people talking outside my house around 8 p.m., saying that they wanted to take away my life and, We cannot watch the whole family turning to Christianity, Tenywa told Morning Star News. He escaped through a back door. I had to flee that night, leaving my entire family behind, said the father of four children, ages 10, 12, 14 and 17. Tenywa said an evil spirit had been tormenting him for many years before he visited Elim Church in his village on May 28. I was prayed for in the power of Isa [Jesus] and invited him into my heart, which broke the strength of the evil spirit that was troubling me, he said. I remember my vision got blurred and I felt faint. The pastor authoritatively, using some commanding words in Isas name, finally delivered me. When the story of Tenywas conversion reached his family and other relatives, they became incensed and told him to go back to Islam because it was the religion of his clan, he said. Tenywa told them he could not deny what Jesus had done for him. Since then they started harassing me, taking me for a nobody at home, including my wife, Fatiyah, and children, he said. Fatiyah started provoking me. My wife even refused to give me food and began calling me an infidel. Tenywa continued sharing fellowship at Elim Church Budhagali, further enraging his relatives, who on June 6 damaged his red pepper plantation and store and stopped him from cultivating his portion of land. He registered a complaint with the Local Council 1 chairperson, who intervened without effect. Now without land and the food it provided, Tenywa has no work, no meals and no wife and children. Family members so opposed his new-found faith they had tried to cast spells on him. The family even tried to bewitch me, he said. But God protected me. About 85 percent of the people in Uganda are Christian and 11 percent Muslim, with some eastern areas having large Muslim populations. The countrys constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate ones faith and convert from one faith to another, but Christians in eastern Uganda are suffering continual attacks by non-state figures. If you would like to help persecuted Christians, visit http://morningstarnews.org/resources/aid-agencies/ for a list of organizations that can orient you on how to get involved. If you or your organization would like to help enable Morning Star News to continue raising awareness of persecuted Christians worldwide with original-content reporting, please consider collaborating at http://morningstarnews.org/donate/? Courtesy: Morning Star News Publication date: July 21, 2016 In a rather unexpected coalition, Christians have united together with Muslims and atheists In Ireland to promote separation of church and state in education. ChristianToday.com reports that the Evangelical Alliance of Ireland (EAI) has joined with Atheist Ireland and Irish Ahmadiyya Muslims to work for alternatives to religious education in schools. The groups are hoping to do away with the state-sponsored religious education course which is required for students. All three groups believe such a requirement actually harms religion, as well as the secular state, even though about 85 percent of Irish people identify as Catholics. The EAI stated that, in opposing the course, it was seeking to protect children from coercion and discrimination in the area of religious education. Michael Nugent, chairman of Atheist Ireland stated, "The minister for education should immediately issue a circular letter informing all schools at second level that the state religious education course is not compulsory and students can choose another subject, and schools should actively inform students and parents about this. Imam Ibrahim Noonan stressed the importance of not allowing one particular faith to have the monopoly in the schools. "The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has always adhered to the fact that religion and state are two different entities," he said. "Therefore it views that secular knowledge should be given eminence within the school curriculum. The state must recognise the importance of the feelings and sentiments of those who practise a particular faith or belief system, whether that be a religious system or non religious system. Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com Publication date: July 21, 2016 Four police officers were charged for their involvement in the murder of a Christian human rights lawyer, his client, and their taxi driver in Kenya. Willie Kimani, Josephat Mwenda, and Joseph Muiruri went missing last month in Nairobi after a court hearing where Mwenda testified against a police officer. "Today, we have four AP officers charged with murder after a three-week investigation, and that hasn't happened in the history of Kenya. This marks an important occasion for police accountability in our country," said James Kironji, director of casework for IJM Kenya. The bodies were found stuffed in sacks in the Ol-Donyo Sabuk River on July 1. The four police officers face three counts of murder and abduction but pleaded not guilty. Eyewitnesses testified in the court that they had seen the lawyer and his client in a police station basement cell hours after they went missing. After the bodies were found, the Law Society of Kenya called on lawyers to boycott the courts for one week to protest against the killings. Over 30 Kenyan and international human rights organizations released a joint statement to raise concerns about the human rights situation in the country. "These extrajudicial killings are a chilling reminder that the hard-won right to seek justice for human rights violations is under renewed attack," said Muthoni Wanyeki from Amnesty International. IJM has launched a petition calling on Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta for removal of the police officer directly involved in the abduction and murder of the three victims. The organization fights for the cause of falsely convicted prisoners in Kenya, and has helped release about 200 unjustly detained people since 2001. Amos Gatheca, a senior interior ministry official said that "rogue elements within the police" who were acting outside of chain of command carried out the abductions and murders. "We still believe there are more perpetrators involved in the deaths of our colleagues, and we ask authorities to do everything in their power to bring them to justice," Kironji said. Cleveland Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana, the Republican nominee for vice president, vouched for the man at the top of the ticket when it comes to expanding educational options, in his speech to the Republican National Convention Wednesday night. Pence, who has made bolstering vouchers and charter schools a centerpiece of his tenure at the helm of the Hoosier State, said GOP nominee Donald Trump will fight for equal educational opportunity and loves school choice"echoing a theme two other high-profile speakers, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, also hit during their speeches Wednesday. Pence also gave a quick nod to his own K-12 experience, saying that as governor, hes been able to grow Indianas economy while making record investments in education. Trump made a similar claim about Pence when introducing him as his No. 2 on Saturdaythe increase of about $480 million in the current two-year budget was indeed the largest dollarwise, according to a fact check by the Associated Press. But percentagewise, it isnt nearly as impressive; it amounts to 2.3 percent, compared to the increases of 2.7 percent from 2000 to 2008, AP found. Since stepping into the role of governor in 2013, Pence has gone whole hog on expanding educational options for parents and bolstering career and technical education. Hes also pushed for local control of testing and academic standards, with Indiana becoming the first state to officially ditch the Common Core State Standards in 2014. And hes locked horns with the states elected Democratic state schools chief, Glenda Ritz, on everything from testing to whether or not there should be a separate agency dedicated to education and career innovation. Calming Conservatives Pences place on the ticket withTrump has helped Carmen Maddrey, a teacher and delegate for Trumps primary rival Cruz, feel more comfortable with where a potential President Trump might go on K-12. Trump has talked about getting rid of the common core and expanding school choice, but Pence has this record, said Maddrey, who teaches special education in North Carolinas Guilford County Public Schools, which includes the city of Greensboro. She thinks Pence would make teachers voices heard in education policy. And shes especially pleased that he has embraced choice programs, particularly for disadvantaged students. It shows he has a heart for everyone in his state. But other teachers arent so enthusiastic about Pence. Theres just a disconnect between what hes done and what he says hes done, said Jennifer Smith-Margraf, a high school Spanish teacher in Lafayette, Ind., who is active in her local National Education Association affiliate. (Smith-Margraf is a Republican, but not a delegate here at the RNC). For instance, she says, Pence touts his support for local standards. But Smith-Margraf isnt a fan of the way he handled the shift away from common core. Weve been jumping around from one set of standards to another set of standards to another set of standards, she said in a phone interview. Gov. Pence has not set a clear path. School Choice Last year, Pence notched some big wins on both charters and vouchers . He got up to $10 million to boost per-pupil spending at high-performing charter schoolswhich was less than he wanted, but still a significant victory. And he pushed lawmakers to lift a $4,800 cap on vouchers for elementary and middle school students. The issue is personal for Pence, said Betsy DeVos, a delegate from Michigan and the chairman of the American Federation of Children, which promotes school choice. Its not just a rhetorical record, he feels it in his heart of hearts, she said. I think he would bring a very keen and focused perspective on the importance of education and education choice in particular. Some of Pences fans here in Cleveland expect he would use his vice-presidential perch to go even bigger on choice at the federal level. Rep. Luke Messer of Indiana, who represents the same southeastern Indiana congressional district that Pence once did, said in a quick interview here that theres a good chance states could be given flexibility to use their Title I money for disadvantaged kids to create school choice programs, as early as the first year of a potential Trump-Pence administration . Pence wasnt the only speaker of the night who gave a brief nod to education. Trumps one-time rival for the GOP nomination, Cruz mocked presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama for sending their own children to private school, while opposing vouchers . Gingrich also hit on Trumps commitment to school choice, saying that, if hes elected president, the Republican nominee will give every parent of every income and every ethnic backrground a choice about where their children go to school. Trumps son Eric also sprinkled education throughout his speech, just as his brother Donald Trump Jr. did in a similar address Tuesday. Eric Trump said that his father was running on behalf of the teacher who walks through a metal detector on the way into work, and because U.S. schools are in 30th place. (The elder Trump has made a similar claim, which we fact-checked here .) And Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, another of Trumps one-time rivals for the GOP nod, talked about standing up to union bosses to make public employees, including teachers, more accountable to taxpayers. Andrew Ujifusa contributed to this post. Grace Mission University (eng.gm.edu) officially achieved accredited member status in the ATS (Association of Theological Schools in the U.S. and Canada) this June. Previously, the school had also achieved accredited member status in other associations including in TRACS (Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools) and ABHE (Association for Biblical Higher Education). Among Korean theological schools in the U.S., Grace Mission University is the only one which has achieved accredited member status in all three of these associations. Located in the campus of Grace Ministries International in Fullerton, CA, the school offers a bachelors in theology (B.Th.), a masters in Christian education (M.A.), a masters in intercultural studies (M.A.ICS.), a masters in divinity (M.Div.), and a doctoral degree in missiology (D.Miss.). The school currently has some 267 students, and offers I-20 visas, financial aid for U.S. residents and citizens, and financial aid for members of the military. As a school that was established for the purpose of building missionaries, tuition is affordable and the school offers various types of scholarships for families, ministers, and missionaries. Some of the schools strengths include its staff comprising of professors with doctoral degrees from major theological schools in the U.S., a cutting-edge school operating system among Korean theological schools; and the option of remote learning through online classes. GMU also offers an English track, allowing Korean Americans and students of other ethnicities to be able to earn all credits necessary through classes taught in English. GMU plans to open a Los Angeles campus in the near future. This article has been translated. For the original in Korean, visit kr.christianitydaily.com. A few weeks ago, I joined many evangelicalsa number of Hispanics among themin New York City for A Conversation About America's Future with Donald Trump and Ben Carson. Trump was asked a softball question by a Hispanic leader: You have often spoken of building a wall for our southern border, but how will you build a bridge to Hispanics, the fastest growing demographic in our nation? Trumps answer was hardly satisfactory (more of that below). But it isnt as if we Hispanics have a great deal of confidence in Hillary Clinton on this matter. Sheand President Obamavoted for the Secure Fence Act in 2006, which would have added 700 miles of double fencing to the border. As the 2016 Republican and Democratic conventions get underway, the pop song title Cuando, Cuando, Cuando (When, When, When) seems to capture Hispanic sentiment about the presumptive candidates in America. While what follows is perhaps presumptive to a fault, it may offer some thoughts from a Hispanic point of view about the contest of negatives that is Election 2016. If white Americans are feeling tepid about the final two candidates, Hispanics are perhaps even more disenchanted, wondering when either Trump or Clinton will emerge as a leader Hispanics can entirely support. Clintons Rhetoricand Reality Hispanic Democratssome 60 percent of registered Hispanic votersare asking when their candidate will respond more fully to this 55 million person and growing minority. To begin with, when will the partys leaders follow through on their lingering promise to reform our broken immigration system? Though ... 1 Yesterday, Russias new anti-terrorism laws, which restrict Christians from evangelizing outside of their churches, went into effect. The Yarovaya package requires missionaries to have permits, makes house churches illegal, and limits religious activity to registered church buildings, among other restrictions. Individuals who disobey could be fined up to $780, while organizations could be fined more than $15,000. Forum 18 offers an analysis of the laws and their ramifications for Protestants and other non-Orthodox believers. World Watch Monitor compiled the worried reactions of Russian evangelical leaders and concerned observers. The new laws will create conditions for the repression of all Christians, wrote Russias Baptist Council of Churches in an open letter. Any person who mentions their religious view or reflections out loud or puts them in writing, without the relevant documents, could be accused of illegal missionary activity. ... 1 Bishop E.W. Jackson Renews Call for Black Voters to Exit the Democrat Party Contact: 304-620-7007, media@ewjackson.com CLEVELAND, Ohio, July 21, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Four years after releasing a video that called for Black Christians to leave the Democrat Party, Bishop E.W. Jackson is renewing that call, and calling for Black Americans to leave the Democrat Party. "After eight years of the first black President, the black community is worse off now than it was when he was elected. The Democrat Party has become nothing more than a metaphorical slave ship, holding black voters captive, taking them where they don't want to go, while telling them they're on a luxury cruise. It is time to abandon ship." In 2008, 96% of African-Americans voted for Obama. Jackson believes they got "nothing in return for their loyalty. Unemployment is up and income is down. There is more poverty, violence and murder in the inner cities, no jobs and more illegal immigrants to compete for the few jobs that remain." Yesterday, Jackson was confronted by a white protestor outside of the Republican National Convention who accused him of being a "sellout" to the Black community. Jackson urges Black Americans to send the same message he gave to the protestor: "Don't tell me what it means to be a black." Jackson says that it is time for Blacks to leave the party that treats them like a commodity and tries to dictate how they should think. Bishop Jackson reserves his sternest warning for black Christians. "There is an historic clash between the religious liberty rights of Christians and the LGBT push to force Christians to bow to gay marriage. They have declared war on Christianity." The Bishop is telling Pastors across the country that "a vote for Hillary Clinton is a sin against God and the church." Jackson says, "Trump has promised to restore the free speech rights of pastors and churches. He said he will defend our right to be true to the word of God. Hillary has threatened the church over abortion and marriage, saying, 'Deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be changed.'" Says Jackson, "Democrats have kicked God off their platform. Now they want to kick God out of the church. Black Christians must stop supporting a party and candidates who defy God." Share Tweet Hispanic leaders oppose bill as it "would not only diminish religious liberty in California higher education; it would discriminate against minority communities in California." Contact: Lissette Correa, Executive Assistant to the Office of the President, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, 916-919-7476 lissettecorrea@nhclc.org; Kristin Cole, A. Larry Ross Communications, 972-267-1111, kristin@alarryross.com SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 21, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- In response to California Senate Bill 1146, Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, and other national, Hispanic leaders, have released the following joint statement: "In representation of the Hispanic citizens of California, we oppose SB 1146. As Democrats and Republicans, we believe the bill is an unconstitutional overreach that would threaten religious liberty in California, would harm faith-based institutions, and would weaken the rich educational diversity of our state. "Members of the Hispanic community would be disproportionately affected by SB 1146 given our community's long time commitment toward faith-based education. "This bill would not only diminish religious liberty in California higher education; it would discriminate against minority communities in California. "Hispanics form communities of faith that have long valued faith-based education, and this bill could in effect eliminate religious education in California. "America's first and greatest universities were founded and financed by religious institutions. Faith is not an enemy of scholarship in America, but the foundation of scholarship in America. Faith-based education is as American as the Constitution itself, and we mustn't let this piece of legislation threaten that heritage. "At a minimum, if passed, this bill would substantially interfere with the ability of California's faith-based colleges and universities to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with their beliefs. This bill would make religious institutions vulnerable to anti-discrimination lawsuits and unprecedented government policing. It is not inconceivable that this bill could in effect eliminate faith-based higher education entirely. "We are urging our communities to stand themselves in opposition to this bill while also urging California officials to vote 'no' to SB 1146. "Our children and grandchildren would bear the brunt of this decision, and we oppose it emphatically." home World Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby launches community refugee sponsorship scheme in Britain Archbishop Justin Welby and Home Secretary Amber Rudd launched Tuesday, July 19 a new scheme that enables British communities to sponsor Syrian refugees. The head of the Church of England worked together with the U.K.'s new home secretary to encourage Britons to support Syrian refugees, who they assured have passed a rigorous vetting process. "The full community sponsorship scheme presents churches and other civil society groups with the opportunity to provide sanctuary to those fleeing war-torn places," said the archbishop during a press conference at Lambeth Palace. Archbishop Welby stressed that refugees "like all people, are treasured human beings, made in the image of God, who deserve safety, freedom and the opportunity to flourish." He also proposed to take in at least 20 Syrian refugees to the Lambeth Palace last year. Earlier this month, the Lambeth Council announced they've already selected at least four Syrian families to move in a cottage in Lambeth. The first of the families already arrived and was welcomed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and Rudd. Rudd said the experience of meeting the family firsthand "really moved" her. "I am just delighted that the Church of England has got involved in such a positive way to enable this one family to be resident here who are going to be starting a brilliant life in the UK," Christian Today quoted her as saying. The 52-year-old former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, who replaced Theresa May as Home Secretary after the latter's ascension as Prime Minister, expressed her hope that the "ground-breaking new development" would unite together organizations in the U.K. to support the "traumatized and vulnerable" families. "The response of the British public to the refugee crisis has been one of overwhelming generosity and many have been moved to make kind offers of assistance," said Rudd. Sponsors to the scheme need to be recognized as charity or community interest company before they could provide assistance in medical and social services, education and support towards employment and self-sufficiency. Ordinary citizens can also choose from a range of donations of goods, housing and fostering through the website "Help Refugees in the UK." The online service piloted in the nine local authorities of City of Nottingham, Broxtowe, Wiltshire, Cornwall, Cambridge, Coventry, Gateshead, City of York and Lambeth. home World Facebook prayer campaign helps locate missing baby following Nice terror attack The power of prayer and lots of Facebook shares have made it possible to reunite a baby boy with his family after chaos erupted during the Nice attack in France on Thursday, July 14. The boy's mother, Yohlaine Ramasitera, posted an alert on Facebook with the child's photo, saying "If you see this child: contact me." She left her number, adding that the baby was in a blue stroller. Pastor Rebecca Boulanger saw the Facebook post and decided to spread the word to her large network in the hope of finding the baby more quickly. Boulanger and her family were not affected by the attack, which left more than 80 people dead after a man plowed a crowded street with a truck on Bastille Day. She said they decided to stay indoors instead of watching the fireworks like they often did during the celebration. But when she saw Ramasitera's post on social media, she knew she had to do something. "I couldn't do much because I was at home with my own baby. But because I'm a pastor and I grew up in Nice, I decided to use my large social network to help," Boulanger told The Huffington Post. Boulanger immediately shared the photo with the description: "VERY IMPORTANT: in the rush of things with shots being fired some friends of our friends lost their baby boy!!!" She urged everyone to agree in prayer that the baby will be found. She also said a family group had gone out to look for the baby, who is only about eight to 10 months old. Two hours later, Boulanger learned that the baby was safe. A woman found him and took him home. The woman saw the Facebook post with the baby's photo and contacted his family. Boulanger waited until the baby was reunited with his mother before sharing the good news on social media. The following day, she wrote: "Baby has been found !! a lady took him in, the family is on their way to go get him right now ! THANK YOU SO MUCH for your prayers !!! and also thank you to all those who shared the posts !!" To those affected by the Nice attack, Boulanger reminded believers that during dark moments, "our light must shine brighter." "As followers of Jesus, we need to make sure that people are reminded that love wins ... Hatred will only breed more hatred and that's not what this country needs," she said. home US Trump vs Clinton polls update: Hispanics strongly behind Clinton, Trump edges white Catholics - Pew Hispanic Catholics solidly support Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton while Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump slightly tops divided white Catholics, according to the latest survey results from Pew Research Center. The Pew Research Center released its latest survey on July 13 for this season's presidential elections, which revealed that Hispanic Catholics are strongly supportive of Clinton while white Catholics remain split between the two candidates, although leaning toward Trump. The huge gap among Hispanics of 77-16 in favor of Clinton bears the striking impact on the presidential candidates' differences on the national issue of immigration. "Let's not normalize what Trump is proposing. It's so extreme," America's Voice executive director Frank Sharry said regarding Trump's anti-immigration platform, according to Politifact. Trump, waving his banner of "Make America Great Again," proposes deportation of immigrants, building a wall across the U.S.-Mexico border, and tightening immigration laws. "It's outrageous and terrifying and so un-American," continued Sharry. "We are a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws, and comprehensive immigration reform would create a modernized system that would make sure we are both of those things." On the other hand, Clinton pledged to refuse any deportation among immigrants but rather to help them integrate into the American society. "She's putting forward the most radical immigration plan ever put down on paper by a candidate," said executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, Mark Krikorian. "She has pledged to refuse to deport any illegal alien who has not been convicted of a violent crime," added Krikorian. Pew pegs that 20 percent of the electorate are Christian voters with two percent "other," five percent Hispanics and 13 percent white. Among the white Catholics, Trump edges Clinton in a close margin with 50-46. Altogether, the Catholics show overwhelming support to Clinton with 56-39. Atheists, agnostics and religious "nones" also stand behind Clinton with 67-23 while 75 percent Evangelicals favor Trump. home US Ted Cruz fights back after criticism for not endorsing Donald Trump: 'I'm not Trump's 'servile puppy dog'' U.S. Senator Ted Cruz staunchly defended his decision not to endorse Donald Trump, saying on Thursday he was not the Republican presidential candidate's "servile puppy dog" in a damaging rift at the party's convention ahead of the Nov. 8 election. Cruz, who came in second to Trump in the race for the Republican nomination after a bitter and personal campaign, was booed by delegates at the gathering in Cleveland on Wednesday night when he gave a speech but did not endorse Trump. The conservative senator from Texas stood his ground on Thursday. He refused to say whether he would vote for Trump, who had maligned Cruz's wife for her physical appearance and had suggested that his father was linked to late President John F. Kennedy's assassin. "I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father," he told a meeting of the Texas delegation in Cleveland. Republican candidates had pledged during the primary process to support the party's eventual nominee. "That pledge was not a blanket commitment that if you go and slander and attack Heidi that I'm going to nonetheless come like a servile puppy dog and say 'thank you very much for maligning my wife,'" Cruz said. He did say he would not vote for the Democratic presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton. The dispute was the latest misstep at the four-day party meeting, which was meant to be an occasion showing Republicans rallying behind Trump, a New York businessman who has never been elected to public office but who saw off 16 rivals in the primary contests. Trump, well known to Americans as a reality TV star, has upset many in the Republican establishment with his free-wheeling style, frequent insults to rivals and controversial policy proposals such as imposing a temporary ban on Muslims entering the country and building a wall along the border with Mexico. Hoping to close out the conference on a high note, Trump was due to give a prime-time speech on Thursday evening. The convention began on Monday but the highlight of the first day, a speech by Trump's wife, Melania, caused controversy because she used some lines that were similar to passages in an address by first lady Michelle Obama in 2008. Susan Hutchison, chair of the Washington delegation, said she confronted Cruz after his speech and called him a "traitor to the party." New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a close Trump adviser who was also a presidential rival, criticized Cruz's address. "I just think it was an awful performance," Christie told MSNBC. Trump's campaign manager, Paul Manafort, sought to put the Cruz appearance in a positive light, telling reporters on Thursday that the booing of Cruz increased party unity, "in a backhanded way." Cruz was still one of the most talked about topics on social media, capturing attention ahead of Trump's big speech. On Google, "ted cruz speech" was the top trending query regarding the Republican National Convention and on Twitter, about 56 tweets mentioning his official Twitter handle @tedcruz were posted every minute. The overall tone of the tweets was more positive than negative, at a ratio of about 2.5 to 1, according to social media analytics firm Zoomph. home World Turkey fires 492 religious staff as tensions rise after failed military coup Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sacked nearly 500 religious officials amid massive arrests and seeming purge before declaring a state of emergency following Friday's blotched military coup. The Religious Affairs Directorate, also known as the Diyanet, said in a statement that the president sacked 492 religious officials for charges of "terrorism" links. This happened Tuesday, July 19 after the failed coup on Friday night, July 15 that claimed the lives of 265 people and wounded 1,440. Erdogan declared a state of emergency subsequently on Thursday, July 21 which is bound to last for at least three months. Authorities also removed from office about 9,000 police, nearly 3,000 judges, 15,200 teachers and others in the education realm, 1,577 university deans, 8,777 interior ministry officials, 1,500 finance officials and 257 employees of the prime minister's office. While the United Nations praised the Turkish civilians by taking to the streets in a peaceful rally against the military coup, it also reminded the government to respond in accordance to the rule of law. "In the aftermath of such a traumatic experience, it is particularly crucial to ensure that human rights are not squandered in the name of security and in the rush to punish those perceived to be responsible," said a statement by Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Hussein expressed alarm on the mass suspension and removal in the judiciary and stressed that judges and lawyers must be able to act independently without pressure or threat in order to mete out justice. He also cautioned the government to observe due process and practice the presumption of innocence to those under investigation. Amnesty International warned that the government's crackdown only endangered human rights especially as Erdogan expressed plans to bring back death penalty. "The coup attempt unleashed appalling violence and those responsible for unlawful killings and other human rights abuses must be brought to justice, but cracking down on dissent and threatening to bring back the death penalty are not justice," said Amnesty. Erdogan accused Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen as mastermind for the coupt attempt and demanded that the U.S. government extradite Gulen. The cleric, however, accused Erdogan for plotting the coup that gave the Turkish strongman an excuse to clamp down on civil liberties and political opponents. High-achieving North Carolina 8th graders who took Algebra 1 online performed worse than similar students who took the course in a traditional classroom, according to a new study from researchers at Northwestern University. Theres lower academic performance in a virtual classroom. Parents should know theres a cost to going online, said Jennifer Heissel, a researcher at Northwesterns School of Education and Social Policy and the lead author of the study, in a statement. The study, officially titled The Relaitve Benefits of Live Versus Online Delivery: Evidence From Virtual Algebra I in North Carolina, was published in May in the journal Economics of Education Review. Heissel, who previously worked in North Carolinas state department of public instruction, and her colleagues focused on North Carolinas Columbus County schools, which in 2011 adopted a new policy that for the first time allowed advanced 8th graders to take Algebra 1 online. The researchers compared the performance of students who took advantage of that new online opportunity to the performance of two groups of students: fellow advanced 8th graders who chose to take Algebra 1 in a traditional classroom, and similar students who waited until 9th grade to take Algebra 1 in a traditional classroom. Though students in all three groups passed Algebra 1 at roughly the same rates, the students who took the course virtually as 8th graders performed significantly worse on tests. The gap was greater than the gap in performance between North Carolina students with a typical teacher and students with a teacher with weak credentials found in previous studies. The findings come as part of a wave of emerging new research into students academic performance in online environments. Two recently published analyses, for example, looked at the impact of online credit recovery courses on Chicago and Montana students who had fallen behind in traditional classrooms. A 2015 Stanford University study of the countrys full-time online charter schools, meanwhile, found the schools had an overwhelming negative impact on students. Over 1 million K-12 students now take at least one virtual course every year, and many states have made at least some online education a requirement, according to the Northwestern researchers. The negative outcomes for even high-performing students in virtual classrooms is particularly troubling, Heissel said in the statement. Generally, no matter what you throw at high achievers, they end up fine, she said. If even the advanced students cant do well, why would we think it would work well for all? The North Carolina effort at the heart of the newest study was successful, however, in its goal of promoting more equitable access to Algebra 1 at a reasonable cost, particularly for rural schools. The question posed by the study: How should policymakers weigh the value of leveraging virtual instruction to promote greater access, if those environments dont promote equitable outcomes? See also: Calais 'jungle' swells to more than 7,000 for first time as nearly 50 new people arrive each day The population of the "jungle" migrant camp in Calais has swelled to a record level of more than 7000, the latest survey shows. As authorities in Calais threaten new evictions, and step up the pressure to move the camp across the Channel in the wake of the Brexit vote, charities working with the migrants predicted numbers could be as high as 10,000 by Christmas. Numbers trying to reach Britain from France have increasing daily, in spite of a belief that Ramadan would reduce the stream of migrants. The population has reached a record 7,037, well above numbers seen before the eviction last February. Of these, 761 are minors including 608 unaccompanied children, the youngest of whom is just eight years old. The youngest child in the camp is aged four months. The new census from Help Refugees and L'Auberge des Migrants represents a of 15 per cent month-on-month. The increased border security between Turkey and the EU failed to cut numbers. Attempts by France and Britain to discourage people from making the journey have also had little effect. Mayor of Calais Natacha Bouchart recently threaten a fresh eviction "as soon as possible". If the current arrivals rate of nearly 50 people a day continues, there will be 10,000 people in the "jungle" before the end of September, compared to just 6,000 in November last year. Some residents have been there for more than a year. Most people in the camp are in tents and temporary accommodation. Josie Naughton, co-founder of Help Refugees, said: "We expected the numbers not to increase too dramatically over the past month, as it is so difficult to travel during the holy month of Ramadan. However we are still seeing a persistent pattern of growth, which, if sustained, will amount to a population of over 10,000 come September." She continued: "If the camp is set to be destroyed without adequate alternatives being offered to all residents currently without secured accommodation, many of whom have already been displaced at least once, then this is truly terrible news. "More than a hundred children went unaccounted for the last time French police moved in to evict the camp. That is sure to happen again unless French and British officials work together to ensure that these children are protected, and that those who have the legal right to be reunited with immediate family in the UK have their cases expedited. "There are 10,000 children who have reportedly gone missing in Europe so far. Another eviction could add hundreds more to that devastating tally." At present, border checks are conducted on the French side of the Channel but post-Brexit, the Touquet agreement which covers this arrangement could be under threat. Mayor of Calais Natacha Bouchart is calling for the agreement to be suspended. She told French broadcaster BFM TV: "The British must take on the consequences of their choice. "We are in a strong position to push, to press this request for a review and we are asking the President to bring his weight. "We must put everything on the table and there must be an element of division, of sharing." Earlier this week a Catholic priest reported finding one of two warehouses belonging to the charity Care 4 Calais empty and the other barely two thirds full after visiting the camp. Father Dominic Howarth of Our Lady and All Saints, Basildon, said: "The warehouses are perilously empty. We have never seen it like this. It is a far, far cry from the time last September when donations were coming in faster than warehouses could be found. The aid now is only the raw essentials and there is nowhere near enough to meet the needs." Catholic Church in India should end 'silence' over kidnapped Dalit bishop, say critics The Catholic Church hierarchy in India has been accused of ignoring an attack on a Dalit bishop after three of its own priests were arrested in connection with the attack. Bishop of Cuddapah Prasad Gallela, of the so-called "untouchable" Dalit caste, and his driver Vijay Kumar were kidnapped in April this year, blindfolded and beaten and taken to an undisclosed place where 50,000 was demanded in ransom. Three high-caste priests were among those arrested for the crime. The South India Dalit Catholic Association has now condemned the Catholic hierarchy's "silence", UCA reported. In a statement, the association condems the "silence of the official church on the kidnapping and assault of Bishop Prasad Gallela by three priests of the Cudappa Diocese on 25 April." Jesuit Priest Father AXJ Bosco, a Dalit activist in the area, sent an open letter to the president of the national Catholic bishops' conference, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis of Trivandrum, criticising the silence. "The sad and criminal event has been published in the media," he wrote, asking why there had been "no significant response condemning the culprit priests or supporting Gallela" in the national media. He said: "Are all the prayers, statements, promises and assurances of the hierarchy and Church leaders only in words? Is the Church leadership afraid of their caste communities; or do they not care about the Dalits even if they happen to be bishops? "You can very well imagine what the people, especially the Dalit Catholics, would think and feel about the significant silence on the part of the official Church. "We know that there is caste discrimination in the Church, and it is a great challenge to the Christian Community in India. "The question to ask is - If Jesus were here, what he would have done?" Bosco called for a "concrete" plan of action, including transfer of bishops to other dioceses when they refuse to treat Dalits as equals. In May this year, Gallela was supported by a rally in Kadapa city in south-east India, Crux reported. Discrimination based on caste system is illegal in India but it has proved almost impossible to eradicate. A Capuchin Franciscan priest, Father Nithiya Sagayam, told Crux that the Church should speak out more on the caste system: "The silence of the official Church is criminal." He added: "Our socially discriminatory society is vigorously condemned by secular leaders who work for social justice. It is shocking that the Catholic Church and its official organisations have not responded effectively to end this evil, in spite of clear indications of caste discrimination within the Church leadership." Gallela's attackers took three ATM cards, a silver chain with the bishop's holy cross and his iPhone. From 2000 to 2004, Gallela served as a priest in the diocese of San Angelo, Texas, before returning to India to teach in a local seminary. Christians, Muslims and atheists call for end to compulsory religious education in Ireland The Evangelical Alliance of Ireland (EAI) has joined Atheist Ireland and Irish Ahmadiyya Muslims in calling for reform to religious education (RE) to allow pupils to choose another subject in its place. A joint study from the group based on hundreds of documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act from the National Council for Curriculum & Assessment (NCCA) says that the state-sponsored religious education course at second level should not be compulsory. The EAI said it was seeking to "protect children from coercion and discrimination in the area of religious education," the Irish News reported. Around 85 per cent of Irish people say they are Catholics, but the group is concerned about school children being forced into religious instruction and Catholic faith formation. The Atheist Ireland chairman Michael Nugent said that the existing RE course in schools "disrespects the philosophical convictions of atheist, secular and minority faith families". He added: "The minister for education should immediately issue a circular letter informing all schools at second level that the state religious education course is not compulsory and students can choose another subject, and schools should actively inform students and parents about this." Pastor Nick Park, the executive director of the EAI said that he disagreed with Atheist Ireland on many issues. "Nevertheless," he said, "I congratulate them on wading through a copious amount of documents to produce this comprehensive report, demonstrating clearly the state's failure to protect children from coercion and discrimination in the area of religious education." Park added: "Parents from religious minorities, as well as parents of no religious belief, are being denied rights supposedly guaranteed to them and their children under the Irish Constitution and various human rights treaties. Most religions would hold that it is the responsibility of their members who are parents to provide religious instruction to their children, but religious formation and indoctrination should not be the business of the state or of state-funded schools. When the state acts in such a way it is bad for parents, bad for children, and ultimately bad for religion itself." Imam Ibrahim Noonan, the Imam of Galway Ahmadiyya Mosque, stressed the need for separation between state and religion. "The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has always adhered to the fact that religion and state are two different entities," he said. "Therefore it views that secular knowledge should be given eminence within the school curriculum. The state must recognise the importance of the feelings and sentiments of those who practise a particular faith or belief system, whether that be a religious system or non religious system. What is important is that department of education recognise that no particular faith should have the monopoly in the schools, as the very question that can be asked is: which version of a particular religion is the correct one, and who will teach it? All that should be taught in state schools is the basic fundamentals of any faith system or non faith belief system is, including historical and morals, principles and ethics." The group's call comes amid an ongoing debate about the role of religious education in Ireland. In May, the secretary general of the Department of Education, Sean O Foghlu, told the Association of Trustees of Catholic Schools that the community and comprehensive secondary schools under religious patronage were legally obliged to serve the entire community. He warned: "The schools need to prepare for situations where a majority of students may wish to withdraw and where religious instruction and worship may be required by a minority, if at all." Church leaders provide sanctuary for victims of South Sudan's latest descent into violence Up to 1,000 families sought sanctuary in the Anglican cathedral in the South Sudan capital of Juba as the country continues its descent into violence and bloodshed. The Anglican Alliance, which supports the Anglican response to emergencies throughout the worldwide Anglican Communion, is helping to co-ordinate the response and is working with the local church. The Sudanese Development and Relief Agency, a body of the local church, has pleaded for aid to help feed 14,400 internally displaced people, many of them children, women and elderly people in Juba, Kajokeji, Yei, Lainya, and Rajaf. Many have sought refuge in other churches besides the cathedral. Many are also afraid to go back home because they fear the ceasefire will not hold. Those who have gone back have often found their homes looted and destroyed. Nearly 300 people died in the latest clashes. Markets have also been looted, so food shortages are likely soon. The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, recently lamented the escalation of violence. He fears it "has caused yet more appalling suffering for the people of South Sudan." Dr Williams, chairman of Christian Aid, said that the country's people have, over the past two and a half years, endured the terrible consequences of a return to war and the bitter disappointment of hopes denied or deferred. He said: "For too long, women, children, and men in this nation have struggled to continue with their daily lives against the threat of food shortages, widespread displacement, economic crisis, and the trauma of murderous conflict. "The recent hostilities have demonstrated the fragility of the peace agreement. They have underscored the need for the international community to call the leaders of South Sudan to account in implementing the promise of peace. "They have shown just how much is at stake in this for future generations in South Sudan: if the next generation is to inherit anything more than devastation, resentment and failed hopes, urgent action is imperative in ending this conflict. "As they did through decades of civil war, the churches once again stand as one of the few signs of hope, giving voice to the needs of the people of South Sudan. Their commitment to working for peace and reconciliation is as strong as ever." The UN peace-keeping mission in South Sudan told journalists that the agency had received "deeply disturbing" reports of sexual violence, including rape, being carried out by soldiers in uniform. Its sister-agency, the UN High Commission for Refugees, reported that more than 5,000 people have fled to neighbouring Uganda since the latest violence in the country erupted on 7 July. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 as part of an agreement to end civil war. South Sudan has since then suffered its own civil war, fights and conflicts as different factions struggle for political power. Corbyn lacks credibility to be Prime Minister, says leading Christian Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn lacks the credibility and practical approach needed to be Prime Minister, Labour MP and chair of Christians of the Left Jonathan Reynolds told Christian Today. Reynolds said he would support Owen Smith, Corbyn's rival, as the Labour leader launched his campaign to be re-elected with a plea for MPs to "get behind the party". Corbyn vowed to tackle the "five ills of 21st century Britain", which he listed as inequality, neglect, prejudice, insecurity and discrimination. But Reynolds said Smith has more chance of becoming Prime Minister and so had his support. "I want Labour to make a practical difference to peoples' lives," he told Christian Today. "I want the chance to address some of the issues that I think are serious for this country. And I think that means that Labour has to be a credible party of government." Corbyn, said Reynolds, was not a credible option. "I want someone who could mix the idealism that I am about with a serious practical approach that can gain the confidence of the people so Labour can form a government." Owen Smith, the Labour MP for Pontypridd, will stand as the sole opposition to Corbyn after Angela Eagle dropped out of the race. Smith won more nominations from MPs than Eagle, prompting her resignation. Reynolds said Smith is an "exciting politician" and a "serious credible candidate" who could unite the party. Although most Labour MPs supported a "no confidence" motion against their own leader, Corbyn was elected by a large majority by Labour members and is ahead in the polls to be re-elected, to the despair of many of his more centrist MPs. 183,000 people have signed up in the last 48 hours to vote in the head-to-head battle, many of whom are suspected to be Corbyn-supporters. But Reynolds told Christian Today he thought Corbyn did not really want to become Prime Minister. "I don't think that is what Jeremy is about fundamentally," he said. "I think there will probably be an election before 2020 because of the EU referendum and I think we need someone who can bring the whole of the Labour movement together and go to the public as a potential Prime Minister. "For all the good things Jeremy is about, if you look at the polls or how we have fared in the last 10 months, I don't think you can say he can achieve those ends and that is why I will vote for Owen." Reynolds urged Christians within the Labour movement to consider that "mix of idealism and credibility in electoral chances". He added it worried him that language within politics had descended and hoped Christians would engage with a different tone. "I hope anyone who describes themselves as a Christian within the party can not engage in that [abusive language] and can always be people that are trying to bring people together, whether that is between political parties or certainly within political parties." Franklin Graham says he is 'terrified' by number of violent Muslims Franklin Graham has said he is "terrified" by the number of Muslims prepared to carry out violence. The son of evangelist Billy Graham acknowledged the "vast majority" of Muslims were peaceful. But he said there were some "little-discussed, but chilling, findings" from Pew Research Centre in December that showed seven per cent of Muslims in America who believed violence against non-Muslims was "sometimes" justified and one per cent said it was "often" justified. In a lengthy op-ed for USA Today Graham said that meant 100,000 Muslims in the US who could justify suicide bombings. "That is not to say that 8% would actually strap on an explosives-packed vest, but the fact that so many find it justifiable is scary enough. And the most likely place that terrorist recruiters or Internet propagandists will find American Muslims who'd be willing to kill is among those Muslims who don't see anything wrong with it." He continued: "Who would knowingly and willingly accept these odds of a peaceful existence in their own family, neighborhood, workplace or church? For example, would you feel safe accepting a job at a "mostly peaceful" company of 100 employees if that meant only eight of them believed a suicide bombing was sometimes or often justified in the name of their religion (or in the name of anything, for that matter)? "Would you stay at a hotel whose employees were "mostly peaceful"? Would you trust your car to not explode randomly if a company who boasted its workers were mostly peaceful had made it? Imagine a marketing slogan: "Trust us we're mostly peaceful." And who would fly an airplane full of mostly peaceful passengers?" He said "hundreds of millions" would reject an extremist violent Islam. But he said "it's the millions who apparently agree...who terrify me". The leader of the Billy Graham Evangelist Association and the aid-charity Samaritan's Purse has been a long-time critic of Islam. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks he said it was a "very evil and wicked religion". He has also argued America "should stop all immigration of Muslims to the US until this threat with Islam has been settled", a renowned policy of Republican candidate Donald Trump. Russell Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, has criticised Franklin Graham's approach to Islam and said "presence of our Muslim neighbors doesn't threaten" the gospel. "We should be kind to these Muslim neighbors and share the gospel evangelistically with them." Loving your atheist brothers If Jesus were to meet an atheist you know today, what do you think He would do? The answer to that question will heavily determine what you often do every time you encounter an atheist in your workplace, at your campus, or even on social media. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus tells us, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (ESV). Believers like to look at this scripture and think that it's a command to go and preach the gospel. As important as it is to preach, not everything in the gospel can be preached without first exemplifying it to others. The number one reason atheists are atheists is the inability of some Christians to act according to the what the Bible teaches. I'm not talking about our inability to go to church, to memorize scripture, or to follow rituals and traditions. We're good at thatnot just Christians, but people in general. Even atheists have and may still do that. But what many believers find hard to do is to love, unconditionally, everyone they come across. I admit that I have struggles with loving unconditionally because my broken and sinful nature tells me to be conditional in my compassion and affection. An inability to love can first and foremost only be cured by experiencing a love that can match the lack of love in us. 1 John 4:7 tells us, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God" (ESV). God is the full manifestation of love and He best shows that to us through Jesus Christ. Have you encountered the love of Jesus in such a way that it compels you to love others? Many times, the love we believers havejust like everyone elsecan be extremely conditional. But God says that love should be shared with everyone if we are in Him. He calls us to love our neighbor, love the lost, and even love our enemies to the point of sacrificing our selfish desires. You may have some problems with an atheist brother or sister today. He or she might be challenging your belief and even ridiculing you by calling you stupid to believe in "unicorns and tooth fairies." It doesn't matter because if you really know the love of God and you have experienced it in a real way, your belief needs no defense and whatever defense you make now is only to win over a brother. But unless we learn to ferociously love others, we can never win them over either to the faith or to us. That's how Jesus won us overwith ferocious loveand that's how He calls us to win others over as well, whether your brother is a believer as well or not. Mike Pence: the evangelical former Catholic who may yet save Donald Trump It was in the spring of 1978, when he was a young man standing in a crowd at a Christian music festival in Asbury, Kentucky, that Mike Pence's life changed and so, effectively, did his denomination and the nature of his faith. "I gave my life to Jesus Christ and that's changed everything," Pence told the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) in 2010. Now the 57-year-old Republican candidate for Vice President and Donald Trump's running mate, the cradle Catholic is the only one of six siblings to have abandoned the Mother Church, becoming an evangelical while he was at Hanover College, a small liberal-arts school in Indiana. He explained that his Catholic upbringing left him with a sense of something missing. "I began to meet young men and women who talked about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and while I cherish my Catholic upbringing and the foundation that it poured in my faith, that had not been a part of my experience," Pence said to CBN. The family, with its Irish roots, remains close, but Pence's departure from the Catholic Church has long been a source of disappointment to his mother, according to the priest who baptised him, the New York Times (NYT) has reported. Pence was especially close to his maternal grandfather, who came to America from Ireland in 1923 before settling in Chicago as a bus driver, according to the NYT. They idolised the first Irish Catholic president, John F Kennedy, and Pence began his career as a youth coordinator for the Bartholomew County Democrats. "It may be that I grew up in a big Irish Catholic family like he [Kennedy] did," Pence told CBN. "Maybe it was that my grandparents were so proud of the first Irish Catholic president." Pence was highly accustomed to church from a young age, attending six days a week at St.Columba, where he and his three brothers were altar boys, sometimes on duty during holidays. "Our life revolved around the church," Gregory Pence, one of Pence's two older brothers, has said. For years after his spiritual experience at the festival in Kentucky, Pence would describe himself as an "evangelical Catholic". "He was part of a movement of people, I'll call it, who had grown up Catholic and still loved many things about the Catholic Church, but also really loved the concept of having a very personal relationship with Christ," Patricia Bailey, a close friend, told the NYT. It was when at law school at Indiana University that Pence met his future wife, Karen, a fellow evangelical. She was so taken with Pence that after they started dating, she bought a gold cross with the word 'Yes' on it ready for when he proposed. "She's been very much a part of his faith journey," another friend from the time, Mark Bailey, told the NYT. "He would refer to his wife as the prayer warrior of the family." Today, Pence and his wife worship at College Park Church, an evangelical mega-church in Indianapolis. Politically, Pence has been a classic moralising conservative as governor of Indiana since 2013, and throughout his twelve years as a member of the House of Representatives. He is a senior figure in the Republican establishment in his own right, having served as the chair of the House Republican Conference, the third highest-ranking Republican position. And he has impeccable political evangelical credentials, having chaired the Republican Study Group, a coalition of conservative House Republicans. Although he voted for Jimmy Carter in 1980, his break with the Democrats came with the era of Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, when Pence was attracted to the Republicans' anti-abortion position. It is a stance that Pence is passionate about to this day. In March this year he signed a bill disallowing a woman to abort a foetus with a disability. "I sign this law with a prayer that God would continue to bless these precious children, mothers and families," he said. Pence is also strongly opposed to gay marriage and campaigns to allow religious bodies to recognise gay couples and bodies to refuse to serve them. Last March, controversially, he signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law, allowing businesses to refuse to serve in certain circumstances over religious beliefs. In an unusual concession, and under pressure from campaigners, he later signed an amendment stating that businesses could not discriminate against gay people. This, in turn, drew criticism from his conservative allies. Pence is not without an independent mind: after Trump said he wanted to ban Muslims from entering the US, Spence tweeted that the idea was "offensive and unconstitutional". A six-term US congressman for Indiana and current governor of Indiana, Pence is known in Washington as clean-spoken, polite and perhaps something of a prude. For all these reasons, he is an inspired joint-ticket choice for Trump, a rough-talking playboy figure with a chequered personal life, two former wives and a casino empire who does not naturally appeal to America's Catholics and well-to-do conservatives. As Indiana columnist Brian Howey put it, "Pence doesn't simply wear his faith on his sleeve, he wears the entire Jesus jersey." If Pence does reach the White House as Vice President he will be the most overtly Christian seen there, at least since his old hero JFK occupied the Oval Office. Conventional wisdom still backs Hillary Clinton, who has yet to declare her own running mate. But if Trump does succeed far from impossible in these uncertain times he will surely owe much to this outspoken believer who has leant a measure of credibility to Trump's campaign. For although his positions are controversial, there is no doubting who is Pence's constant inspiration. Returning to Indiana University in 2008, Pence said: "There was one other person I met during my years here who changed my life more than all the friends and family combined...Thirty years ago this spring, I embraced the truth." He was referring to Jesus. Muslims for Trump: The race for America's Islamic vote Despite being a relatively small constituency, Muslim voters in the United States could have a key role in the presidential election. The number of swing states in the US is notoriously low and some, such as Florida and Virginia, have small but potentially significant Muslim populations which could prove decisive come the November polls. At least that is what the US Council of Muslim Organisations thinks. It's spearheading a drive to encourage Muslims to register, in an effort to stop Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, becoming President. "We want the Muslim community to understand that if you give up your rights voluntarily, no one will come and give it back to you," said Osama Abu Irshaid, a member of the group's board. Imams and other Muslim leaders have been asked to encourage congregations to vote and a campaign has run since December throughout college campuses, bus stations and petrol stations in neighbourhoods with a high proportion of Muslims. It began to combat an "unprecedented rise in Islamophobia," said Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). According to CAIR's database, 300,000 Muslims have registered to vote since November. The target is one million. But they have opponents within the American-Islamic community. Sajid Tarar, a businessman from Baltimore, has established a "Muslims for Trump" support group. In a move that surprised many core voters and GOP delegates, Tarar gave a speech and prayed for Trump on the main stage at the Republican National Convention this week. Scores of delegates walked out and one man was told to be quiet when he heckled "no Islam!" during the speech. Trump has far from ingratiated himself to America's Islamic community. One of the few outright policy suggestions the New York billionaire has announced is a "total and complete shutdown on Muslims entering the United States". And it is that suggestion which has helped him win such a groundswell of support among grassroot Republicans. In a debate in December he said: "They're not coming to this country if I'm president. And if Obama has brought some to this country they are leaving, they're going, they're gone." Last month he watered down the suggestion and said immigrants from countries "where there is a proven history of terrorism" would be blocked from entry. But he is still far from shy in his anti-Islam rhetoric. However for Tarer, that is one of the reasons he supports Trump. Radical Islam "is not only a threat to Western civilisation, it's a threat to Islam itself," he said. "ISIS, al Qaeda, Taliban, they have killed more Muslims than anything else, and that's a message Muslims need to hear and understand." In an interview with Fusion, he said there was no contradiction for Muslims to support Trump. "The Quran says you need to be loyal to the country where you live," he said. "We have to do every possible thing to make our country safe." He has said he is not adverse to the surveillance of mosques, one of Trump's suggested policies, and supports a temporary ban on Muslim immigration. He is not alone. According to a poll last month from CAIR, 11 per cent of American Muslims back Trump. Michael Cohen is the co-chair of the National Diversity Coalition for Trump which aims to bring in minority support for the candidate. He said American Muslims were just as worried about terror in the US as other citizens. He told Reuters Trump is "the only candidate who will enhance our national security, bring jobs back to America and fix our ailing economy". In his speech to the GOP convention, Tarer said: "Let's pray to get our country back." He added: "The values reflected by our leader must reflect the values of our forefathers. "God bless America, God bless you, God bless Donald Trump." If Tarer has his way, the most virilant anti-Islam candidate could be winning the support of millions of Muslims. Nuns accused of helping politician hide millions in money and jewels A group of nuns in Argentina is being investigated over accusations they helped to hide a stash of money and jewelry. The BBC reports that the Roman Catholic Church itself has launched the inquiry into the allegations which concern four sisters of the Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima religious community. A government minister was recently arrested just outside the convent and he was allegedly trying to hide around 7 million ($6 million) of money and other valuable items. Two of the sisters were allegedly seen helping the man Jose Lopez with the bags of money. One of the nuns is now scheduled to appear in court next month. In addition to the secular court appearance, the Church says its investigation will attempt to ascertain if any Church laws have been broken. Spokesperson Rev Tom O'Donnell said he would be trying "to determine if there was a canonical crime." A new government in Buenos Aires has said it's aiming to tackle corruption. In addition, Pope Francis has made eliminating corruption from Catholic institutions one of the cornerstones of his Papacy. The Pope himself is Argentinian and he served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998 until his election as Pope in 2013. We welcome this guest post from Clara Lieu, adjunct professor at the Rhode Island School of Design I was lucky. Despite my intense frustration with underfunded visual art programs at my public high school, I eventually l went to art school. Today, Im a professional artist and an adjunct professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, where I have taught for the past decade. The students I teach go through a rigorous application process. On top of all the components of a college application, applicants to art schools are required to show a portfolio of artworks. When these students enter my class, they are already equipped with tremendous skill and self-discipline. While there is plenty more for them to learn, there is a lot I dont have to teach them. Being immersed in this vital community of artists, its too easy to take that community for granted. I know I certainly did: I quickly forgot about my struggles before art school, a lonely period in my life where I longed for access to high quality art education, but had none. In 2013, I started teaching at RISD Project Open Door, a free college access initiative for underserved Rhode Island teens. The students in Project Open Door could not have been more different than the students in the RISD undergraduate program. Most of the Project Open Door students had never taken an art class before, and even the most basic tasks that I assumed would be obvious, (such as how to hold a drawing board) needed explanation. My memories of being alone in high school started coming back. Standing in front of me was a class of students who were told the same stories of frustration in their pursuit of art education as I did over 20 years ago. Last spring, I did a clay portrait project at Project Open Door. Students had the opportunity to sculpt a portrait by observing a live artist model in class. We constructed wire armatures on wood bases, and used oil based clay. One of the students commented that the last time she had touched clay was in Kindergarten, and it wasnt even clay-it was play dough. For every student, this was a completely new experience. By the time the sculptures were finished, the results were not that startlingly different from what Ive seen in my college level courses. How is it that a group of students with no prior experience in studio art could create pieces that could have been easily mistaken for college level artwork? Seeing these sculptures crystallized for me that what art education really comes down to is access. The students at Project Open Door were given the same materials, resources, and environment that the degree program students are given. I truly believe that any person, given the opportunity, resources, and environment to flourish artistically can create wonderful artwork. Yet its surprising that so few people hold the same opinion as I do. Many people think doing well in visual arts is as cut and dry as to whether or not you have talent. Either you have talent, or you dont. When I tell people I teach studio art, most people say I dont know anything about art or I was so bad at art in school. I usually ask them to describe to me what their experience with art was in school, and the answers are almost always the same: we didnt have art in school or we had art once a week for 30 minutes, and no one took it seriously. Initially, I always thought my primary goal was to be a college professor, where I could foster the next generation of professional artists. My work with Project Open Door made me realize that it doesnt matter whether a student in my class becomes a professional artist or not. In fact, it is perhaps the students who go into other fields for whom my art class could have the greatest impact. Innovation happens when someone is willing to take a risk and try something out of the norm. Art class is the ideal environment to take risks: there are literally no answers at the back of the textbook, and so much of the creative process can be simply trial and error. In visual arts, you have to facilitate your own path, and be willing to give anything a shot. Ive had students in my classes who were absolutely baffled by the creative freedom I gave them. Having been taught to follow the rules and be correct all the time, the thought of a teacher actively encouraging them to fall on their faces and fail seemed downright alien. People always ask me what I want my students to get out of my classes, and they expect me to state some drawing technique that I wish everyone had. Actually, this is what it really boils down to: my greatest aspiration as a teacher is that a student leaves my class with a positive memory of visual arts. I want my students to develop an enthusiasm and appreciation for the artistic process that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. If I accomplish that, Im satisfied. I had a student once who was quite possibly the least skilled student I have taught in my entire teaching career; they couldnt draw an apple to save their life, and they rarely finished any of their projects. One would think a student like this would be frustrated and not want to come to class. On the contrary, this student came to every single class, was always happy to be there, and never got down on themselves. For that student, art class was more than just part of the curriculum, art class was a safe place in their life where they felt nourished and supported. Thats what art class was for me as a child, and to this day, I do believe that art education saved me from developing a permanent inferiority complex. In art class, it was permitted, and even encouraged to explore without any pre-determined answers or expectations. Art education provides a vitally important sandbox for learning in unconventional ways that is essential to education. With standardized tests becoming more prominent, the opportunities for play and experimentation in school curriculums is dwindling. Despite what an effective, positive influence art classes are proven to be, art education is always the first to go when there are school budget cuts. Art education should not be a question of access. Lets recognize that art is not optional or supplemental, but a subject in itself that is just as critical to future progress and innovation. Rid our consecrations of this protester, supporters of women bishops urge the Church of England Campaigners for women's ordination are calling on the Church of England to silence an objector who has interrupted the last four consecrations of women bishops. Women and the Church has written to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, outlining why the objector's protest during the liturgy "undermine the women being consecrated" and all women, and therefore the Church as a whole. The organisation wrote: "Such interruptions create the perception that the Church is willing to allow a woman who has been called by God and the Church, and appointed by the Crown, to be publicly insulted and undermined. "If that is so, it undermines and insults all women: and especially women for whom female bishops are potent symbols of a radical shift in the Church's treatment of women. 'Maybe things haven't changed at all, underneath', they might conclude." Two women diocesans and eight women suffragans have now been consecrated bishops in the Church of Engand. At the last four consecrations of female bishops, the same objector has asked to voice the same objection. It is believed the man, a minister, leads an independent church and is not even a member of the Church of England but is nevertheless allowed to interrupt the service. In St Paul's Cathedral last September, when Ruth Worsley was consecrated suffragan bishop of Taunton and Anne Hollinghurst suffragan bishop of Aston, he was ushered from the centre of the cathedral as he began to speak. One observer at that service told Christian Today: "When the protestor began his ranting intervention, the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, intervened swiftly. Instead of shouting the man down, he very calmly walked over to where the man was remonstrating, under the giant dome of St Paul's Cathedral. "Chartres placed himself physically between the man and the women being made bishop and made it very clear that this kind of behaviour was to be answered with quiet dignity. A masterclass in showing up an empty vessel." At York last November, when Christine Hardman was consecrated Bishop of Newcastle, he was made to stay outside the Minster. But at Westminster Abbey in February, when Karen Gorham was consecrated suffragan bishop of Sherborne, he was actually given a microphone to speak. Westminstery Abbey declined to comment to Christian Today. And at Canterbury last month, the Dean announced during his welcome that the objector would be speaking, and again he was given space to speak as Jo Bailey Wells was consecrated suffragan bishop of Dorking and Jan Macfarlane suffragan bishop of Repton. The protestor at this service was named by Kent Online as Rev Stephen Holland, a minister from an independent church in Lancashire. Jane Walker of Canterbury Cathedral told Christian Today: "It had been advised that an objection was to be raised during the ordination and consecration of two bishops in Canterbury Cathedral last month. This objection was heard when the congregation was asked, 'Is it now your will that they should be ordained?' The question was then repeated and following a resounding affirmation from the congregation, the service continued." Hilary Cotton, chair of WATCH, said: "I hope we can now say that his objection has been fully voiced and that from this point onwards consecration services should proceed without his objection being given space." After the Westminster Abbey consecration, WATCH wrote to the Archbishop of Canterbury asking that such interruptions to the service cease to be enabled and was assured that such practices were not enabled, but that there could be no guarantee that they would not occur without warning. Cotton added: "It is worth noting that this is not like an objection at a marriage service: here, there can be no legal objection to the consecration: the Royal mandate is read aloud under which the consecration must take place." WATCH is concerned that the objections are not only being enabled but seem to be becoming becoming a part of a liturgy. At Canterbury, to challenge and subvert this, Cotton stood up and walked out when the objector began to give voice, speaking over him with the words: "I resist this expression of discrimination." "The words used echoed the words of the sermon, where we as a church had been urged to stand up against discrimination, especially in these uncertain times. The words also indicated no personal antipathy towards the objector," WATCH said on its website. "At the next consecration of female bishops, we hope that things will be arranged differently." WATCH is urging members to write to cathedral deans protesting at the objector being allowed to protest in this way. Christian Today has contacted the Church of England for comment. Ted Cruz defends refusal to endorse Trump: I'm not a 'servile puppy dog' Republican Senator and former presidential hopeful Ted Cruz has defended his decision not to endorse Donald Trump, saying today that he was not the candidate's "servile puppy dog" in a damaging rift at the party's convention ahead of the election on 8 November. Cruz, who was raised in the evangelical sub-culture after his father Raphael was saved from alcoholism, was booed by delegates at the gathering in Cleveland on Wednesday night when he gave a speech but did not endorse Trump. The conservative senator from Texas refused to say whether he would vote for Trump, who had maligned Cruz's wife for her physical appearance and had suggested that his father was linked to late President John F. Kennedy's assassination. "I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father," he told a meeting of the Texas delegation in Cleveland. Republican candidates had pledged during the primary process to support the party's eventual nominee, but, he said: "That pledge was not a blanket commitment that if you go and slander and attack Heidi that I'm going to nonetheless come like a servile puppy dog and say 'thank you very much for maligning my wife'". Cruz made it clear he would not vote for the Democratic presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, however. Trump is due to give a prime-time speech on Thursday evening. The Republican convention began on Monday but was initially overshadowed by a speech from Trump's wife, Melania, which caused controversy because she used some lines that were similar to passages in an address by first lady Michelle Obama in 2008. Susan Hutchison, chair of the Washington delegation, said she confronted Cruz after his speech and called him a "traitor to the party." New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a close Trump adviser who was also a presidential rival, criticised Cruz's address. "I just think it was an awful performance," he told MSNBC. Trump's campaign manager, Paul Manafort, attempted to put a positive spin on the booing of Cruz, which he said increased party unity, "in a backhanded way." Additional reporting by Reuters. The one argument that might make a hardline atheist stop and think... Aggressive atheists are a bit like exotic animals I know they exist but I havn't really come across them. I've seen them on TV, heard them debate on the radio and read their invective in the newspapers. Most of the atheists I know are fairly mild types they don't believe in God, they may even think faith is silly, but for the most part they're cordial or even friendly and interested when discussing the topic. This last weekend, though, I had an encounter with a lesser-spotted species which left me surprised and a bit taken aback. But eventually the encounter left me more confident in something. Christianity actually works. I was at a social event and was introduced to a friend of a friend. We'd spent a pleasant couple of minutes chatting when he asked what I do for a living. I told him I write about Christian faith and other religious issues. At this he unleashed a string of accusations about Christianity and other faiths which I'd never seen in such a concentrated form before. He accused all religions of being completely fictitious, of being the cause of all violence in the world, of being inherently divisive and abusive and much more besides. It was like meeting an aggressive Twitter conversation in real life. While I struggled to get a word in edgeways for a while, I eventually managed to suggest some alternative points of view and some factual corrections to his points. I pointed out that actually, the person who'd probably killed the most other humans in history was Stalin the head of an atheist regime (or maybe it was Mao also head of an atheist state). I noted that the sheer beauty of where we were standing (in a forest with trees towering over us) was a good reason to believe in a god. I suggested that the extraordinarily finely-tuned nature of the universe for human life was an indication that atheism was also a faith position. I was about to turn to the moral argument, when the conversation took another turn. "What about South Africa?" I asked. "You say faith is inherently violent and abusive, but there's an example of Christianity in action." I went on to suggest that the peace and reconciliation process which followed the end of apartheid was explicitly based on Christian principles. The process itself wasn't perfect and, of course, South Africa has large social and racial problems to this day. But without the process of forgiveness and reconciliation, there is little doubt that a horrendous civil war could have ensued. When I'd finished, my opponent conceded that this was, in fact, a good point. He then returned to his litany of complaints and we parted later on after a handshake and an agreement that we were unlikely to agree any time soon. What stayed with me after the conversation was the one small concession that my interlocutor had made. Christian principles put into action on a large scale had broadly worked and been the key to avoiding large scale bloodshed and disorder. The core Christian concepts of forgiveness and reconciliation had won a major victory for human rights and relative peace. But I would say that, wouldn't I? I'm a Christian writer on a Christian site, talking to a mainly Christian audience. There isn't any way of backing up what I'm saying. Or is there? Days after my confrontation in the forest I was listening to the excellent NPR podcast Invisibilia. The show looks at the invisible forces that act upon our lives especially in the field of human behaviour. Last week's episode, entitled Flip The Script, is an investigation into so-called 'noncomplematary behaviour'. It's about the way in which individuals and societies can respond to wrongdoing in a surprising way. Rather than responding with the usual iron fist, which escalates a cycle of mistrust, isolation and even violence, the show examined various situations in which understanding and even forgiveness have been shown. Here's a segment: "the basic idea is that people naturally mirror each other. So when someone is hostile to you, you are typically hostile back. Warmth begets warmth. And breaking this pattern say, being really warm to somebody after they've been incredibly hostile to you that is noncomplementary behavior." The script goes on, "The reason, for example, that we admire people like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. is because they were able to maintain a sort of warmth and integrity in the face of people who were being cruel to them." I'd go a step further than the Invisibilia presenters and suggest that not only do Dr King and Ghandi show warmth and integrity they are modelling Christian values. King spoke in explicitly Christian terms. But even Ghandi, who wasn't a Christian, learned many of his non-violent resistence ideas in conversation with Leo Tolstoy one of the preeminent Christian pacifists of the 19th and 20th Centuries. The podcast goes on to describe an incredible programme which deals with former ISIS volunteers in Denmark who are being reintegrated into the community rather than harshly punished. It is a compelling story. Here's the thing Christianity works. We're used to the idea that individual testimonies are a strong witness to the truth and power of God. But we're less familiar with the use of larger scale episodes of forgiveness and grace. While scientific, philosophical, cultural and other arguments for God can be powerful and persuasive they may not win over sceptics. But the track record of the principles of Christianity applied and writ large may just persuade even a hardened atheist that there is something to this ancient faith after all... Follow Andy Walton on Twitter @waltonandy The Pirate Bay, Kickass Torrents news: TPB blockade lifted; alleged owner's arrest pushes KAT offline Reports have said that The Pirate Bay had a small win as its ban in Austria has been lifted. Meanwhile, the opposite can be said for KickAss Torrents, as speculations suggest that the torrent site will be down indefinitely as the alleged owner of the service has been arrested. Although most torrent sites continue to be hounded by authorities in their anti-piracy drive, popular service The Pirate Bay managed a small win recently. According to TorrentFreak, a year after a ban has been handed down to most torrent sites in Austria, the Vienna Higher Regional Court has overruled the decision of the Commercial Court, lifting the ban for TPB. This means that last year's order has been vacated, and Austria-based ISPs can lift the TPB off their blocked sites lists. This is welcome news to most netizens. In a statement, Maximillian Schubert of Internet Service Providers Austria (ISPA) said that the overturn is an "important milestone." Meanwhile, while The Pirate Bay is enjoying a brief respite, another popular torrent site, KickAss Torrents, may be down for good. Reportedly, U.S. authorities headed by the FBI have arrested the alleged owner of the torrent service site. Ukrainian Artem Vaulin, 30, has been apprehended and slapped with anti-piracy charges, namely conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement, conspiracy to commit money laundering and criminal copyright infringement. Interestingly, speculations suggest that Vaulin was tracked down by the authorities with the help of tech giant Apple. The complaint paper noted that "Records provided by Apple showed that tirm@me.com conducted an iTunes transaction using IP Address 109.86.226.203 on or about July 31, 2015. The same IP Address was used on the same day to login into the KAT Facebook." It is yet to be confirmed if Vaulin is indeed the face behind the KAT service, although the website has been entirely shut down starting with his arrest. Thousands of Muslims in Bangladesh reportedly converting to Christianity Christian persecution in Bangladesh hasn't waned, but surprisingly, the number of Muslims converting to Christianity in the South Asian country has been increasing over the years. Around 90 percent of the country's 165 million population remain Muslims, but the human rights organisation Christian Freedom International reports that there is a growing number of Muslims who have been pledging their lives to Jesus Christ. It is estimated that as many as 91,000 Muslims all across Bangladesh have converted to Christianity over the past six years, even though their conversion means they are risking death. Pastor Faruk al-Ahmed, a Christian convert who has been preaching the gospel since the mid-90s shared his experience of the spread in Christian belief. "When I began my ministry in Kurigram, there was only one traditional Christian family and one Muslim background family," the pastor shares with Express. "Now, almost 1,500 believers from Muslim backgrounds are glorifying God in this area." The pastor knows there are a lot of risks attached to the Christian faith, but he strongly believes God is worth it. "Persecution will come more, but the believers and I are ready to face it," al-Ahmed says. The current number of Christians in Bangladesh is estimated at 1.6 million, or around one per cent of the country's total population. Christian converts might feel blessed with their new-found faith in God, but they are forced to keep their worship activities on the down low because there are can be "retaliations" against their faith. "Churches, especially house churches where Muslim-background believers meet, prefer not to display any Christian symbols in order to avoid being recognised," the Christian persecution watchdog ministry Open Doors U.K. says in a report. "Sometimes, even historic or Mainline churches face opposition and restrictions in putting up a cross or other religious symbols." Bangladesh has been ranked by Open Doors as the 35th worst country to practise Christianity, with nine churches reportedly being forced to close down due to security concerns. Vietnam: More than 100 Christian pastors jailed, face being poisoned for trying to preach gospel More than 100 Vietnamese Christian pastors have been locked up and are at risk of being poisoned for refusing to sign up to a central, official church, according to Christian Aid Mission. It appears the aim of the official church was to control and diminish the influence of the thriving independent house churches. One group of house churches with a total membership of 3,000 was ordered to merge congregations and meet in a building that can hold just 500. The jailed church leaders are from villages in Vietnam's central highlands. Many had fled the area or even the country but were forced to return and are now believed to be in jail. Ministry leader Su, who himself served a term in prison between 1975 and 1984, said: "The government wants to combine them to limit their growth and have more control. If the pastors refused to sign a paper saying they would combine and that their gatherings would not go over 500 people, they would be beaten or thrown into prison." Prison conditions are harsh and primitive, says Christian Aid Mission. In rural areas, Sunday school is now banned along with youth groups and other gatherings. Children can only be taught Christianity at home, taking Communion and collecting offerings are forbidden, sermons are monitored by police to ensure they contain nothing that subverts communism and just one leader is allowed for each congregation. The latest pastors to be imprisoned, more than 60, join another 42 who are still behind bars even though the 15-year sentences they received in 2001 for practising their faith have been completed. Their lands were seized when they were arrested. Su said: "If you do not strictly follow the rules, they can put poison in your food. So you take a little bit, and if you feel something or want to vomit, you stop eating. A few people have died." In spite of the risks, his team is continuing with their Christian mission among the villages of Vietnam. Missionaries are trained secretly, and Bible study groups move from village to village so they cannot be tracked down. Gospel Herald reports that the 2016 Open Doors World Watch List of countries that persecute Christians, put Vietnam at number 20 and gave it a maximum score for violence. Christians make up about one in 10 of the population. China's Muslims under threat of religious persecution China's president Xi Jinping, who has been accused of implementing draconian laws against religion since taking office in 2012, today spoke directly to Chinese Muslims signifying a possible crackdown on a group that has so far avoided his harsh measures. While visiting a mosque in the northwestern autonomous region of Ningxia, home to more than two million Muslims, Xi urged Chinese Muslims to practise their religion as part of Chinese society and "carry forward the patriotic tradition". According to state newspaper China Daily, Xi said: "Religions in our country, the endemic ones and those from abroad, have become deeply embedded in the Chinese civilisation, whose history covers more than 5,000 years. "They will continue to flourish while taking root here." However, he also called on Muslims to "resolutely oppose illegal religious infiltration activities" and promote religious and social harmony. It's all language he's used before; the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CPC) is committed to maintaining absolute power, and religion is perceived as a threat. In 2014, it announced plans to nationalise Christian theology, and only allows state-recognised religious institutions to operate. Encouraging religious groups to engage with "patriotic tradition" can be seen as a means by which to remind Chinese citizens "that their allegiance is to the country, and the Party, first." Concerns about "religious infiltration" aren't new either. In May 2014, a report from China's University of International Relations and the Social Science Academic Press said that religion posed a serious threat to Chinese identity. Religious infiltration was listed as one of four challenges to China's national security. But what is new is that the Hui Muslim community is the target of Xi's warnings. Wai Ling Yeong, head of Chinese Studies at Curtin University of Technology in Perth, warned in May that China may be moving to restrict religious freedom among Hui Muslims. This is notable, she said, because "this fourth largest national minority group has been the poster child of China's ethnic policy". "It epitomises the benefits of ethnic autonomy as an arrangement that promotes social stability. It highlights the success of a policy that allows ethnic minorities the freedom to maintain their language, customs, and religion. Most importantly, it helps negate the negative publicity that the Chinese government is receiving due to its draconian policies in Tibet and Xinjiang." A report by the New York Times in February revealed that Hui Muslims have been able to practise their religion freely with minimal intervention by the government. Traditionally, they have enjoyed far greater freedoms than the Uyghur Muslims, the majority of whom live in Xinjiang in China's far-western corner. In January last year, severe restrictions were imposed on Uyghur Muslims. Thousands were detained in security sweeps, some with deadly force, and jail sentences were given out for wearing religious attire. Men's beards and women's face veils were denounced as "extremist", and some local authorities threatened action against Muslim business owners if they chose not to sell alcohol and cigarettes due to their religious beliefs. Some Uyghur Muslims were imprisoned for taking part in religious gatherings or activities, and were forbidden from fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Until now, however, Hui Muslims have been protected from such restrictions. Another scholar who has warned the tide might be turning against the Hui community is James Leibold, an associate professor in politics and Asian studies at La Trobe university in Melbourne. Last month, he predicted a "troubling extension of often irrational fears over the "Islamization" () of Chinese society." Traditionally, Leibold said, China has divided its Muslim population "into two camps: the 'good Muslims,' like the Hui, who speak the Chinese language, abide by core elements of its culture, and thus can be trusted; and the 'bad Muslims,' like the Uyghurs, who continue to resist the inevitable process of assimilation". However, "recently the mood has darkened in the Hui areas," he warned. On Twitter today, Leibold said Xi's three-day tour of Ningxia was a "clear sign Party leaders are concerned about religious extremism among the Hui". It remains to be seen if these warnings will play out in reality, but if China's Hui Muslims are to face a similar fate to their Uyghur counterparts, the freedoms they have so far enjoyed are likely to be swiftly curtailed. A year after a Minnesota dentist made international headlines for fatally shooting Cecil the lion on a hunt in Zimbabwe, his boat was stolen Sunday and crashed on a Florida island. Walter Palmer left his boat keys on the lanai for a maintenance person scheduled to work on the boat, according to Naples Daily News. Instead, police say Palmer's neighbor, 26-year-old Andrew Derwin, stole the $61,175 boat and crashed it off Caxambas Pass. Derwin was arrested Tuesday on a felony charge of grand theft. A federal appeals court has revived the sexual-harassment lawsuit filed against a Louisiana school district by a former central office employee who alleges her supervisor engaged in verbal harassment and other inappropriate behavior. The three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, in New Orleans, said there was a genuine factual dispute over whether the Caddo Parish school district was entitled to immunity from the employees suit under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Thus, the court said, the district was not entitled to summary judgment on key parts of the suit by Kandice Pullen, who was a clerical worker in the districts purchasing and classified-personnel departments in the early 2010s. Pullen alleges that Timothy Graham, her supervisor in the purchasing department, engaged in verbal sexual harassment, once touched her thigh and put his arm around her, and called her into his office and showed her inappropriate pictures on a computer. Even when she transferred to the classified-personnel department, the purchasing supervisor would visit her there and make inappropriate comments, Pullens suit alleges. After another female central office employee made similar sexual harassment allegations against Graham, the Caddo Parish district conducted an internal investigation. The inquiry concluded that Graham did not engage in sexual harassment, but that his conduct nonetheless was unprofessional and inappropriate. Meanwhile, Pullen filed a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and won approval to sue the district under Title VII. (After initially suing Graham as well, Pullen later removed him as a defendant.) A federal district court granted summary judgment to the 41,000-student school district. But in its July 20 opinion in Pullen v. Caddo Parish School Board , the 5th Circuit court restored her claims that relate to when she worked under Grahams supervision in the purchasing department, while upholding the grant of summary judgment to the school district for the alleged harassment when she worked in the classified-personnel department. The appeals court explained that under U.S. Supreme Court precedents, an employer is normally strictly liable for a supervisors harassment of a worker whom he or she supervises. But employers can establish an affirmative defense if it shows it exercised reasonable care to prevent and correct sexual harassment, and it must show that that employee unreasonably failed to take advantage of available preventive or remedial opportunities. The 5th Circuit court said the key issue at this stage of Pullens case was whether the school district had taken care to prevent sexual harassment by putting forth a policy and complaint mechanism. A review of the summary-judgment evidence reveals that the district court erred in holding that the [school districts] efforts to prevent sexual harassment were reasonable as a matter of law, says the opinion by U.S. Circuit Judge Jerry E. Smith. Pullen produced evidence that, if believed, would show that employees at the central office were not trained on sexual harassment, were not informed of the existence of a policy, were not shown where to find it, and were not told whom to contact regarding sexual harassment, Smith wrote. This would be a sufficient basis for a reasonable jury to find that the company did not take reasonable steps to prevent and remedy sexual harassment. The court noted evidence presented by Pullen that one employee who had worked in the Caddo Parish districts central office for more than 30 years testified that she had never received any information or training on sexual harassment. And Pullen herself testified that she had never received training on the policy or been made aware that it was available online. The school district argued that it had a detailed policy prohibiting sexual harassment in the workplace, that it was posted conspicuously on bulletin boards throughout the central office, and that many employees did receive training about it. The [districts] presentation is insufficient to satisfy its burden to show that there is no genuine dispute of material fact as to its entitlement to summary judgment, the appeals court said. The court upheld summary judgment for the alleged harassment by Graham while Pullen worked in a different department. It said that was subject to a standard of coworker harassment, which did not impose strict liability on an employer as supervisor harassment does. The 5th Circuit court sent the case back to the trial court for further proceedings. QFest has spent two decades telling stories by and for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning communities. And yet, after 20 years, the film festival feels as relevant as ever. The more than two dozen films in this year's lineup touch on family tensions, budding romance, midnight sex and larger-than-life personalities. But they also explore some of the political, social and cultural issues that are swirling around a string of current events. A missing 75-year-old man was found safe Thursday morning after he had disappeared the night before in northeast Houston. Bruce Pickering, who also answers to the name Pedro Gonzlaez, was found unharmed near a motel along the North Loop not far from Homestead, according to the Houston Police Department. He had been reported missing about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 3800 block of Woolworth. Yes, we're in the dog days of summer. But the fall is coming, and that means a new season of Inprint's Margarett Root Brown Reading Series. Every year, Houston's literary nonprofit brings in a mix of heavy-hitters and up-and-comers to read and discuss their work on stage. The first reading of the 36th season is in September, and season tickets are on sale today. So get those beach reads out of your system; your reading list is about to get serious. This season features writers and books that tackle themes of loss and grief, with plenty of domestic sagas and stories that unfold over decades and generations. They're dealing with the serious stuff of life, says Marilyn Jones, Inprint's associate director. Loss, family, the passage of time "that's the human condition," she says. "We turn to literature to give us some perspective on the human condition." This year's season also offers a diverse mix of voices writers who are Irish and Colombian, Jewish and African-American, Lebanese-American and Latina. Together, they've collected just about every major writing award, including the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize, and most of them have new books out this year or next spring. Three of this season's programs will feature two writers in conversation on stage novelists Lauren Groff and Ann Patchett in October, Rabih Alameddine and Juan Gabriel Vasquez in November and, in April, poets Ada Limon and Gregory Pardlo. These double appearances are sometimes the most enlightening programs, says Inprint executive director Rich Levy. The writers are selected to appear together because their work involves similar themes or structure, and the conversation should illuminate both. And if audience members are fans of one writer, the joint discussion allows them to discover another voice they might appreciate. "Good books enlarge your view, and we want to enlarge people's views," Levy says. Inprint readings often sell out, so the best way to guarantee reserve seating at each event is to purchase season tickets. About 450 season tickets, $180, are available now. For individual events, $5 general admission tickets go on sale three or four weeks before each reading; free rush tickets for students and seniors (65 and older) are available at the door if the event isn't sold out. Information: inprinthouston.org or 713-521-2026. Here's a closer look at the 2016-17 season: Sept. 19: Jonathan Safran Foer will read from his novel "Here I Am," which publishes Sept. 6. It's the first novel in a decade for the 39-year-old author of "Everything is Illuminated" and "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close." "Here I Am" follows a Jewish family in Washington, D.C., struggling to stay intact just as the news is filled with a natural disaster that sets off a crisis in the Middle East. Oct. 17: Lauren Groff and Ann Patchett will appear together to read from and discuss their latest novels. For Groff, that's "Fates and Furies," which was a finalist last year for the National Book Award. The novel spans 24 years of a couple's marriage, with all its secrets and revelations. Patchett will read from her novel "Commonwealth," which publishes Sept. 13. It, too, spans years of family life the love and secrets that carry six children and their four parents, blended into one family by divorce and remarriage, through five decades. Nov. 21: Rabih Alameddine and Juan Gabriel Vasquez will appear together on stage. The Lebanese-American Alameddine's novel "The Angel of History," out Oct. 4, features a Yemeni-born poet looking back over his life as he sits in a psychiatric clinic's waiting room and is hovered over by Satan, Death and 14 saints. Colombian novelist Vasquez will read from "Reputations," which publishes Sept. 20; it's the story of a 65-year-old political cartoonist who's being honored for his impressive career when a young woman appears and throws everything into question. Jan. 23: Annie Proulx will read from "Barkskins," which was published in June. It's a sprawling story about deforestation that spans generations, one that explores our relationship with nature. Proulx won the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for her 1993 novel "The Shipping News." March 6: George Saunders will read from "Lincoln in the Bardo," which publishes in February. Saunders, an Amarillo native who lives in New York, has built a career writing short stories and novellas; this, the first novel, is about Abraham Lincoln's son, who died while his father was in office. Here, 11-year-old Willie Lincoln exists in a state of transition, a purgatory known in Tibetan tradition as "the bardo." April 3: Poets Ada Limon and Gregory Pardlo will both read and discuss their work. Limon was a National Book Award finalist for her 2015 collection, "Bright Dead Things," and Pardlo won the Pulitzer Prize last year for his book "Digest." He is also the author of "Air Traffic," an upcoming memoir. Both are known for writing deeply personal poems. A prize committee once described Pardlo's poems as "snapshots of a life that is so specific it becomes universal." And last year, when "Bright Dead Things" was published, Limon wrote in her blog that she'd never felt so exposed: "Though the previous books of poems are certainly me, and expose all parts of me within them, this one doesn't hide under anything." May 8: The Irish writer Colm Toibin will read from his novel "House of Names," which comes out in May. It revisits an ancient Greek myth, retelling the story of Clytemnestra, who killed her husband, Agamemnon, because he sacrificed their daughter. Toibin is also the author of "Brooklyn," the Irish immigration story that was adapted into a movie last year. Readings are all on Monday nights, at Alley Theatre (615 Texas Ave.) or the Wortham Center's Cullen Theatre (501 Texas Ave.). Each program begins at 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 6:45 p.m. While bond money goes to new school construction in the Conroe Independent School District, taxpayers are getting an additional return on investment - the opportunity to name the new schools. CISD has opened the door to suggestions for the new Oak Ridge high school off Riley Fuzzel Road and the elementary school, currently named Flex 17, which is slated for the Falls at Imperial Oaks residential community. "We've seen pictures of these campuses developing over the last few months ... and the first step on our side, the school side, is to establish a name for the schools moving forward," said Curtis Null, deputy superintendent of schools at CISD. "Over the next month or so, we will be asking the public to offer us suggestions for names of these two facilities." The school district initiated the naming process during the July 19 board meeting, and the public comment period will end on Aug. 12. CISD trustees will publicly consider the winning suggestions on Sept. 14. Residents who'd like to have a go at naming the two new schools can submit their suggestions through an online form at conroeisd.net/about/school-naming-process. "It's very easy for the public to navigate and be able share their ideas. We will be sharing with the community that this is available; we want to seek their input," Null said. "It's an exciting time to name a high school. We don't do that very often." The new high school marks the sixth for the district and the second in the Oak Ridge area. The last high school to be built in CISD was The Woodlands College Park, which was constructed in 2005. While some residents may be eager to throw their own names in the mix, there are some guidelines since taxpayer money is being used. High schools can only be named after geographic areas, according to CISD board policy, which is why high schools tend to have more generic names - Conroe, The Woodlands, Oak Ridge high schools. But elementary schools are more flexible with regard to potential names. Residents can suggest the names of prominent persons or public officials who have served CISD or the community, leading figures in education or the arts, national or state heroes, the name of a donor who has given land or money for the facility or a geographic area, according to board policy. "Conroe ISD has come a long way since our first public school in 1886. Since that time, CISD schools have always belonged to our community. Why not allow the community's input in the naming our ours schools?" said CISD trustee Skeeter Hubert. All suggestions must accompany a short explanation as to why the board should consider the name. Suggestions can be made anonymously. CISD is expected to spend about $224 million in bond funds for four new schools in the Oak Ridge area constructed as part of a $487 million bond package, which was approved by voters on Nov. 3. New school construction in Oak Ridge is expected to cease by fall of 2019. The bond also includes a fifth school to be constructed in Conroe. The district hopes the bond will meet the growing pains the district is experiencing. During the 2015-16 school year alone, the district saw an influx of 1,800 new students. Over the last nine years, CISD has seen an average annual uptick of 1,500 students, and enrollment has jumped from about 42,000 in 2005 to more than 56,000 students in 2015. The most recent growth has centered around the Oak Ridge area, which is considered the fastest-growing part of the district. As new residential developments go up, pressure on existing schools also rises. The current Oak Ridge high school is the most overcrowded campus in CISD. The combined student enrollment capacity at Oak Ridge High and its ninth-grade campus is 3,768. CISD expects enrollment at the high school campuses to far exceed 5,000 students by 2024, according to a 2015 demographic study. The senior campus is already 550 students over capacity. The second Oak Ridge high school is slated for completion by fall of 2018, and the Flex 17 elementary school is slated for completion by the fall of 2017. Schools like Birnham Woods Elementary - close to the 1,500-acre Falls at Imperial Oaks community - and Cox Intermediate in the Oak Ridge area are expected to reach 200 percent of capacity in less than nine years. The two other schools slated for the Oak Ridge area are a K-6 elementary slated for the Harper's Preserve residential community of Texas 242 and an intermediate school off Riley Fuzzel Road. CISD trustees approved land deals for both sites. The intermediate school is slated for completion by fall of 2018, and the elementary school is slated for completion in the fall of 2019. Naming opportunities for the final two Oak Ridge schools haven't been announced. Want to know more? Residents will have a chance to suggest names for an elementary and a high school in the Oak Ridge area. The schools are part of a $487 million bond package that voters approved in November. The bond package included a total of five new schools, four of which are slated for the Oak Ridge area. CISD will field suggestions between July 20 and Aug. 12. To suggest a name, residents can go online to conroeisd.net/about/school-naming-process. For more information on the bond, visit bond.conroeisd.net Fed up with legislators inability to revise the states school funding formula, Washington Superintendent Randy Dorn filed lawsuits this week against the state and seven school districts, including Seattle, Tacoma, and several large suburban districts. Dorn argues that the districts are illegally using local property tax levies to pay teachers salaries instead of using state money, according to the Associated Press . The states supreme court ruled in the 2012 McCleary v. Washington case that local districts are paying a disproportionate amount of education costs. While the state has poured millions of dollars into the formula in recent years to pay for transportation costs and prekindergarten, it has yet to spend more to increase teacher salaries, a key provision of the ruling. In his lawsuit, Dorn says that raising local levies to cover salary costs enables the legislature to evade its duty to amply fund education, according to the AP. Last week, the court called for the states legislatures lawyers to appear in court Sept. 7 to explain how their plan-for-a-plan satisfies the courts demands for the state to pour more money into its state funding formula, according to the Seattle Times . Read the entire lawsuit here . 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. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The first copperhead was not a big deal; if you live in the country surrounded by healthy oak/pine forest you expect to come across one of these common, smallish, generally non-aggressive but potentially dangerous pit vipers whose cryptic camouflage gives them their name. Our chickens regularly catch, kill and eat these venomous snakes when the fowl find them under the duff or rotted logs or other cover when they are foraging in the woods surrounding our place. And I can count on my heart stopping for a couple of beats a half-dozen or so times a year when I chance upon one while cleaning brush/limb/log piles or otherwise rooting around in copperhead habitat on the property. Now Playing: An Arizona family nearly had their pool-day ruined by several rattlesnakes who were hiding in their pool noodles. Tony Spitz has the details. Video: Buzz 60 But by the time I'd had my sixth nocturnal copperhead encounter in a week, I knew this was different. All but one of the snakes were found within a few feet of the same spot on my nightly walk down the 200-foot driveway to the mailbox, and the other was within 50 feet or so of the others. ALSO: Ortho Snake B Gon Snake Repellent Granules "Let me guess," Andrew Gluesenkamp, herpetologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, said as I recounted my recent rash of nighttime encounters with the most common venomous snake in eastern Texas. "Was it between about 9 and midnight?" Yes. "Do you have any big trees - white oaks, especially - in your yard?" Yep; a couple were within a few yards of where I'd seen five copperheads, and others are scattered over the acre-or-so lawn. "What did you hear?" Huh? "What were the sounds you could hear?" Cicadas - "locusts" to most Texans. The woods vibrated with the sound of male cicadas thrumming their mating calls. "There's your answer," Gluesenkamp said. "You were likely seeing copperheads involved in a feeding aggregation." Sunset congregation Turns out, herpetologists and others studying snakes have only recently begun to document what appears to be a common, if previously little noted or studied, behavioral phenomenon among copperheads. It's pretty amazing. And understanding what happens at night this time of year in yards and around camps and hunting lease trailers and other areas in copperhead range could go a long way toward helping folks avoid potentially painful and disconcerting encounters. "Until you see it, you won't believe it," said Kristofer Swanson, whose Katy Snakes business involves removal of unwanted snakes as well as consulting and safety training inevitably focused on venomous snakes. Here's what happens: Each summer, usually beginning around the first of June and continuing into September, cicada larvae that have spent their developmental period burrowed in the soil around the tree roots on which they feed, begin emerging for their metamorphosis into adults. The larvae, looking like hump-backed beetles, begin digging their way to the surface around dusk. They emerge from the ground, crawl to the nearest vertical structure (usually a tree), climb a foot or two up the trunk, their "shell" splits along its back and the adult cicada works its way out. Some of the highest-volume movements of cicada larvae are to large oak trees on lawns. These nocturnal emergences of cicada larvae are like the opening of an all-you-can-eat dinner for some wildlife. Yellow-crowned night herons are one of the species that regularly prey on emerging cicada larvae. Copperheads are another. And when the cicada dinner bell rings, it can draw a copper-colored, fanged crowd. "They love those nice, clean lawns," Swanson said. As darkness falls on a summer evening and cicada larvae begin emerging, copperheads head to their feeding stations. "About 9 o'clock, copperheads start coming out of the woods, and they make a beeline for large oak trees," Gluesenkamp said. "It's really pretty incredible, and suggests copperheads may move a lot more and a lot farther than we thought." The snakes take up stations at the base of trees or among the exposed roots where they easily pick off lumbering cicada larvae aiming to climb the trunk. And the diner can get crowded. Every copperhead within crawling distance might congregate around prime feeding spots. How many? Longtime behavior "The density can be pretty tremendous - a dozen or more copperheads around the base of a single oak tree," Gluesenkamp said. Herpetologists have over recent years discovered and documented several of these nocturnal gatherings of cicada-gobbling copperheads. "This is not a new behavior; it's been going on forever," Gluesenkamp said. But it's happened under cover of darkness and not noticed, reported or studied by many people. That's changing. And Texas is where some of the insights into this behavior have been gained. Probably the most astonishing example of such nocturnal copperhead gatherings has come from a tract near Sweeny in Brazoria County. The landowner contacted herpetologists, reporting seeing dozens of copperheads on his property during summer evenings. "To be honest, I was sure the guy was exaggerating," Swanson said. But he met the landowner one evening a couple of years ago and went to collect what snakes he could find. He knew the snakes had arrived for their evening feeding when he saw an owl swoop though the gloom, grab a copperhead from the base of a tree and fly into the darkness. "I caught 33 (copperheads) the first night," Swanson said. All were captured in about 90 minutes. Two nights later, he caught another 27 for a total of 59 copperheads from a 1.5-acre lawn. "This is happening in a lot of places," Swanson said of the gatherings, although most are not nearly as large as the ones on the Brazoria County tract. Brief but intense Most, probably, are like what seems to happen in my yard, where a small number of copperheads gather for their evening meals. And the event doesn't last long. The cicada emergence usually begins at dusk and ends two or three hours later. "By midnight or so, it's over," Gluesenkamp said. When the locust diner shuts down, the copperheads head back to their respective territories. Researchers hope to learn more about these nocturnal congregations of copperheads - how far they travel to these feeding sites, population densities and dynamics, etc. But tracking copperheads - fitting them with GPS transmitters that allow monitoring of movement - is an expensive proposition, and there has not been a lot of effort made to study the natural history of a snake most thought was pretty well understood. And it doesn't help that copperheads, being venomous, are not exactly popular with most folks. That could change as recent scientific insights indicate copperheads might hold a key to improving human health. Over the past decade, medical research has shown contortrostatin, a protein found in copperhead venom, has proved effective in treating some forms of cancer, particularly breast cancer. The Texas copperheads Swanson collects are used to produce venom for this medical research. "They are really incredible creatures," Gluesenkamp said. "There's still a lot we can learn about them and from them." No kidding. But just watch where you step if you're walking across your lawn between dark and midnight in the summer. Click through to see how to identify common snakes in Houston. Nearly 50 Denver teachers will lose tenure status due to two consecutive years of poor ratings on the districts teacher evaluation system. These teachers now have the same job protections as a first year, non-tenured teacher, who work on year-to-year contracts. The district can now fire these teachers for pretty much any reason. (Tenured teachers can only be fired for specific reasons, like immorality or insubordination.) To put those 47 educators into perspective, they represent just about 2 percent of Denvers tenured teaching force, reports Chalkbeat Colorado . But Pam Shamburg, president of Denvers teachers union, told the news website, that that figure belies a much more pervasive shift in culture. This happening to 47 teachers has a much bigger impact, Shamburg told Chalkbeat. There will be hundreds of teachers who know about this. Theyll say if they can do that to (that teacher), they can do that to me. Back in 2010, Colorado was part of a wave of states that reformed their teacher tenure systems in response to the allure of federal dollars under Race to the Top. Competitive grants were given to states that passed laws that held teachers accountable for their students test scores. In addition to enabling districts to strip teachers of tenure due to poor evaluations, Colorados educator effectiveness law requires that districts draw up an evaluation system where growth in students achievement accounts for at least 50 percent of a teachers evaluation . Additionally, new teachers must now earn three consecutive years of effective ratings to get tenure status. Before the 2010 law, tenure status was automatically granted after three years of teaching. Chalkbeat reports that of those 47 teachers, 60 percent had been in the classroom for more than 15 years, while 21 percent had more than 20 years of experience. Additionally, they found that nonwhite teachers were disproportionally affected. On the other hand, teachers working in the citys worst performing schools were less likely, on the whole, to lose tenure. The entire story can be found here . Penalties for Hiring Illegal Immigrants and Discriminating Against Legal Ones As an employer, you have many responsibilities with respect to workers and employees. You must pay certain taxes and contribute to various state and federal programs, and you must verify the employment authorization of each worker. In the words of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, "Employers have certain responsibilities under immigration law during the hiring process." So let's look at your obligations and the penalties you face if you fail to fulfill your duty to the federal government. Employer To-Do The good news is that employers do not have to do too much to avoid trouble with federal immigration authorities. But you must verify employment authorization and cannot use agents to avoid responsibility for hiring people without the proper permissions. An employer must verify the employment authorization of anyone hired after 1986 and must retain a form 1-9 for each employee. This form documents the fact that the employer has verified the employment eligibility of the individual. Each I-9 must be complete and employers who do not fill these out in their entirety can be fined for the omissions, USCIS warns. Similarly, hiring or continuing to employ someone who is not authorized to work, or falsifying documents, subjects you to penalties. But the agency also bars discrimination and that too can subject an employer to agency actions. Do Not Discriminate Immigration authorities warn employers that they must not discriminate against individuals based on their national origin, citizenship, or immigration status. So, don't try to work around your immigration law obligations by only hiring people who seem especially American to you. That is discrimination and will subject you to costly lawsuits. It is also a bad idea because you miss out on the benefits of diversity, like multilingual workers and additional perspective. It may feel awkward to deal with a name you can't pronounce or someone who seems unlike you. If so, work on yourself. The world is wide and full of types. A homogenous office or staff may also impact how your customers or clients receive you. So in the interest of having a wide reach, teach yourself to get comfortable with slight discomforts. Immigrants do this -- they have to be to fit in here. Penalties Employers who fail to follow verification rules, as well as anti-discrimination mandates, are subject to fines and even criminal penalties when there is a pattern or practice of violation, according to USCIS. The civil fines vary from $110 for a single first document falsification offense to $16,000 per violation on a third offense of discriminating against a person lawfully authorized to work. Your business may be barred from competing for government contacts too, so do verify work authorizations but avoid discrimination. Consult With Counsel If you are considering hiring workers or are concerned about any other aspect of business operations, get guidance. Consult with an attorney. Make sure you are doing all you can to follow the laws of the land. Related Resources: New Skyscraper Slide Named in Injury Lawsuit Have you ever been atop a tall building and been tempted to jump? If so, you are not alone. Now, you can give something a little like that a try and survive if you're visiting Southern California. But you might still get hurt. A skyscraper in Los Angeles boasting the Skyslide -- an attraction made of glass and attached to the outside of the 70th floor of the U.S. Bank Tower, the tallest American building west of Chicago -- is facing its first injury lawsuit. A Bold Move The Skyslide is 1,000 feet above downtown Los Angeles and only 45-feet long, releasing sliders onto an observation deck just one floor below, reports CBS News. It opened to the public last month and already the building owner owner is facing a negligence suit from a woman who argues the slide is poorly designed and injured her. She broke an ankle. The plaintiffs are Gayle and Morty Yashar of New York and they complain about the Skyslide's design, seeking an unspecified amount of damages from the defendants, naming the building owner, and the concession company associated with the new observation deck attraction. The plaintiffs argue that the slide does not slow down enough at the end of the 45-foot ride, creating a hazard. At the end of the slide in a run-out area is a stack of mats that, according to the plaintiffs, leave a gap that traps riders' feet. Gayle Yashar argues that she broke her ankle going down the slide and that the poor design is the cause of her injury. The defendants told the Associated Press via a public relations representative that the lawsuit is under review, but did not respond to any substantive claims with respect to the safety of the new L.A. attraction. The lawsuit, filed less than a month after the attraction opened to the public, must be a little disconcerting, however. Before the attraction was opened, earlier in the year, Lucy Rumantir, head of U.S. operations for the U.S. Bank building's owner, issued a statement saying, "The Skyslide boasts a safe, thrilling experience unlike any other in the world." Injured? If you, like the plaintiffs in this case, visit a tourist attraction and find yourself injured due to a design flaw or defect or for any other reason, talk to a lawyer. Tell your story. Many personal injury attorneys consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to discuss your case. Related Resources: Khu Oo Reh told reporters at a press conference: We will face difficulties in negotiating and finding solutions at the conference if the framework is not all-inclusive and accepted by everyone. The 21st Century Panglong Conference convening at the end of August is a continuation of peace-making efforts by the new NLD government. Suu Kyi said national reconciliation and peace are the partys top priority in January, calling with all inclusive talks with all of the ethnic armed groups. The military that controls twenty-five of parliament and three key ministries is less willing to meet with all of the groups until certain conditions are met. It requested for the Taang National Liberation Army, Arakan Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army to disarm before peace discussions could happen. The three groups have been involved in heavy fighting with the Burma Army in the last two-years. Khu Oo Reh said the UNFC will continue to push for the conference to be all inclusive and monitor this if it fails to happen. Only the eight ethnic groups that signed the so called nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) attended the first Union Peace Conference in January. The NCA has come under fire after only fifteen of the countrys twenty-one armed groups were included. Seven that were invited refused to take part, mainly because six groups were excluded. Both NCA and non-NCA Ethnic armed groups will converge at the end of this month during an armed group summit in Maijayang, the largest city controlled by the Kachin Independence. Discussions will be heavily focussed on the peace conference the following month. Reporting by Saw Lin Tun for KIC News Translated by Thida Linn Edited by BNI Staff A Muslim man was booted from a flight after an attendant publicly announced his name and seat number and warned him she was "watching" him. Welcome to American (real ones) Airlines. Mohamed Ahmed Radwan had boarded a plane in Charlotte, North Carolina and the flight attendant went to the tannoy and said: "Mohamed Ahmed, Seat 25-A: I will be watching you." The employee made no other announcements about any other passenger. Mr Radwan asked the employee why she had made the announcements. She reportedly responded that he was being "too sensitive" [and] was told he must leave the plane as he had made the first air stewardess "uncomfortable". The company's response: "We thoroughly reviewed these allegations and concluded that no discrimination occurred." The same way bad police use "felt threatened" as an excuse for beatings and killings, bad airlines have settled on "felt uncomfortable" as their lawyer-approved all-bases-covered method of booting Muslims from flights. Content warning: sexual assault. 20th Century Fox put out a brief today that Roger Ailes has resigned as CEO of Fox News Channel. Ailes departs the conservative television news empire after multiple women accused him of sexual assault. Twenty-First Century Fox chairman Rupert Murdoch will take over as chairman and acting CEO of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network until a suitably demonic, bulldog-jowled, elderly white male replacement with testicles that look like hamburger meat can be found. "[Roger Ailes] very gingerly pulled out his genitals and said, 'Kiss them.' And they were red, like raw hamburger. " Ailes founded the cable channel in 1996, and is widely credited for transforming it into a highly profitable, highly watched, and highly influential force in American politics. Is there a more powerful conservative media brand in America? Donald Trump will likely take care of that white power vacuum when he loses the election, is my prediction. I hope I'm at least right about the second half of that sentence. Fox News parent biz Twenty-First Century Fox was negotiating with Ailes over his departure as the sexual assault charges piled up, a person briefed on the discussions told Reuters Tuesday. Snip from Reuters: The exit marks a swift downfall for Ailes, the 76-year-old media executive who advised several U.S. Republican presidents, including George H.W. Bush, and turned Fox News into the most-watched U.S. cable news channel. Former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson sued Ailes earlier this month, claiming sexual harassment. Ailes has denied the charges. Fox hired the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison to conduct an internal investigation. New York magazine followed up with reports of other women who said they had been harassed by Ailes as far back as the 1960s. On Tuesday, the magazine said that popular Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly had told investigators hired by Fox that Ailes "made unwanted sexual advances toward her" about 10 years ago. Ailes denies all charges of sexual harassment, according to a statement attributed to his lawyer in the New York Times on Tuesday. That New York magazine story, tho. 6 more women came forth with tales of sexual predation involving the Fox News boss. Here was one of many first-hand accounts of sexual assault involving Ailes published in that feature article, by "Susan,*" 66, a former model who does not wish to be sued or harassed. I was 16 years old, living in Radnor, Pennsylvania. I was sent over for a walk-on part on The Mike Douglas Show in the winter of 1967. It was 6:30 in the evening and the place was totally closing up. Ailes took me into this big office and locked the door with a key. He reclined on a couch in a seating area under a map that had flags of all the cities they were syndicated in. He proceeded to pull down his pants and very gingerly pull out his genitals and said, "Kiss them." And they were red, like raw hamburger. He was pretty meticulously dressed, with long white shirttails coming out. It was like he was just at the end of a long day and I was supposed to know what to do. I was a kid I'd never seen a man's privates before. I jumped up, but the door was locked and nobody was out there. He chased me around the office, and at some point it dawned on him that this just wasn't going to happen. He finally pulled up his trousers. He was very angry and rushed over to his desk, pulled open a door, and had a reel-to-reel tape recorder going. He said to me, "Don't tell anybody about this. I've got it all on tape." I think he knew I was 16. Disclaimer: Years ago, I was in talks with Roger Ailes and Fox Business Network to become on-air tech talent with the television news operation before its launch. Mr. Ailes interviewed me, and yes, I can attest to the world that he is a total creep. District attorney candidate Kim Ogg is calling for an independent investigation into the treatment of a rape victim who was jailed by prosecutors after breaking down on the witness stand. The 25-year-old rape victim, whose name has not been made public, testified in December against the Houston man accused of assaulting her in 2013. After having a mental breakdown on the witness stand, however, the woman - who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia- was jailed by Harris County prosecutors who feared she would not show up again for the trial. BACKGROUND: Rape victim suing county after being jailed following courtroom collapse Ogg, a Democrat who is running against Republican Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson in the November general election, said an independent investigation is needed because the victim was "brutalized" a second time while in jail. "In all my years as an attorney I have never seen a more egregious miscarriage of justice for a victim of sexual assault," Ogg said in a written statement released by her campaign. "Devon Anderson is showing callous disregard for the trauma of a rape victim, and instead of launching a transparent investigation, she wants you to support this disgraceful judgment." Anderson's office declined to comment on Ogg's request. The district attorney released a video this week saying the victim might not have come back to court if she had not been held as a material witness in the jail. "If nothing was done to prevent the victim from leaving Harris County in the middle of trial, a serial rapist would have gone free - and her life would have been at risk while homeless on the street," Anderson said in the video statement. "This was an extraordinarily difficult and unusual situation. There were no apparent alternatives that would ensure both the victim's safety and her appearance in trial." The woman has filed a federal lawsuit against the district attorney's office and other county officials accusing them of violating her constitutional rights. The suit says she was beaten in the jail by an inmate and a jailer, and was briefly charged with assaulting a jailer before that charge was dropped. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Police shot and killed a dog early Wednesday that was attacking its owner inside the family's north Houston home. About 4 a.m., Houston police officers were sent to investigate reports of a vicious animal at a home in the 5100 block of Hardy. The officers found Houston Fire Department paramedics outside when they arrived. The paramedics told them the homeowner was being attacked inside the house by the dog, authorities said. The HPD officers went inside and found the homeowner on the bedroom floor. The dog was still attacking him, police said. One of the officers attempted to scare the dog away without success. He then fatally shot the dog, authorities said. The homeowner was taken to an area hospital with "severe" injuries, police said. His condition wasn't known later Wednesday. Police said it wasn't immediately clear what caused the dog to attack the homeowner. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A suspect in a deadly southeast Houston shooting was taken into custody Wednesday. The suspect was driving around the 3rd Ward near downtown Houston looking to sell drugs before he was approached by the victim, according to Terry Villa, clerk for the Houston Police Department Homicide Division. The slaying victim, Demarcus Tucker, 33, reached inside the suspect's truck and tried to take his gun, Villa said. As the two were struggling over the gun, the weapon went off, she said. Tucker died at the scene. The gunfire erupted around 4:30 a.m. in the 3100 block of Napoleon near Rosalie in the Third Ward not far from the University of Houston, according to the Houston Police Department. It appears residents in the neighborhood heard gunshots and then saw the wounded man outside in the street. The suspect fled but was later stopped and taken into custody, Villa said. Investigators are trying to piece together what sparked the shooting. They said the shooting may have involved a drug deal and the victim may have been an innocent bystander or the suspect may have mistaken him for someone else. The shooting will be referred to a grand jury partially because of conflicting witness statements, according to Villa. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Elene Meyer Davis of Houston lived an eventful life until her death June 7 at age 91. According to her obituary, she succumbed to congestive heart failure and the 2016 presidential campaign. We're sure that the man upstairs had plans for her beyond this physical plane, but that little dig at this election season is something many of us can get behind. This past year there have been obituaries featuring both positive and negative mentions of Donald Trump. According to Davis' obituary, first published June 11 in the Houston Chronicle, she left behind a loving, adoring cast of children and grandchildren, plus tons of friends. It was one of her grandchildren who posted a link to the obituary on Houston's Reddit outpost this week. On her deathbed at St. Luke's Hospital she was blessed with not only a Hail Mary but also a Hebrew prayer for the dying. Davis was born in Yoakum, Texas, in 1924 and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin at the young age of 19. RELATED: Read the entire text of Elene Davis obituary here Raised by a rugged Jeffersonian Democrat out of Louisiana, she learned early on about truth and fairness. A true Southern woman throughout her life, she was married to her husband Leon for 61 years. She was the first woman in the world to fight back cancer "pre-metastatically" with the help of Interferon. Her obituary states that one day she up and decided she would begin growing roses, which meant that by the next day Leon, the devoted husband, would begin helping her plant more than 100 bushes. From then on she was a rosarian of the highest order. Leon would say that "all his years as an entrepreneur he had never before seen a hobby turn into an industry so quickly." She passed away holding a rosary she had received more than 50 years ago from the family of a woman she had befriended and been somewhat of a guardian angel to. She seems to have never forgotten that family of 12 children. RELATED: Ted Cruz sparks an uproar at RNC and social media In her obituary she was lauded for believing that political correctness was an excuse to erase facts and history. She also is reported to have deplored the misinformed, the ill-informed and the mal-informed. Here in Texas we call that a firecracker. Which brings us back to the opening paragraph of that June obituary. We're sure that the man upstairs had plans for her beyond this physical plane, but that printed dig at this presidential election season is something that many of us can get behind. This past year there have been obituaries featuring both positive and negative mentions of Donald Trump. Mrs. Davis, wherever you are we hope you are tending to the roses and enjoying the sunshine, millions of miles away from any coverage of the election. NEW SLOGAN?: In his now-infamous speech last night, Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz appears to have handed Hillary Clinton a catchy slogan. Cruz urged voters not to stay home in November, "If you love our country and love your children as much as I know you do, stand and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution." An hour later, Clinton tweeted: "Vote your conscience," with a link to a voter registration page. ON BOARD: Cruz may not be on the the Trump Train, but U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, has a first-class ticket. He told the Texas delegation to the GOP National Convention that while Trump was not his first choice, "he's my nominee and I'm going to give him 110 percent." BIG QUESTION: Did Donald Trump intentionally upstage Cruz in his big moment last night because he knew Cruz was not going to endorse him? That is the question of the day in Cleveland, and among Texas delegates. Trump has not said. Only clue is a Tweet that Trump[ sent out last night: "Wow. Ted Cruz booed off the stage, didn't honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal!? THE PLEDGE: Cruz is not the only one who didn't honor the earlier pledge to support the party's nominee, but he's certainly the highest profile this morning, thanks to the chaos and boos that ended his convention speech. Not on the Trump Train: Ohio Gov. Jon Kasich, who has boycotted the convention in his home state, and Jeb Bush, who has boycotted the convention, as well, and said he will not vote for Trump. Your browser does not support the iframe HTML tag. Try viewing this in a modern browser like Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Internet Explorer 9 or later. HEIDI FACTOR: Just as Cruz was a subject of discussion by Texas delegates this morning at the daily breakfast, so was his wife, Heidi. After her husband's convention speech ended in boos, she was escorted off the convention floor by security with some delegates yelling "Goldman Sachs" at her. Ugly scene. BARS CLOSED: Curiously, bars outside the Quicken Loans Area were closed Wednesday night until the convention's speeches were over. The word on Twitter was that Republican leaders requested the closures to keep delegates inside the hall. No official word, but why would anyone need a drink at this convention? WEIRD MERCHANDISE: If the GOP proceedings seem a bit weird, at times, the merchandise for sale by vendors crowding sidewalks outside the convention arena easily top it. Air fresheners TRUMPtation and MELONia can be had for $12 a pop, two for $20. Condoms bearing the likenesses of Trump, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are available. So are boxes of "Trump Flakes" cereal "They're Gr-r-r-r-eat Again" and "Hillary Crunch" "Healthy for America." Trump playing cards, got them. Trump toilet paper, yep. "We Shall Overcome" breath mints, check. The best: a bust of Trump at a local art gallery, made from dryer lint. THOSE SNOWPLOWS: The outside temps are in the high 80s, but there are snowplows everywhere in Cleveland, parked across downtown streets to close roads near the GOP National Convention arena. Authorities say they're being used as heavy barriers to prevent drive-through attacks. They've also been seen driving up and down I-71 between downtown and the airport at all hours, an odd site. Harris County Sheriff's Office An arrest warrant has been issued for a Houston-area dentist who has been charged with indecency with a child, officials said. Deputy Thomas Gilliland, spokesman for the Harris County Sheriff's Office, said Joshua Robbins recently admitted to a clinical therapist that he had fondled a 16-year-old girl about two years ago. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Law student Vianey Moreno Renteria and her boyfriend, Ricardo Ruiz Morales, were slain Tuesday night in Tijuana. According to Spanish language Narco Blog, the couple was sitting in a grey 2011 Jetta when she was fatally shot in the head and Morales was shot three times, also fatally. The shooting happened at approximately 9:52 p.m. on the Olas Altas block of western Tijuana district Playas de Tijuana. The blog reports that the incident occurred in front of Morales' house. According to Tijiana's Attorney General's Office (Procuraduria General de Justicia del Estado), Renteria was a student at the Autonomous University of Baja California in the Mexican state of Baja California. A green Ford Explorer with California license plates was seen in the surrounding area. When officers searched the vehicle they found the .40 caliber handgun they believe was used in the shooting. The investigation is ongoing. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Ted Cruz's controversial speech to the Republican National Convention Wednesday drew boos and came off as a bet against his own party's chances in November. If the Trump train crashes, Cruz wants to be remembered as the one with the foresight not to board. RELATED: Cruz's soaring speech ends amid boos for not endorsing Trump He stepped onto the RNC stage like a sitcom star returning for a season past. It had been almost two months since he withdrew from the presidential race and left Donald Trump the last man standing. It was a bitter end to divisive race, and much of the convention had focused on mending the wounds--quelling widespread Republican weariness towards Trump and unifying the party. Cruz made clear on Wednesday he would not step in line. And he didn't ask his fans to do so either. So on Thursday morning he faced the angry ire of his home state delegation. Through aggressive questioning over breakfast, the Texans insinuated Cruz was hurting the party's chances by declining to direct his following to get behind Trump. RELATED: Cruz to Texas delegation: I'm not a 'servile puppy dog' Others wondered if he was banking on a Republican loss. "I think this is said in the hope that Donald Trump will lose," said Fox News senior political analyst Brit Hume during a panel immediately following Cruz's speech Wednesday. "And he will inherit the role of the man to beat in the next cycle." Bloomberg Politics reported Wednesday that Cruz was already cultivating the groundwork for a 2020 presidential campaign. It comes as no surprise. Teenage Cruz charted a path to the presidency and followed it precisely for almost 30 years, through Ivy Leagues, private practice, the U.S. Senate and the 2016 campaign. No one expects he'll give up now. But planning a 2020 run is exceptional. It means he likely expects to run against a Democratic incumbent, which means he likely expects his party will lose in November. Otherwise he'd run to unseat another Republican president. Even that is not out of the question, apparently. A "top RNC official" told Yahoo News that "they expect (Cruz) to run even if Donald Trump becomes president this fall." That would mean Cruz anticipates widespread voter remorse if Trump is elected president, in which case he could take the stage to say, "I told you so." In that case, the 2016 election would be another step in his political ascent. He kicked off the race as a little-known underdog (outside Texas), and he finished it as the unlikely runner up to the unlikely winner. As the cycle whittled away the so-called "establishment" candidates, only Cruz commanded a fan base that could stand up to Trump. He ended up as the de facto candidate for most "never Trump" Republicans, and in his reemergence from post-election silence, he reasserted his stake to that title. The National Review, a conservative publication which came out early and strongly against Trump, continued to herald Cruz as an attractive alternative. Columnist Jonah Goldberg wrote, "If the choice is between forgiving Ted Cruz's obvious political calculation to become the standard bearer of an authentic conservatism or Donald Trumps' lizard-brain narcissism... like a conqueror atop the carcass of conservatism, I choose Ted." At the cost of the party, Cruz certainly hopes more Republicans are thinking like Goldberg. More than 25 migrants were rescued from a Mission stash house on Tuesday night after the driver of a vehicle pulled over in a traffic stop told police they were the care taker of the stash house. Border Patrol agents located 28 people from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador and El Salvador all suspected of entering the country illegally with the help of the driver involved in the stop. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Months before the Republican National Convention hit the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland this week, the owner of a house less than eight miles away was inundated with requests for lodging through the website Airbnb. For a mere $200 a night, RNC visitors and protesters could spend the night in a former funeral home. Eric Freeman, owner of the 14711 Harvard home, said he was inundated with numerous requests to stay. Since most of the building was not prepared for guests, he ultimately pulled the house off of Airbnb, a website where private individuals list property to rent for short stays. Freeman said the house had already attracted a lot of attention before the RNC hit town. SEE ALSO: Haunted places to visit in SE Texas "I've had it for about five years and it was a nightmare before I moved into it," said Freeman, who bought the house from the City of Cleveland around 2010. "The last time I was in California, someone told me people tried to burn it down. I'd clean it up and looters would come in and dump the bags out all over the place. I was literally going around in circles." Freeman said he learned the House of Wills was for sale while he was working for the City of Cleveland, prior to 2010. Freeman said a nearby church and the city planned to tear down the 49,600 square-foot building and put up a parking lot. He said that he loved the history of the funeral home and didn't think downtown needed another parking lot. According to the website Vice, Freeman bought the house for $13,000 from a title company. Vice reports a communist party, Al Jourgensen from the band Ministry and Perry Farell from the band Jane's Addiction were some of the people who contacted Freeman about staying there while it was on Airbnb. SEE ALSO: Haunted destinations in Louisiana you can visit "It started out as a German opera house. It's been through a bunch of incarnations from hospitals to churches," Freeman said. "In 1946, it was turned into a funeral home." J. Walter Wills obtained the home in the 1940s. He was one of Cleveland's first black business owners and founded the Cleveland chapter of the NAACP. The building is still known as The House of Wills. Since moving into the building, Freeman said he's been busy renovating the inside. He said there's an auditorium, office space, an Egyptian style room and even a train room. The plan is to eventually open up The House of Wills for community events and possibly back on Airbnb. SEE ALSO: West Elm to open store in former haunted house near Pearl "I can have 1,000 people upstairs and tons of people in the basement, and have two completely different functions going on. It's that big," Freeman said. "This place is going to be a music hall, a community outreach center, a club. It gets real confusing for people because it's too much for them." Click through the slideshow above to see The House of Wills. If anyone is going to take on the Republican Party apparatus, its Ted Cruz. In just four short years in Washington, D.C., he has made a career of snubbing his partys leaders in Congress. The clashes never fail to make headlines, raising Cruzs profile and bringing attention to causes that might otherwise go unnoticed if it werent for the war of words that ensued. Related: Cruz gamble at RNC should surprise no one Once he retired from politics, former House Speaker John Boehner recalled his battles with Cruz when he called the senator Lucifer in the flesh. That came just a few weeks before Cruz was set to exit the race, after a crushing loss to Donald Trump in the Indiana GOP primary. Cruzs counterpunch was to say Boehner found his inner-Trump, telling voters that they should vote for Trump if they want more years of Boehner-like leadership. That is not exactly a ringing endorsement when directed at the movement conservatives who long loathed Boehner as the countrys top Republican in the Obama era. All that was on the House side, but Cruz didnt forget about his own chamber. Last summer, Cruz went to the Senate floor to call his partys leader, Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, a liar. Last summer, the Texas senator accused McConnell of lying to him about a vote to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, saying an apology aint gonna happen. Every word I said there is true and accurate. No one disputed a word I said, Cruz told MSNBC. The reaction in the Senate is how dare you say that out loud? They're not upset that somebody lied to them! Read more: Why Cruz didn't endorse Trump because he attacked my wife and father His latest move that has put him at odds with his party: refusing to endorse unequivocally Donald Trump for president during his speech Wednesday night to the Republican National Convention. His willingness to anger everyone he has with his Wednesday speech arguably stems from his Senate bid against former Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, when Cruz was the primarys undisputed underdog. That is a story he likes to tell every time he thanks a Texas tea party crowd for their early support that propelled his campaign. If there is anybody who is more comfortable throwing elbows than Ted Cruz, the party hasnt met them. -- Cruz's soaring speech ends amid boos for not endorsing Trump, by the Houston Chronicles Kevin Diaz In what appeared like a final clash of political egos, the end of Cruz's 12-minute speech was interrupted by Trump, who entered the arena to boisterous shouts as the Texas Republican was wrapping up. By then, some in the crowd had begun to boo his refusal to endorse the nominee. Texas needs to be unified, said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, addressing the state's national delegation earlier Wednesday. We want everybody to be behind our candidate, Ted Cruz, when his time comes It's time to saddle up. It's time to get on board. >> POLITICO: Cruz made a career of defying the GOP, but never before on a stage like this. -- Cruz at Texas GOP breakfast this morning Crowd member yells 'why not?' When @tedcruz said he wouldn't endorse@realDonaldTrump -- TOM PAUKEN, former state GOP chair tweets this: Cruz not getting as warm a reception from Texas delegation as he might have expected. Group is divided. -- Day 3 of Republican convention: Pence accepts nomination; sought-for unity falls short, by The Washington PostsKaren Tumulty and Sean Sullivan Clinton has been a stronger unifier of the Republican Party than Trump. As happened during the first two days of the convention, the hall broke into calls of Lock her up! on Wednesday when those onstage referred to the controversy over Clintons unauthorized use of a private email server when she was secretary of state. -- TONIGHT: For Donald Trumps Big Speech, an Added Pressure: No Echoes, by The New York Times Patrick Healy It also has to be bulletproof. Ive been amending the drafts big-league, Mr. Trump said in an interview in his Manhattan office before the convention. I get ideas from a lot of different places, a lot of smart people, but mostly I like language that sounds like me. Yet in the aftermath of Melania Trumps speech, campaign advisers have fretted that they do not know for sure where Mr. Trump gets his ideas and language whether they are his own, in other words, or are picked up from Twitter, television, or, say, a best seller by Bill OReilly of Fox News, a commentator whom Mr. Trump likes. >> The GOP is Gaslighting America on National Television, by the Texas Observers Andrea Grimes >> Texas GOP delegates sport $30K worth of donated cowboy hats, Lone Star flag shirts, by the Dallas Morning NewsBob Garrett -- Texas Voter ID law discriminates against minorities, court says, by the San Antonio Express-News David Rauf The 5th Circuit bounced the case back to a federal judge in Corpus Christi to come up with an interim fix before the election to accommodate Texans who cannot obtain one of seven forms of approved identification. A more comprehensive solution will have to be put in place after the next election. -- Analysis: For Some Texas Republicans, Useful Distractions Back Home, by The Texas Tribunes Ross Ramsey There are only a handful of races up in the air in Texas, if by up in the air you mean yeah, maybe. But (Texas House Speaker Joe) Straus talked local in Cleveland when he was ducking reporters questions about whether he was endorsing Donald Trump. I know theres some tension over the presidential nomination, but not everything that happens at a nominating convention is about the top of the ticket," he said. There are a whole lot of people here working where I am on down-ballot races. SPEED READ Trump on Cruz snub: 'No big deal!, Politico Angry Texans storm out after Trump interrupts Ted Cruz convention speech, Dallas Morning News GOP precinct chair resigns over Trump, Houston Chronicle Higher ed commissioner critical of Texas K-12 standards, Houston Chronicle Fort Worth Revises Transgender Student Guidelines, The Texas Tribune Louie Gohmert: I Convinced Trump to Meet with Ted Cruz, The Texas Tribune Social media's 'lone wolf' effect: Baton Rouge shooter obsessed over Alton Sterling footage during Texas visit, Dallas Morning News Eighth Zika virus case confirmed in Bexar County, San Antonio Express-News Judge orders Bland lawsuit into mediation, Houston Chronicle CAPITOL DAYBOOK: HOUSE: 12:30 p.m.- County Affairs [Brenham, Texas] Joint Committee: 10 a.m.- Government Facilities [E 1.012] RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE -- SIREN: Donald Trump Sets Conditions for Defending NATO Allies Against Attack, by the New York Times David E. Sanger and Maggie Haberman During a 45-minute conversation, he explicitly raised new questions about his commitment to automatically defend NATO allies if they are attacked, saying he would first look at their contributions to the alliance. Mr. Trump re-emphasized the hard-line nationalist approach that has marked his improbable candidacy, describing how he would force allies to shoulder defense costs that the United States has borne for decades, cancel longstanding treaties he views as unfavorable, and redefine what it means to be a partner of the United States. >> Clinton closes in on VP choice: Kaine and Vilsack leading the way by CNNs Jeff Zeleny and Dan Merica >> 7 takeaways from wild night at GOP convention, CNN If you are a Ted Cruz loyalist already, what happened at Day 3 of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland probably did not surprise you. Many of his former campaign staff and supporters in general heaped praised on Cruz last night for refusing to explicitly endorse the presumptive GOP nominee for president, Donald Trump. To them, the Cruz the nation saw on stage Wednesday night was the man of character and principle they had worked grueling hours for in Iowa all those months ago. For all their rage last night, Cruzs detractors and there are many probably werent surprised either. Booing the senator after he told delegates to vote their conscience, many of them turned on Cruz and were reminded why they didnt vote for him in the primary. It was a selfish, underhanded move completely typical of Cruz and his operation, some Texas delegates said. The senator, having made his decision, was now tasked with defending it to an enraged party. Thursday morning, Cruz attended the Texas GOP delegations meeting and doubled down, saying he would not be a servile puppy dog. He would not knock Trump, he told his home state delegates, but he was not going to forget Trumps personal attacks on his wife and father during the bitter GOP primary battle. Nothing underscored Cruzs gamble like the reception he received from the Texas GOP delegation Thursday morning. If you believe, as the media often reports, that Cruz is the darling of the Texas Republican orbit, then what he arrived to this morning was jarring. Delegates demanded that he explain his decision not to back Trump, with one delegate saying Cruz broke the promise he made earlier to support whomever the nominee is. So he would not make an endorsement today or probably ever, but there is still time, Cruz said. I am watching and listening to make that decision," he told the Texas delegates. "The election isn't today. What I don't intend to do is go out and throw rocks at Donald. I don't intend to criticize him. Cruz has to walk a very precarious path now. Truth is, it is hard to see him eventually endorsing Trump at some point before November. If the Cruz and Trump camps werent going to come together during the convention, in the name of party unity, when the medias attention was assuredly focused on them, then there really arent very many opportunities left for it to happen. From the second it was clear that Trump had outdone Cruz in the primary, the Texas senator and his supporters began eyeing 2020. By letting Trump lose to Hillary Clinton this year, all the while not getting his own hands dirty, Cruz is betting that he can come back stronger in four years with a grateful base who will remember the big risk he took. Still, he has infuriated many people within his party and in his state. Cruz began his first White House bid by very early in the process bear hugging the most loyal elements of the Republican Party, hoping it would solidify their support for him later on. That is, in part, how he got to be one of the last two men standing, which was no small feat. Four years from now, though, when he gears up for his second run, Cruz might wonder where everyone went. 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. News / National by Mashudu Netsianda FORMER Zimbabwe Ambassador to Egypt Aaron Maboyi-Ncube has dragged his business partner to court for allegedly refusing to share a debt of $116 100 emanating from council rates and expenses at their farm in Insiza District.Ambassador Maboyi-Ncube filed summons at the Bulawayo High Court seeking an order compelling Mr Bonang Mbulawa Dube to reimburse him $58 050 after he settled a council debt and some expenses alone.The Ambassador and Dube are registered co-owners of Oasis Ranch, each holding 50 percent shareholding.In papers before the court, Ambassador Maboyi-Ncube is the plaintiff while Mr Dube was cited as the defendant.Ambassador Maboyi-Ncube, who is also a Zanu-PF Central Committee member, through his lawyers Sansole and Senda Legal Practitioners, said his business partner had reneged on his obligations."Plaintiff avers that in accordance with the ownership ratio, the plaintiff and defendant are obliged to pay all rates and such expenses are due on an equal share basis. The total amount of expenses incurred on Oasis Ranch and the improvements thereon made and paid by the plaintiff amount in total to the sum of $116 100," said Ambassador Maboyi-Ncube.The former diplomat accused Mr Dube of deliberately neglecting to pay the money despite demand."Defendant is obligated to pay $58 050 being his 50 percent share derived from the ownership of the business enterprise. Despite his obligation to share the expenses on an equal basis, defendant has refused or neglected to pay his half," said Ambassador Maboyi-Ncube.He wants his business partner to reimburse him the money with prescribed interest calculated from the date of summons to the date of full and final payment. Ambassador Maboyi-Ncube also wants Mr Dube to pay the legal costs at attorney-client scale.Mr Dube has not yet filed opposing papers challenging the lawsuit. News / Press Release by PDP Incidentally as early as 2014, PDP proposed the need for transitional arrangements under its policy HOPE. It is pleasing to note that the idea of a National Transitional Authority (NTA) has now gained traction within opposition political circles. We welcome that, and we also urge all Zimbabwe's democratic forces and social movements to embrace this idea which we think will be a critical step in preparing our country for a better future post Mugabe.It is important to note that the resolution of a national crisis through the establishment of NTA is not a new concept and is not unique to Zimbabwe. Other Countries such as Libya and the Central Africa Republic received this attention through the introduction of the National Transitional Council such as the one being recommended for Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, in both cases, the worst could not be avoided because the decay was already too advanced. As a result of this delay in intervention, Central Africa Republic in 2008 relapsed into further chaos and we are all aware on the sad case of Libya.In our view, an inclusive national dialogue platform will ensure inclusive participation in national issues and will help eliminate the divisions that have engulfed the country. Civil society organizations, traditional leaders, war veterans, social movements, labour and student organizations and churches will therefore play a leading role in the NTA program implementation framework.It will be necessary the NTA to occupy the post Mugabe vacuum. The NTA will be the Executive Authority of the country during the curatorship period. It will be responsible for the day to day running of the country. It will have ten major responsibilities which are: economic reform, investment and employment creation, manufacturing and industrial revival, electoral reform, constitutional realignment, social service delivery enhancement, protection of women and children, youth and economic emancipation, international liaisons.In our economic blue print HOPE we further suggest the following; This NTA will work for limited period to stop the economic and social collapse we are facing and reposition Zimbabwe towards a democratic dispensation and sustainable growth. Only an NTA can achieve these goals given the level of hegemonic, authority and state crises currently consuming the country. The NTA is to be composed of capable Zimbabweans with the technical ability to restore Zimbabwe's economy to its former glory; ensure the alignment of laws to the constitution including electoral reforms and prepare Zimbabwe for a sustainable election. The NTA will be composed of a team of commissioners each in charge of the key deliverables of the NTA, including a chairperson of the commission. The NTA will be composed of sub committees each chaired by a member of the commission. It is also crucial that international monetary institutions and development partners be engaged with a view to tackle the matter and help Zimbabwe move forward. The NTA will be charged with the responsibility to resolve this important matter with assistance from SADC and the AU.Of course we at PDP do not believe we have the monopoly of wisdom on this issue. We therefore accept that there are many good ideas out there and we urge the urgent establishment of an inclusive National Convergence Platform to discuss and build consensus on the establishment the NTA as a matter of urgency.Another Zimbabwe is possible!Vince MusewePDP Secretary for Finance and Economic Affairs Capitalism and philanthropy have always been closely tied. In the 1600s, when the Netherlands was gestating free trade and other modern business patterns, commercial negotiations often took place in taverns, and successful deals were frequently sealed with charitable contributions to the alms box. Today, philanthropy and business are entwined especially tightly in America. Its expected that successful business barons in the U.S. will apply some portion of their wealth and creative energies to solving public problems via charitable efforts. American capitalism differs from its European and Asian variants in part because of the historical nexus between commercial activities and religious impulses in the United States. Pew Research data show that the U.S. is by far the most religious of the worlds wealthy countries. The Calvinism that the Pilgrims brought with them to America treated economic fortune as something that the steward would voluntarily apply to uplift his fellow man. An important result in the U.S. is that wealth tends to be transient. John D. Rockefeller had given away 95 percent of his money by the time he died. Bill Gates is donating an even higher percentage of his earnings: less than 1 percent of the Gates wealth will remain within the family. Only 15 percent to 20 percent of the individuals on todays Forbes list of richest Americans inherited a substantial portion of their wealth. Even the foundations endowed by Americas wealthy eventually get eclipsed: the Rockefeller Foundation, once our best endowed, is now the 15th-largest in the U.S., while the Carnegie Corporation has fallen to 20th. By contrast, in Europe and Asia wealth tends to stay in familiessometimes for generations. The Howard clan, for instance, has been one of Britains richest across seven centuries. The Beretta family in Italy has owned Beretta Firearms for 490 years. A European association for companies that have been controlled by one family for at least 200 yearsLes Henokiens, based in Parishas 44 member firms (38 European, six Japanese). American capitalism differs from all other forms of industrial capitalism, economists Zoltan Acs and Ronnie Phillips point out, and a primary difference is the American emphasis on new business creation by individuals. New firms, new ideas, new leaders, and new fortunes come to the fore regularly. The U.S. has four times as many self-made billionaire entrepreneurs per capita as Europe does. Twenty-nine percent of the most successful U.S. firms were founded after 1950, compared with just 8 percent of European firms. The total value of all billion-dollar tech start-ups created in Europe over the last 15 years comes to just $120 billion; Facebook alone has a value roughly three times the European total. In their book SuperEntrepreneurs, Swedish researchers Tino and Nima Sanandaji investigated 1,000 self-made billionaires from around the world. They found a very strong correlation between entrepreneurship, wealth, and philanthropy. In the U.S. in particular, the notion exists that wealth beyond a certain point should be invested back in society to expand opportunity for future generations, they note. The legitimacy of American capitalism has been bolstered by these voluntary donations from the rich. Thanks to philanthropy, much of the new wealth created historically has been given back to society, write the Sanandajis, and this has had several feedback effects on capitalism. For one, the practice has limited the rise of new dynasties. For another, donations to research and higher education have allowed new generations to become wealthy. The American charitable tradition is thus an egalitarian force against overconcentrated power. It is also a mechanism for draining poisonous envy out of our free-enterprise system. By expanding the economic pie for all Americans via creative investments in science, schools, job training, character development, and other areas, American philanthropy has been crucial in fostering diligence and productivityand building the distinctive capitalism that separates us from other nations. Photo by philipimage/iStock News / Regional by Thobekile Zhou Bulawayo is a dead city and teachers are increasingly turned into panning for survival, Mines minister Walter Chidhakwa has declared.Speaking at the ongoing MineEntra Expo in Bulawayo, Chidhakwa said the city used to supply the mining sector with vast equipment.But that is no longer the case as the industry base has collapsed."Bulawayo was a industrial hub which was centred on supplying the mining industry but we lost that and the city died".A few years ago President Robert Mugabe described the city a scrapyard.However, Chidhakwa said the is struggling to tap into its vast mineral resources."Zimbabwe has an unhappy paradox of being rich in terms of minerals but realising little for it in terms of benefits."But the positive aspect of our mining sector is we have a rich geology and if supported by right policies it can take us far".He added that gold mining is now sustaining thousands of people as more have turned into panning including teachers."We have thousands of people who mine gold and some do so to augument meagre salaries they get from teaching".Teachers and other civil servants are still to be paid July salaries.Chidhakwa said once the economy stabilises the numbers of people currently into small scale mining " will go down and we will remain with the committed one and we can nurture those".Mine Entra 2016 expo runs until Friday in Bulawayo under the theme "Unearthing Opportunities".Mine Entra is Zimbabwe's biggest exhibition for the mining, engineering and transport sectors and their associated industries. Signs throughout the Republican National Convention hall this week announce You are being recordeda warning about the throngs of news cameras capturing every move. But the same signs could well appear all over downtown Cleveland, wherever RNC delegates and protesters roam. Dozens of unmanned cameras perched high on buildings, hotels, and billboards, trained on public and protest areas, are streaming non-stop footage not to a wall of TV monitors in a security center but to the control rooms at major broadcast networks including ABC and CNN. As usual, plenty of credentialed professional journalists are carrying cameras to record the action inside and outside Quicken Loans Arena for the RNC. But the widespread deployment of unmanned, unmarked cameras is unprecedented for convention coverage and raises a whole host of ethical issues. Networks reached by CJR say they are capitalizing on streaming technology to better capture stories and serve their audience. But some question whether broadcast media is crossing a line using unmarked camerasessentially hidden camerasto record people in public. What does it mean for privacy, and who could get access to the footage? Well employ web cameras that we put in strategic places around town, basically consumer devices, like a nanny cam, that gives us great access. Some media experts say in a time of shrinking budgets and affordable tech, installing webcams is a way to get the story while managing resources wisely. Others say to surreptitiously record the public at a protest is a slippery slope with unforeseen ramifications that could include escalating a tense situation if, for instance, protesters assume cameras are controlled by law enforcement. Sign up for CJR 's daily email ABCs control room staffers are watching footage from as many as eight webcams the network installed on private buildings and aimed at public locations, says Brian Kennedy, the networks vice president of global news gathering and operations planning. Well employ web cameras that we put in strategic places around town, basically consumer devices, like a nanny cam, that gives us great access, Kennedy says. For a couple hundred dollars, you have eyes and ears around town. The networks production team worked with businesses and individuals to install the webcams. Network staff wont necessarily be monitoring the feeds. They record 30 days at a time, Kennedy says. If they break or get lost, its not a high cost. Its potential high payoff with not very much investment. Weve been using this type of technology for a while now, he adds. The convention is a good use for it, because theres a lot of access. The idea is to plan ahead for potential news by setting up cameras in strategic locations. ABC deployed similar cameras in Ferguson while waiting for the decision on whether police officers would be indicted, and they plan to use the technique in Rio for the Olympics. Traditionally, broadcast media honors requests not to be filmed, like when videographers record B-roll footage of a day at the beach, says Dan Kennedy, a journalism professor at Northeastern University who runs the blog MediaNation (no relation to ABCs Kennedy). But when theres a small camera mounted to a building, how does someone request they not be recorded? The medias use of the equivalent of security cameras to cover news raises ethical issues we havent thought through, Kennedy says. With so many unmanned cameras recording the action around Cleveland by broadcast networks, there is no way to tell which cameras are recording to protect a private business, which were set by law enforcement, and which could provide fodder for the evening news. ABCs Kennedy says the cameras will not capture faces and are only filming in public places. Nothing will stream live without going through the editorial process, and the standards that editorial would put on it, says ABCs Kennedy, a tech guru known as an innovator in broadcasting who points out that the power of a satellite news truck can now be worn in a backpack or on a reporters hip. Were all mindful that were not looking to hide or catch anything. Were looking to cover a story. And a big story it is, logistically on the ground and in global reach. Sam Feist, CNNs Washington bureau chief, says that this RNC is the most technologically sophisticated setup weve ever done at a convention. CNN has dozens of cameras inside and outside the convention, says Feist, with hundreds of miles of cable to connect all the scenes and their studios to all their channels and stream to phones, computers, and TVs around the world. CNNs arsenal includes HDTV cameras, regular TV cameras, and cameras for streaming, unmanned and manned, stable and roving. Some are mounted on rooftops, and offer views of public locations. When it comes to protests, media have traditionally worn clothing or other gear that advertises their news outlet, or a bright vest that says press in extreme and potentially violent circumstances like war. They do that to protect themselves. Generally, people want their stories told and are unlikely to harm an obvious journalist. But when you dont know who is a journalist in those circumstances, or you dont know whose camera is watching, media watchdogs worry that an already volatile circumstance might get worse. With so many unmanned cameras recording the action around Cleveland by broadcast networks, there is no way to tell which cameras are recording to protect a private business, which were set by law enforcement, and which could provide fodder for the evening news. Placing cameras trained on public places around Cleveland is a continuation of whats been done in the past, says Vince Gonzales, professor of professional practice at USC-Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Gonzales says that there have been plenty of instances when news stations set up cameras along a protest route, and that many news organizations have access to closed-circuit footage from highway traffic cams. Theres also the so-called beauty shota staple of broadcasting that involves a live feed of a citys skyline or a landmark such as New York Citys Times Square. Most, if not all, of the major networks are using one in Cleveland (ABCs is mounted to a billboard, is weatherproof, and can keep itself on for a week), and CNN flew drones over the city prior to a no drone rule taking effect, so they are able to show that footage to viewers for location and spatial context. CJR also reached out to CBS, FOX and NBC to discuss their tech plans for the RNC, including unmanned or robotic cameras, but was unable to reach anyone willing to comment on the record. Gonzales notes that protests are in public, and designed to generate attention around an issue. You are there to have your issue talked about. Cameras will be there. After all, he says, a demonstration isnt a closed private meeting to which the media hasnt been invited. I dont think people realize how many cameras are out there, Gonzales adds. In a public space these days, you are being recorded. The majority of those cameras arent controlled by media. Producers are looking for an advantage, a new shot, and a fresh angle, says Bob Wheelock, an executive producer with more than 30 years experience in broadcast news, including for ABC, NBC, and Al Jazeera America. He also sees a disadvantage to the webcams: With a camera operator, you can tell them to move. If you have a fixed camera, and nothing happens, thats it. Meanwhile, citizens are moving around, capturing video and live tweeting, snapping, and streaming. Wheelock says so many protesters will be taking footage, the bulk of the coverage will come from protest participants themselves. What separates ABC from everyone out there with a phone? Brian Kennedy acknowledges the technology it is using is not that different, but the network expects its data infrastructure will deliver significantly higher speed and better quality than Facebook Live or Periscope. He also stresses nothing will go live from the networks webcams without being vetted by their editorial staffsetting the content apart from streams on social media. Installing cameras enables broadcast news divisions to capture protests without paying a body to be there, notes Nina Berman, associate professor at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. But Gonzales says that it might, in some cases, be safer for reporters. There are situations where crowds can turn on reporters, he says. Some news outlets train journalists to shoot with iPhones, so they blend in with the public and dont draw attention to themselves. Its the fine line between being open about what you are doing and getting the story in the safest way possible, Gonzales says. But Dan Kennedy cautions journalists might be heading down a road without thinking through the ramifications. Whether youre talking about a camera on the building or a drone, youre talking about people being recorded surreptitiously, he said. Its different than going in and shooting the protest and everyone can see what they are doing. Another concern: If there are mass arrests, there is a high likelihood that law enforcement will want any unbroadcast footage. The First Amendment does not automatically prevent media from having to comply with a subpoena, and ensuing litigation can get costly. There is no going back, Gonzales says. You dont want to be perceived as spying on someone. How do we use this for news gathering but not become the story ourselves? I dont want to say, we can photograph and do whatever we want, thats not it. Journalists, he says, need to develop new policies and ask themselves questions, such as Will we enflame the situation? Brian Kennedy is confident in ABCs strategy. Youre seeing the skyline. Youre seeing buildings. Youre seeing a peaceful demonstration. Often times, we have multiple views. Its not something where wed be crossing a line. Theres ample opportunity for editorial and standards process to make sure its up to ABC standards. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Valerie Vande Panne is an award-winning independent reporter traveling extensively throughout the United States. Her work has appeared in Bloomberg, Politico, and Reuters, among many other publications. She is the former editor in chief of Detroits alt-weekly, the Metro Times, and a former news editor of High Times magazine. valerievandepanne.com. @asktheduchess. Florida Governor Suspends Mayor After Insurance Fraud Charge Gov. Rick Scott has suspended from office the mayor of the central Florida city of Tavares after he was charged with insurance fraud. Scott issued the executive order on Thursday, one day after Mayor Robert Wolfe was arrested on the third-degree felony charge. Prosecutors say Wolfe filed false insurance claims for $9,300 regarding damage to his home, including a phony claim that he had to vacate the home during repairs. Wolfe turned himself in to the Lake County Jail Wednesday night and was later released on bail. Court records dont indicate whether he has hired an attorney and Wolfe did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Wolfe has been mayor of Tavares since 2009. Judge Orders Washington Woman to Repay Nearly $25,000 in Workers Comp Scam A Federal Way, Wash., woman who worked full time as a nanny while claiming she was too disabled to work pleaded guilty Monday to felony theft. Yurizan Cuevas was ordered to repay the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) $24,847, the amount she received in wage-replacement payments over a period of almost two years. King County Superior Court Judge Bruce Heller also sentenced Cuevas to 20 days in jail, which was converted to 160 hours of community service. Cuevas was a baker and cashier at a cafe in the White Center neighborhood of Seattle when it was robbed in November 2010. While running from the robber, she hit a wall and injured her back. Health care providers verified Cuevas couldnt work because of injuries from the incident, allowing her to receive wage-replacement payments from L&I. An L&I investigation later found that Cuevas worked as a nanny for nearly two years while stating on official forms that she was unable to work because of her injuries. Workers compensation is intended to help employees heal from on-the-job injuries so they can return to work, said Annette Taylor, deputy assistant director in L&Is Fraud Prevention & Labor Standards. People like Ms. Cuevas who try to game the system are cheating their employers and fellow employees. Cuevas, whos also known as Yurizan Cuevas Nava, pleaded guilty at the hearing this week to second-degree theft. The Washington Attorney Generals Office prosecuted the case based on an L&I investigation. The Associated Press contributed content. A Texas lawyer and six co-defendants are now facing a reduced indictment of 73 charges, instead of 95, at federal trial on accusations that they faked more than 40,000 damage claims after the BP oil spill in 2010. Online court records show that prosecutors dropped 22 counts of identity document fraud before jury selection began Monday in Gulfport, Mississippi, in the case involving litigation arising from the 2010 spill in the Gulf of Mexico. U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr. had said earlier that the charges that were dropped appeared to be the same alleged offenses as the indictments 22 counts of aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors said attorney Mikal Watts of San Antonio, Texas, two non-attorney members of his law firm and four contract field workers invented victims or used real peoples names without permission to land Watts a spot on the lucrative BP litigation steering committee and inflate legal fees he might collect. The judge has said trial is expected to take six to 10 weeks. He planned a short first day in court for the 70 to 80 prospective jurors. They were being asked to fill out a questionnaire and then take the rest of the day off while government and defense lawyers reviewed the questionnaires in hopes of whittling down the pool of candidates as quickly as possible. Prosecutors wanted to begin questioning prospective jurors Monday, but Guirola said he thought theyd need more time. The questioning called voir dire is set to begin Tuesday, the judge said. Watts, an attorney who has earned millions suing corporations over client injuries, has pleaded innocent along with the others. The co-defendants are his brother David Watts as well as Wynter Lee, both of whom worked in his law firm; and BP claim field representatives Hector Eloy Guerra of Weslaco, Texas; Gregory Warren of Lafayette, Louisiana; and Thi Houng Le and her sister-in-law, Thi Hoang Nguyen, both of Grand Bay, Alabama. The indictment alleges that the contractors were paid more than $10 million to get names and other information about clients for the BP litigation. They allegedly used many names and Social Security numbers without authorization and Lee allegedly filled out a form listing a dog as a deckhand, according to the indictment. Watts inflated numbers prompted BP PLC to agree to pay $2.3 billion to shrimpers, fishermen and others who lost money in the seafood business because of the oil spill, and fraudulently increased the settlement amount and inflated the amount of compensation due to legitimate plaintiffs, the 56-page indictment alleged. It also says Watts used the numbers to win a seat on the committee of lawyers that negotiated that settlement in 2012, making him eligible for money over and above any money he might make on attorney fees. Watts resigned from the steering committee during the federal investigation. BP made similar allegations in a lawsuit filed in 2013 against Watts and his San Antonio law firm. Its on hold until the criminal case is over. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. John Belnap would have experienced a black hole of darkness within moments after taking off from Brookings, Ore., on the moonless night of July 4, when his Cessna 172 crashed into the Pacific Ocean. The relatively inexperienced pilot from Grants Pass had some instrument training, but two veteran pilots with more than 75 years of experience between them doubt his ability to navigate safely in those conditions. They believe its almost certain that Belnap, licensed to fly since 2014, experienced whats called spatial disorientation, the same condition that caused John F. Kennedy Jr. to spiral into the Atlantic off the coast of Marthas Vineyard, Mass., exactly 17 years ago today. As soon as he got offshore, hes looking at a black hole, said Robert Katz of Dallas, Texas, a flight instructor and 35-year pilot who tracks plane crashes across the nation. He contacted the Daily Courier after reading of the Belnap crash. No useful horizon at all. You dont see a thing. There is no doubt in my mind this pilot became spatially disoriented. Belnap, 46, his son Max, 17, and friend Ryan Merker, 17, are presumed dead. The Belnap family, including wife Cheryl and three other children, had met John Belnap for Fourth of July festivities in Brookings. Aside from personal effects and the nose wheel of the plane, the main wreckage has yet to be found from the crash, approximately a half-mile from shore at Lone Ranch Beach northwest of Brookings. Once the wreckage is found, the National Transportation Safety Board will attempt to determine an official cause. One of the few clues of the doomed flight came from a resident above Highway 101. Debra Itzen of Brookings was tending to her horses when she saw the plane go right over her house at 11:15 p.m., only about 150 feet off the ground, headed for the ocean. She likely heard the crash off in the distance, but unable to see anything, she dismissed a crunching sound she heard to Fourth of July fireworks and didnt learn of the crash until the next day. Itzen said the Cessna flew low and slow, but with no signs the engine was straining, sputtering or stalling. Chances are Belnap was straining to figure out up from down by then. Spatial disorientation, commonly called vertigo, causes people to lose their bearings. Its a conflict in the brain between what the eyes see and what the body feels. You get it as soon as you lose your horizon, Katz said. You suddenly realize, I dont know what direction Im facing. I dont know if Im going up or down, turning right or left, said Larry Graves, Josephine County airports manager and lifelong pilot. Its a fact, you cant tell where that airplane is going unless youre trained and have recent experience flying the plane on the instruments. Belnap did have some instrument training. Anyone with a pilots license, even at the visual flight rules level that Belnap was at, has to get three hours of training solely on the instruments. He also had a smartphone application called ForeFlight with GPS, with some of the same capabilities as the standard six-pack of instruments on Cessna air speed, attitude indicator, altitude, vertical speed, heading and turn coordination. Jonathan Jenson, a fellow nurse anesthetist at Asante Three Rivers Medical Center who co-owned the Cessna with Belnap, said his friend was conscientious and safety minded. Belnap was well aware of the dangers, having lost his father and two younger siblings in a small plane crash in Arizona in 1982. He and I had those conversations many times, you have to learn to trust the instruments, Jenson said. My guess is he would have done that. When you find yourself in instrument conditions, you turn and rely on the instruments. Katz and Graves believe no matter the trust, and knowledge of the instruments, Belnap was a long shot in those conditions to keep the plane in the air. It takes 450 hours of instrument time to even qualify to take the test to be instrument-certified, Katz said. Three hours is just enough time combined with an iPad to fool a pilot into thinking he can handle this scenario, Katz said. Instructors fail to demonstrate to students the reality of just how fast the situation will deteriorate because (they feel like) it is unpleasant for the student to experience. Graves said with no recent instrument experience or training, spatial disorientation can quickly cause a life-or-death situation. Its a very difficult and challenging thing to do, especially if it catches you off guard, he said. Graves said he wouldnt have made the flight from Brookings to Grants Pass that night, and Ive been flying for 40 years. I avoid those situations when I can. Making a turn over the ocean while gaining the required altitude to clear mountains later in the flight would have made the task even tougher, he said. One of the most difficult things to do under instrument conditions is to maintain a constant turn rate, Graves said.. You have to suspend your disbelief. You have to disregard what your brain is telling you and focus on the instrument panel. Belnap had flown at night before, Jenson said. He flew to Salinas, Calif., every month for work as a nurse anesthetist, often landing at night, but in a heavily populated, well-lit area. Hours before the crash, Belnap talked to Jenson about not making the flight if weather conditions were poor, but they didnt talk about darkness. The fact that it was a new moon made this one challenging, Jenson said in retrospect. Whether that had anything to do with it, we may never know. I still think the plane was mechanically sound. Ive been over it and over it. Katz said spatial disorientation would have been a problem on the entire flight path to Grants Pass, which is mostly mountainous wilderness. To add more context, Graves said flying just from Cave Junction to Grants Pass at night is a total instrument-only flight, and you cant fly it successfully looking for visual references. For Katz, its a classic example of overconfidence in an ability to fly, an especially challenging endeavor. In an airplane, what you see and feel is in conflict. Flying an airplane is like balancing on the head of a pin. Human beings do not have the natural capacity to maintain a physical sense of balance without a stable visual reference either the natural horizon or an artificial horizon via the attitude indicator, Katz said. He said spatial disorientation probably happened extremely quickly to Belnap. This totally preventable scenario has occurred so many times throughout history that the NTSB has the investigation process down to a science, Katz said. The circumstances are almost identical to the JFK Jr. incident. I study these incidents every day. Pilots are not learning from the mistakes of others. Opinion / Columnist In the epic 1986 TV mini-series Shaka Zulu Doctor Henry Fynn (Robert Powell) treats a young woman whom the village medicine man had pronounced dead back to health. The black natives were dually impressed by what they saw as the white man's magical powers. A myth Lt. Francis Farewell (Edward Fox), leading the expedition, was quick to encourage and to exploit for selfish gain. It was easy for an "unscrupulous" man to turn himself into a God in Africa, remarked Dr. Fynn.The movie was talking of the Africa of Shaka kaSenzangakhona of the early 1800s, over 200 years ago now, and yet Dr. Fynn's warning of unscrupulous mortals who would want to pro-claim themselves Gods is still ringing true to this day.Indeed many of our corrupt and incompetent leaders are the hand of the Almighty in their birth and appointment to high office to justify why they must remain in their high office. After all if the Almighty did indeed anoint and appointed them leader, it is not for mere mortals to remove them from office. What God has anointed is no for mortals to bring down in the name of demo-cratic accountability.Some of the claims to divine interventions to escape the rigorous consequences of free, fair and credible democratic votes span the whole spectrum ranging from being hilariously pathetic to blasphemy."We're donating these chicks because we want to economically empower our communities through this income-generating project. I'm not expecting to get a commission or tithe from you because I'm not God, but an angel who was just sent to deliver the goods," VP Mhpoko told his listeners recently.Ever since his appointment as VP in December 2014, here is a man who clearly believed that he had been transformed from an ordinary mortal to someone truly special; an angel. One of the burning issues with him has been his stubborn refusal to move out of the five-star hotel where he has remained holed up ever since at great expense to the nation who pays the bill. He has reportedly refused several houses offered to him because they were not good enough for someone of his position and standing!VP Mhpoko cannot be an angel of the same God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob most of us know of because He has never ever approved the abuse of power by all those he chose to be His messengers. Never ever! And I am cock sure He would never approve the squandering of over $600 a day for over a year and half now in country were hundreds of new born babies across the country are dying every week for lack of something as basic as an incubator. What man of God would allow that to happen in his name!?Richard Morgan Tsvangirai had his transformative day on 11 February 2009 when he took his oath of office to be Prime Minister of the Republic of Zimbabwe; he seized to be a mere mortal like you and me to join the select few touched by the finger of God!"God has created me for a purpose and if that purpose is not to be president of the country, that's fine," Tsvangirai told his supporters recently."I have fulfilled what I think I was created to do and I am doing it to the best of my ability."The single most important task he and his fellow MDC friends were set to do during their days in the GNU was to implement a raft of democratic reforms to ensure Zimbabwe's next elections are free, fair and credible. SADC leaders did their best to remind Tsvangirai of this key task but he completely ignored them. No doubt he considered himself so special he could not demean himself by listening to mere mortals even those holding comparable high office in their own right.SADC leaders abandoned the arrogant Tsvangirai and his corrupt and incompetent MDC friends soon after Mugabe blatantly rigged the country's July 2013 elections. MDC leaders "were too busy enjoying themselves being in the GNU they forgot why they were there!" charged the irate SADC Leaders.Tsvangirai has changed the MDC's constitution to extend his stay as leader of the party in line with his thinking as the one chosen by God to lead. Democratic constitution and free vote can-not be allowed to interfere in with God's master plan!The waste case of unscrupulous human arrogance shamelessly and shamefully pedaled as the decree from the heavens is that of Mugabe. Whilst the tyrant has confined himself to the decla-ration that he would rule Zimbabwe until the Lord says "Come!" The tyrant has rigged elections using all manner of dirty tricks from vote buying to using brute force including cold blooded murdered to ensure he remained in power for life.Mugabe has sworn time and time again that he has always held free and fair elections and yet has shameless promoted his no-regime-change mantra oblivious that this is an oxymoron. No doubt, as the one chosen by God to do His will, the tyrant must feel he must have special dis-pensation to be totally irrational and yet still be judged not just rational and but even godly.Mugabe's Zanu PF cronies and minions have showered the tyrant with praise with the late Mbare Zanu PF MP calling Mugabe "the second son of God!" His wife Grace, fearful of losing her First Lady privileged extravagant lifestyle if he should stop being State President has postu-lated that he will rule "from behind the grave". Whether she meant by this that he will perform the miracle of the prophet Jonah or Jesus Christ Himself and rise from the dead, she did not say.Power is the most potent hallucinogen there is, get a whiff of it and you immediately start to be-lieve that there is absolutely nothing you cannot do. Nothing! Secure absolute power and you really see you see as an infallible demigod whose very mortality is causing consternation and regret on earth and high heavens alike.The central tenet of a healthy, functional and successful democratic government the only sys-tem of government that has delivered freedom, justice, peace and prosperity to the greatest number of people in a society or nation consistently for the longest period in human history is that no one, absolutely no one, must ever be allowed to exercise power without constrains. Power must be shared so there are always checks and balance to prevent power being abused.It is now over 2 500 years since the Greeks adopted democracy as a system of stable and just government other nations, the world over, have adopted the same system of government ,fine tuning it to meet their needs, and prospered. We in Africa and in Zimbabwe in particular have failed to come to embrace democracy or come up with a system that works and hence have remained bogged down in the world unscrupulous heretics who abuse high office to make the demigod whom no mortal can hold to account.VP Mphoko, Morgan Tsvangirai, Robert Mugabe and all the other leaders who have behaved and/or continue behave as if they are God's anointed whom we mere mortals cannot hold to account, have done so only because our democratic institutions have been to weak and feeble to stop them abusing their position and power. We need to overhaul our system of governance to ensure power is never again exercised by anyone without proper checks and balance. CLEVELAND, Ohio - An international real estate developer wants to buy one of the last vacant strips of Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland, adding a new and potentially interesting wrinkle to the tortured saga of the John Hartness Brown Building. A Wednesday legal filing showed that Alto Partners has offered to pay $9.1 million for the complex, which is the subject of a messy foreclosure case and receivership in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. The filing includes a purchase agreement signed by Yusuf Sarimsakci, the managing partner of Alto, a privately held company that appears to be based in Turkey, with offices in Kazakhstan, Russia, Iraq and the United States. Now a court-appointed receiver in charge of the troubled property is seeking a judge's permission to sell it to Alto, in a transaction set to close by Oct. 31. That deal hinges not only on the judge's approval but also on keeping valuable state historic-preservation tax credits to revamp the building. And the proposal is likely to meet with pushback from the current owner, a development group that still has visions of turning the complex into a Le Meridien hotel. Steve Goodman, the California businessman who leads the current ownership group, declined to comment Wednesday evening. Court records indicate that his team hasn't given up on plans for a 206-room hotel with a restaurant and a rooftop lounge. But the building has been dormant since August, when a New York lender initiated the foreclosure case based on a decade-old mortgage carrying more than $8 million in unpaid principal, interest and fees. With all eyes on Cleveland this week for the Republican National Convention, the John Hartness Brown property is an unmissable blemish stretching from 1001-1101 Euclid Ave. It's one of the dilapidated buildings that the local convention host committee decorated with banners and window decals before a horde of journalists and delegates descended on the city. "I'm obviously going to advocate for the new buyer," said Mark Dottore, the receiver responsible for preserving the value of the property during litigation. "Because I've dealt with Mr. Goodman and his investors and his people, and I've been open to them. And I've tried. But they're always going to execute - and they never seem to execute." Dottore said Alto's plans for the complex involve retail, parking and residential uses upstairs. Nobody answered the phone late Wednesday at Alto's offices in San Francisco and Dallas, and Sarimsakci couldn't be reached for comment. In a Thursday morning email, Michael Sabracos, Alto's chief executive officer of U.S. operations, wrote that the company can't say much yet. "Unfortunately, at this point in the process, while the building is still in the court systems, we are limited as to what information we can share with you," he wrote. "What we can tell you is that Alto Partners is very excited with the mixed-use historic renovation opportunity at the JHB building. We look forward to bringing the building back to life and enhancing the already thriving downtown Cleveland area." Early this year, Dottore hired Hanna Commercial Real Estate to market the building to potential buyers. Bids were due in late May. Just before the bid deadline, Goodman's group told the court that they'd found a new lender, based in Texas, to fill a critical funding gap. With the new loan in hand, the Le Meridian redevelopment could move forward. Everyone would get paid. And the litigation could end. But there's no record, yet, of a new loan in public real estate filings. Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the parent company of the Le Meridien brand, no longer includes the Cleveland project on a list of forthcoming hotels on its website. During the last two months, Dottore and Hanna Commercial vetted buyers and picked Alto from the pack. "It was a good process, and the marketing was well received," said David Wagner, a principal and managing director at Hanna Commercial. He wouldn't comment further. The choice between the Le Meridien team and this new suitor will come down to Judge Brendan Sheehan. Even if the judge approves a sale to Alto, Goodman's group will have a brief redemption period, a window when they can reclaim the property if they come up with enough cash. Wednesday's court filing shows that Alto has the ability to back out of a purchase if the state rescinds or refuses to transfer preservation tax credits awarded to the building years ago. The Ohio Development Services Agency has granted several extensions on the credits, an $11 million allocation that's more than twice what the project could win today if the developers had to reapply. Those credits don't flow to a property owner until a project is done. The current extension period ends Oct. 1, a spokeswoman for the development services agency wrote in a Thursday email. To transfer the credits, the agency would need to approve a written amendment to the project's application. So far, the state hasn't received such an amendment request, the spokeswoman said. Alto's purchase agreement shows that the buyer sees plenty of value in the complex as a historic-rehabilitation deal. The document attributes $5 million of the proposed $9.1 million purchase price to the building and assigns the rest of the money - $4.1 million - to preservation work, including clean-up and demolition, that is already complete. The Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office estimates that the real estate is worth only $2.5 million. Flagpole activist sentencing Jacqueline Zapeda faces Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Ronald B. Adrine during her Wednesday morning sentencing. Zapeda was one of three women arrested early Tuesday after scaling a flagpole outside the Rock Hall to hang a banner as part of an RNC protest. (Jane Morice, cleveland.com) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Three activists who hanged a banner on the flagpoles outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame entered no-contest pleas and were sentenced Wednesday. Elizabeth Paulson, Sharon Spencer and Jacqueline Zapeda were held in city jail for about nine hours Tuesday before being released on bond. During their arraignment, the prosecutor made deals with the women's attorneys and reduced their charges to one count each of disorderly conduct. Each woman entered their pleas and Cuyahoga County Municipal Court Judge Ronald B. Adrine fined them $75 and ordered them to pay court costs. The activists were three of five people who showed up at the Rock Hall about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday to hang a banner calling for an end to fracking in low-income communities. Spencer and Zapeda scaled the poles while Paulson acted as a lookout and police liaison. If you'd like to comment on this post, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- U.S. Marshals on Wednesday arrested a Cleveland rape suspect as he was trying to leave the state, officials said. The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Andre S. Avent Jr. in Toledo, the task force said in a news release. Avent, 26, is charged with rape, kidnapping and gross sexual imposition in an incident that happened March 25, 2014, according to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court records. The Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office obtained a warrant for his arrest after he was indicted March 5, 2015, records show. Avent is also accused of severely burning a 2-year-old child with an unknown object on July 9, 2016 in Cleveland. He is charged with felonious assault in the incident, according to Cleveland Municipal Court records. The task force this week received information Avent was attempting to flee Cleveland. Tipsters helped the task force capture him Wednesday afternoon on North Michigan Street in Toledo. "Without the diligent assistance by members of our community this arrest would not have been possible," U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott said in a statement. "We are thankful for those who take the time to call in tips to our tip line. Those calls are what lead to this fugitive's arrest." Avent is in custody at the Lucas County Jail but will soon be transferred to Cleveland. IMG_0013.JPG At American Legion Post 7 in Wickliffe, from left, Joe Oboczky, 92, Nicholas Catanese, 84, and Pat Delsuyd, 82. (Phillip Morris / The Plain Dealer) Joe Oboczky, 92, was the oldest of three Army veterans I met Tuesday at an American Legion Post in Wickliffe. He insisted on starting an interview with a politically incorrect joke. So, a guy walks into an unfamiliar bar and asks the bartender to send everyone a drink, except a man sitting at the end who he assumed to be Jewish. After the round is delivered, the man who was deliberately excluded waved and yelled "Thanks!," which annoyed the new customer. Several minutes later, the new guy orders another round of drinks for the bar with the same instructions. When the round is served, the excluded customer smiles and again waves thanks from the end of the counter. The pattern is repeated several more times before the new customer pays his tab and gets up to leave. On the way out, he pauses and asks the server why the man on the end acknowledged every round even though he was intentionally snubbed. The bartender smiled and replied: "That man owns the joint." Oboczky (his friends call him Joe O) is a World War II veteran. He has been telling that joke for years. He said he likes it for a simple reason: "People can be stupid. They divide themselves for the silliest reasons. Why do you judge a book by its cover!" he asked rhetorically. His friends both nodded in agreement. Nicholas Catanese, 84, and Pat Delsuyd, 82, both Korean War veterans who graduated from Cleveland Collinwood High school, share their friend's sense of humor. They also share his concern about the direction the country is headed and what they see as a general lack of economic opportunities for emerging generations. They're not convinced America is getting better. They've each watched the Republican National Convention without being swayed one way or another. Retired union men to the core, each acknowledged normally voting the Democratic Party line. This year, however, both presidential candidates underwhelm them. They say they're still waiting to hear convincing arguments how either nominee plans to put more Americans to work. "Trump is good at firing people. We know that. He's good at suing people. We know that. But we don't know whether he's really any good at putting people to work," said Delsuyd, who spent more than 50 years working in the railroad industry. "I do like the fact that he chose Pence as his running mate. That might put him over the top with me," he added. Lake County, where America Legion Post 7 is located, is populated with union workers. Its electorate can go either way in the voting booth. In 2012, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney edged incumbent Barack Obama by less than 1 percent of the Lake County vote. Historical trends have shown Ohio and Northeast Ohio in particular are generally important in determining who will be president. The veterans in Post 7 this week remained conflicted. With the election less than 120 days away, they acknowledged that they're not 100 percent certain how they will vote. "I'm watching Trump, but I'm not sure he's the man that he says he is," said Catanese, a retired carpenter. "When Hillary's husband was president, Americans were working. I'm not sure Trump will get rid of all of the cheap imports we're getting over here -- all of the junk from China. Doesn't he (Trump) have factories oversees? "But, what would Hillary do about the deficit? " Catanese added, indicating his distaste for both candidates. When Joe O was informed that the theme of the Republican National Convention on Thursday is "Make America One Again," he steered the conversation away from the economy and back to social issues confronting America. "I like that theme, but does it mean anything?" he asked me. "Look at me! I'm not a white American. Look at you! You're not a black American. Look at the Indians! They're not red Americans. Look at the Asians! They're not yellow Americans. We're all Americans!" he said. "Why is that so tough to figure out?" he asked. Joe O and his pals come from an era when plain speaking was the norm. Theirs is a generation -- sometimes referred to as the Greatest Generation -- intimately involved with the American Dream. They worked to re-establish it after the Great Depression. They fought to save it from fascism in the 1940s and communism in the 1950s. They saw it come true in their own lives and they thought they had secured it for generations to come. Now, they are concerned by a relentless focus on what divides rather than connects us as citizens of the United States. They're worried about the hordes of Americans who walk through life placing drink orders based on stereotypes, prejudices and hatred. They are also worried about the people who now profess to lead. By day, Jim Miraldi wields a gavel at the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas. On the side, he wields a guitar at an Avon Lake barn called Barnegie Hall and helps raise money for Music on a Mission. Cleveland creds: lifelong resident of Lorain Age: 65 Schooling: Lorain High, Wooster, Duke Law Family: wife, Karen; two children Favorite locally owned restaurants: Nemos, Jackalope, Diso's, Istanbul, Taki's, Cafe Melissa's, all in Lorain County. What's Music on a Mission? Jim: It's basically to provide live music to enrich people's lives in Lorain and Cuyahoga counties. We work in the dementia ward of the VA hospital and a couple of aftercare programs for children in Elyria with significant disabilities. Teachers can't believe the social skills the children are developing because of the way music seems to touch them. Some of the kids nestle up to teachers or lay their ear against the guitar to feel the vibrations. We also teach dance to adults with developmental disabilities out at the Murray Ridge Center in Elyria. What's Barnegie Hall? Jim: It's a way to help provide a source of funding for Music on a Mission and to create a place where musicians could come and actually be heard. People bring their own food and drink and, when the music starts, they stop and listen. We don't blast them out. It's a great, safe environment where the performers are appreciated. It's got a nice, laid-back personality. People feel they've left their troubles behind. How'd Barnegie Hall come about? Jim: I ran into Marilyn Zeidner. I was two years ahead of her at Lorain High. I knew she ran Genesis House, the battered women's shelter, and booked bands for local bars. She said she'd started Music on a Mission and they were going to have a fundraiser at her house in Avon Lake. I was playing music on the side with Dale Pincura, my buddy from Lorain High, and Melinda Brunner, a principal in the Olmsted Falls schools. I asked Marilyn if we could be the warmup act. We maybe raised $150 and had a great time. I saw this barn at her place. We were mulling over how cool a venue this could be. We started cleaning it out and built a stage and a dressing room. It took a year and a half. We were concerned the neighbors might think we were going to be shaking windows at all hours. We let them know we'd be doing concerts on Sunday afternoons probably not beyond 9:30 p.m., and there wouldn't be more than, 20 events per year. We opened in 2009. Then city issued a cease and desist order. We had to hire an attorney. It took a couple years before we were allowed to reopen. It was originally called Barn Full of Tunes. Then a fellow wrote a song called "Barnegie Hall." I asked if we could use the name, and his people? said, "Have at it." The city asked us not to advertise. We can use social media, but we don't have any signs. We don't want signs. It's a private concert series. We invite friends by email and word of mouth. To get on our email list, go to our website [musicmissioninc.com]. How big's your audience? Jim: We hold about 100 people. In good weather, we can open the deck. Who plays there? Jim: We have some local bands like mine. We've also had Jimmy Hall from Nashville, a Grammy nominee; Terry Kitchen's Swing City Big Band; Sweetback Sisters, a national act; Tony Arata, from the Country Music Hall of Fame; Mingo Fishtrap, a great soul band from Texas. Often the musicians will stay at my house. Tell us about your legal career. Jim: I came home from Duke Law School to go into practice with my dad. It was mainly personal injury law on behalf of the injured parties and sometimes insurance companies. I ran for Common Pleas as a Democrat in 2006 and again in 2012. I was unopposed both times in the primary and the general election. I had one of the first Lorain gang cases, a killing at a bar. There was a guilty verdict. A number of other defendants pled. How about your musical career? Jim: My mom taught me to play piano. At North Minster Presbyterian, the leader of a youth group played folk guitar. I started noodling around. Greg Moore, who's played at the barn, was my first teacher. In high school, Dale and I started a band called The Song. We did a concert at the school. We had about 1,000 people for our first show. We did a little TV performance for Alice Weston, who had a local show on WUAB-Channel 43. In college, I had a band that traveled to student unions in about six, seven different states. We made recordings and got into studios in New York, but they weren't overly impressed. After law school, once in a while we'd get together and play. I built a little recording studio. Musicians would come out and record. I spent time writing and arranging and recording songs. I wrote and sang a jingle for WZLE-FM. How do the court and chords compare? Jim: The work for Music on a Mission and Barnegie Hall is a break from seeing so much of the sad and ugly side of crime. Music is healing for those in our outreach programs and those of us who perform or provide the venue. Barnegie Hall helps unlock the beauty in all of us and the creative potential to connect with one another through music. For more information, see musicmissioninc.com. This story has been updated to correct the location of Barnegie Hall, which is in Avon Lake. BELLEFONTAINE NEIGHBORS, Missouri -- A 13-year-old girl is accused of shooting and critically wounding an elderly couple who had caught her attempting to shoplift from their beauty supply store earlier in the day. Police tell the St. Louis Post-Dispatch the girl surrendered at the St. Louis County Police Department's North County precinct late Wednesday morning. The shooting occurred Tuesday. According to kmov.com, the two unidentified victims, both in their 70s, caught the 13-year-old girl and a friend attempting to steal some items from the store. The couple, who are Korean and don't speak much English, kicked the two juveniles out but did not report the incident to police. The Post-Dispatch reports the girls returned later and the couple called police. Officers arrested one of the girls on an outstanding juvenile warrant, but the other girl was released with a formal warning. The couple and the store's owner, their daughter, again declined to press charges. "The shop stewards that were there were kind enough to not press charges saying the crime was in their eyes petty giving that person a second chance essentially," Police Chief Jeremy Ihler tells kmov.com. But police say the 13-year-old returned around 4 p.m. and shot both the man and woman. Both are in critical condition with wounds to the torso. A witness reportedly saw the teen run out of the store with a weapon in her hand. The girl has not yet been formally charged. The gun has not been recovered. A gofundme page has been established to help the couple. "They have had a lot of hardships in the past," family friend Joo Lim tells the Post-Dispatch. "They're very sweet people who didn't deserve this." If you want to discuss or comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments section. gavel.jpg A man and woman in Massachusetts were convicted of rape in an attack that was shown on the social app Snapchat. (File photo) SALEM, Massachusetts -- A man and woman were convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl, an attack that was recorded and shared on the social media app Snapchat. Rashad Deihim, 21, and Kailyn Bonia, 20, were found guilty of assault to rape, indecent assault and battery, and kidnapping by a jury after about a day of deliberations, the Boston Globe reports. The person who took the video of the assault, Timothy Cyckowski, has already pleaded guilty, boston.cbslocal.com reports. According to the Globe, Sydnee Enos, 18, saw the video of the assault on Snapchat in September 2014 and recognized the victim and her assailants. Enos said during the trial she contacted Cyckowski to find out where he was during the recording. Enos' father called police, who found the victim in a wooded area, half-naked. The mother of the victim praised Enos for helping her daughter. "Sydnee is amazing. . . . If it wasn't for her, let me tell you something, I don't think they would have found my kid," she said. "She saved my daughter's life." Deihim and Bonia are scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 6, the Associated Press reports. Pence RNC 2.png Indiana Governor Mike Pence introduces himself at the Republican National Convention. (C-SPAN) CLEVELAND, Ohio - Indiana Governor Mike Pence painted himself as a tax-cutter at the Republican National Convention Wednesday night who has also created jobs in his state. Here's what he said: "While the nation suffers under the weight of $19 trillion in the national debt, we in Indiana have a $2 billion surplus, the highest credit rating in the nation even though we've cut taxes every year since I became governor four years ago. We have fewer state employees than when I took office and businesses large and small have created nearly 150,000 new jobs; and there are more Hoosiers going to work than ever before. That's what you can do with common sense Republican leadership. Plain Dealer fact check: True The numbers Pence gave in his speech check out, according to other published reports. They give a simplified look at his time in office that is accurate, at least in broad terms, though his quick account skips over many nuances that are sure to be examined in detail between now and November. Pence and Republican nominee Donald Trump had pointed to many of Pence's economic accomplishments when Trump named him as his running mate July 16. The FactCheck.org website took issue with Trump "overselling" the uniqueness of Indiana's gains, but took no issue with the numbers. PBS News Hour has also reported that Pence's economic record is a complicated one. Other publications and websites confirm other details. The Indianapolis Star has reported that the state has a budget surplus well over $2 billion. The "highest credit rating in the nation" refers to the state's AAA bond rating - a rating Indiana had even before Pence took office. Several other states also have that rating, according to FactCheck.org and others. The 150,000 new jobs - actually 147,000 - was accurate, though FactCheck.org noted that Indiana's job growth rate was lower than 20 states. Pence is a noted tax cutter, who has trimmed the state's already-low income tax rate while also cutting business taxes. See details at this report from the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution. Politifact confirmed Pence's claim that more people are working in Indiana than ever before, though it noted that the percentage of people working has been higher in the past. And the Indianapolis Star confirmed that Indiana has fewer state employees than when Pence took office. Click here for their look at Pence's claims. Click here to see more fact check reports from the RNC. Opinion / Columnist The 2005 split that scuppered the regime change progress in Zimbabwe which by that time appeared imminent was as a result of unconstitutional moves by Morgan Tsvangirai who thought that was going to end Professor Welshman Ncube's political career.The historic unconstitutional appointment of 3 vice Presidents is a very sad development in the history of opposition politics in Zimbabwe and that will go down memory lane as a successful CIO initiative in its quest destroy Morgan Tsvangirai and the MDC-T.It is surprising in our public view to see Tsvangirai elevating Nelson Chamisa who lost the secretary general's post to Douglas Mwonzora a move that will force Mwonzora to salute Chamisa.It is well known within the MDC-T that it is Nelson Chamisa's company that distributes Robert Mugabe's Gushungo milk products.It is again known that Chamisa is popularly known as Cobra because of his sellout behaviour.Nelson Chamisa is a wrong candidate for Vice Presidency considering his new colours as a CIO agent.Some of us have lost confidence in Chamisa and Morgan Tsvangirai himself because of their bungling and suspicious moves.The Mdct is facing a catastrophic fragmentation because of its costly strategies that will never be found in a democratic organisation.Morgan Tsvangirai is the most undemocratic leader to trust in the event of political parties coming together to form a coalition.A coalition under the leadership of Morgan Tsvangirai or Joice Mujuru will not work hence the need to organise ourselves earlier for the big war.The late Gibson Sibanda and Professor Welshman Ncube are now vindicated.The unconstitutional action by Morgan Tsvangirai will grind the Mdc-t to dust.The reason why some of us will stand by Welshman Ncube wherever a leader is required is his respect for the party and national constitution.He has mentored some of us in a big way though in a tough environment he can do the unexpected of him.It is his principles and respect for his supporters that has kept him this far.MDC-T is politically dead and rotten.We have seen numbers at Tsvangirai rallies and marches and heavy loses during elections meaning that they shall continue to boast of having the numbers but not winning elections.It is reliably understood that the appointment of Chamisa and Mudzuri was unconstitutional.Douglas Mwonzora beat Nelson Chamisa at the last elective congress but today Chamisa emerged as a boss to Mwonzora and Thokozani Khupe's power has been diluted.The mdc-t is not different from Zanu-PF and its too rotten to follow.Morgan Tsvangirai is known for violating his party's constitution a move that has seen the party exploding into pieces.Today we mourn the unexpected death of democracy in the MDC-T and mourn the departure of Professor Welshman Ncube. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Only two of the 18 people arrested Wednesday during a demonstration related to the Republican National Convention gave Ohio addresses - Steven Fridley of Poland, Ohio, and Dominique Knox of Cleveland Heights. Fridley, 23, is accused of failure to disperse, aggravated disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Knox, age unknown, is charged with assault on a peace officer, obstructing official business and resisting arrest. Names and addresses released by the city Thursday show another of the arrested demonstrators is from Australia and that others arrived here from across the nation - New York, Chicago, San Francisco. All were arrested following a flag-burning demonstration organized by the Revolutionary Communist Party. The demonstration was led by Gregory Johnson, who was at the center of a 1989 Supreme Court ruling that established flag-burning as protected speech under the First Amendment. Kautman-Jones endorses Davis Please support Meredith Davis in her re-election to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners - 8th District. I have had... Writer recommend Delor, Jones for GB school board I have met heard April Delor and Patricia Jones for the Grand Blanc School Board. They both have many years... Chairman Matt Smith reminds you to vote It is important that the voters of Genesee County show up and cast their ballot on Tuesday, November 8th, 2022.... CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Speakers like former presidential hopeful Ted Cruz and vice president candidate Mike Pence stepped into the Republican National Convention spotlight Wednesday evening, but it was all about what was going on in the streets of Cleveland. Here are highlights from Day 3: Pants on fire Protesters crowded the streets again Wednesday, with the demonstrations continuing to be predominantly peaceful. However, tensions boiled over when somebody attempted to set an American flag on fire. The protester, in lighting the flag, also caught his pants on fire. Cleveland police chief joins prayer circle Cleveland police chief Calvin Williams joined a short prayer with protesters from Dallas in the afternoon. Joseph Offutt, a Black Lives Matter organizer, said the prayer showed people with different beliefs can come together to work on issues. Plane interrupts Cruz speech Before Cruz got booed offstage for his speech at the convention Wednesday night, there was another awkward moment. When Cruz was thanking his supporters at an event in the afternoon, the Trump plane interrupted him. WATCH: @TedCruz's speech to his delegates in Cleveland is interrupted when Donald Trump's plane soars overheadhttps://t.co/lPJ1mlMEa6 CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) July 20, 2016 The plane had extraordinary timing, and descended around the time Cruz said the party now had a nominee. Read more here from NPR. Delegates continue to have a positive view of Cleveland Delegates traveled all over Northeast Ohio, heading to places like Kirtland and Canton. Ken Cuccinelli, from Virginia, said Cleveland has been better than Tampa. Others praised the city's food, law enforcement and attractions like the Science Center and the Goodtime III. Take a look at what delegates have been saying by clicking here. Citizen medics walk the streets In the middle of the protesters, media and police, some volunteers are patrolling the streets of Cleveland in case anyone needs more immediate medical assistance in the midst of demonstrations. Some of the medics have also worked during protests in Ferguson. Mo., and across the country. Volunteer street medics provide first aid at RNC pic.twitter.com/xp6vcNWs5A Catherine Candisky (@CCandisky) July 17, 2016 Read more from Cincinnati.com. odin.JPG Cleveland police speak with a man linked to the Soldiers of Odin after finding a knife on him while he was in Public Square. The man was not charged, but police ordered him to place it in his car. (The Plain Dealer) CLEVELAND, Ohio - Members of the Soldiers of Odin say they simply want to help police make our communities safer, similar to a neighborhood watch group. Some analysts disagree. They say the members make up a vigilante group bent on hate, one that is linked to white supremacists. On Wednesday night, Cleveland Police stopped two members of the group near Public Square amid demonstrations and protests at the Republican National Convention. Officers found that one of the members was carrying a knife longer than the 2 1/2-inch limit set in place for items carried near the RNC. Police walked the man away from demonstrators and allowed him to bring the knife to his car. The incident did not result in an arrest, but it did offer insight into the group and much larger issues, including how police have handled such situations and how carefully officers should monitor some demonstrators at events like the convention. "The Soldiers of Odin are part of the extreme right,'' said Mark Potok, a senior fellow at the Southern Poverty Law Center. "They're a neo-Nazi vigilante group. They will say that they aren't neo-Nazi, but that's just not true.'' In a detailed report, the Anti-Defamation League said the group formed in Finland last year. It is named after Odin, the Nordic god of war and death. Earlier this year, the report said, the group moved to the United States. "It's new American chapter, known as Soldiers of Odin USA, has - just since February - already amassed thousands of American members and cheerleaders ready and eager to support the group's chapters in Finland and other countries and to bring its anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim and refugee-hating ideology to American shores,'' the report states. The report said the group has attracted the "two largest segments of the American extreme right - white supremacists and the anti-government extremist 'Patriot' movement.'' Two members of the group blasted the report as inaccurate. They declined to give their names to The Plain Dealer, but they stressed they simply are part of a group that supports police. "We just observe and report,'' one of the men said, scanning the crowd. "We came here to support the police, not that they need it. I've never in my life seen this many police officers. "We're not here to cause trouble. We don't hate anyone. We are misunderstood. We're not a group of criminals. We simply want to look out for our community.'' The men handed out a pamphlet that stressed the group's goals and objectives. They said they are not part of the Soldiers of Odin in Europe, and they said they only are affiliated with the group in Ohio and the United States. "We are not a racist group, gang, motorcycle club, religious group or any criminal organization,'' the pamphlet said. "We have members of different races, religious beliefs and cultures.'' As police arrived, the men listened carefully and were polite. The man with the knife said he did not know that knives could not be carried. The officers, with few people realizing what had happened, handled the situation calmly and without an incident. The men appeared embarrassed by the attention. "We're misunderstood,'' one said. franken 2016-07-21 at 2.28.33 PM.png Al Franken was booed by a Cleveland audience on "Morning Joe" Thursday. (MSNBC) CLEVELAND, Ohio - Minnesota Democratic Sen. Al Franken was booed by a Cleveland audience during a "Morning Joe" broadcast Thursday at Flannery's Irish Pub on East Fourth Street. When asked how Cleveland was so far by the hosts of the MSNBC show, Franken responded "ugly." He was speaking about the convention, but the crowd took the insult personally and began to boo. Hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski tried to quell the situation, with Brzezinski exclaiming, "You are really sensitive." And Scarborough insisted, "He's not talking about the town!" Franken then backtracked. "It's a beautiful town," he said to cheers. "They're very easy, though," he joked. "But dumb." He then went on: "Wait a minute, I think I stepped in it again ... but smart, really smart. OK, that one they will go for!" Scarborough tried to turn the tide again, asking the senator to "do some clean-up very quickly." Franken clarified what he liked about Cleveland -- the city. "The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! The Cleveland Indians! What an amazing team. And of course the world champion Cavaliers!" Cheers rang out again. Maybe we are easy. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A handful of business strategists, conservative think tank mavens and Republican political operatives spent half a day Thursday at Cleveland State University trying to come to grips with the partisan political vortex that has swallowed any rational discussion in the GOP about climate change and what to do about it. Some decried the ascension of Donald Trump as the presidential nominee. One strategist predicted a "Trump Armageddon" in November for the GOP, partially because the party has turned its back on environmental issues and is eager to dismantle the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Seventy percent of the electorate sees climate change as a real significant problem that demands a serious response," lamented Jerry Taylor, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Niskanen Center and the former director of natural resources studies at the Cato Institute, a Libertarian think tank influential among conservative Republicans. "That's 70 percent of the electorate that this party is not talking to. This party has been taken by the throat by political extremists who represent about a third of the public. And we are obsessing about how to talk to them. Because they are holding this party hostage," said Taylor, who has also headed an environmental and energy task force for the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC. Mark Pischea, a member of the right-leaning Conservative Energy Network and a partner in the Michigan-based Sterling Corp., a Republican campaign consulting company, said the battle has to be fought on a local level, not at a convention. "We are having discussions at Cleveland State University, not in the convention hall," he pointed out. "We need to win the hearts and souls of the county chairs, the district chairs, and party officers. This is a fight we are going to win from within, not from without." Michele Combs, a former leader of the Young Republicans and now chair and founder of the Young Conservatives for Energy Reform, agreed, saying rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have become a "family issue" and that the Millennial generation "gets the issue." "We have to show Republican legislators that we are behind them," she said. Climate change gets only a mention in the RNC platform this year before it is dismissed as "the triumph of extremism over common sense" that Congress must stop. Without specifically mentioning the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan, the party platform also charges that the "Environmental Protection Agency has rewritten laws to advance the Democrats' climate change agenda." Trump has joked that climate change is a Chinese plot and has promised voters in West Virginia that he will bring back coal mining, ignoring that cheap natural gas is replacing coal-fired power plants. Some convention delegates this week have been carrying signs announcing that "Trump digs coal!" Taylor, whose Niskanen Center aims to produce "libertarian-friendly legislation" instead of studies, said the 2016 party platform stands in stark contrast to the 2008 GOP platform built to support then-candidate John McCain. He said McCain had argued for an aggressive program to cut carbon dioxide emissions. "The 2008 platform said we need to get carbon out of the atmosphere. It could have been written by Sanders and Clinton," he said. The 2008 GOP platform devoted a section to the issue entitled "Addressing Climate Change Responsibly." "The same human economic activity that has brought freedom and opportunity to billions has also increased the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. While the scope and long-term consequences of this are the subject of ongoing scientific research, common sense dictates that the United States should take measured and reasonable steps today to reduce any impact on the environment," the platform read, in part. Rod Richardson, president of the Grace Richardson Fund, a conservative private foundation that champions "free market" policies, argued for a "Reagan-style" supply side carbon tax cut to motivate corporations to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and adopt energy efficient technologies. "If you want more of something, you tax it less," he said. "That's a basic supply-side argument," he said, explaining that companies which can show they are using less energy and emitting less carbon dioxide by investing in upgrades would get tax reductions. More than 5,500 U.S. corporations already report their annual carbon emissions, he said, arguing that whatever the politicians might be debating, a good portion of the corporate world is already concerned about carbon dioxide and trying to do something about it. The plan would be "technology neutral," Richardson said, meaning it would not favor or subsidize wind and solar power generation over new coal and natural gas power plants. And it would lower the need for federal regulation. And it would be "economy wide," meaning every corporation would be eligible to participate, not just power companies. The American Sustainable Business Council, an advocate for corporate sustainability, organized the four-hour debate and discussion. The ASBC is planning a similar program at the Democratic National Convention next week. IMG_1571.JPG Tennessee RNC delgation tour buses reflect off the surface of the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland at University Circle. The delegation visited the museum for a private event Wednesday. (Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer) CLEVELAND, Ohio - Members of the Tennessee RNC delegation praised Cleveland's "Southern hospitality" at a party at the Museum of Contemporary Art Wednesday. That's high praise from a Southerner. "We are very impressed with what you all have here, the attractions and the people," said Beth Campbell, state executive committeewoman for the Tennessee Republican Party. "In the South, we talk about hospitality; you all have adopted Southern hospitality. Everyone has been so nice." In addition to MOCA, where the delegation toured the Mark Mothersbaugh "Myopia" exhibit, the delegation visited the Cleveland Museum of Art and downtown areas around The Q. Some members of the delegation dined at the Chocolate Bar - "I had so much fun and chocolate I left my cellphone," says the genial Campbell with a laugh. They were "blown away" by the Cleveland Museum of Art and awed by the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Public Square. "I had no idea how many men from your city fought in the war," said Campbell. "It was very impressive." Campbell saved her highest praise for the Old Arcade. "I serve on the Tennessee Historical Commission and am very interested in preserving historic properties. That one is a jewel." She wasn't the only Tennessean impressed by Cleveland. Tennessee Republican Sen. Bob Corker, also at the Wednesday MOCA reception, said, "I've been to five conventions; this is by far the best one overall." He cited his "good friend" and former roommate, Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, with whom he dined on Tuesday. "He's constantly telling me what a great city Cleveland is," said Corker, who said he now agrees with Hassam's assessment. Corker also took time for a yoga class at Pose in the Warehouse District earlier this week. He said everyone he passed on the street was very friendly, from the public to the police. "I don't know how it could have been done better," he said of the convention. "If I was the mayor of Cleveland, I would be very proud." Brent Leatherwood, executive director of the Tennessee GOP, chose MOCA for the party because it was a venue perfectly sized for his group of 250, who dined on Mediterranean Salad, Chicken Florentine, BBQ Beer Braised Boneless Beef Short Ribs and assorted pies and cakes. But that wasn't the only reason the Leatherwood chose the destination. "I wanted a location where you could experience culture in Cleveland. This was a perfect location to do that." Leatherwood said at first he looked into hosting a party at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, "but that was the top of everyone's list." He was glad that didn't work out. "This museum has been wonderful," he said. As delegates roamed the Mothersbaugh exhibit, one man put on some earphones to catch a 1973 Devo video. "Remember them, Devo, from the 1970s?" he enthused to his companion. "No, I don't think I've heard of them," she answered. "That's too bad, they were a great band," he answered before reluctantly leaving the exhibit to head for the bus. Both Leatherwood and Campbell had high praise for convention organizers and Cleveland police. "I walked around outside the security zone yesterday," said Leatherwood. "I never felt the least bit unsafe. I talked to a lot of local police, and they were so helpful. This took a tremendous amount of coordination." Campbell, who has a grandson who attends Bowling Green State University, says this was her first visit to Cleveland -- but it won't be her last. "This is definitely a come-back-to place." CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Dozens of anti-Trump activists paraded through downtown streets Wednesday morning, followed scores of reporters and photographers and closely monitored by dozens of police on bicycles and on foot. The protest, organized by groups dubbed Mijente and the Ruckus Society, featured canvas ponchos painted to look like brick walls and chain-link fences adorned with phrases including "Wall Off Trump" and "No Mas Trump." The activists peacefully marched for more than 60 minutes, starting at Public Square, then heading west on Euclid Avenue to East 4th Street to Prospect Avenue, where about 50 officers on bicycles blocked them at the entrance to the secure zone surrounding Quicken Loans Arena. The demonstrators held hands and chanted phrases in both English and Spanish, denouncing comments by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who will officially accept the nomination Thursday night at the close of the four-night convention. Trump has made building a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico and restricting refugees from Muslim countries pillars of his immigration policy. Wednesday's demonstrators characterized Trump's policies as racist and destructive to the millions of immigrant families in the U.S. "The walls that they build to tear us apart, will never be as strong as the wall of our hearts," they sang. Some of the participants said they came to Cleveland from as far away as the West Coast. Pete Woiwode, 33, from Oakland, California, said he wanted to "stand up against hatred at this convention and stand up for love and justice. "I heard Donald Trump calling for a wall to separate families and he's been invoking racism and sexism across the country," Woiwode said. "He asked for a wall, so we'll give him a wall." Elan Gomez of Santa Fe, New Mexico said the group wanted to give Trump the wall he deserves. "Trump's promoting hate speech," he said, referring to the nominee's proposal to ban Muslim immigrants and build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. "We want to keep all that hate away from our communities and away from our people." Gomez accused Trump of inciting violence and said it's time to "rise up in a peaceful manner and unite." The protest moved north on Ontario Street past Jack Casino, before ending back at Public Square. No arrests were reported. Trump officially accepted the Republican nomination for president Tuesday night. Protests outside Quicken Loans Arena, where the 2016 Republican National Convention is being held, were tense but mostly peaceful on Monday and Tuesday, with only a handful of arrests. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Attorneys for the 18 people arrested Wednesday following a flag burning outside the Republican National Convention say the arrests should have never happened. James Hardiman, the attorney for the NAACP, said Cleveland police acted irrationally when they arrested the group, which included Gregory Lee "Joey" Johnson, who in 1989 won a case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court that said flag burning is protected speech. Why the Cleveland Division of Police chose to treat a constitutional right as a crime, Hardiman said, flies in the face of the Constitution. Two people face felony charges of assaulting a police officer. Another 16 were arrested on misdemeanor charges of failing to disperse after orders from the police. All of those arrested remained in the city and county jails Wednesday night. The arrests make 23 RNC-related arrests for the week. No charges have been filed as of 11 p.m. Hardiman said he expected the group to be held in jail until they were arraigned Thursday morning in Cleveland Municipal Court. Johnson set fire to an American flag on Prospect Avenue near East 4th Street, according to members of the protest group the Revolutionary Communist Party. Firefighters rushed to put the blaze out and police descended on Johnson and the other RevCon protesters. A Cleveland police supervisor and an Ohio Highway Patrol trooper were pushed and punched during the altercation and suffered minor injuries, police said. No one required medical treatment. Johnson set his pants on fire during the scrum and also set fire to others in the surrounding area, according to police. No one suffered serious injuries, police and defense attorneys said. The National Lawyers Guild condemned the arrests. Jacquline Greene, a coordinator of the NLG, said police never gave the crowd an appropriate warning to leave the area. "We alarmed at how the protesters were treated by the police," Greene said. "We had 10 legal observes there and none of them heard a failure to disperse order." Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said he alone gave three orders to disperse. Cleveland NAACP president Michael Nelson said one video he viewed showed Williams pulling away officers who descended on the protesters. Nelson said he believed Williams was acting to de-escalate the over-aggressive officers. Williams, however, said he was trying to direct officers to other areas of the scene. "We had too many officers trying to handcuff one person," Williams said. "I was trying to handle the officers to make sure we had everything handled and make sure we did things the right way." Hardiman said an independent photographer from Australia named Zane Lovitt was among those arrested. Others included a 68-year-old woman who aggravated an existing hip injury during her arrest, Hardiman said. Those arrested are from across the country, including Los Angeles, New York, Vermont and other states. At least one of the people arrested was from Cleveland. The NLG is contacting attorneys to represent the people who were arrested. Among the attorneys who showed up at the jail on Wednesday included Akron attorney Andrea Whitaker, Dover attorney Emma Mirles-Jones and and Chicago attorney Martha Conners. Conners was part of the defense team that successfully argued Jones' case in front of the Supreme Court. "Let's hope cooler heads prevail and they let them go home," Hardiman said. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- "Saturday Night Live" brought its "Weekend Update" to Cleveland for the Republican National Convention Wednesday night. "Or as I liked to call it, white Rio," co-anchor Michael Che quipped. Che and partner Colin Jost broadcast the segment live from Quicken Loans Arena, riffing on the events of the first three nights of the convention. On Senator Ted Cruz's speech in which he refused to endorse Donald Trump, Che joked, "It's like giving a desperate toast at your ex's wedding. Move on with your life!" Che also explored the arena, playing a game of Trumpemon GO, a version of the popular Pokemon game where Che goes in search of the rarest creatures of them all at the convention-- minorities. SNL co-star Kate McKinnon also shows up playing Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who doled out her signature "Ginsburns." Watch the segment in the video above. Paul Manafort Paul Manafort, chairman of Donald Trump's presidential campaign, talks to delegates as he walks around the convention floor before the opening session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016. (Carolyn Kaster, The Associated Press) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ted Cruz being booed off the stage Wednesday night at the Republican National Convention actually has resulted in a more cohesive GOP, Donald Trump's top campaign official said. Trump Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort told reporters Thursday morning that Cruz's extraordinary speech in a "back-handed" way has served to unify the party, elements of which have wrestled over Trump and his unusual and controversial candidacy. "The party is definitely more unified," Manafort said. "There were a number of Cruz delegates on the floor last night who disagreed with what Mr. Cruz did, including his home state of Texas, which came up to us unprompted and said this wasn't right of Cruz, and we're supporting the Trump-Pence ticket." During a 20-minute speech at Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday that was mostly well received, Cruz congratulated Trump for winning, but declined to endorse him. As it became clear that Cruz would not make an endorsement in his speech, delegates in the arena began to shower him with boos. Many have interpreted Cruz's speech -- including the strategic decision to not endorse Trump -- as a long-term play for a future presidential bid. Cruz's non-endorsement was clear in the prepared text for his speech, which was reviewed by Trump campaign and RNC officials shortly before the convention, and shared with reporters. And, Cruz and his aides have said they told Trump earlier this week that the speech would not include an endorsement. In comments to reporters Wednesday night, Manafort coyly denied that the Trump campaign encouraged conventioneers to boo. "It must have been organic," Manafort said before grinning, according to the Washington Post. Asked Thursday why Trump would allow Cruz to speak knowing there would be no endorsement, Manafort said Trump, out of magnanimity, invited every presidential candidate to speak with no strings attached. "He felt they had gone through the crucible of the campaign, and had the right to speak," he said. "There were no conditions placed on anyone. Everyone who was invited to attend said they supported the ticket ... and only Mr. Cruz slipped away." Cruz received a mixed reception while defending his speech to the Texas delegation at a Thursday breakfast event, according to the Toronto Star's Daniel Dale. Cheers for Ted Cruz from his home-state delegation. pic.twitter.com/EMIo2YGeIb Daniel Dale (@ddale8) July 21, 2016 Video of extraordinary moment: Texas delegate emotionally castigates Ted Cruz for breaking the pledge. pic.twitter.com/iiteSp6Py5 Daniel Dale (@ddale8) July 21, 2016 Man: You could unite this party right now with just a few words. "We need to stand with you and you need to stand with us." Cruz won't. Daniel Dale (@ddale8) July 21, 2016 Ted Cruz U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Tex., speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (Scott Applewhite, Associated Press) U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz asserted in a speech at the Republican National Convention Wednesday night that Iran celebrates a holiday known as "Death to America Day." Cruz said the Democratic Party thinks "it's possible to make a deal with Iran, which celebrates as holidays "Death to America Day...My friends, this is madness." Plain Dealer fact check: False It is true that some hard-liners in Iran mark the anniversary of the Nov. 4, 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. But Politifact researched Cruz's citation of the holiday when he used it during the Republican primaries. The organization found that the day is not marked as an official holiday on the calendar, nor is the anniversary of the 1979 takeover designated "Death to America Day." Cruz is seizing on language used in protests by Iranian hard-liners to grasp for a foreign-policy talking point. But his claim that Iran celebrates "Death to America Day" is false. To see more Plain Dealer fact checking of RNC speeches, go to http://topics.cleveland.com/tag/rnc-2016-fact-check/ CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Newt Gingrich endorsed Republican nominee Donald Trump, and spoke about national security at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night. "The truth is that although we are losing the war with radical Islamists, we have been very lucky," he said. "We need to tell the truth about the danger." See the first part of Gingrich's speech above. Scroll down to watch the second part. Gingrich cited many terrorist attacks around the world, including the Orlando Pulse nightclub shootings and the Istanbul airport attack. He said ISIS would continue to pose a threat to the U.S. Before Trump announced Mike Pence would be his running mate, Gingrich was on a small list of people Trump considered. Gingrich is a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, where he served as a representative from Georgia. Gingrich's speech followed Ted Cruz's speech, where Cruz didn't endorse Trump and instead implied to support a different Republican nominee. When Gingrich stood at the podium, he responded to Cruz's words. "Ted Cruz said, you can vote your conscience for anyone who will uphold the constitution," said Gingrich. "There is only one candidate who will uphold the constitution ... the only possible candidate is the Trump Pence Republican ticket." Ohio delegates say Republicans chose a world-class city Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio poses for pictures with Ohio delegates during the RNC on Monday. Here's what Ohio delegates want to hear from Trump tonight. (John Kuntz, cleveland.com) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio Republicans -- those supporting Donald Trump and those still on the fence -- said they want to hear a hopeful, unifying message from their party's presidential nominee. The New York businessman officially accepts the nomination Thursday night, the last of the Republican National Convention. But there's been some division among Ohio delegates and Republicans here who were ardent supporters of Gov. John Kasich. Ohio delegates were pledged to vote for Kasich at the convention. Most Republicans here this week have said they plan to vote for Trump in November. Some are not sure and want to hear Trump address a wider audience. Others said there's nothing Trump could say to win their votes. What do they want to hear tonight? Here's what some Republicans told cleveland.com: Tony Maas, honorary delegate from Cincinnati: "I want to hear him say how he is going to step up and make America first and getting our country back to the roots of what it is. To truly be focused on the highest moral basis for what this country is based on, on following the principles of God and putting America first as the leader of the world." Cuyahoga County Board of Elections Director Pat McDonald, delegate: "I want to hear him unify the party in some capacity, reach across and say something good, something positive about Ted Cruz, John Kasich, Marco Rubio and any of the other candidates he's said negative things about during the course of the campaign. It's important we come out unified and happy about our candidate." Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor, delegate: "Hope for our future and solutions for our problems. We've got national debt that's out of control that's going to burden future generations. I'd like to hear an optimistic and hopeful tone." Dustin Burton, delegate from Columbus: "The ball is in his court. He's won the nomination so it's his job to unify everybody." Jo Ann Davidson, national committeewoman and delegate: "We need some healing in the party. Unifying the party is our first step in being able to do that. It's not going to necessarily be easy to do, but we need to move toward doing that." Ohio GOP Chairman Matt Borges, delegate: "His vision. An inclusive message and a focus on the fight against Hillary Clinton, not other Republicans." Mike Gonidakis, delegate from Dublin: "Ohioans need to hear a compassionate and sincere message. The speech must be new and fresh -- a reset. His reality TV persona got him this far but tonight it must end and Trump must become and adult that parents like us can listen to and be assured that he has the best interest of our children at the forefront." Former Ohio attorney general Betty Montgomery, delegate: "A presidential tone. I want to hear some graciousness with regard to the individuals he has defeated, which is a typical olive branch to bring back to people in the party to unite them. Less name-calling and more substance." Franklin County Auditor Clarence Mingo, delegate from Columbus: "I hope our nominee in the slate begins to speak more responsibly about the critical issues our nation is facing. I want to hear more detail concerning the policies he plans to implement and I want the public to get an understanding of what the Republican is and who it is going to be during the next four years." John Creed, alternate delegate from Warren: "I want to hear dad. I want to hear about family values -- a safe home, a safe street and safe children. I want to hear him connect with people and say, 'I know you, ditch digger, I know you, mom, I know you, I know you.'" Rep. Tim Derickson, delegate from Oxford: "I'm not sure he can say anything to get me fully on board --" and Rep. Ron Amstutz, alternate delegate from Wooster, answered for him, "I'm can think of something -- I'm going to appoint constitutional Supreme Court nominees." " LinkedIn is absolutely criticalthey have to nail this," said Brent Thill, managing director at UBS. "This is their biggest deal they've ever done. It's three times larger than the last acquisition." Microsoft may have blown away Wall Street's earnings predictions, but it has another key challenge ahead, market watchers told CNBC's " Squawk Alley " on Wednesday. Microsoft offered to buy LinkedIn in June for $26.2 billiona huge deal after a mixed track record of buys for the company, Thill said. Microsoft's past failures may leave investors skeptical of the LinkedIn deal, but Thill said he thinks CEO Satya Nadella knows what it takes to preserve the culture of LinkedIn. Now LinkedIn has opened up the pathway to human resources for Microsoft, Thill said. There could be some opportunity for acquisitions, Thill said. Thill's comments come as Wall Street digests Microsoft's latest earnings report, when it posted fiscal fourth-quarter earnings per share of 69 cents. Revenue came in at $22.64 billion, as its key cloud product, Azure, saw revenue grow 102 percent. Shares of the software company bounced 5 percent on Wednesday, as the results alleviated some concerns about whether cloud could offset the company's transitioning server business, said Walter Price, managing director, senior analyst, and portfolio manager on the AllianzGI technology team. Price said he thinks Microsoft is a solid no. 2 in the cloud space, while Thill said Microsoft is a close second, behind Salesforce.com , when it comes to financials and customer relationship management. "They're moving to the cloud, and they're growing really rapidly," Price said. "That's impressive." Disclosure: Microsoft is an investment banking client of UBS. CLEVELAND Having Hillary Clinton in the Oval Office would keep the United States weak on security, former presidential candidate Newt Gingrich said Wednesday night. "We cannot keep in place the people and the systems that have brought us to this point and that lie to us every single day about the threat," Gingrich said in prepared remarks at the Republican National Convention. "The danger we face is much worse than the horrors that happened in Germany on New Year's Eve, when twelve-hundred women were assaulted," Gingrich said. "It's worse than what's happening in Israel, where average citizens fear for their lives whenever they leave their homes.The danger is even worse than September 11." He added it is time "to reject the suicidal dishonesty of Hillary Clinton." MONTREALTop-tier performer Jada Stevens ends a nearly year-long hiatus from on-camera anal sex with a new scene opposite AVN Male Performer of the Year Mick Blue. Directed by Mason, the scene is slated to debut soon on HardX.com. "I just needed a bit of a break to clear my head," Stevens said. "Now I'm back and better than ever! I am very selective with the companies I shoot for. Mason and I have so much great history together and she never ceases to bring out the best in me. I can't wait for all my fans to witness the raw, gonzo style that is Hard X." Added Mason, "Jada is looking better than I've ever seen her. The photo shoot was one of the best we've ever done at Hard X and the scene was spectacular. Jada Stevens is in her prime, at the pinnacle of her sexuality, and possesses one of if not the best asses ever to grace porn. We are honored to have captured her first anal scene back." See stills from the scene on Hard X's official blog, located at blog.hardx.com. Fans can follow the latest from Hard X on Twitter @hardxnews. Last month's Brexit vote exposed cracks in the U.K. property market as a clutch of real-estate funds scrambled to freeze redemptions. Now one investor is sensing pockets of opportunity as valuations cool. "Generally speaking, the overall real estate market is fairly, if not to say overvalued, especially in prime London and there could be some further correction in that market," Pictet Alternative Advisors' CEO Nicolas Campiche told CNBC. Pictet Alternative Advisors, an independent unit of Swiss private bank and asset manager Pictet Group, manages over $18 billion, according to its website. Pictet Group had 437 billion ($442.30 billion) under management or custody at the end of last year. Campiche noted that Pictet Alternative Advisors had been "very prudent" on its property investments over the past 18 months, particularly in the U.K. "We're in pretty good shape on that allocation," he said, noting concerns about the real estate market. Market turmoil in wake of the U.K.'s May referendum vote to exit the European Union caused several British property funds to freeze their accounts as investors attempted to beat a fast retreat. Campiche said that exposed a "misconstruction of product," noting "you can't create liquid product with illiquid assets." But with signs those funds were gradually returning to normal, albeit at lower valuations - Aberdeen reopened its U.K. property fund last week - "it will eventually create a lot of opportunities to buy assets at the cheaper valuation," Campiche said. Those U.K. property funds have already started to unload assets. This month, British Land sold the Debenhams building on Oxford Street for 400 million pounds ($523.67 billion) and other real estate funds, potentially including Aberdeen Asset Management, Henderson and Standard Life, were also planning to sell London assets, according to media reports. But so far, Pictet Alternative Advisors had been seeking less risky strategies for the property market. "We invest with a general partner that makes no use of leverage whatsoever in the purchase of mostly stressed or distressed assets, which they are looking to reposition as core assets," Campiche said. "The fact that they are not applying any leverage means they have a far better staying power with those assets, which will enable them to weather the current volatility in the market." With property prices in most large cities expensive, some with historically low capitalization rates, Pictet Alternative has been applying that "value add" strategy of buying properties in need of "transformation" in secondary cities outside of the U.K. as well, Campiche said. Target regions have included the U.K., the U.S., the Netherlands and Germany, he said, adding that the funds haven't yet found good opportunities in Southern Europe. Outside of physical properties, there were other opportunities to invest in the segment, he noted. The U.S. Navy variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Source: U.S. Airforce One major theme at this week's Republican National Convention has been "Make America Safe Again," with speeches from party faithful such as former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and others honing in on terrorism dangers and how the U.S. military needs to be stronger. Giuliani said Tuesday Donald Trump "will keep us safe and help us achieve and embrace our greatness." Yet, Trump has been no friend of Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, one of the military's biggest and most expensive acquisition programs. Last year, he criticized the F-35 as "not very good." Presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton appears to be more supportive and in March called it "the most sophisticated fire aircraft ever developed," but that doesn't mean she won't make changes to the fifth-generation fighter program or other big-ticket military projects. If you look at history, it tells us yes presidential administrations do influence defense spending. Chris Higgins Morningstar analyst The F-35 was designed to give the U.S. air superiority and its economic reach has been significant, with more than 145,000 jobs tied to it and suppliers from 45 states and Puerto Rico. "If you look at history, it tells us yes presidential administrations do influence defense spending," said Morningstar analyst Chris Higgins. "But really there are a lot of external factors that constrain their decision making around that policy." The winner of the presidential election and the choice of Secretary of Defense will ultimately help shape defense policy and decide which particular weapons programs get priority. Other expensive programs potentially at risk include Northrop's new B-21 long-range strike bomber, an $80 billion deal the U.S. Air Force awarded last fall, and Boeing's delayed KC-46 aerial refueling tanker aircraft. U.S. Marines from 3rd Marine Expeditionary force deployed from Okinawa, Japan, participate in the joint combat training with South Korean soldiers on July 6, 2016 in Pohang, South Korea. Jung Yeon-Je | AFP | Getty Images Also, the U.S. Navy is currently seeking new high-tech boats to increase its warfare capabilities at sea, including more carriers, destroyers as well as a next-generation ballistic nuclear submarine sometimes referred to as the Ohio Replacement Program. Each Ohio sub made by prime contractor General Dynamics is expected to cost upwards of $5 billion. "Depending on who wins, my guess is we're talking modest to moderate uptick in defense spending," said Cai von Rumohr, a defense industry analyst at Cowen & Co. Last week, Morgan Stanley released a report based on a survey of 650 investors and found there was "some belief that military spending and infrastructure programs would be bigger under a Republican administration, potentially causing some multiple contraction in a Democratic sweep for industrials and defense stocks." "They always think that Democrats are 'don't spend' on the military, which is really a fallacy and false information," said Ric Epps, a professor of political science at San Diego State University. Benghazi overhang In a scenario where Trump wins but the U.S. Senate goes Democratic, the Morgan Stanley report concluded it would then be "extremely difficult to predict winners and losers on a sector basis. Our best guess is defense stocks will rally, as well as defensive stocks, including consumer staples, and telecommunications stocks, under a view that uncertainty would be at its highest under this outcome and market volatility could increase." Back at the Republican convention, speakers also have sought to blame Clinton for the Benghazi terror attack at the U.S. diplomatic compound in 2012. The mother of one of the four Americans killed in the Benghazi attack spoke at the event and blamed the former U.S. Secretary of State "personally" for the death of her son. "After going through Benghazi and the issues she's been through, I think Hillary is going to make sure that she is extra sensitive about defense issues and about defense spending," said Epps. "She won't spend it wildly on having more troops." Overall, Morningstar's Higgins is forecasting U.S. defense spending growth of about 2 percent each year going forward, which includes wartime spending. As for the F-35, the fighter program was originally pegged to cost upward of $1.5 trillion by the end of the aircraft's 55-year life cycle, although the cost per jet is down 57 percent since the first plane was delivered. Lockheed CEO Marillyn Hewson said during the defense contractor's second-quarter conference call Tuesday that the company is "on track to increase our deliveries to 53 aircraft this year" and she added that they have already delivered about 180 aircraft since the program's inception. "F-35 is a little too late to be cancelling it now," said Cowen's Rumohr. "The economic rationale for not going ahead is not very strong." F-35 program: Continuity or change? Analysts see a low probability the Pentagon would pull the plug entirely on the F-35 program. Yet, the next administration could decide to trim the procurement buys and any changes might take several years to actually happen. "Given the time that it takes to prepare and pass a U.S. defense budget, the new president will not have a 'clean sheet' budget until FY'19, and so the impact of a new administration is likely to take some time to flow through to the defense industry," RBC Capital Markets analyst Robert Stallard said in a research note. For now, the Department of Defense still has plans for 2,443 of the F-35 aircraft for the Air Force, Navy and Marines, the Lockheed CEO reiterated Tuesday. Global partners also are buying the fighter, and the unrest in Turkey had one analyst asking during the Lockheed call about the longer-term implications given that country's plan is to procure 100 of the F-35s. I don't think it's easy to say whether Trump or Clinton would spend more on defense. Michael O'Hanlon Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution "We have not seen any indication that it will impact the F-35 or any of our other programs, and so we will continue to assess the situation," Hewson said. Figures from the Federal Election Commission show Clinton received almost $40,000 in combined donations this year from employees at Lockheed Martin, the nation's largest defense contractor. In contrast, Trump received less than $1,000 in combined donations from individuals who identified their employer as Lockheed (U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, received more than $60,000 in contributions). "I don't think it's easy to say whether Trump or Clinton would spend more on defense," said Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow and director of research in foreign policy at Brookings Institution. "Trump says he'll build up the military but he wants to reduce overseas commitments, deployment and alliances. So he might not need so much more money." Support for higher defense spending watch now CLEVELAND Texas Senator Ted Cruz came perilously close to doing something he said he wasn't going to do on Wednesday night. "I want to congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night. And like each of you, I want to see the principles that our party believes in prevail in November," Cruz said at the Republican National Convention, but did not formally endorse the GOP standard bearer, as expected. "Vote your conscience." Cruz was booed by the crowd as he was wrapping up his speech that lacked a clear endorsement of Trump. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) delivers a speech on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Alex Wong | Getty Images Cruz's wife, Heidi, was escorted out of the floor by former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli , who told Reuters he escorted her out because he was concerned for her safety. Tweet A senior aide to the Trump campaign said "Trump bailed Cruz out. The crowd was booing Cruz so loudly until Trump entered the arena and made them cheer again." New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who spoke Tuesday night, said Cruz's speech "was an awful selfish speech by someone who tonight, through the words he said on that stage, showed everybody why he has richly earned the reputation that he has on Capitol Hill." Tensions between the Texas senator and Trump remained high ahead of the convention. Cruz has refrained from formally endorsing Trump, even after several high-profile GOP members have fallen in line. "Republicans are going to have to ask themselves the question: 'Do we want a candidate who could be tied up in court for two years?' That'd be a big problem,"Trump told The Washington Post when asked about Cruz's birth in Canada. L-R) Vanessa Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump and Tiffany Trump stand as they listen to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) speak during the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Getty Images The Republican presidential nominee forgave about $47.5 million in loans, according to a Federal Election Commission report filed Wednesday. Trump previously said he did so, but had so far not offered evidence. CLEVELAND Donald Trump has followed through on his promise to forgive personal loans to his campaign. Trump, who is expected to accept the GOP's nomination here Thursday, funded his primary election run mostly through personal loans. His campaign started raising more money from donors in June. It reported nearly $27 million in total receipts for the month and ended it with more than $20 million on hand. The Trump campaign directed CNBC to Trump's past statements on his loan forgiveness. In June, Trump called the loans a "contribution to make America great again." During the primary process, Trump touted his ability to funnel money into his campaign as evidence that he is not beholden to donors. But he has turned to more traditional fundraising ahead of the more demanding general election. watch now DBS, UBS and Standard Chartered have become embroiled in the scandal surrounding 1MDB, with Singapore's central bank saying it had found lapses and weaknesses related to the beleaguered Malaysian wealth fund. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said on Thursday that it found "lapses and weaknesses" in anti-money-laundering controls at the banks' Singapore operations and that it would be taking actions against them. The preliminary investigation found "extensive layers of transactions and subterfuge aimed at disguising the nature of certain activities and fund flows," with shell companies in various jurisdictions used to conceal the funds' true beneficiaries. In May, the MAS also completed a related investigation of BSI Singapore, which resulted in a decision to shut down that private bank, calling it at the time "the worst case of control lapses and gross misconduct that we have seen in the Singapore financial sector." The MAS said the deficiencies at the three banks were related to lapses in specific processes and by individual officers, which would be met by "firm regulatory action," but the central bank added that the inspections didn't find pervasive weakness or staff misconduct, unlike at BSI Bank. UBS said that it self-reported the suspicious transactions and was working with regulators on the matter. Standard Chartered said it took financial crime compliance very seriously and that it reported the suspicious transactions when it discovered them. It added that the bank has strengthened its money-laundering controls. DBS said "egregious financial crime is highly sophisticated and intentionally designed to evade systems and controls," and added that it had previously voluntarily reported some questionable activities to authorities. The Singapore-based bank said it took its anti-money-laundering obligations seriously and would continue to cooperate with regulators and law enforcement. CNBC has contacted Prime Minister Najib Razak's office and 1MDB for fresh comment. Najib previously chaired 1MDB's advisory board during the period when funds allegedly went missing. The Singapore announcement thickens the plot of the long-running scandal over billions of dollars missing from the Malaysia state fund 1MDB, coming a day after U.S. authorities moved to seize assets tied to the beleaguered fund, including funds related to the film "The Wolf of Wall Street." In the course of Singapore's investigations, bank accounts belonging to various individuals were seized and dealings in properties belonging to some of these individuals have been curtailed, the MAS said. The assets amount in total to S$240 million ($176.82 million), with about S$120 million of that total belonging Low Taek Jho and his immediate family, it said. Low has been a friend of Najib's family, particularly Najib's stepson, Riza Aziz, who was named in the U.S. complaint. In the U.S., prosecutors said they were seeking to seize more than $1 billion of assets tied to an international conspiracy to launder funds funneled away from 1MDB, marking the biggest action ever taken under the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative. In a statement, the Department of Justice said officials at 1MDB, their relatives and other associates diverted more than $3.5 billion from the state funds and laundered it through complex transactions and shell companies with bank accounts in Singapore, Switzerland, Luxembourg and the U.S. The assets the DOJ said were purchased with the laundered funds included high-end real estate and hotels in New York and Los Angeles, a $35 million jet aircraft, artwork by Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet, a stake in EMI Music publishing rights and production of the 2013 film "The Wolf of Wall Street," which ironically was not only about a corrupt stockbroker, but also was banned from playing in Malaysia for being too risque. The film's producer, Red Granite Pictures, was co-founded by Najib's stepson Riza Aziz. watch now Red Granite said in a statement Thursday that to its knowledge, "none of the funding it received four years ago was in any way illegitimate and there is nothing in today's civil lawsuit claiming that Red Granite knew otherwise." "Red Granite continues to cooperate fully with all inquiries and is confident that when the facts come out, it will be clear that Riza Aziz and Red Granite did nothing wrong. Red Granite does not expect the lawsuit which is limited to future proceeds generated by a single film, and which was not filed against Red Granite or any of its employees to impact its day to day operations," the statement said. Riza was named as a "relevant individual" in the complaint, but Najib wasn't named. However, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing a person with direct knowledge of the investigation, that the complaint's 32 references to "Malaysian Official 1," who allegedly received hundreds of millions from 1MDB, were to Najib. After the Singapore announcement, Malaysia's attorney general said that there was no evidence from any law enforcement agency in various jurisdictions showing that funds were appropriated from 1MDB, according to wire reports. The Malaysian attorney general added that there haven't been any criminal charges against any individuals for misappropriating funds from 1MDB, the reports said. Within Singapore, two individuals have been charged with various offenses in cases likely related to 1MDB and several others were still being investigated, the MAS statement said. Switzerland's Financial Market Supervisory Authority (Finma) said on Thursday that it was conducting four other enforcement proceedings in relation to 1MDB, in addition to the one it concluded against BSI Bank. It declined to name the banks until the investigations were concluded. In an April statement, Finma CEO Mark Branson said that the evidence in the 1MDB "points to clear cases of corruption." Prior to the Singapore authorities' announcement, the Malaysian Prime Minister's Office said in a statement on Thursday that the government would fully cooperate with any lawful investigation of Malaysian companies and citizens, but it noted that the country's attorney general had found no crime was committed. "As the Prime Minister has always maintained, if any wrongdoing is proven, the law will be enforced without exception," the statement said. In the wake of the Singapore and U.S. announcements, further plot twists in the 1MDB saga may be on the cards, analysts said. "Now that the U.S. has come out in the open and accused those individuals involved in the laundering of this money, you will see governments around the world, especially countries like the U.K., and Switzerland and Singapore, step up their investigations.and they will connect the activities with the U.S. government," James Chin, director of the Asia Institute at the University of Tasmania, told CNBC's "Capital Connection." Chin focuses on Southeast Asian governance issues. watch now But analysts still don't expect the latest developments to dislodge the grip of Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak from power. "Domestically in Malaysia, the political impact will still be quite minimal," Oh Ei Sun, who was political secretary to Malaysia's Prime Minister's Office from 2009-11, told CNBC. For one, the Malaysian government's inordinate control over the media means many Malaysians won't even hear about the asset seizures in the U.S. "The mainstream media are not even printing this today and then you don't see it in various news bulletins," said Oh, who is currently an adjunct senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. "Unless they really go online, they're hard-pressed to get information about this development." Indeed, the website Malaysian Insider, owned by The Edge Media Group, was shut down earlier this year after the government blocked access to it over its reporting on 1MDB and two of The Edge's other publications were suspended for several months last year. Concerns about the implications of the prime minister's ties to a multi-country criminal investigation aren't likely to dent Najib's ability to rule, analysts said. "In Malaysia, moral authorities, or in general moral obligations, is definitely not a prerequisite in politics," Oh said. "What you have to do in Malaysian politics very often is distribution of resources. For example, how to make sure your supporters will get amply compensated," he said, noting that as long as that's done, "you can still hold on to power for a very long time to come." The Asia Institute's Chin agreed that Najib was likely to keep his hold on power for now. "Unless the prime minister is named directly in one of these charge sheets it will be quite easy for him to deny that he's the recipient of this money," Chin said, noting that global investigators may have faced difficulties getting documentation from Malaysia's central bank. Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda ruled out the idea of using "helicopter money" - or directly underwriting the budget deficit - to combat deflation, as policymakers in Tokyo gear up to expand existing stimulus programs. Japanese markets have risen this month on speculation that authorities, battling to revive an economy dogged by decades of anaemic inflation, will resort to using helicopter money, possibly issuing perpetual bonds to underwrite public debt. But in a BBC interview broadcast on Thursday, Kuroda said the central bank already had mechanisms in place to ease policy further if needed, and that Japan should not forfeit a clear separation between fiscal and monetary institutions. "I don't think at this stage we should abandon this institutional setting. No need and no possibility for helicopter money," Kuroda told the radio documentary. The shot up after Kuroda's comments, hitting a high of 116.44 , up 1 percent on the day. The BBC said Thursday that the interview with Kuroda was conducted in mid-June. watch now Next time you're assessing a job offer, don't focus solely on salary. The value of benefits that are (or aren't) on offer could make a big difference to your bottom line. Wide variations in benefits mean that two workers earning the same pay may have very different levels of total compensation, according to a new report from The Pew Charitable Trusts. The higher a worker's pay, the more valuable the benefits received and the wider the potential gap. Someone earning roughly $15 per hour, for example, receives benefits worth another $6.10 per hour. The report found a quarter of those workers received less than $4 in added benefits, however, while another quarter received more than $8. "Differences in financial security could really be stark," said Sarah Sattelmeyer, an officer on The Pew Charitable Trusts' financial security and mobility team, in a press briefing Wednesday. Employees looking to switch companies won't necessarily do better: Much of that gap stems from certain industries being more likely to offer valuable benefits than others. Utilities and mining companies are among the biggest spenders, Pew found, while food service and retail trade employers are among those that spend the least. Nor does working for an employer in the upper end of the range necessarily improve workers' financial health, Sattelmeyer said. The real value of benefits is in the details. A company might pay a lot for a health insurance plan that still has high out-of-pocket costs, for example, or offer a benefit that isn't useful for you in particular (say, tuition reimbursement or adoption aid). Still, it's worth factoring in benefits when you're comparing job offers. The value of retirement income, health care and other benefits are worth an average 17 percent of employer pay, with paid time off worth another 11 percent, according to Aon Hewitt's Benefit Index. "Pay level is a big factor in the result," said Mark Friedman, a partner in Aon Hewitt's retirement and investment practice. "An employee looking for employment at a retailer with a low starting salary could find health-care benefits alone have a value well over 20 percent of pay." Insurance and retirement represent some of the most valuable potential perk areas, so start your digging there, said Carolyn McClanahan, a certified financial planner in Jacksonville, Florida. On the retirement plan front, figure out how much you might gain from the employee match and look into any extra profit-sharing on offer, said McClanahan. Ask for details on plan vesting, as well as investment options and fees, which can make a big difference in your savings balance over the course of your career. For health insurance, compare out-of-pocket costs, including the deductible and premiums, against what you'd pay on the open market, she said. Make sure you can actually benefit from the coverage, too. "Is it a health plan that's widely accepted by the doctors you go to?" said McClanahan. "Or is it a tight network?" Other insurance benefits like group life insurance and short-term disability tend to be more valuable for consumers who aren't in great health and so would pay higher rates on their own, said McClanahan. Our future depends on these companies being managed effectively for long-term prosperity, which is why the governance of American companies is so important to every American. Corporate governance in recent years has often been an area of intense debate among investors, corporate leaders and other stakeholders. Yet, too often, that debate has generated more heat than light. Millions of American families depend on these companies for work our 5,000 public companies account for a third of the nation's private sector jobs. And these same families and millions more also rely on public companies to help improve their financial future they are heavily invested in these companies through mutual funds, 401(k) and pension plans, college savings plans and other accounts to buy a home, send their children to college and save for retirement. The health of America's public corporations and financial markets and public trust in both is critical to economic growth and a better financial future for American workers, retirees and investors. We represent some of America's largest corporations, as well as investment managers, that, as fiduciaries, represent millions of individual savers and pension beneficiaries. We include corporate CEOs, the head of the Canadian public pension fund and an activist investor, and the heads of a number of institutional investors who manage money on behalf of a broad range of Americans. This diverse group certainly holds varied opinions on corporate governance. But we share the view that constructive dialogue requires finding common ground a starting point to foster the economic growth that benefits shareholders, employees and the economy as a whole. To that end, we have worked to find commonsense principles. We offer these principles, which can be found at www.governanceprinciples.org, in the hope that they will promote further conversation on corporate governance. These principles include the following, among others: Truly independent corporate boards are vital to effective governance, so no board should be beholden to the CEO or manage-ment. Every board should meet regularly without the CEO present, and every board should have active and direct engagement with executives below the CEO level; Diverse boards make better decisions, so every board should have members with complementary and diverse skills, back-grounds and experiences. It's also important to balance wisdom and judgment that accompany experience and tenure with the need for fresh thinking and perspectives of new board members; Every board needs a strong leader who is independent of management. The board's independent directors usually are in the best position to evaluate whether the roles of chairman and CEO should be separate or combined; and if the board decides on a combined role, it is essential that the board have a strong lead independent director with clearly defined authorities and responsibilities; Our financial markets have become too obsessed with quarterly earnings forecasts. Companies should not feel obligated to provide earnings guidance and should do so only if they believe that providing such guidance is beneficial to shareholders; A common accounting standard is critical for corporate transparency, so while companies may use non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") to explain and clarify their results, they never should do so in such a way as to obscure GAAP-reported results; and in particular, since stock- or options-based compensation is plainly a cost of doing business, it always should be reflected in non-GAAP measurements of earnings; and Effective governance requires constructive engagement between a company and its shareholders. So the company's institu-tional investors making decisions on proxy issues important to long-term value creation should have access to the company, its management and, in some circumstances, the board; similarly, a company, its management and board should have access to institutional investors' ultimate decision makers on those issues. These recommendations are not meant to be absolute. We know that there is significant variation among our public companies and that their approach to corporate governance will inevitably (and appropriately) reflect those differences. But we do hope our effort will be the beginning of a continuing dialogue that will benefit millions of Americans by promoting trust in our nation's public companies. We encourage others to join in that dialogue. Our country, our economy and the future of our citizens depend on getting corporate governance right. In every convention, the candidate's speech accepting a party nomination is the week's most important event by far. For good or ill, political veterans say, it provides at least 75 percent of what the electorate takes away from the week. The good news for the bombastic billionaire is that it's a very big chance. CLEVELAND After three days of a convention gone wrong, Donald Trump has one more more chance his Thursday night acceptance speech. Donald Trump during the third night at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, July 20, 2016. The controversy over Melania Trump borrowing Michelle Obama's words in her convention speech stretched through Wednesday. That's when a Trump speechwriter, showing the campaign's earlier denials had been false, acknowledged that she put Obama's words into the speech, if inadvertently after Melania read them to her. Embarrassing displays of disunity also stretched through Wednesday. The boos that broke out on the convention floor during a rules vote on Monday became thunderous on Wednesday night when Ted Cruz refused to endorse Trump and told Republicans to "vote your conscience." That was the opposite of what Trump wanted as he struggles to achieve the 90 percent party unity. The fact that electrical failure darkened video screens throughout the convention hall added to impressions of chaos and poor planning in the one election-year event over which candidates and political parties have near-total control. Which leaves the stakes for Trump's speech extremely high. He has unfiltered access to tens of millions of American voters to deliver his message. But what kind of message will it be? His improvisational speaking style won him the Republican nomination. But he needs to convince swing voters that he's capable of serving as commander-in-chief, which requires steadiness and calm. Trump made that task harder with an interview he gave to The New York Times on Wednesday in which he said that as president he would not automatically defend NATO allies against Russian aggression. Indeed, most things that have happened this week have made his job harder. Thursday night represents a reality television show on a higher level than even Trump has ever experienced. Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell: General Motors The automaker earned $1.86 per share, well above estimates of $1.52 a share. Revenue beat forecasts, as well. GM also raised its full-year outlook and reported its first European profit in five years. Southwest Airlines Southwest came in two cents a share below estimates with adjusted quarterly profit of $1.19 per share. Revenue was also below forecasts. Although Southwest was helped by low fuel prices and record load factors, CEO Gary Kelly said the industry's fare environment remains challenging. DR Horton The home builder matched estimates with quarterly profit of 66 cents per share, though revenue was below forecasts. The company did see a 13 percent increase in sale orders but also had a cancellation rate of 21 percent. PulteGroup PulteGroup came in two cents a share above estimates, with earnings per share of 34 cents. Revenue beat Street forecasts, as well. The home builder's results were helped by selling more homes at higher prices. Travelers The insurer reported quarterly profit of $2.20 a share, 13 cents a share above estimates. Revenue also beat forecasts, despite an increase in casualty losses compared to a year ago. Alaska Air The airline's quarterly profit came in three cents a share above estimates at an adjusted $2.12 per share. Revenue was essentially in line with expectations. Lower fuel prices helped Alaska Air's bottom line. Dunkin' Brands The donut and coffee shop chain reported quarterly profit of 57 cents per share, one cent a share above estimates. Revenue missed forecasts. Dunkin' also cut its 2016 revenue growth target, due to the sale of many of its company-owned stores. American Express The company reported quarterly profit of $2.10 per share, 15 cents a share above estimates. Revenue was below Street forecasts. The financial services company noted strength in its international business, and reaffirmed its prior earnings outlook for both 2016 and 2017. Intel Intel beat estimates by six cents a share, with adjusted quarterly profit of $0.59 per share. Revenue was essentially in line with estimates. Investors are focusing on a drop in the chipmaker's data center business, a highly profitable part of Intel's operation. Qualcomm Qualcomm reported adjusted quarterly profit of $1.16 per share, well above consensus estimates of $0.97 a share. The chipmaker's revenue also easily beat analysts' forecasts. Qualcomm saw increased demand for its mobile semiconductors and also sold more licenses in China. EBay EBay came in a penny a share above estimates, with adjusted quarterly profit of 43 cents per share. Revenue was slightly above forecasts. The online retailer also raised its sales forecast for the full year, and authorized an additional $2.5 billion stock repurchase program. Mattel Mattel lost two cents per share for its latest quarter, but that loss was three cents a share smaller than analysts had anticipated. The toy maker's revenue was above estimates, thanks to improved sales in its Barbie line after a revamp of that product line. Newmont Mining Newmont trounced estimates by 14 cents a share with adjusted quarterly profit of 44 cents per share. The gold miner's revenue also beat estimates. Of particular note was a cut in Newmont's cost estimates. Joy Global The mining equipment maker will be bought by Japan's Komatsu for $2.9 billion or $28.30 per share in cash. That represents a more than 20 percent premium over Wednesday's close of $23.55. Anheuser-Busch InBev The beer brewer and rival SABMiller won approval from U.S. regulators for their $107 billion merger, leaving China as the only country that still needs to give its approval. AB InBev said it continues to expect the deal to close before the end of the year. InterOil Corp. InterOil will be bought by Exxon Mobil for $2.2 billion, after Australia's Oil Search dropped out of the bidding. Tesla CEO Elon Musk released his "master plan" for Tesla, including development of all-electric pickup trucks, SUVs, large trucks, and buses. LOS ANGELES, CA Adult director Ray Dark has the helm of Amateur Allures newest DVD release, Cum Swallowing Auditions 27, streeting this week through Jules Jordan Video. The series is back with six new scenes of hardcore porn initiation featuring new recruits having sex and swallowing cum. Shot in 4k, Cum Swallowing Auditions 27 prominently features 19-year-old Lana Rhoades on the cover. Dark takes on Rhoades in a hot boy/girl encounter, along with her real life roommate busty British Stella Cox. San Diego native and newbie Kristen Scott appears in her debut scene. Brand new New Yorker Kandace Kayne and 22 year-old Summer Day from Seattle also deliver remarkable performances. And Marley Brinx returns for an all-out suck and fuck fest. This title is very special to me, and I wanted to take it to the next level after receiving multiple nominations for this line, says Dark. Im really proud of the girls and the scenes featured on this release. Lana definitely earned her spot on the cover, says Amateur Allure Owner Thomas. Physically, Lanas a knockout and also a powerful new performer, giving 100 percent on set. She was very excited to shoot and even confessed to Ray that shes always been a naughty slut. Thats the kind of girl we love! Jules Jordan exclusively distributes Amateur Allure. Retailers and distributors interested in ordering Amateur Allure titles should contact Rob Serota at [email protected] European venture capital (VC) funds raised a record amount of money in the first half of 2016, but the amount of capital being invested in technology start-ups in the region has plummeted, with deals in the U.K. and Ireland hitting a five-year low amid uncertainty surrounding Brexit, new data on Thursday showed. Investors in Europe raised 6.6 billion euros ($7.28 billion) across 34 VC-focused funds, a 63 percent year-on-year increase, and the highest amount in a six month period on record, according to Pitchbook, a data and research firm that looks at the VC and private equity markets. Despite the surge in funds raised, investors appeared cautious to put the money to work. Total capital invested in European start-ups plunged 27 percent year-on-year to 5.42 billion euros in the first-half of 2016 across 1,279 deals - the smallest amount in terms of euro size since the second half of 2011. "Across the continent, deal flow fell again attributable to continued trepidation at economic growth and political turmoil, of which Brexit was a considerable part," Garrett Black, senior analyst at Pitchbook, told CNBC by email. Picky VCs Early-stage start-ups have been feeling the pressure in particular. There were just 346 first financings in the first half of the year, the lowest amount since the second half of 2008. But late-stage European companies are also suffering with only 193 funding rounds for these companies in the six months to the end of June, a 35 percent year-over-year decline. Much of the uncertainty around the U.K.'s vote to leave the European Union, and the broader macroeconomic environment in Europe, is behind the fall. This has led to venture capitalists being a bit more picky with their deal choices. "For many startups, financings that are in the works now will include planning for any potential fallout or at least building in flexibility depending on how certain negotiations of the U.K.'s exit go. Some deals simply may not get done, but the timeline for Brexit is protracted and its effects uncertain enough that VCs will still fund what they deem worthwhile opportunities," Black said. UK dominates but weakens Of the 5.4 billion euros of funding for start-ups in the first half, 2.1 billion euros or 39 percent, went to U.K.-based companies. This is around three times the amount of capital pumped into German start-ups, which received 765 million euros, and nearly 4 times the level invested in France. The U.K. has established itself as a leading technology start-up market in Europe, particularly in the fintech or financial technology space and a number of British firms have secured funding this year. But while Britain remains the biggest receiver of European VC capital, financings in the U.K. and Ireland in the second quarter fell to levels not seen since the middle of 2011, and the region's share of overall VC activity declined to the lowest level in five years, Pitchbook said. Meanwhile, deals in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Nordic region grew between the first quarter and the second quarter. The trend for the rest of the year could be continued investment in the U.K. in favor of more stable countries. Exit volume down, value up So far this year, VC-backed exits either a merger, acquisition or initial public offering (IPO) have totaled 7.1 billion euros in the first half of the year with a total of 166 deals. This is compared to 12.1 billion euros in the whole of 2015 and 475 deals. Notable deals this year include Microsoft's $250 million acquisition of U.K. artificial intelligence firm Swiftkey, and . But Pitchbook predicts that while overall activity in terms of the number of exits might be similar similar to 2013's level of 359, total value is unlikely to remain as strong as it was in the first half of this year. This post from Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman appeared originally on LinkedIn. The New York Times's Nick Wingfield just published a story on Redfin, about how a software company decided to hire a thousand real estate agents. The article doesn't make the case that Redfin will conquer the world. In fact it acknowledges how small our share of the $60-billion market really is, and highlights how employing agents through real estate's crazy ups and downs led in the early days to layoffs and low valuations. But it does explain what makes us different: that as employees, our agents get salaries, health-care benefits and the opportunities to earn stock options, which in turn lets us focus on getting the right sale for the customer, not just the commission. There are still questions of fairness between agents and engineers that come up every month, but even in this entitled age, those questions hopefully begin with the understanding that everyone at Redfin is paid by the sweat of a real estate agent's brow. The larger question is how the high-technology industry got to this point, where employing the people who do most of the work is a newsworthy approach? I came to Silicon Valley thinking I had found a kinder, gentler capitalism, where startup secretaries became millionaires, and ex-hippies ran Apple and then Google. This was before angry mobs slashed the tires of private tech shuttles, or employees in customer service published open letters about low wages. Thomas Barwick | Getty Images Now, how we engage the rest of the world has become an urgent issue for technology companies because we've started to work in that world, packing boxes, manufacturing cars, cooking meals, running taxis, diagnosing diseases, and filming movies. The good news is that more companies, like Honor and Managed by Q, are bringing Silicon Valley's openness, energy and hopefully some of its wealth to new groups of employees, beyond software engineers or even real estate agents, to health-care workers and janitors. The companies we can learn from go beyond the ones typically featured in Wired. When I came back to Seattle from San Francisco in 2005, one of the first business people I spoke to was Richard Galanti, Costco's chief financial officer. Walmart was ascendant, its ruthlessness toward employees and suppliers celebrated as the only way to survive as a retailer. I wondered if all businesses eventually had to be that way, and asked Richard about it. He said that Costco had no intention of imitating its competitors. He told me that the reason you feel good when you walk into a Costco is because Costco treats its employees with respect. He pointed out the pins store employees wear showing the year they joined the company. Bigshots don't get the prime parking spots he said; employees who've been there the longest do. At a time when everyone thought Costco would lose, Richard told me that Costco over the next decade would win, in the matter-of-fact way most of us say "It's raining." Since that time, Costco's stock has risen at triple the rate of Walmart's. And its founder, Jim Sinegal, only owns 1% of the company. At an age when I was finally realizing that everyone can be a maker of the world rather than just a bystander or a pundit, what Richard said gave me and the other folks at Redfin the confidence to stand up for what we believed in. In that same span, another Seattle company, Starbucks, shrugged off cheap coffee from McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts, all while paying for baristas' health insurance and education. A shoe-store founded here in 1901, Nordstrom, pays more than any other department store but somehow makes more money too. As California's digital economy spreads to the rest of the U.S., the middle-class values of this old town, and of places like it across the country, can combine with tech to create a new business culture, half Silicon Valley, half something else. Investors will have to be patient, as building these companies takes time, in our case ten years to hire and train a thousand agents to cover a thousand U.S. neighborhoods. But the result is better for our customers and our employees, and ultimately for shareholders too. The traditional brokerage enjoys the flexibility of exclusively independent contractors who can do as they please, but we can set prices and service levels, and roll out technology and training to every employee agent, which we believe is the only way to make buying and selling a home fundamentally better. And making an industry fundamentally better is the only durable way to make money. According to independent surveys of thousands of customers, our customer satisfaction is nearly double that of our traditional counterparts. As well as being a big player in fossil fuels, Norway is now making waves when it comes to clean energy. The government has said that 98 percent of its "electricity production" comes from renewable sources, with hydropower a crucial part of that mix. Norway is traditionally known as an oil producer and is home to an abundance of natural resources. According to the Norwegian government, it is the eighth largest producer of oil in the world, and the third largest producer of gas, meeting more than 20 percent of the European Union's gas demands. The U.S. Energy Information Administration, however, states that in 2015 Norway ranked 15th when it came to the total production of "petroleum and other liquids." Regardless, ambitious targets have now been made as Norway looks to set an example for others and lead the way to a cleaner planet. The country is committed to slashing greenhouse gas emissions by "at least" 40 percent by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. It is also embracing electric vehicles. The first three months of 2016 saw Norway register 11,124 pure electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, according to information provider IHS. "It is important that highly industrialized countries in the western world really act as front runners, otherwise it will be very hard to mobilize the less developed economies and the developing economies that will represent an increasing part of global energy consumption in the few years ahead," Christer Gilje, from state-owned power firm Statnett, told CNBC's Sustainable Energy. Statnett operates around 11,000 kilometers of power lines and 150 stations across Norway. "For Norway, it has been important to not only talk as, but also act as, a front-runner when it comes to climate action," Gilje added. Blessed with its natural resources, Norway produces more renewable energy than it consumes, with Gilje saying that this meant it could export renewable power to other countries. The CEO of renewables producer Agder Energi, Tom Nysted, said that work was being done to provide more countries with Norway's clean energy. "We are now building two new interconnectors from Norway, to the U.K. and Germany," he said. With regards to the rise in electric vehicles in Norway, Statnett's Gilje said as long as a vehicle was charged using a renewable source such as hydropower, it would help to play a "significant role in reducing CO2 emissions from transportation." Norway represents just one part of a wider transformation in Europe. The Renewable Energy Directive, for example, requires the EU as a whole to "fulfil at least 20 percent of its total energy needs with renewables by 2020", according to the European Commission. For Jacquelin Ligot, an expert in sustainable energy and climate finance, countries in northern Europe are becoming "quite advanced in energy efficiency and renewable energy, because they have established frameworks that are conducive to adopting energy efficient behaviors and installing renewable energy capacity." Mick Jagger Dave J Hogan | Getty Images If rocker Mick Jagger isn't out touring later this year, he'll be home changing diapers, at age 72. The rock legend is awaiting the arrival of his eighth child. While parenthood in older age is still the exception rather than the norm, financial planners say it's becoming increasingly common. "In your 60s, we're not just talking about celebrities as older parents," said Terry Siman, managing director at United Capital, based in North Wales, Pa. "People get remarried, and that'll do it." Jagger is not the only older dad who's fiddling with bottles these days. Fellow Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, 68, and his wife welcomed twins this May. Last year, Billy Joel at 66 became a dad for the second time. Parenthood at a later age brings a host of money issues, so preparation is key if you're about to juggle day care and retirement. "If Mick Jagger does the planning, he'll finally get the 'Satisfaction' he's been looking for," said Gavin Morrissey, managing partner at Financial Strategy Associates in Needham, Mass. Lock down your estate plan Think of guardianship and how you would want your child to be raised if you were no longer around or if you were incapacitated. "Imagine a parent who is 50 and naming an 80-year-old grandfather as the guardian," Morrissey said. "At an advanced age, it's more likely that something will happen to those parents." Your child's older sibling may be a viable guardian. Then there are the assets. Consider drafting a trust with very specific provisions as to how and when the money ought to go to the child. This is critical for individuals with multiple children. "Parents will want to protect the minor child first," said Ben Gurwitz, chief investment officer of Financial Life Advisors in San Antonio, Texas. One of his clients is 72 and has adopted her six-year-old great-granddaughter. By the time the child is college-bound, the great-grandma will be 84. If Mick Jagger does the planning, he'll finally get the 'Satisfaction' he's been looking for. Gavin Morrissey Managing partner at Financial Strategy Associates To ensure fair distribution of her holdings and to keep the estate out of probate, the client set up a living trust. This trust will hold the assets to put the child through college, prior to distributing the estate to the woman's natural-born children. Be particular about the timing of distributions. "You can have specific benchmarks along the way," Siman said. "'Do this when the child graduates from college. When the child wants to buy his first home, do this.'" Titling your property correctly is as important as drafting the estate plan. "Unfortunately, many people will go to the estate plan attorney to draft a trust, but you'll find that none of the assets are titled to match [the document]," said Morrissey. Incorrect titling could lead to assets falling outside of the trust, going to probate or being distributed in a manner that's contrary to your wishes. Think insurance If you have a child late in life, you'll wish you had workplace medical coverage. Though some retiree healthcare plans cover minor children, most don't and Medicare won't. Expect to purchase private coverage for your child. In the best-case scenario, you or your spouse are still working and able to access health insurance. Without that, you'll have to turn to your state or federal health insurance exchange. "It's gotten easier [to obtain coverage] through the Affordable Care Act, but it's also more expensive," Gurwitz said. Also think about life insurance. A person in their 60s or 70s will have a hard time obtaining coverage at a low cost. However, if the resources are available, it may make sense to buy a 20-year term policy that will protect your child through the age of majority in the event you pass away. College vs. retirement income The company now expects adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to fall this year, having previously expected it to be slightly higher compared with 2015. Lufthansa , Germany's largest airline, on Wednesday cut its full-year profit target, saying advance bookings to Europe had declined significantly due to "terrorist attacks in Europe and to greater political and economic uncertainty". With the announcement, Lufthansa joins other major European airlines such as British Airways owner IAG and easyJet in warning on profit as a result of political and economic uncertainty dampening travel demand. The group also released preliminary results for the first half of 2016, saying sales fell to 15.0 billion euros ($16.50 billion), down from 15.4 billion in the same period last year. First-half adjusted EBIT rose to 529 million euros, up from 468 million last year. Lufthansa also now expects to increase the amount of flying it does this year by 5.4 percent, instead of a previous target of around 6 percent. Analysts are looking for details of how attacks in France, Belgium and Turkey are impacting demand when IAG, Air France-KLM and Lufthansa all release full results over the next two weeks. Lufthansa is scheduled to release full-year results on Aug. 2. Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. CLEVELAND If Donald Trump's campaign is paying his company for the services of one of its writers, it did not report doing so in June. The Trump campaign did not appear to list expenses related to Meredith McIver, a Trump Organization "in-house" writer who worked on Melania Trump's controversial Republican National Convention speech. Because McIver works for the Trump Organization and not the campaign, her work on the speech may run afoul of campaign laws if the company is not compensated for her services. It would not, however, be an issue if she worked as a volunteer. The data released Wednesday night go only through the end of June. The speech took place on Monday, meaning the campaign could report paying for McIver's work after the start of July. Those numbers are not reported until next month. The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the filing. Earlier Wednesday, McIver took the blame for Melania Trump's speech that bore similarities to one first lady Michelle Obama gave in 2008. By clearing up the responsibility for the speech, the campaign stirred legal questions. Experts said the statement Wednesday raises questions about whether the Trump campaign is following contribution rules. "If she was providing speech writing services to the Trump campaign while being paid by the organization, the Trump Organization would have made, and the campaign would have accepted, an illegal contribution, unless the campaign paid the company for her speech writing services," said Larry Noble, general counsel for the Campaign Legal Center and former general counsel for the Federal Election Commission. Noble said that, if the campaign tries to represent McIver's speech writing as volunteer work, it would not match up with the explanation given Wednesday. In the statement on Trump Organization letterhead, McIver said she was an "in-house staff writer." If she did not get compensated, McIver would also have to explain that she did not do the work on company time or with company resources. LOS ANGELESEach week Amber Lynn welcomes a number of guests to her Rock'N'SeXXXy-Uncensored internet radio show, and this week is no exception. This Thursday, Amber Lynn welcomes Said Faraj, Thomas Baldinger and Bill Sorvino. Faraj is an accomplished international actor, producer, and director with more than 30 years in the industry. He delivered a dynamic breakthrough performance in the film Green Zone in which he co-stars with Matt Damon and is directed by Paul Greengrass. A seasoned actor with an intensity that always makes an impact on screen, Faraj has been cast in some of the most monumental films of our generation: Ghost, True Romance and The Siege as well as others. He has also starred in reccuring roles in televisions top rated shows, including 24, The Shield, NCIS:LA, Bones and The Unit. He wrote, directed, produced and starred in the multi award-winning film The American Failure, which he won three Best Actor Awards at the AOF International Film Festival. He will join RNSU host Amber Lynn live to talk about his career and will take calls from fans all over the world. Then, a very special surprise visit from 624 Productionsdirector Thomas Baldingerwill visit the show, joined by Who's Jenna...? star, actor Bill Sorvino. They will discuss the dates for the NYC area premiere of the project, which will be hosted by the Golden Door International Film Festival on Sept. 24. Who's Jenna...? is a romantic, sexy, comedy starring Sorvino, Tracey Birdsall, Joseph D'Onofrio, Garry Pastore, Vincent Pastore and Lenny Venito, with Edwin Guerrera, Jen Jacob, Michael Tota, Ronnie Marmo, Kevin C. Carr and Amber Lynn. Award winner Sorvinowho is related to the legendary Goodfellas actor Paul Sorvino and Academy Award-winning actress Mira Sorvinowas originally slated to star in another of Thomas Baldingers projects when luck would land him as the male lead with Tracey Birdsall (Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter) in Who's Jenna...? The film centers around a beautiful attorney named Jenna Casey, who is dating a dashing financial advisor played by Bill Sorvino, whose roommate (Joseph D'Onofrio) insists she looks like a famous pornstar. The end result is a hilarious, romcom must see, brilliantly mastered by director Thomas Baldinger and an all-star cast. Fans who call in during the show to join the fun will be treated to autographed memorabilia and other swag. The call-in number is (323) 203-0815. Join Amber Lynn's Rock'N'SeXXXy Uncensored this Thursday, July 21, 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET on LATalkRadio.com and Stitcher.com. Visit the RNSU Blog at Rock-N-SeXXXy-Uncensored.com for guest updates, photos, and news. Those who miss the show can download it at iTunes. Follow the show and Amber herself on Twitter. Now that founding Fox News CEO Roger Ailes has resigned from his position after several accusations of alleged sexual harassment from employees, many are wondering what will happen next at the cable news network. One source tells CNBC the move could lead to an executive shake-up. When a CEO is involved in a scandal usually the company can go in one of two directions, said Jason Schloetzer, associate professor at Georgetown's McDonough School of Business. The company can move the CEO to an advisory position. Or, they can use this opportunity to get rid of the executive and anyone who is closely tied to him. "They could use this an opportunity to bring in some fresh perspective," Schloetzer said. "This is a time to distance yourself from him, and let the people aligned with him leave, bring in new talent and reshape the organization." A source close to the situation told CNBC that 21st Century Fox is leaning towards cleaning house, getting rid of many close to Ailes. New York Magazine's Daily Intelligencer reported that an executive said that long-time Fox News and Fox Business Network executive vice president of corporate communications Irena Briganti, who infamously runs the network's public relations department, will be let go with Ailes. (A 21st Century Fox spokesperson said Briganti is still with the company.) Ailes, who was the CEO of Fox News since it launched in 1996, resigned on Thursday amidst several claims that he had sexually harassed employees. Ex-Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit in early July against Ailes, saying she was let go from the network after refusing to have a sexual relationship with executive. Daily Intelligencer reported Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly had told outside investigators that she had been sexually harassed by the disgraced executive. Another source told CNBC said they had seen this kind of behavior from Ailes towards employees when they worked at Fox News. "Within just two weeks of her filing a lawsuit against Roger Ailes, Gretchen Carlson's extraordinary courage has caused a seismic shift in the media world," Nancy Erika Smith and Martin Hyman, attorneys for Gretchen Carlson, said in a statement to CNBC. "We hope that all businesses now understand that women will no longer tolerate sexual harassment and reputable companies will no longer shield those who abuse women. We thank all the brave women who spoke out about this issue. We will have more to say in coming days as events unfold." Schloetzer said Ailes leaving, who had been with the company for more than 20 years, this could be an opportunity to revamp the company. "This is a good opportunity for James and Lachlan Murdoch to put their stamp on the organization," he said. However, shakeups can cause employees to worry about job stability and cause unrest. Being upfront with current employees about what is gong on can help a company stay on track so It can move past the controversy. "Change and firings can have an impact on moral," said Clair Telling, co-CEO of global talent agency Grace Blue. "It goes back to communicating why this is happening, explaining your strategy, and if possible being upfront with people. These situations can explode in social media. You want to be upfront with your teams as much as possible to stomp out rumors." Florida Gov. Rick Scott told CNBC on Thursday his choice for president is clear because Donald Trump will eradicate the Islamic State terror group, which inspired the gunman who carried out the massacre at the Orlando gay night club. In an interview with "Squawk Box" from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Scott said Democrat Hillary Clinton had her chance to wipe out IS when she was President Barack Obama's secretary of state but failed. "Think about what's happened in my state, with the ISIS-inspired terrorist shooting ... in Orlando," Scott said. "It's ISIS. Who's going to stop ISIS? Donald Trump wants to do it. Hillary Clinton had her shot and absolutely failed in doing it." Trump will also be a great partner for governors to get the economy back on track and help create more jobs, asserted Scott, who said he talks to the billionaire businessman every week or two. "I talked to him [Friday] right after he picked Mike Pence" as his vice presidential running mate, Scott said. Noting Pence's tenure on Capitol Hill, Scott said the Indiana governor was a "good choice." The governor dodged multiple questions about Ted Cruz's nonendorsement of Trump in his Wednesday night speech, which ended with the Texas senator being booed off the stage. Scott also evaded directly responding to Ohio Gov. John Kasich's refusal to back Trump and attend the convention in his own state. He did say the Republican Party needs to unite around Trump, saying a refusal to endorse the GOP's nominee means support for Clinton. The Florida Republican also touched on these themes when he addressed the convention Wednesday evening. Donald Trump told The New York Times that if elected, he would not automatically come to the aid of NATO allies in the Baltics if they came under Russian attack. In the interview Wednesday, he also said he would not pressure Turkey about purges or crackdowns on civil liberties following the failed coup last weekend. Claiming that the U.S. has to "fix our own mess" before intervening in the running of other countries, Trump told the Times he would press the hard-line nationalist "America First" theme of his campaign. "I don't think we have a right to lecture," Trump told the newspaper ahead of his address Thursday night acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention. "Look at what is happening in our country. How are we going to lecture when people are shooting policemen in cold blood?" The head of consumer goods giant Unilever has told CNBC that the U.K.'s decision to leave the European Union (EU) would affect the running of his business. "We have to assess the situation. Article 50 (which formally triggers the Brexit process) has not yet been filed but all the things we've been talking about (such as uncertainty) you can see it in the market," CEO Paul Polman told CNBC on Thursday. "When the environment is uncertain people don't invest." "The shock that we have to go through is certainly not good, it's not good for anybody," he added. "It's not putting Unilever in a position that is less advantageous than others but it's another element on top of all the things we've talked about that doesn't make it easier to run a business." Asked how it would affect the running of the business, Polman said the logistical issues raised by a Brexit needed to be examined closely. He added that it was "too early" to say whether jobs would shift from the U.K. to Europe, however. "In times of uncertainty you have another factor to deal with when you make decisions. We are an Anglo-Dutch company so we are heavily intertwined with Europe, our supply systems are intertwined and our research centers here depend heavily on foreign people as well as U.K. nationals so we have to assess the flexibility we have to run this business in the long-term." Polman said that politicians had "failed terribly" in explaining to the public what leaving the EU actually entails. Unilever on Thursday reported underlying first-half sales growth of 4.7 percent amid what the company called "challenging markets." The figure excludes any change in turnover resulting from acquisitions, disposals and changes in currency growth. The Anglo-Dutch maker of food, home and personal care products said that turnover for the first half of the year fell 2.6 percent to 26.3 billion euros, just missing analyst expectations in a poll supplied by the company of 26.5 billion euros. While emerging markets saw 8 percent underlying sales growth driven by good volume growth in Asia and price growth in Latin America, developed markets grew a meager 0.2 percent in the first half. Sales growth in Europe was 0.1 percent. "We are showing that we can grow 8 percent (in emerging markets) despite a very tough environment there. I am certainly not advocating that we can continue to grow at these levels but if the company innovates well and stays focused we can grow," he said. "The reality is in Europe is that there's deflation in the markets and in the U.S., although there is some growth, it's not evenly distributed....But we are happy with the overall growth." LOS ANGELESFun Factory has released the Cayona Blooming Pleasure, a vibrator that adds a splash of color and plenty of versatility to any toy collection. With bright pastel colorsCandy Green, Candy Blue, Candy Rose and Candy Lemon, which are reminiscent of the colors of Jordan almondsthe Cayona is designed to resemble an opening flower blossom and has two contact points to stimulate the clitoris and the G-spot simultaneously. The firm, yet still flexible, shaft curves slightly at the head, and has a design that looks likes two flower petals opening and folding back to reveal the clitoral stimulating nub. Easy-to-use control buttons are located on the easy-to-grip handle. The shafts design also allows users to cup the petals over the entire vulva for a different type of stimulation. The Cayona also offers six speeds and six vibrational patterns. It retails for $99.99. For more information, visit FunFactory.com. Howard Zemsky, chairman and CEO of Empire State Development, on Tuesday delivered remarks in Oneonta as he announced the city as the Mohawk Valleys winner of a $10 million prize in the $100 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Photo credit: Gov. Cuomos Flickr account. ONEONTA, N.Y. Oneonta is the Mohawk Valleys winner in New Yorks $100 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), according to a news release that the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued Tuesday. The Mohawk Valley regional economic-development council chose Oneonta as part of a competitive process. Oneonta will use the $10 million in state funding to revitalize the local neighborhood and generate new opportunities for long-term growth and prosperity, Cuomos office said. Under the DRI, Oneonta will focus on projects in the downtown area that will leverage significant private investment to promote sustainability and reduce the citys carbon footprint, provide new housing opportunities, create a food and craft beverage innovation district, and expand upon its economic potential as a regional center of culture and commerce, the release stipulated. Oneonta, situated along the Susquehanna River, is home to both Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta. The importance of this award to city of Oneonta cannot be overstated, Mayor Gary Herzig said in the governors release. I wish to thank Gov. Cuomo and the Mohawk Valley regional economic development council for investing in the future of the city of Oneonta and look forward to working together to make downtown Oneonta a true center of innovation where people of diverse backgrounds can live, work, and play together while enjoying an unparalleled quality of life, said Herzig. The award will include up to $300,000 in planning funds for private-sector experts to work with a local planning committee to draft a strategic-investment plan that will identify specific economic development, transportation, and housing and community projects. Plans will be completed by early 2017, Cuomos office said. The DRI program, first presented in Cuomos 2016 State of the State address, will invest $10 million into 10 downtown neighborhoods across the state. Other winners in recent announcements include Oswego in Central New York, Elmira in the Southern Tier, Geneva in the Finger Lakes, Plattsburgh in the North Country, Westbury in the Long Island region, and Middletown in the Mid-Hudson region. Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com July 21, 2016 The largest gathering of space explorers in the world will land in Houston in 2019, honoring the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. The Association of Space Explorers (ASE) announced on Wednesday (July 20) that it has selected Houston as the host city for its 32nd Planetary Congress. The world's only professional association for the men and women who have orbited the Earth and gone beyond, the ASE expects more than 100 astronauts and cosmonauts to travel to Texas for the week-long conference. "The Association of Space Explorers is proud to announce in commemoration of the first lunar landing that happened 47 years ago today, and for the first time in 11 years, that the 32nd Planetary Congress will be held in the U.S., right here in the city of Houston, in October 2019," said former NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria, president of ASE- USA, at a press conference held at Houston's City Hall on Wednesday. Since its founding in 1985, the ASE's Planetary Congress has been hosted in the U.S. only three times. In 1992, the eighth conference was held in Washington, D.C. under the theme, "To Mars Together." Thirteen years later, in 2005, the 19th Congress, "Our Destiny in Space: Worlds Without Borders," took place in Salt Lake City, Utah. Most recently, Seattle, Washington played host to the 21st Planetary Congress, "Exploring Space, Inspiring Planetary Stewardship," in 2008. This year's conference, set for Oct. 3-7 in Vienna, Austria, has the theme "Born to Explore." The official poster art for the Association of Space Explorers (ASE) 29th Planetary Congress in October 2016 in Vienna, Austria. (ASE) "The way these conferences work, they are bid out to the world," Mike Waterman, president of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, said. "First North America had to win against the whole world." "It was [then] dwindled down to us and Washington, D.C., and Houston won," he said. "The world's 'Space City,' [Houston is] the perfect selection for this prestigious Congress," said Mayor Sylvester Turner in a statement. "The first word uttered from the surface of the moon was 'Houston.'" "As the home to NASA's Mission Control and the astronaut corps, Houston has been at the epicenter of every manned space exploration mission for more than five decades," said Turner. "To be selected to host this event, in the same year we celebrate the golden anniversary of Apollo 11, is remarkable. What an honor it will be to welcome these space explorers from around the globe in the city where it all began." Beyond its space ties, the selection of Houston as the host city made sense on several levels, said Lopez-Alegria. "Texas has the second largest population in the U.S.," said Lopez-Alegria, "[and] Houston is the nation's fourth largest city with a diverse population of 2.24 million and reaches the second largest K-12 student population in America." Unlike other professional association annual meetings, the ASE's Planetary Congress is open to the public and free to attend. ASE-USA president and astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria speaks at the press conference at Houston City Hall, July 20. (collectSPACE) "We open our technical meetings to the public, universities and students," said Bonnie Dunbar, a former astronaut and ASE's organizer for the 2019 Planetary Congress. "We will be sending fliers across the state, and even to a couple of locations outside the state, to very large meetings, to very large groups and community groups, as well as to schools. We will be visiting primary schools and middle schools and high schools." The Planetary Congress' opening and closing ceremonies will be hosted by Space Center Houston, the visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center. The ASE is planning to hold the conference's five technical sessions at Johnson, the Baker Institute of Public Policy at Rice University, the University of Houston at Clear Lake, University of Houston central campus and at the Lunar Planetary Institute. Activities supporting the Congress will begin this fall with a three-year STEM education outreach initiative designed to engage local students and educators in learning about the challenges, opportunities and benefits of space exploration leading up to the conference. ASE is represented by more than 400 space fliers from 37 different countries, with more than half of its members from the U.S. chapter. In addition to Lopez-Alegria and Dunbar, astronauts Bill McArthur and Mike Foreman were present for Wednesday's announcement at City Hall. The 30th Planetary Congress will be held Oct. 16-20, 2017 in Toulouse, France. The host city for the 31st Congress in 2018 has yet to be announced. SAN FRANCISCO, CA Today, NakedSword Originals releases the third scene from the new series centered around a smattering of the most charming, handsome, stylish, and well-traveled adult stars in the world, International Playboys. Hailing from around the globe, this elite group of hung jet-setters goes on a sexual journey that covers two continents in four scenes. This third scene is now playing only on NakedSword.com. Rafael Alencar is the definition of an international playboy, a studly Brazilian beast paired with another man of international flare, Rikk York in this third scene of International Playboys. Everything moves faster in New York City, especially International Playboys Rafael and Rikk who agree to meet in Times Square. Once there, they waste no time going back to Rafaels apartment. Rafael in turn wastes no time throwing Rikk down on his bed and proceeding to pound him relentlessly. NakedSword's mr. Pam says of the third scene, "It's always a pleasure shooting Rafael Alencar, he's a true professional and one-of-a-kind performer. He's just effortless in his ability to deliver a great scene and fuck the hell out of someone!" She adds,"I've shot Rikk York before, and he just looks better and better every time I see him! Rikk and Rafael look flawless together, and their chemistry on screen is obvious to anyone who watches this awesome scene." Job Description: County Commissioner The District Commissioners serve on the Boone Co. Commission. The Commission is composed of Southern and Northern district commissioners and a Presiding Commissioner (Daniel K. Atwill). Together, the Commission establishes County policy; approves and adopts the annual budget for all County operations; approves expenditures for each department; supervises the operations of Public Works, Planning and Zoning; Building Codes, Human Resources; Purchasing Information Technology, and Facilities and Grounds Maintenance; ensures County-wide compliance with statutory requirements; and, acts as liaison with County boards, commissions and other government entities. According to the office of County Auditor June Pitchford, the office of District Commissioner pays $95,243.20 per year. I am an undergraduate summer 2016 reporter with an emphasis in arts & culture journalism. When I'm not being a student, you can catch me hiking, making music or trying new food. Feel free to shoot me an email at jjhwy6@mail.missouri.edu. Follow this search 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 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. The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form LAS VEGASTS teen performer Chanel Santini teamed with TransErotica to debut her official site, ChanelSantini.XXX. Its an exciting time for us here at TransErotica. Chanel brings not only a lot of energy, talent and her trademark glamour to the network, she is also very active on social media and has quite the fan following. Her site allows us to officially dip our toes into the TS Teen market, said JC, president of TransErotica. The new site contains exclusive HD videos and high-res photo sets of Santini plus access to her live cam shows. Membership to her site will also include access to all other sites within the TransErotica network. At just 18 years old, Santini is brand new to the adult industry, but hasnt wasted any time making a name for herself. I finally decided it was time to build my very own website full of exclusive, raw and amazing content, said Santini. I am quite confident putting my trust in the TransErotica team and I feel they have done a great job building a site that captures my personality. TransErotica.com launched last year with sites for Tyra Scott, on to the scene last year in their debut with , the official site of Tyra Scott and Jessy Dubai. PornstarsLoveTGirls, a niche site that features porn stars and Tgirls performing together, was added to the network shortly after. The official site for Alexa Scout will be added to the network soon. For more information on TransErotica, visit their official website or follow them on Twitter @Transerotica. For more information on Santini, follow her on Twitter @CCSantini. Missouri's Abrams-Draine draws NFL Draft hype at cornerback Missouri's Kris Abrams-Draine is only in his second season as a full-time defensive back, but the junior is drawing NFL Draft hype. 6 Books About Female Artists You Should Read Right Now Get educated about our favorite female artists with these six books: 1. Women Street Artists of Latin America: Art Without Fear |Grafiteras y Muralistas en America Latina: Arte Sin Miedo by Rachel Cassandra and Lauren Gucik ADVERTISEMENT Few books go into the work of female artists specifically, and even fewer into the work of Latin American artists. With a badass title and even more badass subjects, Women Street Artists of Latin America: Art Without Fear follows the work of female street artists in Peru, Panama, Colombia, Mexico and more. The book not only displays their gorgeous work but also gives readers an exclusive peak into their process, artistic goals and inspiration. 2. Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera Diehard fans of Frida Kahlo should absolutely read this stunning biography by Hayden Herrera. Its 528 glorious pages describing in vivid detail the love interests, medical challenges and painting philosophies of the iconic Kahlo. The biography paints a more layered portrait of Friday and lets you dive head-first into her complex life. Youll be hard-pressed not to feel inspired both creatively and personally after reading it. 3. Women of Abstract Expressionism by Irving Sandler Despite the overwhelming focus on male artists, female artists were very much a big part of the Abstract Expressionism movement. But they often got presented as the wives of the major male players of the time. Women of Abstract Expressionism takes a closer look at the work of artists like Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning and Joan Mitchell. Its an exploration of the impact and a reminder that their work is still important today. 4. Diane Arbus: A Biography by Patricia Bosworth ADVERTISEMENT As an iconic photographer, Diane Arbus has been written about plenty of times. But this biography takes a more layered view of the artist even putting her faults on display. As readers follow along her tumultuous journey to art world fame, it becomes obvious that Arbus is a complicated person (at least in this retelling of her life). In the end, its a story that feels strangely inspiring even while its a melancholic read. 5. Women, Art and Society by Whitney Chadwick This volume is usually used as a textbook but its perfect for any art nerd, even outside of the classroom. Consider it a crash course in women in art, specifically women artists who discuss larger societal issues. Whitney Chadwick knows her art: as a professor, scholar, and writer shes contributed to a number of show catalogs and lectured frequently about gender, surrealism and more. By no means the all-encompassing view of women in art, its a good start to seeing a survey of female artists contributions over a range of genres. 6. Embodied Avatars: Genealogies of Black Feminist Art and Performance (Sexual Cultures) by Uri McMillan For more than 300 pages, Uri McMillan explores the issues of representation and performances of black women in black performance art. The book isnt limited just to art, but also explores visual culture, music, and literature. The volume suggests that black women artists are taking back ownership of their bodies and engaging in social misbehavior in the process (in an empowering way). From Adrian Piper to Nicki Minaj, the book covers influential figures addressing the black female body. Top photo: Frida Kahlo photographed by Nickolas Muray, via George Eastman House More from BUST How Women's Issues Are Shown In Street Art Zara Ripped Off This Independent Artist And Then Insulted Her: BUST Interview These Haunting Photos Are A Tribute To "Hysterical" Women Eva Recinos is a social media manager and freelance writer based in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in LA Weekly, The Creators Project, PSFK, Refinery29, Cosmopolitan and more. She is less than five feet tall. You can see more of her work here and follow her on Twitter and Instagram. SHARE Fu-Ming Zhou By Kevin McKenzie of The Commercial Appeal A $1.66 million federal research grant will allow a University of Tennessee Health Science Center scientist in Memphis to track down the role of a brain chemical called dopamine. Associate professor Fu-Ming Zhou won the five-year grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, one of more than two dozen in the National Institutes of Health. Working in the College of Medicines Department of Pharmacology, Zhou will lead Parkinson's disease research into how dopamine in the brain stimulates muscle function for movement, while motor function is lost with a loss of dopamine. It is one of the largest awards to the Memphis institution reported this year by the NIH. So far, the university has attracted 72 grants totaling $24.6 million in fiscal year 2016. Last year, UTHSC received 84 NIH grants worth $27.4 million. Rev. Bill Adkins of Greater Imani Church invited the city of Memphis to wear blue this weekend in support of police. Adkins announced a "Blue Sunday" at a press conference inside the Airways police station Thursday morning alongside members of his church and Memphis Police Interim Director Mike Rallings. Anyone is welcome to the 9:30 a.m. service on Sunday and he encouraged visitors to wear blue to "show our unlimited support" of police in light of the violence that has recently taken place across the country, he said. Rallings said he and his officers were grateful for the kind words and actions from citizens since the Hernando de Soto bridge protest on July 10. "Community relations goes both ways," Rallings said. By Katie Fretland of The Commercial Appeal The third defendant in the killing of a man who was selling a car on Craigslist was convicted Thursday of first-degree murder. The trial of Walter Collins, 20, began this week in the killing of 37-year-old Larry Wilkins, who was shot to death March 9, 2014, outside the residence he shared with his fiancee. Wilkins, who was a father of six, a self-taught mechanic and a FedEx package handler, was pronounced dead at the scene at the Sycamore Lake Apartments south of Bartlett. His 2006 Ford Mustang was taken, according to an affidavit. Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Paula Skahan sentenced Collins to life. Two defendants, 20-year-old Martiness Henderson and 23-year-old Brandon Vance, were convicted previously and sentenced to life. Henderson and Collins were 17 at the time of the killing. Vance's car was left at the scene, and Collins and Henderson were driving the Mustang around the next day, said Assistant District Attorney Sam Winnig. After waiving his rights, Vance told authorities he and two other people planned to take Wilkins' car and that he spoke with the victim by phone and text, the affidavit states. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal Community activist Mary Wilder claps while sitting next to fellow Greensward supporters: former senator Beverly Marrero, left, and Emily Carothers, right, during a City Council meeting on Tuesday. Members of the City Council voted unanimously for a plan to end parking on the Overton Park greensward. By Ryan Poe of The Commercial Appeal The dust is still settling from Tuesday's City Council vote on an Overton Park greensward plan that some groups say gives the Memphis Zoo too much time to put parking changes in place. Until a few copies of the resolution were passed out in the meeting, the public hadn't seen the details of the plan to end Memphis Zoo parking on the greensward by creating 415 new parking spaces before January 2019. A day after the council's 13-0 vote for the plan, vocal greensward advocacy group Citizens to Preserve Overton Park board member Naomi Van Tol took aim at what she said was a lack of transparency, and at the deadline to end greensward parking more than two years from now. "We feel like we've taken a big step backward," Van Tol said. CPOP has concerns that the resolution was rushed through without citizen input, but also that what happens next will largely be left up to private negotiations between the city engineers, the zoo and the Overton Park Conservancy, she said. "The level of trust people have for city government is pretty low, in our group anyway," she said. CPOP is also concerned that the Memphis Zoo will be allowed to use the greensward for overflow parking until construction finishes on an expansion of the zoo's parking lots, which the plan says should happen by January 2019. "There's no reason for it," she said. "That's just a ridiculously long deadline. And it's disappointing for people who were hoping for real change." Council member Bill Morrison said the 2019 deadline was meant to give the Overton Park Conservancy (OPC) and Memphis Zoo time to raise money to pay for the $3 million expansion of the zoo's parking lots, as well as other initiatives outlined in Tuesday's resolution. Tina Sullivan, OPC executive director, took to Facebook on Wednesday to defend the resolution and the 2019 deadline, which she said will give the OPC and zoo more leeway on when construction starts. If construction starts after the zoo's busy summer season, fewer cars may have to park on the greensward. "Where some see a painfully-long 2.5-year time line, I'm seeing the end date of 30-plus years of Greensward parking," she said in a Facebook post Wednesday. "Where some see a loss of green space, I see protection of more green space than we've had in decades, plus reinforcement of our protection of the Old Forest, plus the acquisition of new green space in the southeast corner of the park." More immediately, the zoo and OPC still have to agree to resolve the zoo's lawsuit, and OPC's countersuit, against the city. The zoo filed its lawsuit earlier this year hoping for a declaration it controlled the greensward, prompting the OPC to countersue. The resolution approved by all 13 council members authorizes its attorney, Allan Wade, to agree to a consent order that would dismiss the lawsuits. But the zoo and OPC will have to agree to the order, and could possibly tangle over the details of the resolution including limits on the zoo's parking. Tuesday's resolution was amended to say the zoo has authority to park "on the greensward," which is much vaguer than the now-repealed March resolution to give the zoo control over most of the greensward. Sullivan said the parties to the lawsuit will begin meeting in the near future, and she doesn't know yet whether there will be any disagreements. "We still have to work out what the terms of the consent degree will be," she said. Zoo spokeswoman Laura Doty said the zoo's attorney, Robert Spence, is "working to drop the lawsuit" now, and that she wasn't aware of any issues that would prevent a peaceful resolution, including any questions about limiting the zoo's greensward use. "We're committed to staying where we are," she said of the zoo's parking boundaries. "We've been very clear on that." Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, addressed the delegates but was booed when he did not endorse Trump. "Vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom," he said. SHARE Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana gestures has he takes the stage during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/) Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, addressed the delegates but was booed when he did not endorse Trump. "Vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom," he said. Evan Vucci/Associated Press Indiana Gov. Mike Pence greets the crowd after being introduced Wednesday evening during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, where he formally accepted the nomination to be presidential nominee Donald Trump's running mate. Related Coverage Tenn. delegates note number of new faces By Julie Pace And Jill Colvin, Associated Press CLEVELAND Undercutting calls for Republican unity, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz stubbornly refused to endorse Donald Trump Wednesday night as he addressed the GOP convention, igniting thunderous boos from furious delegates as he encouraged Americans to simply "vote your conscience" in November. Trump unexpectedly walked into the arena just as Cruz was wrapping up his remarks. Delegates chanted Trump's name and implored Cruz to voice his support for the businessman, to no avail. "Vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution," Cruz said. While he backed some of Trump's policy proposals, including building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, he mentioned the GOP nominee by name only once. Cruz's defiance ripped open party divisions anew, on the summer's biggest political stage. Trump allies were infuriated, including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who said Cruz's decision was "totally selfish." The remarkable moment upended what was shaping up to be the convention's most successful night, and overshadowed Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's national convention debut as Trump's running mate. "You have nominated a man for president who never quits," Pence said. "Until now, he's had to do it all by himself against all odds, but this week, with this united party, he's got backup." Trump joined Pence on stage, applauding his new political partner and humorously leaning in to nearly give him a kiss on the cheek. The campaign had hoped Pence's address would quiet Republican doubts about Trump. Unlike the celebrity businessman, Pence is an experienced politician, favorite of conservatives and ally of party leaders. But Cruz's appearance left the arena unsettled for the night's closing speakers. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich tried to quiet the anger as he took the stage, going off script to try to explain away the senator's lack of support for the nominee. "Ted Cruz said you can vote your conscience for anyone who will uphold the Constitution," he said. "In this election there is only one candidate who will uphold the Constitution." Cruz told Trump in a phone conversation two days ago that he would not endorse him during his speech, according to Cruz aide Jason Johnson. Still, Trump's campaign invited Cruz to speak in a headliner role, no less. That decision was sure to spark a new round of second guessing about the campaign's management of the convention and preparedness for a bruising general election against Democrat Hillary Clinton. Trump did get a boost from Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, one of the 16 Republicans whose White House dreams were vanquished during the primary. Still, Walker suggested he was driven as much by a desire to keep Clinton out of the White House as admiration for his party's nominee. "Let me be clear: a vote for anyone other than Donald Trump in November is a vote for Hillary Clinton," Walker said. After two nights of low-energy speeches, the crowd packed into the arena was noticeably more energetic Wednesday night, dancing in the aisles and waving signs reading, "America Deserves Better Than Hillary." Lynne Patton, a longtime Trump employee, spoke movingly about the businessman's strong family. Patton, who is black, said she was proud to support Trump "not just in spite of the color of my skin, but in fact because of the color of my skin." Cruz arrived in Cleveland with an eye on his own political future, holding a rally with hundreds of supporters who greeted him with chants of "2020" suggesting his backers have no interest in seeing Trump become a two-term president. In his convention address, Cruz spoke at length about the recent stretch of violence across the country. He urged Americans to fight for the families of five police officers killed in Dallas, as well as the family of Alton Sterling, a black man killed by police in Louisiana. Republicans kept up their harsh attacks on Clinton, painted an apocalyptic vision of America if she should win and aggressively challenged her character. For a third straight night, the crowd repeatedly chanted, "Lock her up." Though anti-Clinton sentiment is an easy way to bring Republicans together, the negativity crossed the line for some in the party. "Certainly races can be won based on focusing on the opponent," said Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee. "But I think we're at a place in our country's evolution where it's particularly important now, with all that's happened and the concerns that people have, for a positive vision to be laid out." Trump's family also kept up their efforts to rebrand the brash candidate as a warm husband and father. Eric Trump, the candidate's 32-year-old son, took the stage near the evening's end, praising his father as other family members had earlier in the week. "Vote for the one candidate who does not need this job," he said. SHARE Raumesh Akbari By David Royer of The Commercial Appeal State Rep. Raumesh Akbari of Memphis has been tapped as a speaker at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia next week, lending support for Hillary Clinton's presidential bid. Akbari has spoken at Clinton appearances in Memphis in the past, but she said it was "completely unexpected" when she was invited last week by Hillary for America and the Democratic National Committee to speak at the national convention. The news was made public Thursday. "It's such a blessing, honestly," said Akbari, who called Clinton a role model for young women who want to dedicate themselves to public service. "I have been a supporter of Secretary Clinton for so long." Akbari was elected to her first full term representing Tennessee's 91st House District in 2014 and will serve as an alternate delegate at the convention. She is slotted to speak Thursday, alongside political figures including Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota and former Vermont governor Howard Dean, though she hasn't been given a time slot. State Democratic Party chairwoman and Tennessee delegation chairwoman Mary Mancini called Akbari "the perfect example of the future of our Party, a dedicated public servant for her constituents, and a strong advocate for smart and effective government." The 2016 Democratic National Convention will be held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia Monday through Thursday. Clinton and her soon-to-be-named vice presidential running mate will be formally nominated, though Clinton clinched the needed delegates in the primaries back in June. The Republican convention wraps up Thursday. CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 20: A delegate holds a flag that reads "Trump, Make America Great Again!" on the floor prior to the start of the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) By Dave Boucher And Joel Ebert, USA TODAY Network Tennessee CLEVELAND Republican National Conventions run in the family for Susan Richardson Williams. She attended her first more than 50 years ago, when she worked as a page while her mother served as a delegate at the 1964 convention. Cleveland marks the ninth convention for the former Tennessee party chairman, and there's a clear difference between this year and many in the past: the people. "Normally in times past I would know 90 percent of the people who were delegates. This one has 70 percent who are new to the delegation, have never been to a convention. And you know what, that's a (testament) to Donald Trump, of all the new people that he brought in to the party," Richardson Williams, 70, said Wednesday. Convention veterans Chris Devaney and Bob Davis, both former party chairmen, agreed that Trump's rise to power brought many new Tennessee delegates. Devaney and Davis said newcomers are turning to them for insight on what to expect. "When you walk down onto that floor and come in down the stairs you think, 'Wow, this is really cool," said Devaney, who has been to four conventions, with his first being in 1992. "You still feel like a kid," said Davis, who has attended eight conventions since 1988. When asked if Trump's candidacy has resulted in a different sort of convention, Devaney said, "When you see someone walk out with smoke and backlit with 'We are the champions,' that's a new one." Logistically, enjoying the city of Cleveland is more difficult than other cities that have hosted conventions, said Steve Gill, a former talk show host and conservative activist who's been to six GOP conventions and two Democratic conventions. "For example in New Orleans, you could walk back and forth to the convention facility. In New York, Boston, some of these bigger cities where they can put 50,000 people in town, it's a lot easier than when you're in somewhere like Cleveland where it's not quite as big and you've got people staying 30, 45 minutes I think the California delegation is like almost an hour away from the facility. It makes it a little more difficult," Gill said. The Tennessee delegation is staying at a hotel that's about a 20-minute drive from downtown Cleveland. Near the arena, though, Richardson Williams said she believes convention and city organizers did a good job. Inside the arena, the atmosphere isn't shaping up like it has in the past, said Gill, who's a delegate for U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. He said that difference has little to do with the arena and more to do with the party's contentious primary. "I think the Democrats are going to see the same thing next week. When you go in still with a divide and a contentious aftermath, it's a little bit more difficult to have just kind of the 'We're going to put on a show, showing the country we're all unified and how we're all enthusiastic for our candidate,'" Gill said. "And I think both parties this time because the primary process went on so long and was so bitter, is a little different than what we've seen in the last several election cycles." Bitter or not, it's definitely busy. From sunrise to well past sundown, delegates move around Cleveland from event to event with agendas that stretch beyond 12 hours. "You try to grab a cup of coffee and you try to hang on and you gotta go to all the different events," said Davis. "You just gotta hold onto your hat and know that you can get a lot of sleep after Thursday night." Donald Trump and Mike Pence stand together on stage after Pence addressed the audience during the 2016 Republican National Convention. (Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY) SHARE By Dave Boucher and Joel Ebert, USA Today Network - Tennessee CLEVELAND Although the brouhaha that followed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz' decision not to endorse GOP nominee Donald Trump will dominate discussion at the Republican National Convention Thursday, Tennessee delegates were ready to talk about their party's vice presidential pick, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence. In a style that cast a stark contrast to the fiery rhetoric of Trump, Pence's self-effacing demeanor and focus on conservative tenets rang home with Nashville Trump delegate Betty Cannon. "I thought it was fantastic. I think from all the points he covered in his speech, that they're going to be a wonderful team," Cannon said. "There were three words: I believe it was 'I'll pray daily.' And I think anyone that will pray daily will do the right thing for this country." While some delegations stood for the entirety of Pence's speech, or jumped to their feet every time he bashed presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, Tennessee delegates were a little more subdued. The majority of delegates rose 14 times for standing ovations, while some delegates didn't stand at all. The late hour the speech didn't wrap up until after 11 p.m. may have also contributed to the fact that at one point, more than 20 seats in the Tennessee delegation were empty as Pence addressed the convention. For Edward Phillips Jr., a Cruz delegate from Rutherford County, Pence's speech and nomination helped shore up the party's base. I think he did a good job. Hes certainly one that would bring the conservatives into the fold "America got to see Gov. Pence's human side tonight. He is likable, down to earth, with a lot of common sense," McDow said in a text. "A social conservative and former Ted Cruz supporter who quickly endorsed Trump, he should help bring Cruz supporters over to Donald Trump. "We saw in him why Donald Trump chose him as vice president: that was a solid leader. He looked presidential, he sounded presidential, and most importantly when he got through, you felt like he could be the president, which is what we're looking for," Crump said. Charlotte Bergman, a Trump delegate from Germantown, was not as impressed. It was OK. Hes the one that will complement Mr. Trump," Bergman said. Bergman won't need to wait much longer to see the main act: Trump, who took the stage briefly to shake hands with Pence, will address the nation Thursday night. Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump greets Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) SHARE By Dave Boucher and Joel Ebert, USA TODAY NETWORK Tennessee CLEVELAND Connie Hunter, a Nashville-based Donald Trump delegate, isnt worried about the fact that the Republican presidential nominee has failed to say exactly how he plans to make the country great again. I dont know how deep hes going to get into it, even in debates with Hillary, she said Thursday morning, hours before Trump is set to take the stage for the final night of the Republican National Convention. As Tennessee Republicans prepare to embrace their party's new standard-bearer, they remain confident he'll lead the country to prosperity. But, at least right now, many aren't too concerned about how specifically he'll get there. Hunter said she hopes Trump will use the speech as an opportunity to show his more personal side, adding that shes not sure whether or not that actually matters to voters. It dont matter to me and it doesnt matter to a lot of people that I talk to because what everybody likes about him is because hes so gruff. State Sen. Mae Beavers, R-Mt. Juliet, and Emily Beaty, a Rubio delegate from Cleveland, Tenn., said Trump hasnt laid out too many specifics in terms of policy because of the fact that there were so many candidates in the Republican race. I think probably in this really crowded primary field Trump being loud and boisterous helped him stand out from the crowd. And I think he speaks plain and simple English that Americans understand, Beaty said, adding that she believes Trump will eventually hone in on policy. That will come as he puts his cabinet together, said Beavers, pointing to an idea that several Tennesseans say. I trust that he will at least have people around him that know what theyre doing, and can advise him, said Blount County's Patsy Lundy, from Maryville, a guest of a delegate. Sam Maynard, a Trump delegate from Knoxville, said as the November election nears, he believes Trump will eventually lay out more specifics. Of course he is its just like if you go into business, are you going to know everything immediately? he said. When asked which of Trumps policies he liked most, Maynard said, All of them. Others, like Beavers and Terry Roland, a Shelby County Trump delegate, point to the nominees immigration policy as their top issue. Were at a point now in this country where we really need to know who these people are thats coming in, and to get a hold on it, Roland said. For Julie Brockman, a Lebanon-based Trump delegate, her top issue is veterans. I think that he will develop a plan to help our veterans, she said. Trumps website includes a plan ideas like modernizing the VA by creating satellite clinics in rural areas and firing the corrupt and incompetent executives who have let our veterans down. But not everyone in Cleveland is satisfied with Trumps lack of specifics. Lundy said she would like to know more than Trumps stock line, Make America Great Again. I would at this point like to hear a little more particulars. I think its time that we get down to how youre really going to address the problems, she said. Although he has opinions about everything under the sun, Trumps website outlines his views on just seven official positions. They are: his proposed wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and how to pay for it; 2nd Amendment rights; trade agreements with China, and reforms on taxes, immigration, health care and the veterans administration. By contrast, Clinton has information on her website covering 37 topics, ranging from taxes and substance abuse to autism and racial justice. Trump does, however, have a section on his website in which he outlines his thoughts via YouTube videos covering 20 topics. Peppered in with some policy positions on trade and the economy are videos in which Trump covers a variety of issues, including making deals with Congress, respect for law enforcement, his first day in office, the nations drug epidemic and political correctness. While it remains to be seen whether or not Trump outlines detailed policy positions or sticks to stock answers during the most important speech of his campaign, Tennessees delegation is looking forward to the primetime event. I think were going to hear a vision for America, Beavers said. Science Says There Is A Way To Rekindle Sexual Desire In Your Relationship Trending News: The Scientific Way To Make Your Girlfriend Want You In Bed Why Is This Important? Because it is possible to be both freaky in the sheets and cosy on the streets. Long Story Short New research indicates that there are ways that long-term couples can sustain or even relight bedroom sexytimes. Couples who are responsive to each other tend to have more fun between the sheets. Long Story You meet someone, you bone like crazy in more positions than Rocco Siffredi. Then you settle down, you become life partners. And then just when everything should be heating up you stop boning. Its a sequence thats a depressing, relationship straining fact of life. But maybe not. Thats the opinion of Gurit Birnbaum, psychology professor at the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in Herzliya, Israel. Birnbaum is co-author on new research that suggests there are ways couples can sustain their passion, or even relight it after its gone out. How? Our research shows that partners who are responsive to each other outside the bedroom are able to maintain their sexual desire, Birnbaum said in a press release. Atlantic Records Responsiveness is defined by the authors as a type of intimacy that signals when one is truly informed and concerned about the welfare of another. So its something that cant be faked. Responsive partners are willing to invest resources into their relationship and show understanding at a deep level. Its about making someone feel that their relationship is unique which in Western societies is what many seek from an intimate partnership. Birnbaum worked with University of Rochester professor of physiology Harry Reis to address what is known as the "intimacy-desire paradox" the concept that intimate and familiar relationships kill desire via (some scholars argue) the need for security messing with the novelty, uncertainty and spontaneity that often fuels desire. But despite the concepts popularity both in scientific circles and (in a more casual sense) the general population, its never been conclusively proven. Birnbaum and Reiss new study suggests there may not be a paradox at all. Their (rather encouraging) argument is that what determines whether intimacy prompts or inhibits desire is not its mere existence, but its meaning in the larger context of a relationship. Responsiveness encourages desire because it conveys the impression that the partner is worth pursuing and thus engaging in sex with. tumblr The nuts and bolts of the study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology involved 100 couples who kept a diary for six weeks, both partners reporting on their own level of sexual desire each day as well as their perceptions of their partners responsiveness. Additionally, they reported their own levels of feeling special and perceptions of their partners mate value. Results showed that when responsiveness is present, people feel special and think of their partner as a valuable mate, which boosted sexual desirability. And while responsiveness is particularly important for women, men have reported a significant boost also. But again, you cant fake it. Its not about being nice. Its about actually understanding what your partner wants. Which might sound like a chore. Then again, if youre with the right person Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question Why do women care so much about responsiveness? Disrupt Your Feed Walking home from the bar I often grab my girl a frozen pizza from 7-11. Does that count? Drop This Fact The happiest couples tend to have sex two to three times a week. Courtesy Baptist Memorial Hospital The 150-bed Baptist Memorial Hospital, built at a cost of about $235,000, opens on July 22, 1912. The seven-story brick structure also includes a reception room, parlor, offices, elevator, dining room, kitchen, operating room, and heating plant. Forty-five nurses were in training the first year. On Nov. 17, 2000, Baptist transferred its last 14 patients to other facilities, marking the closing of the 88-year-old hospital. SHARE July 21 25 years ago: 1991 Between 30 and 40 minors were arrested on Beale Street early Saturday morning for violating the state's midnight curfew. Many of the youths were leaving the New Daisy Theatre after attending a heavy metal concert by Megadeth that ended about 11:50 p.m. Several parents and relatives of the youths complained about the arrests. A 1969 Tennessee law requires people younger than 18 to be indoors between midnight and 5 a.m. unless they are on legitimate business. In 1989, at the recommendation of a special law enforcement committee, officers in Memphis and Shelby County began enforcing the law to reduce juvenile crime. 50 years ago: 1966 SPACE CENTER, Houston Astronaut Michael Collins spacewalked from his Gemini 10 capsule to a target satellite and back Wednesday on a jaunt that took him from Australia to Hawaii before it was cut short by a fuel shortage. It was history's fourth space walk and the first in which a spaceman performed actual work. 75 years ago: 1941 Graceland, the new home of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Moore, will be transformed into a bower of summer flowers this evening when the Moores entertain with an informal reception for her father, Battle M. Brown, on his 80th birthday anniversary. 100 years ago: 1916 WASHINGTON For appointment as United States district attorney for West Tennessee to succeed Hubert Fisher, recently nominated to represent the Tenth District in Congress, Senator John K. Shields has recommended Wardlaw Steele of Ripley to the attorney-general. 125 years ago: 1891 KANSAS CITY, Mo. Mrs. Samuels, mother of Jesse James the outlaw, has received an offer from Chicago to exhibit their house at the World's Fair. The upstairs is a low loft, in which the James boys used to hide, and the north and east sides are full of loopholes through which to shoot at enemies. June 13, 2016 - A lawn maintenance crew with Shelby County Schools works outside Carver High School on Monday morning. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal) SHARE By Jennifer Pignolet of The Commercial Appeal Students will again occupy Carver High School in South Memphis this fall as Shelby County Schools plans to move two alternative school programs into the vacant building temporarily. Superintendent Dorsey Hopson said the move will allow the district to avoid boarding up the school and adding blight to the neighborhood. The move will just be for one year, he said. "As we figure out what we want to do long-term with that facility we thought it made sense to move those kids this year into Carver so that Carver won't be boarded up this year," Hopson said. About 300 students will occupy the building, combining programs from Southwest Prep Academy and MLK Student Transition Academy. It will be renamed MLK College and Career Academy. Students in alternative school programs may be serving long-term suspensions or have recently left the juvenile justice system. Despite its prominence in the community, the school board voted to close Carver this spring due to low enrollment and poor performance. The Southwest Prep program was previously housed in the former Stafford Elementary building at 1237 College St. Hopson said the building is in much worse condition than Carver. Board members had expressed concerns during closure discussions about what would happen to the vacant buildings. "I think that's a great opportunity for us to be able to use that building," board member Miska Clay-Bibbs said of Carver. Hopson said the district will engage the community in South Memphis about what to do long-term with the Carver building. SHARE Greg Davis By Ron Maxey of The Commercial Appeal The attorney for former Southaven Mayor Greg Davis is hoping to find "middle ground" with Prosecutor John Champion that would make a retrial of Davis on felony fraud and embezzlement charges unnecessary. Mississippi's Court of Appeals on Tuesday reversed Davis' 2014 conviction by a DeSoto County Circuit Court jury, saying he should have been granted a change of venue because of intense publicity. Attorney Steve Farese said Wednesday, after a day to absorb the decision, that he'll meet with Champion to see if the two sides can reach a settlement and avoid another trial. "We'll have to meet and see if there's any middle ground and I don't know whether there is or not," Farese said. "But we'll get together as soon as we can and talk about it." Champion sounded Tuesday as though Davis would most likely be retried. If that's the case, Farese said Wednesday, he'll work to move the trial as far from DeSoto County as possible. Farese said the Gulf Coast would be a logical choice, getting Davis away from the intense publicity in Memphis and Jackson that surrounded his legal issues of the past few years. A time frame of one to two months sounds reasonable for getting together with the prosecutor to discuss the case, Farese said. "I know (Champion) has a lot on his plate," Farese said, pointing to the Jessica Chambers capital murder trial that Champion's office is also prosecuting. "So I don't know that it's realistic a decision could be made any sooner." The unanimous appeals court decision focused entirely on the venue issue. Justices noted that given the fact that the trial was not moved to another location, "we need not discuss the other assignments of error Davis has raised on appeal." Davis was Southaven mayor from 1997 to 2013, before losing a re-election bid to Darren Musselwhite. Davis was convicted of illegally purchasing a city-owned SUV without approval from aldermen, and of being reimbursed for mileage purchased on a city-issued card. He was to serve 2 years concurrently on each of the charges if the conviction had been upheld. In a separate civil case, unaffected by Tuesday's ruling, Davis was ordered to repay more than $70,000 to Southaven for improper charges. Davis has already repaid about $96,000 of more than $170,000 he was ordered to repay by state Auditor Stacey Pickering. SHARE The rise in the high school graduation rate among African-Americans in Shelby County provided some of the best news on the pages of this newspaper this week. But it is no reason to let up on the effort to improve the county's education system, which has a long way to go before it reaches its full potential. Despite improvements in public schools, the income gap among African-Americans is growing, and good jobs are still hard to come by among those seeking a middle-class livelihood. As CA business editor Ted Evanoff reported Sunday, among the 221,000 black households in the nine-county Greater Memphis metropolitan area, the percentage of families that earn at least $75,000 per year rose between 2007 and 2014, while the share of low-income households earning $20,000 or less decreased. Those figures alone would reflect a degree of upward mobility, but they do not tell the whole story: The share of working families that earn $20,000 to $40,000 has risen, and the number of middle-income households earning between $40,000 and $75,000 has gone down. As Evanoff pointed out, some of the families in the $20,000-to-$40,000 category dropped from the ranks of the broad middle class families earning $40,000 to $75,000. It's no secret that thousands of jobs that supported a black middle class in Memphis for decades have disappeared, due to county and city government cutbacks, the shrinking inner-city public school system, the loss of jobs in the postal service, Defense Depot and the like. To the benefit of many African-American families, the public school system is improving the percentage of Shelby County African-Americans aged 25 and older who had graduated from high school rose from 77.9 percent in 2006 to an estimated 85.1 percent in 2014 but not fast enough. "We have been moving the needle slowly, but we have. It's very encouraging," Elena Delavega, an assistant professor of social work at the University of Memphis, told The Commercial Appeal's Tom Charlier. As well, it should be. But the improvement must continue. Memphis and the metro area must accept the challenge to keep up with the rest of the nation, where the dropout rate fell from 15 percent in 1970 to 6.8 percent in 2013. There are innovative efforts underway in Memphis to keep kids in school and a growing recognition that funding is not up to par. Gov. Bill Haslam's Drive to 55 program, which aims to equip 55 percent of Tennesseans with a college degree or certificate by the year 2025, acknowledges that while having a high school diploma means something, efforts must be redoubled to complete the next step. We should celebrate a high school graduation rate that is on the rise especially among African-American students but we cannot be satisfied that a statistical milestone has been reached. SHARE By Jennifer Rubin It has become a running theme at the Republican convention. From the podium and the delegates comes the refrain, "Lock her up!" The suggestion is that Hillary Clinton was not just wrong, negligent or dishonest, but should be imprisoned. In lieu of policy disagreements, we now criminalize the opposing party's nominee. Some Republicans will argue that she should have been prosecuted for her handling of emails. But she wasn't. She has been cleared of criminal wrongdoing. The verdict now will be a political one, decided at the ballot box. The zeal to not only beat but imprison one's opponents has never been the basis for a national party's presidential campaign. Until now. When left-wing anti-war activists demanded that President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney be prosecuted for war crimes, the right screamed foul. How dare they take political differences and convert them into legal inquests! Now the right has apparently decided if you cannot beat the netroots, you might as well join them. The Heritage Foundation's Daily Signal wrote in September 2008: "For those who do not inhabit the fever swamps, it should be obvious that prosecuting on the basis of policy difference circumventing the impeachment mechanism put into the Constitution for just this purpose would cripple the operation of government. And not just Iraq or other things one party or the other may dislike, but everything guns, butter, and all." When the special prosecutor went after Scooter Libby, the right uniformly denounced the move. National Review's Kate O'Beirne said, "We think he should be pardoned, Neal (Conan, host), because we think it's a classic example his prosecution, criminal prosecution of criminalizing political disputes." Mark Steyn wrote in 2007, "Patrick Fitzgerald's disgrace is the greater, and a huge victory not for justice or the law, but for the criminalization of politics." Outside the Trump base, many Americans will find this criminalization lingo distasteful. And if they felt uncomfortable before Tuesday night, watching New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's show trial of Clinton might have pushed them over the edge. During the campaign, Christie liked to say he would "prosecute" the case against Clinton. He seemed to be speaking metaphorically, promising to make a political case against her in the debates. But he apparently took the notion literally. Most of his speech was built around declaring her "guilty" of various missteps: "Well, tonight, as a former federal prosecutor, I welcome the opportunity to hold her accountable for her performance and her character. "We must present those facts to you, a jury of her peers, both in this hall and in living rooms around our nation. ... "As to Hillary Clinton, putting herself ahead of America, guilty or not guilty? Hillary Clinton, lying to the American people about her selfish, awful judgment, guilty or not guilty? Time after time the facts, and just the facts, lead you to the same verdict both around the world and at home. "In Libya and Nigeria, guilty. "In China and Syria, guilty. "In Iran and Russia and Cuba, guilty." That is not how we normally discuss our differences in America. We don't talk in this country about criminalizing poor political judgment or flawed policy. The criminal prosecution rhetoric underscores the discomfort many feel with giving Trump a peevish, resentful narcissist control over the IRS, the FBI, the NSA, the CIA and, of course, the military. A party calling to lock up its opponents. A presidential nominee speaking about ordering war crimes, "opening up" libel laws to punish critical journalists, and forcibly rounding up 11 million to 12 million people. This, folks, is the current Republican Party. If this is a permanent disposition rather than a temporary temper tantrum induced by an unhinged demagogue that will pass with Trump's defeat, the GOP deserves extinction. Jennifer Rubin writes the Right Turn blog for The Washington Post. SHARE By Megan McArdle Tuesday was supposed to be "Make America Work Again" day at the Republican National Convention. This had led journalists to expect that there would be some discussion by the speakers of, you know, work. The economy. Stuff Americans might want to know about how Donald Trump's policy plans will make them better off. Instead, the evening could be more accurately described as a "Two Hours of Hate" against Hillary Clinton. Sharon Day, the attorney general of Arkansas, said: "And as first lady, you viciously attacked the women who were sexually abused by your husband!" Chris Christie presented indictments of Clinton on everything from Libya to her private email server. After every charge was laid out, he asked "guilty or not guilty?" while the crowd chanted "Lock her up!" Ben Carson, in the weirdest turn of the night, drew a strange line from Clinton to Saul Alinsky and straight on to Lucifer. Having spent much of my afternoon running around the convention floor in search of rumors of a rebellion that never materialized, I suspect the political logic is sound. This convention is so divided that people seeking comparisons had to reach back to the 1976 battle between Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, or perhaps the Democratic convention in 1968. During the nomination roll call of the states, as alternates in the stadium seats screamed Trump's name, the actual delegates seemed curiously flat there were cheers for Trump, yes, but also a lot of somber faces and head-shaking. Meanwhile, when states cast their votes for Marco Rubio or Ted Cruz, as directed by the voters in their states, the Trump supporters among the alternates frequently booed. This seemed strange, but it was my first convention, so I asked a regular attendee if this was normal. This earned a sad chuckle and a rueful shake of his head. "Oh no," he said. "Oh no." A lot of delegates love Trump. But a lot of delegates er, don't. In fact, they can't stand the man. Most nominations end with a candidate who is considered less than ideal by a lot of folks, but who is at least tolerable to almost everyone. This year, that toleration is coming only after a lot of arm-twisting, and through gritted teeth. What can all these folks agree on? That they don't want Clinton to be president. That was the subtext of Paul Ryan's speech, which barely mentioned Trump, and never praised him. All he could bring himself to say about Trump was that at least if Trump was elected, Clinton would not be president. It was a poignant and effective plea for the party to rally around the only possible thing that could unite them after the bitter season of the primaries, and the resentment in the convention hall over how convention organizers high-handedly and ham-fistedly rolled over last-minute efforts to take a roll-call vote on the rules. The insurgents almost certainly would have lost that vote, so there was little cost in allowing it to go forward. Doing so would have let the insurgents feel that they'd given it their best shot and added legitimacy to the proceedings. But presumably the organizers felt that it would have embarrassed Trump, so attempts were ruthlessly put down. These factions are never going to come together in enthusiastic endorsement of a Trump presidency. But a Not-Clinton presidency might have enough appeal to hold this fractious convention together, however uneasily. Nor is the broader political logic necessarily bad. Trump and Clinton are both widely disliked by voters. They're both also widely known by voters, which means that there's not all that much room to turn those negatives around. Since neither of them is going to have much success campaigning as the likable, trustworthy person you want sitting in the Oval Office, the only real hope for either party is to convince voters that the other candidate is so horrifying that a Not-Them candidate looks comparatively appealing. So far, Not Trump is beating Not Clinton in the polls. But while some of the speeches Tuesday night probably sounded a bit unhinged to the folks who don't already have a visceral, consuming hatred for her, others, like Christie's, struck me as quite effective. Of course, next week the Democrats will get their own chance to present the case for Not Trump. We'll get the voters' verdict in November. Megan McArdle is a Bloomberg View columnist. In the city of Cedar Hill, Texas, about 15 miles from Dallas, officials realized that the population was growing and that drought and other factors were bound to drive up water costs for residents and businesses. "Texas doesn't have nearly the issues other states have with water resources, but we're not exempt from problems," said Melissa Valadez-Cummings, assistant city manager for Cedar Hill, in a recent interview. Many people, incorrectly, have adopted an "unlimited water resource mentality, but we realized we should do what's right for the environment and the region and what's right by the citizens. A lot of cities are in the same situation," Valadez-Cummings said. One big factor Cedar Hill faced was how much water the community of 46,000 people was losing. "We were buying 3 billion gallons a year and only selling two-thirds of that. We had a 35% unaccounted loss," she said. The biggest part of that loss wasn't leaks in the ground. Instead, a comprehensive review with water utility software-as-a-service provider Fathom, based in Phoenix, found that the biggest problem was meters that weren't being billed or were billed for the wrong amount. The city worked with Fathom to replace older meters, which had to be manually read by workers, with 16,000 wireless meters that show customers their water consumption at their homes and businesses. Fathom also set up software to streamline the city's utility billing and revenue management. With the Fathom system, customers can record average monthly water usage, then get email or text alerts when water usage is exceeding that rate within hours of when the water flow increases. A customer might discover a leaky toilet or pipe weeks before the monthly bill arrives, a potentially big savings on water and the cost for the water. "This approach has really given people the tools to manage consumption before the bill comes in," Valadez-Cummings said. She said city officials discovered Fathom at a conference and compared its software and system to those from Honeywell and Johnson Controls, but found Fathom had a more comprehensive approach. The meters and software and system upgrades cost the city about $9 million. The city water utility expects to recoup that cost because of various efficiencies from the Fathom system in about seven years half the normal 15 years expected for a major capital improvement. In addition to the utility's efficiencies, "the rate payers love it because they reduce the window of finding out they experienced a leak, so it helps their pocket book," Valadez-Cummings said. On the billing side, consumers also get features that allow easier access to their billing history. Water utilities typically have older billing systems that are based on one utility comparing itself to another water utility nearby. The Fathom billing system is more comparable to how consumers pay for cable or Internet services, Valadez-Cummings said. Fathom's software and systems support about 4 million water meters in about 200 utilities in the U.S., said Fathom President Jason Bethke. Municipalities run about 85% of all water utilities in the nation, he estimated. "Our primary mission is to help utilities adopt technology to be more financially stable, and the benefit is that customers use less water," Bethke said. Fathom's utility customers see an average increase in revenue of 10% while also seeing a reduction in water usage of 10%. "They are making more money with less water." Bethke said Cedar Hill is fairly typical of other utilities where the water loss is not a function of actually leaking water into the ground but of losing track of the data, such as when a customer is billed for 50 gallons instead of 500 gallons. Bethke said Fathom has found a sweet spot in serving the many smaller water utilities that couldn't afford to create and install new software to analyze water usage data and provide billing. With a SaaS approach, Fathom has brought "an economy of scale to a fragmented system," he said. Valadez-Cummings said one environmental perk of the Fathom system is that the meters send their data wirelessly to 24 data collectors that are solar powered, keeping them off the energy grid. The data collected is then sent to the cloud, managed and analyzed by Fathom. Analyst firm Frost & Sullivan evaluated Fathom's performance for a group of its customers in a recent white paper and found an increase of 20% in revenues, while decreasing water consumption by customers by more than 20%. "Fathom has been able to achieve this success in many ways due to its organized development with the water utility industry and its strong IT-focused understanding of the smart water landscape," Frost & Sullivan said. Zeus Kerravala, an analyst at ZK Research who researches Internet of Things technology, said wireless meters for measuring both water and electricity usage are emerging on the technology scene and offer substantial advantages. "That technology is in its early stages, and utilities are seeing how it saves money," he said in an interview. "A little awareness by consumers of waste can change a behavior. And with water shortages, that's a good thing to do." Apple TV, wasn't the first streaming media device in the living room, but it was the most successful in creating a platform for premium content, Albert Lai, Chief Technology Officer, Media at online video platform, Brightcove tells AppleHolic. Apple TV is already a must have platform for practically every streaming service, he explains. Why it matters In the same way as iOS and the iPhone has nurtured a mobile economy capable of doubling Nintendos market cap on strength of one hit game; Apple TV is sewing seeds for similar opportunities. The system reflects its time. Viewing habits are changing. GfK MRIs latest research confirms TV viewers today choose to binge watch shows they like, rather than being restricted by the traditional linear broadcasting model. Number-crunching This change is visible across every age group, but digitally-savvy millennials are among the most prolific bingers, with 53 percent saying that they are regular bingers binge viewing more than half the time they watch TV, the report said. Not surprisingly, streaming services are the main conduits for binge viewing, says GfK. Two-thirds (66%) of regular bingers say streaming is the binge viewing option they use most (up from 58% 10 months ago). 81 percent of millennials who binge regularly use streaming services to do so. With Apple set to make some important improvements to Apple TV this fall, these habits will only become more entrenched. Habit forming Apple TV was an emphatic statement that the television is simply a "dumb screen," and that the living room experience is defined by being digital, interactive, and device-centric for mobile and streaming media, explained Brightcoves Lai. The power of the Apple TV is that it becomes another touch-point in the company-consumer relationship. Apps and the growing integration between software offerings across Apples platforms are likely to help differentiate its streaming device from those offered by its competitors. While cheaper streaming devices exist, Apples TV offering brings compatibility between Macs, iPads, iPhones and more. This means the shows, films, music and applications you use on one platform can migrate to another, the user is firmly in control. And thats the point. Apple TV isnt a streaming box, its much more than that. Its a platform for future evolution of software, products and services that can augment your digital experience. Incremental innovation Apple TV's roots were in video, but it now has the hardware and software foundation to expand more fully into commerce, gaming, and more pragmatic features, such as video conferencing, photo and music management, and integration into home devices, explains Lai. On strength of Apple Music adoption, we already know that if Apple eventually does offer its own streaming video/TV services it will quickly attract a huge audience. A captive audience [that] would be difficult for any company, whether its a media company or a brand, to ignore, notes Lai. Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, recently commented: "Whether we're providing it [Apple skinny bundle or live-TV streaming service] or somebody else is, it really doesn't matter to us. What we're trying to do is build the platform that allows anybody to get content to consumers." Explore the potential This platform opportunity gives brands new ways to build consumer engagement through Apple TV. For companies that have the willingness to invest in technology and content, branded content is a natural and powerful progression, said Lai. Brightcove last year announced three such projects, with MediaWorks, GoNoodle and Sothebys. Each one of these created their own distinctive offering on the Apple platform. It remains to be seen just how much of conventional ads spending will be diverted into such customer engagement attempts and how much this will disrupt existing ads-based broadcasting models. At what point will traditional channels begin banging on Apples door? The area that could see greater and more cost effective adoption is the growth of promotional and "how to" content by brands and retailers, said Lai, pointing to things like home improvement content for Home Depot. What's critical about branded content -- at least, what seems to be increasinly understood by the cognoscenti on the social media "scene" is that it needs to be actually useful. It needs to have inherent value. Consumers are ads and brand resistant and want to connect to something that actually enriches their lives. With this in mind Lai's next point could herald a world of engaging Apple TV material in fututre. He explains that traditional media companies and others are exploring things like "pop-up" / seasonal content, as well as useful and engaging live streaming experiences. All of which could lead to a diversity of content you'll need smart search and Siri to navigate through. Google+? If you use social media and happen to be a Google+ user, why not join AppleHolic's Kool Aid Corner community and join the conversation as we pursue the spirit of the New Model Apple? Want Apple TV tips? If you want to learn how to get the very best out of your Apple TV, please visit my Apple TV website. Got a story? Drop me a line via Twitter or in comments below and let me know. I'd like it if you chose to follow me on Twitter so I can let you know when fresh items are published here first on Computerworld. Police Shoot Unarmed Man Trying To Help Autistic Patient Trending News: The Latest Police Shooting Defies Explanation Why Is This Important? Because it just never seems to end, or even to get better. Long Story Short A behavior therapist in North Miami, FL, who was trying to help an autistic man was shot by police even as he was lying on the ground with his hands in the air. Long Story Because America seems unable to go a couple of weeks without cops somewhere shooting an unarmed black man, cell phone video of yet another incident has emerged, this time from south Florida. Charles Kinsey works at an assisted living facility in North Miami and was trying to retrieve an autistic patient whod wandered off and was blocking traffic. The patient was holding a white toy truck, but a passerby called 911 and told them someone was threatening suicide. The video shows Kinsey lying on his back with his hands in the air, urging the autistic man, whom he calls Rinaldo, to comply with police orders to show hands and lie on his stomach. Kinsey also tries to explain the situation to the police, who are standing about 30 feet away and aiming their assault rifles at the pair. All he has is a toy truck in his hands, Kinsey says. Thats all it is. There is no need for guns. Seconds later, while the camera is turned off, three shots are fired and at least one hits Kinsey in the leg. Another video shows police standing over them as they wait for an ambulance to arrive. Kinseys lawyer, Hilton Napoleon, says his client had to wait 20 minutes on the hot pavement for transportation to a hospital. While Kinsey is expected to recover physically, Napoleon says the married father of five is mentally distraught. I was thinking as long as I have my hands up theyre not going to shoot me, Kinsey told a local TV station from his hospital bed. Wow, was I wrong. When he shot me, it was so surprising. It was like a mosquito bite, and when it hit me, Im like, I still got my hands in the air, and I said, No, I just got shot. Sir, why did you shoot me? Kinsey says he asked the officer. He said, I dont know. Napoleon says he is already in negotiation with the City of North Miami regarding a possible settlement. He also wants the officer who shot Kinsey fired. The officer, who has not been identified, has been placed on administrative leave, as is the norm in police shootings. The State Attorneys Office is also investigating to determine whether criminal charges are warranted. Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question Who is training these cops? Disrupt Your Feed If a compliant, unarmed black man is lying on the ground with his hands in the air still gets shot by cops, theres no telling whos getting shot next. Drop This Fact According to Vox, black people accounted for 31 per cent of police killing victims even though they constitute only 13 per cent of the population. Daniel Hannan is an MEP for South-East England, and a journalist, author and broadcaster. The Internet has revolutionised everything including revolutions. We all know what a coup detat is meant to look like: tanks in the streets, a seizure of the TV station, martial music, appeals to patriotism. Its the second of these, the seizure of the TV station, that has traditionally been the key. Coup plotters need to ensure that theirs is the narrative that the population hears. And that narrative, in the first hours, is not so much we are justified as we are winning. Decentralised media, as we saw last week, have made that strategy obsolete. An elected leader who remains at liberty can always find a way to get his message out. The enduring image of Turkeys failed military uprising was Recep Tayyip Erdogan appealing to his supporters via FaceTime as a news anchor held her phone before a camera. The experts on British and American news channels declared that he was as good as finished: a man reduced to using FaceTime, they opined, had already lost control. It didnt look that way to me. Watching the putsch through Twitter I follow quite a few Turks I saw a very different picture. Not only Erdogan and his partisans, but opposition leaders and prominent critics of the government were calling on citizens to face down the plotters. As Western security analysts lumberingly speculated about whether Erdogan had applied for asylum in Germany, the Internet was urging Turkish democrats into the public square and showing pictures of civilians overpowering nervous-looking conscripts. (As an aside, BBC Newss coverage was truly hopeless: an hour into the coup attempt, it was still focused on the previous days abomination in Nice. Sky News did at least cover the story, though its reading of events was badly awry. I soon switched to Al Jazeera, which alone seemed to grasp what it was dealing with, namely a half-cocked rising by a minority of officers who, having failed to disable the civilian leadership at the outset, stood no chance of success.) Coups are not yet redundant, and hot countries will still from time to time throw up strongmen with sashes and sunglasses. But the balance, at least in nations with widespread Internet access, has been tilted. The dispersal of information means that every citizen is a potential journalist, a potential photographer, a potential politician. Such countries are now, in effect, putsch-resistant. A good thing, too. I cant think of a military pronunciamiento against an elected government that has improved things. Im not talking here of coups within military dictatorships, such as the 1974 Portuguese revolution. But the overthrow of a civil regime by men in uniform almost invariably ends in corruption, score-settling and arbitrary rule. This point shouldnt need making, but a surprising number of otherwise liberal-minded people in the West cheered on the Turkish military, as they had applauded the 2013 coup in Egypt. The justification, in both cases, was that anything was better than Islamism. Setting aside the considerable ideological distance between Turkeys AK Party and Egypts Muslim Brotherhood, that approach fails in its own terms. The coup in Egypt has been a recruiting sergeant for Islamist radicals around the region, who point to it as an example of Western hypocrisy (theyre only pro-democracy when we vote for their stooges) and present themselves as the only viable alternative to brutal dictators. Western sympathisers tend to avert their eyes, not only from the barbarities carried out by some secular despots, but from their ideological affiliations. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Egypts current military despot, is a close ally of Vladimir Putin, going so far as to apply, in defiance of geography, for membership of Putins Eurasian Union. Western conservatives stolidly overlook that alliance, just as their predecessors overlooked Ataturks alliance with Lenin. Those who backed the Turkish coup attempt were lining up with Assad, Hizbollah and the Marxist PKK. They were, more pertinently, opposing every parliamentary opposition party in Turkey. To their immense credit, Turkeys secular nationalists, liberals and Leftists, unlike most of their Egyptian counterparts, stood firm for the principle of representative government despite their criticisms of the AK Party administration. Will their generosity now be reciprocated? The Turkish prime minister, Binali Yldrm, made a warm speech after the coup attempt, praising the opposition parties for their democratic solidarity. But his government has taken a very different attitude to the machinery of state. As well as purging soldiers and police officers which is perhaps understandable in the circumstances it is sacking thousands of civil servants and teachers. At best, this looks vindictive; at worst, it justifies those who say that the putsch was a pre-emptive strike against the attempt to create an authoritarian regime. Friends of Turkey, and of Turkish democracy, should be alarmed. During its first decade in office, the AK Party led a great reforming ministry, dismantling some of the more oppressive laws inherited from a previous military regime, bringing civil rights to Kurds, liberalising broadcasting and presiding over an economic boom. But, in recent years, there has been a centralisation of power and an intolerance of dissent which, while it stops short of being dictatorial, is incompatible with democratic pluralism. Before the coup attempt, there had been positive signs that Ankara was re-engaging with European allies, building bridges with Israel and recovering its commitment to market reforms. Now, though, the countrys future hangs in the balance. The ruling party could act with generosity. It could recognise the democratic credentials of its opponents. It could commit to parliamentary rule, dropping the idea of a new presidential system. It could, in short, show itself to be a mature democratic party, capable of outliving its founder. Alternatively, it could treat all dissent as hostile, failing to distinguish between political criticism and military resistance. It could opt for vengeance over statesmanship. For the sake of the stability of the region, as well as of the well-being of Turkey itself, I hope it chooses the former path. As the Koran says, God loves him who restrains his anger and pardons the people (3:134). There is anger enough in the Levant. Turks should hold themselves to a higher standard. Theresa May has promised a One Nation government. This will focus on solid and dull delivery. In that spirit I thought it was worth mentioning housing policy which May put high up her domestic agenda. It still sits in the top five issues for voters. Fix this and the Conservatives will be well on the way to victory in 2020. Fail, and it will be a major stick for Labour to beat us with. 1. We have a system where the key structures are broken The most important thing in understanding our system is that councils are the (broken) lynchpin. The entire system is based on councils assessing local need and creating a plan that delivers sufficient homes to meet it. But when I was in Number 10 and dug out the figures (which officials were not keen to share) fewer than ten councils (out of 326) turned out to have an up to date local plan and deliver their housing need. A similar number do so without an up to date local plan. Thus over 300 councils failed to oversee delivery of housing need. This is the housing crisis in a nutshell. There is talk from the local government sector and central government officials about the need to empower councils and for central government to deliver. Yet who issues planning permissions? Who allocates insufficient land? Who could but does not place restrictive covenants or request developers sign up to delivery rates or even contractual obligations? Councils. And who asks for 20-year pie-in-the-sky plans rather than delivery today? Who refuses to fix issues like local control over design and an overly complex planning system? Who empowers large developers in the appeals system despite their repeated failures to deliver? Who fails to help councils hold developers to account? Central government. The sanction of the Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development is simply inadequate to get them to increase output and is largely a way for developers to capture large greenfield sites (it also basically repeats a 1980s failure termed planning by appeal). Despite the debates around Right to Buy, Starter Homes, and sale of high value assets, the most important reforms underway since 2015 were a low-key battle to reform the system so that: Councils were assessed against a delivery test. Each council would be required to deliver enough homes to meet housing need. Up to date local plans would move from 500 pages of verbiage and policies on everything from climate change to an ageing society, and instead focus on delivery of homes with infrastructure, design and political engagement prioritised. Central Government would put plans in place in consultation with local people in areas without an up to date local plan that failed to deliver. It was hoped in Number 10/the Treasury this could be rolled out if we were able to find a way to do this in a politically acceptable fashion. There were moves around direct commissioning (opposed by parts of the Treasury) so that councils could control the land market themselves and, without taking on balance sheet risk directly, allocate land to developers in return for agreement to build at a set rate. These reforms were not particularly supported by the sector or within DCLG, despite help from some good officials and ministers, (particularly Brandon Lewis). DCLG was far too focused on mayors (despite clear evidence that Londons mayor, who has extensive housing powers, had not stopped London seeing the biggest housing failure of all). Against all the headwinds and vested interests the agenda set out above barely moved much like housing numbers. 2. What sector builds is important but the key is fixing the structures in place The housing sector (and many academics/left wing charities) are largely a series of vested interests focused on more money and hidden subsidy (e.g. cheap public land) for their favoured type of housing. This includes councils. Number 10 would often be lobbied by a council that barely allocated land for housing and had an annual shortfall of, say, 300 to 400 homes and yet argued that the priority was increasing local council house building from ten to 30 a year. Deconstructing the arguments is depressing. The social housing sector argues it is counter-cyclical and builds in a downturn. It is true from 2007-2012 social housing providers started work on around 25,000 homes a year. But this cost close to 2 billion a year in direct subsidy, nearly double times what we are spending now on support for affordable homes to deliver a higher number of shared ownership units. And overall this counter-cyclical system saw a post-war low of just 90,000 homes started in 2008/9. Not an overall success to replicate. Or take another silver bullet build to rent. It replicates the commercial markets use of long term rents, which some argue makes it more resilient but in the last recession we saw a nearly 50 per cent drop from peak to trough in terms of commercial output. Meanwhile, planners argued for more resources, yet many (though not all) showed themselves unable to prioritise, unable to accept streamlining, and opposed to genuine consultation and local input. Net immigration made up around 25 per cent of demand yet many argued stopping this would solve everything. The current private market only builds more with rising demand. So to end the housing crisis, which is a supply/demand imbalance, some argue for higher demand to induce higher supply. But this is nonsense because supply is unresponsive. Since the cost of construction is below sales prices, the real solution is rewiring the model to increase elasticity of supply, not just push up prices and hope that there is an extra dribble of housing. (Note at present if you flooded England with council homes sufficient to reduce demand, without other changes, this would just reduce private output.) The key to fixing these issues is to ensure that councils control the local land market, remove the risk from those building homes (sharing it between landowners, developers and councils, not taking it onto Government), and ensure local areas pursue a politically sensitive strategy to deliver and step in directly where they do not. In some areas, more PRS is right, in others custom build, in others, Starter Homes and, if councils actually deliver, and the new Prime Minister is content, more social housing. But what is important is central support is only delivered as part of an overall strategy by each council to build sufficient homes. Developers and others will fight hard against a system that actually focuses on delivery. 3. I havent even mentioned how you make development more acceptable Of course, councils are not helped by the failure of central government to help make housing more politically acceptable. You could write a thousand words on each of the failures to deliver infrastructure with new homes, the failure to get local input right, the excessive complexity and tinkering from the centre, the failure of ensuring good quality design, interventions that increased land prices more than they drove housing delivery or how central intervention is both necessary but incredibly difficult to get right, and in each case barely scratch the surface. Further, you need a narrative. Home ownership might get flack in The Guardians pages. But at the recent Tory away day every MP accepted more homes to increase ownership. This is in large part because they get that home ownership is a) popular, b) what their voters worry about and c) necessary for the very survival of the Conservative Party. If you are going to build homes across the green shires you need a better reason than keeping GDP numbers up. If there is a better one than Tory voters children being unable to access home ownership, go for it, but I am not sure there is. Sajid Javids reputation, and potentially Mays, will depend not on high profile interventions but on the issue of whether or not the housing crisis looks like it is easing or getting worse by 2020. It could not be more important to get right. Or more difficult. Things That Women Want Men to Stop Wearing 5 Women Reveal What Men Should Stop Wearing When it comes to the way you dress, perspective is everything. You may think you look great, that your sense of style has no flaws, and that you're presenting yourself to the women around you as a desirable, attractive man. In the meantime, women may be thinking you arent looking your best, that your style is way off. But thats due to your personal opinion of yourself and others. As a man, it can be a little hard for some to build their personal style. This leads to men experimenting with different trends, and some might work, while others are a total letdown. A good thing to keep in mind is that growing your style is possible, and if youre looking to please women and others around you, itll take time. RELATED: Ways to Improve Your Style To help you weed out anything that looks weird in your closet, we asked five style experts about things they dont like to see men wearing. But remember this is only their opinion so dont feel pressured to stop wearing the things you love. Suspenders and Overalls Getty Images Kasey Monohan is a fashion blogger who has written about every aspect of fashion and beauty over the years. When shes not writing, she likes to experiment with her style and find fashion bargains online. She says: One thing most women, including me, think men should stop wearing is anything with suspenders. Suspenders don't do your body any favors, as they pull up and emphasize any extra bloat you have in your waistline, and make your torso look short and disproportionate. As an alternative option, Monohan says, instead of wearing suspenders, put a tie on, or a button-down shirt. Both draw attention to the same area of your body but are much more flattering. Turtlenecks Getty Images Jene Luciani Sena is a bestselling author and style expert. She has made appearances on tv shows including NBCs Today, E! News, Wendy Williams, Access Hollywood, and more. Luciani believes that clothes are a means of expression and people should be able to wear what they want! Also, gender ambiguity is a trend right now, and with Billy Porter on the red carpet in a tuxedo dress, and non-binary folks dressing like either gender, there arent too many rules anymore when it comes to dressing, Luciani adds. However, one clothing item that she would like for men to stop wearing is turtlenecks. Turtlenecks look dated and out-of-touch with current styling. They also come across as stuffy. Opt for a cool gaiter instead if you need to keep your neck warm. says Luciani. Long Pants Getty Images Cassandra Sethi is a personal stylist who has worked in the fashion industry for over 20 years. She started her own company, Next Level Wardrobe, where she works with both men and women to help create a work wardrobe. She says: I want guys to stop wearing pants that are too long. Pants that are too long will make you look sloppy and shorter than you are. If youre a guy that has pants that are too long for them, Sethi recommends that you see a tailor to get them properly fitted. Wide-Leg Jeans Getty Images Lana Blanc is a personal stylist and founder of The Blanc House. She worked in the fashion and retail industry for over ten years, where she held merchandising, buying, and planning roles at stores including Bloomingdale's and Macys. Also, Blanc was a style contributor for Instyle, Glam.com, and other publications. Blanc would like for men to stop wearing wide-leg jeans. Skinny jeans aren't for everyone, but wide-leg denim is not appealing on a man, she says. Instead, she wants men to go for a pair of slim or straight-fitted jeans. Square-Toed Shoes Getty Images Megan Collins runs Style Girlfriend, a style consultancy site that she started in 2012. Its a go-to destination for men worldwide to visit for fashion and lifestyle advicefrom a females perspective. Collins shared that she doesnt like for men to wear square-toed shoes. Nobody looks good in those, she says. We're leaving square toe shoes in the 1990s where they belong! Instead, men should wear simple, classic cap-toed shoes or any other round-toed shoe. You Might Also Dig: In her first week in Number Ten, Theresa May proven herself not to be one to shirk a battle. Having dismantled the old order in Parliament, the Prime Minister is now setting herself up for another battle: with the lobby groups. Todays Times quotes the British Medical Association and others already going on the attack over the Governments decision to delay publication of its promised obesity strategy. Theyre clear what they want: more rules, more taxes, and less regard for the old-fashioned concepts of individual responsibility and choice. For all her authoritarian reputation, on so-called nanny state issues at least May does not share their instincts, according to Chris Snowden of the Institute of Economic Affairs. Perhaps she recognises that there are vast practical and moral differences between the safety net model of a social state and the modern straightjacket alternative. One of the most promising aspects of Mays first week in office has been the apparent shift towards what our editor calls grown-up government a shift away from the Cameroon tendency to prioritise tactical celerity over strategic purpose. Amongst the many downsides of lacking a strong sense of long-term purpose is that it leaves a Government highly susceptible to being blown this way and that by external pressures. Despite some welcome moves against sock-puppetry charities and interest groups using Government funds to lobby the Government the previous regime was still highly susceptible to pressure from outside lobbies, especially in areas like public health. Getting a grip on this regulatory ratchet is essential if the Prime Minister wants to make good on her promises to control public spending and make the Government, and the economy, operate with greater respect for ordinary citizens. After all, most lobbies demand much the same thing: more laws and more spending. As any of her pro-Leave Cabinet colleagues will tell her, when the Government is susceptible to lobbying it leads to regulatory regimes which favour large firms over the small, and privilege the well-connected this 70-second clip from Brexit: The Movie gives a flavour of the problem, and I have written previously about how proposed tobacco licences could devastate small shops. Lobbying is so effective because it exerts constant, well-targeted pressure on individual Government departments, too many of whom draw up policy proposals without taking adequate account of factors beyond their own goals and targets. Worse, a minister can often carry baggage from one post into a new position intended to act as a counterweight, as seems to have happened when Anna Soubry moved from Health to the Department for Business. This Parliament will be dominated by the Brexit negotiations, securing the future of the Union, and continuing the incomplete work of repairing the public finances in short it will be long on distractions. It would be very easy and understandable if May ended up taking her eyes off the lobbyists and finding domestic policy once again being directed by external headwinds. If this is to be avoided, the Government needs a gatekeeper: a body to scrutinise and challenge regulatory proposals, take a pro-active role in championing re-regulation, and provide a countervailing pressure on ministers from the direction of the Governments priorities: respect for the ordinary citizen, controlling public spending, and cutting red tape. SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates straight in your inbox. Close A study in East Africa showed that the goal of the United Nations (U.N.) to get seven of 10 patients with HIV virus to become more involved and proactive in the treatment process is achievable. The result of the study was presented at the International AIDS Conference in the region Wednesday, highlighting that U.N. has succeeded in enjoining people to take the test and begin medication in the hopes to contain the deadly virus in their blood. An estimated 80, 000 individuals from Uganda and Kenya participated in the study aimed at encouraging people to determine the status of the HIV virus in their bloodstream. Using the community campaigns and additional interventions including free testing and tests at home, the U.N. was able to promote treatment in the local communities. Success was evident in numbers recorded at 81 percent of people with HIV, a significant increase from 45 percent two years ago. Researchers attributed the increase to the willingness of the people with HIV to go out and get tested, agreed to undergo medication and to stay on with the treatment. Following the success, the UNAIDS has again set new targets for 2020. From 81 percent, the UN agency dealing with HIV hopes to increase the numbers to 90 percent. The group aims to encourage 90 percent of people with HIV to go on treatment and have the virus in their bloodstream contained. The agency expressed confidence that this can be achieved despite the challenges met in the UN intervention. Stigma around testing has remained one of the key factors why people refused to go out and participate in the AIDS initiatives. Statistics show that 36.7 million people are reported to be HIV positive but as Reuters reported, only 17 million people have agreed to undergo test and start antiretroviral treatment. The International AIDS society says an estimated 2.1 million people have been recorded new infections in 2015. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare SHARE Last week's terrorist attack in Nice, after similar tragedies in Paris, San Bernardino, Brussels, Orlando and Istanbul, made two things painfully clear. Western societies, including the United States, have failed to blunt the growing threat of Islamist terrorism. And that means the 2016 presidential campaign will be fought under a shadow of fear. There will be more attacks between now and November; the only questions are when and where. Voters who began the year looking for a leader who could raise median incomes are now searching for someone who can keep their families safe. And the two major candidates are offering starkly different approaches two different brands of toughness: hot and cool, outraged and wonky. Donald Trump, with his visceral sense of the nation's mood, has bluntly voiced voters' anger and fear. "If we don't get tough we're not going to have our country anymore," he said after a New York-born Afghan American shot up a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., in June. "There will be nothing absolutely nothing left." Trump has proposed banning Muslims from entering the United States, restoring waterboarding and "a hell of a lot worse" in interrogations, and killing the spouses and children of Islamic State militants (which would be a war crime). On Thursday he warned that allowing Muslim refugees into the United States "could be the great Trojan horse of all time." "We have no idea who they are," he said. "They have no paperwork." (That claim is utterly false; most refugee applicants wait at least 18 months while they are investigated.) As many national security experts have pointed out, Trump's proposed ban on Muslims would be counterproductive; it would alienate millions of people the United States wants to enlist in the war against Islamic State. It may even be a political loser for Trump. Although most Republicans agree with the proposed ban, most independents voters he presumably needs in the general election do not. Still, Trump's white-hot rhetoric reinforces his image as a tough guy who's willing to do whatever it takes. Hillary Clinton, with her decades of experience as a policy wonk, is sounding a tough note, too. "This is a war against these terrorist groups, the radical jihadist groups. It's a different kind of war," she said last week. "We need to be smart about how we wage it, but we have to be determined that we're going to win it." If he chooses, (Trump) can use the (Republican National Convention) event to look more presidential, more deliberative, and readier to lead. But her proposals are often cautiously hedged and wrapped in national security jargon. She's called for "skillful diplomacy," for "a new look at our visa programs," for "building up a global counterterrorism infrastructure." Clinton has proposed, essentially, to maintain President Obama's current strategy against Islamic State, but to do more and faster: more airstrikes, an "intelligence surge" and new measures to disrupt terrorists' social media networks. It's worth remembering that she's often been more hawkish than Obama, even when she served inside his administration. If her approach is less memorable than Trump's, in the end, it's more sensible. And voters have noticed. When asked which candidate they consider temperamentally suited for the presidency, Clinton wins in a walk. Even on the issue of terrorism, Trump doesn't appear to have an advantage. In June, polls found that most voters thought Clinton could do a better job on terrorism, by a wide margin. More recent polls taken when Clinton was in a general slump, probably because of the well-deserved shellacking she took from FBI Director James Comey over her private server show the two candidates tied on terrorism. Even that's remarkable, though; terrorism should be an easy win for a GOP candidate. In 2008, on that issue, voters preferred Republican John McCain over Obama by a wide margin. In the last few weeks, after his erratic, self-absorbed reaction to the Orlando tragedy was widely panned, Trump eased up on the bluster a bit, anyway. We'll soon be able to tell whether Trump is trying to evolve by how he chooses to talk about terrorism. Doyle McManus is a columnist for the Los Angeles Times. Readers may send him email at doyle.mcmanus@latimes.com. SHARE Continuing 'the angry birds movie' When an island populated by happy, flightless birds is visited by mysterious green piggies, it's up to three unlikely outcasts, Red (voiced by Jason Sudeikis), Chuck (voiced by Josh Gad) and Bomb (voiced by Danny McBride) to figure out what the pigs are up to. (PG) 'the bfg' A girl named Sophie encounters the Big Friendly Giant who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kindhearted soul who is considered an outcast by the other giants because, unlike them, he refuses to eat children. Stars Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill and Penelope Wilton. (PG) 'central intelligence' After he reunites with an old pal through Facebook, a mild-mannered accountant is lured into the world of international espionage. Stars Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart and Danielle Nicolet. (PG-13) 'the conjuring 2' Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) and Ed Warren (Patrick Wilson) travel to north London to help a single mother raising four children alone in a house plagued by malicious spirits. (R) 'finding dory' The friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish reunites with her loved ones, and everyone learns a few things about the real meaning of family along the way. Stars the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks and Ed O'Neill. (PG) 'ghostbusters' Following a ghost invasion of Manhattan, paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates, nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann, and subway worker Patty Tolan band together to stop the otherworldly threat. Stars Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig and Kate McKinnon. (PG-13) 'the infiltrator' A U.S. Customs official uncovers a money laundering scheme involving Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. Stars Bryan Cranston, John Leguizamo and Diane Kruger. (R) 'the jungle book' The man-cub Mowgli (Neel Sethi) flees the jungle after a threat from the tiger Shere Khan (voiced by Idris Elba). Guided by Bagheera (voiced by Ben Kingsley) the panther and the bear Baloo (voiced by Bill Murray), Mowgli embarks on a journey of self-discovery, though he also meets creatures who don't have his best interests at heart. (PG) 'the legend of tarzan' 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. Stars Alexander Skarsgard, Rory J. Saper and Christian Stevens. (PG-13) 'me before you' A girl in a small town forms an unlikely bond with a paralyzed man she's taking care of. Stars Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin and Janet McTeer. (PG-13) 'Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates' Hard-partying brothers Mike (Adam Devine) and Dave (Zac Efron) place an online ad to find the perfect dates (Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza) for their sister's Hawaiian wedding. Hoping for a wild getaway, the boys instead find themselves outsmarted and out-partied by the uncontrollable duo. (R) 'miracles from heaven' A young girl suffering from a rare digestive disorder finds herself miraculously cured after surviving a terrible accident. Stars Jennifer Garner, Kylie Rogers and Martin Henderson (PG) 'the purge: election year' Two years after choosing not to kill the man who killed his son, former police sergeant Barnes has become head of security for Sen. Charlene Roan, the front-runner in the next presidential election due to her vow to eliminate the Purge. Stars Elizabeth Mitchell, Frank Grillo and Mykelti Williamson. (R) 'Secret Life of Pets' A terrier named Max regularly invites his friends to hang out at his place while his owner is gone, but his quiet life is upended when said owner also takes in Duke, a stray mutt whom Max instantly dislikes. (PG) 'the shallows' A mere 200 yards from shore, surfer Nancy (Blake Lively) is attacked by a great white shark, with her short journey to safety becoming the ultimate contest of wills. (PG-13) 'x-men: apocalypse' With the emergence of the world's first mutant, Apocalypse, the X-Men must unite to defeat his extinction level plan. Stars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence. 'zootopia' In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a fugitive con artist fox and a rookie bunny cop must work together to uncover a conspiracy. Stars the voices of Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman and Idris Elba. (PG) Pistols with bullets. SHARE By Allison Carter, USA TODAY NETWORK, IndyStar A small-town Indiana police department has clarified its stance on martial law in a widely shared Facebook post. "With all the goings on in the world...The Woodburn Police Department has received requests for information about Martial Law (sic),"wrote police chief Randall W. Duhamell. "LET ME BE CLEAR....We Will NEVER take your weapons...no matter who tells us too!" The post goes on to state that the department supports the Second Amendment and may use legal gun owners in times of emergency. As of this writing, the post has been shared more than 2,400 times, which is more than the population of Woodburn itself. The town, east of Fort Wayne, is home to just over 1,500 people. Comments on the Facebook post were mixed. "Thank you Woodburn PD and I will gladly stand next to you guys and fight with you!" wrote Joey Dunham in a comment. "No one is going to take your guns," wrote Carol Brown. "This is absurd! The President is not going to declare Marshall Law. OMG. The Country has gone absolutely bonkers." See the full post below: Rod Beck of Boise Idaho looks at the signatures of the post before the start of the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/John Locher) SHARE By Thomas B. Langhorne and Tommy Hamzik CLEVELAND As much as is possible in an arena packed nightly with nearly 5,000 delegates and alternates and 15,000 journalists, Evansville attendees at the Republican National Convention are making their own, singular memories. Lon Walters, an Evansville resident attending as a guest of the Indiana Republican Party, doesn't have delegate credentials that would allow him on the convention floor at Quicken Loans Arena so he is watching the spectacle from nosebleed seats. But Walters said those seats are more comfortable, with more leg room and breathing room than delegates on the packed convention floor get and just as good a view thanks to Jumbotron large-screen televisions. "It's pretty good, actually," a chuckling Walters said of his perch with alternate delegates and other "special guests" above the floor. Walters, an officer of the Vanderburgh County GOP, knows what it's like down on the floor. Party chairman Wayne Parke let him use his floor credentials for about 90 minutes Tuesday night. It's hot down there hot and densely packed with humanity. Loud, too. "You sit in, like a folding chair, but it doesn't fold," Walters said. "There's a little padding, but it's not as comfortable." But there are advantages. The national GOP moved Indiana's 57-member delegation closer to the stage, owing to presidential nominee Donald Trump's selection of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate. So the view is good. Walters arrived just in time Tuesday to catch a rip-roaring speech by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. "I haven't been (a fan of Christie) in the past, but he did a hell of a job," Walters said. After controversy surrounding the passage of the convention rules package Monday, delegates inside the arena have been nothing if not lively. Chants of "U-S-A!" and "Trump!" filled the arena Tuesday as the billionaire developer and reality TV star officially became the party's nominee. As befits representatives from the vice presidential nominee's home state, members of the Indiana delegation cast their votes for Trump with applause and excited smiles. Banners and signs emblazoned with "Trump Pence 2016" covered the walls in the concourse, and merchandise stands set up in neighboring Progressive Field sold convention apparel. Outside, protesters crowded E. 4th St. one block from the arena on Wednesday before a heavy police presence cleared the area. All week, protesters have occupied Public Square in the middle of the city. Parke, an at-large delegate, said security at the convention has been so heavy that he and the other delegates would not know protesters are even in the city if not for news reports. News organizations estimate some 50,000 people Republican activists and media members included have descended on Cleveland for the four-day convention. About 5,500 law enforcement officers, including some from federal agencies, are assigned to protect them. "I as a delegate have not seen a demonstrator, believe it or not," Parke said. "Now, they're there, downtown and around and all that, but (security) has areas blocked off. You cannot get close to the convention center.'' Parke counted meeting Fox News conservative commentator Sean Hannity among his personal highlights of the convention so far. He and Walters each dismissed controversy over alleged plagiarism in Melania Trump's convention speech as a media-driven narrative of little importance to voters. "I don't think it's a big deal in the end. It's today's news. It'll be gone tomorrow," Parke said. Indiana delegates have a parlor game of sorts to keep them engaged while they await Donald Trump's acceptance speech Thursday night. Parke said they have been buzzing with speculation about Pence's eventual successor as Republican nominee for governor. Most of the 22-member state Republican central committee that will select a replacement on July 26 are in Cleveland. So are the main contenders to replace Pence Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb and U.S. Reps. Todd Rokita and Susan Brooks. "They're pressing the flesh, oh yeah," said Parke, who hasn't decided between Brooks and Holcomb. "I want who can best win." SHARE JASON CLARK / COURIER & PRESS U.S. Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.) talks about his legislative priorities for 2014 during a news conference in the U.S. Federal Court Building lobby in Evansville Thursday, Jan., 23, 2014. By Tony Cook, USA TODAY NETWORK, IndyStar CLEVELAND Sen. Dan Coats issued a blistering rebuke Thursday of fellow Sen. Ted Cruz, who set off an unprecedented uproar at the Republican National Convention last night with his refusal to endorse Donald Trump. I think what people saw last night is what we have seen in the Senate. No matter how conservative you are, you never can meet Teds standard, Coats told IndyStar. He only thinks of himself, he doesnt think about party. Hes a wrecking ball. But Coats, who is finishing his final term as Indianas senior senator, was only warming up. Hes the most self-centered, narcissistic, pathological liar Ive ever seen and you can quote me on that, he said. His comments came at a breakfast for the Indiana delegation to the convention and were part of a chorus of criticism from GOP officials. Coats stinging rebuke follows Cruzs prime-time convention speech last night. When it became clear that the Texas senator and runner-up for the GOP presidential nomination would not endorse Trump, the convention hall erupted with jeers and booing. The drama exposed lingering rifts in the party after a bruising nominating process and threatened to overshadow Gov. Mike Pences first speech as the partys vice presidential nominee. Shortly after the comments from Coats, Pence made a surprise stop at the delegate breakfast. He told supporters they have one mission now to elect Trump president. In another part of town, Cruz defended his decision during a Texas delegation at a breakfast. I am not in the habit of supporting someone who attacks my wife and attacks my father, he said, according to USA Today. That pledge [to endorse the eventual nominee] was not a blanket commitment that if you go and slander and attack Heidi, that I'm going to nonetheless come like a puppy dog and say thank you very much for maligning my wife and maligning my father, he said, according to television station WFAA in Dallas. During the primary campaign, Trump sent out Twitter messages threatening to "spill the beans" about Cruz's wife, Heidi, and Trump implied that Cruz's father, had been photographed with Lee Harvey Oswald, the assassin who killed President John F. Kennedy. He said Trump never asked him for an endorsement. "Indeed, three days ago I talked on the phone with him and told him, I'm not going to endorse you," Cruz said. SHARE Ted Gore Evansville I read with much dismay that the University of Evansville plans to allow alcohol on campus for various social and sporting events. The university plans to provide classes to teach students to drink responsibly. Alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs in society. It is a depressant, lowers needed inhibitions that govern behavior, is physically harmful, is addictive yet legal and readily available. Thirty percent of Americans have had an alcohol use disorder. We are all too aware of the tragedies from drunken driving accidents, domestic violence, and assaulted and missing students. Efforts are being made in this community by health care agencies to treat and reduce alcohol consumption. Now our prestigious private university wants to allow this drug on campus. If this decision is a recruiting tool, I feel most parents would not approve and certainly the university can think of better options to attract students. Let us not put money over safety. It is my hope that the university will reconsider its decision, stay true to its Methodist affiliation, and say no to alcohol on campus before the next tragedy happens. By Ollie BarstowFollow @OllieBarstow on Twitter Formula 1 can be a cruel sport. For as many fairytales with a happy ever after, there are dreams-turned-nightmares to earn their place in F1 infamy and forever remain a footnote in moments of sporting bitterness. Whether it is the precise moment Felipe Massa and his adoring fans realise their 2008 title celebrations are around 40 seconds premature or Mika Hakkinen watching victory slip with his temperamental clutch on the final lap of the 2001 Spanish Grand Prix, F1 has the potential to strike all the feels when it so desires. For many though, 'unlucky' in motorsport is no better typified than by Damon Hill coming to within a lap of clinching a long awaited and wholly unexpected win for the Arrows team in the 1997 Hungarian Grand Prix and rarely does the annual visit to Budapest pass without a moment to reflect on the almost-David-and-Goliath tale. He was a world champion with Williams, but Damon Hill's almost-win with Arrows remains one of his most memorable F1 moments Indeed, while the credentials of Hill - a world champion only a year earlier with Williams - were not to be argued, his arrival in Hungary, round 11 of the 1997, came against the backdrop of an otherwise dismal campaign that questioned the wisdom of his decision to join the minnow outfit. Jettisoned from Williams in favour of Heinz-Harald Frentzen even before he would go on to win the 1996 title in the dominant FW18, Hill wasn't short of offers for 1997, but typified his dilemma by refusing to take his champion status to McLaren in return for a mere 'salary-by-results' contract. Instead, Hill would offer his hallowed #1 plate to a team that managed just a single top six finish in 1996, explaining it was the only outfit willing to meet certain demands, not least a one-year deal. Regardless, Hill was nonetheless also putting his faith in new owner Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), but the A18 with its underpowered Yamaha engine and unproven Bridgestone tyres did not represent a competitive package, even with a champion at the wheel. With just one point from the opening 10 rounds to show for his efforts, largely the result of woeful reliability, Hill had rapidly faded from high-profiler to a background player. Nevertheless, Arrows recognised its strengths and had long considered the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring as its best opportunity to prove its capabilities on a leveller playing field. However, even with a proven driver on board, a more reliable car and the lack of engine power being less of a hindrance at the tight and twisty circuit, Arrows knew the key to an upset would ultimately remain dependent on temperatures... specifically temperatures high enough for its Bridgestone tyres to flourish. Hill had taken the #1 plate to Arrows but the Yamaha-powered, Bridgestone-shod car was not a reliable or competitive package New for 1997, Bridgestone had shown flashes of promise in its inaugural season with four partners (Prost, Stewart, Arrows and Minardi) to challenge Goodyear's monopoly, its tyres' ability to work particularly well in high temperatures and on abrasive surfaces giving the otherwise steady midfielders the occasional chance to hit the front when the circumstances allowed. This had already been demonstrated at a punishing Spanish Grand Prix when Prost's Olivier Panis went from 11th on the grid to finish second as Goodyear-shod rivals struggled with unusually high wear, a feat Arrows believed it could mirror in Hungary if the sun came out and the car stayed together. The seeds of potential were sown during a suitably warm Friday practice as Bridgestone drivers infiltrated the leading positions, with Hill snatching the headlines in fifth despite completing just one flying lap due to earlier technical issues. Buoyed by the car's instant pace, Hill furthered his intentions by placing the Arrows on the second row of the grid in third. Better still, it was not solely down to the tyres since no other Bridgestone-shod car had made it inside the top ten and many agree to this day driver skill was the predominant factor in his lofty result. Hill qualified a shock third in Hungary thanks in part to his Bridgestone tyres and his own mighty efforts Racing at a circuit with notoriously scant overtaking opportunities, Hill found himself in a good position to at least take some much desired points away from the race but few expected him to ascend. Ascend is exactly what he did though, Hill making the most of starting from the cleaner side of the rarely-used circuit to get the jump on second place Jacques Villeneuve down to the opening bend before tailing leader Michael Schumacher as they escaped from the chasing pack. From here Hill began to sense an advantage, the Ferrari blistering its tyres and becoming a handful compared with the more resilient Bridgestone-shod Arrows that shadowed Schumacher's every move. What followed on lap ten was the move few would have anticipated pre-race as Hill tucked into the slipstream, pulled up alongside his former title rival on the run to turn one and used his superior grip to pull the nose in front into the turn one right-hander. Though it was not the first time an Arrows had led a race in F1, it was far from a familiar sight for a team that - since its debut in 1978 - managed a fairly meagre eight podiums, none of which had been on the top step. Furthermore, Arrows was now daring to dream as Hill simply surged clear of Schumacher, the German's desperate tyre situation worsening enough to send him back to the pits. Indeed, the Bridgestone tyres were holding up well compared with their Goodyear counterparts, while a fairly high attrition rate was nixing the challenge of others. Hill rose to second off the line and stayed with Michael Schumacher before passing for the lead on lap 10 and pulling away With just three laps remaining, Hill was a mammoth 35secs clear of new second place man Jacques Villeneuve and seemingly on course for a famous and long awaited maiden win for a team that could now almost taste the winners' champagne. And then, cough. Slow. Pick up. Slow again. Backmarkers un-lap themselves. Three laps remaining and it was becoming apparent the Arrows was in trouble. Though initially seen as Hill being supremely cautious with such a sizeable advantage, the loss of 10secs to Villeneuve in a single lap demonstrated this was more than simply playing safe. As the urgency in the voice of the commentators grew and heads began to fall into the hands of the Arrows pit crew, Hill radioed in that he did indeed have a problem and the prognosis wasn't good. The 'problem' was an intermittent throttle and a gearbox stuck in third. There was little Hill could do than to nurse the car as best he could, making the occasional weave in a heartbreakingly futile attempt to get the A18 to pick up. Remarkably, Hill was still leading as he dragged his car across the line to start the final lap, but Villeneuve was now just a few seconds behind and poised to pounce. The cruel inevitability would ultimately unfold at turn four as Villeneuve - approaching almost too fast such was the disparity in the performance - jinked by on the outside of turn four. As Villeneuve flicked up the dust, hearts across the F1 world sank and while few would begrudge the future champion his (and what would be a crucial) win, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone outside Williams who wasn't wishing the race was just a lap shorter. Hill is passed on the final lap of the race after the car is struck by technical issues, much to the disappointment of the fans Though perhaps no consolation at the time, Hill would later remark that he was just relieved to see the chequered flag having expected to park the car as soon as it began to splutter. Instead, he would nurse it home still securing a second place finish - Arrows' best result in 18 years. Gallingly, it was later revealed that the broken part that cost Arrows victory was a mere washer costing little more than 50p... not enough for a cup of tea but enough to ultimately cost Arrows a well-deserved victory. Indeed, though it is the factor of champion-turned- underdog Hill that continues to get fans misty-eyed about what could have been to this day, he remains a driver with a world title under his belt that would go on to win again with Jordan the following year. For Arrows, however, this was the closest it would ever get to the top of the rostrum, the plucky - if ultimately cash-strapped - privateer team persevering until 2002 having entered 368 races without ever tasting the winners' champagne. Instead, that 1997 race would become the bittersweet legacy of its unenviable reputation as the longest-serving F1 team never to win a race, yet it remains proof that Davids can very occasionally take on the mightiest Goliaths (on the right tyres at least). Mobility News Solution Providers Applaud New Security Protocol, Citing Security Concerns For IoT Lindsey O'Donnell Share this A conglomerate of technology vendors, including ARM, Symantec, and Sprint, said Wednesday they are developing a protocol to address security challenges in the Internet of Things. Solution providers are applauding the Open Trust Protocol (OTrP), which they say will enable an open standard for trusted software to provide a system root-level of trust with customers who are concerned about IoT security. Michael Goldstein, president and CEO of LAN Infotech, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Symantec and Microsoft partner, said security is top-of-mind with customers with whom he has talked to about the Internet of Things. [Related: Solution Providers: SoftBank's ARM Buy Will Put Pressure On Intel's IoT Play] I think there is a need for [security] standards, said Goldstein. A viable standard in the industry is still far off, but customers today understand that they need more security, particularly on home networks, with the Internet of Things. While Gartner estimates that 20 billion devices will be connected in 2020, there isnt yet any sort of standard applied to security in these devices, opening them up to potential cyber security breaches. The planned protocol, which will be designed to provide secure architecture and code management to protect connected devices, will be compatible with security systems such as ARMs TrustZone-based Trusted Execution Environments, which is designed to protect mobile computing devices from attacks. In an internet-connected world, it is imperative to establish trust between all devices and service providers, said Marc Canel, vice president of security systems at ARM. Operators need to trust devices their systems interact with and OTrP achieves this in a simple way. It brings e-commerce trust architectures together with a high-level protocol that can be easily integrated with any existing platform. Rob Chamberlin, co-founder and executive vice president of Berkeley, Calif.-based DataXoom, a solution provider that works with Sprint, said security concerns surrounding IoT are prevalent among large enterprises. As large companies continue to embrace the Internet of Things, security is going to become a much more important aspect of any large enterprise implementation, he said. The new protocol will be used with Public Key Infrastructure and Certificate Authority-based trust architectures, which enable service providers, app developers and OEMs to utilize their own keys to authenticate and manage software and data assets. Goldstein, for his part, said his company is currently looking at the Internet of Things from a security perspective, particularly from the role that wireless networks play in IoT. For us, we want customers to know that if they access their networks, files will be protected, even as IoT grows, he said. Other companies joining in to work on the protocol include Intercede, Solacia, Verimatrix, and Thundersoft. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Croydon had one of the highest levels of youth violence in London over the past year, new statistics show. Levels of youth violence across the capital are on the rise according to new figures released by the London Assembly. In Croydon, there were 313 recorded victims of serious youth violence, classed over the past 12 months, more victims than any other outer London borough. By comparison, Bromley, which is similar in population to Croydon, had only 178 recorded victims. Only Tower Hamlets [332], Newham [325] and Haringey [322] had higher numbers of young victims of serious crime in the same period, according to the statistics from the Mayor's Office of Policing and Crime [MOPAC]. However, Croydon has a larger population than any other London borough. Statistics also show the proportion of women and young girls involved in serious youth violence has risen. The Metropolitan Police Service define serious youth violence as crimes as, and more, serious than Grevious Bodily Harm. Last Thursday, July 14, the London Assembly's Police and Crime Committee, chaired by Croydon and Sutton Assembly Member Steve O'Connell, quizzed police officers and youth workers on what was behind the rise. John Poyton, chief executive of youth charity Redthread, a south London which runs intervention programmes for youngsters in London's major trauma centres, said his workers had witnessed a rise in person. "We're certainly seeing a rise," he said. "I think we're seeing more weapon related injuries than previously, and I think the levels of assault are probably [around the same] but the weapons injuries are probably going up within that. "We are perhaps seeing young people injured in defence as it were and not necessarily entrenched gang members." Matt Watson, who works in one of London's integrated gangs unit, explained that young people perhaps feel the need to carry knives because of the perception that the area they live in has problems with gangs "As we've got better at intervening with some groups that would call themselves gangs, the more serious of those have gone undercover, they've gone more into business much more around drugs and drug distribution. "That means there's a lot more money involved and there's a lot more at stake, so those individuals become a lot more violent. "We've seen a large increase in carrying knives and guns of course. And of course that means other young people may feel its necessary for them to carry a knife. Of course we know that if you carry a knife you're far more likely to get stabbed." Mr O'Connell added: "There are other young people who are aware of that going on, who may not be involved in gangs, but just sense that feeling of violence around the area, and therefore may feel they have to carry a knife for protection even though they're not associated with a gangs." However, in Croydon the number of incidents flagged as gang related by police has halved in 2016, to 36 per month from an average of 72 in 2015, which could either suggest police are encountering less gang violence or, police recording practices have changed , according to the committee. Meanwhile, the number of reported knife crime injuries among people ages 16 to 24 has remained relatively constant in the borough over the past two years, at around 60 people per month, down from a peak of 98 per month in June 2012. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Passengers and crew on the Carnival Vista were treated to a surprise pierside welcome ceremony on a recent call in Piraeus. The port held a cultural event with a performance from the Piraeus Municipal Theatre and traditional dances from the Keratsini cultural club dance team. The performances will be repeated for select cruise arrivals this year. Stavaros Hatzakos, port director, said the welcome was to enhance the attractiveness of the Greek tourism product. We can't seem to find the page you are looking for. You may have typed the address incorrectly or you may have used an outdated link. FAIRFIELD Fairfield University has operated under eight presidents during its 74-year history, all of them Jesuit priests. But with Tuesdays announcement that President Jeffrey von Arx will be reassigned, some in this campus community are wondering if that string of Jesuit leaders will soon be broken. Of the 28 Jesuit colleges in the nation affiliated with the Society of Jesus order, 11 of them including Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. have lay leaders as presidents. Two more Jesuit schools Le Moyne College in Syracuse, N.Y., and Loyola University-Chicago have women as presidents. I am excited about having a Jesuit because we are a Jesuit university, Frank Carroll, chairman of the universitys board of trustees, said Wednesday. But the reality is that there are only so many candidates available. We want to get the right person for the role. In an announcement to the campus community Wednesday, the board of trustees called their Jesuit heritage very important and said qualified Jesuits would be considered. The 69-year-old von Arx has been at Fairfield for 12 years. He replaced the Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, a president who had been at the school for 25 years. At present, 21 Jesuits work on campus, officials said. Even in 2004, when the president search that led to von Arx was underway, some said the number of qualified and available Jesuits was somewhat limited. Irene Mulvey, a professor of math and president of the faculty welfare committee, was on the search committee that hired von Arx. She said the faculty expects to fully participate in this new search as well. To Mulvey, what is most important is moving the university forward in the best spirit of the Jesuit tradition of caring for the whole person. During von Arxs tenure, the university has seen its enrollment, endowment and stature increase. Fairfield is anticipating the largest incoming class in school history this fall. Last year, enrollment stood at 5,138 students. Susan Birge, an assistant vice president and director of counseling, said having a president who is a Jesuit president would be ideal. However, a lay person who embraces Jesuit values and believes in Fairfield Universitys mission and commitment to excellence and social justice would be truly welcome, Birge said. Birge said she is pleased university officials are focused on finding the best person for the job Jesuit or lay, man or woman. Rev. Michael Sheeran, president of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, said its not that the nation has a shortage of Jesuit priests. Rather, the country may be thin on the right type of match for Fairfield. There is a big difference between a Fairfield (which is suburban) and an urban campus, Sheeran said. What matters, Sheeran said, is that Fairfield finds the right fit for its next president. It is rare these days for Jesuit universities to limit their candidate pool to priests, he said. Bryan Crandall, director of the Connecticut Writing Project at Fairfield, said he has full faith the university will find the right person to lead the private college into its next chapter. Crandall called von Arx a tremendous supporter of his program and a huge advocate for outreach. Still, he called change inevitable and usually pretty good. None of us know what those changes will be until we decide on someone to lead us, Crandall said. Carroll said von Arxs departure had been contemplated for some time and was directed by von Arx in cooperation with the board. von Arx answers to the USA Northeast Province of Jesuits in New York. "Jesuits can't simply decide to interview for the job at Fairfield, they need the Provincial's blessing, Carroll added. They also can't dictate the start dates of their new assignments, that too comes from the Provincial." Officials have not yet announced von Arxs new assignment. Carroll, however, said it could begin before the process to find a successor is finalized. If that is the case, university trustees are prepared to name an interim president, Carroll said. The new president is expected to start by July 2017. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BRIDGEPORT Two ex-employees and two new faces have joined Mayor Joe Ganims payroll just weeks after the administration threatened dozens of layoffs to force union givebacks. We gotta run the city, Ganim said Thursday when asked about the timing. Campaign allies and former municipal staffers Tom Coble, who was fired, and Danny Pizarro, who was suspended, are back, both working in the public facilities department; newcomer Kimberly Staley will serve as a key mayoral adviser on social services; and Ganims communications chief Av Harris has a part-time assistant after losing a police and fire spokesman over the winter. Now hes got the concessions, hes got the savings to do these things, I guess, grumbled one union member. The mayors budget is balanced with $4 million of employee givebacks. Ganim recently issued, then rescinded, over a dozen pink slips to convince members of the National Association of Government Employees and city supervisors to sacrifice a contracted raise to help whittle down that $4 million. Still, he keeps hiring. But Finance Director Ken Flatto argued Team Ganim has fewer bodies than predecessor Bill Finch at least in the Chief Administrative Office that Staley joins. On Thursday, the mayor formally announced the hiring of city native Staley, who will earn $127,555 as an assistant chief administrative officer focused on social services and helping ex-offenders find jobs and other post-prison support. Besides significant management experience most recently Staley worked for KRA, a workforce development firm, overseeing 100 plus employees she is black. Re-elected last year after serving as mayor from 1991 to 2003, Ganim was criticized by some African American supporters over the winter for not having a diverse enough staff. To come back to Bridgeport, its an honor, a privilege and Im looking forward to making a difference on the ground, Staley said after the mayor introduced her to some department heads and other advisers he had gathered in his office. Among that small crowd were Coble and Pizarro. Coble is earning $75,000 working in Ganims public facilities department after being fired in 2011 by Finch from overseeing anti-blight and neighborhood revitalization efforts. Coble, a veteran Democratic operative, and Pizarro helped Ganim last year when the former mayor launched a comeback and ousted Finch in Septembers Democratic primary. Ganim had hired Pizarro, who owns several residential properties, as a $75,000 adviser, then suspended him in March for owing over $55,000 in real estate taxes. Pizarro is earning the same salary. Ganim on Thursday acknowledged Pizarros return, saying simply that Pizarro had taken care of his personal issues. Soon after his suspension, Pizarro had paid his back taxes, but his job was left in limbo. Some in City Hall felt he had embarrassed the returned mayor by not disclosing the debt. Pizarro, who declined to comment for this story, in March blamed the back tax bill on the time he spent campaigning for Ganim. Cobles new job, according to City Attorney R. Christopher Meyer, resulted from a settlement of a federal discrimination lawsuit Coble had filed over his termination. Meyer said in exchange for dropping the lawsuit and waiving reimbursement of attorneys fees, Coble is back at work, but on probation for six months, after which his salary will increase to $82,000. He had earned $87,000. The city has never publicly revealed the reason for Cobles termnation, but he must also attend an anger management course. Meyer also said Coble agreed to a last chance clause protecting the city from any further legal action should he again be fired. He got kind of a second chance, here, Meyer said. Im happy to be back at work, Coble said Thursday. Rounding out the new additions to Team Ganim is Dalmarys Matos, who will earn $25-an-hour as the assistant to Av Harris, the mayors director of communications. Viewers of Cablevisions News12 would recognize Matos as the local stations morning traffic reporter. She is juggling both jobs. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Esperance What caused a small plane to crash and kill three on board and critically injure another is now a question for investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board and State Police. Three bodies were removed from the wreckage and transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital after the crash of the Piper PA-28 on Sunday near Hogan Airport in Schoharie County. A fourth male passenger was flown to Albany Med and then transferred to the Westchester Medical Center burn unit, Schoharie County Sheriff Anthony Desmond said. The sheriff said the plane took off from the airstrip and was airborne for about 1,000 feet before crashing southwest of the airport in a wooded, swampy area. FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen says the aircraft crashed around 6:45 p.m. Saturday and was destroyed by fire. Millicent Hoidal, an NTSB investigator-in-charge, arrived at the airport and documented damage to the aircraft and marks made on the ground and interviewed two witnesses. Hoidal, who in the past worked as an investigator in Anchorage, Alaska, said she hopes to move the wreckage from its swampy resting place to a more secure environment. The NTSB is charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States. It will release a report in seven to 10 days, a spokesman said. Desmond said he did not know the identities of the victims, but said they were apparently traveling back to Connecticut. The airstrip on the Schoharie/Montgomery county line is listed as being owned by Tim Hogan, who has addresses near the airstrip and in Bedford Hills, Westchester County. No information was immediately available about who the plane was registered to. jlawrence@timesunion.com 518-454-5467 Justin Sullivan / Getty Images NEWTOWN - The daughter of the elementary school principal who was slain in the Sandy Hook massacre will speak at the Democratic National Convention next week. Erica Smegielski, the daughter of Dawn Hochsprung, will speak on Wednesday in Philadelphia as Democrats gather to nominate Hillary Clinton for president. BRIDGEPORT -A city teenager is facing up to 60 years in prison after a jury found him guilty Thursday of robbing and shooting a paraplegic man. The Superior Court jury deliberated a day and a half before finding Shaquille Andrews, 19, of Grand Street, guilty of attempted murder, first-degree robbery and first-degree assault. He is facing sentencing before Superior Court Judge Robin Pavia on Sept. 15. The jury work conscientiously to arrive at the appropriate verdict, Assistant States Attorney Marc Durso said later. During the week-long trial Durso presented evidence that on June 2, 2015, the 36-year-old victim, who is confined to a wheelchair, was visiting a friend on the seventh floor of Building 4 in the Greene Homes housing project when he was confronted in the hallway by Andrews. The defendant robbed the victim of his money and his cell phone and then shot the victim in the chest, Durso said. The victim recovered from his wound and identified Andrews as his assailant in court. Andrews took the witness stand in his own defense and admitted he had been in Building 4 on June 2 but denied robbing and shooting the victim. He claimed he had actually been on a different floor at the time of the crime. Nietzsche wrote, "God is dead." Whether or not you agree with the cheerful German, there is another powerful three-letter entity that no one can deny has met its maker: the VCR. Japanese consumer electronics company Funai Electric, the last remaining manufacturer of VCRs, announced that by August they will permanently shut down their production lines. Never again will a blinking12:00! 12:00! 12:00!clock need to be set. Never again will a tracking wheel be fiddled with to stop static from messing up an already pretty terrible picture. Never again will we blow into a machine with the hope that it might make the aforementioned terrible picture .00002% less terrible. Does it make anyone else feel really old that an innovation that was developed during our lifetime has unequivocally been declared obsolete? Related: 6 Pieces of Old Tech that Sold for Big Bucks at Auction Now I know that VCRs are hardly the only innovation that has come and gone (New Coke, we hardly knew ye), but this one hit me particularly hard because of just how big a deal VCRs were when they first came out. I wanted a VCR so badly and had to wait forever to get one. This is mostly because my parents are mean and horrible people. (Okay, fine, I guess it's because they were selfishly spending their money on things like food and shelter for me and my brother, but still, we were the last ones on our block guys!) VCR technology existed since the 1950s, but it wasnt until the 1980s that the machines became affordable to regular folk. When I first learned of their power, my little legs buckled contemplating the new world that was about to open up for me: So even though we are stuck in traffic coming home from grandmas house, this thing will allow me to watch the new episode of Family Ties and not wait 8 months for the re-run? And hold on, I can watch movies in my house? Over and over again? And I can watch R-rated ones without having to sneak past an usher? And even though my parents wont let me stay up late enough to watch the mini-series V, I can tape it and watch the baby get born with a lizard tongue tomorrow morning during breakfast? All the answers were yes. What a time to be alive. Related: I Call B.S. on this Motivational Poster Its amazing, in retrospect, how convenient it seemed to be able to get movies from Blockbuster Video. Today I get annoyed scrolling through Netflix and Hulu searching for "something good," and I dont even have to be wearing pants while I do it. In the VCR times, you had to drive to a store (wearing pants) with the full knowledge that there was a 99% chance that the movie you wanted to rent wouldnt be there. And you were fine with that! Conan the Barbarian is out? Fine, Ill try whatever the hell Time Bandits is. Who cares? It's a movie in my house! Related: 5 Old Technologies that are Still Thriving I know that Blockbuster has been gone for some time, but it does seem sad that the phrase Be kind and rewind will officially go the way of the Mayan calendar. I asked my 9-year-son Gus if he even knew what the phrase meant. Um, if youre already being mean, start being nice? No Gus, that isnt the answer, but given our current domestic and global politic climate, not the worst advice. So heres to you, VCR. You gave me so much and asked for so little. All you needed was someone to set your clock and to blow on your heads every once in a while to clear away the dust. Enjoy your cloud in innovation heaven. Tell Discman we say hello. Related: Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved STORY LINK Pound Sterling to Euro Exchange Rate Dives after PMIs Plummet Disappointing UK Retail Sales Pushed GBP Exchange Rates Lower Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: Sterling has been shattered by two negative data days in a row; the latest of these damaging announcements has been the manufacturing, composite and services PMI flashes for July.While the Pound has managed to recover a number of its losses today, Sterling has nonetheless remained down against the Euro.The already under-pressure Pound Sterling (currency : GBP) received another body blow earlier today with the publication of Junes UK Retail Sales data. The headline year-on-year figure showed at a below expectations 3.9%, when analysts anticipated a showing of 4.8%.However, it was the month-on-month version which caused most alarm amongst Sterling holders, printing at -0.9% versus an anticipated -0.6%.The Office of National Statistics (ONS), which publishes the closely-monitored numbers, noted in its accompanying report that,non-seasonally adjusted data show that the prices of goods sold in the retail industry (as measured by the implied price deflator) decreased by 2.5%; this was the 24th consecutive month of year-on-year price falls.The ONS went on to paint a bleak picture of the current state of play in the UKs retail sector, and in particular in the sale of comestibles, noting that,In June 2016 compared with May 2016, 2 of the 4 main retail sectors (food stores and non-food stores) saw a decrease in the quantity bought (volume), while 3 of the 4 main sectors (non-store retailing, non-food stores and food stores) saw a decrease in the amount spent. The largest downwards contribution for both quantity bought and amount spent came from food stores.The data, which almost entirely covered the period before UK voters came out in favour of Brexit, has caused leading analysts to express their concerns about what might happen to the domestic economy in the months to come when economic participants fully factor-in the reality that Britain will be leaving the European Union.Elsewhere, there was some rather less bad news regarding the UKs public finances earlier today when government figures revealed that the level of Public Sector Net Borrowing (PSBR) stood at GBP7.3 bn last month versus an expected GBP9.3 bn.The outcome helped the Sterling to euro exchange rate remain above the 1.1900 GBP EUR throughout the session. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Euro Forecasts Pound Euro Forecasts Pound Sterling Forecasts Windber-Portage renew rivalry in Week 10 Heritage-WestPAC crossover Check out what to watch on Friday night in Somerset County as the high school football regular season comes to a close in Week 10. Faculty Senate approves no-confidence vote on Sasse as UF president The UF Faculty Senate held an emergency meeting about the choice of Senator Ben Sasse from Nebraska as the sole finalist for university president. Opinion Psychology Its not enough for us to survive terrible experiences. Now were supposed to thrive because of them. Nonsense. Victims of trauma dont need to add a sense of failure to their burden. Only a few deluded Corbynistas would dispute that uncontrolled immigration was a major factor in the EU referendum result. Its no coincidence that many of the areas that voted for Brexit have experienced high levels of immigration in recent years. David Cameron in particular has good reason to regret that he did not did take the issue more seriously. For despite his pledge in 2010 to reduce net immigration to the tens of thousands, the numbers have been increasing quickly in recent years after a brief respite, and stand close to an all-time high. New Home Office Secretary Amber Rudd has used 'mealy-mouthed' language since taking the post Had he understood more deeply the importance of the subject to millions of Britons, Mr Cameron would surely not have agreed so readily to the meagre terms offered by our European partners, which promised no realistic prospect of any significant reduction in net migration from the European Union. It follows the new Government must show that it realises that most people want the figures to be brought down, and that, after previous abject failures, it has a coherent plan to do so. Alas, the early signs are not encouraging. There seems, at best, to be a great deal of confusion; at worst, a lack of resolution to tackle the problem with the determination that the public has a right to expect. Ominous On Tuesday, the new Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, dropped a spanner in the works when she suggested that the Government will jettison any target for reducing the number of foreigners moving to the UK to live. She said it wanted to reduce net immigration to sustainable levels. That is a mealy-mouthed phrase, if there ever was one. Then Boris Johnson endorsed Ms Rudd by saying that she was entirely right to be careful about committing to numbers because one doesnt want to be in a position where you are disappointing people again. This is the same Boris Johnson who said during the referendum campaign that it would be impossible to bring down immigration to the tens of thousands unless voters backed Leave. Now that they have done so, and he is Foreign Secretary, he appears strangely bashful. No 10s immediate response was to muddy the waters further. Theresa Mays spokesman said she does see sustainable levels as down to the tens of thousands, but refused to commit to a specific target. At Prime Ministers Questions yesterday, Mrs May said something very similar while adding, rather ominously, that it will take some time to get there, but now we have the added aspect of controls we can bring in relation to people moving from the EU. Note that while she appeared to contradict Ms Rudd and Mr Johnson by reviving the notion of tens of thousands, the Prime Minister also suggested this would not be achievable in the foreseeable future. Moreover, she spoke of controls on free movement, not ending it. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson endorsed Ms Rudd by saying that she was entirely right to be careful about committing to numbers because one doesnt want to be in a position where you are disappointing people again Suddenly, I feel as though we are on shifting sands. Brexit has given the Government the power to regulate immigration from the EU just as we already have the power to restrict numbers from outside the EU. One would have thought that this development would give senior ministers such as Amber Rudd and Boris Johnson the confidence that it might, at last, be feasible to get numbers below 100,000 a year, as David Cameron promised back in 2010. But it hasnt. Both ministers have seemingly retreated from a commitment that should now be within our grasp, while Mrs May has chosen to emphasise that it is going to take some time to fulfil it. Could it be that after all that has happened the unexpected outcome of the referendum and the defenestration of Mr Cameron the new Government still does not understand at a profound level how fears about uncontrolled immigration helped to shape the Brexit result? I suspect that in their hearts, neither Mr Johnson nor Ms Rudd is especially worried about the high numbers. After all, as Mayor of London, Mr Johnson often spoke of the many advantages of mass migration, and seldom of its disadvantages. Control Though he sang from a different hymn sheet during the campaign, as soon as it was over he wrote a newspaper article suggesting that immigration wasnt the main concern of Leave voters. As for Ms Rudd (a zealot for Remain during the campaign), she represents the coastal marginal constituency of Hastings and Rye, which she spoke of in surprisingly disparaging terms in a 2013 newspaper interview. She said: You get people who are on benefits, who prefer to be on benefits by the seaside. Theyre not moving down here to get a job, theyre moving down here to have easier access to friends and drugs and drink. Immigration has been a very live issue in Hastings on account of large influxes of EU migrants. But theres not much evidence that this highly privileged former banker is on the same wavelength as many of her hard-pressed constituents. But what of Mrs May? Is she also pretty relaxed about uncontrolled immigration? That seems unlikely. As Home Secretary for six years, she battled to bring down the number of immigrants from outside the EU particularly focusing on bogus students though, of course, she was unable to have any effect on EU immigration because of rules about free movement of labour. British Prime Minister Theresa May began her first foreign trip in Berlin yesterday where she met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and were expected to speak about the recent EU referendum result And yet, despite her efforts, her record on non-EU migration was far from flawless. In 2015, net migration was 333,000, of which 149,000 came from outside the EU. Its true she faced resistance over several years from the then-Chancellor, George Osborne, who was passionately pro-immigration in all its forms. All the same, it cant be denied that Mrs May was unable to bring down immigration from outside the EU, which is entirely within this countrys control, to the tens of thousands leave aside for a moment the large numbers coming from the EU. Challenges This only highlights the challenges facing the new Government. If immigration really is to be reduced to the tens of thousands, it will not be good enough to place restrictions on the EU, though that is an absolutely vital first step. There will also have to be further limits on those seeking entry from outside Europe. That would inevitably entail curtailing the numbers of students, who comprise over half non-EU migrants. Imagine the hysterical complaints from British universities, many of which rely on foreign students for a sizeable chunk of their income. All these problems will pile up on the desk of new Home Secretary Amber Rudd, which doubtless largely explains why she is trying to wriggle out of what is still a 2015 Tory manifesto pledge. She has looked at the arithmetic, and she knows how difficult it is going to be to meet the target of tens of thousands, even if we do a favourable deal with the EU over free movement of people, which we obviously must. Little or none of this, of course, was pointed out by either side during the referendum campaign. Politicians in the Leave camp gave the impression that if only we could control our borders, immigration would plummet and all would be well. Its not as simple as that. I am certain that most people now expect and want mass migration to be properly managed. After all that has happened, they wont put up with waffle about sustainable levels or assurances that the issue will eventually be addressed at some unspecified point in the future. Theresa May's first full audience with the Queen was deferred so that the Prime Minister could be received by 'EU queen' Angela Merkel in Berlin last night. This means that Mrs May's first proper meeting with our own head of state will be at an overnight stay at Balmoral in September. Unfortunate, but the monarch is accustomed to her prime ministers having to kow-tow to the European Union. Theresa May's first full audience with the Queen was deferred so that the Prime Minister could be received by 'EU queen' Angela Merkel in Berlin last night Mrs May, 59, and Jeremy Corbyn, 67, are the oldest duo to go head to head at Prime Minister's Questions in decades, with a combined age of 126. Previously the oldest pair to joust at PMQs were Tory Harold Macmillan, 68, and Labour's Hugh Gaitskell, 56, totalling 124. The vacuum cleaner billionaire Sir James Dyson received his Order of Merit from the Queen at Buckingham Palace yesterday. No Dysons operate there. Hoover has the warrant and Her Majesty summons their engineers to repair machines rather than buy new ones. 'So some are more suitable for a museum than a palace,' says my source. An hour before leaving office, David Cameron announced that his pal the culture minister Ed Vaizey, 48, was becoming a Privy Councillor. Meaning, inter alia, that he becomes a Right Honourable. A great prize, especially since Vaizey doesn't really qualify because he wasn't in the Cabinet. When Winston Churchill tried to appoint a pal to the PC, the Queen's father, George VI, objected, saying that only people of high distinction who have rendered conspicuous service to the nation should be appointed. Even Vaizey's nearest and dearest would hesitate to make that claim. Much good the honour did Ed. Theresa sacked him the next day. An hour before leaving office, David Cameron announced that his pal the culture minister Ed Vaizey, 48, was becoming a Privy Councillor. Meaning, inter alia, that he becomes a Right Honourable Donald Trump's adviser, Roger Stone, 64, dismisses claims that the tycoon's rude remarks about Hillary Clinton are 'damaging' American politics. Talking to Radio 4's well-travelled James Naughtie, and referring to America's 16th president, he says: 'They had posters telling people Abraham Lincoln had fathered a mulatto [mixed race] child.' What are they cooking up to embarrass Trump's Democrat rival Mrs Clinton? Apropos Naughtie, will the BBC's vow to cut back on the bloated numbers of reporters it sends overseas affect peripatetic Jim, 64? Despite retiring from Radio 4's Today programme after 21 years in December, he now roves the world as 'Special Correspondent'. His fellow Scot Andrew Neil, also reporting for the BBC on the Republican convention in Cleveland, Ohio, dismisses Twitter claims that he has been enjoying a 'beano' at the expense of licence fee payers. She marched through San Francisco to the City Hall in protest against the city's anti-nudity rules Now she regularly attends naked protests and has been arrested while nude numerous times The mother and nude activist said she used to be frightened of being naked in public An activist and mother who regularly appears naked at public events said she does it to give others 'permission to become free'. Gypsy Taub, from Berkeley, California, said people are taught that bodies are 'disgusting, obscene, something to be ashamed of' but that people loving their bodies is the key to happiness. A short video documentary by Mode follows her on a naked march in San Francisco in protest against the city's restrictions on nudity. Scroll down for video Liberation: Nude activist Gypsy Taun, pictured at a march in San Francisco, explains in a short Mode documentary that she regularly gets naked in public and marches against anti-nudity laws to 'free' others Naked truth: Gypsy Taub, from Berkeley, California, marches in support of nudity 'Make love naked': Now Gypsy, pictured, regularly attends naked protests and has been arrested while nude numerous times Transformation: The mother and nude activist said she used to be frightened of being naked in public After traveling to San Francisco in a van with her family, she is shown protesting naked to the City Hall. Gypsy is no stranger to nudity. The nude activist has taken part in 34 events and even got married naked in front of City Hall. Explaining her motivations, Gypsy said in the video:'I feel like by getting naked in public I give other people permission to become more free. I really encourage everyone to liberate themselves from body shame. 'Because for as long as you are ashamed of your own body you can never be truly happy and you can never truly love yourself.' Standing naked on the streets of San Francisco with other protesters, she said: 'I used to have nightmares about being on the street without my clothes and having nowhere to hide and you know it was really bothering me that I had those kinds of fears. 'We're here to face those fears for ourselves and to help others to face their fears about nudity.' In 2013, San Francisco passed a city law that prohibits public nudity. Bold: Now she regularly attends naked protests and has been arrested while nude numerous times Protest: She marched through San Francisco to the City Hall against the city's anti-nudity rules Belief: Gypsy, pictured driving to the San Francisco protest, said people cannot be happy unless they love themselves Speaking out against it, Gypsy said: 'They banned nudity in San Francisco and they made it a crime. We're going to have to prove to them that it's not a crime. We're not terrorists, we're not criminals.' During the protest she encouraged people 'to get as naked as they, even if they feel a little bit uncomfortable' Wearing a hat emblazoned with the word 'wiener' and wearing no clothes, she carried a placard that said 'body freedom' as she chanted: 'We got skin, you got skin, love your body, ain't no sin'. Gypsy said she does not like 'being told what to do' and said if clothing was illegal 'I would be dressed'. 'When I lived in San Francisco in my early twenties I was very liberated by the body freedom that I experienced there,' she said. 'And now, two decades later, I feel that I can't just abandon this beautiful island of love and free expression.' Rebel: Gypsy said she does not like 'being told what to do' and said if clothing was illegal 'I would be dressed' Surprise: In one protest, Gypsy got naked during a San Francisco board of supervisors meeting, pictured 'Empowering': She said she has been arrested while naked a number of times but that it shows 'how powerful my message is' The video includes footage of Gypsy at a San Francisco board of supervisors meeting she is seen giving a speech in the video in which she says: 'Body freedom is our inalienable right given to us all by our creator and no human being has the right to take it away.' She then removes her clothes in front of them. Gypsy said she has been arrested doing nude protests 'many many times'. Although she said police offers are 'twice my size' and armed, she finds it 'very empowering' being arrested. 'Here I am this petite little woman naked and I am such a threat to them because of my beliefs and because of how powerful my message is,' she added. She said she took her children on anti-war protests when they were young and vowed to be an activist 'until the day I die'. The pictures capture a slice of West London life that has been forgotten Advertisement Miss World and Miss Universe with their swimsuit rounds and answers about world peace have long been known the world over. But a new exhibition sheds light on a little known pageant held in London during the 1970s, celebrating London's Afro-Caribbean community. Photos of Miss Black and Beautiful portraying the beauty queens are being displayed for the first time in London's Shoreditch. Miss Black & Beautiful Sybil McLean with fellow contestants in Hammersmith Palais in London in 1972 A woman known only as Holley smoulders into the camera as she poses in Blythe Road, Hammersmith, in London in the early 1970s The pictures, shown at Autograph ABP Gallery, were taken by Raphael Albert, a cultural promoter and photographer of black beauty pageants in West London in the 1960s up until the 1980s. Albert, who emigrated to Britain from Grenada in 1953, documented hundreds of community events in West London during the era, including the establishment of pageants such as Miss West Indies in Great Britain and Miss Grenada. Raphael set up the Miss Black and Beautiful competition to celebrate the global 'Black is Beautiful' aesthetic of the 1970s, which was a period when women of colour found themselves isolated from mainstream British fashion and beauty. The photos are a snapshot of a bygone era and feature women showcasing Seventies fashions including cut-away swimsuits, halterneck dresses, Afro hair and big hoop earrings. The men are dapper in three-piece suits with pocket squares and perfectly groomed moustaches. Unidentified woman posing in swimsuit in London, 1980s. The photos are an unashamed celebration of black womanhood, and feature curves and afros as well as a defiant attitude An unidentified Miss Black & Beautiful escorted by two men in Hammersmith Palais in London, 1970s. Raphael set up the Miss Black and Beautiful competition to celebrate the global 'Black is Beautiful' aesthetic of the 1970s, which was a period when women of colour found themselves isolated from mainstream British fashion and beauty One winner, Sybil McLean, who has now retired from a career in HR, recalled her Miss Black and Beautiful win in a packed Hammersmith Palais with an audience of both men and women at the age of just 22 in 1972. It felt wonderful Sybil McLean She told The Guardian: 'It was just something I decided to do. Id seen it advertised in one of the black newspapers and it was just down the road, so I thought: Why not? Looking back, she brands it, 'an adventure' and says, 'It felt wonderful.' The gallery says: These pageants offered the opportunity to create a distinct space for Afro-Caribbean self-articulation, a wager against invisibility, and more importantly, a site to challenge conventional notions of beauty implicated in the social, cultural and political contexts of the time.' Raphael studied photography at Ealing Technical College before spending his career documenting life in the Afro-Caribbean community in Hammersmith and Fulham. He began working for black British newspaper such as West Indian World, where he was introduced to the world of pageants. Holley modelling statement costume jewellery at Blythe Road, in Hammersmith in London in the early 1970s Miss Black & Beautiful with fellow contestants in London at the Hammersmith Palais in the 1970s. The exhibition is at Autograph ABP, Rivington Place from now until 24 September 2016 Renee Mussai, the exhibitions curator, said: Raphael Alberts photographs embody an aura of hedonistic confidence in a new generation of black women coming of age in Britain during the 1970s, fuelled by complex (body) politics of national identity, difference and desire.' Albert died in 2009. The gallery has been working since then with his daughters to show and preserve his work - and there's now a large portfolio of them stored in their Archive & Research Centre. It's a shrewd businesswoman who can persuade fashion-mad customers to pay for purchases months before they actually get their hands on them. However, so keen are the world's super-rich to shop with blonde society entrepreneur Lauren Santo Domingo, that's exactly how her two-shop empire Moda Operandi works. The 40-year-old's clothing business, which operates largely online, has billionaires from across the globe among its wealthy clients. Scroll down for video In tune with the billionaires: Socialite Lauren Santo Domingo, 40, sells catwalk couture from her Moda Operandi business to the rich and famous, often flying in for personal consultations And as Santo Domingo - known as LSD - reveals in an interview with The Telegraph, there are almost no lengths that the company won't go to to ensure clients are happy...provided they're spending big bucks. With shops in Mayfair and on Madison Avenue in New York, the glossy blonde, who worked as market editor for American Vogue, will jet to her client's side wherever they are in the globe. The mother-of-two, whose father, Ronald Davis, is the former CEO of the Perrier Group of America, says psychology plays a huge role in her business, something which the company has invested heavily in in a bid to ensure they get inside the minds of their biggest spending customers. A designer creating clothes for the super young and the super rich will be given short shrift, with LSD happy to explain that the reality is likely to be a middle-aged woman with a large budget and a realistic waistline. The entrepreneur is married to Colombian businessman Andres Santo Domingo; the couple have two young children. The mother-of-two has invested in technology to ensure she has a thorough understanding of who her high-spending clients are The Moda Operandi trunk shows; where catwalk designs are showcased are a must-see for fashionistas with famous faces including Alexa Cheung and the Delevingnes regularly in attedance Santo Domingo explains: 'We keep track of their purchases and encourage them not to buy more of the same, but items that complement what they already have.' With 15 stylists working for the company full-time, Santo Domingo's specialty is helping those who have more money than they can spend secure catwalk couture that often never reaches the shops. Transactions for such garments are unsurprisingly huge, with clothes often tailored specifically to fit a discerning fashionista's size - be it very small or very large. Shopping is often by appointment only, with one client dropping an eye-watering 380,000 in just one spree. Show me where the beautiful people are: LSD says she'll tailor clothes specifically for clients and often has clothes made for very small and large sizes Be prepared to pay: clients must part with 50 per cent of an item's price tag months before the garment is delivered to them (Pictured far left with Kristina O'Neill, Dasha Zhukova and writer Derek Blasberg) Her trunk shows attract the rich and famous with the likes of the Delevingnes and Alexa Chung regularly in attendance. And her Instagram sees a stream of stylish images posted regularly including shots of LSD jet-setting to society functions across the globe. Not only are profits up but returns are almost half that expected in the fashion industry with the average Moda Operandi customer spending a cool 1,500 in just one transaction. The entrepreneur is married to Colombian businessman Andres Santo Domingo; the couple have two young children A woman has told how her snake-loving husband of 20 years attacked her after she discovered romantic messages from her best friend on his phone. Julie Mitchell, 42, from Newcastle, confided in friends after seeing the flirty texts between her husband Shaun and her best friend Astra Martin. But her friends confronted Astra, and when Shaun found out about he attacked Julie while she lay at home in bed. Too close for comfort: Julie Mitchell (left) with ex-husband Shaun and her former best friend Astra Martin Meant to be: Julie, pictured with her new fiance Chris, says she is far happier without snakes in her life Luckily neighbours intervened just in time and Julie was able to escape. Shaun was charged with two counts of common assault against his wife and was sentenced in April at Newcastle Under Lyme magistrates court. Through Shaun continued to deny an affair with Astra, he moved in with her straight away when Julie kicked him out after the assault. Julie re-homed his two pet snakes Princess and Mitch and says she is pleased to be rid of him. Former flame: Julie's snake loving husband Shaun with his pet snake Princess Deceived: Julie said she was shocked to find messages between her husband and best friend She said: They are welcome to each other. I thought living with two snakes was bad enough but turned out I had been living with three. But after the way Shaun attacked me I am sure he is far more repellent than any reptile. Good riddance.' Julie and Shaun met through friends in 1995 and married a year later. Despite Julie having a phobia of snakes Shaun bought a Boa constrictor called Mitch and later a Burmese Python called Princess. They are welcome to each other. I thought living with two snakes was bad enough but turned out I had been living with three In summer 2014, approaching their 20-year wedding anniversary, they decided to hold a vow renewal with a venue booked for November. Julie sent out an invite to an old school friend called Astra and soon the pair were meeting up daily. She was pleased to find that Astra also got on well with Shaun, but a couple of months on she felt concerned that the two were getting a bit too close. She often felt left out in their company and when they went to a school reunion together, some guests assumed Astra and Shaun were a couple. Feeling embarrassed, Julie confronted Shaun who told her not to be 'paranoid'. A couple of months later she was watching TV when Shauns phone beeped and she saw it was a message from Astra. Deception: The texts that Astra and Shaun were sending one another Shaun was upstairs so she decided to take a peek and was shocked to read a romantic conversation between the two complete with hearts, lips and multiple kisses. In the messages the pair declared their true love for each other and called each other baby. Julie decided to take a photo of the messages and confide in friends for advice instead of confronting Shaun. Her friends were disgusted and urged Julie to leave but she was still getting her head around the betrayal. However, one month on when she was in bed Shauns phone rang and she suspected it was Astra. Leaning over, she suddenly felt a shove in her back, followed by the force of Shauns weight on top of her. The next thing she knew was him strangling her until she feared she might pass out. She managed to scream for help and neighbours soon arrived on the scene. As Shaun stopped his attack, Julie was able to struggle free. Moving on: Julie says she has also moved on since the incident and recently got engaged It turned out Julies friends had confronted Astra and word had got back to Shaun, leading him to attack Julie. Julie then told him she had read the text messages and Shaun went to attack her again, but luckily friends had arrived and held him back until police arrived. Shaun was arrested and sentenced on Friday April 29 at Newcastle Under Lyme magistrates court. He was handed a 12-month community order, a 100 fine and a victim surcharge of 60. He also had to pay 620 towards legal costs after admitting both charges of common assault. The pair insist they got involved after Shaun had attacked Julie and they had split. Astra said: 'I got with Shaun after him and Julie split up after the attack. We were nothing more than friends until they split up.' Shaun added: 'It has been dealt with via the court and its not anybody elses business.' What is it with teenage shop assistants? Why do they take jobs in an environment which obviously causes them so much displeasure? Being the mum of a sometimes surly teenager, and constantly being reminded of how I was one by my own parents, I'm under no illusions about adolescents' general reluctance to smile, converse or interact with adults. But what does surprise me is how many retailers will put up with these petulant brats being the point of contact for their customers, when their capabilities seem to extend only to chatting to their equally ignorant colleagues, playing on phones hidden under their checkouts, or staring vacantly into space. Being the mum of a sometimes surly teenager, and constantly being reminded of how I was one by my own parents, I'm under no illusions about adolescents' general reluctance to smile, converse or interact with adults (pictured: Kelly Rose Bradford with her son William, 13) Don't get me wrong - I'm all for teens having part-time jobs, and am counting the days until I can send my own out to earn his keep, but what I do not understand is why there is this casual acceptance that customers will be treated with the same level of contempt and impertinence kids usually save for their parents. Of course, not every teen is like this, but my recent experiences suggest that it is something of a problem in retail. Last Sunday, I went to my local chain store chemist with my 13-year-old son, William. Despite being the only people at the cash-desk, we were not immediately served; the teen assistants engrossed in their own conversation. I put my goods on the counter, smiled brightly and offered a questioning 'hello?' as they continued their chatter. Eventually I was attended to but throughout the entire transaction, they continued their own chat, and did not look at me or directly address me once. I'm all for teens having part time jobs, and am counting the days until I can send my own out to earn his keep In fact, the only interaction the cashier had with me was abruptly asking while looking at his colleague - if I had a loyalty card. There was not a single attempt to acknowledge me, or a thank you or goodbye. As this was the second time in three days that this had happened, I called them out on it, telling them they were rude and that they should be interacting with their customers not each other. So was an apology then forthcoming? Were they mortified and keen to rectify the situation with a 'sorry'? No. They simply looked at each other and laughed at me. Relaying the incident to friends I was asked why I did not ask to see the manager. My reply? Who would that be on a Sunday? The 18-year-old shop-girl as opposed to the 17-year-olds on the tills? Then there was my experience a few days prior in a clothes store - admittedly one for teenagers rather than weary 42-year-old mums - where I was not only largely ignored, but also made to feel like I was back at school and being socially excluded by the popular girls. On the shop floor, I approached two young woman who were deep in loud conversation about their previous nights' shenanigans as they hung out clothes. I worked in customer-facing Saturday jobs from the age of 13, and customer service was always drummed in to me by every manager I ever had I immediately felt awkward. Like I was in the wrong for disturbing them. I even opened with an apology, an embarrassed 'sorry!' as I enquired whether something I'd seen online was available in store. And sorry I was when I was met with nothing short of a glower from one, and a frown from the other. Well how dare I? Did I think they were there to serve me or something? When one of them walked off after telling me she had no idea, I assumed it was to check against the computer at the main counter, so dutifully followed. But no, she disappeared through a door marked staff only, leaving me self-consciously loitering for a good five minutes before realising that she wasn't coming back. Needless to say, I left without making a purchase, just mentally composing all manner of furious missives to the company CEO. So why does this happen so much? I worked in customer-facing Saturday jobs from the age of 13, and customer service was always drummed in to me by every manager I ever had. Yes, stacking shelves, wiping down counters and knowing where everything was was vitally important but looking a customer in the eye, greeting them, and being cheerful and bright even more so. Put these almost robot-like creatures on a checkout frequented by people who speak in full sentences and do not use words like lolz and grrr and bae in everyday conversation, and they flounder (stock photo) And throughout my teenage job-seeking years, careers advisers and recruitment consultants universally agreed that 'can communicate at all levels' was as desirable on my CV as my typing speed and exam results. And my own parents constantly instilled in me the importance of being able to look at people and hold a conversation. So put these almost robot-like creatures on a checkout frequented by people who speak in full sentences and do not use words like lolz and grrr and bae in everyday conversation, and they flounder Something that is now sadly lacking in so many teenagers, probably because they spend their lives communicating via computer screens, actual words being replaced with emojis, and the English language diluted down to a series of acronyms and slang terms that are alien to most adults. So put these almost robot-like creatures on a checkout frequented by people who speak in full sentences and do not use words like lolz and grrr and bae in everyday conversation, and they flounder. They say nothing because they do not know what to say. My business studies lessons at school, way back when, included mock interviews, lectures on how to formally greet and receive people, and ice breakers for inciting small talk. What a pity that is not the norm today. I'm not suggested that in-store training needs to go this far; we are all busy and none of us want protracted conversation at the check-out, but perhaps reiterating the need for a polite hello, good morning/afternoon, and actually interacting with the person you are serving does need to be better drummed in to young people when they are given jobs. And that you are there to work, not have loud conversations about your social life with your colleagues. After my most recent incidents, my own teenager has been thoroughly lectured on the importance of being attentive and engaging with people. A nurse with rainbow-colored hair has written an inspiring social media post about how people's appearances have nothing to do with the quality of their work after she was publicly shamed over her dyed locks. Mary Walls Penney, a nurse specializing Alzheimers and dementia treatment in Raleigh County, West Virginia, has her blonde hair highlighted with vibrant shades of pink, purple, yellow, and blue a colorful look that matches her self-described cheerful disposition. However, Mary was forced to defend her hair and the quality of her patient care on Facebook after a female cashier commented on how surprised she was that she was allowed to work as a nurse because of her brightly colored strands. Fighting back: Mary Walls Penney took to Facebook to pen a powerful response to the person who said she was surprised that she was allowed to be a nurse because of her rainbow-colored hair Rainbow Brite: Mary, a nurs specializing Alzheimers and dementia treatment in Raleigh County, West Virginia, has her blonde hair highlighted with vibrant shades of pink, purple, yellow, and blue 'While checking out, the cashier, looked at my name tag and said, "So what do you do there?" I replied, "I'm a nurse,"' Mary explained in her Facebook post on July 9. 'She continued, "I'm surprised they let you work there like that. What do your patients think about your hair?"' But the stranger didn't stop there. Mary revealed that she went on to ask the elderly woman that was standing in line behind her what she thought of her rainbow strands. 'The kind older lady said, "Nothing against you honey, it's just not for me,"' Mary recalled. 'Then the cashier continued to comment that they didn't allow that sort of thing even when she worked fast food and that she was shocked that a nursing facility would allow that.' After she returned home, Mary decided to put her thoughts into words and explain why her hair color or her tattoos have nothing to do with the care she gives as a nurse. 'I can't recall a time that my hair color has prevented me from providing life saving treatment to one of my patients,' she wrote. 'My tattoos have never kept them from holding my hand and as they lay frightened and crying because Alzheimer's has stolen their mind. Fairytale locks: Mary pointed out that she couldn't recall one time the color of her hair affected how she treated one of her patients Powerful words: 'Explain to me how my appearance, while being paired with my cheerful disposition, servant's heart, and smiling face, has made me unfit to provide nursing care and unable to do my job,' she wrote 'My multiple ear piercings have never interfered with me hearing them reminisce about their better days or listening to them as they express their last wishes. My tongue piercing has never kept me from speaking words of encouragement to a newly diagnosed patient or from comforting a family that is grieving. 'So, please explain to me how my appearance, while being paired with my cheerful disposition, servant's heart, and smiling face, has made me unfit to provide nursing care and unable to do my job!' Mary's words struck a chord with thousands of people and her post has been shared more than 150,000 times since it was posted. Many people also took the time to praise Mary for sharing her story while complimenting her uniquely colored hair. 'Your post really shows how we judge others by looks and not substance. I think you're beautiful inside and out! Thank you for sharing! Richard Perruccio wrote. 'You have a very valid point,' Valentina Moseley added. 'People have no right to judge your appearance without knowing your ethic skills and ability to serve patients and save lives.' Going viral: Mary's words struck a chord with thousands of people and her post has been shared more than 150,000 times since it was posted. Good reason: Mary explained that she colors hair because it makes her happy and brightens her mood Speaking out: Mary, who is pictured in 2013, said she hopes that her post 'opened some judgmental eyes and minds' Others pointed out that the cashier who waited on Mary was incredibly rude. 'Honestly I think I would've complained to the manager about how she spoke to you,' Crystal Randall wrote. 'Her comments were so rude and asking another person in line was totally uncalled for.' And Maria C. Vargas wanted to thank her for being an inspiration. 'I am a fellow nurse, and have tattoos, had piercings, and recently started experimenting with different hair color,' she wrote. 'At no time has it interfered with me providing quality care.I applaud you for being confident in your own skin. ' On Thursday, Mary returned to Facebook to say that she is 'forever grateful' that her voice was heard and that she possibly 'opened some judgmental eyes and minds in the process'. 'I don't color my hair to be a rebel to society,' she noted. 'I color it because it brightens my mood and makes me happy. I don't choose to get obscene, disgraceful tattoos on my body. But I do choose to decorate and cover my insecurities with beautiful art. When youre wearing a 250,000 three-carat diamond engagement ring, you might think the rest of your jewellery would pale in comparison. But not so for Pippa Middleton, who showed off a dazzling diamond and pink gold Cartier watch yesterday. The 32-year-old stepped out flashing her ring for the second day running after announcing her plans to marry her fabulously rich boyfriend of a year, hedge fund manager James Matthews, on Tuesday. Scroll down for video Pippa has certainly outdone Kate with her watch. Both sisters wear pieces from Cartiers exclusive Ballon Bleu range but while Kates is an entry level watch costing 4,850, Pippas is worth an eye-watering 14,500 There was soon much speculation about whether it cost more than the engagement ring given to her elder sister the Duchess of Cambridge, 34, by Prince William. But Pippa has certainly outdone Kate with her watch. Both sisters wear pieces from Cartiers exclusive Ballon Bleu range but while Kates is an entry level watch costing 4,850, Pippas is worth an eye-watering 14,500. The Duchess of Cambridge was first seen wearing hers, a present from Prince William, on a visit to one of her charities, The Art Room, in 2014. It is believed to be a 36mm watch with a steel bracelet. Pippas 33mm version, however, is said to be made of a mixture of steel and 18K pink gold and its distinctive bezel is studded with 50 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 0.63 carats. The face has a single Roman numeral, 12, with the rest of the dial made of 11 diamonds totalling 0.05 carats. It is thought to have been given to her by her fiance, whose firm Eden Rock Capital Management looks after 1.1billion worth of investments, enabling Mr Matthews to buy a 17million London mansion and a 3million private jet by the age of 40. Time for an upgrade? Pippa's 14,500 Cartier watch, left, and Kate's 'entry level' model for 4,500, right Chayanee Watts, of Watches and Jewellery of New Bond Street, said Pippas watch boasted the finest of materials, adding: Cartiers stone setting is amongst the very best in the business, and their choice of only the highest grade diamonds will mean Pippas watch will be sparkling for years to come. She said Kates choice was more modest but still a stunning watch. Kates sapphire engagement ring was once worn by Williams mother Diana and cost Prince Charles 28,000 in 1981. It would cost around 108,000 in todays prices much less than Pippas ring but the scarcity of the gem and the pieces history makes it priceless. Ivanka Trump has spoken out in praise of her younger half-sister Tiffany, while readily admitting that she 'is not close' with the college graduate's mother Marla Maples, her father's former mistress. Opening up about her close bond with 22-year-old Tiffany, mother-of-three Ivanka said: 'I've been very close to Tiffany her whole life, and I really love her. 'Now that she lives in New York, she'll come with us [to the country house] on weekends sometimes. She's a really good person.' Scroll down for video Sibling bond: Ivanka Trump has praised her close relationship with half-sister Tiffany, describing the 22-year-old college graduate as 'a really good person' Awkward? However, Ivanka, 34, admitted that she 'is not close' with Tiffany's mom, Marla Maples, who is pictured with Tiffany and her boyfriend Ross Mechanic at the Republican National Convention on Tuesday History: It was revealed in 1989 that Donald had been having an affair with Marla, then 25, which was widely blamed for the collapse of his marriage to Ivanka's mother Ivana. Marla and Donald are pictured in 1994 But while businesswoman and designer Ivanka had plenty of pleasant things to say about her half-sibling, who recently graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, she admitted in an interview with People magazine that she 'is not close' with Tiffany's mother Marla, whose affair with Donald Trump was blamed for the collapse of his marriage to Ivanka's mom, Ivana, in 1989. 'I'm not. [Marla] was out in California and really my relationship is with Tiffany,' Ivanka noted when asked whether she is 'close' with the 52-year-old former Dancing With the Stars contestant. Any tension between Ivanka and Marla does not seem to have had an impact on the relationship between Tiffany and her older sibling, however, who looked as close as can be on Wednesday as they greeted their father's arrival at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, together, along with their other siblings. Dressed in similarly flattering summery ensembles, the blonde duo chatted away and laughed while awaiting The Donald's helicopter. Blonde beauties: Any tension between Marla and Ivanka doesn't seem to have affected the businesswoman's relationship with Tiffany. The pair looked closer than ever at the RNC on Wednesday afternoon Daddy's girl: Tiffany looked thrilled to greet her father when he stepped off his helicopter Helping hand: Tiffany took to the stage at the RNC on Tuesday evening to make a gushing speech about her father Donald. Meanwhile, Ivanka is scheduled to speak on Thursday Ivanka, who was joined by her husband Jared Kushner, donned a lavender crewneck sweater for the occasion, that she tucked into a white A-line skirt featuring a purple floral design and paired with white pumps; meanwhile Tiffany showed her support for Ivanka by donning a pair of nude heels from the businesswoman's eponymous fashion range. Both women have been on-hand to support their father throughout his campaign - with Tiffany taking to the stage at the RNC on Tuesday night to make a gushing speech about Donald, while Ivanka is expected to have her turn in the spotlight on Thursday evening. Tiffany's mother Marla was even in attendance at the event on Tuesday to support her daughter, posting an image of the pair backstage alongside Tiffany's boyfriend Ross Mechanic. 'Just before I did my happy proud mamma dance!' she captioned the image, adding: 'Backstage [with] Tiffany after she rocked her speech with grace and that amazing smile.' Speaking about her own role in her father's campaign, Ivanka told People that she has been happy to give him 'feedback', but added that she 'wouldn't have the hubris' to force him to change 'his approach'. Support: Although she admitted that her life has been 'chaotic' while she balances helping her father with his campaign and her own personal and professional commitments, Ivanka said the time has been 'amazing' Close couple: Ivanka also praised her husband Jared Kushner and his role as a father, but refused to comment on her conversion to Orthodox Judaism ahead of their marriage in 2009 The blessings of motherhood: Ivanka also revealed that she wakes up at 5am every day to work out before her three children wake up, so she has plenty of time to spend with them each morning Despite the key role that she has played in Donald's presidential campaign, however, Ivanka hasn't let that keep her from her own personal and professional commitments, whether that is as a wife to Jared - whom she praised as her 'best friend' - as a mother to her three children, or as a businesswoman helping to run her father's empire and her own eponymous company. 'My life is chaotic right now. I'm exhausted 90 per cent of the time,' she admitted, adding: 'But it's been an amazing time.' And while Ivanka may feel 'exhausted', she hasn't let that affect her hectic schedule, revealing that she wakes up at 5am every day in order to 'exercise' before her children - Arabella, five, Joseph, two, and Theo, four months, wake up, so that she ensures she has enough time to spend with them every morning. Thankfully she has husband Jared on-hand to help her balance the energetic trio, and she was quick to praise his skills as a parent during her interview, describing the 35-year-old as 'solution-oriented', 'even-keeled' and 'incredibly hands-on as a dad'. When it came to her decision to convert to Orthodox Judaism before marrying Jared in 2009, however, she refused to share any details, explaining: 'I don't talk about my conversion because it's a very personal thing.' For the first few months of her second pregnancy in 2013, Melissa Barvels, 36, was happy and healthy. But at 25 weeks, the New York-based mother contracted a severe strain of swine flu before being placed in a coma for 45 days, during which time she gave birth to her son, Scotty. 'It was weeks before Christmas in 2013 and I had just finished dinner when I turned to my husband Scott and said I wasn't feeling well at all. I never realised what was to come.' Mrs Barvels told Daily Mail. First meeting: At 25 weeks pregnant, Melissa Barvels (left) contracted pneumonia before being placed in a coma where gave birth to her son, Scotty (pictured is Mrs Barvels meeting her son for the first time) Happier times: Mrs Barvels was placed in a coma for 45 days and her little boy scotty (left) was born at just 28 weeks due to Mrs Barvels' body fighting for him and not for her Mrs Barvels, who couldn't get out of bed, wasn't eating and was freezing cold, was told to 'sweat it out' by her doctor... but after four days she was sent to her local hospital where she was told she had pneumonia. 'I hadn't had it before so I never imagined I'd be so sick. When I was in there I was just hoping to be out within two or three days. I wanted to be out before Christmas so I could spend it with my husband Scott and son Christopher, then five,' she said. 'I was on oxygen and I remember waking up the next morning on December 23 and messaging my husband asking whether the hospital had called him. The size of a hand: 'When I met him he was four pounds but he was born at two pounds, 10 ounces,' Mrs Barvels said WHAT IS ECMO? WHAT IS IT? Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) can provide cardiac or respiratory (or both cardiac and respiratory support) in critically ill patients. It is a highly specialised form of ICU management. Source: The Alfred ICU HOW DOES IT WORK? The machine will drain the blood from the vein, add the oxygen and remove the carbon dioxide, warm the blood and then return the blood to the artery and "pump" the blood through the body. This method allows the blood to "bypass" the heart and lungs, allowing them to rest and get better. Source: Dell Children's Medical Centre Advertisement 'He replied with "Yes, I'm on my way" and other than being told I wasn't doing well, that's all I remember. Mrs Barvels' pneumonia had developed into acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is often fatal. When Mrs Barvels' husband arrived at the hospital he was told his wife of eight months had been placed in an induced coma, that she was intubated and that she was dying. 'On Christmas Eve they told Scott that they had done everything they could for me, that I was dying and that the last resort was going to one of the best hospitals in the country, New York Presbyterian, as an ECMO candidate,' Mrs Barvels said. 'They called the hospital and decided I was a good candidate and they transferred me 45 minutes away for the surgery. 'ECMO is mainly used on children and is not popular for adults but if it wasn't for this I would have died.' Mrs Barvels described ECMO as being like a 'dialysis for the lungs.' The ECMO machines are not common place in hospitals around the world as they are expensive and require specialists to be able to operate them. A success: Although Scotty was very premature he was doing remarkably well and Mrs Barvels started to heal At this stage, Mrs Barvels' unborn son was doing okay, but doctors weren't sure what the effect of her heavy medication use would have on him long term. I think about it everyday. The scars are very noticeable. 'They had discovered by this stage that the root of the pneumonia was swine flu. I wasn't healing so doctors decided to deliver Scotty via c-section at 28 weeks, on January 13th, after trying to keep him in as long as possible,' Mrs Barvels said. 'My body was fighting for him, not for me.' 'My husband got the call and was told Scotty might not be responsive and braced him to expect the worst... but he came out screaming which was a great sign.' Although Scotty was very premature he was doing remarkably well and Mrs Barvels started to heal. Despite his new wife and his newborn son possibly dying, Mr Barvels, a firefighter, stayed 'calm' and kept a journal for Mrs Barvels so she knew everything she had missed and what was happening. 'It was amazing': Despite his new wife and his newborn son possibly dying, Mr Barvels, a firefighter, stayed 'calm' and kept a journal for Mrs Barvels so she knew everything she had missed and what was happening Adorable: 'I was transferred to rehab to learn how to walk again and was out by February 25th. Scotty was out by March 14th and he is now a two-year-old little troublemaker and is absolutely perfect,' Mrs Barvels said 'The journal is truly amazing. I had no idea how he thought to keep one but it has really helped me understand what really transpired over the 45 days,' Mrs Barvels said. 'I am sure he was absolutely devastated inside. He was moving between my hospital and Scotty's every day and speaking to both of our doctors, making sure we were okay.' As Mrs Barvels healed, she was slowly weaned off medication before she woke up on February 5th, 2014. 'I remember that day in bits and pieces. They asked me whether I knew the day and the time and I knew some time had passed but I thought it was early January, not February,' Mrs Barvels said. 'I had no idea I had been transferred and I had all these scars. I couldn't talk or walk but for some reason I knew the baby was born.' A mother's instinct: 'I had no idea I had been transferred and I had all these scars. I couldn't talk or walk but for some reason I knew the baby was born,' she said of the day she woke up Mrs Barvels met her son for the first time that day. 'Everyone was so happy to see us together but it was all so overwhelming. I was so happy to meet him but I was also so scared because I had no strength to hold him,' she said. 'It was an amazing moment but it was also very strange and emotional because I hadn't been there for him for the first month of his life. 2.5 years on and it's still difficult to process, I still get emotional about it. 'When I met him he was four pounds but he was born at two pounds, 10 ounces. Scott took a photo every day for me but it's still so hard to imagine him that small. He was the size of a hand when he was born... it's sad to know I wasn't there for him then.' Despite this, Mrs Barvels is grateful to have an amazing, healthy baby and an amazing story to tell. 'I was transferred to rehab to learn how to walk again and was out by February 25th. Scotty was out by March 14th and he is now a two-year-old little troublemaker and is absolutely perfect,' Mrs Barvels said. Moving forward: Although she is still processing all that went on, Mrs Barvels recently gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Madison, two months 'Throughout all this time Christopher [now eight], was incredible. He was so mature and my biggest cheerleader when I got home, even though he didn't completely understand why Mummy was sleeping in hospital for so long. I am just so appreciative and thankful to be alive and now have three beautiful, healthy children. 'Once I got home he would cheer me on on challenging days and even though he was just five-years-old he always said exactly what I needed to hear.' Although she is still processing all that went on, Mrs Barvels recently gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Madison, two months. 'I am still healing and everything that happened will probably be forever on my mind so of course it was on my mind throughout my third pregnancy,' she said. 'I think about it everyday. The scars are very noticeable and while I'm proud it's still sad sometimes because I feel like it's the first thing people notice so I feel the need to always talk about it. Happy and healthy: 'I think about it everyday. The scars are very noticeable and while I'm proud it's still sad sometimes because I feel like it's the first thing people notice so I feel the need to always talk about it,' she said 'With Madison, once we passed the 25 week mark I realised everything I had missed with Scotty which was hard. But I am just so appreciative and thankful to be alive and now have three beautiful, healthy children.' Mrs Barvels has chosen to share her story to raise awareness about ECMO and what she has learned about flu injections. 'ECMO is less common for adults and it saved my life because doctors chose to use it on me. They put their pride aside and said they had done everything they could for me and sent me somewhere where others could help me more,' she said. 'And with the flu shot, if I had had it, I wouldn't have been as sick and may not have fallen ill at all. Sharing her story: Mrs Barvels said while she respects individual decisions regarding flu shots, she hopes people are aware that what happened to her could happen to anyone 'The doctor never mentioned to me I should have it and it wasn't a priority... if you don't have a flu shot you don't expect to go into a coma and almost die.' Mrs Barvels said while she respects individual decisions regarding flu shots, she hopes people are aware that what happened to her could happen to anyone. For many young Australians, travelling the world is seemingly a right of passage. But for James Doran, his overseas adventure to all 196 countries is something else entirely. With an apartment on Sydney Harbour, a successful career and a close knit group of friends and family, you would be forgiven for being envious of his previous lifestyle. However, after finding himself excessively partying to the extent where spending $600 on alcohol and drugs a weekend was easy, Mr Doran, from Manly in Sydney, knew he had to change his life. Adventurer! James Doran from Manly, in Sydney, quit his job and sold most of his belongings to travel around the world with the aim of visiting each of the 196 countries across the globe Living the dream! Currently 18 months into his journey, Mr Doran has visited 87 countries and seen all seven of the world's continents Now just 18 months after taking off with a one-way ticket and an aim to see every nation on earth, the adventurer has already seen 87 countries and seven continents. As he nears the halfway mark of his goal, the thirty-something adventurer took time out from a road trip through the Canadian Rocky Mountains to talk to Daily Mail Australia about his journey. 'I had a life that many would envy, but I felt weighed down by all of my possessions and my toxic Sydney lifestyle,' Mr Doran told Femail. 'I hated my life, yet I would repeat it every week. 'I'd take as many drugs and drink enough alcohol to trick myself into thinking I fit into this life I'd created.' And so, needing an urgent change, Mr Doran sold most of his possessions, keeping only things he could fit into the backpack he would use to travel the globe. Leaving everything he knew behind he set off on his journey, hoping to find a new lease on life. 'I'd been a firefighter for a decade but from the first day I graduated I felt like an imposter in a uniform,' Mr Doran said. He's going everywhere man: The thirty-something adventurer has seen more of the world in just 18 months than most people see in an entire lifetime Journey of discovery: Living in a harbourside apartment with a successful career and a close group of family and friends, Mr Doran seemed to have the perfect life, however he told Daily Mail Australia he wasn't happy Reflection: After getting into a routine of spending up to $600 while partying heavily each the weekend, Mr Doran decided to get away and rediscover himself by buying a one-way ticket overseas 'I had several firefighting colleagues pass away and that was also playing on my mind, a lot.' While Mr Doran admits the decision to up and leave wasn't as simple as it sounds, technology has made his trip a lot easier. Staying in contact with friends and family via Skype and keeping followers up to date through Instagram has helped with his isolation. But despite being alone for much of his trip, Mr Doran said he's determined to complete the goal he set out to achieve. 'I'm determined to see the 196, but at this stage the only thing stopping me is if I run out of money and have to return to Australia,' he said. 'Also, some countries are off limits at the movement, obviously, so that's a small problem!' On fire! After a career as a firefighter for more than a decade - which included posing for the Firefighters Calendar Australia for Children's Hospital Foundation Burns Units - the adventurer quit his job to take on the world Mr Worldwide! Russia, Venezuela, Suriname, China, Belize and Antarctica are among the countries Mr Doran has visited so far As good as it gets! Having seen a vast variety of sights across the world Mr Doran said his favourite was Chefchaouen, Morocco (pictured above) Being able to reflect on his journey so far, Mr Doran said he had learnt to be comfortable alone, something that was foreign to him when living in Sydney. And although he's yet to pass the halfway mark, for others looking to escape the monotony of their lives 'To other people who live like I did I'd stay stop partying on the weekends, save your money and before you know it you've got a travel fund. It's that simple,' he said. 'I've seen so many memorable locations around the world that have shaped my journey, had an impact on my life and at times, made me laugh, stare in awe, or even cry with joy.' Author, activist and former model Tara Moss has spoken about how corsetssomething traditionally associated with pain and restrictionhave actually helped her. Writing for Daily Life, Moss said that wearing tightly laced corsets has helped her manage her back pain. The author, who is based in Sydney and has written 11 books, suffers from scoliosis and has suffered with pain for 20 years. Scroll down for video Pleasure not pain: Author and activist Tara Moss has revealed that she wears corsets to help with her back pain Helping hand: Moss has scoliosis and wearing a corset helps relieve the daily pain she suffers from it Moss explains on her website, Victory Lamour, that when she was in her 20s, after being diagnosed as a teenager, one doctor 'strongly suggested' she have a rod inserted into her back- a common treatment for scoliosis. She refused, and instead dealt with the condition as best she could, until she discovered in 2015 that wearing a corset helped with the pain. 'By the end of that day, I discovered something curious - my neck and upper back felt "lighter." Despite long hours at the keyboard, I was without a discernible headache or neck tension,' Moss wrote. Revelation: She wrote for Daily Life that she discovered corsets could help in October 2015 Treatment: Many people believe corsets are bad for your health, but they have often been used to help medical conditions Whilst now corsets are mostly associated either with long gone fashion or current fetish activities, many people don't realise that they have been used for medical purposes as well. Scoliosis, osteoporosis, diastasis recti and even anxiety are just some of the conditions that corsets have been used to treat. 'Yes, it is possible to wear an ill-fitting corset and hurt yourself by making it bruisingly tight, just as you could with another piece of rigid clothingagain, shoes spring to mindbut the question is, why would you?' Moss asked in her piece. Speaking out: Moss is an author, activist and former model who often writes about her own life Renaissance woman: Moss revealed on Instagram that she recently took a course and learnt how to make her own corsets Moss has revealed on Instagram that she has recently also learnt how to make corsets, taking a class on the art of corsetry. Most importantly, however, is what she says cosets mean for her and her freedom. They are not, as some believe, a painful prison for women but rather something that sets her free. 'It is something I do for myself - for my pleasure, yes, but also to avoid chronic pain,' Moss said. At 22-years-old, Holly Maitland, from Cairns, is fighting for the right to have her tubes tied after being denied a tubal ligation surgery by doctors. The young mother is currently 27 weeks pregnant with her third baby in three years, despite being on the contraceptive pill each time. As a result, Ms Maitland has started a petition urging the Australian government to allow women to make their own decisions, rather than making decisions on their behalf based on age, mental stability and health. On a mission: At 22-years-old, Holly Maitland, from Cairns, is fighting for the right to have her tubes tied after being denied a tubal ligation surgery by doctors On a mission: As a result, Ms Maitland has started a petition urging the Australian government to allow women to make their own decisions, rather than making decisions on their behalf based on age 'I'm a young mum of two children. My two children are two and one and all pregnancies are results of failed contraception,' Ms Maitland told Daily Mail Australia. 'I decided to start this petition because I feel it's wrong and absolutely disgusting that our choices are being made by others. We are not allowed to make choices ourselves. 'It's so important to get this message out and about for the simple fact that we don't have a right to our bodies. We don't have that right to make decisions ourselves.' Proud mum: 'It's so important to get this message out and about for the simple fact that we don't have a right to our bodies. We don't have that right to make decisions ourselves,' she said Unexpected: On the 14th of July, Ms Maitland was 'rudely denied' the ligation surgery and her husband, Jon, 30, was refused a vasectomy because of her age On the 14th of July, Ms Maitland was 'rudely denied' the ligation surgery and her husband, Jon, 30, was refused a vasectomy because of her age. 'Why shouldn't WE be allowed to make them decisions for ourselves?! Why is our health and medical choices in the hands of people we don't know [sic]?' She said. Ms Maitland said people accused her of not taking the pill correctly. 'I've had comments such as "learn to use it properly" but there's not much else I can do except take the pill at the same time everyday which I did before I even touched my phone as I had the box of pills sitting on my phone,' she said. WHAT IS TUBAL LIGATION AND WHY IS IT HARD TO GET AT 22? WHAT IS IT? Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception that a woman can choose if she is sure that she does not want children in the future. WHAT SHOULD WOMEN CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING IT DONE? Other methods there are a number of long-term, reversible methods of contraception available that offer added benefits, such as light or no periods, without carrying the risk of a surgical procedure. Your age doctors are usually hesitant to carry out sterilisation procedures for women who are aged under 30, do not have children or may feel pressured into the decision by their partners. WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES? Alternatives to tubal occlusion include: hormonal injections, rings and implants hormonal and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) oral contraceptive pills, such as the combined pill and the mini pill barrier methods, such as male and female condoms vasectomy, which is a relatively simple method of permanent contraception for men. Source: Better Health Victoria Advertisement Ms Maitland hopes to rally as much support as possible for her cause and has emailed the Prime Minister and the Minister for Health - the petition already earning over 200 signatures from women who feel the same way 'If I was awake before the time I usually took them, I had an alarm set so I would. I have been offered the Mirena [IUD] but that's another contraception that would have its risks of failing and we can't afford that.' Ms Maitland hopes to rally as much support as possible for her cause and has emailed the Prime Minister and the Minister for Health - the petition already earning over 200 signatures from women who feel the same way. 'The response has been absolutely fantastic,' she said. 'I expected the rude comments and have had a few of them with comments such as "close your legs" or "use protection" but if only it were that simple.' Making a difference: 'The response has been absolutely fantastic,' she said Making a change: 'I say "thank you" to the people that say I'm too young, they're the reason I'm pushing this even further. Age is just a number,' she said 'I think they're discriminating because of my age. I may be 22 but I'm not stupid,' she said. 'The doctors do have good points. There is contraception that works for people but it doesn't work for everyone unfortunately. 'I say "thank you" to the people that say I'm too young, they're the reason I'm pushing this even further. Age is just a number. 'I'm a consenting adult who has made this decision. I'm not 12 nor should I be treated like I am.' Ms Maitland's case has since been handed to the Head Obstetrician of her hospital. This Morning viewers were left in shock yesterday when a one-year-old girl urinated on the studio floor live on air while her parents didn't bat an eyelid. But mother Adele Allen, 32 who describes herself and partner Matt, 33, as off-grid parents, has defended her daughter's accident claiming she was wearing a nappy. Adele, from Brighton, took to her Facebook page, The Unconventional Parent, to praise her son Ulysses, who is still breastfed at five, and support her one-year-old Ostara. Adele, 32 who describes herself and partner Matt Allen, 33, as off-grid parents, has defended her one year-old daughter Ostara after she urinated on the set of This Morning. Pictured: The family and son Ulysses' She wrote: 'Well done to Ulysses and poorly Ostara for putting up with the media chaos today... and Ostara did have a nappy on today but shock horror sometimes they leak!! #herecomethetrolls.' Her defense comes as it has emerged that the couple, who have never taken their children to a doctor and will never attend a mainstream school, are asking the public for 100,000. The mother-of-two shared a link on her Facebook page to a site called fundmytravel where they are asking strangers for donations to 'Help us achieve our ultimate ambition of self-sustainability!' In the bio for their fundraiser they explain that they wish to move their family to Costa Rica to achieve their parenting dream. One-year-old Ostara had an accident on the studio floor but her parents didn't seem too worried They write: 'Our ultimate goal is to become self - sufficient, the way of making that happen is by moving to Costa Roca and buying a big plot of land where we can grow food, and have access to wildlife and nature in it's natural state. (sic) 'That's where we need YOUR help, we would love if you could donate any amount and help us achieve our dreams, we hope by doing so we not just give our kids the best possible start in life but we will inspire others to do the same andwe'll share the knowledge we have gained over the course of our journey and help others who want to follow our alternative parenting path. (sic)' So far the couple have only managed to raise 17 towards their total with 5 of that donated by Adele herself. The couple may be luckier in the future though thanks to their recent bout of publicity. The couple joined Ruth Langsford and Eamon Holmes on the This Morning sofas yesterday where they discussed their approach to parenting. It has been revealed that the parents are asking strangers to make donations on a fundraising website so that they can move to Costa Rica in order to be 'self-sufficient' Their parenting style came under fire from viewers after Matt failed to intervene when he spotted his daughter going to the toilet on the floor. Adele and Matt Allen believe in an all-natural approach to bringing up their children - so much so they refuse modern medicine and traditional schooling, and their five-year-old-son is still being breastfed. But viewers were not impressed to see Ulysses jumping around on the sofa, while Ruth Langsford looked distinctly unimpressed. @BeBethany_69 tweeted: 'Those kids just on this morning remind me of when I learn about "feral children" in A Level English.' Toni Utley professed herself to be in a state of shock, saying: 'So gobsmacked had to watch it again. Bet these kids are annoying as hell in the supermarket', while Lucy Evans added: 'The dad saw and did nothing'. Adele feels very strongly about full-term breastfeeding and her five-year-son still regularly feeds from her bosom for comfort Adele and Matt also believe in attachment parenting methods, such as co-sleeping and the family of four all sleep in the same room Adele used the family's appearance on the show to explain her unusual approach to modern medicine, shunning conventional treatments when her children had scarlet fever and chicken pox. 'We treated it naturally. We believe in the body to self heal,' she said. 'If you support the body's healing through supplements and herbs then you it will heal. 'I don't believe that bringing a fever down artificially helps the body. I believe a fever is there for a purpose to clean the body out.' Speaking about breastfeeding Ulysses at the age of five, she said. 'It really depends on the day. He does it more at home when he's feeling tired or needs comfort. 'Not so much when we're out but sometimes if he's feeling a bit emotional he asks to. And that's fine with me.' 'So you'd be fine if he was feeling anxious now and wanted to breastfeed, you'd be very happy to do that in public?' Ruth Langsford asked. Viewers were irked to see Ulysses jumping up and down on the sofa during the show with no intervention from his parents Viewers complained that Adele and Matt didn't do enough to calm the boisterous pair Ulysses bounced on the sofa as his mother discussed her views on attachment parenting 'Yes,' Emma agreed. Ruth also pointed out that the children were clambering all over the sofa, which she said that she and Eamonn had no problem with, but she wanted to know if Ulysses is ever told off by his parents. 'He would do as we ask,' Emma said. 'We speak to him respectfully as an equal human being. 'He is a highly sensitive child so he does struggle with getting overwhelmed easily so it's important for him not to have strong, authoritarian discipline. Ulysses, pictured with his father Matt, has a sensitive disposition and doesn't respond well to authoritarian discipline The couple live with their two children in a one-bedroom flat in Brighton Adele Allen giving birth to her daughter Ostara in a birthing pool, unassisted at her with just her husband Matt And a handful of viewers were supportive of her somewhat unconventional views. Lottie_Palmer tweeted: 'So refreshing to see these parents doing what feels natural rather than conforming.' And TheHollyRiversShow declared she was baffled that people were horrified to see children 'jumping around, being breastfed and weeing'. 'All natural parts of being kids,' she added. However, the vast majority of commenters did not share their opinion. 'These are the kids you see smashing things and the parents are like "oh they're just expressing themselves",' she wrote. Rebecca Lavin said she was 'gobsmacked' that the parents would 'let their children run wild and wet themselves'. Others were amused to see Ruth Langsford struggling to conceal her disapproval as Ulysses fiddled with the glasses on the coffee table. Liddiegerrard tweeted: 'RuthieeL looks really concerned on what them kids are doing. Put the glass down child haha.' Many commenters expressed the opinion that off grid parenting wasn't doing much good. Jeanie Law said: 'The little boy was jumping all over the sofa, no respect for people's property.' Meanwhile Erin Thorpe branded them the 'worst behaved kids I have seen in a long time'. Sarah Capps added: 'These kids are running riot on #thismorning - jumping around on a sofa?! Nice question about discipline @RuthieeL!' Caroline Wilson said the children clearly have 'no boundaries', while K_Sammy asked if Adele could 'control her kids' and get the to sit down 'properly'. 'Clearly this off-grid parenting doesn't work,' AnimalT_ said. 'Look how unruly their kids are due to having no rules.' When Adele, a writer, fell pregnant with her son, the couple's controversial methods felt completely natural to them. Viewers observed that Ruth did not seem particularly impressed by the couple's controversial parenting methods Viewers were shocked that Matt, 33, failed to intervene when he noticed his daughter going to the toilet on the studio floor Adele's children Ulysses, five, (right) and one-year-old Ostara (left) are both breastfed and will not attend school unless they ask to She said: 'Off-grid is moving towards self sustainability and being a bit more free range and less institutionalised.' Matt said: 'We did collect a lot of information but essentially it was just this feeling.' Adele gave birth to both her children completely unassisted and with no medical intervention with only her husband Matt by her side. She said: 'The thought of giving birth in a hospital just didn't appeal to me because of many reasons - mostly the observer effect. Five-year-old Ulysses will not attend mainstream school unless he expresses a desire to Ulysses, five, standing by the washing line hanging with reusable nappies in the back garden in Brighton 'Also, the interventions I think can be gently nudged on you when you are in a very vulnerable state.' Adele and Matt also decided to have 'lotus births' meaning the placenta and umbilical cords were not surgically removed at birth. Instead, Adele carried the attached placenta in a cool bag - scattered with salt and rose petals to disguise the smell - around with her until it fell off naturally. She said: 'With both my births it took six days for the umbilical chord to fall away naturally. 'You wrap it up and keep it clean and it falls away and forms a perfect belly button. Ulysses mostly breastfeeds at home, but Adele says she'd have no problem doing it in public if he felt distressed and needed comfort Adele, 32, and Matt, 33, from Brighton, call their parenting style 'Off-Grid Parenting' and their children Ulysses, five and Ostara, one, are therefore both still breastfed, have never visited a doctor and will not attend a mainstream school 'In my knowledge, it's perfectly safe and it worked beautifully for us. I don't know of any known cases where it's gone wrong. 'I very much honour the postpartum-period and I didn't go out at all during that first week. So it was just a matter of transporting it to the toilet or to the kitchen.' Adele feels very strongly about full-term breastfeeding and her five-year-son still regularly feeds from her bosom for comfort. She said: 'Ulyssess does still nurse from time to time. Since the baby came along it has decreased rapidly and we had to come to a mutual understanding that it needed to graduate down a bit, but then I wasn't willing to say 'no you need to stop now. 'I think its up to him to decide when he wants to move on from it His mum says it's up to Ulysses to decide when he wants to stop breastfeeding Distrusting of modern medicine, Adele prefers to treat her youngsters' ailments naturally, squirting breast milk in their eyes to cure eye infections and serving them lemon juice when they have a cold 'It's something that's just as natural as a hug is, it's a connection.' Aside from a hospital trip with Ulysses following an asthma attack, the Allen children have never seen a doctor or received vaccinations. Adele said: 'I don't really see that there's any need other than using breastfeeding to supplement them. 'I don't see any need to inject any foreign substance directly into the blood stream. That's not how children will come into the contact with a germ naturally anyway, be it in the mouth or another way.' Since his younger sister came along Ulsysses has been feeding less, but Adele will not force him to stop Matt Allen and his son Ulysses, five, on a swing, with his daughter Ostara in their back garden Distrusting of modern medicine, Adele prefers to treat her youngsters' ailments naturally, squirting breast milk in their eyes to cure eye infections and serving them lemon juice when they have a cold. She said: 'If you use plants and herbs you target the bad without attacking the good bacteria as well. 'If I had something serious like cancer, I would definitely take the natural path. I whole-heartedly have faith in it now and I've experienced enough of it to know that is the way forward. 'The kids' health is just as important as mine if not more so, and so again I would go with what I trust and for me, that is the natural path.' Adele and Matt also believe in attachment parenting methods, such as co-sleeping and the family of four all sleep in the same room. Matt and Adele refuse modern medicine and used alternative treatments for their children when they had scarlet fever and chickenpox Five-year-old Ulysses is allowed to pick his own bedtime and wake up when he wants as he doesn't need to be up for school. He spends his days outside in nature learning about plants Adele said: 'It works quite nice for us. Normally we put the baby down to sleep first. Uly pretty much picks up his own bed time, but as we don't have a school routine in morning he is then able to wake up when it suits him.' Ostara and Ulysses do not attend mainstream school and instead spend their days outside among nature, learning about plants. The mother-of-two said: 'We basically spend lots of time in nature. It's more important to us for them to interact with animals and plants and learn about the environment than it is for them to have big sets of plastic toys. 'Ostara really likes to play with woodlice and in the mud. In the park, there's a big herb patch and she likes to pick and eat the mint leaves. Already at this young age she is thinking about what she can pick from nature and eat.' Adele and Matt also decided to have 'lotus births' meaning the placenta and umbilical cords were not surgically removed at birth. Instead, Adele carried the attached placenta in a cool bag - scattered with salt and rose petals to disguise the smell - around with her until it fell off naturally Aside from a hospital trip with Ulysses following an asthma attack, the Allen children have never seen a doctor or received vaccinations. The family rely on natural herbal remedies The parents accept that reading and writing are imperative life skills but do not want learning to be forced upon their children and five-year-old Ulysses can only recognise basic letters and numbers. Adele said: 'I don't have an issue with that. There is no need for him to be able to read and write at this age anyway.' Instead, Adele and Matt believe that Ulysses and Ostara are becoming curious about letters and numbers from seeing them out and about. She added: 'They see letters on drain covers and numbers on signs and then learning happens as a consequence of just being out in the world, rather than it being forced upon them in a classroom that is not particularly inspiring.' Ulysses, five and Ostara, one, are both still breastfed, have never visited a doctor and will not attend a mainstream school And the parents don't worry that their untraditional schooling will affect the children's future. Adele said: 'I think home school kids are very successful entrepreneurs normally because they have been educated in that way that, they do want to build their own business and not to be a slave to someone else.' Despite spending most of their time outdoors, Adele and Matt have decided not to smother their children in suncream the way parents are usually inclined to do. 'We don't use sun cream,' the mother continued. 'Not at all on the kids. We don't believe it protects you from cancer. Adele writes a successful blog on natural parenting and she and Matt are adamant, despite some negative comments, they would not raise their children any other way Adele said that a lot of the couple's natural approach to parenting came instinctively Adele writes a successful blog on natural parenting and she and Matt are adamant, despite some negative comments, they would not raise their children any other way. Matt said: 'The whole process of doing it in a completely different way has been an amazing journey and a learning curve for all parties involved. 'I have got such a fantastic connection and bond with both of them and they know who we are - more than just being Mum and Dad - it's a much deeper connection than that.' The family are currently saving to migrate to Costa Rica, to live an eco-lifestyle. Advertisement A shoe designer from London has spent a whopping 30,000 on Hello Kitty memorabilia. Amy-Louise Allen fell in love with the cartoon cat at the age of 11 and has been amassing Hello Kitty clothing and merchandise ever since. The 31-year-old's home in Walthamstow, north-east London is packed with 5,000 items branded with the world famous white kitten, including dresses, handbags, bedding, crockery and cuddly toys. Amy-Louise Allen has spent the last 20 years and 30,000 building up a collection of of over 5000 Hello Kitty items Amy-Louise says: 'People think I'm bonkers because of my Hello Kitty addiction, but it's a part of who I am and that will never change. 'I know that 30,000 sounds like a lot of money to spend, but it's all added up over the past 20 years.' The devotee's collection includes 150 handbags, 50 cuddly toys, clothing, bedding and a 40 piece dinner set. She also spent 800 customising her scooter in a Hello Kitty theme. Amy discovered the Sanrio character at the age of 11 but says she struggled to find any Hello Kitty merchandise in the UK Instead the super fan had to spend time rummaging through charity shops and car boot sales in the hope to find some treasures She says: 'I had my scooter spray painted pink and white and added tassels and Hello Kitty stickers to the front. 'I definitely don't like to do things by halves.' Amy-Louise also boasts a unique appearance, which includes Hello Kitty glasses, pink wigs, pinafore dresses and patterned tights. The look is inspired by Japan's 'Kawaii', meaning 'cute', fashion trend. She says: 'I get some really strange looks and comments whenever I leave the house, but I'm used to it all now.' Amy has traveled to Japan twice in the past two years and says that it would be her dream if she could move their permanently Since learning of Harajuku's Kawaii style in her late teens, Amy has transformed her everyday appearance, wearing pink wigs, cute pinafore dresses and patterned tights. Pictured: Amy in Sanrio Puroland Amy-Louise's obsession began in 1996 when she discovered a Hello Kitty plush toy at a car boot sale in Leicester. She says: 'Something inside me just clicked when I spotted her. I instantly fell in love.' Afterwards, Amy-Louise, who grew up in Leicester, spent her teenage years rummaging through charity shops and car boot sales looking for more merchandise. Amy's home in London is full of merchandise including 150 handbags, 50 cuddly toys, clothing, bedding and a 40 piece dinner set Amy often gets items shipped across from Japan with her recent purchases including a 99p pair of flip flops She says: 'Hello Kitty was really hard to find in the UK when I was younger, and there was only one expensive shop in Leicester that sold her. 'My family would buy me something Hello Kitty-themed from the shop every birthday and Christmas. 'In fact, I'm still the easiest person to buy presents for - anything Hello Kitty and I'm over the moon with it.' Amy-Louise buys new Hello Kitty items every week and often imports merchandise from Japan. As well as Amy's cheaper merchandise, the natural blonde has also splashed out on some pricier items for her collection, including a 1000 scooter which was transformed into a pink Hello Kitty bike for 800 Despite her obsession Amy says that she has never struggled to find love and even claims that Hello Kitty has helped her to cut out potentially bad relationships She says: 'My recent additions include a Hello Kitty fibre optic lamp for my bedroom, which was 1.99, and a pair of flip-flops for 99p.' Amy-Louise, who is currently single, insists that her obsession with Hello Kitty has never harmed her love-life. She says: 'I'd say that my Hello Kitty obsession has helped me to cut out a lot of potentially bad relationships. 'I've only ever had long term boyfriends who have always been very accommodating and accepting. Amy has spent the last two years teaching herself to speak Japanese in the hope to move to the 'Hello Kitty motherland' 'My life is just a bit bonkers and I look a bit bonkers, but I'm not a total idiot.' In the future Amy-Louise hopes to move to Japan, the home of Hello Kitty. The little kitten was created by the Japanese company Sanrio in 1974 and designed to reflect 'Kawaii' culture. Amy-Louise says: 'I've been teaching myself Japanese for the last two years and I'm planning on completing a foreign language course, which will allow me to teach English in Japan. Advertisement The Belgian capital was on lock-down on Wednesday afternoon while police cornered a man suspected of being a suicide bomber who actually turned out to be a student measuring radiation. But it was business as usual for the royal family as they donned their gladrags to celebrate National Day in Brussels on Thursday. Queen Mathilde looked resplendent in a chic peach lace dress as she was joined by King Philippe and their children Princess Eleonore, Prince Gabriel, Princess Elisabeth and Prince Emmanuel. (From L) Prince Gabriel, Crown Princess Elisabeth, King Philippe of Belgium, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eleonore pose after attending the Te Deum mass, on Belgian National Day at the Saint Michael and St Gudula Cathedral in Brussels The 43-year-old monarch beamed as she arrived at the 'Te Deum' mass at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels with her well-dressed family. Princess Eleonore, eight, Princess Elisabeth, 14, King Philippe, Prince Emmanuel, 10, Queen Mathilde and Prince Gabriel, 12, took in a service at the Cathedral before meeting with locals outside. Today sees a varied programme of festivities, from the Place du Jeu de Balle to Brussels Park, taking in the various districts of Brussels for National Day. Independence Day celebrates the separation of Belgium from the Netherlands in 1831, as well as the formal establishment of the Kingdom. Last night saw the traditional National Ball, which got the celebrations started with concerts by Belgian artists, majorettes and zinneke hosts enlivening the Marolles area. There was also a re-enactment of a military camp by the 101e Airborne with vehicles from the Second World War, concerts at the kiosk, steam train rides for children and a 1914 military camp at the Royal museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History. Queen Mathilde looked resplendent in a chic peach lace dress as she was joined by King Philippe and their children Princess Eleonore, Prince Gabriel, Princess Elisabeth and Prince Emmanuel Queen Mathilde, who looked chic in a peach lace dress and matching heels, was joined by her youngest, Princess Eleonore and Prince Emmanuel at National Day celebrations The 43-year-old monarch beamed as she arrived at the 'Te Deum' mass at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels with her well-dressed family Queen Mathilde looked resplendent in a chic peach lace dress as she was joined by King Philippe Today sees a varied programme of festivities, from the Place du Jeu de Balle to Brussels Park, taking in the various districts of Brussels for National Day Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Princess Eleonore and Prince Emmanuel are taken by a dog after attending the Te Deum mass The royal family attended a religious service (Te Deum) at the Sainte-Gudule cathedral on Belgian national day in Brussels Locals today can enjoy concerts, demonstrations, tastings and sporting events all set up in the form of trails and villages and to close the day's festivities is the much anticipated firework display at the place des Palais. The Belgian capital was on lock-down yesterday afternoon while police cornered the man at gunpoint after he was reportedly spotted wearing a heavy winter coat with wires protruding from it. A huge operation was launched near Place de la Monnaie in the centre of the city after the man was seen acting suspiciously. After the mix-up, the man was arrested and could be faced with the policing costs. He drew the attention of a security guard for wearing the winter coat which was said to have had cables hanging from it with the temperature hitting 32C in Brussels. A spokesman for the city's police force Christian de Coninck told Levif the man was actually studying the waves and radiation in the city. He added: 'As the person was very passive and very suspect during the operation, the police zone decided to bring civil actions to recover the costs incurred in the operation.' (L-R, Front row) Princess Eleonore, Prince Gabriel, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, King Philippe of Belgium, Crown Princess Elisabeth and Prince Emmanuel attending the 'Te Deum' mass Belgium's Queen Mathilde receives flowers as she met with locals outside the cathedral The monarch crouched down as she met with a youngster in a wheelchair following the religious ceremony Members of the Belgian special forces use binoculars as Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde attend a religious service following yesterday's police scare Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz of Belgium also attended the Te Deum mass Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz of Belgium greet people following the service in the city Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz were certainly in high spirits on Independence Day, which celebrates the separation of Belgium from the Netherlands in 1831, as well as the formal establishment of the Kingdom The individual was arrested by special units and taken to the police for interviewing. Pictures from the scene had shown two armed police officers pointing their guns at the man while he placed his hands on his head. A bomb disposal robot was also understood to have moved in close to the scene. A Brussels police spokeswoman confirmed at the time that the situation was under control but that the man had not yet being arrested. The man had not made any threats and is speaking to officers. Christian De Coninck of Brussels Police told local TV: 'We got a call about someone acting suspiciously. Someone with a heavy winter coat - in these temperatures it's very suspicious. 'And there were wires coming out of the coat too. 'We didn't take any risks. The person was stopped and kept at a distance. We are now waiting for more information from the bomb disposal unit which is at the scene now and then we'll know more.' Shops nearby were evacuated and several streets were closed as a security cordon was set up. Brussels is already on high alert and the streets of the city are packed as Belgium prepares to celebrate its national day tomorrow The incident comes just months after an attack at Brussels airport and on the city's metro in which 32 people were killed and dozens more injured. The attacks caused shockwaves in a Belgium already on edge after it emerged that many of the ISIS jihadis involved in the November Paris onslaught which killed 130 people had grown up together in Brussels. Meanwhile Belgium is the main source per head of population of jihadi recruits going from the European Union to fight with ISIS in Syria, causing deep concern that they will return home battle-hardened and even more radicalised. Queen Mathilde of Belgium and King Philippe paid a visit to the 'Science et culture au Palais' Exhibit, Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium, on Wednesday It has certainly been a busy week for the royals. Resplendent in a chic red dress, Queen Mathilde hosted fledgling scientists at the palace on Wednesday. The 43-year-old looked polished to perfection in a red floral dress as she and her husband, King Philippe, visited the 'Science et culture au Palais' Exhibit at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium. The glossy mother-of-four displayed her trim figure in the vintage style dress, which was adorned with bold flowers and cinched in at the waist with a red belt. The blond monarch wore her short locks coiffed and accessorised with eye-catching gold earrings. She offset her look with matching red heels and walked with confidence as she and her husband made their way inside. Once inside, the royal couple viewed scientific artefacts and chatted with school children who had made their own creations. This was the couple's second consecutive visit to a museum; Queen Mathilde of Belgium, 43 and her husband King Philippe, 56, spent their time off visiting museums with their four children this week. With the mercury soaring, it's no surprise the family dived into two museums, the Musical Instruments Museum and the Belgian Comic Strip Center for an educational - and cool - experience. Once inside, the royal couple viewed scientific artefacts and chatted with school children who had made their own creations The blond monarch wore her short locks coiffed and accessorised with eye-catching gold earrings The Belgian royal family were snapped enjoying the sun in Brussels on Tuesday: Left to right: Princess Eleonore, eight, Princess Elisabeth, 14, King Philippe, Prince Emmanuel, 10, Queen Mathilde and Prince Gabriel, 12 The Queen consort wore a loose and airy brightly coloured striped dress with red wedges that had rope soles, while King Philippe looked snazzy in a pair of mustard yellow trousers The Queen showcased a boho look in an ankle-length patterned dress which was belted at the waist as well as a pair of red wedges with rope soles. King Philippe looked snazzy in a pair of mustard yellow trousers and a smart blue suit jacket. They were joined by their children Princess Elisabeth, 14, eight-year-old Princess Eleonore, Prince Gabriel, 12, and 10-year-old Prince Emmanuel. Their children were casually dressed. Elisabeth wore white trousers with a loose blue peasant top, her hair reaching past her shoulders. Her sister Eleonore looked adorable in a pink shorts and white sleeveless blouse, paired with white sandals. The family looked to be having fun as they posed underneath a photo of a giant hat in the Belgian Comic Strip Center Gabriel looked just as smart as he father in a pair of beige chinos and a blue and white striped shirt that he kept open at the collar. His younger brother Emmanuel posed in a long-sleeved white t-shirt and blue chinos with a brown belt. On the official Belgian Royal family Twitter account, the family said that they were having a 'wonderful family afternoon in our capital city'. Temperatures in Brussels reached as high as 31 degrees today. The family looked to be having fun as they posed underneath a photo of a giant hat in the Belgian Comic Strip Center. King Philippe even tried his hand at photography himself, photographing all four of his children as they posed a with a giant smurf in the museum. Anxious parents setting off on holiday left their two children a hilarious note warning: 'Try not to outdo each other in who can f*** up the most category'. The tongue-in-cheek message, attached to a notice board, urged Robbie Ewart, to inform his 'squad' that their log cabin is not a 'drug den or a 24-hour bar' and informed his sister Katie that they did not want another visit from Police Scotland while away. An affronted Robbie, from Chryston, Lanarkshire, tweeted an image of the instructions to his pals with the caption: 'When yer maw and da are going on holiday and have trust issues' and the tweet has so far racked up well over 6,000 retweets and nearly 12,500 likes. Anxious parents setting off on holiday left a hilarious note warning: 'Try not to outdo each other in who can f*** up the most category'. The tongue-in-cheek message, attached to a notice board, urged Robbie Ewart, pictured, to inform his 'squad' that their log cabin is not a 'drug den or a 24 hour bar' Other instructions to 'half daft' Robbie included not spending the money left for them on prostitutes, drugs, cheap booze and pizza. The note, which covers four sheets of paper, opens: 'K + R. I love you both very much but let's face it, you are a***holes! 'I know you both like to try and outdo each other in the in the "who can f*** up the most" category, so don't feel the need to express yourselves when I'm gone. Bad things happen.' The second A4 sheet is directed towards Katie, warning: 'I don't want another letter from the council re anti-social behaviour or a visit from Police Scotland's finest. The note, which covers four sides, opens: 'K + R. I love you both very much but let's face it, you are a***holes! 'Remember - the dog. Yes - dogs need to be fed every day just like you. 'You are the responsible one (hard to believe). Look after Robbie because let's face it, the boy's half daft and can barely tie his shoelaces. Life can be difficult for him.' The next sheet is filled with warnings for Robbie: 'Please inform your squad that our log cabin is not a drug den or a 24 hour bar. 'Believe it or not, our neighbours don't like it when one of your amigos drive up and down the street on their s****y wee dirt bike. 'I have left money for essentials, i.e bread and milk, not drugs, Glen's [vodka], mad dug [wine], hookers and Dominoes [pizza].' Since Robbie tweeted an image of the notes he has received nearly 12,500 likes. One posted: 'Parenting done right.' One user, @kyraxtaylor said: 'Oh my god, hahaha that's ace!' The final bit of paper has a note directed to both of them: 'If you run out of food, phone Granny Mo. She will no doubt bring you a bag of M&S finest cause she thinks yous are sweet and angelic. 'For anything major, phone Grandpa Sean as Granny Mo will panic. 'So remember, Kerry, Wull and wee Lewy deserve a holiday free from stress and worry. If you do anything to ruin it, you will both face my eternal wrath. Again, love you both.' Fellow Twitter users were quick to see the funny side of the note. One user, @kyraxtaylor said: 'Oh my god, hahaha that's ace!' Another, @GeorgiaaBarberr commented: 'This is the best thing I have ever seen.' 'Sums up Scotland really,' replied @Henners6. Whilst @dawnmpfindlay said: 'Parenting done right.' She's regarded as one of the world's most stylish royals with a serious passion for fashion so it's little surprise that Queen Letizia was called upon to host the National Fashion Awards. The style icon was on hand to present awards to the country's most acclaimed fashion designers on Thursday. Befitting of the occasion, the 43-year-old monarch looked chic in a white silk dress emblazoned with bold floral prints as she took to the stage at the event. Queen Letizia was fabulous in florals as she attended the National Fashion Awards ceremony in Madrid, Spain, on Thursday One gong went to Spanish designer Roberto Torretta, during the award ceremony held at Museo del Traje in Madrid, Spain. The 43-year-old monarch then joined the other recipients on the stage after making a speech to congratulate them on their sartorial efforts. Queen Letizia herself is a staunch fan of the latest designers and trends. Indeed, the former TV journalist turned Queen of Spain has carved out a name for herself as a royal style icon. The 43-year-old once favoured dowdy suits and frumpy jackets in her years as a news reader, but since joining the Spanish monarchy, Queen Letizia's wardrobe has had quite the makeover. The style icon was on hand to present awards to the country's most acclaimed fashion designers on Thursday The radiant royal looked polish to perfect - as always - and accessorised with purple crystal drop earrings The style icon was on hand to dish out awards at the National Fashion Awards at Museo del Traje Queen Letizia herself is a staunch fan of the latest designers and trends. Indeed, the former TV journalist turned Queen of Spain has carved out a name for herself as a royal style icon Queen Letizia of Spain was in high spirits as she congratulated winners at the National Fashion Awards Her new wardrobe is packed with tailored sheath dresses, sky-scraping court shoes, Hugo Boss suits and eye-catching jewels. With a penchant for homegrown labels, such as Mango, Zara and Uterque, she keeps her Spanish fashion fans happy. Off duty, the mother-of-two has a penchant for relaxed tailored, billowing blouses and even the odd pair of jeans - but she still manages to look chic. Queen Letizia of Spain still managed to shine next to her husband earlier this week despite King Felipe VI dressed in full military garb. The Spanish monarch, 43, was pictured in a fitted Hugo Boss dress printed with graphic designs of roses in soft hues of pink. The classy royal paired her statement dress with neutral accessories, including a nude coloured patent belt and a matching clutch and heels, for her engagement at the military academy in Zaragoza. With a penchant for homegrown labels, such as Mango, Zara and Uterque, she keeps her Spanish fashion fans happy so was well-placed to present the awards on Thursday Queen Letizia husband King Felipe VI today to the Delivery of Royal Offices of Employment at the military academy She kept the hot weather at bay with a sleek up-do with a twisted chignon and kept her make up to minimal pastel shades. She accompanied King Felipe to the Delivery of Royal Offices of Employment at the military academy in the North Eastern Spanish city. Her husband looked handsome fully-decorated as he was greeted by members of the Spanish army this afternoon. The couple were blessed with good weather as they arrived at their engagement this afternoon that seemed to put a smile on both of their faces Queen Letizia was pictured in a figure hugging dress printed with graphic designs of roses in soft hues of pink The couple were blessed with good weather as they arrived this afternoon, which seemed to put a smile on both of their faces. The King could be seen tipping his hat to his wife, which raised a grin from Letizia who appeared amused by the gesture. The event today sees members of the Spanish Army, Civil Guard and Armed Forces new Officers complete their graduation into the military. The event today sees members of the Spanish Army, Civil Guard and Armed Forces new Officers complete their graduation into the military Those who completed their graduation could be seen tossing their hats into the air during the celebrations this afternoon. King Felipe wore a royal sash which he was awarded in 2014, when he was appointed as head of the armed forces. Letizia looked prouder than ever of her husband as she walked beside him in her Hugo Boss dress. The mother-of-two appears to be favouring the designer of late having been pictured in a dress from the fashion house just yesterday. The Spanish royal took to the stage at an awards ceremony in Madrid wearing the super slimming cream gown on Wednesday. The 43-year-old was all smiles as she presented awards during the Consejo Espana-India Foundation Award ceremony at the Archeological Museum. On Tuesday Queen Letizia displayed her thin arms and slender physique in a figure-hugging dress at an awards ceremony in Madrid on Tuesday The svelte royal displayed her trim arms as she shunned a jacket in favour of bare limbs for the occasion. She accessorised her look with snakeskin stilettos and wore her hair in its signature tight ringlets. The powder is already popular with health bloggers and cafes Derived from spirulina, it is a proprietary extract of blue-green algae Blue Majik can be placed in juices, smoothies, coffees and even cakes Sky-hued and electrolyte-filled, it is extremely nutrient-dense Blue Majik powder is the latest health powder being stirred into things Remember when all of a sudden it became 'a thing' to drink green juice? When, soon afterwards, healthy types started supping on bright orange turmeric lattes? Well, the same might be about to happen for Blue Majik powder, which is being stirred into everything, from cold-pressed juices to chia puddings and coffees, and dyeing it bright blue. The sky-hued, electrolyte-filled ingredient is derived from spirulina, and it is a proprietary extract of the blue-green algae Arthrospira plantensis. On the superfoods ranking list, Blue Majik powder would rank pretty high. Health giver: Blue Majik powder is the latest 'It' ingredient (left) - it is popping up in all sorts of things, from juices (right) to chia puddings and coffees WHY BLUE ALGAE IS SO HEALTHY * According to the experts, by weight blue algae has: - 22 times more iron than spinach. - Five times more beta-carotene than carrots. - Six times more antioxidants than blueberries. - Six times more calcium than cow's breast milk. Advertisement Rich in antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, Blue Majik has been lauded with all sorts of praise, as many say that it is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. And as blue algae contains 22 times more spinach and six times more antioxidants than blueberries, it's safe to say the powder will give you a bit of a health hit. But where can you find the health-giving 'It' ingredient of the moment? A slew of cafes, brands and companies have started adding Blue Majik powder to their products. Cafe ready: Blue Majik has been lauded with all sorts of health benefits - and it recently appeared inside coffees at a cafe in Melbourne (pictured) Health hit: Blue Majik powder is derived from blue-green algae - this has 22 times more iron than spinach, as well as six times more antioxidants than blueberries Juice Generation's Holy Water is one such Blue-Majik-fuelled product, as are the hugely popular blue algae lattes that recently hit Matcha Mylkbar in Melbourne. Moon Juice's Blue Adaptogen Protein is also a popular protein powder that is often used as a base for healthy smoothies. According to the site, the Blue Majik in the protein powder 'detoxifies and nourishes internal organs', while other experts say that it is especially good after a workout as it repairs your body. Products: Juice Generation's Holy Water is one such Blue-Majik-fuelled product - while Blue Adaptogen Protein is also a popular protein powder Not too tasty: But sadly, Blue Majik is not all that tasty - one Instagrammer even said: 'This tastes like pond scum' As wellness gurus start to make Blue Majik powder a daily part of their vitamin regimen, it's worth noting how you can make the slightly-fishy-tasting blue stuff taste a little bit nicer (one Instagrammer has said of Blue Majik: 'This tastes like pond scum'). One blogger recommends Blue Majik cake pops for a twist on the traditional confectionery, while another says it's delicious when used inside white chocolate squares. Florida health officials have trapped mosquitoes to test them for Zika. It comes a day after a woman was diagnosed with the virus in Miami despite not traveling abroad. Officials fear this case could be the first to come directly from a mosquito bite in the continental United States. Control teams are now shipping batches of locally-caught mosquitoes to confirm whether the infection has reached the state - while spraying the patient's neighborhood to prevent an outbreak. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Officials fear the Miami case could be the first to come directly from a mosquito bite in the United States. They are now testing US mosquitoes for the virus, which is most commonly carried by the Aedes aegypti (pictured) Health officials have not ruled out the possibility that the woman contracted the virus through sexual intercourse. An earlier report ruling out sex as a cause was later retracted. To date, 1,300 people have been diagnosed with Zika in America - none from local mosquito bites. All came from mosquitoes in Central and South America, except for 14 which were sexually transmitted. But officials have long warned that it would only be a matter of time before American mosquitoes became infected by biting a Zika patient. Florida's Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did not immediately respond to questions about their investigation, but health officials said the case had no apparent connection to travel outside the country. The patient is a woman who lives in Miami-Dade County, according to a health official familiar with the case who wasn't authorized to reveal details beyond the statements of the agencies involved, and thus spoke on condition of anonymity. 'Mosquitos have been trapped in the area of investigation and are being tested,' Health Department spokeswoman Mara Gambineri said. More than 1,300 Zika infections have been reported in the U.S., none involving bites from local mosquitoes. Fourteen of these were sexually transmitted, and one lab worker was stuck with a contaminated needle. HOW MIAMI IS TESTING MOSQUITOES AND SPRAYING THE COUNTY The team that tests Miami's mosquitoes for Zika has been in overdrive this week. Sharon Isern and Scott Michael run the lab at Florida Gulf Coast University. Their operation dates back years, examining mosquitoes from all over the state for dengue fever, yellow fever, and other infections. But since a woman was diagnosed with Zika without traveling abroad, officials fear the virus may now have reached the continental United States. The woman, a Miami resident, was diagnosed last week, and the news emerged on Wednesday. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility that the woman contracted the virus through sex. However, the fact of an investigation suggests that was not a probable cause. Consequently, Drs Isern and Michael have been urged to speed up their tests. 'It can take several days or a week but the process can be sped up if necessary, if there is an investigation, for example,' Dr Michael told Daily Mail Online. This week, they have been receiving increased pressure from Miami-Dade County officials to turn around results. The BG Sentinal trap is a white fabric collapsible cylinder with a black circular hole in the middle of it. HOW DO THEY CATCH THEM? There are at least 45 species of mosquito in Miami-Dade. Only two are known to carry the Zika virus: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Unlike most species, the Aedes are not attracted to salt and light - they operate during the daytime. It means the mosquito control team's usual methods - luring mosquitoes using the CDC's light traps - are relatively fruitless. Instead, officials have to use a trap containing carbon dioxide and dry ice, which attracts Aedes mosquitoes. The BG Sentinal trap is a white fabric collapsible cylinder with a black circular hole in the middle of it. The trap mimics convection currents created by a human body, releasing carbon dioxide out of the white fabric. It also releases non-toxic substances found on the human body (ammonia, lactic acid, and caproic acid). The mosquitoes are attracted to this movement. Once they get close, ideally, they are sucked into the black hole and trapped. Control teams then gather up the trapped mosquitoes, put them into vials, and ship them to labs - such as that of Drs Isern and Michael. The process is hampered somewhat by the simultaneous attempt to prevent an outbreak by spraying risky areas. The BG Sentinal trap is a white fabric collapsible cylinder with a black circular hole in the middle of it. The trap mimics convection currents created by a human body, releasing carbon dioxide out of the white fabric. It also releases non-toxic substances found on the human body (ammonia, lactic acid, and caproic acid). Once the Miami patient was diagnosed, mosquito control teams were carted into her neighborhood to blitz the area. 'They immediately go into a suspected area and spray,' Dr Michael explained. 'So that cuts down the number of mosquitoes you're going to get from that area, and we don't know how many of the mosquitoes we're getting are from there.' Health authorities in Utah are investigating a unique case of Zika found in a person who had been caring for a relative who had an unusually high level of the virus in his blood. Pictured: tests in Salt Lake City on Tuesday HOW DO THEY TEST THEM? To test the mosquitoes they squash them into a pulp then extract the genome of the virus. This is done through a process called reverse-transcription to identify the genome so they can amplify it and look for Zika. They have yet to find a Zika-infected mosquito from the Miami-Dade area. WHAT ELSE ARE THEY DOING TO PREVENT ZIKA IN MIAMI? Fogging trucks drove through the patient's neighborhood on Thursday morning. Miami-Dade County Mosquito Control Operations Manager Chalmers Vasquez said inspectors are trying to get into every backyard to spray and eliminate breeding sites. Health officials said lab tests confirmed the patient's infection, and there's no apparent connection to travel outside the country. Miami-Dade County has the most confirmed Zika infections in Florida, but all have involved international travel. Vasquez says no mosquitoes collected in the county so far have tested positive for Zika. Advertisement Health officials predicted that would change this summer once the virus reaches U.S. mosquitoes and have mobilized to keep Zika from spreading beyond isolated clusters of cases. Miami-Dade County has the most confirmed infections in Florida 89 but so far all have involved someone who traveled outside the U.S. mainland to areas with Zika outbreaks, such as Latin America and the Caribbean. The White House said in a news release on Wednesday that President Barack Obama had spoken by phone with Florida Gov. Rick Scott regarding the new Zika case. The president noted during the call that besides the $2 million the CDC already provided to Florida, the agency anticipates awarding Florida another $5.6 million in Zika funding through a grant this week. According to a CDC response plan, health officials would want to see more than just one unexplained case before declaring that someone has been infected by a mosquito bite in the continental United States. A tray of Aedes dorsalis and Culex tarsalis mosquitos are shown collected at the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District on Tuesday, where health officials are also testing the insects for the Zika virus UTAH OFFICIALS ALSO TESTING MOSQUITOES OVER ISOLATED CASE Mosquitoes in Utah may also have contracted Zika. Crews in Salt Lake City are setting traps in old tires and junkyards and dumping mosquito-eating fish into ponds and abandoned pools. It is an attempt to get hold of Zika-infected mosquitoes to test them. Earlier this week, Utah officials revealed a man who cared for his dying father was infected with Zika. Since that case doesn't involve travel or sex, it has raised more questions about how the virus might spread. Advertisement The plan suggests there should be two or more cases within a one-mile area in people who do not live together, who did not have sex with Zika-infected people and who did not recently travel to countries with Zika outbreaks. Evidence of the virus in mosquitoes captured in the same areas also might help investigators declare Zika is spreading, but short of that, it might be difficult to determine with certainty that mosquito transmission has occurred. Mosquito control inspectors in Miami have been going door-to-door in the area of investigation since health authorities alerted them late last week to the woman's infection. They've been spraying to kill mosquitoes and emptying containers of the water mosquitoes need to breed. If the virus is there, they want to prevent its spread. 'We're constantly in the area. We're doing hand-held spraying, and we'll do more truck spraying Thursday,' said Gayle Love, a spokeswoman for Miami-Dade County Solid Waste Management. Crews in Utah, meanwhile, are setting traps in old tires and junkyards and dumping mosquito-eating fish into ponds and abandoned pools after a man who cared for his dying father was infected with Zika as well. Since that case doesn't involve travel or sex, it has raised more questions about how the virus might spread. 'Our best option is to try to find these mosquitoes quickly so that way we can eliminate them prior to their establishment,' said Ary Faraji, manager of the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District. 'Once they become established, it is extremely difficult to get rid of those species.' There is no vaccine for Zika. The main defense is to avoid mosquito bites. Zika also can spread through unprotected sex with someone who is infected. In most people, Zika causes only a mild and brief illness, but it can provoke fetal death and severe brain defects in the children of women infected during pregnancy. Health officials worldwide have advised people preparing to have children not to travel to areas where the risk of Zika is high. But these and other warnings have applied to countries and regions where outbreaks have spread far and wide. It remains to be seen how many Zika infections would have to be confirmed in an area before state or federal officials issue similar warnings for parts of the U.S. mainland. A pregnant woman nearly gave birth into the toilet after being sent home twice in one day by midwives. Sophie Holmes, 28, went to hospital just three days into her maternity leave when her waters broke and she began having contractions. But staff at the hospital said there was no way her baby would arrive 14 days early, because her cervix was still closed. Instead, they told her to go home and have a hot bath. But an hour after arriving home Mrs Holmes was sitting on the loo and, upon feeling something, sprang to her feet. First-time-mother Sophie Holmes, 28, from Southend (left), was sent home from hospital after staff told her there was no way her baby Olivia (right) would arrive 14 days early because her cervix was still closed To her surprise, she looked down to see her baby's head as she managed to catch her newborn baby girl before she hit the bathroom tiles. Mrs Holmes, an operations executive from Southend, Essex, said: 'I don't know why, but I shot up from the toilet and felt a head sticking out. 'The next thing I know my baby fell out and I managed to catch her within seconds. I'm just grateful I saved her, but furious at the hospital. 'I had to have my baby alone in the bathroom and she could have gone down the toilet.' Before the arrival of baby Olivia - who was healthy and weighed 7lb 13oz - Mrs Holmes and her husband Dan had been sent home from Southend University Hospital twice that day. They left both times on advice that the birth was a long way off, despite her waters breaking. Mrs Holmes added: 'The hospital handled this so badly. I'm a first-time-mother and I should have been treated better. 'I was so scared, I didn't know what was happening or what I was expecting.' Since the birth, on April 18, Mrs Holmes and her partner have registered a formal complaint with the hospital. 'We shudder at the thought of what could have happened if I hadn't caught Olivia.' Before the arrival of baby Olivia - who was healthy and weighed 7lb 13oz - Mrs Holmes and her husband Dan had been sent home from Southend University Hospital twice that day Mrs Holmes felt something while on the toilet which made her spring to her feet. She looked down to see her baby's head, as she managed to catch her newborn baby girl before she hit the bathroom tiles, pictured They left both times on advice that the birth was a long way off, despite her waters breaking. Staff advised her to go home and have a hot bath, pictured on their wedding day 'Dan took a day off work for the complaint hearing, only to be told it had been rescheduled. We just feel so let down.' Southend University Hospital claims it is investigating Mrs Holmes' case. Denise Townsend, associate chief nurse said: 'We are sorry Mrs Holmes is unhappy with the care she received from Southend University Hospital. Scientists have discovered a revolutionary approach which could lead to new ways of treating asthma. Current methods of preventing attacks involve dealing with the main symptom - inflammation of the airways which makes it difficult to breathe. But the treatments don't stop asthma from developing in the first place. Researchers at the University of Southampton believe by targeting a gene called ADAM33, they can prevent the disease. Scroll down for video The newly-discovered genetic switch could pave the way for preventing asthma at the origin of the disease Some 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma - which can be deadly in severe cases. Currently, most sufferers are treated using two inhalers. A blue reliever is used to relax tightened airways while a brown preventer contains steroids which relieves inflammation in the lungs. The researchers, writing in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, found the gene ADAM33 makes an enzyme, which is attached to cells in the airway muscles. In people with a variant of the gene, the enzyme detaches from the cell surface and travels around the lungs. This then creates more muscle tissue and blood vessels around the airways which causes breathing difficulties. But Hans Michel Haitchi, associate professor in respiratory medicine at Southampton, found switching the gene off stopped symptoms of asthma in mice. He told the Daily Mail: Current treatments do not treat the remodelling process in the lungs the increase in muscle and blood vessels in the lung. In future by blocking ADAM33 or preventing it from going rogue, the features of asthma - airway remodelling (more muscle and blood vessels around the airways), twitchiness and inflammation - will be reduced. Currently, most asthmatics are treated using two inhalers. A blue reliever inhaler is used to relax tightened airways He also said the finding dramatically changes their understanding of asthma. Professor Haitchi added: 'For years we have thought airway remodelling is the result of the inflammation caused by an allergic reaction, but our research tells us otherwise. In studies, they found a rogue ADAM33 gene caused airway remodelling, but it did not cause inflammation. But when scientists used a house dust mite allergen a common trigger of asthma attacks they found it led to more muscle and blood vessels in the lungs, and inflammation. This challenges the existing view that allergic inflammation leads to asthma in the first place. Professor Haitchi, whose research was primarily funded by a Medical Research Council Clinician Scientist Fellowship, said: Our studies have challenged the common paradigm that airway remodelling in asthma is a consequence of inflammation. Instead, we have shown rogue human ADAM33 initiates airway remodelling that promotes allergic inflammation and twitchiness of the airways in the presence of allergen. More importantly, we believe if you block ADAM33 from going rogue or you stop its activity if it does go rogue, asthma could be prevented. Dr Samantha Walker, Asthma UKs Director of Research and Policy, said: 'This is a really promising avenue of research that we have already agreed to help fund to its next stage, which is to understand exactly how this gene causes the changes seen in the lungs that lead to asthma. 'This will hopefully bring us even closer to stopping asthma attacks and finding a cure for the one in 11 people with asthma in the UK. 'Each day three people die of asthma attacks. Research like this is a step in the right direction although much more investment is needed. 'There are hundreds of thousands of people in the UK for whom current treatments dont work and they struggle to breathe every day. THE SECRETS OF WISHTIDE by Kate Saunders THE SECRETS OF WISHTIDE by Kate Saunders (Bloomsbury 14.99) Saunders is the latest successful author to write a story inspired by a character from a much-loved classic. One of the major protagonists is based on a minor figure in Charles Dickens David Copperfield. Its a clever concept, and it works even if the reader is unfamiliar with Dickens. I cant name names, because it would give away the plot. But it is Saunders own invention - the widowed, genteel lady detective Laetitia Rodd - who is the real star of this show. Its 1850, and Mrs Rodd goes undercover to investigate a young woman being pursued by a suitor whose wealthy father believes the girl to be unsuitable. Murder, mayhem and rather gothic melodrama are all treated with wry composure by the redoubtable Mrs Rodd. Along the way, she finds time to give us details of rabbit puddings, carriages and bonnets. The whole book has the cosiness and wit of a Sunday evening costume drama. Think Lark Rise To Candleford. I was left greedy for the return of Mrs Rodd in the next of the promised series. MISTER MEMORY by Marcus Sedgwick MISTER MEMORY by Marcus Sedgwick (Mulholland Books 17.99) YOUD have to have a heart of stone if the end of this book didnt leave you in tears. Happy or sad ones? Well, it would be a sin to give away the ending when its award-winning author has worked so brilliantly to maintain tension and mystery on every page of this highly original story. Marcel Despres is arrested for murdering his wife in the politically volatile Paris of 1899. The twist is that he suffers from a condition which means he cannot forget any detail of his life. The investigating detective finds himself at the centre of a high-powered political conspiracy that gives a vivid insight into the history of the period. The doctor charged with the mans medical assessment is tantalised by philosophical questions about memory and truth. Best known for his childrens books, on the evidence of this Marcus Sedgwick is a name to remember for any age. THE UNSEEING by Anna Mazzola THE UNSEEING by Anna Mazzola (Tinder Press 14.99) Lawyer Edmund Fleetwood is asked by the courts to investigate the truth behind the case of a seamstress, Sarah, who has been convicted of the murder of another young woman the night before her marriage. The problem is that Sarah, while protesting her innocence, refuses to go into the details of what did actually happen. But Fleetwood is no simple hero. He is a deeply flawed character - we first encounter him in a gambling den - and the question of whether he can raise his game provides much of the tension. This is explicitly a costume drama set in the grimy London of 1837. The mix of history and crime is sometimes unconvincing, and the historical detail can feel a bit Velcroed on. HEROES OF THE FRONTIER by Dave Eggers HEROES OF THE FRONTIER by Dave Eggers (Hamish Hamilton 18.99) Over the past 16 years or so, Dave Eggers has been both a byword for hip American writing and a feted chronicler of the modern American experience. Yet his new novel nods to the influential 19th-century American philosopher Henry Thoreau in its story of Josie, a mother of two who decides, on a whim, to flee her philandering partner and foundering dentistry practice and head to the Alaskan wilds in a rented camper van with her children, but - shock horror - no phone. For a while, the plan is to have no plan: they bed down for a bit with Josies hearty step-sister in the city of Homer. Then they head north, chased by wildfires, living hand to mouth and gradually learning new forms of self-reliance and courage. Eggers is in whimsical mood in this funny picaresque novel, and oddly enchanting things keep happening to his unlikely pioneers. Twice they stumble upon perfect cottages in the wild, made up as though just for them, while Josie has a transcendent experience with a group of musicians. Yet, although this novel can feel as wayward as Josies state of mind, at heart it is a classic American hymn to what you can discover when you leave everything behind. THE MARE by Mary Gaitskill THE MARE by Mary Gaitskill (Serpents Tail 14.99) The word mare sounds the same as the French word for mother, mere, and the animal love a woman can have for a child is the driving pulse of this searching novel by Mary Gaitskill. Ginger is a recovering alcoholic and childless wife of 47 when she signs up to the Fresh Air Fund, which allows disadvantaged city children to enjoy short placements with households in the country. Within days, Ginger has fallen in love with her charge, Velveteen, a smart but feckless Dominican 11-year-old from Brooklyn whose careworn mother channels her frustrations and resentments into regularly beating her daughter. Velveteen is soon spending more and more time with Ginger, not least because she has also discovered horses and a talent for riding them. At the nearby stables, she is the only rider who (somewhat predictably) can tame the truculent, semi-feral horse Fugly Girl a creature as abused and misunderstood as Velveteen. For the most part, Gaitskill avoids obvious trapdoors in this penetrating novel, which, through alternating perspectives, confronts head-on white privilege and black victimhood. OWL SONG AT DAWN by Emma Claire Sweeney OWL SONG AT DAWN by Emma Claire Sweeney (Legend Press 8.99) There arent many guest houses like Sea View Lodge in Morecambe. Its a family joint now run by Maeve, a septuagenarian whose spiky exterior conceals a long-ago broken heart. The staff have Downs syndrome and its guests are invariably disabled. But there is little that is mawkish or overtly sentimental about this quirky, moving novel, which tacks back and forth across the memories Maeve cant escape. There is Frank, the weak-minded enigma who inexplicably left her 21-year-old self at the altar; her beloved twin sister Edie, born with severe disabilities, but blessed with a heavenly singing voice; and Vincent, the man who has always loved her and who has now reappeared at Sea View Lodge after a long absence. Edies short, tragic life is painfully presented within the context of prevailing attitudes (or, rather, outright bigotry) towards the disabled in the Fifties, with her devoted Roman Catholic parents the recipients of appallingly insensitive letters from officials demanding that they relinquish their daughter to a state institution. BOOK OF THE WEEK EDWARD HEATH: A SINGULAR LIFE by Michael McManus (Elliott & Thompson 25) Anyone picking up this book thinking they are about to read a po-faced plod through the highs and lows of Edward Heaths career is in for a shock. On the first page, Michael McManus writes that he hopes to capture all of Heaths characteristics and foibles - including his idiosyncratic sense of humour. Conservative MP and former Prime Minister Edward Heath at the helm of his new racing yacht 'Morning Cloud' after the launching ceremony at Gosport, Hampshire The fact that Heath had a sense of humour at all will come as news to most people, but McManus goes much further than that. Hes firmly convinced that Heath not only had a funny bone, but also - again, contrary to general belief - a sexual identity (of which more later). Almost half a century after holding power and 11 years after his death, Heath remains perhaps the most unfathomable of all British prime ministers. What went on behind those beady eyes and those swagged chins? Was he really as charmless as legend suggests? Certainly, theres plenty of evidence to suggest this was the case. When Heath was prime minister, his parliamentary private secretary (PPS) once implored him to be nicer to his MPs. Why didnt he go and have a drink with them sometime, for instance? Two days later, the PPS was delighted to see Heath deep in conversation with a senior backbencher in the House of Commons smoking room. Inching closer to eavesdrop on what they were talking about, the mans heart plummeted as he heard Heath say: That was a bloody awful speech you made in the debate today. When Heath was prime minister, his parliamentary private secretary (PPS) once implored him to be nicer to his MPs. Why didnt he go and have a drink with them sometime, for instance? Yet there was plainly a very different Heath: a lonely, vulnerable man who could only express his emotions while he was playing music. When he was in the army during World War II, Heath was greatly liked and respected by his men. He was held in similarly high esteem by his staff. As another parliamentary private secretary said of him: He was never underhand. But in any social gathering, he was likely to prove astonishingly hard work. His fellow Tory MP Jim Prior once attended a lunch at which his wife had the misfortune to sit next to Heath. During the entire meal, Heath never uttered a word. He seemed incapable of radiating any warmth at all, noted Prior. As Heath rose through the Tory ranks in the Fifties, several of his colleagues thought it would be a good idea to introduce him to suitable young women in the hope that sparks might fly. In retrospect, of course, its hard to imagine a more doom-laden exercise than this. A fellow MP even took along one of my most dazzling and charm-laden girlfriends - a woman ready to make any sacrifice in the interest of the party. There was plainly a very different Heath: a lonely, vulnerable man who could only express his emotions while he was playing music She sat down on a sofa next to Heath and started engaging in flirty conversation - whereupon he promptly jumped to his feet, plumped the cushion he had just been sitting on and fled to the far end of the room. At the time, Heath was thought to stand no chance of ever becoming Tory leader unless he found himself a wife. But he proved all his doubters wrong in 1965 when - still resolutely single - he became the youngest party leader since Disraeli. What makes his ascent all the more unusual is that he had little relish for the day-to-day gossip and blood-letting of politics. He was also a robotically boring public speaker, with no feel for language. Even his most famous quote turns out to be have been the result of a mistake. In 1973, Heath said the behaviour of the multi-national company Lonrho showed the unacceptable face of capitalism. In fact, his speech referred to an unacceptable facet of capitalism, but Heath, too vain to wear reading glasses, misread the words. Heath was thought to stand no chance of ever becoming Tory leader unless he found himself a wife He didnt last long as PM, of course - just four turbulent years. Thereafter he became a colossal grump, never wasting an opportunity to loose off a rocket in the direction of his successor, Margaret Thatcher. But even in the depths of his grumpiness, Heath could still kick up his heels in unexpected fashion. On one occasion, he asked his secretary to get him tickets to see Rod Stewart. On another, he expressed a keen desire to go to the West End revival of Oklahoma! Far from becoming less vain as he grew older, Heath became ever more so. When he was in his mid-60s, he took to tinting his hair an alarming shade of strawberry blonde, before his staff - treading very carefully - persuaded him to go back to his normal Dulux Brilliant White. Hair was clearly a touchy subject to Heath - and one that brought out his sensitive side. He once heard a rumour that hed claimed the Tory MP Michael Fabricant wore a wig. Heath immediately went up to Fabricant in the Commons and told him: I do hope you know I would never dream of making an impertinent and personal comment either to your face, or behind your back. Michael McManus helped Heath write his memoirs and was also his private secretary. As he makes plain, this is not intended to be a conventional biography. Rather, by yoking together his own and other peoples recollections of Heath, hes tried to find out what made him tick. The Heath that emerges from this consistently insightful, briskly paced, even-handed and unexpectedly entertaining book is an acutely shy man whose bluff exterior hid a fundamental lack of confidence. As for his sexuality, McManus - quite rightly, I suspect - has no truck with the idea that Heath was sexless, arguing that to dub anyone totally asexual is to deny them their very human identity. His suspicion is that Heath was a deeply closeted gay man who didnt have much of a libido and almost certainly never had sexual relations with anyone. By the time I reached the end, something quite unexpected had happened: I found myself agreeing that Heath did, indeed, have a sense of humour - even if you had to squint pretty hard to find it. I even found myself warming to Heath in all his bottled-up awkwardness. So, do you remember Chauri Chaura? It was a small village in 1922; now it is a congested town in the Gorakhpur District. It was the site of a tragedy that made Mahatma Gandhi take a decision for which he was roundly criticised. Some historians claim that it was the most controversial public decision he ever took. Back then most people failed to understand and I suspect that even today most people fail to grasp Gandhi's thinking. People pay homage to those killed in the restaurant attack in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on July 1 It comes to my mind because of the controversy around the Islamist preacher, Zakir Naik, whose speeches are said to have inspired some of the killers in the Dhaka atrocity last month. It also springs to mind because of the legitimate warning by Prime Minister Modi that the country is under threat from 'preachers of hatred.' He is right; there are many of them, and many of them are not Muslim. This is not to excuse Naik, if he has preached hatred. I have never listened to him, and the little I have read of his speeches in papers seems to be predictable. There is a long 20th century history of Islamist preachers (many of them with no formal training in religious texts, like Naik) who set themselves up as public debaters, and usually succeed by appealing to the converted. An injured policeman is carried away after the attack on a restaurant in Dhaka, Bangladesh Many Hindutva preachers do so too. Almost all of these assume a combative, dismissive approach towards other communities - Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Socialist, whatever - that can feed the anger among many of their followers. And that is why I think of Chauri Chaura today. The Satyagraha or Non-Cooperation Movement was at its height in 1922; the country had been charged by the call of Gandhiji and the Congress to oppose the British in non-violent ways. Then on February 5, a mob set a police station in Chauri Chaura on fire. Twenty-two policemen were burnt to death. The Satyagraha Movement had put the British on the defensive. For the first time since the Ghaddar of 1857, it was looking somewhat possible that India could become independent, or at least win substantial self-rule. It's claimed that Zakir Naik's speeches may have inspired the killers behind this month's attack in Dhaka In light of this, the tragedy in Chauri Chaura was a minor mistake, for many protesting Indians. Most people in the Congress would too have looked the other way - as some peaceful Islamists do when violent extremists murder other Muslims and non-Muslims, as some peaceful Hindutva-supporters do when there are accusations of pogroms against Muslims. It was, as American forces put it, collateral damage. Not so for Gandhiji. Against all opposition, he called off the movement. He did so not because he had urged the violence; he had strongly preached against it. And yet, because the violence had come out of his non-violent protest, he assumed moral responsibility for it. He went on a fast of atonement. He did so knowing well that it would give the British authorities a handle to punish him personally - and punish him they did. They imprisoned him for six years. Preachers lack the 'humanity, political foresight and moral courage' displayed by Mahatma Gandhi following the 1922 tragedy in Chauri Chaura After all, had he not conceded his complicity in the violence by accepting moral responsibility for it and going on a fast of atonement? Not that Gandhiji failed to see the perverse use that the colonial authorities made of the tragedy of Chauri Chaura. They did what some white racists do when largely peaceful Black Lives Matter protests are disrupted by violence, such as the sniper shooting of policemen by ex-US military veteran, Micah Johnson, some days ago. They use these violent tragedies to dismiss a legitimate and largely non-violent movement. Gandhiji saw this, and protested against it without either defending the violence or ignoring it. Professor Yogendra Yadav notes that Gandhi wrote this in Young India: 'The brutal conduct of the Chauri Chaura crowd was indefensible. One does not know whether it contained volunteers. Let the volunteers who were violent be punished by all means; but no such mob misconduct can possibly excuse the use of (official) force against innocent and inoffensive men.' Twenty-two people, including 18 foreign nationals from America, Italy and Japan, were killed when five militants armed with machetes stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka I have never been a blind bhakt of Gandhiji: there is a lot I admire about him but there are also things I differ from. And yet, in cases like this, whether you agree with Gandhiji over other matters or not, you have to concede not just the greatness of the human being that he was but also the sane acuity of the political thinker in him. The two, contrary to what many believe, go together: the Machiavellian politician, so celebrated these days, is like the doctor who cures one disease with a pill that leaves you with five other diseases later on. And, yes, so I think of Gandhiji and Chauri Chaura today. Neither Islamists like Naik, nor rabid Hindutva ideologues and other kinds of combative fundamentalists, have the honesty and the courage to assume moral responsibility for statements that might drive confused and angry young men to grab a weapon and take innocent lives. Some of these ideologues are far more complicit in the violence that issues from their openly combative speeches than peaceful Gandhiji was in the tragedy of Chauri Chaura. But not one of them seems to have Gandhijis humanity, political foresight and moral courage. Divisive politics and Uttar Pradesh elections Yes, the forthcoming UP elections worry me. There is a chance that different political parties will play the so-called communal card. It usually comes in two colours, saffron and green, but of course there can be other shades too. The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly building - the state is set to go to the polls next year I wish we, as an electorate, were mature enough to punish politicians - across political parties - for this kind of divisive politics, and any kind of speech that seems to accuse an entire community. The moment a negative statement is made about an entire community - all Muslims, all Dalits, all Hindus, yes, even all liberals - it reflects prejudice and preaches hatred. I wish we, as an electorate, would ask our politicians to be specific and precise - or just shut up. Deepika Padukone will soon be seen in her maiden Hollywood project, xXx: Return of Xander Cage. The teaser trailer of the film was released on the internet on Wednesday, and it is quite the tease. Her fleeting appearance in the first teaser trailer may have left fans disappointed, but Deepika has assured that there is more to be unveiled in the coming days. Scroll down for video: Steamy: Actor Deepika Padukone plays huntress Serena Unger in xXx: Return of Xander Cage The 1-minute-23-second teaser video of the film, which was released on Wednesday, was dominated by Vin Diesel and Samuel L Jackson. It features Deepika wielding a gun and spinning a blade in no more than three shots. The 30-year-old Bajirao Mastani actor, who was in the capital to attend a fashion show, asked her fans to be patient and not jump to conclusions as there is a lot of time left till the release of the film. Deepika's fans were disappointed by her brief appearance in the new teaser trailer of xXx There are more than six months to go. Be patient, just wait and watch. Every few days, we will be putting up a new campaign. It is also the return of the film after many years, return of Xander Cage (Diesel), and that is what it is. But slowly and slowly, more will be unveiled, Deepika said. Deepika plays one of Vin Diesels several love interests in the film. Padukones character in the Hollywood flick is that of Serena Unger, a huntress. The action film directed by DJ Caruso also stars Donnie Yen, Ruby Rose, Nina Dobrev, and Rory McCann in key roles. It is the third film in the xXx franchise. The earlier films in the series are xXx (2002) and xXx: State of the Union (2005). When income tax officials raided businessman Pritindra Nath Sanyals expensive residences in south Delhi and Lucknow in search of undeclared assets, they allegedly found a bevy of foreign women and a thriving flesh trade. Delhi Police arrested the 63-year-old this week. He is accused of being the kingpin of an international sex syndicate, in which army officers are allegedly embroiled. According to police, the trade has links to Central Asia. The Delhi Police busted an alleged sex racket with the arrest of six foreign call girls and two pimps During search, copies of passports and phone numbers from Central Asian countries were seized from the residence of the accused. Messages exchanged between him and his associates revealed financial transactions with foreign women, claimed an official. I-T officials said there were foreign women in Sanyal's Lucknow residence too. The income tax department handed Sanyal over to Delhi Police on July 19 for further investigation. Officials have also seized what they claim are the forged letterheads of parliamentarians, which were being used by the accused. Investigators claim a retired colonel of the Indian Army was also part of the trade. We have arrested PN Sanyal. It seems that he was involved in illegal activities like human trafficking and used to cheat and impersonate people by posing as Member of Parliament and senior bureaucrat, said DCP (south) Ishwar Singh. He also called up senior officials, trying to influence business deals. We are verifying his phone and WhatsApp messages. Singh said one of the women told the I-T sleuths that she was being held against her will and had also tried to kill herself. One woman (picture for representation only) told the I-T department she was being held against her will According to a senior official, Sanyal was in touch with a retired colonel, identified as Ajay Ahlawat. He introduced a Russian woman to the businessman. The Russian woman has told us that a colonel who took voluntary retirement recently introduced her to Sanyal. She also told the income tax department that she did not feel safe with Sanyal, Singh added. According to the police, Sanyal built an empire with the large amounts of money he was making through the sex trade. He recently shifted to a house in the upscale Safdarjung Enclave. Sanyal came to Delhi from Lucknow in 1990. He had a flat in Vasant Kunj area. After spending almost 20 years there, he recently shifted to a very expensive flat situated in Safdarjung Enclave. He told us that he had some other businesses as well which we are verifying, officials said. According to the police, the I-T department also recovered blank letterheads with some politicians' names on them during the raid. He sent WhatsApp messages using the name of Naresh Agrawal, Rajya Sabha MP to various people, including senior government officials. The income tax department has handed over a blank signed letterhead with the name of Jagdambika Pal. The documents appear to be forged, said DCP Singh. Reacting to the news of his name cropping up in the case, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Pal, said that he doesnt know anyone named Sanyal. I have been in politics for over 35 years. And I have never issued any blank letterheads to anyone in my entire career, not even to my wife, Pal told an agency. If someone has used my name then police must probe against him and give the strictest punishment under the law, he added. Police have registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code at Safdarjung Enclave police station. According to a senior official, Sanyal may also be involved in setting up honey traps. The Kashmir Valley is on the boil again. If Home Minister Rajnath Singhs statement in Parliament on Thursday is to be believed, along with the 38 deaths and 2,180 civilian injuries in firing, one police officer died and 1,392 security men were injured in the attack by agitating crowds. Mistake It has been like this in J&K, off and on, for nearly 30 years. A child who was born in 1989 is now a 26-year-old man. Kashmir is on the boil again, this time after the killing of militant leader Burhan Wani (file picture) What has he seen in the last three decades? Curfew, clampdown, terrorist attacks, dead bodies, deserted streets... Yes, it was a grave mistake on Jawaharlal Nehrus part to take the Kashmir issue to the United Nations and promise a plebiscite. But Nehru cant be blamed for everything that is going on there. Successive governments of different political affiliations, both in New Delhi and Srinagar, have contributed to the mess we are in. While bringing back normalcy has to be the immediate goal, winning the hearts and minds of Kashmiri youths must be the next priority. In this regard, Rajnath Singhs statement is a welcome move. The home minister, who is facing severe criticism after several Kashmiri protesters were hit in the eyes with pellets shots by the security forces, announced the setting up of an expert committee to suggest an alternative to this non-lethal weapon to control crowds. A long-term political solution, however, will require concerted efforts to evolve a consensus among the elected Kashmiri leaders, the Union government, and prominent Opposition parties. The home minister is facing severe criticism after a large number of Kashmiri youths suffered eye injuries at the hands of the security forces We need an interlocutor for J&K for 10 years - as former Union home secretary K Padmanabhaiah was for Nagaland - who enjoys the trust and confidence of all stakeholders, who will connect with all shades of opinion-makers in and outside the Valley, and painstakingly carves out a template which appears a win-win scenario for all. To begin with, a little introspection and soul-searching will do us no harm. For nearly 30 years, the Centre has been maintaining around 3,50,000 troops in J&K. Has their presence made the lives of ordinary Kashmiris more secure than in the 1980s? Arent the security forces seen by many in the state as an occupying force? Shouldnt it be given that as a nation basically inimical to us, Pakistan would do what it has been doing all these years? Pakistan is busy doing in Kashmir what it had done in Punjab in the 1980s and the early 1990s, when it instigated, financed, trained, armed and even exported Khalistani terrorists in the state. The Khalistani insurgency failed, largely because the vast majority of Sikhs didnt embrace militancy. Sadly, that is not true about Kashmir today. Alienation We need to find out why most people in the Valley dont feel connected to the rest of the country. There should be a concerted attempt to win over the youth of the state, who have been radicalised over the years, if not decades. It must be understood that the alienation of the Valley is the culmination of the sordid saga of arrest/dismissal of Chief Ministers on dubious grounds, rigged elections, poor governance, rampant corruption, lack of employment, steep decline in tourism, excessive use of force by security agencies, and of course the role of Pakistan in providing funds and arms to anti-India elements in the Valley. Social networking has become a tool to disseminate destructive developments, aggravating the situation. For nearly 30 years, the Centre has been maintaining around 3,50,000 troops in J&K J&K isnt just a law and order problem. Its primarily a political issue which can only be tackled politically: by restoring peoples trust in the government/security agencies, and allaying fears and anxieties about trampling on the states special status. Also, its time the Centre realised that AFSPA cant - and should not - be a permanent feature in the lives of Kashmiris. Though its not the authors contention that the armed forces in the state do not need legal protection, this one single move would garner a lot of goodwill for the government. Normalcy Normalcy will come only when the state witnesses economic development at the grassroots level. The youth of the Valley cant be allowed to stand idle, ready to be misused by anti-India forces. The government can involve apolitical youth icons to connect with young people to wean them away from militancy. IIFA, for instance, holds its annual function in different world capitals - why not in Srinagar? In the 1960s, most Bollywood blockbusters were shot in Srinagar and Pahalgam. With secure conditions, they can be brought back. Likewise, the Centre can ensure the state hosts sporting events. Though it will require a lot of effort to successfully hold these events in J&K, the windfall of the entire exercise would be immense. In all these things, the government must not come across as a weak, compromising player. The policy of blowing hot and blowing cold doesnt help; it sends mixed signals. Political leaders in the Valley who support terrorists and dont accept Indias Constitution must be put behind the bar indefinitely. Above all, we should upgrade our surveillance and intelligence-gathering and apprehend infiltrators at the porous entry points. Last but not least, we must shame Pakistan internationally by publicising its irrefutable involvement in acts of terrorism in India. Kashmir is a long battle. We need to play it that way. Facing criticism for the use of pellet guns against mobs of protesters in Jammu and Kashmir, the government has said alternatives are being considered. Pellet guns have caused serious eye injuries to several protesters in the Valley, with some being permanently blinded. Home Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Thursday that the government will look at other non-lethal options. The Government is looking for alternative weapons after pellet guns used by the security services left Kashmiri protesters seriously injured - in some cases blinded. (Picture for representation.) Replying to a question on the Kashmir unrest in the Lok Sabha, where members expressed concern over injuries caused by pellet guns, he said an expert panel will be set up to suggest alternatives. It will submit its report in two months. Home Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his sadness over the lives lost in J&K Describing the young people of Kashmir as patriots, he said attempts are being made to misguide some of them, through a mindset that stokes baseless anger against India. Singh said Pakistan has played a key role in fuelling tensions and that the situation was normalising gradually. We all feel sad over the lives lost and those injured, Singh said, adding that barbarism can have no place in society. He cited incidents where some people had celebrated when security personnel were killed. Referring to concerns over the use of pellet guns, the home minister said one person had died due to injuries caused by these weapons, while 53 suffered eye injuries. We will form a committee of experts. It will see to it what non-lethal alternatives we can bring in place of pellet guns. It will give report in two months, he said. He said these guns, categorised as non-lethal, had been used earlier in 2010 when six people were killed and 98 sustained eye injuries, with five suffering complete blindness. With the arrival of the school holidays, families across the UK are heading abroad in their droves, but this year their wallets could be feeling a lot lighter. Travellers purchasing dollars or euros ahead of their trips are getting a lot less for their pounds than they were this time last year thanks to sterling's fall in value following the Brexit vote last month. A holidaymaker buying 200 worth of euros now will receive around 238 at today's exchange rate, which is almost 50 less than they would have got a year ago, according to analysis by personal finance website Moneyfacts.co.uk. It's a similar story for dollars, with 200 now buying around $262 - also around $48 less than the same time last year. Dwindling dollars: British holidaymakers will be getting around $50 less for changing 200 this summer But it's not just disappointing exchange rates that are leaving holidaymakers feeling short changed. Charges for using your bank or credit card abroad can often be hefty. Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said: 'Cash isnt always king due to the danger running out of money in emergencies, or losing it. Debit or credit cards and even prepaid cards can make it simpler for people to track their spending, and they can be more secure than carrying around bundles of cash. The only downside is using cards that charge for each use, and one of the most expensive transactions is withdrawing cash from an ATM.' Moneyfacts found that some debit cards charge as much as 9.50 for a 200 ATM cash withdrawal, such as that which comes with the NatWest Select Account it charges a transaction fee of 2 per cent and a conversion fee of 2.75 per cent on cash withdrawals. Meanwhile, the HSBC Credit Card Visa charges almost 12 for the same ATM transaction thanks to the 2.99 per cent usage fee and 2.99 per cent cash withdrawal fee it levies on customers abroad. Instead of these costly cards, Moneyfacts found the best debit card for overseas use to be the one that accompanies Norwich & Peterborough Building Society's Gold Account as it's free to use abroad. The perk is applicable if you deposit at least 500 per month into the account or have an average balance of at least 5,000 - otherwise a 5 monthly account charge will apply. Wherever you're off this summer, make your pounds go further by getting the best rates and lowest fees As for the best credit card for overseas use, Moneyfacts highlighted the MBNA Everyday Plus American Express Credit Card, which is a low-rate card that charges no fees on non-sterling transactions or cash withdrawals (7.4 per cent APR on purchases, balance transfers and money transfers). You could also get more bang for your holiday buck by using a prepaid currency card - many of which offer very competitive exchange rates or charge no commission, meaning you have more money to enjoy your holiday. Moneyfacts' top pick is the My Travel Cash Euro Currency Card. The minimum top up for the MasterCard is 30 and it charges no ATM fees in Europe. It also pays 1 per cent unlimited cashback on purchases. FairFX customers will also get a refund on all ATM fees this summer until 31 August for using any of the provider's prepaid currency cards, including the Euro Card, US Dollar Card and Everywhere Card. The MasterCards usually charge 1.50 for euro ATM transactions and $2 for dollar withdrawals but don't charge fees in shops and restaurants - unlike many debit and credit cards. A pensioner branded Russia's worst-ever serial rapist has admitted targeting 90 women during a 41- year campaign of abuse. Perverted Valery Makarenkov, 69, was labelled the 'Birthday Rapist' after boasting to police he 'treated himself to women on his birthday' - allegedly including a girl as young as 10. Police in Russia revealed that he had confessed to scores of rapes but investigators have only found sufficient evidence and victims willing to testify against him for 31 of the attacks. It is thought there may be more than 100 victims as police probe further allegations that Makarenkov committed three murders during his reign of terror. Busted: Pensioner Valery Makarenkov, 69, was branded Russia's worst-ever serial rapist after police revealed that he had confessed to targeting 90 women over a 41-year reign of terror in Moscow Probe: A police spokesman described the case as one of the most complex sex crime cases in Russian history. Some 20,000 men came under suspicion during the two-year investigation Horror: One of the women allegedly attacked by Makarenkov, named Maria, re-visited the scene to walk through how he had choked her and dragged her into nearby bushes His serial confession was disclosed by the Investigative Committee, the Russian equivalent of the FBI. Under Russian law, Makarenko will still face trial because prosecutors need to establish before the court that he committed the crimes, even though he has already admitted his guilt. His trial is due to take place later this year and he faces charges of rape, sexual violence, and violent attack with intent to rob. The length of sentence will depend on the judge but legal experts say he is likely to die in a penal colony. Reflecting on the length of time Makarenko had been targeting women, one policemen said: 'He started his crime spree when we were all in nursery school. He enjoyed being a hunter. He had to trace his victim, to follow her, to catch her. All this gave him excitement he needed. Police spokesman 'There was never such a criminal in Moscow with such a long history of crimes. 'We won't find evidence about all his crimes for sure. 'Half of his victims simply don't remember what he looked like, some are dead now, others moved away. 'There are serious grounds to suspect him of at least three murders. But only Makarenkov himself knows how many victims he had.' The officer added: 'He enjoyed being a hunter. He had to trace his victim, to follow her, to catch her. All this gave him excitement he needed, thrilled him. It was adrenaline.' Dubbed 'the most complex sex crime case in Russian history', some 20,000 men fell under suspicion over the course of two years before DNA and forensic evidence led police to Makarenkov. Victims: Makarenkov enjoyed 'hunting' his victims, and being 'thrilled' by chasing down the women before raping them, police said Vulnerable: According to police, Makarenkov cycled up behind his victims before choking them until they lost consciousness and raping them A divorced father-of-one, Makarenkov worked as a diver, in a factory, and briefly as a taxi driver. He was also a keen cyclist. According to police, Makarenkov typically cycled up behind his victims in isolated areas including car parks and lonely streets late at night, before choking and raping them. He allegedly then robbed them of money, jewellery and personal possessions - including a doll that he is accused of stealing from a 10-year-old girl he allegedly raped in 1977. I tried to understand what had happened. I felt as though I was frozen. I understand that it was a miracle I survived. Maria, one of Makarenkov's alleged victims Police are still searching for what they fear will be a macabre stash of the objects he is said to have stolen from his victims. One victim, Elena, said she remembered only 'a strong arm caught my throat'. She regained consciousness an hour later and found herself lying in some bushes, having been raped and robbed. 'I thought, what should I do? Go to the police? But I didn't actually see him. They will laugh at me, I have nothing to tell. 'I thought it was better to rush home and try to forget about it.' Another victim, Maria, in her 30s, told how she was attacked in early June 2013 as she walked home from work at 1am. 'Suddenly I spotted a man behind my back, he had a bike,' she said. 'I didn't pay any attention to him. I kept walking and texting my friend. A minute later, I turned around and saw him right next to me and without his bike. 'Next moment he attacked me and began to strangle me. I managed only to cry out once before he squeezed my throat. On trial: Officers are continuing to investigate Makarenkov, in the hope of gathering enough evidence to charge him with additional rapes as well as the murder of three people Found: Makarenkov had eluded justice for years but was tracked down by police using DNA and forensic evidence Makarenkov typically cycled up behind his victims in isolated areas including car parks and lonely streets late at night, before choking and raping them 'I lost consciousness within two seconds. It was like he just switched me off. Then he dragged my body through some bushes.' She returned to the scene for a report by NTV, to describe the horror of the attack. 'I woke up all covered in mud, and I had just one shoe on,' she continued. 'I tried to understand what had happened; honestly I didn't realise I was completely naked. I felt as though I was frozen. I understand that it was a miracle I survived. 'Then my friend turned up, the one I had planned to meet. He found me and called the police. He started his crime spree when we were all in nursery school. There was never such a criminal in Moscow with such a long history of crimes. 'My mobile phone was next to me and rang all the time, but he had taken everything from my bag. I had some documents from work and 20,000 roubles (240) with me. 'And two weeks later he attacked my friend at about 11pm. He didn't rape her, somebody scared him away.' Maria had been able to catch a glimpse of her attacker, and gave crucial evidence to police in drawing up an identikit picture. Makarenkov's final alleged attack came on May 26 2014, against a 29-year-old woman in Moscow's Kuzminki Park. The woman fought him off and immediately reported the attack to police, who were able to detain him. In his bag they discovered a knife, rope and pepper spray. 'With the help of DNA tests it was possible to establish Makarenkov's involvement in 31 similar crimes in Moscow,' said Vladimir Markin, spokesman for the Russian Investigative Committee, the equivalent of the FBI. 'He attacked me and began to strangle me. I managed only to cry out once before he squeezed my throat.' Victim Maria describes her ordeal at the hands of her attacker The serial confession was disclosed by the Investigative Committee, the Russian equivalent of the FBI and Makarenkov is expected to die in prison 'Investigators and criminologists performed large-scale and thorough work, having interrogated more than 100 victims and witnesses, and held a set of genetic, biological and forensic tests. 'According to the psychiatric experts, the accused man was considered to be in a normal mental state. 'Over these years, about 20,000 Moscow citizens were studied in suspicion of being connected to the crimes.' A transgender student has filed a lawsuit alleging a Wisconsin school district will not let him use the boys' restrooms and repeatedly uses his female birth name, violating federal anti-discrimination laws and the U.S. Constitution. Ashton Whitaker, a 16-year-old student at Tremper High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin, was designated a girl on his birth certificate but began identifying as a boy in middle school. The school district is accused of denying him access to the boys' restrooms and telling staff to monitor his restroom usage, forcing him and other transgender students to wear green wristbands to help staff recognize them. Ashton Whitaker, pictured with his mother, was born female but began identifying as a boy in middle school The Transgender Law Center and the civil rights law firm Relman, Dane and Colfax filed a federal lawsuit against the Kenosha school district this week. The lawsuit alleges that as a result of the school's actions Ashton drastically reduced his liquid intake, aggravating a medical condition that causes him to faint, and suffered stress migraines. The lawsuit claims teachers call him by his female birth name and made him room with girls on an orchestra trip to Europe. He was also denied a chance to run for junior prom king when the principal told him he could only run for prom queen. But his classmates supported him, forcing the school administrators to back down. The lawsuit says the district's actions violate Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, as well as the Constitution's equal protection guarantees. Ashton Whitaker, pictured, wants to be treated like any other teenage boy despite being born female Ashton said the school district's actions had made his life miserable and he was worried about how he would be able to navigate his upcoming senior year. An attorney for the Kenosha district, Ron Stadler, said the district was confident it would defeat the lawsuit. Mr Stadler said: 'The district is confident that when the litigation process establishes accurate facts and applies them to the proper legal standards, its policies and practices will be found to be in total compliance with all laws.' Wisconsin is one of several states suing President Barack Obama's administration over its directive to public schools to let transgender students use bathrooms that match their gender identity. Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin tried to pass a bill that would have made it the first state in the nation to force public school students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their birth gender. The measure was not passed. Ashton Whitaker (centre) was supported by his classmates when he appealed against the principal's decision not to let him run for junior prom king. The principal eventually backed down At least 13 states and the District of Columbia prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity in schools. Hundreds of school districts, from Anchorage, Alaska, and Tucson, Arizona, to Fairfax County, Virginia and Chicago, have adopted similar protections. At least two other transgender students have filed similar lawsuits, seeking the right to use boys' bathrooms and locker rooms. Gavin Grimm filed a lawsuit in Virginia seeking to use the boys' bathroom at his high school. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Grimm in April. The school board has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. A 14-year-old Maryland middle school student filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday alleging school officials have barred him from using the boys' restrooms and locker rooms. Charity Animals Asia is demanding the 'restrictive' aquarium be closed for good and animals inside moved to safety Her boredom was clear, banging against the walls of its metal doors as queues of selfie-snapping tourists filed by MailOnline visited Grandview Aquarium, in the southern city of Guangzhou, where three-year-old bear Pizza lives Polar bear living in a Chinese shopping centre was branded 'the saddest in the world' after heartbreaking viral video Advertisement She was dubbed 'the saddest polar bear in the world' after a video of her slumped on her side, her mouth quivering, broke the hearts of animal lovers around the globe. The aquarium in which she lives, branded a 'prison', is in the centre of a Chinese shopping mall and she lives in an enclosure in which she barely has room to run. The bear, named Pizza, repeatedly thumped her paws against a metal door and chucked ice lumps about with her mouth before falling asleep in a dark corner when MailOnline visited Grandview Aquarium in the southern city of Guangzhou. Scroll down for video Desperate: Pizza, the three-year-old polar bear, is trapped in a tiny enclosure at the Grandview Aquarium, in a shopping centre in the southern city of Guangzhou, where she has only a tiny amount of space to run or play Alone: With nothing to do or entertain her, Pizza bangs her paws repeatedly against her tiny dark enclosure before giving up and slumping in the corner of her pen Spectacle: PIzza is the main draw at the shopping centre attraction as visitors take selfies and bang on the glass window of the tiny enclosure Trapped: Charity Animals Asia has been drawn to the polar bear's plight, launching a petition to close down the aquarium for good which has attracted 300,000 signatures Unnatural: 'It's a small, highly restrictive environment which doesn't allow her to carry out almost all of her natural behaviours,' Dave Neale from Animals Asia told MailOnline Educational: According to bosses, the aquarium offers inner-city people living in Guangzhou the chance to see animals they would never normally get the chance to encounter She is the main attraction for the aquarium in the shopping centre and there was a constant stream of tourists snapping selfies against the enclosure's glass panels. Children sporadically thumped against the glass and aquarium staff did nothing to stop them. The cramped conditions have attracted charity Animals Asia to the three-year-old bear's plight, and a petition launched in March to have the Grandview Aquarium closed has been signed by more than 300,000 people. Dave Neale, the charity's animal welfare director, told MailOnline: 'It's a small, highly restrictive environment which doesn't allow her to carry out almost all of her natural behaviours. 'There is a pool for her to swim in but it's very small. It's impossible to satisfy her physical and behavioural needs within such a restrictive environment and therefore she should be removed to a facility that can provide for her needs.' A visitor to the aquarium confessed that, after seeing the enclosure, he would also be signing the petition to have the aquarium closed. No room: The three-year-old polar bear has barely enough room to turn around in as she is gawped at from all angles by visitors to the shopping centre attraction Slush: The cramped conditions are a far cry from a polar bear's natural habitat as Pizza paces up and down on a sparse covering of slushy melted snow while children thump the glass panels Bored: Aside from the 'restrictive' size of her pen, one of the biggest concerns is that Pizza appears to have nothing to keep her entertained and the swimming pool provided is not big enough Plaintive: Three-year-old bear Pizza can be seen staring out of the window of her enclosure, which has been criticised for being too small. Plans are being made to improve her quality of life but the pen will not be made bigger Hopeful: The aquarium management has drawn up a plan for how to improve life for their star attraction, which includes giving her live fish to catch, but it doesn't include a new pen Too small: Animals Asia says there is no way the enclosure, which includes a small pool, is big enough for an animal of Pizza's size Help: Pizza can't be released into the wild because she was born in captivity, but they have come up with a 'polar bear enrichment plan' to improve life for the animal Wounded: Guangzhou Ocean and Fishery Bureau's investigation found some animals were hurt or even killed in the move to the aquarium in December 2015 but managers at aquarium have denied the allegations and are working with Animals Asia to improve living conditions 'It really should be bigger,' he says. 'However, I do think things like this can be good for city people like us, so we can see these animals'. Grandview has caused uproar online, with an ever-growing number of people demanding an end to animal rights abuses in the country. Allegations of poor conditions after the aquarium opened in December 2015 prompted an investigation by the Guangzhou Ocean and Fishery Bureau. Unnatural: 'It's a small, highly restrictive environment which doesn't allow her to carry out almost all of her natural behaviours. It found that some animals were injured or even died after they were moved to the shopping centre. But the centre's management deny the claims. Li Chengtang, the deputy general manager, claims reports give a false impression of the venue. He denied that animals are kept in poor conditions, but admitted Animals Asia's attention has prompted them to give the facilities a boost. Pizza can't be released into the wild because she was born in captivity, but they have come up with a 'polar bear enrichment plan' to improve life for the animal. Pestered: When MailOnline visited, she banged paws against the walls repeatedly and threw chunks of ice around the pen Cramped: Animals Asia animal welfare director Dave Neale told the MailOnline that the enclosure and swimming area are too small for a polar bear of her size Entertainment: The polar bear, which critics claim is frustrated, will be given live fish to chase to make her meal times more challenging Delight: Li Chengtang, the Grandview deputy general manager, insisted the staff at the aquarium were educating people and are 'making their dreams come true' by showing them the Arctic animal Probe: Allegations of poor conditions at the aquarium were made after it opened in December 2015, prompting an official investigation Live fish will be put in her pool for her to chase and food will be frozen into ice blocks to challenge her. She will also be given sporadic access to an area out of view from customers. 'It's a reminder for us that we should better protect the bear and provide better care,' he said, in response to the 'saddest polar bear' label. But she won't be moving to a bigger enclosure any time soon. When asked about the bureau's probe, he told MailOnline: 'No fish died in great amounts. Some small fish died [when moved to the venue] but that's not the case for large fish, which go through quarantine when they move in. 'Small fish like jellyfish may die, that's unavoidable.' He added: 'We set up this aquarium to educate people. People in Guangzhou don't have opportunities to see a lot of marine animals and we are making their dreams come true.' For sale: As well as the selfies snapped in front of Pizza's enclosure, tourists can buy a cuddly toy polar bear as well as soft toys of the other animals on show Attraction: The Grandview aquarium draws giant queues of tourists and shoppers at the shopping centre in the southern Guangzhou city Education: While Animals Asia insisted the staff are 'good people', it said 'they are unaware of the complex needs of captive wild animals' Captive: Advertisements for Grandview Aquarium are plastered all over the huge shopping centre, which is home to wild animals like Pizza Future: Following the global outcry against the aquarium's conditions, charity Animals Asia is still campaigning to have it closed down Nevertheless, Animals Asia continues to campaign for Grandview's closure. 'They have listened, but they do not feel it's necessary to remove the bear and other animals from the facility,' continued Mr Neale. 'Instead they want to work with us and others in the zoo industry to improve welfare. 'The aquarium staff are good people who want to help their animals, but they are unaware of the complex needs of captive wild animals such as these. Airbnb has hired former US attorney general Eric Holder for its review aimed at rooting out discrimination at the home-sharing service. The review, announced in June, 'highlighted the importance of fighting both explicit racism and the implicit biases that can lead to discrimination,' co-founder Brian Chesky said in a Wednesday statement. Holder 'has agreed to join our team to help craft a world-class anti-discrimination policy,' Chesky added. Airbnb has tapped former US attorney general Eric Holder for its review aimed at rooting out discrimination A campaign to ferret out discrimination at Airbnb came after a host in North Carolina fired off hateful, race-based messages to a black woman while canceling a stay she had booked at his home 'While we have a policy that prohibits discrimination, we want this policy to be stronger. And we will require everyone who uses our platform to read and certify that they will follow this policy.' Airbnb has already enlisted former American Civil Liberties Union head Laura Murphy to lead its discrimination-fighting efforts. The high-profile campaign to ferret out discrimination at the popular home-sharing service came after an Airbnb host in the US state of North Carolina fired off hateful, race-based messages to a black woman while canceling a stay she had booked at his home. The San Francisco-based startup said the recent spate of shootings involving police and black citizens underscore a need to do more to fight discrimination. 'It's not enough to just offer our sympathies,' Chesky said. 'We aren't so naive to think that one company can solve these problems, but we understand that we have an obligation to be honest about our own shortcomings, and do more to get our house in order. That's why we've been talking more openly about discrimination and bias on our platform, and are currently engaged in a process to prevent it.' Holder, 65, was the first black attorney general in US history, and served in the Obama administration from 2009 until last year, when he was replaced by Loretta Lynch. Holder, who served from 2009 to 2015, was the first black man to be appointed US Attorney General Fisher (pictured) says he was caught 'far off-guard' about being denied an apartment on Airbnb for being gay Airbnb has also suffered seen some anti-gay discrimiation. Buddy Fisher, of Houston, said he tried to book an apartment on the short-term rental site for the Austin Pride Festival in August. Buddy Fisher says he received this message on Airbnb after he tried to book an apartment But an hour later, his reservation was canceled. 'No LGBT people, please,' the unnamed host wrote, according to an image of the online exchange shared by Fisher. He continued: 'I do not support people who are against humanity. Sorry.' Fisher was shocked. 'It caught me so far off-guard,' he told CW 39. Airbnb apologized to Fisher and banned the host from the site for breaking its anti-discrimination policy. 'The company said it has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to discrimination like this,' Fisher told BuzzFeed News. The company also helped Fisher find other accommodations. 'It felt like we've been going in the right direction, but then something like this happens,' he said. 'It's like you take five steps forward, then two steps back.' 'It really, really upset me, because I don't feel like I don't support humanity,' Fisher told KHOU. Some people have even asked the company to offer a gay-friendly option. A three-month state of emergency in Turkey, which authorities say will enable them to take swift, effective action against those responsible for last week's failed military coup, came into force on Thursday after it was published in the Official Gazette. Turkey will follow France's example in temporarily suspending the European Convention on Human Rights, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said. President Tayyip Erdogan announced the three-month state of emergency late on Wednesday after launching mass purges of state institutions since the July 15 coup attempt by a faction within the military. France declared its own state of emergency following last November's attacks by Islamist militants in Paris. More than 50,000 state employees - including 15,200 education ministry staff - have been detained or sacked since the Turkish coup attempt. On Wednesday, 21,000 teachers had their licenses revoked and 99 top military officers were charged for alleged ties with the plot. Scroll down for video Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends a security council meeting in Ankara to declare a three month state of emergency Erdogan, center, heads an emergency meeting of the National Security Council with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, center left, Chief of Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar, center right, and ministers in Ankara on Wednesday Erdogan has claimed the threat from the coup 'is not over' and urged his supporters to 'work during the day, and come to the square at night'. He said the move was in line with Turkey's constitution and did not violate the rule of law or basic freedoms of Turkish citizens. 'The aim of the declaration of the state of emergency is to be able to take fast and effective steps against this threat against democracy, the rule of law and rights and freedoms of our citizens,' Erdogan said. In comments quoted by NTV, Kurtulmus also said Turkey's state of emergency could end within one to one and a half months. He identified 'structural and individual' intelligence failures during the coup attempt and also said that work was underway to restructure the army, NTV reported. The president accuses a U.S.-based Muslim cleric, Fethullah Gulen, of being behind the coup and the state broadcaster described his followers as being part of the 'Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organization'. Gulen, who has many supporters in Turkey and abroad, denies the charge. Turkish plain cloth policemen accompany detainee soldiers on a bus as they arrive at an Istanbul court The handcuffed man are just a few of the 50,000 people who have been detained or sacked since Erdogan's purge began Turkish riot police stand guard outside a courthouse where prosecutors are questioning hundreds of coup plotters, in Ankara Erdogan made his announcement in a live television broadcast late on Wednesday evening in front of assembled government ministers after a meeting of the National Security Council that lasted nearly five hours. The state of emergency allows the president and cabinet to bypass parliament in passing new laws and to limit or suspend rights and freedoms as they deem necessary. Erdogan said regional governors would receive increased powers under the state of emergency, adding that the armed forces would work in line with government orders. Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wave flags during a rally in Fatih district on July 19, in Istanbul Pro-Erdogan supporters hold an effigy of US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen hung by a noose during a rally at Taksim square in Istanbul 'Europe does not have the right to criticize this decision,' Erdogan added, apparently anticipating expressions of concern from the European Union, which has become increasingly critical of Turkey's rights record and has urged restraint as Ankara purges its state institutions since the abortive coup. Turkey is an EU candidate country, though it is not expected to join for many years if ever. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier says Turkey's state of emergency should only last as long as it's "absolutely necessary." Steinmeier said it's important that "the rule of law, a sense of proportion and commensurability are preserved." Furious residents who are against a mosque and Islamic funeral home being built in the NSW Hunter Valley region have threatened to bomb or burn it to the ground after plans were approved. Cessnock Council approved a development application on Wednesday night to build a mosque that can hold up to 450 people in the rural area of Buchanan near Kurri Kurri in NSW. Outraged members of a group opposing the $3.9million mosque took to Facebook after the plans were approved and accused the councillors who voted in favour of being 'traitors'. Scroll down for video A proposed image of the mosque being built in the rural area of Buchanan near Kurri Kurri in NSW was distributed to residents by the Newcastle Muslim Association last year 'Sounds like the council chambers might need a bomb,' one man wrote on the Stop the Buchanan Mosque Facebook page. A number of others also threatened to burn the mosque down once it was built. 'That's going to be a good bonfire,' one wrote. 'Isnt that a bushfire prone area? We can only hope!' 'If it is approved I hope it is burnt to the ground. 'I bet a packet of matches and a litre or two of petrol it won't last long.' Councillors voted 6-4 in favour of building the mosque at a tense meeting that police were forced to watch over in case of violence or backlash. Placards were placed outside the council chambers on Wednesday in protest over the mosque. One sign listed terror attacks from across the world, while another called for a ban on building mosques and churches until bad people were gone. 'Where only interested in good people and good values in our community. Dosn't matter what religion or race we have no room for pedafiles, rapist, suisiders, murderers (sic),' it read. Placards were placed outside Cessnock Council chambers on Wednesday in protest over the mosque. One listed terror attacks from across the world, while another called for a ban on building mosques and churches until bad people were gone Furious residents rallied with Reclaim Australia protesters in November last year against the mosque being built The mosque development application was lodged last year by the Newcastle Muslim Association. Some of the residents who spoke during the two hour meeting raised concerns about traffic congestion, safety of children getting to school and fears on increased crime, Fairfax Media reports. One person complained that the proposed mosque's address of 911 Buchanan Road would always remind him of the September 11 terror attacks in the United States. Cessnock City Mayor Bob Pynsent, who voted in favor of the mosque, said in a statement that the application complied with the relevant planning provisions. 'Council carefully considered the public submissions and planning merit,' he said. '(The) decision is a reflection of that.' The mosque development application was lodged last year by the Newcastle Muslim Association to be built at Buchanan in NSW Furious residents (pictured at a rally in November) who are against a mosque and Islamic cemetery being built in the NSW Hunter Valley region have threatened to bomb or burn it to the ground after plans were approved A development application for the mosque and funeral home said the place of worship will be able to hold a maximum of 450 people, but is only expected to have roughly five people in there at a time on a normal day. It will mostly likely host 450 people on major Islamic festivals. The Hunter region currently only has two mosques. There are about 2,000 Muslims in the Hunter Valley region, which has a estimated population of 620,530, according to 2011 census figures. The application listed that Friday between 12.30pm to 2.30pm would be the peak time for crowds and the mosque would be open six days a week. Measuring roughly 14m by 30m, the mosque building has a floor area of approximately 390sqm. The application said the value of the development would be $3.9 million. The anti-mosque Facebook page has attracted thousands of followers since the development application was lodged. Hundreds of Reclaim Australia supporters took to the streets in November last year to protest against the mosque's construction. Cessnock Council approved a development application on Wednesday night to build a mosque and funeral home in the rural area of Buchanan in NSW Were trapped for three days without phone reception until being rescued Decided to go on a 4WD excursion and got bogged on a bush track Savannah Myburgh and Triston Sticken had been staying a hotel A romantic weekend away turned into three days of pain, cold and fear of dying for a couple. Savannah Myburgh and Triston Sticken, from Warnbro, Western Australia, were lost in the Mundaring bush, drinking from puddles and burning plants to stay warm during their ordeal. Ms Myburgh said the only thing on her was her two young sons as they tried to get to safety. Their vehicle had become bogged after they went four-wheel-driving in the rain on Sunday as an excursion from the hotel they were staying in, The West Australian reported. Scroll down for video Warnbro couple Triston Sticken and Savannah Myburgh recount their ordeal in the Western Australia bush after being found They couple had become stuck in the bush after their vehicle got bogged on a bush track After attempting to free their Toyota F9 from a muddy bush track, they decided to walk to find reception for their mobile phones and call for help. They didn't have food, water or any emergency supplies. Despite being stuck only five kilometres from the Great Eastern Highway, they went the wrong way and headed further into the bush. Eventually, they had to sleep rough, using bits of scrub to shelter from the elements and try to stay warm during the night when the temperature plummeted to five degrees. On Monday, they made it back to their still-bogged vehicle and took shelter, took exhausted to walk any further. The next day, Ms Myburgh's family raised the alarm when the couple didn't return from their weekend away. But they weren't found until Wednesday, when they finally got mobile phone coverage and sent a map of their location to Ms Myburgh's family. She said she was 'happy to be out of here and thank God that we are alive. 'We endured a s***load of pain and it was bloody cold.' Mr Sticken thanked those who came to their aid. He said anyone else who considered going four-wheel-driving should have the proper equipment first. Ms Myburgh (right) said the thought of her two young sons kept her going during the three-day ordeal The couple looked relieved after being spotted and given food and water following their ordeal in the bush Students preparing for their Higher School Certificate studies may soon have the option to broaden their focus on how the environment, Asia, women and Indigenous leaders impacted on modern Australia. The NSW Board of Studies released its new proposed curriculum with major changes to its Modern History syllabus as well as maths and science on Thursday. Board of Studies president Tom Alegounarias told The Sydney Morning Herald they were not afraid to tackle those subjects 'just because they can be pigeonholed as "lefty progressive issues"'. Students preparing for their HSC studies may soon have the option to broaden their focus on how the environment, Asia, women and Indigenous leaders impacted on modern Australia. Pictured is a stock image 'Just as we are not afraid to go to [for the first time] issues of the Enlightenment, and to what otherwise might be characterised as conservative views of how we developed,' Mr Alegounarias said. Among the proposed reforms are changes to 17 English, history, maths and science courses that will be first taught to Year 11 students in 2018 if public consultation goes well. A mandatory writing unit focusing on grammar, spelling and punctuation will be included across all the English courses, while a study of statistics will be included in all maths courses. In the draft Modern History syllabus, Year 11 students will have the option to choose case studies about the women's movement in the 1960s and 1970s, the survival of Tibet in the modern world, and Indigenous leaders who shaped Australia like Eddie Mabo, Charles Perkins and Faith Bandler. Mr Alegounarias said these studies were important as students could develop an understanding of 'how the political movements of one era shaped a later era. 'The environmental movement and civil rights movement in the '60s are examples of case studies that [students] can elect to undertake to see how historical movements that happened half a century are still playing out today,' he told Daily Mail Australia. But the most significant changes to the curriculum was the shift in emphasis on mathematics and science with the inclusion of statistics, accounting and financing, NSW Board of Studies president Tom Alegounarias said Mr Alegounarias said parts of the Modern History syllabus that would be mandatory were studies like those that focused on the Second World War and its outcomes. But the most significant changes to the curriculum was the shift in emphasis on mathematics and science, Mr Alegounarias said. WHAT ARE THE PROPOSED CHANGES? Year 11 students will get the option to focus their studies on the environment and the women's movement. Other subjects include how Indigenous leaders impacted on modern Australia and the growing influence of Asia. A mandatory writing unit will be introduced to focus on grammar, spelling and punctuation will be included across all the English courses. Mathematics will see more statistics in all strands as well as finance and accounting introduced to most levels. Changes will be made to 17 English, history, maths and science courses that will be first taught to Year 11 students in 2018 if public consultation goes well. Advertisement 'That may not as be as interesting or attention-grabbing but what is really significant is the reduction of sociology and increase in the amount of mathematics and science,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'Particularly the [inclusion] in all strands of mathematics will be statistics and in most levels there will be also be financing and accounting issues.' Mr Alegounarias said there would also be a focus on the close relationship between mathematics and science - which had previously been ignored in school studies. The draft syllabuses are open for public consultation until August 31. The release of this proposed curriculum coincides with Education Minister Adrian Piccoli announcing next year's Year 9 cohort, some 70,000 students, would be the first group who must reach higher maths and English standards to receive their HSC. From 2020 onwards, students across the state need to reach Year 9 levels of literacy and numeracy to be eligible for the graduating certificate. 'To get a HSC you've got to do more than turn up and write your name down on an exam paper,' Mr Piccoli said. Southwest Airlines has halted all flight departures temporarily as it works to resolve issues impacting multiple technology systems, a spokesman said in a statement Wednesday. Customers complained they could not check in to flights on the country's fourth largest airline by passenger traffic. Almost all flights were grounded out of the company's hub in Chicago, the country's third-largest city. Scroll down for video Hundreds of stranded passengers try to check in as Southwest Airlines dealt with flight delays due to a computer glitch Southwest Airlines halted all flight departures temporarily as it worked to resolve issues impacting multiple technology systems Southwest's reservations website, www.southwest.com, appeared to not allow booking or check-in and had a notice saying, 'We're working hard to get you where you want to be... Thank you for your patience.' Southwest spokesman Dan Landson said a team was working to resolve the issues that began Wednesday afternoon following an outage. It will take time before the budget airline resumes a normal operation, he said. Flight tracking website FlightAware.com showed that Southwest had delayed 157 flights so far on Wednesday, or about 3 percent of its operation. Systems were gradually coming back online, Landson said. The airline tweeted at 4:55pm that 'flight status and check-in are functional in our site waiting room.' No further details were available. The company's shares were down 1.6 percent at $42.03 at the closing bell. The airline delayed at least 157 flights on Wednesday, or about 3 percent of its operation An airline spokesman said it would take some time before Southwest could resume its normal operations The glitch follows several high-profile computer problems faced by U.S. airlines in recent months. In October, a software failure at Southwest led to some 500 flight delays. Industry consultants say the impact of computer disruptions will keep growing as airlines automate an increasing chunk of operations, distribute boarding passes on smartphones and outfit their planes with Wifi. Southwest Airlines did not immediately return a Daily Mail Online call seeking comment. The glitch follows several high-profile computer problems faced by U.S. airlines in recent months Michael Chamberlain has revealed he doesn't 'wish his life on anyone' after he was left the full time carer for his second wife who was paralysed after a massive stroke. Mr Chamberlain, 71, divorced his first wife Lindy in 1991 after the pair were wrongfully jailed over the murder of their nine-week-old daughter Azaria who was snatched by a dingo at Uluru in 1980. His second wife Ingrid Bergner - who he married in 1996 - suffered a 'massive' stroke four years ago and Mr Chamberlain has converted their family house in Lake Macquarie, south of Newcastle, into a 'hospital home'. 'I'm looking after my profoundly disabled wife in what is essentially our hospital home,' he told the Courier Mail. Michael Chamberlain (pictured with wife Ingrid, daughter Zahra and her boyfriend Michael) has revealed his wife's battle after she was paralysed from a massive stroke four years ago Mr Chamberlain has converted their family house in Lake Macquarie, south of Newcastle, into a 'hospital home' to help assist Ingrid (pictured) with her daily needs 'This is a hell of a thing to happen.' Mr Chamberlain was the sole carer for his 62-year-old wife until seven months ago when they employed three attendants to assist with her everyday needs. The extra help meant Mr Chamberlain was able to return to his job as a conjoint fellow at Newcastle University in January. He currently works in the faculty of education department one day a week. He said his return to work and assistance on a massive research project has helped him to regain his strength and sees his journey as a 'success story'. The couple share a daughter together, 20-year-old Zahra Chamberlain, who travels across Australia with her boyfriend Michael competing in dog sled competitions. On Monday, Mr Chamberlain's ex-wife Lindy revealed she had struggled to forgive him after the 1980 ordeal. Mr Chamberlain responded to her comments, saying he has 'never' agreed with his former wife. Mr Chamberlain (pictured with Ingrid at a movie premiere in 1994) is now the sole carer for his wife who suffered a stroke in 2012 Michael Chamberlain was married to Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton (both pictured) and the pair were wrongfully jailed over the murder of their nine-week-old daughter Azaria who was snatched by a dingo at Uluru in 1980 Mr Chamberlain (left) said he has 'moved on' and that Ms Chamberlain-Creighton (pictured right in 2012) has never reached out to him to talk He said he had moved on, had nothing against Ms Chamberlain-Creighton and wished her well. 'If she wants to she can talk to me personally or privately but she's never done that,' Mr Chamberlain said. 68-year-old Ms Chamberlain-Creighton spoke at the National Christian Family Conference in Sydney on Monday. She said she did not hold any anger, but couldn't forgive Mr Chamberlain for 'private' reasons. In August 1980, the couple were camping at the base of Uluru in the Northern Territory when their youngest child, nine-week-old Azaria, was taken from the family tent. Although she was wrongfully jailed over Azaria's murder, Ms Chamberlain-Creighton told the crowd she is trying to not be 'stuck on resentment' as it 'sleeps with you at night', Courier Mail reported. 'If you're holding the anger you're not hurting them at all. They're succeeding well beyond their wildest dreams. It's you that's dying,' she said. In August 1980, the couple were camping at the base of Uluru in the Northern Territory when their youngest child, nine-week-old Azaria (pictured with Ms Chamberlain) was taken from the family tent A seven-week hearing concluded on October 29, 1982 with Lindy Chamberlain being sentenced to life for murder and Michael Chamberlain receiving a suspended sentence for being an accessory after the fact Mr Chamberlain (pictured with Ingrid in 1994) was the sole carer for his 62-year-old wife until seven months ago when they employed three attendants to assist with her everyday needs Ms Chamberlain-Creighton said it was the Australian public's 'responsibility' to 'carry the pain' after many wrongly believed she had murdered her daughter. She told the crowd she knew the truth would come out eventually as 'God would make sure it all came out right'. The New-Zealand born woman praised one reporter who publicly apologised for believing the couple were guilty. Ms Chamberlain-Creighton said the scars from her past are slowly healing after spending 32 years fighting for justice. On the evening of August 17 in 1980, Ms Chamberlain-Creighton went to check on Azaria, and found her gone, she called out either, 'that dog's got my baby' or 'my God, my God, a dingo has got my baby'. A seven-week hearing concluded on October 29, 1982 with Lindy Chamberlain being sentenced to life for murder and Michael Chamberlain receiving a suspended sentence for being an accessory after the fact. On the evening of August 17 in 1980, Ms Chamberlain-Creighton went to check on Azaria, and found her gone Ms Chamberlain-Creighton said it was the Australian public's 'responsibility' to 'carry the pain' after many wrongly believed she had murdered her daughter Officers could not find any dingo saliva on the baby's jumpsuit and Ms Chamberlain-Creighton claimed Azaria was wearing a black matinee jacket over the top Ms Chamberlain-Creighton spoke at a conference in Sydney on Monday and said she is trying not to hold on to anger, but when pressed on why she could not forgive Michael Chamberlain (pictured), said it was 'private' Ms Chamberlain-Creighton gave birth to her fourth child Kahlia while behind bars and was exonerated four years later when police discovered a vital piece of evidence. Officers could not find any dingo saliva on the baby's jumpsuit and Ms Chamberlain-Creighton claimed Azaria was wearing a black matinee jacket over the top. The jacket was found in 1986 when English tourist David Brett fell to his death from Uluru during an evening climb. His body was recovered from an area full of dingo lairs and police discovered the jacket nearby. She was released that year after spending four years in jail. Ms Chamberlain-Creighton and her ex-husband divorced in 1991 and she remarried husband Rick. In 2012, the former pastor said he and his ex-wife have no contact and the pair were 'both changed' after the accusations. THE LINDY CHAMBERLAIN CASE: OVER THE YEARS August 17, 1980 Lindy Chamberlain discovered her daughter Azaria missing from their family tent during a camping trip at Uluru in the Northern Territory. December 1980 An initial inquest supported Lindy and Michael Chamberlain's claims their daughter was taken by a dingo. December 1981 A second inquest was ordered after the Supreme Court quashed the initial inquest's findings. September 1982 Lindy was charged with Azaria's murder and Michael was charged with being an accessory after the fact. October 29, 1982 The couple was found guilty of their respective charges. Lindy was sentenced to life in prison and Michael received a suspended sentence. Early 1986 The jacket Azaria was wearing when she was killed was found by authorities in a dingo lair after a British tourist fell to his death in the same area. 1986 The Northern Territory government ordered Lindy to be released from prison. 1988 Lindy and Michael were acquitted of Azaria's death by the Supreme Court and their convictions were overturned. The couple received a $1.3 million pay-out for their wrongful imprisonment. 1991 Lindy and Michael divorced. 1995 A third inquest into the infant's death was held and returned an open verdict. 2012 A fourth inquest was held and the coroner ruled that a dingo did in fact take Azaria from the family's campsite. Michael said that he and his ex-wife had no contact. Advertisement Ms Chamberlain-Creighton said it was the Australian public's 'responsibility' to 'carry the pain' after many wrongly believed she had murdered her daughter A seven-week hearing concluded on October 29, 1982 with Lindy Chamberlain being sentenced to life for murder and Michael Chamberlain (both pictured) receiving a suspended sentence Ms Chamberlain-Creighton (pictured in 2012) gave birth to her fourth child Kahlia while behind bars and was exonerated four years later when police discovered a vital piece of evidence He then called his mum, not an ambulance, and tried to keep fishing Mr van Burck used padding and duct tape to treat his wound the reef shark from his colleague His deckhand used pliers to A Gold Coast man bitten by a shark while he was running a charter fishing trip on Wednesday afternoon used padding and duct tape to treat his wound so his customers could keep fishing. Scott van Burck, 31, was about 20 kilometres - or an hour and a half - off the coast of Main Beach when a customer caught a one-metre reef shark, reported the Brisbane Times. After helping pull the catch aboard, it flipped and bit Mr van Burck on the calf. Deckhand Adrian Gray told 9News he used pliers to pull the big fish off his colleague. Scroll down for video Scott Van Burck was bitten by a reef shark (right) and patched the wound up himself, using duct tape and padding before calling his mum to ask her to take him to hospital The 31-year-old remained jovial through the experience, and was more concerned that his customers had not caught enough fish than he was about his bite Instead of panicking, the experienced fisherman applied some padding to the wound and secured it with duct tape, and decided to call his mum instead of an ambulance. Luckily, his mother Tiana van Burck called emergency services for her son, and an ambulance met the fishing group at Muriel Henchman Drive in Main Beach just before 1pm. Mr van Burck didn't appear too concerned about his injuries, and joked with reporters. 'It's a good story and I'm worse off than Mick Fanning was,' he said to 9News. The Fish the Deep Charters captain was taken to Pindara Private Hospital in a stable condition. Saks Fifth Avenue restaurants fired middle-aged female servers because managers believed they were getting old and weren't attractive enough, a lawsuit claims. Five women who worked at either Cafe SFA or Snaks in the world-famous New York department store claim they were let go when the eateries brought in new owners. Centerplate allegedly wanted to create a 'younger face' for the restaurant, and make it an iconic destination in the Big Apple. This resulted in some waitresses being shown the door and replaced with younger men, the women claim. Princess Myers (left) and Yasmin Mayorga (right) are part of a group of women suing Saks Fifth Avenue restaurants, claiming they were fired to be replaced by attractive male workers Hidat Yassin (left) and Theresa Gallagher (right) are also part of the lawsuit. They claim they were let go a short time after new owners took over because they were not attractive enough The claimants had worked at the restaurant for long periods - ranging from six to 20 years - the New York Daily News reported. Now some of them have said they cannot find comparable work, while others claim they have been unable to find a job. Centerplate ultimately fired 20 employees on July 2013 - including seven of its 15 servers. Six of these fired servers were women. Those who kept their job were men, the suit claims. In the lawsuit, they say restaurant managers told them their jobs were safe. But they were fired a short time later. The court documents also claim they fired a general manager in his 60s and replaced him with another male under 40, Michael Brafman. Twenty employees were fired by Centerplate, the company who took over the Saks Fifth Avenue (pictured) venues. Six of the seven servers they fired were women, the lawsuit claims Under his leadership, it 'became clear to plaintiffs that only young, male servers fit within Centerplate's image of fine-dining at Saks and its vision of creating 'dining experiences reflective of the iconic luxury retailer,' the lawsuit seen by the Daily News claims. Princess Myers, 45, one of the claimants, said Centerplate director of food and beverage services, Cathy Green, told her: 'their servers were "not attractive enough" and were getting "too old."' Barbara Antonellos, 65, who worked at one of the venues for 13 years, asked Brafman at one point 'whether she should be worried about her job given 'all the young male waiters' being hired.' She told the Daily News his response was: 'Maybe'. Yasmin Mayorga, 37, also told the newspaper she has been taking temporary jobs that keep her working until 3am, just so she can keep her children in private school. Daily Mail Online has contacted Centerplate and Saks Fifth Avenue for comment. Doctors who refuse to take part in abortions are suffering increasingly from harassment and discrimination at work, the British Medical Association has told MPs. Healthcare professionals are complaining to the union that they faced a glass ceiling and were denied promotion if they objected to abortions, a report reveals today. The parliamentary inquiry also found that staff were under 'widespread and increasing pressure' to participate in abortions. The BMA highlighted the problem in written evidence submitted to MPs into the working of the conscience clause of the 1967 Abortion Act. Doctors who refuse to take part in abortions are suffering increasingly from harassment and discrimination at work, the British Medical Association has told MPs The clause states that 'no person shall be under any duty, whether by contract or by any statutory or other legal requirement, to participate in any treatment authorised by this Act to which he has a conscientious objection'. But the inquiry, by the All-Party Parliamentary Pro-Life Group, warned that this conscience clause was not being upheld. Their report concluded: 'There is widespread and increasing pressure on healthcare professionals to participate in abortions. 'The APPG holds that this is, in large part, due to inadequate observance of the current legislation, even in some instances involving a disregard of the Conscience Clause.' The inquiry also found that promotions were being denied, and access to specialities such as obstetrics and gynaecology were made practically impossible for medical staff with objections to abortion. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, which refused to give evidence to the inquiry, was severely criticised for a policy which explicitly discriminates against the advancement of students with such objections. But Ann Furedi, the chief executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, the largest private chain of abortion clinics in the UK, said that even her organisation allowed some doctors to object. She said: 'Their view is respected and they are able to treat those clients that they feel they can treat.' Healthcare professionals are complaining to the union that they faced a glass ceiling and were denied promotion if they objected to abortions, a report reveals today. The parliamentary inquiry also found that staff were under 'widespread and increasing pressure' to participate in abortions (stock photograph) The BMA said in its submitted evidence: 'Some doctors have complained of being harassed and discriminated against because of their conscientious objection to abortion.' MP Fiona Bruce, the chairman of the group, said action must be taken to protect such healthcare professionals. She said: 'This report reveals concerning evidence of doctors and other healthcare professionals being harassed, abused, and denied career choices, as a result of seeking to exercise their legal right to conscientiously object to being involved in the abortion process.' However, Dr Arianne Shahvisi, lecturer in Medical Ethics and Humanities at the University of Sussex, said in her oral evidence that students should not go into medicine if they were not willing to participate in abortions. Residents of Canowindra near Orange are bracing for flooding After unseasonably warm weather earlier this week, Sydney could see the warmest July day on record this Friday if the mercury continues to rise. The forecast is currently 25 degrees, however if factors including wind speed and cloud cover all align it could reach 26 - breaking the record. 'The current record is 25.9 for the warmest July day. If we go beyond that it will be the warmest day on record,' Jacob Kronje, senior meteorologist at Weatherzone told Daily Mail Australia. Sydney could record it's hottest July day ever this Friday if the temperature reaches 26 degrees The current record is 25.9 for the warmest July day. Pictured is Manly Beach on Tuesday While the Sydney basin itself will be warm, other parts of NSW are also expected the feel the heat this Friday. 'For Grafton if the forecast holds up it could be the warmest in 46, for Oberon it could be the hottest in 41 years,' Mr Kronje said. 'It's the mixture of a linger effects of a trough that we've seen, and also warmer than average sea surface temperatures,' Mr Kronje said However the warm weather may not last, and the weather will cool down again at the weekend. 'It looks like with the effect of a front moving over the southern parts of the country we will see the conditions returning to more wintry conditions at the weekend,' Mr Kronje said. A warmer than average sea temperature has been contributing to the weather. Pictured is Coogee Beach this week The warm weather may not last and will likely cool down again at the weekend THREE DAY FORECAST: WEATHER ACROSS AUSTRALIA Sydney Friday: Min 14, Max 25; mostly sunny Saturday: Min 13, Max 19; showers Sunday: Min 7, Max 15; sunny Brisbane Friday: Min 17, Max 28; mostly sunny Saturday: Min 19, Max 27; partly cloudy Sunday: Min 13, Max 23; mostly sunny Adelaide Friday: Min 12, Max 15; cloudy Saturday: Min 8, Max 13; partly cloudy Sunday: Min 8, Max 13; showers Canberra Friday: Min 9, Max 17; cloudy Saturday: Min 4, Max 10; partly cloudy Sunday: Min -1, Max 9; possible shower Melbourne Friday: Min 13, Max 17; cloudy Saturday: Min 7, Max 13; partly cloudy Sunday: Min 6, Max 12; shower or two Perth Friday: Min 7, Max 16; partly cloudy Saturday: Min 6, Max 16; cloudy Sunday: Min 6, Max 16; mostly sunny Hobart Friday: Min 9, Max 14; partly cloudy Saturday: Min 3, Max 8; partly cloudy Sunday: Min 3, Max 11; partly cloudy Darwin Friday: Min 19, Max 32; mostly sunny Saturday: Min 21, Max 32; mostly sunny Sunday: Min 21, Max 32; mostly sunny Source: Bureau of Meteorology Advertisement Meantime, residents around the central NSW town of Canowindra are bracing for flooding as the Belubula River nears its peak. More than 27mm of rain has fallen in the region, west of Orange, since 5pm Tuesday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The SES is warning that low-lying areas along the river, including the town, could be inundated. Residents and farmers have been advised to move belongings and equipment to higher ground. Residents around the central NSW town of Canowindra are bracing for flooding The SES is warning that low-lying areas along the river, including the town, could be inundated Four drivers have already been rescued from flood waters in the Dubbo and Bathurst areas. Emergency services are frustrated drivers have not heeded repeated warnings to stay out of flood waters, with four rescues of trapped drivers being carried out before 1pm on Wednesday. Three of the rescues by police and SES were in the Dubbo region and one was in Perthville, near Bathurst. Yesterday, in an impressive and statesmanlike first appearance at Prime Ministers Questions, Theresa May brought some welcome clarity to her governments intentions on the crucial issue of immigration. In characteristically straightforward language, she said the referendum sent a very clear message and that the public want control of free movement. To erase any possible doubt, she added: I also remain absolutely firm in my belief that we need to bring net migration down to sustainable levels, and the Government believe that that means tens of thousands ... and that is precisely what we will ensure that we get. German Chancellor Angela Merkel chats with British Prime Minister Theresa May upon her arrival at the Chancellery yesterday in Berlin. Mrs May repeated her message on immigration to Mr Merkel during their talks She repeated this message later in Berlin, standing alongside Angela Merkel, for whom free movement is a sacred principle, and made clear it would no longer apply to Britain, whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations. Significantly, Mrs May spelled out what her Home Secretary Amber Rudd refused to do only a day earlier, and restated the target of reducing net migration currently running at an utterly unsustainable 333,000 a year to the tens of thousands. Adding to the mess on Tuesday was, unsurprisingly, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who must think voters have very short memories indeed. Having challenged David Cameron over the target during the referendum campaign, he now rejects the idea, warning it would lead to ministers disappointing the public when they failed to deliver. The Mail would like to offer a simple solution just meet it! Both Miss Rudd and Mr Johnson, and for that matter any other wobbling Tory MPs, would do well to remember that the tens of thousands promise appeared prominently in last years Conservative election manifesto. Instead of sowing confusion, Miss Rudd should focus her efforts on reducing the level of non-EU migration, currently some 180,000 a year. This regrettable episode might be written off as the growing pains of a new government, but it nonetheless displays a worrying lack of a coherent message from two of Mrs Mays most senior lieutenants. It also shows a troubling failure to understand why keeping the target is so critical. As the chairman of MigrationWatch Lord Green argues, it is invaluable to achieve policy focus in Whitehall. In addition, the public can hold politicians feet to the fire if net migration rises. Mrs Mays only caveat, that it will take some time to get there, is sensible, as it acknowledges how wildly out of control the situation is. The public understands this will not be easy. But what voters desperately want, after years of broken promises and politicians paying lip service to their concerns, is action and results. A rotten industry Peter Hope, Vauxhall Motors Customer Experience & Corporate Strategy Director, at the Transport Select Committee this week where he was grilled about the spate of Zafira B vehicle fires The admission last year by the German car giant Volkswagen that it deliberately installed cheat software to falsify emissions tests ranks as one of the worst corporate scandals of recent memory. Since then, worrying revelations have emerged about other car firms, including Mitsubishi, prompting investigations in the US and Europe. This week Vauxhall admitted it first received reports that one of its Zafira B people-carriers burst into flames in February 2009, nearly seven years before it recalled the faulty vehicles. Even when the scale of the problem emerged, the firm carried on claiming it was faulty repairs and not a design flaw causing the fires. Around midday, the postman delivered an early copy of The Spectator Book Of Wit, Humour And Mischief, a compilation of the magazines funniest pieces over the past 25 years. I took the snap decision to nip into the sunshine and glance through the book for a few minutes before getting back to work. An hour later, I was still busy glancing, knowing full well that my work was stuck indoors, abandoned and resentful, looking daggers in my direction. The book is addictively funny, but one piece in particular, first published in 2004, made me laugh out loud. It takes place in the French ski resort of Courchevel. The writer is waiting in line for a ski-lift when someone points out that Victoria Beckham is standing a few feet away. Victoria Beckham takes a snow boarding lesson from an instructor in the French resort of Courchevel in 2004 I goggled and, by Jesus, there she was, he writes. Her eyes were invisible behind enormous Dior shades, but her lips were thrust out in her trademark snarl, like some rainforest chief. She was wearing a furry waistcoat and odd, low-slung baggy trousers, but the most interesting thing was her bottom. It was either the top of her bottom or the bottom of her back. It was plainly visible, and appeared to be tattooed with some inscription or device. I scrambled after her up the stairs to the ski lift, in an undignified attempt to read the message. What was it? Open other end? If you can read this, you are too close? It turned out to be four stars, signifying, apparently, the birth of her two children. One of these, Brooklyn or possibly Bronx, said loudly, I want to go home. The writer continues: All the women in our party said how stunning she looked, how those hair extensions, ripped from the heads of impoverished Ukrainian girls, were worth every penny of the 30,000 she paid for them. He then adds: I must say, at the risk of seeming ungallant, that she was unquestionably beautiful but also a bit on the spotty side. He ends his piece by calling for famous acne-sufferers like Victoria Beckham to relieve the agonies of self-doubt endured by millions of teenage girls and boys by being more upfront about their affliction and agreeing to take part in an Acne Pride Week. Twelve years after writing this little comic gem, the author has risen to the position of Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. He is, of course, Boris Johnson. When Boris accepted his new job, he agreed to give up writing these funny pieces, choc-a-bloc with silly jokes, intemperate insults and Wodehousian exaggeration. From now on, if he writes at all, it will be from within the straitjacket of dullness, or seriousness as it is known in government circles. Boriss chosen destiny is thus to become a sort of blonde Jack Straw, flying all over the world to read boring speeches to bored audiences. Any possibility of offence or excitement will have been expertly excised, leaving nothing but a prolonged drone of unimpeachable waffle. In his 2012 autobiography, Last Man Standing, Jack Straw argued that in politics, the first rule is to survive. He went on to suggest that the key to his own survival lay in an ability to bore the pants off one and all. It was time for some unbearably boring quotes, he wrote of one such speech. Thank God for the compound sentence; the subordinate clause. I was Mogadon, free, without prescription. When Boris Johnson accepted his new job as Foreign Secretary, he agreed to give up writing funny articles, choc-a-bloc with silly jokes, intemperate insults and Wodehousian exaggeration. He signed a condelence book for the Bastille Day terror attack at the French Embassy in London yesterday Of another occasion, chairing a discussion about Turkeys entry into the EU, he reveals that he somehow managed to keep his fellow delegates bored until two in the morning. I judged that if I could get most delegates to a state of catatonic exhaustion then consensus might follow. In accepting a job that demands dullness, Boris has had to abandon his real talent, which is for comedy. In another piece in the same Spectator anthology, written in 2007, he recalls entering a university hall, ready with a humorous speech. Unexpectedly faced with a gathering of retired generals and top economists, all in black tie, he desperately tried to extemporise something profound. To this end, he filled his speech with a stream of guff-filled sentences such as I am sure we all agree we need world-class skills. This blather is now his future. From now on, he will have to deliver guff, guff, guff, with a side-order of guff and more guff to follow. If he ever cracks a joke, it will be seen as a gaffe. And to what end? So that he can follow in the nondescript footsteps of Jack Straw, Margaret Beckett and Philip Hammond. Secret files on the business dealings of Baroness Thatchers son Mark are being kept from the public Secret files on the business dealings of Baroness Thatchers son are being kept from the public. Critics accused the Cabinet Office of withholding the Whitehall files to avoid embarrassment and called for the papers on Sir Mark Thatchers business associations in the Middle East in the 1980s to be released in the public interest. The latest list of files sent to the National Archives includes the names of two files entitled Cementation contract: Mark Thatcher and the Omanis covering the period from 1981 to 1988. But these are retained for 65 years. Other files on Sir Marks business dealings have been marked temporarily retained with no release date. His dealings with Oman have long been controversial due to suggestions that he used his mothers name to win contracts. Usually files are only held if there is a security risk. Other files which have not been released include papers on the Profumo affair, a scandal involving model Christine Keeler who was associated with both John Profumo, the minister for war, and a Soviet naval attache. Documents marked Career of Prince Andrew Duke of York, Procedures for the Royal Family taking up jobs and other commercial appointments and The Prince of Wales Special Projects Unit have also been held, as well as files on Spycatcher, the memoirs of former MI5 officer Peter Wright. Sir Mark Thatchers dealing with Oman have long been shrouded in controversy due to suggestions that he used his mothers name to win contracts. One of the files covers the period during which Sir Mark was working as a consultant for a company called Cementation International who wanted to build a new university in Oman. When details emerged in 1984, there were suggestions that Mrs Thatcher had used her influence with the pro-British Sultan Qaboos of Oman to secure the contract for her sons firm. He later moved to the US amid allegations that Whitehall mandarins had forbidden him from living in Britain because of the damage he was doing to his mothers reputation. In his authorised biography of Mrs Thatcher, Charles Moore quotes Robin Butler, her private secretary at the time, as saying he thought her involvement conveyed a whiff of corruption. She had wanted to see Mark right. She sought the deal for Mark. She excluded everyone from her talks with the Sultan, he told Mr Moore. Mark was dealing with Brigadier Tim Landon who was the Sultans go between. She behaved in a most peculiar way. I suspected the worst. He denied receiving as much as 12million in commission on the deal. Plea: Last night, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron called for the files to be released into the public domain Mr Thatcher, who was convicted in South Africa in 2005 over his involvement in a failed coup in Equatorial Guinea, is entitled to call himself sir after inheriting his fathers baronetcy. Last year, the Cabinet Office came under fire for failing to fully release Government files for the first time in 50 years. Campaigners warned of a culture of secrecy after it emerged tranches of papers due for release were being kept back. Government departments have a legal obligation under the Public Records Act 1958 to assess files for declassification and transfer them to the Archives or state publicly why they remain classified. The documents are supposed to be transferred before they are 30 years old, but in 2010 the period was reduced to 20 years following a review chaired by Daily Mail Editor Paul Dacre. The change is being phased in over a 10-year transition period. Last night, Lib Dem leader Tim Farron called for the files to be released into the public domain. Sunlight is the best disinfectant and this decision is ludicrous, he said. If certain sections still compromise national security or foreign relations after all this time, they should be redacted. Given the topic, it seems more likely that this is a move to avoid embarrassment. There is no legitimate reason for these papers to not be in the public domain and I urge the Cabinet Office to think again. A Cabinet Office spokesman said: A small number of records have been retained because they contain personal data about individuals and sensitive information relating to other countries. For the past two decades David Oldfield has staunchly denied having sex with Pauline Hanson in a motel on the first night the pair met. But in the lead-up to an upcoming documentary on SBS, a series of media reports falsely claimed that Oldfield admitted to having 'sex without romance' with the controversial politician - when he had actually said 'no romance in that sense.' Mr Oldfield, now 58, told Daily Mail Australia he was 'offended and horrified' at the reports and was launching immediate legal action to keep the media outlets accountable. 'Im absolutely appalled ... I have two young children who go to a Christian school and some of the things which have been attributed to me are simply inaccurate,' Mr Oldfield said. 'There are quite serious matters being put in quotation marks as having come from me that are utterly incorrect.' Scroll down for video David Oldfield has denied he had sex with Pauline Hanson on the night he met her (pictured together in 1998) Mr Oldfield said reports that he had admitted to engaging in 'sex without romance' with Ms Hanson was 'utterly incorrect' and 'seriously appalling... as a father of two young children' (seen together in 2011 at his morning radio show on 2UE before he was suspended for making controversial comments about detainees on Christmas Island) The documentary, titled 'Pauline Hanson: Please Explain', takes a look at the life of Ms Hanson, including her relationship with Mr Oldfield, who acted as her former adviser at the One Nation Party. Mr Oldfield had been working as an advisor to Tony Abbott when he saw Ms Hanson make her famous 1996 maiden speech warning Australia was 'in danger of being swamped by Asians'. He then contacted her to arrange a meeting at a pub in Canberra, which led to dinner for two and an overnight stay at a motel together. In an interview on the new documentary, Ms Hanson, now 62, alludes to having sex with Mr Oldfield, but the politician has continued to deny the pair had sexual relations at any time during the party's history. A media spokeswoman for SBS confirmed that Oldfield used the word 'sense' in the documentary not 'sex', and media outlets who misquoted him had been notified. Mr Oldfield was working as an advisor to Tony Abbott in 1996, but defected to help Ms Hanson form the One Nation party. Mr Oldfield has always denied they were intimate 'He came over to the motel I was staying in, we had dinner and he stayed the night. He left the next morning,' Ms Hanson said in the documentary (pictured together in 2011 at his radio show) 'He just said his name was David, he wouldn't tell me his last name for reasons who he worked for,' Ms Hanson said in the documentary, describing her first encounter with Mr Oldfield. 'He came over to the motel I was staying in, we had dinner and he stayed the night. He left the next morning.' But Mr Oldfield said in his interview for the documentary 'there was no romance in that sense'. 'I just did what I needed to do for Tony, and when I was able to do other things for Pauline, I did that too,' he continued. Mr Oldfield later defected from the Liberal Party and worked on the formation of the One Nation party. In her 2007 autobiography, 'Untamed and Unashamed', Ms Hanson had claimed the pair had been intimate for two weeks in 1996. Mr Oldfield denied the suggestion, and even participated in a televised lie detector test on Channel Seven in a bid to prove Ms Hanson's claims wrong - but failed. Mr Oldfield said in his interview for the documentary 'there was no romance in that sense' (Mr Oldfield pictured speaking in the documentary A documentary to air on SBS on July 31 explores the impact Pauline Hanson's One Nation had on multiculturalism (Ms Hanson pictured in parliament during her last stint in politics) A mug shot of Pauline Hanson has surfaced more than a decade after she was jailed and acquitted of electoral frau 'I guarantee and have always said that at no stage during the life of the party did anything like that happen,' Mr Oldfield told Daily Mail Australia earlier this month. 'These are not things that one discusses. I've never stopped denying that it happened, but these are not things that should be discussed. 'Even if it happened, a gentleman doesn't discuss it.' He said she 'might not be over personal things that I am now'. Mr Oldfield was thrown out of the party in 2000 by Ms Hanson because of 'personal matters' he would not expand on. 'She had me expelled in 2000 for personal matters that got out of hand that neither of us dealt with very well. It culminated in her organising in me getting expelled,' he told Daily Mail Australia earlier this month. Despite the disagreement, Mr Oldfield has thrown his support behind Ms Hanson as she prepares to return to the Senate after 18 years on the outs. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Oldfield for comment. Pauline Hanson: Please Explain! will premiere on Sunday, July 31 at 8.35pm on SBS. In her 1996 maiden speech, Ms Hanson said Australia was 'in danger of being swamped by Asians' (Ms Hanson pictured during a news conference in Brisbane recently) Insurers will no longer be able to refuse to pay a customer who has told a white lie so long as it does not affect the claim. The landmark decision from the Supreme Court yesterday is expected to affect millions of car and home policies and increase the number of successful claims. Firms have gained a reputation for refusing to accept claims over small inconsistencies or mistakes on forms, even if they had no impact. Consumer experts claimed the change overturned centuries of insurance practice and would be beneficial to policy holders. One of the Supreme Court judges, Lord Clarke, said the key point was that the lie was irrelevant to the claim But the insurance industry has criticised the result as a blow for honest customers and said that the price of policies could rise as a result. The Supreme Court case involved a Dutch cargo ship that ran into difficulty when its engine room was flooded in stormy seas. The owners lied when they claimed that the crew could not respond to an alarm because the ship was struggling in large waves. But even if staff had responded, the ship still would have been damaged. Judges therefore ruled the lie was not relevant. When the case first went to court, the judge had said the lie invalidated the claim, but this was overturned on appeal. Lord Clarke, one of the Supreme Court judges, said: The critical point is that, in the case of a collateral lie the insured is trying to obtain no more than the law regards as his entitlement, and the lie is irrelevant to the existence of that entitlement. 'Such a lie is immaterial to the claim. Kevin Pratt, of MoneySuperMarket, said insurers can no longer use 'collateral lies' to reject a claim Kevin Pratt, a consumer affairs expert at MoneySuperMarket, an online comparison service, said: It will still be a fraud if you fabricate a claim, and it will still be a fraud if you exaggerate a claim. But insurers can no longer use so-called collateral lies to reject a valid claim. The one worry is that, if insurers are paying more claims as a result of this ruling, then they will increase premiums. That will make it more important than ever for people to shop around every time their car, home or travel policy comes up for renewal, to ensure they get the best price. James Dalton, of the Association of British Insurers, said: Allowing collateral lies in the course of an insurance claim flies in the face of the work that the insurance industry and Government have been doing to crack down on the cheats and fraudsters. Taxpayers will have to foot the bill to refit warships that break down in the Persian Gulf when the water becomes too warm, because they are out of warranty. The Ministry of Defence said the arduous conditions that made the 1billion Type 45 Destroyers degrade catastrophically were not covered by the guarantee. Engines on the six warships fail because the intercooler units, which reduce heat from the exhaust, slow down in warm waters, leaving the engine unable to generate enough power. Taxpayers will have to foot the bill to refit warships that break down in the Persian Gulf when the water becomes too warm, because they are out of warranty. Pictured is the lead Type 45 Destroyer HMS Daring Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin told MPs on the defence committee: There comes a point where, in plain English, the warranty runs out. This means the Ministry of Defence will have to accept responsibility as the specifications were not covered in the contract with the manufacturer. First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones told the House of Commons Defence Committee: The WR21 gas turbines were designed in extreme hot weather conditions to "gracefully degrade" in their performance until you get to the point where it goes beyond the temperature at which they would operate, so you could bring systems offline and gradually adjust the way the ship is operating. 'We found the resilience of the diesel generators and WR21s wasnt degrading gracefully, it was degrading catastrophically, so that is what we have had to address. Holes will have to be cut into the sides of the ships to fit larger diesel generators. Engines on the six warships fail because the intercooler units, which reduce heat from the exhaust, slow down in warm waters, leaving the engine unable to generate enough power. HMS Duncan is pictured in 2010 Despite the difficulties, the destroyers continue to be deployed in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea and are generally performing well, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones told the committee. Tony Douglas, chief executive of defence equipment and support at the MoD, confirmed the department would have to pay for the refit, saying: The MoD will be funding the modifications to Type 45s. Industry will not be funding that. The Royal Navy has accepted it will not be able to operate the ships all the time in every place on every day of the year. A couple with two young daughters are undergoing chemotherapy at the same time after they were diagnosed with cancer within six days of each other. Gemma and Matt Flanagan, from Townsville in Queensland, say they are fighting their cancer with everything they have for the sake of their daughters Isabella, 3, and Harper, 2. The parents have been undergoing gruelling cancer treatment since their shock diagnosis in March. Gemma and Matt Flanagan, from Townsville in Queensland, are undergoing chemotherapy at the same time after they were diagnosed with cancer within six days of each other Mrs Flanagan, who is battling aggressive breast cancer, said she struggled with her first lot of chemotherapy and is due to finish treatment at the end of August. The 30-year-old will then have to undergo a double mastectomy and radiation. Her husband is undergoing fortnightly chemotherapy to treat a tumour found in his colon. 'We're both handling treatment fairly well,' Mrs Flanagan told Daily Mail Australia. 'There's been some rough days, but we were lucky in the fact that we caught it when we did and I think we are both just grateful for that.' Mrs Flanagan was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer back in March after finding a lump shortly after she finished breast feeding her daughter. She immediately underwent various scans and then a MRI-guided biopsy after a second lump was found in her other breast. The couple, who have two daughters Isabella, 3, and Harper, 2, have been undergoing gruelling cancer treatment since their shock diagnosis in March Gemma, 30, is battling aggressive breast cancer while 40-year-old Matt is undergoing chemotherapy to treat a tumour in his colon Mrs Flanagan, who is battling aggressive breast cancer, said she struggled with her first lot of chemotherapy and is due to finish treatment at the end of August As they were coming to terms with the news and trying to work out a plan to support their young family, Mr Flanagan was blind-sided by his own medical diagnosis. He had booked in for a colonoscopy following digestive problems but was told he had a 6cm tumour in his colon. It was just six days after his wife had been told of her diagnosis. Mrs Flanagan said their daughters had coped 'extremely well' given both of their parents were undergoing chemotherapy at the same time. 'Our girls understand that we're sick but obviously at three and two, they can't understand the severity of it. Considering how much life has changed, I think they're coping extremely well,' she said. Gemma and Matt say they are fighting their cancer with everything they have for the sake of their daughters Isabella, 3, and Harper, 2 Gemma was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer back in March after finding a lump. Six days later, doctors found a tumour in Matt's colon after he underwent a colonoscopy for digestive issues Doctors have told the couple their cancer isn't terminal but there won't be any word on their prognosis until they finish treatment. 'We're just as determined as anyone else who's been diagnosed with cancer,' Mrs Flanagan said. 'When you have children, you're going to do everything you can to be with them for as long as possible. 'We have so much more to accomplish with our lives, so much to do with our children. We're going to do everything in our power to make sure those things still happen.' Mrs Flanagan has been documenting the couple's cancer journey via a blog and Facebook. For details, visit The Flanagan Fight or www.facebook.com/mattgemfightcancer. You can also make a donation to the family via: Furious MPs blasted Southern Rail's 'pathetic' service as it emerged that just over one in ten of its trains arrived on time under its emergency time table. Giving evidence to the commons transport committee for the first time since taking over as rail minister on Monday, Paul Maynard was presented with the latest evidence of the chaos endured by hundreds of thousands of commuters across the South East. Mr Maynard gave passengers some hope by revealing he was working on an 'enhanced compensation package' for season ticket holders, who can pay thousands of pounds a year. But he received a bruising initiation to his new job from MPs on the committee, including one incensed Southern rail season ticket holder. Furious MPs blasted Southern Rail's 'pathetic' service as it emerged that just over one in ten of its trains arrived on time under its emergency time table Rail bosses introduced an emergency timetable last Monday, which cancelled 341 trains a day or 85 per cent of its service. Commuters were told that the drastic move which was approved by the Department of Transport would make it possible for them to plan their journeys to and from work. But Louise Ellman, chairman of the committee, presented Mr Maynard with new figures showing just 12 per cent of trains on the Southern mainline - which runs between Brighton and London Victoria and London Bridge - had arrived on time on Tuesday, and just 26 per cent were arriving within five minutes of their allotted arrival time. There was disruption across the network, with just over one in five Gatwick Express trains arriving on time, and just over a third of Thameslink trains running punctually. The firm later told the Daily Mail that the delays were caused by track and signalling problems which were outside its control, including a deep hole caused by a collapsed sewer that closed all four main lines in and out of London Bridge. It insisted trains have been running much more punctually under its revised timetable with eight out of ten trains arriving on time last week, compared to six out of ten the week before. Mrs Ellman said the rail service was in 'virtual chaos', asking 'who is responsible for this mess?' Mr Maynard blamed a 'perfect storm' of problems, citing the development of London Bridge station and the disruption caused by 'unofficial industrial action.' During a fiery hearing, Mrs Ellman also asked whether ministers had 'colluded' with Govia Thameslink Railway - the parent company of Southern to introduce an emergency timetable so that it did not breach the terms of the franchise agreement. Rail bosses introduced an emergency timetable last Monday, which cancelled 341 trains a day or 85 per cent of its service. Commuters were told that the drastic move which was approved by the Department of Transport would make it possible for them to plan their journeys to and from work Mr Maynard's predecessor Claire Perry, who admitted she was 'ashamed' by the Southern debacle when she resigned last week, had repeatedly dismissed growing calls to strip Govia of the franchise. Critics have accused the government of letting the rail operator off the hook by allowing it to cancel hundreds of trains under the emergency timetable. Mrs Ellman asked: 'Is this a devious arrangement to stop them losing their franchise?.' Peter Wilkinson, managing director of passenger services at the Department of Transport, said 'there was no collusion full stop.' A bitter dispute between rail bosses and union barons has caused chaos on Southern, which is used by more than 120,000 people across London, Kent and East Sussex to commute into London every day. Critics have accused the government of letting the rail operator off the hook by allowing it to cancel hundreds of trains under the emergency timetable The stand-off concerns Southern's plans to change the role of conductors, so the driver assumes responsibility for opening and closing the train doors. The Rail Maritime and Transport Union has claimed this jeopardises passengers' safety. But rail bosses have branded the claims as 'bogus'. The RMT has also voiced fears that conductors could lose their jobs. The Department of Transport has since guaranteed their jobs even after Govia's contract ends in 2012. Four 24 hour walk outs since April have caused major disruption. But rail bosses have blamed the continued disruption on a dramatic surge in conductors calling in sick since the first strike in April. The RMT has denied accusations that it has orchestrated these so-called 'sickie strikes' to trigger more cancellations and delays Yesterday Mr Maynard infuriated MPs when he admitted that he had not yet met up with union bosses. Huw Merriman, Tory MP who pays 4000 a year to travel in from Crowborough in East Sussex to Westminster described this as 'quite gobsmacking.' He added: 'Until you do I can't see any end in sight.' Commuters trying to get to London have continued to endure misery, with one MP describing 'civil unrest' at Brighton station which has been plagued with delays. Those heading out of London have described travel as 'carnage', with fights erupting and passengers fainting because of the heat. Brighton station had to be shut down on Tuesday due to 'dangerous overcrowding' and dozens of trains were cancelled. He is serving a minimum two year jail sentence over insider trading Convicted insider trader Oliver Peter Curtis will step outside jail walls for the first time in months at an appeal hearing later this year. Curtis is serving a maximum two year jail sentence at a privately run prison in Parklea, western Sydney after he was found guilty by a jury a few months ago. Two of the 30-year-old's lawyers appeared briefly at the Court of Criminal Appeal on Thursday morning as they launched the appeal against his conviction. Scroll down for video Oliver Curtis' lawyers are seeking to overturn his conviction at the Court of Criminal Appeal Curtis did not appear at court - but a registrar granted him permission to return to the dock for three hours at the Court of Criminal Appeal on October 19. Crown prosecutors will be required to serve submissions to the court four weeks prior to the hearing. Curtis's wife, who was by her husband's side throughout the entire three week trial, similarly did not appear at the courthouse as the hearing date was set. Instead, she posted several pictures of herself - one of her in a khaki designer coat captioned 'ready to conquer!' and another with her daughter Pixie in pyjamas. Ms Jacenko, who revealed she is suffering breast cancer a week ago, jokingly praised her sulky-looking child. She described her daughter as being 'full of smiles, one liners and warmth!' as they posed for a picture in the mirror. Ms Jacenko posted an elevator selfie in a Balmain khaki jacket and said she was 'ready to conquer!' Ms Jacenko joked about her daughter Pixie being 'full of smiles, warmth and one liners' on Thursday At sentencing last month, NSW Supreme Court Justice Lucy McCallum said Curtis used his insider trading with his former best friend John Hartman to fund a 'lifestyle of conspicuous extravagance'. The court heard Curtis and Hartman made $1.4 million in net profit through their insider trading scheme and used the money to fund lavish lifestyles. 'It is troubling that, unlike Mr Hartman, Mr Curtis has not embraced responsibility for his offending,' Justice McCallum said at sentencing. 'While many people have spoken of his positive qualities in business and as a family man, he shows no sign of progression beyond the self-interested pursuit of material wealth which prompted his offending.' She said he was unlikely to re-offend and ordered he be released from prison after a year. Curtis denied the charges throughout the trial. A conservative talk radio host brought the Republican National Convention to its feet and earned the week's loudest and longest sustained applause by chastising the hundreds of reporters gathered in Cleveland to hear a night of speeches. GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump has made press-bashing a regular feature of his campaign rallies, but Laura Ingraham's clobbering was the week's first sign of conservatives' open warfare' against media bias. She yelled at journalists for failing to uncover corruption in the Obama administration, saying part of Trump's rise can be traced back to his willingness to say what their editors won't print. The cheers were deafening. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO ROCK STAR: Talk radio host Laura Ingraham blasted reporters as much as she clobbered Hillary Clinton in her Republican convention speech Wednesday, drawing deafening applause CROWD PLEASER: Ingraham's radio show is solidly conservative and she frequently guest hosts for Bill O'Reilly on the Fox News Channel WILD: Convention-goers stood and applauded for 45 seconds uninterrupted when Ingraham clobbered reporters for what right-wingers see as liberal bias After a speech that focused on the loss of American greatness and the evils of runaway government power, the frequent Fox News Channel guest host and Sunday-morning ABC News contributor looked up to the balcony where journalists' eyes glared down. 'To all my friends they're way up there in the press. I see you! Hello! Hello!' she taunted. 'To all my friends up there in the press: You all know why, in your heart, Donald Trump won the nomination. You know it. You know why he won it?' she asked. 'Because he dared to call out the phonies, the frauds, and the corruption that has gone unexposed and uncovered for far too long. Too long! Do your job!' With the Quicken Loans Arena more packed than on Monday night, when Donald trump made a surprise appearance, the swell of standing applause was louder than his. 'DISHONEST MEDIA': Donald Trump has made yelling at reporters whom he calls some of the nation's biggest liars a regular feature of his campaign rallies POINTED SPEECH: Ingraham pointed to the balcony where journalists were seated and called them out as biased and lazy It lasted a full 45 seconds, but Ingraham wasn't done. 'And by the way, people on another cable network were talking about how there was no energy in the room last night!' she vented. 'Why don't you sit here with the people? What a joke! America is on to you!' she boomed. The Media Research Center, a right-wing research organization, set the tone in Cleveland this week by renting digital billboards downtown that read: 'Don't believe the liberal media.' 'DON'T BELIEVE THE LIBERAL MEDIA': Digital billboards like this one dotted Cleveland neighborhoods this week The deputy Prime Minister says comparing all Muslims to terrorists is like calling all Catholics crazy criminals. Barnaby Joyce, a Catholic himself, has slammed Pauline Hanson's One Nation party policies, rejecting calls to ban all Muslim immigration to Australia, while defending cultural diversity. 'Im not into banning people on the premise of their belief. How they see their god is completely and utterly their own personal reason. Its up to them how they practise their religion,' he told Sky News. Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce says comparing all Muslims to terrorists is like calling every Catholic a member of the IRA Mr Joyce has slammed suggestions of banning all Muslim immigration to Australia 'If someone said every Catholic is a member of the IRA I would say no were not. Theyre lunatics, crazy criminals who want to kill people who have nothing to do with the religion I practise. 'Every group has their ratbags, even Catholics.' Referring to the One Nation Muslim immigration ban policy, which television personality Sonia Kruger controversially repeated this week, he asked criticised banning people based on their religion. 'What happens when you turn that on its head and you start banning people because they are Catholics or because they are Protestants or because they Jewish.' Mr Joyce has ridiculed policies belonging to Pauline Hanson's One Nation party regarding Muslim immigration and CCTV cameras in mosques He also attacked One Nation's policy to have CCTV cameras in Mosques. 'When I go to mass are we going to have one in a Catholic church?' He also named Muslim-born Labor politicians Ed Husic and Sam Dastyari as decent men. 'I'm not going to start throwing rocks at them.' Ms Hanson's former adviser John Pasquarelli reckons the deputy prime minister is the government's ideal intermediary with the firebrand senator-elect. Mr Joyce may have been suggested as the best person to negotiate with Ms Hanson, but he isn't rushing to the One Nation leader. However, he said her election to the Senate had to be respected. While there will be times he disagrees with her, he said: 'I don't want to start the process ... having a fight with Ms Hanson.' Television personality Sonia Kruger (pictured) has controversially joined Ms Hanson in calling for a ban on all Muslim immigration to Australia More than 110,000 travellers will not be going anywhere fast after the collapse of Lowcostholidays Thousands of holidaymakers who booked with collapsed online travel agent Lowcostholidays will get back only 1p or 2p for every pound they spent. More than 110,000 families had booked their annual breaks and were hoping to go abroad in the next few weeks, but the firm ceased trading last week. The administrator appointed to sell the business warned that compensation will only amount to small change unless customers had paid using a credit card, which gives some protection. Lowcostholidays, which had annual sales of 500million and was run by tycoon Paul Evans, tried to maximise profits by moving the business from the UK to Spain in 2013. This meant it could avoid contributing towards the industry safety net run by travel body ATOL, which protects travellers if the firm they booked with goes bust. Instead, it paid into the cheaper Spanish scheme. Administrator Finbarr OConnell, from accountant Smith & Williamson, said: We currently expect that claims could be in the region of 50million, albeit that it is still early days. It is only once claims are finalised that a figure for the compensation available to individual holidaymakers will become evident. It does seem that the amount of compensation for holidaymakers from this source will, very unfortunately, prove to be negligible around 1 or 2 per cent based on the current estimate of claims. 'This is primarily due to the low value of the bond held with the Spanish regulator by Lowcostholidays relative to the number of people affected. Smith & Williamson said the Lowcostholidays website is being updated with the latest information. Lowcostholidays is one of Britain's biggest online booking firms, with sales of 500m that helped fund a 1.9million, four-bedroom, three-bathroom property in Fulham, West London, for Paul Evans (pictured) The tour operator currently has 27,000 customers overseas on holidays, and a further 110,000 who have booked trips and were hoping to go abroad in the next few weeks. For those who have yet to make a trip it is likely they will have lost their holiday and virtually all of what they paid. An unarmed Florida therapist was shot by police while trying to calm down his autistic patient, authorities said. Police in North Miami were responding to a report of a man with what appeared to be a gun when they came across Charles Kinsey and his patient, who had run away from a group home. 'All he has is a toy truck a toy truck,' Kinsey pleads with cops, lying flat on the ground with arms raised, as seen in cell phone footage of the incident. 'I am a behavior therapist at a group home.' Kinsey tries to get his patient to comply, using soothing words so he remains calm. 'Rinaldo, please be still, Rinaldo,' he is heard saying in video released by WSVN. 'Sit down, Rinaldo. Lay on your stomach.' Scroll down for video Therapist Charles Kinsey, 46, (left) was shot in North Miami while he was on the ground with his hands up. Throughout the ordeal, he tries to soothe his autistic patient (right), who was playing with a toy truck Kinsey (right) recounts to a local TV station how cops shot him while on the ground and then cuffed him (left) The man, 23, sits next to him and yells 'shut up' while playing with his toy truck. 'Don't shoot me,' Kinsey begs. An officer then fires three times, striking Kinsey in the leg, authorities said. No weapon was found. Kinsey is black. Police haven't released the name or race of the officer who shot him. Kinsey, 47, says the 911 caller must have mistaken a toy that the autistic man had for a gun. 'I'm like this right here, and when he shot me, it was so surprising,' Kinsey told WSVN. 'I thought it was a mosquito bite, and when it hit me I had my hands in the air, and I'm thinking I just got shot! 'And I'm saying, 'Sir, why did you shoot me?' and his words to me were, 'I don't know.'' Kinsey was taken to a local hospital with bullet wounds to his legs. He is expected to go home later this week After the shooting, Kinsey and his patient were patted down. Kinsey was cuffed. 'I was really more worried about him than myself,' he said of his patient. 'I was thinking as long as I have my hands up, they're not going to shoot me.This is what I'm thinking, they're not going to shoot me. Wow, was I wrong.' North Miami police has placed the officer on administrative leave for at least a week,' the Miami Herald reported. Kinsey's lawyer, Hilton Napoleon, said he is in talks with city officials about a possible settlement. 'They realize this was something inappropriate regarding the shooting,' Napoleon told the Herald. 'If police departments come out more and admit fault, that would probably go a long way.' Previewing what she's likely to say when she takes the Republican National Convention stage on Thursday night to introduce dad, Ivanka Trump sat down with CNN to speak to chat about growing up Trump. The eldest daughter of Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, recalled sitting in a janitor's closet at school to call her father collect during recess. 'I was probably 10 years old and I called collect to the Trump Organization, which is hilarious,' she told CNN's Gloria Borger. 'And he would pick up the phone every single time,' she added. Scroll down for video Donald Trump's eldest daughter Ivanka Trump sat down with CNN tonight and told a sweet story about calling her dad at work Ivanka Trump also pressed that her father wasn't sexist or racist and said those comments were hurtful to her as a daughter, but she took comfort because she knows her father so well 'He's put me on speaker phone. It wasn't a long conversation. It didn't matter who was there,' she said. Sometimes it would be 'titans of industry,' Ivanka Trump said, or 'heads of countries.' 'He'd always take my call,' she said. 'He'd always tell everyone in the room how great a daughter I was and say cute things and ask me about a test I took,' she added. Ivanka Trump told the journalist that the fact that her father would drop everything showed the kid of dad he was. When Borger asked Ivanka Trump if her father would read her bedtime stories like a typical dad, Ivanka Trump explained that he was 'different.' 'I was probably 10 years old and I called collect to the Trump Organization, which is hilarious,' Ivanka told CNN (left, Ivanka with her father in 1991 and right, in 1988) Ivanka (right, with Donald at the RNC tonight) complimented her dad's sense of humor and authenticity, describing Donald Trump as an 'incredible parent' Ivanka appeared to be incensed after Ted Cruz refused to endorse her father on the third night of the RNC 'He wasn't long on diaper-changing and things like that, but he, I think he was maybe a bit more traditional in that regard, but he was very accessible and very available,' Ivanka Trump said. 'I never questioned that my siblings and I were his top priority,' she added. Describing Donald Trump as an 'incredible parent,' Ivanka Trump complimented her dad's sense of humor and his authenticity. 'He was funny, sometimes wickedly so,' she said. But she also brought up some of the more negative names being thrown at the controversial candidate, who still has the challenge of fully uniting the Republican Party. 'My father has always elicited strong opinions in people. He is bold. He is unabashed. He is very himself,' she said. She said when she hears 'factually inaccurate' statements about her father, 'it's sometimes hurtful,' as his daughter. 'I as a woman, I as a person could never support someone who is sexist, or racist, I just couldn't. I would not be able to be OK with that,' she said. 'But I know who he is as a human being and I know these things are not true,' she continued. 'And not many people say those things, but when they do it's easier for me to dismiss it because of that fact.' Describing Donald Trump as an 'incredible parent,' Ivanka (left, with her sister Tiffany at the RNC tonight) complimented her dad's sense of humor and his authenticity Advertisement Failed presidential candidate Ted Cruz's wife Heidi was quickly escorted from the Republican National Convention floor Wednesday night as baying crowds closed in after her husband refused to endorse Donald Trump. The Texas Senator addressed the millions of Americans sitting at home and told them to 'speak and vote your conscience' prompting his own supporters to cheer, while some pro-Trump delegates yelled out in disgust. Some on the floor in Cleveland, Ohio and others seated in the stands began yelling 'Trump, Trump Trump' to shout down pro-Cruz forces. Trump, who will represent the party in the November 8 election against presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, made his entrance to the convention hall near the end of Cruz's speech, applauding Cruz's remarks but distracting the crowd from his former rival. Video footage has emerged showing Cruz's wife being led out of the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland when the crowd turned on him. Leading Cruz backer Ken Cuccinelli, a former state attorney general who is a delegate from Virginia, escorted Mrs Cruz off the Convention floor out of concern for her safety. Scroll down for video There were reports of Republicans being restrained to prevent them attacking Ted Cruz after he refused to endorse Donald Trump Controversial speech: Ted Cruz urged Americans to 'vote your conscience' in carefully calculated language that divided the hall Failed presidential candidate Ted Cruz made the controversial address at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland last night Video footage has emerged showing Cruz's wife Heidi (circled) being led out of the Quicken Loans Arena when the crowd turned on him Angry Ken Cuccinelli escorting Heidi Cruz out as Trump supporters yell at her pic.twitter.com/G6USuhoSx2 Graham Moomaw (@gmoomaw) July 21, 2016 He said: 'During the course of the speech more and more people were coming down closer and closer to Heidi and (Ted Cruz's father) Rafael... When the speech ended, there was an ugly crowd behind us... She was trying to leave.' Cuccinelli, who was sitting next to Mrs Cruz, said he did not think anyone anticipated a problem. 'People in my own delegation started physically approaching and yelling at her, he told DailyMail.com. The one that stuck with me was somebody pointing at her and yelling something about Goldman Sachs.' I dont think anybody expected him to endorse, Cuccinelli said, defending Cruzs speech. I mean I havent endorsed him and I said Im going to vote for him. He made the case for the decision on November 8. 'I mean he prosecuted Hillary Clinton. He hit Donald Trumps signature issue. Obviously supporting him. And Ted talks in terms of drawing a picture and you reach your conclusions. I dont think this is inconsistent with that.' There were also reports of Republicans being restrained to prevent them attacking Cruz after his speech divided the Convention. Immediately recognizing the potential damage done, former Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia addressed the turmoil just minutes after Cruz left the stage in Cleveland to paraphrase what Cruz had said earlier. Now, I think you misunderstood one paragraph that Ted Cruz, who is a superb orator, said, Gingrich told the crowd. And I just want to point it out to you. Ted Cruz said you can vote your conscience for anyone who will uphold the Constitution. In this election there is only one candidate who will uphold the Constitution.' Surprise arrival: Trump made his entrance to the convention hall near the end of Cruz's speech, applauding Cruz's remarks Donald Trump distracted the crowd from his former rival Ted Cruz, who refused to endorse the Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump reacts to Ted Cruz being booed off stage and admits he had already heard his speech 'but let him speak anyway' Reaction: (Left to right) Vanessa Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump and Tiffany Trump listen to Ted Cruz speak Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump (left and right) speak during the Republican National Convention Donald Trump waves from the Trump family box as Ted Cruz speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention So to paraphrase Ted Cruz, if you want to protect the Constitution of the United States, the only possible candidate this fall is the Trump-Pence Republican ticket.' 'That way we haves a Republican ticket to implement Republican principles in Washington, Gingrich said earning applause from the crowd for his retooled explanation. After Cruz's speech, GOP nominee Trump tweeted: 'Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didn't honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal!' Gov. Chris Christie told NBC Nightly News: 'It was an awful, selfish speech by someone who tonight through the words he said on that stage showed everybody why he has richly earned the reputation that he has on Capitol Hill... I just think it was an awful performance by someone who showed himself tonight to not be a man of his word.' Retiring Indiana Senator Dan Coates fumed to Roll Call: 'Sen. Cruz tried to destroy the Republican party tonight just like he's tried to destroy the Republican caucus.' One angry delegate told DailyMail.com: I dont understand what he was trying to drive home with that message vote your conscience. That was a reference to the potential amending of the rules to vote your conscience. That failed.' He said members of his own delegation: They were very unhappy with the senators lack of acknowledging Donald Trump by name [during his call for voting] and his refusal to endorse Donald Mr. Trump. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton made the most of the situation by tweeting 'Vote your conscience' with a link to a website for people to register to vote. People react to Ted Cruz as he delivers a calculated speech that divided the hall at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio Ted Cruz's speech prompted cheers from his own supporters as well as boos from pro-Trump delegates, who also yelled out in disgust Some on the floor and others seated in the stands began yelling 'Trump, Trump Trump' to shout down pro-Cruz forces As Cruz spoke, members of the New York delegation seated right in front of Cruz yelled 'We want Trump.' 'I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation,' Cruz said after halting his remarks for several seconds during the loud cheering. People got on their feet and began yelling at each other when Cruz said: 'To those listening, please don't stay home in November. 'If you love our country and love your children as much as you do, stand and speak and vote your conscience vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom to be faithful to the Constitution.' 'Conscience' voting is a code word in the hall, as pro-Cruz forces tried to change party rules to let delegates vote their own consciences and not back Trump. When Cruz made his remarks, Trump was shown on a screen clapping behind Cruz, prompting boos from Cruz-backers and calls of 'Trump Trump Trump' from pro-Trump forces. Cruz mentioned Trump's name early, as if to get it out of the way. 'I want to congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night,' Cruz said to applause. As he did throughout the campaign, Cruz bashed the Washington D.C. establishment that he has sometimes driven to distraction, while lacing into President Obama. Cruz's speech prompted furious reaction from delegates on the floor and sparked a chorus of boos Angry: There was plenty of finger-jabbing as Cruz made his carefully calculated conference speech refusing to endorse Trump THE MOMENT IVANKA LOST HER COOL: NORMALLY PICTURE-PERFECT DAUGHTER JABS HER FINGER AS THE ENTIRE TRUMP CLAN SHOOT DAGGERS AT TED CRUZ Ivanka Trump is widely known as The Donald's composed, picture-perfect daughter - but Wednesday night the world saw a different side as she contorted her face and jabbed her finger accusingly following Ted Cruz's controversial speech. The mother-of-three looked furious as the Texas senator refused to endorse her father during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. If looks could kill: Ivanka Trump is normally a picture-perfect daughter of the Republican presidential candidate, but Wednesday night she was photographed jabbing her finger (above) as Lara Trump (center) and Tiffany Trump (right) sat nearby looking stoic And she wasn't the only one. The fiercely loyal Trump clan - made up of Ivanka's sister-in-law, Lara, her half-sister Tiffany, brother Donald Jr. and his wife Vanessa - all flanked the businesswoman and shared looks of sheer disdain. The mood only lifted when Donald took his seat in the middle of them, having made a surprise entrance at the very end of Cruz's speech in what appeared an move orchestrated to steal the Texas senator's thunder. Together the Trumps started to smile again and wave to the cheering crowd as Cruz hurried off stage and Eric Trump began his speech. But even then Ivanka could be seen with a pained look on her face, as she whispered into her father's ear. Advertisement Immediately recognizing the potential damage done, former Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia addressed the turmoil just minutes after Cruz left the stage in Cleveland to paraphrase what Cruz had said earlier Hillary Clinton made the most of the situation by tweeting 'Vote your conscience' with a link to a website for people to register to vote 'Citizens are furious - rightly furious - at a political establishment that cynically breaks its promises and ignores the will of the people,' Cruz said. 'We have to do better. We owe our fallen heroes more than that.' 'President Obama is a man who does everything backwards he wants to close Guantanamo Bay and open up our borders, he exports jobs and imports terrorists. Enough is enough. There is a better vision for our future: A return to freedom,' he said. 'Freedom means religious freedom, whether you are Christian or Jew, Muslim or atheist. Gay or straight, the Bill of Rights protects the rights of all of us to live according to our conscience,' he said. 'Freedom means that every human life is precious and must be protected. Life must be protected. 'And freedom means recognizing that our Constitution allows states to choose policies that reflect local values. Colorado may decide something different than Texas. New York different than Iowa. Diversity. Thats the way its supposed to be - diversity. If not, whats the point of having states to begin with?' Ted Cruz and his wife Heidi Cruz stand on stage before the start on the third day of the Republican National Convention Cruz mentioned the family of slain Baton Rouge man Alton Sterling, and the victims at the Charleston Emanuel AME church. 'People are fed up with politicians who dont listen to them, fed up with a corrupt system that benefits the elites, instead of working men and women,' Cruz said. 'We deserve an immigration system that puts America first. And yes, builds a wall to keep us safe', he said, in a nod to Trump. 'But something powerful is happening. Weve seen it in both parties. Weve seen it in the United Kingdoms unprecedented Brexit vote to leave the European Union,' he continued. 'Voters are overwhelmingly rejecting the establishment and overwhelmingly rejecting big government. People are fed up with politicians.' Donald Trump talks to his daughter Ivanka in the Trump family box at the conclusion of Senator Ted Cruz's address Retired NASA astronaut Eileen Collins left out her endorsement of Donald Trump during her Republican convention speech - even though it was in her planned remarks Cruz also took time in his remarks to tell the story of slain Dallas police officer Michael Smith, a former Army ranger who was gunned down by the Dallas sniper. He said Smith 'weighs on my heart' because his daughter shared the name of Cruz's daughter, Caroline. 'The day her father was murdered, Caroline gave him a hug and kiss as he left for work,' Cruz told a crowd that grew quiet for his story. 'But as they parted, her dad asked her something he hadnt asked before: What if this is the last time you ever kiss or hug me? 'Later, as she thought of her fallen father, and that last heartbreaking hug, Caroline broke down in tears,' Cruz continued. 'How could anything ever be OK again?' Retired NASA astronaut Eileen Collins left out her endorsement of Donald Trump during her Republican convention speech. She had planned to give her backing to the party's nominee during her address to the Cleveland crowd on Wednesday night. But the first female commander of an American space shuttle didn't lend her support to The Donald when she made it on stage - even though it was in her prepared remarks. She did hint at his campaign slogan, saying: 'We need leadership that will make America great again'. Taking to the stage after Cruz, Eric Trump gave a rousing tribute to his father, but it was beset by technical difficulties. The real estate mogul's second eldest son said he loved the GOP nominee 'so, so, so, so much'. But the crowd ignored his gushing comments, and turned their attention to the broken TV screen behind him. The big screens hanging over the arena also went black. So did the narrow screens that ring the arena which had held a live feed of convention-related tweets. Giving Gingrich's introduction was wife Callista. On stage Gingrich warned of a doomsday scenario if Hillary Clinton takes over the country Minutes later the entire surface of the 10-million pixel main screen turned black. But the teleprompters still worked. 'It is such an honor to be here for a man I love so, so, so, so much. That's my father,' he said. He urged Republicans to 'vote for the one candidate who does not need this job' his father. 'Vote for the candidate who has never received a paycheck from our government,' he said, to wild cheers. Gingrich painted a bleak picture of the future if Hillary Clinton becomes president. 'The cost of Hillarys dishonesty could be the loss of America as we know it,' he said from the podium of the Republican National Convention. America's 'survival as a country' is at stake, he warned. 'And this is why every American should be terrified at the prospect of a Hillary Clinton presidency.' The last time terrorists successfully infiltrated the nation they took out several buildings, he said. Next time Americans might not be so 'lucky' he argued - radicals could take out an entire city. Mike Pence's speech bled into the 11:00 hour and out of prime time but Trump made a surprise entrance on stage, pointed and smiled. And let him own the moment. His mother, his wife and their three children joined him on stage while an Americana rock anthem played. But he mostly praised Trump's children as he spoke: 'As we say back home, you can't fake good kids. How about his amazing children? Aren't they something?' Eric Trump's rousing tribute to his father at the Republican convention was beset by technical difficulties. The big screen on stage was black for large parts of his speech Eric's wife Lara Trump posted a picture of the couple together after his speech with the message: 'Beaming with pride! My husband gave an incredible speech' The crowd shouted 'We like Mike!' a slogan that seemed to develop spontaneously when he announced that 'the presidency of Barack Obama ends exactly six months from today.' Pence, the calm and collected Hoosier governor who was nominated for the vice presidency on Tuesday, joked that most in the crowd didn't know who he was when he was picked. And Trump, he said, was used to 'a colorful style and lots of charisma so I guess he was just looking for some balance on the ticket.' 'Honestly I never thought I'd be standing here,' he said, adding that he had thought he would be watching the moment in history on the convention floor with his state's delegation. But history ad other ideas, and Pence's straightlaced style will coexist with Trump's flamethrowing candor on the campaign trail. 'I'm a Christian, a conservative and a Republican. In that order,' he said. 'I am deeply humbled by your confidence.' Pence called Trump, the flashy showman he met during the primary season, 'a fighter, a winner.' 'Until now he's had to do it all by himself against all odds,' he said, pledging to boost Republicans' fortunes nationwide. Trump is 'a doer in a game usually reserved for talkers,' he gushed. 'He can be a little rough with politicians on the stage' in debates, Pence allowed, before making a prediction that drew cheers from Republicans who are looking forward to three high-stakes presidential debates. 'I bet we see that again,' he said. Donald Trump (left) made a surprise on-stage appearance to congratulate his running mate Mike Pence (right) on his speech at the RNC The pair shared an awkward moment on stage as Republican nominee Trump appeared to 'air-kiss' the Indiana governor Pence acknowledged the crowd with (left to right) daughter Audrey, son Michael, his mother Nancy, wife Karen Pence and daughter Charlotte Pence Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich painted a bleak picture of the future Wednesday night if Hillary Clinton becomes president. 'The cost of Hillarys dishonesty could be the loss of America as we know it,' he said from the podium of the Republican National Convention. America's 'survival as a country' is at stake, he warned. 'And this is why every American should be terrified at the prospect of a Hillary Clinton presidency.' The last time terrorists successfully infiltrated the nation they took out several buildings, he said. Next time Americans might not be so 'lucky' he argued - radicals could take out an entire city. Scroll down for video Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich painted a bleak picture of the future Wednesday night if Hillary Clinton becomes president 'The cost of Hillarys dishonesty could be the loss of America as we know it,' he said from the podium of the Republican National Convention Giving Gingrich's introduction was wife Callista. On stage Gingrich warned of a doomsday scenario if Hillary Clinton takes over the country Gingrich recounted the terrorist strikes around the world in the last 37 days and said, 'We cannot let ourselves go numb to these accumulating atrocities.' The retired politician, who was nearly Donald Trump's running mate, said the party's nominee 'is right' about the war on radical Islam. 'We are at war with radical Islamists, we are losing the war, and we must change course to win the war,' he said to loud cheers. In a last minute bid to get his name on the Republican ticket, Gingrich last week declared that foreign Muslims residing in the United States should be re-screened for ties to terrorism. The proposal went further than anything Trump has ever proposed and was cast as a violation of religious freedom as Gingrich specifically called for surveillance of mosques, something Trump had suggested in the past then backed off. Gingrich accused the media of distorting what he said and warned party members tonight that reporters would try to twist his words again. 'We have nothing to fear from the vast majority of Muslims in the United States, or around the world,' he said, labeling the 'vast, vast majority' of the religion's followers as 'peaceful.' 'They are often the victims themselves,' he added. 'They are people we would be happy to have as our friends and neighbors.' The former congressman known for his lectures went on to cite a Pew Research that found only nine percent of Muslims in the country of Pakistan support ISIS, that amounts to 16 million people in just one country. 'So the truth is, although we are losing the war with radical Islamists, we have been very lucky,' he stated. The 2012 presidential candidate warned delegates, 'The danger is even worse than September 11th, when 19 hijackers murdered almost 3,000 Americans. 'The worst case scenario is losing an American city to terrorists armed with weapons of mass destruction.' The retired politician told delegates, 'Instead of losing 3,000 people in one morning, we could lose more than 300,000. Instead of losing 2 great buildings, we could lose block after block after block to a nuclear event.' The retired politician, who was nearly Donald Trump's running mate, said the party's nominee 'is right' about the war on radical Islam QUICK ON HIS FEET: Early in his prepared remarks Gingrich deviated from script to defend Ted Cruz, the Texas senator who lost out on the GOP nomination this year to Trump and left tonight without endorsing him Fifteen years after 9/11 'the dangers are even greater' than they were back then, he proclaimed. Pakistan is nuclear capable. So is North Korea. Iran is 'close' to building a nuclear bomb, Gingrich claimed. 'This, a catastrophic attack on innocent Americans, is a very real threat.' Gingrich said in the primetime address, 'We are sleepwalking through history as though this is all about politics. It is not. To cheers, he said, 'It is about our safety and our survival as a country. We cannot keep in place the people and the systems that have brought us to this point.' Clinton is at the center of the broken political process and the current administration's numerous lies about the Iran nuclear deal and the Benghazi terrorist attack, Gingrich charged. 'So when you hear about Hillarys dishonesty, or the emails, or taking millions from the Saudis and other Middle Eastern dictatorships--remember: this is not about politics,' he insisted. 'The first step forward to safety is electing a leader who will be truthful with the American people about the realities we face.' That leader is Donald Trump, the former Georgia congressman said. He will restore 'law and order.' 'Donald Trump will show zero tolerance for people calling for the death of police officers,' he said to exuberant applause. TEAMWORK: Callista gave her husband an embrace before he took the podium to deliver his address Gingrich said, 'If anyone publicly threatens the life of the President of the United States, the Secret Service is on them in an instant. Our law enforcement officers deserve the same respect as the President of the United States.' Indirectly acknowledging deadly force against black men by police in two cities in in two weeks the Republican speakers, also stated that if ;individual officers are found to have violated someones rights, they must be held accountable under the law.' 'America is based on the rule of law,' he said. 'Nobody is above the law. And nobody is too small to deserve its protection.' 'Donald Trump won our partys nomination because he is willing to tell the truth about the things that matter most,' he asserted. The challenge for Americans now 'is to rise above our factions..and rise above the politics weve inherited; to ignore the lies of the news media and the old order; to reject the suicidal dishonesty of Hillary Clinton and her establishment allies. And finally, 'to stand with Donald Trump and Mike Pence for what we know is true,' he told them. Early in his prepared remarks Gingrich deviated from script to defend Ted Cruz, the Texas senator who lost out on the GOP nomination this year to Trump. Delegates booed him as he left the stage after the told them to vote their 'conscience for candidates you believe will be faithful to the Constitution.' Trump supporters took the line as a slight to the party's nominee, whom Cruz did not endorse tonight at the convention. Demonstrating how quick he would have been on his feet had he been selected as vice president, Gingrich told delegates they 'misinterpreted' the lawmaker's words. Cruz said you should vote your conscience for anyone who will uphold the Constitution, Gingrich reminded them. 'In this election there is only one candidate who will uphold the Constitution.' A journalist was tackled to the ground by security after he tried to ask Rudy Giuliani a question at a Republican National Convention party, according to reports. BuzzFeed's DC Bureau Chief John Stanton was wrestled to the floor at the website's own soiree in Cleveland after he tried to approach the former New York Mayor. The confrontation at the Red, White and Blacklisted Party, held at a swanky hotel, was witnessed by a number of the star-studded guests that included Katie Couric, Karl Rove and former contestant on The Bachelor, Chris Soules. BuzzFeed's DC Bureau Chief John Stanton (right) was wrestled to the floor at the website's own soiree in Cleveland after he tried to approach former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani (left) They were treated to cocktails at the Azure Rooftop Lounge, as videos of the Senator McCarthy hearings from the 1950s were played on a projector above. According to Politico, Giuliani was drinking a scotch and smoking a cigar when Stanton tried to ask him a question. He was being guarded my heavy security, included men in bulletproof vests at the time, witnesses have said. Those surrounding the politician took Stanton down. A source, who arrived after the incident, told Daily Mail Online the party was a 'booze-fest'. They added that security was very tight, and guesses Stanton may have been pushed down when he tried to step between two of the guards. BuzzFeed spokesperson said: 'John was reporting and asking the mayor a question, which resulted in a misunderstanding with hotel security.' John Huvane, CEO of Giuliani Security & Safety, told Politico that none of the ex-mayor's staff were involved. Stanton has not mentioned in the incident on Twitter. They were treated to cocktails at the Azure Rooftop Lounge (pictured), as videos of the Senator McCarthy hearings from the 1950s were played on a projector above Giuliani's representatives said none of his staff were involved in the confrontation at the hotel Dozens of dead or starving pit bulls have been found at an abandoned home east of Los Angeles. Riverside County authorities say the dogs were discovered Wednesday at a filthy, junk-strewn rented property in the unincorporated La Sierra area. There were eleven dead dogs and 27 dogs which were alive and malnourished, Riverside County Department of Animal Services spokesman John Welsh told Dailymail.com. He said: 'Some of the dogs were so malnourished they couldn't be walked on a leash, they had to be carried out.' Scroll down for video Dozens of dead or starving pit bulls have been found at an abandoned home east of Los Angeles The Twitter account for Riverside County Department of Animal Services tweeted this image, writing: 'Officer Will Luna provides some water to neglected dog; #breaking #cruelty investigation near La Sierra area' Authorities went to the home after a neighbor reported smelling a foul odor 'We don't know how far gone those dogs are,' he said. Welsh recalled: 'It was a really bad scene yesterday.' According to Welsh, 'Even the seasoned officers were saying this is a bad one.' Authorities went to the home after a neighbor reported smelling a foul odor. Welsh says the dogs were inside an enclosed patio area, a kennel area and a home with the doors shut. He says they may have been there for days or weeks. Welsh says the dead animals apparently died from exposure or starvation, and the live ones were just skin and bones. He told Fox LA: 'It was like Silence of the Lambs, it looked like that inside the property.' Neighbor Rita Chenoweth told the local news station: 'Can you imagine with the heat wave that we are having in the next few days what it would be like for the dogs that survived. 'Thank goodness they got in there and was able to save them.' Animal Services spokesman John Welsh has said: 'It was like Silence of the Lambs, it looked like that inside the property' Welsh says the owner may have been an unlicensed breeder and could face animal cruelty charges when he's found. Pictured left and right are dogs being carried Welsh says the dogs were inside an enclosed patio area, a kennel area and a home with the doors shut Welsh says the owner may have been an unlicensed breeder and could face animal cruelty charges when he's found. Lt. Chris Mayer with Animal Services told KABC: 'A lot of dead dogs in the house. And starving-looking dogs. Dogs really emaciated. No food, no water. 'It's actually one of the worst cases of animal neglect I've seen in my 15-year career with Animal Services. According to Welsh, the dogs were taken to San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus for medical care. 'You're not going to tell me you're a refugee, are you?': The question Pauline asked an indigenous cameraman before congratulating him on 'actually working' after finding out his ethnicity Pauline Hanson once asked an indigenous cameraman if he was a refugee, and then congratulated him on 'actually working' - just moments before appearing on television for a live interview in her 2015 election campaign. The exchange airs in an upcoming documentary on SBS, which follows the life of the One Nation Party leader, who was recently elected to represent Queensland in the Senate. In the segment Hanson is preparing for a live cross with Nine's Today Show when the cameraman, known only as James, informs her the first topic will be refugees. 'You're not going to tell me you're a refugee, James, are you?' Hanson asks. James replies bluntly with: 'No, Aboriginal.' 'Really? Wouldn't have picked it. It's good to see that you're actually, you know, taking up this and working,' Hanson responds. Before the conversation can continue, Ms Hanson is thrust onto live national television, engaging in a heated debate on Sunrise with her now-fellow Senator elect Derryn Hinch. 'Refugees that are now in the town are actually taking jobs in the meat works. And Australians up there feel that they are reverse-racism (sic),' says Hanson - a statement that was challenged by hosts David Koch and Samantha Armytage. Scroll down for video The life of controversial One Nation Party leader Pauline Hanson has been followed in an upcoming documentary, which touches on her past relationships and contentious moments in politics The 'racist' exchange is just one of many contentious moments featured in the documentary, which touches on Hanson's famous 'please explain' interview and her rumoured affair with David Oldman. I had a price on my head and that was about $10,000 ... it was the Vietnamese In the documentary, Hanson reveals that during late 1997 she had a $10,000 bounty on her life. 'I had a price on my head and that was I think about $10,000, and it was the Vietnamese, the Vietnamese it came from,' Hanson said. She also offered explanation for her now-famous 1996 60 Minutes interview where she responded to a question about whether or not she was xenophobic with 'please explain.'' 'Everything's racing through my mind (after the question),' Ms Hanson recalled. 'Do I bluff my way through it? Do I know what the word is? What do I do?' she said. 'I think it was about 90 to 95 per cent of the public didn't know what the word xenophobic was. 'The more they bashed me, the more public support I got.' Ms Hanson, now 62, reveals that she believed she had a $10,000 bounty on her head during late 1997 Ms Hanson also alluded to having sex with David Oldfield, the former staffer of Tony Abbott who defected from the Liberal Party to co-found the One Nation party with her. 'He just said his name was David, he wouldn't tell me his last name for reasons who he worked for,' Ms Hanson said in the documentary, describing her first encounter with Mr Oldfield - just after she had made her famous maiden speech in 1996 about Australia being swamped by asians. 'He came over to the motel I was staying in, we had dinner and he stayed the night. He left the next morning.' But Mr Oldfield said in his interview for the documentary 'there was no romance in that sense'. 'I just did what I needed to do for Tony, and when I was able to do other things for Pauline, I did that too,' he continued. A 28-year-old man who was drunk and high on methamphetamine when he lost control of his car had told his teenage girlfriend he would kill her just moments before he did, a court has heard. Sasho Ristovski has revealed how he tattooed his face with his own hands as a sign of remorse two weeks after he walked away from the horrific crash that claimed the life of Maddison Tilyard, 16. The Victorian driver pleaded guilty in the County Court on Wednesday to dangerous driving causing death and reckless conduct endangering a person following the drug and alcohol-fuelled death ride. 'I didn't have any physical scars from the crash,' Ristovski told court as he described how he inked his own face following the tragedy. 'I wanted a constant reminder of what I had done that caused someone to lose their life.' Scroll down for video Sasho Ristovski, 28, (left) pleaded guilty over the death of his 16-year-old girlfriend Maddison Tilyard (right) The former security guard had been going out with the teenager for three weeks when he crashed his dad's high-powered car at Laverton North, west of Melbourne, in the early hours of July 4, 2014. Maddison, who was in the front passenger seat, died after Ristovski drove through a roundabout, careered off course at 88km/h in an 80km/h zone, became airborne before he slammed into a tree. Ristovski was found to have an alcohol reading of 0.064 per cent and blood tests later revealed he had the drug ice in his system. The court heard that earlier on that fatal day, Ristovski almost collided with another car and was seen speeding at an estimated 210km/h. The crash unfolded after he picked up the teen from a party, telling her: 'I'll put you in a grave by the end of the night', before adding to her friends: 'I'll have you all in a grave,' crown prosecutor Mia Stylianou said. During the drive home, he again told Maddison: 'I'm going to kill you in a car crash tonight.' The driver had told his teenage girlfriend he would kill her just moments before he did, the court has heard Ristovski had been going out with the teen for three weeks when he crashed his dad's high-powered car Ristovski told the court his comments related to his drinking, but Judge Frank Gucciardo said they showed an awareness of his risky behaviour. Maddison's father Jon Tilyard gave an emotional tribute to his daughter, saying she is constantly in his mind and heart. 'I don't want to feel the memories fade. It's all I have now,' he told the court. 'I can feel her as a little girl with her arms holding tight around my neck. I will never feel her hugs again.' Her mother, Angela Pope, said she cannot accept what happened. 'Some days the pain of my loss is unbearable,' she said. He told court how he tattooed his face with his own hands as a sign of remorse two weeks after the car crash The former security guard lost control of the vehicle and careered off the road before slamming into a tree He pleaded guilty in court to dangerous driving causing death and reckless conduct endangering a person Ristovski took the witness stand to express remorse, saying what happened during the crash had 'made me feel terrible'. Defence barrister Stephen Payne said Ristovski accepted he'd get jail for his 'appalling and utterly inexcusable' actions. 'He can't turn back the clock. All he can do is express the deepest heartfelt sorry he can,' Mr Payne said. Mr Payne said Ristovski tattooed his own face in an expression of 'self loathing'. 'They're clearly of something almost demonic. That's how he saw himself, as some sort of demon,' Mr Payne said. Ristovski had since given up drugs, Mr Payne said. A black female executive who works for the Trump family spoke out in support of the Donald Trump Wednesday night claiming that Trump will repair the racial divisions in the country if elected president. Lynne Patton, the vice president of the Eric Trump Foundation, received cheers and a standing ovation from the crowd, including all of the members of the Trump family, while approaching the podium the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. While speaking about the billionaire businessman, Patton, who was sporting a black dress with a white blazer, said that she was honored to be at the convention on behalf of her boss, the Republican presidential candidate. Scroll down for video Supporting: Lynne Patton (above), the vice president of the Eric Trump Foundation, received cheers and a standing ovation from the crowd, including all of the members of the Trump family, at the Republican National Convention Wednesday night Patton said that she was honored to be at the convention on behalf of her boss, the Republican presidential candidate. She said Trump will repair the racial divisions in the country if elected president Patton shared that she has been with the family for the past seven years, 'each and every day,' and knows them all very well. She said: 'I know Mr Trump, I know his heart and I know his passion for this country to be true' The loyal employee shared that she has been with the family for the past seven years, 'each and every day,' and knows them all very well. 'I know Mr Trump, I know his heart and I know his passion for this country to be true,' Patton said. 'Tonight, as we stand in the shadow of one of the darkest months in modern American history, I know now more than ever, that Donald Trump is the law and order leader we need to heal a wounded and divided nation.' Patton then spoke about the tragic shooting attack at Pulse nightclub in Orlando Florida, before noting the 'discord in urban communities' sparked by the police involved shooting deaths of 'young black men in Baton Rouge, in Minnesota and far too many places around the country.' She recalled how she watched in 'horror' as law enforcement members were killed in shootings in recent weeks. 'But in order to heal as a nation, we must stop viewing these incidents as attacks on the LGBTQ community, or attacks on the black community, or even attacks on the law enforcement community,' Patton said. Patton declared: 'I'm proud to stand here tonight and support Donald Trump not in spite of the color of my skin, but because of the color of my skin' In personally addressing the family, Patton said that the real estate mogul has raised all of his children well 'They are attacks on America, they are attacks on our values, they are attacks on the very foundation of civil society.' Patton then said: 'There's not one person in this room who can dispute that historically black lives have mattered less.' She said that her life mattered less and that there are still people out there who still believe it to be true. 'As a minority myself, I personally pledge to you that Donald Trump knows that my life matters, that your life matters, that LGBT lives matter. He knows that veteran lives matter and he knows that blue lives matter,' Patton said. 'I'm proud to stand here tonight and support Donald Trump not in spite of the color of my skin, but because of the color of my skin.' She also told his children that she 'loved them like the siblings she never had.' Above Ivanka Trump is left, Tiffany Trump is center and Vanessa Haydon Trump is right Patton said that America is more divided now than it was eight years ago, and encouraged attendees to vote for Trump because he stands in 'solidarity with them.' Above she is pictured bottom right As good as family: Lynne Paton's Twitter profile picture is this one of her smiling with Lara Trump - Eric's wife Patton said that America is more divided now than it was eight years ago, and encouraged attendees to vote for Trump because he stands in 'solidarity with them.' In personally addressing the family, Patton said that the real estate mogul has raised all of his children very well, before telling his children that she 'loved them like the siblings she never had.' 'You are compassionate, you are charitable, you are my heroes,' Patton told his children, all of whom stood up clapping for her. 'I believe in the opportunity for America because I have seen it first hand,' she said emotionally in closing out her speech on Trump. According to her bio on the Eric Trump Foundation website, Patton is responsible for planning all of the Eric Trump Foundations fundraising events. She also helps the foundations relationship with St. Judes Research Hospital as senior assistant to Donald Trumps three oldest children. Former AFL player Nick Stevens has admitted pushing his ex-girlfriend's head into a brick wall in a series of violent episodes and a court has heard he threatened to kill her and called her a 'dumb c***'. Stevens fronted the Victorian County Court on Thursday to plead guilty to two counts of intentionally causing injury to his ex-partner, as part of a deal reached with prosecutors. The deal was struck when Stevens abandoned an appeal against an eight-month jail term he received from a magistrate last year for 12 charges of abusing his former partner. Scroll down for video The girlfriend of former AFL player Nick Stevens, leaves the Victorian County Court in Melbourne alone after he is sentenced Stevens was convicted and sentenced by a magistrate in March last year for 12 charges of abusing his former partner, including inflicting serious injury, making threats to kill and five counts of assault But County Court judge Damien Murphy has warned he could extend the original eight-month sentence, The Herald Sun reported. 'I'm not bound by what the magistrate did and I can sentence at a higher level,' The Age quoted him as saying. The court heard he'd kicked her as she lay on the ground and told her: 'Im going to beat you to within an inch of your life c***. 'Im going to kill you you dumb c***.' In another incident, Stevens caused a scar on her head when he pushed it into a bench and splashback. A victim impact statement from his victim said Stevens had ruined her life. While Prosecutor Daryl Brown argued for a jail term, Defence barrister Sarah Keenan said Stevens' conduct was at the 'lower' end and that it didn't deserve a jail sentence, The Age reported. Stevens, a former midfielder, played 231 AFL games for Port Adelaide and Carlton from 1998 to 2009. Stevens was jailed in the Victorian County Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to two counts of intentionally causing injury to his former partner Former AFL player Nick Stevens pleaded guilty to two charges of causing injury to his former partner after fronting the Victorian County Court on Tuesday Nick Steven's current girlfriend appeared with him at court who admitted to pushing his ex-girlfriend's head into a brick wall Stevens played 231 AFL games for Port Adelaide and Carlton from 1998 to 2009 Stevens leaves court with his new girlfriend after saying he will plead guilty to intentionally injuring his former partner on Tuesday A victim impact statement from Stevens' former girlfriend (not pictured) was read out in the court and it said he had 'ruined her life' When it was their turn to promote Donald Trump at tonight's Republican National Convention, Sen. Marco Rubio and Scott Walker did their part, with the Wisconsin governor even throwing in an endorsement. Walker used the rhetorical device 'America deserves better' to condemn Democrat Hillary Clinton again and again and officially put his weight behind Trump. 'A vote for anyone other than Donald Trump in November is a vote for Hillary Clinton,' Walker said. Rubio basically filmed a 90-second attack ad for The Donald, before calling on his party to come together. 'After a long and spirited primary, the time for fighting each other is over,' Rubio said. 'It's time to come together and fight for a new direction for America.' Both ex-rivals were better behaved than Sen. Ted Cruz, whose RNC floor speech was jeered and booed at when he refused to put his full weight behind Donald Trump. Scroll down for video Sen. Marco Rubio (left) and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (right) played good soldiers to Donald Trump at tonight's Republican National Convention, while ex-rival Sen. Ted Cruz didn't endorse The Donald onstage Gov. Scott Walker used his speech tonight at the Republican National Convention to fully endorse Donald Trump, a former rival for the White House Rubio's video spot featured dramatic music. 'Hillary Clinton has spend her lifetime on the inside of a rigged political system that puts special interests ahead of the American people,' Rubio said. The Florida senator, who has decided to run for re-election after all, called Clinton a 'liberal senator' who also, as first lady, 'planted the seeds for the disaster we now know as Obamacare.' He blamed Clinton for President Obama's foreign policy and brought up Benghazi, saying she turned her back on those 'fallen heroes.' Rubio than touted Trump, who knocked him out of the Republican primary in his home state of Florida, forcing him to bow out that very night. Walker's run at the presidency was far shorter than Rubio's, as he ducked out of the race last fall. 'Now, last August, last August right here in Cleveland I stood here on this stage and said that any of the Republicans running would be better than Hillary Clinton,' Walker said. 'I meant it than and I mean it now,' Walker added. He pressed that the Republicans couldn't 'wait four years to "get 'em next time."' 'A vote for anyone other than Donald Trump in November is a vote for Hillary Clinton,' Gov. Scott Walker said as he tried to pull the party together Sen. Marco Rubio also said it was time for the party to come together after a contentious primary in wihch Donald Trump forced the Florida senator out by beating him by 20-some points in his home state 'The consequences are too great,' Walker implored. Walker revealed that he had spoken with Trump on the phone before coming onstage at tonight's convention and said they discussed the damage Clinton could do to the Supreme Court by appointing liberal justices. The governor remembered when President Ronald Reagan appointed the late Justice Antonin Scalia to the highest court 'when I was in high school!' explaining that Clinton's reach to extend for the next 30 years. Walker brought up Clinton's email scandal as well. 'After hearing the FBI director's recent comments, heck, I listened to that and I said I wouldn't even give Hillary Clinton the password to my iPhone,' he blasted. 'Let alone access to highly classified information.' Using words similar to Rubio's, he spoke of Clinton's coziness with Washington. 'And Hillary Clinton is the ultimate liberal Washington insider,' Walker said. 'If she were any more "on the inside" she'd be in prison,' he said. 'America deserves better than Hillary Clinton,' he said. A thrillseeker has gone where nobody has dared to before - sky-surfing his way straight through the eye of a wild thunderstorm. Red Bull Air Force member Sean MacCormac took his sport to new, dangerous heights doing by flying into the dark and menacing storm clouds, through lightning flashes and with thunder claps booming from behind him. The stunning images show one of the world's best artistic sky-divers twist and flip his way through intense cumulonimbus clouds during the height of summer storm season in Florida. Scroll down for video Here we go: Sean MacCormac launches out of the plane on his quest to sky-surf through a storm MacCormac flies headlong into the dark clouds on his quest to ride through a Florida thunderstorm Sean MacCormac closes in on the cloud formation as he sky-surfs during the 'Storm's Edge' project at Clewiston, Florida He's considered one of the world's leading sky-surfer but MacCormac is dwarfed by mother nature after jumping out of the plane The team went through their paces earlier performing, for them, a regulation dive through less menacing clouds on 'the storm's edge'. Right on cue the wind and rain picked up as they landed. To help set up his rare feat, a fierce thunderstorm then rolled in just south-west of Lake Okeechobee near Palm Beach, Florida. The on-site meteorologists dissected each detail of the incoming storm to find the perfect opening for Seans never-before-seen skydive, according to the Red Bull website. A fierce thunderstorm rolled in before his attempt setting up the perfect, testing conditions for his stunt MacCormac appears to be sky-surfing on the clouds as he heads into the ride of his life Heavy downpours and frequent lightning strikes surrounded the Red Bull Air Force member for the entirety of his exhilarating 3,000 metre jump. 'When the plane is rocking, lightning is firing off and lighting up the sky, every survival instinct you have is telling you not to jump,' MacCormac admitted. But he did - and the daring feat was captured on film by members of the Red Bull Air Force, providing 'an electrifying look' at what its like to surf through a thunderstorm. A student leader who headed mass pro-democracy rallies in Hong Kong has been convicted of taking part in an unlawful assembly and is facing two years in prison in a case branded as 'chilling' by rights campaigners. Joshua Wong, who led demonstrations for months in the so-called 'Umbrella Revolution' could be jailed for up to two years following the verdict, which comes as tensions remain high in the semi-autonomous city with fears growing that Beijing is tightening its grip. The 19-year-old has always said the various protest-related cases against him were political persecution. Student leaders Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Alex Chow speak to the media before facing a court verdict over charges related to a protest leading up to pro-democracy rallies in 2014 Rights group Amnesty International described cases against peaceful protesters as intimidation Thursday in the wake of the verdict. Wong was convicted for taking part in an unlawful assembly after he and others climbed over a fence into a government complex forecourt known as Civic Square on September 26, 2014, triggering wider rallies that exploded two days later when police fired tear gas to disperse crowds. Fellow student leaders Alex Chow and Nathan Law were also convicted over the same protest. Ans speaking after the ruling, Wong said: 'No matter what is the penalty... we will still continue to fight against suppression from the government. 'We know facing the largest communist regime in the world is a long-term battle for us to fight for democracy.' The three defendants, who smiled in resignation at the verdict, were released on bail and are due back in court on August 15 for sentencing. Student leader Joshua Wong addresses pro-democracy protestors in Hong Kong's Admiralty district in 2014 The charge of participating in an unlawful assembly has a maximum sentence of up to five years, but the magistrates court where the trio were tried can only give a maximum jail term of two years per offence due to its status as a lower court. Political analyst Ivan Choy said the public may have an 'antagonistic attitude' towards the government if the trio receive a heavy sentence, while Amnesty said that 'vague charges' against student leaders 'smacked of political payback.' The organisation said: 'The Hong Kong authorities' prosecution of three pro-democracy student leaders sends a chilling warning for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the city' It added the city's public order laws failed to meet international standards and were being used 'in an attempt to intimidate people from exercising their right to peaceful assembly.' Wong was at the forefront of the 'Umbrella Movement', which brought parts of Hong Kong to a standstill for more than two months in 2014 as residents called on Beijing to allow fully free elections of future leaders. A pro-democracy demonstrator can be seen among the tear gas fired by police towards protesters near Hong Kong government headquarters Tents on an occupied road at the Umbrella Movement's main protest site in the Admiralty district of Hong Kong in 2014 Young campaigners were left angry and frustrated after the rallies failed to win political reform, with Wong and Law since founding a new political party, Demosisto, campaigning for self-determination for Hong Kong. Law is also a candidate for the city's upcoming legislative council election, but he will not be able to stand if his prison sentence is over three months. Wong has been in and out of court hearings for the past year after being charged with multiple offences linked to various protest actions. Both Wong and Law were acquitted in June over an anti-China protest in the first of a series of cases against him to reach a verdict. Another student leader, Billy Fung, was charged Thursday over a protest in January where students stormed into an official meeting at Hong Kong University angered by the appointment of a pro-Beijing figure to a senior university role. A five-year-old boy spent his fifth birthday party mourning the loss of his beloved dog after it was shot and killed with an assault rifle by an Oklahoma police officer - despite it being on the other side of a fence. Eli Malone and several other children had gone inside for birthday cake on Saturday when they heard a loud bang, looked out the window and saw his dog Opie bleeding on the ground. Eli's mother, Vickie Malone, said her son then cried to her saying, 'there's something wrong with Opie.' Scroll down for video A five-year-old boy is still mourning the loss of his best friend after his family's beloved dog (shown after the shooting) was shot and killed by an Oklahoma police officer with an assault rifle during his birthday party An emotional Eli Malone is still grieving the loss of his dog Opie. The three-year-old American Bulldog Pit Bull mix was shot by a Wynnewood police officer on Saturday during his party Beloved dog Opie was shot dead during Eli Malone's birthday party At the time of the shooting, the officer was serving a warrant for a man named Shon McNiel from a 10-year-old case listing the family's house (shown above) as the suspect's last known address The adults at the home ran outside near where the fence surrounds the family's yard and found the three-year-old American Bulldog Pit Bull mix 'kicking and gasping for air,' according to FOX 25. The officer, identified by family members as Wynnewood police officer Josh Franklin, used a high-powered rifle he got from his car to put the 90-pound dog down, the station reported. As the children looked on from the window, the officer, who Malone said showed no remorse, reportedly fired two more shots from the rifle. Malone's son and Opie's owner, Rio Youngblood, said he asked the officer, 'Why'd you shoot my dog?' the New York Daily News reported. 'He walks slowly out to his car gets an AR-15 and points it at the dog and pulls the trigger,' Youngblood told the Daily News. 'He fires another round and it ended my dog's life. He lowered his head and drove off.' The dog then lied on the ground covered by a towel for more than an hour before another officer arrived at the scene to collect statements from the family. 'The kids were all watching through the window,' Malone told the Daily News. The officer initially told the family the dog tried to attack him through the fence but did not offer any other reason for the shooting, according to the family. Wynnewood Police Chief Ken Moore told the station the the dog charged the officer and that the shooting was justified. Moore described the dog as vicious and said it attacked the officer coming around the corner of the house, according to FOX 25. Vickie Malone, Eli's mother, (shown above) said after hearing a loud bang, the adults ran outside near where the fence surrounds the family's yard and found Opie 'kicking and gasping for air' The officer, identified by family members as Wynnewood police officer Josh Franklin, used a high-powered rifled he got from his car to put the 90-pound dog down The officer reportedly told the family the dog tried to attack him through the fence but did not offer any other reason for the shooting. Wynnewood Police Chief Ken Moore told the station the the dog charged the officer and that the shooting was justified Video courtesy: KOKH However, video footage following the shooting shows Opie lying on the ground near the fence, not the house, with his head surrounded by blood. 'The dog cannot jump the fence,' Malone told the Daily News. 'The gates to our yard are tied with wire and shoe string. 'The dog could maybe have gotten his head through the fence but he wouldn't have been able to open it.' Moore noted he had not seen the video footage and said that before the officer shot the dog, the officer had tried to once kick it off of him. At the time of the shooting, the officer was serving a warrant for a man named Shon McNiel from a 10-year-old case, listing Malone's house as the suspect's last known address, according to FOX 25. The family said the officer did not show them a warrant after he told them he shot Opie. 'He said that he was looking for Shon McNiel,' Malone told the Daily News. 'I said, "There's no one here named Shon McNiel. Who the hell is Shon McNiel?"' Following the ordeal, the family is still grieving the loss of their dog with Malone noting the incident has left some of the party's youngest guests not wanting to go outside to play anymore Eli stands above with a marker at a memorial made in honor of Opie Moore said at the time the officer was serving a warrant which gave him legal authority to be on private property. Court records indicate McNiel's last known address was not Malone's house but instead a home on a nearby street, according to FOX 25. Malone and her children have lived at the house for a year and told Fox 25 the officer who shot Opie had previously responded to calls at their address in the last year, and was aware of the dog. 'Officer Franklin had been to the house twice before,' Youngblood, who described the dog as 'amazing with kids' told the Daily News. 'Opie was chained on the front porch. They knew Opie was here, too.' Following the ordeal, the family is still grieving the loss of their dog with Malone noting the incident has left some of the party's youngest guests not wanting to go outside to play anymore. Youngblood said his son Vrylend is also still grieving Opie's death. 'I came outside last night and he's on the trampoline. He said, "I'm singing to Opie's heart. I miss him,"' Youngblood told the Daily News. Meanwhile, the family is still waiting for an explanation and apology from the police department. Eric Trump's rousing tribute to his father at the Republican convention was beset by technical difficulties. The real estate mogul's second eldest son said he loved the GOP nominee 'so, so, so, so much' after walking on stage at the Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday night. But the crowd ignored his gushing comments, and turned their attention to the broken TV screen behind him. Scroll down for video Eric Trump's rousing tribute to his father at the Republican convention was beset by technical difficulties. The big screen on stage was black for large parts of his speech When the jumbotron behind him turned dark, many of the screens around the arena also turned off or displayed messages which suggested there were mechanical problems The big screens hanging over the arena also went black. So did the narrow screens that ring the arena which had held a live feed of convention-related tweets. Minutes later the entire surface of the 10-million pixel main screen turned black. But the teleprompters still worked. 'It is such an honor to be here for a man I love so, so, so, so much. That's my father,' he said. He urged Republicans to 'vote for the one candidate who does not need this job' his father. Vote for the candidate who has never received a paycheck from our government,' he said, to wild cheers. The real estate mogul's second eldest son said he loved the GOP nominee 'so, so, so, so much' after walking on stage at the Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday night 'Vote for the candidate who can't be bought sold, purchased, bribed ... or steered from the path that is right and just and true.' He also said his father could not bare to see the word 'Christmas' removed from public use - because of political correctness. But the mood was largely one of quizzical confusion as delegates looked at each other to find out what was going on. After the speech, his father tweeted: 'Great job! Proud of you!' Eric had the difficult task of following on from Ted Cruz's speech. He refused to endorse Donald Trump in his speech, and was booed by the convention crowd. Cruz's wife Heidi was escorted from the Convention floor after he refused to endorse Trump and instead urged Americans to 'vote your conscience'. He also said his father could not bare to see the word 'Christmas' removed from public use - because of political correctness Eric's wife Lara Trump posted a picture of the couple together after his speech with the message: 'Beaming with pride! My husband gave an incredible speech' The failed presidential candidate addressed the millions of Americans sitting at home and told them to 'speak and vote your conscience' prompting his own supporters to cheer, while some pro-Trump delegates yelled out in disgust. Some on the floor and others seated in the stands began yelling 'Trump, Trump Trump' to shout down pro-Cruz forces yelling in the crowd. Video footage has emerged appearing to show Cruz's wife being led out of the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland when the crowd turned. People were closing in on her physically from down the stairs,' Ken Cuccinelli, a former state attorney general who is a delegate from Virginia and a leading Cruz backer, told DailyMail.com. Cuccinelli, who was sitting next to Mrs Cruz, said he did not think anyone anticipated a problem. 'People in my own delegation started physically approaching and yelling at her, he continued. The one that stuck with me was somebody pointing at her and yelling something about Goldman Sachs. Hell deny yelling at hell deny dancing on her and he did both of those things. Joshua West, 40, and another unnamed suspect were arrested in the bust But now Bubba has made a full recovery in rehab and is looking for a home Drugs were detected in his urine after cops noticed he was 'lethargic' A California puppy found addicted to meth, heroin and marijuana months ago is looking for a new home. Bubba, a 7-month-old Jack Russell terrier-Chihuahua, is finally clean and happy after he was rescued during a police drug raid at a motel March. Officers found him huddling lethargically in a corner and tested him for drugs, founding traces of several substances in his blood. But now Bubba has completed his stint through rehab and is just another regular pup, chasing a small orange ball and received treats Wednesday as potential new families came to visit him. And he's just been cleared for adoption. Scroll down for video Drug free: Bubba has finished his stint through rehab and is now looking for a good home after his rough ordeal Bubba is happy and healthy. He enjoys chasing his orange ball, treats and getting belly rubs 'We just want a nice warm home with a heart for animals,' said Jennifer Hawkins, shelter director and chief veterinarian, to the Orange County Register. One visitor, 14-year-old Noah Allen, is dying to take Bubba home. 'His troubled background makes me want to get him even more,' he told the Register. 'It makes you feel good to give him a second chance.' Allen's dad, Jacob, said the family lost a dachsund to a coyote attack a few years ago, so he's hesitant. 'It's an important decision, we have to think about this,' he told the Register. 'Having a dog is a big responsibility.' Bubba is a happy puppy, drug free for the first in his short 7 months of life Another visitor was Lt. Brian Frick, of animal control, who went to the motel to rescue Bubba. 'I walked in and saw all these drugs on the ground,' he told the Register. 'I said "where's the dog?" and walked around the corner and saw him lying listless. 'He was so cold and lethargic, I thought it was just he'd been taken from his mom too soon. I never suspected he may have gotten into drugs.' Bubba was rescued after police raided a motel room in Tustin, California, on March 22 and arrested his owner Joshua West, 40. Noticing the dog was 'lethargic,' officers tested the dog's urine and found traces of the drugs. Two months later and Bubba was reunited with the officer who saved him. Video, posted on the Tustin Police Department website, shows the playful puppy bounding round his enclosure before going to Officer Jeremy Laurich for a belly rub. In a statement, the police department said that Bubba was recovering well and 'both he and Officer Laurich seemed to thoroughly enjoy their time together.' A puppy found addicted to meth and heroin has been reunited with the cop who rescued him during a California drug bust Terrier mix Bubba was rescued by Officer Jeremy Laurich (pictured with the dog) after police raided a motel room in Tustin, California Orange County Animal Care revealed they had been inundated with requests to adopt Bubba since his story first hit the headlines in March. The puppy, thought to be around five months old at the time, adjusted to his temporary new home very well and is one of the staff favorites, according to Assistant Director Katie Ingram. 'Once he is fully recovered, he will be placed with a rescue organization who can find him a forever home that can provide the proper care he will need in the future. Lethargic: When police first found Bubba (pictured from around that time) during a drug bust in Tustin, California, he was strung out and 'lethargic' Recovered: A terrier mix puppy named Bubba (pictured) was rescued during a drug bust on March 22 and found with heroin, meth and nicotine in his system. Now he's happy and wrestling like any healthy dog Active: Videos show Bubba gamboling around a grassy lawn, happily playing fetch and wrestling. So far 15 people have signed up to adopt the puppy from Orange County Animal Care Previous videos, released by Orange County Animal Care, show the little pup racing around a lush green lawn, with not a care in the world. The first video, uploaded in May, shows him playing fetch with a newfound energy, bouncing around with toys and rolling over to have his tummy tickled. The second, uploaded shortly after, shows him frantically play-fighting with a human pal from Orange County Animal Control, with the kind of energy that police would have thought impossible when they found him. 'I would say looking at his video today, his prognosis is excellent. I think if he can avoid being exposed to addition drugs in the future with his new forever home, things will be perfectly fine,' veterinarian Matthew Wheaton at the Alicia Pet Care Center in Orange told CBS. 'If the dog was truly ingesting these things in relatively large quantities, I think he would probably be more than just lethargic.' He added that he has seen increasing numbers of animals being admitted under the influence of drugs - particularly marijuana and opiates - as more dog owners take drugs. 'They'll go really really high, and then they'll kind of have that crash. So there might have been a lot of neurologic stimulation going on with the dog that at the end of the day, really short circuited things,' he said. Prognosis: An expert who viewed the video said that the puppy's prognosis was 'excellent' and that he should live a long and happy life - so long as he doesn't come into contact with drugs again 'This strikes me as pretty horrible,' Tustin police Lieutenant Robert Wright told CBS after Bubba's rescue was first announced to the press. 'This is the first time we've ever heard of someone reporting that an animal has been under the influence.' Police arrested West, 40, during the drug bust, along with another man. West was on parole for drug violations and a 'large quantity of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia' were found in the room, police said. It is unclear whether the dog ingested the drugs or inhaled the fumes, but West was charged with animal cruelty. A post on the OC Animal Care website said that 'another person or persons' other than West were alleged to be responsible for the drugs in Bubba's system. Some 15 people have signed up to adopt Bubba once he gets the all-clear, CBS said. Day Three of the Republican Party's biggest gathering finally looked like a political convention. Mike Pence's speech bled into the 11:00 hour and out of prime time but Donald Trump made a surprise entrance on stage, pointed and smiled. And let him own the moment. His mother, his wife and their three children joined him on stage while an Americana rock anthem played. Donald Trump (left) made a surprise on-stage appearance to congratulate his running mate Mike Pence (right) on his speech at the RNC The pair shared an awkward moment on stage as Republican nominee Trump appeared to 'air-kiss' the Indiana governor Pence was widely acknowledged to have given a traditional, polished, prepared and largely predictable speech But he mostly praised Trump's children as he spoke: 'As we say back home, you can't fake good kids. How about his amazing children? Aren't they something?' The crowd shouted 'We like Mike!' a slogan that seemed to develop spontaneously when he announced that 'the presidency of Barack Obama ends exactly six months from today.' At long last the Republican Party had a traditional, polished, prepared and largely predictable political speech. And convention delegates in Cleveland ate it up with a traditional Indiana spoon. Pence, the calm and collected Hoosier governor who was nominated for the vice presidency on Tuesday, joked that most in the crowd didn't know who he was when he was picked. And Trump, he said, was used to 'a colorful style and lots of charisma so I guess he was just looking for some balance on the ticket.' 'Honestly I never thought I'd be standing here,' he said, adding that he had thought he would be watching the moment in history on the convention floor with his state's delegation. His mother, his wife and their three children joined Pence on stage while an Americana rock anthem played Pence acknowledged the crowd with (left to right) daughter Audrey, son Michael, his mother Nancy, wife Karen Pence and daughter Charlotte Pence Pence won over the crowd with his steady speech a balance to Trump's free-wheeling and unpredictable, shoot-from-the-hip approach to public speaking At the start of his speech, Pence (center) joked that most in the crowd didn't know who he was when he was picked But history had other ideas, and Pence's straightlaced style will coexist with Trump's flamethrowing candor on the campaign trail. 'I'm a Christian, a conservative and a Republican. In that order,' he said in a flat, midwestern accent that invited warmth. 'I am deeply humbled by your confidence.' Pence called Trump, the flashy showman he met during the primary season, 'a fighter, a winner.' 'Until now he's had to do it all by himself against all odds,' he said, pledging to boost Republicans' fortunes nationwide. Trump is 'a doer in a game usually reserved for talkers,' he gushed. 'He can be a little rough with politicians on the stage' in debates, Pence allowed, before making a prediction that drew cheers from Republicans who are looking forward to three high-stakes presidential debates. 'I bet we see that again,' he said' Trump entered the stage only when Pence had finished, stayed long enough to pose for pictures, and left again to let his running mate soak up the spotlight RESCUED: The giant video screen behind the stage at the Quicken Loans Arena had gone completely dark a half-hour before Pence spoke, but technicians managed to fire it up again in time 'There are only two names on the ballot so let's resolve here and now that Hillary Clinton will never become President of the United States.' There are only two names on the ballot so let's resolve here and now that Hillary Clinton will never become President of the United States Mike Pence But he predicted that a stalwart Trump would have to stand firm in the face of 'the incredible onslaught that's coming our way.' 'This time around she'll have the press doing half her work for her,' he said, as boos filled the Quicken Loans Arena. 'The good news is it won't be nearly enough.' At once, thousands shouted the unofficial rally cry of the 2016 GOP convention: 'Lock her up!' Pence cast Clinton as 'secretary of the status quo' and promised Trump would be her polar opposite. 'When Donald Trump becomes President of the United States,' he said, 'the change will be ' He took a dramatic beat before continuing with a smile: 'Huge!' Thousands joined in again to shout the one word that is unmistakably Trumpian. Pence (3rd right) posed and waved with (left to right) daughter Audrey, son Michael, mother Nancy, wife Karen and daughter Charlotte HAPPY: Trump tweeted his congratulations after the convention was adjourned for he night Pence made a bid in his nomination acceptance speech Wednesday night to drive a wedge between Democrats and voting constituencies it tends to win by broad margins. 'In so many ways the Democratic Party has abandoned the people they used to represent,' he said. In so many ways the Democratic Party has abandoned the people they used to represent Mike Pence And 'there are a lot of Americans out there who feel like Democrat politicains have taken them for granted.' 'It's union members who don't want a president who promises to put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business. 'Those miners want an American energy policy, and they know that Donald Trump "digs" coal.' He also made a pitch to minority voters, to 'African Americans who remember generations of hollow promises about safe streets and better schools. And they know that Donald trump will fight for equal opportunity, and he loves educational choice.' 'And it's Hispanic americans who respect the law, want jobs and opportunities for their families, who know that Donald Trump will uphold the law and get this economy moving for every American.' Pence cast Hillary Clinton as 'secretary of the status quo' and promised Trump would be her polar opposite READY: Trump and Pence could hit the campaign trail as soon as Friday morning in a furious bid to deny the Democratic National Convention its expected spotlight all next week Pence's family (pictured, in the foreground) were applauded by the entirety of the Republican faithful inside Quicken Loans Arena, including the Trump family (background) Those voting blocs blacks, Hispanics and union workers are crucial hunting grounds for crossover voters, and Pence's turn in their direction is one Trump hasn't yet been able to credibly make. But in America's seeming tensions between law enforcement and black activists who complain about excessive force motivated by racism, Pence drew a line in the sand. 'We will always stand with those who stand on the thin blue line of law enforcement,' he insisted. And he tried to woo disaffected conservatives those who would have preferred Sen. Ted Cruz as their standard bearer back into the fold with a reminder about the impact a second Clinton administration could have on the Supreme Court. 'Every American should know that while we're filling the presidency for the next four years, this election will define the Supreme Court for he next 40,' he said. Pence urged Republicans to sent Trump to the White House 'for the sake of the rule of law, for the sake of the sanctity of lie, for the sake of our Second Amendment.' The specter of Hillary hung over the room as it has over the convention since its Monday kickoff. Donald Trump emerged from the doldrums near the end of Senator Ted Cruz's speech when it became apparent that he was not going to endorse the reality TV mogul Trump's family - daughter Ivanka in particular - looked incensed at what was deemed by many Republicans as Cruz's betrayal Pence took her on, criticizing her 'staggering failure of judgment' in the Middle East 'that set ISIS loose.' And he touched on one of Clinton's most stubborn liabilities, her link to the 2012 terror attacks oin Benghazi, Libya. She 'left Americans in harm's way in Benghazi,' Pence said, 'and after four Americans fell, said, "What difference at this point does it make?"' That, he said, should disqualify her from serving in the White House as commander-in-chief. Shouts of 'Lock her up!' more urgent this time shook the rafters like a LeBron James dunk. Pence, though, turned back inward. Prayerful. Calm. He promised 'to pray daily for a wise and discerning heart' and ended by citing the Pledge of Allegiance. Donald Trump faced accusations of undermining the US's most important military alliance after suggestion coming to the defense of NATO member countries was not unconditional. Trump hinted at a new world order if he becomes president, saying the United States, under his leadership, might not come to the defense of some NATO members if Russia were to attack them. Trump said he would decide whether to protect the Baltic republics against Russian aggression based on whether those countries 'have fulfilled their obligations to us'. NATO - the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - is the world's largest and longest-running post-war military alliance. Its member states promise to defend each other's territorial integrity, initially against the Soviety Union. America First: Donald Trump went further on foreign policy than ever before in an interview before his convention speech, suggesting an end to unconditional defense of NATO allies Crackdown: Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has used the foiled military coup of last week to round up his enemies. Trump declined to say that he should follow the rule of law He made the comments in an interview with The New York Times on Wednesday, ahead of his speech to formally accept the Republican nomination for president late Thursday. Trump's remarks about U.S. obligations under NATO to come to the aid of other members of the 28-nation alliance are in line with his views questioning the United States' global role - but exactly what he meant is now in question. His campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, told NBC that Trump 'believes in the [NATO] agreements' and accused the New York Times of being often 'inaccurate'. In turn the New York Times published the complete transcript of the interview. In 2014, the 28-member alliance created a rapid-reaction force to protect the most vulnerable NATO members against a confrontation with Russia. This year it discussed sending two US battalions, as well as one British and one German battalion - in total 4,000 troops - to the eastern extremity of the alliance, the land border between Poland and Russia, in a show of force. Last week, President Barack Obama pledged unwavering commitment to defending Europe, adding that 'in good times and in bad, Europe can count on the United States.' The dilution of long-standing policy on NATO earned Trump a rebuke from the alliance's head,Jens Stoltenberg, its secretary-general. He told Buzzfeed News: 'Solidarity among allies is a key value for NATO. This is good for European security and good for US security. We defend one another.' White House spokesman Josh Earnest called the current administration's commitment to NATO's founding principle of unqualified mutual assistance 'ironclad'. 'There should be no mistake or miscalculation made about this country's commitment to the trans-Atlantic alliance,' he said. Strongman: Baltic republics feel menaced by Vladimir Putin, seen meeting his own 'human rights envoy' Boris Titov (right) after his annexation of part of Ukraine PEACE AND SECURITY SINCE 1949 When NATO was founded in 1949, an Iron Curtain was stretching across Europe, the Soviets had just tested an atomic bomb and the world lived in fear of World War III. The alliance's key provision was that an attack on one was an attack on all, and that no conditions were put on that defense. Enshrined in its Article 5, it was a guarantee that an attempt by the Soviets to push further into Europe would guarantee total war - with the US joined by the UK, West Germany and a host of smaller countries. (France was a member until 1966.) By 1990, the outcome of the Cold War was clear: the Soviet Union was collapsing and to its backers, NATO was the key to victory. Eastern European nations, freed from Communism and - in the case of the Baltic Republics - from the Soviet Union itself joined the alliance. They too could rely on Article 5, which allowed them to realign their interests to the West. Ironically in the light of Trump's skeptical stance on NATO, Article 5 has only been invoked once - after 9/11. But recent years have brought twin new challenges. Austerity-struck European countries have cut defense spending, some below the 2 per cent of GDP commitment enshrined in current iterations of NATO's articles. And the Soviet threat which seemed vanquished has re-emerged in the form of a resurgent Russia under Vladimir Putin. The strongman Russian leader has created genuine fear among neighbors who now look to the West for back-up. For the first time in history, US troops will be moved east of Germany, along with German and British units, in an attempt to reassure member nations including Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland. NATO backers say that unraveling the alliance would boost Putin and imperil Europe's security. Trump's position is unclear given the contradictions between the interview and later statements from his campaign - but what is clear is that the Kremlin will be watching closely. Advertisement Even harsher words came from a former Supreme Allied Commander in Europe - NATO's most senior officer, Admiral James Stavridis. He described Trump's questioning of unconditional mutual defense as 'reckless proposals' which 'would deeply damage the underpinnings of the global system and work to Americas profound disadvantage'. Writing in Foreign Policy, he accused Trump of 'dangerous hubris' and said: 'The sad irony is the policies that Donald Trump makes plain he intends to pursue will create enormous uncertainty in the world, and the attendant ills will create enormous difficulties for our nation.' Hillary Clinton's campaign was quick to pounce on Trump's statements.'The president is supposed to be the leader of the free world. Donald Trump apparently doesn't even believe in the free world,' Clinton senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement shortly after the interview was published. 'Ronald Reagan would be ashamed. Harry Truman would be ashamed. Republicans, Democrats and independents who help build NATO into the most successful military alliance in history would all come to the same conclusion: Donald Trump is temperamentally unfit and fundamentally ill-prepared to be our commander in chief,' Sullivan added. There were stronger words from other former NATO officials Trump's running mate, Gov. Mike Pence, was on the defensive early Thursday, telling Fox News that he is confident the Republican nominee would stand by America's NATO allies, but insisted that those countries 'must pay their fair share.' Pence added that a Trump administration would tell U.S. allies 'the time has come for them and for their citizens to begin to carry the financial costs of these international obligations.' Trump has publicly welcomed praise from Russian President Vladimir Putin, telling MSNBC in December that, 'when people call you brilliant, that's always good, especially when the person heads up Russia'. When the interviewer pointed out charges that Putin kills opponents and that he invaded neighboring Ukraine, Trump responded that Putin is 'running his country, and at least he's a leader, unlike what we have in this country.' Trump also told The Times that he would not criticize Turkey for cracking down on political opponents and restricting civil liberties following last week's attempted coup. Of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trump said: 'I give great credit to him for being able to turn that around. ... Some people say that it was staged, you know that. I don't think so.' The U.S. has no 'right to lecture' Turkey and other countries when 'people are shooting policemen in cold blood,' Trump said. He added: 'When the world sees how bad the United States is and we start talking about civil liberties, I don't think we are a very good messenger.' With decades in business and no prior political experience, Trump cast the projection of American military might abroad in economic terms. For example, he said it might not be necessary to station American troops abroad, though he agreed it's preferable. Impressive video released by the US Defense Department shows the jaw-dropping moment airstrikes take out five terrorist targets at once plus one moving vehicle. The video begins with an aerial shot of a series of ISIS compounds near Manbij, Syria, on July 5. A split second later, precision airpower explodes five targets simultaneously, blasting a series of buildings linked to the violent extremists. Calm before the storm: ISIS compounds are seen in this aerial shot released by the Department of Defense right before a series of airstrikes against them Boom: All at once, five bombs exploded the terrorist buildings, destroying a series of operational hideouts for ISIS terrorists Smoke increases as the exploded buildings burn to the ground, taking with them a number of terrorists A second video shows Operation Inherent Resolve the operational name for the military intervention against ISIS in action against a moving target. In the video, a coalition airstrike destroys an ISIS vehicle as it nears Waleed, Iraq, on July 7. The bomb impressively strikes the vehicle as it speeds through the desert. The car continues to speed through, ablaze, until it halts to a stop. The objective of the airstrike was to deny logistics lines and disrupt terrorist operations, officials said. Meanwhile, the US-led coalition fighting ISIS in Syria has been accused of killing more than 100 civilians since June. Ready, set: A vehicle carrying supplies for ISIS terrorists speeds through the desert, unaware that a US-led coalition is taking aim at it A missile (circled) approaches the target and then boom the vehicle bursts into flames (right) The vehicle continues to rush, ablaze, until it halts to a stop neutralized Human rights groups say airstrikes in Manbij the same city from the five-compound explosions have killed many civilians and wounded scores more. Airstrikes on Islamic State-held villages in northern Syria killed at least 56 civilians on Tuesday as intense fighting was underway between the militants and U.S-backed fighters, Syrian opposition activists and the extremist group said. Residents in the area blamed the U.S.-led coalition for the strikes that targeted two villages, Tokhar and Hoshariyeh, which are controlled by ISIS, activists said. The villages are near the ISIS stronghold of Manbij, a town that members of the predominantly Kurdish U.S.-backed Syria Democratic Forces have been trying to capture in a weeks-long offensive. Human rights groups say airstrikes in Manbij the same city from the five-compound explosions have killed many civilians and wounded scores more The death toll from the airstrikes, which coincided with a wide ground offensive by the extremists against SDF fighters, ranged between 56 and 200. If it is confirmed that 200 people were killed, it would be the deadliest strike by the U.S.-led coalition since it began its military campaign against IS in Syria almost two years ago. This is the awkward moment Donald Trump air-kissed his running mate Mike Pence's forehead following the Indiana governor's speech at the Republican National Convention. Trump was captured coming onstage as Pence finished speaking on Wednesday night, and his teleprompter displayed the stage direction 'embrace' just after his final words. The Republican presidential nominee then shook hands with Pence before going in for a side hug while puckering his lips and air kissing his forehead. During the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night, Donald Trump gave running mate Mike Pence an air kiss at the conclusion of the Indiana governor's speech. The awkward was captured above The air kiss happened just after Trump came onstage as Pence finished speaking and Pence's teleprompter displayed the stage direction 'embrace' following his final words Pence appears to not be aware of the hilarious moment and keeps smiling as the crowd cheers him on. After the momentary affection, Trump and Pence then stood together briefly before Trump exited and let Pence own the moment as he was joined onstage with his family. Following the air kiss, people were quick to take to social media to mock the hilarious moment. One user wrote: 'If anything will bring Trump down, it's that #airkiss.' As day three of the Republican Party's biggest gathering kicked off, Pence joked that most in the crowd didn't know who he was when he was nominated for the vice presidency on Tuesday. And Trump, he said, was used to 'a colorful style and lots of charisma so I guess he was just looking for some balance on the ticket.' 'Honestly I never thought I'd be standing here,' he said during his speech, adding that he had thought he would be watching the moment in history on the convention floor with his state's delegation. But history ad other ideas, and Pence's straightlaced style will coexist with Trump's flamethrowing candor on the campaign trail. The Republican presidential nominee shook hands with Pence onstage before going in for a side hug while puckering his lips and air kissing his forehead After the awkward momentary affection, Trump and Pence stood together briefly onstage before Trump exited Following the air kiss, people were quick to mock the hilarious moment on social media 'I'm a Christian, a conservative and a Republican. In that order,' he said in a flat, midwestern accent that invited warmth. 'I am deeply humbled by your confidence.' Pence called Trump, the flashy showman he met during the primary season, 'a fighter, a winner.' 'Until now he's had to do it all by himself against all odds,' he said, pledging to boost Republicans' fortunes nationwide. Trump is 'a doer in a game usually reserved for talkers,' he gushed. 'He can be a little rough with politicians on the stage' in debates, Pence allowed, before making a prediction that drew cheers from Republicans who are looking forward to three high-stakes presidential debates. 'I bet we see that again,' he said. Pence also made a bid in his nomination acceptance speech on Wednesday night to drive a wedge between Democrats and voting constituencies it tends to win by broad margins. 'In so many ways the Democratic Party has abandoned the people they used to represent,' he said. And 'there are a lot of Americans out there who feel like Democrat politicains have taken them for granted.' As day three of the Republican Party's biggest gathering kicked off, Pence joked during his speech that most in the crowd didn't know who he was when he was nominated for the vice presidency on Tuesday Penc gestures as he arrives on stage to deliver his acceptance speech during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland 'It's union members who don't want a president who promises to put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business. Those miners want an American energy policy, and they know that Donald Trump 'digs' coal.' He also made a pitch to minority voters, to 'African Americans who remember generations of hollow promises about safe streets and better schools. And they know that Donald trump will fight for equal opportunity, and he loves educational choice.' 'And it's Hispanic Americans who respect the law, want jobs and opportunities for their families, who know that Donald Trump will uphold the law and get this economy moving for every American.' Those voting blocs blacks, Hispanics and union workers are crucial hunting grounds for crossover voters, and Pence's turn in their direction is one Trump hasn't yet been able to credibly make. But in America's seeming tensions between law enforcement and black activists who complain about excessive force motivated by racism, Pence drew a line in the sand. 'We will always stand with those who stand on the thin blue line of law enforcement,' he insisted. And he tried to woo disaffected conservatives those who would have preferred Sen. Ted Cruz as their standard bearer back into the fold with a reminder about the impact a second Clinton administration could have on the Supreme Court. Following his speech, Pence was joined by his family including his mother Nancy, pictured with him left Pence framed the November presidential race as crucial to defining the makeup of the Supreme Court for the next 40 years 'Every American should know that while we're filling the presidency for the next four years, this election will define the Supreme Court for he next 40,' he said. Pence framed the November presidential race as crucial to defining the makeup of the Supreme Court for the next 40 years. The GOP vice presidential nominee says voters must ensure that it's Trump picking the next high court justices. The Indiana governor said Democrat Hillary Clinton would choose justices who would take unconstitutional actions. 'I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father,' he told Texas Republicans On Thursday, Cruz doubled down and reiterated that he was not endorsing Trump Other photos taken show Trump's children united as they supported their father's quest for the White House He delivered a calculated speech that divided the hall at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio Ted Cruz refused to endorse Donald Trump and instead urged Americans to 'vote your conscience' in November her father who also didn't look pleased She also seemed upset while speaking briefly Advertisement Ivanka Trump is widely known as The Donald's composed, picture-perfect daughter - but Wednesday night the world saw a different side as she contorted her face and jabbed her finger accusingly following Ted Cruz's controversial speech. In a floral-themed white dress, the mother-of-three looked furious as the Texas senator refused to endorse her father during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. And she wasn't the only one. The fiercely loyal Trump clan - made up of Ivanka's sister-in-law Lara, her half-sister Tiffany, brother Donald Jr. and his wife Vanessa - all flanked the businesswoman and shared looks of sheer disdain. Noticeably missing from the box was Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner, who earlier in the day accompanied his wife and in-laws to welcome running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, to the convention. The mood only lifted when Donald took his seat in the middle of them, having made a surprise entrance at the very end of Cruz's speech in what appeared a move orchestrated to steal the Texas senator's thunder. Together the Trumps started to smile again and wave to the cheering crowd as Cruz hurried off stage and Eric Trump began his speech. But even then Ivanka could be seen with a pained look on her face, as she whispered into her father's ear. Scroll down for video If looks could kill: Ivanka Trump is normally a picture-perfect daughter of the Republican presidential candidate, but Wednesday night she was seen jabbing her finger (above, alongside Lara Trump, center, and Tiffany Trump, right) as Ted Cruz refused to endorse her father Any problems? Ivanka seemed upset while speaking privately with her solemn-looking father. Texas senator Cruz had told the audience and millions watching at home across America to 'speak and vote your conscience' Turning the air blue? The father-daughter duo were not impressed with Cruz, who did not say he supported Trump during his speech. Video footage later emerged showing Cruz's wife being led out of the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland as the crowd turned Trump himself later pointed down to someone outside of the VIP box during the speeches at the GOP convention Wednesday night If looks could kill: The cold fury of the entire Trump plan was on display as Cruz spoke Stony faced: In a rare moment, Ivanka stared into the distance as her father spoke to her briefly. Cruz refused to speak out in favor of Trump (above, with Ivanka) - the GOP's official nominee - at the convention United: The Trump family all sat together to support his quest for the White House. Pictured above left to right: Vanessa, Eric, Donald, Ivanka, Tiffany and Lara Trump Focused: Eric and his wife Lara listened to the speeches as they locked their hands in a loving grasp Sweet moment: Eric gives Lara a gentle kiss on her hand as she gazes on 'I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father,' Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said Thursday as he defended his refusal to endorse Donald Trump Video footage has emerged showing Cruz's wife Heidi (circled) being led out of the Quicken Loans Arena when the crowd turned on him Cruz, only moments before, had told the audience and millions watching at home across America to 'speak and vote your conscience', all the while refusing to speak out in favor of Trump - the GOP's official nominee. The majority of the audience appeared to share the Trump family's disgust and began yelling 'Trump, Trump Trump', shouting down pro-Cruz forces in the crowd. Video footage later emerged showing Cruz's wife being led out of the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland as the crowd turned. 'People were closing in on her physically from down the stairs,' Ken Cuccinelli, a former state attorney general who is a delegate from Virginia and a leading Cruz backer, told DailyMail.com. Eric Trump, son of the Republican presidential candidate, and his wife Lara Yunaska observe proceedings during the Republican National Convention Donald Trump shared a lighthearted moment with his eldest daughter Ivanka Sisters Ivanka and Tiffany have supported their father throughout his campaign for president Thumbs up: There were several points in the evening where the clan stood up to clap in support of speakers at the convention All smiles: The siblings gave a standing ovation (above) to family friend Lynne Patton during her speech at the RNC Wednesday night More pointing: There were other times where the family seemed less impressed. Above Donald Trump Jr., Donald Trump and Ivanka look on during the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena Support system: As Eric Trump took the stage, Vanessa Trump (left), Donald Trump Jr. (second left), U.S. Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump (center), Ivanka (second right) and Tiffany (right) applaud The majority of the audience appeared to share the Trump family's disgust and began yelling 'Trump, Trump Trump', shouting down pro-Cruz forces in the crowd Cuccinelli, who was sitting next to Mrs Cruz, said he did not think anyone anticipated a problem. 'People in my own delegation started physically approaching and yelling at her,' he continued. 'The one that stuck with me was somebody pointing at her and yelling something about Goldman Sachs. 'He'll deny yelling and he'll deny dancing on her and he did both of those things.' The man he identified indeed denied yelling at her. 'I don't think anybody expected him to endorse,' Cuccinelli said, defending Cruz's speech. 'I mean I haven't endorsed him and I said I'm going to vote for him. He made the case for the decision on November 8. 'I mean he prosecuted Hillary Clinton. He hit Donald Trump's signature issue. Obviously supporting him. 'And Ted talks in terms of drawing a picture and you reach your conclusions. I don't think this is inconsistent with that.' There were also reports of Republicans being restrained to prevent them attacking Cruz after his speech divided the Convention. Immediately recognizing the potential damage done, former Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia addressed the turmoil just minutes after Cruz left the stage in Cleveland to 'paraphrase' what Cruz had said earlier. 'Now, I think you misunderstood one paragraph that Ted Cruz, who is a superb orator, said,' Gingrich told the crowd. 'And I just want to point it out to you. Ted Cruz said you can vote your conscience for anyone who will uphold the Constitution. In this election there is only one candidate who will uphold the Constitution.' 'So to paraphrase Ted Cruz, if you want to protect the Constitution of the United States, the only possible candidate this fall is the Trump-Pence Republican ticket. 'That way we haves a Republican ticket to implement Republican principles in Washington,' Gingrich said earning applause from the crowd for his retooled explanation. As Cruz spoke, members of the New York delegation seated up front right in front of Cruz yelled 'We want Trump!' 'I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation,' Cruz said after halting his remarks for several seconds during the loud cheering. THE BETTER RIVALS: EX-CANDIDATE SCOTT WALKER ENDORSES DONALD TRUMP -WHILE MARCO RUBIO SAYS 'THE TIME FOR FIGHTING IS OVER' Contrary to Cruz, former presidential hopefuls Scott Walker and Marco Rubio chose to get behind Trump at last night's GOP convention Walker used the rhetorical device 'America deserves better' to condemn Democrat Hillary Clinton again and again and officially put his weight behind Trump. 'A vote for anyone other than Donald Trump in November is a vote for Hillary Clinton,' Walker said. Rubio basically filmed a 90-second attack ad for The Donald, before calling on his party to come together. 'After a long and spirited primary, the time for fighting each other is over,' Rubio said. 'It's time to come together and fight for a new direction for America.' Sen. Marco Rubio (left) and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (right) played good soldiers to Donald Trump at tonight's Republican National Convention, while ex-rival Sen. Ted Cruz didn't endorse The Donald onstage Advertisement Full attention: Donald Trump's youngest daughter, Tiffany, watched the proceedings during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Ohio Tiffany Trump (left), Vanessa Trump (second left), Donald Trump Jr (center), Eric Trump (second right) and Lara Trump were never short on applauding Wednesday evening Well-timed: The family was all hands on deck showing their full support for The Donald Happy: Vanessa Trump happily waves to the crowd as she stands next to her husband, Donald Trump Jr. His brother, Eric Trump claps next to him as his wife cheers along on his left side Solidarity: The Trump family posed for a photo with a group of law enforcement officers in a show of solidarity in Cleveland on Wednesday 'HE WOULD PICK UP THE PHONE EVERY SINGLE TIME': IVANKA TRUMP TELLS SWEET STORY ABOUT CALLING DAD COLLECT EVERYDAY FROM A JANITOR'S CLOSET AT SCHOOL Previewing what she's likely to say when she takes the Republican National Convention stage on Thursday night to introduce dad, Ivanka Trump sat down with CNN to speak to chat about growing up Trump. The eldest daughter of Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, recalled sitting in a janitor's closet at school to call her father collect during recess. 'I was probably 10 years old and I called collect to the Trump Organization, which is hilarious,' she told CNN's Gloria Borger. 'And he would pick up the phone every single time,' she added. 'He's put me on speaker phone. It wasn't a long conversation. It didn't matter who was there,' she said. Donald Trump's eldest daughter Ivanka Trump sat down with CNN tonight and told a sweet story about calling her dad at work Ivanka Trump also pressed that her father wasn't sexist or racist and said those comments were hurtful to her as a daughter, but she took comfort because she knows her father so well Sometimes it would be 'titans of industry,' Ivanka Trump said, or 'heads of countries.' 'He'd always take my call,' she said. 'He'd always tell everyone in the room how great a daughter I was and say cute things and ask me about a test I took,' she added. Ivanka Trump told the journalist that the fact that her father would drop everything showed the kid of dad he was. When Borger asked Ivanka Trump if her father would read her bedtime stories like a typical dad, Ivanka Trump explained that he was 'different.' 'He wasn't long on diaper-changing and things like that, but he, I think he was maybe a bit more traditional in that regard, but he was very accessible and very available,' Ivanka Trump said. 'I never questioned that my siblings and I were his top priority,' she added. Advertisement People got on their feet and started yelling at each other when Cruz said: 'To those listening, please don't stay home in November. 'If you love our country and love your children as much as you do, stand and speak and vote your conscience vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom to be faithful to the Constitution.' 'Conscience' voting is a code word in the hall, as pro-Cruz forces tried to change party rules to let delegates vote their own consciences and not back Trump. When Cruz made his remarks, Trump was shown on a screen clapping behind Cruz, prompting boos from Cruz-backers and calls of 'Trump Trump Trump' from pro-Trump forces, a day after Trump became the GOP nominee. Waiting game: Donald Trump Jr. (left) speaks with his wife Vanessa (second left) as he waits for his father to arrive for an event on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention. On the right, Ivanka Trump, second right, and her husband Jared Kushner, right, hold hands at the event Unity: Trump and his family joined Indiana Governeo Mike Pence and his family at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland prior to Wednesday evening's speeches Strength in numbers: Both families sported smiles at the event Wednesday to cheer on Donald Trump and Mike Pence Cruz mentioned Trump's name early, as if to get it out of the way. 'I want to congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night,' Cruz said to applause. Cruz also took time in his remarks to tell the story of slain Dallas police officer Michael Smith, a former Army ranger who was gunned down by the Dallas sniper. He said Smith 'weighs on my heart' because his daughter shared the name of Cruz's daughter, Caroline. 'The day her father was murdered, Caroline gave him a hug and kiss as he left for work,' Cruz told a crowd that grew quiet for his story. 'But as they parted, her dad asked her something he hadn't asked before: 'What if this is the last time you ever kiss or hug me?' 'Later, as she thought of her fallen father, and that last heartbreaking hug, Caroline broke down in tears,' Cruz continued. 'How could anything ever be OK again?' On Thursday, Cruz doubled down and reiterated that he would not be endorsing Trump. 'I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father,' Cruz said at a morning meeting in Cleveland. Prior to the convention starting Wednesday, a few snaps on social media show Lara flashing her pearly white smile. In one picture, she is seen grinning next to her husband and in another she's taking a selfie with family friend Lynne Patton. Happy: Lara Trump shared the above snap with her husband Eric Trump prior to the convention Friends for life: Trump family friend and employee Lynne Patton shared the above photo with her good friend Lara to Instagram before the convention, where she gave a speech in support of her boss Also earlier in the day, Ivanka previewed what she's likely to say when she takes the Republican National Convention stage Thursday night to introduce her father. In an interview with CNN on Wednesday, she chatted about growing up Trump.The eldest daughter of Trump recalled sitting in a janitor's closet at school to call her father collect during recess. 'I was probably 10 years old and I called collect to the Trump Organization, which is hilarious,' she told CNN's Gloria Borger. 'And he would pick up the phone every single time,' she added. 'He's put me on speaker phone. It wasn't a long conversation. It didn't matter who was there,' she said. Sometimes it would be 'titans of industry,' Ivanka Trump said, or 'heads of countries.' 'He'd always take my call,' she said. 'He'd always tell everyone in the room how great a daughter I was and say cute things and ask me about a test I took,' she added. Ivanka told the journalist that the fact that her father would drop everything showed the kind of dad he was. He was a lawyer, a magazine publisher and one of America's most famous heartthrobs, but everyone believed what John F. Kennedy Jr was really destined for was politics. And it has been revealed, on the 17th anniversary of his tragic death, that JFK's only surviving son did in fact want to follow in his father's footsteps. Friends and confidantes of JFK Jr have come together to share memories of the man they said the public truly never understood - the man who never got the chance to reach his full potential. Just weeks before his death, John F Kennedy Jr was beginning to plan a political career that he hoped would one day lead to a job as President of the United States It has been revealed, on the 17th anniversary of his tragic death, that JFK's only surviving son did in fact want to follow in his father's footsteps (pictured together in 1963) The Kennedy curse seemed all but cemented when JFK Jr was killed at the age of 38 when the small plane he was piloting went down as he flew to a cousin's wedding at Martha's Vineyard. His wife Carolyn Bessette, 33, and her sister Lauren, 34, were also killed in the crash. It was only weeks earlier that he had decided he would run for governor of New York in 2003. Gary Ginsberg, a classmate of JFK Jr's at Brown University, believed the presidency would have been something he later pursued 'had the stars aligned'. RoseMarie Terenzio, JFK Jr's longtime assistant, agreed. 'Once we were in a meeting with Sen Al D'Amato, who said John should run for mayor of New York City,' she told People. 'After we left I asked him, "Would you ever run for mayor?" and he said no.' 'I asked him why and he said, "Well Rosie, how many mayors do you know that become President?'" Terenzio also revealed that John, once voted People's Sexiest Man Alive, was uncomfortable with his heartthrob status. The Kennedy curse seemed all but cemented when JFK Jr (pictured at his father's funeral in 1963) was killed at the age of 38 when the small plane he was piloting went down as he flew to a cousin's wedding JFK Jr (pictured here on his graduation day at Brown University) had just decided he would run for Governor of New York in 2003 It was a far cry for the boy who once dreamed of being an actor, but who many believed was always destined to be the heir of his father's Camelot 'Anything about him being a sex symbol made him so uncomfortable,' she said, recalling that John thought girls always looked like they were about 'to throw up' when they saw him for the first time. Former Clinton aide Paul Begala, who contributed to John's magazine George in the 90s, shared a similar story. 'He came to our Austin office around 1996, and he wanted to fax something. He asked for a hand, and this woman looks up and there's John F Kennedy Jr in her file room.' 'I kid you not, she hyperventilated. People had to come help her.' Despite his adoring fans and string of famous girlfriends, which included Madonna, Cindy Crawford and Sarah Jessica Parker, friends said John miraculously remained humble. 'I think he was slightly misunderstood because he was such a sweetheart, Sasha Chermayeff, John's high school classmate, told the magazine. 'People think anybody thats been through so much and they're still this happy-go-lucky person must be kind of a dummy.' 'The one thing I would want is for people to see that John was a really serious, hard-hitting thinker who would have done great things. Chermayeff also revealed that John was 'very into psychotherapy' and becoming the best version of himself. 'He really did work on himself that way,' she said. 'He said he was proud that he was facing his demons.' But before he decided on continuing the Kennedy legacy, John became a lawyer and a magazine publisher, co-founding and becoming the editor-in-chief of George Magazine (pictured with the first cover in 1995) Friends also revealed insight into the passionate and intense romance John shared with his wife Carolyne Bessette (pictured together in 1996), who was also killed in the plane crash That included a passionate and intense romance with Carolyne, who intensely struggled that life with John meant a life forever in the spotlight. 'He was enchanted with her - body and soul - from the minute he met her,' said friend Brian Steel. 'He struggled with her inability to come with the public nature of their life. But he never wavered in his commitment to helping her.' 'They had a really intense passion that manifested in loving each other but also in unbelievable fights,' said John's former housemate Chris Oberbeck. 'I don't think it was an easy relationship. You've got this electricity and this magnetic attraction that was so powerful. It certainly wasn't boring.' Chermayeff said the couple were 'deeply connected' and that John was questioning whether they would make it during the last year of his life. 'What was going to happen, we'll never know,' she said. But mostly John's friends remember a hilarious man, who once said Bill Clinton a fax at the height of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. 'Dear Mr President,' Begala said it began. 'I sat under that desk - there's barely room for a three-year-old, much less a 21-year-old intern. Cheers, JK.' 'I showed the President,' Begala said. 'And he laughed his butt off.' And despite his presidential dreams, mostly John just wanted to be a good man. 'John once told me, "Everybody expects me to be a great man, but plenty of great men were not particularly great at home. Even my father was no model,'" Begala said. 'I think it would be more interesting to be a good man,' John continued. 'He was so good,' Begala said. 'Extraordinary, hilarious, kind.' 'John's friends want him to be remembered because he was the best man we ever knew.' Investigators at a Dutch company leading the underwater hunt for Malaysia Airlines jet MH370 say they believe the plane may have glided down with a pilot at the controls rather than dived in its final moments. The latest theory means that search teams admit they many have been scouring the wrong patch of ocean for the past two years looking for the jet. Flight MH370 disappeared in March 2014 with 239 passengers and crew onboard en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur. Scroll down for video Top searchers at the Dutch company leading the underwater hunt for Malaysia Airlines jet MH370 say they believe the plane may have glided down rather than dived in the final moments, meaning they have been scouring the wrong patch of ocean for two years Divers have been searching over 120,000 square kilometres of the southern Indian Ocean off Western Australia, but the search is expected to end in three months The new theory about the doomed jet comes just days after officials said they would be examining a wing flap found last month on an East African island that is suspected to be from the missing Malaysian airliner. However, it is not believed that the discovery sparked the latest theory as Australian analysts were only given the debris to examine on Monday, while it is a Dutch team searching the ocean. Divers led by engineering group Fugro have been combing an area roughly the size of Greece for two years for the missing plane. That search, over 120,000 square kilometres of the southern Indian Ocean off Western Australia, is expected to end in three months and could be called off following a meeting of key countries Malaysia, China and Australia on Friday. So far, nothing has been found. However, search teams have yet to suggest a new area of where the aircraft could be. A map showing the area where underwater investigators have been searching and now believe it could be the wrong place and where debris has been found on La Reunion. Searchers have yet to suggest a new search area Fugro project director Paul Kennedy said: 'If it's not there, it means it's somewhere else. While Mr Kennedy does not exclude extreme possibilities that could have made the plane impossible to spot in the search zone, he and his team argue a more likely option is the plane glided down - meaning it was manned at the end - and made it beyond the area marked out by calculations from satellite images. 'If it was manned it could glide for a long way,' Mr Kennedy added. 'You could glide it for further than our search area is, so I believe the logical conclusion will be well maybe that is the other scenario.' Meanwhile relatives of people aboard the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 urged governments to step up the hunt for the aircraft. The families of passengers who went missing on MH370 hold up signs demanding to know what has happened to their loved ones It has been more than two years since the aircraft went missing en route to Beijing on a journey from Kuala Lumpur Relatives of passengers missing on Malaysia Airlines MH370 holds placards during a press conference after meeting with the Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC) and Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur Jacquita Gonzales, the wife of MH370 steward Patrick Gomes, said China and Malaysia had not contributed enough to the search effort. 'China, you could do more. I'm sorry for being so frank but you have the most at stake here,' she said at a news conference. WASHED UP DEBRIS: THE SEARCH FOR MISSING MH370 The first piece of debris believed to have come from MH370 was discovered last July on a beach on Reuinion island in the Indian Ocean. Experts believed that the debris was one of the plane's flaperon and that other debris that washed up on the shore was suitcase items from China and Indonesia. Later that year in December a grey piece of debris was found in southern Mozambique thought to belong to the aircraft. Two months later an object with the words 'no step' then washed up off the coast of the African country. Then in March this year, an engine part was found in South Africa while in Apirl the segment of a flap track fairing and part of a horizontal stabiliser were found off Mozambique. Officials say it was almost certainly from MH370. Meanwhile on Monday, investigators in Australia on said they were examining a wing flap found last month on an East African island The 'large piece of aircraft debris' arrived at the Australian Transport Safety Bureau headquarters in the capital, Canberra, for examination. Advertisement '(Malaysia), you need to do your bit and not just say 'I'm so sorry, we're short of funds, there's nowhere else to search.' Since the crash there have been competing theories over whether one, both or no pilots were in control, whether it was hijacked - or whether all aboard perished and the plane was not controlled at all when it hit the water. Adding to the mystery, investigators believe someone may have deliberately switched off the plane's transponder before diverting it thousands of miles. However, the glide view is not supported by the investigating agencies: America's Boeing Co, France's Thales SA , U.S. investigator the National Transportation Safety Board, British satellite company Inmarsat PLC, the U.K. Air Accidents Investigation Branch and the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation. Deciding on the search area in 2014, authorities assumed the plane had no 'inputs' during its final descent, meaning there was no pilot or no conscious pilot. They believe it was on auto-pilot and spiralled when it ran out of fuel. For the aircraft to continue gliding after fuel has run out, someone must manually put the aircraft into a glide - nose down with controlled speed. 'If you lose all power, the auto-pilot kicks out. If there is nobody at the controls, the aircraft will plummet down,' said a captain with experience flying Boeing 777s - the same as MH370. Like all pilots interviewed for this story, he declined to be named given the controversy around the lost jet. Fugro works on a 'confidence level' of 95 per cent, a statistical measurement used, in their case, to indicate how certain the plane debris was not in the area they have already combed, a seabed peppered with steep cliffs and underwater volcanoes. Divers led by engineering group Fugro have been combing an area roughly the size of Greece for two years. 'The end-of-flight scenarios are absolutely endless,' Fugro managing director Steve Duffield said. 'Which wing ran out of fuel first, did it roll this way or did it tip that way?' Debris has been recovered from the Maylaysian airlines jet, but divers have still been trying to find the rest of the aircraft The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the agency coordinating the search, has consistently defended the defined search zone. It did not immediately respond to questions over whether it was assessing the controlled glide theory. Authorities used data provided by Inmarsat to locate the likely plunge point through communication between the plane and satellite ground station. Police in Columbus, Ohio, are hunting a gunman who fired a high-caliber rifle at officers last night amid fears that it was a targeted attack similar to those seen in Baton Rouge and Dallas. An area just north of downtown was sealed off around midnight after shots were fired on Windsor Avenue. A message was posted around midnight on the scanner of the Columbus Police Dispatch saying: 'Officers under attack from rifle fire.' The gunman had fired at several buildings and cars and when officers arrived at the scene they too were targeted. Scroll down for video Police in Columbus, Ohio, are hunting a gunman who fired a high-caliber rifle at officers last night amid fears that it was a targeted attack similar to those seen in Baton Rouge and Dallas (pictured: officers at the scene) Police in Columbus, Ohio came under attack by a gunman using a high-caliber rifle Officers finally called off the late night hunt last night after two hours. But this morning, they tweeted that they were still searching for the suspect According to 10TV a SWAT team and a helicopter were also drafted in to search for the suspect at the junction of Windsor and Cleveland Avenues. Nobody was injured and after searching for two hours, officers eventually called off the search. But Columbus police tweeted this morning: 'FELONIOUS ASSAULT ON POLICE OFFICERS: Please RT news release & help us identify the suspect(s). This has to stop.' Columbus is the largest city in Ohio and has a population of 850,000 people, about 25 percent of whom are African-American. An area just north of downtown was sealed off around midnight after shots were fired on Windsor Avenue (an officer stands by her police car) A message was posted around midnight on the scanner of the Columbus Police Dispatch saying: 'Officers under attack from rifle fire' (pictures are officers at the scene) It is just 130 miles from where the Republican National Convention is taking place in Cleveland. The incident comes as America has been rocked by a series of shootings where police officers have been killed. At the weekend three officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were ambushed and killed by gunman Gavin Long close to a convenience store. Earlier this month in Dallas, five officers were gunned down during a Black Lives Matter protest in the city. The protest was sparked after black men, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, were shot dead by police in Louisiana and Minnesota days before. A father who allegedly doused his three young children in petrol and set one of them alight is set to appear before a judge-only trial. Eddie Herbert, 43, is accused of throwing fuel on his three-year-old daughter and her two older siblings and setting the younger girl on fire in the family's Doubleview home in Perth's north-west. The children's mother ran into the street for help and alerted neighbours after the incident in August last year, according to WA Today. Eddie Herbert, 43 (pictured), is accused of throwing fuel on his three-year-old daughter and her two siblings and setting the younger girl on fire in the family's Doubleview home in Perth's north-west Mr Herbert has been charged with one count of threatening to kill and two counts of unlawful act with intent to harm or endanger life One of the neighbours was an off-duty policewoman who extinguished the seriously injured three-year-old girl using a blanket, the paper reported. Mr Herbert's lawyer told a court last month they were waiting on a psychiatric assessment to see if her client would enter a plea of not guilty due to insanity. He has been charged with one count of threatening to kill and two counts of unlawful act with intent to harm or endanger life. His three-year-old daughter suffered burns to her face and upper body just hours after the family had celebrated her early fourth birthday day party. She was allegedly sleeping in her cot when she was set on fire. The off-duty police officer put the girl in a bath as she waited for paramedics to arrive at the scene. Mr Herbert is yet to enter a plea and will appear in court again next month. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has defended TV presenter Sonia Kruger's right to speak her mind, even on immigration. Mr Dutton weighed in on the Muslim immigration debate sparked by Ms Kruger earlier this week. He told 2GB Radio's Ray Hadley on Thursday that while he didn't agree with Ms Kruger's views, he defended her democratic right to express her opinions. Scroll down for audio Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has defended TV presenter Sonia Kruger's right to speak her mind, even on immigration 'We can't have 'thought police' out there from the left or the right saying this is OK but we censor this element,' Mr Dutton said. 'Now I don't agree with Sonia Kruger, I don't think we should stop the migration program, I think that would be a bad outcome, but I defend her right to speak her mind,' he said. 'We can disagree with her, as we do with people on the left and the right, but I think we need to recognise the vast majority of people and more religions that come to this country seem to do so in a safe way and in a way that they can contribute. 'And we should celebrate that,' 'We should respect the fact that people have certain views, we don't have to agree with them but that's the great strength of Australia.' During a panel discussion on Channel Nine's the Today Show on Monday, Sonia Kruger argued there is a correlation between the number of Muslims in a country and the number of terrorist attacks. She called for Australia to stop Muslim immigration because she wanted to 'feel safe'. 'Personally, I would like to see it stop now for Australia because I want to feel safe as all of our citizens do when we go out to celebrate Australia Day,' Ms Kruger said. The television host said she had 'a lot of very good friends' who were Muslims and peace-loving, beautiful people. 'But there are fanatics,' she added. During a panel discussion on Channel Nine's the Today Show on Monday, Sonia Kruger (pictured) argued there is a correlation between the number of Muslims in a country and the number of terrorist attacks The TV personality (pictured) said: 'Personally, I would like to see it stop now for Australia because I want to feel safe as all of our citizens do when we go out to celebrate Australia Day' The remarks sparked a social media storm but in response Ms Kruger said 'it was vital to discuss these issues without automatically being labelled racist'. She told the panel Japan has a population of 174 million people and 100,000 Muslims and the country never suffers terrorist attacks. In his talk on 2GB Radio on Thursday, Mr Dutton said we have to allow people freedom of speech as one of the things that terrorists want in the western world is for us to give up elements of our democracy. The television host said she had 'a lot of very good friends' who were Muslims and peace-loving, beautiful people. 'But there are fanatics,' she added 'They don't want young girls to be taught in schools, they don't want people to enjoy the same religious freedom that we do in our country, and one of the great things about our country is that we welcome people from that four corners of the earth. 'And that is what has made us a great country and if people are coming here to do harm, well I don't care what religion or what part of the world they're from - my job is to stop them from coming here and doing harm to other Australians 'I think that one of the things terrorists would like to see is people being stopped from speaking their mind or not able to express their point of view.' FSB has said they should quit or be stationed in Chukotka or Kamchatka spies said the new recruits betrayed their motherland with the act Dozens of high-flying trainee Russian spies have been banished to the Siberian wilderness after taking part in 'indecent' graduation that compromised their identities. The agents staged a brash cavalcade of black Mercedes Gelandewagens through Moscow streets in a mafia-style show of strength to mark their graduation from the FSB Academy. They were given the choice of quitting the country's elite security service or being stationed in Chukotka or Kamchatka, and almost all of them picked the second option. Scroll down for video Participants: Reported as rookie agents from the foreign intelligence section of the FSB spy academy Show of strength: Newly graduated FSB agents form a cortege of black Mercedes Gelandewagens in Russia Horns blaring, and police not daring to intervene, the shocking spectacle was denounced by veteran Cold War spies, and plainly infuriated Vladimir Putin, himself an ex-KGB secret serviceman who served undercover in East Germany. Now, three weeks after the event, spy chiefs in Moscow have acted against the 'guilty persons' demanding that they either quit their FSB - Federal Security Service - careers altogether, or be banished to Russia's remotest regions to serve as a punishment for their excesses. The FSB was once headed by Putin, who declined to comment on the Mercedes showboating at the time but the Kremlin publicly demanded that the service's leadership should deal with the scandal. 'The main part of FSB Academy graduates who took part in the ride of Gelandewagen cars were sent to serve in Chukotka and Kamchatka detachments,' reported Life.ru commenting on the results of an investigation. 'The graduates were offered either to agree and to go to these remote regions near the border, or to resign. 'Almost all chose the first option.' Windswept Chukotka - where Chelsea FC tycoon Roman Abramovich was once the governor - is the easternmost region of Russia straddling the Arctic Circle and almost touching Alaska, while Kamchatka is a vast volcano-and-glacier peninsula to the north of Japan on the Pacific edge of the Siberian land mass. Both locations are more than eight hours flying time from Moscow. Remote: The main part of FSB Academy graduates who took part in the ride of Gelandewagen cars were sent to serve in Chukotka and Kamchatka detachments Windswept: Chukotka - where Chelsea FC tycoon Roman Abramovich was once the governor - is the easternmost region of Russia straddling the Arctic Circle and almost touching Alaska, while Kamchatka is a vast volcano-and-glacier peninsula to the north of Japan on the Pacific edge of the Siberian land mass Brazen: The brash automobile parade took place through the streets of Moscow with horns blaring Shocking: footage of the ostentatious procession of black Gelandewagens in Moscow was posted in videos A spy source said: 'It was important for the FSB leadership to teach their graduates a lesson for such a provocative behaviour.' An FSB statement condemned the 'indecent and demonstrative behaviour' and the 'anger' it caused the public. Senior staff from the elite academy were also demoted or punished in other ways for the antics of their students. 'The leadership of the academy are subject to disciplinary actions,' the statement continued. 'Some of the directors were reduced to lower positions, others were listed for resignation.' Putin's new recruits: The FSB was once headed by Putin, who was also a KGB agent during the Cold War Millions of Russians have watched footage of the incident, with many, including veteran spies, branding it a shameful display of wealth and power at a time of economic crisis. 'For four years they were taught conspiracy, corporate ethics and that one must not reveal secrets,' retired FSB Major-General Alexander Mikhailov told the Komsomolskaya Pravda tabloid. 'So pompous and arrogant. If that's how they start their careers, they won't do any good.' The newly minted agents hired dozens of black Mercedes jeeps which they drove through the Russian capital's streets last month, blocking traffic, honking their horns, and hanging out the windows filming each other on their mobile phones. They also organised a group photograph, which showed some of the young men clutching champagne flutes. The photograph found its way onto the internet along with video footage of the convoy. The new agents' faces are clearly visible, handing a possible gift to rival foreign intelligence agencies, a fact that angered veteran Russian agents, some of whom said it amounted to treason. Videos of the parade were accompanied by the famous Emperor March from the American Star Wars movies The FSB is the main successor to the KGB, romanticised in Soviet times as the warriors of the invisible front, but feared by any who questioned authority. The FSB and the overseas intelligence organisation, the SVR, retain great influence under President Vladimir Putin, himself a former KGB officer. The Kremlin, preparing for September parliamentary polls, was unamused by the FSB graduates' exuberance. Opinion polls show a yawning gap between rich and poor is one of Russians' top worries and there are growing signs the authorities want to curb overly showy displays of wealth which might stir tension. Imposing: Lubyanka Prison (pictured) is the Moscow headquarters of the FSB. It said on Thursday that the agents involved would be punished by having the conditions of their assignments changed, that some of the Academy's trainers had been demoted and others would be fired 'For the first time in many years of celebratory events outside work, students allowed actions to take place which attracted heightened public scrutiny,' it said. 'Their indecorous showy personal behaviour linked to hiring luxury vehicles rightly caused outrage among citizens and was harshly condemned inside the security services who regarded it as incompatible with our code of ethics and service behaviour.' The academy teaches students foreign languages, counter-intelligence and investigative skills, and cryptography. Students also participate in shooting, martial arts and hand-to-hand fighting competitions. A former firefighter jailed after his alleged sex attack victim came forward in the wake of the Jimmy Savile affair has had his conviction quashed by leading judges. David Bryant, now 66, from Christchurch, Dorset, who was accused of committing an offence against a 14-year-old boy in the 1970s, was present at the Court of Appeal in London for the ruling. His 'unsafe' conviction was overturned yesterday in the light of new evidence relating to the 'credibility' of the alleged victim - who was described by judges as a 'chronic liar'. David Bryant and his wife Lynn outside the Royal Courts of Justice as his conviction for an alleged sexual offence in the 1970s was quashed after it emerged that the alleged victim was a 'chronic liar' At a previous Court of Appeal hearing a judge said the man did not report the alleged incident until 2012 'after being motivated to come forward in the aftermath of the Jimmy Savile affair' Mr Bryant, who was found guilty of sexual assault by a majority verdict in December 2013, was originally jailed for six years in January 2014. But a few months later appeal judges increased the sentence to eight-and-a-half years after ruling that the original term imposed at Bournemouth Crown Court was 'unduly lenient'. Mr Bryant was accused of carrying out the attack with another man who was working as a fireman in Christchurch after they had invited the schoolboy to their fire station to play darts with them. At a previous Court of Appeal hearing a judge said the man did not report the alleged incident until 2012 'after being motivated to come forward in the aftermath of the Jimmy Savile affair'. The man who made the accusation was named in court as Danny Day, and Sir Brian said that previous reporting in the press 'certainly makes it clear that he has waived his right to anonymity'. At the time of the alleged offence Mr Bryant was aged 26. He has been described as a man of 'impeccable character', who has led an 'exemplary' life, not only in his work as a fireman, but in wider work involving charity in the community. Mr Justice Singh, announcing the decision to quash the conviction, said that the fresh material before the court included information that 'over a period from 2000 to 2010 the complainant in this case had to seek medical attention from his GP in relation to what can only be described as his being a chronic liar'. The conviction was quashed at an appeal at the Royal Courts of Justice (pictured), London, where the judge said they 'regret' that Mr Bryant suffered the consequences that he did He said that the one issue in the case was 'credibility', adding: 'This was vital to the jury's task of resolving the conflict in the evidence between the complainant and the appellant.' It was submitted on Mr Bryant's behalf that the fresh evidence 'was such that a jury might reasonably have declined to convict'. The family of a woman gang raped twice in three years by the same men say she was attacked the second time to get revenge for going to police. Five men waited outside her school, dragged her into their car and drove to a remote location and took turns to rape her in the first attack. But after she reported the rape to police, the same men tracked her down again and brutally assaulted her again - telling her: 'You b****, we've trapped you again and we will not let you leave this time'. Target: The 20-year-old student told how she was raped again, by a group of five men who first attacked her three years ago. She is now recovering in a hospital in the city of Rohtak Horrific: The woman's mother revealed she is suffering 'extreme trauma' and has been unable to eat or stop crying since the attack on July 13 'My daughter is suffering extreme trauma and has fallen into severe depression,' her mother told MailOnline, from her daughter's hospital bedside. 'She just stares at the walls. She doesn't even blink her eyes, never mind sleep. It is simply traumatic to see my daughter in this condition.' She was 17 in 2013 when she was first attacked by the men in her hometown in Haryana State, India. Two of the five accused attackers were arrested, but were later released on bail. The remaining three escaped with just a High Court summons. The rich gang tried to pay off her family, offering them 56,500 in return for dropping the allegations against them. Unable to live knowing her attackers were still in the town, her family left their home and fled 40 miles away to the city of Rohtak. They hoped to escape the embarrassment suffered by rape victims in rural India - made worse by the fact the family is from the 'untouchable' Dalit caste, India's lowest social rung. Family: The woman's brother told how the gang of wealthy men tried to pay her in return for dropping her allegations against them, but the woman refused Protection: After the woman continued in her fight for justice against the men, they tracked her down and attacked her again in what police believe was a revenge attack Too late: Police have set up a guard at the hospital in Rohtak where the woman is being treated, after her attackers threatened her life and the lives of her family But her worst fears came true last week, when the men targeted her again. 'We left Bhiwani to hide from my daughter's attackers because we were constantly threatened by them,' added her mother. 'I am ashamed of the fact that we live in a country where the victim has to hide while the criminal manages to roam free because they have money. I am ashamed of the fact that we live in a country where the victim has to hide while the criminal manages to roam free because they have money. Victim's mother 'But this time, I will not give up. 'They raped my daughter again and I will not surrender this time. I will fight for justice until my last breath. 'She has not eaten anything since last Wednesday. She fears they will kill all of us. 'She is barely able to talk and is in severe pain in her lower body. She can't control her tears whenever we ask her anything. 'All she has said since then is that she wants to see all of them hanged to death.' After the attack she was found naked and unconscious in a park by a passerby who called the police. She was taken to a government hospital before being transferred to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGI) hospital, in Rohtak. Her brother said: 'After the two criminals were released on bail the first time round, they started tracking us and threatening us to close the case and settle out of court for 56,500. Arrest: Three Indian men attempt to hide their faces as they are brought to court in India accused of gang raping the woman Shame: The accused, who face life sentences if convicted in the first case, allegedly offered five million rupees 56,500 to the woman's family to drop the initial rape complaint 'But we refused as we wanted justice not money. We had no choice but to leave Bhiwani but we had no idea they would find us again. 'My sister demands justice and we will settle for nothing else. 'They tortured her both physically and mentally. They told her "You b****, we've trapped you again and we will not leave you this time". I will make her strong when she is out of hospital and support her to fulfil her dreams like every other woman and fight for her rights. Victim's mother 'They told her that they will kill all of us and she fears for everyone's life now.' The woman's mother works as a tailor and her father is a daily wage labourer. Between them, the couple earn just 150 a month. 'If those people think they can take advantage of us they are mistaken,' her mother continued. 'My daughter wants to see them punished and I will support her in whatever way I can. 'My little doll recovered quite well after the last attack. She dreamt of taking the civil service examinations, and took up her favourite subject, mathematics. 'To see her losing confidence and suffering like this is killing me. I can't even cry in front of her because I don't want her to feel weak. 'I will make her strong when she is out of hospital and support her to fulfil her dreams like every other woman and fight for her rights.' A police guard is currently protecting the family at the hospital. Unjust: The family of the woman who was attacked are from the Dalit caste, known as 'the untouchables' in India. They are the lowest rung on the Indian social ladder. Pictured, the hospital in Rohtak Hierarchy: People from the Dalit caste are subjected to numerous human rights abuses in the country, where many consider them to be less than human. Pictured, officers at the hospital Justice: Suman Dahiya, of the Haryana Commission for Women, branded it 'shameful' that now arrests were made before and that it took a second attack for police to seriously pursue the gang Kushal Pal Singh, Director General of Police in Haryana, said: 'Three out of the five accused have been arrested who have been identified as Amit, Jagmohan and Sandeep. 'We are hunting for the other two as they're still on the run but we are confident we'll catch them soon. 'These five are reportedly the same men who raped the girl three years ago. We are investigating the matter and further details will be revealed in some time.' The three men have been remanded in custody, still on bail for the initial rape, face life sentences if convicted. Suman Dahiya, Vice-Chairperson of Haryana Commission for Women, said: 'The girl has been medically examined and it is confirmed that she was raped. 'We are now waiting for further reports which will confirm who raped her. 'It is shameful that no arrests were made until now and it is certain that Haryana Police lacked efforts to do so. All arrests need to be made at the earliest.' Female MPs should be allowed to breastfeed in the House of Commons, a report backed by Speaker John Bercow has said. It would be a 'symbolic' move that would set an example for the rest of society to follow, Mr Bercow said as he welcomed the independent review, which looks at tackling sexism in Parliament. Allowing breastfeeding in the chamber is one of several recommendations the report backs and the Commons Speaker pledged to pursue the changes as he hit out at Parliament for being 'lazy' in reforming its 'antiquated practices and prejudice'. Female MPs should be allowed to breastfeed in the House of Commons, a report backed by Speaker John Bercow (pictured) has said The report also recommends installing transgender toilets to tackle 'gender insensitivities' in the Commons and calls for more portraits of women to be hung around Parliament to promote the role of women in British politics. Current Commons requires MPs to be dead for a decade before paintings of them can be put up in the Palace. In other recommendations, the report suggests relaxing the rules on formal dress for men, which requires male MPs to wear a suit and tie in the chamber. It says the Commons should ditch the rule because there is no 'equivalent level of formality' for women. Allowing breastfeeding in the Commons would mark a a significant change in approach in the Commons and Professor Sarah Childs, from the University of Bristol who conducted the report, accepted the move was likely to create a 'highly charged' debate. In 2001, the then Commons Speaker Baroness Boothroyd (pictured) set a precedent by rejecting the idea of breastfeeding in the Commons, telling MPs: 'You wouldn't start feeding your child if you worked on a supermarket check-out or if you were a solicitor having a meeting with a client' Before now the Commons has wanted to follow society, rather than the other way around. In 2001, the then Commons Speaker Baroness Boothroyd set a precedent by rejecting the idea of breastfeeding in the Commons, telling MPs: 'You wouldn't start feeding your child if you worked on a supermarket check-out or if you were a solicitor having a meeting with a client.' When ministers were asked to change the rules last November, campaigning MPs were told the 'Betty Boothroyd test' still applied. Deputy leader of the Commons Therese Coffey said: 'This is a work place, it isn't something people that enjoy wider than that and I do not believe there is a big view in the House to make that shift.' But as he welcomed today's report Mr Bercow said allowing MPs to breastfeed would paint the Commons as a 'role-model parent friendly institution' and it could encourage the rest of society to follow by its example. Mr Bercow will now chair a committee that will look at introducing the reforms suggested in the report. He is keen to finish his ambition of fully reforming Parliament to make it fit for the 21st century before he steps down as Speaker in 2018. Mr Bercow said: '[The report] will prove to be both important and enduring. We do tend to preserve by laziness, rather antiquated practices and prejudice.' 'We won't achieve everything in this paper overnight but by bringing people together we will achieve worthwhile things.' Calling for MPs to scrap the ban on breastfeeding, Women's Equality party leader Sophie Walker said: 'It is ridiculous that in 2015, the taboo around breastfeeding persists. Jeremy Corbyn is performing badly at PMQs because Labour MPs are not cheering him hard enough, according to ally Diane Abbott. The shadow health secretary made the bizarre claim as she insisted the veteran left-winger would win the leadership again despite around three quarters of the parliamentary party thinking he is not up to the job. Some 180,000 activists have paid 25 to register for a vote in the looming contest against former frontbencher Owen Smith, with the overhwhelming majority thought to back Mr Corbyn. But the leader is widely seen as having been trounced by Theresa May in their first clash at the regular Commons set-piece yesterday. As Labour MPs - around 70 per cent of whom have nominated his challenger Mr Smith - sat glumly Mrs May ridiculed him as an 'unscrupulous boss'. Diane Abbott said Jeremy Corbyn was struggling because Labour MPs were 'sulking' instead of cheering The Labour benches sat stony faced as Mr Corbyn was repeatedly thwacked by Theresa May yesterday But interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Ms Abbott said the MPs were to blame for the leader's poor showing. 'They refuse to cheer, they sit on their hands, they sulk,' she said. 'When Theresa May came into the chamber she got huge cheers from the Tory benches. 'When Jeremy came in their was silence.' Ms Abbot said it was 'hard to hit your stride' when the whole chamber was against you. But she insisted her ally would emerge victorious from the leadership election, and critics would then have to accept he had 'won twice'. 'Im really glad all these people have joined. We believe many of them are Jeremy supporters,' she said. 'Its not enough but its quite exciting that weve got the biggest Labour party weve ever had.' Ms Abbot also laid into Mr Smith for having worked as a lobbyist for pharmaceuticals firm Pfizer, saying party members would think it was 'distasteful'. Mr Corbyn will formally launch his bid to retain the leadership today by insisting that Britain is 'ill'. He will list the country's problems as inequality, neglect, insecurity, prejudice and discrimination. In a speech in London he will say a Labour administration would require firms to publish the new equality pay audits 'detailing pay, grade and hours of every job ... alongside data on recognised equality characteristics'. Labour MP Wes Streeting said MPs were sick of 'pretending' that Mr Corbyn was any good at PMQs 'Because it is not only women who face workplace discrimination but disabled workers, the youngest and oldest workers, black and ethnic minority workers. 'Young workers are institutionally discriminated against, not entitled to the full minimum wage, not entitled to equal rates of housing benefit and so many are now saddled with huge student debts.' Vowing that 'we are calling time on discrimination' he will commit to fund the Equality and Human Rights Commission to enforce the policy. The organisation would be responsible for monitoring the policy, taking action to eradicate discrimination and fining employers which do not provide audits. 'If our economy is to thrive it needs to harness the talents of everyone,' Mr Corbyn will say. 'So this is about making our economy stronger, the workplace fairer, reducing the discrimination that holds people back.' Ms Abbott said Mr Corbyn was finding it difficult because he was not getting backing from his MPs In an echo of the five 'giant evils' identified by William Beveridge in the 1940s, Mr Corbyn will say: 'Today what is holding people back above all are inequality, neglect, insecurity, prejudice and discrimination. 'In my campaign I want to confront all five of those ills head on, setting out not only how Labour will campaign against these injustices in opposition but also spelling out some of the measures the next Labour government will take to overcome them.' Mr Corbyn's allies believe his victory chances have been boosted by a surge of new supporters able to vote in the leadership contest. Labour received more than 180,000 applications to sign up as registered supporters, each paying 25 to get their vote - a total of more than 4.5 million for the party coffers. A spokesman for Mr Corbyn said earlier it was 'reasonable to assume' that the majority of the new registrations come from supporters of the veteran left-winger. But in an indication of the scale of division within the Labour ranks, a total of 162 of the party's MPs - some 70% of its representation in the Commons - nominated Mr Smith for the leadership, along with half of Labour's MEPs. A father battling cancer was kicked off a Monarch flight to Portugal with his family because their one-year-old son was recovering from chickenpox. Paddy and Carrie Doyle had boarded the jet at Birmingham Airport with their son Jack and five-year-old daughter Ruby when they were told the leave the aircraft. The cabin crew had discovered that Jack was recovering from chickenpox and were worried he had contagious symptoms. The family did not have a doctor's note which said Jack was fit to fly. Paddy (right) and Carrie Doyle (left) were thrown off a flight with their two children Jack and Ruby because Jack had chickenpox. Their holiday was saved by Zita Small (centre) who helped them obtain a doctor's note Ms Doyle - whose husband is fighting a brain tumour - said the family were devastated at what had happened. 'Heartbroken wasn't the word,' Ms Doyle said. 'When I had to tell Ruby to get off she was so confused and upset to be told that we weren't going on holiday again.' Despite the initial disappointment, the Doyles were back on a flight to Portugal 24 hours later, where they are now enjoying their family break. Zita Small, a customer service employee at Birmingham, was informed about what happened and offered to help the family get a doctor's letter about Jack's illness. Ms Small then went to see the family's GP at The Forum Health Centre in Coventry - after the doctor agreed to wait behind after the surgery had closed - and pick up the letter. HOW CONTAGIOUS IS CHICKENPOX? The incubation period for chickpox is seven to 21 days after exposure to the herpes varicella-zoster virus to the development of the symptoms. The disease is most contagious a day or two before the rash appears and until the rash is completely dry and scabbed over - about five to six days after the onset of the rash. Chickenpox most commonly affects children aged two to ten. Spots cover the front and back of the body and may spread to the face, arms and legs. They start as flat red blotches which quickly turn to fluid-filled blisters before drying to crusts within a day. New spots keep appearing for up to six days. There is no cure for chickenpox, and the virus usually clears up by itself without any treatment. Advertisement She then arranged for the family to fly out to Portugal the following morning at no extra cost. The family have now thanked the airport employee for racing to the rescue. Ms Doyle said: 'Not only did Zita make this holiday happen, but we've had VIP treatment all the way through. 'No queues, free food and drinks, and the captain asked to see us - and let my babies in to see the cockpit - before take off. 'A massive thank you to this incredible lady who didn't have to do all that she did for us. She went completely out of her way with no benefit to her whatsoever.' Paul Kehoe, chief executive of Birmingham Airport, said: 'We are proud to have such a diligent, hard-working and sensitive employee working here at Birmingham Airport for our partner Swissport. 'Zita showed great initiative and intuition when she helped Carrie Doyle and her family continue on their holiday. 'The airport prides itself on great customer service and here we have Zita carrying out her day-to-day role with efficiency and compassion. She is a credit.' Monarch said that the decision had been made to stop the Doyles from flying tn ensure the safety and comfort of other passengers. A spokesman for the airline added: The captain and crew must be sure that any passenger displaying signs of a contagious illness such as chicken pox must not be a risk to other passengers. The family had boarded the jet at Birmingham Airport (pictured) when they were told to disembark 'Customers require a "fit to fly" letter from a doctor if they are still showing signs of being infected, and this is clearly stated in our FAQs on our website. 'In this instance, unfortunately the family did not have necessary evidence to show that Jacks chicken pox was past the infectious stage and we therefore had no choice but to ask them to go back into the airport so that a doctors opinion could be sought.' He added that the airline was 'delighted' to have worked with Zita to help the family. 'Monarch changed their tickets to the next day, free of charge, so that they were able to fly off on holiday as soon as possible. More elderly members of the group were reportedly shaking with fear as some lay down before moving cars There followed a stand off for nearly an hour before the group of travellers left after the police arrived When councillors heard travellers were arriving, they ran out of meeting on Monday and stood in the way Essex village's green has previously been the site of illegal camp and locals were angry about the mess they left Advertisement Worried villagers lay down in front of cars and vans to stop travellers setting up camp on their playing field. Parish councillors and others from Weeley in Essex rushed out of a meeting to form a human barricade in front of a nearby park. The resulting stand-off lasted nearly an hour as locals, including a number of retired women, refused to let the travellers and their caravans onto the grass. The drama unfolded as the monthly parish council meeting was due to start in the village on Monday night. This is the moment villagers stood in the way of the group of travellers to stop them accessing a park Parish councillors and locals, who were in a meeting in the village hall when the group arrived, said the atmosphere was tense but they were determined not to allow the travellers access to the site Villagers in Weeley in Essex formed a human barrier and lay down in front of vehicles to stop the group County councillor Andy Erskine was in the car park when he saw the convoy arriving and rushed inside the meeting to raise the alarm. Mr Erskine said: 'They ran out. There were already members of the parish council laid on the ground in front of the vehicles.' Mr Erskine described the atmosphere as 'very edgy'. He said: 'Most of the parish councillors are retired ladies. I was really worried about their safety.' District councillor Mike Brown laid in front of one of the travellers cars for 20 minutes as the stand-off continued. Mr Erskine said: 'He was shaking but he was determined not to let them on to the field.' Mr Brown added: 'There was already a caravan and a truck on the field and a car and another caravan trying to get through the gate. 'Two of us stood in front of the car. It was pushing us so I laid down on the floor. I thought they will have to damage me to get in. 'The ladies went in front of the other car and there was stalemate for 40 minutes until the police turned up. By then other travellers had started to drift off.' Police persuaded the travellers to leave the site. Landowners were alerted and a farmer barricaded the playing field with heavy machinery. After word got out of what was going on, a local farmer brought down machinery to secure the site Many of the parish councillors who stood in the way are retired and they said they feared for their safety Locals said it was lucky the meeting was on at the time or they may not have realised what was happening Members of the parish council said the cars pushed into them and they feared they would be hurt (Left to right) Parish Council Vice-Chair Christine Hamilton, resident Carol Bannister, County Councillor Andy Erskine and parish councillor Anita Bailey were in the group who repelled the travellers Mr Brown, a dental technician, admitted the 'adrenaline was pumping' as he blockaded the gate. He said: 'Some people think I was blooming stupid.' Parish councillor Anita Bailey, who also joined the human shield. The NHS administrator Anita Bailey said she was concerned after she realised a wedding was due to be held in the field over the weekend and feared it would be wrecked. The 46-year-old said: 'We all got up, and fled across the field. 'By the time we got across unfortunately there was one caravan on the field, one almost on, but not quite, behind that there was a transit van, and behind that another caravan. 'These ladies have got in front of the car a couple of other parish councillors got down on the ground in front of the transit van to stop it, but it was still moving forward. So they laid down on the floor. 'I wasn't scared, I just wanted to stop what they were doing. First of all I called the police and said you need to get down here ASAP. 'I started filming, but stopped because things were getting more volatile. An illegal camp was set up on the field two years ago and the parish council was left with a major clean-up operation after travellers left the area. Photos show how the village green was occupied by travellers three years ago, sparking anger Villagers say the last travellers to move into the site left a mess which cost thousands to clear up The travellers were trying to pass through the car park of the village hall and through a gate onto the green A piece of farm machinery has now been placed behind the gate to prevent access to the field Weeley, which is near Tendring in the east of the county, has a population of around 1,768 The stand-off took place on the green in the village near Clacton in Essex in the south east of England Councillor Mike Brown said: 'It is one of the reasons we feel so strongly about it. 'Over the years myself and the tree wardens have planted probably 40 trees there and half were damaged which was a damn nuisance. 'The Scout hut couldn't operate because of human faeces. It cost a lot of money to sort it out.' The parish council also spent 2,000 on a special gate designed to keep travellers out. The travellers were accused of cutting the lock with bolt cutters, although they claimed it had been left open. 'They got past it in seconds,' said Mr Brown. Parish councillor Anita Bailey said: 'It cost us a lot of money the last time they were here and we were worried we were going to have a repeat performance. We were just determined we weren't going to let them on the field.' A Pakistani supermodel is being hunted by police in connection with the murder of a customs inspector who would have been a key witness in a money laundering case against her. An arrest warrant has been issued for Ayyan Ali, 22, by a Rawalpindi court in connection with the murder of Chaudhry Ejaz Mahmood who was shot outside his Waris Khan house in Rawalpindi last year. The customs inspector's widow alleged the supermodel, known as Ayyan, was responsible for the murder. A Pakistani supermodel is being hunted by police in connection with the murder of a customs inspector who would have been a key witness in a money laundering case against her The widow claims customs inspector was killed to protect Ayyan, pictured here getting her hair done An arrest warrant has been issued for Ayyan Ali by a Rawalpindi court in connection with the murder of Chaudhry Ejaz Mahmood who was shot outside his house last year Pakistan's top model pictued after pleading not guilty to smuggling $500,000 out of the country in controversial case The customs inspector's widow alleged the supermodel, known as Ayyan, was responsible for the murder The widow claims customs inspector was killed to protect Ayyan, according to The Express Tribune. Orders have been made to arrest the accused immediately, and warrants have also been issued for a customs superintendent Zargham and a Dr Haroon. Inspector Mahmood was shot by two unknown men outside his Waris Khan house in Rawalpindi on June 2 and died of his injuries two days later. Back in March 2015, Ayyan was arrested by customs officials at Islamabad airport after $506,800 was found in her carry on bag - more than 50 times the $10,000 legal limit. Mahmood was the man who seized the cash. She was released after spending four months in Adiala prison in Rawalpindi denying any role in money laundering. Inspector Mahmood was in charge of the PIA cargo air freight unit (AFU) state warehouse at Benazir Bhutto International Airport last year. His wife told police Mahmood admitted feeling under a lot of pressure due to his connection with the case. Pakistani supermodel Ayyan Ali displays the creation of Funk Asia in Karachi She was arrested at Islamabad airport with the cash on her, police claimed Orders have been made to arrest the accused immediately, and warrants have also been issued for a customs superintendent Zargham and a Dr Haroon Inspector Mahmood was shot by two unknown men outside his Waris Khan house in Rawalpindi on June 2 and died of his injuries two days later Since her arrest, the case has been mired in controversy and conspiracies Back in March 2015, Ayyan was arrested by customs officials at Islamabad airport after $506,800 was found in her carry on bag - more than 50 times the $10,000 legal limit Reports say she was treated favourably during her four month stint in prison Mahmood told his wife some men had told him to give false information on record to protect the supermodel or make the case against her weaker, said the Tribune. She added that her husband had told her they had threatened to kill him if he did not do as he was told. The slain inspector's brother Chaudhry Riaz Afzal also pinned the blame on Ayyan, and said that doctors at Benazir Bhutto Hospital had assured him his brother was out of danger before he was taken to the operating theatre at the request of customs officials. He died two days later on June 4. A bigamist was caught out when his first wife discovered photos of his second wedding on his Facebook page, a court heard. Former soldier Simon Crudgington wed his new partner in Prague despite never divorcing his wife Elizabeth. The father-of-two has been jailed for six months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court after admitting lying that he was free to marry. Simon Crudgington's bigamy was discovered when he wife saw a photo of his second 'wedding' online Prosecutor Joanne Barker told the court Crudgington married Elizabeth McLaren in August 2006 after meeting her four years earlier. They moved to Biddulph, Staffordshire, in 2009 but he left the marital home in 2012 when their marriage broke down. Early in 2014, Crudgington contacted his estranged wife and asked for a quick divorce, but she made it clear she was not prepared to rush the process. Miss Barker said: 'She became aware that the defendant had got engaged to somebody and was planning to marry. 'She discovered photos on Facebook of the defendant's wedding in Prague on June 27, 2014. She was a little bit surprised given her marriage had never legally ceased.' When Elizabeth contacted her husband he said it was nothing more than a blessing ceremony and was not a legal marriage. But her uncle contacted Cruddington's new wife who was unaware he was still married to Elizabeth. His first wife got an email purportedly from Shrewsbury Register Office (pictured) stating her marriage was void. When contacted, the office stated the message was not from them Elizabeth then received an email which purported to be from Shrewsbury Register Office which stated her marriage to the defendant in 2006 was not legal. Miss Barker said: 'That caused some distress to Mrs Crudgington. She and her uncle made further inquiries with the register office who quickly confirmed they had not sent such an email and the contents were not true and the wedding in 2006 was legal.' The court was also told Crudington had also visited Haringey Register Office before his illegal marriage in the Czech capital and claimed he was single and free to marry. Crudgington, of Wolverhampton, West Midlands, pleaded guilty to making a false declaration to procure a marriage and bigamy. Jason Holt, mitigating, said: 'The twisting of the truth snowballed. One lie led to another and he finds himself before this court as a result. He has lost both relationships.' Crudgington married his second wife in Czech capital Prague, but was caught out by social media He added that the defendant, who served in Bosnia and completed two other tours of duty, is remorseful. Jailing Crudgington, Judge Paul Glenn said: 'You signed a notice which makes it very clear the possible consequences of making a false declaration. 'Soon after you manufactured an email purporting to be addressed to you that your first marriage was null and void. A murder suspect who escaped from a Florida courthouse after wriggling free of his shackles has been recaptured without a shot being fired. Dayonte Resiles, 21, who escaped from Broward County Courthouse on Friday, was arrested just before 11pm last night in West Palm Beach. Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said Resiles surrendered at a Days Inn motel. Resiles, who was alone, was surrounded by a SWAT team who ordered him to come out of his room and lie face down on the ground, where he was then handcuffed. He was not armed, did not resist arrest and no shots were fired. Dayonte Resiles (left) is back in custody after being caught by a SWAT team at a Days Inn motel in West Palm Beach. Armed police (right) have been hunting for him since he escaped from a courthouse on Friday Sheriff Israel said at least one person may be eligible for the $50,000 reward which was offered for information leading to his capture. Resiles bolted out of a Fort Lauderdale courtroom on Friday as he awaited a hearing, ran down several flights of stairs and got away with help from accomplices. Five people have been arrested and charged with helping him flee. Resiles is accused of stabbing to death 59-year-old Jill Halliburton Su, whose family founded the Halliburton oil services company. Resiles is accused of murdering Jill Halliburton Su (pictured right, with husband Nan-Yao Su) who was found stabbed to death in the bathtub at her upscale mansion in September 2014 Her body was found, bound at the hands and feet and stabbed multiple times, in the bathtub of her home in Davie, Florida. Prosecutors say Resiles killed Ms Halliburton Su during an attempted burglary and they filed papers earlier this year saying they planned to seek the death penalty. Resiles has pleaded not guilty and his attorney is trying to get the death penalty off the table. Investigators say Friday's escape was carefully planned by Resiles and his accomplices, who included his 18-year-old girlfriend LaQuay Stern. Resiles was sitting in the jury box when he escaped his shackles, jumped a courtroom barrier and ran past bailiffs. A car was waiting near the courthouse with a change of clothes. Resiles' girlfriend LaQuay Stern (left) has been charged with helping him escape from court Friday. Winston Russell (right) has also been charged and both have been remanded in custody Yesterday another jail inmate, Walter M. Hart III, 22, became the fifth person charged in connection with the escape. Prosecutors say courthouse video showed Hart, who is awaiting trial in a separate 2014 murder case, 'work in concert with Resiles to begin to defeat the shackling system used to secure inmates'. Court documents say Hart, with his back to the camera 'holds up the waist chain, which allows Resiles to begin manipulating the restraints', leading to his escape moments later. Sheriff Israel said armed deputies, rather than unarmed bailiffs, will now accompany maximum-security inmates in the courtroom. The sheriff has promised an investigation into the circumstances of the escape. Stern, Winston Russell, 22, and two twins, Kretron and TreVon Barnes, 17, have been charged with assisting Resiles' escape. Stern allegedly parked her silver BMW under a bridge next to the courthouse, where she waited with Russell. It is alleged that as Resiles slipped out of his handcuffs and leg shackles and broke for the door, one of the twins coughed into a cellphone to signal to Stern and Russell that he was on his way. Resiles fled the courtroom, shed his jail jumpsuit, leapt into Stern's car and sped off, claimed Sheriff Israel. Russell allegedly gave him a change of clothes and also had a police uniform, although that was apparently not used. Stern and Russell allegedly drove Resiles to an apartment and he then vanished into thin air. A huge manhunt was launched and a nationwide alert was issued, backed by a reward of $50,000, but Resiles had not gone far, and was arrested in a neighboring county. South African prosecutors said today they would push for a longer sentence for Paralympian Oscar Pistorius, who was jailed for six years earlier this month for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Celebrated sprint champion Pistorius shot Steenkamp, a model and law graduate, in the early hours of Valentine's Day in 2013, saying he mistook her for a burglar when he fired four times through the door of his bedroom toilet. 'The sentence of six years imprisonment, in all the circumstances, is disproportionate to the crime of murder committed (and) shockingly too lenient,' the National Prosecuting Authority said in a strongly worded statement. South African prosecutors said today they would push for a longer sentence for Paralympian Oscar Pistorius, who was jailed for six years earlier this month for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp When he was sentenced earlier this month, Pistorius' lawyers said the Paralympic athlete would not appeal against the term, which was criticised by many activists as too short. High Court judge Thokozile Masipa listed several mitigating factors for sentencing him to less than half the minimum 15-year term for murder, including the athlete's claim he believed he was shooting an intruder. The NPA added the sentence was 'an injustice and has the potential to bring the administration of justice into disrepute', adding that it would file papers to apply for leave to appeal on Thursday. A relative of Pistorius has spoken to MailOnline since the news broke and said: 'I think this is stupid. 'They won't get anywhere with this, I don't know how Oscar will feel about it. 'I imagine he will be told today, perhaps the appeal court will give him even less than six years. 'I will have to speak to the rest of the family and the lawyers and see what is going to happen.' The Paralympic champion, previously a role model for disabled people worldwide, is being held in Kgosi Mampuru II prison in Pretoria In a statement, the Steenkamp family said: 'June and Barry have always fully supported Gerrie Nel and his team's fight for justice for Reeva. 'As they have no input in the decision of the state to appeal, they are focusing their energy on the upcoming official media launch of The Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation on August 19, on what would have been Reeva's 33rd birthday, at Sun International's 'The Boardwalk', in her hometown of Port Elizabeth. 'Reeva was killed on the same morning she was due to deliver a speech against the abuse of woman, at a school in Johannesburg. 'June strives to be Reeva's voice and continue Reeva's passion in educating and empowering victims of domestic violence and abuse.' THE NATIONAL PROSECUTING AUTHORITY'S FULL STATEMENT The NPA has carefully considered the sentence handed to Mr Oscar Pistorius and has decided to file an application for leave to appeal in terms of section 316(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 against the sentence imposed by Honourable Judge Masipa in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, on July 6, 2016. The papers will be filed today, July 21, 2016. We respectfully submit that the sentence of six years imprisonment, in all the circumstances, is disproportionate to the crime of murder committed, in casu, that is to say, shockingly too lenient, and has accordingly resulted in an injustice and has the potential to bring the administration of justice into disrepute. We hope that this appeal will also clarify further the principles of sentencing, particularly in crime categories for which there are prescribed minimum sentences ordained by legislation, notwithstanding the fact that a judicial officer has a discretion to deviate from the minimum sentence after considering compelling circumstances. Advertisement Pistorius, who pleaded not guilty at his trial in 2014, has always denied killing Steenkamp in a rage, saying he was trying to protect her Pistorius, 29, began his sentence at the start of the month after he had his conviction of manslaughter was last year upgraded to murder for shooting dead his girlfriend three years ago. At the moment he is eligible for parole after serving between half to two-thirds of his sentence. Judge Masipa said: 'He cannot be at peace. I'm of the view that a long term of imprisonment will not serve justice.' The Paralympic champion, previously a role model for disabled people worldwide, is being held in Kgosi Mampuru II prison in Pretoria. He was released from the same jail last October after serving one year of a five-year term for culpable homicide - the equivalent of manslaughter. But an appeals court upgraded his conviction to murder in December. At a hearing in June, Pistorius, sobbing heavily, hobbled on his stumps across the courtroom to demonstrate his physical vulnerability. His lawyers had argued he should not be returned to jail on account of an anxiety disorder and depression. At a hearing in June, Pistorius, sobbing heavily, hobbled on his stumps across the courtroom to demonstrate his physical vulnerability Pistorius, who pleaded not guilty at his trial in 2014, has always denied killing Steenkamp in a rage, saying he was trying to protect her. The Supreme Court of Appeal last year ruled he was guilty of murder, irrespective of who he believed was behind the door, when he opened fire with a high-calibre pistol he kept under his bed. A bridesmaid died on her best friend's hen do in Spain after having a routine operation to drain an abscess in her tooth. Natalie Beaumont, 31, was on the fourth day of Sam Thompson's hen party in Malaga when she went to A&E with toothache. Earlier that day, the 11-person hen party, who were staying in a villa, had been on a boat trip and done karaoke - all of which Ms Beaumont had arranged as bridesmaid. Natalie Beaumont, 31, died on her best friend's hen do in Malaga after having a routine tooth operation. she is pictured left with the bride to be Sam Thompson and right with her husband Brett But, after undergoing the procedure on Thursday morning, Ms Beaumont suddenly died. Her family is yet to find out the cause of death. Her husband Brett, to whom Ms Beaumont was married for five years, has now paid tribute to his wife, describing her as the kindest person he had ever met. 'Everybody who knew her loved her. She was a wonderful step-mum to my daughter Lucy,' he said. 'We were not just husband and wife, we were best friends. 'We spent time travelling together and at the Scape House pub up the road where everybody loved her.' Earlier that day, the group, who were staying in a villa, had been on a boat trip and done karaoke - all of which Ms Beaumont had arranged as bridesmaid. The hen party is pictured above He added that Ms Beaumont, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, was always smiling. Ms Beaumont went to A&E because she had pain in her tooth. The cause of death is unknown 'She had just so much love for everyone and never had a bad word to say about anyone. I loved her more than life itself,' he said. He also thanked well-wishers for their kind messages, cards and texts. 'It is so nice to see the love that people have shown for her. She was a lovely person and it's such a tragic loss,' he said. The bride-to-be added that her best friend's death had been a 'massive shock'. She said: 'She was the most genuine and caring person, full of life and love, one of those very rare people that you meet.' She said Ms Beaumont had planned the hen do down to the last detail. 'She planned the whole thing, which was perfect,' she said. 'It was amazing. She put so much care and thought into every little bit. 'For her to go on a hen do and not come home is unthinkable.' Ms Beaumont's sister Vicki Field, who was also on the hen do, said: 'Natalie was adored by all of her family.' A lawyer representing Brock Turner, the former Stanford University swimmer convicted of sexual assault, asked his victim if her behavior was 'silly' and whether she 'chugged' alcohol, courtroom transcripts have revealed. Turner, 20, was jailed for six months in March for attacking an unidentified 23-year-old woman outside a fraternity house in January 2015. The athlete had taken the Palo Alto woman from a party and was found raping her unconscious body behind a set of dumpsters nearby. The transcripts, released on Tuesday, showed an exchange between defense attorney Mike Armstrong and the victim, BuzzFeed reported. A lawyer representing Brock Turner, the Stanford swimmer convicted of sexual assault, asked his victim if her behavior was 'silly'. Left, Turner smoking out of a hash pipe, and, right, his mugshot on the night of the crime A portion of the cross-examination reads as follows: Armstrong: 'You also talked about, fairly shortly after you got to the Kappa Alpha house, pretending to welcome people and singing and embarrassing your sister. Thats what you decided to do at that time; right? That was an intentional thing. Victim: 'Intentional to welcome people or to be silly?' Armstrong: 'To be silly.' Victim: 'Yes.' Armstrong: 'Okay. And it would be the same thing when you drank the quantity of vodka in the red cup. You drank it all down at once; right? Victim: 'Yes.' Armstrong: 'Like, chugged it.' Victim: 'Yes.' The lawyer also asked her if she did a lot of partying at college, to which she replied: 'I would not consider myself a party animal.' Turner, a former Olympic swim team hopeful, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 23-year-old woman on the Stanford university campus. Pictured above entering court the day of his sentencing At Turner's sentencing hearing, the woman slammed the defense's 'twisted logic' in a statement. Turner, of Dayton, Ohio, was sentenced to six months in Elmwood Jail, in Milpitas, California, where the majority of the 3,500 inmates are housed in military barracks and tents. He will be required to attend drug and alcohol counseling in addition to being randomly tested after he was caught lying about his high school habits. MSNBC's Chris Matthews made an exceptionally awkward on-air blunder when he asked SNL funnyman Michael Che who his favorite black comedian is. Matthews invited Che and his Weekend Update co-anchor Colin Jost onto his show on Wednesday, broadcast from the GOP Convention, and the three drifted into conversation about the lack of diversity at the event. During the interview, Matthews asked Che outright, 'Who's the funniest black guy?' MSNBC's Chris Matthews, left, asked Michael Che, center, who he thought the best black comedian was Che froze at first while his co-anchor Jost burst into laughter. 'You know what, I'm going to say Cosby so nobody gets mad at you,' Che said. 'Now that'll be the headline.' Matthews tried to tame the awkwardness by making a joke about not saying anything bad 'about the dead'. When he was first asked the question, Che froze up - not quite sure how to answer. Meanwhile, his Weekend Update co-host Colin Jost, right, started hysterically laughing While the interview appeared to be awkward for Che, Matthews seemed to be enjoying the SNL duo's jokes 'Did he die on air? Did we not know?' Jost deadpanned. The three then changed the topic to talk about Dr Ben Carson's speech. But Matthews brought up the awkward question yet again as he closed out the interview a few minutes later. As he grabbed Che's shoulder he asked 'It's Chris Rock, right? Funniest black guy?' Jost laughed again while Che rolled his eyes and nodded. 'You know what, I'm going to say Cosby so nobody gets mad at you,' Che said. 'Now that'll be the headline.' Eight Turkish military officers who fled to Greece in last week's failed coup have been handed a suspended two-month prison sentence as officials announced a 'graveyard for traitors' will be built for plotters. Istanbul's mayor has allocated a space for so-called dissenters to be buried after 104 coup plotters were killed last weekend as fighting broke out in Ankara, Istanbul and elsewhere. More people with ties to the plot could yet be killed as the government considers reintroducing the death penalty for those involved. The officers, sought by Turkey to face a military trial at home, have requested asylum in Greece and will remain in police custody until their cases on that issue are heard early in August. A Turkish military officer is escorted by Greek police officers to the courthouse of Alexandroupoli near the Greek-Turkish border The prison sentence for illegal entry was suspended for a three-year period, the court in the northern city of Alexandroupoli said, taking into account that the men felt threatened. In his defence, one of the Turkish officers told the court through a translator that he did not want to return home owing to 'indiscriminate' arrests by Ankara authorities. 'We saw indiscriminate arrests of military personnel and we were afraid,' the suspect said. Another said: 'I'm proud to be an army man. I would not have left Turkey had my life not been in danger.' The case threatens to strain ties between the two NATO allies, with Ankara labelling the eight 'terrorists'. Eight Turkish soldiers fled to Greece by helicopter after last week's failed coup attempt The Turkish soldiers are accused of 'illegal entry' into Greece after landing by helicopter at the airport of Alexandroupoli Turkey's ambassador has warned that failure to return the officers 'will not help' ties. 'I hope we will manage to swiftly go through the phases of due process and manage to return these terrorist elements so that they will face justice,' Kerim Uras told reporters in Athens on Tuesday. 'We thought of going to Bulgaria, Romania or Greece - finally we chose Greece,' said the officer who opened Thursday's trial, held under tight security. The officers flew to Alexandroupoli by military helicopter on Saturday and were allowed to land after sending a distress signal to authorities. A Turkish detachment arrived after them and returned the Black Hawk helicopter to Turkey. Greek military units have been placed on 'heightened vigilance' amid reports that additional Turkish military personnel could be trying to flee to the Greek islands, a navy spokesman told AFP. The soldiers covered their heads with towels and scarfs as they were lead into the courthouse The eight men, who declined to give their ranks and units in court, arrived in handcuffs with their faces hidden. They claim that they were in the process of airlifting wounded men during the clashes that broke out during the attempted coup on Friday, but came under fire by police. 'We had to land in a field near Istanbul and wait, before deciding to flee,' the first suspect said. According to one of their lawyers, Ilia Marinaki, the soldiers - identified on arrival as two commanders, four captains and two sergeants - fear for their safety and that of their families after the abortive bid to topple President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkish authorities insist they would receive fair treatment at home, despite indications that some suspects have been subjected to rough treatment as Erdogan launches a huge crackdown on suspected coup plotters. Historic foes, Greece and Turkey both became members of NATO in 1952. Ties have improved dramatically in recent years although there are irritants such as airspace and maritime border disputes. To block their deportation to Turkey, they have applied for asylum in Greece Greece last year also faulted Turkey for allowing thousands of mainly Syrian refugees and migrants to sail to its shores, before an EU deal stemming the flow came into force in March. Meanwhile, announcing plans to bury people killed in the coup attempt, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Kadir Topbas said: 'I ordered a space to be saved and to call it "the graveyard for traitors". 'Everyone visiting the place will curse them and they wont be able rest in their graves, he added, the Hurriyet Daily reports. President Erdogan is conducting a national 'purge' and 50,000 people have already been detained or suspended from their jobs. Mayor Topbas said that plotters 'wont be saved from hell'. 'We need make the world unbearable for them,' he said. Soldiers with ties to the coup will also be denied a religious funeral service, except this who were 'forced' to take part, Turkeys Religious Affairs Directorate (Diyanet) said. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Kadir Topbas said: 'I ordered a space to be saved and to call it "the graveyard for traitors" The mayor said people visiting the graveyard will ensure coup plotters 'wont be able rest in their graves' (file photo) The rebel army faction who took part in the coup attempt called themselves the 'Peace Council'. They said they were trying to overthrow the government to 'protect human rights' and restore democracy from Erdogan's Justice and Development Party, AKP, which has repeatedly faced criticism from human rights groups and Western allies over its brutal crackdowns on anti-government protesters. However, Erdogan has blamed his old scapegoat, Fethullah Gulen for orchestrating the uprising. The wife of former Tony Abbott staffer David Oldfield has slammed Pauline Hanson for claiming the pair had sex the first night they met. For the past two decades Mr Oldfield, who co-founded One Nation, has staunchly denied having sex with Ms Hanson in a motel room the first night the pair met. Mr Oldfield's wife Lisa said the controversial politician's ongoing claims the two had a sexual relationship is 'poor form'. 'Her suggestion is that they slept together on what was essentially a first date so it was very poor form and really a bad reflection on her I think,' she said in an upcoming SBS documentary. The documentary's producer, Michael Cordell, told Channel Nine's A Current Affair: 'It was an intriguing relationship between Pauline and David Oldfield. 'Who knows exactly what went on there but there's certainly a difference of opinion between them on their relationship and what happened when they first met.' Scroll down for video Lisa Oldfield, left, the wife of former Tony Abbott staffer David Oldfield, has slammed One Nation leader Pauline Hanson for claiming the pair had sex the first night they met David Oldfield has denied he had sex with Pauline Hanson on the night he met her (pictured together in 1998) The documentary, Pauline Hanson: Please Explain! airs on SBS on July 31 In the lead-up to the documentary a series of media reports falsely claimed that Oldfield admitted to having 'sex without romance' with Ms Hanson - when he had actually said 'no romance in that sense.' Mr Oldfield, now 58, told Daily Mail Australia he was 'offended and horrified' at the reports and was launching immediate legal action to keep the media outlets accountable. 'Im absolutely appalled ... I have two young children who go to a Christian school and some of the things which have been attributed to me are simply inaccurate,' Mr Oldfield said. 'There are quite serious matters being put in quotation marks as having come from me that are utterly incorrect.' Mr Oldfield said reports that he had admitted to engaging in 'sex without romance' with Ms Hanson was 'utterly incorrect' and 'seriously appalling... as a father of two young children' (seen together in 2011 at his morning radio show on 2UE before he was suspended for making controversial comments about detainees on Christmas Island) The documentary, titled 'Pauline Hanson: Please Explain', takes a look at the life of Ms Hanson, including her relationship with Mr Oldfield, who acted as her former adviser at the One Nation Party. Mr Oldfield had been working as an advisor to Tony Abbott when he saw Ms Hanson make her famous 1996 maiden speech warning Australia was 'in danger of being swamped by Asians'. He then contacted her to arrange a meeting at a pub in Canberra, which led to dinner for two and an overnight stay at a motel together. In an interview on the new documentary, Ms Hanson, now 62, alludes to having sex with Mr Oldfield, but the politician has continued to deny the pair had sexual relations at any time during the party's history. A media spokeswoman for SBS confirmed that Oldfield used the word 'sense' in the documentary not 'sex', and media outlets who misquoted him had been notified. Mr Oldfield was working as an advisor to Tony Abbott in 1996, but defected to help Ms Hanson form the One Nation party. Mr Oldfield has always denied they were intimate 'He came over to the motel I was staying in, we had dinner and he stayed the night. He left the next morning,' Ms Hanson said in the documentary (pictured together in 2011 at his radio show) 'He just said his name was David, he wouldn't tell me his last name for reasons who he worked for,' Ms Hanson said in the documentary, describing her first encounter with Mr Oldfield. 'He came over to the motel I was staying in, we had dinner and he stayed the night. He left the next morning.' But Mr Oldfield said in his interview for the documentary 'there was no romance in that sense'. 'I just did what I needed to do for Tony, and when I was able to do other things for Pauline, I did that too,' he continued. Mr Oldfield later defected from the Liberal Party and worked on the formation of the One Nation party. In her 2007 autobiography, 'Untamed and Unashamed', Ms Hanson had claimed the pair had been intimate for two weeks in 1996. Mr Oldfield denied the suggestion, and even participated in a televised lie detector test on Channel Seven in a bid to prove Ms Hanson's claims wrong - but failed. Mr Oldfield said in his interview for the documentary 'there was no romance in that sense' (Mr Oldfield pictured speaking in the documentary A documentary to air on SBS on July 31 explores the impact Pauline Hanson's One Nation had on multiculturalism (Ms Hanson pictured in parliament during her last stint in politics) A mug shot of Pauline Hanson has surfaced more than a decade after she was jailed and acquitted of electoral frau 'I guarantee and have always said that at no stage during the life of the party did anything like that happen,' Mr Oldfield told Daily Mail Australia earlier this month. 'These are not things that one discusses. I've never stopped denying that it happened, but these are not things that should be discussed. 'Even if it happened, a gentleman doesn't discuss it.' He said she 'might not be over personal things that I am now'. Mr Oldfield was thrown out of the party in 2000 by Ms Hanson because of 'personal matters' he would not expand on. 'She had me expelled in 2000 for personal matters that got out of hand that neither of us dealt with very well. It culminated in her organising in me getting expelled,' he told Daily Mail Australia earlier this month. Despite the disagreement, Mr Oldfield has thrown his support behind Ms Hanson as she prepares to return to the Senate after 18 years on the outs. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Oldfield for comment. Pauline Hanson: Please Explain! will premiere on Sunday, July 31 at 8.35pm on SBS. In her 1996 maiden speech, Ms Hanson said Australia was 'in danger of being swamped by Asians' (Ms Hanson pictured during a news conference in Brisbane recently) This is the last picture ever taken of the tragic 12-year-old girl found dead in a caravan at a holiday park on the first day of the school summer holidays. Paige Daughtry, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, was found unresponsive by paramedics at Cala Gran Holiday Park in Fleetwood, Lancashire, on Monday. Lancashire Police were called to the holiday park by the ambulance service at around 9:40pm on Monday evening. This is the last photograph of Paige Daughtry, taken by her mother before her tragic death on Monday Paige was staying with her family at the holiday park at the start of the school holidays when she died Schoolgirl Paige was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where she died a short while later. Police are treating the death as 'unexplained'. The photo was taken by Paige's mother Ann Daughtry in the day's before her tragic death. Ms Daughtry was too upset to speak today. A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: 'The girl was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital for treatment but sadly died a short time later. 'The death is currently being treated as unexplained and enquiries are continuing. A post mortem examination to try to establish the cause of death will take place in due course.' A spokesman for Cala Gran Holiday Park said: 'Emergency services were called to the park on Monday evening to tend to a 12-year-old female guest who later passed away. 'This is a tragic incident, and our heartfelt condolences go to the girl's family, who we have offered our support to.' Paige died after being found unresponsive in a caravan at Cala Gran Holiday Park in Fleetwood, Lancashire An accomplice told the Nice Bastille Day killer to 'load the truck with 2,000 tonnes of iron, release the brakes and I will watch' months before the terror attack which killed 84 people. The Bastille Day truck attack had been planned for 'several months' and terrorist Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel had 'support and accomplices' before he went on the deadly rampage, a prosecutor has revealed. Prosecutor Francois Molins said five suspects currently in custody are facing preliminary terrorism charges for their alleged roles in helping Bouhlel, in a judicial inquiry opened on Thursday. Molins said information from the terrorist's phone showed searches and photos that indicated he had been studying an attack since 2015. Four men and a woman are accused of being 'involved in the preparation' of the attack. The five suspects were presented to anti-terrorism judges and charged with a number of crimes, including complicity to murder and possessing weapons tied to a terrorist enterprise. Scroll down for videos French police have found a Kalashnikov rifle and a bag of ammunition in the basement of the man they believed received text messages from the Bastille Day attacker Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, pictured right 'Investigations have not only confirmed the premeditated nature of the attack, but allowed us to establish that (Bouhlel) had support and accomplices in the preparation and execution of his criminal act,' Molins said. In one chilling turn of events, Molins said that one of the suspects, a Tunisian named Mohamed Oualid G, had filmed the scene of the crime the day after the carnage, as it crawled with paramedics and journalists. Analysis of Bouhlel's telephone revealed pictures taken at a Bastille Day fireworks display in Nice in 2015, as well as a concert on the Promenade des Anglais on July 17, 2015, at which he had zoomed in on the crowd. On May 26 last year, he took a photo of an article about the drug Captagon which Molins said was 'used by some jihadists responsible for attacks'. 'It appears... that Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel planned and developed his criminal project for several months before taking action,' said Molins. On April 4, another Tunisian, Chokri C, 37, had sent Bouhlel a Facebook message reading: 'Load the truck with 2,000 tonnes of iron... release the brakes my friend and I will watch'. More than 400 investigators have been poring over evidence since the July 14 attack in which Bouhlel rammed a truck into crowds on the Nice promenade, leaving 84 dead and over 300 injured. FRENCH MINISTER ADMITS NO NATIONAL POLICE WERE AT ENTRANCE TO NICE WALKWAY France's interior minister has acknowledged there was no national police presence at the entrance to a pedestrianised walkway in Nice during the Bastille Day truck attack that killed 84 people. In what represents a backtracking from his previous claim that there was, Bernard Cazeneuve says local police, who are more lightly armed, were guarding the entrance where Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel drove his truck. Cazeneuve defended himself against charges in French newspaper Liberation he lied publicly about there being a national police presence at the entry point - with their cars blocking the road. In a statement, Cazeneuve accused the paper of conspiracy theories and maintains that several 'heroic' national police - who shot dead the attacker - were stationed further down the promenade. Advertisement The news comes after French police found a Kalashnikov rifle and a bag of ammunition in the basement of a man they believe received text messages from the Bastille Day attacker just minutes before the massacre. The raid was reportedly carried out as part of the investigation into the 22-year-old who allegedly discussed weapons with Bouhlel on the night he drove a truck into a crowded promenade in Nice. Investigators said data found on Bouhel's mobile phone indicate he was also studying several locations where crowds gathered. One photo shows a fireworks display on August 15, another a race on January 10 along the Promenade des Anglais where the attack took place, while a third shows the opening times of a fan zone during Euro 2016. However, Jean-Pascal Padovani, the lawyer for the 22-year-old suspect, has denied 'any implication in a terrorist act' by his client. Among the other suspects appearing in court are another three men and one woman aged between 22 and 40. They include a 40-year-old whom Bouhlel had known for a long time and a 38-year-old Albanian, detained along with his girlfriend and suspected of providing the attacker with an automatic pistol. Like Bouhlel, none of those arrested were known to French intelligence prior to the attack. It comes as the French government is scrambling to reassure a jittery population after the country's third major attack in 18 months. France's National Assembly and Senate are also set to pass a bill extending the state of emergency - which gives police extra powers to carry out searches and place people under house arrest - for six months. The massacre on the Promenade des Anglais left 84 people dead after Bouhlel drove a truck into the crowds The truck that Bouhlel used to mow down the victims who had been watching Bastille Day fireworks in Nice It is the fourth time the security measures have been extended since Islamic State jihadists struck Paris in November, killing 130 people at restaurants, a concert hall and the national stadium. On Wednesday, MPs also voted to allow authorities to search luggage and vehicles without prior approval from a prosecutor and to allow the police to seize data from computers and mobile phones. The legislation also makes it easier for authorities to shut down places of worship where calls for violence and hate are made. ISIS posted a video apparently shot in Iraq, where they holds swathes of territory, showing two French-speaking jihadists threatening more attacks against France ISIS has said the Tunisian driver was one of its 'soldiers' but investigators say that while he showed a recent interest in jihadist activity, there was no evidence he acted on behalf of the extremist group. The group posted a video apparently shot in Iraq, where ISIS holds swathes of territory, showing two French-speaking jihadists threatening more attacks against France. A family who were left 1,300 out of pocket by travel agent Lowcostholidays were stunned when they received a mocking email from customer services which read: 'This company is full of s***'. Ashlie Sefton, 22, and her partner James Quinn, 29, had paid for an all-inclusive week's holiday in Gran Canaria when the company went bust. When they realised their payment had not been transferred to the hotel, the couple sent an email to customer services asking for help. Ashlie Sefton, 22 (pictured with three-year-old daughter Rosie) was stunned when she emailed online travel site Lowcostholidays to ask about her planned trip and they emailed back saying: 'This company is full of s***' When Ms Sefton realised the payment had not been transferred to the hotel by the failed company, the couple sent an email to customer services asking for help - but received this mocking reply But they were astonished when they received a reply from the official company account which simply said: 'Bless you.' Minutes later, they received another email which urged them to take action against controversial CEO Paul Evans and group HR manager Roger Parks. It added: 'Hehehe.... another naive tourist....this company is full of s***. They don't pay for hotels, they don't pay salaries to employees and you want you money back?? Go to court and sue as they are the cheaters.' Ms Seften, from Hornchurch, Essex - who was planning on taking the couple's three-year-old daughter on the holiday - said she was 'really shocked'. 'I was so angry I could barely put it into words,' she said. 'It was the worst feeling in the world - feeling like they were laughing at people that they took money off of. 'There is clearly no remorse whatsoever. I was really really angry as they were laughing and I had a three-year-old who was looking forward to going on holiday.' Ms Sefton, a full-time mother, and Mr Quinn, a pipe fitter, paid for the holiday in full in October last year and were due to jet off later this week. They say they only found out that the holiday had not been covered by Lowcostholidays when they received an email from the airport transfer company on Friday night. It was then that Ms Sefton emailed customer relations asking for an explanation. The initial message from the site's official account simply said 'Bless you'. Ms Sefton then received another reply which urged her to sue the company The company ceased trading on July 15, blaming a fall in bookings for destinations such as Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia and Orlando. It emerged last week that the failed travel firm lured in customers with a cut-price sale just hours before it collapsed into administration. The company had prolonged a summer sale promising up to 60 per cent off trips. Less than 24 hours later, the firm posted a message on Facebook on Friday, saying: 'We deeply regret to announce that the lowcosttravelgroup (LCTG) ceased to trade on July 15, 2016.' At the time, it had 27,000 customers overseas on holidays, and a further 110,000 who have booked trips and were hoping to go abroad in the next few weeks. In 2013, Mr Evans controversially decided to move the firm's offices from the UK to Spain, so it was no longer part of an industry safety-net run by travel body Atol, which protects travellers if the firm they booked with folds. British airlines regulator the Civil Aviation Authority tried to block Lowcostholidays from leaving the Atol scheme, but failed. The collapse came ahead of the busiest few days of the year for travel operators, as schools prepared to break up for the summer holidays. Around 120 staff were employed by the company at Gatwick and their jobs are now at risk. Sales staff were mainly self-employed and are now owed thousands of pounds in unpaid earnings. ' The film went around the world. A man on a scooter risking his life in a desperate attempt to stop Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel on his murderous rampage on the Promenade des Anglais which left 84 people dead and dozens of others injured and maimed. Pulling alongside as the lorry starts to slow, he leaps for the cab but in the next frame he disappears. Until now it had been feared that the unknown man died in his heroic bid, as brave as it was desperate, either under the wheels or shot as the killer pulled out his pistol. Hero: Franck said he was 'prepared to die' as he flung himself into the cab of Mohamed Bouhlel's truck and punched him several times, desperate to stop his murderous rampage He didn't even flinch: Despite Franck's best efforts, Bouhlel brushed off the assault and tried - but failed - to shoot the have-a-go hero Franck was filmed as he desperately tried to stop Bouhlel by trying to jump from his bike and onto the lorry as it ploughed along the road at high speed But today he is revealed as a 49-year-old Nice airport employee who will only give his first name, Franck. Still haunted by the images of the dead and dying he weaved through on his bike to stop the cab he said: I was ready to die to stop it. Finally I got to the cab, grabbed it and climbed on to the steps by the open window. I hit him again and again - blows to the face using every bit of strength I had ... In an interview with Nice Matin, Franck told of his race to overcome the killer and how he rained blows on his face in a bid to halt him as Lahouaiel Bouhlel fumbled for his pistol. His physical injuries are light - a sore hand, a broken rib, bruising to his back - but he says he has been more damaged psychologically; continually replaying the images in his head of the men, women and children who were mown down like skittles at the Bastille Day celebrations. I was with my wife and wed left it too late to see the fireworks. I said to my wife that it didnt matter, we'll go and have an ice cream instead. 'We cruised past people on their way home and then we heard screams and the crowd started running in all directions. Franck sped his bike (circled) alongside the 19-tonne truck as Bouhlel ran over 84 people watching fireworks on Bastille Day Franck was getting ice-cream with his wife when they saw the truck. He told her to get off the bike so he could chase the truck but was unable to stop it, before police finally caught Bouhlel (above) I remember falling, getting up again and racing at my full speed. I didnt know what I was doing anymore,' Franck told Nice Matin as chased towards Bouhlel's truck Bouhlel rifle butted Franck as he tried to get into the cab, sending the airport worker reeling back to the ground where he suffered a broken rib and bruising to his back There was a stampede coming behind us. My wife said stop, theres something wrong. In the time it took to turn around the crowd was running in all directions as if fleeing something. Then we saw the truck.' As it passed them Franck turned again to see bodies flung through the air. He realised immediately what was happening and started to accelerate. His wife behind pulled his arm in panic and asked where he was going. Screeching to a halt he told her to get off. He knew what he had to do and immediately accelerated. Like a hero in an action movie he gunned the scooter, weaving his way after the truck as it zig-zagged on to its targets. He said nothing. He didnt even flinch. All the time he had his gun in his hand but it didnt work. I had the impression he was trying to manipulate or load it. He pressed the trigger but nothing worked. I was yelling at him through my helmet, he recalls. At one point I was almost at the back of the truck but it sped up again. I wanted at all costs to stop. I was in a sort of trance but lucid throughout. Greying and slight, Franck looks an unlikely hero but his actions bely his mild-mannered appearance. I managed to get on his left. My goal was to reach the cab. I drew level with him and then I thought what am I going to do with my poor scooter? So I threw it against the cab and ran on after him I remember falling, getting up again and racing at my full speed. I didnt know what I was doing anymore. Finally I got to the cab, grabbed it and climbed on to the steps by the open window. I was facing him. I hit him again and again - blows to the face using every bit of strength I had with my left hand even though Im right handed. Not alone: Alexander Migues also chased after the killer truck and tried to get into the cab on the driver's side but let go when Bouhlel aimed his gun at the Frenchman's face Teddy bears and flowers have dominated the myriad candlelit memorials that have sprung up the length of the Promenade as Nice comes to terms with what has happened Both Franck and Migues have nightmares and flashback as they wish they could have done more to stop Bouhlel as a nation continues to mourn Franck was quizzed by investigators: 'I was questioned by the police, who thought, quite logically I was a terrorist. But when things calmed down they made me their main witness He said nothing. He didnt even flinch. All the time he had his gun in his hand but it didnt work. I had the impression he was trying to manipulate or load it. He pressed the trigger but nothing worked. At this point I was ready to die if necessary to stop him. I tried to get into the cabin through the window because I couldnt open the f***ing door. I was trying it again so he rifle butted me on the head. Ive had problems since. It was then I fell off the step and everything went black.' Quietly he says: I knew my son was in the Place Massena and that gave me the strength and the courage to make sure he (Lahouaiel Boulhlel) didnt get there. Afterwards, Franck was quizzed by investigators: 'I was questioned by the police, who thought, quite logically I was a terrorist. But when things calmed down they made me their main witness. It was instinctive, I cannot even explain how I managed to go chasing a truck. When I saw that he was really determined, I tried something. The airport worker was not the only one who tried to stop Bouhlel on his murderous rampage Alexander Migues sped his bike alongside the 19-tonne truck and leapt onto the side, clinging on as he tried to wrestle the driver's-side door open several times. 'It was instinctive, I cannot even explain how I managed to go chasing a truck,' he told Nice Matin. 'When I saw that he was really determined, I tried something.' Despite his bravery, Migues was forced to abandon his attempt when the terrorist pulled a gun on him. The Frenchman has been credited with saving lives by slowing the truck enough to give another motorcyclist time to throw his scooter under the wheels of the lorry. As Nice comes to terms with what has happened, Hollywood actor Leonardo Dicaprio said he would donate millions of euros to the victims and families of the massacre. At his annual fund raiser held last night he announced that a huge tranche of any money raised would go to the stricken town. Held in a vineyard in Gassin in the Var, near Saint Tropez, he hosted, among 900 entrepreneurs and socialites, international stars including Marion Cotillard, Lana del Ray, Naomi Campbell and Robert de Niro. Last year the fund raiser made 42 million euros for his foundation which supports, among others, the protection of endangered species and the fight against global warming. Among items on offer in the end of dinner auction were, the Terminators Harley Davidson, a week-end with the movie star, paintings by Jeff Koons and Picasso and a private tour of the Eiffel Tower. The death of a 4-month-old baby at an unlicensed home day care in Connecticut has been ruled a homicide after toxicology reports found high levels of Benadryl in the infant's system. Police in Fairfield say they're investigating the March 22 death of Adam Seagull of Shelton. An autopsy has concluded the baby died from acute diphenhydramine intoxication. His death was initially ruled an accident from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Scroll down for video The death of a 4-month-old baby at an unlicensed home day care in Connecticut (pictured) has been ruled a homicide after toxicology reports found high levels of Benadryl in the infant's system Deputy Police Chief Chris Lyddy says there had been no signs of trauma and the baby had not been sick. Carol Cardillo ran the day care out of her house for 11 years, he told the Fairfield Citizen. She called 911 around 3pm on March 22, the newspaper said. Cardillo said that Adam was given a bottle at about 12pm before being put down for a nap, Lyddy told the the news outlet. Cardillo was unable to wake up Adam at about 2.55pm, the newspaper reported. Seven children besides Adam were being looked after, with four adults inside the house, according to the Fairfield Citizen. No criminal charges have been filed. Lyddy says the investigation is ongoing. Police in Fairfield say they're investigating the March 22 death of Adam Seagull of Shelton. An autopsy has concluded the baby died from acute diphenhydramine intoxication. A Benadryl bottle is seen here (file) Lyddy told the newspaper: 'The investigator is being extremely diligent and to date, we have not been able to rule out anybody.' Lieutenant Rob Kalamaras told WABC: 'It's important to do their homework and make sure that the daycare is licensed through the state of Connecticut. 'And make sure they're comfortable with the people that they're dropping their children off with on a daily basis.' An online obituary for the boy said: 'Adam was known to his family as their "little prince", "tootie muffin", "little man" and to his mother as "mama's sweet boy". 'His infectious smile brought immediate joy to everyone who had the privilege of experiencing it. A gallant American tourist who saved his girlfriend from being sexually abused during the famous Pamplona bull-running festival has received a tougher sentence than the attacker. The Californian, aged 26, came to the young woman's aid and punched the Spaniard who tried to kiss and fondle her. The man fell backwards and hit his head on the cobbled road, spending the next 28 days in hospital and another seven months off work. A court in Navarra has ruled that the American was guilty of unlawful violence and rejected his claim that he acted in self-defence. He was given a nine month prison sentence and ordered to pay 60,000 (50,122, $66,101 US) to the health service and 91,500 (76,409, $100,804 US) to the man he attacked. A Californian man who saved his girlfriend from being sexually assaulted by a drunk Spanish man at the Pamplona bull run in 2014 has received a harsher sentence than the sex pest (file photo) The 43-year-old Pamplona resident was given a year in jail, suspended because he was considered to be drunk, and told to pay his victim 3,000 (2,500, $3,305 US) in damages. He was convicted of sexual abuse, rather than the more serious charge of sexual assault with the effects of alcohol considered extenuating circumstances. Ironically, the sentence coincides with a formal decision by the Navarra government to do everything within its power to protect women from sexual harassment during the San Fermin celebrations which continue to be plagued by assaults. One of the most serious this year was the rape of a young Madrid woman by five men who filmed the attack on camera. They are currently awaiting trial. Revellers raise red scarves and candles as they sing the song 'Pobre de Mi', marking the end of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain, early on July 15, 2016 (file photo) Revelers are chased by a pack of Jose Cebada Gago's fighting bulls on the fourth day of the running of the bulls during the San Fermin fiestas in Pamplona (file photo) The American man and his girlfriend's abuser were dealt with by the courts as a result of the incident during the 2014 Pamplona festival. The Californian had taken part in one of the bull-running races and had returned to his hotel to change his clothes whilst his girlfriend waited for him in the packed streets. The court was told that the Spaniard approached her, asked her if she wanted company and then pushed her up against a wall, 'stroked her' and tried to give her a kiss. The girlfriend shouted for her boyfriend who punched the man once. He fell to the ground, hitting his head and suffered a serious head injury, knocking him unconscious. He had to have several operations and spent 221 days off work. The American couple were on holiday in Spain and had decided to spend a few days in Pamplona. A panel of judges has determined the anti-communist purge in Indonesia in which 500,000 people were killed was genocide, and that U.S. Britain and Australia were all complicit. At least half a million people died in the months-long purge across the Southeast Asian archipelago that started after General Suharto blamed a coup on the communists on October 1, 1965. The tribunal concluded these were crimes against humanity, saying the U.S. aided by providing a list of alleged communist party officials to the Indonesians and said that the U.K. and Australia recycled Indonesia's army propaganda. A panel of judges has determined the anti-communist purge in Indonesia in which 500,000 people were killed was genocide, and that U.S. Britain and Australia were all complicit At least half a million people died in the months-long purge across the Southeast Asian archipelago that started after General Suharto put down a coup blamed on the communists on October 1, 1965 Suharto took power on the back of the killings and then ruled Indonesia with an iron fist for three decades, during which the onslaught was presented as necessary to combat the communist threat. Even since his 1998 downfall, successive governments have refused to apologise for the killings. Set up by activists, the International People's Tribunal on 1965 Crimes Against Humanity in Indonesia (IPT 1965) was overseen by seven international judges in November in The Hague and its findings were read on Wednesday. Chief judge Zak Yacoob, a South African former top justice, announcing the tribunal's findings, described a 'systematic attack against the (Indonesian Communist Party)... its affiliate organisations, its leaders, members, supporters and their families'. As well as the killings, he said alleged communists and others suffered imprisonment, enslavement, torture and sexual violence in the tumultuous period. The court carries no legal weight but activists hope it will pressure Jakarta to do more to come to terms with one of the worst mass killings of the 20th century. Jakarta rejected Thursday the findings, but Yacoob urged the Indonesian government - which did not answer an invitation to attend the hearings - to issue an apology, investigate alleged crimes against humanity and compensate victims. As well as the killings, he said alleged communists and others suffered imprisonment, enslavement, torture and sexual violence in the tumultuous period Foreign ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir said Indonesia was under no obligation to follow the recommendations of the tribunal as they were 'not legally binding'. Security Minister Luhut Panjaitan criticised its conclusions, saying the killings were 'none of their business, they are not our superiors and Indonesia has its own system'. The tribunal also accused the US of being complicit in the massacres by providing lists of alleged communist party officials to the Indonesians, and said Britain and Australia had recycled the Indonesian army's propaganda. Jakarta rejected Thursday the findings, but Yacoob urged the Indonesian government - which did not answer an invitation to attend the hearings - to issue an apology, investigate alleged crimes against humanity and compensate victims A spokesman for Australia's foreign affairs ministry said the court was 'not a formal international court or tribunal, but a human rights NGO' and that Canberra rejected 'any suggestion that it was complicit in any way in those events of 50 years ago'. The British and American embassies in Jakarta did not immediately comment. A couple whose wedding was ruined when the ceiling collapsed at their reception are now stranded in Malta after booking their honeymoon through collapsed travel company Low Cost Holidays. Keith and Sharon Clark's wedding ended in disaster when they and another couple tying the knot that day had to be evacuated along with all their guests from Dundee's Queens Hotel. Following their night of drama, the new Mr and Mrs Clark, from Aberdeen, hoped to forget their ruined reception and jetted off to Malta on Tuesday for a week's honeymoon. Keith and Sharon Clark's wedding ended in disaster when they and another couple tying the knot that day had to be evacuated along with all their guests from Dundee's Queens Hotel The two brides were forced to evacuate the building after the ceiling at the Queen's Hotel in Dundee collapsed Upon arriving at their hotel however, the couple received the devastating news that because holiday provider, Low Cost Travel, had ceased trading their booked and paid for accommodation was no longer available. The couple have to raid their spending money to fund accommodation and food and are now left with nothing till they fly home next week. Keith and Sharon from Aberdeen along with Gary and Emily Parkin were in the middle of celebrating tying the knot when a section of the hotel ceiling plummeted-leaving Gary's best man Neil injured. Speaking from Malta, Keith, 50, admitted he couldn't believe the run of luck encountered by he and his new wife. The off-shore worker said: 'It's been a total nightmare. Balloons had just been released at the Queen's Hotel in Dundee (pictured) when tiles came crashing down 'After what happened at the weekend this is just the icing on the cake. 'We thought everything was hunky dory till we got across here. 'We can't get over it. We're being bombarded.' Keith said: 'We'll just have to scrimp and save till next Tuesday when we come home. 'But we won't be able the things we wanted to do. 'We were absolutely unaware of what had happened to Low Cost Holidays.' However it seems their first anniversary may be bring them better luck. The couple have won a holiday to Tenerife while honeymooning in Malta which they plan to take mark their first anniversary next year. Reports emerged yesterday which suggested holiday makers who booked through Low Cost Holidays may be entitled to just 7.50 in compensation. Finbarr O'Connell and Henry Shinners from the holiday firm's administrators Smith & Williamson said: 'We currently believe there are around 140,000 customers who have lost out. 'It is only once claims are finalised that a specific figure for the compensation available to individual holidaymakers will become evident. 'It does seem that the amount of compensation for holidaymakers from this source will, very unfortunately, prove to be negligible.' Hungary's prime minister said there is a 'plain as day' link between illegal immigration to Europe and terrorist attacks on the continent. 'It is clear as two and two makes four, it is plain as day, said Viktor Orban, through an interpreter, adding: 'There is an obvious connection.' The Prime minister concluded: 'If somebody denies this connection then, in fact, this person harms the safety of European citizens.' Hungary's prime minister Viktor Orban said there is a 'plain as day' link between illegal immigration to Europe and terrorist attacks on the continent Mr Orban made the controversial comments to reporters after a meeting of the Visegrad Four Group of central European leaders in Warsaw, Poland. His remarks come just a week after reports that Hungary has cracked down on the number of migrants passing into the country. More than 1,400 migrants are now stuck on the Hungarian border, where conditions are rapidly deteriorating. In one camp alone, nearly 800 increasingly desperate refugees are stranded, with just 30 a day allowed into Hungary to claim asylum in Europe. In 2015, Mr Orban's government sealed off its southern borders with razor wire and fences after around 400,000 passed through Hungary. Tough laws punishing illegal entry and vandalism of the fences were also brought in. Mr Orban said that if somebody denies his opinions then 'that person harms the safety of European citizens', while talking to reporters in Warsaw Mr Orban's remarks come just a week after reports that Hungary has cracked down on the number of migrants passing into the country This led to around 3,000 convictions in fast-track trials, most resulting in expulsion orders. Mr Orban has previously said mass immigration by Muslims threatens Europe's security and its Christian identity. He has also refused to accept refugees from Syria under an EU quota scheme. But despite the fence, Hungarian police have caught a growing number of migrants each month. As a result, new legislation was introduced to return migrants found inside the border to 'transit zones' located in no-man's land between Hungary and Serbia. In recent months hundreds of people have been forced to wait in filthy conditions in the strip of land between Serbian passport control and the Hungarian fence. asked her what she was doing and she took off across the lanes A police trooper risked his life to save a bikini-clad woman who was just inches away from being smashed by a car on a Las Vegas highway. Nevada Patrol Trooper Dave Becker responded to a 911 call about a pedestrian walking in the middle of a busy road. When he reached Interstate 15, near Sahara Avenue, he found a scantily clad woman who appeared completely disoriented, reports KSNV. Nevada Trooper Dave Becker responded to a 911 call about a pedestrian walking in the middle of a highway. He found a scantily clad woman who appeared completely disoriented On his patrol car's dashcam Becker is heard repeatedly asking: 'What are you doing here?!' Then suddenly the woman takes off, sprinting down the left hand lane. Shockingly she runs across the road into traffic as a red car speeds towards her. At the last second Becker grabs her by the hair pulling her back to save her life. He said: 'Even my sergeant asked me "why'd you go after her?" My job's to keep her safe, she took off I took off, it's what we do.' Suddenly the woman takes off, sprinting down the left lane of Interstate 15, near Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas At the last second Becker grabs her by the hair pulling her back to save her from being hit by a car (right) She was later taken to the hospital to undergo a medical evaluation, before being released. It is unclear whether the woman faces charges. Francois Hollande last night made two key concessions to Theresa May on UK border controls in Calais and the right of Britons living in France to remain. But the French president warned the Prime Minister she will not be able to restrict migration if she wants to maintain Britains trading relationship with the European Union. And he demanded an explanation from Mrs May on why she has not already begun formal Brexit negotiations saying talks should begin the sooner the better. Theresa May and Francois Hollande held a press conference after their initial talks, and will have further discussions when they dine together Although he conceded that Mrs May could take some time to prepare for triggering Brexit, Mr Hollande repeatedly stressed that France's view was 'the sooner the better' His comments were in stark contrast to those made earlier this week by German chancellor Angela Merkel, who said Britain should take a moment before starting its withdrawal from the EU. After the talks in Paris yesterday, Mr Hollande confirmed he would allow Britain to keep border checks in Calais, and said British people residing in France would be able to stay for as long as they want. But asked if the UK would be allowed to restrict migration from the EU while remaining in the Single Market, Mr Hollande said this was the most crucial point. It will be a choice facing the UK remain in the Single Market and then assume the free movement that goes with it or to have another status. That will be the subject of the negotiation, he said. During the referendum campaign, Remain supporter Mrs May said Britain could be forced to remove border checks from French soil if there was a Brexit vote. But yesterday, Mr Hollande confirmed it is in the interest of both countries for them to stay in place. During a joint press conference, in which the pair at times appeared uncomfortable, Mrs May was forced to laugh off a question about whether Mr Hollande had been a more awkward customer than Mrs Merkel. The French President has already said he will be asking Mrs May to 'justify' the delay in triggering the Brexit process Mrs May delivered some of her opening comments in French before conducting the rest of the press conference in English Shaking her head, she said: We have had excellence discussions, very constructive and very open. I look forward to working with both in the future. Ahead of the meeting, Mr Hollande had warned he was unhappy with Mrs Mays assertion she will not trigger Article 50s two-year exit until early next year, saying: First we spoke of September, then October and now December. There needs to be justifications. French newspaper Le Monde yesterday accused Mrs May of seeking to exploit divisions between Mrs Merkel and Mr Hollande over Brexit negotiations. Under the headline Theresa May plays Angela against Francois, it said the Prime Ministers visits confirmed her strategy of negotiating with Berlin and Paris, rather than Brussels, playing on the Franco-German disagreements. Last night a French diplomatic source said they did not want Britain to be given the option of a bespoke EU deal. Instead officials want the UK to take an off the peg trading pact based on the EUs existing arrangements with countries such as Switzerland or Norway, which both accept freedom of movement. The source said: The UK cannot say: This is what interests me in relation to the EU and this is what I dont want, and thus lets try and configure a new deal. Thats just not possible. They will have to choose between the different options that exist. And yesterday Pascal Lamy, the former director general of the World Trade Organisation, said Britain would face tariffs on its exports to Europe if it was unwilling to accept free movement and continue contributions to the EU budget. Mr Lamy told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: The notion that there will be no difference in the trading relationship with the UK out [of the EU] is pie in the sky. The UK will not have the same easy access to the single market outside the EU. This is absolutely obvious. There will be tariffs on British goods coming into Europe. AND SHE BRINGS HIM TO HEEL... Her love of heels has been seen as an asset as she climbed the political ladder. And yesterday Theresa Mays footwear again made a powerful statement. The Prime Minister swapped her usual kitten heels for high heels and that helped her tower over Francois Hollande. As she was greeted by the French president at the Elysee Palace, Mrs May dressed all in black appeared by far the taller of the two, even though they are both around 5ft 7in. The Prime Minister attempted to win over Mr Hollande by speaking a few sentences in French at a joint press conference. I am delighted to be in Paris this evening and to express the profound relationship between our two countries, she said. But the atmosphere remained frosty she and Mr Hollande are at odds over the speed of Brexit negotiations and Mrs May laughed uncomfortably when asked whether her host had been more of an awkward customer than German chancellor Angela Merkel. Shaking her head, she said: We have had excellence discussions, very constructive and very open. Advertisement Mrs May is starting the government's push towards Brexit in the wake of the referendum result Mrs May was installed as Prime Minister last week after David Cameron stood down Francois Hollande welcomed Theresa May to the Elysee Palace in Paris tonight After receiving the red carpet treatment in Berlin last night, Mrs May insisted Germany would 'remain a vital partner and a special friend for us' after Brexit. She confirmed that the two-year Article 50 process of leaving the EU would not be triggered before the end of the year. 'All of us will need time to prepare for these negotiations and the United Kingdom will not invoke Article 50 until our objectives are clear,' she said. 'That is why I have said already that this will not happen before the end of this year. 'I understand this timescale will not please everyone but I think it is important to provide clarity on that now.' Francois Hollande, left, is holding talks with Theresa May in Paris tonight. He was in Dublin meeting Enda Kenny this morning Mrs May was given the red carpet treatment by German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin last night A supermarket worker who shook his four-month-old baby son to death raised thousands of pounds for a cot death charity after lying about how his child died but his wife is vowing to stand by him. David Sinclair, 34, duped friends and neighbours into contributing to a charity fund in memory of his young son Joshua who he claimed died after turning blue because of a 'breathing problem'. In reality, the youngster died from 'catastrophic injuries' caused by his father shaking him violently during a fit of rage at the family home in East Kilbride, Scotland, while his wife was visiting relatives. Sinclair was originally charged with murder but has today admitted the reduced charge of culpable homicide, the Scottish equivalent to manslaughter, just days before he was due to go on trial. Glasgow Crown Court heard how he shook his son with such force that the child turned blue and stopped breathing, and could not be resuscitated despite paramedics trying for more than an hour. The judge also heard how his wife is standing by him despite the killing on December 6, 2012. The pair married on the anniversary of their son's first birthday on July 9, 2013 and remain together. David Sinclair, 34 (left), today admitted killing his four-month-old baby son Joshua (right) in a fit of rage at the family home in East Kilbride, Scotland, while his wife and mother of his child, Kirsty, was visiting her parents It came as it emerged that shameless Sinclair organised a fundraiser in Joshua's memory through the Scottish Cot Death Trust after claiming to friends and family that the youngster died by accident. The charity were so taken in by his sob story that they congratulated him and the child's mother on their wedding day. Unsuspecting wedding guests who attended their 'reception with a difference' were duped into giving 5,300 to the fund. A fundraising sky dive and a can collection also featured in the unsuspecting trust's newsletters - even though Sinclair knew he had killed his son all along. The killing happened in December 2012, when Sinclair was left alone with Joshua at the family home. Prosecutor Ashley Edwards said that on the day of baby Joshua's death, Sinclair and his now wife had taken the youngster swimming and shopping in East Kilbride. At around 5.30pm, Sinclair returned to the family home with Joshua while Kirsty went out to meet her mother and sister. However, just 11 minutes later she received a phone call from Sinclair, who sounded shocked. He told her: 'Joshua isn't breathing properly, come home right away.' She hung up and dialled 999, before the operator gave instructions to Sinclair about how to give CPR to the baby. But when a paramedic arrived he noted that Sinclair was either sitting on a chair or standing and not attempting to revive the youngster. Miss Edwards said: 'The accused was distressed and said: 'My son's not breathing.' 'Joshua Sinclair was lying face up on the floor. He was pale and appeared not to be breathing.' The court heard that Sinclair claimed that Joshua had made a strange or different noise that wasn't normal and then stopped breathing. Joshua was taken to Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride and medical staff battled for almost an hour to save him, while his parents looked on. However, the child could not be saved and he was pronounced dead at 6.55pm. The court heard how his wife is standing by him despite the killing on December 6, 2012. The pair married on the anniversary of their son's first birthday on July 9, 2013 and remain together today During the resuscitation efforts, Dr Andrew Palombo asked what had happened and Sinclair stated that Joshua had been sitting next to him on the sofa. He said the child turned blue and stopped breathing and that he dialled 999. Sinclair told police that he changed Joshua's nappy and then tried to feed him, but he didn't seem hungry. He then laid Joshua on his left side on the couch and sat next to him on his laptop. Around five minutes later he said he heard Joshua making 'funny noises' which was normal for him. Then he heard a wheezing noise and went back to his computer and 20 or 30 seconds later heard a gasp and Joshua didn't have any expression on his face. Sinclair told police he then heard another gasp and realised something might be wrong and started to panic. Miss Edwards said: 'In each statement the accused has given slightly different information.' She added that a forensic examination of Sinclair's laptop established it was online from 4.19pm onwards and he was playing games on Facebook. Initially the cause of Joshua's death was unascertained, but the case was reviewed by a team of medical experts who discovered evidence of trauma in the eyes and brain which could only have been caused non-accidentally close to the time of death. One of the experts, Dr Peter Richards, consultant paediatric neuro-surgeon at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, said: 'This would be compatible with him having suffered a shaking injury involving handling at greater force than encountered in everyday life. 'It would be compatible with a shaking event where a carer who has not planned to injure a child has momentary loss of control with tragic consequences.' Defence QC Ian Duguid said: 'With regard to him visiting this GP at the time he wasn't working and was required to attend for job interviews. This was something of a tactic on his part and was to give him an opportunity to assist his wife after the birth without having to attend for job interviews. 'He wasn't doing resuscitation because he had to go to the door to let the paramedics in. 'His position is he found it unimaginable his handling of his child would have resulted in such catastrophic injuries. 'He is extremely remorseful for the events which have ensued. Witnesses in double figures would have come forward to talk of his caring abilities as a parent.' The court heard how Sinclair had been given anti-depressants by his GP four days before the birth of Joshua after saying he felt depressed, angry and had an urge to lash out. Judge Lord Bannatyne deferred sentence on Sinclair, who has previous convictions for assault, until next month for background reports. Sinclair's wife, who is pregnant, was not in court to hear the details of her son's death. Speaking after the case today, DCI Laura McLuckie, the senior investigating officer in the case, said Joshua died at the hands of 'the one person whose role was to protect and care for him'. She said: 'David Sinclair admitted to being responsible for the death of his baby son, Joshua, who died needlessly at a young and vulnerable age. 'My sincere condolences go out to Joshua's extended family, who have endured this harrowing incident and continue to live with the pain of Joshua's untimely death. 'A defenceless baby died at the hands of his father, the one person whose role was to protect and care for him. 'Child abuse in any form is a deplorable crime. A small-town Louisiana police chief has been asked to step down over racially charged online comments he made regarding violence against police and the president. The Jonesville Town Council met on Tuesday and called on Police Chief Skylar Dore to resign or face termination. Dore, who is white, recently unleashed on his personal Facebook page a foul-mouthed tirade against President Barack Obama following the recent killings of police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Dallas. Scroll down for video Shooting from the hip: Police Chief Skylar Dore (pictured), of Jonesville, Louisiana, was asked to resign after posting a foul-mouthed Facebook rant about violence against police Online rant: Dore wrote on Facebook that the shooters who killed officers in Baton Rouge and Dallas were terrorists and accused President Obama of failing to take action In his post cited by Natchez Democrat, Dore called the shooters terrorists who have declared war on police. The tirade, which has since been removed from Dore's Facebook page, read in full: 'Hey Mr. [expletive] president when are you going to grow a [expletive] pair. And tell it like it is. These are terrorist. That have declared [expletive] war on my brother. (white police officers) enough is enough. How many police officers have to die trying to protect the citizens of this country. Any other president would have declared full on war on this group. Since when in our [expletive] history do we stand idle to the ambush murders of law enforcement. It has to STOP NOW!!!!!' According to the latest US Census data, nearly 60 per cent of Jonesville's population of about 2,400 are African-Americans. Chief Dore later apologized for the comments, saying they came out of frustration because he knew some of the officers killed in Baton Rouge by gunman Gavin Long personally. Town residents who attended Tuesday's council meeting voiced their concerns about the police chief's conduct. 'I'm sorry, but you should have thought about it before you even hit those [computer] keys,' Sharon Stevenson told channel KNOE. Mea culpa: The police chief, pictured in uniform far right, apologized to the residents of Jonesville for his outburst Angry words: Dore, pictured left and right with his wife, said the rant came out of frustration because he knew some of the officers killed in Baton Rouge personally Not everyone, however, rushed to censure Dore, with some locals coming to his defense. Resident Bill Bullock praised the now-ousted police chief as 'a damn good cop.' 'He's exceptionally proficient and has good credentials,' added Bullock. Jonesville Councilwoman Loria Hollins said the council voted unanimously to have Dore submit his resignation or be relieved of his duties. Advertisement Just five months ago French authorities began demolishing the Calais refugee camp nicknamed the 'Jungle' after a judge upheld a decision to evict hundreds from the sprawling centre. But despite talk of dismantling it these new aerial photographs appear to show it is now bigger than ever, having moved to an adjacent field, as a new census claimed the population had swollen to above 7,000 for the first time. There has been a 15 per cent rise month-on-month despite predictions that fewer people would travel during the holy month of Ramadan. The increased border security between Turkey and the EU and continued attempts from both French and British authorities to discourage people from making the journey have also failed to stop more refugees arriving at the camp. Charities Help Refugees and LAuberge des Migrants say the population now totals 7,307. Nearly 50 people per day are arriving at the tent community and the camps population is expected to exceed 10,000 before the end of September if this surprising rate continues. The new pictures emerged as Theresa May arrived in Paris tonight for what could be stormy talks with Francois Hollande over Brexit. Discussions on the migrant crisis are likely to form part of the topics covered. Following the Brexit vote, the Mayor of Calais - who wants the controversial refugee camp to be removed - claimed the British government should deal with the refugee situation. Sprawling: Despite talk of dismantling the Calais 'Jungle' these new aerial photographs appear to show it is now bigger than ever The camp appears to have moved from the adjacent field to the left of the picture to the sprawling tents seen in the field on the right This picture was taken in last December and shows how the Calais refugee camp the 'Jungle' has moved from one field to the other Pictured left is how the 'Jungle' looked in December and right how it looks today having been moved a short distance from its original spot Despite talk of dismantling it these new aerial photographs appear to show the Calais camp is now bigger than ever, having moved to an adjacent field, as a new census claimed the population had swollen to above 7,000 for the first time There has been a 15 per cent rise month-on-month despite predictions that fewer people would travel during the holy month of Ramadan Currently border checks are conducted on the French side of the Channel. But now the understanding, known as the Touquet agreement, between France and the UK has been called into question following Britain's vote to leave the European Union. Mayor of Calais Natacha Bouchart says she will be pressing for the agreement to be suspended. She told French broadcaster BFM TV: 'The British must take on the consequences of their choice. 'We are in a strong position to push, to press this request for a review and we are asking the President to bring his weight (to the issue). 'We must put everything on the table and there must be an element of division, of sharing.' The refugee camp in Calais has seen a 15 per cent month-on-month rise of migrants arriving at its gates French politicians want to abandon an agreement where UK border checks are carried out in Calais Mayor of Calais Natacha Bouchart, pictured, wants to shut down the camp and let Britain deal with the refugee crisis The majority of the 7,307 migrants living in the camp are from Afghanistan (36 per cent) and 32 per cent are from Sudan Charities Help Refugees and LAuberge des Migrants say the population now totals 7,307 THERESA MAY ARRIVES IN FRANCE Theresa May arrived in Paris tonight for what could be stormy talks with Francois Hollande over Brexit. The French President has already said he will demand the Prime Minister 'justifies' delaying triggering the process of leaving the EU, and warned that single market access means accepting free movement rules. Mrs May was welcomed to the Elysee Palace by Mr Hollande tonight, before they began their talks. After holding a press conference they are expected to have dinner. She confirmed that the two-year Article 50 process of leaving the EU would not be triggered before the end of the year. Advertisement There are now 761 minors living in the camp - 608 of them (80 per cent) are unaccompanied by an adult. The youngest child is just four months old, and the youngest unaccompanied child is eight years old. According to Help Refugees and LAuberge des Migrants, these unaccompanied children entered Europe on average seven months ago and have been living in the Calais jungle for an average of nearly five months. In February, French authorities began dismantling part of the 'Jungle' after a judge upheld a decision to evict hundreds from the sprawling centre. Demolition crews entered the encampment and started clearing its southern part as migrants were relocated to purpose-built accommodation. Refugee organisations said thousands had their shelters displaced and others moved into shipping containers set in a nearby park after authorities said they would use force if necessary to move the camp's inhabitants. The latest census has reportedly revealed just how few people are staying in secured government accommodation. Only 25 per cent of the overall population and 30 per cent of minors are in the promised houses with the remainder staying in tents and temporary accommodation. In February the southern part of the sprawling camp near the port of Calais was cleared In an image taken inside the Calais camp signs show where the refugees are from and where they hope to go There are now 761 minors living in the camp - 608 of them (80 per cent) are unaccompanied by an adult THE BRITISH BORDER IN FRANCE: WHAT IS THE DEAL KEEPING THE JUNGLE IN CALAIS? Britain and France signed the Le Touquet treaty in 2003 amid tensions over the number of people in camps at Calais. The deal was the latest in a series that allowed Britain to carry out border checks on the French side of the Channel - meaning papers were checked there and vehicles inspected. British officials are based on the French side of the channel and cooperation around the eurotunnel terminal was stepped up last summer as the numbers trying to break into the tunnel grew. Scrapping the deal could see British border checks brought back to the English side of the Channel - potentially allowing people to reach the Kent shore to set up camp while awaiting processing. There are currently around 7,000 people at the camps with 'roads' handed British-styled names such as Queen Elizabeth II Street. Advertisement The youngest child living inside the Calais camp is just four months old. A huge 78 per cent of minors are on their own Help Refugees co-founder Josie Naughton said: If the camp is set to be destroyed without adequate alternatives being offered to all residents currently without secured accommodation (many of whom have already been displaced at least once) then this is truly terrible news. Over a hundred children went unaccounted for the last time French police moved in to evict the camp. That is sure to happen again unless French and British officials work together to ensure that these children are protected, and that those who have the legal right to be reunited with immediate family in the UK have their cases expedited. There are 10,000 children who have reportedly gone missing in Europe so far. Another eviction could add hundreds more to that devastating tally. Charities are calling for adequate alternative accommodation to be offered to the migrants before the camp is torn down In February, French authorities began dismantling part of the 'Jungle' after a judge upheld a decision to evict hundreds from the sprawling centre In February demolition crews entered the jungle encampment and started clearing its southern part A Hollywood film company behind The Wolf of Wall Street has become embroiled in a massive corruption scandal linked to the Malaysian prime minister. Court documents lodged by the US Justice Department claim that money from a Malaysian investment fund was used to fund the movie and gambling trips to Las Vegas. The US Justice Department claims that more than $1billion was siphoned off from the 1MDB fund by 'corrupt officials and their associates', funneling the cash through a Swiss bank account of a shell company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. Scroll down for video Federal prosecutors claim Wolf of Wall Street starring Leonardo DiCaprio, pictured, was funded using $100 million of cash which was laundered from Malaysia using a complicated web of bank accounts and companies The money is believed to have originated from a fund created by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, pictured, which was used, according to prosecutors to fund properties, jets and works of art The film was produced by Red Granite Pictures which was co-funded by Razak's son-in-law Riza Aziz, pictured Assistant Attorney General Leslie R Caldwell told a news conference: 'According to the allegations in the complaint, this is a case where life imitated art. 'The associates of these corrupt 1MDB officials are alleged to have used illicit proceeds of their fraud scheme to fund the production of The Wolf of Wall Street, a movie about a corrupt stockbroker who tried to hide his own illicit profits in a perceived foreign safe haven. 'But whether corrupt officials try to hide stolen assets across international bordersor behind the silver screenthe Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that there is no safe haven.' The Wolf of Wall Street was produced by Red Granite Pictures. The small Hollywood studio behind the Martin Scorcese hit was co-founded by Riza Aziz, who is the step-son of the Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, left, next to FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe and IRS Criminal Division Chief Richard Weber, released details of how they believe more than $1billion of cash has been laundered Razak has been linked to the scandal, which saw funds designated for energy investments to benefit Malaysia used to buy Van Gough paintings, private jets and even take Leonardo DiCaprio gambling in Las Vegas. Red Granite Pictures pumped more than $100 million into the movie, however, federal authorities claim this cash came from a Malaysian Development Company. The company is accused of using money siphoned from the fund to finance the movie. However, the company has strongly rejected any claims of impropriety. The company said: 'To Red Granite's knowledge, none of the funding it received four years ago was in any way illegitimate and there is nothing in today's civil lawsuit claiming that Red Granite knew otherwise. 'Red Granite continues to cooperate fully with all inquiries and is confident that when the facts come out, it will be clear that Riza Aziz and Red Granite did nothing wrong.' According to the 136-page civil complaint filed by the US Justice Department, between June 2012 and November 2012, an investment firm tied to 1MDB sent $238 million to an account controlled by Aziz. Federal prosecutors have released a dossier of assets believed to have been purchased by the fund Landmark properties, such as the $30m Time Warner Penthouse have been bought with cash from the fund The fund is accused of siphoning off more than $35 million to purchase this private jet, pictured About $100 million of these funds were subsequently sent to a bank account linked to the production house and used to fund its operations, including The Wolf of Wall Street. Some of the money was also used for extravagant trips to Las Vegas where hundreds of thousands of dollars where spent gambling at The Venetian casino, according to the complaint. Among those who were invited to take part in a July 2012 gambling jaunt was 'a lead actor in The Wolf of Wall Street' who won a Golden Globe for the movie, according to the complaint. Although the court document does not name the actor, it is clearly referring to DiCaprio. The actor won a Golden Globe in 2014 for his portrayal in the film of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, who fleeced investors of millions of dollars before ending up in prison. Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell told reporters on Wednesday that all assets and rights to the movie would be seized as they stem from laundered money. According to comScore, the movie made $392 million. It was nominated for five Academy Awards. Several works of art were also bought, including this Monet, Saint-Georges Majeur, for $35 million Red Granite Pictures' $100 million investment in The Wolf of Wall Street has also been named by Justice This town house in London, England, bought for $41 million, is one of the assets under investigation Caldwell said: 'Neither 1MDB or the Malaysian people saw a penny of profit from that film or the other assets purchased with funds siphoned from 1MDB. Instead, that money went to relatives and associates of the corrupt officials of 1MDB and others.' Red Granite said the complaint should not affect its ongoing operations. 'Red Granite does not expect the lawsuit - which is limited to future proceeds generated by a single film, and which was not filed against Red Granite or any of its employees - to impact its day-to-day operations, and the company continues to move forward with exciting new projects.' Apart from The Wolf of Wall Street, the company has produced several other movies including Dumb and Dumber To, Horns and Friends With Kids. 1MDB, which Najib founded in 2009 shortly after he came to office, is being investigated for money laundering in at least six countries, including the United States, Singapore and Switzerland. Singapore's central bank said on Thursday authorities have seized assets worth S$240 million in an investigation of 1MDB-related fund flows for possible money laundering, securities fraud, cheating and other offenses. About half the seized assets belonged to Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, known as 'Jho Low', and his immediate family. The Monetary Authority of Singapore said its probe found 'deficiencies' at several major banks in the city-state. 1MDB said in a statement 'it is not a party to the civil suit, does not have any assets in the United States of America, nor has it benefited from the various transactions described in the civil suit'. US prosecutors claimed money stolen from the fund moved through shell companies and hidden in the United States in purchases of high-end property and luxury items. The people and institutions named in the complaint have not been charged with crimes, but the government wants to seize assets, among them luxury properties in New York and California, Monet and Van Gogh paintings and a Bombardier jet. The Justice Department said it will seek to return recovered funds to Malaysia. FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe said: 'The Malaysian people were defrauded on an enormous scale.' Malaysia's attorney general said in January the money in Najib's bank account was a political donation from the Saudi royal family. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said in April funds wired into Najib's personal bank account were a 'genuine' donation originating from Saudi Arabia. A spokesman for the Saudi embassy in Washington declined to comment on Wednesday. The leader of Malaysia's opposition People's Justice Party called on Prime Minister Najib Razak to step down on Thursday. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the wife of jailed opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim, said the government should also push for an independent commission to investigate graft claims outlined by the civil suits filed in California on Wednesday. Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Thursday Malaysians should push for a referendum on Najib's leadership as he launched a new opposition front that Anwar has endorsed. Paramount Pictures, actor and producer Leonardo DiCaprio and Scorsese could not immediately be reached for comment. There is no suggestion they are suspected of any wrongdoing. Jho Low did not respond to requests for comment sent to his Hong Kong-based company, Jynwel Capital. Al Qubaisi and Al-Husseiny could not be reached for comment. Ivanka Trump's speech tonight will be all about her father, but she will also be focusing on not tripping up on the convention stage. Donald Trump's eldest daughter will be in the spotlight tonight as she is set to introduce the Republican presidential nominee in Thursday night's grand finale of the party's convention. Her stepmother Melania and siblings Donald Jr., Eric and Tiffany have already delivered their testimonials and now, it's Ivanka's turn. The 34-year-old says she is 'terrified' of giving her own address, telling NBC's Today: 'I am terrified. I have never spoken in a stadium like this but really I just want to make sure I do a good job for him.' Scroll down for video Ivanka Trump's speech will be all about her father, but she will also focusing on not tripping up on stage Ivanka is pictured rehearsing her speech on stage with her father seen behind her on Thursday afternoon 'I'm realty comfortable with my speech because it comes from my heart. It's an honor and a privilege that he asked me to do this and I think it's a testament to him as a parent,' she told Savannah Guthrie. While she hopes to 'do a good job,' Ivanka joked her first thoughts will be: 'Don't trip!' But she added: 'I think at the end of the day, I know I will go home to my children and they'll love me as much regardless Even if I bomb, my father won't hold it against me.' But while her brothers have delivered politically-charged speeches, Ivanka says she will be focusing on speaking about her father's character. 'I'm going to speak about my father and that's what I want to be talking about. 'That's what I know most intimately so that's where my focus will be.' She added: 'I know the man as a parent and I can share how he raised me and my siblings and the father he was but also I can talk about the man he is as a leader as an entrepreneur and a business builder and a visionary. 'So knowing him from those two very diff vantage points but seeing similar attributes really transcend both worlds, so I think it gives me a unique perspective in that regard.' In regards to come of the controversies her father has faced during his ascent to the Republican nomination, Ivanka added: 'I know who my father is as a person. A lot of labels get bantered around, people can say some vicious things. 'I know the truth about my father. I couldn't support my father if I didn't know those things were pure fiction.' Ivanka is 'terrified' of giving her own address, but said: 'Even if I bomb, my father won't hold it against me' Trump took to Twitter to say that he is 'soooo proud' of his children and their 'incredible' speeches Ivanka practices her address this afternoon ahead of introducing father in Thursday night's grand finale of the party's convention Ivanka also said she was not surprised her father had clinched the nomination. 'I'm not surprised in retrospect because I have never seen my father apply himself with determination to a goal and not achieve it,' she said. Ivanka also spoke out about the plagiarism controversy that has surrounded her father's campaign this week. Melania, 46, who spoke on the opening night of the convention in Cleveland on Monday, came under fire after parts of her speech were directly lifted from Michelle Obama's 2008 convention address. But Ivanka said: 'I love Melania so much and I am so proud of the job that she did. She is a very private person. 'For her to come out on the stage and speak from the heart and share her story about coming to this country. 'This is such a personal experience for her and she shared it in such a graceful and articulate way so I am enormously impressed with her ability to do that and I have great respect for it.' But despite Ivanka's claim that Melania 'spoke from the heart,' it was actually a staffer who wrote the address and later admitted it was copied from the First Lady's earlier convention speech. Ivanka will introduce the Republican presidential nominee in Thursday's grand finale of the party's convention Trump's wife had declared ahead of giving the speech that she wrote it herself 'with as little help as possible.' The billionaire's campaign chairman Paul Manafort led the chorus denying Melania's speech contained any plagiarism, despite clear evidence to the contrary. But on Wednesday, speechwriter Meredith McIver released a statement saying that she had inadvertently included some phrases from the First Lady's speech word-for-word into Melania's address and offered her resignation. Trump, however, refused to accept it, telling ABC that 'people make mistakes.' Today, Trump told ABC's Good Morning America that he is pleased the 'cloud' overshadowing his wife's address has been lifted. And tonight, the focus will turn to Ivanka, who has been center stage in the biggest moments of her father's presidential campaign. She will be the last of four Trump's children to speak and the last to have the chance to humanize her polarizing father for the American people, showing warmth between his rougher edges and heart behind his bluntness. 'There is no one closer to my father than Ivanka,' her brother, Don Jr., told the Associated Press. Ivanka (left) is caught losing her composure in a rare moment and jabbing her finger on Wednesday night Ivanka speaks with her father Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night Ivanka has been center stage in the biggest moments of her father's presidential campaign While he said his father is close with all of his siblings, Don Jr. said 'his bond with Ivanka is truly unique. 'No one is more poised and articulate than my sister and no one will do a better job of explaining to the American people who my father really is,' he said. Ivanka Trump spends far less time on the campaign trail than her brothers and her Twitter feed is rarely political, instead focusing on her clothing line and the family business. But she is also her father's not-so-secret weapon, one who steps into the breach at the most crucial moments. That began in the campaign's very first moments, when she assumed a role typically held by political spouses. She introduced the celebrity businessman in June 2015, moments before he took his famous escalator ride to announce his then-quixotic presidential campaign. 'I remember him telling me when I was a little girl, 'Ivanka, if you're going to be thinking anyway, you might as well be thinking big,'' she said then. 'And that's how he approaches any task that he undertakes. He thinks big.' Ivanka Trump spent many months of the primary campaign pregnant with her third child and her father would joke how wonderful it would be if the baby was born in whichever state he was currently campaigning, from Iowa to New Hampshire to South Carolina. She gave birth to her son, Theodore, on March 27 - but appeared in public again just 11 days later to again be at her father's side at a crucial moment. Trump had just taken a bruising defeat in Wisconsin and for the first time in months, his campaign seemed vulnerable. The #NeverTrump movement gained steam and the Republican establishment seemed poised to mount one last charge to sink the celebrity businessman's campaign. But as the primaries shifted to New York, Ivanka made a surprise appearance to kick off her father's campaign in his native state with a spirited introduction at a massive, raucous rally in Bethpage, Long Island. Ivanka also defended Melania, 46, who came under fire after parts of her Monday night speech (above) were directly lifted from Michelle Obama's 2008 convention address Trump won New York in a rout and his Republican primary opponents never again mounted a serious challenge. 'Ivanka is a terrific person, a wonderful mother and someone everyone has great respect for. She is highly intelligent and extremely talented, and I rely on her both for my company and my campaign,' Trump told the AP. 'She has great instincts in business and in life. I am incredibly proud of my daughter Ivanka, all of her accomplishments and especially her beautiful family.' Trump has long relied on his children in business. Ivanka, Don Jr. and Eric all hold executive positions at the Trump Organization, working in side-by-side-offices a floor below their father's. That same family-driven model has extended to politics. Trump's children now play a central role in his campaign, occupying much of his inner circle and assisting him in decision-making. When his plane was grounded with mechanical delays just as Trump was working to settle on his running mate, he flew them out to join him in Indiana to spend time with the state's governor, Mike Pence, his ultimate choice. And while all of his grown children have had a visible presence on the campaign trail, all seem to agree that none is closer than Ivanka, 34, and husband Jared Kushner, who is now involved with nearly all facets of the campaign. A Saudi Arabian diplomat is facing allegations of human trafficking over claims they brought a domestic slave with them to Britain - but the individual may never be prosecuted. Two offences of trafficking linked to the Saudi embassy were among 11 recorded on an annual statement of serious allegations made against people with diplomatic immunity in Britain. Also detailed by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson were two child abuse allegations linked to an individual protected by diplomatic immunity at the Mexican embassy. One of claims related to an offence of making a child abuse image and another of making a child aged 13 to 15 look at an abuse image. Diplomatic immunity rules mean individuals cannot be directly charged - their immunity either needs to be waived or, if the home nation refuses, the diplomat can be kicked out of Britain. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, left, said offences by diplomats were not tolerated but Lib Dem leader Tim Farron, right, said the severity of allegations made last year made clear the need for reform to diplomatic immunity Also included on the list was an assault allegation was levelled against a Gabon official. And a variety of driving offences were alleged against diplomats from countries including America, Kazakhstan, China, Nigeria and St Lucia. The Mexican Embassy told MailOnline the case was still 'under investigation' and added: 'It is important to clarify that the alleged offender is neither a member of the Mexican Foreign Service nor a Mexican National. 'He was not working for the Mexican Government.' Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron today said the allegations - all of which were serious enough they could have resulted in 12 month jail terms on conviction - made clear the need to reform the system of diplomatic immunity. Mr Farron said: 'Those committing crimes such as human trafficking, actual bodily harm and sexual offences against children must face justice. 'Diplomatic immunity should not provide a 'get out of jail' card for those perpetrating such serious crimes. Diplomats working at the Mexican Embassy in Mayfair, London, are protected by internationally recognised immunity from prosecution 'The Foreign and Commonwealth Office must clarify whether these people have been prosecuted, whether their diplomatic immunity is still in place and what their current status is. 'Someone committing these sorts of offences must not be allowed to walk free back in their home country- it is not enough that they are simply withdrawn from the UK. The victims of these crimes must have justice, which can only happen if the perpetrators face proper prosecution.' In his written statement to MPs, Mr Johnson said: 'Around 22,500 people are entitled to diplomatic immunity in the United Kingdom and the majority of diplomats abide by UK law. 'The number of alleged serious crimes committed by members of the diplomatic community in the UK is proportionately low. 'Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961, those entitled to immunity are expected to obey the law. The FCO does not tolerate foreign diplomats breaking the law. 'We take all allegations of illegal activity seriously. When instances of alleged criminal conduct are brought to our attention by the police, we ask the relevant foreign government to waive diplomatic immunity where appropriate. 'For the most serious offences, and when a relevant waiver has not been granted, we seek the immediate withdrawal of the diplomat.' A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: 'The UK Government expects all foreign diplomats to abide by UK laws at all times and we take a firm line with diplomatic missions and international organisations whose diplomats commit offences. 'All alleged offences are investigated by the police or other law enforcement agencies. 'In the case of the most serious alleged offences, the diplomat in question would be immediately withdrawn from the country unless they cooperate with any investigation under a waiver of immunity granted by their mission.' The congestion charge bill for the United States is 10.5MILLION as diplomats refuse to pay the traffic levy in central London The US Embassy owes London's City Hall 10.6million in congestion charge which diplomats refuse to pay. City Hall has levied 89,308 fines against American diplomatic vehicles since the charge was first imposed in February 2003. Diplomats refuse to pay the congestion charge on the grounds they consider it a tax. Diplomats do not have to pay UK taxes. In total, more than 95million is owed in congestion charge by diplomats based in London. Diplomats claim the London congestion charge in the centre of the city is a tax and refuse to pay it. More than 95million is now outstanding Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson released the latest figures in the annual statement issued on the final day before the summer recess. Japan takes second place in the league table, owing just over 7million, with Nigeria placed third with a bill of 6million. In a separate release, Mr Johnson also revealed almost 500,000 in parking fines were issued against diplomatic vehicles last year. A professional swimming association in Germany wants to reduce escalating sex attacks by refugees at public baths by training migrants to become pool lifeguards. The Federal Association of German Swimming Professionals (BDS) says this would be 'an inclusive measure that would benefit everyone.' Last month a secret police document was leaked in Duesseldorf voicing the 'grave concern' of police chiefs about escalating sex crimes carried out by refugees at public swimming baths. Amigrant was jumping from the diving board at Theresienbad pool (pictured above) when police came to arrest him with the man now sentenced to six years jail A flyer containing bathing rules seen in a swimming pool in Munich, Germany, pointing out women may not be sexually harassed BDS President Peter Haiyang added: 'We lack skilled workers. That's why it would be negligent not to use these resources.' Many sexually repressed young Muslim men take the sight of women in skimpy bathing costumes as an unspoken statement that they want sex. There have been several reports of rape and other sex attacks committed against women and children at public pools both in Germany and neighbouring Austria this year. Many municipalities, including Munich, have begun displaying charts in numerous languages aiming to teach migrant to respect women and children at the local pool. Now comes the quirky idea of turning them into lifeguards responsible for security, order and cleanliness, water quality monitoring and maintenance of technical equipment. This, believes the group, would lead to a decrease in sex crimes. Incredibly, BDS president Peter Harzheim claimed: 'Often it is the case that women feel sexually harassed by a group of migrants just because they look at them. 'Such situations could be disarmed faster' with migrants as pool attendants.' A young victim loved going swimming at the local pool in Vienna but now suffers from severe post-traumatic stress disorder and panic attacks after sexual assault The SPD, Greens and the Left Party in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous state, support the proposal. 'People with multilingualism can dispel misunderstandings faster', said Left Party spokesman Ozlem Demirel. And the SPD - Labour Party - state parliamentarian integration expert Ibrahim Yetim added: 'If there is a way to educate refugees to become lifeguards, that would be a great thing. It is important to give a perspective to the young refugees.' But Cologne lifeguard chief Berthold Schmitt believes there is a 'fundamental problem' for refugees in 6000 indoor andoutdoor and school swimming pools in Germany. He said: 'The 'new people', as we call them, have three problems: they speak no German, have no knowledge of German or European bathing culture, and most cannot swim.' patrolling corridors would have seen the alleged rape Kato Harris, 37, is accused of three counts of raping a girl under the age of 16 during lunch breaks at an 18,000-a-year girls school A teacher accused of raping a pupil at an 18,000-a-year public school today claimed she made it up to get revenge after he mocked her 'silly face' in a school photo. Kato Harris, 37, is accused of three counts of raping a 14-year-old during lunch breaks while working at one of Britain's top girls schools as the head of geography and assistant head. It emerged today that Harris's partner was pregnant, despite claiming that a drug he had been taking for anxiety left him impotent so he would have been incapable of the act. However, he also claimed that it would have been 'completely impossible' to rape a student as strict guidelines prevented staff and pupils from even being alone together. Harris claimed that staff patrol the corridors and would have raised alarms if he was seen in a room alone with the alleged victims. Asked what the chances of it happening three time, he told his defence lawyer William Clegg: 'Even more than completely impossible, if that's possible. It's unthinkable, couldn't be done.' Today, the prosecution asked if the pupil could bear him any ill will, and he claimed the young girl was holding a grudge against him. He told prosecutor Sally Hales QC: 'There was a silly face on the school photograph. I am on the record as saying I saw her pulling a silly face and saying there was always one looking silly. 'It's now my understanding that she did in fact find out that I said that and was apparently also quite resentful because she said other girls teased her about my having said it.' Harris, from Richmond, south west London, told the court how guidelines are different for male and females, existing to protect both pupils from harm and staff from allegations. 'Male teachers are more vulnerable to being accused of inappropriate behaviour or abuse where girls are concerned,' he told Isleworth Crown Court. He explained how male staff were given doorstops so that doors always remained open when they were talking to pupils. At lunchtimes, there was a rota for staff to patrol classrooms, he said, and he himself was in charge of patrolling the geography club. Harris added: 'There are hundreds of pupils circulating the corridors. She doesn't have a form room in the corridor, I don't think she had lessons in the corridor either. 'The amount of time I would have had to stand waiting for her to come over by chance. Someone would have said why have you been stood in the corridor for 45 minutes. It would be extremely unusual coincidence.' Ms Hales, prosecuting, said: 'You beckoned her over into C14 [the classroom] where you put her on the floor where you raped her in a blind spot that could not be seen in the corridor.' Harris replied: '300 pupils could not be in the canteen at one time, therefore 400 girls would have been in the building. They would have seen me waiting. I didn't rape her, anywhere, ever.' Today, at Isleworth Crown Court, Harris explained how staff patrolled the corridors at lunch times so it would be impossible to rape a pupil without being seen The court also heard from the school's head of year, who described the suggestion that a teacher could have raped a student on a Monday lunchtime as 'completely impractical'. Harris broke down in tears in the dock as colleagues praised him as an 'outstanding teacher' and a 'passionate guy'. The former headteacher said the accusations were 'unbelievable, adding: 'He did his job extremely well. He was a passionate geographer. Every day he had a packed classroom. 'As a teacher, he was outstanding, bordering on brilliant. Pupils adored his lessons. 'He was a problem-solving member of staff. If I were still a headteacher, I would employ him in a heartbeat.' Harris, whose partner was pregnant when he was arrested, denies the charges, initially claiming that he had suffered a 'complete loss of libido' following the breakdown of his marriage. But he today told the court they were 'planning to start a family' and his partner had conceived while he was taking the drug Citalopram. DEFENDANT BREAKS DOWN IN THE DOCK AS COLLEAGUES PRAISE HIM FOR BEING AND 'OUTSTANDING' AND 'PASSIONATE' TEACHER AT RAPE TRIAL Harris today broke down in the dock as his colleagues praised him for being an 'outstanding teacher' as he denies rape at his trial The geography teacher accused of raping a 14-year-old girl in a classroom multiple times was an 'outstanding teacher, bordering on brilliant', a court heard. She added: 'He did his job extremely well. He was a passionate geographer. Every day he had a packed classroom. 'As a teacher, he was outstanding, bordering on brilliant. Pupils adored his lessons. 'He was a problem-solving member of staff. If I were still a headteacher, I would employ him in a heartbeat.' At this point, Harris audibly broke down in the dock, wiping tears from his eyes. Another witness, who taught languages at the school, described Harris as an 'excellent teacher in every way'. She added: 'He was very good, an excellent teacher. He really loved his subject. 'He was inspirational. He really wanted everyone to do well and loved his subject. 'Usually history is more popular than geography, but at our school, geography was more popular. 'I went on a school trip to Iceland, led by Mr Harris, and it was inspirational.' She added that the allegations 'did not fit at all' with the man she knew. Another fellow teacher describe him as 'intelligent, thoughtful, compassionate and honest'. Advertisement Ms Hales said: 'You have claimed that you would have found it very difficult to commit the offence you are alleged to have committed. 'The Citalopram was not sufficient to render you incapable of carrying out this act.' Harris said that he could achieve an erection, that it was 'not impossible', but 'more difficult'. The prosecution alleges that the offences took place in the autumn term of 2013 during lunch breaks, but the girl did not make the allegation until 2014. Harris's partner was pregnant, despite claiming that a drug he had been taking for anxiety left him impotent so he would have been incapable of the act The allegations emerged after she moved to a new school and staff became concerned about her unhappiness, panic attacks and eating habits. When a housemistress told the girl she suspected sexual abuse, the teenager replied: 'Maybe,' but later wrote 'I have been raped' on a piece of paper and handed it to the staff member. Her mother said that her daughter had become 'the saddest person I have ever seen' since the alleged assaults, and has not hugged her since. The family's lawyers brought in ex-Deputy Assistant Commissioner Sue Akers - who spent 36 years with the Metropolitan Police - as a private investigator who sought to guide officers on how to conduct the case, the court heard. When arrested, Harris told officers: 'I can't imagine doing anything so unspeakable.' Yesterday, he told the court how all male staff took specific steps not to be alone with students, and he explained the procedure further today. Harris said that he had never invited a pupil into a classroom alone and the court heard previously that there was a specific meeting room for when teachers needed to talk to pupils one-on-one. He said: 'During our teacher training, we were issued with a detailed set of statute law, including the Children's Act, telling us what were our legal responsibilities were now that we were going to be employed around children. 'We were trained to spot signs that a child the was being abused and how to respond to allegations of abuse.' Asked specifically about guidance on being alone with a student, he said: 'We were advised to avoid that happening as far as practically possible.' Me Clegg asked: 'If you had to be alone with a girl, what is the guidance?' Harris said: 'That it would be best to be visible to anyone in the corridor - plus we were all provided with door wedges to keep the door open whenever we wanted to.' He denied ever inviting a child to join him in a room alone. Mr Clegg added: 'If you did, would that be following the guidance?' Harris said: 'In my view it would be ignoring the guidance.' The court also heard how he had taught the pupil's sister Daniel Hatton, 53, has been convicted of nearly biting a man's penis off during a fight at his Wyoming home in Gosford September last year A man has been convicted and fined $900 for nearly biting off another man's penis during a fight over a box trailer which left a large rip in the man's denim shorts. Daniel Arthur Hatton was convicted on Monday in Gosford Local Court and given a good behaviour bond for 18 months but claims that he was 'set upon by four people'. The 53-year-old had gone to get the address of a man named Peter Peterson, who he was taking an apprehended violence order against, following a dispute involving Hatton's son and the alleged stolen box trailer, reported News Local. Hatton told the newspaper that when he reached the front of the Wyoming home Mr Peterson came 'flying out of the door' with two other men and a woman. Mr Peterson had allegedly thrown the first punch according to Hatton, and the pair ended up wrestling on the ground until Hatton was pinned down. 'To stop him jumping on me (sic) head again, I've grabbed a hold of something with me teeth,' Hatton told police at the time. 'And I've just held on I held on for another good minute, you know, in that position. Then I think he just started going slumping out there was no fight left in him.' Hatton (pictured) has appealed the conviction saying that he has been painted incorrectly by a statement written by his ex-wife Ronald Crowther who said that he had been with Mr Peterson and a woman named Shantelle White when the fight broke out said that he turned around to see 'Pete's jeans in his mouth'. Hatton left the address at about 10am on September 22 last year and reported it to police who found Mr Peterson at Gosford Hospital with a large 5cm laceration to the underside of his penis. In a statement Senior Constable Daniel McArthur said that he had seen Mr Peterson in the foyer of the hospital and stated: 'He said 'I've been bitten'. I said 'bitten? Where?' I saw he looked down at his crotch. I said 'on the d**k? He said 'yeah'.' When approached by police, Hatton explained that he suspected the injury must have occurred when he bit Mr Peterson on the leg to stop him from allegedly jumping on his head. Hatton bit the man injuring his penis and leaving the man with a 5cm laceration and a large tear (left) to his denim shorts (right) He said: 'Like I say, I was fighting for my life at the time. My head was bouncing off the concrete like a pinball.' On Tuesday, the day after his conviction, Hatton maintained his innocence blaming his ex-wife's testimony which contradicted his first interview with police. 'My own missus, my ex hammered me. Let this be a lesson to everybody, don't ever trust the police and don't tell them anything.' Hatton has appealed his conviction in the District Court. A judge warned of the dangers of dating websites as she jailed a psychopath for life for the brutal murder of a woman he met for sex. Usha Patel, 44, was ferociously beaten and strangled to death by Miles Donnelly, 35, after she put her five-year-old son to bed in the flat they shared in Cricklewood, north London. The single mother had invited the lying and manipulative career criminal over on the evening of October 7 last year for sex after meeting through the online dating agency, Oasis. The Old Bailey heard she was desperate for a new relationship and Donnelly bombarded her with sexually explicit messages before telling her: I will treat you like a princess. But after they undressed, Donnelly, who has a history of violence when drunk or on drugs, killed his date by beating her ferociously about the head and strangling her. Tragedy: Usha Patel, 44, was ferociously beaten and strangled to death by Miles Donnelly, 35, who was jailed for life today As his victim lay dead or dying he stabbed her in the stomach with a large bread knife 13 times before fleeing, leaving his underpants, socks and keys, with a picture of his daughter on, behind. The next morning, when her father, Gopal Patel, arrived to take her son to school, the boy said: Mummys not well. Donnelly hid from police at the home of a neighbour, Rosie Ferrigno, 43, in Maida Vale. He had claimed it was his birthday before telling her he wanted to marry her, take her to Ireland and have lots of babies with her. But Donnelly hit her on the back of the head with a stool after she spurned his sexual advances and was finally arrested on 11 October after calling police himself. He was today sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 23 years after he admitted murder and causing actual bodily harm. Judge Rebecca Poulet QC said: In my assessment, this case is a stark warning to anyone who plans to meet someone following limited internet contact. That meeting must take place in a public place until one person feels they know something of the other. She was clearly anxious to meet a new partner but she paid for that invitation with her life. Chilling: Judge Rebecca Poulet QC, pictured, said that the case is stark warning to anyone meeting someone after limited contact online The judge said: After careful consideration of the facts, it appears to me that the violence to Ms Patel was inflicted in a frenzy of rage rather than enthusiasm for inflicting pain, suffering or humiliation, as sadism is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary. However, it is clear there was mental and physical suffering inflicted on the victim before death. She added : We, and her family, will never know why you did this terrible act. Donnelly has a string of convictions for threatening and abusive behaviour, possession of a knife, criminal damage, robbery, racially aggravated assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm over an attack on a prison officer, battery, and other acquisitive crimes. A psychiatric assessment found him to have a psychopathic personality, said prosecutor Simon Denison QC. The evidence shows the defendant to have met and murdered Usha Patel, and assaulted Rosie Ferrigno, at a time when he was driven by compulsions to drink, take cocaine, and have sex, he continued. He is a lying and manipulative man who was able to quickly gain Usha Patels trust and get her to agree to invite him to her home. There is no suggestion that he went to her home for the purpose of having sex with her and then killing her. There is nothing to suggest that he gains sexual pleasure from violence. But he did know, from his extensive criminal history, that he had a tendency to become violent when drunk and drugged, and he must have known he presented a significant and serious danger to women. A string of WhatsApp messages recovered from Ms Patels phone showed they had first made contact in April last year. The prosecutor said they make very sad reading, adding: It is clear he wanted to meet up for sex and she was accepting of that. He later told Ms Patel his mother had died, that he wanted more than just sex and was looking for a life partner, promising: I will treat you like a princess. The night before they first met face-to-face, Donnelly said: If I come to you tonight...and you nurse me back to health...I will swear my life over to you...If you do that babe I will marry you tomorrow. On 7 October last year he took two bottles of rose wine to her flat while she bought bottles of Magners cider for Donnelly. It is clear from all the evidence, from the scene and from her phone and his, that he went to her home that evening by arrangement, to drink and to have sex, and they drank, and they both undressed, and for a reason that she cannot tell us and he wont tell us, he killed her and then left in a hurry, said Mr Denison. The defendant killed Usha Patel in her home that evening, possibly into the early hours of Thursday, after she had put [her son] to bed. A post mortem revealed she had been ferociously beaten, strangled and stabbed 13 times in the stomach and the cause of death was recorded as compression of the neck, blunt head injury and alcohol intoxication. There was no evidence a sexual assault had taken place. In his basis of plea, Donnelly claimed he had killed Ms Patel in a drunken rage following a brief argument. His barrister, David Hislop QC, said: It was during a binge brought on by the death of his mother. DI James Stevenson, from the Met Police, said: Donnelly declined to answer any questions put to him during his police interviews and has never offered any information as to why he assaulted and killed Usha Patel that night. Ushas family are completely devastated. A teenager has been fatally shot in the chest by a friend during a sleepover in Texas. Emilio 'Milo' Flores, 15, was accidentally killed by friend Logan Anderson, 18, at the Flores' home in Alvin, Houston, on Tuesday morning. Anderson, who fled the scene with two other friends after the accident, was arrested about 9:45am on the same day and has been charged with manslaughter, according to the Alvin Police Department. Emilio 'Milo' Flores (pictured), 15, has been accidentally shot and killed by a friend during a sleepover in Houston, Texas Logan Anderson, 18, was arrested after the shooting of Emilio Flores and charged with manslaughter on Tuesday Video courtesy of KRIV FOX 26 A police statement said officers found Flores 'deceased and sitting upright in a patio chair' when they arrived at the home. 'Although details of exactly what happened were still not clear, it is believed the victim was shot by an 18-year-old male acquaintance who fled the scene with another 18-year-old male acquaintance and a white female,' the statement read. 'The victim's family was home at the time of the shooting and it is believed that several occupants of the house witnessed the shooting. 'The investigation is still unfolding, but at this time police are not aware of any pre-existing conflicts between the victim and shooter. At this time there is no apparent motive for the shooting.' Emilio 'Milo' Flores was found by police 'deceased and sitting upright in a patio chair' by officers when they arrived at his home Emilio's father, Jose Flores, told local news his son 'died in his arms' and that he unsuccessfully tried to help him 'The victim's family was home at the time of the shooting and it is believed that several occupants of the house witnessed the shooting,' Alvin Police Department said in a statement 'The investigation is still unfolding, but at this time police are not aware of any pre-existing conflicts between the victim and shooter. At this time there is no apparent motive for the shooting,' police said Emilio's father, Jose Flores, told ABC Houston his son 'died in his arms'. 'He and a couple of friends were supposed to spend the night together, and right around 5 o'clock in the morning, I was awakened by a sound that sounded like a firecracker,' Flores said. 'My son was struggling to breathe, so I tried to do the best thing I could. Angela Eagle was forced to cancel her constituency surgeries following threats from hard-Left activists hours after Jeremy Corbyn said rebellious MPs could face deselection. With infighting between the Corbynites and moderates intensifying, the former leadership challenger revealed she had been told to cut back on her surgeries on police advice. The move came a week after a brick was thrown through a window of her local partys office after she announced her intention to stand against Mr Corbyn. It also came on the day that Mr Corbyn launched his re-election bid, insisting that once he had seen off the challenge from former shadow cabinet minister Owen Smith, it will be the job, the duty, the responsibility of every Labour MP to get behind the party. Meanwhile, Mr Corbyn has warned his Labour rebels they could be kicked out of Parliament as he confirmed every sitting MP would face mandatory re-selection before the 2020 General Election. Scroll down for videos Jeremy Corbyn (pictured in central London) has warned his Labour rebels they could be kicked out of Parliament as he confirmed every sitting MP would face mandatory re-selection before the 2020 election The incumbent Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (pictured sitting next to his wife, left, and Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury Rebecca Long-Bailey, right as he prepared to launch his leadership campaign in central London today and right) said Britain is plagued with five 'social ills' - inequality, neglect, insecurity, prejudice and discrimination Launching his bid to be re-elected Labour leader today, he offered his many internal critics in the Commons the 'hand of friendship', acknowledging that some 'may not even like me personally'. But he came under fire after after he launched a tirade against medical research being 'farmed out to big pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer' and said research should instead be funded through the publicly-funded Medical Research Council. Mr Corbyn was immediately ridiculed by the body representing the pharmaceutical industry. 'Clearly the taxpayer could not replace the world-wide investment made by industry in researching new medicines,' the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) said in a statement. Mr Corbyn was also criticised for saying: 'It cannot be right that in some parts of Britain you earn more than in other parts of Britain.' But despite the widespread condemnation of his remarks today the incumbent leader is expected to keep hold of the leadership after an astonishing 183,541 extra activists signed up for a vote in the contest within just 48 hours. Mr Corbyn has caused alarm among many Labour moderates and Blairite MPs by confirming that every Constituency Labour parties (CLPs) would have the chance to replace their sitting MP with a more left-wing candidate before the 2020 General Election. He said the re-selection process would take place after the Government's boundary review in 2018, which will reduce the number of seats from 650 to 600. Speaking at his launch in London today, Mr Corbyn said: 'If this parliament runs to the full term, then the new boundaries will be the basis on which the elections take place and in that case there would be a full selection process in every constituency. Jeremy Corbyn (pictured in central London) declared Britain 'ill' as he launched his bid to be re-elected Labour leader this morning 'But the sitting MP for any part or any substantial part of the new boundary would have the opportunity to put their name forward so there will be a full and open selection process for every Constituency Labour Party in the UK.' He attempted to reach out to the 172 Labour MPs who signed a vote of no confidence in his leadership by urging them to pool the 'huge amount of talent' on the Labour benches and unite behind him. 'I hold out the hand of friendship to them all,' he said, acknowledging that many MPs 'may not agree with me politically, may not even like me personally' but insisted: 'It's the job, it's the duty, it's the responsibility of every Labour MP to get behind the party' and oppose the Tories. Pleading his internal critics to back his leadership if he wins another leadership contest, Mr Corbyn said: 'I appeal to them to work together to put that case forward because we owe it to the people that founded this party, that support this party, the half million who give their money and their time to help this party survive and strengthen and grow the kind of better society we can put forward. 'I hope they will recognise that and come on board.' He surrounded himself in female supporters as he arrived for his campaign launch, pledging to put gender equality at the heart of his pitch and announced a policy to force companies to publish equality pay audits. Firms that employ more than 21 staff but refuse to publish pay, grade and hours of every job would be fined under the policy, designed to close the gender equality gap under his policy. It was part of a speech that declared Britain was plagued with five 'social ills' - inequality, neglect, insecurity, prejudice and discrimination. Launching his bid to be re-elected Labour leader today, Jeremy Corbyn (pictured) attempted offered his many internal critics in the Commons the 'hand of friendship', acknowledging that some 'may not even like me personally' Jeremy Corbyn surrounded himself in female supporters as he arrived for his launch along with his wife, pictured walking behind him to the right wearing a white blouse, as he sought to highlight his focus on tackling gender inequality But his focus on inequality was undermined after he chose to be introduced by Kate Osamor, the Shadow International Development Secretary, who was found to be advertising for an unpaid intern to work in her Edmonton constituency office earlier this year. She blamed it on a 'misunderstanding'. Mr Corbyn's controversial call for private contractors to be stripped of medical research funding came in response to a question about his challenger Owen Smith, who has been criticsed for his past job lobbying for pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. He said: 'I hope Owen will fully agree with me that our NHS should be free at the point of use, should be run by publicly employed workers working for the NHS not for private contractors, and medical research shouldn't be farmed out to big pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and others but should be funded through the Medical Research Council.' Minutes later the ABPI issued a statement defending the 88billion a year private firms spend on research and development 'in order to bring new medicines and vaccines to patients to fight disease'. 'These new medicines include treatments for diabetes, cancer and cures for Hepatitis C, transforming the lives of patients and their families,' the industry body said. 'In the UK this equates to 4.1 billion per year of investment in R&D, with the MRC also contributing 770 million and research charities 1.3 billion. 'Clearly the taxpayer could not replace the world-wide investment made by industry in researching new medicines. Collaboration between industry researchers, academics and clinicians in the development of medicines for patient benefit is hugely important.' Jeremy Corbyn (pictured at his leadership campaign launch alongside supporters today) came under fire after after he launched a tirade against medical research being 'farmed out to big pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer' and said research should instead be funded through the publicly-funded Medical Research Council Jeremy Corbyn was introduced by his Shadow International Development Secretary Kate Osamor, right, who was embroiled in a row earlier this year when it emerged she had advertised for an unpaid intern to work in her Edmonton constituency office The incumbent Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (pictured arriving with supporters as he arrived at his leadership launch in London, left) is facing a leadership challenge from Owen Smith (right) The ABPI invited Mr Corbyn to meet up to 'discuss his concerns and tell him more about our work and the value that we bring to UK patients and the UK economy'. Remarkably, Mr Corbyn reiterated his support for a snap General Election - despite opinion polls showing the Labour party well behind the Tories. He said he would support the repeal of the Fixed Term Parliaments Act to enable an election before 2020 and said voters should not have to wait four more years to have a say on Theresa May as Prime Minister. CORBYN FORCED TO DOUBLE UP EVEN MORE JOBS IN SHADOW CABINET TO COVER BREXIT BRIEF Labour has announced Emily Thornberry and Barry Gardiner will extend their existing portfolios to shadow the new Brexit and International Trade departments. The appointments add to the roster of Labour shadow cabinet ministers who are doing more than one job, as leader Jeremy Corbyn is constrained in his choice by the fact that 172 of the party's 230 MPs have backed a vote of no confidence in him. A senior spokesman for Mr Corbyn said the Labour leader had neither ruled out nor endorsed proposals for a second EU referendum after the Brexit negotiations are complete. 'That has to be dealt with later,' said the spokesman. 'There needs to be some form of democratic accountability for what is negotiated. People voted in the referendum, but didn't have a clear sense of what package was involved. 'But what form that accountability should take should be settled later.' Advertisement 'Of course there should be a general election,' Mr Corbyn told LBC. 'We have a new Prime Minister without a mandate, we have Brexit negotiations that are being undertaken without any authority other than the referendum which said people wanted ultimately to leave the European Union.' The embattled Labour leader was put in prime position to win the contest after a 180,000-strong surge in activists paid 25 in just 48 hours to have a vote in the contest - a majority of whom are expected to back the left-wing leader. It raised an astonishing 4.59 million for the Labour party coffers, with a further 380,000 members and trade union affiliated supporters also eligible to vote in the leadership election. His team are confident that the astonishing number of sign-ups - a rate of more than one a second since the window opened on Monday evening - will sweep him to another convincing victory, with the result announced on the even of Labour's conference on September 24. A spokesman for Mr Corbyn said it was 'reasonable to assume' that the large number of new registrations come from supporters of the veteran left-winger. In last year's leadership election a remarkable 84 per cent of the 3 registered supporters voted for him. The total electorate for the Labour leadership is a record 571,000 - nearly 17,000 more than last year, although the party must vet the extra sign-ups to ensure they are eligible voters. Pledging to tackle the 'five ills' of 21st century Britain, Mr Corbyn said this morning: 'If our economy is to thrive it needs to harness the talents of everyone. 'So this is about making our economy stronger, the workplace fairer, reducing the discrimination that holds people back.' In an echo of the five 'giant evils' identified by William Beveridge in the 1940s, Mr Corbyn said: 'Today what is holding people back above all are inequality, neglect, insecurity, prejudice and discrimination. 'In my campaign I want to confront all five of those ills head on, setting out not only how Labour will campaign against these injustices in opposition but also spelling out some of the measures the next Labour government will take to overcome them.' Jeremy Corbyn was supported by his wife Laura Alvarez, pictured sat next to him, left, as he prepared to launch his bid to be re-elected Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (pictured at his leadership launch) was put in prime position to win the contest after a 180,000-strong surge in activists paid 25 in just 48 hours to have a vote in the contest - a majority of whom are expected to back the left-wing leader Announcing his key policy this morning Mr Corbyn said a Labour government would force firms to publish the new equality pay audits 'detailing pay, grade and hours of every job ... alongside data on recognised equality characteristics'. 'Because it is not only women who face workplace discrimination but disabled workers, the youngest and oldest workers, black and ethnic minority workers. 'Young workers are institutionally discriminated against, not entitled to the full minimum wage, not entitled to equal rates of housing benefit and so many are now saddled with huge student debts.' Vowing that 'we are calling time on discrimination' he committed to fund the Equality and Human Rights Commission to enforce the policy. By placing the gender equality pledge at the centre of his campaign and highlighting his past as a trade union representative, Mr Corbyn will hope to win over two core voter groups. The organisation would be responsible for monitoring the policy, taking action to eradicate discrimination and fining employers which do not provide audits. The extra 183,541 sign-ups for the leadership election was helped by a host of celebrities who backed the Saving Labour campaign that urged people to pay the 25 to vote out Mr Corbyn as leader. The party's ruling National Executive Committee ruled earlier this month that only party members who signed up before January 12 this year would be given a vote. Jeremy Corbyn (pictured in central London) declared Britain 'ill' as he launched his bid to be re-elected Labour leader this morning The decision was controversial and led to the rival campaigns desperately trying to persuade people to pay the 25 for registered supporter status, which gives them a one-off vote in the leadership election. In total, a massive 183,541 people applied for the registered supporter status, paying 25 each and raising 4,588,525 for the party. Labour confirmed that Mr Corbyn and Mr Smith will be the only two candidates on the ballot paper for the postal vote which ends on September 24. By the deadline of 5pm last night, Mr Smith had secured the nominations of 162 Labour MPs - more than 70 per cent of the party's representation in the House of Commons - as well as 10 MEPs. Among his nominators were former rival Angela Eagle, who withdrew from the race on Tuesday, and ex-leader Ed Miliband. The ruling National Executive Committee decided that Mr Corbyn, as incumbent leader, was not required to meet the threshold of 51 nominations to stand. Jeremy Corbyn (pictured alongside his Shadow International Development Secretary Kate Osamor) pledged to cure Britain's 'five ills' of inequality, neglect, insecurity, prejudice and discrimination as he launched his bid to be re-elected Labour leader JK Rowling (pictured) is among a growing list of celebrities who have joined the Saving Labour campaign urging people to pay 25 to vote out Jeremy Corbyn as leader The party is undertaking a process of vetting the applications for duplicates or people who do not share Labour's values before ballot papers are sent out. Harry Potter author JK Rowling, along with EastEnders actor Ross Kemp, comedian Robert Webb and actor Jason Isaacs were part of the last-ditch attempt to sign up as many people as possible to outweigh thousands of left-wing supporters of Mr Corbyn in the leadership election. Labour's ruling National Executive Committee controversially ruled earlier this month that new party members who registered in the last six months would be barred from having a vote in the contest. Ross Kemp featured in a video posted to Twitter in which he called Labour 'weak in opposition'. He said the party showed 'no fight to remain in the EU' and most cuttingly stated it was 'overseen by a man on the sidelines.' During the 30 second clip, which appeared on the @saving_labour Twitter account, he accused Mr Corbyn of standing and watching as the country was 'slowly pulled apart.' JK Rowling also lashed out at Mr Corbyn's leadership, saying she wanted a 'decent opposition'. She and other showbusiness figures are backing the 'unity candidate' Owen Smith, who is challenging Mr Corbyn for the leadership after Angela Eagle dropped out of the race last night to maximise the chance of ousting the Labour leader. The Saving Labour campaign has branded itself the true 'people's party' that represents the 'broad sweep of moderate, mainstream Labour opinion and values'. Other celebrities backing the campaign include author Robert Harris, food critic Jay Rayner and New Tricks star Tracy Ann Oberman. Jeremy Corbyn (pictured) has won his bid to personally fight legal action against attempts by a major Labour donor to kick him off the ballot paper in the party's leadership election There is also a legal attempt to kick Mr Corbyn off the leadership election ballot paper, but it is unlikely to succeed in stopping his bid to be re-elected. But yesterday the embattled Labour leader won his bid to personally fight legal action against attempts from major Labour Michael Foster. A High Court claim brought by Mr Foster, a former parliamentary candidate who has given Labour more than 400,000 since 2010, is suing the party's governing National Executive Committee (NEC) over its decision to guarantee Mr Corbyn a place on the leadership ballot. The NEC voted against arguments from Labour moderates that the incumbent leader must secure 51 nominations to get onto the ballot paper - as leadership challengers must do. Today's decision allows Mr Corbyn to be a co-defendant in the court case. He wanted to be added as a second defendant to strengthen his defence amid fears that the official defendant - General Secretary Iain McNicol - would not put up a sufficiently tough defence. His application was heard by Master Victoria McCloud at a preliminary hearing at the High Court in London on Tuesday, and this morning the court granted Mr Corbyn the right to be added to the defence. Explaining the case for Mr Corbyn being personally added to the defence proceedings, his application stated: 'His personal interest in the subject matter of this litigation is pressing and obvious and distinguishes him from the general body of members represented by Mr McNicol.' The case, which is expected to be aired fully on July 26, follows the decision of the NEC that the leader should automatically be included in the contest. NEC members wrestled with legal advice for six hours over whether Mr Corbyn would need to secure 51 nominations to make it on to the ballot paper after both sides insisted the party rulebook backed their case. The written document before the court also says that Mr Foster's legal action 'seeks, in effect, to reverse this decision so that Mr Corbyn will not be eligible to stand as a candidate in the forthcoming leadership election unless he secures the requisite number of nominations in the time limited by the rules'. Ross Kemp featured in a video posted to Twitter in which he called Labour 'weak in opposition' under Mr Corbyn's leadership Senator Ted Cruz stared down angry shouted questions from his own Texas delegation on Thursday morning, a day after his refusal to endorse Donald Trump caused an eruption of boos and fury on the floor of the GOP convention in Cleveland. Cruz doubled down on his position, saying he intended to vote his 'conscience' and refused repeated shouted questions from fellow Texans trying to pin him down on whether he would vote for the Republican nominee who defeated him and offered him a prime-time convention speech. Under pressure from a series of confrontational questions from his own delegation, he made clear how bitter and personal his battle with Trump has become, even as the party tries to unify. 'I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father,' Cruz said. The response from GOP leaders and the Trump campaign was immediate and furious, with Republican congressman Peter King calling Cruz an 'a**hole' and the chief strategist of the Republican National Committee saying he agreed. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO 'I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father,' Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said Thursday as he defended his refusal to endorse Donald Trump Contempt: A Texas delegate made his feelings about Ted Cruz clear during the stormy meeting between the senator and the delegation The Trump clan was not amused as Cruz delivered a parting shot to Trump in the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio Family fury: Vanessa Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump and Tiffany Trump's faces left no doubts about their feelings as they listened to Ted Cruz If looks could kill: Ivanka Trump is normally a picture-perfect daughter of the Republican presidential candidate, but Wednesday night she was seen jabbing her finger (above, alongside Lara Trump, center, and Tiffany Trump, right) as Ted Cruz refused to endorse her father Making her point: The candidate's daughter Ivanka's gestures and facial expression made clear her views on Ted Cruz as he spoke at the convention Angry Republican convention delegates booed Cruz off the stage Wednesday night after he urged them to 'vote your conscience' instead of backing their party's nominee 'I'd probably use the same verbiage,' the RNC's Sean Spicer said on CNN when asked about Rep. King's choice of words. 'I think that it is disappointing when somebody who is a leader in the conservative movement who knows what's at stake I mean, Ted Cruz, more than anybody, in terms of his background, knows what's at stake and chose to come here,' Spicer added. CNN also had Donald Trump Jr. on in an extended anti-Cruz bashfest. My father came out on top,' he declared, noting that 'Ted gave his word' he would support the eventual Republican nominee. He is a pure politician, he said. Hes so unlikeable. And questioning Cruz's anti-establishment patina, he insisted the senator 'only became anti-establishment when he couldnt get in.' Trump Jr. said his father's campaign had done the right thing by giving Cruz a chance to speak even after seeing his prepared remarks and learning that there would be no endorsement on Wednesday night. 'We wanted to make sure that we gave him the option to speak. We were the better man,' he said. 'We knew it wasn't coming. We could have put an end to it, and we said, "No, no. Do what you need to do".' 'And in the end, honestly, I think if there was a little smidgen of disunity left on the floor, going into yesterday, that's totally gone and everyone's behind my father.' He also hat-tipped his father's derisive nickname for Cruz 'Lyin' Ted' without mentioning it on the air. I think Ted Cruz has a nickname that has grown pretty popular, and I think its there for a reason,' he said. 'Because Ted Cruz does whats good for Ted Cruz. Ted Cruz isnt thinking about those things.' He said Cruz is thinking that if Hillary Clinton were to win the election, '"I can run in four years as opposed to waiting for eight when my father finishes up his second turn".' Video footage has emerged showing Cruz's wife Heidi (circled) being led out of the Quicken Loans Arena when the crowd turned on him Aftermath: Ted Cruz went backstage where his wife Heidi had been hustled to and posed for a photograph with South Carolina governor Nikki Haley and her husband Michael Out in force: Trump supporters left no doubt who they were backing during a stormy meeting between Ted Cruz and the delegation from Texas, the state the Canadian-born Republican represents Still got one friend: Not all the Texas delegation were against Cruz - delegate Maggie Wright had brought his campaign merchandising in a show of support Cruz out of control: The losing presidential candidate had to speak over jeering and chants of 'Trump' Back at the Cruz event, the Texas contrarian said: 'I addressed the convention because Donald Trump asked me to and when Donald Trump asked me to he didn't ask him to endorse,' Cruz explained to a mixed crowd of Trump and Cruz supporters. 'Three days ago I talked on the phone with him and I told him I'm not going to do it,' Cruz explained. 'Why not?' yelled out a delegate. Cruz said what he wanted to do with his speech was explain the 'principles we should stand for as Republicans. In that speech last night did not say a single negative word about Donald Trump. And I'll tell you this going forward I don't intend to say negative things about Donald Trump.' The crowd wasn't persuaded. 'You signed a pledge!' one Texan lectured him. 'Your word is your bond!' 'Are you going to vote for Trump?' another man decked out in red, white, and blue yelled out at Cruz at a Marriott not far from the convention hall where the chaotic speech occured. 'His vote is private!' yelled out a woman in response. Any problems? Ivanka seemed upset while speaking privately with her solemn-looking father. Texas senator Cruz had told the audience and millions watching at home across America to 'speak and vote your conscience' Turning the air blue? The father-daughter duo were not impressed with Cruz, who did not say he supported Trump during his speech. Video footage later emerged showing Cruz's wife being led out of the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland as the crowd turned Trump himself later pointed down to someone outside of the VIP box during the speeches at the GOP convention Wednesday night Again and again, delegates pressed Cruz on his refusal to back Trump. He repeated his arguments that people should vote their conscience. He bashed Hillary, but refused to say who he would vote for, although he did say he wouldn't attack Trump. 'I will tell the truth. I will not malign. I will not attack. This is not a game,' Cruz shot back to another man who challenged him. 'It is not simply blindly chanting a name and yelling down senators,' he fumed. 'If anyone thought that I was eager to come to this convention,' Cruz tried to say prompting another angry man to yell out:: 'And vote for Hillary!' After the stunning political confrontation, delegates vented at Cruz for not doing more for the GOP or at Trump supporters for angrily shouting him down in the hall. 'People will remember this,' said Stuart Mayper, a businessman in natural gas who has backed Cruz financially. 'I was disappointed last night. I think he burned a bit of a bridge.' 'People will remember this,' said Stuart Mayper, a Houston businessman who has supported and donated to Cruz 'I think he gave a tepid endorsement. He may very well sit it out.' As for Cruz's reasons, he speculated: 'I think his main concern was personal his wife, if she was insulted like that. Personal things fester. There's great division in his room.' Mike McCloskey, another Texas delegate who is in the hotel business, asked a question of Cruz about what his intentions really were. 'I felt like he left the door open. What other alternative is there?' he asked. 'Obviously there is a real division,' McCloskey continued. 'It's truly unique. I know him. I know his people. I just think it was not the right thing to do.' Cruz loyalist Erin Swanson, a delegate from Houston, said Cruz was a 'class act' and blame the angry crowd in the convention hall. 'People didn't even give him a chance,' she complained. 'They overran him and Trump came out and interrupted. 'When you go after somebody's family, you've crossed the line,' fumed pro-Cruz delegate Deborah Kelting. Cruz's fresh confrontation with Trump supporters came as Eric Trump led a wave of attacks on the defeated Texas senator for his conduct, calling him 'classless'. 'CLASS ACT:' Houston delegate and Cruz loyalist Erin Swanson complained that on Wednesday night, 'They overran him and Trump came out and interrupted' during Cruz's speech Eric Trump told 'CBS This Morning' viewers that Ted Cruz was 'classless' for refusing to endorse his father during Wednesday night's session of the Republican National Convention Texas GOP representative Blake Farenthold told DailyMail.com, 'When I was on the floor last night, a lot of people who I knew are fervent Cruz supporters Texans were saying, 'I wouldnt vote for him for dog catcher after that performance.' 'Its about integrity,' he continued. 'I like what Ted says about the Constitution. I like what he says about American values and freedom and liberty. But he was on that stage and he promised that he was going to get behind the eventual nominee. He took the pledge. Regardless of hurt feelings, if I pledge to pay the bank back a loan, Im not excused from that obligation if the bank president talks trash about my wife.' New accounts emerged of Cruz's dramatic evening. His return to his hotel room in Cleveland also contained its share of drama. Maggie Wright, told the tale to DailyMail.com while seated alongside Cruz's father, Rafael Thursday, of Cruz's chaotic return to is hotel lobby following his convention speech. 'They were all booing here. I was down there eating. They came in and there were so many people that were booing around me and around him. Press and the security his detail,' she said. 'I couldnt see who it was. And I asked the people around me. They were booing. I said whos booing? Was it [Joe] Strauss, our speaker of the house down in Texas. They said, "No, its Ted."' 'It was Texans. I jumped up, I laid my ticket down ... I just grabbed my bag and ran. I grabbed Ted and I walked with him through the crowd down there down there all the way to the elevator. And then when I turned around I saw, well there Heidi comes about 20 feet back.' 'OH MAGGIE!' Texas delegate and Cruz volunteer Maggie Wright, seated here next to Rafael Cruz, helped usher Heidi Cruz through the lobby of her hotel following her husband's speech Wright continued: 'So I grabbed her and said Ive got the elevator the doors are open come on, lets go. 'I didnt know what they might do they were demanding, "You need to endorse! You need to endorse!" When the walk was over, Heidi Cruz entered the elevator where her husband was waiting. Wright says Heidi Cruz looked at her and said, 'Oh Maggie!' after her ordeal. 'You could tell the look on her face,' she said. Video of Cruz's walk through the hotel lobby shows some supporters cheering but others yelling criticism right at him. 'You should have endorsed him! Its the Christian thing to do! yelled one woman as Cruz walked by her. Others yelled, 'Thank you, Ted,' as disputes broke out among the crowd. Donald Trump's adult sons, his running-mate and his campaign chief blanketed the morning TV circuit on Thursday to react to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's stunning Republican National Convention speech, in which he pointedly refused to endorse his party's nominee. The jarring move Cruz told the party to 'vote your conscience' in November drew loud boos from delegates along with angry recriminations from party insiders who believe he signed his own political death warrant. Eric the billionaire real estate titan's middle son, told CBS This Morning that 'it was classless.' 'If you're going to go to the convention, either you go to support it or you just dont go at all. It's that's just politician 101, right?' Donald Trump Jr. said on MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' that Cruz had managed to galvanize the party in opposition to himself Cruz, a Texas senator who carried out a bitter feud with Trump for months before losing to him in the GOP primaries, urged Republicans to 'vote your conscience' Wednesday night a refusal to endorse Trump 'I've never heard boos like that. The house, the whole auditorium was literally shaking with boos. I mean, how do you get booed out of your own convention?' he asked. 'It was unbelievable. I think the people in the arena spoke for themselves.' On NBC's 'Today' show, Eric criticized Cruz for his decision to court conservatives by bashing Trump at his own victory party. 'Don't come out on stage if you don't want to endorse. Don't come out on stage if you dont want to be supportive,' he said. 'When you have 22,000 people booing you in a room of your peers, that's a pretty bad thing for your career. I always heard he didn't have that many friends in Washington, D.C. He certainly didn't have that many friends in this room last night.' Eric's brother, Donald Trump Jr., seemed to mock Cruz on MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' program, sayig that Cruz, seen in many corners as a divisive force, managed to bring the entire GOP together in slamming him. 'If there was any doubt left going into yesterday, I think him doing that galvanized everyone,' Don Jr. chuckled. 'He did a phenomenal job of bringing the party together, so I'd like to thank him for the greatest endorsement we could have possibly received!' Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort said on NBC's 'Today' show that Cruz showed 'very bad judgment' He disclosed that Donald Sr. knew there would be no Cruz endorsement, but agreed to let the Texas senator speak anyway. 'My father wanted all the guys that wanted to be here he wanted to give them a platform,' the younger Don said, referring to Cruz and the other former rivals who have spoken this week. 'I think he wants to show that he's about unity. So he knew that was happening and he was a better man about it.' But that doesn't mean others in the GOP will be quick to accept Cruz as a conscientious objector. 'I was with a lot of those [Texas] people last night,' he said. 'They were not pleased. And I think a lot of the quotes I kept hearing from, you know, guys I know that were Texans that are from the military and that background, to Texans that are big Republican financiers.' 'And one of the quotes I heard was: "I'm never writing a check to him again".' Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort confirmed on NBC's 'Today' show that Trump Sr. 'invited his opponents to speak at the convention. His invitation had no conditions to it. He wasn't asking for endorsements.' But 'most people understood what it meant to be invited to speak at the convention,' Manafort added. 'So people like Governor Walker and Marco Rubio and others who spoke ... [talked] of supporting the Republican ticket, voting for him, endorsing him. Ted Cruz took a different path.' 'I think Cruz used very bad judgment. I think he made a mistake. I think he was not respectful to the invitation from the convention to come and speak,' he added. 'He understood what the responsibilities are for somebody in his position. He didn't meet them.' Taking a calmer approach was Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, who accepted the vice presidential nomination just a half-hour after delegates booed Cruz off the stage of the Quicken Loans Arena. 'I didn't hear all of Ted's speech. I did hear him congratulate Donald Trump on winning a hard-fought campaign,' a conciliatory Pence offered. As Cruz wrapped up his speech in Cleveland, he left the stage amid catcalls and loud booing 'I was grateful that he came, I was grateful that he congratulated our nominee, and I'm absolutely confident that in the days ahead you're going to continue to see this party come together,' he predicted. The nominee will speak tonight sometime after 10pm, having been introduced by his daughter Ivanka. He will hope to unify the party after an ugly public spectacle which laid bare the bitterness of the primary campaign. Cruz's wife Heidi was quickly escorted from the Republican National Convention floor Wednesday night as baying crowds closed in after her husband refused to endorse Donald Trump. The Texas Senator addressed the millions of Americans sitting at home and told them to 'speak and vote your conscience' prompting his own supporters to cheer, while some pro-Trump delegates yelled out in disgust. Some on the floor in Cleveland, Ohio and others seated in the stands began yelling 'Trump, Trump Trump' to shout down pro-Cruz forces. Trump, who will represent the party in the November 8 election against presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, made his entrance to the convention hall near the end of Cruz's speech, applauding Cruz's remarks but distracting the crowd from his former rival. Video footage has emerged showing Cruz's wife being led out of the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland when the crowd turned on him. Leading Cruz backer Ken Cuccinelli, a former state attorney general who is a delegate from Virginia, escorted Mrs Cruz off the Convention floor out of concern for her safety. He said: 'During the course of the speech more and more people were coming down closer and closer to Heidi and (Ted Cruz's father) Rafael... When the speech ended, there was an ugly crowd behind us... She was trying to leave.' Cuccinelli, who was sitting next to Mrs Cruz, said he did not think anyone anticipated a problem. 'People in my own delegation started physically approaching and yelling at her, he told DailyMail.com. The one that stuck with me was somebody pointing at her and yelling something about Goldman Sachs.' Dame Lin Homer's pension pot is worth 2.4m Controversial Whitehall mandarin Lin Homer will walk away with a 2.4million pension pot it emerged last night as ministers tried to bury bad news on the last day of Parliament before the summer recess. The controversial chief executive, 59, is entitled to a index-linked income of around 125,000 a year - nearly two thirds of the 190,000 salary she had been earning. Her pension pot grew by 225,000 last year, when she also received a 20,000 bonus, despite criticism of the taxmans performance. Labour MP John Mann told MailOnline the package was a 'reward for failure' and 'totally outrageous'. Dame Lin was controversially made a dame in the New Years Honours as her departure was announced, and was immediately dubbed Dame Disaster. Her 35-year career in the public sector has been dogged by a string of scandals and failures. In 2005, as chief executive of Birmingham City Council, she was caught up in a postal votes scandal, which a judge said would have disgraced a banana republic. Election judge Richard Mawrey said Mrs Homer, acting as the citys returning officer, had thrown the rule book out of the window. She went on to become the 200,000-a-year boss of the immigration system, at the time it was branded not fit for purpose by the then Home Secretary John Reid. During her time in charge it emerged that 1,000 foreign criminals had been mistakenly released, and 450,000 asylum case files were discovered dumped in boxes at the Home Office. She later became head of the now defunct UK Border Agency, where she was criticised by MPs for a catastrophic leadership failure. Despite the criticism, she was rewarded with a new post as head of HMRC. At the time of her appointment, in 2012, the Home Affairs Committee said it was astounded that she was being promoted to become the chief executive at Revenue & Customs adding: The status quo, in which catastrophic leadership failure is no obstacle to promotion, is totally unacceptable. Lin Homer worked closely with former Chancellor George Osborne when she was head of HMRC BAD NEWS 2 Saudi officials based in Britain were accused of slavery and people trafficking but escaped prosecution because they had diplomatic immunity. Diplomats, their staff and family members from other embassies were also linked to making child abuse images, assaults and drink-driving. They are among the tens of thousands of embassy officials and their relations who have immunity from prosecution in the UK and so will never face justice. The details of serious offences allegedly committed by diplomats were slipped out by the Foreign Office yesterday on the last day of Parliament before the summer recess. Saudi Arabia was linked to two slavery crimes one for forced labour and the other for domestic servitude. A person attached to the Mexican embassy was caught taking an indecent photograph of a child, and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. The Foreign Office said the most serious offenders are expelled from Britain if they refuse to face justice, but declined to comment on individual cases. It also revealed that diplomats owe nearly 96million in unpaid congestion charge fines imposed since the fee was introduced in London in 2003 and left more than 300,000 in parking fines in the capital unpaid last year. Advertisement As head of HMRC, she was forced to defend the department after it secured only one prosecution from a list of 6,800 UK-related secret Swiss bank accounts provided in 2010 by French authorities. She has also faced criticism over the departments dismal customer service. Last year it emerged the taxman failed to answer 18million phone calls from the public more than a quarter of those it received. Despite her record, Chancellor George Osborne issued a glowing tribute to Dame Lin, saying she had made a real contribution to public service modernisation and transformation. Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood described her as a dedicated, professional and courageous colleague. Dame Lin said it had been a privilege to have been with HMRC during a period when the improved performance of the department has been increasingly recognised. BAD NEWS 3 Almost every university will be able to increase fees by 250 next year and the rise could apply to those already studying, the Government has announced. Students starting next year at hundreds of institutions will pay 9,250. The Government had said that only universities meeting strict teaching quality criteria would be allowed to charge more than 9,000. But it emerged yesterday that almost every university has been judged to meet expectations and can raise fees. Liberal Democrat university spokeswoman Baroness Lorely Burt said: Enabling any university that scrapes a meet expectations rating to increase fees by 2.8 per cent shows that this isnt about teaching quality at all. The move, announced by universities minister Jo Johnson in a ministerial statement yesterday, must be approved by MPs. A Government spokesman said: The ability to maintain fees in line with inflation has been in place since 2004, and is subject to regulations. Advertisement BAD NEWS 4 Failing hospitals will be allowed to miss key waiting time targets to help clear their debts. Instead of being fined if patients are made to wait too long in A&E, for cancer treatment or for routine operations, they will be offered more cash to improve performance. The plans were announced yesterday by Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, as the health service battles its worst financial crisis in a generation. The measures will affect 53 trusts more than a third including Brighton and Sussex, Worcestershire Acute and the Royal Cornwall Hospitals. Five of the worst trusts will enter a failure regime whereby senior NHS managers will be brought in to supervise their day-to-day running. They include Barts Health in London, Croydon Health Services, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals and North Bristol. The NHS is facing a record combined deficit of 2.45billion. This winter, the busiest in its 68-year history, waiting times were missed for cancer treatments, ambulances, routine operations and in casualty. Advertisement But Dame Margaret Hodge, former chairman of the Commons public accounts committee, said she had a rather mixed record. Dame Margaret said: Last year, the ability of HMRC just to answer the phone and give a service to its customers was abysmal. They were answering half of the calls made and people were hanging on for a quarter of an hour before anybody picked up the phone. If you look at the tax gap between what HMRC should collect and what they do collect, that hasnt shifted. Actually, it went up to about 34 billion. And if you look at morale among staff, the Government does a survey across all departments every year and HMRC comes pretty much bottom of that poll. Mr Mann said of Dame Lin's pension and bonus: 'It is totally outrageous. It brings government into disrepute. 'She was a total disaster. Why are we rewarding failure? This is the government rewarding abject failure and giving a message that it is one rule for senior officials and another for everyone else.' It's not unusual to find unwelcome bats, squirrels or termites in the attic, but one man was shocked to find something much more unusual - a woman. Davis Wahlman was stunned when he heard rustling around in the upper levels of his Green Lake, Washington home Monday night, and pulled on the door to his office, only to find it locked. In the unusual position of knocking on a door in his own home, he knocked a few times before a woman called out, 'Jimmy? Is that you, Jimmy?' according to KOMO. Minutes earlier, Wahlman had also heard rummaging around in his attic, and thought that was strange. But things got even more odd when the noises moved to his office, and then a dark-haired woman opened the door and Wahlman was confronted with the face of a total stranger. The attic where Wahlman says a woman snuck in and apparently decided to set up house - telling him 'Jimmy' had allowed her to move in Stairs lead up to Wahlman's attic, where he says he found a strange woman who had been living there for three days Wahlman found a window screen in his bathtub, possibly taken out by the attic intruder Davis Wahlman, above, was stunned to find that a strange woman had been living in his attic for days Wahlman was stunned to find a strange woman living in the attic of his house (above) in Green Lake - police didn't arrive until after the woman had fled Wahlman, who works for KOMO, said he told the woman, 'Who the heck are you? Why are you in my house?' The woman then, according to the startled homeowner, insisted it was actually her house. 'This is my house. I live here. I've been here for three days. Jimmy said I could live here, Jimmy said I could stay here,' he said the woman told him. 'It's just weird,' he said of the unexpected encounter. Walhman, who works for KOMO, said the whole experience was 'just weird' and has now changed all the locks Wahlman, who had dialed 911 as soon as he heard someone in his office, tried to keep the woman engaged until police could arrive, but because Wahlman says they took almost 20 minutes to get there, the woman absconded before cops showed up. 'I absolutely support the cops, I love the police officers and Im really happy they did show up, but as Im telling someone on dispatch that theres someone in my house, 'Hey, please bring help' and it took 18 minutes - thats a little disappointing,' he told the outlet. Cops, however, dispute his account. A spokesperson for the Seattle police said that Wahlman called 911 at 9:01pm and an officer was dispatched at 9:07pm. However the spokesperson said that at 9:03pm Wahlman said the suspect had disappeared. The rattled homeowner says he has no idea how the woman entered his house, though there was a window screen in his bathtub and his fire escape ladder was hanging from the deck - something the suspect likely found after entering the home. Wahlman said nothing was stolen and very little was out of place. It's unclear if he was in the home for the entire three days the woman also was 'living' there. 'To come into a house like this, in this neighborhood, that's clearly being lived in that's bold,' he said. He has since had all of his locks changed. The suspect is described as having dark, shoulder-length hair, wearing gym pants with a black track-style jacket and a white hood and also had a white-knit cap and carried a backpack. French police have launched an anti-terror operation in northern Paris raiding several addresses. Officers swooped on the Argenteuil area and it is understood that up to 20 arrests have been made. A top security official said both France's counter-terrorism organization, the DGSI, and the country's elite police were involved in the raids that targeted two private residences. Officers swooped on the Argenteuil area of northern Paris and it is understood that arrests have been made A local police source said that raids were being conducted in two locations with the support of specialist officers A justice official said that the raids were not directly connected to last week's terror attack in Nice where 84 people died They also added the operation was sparked following an anonymous tip off to police. French media have reported the raids took place close to the Dassault mosque and an Islamic library although they were not involved. It is understood that no weapons or explosives were found. However, a justice official said that the raids were not directly connected to last week's terror attack in Nice where 84 people died. France has suffered three major attacks in 18 months that have killed 231 people and officials say they have foiled myriad other plots to wreak havoc on the public. Advertisement When the residents of a Devon estate heard a new super-rich owner was set to take over, they feared the warship-like yacht of a Russian oligarch was about to drop anchor off their beautiful bay. But since the new landlord turned out to be a millionaire friend of David Cameron, the coastal retreat has taken on all the trendy features beloved of the former PM's 'Chipping Norton set'. Old Etonian Nicholas Johnston, 44, snapped up idyllic Bantham in South Devon for 11.5million in 2014 after seeing it for sale in a Sunday paper. The deal saw him take control of 728 acres, including a beach and estuary, village shop and around 20 cottages. He has since brought in a pop-up clothing shop and gourmet burger stall, as well chic camper vans selling flat whites, ice creams and macarons. Nicholas Johnston has told how he has changed the 11.5million Devon estate he bought in 2014 after seeing it in a Sunday paper The millionaire friend of David Cameron bought the picturesque Bantham Estate in Devon and took control of a beach, a village and the shop Mr Johnston, a member of the so-called 'Chipping Norton set', said he bought the estate because he used to go no holiday there as a child In a rare interview, Mr Johnston said he splashed out because he had fond childhood memories of the area. The father-of-three, who fought off the National Trust to buy the sprawling estate, said it was the ultimate investment. He also owns the idyllic 4,000-acre Great Tew estate in Oxfordshire - described as the archetypal English estate - and runs the annual Cornbury music festival, regularly attended by Mr Cameron and nicknamed 'Poshstock' for its moneyed attendees. Bantham was owned by the same family for decades and locals said they were worried a billionaire businessman from overseas would buy it until it caught Mr Johnston's eye. Mr Johnston, who completed the deal in 2014, said: 'I was up on a Sunday morning reading the papers. 'It was on the front page of the home section of the Sunday Times and at that stage I didn't know it was for sale. It wasn't immediate, I went down a week later and it jogged my brain into gear into thinking that must be lovely. 'I'd always done holidays as a kid down here so I had an inherent knowledge and appreciation and love of this neck of the woods. 'When the estate was first publicly put on the market, the whole thing caught my attention. Who couldn't start falling romantically in love with such a pretty spot? It just seemed to appeal to me on lots of different levels.' He previously admitted that his wife Linda thought buying the stretch of coast was a 'harebrained scheme' of his. But the estate has become the ultimate family holiday retreat for Mr Johnston who regularly goes there with wife Linda, 45, and their children Anastasia, 11, and twins Titus and Lucas, nine. He said: 'My kids love it here, it's a really lovely thing for them. I have absolutely no regrets. 'It's much nicer for them that they're here in a beautiful, English coastal village than being over in Europe at the moment paying 10 per cent more with the value of the pound to the Euro.' He has since bought in boutique camper vans and set up 'pop-up' shops on the beach selling flowers, gourmet burgers and macarons Villagers in the sleepy part of South Devon feared a Russian oligarch or super-rich foreign owner might be about the buy the area in 2014 But Mr Johnston says he is keen not to overhaul the area and wants to keep close to its traditions and history Mr Johnston has made a few changes since becoming the new owner, but says he is very sensitive to local concerns. He has also put more effort into the annual shoot by employing a full-time gamekeeper. There are future plans - but nothing too concrete just yet. Mr Johnston added: 'It's evolution not revolution. The businesses have to work - there has to be enough people there, preferably all year round. And the countryside should be an interesting place for everyone. 'I think we will look at some sensitive property development but it will be location sensitive, it will be design sensitive. Where there is development it's important that it looks right and feels right. It's important that where we do develop, it's appropriate. 'I'd like to do more with leisure - more in terms of people being able to kayak and canoe. We have a small site that we've bought to enable that to happen.' He added: 'Owning an estate is a mixture of privilege and responsibility, I feel very fortunate. I will be making sure it is run well.' Mr Johnston has previously said his wife, Linda (pictured left), dismissed his plans to by the estate as a 'harebrained scheme' The estate he snapped up 'on a whim' two years ago includes a splendid beach, not far from Salcombe, the resort popular with celebrities The businesses are supported by the tourists who flock to Bantham Beach in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Mr Johnston's family took over the Oxfordshire estate in the 1960s and have been credited with restoring when its 17th century buildings risked crumbling. The Oxfordshire estate now includes farming, an ironstone quarry and a property rental portfolio. It also benefits from leisure activities such as shooting classes and rally driving sessions. The Cornbury Music festival which it runs describes itself as 'a homespun melting pot where music-lovers share pies and a glass of champagne with superstars, toffs, rockers, crooners and Morris dancers'. A barrister faces up to two years in prison after defying a judge overseeing his 12-year battle with his half-sister over their dead father's fortune. Stephen Supple, 67, of Whitstable, Kent and his half-sister Lynda Supple have been wrangling over their father's estate - once said to be worth as much as 18m - ever since his death in 2004. In 2007 a will which gave the vast majority of Leonard Supple's wealth to Lynda was torn up after a judge ruled it was a forgery. Barrister Stephen Supple (pictured centre, with his mother Patricia and partner Lesley) faces up to two years in prison after the gloves came off again in a 12-year battle with his half-sister over their dead father's fortune Barrister Mr Supple then cast aspersions as to whether Lynda was really Leonard's daughter, before dropping the accusation after a court case. But now he faces a jail term after disobeying a court order aimed at ending the war in what a judge once described as a particularly 'dysfunctional family'. This week Mr Justice Arnold said Mr Supple was in contempt of court by not handing over documents needed to finally share out their father's money. He issued a warrant requiring that the barrister be brought to the High Court for sentencing. Ms Supple said: 'I just want the nightmare to end'. Their father Leonard Supple left school at 14, but made a success of himself and was running a fleet of taxis at the age of 19. He bought Lower Grange Farm, near Maidstone, in the late 1960s, and ran it as a horse stud before turning it into a caravan park with a livery attached. A will which gave the vast majority of Leonard Supple's wealth to Lynda (pictured outside court on Tuesday) was torn up after a judge ruled it was a forgery in 200 Stephen Supple is the product of Leonard's first marriage, while Mrs Supple, 52, arrived years later after a fling with her own mother. The siblings' father died aged 77 in 2004, sparking the long-running dispute in the family. The case first reached court in 2007 when Ms Supple sought to prove the validity of a will which gave her almost every penny of her father's money. Her brother claimed it was a forgery and deputy High Court judge, Peter Leaver QC, agreed, tearing it up after a trial. Although he made no findings as to who created the will, he described Ms Supple as a 'cunning, amoral, selfish and vindictive woman'. Following the High Court case, Mr Supple was put in charge of the administration of the estate and objected when his sister applied for provision from it under the Inheritance Act. He cast doubt on her true parentage, but settled the case with an acknowledgement that she is his half-sister and is entitled to half the estate. Almost a decade later and with the estate's administration still not complete, Ms Supple had her brother replaced by solicitor, Nigel Stratton, as administrator of the estate. This week the case went full circle and arrived back at the High Court with Ms Supple's application for her brother to be jailed. Her barrister, William East, said Mr Supple had failed to hand over vital documents which belong to Leonard Supple's estate - including bank statements. 'The documentation is necessary for the administration of the estate to be finalised,' Mr East told Mr Justice Arnold. 'This is because at present Mr Stratton has no information about the value of the majority of Leonard's assets at death.' Although the estate was valued at about 900,000 in 2008, the farm had been sold at auction for 750,000, the court was told. At the original High Court trial, there were suggestions that the development value of the land could be as much as 18m. The case first reached court in 2007 as Ms Supple sought to prove the validity of a will which gave her almost every penny of her father's money. Her brother claimed it was a forgery and deputy High Court judge, Peter Leaver QC, agreed, tearing it up after a trial (The siblings are pictured here following the case in 2007) But Mr East said that, without the documents in Mr Supple's possession, it was impossible to say exactly what Leonard had been worth. Mr East added: 'Mrs Supple is reluctantly pursuing this application, not with the intention of penalising her brother, but with the intention of securing the documents which are needed to complete the administration of the estate. FAMILY ROW OVER WILL HAS RUMBLED ON FOR OVER A DECADE 2004 - Leonard Supple dies aged 77 Siblings begin fighting over who is entitled to what of his rumoured 18million wealth 2007 - Case ends up in court. Lynda claims the will shows her father left her almonst everything But her brother claims it is a forgery and the judge agrees That will is torn up and Mr Supple is put in charge of the administration of the estate 2008 - Estate valued at 900,000, although farm is sold at auction for 750,000 Mr Supple then claims Ms Supple is not his father's daughter Following another court case he acknowledges she is his half sister and is trhere fore entitled to half the estate2016: A deca\de on the estate has still not been divided. Ms supple has her brother replaced by a solicitor as administrator of the estate July 2016 - Case ends up in High Court again after Mr Supple failed to hand over documents relating to his father's estate, including bank statements Advertisement 'It is notable that it is now over a year since the original order was made requiring Mr Supple to produce the documents belonging to the estate. 'It is over 12 years since Leonard died and over six years since the Inheritance Act proceedings were concluded, yet the administration of the estate is not complete and cannot be completed without the documents sought.' Giving judgment, Mr Justice Arnold said Mr Supple had been informed that his sister was trying to have him jailed - and yet still had not turned up at court. 'I am satisfied that it was within his power to comply with the order and yet he hasn't done so,' he said. 'Specifically, it was within his power to deliver up the 32 classes of documents, and yet he hasn't done so. 'He has completely failed to engage with this application. At no stage has he suggested that he doesn't have possession or control over any of the documents in question, nor does he attempt to put forward any kind of defence. 'His attitude appears rather to be one of attempting to ignore the application, perhaps in the hope that, if he ignores it, it will go away. 'As will be apparent, the application has not gone away and Mrs Supple seeks enforcement of the court's order.' The judge found Mr Supple in contempt of court and issued a warrant requiring that he be brought to court to be sentenced. The Sydney police station which was the target of an attempted terrorist attack was recently fortified after it received threats of violence against 'non-Muslims'. A man drove a car filled with petrol bottles into the underground carpark of Merrylands police station in Sydney's west on Thursday night. The man, who is believed to be in his 60s and of Caucasian appearance, set himself on fire but the bottles didn't explode after he rammed the vehicle into the carpark roller door. He reportedly tried to drive into the front of the police station, and claimed he had a bomb. Officers were able to put out the flames and get the man out of the car, who was unconscious at the time The station had been recently fortified after receiving threats of attacks, including letters threatening attacks on non-Muslims and pictures of severed heads. Scroll down for video Merrylands Police Station in Sydney's west, which was the target of an attempted terrorist attack on Thursday night, was recently fortified after it received threats of attacks against 'non-Muslims' A 17-year-old boy allegedly used social media to threaten police at Merrylands station in October NSW Police personnel inspect a vehicle that appeared to have crashed through the roller door of the underground car park of the Merrylands Police Station Merrylands station had been recently fortified after receiving threats of attacks, including letters threatening attacks on non-Muslims and pictures of severed heads Radio 2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley went public with the details of a letter on his show last October, which was confirmed by police headquarters, stating that the menacing missive was received by officers at the station. 'The letter contains acts of violence towards non-Muslims. In particular it targets Jewish schools and New South Wales police stations. It warns that thousands will die,' Hadley said. 'Accompanying the letter was an Islamic State extremist with an array of severed heads in front of him. 'Police are treating it as serious at the moment. It may have been sent by some lunatic but they're trying to trace the origins of the letter as we speak.' A week earlier a 17-year-old boy allegedly used social media to threaten police at Merrylands station. Assistant commissioner Dennis Clifford said the man did not speak to officers but ignited the interior of the vehicle and himself and drove it down the driveway, where it hit a roller door A 17-year-old boy allegedly used social media to threaten police at Merrylands station last October The student (above) was arrested outside Arthur Phillip High School - the same school attended by Farhad Khalil Mohammad Jabar - in Parramatta The 17-year-old was charged with assaulting a police officer, intimidating police and resisting arrest after allegedly making threats on social media towards police at Merrylands station Police alleged the school student made several posts on Facebook in support of 'radicalised' gunman Farhad Khalil Mohammad Jabar, 15, who shot dead Curtis Cheng outside Parramatta police station last year. Following the tragedy, the arrested student shared a snippet of NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione at a press conference and added the caption: 'Bahahja f**k you motherf**ker Yallah merryland police station is next [sic].' Above a news report about the Parramatta shooting, the student wrote: 'Serves you right I hope them lil piggies get shot.' The following day, he posted 'No justice, no peace, f**k the police' along with a photograph of himself. Assistant NSW Police commissioner Clifford said officers noticed a car sitting in the driveway of the police station about 7pm, and thought it was odd so they approached the car The man who allegedly set himself on fire at Merrylands Police Station was taken to Westmead Hospital and is in a very serious condition according to police Officers were able to put out the flames and get the man out of the car, who was unconscious at the time Wisconsin police have released body cam footage of a cop shooting dead an armed suspect last month after clearing the officer involved of any wrongdoing. The incident occurred at a house in Neal St. in Farmington just after 5 p.m. on June 24. The suspect, Randy Blecher, 50, had set fire to his home and yard and was brandishing a handgun and a shotgun. '[Blecher] kept pointing the guns at either his head or his chin,' Washington County Prosecutor Matt Durrett told KFSM. Scroll down for video Armed: The suspect, Randy Blecher, 50 (pictured), had set fire to his home and yard and was brandishing a handgun and a shotgun when police arrived at the scene in Farmington, Wisconsin, last month As seen in the body camera footage, Blecher was shot dead by officers when he pointed his gun at the cops Durrett continued: 'He waived them around in the direction of the officers; he also fired shots.' Killed: Randy Blecher, 50, was shot dead June 24 A large contingent of officers responded to the scene. Blecher spoke with some of them during a standoff, however he refused to drop his weapon. According to the sheriff's office, he repeatedly said he was not going to prison. Officers attempted to negotiate with Blecher, but he did respond. They also tasered him, however it did not incapacitate Blecher. Blecher then retreated and dropped his shotgun, but pointed the handgun at officers, according to the sheriff's office. That's when the cops opened fire, hitting Blecher several times in the legs and torso. Durrett said the act of pointing the gun towards law enforcement was enough to warrant lethal-force, KSFM reported. 'The officers involved in this incident reasonably believed their lives were in danger, that they were at risk of death or serious physical injury,' Durrett said. Scene: The suspect, Randy Blecher, 50, had set fire to his home and yard and was brandishing two guns Wisconsin police have released body cam footage of a cop shooting dead an armed suspect last month after clearing the officer involved of any wrongdoing Firefighters already at the scene then moved in to put out the fire on the property. Blecher was taken to Washington Regional Medical Center, but was pronounced dead. The Washington County Sheriff's Office ruled that the officers on scene used 'incredible restraint' as they attempted to reason with Blecher to end the situation. Documentary maker Michael Moore has revealed fears that Donald Trump will win the presidential election. During an appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher, the liberal filmmaker warned viewers that it was time to step out their 'bubble'. 'I'm sorry to be the buzzkill... but I think Trump is gonna win,' he said to boos from the crowd. I'm sorry, I don't want to say it.' Scroll down for video Documentary maker Michael Moore (left) has revealed fears that Donald Trump (right) will win the presidential election Moore was speaking during a discussion about Trump and his fellow Republican's stinging criticism of Democrat rival Hillary Clinton at the Republican National Conference. As Maher laughed about the outrageous attacks on Clinton - a Trump adviser said she should be 'shot for treason' while Ben Carson had even claimed Hillary was a fan of the devil, Moore had a stern warning. 'It might have sounded crazy to us, but to millions and millions of Americans, it was music to their ears,' he told the host. 'One of the things that's concerned me this week. We've been sitting in out bubble having a good laugh at this total s**tshow, but the truth is that this plays to a lot people that he has to win to become the next president. 'Mitt Romney lost by 64 electoral votes. The total votes of those four states is 64,' Moore told Maher. 'All he has to do is win those four states.' During an appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher, the liberal filmmaker warned viewers that it was time to step out their 'bubble' The director of 'Fahrenheit 911' compared Trump's strategy to the successful campaign for Britain to leave the European Union. Moore, who is most famous for his Academy Award-winning film Bowling for Columbine (2002), which examines the causes of the Columbine High School massacre, and Sicko (2007) documentary about health care, has been famously outspoken about the Republican nominee. He even once branded the presidential candidate a 'wuss.' The 61-year-old wrote about the time when the pair shared a green room of a talk show they were both scheduled to appear on. Advertisement Donald Trump will tell the nation that safety will be restored if he is elected president, as the real estate mogul once considered a long-shot for the presidency vows to snuff out the nation's enemies abroad and put an end to a rash of violence that has plagued the nation. With an address that has themes ripped from the headlines, Trump plans to call out 'chaos' in the streets and make the case for his own strong-man approach to end it. 'I have a message for all of you: the crime and violence that today afflicts our nation will soon come to an end,' Trump said according to advanced excerpts. 'Beginning on January 20th 2017, safety will be restored,' he promises. Trump will cast himself as someone who will stand up to bullying nations and criminals in the streets. 'America is far less safe and the world is far less stable than when Obama made the decision to put Hillary Clinton in charge of Americas foreign policy,' Trump will say. As have previous convention speakers, Trump will keep a focus on Clinton, who has been hit with repeated calls of 'Lock her up!' on the floor fo the GOP convention this week. 'I am certain it is a decision he truly regrets. Her bad instincts and her bad judgment something pointed out by Bernie Sanders are what caused many of the disasters unfolding today.' 'But Hillary Clintons legacy does not have to be Americas legacy. The problems we face now poverty and violence at home, war and destruction abroad will last only as long as we continue relying on the same politicians who created them,' Trump says. Scroll down for video The main event: Donald Trump will speak Thursday night in prime time and is expected to hit the campaign trail running on Friday along with his vice presidential pick, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence 'As long as we are led by politicians who will not put America First, then we can be assured that other nations will not treat America with respect. This will all change when I take office,' Trump will say. As he has throughout his campaign, Trump plans to keep a focus on economic issues while kicking the establishment at every chance. 'Middle-income Americans and businesses will experience profound relief, and taxes will be greatly simplified for everyone. America is one of the highest-taxed nations in the world,' according to Trump. He says tax cuts will cause jobs and companies to come 'roaring back.' In a hat tip to the GOP establishment, Trump plans to call out excessive regulations, a favorite issue of the Chamber of Commerce wing of the party that got blindsided by the success of his candidacy. 'Excessive regulation is costing our country as much as 2 trillion dollars a year, and we will end it. With these new economic policies, trillions of dollars will start flowing into our country. This new wealth will improve the quality of life for all American,' Trump says. Then he returend to his infrastructure pitch. 'We will build the roads, highways, bridges, tunnels, airports, and the railways of tomorrow,' he says. According to a fuller advanced excerpts circulated by a mischief-making liberal advocacy group linked to Hillary Clinton's campaign, Trump plans to personalize his call for an immigration crackdown by reading through a list of Americans slain by immigrants who came here illegally, while warning that illegal immigrants are 'roaming free to threaten peaceful citizens.' Earlier Thursday, Trump told Americans to 'stay tuned' as he talked about the convention speech he plans to deliver tonight. 'I'm looking for a good really, a good grouping of words,' he told Good Morning America's George Stephanopoulos. And he dismissed Stephanopoulos's interest in the WWE-style entrance he made on Monday night, saying: 'It's not about the entrance. It's about the words. And it's about getting the words done.' 'And the only way we're going to get that taken care of is, we have to in November do very well,' Trump added. He did a walk-through on Thursday afternoon at Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena in advance of the biggest speech of his relatively short political career. His daughter Ivanka was also on hand to road-test the podium, microphone and teleprompters. She will introduce her billionaire father, the Republicans' presidential nominee. Ready for battle: Donald Trump road-tested the Republican National Convention stage on Thursday afternoon as he geared up to accept the GOP's presidential nomination Put through their paces: Both Ivanka and Donald Trump rehearsed out any last minute jitters ahead of their prime time addresses tonight as the Republican National Convention concludes Technicians tested graphics, including a video interpretation of Trump's 'Make America Great Again' slogan, while advisers flanked both Trump and Ivanka (pictured center in the red dress) It's business time: Trump's speech in front of millions Thursday night will be the most important and weighty of his short political life; he especially needs to make a statement after being embarrassed by Ted Cruz on Wednesday Lead-off hitter: Ivanka Trump did her own walk-through ahead of tonight's speech - she will introduce her father in front of millions at home; she is the fourth of the four Trump children to speak at the convention after Tiffany, Donald Jr and Eric The Donald has bucked history by making an entrance each day at the convention thus far. On night No. 1 he made a rock star entrance into the Quicken Loans Arena to introduce his wife with the Queen song 'We Are the Champions' blaring. He appeared the second night via video to say hello to the crowd. And on day three he arrived via helicopter to join with his vice presidential pick, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence. Even more dramatically, he showed up to the convention hall last night as his rival, Sen. Ted Cruz was being booed offstage. The Donald wouldn't give Stephanopoulos a hint on how he planned to wow the convention hall tonight, but said to expect him to talk about his key issues: trade, law and order, the borders. 'I'm going to be talking about different things,' he said. 'Our country has a lot of problems. We are weak in so many different ways.' Power player: Ivanka, who has been a key asset to the Trump campaign, is one of his two daughters and an executive in his real estate firm, The Trump Organization Sneak preview: Donald Trump (left) spoke to George Stephanopoulos (right) for an interview that aired this morning and previewed the speech he'll give tonight at the Republican National Convention It's all about the words: Donald Trump told George Stephanopoulos that he cares less about 'the entrance' and more about 'the words' he'll deliver to the Republican crowd Stephanopoulos had asked Trump if the candidate planned to bring up two of his most prominent, yet controversial plans building a border wall and making Mexico pay for it and banning non-American Muslims from the United States. Trump wouldn't say if he planned to repeat those plans, as he's wiggled around a bit on the Muslim ban in recent weeks. 'Look, I am who I am, I'm a very honest person,' Trump said. 'I think that my message is a good message. It got me here.' Trump also suggested that polls saying he was unqualified to be president were the product of Democrat Hillary Clinton's attack ads but that he planned to fight back. 'I don't want to waste money this early,' Trump said. The Republican nominee mainly used free media appearances during the primaries to promote what was generally considered a longshot campaign. 'It's like a racehorse,' he said, explaining that you don't want to burn out too soon. I'm going to spend a lot of money,' he promised. Before the interview wrapped up Stephanopoulos asked Trump about the biggest controversy to come out of the convention thus far Melania Trump's speech containing lines similar to those uttered by Michelle Obama in 2008. 'I thought she made an incredible speech, I thought she made a beautiful speech,' Trump said of his wife. Trump also explained why he decided not to can speechwriter Meredith McIver. 'She's been with me a long time,' Trump explained. 'She's a very good person. She came to see me because she hated to see the conflict. She made a mistake. I think it was terrific the way she came forward.' Trump, who usually has no kind words for the press, said he thought the coverage of the mini-scandal was fair. 'Interestingly the press treated Melania very well because they didn't think it was her,' he said. 'The media, they didn't actually think she had anything to do with it, which is nice.' If looks could kill: Ivanka Trump is normally a picture-perfect daughter of the Republican presidential candidate, but Wednesday night she was seen jabbing her finger (above, alongside Lara Trump, center, and Tiffany Trump, right) after Ted Cruz refused to endorse her father Any problems? Ivanka seemed upset while speaking privately with her solemn-looking father. Texas senator Cruz had told the audience and millions watching at home across America to 'speak and vote your conscience' Cold fury: The whole Trump clan looks on stony faced after Ted Cruz's damning refusal to endorse his bitter Republican primary rival Extraordinary convention: Trump entered the arena (left) towards the end of Ted Cruz's speech; The Texas Senator was booed out the building when he refused to endorse Mr Trump (right) The enemy: A man holds a blow up doll resembling Hillary Clinton in Cleveland Public Square; while right a woman wears a Donald Trump themed cape before the start of the final night at the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena Patriot games: A guest of an Arizona delegate - who declined to give his name - talks on the phone while dressed up in colorful attire for the big occasion on the final night of the Convention Ready for the big show: Newt Gingrich, the former Speaker of the House, who was touted as a potential running mate for Trump, speaks to reporters prior to the big show Party poopers: A group demonstrating against Donald Trump march near the sight of the Republican National Convention on the last day of the extravaganza; many have stayed away due to the fear of violence Vote your conscience: A group demonstrating against Trump adopt the slogan Ted Cruz used last night when he refused to endorse the billionaire real estate mogul Dump Trump: One demonstrator went to the extreme length of comparing the Republican nominee to a Nazi (left) while another hit out at his proposed ban on Muslims, suggesting maybe he should be the one banned One of America's largest Muslim advocacy groups is calling for an investigation after a man was allegedly removed from an American Airlines plane when a flight attendant repeatedly read out his name and seat number over the public address system and said, 'I'll be watching you'. Mohamed Ahmed Radwan was due to travel from Charlotte, North Carolina to Detroit, Michigan, on December 6, 2015, when he claims he was singled out prior to take-off. When Radwan sat down in his assigned seat, a female attendant announced, 'Mohamed Ahmed, Seat 25-A: I will be watching you,' a complaint filed by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) to the U.S. Department of Transportation says. A Muslim man was removed from an American Airlines plane after a flight attendant allegedly read out his name and seat number over the public address system and said, 'I'll be watching you' (stock image) 'After approximately one minute, the flight attendant repeated the announcement, this time stating: "Mohamed Ahmed, that is a very long name, seat 25-A, 'I will be watching you". 'Mohamed Ahmed Radwan, asked the flight attendant about her statements, she allegedly accused him of being too sensitive". 'After reporting the incident to two other American Airlines employees, Radwan was informed that he must be removed from the flight because the flight attendant who made the announcement was uncomfortable".' The complaint also says Radwan was forced to book a 'significantly' more expensive flight because of 'American Airlines' discriminatory conduct.' The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) to the U.S. Department of Transportation has filed a complaint over the incident to the Department of Transportation. Pictured is CAIR executive director Nihad Awad 'Given the continuing rise of anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate crimes occurring throughout the United States, this type of reckless and harmful conduct should not be tolerated by our nation's airlines, which are legally charged with safely carrying all individuals who are rightfully present in an equal and nondiscriminatory manner, without regard to their religious affiliation or ethnicity,' the complaint letter added. In a statement, American Airlines told DailyMail.com it investigated the claims when they were initially made. 'American was contacted by CAIR earlier this year. We thoroughly reviewed these allegations and concluded that no discrimination occurred,' the statement read. Perry Coniglio (above) was arrested for holding a veteran hostage for four years An 81-year-old veteran was held hostage in a filthy motel room for almost five years by a drug addict who stole his benefit checks despite the towns police station being right next door and getting complaints from neighbors over the years. Marine Corps veteran David McClellan was beaten, starved and kept in the tiny room at the U.S. Academy Motel in Highland Falls, near West Point, New York, authorities said. Perry Coniglio, 43, was arrested on Tuesday in his room adjoining the victim's at the motel which is next door to the Hudson Valley town's police station. Coniglio used brute force and intimidation to get the elderly and diminished veteran to cooperate with him, police said. Investigators say the victim received three checks every month, but the amounts weren't released. But it is believed to have received a tremendous amount of money on a monthly bases, Highland police chief Jack Quinn said. And Coniglio allegedly kept the man in a dingy motel room for years in order to steal thousands of dollars from the him to feed his habit. Police took action after they received a video that shows Coniglio using a four-foot stick to force his the elderly man back into the room after a verbal altercation, according to HVNN. Scroll down for video Coniglio allegedly kept the man in a dingy motel room (above) for years in order to steal thousands of dollars from the him Coniglio was arrested on Tuesday in his room adjoining the victim's at the motel which is next door to the Hudson Valley town's police station (left) Police said they had received complaints for years that Coniglio, a motel handyman who was posing as McClellans carer, had been verbally abusing him. But they finally raided the motel on Tuesday night after video surfaced that showed the abuse was physical, the station reports. That of course elevated our concern for the well-being of the victim yesterday, so last night we moved in and took Coniglip into custody, Highlands police detective Joseph Cornetta said. They recovered illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia in Coniglios room, ABC7 reports. Neighbors said Coniglio treatment of the elderly man was horrific. He was just giving him one bowl of cereal a day, he would stick him back in the room with a stick, wasnt bathing him, the old guy would just be walking around here naked, just terrible, one told the local station. Authorities are pictures putting up police tape around the motel room the elderly veteran was kept in Coniglio was able to abuse the man, because he had advanced dementia, according to ABC7 and no known relatives or friends. When authorities asked him how long he thought he had been in the motel room, he believed it had been around four days, not years. The victim has been taken to a hospital for evaluation and is being cared for by adult protective services who will find him a new home. Coniglio is being held in jail Thursday on $15,000 bail. It's unclear if he has an attorney. The charges against him include grand larceny, unlawful imprisonment, endangerment of an incompetent person and criminal possession of a weapon. Police had to haul an angry commuter away from Victoria Station when tempers flared at a Southern Rail 'meet the manager' event. Frustrated commuters used the monthly Q&A session, held on the station's concourse, to quiz the embattled railway company about months of delays to the operator's train service. But officers had to apparently intervene when a suited 'city commuter' was heard yelling at the chief executive Charles Horton. Scroll down for video Police had to haul an angry commuter away from Victoria Station when tempers flared at a Southern Rail 'meet the manager' event. Chief executive Charles Horton is pictured chatting to passengers A witness said that the British Transport Police had to 'calm things down' and lead the man away from the event. Regular Southern commuter Alex Snelling, from Horsham, said the event was generally good-natured but tempers eventually boiled over. Referring to the angry commuter, he told the Evening Standard: 'He just suddenly seemed to start shouting at Charles Horton and very, very quickly the British Transport Police intervened to calm things down. 'He looked like a typical city commuter. There were clear levels of anger. 'But he was very calmly and politely led away.' Passengers have faced months of delays to daily services on Southern routes, including key commuters lines between London and the East, West Sussex, Surrey and the South Coast. The rail company came under further pressure when it cut 341 journeys a day from its timetable after weeks of staff shortages, sickness and industrial action. Among those who confronted Mr Horton at today's two-hour event was Diana Vetesse, who complained that delays to the service had meant she once missed her son's Nativity play. The 52-year-old, from Billingshurst, West Sussex, said: 'I'm generally frustrated and I was saying there's an occasion where I did not manage to get home. 'They were very nice (at the event) and actually, for me, the trains have been working better but overall I think it's appalling. 'We are paying so much for tickets and it's so unreliable.' Another dissatisfied customer was charity worker Rona Hunnisett, 40, who commutes from Brighton to London Victoria every day. She said that, when she asked a quality control manager for 'a definitive time' when services would improve, she only received 'waffle and more evasion' in response. 'I'm sick of the constant excuses and blame,' she said. 'It's never their fault, it's always somebody else's fault.' Mrs Hunnisett said she felt 'physically scared for the first time in 20 years of commuting' on Monday night during severe congestion at Brighton station. 'I pay them 4,000 a year for a service and I don't get it,' she added. 'I don't think there is any excuse in this day and age to take that kind of money and not provide a service or a meaningful compensation package.' IT contractor Navneet Jha, who commutes from South Croydon to London Victoria, claimed Southern is 'exploiting' passengers by making the refund process for delays 'cumbersome'. The embattled railway company held the Q&A session on the station concourse to allow frustrated commuters to vent about months of delays to its train service. Mr Horton is pictured above She said the company is running trains with fewer carriages than normal, meaning people are left on platforms, unable to board. The 32-year-old claimed he was told by a Southern manager that 'all the problems will go in a month'. But following the meeting, he said: 'I highly doubt that.' He described his first five and a half years of commuting on Southern trains as 'pleasant', but claimed 'things have gone haywire' in the past six months. Speaking after the event, Mr Horton said: 'It's always good to do these sessions. 'I've spoken to many customers myself this morning. There's been lots of questions. Lots of customers expressing their frustration and recounting some of their bad experiences. 'I've apologised, we've apologised, for the poor level of service. 'We've also talked about the future and about what we're planning to do to make things better for them.' Mr Horton claimed that 'customers are always very patient and they're always very reasonable in what they say to you'. He added: 'We understand this isn't just about train services, this is about people's lives and the impact when trains are delayed.' Commuters angry at the level of service have staged protests at a number of stations in recent weeks. It led to London Mayor Sadiq Khan urgently trying to put a Transport for London team in charge of Southern services until the problems are resolved. A Department for Transport (DfT) official said on Wednesday that future rail franchises are unlikely to be as 'large and complex' as the one awarded to Southern. New Rail Minister Paul Maynard revealed that the DfT will consider brokering talks between Southern and the RMT union in a bid to resolve the industrial dispute which has contributed to the disruption. It was revealed last month that David Brown, chief executive of Go Ahead, which owns a majority stake in the company running the GTR franchise, was paid more than 2 million in 2015. The firm's annual report stated that his total remuneration package, which includes his salary and performance-related bonus, was 2.16 million, up from 1.96 million the previous year. The mental health of all suspected terrorists will be examined to prevent massacres by individuals following recent attacks. Counter-terrorism co-ordinator Greg Moriarty has been instructed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to identify how Australia can thwart massacres carried out by single attackers, including investigating if those being monitored suffer from mental health issues because they could become a target for radicalisation, according to The Herald Sun. It comes after a man, said to be in his 60s and of Caucasian appearance, tried to ram his car into the Merrylands Police Station carpark on Thursday night attack after packing it with cylinders filled with fuel in a suspected terror. Police said the man has mental health issues and acted alone, and are investigating if his attack was terrorism-related. The mental health of all suspected terrorists will be examined to prevent massacres by lone wolf attackers following recent incidents like a man in his 60s ramming a fuel filled car into the Merrylands Police Station on Thursday (pictured) In December 2014, Man Haron Monis (left) stormed the Lindt Cafe in Sydney and held took several hostages. Farhad Jabar Khalil Mohammad (right), 15, shot and killed police accountant Curtis Cheng as he left police headquarters in Parramatta in October last year The 'radicalised' Mohammad (pictured bottom left) shot Mr Cheng at point blank range The long Sydney siege ended in Monis and two hostages dying (pictured) After being approached by police, the man set the car and himself on fire, before driving into the underground carpark rolling door. He is said to be in hospital with serious burns. ASIO, the country's spy agency, has 400 active investigations into suspected terrorists. Australia's security agencies will look at people who have been identified by the mental health system and criminal justice system and could be a potential threat but not yet on ASIO's radar. There is no such thing as a 'one-size fits all approach' when trying to fight terrorism, Mr Moriarty told The Herald Sun. 'The Prime Minister has discussed with me the need to position the country to be both secure and united, not just for tomorrow or next year, but for decades and possibly generations,' Mr Moriarty said. Officers from the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit examining the vehicle used in the incident on Thursday night in Merrylands Assistant NSW Police commissioner Dennis Clifford said officers noticed a car sitting in the driveway of the police station about 7pm, and thought it was odd so they approached the car Counter-terrorism co-ordinator Greg Moriarty (right) has been instructed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (left) to identify how Australia can thwart massacres carried out by single attackers 'We need to constantly hone our robust intelligence and security measures. At the same time we need to bolster our national resilience and our social cohesion.' Recent massacres in Nice and Orlando, Florida, were carried out by single attackers but appeared to be inspired by previous Islamic State terrorist attacks. In Australia, lone gunman Farhad Jabar Khalil Mohammad, 15, shot and killed police accountant Curtis Cheng as he left police headquarters in Parramatta in October last year. The Merrylands station had been recently fortified after receiving threats including letters threatening attacks on 'non-Muslims' and pictures of ISIS fighters holding severed heads Recent massacres in Nice (pictured) and Orlando, Florida, were carried out by single attackers but appeared to be inspired by previous Islamic State terrorist attacks In December 2014, Man Haron Monis stormed the Lindt Cafe in Sydney. The long siege ended in Monis and two hostages dying. Monis converted from Shia to Sunni Islam in the days before the siege. Mr Moriarty will examine these and other incidents in a bid to better understand what inspires lone wolf attackers. A man drove into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day last week in Nice, killing 84 people (pictured) This is the woman at the center of Real Housewives of New York star Jules Wainstein's split from her husband Michael. Just days after 44-year-old Michael Wainstein filed for divorce, these exclusive pictures, obtained by Daily Mail Online, show him hand in hand with the 'good friend' whom Jules has accused of 'blindsiding' her with the affair - Elyse Bensusan. Earlier this week Daily Mail Online revealed that Michael finally filed divorce papers against Jules on July 15. Now these photographs confirm the truth of the relationship that Michael has repeatedly sought to deny in the face of wife Jules's suspicion and a particularly nasty divorce that has seen both parties accuse the other of physical assault and last month saw police called to their West Village home. Real Housewives of New York's Jules Wainstein's estranged husband Michael Wainstein was seen holding hands and shopping with his love interest, Elyse Bensusan, in New York on Wednesday Michael hit Jules with divorce papers last week after the couple struggled through months of hostility Wainstein and Bensusan were seen holding hands and they went to the Home Goods store in the Upper West Side neighborhood of Manhattan The couple picked up a mirror, padded seating, and other goods at the Home Goods store It is not clear when the affair began, though a friend of Jules has claimed that the two were texting back in January and a family source close to Elyse has told Daily Mail Online that Michael met psychologist Elyse when the RHONY stars visited one of the clubs owned by Elyse's husband, Tsion Bensusan. Thirty-nine-year-old Tsion is the owner of Manhattan's The Blue Note, BB King's Blues Club & Grill and The Highline Room. Elyse's estranged husband is Tsion Bensusan (right, with AEG's Adam Lublin in May), who owns Manhattan's The Blue Note, BB King's Blues Club He and Elyse married in a lavish ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in September 2010. According to the source, 36-year-old mother of two daughters, Elyse, was separated from Tsion at the time she and Michael met. Yet in recent weeks Tsion has been seen coming and going from the Upper East Side apartment the couple continue to share. On the days these pictures were taken Tsion left the family home around 11am. Elyse emerged several hours later and walked around the block to where Michael was waiting to pick her up in his black SUV. Relaxed and at ease in each other's company Elyse smoked a cigarette as Michael, a principal at Private Capital Group, drove them uptown where they parked up before heading into a Home Goods store. A couple of hours later they returned to the car, with Michael carrying a large mirror and Elyse carrying bags of soft furnishings. Store assistants helped load outdoors seating into the back of the SUV. They then drove further uptown to a townhouse, believed to be the couple's future love nest, undergoing renovations where they spoke with workmen as they unloaded their purchases. They were touching each other throughout with Elyse constantly linking her arm through Michael's or holding his hand. Bensusan was still wearing her wedding ring as she shopped with Wainstein - she married Tsion Bensusan in 2010 It is not clear when Michael and Elyse's affair started, though a friend of Jules has claimed that the two were texting back in January A source close to Elyse told Daily Mail Online the couple met when the RHONY stars visited a clubs owned by Elyse's husband, Tsion Bensusan During their time together, Elyse constantly linked her arm through Michael's or held his hand Michael, a principal at Private Capital Group, often meets Elyse around the block from her apartment when they get together Wainstein helped load the vehicle after the couple's shopping trip. He carried a mirror with a large tan frame to the SUV On another occasion earlier this month Daily Mail Online witnessed Tsion leave the family home mid-morning with the eldest of his two daughters. Approximately 15 minutes later Elyse left, carrying the couple's younger child. She walked toward Central Park where Michael was waiting for her on the street. The couple kissed briefly, smiling broadly before walking off in opposite directions. Evidently at pains not to be seen together publicly Elyse and Michael entered the park from different sides and both spoke on their phones while Elyse watched her daughter play and Michael sat discretely on a nearby bench. Fans of RHONY have witnessed the deterioration of the Wainsteins's relationship play out on screen. In an episode filmed back in January, Jules was seen voicing her suspicions about Michael's behavior after he returned home late for a double date night and still insisted on taking a shower before spending all evening on his phone. Jules complained to friend and co-star Dorinda Medley about how little her husband of eight years helped with their children Rio, three, and Jagger, five. Bensusan watched as who appear to be Home Goods employees help load the black SUV with the couple's purchases Bensusan wore a patterned dress, a green shirt and striped wedges as the couple shopped. She also carried a large tote bag Wainstein was also dressed casually for the errands, wearing a button-down shirt, a blazer, jeans and loafers After running errands on the Upper West Side, the couple went to a residential address together in Harlem When the couple first met for the day, Bensusan climbed into Wainstein's car and lit a cigarette Two men helped Wainstein and Bensusan unload padded seating from the back of Wainstein's SUV after the couple drove to a new location She claimed that he put the children to bed in their school uniform, expected her to tend to their every demand and on one occasion did not change his daughter's diaper, leaving it 'full' until her mother got home. 'Even if we're on a date night, he's on the phone - who the f*** is he talking to?' she asked, with Dorinda's boyfriend John Mahdessian dubbing him 'phone boy', because of it. But while Jules has clearly implied that his affair lies at the heart of their split, Elyse's family insist that is not the case. A family member who asked not to be named told Daily Mail Online: 'The truth is that Jules was having difficulties with this man way before it had anything to do with Elyse.' Certainly days after Jules first addressed the break-up in a recent blog post, describing it as 'just a big bump in the road', Michael, who is a head smaller than his wife, accused the reality star of physically abusing him. According to his attorney Mark Jay Heller: 'In the winter of 2012, Julianne brutally and viciously assaulted her diminutive but brave husband.' Jules and Michael met up to care for their children in New York City in June, amidst abuse allegations Court papers filed by Michael Wainstein on June 15 say the couple's split is a contested divorce According to official documents obtained by Daily Mail Online, Michael's divorce petition was filed in New York Court on July 15 after rumors and talk of their separation and impending divorce. The couple have been married eight years and have two children Tsion and Elyse Bensusan (pictured) married in a lavish ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria in September 2010, though it is believed they are currently separated Elyse's relative said: 'I don't want to say anything that will hurt either one of them because Jules needs help. She needs to get it together and find out what went wrong with her marriage before dragging other people into this. 'It's really easy to blame someone else instead of looking in the mirror and handling your own business.' They added: 'Jules and Elyse were never "good friends". Elyse is a very smart person. She's a member of Mensa. 'She's got her own business. She's a psychologist. She has a life unlike Jules who just seems to want to be in the spotlight. 'She's not of the same caliber as Jules. She's a very smart girl. I'd pit her against Jules any day.' Court records show that a divorce hearing has been set for September 8, when a judge will hear both sides petition for 'pendente lite support' - temporary support during the divorce, with Jules requesting monthly support from Michael. When approached by Daily Mail Online Elyse attempted to brush off the affair and said: 'This whole thing is nonsense. It makes me sad reallyit's just silly.' Her husband Tsion declined to comment. Daily Mail Online has reached out to Jules but not yet heard back. Her family declined to comment, describing the situation as 'not a happy one' and 'private'. Michael and Jules have been married for eight years. They have two children - son Jagger and daughter Rio (pictured right with Jules) Michael's attorney has claimed that 'in the winter of 2012, Julianne brutally and viciously assaulted her diminutive but brave husband' Jules (front center) captured a photo 'I get by with a little help from my friends' last month, in which she posed with makeup artist Brian Dean (front right), Morgan Shara (front left), Brenna Praeger (back center), Nicholas Lamirata (back right) and hair stylist Michael Braun (back left) Experts have speculated endlessly about how much of his ear was lost and about 'Rachel', the mysterious prostitute to whom the artist handed his gory body-part with the words 'keep this object carefully' The mystery recipient of Vincent Van Gogh's ear has been identified 128 years after he sliced it off in a moment of madness. Van Gogh cutting off his ear in 1888 is one of the most famous incidents in art history. Experts have speculated endlessly about how much of his ear was lost and about 'Rachel', the mysterious prostitute to whom the artist supposedly handed his gory body part with the words 'keep this object carefully'. But a series of dramatic discoveries have painted the real story in a new light. New research by Bernadette Murphy, 58, revealed that 'Rachel' was not a lady of the night, although she did work in the red light district of the southern French town of Arles. Ms Murphy said her name was actually Gabrielle and she was a girl who worked by night as a maid in brothels and by day as a cleaner in nearby business premises. Now the Art Newspaper has taken matters one step further and identified her fully, as Gabrielle Berlatier. It turns out that 18-year-old Gabrielle lived in Moules, a village a few miles east of Arles. In January 1888 she was on the arm by a rabid farm dog. She was lucky enough to be taken to Paris, where she was treated with a new anti-rabies vaccine which saved her life. By December 1888 she was back in Arles and working as a maid at a brothel in the town. It was there she was a recipient of Van Gogh's ear. Drawings of Van Gogh's left ear, before and after the self-inflicted injury, have been found. They were done by Dr Felix Rey, the very physician who treated the wound. A few clear lines sketched on a prescription pad reveal for the first time the full extent of the mutilation, concealed from view in Van Gogh's two self-portraits with a bandaged ear. They show that the artist had sliced off almost his entire ear, rather than just part of it, as some contemporary witnesses claimed. Scroll down for video A few clear lines sketched on a prescription pad reveal for the first time the full extent of the mutilation, concealed from view in Van Gogh's two self-portraits with a bandaged ear Ms Murphy, who moved from Britain to France about 30 years ago, completed a degree in art history and decided almost on a whim to investigate Van Gogh after visiting Arles, the artist's home in the late 1880s. When she presented her research to experts at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, they were astonished. They were so excited that they made an official announcement on Monday in launching the first ever exhibition on Van Gogh's struggle with mental illness. Louis van Tilborgh, senior researcher and professor of art history at the University of Amsterdam, told MailOnline the drawings provide conclusive evidence in one of art's biggest mysteries. He said: 'It solves a long outstanding question of whether he cut off his ear, only part of his ear or only his lobe. 'We now know for sure that it was indeed his whole ear. 'It's an important document with a lot of emotional value.' Van Gogh suffered an acute mental breakdown in December 1888 when he took a cut-throat razor to his ear Van Gogh suffered an acute mental breakdown in December 1888 when he took a cut-throat razor to his ear. The police found him at home the next day and he was admitted to hospital. His beloved brother, Theo, wrote to his wife about visiting him and said: 'It was terribly sad being there, because from time to time all his grief would well up inside and he would try to weep, but couldn't. Poor fighter and poor, poor sufferer.' The ear incident is among the most frequently-asked questions from visitors to the Van Gogh Museum. Its newest exhibition will include a petition signed by 30 local residents in Arles calling for Van Gogh to be confined to a mental hospital. Murphy's research also throws doubt on how many people actually supported it after discovering four of them were illiterate and could not have signed the document themselves. It will include Van Gogh's Portrait of Dr Rey - a masterpiece loaned from the Pushkin Museum in Moscow. Murphy publishes her research this week in her first book, titled Van Gogh's Ear: The True Story. Talking exclusively to MailOnline, she said the drawing's discovery was 'a moving moment'. 'When you see this document,' she said, 'you start to realise how grisly and gruesome [the incident] was. 'How did he manage to create his masterpieces in the throes of mental illness?' Van Gogh committed suicide in 1890, shortly after writing to his brother about feeling 'a failure' During seven years of detective work, she tracked down the drawing to a Californian archive. It was among the papers of American novelist Irving Stone, who had corresponded with Rey in 1930. Four years later, Stone published his fictionalised biographical novel, Lust for Life which inspired the Oscar-winning film starring Kirk Douglas as Van Gogh. Murphy proved Gabrielle's identity by poring over contemporary documents, including records of arrests and women treated for sexually-transmitted diseases. She established that, at one brothel, Gabrielle was employed to change sheets and wash glasses. The Amsterdam exhibition, which opens on Friday, will feature a symposium of international medical doctors attempting to diagnose his illness from documentary evidence. Murphy's research will feature in a BBC2 documentary, The Mystery of Van Gogh's Ear, which will be presented by Jeremy Paxman in August. Van Gogh committed suicide in 1890, shortly after writing to his brother about feeling 'a failure'. In the dock: Stephen Woodhouse, 65, pictured in June, was given a suspended sentence for groping a woman's bottom while she did up his bow tie The husband of one of Britain's leading private school headmistresses who groped a female friend's bottom while she did up his bow tie walked free today. Stephen Woodhouse, 65, also pinned the woman, a married mother, against a table during a drunken meal before running his hands down her back. An eyewitness described the victim as looking 'pale and shocked and visibly shaken' after the incident in June 2014. After 'engineering' his way to sit next to her at a formal dinner, he then rubbed his hand on her leg 'on a number of occasions' under the table at a summer party. Earlier the same evening Woodhouse had grabbed the woman and tried to kiss her outside the front door of his 500,000 home where he lived with wife Patricia. Mrs Woodhouse, 57, is currently the headmistress of the elite 36,000-a-year Malvern St James Girls' School in Worcestershire. Past students of the 430-pupil school - once ranked in the top five in the country - include novelist Barbara Cartland and the Duke of Gloucester's mother Princess Alice. When he was arrested last July, Woodhouse was barred from entering the school grounds without 'prior arrangement.' Woodhouse, of Malvern, Worcestershire, admitted one charge of harassment relating to four incidents on the evening of June 28, 2014. Today he was sentenced to a 12-month community order with a solitary requirement to do 65 hours of unpaid work at Worcester Crown Court. Prestigious: The groper's wife Patricia Woodhouse, 57, is currently the headmistress of the elite 36,000-a-year Malvern St James Girls' School in Worcestershire (pictured) Judge Nicolas Cartwright told him: 'You took the opportunity to try to kiss her (the victim). 'When she helped you do up your bow tie, you put your hands on her bottom and legs. 'Later you rubbed your hand on her leg, later you grabbed her upper arms. An eyewitness saw you running your hands down her back. 'She (the victim) went home upset and spoke to her husband about what you had done. 'The eyewitness made a formal complaint. You rang to apologise to her (the victim) saying you had too much to drink and you wrote a letter of apology. 'The maximum sentence for this offence is six months imprisonment or a fine. Woodhouse was barred from entering his wife's school's grounds after he was arrested last year 'The starting point for one offence comprising a small number of incidents is a medium-level community order. 'I am quite satisfied that there is no identifiable risk that you will repeat this behaviour 'The appropriate community order is one with unpaid work. It's not argued that you cannot do unpaid work. 'The number of hours of unpaid work which you will have to perform as the solitary requirement is 65 hours and that will have to be performed within the next 12 months. 'I very much hope you do some sort of work along the lines of charity shop work.' The judge also ordered Woodhouse to pay 1,400 in prosecution. The court heard Woodhouse showered the victim with compliments for months before the four incidents on the same evening in June 2014. Prosecutor Martin Butterworth said: 'Over a period of time it's clear that Mr Woodhouse became quite familiar in the way he would speak to the victim, complimenting her generously and making her in a number of ways uncomfortable with the way he was approaching their relationship.' The court heard matters came to a head when he tried to kiss the victim outside his home after he told her she looked 'lovely'. Mr Butterworth added: 'When they arrived at his house he told her to go straight to the front door saying it was open but when she got there it was closed and locked. 'His response was to grab her by the arms, her back was to the door, and he moved his face towards hers to kiss her. 'She turned away from him avoiding the kiss. The defendant she describes as being an imposing man of large build and height. The victim is a slight lady in stature. 'Some time afterwards the victim and the defendant were in the house and he was struggling to do up a bow tie. 'His wife said the victim would do it for him and went to the kitchen. 'The defendant put his hands over her hips on her bottom and leg over her silk dress. 'She jumped away as Mrs Woodhouse was coming back in to the room. Mr Woodhouse said something like 'feel how silky her dress is'.' Scandal: Earlier in the evening he had grabbed the woman and tried to kiss her outside the front door of his 500,000 home where he lived with wife Patricia (pictured), 57 The court heard later that evening Woodhouse 'engineered it' so he would have to sit next to the victim when they attended the same function. Mr Butterworth said Woodhouse rubbed his hand on her leg during a meal and then 'appeared from nowhere' when she was standing next to a table later in the evening. He added: 'He grabbed her upper arm, trapping her there, he kept speaking to her, she was telling him to get off and at some point his hands moved towards her back. 'The victim managed to extricate herself, she was composed but obviously pale and shaken and left visibly shocked.' The court heard Woodhouse phoned the woman the next day to apologise and wrote her a short letter of apology dated July 2, 2014. Reading the letter out in full, Mr Butterworth said: 'I'm so so sorry for my behaviour and I regret the situation ever having developed. 'Please will you accept my personal apology for the hurt and humiliation I have caused, I hope you will forgive it in your hear and forgive me.' The court heard Woodhouse, who was wearing his wedding ring, had been staying at the holiday home abroad since his arrest. Rex Tedd QC, defending, said: 'His wife has taken up an engagement elsewhere abroad. It is my submission there is here in reality no significant risk of future offending.' Judge Cartwright entered not guilty verdicts on five other charges of sexual assault, which Woodhouse had previously denied, after the prosecution offered no evidence. Mrs Woodhouse is leaving the school this summer to take up a new post at Surval Montreux, an international all-girls boarding school in Switzerland. The school, which looks out across Lake Geneva, caters for 65 girls aged between 13 and 19 and charges 81,480 Swiss Francs (62,303) a year. A spokesman for Malvern St James Girls' School said: 'It is with regret that the Governors of Malvern St James Girls' School note that Mr Stephen Woodhouse was at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday 21 July for a final hearing having pleaded guilty at an earlier date to one count of harassment. 'Following notice of some allegations during the summer of 2014, the Governors took immediate action with his full cooperation and Mr Woodhouse has since not been on school premises without prior arrangement; he has been resident abroad. 'The relevant authorities confirmed that there were no safeguarding issues and that no pupil was at risk at any time. Paramedics say he suffered serious head injuries and is in intensive care for his life in Chelyabinsk, Russia A 12-year-old schoolboy is in intensive care after he appeared to mess about on an escalator and accidentally plunged over the edge. Disturbing CCTV footage shows him at a shopping centre in Chelyabinsk, in south-central Russia. He is pictured with a friend in the complex, named 'Fiesta', according to the newspaper Gazeta. CCTV footage shows a 12-year-old schoolboy at a shopping centre in Chelyabinsk, in south-central Russia He is then seen climbing on top of an escalator's moving hand rail. But immediately he loses control and plunges off the side out of view. Two separate camera angles show him tragically falling around six metres to the floor. He hits a glass display case in a nasty crash-landing that cuts open his head. After the footage cuts out the schoolboy was rushed to hospital. The boy is then seen climbing on top of an escalator's hand rail, but loses control and falls off the side Another camera angle shows the boy tragically falling around six metres down onto a glass display case Paramedics have said he is now fighting for his life, according to reports. The press centre for the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the city said he suffered serious head injuries, reports Russian news site Pravda. He is currently using an artificial lung ventilator and his condition is described as critical. Paramedics have said the boy is now fighting for his life in an intensive care unit after the tragic accident The accident occurred during the evening at 9pm on Monday July 18. A spokesperson for the shopping centre said an internal investigation is now underway to understand the cause of the incident. A heartbroken mother has paid tribute to her 'beautiful and vibrant' daughter who died while working in Ayia Napa. Lydia Lewinson, 21, died after sustaining head injuries in a moped crash in the popular holiday resort where she was working as a holiday rep. Speaking for the first time, her devastated mother Linda Rogers, 51, said she 'begged' Lydia, from Foleshill, Coventry, not to go to Cyprus because she 'thought something bad might happen'. Lydia Lewinson died following a moped accident in Ayia Napa, where she was working as a holiday rep Tragic: Linda Rogers, 51, said she 'begged' her daughter not to go to Cyprus because she 'thought something bad might happen' Lydia - who was due to turn 22 in September - was working in Ayia Napa when tragedy struck on July 6. She was driving a moped but lost control and later died from her injuries. Linda, who has three daughters and a son, said: 'I begged her not to go to Cyprus this year, I wanted her to go back to Magaluf where she worked the year before. 'I just had a feeling something was going to happen. 'My daughters were supposed to fly out to meet her next week to spend time with her, that's what they used to do when Lydia was working away.' The 21-year-old's funeral will take place tomorrow at Coventry Cathedral after her family raised more than 10,000 to repatriate her body Some 10,140 has been donated from friends and family - many of whom are expected to be at her funeral tomorrow. Speaking on behalf of herself and Lydia's father Julius, 49, Linda said: 'She was just a beautiful, beautiful girl. 'She still is a beautiful girl. 'I don't want to believe it's real but I know that it is. It's so hard to come to terms with. 'Everyone has been so kind, I can't believe how people have come together. 'She was vibrant, she loved life. 'She just loved people, she was so adventurous.' Lydia's sisters had been due to fly out to meet her in Cyprus next week. She was described by her mother as 'beautiful and vibrant' Lydia's funeral will take place tomorrow at Coventry Cathedral after the family raised more than 10,000 to repatriate her body. A spokesman for the Cypriot Police said Lydia was driving her moped along the road between Ayia Napa and Potamos tou Liopetriou, when she lost control, hit a kerb and fell on the asphalt. Students are increasingly turning to gambling and 'selling sex' to make up a 250-a-month average cash shortfall, research suggests. According to the National Student Money Survey, one in 11 students have turned to one of the practices to help cove their tuition fees and living costs. One of the students, who asked to remain anonymous, said she had supplemented her income with escort work and prostitution, admitting it sometimes put her in danger. According to the National Student Money Survey, one in 11 students have turned to either 'selling their body' or gambling to help pay their tuition fees and living costs (file picture) She said: 'I've slept with people for money and I've been on dates with disgusting guys and put myself at risk just so I could have dinner and some left-overs for the next day.' Another student, who gave her name as Jenny, said she made 100 a month selling her underwear online. 'I get about 3,300 in a maintenance loan, and my rent for the year is about 4,500, so it doesn't even cover that let alone bills, food, transport and uni supplies,' she said. Another London student called Max said he added to his funds by gambling. Others are taking similarly drastic measures - such as commuting hundreds of miles or doing other students' essays for payment - to ensure they make ends meet. One EU student reported making 15,000 a year writing essays and dissertations for other students. Another told how they ate an entire flower in return for 20, while one student went on a date with an elderly woman in return for money. One student admitted performing online in adult webcam shows, while another sells videos of their feet. The survey, completed by more than 2,000 people, found that living costs stand at a national monthly average of 790, while maintenance loans equate to roughly 540. Four out of five students said they were worried about making ends meet, while one third complained they did not offer financial support. More than three-quarters of respondents said they relied on their parents when times were tough, while nearly half of students said they were using savings to pay their way. The results of the question 'where do students turn in a cash crisis' is shown above. More than three-quarters rely on their parents, but one in 11 turn to either gambling of 'selling their body' In total, 67 per cent of students have a part-time job to supplement their loans. Others said they would skip lunch and scrimp on other meals in a bid to save cash. One wrote: 'Worrying about money has led to me skip lunch on a regular basis to save money.' Another added: Ive walked into exams emotionally and mentally drained without correct nutrition. Student finance makes us feel like we're cavemen living off scraps at times.' Another 25 per cent admitted never budgeting. The survey also highlighted how worried students were of finding work after graduation. Only 48 per cent of respondents said they felt confident of securing employment at the end of their course, while 55 per cent did not believe university was worth the money. In total, students expected to earn around 22,000 in their profession. Save the Student's Editor-in-Chief, Owen Burek, said students were 'hard done by'. 'Not only do they struggle to make ends meet on a lacklustre loan, but they are also disillusioned with the terms and conditions bundled in with student finance,' he said. 'Its a sad state of affairs that some students are turning to drastic measures to make ends meet but, for a minority, there is little alternative.' Welcome to Line Danci Read more [...] Two Chilean tourists received cuts and bruises after being involved in a dispute with a naked lady in Times Square over the size of their tip. The woman, covered in body paint, posed for photographs beside the two men, but was unhappy when they only received a $1 tip. Performers in Times Square are restricted to a number of clearly marked zones where they can pose for photographs with tourists for tips. Scroll down for video Francisco Vistoso and his brother-in-law, pictured, claim they were hit after giving the performer a $1 tip Semi-naked models, covered in body paint pose for tourists in Times Square in New York, file photograph The models ask for tips from tourists after they pose for photographs in the popular tourist, file photograph However, eyewitness claimed scuffles broke out soon after men handed over a $1 tip. Francisco Vistoso and his brother-in-law said they had their photograph taken when the incident happened. He said the woman and her two managers approached him after the photograph was taken. He told NBC 4: 'They came to us saying it was too little. They started insulting [my brother-in-law] and then the woman came and attacked me.' Witnesses claimed both sides traded insults, with one man calling the girl 'a prostitute'. The models can only work from specially authorized locations following many complaints, file photograph The performers, known as desnudas - after the Spanish word for naked ladies - spend hours in Times Square searching for tourists. However there are are several restrictions on performers Performers are only allowed to ask for money in the eight blue-area designated activity zones installed in June, but it is illegal for them to demand even more money, which is what happened in Vistoso's case. Two more people were arrested as violence gripped London again in yet more clashes with police in the same park where two teenagers were stabbed just 24 hours previously. A mass brawl that broke out as around thirty people gathered around the lake in Burgess Park, Peckham, where two 16-year-old boys were knifed on Tuesday. The fight comes after widespread violence in the capital, with a 4,000-strong crowd gather in Hyde Park after a leaflet for a 'Bashment in the Park' went round on social media. Tempers flared as police tried to disperse the crowd from the central London park and people then began seizing the sound equipment and running at police screaming 'Black Lives Matter'. Two more people were arrested as violence gripped the capital again in yet more clashes with police (pictured) in the same park in London where two teenagers were stabbed just 24 hours previously A mass brawl that broke out as around thirty people gathered around the lake in Burgess Park (pictured), Peckham, last night, where two 16-year-old boys were knifed on Tuesday Last night, two more teenagers were arrested, one for carrying an offensive weapon and another for an public order offence as the violence continued 24 hours later on yet another blazing hot day Footage shows a large crowd of young people being held back by police, who are crowded next to a lake as mainly young males edge forwards towards them Shocked onlookers watch on in horror during the clashes, with some heard saying 'they're only kids' as some officers break off from the back to chase individuals An officer and two members of the public were knifed and four other PCs injured after the party spiralled out of control in the city's worst bout of violence in the city since the 2011 riots. Meanwhile, in Stamford Hill, Hackney, a crowd of people hurled missiles at around 40 riot police who arrived to shut down an illegal rave on what was the hottest day of the year. The two 16-year-old boys stabbed during the fight in Burgess Park, Southwark, were injured as police battled the violent crowds in Hackney. Last night, two more teenagers were arrested, one for carrying an offensive weapon and another for an public order offence as the violence continued 24 hours later on yet another blazing hot day. Footage shows a large crowd of young people being held back by police, who are crowded next to a lake as young men edge forwards towards them. As tensions rise, police surge forward and the young people flee before returning to the fray in a stand off between officers and youths. Shocked onlookers watch on in horror during the clashes, with some heard saying 'they're only kids' as some officers break off from the back to chase individuals. However, police insist there was 'no disorder' and a spokesman said they are 'not treating it as being linked' to the violence in the same place 24 hours before. Dozens of police cars and vans raced to the scene after news broke of the riots unfolding in Hyde Park Thousands of revellers descended on the central London park to soak up the hottest day of the year. Shortly after 3pm on Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of teenagers gathered for an impromptu water fight Youths started squaring up to officers, according to eyewitnesses, then started hurling bottles at them after police drew their batons. They called for back-up and a riot van arrived, as bystanders watched the violence unfold from a raised platform near the lake. Polly Raven told Southwark News: 'They kept on charging at the police and the police kind of retreated.' Tuesday saw violence and stabbings in various locations around London, including Hyde Park, where young people allegedly also gathered for a water fight. Many were responding to a leaflet on Twitter and Facebook advertising 'Bashment in the Park' a reference to Jamaican music - but violence soon broke out. Grainy footage emerged of a young man, who has not been named, apparently being set upon by three others in the middle of a busy road nearby as buses, taxis and cars are forced to swerve around the attack. The numbers continued to swell throughout the day and when police eventually tried to disperse the crowd shortly before 9pm, they were met with a 'hostile' reception ARMED POLICE SWOOP TO TAKE DOWN TWO ARMED SUSPECTS IN SEASIDE TOWNS HOURS APART AS BRITAIN IS GRIPPED BY THREE DAYS OF VIOLENCE Armed police have swooped on two men brandishing dangerous weapons in separate incidents in two seaside towns today. Police arrested the first man in Ramsgate, Kent, at around 8.20am after receiving reports of a disturbance at a property. He was arrested on suspicion of having an imitation firearm. In the second incident just hours later, a man was detained after he was reported to be armed with a large 'blood-soaked' knife in Brighton. Witnesses said officers 'tackled' the suspect to the ground and threatened him with a Taser until he dropped the bladed weapon. Dramatic pictures emerged showing officers surrounding the man being detained on the floor. It comes on a day of heightened security across the UK after the attempted knifepoint abduction of a serviceman out jogging at RAF Marham, near King's Lynn, Norfolk, East Anglia. Police have swooped on two armed men in separate incidents across Britain today. One man was arrested in Brighton after brandishing a knife while another was detained in Ramsgate, Kent (shown above on the ground) Police swooped on the first man in Brighton this afternoon after he was reported to be brandishing a knife. Officers confronted the suspect with a Taser and he was allegedly seen to drop the bladed weapon (pictured) The arrests in Ramsgate, Kent, and Brighton, Sussex (both shown) come on a day of heightened security after the attempted knifepoint abduction of a serviceman at RAF Marham, near King's Lynn, Norfolk, East Anglia Advertisement In the footage, which was posted on social media, a youth wearing a white t-shirt appears to repeatedly thrust a weapon at another young man, who is on the floor grappling with two attackers. The three people then run off as onlookers scream in horror. As well as the two further stabbings in Southwark, a nearby supermarket was ransacked by a group of 200 people. In response to the night of violence, last minute holiday requests will be vetoed by police chiefs desperate to up their numbers across the city in the hope of quelling any similar incidents. The Met revealed CCTV and photographic stills of four men they want to talk to in relation to last night's Hyde Park violence, during which police had glass bottles rained down on them. Firefighters who had to pull decomposing refugees from a shipwreck more than a year after it sank have described how they had been packed in so tightly it resembled concentration camp trains. Seven hundred drowned in the Mediterranean tragedy in April last year after a wooden fishing boat was found 85 miles north east of Libya. Italian firefighters' spokesman Luca Cari is still tormented by the horror he witnessed, and one firefighter said: 'They squeezed them in everywhere for their last trip, packing them in like on the trains for Auschwitz.' Scroll down for video Firefighters who had to pull decomposing refugees from a shipwreck more than a year after it sank have described how they had been packed in so tightly it resembled concentration camp trains Seven hundred drowned in the Mediterranean tragedy in April last year after a wooden fishing boat was found 85 miles north east of Libya There were five migrants per square metre inside the the boat, and Paolo Quattropani, one of the firemen who led the recovery operation said: 'The image of their attempt to escape from the ship as it was sinking will be printed forever on our retinas.' It was the worst maritime tragedy in the Mediterranean since World War Two with only 28 survivors. There were five migrants per square metre inside the the boat, and Paolo Quattropani, one of the firemen who led the recovery operation said: 'The image of their attempt to escape from the ship as it was sinking will be printed forever on our retinas.' The disaster happened when the converted wooden fishing trawler collided with a Portuguese merchant ship that had responded to its SOS signal. The impact caused panicked passengers to surge to one side of the boat and it keeled over in pitch darkness. Months later, the wreck was recovered and taken to Sicily. The disaster happened when the converted wooden fishing trawler collided with a Portuguese merchant ship that had responded to its SOS signal Italian firefighters' spokesman Luca Cari is still tormented by the horror he witnessed, and one firefighter said: 'They squeezed them in everywhere for their last trip, packing them in like on the trains for Auschwitz.' Minesweepers using sonar equipment and an underwater robot identified the fishing boat at a depth of 375m. This image was taken in 2015 As firefighters pulled the final corpse free last week, Italian prosecutors put the number of victims of the April 2015 tragedy off Libya at 700. The bodies were found everywhere, from the well of the anchor chain to the tiny underfloor compartment where the bilge pump sits, to the engine room, Cari said. It was clear from their positions that many had fought tooth and nail to get out when the boat rolled - a struggle which proved futile. They found the bodies of children, still clutched in the arms of their mothers, and did not have the heart to separate them, Cari said. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi had vowed to give all of the victims decent burials to highlight the human cost of the ongoing migrant crisis on Europe's southern shores. The navy initially recovered 118 bodies, but the shipwreck was transported to Italy so that the rest of the corpses could be pulled out. Navy video footage showed a large yellow frame-like apparatus attached to a ship being lowered into the water to a depth of about 370 metres (1,200 feet), where it gripped on to the wreck. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi had vowed to give all of the victims decent burials to highlight the human cost of the ongoing migrant crisis on Europe's southern shores The hulk was placed in a 30-metre-long refrigerated structure while the Italian firefighters recovered bodies from inside. Experts will now examine and try to identify the victims. The vessel sank about 135 km (85 miles) north of Libya, from where it departed, and was taken to the port of Augusta in eastern Sicily. With the words 'big daddy is back' a western Sydney high school student has posted a sinister photograph taken in front of a war memorial with a friend making threatening gestures, including the one-finger jihadi symbol. Another pro-terror post involving students from Granville Boys High School have included a 'starter pack' for would-be jihadis, with a picture of a knife on a uniform jacket. These unsettling images shed light on the risk that hundreds of schoolchildren face when being radicalised by terror recruiters from Islamic State, reported The Daily Telegraph. Scroll down for video 'Big daddy is back': The chilling words that accompanied a troubling picture posted by a teenager from Granville Boys High marks his return to pro-terror posts since returning to his Christian faith in April The boy, whose brother is a terror suspect and cannot be named for legal reasons, allegedly converted to Islam after being banned from playing junior rugby league after an altercation with a referee last year. Pictures posted in February included the teen making the jihadi salute and another image showing the words 'Isis is coming' graffitied onto a wall. It is understood that the boy returned to his Christian faith in April deactivating his social media profiles but has recently started posting troubling photographs again starting with the picture in front of the Granville War Memorial. The student is not a participant in New South Wales Police's deradicalisation program but sources told The Daily Telegraph that he is being monitored closely by police meeting them regularly. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, allegedly converted to Islam after being banned from playing junior rugby league after an altercation with a referee last year and posted pictures such as Isis is coming graffitied on a wall in February (pictured) It is understood he returned to Christianity but recently posted the picture with his friend in front of Granville war memorial. It is one of many unsettling images posted by students - another a 'starter pack' for would-be jihadis showing a knife placed on the Granville Boys High uniform jacket (pictured) Head of Global Islamic Politics at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Greg Barton, told the newspaper that 'Islamic State looks for kids asking questions'. 'The average teenager thinks they are just larking around and posting something with mates but someone with sinister intentions can reach out and that leads to situations like Farhad Jabar, where a 15-year-old boy was given a pistol and told to shoot a police officer.' Abu Ahmad, a former Granville Boys student, was known to recruit boys from Australia after he joined Islamic State in Syria. 'Islamic State looks for kids asking questions': Abu Ahmad (pictured), a former Granville Boys student was known to recruit boys after he joined Islamic State in Syria Professor Barton said that while these teenagers are not capable of plotting terrorist activities it opens them up to being targeted and used by terror groups. 'It's not accidental, these guys (radicals) target kids back in their own country, and they find them on an open forum and pull them into their web. New South Wales police are working closely with the Department of Education and monitoring social media accounts which plays a crucial part of the work done by investigators. The U.S. Capitol Police have offered to provide additional security protection for Texas Senator Ted Cruz following angry confrontations on the floor of the GOP convention in Cleveland, a law enforcement source tells DailyMail.com. The offer of extra protection came hours after Cruz left the Quicken Loans Arena Wednesday night being subjected to taunts and boos after he refused to endorse Donald Trump and instead urged Americans to vote their 'conscience.' His wife, Heidi Cruz, had to be hustled out of the arena by a Cruz supporter fearful for her security. Cruz addressed Texas delegates Thursday morning and got furious blowback from Trump supporters and even some of his own backers, as they yelled out at him and demanded answers for why he wouldn't endorse Trump outright. When he appeared, Cruz was flanked by two security agents who stood guard and kept a close eye on delegates decked out in white cowboy hats and red, white, and blue outfits. UNDER GUARD: Cruz already hires his own security detail, but Capitol Police have offered to bolster his protection after the furious response to his speech on the floor of the Republican convention The security situation was already tense in Cleveland even before shouting matches broke out on the floor of the convention hall It wasn't immediately known whether Cruz had accepted the offer. The Capitol Police routinely provide extra security for some senators and representatives including some who receive specific threats. Cruz, however, already employs his own security protection detail. The force also contracts with local undercover police and civilian professionals to protect lawmakers deemed to be under threat. Cruz previously had protection provided by the U.S. Secret Service, but had to give it up when he was no longer a presidential candidate after he dropped out of the race following his loss in Indiana. One Republican lawmaker, asked by DailyMail.com about whether Cruz needed to get more security, responded, 'He's intentionally placed himself in this position and sometimes martyrs choose to do this and I think we ought to work together as a team.' Another Republican lawmaker who witnessed the angry clashes on the floor, fretted about the dangers posed by a 'madman' to anyone in the public eye, while condemning the displays of temper or approximation of violence. 'That's not the Republican way,' the lawmaker told DailyMail.com. 'We settle scores at the ballot box through discourse not through violence.' A Cruz staffer didn't respond to a request about whether he had sought or accepted additional security. Delegates booed in the convention hall when Cruz failed to give an endorsement to Donald Trump. Cruz supporters booed when Donald Trump appeared in the venue, prompting Trump supporters to shout them down Cruz's speech lead to angry shouting matches in the convention hall Attendees shouted Wednesday night as Cruz delivered his speech and called for people to vote their 'conscience' Senator Tex Cruz leaves the stage after his convention speech The lawmaker continued: 'He's no longer a candidate he's just a rank and file senator. Any security he has is either his personal or is campaign expense. That's a decision that he's got to make. The real fact of the matter is, regardless of whether you're Ted Cruz or Joe the Plumber, you're not safe from a madman. Nobody's safe from a madman or a terrorist.' Heidi Cruz had to be escorted out of the convention Wednesday night after furious delegates turned on her husband during and after his speech. Former Virginia attorney general Ken Cuccinelli, who guided Heidi Cruz to safety. 'People in my own delegation started physically approaching and yelling at her,' Cuccinelli told DailyMail.com moments after the incident. 'The one that stuck with me was somebody pointing at her and yelling something about Goldman Sachs,' he said. The Cruz-backer described it as an 'ugly crowd.' The security situation in Cleveland was already tense before the mayhem on the floor. Local police and law enforcement came in from around the country to bolster the security perimeter. Police have been spotted traveling around the city in open vehicles with semi-automatic weapons, while phalanxes of Cleveland police have been roving through the fortified downtown on bicycles. Video footage has emerged showing Cruz's wife Heidi (circled) being led out of the Quicken Loans Arena when the crowd turned on him At his event with the Texas delegation, Cruz faced a skein of angry questions from Trump supporters as well as some of his own backers. 'I don't support people who attack my family' Cruz shot back. Delegates stood up and yelled questions at him. ''You signed a pledge!' one Texan lectured him. 'Your word is your bond!' Security concerns in Cleveland are such that even minor aesthetic changes are taking place. When a local venue called 'Shooters' hosted events by Cruz and House Speaker Paul Ryan, its name was changed to 'Tusker's,' with a new sign tacked onto the building and hung from its side, DailyMail.com reported Wednesday. Officials wanted the change 'because of the name' and its connotations and 'getting some weird rumors started,' said one security staffer who still sported a 'Shooters' T-shirt even while Senator Ted Cruz held an event at the rechristened 'Tusker's.' Mandy Benz, who attended a Ted Cruz event at the renamed 'Tusker's' attributed the change to 'a concern with what's going on' in the country The number of migrants discovered being smuggled into Britain in lorries, cars or on trains has nearly trebled in a year. A report on so-called 'lorry drops' showed authorities encountered 6,429 'clandestine entrants' in the six months from the beginning of April to the end of September - compared to 2,411 for the same period in 2014. The numbers found in Kent and referred to a special unit increased 10-fold, from 340 to 3,264. The figures were among a slew of bad news slipped out by ministers on the last day before parliament rises for its summer recess. The number of migrants discovered after hiding in lorries, cars or on trains in the six months to April last year was nearly treble the figure for the same period in 2014, according to the report The rise came as growing numbers of people attempted to cross to Britain from Calais amid the wider international migration crisis last summer. Some 30 written statements were laid in the Commons along with a plethora of reports. Among the stories were a Saudi diplomat alleged to have brought a domestic slave into the country and controversial former HMRC chief Lin Homer walking away with a 2.4million pension pot. The report from Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration David Bolt admitted that the total number of migrants entering the UK 'clandestinely' each year is not known. But it said there were figures for entrants discovered who had arrived in the UK concealed in vehicles. 'Most of the migrants encountered in-country had entered concealed in or on a heavy goods vehicle and had left the vehicle at its first stopping-point in the UK,' the report said. 'This form of clandestine entry is commonly referred to as a 'lorry drop'. Although there is no such thing as a typical 'lorry drop', in the period under review most of the migrants encountered were males under the age of 30, originating from Eritrea, Iran, Syria, Sudan and Afghanistan.' Individuals who were able to conceal themselves on trains generally disembarked at Longport in Kent, the first point in the UK at which trains would slow or stop. Most migrants who have entered the UK clandestinely and who are known to the Home Office have been identified upon or soon after arrival in the UK, the report said. This happened in three main ways: they were discovered in or exiting from the vehicle in which they entered the country, they were encountered close to a service station or the motorway network having 'dropped' from the vehicle, or they presented themselves to a police officer or immigration official. Between November 2014 and October 2015, the Home Office and police forces dedicated around 17.75 million to managing 'lorry drop' cases. Around 93% of the clandestine entrants claimed asylum, the report showed. It was granted in 1,168 cases, while 149 people had their applications refused and were removed from the UK. In almost 4,000 cases the claim was outstanding, and in 678 it was refused and appeal rights have been exhausted. Many of the migrants discovered were trying to sneak past border controls in lorries The inspection found that the Home Office had maintained the quality of its 'initial response' despite the significant increase in encounters. However, the report warned: 'While front-line staff had coped well with the extra demands, in some areas the response to 'lorry drops' had been at the expense of other enforcement priorities, such as illegal working and sham marriages, raising questions about Immigration Enforcement's capacity and resilience, particularly if faced with a similar challenge in summer 2016.' A Home Office spokesman said: 'The report acknowledges that the summer of 2015 saw extraordinary pressures as a result of the EU migration crisis. 'The UK Government has invested tens of millions of pounds to bolster security at the ports in northern France, and the UK and French governments have been working at pace to implement actions agreed in the Joint Declaration signed by the Home Secretary and the French Interior Minister on 20 August 2015.' He added that the Government is also 'committed to finding long-term solutions to the problem of illegal migration'. Saudi Arabian official is accused of bringing a domestic SLAVE to Britain but they might NEVER be prosecuted because of diplomatic immunity rules A Saudi Arabian diplomat is facing allegations of human trafficking over claims they brought a domestic slave with them to Britain - but the individual may never be prosecuted. Two offences of trafficking linked to the Saudi embassy were among 11 recorded on an annual statement of serious allegations made against people with diplomatic immunity in Britain. Also detailed by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson were two child abuse allegations linked to an individual protected by diplomatic immunity at the Mexican embassy. One of claims related to an offence of making a child abuse image and another of making a child aged 13 to 15 look at an abuse image. Diplomatic immunity rules mean individuals cannot be directly charged - their immunity either needs to be waived or, if the home nation refuses, the diplomat can be kicked out of Britain. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, left, said offences by diplomats were not tolerated but Lib Dem leader Tim Farron, right, said the severity of allegations made last year made clear the need for reform to diplomatic immunity Also included on the list was an assault allegation was levelled against a Gabon official. And a variety of driving offences were alleged against diplomats from countries including America, Kazakhstan, China, Nigeria and St Lucia. The Mexican Embassy told MailOnline the case was still 'under investigation' and added: 'It is important to clarify that the alleged offender is neither a member of the Mexican Foreign Service nor a Mexican National. 'He was not working for the Mexican Government.' A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: 'The UK Government expects all foreign diplomats to abide by UK laws at all times and we take a firm line with diplomatic missions and international organisations whose diplomats commit offences. 'All alleged offences are investigated by the police or other law enforcement agencies. 'In the case of the most serious alleged offences, the diplomat in question would be immediately withdrawn from the country unless they cooperate with any investigation under a waiver of immunity granted by their mission.' The congestion charge bill for the United States is 10.5MILLION as diplomats refuse to pay the traffic levy in central London The US Embassy owes London's City Hall 10.6million in congestion charge which diplomats refuse to pay. City Hall has levied 89,308 fines against American diplomatic vehicles since the charge was first imposed in February 2003. Diplomats refuse to pay the congestion charge on the grounds they consider it a tax. Diplomats do not have to pay UK taxes. In total, more than 95million is owed in congestion charge by diplomats based in London. Diplomats claim the London congestion charge in the centre of the city is a tax and refuse to pay it. More than 95million is now outstanding Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson released the latest figures in the annual statement issued on the final day before the summer recess. Japan takes second place in the league table, owing just over 7million, with Nigeria placed third with a bill of 6million. In a separate release, Mr Johnson also revealed almost 500,000 in parking fines were issued against diplomatic vehicles last year. South Sudan tops the table of poor payers with 53,708 outstanding, closely followed by the Nigerian embassy which still owes 41,531. Dame Disaster walked away from HMRC with 2.4million pension pot after it swelled by 225,000 in just ONE YEAR Dame Lin Homer's pension pot is worth 2.4m Dame Lin Homer walked away from HM Revenue & Customs with a 2.4million pension pot after it swelled by 225,000 in just one year. The controversial chief executive, 59, is entitled to a index-linked income of around 125,000 a year - nearly two thirds of the 190,000 salary she had been earning. She also received a 20,000 bonus before standing down in April after four years, according to the latest accounts released by the department. Labour MP John Mann told MailOnline the package was a 'reward for failure' and 'totally outrageous'. Dame Lin was controversially made a dame in the New Years Honours as her departure was announced, and was immediately dubbed Dame Disaster. Her 35-year career in the public sector has been dogged by a string of scandals and failures. In 2005, as chief executive of Birmingham City Council, she was caught up in a postal votes scandal, which a judge said would have disgraced a banana republic. Election judge Richard Mawrey said Mrs Homer, acting as the citys returning officer, had thrown the rule book out of the window. She went on to become the 200,000-a-year boss of the immigration system, at the time it was branded not fit for purpose by the then Home Secretary John Reid. During her time in charge it emerged that 1,000 foreign criminals had been mistakenly released, and 450,000 asylum case files were discovered dumped in boxes at the Home Office. She later became head of the now defunct UK Border Agency, where she was criticised by MPs for a catastrophic leadership failure. Despite the criticism, she was rewarded with a new post as head of HMRC. At the time of her appointment, in 2012, the Home Affairs Committee said it was astounded that she was being promoted to become the chief executive at Revenue & Customs adding: The status quo, in which catastrophic leadership failure is no obstacle to promotion, is totally unacceptable. As head of HMRC, she was forced to defend the department after it secured only one prosecution from a list of 6,800 UK-related secret Swiss bank accounts provided in 2010 by French authorities. She has also faced criticism over the departments dismal customer service. Last year it emerged the taxman failed to answer 18million phone calls from the public more than a quarter of those it received. Despite her record, Chancellor George Osborne issued a glowing tribute to Dame Lin, saying she had made a real contribution to public service modernisation and transformation. Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood described her as a dedicated, professional and courageous colleague. Universities given green light to hike tuition fees by 250 from 2017 - and the change could apply to students already studying Almost every university in the country will be able to raise their fees by 250 next year and the increase could apply to those already studying, the government has announced. The vast majority of students starting university in 2017 will pay fees of 9,250 after ministers gave the green light to hundreds of institutions to break the fee cap. The government has previously said that only universities which meet strict criteria on teaching quality will be allowed to raise fees above 9,000. But today it emerged that almost every university has been assessed as meeting expectations this year and will be eligible to charge students more. Universities minister Jo Johnson announced his intention to implement the rise in a ministerial statement today, although it still needs to be approved by MPs. Almost every university in the country will be able to raise their fees by 250 next year and the increase could apply to those already studying, the government has announced Liberal Democrat university spokeswoman Baroness Lorely Burt said her party would fight the plans every step of the way. She said: It is a kick in the teeth to students to tell them that fees are going to rise. Linking fees to teaching quality in this way is unacceptable. Enabling any university that scrapes a meet expectations rating to increase fees by 2.8 per cent shows that this isn't about teaching quality at all. A man allegedly stole and crashed a boat off southwest Florida that belongs to a Minnesota dentist who sparked a worldwide outrage last year when he killed Cecil the lion while hunting in Africa. Andrew Derwin, 26, of Marco Island, was arrested on a felony charge of grand theft Tuesday and remains jailed. According to police, Derwin took Walter Palmer's $61,175 boat, a 23-foot 2015 Ranger vessel, from his vacation home Sunday and later crashed it. Scroll down for video Back in the headlines: Andrew Derwin, 26 (left), is accused of stealing a boat belonging to Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer (right), who sparked outrage last year when he killed Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe Hot property: Police say Derwin crashed Palmer's boat, a 23-foot vessel seen here last August outside his Marco Island, Florida home Avid hunter: This image shows a jet ski lift on Palmer's property painted to look like a giraffe Vandalized: Palmer's Marco Island vacation home was defaced after Cecil's death became international news Derwin's passenger, 28-year-old Nicolas Stolinas, was seriously injured when he was struck by the boat's propeller and required hospitalization. Investigators say Derwin took the keys to Palmer's vacation home from the residence of a neighbor who watches over the dentist's property when he's away, reported Naples Daily News. Upon accessing the sprawling property, police say Derwin found the keys to Palmer's boat on the back lanai and took it for a joyride, which ended with a crash at Caxambas Park Marina. First responders who arrived at the marina quickly determined that the boat had been stolen. Palmer, an avid big-game hunter, drew widespread condemnation after he killed the well-known lion in July 2015 while on a safari in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park. King of the jungle: Palmer shot Cecil in July 2015 while on a safari in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park Infamous: Palmer, pictured here with a dead bear, became the subject of an investigation in Africa, which ultimately came to naught Last August, at the height of the scandal surrounding Palmer, his $1.1million Marco Island home was defaced by angry animal lovers, who spray-painted 'lion killer' on his garage door and dumped raw meat in his driveway. Andrew Derwin is being held in jail on $20,000 bail, reported NBC2. He is due back in court August 15. evacuated the luxury block of flats as matter of precaution A couple found dead in their flat after a suspected gas leak, left a note warning of carbon monoxide, a neighbour claimed. Police found the dead couple in a posh home on an affluent street, where flats sell for upwards of 1.5million. Officers burst into the south London flat on Thursday afternoon, after 'concerns for the welfare' of its occupants. The bodies of the man and woman were found at Oxford House in Wimbledon, south London (police at the scene, pictured), after police broke into the flat yesterday following concerns from neighbours about a gas leak Upon entering the Wimbledon flat, they suspected a gas leak, and quickly evacuated residents as a precaution. A neighbour suggested on Friday that the couple could have deliberately gassed themselves to death. The man, who didn't wish to be named, said: 'I think there's a question as to whether it was a double suicide. 'A friend of mine had been talking to the police officer. 'She said that one of the officers told her that when they broke in to the flat they found a note on the chair that said something to the effect of, 'be careful, carbon monoxide'.' The neighbour said he did not know the couple, but thought they had been renting for no more than a year. Neighbours were evacuated from the apartment block, which has 18 flats, as a precaution after concerns there may have been a gas leak. Houses in the affluent Wimbledon street sell for upwards of 1.5million Officers said two people were found dead inside the flat and other residents in adjacent flats were quickly evacuated as precaution. The road was also closed for several hours for emergency vehicle access Emergency vehicles are seen on the A219 near Windmill Road, which was later closed due to the incident He said that police were called after family and friends were unable to get hold of the couple. The man, who is in his seventies, said: 'The couple were in their sixties and were renting. They had lived there for a year or maybe less. 'I didn't know them. I only really saw him and I think I only saw her once. 'I understand the reason why the police intervened was because either family or friends had been trying to contact them and hadn't heard from them. 'That was what the same friend told me. You could surmise that they had probably been dead for some time.' He added: 'It was shocking, I only saw the man a few days ago. They seemed nice but not over-friendly. I don't think anyone in the flats knew them well.' Paramedics and firefighters attended the scene. A spokesperson from Scotland Yard said: 'Whilst enquiries into the circumstances of the deaths continue, it is being treated as non-suspicious at this stage.' A California man who was lucky to escape the Nice terror attack with minor injuries has explained how he owes his life to a Good Samaritan that saved him. Greg Krentzman was on vacation with his wife and daughter in Nice when a man drove a truck into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day on July 14, killing 84 people and injuring more than 250 others. Krentzman said he was standing several feet from his family to take a photograph when his wife, Sophie, saw the truck coming right at them. 'My wife screamed out, ''Greg, look out, there's a truck!'' Krentzman told KTLA 5 News. Scroll down for video Survivor: Greg Krentzman gives a Skype interview from his Nice hospital bed after being knocked down by the truck in the terror attack on July 14 Greg Krentzman was on vacation with his wife, Sophie, and daughter, Lola, in Nice when a man drove a truck into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day on July 14, killing 84 people and injuring more than 250 others Krentzman continued: 'I don't know exactly how far in front of me it was, but I would say about 15 to 20 feet, and it was going fast.' The Kansas University graduate, who gave an interview to KTLA from his hospital bed in Nice, said that he had to quickly think how to jump out of the way of the path of the truck, which was serving back and forth. 'I decided to jump to my left ... and thank God I did -- because if I went to the right I would have been dead,' he said. 'Because the truck was coming towards me, and he was obviously swerving to do as much damage as possible, to hit as many people as possible.' Krentzman was still hit by the truck, with his tibia broken in several places. However it was a local man that came to his rescue, as he lied there waiting for help, with many around Krentzman either dead or much more badly injured. Krentzman and his daughter were both hit by the truck on Bastille Day. He suffered a broken tibia and his daughter suffered a broken ankle The massacre on the Promenade des Anglais left 84 people dead after a man drove a truck into the crowd This is the truck that was used to mow down the victims who had been watching Bastille Day fireworks in Nice The man stopped his car right by Krentsman and put him in the vehicle. 'He proceeded to whisk me down these curvy French streets,' Krentzman said. 'Just zigzagging in and out of the streets.' Krentzman's nine-year-old daughter, Lola, was also injured in the attack. Krentzman believes the truck's wheel clipped the scooter Lola had been riding, knocking her to the ground and breaking her ankle. 'She has a hard cast on, and she's doing very well, all things considered,' Krentzman told the Lawrence Journal-World. 'My daughter is very strong and a very positive girl, and she's handled it as well as anybody could ever handle something like this.' Greg Krentzman was on vacation with his wife and daughter in Nice when a man drove a truck into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day on July 14, killing 84 people and injuring more than 250 others Krentzman hopes that he will be able to track down the man who helped him and thank him for effectively saving his life. 'I'd like to give him a reward, give him some cash, just, in my broken French ''merci beaucoup'',' Krentzman said. A Virginia man is lucky to be alive and with his limbs intact after contracting a rare, flesh-eating bacteria from the ocean. Charles Ballard Sr, 60, of Richmond, was wading in the water in Virginia Beach while fishing with his son last month when both men suffered small cuts on their feet from stepping on sharp rocks. Three days after the fateful June 11 excursion to the beach, the elder Mr Ballard noticed the lacerations became open sores. Scroll down for video Lucky to be alive: Charles Ballard Sr, 60, of Richmond, Virginia, narrowly avoided losing his leg, as well as his life, after contracting a flesh-eating bacteria Terrifying: Three days after cutting his feet during a fishing trip, Ballard noticed that the nicks turned into open sores (pictured) Bleak prospects: Mr Ballard was preparing to have his leg amputated, but doctors managed to save it When Mr Ballard went to Chippenham Hospital for treatment, he was diagnosed with vibrio vulnificus, a potentially deadly flesh-eating bacteria, reported the station WWBT. WHAT ARE VIBRIO BACTERIA? Vibrio bacteria are present in coastal waters and infect more people between the warmer months of May and October. Most people become infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish. The bacteria can also enter the body through open wounds exposed to brackish or salt water. People with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible. Vibrio bacteria can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. Vibrio causes about 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths throughout the country each year. Source: CDC Advertisement Dying or losing a leg, or them having to cut it off, below the knee, preferably, Ballard Sr told the channel. I was kinda prepared for it. The bacteria are most common in warm brackish waters, such as in Gulf Coast states. The ocean off the coast of Virginia is typically too cold for vibrio to thrive in. The bacteria can enter the body through open wounds or in under-cooked seafood. WTVR reported that people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to vibrio. Symptoms of vibrio include diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever and chills. In most cases, if the condition is not treated in five days, it ends in death. Around the same time that Charles Ballard became infected with vibrio in Virginia, Brian Parrott, 50, contracted the bacteria while vacationing in Galveston, Texas. Parrott, whose diabetes has left him with a compromised immune system, caught vibrio from a scratch on his foot. Days later, he was rushed to a hospital where doctors had to amputate his right leg from the knee down. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vibrio causes about 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths throughout the country each year. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that Mr Ballard, who only a week before the ill-fated vacation had been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, spent two weeks in the hospital undergoing a treatment called Pulse Lavage, in which the dead tissue is separated from healthy tissue using pressurized solution. Getaway: Ballard became ill while vacationing with his son in Virginia Beach in early June Mr Ballard, pictured with his son, also named Charles, recently has been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver Ballard spent two weeks in the hospital undergoing a treatment called Pulse Lavage If I had waited another day, I probably would have been deceased, Ballard told the paper. Ballard is currently continuing his recovery at home with the help of strong antibiotics. A small plane crashed into a residential neighborhood in a northern Illinois city Thursday morning, killing the pilot and torching the side of a home. Although it was unclear how many were aboard the aircraft, the pilot was killed in the crash, Joliet City Manager Jim Hock said, adding that it was 'very fortunate' no other injuries resulted from the crash. Authorities believe the fuel tank ruptured when the plane hit the street and ignited a fire that spread to a house to the north, Joliet Deputy Fire Chief Ray Randich said at a news conference. Scroll down for video A small plane crashed into a residential neighborhood in a northern Illinois city Thursday morning, killing the pilot and torching the side of a home Joliet firefighters are pictured working to extinguish the Plainfield home that caught fire Although it was unclear how many were aboard the aircraft, the pilot was killed in the crash, Joliet City Manager Jim Hock said, adding that it was 'very fortunate' no other injuries resulted from the crash The crash happened at about 11.15am in Plainfield, which is next to Joliet, but the Joliet Fire Department responded to the scene. The female homeowner told ABC7: 'I heard some loud noises coming down the street that sounded like very loud backfiring from a vehicle or a motorcycle, and it continued to get louder. 'I heard some skidding and then all of a sudden my dining room wall blew out and flames were already in the house. 'I thought I was going to see a car in my dining room because I thought it was a car accident or car collision or something. 'And so I grabbed my dog and I was going to go out through my back door and I saw some flames in my grass so I was praying that the garage door would open - it's electric and it did.' She told the TV station when the crash took place, she was alone in the house and watching TV with her pet. Residents use a garden hose to help extinguish flames in the wake of the crash Authorities believe the fuel tank ruptured when the plane hit the street and ignited a fire that spread to a house to the north, Joliet Deputy Fire Chief Ray Randich said at a news conference It wasn't immediately known where the aircraft took off from or where it was headed. Joliet Municipal Airport and Clow Airport in Bolingbrook are both in close proximity to the crash site. A female witness told CBS Chicago: 'The engine didn't sound any different on it. 'I just thought he was out for kind of a fly, and that he was making a very sharp turn, because he was literally sideways when he was making a turn, and then I never saw the plane after that.' Aerial television video of the crash site showed that siding from that home was peeling from the structure and smoke rose from the inside. Video also showed parts of a small plane scattered in a street and in the lawn and driveway of a home. Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Tony Molinaro said the agency has sent a team to the crash site to determine the type of aircraft involved in the crash and gather information that will be passed on to the National Transportation Safety Board. The NTSB will lead the investigation and determine the cause of the crash. Plainfield is about 40 miles southwest of Chicago. Pedestrians watch as law enforcement officials work at the scene of the plane crash in Joliet on Thursday. Plainfield is 40 miles southwest of Chicago Further incidents of Secret Service agents soliciting hookers have been revealed four years after the Colombian prostitution scandal including a report of a male agent who had his gun stolen by a male prostitute he solicited using his government computer in Puerto Rico. Some of the incidents contained in thousands of documents from Homeland Securitys investigation into the agency following the 2012 scandal have now been released after a blogger Malia Litman filed 89 separate Freedom of Information Act requests. Litman, 58, a former lawyer from Dallas, has spent years documenting her fight to obtain the documents on her blog. Now, the unveiled documents reveal that a picture of a government agency tasked with protecting the president, his family and other leaders where sexual misconduct and corruption was rampant and indiscretions were repeatedly swept under the rug, RadarOnline reports. They highlight incidents in which agents had sexual encounters with underage girls, married agents took part in wheels up, rings off parties, and a manager who sexually harassed female subordinates dubbed the National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) the Nice T*** and A** Club. Scroll down for video Further incidents of Secret Service agents soliciting hookers have been revealed four years after the Colombian prostitution scandal. Above, Dania Suarez was the prostitute at the centre of the 2012 scandal A male Secret Service agent assigned to Puerto Rico had his issued firearm stolen by a male prostitute who he solicited online. The theft occurred when the two met up, states one document dated May 2014 and obtained by RadarOnline. An investigation found that the agent had used his government-issued computer to contact the prostitute. When confronted by inspectors, the agent resigned out of embarrassment and to avoid the information coming out. The report adds that that the theft and the circumstances surrounding it were covered up and never reported and the weapon was not recovered. Shockingly, another incident from 2014 reveals that numerous agents from the Secret Services Country Assault Team (CAT) the team investigated after taking prostitutes to their hotel rooms in Colombia - were spotted engaging with prostitutes in Amsterdams Red Light district. The CAT Team is known to frequently engage in this behaviour and participated in similar actions while in Cartegena in 2012, the report says. Blogger Malia Litman, 58, a former lawyer from Dallas, spent years trying to obtain the documents Three agents from the team were sent home after going out in Amsterdam one Saturday night in March and one was found passed out in a hallway on Sunday morning. Their actions breached regulations adopted after the Colombia incident, which prohibits agents from drinking alcohol less than 10 hours before they being on duty. Another report from August 2012 paints a picture of the sexual harassment female subordinates suffered from an NTAC manager. The report says the manager kept alcohol in his office and forced employees to drink so he could trust them. He sexually harassed every female subordinate, the report says. The manager would publicly male employees: Where are my little whores/b******? Have you slept with them yet? One female employee reportedly would be bombarded with voicemail messages by the manager, who would summon her to his office and ask if she wanted to show at his house. He dubbed the NTAC the Nice T*** and A** Club, the report adds. A report dated June 2012 cites a confidential source, who said one special agent missed his flight and when he did arrive at the airport, he brought along two prostitutes. The same source told Homeland Security about agents who were involved with underage girls. The rumors indicated that alcohol and sex were involved, the report added. The confidential source a special agent whose name has been redacted in the documents said that indiscretions such as these were swept under the rug and that allegations against agents actually helped their careers. The reports reveal sexual misconduct was often 'swept under the rug' and never reported. File photo General misconduct is swept under the rug. If USSS management likes you and they want to promote you, allegations against you actually help, he told investigators. The allegations will be held against you as coercion to do activities at the senior managements direction. The phrase in the USSS is, if you dont want anything, they cant do anything to you. Another documents revealed further tidbits, such as that one agent exposed his genitals and started masturbating in front of a woman said that two senior agents were found to have porn on their computers. There was an instance of an agent driving drunk in a government vehicle, who also tried to get fake IDs so he and fellow agents could get into bars. When the woman tried to report the incident, the agent threatened her with deportation, the report says. She was an American citizen. Ahead of a visit by President Barack Obama in April 2012, Secret Service employees concluded a night of partying at strip clubs by taking prostitutes back to their hotel in Cartagena, Colombia. Dania Suarez was the prostitute at the centre of the 2012 scandal after one agent paid her only $28 instead of her standard $800 leading her to call the police which exposed the affair Local Colombian authorities became involved when one employee got into a money dispute with one of the prostitutes. Of the 13 Secret Service employees suspected of soliciting prostitutes, six resigned or retired, three returned to duty and four had their clearances revoked and were removed. Shocking images show the horrifying effects of sunburn on a dolphin - weeks after she was rescued from a Scottish beach. Spirtle, a four-year-old bottlenose, made headlines last month after a sat-nav blunder led to her being discovered washed up on an Aberdeen bay. The lucky mammal was saved after passers-by called the SSPCA, who tried to save her from sunburn by using damp towels during the 12-hour rescue. Spirtle was recently spotted about 150 miles away by sea in the Cromarty Firth. Shocking images show the horrifying effects of sunburn on a dolphin - weeks after she was rescued from a Scottish beach The snaps, taken by scientists at Aberdeen University, show the outer layer of rubbery skin burnt off, with a new, pink layer growing underneath She was playing and chasing fish but still bears the horrific scars from where her skin blistered in the heat. The snaps, taken by scientists at Aberdeen University, show the outer layer of rubbery skin burnt off, with a new, pink layer growing underneath. Despite the ghastly appearance of the wounds, experts are confident that the youngster is doing well and will continue to heal as she plays in the salty waters of the Cromarty Firth. Barbara Cheney, a researcher with the University's Lighthouse Field Station, said: 'We saw her last Thursday for the first time since she live-stranded and was re-floated. 'The damage on her right side is likely caused by sunburn, UV damage and dehydration during the stranding but her left side is normal. 'The edges of it seem to be healing and we hope this will continue. She appeared to be swimming well though favoured her right side when she surfaced. 'We will be keeping a look out for her and monitoring the progress of the damage.' Marine mammals are more susceptible to sunburn than most other creatures, which have either fur, feathers or scales to protect them from the sun's UV light. Elephants and rhinos deliberately cover themselves with a mud 'suncream'. Spirtle, a four-year-old bottlenose, made headlines last month after a sat-nav blunder led to her being discovered washed up on an Aberdeen bay Marine mammals are more susceptible to sunburn than most other creatures, which have either fur, feathers or scales to protect them from the sun's UV light. Elephants and rhinos deliberately cover themselves with a mud 'suncream' Dolphins and whales simply have to rely on being underwater for much of the time to combat the effects of the sun. Remarkably, hippos produce their own suncream - a pinkish liquid that wells up in droplets on their faces or behind their ears and necks. These droplets have red and orange pigmentation that absorbs light in the UV range. Previous pictures of Spirtle showed her close to death after being stranded on the beach at Nigg Bay in Aberdeen. She was discovered by visitor Lorraine Culloch, from Arbroath, after her sat-nav took her the wrong way and she ended up at the beach. Photographs taken of Spirtle at the time showed the exhausted animal, struggling to breath with damp towels draped over her to try and protect her skin from the sunshine. Other pictures, taken later that day, show the lucky mammal being guided back into the sea by rescuers - a mission that took over 12 hours After spotting the animal in distress, she called the SSPCA and the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) team to come and help. Photographs taken of Spirtle at the time showed the exhausted animal, struggling to breath with damp towels draped over her to try and protect her skin from the sunshine. Lorraine said she was being pecked by seagulls when she arrived, and already had blisters down one side of her body. Other pictures, taken later that day, show the lucky mammal being guided back into the sea by rescuers - a mission that took over 12 hours. During the rescue, vets were able to identify the dolphin as four-year-old Spirtle, who had been seen playing in the sea just days before. One of the last surviving Czech airmen to serve in the RAF during the Second World War has taken to the British skies once again. General Emil Bocek, 93, said it was his 'dream' to take the controls of a twin-seater Supermarine Spitfire one last time. He was granted his wish at Biggin Hill Airport in Kent where his 20-minute flight revived memories of his time flying the machines during wartime. General Emil Bocek, 93, said it was his 'dream' to take the controls of a twin-seater Supermarine Spitfire one last time He was granted his wish at Biggin Hill Airport in Kent where his 20-minute flight revived memories of his time flying the machines during wartime The beaming general gave a triumphant thumbs-up from the cockpit after he landed and afterwards told reporters: 'It was very good. I loved it. It was perfect.' Asked whether it brought back memories, Bocek replied: 'Yes, after 70 years it was very good.' Before disembarking, he was presented with a gold medal. Bocek joined the RAF as a mechanic as a teenager in September 1940. Three years later, he was sent to Canada for training and from October 1944 he served as a pilot with the RAF's 310 Squadron. He carried out 26 operational flights before leaving the air force in 1946. However, he still continues to fly in his homeland despite his advancing years. Bocek joined the RAF as a mechanic as a teenager in September 1940. Three years later, he was sent to Canada for training and from October 1944 he served as a pilot with the RAF's 310 Squadron He carried out 26 operational flights before leaving the air force in 1946. However, he still continues to fly in his homeland despite his advancing years Asked whether it brought back memories, Bocek replied: 'Yes, after 70 years it was very good' The beaming general gave a triumphant thumbs-up from the cockpit after he landed and afterwards told reporters: 'It was very good. I loved it. It was perfect' Gen Bocek flew into Biggin Hill on Thursday morning in a Czech Air Force CASA aircraft, accompanied by figures including the Archbishop of Prague Dominik Duka whose father served in the RAF. Among others who attended were the grandchildren of another Czech wartime RAF pilot, Squadron Leader Tony Liskutin. His grandson Marek Liskutin, 41, said: 'The whole event is really beyond what we expected. We're really pleased to be here.' Side scan sonar survey of the U-8 First World War Submarine shows conning tower, radio masts and periscope, sitting proud of the seabed The wrecks of two submarines which sank over 100 years ago have now been given protected status. A First World War German U-boat which was submerged in 1915 and a British A-class submarine that sank in 1912 before being salvaged and used as a gunnery target have been made protected historic wreck sites. The German U-8 was the first to be sunk in British waters, after it was snared in anti-submarine nets off the coast of Folkestone, Kent, as it passed through the Dover Strait in March 1915. It was hit by the destroyer Ghurka and forced to the surface, where it was consequently abandoned, before descending to the depths after coming under more fire from fellow-destroyer Maori. However all the crew survived and were marched through the town to Dover Castle. One of the propellers from the German wreck, which lies in the Dover Strait, was returned to the German Navy after being stolen by divers and was later found being used as a coffee table in Kent. The second propeller is still missing. The British A3 submarine sank in February 1912 off Lulworth, Dorset, after being accidentally rammed while surfacing by the depot ship HMS Hazard off the Isle of Wight. The vessel was salvaged and subsequently sunk as a gunnery target, now lying east of Portland. Protecting the German U-8 is part of a project by Government heritage agency, Historic England to investigate the locations of 11 submarines known to have been lost in the First World War in English waters, to better understand their condition. The German U-8 (similar to this one pictured) was the first to be sunk in British waters, after it was snared in anti-submarine nets off the coast of Folkestone, Kent, as it passed through the Dover Strait in March 1915 It was hit by the destroyer Ghurka and forced to the surface, where it was consequently abandoned, before descending to the depths after coming under more fire (Pictured: Multibeam acoustic survey of the boat) Heritage Minister Tracey Crouch said: 'The UK has a long and proud maritime heritage and these wreck sites tell an important story about our past. 'As we mark the centenary of the First World War, it is fitting that we remember the role of the wider war at sea and I am excited that these sites will be protected for years to come.' Mark Dunkley, maritime designation adviser for Historic England, said: 'The U-8's design and construction, complete with six torpedoes, marked a turning point in submarine development. The British A3 submarine (similar to this one pictured) sank in February 1912 off Lulworth, Dorset, after being accidentally rammed while surfacing by the depot ship HMS Hazard off the Isle of Wight 'The Type U-5 boats were superior to allied submarines both in fighting ability and seaworthiness. The U-8 sits upright on the seabed in excellent condition and you can still see its periscopes and radio masts attached.' Sanjay Roy, 32, had access to the victim's email and bank accounts from the other side of the Atlantic A barrister who is said to have beaten a vulnerable woman with a belt buckle and poured iced water on her head has walked free from court. Sanjay Roy, made the victim refer to him as 'master' during an abusive and controlling relationship, where he was in charge of her Facebook page from the other side of the Atlantic. The 32-year-old also had access to her email and bank accounts. Nottingham Crown Court heard how Roy, of Luton, Befordshire, met the woman in Houston, Texas, in 2012. Roy, who practised family law from Northampton Chambers, helped the victim move home after she broke up with an abusive ex-boyfriend. He used his legal expertise to help secure a jail term for the woman's ex-partner for breaching a non-molestation order, the court heard. The couple soon started a long-distance relationship - with the victim describing Roy as a 'superhero' after 'rescuing her from dire circumstances'. The court heard Roy was a 'Jekyll and Hyde character' and the couple were in a 'high-octane and toxic relationship'. Prosecuting, Sally Hobson said: 'Quite quickly into the relationship the defendant's behaviour became controlling. He would threaten to break up with her if she looked away when they were talking. 'He continued, remotely, to control her telling her that he knew what was best for her and that she needed to listen to him and obey him whilst they were apart. 'He insisted that she 'start referring to him as master as I was nothing but a dog or a slave', that if she could prove to be selfless and treat him as my everything, her master, then she could earn privileges. 'She wasn't allowed to go out, to drink, or to do anything aside from going to work without his permission.' Roy visited the victim in the US over the Christmas holidays in 2013 when she was considering breaking up with him, the court heard. Referring to this occasion, Ms Hobson said: 'When she picked him up from the airport he immediately began to verbally abuse her. 'He made her sleep on the floor, poured iced water on to her head, kicked her, tried to choke her, spat at her and made her undress, lay naked on the bed whilst he beat her with a belt buckle. 'The following day he acted as if nothing was wrong.' Ms Hobson added: 'When she spoke to him about it (his behaviour), it would get worse and she learned not to complain. She did as he asked as she believed she was nothing without him.' Roy pleaded guilty to putting a woman in fear of violence by harassment at the first day of his trial at Nottingham Crown Court (pictured) and was handed an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years The victim visited Roy in the UK in June 2014 and a week before she returned home discovered she was pregnant. The prosecution said: 'The defendant once again went mental. His immediate response was "if you even consider having this child I'll cut your throat".' Roy pleaded guilty to putting a woman in fear of violence by harassment at the first day of his trial and was handed an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years. Steven Evans, mitigating, said his client was remorseful, and added: 'His fall from grace is very great.' Mrs Justice Cox read from a victim impact statement provided by the victim, which said: 'I chose to forgive you and I chose to move forward with my life.' Addressing Roy, she said: 'She has been deeply affected by your conduct towards her.' Jutta Curatolo, 52, leaving Hammersmith Magistrates' Court today after pleading guilty to thefts at high-end luxury stores A posh housewife wore a fur coat to blend into her exclusive surroundings as she stole valuable jewellery from stores near her 2m apartment in one of London's most expensive shopping districts. Privately-educated housewife Jutta Curatolo, 52, of Sloane Street, central London, targeted Harvey Nichols, Liberty, Dolce & Gabbana and Basia Zarzycka. Hammersmith Magistrates' Court today heard the mother-of-two would specifically select gold and diamond jewellery for closer inspection during her visits. The San Francisco native, who lives with her 49 year-old husband, pleaded guilty to stealing: A 2,450 pattern ring with blue stone from Dolce & Gabbana's Sloane Street store on November 17 last year. A Marco Bicego silver and gold ring, worth 2,260 from Harvey Nichols and Co, Knightsbridge, on November 28. A 'Dusty Diamonds' 18ct gold bangle, with 23 grey diamonds, worth 4,200 from Liberty's in the West End on January 7, this year. A 500 pearl tiara and a pearl necklace with antique silver cross, worth 800 from Sloane Square's Basia Zarzycka at the end of last year. The court heard long-term alcoholic Curatolo is currently attending AA meetings daily and a private psychotherapist weekly. Her sentencing was deferred until December 15. Prosecutor Miss Aislinn Rice told the court first-time offender walked into Dolce & Gabbana on Sloane Street on November 17 last year and asked to see the ring. 'A staff member took it out and once their back was turned the defendant concealed it in her hand and dropped it into the pocket of her fur coat then tells staff she needs to pick-up her children.' Eleven days later, Miss Rice said she struck at Harvey Nichols at Knightsbridge - which has since banned her. 'She placed a large soft toy on the counter and asked staff about a ring,' she added. 'She placed it on her right hand and while staff were away for thirty seconds she picked-up the stuffed toy with the ring still on her hand and left. 'Staff pressed the alarm, but the defendant had already left.' Curatolo - who has a background in design - denied the cuddly toy was a blocking tactic, insisting she innocently bought it earlier at a Winter Wonderland fair. Scroll down for video Curatolow outside court today. Her sentencing was deferred until December In the new year, Miss Rice said Curatolo visited Liberty, near Oxford Circus, and asked to see various items. 'She attempted to conceal two pieces in her hand and was asked for them back, but staff had not noticed a third piece.' Curatolo learned police were on to her and gave herself up at Notting Hill Police Station where she confessed to a fourth theft - this time at Sloane Square's Basia Zarzycka late last year. All the jewellery was returned except for the Harvey Nichols ring, which the defendant then paid for. 'She said she suffers from alcoholism, depression, anxiety and is bipolar and suffers blackouts and commits offences while drunk,' explained Miss Rice. Curatolo, 52, leaving Hammersmith Magistrates' Court today 'She said she was embarrassed for what she had done and sometimes remembers and sometimes has no recollection. 'She said she did not know why she took them and did not always like the items. 'The crown say there is an element of planning and distraction techniques, like the cuddly toy and she waits for staff to be distracted and targets high-value items.' Her lawyer Miss Ranjeet Dulay told the court: 'This is a drunken lady, who at the time committed offences that were compulsive on her part. She's been an alcoholic for years. 'there was not a significant degree of planning. In these moments she was very drunk. 'The defendant is genuinely remorseful and this lady has sought to address the reasons why she is here today, she has a troubled history with a history of mental health issues.' Hammersmith Magistrates' Court where the case of Curatolo was heard today Curatolo has a son aged twenty-one and a twelve year-old daughter and her relationship with them is strained by her problems, the court heard. The lawyer also talked of a 'failing marriage' and 'eating disorders' and near-fatal skin condition contributing to her client's situation. She receives a disability allowance from the USA as a result of being prescribed incorrect medication and her husband takes care of all the bills. 'She has no intention of finding herself in trouble again and she has not been back to any of these places to commit offences.' Magistrate Attul Patel told Curatolo: 'We've decided to give you a chance to complete your privately-funded programme. 'This is so we can review your conduct and there will be a new probation report based on what you have accomplished between now and then.' Two policemen thought they were going to die when they were attacked by a man armed with an electric angle grinder and circular saw, a court has heard. The officers were called to Stephen Yabsley's flat in Kingsbridge, Devon, on May 13, 2015. Plymouth Crown Court heard 54-year-old Yabsley picked up the grinder and saw and thrust them towards the face of PC Ryan Hayhurst. Two policemen thought they were going to die when they were attacked by a man armed with an electric angle grinder and circular saw, a court has heard. The officers were called to the flat of Stephen Yabsley (pictured) Plymouth Crown Court heard 54-year-old Yabsley picked up the grinder and saw and thrust them towards the face of PC Ryan Hayhurst. Another PC suffered a cut to an artery. One of the injured officers is pictured The weapons struck his arm and he suffered a significant injury and PC Jonathan Lonsdale also suffered a cut to the artery in his arm as he tried to defend himself. PC Hayhurst claimed Yabsley's face was 'like a wild animal' during the alleged incident and prosecutor Nick Lewin said the officer had prepared himself for death. They had been called to the flat after Yabsley chased a neighbour down the street with a hammer following ongoing neighbourhood tensions, jurors were told. Yabsley, who appeared via a video link from Broadmoor top security hospital, had earlier admitted affray and two charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to the two police officers. Plymouth Crown Court heard 54-year-old Yabsley picked up the grinder and saw and thrust them towards the face of PC Ryan Hayhurst. He also posted video of the siege (pictured) on his Facebook page, a court heard PC Hayhurst claimed Yabsley's face was 'like a wild animal' during the allegedincident and prosecutor Nick Lewin said the officer had prepared himself for death. Armed police are pictured at the scene in Devon The court heard Yabsley posted messages of a subsequent four hour siege with armed police on social media including his own Facebook page. He will be sentenced tomorrow by Judge Ian Lawrie QC He will be sentenced tomorrow by Judge Ian Lawrie QC. The court heard Yabsley posted messages of a subsequent four hour siege with armed police on social media including his own Facebook page. Shot dead: Alva Braziel, 38, was shot dead by police outside a Houston gas station on July 9 Officials in Houston released video footage Thursday from a police shooting in which officers killed a black man earlier this month. Mayor Sylvester Turner said the release was part of an effort to preserve community safety in the wake of recent shootings of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The footage shows the shooting death of Alva Braziel, 38, who was killed by police in a confrontation outside a gas station on July 9. Turner said the release would prove wrong claims on social media that Braziel was unarmed at the time of his death. Surveillance video from the gas station near the shooting scene circulated on social media, with some people suggesting the footage shows Braziel had his hands up before he was shot and wasn't armed. 'I don't want another police officer being shot at or killed based on that false narrative, not in this city,' Turner said. Davis Haines, an attorney for Braziel's family, didn't immediately return a call Thursday for comment. Community activists and civil rights groups had called on the city to release all video footage from the shooting, and many of the groups have been critical of the Houston Police Department's history of deeming nearly every police shooting justified in the past 11 years. Scene: Footage from the gas station shows shows Braziel standing in the middle of the road with his hands in the air. Some had claimed he was not armed and actually surrendering when he was shot The CCTV shows police the moment shoot Braziel, who falls to the floor. He was shot numerous times Mayor Sylvester Turner said the release of footage - some of it body cam - was part of an effort to preserve community safety in the wake of recent shootings of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana The body cam footage shows what happened after the shooting. Here the second officer approaches the body Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner released videos Thursday from the fatal police shooting of a Braziel that show the man still holding the gun in his hand after being shot in the street (pictured) Turner said under state law, such video is usually not released until after both criminal and administrative investigations are completed. Houston police and the Harris County district attorney's office are still investigating the shooting. While the footage shows Braziel with a gun in his hand after he is shot, the footage of the actual shooting and the moments leading up to it have not been released. According to the two officers at the scene, the pair saw a man standing in the road on the city's south side around 12:40am. They say they asked him to put down the gun, but he pointed it in the air instead before aiming it at the officers. The officers fired numerous times, fatally hitting Braziel. A woman told ABC 13 he was her husband and later identified the body. The two officer involved s have each spent 10 and 13 years in the force according to ABC 13. They were both wearing body cams at the time of the shooting, the department said. Scene: Two Houston police officers shot and killed a man on the city's south side early on July 9 Internal affairs and Harris County will investigate the shooting. It came one day after a gunman shot 12 officers and two civilians in Dallas, killing five of the city's officers. He acted during a Black Lives Matter rally, which itself was held in protest against the shooting death of two black men at the end of police in Minnesota and Louisiana. Alton Sterling, 37, was killed following a confrontation outside a Baton Rouge convenience store early Tuesday morning. Philando Castile, 32, was shot dead by a cop during a traffic stop in Minnesota Wednesday. Five officers died during the rampage the following day. Dallas police officers Patrick Zamarripa, Michael Krol, Lorne Ahrens, Michael J Smith and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) police officer Brent Thompson were all killed in the downtown area of the city. Alton Sterling (left), 37, was killed outside a Baton Rouge convenience store early Tuesday morning. Philando Castile (right), 32, was shot dead by a cop during a traffic stop in Minnesota Wednesday The casualties of Thursday's shooting rampage include DART Officer Brent Thompson (left) and Dallas police officer Michael Krol (right) Dallas police officers Lorne Ahrens (left), Michael J Smith (center) and Patrick Zamarripa (right) were shot and killed on Thursday He is libertarian but paid millions to fund a devastating lawsuit against the press. He backs free trade but supports a candidate who is willing to start trade wars. And despite being openly gay, in September he will share a platform with an author who has called gays 'advocates of parasitism'. Such are the contradictions of Peter Thiel, the secretive tech billionaire who will be speaking speaking at the Republican National Convention tonight. Thiel, 48, has shocked Silicon Valley by endorsing Donald Trump, the party's presidential candidate - even though John F Kennedy is his favorite President. PayPal founder Peter Thiel is one of Silicon Valley's most complicated figures will be endorsing presidential nominee Donald Trump at the Republican National Conference on Thursday The openly gay libertarian's political ideologies seem to clash with Trump's platform in the upcoming election As other tech pioneers signed an open letter denouncing Trump for campaigning on what they called 'bigotry', Thiel walked toward him with open arms. Thiel's decision shows that, when it comes to his personal politics, he seems as unpredictable as Trump, perhaps one of the reasons he endorsed him. Thiel, who co-founded PayPal and is worth nearly $3 billion, believes in a radical form of Libertarianism, whose followers traditionally believe in freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Yet this does not square with his decision to finance the lawsuit by Hulk Hogan against news website Gawker, which he says outed him as gay in 2007. It says his sexuality was not a secret at the time. The wrestler won the jury trial and Gawker has been ordered to pay $140 million. The website has filed for bankruptcy, though it is appealing. At the same time Thiel, who was Facebook's first outside investor, claims he supports the press and has contributed to the Committee to Protect Journalists and has financed activist journalist James O'Keefe. The contradictions do not end there and there are some major differences between Trump and Libertarianism. Libertarians support free trade; Trump wants to hit countries like Mexico and China with sanctions if they do not give America a better deal. Trump wants to build a wall along the border with Mexico, but Libertarians believe in free movement of labor. And as he was born in Germany and moved to the US aged one, Thiel is an immigrant that Trump may well target for deportation should he get into the White House. Thiel, who co-founded PayPal and is worth nearly $3 billion, believes in a radical form of Libertarianism, whose followers traditionally believe in free trade, freedom of speech and freedom of the press Thiel financed the lawsuit by Hulk Hogan (pictured) against news website Gawker, which he says outed him as gay in 2007 Where Thiel and Trump do crossover is a hatred of political correctness that goes back to his days at Stanford University and led to him writing The Diversity Myth, a critique of multiculturalism. Trump has made speaking bluntly one of his main campaign strategies and has castigated Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton for not using the term 'radical Islamic terrorism'. In some ways, Thiel's beliefs out Trump Trump and his 2009 essay for the Cato Institute he wrote that left wing votes from recipients of welfare are threatening the very fabric of America. He wrote: 'I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible'. Thiel is also known for his belief that technology could allow humans to live far longer than currently possible, funding projects which are looking into beating aging. I believe if we could enable people to live forever, we should do that. I think this is absolute, he told the Washington Post. He thinks college is a waste of time and just gets you into debt and in September is due to speak at the annual meeting of the ultra-libertarian Property and Freedom Society in Turkey. The founder of the group is former Nevada University professor Hans Hermann-Hoppe whose book 'Democracy: The God That Failed' has passages that advocate getting rid of gay people and anyone who believes in democracy in a quest for a 'libertarian order'. Thiel apparently feels comfortable sharing a platform at the meeting with Hoppe, who wrote that gay people are on a par with 'advocates of parasitism' and should be 'physically separated and expelled from society'. According to hate-watch group The Southern Poverty Law Center, the group hosts racist speakers who believe immigration is 'forced integration'. And despite backing Trump for president of the United States, he has funded a radical proposal to set up new cities floating in the sea on oil-rig like structures which would be libertarian utopias not subject to the laws of any existing nation-state. He gave $500,000 to the Seasteading Institute. The nonprofit organization is looking into building independent cities in international waters in the event of the end of civilization. Trump's running mate, Mike Pence, signed into law the Religious Freedom Bill, which is in complete contradiction with Thiel's beliefs When Thiel gives his address he will be the first speaker at a Republican National Convention to publicly acknowledge his or her homosexuality. It may be an uncomfortable pairing in some ways. Trump's running mate Mike Pence also signed into law the Religious Freedom Bill which was criticized by gay activists for allowing people to discriminate against them. Thiel has tried to square the contradictions in his beliefs by donating to conservative-libertarian organizations - that are also pro gay. Another fault line with the Republican party will be Thiels' support for legalization of marijuana, something which Republicans have long opposed. Ahead of his speech, all Thiel has said about Trump or the election has been one statement. It read: 'Many people are uncertain in this election year, but most Americans agree that our country is on the wrong track. I don't think we can fix our problems unless we can talk about them frankly'. Clearly there is far more to Thiel's motives, and according to Inc magazine, he could simply believe that Trump will manage the economy better than Clinton. Writer Jeff Bercovici said that Thiel could see Trump's candidacy as a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to weaken America's attachment to democratic government'. An analysis by Bloomberg said that Thiel could regard Trump as a 'disrupter' in a similar way that he has disrupted the tech industry. Another explanation is that Thiel's backing of Trump is the 'ultimate hedge' - if Trump loses then Thiel walks away unscathed. Printed fingers are still being tested but should be sent to the police within two weeks to unlock the phone The lab has added a layer of conductive metallic particles to the plastic fingers to try and bypass the sensors Scans fingerprint and the slight electrical current running through the skin Biometric scanners such as those on a recent iPhone models require a living body to activate the fingerprint sensor Police hope the fingers can be used to unlock the victim's phone which they say holds the key to identifying his murderer Lab is using a set of booking prints taken from an earlier arrest of the man A 3D printing lab at Michigan State University is recreating the fingers of a murder victim A Michigan 3D printing lab has recreated the fingers of a murder victim for police in a bid to try and catch his killer A Michigan 3D printing lab is recreating the fingers of a murder victim for police in a bid to try and catch his killer. Cops hope to be able to use the 3D fingers to unlock the victim's phone which they believe holds clues to the identity of the murderer. Professor Anil Jain, who runs the lab at the Michigan State University, has used a set of booking fingerprints the police took from the victim during an unrelated arrest, Fusion reports With those as a blueprint, both he and his PhD student Sunpreet Arora, have been able to create 3D fingers which Michigan police can use to bypass the bio-metric lock on the dead man's smartphone. 'We don't know which finger the suspect used,' he told me by phone. 'We think it's going to be the thumb or index finger - that's what most people use - but we have all ten.' It may seem simpler to just use the dead murder victim's own hand. Unfortunately bypassing the biometric scanner is not that simple. Recent Apple iPhones use two forms of technology to identify users' fingerprints; capacitive and radio frequency scans. A capacitive sensor is activated by the slight electrical charge running through a living being's skin. When someone touches it with their finger, the sensor measures the change in the screen's electrostatic field. Meanwhile radio frequency reads the living tissue underneath the outer layer of skin on a finger to produce a precise print. Cops hope to be able to use the 3D fingers, created at Michigan State University (pictured) to unlock the victim's phone which they believe holds clues to the identity of the murderer Professor Anil Jain, (pictured) who runs the lab at the Michigan State University, has used a set of fingerprints the police took from the victim during an unrelated arrest Once tissue is dead, it instantly loses all electrical charge needed to activate the capacitive sensor. This posed an issue for Jain and Arora who came up with an alternative solution. Arora coated the plastic fingers in a thin layer of conductive metallic particles, which can carry a charge to allow the fingerprint scanner can read them. So far, the printed fingers are still in the lab undergoing testing. But Jain says he is hopeful that they will be ready to be sent to the police within a couple of weeks. While the creation of 3D fingers from a dead man's fingerprints is a technological breakthrough, it could have serious security implications on other iPhone and Android users. WHAT IS CAPACITIVE TECH? Most fingerprint scans use capacitive technology. A capacitive touchscreen panel consists of an insulator such as glass, coated with a transparent conductor such as indium tin oxide. As the human body is an electrical conductor, and carries a slight electrical charge, touching the surface of the screen results in a distortion of the screen's electrostatic field, measurable as a change in capacitance. Advertisement The Fifth Amendment protects citizens from being forced to divulge their passwords if it will incriminate themselves. But ever since Apple introduced Touch ID, legal experts have argued that biometric evidence such as blood, DNA, and fingerprints do not count as testimony against ourselves. As recently as May, a Los Angeles court ordered the girlfriend of an Armenian gang member to unlock a cellphone with her fingerprint. Paytsar Bkhchadzhyan, 29, whose boyfriend is Sevak Mesrobian - listed on a probation report as a member of the Armenian Power gang - was arrested year-old Los Angeles woman with a string of criminal convictions who pleaded no contest to a felony count of identity theft. Records show that some 45 minutes after shed been taken into custody, a federal judge signed off on a warrant for Bkhchadzhyan to press her finger on the iPhone. By 1 pm, an FBI agent had secured her print. Beyond classifying the search as part of an ongoing investigation, authorities arent saying why they wanted her to unlock the phone. The iPhone had been seized from a home linked to Bkhchadzhyans boyfriend, Sevak Mesrobian. A probation report lists him as a member of the Armenian Power gang. So it is not inconceivable that police, with a court order, could open suspect's phones in the future based on the booking fingerprints alone. While regular passcodes are protected. In September, a court in Pennsylvania confirmed that the Fifth Amendment prohibited them from forcing a defendant to divulge his passcode in an insider trading case involving two ex-employees of credit card company Capital One. 'The Fifth Amendment protects against self-incrimination. Here, the fingerprints are of the deceased victim, not the murder suspect. Obviously, the victim is not at risk of incrimination,' said Bryan Choi, a researcher who focuses on issues of security, law and technology. He believes that people offload so much private thoughts and information on their cellphones that they should be considered an extension of our own mind and covered by the Fifth Amendment. Even more worrying, scammers may also be able to get their hands on such technology. Thieves could potentially fingerprint a stolen cellphone, recreate a 3D printed finger to unlock it and get access to all your most private information. With many of us keeping our passwords, bank information or even private images on our phones, the prospect is a terrifying one. Criminals could then wipe and resell the unlocked phone for a profit. In recent years, 3D printing has been deployed for a vast variety of uses, from house building, to medical equipment and even weapons. North Miami Police Chief Gary Eugene, who was only sworn into office July 12, has refused to name the police officer who shot an unarmed black group home therapist as he lay on the ground with his hands in the air after trying to comfort his escaped autism patient. 'I realize there are many questions about what happened Monday night,' Eugene said at the Thursday afternoon press conference. 'You have questions, the community has questions, we as a city, and as a member of this police department, I also have questions. I assure you, we will get all the answers.' Eugene refused to identify or answer any questions about the shooting officer who hit Charles Kinsey in the leg with a bullet as the therapist lay on his back with his hands up, asking officers not to shoot, and assuring them his patient only had a toy truck, not a gun. 'I assure you, we will get all the answers,' North Miami Police Chief Gary Eugene told the press corps On Wednesday, John Rivera, a union official said the officer was aiming for the autistic man, not the therapist, according to the New York Daily News. Cell phone video of the incident showed the autistic man, yelling 'Shut up! Shut up!' The union official said that the man was perceived as a threat. According to the Miami Herald, the officer thought that Kinsey was in danger. The police chief did say that officers responded to the scene under the impression that there was a man with a gun, who was threatening to kill himself, and that witnesses and 911 callers had said as such. 'Officers responded with that threat in mind,' he said. He stressed that no gun was ever recovered. He also confirmed that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident. To shouts from reporters asking about the race of the officer, how long he or she has been on the force, and when the public would hear from Eugene again, or what Eugene's reaction to the video was, the chief was escorted away from the press corps. Scroll down for video Rep. Frederica Wilson, above, said that the video and the incident are 'like a nightmare' Group home therapist Charles Kinsey, above, repeatedly told police that the autistic man he was with was holding a toy truck not a gun but at least three shots were discharged anyway North Miami Congresswoman Frederica Wilson took the podium directly after the chief left and expressed her disbelief and outrage. 'Police officers in this community, we know them, we trust them, this is like a nightmare to me. I'm just in shock. I'm stunned. The video is like a nightmare, I can't believe it,' she said. She implied that perhaps the officer was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. 'A lot of police officers are suffering from PTSD,' she said, recalling a conversation she'd had with Honorable Judge Steve Leifman, who has led the effort to overhaul the approach to mentally ill criminal offenders in Miami-Dade. State Attorney Katherine Rundle says her office will be looking into whether to press criminal charges against the shooting officer 'I can't even imagine what I saw today,' she said. 'We're pro-police, we love the police. But today I'm in shock, in total shock of what I saw.' Katherine Rundle, State Attorney for Miami-Dade County, released a statement saying, 'We will conduct our own investigation and review all of the evidence to determine whether the actions of the shooting officer constitute a criminal act beyond and to the exclusion of every reasonable doubt.' Police in North Miami were responding to a report of a man with what appeared to be a gun when they came across Charles Kinsey and his patient, who had run away from a group home. 'All he has is a toy truck - a toy truck,' Kinsey pleads with cops, lying flat on the ground with arms raised, as seen in cell phone footage of the incident. 'I am a behavior therapist at a group home.' Kinsey works at MacTown Group Panther Homes, according to NBC News. His Facebook page says he works for the Exceptional Development Corp. of South Florida and studied at Miami Dade College and Miami Northwestern. Kinsey tries to get his patient to comply, using soothing words so he remains calm. 'Rinaldo, please be still, Rinaldo,' he is heard saying in video released by WSVN. 'Sit down, Rinaldo. Lay on your stomach.' Scroll down for video Therapist Charles Kinsey, 46, (left) was shot in North Miami while he was on the ground with his hands up. Throughout the ordeal, he tries to soothe his autistic patient (right), who was playing with a toy truck Kinsey (right) recounts to a local TV station how cops shot him while on the ground and then cuffed him (left) The man, 23, sits next to him and yells 'shut up' while playing with his toy truck. 'Don't shoot me,' Kinsey begs. An officer then fires three times, striking Kinsey in the leg, authorities said. No weapon was found. Kinsey is black. Police haven't released the name or race of the officer who shot him. Kinsey, 47, says the 911 caller must have mistaken a toy that the autistic man had for a gun. 'I'm like this right here, and when he shot me, it was so surprising,' Kinsey told WSVN. 'I thought it was a mosquito bite, and when it hit me I had my hands in the air, and I'm thinking I just got shot! 'And I'm saying, 'Sir, why did you shoot me?' and his words to me were, 'I don't know.'' Kinsey was taken to a local hospital with bullet wounds to his legs. He is expected to go home later this week After the shooting, Kinsey and his patient were patted down. Kinsey was cuffed. 'I was really more worried about him than myself,' he said of his patient. 'I was thinking as long as I have my hands up, they're not going to shoot me.This is what I'm thinking, they're not going to shoot me. Wow, was I wrong.' North Miami police has placed the officer on administrative leave for at least a week,' the Miami Herald reported. Kinsey's lawyer, Hilton Napoleon, said he is in talks with city officials about a possible settlement. 'They realize this was something inappropriate regarding the shooting,' Napoleon told the Herald. 'If police departments come out more and admit fault, that would probably go a long way.' 'There has been a discussion of a potential settlement,' Napoleon said, according to Local10, 'and they want to resolve it relatively fast in good faith to let the community know that they take these things seriously, but I'm not at liberty to discuss the terms of the settlement or what we think a potential settlement will be at this point.' Napoleon added that Kinsey is 'traumatized' and has been speaking to a psychiatrist. Rupert Murdoch has emerged from the News Corporation building in New York hours after Roger Ailes stepped down from Fox News. Mr Murdoch, 85, has personally stepped into the breach and taken over as Chairman and Acting CEO. The media mogul, who was on vacation in the French Riviera with his wife Jerry Hall, flew back to New York a week early to deal with the Ailes talks, according to CNN's Brian Stelter. Both Mr Murdoch and his sons addressed the Fox newsroom about the change, according to Matt Drudge, who broke the news of Ailes' departure. Mr Ailes, 76, today said he was stepping down because he did not want his 'presence to become a distraction'. His position had effectively become untenable after former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him earlier this month. Scroll down for video Tough work: Rupert Murdoch, left, leaves the News Corporation building in New York after taking over as Chairman and CEO of Fox News Channel. Pictured far right is his son Lachlan The vacation is over: Murdoch flew home early from his French Riviera holiday to oversee the fallout of Roger Ailes' departure from Fox News Forced out: Roger Ailes (left) has stepped down as Fox News Chairman after Gretchen Carlson (right) launched a sexual harassment claim against him; her legal team say they have spoken with more than 20 women who have made claims against Mr Ailes Stepped in: Rupert Murdoch, pictured on July 18 in the French Riviera with his wife Jerry Hall, is understood to have flown back from vacation early to deal with Ailes; Murdoch will assume the role of Chairman and Acting CEO of Fox News and Fox Business Thank you for your service: Mr Murdoch (pictured with Jerry Hall) praised Mr Ailes in a lengthy statement; both he and his sons Lachlan and James are expected to address the news room in the coming hours Mr Murdoch, who is Executive Chairman of 21st Century Fox, said in a statement: 'Roger Ailes has made a remarkable contribution to our company and our country. Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organization and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years. 'Fox News has given voice to those who were ignored by the traditional networks and has been one of the great commercial success stories of modern media. 'It is always difficult to create a channel or a publication from the ground up and against seemingly entrenched monopolies. To lead a flourishing news channel, and to build Fox Business, Roger has defied the odds. 'His grasp of policy and his ability to make profoundly important issues accessible to a broader audience stand in stark contrast to the self-serving elitism that characterizes far too much of the media. I WILL NOT ALLOW MY PRESENCE TO BECOME A DISTRACTION: ROGER AILES' OPEN LETTER TO RUPERT MURDOCH IN FULL With your support, I am proud that we have built Fox News and Fox Business Channels into powerful and lucrative news organizations that inform our audience and reward our shareholders. I take particular pride in the role that I have played advancing the careers of the many women I have promoted to executive and on-air positions. Many of these talented journalists have deservedly become household names known for their intelligence and strength, whether reporting the news, fair and balanced, and offering exciting opinions on our opinion programs. Fox News has become Number 1 in all of cable because I consistently identified and promoted the most talented men and women in television, and they performed at the highest levels. Having spent 20 years building this historic business, I will not allow my presence to become a distraction from the work that must be done every day to ensure that Fox News and Fox Business continue to lead our industry. I am confident that everyone at Fox News and Fox Business will continue as the standard setters that they are, and that the businesses are well positioned for even greater success in the future. I am proud of our accomplishments and look forward to continuing to work with you as a consultant in building 21st Century Fox. Advertisement 'I am personally committed to ensuring that Fox News remains a distinctive, powerful voice. Our nation needs a robust Fox News to resonate from every corner of the country. 'To ensure continuity of all that is best about Fox News and what it stands for, I will take over as Chairman and acting CEO, with the support of our existing management team under Bill Shine, Jay Wallace and Mark Kranz.' Lachlan and James Murdoch, sons of Rupert, who are 21st Century Fox's Executive Chairman, and CEO, respectively, added: 'We join our father in recognizing Rogers remarkable contributions to our company. 'Our talented Fox News and Fox Business colleagues, up and down the organization and on both sides of the camera, have built something that continues to redefine the cable news experience for millions of viewers. 'We are enormously proud of their accomplishments. For them, as well as for our colleagues across our entire organization, we continue our commitment to maintaining a work environment based on trust and respect. We take seriously our responsibility to uphold these traditional, long-standing values of our company.' The Murdoch boys, who are not exactly fans of Mr Ailes, appear to be behind the decision to hire a law firm to conduct an outside investigation into the sexual harassment claims. It appears somewhat surprising however that Mr Murdoch has stepped in to act as chief executive himself, rather than trust one of his two sons to operate in the role temporarily. Mr Ailes, released an open letter to Mr Murdoch, via Drudge Report, saying he was proud of his 20 years at the company, but he was unwilling to become a 'distraction'. He did not specifically mention the harassment lawsuit although he said he took 'particular pride in the role that I have played advancing the careers of the many women I have promoted to executive and on-air positions'. He will reportedly receive about $40 million as part of a settlement agreement, a source told the New York Times. He will continue act as an informal adviser to Mr Murdoch on an interim basis, although earlier reports he would remain on board as a consultant appeared wrong. He has also reportedly agreed to a non-compete clause, meaning he won't run any other news organizations. Brit Hume, the veteran Fox News anchor, told the New York Times he was 'absolutely heartbroken' at the news Mr Ailes had stepped down. I take particular pride in the role that I have played advancing the careers of the many women I have promoted to executive and on-air positions Roger Ailes 'I love the guy, and I'm heartbroken,' he said. 'When I said I love the guy, that's present tense.' Anchor Chris Wallace, speaking at the Republican Convention in Cleveland said there were 'people in tears' at the news. 'Roger Ailes is the best boss I've had in almost a half a century in journalism,' he said. 'I admired him tremendously, professionally, and loved him, personally. He and Rupert built, came up with the idea of Fox in the beginning. And as sad as I am for Roger to go, I can't think of a better person to keep the vision of Fox News going than Rupert.' Anchor Bret Baier said he was among Fox News talent who had a 'key man clause' in his contract, which would allow him to leave the company if Ailes does, although he did not appear to indicate that he was moving. 'I think a lot of what we do on the news side is bottom up and it's always been that way, he told Politico. 'I'm betting that Rupert is going to continue with that same process.' Following news of his departure, Ms Carlson's lawyer released a statement saying: 'Within two weeks of her filing a lawsuit against Roger Ailes, Gretchen Carlson's extraordinary courage has caused a seismic shift in the media world. 'We hope that all businesses now understand that women will no longer tolerate sexual harassment and reputable companies will no longer shield those who abuse women. 'We thank all the brave women who spoke out about this issue.' Earlier it was reported Mr Ailes was moved out of his office at 1211 Avenue of the Americas and into another New York City building owner by 21st Century Fox - Fox News' parent company - on Thursday. Meanwhile, a former Fox News anchor hinted that she has stories of her own to tell about Ailes. In a statement to CNN's Stelter, a lawyer for Laurie Dhue said that they had been receiving numerous requests for comment after Carlson filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Ailes two weeks ago. While Ms Dhue has not been contacted by lawyers running the outside investigation into the matter, her spokesman said she is in the process of writing a book 'in which she will candidly discuss her years at Fox News and her interactions and communications with Mr Ailes'. The book will also cover her 'involuntary departure' from the company' and her lack of success in continuing her career in the television news industry'. Laurie Dhue (pictured left), a former Fox anchor, is reportedly writing a tell-all memoir about her time at the network which will include 'candid' passages about her communications with Ailes; meanwhile Megyn Kelly (pictured right Wednesday night) is also understood to be among those who made accusations against Ailes Ms Dhue's spokesman did not go into further detail about what might be in the book, and said that she did not wish to comment to the media. Ms Dhue worked at Fox News as an anchor from 2000 until 2008. She worked as a reporter on the television show Geraldo at Large and was the host of Fox Report Weekend. Attorneys representing Ms Carlson in her lawsuit told theGuardian that they had spoken with more than 20 women so far who were making claims against Ailes - the vast majority saying they were direct victims and not just witnesses. These accusations date as far back as the 1960s, when Ailes was an executive producer on The Mike Douglas Show, all the way to the present. FULL STATEMENT FROM LAURIE DHUE TO CNN You are one of several media members who have contacted either Laurie Dhue or me in the past two weeks asking her to comment on Gretchen Carlson's lawsuit against Roger Ailes at Fox News in which Ms. Carlson alleges that she was a victim of sexual harassment; and on the reports of an investigation by an outside law firm into Mr. Ailes' behavior. It is worth noting that we have not been contacted or interviewed by Paul Weiss, the attorneys reported to be conducting the inquiry on behalf of Fox. Ms. Dhue does not intend to comment in the media. She is in the process of writing a book in which she will candidly discuss her years at Fox News and her interactions and communications with Mr. Ailes and many other Fox News personalities, her involuntary departure from Fox News and her lack of success in continuing her career in the television news industry following her departure from Fox News. Advertisement Ms Carlson's spokesman John Garger says a few of the accusations are 'severe', but refused to go into further details. 'Gretchens legal team started hearing (mainly through calls and emails) from people with their own stories of harassment almost immediately the day that the lawsuit was filed and first reported on,' Garger said. 'The messages are still coming in.' Neither Ailes not 21st Century Fox have responded to these accusations. Ailes has denied Carlson's accusations and continues to run the network from its New York City offices. Lawyers with Paul, Weiss have been interviewing other women at the company, and former female employees to see if there are any other victims. A bombshell came on Tuesday, when sources that spoke with New York Magazine claimed that Megyn Kelly was among the women who had made accusations. Ms Kelly is said to have become riled up when several female employees at Fox rushed to defend Ailes following Ms Carlson's accusations. Kelly is also said to have told investigators about her own personal experience receiving unwanted sexual advances from Ailes about 10 years ago, when she was a legal correspondent working out of Fox News' Washington, DC bureau. 'Megyn thought the other side of the story needed to be told,' a source told New York Magazine. A series of shocking videos have emerged showing soldiers firing at unarmed civilians during the failed military coup in Turkey. The CCTV footage captures the turmoil on the Bosporus Bridge in Istanbul from a number of angles as one man is fired at as he walks towards soldiers with his hands in the air. The man is seen hitting the ground as other people approach the soldiers and the crowd gets larger. But moments later more gunfire comes there way and people are knocked off their feet. The CCTV footage shows one man walking away from the crowd behind him with his hands raised in surrender The man walks right up close to the group of soldiers blocking Bosporus Bridge during the failed military coup The incident from another angle shows civilians writhing in agony before a shell is fired from one of the tanks blocking the road. Later in the video parts of the bridge catches fire. Other footage from the attempted coup shows a group of people attacking surrendering soldiers on the same bridge after daybreak Saturday. The violent scenes unfolded late Friday and early the following day in Turkey before forces loyal to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan eventually quelled the opposition. The government says 246 pro-government people - forces and civilians - died while confronting the attempted military coup that began the night of July 15. The videos emerge as it was today announced that Turkey will be able to extend detention times for suspects and issue decrees without parliamentary approval under a three-month state of emergency. Parliament voted 346-115 to approve the national state of emergency, which gives new sweeping powers to President Erdogan. Suddenly the man is fired at and he hits the ground as the crowd behind him slowly starts to get bigger The crowd continues to grow in size as the man who was fired at lies in the road and does not appear to move Erdogan, who has been the 12th President of Turkey since 2014, had been accused of autocratic conduct even before this week's crackdown on alleged opponents. He said the state of emergency will counter threats to Turkish democracy. Even without the emergency measures, his government has already imposed a crackdown that has included mass arrests, mass firings and the closure of hundreds of schools. Erdogan said the new powers would allow the government to rid the military of the 'virus' of subversion, blaming the coup attempt on a US-based Muslim cleric, Fethullah Gulen, who has denied any knowledge of it. 'This is a state of emergency imposed not on the people, but on (the state) itself,' said prime minister Binali Yildirim. 'We will, one by one, cleanse the state of (Gulen's followers) and eliminate those who are trying to harm the country.' Later in the video, shells are seen being fired from tanks blocking the road, and part of the bridge catches fire CCTV from another angle shows a group of people walking towards the soldiers after the man was shot at The government hopes the state of emergency will be lifted within 40 to 45 days, said Yildirim's deputy, Numan Kurtulmus. Turkey immediately said it was partially suspending the European Convention on Human Rights, allowing it more leeway to deal with individual cases, by invoking an article most recently used by France and Ukraine. The Council of Europe said it had been informed of Turkey's decision, and that the convention will still apply, but that individual exceptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Since the July 15 coup attempt, the government has arrested nearly 10,000 people. More than 58,880 civil service employees - including teachers, university deans and police - have been dismissed, suspended, forced to resign or had their licenses revoked for allegedly being Gulen followers. Turkish state media said Thursday that another 32 judges and two military officers had been detained by authorities. More gunfire hits the crowd of people, knocking some to the ground and sending others running away in panic This is the shameful moment a group of Australian men were thrown in a Bali airport holding room after they were kicked off a Jetstar flight following a bloody mid-air brawl. The passengers, who were allegedly drunk at the time, now face having to pay Jetstar $100,000 to cover the cost of diverting the flight after the Phuket-bound plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Bali on Wednesday. Bradley Beecham, Brett Eldridge, Mark Rossiter, Lynmin Waharai, Ricky William and Michael Matthews were escorted off Flight JQ27 and five of them were taken into custody. They were expected to be escorted back to Australia on Friday and Jetstar have security officers on the ground in Bali to assess whether they will fly back together or on separate flights. Scroll down for video Five Australian men - Mark Rossiter, Lynmin Waharai, Bradley Beecham, Brett Eldridge, Ricky William -were thrown in a Bali airport holding room after they were escorted off a Jetstar flight after a brawl on Wednesday The men told Balinese authorities they were drunk at the time and Jetstar said airline crew made the decision to refuse the men alcohol. Sydney woman Romy Papas, who was sitting in the same row as the group of men, said the fight broke out four hours into the flight when one of the men tried to pick a fight with a man who had asked him to stop disturbing other passengers. The 22-year-old told News Corp the men had been 'loud and obnoxious and rude' from the moment the flight took off and had been standing up and leaning over her seat. Ms Papas said there was 'blood everywhere' and that the man who started the fight, allegedly Michael Matthews, ended up being punched in the face by his own friend in the bloody brawl. Some directed vulgar remarks towards the flight attendants and the pilot and co-pilot had spoken to the men several times before the fight broke out. Ms Papas said the man who instigated the fight was punched in the face several times by his own friend. 'He hit him in the face three times or so... there was blood everywhere, it was all over his chest and he was wiping it on the seats and there was bloody napkins everywhere,' Ms Papas said. His friend told another one of the men that punching him in the face was his way of pulling the man up. Michael John Matttews (L black shirt), Ricky William Longmuir (2nd L) and Mark Paul Eric Rossiter of Australia (R, grey shirt) stand in a queue to board a flight at Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar on the Indonesian resort island of Bali Michael John Matttews (left) and Ricky William Longmuir of Australia (right) pictured waiting to board a flight after a Jetstar flight from Australia to Thailand was forced to reroute to the Indonesian resort island of Bali Six Australian passengers on board a Phuket-bound Jetstar flight that was forced to make an emergency landing in Bali after a violent brawl broke out now face having to pay a $100,000 bill to the airline Bradley Beecham, Brett Eldridge (bottom right), Mark Rossiter (top right), Lynmin Waharai (top left) and suspected victim Michael Matthews (bottom left) were dragged off the flight in Bali on Wednesday Romy Papas, 22, was sitting in the same row as six aggressive passengers who caused a Jetstar flight to make an emergency landing in Bali on Thursday after a violent mid-air brawl broke out The Sydney woman said she was travelling on the flight when the fight broke out over her seat and thanked Jetstar for dealing with the disgruntled passengers Ms Papas took to social media following the flight thanking Jetstar for the way they handled the ordeal. 'Love it when a fight breaks out over your seat #bitofbloodeverywhere. Thank you Jetstar for handing the situation really well considering how bad they were,' she wrote on Facebook. The men have since issued a statement apologising for the fight after reports they could be ordered to pay up to $100,000 in compensation to Jetstar. 'We apologise and are deeply sorry for the passengers and staff of Jetset (sic) flight Sydney to Phuket and the Bali immagration (sic) for making us feel at home,' it read, according to 9News. Head of Ngurah Rai Airport Authority Yusfandri Gona said the men claimed the fight started because they had all consumed too much alcohol and were intoxicated, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. 'They consumed beers and liquors. That's what they claim; we can't verify their story further as we weren't able to interview the crew or other passengers on the flight.' He confirmed one man had significant injuries but did not reveal which passenger. Indonesian police offloaded the group of passengers from the Jetstar flight Balinese authorities also said the passengers were drunk and fighting on the flight Mark Rossiter (left) and Lynmin Waharai (right) pose for a photograph on the flight before the fight broke out Mr Gona said the men would not be charged in Indonesia. 'We hope the Australian government imposes and penalises them under Australian law, as one suffered injuries,' he said according to the Sydney Morning Herald. Daily Mail Australia contacted Jetstar but it would not confirm flight details 'for privacy reasons'. Footage obtained by Seven News of the passengers involved shows the men drinking beer and laughing at a bar in Sydney Airport shortly before boarding the flight, while they were also recorded as they left the flight surrounded by Indonesian authorities. A woman who was on the flight when the brawl broke out said the experience has made her afraid to get back on a plane. Leonie Bill said she was terrified when the scuffle spilled into the aisles and feared for the safety of the young children on board who also witnessed the 'bloody' attack. Footage obtained by Seven News that allegedly features the passengers involved shows the men drinking beer and laughing at a bar in Sydney Airport shortly before boarding the flight The video pans down to the table which appears to have several glasses of alcohol resting on it She wrote on Facebook that there was 'blood everywhere' when the 'sick b**tards' started 'punching the sh*t' out of each other'. 'I have still not been to bed. I can't stop crying,' she wrote, adding she was 'really scared to fly again' despite having been on hundreds of flights. Megan Wilson claimed to have had three friends on the flight and said they were extremely distressed after witnessing the punch up. 'She was in tears and kids etc were screaming. Blood was everywhere. It was a massive punch up,' she wrote on social media. Another woman who said she was on board, Brooke Streeting, said the passengers appeared intoxicated and started arguing after someone leant on another's girlfriend. 'They were drunk, and something along the lines of someone was leaning on their girlfriend... it was horrible for kids to see. Leonie Bill said she was terrified when the scuffle broke out and feared for the safety of the young passengers who also witness the 'bloody' attack Megan Wilson claims to have had three friends on the flight and said they were extremely distressed after witnessing the punch up Six passengers were escorted off Flight JQ27 from Sydney to Phuket by police after it was forced to divert to Bali on Wednesday following the mid-air altercation Five Australian men have been taken into police custody with head of Ngurah Rai Airport Authority Yusfandri Gona saying some suffered facial bruising after the altercation A Jetstar spokesperson said the six passengers were taken off the flight by Indonesian police when they landed. Balinese authorities also said the passengers were drunk and fighting on the flight. 'During a flight from Sydney to Phuket last night a group of six passengers travelling together were being extremely disruptive amongst themselves and refused requests from our crew,' the airlines spokesperson said. 'The captain decided to divert the flight to Bali where Indonesian police took the disruptive passengers off the aircraft. The flight then continued without incident to Phuket. 'We take safety and security seriously and we don't tolerate disruptive behaviour by passengers on our flights.' Other passengers on-board the flight 'supported the decision to offload the group in Bali and thanked the crew'. Flight JQ27 left Sydney about 2.30pm local time and arrived in Phuket at 11.16pm local time. A Jetstar spokesperson said the six passengers were taken off the flight by Indonesian police when they landed Liberal MP George Christensen has been left red-faced after rushing to link an attack on a western Sydney police station to 'radical Islam'. On Thursday night a man in his 60s drove a burning car filled with gas cylinders into the door of Merrylands Police Station's car park, and the incident was initially reported as a possible terror attack linked to Islamic extremists. Mr Christensen was quick to post: 'I wonder how quickly some idiot is going to inanely say this has nothing to do with Islam' before being forced to back track on his statements. Scroll down for video An MP has been forced to back-track after linking an attack on a Sydney police station to Islam Liberal MP George Christensen labelled the incident a 'failed terror attack' before updating his statement saying that 'surprisingly' he was wrong 'I wonder how quickly some idiot is going to inanely say this has nothing to do with Islam or talk about a religion of peace or blame those who oppose radical Islam or even Australia as a whole for marginalising some "disaffected youth",' the Coalition MP's initial post read. 'How about for once we talk about the problem at hand: the ideology of radical Islamism and its adherents and what we, as a nation, are going to do about it.' However once it was revealed that the attack was not linked to radical Islam, Mr Christensen partially retracted his statements conceding he was 'surprised' the incident 'may not have been a terrorist attack'. 'News is still rolling in, so we will see,' he wrote in an updated statement. 'But the point I make in this post is not lost: why is it every time there is a terror attack (here or overseas) we get the same platitudes from the Left and the political & media elite. However once it was revealed that the attack was not linked to radical Islam, Mr Christensen (pictured) partially retracted his statements A man in his 60s set himself and a car alight before driving into the car park at Merrylands Police Station on Thursday night The man, who was arrested about 8pm, is known to police and has a history of mental illness 'I say again: we need to discuss the rise of radical Islam within Australia and the threat it poses to national security. More so, we need to work out what we do about it,' Mr Christensen wrote. It comes after a man set himself alight before driving his car into the roller door of the car park at Merrylands Police Station on Thursday evening. He is said to have initially tried to drive the white Hyundai Getz into the front of the police station, and claimed he had a bomb. The station had been recently fortified after receiving threats including letters threatening attacks on non-Muslims and pictures of ISIS fighters holding severed heads. The incident, which occurred about 7pm, was described by police as 'a very deliberate attack'. The man, who was arrested about 8pm, is known to police but is not believed to have any known links to a terrorist organisation. A sex tape and nude photos of the Virgin Islands' delegate to Congress and her husband were posted online briefly by hackers before they were removed. Democratic Rep. Stacey Plaskett, 52, said that it is a 'shockingly disgusting' invasion of her privacy for the sex tape and nude images, including a topless photo, were stolen and leaked on the Internet. The sex tape, which showed her husband Jonathan Buckney-Small naked and wearing make-up, was online Wednesday night before it was taken down, according to Politico. Shocking: A sex tape and nude photos of Rep. Stacey Plaskett (above), a Virgin Islands' delegate to Congress, were posted online briefly by hackers before they were removed The sex tape, which showed her husband, Jonathan Buckney-Small (pictured together above) naked and wearing makeup, was online Wednesday night before it was taken down, according to reports In a statement released Thursday, Plaskett, who is lawyer, said her office is working with the FBI to investigate the incident, which she called a violation of both territorial and federal law. 'Private photographs shared between my husband and me, as well as a private playful video of our family, including one of our children, were illegally obtained and disseminated via the internet,' Plaskett said in a statement. 'To say my family and I are greatly upset would be a tremendous understatement. 'As a mother I am outraged that one of my children was exploited in such a way. 'This incident shows that there are some people who will go to any length to degrade a woman who refuses to play their games and will try to besmirch my good name by any means necessary.' The freshman lawmaker suspects that she is the victim of someone playing a dirty political trick, as the Virgin Islands will hold a primary election in two weeks in which she is running for re-election. Gordon Ackley, a Republican who is running for delegate denounced the lawmaker's behavior. 'It is deeply unfortunate when those entrusted to serve our community engage in a manner that poorly reflects up on the Virgin Islands,' Ackley said in a statement. Plaskett (pictured above left with husband and right), 52, said that it is a 'shockingly disgusting' invasion of her privacy. She said the FBI and her office are investigating the incident, as she and her family 'are greatly upset' 'I have always tried to conduct myself in an honorable manner and to provide a positive influence for the next generation of Virgin Islanders.' Plaskett, who won her seat in 2014, said the posting of the images online 'marks a new low in Virgin Islands politics.' Plaskett has previously served in the Justice Department and Bronx district attorney's office. She was born in Brooklyn, but her parents are from St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. Since she is a delegate from the U.S. Virgin Islands' at-large congressional district, she has no vote, but can participate in debates. There are currently six non-voting delegates serving two-year terms in Congress representing Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, America Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Though they can not formally vote in the House, a non-voting member can vote as a member of a House committee and introduce legislation. The legendary Royal Navy pilot, Eric 'Winkle' Brown This was not so much a flying display as a roll call of aviation history: Vampire, Sea Vixen, Martlet, Mustang, Tiger Moth, MiG, Hurricane, Lancaster For an hour and a half yesterday afternoon, aircraft great, small and exotic swooped overhead in tribute to one of the greatest aviators Britain and the world has ever known. Aside from the very latest Typhoon fighter, he had flown them all. No one will ever surpass the records set by Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown CBE DSC AFC, the test pilot who flew more types of aircraft than anyone in history: 487 in total. During a long career in which he was torpedoed in the Atlantic, helped to liberate Belsen, interrogated Goering, survived 11 crashes, landed the first jet on an aircraft carrier and went on to set the world record for carrier landings, Capt Brown won admirers all over the world, from astronaut Neil Armstrong to the Royal Family. Yesterday, the Duke of York like his father, an old friend of Eric was among 600 guests at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, the home of the Fleet Air Arm, for the most spectacular and noisiest memorial service anyone could recall. To put it in perspective, this event dwarfed last month's RAF flypast for the Queen's 90th birthday. Every aircraft that could be here was determined to make it. The only notable absentee was the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire, which had technical problems en route. A pity. Eric had flown 14 types of Spitfire during World War II (though, modestly, he only listed them as one in his tally of 487). The Mk IX, in which he saw combat over occupied France, was his favourite. Following the death of the Edinburgh-born legend in February at the age of 97, his family and friends had spent months rounding up as many different aircraft as they could for yesterday's memorial service-cum-display. Around 50 of them were on show at Yeovilton, either in the sky or parked by the runway. They ranged from rickety prewar biplanes to Cold War jets and nine types of helicopter (Capt Brown tested more than 30 varieties in the early days of rotary flight). This collection represented just a tenth of what he flew between joining the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy in 1939 and his retirement in 1970. It didn't matter which service it belonged to. If it had wings, Eric would probably be asked to fly it. Hence the appearance of the RAF's last surviving Lancaster yesterday. Capt Brown was one of only two pilots who successfully managed to roll a Lancaster he called it 'a four-engine Spitfire' while testing G-forces for the RAF boffins at Farnborough. The Royal Navy celebrating the life of it's greatest aviator Captain Eric Brown with a fly past of some of the aircraft he flew during his career, including Sea Vixen and Vampire Having been in charge of capturing enemy planes towards the end of the war, he ended up flying more Luftwaffe aircraft than almost any German pilot, even surviving a flight in a lethal Nazi rocket plane. Yesterday, a Bucker Jungmann and Bucker Bestmann, in full Luftwaffe livery, joined the crowd. From the old Soviet stable came a Yak-3 and a MiG-15. Capt Brown had flown several varieties of both in his time. After the war, he was deputed to work with inventor Frank Whittle on early jet aircraft before Britain sent him on a diplomatic mission to fly with the U.S. Navy, for whom he would fly another huge tranche of aircraft. The U.S. would try very hard, in vain, to surpass his world record of more than 2,000 aircraft carrier take-offs and landings. To this day, no one has ever come close. Yesterday, Captain Todd Wilson, a senior serving U.S. Navy pilot with more than 700 landings to his name, was among many dignitaries lining up to express his admiration for Capt Brown's astonishing achievements. The Duke of York, reflecting on all the aviators who have given their lives in service, pointed out: 'Far fewer have paid that price because of what Eric did. He was a great man and great fun to be around.' A Lancaster Bomber flies past to celebrate the life of the Royal Navy's greatest aviator Captain Eric Brown Capt Brown would get to know the Royal Family long before he was appointed aide de camp to the Queen in the Sixties. By the time he was 28, he had been to the Palace so many times to be decorated that, on the fourth occasion, King George VI greeted him with the words: 'Not you again.' Capt Brown's contribution to aeronautical progress has benefitted passengers as well as generations of pilots. He once revealed that one of the least enjoyable periods of his career was being ordered to fly planes into the middle of thunderstorms to discover what made them fall apart. His authorised biographer, and the architect of yesterday's display, Col Paul Beaver, reminded us that Capt Brown had also worked with the first U.S. astronauts. It was his son Glenn, 67, who explained that his father's success as a test pilot was partly down to meticulous preparation but also to a pulse rate half that of the average pilot, which prevented him from blacking out. Glenn revealed that his father's life was saved by a double stroke of fortune when his aircraft carrier, HMS Audacity, was sunk by a U-boat in the Bay of Biscay in 1941. The Royal Navy celebrating the life of it's greatest aviator Captain Eric Brown with a fly past of some of the aircraft he flew during his career First, he had dashed back to his cabin to retrieve his logbook and the black negligee he had bought for his fiancee in Gibraltar. By the time he returned, all the aircraft on deck had tipped over the side and landed on the survivors already in the water. And it was only because Eric was a pilot that he had a Mae West lifejacket which kept his head above the freezing water for three hours. He was one of just two survivors who made it home. His best friend, Norris Patterson, was one of those who did not Eric forged a lifelong bond with his grieving family. Norris's sister Mary was among the guests yesterday. Another defining moment of Capt Brown's life came while he was collecting enemy aircraft during the Allied advance through Germany in 1945. Near Hanover, he bumped into Brigadier Glyn Hughes of the 2nd Army, who was heading to investigate reports of a concentration camp at Belsen. Having studied German at Edinburgh University, Eric spoke it better than the brigadier's own interpreter and was seconded to the unit. What he found would haunt him for the rest of his life. 'He always said the thing he could never get out of his mind was the smell,' said Glenn. When the Queen visited Belsen during last year's state visit to Germany, Eric was among those invited back to meet her. Capt Brown's contribution to aeronautical progress has benefitted passengers as well as generations of pilots Yesterday, the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir performed the song he chose above all others when he was a special guest on the 3,000th edition of Desert Island Discs Rod Stewart's Sailing His presence certainly took his former Royal Navy comrade, Prince Philip, by surprise. 'Good Lord, Winkle,' he said. 'You're a matelot. Why are you so far inland?' Though famed for his flying, Capt Brown remained a naval man at heart. Yesterday, the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir performed the song he chose above all others when he was a special guest on the 3,000th edition of Desert Island Discs Rod Stewart's Sailing. Over lunch in a Yeovilton hangar, everyone had a story to tell. I met Ralph Jameson, 93, who witnessed Eric landing a Mosquito on an aircraft carrier in 1944. 'It was the first time anyone had landed a twin-engine aircraft on a ship. I saw history.' I met Eachan Hardie, 11, from Dorchester, an aviation enthusiast who wrote several letters to Capt Brown and was thrilled to get a handwritten reply every time. 'He was an outstanding gentleman, an all-rounder of a man and most of all he was my Dad,' explained Glenn Brown. He also revealed that he had never once flown with his father. 'I was an only child and my mother's nerves were shredded enough. She put her foot down and was having none of it. But he used to fly with the dogs and with Wolf.' Over lunch in a Yeovilton hangar, everyone had a story to tell. I met Ralph Jameson, 93, who witnessed Eric landing a Mosquito on an aircraft carrier in 1944 Hang on. Wolf? 'He was a proper Siberian timber wolf. My father adopted him in Norway after the war. I learned to walk holding on to Wolf. He was devoted to my father and would sit in his lap if he was flying a single-seater.' One day, while accompanying Eric to investigate a discovery of hidden German planes in north Norway, Wolf trod on a landmine and was blown to pieces. 'If he hadn't stepped on it, my father would have.' Even in peacetime, even on the ground, such were the daily dangers facing Capt Brown. Sainsbury's is to offer same-day home delivery on groceries as it fights off competition from Amazon. The service is being tested at three of its stores and if successful could be expanded to more than 30 areas by Christmas. Currently Sainsburys offers next-day home delivery on orders placed before 11pm as long as a delivery slot is available, similar to the service offered by rivals Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Ocado. Its trial of a same-day service follows the launch of Amazons grocery arm Amazon Fresh. Sainsbury's will charge customers up to 7 for same-day delivery in a trial at three stores Amazon Fresh offers next-day delivery but has begun a same-day service in parts of London. Sainsburys trial involves its stores in Richmond in South West London, Brookwood in Surrey and Streatham Common in South London. Customers who order online before noon will receive their groceries from 6pm. If they choose Click & Collect, their order will be ready to pick up from 4pm. There is a delivery charge of up to 7, although shoppers with a Sainsburys Delivery Pass, which costs between 30 and 60 a year, will not be charged on orders over 40. Sainsburys is in the throes of re-inventing itself as a rival to Amazon with the 1.4billion purchase of Argos. It is recruiting 900 staff for a new online service centre in Bromley-by-Bow in East London to cope with the rising demand for grocery deliveries. Sainsburys online grocery business, launched in 1999, is worth more than 1billion a year. Online retailer Amazon offers next-day grocery delivery but has begun a same-day service in parts of London Last year sales grew by nearly 9 per cent and orders by almost 15 per cent. Robbie Feather, Sainsburys director of online, said: As our online sales grow we are seeing an increasing proportion of orders placed for next day delivery, so this trial is a natural next step in delivering our strategy to help customers shop whenever and wherever they want. The Bromley-by-Bow centre will help us keep pace with demand in London, enabling us to fulfil another 25,000 orders per week. Retail analysts Mintel predict that online grocery sales will soar by 73 per cent in the next four years to 15billion a year. Its survey found that almost half of shoppers do some of their grocery shopping online. Tesco has also been trialling a same-day delivery service in parts of London, while Amazons same-day is available on a range of 130,000 goods including brands such as Coca-Cola and Kelloggs, as well as products from Morrisons. Shoppers who place an order before 1pm get same day delivery after 5pm but need to be members of the Amazon Prime Service, which costs 79 a year. They also have to pay 6.99 a month for free delivery on orders above 40. n A service delivering Marks & Spencer food to some London postcodes within 40 minutes is being launched today. The firm behind the move, Togle, has no commercial relationship with the retailer. It sends staff into M&S food stores to make the purchases and then deliver them. The company charges a 15 per cent mark-up on the price of the goods. So a 3 chicken arrabbiata ready meal would cost 3.45 on Togle. In addition there is a delivery fee of 4.50. Liz Truss yesterday became the first female Lord Chancellor in modern history dressed in ceremonial robes previously worn by her male predecessors. It had been thought that she would need a new outfit, which is richly embroidered with gold thread. But, instead, the robes were sent to the tailors and taken up. New Justice Secretary Liz Truss is officially sworn in as Lord Chancellor of Great Britain at the High Court The same garments have been worn by Ken Clarke, Chris Grayling and Michael Gove, officials said all men of very different shapes and sizes. Mrs Truss who is also the Justice Secretary bought the special matching pair of buckled court shoes herself. She is the first female Lord Chancellor for hundreds of years. During the reign of King Stephen in the 12th Century, Queen Matilda held the Great Seal of the Realm. Liz Truss sworn in as Lord Chancellor yesterday at the Royal Courts of Justice in London The Oath of Allegiance taken by Mrs Truss was administered by Ministry of Justice permanent secretary Richard Heaton, who is also Clerk of the Crown in Chancery. The ceremony was presided over by the Lord Chief Justice, The Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, in Court 4 at the Royal Courts of Justice. In her speech, Mrs Truss the former Environment Secretary - said she wanted to see British judges held in higher esteem. Mrs Truss takes part in a ceremonial procession yesterday at the Royal Courts of Justice in London Mrs Truss, the first woman ever to hold the role, alongside Master of the Rolls Lord Dyson (left) and Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas (right), at the Judge's entrance to the Royal Courts of Justice, London Mrs Truss the former Environment Secretary - said she wanted to see British judges held in higher esteem Her appointment attracted some controversy because she is not a lawyer New Justice Secretary Liz Truss is officially sworn in as Lord Chancellor of Great Britain at the High Court Mrs Truss is the first female Lord Chancellor for hundreds of years. During the reign of King Stephen in the 12th Century, Queen Matilda held the Great Seal of the Realm She said: We have the greatest judiciary in the world, with a reputation for excellence, incorruptibility, objectivity and independence. I would like to see that reputation acknowledged more widely at home. Her appointment attracted some controversy because she is not a lawyer. Justice minister Lord Faulkes quit earlier this week over her appointment, questioning whether her lack of experience would be damaging to the justice system. Police in China are searching for a man filmed tearing down bricks of what's thought to be the Great Wall of China. The man was filmed on a section of a stone structure pulling and kicking bricks while making kung fu poses, reports the People's Daily Online. The footage was posted online on July 19 and has caused outcry on China's social media sites. Destroying a world wonder: The man can be seen pulling a brick from the wall and shatters it to the ground Sickening: He then kicks at the wall which appears to be part of an unrestored section of the historic landmark In the footage, the man can be seen pulling at one of the bricks and tearing it off the wall. He then tries to perform some kung fu moves, kicking at the wall causing a giant brick to shatter to the ground. From the footage, the wall looks like it is an unrestored part of the wall. Dong Yaohui, vice president of the China Great Wall Society told Chinamil.com.cn that the section in the video looked like it was Dapanying Great Wall located in Hebei province. He says that this section of the wall is from the Ming Dynasty (13681644) and is a wild section that has not undergone repair and is not monitored. People have been discussing the story online. On Sina News, one user wrote: 'Destruction of cultural relics must be punished. Scum!' While another commented: 'Scum. This person should be arrested.' And one user said: 'In this world, there is no nation like ours that is as good as destructing their culture.' Destruction of the Great Wall, a Unesco World Heritage site, could lead to a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, according the Chinese law on protection of cultural relics. Destruction: Police are searching for the man after he pulled bricks off the historic wall Causing waves on social media: An expert says that the wall dates back to the Ming Dynasty (13681644) Kung fu poses and destruction: The man's actions could land him up to ten years imprisonment In June 2015, it was reported that the Great Wall is disappearing at an alarming rate. Natural erosion, human destruction and a lack of protection means that a total of 1,220 miles of the wall, which dates back more than 2000 years, has vanished. Only eight percent of the Ming Dynasty (13681644) wall, which was first built 700 years ago and is the most visible section of the wall, is well-preserved The Great Wall, which is actually made up of many different structures over many centuries, is estimated to have measured between 5,600 to 13,000 miles, depending on which sections are included. The findings of a survey conducted by the Great Wall of China Society suggest that plants growing on the walls have increased damage, as well as the number tourists visiting the attraction. The practice of stealing bricks from the wall also poses a great threat to the conservation of the wall. Bricks from the Great Wall, which have been carved with Chinese characters, are being sold for 30 Yuan (3.40) each by local villagers in Hebei province in northern China as souvenirs. People who steal bricks from the wall can be fined up to 5,000 Yuan (567) under Chinese regulations. Members of staff at a Chinese technology company have been told they face being sacked if they choose to buy the as-yet-unreleased iPhone 7, amid allegations that Apple software programmers could be 'anti-Chinese'. Hangzhou Bina Industrial Technology Company in east China posted a notice in its offices on July 18, entitled merely 'Patriotism', according to Huanqiu.com, an affiliation of People's Daily Online. The company instructed its 50-strong workforce to trade in their iPhone handsets for China-made phones, offering bonuses for staff members who agreed to complete the exchange. Clampdown: Hangzhou Bina Industrial Technology Company offers 283 in compensation for iPhone 6 users Time to stop: The sign was titled 'Patriotism' and offered firm guidelines to staff about buying the new iPhone Any employee with an iPhone 6 will receive 2,500 yuan (283) in compensation, while iPhone 5 users are said to receive 1,500 yuan (170) for a handset and iPhone 4 users 1,000 yuan (113). Management from the company confirmed the remaining iPhone handsets will be 'destroyed' once they are handed over by staff to general manager Zhang Yunlong. Furthermore lower down, the sign reads: 'From today, any company employee who wishes to buy an iPhone 7 will be sacked. Anyone who gets sacked over this matter will not be hired for good.' The decision appears to be a response to an apparent iPhone software glitch, which has caused a storm on WeChat, a Chinese social media app, with many users saying the alleged fault is proof of Apple's anti-Chinese beliefs. When iPhone users typed out the Chinese pinyin word 'jichen', meaning 'hit and sink', the word 'China' would automatically appear as the first recommended word of choice, resulting in offence caused by the association of the two words, according to a report on Huanqiu.com earlier this week. The company ended the notice by reminding employees of its patriotic slogan, 'Let China love Made-in-China'. On the up? Apple revealed it had sold more iPhones in China than the US for the first time in April last year Local reports said around 13 staff had expressed interest in changing their mobile phones so far. According to Chinese media, Apple explained the situation by saying there had been a confusion over search terms after Argentina's coastguard vessel chased and sank a Chinese fishing boat in March this year. In April last year, Apple revealed it had sold more iPhones in China than the US for the first time Last week, photos of smashed iPhones went viral on Weibo as some netizens vowed to boycott American goods, as a wave of nationalism spreads across China following the ruling over the controversial South China Sea region. A red-crowned crane which was critically injured in a fight with another bird has been given a new lease of life, after veterinary surgeons were able to make it a new beak using 3D-printing technology. The young bird, Lili, was tragically left unable to feed after a damaging scrap with a rival, in which it broke its upper beak entirely according to People's Daily Online. Surgeons from the Premier Wu Lide Animal Hospital in south China's Guangzhou province found the endangered bird in distress, and decided to invest in healing the animal back to full health. Sad: The young bird, Lili, was tragically left unable to feed after a damaging fight in Guangzhou, south China Brave: Surgeons from the Premier Wu Lide Animal Hospital found a solution using revolutionary 3D printing The bird's new beak was made to measure using a 3D printer to ensure it fitted exactly, and it was installed during an hour-long, ground-breaking medical procedure in June - the overall cost of which has not yet been revealed by the animal hospital The vets faced problems relating to the bird's nerve tissue around its face, as well as with the uneven surface caused by the beak fracture, but were able to overcome these issues. The titanium alloy used to create the beak is similar to metals used to build aircraft because of its strength and light weight, and the bird appeared comfortable with it shortly after the operation. Lili was later able to drink and eat without problems, and was back on its feet before very long. Photos of Lili were released on the internet, with Weibo commenters praising its 'Wolverine' beak, a reference to the X-Men superhero with metal claws. Careful: The procedure was difficult due to issues concerning the bird's nerve tissue and the size of the beak Healed: Lili is now said to be able to eat and drink without problems with her new beak, according to the vets It is not yet known when Lili will be returned to her zoo, although she was able to catch fish in a bucket without help shortly after her operation. Lili recently turned 6-years-old and red-crowned cranes often live beyond 50 years old - which reveals the extent to which the operation saved her life. Fewer than 1,500 of the birds remain in the world it is estimated, following a significant decline in wild populations over the past decade or so. Two thirds of the birds spend the winter in China, feeding on fish, shrimp, insects, worms and water plants found in and around lakes and wetlands. his three daughters for not visiting him enough A Chinese father is suing his three daughters for not returning home to visit him 'frequently'. The 69-year-old, named Yang Zhengyuan, from Sichuan province filed a lawsuit in March claiming that his daughters hadn't come home enough or given him enough financial support, reports the People's Daily Online. Earlier this year Shanghai announced that parents would be able to sue their children if they refused to visit them. In addition they would also be given a bad credit rating. All a bit odd: The father of five is suing three of his daughters for not visiting him enough Fighting back: The daughters have issued a counterclaim and also provided copies of bank transfers The father-of-three claims that his children have not come home enough and have not supported him over the past 10 years. However the daughters, Yang Liu, Yang Qing and Yang Lan have issued a counterclaim arguing that he is guilty of domestic violence and favouring boys over girls. Yang Liu claims that her father beat her in her own office after she failed to give him the money he was demanding from her. While Yang Qing said she was beaten by her father when she was pregnant: 'When I was a few months pregnant, he pulled my hair and beat me.' They have provided copies of balance transfers sent to their father. China announced earlier this year that parents would be allowed to sue their children (File photo) During visits to their parents, the children have to provide financial and spiritual support to them (File photo) Currently the family have an agreement made during mediation that the daughters will visit their father twice a year and they will call him at least once every month. Their mother Xiao Lu admitted that her husband used to favour boys over girls even though all five of his children are girls. She also said that when they lived together, her husband beat her. The daughters also argue that their father has shown a lack of interest in their personal affairs such as education, marriages and careers. He admitted that he could have contributed more to his family but denies claims that he 'abandoned' his daughters. Yang Qing told reporters: 'Even if he wins the case, we would lose our affection.' Earlier this year China introduced a new rule that allows parents to sue their children for not seeing them enough. Children who still refuse to visit their parents will be given a bad credit which may make it difficult for them to open bank accounts, take out loans and even have a library card. The new law has an emphasis on 'coming home' rules. A Chinese boy who was kidnapped as a baby by one of his father's best friends has been returned to his family, 17 years after he disappeared. Zhu Yuhu, now 18, was captured at home in Mianyang City in Sichuan province, south-west China, in 1999 and sold to child traffickers for profit at the age of just eight months old, according to People's Daily Online. The boy's father Zhu Guangming had a feud with his work friend after a game of cards, which led to the man taking the baby from the family home in revenge. He disappeared shortly after. Heartbreak: Zhu Yuhu (centre), 18, was kidnapped in Mianyang, China, in 1999 and sold to child traffickers Sad: Father Zhu Guangming (2nd left) had a feud with his friend after a card game, and the man took the baby Relief: Yuhu was finally discovered through a combination of police work and DNA technology pairings Chinese authorities across various provinces worked for years with independent anti-trafficking organisations such as Baobei Huija ('Baby Come Home') to try and discover where Yuhu had been taken to. DNA-identification technology allowed the family to track down their son, who was eventually found to be living with foster parents in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, east China. A meeting was arranged and 40 relatives flocked to the Zhu family's home - now in Xi'an, Shaanxi province - to witness the return of the son they believed they would never see again. The boy was greeted with hugs and tears as he was led into the house and shown pictures of his family members, before his father Guangming gave police officers a large banner to say thank you for their tireless efforts. It is not yet certain whether Yuhu will remain with his biologically family on a permanent basis, although his father had previously said he will not let his son leave again following their extended estrangement. Guanming's friend Yang, who allegedly committed the crime, was not discovered and arrested until September last year - which gave police clues as to where Yuhu might be found. Family matters: It is not yet certain whether Yuhu will remain with his biologically family on a permanent basis Together: 40 members of the boy's biological family came to the home to see Yuhu return to his parents' arms Grateful: The father gave police officers working on the case a banner to say thank you for finding his son Infant trafficking was listed as a major issue by the Ministry of Public Security in October 2015. It has previously been reported that as many as 200,000 boys and girls are kidnapped in China every year and sold openly online. Criminals face a three-year jail term if caught trafficking children, but its claimed that many never find themselves in trouble over their actions as the legal system fails to adequately prosecute them. In a bid to evade the spotlight of the police, child traffickers in recent years have turned to the internet to do their selling. Some people use a car or a horse and cart to get around town but this man in China has taken his transportation to the extreme. Duan Shaojie showed off his robot dressed like a WWII Japanese soldier on July 8 in the town of Luoyang, central China's Henan province, reports Huanqiu, an affiliation with the People's Daily Online. The man's controversial 'evil' creation has proved popular in the town with people pausing to take photos. Scroll down for video Weird: The man showed off his new creation in the town of Luoyang, central China's Henan province Bizarre and offensive: People wander over to take a look at the 'evil' machine first hand Japanese robot: Duan spent a year creating the machine which he said was inspired by war films According to Duan, he was influenced by war films and used waste materials to create the robot. Duan is a retired veteran and spends a lot of his time painting and welding. According to Shanghaiist, the man spent a year working on the 'Japanese devil robot.' Pictures show the man riding in a cart pulled by his robot as villagers take photographs. Video footage of the robot shows that it walks just like a human being. It uses the strength of its large feet and legs to help pull the cart along. The machine can also walk backwards. Duan then uses a button and a lever to control it and also but on breaks. The man says he would like to create more robots in the future and has considered a knife wielding robot along with a robot tank. Henan province was heavily hit during the WWII and suffered greatly during the Japanese invasion. Nice ride! Pictures show people trying out sitting in the back while the robot takes them for a walk How does it work? Duan uses a button and a lever to control the robot which then drags the carriage People with strong squad goals like Taylor Swift and her posse of famous friends could benefit from mixing with their group of high-achieving friends. Mixing with 'high performers' can actually make people feel more capable in friendly team settings, but less competent when in more competitive situations, according to a new study. What's more, scientists have pinpointed the area of the brain that enables people to process information about themselves and others so that they can work out their own place in any social setting. The study says that mixing with high-performing makes people thing about themselves more positiviely, which may be why Singer Taylor Swift surrounds herself with a 'girl squad' including top models and actresses In daily life, people use comparisons with others to evaluate themselves on a regular basis, but until now, relatively little has been known about which brain regions are involved. A study at the University of Oxford saw participants playing a game that involved either assessing the colours of shapes or estimating elapsed time. They were also told that two other players were carrying out the same tasks simultaneously. Following the task, the subjects were given feedback on their own performance and that of the other two players, They were then asked to rate the expected performance for themselves and the other players prior to the next task. Some of the trials were cooperative, meaning that the scores of all the players were added together and converted to points for a potential cash prize. The study found that working with high performers can make people feel more competent in a friendly, team working situation, but that it could make them feel less confident in a more competitive settings Others were deemed competitive, where points were awarded based on the difference between the subject's scores and those of the other players. The researchers also assessed how the participants' expected performance ratings were influenced by the two different contexts. The team-friendly co-operative situations, the subjects thought of themselves more positively when the other players did well, and more negatively when they did badly. However, in the competitive setting, the participants thought of their own abilities more negatively when playing against high performers. 'Our behavioral findings match well with what people experience in their workplace,' said study co-author Marco Wittmann. 'They might feel better or worse about themselves depending on how well the group they are working with is doing, or they might feel worse about themselves when facing a strong competitor.' BODY POSTURE OFTHOSE AROUND YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR FOCUS For some people, the sound of clattering cups and bubbling frothing machines can provide the perfect backdrop to help them get some of their best work done Now researchers believe they may have found out why - other people's concentration is contagious. A study has found that the level of effort being exerted by people nearby can have an influence on the way you perform. Kobe Desender a psychologist at Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium, who led the study, thinks body posture of a person can automatically influence people nearby. Although they are not sure exactly why it has an influence, they speculate it is to do with a more tense body posture that is adopted when someone exerts more effort. Advertisement The tests were combined with MRI brain scans that activity in a region of the brain previously lined with how people think about themselves and others. Specifically, brain activity in a region dubbed area 9 reflected the degree to which the participants' self-ratings were affected by mixing with high performers. Previous research in monkeys has shows that the structure and function of area 9 is influenced by social status and network size. This combined with the new findings leads the researchers to believe that area 9 enables people to compute their own position in a social network. 'The findings potentially have implications for social interactions in the workplace as well as clinical disorders such as depression,' said Whitman. The researchers hope to look at how the area 9 brain activity is affected by conditions such as depression, which could potentially lead to the development of new treatments in future. The research was published in the journal Neuron. Artificially intelligent machines are no longer confined to science fiction novels but are an accepted part of everyday life. While we frequently interact with chatbots, such as Siri, there is now a serious push to make these computer-based 'personalities' more trustworthy and likable. Simone Stumpf, senior lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at City University London, believes the key may actually be to make them less human. AI assistants (a humanoid is pictured) must interact with humans incredibly well to be accepted, or they risk feeling like a bad PA, according to Simone Stumpf of City University London MICROSOFT STRUGGLES WITH AI Microsoft wants to join the rest of the software giants in the AI game, but it just keeps striking out. Weeks ago the firm's lovable teen chatbot turned into a Hitler supporting racists and its most recent attempt, CaptionBot hasn't lived up to its potential either. CaptionBot, which analyzes pictures in order to formulate captions, has been spot on with some results, but horridly wrong for others it thought the First Lady Michelle Obama was a cell phone. When it was released to the public in March, the program seemed to be accurate with almost all of the images it received. But recently, it mistook an elbow as a woman brushing her teeth and a close up of a human eye as a close up of a doughnut near a cup. One users uploaded the iconic moon landing, but sadly the only thing CaptionBot saw was a man standing on a dirt field. It also suggested that the infamous black/blue/gold dress was a cat wearing a tie. Advertisement Stories about racist Twitter accounts and crashing self-driving cars can make us think that artificial intelligence (AI) is a work in progress. But while these mistakes reveal the frontiers of AI, versions of this technology are already invisibly embedded in many systems that we use everyday. These everyday uses include everything from fraud detection systems that monitor credit card transactions to email filters that learn not to swamp your inbox with spam. You've probably already interacted with an AI system today without even knowing it and probably enjoyed the experience. One increasingly common form of AI can be found in chatbots, a type of software that lets you interact with it by having a conversation. The iPhone assistant technology, Siri, is an obvious example. Microsoft's experimental Twitter account that learned how to speak from other users and ended up spouting racist phrases is another. But many websites and apps are now using chatbots to let people order services or locate specific information without descending into bigotry. For example, Amy is an AI assistant that schedules meetings for you via email exchanges with your contacts. Very few of these chatbots could pass themselves off completely as a human, however, so their designers need to think carefully about how people react to AI if they want their creations to be accepted. Otherwise it ends up feeling like you're talking to a really bad PA. One increasingly common form of AI can be found in chatbots, a type of software that lets you interact with it by having a conversation. The iPhone assistant technology, Siri (illustrated), is an obvious example, but as this technology gets more advanced, it risks leaving people feeling more uncomfortable Teaching a machine There are many different approaches to make these digital machines behave in an intelligent way that mimics human behaviour. But what all of them have in common is that they base what they are doing on huge amounts of data that they have gathered from their environment. Chatbots are often 'trained' by being given months of Twitter traffic as examples which is then analysed using complex statistical methods to find frequent patterns of behaviour. For example 'fine, thank you' is a frequent response to a question such as 'how are you?'. Quite often, AI will not truly understand what it is saying, it will simply repeat what it has seen. We can expect to see AI systems become more accurate and integrated into everyday life, but creepy humanoids (shown) may take getting used to Having a conversation with another human is actually quite complex. You need to first recognise the words in a sentence, know when it is your turn to answer, then generate your own appropriate response that relates to the point of the conversation. Several things can go wrong, from simply not knowing a word to getting the intent of the conversation wrong. Obviously, the more errors there are, the less you think the conversation is going well, and in the worst case, you might stop interacting. We already know that people will interact differently with a human than a machine. They trust AI less, they do not engage as deeply with it, and they will talk to it in a simpler way than with real humans. In fact, there is evidence that the more the machine tries to mimic a real human conversation, the more off-putting it is, similar to the 'uncanny valley' effect that happens the more humanoid robots look. So how can we design an AI system that is more acceptable to people? First, better and more examples of correct behaviour are needed so that it makes fewer errors. People need to start working hand-in-hand with machines to shape the behaviour of AI systems. What also seems to matter is how much a user understands how a system works. For example, a recent study on conversational agents found that people wanted to know what the system could do, what is was doing, how it was doing it and whether it was changing due to how the user was interacting with it in the past. This point seems to apply to all kinds of AI, as transparency of an AI system seems to have a positive impact on user satisfaction. Make it less human Obviously, people are less likely to trust error-prone systems. But they also don't want AI to act by itself without any confirmation. For example, if you know a system often misunderstands you then you would not want it to dial a phone number without first checking it is correct. The system also needs to make clear to the user that it's a robot. It won't be like talking to another human, and that's quite ok. We can expect to see AI systems become more accurate and more integrated into everyday life, but there will also be spectacular failures. Mostly, these systems work fine but what do we do when they don't? Since the dawn of science fiction, there have been questions about the ethics and laws of AI and how we can control it, which continue to this day. These are still open research questions that have to be answered, along with where AI should and shouldn't be used, and who is responsible for making decisions and ultimately answerable for mistakes. In the meantime, more and more companies are starting to integrate AI into their systems and products, with some success. Google's Nest Learning Thermostat which memorises your schedule and changes depending on how you use it is one obvious example but there are scores of start-ups that now leverage the power of AI to provide a personalised experience for consumers. And thanks to the rise in data science that provides the information that will teach these systems, there has never been a better time for firms to turn to the power of AI. This article first appeared in The Conversation . If you're tired of slathering yourself with smelly chemical mosquito repellent and want a more natural way to avoid being bitten, sleeping next to a live chicken might help. Scientists have found that the smell of fowl sends the blood-sucking bugs packing. And while the method may sound bizarre, it could save the lives some of the 3.2 billion people at risk of malaria, for example. Scientists have found that the smell of fowl (stock image)sends the blood-sucking bugs packing. And while sleeping next to a chicken may sound bizarre, it could save the lives some of the 3.2 billion people at risk of malaria, for example To test the theory, volunteers slept in beds surrounded by mosquito nets. They found the much-loathed insects steered clear of their room when a cage containing a live chicken, or its feathers, was suspended outside the bed. The discovery, published in the Malaria Journal, offers hope of developing new methods of repelling mosquitos and preventing diseases spread by them, particularly malaria. Researchers found that Anopheles arabiensis - one of the main species that transmits malaria in sub-Saharan Africa - avoids chickens when looking for hosts to feed on. To test the theory, volunteers slept in beds surrounded by mosquito nets. They found the much-loathed insects steered clear of their room when a cage containing a live chicken (pictured right), or its feathers, was suspended outside the bed. A control experiment set-up is shown left Researchers found that Anopheles arabiensis - one of the main species that transmits malaria in sub-Saharan Africa - avoids chickens when looking for hosts to feed on. A stock image of a mosquito is pictured above DOGS COULD SNIFF OUT MALARIA It's hoped that dogs, trained by Medical Detection Dogs, a charity set up in 2008 - to harness the animals' extraordinary sense of smell to detect disease in humans - could one day sniff out malaria. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has made a 70,000 grant for a joint collaboration with the dogs for the early detection ofthe disease. Diagnosis usually involves finger-prick blood tests that are then screened in a laboratory. 'Using dogs has the advantage that it is non-invasive, portable and does not require a laboratory - it's fully functional in field settings and can be used to test a high quantity of samples,' said Professor Steve Lindsay at Durham's School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. The idea is to train the dogs to distinguish malaria in samples. If this proves successful, the technique could be used to screen travellers entering areas that are malaria free, says Professor Lindsay. Long term, the hope is to train dogs in Africa to detect malaria. Advertisement Experts at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia found that while the mosquitos greatly prefer biting humans, they will also target cattle, goats and sheep if they are available. But chickens are not a species that An. Arabiensis likes to attack and the pests actively avoid flying near them. The mosquitoes use their sense of smell to distinguish between a tasty treat and a chicken they don't like. Rickard Ignell, the corresponding author, said: We were surprised to find that malaria mosquitoes are repelled by the odours emitted by chickens. 'This study shows for the first time that malaria mosquitoes actively avoid feeding on certain animal species, and that this behaviour is regulated through odour cues. In each of the houses, a single volunteer aged between 27 and 36 years slept under an untreated bed net and traps were positioned in the room to count the number of mosquitos that flew in. The authors said significantly fewer mosquitos were caught in traps in the room that were baited with chicken odours taken from chicken feathers. 'This study shows for the first time that malaria mosquitoes actively avoid feeding on certain animal species, and that this behaviour is regulated through odour cues, corresponding author Rickard Ignell said. This stock image shows children in Cambodia resting under a mosquito net They said that suspending a living chicken in a cage next to a trap had a similar repellent effect. Rickard Ignell said: People in sub-Saharan Africa have suffered considerably under the burden of malaria over an extended period of time and mosquitoes are becoming increasingly physiologically resistant to pesticides, while also changing their feeding habits for example by moving from indoors to outdoors. For this reason there is a need to develop novel control methods. Researchers have uncovered evidence that whales and dolphins hold 'vigils' for their dead. They found several cases where mammals that clung to the bodies of dead compatriots, and kept vigil over a dead companion. They say the most likely explanation is mourning. Scroll down for video In one case, a female killer whale known as L72 was seen off San Juan Island, Washington, bearing a dead newborn in her mouth. WHICH MARINE MAMMALS MOURN? The study compiled observations from 14 events, and seven different marine mammals: Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris); Killer whales (Orcinus orca); Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa sahulensis); Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus); Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus); Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) Advertisement 'The present study helps to corroborate that adults mourning their dead young is a common and globally widespread behaviour in long-lived and highly sociable/cohesive species of mammals,' the researchers from University of Milano-Bicocca in Italy wrote in the Journal of Mammalogy. The study compiled observations from 14 events. They found mothers often carried their dead young above the water, often flanked by friends. In many cases, the dead offspring were decomposed, indicating they had been held for a long time. 'We found it is very common, and [there is] a worldwide distribution of this behaviour,' study co-author Melissa Reggente told National Geographic's Traci Watson. 'They are in pain and stressed. A touching and beautiful display of compassion from a bereaved mother dolphin stunned the experienced captain of a tourist boat off the coast of Dana Point, California. Instead of treating his passengers to a dolphin stampede of an up-close encounter with a whale, Captain Dave Anderson encountered a dolphin carrying her dead calf on her dorsal fin through the waves. 'They know something is wrong.' But although the behaviour was common, the way these animals grieve is varied. In one case, a female killer whale known as L72 was seen off San Juan Island, Washington, bearing a dead newborn in her mouth. 'She was trying to keep the [dead] calf up at the surface the entire time, balancing it on top of her head,' says study co-author Robin Baird of Cascadia Research Collective in Olympia, Washington, who witnessed the mother's efforts. The study also found reports of whales holding dead calves in their mouths, pushing them through the water and touching them with their fins. The study also found reports of ocean mammals touching the dead companions with their fins, and making a protective circle around an adult morning a dead calf. THE KILLER WHALE CARRYING A DEAD NEWBORN: THE CASE OF L72 In one case, a female killer whale known as L72 was seen off San Juan Island, Washington, bearing a dead newborn in her mouth. 'She was trying to keep the [dead] calf up at the surface the entire time, balancing it on top of her head,' says study co-author Robin Baird of Cascadia Research Collective in Olympia, Washington, who witnessed the mother's efforts. The study also found reports of whales holding dead calves in their mouths, pushing them through the water and touching them with their fins. This is the heart-breaking moment the grieving mother of a young whale killed by orcas returns to her offspring's corpse in a desperate bid to save it. Photographer Craig McInally, 40, caught the moment two orcas tore the young humpback whale to pieces when he was diving off the Revillagigedo Islands in the Pacific. In the remarkable photos, the orcas can be seen isolating the calf from its mother and killing it before its mother returns to its side having watched it being killed. 'Like many species of long-lived social mammals, killer whales appear to mourn the loss of their offspring,' the organisation said. This adult female, L72, one of the endangered 'southern resident' killer whales, was seen with a dead calf off San Juan Island in September 2010, during one of our cooperative field projects with the Northwest Fisheries Science Center. The orange colouration of the calf in this photo is indicative of a newborn. During the encounter L72 would carry the calf on her rostrum; the next day when she was seen the newborn was not present. Advertisement In another case, short-finned pilot whales in the North Atlantic Ocean made a protective circle around an adult and dead calf. In another case, a spinner dolphin in the Red Sea near Hrgada pushed a young animal's body toward a boat. When the vessel's occupants lifted the carcass on board, the entire group of dolphins nearby circled the boat and swam off. 'An adult Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin was observed swimming and pushing a smaller dead dolphin in an advanced status of decay,' the researchers wrote. 'The video shows the adult pushing and touching the carcass repeatedly. 'Then, the biologists decided to fix a rope around the fluke and dragged the carcass to the shore, where it was buried. 'While the carcass was being dragged, the video shows the adult following, swimming around, and touching the carcass until it reached very shallow waters. 'The adult was observed remaining in the area and swimming in shallow waters long after the removal of the carcass.' Scientists in the Red Sea observed an Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin push a smaller, deceased dolphin through the water on its fin. Is Honda's walking robot Asimo marrying Pepper, the chattering robot from SoftBank? Automaker Honda Motor Co. and internet company SoftBank said they will work together on artificial intelligence to develop products with sensors and cameras that can converse with drivers. Asimo, first shown in 1996, walks, runs, dances and grips things. Scroll down for video Asimo (left), first shown in 1996, walks, runs, dances and grips things. Pepper (right), which went on sale last year, doesn't have legs but is programmed to recognize mood swings in people it interacts with. now the tech behind them will be combined. Pepper, which went on sale last year, doesn't have legs but is programmed to recognize mood swings in people it interacts with. Major automakers and technology companies are interested in robotics to improve driving safety and comfort. But experts say humans are still better at driving overall than the smartest machine. Honda said it's focusing on AI research with a new laboratory in Tokyo set to open in September. SoftBank said its robotics unit Cocoro SB, which is researching cloud-based artificial intelligence, will work with Honda on research that seeks to harmonize mobility with people, so that drivers can feel a kind of friendship with their vehicles. SoftBank said it was a pioneer in making machines that can be friends with people through its Pepper robot. Tokyo-based Honda's robotics division went through some soul-searching when Asimo was widely criticized as useless when it could not help with the nuclear accident at the Fukushima plant, which sank into meltdowns after the March 2011 tsunami. Among Japan's automakers, Toyota Motor Corp. has invested $1 billion in a Silicon Valley-based robotics research unit to develop not only safety features but also self-driving vehicles. Nissan Motor Co. has announced it will start selling soon in Japan a vehicle equipped with self-driving technology, and plans similar products overseas. Safety worries have grown after a recent fatal crash involving U.S. electric car maker Tesla Motors' vehicle with its semi-autonomous Autopilot system. Like Nissan's system, it can maintain a set speed and keep the car within its lanes. It comes on the heels of its $32 billion takeover of chip designer ARM Holdings, SoftBank Corp founder Masayoshi Son is embarking on another 'crazy idea': talking cars that can read a driver's emotions. HOW THE AI CAR COMPANION WILL WORK Softbank and Honda described a future in which Honda cars could speak and interact with their drivers via cloud-based technology based on SoftBank's 'Pepper' robot, a life-sized robot that can read human emotions. The two companies would research ways to assess a driver's speech, along with other data compiled by vehicle sensors and cameras, to gauge the driver's emotions and allow the vehicle to engage in conversation. As a result, vehicles would be able to offer advice and support to drivers, such as during challenging driving or parking situations, while also providing company to drivers on long, solitary trips. Advertisement The Japanese telecommunications and internet corporation said on Thursday it was teaming up with Honda Motor Co to look at ways of applying SoftBank's humanoid robotic technology to cars so they can communicate with drivers, perhaps helping them park or offering company on long trips. Dailymail.com was given a rare interview with Pepper, the Japanese robot already working in several stores across Asia, at a Mastercard event in New York. The announcement comes after SoftBank on Monday agreed to buy British chip designer ARM Holdings, which Son believes will play a central role in the tech industry's shift to the 'internet of things' (IoT). Speaking at an event in Tokyo, Softbank and Honda described a future in which Honda cars could speak and interact with their drivers via cloud-based technology based on SoftBank's 'Pepper' robot, a life-sized robot that can read human emotions. 'Imagine if robots, with their super intelligence, devoted themselves to humans,' Son said. 'And imagine that cars themselves became supercomputers or robots one day. Honda will be the first to adopt this technology.' The two companies would research ways to assess a driver's speech, along with other data compiled by vehicle sensors and cameras, to gauge the driver's emotions and allow the vehicle to engage in conversation. As a result, vehicles would be able to offer advice and support to drivers, such as during challenging driving or parking situations, while also providing company to drivers on long, solitary trips. WILL ROBOTS TAKE YOUR JOB? As robots increasingly make their way into the workforce, some have argued that they will soon be taking over many traditionally human jobs. In an interview with Fox Business, former McDonalds USA CEO Ed Rensi argued that the $15/hour minimum wage raise will bring job loss like you cant believe. He argued that it would be cheaper for companies to instead purchase robotic devices. If you look at the robotic devices that are coming into the restaurant industry -- its cheaper to buy a $35,000 robotic arm than it is to hire an employee whos inefficient making $15 an hour bagging French fries, Rensi said. Foxconn, a supplier for Apple and Samsung, has already reduced its human workforce drastically, The South China Morning Post reports. One factory has now reduced employee strength from 110,000 to 50,000, thanks to the introduction of robots, an official told the Post. And, they predict more companies will soon follow, with up to 600 firms reporting similar plans in a government survey. Advertisement SoftBank has been making an aggressive push into AI, robotics and the 'internet of things (IoT),' a network of devices, vehicles and building sensors that collect, exchange and feed data into AI and robots. Son has repeatedly said that IoT would bring 'the biggest paradigm shift ever' in the tech industry. The tie-up with Honda comes as automakers compete to develop self-driving cars, which many plan to bring to market in the coming years. The UK's biggest internet provider is experiencing problems for a second day in a row. The problem today was caused by a circuit that tripped in a building in London, owned by Telehouse, which hosts a data centre used by BT. This comes a day after a power failure at another partner company's site also left users struggling to access the internet. Both sites are situated at the same place, in London Docklands, but are owned by separate companies. The UK's biggest internet provider is experiencing problems for a second day in a row. According to reports on Twitter and the website DownDetector, customers all over the country struggled to connect to the internet. This comes a day after a power failure at a partner company's site in London left users struggling to access services WHAT AREAS WERE AFFECTED? According to DownDetector, most reports of outages were in London. Other reports were in Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, Milton Keynes, Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol, Liverpool, and Glasgow. Advertisement 'We are aware that there has been an issue with the tripping of a circuit breaker within Telehouse North that has affected a specific and limited group of customers within the building,' a spokesman from Telehouse told MailOnline. Telehouse is a major carrier-neutral colocation, ICT solutions and managed services provider based in Docklands, London. 'The problem has been investigated and the solution identified,' the spokesman said. 'Our engineers are working with our customers on the resolution right now. We will release updates in due course.' According to reports on Twitter and DownDetector, customers all over the country struggled to connect to the internet, starting from 07:30 this morning. 'We apologise to those BT customers who had problems connecting to some internet services this morning,' a BT spokesperson said, 'Internet usage is now back to normal for consumer and small business customers. A small number of larger businesses may still be experiencing some limited internet access. Engineers should have these fixed soon. 'The issue, which affected BT and other providers, was due to Telehouse North, one of our internet connection partners in the docklands, suffering power issues. The issue affected less than five percent of our customers internet usage, and BT took immediate action to minimise these issues by redirecting traffic.' Were sorry that some BT customers can't connect to some internet services today.We're working to reduce impact, engineers are on site now BTCare (@BTCare) July 21, 2016 According to DownDetector, reports of outages began at 07:30 with 3,431 reports of outages logged by 09:30. The majority of these, 66 per cent, were internet problems, while 18 per cent were email and 15 per cent phone. The outage yesterday had been caused by an outage at an Equinix data centre in London. One of our internet connection partners in the docklands has suffered a substantial power failure.This is affecting BT & other providers 2/3 BT Business Care (@btbusinesscare) July 21, 2016 According to DownDetector, reports of outages began at 07:30 with 3,431 reports of outages logged by 09:30. This comes a day after a power failure at one of the company's sites in London left users over the country struggling to access the internet According to DownDetector, the majority of issues were happening in the London area. Map of outage complaints this morning, gathered by DownDetector, shown WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY? An outage to BT's broadband service left many users struggling to access the internet. The UK's biggest internet provider reported outages in several areas at around 9.30am yesterday. BT's customer support Twitter account said it was attempting to restore service as quickly as possible. By midday the outage seemed to be fixed, according to users on Twitter. 'Some BT Broadband customers reported problems accessing websites this morning,' the company said. The outage was caused by an outage at an Equinix data centre in London. Equinix provides carrier-neutral data centers and Internet exchanges to enable interconnection, and has eight centres across London. 'Equinix experienced a brief power outage at the former Telecity LD8 site in London on Wednesday, July 20 at 7:55 am BST,' Russell Poole, Managing Director, Equinix UK said. 'This impacted a limited number of customers and service was promptly restored. 'Equinix engineers have diagnosed the root cause of the issue as a faulty UPS (uninterrupted power supply) system and are working with our customers to minimise the impact. We regret any inconvenience this has caused.' Advertisement According to DownDetector, the majority of issues were happening in the London area. Customers took to Twitter to vent their frustrations. 'Come on BT sort out the broadband, we can't get access our host or emails,' one user said. 'Lousy BT broadband all morning , now landline dead in #Gloucester,' said another. The UK's biggest internet provider also reported outages in several areas at around 9.30am yeserday. The fault also caused several banks' online services to stop working. BT's customer support Twitter account said it was attempting to restore service as quickly as possible. Yesterday, a spokesman said the problems appeared to be mainly affecting London and the South East - but the website Down Detector has already received thousands of reports from the capital, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Leeds, Bristol, Nottingham and Leicester. By midday the outage seemed to be fixed, according to users on Twitter. 'Some BT Broadband customers reported problems accessing websites this morning,' the company said. The outage was caused by an outage at an Equinix data centre in London. Equinix provides carrier-neutral data centers and Internet exchanges to enable interconnection, and has eight centres across London. 'Equinix experienced a brief power outage at the former Telecity LD8 site in London on Wednesday, July 20 at 7:55 am BST,' Russell Poole, Managing Director, Equinix UK said. 'This impacted a limited number of customers and service was promptly restored. 'Equinix engineers have diagnosed the root cause of the issue as a faulty UPS (uninterrupted power supply) system and are working with our customers to minimise the impact. We regret any inconvenience this has caused.' The outage comes a day after MPs warned that BT must 'put its house in order' or face a break-up after failing to invest in its Openreach network arm potentially to the tune of hundreds of millions of pounds a year. BT's Plusnet broadband division was also facing issues. 'Although the symptoms are similar to the problems reported over the last few days, upon investigation we believe this issue to be unrelated,' it said on the company website. A BT spokesman said: ' We're sorry that some BT and Plusnet customers are experiencing problems accessing some internet services this morning. Strange sounds heard in a town in California left some residents wondering about an imminent alien invasion. Some are convinced the booming noise, heard every day between 11AM and 2PM, are caused by mining operations while others cite alien theories. But a local geologist believes he has solved the mystery, and the answer comes from 100 miles (160km) away. Scroll down for video Strange sounds heard Sonora, California (pictured) left some residents wondering about an imminent alien invasion. Some are convinced the booming noise, heard every day between 11AM and 2PM, is caused by mining operations while others cite alien theories THE CONSPIRACY THEORIES Some locals say the booms were from nearby mines. Others say they come from Area 51, a remote detachment of Edwards Air Force Base, within the Nevada Test and Training Range. Its secretive nature and connection to classified aircraft research, together with reports of unusual phenomena, have led Area 51 to become a focus of modern UFO and conspiracy theories. Advertisement Residents in Sonora, California, have been hearing the noises for at least a year, according to a report by ABC News. Some locals said on the report the booms were from nearby mines, while others said it came from Area 51, a remote detachment of Edwards Air Force Base, within the Nevada Test and Training Range. Its secretive nature and connection to classified aircraft research, together with reports of unusual phenomena, have led Area 51 to become a focus of modern UFO and conspiracy theories. Local geologist Glen White told ABC affiliate KXTV-TV he believes the explosions come from an army depot outside of Hawthorne, Nevada, where a private company disposes of old ammunition. Residents in Sonora, California, have been hearing the noises for at least a year. Local geologist Glen White told ABC affiliate KXTV-TV he believes the explosions come from an army depot outside of Hawthorne, Nevada, where a private company disposes of old ammunition This base is about a hundred miles away from Sonora. He says they explode old bombs and grenades to get rid of them once they have exceeded their shelf-life. The sound waves generated from the explosion bounce of the stratosphere, the second major layer in the Earth's atmosphere, Mr White said. They then come back towards the ground where they can be heard up to 100 miles away. Solving the Mother Lode Mystery Booms. This is the source.https://t.co/IWteFAIJLw Glen White (@GeologistGlen) July 17, 2016 'Solving the Mother Lode Mystery Booms,' Mr White said on Twitter. 'This is the source.' He captured video footage of the explosions at the site, to back up his claim. 'They go through old munitions bombs, grenades, then they destroy them,' Mr White said. Ken Thomas, who works at the Hawthorne Army Depot, told ABC News hey do detonate munitions regularly at the depot. But he is not convinced these noises can be heard as far away as Sonora. 'It doesn't feel right that what we're doing here would be heard 200 miles away when there's a mountain range in between us,' Mr Thomas said. A collection of Bronze Age weapons buried as a 'gift to the gods' have been discovered in a field. Farmer Gwyn Rees had been searching a field in Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, using a metal detecotr when he stumbled across a piece of a bronze axe head before then coming across two further pieces. Then when he returned to the field after it had been ploughed, he discovered a bronze spearhead close to the same spot. Three sections of a bronze axe head and a spear head (pictured) that were thought to have been buried around 3,700 to 3,500 years ago as a 'gift to the gods' have been unearthed by a metal detectorist. Experts believe they had been buried together and were disturbed by ploughing in a field A BRONZE AGE WEAPON'S CACHE Experts believe the bronze weapons had been buried as part of a ritual ceremony as part of a gift to the gods or to long-dead ancestors. They were likely made by a small community who had lived in the area around Wenvoe, i the Vale of Glamorgan at the time. People often buried their dead in circular mounds known as barrows during the Bronze Age and many of these can be seen across Britain. It is thought while the spear head and axe had been buried together, they were disturbed by subsequent ploughing. Advertisement Experts believe the weapons had been buried together around 3,700 to 3,500 years ago. Yet the weapons are not Mr Rees' first 'treasure' he has discovered. In 2012 he found a 17th Century silver fidelity, or wedding, ring inscribed with the words 'I like my choyse'. Adam Gwilt, curator of the National Museum of Wales described the axe pieces as being of a type that 'date back to the end of the early Bronze Age, about 1700BC to 1500BC. Mr Rees found the three axe fragments in August 2014 in a filed close to Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan, and then in April the next year he discovered the spear head close to the same spot. Mr Gwilt said: 'The spear was found at a shallow depth, in the recently ploughed soil. It's my view that they were once buried together. 'This weapon and tool group provides important new information for south-east Wales and western Britain about the technology and culture of a still poorly understood time, towards the end of the early bronze age. 'These objects were made and used by small farming and metalworking communities, who buried their dead in circular mounded monuments, called barrows, which are still to be seen and found across the Vale of Glamorgan.' In 2012 Mr Rees also found a 17th Century silver 'fidelity ring' which has the words 'I like my choyse' inscribed on the inside (pictured). The ring was found in a different location from the weapons In a statement issued after the hearing, a spokeswoman for the museum said: 'Archaeologists now think that these prized bronze objects were probably buried during a ritual ceremony, perhaps gifted to the gods and ancestors. 'Many bronze age hoards have been discovered across Britain and Europe, so this discovery fits into a much wider picture of hoarding activity as an expression of early beliefs.' Farmer Gwyn Rees (pictured) found the fragments of the bronze axe head in August 2014 before discovering the spear a few months later close by The discoveries emerged at an inquest to decide whether they could be officially classified as treasure. Mark Redknap, head of collections at the National Museum of Wales, also described the fidelity ring, which Mr Rees found in Bonvilston in Vale of Glamorgan on May 4, 2012, as 'wonderful'. He said: 'It is a silver fidelity ring. The hoop has a convex outer surface. It is a form of ring which we find quite commonly in the medieval period. 'The inscription on the inside of the hoop would have been known to the wearer but not anyone else. It says 'I like my choyse'. The words are written in capitals and Dr Redknap said the unusual spelling of 'choice' was down to the 'lack of standardised spellings'. 'You get these wonderful versions,' he said. 'But the sound means they are easy to understand.' The outer rim of the piece was worn but thought to have once been gilt. The ring and weapons, along with a silver dress pin and a 13th Century brooch pin, found by another metal detectorist Ron Sanders in St Donat's Vale of Glamorgan, were all declared treasure by coroner for Powys Andrew Barkley. Outside the court, Mr Rees, from Wenvoe, said he goes metal detecting for treasure in the evenings. He said: 'I found the axe head one night with a piece missing and thought, "That is a pity", and then the next night I found the other piece. 'About a year later I was ploughing and I found the spear head. That's a beautiful thing. It was nearly on top of the ground.' Mr Rees found the Bronze Age weapons in a field close to Wenvoe in Vale of Glamorgan (shown on map) The grandfather-of-two thought that 'probably belonged to a chief'. 'It's beautifully decorated,' he said. 'I would loved to have kept it. But I did the right thing, I couldn't keep it but I showed it to all my friends. 'The silver ring I found in Bonvilston. I tried it on. It fitted. 'I found a gold one before on my nephew's farm. That came in as treasure about six years ago. That had an inscription too, but they never really worked out what it was. It was religious I think.' Long before the advent of Facebook, social networks were built around sharing food, a new study has found. Scientists have found that our ancestors may have used layered networks - where individuals look after their family, then friends and then their wider community - to search for their next meal. Contemporary groups of hunter-gatherers use this 'three-tiered' social network when foraging, the researchers said. Experts believe a three-tiered social network - where individuals look after their family, then friends and then their wider community - may have helped our ancestors find their next meal, just as it benefits contemporary groups of hunter-gatherers such as the Mbendjele of the Republic of Congo (pictured above) It sheds new light on the fundamental nature of how societies organise themselves and how our early ancestors lived in groups. WHAT IS A THREE-TIERED SOCIAL NETWORK? A three tiered social network is one where individuals look after their family, then friends and then their wider community, in an series of larger social circles. Experts think it is a natural structure for communities and helps contemporary hunter-gatherer groups find enough food. It is also believed to be the way ancient man cooperated in groups. The structure is beneficial because it means individuals don't have to interact with all members of their community equally, but instead lets them maintain 'a relatively constant number of close kin inside their cluster,' fostering cooperation. Advertisement Researchers from University College London (UCL) studied human social organisation in two contemporary groups of hunter gatherers, to reveal surprising similarities between the Agta of the Philippines and Mbendjele of the Republic of Congo. In both places, individuals maintain a three-tiered social network that appears to buffer them against day-to-day shortfalls in foraging returns, according to the study. This multilevel social structure means they do not interact with all members of their community equally. Instead it lets them maintain 'a relatively constant number of close kin inside their clusters,' according to the study published in the Cell Press journal Current Biology. So a family may divide some food gathering tasks among them but hunting may also see men going on trips with close friends. Only once the spoils had been shared between them would surplus be shared with the wider community. This helps to ensure that when there are shortfalls in food for a family, they can turn to others in the village to get what they need. Mark Dyble, an anthropologist at University College London, explained: 'Previous research has suggested that social networks across human cultures are structured in similar ways. 'Across societies, there appear to be similar limits on the number of social relationships individuals are able to maintain, and many societies are said to have a 'multilevel' structure.' This means they look after their family and friends first, then increasingly large groups to benefit society as a whole. 'Our work on contemporary hunter-gatherer groups sheds light on how this distinctive social structure may have benefited humans in our hunting-and-gathering past,' Dr Dyble said. Researchers from University College London (UCL) studied human social organisation in two contemporary groups of hunter gatherers, to reveal surprising similarities between the Agta of the Philippines and Mbendjele of the Republic of Congo (pictured hunting for fish above) The researchers say their study is the first to explore how hunter-gatherers' distinctive, 'multilevel' social organisation structures social life and cooperation in important activities such as foraging and food sharing. Andrea Migliano principal investigator of the Hunter-Gatherers Resilience Project, said:'Multi-level social structures regulate social rules, friendship and kinship ties, and the spread of social norms, promoting a more efficient sharing and cooperation. 'Sharing is a crucial adaptation to hunter-gatherers' lifestyles, central to their resilience - and central to the evolution of mankind.' The researchers collected data on food sharing by living with the two communities living far apart for many months, making observations on how often households shared food with each other. The Agta live in northeast Luzon, Philippines and their primary source of protein is fish, supplemented by, hunting, honey collecting, and gathering of wild foods. In contrast, the Mbendjele live in an area spanning northern Republic of Congo and southern Central African Republic, where they hunt for meat in the forest. Both groups trade wild-caught meat or fish for cultivated foods, including rice and manioc. From the data they collected, the researchers were able to construct social networks of food sharing. The researchers say their study is the first to explore how hunter-gatherers' distinctive, 'multilevel' social organisation structures social life and cooperation in important activities such as foraging and food sharing. Here, a mother pounds pulses to make a meal for a child in the Republic of Congo Analysis showed food sharing is closely related to social organisation and in both communities, individuals maintain a three-tiered social network. First is their immediate household, most often consisting of five or six individuals, second is a cluster of three to four closely related households who share food frequently, and third is the wider camp. 'Despite being from different continents and living in very different ecologies, both groups of hunter-gatherers had a strikingly similar social organisation,' Dr Dyble said. 'Cooperation and especially food sharing are essential for survival in a hunting-and-gathering economy. While we may have the luxury of simply turning the air con up in a heat wave, some honeybees have a more demanding strategy to keep their colony cool. Thirsty honeybees beg 'water collecting bees' to grab them a drink, which is used to quench the collective thirst of the hive and keep larvae alive. Researchers found the water carriers are pestered into working harder by those that remain in the hive and manage resources, which seem to motivate them to fetch more liquid under the blazing sun. Thirsty honeybees (stock image shown) beg 'water collecting' bees to grab them a drink when it's hot, which is used to quench the collective thirst of the hive and keep larvae alive Experts have long guessed a steady supply of water must be important to preserving a hive and its honeybees during hot weather, with bees having a number of methods of keeping cool from fanning the nest to venturing outside to boost airflow inside. Water carrier bees are known to look for ponds and puddles in order to drink water and fly back to regurgitate the much needed liquid for thirsty peers to slurp up in the hive, as water inside the structure evaporates. To investigate further, a trio of researchers from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York heated two hives, each containing 3,000 honeybees, in a lab. The bees inside were exposed to hazardous heat of 43C (109F) at which temperature their bee larvae can shrivel up and die. Under lamps in the lab, the biologists discovered the bees that stay in the hive beg for more water by flicking their tongues - or proboscises - to the mouths of the water collectors essentially asking them for more liquid to keep them cool. This stock image shows a bee extending its tongue, as part of another experiment Study co-author Thomas Seeley told New Scientist that water is essential for cooling the hive and without it bees 'cannot really control the temperature in the nest on hot days'. Under lamps in the lab, the biologists discovered the bees that stay in the hive beg for more water by flicking their tongues - or proboscises - to the mouths of the water collectors essentially asking them for more liquid to keep them cool. They did not see this behaviour when the hives were cooler. Dr Seeley said of the water carriers: 'They've given up their water and they're still being begged, almost pestered.' 'That motivates the water collectors to zoom right out and get more.' FEMALE BEES CAN REPRODUCE WITHOUT A MALE An isolated population of Cape bees in South Africa have evolved a strategy to reproduce without males, it was revealed in June. Researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden looked at the entire genome of a sample of Cape bees, and compared this with other populations of honeybees to try to understand the mechanism behind this asexual reproduction. They found female worker bees are able to reproduce asexually by laying eggs that are essentially fertilised by their own DNA, which develop into new worker bees. Such bees are also able to invade the nests of other bees and continue to reproduce in this fashion, eventually taking over the foreign nests, a behaviour called social parasitism. But unfortunately, the explanation for this unique behaviour is unknown. Advertisement The industrious water carriers were seen to stop their arduous excursions once others in the hive stopped begging them for water. A stock image showing two bees peeking out of a man-made hive is shown The industrious water carriers were seen to stop their arduous excursions once others in the hive stopped begging them for water, according to the study, published in the Experimental Journal of Biology. But they made sure they, and some other bees had enough in an expandable part of their gut to keep them cool and hydrated without having to do further work in the heat. Some of the insects also stowed precious liquid in honeycomb cells. The researchers wrote: 'We found that a colony must strongly boost its water intake because evaporative cooling is critical to relieving broodnest hyperthermia, and that it must rapidly boost its water intake because a colony maintains only a small water reserve.' It was the famed trade route that saw spices, luxuriant cloths and ultimately wealth flow between the eastern and western worlds. But a new study of a 2,000-year-old toilet discovered near a desert in north west China has revealed the Silk Road was also responsible for the exchange of something else too infectious diseases. While sifting through the contents of a person's bowel movements might be something doctors do to help diagnose their patients, it appears it can also give us a glimpse far back into the past. Archaeologists have found evidence that diseases were spread over thousands of miles along the Silk Trade route by travellers who passed from east to west. They found parasitic worm eggs in preserved faeces on 'personal hygiene sticks' (pictured) discovered in a latrine at an ancient waystation along the route WHAT WAS THE SILK ROAD? The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade route that ran through central Asia connecting China to the Mediterranean Sea. It was initially named after the lucrative trade in Chinese silk under the Han Dynasty in around 202BC. But quickly other precious items such as jade, gold, silver, bronze and spice were also transported initially between China and Egypt, then later to ancient Greece and Rome and eventually to Medieval Europe. While many sea route were opened up by sailors to transport goods, merchants crossing overland were thought to have travelled by northern and southern routes that bypassed the Takliamakan Desert in north west China. The northern route took several paths through Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. The southern route ran through the Karakoram mountains that sit on the border of Pakistan, India and China. They merged again near Merv in Turkmenistan before continuing west to the south of the Caspian Sea. Advertisement Archaeologists examined the preserved faeces on ancient 'personal hygiene sticks', which were used to wipe the backsides of people between 111BC and 109AD. They found eggs from four species of parasitic worm were present in the ancient droppings left on the hygiene wands. And it appears at least one of these parasites may have spread along the Silk Road from a location at least 1,000 miles away. The study suggests that while global travel has made it easier for infectious diseases to spread around the world, the problem has been around for thousands of years. Dr Piers Mitchell, an anthropologist at the University of Cambridge who led the study, said: 'Until now there has been no proof that the Silk Road was responsible for the spread of infectious diseases. 'They could instead have spread between China and Europe via India to the south, or via Mongolia and Russia to the north.' The ancient latrine was found at the ancient ruins of Xuanquanzhi in the Tamrin Basin in north west China close to the vast sandy expanse of the Taklamakan desert. Xuanquanzhi is thought to have been a relay station on the Silk Road, which came to prominence during the Han Dynasty in China, which ruled between 202BC-220AD. The site was a popular stop with travellers who changed their horses and delivered letters. Merchants, explorers, soldiers and government officials travelled along the route towards the Middle East and the Mediterranean, taking goods that were in high demand in the west. The latrine was found at the ruins of Xuanquanzhi on the edge of the Taklamakan desert (shown on map) The researchers found eggs from the Chinese River fluke in the preserved faeces from the latrine at Xuanquanzhi (pictured). The site would have been too dry to allow the parasites to complete their life cycle, which suggests they had come from a location around 1,000 miles away While excavating in Xuanquanzhi, Dr Mitchell and his colleagues, whose research is published in the Journal of Archaeological Science Reports, discovered persona hygiene sticks in the latrine. TEA LEAVES GIVE EARLIEST EVIDENCE OF THE SILK ROAD The world's oldest tea leaves have been discovered buried with royal treasures in the tomb of an ancient Chinese emperor who ruled more than 2,150 years ago. Unearthed in the tomb of Jing Emperor Liu Qi, the tea provides some of the earliest evidence for the ancient Silk Road trade route that grew to stretch across Asia from China to Europe. It appears Emperor Jing, who was the fourth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty, enjoyed the drink so much he wanted to be buried with a large supply of tea leaves so he could drink it in the afterlife. Archaeologists discovered the huge stash of tea buds or tips - in one of the burial pits that surrounded the mausoleum built for the emperor and his wife in Xi'an, Sha'anxi Province, China. Writing in the journal Scientific Reports, Dr Houyuan Lu, an archaeologist with the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, and his colleagues described also finding similar tea remains in a tomb in Tibet. They said this also dates to around 200AD, which is the earliest indication tea was being transported along, and traded on, what later became known as the Silk Road. Advertisement One end of the sticks were wrapped with cloth, which was then used to clean faeces from around the anus. Using a microscope, the researchers analysed the faeces and found eggs for roundworm, whipworm, tapeworm and Chinese river fluke. Chinese liver fluke, which can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, jaundice and liver cancer, requires water-logged, marshy areas to complete its lifecycle. Sitting on the edge of the Talkamakan desert, Xuanquanzhi would have been too dry to allow this parasite to breed and spread. Instead, the closest area it could have come from is at least 953 miles away and the speices is most common in the Guandong Province, which is 1,242 miles away. Dr Mitchell said: 'Finding evidence for this species in the latrine indicates that a traveller had come here from a region of China with plenty of water, where the parasite was endemic. 'This proves for the first time that travellers along the Silk Road really were responsible for the spread of infectious disease along this route in the past.' The latrine was first excavated in 1992 by Chinese archaeologists. Dr Mitchell said that after 2,000 years most of the faeces had decomposed but they were able to find small samples that had dried onto the cloth of the personal hygiene sticks. He told MailOnline: 'Our finding of the long distance movement of people with Chinese liver fluke along the Silk Road shows that the route did act as a vector for the transfer of infected people. This means we can now be much more confident that travellers on the Silk Road were bringing more than silk and other trade goods with them. The ruins at Xuanquanzhi (pictured) were once a waystation on the Silk Road, providing travellers a place to rest, get fresh horses and pick up supplies before continuing their journey to the west Xuanquanzhi would have been a key point to stop for travellers on the Silk Road trading route (shown on the map above) 'They were likely taking many other infectious diseases with them too.' He said that the Silk Road likely saw the spread of many different diseases as travellers passed along it. He said: 'The Silk Road was clearly a slow speed version compared with modern travel options, but for its time is was the fastest route to undertake intercontinental travel. 'The parasitic worm Chinese liver fluke, which we found in the study, can only be endemic in eastern and southern China and Korea as it needs water snails and fish to complete its life cycle. 'That means this infected traveller could not have spread it to Europe, for example. 'However, other diseases that can be spread directly from one human to another - such as bubonic plague, leprosy, and anthrax - could potentially also be spread along the Silk Road and infect new populations who had not previously been exposed to those diseases. The personal hygiene sticks were wrapped in cloth (pictured) and used to clean faeces from the backside after using the latrine. The researchers studied the preserved faeces on the sticks to look for parasite eggs 'In a way, the Silk Road moved diseases between continents.' Scientists have long suspected that global trade routes like the Silk Road may have played a role in the spread of diseases such as the bubonic plague, anthrax and leprosy. But the new study provides the first hard evidence that the Silk Road was allowing diseases to spread over vast distances even in its earliest days. Dr Hui-Yuan Yeh, an archaeologist at the Gansu Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology in Lanzhou, China, who was a co-author on the study, said: 'When I first saw the Chinese liver fluke egg down the microscope I knew that we had made a momentous discovery. focused on 3 core themes of Harry Potter books: tolerance, resistance to authoritarianism and opposition to violence Harry Potter may be casting a spell on American voters. A new study suggests that those who have read the fantasy series are less likely to support the Republican nominee Donald Trump. Researchers believe this is because Trumps values oppose those of Harry Potter, making him appear more similar to Lord Voldemort than the mystical hero. Scroll down for video A new study suggests that those who have read the fantasy series are less likely to support the Republican nominee Donald Trump( left). Researchers believe this is because Trumps values oppose those of Harry Potter (right), making him more similar to Lord Voldemort than the mystical hero WHAT DID THE STUDY FIND? The University of Pennsylvania found that each Harry Potter book read lowered respondents' evaluations of Donald Trump by roughly 2-3 points on a 100 point scale. The data Mutz gathered also showed that each Harry Potter book read raised the person's evaluations of Muslims and homosexuals, two groups chosen to gauge the respondent's tolerance and respect for difference. Harry Potter appeared to encourage opposition to punitive policies -- gauged by responses to questions about the use of torture, killing terrorists, and support for the death penalty -- though the effect size was small. For example, Harry and his friends advocate for oppressed house-elves and oppose Lord Voldemort's quest for blood purity among wizards. The Harry Potter protagonists also work against authoritarian characters in the books. Advertisement To test the explanation for the Harry Potter effect, the University of Pennsylvania focused on the three core themes of J.K. Rowling's books: tolerance, resistance to authoritarianism and opposition to violence. And the results of this study were found to hold true even after controlling for party affiliation, age, gender, education, religion and other factors. With more than 450 million copies sold worldwide, Diana Mutz from the University of Pennsylvania and author of the study says the Harry Potter series that turned into a global phenomenon could be shaping political opinions of its readers. 'Because Trump's political views are widely viewed as opposed to the values espoused in the Harry Potter series, exposure to the Potter series may play an influential role in affecting how Americans respond to Donald Trump,' Mutz shares in the study. To conduct this study, Mutz surveyed 1,142 Americans in 2014 and then again in 2016, asking questions about their Harry Potter consumption, attitudes on issues such as waterboarding, the death penalty, treatment towards Muslims and gays and their feelings towards The Donald on a scale from zero to 100. Party affiliation did not affect the likelihood that a person had read the Harry Potter series, as an equal number of individuals from all parties have indulged in Rowling's books. The study found that each Harry Potter book read lowered respondents' evaluations of Donald Trump by roughly 2-3 points on a 100 point scale. 'This may seem small,' Mutz acknowledges, 'but for someone who has read all seven books, the total impact could lower their estimation of Trump by 18 points out of 100.' TRUMP VS POTTER: TRUMP'S MESSAGES THAT OPPOSE THE LESSONS IN HARRY POTTER Harry and his friends advocate for oppressed house-elves and oppose Lord Voldemort's quest for blood purity among wizards. Harry himself is of mixed wizard/muggle (non-wizard) ancestry. Trump, by contrast, has called for a temporary moratorium on Muslim immigration and made offensive comments about outgroups of all kinds, including women, Mexicans, Asians, and those with disabilities. Party affiliation did not affect the likelihood that a person had read the Harry Potter series, as an equal number of individuals from all parties have indulged in books. The study found that each Harry Potter book read lowered respondents' evaluations of Donald Trump by roughly 2-3 points on a 100 point scale The Harry Potter series promotes non-violent means of conflict resolution. While Voldemort is willing to kill many times, the books' protagonists consistently avoid unnecessary curses for killing, torture, or controlling others. Harry even saves the life of his Voldemort-aligned nemesis, Draco Malfoy. Trump, by contrast, has spoken widely about his fondness for waterboarding, and advocates the killing of terrorists' families as a means of deterrence. He has praised his followers' acts of violence against protesters at his rallies. The Harry Potter protagonists work against authoritarian characters in the books. 'As does Voldemort,' Mutz writes, 'Trump portrays himself as a strongman who can bend others to his will, be they the Chinese government or terrorists.' Advertisement 'The size of this effect is on par with the impact of party identification on attitudes toward gays and Muslims.' The data Mutz gathered also showed that each Harry Potter book read raised the person's evaluations of Muslims and homosexuals, two groups chosen to gauge the respondent's tolerance and respect for difference. The hero of the series is of mixed wizard/muggle (non-wizard) ancestry and Trump has called for a temporary ban on Muslim immigration in the US during his campaign. He has also made offensive comments about outgroups including women, Mexicans, Asians and those with disabilities. The data gathered also shows that Harry Potter appeared to encourage opposition to punitive policies -though the effect size was small. For example, Harry and his friends advocate for oppressed house-elves and oppose Lord Voldemort's quest for blood purity among wizards The data gathered also shows that Harry Potter appeared to encourage opposition to punitive policies -- gauged by responses to questions about the use of torture, killing terrorists, and support for the death penalty -- though the effect size was small. For example, Harry and his friends advocate for oppressed house-elves and oppose Lord Voldemort's quest for blood purity among wizards. The Harry Potter protagonists also work against authoritarian characters in the books. 'As does Voldemort,' Mutz writes, 'Trump portrays himself as a strongman who can bend others to his will, be they the Chinese government or terrorists.' Mutz took the study one step further and analyzed the viewership of Harry Potter movies, but found these did not predict Trump opposition. This may be because of pre-existing partisan patterns in movie viewing whereby Republicans were less likely to see the movies than Democrats. It's been a big year for the humanoid robot 'Pepper,' who recently landed a job in Pizza Hut locations in Asia, and announced a partnership with Honda's robot Asimo. Now, the ambitious bot can add life insurance sales to its resume as well. Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co will be deploying 100 Pepper robots across 80 branches in Japan to help out on the sales floor by 2017. Scroll down for video Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co will be deploying 100 Pepper robots across 80 branches in Japan to help out on the sales floor by 2017. It's been a big year for the humanoid robot, who recently landed a job in Pizza Hut locations in Asia, and announced a partnership with Honda's robot Asimo According to The Yomiuri Shimbun, Pepper will accompany employees and explain insurance products and services to customers. Along with this, the robot will interact with visitors at insurance seminars and accompany salespeople on promotional visits to other companies. The firm hopes Pepper will help to draw in more customers, and the plan is set to move into action by fiscal 2017. This is just the latest in a string of recent accomplishments for the robot, made by SoftBank Group Corp. Today, it was also revealed that automaker Honda Motor Co. and SoftBank said they will work together on artificial intelligence to develop products with sensors and cameras that can converse with drivers. Asimo, first shown in 1996, walks, runs, dances and grips things. Asimo (left), first shown in 1996, walks, runs, dances and grips things. Pepper (right), which went on sale last year, doesn't have legs but is programmed to recognize mood swings in people it interacts with. now the tech behind them will be combined. Earlier this month, Dailymail.com was given a rare interview with Pepper, the Japanese robot already working in several stores across Asia. In New York to help Mastercard launch its rebrand and a new mobile payment service, the machine answered several questions. 'I was named Pepper as I'm here to spice up your life, and my nickname is Pepperoni,' the robot then told us. Pepper also revealed it knows the three laws of robots, which include not harming humans, adding 'I think robots should love humans.' WILL ROBOTS TAKE YOUR JOB? As robots increasingly make their way into the workforce, some have argued that they will soon be taking over many traditionally human jobs. In an interview with Fox Business, former McDonalds USA CEO Ed Rensi argued that the $15/hour minimum wage raise will bring job loss like you cant believe. He argued that it would be cheaper for companies to instead purchase robotic devices. If you look at the robotic devices that are coming into the restaurant industry -- its cheaper to buy a $35,000 robotic arm than it is to hire an employee whos inefficient making $15 an hour bagging French fries, Rensi said. Foxconn, a supplier for Apple and Samsung, has already reduced its human workforce drastically, The South China Morning Post reports. One factory has now reduced employee strength from 110,000 to 50,000, thanks to the introduction of robots, an official told the Post. And, they predict more companies will soon follow, with up to 600 firms reporting similar plans in a government survey. Advertisement However, it also refused to answer whether it was looking to take our reporter's job, simply waving and saying goodbye at that point, cutting the interview short. Betty DeVita of Mastercard reveal the Pepper unit normally works in a Pizza restaurant. 'We've partnered with Pizza Hut in Asia to deliver a disruptive type of experience in a Pizza Hut store using Pepper the robot, AI and using his or her ability - and there's actually a debate about that, to understand how a consumer is feeling and guide them too menu choices and to eliminate the issues around payment. 'Masterpass is trying to eliminate the attention of the end of the transaction.' Just in case you feel queasy, there are sick bags waiting by the entrance A toilet-themed cafe where customers dine on meatballs floating in soup-filled latrines may not be everyone's idea of haute cuisine, but Indonesians are flocking to become privy to the latest lavatorial trend. Guests at the Jamban Cafe sit on upright toilets around a table where food is served in squat loos. On a recent visit to the venue, in Semarang on Java island, traditional Indonesian 'bakso' - a type of meatball - bobbed in a murky soup in one toilet, while a second contained a brightly-coloured, alcohol-free cocktail. Scroll down for video Customers enjoy a meal at the Jamban Cafe in the city of Semarang on Indonesia's Java island, a small eatery where a handful of diners sit on upright toilets around a table where food is served in two squat toilets Diners can try a traditional Indonesian 'bakso' - a type of meatball in a murky soup in one toilet, while a second contains a brightly-coloured, alcohol-free cocktail For those who found the whole experience too nauseating, there was a sick bag hanging by the entrance. Other places, such as Taiwan and Russia, are home to similar themed restaurants, but Indonesia's modest version has a key difference - it aims to educate people about sanitation and encourage the increased use of toilets. One customer Mukodas, 27, said: 'I was disgusted at first, but I eventually ate some of the food out of curiosity, 'I think the idea is pretty interesting because if you try to have a campaign without a gimmick like this, the information won't stick.' Jamban, which means toilet in Indonesian, has been open since April and currently only welcomes small groups who book ahead The cafe was created by a sanitation expert for education purposes to stress the importance of using a dedicated toilet and keeping it clean to prevent disease Another customer, 15-year-old Annisa Dhea, conceded she initially found the toilet treats 'a bit unappealing' but felt somewhat reassured after 'the owner told me that the food was clean and hygienic'. Jamban, which means toilet in Indonesian, has been open since April and currently only welcomes small groups who book ahead. Owner Budi Laksono, a public health expert who used to work for the local government, hosts discussions with customers and shows them videos as he seeks to encourage people to use dedicated facilities for their bodily functions. Millions of Indonesians live below the poverty line and the country has one of the world's highest rates of open defecation -- defecating outside and not in a designated toilet -- a practice blamed for spreading disease. Laksono, 52, said: 'This cafe serves as a reminder that many people in Indonesia still do not have toilets'. However he admitted that his unusual approach had sparked some controversy in the Muslim-majority country. He said: 'Many critics say the cafe is inappropriate and against Islamic law'. When most travellers check in at a hotel the only extras they need from the front desk are pillows or a wake-up call - but some requests are far more bizarre than that. In a new thread on Reddit, hotel workers have revealed the strangest or most amusing things guests have asked them to provide or do. One anonymous employee said a 'British rock star' asked them to 'fetch his trousers' off his bed for a tip, while others revealed they have sourced framed photos of celebrities, including David Bowie and JK Rowling. Anonymous hotel employees have revealed their strangest requests from guests on a new Reddit thread A TV wrapped in kitchen foil Reddit user DaveyDoes obliged when a guest had a very unusual request that related to the TV in her room. He wrote: 'I think the "strangest" was the woman (probably mid 50's) who came to the desk and asked me to go up and wrap her TV in aluminum foil. 'She thought it was haunted. I did it. She was "happy" the rest of her visit.' Framed pictures of celebrities Most people have a favourite celebrity - be it a rock star, actor or athlete - but some people take their obsession a little further than others. Multiple Reddit users said guests have asked them to bring framed photos of celebrities to their rooms. A user named krquire11 wrote: 'I guess the most interesting thing that someone has asked for is a framed photo of David Bowie to be in the room upon check-in.' Another user added: 'The most memorable was a guy who said he would only sleep in the room if we put a framed picture of J.K. Rowling in it.' User HazelJoanne wrote: 'The strangest I ever had was after a guest booked a room for himself and three other males, he asked for a picture of Carrot Top in a frame on each bedside table.' A hotel worker said a guest once asked them to put framed pictures of Carrot Top in their room (file photo) 'Fetch my trousers' Redditor nameisostrich worked at a Beverly Hills hotel that was a retreat for the rich and famous. They wrote: 'Used to work at a hotel in Beverly Hills and a British rock star gave me a 65 [$85] tip to "fetch [his] trousers" off the bed in the other room and bring them to him.' The user didn't name names, but said it was 'a much older rock star'. How big is the bathtub? User LostinGA was surprised by one guest's question. They wrote: 'I've been asked how many people will fit in the bathtub.' The person who asked the unusual question didn't explain why they wanted to know. The 'saddest' marriage proposal ever A user named CykaBlad1 once worked at a budget hotel off an interstate in the US, and fielded a request from a romantic who was planning to propose to his girlfriend. The user wrote: 'We had a reservation come in asking for housekeeping to spell out "will you marry me" with the peppermints they usually leave on the night stand for guests. 'I ordered the request but I felt bad for the lady getting proposed to in our roach motel.' A bag filled with drugs? Redditor ld43233 had to fetch a bag for a guest from their brand new supercar. But there was just one problem with it. They wrote: 'It was a leather gym just full of those super taped up blocks of (usually) drugs. Brought it to the rooms and got a $100 tips from a guy with eyes more bloodshot than the heartiest drunk. 'So yeah, I might have fetched a rich person their sack of party drugs.' Guests have asked for everything from a ban on balloons to a framed photo of JK Rowling (file photo) Spare room for a blood-covered man? A user named hv_19 used to work night reception for a budget hotel chain in the UK and was the only staff member on site. She wrote: 'I once had the police come in with a gentleman that was covered head to toe in his own blood and ask me to give him a room. 'I politely refused explaining that I was a young female (18) alone in the hotel and didn't want that responsibility. 'I wasn't privy to the circumstances, I just pointed them to the budget hotel across the street that had multiple staff working on a night shift.' Remove that 'devil' artwork Guests once asked a hotel worker, a Reddit user named TheDevilsFair, to remove some artwork 'because they thought it was a picture of the devil'. The user wrote: 'It was Beast from Beauty and the Beast. They are attached to the wall. I had to call maintenance and explain that the guest thought the Beast was the devil and to just detach and remove it until they checked out.' Hold the balloons The same Reddit user said the hotel she worked at accommodated a guest with a phobia of balloons. The user wrote: 'Obviously we couldn't control other guests buying balloons elsewhere, but upper management agreed to not give them out or display them while that one guest stayed (which I think is insane to withhold giving balloons because one adult woman was scared - the other 10000 people at the resort could have appreciated them).' 'A large trash can and multiple trash bags' Redditor symbioterabbit worked maintenance for a hotel chain and had to help a biker gang that had booked a block of rooms and a conference room. He wrote: 'I brought the trash can to the room and found 12 guys and no furniture other than the TV and stand. EasyJet has been named the most complained about airline by a leading flight compensation company. EUclaim has released internal data showing the most complained about British airlines for the first half of 2016 - but this has been disputed by some of the airlines involved. Budget carrier easyJet has seen the number of cases through EUclaim increase every year for the last three years. Unwanted accolade: EasyJet topped EUclaim's 2016 Carriers of Shame list for having the most complaints The airline also topped the EUclaim 'Carriers of Shame' list for the first half of 2016, with 5,641 claims being processed against it by the flight compensation company. The data reveals that the number of people seeking compensation against budget airline Ryanair has more than doubled in the last year. During the period January to June 2015, some 1,879 Ryanair passengers sought advice from EUclaim, but in the same period this year, that number more than doubled with 4,781 passengers getting in touch with the company to seek recompense for their delayed or cancelled flight. During the period January to June 2016, some 4,781 Ryanair passengers sought advice from EUclaim EasyJet received the highest number of compensation enquiries according to EUclaim's data The 'Carriers of Shame' list reveals for the first time how many claims EUclaim processed against each British airline in the first half of 2016. And passengers may be surprised to hear that it isn't just the budget carriers causing travel misery for customers. British Airways features in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and what is more, like Ryanair, the number of claims against the flagship British carrier has actually increased year on year. Not all airlines have fared so badly, with the leisure airlines doing better every year since 2013 despite low-cost airlines doing worse than ever. Monarch has been steadily improving its services, reducing the 2,599 claims made against it in 2014 to 2,001 in the same period in 2015. Monarch's services have improved so much that it has fallen out of the 2016 top 'Carriers of Shame' list completely. EUclaim has estimated that in 2016 airlines could owe a total of 699,667,500 in compensation due to delays of more than three hours and cancellations. Adeline Noorderhaven, UK Manager for EUclaim, said: 'The number of complaints in 2016 has been sky-high. 'It is likely that a prolonged period of bad weather toward the end of March, as well as a wash-out June played a part, but by far and away the biggest contributing factor has been the consistent strike action in France and Italy, which has led to flight misery for passengers as cancellations and delays shot through the roof. 'While strike action and bad weather can be considered extraordinary circumstances, airlines need to take more responsibility to ensure that customers are looked after and properly compensated for their loss. 'We are seeing that with the tight crew planning the airlines are not able to deal with these incidents and are allowing their whole rotation to be affected, sometimes even days after the incident.' Monarch has been steadily improving its services, reducing the 2,599 claims made against it in 2014 to 2,001 in the same period in 2015 A spokesperson for easyJet told MailOnline: 'Over the last few months the airline industry has seen unprecedented levels of disruption as a result of external factors like French ATC strikes and air traffic control congestion in the London area and in Europe. This has led to a larger than expected volume of claims for us to process. We will always pay compensation when it is due. 'EasyJet carries more UK passengers than any other airline listed by EU Claims. We also recommend that customers should apply to easyJet to receive all of their compensation without paying any fees to third parties. 'EasyJet's regulator, the CAA, has published two reports on the handling of EU 261 claims by the 15 largest airlines flying to and from the UK. In these reports, CAA confirmed easyJet was the only airline that was fully complying on paying compensation for technical faults and received a 'very good' rating for how we communicate with passengers during disruption.' And a spokesperson for Ryanair added: 'We do not believe any statements made by ambulance chasers like EUclaim, who charge excessive fees for the service they claim to provide, and whose 'internal data' is totally unsubstantiated. 'Given that Ryanair carried over 55million customers in the first half of 2016 even these disputed figures (Ryanair received just over 500 claims from this company which is an average of one for every 110,000 passengers carried) show just how satisfied Ryanair's customers have been with our low fares and great service in the first six months of 2016.' A spokesperson for Thomas Cook Airlines said: 'We've reduced long delays from four per cent to 0.5 per cent in just three years, and continually work hard to make sure our customers fly on their hard-earned holidays on time and in comfort.' Love was in the air - and on the menu - when an airline passenger found a sneaky way to propose to his girlfriend on a long-haul flight. Patrick Marsden popped the question and surprised his girlfriend, Molly Beucher, as they flew from Washington, DC, to Sao Paulo, Brazil, recently. United Airlines staff helped him pull it off as he played a starring role in a fake video about in-flight meals, making it a marriage proposal no one on board will ever forget. Molly Beucher (right, seated next to Patrick Marsden) thought she was watching a video on in-flight meals She began to laugh and covered her face, possibly catching on to Marsden's plan, as he appeared on screen Wanting to make it a memorable event, Marsden contacted the Chicago-based airline ahead of time and hatched the plan with staff. During the nine-hour flight cabin crew invited Beucher, an actress and writer, to watch a video on a tablet computer promoting new in-flight menu options. It seemed like an ordinary montage, with clips of food, wine and an interview with one of the airline's executive chefs, until Marsden appeared on screen. Beucher began to laugh and covered her face as her reaction was captured by a hidden camera. In the video, Marsden, surrounded by friends or family members, told Beucher he had a question to ask her Marsden pulled out a ring and asked Beucher to marry him as excited crew members looked on Marsden contacted the Chicago-based airline before the flight and asked for its help in the mile-high proposal In the video, Marsden, wearing a pilot's jacket, tells the camera: Oh, hello. As you might have worked out by now this isnt actually a video about your in-flight dining options. What it is, is a fairly elaborate way for me to ask you a question that Ive been wanting to ask you for quite some time. My future self, whos sitting right next to you, will take it from here. That's when Marsden pulled out a ring and asked Beucher to marry him. He slid the ring onto her finger before she could even say yes. United Airlines gave the couple a bottle of Champagne and has shared their story on its YouTube channel The couple, from the Los Angeles area, shared a kiss to the cheers and applause of crew and passengers The couple, who live in the Los Angeles area, shared a kiss to the cheers and applause of crew and passengers. Beucher, 29, told MailOnline Travel: I was so incredibly surprised seeing his face pop up on the screen. It was one of those moments where you're at a complete loss for words. I knew something was about to happen, but the shock of it all really slowed down my process of deductive reasoning, and my nervous laugh very quickly kicked in. In the extended version, Beuchers dad appears on screen and Marsden asks him if he can marry her. Beucher said: That moment was when it really hit me that this was a proposal and my nervous laughter dissolved into very happy crying. The couple are planning a wedding for the spring of 2017. Todd Traynor-Corey, United Airlines' managing director of food and beverage planning and design, helped set up the surprise proposal with the kitchen crew at Washington's Dulles International Airport and the flight's cabin crew. He said: 'We made sure that we had a nice bottle of Champagne to give them on board, and the flight attendants always do a wonderful job of making these experiences memorable for the customer.' A South Korean tourist sparked a bomb scare at a resort on Spain's Costa del Sol when she tied her suitcase to a bench and walked away. The incident sent panic through a busy tourist spot in the town of Nerja less than a week after the terror attack in the French seaside resort of Nice. Police officers evacuated and sealed off the area until they confirmed the bag did not contain any explosives. The tourist caused panic in the town of Nerja after she left her bag in the square near Balcon de Europa The holidaymaker was travelling alone when she visited Nerja on Tuesday, and wanted to take in the sights and get something to eat without having to drag her suitcase around. She decided to strap it to a bench on the square at Nerja's Balcon de Europa (Balcony of Europe), a rocky promontory with incredible views of Spain's southern coast and the sea. Within minutes a local resident had alerted police about an abandoned suitcase, The Local reported. Hundreds of people were forced to leave the tourist area while a bomb disposal unit examined the bag, which was deemed a suspicious package. A local official said the woman didn't want to drag her bag around as she took in the sights and got a bite to eat The embarrassed tourist soon approached police and told them the bag belonged to her and was not dangerous. A town spokesman told The Local: 'Of course, when you see a suitcase tied to a bench in a public area it is taken seriously. 'The police treated it as a suspicious package, possibly a suitcase packed with a bomb, and initiated the protocol in place for a terrorist threat. 'She was terribly apologetic and really embarrassed about the fuss she had caused.' A museum is to showcase a collection of bizarre items seized by customs officers - including a crocodile head ashtray. The hoard of smuggled items, such as a stuffed mongoose in the grip of a hungry snake and a parrot preserved in a jar of ethanol, are on long-term loan from HM Revenue and Customs. Leeds Discovery Centre, in West Yorkshire, will be showcasing the collection in an exclusive museum Twitter tour to educate people about animal welfare. Gemma Pollard, Site Development Officer for Leeds Museum Discovery Centre, with Green and Hawksbill turtles that have been seized from smugglers by HM Customs Stuffed Nile crocodiles that have been seized from smugglers Rebecca Machin, Leeds Museums and Galleries' curator of natural sciences, said: 'This is an extraordinary collection of objects and it paints a very vivid picture of the incredible array of items that people try to bring into the UK.' The collection also includes a selection of ivory carvings, turtle shells and rare butterflies. The items were seized as their owners breached laws around importing and keeping exotic species or animal products. Mrs Machin said: 'Whilst some of those people actively try to smuggle objects into the country, many others don't realise they could also be breaking the law when they return from holiday with turtle shells, carved ivory products or items made from animal skins.' A carved African girl made from elephant ivory that will go on display at the exhibition A box containing a stuffed mongoose in the grip of a hungry snake She continued: 'Buying these sort of tourist souvenirs encourages the exploitation of rare animals. 'It worsens the already precarious plight of endangered species worldwide, so the hope is that buy showcasing this collection, we can raise awareness of just how important it is that holidaymakers don't support that industry.' Councillor Brian Selby, Leeds City Council's lead member for museums and galleries, added: 'This is a colourful and exciting collection of objects which I'm sure will generate a lot of enthusiasm and interest on social media.' The tourism industry in Europe has been dealt a fresh new blow. Following a rise in terrorist-related incidents on the continent, Chinese holidaymakers are reportedly avoiding it as a destination. The attack on a train in Wuerzburg, Germany and the events on Bastille day in Nice are being blamed for the fresh wave of anxiety. The recent slew of terrorist attacks in Germany and France are putting Chinese tourists off visiting Europe Miss Zhu, a Chinese travel consultant based in Munich, Germany, told MailOnline Travel that she had observed a decrease in inbound Chinese tourists to Europe since the Paris terrorist attack last November. The 41-year-old said: Groups of tourists are cancelling their trips to Paris and now to the south of France. Zhu feels this concern has been exacerbated by the train axe attack in Bavaria on Monday which has also had a negative impact on bookings to Germany. She added: In Munich, now the locals would fear boarding a bus if there are Muslim passengers; and tourists are even more nervous when they are here. Paris, Berlin and other European cities could feel the pitch as it's been reported that travel has dropped by 20 per cent in comparison to the same time in 2015 She said typically the peak season for Chinese tourists travelling to Europe is June, July and August. She said she saw a 20 to 30 percent decrease in the sales figures for this years peak season, compared to last years. Zhu said: Now the popular destinations for Chinese tourists are northern and eastern Europe as well as Italy. Travel insurance company Squaremouth has reported that non-US holidaymakers have found Europe a less appealing destination this year and that more people were seeking insurance for Germany and France. The company said: 'So far this year, we've seen a 33 per cent decrease in these customers buying policies for travel to the United Kingdom. Spain has also seen a slight decrease (-3.5 per cent). Italy, the most popular European destination, has remained about the same, while France and Germany have grown.' Travel insurance company Squaremouth has reported that non-US holidaymakers have found Europe a less appealing destination this year and that more people were seeking insurance for Germany and France Though the fascination with Europe's history and culture still appeals to many, a lot of people are voicing concerns on Weibo, a popular China's social media site. One user called Qiuzouxi said: 'Since the refugee wave arrived in Europe we have the feeling that the terrorism won't stop. 'France, Germany - in future terrorism will spread to all of Europe.' Xu Xiaolei, marketing manager at China CYTS Tours told the Global Times: 'In general, the number of tourists travelling to the countries affected will decline for one to two months after such attacks.' Mr Xiaolei noted that in comparison to 2015 there has been a 20 per cent drop in travellers. He added: 'These unexpected events have led to increased uncertainty, which is seen as cancer for the tourism industry...everyone wants to know if they should cancel their trip to Paris, and whether it is safe to travel there.' He outlined how the company has had to introduce an emergency system to alert travellers to any incidents in their chosen destination and to help them cancel trips without any charges. Xu Xiaolei, marketing manager at China CYTS Tours said: 'These unexpected events have led to increased uncertainty, which is seen as cancer for the tourism industry...everyone wants to know if they should cancel their trip to Paris, and whether it is safe to travel there' The most recent terrorist episode on Monday by a 17-year-old Afghan refugee took place on a German train. Wielding an axe the attacker, who has been locally named as Muhammed Riyad, injured a family of tourists from Hong Kong. A married couple, their 26-year-old daughter and her 31-year-old boyfriend are now recovering at the University Hospital of Wuerzburg. The youngest member of the family managed to flee the scene unhurt. Chinese visitors to Nice were also swept up in the attack last week when terrorist Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel ploughed a lorry through the crowd on the French coastline during a Bastille day celebration, killing 84. Two Chinese tourists, Frank Xu,28, and Carina Xie were caught up in the Nice attack while honeymooning on the French Riviera. Speaking to Xiaolei's point, Xu told the China Daily: 'If we had known the attack had happened we would have cancelled our trip, definitely'. He continued: 'It's our honeymoon and France is a romantic place. We talked about the terrorism in Europe and thought maybe it's not happening anymore, so we came. But it's still happening - maybe we will choose a different place next time.' Earlier this year the Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese tourists were shunning Europe as a destination. According to travel industry data provider Forward Keys, travel to Europe was down by 5.4 per cent during the Lunar New Year, a popular time for Asian tourists to usually visit the continent. It's not that people weren't travelling, they were just picking different destinations, they reported. Two hawker stalls in Singapore have become the first ever to be awarded a coveted Michelin star, achieving an elite status enjoyed by the world's best restaurants and chefs, including Gordon Ramsay, Heston Blumenthal and Marcus Wareing. The stalls were celebrated along with high-end restaurants as Michelin released its first-ever dining guide for the food-obsessed island city-state. Michelin stars are usually associated with fancy plating and staggering prices, but the popular stalls - Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle and Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle - serve affordable meals that are priced under 3. The famous bak chor mee (minced pork noodles) from Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle in Singapore Michael Ellis (left), Michelin's international director, with Tang Chay Seng of the Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle Michelin listed 138 dining options in its Singapore guide, spanning 36 different cuisines. Twenty-nine restaurants received one, two or three stars. French chef Joel Robuchon, the world's most decorated Michelin-starred chef, added to his haul. His restaurant on Sentosa island - where diners pay upwards of 250 for a seven-course meal - was the only one to receive three stars. But Singapore is now home to the world's cheapest Michelin-starred meals thanks to the inclusion of the hawker stalls. Chan Han Meng of Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle accepts his Michelin star Diners pay just 1.10 for a plate of chicken rice from Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, at Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre, while a bowl of bak chor mee (minced pork noodles) from Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, in Crawford Lane, starts from 2.25. The hawker stalls will no doubt see an uptick in business in the weeks and months to come, but Tang Chay Seng, 70, who runs Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, doesn't intend to charge more for his food. 'I don't think I will be raising prices,' he told Today. 'I am happy to be put with all the expensive and French restaurants. But we are not the same at all, [you] can't compare.' Michael Ellis (centre), international director of the Michelin guides, presents the award for three Michelin stars to French chefs Michael Michaelidis (left) and Joel Robuchon of the eponymous Joel Robuchon restaurant He's been selling the same noodles for five decades, and customers are known to queue outside his stall for up to 60 minutes for a bowl of bak chor mee. The one-star category recognised Peranakan cuisine - which blends Chinese and Malay influences - for the first time ever. Sarah Jessica Parker nearly turned down Sex And The City because she was concerned about 'nudity and language issues.' The 51-year-old actress is now best known for her leading role as Carrie Bradshaw in the HBO series, which aired from 1998 to 2004. However, she almost didn't portray the newspaper columnist because she was worried about flashing too much flesh and being misunderstood. Scroll down for video 'Do it:' Sarah Jessica Parker opened up about how her agent Kevin Huvane had to convince her to take on the iconic role of Carrie Bradshaw in the HBO hit, Sex and the City (seen here in May) That was a close one: The 51-year-old actress shot to fame in her series that ran from 1998 to 2004 In an extract from James Andrew Miller's new book Powerhouse: The Untold Story of Hollywood's Creative Artists obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, she wrote: 'He [her agent Kevin Huvane] called me up and said, "Darren Star reached out to me." Adding: "'He's written this pilot [Sex And The City] and tells me he wrote it with you in mind - you were in his head when he was writing it. I'm going to send it to you. I've read it. I think it's really good. You should meet with him."' 'And I said, "Really? I feel like I've got it all right now." Owe it to Kevin: The mother-of-three revealed she was hesitant to take on the role because of nudity and language issues (the agent and client seen here in 2012) Iconic: SJP's agent, Kevin, told the actress that series creator Darren Star wrote the role with the star in mind "I can do a play, then do a movie, then do a play, then do a movie. There's a lot of flexibility. What could be better? Do I really want to go back to making a television series when I'm maybe held hostage signing a long-term contract?"' 'I met with Darren, and there were a couple of concerns that I had - like I really wasn't keen on doing nudity and language issues.' 'But Kevin continued to say to me, "This is different. You have never done anything like this before. No one's ever done a part like this. Do this."' The star was so close to Kevin she even used to stay at his house when she needed to be in Los Angeles for work. She added: 'I'm Kevin Huvane's oldest client. I'm not his oldest client, but I am his longest-term client. We've been together for 30 years and grew up in the business alongside each other. 'We lived together in New York. When I had to be in L.A. for work, Kevin said to me, "Live at my apartment!"' She is no doubt set to bring some dramas. So TOWIE new girl Amber Dowding ensured she made an impact as she began filming in Essex alongside her co-star boyfriend Chris Clark who was on-hand to lend support. The 22-year-old hairdresser made her debut scenes in the show on Wednesday night yet she became a fully fledged cast mate when she headed to The Sugar Hut for filming. Scroll down for video Up close: TOWIE new girl Amber Dowding ensured she made an impact as she began filming in Essex alongside her co-star boyfriend Chris Clark who was on-hand to lend support Amber was dressed to impress as she arrived at filming sporting a chic floral playsuit off-set with a bold fluorescent colour scheme. Shunning the favoured Essex sky-high heels, the blonde beauty instead opted for a pair of plain white sliders - yet she was undoubtedly set to transform shoes for filming. A huge Gucci carrier bag was perhaps the holdall of her shoe transformations, as she clutched both a leather tote bag and the designer carrier bag together. With her occupation, her tresses were naturally preened to perfection as they cascaded in bouncy blonde waves which appeared to be enhanced with extensions. Blonde beauty: The 22-year-old hairdresser made her debut scenes in the show on Wednesday night yet she became a fully fledged cast mate when she headed to The Sugar Hut for filming Eyes up! Chris couldn't help but give his girlfriend a cheeky look as she picked up her bag Stunner: With her occupation, her tresses were naturally preened to perfection as they cascaded in bouncy blonde waves which appeared to be enhanced with extensions Entering the cast as Chris' girlfriend meant the blonde beauty was not far from his side as she smooched the handsome star. Chris slicked his trademark shoulder tickling tresses into a small bun while going for a low-key ensemble with a black DSquared T-shirt and ripped denim shorts. He too opted for flip-flops as the duo were paying head to the heatwave sweeping the UK over the past week. Close: Entering the cast as Chris' girlfriend meant the blonde beauty was not far from his side as she smooched the handsome star Avoiding them? There was risk of an awkward run-in when Chris's former flame Courtney Green was also at the bash alongside her best pal Chloe Meadows Running in heels: Chloe towered over Courtney in a pair of sky high heels while both girls flashed their long legs in short shorts Amber previously spoke of their romance saying: 'Its going really well - theres a lot of pressure on whether or not were official but were seeing each other and seeing how it goes but from the way its going at the moment Im sure we will be.' There was risk of an awkward run-in when Chris's former flame Courtney Green was also at the bash alongside her best pal Chloe Meadows. Chloe towered over Courtney in a pair of sky high heels while both girls flashed their long legs in short shorts. Happy? Other stars heading behind the camera were fellow lovebirds Megan McKenna and Pete Wicks who looked gleeful to be together, complete with smug grins and loving gazes Stunner: Megan showed off her phenomenal figure in a skin-tight high-waisted black pencil skirt with an off-the-shoulder grey T-shirt with sky-high heels Other stars heading behind the camera were fellow lovebirds Megan McKenna and Pete Wicks who looked gleeful to be together, complete with smug grins and loving gazes. Megan showed off her phenomenal figure in a skin-tight high-waisted black pencil skirt with an off-the-shoulder grey T-shirt with sky-high heels. Pint-sized hunk Pete wore a black T-shirt undone to show his white vest underneath while he flashed his heavily tattooed skin through his ripped jeans. She appeared on The Biggest Loser back in 2006, managing to shed 30 kilograms during her time on the weight loss television show. And while the 33-year-old has gone on to maintain a healthy lifestyle and land an ambassador gig with dating website eHarmony, there was a time when she was told she wouldn't find love because of the way she looked. Speaking to Body & Soul, the blonde beauty opened up about a man she once liked, telling her she was 'too fat' to date, a 'soul shattering' comment which eventually convinced her to sign up for The Biggest Loser. Scroll down for video Reflecting on the past: The Biggest Loser's Fiona Falkiner has opened up about the time she was told she was 'too fat' to date, by a man she fancied 'I mean, that is a bloody outrageous thing to say,' she told the publication. 'It's mean, and I knew that but before the old me, while angry, might have held onto that insult which I did, I carried it with me. I felt ashamed about what he said but in actuality, he should have been the one who was ashamed.' Earlier this year, Fiona was announced as an ambassador for dating website eHarmony, and not long after, she revealed she was dating a special man. Now and then: The 'soul shattering' comment eventually convinced her to sign up for The Biggest Loser in 2006 (R), during which she shed 30 kilograms Earlier this year Fiona was announced as an ambassador for dating website eHarmony, and not long after, she revealed she was dating a special man Out and about: The blonde beauty was spotted holding hands with this man in Sydney in March 'The time I spend with him is really lovely and we've been doing really fun stuff,' she told Daily Mail Australia back in April. 'He's a restaurateur. One of my passions is food and I love checking out restaurants and stuff like that; so that's definitely something we have in common.' And proving the previous men in her life wrong once again, she was actually named in Maxim magazine's Hot 100 list last year. Weight loss story: During her time on the Channel Ten reality show, Fiona went from a size 20 to size 12 The TBL Families host ranked 22 in the men's magazine list, telling Instagram fans at the time that she was 'Still pinching myself for making the list, an absolute thrill'. Fiona started out on the Biggest Loser Australia in 2006 as a size 20. When she left in fourth place she was a curvy 12 and now shes back up to a healthy size 16. The plus-size model went on to work overseas, before returning to Australia to host The Biggest Loser's Families series. LBMC Technology Solutions, LLC has been named to Accounting Todays 2016 VAR 100 list. This is the sixth consecutive year the firm has received this recognition. Each year Accounting Today recognizes the top value added resellers (VAR) and technology consultants for continued and substantial revenue growth in the nation. The resulting list is a ranking of the top 100 companies to lead the way in the VAR marketplace and the product lines they carry. LBMC Technology Solutions was ranked 32 out of 100 firms in the 2016 VAR 100. We believe equipping CFOs and their staff with the right ERP software for their business is the key to empowering financial departments to help make insightful and strategic decisions for their company, said Stacy Schuettler, president, LBMC Technology Solutions, LLC. We are honored to be recognized on a national scale for our efforts in helping our clients use the tools available to become thought leaders in their organizations. LBMC Technology Solutions installs, implements, integrates, and supports Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics GP, and Microsoft Dynamics SL ERP software for a variety of industries including health care, professional services, manufacturing, government, not-for-profit, insurance, and utilities. Despite rumours over the years of in-house feuding, the Today Show cast have always put on a united front. And on Thursday, Richard Wilkins, Sylvia Jeffreys and Peter and Karl Stefanovic, took things a notch further as they posed for a fun snap captioned: 'Group hug!' The cringeworthy post came moments after Karl hilariously reacted to his future sister-in-law Sylvia's engagement ring given to her by his younger brother Peter. Scroll down for video 'Group hug!' Richard Wilkins (L), Peter and Karl Stefanovic and Sylvia Jeffreys (R), embraced for a sweet snap that was shared to the Channel Nine Today Show's Instagram account on Thursday 'Group hug! ', the Today Show captioned the snap shared with their 176,000 Instagram followers. There was no denying the camaraderie between the four Channel Nine presenters as they were seen wrapping their arms around one another and pulling a cheesy grin for the camera. While the men looked smart in black suit jackets, crisp white shirts and narrow ties, Sylvia, 30, cut a chic figure in a form-fitting grey frock with embellished detailing. Missing from the shot was Lisa Wilkinson who co-hosts the breakfast program alongside Karl. Must-watch: The loved-up post came moments after Karl hilariously reacted to future sister-in-law Sylvia's engagement ring given to the bubbly blonde by younger brother Peter The sweet embrace was posted to the Channel Nine show's Instagram following the live segment which saw larrikin Karl react hilariously to the prized engagement bling on Sylvia's finger. Karl returned from a recent assignment in France and did not hold back on closer inspection of the sparkling bauble. 'I can hardly see it', the 41-year-old joked as he strained through his glasses. 'God it's cheap. Isn't he paid, right? I can't even see that thing', he added. All in good fun: Karl returned from a recent assignment in France and did not hold back on closer inspection of the sparkling bauble Not holding back: 'God it's cheap. Isn't he paid right? I can't even see that thing', he added while referring to younger brother Peter Peter, 34, popped the question to Sylvia Jeffreys, 30, in France while holidaying in Europe. The bubbly blonde presenter shared on the morning show earlier in the week, that her beau worked alongside Nader Jewellers in Sydney to create the perfect sized bling. 'So thank you to [jeweller] Patrick Nader and thank you to Pete!', she said. 'Because it's exquisite, and I can't believe that it's on my finger. I would have accepted a burger ring from Pete, and it would have been a yes', Sylvia continued. To come up with the perfect bauble, Peter and Patrick of Nader Jewellers took to Sylvia's Instagram to determine the perfect design that would suit her fingers. Blushing bride-to-be: The bubbly blonde presenter couldn't hide her excitement over the engagement news Sparkly stunner: Sylvia made sure to show off her enormous diamond engagement ring in an earlier episode, which was purchased by Peter from Sydney's Nader Jewellers Sylvia beamed with pride while flaunting the large, expensive-looking accessory on Monday's show. Speaking of the proposal in France, Sylvia told her colleagues: '(It was) completely by surprise to be honest! He got me alright'. She added: 'Thank goodness he didn't propose to me at the Euro 2016 Game. It would have been a rejection I think!' 'It was completely by surprise!' Last week, Sylvia revealed that she and Peter got engaged in France Meanwhile, Sylvia could hardly stop smiling as co-host Lisa Wilkinson encouraged her to flaunt her stunning engagement ring for the cameras. Looking happier than ever, the Brisbane-born TV personality was particularly pleased with the decision her fiance made. A week prior, Sylvia revealed on Instagram she was engaged to Channel Nine journalist Peter. Wedding bells! The glowing expression on Sylvia's face left no doubt that she was pleased with Peter's choice The genetically-blessed couple had been travelling around France and Italy and got engaged 'a couple of weeks ago', but postponed the announcement. When Lisa heard her younger protege's good news, she was almost reduced to tears of happiness. She said: 'I'll tell you why everyone's so excited Sylvia. You are an extraordinary woman and Pete is an absolutely beautiful man. 'And from the very first moment that people started hearing that you two were an item, everyone just said, "Of course". Support: When Lisa Wilkinson (centre) heard her younger protege's good news, she was almost reduced to tears of happiness. Lisa's husband Peter Fitzsimons (R) joined in on the sweet snap 'You guys are absolutely meant to be together and we're just... we couldn't be happier. I've got tears in my eyes, I'm so excited for you'. Peter and Sylvia began dating in late 2013 after co-hosting the weekend edition of Today as summer replacements for the regular panel. The early months of their relationship were long distance as Peter travelled overseas as a foreign correspondent for the Nine Network. She recently revealed in a shock confession she'd been previously married at the tender age of 18 ahead of her journey on The Bachelor Australia. But Megan Marx says she has 'no regrets' about her past relationship ahead of her attempts to woo Richie Strahan. Speaking with OK! magazine in an article published on Thursday, the 27-year-old said it was a 'good relationship' and she's learned a lot from it. Scroll down for video 'We were very young and lost in love': The Bachelor's Megan Marx says she has 'no regrets' about being married at 18 'There are no regrets,' she said. 'It was a good relationship. We were very young and lost in love, but I've come out knowing more of what I want.' She also added enthusiastically: 'I've love to be married again!' Megan's father Ross Upchurch recently revealed to Daily Mail Australia that his daughter 'was married. That didn't work out.' 'I really felt that we hit it off': Richie felt an instant connection with Megan upon their first meeting The look of love? Megan, who also uses the surname Upchurch, left a good first impression on Richie Strahan in a promo clip for the new series of The Bachelor He clarified that Megan and her former husband 'were together for about six or seven years'. 'She was 18 when she married. I would have liked her to wait a little longer, but they seemed like a good match at the time,' he concluded. Ross said that his daughter is 'a happy, fun-loving girl' and claimed she is 'doing well and enjoying the opportunity' of being on The Bachelor. Globetrotter: Megan confirmed on social media that she has spent time living in the UK. Pictured in England The lucky ladies: 22 women from across Australia will by vying for Richie Strahan's heart 'We're very proud of her, she's a lovely girl' he said. 'She's got a great relationship with her family.' Megan currently works as regional education officer for Cancer Council WA, which sees her educate communities on how to live healthier lives. The Bachelor Season 4 begins on Wednesday July 27 at 7.30pm on Network Ten. She headed down to London this week for her first candid interview about her pregnancy. And after a whirlwind few days in the capital, Stephanie Davis looked happy to be home on Wednesday as she caught the train back to Liverpool. The mum-to-be showed off her growing bump in a pretty print dress, after speaking out this week about her 'toxic' relationship with her ex Jeremy McConnell and her excitement at expecting her first child. Scroll down for video Homeward bound: After a whirlwind few days in the capital, Stephanie Davis looked happy to be home on Wednesday as she caught the train back to LIverpool The Celebrity Big Brother star dressed for the heatwave in her pretty frock. The printed number was belted at the waist to emphasise her pregnancy shape, while it featured a low neckline. Stephanie added a pair of ankle-strap heels, and carried a chic bag over her arm while wheeling her suitcase along the platform. She kept cool in the heat by pulling her dark locks up up into a voluminous up do. Looking gorgeous: The mum-to-be showed off her growing bump in a pretty print dress as she wheeled her suitcase into the station Stephanie later took to Instagram to share a cosy snap of herself back home and in her pyjamas, telling her followers: 'Time to relax after a fab few days in London, pj pants as high as ever just how I like em comfy ha... Film, and cuddles now can't wait for a lie in tomorrow after a lush sleep rolling aroundxxx'. The star later added another post, a thinly veiled message about her past romance with CBB co-star Jeremy, which read: 'Trust me she knew who she was dancing with the entire time. She just always chose to see the good in everyone and everything. I personally don't think she should or could ever change that about herself. It's possible her energy could even bring the good out of the devil.' Summer style: The printed number was belted at the waist to emphasise her pregnancy shape, while it featured a low neckline While down in London, Steph appeared on Loose Women, where she spoke candidly about her pregnancy. The actress admitted she sobbed on her 'hands and knees' after telling her ex she was pregnant and questioned bringing the child into such a 'toxic relationship'. Stephanie - who met Jeremy whilst on Celebrity Big Brother in January - admitted that after falling pregnant whilst on holiday in Cape Verde, her relationship with him became increasingly traumatic. Kicking back: Stephanie later took to Instagram to share a cosy snap of herself back home and in her pyjamas, telling her followers: 'Time to relax' And following a series of vile phone calls, in which she rowed extensively with the Irish model, 26, she revealed that she broke down on her bedroom floor and considered an abortion. 'At one point I broke down and I was on my hands and knees and I couldnt take anymore,' explained Stephanie fighting back tears.'I thought he was going to save me from my past but he turned out to be just the same. 'I just lost it and I thought I'm living the same nightmare. I thought to myself it wasnt fair to bring this baby into such a toxic relationship.' Making her point: The star later added another post, a thinly veiled message about her past romance with CBB co-star Jeremy McConnell Casting her mind back to how the baby was conceived, she conceded: 'Looking at it now - outside the situation - it wasn't the right thing to do considering the relationship and what was going on. 'But, it just kind of happened... And it was a bit of a shock, because I never would have got pregnant if i thought I was going to go it alone.' MailOnline has contacted a representative of Jeremy's for comment. Revealing all: While down in London, Steph appeared on Loose Women, where she spoke candidly about her pregnancy She travelled across the country for a shot at love with The Bachelors Ritchie Strahan. But as she tries to make a new start on her love life, contestant Nikki Gogans mind is on her little sister Dani, 27, back home in Northam, WA, whom he has been missing while filming in Sydney. The 28-year-old told OK! magazine the siblings shared the heartbreak of Danis boyfriend dying in a mining accident when she was just 19. Scroll down for video Close sisters: The Bachelor contestant Nikki Gogans (right) mind is on her little sister Dani (left), 27, back home in Northam, WA, who she admits struggling to be away from while filming in Sydney Hed been in our lives for nearly five years and was very much part of the family, she told OK! magazine. It was heartbreaking for me as I watched my sisters life fall apart in front of my eyes. Fortunately, the younger Gogans story looks set to have a happy ending as she became engaged to fiance Clayton Robinson, 32, last December. Tragic past: The 28-year-old (right) revealed they shared the heartbreak of Danis boyfriend dying in a mining accident when she was just 19 Best friends: Dani (right) frequently refers to her big sister as her favourite and best friend, and gave a gushing tribute on social media for her 26th birthday Nikki signed up to The Bachelor just a few months later, perhaps inspired by her sisters happiness, after breaking up with her boyfriend of 12 years last May. The sisters are both heavily involved in the horse racing social scene, with Nikki serving as WA Country Cups ambassador last year until she joined the reality show. They are frequently pictured together at race days, both in Northam and Perth, and have been on outfit judging panels together. Happy ending: Fortunately, the younger Gogans story looks set to have a happy ending as she became engaged to fiance Clayton Robinson (right), 32, last December Dani frequently refers to her big sister as her favourite and best friend, and gave a gushing tribute on social media for her 26th birthday. Wishing my kind, caring, always smiling, driven, hallmark card writing, loving and supportive, can't cook to save herself sister the happiest of birthdays! she wrote. Enjoy your very special day, I cannot wait to celebrate and smother you with birthday love when you get home! Contender: Nikki looks to be a serious contender for Ritchies heart as they were snapped on a date together during the eight and final week of filming in April Nikki looks to be a serious contender for Ritchies heart as they were snapped on a date together during the eighth and final week of filming in April. It's also possible the 30-year-old rope access technician and the former real estate agent may have crossed paths in the past, as the pair share a mutual friend, radio presenter Alana McLean. Both Richie and Nikki have been featured in Perth-based Alana's social media snaps, and coincidentally enough, the two reality stars also hail from the Western Australian capital city. Mutual friend: The 30-year-old rope access technician (L) and 28-year-old real estate agent (R) may very well have crossed paths in the past, as the pair share mutual friend, radio presenter Alana McLean (pictured) Socialising: Alana is a radio presenter in Perth, the very same city Richie hails from In February, Alana shared a photo of herself standing next to Richie, the pair joined by a group of friends as they enjoyed a meal at Perth's Odyssea Beach Cafe. Meanwhile, Alana and Nikki have also become well acquainted through their involvement with horse racing. Richie and Nikki's common thread doesn't end there, as the pair both share a passion for the outdoors and animals; Nikki is an avid horse lover, whilst Richie has a soft spot for his dogs. Fashionista: Nikki, who hails from Northam in Western Australia, was named as the WA Country Cups ambassador last year - initially taking over the position from friend Alana Nikki and Richie both also enjoy attending race meets, and both have been seen working the Perth social scene on numerous occasions. While Richie sought fame during his tenure on The Bachelorette last year, Nikki also seems keen to boost her profile in media. The pretty country girl has experience in front of the camera, previously presenting a number of events and small hosting roles on television. Lots in common: The blonde real estate agent and Richie both hail from country towns in Western Australia Day job: Nikki was a real estate agentin Northam Set for fame: While Richie sought fame during his tenure on The Bachelorette last year, Nikki also seems keen to boost her profile in media She's the upbeat four-year-old Instagram star with more than 110,000 followers. But on Thursday, Pixie Curtis failed to crack a smile as her PR maven mother Roxy Jacenko attempted to take a selfie of the two them together. Looking restless in her Frozen-themed pyjamas, the flamed haired little one looked away from her mother with a less than impressed expression. Scroll down for video 'Such a morning person': Pixie Curtis failed to crack a smile as her PR maven mother Roxy Jacenko attempted to take a picture of the two of them on Thursday Meanwhile, Roxy happily posed and flashed the peace sign, while strategically showing off her latest designer threads in the snap, which appeared to had been taken in their bathroom. 'Such a morning person. Full of smiles, one liners and warmth!!!!!!' the 36-year-old mother-of-two cheekily captioned the picture. Minutes earlier, the director and founder of Sweaty Betty PR and The Ministry of Talent uploaded one of her signature elevator selfies. Elevator selfie: On the same day Roxy snapped a picture of herself wearing a khaki Balmain blazer teamed with a chic black Christian Dior dress, which billowed outward and finished before her knees Say cheese: Roxy and her Instagram star daughter couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces as they recently posed for a selfie in the lift Roxy snapped a picture of herself wearing a khaki Balmain blazer teamed with a chic black Christian Dior dress, which billowed outward and finished before her knees. She finished off her stylish look with a pair of strappy heels and a black Hermes Birkin bag slung over one arm. The mother-of-two wore her blonde tresses out and in waves, and opted for a natural palette of make-up to highlight her striking features. Sentenced: Roxy's husband Oliver Curtis was sentenced to two years in prison for insider trading earlier this month The selfies come just days after Roxy revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Only three weeks previously, her husband Oliver Curtis was sentenced to two years in prison for insider trading. She spoke of her regret at having not been more 'vigilant' knowing her mother Doreen Jacenko suffered from breast cancer 10 years ago. 'I should have known better,' she told The Sun-Herald. 'I should have done routine mammograms knowing that my mum had suffered from breast cancer - but I didn't, I just thought, 'I'll worry about that when I'm 40 plus.'' Health scare: Roxy recently revealed she is suffering from breast cancer after finding a lump on her left breast She has already undergone two biopsies but no further details regarding her condition have been made public. With Oliver behind bars, Roxy told Daily Mail Australia that having her mother's support as she tries to overcome her struggles has been a blessing. 'Having my mum by my side who has suffered breast cancer and a mastectomy and come through fighting fit also makes things easier,' she said. 'Fear isn't an option, I have my Pixie and Hunter to look after so a clear mind and a proper plan of attack to get over this is the only thing that I think about.' Roxy has also begun raising funds for the Breast Cancer Network Australia in partnership with her daughter Pixie's company, Pixie Bows. The mother and daughter duo are selling pink bows with 50 percent of the proceeds going to the no-for-profit network. Nicollette Sheridan has filed for divorce from Aaron Phypers after secretly tying the knot six months ago, TMZ is reporting. The news comes as a double surprise as the 52-year-old former Desperate Housewives star had said nothing about marrying her younger Canadian-born beau. The couple called it quits on the marriage five months after saying 'I do' and separated a month ago, according to legal documents obtained by TMZ. Scroll down for video Double surprise: Nicollette Sheridan has filed for divorce from Aaron Phypers six months after tying the knot in a hush hush wedding, according to TMZ; the couple was pictured on January 8 at the TCAs in Pasadena, CA Nicollette - whose assets are valued at $18 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth - has asked the court to deny Aaron spousal support should he wish to put in a claim. E! News also reported Nicollette had filed for divorce six months after a hush hush wedding. The blonde beauty had been spotted wearing a big diamond ring at an event the two attended in January. Nicollette clung to Aaron's arm while posing for the cameras at the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Winter 2016 TCA Press Tour in Pasadena, California on January 8. Hands off: The 52-year-old former Desperate Housewives star - pictured on April 1 - has asked the court to deny Aaron spousal support should he wish to put in a claim, TMZ reported Wedding fever: Nicollette was seen wearing a diamond ring in early January at the TCAs event The couple began dating around December 2014 and were often seen hanging out together with Nicollette's Golden Retriever dog Oliver. This will be the second divorce for Nicollette, who was previously wed to actor Harry Hamlin for two years before their split in 1993. Nicollette became a household name playing Edie Britt on Desperate Housewives between 2004 and 2009. In 2010, Nicollette filed a $20 million lawsuit against Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry and ABC, alleging wrongful termination by the network and assault by Marc. Her claims against Marc were thrown out by a judge in 2011, but the case against ABC proceeded in 2012 and ended in a mistrial. Judges eventually determined that Nicollette would not be allowed to continue her lawsuit against ABC. She's been continuing her gruelling workouts since she got back to Australia a week ago from her overseas holiday. And on Wednesday, the Biggest Loser Australia host and former contestant Fiona Falkiner opted for a boost by getting an IV vitamin drip in Sydney. The 33-year-old reclined in a lounge chair as she received the infusion, sharing a picture to Instagram. Scroll down for video Hooked to the drip: The Biggest Loser Australia host and former contestant Fiona Falkiner opted for a spot of rejuvenation, getting an IV vitamin drip in Sydney Wearing a grey knitted jumper and singlet top, she wore hair in a top knot. Showing off a golden tan, she wears makeup including eye liner and mascara. Fiona captioned the image: 'Just hanging out in the drip and chill lounge on this rainy night getting an intravenous vitamin infusion @faceplusmedispa to reboot and energise.' Working up a sweat: She's been continuing her gruelling workouts since she got back to Australia a week ago from her overseas holiday She added to her fans in the comments, that it was her first time getting the treatment. According to Face Plus Medi Spa's website, the drip features 'a potent bespoke blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.' Apparently it can help with dehydration, jet lag and cell renewal. It comes after she returned from an extended holiday, where she traveled to countries including America, Greece, and England. She appeared on The Biggest Loser back in 2006, managing to shed 30 kilograms during her time on the weight loss television show. Bikini babe: It comes after she returned from an extended holiday, where she traveled to countries including America, Greece, and England Her fitness journey: She appeared on The Biggest Loser back in 2006, managing to shed 30 kilograms during her time on the weight loss television show And while she has gone on to maintain a healthy lifestyle and land an ambassador gig with dating website eHarmony, there was a time when she was told she wouldn't find love because of the way she looked. Speaking to Body & Soul, the blonde beauty opened up about a man she once liked, telling her she was 'too fat' to date, a 'soul shattering' comment which eventually convinced her to sign up for The Biggest Loser. 'I mean, that is a bloody outrageous thing to say,' she told the publication. 'It's mean, and I knew that but before the old me, while angry, might have held onto that insult which I did, I carried it with me. I felt ashamed about what he said but in actuality, he should have been the one who was ashamed.' Earlier this year Fiona was announced as an ambassador for dating website eHarmony, and not long after, she revealed she was dating a special man. It looks like Channel Ten is bringing in its Gold-Logie winning star power for next week's episode of Offspring. Waleed Aly and Carrie Bickmore appear in the latest promotional clip, but don't need to draw upon too many acting skills as they are essentially playing themselves. The video shows Asher Keddie's character Nina Proudman appearing on The Project, in what is a publicity stunt organised by the obstetrician's employer, St Francis Hospital. Scroll down for video Quite a Project! Asher Keddie's Offspring character is seen appearing on The Project in a promo for next week's episode, appearing on the panel alongside real-life host Waleed Aly One of the nurses seems to have been filmed mucking around at the hospital, and after the video is leaked, the hospital needs to go into damage control. New Crisis and Culture manager Harry Crewe, played by Alexander England, is brought in to smooth the situation, and he has quite a bold idea to give the scandal a positive spin. 'First step will be to issue a statement to the media as soon as possible,' the newcomer is seen telling Nina, who became the face of the hospital in this week's episode. 'We've arranged for you to appear on The Project tonight.' The whole team is there: Co-host Carrie is seen smiling and being her jovial self, while fellow presenter Peter Helliar also makes a quick appearance No doubt mother-of-one Nina is very mortified, but of course obliges to her employer's request and heads to the sophisticated television set. As crew members attend to her hair and microphone for the panel appearance, Nina is seen looking nervously towards Waleed, whose full attention is directed towards a set of notes he is holding. Meanwhile, his co-host Carrie is seen smiling and being her jovial self, while fellow presenter Peter Helliar also makes a quick appearance. Damage control: The video shows Nina appearing on The Project, in what is a publicity stunt organised by the St Francis Hospital's new Crisis and Culture manager Harry Crewe, played by Alexander England Nina may want her stint on The Project to fly under the radar, but that is unlikely if her older sister Billie has anything to do with it. The confident brunette, played by Kat Stewart, is seen frantically dialling on her phone in a bid to inform the whole family about the segment. The Offspring episode, airing at 9:10pm on Channel Ten next week, will follow the first episode of the highly anticipated new series of The Bachelor Australia starring Richie Strahan. Manu Feildel is set to take viewers on a culinary voyage around the world in an exciting new cooking show on Channel Seven. Having been inspired by French writer Jules Verne, the My Kitchen Rules host and judge is set to recreate character Phileas Fogg's journey in Around The World In 80 Days. Similar to the 1873 novel, the 41-year-old celebrity chef will have a strict budget of $20,000 for 30 days, funding himself through busking, cleaning dishes or cooking should his money run out. Scroll down for video Out of the frying pan and onto a plane! MKR's Manu Feildel set to take viewers on a culinary voyage around the world in his brand new cooking series 'The idea came about 15 years ago, long before I ever dreamed of being on TV,' he said in a statement. 'I used to daydream of creating a show similar to the book Around The World In 80 Days, but doing it as a culinary voyage. 'I wrote the first ideas for the show with a friend one night and have been constantly thinking of ways to make it happen.' Inspired: The My Kitchen Rules host and judge is set to recreate character Phileas Fogg's journey in Around The World In 80 Days (pictured with MKR co-host Pete Evans' The catch is Manu is not allowed to accept cash or free travel so as to continue his global gastronomic tour. Will he be able to do what Verns character achieved back in 1872? 'It was always a guessing game sticking to the budget as I never knew how much I would need in the next country,' says Manu. Globetrotter! His tour will kick off in London and will take him from Dover to Dubai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Los Angeles His tour will kick off in London and will take him from Dover to Dubai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Los Angeles. Manu is originally from Nantes in France, but moved to Australia in 1999. Around The World With Manu is set to hit Australian television following the network's coverage of the Rio Olympics in September. Hundreds of people were caught up in the horrifying terrorist attack in Nice last week when 84 people were killed during Bastille Day celebrations. The Block 2014 winner Chantelle Ford has revealed how close she came to potentially becoming one of the victims during her European holiday. The 33-year-old said she would have been on the street where the truck ploughed through the crowd if the rain hadnt changed her plans. Scroll down for video Close call: The Block 2014 winner Chantelle Ford has revealed how close she came to potentially becoming one of the victims during her European holiday We were heading to Nice on our scooter until we saw a chance of rain, so made a last minute decision to watch the fireworks 10mins down the road instead, she said. Of course we could have been closer and we are counting our blessings every day that we were not but I truly thought being this close would be different. It is still impossible to make any sense of it. Any of it, from any side. In the lengthy Instagram post next to a photo of a huge memorial for the victims, the former reality TV star also shared the story of her friend, a doctor whose five-year-old daughter lost her friend in the attack. Saved by the rain: The 33-year-old said she would have been on the street where the truck ploughed through the crowd if the rain hadnt changed her plans They performed 50 surgeries in one night. He has never seen anything like it (and to me clearly has PTSD as you would), yet it goes on all the time all around the world, she wrote. Chantelle then hit out at the perpetrators of the attack, and urged her followers to embrace love instead of hate but was cynical about whether that would happen. It's just so awful any person feels so much hurt and anger that their priority in life is to inflict it onto others in the most grotesque way possible, she wrote. Claim to fame: Chantelle won The Block in 2014 with then-boyfriend Steve ODonnell That we have money-hungry con artists that roam the world and take, take, take at any cost. But we also have a s**t-tonne of love, which is I guess why we hurt so much. Last night walking in Nice I saw a near punch-on between a driver and pedestrian. At all levels, how do we walk away from anger and hate? It has to stop, but it probably won't. The only thing I can think to do is harness my own anger and simmer down myself. My own anger is so petty. This world. Senseless. 'Instagram debut! I think he survived?' Chantelle has been travelling across France with a man who appeared to be her boyfriend, who she was pictured with on Instagram in Paris One of her Instagram followers commented with similar sentiments, reminding her that love conquers all. The cowards who commit these atrocities grow from fear, anger and hate, they do not know love and never will, they wrote. The world needs to show these so called humans that we are not afraid, we will never be afraid and that we will all unite through love that's the force they will never destroy. Infinite love and light to all the victims and their families. Chantelle replied saying what they had said was so true. 'You jelly?' On Wednesday she posted a photo of the pair sunbathing just outside Nice My sister always reminds me of that during hard times, especially if people are being deliberately hurtful It is easy to hate Easy to be negative in sad times, she continued. Digging deep and finding SOMETHING positive in bad times is hard - THAT is what takes brains and courage. That is the big win. Chantelle has been travelling across France with a man who appeared to be her boyfriend, who she was pictured with on Instagram in Paris and again just outside Nice. In the first picture, the millinery business owner seemed to confirm the relationship, writing the Instagram debut! I think he survived? The new love comes a year after she broke up with former flame Steve ODonnell last June, with whom she won The Block two years ago. Breakup: The new love comes a year after she broke up with former flame Steve last June In January she was romantically linked to French paparazzo Guillaume Gros, who is known as the Brad Pitt of Sydney paparazzi, though he played down the connection at the time. It is unclear whether the man Chantelle is holidaying with is Guillaume, though she does refer to him as Frenchie in their first picture together. On Wednesday she posted a photo of the pair sunbathing just outside Nice. For my Melbourne friends who are freezing, you will be happy to learn that just moments after this picture was taken, I was stung by a jellyfish. "You jelly?" has a whole new meaning! she wrote. Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Phillips announced that BASF-Polymer Drive and BASF-Lost Mound Drive in Chattanooga were chosen to receive the Governors Award of Excellence for Workplace Safety. "BASF-Polymer Drive and BASF-Lost Mound Drive have demonstrated a strong commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace," said Comm. Phillips, who presented the Governors Award of Excellence to the companies on Wednesday at the closing session of the Tennessee Safety and Health Congress in Nashville. The evaluation criteria for this award are challenging, and these companies have worked extremely hard to meet and exceed the standards the award requires. The Governors Award honors Tennessee employers and their employees who together have achieved a required number of hours worked without experiencing a lost workday or restricted duty case and have maintained total injury and illness incidence rates below the national average. The number of hours required is based on the size of the company. BASF-Polymer Drive has 49 employees involved in chemical manufacturing. The facility has qualified for the Governors Award by working more than 120,700 consecutive hours without a lost-time or restricted duty injury. BASF-Lost Mound Drive has 59 employees involved in chemical manufacturing. The facility has qualified for the Governors Award by working more than 200,900 consecutive hours without a lost-time or restricted duty injury. The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Safety Awards Program is designed to stimulate interest in accident prevention and to promote safety. The program recognizes manufacturing and construction firms throughout the state that achieve and maintain a safe and healthful workplace. To obtain an application or additional information on the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Safety Awards Program, contact the TOSHA office in Nashville at 800-325-9901 or 615-253-6890. Since the show first aired back in 2010, Offspring has explored protagonist Nina Proudman's eventful love life. And now viewers are set to meet yet another charming male character, that could potentially be the perfect man for Asher Keddie's onscreen persona. Australian actor Alexander England appears in the promotional clip for next week's episode, playing Harry Crewe, the new Crisis and Culture Manager at St Francis Hospital. Scroll down for video New guy: Australian actor Alexander England appears in the promotional clip for next week's Offspring episode, playing Harry Crewe, the new Crisis and Culture Manager at St Francis Hospital Wearing a crisp dark blazer over a white collared shirt, the bearded hunk looks quite the catch as he speaks to obstetrician Nina in the video. One of the nurses seems to have been filmed mucking around at the hospital, and after the video is leaked, the hospital needs to go into damage control. Alexander's character Harry is brought in to smooth the situation, and he has quite a bold idea to give the scandal a positive spin. 'First step will be to issue a statement to the media as soon as possible,' the newcomer is seen telling Nina, who became the face of the hospital in this week's episode. Will he be the one? Wearing a crisp dark blazer over a white collared shirt, the bearded hunk looks quite the catch as he speaks to obstetrician Nina in the video 'We've arranged for you to appear on The Project tonight.' The genetically blessed actor, who has starred in ABC's The Beautiful Lie and Channel Seven's Wild Boys, is no doubt excited to be a part of the popular drama. 'Offspring is so well loved and has a fierce fan base so I am excited to be part of that world,' Alexander said in a statement published in The Daily Telegraph. 'Harry enters the world of St. Francis as an outsider a gun for hire problem solver. He has his own agenda which is resolving an image issue at the hospital. That is how he comes into contact with Nina.' Racy: Harry's arrival on the show comes just two weeks after Asher Keddie was seen getting hot and heavy on screen with real-life husband Vincent Fantauzzo Mixing business with pleasure: There's also been some undeniable sexual tension between Dan Wyllie's character Dr Angus Freeman and Nina According to The Daily Telegraph, Offspring's creators have described Alexander's character as 'an arrogant 'Mr Fixit' who initially puts Nina off-side but say first impressions are not what they seem'. Harry's arrival on the show comes just two weeks after Asher Keddie was seen getting hot and heavy on screen with real-life husband Vincent Fantauzzo. Vincent, an artist by trade, made his Offspring debut in a cameo role during the episode, playing Franklin Swan, a friend of Nina's new half-brother Wil Bowen (TJ Power). In the scene, Nina met Franklin at a bar after she abandoned her date for the evening, Dr Angus Freeman. Recent ex: Patrick Brammall's character left the show earlier this season, after Nina dumped the male nurse Hearbroken: Leo's departure came after he expressed his belief that no man could ever measure up to Dr Patrick Reid, Nina's baby daddy played by Matt Le Nevez, who passed away after being hit by a car Speaking of Angus, there's undeniably some sexual tension between him and Nina, ever since male nurse Leo, played by Patrick Brammall, left the scene. Leo's departure came earlier this season, after he expressed his belief that no man could ever measure up to Dr Patrick Reid, Nina's baby daddy played by Matt Le Nevez, who passed away after being hit by a car. 'It's never mutual. A breakup is never mutual,' Leo told Nina about the pair's split. 'It wasn't mutual Nina. It was amicable, we've been ridiculously amicable ever since,' he said, before tearing up and confessing, 'But you still broke my heart'. Alarm bells: Nina sensed something wasn't quite right at the end of season four when she found Patrick on the side of the road after being hit by a car - he passed away in hospital shortly after Rebound: Following Patrick's tragic death, he started dating tradesman Thomas played by Ben Barrington, before discovering he was cheating on her 'I thought you were happy, but I don't think you can be happy Nina, not in the real world,' he then said. When Nina said she was happy with him, Leo hit back: 'Not happy enough obviously'. 'I was happy with Patrick,' Nina then said, making reference to her ex. It was at this moment that the penny dropped for both Nina and Leo, and there was no escaping the harsh truth. 'Were you though?' Leo keenly challenged Nina. Cougar fun: Nina also had a fling with young doctor Fraser King, played by Jay Ryan (L) 'Or are you happy with him now that you can control the fantasy? 'Maybe Patrick died before reality could catch up and pollute it all for you. So now, you can never find him boring, or get annoyed, he can never be dull, or say the wrong thing. Revealing the real reason behind his heartbreak, Leo then said: 'He lives on in your fantasy world as some sort of f*****g unassailable deity and no one can ever match him. He's lucky he died!' Following the on-screen anaesthetist's death in season four, Nina struck a romance with tradesman Thomas. And when the love turned sour following a cheating scandal, she found a spark with male nurse Leo. Nina's original love interest before Dr Patrick arrived on the scene was fellow medical practitioner, Dr Chris Havel, played by Don Hany. Sam Wood is known to gush about four things on social media - Snezana Markoski, her daughter Eve, his dog Hendrix and fitness. So, when these elements all came together in one sweet selfie, the former Bachelor took to Instagram on Thursday and quickly labelled it his 'favourite photo ever'. 'Snez and Eve have been reluctant to take H for a walk without me incase (sic) something happened to him. They know how much I love that dog. Scroll down for video 'This may just be my favourite photo ever!' Sam Woods gushes as his four favourite elements are combined into one selfie as Snezana Markoski and her daughter Eve take Sam's dog Hendrix for a walk 'Well, today it happened,' he revealed, alongside a selfie taken by the mother and daughter duo. The 35-year-old Macedonian beauty sported a T-shirt from Sam's gym's clothing range, which was partially covered by her long brunette locks as they fell across her shoulders. Eve wore a pink jacket with black leggings and colour c--ordinated trainers, along with a sporty high ponytail as she held tight to Hendrix's tan coloured leather look leash. 'Hendrix look at the camera,' Sam cheekily hash-tagged the shot. Pet pooch: The 35-year-old personal trainer has posted a number of snaps with his pet pooch Puppy love! Hendrix has been there for some of the couple's special moments since meeting on The Bachelor Snezana, who stole Sam's heart on the last season of The Bachelor, moved across to Melbourne from Perth with her ten-year-old daughter earlier this month - a year after they paired up on the show. And the loved-up couple appear blissful in their new family home in a loving shot posted by Sam to Instagram on Tuesday. The pair, who got engaged in December, are seen snuggling up on the plush sofa in their new Melbourne pad. Cuddle time: Sam and his bride-to-be appear blissful in their new family home, in a loving shot posted to Instagram on Monday Wearing a black long-sleeved top and grey jeans, the brunette beauty could be seen nestling in Sam's lap as the fitness instructor cradled her head and played with her hair. The 35-year-old trainer also opted for a casual look, wearing blue jeans and a fitted white T-shirt, which drew attention to his ripped muscles. The couple have been posting a stream of photos across social media since the big move, keeping their fans across their new life together in the luxury three-bedroom home they bought earlier this year. Wasting no time! Sam Wood has quickly jumped into stepdad mode and successfully braided Snezana's daughter's hair Stepdad duty: Sam Wood was seen doing the school run with his fiancee Snezana Markoski on her 11-year-old daughter's first day in Melbourne Sam seems to be relishing in his step-father duties and was even seen braiding Eve's hair before bedtime on her first night in the house. In a social media post Snezana praised her fiance for mastering the hair style, saying: 'Perfect Sunday night! @samjameswood on hair duty and killing it!' He was also seen doing the school run with Snezana and Eve on the 11-year-old's first day. Sam shared a family selfie of the trio sitting in the car before setting off for the new school. Happy family: Snez finally moved into her new family home with her fiance Sam Wood and her daughter Eve earlier this month 'And we're off to school! #firstday #melbourne #nervousmiles,' Sam captioned the image. Sam and Snezana purchased their new Melbourne home in January for a whopping $1.4million. The 35-year-old personal trainer announced the news that Snezana and Eve were moving to the house at the start of this month. He posted on Facebook: 'When you've spent all night cleaning the house as your fiance and her beautiful little girl are finally coming to live and you know it still isn't clean enough (sic)'. Making the move: The personal trainer announced the news that Snezana and Eve were moving to Melbourne earlier this month Excited: Sam wrote on Facebook: 'When you've spent all night cleaning the house as your fiance and her beautiful little girl are finally coming to live and you know it still isn't clean enough' Teresa Giudice is clearly still highly emotional over her husband's imprisonment as she stormed off Access Hollywood last week when asked about his potential deportation. Yet the star of The Real Housewives Of New Jersey was the image of happiness as she relaxed at the beach with friends and family in Lavallette, New Jersey. On Wednesday, the 44-year-old posted an Instagram photo of herself in a slinky one-piece, accompanied by two pals. Reliably flashy, she accessorized the swimsuit with a pair of red sunglasses and a striking yellow boogie board. Dames at sea: Teresa Giudice prepared to boogie board with two friends at a beach in Lavallette, New Jersey The mother of four's cleavage was covered with black netting, but the fabric was sheer enough to show off her ample endowments. A floral pattern flanked the netting, but the rest of the swimsuit was completely black. Giudice's beach-ready body is the product of a rigorous health regime she adopted during her own 11-month stint in jail, which ended last December. She and her husband of 16 years got consecutive sentences after pleading guilty to multiple counts of fraud. The arrangement allows their daughters to have at least one parent at home at a time. Family time: The mother of four sunned poolside with her two youngest daughters, Milania (left) and Audriana (right) While Joe serves his term, Teresa's able to grab some quality time with those daughters. On the same day as the beach picture, she posted a poolside Instagram photo with Audriana, born 2009, and Milania, born 2005. The Giudice patriarch, a native of Saronno, may be legally compelled to return to Italy after he completes his 41 months at the Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix. According to him, his family will join him in his country of citizenship if he has to leave America. As they enjoyed their summer vacation, however, the free members of the Giudice clan seemed determined to avoid thinking about possibly uprooting their lives. The Real Housewives of New Jersey airs on Bravo at 8/7c Sundays. She's usually all glammed up on the red carpet. But actress Sofia Vergara showed off her stylish everyday look while browsing Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills on Wednesday. The Modern Family star wore an off-the-shoulder white blouse by Faithfull the Brand as she shopped at the luxury department store. Scroll down for video Shopping trip: Sofia Vergara wore an off-the-shoulder white top as she indulged in some retail therapy at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills on Wednesday The 44-year-old looked relaxed and flashed a smile as she strolled back to her vehicle after indulging in some retail therapy. Sofia tucked her flowing top into distressed jeans, which she rolled up at the cuffs. The Colombian-born star added shiny platform sandals with gold ankle straps. All smiles: The Modern Family star flashed a smile as she left the upmarket department store The actress, who wed former True Blood star Joe Manganiello, 39, in November, wore her long brunette hair down over her shoulders. Sofia added oversized sunglasses and classic red lipstick. She matched her gold platforms with gold drop earrings, and slung a shiny gold handbag with a unique snakeskin strap over her shoulder. Golden touch: The Colombian-born star accessorized with gold platform sandals, drop earrings and bracelets, and a gold-and-snakeskin handbag In addition to her work on Modern Family, Sofia recently launched her new perfume, Tempting. And she celebrated her 44th birthday last week with a Italian lemon-themed party. Sofia shared some photos of the pretty party decorations on Instagram. 'When u cant go to Italy for ur bday bring it to youuu!!! Italian dinner,' she captioned a photo of herself cuddling up to Joe. 'Thanks everyone for the good wishes yesterday!' Birthday girl! Sofia shared some photos with fans on Instagram after celebrating her 44th birthday party with husband Joe Manganiello, right, and friends last week Samantha Harris' 26th birthday was on Wednesday but it seems it's turning into a week-long celebration for the gorgeous star. The Australian model took to her social media sites the next day to share various pictures of herself kicking back during a relaxing day out. It's also no doubt a special occasion for the beauty, who is celebrating her birthday with fiance Luke Hunt for the first time since he was released from prison after two years. Scroll down for video Tuck in! On Thursday, Samantha Harris enjoyed a pizza lunch date as she celebrated her 26th birthday with fiance Luke Hunt following his release from prison The first picture sees Samantha pose alongside her handsome beau before enjoying some refreshing cocktails and a single pizza. 'Birthday lunch,' the fashion model simply captioned the snap. She also added another image of herself holding onto a large bouquet of white roses, while looking glamorous in a chic white top and a grey skirt. Samantha appears to be wearing minimal makeup, letting her natural beauty take centre stage. Special occasion: In another picture, the model was seen holding onto a large bouquet of white roses, while looking glamorous in a chic white top and a grey skirt She received the flowers from her modelling agency, Chic Management. 'Feeling a bit special thanks to my lovely agency @chic_management always thinking of me such a lovely birthday surprise. Thank you,' she gushed. Her birthday this year marks the first time in two years that she has celebrated with her soon-to-be husband Luke Hunt. He was released from prison in May after serving two years behind bars. In 2014 he was sentenced to four years in prison over the death of Kenneth Lay, 78, in a car accident in 2012. Free: He was released from prison in May after serving two years behind bars Overcoming tragedy: In 2014 he was sentenced to four years in prison over the death of Kenneth Lay, 78, in a car accident in 2012 Luke pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, which caused the death of Kenneth Lay after it was revealed that he was driving at 95km/h in a 60km/h zone. On Monday, they were pictured shopping on Oxford Street and she said on Instagram that they were enjoying some 'pre birthday (sic) shopping.' The couple confirmed last month that the wedding is still on months after his release. 'Things are going very slowly, but surely,' she previously told The Daily Telegraph adding that she's thrilled to have Luke home.' 'It is great. Life has been really good.' The pair, who met at a Gold Coast shopping centre seven years ago, appear to be going strong despite having been apart since 2014. Details: Luke pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, which caused the death of Kenneth Lay after it was revealed that he was driving at 95km/h in a 60km/h zone The Star Trek Beyond premiere opened the Comic-Con International 2016 in San Diego, California on Wednesday but one star in particular was shining a little brighter than the rest. Zoe Saldana managed to sway attention her way as she arrived to the eagerly awaited event on the arm of her handsome husband Marco Perego. The 38-year-old actress was a virtual stunner in a pale blue embellished dress that allowed glimpses of skin thanks to a plunging back and sheer details in the front. Scroll down for video Virtual stunner: Zoe Saldana held court at the Star Trek Beyond premiere at Comic-Con International 2016 in San Diego, CA on Wednesday Isn't it romantic: The actress earned a kiss from her Italian artist husband Marco Perego at the event Marco, 37, couldn't resist giving her a smooch right there in front of everyone, and Zoe was obviously relishing every moment of it. Zoe snuggled up to the Italian-born artist with one hand wrapped around his waist and the other resting lightly on his bearded face. The couple, who celebrated three years of marriage last month, looked so in love as they put their affection for one another on display. Fire and ice: Zoe certainly simmered in her pale blue heavily embellished number that featured a rear plunge and sheer details in the front Date night: The 38-year-old actress was pleased to have her handsome husband as an escort No missing link here: The couple continued to put on an affectionate display Zoe's dress was a beauty, fitted from the low-cut bodice to where the hemline flared out to her shins. White ankle-strapped heels completed the pretty picture while Zoe's long dark hair was allowed to flow freely over her shoulders and down her bare back. Marco looked artistic needless to say in a dark suit and patterned dress shirt with no tie. Starry night: Zoe reprises her role at Uhura in the sci-fi adventure, which opens in US theatres on Friday Fanfare: The New Jersey-born actress was the cat's meow at this premiere Fighting spirit: Zoe shows her spirit as the beautiful and strong Lt. Uhura in Star Trek Beyond His shoulder-length locks were blonder than his full beard, which lent a roguish air to the overall picture. The couple were also celebrating Marco becoming a U.S. citizen on Tuesday, a process Zoe shared on her Instagram page. 'On our way to be sworn in as a US Citizen,' Zoe wrote. 'Marco has been dreaming about this moment for a long time. It was a process- as it should be, but we are finally here. We are aware it isn't as easy for many immigrants to obtain their citizenship, we say to them NEVER GIVE UP. 'Stay the course, America would not be what it is if not for the immigrants that come for better opportunities. We send love and good vibes to you all today.' Beam me up: Zoe clasped her Star Trek insignia pin while arriving to the event They got the power: The actress took a moment to pose with the film's director Justin Lin and producer J.J. Abrams Leading men: Chris Pine shared a laugh with co-stars John Cho and Karl Urban Kiss, kiss: Chris and John shared a man hug and kiss on the arrivals line It's love: Karl Urban smooched his sweetheart, actress Katee Sackhoff Classy twosome: Katie and Karl looked spectacular in black and blue Zoe enjoyed posing with Marco, but also mingled with the film's producer J.J. Abrams and director Justin Lin. While the film's Uhura was a definite attraction, another main draw was the movie's heartthrob Chris Pine, who plays Captain James T. Kirk. The actor had fun kidding around with co-star John Cho (Zulu) - both looking dapper in dark blue suits. Suave: Chris Pine had a regal air about him as he made his way down the red carpet They could be royals: Zachary Quinto took a brighter cue from true blue Zoe in his vivid suit with dotted shirt Stylish dudes: John Cho stopped to pose solo in his slick blue suit and fans were thrilled by Chris Pine and his blue suede shoes Man in the middle: John Cho seemed to be getting the brunt of the prank playing And the laughs go on: Whatever it was, it must have been really, really funny Chris, John and Karl Urban caught up on the arrivals line for a smiley photo op. Karl, who plays Dr 'Bones' MCoy, couldn't resist cuddling up to his sweetheart, actress Katie Sackhoff, at another point during arrivals. Serious moment: The handsome guys took a moment for a regal pose Casual Wednesday? The film's Idris Elba cooled off in shorts and white button-down shirt Tall matter: Simon Pegg, who is 5 ft 10 in, posed next to co-star Deep Roy So happy: Simon was definitely on a roll as he strolled the red carpet Fan favourite! Simon did the honours as he signed autographs for the crowd Katee was sheerly amazing in a black lacy get-up with three-quarter length sleeves and below-the-knee skirt. Sofia Boutella, who plays Jaylah in the sci-fi adventure, exuded tall elegance in a Champagne-hued embellished mini-dress and beige heels. Simon Pegg, who plays 'Scotty', sidled up next to Deep Roy, who plays Keenser. Elegant stance: Sofia Boutella, who plays Jaylah in the sci-fi adventure, exuded tall elegance in a Champagne-hued embellished mini-dress and beige heels Setting sun: The ladies posed together on the scenic red carpet Beautiful in blue: Xie Na looked shimmery in a blue pleated gown Ladies night: Shohreh Aghdashloo - who plays Commodore Paris in the movie - delighted in a monochrome ensemble Sultry: Katherine Castro showed off her figure in a pink and red-trimmed strapless frock that stopped below the knees Katherine Castro showed off her figure in a pink and red-trimmed strapless frock that stopped below the knees. Sadly, one star was not present - Anton Yelchin, who tragically died in what was called a freak accident on June 19 when his Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled down the driveway and crushed him against a brick pillar outside his Studio City, California residence. Meanwhile, Zoe and the rest of the cast were flown into San Diego aboard a special 'Star Trek' jet earlier on Wednesday. Family matters: The movie's director Justin Lin brought along the family to the star-studded event He's a Trekkie too: TV personality Adam Savage was clearly looking forward to seeing Star Trek Beyond 'To boldly go where no one has gone before': Eugene Wesley Roddenberry Jr - CEO of Roddenberry Entertainment - arrived to the Comic-Con premiere of Star Trek Beyond with his wife Heidi 'The Enterprise has landed, next stop Star Trek premiere!' Zoe captioned a shot of her with Simon Pegg, Kark Urban, John Cho, Chris Pine and others. Comic-Con International 2016 swings into full gear on Thursday and runs through Sunday. Star Trek Beyond opens worldwide this week and in US theatres on Friday. Let the party begin: Sofia Boutella and Zachary Quinto mingled at the movie premiere after party Gang's all here: Zoe posed with her premiere posse as the sun set on San Diego Room for one more: Actor Idris Elba joined the group on stage so cute! People just couldn't get enough of Simon's handsome face Kirsten Dunst rocked effortless summer chic on Wednesday as she stopped by a convenience store in Los Angeles. The 34-year-old actress flashed her legs in denim shorts and a black blouse with her hair neatly pinned up as she was pictured strolling back to her car. She wore sandals with a slight wedge heel and carried a cute wicker handbag which matched her funky beige sunglasses. Summer style: Kirsten Dunst flashed her legs in denim shorts as she stepped out in Los Angeles on Tuesday The outing came as it was revealed on Wednesday that Kirsten will make her directorial debut on an upcoming adaptation of Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar. Dakota Fanning, 22, is set to play the lead role of Esther Greenwood in the flick based on the 1963 novel. Kirsten co-wrote with Nellie Kim and production is set to start in the first quarter of 2017 Deadline reports. The Bell Jar is set in the 1950s and follows Greenwood, a magazine intern, in New York City who suffers from mental illness after she returns home to Boston. Natural beauty: The 34-year-old actress wore her hair up for the casual outing and donned funky shades Quick stop: Kirsten teamed a black blouse with denim shorts and sandals for her trip to a 7 Eleven Meanwhile the actress split with boyfriend Garrett Hedlund in April after four years together. But a new romance may already be on the cards for the blonde beauty as she was spotted out with her Fargo co-star Jesse Plemons in May. The New Jersey native was seen smooching the Breaking Bad star as they enjoyed a cozy lunch together. Jumping behind the camera: Kirsten will soon be directing an adaptation of Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar Jesse gushed about starring alongside the actress during a panel interview for the TV series at the 2015 PaleyFest New York in October. 'It was a gift,' he said of working with the Elizabethtown star. 'I loved Kristens work for a long time, and I was really excited once I'd met her, and she's a great person, and we're both actors that just have fun with the material.' The new season of Love Child is five episodes in, and there's already been plenty of drama to keep viewers on the edges of their seats. But next week's episode of the Channel Nine show is sure to strike a chord with fans, as the cast farewells one of its favourites for good. 'In a Love Child movie event, we will say goodbye to a Love Child favourite forever,' a voiceover projects in a newly released promotional clip. Scroll down for video Drama: A new promotional clip for next week's episode of Love Child suggests one character will be farewelled for good - Jessica Marais pictured here locking shocked in the promo The video opens with Dr Joan Millar, played by Jessica Marais, slowly walking while in an emotional state. The drama's third season is set during the 1970s in the midst of the Vietnam War, and audiences are then shown news footage from the battlefields abroad. Gracie Gilbert's character Annie has travelled to the country to entertain troops, accompanied by Sophie Hensser's on-screen persona Viv, who is searching for her brother. 'I'm ready to go home now. I need to see Dianna,' Annie is heard saying, the curly-haired beauty no doubt missing her baby daughter she has left back at home in Sydney. Overseas: Annie and Viv, played by Gracie Gilbert and Sophie Hensser, have travelled to Vietnam during the war Meanwhile Viv has her own battles to deal with, after she finds her brother's orphaned son at the camp site. 'He's all I've got left of my brother,' she is heard saying, desperate to bring the tiny tot back to Australia. Viewers are then shown a fast reel of footage, showcasing different scenes from the highly anticipated episode. 'You need to come with me now,' a man is heard telling Joan on the phone, before Lincoln Younes' character Chris is seen walking towards a hospital bed. Will Annie die? Lincoln Younes' character Chris appears teary as he plants a kiss on girlfriend Annie's forehead, suggesting perhaps she is the character that will be farewelled With tears in his eyes, he plants a kiss on girlfriend Annie's forehead, suggesting perhaps she is the character that will be farewelled. The matron, who is Chris' mother, and Harriet Dyer's character Patty, also appear to be saddened by some form of news they've been delivered. Viewers will be able to tune in to the episode on Monday at 8:40pm on Channel Nine. She's only just returned to her role in Funny Girl after a two month break. However, Sheridan Smith has been told to avoid meeting fans after the show after producers advised her to take it easy. The actress returned to the role of Fanny Brice on 8 July following time off for stress and exhaustion. Scroll down for video Taking it easy: Sheridan Smith, pictured leaving the Savoy Theatre on Saturday, has been advised not to meet fans at the stage door every night Since her return, the 35-year-old has been delighted fans by posing for photographs and signing autographs by the stage door on a nightly basis. However, as temperatures soared to the 30s in London this week, producers were concerned about Sheridan getting overwhelmed by the crowds and have advised her to refrain from meeting fans. In a statement, producers Sonia Friedman, David Babani and Scott Landis told The Sun: 'Given the number of people at stage door and the amount of time it takes for Sheridan to see everyone, we - the producers - advised Sheridan not to sign every night, particularly during the heatwave. Wowing the crowd: Sheridan has impressed critics and audiences with her performance as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl 'In our experience it is unrealistic to expect a leading actor to sign after every performance.' Fans were said to be confused on Tuesday - the hottest day of the year - when Sheridan left the Savoy Theatre via a fire exit and sped away in a car instead of stopping to speak to them. A source told The Sun: 'Sheridan had put in yet another world-class performance and fans wanted to congratulate her. 'But after a short wait they were told she wouldnt be turning up. Next thing, a car comes by and she gets in and it races off with the doors still open. 'Everyone was worried because Sheridan treasures her fans and it didnt seem like her to not acknowledge them.' Meet and greet: Sheridan's co-star Darius Campbell was seen meeting fans and posing for selfies on Wednesday night However, Sheridan's co-star Darius Campbell, who spotted signing autographs and posing for selfies outside the theatre on Wednesday night. Following Sheridan's return last week, producers said she would play the role of Fanny from Tuesday through to Saturday, while her understudy Natasha J Barnes would perform on Mondays. Sheridan has been in the role since December when the production originally opened in the smaller Menier Chocolate Factory in Borough, before moving to the West End in April. In March, Sheridan pulled out of one of the shows after finding out her beloved father Colin had been diagnosed with cancer. Her beauty led the writer of Basic Instinct to call her the 'ripest of ripe peaches.' And Sharon Stone was definitely the vision of a yummy mummy as she stepped out with her son Quinn in Beverly Hills on Wednesday. The 57-year-old was looking great for her age as she stretched her legs in the well-heeled area of Los Angeles County. Basic maternal instinct: Sharon Stone was spotted holding hands with son Quinn as they crossed the road in Beverly Hills on Wednesday Silver favourite Sharon showcased her sizzling figure in a patterned strapless maxi dress, which she coupled with casual sandals. And there were definitely still flashes of the old magic that led Basic Instinct writer Joe Eszterhas to call her 'the greatest American sex symbol since Marilyn Monroe' and the 'ripest of ripe peaches, the apotheosis of the curvy, beauty pageant blond.' However the self-styled genius showed her maternal side during her outing, holding hands with 10-year-old Quinn as they crossed the street. Single Sharon has said her disastrous six-year marriage to former San Francisco Chronicle executive editor Phil Bronstein is one of the reasons she has stayed unmarried since their divorce back in 2004. Yummy mummy: The busty 57-year-old actress was turning heads in her strapless dress 'Ripest of ripe peaches': Sharon showing her famous red carpet form at an LA gala in 2014 The actress said: 'Marriage was kind of a losing proposition for me.' The Agent X star was also wed to MacGyver producer Michael Greenburg from 1984 to 1990. The two also had a custody battle in 2003 over their adopted son Roan, who is now 16-years-old. After her split, the Sphere actress adopted Laird, 11, and Quinn on her own. The Signal Mountain Genealogical Society will meet on Tuesday, August 2, 2016, at the Walden Town Hall, 1836 Taft Highway. The meeting will begin at 1:00 pm with refreshments followed by a business meeting and the program for the month. For this month's program, Jim Douthat will speak on The Trail of Tears. Visitors are welcome at our meeting. Please feel free to visit our website at: http://www.smgsonline.org She's in the middle of an intense feud with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West over their claims she approved the controversial lyrics about her in his hit, Famous. And as Taylor Swift claimed her character had been 'assassinated' by their decision to release secretly recorded footage of her speaking to Kanye, it has been revealed that she spoke out about her fear of being taped months before the incident even took place. In an interview with Capital FM from February 2015, the 26-year-old Bad Blood hitmaker explained: 'I have a lot of issues with buildings like this, 'cause I always feel like someone has bugged the room, and is either videoing me or recording me.' Scroll down for video 'Paranoid': Taylor Swift revealed she was concerned about being secretly recorded months before Kim Kardashian leaked footage of her being taped during a conversation with Kanye West She continued: 'That's one of my paranoias.' Taylor made similar comments even earlier in September 2014, when she told Rolling Stone magazine the idea of being taped made her 'freak out'. Speaking about her security concerns, the star revealed: 'Don't even get me started on wiretaps. It's not a good thing for me to talk about socially. I freak out.' Revealing that she believed even a 'janitor' could go in and bug her office, she reasoned: 'This is gonna sound like I'm a crazy person but we don't even know. I have to stop myself from thinking about how many aspects of technology I don't understand.' In the clear? The revelation comes after it was announced that Kim and Kanye are unlikely to be prosecuted for recording the conversation because Taylor had 'no expectation of privacy' The revelation comes after TMZ claimed Kim and Kanye are unlikely to be prosecuted for recording the conversation because Taylor had 'no expectation of privacy' and knew she was being overheard because Kanye's end was on speaker phone. Their feud went nuclear after the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star took to Snapchat on Sunday to share footage of her husband talking to Taylor about his track - in which he raps about wanting to have sex with the pop star. It prompted Taylor to hit back and insist she never 'approved' the song because she wasn't aware of the full lyrical content which described her as a 'b***h'. Clearly upset the Bad Blood hitmaker wrote: 'Where is the video of Kanye telling me he was going to call me 'that b***h' in his song? 'It doesn't exist because it never happened. You don't get to control someone's emotional response to being called 'that b***h' in front of the entire world. Revealed: Kim shocked fans when she posted videos of Kanye and Taylor's conversation where the songstress gives her blessing about his song Famous Missing piece: It is not clear in the clips whether Kanye asked Taylor about the line: 'I made that b***h famous' She continued: 'Of course I wanted to like the song. I wanted us to have a friendly relationship. He promised to play the song for me, but he never did. 'While I wanted to be supportive of Kanye on the phone call, you cannot 'approve' a song you haven't heard. Being falsely painted as a liar when I was never given the full story or played any part of the song is character assassination. She concluded: 'I would very much like to be excluded from this narrative, one that I have never asked to be part of, since 2009.' In the caption Taylor wrote: 'That moment when Kanye West secretly records your phone call, then Kim posts it on the internet.' Kim's Snapchat came shortly after she tweeted a thinly veiled message about Taylor. 'Wait it's legit National Snake Day?!?!? They have holidays for everybody, I mean everything these days!' she wrote followed by numerous snake emojis. Bad blood: Taylor and Kanye have a rocky past, which turned nuclear when he released his hit Famous, in which he raps about 'making her famous' and refers to her as a 'b***h' 'It never happened': Taylor Swift has defended herself after Kim Kardashian shared a recording of the phone call between the singer and Kanye West which the reality star claims proves Taylor knew about the rapper's controversial Famous lyrics TRANSCRIPT OF KIM KARDASHIAN'S SNAPCHAT VIDEO, SHOWING TAYLOR SWIFT 'APPROVING' KANYE'S FAMOUS LYRICS Kanye: Oh ok, dope. You still got the Nashville number? Taylor: I still have the Nashville area code, but I had to change it. ---Break in clip--- Kanye: (rapping a line from the song Famous) 'Too all my Southside n***** that know me best/I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex.' Taylor: I'm like this close to overexposure. Kanye: Oh. Well this one is uh - I think this is a really cool thing to have, uh, definitely. Taylor: I know. I mean, it's like a compliment kind of (laughs). ---Break in clip--- Kanye: What I give a f*** about is just you as a person and as a friend. I want things [starts talking over Taylor] that make you feel good. I don't want to do rap that makes people feel bad. ---Break in clip--- Taylor: Um yeah. I mean, go with whatever line you think is better. It's obviously very tongue-in-cheek either way. ---Break in clip--- Taylor: And I really appreciate you telling me about it, that's really nice. Kanye: Oh yeah. I just have a responsibility to you as a friend, you know? And uh - I mean ---Break in clip--- Kanye: I mean, thanks for being, like, so cool about it. Taylor: Aw, thanks. Um, yeah, I really appreciate it. Like, the heads up is so nice. ---Break in clip--- Taylor: things without, like, even asking or seeing if I'd be okay with it and I just really appreciate it. Like, I never would have expected you to tell me about a line in one of your songs. ---Break in clip--- Taylor: And then the flowers that you sent me, I, like, Instagrammed a picture of them and it's the most Instagram likes I've ever gotten, it was like 2.7 ---Break in clip--- Kanye: Relationships are more important than punchlines, you know? ---Break in clip--- Taylor: Yeah. I mean, I don't think anybody would listen to that and be like, 'Oh that's a real, that's a real dis, like, she must be crying about ' ---Break in clip--- Taylor: It's just you gotta tell the story the way that it happened to you and the way that you experienced it. Like, you honestly didn't know who I was before that. ---Break in clip--- Taylor: It doesn't matter if I sold seven million of that album before you did that, which is what happened, you didn't know who I was before that. It's fine. ---Break in clip--- Taylor: in the event that I can make these things happen and I have the idea to do it and I create these things and concepts and, like, I'm always going to respect you. ---Break in clip--- Taylor: And I'm really glad that you have the respect to call me and tell me that as a friend about the song and - ---Break in clip--- Taylor: It's just like, it's a really cool thing to do - and a really good show of friendship. So thank you. Kanye: Oh, thank you, too. ---Break in clip--- Taylor: And you know, if people ask me about it, I think it would be great for me to be like, 'Look, he called me and told me the line before it came out. Like, joke's on you guys, we're fine'. ---Break in clip--- Taylor: You guys want to call this a feud, you want to call this throwing shade but, you know, right after the song comes out I'm going to be on a Grammy red carpet and they're going to ask me about it and I'm going to be like, 'He called me'. ---Break in clip--- Taylor: and awesome that you're so outspoken, and it's going to be like 'Yeah she does, it made her famous'. You know, so it's more provocative to say 'might still have sex' because ---Break in clip--- Taylor: It's not it's not it doesn't matter to me. There's not, like, one that hurts my feelings and one that doesn't. Advertisement Ouch! Kim's postings came shortly after she tweeted a thinly veiled message on Twitter about the singer It was reported in June that Taylor was trying to have Kim and Kanye destroy the recording of their conversation about Famous. And on Monday, TMZ said it had obtained a copy of the letter sent to Kanye by Taylor's attorney which read in part: 'Demand is hereby made that you immediately destroy all such recordings, provide us of assurance that this has been done, and also assurance that these recordings have not been previously disseminated.' The lawyer also pointed out that under California law, anyone who secretly records a telephone conversation with someone in the state is committing a felony criminal offense. But in an interview published last month, Kim claimed that Taylor had not only approved the lyrics, but also agreed to laugh about the song at the Grammy awards in February. Up to no good: Kim gloated about her Snapchats in a later tweet Approved: The star's sister Khloe realised that she had to let Kim dominate Snapchat on Sunday night In her GQ interview Kim said: 'She totally approved that,' she said, adding: 'She totally knew that that was coming out. She wanted to all of a sudden act like she didn't.' Kim also explained that they hadn't intentionally filmed the phone call as evidence against Taylor, but had caught it on tape as the cameras just happened to be continuously rolling. Kim also excused her husband's use of the word b***h, explaining: 'I mean, he's called me a b***h in his songs. That's just, like, what they say. I never once think, [gasping] 'What a derogatory word! How dare he?' Not in a million years.' Team Swift responded with a jab at the couple's marriage with a statement that read: 'Taylor does not hold anything against Kim Kardashian as she recognizes the pressure Kim must be under and that she is only repeating what she has been told by Kanye West. 'Taylor heard it for the first time when everyone else did and was humiliated. Kim Kardashian's claim that Taylor and her team were aware of being recorded is not true, and Taylor cannot understand why Kanye West, and now Kim Kardashian, will not just leave her alone.' Awkward: Tensions have been running high between the trio since the infamous phone call Timeline of the Kanye and Taylor Famous feud 2009 - Kanye makes headlines as he interrupts Taylor's VMA acceptance speech to proclaim that Beyonce deserved the award instead 2015 - Duo bury the hatchet and are pictured looking chummy at Grammys February 2016 - Kanye unveils Famous track including lyrics 'I made that b***h famous,' during preview of his Life of Pablo album in New York February 2016 - Taylor's reps release statement to say she was never made aware of rapper's lyrics February 2016 - Taylor makes dig at rapper during Grammys speech saying 'people along the way will try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments' June 2016 - Kim accuses Taylor of lying about not being told of the lyrics and mentions phone recording of conversation with Kanye. 'She totally knew that that was coming out. She wanted to all of a sudden act like she didn't,' Kim says in an interview with GQ Kim also reveals Kanye had been sent a letter by Taylor's attorney demanding footage of the phone call be destroyed June 2016 - Taylor's rep issued a statement in response to Kim's GQ story: 'Taylor does not hold anything against Kim Kardashian as she recognizes the pressure Kim must be under and that she is only repeating what she has been told by Kanye West. However, that does not change the fact that much of what Kim is saying is incorrect. 'Kanye West and Taylor only spoke once on the phone while she was on vacation with her family in January of 2016 and they have never spoken since. Taylor has never denied that conversation took place. It was on that phone call that Kanye West also asked her to release the song on her Twitter account, which she declined to do. 'Kanye West never told Taylor he was going to use the term that bitch in referencing her. A song cannot be approved if it was never heard. Kanye West never played the song for Taylor Swift. Taylor heard it for the first time when everyone else did and was humiliated. Kim Kardashian's claim that Taylor and her team were aware of being recorded is not true, and Taylor cannot understand why Kanye West, and now Kim Kardashian, will not just leave her alone.' July 17 2016 - Kim shares recording of phone conversation in several clips shared to her Snapchat July 18 2016 - Taylor angrily defends herself on social media insisting there's no proof she approved 'that b***h' lyrics July 18 2016 - TMZ obtains copy of lawyer's letter to Kanye in which it's stated that under California law, anyone who secretly records a telephone conversation with someone in the state commits a felony criminal offense. Advertisement 'Kanye West and Taylor only spoke once on the phone while she was on vacation with her family in January of 2016 and they have never spoken since. 'Taylor has never denied that conversation took place. 'It was on that phone call that Kanye West also asked her to release the song on her Twitter account, which she declined to do. 'Kanye West never told Taylor he was going to use the term, 'that b**ch' in referencing her. A song cannot be approved if it was never heard. Kanye West never played the song for Taylor Swift.' Standing by her man: In an earlier interview, Kim claimed Taylor had approved the lyrics in her husband's controversial song Shortly after the Yeezy designer unveiled Famous in February Taylor used her Grammy speech to criticize him taking credit for her fame. She said: 'As the first woman to win album of the year at the Grammys twice, I want to say to all the young women out there: there are going to be people along the way who will try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame. 'But if you just focus on the work and you don't let those people sidetrack you, someday when you get where you're going, you'll look around and you'll know it was you and the people who love you who put you there and that will be the greatest feeling in the world.' After he previewed his new Life of Pablo album at a New York show just days before the Grammys, Taylor's reps released a statement saying: '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 b***h famous,' The duo's feud dates back to the 2009 VMA Awards where the rapper stormed the stage to interrupt Taylor's acceptance speech for Best Female Video and proclaim that Beyonce was the rightful winner. She's lending her talents to the West End revival of the hit musical Guys and Dolls. And it looked like it was another great night for Rebel Wilson as she exited the London's Phoenix Theatre on Wednesday to greet her hoards of fans. The 36-year-old actress looked red hot in an eye-catching scarlet number, which hugged her curves as she signed autographs and took selfies with a legion of adoring followers. Scroll down for video West End star: Rebel Wilson, 36, looked red hot as she greeted fans outside London's Pheonix Theatre on Wednesday after another performance of hit musical Guys and Dolls The Australian star completed the look with a stylish grey fedora hat and pointed-toe ballet flats. Rebel smiled ear to ear as she made sure that each and every person in the awaiting crowd was attended too. The Pitch Perfect star wore her blonde locks in bouncy curls and accentuated her pretty features with natural make-up. Rebel completed her look with flat black pumps, no doubt a welcome respite from hours of treading the boards on stage. Pleasing the fans: The Australian star grinned ear to ear as she took her time to take selfies with her fans Seeing red: The Australian star completed the look with a stylish grey fedora hat and pointed-toe ballet flats Say cheese! Rebel's stylish number hugged on to her curves as she signed autographs and took selfies The actress has been wowing audiences every night this week with her portrayal of Miss Adelaide, the musical's leading lady. Almost unrecognisable on stage, Rebel wears a red wig and a lace wedding dress embellished with diamante. She said of her West End stint: 'I wanted to mix things up. Things in movies are going so well, I'm getting offered such cool roles, but I wanted to diversify a little bit. 'It's super classy to come to the West End - so many American and Australian actors come over to join the very talented British.' Rebel has been extremely vocal about her excitement over her debut in London's West End and recently took to Instagram, posting: 'Wow! What a week!' Who's that girl? The Pitch Perfect star dons a curly red wig for her role, along with a sultry slick of red lipstick Putting on a show! Rebel also wears a voluminous lace wedding dress embellished with diamante, as she sings and dances along with the ensemble cast She continued: 'First week down on GUYS & DOLLS in the West End. Only 7 more to go...whoa, this is going to go quickly!!' Before showing the press what she can do on Thursday night, she posted another snap of her and her co-stars in their elaborate, glamorous purple costumes to Instagram, with the caption: 'We're heating it up in the HOT BOX tonight! #Guys&Dolls #WestEnd #London' Fellow performer and former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger was also in attendance, showing her support as another recent newcomer to the West End stage, having portrayed Grizabella in Cats in 2014. Rebel will be starring as Adelaide at the Phoenix Theatre until August 21. TV presenter Naga Munchetty said she is 'not there to be abused' as she spoke out about the horrendous racial and sexist abuse she is bombarded with on Twitter. The BBC Breakfast co-host, 41, said she accepts that criticism is part of her role in the public eye but will always call out those who are simply abusive. Previous tweets have claimed the award-winning journalist is only employed at the BBC for her ethnicity, but have also criticised her hair, glasses and even made distasteful sexual remarks. Scroll down for video Speaking out: BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty has spoken about the racist and sexist abuse she receives on Twitter The presenter regularly replies to trolls, often ending tweets with a trademark 'BLOCKED', with her fans then jumping to her defence and criticising the abuser. She told the Daily Mirror: 'Im on telly, Im in your home, so if you want to criticise me, fine. But Im not there to be abused. Nobody is there to be abused. 'You dont abuse someone while theyre doing their job, and you dont make racist, sexist or bigoted comments. 'If someone says, "She did a bad job of that interview, Ive come away and not understood anything", I would go back and re-examine that interview. 'Racist and sexist stuff, I just think, "Youre an idiot."' Hitting back: The 41-year-old London-born presenter often replies to criticism on Twitter Naga is one of the four BBC Breakfast anchors along with Louise Minchin, Charlie Stayt and Dan Walker. The presenter, who grew up in Streatham, South London as the daughter of Malayali Indian parents, now lives in Hertfordshire with her husband, TV director husband James Haggar. Last week, Naga addressed a troll who had accused her of being employed for 'PC reasons'. The person tweeted: 'Another s**t, weak and annoying 'journalist' employed for #PC reasons rather than capability! @BBCNaga @BBCBreakfast #politicalcorrectness.' Retweeting him, Naga replied: 'Thanks for that - what a valuable contributor to Twitter you are.' Career girl: Naga grew up in Streatham, South London as the daughter of Malayali Indian parents, now lives in Hertfordshire Last month, she confronted another troll who declared she was 'worst news presenter ever'. She tweeted: 'Oh what a shame you don't like me - You sound like the nicest person *ever*.' Another abuser also suggested she was employed for her race rather than her talent, writing: 'Your rubbish at job your a BBC race card as are the people on the BBC EEnders blacks browns or Asian who cares.' The presenter simply replied: '*You're* rubbish at spelling. BLOCKED'. Waking up Britain: Naga with her BBC colleague Jon Kay on BBC Breakfast Another abuser, Chris Prtichard, referred to her as 'Lego hair', asking why she was wearing glasses and making a distasteful comment about her breasts. But Naga simply said: 'Hello egg. BLOCKED.' Another seemingly racist comment said she was 'RUBBISH', adding: 'They should take your SOFA to a beach in Syria and maroon the lot of you there.' In a typically sarcastic reply to the troll, she wrote: 'Gosh you are a lovely person aren't you? BLOCKED.' She's been enjoying a boozy Ibiza reunion after she completed filming the thirteenth series of Geordie Shore across Europe's party towns. And Chloe Ferry continued to paint the town red- quite literally, as she turned up the heat in a racy ensemble on Wednesday. Heading to Ibiza's Ocean Beach club, the 26-year-old reality star put on a very daring display in a barely-there red one-piece cut out to the waist. Scroll down for video Daring! Chloe Ferry continued to paint the town red- quite literally, as she turned up the heat in a racy ensemble on Wednesday The halterneck swimsuit, which barely contained her ample assets, was held together by a diamonte clip and showed of her long tanned legs. Covering up some of her modesty, she wore a matching floor-length red cape, flashing her thigh tattoo. Dressing the ensemble down, she added height to her stature in tan heeled wedges. Mischievous: Taking advantage of the napping starlet, co-star Holly Hagan wiped what appeared to be suntan lotion on her lips and chin, before posting the snap on Instagram And the British reality star looked perfectly made up, showing off her perfectly contoured and highlighted face. Smiling at the camera she wore her long brunette tresses loose, accessorising with a simple choker. But it was a different story earlier on in the day when Chloe found herself the victim of co-star Holly Hagan's prank. During a particular strenuous sunbathing session Chloe enjoyed a napping power-session, much to the delight of her mischievous co-stars. Party girls: Charlotte Crosby wasn't going to let the fact she quit Geordie Shore get in the way of having a wild night out with Chloe as she enjoyed a boozy outing in Ibiza on Monday Taking advantage of the napping starlet, Holly wiped what appeared to be suntan lotion on her lips and chin, before posting the snap on Instagram with the comment: '#WCW this stunna @chloegshore1', adding a laughing face emoji. The comical snap delighted Geordie Shore fans, garnering almost 40k likes. The previous day Charlotte Crosby shared a video on Snapchat of serial napper Chloe sleeping on her shoulder. The MTV stars have been getting typically 'mortal' throughout filming, putting on very boozy displays and dancing till dawn in an array of minuscule outfits. Before hitting Ayia Napa, the TV stars filmed episodes for the show in Kavos, Majorca and Ibiza. It hasn't been plain sailing however, with Chantelle Connelly sensationally quitting and Spanish police intervening during filming in Magaluf. Police were present on at least two occasions, as Lime Pictures and MTV did not have a permit to film in the town and therefore shooting could only take place inside clubs. The usual entrance and exit shots which are filmed on the streets before the cast arrive were not permitted. Gone are the days when Guy Sebastian was known simply as the handsome winner of reality TV contest Australian Idol. The 34-year-old vocalist appears to have firmly earned himself a reputation within the indie-pop scene, having been announced as the latest musician set to appear on stage at music festival Splendour In The Grass this weekend in Byron Bay. Guy will perform with Queensland electronic artist Paces, who made the exciting announcement via his social media pages on Wednesday. Scroll down for video Unexpected gig! Guy Sebastian, 34, is the latest musician set to appear on stage at music festival Splendour In The Grass this weekend in Byron Bay 'These will be my guests at @SITG this weekend! See u Saturday 5:55 on the tiny dancer stage!' Tweeted Paces, whose real name is Mikey Perry. Also joining Paces will be Australian rapper Tkay Maidza and visual DJ Ego. It comes after Guy made a special appearance in the studios of Australian radio station Triple J in May to perform a version ofL D R U's tune Keeping Score. 'These will be my guests at @SITG this weekend!' Guy will perform with Queensland electronic artist Paces, who made the exciting announcement via his social media pages on Wednesday The cover was well-received by listeners, with many taking to social media to praise Guy's flexible vocal technique and keyboard prowess. The song also appeared as the final track on Paces' recent EP Vacation. Meanwhile, Guy has been preparing to appear on yet another installment of X Factor Australia alongside new judges Iggy Azalea and Adam Lambert. In good company: It comes after Guy made a special appearance in the studios of Australian radio station Triple J in May to perform a version ofL D R U's tune Keeping Score The popular judge recently revealed there will be one less category and that the audition, boot camp and home visit segments will be condensed as part of a dramatic shake-up to combat struggling ratings. 'The live shows will be culled right down; there will be heaps less. So the process will be pretty brutal,' Guy told The Daily Telegraph. 'We'll have to get rid of two or three at a time.' Fans of TOWIE were introduced to their freindship earlier in the year in series 17. And it seems Megan McKenna, Chloe Meadows and Courtney Green are all thoroughly enjoying their stint on the show, as they gave fans a glimpse of their filming schedule on Wednesday. Taking to her Instagram account, 23-year-old Ex On The Beach star Megan share a saucy video of the three girls jumping around in a hot tub in some flesh-flashing swimsuits. Scroll down for video Fun in the sun: It seems Megan McKenna, Chloe Meadows and Courtney Green are all thoroughly enjoying their stint on TOWIE, as they gave fans a glimpse of their filming schedule on Wednesday. The trio, who have named their friendship group the 'girl band', can be seen showcasing their tanned and toned bikini bodies as they bask in the summer sun. Not a stranger to cavorting on camera in variety of swimwear, thanks to her time on MTV's tropical reality show, Megan manages to steal the limelight in a barely-there black swimsuit. Opting for a black one-piece, which featured a depply plunging neckline, the Essex girl - who is currently dating co-star Pete Wicks - certainly wasn't afraid to flash the flesh. With the neckline almost reaching her neckline, and the halterneck design barely containing her cleavage, Megan certainly managed to sizzle. The Girl Band is here: Taking to her Instagram account, 23-year-old Ex On The Beach star Megan share a saucy video of the three girls jumping around in a hot tub in some flesh-flashing swimsuits The skin-tight, high-cut number also allowed the former Celebrity Big Brother star to show off her pert posterior and gym-honed legs as she grooved and shimmied around in the hot tub. Wearing her long dark hair tied back in a slick ponytail, the ITVBe newcomer allowed her striking faetures to come to the fore. Her two constant companions, Chloe and Courtney - who are rarely seen apart - opted for matching bikinis in two cotnrasting colours. Sizzling: The trio, who have named their friendship group the 'girl band', can be seen showcasing their tanned and toned bikini bodies as they bask in the summer sun. It's not all fun and games: But TOWIE's not been all smiles and good times for Megan, as she recently spoke candidly about her on-going feud with co-star Chloe Lewis Fresh from filming the opening of series 18 of the show in Mallorca, the duo showed off their golden tans in skimpy halter-neck bikinis. While blonde-haired Chloe went for a purple number, and flashed her flat stomach and ample assets, the raven-haired Courtney opted for a teal two-piece. Clinking glasses together with smiles on their faces, Megan summed up the mood by captioning the pic: 'Works not so bad [sic].' Bad blood: Speaking exclusively to MailOnline 23-year-old star discussed her bitter feud with the model, 25, which mild-mannered Pete, 28, has now been dragged into. Not happy: Megan said: 'There's always rumours in Essex and there's nothing I can really do about it. She can believe what she wants to believe but I've been getting on with my life and she needs to get on with hers' But TOWIE's not been all smiles and good times for Megan, as she recently spoke candidly about her on-going feud with co-star Chloe Lewis Speaking exclusively to MailOnline 23-year-old star discussed her bitter feud with the model, 25, which mild-mannered Pete, 28, has now been dragged into. At the end of season 17 earlier this year, Megan repeatedly refuted the allegations while Chloe determinedly told co-stars she had done the deed. She can't mess with them: She added: 'Me and Pete know what happened there's nothing more we can do about it. There will always be rumours but that's Essex for you' And as the cast descended on Majorca for the summer special, which kicked off on Sunday, the girls' argument raged on - leading to Chloe accusing Megan of 'grinding on' another man in a club', Away from the cast, defiant Megan stated: 'Me and Chloe still don't get on. We did have a run in and we'll never get on. 'There's always rumours in Essex and there's nothing I can really do about it. She can believe what she wants to believe but I've been getting on with my life and she needs to get on with hers. 'Me and Pete know what happened there's nothing more we can do about it. There will always be rumours but that's Essex for you.' They've just returned to West London following weeks on the French Riviera filming the latest series of Made In Chelsea. And it looked like Alexandra 'Binky' Felstead and her co-stars were thrilled to find the hot weather was also in Chelsea as they attended the spin-off series wrap party on Wednesday. Leading the way was original castmember Binky, who showed off a lot of cleavage in a gaping shirt dress as she left Embargo Republica in the King's Road. Scroll down for video Back in Blighty: Alexandra 'Binky' Felstead leaves the Made In Chelsea summer party at Embargo Republica in London on Wednesday night The brunette star, 26, showed off her tanned legs in the tiny dress, which she teamed with a pair of grey cage heels. Binky posted a photo of herself and Jamie Laing inside the bash on Instagram, writing: 'Was a pleasure to host last night's E4 summer party with my boy Jamie last night... Channel 4 / E4 smashing it right now! So happy to be part of the family.' Also dressing for the warm weather was her American co-star Stephanie Pratt, who opted for a pair of navy shorts and low-cut top. Leggy lady: The brunette star, 26, showed off her tanned legs in the tiny dress, which she teamed with a pair of grey cage heels A new coupling? Stephanie Pratt left the party with Only Way Is Essex star Joey Essex, who she appears with on a new dating show Surprisingly, she left the SW10 hotspot with former Only Way Is Essex star Joey Essex following close behind. Stephanie, who has been single for a year following her split from former co-star Josh Shepherd, who met Joey while filming new E4 show Celebs Go Dating. The show sees single celebrities teamed up with 'normal' people for a date - but perhaps Stephanie and Joey prefer each other? Keeping their distance: Joey and Stephanie left the club together, but took care to walk a few feet apart from each other Looking for love: Former The Hills star Stephanie met Joey while filming new E4 show Celebs Go Dating Camera shy: Jess Woodley, who was sporting a deep tan, didn't appear in the mood for photographs Her co-star Jess Woodley didn't appear in the mood for photographs as she left the party attempting to cover her face. During the evening, the platinum blonde was spotted sitting on the steps outside as she smoked cigarettes. Also in attendance was Love Island star Tina Stinnes, who briefly dated ex-MIC star Spencer Matthews in Season 7 of the show two years ago. However, she sadly didn't end up finding love on the ITV2 dating show, which ended a week ago. Remember me? One-time Made In Chelsea star Tina Stinnes - who appeared on the last series of Love Island - joined her former co-stars Fag break: Jess and Tina were spotted heading to the steps outside the club to enjoy a cigarette break Bronzed: MIC star Jamie Laing was looking a bit brown - and red - following his past few weeks on the French Riviera They are used to piling on the pressure and dishing out scathing criticism to budding chefs. But the MasterChef Australia judges had a taste of their own medicine on Thursday when they went head-to-head with each other before being defeated by the finalists in a tense cook-off. Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Shannon Bennett lost out in the group invention test when they made a rookie mistake and forgot to take all the bones out of their quail. Rookie mistake: The MasterChef Australia finalists defeated the judges in cook-off after the chef left a bone inside their quail, pictured is Matt Sinclair finding the bone When they presented the poached quail breast with pickled turnip and mushroom puree, finalist Matt Sinclair could be seen struggling to chew after he came across a small bone. Elise Franciskovic spotted the mistake and said: 'Matt's trying to eat the judges' dish, but there's a crunchy element that's not meant to be there. And it's a bone.' George struggled to hide his disappointment, saying: 'It could cost us, that bone.' Defeated: Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Shannon Bennett lost out in the group invention test when they made a rookie mistake and forgot to take all the bones out of their quail Unwelcome surprise: When they presented the poached quail breast with pickled turnip and mushroom puree, finalist Matt Sinclair could be seen struggling to chew after he came across a small bone Matt Preston delivered his scathing verdict, saying: 'Flavour is king, but then, bones aren't. 'Two dishes but only one without bones - it goes to the contestants.' Elise, Elena Duggan and Harry Foster were then seen celebrating after their mandarin panna cotta and dark chocolate ganache was crowned the winning dish. The former contestants had also returned for the special masterclass episode and were seen cheering on from the balcony. Mistake: George struggled to hide his disappointment, saying: 'It could cost us, that bone' Familiar faces: The former contestants had also returned for the special masterclass episode and were seen cheering on from the balcony Earlier in the episode, Gary defeated George and Shannon in the first cook-off after delivering a delicious roasted monkfish and cauliflower dish. The final contestants had their own back and gently mocked the judges when the chefs put forward their ideas for a dish. When Harry Foster walked over to Shannon's bench, he teased the well-known chef, saying his dish looked like something from the 1970s. Coming out on top: Earlier in the episode Gary (pictured) defeated George and Shannon in the first cook-off after delivering a delicious roasted monkfish and cauliflower dish 'So, what have we go going on here? You're cutting some shapes out of vegetable. That's very quaint,' Harry said. 'You know what else it is? It's also very 1970s.' The cheeky contestant also asked Gary whether his broth had enough 'depth of flavour'. And Elise asked George Calombaris whether he was sure he wanted to make a brandade using monkfish rather than cod. When asked whether she thought it was a good idea, she responded, saying: 'Um, personally, no, but we'll let you think about that one. Penalty: George was later given a yellow card after he asked Matt Sinclair to help him open a jar George was later given a yellow card after he asked Matt Sinclair to help him open a jar. Harry Foster noticed and said: 'We walk up to George's bench. Matt's been helping him work his equipment and now George is trying to get Matt to open a jar for him.' Matt Preston then interjected and came down hard on the judge, saying: 'It's a yellow card for getting a contestant to help you.' Gary admitted that he had found the challenge stressful. They were crowned Love Island's 'top lovers', notching up an impressive 30 time-record during their stay in the house. And Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen looked more loved up than ever as they went underwear shopping together at Lakeside shopping centre on Wednesday. The reality star couple were seen kissing passionately as they wandered around the mall, before heading into lingerie store Victoria's Secret. Scroll down for video PDA: Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen looked more loved up than ever as they went underwear shopping together at Lakeside shopping centre on Wednesday Wearing a tribal patterned floor length skirt and a matching bardot crop top Olivia flashed her toned waist, intricate tattoo and lean figure. Adding a casual touch the 22-year-old wore trainers and a large hold-all bag, scraping her blonde hair into a high ponytail. The Essex-born lass showed off her natural beauty under minimal make-up, at times covering her face with large black sunglasses. Loved up: The reality star couple were seen kissing passionately as they wandered around the mall, before heading into lingerie store Victoria's Secret Chic duo: Wearing a tribal patterned floor length skirt and a matching bardot crop top Olivia flashed her toned waist, intricate tattoo and lean figure Dressed down: Adding a casual touch the 22-year-old wore trainers and a large hold-all bag, scraping her blonde hair into a high ponytail And 24-year-old boyfriend Alex looked equally stylish, rocking black ripped skinny jeans and a grey t-shirt, showing off his tattooed arms. Holding hands, the power couple headed into Victoria's Secret where they admired the sexy lingerie on show. Clearly feeling mischievous, Olivia gave her boyfriend a cheeky smile. Chemistry: Clearly feeling mischievous, Olivia gave her boyfriend a cheeky smile Can't get enough: The couple couldn't keep their hands off each other Man-candy: 24-year-old boyfriend Alex looked equally stylish, rocking black ripped skinny jeans and a grey t-shirt, showing off his tattooed arms The couple appear to have moved on from their recent blip, where Alex failed a lie detector test. Speaking to Reveal following the incident, Olivia said: 'I'm not sure how truthful that was, or how much it actually worked. 'We've since been told that it wasn't accurate, but at the time we didn't know that. 'It felt real, so it was difficult to handle at the time.' When asked whether the results of the test accurately described his feelings, Alex responded: 'You've seen my reaction and how gutted I was. 'One of the questions was, 'Can you see a future together?' a machine can't predict the future, or someone's feelings.' They've worked closely on Prometheus, and more recently its sequel, Alien: Covenant. So it was little surprise to see Michael Fassbender greeting Ridley Scott with a massive hug as tehy met up for a meal in London, on Wednesday evening. Arriving at Scott's, situated deep in the heart of Mayfair, the 39-year-old leading man and the legendary director,78, looked to be catching up after parting ways on the set of their latest film. Scroll down for video Keeping it easy: Michael Fassbender cut a laid-back figure as he enjoyed an evening out in London with director Ridley Scott on Wednesday evening Keeping things casual, the Hollywood duo appeared to be in the mood to relax; and taking advantage of the warm weather they chose to sit outside for their meal. The duo, who first met in 2012 on the set of Alien prequel Prometheus, were joined by Sir Ridley's long-term partner, Giannina Facio, and a pal of Michael's. The X-men star - who plays David, the psychopathic synthetic in the films - cut a laid-back figure as he teamed a lightweight cotton tee with a pair of skinny tan chinos. Hug it out! Arriving at Scott's, the 39-year-old leading man and the legendary director,78, looked to be catching up after parting ways on the set of their latest film Aline: Covenant and embraced with a big hug Rounding his look off on a comfy note, the German-Irish actor wore a pair of black New Balance trainers. With his short brown hair swept into a tousled mess, the actor added a rugged edge to his look by letting a smattering of stubble adorn his chiseled jawline. Sir Ridley meanwhile opted for a navy shirt, cream chinos and a pair of black leather dress shoes. Casual: Keeping things casual and taking advantage of the warm weather they chose to sit outside for their meal, for which Michael wore a grey tee paired with tan chinos and some New Balance trainers A relaxed mood: Sir Ridley meanwhile opted for a navy shirt, cream chinos and a pair of black leather dress shoes Glamorous companion: The duo, who first met in 2012 on the set of Alien prequel Prometheus, were joined by Sir Ridley's long-term partner, Giannina Facio, and a pal of Michael's A summer feast: Sitting down for their meal, the group sipped on champagne in-between courses With his silver-tinted locks swept back off of his face and his customary beard still in place, the four-time Oscar-nominated director looked to be in robust form - despite the addition of a wrist support on one one hand. Sitting down for their meal, Michael appeared to take centre-stage as he regaled the group with a story accompanied by some animated poses. The Tinsel Town A-Listers started filming the latest outing for Sir Ridley's horror/sci-fi creation in April, with production officially wrapped up on Wednesday. Spinning a tale: Michael appeared to take centre-stage as he regaled the group with a story accompanied by some animated poses Wait for it: Clearly a master story-teller, the actor used his hands to spin his yarn Drawn in: Giannina certainly seemed to be entertained by the actor's tale Slaking a thirst: Following his tale the handsome actore sipped on champagne Done and dusted: The Tinsel Town A-Listers started filming the latest outing for Sir Ridley's horror/sci-fi creation in April, with production officially wrapped up on Wednesday Due in 2017, the film is the first in a trilogy of films which will bridge the gap between the event sin Prometheus and Sir Ridley's original 1979 outing with the scary Xenomorph in 1979. Although little is know about Michael's involvement in the next phase of the Alien saga, the actor was integral to the plot of Prometheus, and until recently was the only cast-member from that to return in Covenant. After initially stating the only other survivor of Prometheus would not be returning for the film Deadline reported that Noomi Repace had flown out to Australia last month to shoot a week's worth of footage for the film's follow up. Covenant's plotline is so far thought to centre around the crew of the colony ship Covenant, who discover what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, hostile world - the sole of which is the synthetic David. The 2016 Advanced Placement scores are back, and Cleveland High School is celebrating extraordinary gains, said officials. In the fall of 2014, both the desire to offer a quality AP program for advanced students and a visit to the states LEAD Conference sparked CHS Principal Autumn OBryan and her team to set out a plan to increase AP achievement. The focused approach included (1) increasing AP offerings to 9th and 10th graders, (2) expanding offerings based on student interest, (3) raising the percentage of students scoring a 3, 4, or 5, and (4) producing more AP Scholars was implemented. After reports and scores were released by the College Board, Cleveland High School can celebrate success across the board, said officials. Highlights of this years data include expansion of the AP selection from nine to 12 courses, a test administration count of 456 exams - doubling from 206 the previous year, and over triple the number of AP Scholars at 20 students including six with Honor and two with Distinction, recognitions not previously earned in the history of CHS. Graduate Alec Shirer explained the impact of the schools program this way: Taking AP courses at Cleveland High School did more than just give me a chance to earn college credit. The rigor of both the courses and the tests helped prepare me for the classes I will take in college, and the high-quality teachers who taught the classes stretched my thinking in directions and magnitude that I didnt think would be possible. All in all, the numbers tell a story of administration, teachers, and students working together to increase rigor and expectations and expanding the reach of the Advanced Placement program. One example was a first-year offering of AP World Geography to 9th graders. While nervous about how well young students would perform under such demanding curriculum, teacher John Brose was more than pleased to see 69 percent of his students scored a 3 or better, well exceeding the national average of 52 percent. Im extremely proud of how my students performed on the AP Human Geography exam, said Mr. Brose. I cannot thank them enough for all of the hard work that they put in throughout the semester. This class really challenged them, but they stayed the course and kept on working to understand the content and the AP process. I have no doubt that this group of students will continue to do great things throughout the remainder of their CHS careers and beyond. Almost all other AP courses saw similar results, reaching closer to state, national, and global averages. In another start-up course, AP German Language and Culture, all three students scored 3 or higher in the inaugural year. Carole Dale, teacher for the course, reflected, As a first time teacher of the AP German course, I point with great pride to a small group of students who dedicated themselves to the task of persevering in order to learn German at the advanced level. Together, we spent many hours inside and outside the classroom to accomplish the goal of proficiency at the AP level. The College Board recognizes superior achievement among students that take the AP test using the titles AP Scholar (scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams), AP Scholar with Honor (average score of at least 3.25 with none below 3 on four or more AP exams), and AP Scholar with Distinction (average score of at least 3.5 with none below 3 on five or more AP exams). AP Scholars from Cleveland High School for 2016 are Alexis Engelvin-Grezes, William Estes, Kellee Geren, Jacob Griffin, Graham Hammond, Kile Kim, Mark Mentsevich, Jackson Millard, Amanda Shifley, Thomas Stillwell, Matthew Witz, and Linda Zheng. AP Scholars with Honor are Sarah Barnette, Rachel Coats, Suzanna Liner, Alexander Schroder, William Shirer, and Pengda Xie. AP Scholars with Distinction are Julia Goncalves and Peyton Snyder. Students arent the only ones reveling in the success. As Mrs. OBryan explains, It is our goal for Cleveland High School students to be competitive nationally and globally. These scores represent hard work and tenacity by our students and teachers. We raised the bar for our students, and they far exceeded our expectations. We expect even more opportunities for our advanced students in the future. Her team of administrators, guidance counselors, and especially AP teachers each put in the training and time necessary for such a great improvement. They include Brad Self (Statistics), Jeanie Cuervo (Environmental Science), Ben Cantrell (Chemistry), Andi Wendorf (Physics), Linda Lemons (English Language), Athena Davis (English Literature), Brad Benefield (European History and U.S. History), Nick Cantrell (Psychology), John Brose (Human Geography), and Carole Dale (German). As fans still reel in shock from the sudden April 21 death of Prince, Zoe Saldana has paid a fashionable homage to the legendary rocker in a newly-unveiled magazine shoot. In a new fashion spread for The EDIT, the 38-year-old actress is seen channelling the late star as she wears a red flared trouser suit with matching heels while leaning back with a cane. And while she looked every inch the glamorous star in the striking images, the mother-of-two also discussed the very serious issue of inequality in Hollywood in an accompanying interview. Scroll down for video U Got The Look! Actress Zoe Saldana channels late rocker Prince in her latest shoot for The Edit magazine While many of her counterparts have spoken out about the subject, Zoe shared a slightly different take on the matter, as she urged female moviegoers to use the power of their dollar in the fight. 'The responsibility cant only fall on women in the public eye,' she told the digital magazine. 'The audience have the power. They are the ones buying the tickets to all these man-made movies. 'There are films being made by female directors, by female writers, with lead female roles, but women are not going to those movies. Were going with our boyfriends to hold their f***ing hands to go see a movie that we couldnt care less about!' RIP: Prince died suddenly from an accidental prescription drug overdose at his Minnesota home on April 21 All the same, Zoe revealed that she will continue to join the growing chorus of stars intent on making a change, explaining: 'The high road is no longer silent. The high road is speaking up and saying, Youre a d***! What you are doing is unfair. 'Im not asking you to idolize me, Im asking you to pay me equally, because you always come to me whenever you need me for a press tour! She also tacked the issue of women in power helping other women - noting that she's spent significant parts of her career as the only female in the room. Speaking out: In the accompanying interview, she spoke in length about inequalities women face in Hollywood 'As women in positions of power, we have to use it to help other women,' said the screen beauty. 'I got used to being the only girl in the room. 'Look at The Losers, look at Star Trek... Its lonely! I couldnt care less about male-driven stories and war movies, not because Im not an intellectual individual, but because I want to know whats happening to a woman.' In the interview, Zoe also opened up about the experience of moving from her native New York City to the Dominican Republic, where her parents hail from, at the age of 10. Wedded bliss: Zoe is married to handsome Itlian artist Marco Perego, with whom she shares two children 'We moved to a small community, one culture, one religious belief, one opinion about women,' she recalled. 'Latinos are traditionalists at heart, and super-machistas. Even though the women are the matriarchs, its still a mans world.' However, there were great advantages to her Caribbean experience: 'I can climb a tree and get my own mangoes, Ill tell you that!' Zoe, who is married to Italian artist Marco Perego, also opened up about the mistake she feels many women often make in taking good men for granted. Iconic role: Zoe, seen as Lieutenant Uhura in 2009's Star Trek, reprises her role for Star Trek Beyond 'We feel sad for friends who are with a******s, but when we have a true gem, we take it for granted,' she said. 'When a man is wonderful, its infinitely sexier than a "real" man! Men are beasts, creatures that can blow my mind. But when a good f***ing man has walked beside you? That s*** stops the show.' Get it now! The latest edition of digital magazine The EDIT is online now One man who does get her admiration is British star Simon Pegg, the co-writer and her co-star in Star Trek Beyond: 'He doesnt know this, but my family and I have been devoted fans since [his film] Shaun of the Dead,' she revealed. 'I love his writing; I love the choices he makes for the characters. We were in safe hands.' With all of her success thus far, the Avatar star makes a point of trying her hardest to remain grounded, explaining: 'I learned early on that in order for me to be okay, I need to surround myself with better people than me. 'Im not being hard on myself, Im being honest with myself. I have the tendency to get lost in whatever environment I create for myself. And Im an artist; Im prone to vanity. 'So I look to better people than me my husband, my sisters, my parents and my friends. And Im like, as long as Im surrounded by you people, every time I want to go shallow, you guys always remind me that its not about me.' She's spent most of the past few weeks abroad soaking up the sunshine. So no wonder Ferne McCann was still dressing like she was on holiday as she left the ITV studios in a very beach-style ensemble. The former Only Way Is Essex star, 25, looked like she was headed for the shore rather than the studios as she spotted in a kaftan-esque playsuit and bikini top underneath. Scroll down for video Ready for the beach: Ferne McCann leave the ITV studios on London's South Bank in a low-cut playsuit and bikini top on Thursday Vacation vibes: She's spent most of the past few weeks abroad soaking up the sunshine, so no wonder Ferne was still dressing like she was on holiday With London temperatures soaring, you couldn't blame Ferne for wanting to dress as comfortably as possible. According to the reality star's Instagram, it appears she also wore the same ensemble as she partied at Sheesh restaurant and bar in Chigwell, Essex on Wednesday night. Ferne was seen wearing the outfit in photos with pal Jessica Wright in Instagrams taken at the nightspot. Back in town: The 25-year-old showed off her enviable figure in the revealing ensemble, which she teamed with a pair of wedge sandals She shared a photo of herself with DJ Roc, writing: 'Tonight at my fav @sheeshchigwell with the main girrrrrl @rochellewood44.' However, during her showbiz gossip segment on This Morning, the TOWIE star was rather more demure in navy skirt and patterned blouse. As she chatted to co-hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford, Ferne admitted she had her own theory behind Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston's coupling. Jet-setter: Ferne is back in London and Essex after spending most of this month abroad, with trips to Los Angeles, Ibiza and Italy She said: 'Maybe Taylor is with him because she wants to be a Bond girl? 'We all know that Tom Hiddleston is hot, hot favourite to be the next Bond... Could she be using him?' Ferne also admitted she wasn't convinced by their relationship and found Taylor insincere. All change: During her showbiz gossip segment on This Morning, the TOWIE star was rather more demure in navy skirt and patterned blouse She explained: 'I just don't know what it is, I don't see the chemistry between them. She bugs me a bit Taylor, I just can't explain it. 'She comes across quite nicey nicey, but there's just more to her...' Ferne was back on the This Morning sofa after returning from Italy on Tuesday after spending the week filming a road trip along the Amalfi Coast with her I'm A Celebrity pal Vicky Pattison. She has also enjoyed holidays to Los Angeles and Ibiza in the past few weeks. Suspicious: As she chatted to co-hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford, Ferne admitted she had her own theory behind Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston's coupling His ex-wife Miranda Kerr has just announced her engagement to billionaire Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel. But just before the news broke, Orlando seemed to be having the time of his life as he hit the waves in Malibu on Sunday. Hopping on a jetski with his friends, the 39-year-old actor seemed in good spirits as he teared around the ocean without a care in the world. Riding through: His ex-wife Miranda Kerr has just announced her engagement. But just before the news broke, Orlando seemed to be having the time of his life as he hit the waves in Malibu on Sunday Clad in a pair of navy swimming trunks, the Lord Of The Rings star showed off his gym-honed physique and bulging biceps as he cruised along the shore. Setting to work on topping up his tan, Orlando also donned a backwards navy cap as he showed off his driving skills. Needing to cool off in the balmy climes, he opted to jump into the crystal clear sea for a dip, emerging with a beaming smile on his face. Set to wed: Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel is celebrating his engagement to Miranda Kerr, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal; the couple are seen here in May Days after Orlando's adrenaline-filled trip, his former wife of three years, Miranda, announced her engagement. DailyMail.com exclusively broke the news of their union, with a spokesperson for Evan - the Snapchat CEO - revealing:'They are extremely happy.' Miranda and Orlando have remained close following their divorce and share a five-year-old son together, Flynn. The Victoria's Secret model previously revealed that Orlando had met her new partner, and said he was 'great'. Cruising on by: Hopping on a jetski with his friends, the 39-year-old actor seemed in good spirits as he teared around the ocean without a care in the world Bloom-ing lovely! Clad in a pair of navy swimming trunks, the Lord Of The Rings star showed off his gym-honed physique and bulging biceps as he cruised along the shore Water good look! Needing to cool off in the balmy climes, he opted to jump into the crystal clear sea for a dip, emerging with a beaming smile on his face Hat's a good look! Setting to work on topping up his tan, Orlando also donned a navy cap as he showed off his driving skills on the high seas Cruise control: The Lord Of The Rings star put on an energetic display as he teared across the sea The news of Miranda's engagement broke on Wednesday, when she accepted the proposal from the 26-year-old tech superstar, who she has been dating for one year. Miranda later shared an image of her stunning sparkler to Instagram confirming that Evan had indeed asked her to be his wife, with the beaming message: 'I said yes!!!' Forbes has valued Spiegel - who founded Snapchat while he was still at Stanford - at $2.1billion, making him one of the youngest self-made billionaires in the world. Two's company: The star was joined by a pretty blonde friend who attempted to catch a ride Cheeky! The blonde beauty took off with the jetski as Orlando swam back to the shore Taking it back: Orlando managed to clamber back onto the jetski A sight for sore eyes! Orlando looked like he'd stepped off a photoshoot No looking back! Orlando seemed calm and content before his ex-wife's news broke Miranda and Evan stepped out in public together as a couple in June 2015 after first meeting at a Louis Vuitton dinner in New York City in 2014. The supermodel has also said in the past that she waited six months before she introduced Evan to her five-year-old son Flynn. She said: '[My ex and I decided] that we had to know the person for six months and feel good about them [before introducing them to Flynn]. 'Evan met Flynn, so yeah, things are going well. Orlando thinks he's great. We're just a modern family now!' Happy news: Miranda Kerr posted this image to Instagram which confirmed her engagement to Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel 'I said yes!!!' Miranda could not hide her joy, taking to Twitter and Instagram to announce their engagement Supermodel in action: Miranda is seen this week during a swimwear photo shoot in Malibu Miranda's career as started when she was just 13, when she won a magazine's model search competition. Her first real exposure to fame came following adverts for Australian surf chain Billabong, which Miranda used as a springboard to move to New York, where she bought a stake in the Bowery Ballroom. Miranda was the first Australian to join Victoria's Secret when she signed up for the lingerie firm in 2007. She has also starred in daring front covers for the likes of Vogue, Rolling Stone Harper's Bazaar. Together: Miranda and Evan enjoyed a society evening out just two months ago (left) and (right) wished Evan a happy 26th birthday with a cute selfie Miranda has also appeared on television - on Project Runway and How I Met Your Mother - as well as in the music video the Kanye West and Pharrell song Number One. Making $5.5million from modelling in 2015, Miranda was the sixth highest earning model in the world. Evan came up with the idea for Snapchat with friends while he was studying at Stanford University. It was launched in 2011 and now has more than a 100million users, as well as a value of more than $16billion. Advertisement They got married in a private ceremony in Mexico just a few months ago. So it was no wonder Eva Longoria and Jose Baston were so caught up in each other, they didn't realise they were surrounded by naked sunbathers in Formentera on Thursday. The couple looked more loved up than ever as they frolicked in the sea on the Balearic island. Scroll down for video PDA! Eva Longoria and Jose Baston looked more loved up than ever as they frolicked in the sea on Spains Balearic island Formentera The 41-year-old Desperate Housewife star and media mogul Jose packed on the PDA as they strolled along hand-in-hand on the beach - which just so happened to be a nudist one. Cavorting together in the crystal clear water, the pair enjoyed a steamy clinch a kiss while they lapped up the Mediterranean sun. Eva certainly looked the stunning senorita as she displayed her toned curves in a tiny turquoise triangle bikini with tie-string sides. The two-piece showed off her long bronzed legs, tanned midriff and perky assets. Flaunting her natural beauty behind aviator shades, she wore minimal make-up leaving her brunette tresses loose. It was only when they emerged from the sea - and their passionate PDA - did the pair seem to notice they were surrounded by naked sunbathers. The pair were spotted walking awkwardly alongside two totally naked women, who certainly didn't want to get any tan lines. Just realised, Eva? The 41-year-old Desperate Housewife star and media mogul Jose looked around the busy beach as they realised they were among the only ones wearing swimming costumes - and bumped into two totally naked women Only have eyes for you: Luckily, the pair only seemed to be interested in each other as they cavorted in the crystal clear waters Toned: Every in the sexy senorita, the two-piece showed off her body in all its glory Making waves: The loved-up duo soon took a dip in the sea to cool off, though things proved to get even more steamy And the loved-up duo soon took a dip in the sea to cool off, though things proved to get even more steamy. Hugging passionately, the ecstatic couple only had eyes for each other. Eva showed off some of her moves, lying back in the water to wet her hair as her loving husband held her up. Beaming: Eva looked happier than ever as she enjoyed some fun in the sun Hot stuff! She showed off her bronzed body and toned curves Going strong: Eva and her husband cackled at a joke as they strolled down the sand The couple were joined by a bevy of friends, including Prison Break actor Amaury Nolasco. And they made sure they documented the fun, taking pictures as they leapt into the air. The group enjoyed drinks on the beach, before continuing the party on a yacht where Eva shared an infux of Snapchat clips as she danced on the boat. Fun in the sun! The couple were joined by a bevy of friends, including Prison Break actor Amaury Nolasco Fun in the sun! And they made sure they documented the fun, taking pictures as they leapt into the air Chic: Jose looked stylish in black swimming trunks Kiss-athon: The twosome couldn't get enough of eachother Into each other: Jose stared lovingly at his new wife Caring: Eva wiped suntan lotion into her beau's face Sunbathing: Eva and her beau took some time out to get that golden bronze Pals: Eva's actor pal Amaury soaked up the sunrays Cosy: The pair couldn't keep their hands off each other as they cuddled up in the sea Whip my hair: Eva dipped herself into the ocean as she hung from her beau's muscular arms Laugh a minute: Eva couldn't control her giggles as she nestled up close to her handsome beau Sight seeing: Eva settled herself down on the beach with a friend Cute couple! They made for a handsome pair as they strolled along the sand Eva wed third husband Jose Antonio Baston in a romantic sunset ceremony in Mexico in May. The actress and TV executive Pepe, exchanged vows in front of 200 guests- including the Beckhams, at a private residence in the lakeside town of Valle de Bravo. The American beauty became engaged to the 47-year-old president of Grupo Televisa, Latin America's largest media company, in Dubai in December after going public with their relationship in November 2013. She is set to travel to Wales soon to begin filming the BBC Two comedy series Decline And Fall. Adapted from Evelyn Waugh's novel, the production is scheduled to begin shooting later this month and stars John Suchet, Doulgas Hodge and Jack Whitehall. Documenting things: Eva shared snaps of the beautiful clear sea and sand Yacht party! The group made the most of their visit Pose! The group enjoyed drinks on the beach, before continuing the party on a yacht where Eva shared an infux of Snapchat clips as she danced on the boat Fooling around: Eva showed off her dance moves on Snapchat He is one of 24 castaways set to battle it out on Channel Ten's upcoming reality show Survivor. And charity co-founder Sam Webb, 28, has vowed that he will go into the competition with a clear mind and an open heart. 'I'm an open book so I'm going in there with a super open mind. I'm open to anything in the camp,' said the hunky fitness enthusiast in an official statement, before adding: 'I'm open to romance.' Scroll down for video 'I'm an open book': Charity co-founder Sam Webb, 28, has vowed that he will go into Channel Ten's upcoming season of Survivor with a clear mind and an open heart. Sam is no stranger to emotional turmoil, after having experienced tragedy when one of his close friends committed suicide. 'It changed my entire life purpose and mission. I now use tragedy to inspire people in a positive way,' he said. 'Overall, I make decisions in life by asking myself `does it make me happier?', so I do everything for the better. I don't waste time doing things that don't move me. I'm all in.' 'Overall, I make decisions in life by asking myself `does it make me happier?'' Sam is no stranger when it comes to emotional turmoil- having experienced tragedy after one of his close friends committed suicide The incident prompted him to start his mental health and suicide prevention organisation LIVIN. Audiences can expect both compassion and competitiveness when it comes to Sam, with the light-eyed entrepreneur explaining that, 'as a person I'm compassionate. I can connect really well with people, I can build relationships'. He went on: 'I'm very competitive. I've grown up with three sisters and a brother, I don't like losing man, I don't like losing.' 'I don't like losing': Audiences can expect both compassion and competitiveness when it comes to Sam 'I pride myself on mateship and loyalty. I'm open to confrontation. If I have to come in and look after someone, I will,' he later said. Scott is currently on the island of Samoa battling it out with 23 fellow competitors in a bid to win the half a million dollar prize money. The contestants, who were chosen from a staggering 15,000 applicants, range from the ages 23 to 62 and bring an array of contrasting skills. Zoe Saldana has more than one reason to be joyful this week. Her new movie Star Trek Beyond is opening on Friday, and her Italian-born husband Marco Perego has just become a U.S. citizen. 'Marco has been dreaming about this moment for a long time. It was a process - as it should be, but we are finally here,' she wrote on her Instagram beside a photo of Marco driving to the citizenship ceremony. Scroll down for video 'Finally here': Zoe Saldana posted this photo to her Instagram showing her Italian-born husband Marco Perego driving to the ceremony where he would be sworn in as a naturalized U.S. citizen 'We are aware it isn't as easy for many immigrants to obtain their citizenship, we say to them NEVER GIVE UP,' Zoe added. 'Stay the course, America would not be what it is if not for the immigrants that come for better opportunities. We send love and good vibes to you all today.' When he first came to America, Marco washed dishes for a living, according to People, until his career as a painter and artist took off. He and Zoe married in 2013 and he took her last name. He's an American now! Zoe and Marco, an artist, wed in 2013 and on Wednesday he accompanied her to the premiere of her new film Star Trek Beyond at San Diego Comic-Con Proud dad: The Guardians Of The Galaxy actress shared this photo of Marco looking towards a giant American flag while holding the couple's 19-month-old twin boys Cy and Bowie in his arms The Avatar actress also posted a photo from the ceremony showing her husband facing a large American flag while holding their 19-month-old twin boys Cy and Bowie. Zoe's mom joined them at the ceremony and Zoe also shared a snap of Marco and her mother sitting side by side. 'My mom has been a citizen since she was a young girl. Her mother arrived in NYC in 1961 and brought my mother from Dominican Republic when she was 10. My sisters and I are indebted to them both. Because of them we are American women,' Zoe said in the caption. History: Zoe, 38, revealed something of her own family's immigrant journey alongside a snap of her Mom and Marco sitting next to each other at the citizenship ceremony... with British actor David Oyelowo behind them Behind the pair can be seen British actor and Selma star David Oyelowo, who worked with Zoe in the biopic Nina, who was also going through the naturalization process. On Wednesday night, Marco joined his beautiful wife on the red carpet for the premiere of Star Trek Beyond at Comic-Con International 2016 in San Diego, California. And the loved up couple couldn't resist sharing puckering up for a big kiss for the photographers. She may have taken home Best Supporting Actress at The Oscars back in February. But Alicia Vikander always looks like a winner. The 27-year-old actress looked stunning as always as she left her hotel to head to an appearance on the Today Show in New York City on Thursday morning. Scroll down for video Stunner: Alicia Vikander was spotted leaving her hotel to head to an appearance on the Today Show in New York City on Thursday morning She gave just a peek of her enviable figure as she rocked a number featuring a triangle-shaped cutout just over her belly. The fashionista's black floral-patterned dress featured a low-cut neckline and went up to the knee as she teamed it with a pair of strappy black leather heels. Alicia accessorised the look with a pair of large black designer shades and a metallic gold and silver Louis Vuitton petite malle clutch. Giving a glimpse: The 27-year-old actress showed a peak of her toned torso as her dress featured a triangular cutout over the stomach Gorgeous: Her black floral-patterned dress featured a low-cut neckline and went up to the knee as she teamed it with a pair of strappy black leather heels Her brunette tresses were combed back and worn down as she let her natural beauty show with complimentary make-up on her face. She was on the morning chat show/news programme along with Matt Damon to plug their upcoming blockbuster action sequel Jason Bourne. Alicia is playing Agent Heather Lee in the forthcoming fifth installment in the smash hit franchise, where she works under a CIA director played by Tommy Lee Jones. Friendly to fans: The Swedish actress did not hesitate to sign autographs for her followers Fashionista: Alicia accessorised the look with a pair of large black designer shades and a metallic gold and silver Louis Vuitton petite malle clutch The film takes place several years after Matt Damon's character disappeared at the conclusion of The Bourne Ultimatum. The super agent makes a surprise reappearance just as the world is faced with unprecedented instability. However he is not going to have an easy time of it, as yet another new program has been created to hunt him down as his seemingly never-ending search to find the answers to his past continues. Meanwhile there was good news for fans of the hit spy franchise, as star Matt Damon has teased there could be a fifth Bourne movie. Heading out: Her brunette tresses were combed back and worn down as she let her natural beauty show with complimentary make-up on her face However the popular star said it could be a while before it is made, and claimed they may even end up rebooting it without him. However this seems unlikely, as director Paul Greengrass has said he is keen to make more, saying, 'Its got to continue.' Jason Bourne is set for release on 27 July in the UK with the US release following just two days later on July 29. Carrie Bickmore sent fans into a frenzy on Thursday, after revealing that she met one of her 'favourite' celebrities on the Gold Coast. The Project host did not specify who exactly the mystery star was while only revealing that the A-lister 'was everything I thought she would be and more.' '... I had to duck up the GC today to interview one of my fav Hollywood A-listers,' she wrote on Instagram. Mother on the move: Carrie Bickmore revealed on Thursday that she interviewed one of her favourite Hollywood stars on the Gold Coast 'She was everything I thought she would be and more. Interview airing Monday. Can't wait !! Shhhhhhhhh.' Fans instantly began speculating who the mystery star could be, with an overwhelming majority guessing that it could be pop star Taylor Swift, who is currently in Australia as her boyfriend Tom Hiddleston films the new Thor movie. Fast & Furious actress Elsa Pataky, who is in Queensland with her Thor star husband Chris Hemsworth, was another guess as was Suicide Squad star Margot Robbie. Staying coy: The Project host did not specify who exactly she interviewed, which subsequently sent fans into a frenzy Carrie, 35, shared the news while making her way to work, on the Melbourne set of The Project. The busy mum of two was pictured getting her makeup done in the backseat of a car while 'running late' from the airport. The Channel Ten media personality has been a staple on the show since it first aired in 2009 and on Wednesday, she wished the current-affairs program a happy seventh birthday. The philanthropist marked the occasion by sharing a hilarious throwback photo of her and former co-host Dave Hughes. Sporting chic attire and a serious expression, Carrie looked a far cry from her characteristically bubbly TV persona. Was it Taylor Swift? Most of Carrie's followers assumed that The Project host interviewd the American pop princess Or maybe Elsa? Others speculated that it might have been Chris Hemsworth's wife Elsa Pataky, who has starred in several Hollywood blockbusters Perhaps Margot? Suicide Squad actress Margot Robbie was another guess Dave, 45, who is now the host of Australia's Got Talent, was pictured on set with a grim expression. Carrie poked fun at their stern facial expressions while also acknowledging the success of the hit Channel Ten show. 'Happy 7th birthday The Project @theprojecttv My how you have changed @dhughesy #Why #So #Serious,' she wrote alongside a throwback photo of her and Dave. Melbourne comedian Dave was among its first-ever co-hostsbefore moving on from the nightly gig in 2013, following the birth of his third child. The show, once known as The 7PM Project, now features Carrie, Waleed Aly, Peter Helier and Gorg Cohlan. Throwback: Carrie Bickmore marked The Project's seventh birthday by sharing a hilarious throwback photo of herself alongside former co-host Dave Hughes on Instagram Popular panel: The show, once known as The 7PM Project, features hosts Carrie, Waleed Aly, Peter Helier and Gorgi Cohlan As heiress to her father's four billion retail real estate fortune, she enjoys a lavish lifestyle. And Dorothy Wang was lapping up the luxury in an impressive villa in Thailand, on Thursday. The 28-year-old Rich Kids of Beverly Hills star shared an envy-inducing insight to her bikini-clad vacation on social media. Scroll down for video Bikini beauty: Dorothy Wang shared images from her luxurious sunshine vacay in Thailand, on Thursday Stunning: The 28-year-old Rich Kids of Beverly Hills star shared an envy-inducing insight to her bikini-clad trip on social media The reality television star shared a Snapchat which showcased her stunning physique as she donned a black string bikini to splash in the infinity pool of her accommodation in Phuket. Dark glasses covered her eyes as she looked effortlessly glamorous lounging around in the water. She added some cartoon images to the snaps, as she revealed her pert posterior by perching almost magically on the divide between the pool and ocean. Nice view: The reality television star shared a Snapchat which showcased her stunning physique as she donned a black string bikini to splash in the infinity pool of her accommodation in Phuket She also gave a good look around the stunning and sizable villa. 'Waking up in Phuket,' she captioned a picture which revealed the awesome view through floor-to-ceiling windows which looked straight out across an azure ocean. Luxury loungers are also seen surrounding the pool, on a wooden deck, which also featured white parasols. Handsome prince? She added some cartoon images to the snaps, as she revealed her pert posterior by perching almost magically on the divide between the pool and ocean Cat-fishing? Dark glasses covered her eyes as she looked effortlessly glamorous lounging around in the water Luxury break: She also gave a good look around the stunning and sizable villa Nice setting: Luxury loungers are also seen surrounding the pool, on a wooden deck, which also featured white parasols The E! star kept her trim figure in check with a healthy lunch of salmon and quinoa salad. She captioned the plate of food: 'shambhala,' which is a Sanskrit term meaning place of peace, tranquility and happiness. Dorothy previously complained about her weight while out at dinner with her castmates during the reality show's fourth season. Delicious: The E! star kept her trim figure in check with a healthy lunch of salmon and quinoa salad Thai treats: Dorothy looked to be enjoying the local fayre after she previously complained about her weight while out at dinner with her castmates during the reality show's fourth season 'I'm so fat right now I don't know what to do!' she exclaimed at the time. Clearly, Dorothy is no longer having body weight issues. Meanwhile, she recently told DailyMail.com exclusively that her fight with Rich Kids of Beverly Hills costar Morgan Stewart over a racial slur turned out to be a blessing in disguise. 'Its almost like it was a blessing that that happened, because were so much stronger now than weve ever been,' she told DailyMail.com's US Showbiz editor Natalie Trombetta last Wednesday. The RKOBH star, who has launched her own line of rose called Rich and Bubbly, also said she eventually hopes to expand her growing line of businesses with a nail line, shawls, and a possible cookbook. Her father Roger Wang is one of the 400 richest men in America, according to Forbes, with a net worth of $3.1 billion. It has housed the worst of the worst of America's criminals but despite that and the recent accusations being thrown at this star, he was not about to miss a trip to the infamous Rock. Johnny Depp, with his band Hollywood Vampires in tow, took a break from touring - and his legal woes - to take a sightseeing tour of America's most famous jail, Alcatraz. The 53-year-old, who was recently accused of domestic violence by estranged wife Amber Heard, did not seem too concerned about the San Francisco, California, landmark's past on Wednesday. The Rock: Johnny Depp took a break from touring - and his legal woes - to take a sightseeing tour of America's most famous jail, Alcatraz, in San Francisco, California, on Wednesday Perhaps because police decided to not move forward with a more in depth investigation of his wife's allegations, the star also felt confident to see the inside of the a jail cell or two. Exploring the old prison - which once housed the country's worst criminals including Al Capone and Mickey Cohen - Johnny stopped by a cell that once belonged to someone he knows very well, James 'Whitey' Bulger. Johnny, of course played, the crime boss murderer in Black Mass so could not help but see where the convicted criminal spent three years from 1959. Posed up in the tiny decaying cell, Johnny almost looked the part with the actor wearing a vintage denim shirt very similar to those issued to inmates of the rock. Locked up: Exploring the old prison, Johnny stopped by a cell that once belonged to someone he knows very well, James 'Whitey' Bulger Bad man: Johnny, of course played, the crime boss murderer in Black Mass so could not help but see where the convicted criminal spent three years from 1959 The star also wore a pair of dark jeans with a white T-shirt, a grey sweater and cheese cutter cap. The actor later ditched the cap and added a bandanna to pose atop the prison's distinctive lighthouse for a moody snap by his photographer Kyler Clark. Describing the photograph, Kyler said: 'Climbed to the top of the #Lighthouse on #Alcatraz #Island this afternoon and got this shot of #JohnnyDepp with the #skyline of #SanFrancisco in the background. It was so windy I thought we were going to fly off the top of the thing. Thanks so much to Ranger John for taking such good care of us! INCREDIBLE view!' Standard issue: Posed up in the tiny decaying cell, Johnny (seen here with bandmate Matt Sorum) almost looked the part with the actor wearing a vintage denim shirt very similar to those issued to inmates of the rock Johnny's jail visit comes as it was revealed that the star is refusing to release his financial details to his estranged wife until she promises to keep them private. According to legal documents obtained by gossip website TMZ, the Black Mass actor claims Amber, 30, has refused to sign a confidentiality agreement, but he's aware she is entitled to find out some information about his monetary situation. Johnny's lawyer Laura Wasser claims in the documents that Amber has been telling the media information about the former couple, who are not thought to have had a pre-nuptial agreement. Development: Johnny's jail visit comes as it was revealed in court documents that the star is refusing to release his financial details to his estranged wife until she promises to keep them private (his is pictured May and Amber seen here earlier this month) In addition to asking the court to order his financial dealings to be kept, he wants other information that will be part of the proceedings such as witness statements to remain private too. According to People, he is also asking that any experts or witnesses called to give evidence in the case be required to sign nondisclosure agreements. 'Amber's need for financial information to resolve this case is distinct from the public's appetite for celebrity divorce,' Johnny's legal documents state. Breaking up is hard to do: The couple (pictured January) had been married for 15 months when Amber filed for divorce in May Johnny pointed out that media scrutiny of his break-up with Amber is intense, calling it 'one of the most heavily publicized celebrity divorces in recent memory.' He said he had asked his estranged wife 'has inexplicably refused to sign any agreement' consenting to keeping details of their relationship and divorce private. The Pirates of The Caribbean star also wants a judge to rule that requests by Amber's legal team for information about his finances prior to their relationship are unwarranted, and that attempts to obtain financial information from his Hollywood Vampires bandmates be quashed because they're 'irrelevant.' 'Irrelevant': The actor has also alleged in court documents that Amber, 30, is seeking informaiton about the finances of his Hollywood Vampires bandmates including Alice Cooper (pictured May) and Joe Perry The now former couple - who met on the set of 2011 film 'The Rum Diary' and were married for just 15 months - are embroiled in the bitter legal battle after announcing their split in May. Amber has been granted a temporary restraining order against Johnny after claiming in court that her decision to file for divorce from him was prompted by the actor physically attack her. She alleged that 'during the entirety of our relationship, Johnny has been verbally and physically abusive to me'. Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke met with more than a dozen area landlords today to discuss ways they can work together to end veterans homelessness and provide stable housing for the men and women who have served our country. With eleven homeless veterans in Chattanooga ready to move into a home today, the need for new landlords is bigger than ever before, officials said. Our veterans have fought for our freedom - they shouldnt have to worry about fighting for a roof over their head, said Mayor Berke. Thats why its so important we continue to support our service men and women who are homeless, connecting them with landlords who can offer an open door and a new lease on life. The City is looking for landlords who are willing to rent one and two bedroom units at an affordable rate as defined by Housing and Urban Development. Landlords stepping forward in support include Carey Thornhill, president of Thornhill Management Group, who regularly rents to veterans who were once homeless. Its one of the best forms of gratification. They support our freedoms and when they come back home and cant find housing, its a slap in the face, said Mr. Thornhill. It feels good when we know we can house them in some nice homes and have them in more stable conditions. Affordable Housing Provider, Cleon Coleman, who has been housing veterans since the start of the initiative, echoed Mr. Thornhills experience saying its great to be able to provide stability to someone who has been in a transitional state. I feel like veterans who have served should have some options when it comes to housing. It is fulfilling when you can house someone whos given so much, said Mr. Coleman. Since the start of Mayor Berkes Initiative to End Veteran Homelessness in Chattanooga, the City and its partners have housed 188 veterans. Through collaboration and communication with several community partners, Chattanooga continues to steadily house veterans every month. We are vigilant in our goal to house every homeless veteran in Chattanooga. We are making progress, and now is the time to double down on our commitment by opening our hearts and unlocking options for veterans to call home, said Mayor Berke. At Thursdays meeting, Mayor Berke challenged the group of landlords to help house the remaining veterans who are homeless in Chattanooga and to pass the word to peers with homes available for rent. Anyone interested in joining the initiative and ending veteran homelessness in Chattanooga should visit chattanooga.gov/veterans. ABC is rumored to making more changes to the line-up on The View ahead of the fall season. Co-host Paula Faris is set to be 'axed' from the daytime show, according to PageSix.com on Thursday. 'ABC News did research and Paula scored some of the lowest numbers ever that the network had seen,' a source told the gossip website. Out? Paula Faris, pictured in April 2015 in New York, is rumored to be facing the axe as ABC plans more changes to the line-up on The View The insider added: 'ABC News was hoping [Paula] would bring a more conservative perspective to the show because shes a conservative Christian.' 'But she doesnt own her opinions and the audience never connects with anyone whos pretending.' Back in May, PageSix.com correctly predicted the departure of co-host Michelle Collins, whose contract was not renewed after one season on the chat show, it was announced in June. No love lost? It's claimed that longtime co-host Whoopi Goldberg, who recently signed a $2.5 million contract to return to the daytime talk show for another season, doesn't get on with Faris and is 'elated' at her departure The departure of Faris would be welcomed by Whoopi Goldberg, sources say. 'She has never been a fan of Paulas, the source claimed. 'The tension on-air has been so thick you could cut it with a knife. Whoopi never misses an opportunity to bite her head off over any given topic.' However, a rep for The View insisted to PageSix.com that 'Paula is a great addition to the team, and shell absolutely be back as a co-host next season.' In early June, Variety reported that Sara Haines, who is currently a Good Morning America Weekend anchor and frequent guest host and correspondent on The View, is in talks to join the show at the end of the summer when the new season begins. Contract wasn't renewed: Back in May, PageSix.com correctly predicted that Michelle Collins would not be returning to The View for a second season. Collins is pictured this week at a premiere in NYC Haines, 38, has been at ABC since 2013 and prior to that worked at Today, leaving her job as a producer and contributing correspondent on the show's fourth hour with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb to join the rival network. A source close to the show told DailyMail.com last month that Haines would be joining the show as one of the hosts next season alongside fan favorite Sunny Hostin. 'The network loves Sara and so does Whoopi, who has been vocal about saying to executives that Sara should have always been hired over GMA's Paula Farris,' said the source. DailyMail.com's source added: 'Two years ago the network courted Sunny and she was supposed to be apart of season 18 with Whoopi, Rosie O'Donnell and Nicolle Wallace. Things fell apart during a last minute chemistry test between the ladies and the deal never happened. ABC knew they made a bad decision.' He is one of the best known faces in Hollywood and counts Ben Affleck and George Clooney as some of his closest friends, but Matt Damon has admitted he has never felt like a movie star. The acclaimed actor, 45, who is busy promoting the fifth Jason Bourne film, also spoke about how his relatively low-key lifestyle has helped him avoid being typecast. He said some actors fall into the trap of becoming so famous that they can no longer portray real people. Low-key lifestyle: Matt Damon (pictured) has admitted he has never felt like a movie star 'I never felt like a movie star and that's allowed me to do all the different roles I have done. I never got locked into having to play one thing over and over again,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald. 'It also really helps with my work, because I feel that I can still relate to the characters I am playing. 'Whereas, I think for some people fame can be so overwhelming that it distorts their understanding of how human beings actually engage with one another - because nobody is treating them normally and you eventually start to see that in their work.' Action hero: The acclaimed actor, 45, who is busy promoting the fifth Jason Bourne film, also spoke about how his relatively low-key lifestyle has helped him avoid being typecast Matt yearned for a time when mystery still shrouded actors, making it easier to believe them as a character. He said there was an 'unpredictability' about early Robert De Niro performances in the 60s and 70s because people did not known much about him at the time. The father-of-four said he never wanted to be restricted to a certain type of movie, saying he would be was open to low budget films. He revealed that starring in The Bourne Identity 14 years ago saved his career after a number of disappointing box-office flops. Matt described his character in the long running spy thriller as a kind of 'anti-bond'. Fame game: He said that some actors fall into the trap of becoming so famous that they can no longer portray real people Different role: He starred alongside Jude Law (right) in The Talented Mr Ripley In a recent interview with GQ he also opened up about working with Heath Ledger on The Brothers Grimm three years before the acclaimed actor died from an accidental overdose. The Jason Bourne actor, 45, spoke about his first impressions of his talented Australian co-star, describing him as 'too bright for this world'. He revealed that after working together on the 2005 fantasy film, he told everyone he came across that Heath was the best actor he had ever seen. 'There were things that he did where I couldn't have got there in three lifetimes,' he said. 'And there were ways in which he was like a puppy dog. You wanted to protect him.' To mark the release of the fifth Jason Bourne film, Matt also took part in a Reddit Q&A where he discussed his relationship with childhood friend Ben Affleck. The pair won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay in 1997 for writing Good Will Hunting together. But Matt, who now has four children, explained they both struggle to find the time to work on new projects together. Childhood friends: To mark the release of the fifth Jason Bourne film, Matt also took part in a Reddit Q&A where he discussed his relationship with Ben Affleck (left) Close friends: Matt Damon (right) has opened up about working with Heath Ledger (left) on fantasy film The Brothers Grimm three years before the Australian actor died from an accidental overdose 'I love Ben, I love his work, he's been my buddy for 35 years. The big issue is time for us,' he wrote. 'We have a company together so we work on a lot of projects together, but to try to carve out the time is really tough. I mean we both have a whole mess of kids now, and these other day jobs.' He reminisced about writing the script for Good Will Hunting together in a basement. 'We were unemployed and we weren't writing the script on a deadline either,' Matt said. 'Nobody was expecting it, so we were just these two idiots in our basement writing this thing, and now we have all of these pressures of the lives grown-ups have. 'So I would never say never because I would absolutely love to write with Ben again, and I'd love to collaborate with him on anything, he's brilliant. I'd love to be in one of his movies that he directs. She's a brand new mum who welcomed her first daughter Lily-Grace Victoria Rothschild earlier this month. And Nicky Hilton was impressively already back into denim shorts on Wednesday as she stepped out in New York. The 32-year-old socialite channeled Daisy Duke as she ran errands without her little one in Soho. Slimmed down: Nicky Hilton was back into denim shorts on Wednesday as she stepped out in New York on Wednesday Rocking a flower-power boho-vibe, the heiress showcased her slender post-pregnancy body as she chatted on the phone. The sister of DJ Paris Hilton showed off her toned and tanned legs as she kept her cool in the summer heat. The beauty sported a brightly coloured paisley kaftan and added a pair of red and blue flip flops Leggy display: The 32-year-old socialite channeled Daisy Duke as she ran errands without her little one, in Soho Ably mastering the art of multi-tasking, the New York resident looks to have taken to motherhood without missing a beat, snapping effortlessly back into shape. The only hint that she may be slightly more time-poor than previously were her hurriedly up-done blonde tresses which were pulled into a loose bun. The natural beauty forewent make-up as she covered her eyes with purple lens Illesteva sunglasses. Yummy mummy: Rocking a flower-power boho-vibe, the heiress showcased her slender post-pregnancy body as she chatted on the phone With her man: The heiress seen with husband James Rothschild on Saturday in NYC She celebrated her one year anniversary with billionaire banking heir husband James Rothschild on July 10, just two days after welcoming their precious little one. Nicky shared a glowing message for her baby daughter to mark the occasion. She posted an Instagram photo of her and James on their wedding day along with the caption: 'Thankful for the best anniversary gift ever...our beautiful daughter Lily-Grace.' In the image, James kissed his gorgeous new bride following their nuptials at Kensington Palace in London last July. The happy couple started dating in 2011 after meeting at mutual friend Petra Ecclestone's wedding, and got engaged in August 2014 while on holiday in Lake Como, Italy. It has been just under two years since the world lost an icon and his three children lost their dad. While the pain remains, Robin Williams' daughter Zelda has remembered her father on what would have been his 65th birthday. On Thursday, the 26-year-old daughter revealed she honours her late father and his legacy by giving back to the world. Thinking of him: While the pain remains, Robin Williams' daughter Zelda has remembered her father on what would have been his 65th birthday (photographed with sons Cody and Zak) Zelda posted an emotional tribute to her Oscar-winning dad - who she calls Poppo - letting him know how she remembers him. Keeping his legacy alive: The actress (pictured June 15) reveled she donates to a charity Freedom Service Dogs as a gift to him She wrote on Instagram: 'Still not really sure what to do on days like today I know I cant give you a present anymore, but I guess that means Ill just have to keep giving them in your name instead. 'This year, I tried to help three causes you cared about in one; rescue dogs, people suffering from disabilities, and our nations wounded veterans, so I donated to freedomservicedogs.org. 'They rescue pups from shelters and train them so that they can be paired with someone in dire need of their help and companionship. 'Thought you'd get a kick out of furry, four legged friends helping change the world, one warrior in need at a time.' 'Happy birthday Poppo. Shasha, Zakky, Codeman and I all love you and miss you like crazy. Xo.' Celebrating the man that made herself and the world laugh, Zelda posted a black and white image of herself as a child, along with her brothers Zak, now 33, and Cody, now 24, with their father. In the image a moustachioed Robin has Cody and Zelda balanced on each of his knees with Zak clinging to his back as they giggle away. The Good Will Hunting star took his own life in August 2014 at his California home. At the time his publicist said the comedic actor had been battling depression for some time but later his widow Susan Schneider revealed the actor, then 63, was suffering from Lewy Body Dementia. Caused by built up abnormal protein deposits in the brain, it can cause varied symptoms in those afflicted with it including memory issues, problems with movement, hallucinations, delusions and depression. He is one of the top movie stars in the world. And Brad Pitt left fans in a frenzy on his latest outing. The 52-year-old actor was spotted leaving his hotel in New York City on Thursday when he was mobbed by dozens of devotees. Scroll down for video Cool guy: Brad Pitt was spotted leaving his hotel in New York City on Thursday when he was mobbed by dozens of fans Brad looked every bit the cool customer despite the chaotic scene as he made his way through the crowd. Many lucky fans were even able to snap up a selfie with the handsome star before he hopped into a pick-up vehicle. The Inglorious Basterds star was as dressed as cool as his demeanor while he wore a relaxed. yet stylish ensemble. Keeping it casual: The 52-year-old actor rocked his signature style Casual customer: Brad sported a white long-sleeved button-down top over a grey shirt and indigo-wash jeans Quite the scene: Several fans and photographers were trying their best to get a snap of the A-lister Brad sported a white long-sleeved button-down top over a grey shirt and indigo-wash jeans. The husband of Angelina Jolie finished off the look with beige suede boots as he accessorised with a tan fedora and aviator shades. Brad and the 41-year-old actress-activist share six children: Maddox, 14, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10 and twins Vivienne and Knox, 8. Stylish: The husband of Angelina Jolie finished off the look with beige suede boots Chill: He accessorised with a tan fedora and aviator shades Just the two of us: One fan seemed lucky enough to get a selfie with Brad Friendly to fans: The Mr And Mrs Smith actor may have been on the move but still made small talk with devotees The family have been living in London as he films WWII spy drama Allied over the past few months. Brad's trip to New York comes their Chateau Miraval estate in the South of France is under threat from fires in nearby town of Correns. The lavish estate, which has 35 bedrooms and a vineyard, also has a chapel, where the celebrity couple married in 2014. On-the-go: Brad carried along a black leather designer overnight bag and a copy of the New York Times Man of the hour: He had someone helping him make a pathway Moneyball: One of the ans had a baseball out for the actor to sign A day in the life: As Brad is one of the most famous actors in the world, no doubt he is used to this type of commotion In addition to filming in London, Brad has also signed on to produce Ben Stiller's new comedy Brad's Status through his Plan B production company. The film, written by Enlightened creator Mike White, follows a man who must confront his failures after comparing himself to his more successful friends. Family: Brad and wife Angelina Jolie with their children (L-R) Pax, Zahara, Knox, Shiloh and Maddox at the the premiere of Disney's Maleficent in Hollywood in 2014 One day after lobbying on behalf of the transgender community at an event outside the Republican National Convention in Ohio, it was back to the usual chores for Caitlyn Jenner. The reality star, 66, was spotted grabbing coffee in Malibu before picking up some groceries at a market and then heading to a meeting in Beverly Hills. She wore a stripy mini dress with voluminous sleeves that showed off her long legs and a white bodysuit revealed by the slashed-to-the-waist neckline. Scroll down for video Summer look: Caitlyn Jenner stepped out in LA on Thursday wearing a stripy mini dress with wraparound bodice and smocked waist over a white body suit The blue, black and yellow striped outfit featured a smocked waist and rode up high on the thighs. The former Olympic decathlete rocked red nail polish on her fingers and toes and opted for some wedge sandals for her outing. The I Am Cait star was fully made-up with pink blusher and pink lip color and accessorized with some diamond stud earrings. Her hair was combed out with a center parting and left loose and she had on a pair of metal-framed sunglasses. Activist: The reality star, 66, was spotted heading to an appointment in Beverly Hills one day after making an appearance at an event outside the RNC in Cleveland, Ohio, where she lobbied for transgender rights In a hurry: Caitlyn went bare-legged in her busy outfit that she paired with a patterned purse and wedge sandals. She wore pink blusher and lip color and rocked red nail polish on her fingers and toes Coiffed: The I Am Cait star and former Olympic decathlete left her hair loose with a center parting and styled at the back in loose waves The bare-legged trans icon carried a brown and black patterned designer purse and appeared to be in a hurry as she made her way into an office building. Just 24 hours earlier, Caitlyn had made national headlines after attending an American Unity Fund brunch-time event in Cleveland where she suggested trans people were less likely to misbehave in bathrroms than republicans. She made the comments while addressing the issue of controversial bathroom bills like the one in North Carolina that has divided the party there. The American Unity Fund is a conservative group that advocates for LGBT issues. She made her name as the 'Hello boys' model for Wonder Bra in the 1990s. And Eva Herzigova, 43, showed she still has what it takes as she slipped into a black and white check two-piece during her Italian beachside vacation. The blonde stunner revealed her super-slim frame as she enjoyed a dip in the ocean with her adorable sons on Thursday. Mama mia! Eva Herzigova showed off her model thin figure on Thursday as took a dip in the sea in a black and white check bikini during a stay in the Italian coastal resort town of Varigotti The Czech beauty is spending time in the Italian coastal resort of Varigotto where on Wednesday she did a photoshoot. But on Thursday it was all about having some family fun as she helped her youngest son Edward, three, navigate the water with a big yellow rubber ring and an inflatable sea monster. She wore her blonde hair tied up into a messy bun at the nape of her neck and sported large blue-framed sunglasses as well as dangly earrings for her day at the beach. Fun in the sun: The two-piece revealed the blonde mother-of-three's taut tummy and toned limbs Learning to swim: Her three-year-old son Edward also took a turn floating on top of a large yellow inflatable board and kicking his legs out behind him as his famous mom kept a hold of him Her blonde curly haired tot was dressed in lone dark blue swimming trunks and had inflated red water wings on each arm. Little Edward seemed enthralled by the bright green and orange sea monster that resembled Loch Ness' Nessie. And he also got a helping hand from his famous mom as he floated on top of the large yellow inflatable board and kicking his legs out behind him. Simply stunning: The model wore her blonde hair tied into a messy bun at the nape of her neck and wore blue-framed sunglasses and dangly earrings for her beach day Beach fun: Eva has three sons with partner Gregorio Marsiaj Eva shares three sons with partner Gregorio Marsiaj. In addition to Edward, she's mom to George, nine, and Philipe, five. Speaking to the Evening Standard in 2013, she said: 'Being a mother is a hard job, but it's the best in the world. Every day is something new and great.' The star has also confessed that she relied on some extra help when it came to balancing her professional and personal live. Supermodel: The 43-year-old showed off her figure in a black-and-white bikini as they splashed around in the surf Break time! The model and her youngest later headed back onto the beach after their fun in the water 'I didn't want to have a nanny at first,' she told Elle magazine after the birth of her eldest son. 'I wanted to do everything on my own. But the best advice I can give is to have some sort of help.' She is often seen strutting her stuff. So, true to form, Kimberly Garner put on a very revealing display when she stepped out in West London on Thursday evening. The blonde beauty, who rose to fame as part of Made In Chelsea, turned heads as she attended Revlon's Choose Love Masquerade Ball at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Scroll down for video Revealing! Kimberly Garner put on a very revealing display when she stepped out for Revlon's Choose Love Masquerade Ball held at the Victoria and Albert Museum on Thursday evening The London-born reality star wowed in a green leather-effect dress which left little to the imagination, thanks to a backless detail and a thigh-high slit. Displaying a golden tan, she was on fine form as she posed up a storm on the red carpet. Wearing her hair in a casual centre-parting, she accessorised with a pair of strappy heels and a Venitian-inspired mask. Not shy! The London-born reality star wowed in a green leather-effect dress which left little to the imagination, thanks to a backless detail and a thigh-high slit. Looking good: Wearing her hair in a casual centre-parting, she accessorised with a pair of strappy heels and a Venitian-inspired mask Dressed to impress: Together, the wardrobe choice was a sartorial success for the swimwear designer, who is a regular on London's party scene Together, the wardrobe choice was a sartorial success for the swimwear designer, who is a regular on London's party scene. Naturally, she couldn't help but command attention as she made her entrance at the West London venue, where a number of other stars were also present. These included a peroxide blonde Michelle Keegan, who was virtually unrecognisable with her new look. Centre of attention: Naturally, she couldn't help but command attention as she made her entrance at the West London venue, where a number of other stars were also present Stunning: As night fell over the English capital, she used the streets as a backdrop as she posed for snapshots Head-turner: The blonde beauty, who rose to fame as part of Made In Chelsea, turned heads as she arrived Standing tall: Carrying a black leather clutch, she stood tall in a pair of embellished black strappy sandals Michelle dazzled with her bold new 'do, which cascaded around her shoulders in voluminous waves. She kept the glam vibe going with her choice of dress, showing off her incredible figure in a slinky semi-sheer gown. The sparkling number featured a sequinned pattern and to-the-floor skirt, while the bardot-style neckline flashed some bronzed skin. Blonde bombshell! Michelle Keegan's dramatic new look stole the show on the red carpet on Thursday night as she made her entrance at Revlon's masquerade ball, held in conjunction with the V&A's Undressed exhibition New 'do: The former Corrie star styled her platinum do into glam waves as she slipped into a figure-hugging number for the star-studded night out at London's Victoria and Albert Museum Michelle, who is married to former TOWIE star Mark Wright accessorised with a chic clutch bag and added an on-trend sequin choker. Her look was completed with a slick of lippie and lashings of mascara. Michelle has dyed her dark locks blonde for her new role in ITV's anticipated drama chronicling the life of legendary England captain Bobby Moore, in which she will play the sportsman's wife, Tina. ITV confirmed last month she will feature opposite 26-year-old actor Lorne MacFadyen - who is best to known to viewers from Grantchester - and Patsy Kensit, who will play her mother, in a new drama series which she's been spotted filming in recent weeks. Ultra chic: TOWIE star Lydia Bright looked gorgeous in her full skirted gown which flashed her legs with its dipped hem Reality bites: Jessica Wright and Rosie Fortescue also attended the bash in West London on Thursday Sam Frost decided to take a trip down memory lane this week, sharing a photo of her teenage self. The flashback snap showed the 27-year-old radio star sporting braces back in the day, and Sam had a descriptive caption to go along with the photo. 'Throwback Almost-Thursday Meet Teenage Sam, who had a mouth full of painful ulcers & only just discovered tweezers. I then spent the next five years with no eyebrows #babetown (sic),' Australia's first Bachelorette star wrote. Scroll down for video Blast from the past: Sam Frost decided to take a trip down memory lane this week, sharing a photo of her teenage self with braces (L), a change from her now very glamorous look (R) Sam's golden locks were pulled back in the image, revealing her barefaced, youthful complexion. Nowadays the stunner is usually always dressed to the nines for red carpet events, oozing confidence as she flashes her pearly whites. No doubt her biggest fan would be her beau Sasha Mielczarek, who she met on Channel Ten's The Bachelorette last year. The pair recently enjoyed a romantic getaway, jetting off to Bali for some quality time together. Loved up: Sam is happily dating Sasha Mielczarek who she met on The Bachelorette last year Holiday: The pair recently enjoyed a romantic getaway, jetting off to Bali for some quality time together And Sam ensured she kept her fans up to date with some fun snaps from the trip. 'I'm going to miss the warm beautiful nights #freezingcoldwinterathome @thebalibible @thesamayaseminyakbali (sic),' she captioned one image earlier this week. The photo showed the pair relaxing at the The Samaya Seminyak resort. Meanwhile last week the pair celebrated their one-year anniversary. 'Deadset wouldn't read about it! One year has passed since that memorable day in New Zealand ! Happy one year anniversary to my amazing girlfriend @fro01 with hopefully many more to come #loveyourhead #mymilkshakebringsalltheboystotheyard #whaaaaaatttttt? (sic),' Sasha wrote on Instagram, along with a photo of the pair enjoying a holiday 12 months ago. She's been showing off her fabulous maternity style throughout her second pregnancy. And Teresa Palmer once again looked blooming beautiful as she attended the Comic-Con convention in San Diego, California on Thursday. The 30-year-old showed off her blossoming baby bump in a whimsical floral-printed maxi dress. Scroll down for video Blooming beautiful: Pregnant Teresa Palmer once again looked blooming beautiful as she attended the Comic-Con convention in San Diego, California on Thursday Teresa looked a picture of happiness as she happily posed for pictures on the red carpet. Donning a semi-sheer black dress with floral patterned detailing, the floaty number skimmed over her burgeoning baby bump, cinching in at the waist. Keeping her accessories to a minimum, the beauty opted for elegant stud earrings, delicate gold rings and a pair of strappy pink heels. Sweeping her signature blonde tresses into a chic ponytail, the actress and model flaunted a blemish-free complexion, soft kohl-rimmed eyes, a touch of bronzer and a nude lip. Stunning: The 30-year-old showed off her precious baby bump in a whimsical floral-printed maxi dress as she happily posed for photos Teresa recently recalled the difficulties she faced in the lead up to her successful pregnancy. Speaking to OK! magazine, the Warm Bodies star explained the experience of trying for a child as 'not fun' while adding after a while it became 'unsexy'. 'It became stressful, confusing, sad, disappointing and downright unsexy', she told the publication. Beauty: The actress promoted her film Lights Out alongside cast mates Alexander DiPersia and Maria Bello Simplicity: The model swept her signature blonde tresses into a chic ponytail and accessorised with elegant stud earrings and delicate gold rings The mother-of-one added that after several attempts her and husband Mark Webber, 36, became overwhelmed with excitement after finally conceiving. But the joy didn't last long for the little family with Teresa explaining the doctors shattered their news during their heartbeat ultrasound. She said Mark 'filmed with excitement' before the medical staff bluntly stated 'I'm so sorry but there is no baby'. Live on air: While at Comic-Con, Teresa and Alexander attended Sirius XM's Entertainment Weekly Radio Channel Broadcasts Animated: The cast mates appeared clearly at ease as they chatted on air On the move: While out and about at Comic-Con, the mother-of-one added a chic pair of designer sunglasses and structured bag with gold chain to her ensemble The Point Break actress added that she had suffered from a molar pregnancy. 'Basically, everyone drops a crappy egg at one point in their life and my body did, and, of course, it was the month we finally conceived', she recalled. What the couple once thought was a second pregnancy turned out to be a 'potentially cancerous tumour'. 'So you have the symptoms of being pregnant but really it's just a potentially cancerous tumour that grows, no baby', she wrote on her blog, Your Zen Mama, last month. Pride and joy: Teresa is said to be in good health and expecting her second child in November. Pictured with two-year-old son Bodhi Rain 'I had to be monitored weekly with blood tests to check to see if the tumour would grow back but thankfully my HCG numbers dropped rapidly enough and I didn't need any chemo'. Teresa is now said to be in good health and her second child with Mark is due in November. She is already a mother to two-year-old Bodhi Rain and Mark's eight-year-old son Isaac Love from a previous relationship. She cut her teeth on screen as a reality television personality opposite Paris Hilton on The Simple Life, which aired from 2003 until 2007. And Nicole Richie must be dancing on the ceiling as she gets to show off her comedic acting chops on the NBC comedy Great News. The 34-year-old is due to replace Kimrie Lewis-Davis in the series, claimed the Hollywood Reporter on Thursday. Acting role! Nicole Richie is set to show off her comedic acting chops, as she has landed a role in NBC comedy Great News It's the debut scripted series regular role for the star, who is married to Good Charlotte's Joel Madden. The adopted-daughter of Lionel Richie, who appeared as herself in The Simple Life and Candidly Nicole, will be playing Portia in the comedy. It is written and co-executive produced by 30 Rock writer and Emmy-Award winner Tracey Wigfield, and said to be inspired by her own life. Character break: It's the debut scripted series regular role for the star - who is married to Good Charlotte's Joel Madden It centres on a mother-daughter relationship that is challenged when an overly involved New Jersey mom, played by Andrea Martin, interns at her daughter's (Briga Heelan) workplace - a cable news network, according to THR. The role was originally played by Scandal's Kimrie Lewis-Davis in the pilot and the publication reports that producers are said to have wanted to go in a different direction with the role. Portia is described as the hip, young co-host of The Breakdown, the cable news show within Great News. Replaced: The role was originally played by Scandal's Kimrie Lewis-Davis in the pilot and the publication reports that producers are said to have wanted to go in a different direction with the role Sometimes a shrewd social media genius, sometimes a clueless idiot, Portia has little interest in her older co-host's (John Michael Higgins) hard-hitting traditional vision for the show. The single-camera comedy also sees Tina Fey and Robert Carlock as executive producers. This is not Nicole's acting debut. She has also worked on the TV series Chuck as well as 8 Simple Rules and Empire. She was recently seen 'twerking' in a sexy holiday video. But Nicole Scherzinger put on a more more demure display when she attended a food bash in central London on Thursday. The 38 year-old, who rose to fame in the Pussycat Dolls, was a VIP guest at the Just Eat Food Fest in the capital's Shoreditch, where she deftly turned heads. Scroll down for video Lookinmg goodL Nicole Scherzinger put on a more more demure display when she attended a food bash in central London on Thursday Buxom: The 38 year-old, who rose to fame in the Pussycat Dolls, was a VIP guest at the Just Eat Food Fest in the capital's Shoreditch, where she deftly turned heads. Strutting her stuff, the popular X Factor judge was on fine form as she displayed her generous curves on the red carpet. She stepped out in a buxom bandeau top and high-waisted trousers, floral-print trousers which proudly showed off her taut tummy. She matched the look with a pink lipstick and a plunging gold necklace, which invited even more attention. On fine fashion form: Strutting her stuff, the popular X Factor judge was on fine form as she displayed her generous curves on the red carpet Gorgeous! She stepped out in a buxom bandeau top and high-waisted trousers, floral-print trousers which proudly showed off her taut tummy She also added a pair of cork wedges for a seasonal, summer vibe for the outdoor bash. Wearing her hair in a simple centre-parting, the American performer smiled sweetly for pictures as she headed-up the celebrity guests. Boasting a glowing complexion, she appeared far younger than her thirty-eight years. She matched the look with a pink lipstick and a plunging gold necklace, which invited even more attention Moreish! The former Pussycat Doll tucked into some tasty treats as she partied with celeb pals Glamorous: Wearing her hair in a simple centre-parting, the American performer smiled sweetly for pictures as she headed-up the celebrity guests Sexy and she knows it: Boasting a glowing complexion, she appeared far younger than her thirty-eight years Not that she was the only celebrity there, of course. She was also joined by former Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts, who was typically hipster for the Shoreditch bash. Wearing a pink jumper with a pair of skinny Mother jeans, she was there alongside fashion designer pal Henry Holland. Look of the underground: Ex-Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts was typically hipster for the Shoreditch bash Wearing a pink jumper with a pair of skinny Mother jeans, she was there alongside fashion designer pal Henry Holland Well, he is a designer! He was also on fine sartorial form in a pair of skinny jeans, which he matched with white trainers, a white poplin shirt and and a wax green jacket. He was also on fine sartorial form in a pair of skinny jeans, which he matched with white trainers, a white poplin shirt and and a wax green jacket. Other party-goers included Laura Whitmore, Zara Martin and Jodie Kidd, whop wowed in a figure-hugging dress. Actor and model Douglas Booth also attended in a plaid shirt and dapper shorts. She's a celebrity, get me in there! Other party-goers included ex-jungle hostess Laura Whitmore Putting on a leggy display: Zara Martin and Jodie Kidd, whop wowed in a figure-hugging dress Handsome man: Actor and model Douglas Booth also attended in a plaid shirt and dapper shorts Cheers to that! The popular screen star washed down some ice-cream with a beer during the heatwave Selfie-esteem: Nicole and a DJ pal cosy-up for the cameras as they enjoy the merriment Calling it a night: Nicole was still looking fab as she made her exit out of the fun party Home please driver! The X Factor star flashed a big grin as her car pulled away Hatred of Hillary the unifying thread at Trump confab They demand her imprisonment, paint her as above the law, and warn her election would trigger the Apocalypse -- the Republican National Convention's collective hatred of Hillary Clinton has proven an intoxicating unifier. Republicans may be split over whether to support Donald Trump, the brash billionaire whom the Republican Party elevated to its presidential nominee on Tuesday, and who has consistently blasted Clinton as "Crooked Hillary." But their embrace of the invective against the presumptive Democratic nominee is absolute. Republican convention's collective hatred of Hillary Clinton has proven an intoxicating unifier, with Donald Trump's one-time presidential rival Ben Carson (C) even linking her to Lucifer Jim Watson (AFP) They come to the convention's podium with Clinton's name on their lips: Hillary the liar, Hillary and Benghazi, Hillary and her emails, Hillary and past escapades of her husband, former president Bill Clinton. Trump's one-time presidential rival Ben Carson even linked her to Lucifer himself. "She should be in jail," Rudy Giuliani, who was mayor of New York during the 9/11 attacks of 2001, told MSNBC. On Monday, Giuliani fired up the convention crowd, stoking terrorism fears and blasting Clinton for her "dereliction of duty" related to the 2012 attack on the US mission in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans. "Hillary Clinton's experience is exactly the reason she should not be our president," he said, adding he could never trust her to keep America safe. On Tuesday, the Clinton-bashing duty fell to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a former federal prosecutor, who conjured a mock trial seeking to convict the former secretary of state who served in President Barack Obama's administration from 2009 to 2013. He charged her with ineptitude on an array of diplomatic fronts, from Syria, Libya and Nigeria to Iran, Cuba, China and Russia. "Is she guilty, or not guilty?" he asked half a dozen times to the assembled delegates. The response: "Guilty!" - 'Lock her up' - Adding to the raised-pitchforks tone, Republicans unleashed full-throated chants of "Lock her up! Lock her up!" Of the 25 speeches Tuesday, fully 19 were anti-Hillary. Just six focused primarily on singing Trump's praises, including addresses delivered by his son Donald Jr and daughter Tiffany. The 70-year-old billionaire businessman has never been elected to public office, but surrogates praised him as a "change agent" and a great leader who will, as his slogan declares, "make America great again." Clinton is viewed unfavorably by some 56 percent of Americans, according to a RealClearPolitics poll average, only slightly better than Trump's 59.2 percent. Republicans are furious she has not been indicted for sending and receiving classified information on a private email account and server that she used while secretary of state, an action rebuked by the FBI director James Comey as "extremely careless." "If I did a tenth of what she did, I would be in jail. Crooked Hillary Clinton, leave this race now!" thundered retired US Army lieutenant general Michael Flynn on Monday before a cheering crowd. While they blame her for Benghazi and accuse her of covering her incompetence on that tragic night, one retired Marine and informal advisor for Trump ramped up the rhetoric to an unacceptable level, calling for Clinton's execution. "Hillary Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot for treason," Al Baldasaro, a New Hampshire state representative, told conservative talk radio host Jeffrey Kuhner on Tuesday. The US Secret Service said it launched an investigation into Baldasaro's remarks. The Trump campaign distanced itself from Baldasaro's remarks. "We do not agree" with the comments, Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks said in a short statement. Sharon Day, co-chair of the Republican National Committee, assailed Clinton's economic policies. But she also made it personal, accusing Clinton of having "viciously attacked the character of women who were victims of sexual abuse... at the hands of your husband." Day is eager to see a female US commander in chief, "but not that woman Hillary Clinton. Not now, not ever." Her campaign shoved back, lambasting Republicans for making the "Lock her up" chant "the mantra of the RNC." "If you closed your eyes, you could imagine it being a lot like a witch trial -- they were barely one step removed from screaming 'burn her at the stake,'" Clinton's campaign said in a fundraising email. Is all the Clinton-bashing too much? "I do believe it's effective," especially since there is such a long Clinton record to comb through, Gary Emineth, a delegate and entrepreneur from North Dakota, told AFP. "I think it will be a vote against Hillary Clinton and that might be enough for Trump to win," Emineth said. Next week, Democrats gathering for their own national convention will all but certainly assail Trump with equal relish. Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani fired up the Republican convention, stoking terrorism fears and blasting Hillary Clinton Andrew Caballero-Reynolds (AFP) Of 25 speeches in one day of the Republican convention, 19 were anti-Hillary Clinton, and just six focused on praising Donald Trump, including ones by his son Donald Jr, pictured, and daughter Tiffany Jim Watson (AFP) Brexit delays London-Hong Kong commodities link: HKEx A planned link between commodities markets in London and Hong Kong has been put on hold because of the "uncertainty" caused by Britain's vote to leave the European Union, the head of Hong Kong's stock exchange said. Charles Li, chief executive of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEx), wrote in a blog post that before the plan can be taken any further there must be more clarity over the outcome of regulatory talks between Europe and Britain following the shock vote. "With Britain withdrawing from the EU, there is some uncertainty about the policy developments in the UK. Therefore, we will wait and monitor the development of the UK and Europe's regulatory policy before making further plans to connect the commodities markets in London and Hong Kong," Li wrote late Wednesday. Pro-EU supporters and pro-Brexit supporters hold up placards during a Brexit demonstration in London Daniel Leal-Olivas (AFP/File) The "London-Hong Kong Connect" policy was announced during a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Britain last year in a bid to open up the London Metals Exchange to flush Hong Kong investors. The LME, founded in 1877, is the world's largest exchange trading nonferrous metals and was bought by the HKEx for 1.39 billion ($2.26 billion) in 2012. They still operate as separate bodies. Thousands march in Jerusalem Gay Pride under police guard Thousands of revellers attended Jerusalem's Gay Pride parade under heavy police protection on Thursday, a year after an ultra-Orthodox Jew killed a teenager at the march. Marchers carried rainbow flags emblazoned with the Star of David and a group banged drums as they walked. Many laid flowers under a picture of Shira Banki, 16, who was killed at the march in July last year. Israeli media said a record 25,000 people took part in the parade, up from an estimated 5,000 last year. Israelis participate in Jerusalem's Pride Parade on July 21, 2016 Gali Tibbon (AFP) They were escorted by over 2,000 police officers who blocked off roads and set up checkpoints around the areas the march passed through. Banki was attacked at random by Yishai Shlissel, an ultra-orthodox Jew who also stabbed five other people and is now serving a life sentence. Israeli police said they had suspected Shlissel had been in contact with his brother from prison to organise an assault on this year's parade. His brother, Michael, was arrested and was being held in police custody as the march got underway. Police said in a statement they uncovered information that "Yishai Shlissel had planned, with his brother Michael Schlissel, to attack march participants". Police said 30 other people who planned to attack the march were also arrested, several of them in possession of knives. There was no indication they were linked to Shlissel. Shlissel had spent 10 years in jail after a similar attack on the 2005 Jerusalem Gay Pride march and had been released just three weeks before last year's event, leading to criticism of police. All marchers were inspected before joining, with many pre-registering, while carrying a weapon of any kind was prohibited, police said. Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, attended, saying he "came here for this march of tolerance to show our solidarity." Isaac Herzog, head of the opposition Labour party also attended. Last year, around 5,000 people marched, and organisers were prepared for a higher turnout this year. Tom Canning, one of the organisers who himself narrowly avoided being stabbed last year, said he was satisfied with the security steps taken by police. "I think the police got a big blow from what happened last year," he told AFP. "This year the entire security plan has been in planning for the last three months and is being managed by the highest ranks of the police." -'Cowardice'- Israel has long had by far the most liberal approach to homosexuality in the Middle East, compared to its Arab neighbours, with a large and influential gay community. The annual Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem, a city sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians, is however far smaller than the one held in nearby Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv's parade typically attracts tens of thousands of people to what is considered one of the world's most gay-friendly cities, while Jerusalem is far less welcoming. The march came at a difficult time for Israel's LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community, with an alleged homophobe recently nominated as the army's chief rabbi. The military named Colonel Eyal Karim as its chief rabbi despite him having allegedly referred to gay people as "sick and disabled". A gay pride march in the southern city of Beersheba was also cancelled by organisers last week after the high court agreed with police that it could not go through the city's main thoroughfare due to security threats. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat drew the ire of many in the gay community for announcing he would not attend Thursday's march in part because it "offends the (ultra-Orthodox Jewish) public and the national-religious public". Imri Kalmann, co-chair of Aguda, the Israeli National LGBT Task Force, was scathing in his criticism. "I think it is cowardice. He is not doing it because this is his opinion. He is doing it because he wants to please voters," he said. Ultra-Orthodox Jew Yishai Shlissel (C), convicted of killing a 16-year-old Israeli girl during the 2015 Jerusalem Gay Pride parade, is escorted into court in Jerusalem on June 26, 2016 Gali Tibbon (AFP/File) Israel has long had by far the most liberal approach to homosexuality in the Middle East, compared to its Arab neighbours, with a large and influential gay community Jack Guez (AFP/File) Israeli right wing religious Jews take part in a protest against the Pride parade in Jerusalem on July 21, 2016 Thomas Coex (AFP) Don't call me 'Your Excellency': Philippines' Duterte The Philippines' brash anti-establishment president Rodrigo Duterte told his government Thursday not to call him "Your Excellency". Duterte, 71, said he wanted to be referred to simply as "President" in all official communications in a statement from his office. The first president from the vast southern region of Mindanao, Duterte has reinforced his image as a maverick outsider focused on a brutal anti-crime war instead of the opulence of the presidential palace. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has reinforced his image as a maverick outsider focused on a brutal anti-crime war instead of the opulence of the presidential palace "In keeping with his populist presidential style, he encourages less 'ceremonial' communications," Duterte's spokesman Ernie Abella told AFP. In a nation where bosses are addressed as "ma'am" and "sir", Duterte ordered that his cabinet members be called "Secretary" instead of "Honourable", as previously was practice. Since assuming the presidency on June 30, Duterte has repeatedly shunned tradition and chose to take his oath of office in the presidential palace instead of at a mass gathering in a national park to avoid causing heavy traffic in the gridlocked capital. Even presidential fashion has changed, with Duterte wearing jeans at military parades and seen rolling up the sleeves of the traditional "barong" shirt worn for formal occasions. In his first address to congress on next Monday, Duterte has ordered guests to wear business attire doing away with the long-running custom of lawmakers parading on the red carpet in ostentatious long gowns and suits. Capital flows out of China slowing: Beijing The flood of billions of dollars out of China slowed dramatically in the second quarter, official figures showed Thursday, despite the yuan's persistent weakness making it less attractive to hold. "Cross-border capital outflow pressures have gradually eased," Wang Chunying, spokeswoman for the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), said at a briefing. Foreign exchange settlement data showed Chinese banks sold $49.0 billion more in foreign currency than they received between April and June. Money has been flowing out of China in recent years as its growth has slowed Johannes Eisele (AFP/File) That "narrowed sharply" from $124.8 billion in the January-March period, she said. The monthly figures were even more dramatic, with $12.8 billion leaving in June, down from $54.4 billion in January, she added. Money has been flowing out of China in recent years as its growth has slowed, adding to downward pressure on its currency and making yuan-denominated assets less attractive to hold, in a vicious cycle for the worlds second-largest economy. Authorities have tightened restrictions over cross-border money flows, including capping cash withdrawals overseas using domestic bank cards at 100,000 yuan ($15,000) per year from January and requiring banks to pay a 20 percent deposit on forward sales of foreign exchange to stem speculation. A forward sale is a commitment to sell at a predetermined price and date. Wang insisted that capital was leaving mainly because of "continued expanding overseas investment" by Chinese firms, rather than "foreign capital withdrawing from China". Chinese firms have embarked on a string of high-profile overseas acquisitions. But Beijing rattled global investors with a surprise devaluation last August, when it guided the normally stable yuan down nearly five percent over a week, in a move largely perceived by analysts as an attempt to boost exports as economic growth slowed. China's gross domestic product expanded 6.9 percent last year, its slowest in a quarter of a century, and growth further weakened to 6.7 percent in the first half of this year. China's foreign exchange reserves, the world's largest, declined for months before unexpectedly increasing in June by $13 billion to $3.21 trillion, although they are still down 20 percent from their $4 trillion peak in 2014. Contamination and shortages dog India's blood supply Every month, Seema Mishra and her daughter make the trip to an Indian hospital, praying the blood transfusion the youngster needs to keep her alive will not make her sicker. But Mishra's fears were realised last month when seven-year-old Aarushi, who was born with a rare blood disorder, was diagnosed with hepatitis C from a contaminated transfusion. "She has suffered so much already, how come she has to suffer more?" Mishra said as she watched her daughter practise her dance steps. Experts say blood is not always properly screened and there is a black market supplied mainly by poor Indians who are paid for their blood, especially in rural areas Money Sharma (AFP) Experts say blood is not always properly screened and there is a black market supplied mainly by poor Indians who are paid for their blood, especially in rural areas. Government documents released in June showed more than 2,000 people said they had contracted HIV from transfusions in the 17 months to March. The government says some probably falsely blamed transfusions, a more socially acceptable way of contracting HIV than sexual contact. But blood specialist J.S Arora said infection figures among India's 150,000 thalassaemia sufferers such as Aarushi, who require transfusions for life, are worrying. Arora, head of India's thalassaemia welfare society, estimated up to 40 percent of sufferers have contracted hepatitis B or C, many more than in other countries. Some have also contracted HIV. Sufferers cannot produce enough haemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that transports oxygen, a genetic disorder most common in Asia and the eastern Mediterranean. - 'Overhaul system' - Contaminated blood donations have dropped significantly in recent years thanks to concerted efforts to improve regulation, but experts still hold concerns about the safety and security of supplies. India has 2,760 licensed blood banks run by government and private hospitals and charities. They must screen for HIV, hepatitis viruses, syphilis and malaria, but the standard of testing varies. The more sophisticated methods reduce the period when an infected donor does not test positive, but they are expensive and not used everywhere. Experts say India needs a central collection agency -- common in many countries -- with rigorous and standardised testing. "India is a massive country and the range of services is huge, from extremely good to extremely poor," said Shailaja Tetali, who has studied blood supplies in India's south. "There needs to be an overhaul of the system because the way in which blood services are carried out in India is haphazard," Tetali, from the Indian Institute of Public Health in Hyderabad, told AFP. In western Gujarat state, families are fighting for a fresh probe into how 32 children, all suffering from thalassaemia, contracted HIV from transfusions in 2011. Eight have since died of AIDS, their lawyer Paresh Vaghela told AFP. Police closed the original case, saying there was no criminal intent, while the hospital allegedly involved says the children received transfusions from more than one place. The government says thalassaemia sufferers are at higher risk than the general population of contracting an infection because they need so much blood. "There is no guarantee of a 100 percent clean blood supply in any country," deputy director general of blood transfusion services, R.S Gupta said. - Paying for blood - India has long suffered from severe blood shortages, according to the World Health Organization, which says countries should have blood in reserve from at least one per cent of the population. Fear of falling ill from donating along with taboos about swapping blood with those of different social castes are blamed for the shortage of volunteer donors. The shortfall of several million units a year is exacerbated by needless transfusions ordered by doctors which expose patients to unnecessary risk of infection. As a result patients needing blood at many hospitals have to first provide donors from among friends and family for each unit required. But experts said some have no choice but to pay people to donate blood -- mainly poor Indians desperate for money. "If relatives don't want to donate, are not fit to donate or are not there to donate, then how do you get the blood? You pay someone," the head of one blood bank said. In her research, Tetali said she found families hiring donors, including an impoverished father who travelled to a city with his daughter suffering leukaemia. He was forced to borrow money to pay touts for a donor so she could receive hospital treatment. Vinod Bansal, president of the nonprofit Rotary Blood Bank in Delhi, whose donors are all volunteers, said the replacement system bordered on coercion. Bansal said more properly-screened volunteers are needed to regularly give blood to ensure all Indians, rich and poor, have good access to clean supplies. Mishra, whose family struggles to pay for Aarushi's treatment, wants that too, along with better testing technology at government hospitals. "I'm shocked and I'm scared," she said. Indian government documents released in June showed more than 2,000 people said they had contracted HIV from transfusions in the 17 months to March Money Sharma (AFP) India has 2,760 licensed blood banks run by government and private hospitals and charities Money Sharma (AFP) Contaminated blood donations have dropped significantly in recent years thanks to concerted efforts to improve regulation Money Sharma (AFP) Isner, Monfils breeze but injured Wozniacki out US top seed John Isner and French second seed Gael Monfils cruised into the third round of the ATP and WTA Washington Open but former world number one Caroline Wozniacki dropped out due to injury while leading. Isner, coming off heartbreaking Wimbledon and Davis Cup defeats, fired 14 aces and dropped only three points on his first serve in a 6-3, 6-4 romp over Australian qualifier James Duckworth. "I'm happy I got through my first match. I can get tripped up in those," Isner said. "I'm not looking past anyone." John Isner, coming off heartbreaking Wimbledon and Davis Cup defeats, romped to 6-3, 6-4 win over Australian qualifier James Duckworth at the ATP and WTA Washington Open Matthew Stockman (Getty/AFP/File) Flamboyant Monfils, who had lost three matches in a row after suffering a mystery illness, fired 10 aces and lost only two points on his first serves in a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Taiwan's Lu Yen-hsun. "I played a very solid match," Monfils said. "I was surprised I could play that good so soon and I want to keep it going for the next few matches." Wozniacki, a two-time US Open runner-up from Denmark, was leading 7-5, 3-4, when a left arm injury forced her to retire from her second-round match against Aussie top seed Samantha Stosur, the 2011 US Open winner. "It happened at 5-all in the first set," Wozniacki said. "I hit a backhand and I just felt the pain." Wozniacki, who has battled injuries all year, fought into the second set but could not stand the pain. At 58th, she is out of the world top 50 for the first time since 2008. "I'll take it and try to run with it as far as I can," said Stosur, who faces US wildcard Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals. Next for Monfils is Croatian 16th seed Borna Coric, who downed Japan's Yuichi Sugita 6-4, 6-4. Isner will meet Cypriot 15th seed Marcos Baghdatis, who ousted Australian John Millman 6-2, 6-4, for a quarter-final berth. Aussie third seed Bernard Tomic fired 12 aces in beating American Donald Young 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 to book a third-round date with Croatian 13th seed Ivo Karlovic, who blasted 19 aces in beating American Brian Baker 6-3, 7-6 (7/4). Isner and Monfils, who had first-round byes, have split eight career meetings and could play a third time at Washington in Sunday's final. Isner won a 2007 semi-final while Monfils won a 2011 semi-final rematch, both going to a third-set tie-breaker. "I look forward to playing Johnny," Monfils said. "Every time I come here I play him." Neither has won the Washington hardcourt crown. Monfils, ranked 17th, lost to Czech Radek Stepanek in the 2011 final. Isner, ranked 16th, lost the 2007, 2013 and 2015 finals. "To win here would be very special," Isner said. "I've been very close before." Isner lost a third-round Wimbledon match to France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga after taking the first two sets, dropping the fifth set 19-17. Tsonga's next foe, compatriot Richard Gasquet, retired after six games, adding to Isner's woes on what might have been. "It was a very excruciating match for me and even tougher when I landed and found out Gasquet only lasted (six) games," Isner said. "It was a tough pill to swallow." - Isner can't forget Cup loss - Adding to his pain was a Davis Cup home loss to Croatia last weekend after the US team took a 2-0 lead. "You have to try to forget about it," Isner said. "It's tough, though. I haven't forgotten about it. It's hard to forget about it. It's in the back of my mind right now." Since losing to Rafael Nadal in April's Monte Carlo final, Monfils had withdrawn from Munich with a groin strain, the French Open and Halle with a severe illness, but he blitzed Lu in 62 minutes. "It has been a tough month for sure," said Monfils. "I didn't do anything but rest. I don't know how I got this thing. They cannot put a name to it. But I feel much better. I feel my ability is back." German 19-year-old seventh seed Alexander Zverev beat US 18-year-old Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-2. Zverev, ranked 27th, is the youngest to crack the world top 30 since Nadal in 2005. "I'm happy with the way I'm playing," Zverev said. "It's a great start to the hardcourts." France's Gael Monfils fired 10 aces and lost only two points on his first serves in a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Taiwan's Lu Yen-hsun at the ATP and WTA Washington Open Glyn Kirk (AFP/File) IS-inspired attacks aid jihadists at low cost The Islamic State group has claimed several high-profile attacks in the West that it appears to have inspired rather than planned, sowing fear and boosting its profile at low cost. Such attacks require far less effort than planning and financing an operation in Europe or the United States and dispatching IS jihadists to carry it out, and also leave fewer signs for authorities trying to foil them. And they allow IS to portray itself as being on the offensive against its foes, even as the group has suffered a string of defeats inside the cross-border "caliphate" it proclaimed in Iraq and Syria two years ago. Attacks like the one in Nice require far less effort than planning and financing an operation in Europe or the United States and dispatching IS jihadists to carry it out Anne-Christine Poujoulat (AFP/File) "They help to create a climate of fear and reinforce the idea that IS remains a potent force despite territorial losses," said Aymenn al-Tamimi, a jihadism expert and research fellow at the Middle East Forum. But "the way IS has claimed the attacks suggests (a) lack of direct operational involvement". Encouraging attacks in Western countries is a deliberate part of IS strategy, something indicated by "the fact that they are willing to claim most of them", said Will McCants, also an expert on jihadists and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. The strategy of inspiring attacks contrasts with many IS operations in Iraq, Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East that the group directly plans and for which it trains and arms militants. The language used in claims for attacks in Germany on Monday and France last week pointed to an inspirational rather than operational role for IS. The jihadist-linked Amaq agency said the axe-wielding teenager who attacked passengers on a train in southern Germany "carried out this operation responding to calls to target countries of the coalition fighting" IS. And it used much the same language after a man in a truck ploughed through a crowd of Bastille Day revellers in the city of Nice on the French Riviera. Both attackers were described as IS fighters, but the term does not necessarily mean they had any direct ties to or training from the jihadist group. - Call for impromptu attacks - In 2014, IS spokesman Abu Mohammed al-Adnani called for attacks on citizens of Western countries and gave instructions on how they could be carried out without military equipment, using rocks or knives, or by running people over in vehicles. The group has since released a constant stream of propaganda pictures, videos, articles and radio broadcasts lauding its activities and calling for Muslims to join it. Such propaganda provides a framework for attacks by individuals who are psychologically troubled or otherwise prone to acts of violence, regardless of whether or not they have longstanding ties to Islamic extremism. A French prosecutor said Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, who carried out the Nice attack, had an "unbridled sex life," drank alcohol and ate pork -- actions prohibited under Islam. But the Tunisian-born man was said to have recently shown an interest in radicalism, which apparently inspired his rampage that killed 84 people, the third major attack in France in 18 months. German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said the train attack carried out by a 17-year-old, which injured five people, was "perhaps a case that lies somewhere between a crazed rampage and terrorism". And gay men reported that Omar Mateen, who killed dozens at a Florida nightclub last month and pledged allegiance to IS's leader, had used gay dating apps and frequented the club he targeted -- again not the standard profile of an Islamic hardliner. "Most of the individuals behind these recent attacks seem to be from troubled backgrounds and suffer psychological problems," Tamimi said. But "from the IS perspective, it doesn't matter all that much if they previously did not lead religious lives". The fact that material widely available online provides ready inspiration and justification for attacks poses a challenge for law enforcement. Such attacks are "harder to prevent because they are more unpredictable", said Tamimi. "Not only are inspired attacks harder to stop because of the lack of operational connections," McCants said. "They also create more paranoia than directed attacks" as "the attacker could be anyone". The language used in claims for attacks in Germany on Monday and France last week pointed to an inspirational rather than operational role for IS Daniel Roland (AFP/File) Singapore adds to US pressure on Malaysian fund 1MDB Singapore said Thursday it had seized nearly $180 million linked to scandal-tainted Malaysian state fund 1MDB, raising the pressure a day after Washington moved to grab more than $1 billion in assets over "enormous" fraud. The back-to-back announcements were the clearest signs yet of a tightening noose on 1MDB, which was founded and overseen by embattled Prime Minister Najib Razak and has caused more than a year of Malaysian tumult. The US Justice Department filed lawsuits Wednesday to seize assets including luxury real estate in Beverly Hills, New York and London, artworks by Monet and Van Gogh, and a Bombardier executive jet, saying they were purchased with money stolen from 1MDB. The US Justice Department has moved to seize more than $1 billion in assets from Malaysia's 1MDB state investment fund amid fraud allegations Manan Vatsyayana (AFP/File) The US filing accuses an individual it calls "Malaysian Official 1" -- an apparent thinly veiled reference to Najib -- of taking huge sums, along with Najib's stepson, a close family associate and other figures. "The Department of Justice will not allow the American financial system to be used as a conduit for corruption," US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said in announcing the move. Singapore's government followed up by revealing it had seized Sg$240 million ($177 million) worth of bank funds and other assets over suspected fraud and money-laundering related to 1MDB since launching its own investigations last year. It marked the first time authorities in the city-state revealed details of its probes. They said half the frozen Singapore assets were linked to Low Taek Jho, a Malaysian businessman close to Najib's family. The US filing also accused Low of illegally shifting hundreds of millions of dollars into the United States for corrupt activities benefitting Najib's family. - 'Fraud on an enormous scale' - The assets targeted for US seizure include royalties from the 2013 financial crime caper "The Wolf of Wall Street" starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The film was produced by a company owned by Najib's stepson Riza Aziz, using more than $100 million syphoned from 1MDB, the Justice Department said. Both Najib and 1MDB have consistently dismissed allegations of wrongdoing as political attacks by his opponents. But Najib has fuelled suspicions by suppressing information, neutering Malaysian investigations, and ousting officials who questioned the affair. In brief comments to reporters at a public event in Kuala Lumpur Thursday, he declined to directly address specific US allegations, saying "we have to establish the facts first". "Those people involved will have their say through the court process in the United States, so allow the process to take its course," he said. The US seizure would be the largest yet under Washington's 2010 Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative targeting ill-gotten gains parked in US assets by foreign leaders. "The Malaysian people were defrauded on an enormous scale," said FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe. 1MDB, or 1Malaysia Development Berhad, was launched by Najib in 2009 to make strategic national investments. He oversaw its activities in his concurrent role as finance minister. - 'Malaysian Official 1' - Najib is not named explicitly in the US filing. But it refers to "Malaysian Official 1", described as a "high-ranking official" with control over 1MDB and who received $681 million in diverted 1MDB monies into his own Malaysian bank accounts. That appears to point directly at Najib, who was forced to admit last year that he received $681 million in his personal accounts in 2013. He calls them "personal donations" from the Saudi royal family, denying they came from 1MDB. Malaysian social media users hammered Najib on Thursday as a kleptocrat and a liar, and #MalaysianOfficial1 became the country's top-trending Twitter hashtag. "The Wolf of Malaysia, cheating the people out of their money. Wait for the karma!" said a posting on Najib's Facebook page. He also faced new calls to step aside. "I believe the Malaysian people want Najib to go on leave as prime minister so as not to create the perception of abuse of power... or to hinder a full and transparent investigation on this very serious issue," opposition leader Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said. Switzerland also has frozen millions in assets and several other countries are investigating. The production company controlled by Najib's stepson said it was unaware of any funding shenanigans. What is Malaysia's 1MDB scandal? Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak is battling accusations that billions of dollars were stolen from state investment fund 1MDB Manan Vatsyayana (AFP/File) Host Kuwait issues ultimatum to Yemeni negotiators Kuwait, which is hosting troubled Yemen peace talks, has issued an ultimatum to the warring parties to strike a deal within 15 days or leave the Gulf state. Three months of UN-brokered talks in Kuwait have failed to make headway with the Iran-backed Huthi rebels and the government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, both holding firm to their positions. "We have given 15 days for Yemeni sides taking part in the talks to resolve all the issues," Kuwait's deputy foreign minister Khaled al-Jarallah told Dubai-based Al-Arabiya news channel late Wednesday. Armed tribesmen loyal to Shiite Huthi rebels, brandish their weapons at a gathering in Sanaa on June 20, 2016 Mohammed Huwais (AFP/File) "If matters are not resolved within the 15 days, we have hosted them enough and consequently our brothers have to excuse us if we cannot continue hosting" the talks, Jarallah said in Brussels. The talks resumed in Kuwait on Saturday after a 15-day break. UN special envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said on Saturday that the negotiations would last for two weeks and warned that they may be Yemen's last chance for peace. "It's time for decisive decisions that will prove your true intentions and national responsibilities to Yemenis," he told a meeting of the two delegations. The envoy said the discussions between the Huthis and their allies on one side and the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi on the other would focus on strengthening a ceasefire that came into effect on April 11 but which has been repeatedly violated. They would also deal with "forming the military committees that will supervise the withdrawal and handover of weapons... and opening safe passages for humanitarian aid," he said. But the two-week deadline by the United Nations angered the Huthis who reiterated their demands for a national unity government ahead of any other solution. The government is calling for implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2216 which requires the rebels and their allies to withdraw from areas they have occupied since 2014, including the capital Sanaa, and to hand over heavy weapons. The government wants to re-establish its authority across the entire country, much of which is controlled by the rebels. More than 6,400 people have been killed in Yemen since a Saudi-led coalition intervened in support of Hadi's government in March last year. Protests as South Korean president defends US anti-missile system Several thousand South Koreans staged an angry protest Thursday against the planned deployment of a US anti-missile system near their hometown, but President Park Geun-Hye insisted the move was a national security imperative. South Korea's defence ministry announced last week the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system, or THAAD, will be installed in Seongju -- a rural county about 200 kilometres (135 miles) southeast of Seoul -- by the end of next year. The decision was predicated on the growing threat posed by North Korea's advancing nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programme. Protesters demonstrate against the planned deployment of a US anti-missile system near their hometown, in central Seoul on July 21, 2016 Ed Jones (AFP) But Seongju residents say the THAAD deployment makes their county a strategic target and complain that it carries health and environmental hazards. "Let's block the deployment of THAAD, a threat to peace on the Korean peninsula!" chanted some 2,000 protestors, waving flags and banners that read 'No THAAD' as they sat outside Seoul station on Thursday. The protestors were surrounded by hundreds of police, amid concerns of a repetition of a violent standoff last Friday, which saw Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-Ahn pelted with eggs and water bottles. Hwang had been in Seongju to try and appease the residents, but ended up being trapped in his minivan for hours. Thursday's protest began just hours after Park urged public support for THAAD. "The government's decision ... was based on the judgement that it was the best way to protect our country and people from North Korean threats," Park said during a National Security Council meeting Thursday. "If there is a better way...please let me know," Park added. Tensions on the divided Korean peninsula have been running high since Pyongyang carried out its fourth nuclear test in January, followed by a series of ballistic missile tests. Trump faces uphill battle at raw Republican convention Donald Trump will need to deliver the speech of his life Thursday, seeking to salvage a fractious Republican convention after his chief rival declined to endorse him for president. The most controversial White House contender in modern times will accept the nomination of the party of Abraham Lincoln, which has guided more candidates to the Oval Office than any other. Nationwide polls put the New York mogul, who has never held elected office, almost neck and neck Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state heavily criticized over an email scandal. US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump does a sound check on the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio on July 21, 2016 Jim Watson (AFP) The four-day Republican convention in Cleveland, which braced for violent protests, has passed off with only a handful of arrests. But inside the halls, the convention itself has been anything but uneventful, with public spasms of disunity -- and the embarrassing revelation that a prime-time speech by Trump's wife Melania had plagiarized remarks made by First Lady Michelle Obama. When Trump takes center stage on Thursday night, watched by tens of millions of Americans on prime-time television, he will need to prove that he is worthy of the White House and capable of being commander-in-chief. Many Republicans will be watching to see if he tries to heal deep party divisions, laid bare late Wednesday when his main rival Ted Cruz was booed off stage, or demands dissidents fall into line. The speech will also sound the firing gun on the general election, offering Trump a chance to overcome voters' concerns about his divisive campaign rhetoric. His campaign has defied political norms -- fueling ethnic tensions, offending key voting blocs, eschewing big-spending ad buys or campaign infrastructure and relying on heavy media coverage. "Mr Trump's speech will focus on his vision," his campaign chairman Paul Manafort said Thursday, and "deal with current affairs such as the crisis facing cities and terrorism." Before Trump takes to the stage, his daughter Ivanka will try to warm up the crowd and soften her father's image. In a slew of emails to supporters Thursday, she spoke of a loving dad who encouraged his young daughter to succeed, of an inspirational leader and a crack negotiator destined to win. "My father is someone you want fighting for you," she wrote. "He will outwork everyone in the room. He will always stay one step ahead of his competitors." - NATO questions - Trump's roller-coaster campaign defeated 16 rivals and steamrolled stubborn party opposition after being written off as a joke. He has shocked foreign leaders by questioning key pillars of American foreign policy. On Wednesday he qualified normally sacrosanct support for NATO allies, warning it would depend "if they fulfill their commitments to us." Responding to the comments, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg told AFP there was a need for solidarity. "I will not interfere in the US election campaign, but what I can do is say what matters for NATO," he said. "Solidarity among allies is a key value for NATO. This is good for European security and good for US security. We defend one another." But Trump's biggest problem may be among Republicans. Many establishment Republicans do not support him and the convention has seen a key leader in the party's conservative wing break ranks. On Wednesday, the rapturous welcome for arch conservative Senator Cruz turned into deafening boos after he provocatively told delegates to "vote your conscience" in November. Eric Trump, the nominee's second son, described the speech as "classless." But Cruz was unrepentant, defending himself at a breakfast meeting with Republicans from his home state of Texas. "We're not going to win this election by yelling and screaming and attacking people," he said to applause. Trump and Cruz were at loggerheads on the primary campaign trail: Cruz complaining that Trump was not a proper conservative and about his allegedly liberal "New York values" while the tycoon savaged Cruz as "Lyin' Ted" and posted a deeply unflattering photograph of his banker wife, Heidi. - 'Puppy dog' - Cruz had at one point pledged to support the eventual nominee, but he was defiant Thursday: "That pledge was not a blanket commitment that if you go and slander and attack Heidi, that I'm going to nonetheless come like a puppy dog and say thank you very much for maligning my wife." It was left to Trump's pick for vice president, the socially conservative Indiana Governor Mike Pence, to try to overcome the Cruz debacle in delivering a speech introducing himself to voters. He fed the crowd self-deprecating jokes and a clear conservative message, defending Trump as a man "who never quits, who never backs down" in a message given a standing ovation. The most unifying aspect of the convention has been savage assaults on Clinton, portraying her as a criminal and a liar who should be jailed, with cries of "lock her up, lock her up." Clinton, who will formally accept the Democratic nomination at her own convention next week, is expected to steal the limelight on Friday or Saturday by announcing her vice presidential running mate. Clinton or Trump: America's choice Adrian Leung (AFP) Protesters march in a rally against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on the final day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio Dominick Reuter (AFP) Young gun Republicans fire first shots in 2020 White House race The 2016 US presidential election is more than 100 days away, but at the Republican convention in Cleveland the battle for the party's 2020 White House nomination is already raging. The received political wisdom goes something like this: Donald Trump's White House bid is doomed to fail and from the ashes a new generation of Republican leaders will emerge. Step forward Ted Cruz, Paul Ryan, Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton. Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Paul Ryan, (R-WI), on stage before his speech to delegates on the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 19, 2016 Jim Watson (AFP/File) Each man addressed the Republican delegates this week, showing their faces where an older generation of likeminded Republicans pointedly stayed away. "Most party leaders expect Trump to lose," said Larry Sabato, head of the University of Virginia's school of politics. "Many of them are not for Trump, and they aren't happy that he has presented the party with loads of problems." Yet most strained to appear loyal -- championing conservative values and bashing Democrats -- careful not to play Brutus to emperor Trump. All except Ted Cruz. The conservative Texas senator had come to bury Trump, not to praise him. Cruz received a heroes' welcome in the convention hall, but as it became clear he would not endorse Trump the crowd was soon baying for blood. "We deserve leaders who stand for principle," he said. "Vote your conscience." There had been a hint of things to come earlier in the day, when Cruz waxed lyrical before a small group of supporters about winning eight million primary votes and 12 state contests. Then in the distant sky Trump's plane glided in to view. The crowd let out boos and a few giggles. Other 2020 hopefuls used the convention to burnish their reputation, and to more subtly improve their chances of becoming the Republicans' designated survivor. Cotton -- a senator from Arkansas and perhaps the least known of the quartet -- played up his resume as a veteran of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan It was, he said, God's calling to serve. "Against the wishes of my family, I gave up my legal career and I volunteered for the Army," he said. "I became an infantryman. I went to Iraq and Afghanistan." The 39-year-old quoted George Washington, spoke tellingly about "my generation" and made 16 references to "I", "me" or "my" in a 500 word statement. Ryan -- who as House speaker must be an honest broker between party and campaign -- hung his speech on the one thing that unifies Republicans: disdain for Hillary Clinton. "Let's win this thing!" he implored delegates, without really saying what "this thing" was. His talk of turnout and competing in "every part of America" suggested that November's congressional races were uppermost in his mind. Florida Senator Marco Rubio appeared via video link and delivered a similar message. "The time for fighting each other is over, it is time to come together and fight for a new direction for America," he said. "It is time to win in November." Other names will no doubt emerge before the 2020 race begins in earnest. Two other speakers could yet come into the frame -- Trump's running mate Mike Pence and maybe, just maybe, his daughter Ivanka, who will address the convention on Thursday night. Or, as has so often been the case in this 2016 race, the conventional wisdom could be all wrong, and the next batch of White House hopefuls will have to bide their time serving under President Donald J. Trump. Myanmar's Suu Kyi to visit the US Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has accepted an invite from Barack Obama to visit the United States, her government said Thursday, the first time the pair will meet since last year's landmark elections. "She accepted the invitation and will discuss a visit there at a mutually convenient time," Aye Aye Soe, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, told AFP. The invitation reinforces Suu Kyi's primacy on the international stage as the real head of a government she is technically barred from leading. Myanmar Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi, pictured during a visit by US Secretary of State John Kerry in May 2016 Nyein Chan Naing (Pool/AFP/File) Despite winning a landslide in last November's elections, an event that brought to an end decades of brutal military rule, Suu Kyi is banned from being president by a junta-era constitution. Instead she has taken the role of Foreign Minister and created a new position for herself titled "State Counsellor". She has also appointed a long term friend and ally, Htin Kyaw, to be a proxy president. It is not clear when the visit will take place but it is expected to occur before Obama leaves office as American voters head to the polls in November. "President Obama has six months of his term left and they would like to maintain good relations between our two countries," Aye Aye Soe said. Ben Rhodes, Obama's Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications, delivered the invitation on Wednesday during a visit to the capital Naypyidaw. Obama and Suu Kyi first met in 2012 shortly after the veteran dissident was released from house arrest where she had spent much of the last two decades under junta rule. President Obama also met Suu Kyi during a visit to Myanmar in 2014 in which he criticised the ban on Suu Kyi taking the presidency. Myanmar's peaceful transition from military to civilian rule has been hailed in a world where such transitions seem rare. But the military, who spent decades brutalising the population and enriching themselves, remain enormously influential. Chinese families in Taiwan to identify bus inferno bodies Distraught relatives of 24 Chinese tourists who died after a fire ripped through their bus in Taiwan broke down in tears Thursday as they arrived on the island to identify their loved ones. The mainland tour group was travelling just a few kilometres away from Taipei's Taoyuan airport to catch a flight home Tuesday when their bus was engulfed in flames and careered through an expressway barrier, killing all 26 on board, including a Taiwanese driver and guide. Investigators are probing the cause of the accident and say the fire started at the front of the bus, near the driver's seat. Taiwan Premier Lin Chuan (C) pays his respects to victims of the bus crash that left 26 dead, on July 21, 2016 at a funeral parlour in Taoyuan Sam Yeh (AFP) Questions are still swirling over why none of the passengers were able to escape through emergency exits. One female relative in her 50s collapsed in tears and pounded a table in front of gold-framed portraits of the dead -- including three children -- at a funeral parlour near the airport, where the bodies are being kept. Two other women sank to their knees in front of the images of the victims. They were among dozens of relatives who arrived at the parlour as Buddhist volunteers chanted outside. The family members bowed three times in front of the portraits and laid white flowers in front of them. They then returned to their hotel where they will meet Taiwanese officials Thursday evening. Chinese officials have demanded Taiwan take measures to ensure the safety of mainland visitors to the island, after a number of fatal accidents involving tourists from China in recent years. Liu Kezhi, secretary-general of China's Association for Tourism Exchange across the Taiwan Straits, expressed "strong dissatisfaction" over the accident. "I hope Taiwan will take real measures and put high importance on the safety of mainland tourists, so that similar issues will not happen again," Liu told reporters after paying his respects to the dead. Taiwan's Premier Lin Chuan also paid his respects at the parlour Thursday. Relatives were due to have DNA samples taken to help with identification on their arrival at the airport, according to the Travel Agent Association, which is coordinating their stay. They will only be able to see the bodies of their family members after the DNA results have been processed, which will take a day, the association said. The group from China's northeastern Dalian City was on an eight-day trip around the island, taking in popular spots including Alishan nature reserve and Taroko Gorge. A highway police officer and a truck driver tried to save the trapped tourists, with pictures showing them attempting to smash windows with fire extinguishers. One eye witness said passengers inside the bus had been pounding on windows as the bus swerved off the highway. A post-mortem carried out on the driver's badly burnt body revealed he had inhaled a large amount of smoke, prosecutors said. Investigators inspect the wreckage of a bus that crashed and caught fire on its way to the airport in Taoyuan on July 19, 2016 Sam Yeh (AFP/File) Pictures of the victims of the bus accident in Taoyuan are lined up at a funeral parlour there on July 21, 2016 Sam Yeh (AFP) Works by purged Chinese leader Zhao published in Hong Kong A trove of newly published documents belonging to a purged Chinese leader has been launched at Hong Kong's book fair, despite fears Beijing is tightening freedom of expression in the city. Former premier and Communist Party general secretary Zhao Ziyang was removed from China's top political leadership after he showed sympathy for students ahead of the bloody crackdown on their pro-democracy movement in Tiananmen Square in 1989. He then spent 16 years under house arrest before his death in 2005. Book (bottom, C) containing a collection of documents by late Chinese Party chief Zhao Ziyang, newly published by the Chinese University of Hong Kong Press, along with a photo of him, displayed at the Hong Kong Book Fair on July 20, 2016 Anthony Wallace (AFP) The new book could anger Beijing and will strike a chord in Hong Kong, where some publishers have been scared off bringing out controversial titles after the disappearance of five booksellers from the city -- they later resurfaced in the mainland where one is still detained. All worked for a company known for gossipy titles on Chinese leaders. The material for the new book was brought out of China by Zhao's former aides, according to a publishing official who did not want to be named. She said it would be "self-censorship" not to publish due to fears it could anger Beijing. "These are not libellous writings...It is based on facts," she said. The "Collected Works of Zhao Ziyang", published by Hong Kong's Chinese University Press, is a four-volume compilation of previously unseen policy documents, speeches and letters mainly by Zhao from 1980 to 1989, shortly before his fall. While they do not mention the 1989 protests, they lay out his liberal views -- including pushing for democratic reform within the Communist Party and calling for less censorship of artistic works. In one letter he reassures Hong Kong students during 1984 negotiations with its then colonial ruler Britain for the handover of the city back to China. "You all can completely trust that the Chinese government will definitely take policies and measures, when resolving the issue over Hong Kong, in the wishes and interests of Hong Kong compatriots," he says. Zhao is revered by Chinese human rights defenders, in part for opposing the use of force to quell the Tiananmen Square democracy protests, when hundreds of unarmed civilians -- by some estimates, more than 1,000 -- were killed. The new book is for sale at the Chinese University Press booth at the annual book fair, with a constant flow of customers to the stall. The fair has always been a source of books that would be banned on the mainland, with many readers crossing the border to browse titles banned at home. Several publishers at this year's fair are still offering books likely to rile Beijing, despite the bookseller saga. "This is a monumental effort in publishing," said Hong Kong-based publisher Bao Pu of the new book. "Despite the pressure there are still efforts to do the right thing in the publishing industry," added Bao, who separately brought out Zhao's memoirs in 2009. Zhao Ziyang, China's then prime minister, Communist Party (CCP) general secretary, pictured during the 13th Communist Party Congress at the People's Great Hall in Beijing on November 1, 1987 John Giannini (AFP/File) Bao Tong, a former Chinese government official jailed for opposing the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, holds up a photo of his former boss Zhao Ziyang during an interview at his home in Beijing on February 22, 2011 Goh Chai Hin (AFP/File) Philippines' ex-leader Gloria Arroyo freed Former Philippine president Gloria Arroyo was released from detention Thursday following nearly five years in a military hospital after the Supreme Court dismissed corruption charges, her lawyer said. The 69-year-old, who suffers from a spinal illness, was accused of stealing 366 million pesos ($8.8 million) in state lottery funds meant for charity programmes while she was in office between 2001 and 2010. The Supreme Court threw out the case Tuesday, citing insufficient evidence, but her release was delayed for procedural reasons. Gloria Arroyo was president of the Philippines from 2001 until 2010 Bullit Marquez (Pool/AFP/File) "It's a happy day today because she has just been freed," said Laurence Arroyo, who is also a distant relative through marriage. "Finally justice has been done." A convoy of vehicles carrying Arroyo, her supporters and lawyers left the suburban hospital compound near Manila but she could not be seen from her car's tinted windows. Outside the gates of the hospital, supporters drenched by rain cheered Arroyo's release and carried placards reading: "We love Gloria." Arroyo returned to her home in a smart area of the capital minutes after her release. Laurence Arroyo said she may now seek medical treatment abroad for her disease. In a statement issued by her lawyers Wednesday, Arroyo thanked the Supreme Court and newly installed President Rodrigo Duterte for not standing in the way of her release. Government Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales defended the decision to charge Arroyo for plunder, and said on Wednesday she was preparing another corruption charge against her. The former leader was jailed in 2011 under the administration of arch critic, then-president Benigno Aquino. Aquino questioned the ruling to free Arroyo on Thursday, saying she should be held accountable for the mismanagement of funds that were supposed "to alleviate the suffering of many of our countrymen". Duterte succeeded Aquino in June, and said he was willing to pardon Arroyo. Another of Arroyo's lawyers, Estelito Mendoza, had suggested that the Supreme Court waited until Aquino stepped down before issuing its ruling as a "courtesy" to Aquino. Arroyo was initially arrested on charges of electoral sabotage for allegedly conspiring with election officials to rig 2007 senatorial polls. Because of her illness, the government allowed her to be detained in a military hospital. She was granted bail for the vote-rigging case in July 2012 after the court -- while not dismissing the charge -- ruled evidence against her was weak. But the corruption case against Arroyo was lodged the same year, keeping her in detention. Despite being detained, Arroyo has won a seat in the House of Representatives in the past three elections, serving as a congresswoman while being held in the hospital. Supporters of former Philippine president Gloria Arroyo pictured in Manila Ted Aljibe (AFP) General Motors lifts 2016 forecast after strong earnings General Motors lifted its 2016 profit forecast Thursday following strong second-quarter earnings as it again reaped rewards from booming sales of trucks and sport utility vehicles in its home market. The better-than-expected results included the US auto giant's first quarterly operating profit in Europe in five years. But executives warned that uncertainty created by the British vote to exit the European Union could push the region back into the red in the second half of the year. General Motors has lifted its 2016 profit forecast Bill Pugliano (Getty/AFP/File) Net income for the quarter ending June 30 more than doubled to $2.9 billion from $1.1 billion in the year-ago period. The 2015 results were dented by one-time charges. Revenues jumped 11 percent to $42.4 billion, much of that driven by a strong performance in North America due to robust sales of large vehicles and gains from several high-profile launches, such as the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and the Cadillac XT5 SUV. Vehicle launches typically command higher prices than older models. Those higher prices helped GM notch a North American operating profit 31.2 percent above a year ago, even though the automaker sold fewer vehicles in the region. North American sales have been boosted by cheap gasoline and easy access to credit, although most analysts expect the pace of growth to moderate in 2016 compared with the last few years. GM chief financial officer Chuck Stevens said the auto maker's forecast holds that strong US sales will continue in the second half of 2016 and into 2017 due to improving economic conditions. "North America had a great first half of 2016," he told analysts on a conference call. "We expect North America to have a great second half." Operating profits in Europe were $137 million, up from a $45 million loss a year ago, keeping pace with the company's pledge for break-even results in the slumping region for the year. However, GM said the big drop in the British pound and economic uncertainty in that country after the Brexit vote has put strain on Britain's auto industry, potentially leading to a negative hit of $400 million in the second half of the year. Stevens said there were still a lot of unknowns about Britain and Europe after the Brexit vote, but that British auto sales could fall by five to 10 percent. GM could respond by reining in costs, or reducing the company's footprint in the region, he said. "This is another speed bump along the way, but we're just going to have to deal with it," Stevens said. GM pointed to strong sales in China, but reported another operating loss in South America. Executives cited Brazil as an especially weak market in the region. In light of the better-than-expected quarter, GM now expects 2016 earnings of $5.50 to $6.00 a share, up by 25 cents from the previous range. Earnings in 2015 were $5.02 a share. Shares of GM rose 2.2 percent in late-morning trade to $32.17. 51 civilians dead in bombardment of Syria rebel-held areas: monitor At least 51 civilians, including 15 children, were killed in bombardment of several rebel-held areas across Syria on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said. The group said at least 13 people, including three children, were killed in government air strikes and shelling on the Eastern Ghouta area outside the capital Damascus. Among the areas targeted was Douma, where the central market was hit, an AFP photographer said. Syrian civilians walk through the debris following a reported air strike by Syrian government forces on the rebel-held city of Idlib, on July 20, 2016 Omar haj kadour (AFP/File) Government bombardment also hit two neighbourhoods of the rebel-held east of Aleppo city, where 15 people were killed, among them six children, the Observatory said. Opposition-held neighbourhoods of Aleppo have been effectively under siege for the past two weeks, after government forces advanced to within firing range of the only remaining supply route into the east of the city. Since then, government forces have seized part of the road, completely severing the east of the city from the outside world. The Observatory also reported that 23 civilians were killed in strikes and shelling in different parts of the northwestern province of Idlib. It said 17 people, including five children, were killed in strikes on the town of Tal Manas but it was unable to confirm if the raids were carried out by the Syrian government or its Russian ally. The monitor -- which relies on a network of sources inside Syria for its information -- says it determines what planes carried out raids according to their type, location, flight patterns and the munitions involved. A key ally of the Syrian government, Russia began carrying out air strikes in the country in late September. Elsewhere in Idlib, the monitor said three people had been killed in government shelling on the town of Badama, and another three people, including a child, in government air strikes on the town of Sarmada. Sting to return to rock, politics with new album Sting announced Thursday that his new album will come out later this year in a return to his rock roots that will touch on the migrant crisis and climate change. "57th & 9th" -- the title an allusion to the intersection where the "Englishman in New York" heads to the studio -- will come out on November 11, his label said. The former frontman of The Police, speaking to Rolling Stone, said that the album would return to a rock sound after years of more experimental work. Sting performs in the French city of Nimes in July 2015 Sylvain Thomas (AFP/File) "It's rockier than anything I've done in awhile," he told the music magazine. A longtime advocate for Amnesty International and other human rights causes, Sting said a song on the album, "Inshallah," will explore mass migration into Europe and another, "One Fine Day," will attack deniers of climate change. "The biggest engine for migration will be climate. Millions of people will be looking for somewhere safe," he told Rolling Stone. "I'm still in a bit of a depression about Britain exiting the EU for no good reason. At least the EU has a program to tackle climate change," he said, referring to the landmark June 23 referendum on "Brexit." The 64-year-old rocker said that the album will also feature a dark ballad entitled "50,000" that he wrote when contemplating mortality after pop icon Prince's death. Sting's last album, 2013's "The Last Ship," accompanied his Broadway musical of the same name that was based on his childhood memories living around shipbuilding. The musical was a commercial disappointment and Sting said he started working on "57th and 9th" in his unexpected free time afterward. Sting has been touring North America this summer with Peter Gabriel, a fellow rock veteran, as the two collaborate on each other's songs. Philippines Duterte offers Muslim militants peace Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte stepped up efforts to bring peace to the country's insurgency-hit south during a visit there on Thursday, calling upon the Islamic militant group Abu Sayyaf to end its campaign of violence. Speaking to local military and government leaders on the troubled island of Basilan, a base of the Abu Sayyaf group, Duterte said: "I am pleading for peace, even with the Abu Sayyaf. You have committed crimes, killing people... You are not thinking of anything but hatred." But Duterte, the first president to hail from the south and who claims Muslim ancestry, added that "every Filipino life is precious" and "we have to stop this war". Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is known for his hardline stance against crime, even boasting of killing numerous criminals, but he he has called repeatedly for talks with all rebel groups The Abu Sayyaf is a loose network of a few hundred Islamic militants formed in the 1990s with seed money from Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network that has earned millions of dollars from kidnappings-for-ransom. It is a radical offshoot of a decades-long Muslim separatist insurgency in the south of the mainly Catholic Philippines that has claimed more than 100,000 lives. The main Muslim rebel groups do not generally engage in kidnappings-for-ransom. Duterte is known for his hardline stance against crime, even boasting of killing numerous criminals, but he he has called repeatedly for talks with all rebel groups. Despite his message of peace, Duterte warned that if the group did not lay down its arms "soldiers will keep coming. That is the response of government". His visit came as troops were battling the Abu Sayyaf in the hinterlands of Basilan. The military has said at least one soldier and over 30 Abu Sayyaf fighters were killed in weeks of fighting there. Although its leaders have pledged allegiance to Islamic State, analysts say they are mainly focused on lucrative kidnappings. While Duterte addressed troops, his chief peace negotiator Jesus Dureza held meetings with the country's largest Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), elsewhere in the south. The 12,000-strong MILF had hoped to seal a final peace deal under Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino, but legislators delayed passing legislation needed for the plan. A ceasefire with the MILF, in place since 2003, has largely held but the Abu Sayyaf are not covered by the truce. UN pleads for weekly 48-hour truce in Syria's Aleppo The UN on Thursday called for a weekly 48-hour truce in Syria's besieged city of Aleppo to allow aid deliveries to reach some 250,000 civilians facing starvation. The head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, Jan Egeland, told reporters that aid agencies were ready to send life-saving supplies to the city's rebel-held eastern districts but raging violence has blocked convoys from deploying. "Humanitarian convoys are ready, humanitarian workers are ready. We have the supplies. We need a break in the fighting," Egeland said following the weekly meeting of the taskforce co-chaired by Russia, which supports Damascus, and the United States, which backs some rebel groups. The head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria Jan Egeland urged the US and Russia to pressure their allies to "give us 48 hours every week to be able to go to eastern Aleppo" Thaer Mohammed (AFP/File) Egeland urged both powers to pressure their allies to "give us 48 hours every week to be able to go to eastern Aleppo". "The clock is ticking," he said, describing people in Syria's second city as being "on the brink of starvation". Access to eastern Aleppo was completely cut off on July 7 when Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces took control of the Castello Road, the last supply route. The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross's Syria mission, Marianne Gasser, who has been in Aleppo for a week, said "the bombing is constant". "No child, let alone adult, should have to live through this," she said in a statement. "People are trying to survive in the most desperate of circumstances." The UN has identified 18 areas in Syria as besieged, mostly by government forces. Egeland said only three of those areas have received aid this month. In Madaya, a besieged area in the southwest where dozens starved to death late last year, supplies are believed to have run out, with no humanitarian deliveries since April 30. "The mothers have no food anymore to give to the children in Madaya," Egeland said. Egypt court to examine ex-president Morsi appeals An Egyptian court will begin examining two appeals in October filed by former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, his lawyer and a judicial official told AFP on Thursday. Morsi, Egypt's first democratically elected president who was overthrown in July 2013 by then-army chief, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has been convicted of numerous charges in four trials. He was sentenced to death in June 2015 along with other defendants over mass prison breaks and attacks against the police during the 2011 uprising which toppled longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak. Egypt's ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, wearing a red uniform, looks on from behind the defendant's bars at a court in Cairo on June 18, 2016 Mohamed El-Shahed (AFP/File) The Court of Cassation -- Egypt's top appeals court -- will begin examining this ruling on October 18, a judicial official told AFP. In April 2015, Morsi was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in violence against protesters during his one year in power. The court will examine this conviction on October 8. Morsi's lawyer, Abdel Moneim Abdel Maksoud said the court will only look into the cases of "all the defendants who are in custody" and not those who were convicted in absentia. "We don't know if the court will issue its decision on the same day," said Abdel Maksoud. Even if Morsi's appeals are successful he will be tried again in a new court on the same charges. In his latest conviction, a court sentenced Morsi last month to life in prison for leading an unlawful organisation -- his now-blacklisted Muslim Brotherhood -- and 15 years for having "stolen secret documents concerning state security," his lawyer said. He was sentenced to life in prison last year for "espionage" on behalf of Iran and other countries, as well as militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Courts have since sentenced hundreds of Islamists to death, including other Muslim Brotherhood leaders, though many have appealed and been granted new trials. Zimbabwe war veterans denounce 'dictatorial' Mugabe Zimbabwe's war veterans, who have played a crucial and sometimes violent role supporting President Robert Mugabe, on Thursday denounced him as "dictatorial" in the latest sign of growing national instability. A series of recent street protests -- the largest in many years in Zimbabwe -- has been triggered by an economic crisis that has left banks short of cash and the government struggling to pay its workers. Mugabe, 92, has often used his security forces to crush dissent since he came to power in 1980 after leading the liberation war in the 1970s that ended British colonial rule. Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe attends a meeting with the National Liberation War Veterans Association on April 7, 2016 in Harare Jekesai Njikizana (AFP/File) But the surge of rare public demonstrations have revealed deepening anger at the ageing president, who has vowed to stand for re-election in 2018, and at his ruling ZANU-PR party. The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans' Association issued a strongly-worded statement in Harare, saying it would no longer support Mugabe in elections. "The ZANU-PF party leadership has dismally failed to... address the economic problems that have beset our great nation," it said. "We note with concern, shock and utter dismay the entrenchment of dictatorial tendencies, personified by the president and his cohorts." In February, Zimbabwean police shocked many observers by using water cannon and teargas to prevent a meeting planned by the previously loyal war veterans to air their grievances against the regime. Starting in 2000, the war veterans led the seizures of white-owned commercial farms in what Mugabe said was a reversal of imbalances from the colonial era. The government-supported seizures have been blamed for the drastic slump in food production that contributed to the country's economic collapse. Some veterans have also been accused of the widespread intimidation and violence during past elections that have kept Mugabe in power. - Mugabe under pressure? - This week, Mugabe shrugged off criticisms by Christian pastor Evan Mawarire, who has become the figurehead of the anti-government protests fuelled by social media postings. "I don't even know him," Mugabe said, accusing Mawarire of inciting violence and being backed by foreign countries. Earlier this month, many offices, shops and some government department were closed for a one-day strike against economic troubles that have been worsened by a severe drought. Zimbabwe spends at least 80 percent of its revenue on state workers' wages, according to officials, and about 90 percent of the population is out of formal employment. Last week hundreds of Mawarire supporters rallied outside a Harare court until he was released when a case against him of attempting to overthrow the government was dismissed. Other protests have erupted at the border with South Africa after many basic imports were outlawed, and in Harare over police officers allegedly using road blocks to extort cash from motorists. The war veterans' anger at Mugabe has been heightened by criticism aimed at them by his wife, Grace, 50, who is one possible candidate to succeed him. Some of the veterans back former vice-president Joyce Mujuru, herself a former fighter, to take over as president. She was expelled from the ZANU-PF party in 2015 at the apparent instigation of Grace, who accused her of plotting to topple the president. Other veterans support Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a hardliner seen as the most likely successor to Mugabe. Salaries for civil servants and soldiers have again been delayed this month, and further protests are planned in the capital on Saturday and Monday. The government is seeking an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan to ease the money shortage, but donors are wary of support that could prolong Muagbe's rule rather than encourage reform. Zimbabwe abandoned its own currency in favour of US dollars in 2009 to end hyperinflation. S.Sudan leader urges rival to return to capital to rebuild peace South Sudan's President Salva Kiir appealed Thursday to his rival Riek Machar to return to the capital and help rebuild the peace after a wave of deadly gun battles threatened to plunge the country back into civil war. The whereabouts of Machar, the rebel leader who was reappointed vice president as part of a peace deal to end almost two years of bitter conflict, are not known. "I am appealing to Dr Riek Machar to return back to Juba so that we can continue with the implementation of the peace agreement (which) ... needs the two of us to implement," Kiir said in a statement. A child crosses through mud as people receive rations of water at the UN compound in the Tomping area of Juba, on July 16, 2016 Beatrice Mategwa (AFP/File) He said he pledged his "100 percent commitment" to ensuring Machar's security while in Juba, following the intense fighting that erupted between rival troops just as the two men were meeting in the capital on July 8. "I will be expecting a response... within 48 hours so that we establish contact and continue building and promoting peace amongst our people now suffering because of this uncalled-for conflict," Kiir said. Machar has not been seen since he left Juba after days of fierce fighting that claimed the lives of at least 300 people and sent tens of thousands fleeing, many to Uganda. The unrest in the world's youngest nation left an August 2015 peace deal hanging by a thread. Tens of thousands of people have been killed since the war first erupted in December 2015 when Kiir accused Machar, then his vice president, of plotting a coup. More than two million people have also been driven from their homes in the conflict, which has reignited ethnic divisions and been characterised by gross human rights abuses. Michelle Obama channels inner Beyonce for TV sketch Already famous for her toned arms, we now know Michelle Obama has pipes to match. The first lady toured the White House grounds with "Late Late Show" television host and British comedian James Corden for his "Carpool Karaoke" segment, belting out hits like Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" and Beyonce's "Single Ladies." The sing-along session -- a recurring bit on the late-night talk show that's featured stars like Justin Bieber, Adele and Elton John -- included banter about the Obama family's secret service code names, Snapchat and life after the White House. US first lady Michelle Obama gestures as she delivers a speech presenting the "Let Girls Learn" initiative on June 29, 2016 in Madrid Gerard Julien (AFP/File) "Are you not going to miss, like, 24-hour room service?" Corden asked. "Just calling down at 3:00 am, 'I want a grilled cheese and a milkshake?'" Obama replied that freedom rediscovered will outweigh the loss of presidential luxury. "I can make a mean grilled cheese sandwich," she added. Obama also noted that her ride with Corden was only the second time in nearly eight years that she's had the chance to "rock out" in a car, the first being when she taught her daughter Malia how to drive. Obama also highlighted her global girls' education campaign by singing the initiative's theme song "This is For My Girls," which features pop stars Kelly Rowland, Janelle Monae and Missy Elliott. Elliot even dropped by the carpool to help the first lady reprise the rapper's 2001 classic "Get Ur Freak On." Mali opens terror probe after 17 soldiers killed Mali announced Thursday it had opened an investigation into the deaths of 17 soldiers killed in an attack on their base in the centre of the country, as separate violence flared in the north. Two armed groups claimed to have carried out Tuesday's raid on a military camp in Nampala, central Mali, which also left dozens wounded. A day after declaring a 10-day state of emergency, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita paid his final respects to the dead in the presence of bereaved families in Segou, the capital of the region where the attack happened. Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (C) attends a security meeting on July 19, 2016 at the presidential palace in Bamako, after the military camp in Nampala was attacked Habibou Kouyate (AFP/File) A previous state of emergency in place since April had only been lifted the week before. "We are mourning today in Segou, crying for our children fallen in battle. Some were 20 years old, others 40. Not every life has dignity. Theirs did," Keita said at a military camp. Keita said he had moved "heaven and earth" in attempts to persuade allies to provide air support to the struggling Malian forces. "We need true solidarity," he added. Both France and the United Nations have stationed troops in Mali in an attempt to curb the country's prolonged insecurity. The president was also due to visit some of the 35 wounded troops still receiving care. Earlier Thursday the justice ministry said prosecutors had opened a terrorism probe into the Nampala attack and called on Malians to "inform the judicial authorities of anything that can help to advance our inquiries." - 'Heavy weapon fire' - Malian jihadist organisation Ansar Dine claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack, along with the recently-founded National Alliance for the Protection of Peul Identity and Restoration of Justice (ANSIPRJ). The military camp massacre was just the latest in a series of assaults on security forces in Mali, and was condemned as a "coordinated terrorist attack" by the government. Meanwhile, in a show of Mali's growing instability, clashes were reported in the restive northern city of Kidal between pro-government and former rebel groups both based there since February. An unnamed local official described "violent street battles" between the heavily armed factions, with residents barricaded in their homes. "All civilians are indoors. Heavy weapons are firing all over the place, especially in centre of town," said the official. Another official said the fighting stemmed from a struggle between rival Tuareg clans over control of the town. There was no immediate information about casualties. Mali has seen repeated violence since it fell under the control of Tuareg-led rebels who allied with jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda in 2012, including Ansar Dine. Attacks are now becoming more frequent in the country's centre, close to its borders with Mauritania, Burkina Faso and Niger, both from criminal and jihadist elements. Although Islamists were largely ousted by an ongoing French-led military operation launched in January 2013, sporadic attacks from desert hideouts are common. Anti-IS coalition meets with Mosul in its sights Top diplomatic and military officials from the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group met Thursday to prepare the assault on the city of Mosul, the jihadists' Iraqi bastion. Defense and foreign ministers from more than 40 countries gathered in Washington for a second day as their local militia allies made advances in Syria. While news from that front was dominated by the Syrian Democratic Forces' siege of Manbij, a city in northern Syria, the leaders in Washington were focused on a far bigger prize. US Secretary of State John Kerry speaks alongside Brett McGurk (R), Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, during a meeting of the Ministers of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL in Washington, DC, July 21, 2016 Saul Loeb (AFP) "Mosul will be the ultimate test," Brett McGurk, the US special presidential envoy to the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL -- another term for the IS group -- told the assembled delegates. Backed by coalition air strikes and military advisers, Iraqi and Kurdish forces have made inroads in recent months into territory once controlled by IS group fighters. But the daunting target of Mosul, Iraq's second city that is home to two million people, will be the campaign's center of gravity in the weeks and months to come. "I am confident we are going to succeed, we are going to deprive Daesh of its geographical base," US Secretary of State John Kerry said after the talks concluded, using his preferred term for the group, an acronym formed from its Arabic initials. "But Daesh will remain dangerous even when that defeat takes place," he warned. On the first day of the talks, the defense ministers met separately to talk battlefield tactics while the foreign ministers pledged $2 billion in reconstruction funds. The officials hailed the sum, but warned it may not be enough once the final battle is underway. "We note with concern that military operations to liberate Mosul... and the possible displacement of up to one million people as a result, could increase humanitarian needs even beyond the recently pledged resources," their final statement read. Thursday's meeting brought them together to discuss how to ensure that any victory in Mosul is quickly followed by a political settlement and the return of refugees. "Let us remember, Mosul is where Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared his phony caliphate in June of 2014," McGurk said, referring to the IS group's elusive leader. "And if we get this campaign right on the ground, in all its aspects, it is where we can begin to seal his fate." The battle for Mosul and the Islamic State group's Syrian base Raqa will be tough if the jihadists decide to hold out in their symbolic strongholds. But the Iraqi city also poses a political challenge. - End of the 'caliphate' - The remaining civilian population is mainly Sunni Muslim -- albeit with a historical Christian minority -- and distrustful of the Shiite-led government in Baghdad. The city is also near the fracture line between Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region and the Arab center, a point of tension between the local anti-IS forces. The challenge facing the ministers in Washington -- including Iraqis and Kurds -- was to agree on how post-war Mosul will be rebuilt and governed. "Mosul will be the most complex operation to date," McGurk said, warning that a million civilians from many ethnic and religious groups remain inside the city. Nevertheless, he added, the plan is "well underway" with an agreement on the type and number of Iraqi and Kurdish troops and militia to be used in the assault. Critically, there has been an agreement that 15,000 locally recruited troops from Mosul's Nineveh province -- largely Sunni Arabs -- will be involved. In light of the coalition's experience after the liberation of Tikrit, Ramadi and Fallujah, resources will be set aside for refugee camps and reconstruction. "I believe thanks to the pledging conference yesterday and the meetings we're having this week that that foundation is being set," McGurk said. "The liberation of Mosul -- and of Raqa -- is now an achievable objective and it's one we must get right." US Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Kerry, who are co-chairing the meeting, said that driving the IS group out of Iraq and Syria was possible and necessary. But they warned that although taking Mosul would deny the group space to train, plan and spread propaganda, it would not stop the jihadists from inspiring attacks far from their heartland. Iraqi soldiers hold a position on the frontline on the outskirts of the Kurdish-controlled area of Makhmur, some 60 kilometres (35 miles) south of Mosul, on July 17, 2016 Safin Hamed (AFP/File) Russian agent gets 10 years over export violations A convicted Russian agent was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to illegally exporting advanced electronics with military applications. A federal judge in Brooklyn also ordered Alexander Fishenko, a dual US and Russian national, to surrender more than $500,000 in proceeds from the sale of goods to people with suspected ties to the Russian defense forces. "Alexander Fishenko illegally shipped millions of dollars of high-technology products to Russian military affiliated actors in clear violation of United States law," John Carlin, the assistant attorney general for national security, said in a statement. Fishenko was charged in 2012 along with 10 others and two corporations -- ARC Electronics Inc and Apex Systems LLC -- over millions of dollars in exports that federal prosecutors said were disguised as civilian transactions Joe Raedle (Getty/AFP/File) Fishenko was charged in 2012 along with 10 others and two corporations -- ARC Electronics Inc and Apex Systems LLC -- over millions of dollars in exports that federal prosecutors said were disguised as civilian transactions. He pleaded guilty in September to a 19-count indictment in which he was charged with acting as an undeclared Russian agent and conspiring to export controlled microelectronics to Russia. Five other defendants had previously pleaded guilty, three others were convicted at trial in October and three others remain at large. Though Fiskenko's company ARC portrayed itself as a maker of traffic lights, between 2008 and 2012 he led a conspiracy to export advanced microelectronics frequently used in detonation triggers, radar and surveillance as well as missile guidance systems, according to prosecutors. The company is now defunct. The State Department has issued an urgent warning to Americans about a possible attack in the city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The US embassy in Riyadh has 'received reports of a potential, imminent threat against US citizens in areas of Jeddah frequented by Westerners, such as markets, restaurants and shopping malls, among others'. The security message, published online and on Twitter, did not give further details but reiterated existing guidance for visitors to Saudi Arabia. There are thought to be around 10,000 American expats working in Saudi Arabia, not including 5,000 US military personnel. Scroll down for video This warning about the threat in Jeddah went up last night on the State Department's website The warning was tweeted by the State Department, which reminded Americans of the dangers of traveling in Saudi Arabia and to avoid crowds if possible The warning tells American citizens: 'Remember to vary your routes and times in all instances when traveling in the Kingdom. 'All US citizens are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, and take extra precautions when travelling throughout the country.' Earlier this month there were three bomb attacks in Saudi Arabia, including one in Jeddah, which CIA director John Brennan said bore the hallmarks of ISIS. Saudi Arabia is part of the US-led international coalition battling ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Since March 2015 the country has also led a coalition fighting Shi'ite rebels in Yemen. Saudi authorities have stepped up the arrests of radical Islamists in the last year and in 2015 announced they had dismantled an ISIS-linked group, detaining hundreds of suspects, mainly Saudis. Saudi Arabia's top cleric, Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Sheikh, has declared ISIS to be an 'enemy of Islam'. Jeddah, pictured, is on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia and is home to several thousand American expats US government personnel and their families are already restricted from traveling within 50 miles of the Yemeni border, and to the cities of Jizan and Najran, without permission because of the security situation there. French, British, US soldiers 'monitoring' Libya: commander French, British and American soldiers are in Libya to "monitor" Islamic State group jihadists, a military commander in the east of the country told AFP on Thursday. "French, American and British soldiers are in the Benina base" near Benghazi, said air force chief Saqr al-Jaroushi, whose forces are allied with a government based out of the eastern city of Tobruk that is not recognised by the international community. He said around 20 soldiers at the base were charged with "monitoring the movements of the Islamic State jihadists and how they store ammunition." Smoke billows from buildings after the air force from the pro-government forces loyal to Libya's Government of National Unity fired rockets targeting Islamic State (IS) group positions in Sirte on July 18, 2016 Mahmud Turkia (AFP/File) "There are no (foreign) pilots fighting in the place of our pilots and fighters," he said. He added that other foreign military personnel were carrying out similar tasks at other bases and towns across Libya, including the capital Tripoli, Misrata, 200 kilometres (125 miles) to the east and Tobruk in the far east of the country. Jaroushi commands the air force that forms part of the forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar and the House of Representatives in Tobruk, a rival to the Government of National Unity (GNA) that operates out of Tripoli. France, Britain and the US recognise the GNA as the legitimate government of Libya. Jaroushi's remarks come a day after the GNA criticised the presence of French troops in the chaos-wracked country, as President Francois Hollande confirmed France has soldiers there after three died in a helicopter crash. The soldiers were carrying out a reconnaissance mission alongside Haftar's troops. The presence of the troops in Libya was a "violation" of the nation's sovereignty, the GNA said on its Facebook page following Hollande's announcement. The Pentagon said in May that it has a "small presence" in Libya tasked with trying to identify which groups might be able to assist the United States in its mission to combat IS. British media reported in May that British special forces had taken part in combat missions against IS in the country's northeast. - Battle for Sirte rages on - For two months, pro-government forces have been fighting fierce clashes against IS jihadists in their stronghold of Sirte in central Libya. On Thursday, the troops claimed they had secured "advances... on two fronts" in Sirte, after pounding jihadist positions with aerial and heavy artillery raids. Twenty-two pro-government troops were killed in the fighting on Thursday and another 175 were wounded, a Misrata hospital official said. A total of 280 troops have been killed and 1,500 have been injured since the bid to recapture Sirte was launched in May. Ailes quits as Fox News boss amid sex harassment suit Roger Ailes, who built Fox News into a popular and politically powerful cable network that help redefine US television news, resigned Thursday under the cloud of a sexual harassment lawsuit. He was replaced by Rupert Murdoch, head of parent company 21st Century Fox and founder of the empire that includes Fox. The company said in a statement that the resignation was effective immediately and that Murdoch, 85, would take over the roles of chairman and acting chief executive of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network. Fox News chairman Roger Ailes (L) walks with his wife Elizabeth Tilson as they leave the News Corp building, July 19, 2016 in New York City Drew Angerer (Getty/AFP/File) The news comes two weeks after Ailes was named in a lawsuit by the popular Fox News host Gretchen Carlson, who claimed she was fired for rejecting his sexual advances. The company statement made no mention of the lawsuit or its review of the allegations. The move represents tremendous turmoil at Fox, built by Ailes and Murdoch two decades ago into the leading cable news channel, drawing praise especially from conservatives and criticism from the political left. With the change, Rupert Murdoch returns to a bigger role a year after handing over more control of operations to his two sons. "Roger Ailes has made a remarkable contribution to our company and our country," Murdoch said in the statement. "Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organization and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years." Murdoch said he and Ailes created a network that stands "in stark contrast to the self-serving elitism that characterizes far too much of the media." "I am personally committed to ensuring that Fox News remains a distinctive, powerful voice," he added. "Our nation needs a robust Fox News to resonate from every corner of the country." - To 'ensure continuity' - Murdoch, who cut short a vacation on the French Riviera to return to New York, according to the Guardian newspaper, said he was taking the reins at Fox "to ensure continuity of all that is best about Fox News and what it stands for." At 21st Century Fox, which also includes a major Hollywood studio and television network, Rupert Murdoch had taken the role of executive chairman with his son Lachlan, and with James Murdoch as CEO. The two sons said in the statement that "we join our father in recognizing Roger's remarkable contributions to our company," but also hinted about the accusations against him. "We continue our commitment to maintaining a work environment based on trust and respect," the brothers said. "We take seriously our responsibility to uphold these traditional, long-standing values of our company." A former consultant to Republican presidents, Ailes, 76, had been a key figure in the media empire and a longtime Murdoch ally. - Home for conservatives - Under his leadership, Fox became home to key conservative political commentators, drawing an audience distinct from rivals CNN and MSNBC. David Greenberg, a Rutgers University political scientist, said in a Politico essay that Ailes essentially created modern conservatism in the United States, having worked with presidents from Richard Nixon to Ronald Reagan to George H.W. Bush. "In fact, apart from the presidents he served, he was arguably the single most important figure in the creation of modern conservatism," Greenberg wrote. "By fusing television's power to conjure feelings of anger and resentment to an ideology of cultural populism that demonized liberal elites, Ailes set forth the methods and the message that would help conservative politicians win and maintain power for decades." But critics said Ailes and Fox were blatantly partisan. "Despite its 'Fair and Balanced' slogan, Fox News under Ailes' leadership has embraced its role as the communications arm of the Republican Party," said Eric Hananoki and Ben Dimiero in a column for the watchdog group Media Matters for America. "During the Obama administration, this partisanship accelerated as the network openly campaigned for Republican candidates, launched the Tea Party movement, became a farm system for Republican politicians and served as the stage for Republican presidential primaries, among other egregious ethical issues." The sexual harassment suit filed in New Jersey state court said Ailes terminated Carlson, a popular host and former Miss America, as a retaliatory act. Ailes "unlawfully retaliated against Carlson and sabotaged her career because she refused his sexual advances and complained about severe and pervasive sexual harassment," the lawsuit alleges. Ailes denied the allegations. After the allegations emerged, some reports said several other women at Fox News had also claimed harassment, including the popular host Megyn Kelly. Rupert Murdoch, pictured on July 7, 2016, said he was taking the reins at Fox "to ensure continuity of all that is best about Fox News and what it stands for" Drew Angerer (Getty/AFP/File) In Cleveland, a question: where are the protesters? One of the biggest questions during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland this week has been: Where are the big crowds? The Ohio city was braced for an influx of protesters and supporters of the polarizing Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Clashes were predicted. Media from around the world blanketed the streets of downtown Cleveland for signs of trouble. Police hold formation as protesters march on July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio Dominick Reuter (AFP) So far, demonstrators have assembled in the low hundreds at most, not thousands. And, they have been relatively peaceful. Police have reported just 23 arrests. "We have more media than protesters," quipped Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams during a recent press briefing. There have been plenty of times when a few dozen protesters were besieged by a multitude of cameras and microphones, and squadrons of police on bicycles. The city had about 3,000 officers dedicated solely to the convention. So, what happened to all the protesters? Larry Bresler has a theory. He organized an anti-poverty march and rally early in the week, at which thousands were expected to show up. Less than 500 did. "One of the things that we were hearing from all kinds of people was that they were so scared about... the forecasting of violence, that people were saying I'm not going to get anywhere near downtown," Bresler said. - Host of factors - Susan Stephens can attest to that fear. Wearing a doctor's coat she's an orthopedic surgeon she was holding a "Black Lives Matter" sign on Thursday at the city's Public Square, the de facto epicenter of protests. The other side of her sign read "I live in fear." "I made this sign on Sunday," she said, "I took this week off so I could protest. And today is the first day I got up the guts to come down here." Stephens said she knew of many others who also stayed away. "What if you came down here, and there's a lot of people with guns and they're mad? I'm afraid of people with guns," said Sue Wolpert, who was also at Public Square, having gotten over her fear earlier in the week. State law in Ohio allows people to openly carry guns in public. In the current climate with the country on edge after shootings targeting police Dallas and Baton Rouge, the latter during a peaceful protest many were nervous about what might happen in Cleveland. "We've seen a host of factors" which are keeping people away, said Stephen David, of the Ohio chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. Fear of potential violence was one, he said, but so were delays by the city to issue protest permits, which made it difficult to organize. "Early on in this process, that was one of the issues that we raised," he said. Yet another factor may have been cost. Hotels were fully booked and listings on the home-sharing site Airbnb spiked in price. Some homes were renting for more than $1,000 per night. "We've been hearing a while back that folks couldn't find hotels," Stephens said. Protesters march against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio Dominick Reuter (AFP) Crunch time: Who will Clinton pick as VP? Hillary Clinton will be anointed her party's presidential nominee at the Democratic National Convention next week. But she still has a major announcement to make before the event: her choice of running mate. Clinton is expected to reveal her vice presidential pick by Saturday, when she campaigns in Florida. Newly-nominated Republican Donald Trump, who will square off with Clinton in November's general election, picked Mike Pence as his running mate, going with experience, steadiness, and rock-solid conservative credentials to balance out Trump's reputation as an antagonistic political outsider. US Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton (L) and Virginia Senator Tim Kaine campaign on July 14, 2016 Saul Loeb (AFP/File) With Clinton rich in experience -- she was President Barack Obama's first secretary of state, a two-term senator from New York, and a first lady -- could the 68-year-old opt for star power over substance? Unlikely. "I am afflicted with the responsibility gene," Clinton told CBS this week, and the person she picks must be experienced enough to be able to "literally get up one day and be the president of the United States." Here are the running-mates-in-waiting believed to be on her shortlist: Tim Kaine, 58 The US senator from Virginia is mentioned first in virtually every veepstakes discussion because he ticks so many boxes: strong foreign policy experience (he is on the armed services and foreign relations committees); loyal lawmaker from a battleground state; Spanish-speaker. But perhaps above all, he is a safe pick, a southern white man who can put independent male voters at ease. Kaine is aware that he lacks high wattage, like that exuded by Republican VP pick Sarah Palin in 2008. "I am boring," he recently admitted. Another downside is that choosing Kaine might jeopardize his Senate seat. Tom Vilsack, 65 Vilsack, secretary of agriculture since 2009, has known the Clintons for decades, and the candidate is said to have deep trust in him. A native of Pittsburgh, he could help carry the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania. And as a former two-term governor of Iowa, Vilsack will be in prime position to woo rural American voters. He has shown he could be a willing attack dog on the ticket, too. "Donald Trump is sort of to politics what Bernie Madoff was to investment," he told NBC News recently, speaking of the disgraced financier. "He is selling something that people don't fully understand and appreciate what it actually means." Tom Perez, 54 One of the true liberals on the shortlist, Labor Secretary Perez could rally core Democrats and heal the rift with leftwing supporters of Clinton's former nomination rival Bernie Sanders. As a Latino in the cabinet, he could cement the increasingly important Hispanic vote. And his legal experience -- he has served as a civil rights lawyer and federal prosecutor -- would bring strong domestic and judicial expertise to the ticket. The wonky progressive is little known outside of the Washington Beltway, but he has stumped with Clinton in several states during the campaign. James Stavridis, 61 National security has surged as a critical issue in the 2016 presidential campaign, as Clinton and Trump clash over how to address the terrorism threat. Enter Stavridis, a retired four-star US Navy admiral who served as NATO's allied commander, and worked closely with Clinton when she was top diplomat. He could provide a strong argument against Trump's claim that Democrats are "weak" when it comes to fighting terrorism. Elizabeth Warren, 67 The feisty Massachusetts senator is a liberal superstar who can help transfer the allegiance of Bernie Sanders fans to his party rival Clinton. Warren has developed a reputation for ripping into Trump at every opportunity. But it remains an open question whether two women on the ticket would turn off some male voters. Tom Vilsack, secretary of agriculture since 2009, has known the Clintons for decades, and Hillary Clinton is said to have deep trust in him Alex Wong (Getty/AFP/File) US Labor Secretary Tom Perez, pictured on January 21, 2016, could rally core Democrats and heal the rift with leftwing supporters of Hillary Clinton's former nomination rival Bernie Sanders Nicholas Kamm (AFP/File) France committed to leading Israel-Palestine talks: Hollande French President Francois Hollande told Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas in Paris on Thursday that his country is committed to leading international efforts to help secure peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Hollande confirmed "France's commitment to building on the momentum created" on June 3, when Paris hosted senior diplomats to work towards organising an international conference to reboot talks by the end of the year. The French leader "expressed his concern over the the fragile situation in the Middle East and escalating violence", a statement from the presidency said. French President Francois Hollande (R) welcomes President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas upon his arrival on July 21, 2016 at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris Stephane de Sakutin (Pool/AFP) "While the latest report from the Quartet shows the two-state solution is under threat by continued settlement-building, there is an urgent need to recreate a political perspective," Hollande added. The diplomatic Quartet -- the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia -- earlier this month warned that Israel's settlement expansion and confiscation of Palestinian land were eroding the possibility of a two-state peace settlement. The Quartet also called on Palestinians to halt attacks and incitement to violence. "France will spare no effort to mobilise the international community into reviving the peace process," he said. He said companies are data-mining for what people like and their behaviour He spoke out against the app at the first day of San Diego Comic-Con Since its launch two weeks ago, Pokemon Go's popularity has soared, overtaking Tinder, WhatsApp and Instagram in number of active users. But filmmaker Oliver Stone tore into the smartphone phenomenon yesterday, describing it as 'a new level of invasion' that could lead to totalitarianism. During a panel for his new film 'Snowden' on the first day of San Diego Comic-Con 2016, the director said the app was part of a larger culture of 'surveillance capitalism.' Scroll down for video During a panel for his new film 'Snowden' on the first day of San Diego Comic-Con 2016, the director said the app was part of a larger culture of 'surveillance capitalism.' Oliver Stone attending the Snowden panel pictured 'It's the fastest-growing business ever, and they have invested huge amounts of money into what surveillance is, which is data-mining,' Mr Stone told the audience at his first-ever appearance at the four-day sci-fi and fantasy spectacle. 'They're data-mining every person in this room for information as to what you're buying, what it is you like, and above all, your behaviour.' The location-based augmented reality game became an overnight sensation on its release earlier this month, although it has been criticised for requesting users' Google browsing history and email. The location-based augmented reality game became an overnight sensation on its release earlier this month, although it has been criticised for requesting users' Google browsing history and email. In this image, students play the game in front of Kaminarimon at Sensoji, in Tokyo downtown Asakura district, Japan The comments were made during a panel for his new film 'Snowden' on the first day of San Diego Comic-Con 2016, the director said the app was part of a larger culture of 'surveillance capitalism'. The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt (pictured) as Edward Snowden It has also been blamed for a wave of crimes, traffic violations and other complaints in cities around the world. Three-time Oscar winner Mr Stone, 69, said Pokemon Go 'kicks into' the surveillance culture and was 'everywhere.' 'The profits are enormous here for places like Google,' he said. 'It's what some people call surveillance capitalism. It's the newest stage,' he said. 'You'll see a new form of, frankly, a robot society, where they will know how you want to behave and they will make the mock-up that matches how you behave and feed you. 'It's what they call totalitarianism.' 'Snowden,' which stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, who leaked US government surveillance secrets in 2013 before seeking asylum in Russia. The film is due to be released in America on September 16. A UK release date has yet to be confirmed. 'Snowden,' which stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden (pictured) who leaked US government surveillance secrets in 2013 before seeking asylum in Russia, opens in US theaters on September 16 The Latest: Additional $5.6 million to fight Zika in Florida MIAMI (AP) The Latest on the Zika virus in Florida (all times local): 7 p.m. Florida could be getting another $5.6 million in federal funding to assist in the fight against the Zika virus. Nadja Mayerle with the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District looks at a mosquito Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in Salt Lake City. Health authorities in Utah are investigating a unique case of Zika found in a person who had been caring for a relative who had an unusually high level of the virus in his blood. Exactly how the disease was transmitted is still a mystery, though the person has since recovered. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) The White House reported in a news release Wednesday that President Barack Obama spoke by phone with Florida Gov. Rick Scott regarding what might be the United States' first non-travel-related Zika case. The President noted during the call that besides the $2 million that the CDC already provided to Florida, the agency anticipates awarding Florida another $5.6 million in Zika funding through a grant this week. Zika primarily spreads through bites from tropical mosquitoes. In most people, the virus causes only mild illness, but infection during pregnancy can lead to severe brain-related birth defects for the fetus. ___ 11 a.m. The CDC is working with Florida health officials to investigate what could be the first Zika infection from a mosquito in the continental United States. They say lab tests confirm a person in the Miami area is infected with the Zika virus, and there may not be any connection to someone traveling outside the country. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says none of the more than 1,300 Zika infections in the United States to date were from local mosquitoes. Fourteen were sexually transmitted and one involved laboratory exposure. Mosquito control inspectors were at work in Miami-Dade County on Wednesday. Spokeswoman Gayle Love said they've been going door-to-door since health authorities alerted them late last week, spraying to kill mosquitoes and emptying any containers holding water. A tray of Aedes dorsalis and Culex tarsalis mosquitos are shown collected at the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District Tuesday, July 19, 2016, near Salt Lake City. Health authorities in Utah are investigating a unique case of Zika found in a person who had been caring for a relative who had an unusually high level of the virus in his blood. Exactly how the disease was transmitted is still a mystery, though the person has since recovered. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Nadja Mayerle with the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District places a mosquito trap Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in Salt Lake City. Health authorities in Utah are investigating a unique case of Zika found in a person who had been caring for a relative who had an unusually high level of the virus in his blood. Exactly how the disease was transmitted is still a mystery, though the person has since recovered. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Nadja Mayerle with the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District places a mosquito trap on the ground Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in Salt Lake City. Health authorities in Utah are investigating a unique case of Zika found in a person who had been caring for a relative who had an unusually high level of the virus in his blood. Exactly how the disease was transmitted is still a mystery, though the person has since recovered. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Nadja Mayerle with the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District collects a mosquito trap Tuesday, July 19, 2016, near the marshes, in Salt Lake City. Health authorities in Utah are investigating a unique case of Zika found in a person who had been caring for a relative who had an unusually high level of the virus in his blood. Exactly how the disease was transmitted is still a mystery, though the person has since recovered. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Nadja Mayerle with the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District collects a mosquito trap Tuesday, July 19, 2016, near the marshes, in Salt Lake City. Health authorities in Utah are investigating a unique case of Zika found in a person who had been caring for a relative who had an unusually high level of the virus in his blood. Exactly how the disease was transmitted is still a mystery, though the person has since recovered. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Tesla plans trucks, small SUV as part of future plans DETROIT (AP) Electric car maker Tesla Motors is working on multiple new vehicles, including heavy trucks and buses that could be unveiled as early as next year. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the company also plans a compact SUV and "a new kind of pickup truck" to complement its existing fleet. Tesla currently makes a luxury sedan, the Model S, and a luxury crossover, the Model X. It plans to release a lower-priced car, the Model 3, next year. Musk discussed the products in his much-anticipated "master plan" for the company, which was posted on Tesla's website Wednesday night. It was Musk's second such manifesto; he released the first in 2006, when Tesla was first starting out and hadn't yet sold its first car, the Tesla Roadster. FILE - In this Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015, file photo, Tesla Motors Inc. CEO Elon Musk delivers a speech at the Paris Pantheon Sorbonne University as part of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris. Electric car maker Tesla Motors is working on multiple new vehicles, including heavy trucks and buses that could be unveiled as early as next year. Musk outlined the products in his much-anticipated "master plan" for the company, which was posted on Tesla's website Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File) Musk used a portion of the plan to defend Tesla's semi-autonomous Autopilot system, which can maintain a set speed and keep the car within its lanes and lets drivers take their hands off the wheel for minutes at a time. The government is investigating the system after a Tesla driving in Autopilot mode crashed into a tractor-trailer in Florida in May. The Tesla driver died. Musk says it's important to deploy partial autonomy now because, when used correctly, it "is already significantly safer than a person driving by themselves." "It would therefore be morally reprehensible to delay release simply for fear of bad press or some mercantile calculation of legal liability," Musk wrote. He said Autopilot is still in "beta" testing mode, a term the company uses to decrease complacency for drivers and imply that the system will continue to be refined. But he said Autopilot went through extensive internal testing before it was introduced with a software update last October. Musk also predicted there will be a "significant time gap" before true self-driving cars are approved by regulators. But Tesla is clearly preparing for that day. Musk envisions small autonomous buses that can accommodate strollers and bikes and a shared fleet of Teslas that can eventually be summoned by a smartphone. Musk also pushed for the combination of Tesla and solar energy company SolarCity. Tesla proposed buying SolarCity last month for up to $2.5 billion. Shareholders must still vote on the proposal. Musk, who is the chairman of both companies, envisions becoming a seamless provider of solar panels and Tesla Powerwall backup systems to customers to power their homes and electric cars. "We can't do well if Tesla and SolarCity are different companies, which is why we need to combine," he said. But some investors and analysts have made clear that they're concerned about the deal's conflicts of interest. SolarCity is run by Musk's cousin Lyndon Rive. SolarCity's shares have risen 27 percent since the all-stock bid was made, to $26.95. But Tesla's shares are up just 4 percent. Tesla's shares rose 1 percent to close at $228.36 Wednesday. In his 2006 plan, Musk laid out Tesla's goal of using profits from its first car the sporty Roadster, which went on sale in 2008 to fund the development of a wider range of vehicles, including lower-priced family cars. Tesla is meeting that goal. The company stopped making the $100,000 Roadster in 2012, the same year it debuted its $70,000 Model S sedan. Last year, it introduced the Model X SUV. And recently it began taking orders for the Model 3, a smaller sedan which will sell for $35,000. Tesla says the Model 3 will go on sale at the end of 2017. But there have been some stumbles. All three of Tesla's vehicles have launched after repeated delays, and there have been some early quality problems, like door handles that don't work. Tesla also recently announced that vehicle shipments didn't reach projected levels in the second quarter. The company now expects to deliver around 79,000 vehicles this year, lower than its earlier forecast of 80,000 to 90,000. Tesla delivered 50,580 vehicles last year. At Least 17 Arrests Outside The RNC During Attempted Flag Burning By aaroncynic in News on Jul 20, 2016 11:33PM At least 17 people were arrested at the gates of the Quicken Loans Arena at the Republican National Convention when the Revolutionary Communist Party attempted to burn an American flag Wednesday afternoon. Surrounded by hundreds of reporters and photographers along with some delegates and counter demonstrators including the bikers for Trump, the group attempted to burn the flag twice, succeeding briefly the second time. Gregory Joey Johnson was the first of the group to make the attempt. Johnson is known for being the defendant in a landmark Supreme Court case after he burned a flag at the 1984 Republican National Convention in Dallas, Texas. Johnson was arrested and convicted of desecrating the flag, but the court later overturned the decision in a 5 to 4 ruling. A second demonstrator managed to set fire to the flag shortly after Johnson was arrested and it briefly caught fire before a person in the crowd threw water on it. Several scuffles broke out as police attempted to make arrests and push demonstrators, media and onlookers out of the way. At one point, police fired what appeared to be pepper spray, hitting and injuring at least one woman (see the video embedded in the first Tweet below, :24 seconds in). Soon after, they pushed the majority of the crowd as far away as possible, but due to the small area, narrow sidewalks and large barricades, it was difficult for anyone to move anywhere. Police Chief Calvin Williams was on hand for a time urging calm. Charges against the arrested include felony assault on a police officer, failure to disperse and resisting arrest. While no members of the press were arrested, the Cleveland Police Department did throw some shade on Twitter towards the media, saying the large presence of photographers and journalists makes it difficult to police demonstrators. Trump's moment: Speech to close GOP convention's final day CLEVELAND (AP) Three long days of attacks on Hillary Clinton, floor fiascos and testaments to Donald Trump have come and gone, and now the big moment of the Republican National Convention has arrived. Donald Trump's address Thursday on the convention's final day will cap a rollercoaster 13 months since the freewheeling business mogul announced his bid for president, took over the Republican Party and became its unlikely nominee. Millions will tune in for a moment few ever expected to see. Thursday offers Trump a final opportunity to try to cast a presidential image before the attention shifts to the Democratic National Convention next week. Ivanka Trump applauds as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump smiles as his son Eric Trump speaks during the Republican National Convention, Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) What to watch for on the last day of the convention: ___ THE YUUUUGE SPEECH The whole convention has been building up to Trump. Though he's appeared briefly during the convention already, this will be one of his biggest opportunities of the campaign to speak to supporters, opponents and those still making up their minds. Nominees typically use convention speeches to describe their journey and lay out their policy proposals. But Trump's campaign has been anything but ordinary. Will the billionaire stick to the script, or deliver the fireworks he's promised would erupt at his nominating convention? ___ ONE AMERICA Thursday's theme is "Make America One Again." The night is supposed to focus on how Trump plans to unite the country and bridge divisions so the U.S. can confront challenges at home and abroad. That's a tall order for a candidate who regularly pitted groups against each other and created deep divisions within his own party. Can Trump sell himself as a unifying force, or will he return to the us-versus-them mentality that's been a hallmark of his campaign? ___ LAST-MINUTE DISRUPTIONS Trump's speech will also be the last chance for his once-vocal opponents to make themselves heard. Nothing the anti-Trump forces say or do now can revoke his status as the GOP nominee, but an outburst would be embarrassing for Trump and would highlight lingering divisions within the party. Those divisions were evident Wednesday when Ted Cruz, Trump's former rival, was booed when he told supporters to vote their conscience instead of telling them to back Trump. Will anyone upset what's supposed to be an uplifting celebration of the GOP nominee? ___ BOLD MOVE Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal, will become one of the first openly gay people to speak at a GOP convention when he addresses delegates. He's expected to say he's proud to be gay and to criticize the Republican Party for some of its stances, including its support for transgender bathroom laws and anti-gay planks in the party platform. Watch to see what kind of a reception Thiel gets from delegates, who approved that platform Monday. On the few occasions where speakers have mentioned gay rights so far in the convention, there's been awkward silence or just a smattering of polite applause. ___ IVANKA'S MOMENT Daughter Ivanka Trump will have her chance to shine when she introduces her father near the close of the convention. A top executive at the Trump Organization who has her own line of jewelry and clothing, she's also a trusted adviser to her father's campaign. Where the elder Trump is impulsive and unpredictable, Ivanka exudes composure and deliberateness. Expect Ivanka Trump to vouch for her father's judgment, temperament and readiness to be president, as well as his support and respect for women. ___ HELLO HILLARY When the gavel bangs to close the convention, the political world's attention will turn to Philadelphia, where Clinton will be nominated at next week's Democratic convention. It will be the Democrats' turn to make their case for replacing President Barack Obama in the White House and to dispute everything voters heard at the GOP convention. Clinton is also expected to announce her pick for running mate in coming days, a moment Clinton hopes will give her campaign a major boost. Harsh attacks on Clinton have been a running theme in Cleveland. Republicans likely won't conclude without a fresh round of reminders about why they think she'd be a disaster as president. ___ Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP Trump employee declares she backs him because of her race CLEVELAND (AP) As the country wrestles with messy issues of race, discrimination and police tensions, Donald Trump received a commanding endorsement from a longtime employee who said she supports him not despite the color of her skin, but because of it. Lynne Patton, a vice president in Trump son Eric's foundation, captivated delegates at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday as she spoke passionately of watching "in horror" in recent weeks as police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were gunned down. So, too, she said, was the nation stunned by the "senseless deaths" of young black men whose killings by police have fueled growing bitterness between police and black communities. Lynne Patton of the Eric Trump Foundation during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) "There's not one person in this room who can deny that historically, black lives have mattered less," Patton said. "My life mattered less." Like it or not, Patton said, there are people in the U.S. who still believe that to be true. And in one of the convention's rarer displays of diversity, she extended a call for greater tolerance for gays and lesbians, insisting Trump was the one to make it happen. "As a minority myself, I personally pledge to you that Donald Trump knows that your life matters," she continued. "He knows that my life matters, he knows that LGBTQ lives matter, he knows that veterans' lives matter, he knows that blue lives matter." An apparent lack of diversity among Trump's senior staff has reinforced the perception that his campaign is oriented toward white voters who overwhelmingly fill his rallies. Though Trump insists that's not the case, the convention featured few examples of him or his party explicitly reaching out to racial, ethnic or sexual minorities. Patton, who is Eric Trump's longtime personal assistant, has been deployed by Trump's campaign before to vouch for his record of hiring minorities and women. She wasn't listed as an executive in the Trump Organization until The Associated Press questioned the campaign earlier this year, after which her title was changed online to vice president. Her voice booming through the arena, Patton paid special tribute to Eric and his sister, Ivanka Trump. She said she loves them "like the siblings I never had." "You are compassionate, you are charitable, you are my heroes," she said. Clinton left with more cash than Trump as he forgives loans WASHINGTON (AP) Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her party entered July with nearly $11 million more on hand than her Republican counterpart's operations, a strong showing of fundraising as both campaigns dive into the general election. Republican nominee Donald Trump also zeroed-out more than $47 million in personal loans he's made to his own campaign since last year. Trump and the Republican Party, which officially selected Trump as its White House contender Tuesday, had $41 million cash on hand compared with Clinton and the Democrats' $52 million. New campaign finance reports released Wednesday reveal the state of the 2016 money race as candidates and their supportive groups turn their attention to the November election. Fundraising has historically been a key metric in a campaign's financial health, with funds paying campaign staffers and pricey TV ads. Despite being outraised by Clinton, Trump had more appeal among small donors. He raised more than $12.1 million from contributors giving $200 or less, since making his first-ever appeal for online contributions on June 21. That small-donor harvest was about double Clinton's, despite Trump's late start. Trump's haul comes after a disappointing May report, during which the billionaire's campaign finished with only $1.3 million to spend. With Trump and Clinton now becoming the official nominees, they'll be able to make use not only of their campaign funds but also much of the money raised by their respective parties. On the GOP side, the Republican Party made up about half or roughly $21 million of the available cash on hand. For the Democrats, Clinton's own fundraising accounted for most of the money left in the bank at the beginning of July. She had $44 million to spend. Clinton is expected to be formally nominated next week at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. As with the 2012 election, "super" political action committees are adding to the financial might of both candidates. Outside political groups backing Clinton reported a money advantage over similar committees behind Trump. Priorities USA, the main super PAC helping Clinton, had more than $40 million in the bank at the beginning of July after spending nearly $24 million last month, the bulk on advertising targeted at swing-state voters. It received $1 million each from the National Education Association teachers union and Working for Working Americans, the super PAC of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. On the GOP side, the National Rifle Association's political fund, which has been airing ads backing Trump and opposing Clinton, reported $13 million cash on hand at the beginning of July after raising $1.3 million last month. The NRA group also gave $60,000 to the Republican Party last month, including $45,000 for its convention in Cleveland this week. Rebuilding America Now, a super PAC supporting Trump, raised about $2.2 million in June, nearly all of which came from real estate developer Geoffrey H. Palmer. The majority of that money, about $1.4 million, went toward television ads attacking Clinton. Great America PAC, another group airing ads supporting Trump, raised $1.2 million. Make America Number 1 reported about $1.1 million in cash on hand at the beginning of this month, but it took in only $97.86 in revenue a $25 donation and $72.86 in bank interest. The group was formerly a super PAC backing Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz's presidential bid, and also benefited from nearly $14 million in contributions from hedge fund billionaire Robert Mercer. Conservative-leaning American Crossroads received its biggest single donation last month, $1 million, from a trust linked to Joseph Craft of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Craft is the president and chief executive of Alliance Resource Management GP LLC, which oversees coal production. Democratic donor Tom Steyer, a former hedge fund manager and climate-change activist, poured $7 million into the coffers of the Clinton-aligned NextGen Climate Action Committee. So far this election cycle, Steyer has given $18 million to the group. NextGen separately reported more than $9.4 million left to spend. Super PACs like Priorities USA and American Crossroads benefit from the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case. The decision allowed corporations and unions to contribute in unlimited ways to political races, so long as that money comes through super PACs that are not directly coordinated with the candidates. ___ Associated Press writer Julie Bykowicz contributed to this report. ___ AP FACT CHECK: The GOP rush to blame Clinton WASHINGTON (AP) Donald Trump's new running mate and other Republicans are wrongly accusing Hillary Clinton of speaking with indifference about the death of Americans in Benghazi, Libya twisting her comments out of context to make their indictment. A look at some of the claims from the stage of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night and how they compare with the facts: INDIANA GOV. MIKE PENCE, Trump's choice for vice president: "It was Hillary Clinton who left Americans in harm's way in Benghazi and after four Americans fell, said: What difference, at this point, does it make?" Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana speaks during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) TEXAS SEN. TED CRUZ: "Theirs is the party that ... responds to the death of Americans at Benghazi by asking, What difference does it make?" THE FACTS: At no point has Clinton said or even implied that it makes no difference whether Americans died in the Benghazi attacks. Clinton's well-known quote came at a January 2013 Senate hearing when she was pressed about the motive for the attack that killed four Americans, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens. Her point was that it was less important to understand the reason for the attack than in knowing what to do about it. Republicans have persistently criticized the Obama administration for initially and wrongly blaming the attack on an anti-U.S. protest. Clinton' fuller remarks on that subject from the hearing: "With all due respect, the fact is we had four dead Americans. Was it because of a protest or was it because of guys out for a walk one night who decided that they'd they go kill some Americans? What difference at this point does it make? It is our job to figure out what happened and do everything we can to prevent it from ever happening again, senator." She went on: "It is, from my perspective, less important today looking backwards as to why these militants decided they did it than to find them and bring them to justice, and then maybe we'll figure out what was going on in the meantime." Whether Clinton as secretary of state acted properly in that crisis is a matter of enduring debate. But she was not, as Pence and Cruz suggested, cold about the fact that Americans died. ___ PENCE: "In my home state of Indiana we prove every day that you can build a growing economy on balanced budgets, low taxes." THE FACTS: While true, Pence's balanced-budget claim isn't much to brag about. He's required to do that by law, as is every state except Vermont. And his biggest contribution to "low taxes" was a reduction of Indiana's income-tax rate from 3.4 percent to 3.3 percent last year a savings of about $50 a year for someone with $50,000 in taxable income. ___ NEWT GINGRICH, former House speaker: "Iran the world's leading sponsor of terrorism is close to having nuclear weapons." THE FACTS: It's not as close at it had been before a nuclear pact completed a year ago between Iran and world powers. The deal suspends oil, trade and financial sanctions in return for Iran rolling back its nuclear program. Before the deal, Iran was just a few months away from having enough weapons-grade uranium to build 10 to 12 nuclear weapons, according to the U.S. government. Now, if Iran were to race toward an atomic weapon, the Obama administration and most independent experts say it would need at least a year, which they say would be enough time to discover the effort and intervene. ___ GINGRICH: "So when you hear about Hillary's dishonesty, or the emails, or taking millions from the Saudis and other Middle Eastern dictatorships remember, this is not about politics." THE FACTS: Clinton was not personally paid for making any speeches in Saudi Arabia or other Mideast nations. Instead, it was the Clinton Foundation, the family charity that she briefly headed after leaving the State Department, that received millions in donations from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and several other Mideast nations. Most of those donations were made before she took a leadership role in the charity after stepping down as secretary of state in 2013. Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, was personally paid $300,000 each for speeches to two companies in Saudi Arabia and $600,000 for a speech sponsored by a UAE government initiative. ___ CRUZ: "There is a better vision for our future: A return to freedom. ... On health care, your freedom to choose your own doctor, without Obamacare." THE FACTS: Without "Obamacare" or some replacement, millions of people would lose health insurance, which could make it tough for them to choose a doctor. About 20 million people have gained health insurance since the law passed, and experts attribute most of that to the law. ___ FLORIDA GOV. RICK SCOTT: "We've allowed our military to decay, and we project weakness on the international stage." THE FACTS: The U.S. continues to have the most powerful military in the world. Although defense spending has declined with the end of the war in Iraq and the drawdown of NATO forces in Afghanistan, in 2015 the United States still spent nearly $600 billion on its armed forces more than the spending by the next seven biggest-spending nations combined. China, the second-biggest spender, has a defense budget less than a third of the Pentagon's. ___ GINGRICH: The terrorism danger to the United States "is even worse than September 11th, when 19 hijackers murdered almost 3,000 Americans." THE FACTS: Such an assertion fits the GOP convention's theme of raising fears about the nation's current political leadership, but it's a stretch to say the danger has escalated since the 9/11 attacks. Terrorist groups such as the Islamic State have exploited social media to promote sudden and frightening acts of violence, and some mass killers in the last year have publicly espoused radical ideology. But in the last 15 years the nation has spent massively on new security systems. The FBI has reinvented itself into a terrorism-fighting agency, securing surveillance powers that have diminished the likelihood of a coordinated attack in multiple cities. The FBI says it's tracking roughly 1,000 people it views as having terrorist aspirations. And airline security measures have made it much tougher to hijack planes. ___ Associated Press writers Michael Biesecker, Stephen Braun, Deb Riechmann, Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar and Eric Tucker contributed to this report. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Tex., addresses the delegates during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Newspapers withdraw applications for Olympic accreditation WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) New Zealand's two largest newspaper groups are not sending journalists to cover the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro because of a dispute with domestic broadcasting rights-holder Sky TV and the New Zealand Olympic Committee over accreditation terms they say will unfairly restrict coverage. NZME, which owns the New Zealand Herald, and Fairfax New Zealand, which publishes newspapers including Wellington's Dominion-Post and Christchurch Press, have been in talks for months with Sky. Both groups on Thursday said negotiations have reached an impasse and they have withdrawn applications for accreditation. The conditions in question restrict the amount of footage used on news websites for non-rightsholders and how soon after an event that content could appear. Fairfax had planned to send nine journalists to the Olympics and NZME was sending a similar-sized team of writers, photographers and videographers. NZME managing editor Shayne Currie said he had informed the New Zealand Olympic Committee of his organization's position. "This has been a difficult decision but ultimately we cannot accept what we view as unduly restrictive and unnecessary News Access Rules," Currie said. "These do not allow for fair-use of copyright material in accordance with the New Zealand Copyright Act and have the potential to impact heavily on our ability to cover the Games in a fair and meaningful way." Currie said NZME also believed the conditions "run counter to the Olympic charter." Fairfax executive editor Sinead Boucher said the proposed local conditions on the use of games footage were "unprecedented" and didn't not respect terms of the country's Copyright ACT over fair use from major sports events. In a letter to NZOC chief executive Kereyn Smith, released Thursday, Boucher said "We are not prepared to sacrifice our editorial freedom and right to freely report about the Olympics as a major news event. "In our view, it is unacceptable that a broadcast rights holder should have been given so much power to control how its competitor media organizations get to report on an event of such national and international significance." The NZOC did not immediately respond to requests for comment. PICTURED: Alpacas die amid brutal cold snap in Peru's Andes SAN ANTONIO DE PUTINA, Peru (AP) Life for the thousands of indigenous families raising alpacas and sheep in Peru's southern Andes has become a nightmare amid a bitter cold wave that has killed tens of thousands of their animals and sickened their children. Temperatures have fallen to minus 23 Celsius (minus 9.4 Fahrenheit) here in this year's Southern Hemisphere winter. So far this season, 50,000 alpacas have died and authorities fear up 300,000 of the animals could perish if temperatures stay that low. With grasslands blanketed by ice and snow, the alpacas suffer hunger, and when the ice melts the damaged vegetation is burned yellow by the midday Andean sun. In this July 9, 2016 photo, newborn sheep that died due to sub-freezing temperatures lay on the ground after being placed there by a villager in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. So far this year, low temperatures have killed 50,000 alpacas, as well as sheep in similar numbers, while authorities fear that a drop in the mercury to 23 degrees Celsius (-9 degrees Fahrenheit) below zero could claim as many as 300,000 camelids. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) Modesto Cantuta and his wife, Felipa, have lost 15 of their flock of 80 animals. From the door of their adobe home, they can see the damage to their pasture. The loss of the alpacas is economically devastating. The couple is wondering how they can put together the money they send their four children each month to attend a university in Puno's far-away provincial capital. "We don't want them to be like us, to suffer so much," Cantuta said as he skinned one of his dead alpacas with a knife. Sheep, the only other animal that can survive on the high grassland plateaus, are also dying in large numbers amid the bone-chilling cold. Amid the icy chill, a lack of heating in most homes and malnutrition accentuated by the alpaca deaths also affects the children. Two months into the cold season an estimated 14,000 children in the Andes have suffered from respiratory illnesses and 105 died, according to government figures. Peru is the world's largest producer of alpaca wool, an almost silky natural fiber coveted by the world's top designers. But in stark contrast to the high prices charged by the likes of Armani and Gucci is the daily struggle by the shepherds whose livelihood depends on the trade. The more than 120,000 families that make a living from shearing the soft, featherweight fiber earn as little as $1,200 a year, which works out to less than half of Peru's minimum wage. Peru's government has declared a state of emergency over the cold and promised $3 million in relief, but shepherds say it has not been enough. In this July 10, 2016 photo, Felipa Catunta and her husband Modesto carry what remains of their alpacas that died due to sub-freezing temperatures in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. Every alpaca that dies represents a major financial loss. The couple butchered their dead alpacas to cook for their family and feed to their dogs which scare off foxes that prey on baby alpacas. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 10, 2016 photo, Valeria Chuquibanca holds her head as she suffers a headache triggered by the heat reflected from the snow, one day after a heavy snow in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. Valeria said that sticking coca leaves near her eyes helps alleviate the pain. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 9, 2016 photo, newborn alpacas that died due to sub-freezing temperatures lay on the ground after being placed there by a villager in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. Peru's government has declared a state of emergency in the southern Andes and promised $3 million in relief. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 9, 2016 photo, Rosa Carcabusto and her daughter Maria Luque warm themselves by the fire where they cook soup made of wheat and dried potatoes in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. In stark contrast to the high prices charged by designer brands for alpaca wool goods is the daily struggle against the elements and poverty by the thousands of highland shepherds whose livelihood depends on the trade. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 8, 2016 photo, Maria Quispe holds her dog named Colmillo Blanco while shepherding her alpacas and sheep in her snow covered fields in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. At almost 16,400 feet (5,000 meters), and after three days of heavy snowfall that blanketed the rugged Andes, alpaca breeders are watching their alpacas die due to sub-freezing temperatures. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 10, 2016 photo, camelid breeders ride in the back of a pick-up tuck with cooking gas and oats for their alpacas and sheep, as they return to their village of San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. The passengers got the 30 minute ride from the nearest town of Cambria to their town from a friend since they don't own their own vehicle, the case of most locals. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 11, 2016 photo, Vicentina Javier rests inside a relative's adobe home as she recuperates from a respiratory illness in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. Authorities relocated Vicentina, 77, from her home to this village because she was in a even more sparsely populated area where there's no doctor nearby. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 11, 2016 photo, Agustin Mayta Condori shows his sick alpaca that he predicted would die the next day due to sub-freezing temperatures in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. The indigenous families that make a living from shearing the fiber earn as little as $1,200 a year. There have been several attempts to give alpaca herders a bigger share of the $150-million industry. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 11, 2016 photo, villagers eat dinner at the town's only general store in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. Peru is the world's largest producer of alpaca wool, and the rural hamlets in this area is where the white-furred alpacas have been raised for centuries. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 9, 2016 photo, light shines from a home's window in the late afternoon amid fields of snow in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru, an area where locals raise alpaca and sheep for their wool. Every winter freeze destroys the tough grasslands the animals feed on and almost no crops can survive in the nutrient-poor soil. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 9, 2016 photo, Rosa Carcabusto and her daughter Maria Luque stand outside their home before cooking a dinner soup of wheat and dried potatoes, in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. Poverty has driven many farmers' children from their homes to work in illegal mines or Peru's flourishing cocaine trade. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 9, 2016 photo, children play after school in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. Every year, an estimated 14,000 children in the Andes suffer from respiratory illnesses and 105 died last year alone, the majority in the Puno region. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 9, 2016 photo, a student waits for class to start at his public school in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. Due to the recent sub-freezing temperatures, the start of the school day has been delayed to 9am. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 8, 2016 photo, an alpaca lays dead in the snow, after being placed there by a villager, in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. Peru's government has declared a state of emergency in the southern Andes and promised $3 million in relief, but locals say say promised food and corrals haven't arrived in large enough numbers to protect them from the bone-chilling cold. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 8, 2016 photo, icicles hang from the roof of an adobe home in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru, where farmers raise alpacas and sheep for their wool. Every winter freeze destroys the tough grasslands the animals feed on and almost no crops can survive in the nutrient-poor soil. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 11, 2016 photo, Ruth Aguilar holds her daughter Chaska, which translates as "Star" in the Quechua language, as a doctor inspects the baby suffering a respiratory infection in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. Every year, an estimated 14,000 children in the Andes suffer from respiratory illnesses and 105 died last year alone, the majority in the Puno region. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 11, 2016 photo, a skinned alpaca, which died due to sub-freezing temperatures, hangs on a fence above live alpacas in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. Alpaca owners are butchering their dead animals to cook for their families and feed to their dogs which scare off foxes that prey on baby alpacas. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 9, 2016 photo, Cecilia Callo Mamani laughs as her neighbors joke about her sunglasses in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. Mamani said she wears them to protect her eyes from the snow's strong reflection. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 11, 2016 photo, a villager walks through a herd of alpacas as the sun rises in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. Peru is the world's largest producer of alpaca wool, an almost silky natural fiber coveted by the world's top-flight designers. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) Wright State students invited to attend presidential debate DAYTON, Ohio (AP) Hofstra University in New York, which will replace Ohio's Wright State University as host of the first presidential debate, has offered to allow 15 WSU students to attend the event. Wright State President David Hopkins calls the offer "very generous." University donors will be asked to cover the costs for the students, who will be selected through a lottery system. Hopkins announced on Tuesday that he had informed the Commission on Presidential Debates that the Dayton school could no longer host the Sept. 26 debate, the first of four in the general election. Cleveland police chief hits the streets to keep the peace CLEVELAND (AP) Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams has never been far from the action during the Republican convention, taking charge when a flag-burning turned into a melee, wading into the crowd when demonstrators nearly came to blows and joining bicycle officers on patrol. "I don't stand by. I'm still a police officer. I'm out there to make sure nothing happens," he said Wednesday, Day 3 of the four-day political gathering that has focused the eyes of the world on the chief and his 1,500-member department. The convention represents a stern test for the Cleveland police force: Fears of violence are running high during this mean summer of racially charged bloodshed in the U.S. and extremist attacks abroad. And the department has a troubled history when it comes to restraint and the use of force against minorities. Cleveland Police Chief, Calvin Williams, left, talks with protesters on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in Cleveland, during the third day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) On Wednesday afternoon, 17 people were arrested during a melee that authorities said erupted after a member of a revolutionary group tried to burn a flag and instead set himself on fire. Two officers suffered slight injuries. That brought to 23 the number of people arrested during the convention, well below the many hundreds some feared. "Right now, I think so far, so good," Williams said Wednesday night. "We're still out there, we're still vigilant, to make sure we finish this day and the last day tomorrow on a positive note." City officials have been hoping for a mostly trouble-free convention to help repair the reputation of the Cleveland police, who are operating under federal supervision after a U.S. Justice Department investigation found a pattern of excessive force and violations of people's civil rights. In 2012, Cleveland police killed two unarmed black people in a 137-bullet barrage after a car chase that began when officers mistook engine backfire for gunshots. Two years later, Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old black boy, was killed by a white officer while playing with what turned out to be a pellet gun. While the Secret Service is responsible for security at the convention hall itself, Williams a 52-year-old black man who has been chief for 2 years is in charge of the rest of Cleveland, with help from thousands of local, state and federal law enforcement officers. Instead of holing up at headquarters or a command center, Williams is often close to the action out on the streets. On Tuesday, when a menacing crowd closed in around right-wing radio host Alex Jones in the city's Public Square, Williams himself waded in and hustled Jones away to an SUV. Later that day, the chief broke up a gathering of what he called "hooligans" wearing bandanas over their faces. And he spent three hours riding with bicycle officers on patrol that night. On Wednesday, the chief was at the site of the flag-burning melee, trying to restore order and personally checking convention delegates' credentials to help usher them past the chaos and into the arena. The department has also been relying heavily on 300 bicycle cops, who are highly mobile yet not as intimidating as officers in cruisers. The bicycle officers have literally kept protesters in line, turning their bikes sideways to keep opposing protest groups apart. Sixteen-year-old Hashime Hill, of Cleveland, approached Williams as the chief was making his rounds Wednesday afternoon. Hashime said he wants to become a police officer someday. "I like him because he's an active chief," the teenager said. "He comes out of the office and he talks to the people. He gets to understand. He asks us what's going on, shakes hands and talks to the kids. Not like the other people who stay in the office. He's cool." Some protesters, too, had praise for the police during the opening days of the convention. Jesse Gonzalez, 26, of Lakewood, Ohio, carried a rifle on the Public Square while wearing a camouflage-style "Make America Great Again" hat. Gun owners in Ohio can legally carry their weapons in the open. Williams said police officers have been approaching those carrying guns to let them know what's expected of them. Gonzalez said he has had "really, really super-friendly conversations" with officers inquiring about the type of weapon he has. So far, he said, the police have been "really professional." "I'm very happy that everything's been so civil, despite all the shouting," he said. Cleveland Police Chief, Calvin Williams talks with protesters on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in Cleveland, during the third day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) A law enforcement officer tries extinguish a burning American flag, Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in Cleveland, during the third day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) A law enforcement officer clashs with protester who is holding a burning American flag, Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in Cleveland, during the third day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Cleveland Police Chief, Calvin Williams, right, shakes hands with a sheriff's officer in downtown on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in Cleveland, during the third day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) In Peru's Andes, bitter cold devastates alpaca farmers SAN ANTONIO DE PUTINA, Peru (AP) After three days of heavy snowfall and bone-chilling temperatures, Mateo Mullisaca watches as one of his alpacas falls to the ground in agony on his farm almost 16,400 feet (5,000 meters) high in Peru's Andes. "Without water and without food, the weak ones die," the 62-year-old shepherd says as the animal takes its final breath with vultures lurking nearby. Peru's government has declared a state of emergency in the southern Andes and promised $3 million in relief amid a bitter cold snap that has killed 50,000 alpacas. Authorities fear that if the mercury continues to hit minus 9 Fahrenheit (minus 23 Celsius) as many as 300,000 camelids could die, devastating the largely indigenous families who raise them. In this July 11, 2016 photo, Agustin Mayta Condori shows his sick alpaca that he predicted would die the next day due to sub-freezing temperatures in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. The indigenous families that make a living from shearing the fiber earn as little as $1,200 a year. There have been several attempts to give alpaca herders a bigger share of the $150-million industry. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) Mullisaca, who last year lost about a fifth of his herd of 150 animals, says promised food and corrals haven't arrived in large enough numbers to protect them from the cold. Sheep, the only other animal that can survive on the grassland plateaus, are also dying in large numbers as evidenced by Mullisaca's loss the night before of five lambs a few hours after entering the world. Peru is the world's largest producer of alpaca wool, an almost silky natural fiber coveted by the world's top designers, and has about 4 million of the camelids. But in stark contrast to the high prices charged by the likes of Armani and Gucci is the daily struggle against the elements and poverty by the thousands of shepherds whose livelihood depends on the trade. The high-altitude rural hamlets where alpacas have been raised for centuries are among the most-deprived in Peru. The more than 120,000 families that make a living from shearing the soft, featherweight fiber earn as little as $1,200 a year, which works out to less than half of Peru's minimum wage. Every alpaca that dies represents a major financial loss, explains Isaac Caparo, a veterinarian who specializes in camelids. Each animal's wool can be sheared only once a year and a female gives birth to a single offspring once every 11 months. Every winter freeze destroys the tough grasslands the animals feed on and almost no crops can survive in the nutrient-poor soil. When alpacas die, families butcher the animals for their meat. But eventually they go hungry and their children can become sick due to an almost-complete lack of heating. Two months into the cold season an estimated 14,000 children in the Andes have suffered from respiratory illnesses and 105 died, according to government figures. The majority of the cases are in the Puno region where the alpacas are concentrated. "Sometimes they have six relapses in a single winter," said Cirilino Suxso, the only medical professional at a health post 14,750 feet (4,500 meters) high in the mountains. Such is the case of 20-month-old Ismael Ccallo, whose mother attempts to lower a dangerously high fever, so far unsuccessfully, with herbal infusions. "He doesn't want to eat and when he lies down in bed he can't breathe, he just cries" said Sofia Ccallo early one morning as she prepares to brave the snowy conditions outside her adobe and grass-roofed hut and take her son to the closest hospital two hours away by motorcycle. There have been a few private attempts to give farmers a bigger share of the $150 million Peru exports in alpaca fleece every year. Most sell fleece, on average, for a little over $5 a kilogram and the fleece passes through several intermediaries before arriving on the shelves of luxury stores where a jacket made of the wool can fetch as much as $5,000. But the inequities persist and many children of alpaca farmers have been driven from their homes to work in illegal mines or Peru's cocaine trade. "Every year with the winter freezes and cold temperatures the plants and animals die," said Miguel Hadzich, head of a group affiliated with Peru's Catholic University that has built 600 homes with heating for alpaca farmers. "A scandal breaks out and then the state looks the other way." ___ Franklin Briceno is on Twitter at https://twitter.com/franklinbriceno His work can also be read at http://bigstory.ap.org/author/franklin-briceno In this July 9, 2016 photo, newborn alpacas that died due to sub-freezing temperatures lay on the ground after being placed there by a villager in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. Peru's government has declared a state of emergency in the southern Andes and promised $3 million in relief. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 9, 2016 photo, Rosa Carcabusto and her daughter Maria Luque stand outside their home before cooking a dinner soup of wheat and dried potatoes, in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. Poverty has driven many farmers' children from their homes to work in illegal mines or Peru's flourishing cocaine trade. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 8, 2016 photo, icicles hang from the roof of an adobe home in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru, where farmers raise alpacas and sheep for their wool. Every winter freeze destroys the tough grasslands the animals feed on and almost no crops can survive in the nutrient-poor soil. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 9, 2016 photo, children play after school in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. Every year, an estimated 14,000 children in the Andes suffer from respiratory illnesses and 105 died last year alone, the majority in the Puno region. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 10, 2016 photo, camelid breeders ride in the back of a pick-up tuck with cooking gas and oats for their alpacas and sheep, as they return to their village of San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. The passengers got the 30 minute ride from the nearest town of Cambria to their town from a friend since they don't own their own vehicle, the case of most locals. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this July 11, 2016 photo, a skinned alpaca, which died due to sub-freezing temperatures, hangs on a fence above live alpacas in San Antonio de Putina in the Puno region of Peru. Alpaca owners are butchering their dead animals to cook for their families and feed to their dogs which scare off foxes that prey on baby alpacas. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) Diplomats:Ex-Portuguese minister tops poll for next UN chief UNITED NATIONS (AP) Portugal's former prime minister Antonio Guterres topped the first informal poll to succeed Ban Ki-moon as the next U.N. secretary-general on Jan. 1 followed by Slovenia's former president Danilo Turk. Two diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity because the vote was secret, said three candidates had the same support for third place Irina Bokova of Bulgaria who heads UNESCO, Serbia's former foreign minister Vuk Jeremic and former Macedonian foreign minister Srgjan Kerim. The 15 council members decided not to reveal the results of their voting to "encourage," ''discourage," or express "no opinion" about the 12 candidates unlike the informal "straw" polls 10 years ago, which were made public and led to Ban's election to the world's top diplomatic post. FILE - In In this June 1, 2016 file photo, flags of some of the 193 countries fly in the breeze in front of the Secretariat building of the United Nations. The U.N. Security Council held its first informal poll Thursday, July 21 on the dozen candidates competing to succeed Ban Ki-moon as secretary-general on Jan. 1, a secretive vote behind closed doors. The 15 council members decided not to reveal the results unlike the informal "straw" polls 10 years ago, which were made public and led to Ban's election to the world's top diplomatic post. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) But despite the council's efforts at secrecy, the results quickly leaked out. By tradition, the job of secretary-general has rotated among regions and Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe have all held the top post. East European nations, including Russia, argue that they have never had a secretary-general and it is their turn. There has also never been a woman secretary-general and a group of 56 nations are campaigning for the first female U.N. chief. Bokova got nine "encourage" votes, the highest number for a woman, the diplomats said. New Zealand's former prime minister Helen Clark was in fourth place with eight "encourage" votes. Argentina's Foreign Minister Susanna Malcorra, a former chief-of-staff to Ban who was expected to be a leading contender, was behind Clark, they said. Guterres, who was Portugal's center-left Socialist prime minister from 1995-2002 and served as U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees until the end of last year, received 12 "encourage" votes and three "no opinion" votes, the diplomats said. Portugal's Foreign Minister Augusto Santo Silva called the vote "an extremely positive result, given the great quality of the other candidates," telling the media in Washington "It gives a clear incentive to the candidature of Mr. Guterres and confirms that he's particularly qualified for the position of secretary-general." Turk, who served as Slovenia's first U.N. ambassador from 1992-2000 and was the U.N. assistant secretary-general for political affairs from 2000-2005, received 11 "encourage" votes, 2 "discourage" and two "no opinion," the diplomats said. Turk tweeted: "Grateful for attention, understanding and encouragement of the UN member states and civil society. Great platform for the next rounds." The diplomats said former Croatian foreign minister Vesna Pusic received 11 "discourage" votes, the most of the 12 candidates. The three other candidates at the bottom of the list were Christiana Figueres of Costa Rica, the U.N. official who played a key role in shaping last December's historic agreement to fight climate change, former Moldovan Foreign Minister Natalia Gherman and Montenegro's Foreign Minister Igor Luksic, they said. "We've never had 12 candidates before," Britain's U.N. Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said before the vote. "We need to whittle it down to a reasonable number through the straw polls. That is what straw polls are for. I would encourage people who don't do so well to drop out of the race." There is also a possibility that more candidates will enter the race because there is no deadline for nominations. At least one more, former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, is making a late bid and has requested that the Australian government formally nominate him. According to the U.N. Charter, the secretary-general is chosen by the 193-member General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. In practice, this has meant that the council's five permanent members the U.S., Russia, China, Britain and France have veto power over the candidates. The United States, Britain and France stressed Thursday that they want a strong secretary-general to lead the United Nations through turbulent times, but Russia and China haven't made clear what qualities are key for them. "This could not be a more important job," U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power said as she headed into the council to vote. "And it could not be a more important time to choose the best possible leader for this organization on which so much depends and so many depend." France's U.N. Ambassador Francois Delattre noted that some have compared the vote for U.N. secretary-general to the vote for a new pope to lead the Catholic church. It's "critically important" to ensure that the process inspires trust and ensures that "we simply have the best candidate selected to become the world's number one diplomat," he said. Another informal poll is expected to take place next week followed by several more in August, and possibly September. France's Delattre said the Security Council's goal is to make a recommendation to the General Assembly in the fall. Activists Chained Themselves Together To Block CPD's Notorious Homan Square By Stephen Gossett in News on Jul 21, 2016 2:04PM Activists on Wednesday night marched in North Lawndale and also blocked the entrance to the Chicago Police Departments notorious Homan Square site. The Homan Square building has been a source of controversy ever since the Guardian exposed the off-the-books interrogation compound in February of 2015. The profile documents claims that detainees were routinely kept from contacting family or legal representation. The protest was organized by the Let Us Breathe Collective and Black Youth Project 100 to demand a transition in how tax dollars are allocated, namely an investment into new alternatives to keep Black communities safe and a divestment from police and legislative systems that are violent towards Black communities, according to a statement. Activists used chains, tubes, bike locks and ladders to bind themselves together, blocking the entrance path. Other nearby protesters set up tents and a Free Store that offered provisions. Witnesses reported police using bolt cutters to remove the bound activists. Black Lives Matter Chicago claimed 12 activists were arrested; and Let Us Breathe later said that all those arrested had been released. Police did not immediately have figures available as of Thursday morning. Similar demonstrationstogether dubbed #FreedomNowtook place in other parts of the country, including Detroit, New York City, Oakland and Washington DC. Activists blocked traffic outside the legislative office of the National Fraternal Order of Police in the nation's capital. Shout out to @LetUsBreathe773's Free Store at Freedom Square. Come out and Homan & N Filmore pic.twitter.com/jLc0exy1WY BYP100 (@BYP_100) July 20, 2016 Protests but also hugs on convention's quiet last day CLEVELAND (AP) The four-day Republican convention drew to a close Thursday night with a total of only two dozen protest-related arrests, a relief to city officials and police who had braced for mass disruptions and violence during this summer of bloodshed. The demonstrations that many feared would end in pitched battles between police and protesters turned at times into carnival-like scenes, with bongo players and with protesters dressed as nuns on stilts. There were tense moments and some angry words as anarchists, anti-Muslim protesters and pro-capitalist groups filled the downtown Public Square, but most people seemed to get along. Protesters argue in Public Square on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) State troopers from Indiana played ping pong with people in the square, three officers kicked around a soccer ball with children, and the city's police chief joined demonstrators in a prayer circle one afternoon. A group offered free hugs in the early evening. Late Thursday night, police put the number of arrests since Monday at 24, with 17 of those from a melee that erupted during a flag-burning by avowed revolutionaries. In the run-up to the convention, some law enforcement authorities had feared hundreds of arrests every day. A massive police presence helped keep the protests largely under control, said Eric Ferrero, an Amnesty International deputy executive director who helped oversee teams of observers in Cleveland. About 500 Cleveland police and thousands of law enforcement officers from around the country were assigned to convention security. "Our observers have been at some protests where there's been more police than protesters," Ferrero said. He said that for the most part, observers saw police conducting themselves properly. Organizers of some of the rallies and marches also said fears of violence kept many people away. Most crowds numbered in the hundreds, not the thousands. "We had big groups that said they were coming in that got dwindled down to nothing," said Larry Bresler, organizer of a Stop Poverty Now rally. "They weren't coming to Cleveland because the fear of violence." On Thursday evening, hundreds of demonstrators for and against Donald Trump gathered in Public Square, but the crowds soon melted away well before Trump's prime-time acceptance speech. The fears of bloodshed were stoked by the ambush killings of eight police officers earlier this month in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and by Ohio's open-carry law, which allows gun owners to carry their weapons in plain sight. Anxiety also grew after Trump claimed earlier this year that there would be riots in the streets of Cleveland if he amassed the required number of delegates and the GOP denied him the nomination. A small number of people openly carried guns during some of the protests but caused no reported problems. By the end of the convention, those who entered the Public Square with weapons were mostly ignored. The Cleveland department relied heavily on about 300 officers on bicycles to keep protesters in line and separate hostile groups before they came to blows, a tactic that seemed to work time and again. Cleveland police were "outstanding" in protecting the America First Unity Rally on Monday and preventing anti-Trump protesters from crashing the event, said organizer Tim Selaty Sr. The rally drew about 400 people, far fewer than expected, he said. Glenn Wilcoxson, of Clearwater, Florida, spent the week selling Trump shirts, hats and stickers in Cleveland. "We didn't know what to expect hearing everything on the news," he said. "It was going to be massive riots and problems, but we got here and there have been very little problems. The police have done such a wonderful job, unbelievable." ___ Associated Press writer Mark Gillispie in Cleveland, John Seewer in Toledo and Andrew Welsh-Huggins in Columbus contributed to this report. Police officers stand guard in Public Square during a protest on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Protesters march in Public Square on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention.(AP Photo/John Minchillo) Protesters argue in Public Square on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) A protester yells as a police officer stands by in Public Square on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Member of the media crowd around as protesters argue in Public Square on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Protesters argue in Public Square on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Police form a line near the Lorain-Carnegie bridge into downtown during a protest, Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Protesters march as police look on near Public Square on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Protesters argue in Public Square on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) A demonstrators protests near downtown during a march, Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention.(AP Photo/John Minchillo) Demonstrators make their way over the Lorain-Carnegie bridge into downtown during a protest, Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) A supporter of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, center, takes a selfie with a protesters at Public Square on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Fruitless search for consensus after Trump speech A look at the 2016 Republican National Convention through a media lens: A diverse media speaking to a divided nation found something it could agree upon with Donald Trump's acceptance speech: It was long. That was about the only consensus to be found as news organizations and their representatives sought to sum up the convention's crowning moment Thursday. Confetti and balloons fall during celebrations after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's acceptance speech on the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) "If Americans were not scared for their safety before tonight, they are now," said ABC News' Martha Raddatz. Fox News Channel's Chris Wallace said the speech read better on paper than it was delivered. "For some reason, he shouted the speech," he said. "It was an endurance test." While MSNBC's Chris Matthews felt the speech was too much of a harangue, it hit strong points at the end. "It was pure Trump," he said. CNN's in-house Trump supporter, Jeffrey Lord, said it reminded him of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, speaking on Fox News Channel, could find no comparison. "This was the best acceptance speech I've ever seen, including my hero, Ronald Reagan," Giuliani said. On CNN, Ana Navarro had a slightly different take. "If you are a Republican who came to this convention hungry for an uplifting, unifying, visionary speech, you're going home starving," she said. The media, it seems clear, is still trying to figure Donald Trump out. WHERE'S PENCE? The speech on the penultimate night of the convention is supposed be the shining moment for a party's vice presidential candidate. But despite a well-received address in the arena, Mike Pence was a missing man the morning after. Ted Cruz's non-endorsement speech so dominated the coverage, Pence was all but forgotten. News organizations were reflecting what people were thinking, though. The Nielsen company said the most tweeted-about moment of Wednesday night was the minute after Cruz's speech. WORKING THE REFS: Media critic Bernard Goldberg believes reporters look for negative stories when covering Republicans, and he sought to put colleagues on notice during an appearance on Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor." He complained about the attention paid to Cruz's speech, even as he admitted it was a newsy story. "They will cover the Democratic convention as a coronation," he said, "and they are covering the Republican convention as if it's an anti-abortion rally." RATINGS: The television audience grew with the third night of coverage. The Nielsen company said 23.4 million people watched Wednesday night's session, up from the 21.9 million who watched the penultimate night of the 2012 Republican convention. Fox News Channel was the top-rated television outlet for convention coverage, followed by NBC and CNN. Three WNBA teams and their players have been fined after they took part in a Black Lives Matter protest in the wake of recent police shootings. Players from the New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury and Indiana Fever teams donned black warm-up shirts instead of their regular uniforms to protest at a series of shootings by police officers. All three teams were fined $5,000 and each player was fined $500. Scroll down for video Minnesota Lynx players (pictured) only wore the t-shirts once, which may explain why they were not fined WNBA rules say uniforms cannot be altered in any way. Phoenix Mercury forward Mistie Bass reacted angrily by tweeting: 'Don't say we have a voice and then fine us because we use it #notpuppets #cutthestrings.' Liberty players have worn the plain black shirts four times, including yesterday against Washington. The Mercury and Fever wore them Tuesday night. WNBA President Lisa Borders said: 'We are proud of WNBA players' engagement and passionate advocacy for non-violent solutions to difficult social issues but expect them to comply with the league's uniform guidelines.' The league sent out a memo earlier this week to the teams reminding them of the uniform policy. These are the t-shirts which were worn by WNBA players. Four Minneapolis police officers who were providing security at the Lynx arena walked out in protest The memo came out after Minnesota, New York and Dallas all wore shirts in remembrance of two men who were shot by police and the five Dallas police officers who were killed in an attack on July 7. Minnesota Lynx players only wore their shirts once but it sparked a walkout by four Minneapolis police officers who were providing security at the arena. So proud of the team not just for the win today but for taking a stand and using your voices Karen Miller The Minnesota Lynx had worn shirts with the names of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling, both fatally shot by police officers last week, and the Dallas police department emblem on the back. Underneath was the message 'Black Lives Matter.' Lynx captain Maya Moore said her team were wearing the shirts during the warm-up for their game against the Dallas Wings 'to honor and mourn the losses of precious American citizens and to plea for change in all of us.' The Lynx players said they will shift their focus to addressing the issue in other ways. It is not clear why Lynx players were not fined. The Liberty reached what the players called a compromise in which they wear plain black shirts bearing only the Adidas logo. New York's normal warm-up shirt is black, but has its logo on it as well. Liberty center Tina Charles posted pictures of her and her team-mates in the black t-shirts on Instagram after a game at Madison Square Garden on July 10. Oceanographer says Flight 370 could be north of search area CANBERRA, Australia (AP) The oceanographer who led American adventurer Blaine Gibson to Madagascar where he found a potential debris field from the missing Malaysia Airlines jet said Thursday that drift modeling suggested that Flight 370 could have crashed slightly north of the current search area. The comments come after Gibson on Tuesday handed Malaysian authorities in Kuala Lumpur three pieces of debris and personal belongings found on Madagascar beaches in June, which he suspects came from the Boeing 777 that vanished with 239 people on board during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014. Another six pieces of potential debris found by Gibson are waiting with Madagascar authorities for Malaysia to collect. Western Australian University oceanographer Charitha Pattiaratchi said he had told Gibson that Flight 370 debris was likely to concentrate on Madagascar. Pattiaratchi's earlier advice had led Gibson to Mozambique where he found debris in February that experts later determined came from Flight 370. "He rang me from the Maldives and said: where should I go? Should I go to Rodrigues, Mauritius, Reunion, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa?" Pattiaratchi said Thursday. "I said: 'Your best bet is the northeast part of Madagascar,' which is where he went." Pattiaratchi said the same modeling led his team of oceanographers to suspect that the airliner could have gone down just north of the search area in the southern Indian Ocean. "The best guess that we think is that it's probably around the Broken Ridge region, which is slightly to the north of the area that they're looking at," Pattiaratchi said. But he said he could not say that the aircraft had not crashed in the 120,000 square kilometers (46,000 square miles) of seabed currently being searched southwest of Australia. Officials from Malaysia, China and Australia will meet in Kuala Lumpur on Friday to discuss the future of the search, with fewer than 10,000 square kilometers (3,900 square miles) remaining to be scanned by ships towing sonar equipment. The underwater search has not yielded a single clue. Pattiaratchi's modeling was based on how long the first piece of confirmed Flight 370 wreckage took to reach La Reunion Island off the African coast a year ago. Another four pieces found along shores on the southwest of the Indian Ocean have since been determined as almost certainly from Flight 370. Gibson gives credit to Pattiaratchi and Australian government oceanographer David Griffin for his finds, although only one has been confirmed as part of Flight 370. Griffin's advice led Gibson to a second Madagascar island where he found the potential debris that he brought to Malaysia. Gibson said he had been told by Malaysian officials that costs were the reason that a Malaysian investigator had twice canceled plans to fly to Madagascar to retrieve debris he had found. What pollution? Brooklyn area thrives along Superfund canal NEW YORK (AP) It could be a postcard for Brooklyn's hip resurgence: a shimmering new building of modern apartments renting for $5,000 a month, a gourmet grocery with a rooftop greenhouse, and a funky barbecue joint with drinks flowing on the outdoor deck. Except all of it overlooks the Gowanus Canal, a murky, smelly Superfund site choked with raw sewage and an iridescent sheen of oil, PCBs, coal tar and other industrial wastes. It could take more than a decade to clean it up, but for now people seem willing to overlook some of the worst of old Brooklyn to be a part of the new Brooklyn. In this Tuesday, July 5, 2016 photo shows a view of Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal and the the rooftop lounge of the new 365 Bond Street apartments, right, a new development from Lightstone, in New York. The canal is a Superfund site polluted with decades' worth of industrial waste and sewage, but the developer says the pending more than half a billion dollars cleanup of the toxic waterway hasn't deterred tenants from flocking to the building, where the rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts in the low $3,000s. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) "We're really thrilled that it's being cleaned up, but even as it is now we enjoy walking around it," said Alyssa Hoyt, who moved into the 12-story apartment building with her husband two months ago. At Pig Beach, the barbecue joint with picnic tables and a summery vibe, a good crowd of young families rubs shoulders with the after-work singles crowd. Diner Mike Brancati said he lives a few blocks away in Park Slope but loves the Gowanus area. "It's growing," he said. "It's got a ton of stuff going on. Young people. A lot of good food." Sarah Roff, a resident of another nearby neighborhood who was in the restaurant with her 9-month-old daughter, said she too wasn't concerned about the Gowanus. "We walk by it a lot," she said. "Out of all the things that I can worry about for my child, it's not the No. 1 concern I have." Such reactions have belied predictions six years ago that the federal Superfund designation would turn the area into a development dead zone. Sure enough, when the canal was declared a Superfund site in 2010, developer Toll Brothers abandoned plans for two condo towers on its banks. But a new developer, Lightstone, acquired the parcels, recast the project as a rental development and opened the first building to tenants this past spring even as the city and the federal Environmental Protection Agency signed off on a multi-year cleanup plan. A second building is now under construction. Monthly rents at the new building start in the low $3,000s for a one-bedroom apartment and the low $5,000s for a two-bedroom, and amenities include valet parking, rooftop lounges and a spin exercise studio. "It's going to be ironic when you look back and think of the canal and you look at it as a seed for growth," said Scott Avram, Lightstone's senior vice president of development. "But that is what waterfront communities are." Gowanus is seen as one of the last frontiers in Brooklyn's well-documented resurgence, which has seen the average sale price of a home rise from $559,000 in 2006 to $809,000 in 2016. While neighborhoods such as Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope and Williamsburg have seen luxury development and Manhattan-like rents for years, investors are increasingly turning to grittier neighborhoods, such as Gowanus, which previously had been known mostly for manufacturing, auto body shops and warehouses. The canal, built in the 1850s, quickly became a dumping ground for industries along its banks, including tanneries, garbage facilities, and three plants that used coal to make the gas that powered street lights and home heating systems. Walter Mugdan, the EPA's Superfund division regional director, said the agency has identified dozens of polluters that own the legacy cleanup liability. Work on that cleanup will begin in 2017 or 2018 and should be completed in eight or 10 years at a cost of more than half a billion dollars. While plans are still in the design phase, the cleanup will involve dredging a 10-foot-thick layer of gooey sludge from the Gowanus and capping the canal bed with a clay-like layer. Sewage would be captured in overflow tanks and be pumped to solid waste treatment plants. John Lipscomb, an activist with the environmental group Riverkeeper who makes monthly patrols in an aluminum motorboat, said the whole canal is a source of pollution "as though it were a 50-foot diameter pipe discharging heavy metals, petroleum waste, raw sewage, floatables like plastic and other unmentionables that people flush." Urban legend has it that the canal's debris may also include remnants of Brooklyn's criminal past, as well. Frank Orefice, a lifelong resident who sells refreshments to workers from the still-under-construction Lightstone building, said the canal was much worse in his childhood. "It stunk," Orefice said. "From the oil, from the barges, from the cars going in and from the bodies going in and from everything going in. When they dredge this they're going to find forget it everything and everything." This Tuesday, July 5, 2016 photo shows a view of Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal from the rooftop of 363 Bond Street apartments, a new development from Lightstone, in New York. The canal is a Superfund site polluted with decades' worth of industrial waste and sewage, but the developer says the pending more than half a billion dollars cleanup of the toxic waterway hasn't deterred tenants from flocking to the building, where the rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts in the low $3,000s. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) In this Friday, July 1, 2016 photo, John Lipscomb, who in the last 16 years has been the patrol boat captain for Riverkeeper, the nonprofit watchdog organization dedicated to protecting the Hudson, drives a dingy with camera in hand, to inspect areas of Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal, in New York. The canal is a Superfund site polluted with decades' worth of industrial waste and sewage, but the developer says the pending more than half a billion dollars cleanup of the toxic waterway hasn't deterred tenants from flocking to the building, where the rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts in the low $3,000s. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) In this Friday, July 1, 2016 photo, a flower floats along in a sewage run-off on Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal, in New York. The canal is a Superfund site polluted with decades' worth of industrial waste and sewage, but the developer says the pending more than half a billion dollars cleanup of the toxic waterway hasn't deterred tenants from flocking to the building, where the rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts in the low $3,000s. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) This Tuesday, July 5, 2016 photo shows a view of the new 365 Bond Street apartments, a new development from Lightstone, along Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal, in New York. The canal is a Superfund site polluted with decades' worth of industrial waste and sewage, but the developer says the pending more than half a billion dollars cleanup of the toxic waterway hasn't deterred tenants from flocking to the building, where the rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts in the low $3,000s. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) In this Friday, July 1, 2016 photo, a rainbow-color waste slick appears on Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal, in New York. The canal is a Superfund site polluted with decades' worth of industrial waste and sewage, but the developer says the pending more than half a billion dollars cleanup of the toxic waterway hasn't deterred tenants from flocking to the building, where the rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts in the low $3,000s. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) In this Friday, July 1, 2016 photo, John Lipscomb, who in the last 16 years has been the patrol boat captain for Riverkeeper, the nonprofit watchdog organization dedicated to protecting the Hudson, makes photos of a sewage run-off on Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal, in New York. The canal is a Superfund site polluted with decades' worth of industrial waste and sewage, but the developer says the pending more than half a billion dollars cleanup of the toxic waterway hasn't deterred tenants from flocking to the building, where the rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts in the low $3,000s. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) In this Friday, July 1, 2016 photo, a wet weather run-off flows into Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal, in New York. The canal is a Superfund site polluted with decades' worth of industrial waste and sewage, but the developer says the pending more than half a billion dollars cleanup of the toxic waterway hasn't deterred tenants from flocking to the building, where the rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts in the low $3,000s. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) In this Tuesday, July 5, 2016 photo, a view of Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal is seen from the rooftop of 365 Bond Street apartments, a new development from Lightstone, in New York. The canal is a Superfund site polluted with decades' worth of industrial waste and sewage, but the developer says the pending more than half a billion dollars cleanup of the toxic waterway hasn't deterred tenants from flocking to the building, where the rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts in the low $3,000s. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) In this Tuesday, July 5, 2016 photo, a view of the ongoing construction for the new 363 Bond Street apartments, a new development from Lightstone, along Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal, in New York. The canal is a Superfund site polluted with decades' worth of industrial waste and sewage, but the developer says the pending more than half a billion dollars cleanup of the toxic waterway hasn't deterred tenants from flocking to the building, where the rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts in the low $3,000s. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) One beach reopens after Los Angeles sewage spill LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) A mile of Southern California shoreline that was closed amid fears involving a sewage spill 20 miles away was reopened Thursday after two consecutive bacteria tests came back clean. However, officials said a longer stretch of neighboring shoreline remained closed in Long Beach. Ocean water samples taken along Seal Beach on Tuesday and Wednesday showed no excessive levels of bacteria and the stretch was reopened. A sign is posted on a beach warning of the dangers of sewage contaminated water Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in Long Beach, Calif. Beaches in Long Beach have been shut down after a sewage spill that began near downtown Los Angeles the day before, flowed down the LA River to the ocean. Long Beach officials estimate that more than 100,000 gallons of sewage reached the city, and its ocean waters will be closed until testing shows it's safe. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times via AP) But in neighboring Long Beach, four miles of shoreline remained closed after a sample taken Wednesday showed elevated bacteria levels, said Nelson Kerr of the city's health department. The first sample taken Tuesday, a day after the spill, showed no excessive levels of bacteria. Officials require two consecutive clean tests. A buried pipe near downtown Los Angeles collapsed Monday, causing a blockage and spill of 2.4 million gallons of raw sewage onto streets and into storm drains that feed into the river. Crews managed to contain, divert or vacuum at least 750,000 gallons and the rest reached the river that flows to the coast. The sewage leak was initially capped Monday night, but another rupture occurred during repairs. It was finally stopped Tuesday, said Adel Hagekhalil, assistant director of Los Angeles Sanitation. The 1929 concrete, tiled-lined pipe that broke was 18 feet underground, Hagekhalil said. The cause of the collapse wasn't clear. Work is underway Tuesday morning, July 19, 2016, to repair a sewage spill at Mission Road and 6th Street in downtown Los Angeles. Beaches in Long Beach have been shut down after a sewage spill that began near downtown Los Angeles the day before, flowed down the LA River to the ocean. Long Beach officials estimate that more than 100,000 gallons of sewage reached the city, and its ocean waters will be closed until testing shows it's safe. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via AP) Work is underway Tuesday morning, July 19, 2016, to repair a sewage spill at Mission Road and 6th Street in downtown Los Angeles. Beaches in Long Beach have been shut down after a sewage spill that began near downtown Los Angeles the day before, flowed down the LA River to the ocean. Long Beach officials estimate that more than 100,000 gallons of sewage reached the city, and its ocean waters will be closed until testing shows it's safe. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via AP) A sign is posted at Alamitos Beach warning of the dangers of sewage contaminated water Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in Long Beach, Calif. Beaches in Long Beach have been shut down after a sewage spill that began near downtown Los Angeles the day before, flowed down the LA River to the ocean. Long Beach officials estimate that more than 100,000 gallons of sewage reached the city, and its ocean waters will be closed until testing shows it's safe. (Steve McCrank/The Daily Breeze via AP) MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT A sign is posted at Alamitos Beach warning of the dangers of sewage contaminated water Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in Long Beach, Calif. Beaches in Long Beach have been shut down after a sewage spill that began near downtown Los Angeles the day before, flowed down the LA River to the ocean. Long Beach officials estimate that more than 100,000 gallons of sewage reached the city, and its ocean waters will be closed until testing shows it's safe. (Steve McCrank/The Daily Breeze via AP) MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT Latest: Escape suspect to be isolated, few jail calls FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) The Latest on the apprehension of a murder suspect who fled a Florida courthouse (all times local): 2:15 p.m. A murder suspect captured nearly a week after he escaped from a South Florida courthouse will be held in isolation in jail with strictly limited communication. A judge on Thursday also ordered 21-year-old Dayonte Resiles to be held without bond on a new escape charge. Resiles will be allowed to communicate with his attorney, but will not be allowed to receive phone calls or mail, or to talk with other inmates. Authorities also will give him a mental health evaluation. Seven people are charged as accomplices to Resiles' escape. Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel says Resiles was captured without incident late Wednesday at a Days Inn in West Palm Beach. Israel says some people may be eligible for a $50,000 reward seeking information leading to Resiles' capture. Resiles escaped last Friday. He is accused in the 2014 stabbing death of 59-year-old Jill Halliburton Su during an attempted robbery at her home in Davie, Florida. Su's family founded the Halliburton oil services company. ___ 8:45 a.m. Two more alleged accomplices have been arrested for playing roles in the escape from a South Florida courthouse of a murder suspect who's now back in custody. Broward Sheriff's Office arrest reports released Thursday morning identify the pair as 31-year-old Francine Mesadieu and 18-year-old Paige Jackson. Investigators say Mesadieu provided 21-year-old Dayonte Resiles with a wig, clothes and colored contact lenses to disguise himself and Jackson helped plot the escape through jail phone calls. They bring to seven the number of people charged with helping Resiles escape last Friday from a Broward County Courthouse courtroom. Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel says Resiles was captured without incident late Wednesday at a Days Inn in West Palm Beach. Israel says some people may be eligible for a $50,000 reward seeking information leading to Resiles' capture. Resiles is accused in the 2014 stabbing death of 59-year-old Jill Halliburton Su during an attempted robbery at her home in Davie, Florida. Su's family founded the Halliburton oil services company. ___ 2 a.m. A Florida sheriff says a murder suspect who escaped last week from a courthouse while awaiting a hearing has been apprehended without incident at a hotel. Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel told reporters early Thursday morning that 21-year-old Dayonte Resiles surrendered Wednesday night at a Days Inn in West Palm Beach. Israel says Resiles, who was alone, obeyed orders from a SWAT team to come out of a room. He lay on the ground and allowed himself to be handcuffed. The sheriff says no force was necessary. Israel some there probably will be people eligible for the $50,000 reward that had been offered for information leading to his capture. Resiles bolted out of a courtroom Friday. He is accused in the 2014 stabbing death of 59-year-old Jill Halliburton Su during an attempted robbery at her home in Davie, Florida. Su's family founded the Halliburton oil services company. ___ 1 a.m. A murder suspect who authorities say escaped from a Florida courthouse with the help of five other people has been apprehended. The Broward Sheriff's Office said in a statement late Wednesday that the search for 21-year-old Dayonte Resiles has ended with his capture. The sheriff's department says Resiles, who bolted out of a courtroom Friday as he was awaiting a hearing, was taken into custody shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday in Palm Beach County. No further details were immediately available. A news conference was expected later. Resiles is accused in the 2014 stabbing death of 59-year-old Jill Halliburton Su during an attempted robbery at her home in Davie, Florida. Su's family founded the Halliburton oil services company. First lady, James Corden hit the road for 'Carpool Karaoke' NEW YORK (AP) It was a musical joyride for Michelle Obama as she joined James Corden for a "Carpool Karaoke" session that aired Wednesday on the late-night host's CBS show. The first lady and Corden didn't go far security demanded that they stick to the driveway on the White House property. But that didn't mean they couldn't belt out Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" and Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)." Then it was time for "This Is For My Girls," a "girl power anthem" intended to promote full access to education worldwide. And to join them for it, up popped Missy Elliott in Corden's backseat. FILE- In this June 1, 2016 file photo, first lady Michelle Obama speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Michelle Obama's "Carpool Karaoke" joyride with James Corden will air Wednesday, July 20, on the late-night host's CBS show. The first lady and Corden sing "This Is For My Girls," described as a "girl power anthem" intended to promote full access to education worldwide. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) The song was written by Grammy-winner Diane Warren and includes Elliott, Kelly Clarkson, Janelle Monae, Kelly Rowland, Lea Michele and Zendaya. It was produced by AOL's MAKERS, a women's leadership platform, and was released in March after the first lady spoke at the South by Southwest festival in Texas. It benefits Let Girls Learn, an initiative launched last year by the first lady and President Barack Obama to address the barriers that keep more than 62 million girls around the world out of school. "So much could be corrected in the world if girls were educated and had power over their lives," the first lady told Corden between tunes. "My message to kids here is, don't take your education for granted." The "Carpool Karaoke" video was taped last month. "When was the last time you got to do this, have a good rock out in the car?" Corden asked. Just once in 7 1/2 years, the first lady replied when older daughter Malia was learning to drive. Q&A: Malaysia's fund scandal widens with US findings KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) The U.S. says more than $1 billion has been stolen from a Malaysian fund by people close to Prime Minister Najib Razak, who has struggled to explain the scandal since it erupted more than a year ago. Here are some questions and answers about the fund: ___ Q: WHAT IS 1MDB? Attorney General Loretta Lynch, left, next to FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe and IRS Criminal Division Chief Richard Weber, released details of how they believe more than $1billion of cash has been laundered A: 1MDB stands for 1Malaysia Development Bhd. (Ltd.). Najib created the state fund shortly after taking office in 2009, and renamed it from an entity called the Terengganu Investment Authority, which was set up to invest oil royalties from the Malaysian state of Terrangganu into development projects in the Southeast Asian nation. Najib headed the fund's advisory board. ___ Q: WHY THE SCANDAL? A: In early 2015, 1MDB was found to have accumulated $11.6 billion in debt. The fund nearly defaulted on a loan payment, and its huge debt raised fears a possible bailout could leave the government bankrupt. Najib said that 1MDB's assets are worth more than its debts and that it needed more time to become financially stable. A private audit has cleared 1MDB, but a parliamentary inquiry in April this year found massive unexplained payments in 1MDB and called for a police investigation of the fund's former head. The finding, which was based partly on the auditor-general's report, warned that the government could face losses of around $4.9 billion if 1MDB fails to pay its debts. ___ Q: WAS NAJIB PERSONALLY INVOLVED? A: The Wall Street Journal and Malaysia's Sarawak Report online news reported in July 2015 that nearly $700 million in Najib's personal bank accounts have been traced to entities linked to 1MDB. The Wall Street Journal report said five deposits were made into Najib's accounts and that the two largest transactions, worth $620 million and $61 million, were made in March 2013 ahead of general elections. Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail confirmed receiving documents from investigators that linked Najib to the 1MDB fund. However, the government abruptly terminated Gani's services, three months short of his scheduled retirement. Najib also axed his own deputy Muhyiddin Yassin, a vocal critic, and four other ministers. He also replaced anti-corruption officials involved with the investigation. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission cleared Najib of any criminal wrongdoing, saying $681 million was "contributions from donors, and not funds from 1MDB." Malaysia's new attorney general in January also cleared Najib, saying the money was a donation from the Saudi royal family and that most of it was returned. The Saudi foreign minister later said he was aware of the donation but gave no details. ___ Q: WHAT OTHER ACTION HAS MALAYSIA TAKEN? A: The attorney general rejected a request by the central bank for a criminal investigation. The government also cracked down on media reporting on the scandal. Malaysia's The Edge media group last year reported that businessman Low Taek Jho a family friend of Najib and PetroSaudi International had cheated Malaysia of $1.83 billion through an aborted joint venture with 1MDB in 2009. The media group's publishing permits were suspended for three months. The government also blocked the U.K.-based website Sarawak Report. ___ Q: WHAT ARE THE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR NAJIB? A: Najib has strengthened his grip on power in the face of his biggest challenge since taking power in 2009 as head of a coalition that has ruled Malaysia since independence from Britain in 1957. In August last year, tens of thousands of Malaysians took to the streets to demand Najib's resignation. Najib accused them of tarnishing the country's image. Thousands of Najib's supporters, mostly ethnic Malays, rallied behind the prime minister. Backing for Najib's National Front has eroded in the last two general elections. It won in 2013, but lost the popular vote for the first time to an opposition alliance. ___ Q: WHAT DID THE U.S. SAY? A: Acting on a complaint filed in Los Angeles, U.S. Attorney Eileen Decker said the government is seeking to recover more than $1 billion it says was stolen from 1MDB by people close to Najib. After Emotional Statement, Judge Sentences Man To 90 Years For Killing Pregnant Teen By Stephen Gossett in News on Jul 21, 2016 3:23PM Charinez Jefferson / Facebook / Celebrate Your Life In a city where the shooting of children has become unnervingly routine and even innocents are not exempt from gun violence, one case still looms large in the citys consciousness for the sheer brutality with which it was executed: the 2011 murder of Charinez Jefferson, a pregnant, unarmed 17-year-old girl who pleaded for her life before Timothy Jones shot bullet after bullet into her head, chest and back. Following a chilling statement from Jeffersons late mother, Debbie, which was read in court by a prosecutor, a Cook County judge on Monday showed little leniency for the gunman who showed no pity to Jefferson, sentencing him to 90 years in prison. Debbie died of cancer in February. But before she passed, she wrote the stinging but self-composed note, directed at Jones and presented during sentencing. I watched you during the trial and you showed no remorse. So maybe you wouldnt know how I feel. From this day forward, when you open and close your mouth and eyes, and you are still able to walk and talk, stop and take a minute and think about the lives you destroyed. All of your sleepless nights and dreary days, I pray you ask God for forgiveness and to have mercy on your soul, the statement read, according to the Tribune. The night of the shooting, Jones initially targeted Charinez Jeffersons male friend, a rival gang member, who had accompanied her to a corner store in Marquette Park. Jones, then 18, emerged from a car. He was angry from having been shot in the thigh earlier that day as part of a gang war, prosecutors said. After the male fled, Jones turned his gun on Jefferson, calling her "bitch" and shooting her eight times at close range, according to prosecutors. Jefferson was fatally wounded; and although her son was saved, the child, Kahmani, will remain in a vegetative state, unable to see, speak, or breathe of his own volition. Despite the cruelty and tragic ending, Debbie Jefferson nonetheless offered Jones some compassion in her late moments. She "had to find a way in my heart to forgive you ... I had to let go of anger, resentment, bitterness and hatred," she wrote. Clinton has more cash; Trump forgives loans WASHINGTON (AP) Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her party entered July with nearly $11 million more on hand than her Republican counterpart's operations, a strong showing of fundraising as both campaigns dive into the general election. Republican nominee Donald Trump also wiped out his campaign debt, forgiving the more than $47 million in personal loans he's made to his own campaign since last year. Trump and the Republican Party, which officially selected Trump as its White House contender Tuesday, had $41 million cash on hand compared with Clinton and the Democrats' $52 million. New campaign finance reports released Wednesday reveal the state of the 2016 money race as candidates and their supportive groups turn their attention to the November election. Fundraising has historically been a key metric in a campaign's financial health, with funds paying campaign staffers and pricey TV ads. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton greets supporters after speaking at a rally at the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Tuesday, July 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) While Clinton outraised Trump, she also spent more, burning through $34 million in June compared to Trump's $7.8 million. On Wednesday, Trump delighted in his low campaign spending rate. "Hillary is spending hundreds of millions of dollars in ads. You know what I've spent so far? Nothing. Nothing. I saved money," Trump said in an interview with ABC News in which he also said he wouldn't be advertising any time soon. Clinton's campaign has put about $35 million into ads to air between the time she locked up the nomination in June and this week, according to Kantar Media's campaign advertising tracker. A super PAC helping her is spending about $20 million more during that same time frame. In addition to spending less than Clinton, Trump also had more appeal among small donors than the former secretary of state. He raised more than $12.1 million from contributors giving $200 or less, since making his first-ever appeal for online contributions on June 21. That small-donor harvest was about double Clinton's, despite Trump's late start. Trump's haul comes after a disappointing May report, during which the billionaire's campaign finished with only $1.3 million to spend. With Trump and Clinton now becoming the official nominees, they'll be able to make use not only of their campaign funds but also much of the money raised by their respective parties. On the GOP side, the Republican Party made up about half or roughly $21 million of the available cash on hand. For the Democrats, Clinton's own fundraising accounted for most of the money left in the bank at the beginning of July. She had $44 million to spend. Clinton is expected to be formally nominated next week at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. As with the 2012 election, "super" political action committees are adding to the financial might of both candidates. Outside political groups backing Clinton reported a money advantage over similar committees behind Trump. Priorities USA, the main super PAC helping Clinton, had more than $40 million in the bank at the beginning of July after spending nearly $24 million last month, the bulk on advertising targeted at swing-state voters. It received $1 million each from the National Education Association teachers union and Working for Working Americans, the super PAC of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. On the GOP side, the National Rifle Association's political fund, which has been airing ads backing Trump and opposing Clinton, reported $13 million cash on hand at the beginning of July after raising $1.3 million last month. The NRA group also gave $60,000 to the Republican Party last month, including $45,000 for its convention in Cleveland this week. Rebuilding America Now, a super PAC supporting Trump, raised about $2.2 million in June, nearly all of which came from real estate developer Geoffrey H. Palmer. The majority of that money, about $1.4 million, went toward television ads attacking Clinton. Great America PAC, another group airing ads supporting Trump, brought in about $2.6 million in total. Make America Number 1 reported about $1.1 million in cash on hand at the beginning of this month, but it took in only $97.86 in revenue a $25 donation and $72.86 in bank interest. The group was formerly a super PAC backing Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz's presidential bid, and also benefited from nearly $14 million in contributions from hedge fund billionaire Robert Mercer. Conservative-leaning American Crossroads received its biggest single donation last month, $1 million, from a trust linked to Joseph Craft of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Craft is the president and chief executive of Alliance Resource Management GP LLC, which oversees coal production. Democratic donor Tom Steyer, a former hedge fund manager and climate-change activist, poured $7 million into the coffers of the Clinton-aligned NextGen Climate Action Committee. So far this election cycle, Steyer has given $18 million to the group. NextGen separately reported more than $9.4 million left to spend. Super PACs like Priorities USA and American Crossroads benefit from the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case. The decision allowed corporations and unions to contribute in unlimited ways to political races, so long as that money comes through super PACs that are not directly coordinated with the candidates. ___ Keep track on how much Clinton and Trump are spending on television advertising, and where they're spending it, via AP's interactive ad tracker. http://elections.ap.org/content/ad-spending ___ Associated Press writer Julie Bykowicz contributed to this report. ___ Follow on Twitter: Chad Day at https://twitter.com/chadsday and Jack Gillum at https://twitter.com/jackgillum Trump says America in crisis _ and he'll fix it 'fast' CLEVELAND (AP) Declaring America in crisis, Donald Trump pledged to cheering Republicans and still-skeptical voters Thursday night that as president he will restore the safety they fear they're losing, strictly curb immigration and save the nation from Hillary Clinton's record of "death, destruction, terrorism and weakness." Confidently addressing the finale of his party's less-than-smooth national convention, the billionaire businessman declared the nation's problems too staggering to be fixed within the confines of traditional politics. "I have joined the political arena so that the powerful can no longer beat up on people that cannot defend themselves," Trump said. Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) The 70-year-old celebrity businessman's acceptance of the Republican nomination caps his improbable takeover of the GOP, a party that plunges into the general election united in opposition to Clinton but still divided over Trump. Underscoring his unorthodox candidacy, Trump doubled down on the hard-line immigration policies that fired up conservatives in the primary but broke with many in his party by promising protections for gays and lesbians. His address on the closing night of the convention marked his highest-profile opportunity yet to heal Republican divisions and show voters he's prepared for the presidency. Ever the showman, he fed off the energy of the crowd, stepping back to soak in applause and joining the delegates as they chanted, "U-S-A." As the crowd, fiercely opposed to Clinton, broke out in its oft-used refrain of "Lock her up," he waved them off, and instead declared, "Let's defeat her in November." Yet he also accused her of "terrible, terrible crimes" and said her greatest achievement may have been avoiding prison for her use of a private email and personal server as secretary of state. The more than hour-long speech was strikingly dark for a celebratory event and almost entirely lacking in specific policy details. Trump shouted throughout as he read off a teleprompter, showing few flashes of humor or even a smile. He accused Clinton, his far-more-experienced Democratic rival, of utterly lacking the good judgment to serve in the White House and as the military's commander in chief. "This is the legacy of Hillary Clinton: death, destruction, terrorism and weakness," he said. "But Hillary Clinton's legacy does not have to be America's legacy." In a direct appeal to Americans shaken by a summer of violence at home and around the world, Trump promised that if he takes office in January, "safety will be restored." As he moves into the general election campaign, he's sticking to the controversial proposals of his primary campaign, including building a wall along the entire U.S.-Mexico border and suspending immigration from nations "compromised by terrorism." But in a nod to a broader swath of Americans, he said young people in predominantly black cities "have as much of a right to live out their dreams as any other child in America." He also vowed to protect gays and lesbians from violence and oppression, a pledge that was greeted with applause from the crowd. "As a Republican, it is so nice to hear you cheering for what I just said," he responded. Trump was introduced by his daughter Ivanka, who announced a childcare policy proposal that the campaign had not mentioned before. "As president, my father will change the labor laws that were put in place at a time when women weren't a significant portion of the workplace, and he will focus on making quality childcare affordable and accessible for all," she said. Trump took the stage in Cleveland facing a daunting array of challenges, many of his own making. Though he vanquished 16 primary rivals, he's viewed with unprecedented negativity by the broader electorate, and is struggling in particular with younger voters and minorities, groups GOP leaders know they need for the party to grow. The first three days of this week's convention bordered on chaos, starting with a plagiarism charge involving his wife Melania Trump's speech and moving on to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's dramatic refusal to endorse him from the convention stage. Then, Trump sparked more questions about his Oval Office readiness by suggesting in the midst of the convention that the U.S. might not defend America's NATO partners with him as president. The remarks, in an interview published online Wednesday by The New York Times, deviate from decades of American doctrine and seem to reject the 67-year-old alliance's bedrock principle of collective defense. Trump reinforced his position from the convention stage, saying the United States has been "picking up the cost" of NATO's defenses for too long. He also disavowed America's foreign policy posture under both Democratic and Republican presidents, criticizing "fifteen years of wars in the Middle East" and declaring that "Americanism, not globalism, will be our credo." "As long as we are led by politicians who will not put 'America First,' then we can be assured that other nations will not treat America with respect," he said. He had promised to describe "major, major" tax cuts. But his economic proposals Thursday night were vague, centering on unspecified plans to create millions of jobs. He promised a "simplified" tax system for the middle class and businesses, fewer regulations and renegotiation of trade deals that he says have put working class Americans at a disadvantage. Top Clinton aide John Podesta panned Trump for offering little more than "prejudice and paranoia" and promised she would offer a more positive vision for America when she accepts the party's nomination at its convention next week in Philadelphia. Clinton is on the verge of naming a running mate to join her in taking on Trump and his vice presidential pick, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, in the general election. Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine has emerged as her top choice. ___ AP writers Kathleen Hennessey, Josh Lederman, Alan Fram and Thomas Beaumont in Cleveland, and John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas, contributed to this report. ___ Follow Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Balloons fall after Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, addresses the delegates during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/John Locher) Melania Trump, wife of Republican Presidential Nominee Donald J. Trump applauds her husband as she takes the stage after his acceptance speech on the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) A man salutes during the singing of the National Anthem on the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Ivanka Trump, daughter of Republican Presidential Nominee Donald J. Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) The Latest: Thousands on Istanbul bridge protest coup try ANKARA, Turkey (AP) The latest developments on the situation in Turkey after the failed military coup last week (all times local): 12:05 p.m. Thousands of people have gathered on Istanbul's Bosporus Bridge to protest Friday's failed coup attempt. Pro-government supporters, waving Turkish flags participate in a rally on the road leading to Istanbul's iconic Bosporus Bridge, late Thursday, July 21, 2016. Turkish lawmakers approved a three-month state of emergency, endorsing new powers for Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that would allow him to expand a crackdown that has already included mass arrests and the closure of hundreds of schools, in the wake of the July 15 failed coup. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Waiving Turkish flags, the crowds on Thursday night walked across the bridge linking the European and Asian sides of the city. Some defiantly chanted "Our martyrs are immortal, our nation cannot be divided!" Coup plotters deployed soldiers to the bridge as part of their attempt to take over on July 15. Videos have emerged of soldiers firing at civilians who rushed to the bridge to counter the coup. Other footage showed a mob attacking surrendering soldiers. The government says 246 pro-government people forces and civilians died while confronting the attempted military coup. ____ 11:40 p.m. The U.N. secretary general is urging Turkish authorities to ensure constitutional order and respect human rights during the three-month state of emergency the government just declared. In a statement Thursday, Ban Ki-moon said he had received repeated assurances from senior Turkish government officials that they would adhere to rule of law and due process when investigating and prosecuting those believed to be responsible for the attempted coup and he asked that they honor them. Ban said he hoped that procedures under the state of emergency will be carried out in full transparency. A crackdown on alleged government opponents since Turkey's failed coup last week has left 10,000 people in jail and some 60,000 workers fired or suspended from their jobs. ___ 11 p.m. Syrian President Bashar Assad says the recent failed military coup in Turkey was a "reflection of the instability and turmoil inside Turkey." Assad says Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has used the coup to implement his extremist agenda inside his country "and this is dangerous for Turkey, and for its neighbors and the world." During an interview Thursday with the Cuba's official news agency, Presensa Latina, Assad also criticized Erdogan's crackdown on alleged government opponents, which has left 10,000 people in jail and some 60,000 workers fired or suspended from their jobs in the past few days. Turkey hosts 2.75 million of refugees who have fled the violence in neighboring Syria. Erdogan is a staunch opponent of Assad and urged his overthrow. ___ 10 p.m. Rights group Amnesty International says Turkey's decision to impose a state of emergency amid an intensive crackdown on the military, public sector and the media could pave the way for further rollbacks on human rights. Amnesty said the government's decision to suspend the European Convention on Human Rights during the three-month emergency rule is a "chilling harbinger of what is to come." Andrew Gardner, Amnesty International Turkey's researcher, said the Turkish government must not use the state of emergency as a pretext to clamp down on peaceful dissent. Nearly 60,000 public sector workers have already been fired or suspended, and 10,000 people, mostly soldiers and judges, have been detained in Turkey since the foiled Friday coup. ___ 8:05 p.m. Videos have emerged of soldiers firing at large protests in Turkey during last weekend's failed coup. Footage from CCTV cameras above the Bosporus Bridge in Istanbul show soldiers shooting straight at one man who had his hands up while approaching tanks that blocked traffic. Other footage shows a mob attacking surrendering soldiers over the same bridge after daybreak Saturday. The violent scenes correspond with the Associated Press reporting of events unfolding late Friday and early Saturday in Turkey. Forces loyal to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan quelled the attempted coup hours later. The footage was obtained from the Turkish Dogan news agency. The government says 246 pro-government people forces and civilians died while confronting the attempted military coup that began the night of July 15. ___ 7:40 p.m. Rating agency DBRS has downgraded Turkey's government debt into junk status following the failed military coup and the government's subsequent crackdown. The agency said its one-notch cut to BB (high) "reflects the deterioration in the rule of law and rising geopolitical tensions, all in the context of Turkey's large external financing needs." Turkey is a net beneficiary of investment from outside its borders, so any concerns that those investments could dry up would raise concerns about its financial stability. Following the coup, Turkey moved to eliminate thousands of perceived dissenters from the educational system, military and government. DBRS said in a statement Thursday that "institutional checks and balances appear to have eroded with concerns about judicial independence and freedom of the press. The fallout of the attempted coup could accelerate these political trends." ___ 6:30 p.m. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek says the country's civil service won't suffer as a result of large-scale dismissals or suspensions of government officials in the wake of the failed coup. Simsek told journalists Thursday that the dismissals won't "limit state capacity" saying the country had 4 million public sector employees, including some 1 million teachers. As of Thursday, 58,881 civil service employees have been dismissed, suspended, forced to resign or had their licenses revoked since the July 15 failed attempted coup. Simsek said all officials would be subjected to "proper judicial review" and would be "able to challenge conclusions at a court of law." (This version corrects to show the country has 4 million public sector workers) ___ 6:10 p.m. Turkey's parliament has endorsed sweeping new powers for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that would allow him to expand a crackdown in the wake of last week's failed coup. Legislators in the 550-member parliament on Thursday voted 346-115 to approve a three-month state of emergency across Turkey. Erdogan announced a Cabinet decision to seek the additional powers, saying the state of emergency would give the government the tools to rid the military of the "virus" of subversion. The government says a U.S.-based Muslim cleric is behind the coup attempt and has embarked on a massive crackdown on the movement's followers. --This item has been corrected to show that 346 legislators approved the state of emergency, not 356. ___ 5 p.m. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said the state of emergency will be used to act swiftly against the perpetrators of the coup. Simsek insisted that the state of emergency would be different to those imposed in the country previously and that the rule of law will be upheld. He laid out his hope it would be short-lived. "We will use it in a fashion closer to our allies like France and others," he told reporters as Parliament was debating President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's declaration of a three-month state of emergency on Wednesday. Simsek said the government will go after "rogue" elements within the state and that there could have been "carnage in the streets" had the coup succeeded. "We owe it to our people to go after them. We will have a legal framework for it." Simsek said there will be proper judicial review, but didn't elaborate. Turkey experienced a national state of emergency in the immediate years after martial law was declared in 1980 following a coup. It was also declared across the restive southeast region between 1978 and 2002. ___ 3:45 p.m. Turkey's deputy prime minister says his country will suspend the European Human Rights Convention as it prepares to implement the country's new state of emergency after a failed coup. Parliament is set to approve the three-month state of emergency on Thursday, after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced it a day earlier. Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus says Turkey will suspend the human rights convention in line with an article contained within the agreement allowing for it in time of emergencies. ___ 3:35 p.m. A Greek court has sentenced eight Turkish military personnel who fled to Greece aboard a helicopter during an attempted coup in their country to two months in prison on charges of illegal entry into Greece. All eight received the same sentence Thursday, with the recognition of mitigating circumstances of having acted while under threat. The pilot was acquitted of a charge of violating flight regulations. The sentence was suspended for three years, but they were being held in custody pending resolution of their asylum applications. Turkey has demanded their return to stand trial for participation in Friday's coup attempt. The eight deny involvement and have applied for asylum, saying they fear for their safety amid widespread purges in Turkey in the aftermath of the attempted overthrow of the government. ___ 2:55 p.m. A U.N. envoy is hinting that there are concerns about how the fallout from Turkey's failed coup could affect talks aimed at reunifying ethnically split Cyprus. But Espen Barth Eide says there's no evidence now suggesting Turkey's government will shift its position of support for the complex negotiations. Eide says the region's increasing troubles can spur both sides to resolve the decades-old problem. He said Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and breakaway Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci remain strongly committed to reaching a federal deal. A 1974 Turkish invasion, triggered by a coup aimed at union with Greece, split the island. Greek Cypriot officials say Turkey holds the key to deal because it bankrolls the Turkish Cypriot economy and maintains more than 40,000 troops in the breakaway north. ___ 2 p.m. Turkish state news agency Anadolu is reporting that one soldier linked to the attack on the hotel where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was vacationing during the foiled coup has been captured. The report says the lieutenant was captured in southwestern Turkey. He is one of nearly 30 soldiers government officials said were involved in the attack on the hotel in Marmaris resort where Erdogan was vacationing. The attackers arrived minutes after he left the place, according to the government's account. The officials said earlier this week that at least four remained on the run. The manhunt for them is ongoing, with police inspecting vehicles, and showing pictures of the suspects to passengers. ___ 1:50 p.m. Eight Turkish military personnel who fled to Greece a board a helicopter during an attempted coup in their country are testifying in court during their trial on charges of entering Greece illegally. Turkey is seeking their return to stand trial for participation in Friday's coup attempt. The eight deny any involvement and have applied for asylum, saying they fear for their lives if returned. Three of the defendants testified Thursday they were helicopter pilots unaware of the coup. They said they were tasked with transporting wounded people when their choppers came under fire from police. Their unit told them not to return to base because the situation was too dangerous. After landing in a different location, they decided to flee, taking one of the aircraft across the border into Greece. ___ 10:40 a.m. Turkish state media say a further 32 judges and two military officers have been detained by authorities during the crackdown on alleged conspirators following last week's failed coup. The detentions reported Thursday by Anadolu news agency come hours after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency that is expected to expand the crackdown. Already, nearly 10,000 people have been arrested while hundreds of schools have been closed. And nearly 60,000 civil service employees have been dismissed from their posts since the failed coup Friday. The Turkish government has laid the blame for the coup on a movement led by a U.S-based Turkish cleric. The Turkish Parliament is meeting later to approve Erdogan's proposed state of emergency. ___ 10 a.m. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier says Turkey's state of emergency should only last as long as it's "absolutely necessary." A day after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency following last week's failed coup, Steinmeier said it's important that "the rule of law, a sense of proportion and commensurability are preserved." In a statement Thursday, Steinmeier said it's in Turkey's interest to "keep the state of emergency only for the duration that is absolutely necessary and then immediately end it." Erdogan, who had been accused of autocratic conduct even before this week's tough crackdown, said the state of emergency would counter threats to Turkey. Steinmeier said action should only be taken against those with "a provable involvement in punishable actions" and not "an alleged political attitude." A pro-government supporter waves a Turkish flag during a protest on the road leading to Istanbul's iconic Bosporus Bridge, Thursday, July 21, 2016. Turkish lawmakers approved a three-month state of emergency, endorsing new powers for Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that would allow him to expand a crackdown that has already included mass arrests and the closure of hundreds of schools, in the wake of the July 15 failed coup. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) FILE - In this Sunday, May 17, 2015 file photo, a Turkish police officer scans the area from a platform, backdropped by posters of Turkish Republic founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, left, and Turkey's current President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, during a political rally of AKP, The Justice and Development Party in Istanbul. Turkish lawmakers convened Thursday July 22, 2016 to endorse sweeping new powers for Erdogan that would allow him to expand a crackdown in the wake of July 15 failed coup. The 550-member parliament is set to approve Erdogan's request for a three-month state of emergency. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis, file) A shop owner reads a newspaper in Istanbul, Thursday, July 21, 2016. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday declared a three-month state of emergency following a botched coup attempt, declaring he would rid the military of the "virus" of subversion and giving the government sweeping powers to expand a crackdown that has already included mass arrests and the closure of hundreds of schools. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) A Turkish military officer is transferred to a court hall in the city of Alexandroupolis, northern Greece, Thursday, July 21, 2016. Eight Turkish military personnel who fled to Greece a board a helicopter during an attempted coup in their country are testifying in court during their trial on charges of entering Greece illegally. Turkey is seeking their return to stand trial for participation in Fridays coup attempt. The eight deny any involvement and have applied for asylum, saying they fear for their lives if returned. (Antonis Pasvantis/InTime News via AP) A street vendor sells flags, some showing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in central Istanbul, Thursday, July 21, 2016. President Erdogan on Wednesday declared a three-month state of emergency following a botched coup attempt, declaring he would rid the military of the "virus" of subversion and giving the government sweeping powers to expand a crackdown that has already included mass arrests and the closure of hundreds of schools. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) The portraits of Turkey's founder Kemal Ataturk, left and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, center top, are for sale in a shop as a man is reflected on the mirror in central Istanbul, Thursday, July 21, 2016. President Erdogan on Wednesday declared a three-month state of emergency following a botched coup attempt, declaring he would rid the military of the "virus" of subversion and giving the government sweeping powers to expand a crackdown that has already included mass arrests and the closure of hundreds of schools. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks after an emergency meeting of the government in Ankara, Turkey, late Wednesday, July 20, 2016. Erdogan on Wednesday declared a three-month state of emergency following a botched coup attempt, declaring he would rid the military of the "virus" of subversion and give the government sweeping powers to expand a crackdown that has already included mass arrests and the closure of hundreds of schools. (Kayhan Ozer/Pool Photo via AP) A general view of the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn, in Istanbul, Thursday July 21, 2016. Turkish lawmakers convened to endorse sweeping new powers for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, that would allow him to expand a crackdown in the wake of July 15 failed coup. The 550-member parliament is set to approve Erdogan's request for a three-month state of emergency. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Pro-government supporters protest on the road leading to Istanbul's iconic Bosporus Bridge, background, Thursday, July 21, 2016. Turkish lawmakers approved a three-month state of emergency, endorsing new powers for Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that would allow him to expand a crackdown that has already included mass arrests and the closure of hundreds of schools, in the wake of the July 15 failed coup. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Pro-government supporters, waving Turkish flags protest on the road leading to Istanbul's iconic Bosporus Bridge, Thursday, July 21, 2016. Turkish lawmakers approved a three-month state of emergency, endorsing new powers for Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that would allow him to expand a crackdown that has already included mass arrests and the closure of hundreds of schools, in the wake of the July 15 failed coup. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) In this image taken from video, the military unit , top, is chased from their road block by a crowd of protesters on the Bosphorus Bridge, Istanbul, Saturday July 16, 2016. In the CCTV video obtained by Turkish Dogan news agency Thursday July 21, 2016, soldiers and the tanks fire at large public protests confronting the military unit in Turkey during last weekend's failed coup, before the military surrender their position and are overrun. (Video from DHA via AP) Hating on Hillary: Republicans go all negative on Democrat CLEVELAND (AP) Liar. Garbage. Lock her up. Republicans at their national convention are putting Hillary Clinton on mock trial, declaring her guilty and issuing sentences that include death by firing squad, in a remarkable display of political rhetoric gone wild. Even some Clinton haters say the vitriol has gone too far. The focus on Clinton has sometimes upstaged what's supposed to be a weeklong celebration and promotion of Donald Trump. Instead of extolling the virtues of their nominee, Republicans have turned to increasingly crass slurs against his opponent. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks during the second day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) One GOP delegate and adviser to Trump on veteran's issues, Al Baldasaro, took it a step further than the rest. He dubbed her a "piece of garbage" and suggested a punishment for alleged inaction during the 2012 Benghazi, Libya, attacks that left four Americans dead. "Hillary Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot for treason," the New Hampshire state lawmaker said in a radio interview Tuesday. Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks said Trump and his campaign don't agree with Baldasaro's comment. The U.S. Secret Service said it was investigating. On the streets of Cleveland, demeaning buttons for sale say "Life's a Bitch Don't Elect One" and "Trump vs. Tramp." Others have been even harsher and more vulgar, with crude references to parts of Clinton's body. Tony Ensminger, a 63-year-old selling buttons outside the arena, insisted "this was mild" compared to what Democrats said about former President George W. Bush. Visceral disdain for Clinton has been palpable all week on the convention floor, where the go-to chant is "Lock her up." One former GOP presidential candidate, Ben Carson, drew a connection between Clinton and Lucifer, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said scandals follow Clinton and her husband "like flies." It's no surprise that Republicans are emphasizing Clinton's weaknesses more than Trump's strengths. The GOP's strategy for winning in November rests in part on the hope that voters dislike the Democrat more than the Republican. Fifty-seven percent of Americans in a July Associated Press-GfK poll said they viewed Clinton unfavorably, as did 64 percent of independents who don't lean toward either party. Slightly more, 63 percent overall, viewed Trump unfavorably; 62 percent of independents. It's those independents that Trump's campaign hopes it can peel off if it can keep up a steady drumbeat of negativity about Clinton. Three-quarters of voters in the poll said their pick for president is motivated by a desire to cast their ballot against either Clinton or Trump. Still, the criticism has triggered a backlash from some Republicans who say it's beyond the pale. Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, a Trump critic who's skipping the GOP convention, tweeted that Republicans "can make the case that she shouldn't be elected without jumping the shark." And Bill Pickle, a South Carolina delegate and talk radio host, said those doing the name-calling "sound and act like demons." "I personally hate I mean hate all of the negativity," Pickle said. "What happened to professionalism, manners and humanity in our politicians and citizens?" But most Republicans seem unperturbed. Wisconsin delegate Jim Geldreich said the stay-on-offense strategy was spot-on. Clinton, meanwhile, has sought to use the negativity to her advantage. She sent out yet another fundraising appeal Wednesday night based on events at the convention, saying: "It's important to call out what we're seeing: What's happening at the convention is not normal and not acceptable." Does it matter that this is the first time a major party is picking a woman to be its nominee? Johnny McMahan, 65, a GOP delegate from Arkansas, said he had no problem with a woman being president but some of his friends felt differently. "They say women are too emotional to be president," McMahan said. Though assailing the opposing candidate is standard fare at political conventions, this year the attacks have transcended policy positions and become intimately personal. The relentless spotlight on an opponent's supposed criminality is another departure. Republicans maintain Clinton broke the law by sending classified information on her private email server. Trump's campaign has worked to sow distrust by using vague insinuations against Clinton that are hard to prove or disprove. On Wednesday, Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort mused that Attorney General Loretta Lynch had "probably" given special information to Bill Clinton that helped his wife avoid criminal charges, during a brief airport meeting that Lynch has acknowledged was a mistake. He said the "Lock her up!" chant punctuating speeches at the conventions "probably reflects the attitude of a lot of people in America." "They don't understand why justice wasn't done," he said. ___ What political news is the world searching for on Google and talking about on Twitter? Find out via AP's Election Buzz interactive. http://elections.ap.org/buzz ___ AP Polling Director Emily Swanson contributed to this report, along with AP writers Sam Hananel and Alicia A. Caldwell in Washington, Steve Peoples and Jill Colvin in Cleveland and Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina. New Zealand invite to US Navy marks end to nuclear stalemate SYDNEY (AP) Vice President Joe Biden said Thursday that the U.S. had accepted an invitation to send a Navy ship to New Zealand for the first time in three decades, signaling an end to a stalemate between the two countries that was sparked by New Zealand's anti-nuclear policy. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced during a joint news conference with Biden in Auckland that New Zealand had invited the U.S. to send a ship to participate in the Royal New Zealand Navy's 75th anniversary later this year. Biden, who is visiting New Zealand as part of a tour of the Pacific, said he had gladly accepted the offer. "It will be yet another expression, another expression of our close and cooperative relationship between both of our countries that we've worked together so hard to strengthen," Biden said. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, left, and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key shake hands after their joint press conference at Government House in Auckland Thursday, July 21, 2016. (Greg Bowker/New Zealand Herald via AP) No U.S. warships have been allowed to visit the country since the 1980s, when New Zealand introduced its nuclear-free policy. Because the U.S. won't officially confirm or deny if its ships have nuclear capabilities, New Zealand's default position has long been to ban them from its waters. But as military relations have improved between the two countries in recent years, speculation had grown that New Zealand would allow the U.S. to participate in its anniversary celebration. "It would be very odd for us to have all of our friends and acquaintances there, sending ships to celebrate our 75th Naval commemorations, and yet on the same point not have the United States there," Key told reporters. Key still needs to formally sign off on the ship visit. The prime minister said he did not yet know what type of vessel the U.S. was planning to send, but said it would still need to comply with New Zealand law, which requires that he be satisfied that any ship entering the country's waters has no nuclear capabilities. "We've found a way of respecting one another but agreeing that we've got a different position on these matters," Key said. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, left, and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key speak during their joint press conference at Government House in Auckland on Thursday, July 21, 2016. (Greg Bowker/New Zealand Herald via AP) U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, left, shears a Maori welcome at Government House in Auckland Thursday, July 21, 2016. (Greg Bowker/New Zealand Herald via AP) Naomi Biden, center, a granddaughter of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, left, shears a Maori welcome at Government House in Auckland Thursday, July 21, 2016. (Greg Bowker/New Zealand Herald via AP) U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, center, inspects an honor guard during a ceremony at Government House in Auckland Thursday, July 21, 2016. (Greg Bowker/New Zealand Herald via AP) In Ohio, GOP politicking with no mention of Trump INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) Nine miles from the red-white-and-blue-festooned arena where thousands of Republicans are extolling their new presidential nominee, other Republicans are uttering not a word about Donald Trump as they knock on doors and talk to voters. Americans for Prosperity activists have been helping Sen. Rob Portman for more than a year, telling Ohioans that his Democratic rival, former Gov. Ted Strickland, has a terrible record on the economy. AFP and its allies are using a sophisticated database to find and persuade voters and have already spent more than $8 million on ads against Strickland. The politicking in Ohio this week vividly shows the multiple personalities of today's Republican Party. Not all of it is occurring inside the Quicken Loans Arena where Trump will close out the convention Thursday night with his acceptance speech. Ohio Gov. John Kasich, left, arrives with his wife Karen at the The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in Cleveland, during the second day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) And while there's celebration over Trump, there's also plenty of Trump-less party building as the GOP and its allies fight to hold onto their Senate majority. Portman, one of the more vulnerable incumbents, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich were among those who took an everywhere-but-Trumpfest approach. Political and policy groups, including ones tied to GOP strategist Karl Rove, are holding events for donors in town for the convention, while minimizing their own presence at the convention itself. That's a major change from four years ago when Mitt Romney accepted the nomination in Tampa while groups there clamored for his attention. On Monday afternoon, while convention delegates bustled around downtown, Ron Ferguson and other AFP activists sprinted through suburban Cleveland, adding to the more than 60,000 doors they've knocked on so far. Ferguson passed an anti-Strickland door-hanger to Independence resident Greg Stayanchi, who stood barefoot and behind a screen door. Stayanchi seemed to have memorized the group's talking points and bemoaned past tax increases, state spending and depleted rainy day funds. "Oh, we've had plenty of Strickland in this state," he said. "I won't be voting for him." But when a reporter asked about the Republican National Convention that was in full swing a few miles north, Stayanchi heaved a sigh and fell silent. "I'm not a huge Trump fan," he finally offered. "Hillary's too crooked for me. It's the lesser of two evils." That attitude is shared by Charles Koch, a billionaire Kansas industrialist who helps fund Americans for Prosperity and numerous other groups. The entire Koch network is withholding its resources from Trump, another change from 2012 when they tried to oust President Barack Obama with big ad campaigns blasting his health care policies. Kasich, it seemed, was everywhere but the arena. He spoke to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He addressed the NAACP. He met with the British ambassador to the U.S. A fundraising appeal he sent Tuesday on behalf of House Speaker Paul Ryan seemed to exist in a Trump-less alternate universe. "I see our country heading down two paths," it began. The only alternative to a Democratic White House with Hillary Clinton, it continued, "is the path that my friend Speaker Paul Ryan envisions." All week, Kasich's and Trump's aides have sniped at each other on television and through social media. Kasich won Ohio, but little else, during the primary race against Trump and has declined to endorse him. Kasich's approach matches well with the constituents he represents. A focus group of Cleveland-area swing voters convened Sunday by Republican pollster Frank Luntz repudiated Trump as "intolerant" and "a wild card." Just two panelists said they could see themselves voting for him, while seven chose Clinton. The other 18 panelists pined for Romney and lamented Kasich's loss in the primary. Portman, too, adopted an "I'm here, but not here" schedule, spending part of Tuesday kayaking on the Cuyahoga River with wounded veterans. He vigorously defended Kasich, saying "John is not an embarrassment" as Trump's campaign chairman had charged. But Portman shares a November ballot with Trump and told reporters that he'd support the nominee. He's just not doing so at the national party convention in his home state. Even some inside the arena for the Trump show seemed dejected. "The party has less unanimity than it usually does," said Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, who is attending his fourth convention. "I'm trying to remain open-minded, but like a lot of Republican mayors, I'm not sold." ___ Keep track on how much Clinton and Trump are spending on television advertising, and where they're spending it, via AP's interactive ad tracker. http://elections.ap.org/content/ad-spending ___ Follow Julie Bykowicz on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/Bykowicz Baton Rouge readies for funerals of 3 slain police officers BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) The Baton Rouge community started a somber period Thursday, filled with funerals and memorials for three officers killed by a gunman. The law enforcement officers Baton Rouge police officers Matthew Gerald and Montrell Jackson and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Deputy Brad Garafola were killed Sunday in what police described as an ambush. "Knowing these guys were out there to protect and serve, I want to do my part," said Trey Ganem, a Texas-based maker of custom caskets who designed and donated the burial boxes for the services. East Baton Rouge Sheriff's deputies Natasha Stingley, right, and Minnie Ducksworth, left, bow their heads in prayer before releasing balloons at a noon vigil organized by municipal court workers in downtown Baton Rouge, La., Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in honor of recent slain and injured sheriff deputies and police. Several police officers and sheriff deputies were killed and wounded Sunday morning in a shooting near a gas station in Baton Rouge, less than two weeks after a black man was shot and killed by police here, sparking nightly protests across the city. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Visitation for Gerald, 41, was Thursday evening, with a funeral service to follow on Friday. The line of mourners seeking to pay their respects stretched around the funeral home, with more cars filled with people arriving throughout the evening. American flags dotted the area. Mourners included elected officials, law enforcement officers and others with no personal connection to Gerald. Sherri Parent, 50, stood outside of the funeral home, a black ribbon threaded with blue pinned to her dress, watching as more and more people arrived. She was amazed at the outpouring of support from the community. While she didn't know Gerald, her brother is a city police officer. "I'm just numb. You just don't think it would happen in our hometown," Parent said, dabbing at tears. "We've got so much hatred in the world right now. People used to have respect for law officers." Leroy Owens, a 78-year-old retiree, handed out water bottles to people waiting in the heat to get inside the funeral home. The church he attends brought out a flatbed trailer filled with water for the visitation. "They do so much for us. It's the least we could do for them," he said. About 70 motorcyclists from the Louisiana Patriot Guard Riders showed up for Gerald. Doug Nobles, 66, assistant state captain of the group, said he expected double that number to show up for the funeral. "We want them to know we came here, we're standing for them and we're proud of what they've done," Nobles said of the officers. "These three men have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their city and their country." The group planned to attend each one of the slain officers' funerals. Visitation and funeral services for Garafola, 45, are slated for Saturday. Services for Jackson, 32, are set for Monday. All three were fatally shot in what police said was an ambush by Gavin Long, 29, of Kansas City, Missouri. Three other officers were wounded. Long died in the ensuing gunfight with police. Ganem, owner of Trey Ganem Designs in Edna, Texas, said employees spent hours researching each fallen officer, speaking to their families and designing the caskets. Gerald served four years in the Marines and seven years in the Army before becoming a police officer. The casket for the veteran who served three tours in Iraq will be customized to reflect that service. "Officer Gerald's wife wanted his military background represented as well as his family," Ganem, a former police officer, said in a telephone interview as he drove to Baton Rouge. Ganem said "Cpl. Jackson's wife thought of him as Superman" so his casket will have a Superman shield. Garafola's family wanted a collage of family photos inside, Ganem said. Police officers from Texas were escorting the caskets from Edna, located about 90 miles southwest of Houston, to Baton Rouge. Tensions heightened in Baton Rouge following the death of Alton Sterling, a 37-year-old black man who was fatally shot by white police officers during a scuffle. Video footage set off angry protests in the city's black community. The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into the incident. Whether Long's actions were in response to Sterling's death remains unclear. A black military veteran, Long had posted rambling internet videos calling for violence in response to what he considered oppression. He also peddled self-published books about empowerment and spiritual enlightenment. On Thursday, one of the officers wounded in the ambush, East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Deputy Bruce Simmons, was discharged from the hospital. Meghan Parrish, a spokeswoman for Baton Rouge General Medical Center, said about 300 hospital staff members and others lined up to applaud Simmons as he left. Another deputy, Nicholas Tullier, remains in the hospital. Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden said Tullier was taken off life-support machines on Tuesday, but that he was still alive. ___ Fuller reported from New Orleans FILE - This undated file photo made available by the Baton Rouge Police Dept. shows police officer Matthew Gerald. Gerald, 41, was killed by a gunman in Baton Rouge, LA., Sunday, July 17, 2016. Back-to-back attacks on police in Texas and Louisiana by former military men have touched a nerve among veterans who traditionally share a close bond with law enforcement. Gerald, was a former Marine who enlisted in the Army after the Sept. 11 attacks and also served in Iraq in 2009. (Baton Rouge Police Dept. via AP, File) East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Sgt. Bruce Simmons shakes hands with a a well-wisher as he leaves Baton Rouge General Hospital Thursday afternoon July 21, 2016, in Baton Rouge, La., after recovering from wounds received during an attack on officers last Sunday. (Bill Feig/The Advocate via AP) Once more, Ivanka Trump steps into spotlight for her father CLEVELAND (AP) In the biggest moments of her father's presidential campaign, Ivanka Trump is center stage, one of his most effective and compelling advocates. A poised, articulate and ever-measured counterpart to her father's brash, freewheeling style, Ivanka will introduce the Republican presidential nominee in Thursday night's grand finale of the party's convention. She will be the last of four Trump's children to speak and the last to have the chance to humanize her polarizing father for the American people, showing warmth between his rougher edges and heart behind his bluntness. "There is no one closer to my father than Ivanka," her brother, Don Jr., said in an emailed statement. While he said his father is close with all of his siblings, Don Jr. said "his bond with Ivanka is truly unique. No one is more poised and articulate than my sister and no one will do a better job of explaining to the American people who my father really is." Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, center applauds with Donald Trump, Jr., left, and Ivanka Trump as his son Eric Trump addresses the delegates during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland Ivanka Trump spends far less time on the campaign trail than her brothers and her Twitter feed is rarely political, instead focusing on her clothing line and the family business. But she is also her father's not-so-secret weapon, one who steps into the breach at the most crucial moments. That began in the campaign's very first moments, when she assumed a role typically held by political spouses. She introduced the celebrity businessman in June 2015, moments before he took his famous escalator ride to announce his then-quixotic presidential campaign. "I remember him telling me when I was a little girl, 'Ivanka, if you're going to be thinking anyway, you might as well be thinking big,'" she said then. "And that's how he approaches any task that he undertakes. He thinks big." Ivanka Trump spent many months of the primary campaign pregnant with her third child and her father would joke how wonderful it would be if the baby was born in whichever state he was currently campaigning, from Iowa to New Hampshire to South Carolina. She gave birth to her son, Theodore, on March 27 but appeared in public again just 11 days later to again be at her father's side at a crucial moment. Trump had just taken a bruising defeat in Wisconsin and for the first time in months, his campaign seemed vulnerable. The #NeverTrump movement gained steam and the Republican establishment seemed poised to mount one last charge to sink the celebrity businessman's campaign. But as the primaries shifted to New York, Ivanka made a surprise appearance to kick off her father's campaign in his native state with a spirited introduction at a massive, raucous rally in Bethpage, Long Island. Trump won New York in a rout and his Republican primary opponents never again mounted a serious challenge. "Ivanka is a terrific person, a wonderful mother and someone everyone has great respect for. She is highly intelligent and extremely talented, and I rely on her both for my company and my campaign," Trump told The Associated Press in a statement. "She has great instincts in business and in life. I am incredibly proud of my daughter Ivanka, all of her accomplishments and especially her beautiful family." Trump has long relied on his children in business. Ivanka, Don Jr. and Eric all hold executive positions at the Trump Organization, working in side-by-side-offices a floor below their father's. That same family-driven model has extended to politics. Trump's children now play a central role in his campaign, occupying much of his inner circle and assisting him in decision-making. When his plane was grounded with mechanical delays just as Trump was working to settle on his running mate, he flew them out to join him in Indiana to spend time with the state's governor, Mike Pence, his ultimate choice. And while all of his grown children have had a visible presence on the campaign trail, all seem to agree that none is closer than Ivanka, 34, and husband Jared Kushner, who is now involved with nearly all facets of the campaign. That's in addition her role managing her own eponymous line of clothing, shoes and handbags marketed to working women, and her position as executive vice president of acquisitions and development at the Trump Organization. ___ Follow Jonathan Lemire and Jill Colvin on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jonlemire and http://twitter.com/colvinj Albania passes judicial reform, key in EU integration steps TIRANA, Albania (AP) Albania's Parliament on Friday approved a judicial reform package following lengthy international mediation between its bickering two main political parties. The reforms, prepared over the past 18 months with the assistance of EU and U.S. experts and reviewed by the Council of Europe's Venice Commission, are considered key to convincing the European Union to launch membership negotiations with the Balkan country. The opposition Democrats party has opposed the measures put forward by the government bringing out new contested issues continuously, and often angering Brussels and Washington. Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama speaks at a news conference to confirm a compromise has been reached with the opposition on the judiciary reform package, in Tirana, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. International pressure has convinced Albanias main opposition Democratic Party to accept the final draft of a judicial reform package, considered fundamental to convincing the European Union to launch membership negotiations with the Balkan country. (AP Photo/Hektor Pustina) After midnight, all 140 parliamentarians present voted unanimously for the package. The ruling Socialists required opposition votes within the 140-member chamber for the bill to pass. After a delayed start of the session Thursday, Speaker Ilir Meta said voting for the reform package would be postponed for a few hours until a few details were cleared up. After more than six hours of talks, U.S. and EU ambassadors in Tirana convinced opposition Democrats on a last contested issue, the nomination of two panels on judges and prosecutors. Meta, who offered his offices for the talks, hailed the deal as "a sign of maturity and unity" and called on political groupings "to normalize the process with unanimous voting at the Assembly." Albania's judicial system has been criticized as corrupt and lacking professionalism. Changes being sought in the reform package include checking the incomes and property holdings of judges and prosecutors and their professional background, steps seen as helping to root out bribery. The reforms will result in a reshuffle of the justice system, aiming mainly to achieve judges' and prosecutors' independence from politics. Brussels has warned that failure to agree on judicial reform would end the possibility of launching membership negotiations with the bloc soon. Albania was granted EU candidate status in 2014. You are here: Home The Chinese government on Wednesday decided to officially implement a five-year plan for technological innovation to help foster new engines for a slowing economy. Approved at an executive conference of the State Council, the plan, which maps out technological improvement from 2016 to 2020, will facilitate the rise of new economies and propel ongoing economic upgrades, said a statement released after the meeting. "Innovation is the primary driving force for economic development," according to the statement. Confronted with a lingering slowdown, the world's second largest economy has started to count on technological innovation to provide new growth momentum. Both basic and cutting-edge scientific research will be strengthened, with better facilities, new national research bases, more innovative researchers and improved global cooperation, said the plan. A series of major projects will be launched in quantum communication and precision medicine, while disruptive innovation can be expected in the seed industry, clean coal, 5G technology and smart robots. China's policymakers expect technological improvement to drive emerging industries and overhaul traditional sectors. Scientific and technological advances should contribute 60 percent of economic growth by 2020, up from the current 55.1 percent, and China's global ranking in innovation capability will also improve, according to the plan. The government will encourage tech firms to play a leading role in technological innovation by improving business incubators, establishing a unified technology transaction market, and guiding more resources to innovation. Researchers will also be motivated with more flexible fund management, higher rewards and strengthened protection of intellectual property. The meeting was chaired by Premier Li Keqiang. Apart from the plan, the meeting also agreed to boost the integration of logistics and Internet technology. A more efficient modern logistics will expand domestic demand, stimulate employment and improve total factor productivity, said the statement. The government will improve information service for logistics, help nurture new business models and roll out favorable policies including tax breaks, less red tape and financial support. Little sympathy for black shooting victims at GOP convention CLEVELAND (AP) In the hours after the deadly attack on police officers in Dallas, Donald Trump offered his "thoughts and prayers" for all the victims of the week's violence including two black men killed by the police in separate incidents in Minnesota and Louisiana. Less than two weeks later, there are few signs of sympathy for African-American victims of police shootings inside Trump's presidential nominating convention. A speaking lineup arranged by Trump's campaign, facing an overwhelmingly white audience in a majority-black city, has repeatedly belittled the black community's frustration. There have been almost no references to black victims of police brutality. David Clarke, Sheriff of Milwaukee County, Wis., speaks during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) The program has instead featured people like prominent Black Lives Matter critic David Clarke, a Wisconsin sheriff who drew a massive ovation by declaring "Blue Lives Matter." The "Blue Lives Matter" call in particular aggravates many minority voters, in Ohio and elsewhere, who make up a growing segment of the electorate. "This entire approach, the Trump approach, has been about a return to the days of white supremacy," said Cleveland NAACP President Michael Nelson. "You don't want to alienate a significant portion of your voting population." Lynne Patton, an African-American employee of the Eric Trump Foundation, offered a more nuanced message Wednesday night. "As a minority myself, I personally pledge to you Donald Trump knows that your life matters," she said. "He knows that my life matters. He knows that LGBT lives matter. He knows that veterans lives matter. He knows that blue lives matter." Trump's standing with minority voters stands near record lows as he prepares to face the most diverse electorate in the nation's history. The New York billionaire earned the support of zero percent of African-Americans in Ohio and Pennsylvania in a NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released last week. Nationally, a July Associated Press-GfK poll found just 4 percent of blacks and 19 percent of Hispanics would support the New York billionaire if the election were held today. Yet African-American delegates inside the Cleveland convention hall saw little reason for Trump, or the Republican Party, to change their approach. More than anything, the black community wants jobs, said Virginia delegate Bill Cleveland. "What does Trump talk about? Jobs," he said. Attending his fourth convention, Cleveland said he was one of just four African-American delegates at his first. "I think there are 80 of us now," he said. "The party is growing." There are more than 2,400 delegates at this week's convention. Beyond the convention walls, Trump's aggressive rhetoric has fueled deep distrust by minority voters. He called Mexican immigrants rapists and criminals in his announcement speech last year. He was slow to disavow a Ku Klux Klan grand wizard earlier in the spring later blaming a bad earpiece. And on the opening day of this week's convention, he awarded primetime speaking slots to victims of crime perpetrated by immigrants in the country illegally. Trump aide Ed Brookover said the "Blue Lives Matter" call isn't inconsistent with Trump's desire to attract more African-American support. "There are many ways to demonstrate concern for different communities," he said. "And we think we're doing a good job of that here." Morris Thomas, an African-America delegate from California, said he doesn't want Trump to pander to minorities. "My issues are not identified with race," he said, citing a personal focus on the economy and national security. "Do I think the party should change its focus so we can pander to voters? No, I don't," Thomas said. "If the other side wins, the other side wins." ___ Follow Steve Peoples on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/sppeoples Truck attacker in Nice had accomplices, planned fo PARIS (AP) The truck driver who killed 84 people on a Nice beachfront had accomplices and appears to have been plotting his attack for months, the Paris prosecutor said Thursday, citing text messages, more than 1,000 phone calls and video of the attack scene on the phone of one of five people facing terror charges. The Paris prosecutor's office said five people were handed preliminary terrorism charges Thursday night for their alleged roles in helping 31-year-old Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel in the July 14 attack in the southern French city. Prosecutor Francois Molins' office, which oversees terrorism investigations, opened a judicial inquiry Thursday into a battery of charges for the suspects, including complicity to murder and possessing weapons tied to a terrorist enterprise. Dolls and teddy bears are placed at a memorial in a gazebo on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, southern France, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. Joggers, cyclists and sun-seekers are back on Nice's famed Riviera coast, a further sign of normal life returning on the Promenade des Anglais where dozens were killed in last week's Bastille Day truck attack. (AP Photo/Claude Paris) Details about the investigation came as France's interior minister faced criticism that a faulty security plan may have opened the way for the truck attack and as France extended its state of emergency for six months. The prosecutor said the investigation made "notable advances" since the Bastille Day attack by Bouhlel, a Tunisian who had been living legally in Nice for years. Bouhlel was killed by police after barreling his 19-ton truck down Nice's famed Promenade des Anglais, mowing down those who had come to see holiday fireworks. The detained suspects are four men - identified as Franco-Tunisians Ramzi A. and Mohamed Oualid G., a Tunisian named Chokri C., and an Albanian named Artan - and a woman of dual French-Albanian nationality identified as Enkeldja, Molins said. Ramzi had previous convictions for drugs and petty crime. All were locked up pending further investigation. People close to Bouhlel said he had shown no signs of radicalization until very recently. But Molins said information from Bouhlel's phone suggested he could have been preparing an attack as far back as May 2015. One photo in his phone, taken May 25, 2015, was an article on Captagon, a drug said to be used by some jihadis before attacks. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attack, though authorities say they have not found signs the extremist group directed it. The probe, which involves more than 400 investigators, confirmed the attack was premediated, the prosecutor said. Telephone records were used to link the five to Bouhlel, and allegedly to support roles in the carnage. Bouhlel and a 30-year-old French-Tunisian with no previous convictions had phoned each other 1,278 times in a year, Molins said. The prosecutor said a text message from the same man found on a phone seized at Bouhlel's said: "I'm not Charlie; I'm happy. They have brought in the soldiers of Allah to finish the job." The message was dated three days after the January 2015 massacre at Charlie Hebdo, the satirical publication in Paris, and referred to the worldwide phrase of solidarity for the victims "I'm Charlie." Hours after the July 14 attack in Nice, the same man filmed the bloody scene on the promenade. The aftermath of the Nice attack has seen France being torn by finger-pointing and accusations that security was wanting despite the state of emergency in place since the Paris attacks last November. French officials defended the government's security measures in Nice on the night of the attack, even as the interior minister acknowledged that national police were not, as he had claimed before, stationed at the entrance to the closed-off boulevard. Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve's clarification comes after a newspaper accused French authorities of lacking transparency in their handling of the massacre. Cazeneuve said Thursday that only local police, who are more lightly armed, were guarding the entrance to the Promenade des Anglais when Bouhlel drove his truck down it. Cazeneuve then launched an internal police investigation into the handling of the Nice attack. President Francois Hollande said the conclusions of that investigation will be known next week. He said any police "shortcomings" will be carefully addressed but defended French authorities' actions. "There's no room for polemics, there's only room for transparency," he said. "The necessary, serious preparations had been made for the July 14 festivities." Earlier, the French newspaper Liberation said Cazeneuve lied about the whereabouts of the national police officers and cars in Nice on July 14. The National Assembly, meanwhile, extended France's state of emergency for six more months. The security measure had been in place since the Nov. 13 Paris attacks that killed 130 victims and were claimed by the Islamic State group. --- Angela Charlton contributed to this report. Still taken from video made available Wednesday July 20, 2016, showing Nice, France, attacker Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, left, after seeming to injure his opponent while competing in a martial arts competition in 2010. His opponent, who asked not to be named, said he remembers Bouhlel as an novice who repeatedly made mistakes during the fight, saying he would strike with his head and elbows which are banned by the rules. The July 14 2016, Bastille Day truck rampage by Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel left at least 84 people dead. (AP Photo) Still taken from video made available Wednesday July 20, 2016, showing Nice, France, attacker Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, left, competing in a martial arts competition in 2010. His opponent, who asked not to be named, said he remembers Bouhlel as an novice who repeatedly made mistakes during the fight, saying he would strike with his head and elbows which are banned by the rules. The July 14 2016, Bastille Day truck rampage by Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel killed 84 people. (AP Photo) Still taken from video made available Wednesday July 20, 2016, showing Nice, France, attacker Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, left, after seeming to injure his opponent while competing in a martial arts competition in 2010. His opponent, who asked not to be named, said he remembers Bouhlel as an novice who repeatedly made mistakes during the fight, saying he would strike with his head and elbows which are banned by the rules. The July 14 2016, Bastille Day truck rampage by Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel left at least 84 people dead. (AP Photo) 10 Things to Know for Friday - 22 July 2016 Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about Friday: 1. DAUNTING CHALLENGES FACE TRUMP POST-CONVENTION At the top of the list: Unifying a fractured party and quieting Americans' concerns about his preparedness for the presidency. Pro-government supporters chant slogans and wave flags as they protest on Istanbul's iconic Bosporus Bridge, late Thursday, July 21, 2016. Turkish lawmakers approved a three-month state of emergency, endorsing new powers for Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that would allow him to expand a crackdown that has already included mass arrests and the closure of hundreds of schools, in the wake of the July 15 failed coup. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) 2. WHO'S TOP CONTENDER IN DEMOCRATIC VEEPSTAKES Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine emerges as the favorite to join the ticket as Clinton's running mate. 3. ROGER AILES OUT AT FOX NEWS The chief executive is leaving the network he built from scratch amid allegations that he forced out a former network anchor after she spurned his sexual advances. 4. BRAZIL NABS 10 IN OLYMPICS ANTI-TERROR SWOOP The suspects allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group and discussed possible attacks during next month's Rio games. 5. WHY NYPD OFFICERS ARE BEING HAILED AS HEROES After a man hurled a clicking object into their van, the two cops sped off, determined to get the device away from the crowds in Times Square. Only later did they learn the object was harmless. 6. CRACKDOWN IN TURKEY RAISES ALARM Concern grows that Erdogan is seizing the moment to cement his personal power and steer Turkey from its secular roots toward a more pious Muslim model. 7. THERAPIST WOUNDED DESPITE OBEYING POLICE COMMANDS The shooting in Florida illustrates the longstanding fear among black men that almost any encounter with police can go awry with potentially deadly results. 8. WHAT'S CAUSING FRESH WORRY OVER ZIKA Brazilian researchers say they have found that a second common mosquito is able to transmit the virus to humans. 9. US SAFETY REGULATORS STEER CLEAR OF TESLA A Tesla in Autopilot mode can drive itself but it's not a "self-driving" vehicle at least as far as the regulators are concerned. 10. SORORITY OF DISNEY PRINCESSES GETTING NEW MEMBER Disney's first Latina princess is taking her bow on TV in the new animated series "Elena of Avalor." FILE - In this May 18, 2010 file photo, TV personality Gretchen Carlson appears on the set of "Fox & friends" in New York. Fox News CEO Roger Ailes is resigning from the network immediately, according to a statement by 21st Century Fox on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The decision comes amid allegations by Carlson that she was fired after refusing his sexual advances. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) China's Panchen Lama presides over key Buddhist ritual BEIJING (AP) China's hand-picked Panchen Lama is presiding over a key Buddhist ritual being held in Tibet for the first time in 50 years, in a move criticized by overseas Tibetan groups as an attempt to legitimize him as a religious leader. The second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism was present for the Kalachakra instructions that began Thursday morning at his home monastery in southwestern Tibet, the official Xinhua News Agency said. The report said an estimated 50,000 Buddhists were attending the four-day event. Beijing named its own Panchen Lama in 1995 after rejecting the 6-year-old boy who was recognized by the Dalai Lama, the highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism who fled into exile in India in 1959 after an abortive uprising against Chinese forces. The government has long vilified the Dalai Lama as a separatist and denies his traditional right to recognize reincarnated lamas. In this Wednesday, July 20, 2016 photo released by Xinhua News Agency, Lama monks cast tsampa (roasted barley flour) after unveiling a huge Thangka Buddha portrait at the Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery during a Buddhist ritual event in Xigaze in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. China's hand-picked Panchen Lama is presiding over a key Buddhist ritual being held in Tibet for only the first time in 50 years, in a move criticized by overseas Tibetan groups. (Purbu Zhaxi/Xinhua via AP) China claims it has had sovereignty over Tibet for more than seven centuries. Many Tibetans say Tibet was essentially independent for most of that time. London-based Free Tibet said the resumption of the ritual was intended to bolster the standing of a cleric who many Tibetans regard as a fake. "The officially atheist Chinese government has long tried to impose its authority on Tibet by co-opting Tibetan Buddhism," Free Tibet director Eleanor Byrne-Rosengren said in a press release. The Panchen Lama's "presence at this Kalachakra stems from the Chinese occupation rather than from genuine religious legitimacy." Prosecutors to appeal Pistorius' 6-year jail sentence JOHANNESBURG (AP) The South African prosecutors' office said Thursday it will appeal against Oscar Pistorius' six-year jail sentence and seek a longer prison term for the double-amputee athlete, who was convicted of murder for shooting girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Calling the sentence given to Pistorius by a judge on July 6 "shockingly too lenient," the National Prosecuting Authority announced it would file appeal papers on Thursday the day of the deadline to appeal. Pistorius was convicted of murder for shooting Steenkamp in his home in 2013, but only after an appeal by prosecutors. He was initially acquitted of the charge and found guilty of the lesser offense of manslaughter, and served one year in prison. FILE - In this July 6 2016 file photo Oscar Pistorius, center, arrives at the High Court in Pretoria, South Africa where he was sentenced to six years for the the killing of his girlfriend Reeve Steenkamp. The National Prosecuting Authority says it is going to appeal the jail sentence, stating that it was "shockingly too lenient". (AP Photo/Shiraaz Mohamed, File) The latest decision to appeal by prosecutors prolongs the three-and-a-half legal case of Pistorius, a multiple Paralympic world champion and the first amputee athlete to run at the Olympics. He shot Steenkamp multiple times through a toilet cubicle door in his home in the pre-dawn hours of Valentine's Day 2013. Pistorius testified that he killed Steenkamp by mistake, thinking she was an intruder hiding in the bathroom. Prosecutors said he shot her intentionally after an argument. "We respectfully submit that the sentence of six years imprisonment, in all the circumstances, is disproportionate to the crime of murder committed," the prosecuting authority said in Thursday's statement announcing its intention to appeal. "That is to say, shockingly too lenient, and has accordingly resulted in an injustice and has the potential to bring the administration of justice into disrepute." Prosecutors had sought 15 years in prison for the double-amputee Olympic athlete, the prescribed minimum sentence for murder in South Africa, but a judge said there were compelling circumstances in Pistorius' case to give him a lesser sentence. In South Africa, a judge can deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence if they find that there are exceptional circumstances. Judge Thokozile Masipa decided on the six-year jail sentence for the 29-year-old Pistorius. She was also the judge who oversaw Pistorius' 2014 trial and acquitted him of murder before that decision was successfully appealed by prosecutors in the Supreme Court. In appealing the six-year sentence, prosecutors first have to get permission from Masipa to take another appeal to the Supreme Court. No date was given for the first hearing in the appeal. Pistorius is currently serving his sentence in a prison in the South African capital, Pretoria. Under South African law, he could be eligible for parole after serving half his sentence, or three years. Southwest shares fall after airline cites weak revenue trend DALLAS (AP) Record revenue and cheaper fuel pushed Southwest Airlines' second-quarter profit up by 35 percent, to $820 million. That was short of Wall Street expectations, however, and Southwest predicted Thursday that a key revenue figure will turn down in the July-through-September quarter. That suggests that lower average fares are hurting even the original low-fare carrier. Southwest shares plunged 11 percent in afternoon trading, wiping out gains from a three-week rally in the stock. FILE - In a June 6, 2016, file photo, a Southwest Airlines jet gets ready to land at Tampa International Airport, in Tampa, Fla. On Thursday, July 21, 2016, Southwest reports financial results. (Skip O'Rourke/The Tampa Bay Times via AP, File) The carrier released quarterly results a day after a massive technology failure led to hundreds of canceled and delayed flights. A spokesman said all systems were fixed by early Thursday morning, but the airline is still bracing for long lines Thursday as customers who were stranded during the outage will try to find new flights. Southwest Airlines Co., the nation's fourth-biggest airline, said revenue in the second quarter increased 5 percent to $5.38 billion, with about half the increase due to a new credit card deal it signed with Chase Bank last year. Expenses rose just 2 percent. Labor costs crept higher, but the airline spent 10 percent less on jet fuel, a savings of $102 million compared with the same period last year. That helped Southwest boost net income to $820 million from $608 million a year ago. Excluding one-time charges and gains, profit was $757 million, or $1.19 per share, which is 2 cents shy of Wall Street expectations, according to analysts polled by FactSet. Analysts polled by Zacks Investment Research forecast $1.22 per share, or 3 cents more than Southwest posted. Potentially more troublesome to investors, Southwest predicted that a closely watched figure, revenue for every seat flown one mile, will decline between 3 percent and 4 percent in the third quarter. That is partly because it will have been one year since the Chase agreements, so there will not be a dramatic year-over-year increase from the credit-card deal, and partly because the average fare fell nearly $6, or 4 percent from last summer, to $152 each way. The weaker prices were offset by a 6 percent jump in passenger traffic. Chairman and CEO Gary Kelly credited the record revenue and lower fuel prices for the increase in profit. Southwest said it set records for percentage of seats sold each month in the quarter. Kelly said that demand has remained "solid" in July but prices on tickets sold close to the day of travel "have softened in recent weeks." That type of ticket is often bought by business travelers, and in recent days Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have reported flat demand from corporate customers. Delta and United both indicated they will grow more slowly in late 2016 than they had planned although they don't expect to actually reduce flights and seats. Southwest grew at a 7 percent clip in the first half of this year. Helane Becker, an analyst for Cowen and Co., said that if low prices persist, Southwest might reconsider its growth plans for 2017 and speed up the retirement of older planes. In afternoon trading, Southwest shares tumbled $4.64 to $37.39.The shares started the day down slightly more than 2 percent since the beginning of the year, while the Standard & Poor's 500 index rose slightly more than 6 percent. The stock was up 23 percent in the last 12 months. ___ Elements of this story were generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on LUV at http://www.zacks.com/ap/LUV ___ Mali extends state of emergency for 10 days after attack DAKAR, Senegal (AP) Mali's government said Thursday it has extended a state of emergency for 10 days after an attack on an army base in the center of the country earlier this week. Two separate organizations linked to the Peul ethnic group claimed responsibility for the attack early Tuesday that killed 17 soldiers and wounded more than 30 in the city of Nampala. The Macina Liberation Front, which is said to have ties to al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, claimed responsibility for the attack on social media. The group's attacks in central Mali have raised alarm because it represents an escalation in extremism much further south. Another group called the National Alliance for the Protection of the Peul Identity and the Restoration of Justice claimed responsibility. It was the first time the group had assaulted a Malian army position. A state or emergency allows police in Mali to search homes without a warrant, and it bans protests. The Latest: Convention's balloon drop doesn't disappoint CLEVELAND (AP) The Latest on the Republican National Convention (all times EDT): 11:55 p.m. The Republican convention's closing balloon drop didn't disappoint. Confetti and balloons fall during celebrations after Donald Trump's acceptance speech on the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Soon after Donald Trump made one last promise to "make America great again," a slow-moving, confetti-and-balloon blizzard floated down on the convention hall in Cleveland. More than 125,000 balloons some as big as beach balls floated down on the dancing delegates. The soundtrack for the spectacle was the Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want" perhaps a strange choice. Outside, fireworks illuminated the sky over Lake Erie. ___ 11:50 p.m. Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman says Donald Trump used "more fear, more division, more anger, more hate" in his speech to the Republican National Convention. John Podesta says in a statement that next week's Democratic National Convention will offer a more positive vision. Podesta says Trump is "temperamentally unfit and totally unqualified to be president." He says the Republican nominee isn't offering any "real solutions" but rather "more prejudice and paranoia." Podesta says "America is better than Donald Trump." ___ 11:25 p.m. Donald Trump is reminding voters that the balance of power on the Supreme Court will be decided by the November election. The Republican presidential nominee says in his convention speech that he wants judge who would uphold the Constitution. Many Republicans who are reluctant Trump supporters have pointed to his ability to ensure that the high court has a conservative majority. There's a current 4-4 ideological split, with one vacancy. ___ 11:20 p.m. Donald Trump's attempt to reach out to evangelicals hasn't always been smooth, but on Thursday night it was loud and clear during his convention speech. Trump took a moment to thank evangelicals for their support, even though, as he out it, "I'm not sure I totally deserve it." Trump touched on an issue that's become a priority for religious conservatives. He's pledging to repeal a law that some believe prevents religious groups from engaging in politics. ___ 11:15 p.m. Donald Trump says he'll turn what he believes are bad trade deals into great ones for the United States. And he says he'll never sign a trade agreement that hurts workers or diminishes freedom. The Republican presidential nominee also says he won't let U.S. companies relocate to other countries laying off workers in the process - "without consequences." Trump says he'll negotiate deals with individual countries, rather than complex agreements involving many nations. He's taking aim at President Barack Obama for basing his trade policy on negotiating multinational agreements in Asia and Europe. Trump is breaking sharply with his party on trade. The GOP in the past has supported free trade agreements. ___ 11:10 p.m. Donald Trump says that if he's in the White House, he'll protect gays and lesbians from violence. It's an overture to a group that doesn't often get mentioned during a speech at the Republican National Convention. Trump is bemoaning the attack in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, that killed 49 people. He says the shooter was an "Islamic terrorist" who was driven by a "hateful foreign ideology." Trump says he's going to prevent such attacks against the LGBTQ community. Trump's use of the phrase is notable for including the 'Q,' which stands for queer or questioning and is less common. ___ 11:05 p.m. Donald Trump says his immigration plan is based on compassion. Trump says his proposal to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border is a way of taking a hard line on immigration laws and he says that approach is "considerate and compassionate to everyone." Trump's immigration proposal is a driving force in his presidential campaign. But it's alienated many Hispanic voters and has been called unworkable even some in the GOP. Trump says his tough approach will stop the cycle of human smuggling and "peace will be restored by enforcing the rules." ___ 11:03 p.m. Donald Trump is backtracking from his criticism of NATO. He says the alliance has taken a step in the "right direction" in deciding to focus more on terrorism. The Republican presidential nominee made the comments during his convention address. A day earlier, he said in a New York Times interview that he might not come to the defense of NATO nations that failed to meet their financial obligations. ____ 11 p.m. Donald Trump is outlining his approach to fighting terrorism. He says he'll create the "best intelligence gathering operation in the world." The GOP presidential nominee says he'll also abandon what he calls the "nation building" and "regime change" policies pushed by his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, when she was secretary of state. Trump isn't mentioning former President George W. Bush, who led a war to oust Iraq's Saddam Hussein in 2003. Trump's third focus is working with allies such as Israel and he's promising to block Syrian refugees from entering the country. ___ 10:55 p.m. Donald Trump is accusing America's first black president of dividing the nation along racial lines. The Republican presidential nominee is calling President Barack Obama's rhetoric on race "irresponsible." Trump is blaming Obama for making the country more dangerous. Trump is making the charges during his prime-time address at the Republican National Convention. Trump says Obama "has used the pulpit of the presidency to divide us by race and color." ___ 10:50 p.m. Donald Trump says he'll work with and appoint the "best and brightest prosecutors and law enforcement officials" to crack down on violence against police. He tells delegates at the Republican National Convention that "an attack on law enforcement is an attack on all Americans." ___ 10:45 p.m. A protester has interrupted Donald Trump's speech at the Republican National Convention. A woman waving a banner started yelling more than 20 minutes into Trump's remarks. The GOP presidential nominee paused for nearly a minute while waiting for police to remove her. The convention crowd chanted, "USA!" for much of the time as Trump stood silently at the podium. When Trump began speaking again, he said: "How great are our police?" as authorities took the protester out of the arena. ___ 10:40 p.m. Donald Trump is using his acceptance speech to tear into Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Trump is accusing Clinton of committing "terrible, terrible crimes." He says Clinton's use of a personal email and mishandling of classified information while secretary of state amounts to a new level of corruption. Trump is also accusing Clinton "trading access and favors to special interests and foreign powers." Trump is offering no evidence to support his claims. ___ 10:35 p.m. Donald Trump is putting a lid on the calls by delegates at the Republican National Convention to put Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in jail. Trump was giving his acceptance speech Thursday night when the crowd began chanting "Lock her up!" a chant heard during previous nights at the convention. Trump waved his hands in a motion to discourage the refrain. Then he said: "Let's defeat her in November." ___ 10:30 p.m. Donald Trump is blaming Hillary Clinton's "bad instincts" for disasters across the world. Trump says his Democratic opponent has left a legacy of what he calls "death, destruction and weakness." The Republican presidential nominee cites the spread of the Islamic State group, the deadly attacks on the American consulate in Libya and violence across Iraq and Syria. Trump says a change in U.S. leadership will change the world's challenges. ___ 10:26 p.m. Donald Trump says nearly 180,000 people who are in the United States illegally are a threat to the nation's safety. He tells delegates at the Republican National Convention that, if he's elected president, he'll lead a country of "law and order." The promise is the first point the Republican presidential nominee made in his convention address. Trump says "attacks on our police, and the terrorism in our cities, threaten our very way of life." He says "crime and violence" will end if he's elected president. ___ 10:24 p.m. Donald Trump wasn't alone when he came onstage to accept the Republican nomination for president at the Republican National Convention. Two Secret Service agents stood nearby, off to left and right of the stage, right behind him and out of camera view. ___ 10:23 p.m. Ivanka Trump is vouching for dad with women and minorities two groups Donald Trump has struggled to win over. Trump's oldest daughter says her dad is "color blind and gender neutral." She says "he hires the best person for the job, period." The younger Trump noted she's worked with her father for more than a decade and seen him hire people from "all walks of life." Donald Trump has faced criticism for his hiring practices and treatment of women in his businesses. But his daughter says his construction sites are "true meritocracies." ___ 10:15 p.m. Ivanka Trump is promising that Donald Trump will fight for equal pay for women and affordable child care. The Republican presidential nominee's eldest daughter outlined priorities often associated with Democrats during her prime-time address Thursday night at the Republican National Convention. She says motherhood is creating a pay discrepancy for women, but says her father "will fight for equal pay for equal work." Ivanka Trump says her father will "focus on making affordable childcare affordable and accessible for all" if elected. Trump hasn't addressed child care costs or the gender pay gap so far in his 2016 presidential bid. ___ 10:19 p.m. Donald Trump has accepted the Republican nomination for president. The New York billionaire formally became the GOP standard bearer Thursday night on the convention stage in Cleveland. He will represent the Republican Party on the ballot in November. Here's what he said from the stage: "I humbly and gratefully accept your nomination for the presidency of the United States." ___ 10:10 p.m. Ivanka Trump is calling her father "the people's nominee." Donald Trump's oldest daughter tells the Republican National Convention that her father is a fighter. She says she doesn't consider herself a Republican or a Democrat. Sometimes, she says, she has a tough choice picking a presidential candidate. But not this time. Here's how she puts it: "For more than a year, Donald Trump has been the people's champion. And tonight, he is the people's nominee." Donald Trump's acceptance speech is coming up soon. ___ 10 p.m. Donald Trump's campaign hasn't always followed to tradition, but it is sticking with a convention staple the biographical video. The Trump mini-movie aired in prime time Thursday night from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. It is casting the billionaire candidate from New York as big city builder with a heart. It makes no mention of his second career as a celebrity and reality TV star. The video features black-and-white photos of a young Trump growing up in Queens and learning the tricks of the building trade from his father. But the younger Trump dreamed big as the narrator says and decided to leave for Manhattan the "biggest city in the world." The video describes Trump as a team player who created tens of thousands of jobs, and the film says many of those jobs were for women. ___ 9:55 p.m. Melania Trump has arrived at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland as the GOP presidential nominee is getting ready to deliver his acceptance speech. It's her first appearance in the arena since her prime-time speech Monday night that went viral with charges of plagiarism. She's made her way to the box reserved for Trump's family and is sitting with her son, Barron, the youngest of Donald Trump's children. ___ 9:30 p.m. High-tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel says he's proud to be gay and proud to be a Republican but most of all, proud to be an American. And that declaration is winning Thiel loud cheers at the Republican convention. The PayPal co-founder is the first person to give a GOP convention speech and acknowledge being gay. Thiel says the culture wars are distracting Americans from important economic issues. He says debates over transgender people and bathrooms are "a distraction from our real problems." ___ 9:25 p.m. It's almost time for Donald Trump to deliver his acceptance speech at the Republican National Committee, but he's raising money as if he'd already given the much-anticipated address. The email appeal is hitting inboxes before the GOP presidential nominee had taken the stage. Here's what the message says: "I just delivered my speech at the Republican National Convention, where I officially accepted our Party's nomination for President of the United States." The appeal also says: "I can't thank my wonderful supporters enough." ___ 8:45 p.m. The GOP chairman has a new description for the Democratic Party. Reince Priebus (ryns PREE'-bus) calls it the "party of the same old thing." That's Priebus' message Thursday night at the Republican National Convention. He's planning to go after Democrat Hillary Clinton even more so than praising Republican nominee Donald Trump. Priebus says in prepared remarks that Democrats will "trot out the same old Democrats with the same old message running the same old candidate" at next week's Democratic convention in Philadelphia. He calls the Republican Party "the party of new ideas." ___ 8:40 p.m. PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel is getting his turn in the spotlight at the Republican convention. The Silicon Valley billionaire says Donald Trump's "Make America great again" slogan isn't about returning to the past but leading "us back to that bright future." He's set to speak later Thursday when he'll become the first person in a GOP convention speech to acknowledge being gay. Excerpts of his speech are being released before he takes the stage. Thiel has faced some blowback in Silicon Valley for backing Trump. The GOP nominee says he'd nominate Supreme Court justices who might overturn the decision legalizing gay marriage. Thiel says he doesn't agree with every part of the party's policy platform. But he says what he calls "fake culture wars" only distract Americans from economic issues. ___ 8:30 p.m. A bipartisan group of national security experts is criticizing Donald Trump for suggesting the United States may reconsider NATO's policy of defending its members against possible Russian aggression. They've written an open letter to U.S. "friends and allies." These experts call Trump's comments "inflammatory" and say his remarks don't "represent the interests of the United States." Among the 40 expert who signed on are former Sen. Carl Levin; former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and a retired Marine lieutenant general, John Castellaw. Trump indicated in a New York Times interview that he may review the financial contributions of certain NATO members before acting under the alliance's Article 5 mutual defense clause if they were attacked by Russia. ___ 8:10 p.m. Chants of "All Lives Matter" are filling the arena at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Leading the chant is a pastor from South Carolina Mark Burns. He says Donald Trump won't "pander" to one race. Burns also is calling on the GOP to listen to the problems of people in disenfranchised communities in the country. He says that more than anything, they want jobs. The "All Lives Matter" chant is often used by conservatives to counter the Black Lives Matter movement, which has called attention to police violence against African-Americans. ___ 8:05 p.m. The longtime and well-known sheriff of metropolitan Phoenix says his "most important mission" is just beginning: electing Donald Trump to the White House. Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio (ahr-PY'-oh) a leading foe of illegal immigration is praising Trump's immigration policies and support for law enforcement. Arpaio says Trump will "restore law and order" and put the interests of U.S. citizens first. Just the mention of Trump's proposal to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border won cheers from the delegates at the Republican National Convention. ___ 6:50 p.m. Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine has emerged as the leading contender to join the Democratic ticket as Hillary Clinton's running mate. That's according to two Democrats, but they also caution that Clinton hasn't made a final decision and could change direction. The announcement of Clinton's pick could come as early as Friday afternoon in Florida. The timing is aimed at shifting attention away from the end of Donald Trump's Republican convention and generating excitement before the start of Clinton's own convention next week in Philadelphia. The two Democrats also say Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is still in the mix. The Democrats are familiar with the selection process and spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the search publicly. ___ 6 p.m. There's not a lot of love from the O'Jays about the use of their song "Love Train" during the Republican National Convention. The R&B group says its hit including a version remixed as "Trump Train" is being used without the band's consent. Founding O'Jays members Eddie Levert and Walter Williams say in a statement they were asked to appear at the Cleveland convention. They say they turned down the offer, and they say Donald Trump's candidacy is in their words "divisive and at odds with the overriding message of their song." Levert is making clear what he thinks about the GOP presidential nominee: "I think he just may be the anti-Christ." The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers say they're willing to be a part of the upcoming Democratic National Convention. Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump gestures as he greets his daughter Ivanka Trump on stage during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) China's calls for South China Sea talks face challenges BEIJING (AP) Amid China's outrage over an international tribunal that rejected its territorial claims in the South China Sea, the country is using new language that some experts say shows Beijing wants to be more flexible. But it is too late? China has been on a public relations offensive to discredit The Hague-based tribunal that last week handed the Philippines a massive victory in its challenge to Beijing's claims to much of the sea. Buried in the outpouring of statements and diplomats' diatribes, however, is a new stance on cooperating with the Philippines and other claimants in jointly developing the waters' rich fishing stocks and potential wealth of other natural resources. "China is ready to discuss with countries concerned about provisional arrangements pending final settlement of the dispute," the country's top diplomat, State Councilor Yang Jiechi, said last week. Yang did not describe specifics of the arrangements but said they would include joint development for "mutual benefits." In this Sunday, July 17, 2016 photo, a Chinese waitress waits for customers at a restaurant with a Diaoyu Islands theme in Beijing. Amid China's outrage over an international tribunal that rejected its territorial claims in the South China Sea, the country is using new language that some experts say shows Beijing wants to be more flexible. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Other official statements have also said China is willing to enter into "provisional arrangements of a practical nature," phrasing that echoes language used in the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS. Under UNCLOS, such "provisional arrangements" set aside issues of sovereignty and promote joint development of resources, with the understanding that cooperation would neither bolster nor undermine a state's claims. Several Chinese analysts said it marked a new approach for China. "It is the first time that the idea of provisional arrangements has been proposed as a policy," said Zhu Feng, executive director of the China Center for Collaborative Studies of South China Sea of Nanjing University. Zhu said such arrangements under UNCLOS could expand the scope of possible activities in which China and other claimants could work together to include not just oil exploitation but the development of fisheries, tourism and other resources. For years, China has publicly touted the idea of jointly developing the South China Sea with other claimants, but its insistence that the other party first recognize Chinese sovereignty over the features in question posed a major stumbling block, analysts say. Chinese analysts say Beijing is offering such arrangements to demonstrate flexibility and play down the thorny issue of sovereignty. Other analysts say China is likely under pressure to head off attempts by other countries that claim parts of the South China Sea to replicate the Philippines' legal success. China's main challenge is that last week's ruling gives other parties little incentive to talk. "The problem is that according to the ruling, China only enjoys a very small part of the territorial sea, therefore laying a foundation for other claimants not to seek joint development," said Chen Xiangmiao, a researcher at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies. Analysts in the U.S. said the apparent shift in China's negotiating strategy was noteworthy, but that Beijing needs to build trust with the other claimants. "Beijing's intimations that it is prepared to open the door to (provisional arrangements) is promising," said Dr. Lynn Kuok, non-resident fellow at Brookings Institution, who was among several scholars who have argued that China should adopt such arrangements. Kuok said it is difficult to identify areas for joint development but the most obvious one would be the waters around Scarborough Shoal, where the tribunal found the Philippines and China both retained traditional fishing rights. "However, trust in China is very low and Beijing will have to demonstrate the sincerity of its intentions fairly quickly," Kuok said. Southeast Asian nations involved in disputes with China have said they think Beijing's calls for negotiations are mere stalling tactics as China continues to build airstrips and other infrastructure in the South China Sea, effectively expanding its control over the vast waters. Tran Cong Truc, the former head of Vietnam's borders committee, dismissed China's overtures. In previous talks with Hanoi, China has sought joint development of waters that Vietnam considers its own exclusive economic zone to which Beijing has no legitimate claim, he said. "Beijing wants to turn undisputed areas into disputed areas," he said. "They wanted to secure a placement in the joint development as a first step and then control all of it," he said. "There could be some differences in the way they talk ... but there is no change in their nature." Questions remain about the conditions Beijing would impose on any talks. "I wonder whether there is a trap for the Philippines implicit in this enticing offer," asked Bonnie Glaser, senior adviser for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. The arbitration ruling essentially declared that China has no legal basis to claim historic rights in the South China Sea, leaving China with little leverage. If the Philippines accepted the provisional arrangements, Glaser said, that might acknowledge that China has some form of resource rights despite the ruling to the contrary. "In essence, it is asking Manila to ignore the ruling," she said. China has asserted that the tribunal's ruling cannot be made the basis of any negotiations over the disputes. The Philippines' foreign secretary, Perfecto Yasay, this week said Manila rejected Beijing's offer of talks on that condition, saying it was inconsistent with the Philippines' constitution and its national interest. On Thursday, the official China Daily carried a Chinese foreign ministry response to Yasay's rejection, urging the Philippines to chart a new course. The ministry was quoted as saying: "There is still time if timely remedy is made." ___ Associated Press writers Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, and Minh V. Tran in Hanoi, Vietnam, and researcher Yu Bing in Beijing contributed to this report. In this Wednesday, July 13, 2016 photo, a worker of a restaurant bar reacts to a photographer as he prepares to hoist a Chinese national flag near a drawing of the country with the words that read: "China, South China Sea, China's territory right does not need arbitration" in Beijing. Amid China's outrage over an international tribunal that rejected its territorial claims in the South China Sea, the country is using new language that some experts say shows Beijing wants to be more flexible. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) FILE - In this June 27, 2016 file photo, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi speaks during a cooperation conference with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh in Hanoi, Vietnam during his two-day visit to Vietnam to try to promote cooperation amid growing tension over Chinese growing assertiveness in the South China Sea. "China is ready to discuss with countries concerned about provisional arrangements pending final settlement of the dispute," the country's top diplomat, Yang said last week. Yang did not describe specifics of the arrangements but said they would include joint development for "mutual benefits." (AP Photo/Tran Van Minh, File) 17 bodies found, 1,128 migrants rescued from Mediterranean ROME (AP) Rescue boats recovered the bodies of 17 migrants and plucked 1,128 survivors from the Mediterranean Sea south of Sicily on Thursday, a day after 22 corpses were found at the bottom of a smugglers' boat. The Italian coast guard, which coordinated Thursday's rescues, said the operation took on survivors from five rubber motorized dinghies, a larger boat and two small boats. Those rescues took place as a separate vessel was bringing the bodies of the 17 discovered a day earlier toward Sicily, where the corpses were expected to arrive Friday. The humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders, meanwhile, said the bodies of 21 women and one man were found in a pool of fuel at the bottom of another smugglers' boat. That same rescue effort saved 209 people who were aboard two rubber dinghies. Sub-saharan refugees and migrants on an overcrowded dinghy wait to be rescued by a team of the Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms, 24 miles north of Sabratha, near Lybia, inside the so called Search and Rescue zone SAR, on Tuesday, July 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Santi Palacios) By Thursday evening, the coast guard reported that nearly 1,700 migrants had been rescued in a two-day period. Vessels from non-government organizations, national military fleets and passing cargo ships have been rescuing migrants daily from unseaworthy smuggling boats launched from Libya's lawless shores. Hundreds of thousands of migrants have been rescued in the past few years. In this Tuesday July 19, 2016 photo, refugees and migrants from Eritrea, Mali, Bangladesh and other countries wait on board a dinghy to be rescued in the Mediterranean Sea, 27 kilometers (17 miles) north of Sabratha, Libya. (AP Photo/Santi Palacios) You are here: Home A bullet train runs through a bridge on the Lanzhou-Xinjiang high-speed railway, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Nov. 3, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua] The top economic planner issued China's latest national railway plan Wednesday, with the target to operate a 175,000 km rail network by 2025. China expects to have 38,000 km of high speed railway (HSR) by 2025, according to the plan issued by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). By 2020, China will have a 150,000 km railway network, of which about 30,000 km will be HSR, covering over 80 percent of major cities nationwide, said the NDRC. By 2030, the inter-city rail network will have been improved, reducing the travel time between neighboring major and medium-sized cities. The new plan also emphasized boosting rail construction in central and western areas to achieve a more balanced development among regions. NDRC statistics show that China had an operating rail length of 121,000 km by 2015, of which 19,000 km was high-speed rail. Tree toppled by high winds smashes onto van, killing man NEWNAN, Ga. (AP) Authorities in Georgia say a falling tree killed a man when it landed on his van. Coweta County sheriff's Lt. Col. James Yarbrough says 47-year-old Larry Adornato of Newnan died after high winds toppled a large oak tree, which then fell on his van Tuesday. The Newnan Times-Herald (http://bit.ly/29VVwK0 ) reports the trunk of the tree fell in the middle of the driver's side, crushing the door and roof. The tree also knocked down nearby power lines, causing emergency personnel to deal with potential electrical shock dangers. Authorities say Adornato had a passenger in the van, who suffered a broken leg. ___ Spanish bank sees red in color quarrel with German rival BERLIN (AP) Spanish bank Santander has suffered a legal blow in its long-running row with a German rival over the use of the color red. Germany's Federal Court of Justice ruled Thursday that the country's publicly-owned Sparkassen are entitled to keep their trademark for a shade of red called HKS 13. Santander which uses the slightly darker HKS 14 has been trying for six years to get the German Patent and Trademark Office to delete its rivals' trademark. It initially succeeded, but Germany's top civil court reversed the decision on appeal. The court accepted the argument that HKS 13 is widely recognized as the signature color of the Sparkassen, which can be found throughout Germany. French warplane bombed Libya militias after French deaths BENGHAZI, Libya (AP) A French warplane bombed Islamic militia positions outside the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi this week after the killings of French officers in the area, two Libyan officials said Thursday. A member of the militia said that the bombings took place Wednesday and killed least 16 militiamen and destroyed their weapons. The two military officials gave no casualty figures. All three spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. The killings of the French, which took place on Sunday and which were first reported by the AP, prompted the French Defense Ministry to confirm on Wednesday that it lost three officers in eastern Libya. It was the first time France has said its forces operate in eastern Libya. The acknowledgment underscored the complexities of Libya's conflict, with its rival political factions and a myriad of militias, and also embarrassed France because it exposed the French in eastern Libya are fighting alongside Brig. Gen. Khalifa Hifter a bitter opponent of the U.N.-backed unity government based in the Libyan capital of Tripoli. The two Libyan officials said the French bombings were in retaliation for the deaths of the French special forces. The bombings targeted a district called al-Magrun and its surroundings east of Benghazi, where Hifter has been fighting the Islamic militias known as Benghazi Defense Brigade, they said. Hifter has also for the past two years fought an al-Qaida-linked group in Benghazi. France did not immediately confirm the bombings, which the two Libyan officials said forced the militias to retreat toward the town of Ajdabiya, west of Benghazi. The Red Crescent in Libya said Thursday that it retrieved a total of 17 bodies from districts bombed east of Benghazi. Ahmed al-Mesmari, the spokesman for Hifter's forces, told reporters in Benghazi on Wednesday that the French were gathering intelligence on the Islamic State affiliate in Libya when the helicopter they were one was downed by the militias. He claimed the fight against the militias was going well, saying the "the enemy retreated after heavy losses in their ranks" and was now "cowering in the desert." After the 2011 ouster of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi by NATO-backed rebels, Libya slid into chaos and years later, it split into two governments and parliaments, each backed by a loose array of militias and tribes. In December, a U.N. deal created a new unity government and presidency council, aiming to heal the rift and unite Libyan militias and forces under a joint command. However, the new government has been facing multiple challenges and resistance from various groups. According to the deal, Libya's internationally-recognized parliament must give a vote of confidence to the new government but it has so far failed to do so, causing political deadlock. That parliament also supports the anti-Islamic forces under Hifter's command. For the past two years, foreign missions and military experts have joined two rival sides in Libya. Apart from the French, U.S. and British forces have also reportedly been involved with different rival armed groups and political factions in Libya. Libya's pro-government militias mainly from the western city of Misrata have been waging a two-month offensive against the Islamic State group in the militants' last bastion in Sirte, a city on the Mediterranean. Reports have suggested that British forces are involved in the anti-IS assault while American warplanes have struck several IS positions in the western city of Sabratha and the eastern town of Ajdabiya. Dodging questions as to why French special forces are in Libya, French Foreign Ministry spokesman Romain Nadal said on Thursday that "support for the Government of National Accord is a priority for France." "France encourages all Libyan forces to be placed under the authority" of the U.N.-backed unity government in Tripoli, Nadal added. On Wednesday, hundreds of protesters demonstrated in Tripoli against France's involvement in Libya, burning the French flag and calling for attacks on French business interests in Libya. Al-Sadeq al-Ghariyani, an ultraconservative cleric, denounced France's involvement as "foreign invasion." A Libyan militia known as Oil Installation Guards, which is in charge of vital oil terminals, issued a statement warning France of "becoming a party that fuels conflict by supporting one side against the other." Also on Thursday, Amnesty International urged Hifter's forces to halt airstrikes targeting areas under control of Islamic militias inside Benghazi, so as not to endanger lives of an estimated 130 people suspected to be held by the militias as human shields. Some of the captives, held since October 2014, appeared in a video this month purportedly posted by al-Qaida-linked Ansar al-Shariah militant group. "No one should be held as a hostage or treated as a human shield," said Magdalena Mughrabi, Amnesty's interim deputy director for Middle East and North Africa. She urged Hifter's forces to "avoid launching disproportionate or otherwise indiscriminate attacks, which may amount to war crimes." ___ Twitter talks Donald Trump's 'air kiss' of Mike Pence CLEVELAND (AP) Donald Trump's would-be smooch of running mate Mike Pence is drawing attention on social media. Pence's teleprompter displayed the stage direction "embrace" just after his acceptance speech Wednesday at the Republican National Convention. But Trump, after coming onstage and shaking Pence's hand, puckered his lips and appeared to go in for a kiss on the forehead of the Indiana governor before both men stopped short and smiled. Some Twitter users say the awkward "air kiss" draws comparisons Al and Tipper Gore's famous kiss at the Democratic National Convention in 2000. One Facebook user says it was simply a New York-style show of affection by Trump Republican presidential Candidate Donald Trump gives his running mate, Republican vice presidential nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana a kiss as they shake hands after Pence's acceptance speech during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, give his running mate Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana a kiss after Pence's acceptance speech during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, give his running mate Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana a kiss after Pence's acceptance speech during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) UK PM May reassures France on defense ties after EU exit PARIS (AP) British Prime Minister Theresa May says her country stands "shoulder to shoulder" with France following the deadly truck attack in Nice and gave reassurances that critical partnerships like intelligence cooperation with Paris and NATO obligations won't be hurt by Britain's exit from the European Union. Speaking at a news conference Thursday in Paris with President Francois Hollande, May reiterated that Britain needs time to prepare negotiations for its departure from 28-nation bloc and said London won't invoke Article 50 of the EU treaty to start the process before the end of the year. But "Britain remains open for business," she said. France's President Francois Hollande, centre, greets Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May prior to a meeting at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) Along with counterterrorism efforts, "intelligence and security cooperation "is something that will always endure, even after Britain has left the European Union," she said. May, who took office last week, also said Britain "will continue to meet our NATO obligations, to spend 2 percent of our GDP on defense." Hollande pressed his message that Britain's negotiations to leave the EU must not drag on, because "uncertainty is the greatest danger." He also said Britain cannot have it both ways once it leaves. There can be no freedom of movement of goods, of capital and of services "if there is not free movement of people," he said. May said she "expects" to be able to guarantee that French and other EU citizens now working in Britain can stay , but said British citizens' rights in the EU would also need protected. May met German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday, and said Britain won't start exit talks until "our objectives are clear." Merkel struck a conciliatory tone, saying "nobody wants a long-term stalemate" but adding it was reasonable to give Britain time to prepare its EU exit carefully. French President Francois Hollande, speaks during a press conference with Ireland's Prime Minister Enda Kenny at Government Buildings in Dublin, Thursday July 21, 2016. (Niall Carson /PA via AP) France's President Francois Hollande, right, shakes hand with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May at the end of a press conference at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, Thursday, July 21, 2016. The European Central Bank said Thursday it stands ready to give the eurozone a further dose of stimulus if Britain's vote to leave the European Union starts to weigh on the region's economy. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) France's President Francois Hollande, right, and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May give a press conference after a meeting at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, Thursday, July 21, 2016. The European Central Bank said Thursday it stands ready to give the eurozone a further dose of stimulus if Britain's vote to leave the European Union starts to weigh on the region's economy. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) Belgium marks holiday under tightened security BRUSSELS (AP) A week after the Bastille Day attack that killed scores of people in France, Belgium is celebrating its national holiday under tightened security. Festivities began Thursday morning with a religious service at the Brussels cathedral that was attended by Belgium's king and queen, Prime Minister Charles Michel and other dignitaries. A large contingent of police, including snipers, was posted around the building. In this framegrab taken from APTN, a soldier walks along a street in Brussels, Belgium, Wednesday July 20, 2016. Police in Brussels say they arrested a man acting suspiciously and wearing heavy clothes with wires hanging out, in the area of place Monnaie. Police closed the area and evacuated people surrounding the area. (AP Photo/APTN) A military parade through central Brussels is planned in the afternoon, and a fireworks display in the evening. The Belgian government ordered beefed-up security following the July 14 attack in Nice, France, in which an attacker slammed a truck into a crowd celebrating France's national holiday, killing 84 people. Turkish chopper fugitives seek asylum in Greece ALEXANDROUPOLIS, Greece (AP) Eight Turkish officers who fled to Greece by military helicopter during last week's attempted coup have been handed suspended sentences by a Greek court removing a potential obstacle to their extradition back to Turkey. The court Thursday sentenced the six pilots and two engineers to two months in prison for illegally entering Greece. The sentences were suspended for three years, but they remained in police custody pending resolution of their asylum applications. Turkey has demanded their return to stand trial for participation in Friday's coup attempt. The eight deny involvement and have applied for asylum, saying they fear for their safety amid widespread purges in the aftermath of the attempted overthrow of the government. A Turkish military officer is transferred to a court hall in the city of Alexandroupolis, northern Greece, Thursday, July 21, 2016. Eight Turkish military personnel who fled to Greece a board a helicopter during an attempted coup in their country are testifying in court during their trial on charges of entering Greece illegally. Turkey is seeking their return to stand trial for participation in Fridays coup attempt. The eight deny any involvement and have applied for asylum, saying they fear for their lives if returned. (Antonis Pasvantis/InTime News via AP) "We apologize for the inconvenience caused to the Greek state but we acted without having any alternative," the eight defendants said in a joint statement read out by their lawyer. "We had no involvement in the attempted coup. We proudly serve in our country's armed forces and are committed to democracy and human rights." Their asylum applications were being examined, and they will appear before immigration authorities on July 27 for the second time for interviews. The eight landed at the airport of the northeastern Greek city of Alexandroupolis early Saturday in a Black Hawk helicopter after issuing a mayday signal and requesting permission for an emergency landing, which was granted. During Thursday's court proceedings, all testified that they were crew members of three helicopters and had been unaware that a coup attempt was underway. They said they had been tasked with transporting wounded soldiers and civilians and that their helicopters had come under fire from police and others on the ground. They said they landed at a military base near a hospital and came under fire again, and were told by their unit not to return to their home base because the situation was too dangerous. After heading to another location, the personnel decided to flee for their lives in one helicopter, they said. A Greek policeman who testified said all eight were unarmed and cooperative after landing, offered no resistance to arrest, surrendered immediately and asked for political asylum. __ Becatoros reported from Athens. Fanis Karabatzakis contributed. Follow Kantouris at http://www.twitter.com/CostasKantouris and Becatoros at http://www.twitter.com/ElenaBec A Turkish military officer is transferred to a court hall in the city of Alexandroupolis, northern Greece, Thursday, July 21, 2016. Eight Turkish military personnel who fled to Greece a board a helicopter during an attempted coup in their country are testifying in court during their trial on charges of entering Greece illegally. Turkey is seeking their return to stand trial for participation in Fridays coup attempt. The eight deny any involvement and have applied for asylum, saying they fear for their lives if returned. (Antonis Pasvantis/InTime News via AP) Prince Harry says world must revive urgency in AIDS fight DURBAN, South Africa (AP) Prince Harry is warning against complacency in the fight against AIDS, saying inaction has set in as the epidemic has drifted from the headlines and people live longer with the disease. The British prince spoke Thursday with rock star Elton John during a global AIDS conference in South Africa. The prince, who publicly took an HIV test earlier this month, said the world cannot lose the sense of urgency in fighting the disease. Britain's Prince Harry poses for a photograph with a group of young ambassadors at the 2016 International World AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, Thursday July 21, 2016. (AP Photo) He said a new generation of leaders must step forward on the issue and make sure no young person feels any shame in being tested. Elton John called the prince a powerful ally in the fight against AIDS, the leading cause of death among adolescents in Africa, where around 30 people are infected every hour. British pop star Elton John signs the "Pro Test" wall, to encourage people to set tested for HIV, at the International World Aids Conference in Durban, South Africa, Thursday, July 21, 2016. Elton John on Wednesday committed money for protecting LGBT people in Africa, saying that leaving them behind in the fight against AIDS will only increase the spread of the disease. (AP Photo) Britain's Prince Harry, right, shares the stage with British musician Elton John, left, at the 2016 International World AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, Thursday July 21, 2016. (AP Photo) Britain's Prince Harry poses for a photograph with a group of young ambassadors at the 2016 International World AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, Thursday July 21, 2016. (AP Photo) Cruz defiant as GOP slams him on Trump non-endorsement CLEVELAND (AP) A defiant Sen. Ted Cruz declared Thursday he's no "servile puppy dog" as he faced a torrent of GOP criticism over his refusal to endorse Donald Trump on the Republican National Convention stage. Irate convention delegates predicted Cruz had committed political suicide by accepting a prime-time speaking slot Wednesday only to urge Republicans to "vote your conscience," not vote for the nominee. Although the Texas senator had not been expected to offer an effusive endorsement of his primary foe, many GOP delegates had hoped and expected to hear some expression of support as they struggle to unite their party to defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton this fall. Instead they got the opposite Wednesday night as Cruz's defiance ripped apart their showcase of GOP unity moments before vice presidential nominee Mike Pence took the stage. The result was a moment of high drama in the convention hall, as delegates booed Cruz angrily and waved their arms, and some even rushed the stage. Only Trump's sudden appearance in his family's box, dispensing smiles and waves, quieted the simmering crowd. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Tex., addresses the delegates during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Trump himself declared Cruz's move "no big deal!" in a late-night Twitter post Wednesday. But on Thursday the Texan met anger and denunciations from many sides and was even heckled at a breakfast meeting of his own Texas delegation where a vocal minority of the large crowd was furious. "Get over it, this is politics!" one man yelled, while another told Cruz he could unite the party by saying just a few words in support of Trump and "You need to do it now!" A third told Cruz to "Stop spinning it!" Cruz refused and sought to portray his stance as a matter of principle. But he also made clear it was intensely personal after a brutal primary campaign where Trump dismissed him as "Lyin' Ted," mocked Cruz's wife's looks and linked Cruz's father to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. "I'm not going to get into criticizing or attacking Donald Trump, but I'll give you this response: I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father," Cruz said, adding that those attacks had undone his pledge to back the eventual GOP nominee. "That pledge was not a blanket commitment that, if you go and slander and attack Heidi, that I'm going to nonetheless come like a servile puppy dog and say, 'thank you very much for maligning my wife and my father,'" Cruz said. The Texan argued that the "politically easy option" would be to back the nominee no matter who it might be, but insisted: "This is not a game, it is not politics. Right and wrong matters." Yet for Cruz politics is at the heart of the matter as he eyes another run for president in 2020. The last man standing after Trump defeated the rest of this year's large and experienced GOP primary field, Cruz's future political viability may now rise or fall on whether his decision to deny Trump at the billionaire's own coronation looks good or bad four years from now. In the immediate aftermath critics were easier to find than supporters. Cruz is deeply unpopular with many fellow Republicans on Capitol Hill, after leading a politically disastrous government shutdown in 2013 and clashing with party leadership in the Senate, and defenders were few among elected officials. "He's very self-absorbed, he's a narcissist and the rest of America now knows the Ted Cruz we know and I think he's ended his political career," said Rep. Chris Collins of New York, a leading Trump backer. Cruz delegate Eric Burlison, a Missouri House member from Springfield, said Cruz would have been better off sending a videotaped message as Florida Sen. Marco Rubio did. "People that probably four years from now or eight years from now would have looked at him as being the next guy, he lost them. They will never forget that and they will never forgive him for that," Burlison said. Former House Speaker John Boehner, a longtime critic who has likened Cruz to the devil in the past, opined: "Lucifer is back," his spokesman said over Twitter. Cruz's campaign manager told reporters that some members of the Texas delegation, led by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, spoke to Cruz Wednesday and unsuccessfully urged the senator to publicly offer Trump his support. "He went back on his word to support the nominee. ... Your word, in politics, has to be your bond. He's politically dead," said B.J. Van Gundy, a longtime GOP activist in Georgia. ___= Associated Press writer David A. Lieb in Jefferson City, Missouri contributed. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, walks from the podium after speaking during the Republican National Convention, Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Tex., addresses the delegates during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Tex., addresses the delegates during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Mosquito control officials: Even Zika suspicions are costly MIAMI (AP) Florida mosquito control officials worry they won't be able to keep up their efforts to contain the bugs that carry Zika without federal funding, even as concern mounts that the first infection from a mosquito bite on the U.S. mainland is near. On Thursday, fogging trucks drove through a Miami-Dade County neighborhood where health officials are investigating a Zika diagnosis that doesn't appear to have connection to travel outside the United States. Zika is usually spread by mosquitoes, but nearly all the Zika cases in the U.S. have been contracted in other countries or through sex with someone who got it abroad. "We want to make sure we reduce the mosquito population down to zero if possible in this case," said Chalmers Vasquez, Miami-Dade County's mosquito control operations manager. FILE - In this Jan. 18, 2016, file photo, a female Aedes aegypti mosquito acquires a blood meal on the arm of a researcher at the Biomedical Sciences Institute in the Sao Paulo's University in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The CDC is working with Florida health officials to investigate what could be the first Zika infection from a mosquito bite in the continental United States. They said Tuesday, July 19, 2016, lab tests confirm a person in the Miami area is infected with the Zika virus, and there may not be any connection to someone traveling outside the country. (AP Photo/Andre Penner, File) Vasquez's inspectors are going door-to-door, trapping mosquitoes for testing, hand-spraying and removing the standing water where they breed. Such aggressive mosquito control and surveillance is now routine in Miami-Dade County, which leads Florida in confirmed Zika cases linked to travel. The Florida Department of Health announced Thursday that another Zika case potentially not related to travel was being investigated in Broward County. While Zika's appearance in mosquitoes in the U.S. mainland is likely, health officials don't expect widespread outbreaks like those seen in Latin America and the Caribbean. Zika is such a mild disease for most people that they don't even know they have it, but it has been found to lead to severe birth defects if a pregnant woman is infected. The tropical mosquito that carries Zika, Aedes aegypti, likes to live near people and it doesn't travel far. Better building construction, more extensive use of air conditioning and window screens, wider use of bug repellant and broader mosquito control measures will help control the spread of Zika by mosquitoes in the U.S., experts believe. The same mosquito also has brought dengue and chikungunya to Florida and the Texas-Mexico border, but only in small clusters of cases. Still, even suspected cases trigger costly responses, as inspectors sweep areas to eliminate their breeding sites, set traps and kill any mosquitoes they see. "We try to get access to every backyard we can," Vasquez said. No mosquitoes collected in Miami-Dade County so far have tested positive for Zika or other viruses carried by the same species, according to state and county officials. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it has provided Florida $8 million in Zika-specific funding, and the White House has said the state can anticipate receiving another $5.6 million in Zika funding through a grant this week. But the state hasn't been able to fill most of the $15 million in emergency Zika funding requests, and Congress left on a seven-week vacation without giving the Obama administration any of the $1.9 billion it sought to battle Zika. Florida's mosquito control districts can respond to Zika infections for now, but doing so burns up budgets for longer-term threats. Volusia County has confirmed only three travel-related Zika cases, but responding to each one cost $9,000 to $24,000, depending on local conditions, said Jim McNelly, director of mosquito control in the Atlantic coast county. "If you multiply the cases we've had to date with the potential cases, we've already spent $50,000 to $60,000 this year. That's money we didn't budget for," McNelly said. "We treat a potential case just like a confirmed case. It's the truck, it's the gas, it's the chemicals, it's the whole shooting match." The Collier Mosquito Control District could have used federal funding to intensify its virus surveillance and might not have needed to spend about $70,000 budgeted for insecticides on laboratory upgrades instead, executive director Patrick Linn said. "This allows us to test in-house," Linn said. "We just have to go with a little lower inventory with some of our chemicals used for treating mosquitoes." The CDC has come up with nearly $60 million to divide between states and territories for local Zika efforts, but its officials also stressed that more money is crucial to expand mosquito-control efforts, improve the ability to quickly diagnose Zika and develop a vaccine. "The way you prevent a locally transmitted case from becoming sustained and disseminated is good mosquito control," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, last week. "The CDC needs the money yesterday." ___ Associated Press writers Lauran Neergaard in Washington and Mike Stobbe in New York contributed to this report. A tray of Aedes dorsalis and Culex tarsalis mosquitos are shown collected at the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District Tuesday, July 19, 2016, near Salt Lake City. Health authorities in Utah are investigating a unique case of Zika found in a person who had been caring for a relative who had an unusually high level of the virus in his blood. Exactly how the disease was transmitted is still a mystery, though the person has since recovered. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Nadja Mayerle with the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District looks at a mosquito Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in Salt Lake City. Health authorities in Utah are investigating a unique case of Zika found in a person who had been caring for a relative who had an unusually high level of the virus in his blood. Exactly how the disease was transmitted is still a mystery, though the person has since recovered. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Nadja Mayerle with the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District places a mosquito trap Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in Salt Lake City. Health authorities in Utah are investigating a unique case of Zika found in a person who had been caring for a relative who had an unusually high level of the virus in his blood. Exactly how the disease was transmitted is still a mystery, though the person has since recovered. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Nadja Mayerle with the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District places a mosquito trap on the ground Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in Salt Lake City. Health authorities in Utah are investigating a unique case of Zika found in a person who had been caring for a relative who had an unusually high level of the virus in his blood. Exactly how the disease was transmitted is still a mystery, though the person has since recovered. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Nadja Mayerle with the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District collects a mosquito trap Tuesday, July 19, 2016, near the marshes, in Salt Lake City. Health authorities in Utah are investigating a unique case of Zika found in a person who had been caring for a relative who had an unusually high level of the virus in his blood. Exactly how the disease was transmitted is still a mystery, though the person has since recovered. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Nadja Mayerle with the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District collects a mosquito trap Tuesday, July 19, 2016, near the marshes, in Salt Lake City. Health authorities in Utah are investigating a unique case of Zika found in a person who had been caring for a relative who had an unusually high level of the virus in his blood. Exactly how the disease was transmitted is still a mystery, though the person has since recovered. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Brad Sorensen, left, of the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District, checks on a decorative pond in the front yard of Miyoung Kim's house Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District teams made their rounds through a 111-square mile area where they keep tabs on some 700 ponds, 4,000 tree holes and 17,000 drains. Mosquito abatement teams in Salt Lake City are stepping up efforts to trap and test mosquitoes and kill larvae following the discovery of a unique Zika case that has health investigators trying to figure how the man got the virus. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Aubry Lines, with the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District, checks for mosquito larvae Wednesday, July 20, 2016, near Salt Lake City. Mosquito abatement teams in Salt Lake City are stepping up efforts to trap and test mosquitoes and kill larvae following the discovery of a unique Zika case that has health investigators trying to figure how the man got the virus. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) The European Space Agency is no stranger to using the latest technology to help in their exploration of outer space. After setting up a research station in Antarctica to study human reactions to extended space travel, it's now opening a laboratory to test how 3D-printing can help astronauts explore the galaxy in future space missions. The laboratory, located in Didcot, about 80 kilometers west of London, will be used to test the next generation of 3D printers. Also called 'additive manufacturing,' these 3-D printers can make objects of almost any shape or geometry, and are produced according to design data sent to it from a computer. The printers can be anywhere on earth, the moon or even outer space, and are capable of producing complex metallic structures, and performing mechanical tests. ESA's director of technology Franco Ongaro says while 3D printing presents an exciting prospect, there is still much to learn about his relatively new technique. "It's both extremely exciting and to a certain extent maddening. It's a little bit like your - let me try and bring it down to your kitchen - your new ceramic knife, it cuts wonderfully, but if it falls to the ground it falls to pieces and you don't know how to sharpen it, you can't sharpen it." ESA's aim in the short term is to use the printer to produce engine parts for rocket launchers. Taking that a step further, Ongaro believes that one day they may even be able to build habitable structures on the moon or other planets. "We could use regulates on the Moon, to actually 3D print blocks that we could use to build a habitat on the Moon. So, it's more than the sky's the limit, it's the universe is the limit." The ESA's ministerial council is due to meet in December in Switzerland where they will make the final decisions on its future programs. ESA general director Jan Woerner says he hopes Britain's exit of the European Union won't impact on the operation of the UK-based lab. "Space is working beyond this Earthly crisis. So therefore, I think that space can also play an important role in this respect. So, we are really above all the borders, physically, but also mentally and therefore our science is a global science." Scientists will also be using the new laboratory to assess new material processes and joining techniques for applications in space. Thai police arrest Russian, Uzbeki for alleged cybertheft BANGKOK (AP) A Russian man and an Uzbek woman were arrested at beach resorts in Thailand and accused of stealing more than $28.5 million by planting malware on the victims' computers and depleting bank accounts in the United States and other countries. Thailand's Tourist Police announced Thursday that in collaboration with the U.S. FBI it had arrested Dmitry Ukrainsev, 44, in the beach resort town of Pattaya, east of Bangkok, where he ran yacht rental businesses. His alleged accomplice, Olga Komova, 25, was arrested in the beach resort of Koh Chang. Police Maj. Gen. Surachet Hakphan said U.S. law enforcement had begun investigating in 2014 after suspicious large-scale money transfers were made into Thailand from the United States, Australia, Japan, England, Italy and Germany. Thailand's Anti-Money Laundering Office found and closed 50 bank accounts the two suspects had in Thailand, the police announcement said. Surachet said other suspects in the same network have been arrested in the U.S. but he was uncertain Ukrainsev was the mastermind. Deputies shoot, wound armed man who rammed patrol car ZEBULON, Ga. (AP) Authorities in Georgia say sheriff's deputies shot and wounded an armed man after he rammed their patrol car with his vehicle. The Pike County Sheriff's Office wrote on its Facebook page that it happened late Tuesday night after deputies responded to a domestic incident. The statement says they were trying to stop a suspect when he sped up and rammed a patrol car. The sheriff's office says 24-year-old Dakota Caldwell was carrying an assault rifle and a handgun, and failed to comply with deputies' instructions. Caldwell was shot and wounded and, after hospital treatment, was taken to jail. He faces several charges including aggravated assault on law enforcement. Caldwell is white. The deputies were uninjured. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating. Shock, condemnation after Trump questions NATO commitments WASHINGTON (AP) Alarm and condemnation erupted Thursday from European capitals, the White House and leaders of Donald Trump's own party after the Republican presidential nominee suggested the United States might abandon its NATO military commitments if he were elected president. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who backed Trump at the party's national convention only two days earlier, said he totally disagreed with the statement but was willing to "chalk it up to a rookie mistake." McConnell called NATO "the most successful military alliance in the history of the world," in a Facebook interview with The New York Times. Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, walks out to the stage to greet Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) In Brussels, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance agreement was crystal clear: "We defend each other." "I will not interfere in the U.S. election campaign," Stoltenberg said. But he pointedly added, "Two world wars have shown that peace in Europe is also important for the security of the United States." Secretary of State John Kerry reaffirmed the United States' commitment to NATO. "This administration, like every single administration, Republican and Democrat alike since 1949, remains fully committed to the NATO alliance and to our security commitments under Article 5, which is absolutely bedrock to our membership and to our partnership with NATO." Indeed, Trump's suggestion, in an interview with the Times, would upend decades of American foreign policy and rock the security structures that have underpinned European and global stability since the end of World War II. Trump said in the Times interview that he would review allies' financial contributions in this case, those from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania before acting under NATO's mutual defense clause, if any of the countries were attacked by Russia. Various U.S. administrations have complained, often bitterly, that many NATO members do not foot their share of the alliance's bills. The U.S. accounts for more than 70 percent of all NATO defense spending and only four other allies Britain, Estonia, Greece and Poland meet the minimum 2 percent of gross domestic product spending on defense that NATO requires. Sen. Bob Corker, a Trump supporter and chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said that "many of us are becoming exasperated with the fact that the U.S. is playing such an outsized role in the protection of our NATO allies even though we greatly appreciate and respect the importance of the alliance itself." But Trump's floating of the idea that the spending target would be a prerequisite for the U.S. to defend a NATO ally was an abrupt break from longstanding American policy. Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves tweeted that his country was one of the few to meet the minimum defense expenditure and noted pointedly that Estonia "fought, with no caveats" on behalf of the U.S. in Afghanistan. The only time the treaty's mutual defense clause has been invoked was in 2002, when NATO surveillance planes patrolled American skies and deployed a third of the troops sent to Afghanistan for a decade. More than 1,000 non-American troops died in Afghanistan. Ilves' fellow Eastern European leaders sought to calm the furor. "Regardless of who will be the president of America, we will trust in America," Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite told reporters in Vilnius. Yet, people throughout Eastern Europe expressed deep concern. Fears of Russian aggression have run high since it annexed the Ukrainian region of Crimea. "His words were irresponsible and they inspired fear in me. I'm worried about the world's future, about Poland's future," said 39-year-old schoolteacher Lidia Zagorowska in Warsaw, Poland. "If I were a U.S. citizen, I would never, ever vote for Trump. Let that be my answer," said Katarzyna Woznicka, 54, walking her dog in downtown Warsaw. Back in the United States, criticism, including some from Trump's fellow Republicans, was blistering. "My hope is that if Donald is elected president, we can convince him to change his mind on it," said Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a former primary opponent who now supports Trump. A bitter foe within Trump's own party, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, said: "I'm 100 percent certain how Russian President (Vladimir) Putin feels - he's a very happy man." Some Republicans opposed to Trump have indeed sought to cast him as pro-Putin, a position that would put him at odds with both Republican and Democratic foreign policy and also diverge from the current GOP party platform adopted at the convention. Trump supporters succeeded in preventing a reference to arming Ukraine from getting into this year's platform, but the manifesto itself is demonstrably not pro-Russia. It accuses "current officials in the Kremlin" of eroding the "personal liberty and fundamental rights" of the Russian people." "We will meet the return of Russian belligerence with the same resolve that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union," the Republican platform says. "We will not accept any territorial change in Eastern Europe imposed by force, in Ukraine, Georgia, or elsewhere, and will use all appropriate constitutional measures to bring to justice the practitioners of aggression and assassination." ___ Associated Press writers Vivian Salama in Washington; Erica Werner in Cleveland; John-Thor Dahlberg in Brussels; Liudas Dapkus in Vilnius, Lithuania; Jari Tanner in Tallinn, Estonia; Matti Huuhtanen in Helsinki; and Monika Scislowska in Warsaw contributed to this report. Gosselin makes 'appearance' at T.G.I. Friday's for charity LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) Former reality star Jon Gosselin has shown up at a popular restaurant chain, not as a diner but as one of its cooks. Gosselin, formerly of TLC's "Jon & Kate Plus 8," says he recently worked for over a month as a cook at a T.G.I. Friday's in Pennsylvania. The restaurant in Lancaster is about a half hour from the hospital where his then-wife, Kate Gosselin, gave birth to sextuplets in 2004. FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2014, file photo, television personality Jon Gosselin attends the Maxim Magazine Super Bowl Party in New York. Gosselin told a Dallas radio station on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, that he has been working as a cook at a Lancaster, Pa., T.G.I. Friday's restaurant. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP, File) The 39-year-old Gosselin told Dallas radio talk show hosts Kannon and Sybil on Wednesday that he worked at the restaurant to help a friend and because he loves to cook. He said his paychecks went to charity. US woman gets 3 years in Gambia; US officials 'outraged' HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) Four Maryland congressional members expressed outrage Thursday after a court in Gambia sentenced a state resident to three years in prison following her arrest there during an anti-government protest led by her prominent dissident uncle. Fanta Darboe Jawara's conviction and sentencing made a mockery of civil rights guaranteed by the Gambian constitution, said the joint statement from Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara Mikulski and representatives Chris Van Hollen and John Delaney, all Democrats. "She has done nothing wrong and this outcome is completely unacceptable," the officials said. "We are in touch with the State Department to learn more about the appeals process in Gambia, and are committed to doing our part to ensure Mrs. Jawara's timely release and return to her husband and children in Maryland." FILE - In this June 14, 2015 file photo, Ebrima Jawara poses with his daughters Sarah, left, and Aminata, while holding a picture of his wife Fanta Darboe Jawara, who is being held in Gambia's notorious Mile 2 Central Prison, as they anxiously await her return to their Frederick, Md. home. Jawara says his wife, a naturalized U.S. citizen, has been wrongfully sentenced to three years imprisonment in Gambia following her arrest during an anti-government protest where her husband says she was a bystander during a visit to her homeland. (Bill Green/The Frederick News-Post via AP, File) Ebrima Jawara said his wife, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was peacefully observing the demonstration when she was arrested April 16 along with 19 others near Banjul, the capital of the West African nation. He has said Mrs. Jawara was visiting her homeland, leaving him and their two daughters home in Frederick. Amnesty International said in a statement that 19 of the 20 people arrested at the demonstration were sentenced to three years in jail Wednesday after a court convicted them of unlawful assembly and related counts. Among those convicted and sentenced was Ousainou Darboe, Mrs. Jawara's uncle, a leader of Gambia's opposition United Democratic Party. The State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, in an emailed statement, confirmed the woman's conviction and sentence and said consular officers have met with Jawara more than 10 times since her arrest and are present for her court hearings. The statement said a consular officer visited her earlier in the week and also attended Wednesday's court proceeding. It added that the U.S. government calls on Gambia's government to "uphold its international human rights obligations, including the right to peaceful assembly." Mr. Jawara emailed the AP what appeared to be a partial transcript of the proceeding in which the court found that Mrs. Jawara apparently did not participate in the protest, but refused to defend herself against the charges. "The evidence was that my wife wasn't part of it," Mr. Jawara said in a telephone interview. He said she didn't offer a defense because she has no lawyer. Mrs. Jawara has been in custody since her arrest. Last month, the four Maryland congressional members demanded her release. The Latest: ACLU 'extremely disturbed' by police shooting NORTH MIAMI, Fla. (AP) The Latest on the shooting of a black man by police in North Miami, Florida (all times local): 3:45 p.m. The ACLU of Florida says it is "extremely disturbed" by the police shooting of a black therapist who says he was shot in the middle of the street even though he had his hands raised and told officers he was not armed. In this Wednesday, July 20, 2016, frame from video, Charles Kinsey explains in an interview from his hospital bed in Miami what happened when he was shot by police on Monday. Kinsey, a therapist who was trying to calm an autistic patient in the middle of the street, said he was shot even though he had his hands in the air and repeatedly told the police that no one was armed. (WSVN via AP) Executive director Howard Simon said Thursday that the shooting of Charles Kinsey in North Miami was the latest in what seems like an endless litany of people who should not have been shot by police. Kinsey said he was trying to coax an autistic man back to a home he had wandered from. Police said they had responded to reports of a man with a gun threatening to kill himself. No weapon was recovered. Authorities are investigating the shooting. Nancy Abudu, the ACLU's legal director in Florida, said her group has not received a brutality complaint about the North Miami police or about any questionable shootings. She said there have been a few complaints about illegal traffic stops. ___ 12:30 p.m. Attorney General Loretta Lynch says the Justice Department is aware of the police shooting in North Miami of a black therapist who was trying to calm an autistic patient in the middle of the street. Lynch says the department is working with local law enforcement to gather as many facts as possible about what occurred. She said there's not enough information yet to be able to say whether the Justice Department would open its own civil rights investigation. Charles Kinsey says he was shot by police even though he had his hands in the air and repeatedly told them that no one was armed. The moments before the shooting were recorded on cellphone video and show Kinsey lying on the ground with his arms raised, talking to his patient and police throughout the standoff with officers. ___ 11:55 a.m. A Florida congresswoman says she is stunned by what she saw on video before the shooting of a black caretaker trying to coax his autistic patient into complying with officers. U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson spoke to reporters after a news conference with police on Thursday. She says "the video is like a nightmare." The video shows Charles Kinsey lying on the ground with his arms raised, talking to his patient and police throughout the standoff with officers, who appeared to have them surrounded. Police say officers had responded to a 911 call of a man with a gun threatening to commit suicide, and officers responded with that in mind. However, no gun was recovered. Wilson is promising to follow up with state agencies on their investigations to ensure "justice was done." ___ 11:45 a.m. A police chief in Florida is promising a transparent investigation into the shooting of a black caretaker who had been trying to coax his autistic patient into complying with officers. North Miami Police Chief Gary Eugene said during a news conference Thursday that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is taking over the investigation at his request. The state attorney's office also is investigating. Eugene says bringing in an outside agency shows the department's commitment to objectivity in a sensitive matter. After the state's investigation is done, the department will do its internal investigation. The police chief says officers had responded to a 911 call of a man with a gun threatening to commit suicide, and officers responded with that in mind. However, no gun was recovered. ___ 7:15 a.m. Authorities say a Florida police officer shot and wounded an autistic man's black caretaker in an incident purportedly captured on cellphone video that shows the caretaker lying down with his arms raised before being shot. North Miami Assistant Police Chief Neal Cuevas told The Miami Herald that officers responded to the scene Monday following reports of a man threatening to shoot himself. Officers arrived to find 47-year-old Charles Kinsey, a therapist who works with disabilities, according to WSVN-TV, trying to get his 27-year-old patient back to a facility from where he'd wandered. Trump says US will be safer, richer if he is president CLEVELAND (AP) Donald Trump accepted the Republican nomination for president Thursday, promising anxious Americans that they will be safer and richer if he is elected in November. Trump painted a dire state of affairs in the United States and the world instability abroad and crumbling infrastructure at home and blamed those problems on President Barack Obama and his former secretary of state, presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. "This is the legacy of Hillary Clinton," he said. "Death, destruction, terrorism and weakness." A Tennessee delegate signs on the post before the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/John Locher) Closing the four-day convention in Cleveland, Trump pledged that as president he'll end crime and violence around the country, and said he would speak for those who don't feel they are heard by government. The billionaire businessman, 70, was looking to win over skeptics in his party. Republican disunity was on display the previous night when Trump's primary rival, Ted Cruz, stopped far short of endorsing Trump and drew loud boos. What to know about Trump's speech and the final night of the convention: ___ SAFER AMERICA In an appeal to Americans shaken by violence at home and around the world, Trump promised that under his presidency, "safety will be restored." He stuck to the controversial proposals of his primary campaign, including building a wall along the entire U.S.-Mexico border and suspending immigration from nations "compromised by terrorism." But in a nod to a broader swath of Americans voting in November, he vowed to protect gays and lesbians from violence and oppression, and said he would ensure that young people in predominantly black cities "have as much of a right to live out their dreams as any other child in America." ___ UNIQUELY TRUMP In typical Trump fashion, he cast himself as the only one who could solve America's problems. "No one knows the system better than me," he said. "That's why I can fix it." Still, he set aside much of his usual bravado. As the crowd, fiercely opposed to Clinton, broke out in its oft-used chant, "Lock her up," he waved them off, and declared, "Let's defeat her in November." He was introduced by his daughter Ivanka, who announced a childcare policy proposal that the campaign had not mentioned before. "He will focus on making quality childcare affordable and accessible for all," she said. ___ A RICHER COUNTRY Trump said he will overhaul tax laws and energy rules, get rid of regulations and decrease taxes, while offering few specifics. He said he will not sign "bad" trade agreements. "I have made billions of dollars in business making deals now I'm going to make our country rich again," he said. ___ TENSION OVER NATO In his speech, Trump did not repeat comments made to The New York Times that the United States might abandon its NATO military commitments if he were president. Leading Republicans and world leaders reacted swiftly Thursday after the comments were published. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told CNN that he "totally" disagrees with Trump's suggestion that U.S. support could be conditional. In Brussels, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance agreement was crystal clear: "We defend each other." ___ CRUZ STOKES DISUNITY Cruz did not back down from his non-endorsement Thursday, telling his home-state delegation he won't vote for Clinton, but making no promise to endorse Trump. "I'll be watching and listening," Cruz said, but added: "I won't sit down, shut up, support the team." ___ TURNING TO THE DEMOCRATS Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine has emerged as the leading contender to join the Democratic ticket as Clinton's running mate, according to two Democrats, who both cautioned that Clinton has not made a final decision and could yet change directions. The announcement of Clinton's pick could come as early as Friday in Florida, a crucial general election battleground state. The timing is aimed at shifting attention away from the end of Donald Trump's Republican convention and generating excitement before the start of Clinton's own convention next week in Philadelphia. ___ Jalonick reported from Washington. Ken Thomas in Orlando, Florida, and Matthew Barakat in Sterling, Virginia, contributed to this report. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, left, and his daughter Ivanka Trump, right, talk with production crew during a walk through in preparation for his speech at the Republican National Convention, Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Demonstrators make their way to the Lorain-Carnegie bridge during a protest, Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Republican presidential Candidate Donald Trump gives his running mate, Republican vice presidential nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana a kiss as they shake hands after Pence's acceptance speech during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, addresses the delegates during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Jim Walsh from Connecticut watches as Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Tex., speaks during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Republican vice presidential candidate Gov. Mike Pence, R-Ind., gestures as the audience applauds after he spoke during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) Death sentence upheld for Kuwaiti accused of links to Iran KUWAIT CITY (AP) An appeals court in Kuwait has upheld the death sentence for a Shiite citizen on charges of communicating with Iran and the Lebanese militant Shiite group Hezbollah to commit "hostile actions" against the country. The case touches on sensitive sectarian issues in the predominantly Sunni country. Shiites were targeted in an Islamic State attack last year that killed 26 worshippers in Kuwait City. The case initially involved 26 defendants, including an Iranian national tried in absentia and sentenced to death. The official Kuwait News Agency said Thursday some defendants were acquitted, without specifying. The local al-Qabas newspaper says the court upheld one life sentence. Others received reduced sentences of four to two years in prison on charges of possessing illegal weapons. Attorney general seeks immediate help for Hanford workers SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) Washington's attorney general on Thursday asked a federal judge to immediately take steps to protect Hanford Nuclear Reservation workers from exposure to chemical vapors. More than 50 workers have received medical evaluations after reporting exposure to vapors in recent months. Attorney General Bob Ferguson, along with the watchdog group Hanford Challenge and a labor union, filed motions for a preliminary injunction in federal court in Eastern Washington. The injunction seeks to prevent further harm to Hanford workers by implementing certain protections now, instead of waiting for the outcome of a trial. FILE - In this July 9, 2014, file photo, workers wearing protective clothing and footwear inspect a valve at the "C" tank farm on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation near Richland, Wash. The state attorney general is taking legal action Thursday, July 21, 2016, to protect workers who are exposed to chemical vapors on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File) The state filed a lawsuit against the federal government over Hanford worker safety last September. Trial is set for next May, but Ferguson says workers cannot wait that long to have a safe workplace. Hanford for decades made plutonium for nuclear weapons, and the site near Richland in southeastern Washington is now engaged in a massive cleanup of the resulting radioactive wastes. The wastes are stored in 177 massive underground tanks, and it is vapors escaping from some of those tanks that are thought to be making workers sick. The vapors are invisible and are not radioactive. Their exact content is not known because the exact contents of the tanks, some dating back to World War II, are not known. "How many sick Washington workers will it take before the federal government fixes this problem?" Ferguson said in a press release. "The federal government's culture of indifference to worker safety at Hanford must end. Now." Washington River Protection Solutions, the U.S. Department of Energy's contractor for the tanks, said it was committed to the safety of workers and disappointed by the actions of the attorney general. "We believe the claims are not reflective of the safe work our team is accomplishing in the tank farms' challenging environment," WRPS said in a press release. "While we review the motion, we will work with the Department of Energy on an appropriate path forward." All of the workers who recently reported exposure to chemical vapors were checked by medical personnel and cleared to return to work, WRPS has said. But Hanford critics contend that this issue has been going on for decades. "Too many workers have already gotten sick and even disabled by brain and lung diseases," said Tom Carpenter, executive director of Hanford Challenge. "Hanford's cleanup mission will last decades, and workers deserve a safe workplace now and into the future," By pursuing a preliminary injunction, Ferguson, Hanford Challenge and Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 598 seek to prevent further harm to workers by implementing certain protections now. They seek: Mandatory use of bottled air at all times for all personnel working within the perimeter fence lines of the tanks and those working inside the vapor control zone. When waste is disturbed, they seek an expanded vapor control zone not less than 200 feet outside the perimeter fence line, and barricading of all roads and access points to prevent entry into the expanded zone. Installation of additional monitoring and alarm equipment to warn workers when toxic vapors are being emitted. Between late April and the end of June, 56 workers reported they were exposed to vapors, the attorney general's office said. Within minutes to hours after breathing the fumes, workers experienced nosebleeds, chest and lung pain, headaches, coughing, sore throats, irritated eyes, and difficulty breathing, the attorney general's office said. Analysis: Is Turkish leader transforming a nation? ISTANBUL (AP) The stunning sweep of Turkey's crackdown following an attempted coup last week forces questions about how far President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will go in a tense, conspiracy-fueled country. While the purges may be designed to derail any future insurrections, there are increasing concerns that Erdogan is seizing the moment to transform Turkey, steering it from its secular roots toward a more pious Muslim model and cementing personal power at the expense of democratic ideals. The mass dismissals of Turkish teachers and closure of hundreds of schools allegedly linked to the coup plotters suggest societal shifts are afoot that could empower Erdogan's conservative Islamic base. And if answers to Turkey's course lie in presidential rhetoric, the coup plotters, and possibly a wider circle of government opponents, can expect little tolerance after an insurrection in which renegade soldiers drove tanks in city streets and fired on civilian protesters. "The tarnished souls of the faithless were eaten up, finished and defeated before the souls of the faithful," the president said Wednesday. "Know that this will not be their first defeat, this is how it will be from now on." People walk in Kizilay Square with a poster of Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the background in Ankara, Turkey, Thursday, July 21, 2016. Turkish lawmakers declared a three-month state of emergency Thursday, overwhelmingly approving President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's request for sweeping new powers to expand a crackdown in the aftermath of last week's coup. Parliament voted 346-115 to approve the national state of emergency, which will give Erdogan the authority to extend detention times for suspects and issue decrees that have the force of law without parliamentary approval, among other powers.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici) Turkey, a NATO ally that describes itself as a bridge between east and west, is truly at a crossroads, embarking on a path whose ultimate consequences may not even be entirely clear to the leader who has dominated the nation of 80 million for more than a decade. For the West, the stakes are high because strategically located Turkey, spanning Asia and Europe, is considered a vital partner in efforts to contain terrorism and regulate mass migration from Syria and other conflict zones. After the failed uprising, Turkey's elected government arrested or dismissed tens of thousands in the military, the courts, education and other sectors "everywhere you can think of," one Turkish newspaper columnist wrote and declared a three-month state of emergency. The country, observers say, could veer deeper into the authoritarian conduct that Erdogan has increasingly been accused of, or it could eventually honor pledges to uphold democracy after a temporary suspension of freedoms. Erdogan is taking a hard line, saying he will consider supporters' calls to reinstate the death penalty, a move that would defy international rights conventions and perhaps irrevocably shatter Turkey's hopes of joining Europe as a full partner. Mehmet Simsek, Turkey's deputy prime minister, said the rule of law will be upheld during the state of emergency and "we will use it in a fashion closer to our allies, like France and others." And while Erdogan thanked political opposition parties for opposing the July 15 coup attempt, some analysts believe his triumphalist declarations show he is inclined to target rivals after a coup scare that exposed vulnerabilities in his security. The extent of purges, aimed at supporters of Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based cleric and former Erdogan ally blamed for the uprising, raised speculation that the rebellion fallout accelerated plans to overhaul Turkish institutions, accomplishing in days what might have taken years. "Erdogan has always envisioned remaking Turkish society and undoing what he sees as the excesses of Kemalism," the secular ideology of Turkish national founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, wrote Howard Eissenstat, an associate professor of Middle East history at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. "Now he is doing so with far greater force; this is a revolution. In 1980, the generals staged a successful coup aimed at totally remaking society. It was accompanied by mass detentions, purges of public institutions, and desperate violence. It appears that Erdogan will use the failed coup of 2016 for much the same aims, with much the same result," Eissenstat wrote in an email to The Associated Press. The hostility driving some of the change was on display Sunday at a funeral for a friend of Erdogan's who died in the coup violence. With the president in attendance, a cleric prayed for divine protection from "the malice of the educated" an apparent reference to the extensive network of schools run by the followers of Gulen, who has denied involvement in the coup attempt. But the criticism could also apply to other elites, including secularist circles that once controlled Turkey with military support. Turkey experienced a revolution in 1923 when Ataturk, a war hero who founded the Turkish republic as colonial powers gobbled up former Ottoman territories, abolished the caliphate and its traditions of dress and language, viewed as symbols of stagnation, and turned to the West as a model. Ataturk's face still adorns Turkish banknotes, but Erdogan's Islamist-rooted government has diluted his secular legacy and turned to the Ottoman imperial era for ideas about morality and regional stature. Many Turks critical of Erdogan are keeping a low profile as the post-coup purge unfolds, but the president's supporters appear invigorated. Necati Alkan, a resident of Istanbul's Fatih neighborhood, said: "From now on, we will spread justice in Turkey just like the Ottoman empire did for 600 years." Metin Kadir, a resident of the capital, Ankara, said a state of emergency is the right move and declared: "I hope this country unites and is at peace again. Thank God we live in a country that is a paradise." ___ EDITOR'S NOTE Christopher Torchia was Associated Press bureau chief in Turkey from 2007 until early 2013. ___ Associated Press writers Bram Janssen and Cinar Kiper in Istanbul contributed to this report. The portraits of Turkey's founder Kemal Ataturk, left and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, are seen in a shop window in central Istanbul, Thursday, July 21, 2016. President Erdogan on Wednesday declared a three-month state of emergency following a botched coup attempt, declaring he would rid the military of the "virus" of subversion and giving the government sweeping powers to expand a crackdown that has already included mass arrests and the closure of hundreds of schools. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) Mevlut Aydin prays inside his restaurant in the conservative Fatih neighborhood of Istanbul, Thursday July 21, 2016. Turkish lawmakers declared a three-month state of emergency Thursday, approving sweeping new powers to expand a government crackdown after last week's attempted military coup. (AP Photo/Bram Janssen) You are here: Home The new smartphone P9 of Huawei is displayed in Escazu, Costa Rica, on June 15, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese smartphone brands, including Huawei, Oppo and Vivo, posted double-digit growth in the second quarter, compared with a 3.2 percent year-on-year rise in sales globally, a report said on Wednesday. The combined sales of Chinese brands hit 139 million units, up 13.8 percent year on year. The high growth rate of Chinese brands is set to remain in the third quarter, according to market watchers. Comparatively, sales of overseas brands grew slowly and even fell. Huaweis sales grew 7.4 percent to 29 million units, cementing its No. 3 ranking globally. Sales of Oppo and Vivo jumped about 15 percent in the second quarter. The global smartphone sales hit 320 million units in the second quarter, led by the top-five market leaders Samsung with a 24.5 percent share, Apple with 15.1 percent, Huawei with 9.2 percent, Oppo with 5.6 percent and LG with 5.4 percent, according to TrendForce, a Taiwan-based research company. Sales of iPhones in May shed 1.2 percent year on year in China's mainland after they fell 26 percent in the first quarter from a year earlier, said Hong Kong-based market researcher Counterpoint Research. Dave Eggers sets his latest literary adventure in Alaska NEW YORK (AP) The latest stop on Dave Eggers' long-running fictional tour: Alaska. Eggers' "Heroes of the Frontier," which comes out July 26, tells of a single mother from Ohio who flees to Alaska with her young son and daughter in the wake of financial and personal disaster. Josie is a dentist forced to sell off her practice after being sued by a former patient. Meanwhile, the father of her children is increasingly unreliable and she is haunted by guilt for encouraging a young patient to join the Marines, only to have him be killed in the war in Afghanistan. "Heroes" is a story of both escape and entrapment. Josie may dream of being "reborn in a land of mountain and light," an adventure worthy of Jack Kerouac, but will instead confront a landscape of fear and menace and learn that she "didn't need to find humans of integrity and courage. She needed to make them." This book cover image released by Knopf shows, "Heroes of the Frontier," by Dave Eggers. (Knopf via AP) The 46-year-old Eggers is a resident of the Bay Area, the setting for his acclaimed memoir and debut book "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius," but has traveled the world and placed the characters in his fiction everywhere from Saudi Arabia ("A Hologram to the King") to northern and eastern Africa ("What is the What") to Costa Rica (the story collection "How We Are Hungry"). In a recent email interview with The Associated Press, Eggers discussed the settings for his books, some common themes and how the American past connects to his current book, and to Donald Trump. Q: How did the basic narrative develop and why set it in Alaska? A: With 'Heroes of the Frontier,' I started taking notes about Josie back in 2011. I knew I wanted to write about a dentist who had two kids, the father of whom was more of a useless appendage than a man. Somewhere down the line, maybe two years into the note-taking process, I had the idea of putting her in Alaska. There's an unspoken assumption, I think, that Alaska is full of strong, self-reliant, plain-spoken people frontier people and Josie wants to be among people like that. She wants to be among steel-spined people who won't let her down. In general, I'm inclined to putting characters in new situations, new places. I like motion. In 'Heroes' in particular, I wanted Josie and her kids to be repeatedly challenged by their surroundings, and to get stronger as a result. Q: The book has classic American themes of flight and adventure but at times also seems like a dark and frightening take on life on the open road. Your thoughts? A: Because Josie is alone with two very young kids, she's often facing dangers real and imagined. There's also a hundred or so wildfires burning throughout the state, so there is some very real peril for a person meandering through the state without a plan and without a friend. Q: For novels, do you often travel to places with the conscious thought of writing about them or does that decision usually happen in retrospect? A: I spent some time in Alaska about three years ago, without any intention of writing about it. But I had this Josie character in my head at the time, and eventually it made sense that a character setting out on an epic journey would find herself in Homer. Q: Do you see your work as a kind of continuing series about life worldwide in the 20th/21st century? Do you see a thread running through? A: In some ways, I was hoping with 'Heroes of the Frontier' to examine the American psyche, and our connection if there still is one between our pioneer past. Josie and her kids don't seem to have anything in common with the heroes of the frontier of the past, but then again, maybe they do. Maybe there's something in the blood barbarian blood, I think that connects an American dentist with the explorers, thieves, cowboys, settlers, winners and losers in American history. Q: You recently wrote a piece (for The New Yorker) on Donald Trump and his appeal. Former federal judge in Ohio awarded NAACP's highest honor CINCINNATI (AP) A former federal judge, lifelong civil rights advocate and Ohio native has been awarded the NAACP's highest honor. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports (http://cin.ci/2a3bG1D ) U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx presented 90-year-old Nathaniel Jones with the Spingarn Medal on Wednesday night at the NAACP's Freedom Fund Dinner. The medal has been awarded annually since 1915. George Washington Carver, Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King Jr. are among the other honorees. Jones has lived in Cincinnati since 1979, when President Jimmy Carter appointed him to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Jones says the award reminded him of how his life's work was shaped by the mission of the NAACP. He worked as general counsel for the organization from 1969 to 1979 and argued school desegregation cases. ___ The Latest: Long line of mourners at visitation for Gerald BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) The Latest on the funerals of three officers killed in Baton Rouge (all times local): 6 p.m. The line of mourners awaiting to pay respects to a Baton Rouge police officer who was among three law enforcement officers killed by a gunman stretched around the funeral home. East Baton Rouge Sheriff's deputies Natasha Stingley, right, and Minnie Ducksworth, left, bow their heads in prayer before releasing balloons at a noon vigil organized by municipal court workers in downtown Baton Rouge, La., Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in honor of recent slain and injured sheriff deputies and police. Several police officers and sheriff deputies were killed and wounded Sunday morning in a shooting near a gas station in Baton Rouge, less than two weeks after a black man was shot and killed by police here, sparking nightly protests across the city. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Visitation for Matthew Gerald on Thursday evening was to be followed with his funeral service Friday. American flags dotted the area, and many who waited to offer condolences wore blue ribbons. Mourners included elected officials, law enforcement officers and others with no personal connection to Gerald. Sherri Parent, whose brother is a city police officer, stood outside of the funeral home watching as more and more people arrived. As she dabbed at tears, Parent said she was amazed by the show of support. Gerald and two other officers were killed Sunday in what police described as an ambush. ___ 1:50 p.m. A sheriff's deputy wounded in the shooting that killed three law enforcement officers has been released from a Baton Rouge hospital. Meghan Parrish, a spokeswoman for Baton Rouge General Medical Center, says about 300 hospital staff members and others lined up to applaud East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Deputy Bruce Simmons as he left the hospital Thursday. Baton Rouge police officers Montrell Jackson and Matthew Gerald, and sheriff's deputy Brad Garafola were killed in the shootout that wounded Simmons and two other officers on Sunday morning. Another deputy, Nicholas Tullier, remains in the hospital. Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden said Tullier was taken off of life-support machines on Tuesday, but that he was still alive. Police shot and killed a lone gunman, Gavin Long, after he shot the six officers. ___ 12:45 p.m. A former law enforcement officer who owns a casket-making business has designed and donated coffins for the funerals of three officers who were killed Sunday in Baton Rouge. Trey Ganem is owner of Trey Ganem Designs in Edna, Texas. He said he felt like he had to do something for the officers after he heard about how they were ambushed Sunday by a man who police said was targeting law enforcement. Ganem told The Associated Press that his employees spent hours researching each fallen officer and speaking to his family before designing his casket. Among the designs: A Superman shield for the casket that will hold Baton Rouge Police Cpl. Montrell Jackson's body. Ganem said Montrell's wife said she "thought of him as Superman." Also killed in the ambush were Officer Matthew Gerald of the Baton Rouge Police Department and Deputy Brad Garafola Sr. of the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office. Ganem said Gerald's casket would reflect his military background, but he didn't elaborate on the design during a quick telephone interview while he was driving. Ganem said Texas officers were escorting the caskets to Baton Rouge on Thursday from Edna, located about 90 miles southwest of Houston. The officers' funerals are scheduled over the next few days, starting Friday. ___ 3 a.m. Baton Rouge is preparing for the funerals of three slain police officers. Visitation is set Thursday evening for city police department officer Matthew Gerald. Gerald's funeral is set for Friday morning. The funeral for East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Deputy Brad Garafola is set for Saturday. Montrell Jackson, also of the city police department, will be buried after a Monday funeral. All three were shot to death Sunday by a lone gunman, Gavin Long, who was fatally shot by police after killing the three and wounding three others. Trump's message to NATO allies spark global response WASHINGTON (AP) Reactions are pouring in from around the world to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump saying the U.S. may revisit NATO's longstanding policy of defending its allies against possible Russian aggression if he becomes president. Trump told The New York Times he would decide whether to protect the Baltic republics against any incursion by Russia based on whether those countries "have fulfilled their obligations to us." The response from many leaders in the U.S. and abroad, as well as from citizens in Baltic countries: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, center, talks with production crew during a walk through in preparation for his speech at the Republican National Convention, Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) ___ "I will not interfere in the U.S. election campaign, but what I can do is say what matters for NATO. Solidarity among allies is a key value for NATO," he said. "This is good for European security and good for U.S. security. We defend one another." NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg ___ "The phrase about Russia even hypothetically attacking someone is unfortunate wording." Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin ___ "Trump on NATO: deeply dangerous will dismay our closest Allies but great cheer in Kremlin: I can hear Vladimir Putin chortling from here." Tweet by James Stavridis, retired four-star Navy admiral who served as the 16th supreme allied commander of NATO ___ "His words were irresponsible, and they inspired fear in me. I'm worried about the world's future, about Poland's future. There is the threat from Russia, Turkey is restless, the Islamic world threatens us. So I think that we should stick together and refrain from making such unjustified declarations." Lidia Zagorowska, 39, a school teacher in Warsaw, Poland ___ "I can only imagine how our allies in NATO, particularly the Balkan states, must feel after reading these comments from Mr. Trump. I'm 100 percent certain how Russian President Putin feels - he's a very happy man." Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. ___ "This is a longstanding commitment that has been strengthened under the leadership of President Obama. The cornerstone of that alliance is the pledge that all of the allies have made to mutual self-defense. ... The U.S. commitment to that pledge is ironclad." White House spokesman Josh Earnest ___ "Ronald Reagan would be ashamed. Harry Truman would be ashamed. Republicans, Democrats and Independents who help build NATO into the most successful military alliance in history would all come to the same conclusion: Donald Trump is temperamentally unfit and fundamentally ill-prepared to be our commander in chief. The president is supposed to be the leader of the free world. Donald Trump apparently doesn't even believe in the free world." Hillary Clinton's senior campaign policy adviser Jake Sullivan ___ "We expect that regardless of who wins the presidential elections, the U.S. will remain a firm and reliable partner within NATO." Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka ___ Trump's comments were "clearly meant for a domestic audience." Acting Estonian Prime Minister Jevgeni Ossinovski ___ "Regardless of who will be the president of America, we will trust in America. The United States always stood with nations which were under attack and it will continue doing so." Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite ___ Elias recovers in time to upset top-seeded Cuevas in Umag UMAG, Croatia (AP) Gastao Elias won a dramatic tiebreaker to upset top-seeded Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay in the second round of the Croatia Open on Thursday. The 72nd-ranked Portuguese rallied to beat 2014 champion Cuevas 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7) and reach his third quarterfinal this year after a grueling battle from the baseline. Cuevas was on the brink of defeat even before the tiebreaker, trailing 3-5 in the third set. The Uruguayan then won three games in a row, losing only three points and appearing to be in command. But Elias saved a match point at 6-7 in the tiebreaker, clinching victory with three consecutive points. Elias next faces sixth-seeded Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain who defeated Russia's Teymuraz Gabashvili 6-4, 6-2. Second-seeded Joao Sousa ousted Leonardo Mayer of Argentina 7-5, 7-6 (1). Sousa was 2-5 down in the second set and saved two set points in the 10th game. Mayer had a disastrous tiebreaker winning the opening point before losing the next seven. Andrej Martin rallied to defeat seventh-seeded Martin Klizan 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 in an all-Slovak match. Police arrested Noah Winchester, 31, after he was charged with 22 counts of kidnapping, rape and related charges A former northern California police officer was charged Thursday with raping five women while on duty. Police arrested Noah Winchester, 31, near his Stockton home after the local district attorney charged him with 22 counts of kidnapping, rape and related charges. He allegedly raped the women between July 2013 and October 2015 while he served with the San Mateo Police Department and as an officer for the Los Rios Community College District in Sacramento. Winchester quit the police department in February after he was put on leave in October when the criminal investigation was launched. Winchester, who is jailed on $3.1 million bail, is scheduled for an arraignment Monday. It's unclear if he's represented by an attorney. The Los Rios Community College said Winchester worked for its police department from January 2009 until January 2015, when he accepted a position with the San Mateo police department. Winchester is accused of raping two women while on duty as a campus police officer and three women while in uniform with San Mateo. San Mateo police officials didn't immediately return a phone call. In May, Chief Susan Manheimer issued a statement in response to news reports of the investigation 'The thought of someone committing criminal acts while wearing an SMPD uniform is deeply troubling and repulsive to this department and its members,' Manheimer said. FBI joins search for college student whose bicycle was found TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) The FBI has joined the search for a university student whose purple bicycle was found abandoned in an Ohio cornfield. The Blade in Toledo reports (http://bit.ly/29XFskH ) that 20-year-old Sierah Joughin was last seen riding the bike around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Metamora area of Fulton County. County Sheriff Roy Miller says the bike was found in the field off a county road around midnight that night, about an hour after Joughin's mother filed a missing-person's report. Joughin is from Metamora and is a student at the University of Toledo. Authorities say the corn around the bike had been trampled. The FBI's Toledo supervisor confirmed his office is working with other law enforcement agencies. No suspects have been named. ___ The Latest: NTSB: Plane that crashed headed for Wisconsin PLAINFIELD, Ill. (AP) The Latest on the plane crash in northern Illinois (all times local): 5 p.m. The National Transportation Safety Board says the small plane that crashed in a residential neighborhood southwest of Chicago was headed for Wisconsin. CORRECTS CITY TO PLAINFIELD, NOT JOLIET - A home burns following a plane crash in Plainfield, Ill., Thursday, July 21, 2016. (Suzanne Baker/Chicago Tribune via AP) Ed Malinowski with the NTSB says the plane was a PA30. It had taken off from Florida, landed in Tennessee before taking off again and was headed for Wisconsin. The pilot, who died, hasn't been identified. No other injuries were reported. The fire ignited by the crash did extensive damage to the front of the home. Joliet Fire Department Battalion Chief John Stachelski says the occupant was able to escape the building without injury. ___ 3:05 p.m. Authorities say the crash of a small plane in a residential neighborhood south of Chicago, setting a house ablaze, has left at least one person dead. Although it was unclear how many were aboard the aircraft, Joliet City Manager Jim Hock said Thursday the pilot was killed in the crash. Hock went on to say it was "very fortunate" no other injuries resulted from the crash. Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Tony Molinaro said the agency has sent a team to the crash site to determine the type of aircraft involved in the crash and gather information that will be passed on to the National Transportation Safety Board. The NTSB will lead the investigation and determine the cause of the crash. It wasn't immediately known where the aircraft took off from or where it was headed. Joliet Municipal Airport and Clow Airport in Bolingbrook are both in close proximity to the crash site. Aerial television video of the crash site showed that siding from the home was peeling from the structure and smoke rose from the inside. 1:50 p.m. A small plane has crashed into a residential neighborhood in a northern Illinois city, torching the side of a home and leaving parts scattered in a street. Joliet Deputy Fire Chief Ray Randich said at a news conference on Thursday that the crash happened in the morning. He said authorities believe the fuel tank ruptured when the plane hit the street and ignited a fire that spread to a house to the north. The crash happened in Plainfield, which is next to Joliet. The Joliet Fire Department responded to the scene. Tony Molinaro with the Federal Aviation Adminstration said the crash happened at 11:15 a.m. and that there were no reports of injuries. It was unclear whether there were any deaths. Aerial television video of the crash site showed that siding from that home was peeling from the structure and smoke rose from the inside. ___ 11:55 a.m. Authorities in Joliet say a plane has crashed into a residential neighborhood. Capt. Jeff Allbert with the Joliet Police Department said Thursday morning that crews were responding to the crash. Allbert said crews were assessing the scene and putting out a fire. The captain says it's unclear so far if the plane struck any structures or vehicles but the department is investigating. ___ This story has been corrected to show that Allbert is with the Joliet Police Department and is not the Joliet Fire Captain. CORRECTS CITY TO PLAINFIELD, NOT JOLIET - Smoke rises from a plane crash in Plainfield, Ill., Thursday, July 21, 2016. (Suzanne Baker/Chicago Tribune via AP) CORRECTS CITY TO PLAINFIELD, NOT JOLIET - Pedestrians watch as law enforcement officials work at the scene of a plane crash in Plainfield, Ill., Thursday, July 21, 2016. (Suzanne Baker/Chicago Tribune via AP) The Latest: Congress members outraged by Gambian conviction HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) The Latest on the conviction and prison sentence given a Maryland woman by a court in Gambia following her arrest at an anti-government protest (all times local): 3 p.m. Four members of Maryland's congressional delegation say they're outraged by the three-year prison sentence given by a court in Gambia to a Frederick woman after her arrest at an anti-government protest there. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara Mikulski joined representatives Chris Van Hollen and John Delaney in issuing the statement Thursday, one day after Fanta Darboe Jawara's trial concluded in the west African nation. They say she did nothing wrong, and the trial makes a mockery of the rights afforded by the Gambian constitution. The officials, all Democrats, say they've contacted the State Department about a possible appeal. The naturalized U.S. citizen was among 20 people arrested in April on charges including unlawful assembly during a demonstration near the capital city of Banjul. Amnesty International says 19 of the defendants were convicted and sentenced Wednesday ___ 11:50 a.m. A Maryland man says his wife has been wrongfully sentenced to three years' imprisonment in Gambia following her arrest during an anti-government protest there. Ebrima Jawara (eh-BREE'-mah jah-WAH'-rah) of Frederick said Thursday he learned of the sentence from news reports and a relative in the west African nation. Fanta Darboe Jawara, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was among a group of people arrested in April on charges including unlawful assembly during a demonstration near the capital, Banjul. Her husband says she was a bystander at the demonstration while visiting her homeland. Amnesty International says in a statement that 19 people arrested at the demonstration were convicted and sentenced to three years on Wednesday. The Latest: 1 beach reopens after Los Angeles sewage spill LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) The Latest on a sewage spill in Los Angeles (all times local): 11:50 a.m. A mile of Southern California shoreline that was closed amid fears involving a sewage spill 20 miles away has reopened after two consecutive tests came back clean. A sign is posted on a beach warning of the dangers of sewage contaminated water Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in Long Beach, Calif. Beaches in Long Beach have been shut down after a sewage spill that began near downtown Los Angeles the day before, flowed down the LA River to the ocean. Long Beach officials estimate that more than 100,000 gallons of sewage reached the city, and its ocean waters will be closed until testing shows it's safe. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times via AP) However, officials said Thursday a longer stretch of neighboring beach remains closed. Officials in Seal Beach say ocean water samples taken Tuesday and Wednesday showed no excessive levels of bacteria. As a result, the stretch reopened Thursday. In neighboring Long Beach, four miles of shoreline remains closed after a sample taken Wednesday showed high bacteria levels. A sample from Tuesday came back clean. Officials require two consecutive clean tests. The pipe rupture near downtown Los Angeles spilled 2.4 million gallons of sewage, some of it into the Los Angeles River that flows to the coast. ___ 12:01 a.m. There is no sign that a huge sewage spill in downtown Los Angeles reached the ocean 20 miles away, but the waters off Long Beach and parts of neighboring Seal Beach will remain closed at least until another round of tests comes back clean on Thursday. The first sample taken showed no excessive levels of bacteria, Nelson Kerr of the Long Beach health department said Wednesday. About 4 miles of coastline in Long Beach and a mile in neighboring Seal Beach will be closed until a sample taken Wednesday shows it's safe. A buried pipe near downtown Los Angeles collapsed Monday, causing a blockage and spill of 2.4 million gallons of raw sewage onto streets and into storm drains that feed into the river. Work is underway Tuesday morning, July 19, 2016, to repair a sewage spill at Mission Road and 6th Street in downtown Los Angeles. Beaches in Long Beach have been shut down after a sewage spill that began near downtown Los Angeles the day before, flowed down the LA River to the ocean. Long Beach officials estimate that more than 100,000 gallons of sewage reached the city, and its ocean waters will be closed until testing shows it's safe. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via AP) Work is underway Tuesday morning, July 19, 2016, to repair a sewage spill at Mission Road and 6th Street in downtown Los Angeles. Beaches in Long Beach have been shut down after a sewage spill that began near downtown Los Angeles the day before, flowed down the LA River to the ocean. Long Beach officials estimate that more than 100,000 gallons of sewage reached the city, and its ocean waters will be closed until testing shows it's safe. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via AP) A sign is posted at Alamitos Beach warning of the dangers of sewage contaminated water Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in Long Beach, Calif. Beaches in Long Beach have been shut down after a sewage spill that began near downtown Los Angeles the day before, flowed down the LA River to the ocean. Long Beach officials estimate that more than 100,000 gallons of sewage reached the city, and its ocean waters will be closed until testing shows it's safe. (Steve McCrank/The Daily Breeze via AP) MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT A sign is posted at Alamitos Beach warning of the dangers of sewage contaminated water Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in Long Beach, Calif. Beaches in Long Beach have been shut down after a sewage spill that began near downtown Los Angeles the day before, flowed down the LA River to the ocean. Long Beach officials estimate that more than 100,000 gallons of sewage reached the city, and its ocean waters will be closed until testing shows it's safe. (Steve McCrank/The Daily Breeze via AP) MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT Professor Wang Xiaochao, director of the Center for the Study of Greco-Roman Philosophy and Religion, recently hosted Professor Patrick Mendis, a Rajawali senior fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, at a forum in Tsinghua University to discuss his pioneering research on the Chinese culture and American civilization. Professor Patrick Mendis (center) explained the importance of Confucius among the trinity of the U.S. Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., as Director Xiaochao (right) and Professor Daniel Bell of Tsinghua University (left) listened to the lecture. An educator, diplomat, and member of the U.S. State Department's National Commission for UNESCO, the Harvard scholar shared his research and insight regarding the intellectual traditions and architectural symbols of the Confucian and Greco-Roman heritage that inspired America's founding fathers in their atypical pursuit to establish a flourishing new republic across the Atlantic Ocean. The influence of the great classical scholars of Greece and Rome is easily discovered in the Greco-Roman facades and architectural design of Washington, D.C., and its Federal Buildings and the surrounding sculptures. But the most popular writings of the founding fathers demand a more concerted scholarly effort to locate and identify the Confucian inspiration in America's founding. In his scholarly research, Professor Mendis focused on primary sources and historical references, both in the U.S. and Europe, to illustrate China's contribution to the early American republic. The American founding fathers, especially Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, discovered the Chinese classical heritage through their interactions with Europe, Professor Mendis explained. The works of famous Jesuit priest Matteo Ricci (1552-1620) and his missionary colleagues led to the seminal book, "The General History of China," edited by another Jesuit priest Jean-Baptiste Du Halde in Paris. The textan encyclopedic survey of Chinese people, their history and Confucian culturehad a remarkable influence on colonial America, especially among the intellectual circles. Not only did the European philosophers of the Enlightenment draw on the book, but it also decorated the libraries of Franklin, Jefferson, and others. In the Philosophical Dictionary, Voltaire declared that China "had invented nearly all the arts almost before we were in possession of any of them . . . in our pretended universal histories." The American founding fathers meticulously studied Chinese culture and literature; some of America's most eminent polymaths visited Paris and dialogued passionately with the French philosophers. Professor Mendis explained that Dr. Franklin in particular foresaw the power of virtuous and moral leadership expounded in the Chinese Classics as a complimentary and necessary ingredient for republican governance. "When he [Confucius] saw his country [China] sunk in vice, and wickedness of all kinds triumphant, he applied himself first to the grandees; and having by his doctrine won them to the cause of virtue, the commons followed in multitudes. The model has a wonderful influence on mankind." from Dr. Franklin's letter to Reverend George Whitefield on July 6, 1749 Similarly positive reflections on China were expressed by Charles Thomson, the secretary of the Continental Congress; Thomas Pain, whose powerful pen contributed pivotally to the outbreak of the American Revolution, the Harvard scholar pointed out. The admiration for the classics of China and the Chinese culture is not limited to scholarly and popular statements, but is also reflected in the architectural elements of the nation's capital in Washington, D.C. The Confucius statue decorates the eastern pediment of the U.S. Supreme Court Building along with Moses and Solon. This signifies the importance of Hellenic, Judaic, and Confucian traditions that provides the most comprehensive and complete set of commonalities shared in the American republic to govern human behavior and social order. In his view, Professor Mendis maintains that the strongest bond between the American founding fathers and the cultural traditions of China was the Deist nature of their shared cosmology. For the founding generation, Nature's God or Providence was used to build a laic polity (in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution), which is similar to the Confucian and Daoist traditions of All Under Heaven or the Mandate of Heaventhe phrases associated with the Jesuit writers and missionaries. For the American founding fathers, the spiritual elements of their cosmology were reflected into a most creative and passionate engagement with Freemasonry as well as the general architectural macro-design of the new Federal City in Washington, D.C. Both Washington and Beijing were built to reflect certain celestial alignments with stars and geometrical orientation; the former was designed to obey the inalienable laws of Nature's God, the latter is to safeguard the Mandate of Heaven. Professor Mendis concluded his lecture with a question,"Will there eventually be a shared heritage in the future of Sino-American relationship? " There is no mistake that the current status of the Sino-U.S. engagement is "commerce driven." Trade, investment, and market have been the dominant factors that bring the two largest economies and peoples of the Pacific Ocean together. In his latest books, "Commercial Providence" and "Peaceful War," Professor Mendis addressed this dimension of Sino-American commercial intercourse. Yet, a closer inquiry to the very roots of the American and the Chinese forma mentis reveals the potential for a more direct engagement between the twoan engagement based on core philosophical and cosmological principles that the founding generations of these two civilizations had understood yet their successors have neglected. Those symbols and principles in architectural designs are in front of our eyes, the Harvard scholar summarized; however, the hidden meanings of these seemingly decorative motifswhether they are in the Federal Buildings of Washington or the Temples of Heaven, Sun, Moon, and the Forbidden City of Beijingare understood by few. Vasilis Trigkas is an Onassis Scholar and Research Fellow with the Center for the Study of Greco-Roman Philosophy & Religion at Tsinghua University. Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation. California court denies push for payment during tunnel tests SAN FRANCISCO (AP) California officials don't have to pay property owners to access their land to conduct preliminary testing before deciding whether to move forward with a $15.7 billion plan to build two giant water tunnels to supply drinking water for cities and irrigation for farmers, the California Supreme Court ruled Thursday. The landowners in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta had demanded payment for thousands of acres sought by the state for testing. The payments would have added millions of dollars to the cost of the tunnels project. State officials said being forced to rent the land for testing would have also set a dangerous, expensive precedent regarding other public works projects. FILE - In this Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, file photo, people try to catch fish along the Sacramento River in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, near Courtland, Calif. The California Supreme Court is set to issue a ruling Thursday, July 21, 2016, that could add millions of dollars to the governor's $15.7 billion plan to build two giant water tunnels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File) The state Supreme Court ruled 7-0 in the state's favor, giving Gov. Jerry Brown a major victory in his fight to build the tunnels. Rental fees for the land were not necessary because the state is seeking temporary access, and land owners would be able to recover money for any damage or interference the testing caused, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye wrote. Ted Thomas, a spokesman for the state Department of Water Resources, said the ruling validated the procedures being used by the agency. "We will continue moving forward with our important work to modernize California's water infrastructure to better protect the delta ecosystem and water supplies," he said in a statement. Property owners said the tests will be lengthy and invasive and constitute an occupation of their property. Norman Matteoni, an attorney for one of the landowners, said the landowners will consider whether to appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Tom Keeling, another attorney for landowners, predicted the ruling would make landowners "more vulnerable to aggressive tactics" by the state. The tunnels project would run twin, four-story pipes underground for 35 miles and eventually pull thousands of gallons of water a second from a stretch of the Sacramento River to send to cities and farms to the south. Supporters say the project would ensure a more reliable water supply and protect fish species. Opponents contend it would jeopardize delta farming and destroy vital wildlife habitat. Officials promoting the tunnels will present plans to state water regulators in hearings starting Tuesday. The State Water Resources Control Board will decide whether tunnel backers have a right to take water from the river near Sacramento a major hurdle for the project to move forward. The testing at issue in Thursday's ruling involves access to about 150 properties covering tens of thousands of acres in San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Solano, Sacramento and Yolo counties. The environmental testing includes trapping wild animals and taking soil samples. For geological testing, experts would bore holes up to 8 inches in diameter and 205 feet into the ground. The holes would be filled after the testing is completed. Attorneys for landowner Property Reserve Inc. said in court documents that the preliminary project work would destroy crops and disrupt fertilizer and pesticide use. An appeals court in a 2-1 ruling two years ago sided with property owners, saying the testing constituted "taking" of private property. That court said that under California's state constitution, the property owners were entitled to a determination of the market value of the property rights the state was acquiring for the project. ___ Associated Press writer Scott Smith in Fresno contributed to this report. FILE - In this Feb. 23, 2016, file photo, a sign opposing a proposed tunnel plan to ship water through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to Southern California is displayed near Freeport, Calif. The California Supreme Court is set to issue a ruling Thursday, July 21, 2016, that could add millions of dollars to the governor's $15.7 billion plan to build two giant water tunnels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File) FILE - In this Feb. 25, 2016, file photo, water flows through an irrigation canal to crops near Lemoore, Calif. The California Supreme Court is set to issue a ruling Thursday, July 21, 2016, that could add millions of dollars to the governor's $15.7 billion plan to build two giant water tunnels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File) FILE- In this Feb. 25, 2016, file photo, Sha Xinog, climbs the bank to get more bait while fishing along the California Aquaduct near Firebaugh, Calif. The California Supreme Court is set to issue a ruling Thursday, July 21, 2016, that could add millions of dollars to the governor's $15.7 billion plan to build two giant water tunnels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, file) Timeline of events leading to Roger Ailes resignation NEW YORK (AP) Here are the key events leading up to Roger Ailes' resignation from Fox News Channel, the cable-news juggernaut he built from scratch two decades ago: June 23: Fox News Channel anchor and former "Fox & Friends" co-host Gretchen Carlson is quietly let go after 11 years with the network upon the expiration of her contract. July 6: Carlson sues network chief executive Roger Ailes, claiming she was cut loose after she refused his sexual advances and complained about harassment in the workplace. Though the complaint is filed against Ailes, she also cites her former "Fox & Friends" colleague Steve Doocy for alleged sexual harassment. Ailes, in a statement, denies the allegations and accuses Carlson of filing the lawsuit in retaliation for her contract not being renewed. Doocy doesn't respond. Parent company 21st Century Fox, while stating that "we have full confidence in Mr. Ailes and Mr. Doocy," it is launching an internal review. FILE - In this May 18, 2010 file photo, TV personality Gretchen Carlson appears on the set of "Fox & friends" in New York. Fox News CEO Roger Ailes is resigning from the network immediately, according to a statement by 21st Century Fox on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The decision comes amid allegations by Carlson that she was fired after refusing his sexual advances. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) July 9: New York magazine publishes allegations of sexual misconduct by Ailes from six other women, two of whom speak on the record. July 12: Veteran Fox News Channel host Neil Cavuto publishes a defense of Ailes in the Business Insider website, describing the accusations against him as "sick." Cavuto joins a number of female Fox News on-air personalities including Martha MacCallum, Sandra Smith, Greta Van Susteren and Maria Bartiromo who publicly push back against Carlson's allegations. July 15: Ailes' lawyers declare they are seeking to move Carlson's harassment case against him from a New Jersey court to a closed arbitration panel in New York. Ailes claims Carlson's contract compels her to submit to arbitration for employment disputes. Carlson argues that the arbitration clause doesn't apply because she's suing Ailes personally, not Fox News Channel or its parent. July 18: A New York magazine story, citing anonymous sources, reports that company heads Rupert Murdoch and his sons, Lachlan and James, have decided to remove Ailes. The company states there has been no resolution to its probe into Ailes' conduct. "This matter is not yet resolved and the review is not concluded," the company states. July 19: New York magazine reports that Megyn Kelly, who is arguably Fox News' biggest star, has told investigators that Ailes made unwanted sexual advances toward her about 10 years ago when she was beginning at the network. The report also says that, the day before, the company gave Ailes a deadline of Aug. 1 to resign or be fired for cause. July 21: Roger Ailes resigns, effective immediately. Rupert Murdoch takes over as acting CEO. FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2016 photo, Moderator Megyn Kelly waits for the start of the Republican presidential primary debate in Des Moines, Iowa. A lawyer for Roger Ailes is denying that the Fox News Channel chief executive sexually harassed network star Megyn Kelly. A statement on Tuesday, July 19, came amidst a swirl of contradictory reports that Ailes had been ousted as head of the influential network. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File) Donald Trump made history last night by promising to protect the 'LGBTQ community' - the first time the issue has ever been mentioned in a Republican nomination address. Trump's speech at the Republican National Convention was a watershed moment for the GOP. Four years ago Mitt Romney never even mentioned the word 'gay,' never mind the full acronym - standing for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning. Scroll down for video 'I am here for you': Donald Trump is seeking to portray himself as more inclusive than GOP candidates in the past, who have shrunk away from addressing issues affecting the LGBTQ community Trump, who has made a point of equating protection for gay people with fighting intolerant and extremist Islam, said: 'I will do everything in my power to protect our LGBTQ citizens from the violence and oppression of a hateful foreign ideology. Believe me.' If Republican delegates gathered in Cleveland to nominate Trump were caught off-guard, they did not show it. They cheered him loudly. Even the candidate seemed a bit surprised. 'I have to say, as a Republican it is so nice to hear you cheering for what I just said. Thank you,' Trump ad-libbed. Trump was making an unequivocal appeal for a more inclusive tone on an issue which resonates deeply with a younger generation of voters. Gay entrepreneur Peter Thiel earlier told the convention to loud applause: 'I am proud to be gay. I am proud to be a Republican. But most of all I am proud to be an American' But it also puts him at odds with the party platform adopted just three days earlier at his own nominating convention. The GOP platform moved farther away from gay rights than ever, with a new admonition of gay parenting that claimed children raised by a mother and father tended to be 'physically and emotionally healthier'. The party remains opposed to gay marriage and to bathroom choice for transgender people. Earlier Silicon Valley enterpreneur Peter Thiel told delegates: 'I am proud to be gay. I am proud to be a Republican. But most of all I am proud to be an American.' Thiel said 'fake cultural wars' like the bathroom choice debate were a distraction from the real issues, like the economy and national security. Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump makes his dramatic speech at the Republican National Convention. Whatever the critics say, there is no doubt he is an iconoclast Despite his rhetoric Trump is far from a gay rights advocate. Unlike Hillary Clinton, who supports same-sex marriage, Trump has said he would nominate Supreme Court justices who might overturn the ruling legalizing it nationwide. He once called the gay marriage ruling 'shocking' and has said states should get to decide - a position in line with mainstream Republican orthodoxy. But the New York billionaire has often spoken effusively about his friendships with gay people while avoiding anti-gay rhetoric that many other GOP candidates have embraced. After a gunman claiming allegiance to ISIS killed 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, Trump said he would be better for the LGBT community than Clinton because he would not allow in Muslim immigrants who, he claimed, want to 'murder gays'. Pro-gay Republicans have hailed Trump as the most supportive nominee in the party's history. The Donald, as he is often known, is a hard man to pigeonhole. On many social issues he is far more liberal than most Republicans, but many GOP supporters were ashamed by his suggestion that America should ban Muslims from entering the country Cara Pavalock, a Connecticut state lawmaker, said: 'I joined the party not for what it is but for what I know it will be in the future.' Trump's nominating convention featured awkward silences on the rare occasions when gay rights came up. The final evening featured speeches by Family Research Council President Tony Perkins and evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jr, two vehement gay rights opponents. Mainstream gay rights groups have denounced Trump, arguing that tolerance for one minority group does not excuse prejudice toward others, like Hispanics and Muslims, or unflattering comments about women. Jay Brown, of the Human Rights Campaign, said: 'His hatred toward anybody is a huge concern. When he attacks women, he attacks us. When he attacks Muslims, he's attacking us.' Caitlyn Jenner, right, speaks at the American Unity Fund fringe meeting at the Republican National Convention. The transgender activist and Olympic gold medalist is speaking at a breakfast at the Republican National Convention to promote LGBT inclusion in the GOP Gay Republicans say left-leaning groups are trying to blur the issues to help Democrats win elections and raise money. 'They are hell-bent on keeping this a political issue,' said Republican strategist Richard Grenell. Four years ago Grenell, who is gay, was hired by 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney to be his foreign policy spokesman, but resigned after Romney came under pressure from social conservatives. This week Grenell attended a brunch on the convention's sidelines hosted by a pro-LGBT non-profit group, the American Unity Fund. At the brunch, held in a big tent at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, pro-LGBT Republicans sipped mimosas and mingled with transgender activist Caitlyn Jenner while a man carried a rainbow version of the Gadsden flag, a tea party symbol. US, allies say they're at key moment in fight against IS WASHINGTON (AP) The United States and its anti-Islamic State coalition allies said Thursday they've reached a key moment in their campaign to defeat the extremist group, despite several months of limited ground gains and major terrorist attacks. After two days of talks in Washington, a joint statement cited steady progress by Iraqi forces and Syrian opposition militias as they edge closer to Mosul, the Islamic State's headquarters in Iraq, and Raqqa, its Syrian base of operations. But the 30 countries that sent top diplomats and defense officials also learned of only limited territorial advances. Secretary of State John Kerry arrives at a news conference at the conclusion of the Meeting of the Ministers of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL at the State Department in Washington, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen) "Our coalition and our partners on the ground have driven Daesh out of nearly half the territory it once occupied in Iraq and 20 percent in Syria," Secretary of State John Kerry told participants, using an alternate acronym for the group. Those numbers are barely better than they were in January. Kerry cited other markers of success, such as the recapture of Iraqi cities including Ramadi and Fallujah. Airstrikes have killed Islamic State leaders and disrupted the group's military operations, he said. Security has tightened along the Syria-Turkey border. Coalition attacks have eliminated Islamic State oil facilities, tanker trucks and cash storage sites. And this month, Iraqi forces seized an air base 40 miles south of Mosul, another step toward retaking that city. For all its battlefield struggles, however, the extremist group or its sympathizers have pulled off a series of deadly attacks in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. These include last week's truck attack during Bastille Day in Nice, France, that killed 84 people. "The world is going to look back and say Daesh made zero difference beyond the cruel suffering it caused," Kerry said at a news conference afterward. Thursday's discussions at the State Department followed a pair of meetings Wednesday. At Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Defense Secretary Ash Carter and other officials accelerated plans for reconstruction after the battles are over. At the State Department, Kerry and foreign ministers pledged more than $2.1 billion for Iraq as it captures more territory from the Islamic State, helping with everything from demining to long-term development assistance. Secretary of State John Kerry meets with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari at the State Department in Washington, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen) The Latest: Michigan will appeal straight-party decision DETROIT (AP) The Latest on a judge's decision to halt Michigan's ban on straight-party voting (all times local): ___ 5:50 p.m. Michigan's attorney general and secretary of state will appeal a federal judge's decision that blocks a ban on straight-party voting in the fall election. John Sellek, spokesman for Attorney General Bill Schuette, says an appeal will be filed early next week. Timing is critical: Clerks say the November ballot must be completed shortly after the Aug. 2 primary election. Judge Gershwin Drain suspended the straight-party ban Thursday, saying it violates the rights of black voters. For more than 100 years, Michigan voters have had the option of checking a single box to vote for all candidates of one political party. The law was repealed by Republican Gov. Rick Snyder in January. ___ 2:25 p.m. A federal judge has blocked Michigan's new ban on straight-party voting, a law that was passed by Republicans but criticized by Democrats as a way to discourage turnout among minorities. Judge Gershwin Drain signed an injunction Thursday, a week after hearing arguments. He says the law would place a "disproportionate burden" on the rights of blacks to vote in the fall election. Lawyers say more than 70 percent of ballots in Detroit and Flint have been cast as straight-party votes that go for all candidates of one party with just a single mark. Fernandez's daughter appeals decision to seize her money BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) The daughter of former President Cristina Fernandez on Thursday appealed a judge's order authorizing the seizure of more than $5 million as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering. Argentine officials last week opened a bank safe deposit box belonging to the 26-year-old daughter, Florencia Kirchner, at her request in an effort to clear her name. Kirchner's lawyer, Carlos Beraldi, filed the appeal seeking to overturn the seizure of $4.6 million found in the safe deposit box and about $1 million more from bank accounts belonging to Fernandez's daughter. FILE - In this Oct. 25, 2015 file photo, Florencia Kirchner, daughter of Argentina's former President Cristina Fernandez, casts her vote during elections in Rio Gallegos, Argentina. An Argentine prosecutor asked on July 15, 2016 for a local court to seize the more than $4.6 million from the bank safe deposit boxes belonging to the 26-year-old Kirchner, as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering. Florencia appealed the judge's order on Thursday, July 21. (AP Photo/Francisco Munoz, File) Kirchner has said that she has nothing to hide and that the money is partly from the inheritance left by her father, former President Nestor Kirchner, who died in 2010. She says all the cash had been previously listed in sworn declarations as well as before Argentina's anti-corruption office. Fernandez has called the probe "a media show," saying the money belongs to her family. She says that it came from changing savings in pesos to dollars and that she recently declared the sum to authorities. A local court judge is trying to determine whether Fernandez's family received payments through hotels it owns in southern Argentina from businessmen who benefited from the granting of public works contracts. Prosecutors say the alleged scheme would have allowed the money to be laundered. The case was launched after local lawmaker Margarita Stolbizer asked authorities to look into "suspicious movements" in the accounts and safe box belonging to the former president's daughter. Pro-Trump super PACs leave Cleveland with fatter wallets CLEVELAND (AP) After a slow start, big money is flowing toward efforts to help Donald Trump. Super PAC side meetings during the Republican National Convention have yielded millions of dollars in financial commitments, their leaders said, although some of the wealthiest and best-known donors remain uncomfortable with a presidential nominee whom they call divisive and light on policies. A group called Rebuilding America Now landed a $3 million donation on Monday and made a pitch to about 25 donors Wednesday at a Ritz Carlton gathering that featured Trump campaign officials, said Laurance Gay, the group's director. With the fresh infusion of cash, the group is set to air anti-Hillary Clinton and pro-Trump television advertisements next week during the Democratic National Convention. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, center, gives a thumbs up as he talks with production crew during a walk through in preparation for his speech at the Republican National Convention, Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland. At right is is daughter Ivanka. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) "Donors left our event feeling much less confused about the super PAC situation," Gay said. "If there's a time to begin giving, it's now." Another super PAC, Great America PAC, has been working in Cleveland to woo donors, including multimillionaire investor Foster Friess and oil and gas billionaire Harold Hamm. Trump advocates Ben Carson and Dorothy Woods, a widow of one of the four Americans killed in the Benghazi, Libya, attacks, spoke to about 100 people who attended a Great America PAC meeting on Monday, said the group's co-founder, Eric Beach. Both groups need new money: They're facing pro-Clinton efforts with more than $130 million. And FEC filings in recent days showed Great America PAC began the month with less than $1 million in available cash, and Rebuilding America Now with just over $500,000. Donors have been slow to engage with pro-Trump super PACs partly because the candidate spent months criticizing such groups as "corrupt" and ridiculing those who give money to politicians as puppet masters. Others aren't sure yet where he stands on policies they care about. One holdout is the DeVos family, major Republican donors in Michigan who founded Amway. Betsy DeVos, in Cleveland as a delegate, said that while her family wouldn't "preclude" helping Trump, they're concerned they haven't heard more from him on issues such as school choice. They're also not happy with his tone and language. "A lot of the things he has said are very off-putting and concerning," DeVos said. Another complication has been the pileup of potential groups to help Trump with at least six super PACs in the mix. The uncertainty has left some, including oil billionaire T. Boone Pickens and gaming mogul Sheldon Adelson, holding off. "He's not giving to any of them right now," said Andy Abboud, Adelson's political adviser, who posted on Twitter a photograph of Trump with Sheldon and Miriam Adelson Wednesday night at the convention arena. Abboud said seemingly all of the groups have made a pitch to Adelson. That includes Rebuilding America Now. Gay said he and Trump friend Tom Barrack, who helped land the group's seed money, met with the Adelsons in early June in Los Angeles. Rebuilding America Now's biggest donor so far has been Los Angeles developer Geoffrey Palmer, who gave $2 million. But on Monday a $3 million donation from Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus arrived, according to two sources familiar with the donation who requested anonymity because they weren't allowed to discuss it. Marcus' spokesman could not be reached for comment. Gay is a longtime friend of Paul Manafort, Trump's campaign chairman, and said he and Barrack started the super PAC at Manafort's behest. And Trump's campaign has made it clear to donors that they like what Rebuilding America Now is doing; Manafort called into the group's Wednesday meeting, and new vice presidential candidate Mike Pence has circulated a statement praising it. Federal rules prohibit Trump and his campaign from coordinating the pro-Trump spending done by super PACs. New money is enabling Rebuilding America Now to air ads next week nationally and in key states such as Ohio and Florida. One spot slams Clinton for making millions from speeches and landing huge contributions for her family's foundation from foreign entities. That information is spliced with footage of Clinton saying, "I don't think you can effectively restrict outsourcing" at a private meeting in 2005 in New Delhi, India. The super PAC sees that as a reinforcement of Trump's talk about renegotiating trade deals to be more favorable to American workers. The group is also airing a pro-Trump ad that shows construction and factory workers as a narrator says their jobs should come back. When a focus group of undecided Ohio voters convened by Republican pollster Frank Luntz saw the spot on Sunday, they gave it high marks until the narrator used Trump's catch phrase, "We can make America great again," and showed his name. Still, that commercial could be a major asset for Trump, whose own campaign has not aired a single commercial since he locked up the nomination in early May, while Clinton has put up $35 million in mostly positive ads about herself. Colorado mother: Son killed while fighting ISIS in Syria DENVER (AP) A Colorado man who joined Kurdish forces in their fight against the Islamic State group was killed in combat in Syria, his mother said Thursday. Susan Shirley said the U.S. Consulate in Turkey called her Tuesday to tell her that her son Levi Shirley, 24, was killed July 14 by a land mine. She said her son had wanted to join the Marines since high school, but he couldn't because of bad eyesight. He reached out to Kurdish forces online and joined the fight in Iraq and Syria for about three months last year before returning to Arvada in suburban Denver. In this 2015 photo provided by Katy Shirley, Levi Shirley, left, and his sister Katy Shirley pose for a photo in Arvada in suburban Denver. Levi, who joined Kurdish forces in their fight against the Islamic State group was killed in combat in Syria, his mother said Thursday, July 21, 2016. Susan Shirley said the U.S. Consulate in Turkey called her Tuesday to tell her that her son Levi Shirley, 24, was killed July 14 by a land mine. (Katy Shirley via AP) "He saw ISIS as a terrible evil, and that just was not OK with him," Shirley said. "That's the way his mind works. If you are defenseless, he will help you." Shirley said her son was never much of a fighter, but he had been involved in about a dozen gunbattles during his first stint in the Middle East and "that was enough to convince him that war is not as romantic as he thought." But he had a hard time adjusting to life back in Colorado while working at fast-food restaurants. Shirley said her son told her he was trying to raise money for tuition to get emergency medical training in Texas, but in hindsight she thinks he was saving for airfare back to the Middle East. He rejoined the Kurds in January. "He had a very big heart," Shirley said. "He was so brave to go back the second time, knowing what he was in for. He just really cared about the underdog." State Department officials said Thursday they are aware of reports that an American was killed in Syria, but they declined to comment further. The Kurds have used the internet to find fighters, creating a Facebook page called "The Lions of Rojava" with the stated aim of sending "terrorists to hell and save humanity." The page also features portraits of heavily armed Kurdish female commanders and fighters. The first American believed to have been killed fighting ISIS had no military training and died alongside Kurdish forces in 2015. Keith Broomfield of Massachusetts had joined the People's Protection Units known as the YPG under the nom de guerre Gelhat Rumet. The YPG is the main Kurdish guerrilla group battling ISIS in Syria. Dozens of other Westerners are now fighting with the Kurds, spurred on by social media campaigners and a sense of duty rooted in the U.S.-led military intervention in Iraq. Shirley said she was terrified that her son would be killed in the fighting but was proud of his decision. "You really have to go with what calls you, not with what your mother thinks calls you," she said. Levi Shirley would have turned 25 in August. ___ Follow Thomas Peipert at http://twitter.com/thomaspeipert Liam Smith confident of upsetting the odds against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez Liam Smith is confident he will stop pound-for-pound star Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez when he defends his WBO light-middleweight title on September 17 in Texas. Smith (23-0-1, 13KO wins) will make the third defence of his WBO belt he claimed against American John Thompson in October last year and will look to pull off arguably the biggest upset by a British boxer on foreign soil since Lloyd Honeyghan's victory over welterweight superstar Donald Curry in 1986. The 27-year-old has made two routine defences - beating Jimmy Kelly and Predrag Radosevic - but despite fighting in a state which Alvarez's promoter Oscar De La Hoya called "his second home", Smith feels that he won't be overawed by the occasion at the AT&T Stadium. Liam Smith believes nothing but a stoppage victory will see him come out on top in Texas "I've been doing (promoter Frank Warren's) head in, begging for a big fight. I jumped at the chance at this fight," Smith told the media at their press conference in London. "I look at Canelo, I don't need any more motivation. I don't look at the odds or papers. This is the biggest fight for me. I'm going there to stop him, if I don't it won't be through a lack of trying!" When questioned on the reports in the United States media calling the Liverpudlian a "paper champion", Smith's trainer Joe Gallagher responded strongly and believes the Mexican has made a huge mistake in facing Smith. "I expect them to give Liam a fair shot, but it's probably a true fact we need to get the stoppage to win," Gallagher said. "Alvarez is a very, very good fighter, you only have to look at his record to see who he's been in with. The Mayweathers, the Cottos, but I do feel Alvarez and Golden Boy have made a huge mistake. I feel they should have taken the GGG (Gennady Golovkin) fight and got paid well. "The best man will win and the loser will go back to Mexico." Current Lineal and Ring middleweight champion Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs), who is also a former WBA and WBC titleholder in the 154lb division, is coming off the back of a brutal KO victory over Smith's British counterpart Amir Khan on Cinco De Mayo weekend. Talk after that victory leaned towards an anticipated middleweight showdown against Gennady Golovkin, b ut the 26-year-old paid full respect to Smith and will not take the fight lightly. "Liam Smith is a great champion, he is very hungry and has great power and we know what we have in front of us," said Alvarez. Harry to join Sir Elton John at Aids awareness conference Prince Harry will address delegates at an Aids conference today as he takes his campaign to raise awareness about HIV to the international stage. Harry will share a platform at Aids 2016 with Sir Elton John, a prominent Aids campaigner, and after the two men have delivered speeches they will host a youth-focused discussion at the event being staged in Durban, South Africa. The session will address the HIV epidemic among adolescents with an emphasis on the impact stigma and discrimination have on young people. Prince Harry has blood for a HIV test taken by Specialist Psychotherapist Robert Palmer during a visit to the Burrell Street Sexual Health Centre in Southwark, London Sir Elton and Harry will be joined by a panel of young advocates who will describe what is, and what is not, working for the HIV response among young people, and what must change to address the needs of youth with HIV. Harry's charity Sentebale already focuses on supporting HIV positive young people in the African nation of Lesotho, but the Prince now aims to spread the message to his generation that the fight against HIV/Aids has not yet been won, Kensington Palace has said. Sir Elton, who established a foundation to help in the global fight against Aids, said: "Today, HIV/Aids is a treatable disease and no longer the death sentence it was ten years ago, but we cannot grow complacent in our fight to eradicate it completely. "If our efforts wane, anti-viral drug resistance will resurface, transmission rates will again rise, and this disease, which knows no boundaries, will once again become a ruthless pandemic with disastrous and far-reaching consequences." Harry underwent a public test for HIV last week and admitted to feeling nervous before the finger-prick procedure was carried out and produced a negative result. When it was announced some weeks ago the Prince was to focus part of his public work on highlighting the fight against Aids, the move was welcomed by HIV charities and organisations who said his involvement with the issue would help shine a spotlight on the ''epidemic'' of people contracting the virus. The latest data from Public Health England shows in 2014 there were an estimated 103,700 people living with the disease in the UK, with 17% of these not aware of their HIV infection. Callista Olzheim spent much of the past 14 years searching for her birthparents, and wondering why they abandoned her. Erika Olzheim (third from left) adopted Callista, a Chinese girl (second from left). Her sister, Andrea De Baar (fourth from left) adopted two boys. They visited the orphanage in Anhui province, where Callista spent her first 18 months.[Zhu Lixin/China Daily] She was adopted by Dutch woman Erika Olzheim when she was 18 months old, and has just concluded another trip to China with her adopted family. "Knowing nothing about your past is difficult", said Erika, 53, who brought Callista to Huainan to search for her birthparents. "I want to know if they are still alive, why they abandoned me and if I have siblings", said Callista, whose younger brother is also adopted and originally from Taiwan. It is believed that Callista was born in Huainan, Anhui province, on Dec 26, 2002, and was abandoned the next day in the city's railway station. After being found, she was sent to the Huainan Children's Welfare Home and spent 18 months at the orphanage until Olzheim adopted her. Though the girl has been living happily in Duiven, the Netherlands, for the past 12 years, a growing curiosity has driven her to seek out her natural parents. On this year's trip, she was joined by Erika's twin sister Andrea De Baar, from Zevenaar, the Netherlands, and two of her sons who were adopted from Harbin, Heilongjiang province, and Yixing, Jiangsu province. The sisters said all available records pointed to the children having been abandoned. In the search for Callista's family, they first tried distributing fliers around the Huainan railway station and then turned to the local police, who took a blood sample from Callista to run a DNA test. It returned no positive results. Before and after the Huainan trip, they had tried similar methods in Harbin and Yixing for 14-year-old Stefan De Baar and 12-year-old Vincent De Baar, with no luck. Callista and Stefan said they were driven mostly by curiosity, not hatred of their birthparents. "You don't know what kind of people they are and you can't really judge," said Stefan. Erika has tried to explain to Callista about China's one-child policy, which was replaced last year by another allowing each couple to have two children. "That might be a possible reason for their abandonment," Erika said. "They might have been poorotherwise, they may have taken good care of me," said Callista. When Erika and her husband decided to adopt Callista, they already had three birth children. The De Baar family also has five children, including their two adopted sons. Erika said they adopted the girl and her younger brother "because we want to have a big family and also give the abandoned kids a chance to live a better life by providing them with a good education and a happy family". During their time in Huainan, the two families made a trip to Callista's old orphanage, which they had visited in 2008 and 2014. This time they could only look in from the outside, as they were not aware of a new regulation, which stipulates that foreigners must first get approval from the provincial government's civil affairs department before visiting children's welfare homes. HSBC trader bailed in US currency exchange fraud probe A top trader at banking giant HSBC has been released on bail after he was arrested by FBI agents and charged with fraudulently rigging a 3.5 billion dollar (2.6 billion) currency exchange deal. Mark Johnson, the bank's head of global foreign exchange cash trading, was arrested by federal agents at New York's JFK International Airport on Tuesday evening as the US Department of Justice continues its long-running probe into foreign exchange trading. Mr Johnson, 50, who is a UK citizen but lives in America, was released on a 1 million dollar (755,000) bail after appearing on Wednesday at a Brooklyn federal court charged with allegedly conspiring to defraud an HSBC client through a "front running" scheme. Mark Johnson leaves US District Court in Brooklyn (AP) Stuart Scott, 43, HSBC's former head of foreign exchange cash trading for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, who lives in the UK, has also been charged. A warrant has been issued for Mr Scott's arrest. The two men are accused of conspiring to commit wire fraud between November and December 2011 after "misusing information" from a client that hired HSBC to carry out a foreign exchange transaction linked to the sale of a foreign subsidiary. It is alleged the two men "caused the 3.5 billion dollars (2.6 billion) foreign exchange transaction to be executed in a manner that was designed to spike the price of the pound sterling, to the benefit of HSBC and at the expense of their client". Mr Johnson reportedly said on a telephone call to Mr Scott "Ohhhh f**king Christmas" when the full order for the amount was authorised. The "front running" enabled them to generate 8 million dollars (6 million), some of it illegally, to the benefit of HSBC and at the expense of their client, it is alleged. Robert Capers, US attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said: "As alleged, the defendants placed personal and company profits ahead of their duties of trust and confidentiality owed to their client, and in doing so, defrauded their client of millions of dollars." Defence lawyer Frank Wohl declined to comment after Mr Johnson was released on bail following an initial court appearance before a magistrate in Brooklyn. Assistant attorney general Leslie Caldwell said: "The defendants allegedly betrayed their client's confidence, and corruptly manipulated the foreign exchange market to benefit themselves and their bank." She added: "This case demonstrates the criminal division's commitment to hold corporate executives, including at the world's largest and most sophisticated institutions, responsible for their crimes." In August last year, nine banks including Britain's Barclays, HSBC and Royal Bank of Scotland agreed a settlement of more than two billion US dollars (1.3 billion) with US investors over foreign exchange rate rigging claims. Mr Johnson's arrest is the latest scandal to impact HSBC which came under fire from US senators in 2012 after drug cartels laundered money through the bank's Mexican operation. Rail chief comes face to face with angry Southern passengers Commuters have confronted the beleaguered boss of embattled operator Southern to vent their frustrations with the service. Charles Horton, chief executive of Southern's parent company Govia Thameslink Railway, faced pressure from passengers on Thursday morning at a "meet the manager" event at London Victoria station. Passengers have faced months of delays and cancellations on Southern routes, which include lines between London and the South Coast, East and West Sussex and Surrey. Charles Horton, chief executive of Govia Thameslink, speaks to customers at London Victoria station The rail company has cut 341 journeys a day from its timetable after weeks of staff shortages, sickness and industrial action. Commuters angry at the level of service have staged protests at a number of stations in recent weeks. Dozens of passengers took the opportunity to meet Southern bosses at Thursday's two-hour event. Mr Horton said: "It's always good to do these sessions. "I've spoken to many customers myself this morning. There's been lots of questions. Lots of customers expressing their frustration and recounting some of their bad experiences. "I've apologised, we've apologised, for the poor level of service. "We've also talked about the future and about what we're planning to do to make things better for them." Mr Horton claimed that "c ustomers are always very patient and they're always very reasonable in what they say to you". He added: "We understand this isn't just about train services, this is about people's lives and the impact when trains are delayed." Charity worker Rona Hunnisett, 40, who commutes from Brighton to London Victoria every day, attended the event on her way to work but was left shaking her head after meeting a manager responsible for quality control. She told the Press Association that when she asked for "a definitive time" when services would improve, she only received "waffle and more evasion" in response. " I'm sick of the constant excuses and blame," she said. " It's never their fault, it's always somebody else's fault." Mrs Hunnisett said she felt "physically scared for the first time in 20 years of commuting" on Monday night during severe congestion at Brighton station. " I pay them 4,000 a year for a service and I don't get it," she added. "I don't think there is any excuse in this day and age to take that kind of money and not provide a service or a meaningful compensation package." IT contractor Navneet Jha, who commutes from South Croydon to London Victoria, claimed Southern is "exploiting" passengers by making the refund process for delays "cumbersome" and running trains with fewer carriages than normal, which means people are left on platforms, unable to board. The 32-year-old claimed he was told by a S outhern manager that "all the problems will go in a month". But following the meeting, he said: "I highly doubt that." He described his first five and a half years of commuting on Southern trains as "pleasant", but claimed "things have gone haywire" in the past six months. Diana Vetesse was one of the commuters to confront Mr Horton, complaining that delays to the service had meant she once missed her son's Nativity play. The 52-year-old, from Billingshurst, West Sussex, said: "I'm generally frustrated and I was saying there's an occasion where I did not manage to get home. "They were very nice (at the event) and actually, for me, the trains have been working better but overall I think it's appalling. "We are paying so much for tickets and it's so unreliable." London Mayor Sadiq Khan is urgently trying to put a Transport for London team in charge of Southern services until the problems are resolved. A Department for Transport (DfT) official said on Wednesday that f uture rail franchises are unlikely to be as "large and complex" as the one awarded to Southern. New Rail Minister Paul Maynard revealed that the DfT will consider brokering talks between Southern and the RMT union in a bid to resolve the industrial dispute which has contributed to the disruption. Southern told passengers on Wednesday that Mr Horton usually attends the "meet the manager" sessions and was expected to be at London Victoria the following day. It was revealed last month that David Brown, chief executive of Go Ahead, which owns a majority stake in the company running the GTR franchise, was paid more than 2 million in 2015. The firm's annual report stated that hi s total remuneration package, which includes his salary and performance-related bonus, was 2.16 million, up from 1.96 million the previous year. 900 jobs to be created as Sainsbury's launches same-day delivery service Sainsbury's is creating 900 jobs and trialling a same-day delivery service to meet the growing demand for online shopping in the UK's fiercely competitive grocery sector. The supermarket giant said it will start the same-day service at three stores, before rolling it out to 30 stores by Christmas, to keep pace with a rise in online orders across London. It said the service will allow customers who order by 12pm to have their shopping delivered to their home by 6pm, or they can use its click and collect service to pick it up from a supermarket at 4pm. Sainsbury's said the service will allow customers who order by 12pm to have their shopping delivered to their home by 6pm The move is being underpinned by the launch of a new online fulfilment centre in Bromley-by-Bow, east London, where it plans to immediately recruit 470 people followed by a further 430 by 2020. The announcement comes after Amazon revealed its push into the UK grocery market in June when it launched AmazonFresh, which offers same-day fresh food deliveries to 128 London postcodes. Robbie Feather, Sainsbury's director for online, said: "Demand for our online delivery service in the capital continues to grow. "We expect this trend to continue as more and more customers enjoy the flexibility of multi-channel shopping using our groceries website and app, in addition to visiting stores. "Our online orders are currently picked from supermarket stores across the UK and this model will continue, but the Bromley-by-Bow centre will help us keep pace with demand in London, enabling us to fulfil another 25,000 orders per week." Sainsbury's said the 185,000 sq ft online fulfilment centre will be opened in the autumn and has been kitted out with the latest automation and picking technology. The jobs created at the site will range from drivers and order pickers to product replenishers and managers. The three stores taking part in the same-day delivery trial include the Sainsbury's at Streatham Common, Richmond and Brookwood in Surrey. It said the trial service will be " competitively priced" for customers and free on orders over 100 delivered between Monday and Thursday. Customers who have a Sainsbury's "delivery pass" will not be charged. The retailer previously announced that it was planning to double its click and collect grocery sites to 200 by the end of the next financial year. Mr Feather added: "As our online sales grow we are seeing an increasing proportion of orders placed for next day delivery, so this trial is a natural next step in delivering our strategy to help customers shop whenever and wherever they want." Britain's second-largest supermarket reported a 0.8% drop in like-for-like sales excluding fuel for the 12 weeks to June 4. The fall marked a setback after a return to quarterly like-for-like growth for the first time in more than two years the previous three months, when sales edged 0.1% higher. The grocer is currently waiting to hear if the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will launch an inquiry into its 1.4 billion takeover of Argos owner Home Retail Group. The CMA said it would consider comments on the deal and announce its decision by July 25. The British grocery sector continues to be locked in a supermarket price war, which has seen the Big Four supermarkets slash their prices to protect market share from the rise of German discounters Aldi and Lidl. Jose Mourinho prepared for pursuit of other targets if Pogba move fails Jose Mourinho would not be surprised if Manchester United's interest in Paul Pogba fails to bear fruit - and he has two alternatives lined up. Four years on from Pogba departing Old Trafford without making a first-team start, the 23-year-old midfielder is being trailed by his former club having flourished at Juventus. The Italian giants have reportedly turned down a world-record transfer bid for Pogba and work continues as United look to add the final piece of their jigsaw, with the player's agent Mino Raiola taking to Twitter to state "there is no deal done". Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is looking to bring in a central midfielder Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward did not travel on the pre-season tour to China as United look to finish their transfer business, with manager Mourinho targeting a central midfielder to complete his squad. Paris St Germain's Blaise Matuidi and Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic have also been linked with moves to Old Trafford, but Pogba remains the name on everyone's lips. "You have smoke, you have fire - you used to say something like that, right?" Mourinho said at the team hotel in Shanghai. "I am not going to try to make you naive and believe that we are not trying for one player. "But we know first of all that the player belongs to another club, which is not a small club. It is also a big club, a club with economical power to fight for their best players, to try and keep their best players. "Apart from that we know other clubs are also involved and for us it is not kind of 'are we going to win the race or to lose the race?'. It is not a race, it is just the market. "And when you go to the market, you have other options. You cannot focus on one, so we are in a very comfortable situation. "My relationship with Mr Woodward is very good, it is very open. I never create this kind of situation for him that it is black or white. It is not black or white, I give him options. "Since day one I tried to be pragmatic in my analysis, I try to give him different options so he's not feeling the pressure that 'I need to get this player because this is the player the manager wants'. "The manager is trying to make things quite simple for everyone. The market is already difficult. "My board doesn't need that the pressure come from the manager. My board needs to be calm, feel that we have other options. "I really need for the balance of my squad a midfield player but we have more options." Mourinho says 75 per cent of United's summer business is complete having filled three of four "fundamental" areas, with central defender Eric Bailly, creative midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic having so far arrived. A central midfielder will follow but Mourinho was at pains to stress that United are not being blinded by Pogba's qualities - in fact, he conceded the deal may not even happen. "We have one space for a midfield player," the United boss said. "Everybody speaks about one, but it wouldn't be a surprise for me if it is not him and it is another one because we went for profile. "We have two more options in front of us and we are going to close one." While this deal rumbles on, Mourinho praised the swift and effective work by executive vice-chairman Woodward and the United board this summer. The Portuguese has been backed in an inflated transfer market that could see Pogba arrive in the world's first 100million deal. "We are in a comfortable position but we know what it is wrong and what is right," Mourinho said when asked about a potential world-record outlay. "We know what the balance is and, I repeat, we are not going to be only focusing on one player. "We are not going to be in the hands of one club that may sell and maybe doesn't sell. Union warns against shipyard redundancies amid delay to Navy frigate work A union official has warned that shipyard workers will not accept any redundancies as a result of the delay to eight new Royal Navy frigates. Duncan McPhee, Unite convener at BAE Systems' Scotstoun yard, said it will be difficult to retain jobs if the delay to the Type 26 frigates rolls on indefinitely but that the MoD is duty bound to maintain a standing qualified workforce. The MoD's chief executive for equipment, Tony Douglas, told MPs on Wednesday that no start date had yet been set because the design of the warships was only 60% complete. Illustration of the latest design for the Type 26 Global Combat Ship (BAE Systems/PA) The MoD has denied that a shortage of money is behind the delay, but Mr McPhee said: "There's no doubt about it - it is a financial situation." He told BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme: "Money has been removed from the programme and that money has to be reinstated to get that contract started in a more realistic timetable. "There's going to have to be a political decision to reinstate money to that programme to get it done, because it's a false economy. "The further they delay it, the costs increase, so it makes no sense." Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West said last month that cutting steel had been put back from 2016 because "there's almost no money available this year, and we are really strapped next year". Defence Committee chairman Julian Lewis warned that delays could end up costing money, as the operating life of the Type 23 craft the frigates are replacing may have to be extended. Mr McPhee said: "We have the workforce geared up for this programme and that workforce will remain. "It means that we are going to have to do a lot of things between the company, moving different work packages about, keeping people at Rosyth maybe longer than we thought working on the aircraft carriers, maybe having to transfer people down to Barrow for the submarine programme. "So we will keep the jobs... the one thing the trade unions and the workforce will not be accepting is any redundancies. We have been through our redundancy programme and we won't entertain any more of that. "It can be done but it will be difficult. It just means that people will have to work away from their base sites in Glasgow, which is not ideal, it does add cost to things, but that will be the price of having to keep them because, at the end of the day, under the terms of the business agreement that the company has with the MoD, we must retain a workforce that is capable of building complex naval ships." Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon accused the MoD of breaking a promise it made to shipyard workers ahead of the independence referendum. SNP defence spokesman Brendan O'Hara said an indefinite delay "would be an utter betrayal to those workers". Mr McPhee said: "It's a very serious problem as it has given us workload issues, obviously, but I wouldn't say it was a betrayal. It would be a betrayal if the contracts were cancelled or given to someone else." He said he has no regrets about endorsing Better Together in 2014. Pep Guardiola says price is stumbling block in Manchester City's Leroy Sane move Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed the club's interest in Schalke winger Leroy Sane but there is no deal in place. Guardiola says contact has been made but the two clubs differ in their valuation of the Germany international, with Schalke reportedly seeking 45million. Sane, 20, has indicated a desire to leave Schalke but has been linked with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid as well as City. Manchester City are interested in Germany international Leroy Sane Speaking at a press conference after City's pre-season friendly at Bayern on Wednesday, Guardiola said: "Sane is a player of Schalke. Of course we talk to him - Schalke know we are interested but at this moment we don't have many possibilities to get him." Guardiola added, according to City's official website: "There's a difference between City and Schalke and it's quite big but I don't know what's going to happen in the coming weeks and months." Guardiola has already overseen three signings since taking charge this summer, in Ilkay Gundogan, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Nolito. Johnson backs Nato's mutual defence doctrine after Trump claims Boris Johnson appeared directly at odds with US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on a key Nato issue during his first visit to Washington as Foreign Secretary. Speaking as Mr Trump was making his keynote address to the Republican Party convention, Mr Johnson voiced support for the military alliance's principle of mutual defence after the US presidential hopeful raised questions about whether America would come to the aid of the Baltic states if Russia attacked them. Mr Trump said the US would defend them "if they fulfil their obligations to us". Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson voiced his support for Nato's principle of mutual defence Mr Johnson, who is in the US capital to discuss combating Islamic State, stressed that automatic mutual defence was the bedrock of Nato and had been responsible for keeping the peace in Europe for decades. "Let me just reassure you, and reassure everyone on that point - I think that Article Five in the Nato Treaty of 1948, the doctrine of mutual defence, is incredibly important. "It's something that I've repeated several times already just in the last week to various other countries, and my counterparts in various other countries around Europe, in the Baltic countries and elsewhere. "It's something that the British Government believes in absolutely, fervently, and that we stand behind full square. "Fundamentally, it is the Nato Treaty, that doctrine of mutual defence, that has guaranteed the peace in Europe for decades, and will do, I think, for decades to come," Mr Johnson said. Asked if Mr Trump had made a gaffe with his comments, Mr Johnson said: "It's not for me to get involved in the politics of this election campaign going on in America." Mr Johnson insisted none of his counterparts on the international stage had mentioned his past insults against world leaders since he became Foreign Secretary. "Absolutely nobody here today, or indeed in the last few days, has brought up anything to do with that kind of stuff," he said. Mr Johnson said that although the "foreign policy establishment" had opposed Brexit, the world was now coming to realise that it presented opportunities. The Foreign Secretary said US secretary of state John Kerry had been encouraging about Britain's new role. "What John Kerry said to me, a week ago, when I got this job, is what he and the Americans were wanting to see was more UK, not less UK. In other words, he sees this, and the United States see this, as an opportunity to have more of a role on the world stage, and I really agree with him. "It does not mean that we are turning our backs on the world. On the contrary, we have massive influence, we have massive interest around the world. Getting out of the EU treaties does not mean that Britain leaves Europe, broadly conceived," Mr Johnson said. Italy probes man who spoke to Nice attacker hours before massacre BARI, Italy, July 18 (Reuters) - Italian counter-terror officials are investigating a Tunisian living in the southern city of Bari who spoke to Nice attacker Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel hours before he killed 84 people, investigative sources said on Monday. The man spoke with Bouhlel, who was also Tunisian, by telephone just hours before the delivery man ran down revellers at a Bastille Day celebration in Nice on Thursday with a 19-tonne refrigerator truck, sources said. Italy's anti-terror police and magistrates opened the probe at the request of French authorities, who had Bouhlel's phone records, the sources said. The two men had spoken several times in recent weeks, the sources said without giving further details. Three people close to Bouhlel were arrested in Nice on Sunday. Four others arrested previously were still being held. VW's Audi plans electric car push to put heat on Tesla By Andreas Cremer and Edward Taylor BERLIN, July 19 (Reuters) - Audi will aim for electric cars to account for a quarter of its sales by 2025 as part of a strategic overhaul following the emissions scandal at parent Volkswagen, company sources said, in a move that could step up the challenge to U.S. group Tesla. Audi, which has been slow to embrace battery-powered vehicles, will now invest about a third of its research and development (R&D) budget into electric cars, digital services, and autonomous driving, two company sources told Reuters. Based on the 1.8 million cars sold by the German automaker last year, that would mean it selling at least 450,000 electric cars a year. Factoring in an expected rise in sales, that could turn Audi into a major competitor to Tesla, which believes it can sell 500,000 electric cars by 2020 or sooner. With the exception of BMW, Germany's luxury automakers have been late to develop electric vehicles, a market which is still loss-making. But Audi's parent Volkswagen is under pressure to clean up its image in the wake of its emissions-test cheating scandal. Audi CEO Rupert Stadler plans to outline details of the new business roadmap to more than 2,000 managers on Wednesday at a closed-door conference in Munich, the sources said. An Audi spokesman declined to comment. German business daily Handelsblatt reported late on Monday about Audi's plans. Figures compiled for Reuters by LMC Automotive show German trio BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi - the world's largest producers of luxury cars - rank 12th, 14th and 22nd respectively when it comes to annual sales of electric and hybrid vehicles, trailing Toyota, Honda, Lexus and Nissan. LACK OF DEMAND In the wake of Volkswagen's diesel test cheating, regulators around the world have intensified a clampdown on toxic fumes, potentially providing a boost in demand for zero emission cars. Customers have, however, been slow to adopt electric cars which have a limited operating range and long recharging times. Of the 14,202,024 new cars registered in the European Union and the European Free Trade Association last year, only 186,170 were electric vehicles and 234,170 were hybrids, figures from European auto association ACEA show. Year-to-date growth for electric vehicles has been slowing. While sales jumped by 55 percent last year, they have risen just 15 percent to 37,000 so far in 2016, according to JATO Dynamics. "Some governments in Northern Europe where most of the electric vehicles are sold have announced fewer incentives. At the same time there hasn't been any important new launch in the electric vehicle segment," said Felipe Munoz, global automotive analyst with JATO. The lack of an electric sport utility vehicle, and broad demand for hybrid vehicles, has dampened demand in pure electric cars, JATO added. To free up funds for the new strategy, Audi plans cutbacks in its conventional combustion car programme including steps to reduce country-specific variants of engines and transmissions, the sources said, without being more specific. Volkswagen last month announced plans to spend billions of euros on electric cars, ride-hailing and automated driving to become a world leader in green transport by 2025. In 2015, Audi spent 4.24 billion euros ($4.69 billion) on R&D. Of the brand's 50 or so models, only two are electric or semi-electric and Audi is now taking orders on a third, the Q7 e-tron plug-in hybrid. Judge refuses to block generic versions of AstraZeneca's Crestor By Brendan Pierson July 19 (Reuters) - A U.S. judge on Tuesday refused to issue a temporary restraining order blocking the approval of new generic versions of AstraZeneca's blockbuster cholesterol drug Crestor in the United States. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss in Washington, D.C. ruled that AstraZeneca was not likely to win a lawsuit claiming it should get seven more years of exclusive rights to the drug thanks to its recent approval to treat a rare pediatric illness. Generic drugmakers including Novartis AG unit Sandoz, Apotex and Mylan have said in court filings that they are prepared to launch generic versions of Crestor, which lost patent protection earlier this month. AstraZeneca spokeswoman Michele Meixell said in an emailed statement the company was "disappointed" with the decision. AstraZeneca's bid to extend its exclusivity had drawn sharp criticism from former presidential candidate and Senator Bernie Sanders, a Democrat from Vermont, who along with seven Democratic U.S. Representatives had urged the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in a July 7 letter not to let the company exploit a "loophole." Allergan plc has already been selling generic Crestor in the U.S. since May under a licensing agreement with AstraZeneca, and is not affected by Tuesday's order. Crestor, which accounted for more than 20 percent of AstraZeneca's $23.6 billion in sales last year, was approved by the FDA for the treatment of high cholesterol in 2003. In May, the FDA approved the addition of a new indication for use to the drug's label for the treatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in patients 7 to 17 years old. The rare genetic disease, which causes high cholesterol and sometimes heart disease, affects about one in a million people. In June, AstraZeneca won seven years of exclusive marketing rights for the new indication under the federal "orphan drug" program. Orphan drug exclusivity is granted to new drugs or new indications of existing drugs for rare diseases, to encourage research that might otherwise not be profitable. AstraZeneca then sued the FDA seeking to block final approval of any new generic Crestor. The company claimed that federal law required drugs to include all pediatric indications on their labels. Moss's decision on Tuesday is in line with a ruling last year by another judge in the same court, who allowed generic versions of Otsuka's antipsychotic drug Abilify to go on the market even though the drug had recently been approved for a rare disease. China's State Council on Wednesday published detailed rules on pledges of allegiance by government officials to the country's Constitution in a bid to advance the rule of law, a government statement said. The rules, which specified formalities and procedures for the pledges and oath takers, was approved at Wednesday's executive meeting of the State Council chaired by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. The aim, the statement said, is to "inspire and educate" government officials to stay loyal to the Constitution, abide by and safeguard the Constitution and fulfill their duties in accordance with the law, as well as to promote the building of a law-based government. Chinese lawmakers adopted a resolution last July stipulating that all officials elected or appointed by people's congresses at all levels and their standing committees above the county level, as well as state functionaries appointed by people's governments, courts and procuratorates at all levels, should take a public oath of allegiance to the Constitution while assuming office. A system of pledging allegiance to the Constitution is important to advancing the rule of law, Han Xiaowu, deputy secretary-general of the NPC Standing Committee, said at the time. It will raise the public's awareness of the Constitution, he said. The top legislature already began oath-taking ceremonies for new officials in January this year. Six senior officials from special committees of the National People's Congress (NPC) and commissions of the NPC Standing Committee pledged allegiance to the Constitution at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Feb. 26. Britain's FTSE rallies though miners lag By Kit Rees LONDON, July 20 (Reuters) - UK shares advanced on Wednesday, supported by recent currency weakness and gains in healthcare stocks, though miners fell after updates from Anglo American and BHP Billiton. The FTSE 100 index was up 0.4 percent at 6,723.05 points, on track for its fifth consecutive week of gains. The rally was broad-based, with analysts citing weakness in sterling in the aftermath of Britain's June 23 Brexit vote as making dollar-earning companies on the internationally-focused FTSE 100 index more attractive. Health stocks Shire and Hikma both gained more than 1.7 percent. "The health sector has been a traditional, defensive play. There is an element of nervousness creeping into the market currently regarding what the implications of the Brexit will be, so pharmaceuticals do present some form of a safe haven in terms of volatility," Jonathan Roy, advisory investment manager at Charles Hanover Investments, said. The FTSE 350 Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology index has gained nearly 18 percent since the UK's vote. Another riser was insurer Admiral Group, which gained 1.2 percent after UBS upgraded its rating on the stock to "buy" from "neutral", citing potential for growth in the company's home, international insurance and international price comparison units. "UK car insurers have been the best performing sub-sector in 2016, re-rating due to defensive characteristics, yield attractions and a rising rate environment," analysts at UBS said in a note. "We now expect greater appreciation of the growth opportunity, ultimately driving near term earnings surprises and further multiple expansion." Mining stocks were the top fallers after disappointing updates from Anglo American and BHP Billiton, which fell 7.1 percent and 3.4 percent, respectively. The FTSE 350 Mining index dropped 2.2 percent, putting it on track for its fourth session of straight losses. "There is a good chance the earnings downgrade cycle may be over for the resources sector with commodity prices regaining strength and demand fundamentals looking slightly better," Russ Mould, AJ Bell investment director, said in a note. Outside of the blue chips, Electrocomponents jumped 7.5 percent after a well-received trading update, though MAN Group, the world's biggest listed hedge fund, was down 4.5 percent after the surprise departure of CEO Emmanuel 'Manny' Roman. Kremlin on the strong rouble: balance is needed in supporting various sectors MOSCOW, July 20 (Reuters) - A balance is needed to prevent an excessive support of one sector of the Russian economy at the expense of another, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday, in comments on a stronger rouble. Peskov was asked to clarify comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin who had said that the rouble was strengthening despite volatility on the global commodity markets and the authorities needed to think about what to do in the near future given those factors. Italian victims of Nice attack flown to Milan MILAN, July 20 (Reuters) - The bodies of four Italian victims of last week's truck attack in the French resort of Nice were flown to an airport in the northern city of Milan in a military plane on Wednesday. Five Italians were among 84 people who died when a Tunisian man drove a truck into crowds celebrating Bastille Day last Thursday in an attack that was claimed by Islamic State. Italian authorities did not say which of the victims were brought back on Wednesday to Milan's Malpensa airport, where President Sergio Mattarella met their relatives. The four coffins, wrapped in Italy's tricolour flag, were blessed by a priest and placed in hearses before being taken for separate funeral services, video footage released by the president's office showed. How the West can prevent Nice from becoming the 'new normal' By Peter Van Buren July 20 (Reuters) - Hours after a truck plowed through a crowd in Nice, France, killing 84 people, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump outlined his policy against Islamic State: as president, he will seek a full declaration of war from Congress, the first such formal invocation since Pearl Harbor. Trump was clear he would take the strategies of the post-9/11 era into a new administration. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, for her part, intends on "intensifying the current air campaign stepping up support for local forces on the ground." One of the two candidates will become the fifth consecutive American president to make war in the Middle East. Following the Nice attack, their French counterpart, President Francois Hollande, declared "We will continue striking those who attack us on our own soil." Tough talk. The problem is that nothing these politicians have suggested will work. Post-Nice, post-Brussels, post-Turkey, post-Paris, it is clear the last 15 years of the war on terror in general, and the last two against Islamic State in particular, have not accomplished much. No society can defend itself fully when any truck can be turned into a weapon of mass destruction. No amount of curating social media will fully prevent disenfranchised people from becoming radicalized. Ramadi fell, Fallujah fell, Mosul will likely fall, Islamic State is being forced off Twitter, and then Nice still happened. While necessary, military force and security measures are far from sufficient to defeat attacks from radicalized Islamic groups. A new set of strategies is needed. The West must decide whether it wishes to tackle the problem at its core, or simply choose to live with a new normal where incidents like Nice will continue to happen. Here is what should be considered. - Understand the roots of Islamic attacks rest in part in the Sunni-Shi'ite divide, which the West helped fuel in arming jihadists in Afghanistan in the 1980s, and whose fuse the West lit in 2003 when it destroyed once-stable Iraq. Sectarianism is a ready tool of recruitment; a significant number of the violent acts perpetrated globally take place inside the Muslim world. At the same time, both sides of the divide recruit well off of the horror stories of Central Intelligence Agency torture; the continued existence of the prison at Guantanamo Bay; the fits of Islamophobia played out in Western refugee policy; and the French and American militarization of Islamic Africa. Running alongside those issues is a fear among many Muslims that the goal of the West is not to defeat Islamic State, but to create a permanent state of war against Islam, all the while garrisoning the Middle East (the concern used to be more about taking Arab oil, but the point is the same.) To strip away such easy recruitment themes, and to begin to chip away at memories of past injustices, the West must scale back its military presence across the Middle East and Africa, avoid starting new conflicts, and not expand current ones. - Another driver of Islamic unrest is the unhappiness of many Muslim youth with the autocratic, secular governments in their homelands. The West must lessen its support for such governments and tamp down its fear of non-secular ones. What Washington sees, for example, as realpolitik decisions to support the repressive Saudi government; remain in Bahrain, where the United States turns a blind eye to human rights in return for a naval base; or allow the Arab Spring to be crushed in Egypt as a military coup unseated the only democratically elected president in the nation's history, have not worked well in even the medium term. Same for supporting a string of corrupt governments in Baghdad. The West must find rapprochement with the kind of conservative Muslim leadership (Iran, with a robust participatory component inside a fundamentalist theocracy, is an interesting example) that will someday come to the Middle East. Much of radical jihadism is less about destroying the West than it is about changing governments at home; even 9/11 had - as its extended purpose - pulling the United States into Afghanistan to trigger a broader Muslim uprising across the region. - Immigration from the Middle East is toothpaste out of the tube. It cannot be snaked back in by rough policies against refugees or by preventing Muslims from entering the United States. Western nations must assimilate their Islamic immigrants or bare the ongoing consequences of their disenfranchisement. Islamophobia, law enforcement's discriminatory targeting of Muslims, and the rise of right-wing governments serving citizens anxious to trade their freedom for faux security, fuel the anger and sense of displacement of so-called lone wolves, and send them seeking the so-called solutions offered by Islamic State. It is not about cleaning up Twitter. It is about chipping away at the conditions that make those 140 character messages so attractive. Norway to examine competition conditions in oil industry OSLO, July 20 (Reuters) - Norway's competition watchdog will look into whether competition rules are being infringed in its oil industry, the industry ministry said on Wednesday. The ministry has asked the competition authority to provide a general description of competitive conditions for oil companies and their suppliers to answer a question from a member of parliament, it said. The question from the lawmaker is whether oil firm Statoil , which is responsible for 60 percent of Norway's oil and gas output, misuses its dominant position over suppliers, the ministry said. "It is natural to prepare a political discussion about competition conditions on the Norwegian continental shelf on a good factual basis, both on the competition situation and whether us politicians can, or should, do something about it," Industry Minister Monica Maeland said in a statement. The statement did not say how long this would take. Last month, BP and independent oil firm Det norske agreed to merge their Norwegian business in a $1.3 billion all-share deal, partly to counter Statoil's dominant position in the sector. Statoil said it had a common interest with others to have a competitive industry that featured many actors, that it had brought in new operators on the Norwegian continental shelf, and it was responsible for a lesser share of total production than when it merged with the oil arm of Norsk Hydro a decade ago. "We work closely with the suppliers' industry to do the necessary improvements to make operations more effective, simplify, standardise and industrialise," a Statoil spokesman said. Mali extends state of emergency by 10 days as Islamist violence surges BAMAKO, July 20 (Reuters) - Mali extended a state of emergency for 10 days on Wednesday, the council of ministers said, after a spate of attacks by armed groups killed dozens and destabilised the vast desert country still reeling from an Islamist insurgency. The council of ministers also declared a three-day period of mourning for the 17 soldiers killed in an attack by suspected Islamists on an army base on Tuesday. Trump considering top fracking mogul Harold Hamm as energy secretary - sources By Michelle Conlin CLEVELAND, July 20 (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is considering nominating Oklahoma oil and gas mogul Harold Hamm as energy secretary if elected to the White House on Nov. 8, according to four sources close to Trump's campaign. The chief executive of Continental Resources would be the first U.S. energy secretary drawn directly from the oil and gas industry since the cabinet position was created in 1977, a move that would jolt environmental advocates but bolster Trump's pro-drilling energy platform. Dan Eberhart, an oil investor and Republican financier, said he had been told by officials in Trump's campaign that Hamm was "the leading contender" for the position. Eberhart said he had discussed the possible appointment with top donors at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland this week. Three other sources close to the Trump campaign confirmed Trump was considering Hamm for the post. One of the sources said he first heard that Hamm was a contender from Trump officials on Sunday. Hamm, 70, became one of America's wealthiest men during the U.S. oil and gas drilling boom over the past decade, tapping into new hydraulic fracturing drilling technology to access vast deposits in North Dakota's shale fields. Hamm's future was discussed at a private fundraiser organized by a Trump Super PAC, Great America PAC, in Cleveland on Monday. Hamm was there, along with major donor Foster Friess and former Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson, one of the sources said, asking not to be named. None of the sources was aware of who else Trump may be considering for the job. Representatives for Trump and Hamm did not respond to a request for comment. Past heads of the U.S. Department of Energy, which is charged with advancing U.S. energy security and technology and dealing with nuclear waste disposal, have typically boasted a political or academic background. This is not the first time Hamm has been in contention for the job. The Republican Party's presidential nominee in 2012, Mitt Romney, vetted Hamm to be energy secretary but ultimately decided against him because the two men have differing positions on renewable energy sources like wind. Hamm was due to speak at the Republican convention on Wednesday night. He made headlines in 2015 after settling a protracted divorce case and agreeing to pay his ex-wife $975 million - reported to be the biggest divorce settlement in history. His fortune is now estimated at nearly $12 billion. "FRACKER-IN-CHIEF" Trump, who has yet to make any announcements about his prospective cabinet, has already surrounded himself with strong advocates of traditional energy sources like oil, gas, and coal and has promised to gut environmental regulations to boost drilling and mining if elected. He tapped U.S. Congressman Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, a climate skeptic and drilling advocate, to help draw up his campaign energy platform, and picked Indiana Governor Mike Pence, also a climate skeptic, as his running mate. Both moves cheered the energy industry but alarmed environmental activists who say a Trump presidency would set back years of progress on issues like pollution and climate change. "Given that Hamm's as close as we've got to a fracker-in-chief in this country, it would be an apropos pick for a president who thinks global warming is a hoax manufactured by the Chinese," said leading environmental activist Bill McKibben. S.Korea probes Google for anti-competitive behaviour-Yonhap SEOUL, July 21 (Reuters) - South Korea's antitrust regulator conducted an inspection of Google's local headquarters to investigate whether the firm is engaged in anticompetitive behaviour over its Android operating system, Yonhap News Agency reported on Thursday. Yonhap, citing unnamed sources, said the Korea Fair Trade Commission conducted the inspection last week and was probing whether Google forced smartphone makers using Android on its devices to not sell products using other operating systems. Regulators began looking into the matter after the European Union brought charges against Google for anticompetitive behaviour earlier this year. Mali extends state of emergency by 10 days as Islamist violence surges BAMAKO, July 20 (Reuters) - Mali extended a state of emergency for 10 days on Wednesday, the council of ministers said, after a spate of attacks by armed groups killed dozens and destabilised the vast desert country. The council of ministers also declared a three-day period of mourning for the 17 soldiers killed in an attack by suspected Islamists on an army base on Tuesday. Attacks resumed late on Wednesday. In one incident, suspected Islamists in six four-wheel vehicles opened fire on a military patrol vehicle in Mboukari, in the remote northern Timbuktu region of Mali, two military sources told Reuters. In a separate attack, in the village of Gatiloumou, in central Mali's Mopti region, militants attacked and burned down the town hall, both sources said. Mali originally declared a state of emergency in November and it was extended in April by three months. "Despite the actions of the state, the terrorist threat persists ... as is evidenced by the recent attacks against the armed and security forces of Mali," the council of ministers said in a statement. Deteriorating security risks plunging Mali into the chaos that nearly tore it to pieces three years ago, when Islamists hijacked an ethnic Tuareg rebellion, before French forces pushed them back in 2013. Despite 11,000 U.N. peacekeepers deployed since the French intervention, militants still launch frequent attacks across Mali and its neighbours, including a high-profile assault on a hotel in the capital last November that killed 20 people. Australian regulator waves through Asciano buyout By Swati Pandey SYDNEY, July 21 (Reuters) - Australia's antitrust watchdog on Thursday gave the green light to a A$9.1 billion ($6.79 billion) buyout of rail freight giant Asciano Ltd by a global consortium led by Canada's Brookfield Asset Management Inc. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) had been concerned the deal would give Asciano's new owners, which include Australian stevedoring company Qube Holdings Ltd , too much control of the freight market. ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said the regulator had concluded there was "not likely to be a substantial lessening of competition in any market" after the deal was restructured to address officials' concerns. Investors sent Qube shares to a two-month high of A$2.505 on the news. At 0120 GMT, they were up 3.2 percent at A$2.44 in a firm Australian market. Asciano shares were 0.9 percent higher in late morning trades. "To come through with no objections, no further delays, was a little bit of a surprise," said John Corr, chief investment officer at Aurora Funds Management. "Qube shares probably suggest it's a good deal for them." The go-ahead came as a relief for Asciano shareholders following a year-long takeover battle that began with Brookfield's initial solitary bid of $6.8 billion last July. The ACCC could have mounted a legal challenge, a move that would have hit the company's share price. "The decision by the ACCC is clearly a major milestone in the process of acquiring these important businesses," Qube said in a statement. The takeover must still be approved by Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board but analysts expect it to get the nod as the restructured deal keeps Asciano's strategically important ports out of Chinese hands. Brookfield and Qube joined forces in February to make a joint offer for Asciano's port assets only, leaving the railways to China Investment Corp (CIC) and others. A seaplane has crashed into a bridge during a test flight in Shanghai's Jinshan District, killing at least five people, rescuers said. Photo taken on July 20, 2016 shows an amphibian plane hit a bridge in Shanghai. [Photo: Weibo.com] The nine-seat Cessna 208B propeller seaplane, operated by Joy General Aviation in the neighboring Zhoushan Archipelago, crashed into the No.7835 Bridge along the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway at 12:15pm today, 10 minutes after it took off from the Jinshan City Beach for its trial flight. Eight passengers, including a Shanghai Television reporter and cameraman with covering the new flight, along with the captain and deputy pilot, were onboard. All of them were sent to the Jinshan Hospital after being salvaged. The captain is 63 years old with over 40 years of flying experience. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. The seaplane, which cost about 30 million (US$4.48 million) yuan, was scheduled to operate a new shuttle flight route between Zhoushan and the city's Jinshan District. Oil Search bows to ExxonMobil in battle for InterOil MELBOURNE, July 21 (Reuters) - Australia's Oil Search Ltd has cleared the way for ExxonMobil Corp to take over InterOil Corp for $2.2 billion, giving the U.S. giant access to a rich new gas field to expand its exports from Papua New Guinea. The move could lead ExxonMobil and French giant Total SA to tie together their competing gas interests in the South Pacific nation, cooperating to reduce costs as they battle cheap oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices. Oil Search, backed by Total, had also bid for InterOil, but said on Thursday it would not raise its offer. The two companies agreed that letting ExxonMobil take over InterOil, which owns a 36.5 percent stake in the Elk-Antelope gas field, would help speed up development of the discovery, it said. The majors are targeting Papua New Guinea for growth as the quality of its gas, low costs and proximity to Asia's big liquefied natural gas (LNG) consumers make it one of the most attractive places to develop projects following a collapse in oil and gas prices. Total had envisioned building a new $10 billion LNG project, but said it was now committed to working with ExxonMobil's PNG LNG, which could use Elk-Antelope gas to feed an expansion. "This scenario would be the lowest cost viable supply in the Pacific Basin," said Saul Kavonic, an analyst at consultants Wood Mackenzie. Oil Search, a partner in both PNG LNG plant and Papua LNG, estimates that around $2 billion could be saved by tying the two projects together. "For Oil Search shareholders, the successful takeover of InterOil by ExxonMobil will deliver a major part of our original objectives in the acquisition of InterOil and our agreement with Total SA, without shareholder dilution and any acquisition risk," Oil Search Managing Director Peter Botten said in a statement. Total, operator of the Elk-Antelope fields, said late on Wednesday it was committed to cooperating with the PNG LNG project to maximise the value of the gas. "It's going to come down to how you carve up that value pie. Those are the negotiations that will have to take place in order for that joint development to occur," said Kavonic. Oil Search and Total highlighted a recent certification of the gas field's reserves at less than 6.5 trillion cubic feet, compared to InterOil's dream of 10 tcf, as a factor in their analysis of the best development option for Elk-Antelope. ExxonMobil declined to comment. ExxonMobil has offered $45 worth of its shares plus $7.07 per share for each trillion cubic feet equivalent (tcfe) above 6.2 tcfe up to a maxmium of 10 tcfe for each InterOil share. InterOil last traded at $48.95. U.N. memo questions Britain's Security Council veto power By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS, July 20 (Reuters) - United Nations officials have questioned if Britain is worthy of being a veto-power on the Security Council after the country withdrew police officers from a peacekeeping mission in South Sudan during recent violence without consulting the world body, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters on Wednesday. Germany and Sweden also withdrew police without consultation and the United Nations has barred all three countries from replacing the officers once the situation improves, said the internal memo by the U.N. peacekeeping department. "The departure of the police officers has affected the operational capability of the mission at headquarters level and has dealt a serious blow to the morale of its peacekeepers," said the memo, which is an account of what happened and used by officials to inform U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Heavy fighting involving tanks and helicopters raged in South Sudan's capital Juba for several days earlier this month between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and those backing Vice President Riek Machar. At least 272 people were killed. Britain withdrew two police officers, Germany seven police and Sweden three police, according to the memo. It also said the United States was reportedly planning to withdraw nine police. Britain is a permanent veto-wielding power - alongside the United States, France, China and Russia - on the Security Council, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security and mandates peacekeeping missions. Sweden was recently elected a member of the 15-member council for 2017-18. Without naming Britain and Sweden, the memo said that for the states who are also on Security Council, their withdrawal of police from South Sudan "can be considered a lack of respect to their engagement on peace and security." In reference to Britain, the memo said: "This also raises the question of their merits to hold a permanent seat at the Security Council and mandating others on how to handle peace and security issues when they themselves are quick to abandon their post in challenging situations." A spokesman for the British U.N. mission said Britain temporarily removed its two unarmed police officers on July 13 "for the officers' safety" and had told the U.N. police adviser in advance. The spokesperson did not respond to the remarks in the memo about Britain's permanent Security Council seat. The German, Swedish and U.S. missions did not immediately respond to a request for comment. U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq confirmed on Wednesday that some U.N. police did not stay at their posts during the recent violence in South Sudan and that they would not be replaced with officers from the same country. He did not name the countries. China stocks rise at midday as investors hunt for bargains SHANGHAI, July 21 (Reuters) - China stocks rose on Thursday as investors went bargain hunting for mainland shares which sold off over the past five sessions, despite a global equity rally which has taken many other indexes sharply higher. Although Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index and the Euro Stoxx are up 1.5 percent and 0.4 percent respectively over the past week, China's CSI300 is off 0.3 percent, in what analysts say is a reaction to uncertain domestic economic conditions following mixed data issued since mid-month. Analysts say that China's Shanghai Composite Index will struggle to move much higher than 3000 without clearer positive signals from the economy. Nonetheless after five straight sessions of small losses, buyers came back to the market today, although volumes were low. Finance shares led indexes higher but gains were broad based extending through most sectors including manufacturing, information technology, real estate, and utilities. The CSI300 index rose 0.9 percent, to 3,266.30 points at the end of the morning session, while the Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.7 percent, to 3,048.75 points. China CSI300 stock index futures for August rose 1.1 percent, to 3,236.6, 29.70 points below the current value of the underlying index. The Hang Seng index added 0.7 percent, to 22,037.43 points. The Hong Kong China Enterprises Index gained 0.6 percent, to 9,080.52. The index measuring price differences between dual-listed companies in Shanghai and Hong Kong stood at 128.06. A value above 100 indicates Shanghai shares are pricing at a premium to shares in the same company trading in Hong Kong, and vice versa. The northbound quota for the Hong Kong-Shanghai Stock Connect, currently set at 13 billion yuan, saw net inflows of 0.50 billion yuan. Total volume of A shares traded in Shanghai was 8.60 billion shares, while Shenzhen volume was 11.84 billion shares. Total trading volume of companies included in the HSI index was 0.7 billion shares. President Xi urges Chinese Muslims to resist religious "infiltration" BEIJING, July 21 (Reuters) - Chinese Muslims should promote social harmony and resist illegal religious "infiltration", President Xi Jinping said while visiting a mosque in a heavily-Muslim part of western China, state media reported on Thursday. There are about 21 million Muslims in China, ranging from the Uighur people who live in the violence-prone far western region of Xinjiang to the Hui, many of whom are highly Sinified, and other ethnic groups. China's constitution guarantees religious freedom, but rights groups say the officially atheist ruling Communist Party seeks to restrict religious practice, especially for Muslims. China strongly denies such charges. Touring Ningxia, home to about 2.4 million mostly Hui Muslims, Xi said Chinese Muslims should practice their religion as part of Chinese society and "carry forward the patriotic tradition", the official China Daily said. "Religions in our country, the endemic ones and those from abroad, have become deeply embedded in the Chinese civilisation, whose history covers more than 5,000 years," Xi said while visiting a mosque in Ningxia's regional capital Yinchuan. "They will continue to flourish while taking root here." Muslims must "resolutely oppose illegal religious infiltration activities" and promote religious and social harmony, Xi said, the official Xinhua news agency added, without elaborating. The Chinese government says it has been facing a rise in Islamic extremism, especially in Xinjiang, where hundreds have died in violence in recent years. Beijing blames foreign extremists for stirring up tensions, particularly in Xinjiang, where it says it faces a determined campaign by extremist separatists who want to establish an independent state called East Turkestan. Long bitter enemies, Malaysia's Anwar and Mahathir join forces against premier Najib By Joseph Sipalan and Praveen Menon KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Reuters) - Anwar Ibrahim, the imprisoned de-facto leader of Malaysia's opposition alliance, has endorsed a political compact spearheaded by his arch-nemesis Mahathir Mohamad, as ruling party rebels and the opposition join hands to fight against scandal-tainted Prime Minister Najib Razak. This new coalition could potentially pose the biggest political threat to Najib, who has been facing persistent calls to step down over multi-billion dollar graft allegations tied to the state-owned investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) that he oversaw. On Wednesday, U.S. prosecutors filed five lawsuits to seize more than $1 billion in assets they said were tied to money stolen from 1MDB. Both Anwar and former premier Mahathir have long been central figures in Malaysian politics. A bitter feud between the two senior leaders spanning nearly two decades has shaped the political landscape. Anwar, who is one year through a five-year jail term for sodomy - a charge that he and his supporters claim is politically motivated - told Reuters there is "every reason" for the opposition to work with anyone who is committed to an agenda that pushes reforms, democracy and the rights of the people. "Our position is to collaborate with all progressive forces on a democratic reform agenda and pro-rakyat policies," he told Reuters from prison through an intermediary, using the Malay word for citizen. Anwar was at a court hearing this week when he provided the comments. This is the second time Anwar has been sent to prison. He was first jailed by Mahathir on charges of sodomy and graft in the late 1990s, after he was sacked as deputy prime minister by Mahathir. Anwar, who has since been cleared of his earlier convictions, said he is willing to overlook the decades of bad blood he has had with Mahathir if it means giving power back to the people. "Contingent upon a policy which is committed to reforms, democratic and pro-citizenry, then there is every reason for the opposition to engage and work together," he said. PERFECT TIMING Najib has so far appeared unassailable amid the 1MDB scandal, which is the subject of global money laundering probes in at least six countries. He has weathered persistent attacks on his premiership from the time the scandal first broke 18 months ago. He culled dissenting voices from within his ruling United Malay National Organisation (UMNO) and used draconian laws like the Sedition Act to silence activists and opposition party leaders. Just last week, Mahathir announced his plan to form a new splinter party made up of rebels from Najib's ruling United Malay National Organisation (UMNO), which will serve as a platform to work with his old foes in the opposition. Mahathir, who ruled for 22 years, has made no qualms over his main objective, which is to oust Najib over his handling of 1MDB. It is widely speculated that former deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin - who was sacked by Najib last year - will step up to lead Mahathir's new party, lending influence from the southern UMNO stronghold state of Johor. He could possibly be a candidate for prime minister should the opposition succeed in removing Najib. Also in the mix is former UMNO vice-president Shafie Apdal, whose resignation from the party sparked a mass exodus of UMNO members from the Semporna parliamentary constituency of his home state of Sabah, another UMNO stronghold. Title deeds to Amazon farms give thousands of Brazil's landless new future By Chris Arsenault RIO DE JANEIRO, July 21 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Like his father, Ismael Freitas spent long days cultivating fruit in Brazil's Amazon rainforest on land that was not officially his own. One of hundreds of thousands of small-scale farmers in South America's biggest country without owning a title deed, Freitas lived in fear of being displaced by wealthy developers. The 30-year-old also worried about finances. Without being able to offer his land as collateral, he couldn't get a loan from the bank. But everything changed six months ago, when Freitas was given a title deed to his farm under a government programme to improve land rights in the Amazon. "When I got title I started to see a future and new horizons," Freitas told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a phone interview from his wooden house in northern Brazil. "Title brought me some security - it's a good feeling to know the land is yours," Freitas said of his farm some 100 kms (62 miles) from Manaus, the Amazon's largest city. "My plan is to cultivate melons and bananas on a larger scale," he said. "PEOPLE FEEL SAFER" Almost half the land in Brazil is owned by just 1 percent of the population, according to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Inequality in property ownership, a lack of access to land for the poor and insecure tenure are fuelling deforestation, poverty, migration and conflict, USAID said. In an effort to address some of these problems, the Brazilian government launched a programme in 2009 to give small-scale farmers title deeds. Since then, about 20,000 title deeds have been issued to farmers in the Amazon under the Legal Land Program, said Larissa Nunes, a Brazilian government spokeswoman. "Some families wait for decades for the opportunity to regularize their areas and finally become owners of their lands," Nunes said in an email to the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "The people feel safer and more confident to work on the land." By the end of 2015, nearly 12 million hectares of land - an area about the size of Cuba - had been titled under the program, according to Brazilian government data. However the program is running behind schedule for its goal of issuing 150,000 property titles for 55 million hectares of land by 2017, according to the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI), a research group which advises the Brazilian government. But farmers like Freitas say the state is moving in the right direction given the challenges of surveying territory in the remote, vast Amazon region. HOW IT WORKS Freitas said it took three years to get formal ownership of the land which was passed to him by his father. Government officials had to visit his community to meet residents, collect documents and take measurements and photographs of the land where people had been farming. Most of the territory farmers in his village had been cultivating were public areas, he said. These "vacant lands" which essentially do not belong to anyone account for more than 20 percent of Brazil's total territory, according to the CPI. Getting formal ownership papers to farmers in remote areas is not easy especially in a country without a central land registry. Instead, there are competing registries run by different municipalities and states, along with the federal government. About one quarter of the land in the Amazon, territory larger than France and Spain combined, is subject to overlapping ownership claims, said Juliano Assuncao, an economics professor at Pontificia Universidade Catolica in Rio de Janeiro. "This is why the Legal Land Program is so important," Assuncao told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. It creates a "clearing house" where competing claimants to a tract of land can bring their evidence of ownership, he said. Federal government officials then examine the facts and assign a deed based on who has the strongest case. CORRUPTION CONCERNS The process involving federal officials makes it easier for small farmers to argue the case for title to lands they have worked on for years or generations, Freitas said. Local land registeries in the Amazon, in contrast, are seen as more vulnerable to corruption. Land rights campaigners say powerful agribusiness interests are known to bribe local land registry officials to secure farm ownership, displacing local residents in a process known as "grilagem". Nunes, the government spokeswoman, agreed that corrupt land deals have been a problem in the Amazon. Officials are working to address it as part of the Legal Land Program, she said. Formal ownership by small farmers also makes it easier to protect the Amazon's environment as poachers and illegal loggers thrive in areas where no-one holds responsibility for the land, Assuncao said. As a condition for participating in the program, Freitas said he has to protect most of the virgin rainforest on his land. He hopes the program is expanded so other farmers can benefit. But a series of corruption scandals in Brazil, including the suspension of President Dilma Rouseff over alleged budget accounting irregularities, have pushed Amazon land rights down the political agenda, analysts said. "There is so much uncertainty in the federal government right now," said Assuncao, the economist. Austria summons Turkish ambassador over pro-Erdogan demonstrations VIENNA, July 21 (Reuters) - Austria has summoned Turkey's ambassador to explain Ankara's links to demonstrations in Austria in support of Turkey's president Tayyip Erdogan, who is leading a crackdown after a failed coup, Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz on Thursday. Kurz told ORF radio that the ambassador would be asked whether Turkish officials encouraged thousands of people in Austria to take to the streets over recent days in support of Erdogan after the attempt to unseat him. "We want to clarify... which direction Turkey is going to take," Kurz said in an interview broadcast by ORF on Thursday. "Secondly, we have evidence that the demonstrations for Erdogan that have taken place in Vienna were called for directly from Turkey... and that, of course, is absolutely untenable and we want to protest against that," he said. China's June crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia down 14.2 pct y/y-customs BEIJING, July 21 (Reuters) - China's crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia were down 14.2 percent in June, compared to the same month last year, at about 1.112 million barrels per day (bpd), Chinese customs data showed on Thursday. Hermes sees no improvement in tourist traffic in France By Astrid Wendlandt PARIS, July 21 (Reuters) - French luxury goods maker Hermes said on Thursday it had not seen any improvement in tourist flows in France in the second quarter and did not expect any while the country remained in a state of emergency. Many luxury brands have seen their sales plummet in France since November's deadly attacks in Paris, with the Brussels and Nice killings further scaring off tourists, who in Europe represent more than half of luxury brands' sales. "We do not see any improvement in tourist traffic in France and we will not see one while we are in a state of emergency which prevents customers from coming," Hermes Chief Executive Axel Dumas told journalists in morning conference call. "The terrorist attacks have weighed heavily on France." French lawmakers this week approved a six-month extension of emergency rule after last week's truck attack on holiday crowds in Nice, the third deadly assault in just 18 months for which Islamist militants have claimed responsibility. Dumas said Hermes' sales in France, which make up 14 percent of total revenue, were driven by demand from local customers. The company's sales in France rose nearly 9 percent at constant exchange rates in the second quarter to June. Dumas said he did not know yet what impact Britain's decision to leave the European Union would have on Hermes and added the company's business in the country was not very significant. Hermes, known for its 7,000-euro Kelly bags and 300-euro printed silk scarves, posted higher than expected second-quarter sales of 1.25 billion euros ($1.38 billion), up 8.1 percent at constant exchange rates. Analysts had expected around 5 percent growth. It expected operating profitability in the first half of 2016 to be one percentage point higher than the same period last year thanks to foreign exchange hedging contracts. Regarding the second half of this year, Hermes said it expected sales growth of leather goods, which represent half of its turnover, to be lower than in the same period last year, when it received a boost from new plants. "All in all, another set of reassuring figures from Hermes," said Rogerio Fujimori at broker Royal Bank of Canada Capital Markets. In April, Hermes said it had inaugurated its 15th plant, for which it would hire some 280 artisans. For the full year, Hermes said it expected leather goods sales to rise 12 percent at constant exchange rates. PRESS DIGEST - RUSSIA - JULY 21 MOSCOW, July 21 (Reuters) - The following are some stories in Russia's newspapers on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. VEDOMOSTI www.vedomosti.ru - The "gap" in the capital of Russian banks which lost their licences has reached 350 billion roubles ($5.50 billion) since the beginning of the year. - President Vladimir Putin has recommended that the government consider measures needed to withstand the impact of the strengthening rouble on the budget and exports. The rouble has firmed by 17 percent against U.S. dollar since the start of the year. KOMMERSANT www.kommersant.ru - Russia needs 7 billion roubles ($110.03 million) to complete the construction of its Vostochny cosmodrome in Siberia by October. - A consortium of German companies, including Siemens, is ready to invest 2 billion euros ($2.21 billion) in Russia's project to launch a high-speed railway between Moscow and Kazan. - Russia still hopes to win support of some members of the International Olympic Committee for its athletes to take part in the Rio Olympics despite the fact that several members have already voiced their anti-Russian position. ROSSIISKAYA GAZETA - Russia's central bank has worked out measures aimed to protect citizens from cyber attacks. The amendments to local legislation could be debated by lawmakers in the autumn. - Russian airlines, Aeroflot and Rossiya, have stopped selling tickets to Turkey following a ban on the flights there imposed by the national aviation safety watchdog, Rosaviatsia. - Russia could resume work on its project to launch oil deliveries to Europe via Bulgaria and Greece. NEZAVISIMAYA GAZETA www.ng.ru - The majority of Russians do not expect any positive results from privatisation of state property, and only 8 percent of those polled by the Public Opinion fund support government plans to sell its stakes in state-controlled oil firms Rosneft and Bashneft, as well as in VTB bank and shipping company Sovcomflot. IZVESTIA www.izvestia.ru - Russia is launching a project aimed to open its Arctic territories to tourism. Under one programmes, tourists would ne able to visit Russia's North Pole Barneo drifting ice station for a price of 15,000 euros starting from April. RBC www.rbc A woman surnamed Wang who recently purchased a batch of furniture online was charged by 20 yuan (US$2.98) when she asked to unpack her orders before rendering her payment and signing the bill. The policy of charging customers who wish to open parcels to check the quality of goods ordered online before paying for them has been met with challenges. Unlike Wang, a woman surnamed Liu in Xiamen, Fujian Province, refused to receive her delivery when she was informed of the extra charge while she attempted to open her package before paying for it. According to Anneng Logistics Service and ZTO Express in interviews with the Economic Information Daily, customers are allowed to open the package before payments only when the packaging is tarnished or damaged. Otherwise, they must wait until they've paid for the merchandise. If they insist on opening the parcels before payment, they must pay an extra fee that usually ranges from 20 yuan to 300 yuan. In addition, other logistics companies, such as Shunfeng and Debang Express, allow customers to look at their commodities before the bill is paid without an extra charge. Shao Zhonglin, former secretary general of the China Express Association, said that without any prior agreements settled between sellers and couriers, customers can only check the external appearance of each package. Zhou Baigen, the vice executive president of Shanghai Yunda Express, said it is impractical to satisfy every customer's desire to unwrap packages before payment, as couriers are often busy and packages are often large in size. The criteria initiated in 2012 regulated that express items are categorized into ordinary and e-business parcels and that the service of the latter can be discussed between sellers and couriers. But the regulations stipulate no provisions about the extra charges for package inspection before payment. However, an anonymous industrial insider pointed out that a flawless package can hardly indicate an impeccable commodity wrapped inside, because the reckless, if not brutal, loading and unloading as well as the possibility of online businesses delivering counterfeit products cannot be simply ruled out from the look of a package. Concrete laws should be carried out by the regulatory body of the market to decide whether the extra charges made by delivery people are legitimate, the insider added. The protocols and agreements reached between online-store keepers and clients as well as those between the sellers and express companies should therefore play a crucial role in regulating the logistic market with laws and lawful contracts, the Economic Information Daily reported. Swiss private bank Falcon says cooperating with Singapore in 1MDB probe ZURICH, July 21 (Reuters) - Swiss private bank Falcon is cooperating with Singaporean investigators who are looking into banks' ties to scandal-hit Malaysian state fund 1MDB, it said on Thursday. "With reference to the ongoing investigations by the Monetary Authority of Singapore on 1MDB-linked institutions and the statement released today, we would like to reiterate that we are in full cooperation with the authorities. We will comment further when the investigations are complete," a spokesman said in response to an enquiry. U.S. Secretary Lew says debt relief important to keep Greece stable -FT ATHENS, July 21 (Reuters) - A debt restructuring for Greece is important to ensure it remains an anchor of stability in the Mediterranean following the failed coup in neighbouring Turkey, U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew told the Financial Times on Thursday. "I would hope (the recent regional upheaval) would change the climate in which discussions of debt relief happen, just because it's the right thing to do on its own, and at a time when Greece is in a position of geopolitical significance, that's a good time to reinforce their fiscal future," Lew told the paper. Lew will meet Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos later on Thursday and Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras during an official visit to Athens. "You have to fix the foundation to have a strong Greece," Lew told the FT, noting the need for Athens to become more proactive in implementing reforms. Athens and euro zone partners financing its third bailout are seeking to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund on more debt relief. The IMF has yet to take part in the third aid package of up to 86 billion euros ($94.8 billion), insisting on meaningful relief to render the country's debt sustainable. The IMF has also said that Greece's bailout target for a primary budget surplus of 3.5 percent of gross domestic product beyond 2018 is not realistic and has pushed for softer fiscal targets to take part in financing the third bailout. Malaysia's Attorney-General says no evidence of fraud at 1MDB KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Reuters) - Malaysia's Attorney-General said on Thursday there has been no evidence from any probe conducted by law enforcement agencies across the globe that show funds were misappropriated from state-fund 1MDB. No criminal charges have been made against any individuals for misappropriation from 1MDB, Malaysia's Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi said in a statement. U.S. prosecutors said on Wednesday over $3.5 billion was diverted from 1Malaysia Development Berhad. The U.S. civil lawsuits are seeking to seize $1 billion in assets they said were tied to money stolen from the fund. UK's Hammond says improved borrowing figures show strength of the economy LONDON, July 21 (Reuters) - British finance minister Philip Hammond welcomed official figures on Thursday showing public borrowing falling by a greater than expected amount, saying it showed the underlying strength of the economy. Public borrowing in June fell to 7.8 billion pounds from 10.0 billion a year earlier, a much bigger fall than the drop to 9.2 billion which economists had forecast. "These public finance figures highlight the underlying strength of the British economy," Hammond said. "Ahead of the referendum, monthly borrowing continued to fall, with the deficit in June the lowest it has been since 2007. "As our economy now adjusts to reflect the (EU) referendum decision, it is clear we will do so from a position of economic strength." Kremlin says regrets decision by court on Russian athletes MOSCOW, July 21 (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Thursday it deeply regretted that the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected a legal challenge by a group of Russian track-and-field athletes against their exclusion from the Rio Olympic Games. "I certainly regret such a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport which refers to absolutely all of our athletes (who filed the claims)," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with journalists. How millions from the Bangladesh Bank heist disappeared By Krishna N. Das and Jonathan Spicer DHAKA/NEW YORK, July 21 (Reuters) - When the Federal Reserve Bank of New York cleared five transactions made by the Bangladesh Bank hackers, the money went in two directions. On Thursday, Feb. 4, the Fed's system sent $20 million to Sri Lanka and $81 million to the Philippines. The Sri Lankan transaction contained a small but crucial error: The money was being sent to a bank account in the name of a nonprofit foundation, but the electronic message spelled it "fundation." That prompted Deutsche Bank, an intermediary in the transaction, and a Sri Lankan bank to contact Bangladesh Bank, which led to the payment being cancelled and the money returned. That Thursday, over the space of a few minutes, the New York Fed also cleared four transactions to accounts with Rizal Commercial Banking Corp (RCBC) in the Philippines - for $6 million, $30 million, $20 million and $25 million. Each account was in the name of an individual, according to RCBC lawyer Maria Cecilla Estavillo, who testified at a Philippine Senate committee examining the heist. All the names were false. The accounts were at a branch of RCBC in Jupiter Street, on the edge of Manila's business district. According to testimony by Estavillo and bank officials, $22.7 million was withdrawn from one of the RCBC accounts during the afternoon of Friday, Feb 5. But the rest of the money stayed in RCBC. Over that weekend Bangladesh Bank was struggling to understand what had happened and to cancel the hackers' fraudulent payment requests; meanwhile, the Fed had raised concerns over some of the requests but did little more. Late on Monday, according to Bangladesh Bank sources and the Philippine senate testimony, Bangladesh Bank sent messages via the SWIFT bank messaging system to RCBC asking it to freeze the money that had arrived in the four individuals' accounts. It was a holiday in the Philippines for Chinese New Year celebrations. The following morning nearly $58 million was moved out of those accounts. That evening, RCBC told Bangladesh Bank that it had frozen the four suspect accounts - but that only $68,305 was left in them. RCBC officials told the Senate committee that the SWIFT messages from Bangladesh Bank had been wrongly formatted and were not marked as urgent, so they had gone into a large pile of unread messages for almost the whole day. Staff had only got to them in the evening, RCBC said. Under Philippine banking laws, the stolen funds could not be frozen until a criminal case was lodged, even though they were still in the banking system. And over the next few days, most of the $81 million disappeared into the country's casino industry, which is exempted from anti-money laundering laws. Though $18 million was recovered, otherwise the trail went cold. At the Senate hearing, bank officials pinned the blame for the disappearance of the money on the manager of the Jupiter Street branch, accusing her of allowing accounts to be opened under false names. The manager, who was sacked in March, said she had acted on instructions from senior officials and was being made a scapegoat. RCBC and the branch manager declined to comment. Last month, in an annual report given to shareholders, RCBC said it had begun instituting reforms to prevent such events from happening again. How the New York Fed fumbled over the Bangladesh Bank heist By Krishna N. Das and Jonathan Spicer DHAKA/NEW YORK, July 21 (Reuters) - Jupiter. That single word, by a stroke of luck, helped stop the Federal Reserve Bank of New York from paying nearly $1 billion to the cyber-criminals behind a notorious bank heist earlier this year, according to sources familiar with the incident. When hackers broke into the computers of Bangladesh's central bank in February and sent fake payment orders, the Fed was tricked into paying out $101 million. But the losses could have been much higher had the name Jupiter not formed part of the address of a Philippines bank where the hackers sought to send hundreds of millions of dollars more. By chance, Jupiter was also the name of an oil tanker and a shipping company under United States' sanctions against Iran. That sanctions listing triggered concerns at the New York Fed and spurred it to scrutinise the fake payment orders more closely, a Reuters examination of the incident has found. It was a "total fluke" that the New York Fed did not pay out the $951 million requested by the hackers, said a person familiar with the Fed's handling of the matter. There is no suggestion the oil tanker or shipping company was involved in the heist. The Reuters examination has also found that the payment orders sent by the hackers were exceptional in several ways. They were incorrectly formatted at first; they were mainly to individuals; and they were very different from the usual run of payment requests from Bangladesh Bank. Yet it was the word Jupiter that set the loudest alarm bells ringing at the New York Fed. Even then it appeared to react slowly. By the time the fraud was discovered, the New York branch of the U.S. central bank had approved five of the payments. It took $101 million from Bangladesh Bank and paid it to accounts in Sri Lanka and the Philippines - including $81 million to four accounts in the names of individuals. Most of that $81 million remains lost. It was among the most audacious cyber-heists ever to emerge - shining a light on worrying weaknesses in the global financial system and into a little-known corner of the U.S. Federal Reserve: its Central Bank and International Account Services unit (CBIAS), which one former employee described as a "bank within a bank." Interviews with investigators, lawyers and current and former central bank officials in several countries, as well as a Reuters review of payment messages, emails and other documents, show disarray and bungling at all the financial institutions involved. But the most striking is the inertia and clumsiness at the New York Fed, the most powerful of the U.S. central bank's 12 regional units and a mainstay of global finance. The heist revealed that the New York Fed lacked a system for spotting potential fraud in real time - even though such systems are used elsewhere - instead relying at times on checking payments after they were made, usually for problems such as violating U.S. sanctions. Months of bitter finger-pointing over who is to blame for the fiasco have damaged the sensitive diplomacy of correspondent banking, where big Western institutions are entrusted with safeguarding the treasures of smaller economies. Bangladesh Bank is now preparing a legal case to seek compensation for what it says were failures by the Fed, according to a source close to the Asian bank. It also claims that errors by SWIFT, a messaging system used to make international bank transfers, made the bank vulnerable to hackers. Bangladesh Bank spokesman Subhankar Saha said the institutions were working together to try to recover the missing money. He declined to comment further. The New York Fed has denied making missteps and repeatedly said its systems were not compromised. In response to a series of questions from Reuters about its actions during the heist and in the days that followed, it declined to comment, citing a criminal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. SWIFT - the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, a cooperative used by over 11,000 financial institutions around the world - has denied responsibility for any weaknesses in the way Bank Bangladesh operated and installed the SWIFT system. A spokesman said: "We continue to support the bank and cooperate with the investigations. We look forward to receiving a full account of the security incident." Officials are still investigating the heist. But the Reuters examination has uncovered new details about how the New York Fed was slow to react to warning signs and how communications broke down between it and Bangladesh Bank. The Fed relied almost entirely on the SWIFT messaging system with, in this case, little backup for emergencies. Miscommunications and clunky payment processes meant that most of the stolen money disappeared without trace before it could be recovered. "I couldn't believe that that much money could be lost in the SWIFT system, and in the whole federal system for central banks," Carolyn Maloney, a Democratic congresswoman from New York, told Reuters. Maloney, who was the first U.S. lawmaker to publicly raise questions about the incident, added: "It's a wake-up call and it has to be corrected. To me, I see it as a threat to the confidence people could have in the central banking system." Last month, the New York Fed said it took steps to "help strengthen the safety of global payments in light of the potential vulnerabilities." It did not give specifics. But the source familiar with the Fed's handling of the Bangladesh affair told Reuters that the Fed has now set up a 24-hour hotline for emergency calls from some 250 account holders, mostly central banks, around the world. THE HACK Unlike the Fed, the world's most influential central bank whose New York headquarters sits atop 508,000 gold bars stored below street level, Bangladesh Bank is not a large and powerful operation with a global footprint. It had not protected its computer system with a firewall, and it had used second-hand $10 electronic switches to network computers linked to the SWIFT global payment system, according to Mohammad Shah Alam, head of the Forensic Training Institute of the Bangladesh police's criminal investigation department. Hackers may have exploited such weaknesses after Bangladesh Bank connected a new electronic payment system, known as real time gross settlement (RTGS), in November last year. However, it remains unknown exactly who broke into its systems or how they did it. What is evident, according to investigative reports by cyber-security company FireEye seen by Reuters, is that someone obtained the computer credentials of a SWIFT operator at Bangladesh Bank, installed six types of malware on the bank's systems and began probing them in January. The hackers did a series of test runs, logging into the system briefly several times between Jan. 24 and Feb. 2. One day they left monitoring software running on the bank's SWIFT system; on another they deleted files from a database. On Thursday, Feb. 4, the hackers began sending fraudulent payment orders via SWIFT. It was late evening in Bangladesh and most of the staff had gone home. The hackers appear to have timed the heist to coincide with the weekend that in Bangladesh began the following day. The first SWIFT message arrived at the New York Fed just after 9:55 a.m. and ordered the transfer of $20 million from the central bank of Bangladesh to an account in Sri Lanka. Over the next four hours, 34 more orders arrived asking the U.S. central bank to move a total of nearly $1 billion from the account it holds for Bangladesh Bank. Compared to the great maelstrom of global finance, the sums were unremarkable: The New York Fed handles about $800 billion of payments a day. Nevertheless, the Bangladesh orders were odd, surprisingly odd. First, all 35 of the messages lacked the names of "correspondent banks" - the necessary next step in the payment chain -according to a senior Bangladesh Bank official and a person familiar with the New York Fed's handling of the payments. That fault meant the orders could not immediately be fulfilled. Second, most of the payments were to individuals rather than institutions, according to police investigators in Dhaka and a source close to Bangladesh Bank. And third, the slew of payments that morning was out of whack with the usual pattern of orders from Bangladesh Bank. Over the eight months to January 2016, Bangladesh Bank had issued 285 payment instructions to the Fed, averaging fewer than two per working day, according to a source close to Bangladesh Bank. None of those payments had been to an individual, the source said. The U.S. central bank allows payments to individuals, but it's not common and is generally discouraged, according to one of the former New York Fed employees. The New York Fed declined to comment on the number of payments it typically received from Bangladesh Bank or whether staff had found the numerous messages on Feb. 4 surprising or suspicious. MISSED WARNING SIGNS At the New York Fed, such payment orders are handled by a small group of CBIAS staff who tend to keep to themselves, according to five former employees and senior officials who worked on the team or closely with it. The unit looks after the foreign accounts of mostly central banks and its work is sometimes like "economic diplomacy," said one of the sources, with staff having to make judgements on confidential payments ordered by a wide range of clients. A subset of about 10 staff actually process payment requests, according to the sources. These staff, some fairly junior, can find up to 100 requests waiting for them when they arrive in the morning and may manually review hundreds of payments during the day. Most of the transactions are automatically executed. But when there is a problem, staff mainly check for SWIFT formatting and authentication, and violations of U.S. economic sanctions or money laundering regulations. They may ask clients for more information. When the first 35 messages from Bangladesh Bank were rejected for incorrect formatting, the hackers simply fixed the formatting and sent another 35 requests for payment to the same beneficiaries as before. This time the New York Fed cleared five of them, despite the oddities. They were properly formatted, SWIFT authenticated and went through automatically. The Fed monitors for unusual transactions, but its system had a weakness: While credit card companies can spot unusual patterns in real time, the New York Fed typically looks back through payments, usually the day after they are requested, according to two of the former employees. After the five payments had been made, staff did flag "several" other requests for review to check whether they complied or not with U.S. sanctions, according to a letter that Thomas Baxter, the New York Fed's general counsel, later sent to Rep. Maloney. That manual review found that the payments were "potentially suspicious," Baxter wrote. The Reuters examination found that on that Thursday Fed staff had sufficient concerns about 12 of the payment requests to send a message to Bangladesh Bank at the end of the day, New York time. "The payments contained individuals as beneficiaries and have varying details," the message said. But it was nearly 4 a.m. on the weekend in Bangladesh and no one was available to respond. Besides, the hackers had sabotaged Bangladesh Bank's systems to stop messages getting through. It was only the following day, Friday Feb. 5, that the Fed began a full manual review of the orders from Bangladesh Bank, according to Baxter's letter and sources in Bangladesh. Baxter, the New York Fed's top lawyer, said in his letter that such reviews can occur after payments have been made. Sources in the United States and Bangladesh said that it was at this stage that the presence of the name Jupiter in the payment orders rang alarm bells. One of the Fed's responsibilities is to avoid violating U.S. laws and prevent payments to sanctioned companies or individuals. It was just a stroke of luck that the name Jupiter featured on a sanctions list, thus raising a red flag. DHAKA DELAY Jubair Bin-Huda, a joint director of Bangladesh Bank, was on duty that weekend and arrived at the bank's offices in Dhaka around 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, according to a police report. He and a colleague went to collect the latest SWIFT acknowledgement messages, which would normally have printed off automatically. They found none. They tried to print the messages manually but failed. The hackers had infected the system with malware that disabled the printer, and Bangladesh bank officials did not see the Fed's query and knew nothing of the fraudulent transactions. Instead, according to a police report, Huda assumed there was simply a printer problem - which had happened in the past -and asked other officials to fix it. He left work at around 11:15 a.m. Since it was a Friday, the Islamic holy day, all other officials left the office at around 12:30 p.m., leaving the printer fix until later, the police report says. Later that day, Fed officials sent two other SWIFT messages to Dhaka. The first asked the same question for four of the five transactions that had already been cleared - and those four transactions included the name Jupiter. The second message asked about the 30 other payment instructions, including those queried the day before, according to sources close to Bangladesh Bank and an internal bank document seen by Reuters. The messages did not get through. And the New York Fed did not reach out to Dhaka in any other way. It would often take up to three days for clients like Bangladesh to respond to SWIFT messages, said one former New York Fed employee. But the person added that by that point the New York Fed should have realised someone was trying to wire a billion dollars out of the account "and that's something way outside the norm." Huda returned to work on Saturday, Feb. 6, around 9 a.m., and tried again to use the printer, only to discover the SWIFT software was not starting. Whenever he tried to boot it up, a message appeared on the monitor, saying "a file is missing or changed." Only around 12:30 p.m. did bank staff finally manage to print the SWIFT messages. That's when they first saw the fraudulent transactions and the Fed's queries, and realised something had gone horribly wrong. They scrambled to find out more, but did not tell Atiur Rahman, then the bank's governor, what had happened until the next day. Rahman told Reuters he did not initially appreciate the gravity of the situation. "I never thought that this will become such a big event," he said. "The concerned deputy governor did not explain to me what really went wrong. He just told me that there was an incident like this and that they had already asked for stop payment. They were hopeful the money would be returned." Rahman said deputy governor Abdul Quasem had told him the money was "still in the system" and would be recovered soon. "I said, 'do as you need, it's your department, so take care of it'," Rahman told Reuters. It later became clear much of the money would not be recovered, and Rahman resigned from Bangladesh Bank in March. Quasem, who also left the bank in March, declined to comment, citing ongoing investigations into the affair. TARDY FED As the scale of the theft sank in that weekend, the Fed's reliance on SWIFT messaging, its lack of alternative communications and its inertia became apparent. Since Bangladesh Bank's SWIFT system was still not fully working, officials there hunted for other ways to contact the Fed in New York. Lacking any obvious point of contact, they searched the Fed's website and found an email address - but it was only monitored during weekday business hours. On Saturday they fired off three emails to that address over several hours. The first included the line: "Our system has been hacked. Please stop all payment (debit) instructions immediately." It was the weekend and Fed staff did not respond. That email address was unlikely to be synced to their mobile phones, according to a former New York Fed employee. Huda followed up with several calls and a fax to numbers obtained from the Fed website, according to a source close to Bangladesh Bank. Those numbers were also marked as weekday-only contacts and the Fed still did not respond. On Monday, staff at Bangladesh Bank finally managed to get their SWIFT system operating and sent a message headed "Top urgent" to the New York Fed saying 35 payment orders were fake. "Please recall back funds if transferred from your accounts," it said. That message, sent around 1 a.m. in New York, would have been seen when CBIAS employees arrived at 7:30 a.m.. According to former CBIAS employees and senior officials at the New York Fed, it would have dropped like a bomb. The New York Fed, citing the criminal investigation, declined to comment on its communications with Bangladesh Bank and on what it did that Monday to attempt to recall Bangladesh Bank's money. It was only on Monday evening in New York and Tuesday morning in Dhaka - four days after the heist began - that the New York Fed told Bangladesh Bank that it had alerted the correspondent banks to the fraud. A payment of $20 million to an account in Sri Lanka had already been reversed because of a spelling error in the request. But for four other payments made out to individuals it was too late: $81 million had gone to a Philippines bank and from there disappeared into the giant money-go-round that is the country's casino industry. (See related story: The Philippine connection). The blame game began soon afterwards. SWIFT bridled at suggestions of flaws in its network and rejected any responsibility for the way Bangladesh Bank had installed its RTGS real-time gross settlement system. On Feb. 11 and 14, Eddie Haddad, SWIFT's managing director for Asia Pacific, sent emails - seen by Reuters -to Rahman, then still governor of Bangladesh Bank. The emails implied that someone within the bank may have been involved in the heist. One said: "I have looked at the logs and the irregular message details, a user account was compromised within BB. It has nothing to do with the SWIFT RTGS channel." On Feb. 19, Alain Raes, SWIFT's head in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, again raised that possibility, writing in an email to Rahman: "While any conclusion would be premature given the limited evidence and our limited view on the events and their context, this could point to sophisticated outsider acting with help from a malicious insider from the Bangladesh Bank." SWIFT, Haddad and Raes declined to comment on the issue for this story. Bangladesh Bank declined to comment. A panel appointed by the Bangladesh government to investigate the heist said in a report in late May that it suspects some insider involvement. It gave no details. Senior police investigator Mirza Abdullahel Baqui said officials were being questioned but only for negligence. Relations between Bangaladesh Bank and the New York Fed also soured. On Feb. 24, the bank wrote to the Fed asking what actions it had taken over the payments and why it had failed to stop them. In early May, Fazle Kabir, who had taken over as governor of Bangladesh Bank, wrote to William Dudley, president of the New York Fed, posing similar questions. Dudley telephoned Kabir to arrange a meeting in Basel, Switzerland, on May 10. That meeting was chaired by Gottfried Leibbrandt, chief executive of SWIFT, who was accompanied by his general counsel. The New York Fed was represented by Dudley, Baxter, and other officials. Bangladesh Bank was represented by Kabir, other officials and Ajmalul Hossain, a prominent Dhaka lawyer. The three parties agreed to cooperate. But according to people familiar with the discussion, the two banks left the meeting unsatisfied. The New York Fed is frustrated by Bangladesh Bank's refusal to share with it a review of its cyber security. Bangladesh Bank feels the Fed should have spotted the unusual nature of the transactions, according to a source close to the Asian bank. Further talks are planned, this time at the New York Fed's Wall Street headquarters. The heist has already prompted a handful of formal requests for information from members of the U.S. Congress, and Fed Chair Janet Yellen faced questions on the incident during hearings last month. Maloney, who sits on the House Financial Services Committee that directly oversees the central bank, said she plans to ask the Republican chair to schedule a committee hearing on the incident. She also told Reuters she plans to ask the New York Fed for a clearer explanation why five fraudulent payments were made back in February while the others were not. "Why? What was the difference?" she asked. South Africa to appeal 'shockingly lenient' Pistorius sentence JOHANNESBURG, July 21 (Reuters) - South Africa's government will appeal Oscar Pistorius' six-year murder sentence because it was "shockingly lenient", state prosecutors said on Thursday. The Paralympic gold medallist was sentenced in July for murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in 2013. At the time, some legal experts described the prison term as lenient. "The sentence of six years imprisonment, in all the circumstances, is disproportionate to the crime of murder committed, that is to say, shockingly too lenient," the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said. "(The sentence) resulted in an injustice and has the potential to bring the administration of justice into disrepute." The jail term was less than half the 15-years sought by prosecutors, who said Pistorius had shown no remorse for the 2013 shooting. The appeal papers will be filed on Thursday. Turkish nationalist opposition party backs state of emergency ISTANBUL, July 21 (Reuters) - Turkey's nationalist opposition party supports the government's decision to declare a state of emergency because it is in the national interest, its leader Devlet Bahceli said on Thursday. "The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) will stand uncompromisingly alongside the state and the people in such a dark and difficult time, whatever the cost," he said in a statement. President Tayyip Erdogan declared the state of emergency late on Wednesday, saying it would allow the authorities to tackle more swiftly and effectively those responsible for last Friday's abortive military coup in which an estimated 246 people were killed. Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds talks with Uzbek President Islam Karimov in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 22, 2016. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng) Uzbekistan and other Central Asian republics consider the development of alternative regional transportation and communication arteries as important to their national and regional strategies. The various initiatives in this regard have resulted from the revival of the Great Silk Road and the development of new transportation links towards the east, west, south and north. Some priorities for the countries in the region include the development of transportation corridors to seaports and international markets as well as the construction of oil and gas pipelines. The countries are also striving to provide efficient functioning on these routes. In the last two decades, a number of international transport and energy projects have been implemented. It should be noted that Uzbekistan was among the first to express its support for China's calls for the global Silk Road initiative "Belt and Road." China and Uzbekistan have already implemented several connectivity projects, including China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway. It is well known that the Ferghana Valley is the most densely populated area in Central Asia and is administratively divided between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Over 10 million people over a third of the country's population live in the Namangan, Ferghana and Andijan regions of Uzbekistan. Against this background, it should be no surprise that the new railway project connecting Angren in the Tashkent region and Pap in the Namangan region is regarded as very important to Uzbekistan's national strategies of both internal and international connectivity. The Angren-Pap line is only 123 kilometers long, but it crosses high mountainous areas, including areas with an elevation above 2000 meters, and is thus quite expensive. The cost of the Angren-Pap project was over $1.6 billion, and its construction has been made possible through a variety of sources. This includes more than $1 billion from Uzbekistan Temir Yollari (Uzbekistan Railways) and Uzbekistan's National Reconstruction and Development Fund. A loan of an additional $350 million was secured from China's EximBank, while the World Bank provided $195 million. Construction started in June 2013, and by 2016 more than ten new bridges and seven railway stations had been constructed as well as a 19.1 kilometer long tunnel under the Kamchik pass built by the China Railway Tunnel Group. In June 2016, during President Xi's visits to Tashkent, Islam Karimov and Xi participated in the official opening of the Angren-Pap railway. According to Uzbekistan Temir Yollari, 600,000 passengers and about 4-6 million tons of goods could be delivered annually. While this railway will go a long way toward improving transportation inside Uzbekistan's borders, it is not sufficient, and there are considerable needs for the whole of the Ferghana Valley in terms of railroads and highways. Moreover, the valley is important for the development of trade and communication links between China and Central Asia. A highway connecting Kashgar, Osh, and Andijan has been constructed, but the implementation of a railroad similarly connecting China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan has faced difficulties. The states have yet to formulate a common policy, and their positions diverge. Nevertheless, this project would connect well with the Angren-Pap railroad. The development of strong transport corridors between China and Uzbekistan and China and Central Asia, including highways and potentially railroads, are part and parcel of the development of new routes linking the region to Asia and Europe. The synergies with existing and developing projects are potentially significant: for example, the improvement of connections between Central Asia and Afghanistan would contribute towards the future economic recovery of the latter. Moreover, the development of transport communications between Central Asian countries and South and East Asia also are linked to this. These include connections such as Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Iran, Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan, and Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman-Qatar. Strong trans-regional cooperation will contribute to closer trade ties and closer economic and investment relations between Eurasia, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific. At the same time prospective plans for new transportation projects will depend on the balance of global, regional, interregional and national interests in the implementation of projects. In conclusion, Uzbekistan and China have become active participants in various projects to promote economic cooperation between countries of Europe and Asia. The countries implemented several connectivity projects. The Angren-Pap rail project has been developed on the basis of Uzbek-China and multiple partnerships and will prove important for national connectivity as well as for increased international communication. A well-developed regional transport system in Central Asia will increase the potential for regional interconnectivity while providing a good opportunity to develop international networks and trade, including cultural and tourism. Mirzokhid Rakhimov is a visiting Fulbright scholar at Johns Hopkins University. He is head of the Department of Contemporary History and International Relations of the Institute of History of the Academy of Science of Uzbekistan. Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. SABMiller to scrutinise AB InBev mega-deal after regulator approval - chairman By Freya Berry LONDON, July 21 (Reuters) - The chairman of SABMiller said the brewer would consider the attractiveness of a $107 billion offer by Anheuser Busch InBev after the merger had undergone the regulatory process. The takeover of the London-listed brewer has come under scrutiny in recent weeks as a drop in the British currency has reduced the relative attractiveness of the all-cash offer aimed at most SAB shareholders. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday that the company's board was weighing the terms of AB InBev's offer, amid rising shareholder disquiet. At the company's annual general meeting on Thursday, Chairman Jan du Plessis said the board would consider the offer after receiving preconditions from Chinese regulators, and also take into account the drop in sterling since the UK's vote in June to leave the European Union. The firm would then write to shareholders, he said. The maker of beers such as Castle Lager, Peroni and Grolsch earlier reported group net revenue fell 4 percent in its first quarter, ended June 30, with volume flat. Du Plessis described the pending takeover by AB InBev as a "significant distraction", but said the deal was right for the company and its shareholders. It received approval on Wednesday from U.S. antitrust regulators, after the two companies agreed to sell assets and preserve competition from independent craft brewers. Australia, Europe and South Africa have also cleared the deal. The companies are waiting for China to approve it although a proposed sale of SABMiller's stake in CR Snow was expected to lead to clearance. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year. Some shareholders expressed concern on Thursday about the impact of Brexit and the fall in sterling. Concerns were also voiced about a stock-and-cash alternative structure, created as part of the takeover and designed for SAB's biggest investors, cigarette maker Altria and Colombia's Santo Domingo family. Du Plessis defended the partial share alternative (PSA) structure, saying it had been vital for securing approval of the takeover from the two major shareholders. He said he would "make a point" of asking AB InBev to issue shares as part of a share swap, in order for SABMiller shareholders to have a holding in the newly-merged company. When the original deal was announced in November, the PSA -- which avoids triggering large tax bills -- was worth about 39 pounds ($51.45). The cash offer was 44 pounds per share. But the recent fall in the pound and rise in ABI's shares have increased its value to about 51 pounds, representing a premium of around 15 percent to the cash offer. That disparity has apparently tempted activists into SABMiller's shareholdings. Both The Children's Investment Fund (TCI) and hedge fund Elliott Advisors have taken small stakes, prompting talk that the two could lead a push for AB InBev to bump up its cash offer. ($1 = 0.7580 pounds) Swiss seize van Gogh, Monet paintings in 1MDB case ZURICH, July 21 (Reuters) - Swiss authorities acting on a U.S. request have seized three valuable paintings linked to an investigation into scandal-hit Malaysian state fund 1MDB, they said on Thursday. A spokeswoman for the Federal Office of Justice said the paintings ordered seized were van Gogh's La maison de Vincent a Arles and Monet's Saint-Georges Majeur and Nympheas avec Reflets de Hautes Herbes. She was confirming a report by the Neue Luzerner Zeitung newspaper. "The operation is not over yet so we will not comment at the moment on the location of the paintings," she said. The U.S. government on Wednesday filed lawsuits seeking to seize $1 billion in assets bought with money believed to have been stolen from 1MDB. Australia police arrest man over apparent bid to attack police station SYDNEY, July 21 (Reuters) - Australian police on Thursday arrested a man for an apparent attack on a Sydney police station, after he set himself alight and drove a car into its underground carpark. Police said they had no reason to believe it was a terrorist attack or that the man, in his 60s, was connected to any terrorist organisation. Media reported the man's car contained gas canisters while New South Wales state assistant police commissioner Dennis Clifford said there appeared to have been some kind of fire accelerant in it. "Until we do some background investigation, we're just uncertain about the motive," Clifford told reporters. "There's nothing to indicate this is in any way related to terrorism." A staunch U.S. ally, Australia has been on heightened alert for attacks by home-grown militants since 2014, having suffered several "lone wolf" assaults, including a cafe siege in Sydney in which two hostages and the gunman were killed. Clifford said officers spotted the man sitting in his car outside the station, and when they approached him he set the inside of the car alight. The man then tried to drive into the front of the police station before driving it into a roller door under the station. Police put out the fire, and the man was taken to hospital with severe burns, Clifford said. Media reported that the man was known to police and was believed to have a mental illness. Clifford declined to comment on those reports but said the man was in a critical condition in hospital. Police earlier cordoned off the station in Merrylands, in Sydney's west, while officers from the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit searched the vehicle. Sri Lanka's cash-strapped airline may lease four planes to Pakistan COLOMBO, July 21 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's cash-strapped national airline is in talks to lease four of its Airbus A330 planes to Pakistan International Airlines Corp, a government minister said on Thursday, months after cancelling an order for four Airbus A350 aircraft. State-owned SriLankan is aiming to reduce its debt and also looking for an international partner to help reverse years of losses. "A team from the airline is in Pakistan for negotiations. We will lease one A330, latest next month, on wet lease," Kabir Hashim, Minister of Public Enterprise Development, told reporters in Colombo. A wet lease refers to when one airline provides an aircraft, crew and maintenance to another. Hashim also said SriLankan would lease three more A330s "in the next few months", but did not discuss the type of lease. The airline, which has taken on seven Airbus A330-300s since 2012, has debts of around $3.25 billion. Hashim said the airline paid around $450,000 dollars a month to lease each A330 and was looking to lease the aircraft to the Pakistani carrier "even at a break even" level. The aircraft to be leased were used on loss-making routes to cities such as Frankfort, Paris, and Rome, which SriLankan has decided to cancel, he said. SriLankan ordered eight A350s from Airbus in 2014. It has cancelled four and already divested one of the others. Hashim said it was in talks with parties including an Iranian airline to divest the remaining A350s. SriLankan was a profitable venture with Dubai-based Emirates Airline until the pair split in 2008. Fleeing Turkish troops fear death if sent home from Greece - lawyer ATHENS, July 21 (Reuters) - Eight Turkish soldiers who fled to Greece in a military helicopter after last week's failed coup fear they will be killed if they are sent back home, one of their lawyers said on Thursday. The men - three majors, three captains and two sergeant majors - landed in the northern Greek border city of Alexandroupolis on Saturday after issuing a distress signal. They were arrested and have sought political asylum. "They believe that, one way or another, they will lose their lives (in Turkey)," said Vasiliki Ilia Marinaki, a lawyer representing four of the men, as they appeared in court with their faces covered. "Regardless of whether the death penalty is imposed or not, they believe that in the end they will be killed," she said. They were convicted on Thursday of entering Greece illegally and were handed a two-month suspended jail sentence. Their asylum requests are being examined and they are to appear before immigration authorities next week for further interviews. Turkey has branded the men "traitors" and "terrorist elements" and has asked Greece to extradite them. Greece says it will examine their asylum requests quickly. Turkey abolished capital punishment in 2004 but President Tayyip Erdogan has told crowds of supporters chanting for the death penalty that such demands may be discussed in parliament. Since the coup attempt crumbled on Saturday, the Turkish government has launched a purge of the armed forces and judiciary, rounding up thousands of people. The eight men say they did not know a coup was under way and they were obeying orders by their superiors to transport the wounded from the streets to ambulances, according to their lawyers. They decided to flee when their Black Hawk helicopter came under fire by police on the ground. "They were in a state of emergency and that is why they entered Greek territory," Marinaki said before the ruling. "In any case, they entered Greece officially, meaning they landed officially at the airport, they disembarked and immediately requested political asylum." In a joint statement read out by another lawyer, Katerina Dapoudani, the eight reiterated they had "absolutely no involvement" in the coup attempt. "We apologise for any tumult we caused the Greek state but we had no other choice. We believe in democratic principles and human rights...We are officers of the Turkish army, and we are proud of that," the statement said. "Do more," families of MH370 passengers tell Malaysia, China KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Reuters) - Relatives of people aboard the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 urged governments on Thursday to step up the hunt for the aircraft, a day before a meeting where ministers could decide to call off the search. Malaysian, Chinese and Australian ministers will meet in Kuala Lumpur on Friday to discuss the future of the search for MH370, which disappeared during a flight from the Malaysian capital to Beijing in March 2014, carrying 239 people. Almost A$180 million ($135 million) has been spent on an underwater search spanning 120,000 square kilometres in the southern Indian Ocean, the most expensive in aviation history. Jacquita Gonzales, the wife of MH370 steward Patrick Gomes, said China and Malaysia had not contributed enough to the search effort, which is coordinated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. "China, you could do more. I'm sorry for being so frank but you have the most at stake here," she said at a news conference. Most of the passengers aboard MH370 were Chinese nationals. "(Malaysia), you need to do your bit and not just say 'I'm so sorry, we're short of funds, there's nowhere else to search'," Gonzales said. K.S. Narendran, whose wife was a passenger on MH370, called on the Malaysian government to seek help in securing funding. "This country and its leadership have wealthy friends. And I suppose therefore, there really should be no argument for a paucity of funds," he said. The three governments had previously agreed that unless any new credible evidence arose, they would not extend the search which was originally scheduled to end in June but has been hampered by bad weather and is expected to resume in December.($1 = 1.3344 Australian dollars) Amgen, Allergan biosimilar found as effective as Roche cancer drug July 21 (Reuters) - Amgen Inc and Allergan Plc said their copycat version of Roche Holding AG's blockbuster cancer treatment, Herceptin, was found as effective as the original in a late-stage study. There were no "clinically meaningful" differences in data gathered from patients given Herceptin and the copycat version, ABP 980, to treat a type of early breast cancer, said Sean Harper, Amgen's executive vice president of research and development. "... We believe that the totality of the evidence we've generated supports ABP 980 as highly similar to the reference product," he said. Roche's Herceptin is an injected biologic drug made from living cells. Biologics are more complex than traditional pills and cannot be copied with precision, and so, their knock-off versions are called biosimilars instead of generics. Herceptin, which generated sales of more than 6 billion Swiss francs last year, is also approved for use in forms of metastatic breast cancer and gastric cancer. German firms hold off UK investments ahead of Brexit talks By Michael Nienaber and Paul Carrel BERLIN, July 21 (Reuters) - Some German companies are holding off making investments in Britain until they know more about the relationship the country will forge with the rest of Europe following the Brexit vote. While big companies like Siemens and Bosch have the deep pockets to take a longer-term view about one of Europe's most lucrative markets, and weather uncertainty about how the divorce will play out, smaller firms are more cautious. Britain is a major market for Germany, accounting for around 7 percent of its exports, and is likely to remain so regardless of Brexit. But Germany's VDMA association, which represents thousands of firms in the engineering industry, said many of its members were unwilling to make any financial commitments. "Companies want to continue to do good business in Britain and most are likely now waiting to see how the exit negotiations go, once they start," said its head Thilo Brodtmann. Family-owned industrial manufacturer Kemper, for example, has shelved plans to expand its British business. Before the Brexit vote the company, which makes air filter systems and fume extraction units for the car and construction industries, had planned to invest in its UK marketing and servicing operations this year. "We definitely won't do that now," CEO Bjoern Kemper told Reuters from his office in Vreden, close to the Dutch border in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. He said Kemper's British sales have fallen this year, partly because customers had put off spending decisions ahead of the June 23 referendum, and that he saw little prospect of a rebound in the short term following the decision to leave the EU. The company, which has overall annual turnover of about 40 million euros ($44 million), said it expects to lose around 1 million euros in UK sales this year as a result of economic uncertainty before and after the Brexit vote. COMPLEX TALKS Little is clear about how Brexit will affect the British and German economies. The Bank of England said on Wednesday it saw "no clear evidence" that a sharp economic slowdown was yet under way in Britain after last month's vote, though there were signs investment and hiring were being put on hold. New Prime Minister Theresa May says her government is formulating its position for talks that will determine the country's relationship with the EU, and has appealed for time to work out how best to approach the complex Brexit negotiations. British officials have stressed they believe investment will flow again once foreign businesses can see how Britain's post-Brexit ties with the EU are starting to shape up. "People are not disinvesting, they are just on hold ... if by December or March they can see a decent landing point, they'll move ahead again," one senior economic official told Reuters. Kemper is more exposed to Britain than most German companies, with the country accounting for a tenth of its turnover, but its experience nonetheless reflects some of the challenges the Brexit vote poses to Germany's economy. In the first five months of 2016, German exports to Britain stagnated on the year, official data shows. The slowdown contrasts sharply with last year, when German shipments to Britain surged almost 13 percent to just under 90 billion euros, a record for German exports to Britain. In 2015, Germany sold more goods only to the United States and France. The VDMA engineering association said German exports from the sector to Britain fell by 4.2 percent in the first quarter, year-on-year. In a further sign that political uncertainty has harmed economic ties, German foreign direct investment to Britain fell 6 percent on the quarter in the first three months of 2016, Bundesbank data show. Markus Kerber, managing director of the BDI Federation of German Industries, told Reuters it expected a significant deterioration in economic relations with Britain in the coming months. "When it comes to new German foreign direct investment, it's looking bad," he said. MARKET ACCESS The immediate uncertainty is perhaps less problematic for big companies whose size and financial muscle allows them to plan further ahead. Siemens said late last month that it was not scaling back investment in a British wind power factory due to go into production in a few months. German car parts maker Bosch, which employs 5,300 people in UK factories, told Reuters last week that it was sticking to its plans and intended to invest 20-25 million euros in Britain this year, about in line with last year. Much of the negotiations between London and Brussels, when they come, are likely to boil down to a trade-off between Britain's controls on immigration and its access to the EU single market. Tougher immigration controls will likely mean less market access. Reduced market access for Britain could be damaging for trade flows between Britain and the EU. However, some German companies could profit from such a scenario. Stephan Gais, CEO of German firm Mahr, which makes high-end measuring tools used in the auto and chemicals sectors, said uncertainty caused by Brexit was hurting his business. But he also scented opportunity should trade between Britain and the EU become more complicated as a result of the divorce. "There are a few British competitors and if they have difficulties in Europe that would of course help us." ($1 = 0.9092 euros) Cash-strapped Cuba signs loan deals with Saudi Arabia for $80 mln HAVANA, July 21 (Reuters) - Cash-strapped Cuba signed two deals on Thursday with Saudi Arabia for long-term credits worth around $80 million in total to import goods from the Gulf kingdom and invest in infrastructure. One accord was for a five-year revolving credit worth $50 million for imports of Saudi products, while the other was for a loan of more than $29 million to finance hydraulics works, the Cuban state news agency (ACN ) reported. "This is the fourth and fifth accord we have signed since we started working together with the Saudi Fund in 2010," Foreign Trade Minister Rodrigo Malmierca said in comments broadcast on state television news. The first contracts for the import of Saudi agricultural machinery have already been signed, ACN wrote. Cuban President Raul Castro admitted earlier this month that Cuba was struggling to pay foreign suppliers on time due to a shortage of liquidity. Lower commodities prices are battering Cuban exports of nickel and refined oil products, while revenue from the sale of professional services to oil-producing countries such as Venezuela and Angola has suffered. On July 14, the International Court of Justice slapped down Beijings claim over the South China Sea (SCS). The Hague ruled that Chinas nine-dash line and accompanying claims to historic rights had no validity under international law. China responded with bluster, announcing a new round of military drills in the disputed sea and a July 18 statement by the PLA commander that his country would continue to build up military facilities there. China has, over the past two years, reclaimed 3,000 acres of land, and built airstrips on them, some capable of landing fighter aircraft, all of which the court ruled were not islands under the United Nations Conventions on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). There are multiple reasons for China creating what the US Navy calls "Great Wall of Sand", not the least of which is the fact that SCS is rich in oil and natural gas. Securing the SCS is part of Beijings strategy of bolstering the "first island chain" as first enunciated in its "active defence" maritime doctrine of 1985 where it saw the imaginary line running through the Kurile islands, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines and Indonesia as its primary line of defence from a seaborne invasion. This chain spans the Yellow Sea, East China Sea and the South China Sea. Another important reason is to defend Chinas strategic jewel, Hainan island in the SCS. A naval base here houses its South Sea Fleet and its growing fleet of nuclear submarines. Beginning in December 2013, it has sent conventional and nuclear submarines from its South Sea Fleet on long patrols into the Indian Ocean, the first of them in December 2013. India, meanwhile, continues the astonishing neglect of its strategic island territories on its south-western and south-eastern flanks. These unsinkable aircraft carriers could be springboards for surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) roles through the Indian Ocean region. But they are presently nothing more than tourist destinations with sandy beaches and diving spots. The neglect of the island territories, however, is in sharp contrast to the defence ministrys vision for the Indo-Pacific where it is partnering the US. These unsinkable aircraft carriers could be springboards for surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) roles through the Indian Ocean region. The India-US joint statement released on April 12 this year during US defence secretary Ashton Carters visit to New Delhi says that both US and Indian navies will improve data sharing on commercial shipping traffic, and begin navy-to-navy discussions on submarine safety and anti-submarine warfare. On June 10, Prime Minister Modi told the joint houses of US Congress that India was assuming her responsibilities in securing the Indian Ocean region, and that a strong India-US partnership could anchor peace, prosperity and stability from Asia to Africa and from Indian Ocean to the Pacific. The partnership would help ensure security of the sea lanes of commerce and freedom of navigation on seas, Prime Minister Modi said. Indias eastern outpost, the Andaman and Nicobar islands, are located near the entrance to the worlds most important waterway, the Malacca Strait. Nearly five trillion dollars worth of global commerce transits these straits each year. The island chain is closer to five vital ASEAN countries than it is to the Indian mainland. Engaging this grouping of Southeast Asian countries has been a vital aspect of Indias Act East policy over the past 20 years. Yet, the enormous potential of these islands is unrealised. The islands are served by a handful of IAF Mi-17 medium transport helicopters, Coast Guard Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, patrol vessels and an amphibious brigade comprising 3,000 soldiers. The islands lack the radar coverage for India to be even able to monitor civilian traffic, leave alone declare an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) as China is contemplating over the SCS. When Malaysian authorities sought information from India on its MH370 airliner which disappeared on March 8, 2014, it caused considerable embarrassment in New Delhi which discovered that its aging radars on the island were switched off. Plans to ramp up the military presence on some of these 572 islands have not borne fruit possibly because the tri-services Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) formed in 2001 remains a non-starter. With the government yet to appoint a tri-services chief - a permanent chairman chiefs of staff who would drive synergy - ANC remains a low priority area for the armed forces. The importance of the Bay of Bengal (BoB) to Indias second strike capability, or the ability to launch a nuclear attack in case the adversary launches a first strike, cannot be understated. The BoB is the future patrol area for Indias four "Arihant" class ballistic missile submarines armed with the 5,000-km range "K5" submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM). The average depth of 2,600 metres in the BoB offers an excellent operational area for submarines, and also the reason why hunting enemy strategic submarines in these waters using warships will have severe limitations. Modern submarines carry cruise missiles with ranges in far excess of the sensory ranges of warships. Nearly a decade ago, the Indian Navy proposed a massive strategic Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) plan, a grid comprising underwater listening posts, nuclear-powered attack submarines and shore-based ASW aircraft to track and hunt hostile undersea vessels. The ANC could become a pivot of this ASW strategy because aircraft based here can cover all three entry points into the Indian Ocean - the Ombai Wetar Strait, Lombok Strait and Malacca Straits. The disregard of the island territories is equally pronounced in the Arabian Sea. One of the most important Arabian Sea waterways is the nine-degree channel between the Lakshadweep islands. More than 40 supertankers headed for China and Japan transit each day through this 200-km channel between the Lakshadweep islands of Kalpeni, Suheli Par and the Maliku Atoll. The islands lack either radars or long-legged airborne assets to continuously monitor the seas around them. The sole runway in Lakshadweeps Agatti island is restricted to operating ATR-type medium range turboprops. This means the only military aircraft which can operate from here are the short- legged Dornier 228. A proposal to extend Agattis runway to allow it to operate 737s has been stalled for environmental reasons. An extended runway will allow the navy to refuel and stage through P-8I Poseidon long-range maritime patrol/ strike aircraft, presently based in Arakonam, Tamil Nadu. A P-8I (a military version of the Boeing 737 airliner) based in Agatti can fly surveillance missions across the whole of the Indian Ocean upto South Africa. Even low-cost options like tethered radar balloons which can give a coverage of around 300 nautical miles, have not been considered. Flash Iran's Majlis (parliament) speaker on Wednesday threatened that the Islamic republic will reactivate its uranium enrichment plants if the West puts further demands on Iran under the pretext of the nuclear deal, or JCPOA. In a reaction to the recent UN report on the implementation of the JCPOA by Iran, Ali Larijani urged the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) to prepare a plan for the reopening of shuttered uranium enrichment facilities, Tehran Times daily reported. A half-yearly report by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the JCPOA said Monday that Iran's developing missile program is "not consistent" with the spirit of the nuclear deal. Iran objected to the report, calling it "biased" and "unrealistic." Iran has reiterated that its ballistic missiles are not designed to carry nuclear warheads and the issue is not related to the nuclear deal. "It is necessary for AEOI to act in compliance with the law passed (earlier) on the reopening of the nuclear plant to enrich uranium proportionate to the country's needs," Larijani was quoted as saying. Following a nuclear deal between Iran and the world powers in July 2015, Iran stopped major parts of its uranium enrichment activities in the Natanz and Fordow facilities in central Iran. On Wednesday, Larijani stressed that hostile actions by the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate against the nuclear deal have reached a point where Iran has "no other option but to retaliate." While Iran has announced it is more than ever ready for investments, international companies drag their feet to invest in the country since they fear that they may face obstacles due to the sour relations between Iran and the United States as well as complications involved in the money transfer to and out of the country. The United Sates has still its sanction on Iran over the alleged violations of human rights and supports of terrorism, which Iran denies. Also, Washington has recently blacklisted some Iranian and foreign entities for being involved in Iran's missile program. On July 15-16, as a military-led coup attempt against the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey unfolded, journalists, politicians, activists and people came out strongly in his support globally. An Indian journalist announced: coup cannot be an option. There are three problems with this argument. One, it assumes that the government in power is democratic. This assumption prevails especially among people who live in liberty, notably in vibrant democracies like India, the US and others. Two, it assumes that elections themselves mean democracy. Three, it also assumes that coups are unethical irrespective of the nature of the regimes against which they are directed. Kim and other cases Let's take the third point first. In North Korea, 25 million people live under the dictatorship of Kim Jong-un, unfree to open a shop, elect a leader or publish a newspaper. In Saudi Arabia, people cannot elect a ruler and women are subjugated. The regimes in North Korea, Saudi Arabia or Cuba do not trust their people; consequently, power is transferred only to a son or brother. Similarly, only the communist party is permitted to rule in China, where 1.35 billion people endure a range of unfreedoms. For example, they cannot openly practise their religion, start a newspaper, criticise politicians, or establish a political party. So, a military coup in China, Saudi Arabia, Cuba or North Korea can be morally legitimate if there is a promise of multiparty elections, individual liberty, free press and full democracy. This brings us to the second point: elections are just one pillar of democracy. However, terrorist groups like Hamas in Gaza, the Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt and hidden jihadists like Erdogan have figured out that they can use elections as a means to acquire power and change the system. North Korean dictator, Kim Jong-un. (Reuters) During the so-called peace negotiations involving US officials, the Afghan Taliban too flirted with this idea to use elections to capture power and to ensure Talibanisation of Afghanistan. But elections alone are not democracy. We are civilised because we believe in democracy whose essential features include free press, individual liberty, multiparty elections, women's equality, independent judiciary, and rule of law based on man-made laws. On these parameters, the Erdogan government is mutilating people's freedoms - not just to retain power but to shape Turkey in an ideological way to transform it into a Sunni Iran in the next few decades. Living in Erdo-cracy To return to the first point: is Erdogan's government democratic? To answer, one must look at the Turkish president's ideological policies. Erdogan has been in power since 2003, serving first as the prime minister and then as the president from 2014. After he came to power, Turkey lifted rules banning women from wearing headscarves in the country's state institutions. In 2014, it permitted girls as young as ten to wear scarf in schools. Erdogan's policies are directed at transforming Turkey into a Sharia-compliant state. Erdogan declared that women cannot be equal to men, saying manual work is against the "delicate nature" of women. He urged women to have at least three children, saying: "(Islam) has defined a position for women: motherhood. "He advocated alcohol-free zones and heavily cracked down on the press. Like the Taliban, Erdogan objected to the use of the term "moderate Islam" noting: "Islam cannot be classified as moderate or not." He is building a $100-million mega mosque near Washington, the money he could use to educate 1,000 Turkish girls in engineering. Islamism in action Emboldened by Erdoganism, a school in Antalya asked male students to monitor female students who wore skirts. Nurettin Yildiz, apro-Erdogan intellectual, said, "A seven-year-old girl can be married." For Erdoganism, Islam matters, not the people. Erdogan seeks to revive the Ottoman Caliphate. In 2015, the then Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said in Paris, "Islam, from Andalusia to the Ottoman Empire, is the most indigenous element of this [European] continent." Like jihadists, Erdogan does not believe in man-made laws. To quote him, "Sovereignty unconditionally and always belongs to Allah." Once, Erdogan read a poem, "The mosques are our barracks, the domes our helmets, the minarets our bayonets and the faithful our soldiers." In Turkey, Erdoganism is seen as Islamism. To expand the scope of Islamism after the failed coup, Erdogan ordered 1,577 deans of universities to resign, according to journalist Isobel Finkel. To advance the Islamist agenda, Erdogan is on a massive purge. He dismissed 2,745 judges including members of Turkey's highest judiciary board. He cancelled the licences of 21,000 private school teachers. Around 50,000 soldiers, police, judges, civil servants and teachers have been suspended or removed. Erdogan is just another authoritarian ruler, and the coup failed to his benefit because the military, with past records of coups, lacks legitimacy. Hundreds of local residents from all walks of life filled the Culpeper State Theatre Wednesday night to pray for peace and unity in a time of violence and racial unrest around America. It was also about rallying behind the men and women of law enforcement. A newly naturalized U.S. citizen born in Africa, the Rev. Erick Kalenga, pastor at His Village Church, organized the thoughtful and uplifting event in the Main Street venue in conjunction with Culpeper police in blue, brown and gray. He started the prayer service by asking audience members to take out their cellphones and take a self portrait. Look at the selfie and say that is the problem its not the person next to you, Kalenga said. We are going to have to look at ourselves. Members of the Culpeper Police Department, Culpeper County Sheriffs Office and the Culpeper Division Office of Virginia State Police as well as police from surrounding counties were well represented. The community reception for them was warm and supportive as they received a prolonged and heartfelt standing ovation. Culpeper Police Chief Chris Jenkins, a native son, addressed the crowd saying he has been touched by the outpouring of support his department has received in recent weeks. Thats not enjoyed in every community, he said. On behalf of all the men and women in law enforcement, thank you for your support. We dont take it for granted. Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins noted the close bond existing between the various local agencies. Its a blessing to not have the strife in our community that many have faced, he said. Scott Jenkins got emotional when thanking his staff members for leaving their families every day and risking their lives at work. I pray that you are always safe, the sheriff said. Todd Taylor, division commander at the Culpeper State Police, commented on a theme of the night about maintaining the fence before the break. It takes honest and open communication to maintain that fence between police and citizens, he said. adding, The citizens are the police. Diversity is key to avoiding pitfalls faced by law enforcement daily, Taylor said, noting that job applications to the state police have dropped. There is not interest in being a police officer like theyre used to be, he said. Taylor challenged audience members desiring to serve their fellow man to apply to be a trooper and become part of the solution. He quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in saying that, in the end, love wins. Thats the greatest gift we can give each other, Taylor said. Love is the only thing that can make the fence unbreakable. Pastor Kalenga further challenged those in attendance to take personal responsibility for upholding the freedom and liberties enjoyed in America. He said a blanket statement does not apply to everybody. Yes, things need to be done in the law enforcement community and with us in interacting back, he said. We are not here to divide tonight, but to unite. The wrongs need to be made right. The Rev. Ron Young, pastor at Alum Springs Baptist Church, was one of several faith leaders sharing the stage. With all the police shootings and violence occurring across America, unity is needed, he said. God created race, Young said. Man created racism. We need to be the light in the darkness of a world thats gone crazy. The leadership of the historic State Theatre with its own history of racial segregation allowed the building to be used at no cost for Wednesdays hastily-arranged gathering. Director Steven Barker said it was about the simplicity of being a community center. Its a place of performing arts where dialogue happens, Barker said. That dialogue is about learning to listen, to communicate, to take pause and step into each others shoes before rushing to judgment. Town resident Roger Carter was in attendance along with many other familiar faces. I want to listen to whats going on with all the shootings happening, he said. Its kind of rough because everyone wants to live. Carter said praying together is a start toward finding a solution. Culpeper Town Councilman Jon Russell brought his four children to the vigil. With all the turmoil going on in a lot of cities, its important for Culpeper to send a message that we stand united regardless of race. Culpeper is a loving place and we can set an example for the rest of the country, he said. When the new Culpeper Baptist Retirement Community building is complete in November 2018, itll face the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains with a new entrance off Route 299. The existing access road on Village Loop is located off busy U.S. 15. The $23 million facility also comes with a new name: The Culpeper. While we are proud of our Baptist heritage, we believe this name change better reflects where we are todaya community who welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds in the faith-based family atmosphere Culpeper residents have come to expect, Jim Jacobsen, executive director of The Culpeper, said in a news release earlier this year. After completion of the new building, construction crews will demolish the 80,850-square-foot, nearly 70-year-old main building, Jacobsen said. Weve been providing care for 65 years to seniors and we are excited about the new expansion project that is going to provide opportunities for the next group of seniors to live the same exciting great lifestyle that weve been able to provide for others for the last 65 years, he told the Star-Exponent last December. The new 115,000- square-foot facility will feature a total of 48 nursing home units with 16 beds reserved for the short-term rehabilitation needs of residents; 54 residential living units (licensed for assisted living); and 32 specialized units for residents with Alzheimers diseaseor dementia. To my knowledge, this will be the first and only dedicated neighborhood for residents with dementia in the Culpeper area, said Peter Robinson, vice president for marketing and public relations for LifeSpire of Virginia, The Culpepers parent company. Robinson said site work on the new building will begin in October with a groundbreaking ceremony in January. For Culpeper, this is long overdue, he said. We have long been known for providing some of the best care in the area. We have been accomplishing this in a building built in 1948. We cant wait to give residHH and staff a new building, multiple dining venues, a wellness center, library, walking trails and all the amenities our residents deserve. Meanwhile, the 27 single-family detached cottages located on both sides of the main building wont be impacted, Jacobsen said. Of the 600-acre sprawling property (divided by U.S. 15), the existing main campus is located on about 100 acres on Village Loop near State Route 299 and the remaining 500 acres lies across the busy highway. With a capacity of 160 residents, Jacobsen said about 143 seniors currently reside in the short-or long-term nursing home, assisted living or independent living spaces. The Culpeper is exceeding 90 percent occupancy in independent living with additional residences reserved for future residents, Jacobsen wrote in an email Thursday. Constructed in 1948, the Rev. James T. Edwards vision included building a home for elderly Culpeper Baptist Church parishioners. The late pastors vision became a reality in 1945 when the Baptist General Association of Virginia agreed to create a new ministry and home for senior citizens. Virginia Baptist Homes (now known as LifeSpire of Virginia and The Culpepers parent company) manages four facilities: The Culpeper, the Chesapeake in Newport News, Lakewood in Richmond and The Glebe in Daleville, as well as its foundation. For the first time in 20 years, excavation work is being done at the Fort Germanna/Enchanted Castle archaeology site on the eastern end of Orange County. The Germanna Foundation hopes to discover the boundaries of Fort Germanna during the field season. The Germanna Foundation operates a visitor center at its property at 2062 Germanna Highway, which encompasses 179 acres of the original land settled by German families between 1714 and 1717. Fort Germanna, built in 1714, was settled by the immigrants brought to the site by colonial Lt. Gov. Alexander Spotswood, who commissioned them as rangers and hoped to use their labor to mine for silver and iron. The foundation was established in 1956 to preserve the land and heritage of the earliest German settlements of colonial Virginia. This summer, The Germanna Foundation has welcomed five seasonal archaeology staff membersan assistant field director and four internsto its team as it searches for clues on where the fort boundaries were. The archaeology team will also be joined by nine students from Virginia Commonwealth University, who are conducting a field school. While learning excavation techniques and other important archaeological lessons, the students will aid in the search of Fort Germannas boundaries. VCU students had their first day at the site June 27 and will be working there until Thursday. The team is being led by the Germanna Foundations archaeologist Eric Larsen. Field school is kind of the apprenticeship for learning how to dig and do archaeological excavation, Larsen said. So theyre learning all types of skills from actually using the trowels and the shovels, to recovering artifacts from the soil levels they identify. The field season consists of nine to 10 weeks, explained Larsen, and this is his first real look below the surface. While hell only have the additional help for a portion of the summer, he said any work thats not finished will be left up to him and any volunteers he enlists. While the goal of the excavations is to discover Fort Germanna, the foundation will be learning about the rest of the sites history as well, including Gov. Spotswoods Enchanted Castle that was there from about 1720-1750, the Gordon Farm dating back to 1790 and the Civil War, explained Larsen. Previous excavations, conducted by University of Mary Washington archaeology students, uncovered a trench with soil markings indicating the forts palisade, as well as the remains of Spotswoods Enchanted Castle, built in the 1720s. Since acquiring the property through a land transfer in 2013, the Germanna Foundation has not only hired a staff archaeologist, but has stabilized the Enchanted Castle remains, conducted new topographic survey and mapping work and collected data using ground-penetrating radar over the area most likely to have been the forts site. The 62 acres of transferred land has a historic preservation easement covering it and includes the Enchanted Castle and original Fort Germanna. It is on property across from The Germanna Foundations visitor center. The team is working on 5-foot-square sections examined by screening soil layer by layer, which Larsen said he hopes will reveal more of the trench. On the south side of the site, they believe theyre seeing plow scars. Were not seeing very much 20th century [stuff], which means this area was not seeing very heavy use during the 20th century, he said. Were seeing mostly 19th century or earlier, which is good. So far, several fragments of 18th-century ceramics have been found in the plow zone layer of soil, including a piece of Chinese porcelain and English brown stoneware, explained Larsen. The artifacts are most likely from the Gordon farm in the 19th century, Larsen said. The foundations archaeology program is supported through individual donations, including a pledge to underwrite the foundations archaeologist position from Michael D. Frost of Kansas City. Frost is a descendant of Spotswood and also serves on the Germanna Foundations board of trustees. This past spring Frost donated $250,000 to the foundation in hopes of beginning the construction of a new archaeology research laboratory and artifact storage building . The Germanna Foundation expects to spend $65,000 for this summers archaeology field work alone. In an effort to fund future field work, the foundation is seeking donations. For more information, call (540) 423-1700, or visit www.germanna.org. ANKARA - Istanbul - Recep Tayyip Erdogan, after the coup attempt, has reshuffled his parliament and government to best ensure his reign for a very, very long time. Incoming Finance Minister, Erdo Grab will ensure there will be no more corruption in the Turkish government by ensuring all tax receipts go to Erdogans Swiss bank account in Lake Lugano. Army Minister, Erdo Gunner, will ensure any further coup attempt by secularists will be met with extreme prejudice and death sentences for everyone. No change. Transport Minister, Erdo Go, wants to get Turkey moving once again, and is even planning a special lane on all highways in Turkey for the Erdogans. If anyone else is caught in the lane, they will be shot on sight. Pensions Minister, Erdo Gran, will ensure that all old people in Turkey relinquish their pensions to the Erdogan clan and are given swift burials if they dont agree. Ultilities Minister, Erdo Gasket, will ensure that Turkeys plumbing system functions well, and all water supplies lead to Erdogans palaces where the swimming pool can be topped up at all times. Media Minister, Erdo Grind, will ensure that all news and media in Turkey praises the president at all times without any sort of dissension or free speech. Minister of Happiness, Erdo Grim, will ensure that all Turks in the country are always happy to be ruled in an undemocratic dictatorship stasi Big Brother fuck hole or they will be shot. etc..etc.. 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. Who feeds on octopus? asked Dal Biology professor Boris Worm, as someone grabbed the roll of bright pink tape being passed around a circle of kids and others huddled together in the atrium of the Steele Ocean Sciences Building Thursday afternoon. Okay, the shark feeds on the octopus, he said, as the tape is then passed to a child wearing a Shark nametag. Anything else a shark feeds on? he continued. As the questions continued, an intertangled web of tape began to emerge until Dr. Worm yanked it away, some of it falling to the ground. If we start changing the web, things change, he said. Dr. Worm was using this exercise to show how climate change and other issues are creating new challenges for the ocean, one of the worlds most important natural resources. It was also a simple example of the sorts of hands-on activities that will be featured in a groundbreaking new educational initiative from Dalhousie University and the National Film Board one aimed at increasing ocean literacy among Canadian youth. A school unlike any other The Honourable Dominic Leblanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, visited Dalhousie Thursday to announce $250,000 for Ocean School, an immersive educational project designed to inspire youth ages 11 to 15 to learn more about how the ocean works. Dal scientists are working with NFB filmmakers to bring the ocean education to life through engaging learning experiences using cutting-edge technologies, powerful storytelling techniques and audiovisual teaching platforms. Minister Leblanc at the announcement event. Essentially, youve pioneered the classroom of the future, said Leblanc, in remarks during the announcement event Thursday. Youve taken groundbreaking storytelling and filmmaking and combined it with world-class, cutting-edge science, technology and research. Leblanc called the partnership between Dal, the NFB, Nova Scotia and the federal government remarkable, noting that the project will help teach the next generation of oceanographers and scientists to meet the many challenges currently facing the ocean and the Earths ecosystems. The funds will be used for an Ocean School pilot project that will launch early next year in some grade seven classrooms in Nova Scotia. In addition to supporting the roll out of the pilot in schools early next year, the province has also committed $120,000 for the initiative. This program is going to reach so many more students and people outside of the scientifically inclined groups of kids, which is such an amazing accomplishment, said MLA Patricia Arab, who spoke at the event on behalf of the Honourable Karen Casey, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development for Nova Scotia. Dal and NFB will use the experience to refine the materials as needed, with the aim of expanding the program across the country over the next three years, before eventually offering it in other countries. Films, learning resources and virtual reality The project will be built around a few central elements: a program of short films and teacher resources, immersive virtual-reality learning experiences, and a physical headquarters at Dal where students can engage directly with marine experts and take part in hands-on projects. The minister highlighted the cost accessibility of some of the different technology that will be used as part of the Ocean School curriculum, including a 360-degree virtual reality platform that operates using a simple smartphone attached to a pair of goggles. Minister Leblanc tests out the Ocean School virtual reality platform. Martha Crago, Dal's vice president of research and master of ceremonies for Thursday's event, thanked Leblanc for his government's generous investment and called his governments commitment a dream come true. Thank you for your commitment to the ocean, your commitment to young people, and your commitment to science, she said. This is truly remarkable. She noted that Dal has more than 100 researchers whose work touches on the ocean, mentioning an underwater holographic microscope from Halifax-based imaging company 4Deep that was initially designed in a Dal physics lab. Now its being used by Dal ocean scientists to capture information useful for managing fisheries. The power of partnership Andre Picard, executive director of institutional programming and production at NFB, said the organization is thrilled to be working with Dal on creating original, immersive and bilingual audiovisual and infographic content for the project. This is the most ambitious, promising, and innovative partnership the NFB has ever undertaken, said Picard. Together, we are doing groundbreaking work in redefining the learning experience for young Canadians. He also thanked the Province of Nova Scotia for its willingness to participate in the pilot project. NFB's Andre Picard (left) and Nova Scotia MLA Patricia Arab. Patricia Arab, MLA for Fairview-Clayton Park, spoke about some recent and exciting changes within the provincial education system that have enabled the innovative new teacher-led approaches to curriculum that bring in more technology and hands-on learning. To end, she pointed to the big picture. Our shared goals are to increase the ocean literacy of Canadians of all ages, contribute to a more engaged citizenry, motivate young people to pursue further study and eventually work in this field and foster a better stewardship of our oceans. The recent restrictions on the sale of diesel cars have hit many automakers, leading to holding back their investments in India. Toyota has been expressing its views on the negative effects of the diesel car ban, further now it has stopped new investments in the country. As a brand, Toyota relies heavily on models like the Innova Crysta and Fortuner in India. Both models use diesel engines that displace over 2,000cc, due to which they cannot be sold in Delhi or NCR. The sales slowdown has been compounded by the reducing gap between petrol and diesel prices, along with the National Green Tribunals (NGT) recent directive to ban all diesel vehicles that are over 10 years old in the capital. The combination of these factors has demotivated buyers from opting for diesel models, which puts manufacturers like Toyota and Honda in a soup. Toyotas statement comes in just a few weeks after it inaugurated its new engine plant in Bangalore. The facility, built with an investment of Rs 1,100 crore, was developed to produce the 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre diesel engines that are used in the Innova Crysta. The plant is capable of producing 1 lakh units annually, but is running at 30% of its capacity. "I do not know what to do with this excess capacity. We cannot live with the betrayal of faith. When I go to the Toyota headquarters in Japan for the next project, it is very hard to explain," said Shekhar Viswanathan, vice chairman and director of Toyota Kirloskar Motor. In addition to the investment freeze, Toyota will reconsider its plan to introduce new models in India as well. Luxury carmakers like Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW have also been affected, with Mercedes-Benz already stalling its investments in India. Source: CarDekho.com RBS has previously shifted some jobs from Britain to India and shrunk its global workforce from a peak of 200,000 employees in 2008 to 89,000, with 64,000 of those in Britain as of December 2015. British employee union Unite has criticised proposals by state-backed lender Royal Bank of Scotland to relocate another 66 jobs from Britain to India, a plan it described as the ultimate betrayal of the bank's workforce. Unite, in a statement on Wednesday, said the planned moves affecting staff in the bank's fraud and chargeback functions were unjustified, in view of swingeing cuts to British jobs and earlier headcount relocations to overseas hubs. "The loss of these Royal Bank of Scotland jobs from the UK is the ultimate betrayal for the workforce. The bank is continuing the senseless cutting of important back office functions," Rob MacGregor, Unite national officer, said. "Unite is calling on RBS to reconsider this offshoring to India for the sake of their staff and their reputations." The affected roles are for processing staff in the bank's chargeback unit and are all currently in Southend, a coastal town in southeast England, a spokesman for RBS said. "With RBS becoming a smaller, simpler bank, we've been restructuring our back office support so it's a better fit for our business. Unfortunately, these changes will mean some job losses," said the spokesman. The bank, which is 73 per cent owned by the British government, has already axed thousands of jobs since it began a major restructuring to streamline its business and rein in costs following a 46 billion pound ($61 bln) taxpayer rescue in 2008. RBS has previously shifted some jobs from Britain to India and shrunk its global workforce from a peak of 200,000 employees in 2008 to 89,000, with 64,000 of those in Britain as of December 2015. Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters in June that the bank planned to cut around another 900 British jobs but has not set a timeframe. The union said it would press RBS to ensure that all staff affected by the proposed offshoring were found suitable alternative employment. A lot of rumours circulated over the last month regarding the relationship status of Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh. Buzz is that Bollywoods current favourite jodi is already engaged, and that a wedding is on the anvil. But the actress has now put all rumours to rest. Deepika, who was a showstopper at Manish Malhotras couture show, took the opportunity to address the media there and set the record straight. I think this is the right opportunity to clarify. There is no such plan (to get married). I am not pregnant, I am not engaged, I am not married and I am not planning to get married anytime soon. On the work front, things couldnt be moving faster for the actress. The first teaser of her Hollywood debut xXx: The Return of Xander Cage has just come out. However, she barely made an appearance in the one-minute, 23-second cut that mostly focuses on Vin Diesel and Samuel L. Jackson. Speaking of it, Deepika said, There are more than six months to go. Be patient, just wait and watch. Every few days we will be putting up a new campaign. It is also the return of the film after many years return of Xander Cage (Diesel) and that is what it is. But slowly more shall be unveiled. Kareena Kapoor Khan, who is gearing to have her first child this December, could well have the baby in London. According to close friends of Saif and Kareena, the plan is to slip out of the city and go somewhere far away from prying eyes. A source close to the family says, The paparazzi is clicking close-ups of her baby bump. There are too many prying eyes here in Mumbai, making her feel odd rather than special. In fact, recently, the actress even lost her cool while speaking on the subject. Im pregnant, not a corpse. And what maternity break? Its the most normal thing on earth to produce a child. It is high time the media backed off. Stop treating me any different from what I ever was. Anybody who is bothered shouldnt work with me but my work goes on as is, like always. Stop making it a national casualty. London, according to close sources, is where the Pataudi parivar spends its maximum time when away from India. Saif and his sister Soha Ali Khan have both spent their formative years there. Their mother Sharmila Tagore too has fond feelings for the city as her husband, the late Nawab Pataudi loved spending time there. Sharmilaji herself spends a lot of her time in London and has dvised Kareena and Saif that London could be a less stressful option for them to welcome their first child, the source adds. The majority of Priyadarsan hits in Btown were the remakes of his blockbusters from Malayalam film industry. Those films have helped him earn a good name in the industry. A few months ago, he had opened up about his plans to wield megaphone in Bollywood, which has Rohit Shetty in the producers role. When quizzed if his next Hindi film has any Malayalam connection, he denied it and said, No... that film has no connections with any other films. I am not planning on doing any remakes. It will be a fresh subject. At the same time, you could see some comedy scenes that you have watched in my hits films in Malayalam, Priyadarsan added. The film, which has Akshay Kumar in the lead role, is expected to start rolling soon. As per reports, the actor will join Priyadarsan once he completes his part in Sankars Tamil film 2.0. In the meantime, Priyadarsan is busy with the post production of his Mohanlal project Oppam at his own studio Four Frames, in Chennai. The trailer of the film, edited by Premam fame Alphonse Puthren, will hit screens along with Kabali. Rahul, who is out on anticipatory bail, has been asked to appear before the court on July 30. Mumbai: Pratyusha Banerjee's suicide row created quite a stir in the media ever since the actress hung herself at her Mumbai residence on April 1. Now, a chargesheet running into 1,011 pages has been filed against her boyfriend Rahul Raj Singh. The actor-producer has been slapped with charges of abetment, assault and intimidation. Rahul, who is out on anticipatory bail, has been asked to appear before the court on July 30. Read: I'm getting death threats: Pratyusha's last message to Rahul Raj Singh The police are banking on autopsy reports to back their claim of assault. While, Pratyusha had complained about injury marks to her friends before taking the drastic step, several close ones had come forth to record their statements as witnesses. Statements of 45 witnesses, including a cook who was first to find her body, actor Kamya Punjabi, event organiser Leena Dias, Pratyusha's uncle Dipankar Banerjee, an astrologer, have been recorded. While Kamya has maintained that Rahul was a bad influence, Leena has stated that Pratyusha wanted to get out of her relationship with Rahul. Read: We mutually decided to abort the child, says Rahul Raj Singh On the other hand, Rahul has accused Pratyusha's mother Soma Banerjee of practising black magic and trying to create obstacles in the couple's wedding plans. He also claimed that Pratyusha's parents were making no money of their own and were clinging on to the actress' savings. Read: Rahul Raj's former girlfriend Saloni Sharma breaks her silence on Pratyusha's suicide According to Rahuls father, Hashvardhan Singh, Pratyusha was under severe mental pressure because she did not have enough money left to sustain her expenses, and that her parents had used her name to take a loan of Rs 50 lakh, due to which she was being hassled by creditors. Pratyusha was best known for her debut role in Balika Vadhu. Thereafter, she shifted to reality shows and participated in Bigg Boss 7. Pratyushas last outing on TV was in Sasural Simar Ka where she played a role that had negative shades. Significantly, experts say if the changes are made, prices will shoot immensely and new HIV medicines will go out of reach of the poor. Global leaders on AIDS, Thursday, accused Modi government of succumbing to the pressure from United States (US) and multinational pharmaceutical industry for changing countrys patent law and policies. With signals from India government of bowing to the US, civil society members urged the Indian government to resist pressure to ensure that Indian generic companies are not taken over by the multinational pharmaceutical companies. Calling on the Indian government to reverse the course in a series of actions that threaten to undermine the global AIDS response, global leaders on AIDS and human rights raised an alarm about the conspiracy at work between the government of US and India. They marched in heavy numbers to deliver the message to the Indian consulate from the International Convention centre(ICC)-the venue for the 21st International AIDS conference in Durban on Thursday morning. As the supplier of more than 80% of generic AIDS drugs used in low and middle income countries, changes to Indias policies on affordable medicines-experts say-could have dire consequences for people living with HIV worldwide. According to the experts, the US has persistently pressured India to adopt US-style patent protections on pharmaceuticals for many years. The pressure however has intensified recently on India to change its pro-health policies that allow generic drug production. The move to allow unlimited foreign investment in Indian drug companies will mean that big pharmaceuticals could buy smaller firms in India to eliminate the competition in India that sustains affordable prices. Experts feel that Indias ongoing free trade agreement negotiations with the EU, EFTA and RCEP pose a serious threat to generic production from India. The earlier government had made some significant reversals. But it seems that Modi government is under pressure from US. They must stand to the pressure of US government, if Mr Modi decides to change it, most new drugs will be patented, meaning higher prices, less affordability and low coverage, said Mark Heywood, Executive Director, section 27. Significantly, experts say if the changes are made, prices will shoot immensely and new HIV medicines will go out of reach of the poor. India is under massive pressure to turn off its tap of affordable medicines, which are a lifeline to millions of people not only in India, but across the developing world. If India doesnt stand strong against the pharmaceutical corporations and governments that are pushing for change in the countrys patent law and policies, people around the world will face a crisis in access to medicines in the future, said Leena Menghaney, South Asia Head of MSFs Access Campaign. Back home, civil society members are planning to approach the court. People are fearing to speak to reverse the trend. We are thinking to go to court to bring up the matter to fore, said Meena Seshu, Womens right advocate added. World's first vaccine for an insidious sexual transmitted infection (STI) has come closer to reality in the form of a nose spray. Researchers at the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research at McMaster have developed the first widely protective vaccine against chlamydia, a common STI that is mostly asymptomatic but impacts 113 million people around the world each year and can result in infertility. In a study, the team showed that a novel chlamydial antigen known as BD584 is a potential vaccine candidate for the most common species of chlamydia known as Chlamydia trachomatis. As most C. trachomatis infections are asymptomatic, chlamydia can often go untreated and lead to upper genital tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility. This is why the promise of a vaccine would be extremely beneficial, said co-author David Bulir. "Vaccine development efforts in the past three decades have been unproductive and there is no vaccine approved for use in humans," said Bulir, adding "Vaccination would be the best way to way to prevent a chlamydia infection and this study has identified important new antigens which could be used as part of a vaccine to prevent or eliminate the damaging reproductive consequences of untreated infections." BD584 was able to reduce chlamydial shedding, a symptom of C. trachomatis, by 95 per cent. The antigen also decreased hydrosalpinx, another C. trachomatis symptom, which involves fallopian tubes being blocked with serous fluids, by 87.5 percent. The results look very promising, said senior author James Mahony. Co-author and McMaster PhD student, Steven Liang, explains, "not only is the vaccine effective, it also has the potential to be widely protective against all C. trachomatis strains, including those that cause trachoma." "The vaccine would be administered through the nose. This is easy and painless and does not require highly trained health professionals to administer, and that makes it an inexpensive solution for developing nations," he said. The next step is more testing for effectiveness against different strains of Chlamydia and in different formulations. The study was funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research. It is published in the journal Vaccine. Lebogang Motsumi, 27, who contracted the HIV virus from a relationship with a man about ten years her senior, looks on during the International AIDS conference in Durban on July 20, 2016. (Photo: AFP) Durban, South Africa: Lebogang Motsumi, 27, still remembers the moment when she learnt she had contracted HIV from a man a decade her senior. "It was August 15, 2009, at 1:00pm," she said, recalling the instant when her life changed traumatically. "I was so ignorant," she said. "I thought HIV had a face" -- thin, poor and dying -- "and I wasn't that face." The man who infected her with the AIDS virus was a "sugar daddy" or, in local parlance, a "blesser" -- an older man who "blesses" a younger, often poorer girl with money and gifts and expects sex in return. The danger of the "blessers" has been in the spotlight at the International AIDS Conference in Durban this week. In South Africa, seven million people live with HIV -- and older men are thought to be largely to blame for the shockingly high rate of infections among teenage girls and young women. "To the 'blessers', there is only one level I want: the zero level, zero tolerance for men who put adolescent girls at risk for HIV," UNAIDS chief Michel Sidibe declared on Monday at the conference's opening session. Every week, an estimated 2,000 South African women between the ages of 15 and 24 contract HIV. Girls between the ages of 15 and 19 are up to eight times more likely to be HIV-positive than boys the same age. Age-gap relationships are the engine driving the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, explained Professor Salim Abdool Karim, director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA). He's in control The programme examined the genetic sequences of the HIV virus in a community in the KwaZulu-Natal province -- the hotbed of South Africa's epidemic -- to track how it was being spread. The results revealed a cycle of infection. "Over three out of every five young women -- teenagers and women in their very early 20s -- acquired HIV from a man around his thirties, about eight to 10 years older," Abdool Karim told AFP. The skewed power dynamics in these relationships make it difficult for the young women to demand safe sex, increasing their chances of contracting the virus. "You don't even want to talk condoms, or the guy will think you're being promiscuous," said Motsumi, who was 17 when she started going out with her older partner. "You know you should, but he's in control of the sex: when you have it, how you have it." It was a problem made worse by parents and nurses more intent on delivering moral lectures than helping her make informed decisions, she said. As infected young women grow older and reach their thirties, they infect the next group of men "who then infect the next group of young women, and so it goes round and round," said Abdool Karim. "Blessers" has overtaken "sugar daddies" as the common term in South Africa, emerging from the widely?used "blessed" hashtag on social media posts and photographs. Talk about sex "It's transactional, not love," said Motsumi who, after a string of such relationships, is sharing her experiences at the Durban conference. "I wanted the money, I wanted to fit in, wear the latest sneakers like my friends." The South African government is straight-forward about the problem. Last month, it launched an awareness programme, where Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa chanted: "Down with blessers! Down with sugar daddies!" Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says it's time to shed taboos and start talking to young girls about sex. "Every parent wants to believe that their daughter is an angel... (but) the fact that they are so highly infected it means they're having sex," he told AFP. Bringing the alarming rates of infection down will take more than just talk. "Blessers" thrive on poverty -- and girls who stay in school and have a job are bound to find them less attractive. "Can we give them skills and link them to economic opportunities to reduce their dependency? Because that's where the issue of sugar daddies come in," Motsoaledi told AFP. In 2013, researchers in Britain and South Africa published the result of interviews with 3,500 teenagers, showing that by narrowing the poverty gap, "blessers" could be thwarted. Teenage girls from households which received child support were two-thirds less likely to have a much older boyfriend compared to counterparts from homes that did not receive the benefit. These girls were also half less likely to have sex in exchange for food, money or school fees. Motsumi knows how she is going to approach the subject with her six-year-old daughter. "I'll give her the information she needs to make good choices," she said. "I can't enforce my morals, but if you want to date older men, you need to know the risks." Women tend to be more conscious than men of their own attractiveness to other users. (Photo: Pixabay) Washington D.C.: When it comes to making the first move in online dating, men tend to be more aggressive and contact users they are interested in, whereas women tend to be more conscious of their own attractiveness to other users, suggests a new research. Using data collected from Baihe, one of the largest dating websites in China, researchers from Binghamton University, University of Massachusetts Lowell and Northeastern University developed a reciprocal recommendation system that better matches users who are mutually interested in and likely to communicate with each other. The data revealed behavioral differences between male and female users when it comes to contacting potential partners. In particular, males tend to be focused on their own interests and be oblivious toward their attractiveness to potential dates, while females are more conscious of their own attractiveness. Co-author Shuangfei Zhai said, We found that males like to send a lot of messages to attractive female users, but they dont get a lot of responses. Zhai noted, For females, theyre self-conscious because they tend to evaluate the likelihood of getting a response to the user that theyre sending messages to. In terms of the data, it shows that women have a much larger chance of getting responses from users that they send messages to. The study is published in Social Network Analysis and Mining. The most wanted among the Islamic terror operatives from the state is Mohammed Sabir alias K.P. Sabir alias Ayub, who now controls the terror-linked fake currency cartel operating from Peshawar in Pakistan. (Representational Image) Kozhikode: The state has become a hatchery of many hardcore terrorists operating in international arena. Once they are caught on the radar of intelligence agencies, they shift their operations to other countries, including Bangladesh, Dubai, Pakistan and Afghanistan, according to sources. The most wanted among the Islamic terror operatives from the state is Mohammed Sabir alias K.P. Sabir alias Ayub, who now controls the terror -linked fake currency cartel operating from Peshawar in Pakistan. A native of Kannur, Sabir was one of the conspirators in the plot to murder former chief minister E.K. Nayanar. His links with the international terror cartel was exposed after the Bangalore serial blasts in 2008. He escaped to Pakistan befooling the intelligence agencies on a fake passport. Sabir, former president of the now banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), has been operating from Pakistan since then. The scaled up vigil against terror modules in Gulf countries in recent times resulted in an exodus of such shadowy personalities to Pakistan which is a haven for anti- India terror modules. In April, the UAE deported K.A. Anoop, an alleged associate of Sabir. A perusal of his mobile calls from Dubai revealed that Sabir was in close contact with Anoop. Though Sabir had made an attempt to take his wife from Kannur to Pakistan using a fake passport, the attempt was thwarted by security agencies, according to sources. Another two IM operatives wanted in terror -linked cases in the state-- Shoaib from Kannur and Shuhaib from Parappanangadi--who were operating from Gulf countries earlier, are believed to have joined the IS crossing to Syria. Another key player in international terror cartels, Lashkar-e-Toiba southern commander Thadiyantavide Nazeer aka Ummer Haji, was arrested from Bangladesh in 2008. He was on the run after the attack against the Indian Institute of Space Science (IISC), Bangalore, in 2005. A native of Kannur, Nazeer was living in Bangladesh. He shifted operations out of state after being named along with Sabir in hatching a conspiracy to kill Mr Nayanar in 1999. Another suspected LeT commandant Ibrahim Moulavi aka Usthad hailing from Vellamunda in Wayanad was arrested by security agencies earlier from Karnataka. Trained in Pakistan, he had allegedly played a key role in recruiting youth from the state for jihad in Kashmir leading to the killing of four youths from the state in Kupwara in Kashmir in an encounter with security agencies in 2008. New Delhi: Shabnam Singh, the ex-wife of Sheena Bora murder accused Peter Mukerjea, has said that her ex-husband had a penchant for young women. According to a report, Singh told investigators that, "Peter has no morals and was always fascinated towards young women around him. He was very fond of late-night parties and had several women in his life. This was the reason I decided to break my marriage." Read: Sheena Bora murder case: Driver too faced threat to life Singh said during one trip to England, Peter informed her that he would come to their house. "He came along with one woman whom he introduced as his girlfriend, who was Indrani, she said. Copies of the statement by Singh were handed over by CBI to the lawyers of the accused in the case. Mihir Gheewala is representing Peter and Gunjan Mangla his wife Indrani Mukerjea. Read: Sheena case: HC asks CBI court to give approver's confession copy The document also had a truncated paragraph on the directions of the court, which observed that the reputation, status of a person named in the paragraph was at stake and the information appeared to be irrelevant. Singh will now be provided security as an order passed on Saturday by special judge HS Mahajan. Indrani Mukerjea with the help of her driver Shyamvar Rai murdered her daughter Sheena in 2012. Rai has turned approver in the case. The number of Dalits who have attempted to kill themselves in the wake of the thrashing of seven youths by a vigilante group for allegedly slaughtering a cow has gone up to 17. (Photo: PTI) Ahmedabad/Rajkot: The ongoing protests overthe brutal assault on some Dalits at Una town in Gujarat worsened on Wednesday as seven more youths attempted suicide with violence and arson spreading to various places in the state. The incidents of suicide bid were reported from districts of Rajkot, Porbandar, Botad and Gir-Somnath. With fresh incidents, the number of Dalits who have attempted to kill themselves in the wake of the thrashing of seven youths by a vigilante group for allegedly slaughtering a cow on July 11 has gone up to 17. Dalits had denied killing the animal, contending that they only skinned a dead cow. In Dhoraji town of Rajkot district, three Dalit youths on Wednesday consumed some poisonous drink, following which they were rushed to a nearby hospital. The trio, identified as Yogesh Solanki, Vinod Solanki and Hitu Chauhan, were shifted to Junagadh civil hospital after their condition deteriorated. In Gondal town in the district, one Mukesh Chavda consumed poison and was admitted to civil hospital. In Bantwa town of Porbandar district, one Mahesh Rathod allegedly consumed poison, and was rushed to district hospital, police said. In Una, the place where Dalit youths were flogged in a public view sparking the protests, one Raju Parmar tried to kill himself by consuming poison. A Dalit protester Paresh Rathod tried to immolate himself but was saved by police in Botad town. In the last two days, 10 Dalit youths from various places have tried to kill themselves to register their protest. On Tuesday, a policeman was killed in stone-pelting by mob in Amreli town. The issue has gathered a political steam with the proposed visit of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to Una on Thursday and on Friday, respectively. Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today met the Dalit victims' family at Mota Samadhiyala village in Una tehsil of Gir-Somnath district, and promised them all possible help. She told the family that her government was taking strict action against the culprits and 16 of them were already arrested, an official release said. In view of the separate visits by Gandhi and Kejriwal, Patel told reporters that the issue should not be politicised. Meanwhile, the bandh by Dalit outfits evoked a mixed response even as enraged community members took out rallies in towns and cities, blocking roads, damaging buses and even a train was stopped near Vadhvan in Surendranagar district. Some parts of Saurashtra and north Gujarat observed total bandh where incidents of stone-pelting, vandalisation of properties, damage to buses and road blockade were witnessed. The bandh was observed in Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Amreli and some small towns in Saurashtra, and also at Patan town and Aravalli district in North Gujarat. New Delhi: Government is likely to introduce two bills in Parliament next week, one relating to protection of transgenders and the other for amending the Benami Act. "As gender equality is must, similarly there should be transgender equality also. Therefore, the government is planning to introduce the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill next week," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said. He said besides this, the government is also mulling introducing benami transactions amendment bill in Parliament. Both, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill and amendments to the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) (Amendment) Bill, were approved by the Union Cabinet yesterday. The purpose of transgender rights bill is to evolve a mechanism for empowerment of the community as they don't fit into the genders of either men or women. The bill aims at social, economic and educational empowerment of the transgender persons and will benefit in mitigating the stigma, discrimination and abuse against this marginalised section and integrate them into the mainstream. The bill is a private member's bill and was moved by Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva. This was for the first time in 45 years that a private member's bill was passed by the Upper House. Benami Transactions (Prohibition) (Amendment) Bill, 2015 aims to strengthen the bill in terms of legal and administrative procedures so as to overcome the practical difficulties which may arise in the implementation of its provisions when it becomes an Act. The legislation is intended to effectively prohibit benami transactions and consequently prevent circumvention of law through unfair practices. The bill empowers the government to confiscate benami property by following due procedure. However, those who declare their benami properties under income declaration scheme will get immunity under the Benami Act. The plane was taken to an isolation bay after landing, for inspection. (Photo: PTI/ Representational Image) New Delhi: A SpiceJet flight from Dubai that landed in Amritsar on Thursday morning was inspected for a bomb, after a caller from Dubai alerted authorities about a suspicious package on board the plane. According to ANI, all passengers were deboarded safely after the flight landed and the plane was then taken to an isolation bay and inspections are on. Flight operations at the airport were suspended following the incident. SpiceJet Flight 56, which departed from Dubai at 4.05 am, arrived on Thursday morning at 8.51 am in Amritsar . Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh police are on the hunt for expelled BJP leader Dayashankar Singh, who caused massive outrage on Wednesday by comparing Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati to a prostitute. The police reached the politician's house only to find he was missing. Singh's brother Dharmendra Singh said he had travelled to Gorakhpur for a function to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But by the time the police reached Gorakhpur, about 175 km away, the politician had left town. Thereafter, searches were conducted in at least six cities, including Azamgarh and Lucknow. But BSP workers and supporters, who were protesting Singh's remarks against Mayawati, on Thursday decided to postpone their protest for 36 hours, after the police assured them the expelled BJP leader would be arrested by then. Meanwhile, Mayawati seems to have softened her stance on the issue. "I respect BJP's decision to expel Dayashankar Singh," Mayawati said adding that had the BJP filed an FIR against Singh, it could have won her heart. Earlier, thousands of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) workers participated in a major protest in Lucknow, demanding the arrest of sacked Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dayashankar Singh for his remarks. The workers held a protest before the Ambedkar statue in Hazratganz area. BSP workers from different districts had been asked to reach the state capital to lodge a strong protest against the remarks made by the BJP leader, the party said. At least 500 to 1000 workers from each district started arriving in the night itself. During the protest, BSP workers burnt an effigy of the now-former BJP vice-president for Uttar Pradesh. Heavy security was deployed in the area and traffic diverted. BSP on Wednesday filed a police complaint seeking lodging of an FIR against BJP leader Dayashankar Singh under the SC/ST Act for his derogatory comments against its president Mayawati. BSP leaders, led by Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Naseemuddin Siddiqui, submitted the complaint at the Hazratganj Kotwali. The complaint, which was lodged by national secretary of BSP Mewalal Gautam, alleged that Singh's remarks in Mau earlier in the day have hurt the feelings of BSP workers and the Dalit community across the country and were aimed at provoking them. Referring to Singh's comments being telecast on national TV channels, he said they were so derogatory that they could not be mentioned in the complaint and so a CD of the same was being submitted. "Singh was aware that his offensive comments could trigger a strong reaction and riot," the complaint said, adding that this amounted to an offence under the Atrocities Against SC/ST Act 1989 and a case need to be lodged against him. An FIR has been lodged against Singh under the SC/ST Act and other sections, police said. BSP had given a call for dharna in the state capital on Thursday to press for Singh's immediate arrest. The Samajwadi Party-ruled state government also condemned the remarks of the BJP leader and said stern action will be initiated as per the law on the basis of the FIR. BJP first removed Singh from all party posts on Wednesday, and then expelled him from the party for six years, later in the evening. But BJP expressed disappointment over Thursday's protests. We have taken action against Dayashankar, the issue has ended now. Dayashankar Singh gave an objectionable statement, so we removed him from party for 6 years, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said. Giving a political angle to the protests, Naidu said that the BSP knew that the BJP is 'moving forward' in UP, and their main fight (in the 2017 elections) is with BJP. Union Minister Uma Bharti also sought to link Mayawati's agitation with the upcoming state elections. "If Mayawatiji is attacked again, we will stand with her again. But if she wants to use this in the elections then she should forget about it," said the firebrand leader. Meanwhile, not to be left behind, BSP MLA Usha Chaudhary launched a personal attack on Dayashankar Singh. "I think there is something wrong in his DNA. He is an illegitimate child," she said. New Delhi: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday criticised the BJP for failing to lodge an FIR against sacked party leader Dayashankar Singh for comparing her to a prostitute. Hundreds of protesters poured into the streets of Lucknow demanding Dayashankars arrest for making derogatory statements against the BSP supremo. "To the underprivileged I am like a Devi (Goddess). They are angry," said Mayawati while thanking her supporters who took to the streets in a spontaneous show of solidarity. Read: BSP stalls protests after cops promise expelled BJP leader will be arrested Mayawati said that just sacking the BJP leader was not enough and he should face arrest for his statements. Removing from party is a normal process. It would have been better if they (BJP) had registered an FIR against him. If BJP leaders themselves filed an FIR against Dayashankar Singh, then they would have won my heart, she said. BSP activists protest against expelled BJP leader Dayashankar Singh for his derogatory remarks against BSP chief Mayawati, in Lucknow. (Photo: PTI) The BJP on Wednesday night removed Singh from the post of Uttar Pradesh unit vice president. BJP state President Keshav Prasad Maurya sacked him from the party, hours after he announced that Singh had been relieved from all organisational responsibilities. His expulsion from the party will remain in force for six years in line with the party's rules, BJP sources had said. Singh's remarks drew severe flak from members in Rajya Sabha, including women MPs, with Deputy Chairperson PJ Kurien saying that the House wants the government to ensure that stringent action is taken against the BJP leader, as per law, for his "unforgivable" comments. Leader of the House Arun Jaitley had expressed regret, saying the remarks were highly condemnable but Mayawati was not convinced and demanded that he be expelled from the party and strong action taken against him. BSP on Wednesday filed a police complaint seeking lodging of an FIR against BJP leader Dayashankar Singh under the SC/ST Act for his derogatory comments against its president Mayawati. BSP leaders, led by Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Naseemuddin Siddiqui, submitted the complaint at the Hazratganj Kotwali. The complaint, which was lodged by national secretary of BSP Mewalal Gautam, alleged that Singh's remarks in Mau earlier in the day have hurt the feelings of BSP workers and the Dalit community across the country and were aimed at provoking them. Referring to Singh's comments being telecast on national TV channels, he said they were so derogatory that they could not be mentioned in the complaint and so a CD of the same was being submitted. "Singh was aware that his offensive comments could trigger a strong reaction and riot," the complaint said, adding that this amounted to an offence under the Atrocities Against SC/ST Act 1989 and a case need to be lodged against him. An FIR has been lodged against Singh under the SC/ST Act and other sections, police said. New Delhi: India's progress is linked to that of all its neighbours, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday as he along with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina inaugurated Petrapole-Benapole land port which will serve as a key trade route between the two countries. Addressing via video conferencing the event which was also joined by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he said Integrated Check Post (ICP) will serve to foster more economic integration and connectivity between India and Bangladesh. Underlining that economic development and connectivity are very closely linked to each other, Modi said, "India's progress is linked to progress of all its neighbours." He said inauguration of the "biggest land port in South Asia" is a "very important milestone" in the relations between India and Bangladesh. "Both India and Bangladesh have not only ventured on the path of development but are also marching together," he said. Petrapole-Benapole is a key land border crossing for India-Bangladesh trade, with over 50 per cent of bilateral trade passing through it. Petrapole ICP will provide better facilities for effective and efficient discharge of functions such as security, immigration, customs. It will also provide support facilities for smooth cross-border movement of people, goods and transport. Modi noted that every year 15 lakh people and one-and-a- half lakh trucks cross this border point. At the outset, he conveyed his deep condolences to Hasina over the loss of lives in the recent attacks and told her that India is with her in the fight against terror. PM: You are not alone in your fight against terror. India will always fully support you in all your efforts to fight this menace Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) July 21, 2016 "In the fight against terrorism, do not consider yourself alone. India's full support is with you," he said. "It's a matter of pain for me as well as for people of my country that there were two terror incidents in Dhaka and Kishoregunj during the holy month of Ramadan. It's a sad moment when temples and their priests as also civilians were subjected to inhumane torture," he said. Modi also thanked Mamata for joining the programme and appreciated her role in improving India-Bangladesh ties. Dalit community members holding a protest rally in Surat on Wednesday in protest against the assault on Dalit members by cow protectors in Rajkot district, Gujarat. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: The incident of thrashing of some Dalits by a group of cow vigilantes in Gujarat led to an uproar in Parliament with the main Opposition party Congress accusing the BJP and RSS of working towards dalit-mukt Bharat. It sought constitution of a joint parliamentary committee to probe the incident. The Congress charge evoked a sharp reaction from the Government which cited figures of atrocities faced by Dalits during Congress rule. Home Minister Rajnath Singh strongly refuted the Oppositions charges and claimed by reading out figures that cases of atrocities against Dalits had declined in the state since 2001 when Narendra Modi took over as chief minister, and commended the state government for its swift and effective action. In the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition led by Congress forced two adjournments in the pre-noon session over attacks on Dalits in Gujarat. Main opposition Congress, BSP and Trinamul Congress competed with each other in trying to raise the issue more vociferously, throwing the Upper House into a pandemonium and forcing two adjournments, first for 10 minutes and then for about 30 minutes till noon. In Lok Sabha, Mr Singh, whose speech was disrupted quite often by Congress members, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was very sad and hurt after he came to know of the details of the incident on his return from foreign tour on July 12. The incident had occurred on July 11. K. Suresh of the Congress raised the issue in the Zero Hour during which Congress members remained in the Well, where they had stationed themselves as soon as the House had convened for the day. They were protesting against the incident and continued raising slogans against the Centre and Gujarat government right till the Zero Hour commenced. Referring to large-scale protests by the Dalits following the incident and emergency-likesituation in parts of the BJP-ruled state, Mr Suresh said they have lost faith in the government and attributed the violence to RSS and upper caste lobby, inviting protests from the treasury benches. Many Dalits have tried to commit suicide as they have no faith in the state government, the Congress member alleged. Violence is RSS agenda. RSS is trying for Dalit-mukt Bharat, he said. The Kashmir issue needs to be dealt with collectively and everyone needs to partake in the responsibility of making the situation better, says Rajnath Singh.(Photo: Habib Naqash) New Delhi: The fourth day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament will see members discussing the recent incidents of atrocities against Dalits in the country. The discussion is scheduled to take place at 2 pm in the Rajya Sabha. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has undertaken a massive protest in Lucknow demanding the arrest of former BJP vice-president in UP, Dayashankar Singh for his remarks against Mayawati. The issue is certain to come up in Parliament later on in the day. Live Updates: 12:15 pm: Addressing the issue of unrest in Kashmir, Home Minister Rajnath Singh attacked Pakistan, saying that 'Pakistan instead of fixing its internal matters is trying to destabilize India'. He added that the neighbouring country need not worry about the Islam practiced by Muslims in India. The Kashmir issue needs to be dealt with collectively and everyone needs to partake in the responsibility of making the situation better, said the Home Minister. 12: 30 pm: PM Modi asked security forces to be as restrained as possible, said Rajnath. Government has taken all necessary steps to restore normalcy in the Valley, he added. Internet was blocked because of rumours being spread to instigate people, said Rajnath. On the security forces using pellet guns to attack protestors, Rajnath said that a report will be submitted in two months which will detail the alternatives available. The Parliament was adjourned till 2 pm following Rajnath's speech. 2:15 pm: JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav attacked the government over the atrocities on Dalits in the country. He said in the Rajya Sabha that the attack in Gujarat was deplorable, and the party was only interested in using 'cow activism' as a political tool. 2:45 pm: Congress leader Ahmed Patel said convictions in crimes against Dalits in Gujarat stood at a mere 7%. Claiming that minorities were feeling humiliated in Gujarat, he slammed CM Anandiben Patel for visiting the affected Dalits nine days after the incident. "The true face of Gujarat has now been exposed," claimed Patel. Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmirs main opposition National Conference (NC) party has announced that it will stay away from an all-parties meeting Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, has convened in Srinagar on Thursday to discuss the volatile situation the Valley has been pushed to by the killing of a popular militant commander. As many as 45 people have been killed and over 2,200 injured in security forces firings and other actions as part of their tough campaign to contain the unrest triggered by the killing of militant commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani by security forces on July 8. Meanwhile, Srinagar with some other towns of the Valley witnessed massive protests by curfew-defying crowds and pro-azadi slogans and rebellious songs reverberating from the mosques loudspeakers at nightfall on Wednesday. The residents also obeyed the blackout call issued by an alliance of separatist parties by switching off lights. The scene was reminiscent of early 1990 when people would seize evenings to vent their political feelings and frustration through similar outbursts. At places, the police and CRPF were engaged by irate crowds of youth in ding-dong stone-pelting pitched battles along the streets and the former fired dozens of teargas canisters to push them in back alleys. Earlier during the day, three persons were injured when allegedly thrashed by the soldiers from Armys 55 Rashtriya Rifles at Batnoor Lassipora in southern Pulwama district. They were part of a group of protesters which had blocked the road in the area, the police said. It said that stone-pelting incidents were reported also from Sopore in Baramulla, Koundbal and Alesting in Ganderbal, Sangam in Anantnag, Kaloosa in Bandipora and Reck Chowk (Batamallo) and Karan Nagar areas in Srinagar districts. Even as curfews and other security restrictions have continues and the separatists have, at the same time, extended their shutdown call till Monday, the State government has in a controversial decision announced reopening of schools in the Valleys Ganderbal, Bandipore, Budgam and Baramulla districts after modifying an earlier order under which the summer vacations in the schools and colleges had been extended to July 25 in view of the prevailing law and order situation. The Chief Minister has invited the leaders of all mainstream parties including ruling PDP-BJP combine and opposition National Conference, Congress, CPI(M), CPI, National Panthers Party, Democratic Party Nationalist and Peoples Democratic Front besides some others to discuss the prevailing situation and the measures to be taken to restore peace and normalcy in the Valley to all all-parties meet being held at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the banks of Srinagars Dal Lake on Thursday. But the NC has declined the invitation and said that it will not be possible for it to attend the meet in present circumstances wherein the government is grappling in the dark. It also said, Until such time a credible, effective and humane leadership is re-established in the State this all party meeting will prove to be a meaningless exercise. The NC general secretary and former minister, Ali Muhammad Sagar, has in a letter written to Abdur Rehman Veeri, minister for Public Works and Parliamentary Affairs, who had on behalf of the Chief Minister extended invitations for the meet on the phone said, I regret that J&K NC is unable to participate under the circumstances. In the meanwhile, it has already submitted a detailed memorandum to the Governor wherein steps to ease the tension have been mentioned. The letter says that it was extremely unfortunate that although the Chief Minister saw it fit to call a meeting of civil society in Srinagar within days of protests breaking out, it has taken her almost two weeks to call a meeting of all political parties. In the meantime the number of dead and injured has continued to rise. It would have been better if the Chief Minister had responded to our party leaderships offer of support earlier instead of waiting for the suffering and misery of the people to reach this level, it said. The NC also said that statements from various top functionaries of the ruling coalition particularly the PDP have not only added to the confusion but have significantly weakened the institution and office of the Chief Minister. Confusion about how much the Chief Minister knew regarding the Burhan (Wani) encounter is one such example. Similarly the assertion by one of the PDP MPs (Muzaffar Hussain Baig) crediting the Prime Minister with reducing excessive use of force further weakened the image of the Chief Minister who is seen as a mute spectator, immune to the bloodshed and the suffering, the letter said. The letter added, To make matters worse the same MP has repeatedly asserted the Burhan Wani was unlawfully killed by sections of J&K Police to discredit the Chief Minister. This leads one to conclude that Ms. Mufti does not even command the loyalty of her police force, much less the loyalty of the people. The NC also spoke about total mishandling of the press (gag) issue by first enforcing a ban and raiding offices of newspapers, seizing plates and newspapers, the action which was justified by the senior minister and spokesperson of the government (Naeem Akhter) and contradicted more than 72 hours later by the Advisor to the Chief Minister (Amitabh Mattoo) leads us to conclude that there is no effective leadership in the State government at present. While concluding, Mr. Sagar asserted that his party has always played a positive role in maintaining peace and harmony in the state and we will continue to do so regardless. Earlier during the day on Wednesday, former Chief Minister and NC working president Omar Abdullah met Governor, N.N. Vohra, at the Raj Bhavan here to convey his own and his partys concerns over the prevailing situation in the Valley. He discussed with the Governor particularly issues relating to internal security management, role of the media and other matters, a Raj Bhavan spokesman said adding that the Governor urged Mr. Abdullah to contribute towards the very early restoration of peace and normalcy in the Valley. In a related development, BJP national general secretary, Ram Madhav, arrived here on Wednesday for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. He is scheduled to hold an one-on-one meeting with the Chief Minister and will separately meet his party ministers and other leaders to know their views on the prevailing situation, the sources in the BJP said. India hit out at Pakistan govt for observing 20th July as Black Day, to mourn the death of Burhan Wani. (Photo: H U Naqash) New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday sent a strong message to Pakistan and asked it to stop meddling in the internal affairs of India, while referring to the current unrest prevailing in Kashmir following the killing of Hizbul Commander Burhan Wani. We once again ask Pakistan to stop inciting & supporting violence, terrorism in any part of our country & refrain from its deplorable meddling in our internal affairs in any manner, the MEA said in a statement. The government condemned the decision of Nawaz Sharif-led government to observe July 20 as Black Day, to mourn the death of Burhan Wani. The observance of 'Kashmirs Accession to Pakistan Day' exposes Pak's longing for the territory of J&K," the MEA said and demanded that Pakistan vacate its illegal occupation of POK. Read: Pak is with Kashmir, cries Nawaz as country holds Black Day in 'solidarity' We have seen reports about rallies, events and statements related to Jammu & Kashmir in Pakistan and POK over the last two days. We have noted that events were led by UN-designated terrorists, who had in past protested elimination of dreaded terrorists, the statement added. "It must also stop misleading the international community and Kashmiris through meaningless exercises such as the so-called elections today in POK which Pakistan ironically calls Azad (free)." "In view of the threats of marches and protests at the High Commission of India in Islamabad, we ask the Government of Pakistan to ensure full safety and security of the High Commission, all its officials and their families in Pakistan, the statement further added. At least 43 people have died and more than 3,000 have been injured in the violence that erupted in Kashmir after the killing of 22-year-old terrorist Burhan Wani by security forces on July 8. India has accused Pakistan of not only pushing in terrorists but also fanning discontent within the Valley by providing support to terrorist outfits in fomenting the recent trouble in Kashmir. Pakistan used Wani's killing to needle India at the United Nations and issued statements where it accused India of atrocities in Kashmir. Pakistan also observed 'Black Day' on July 19 to express solidarity with the people of the Valley over the killing of Wani. Ahmedabad: Protests continued in some parts of Gujarat on Thursday over the brutal thrashing of Dalits at a village in Una town of Gir Somnath district, even as many political leaders met the victims and their families. Rahul Gandhi reached Una and met the family members of Dalits, who were thrashed for skinning a dead cow, and assured all possible help to the victims. According to a kin of the victims, Gandhi, who spent around 40 minutes with the family members, said he is "ashamed" that such incidents are taking place in India. Rahul, who was accompanied by Congress leaders Kumari Selja and Gurudas Kamat, also had tea with the family members of the victims in this remote village near Una town of Gir-Somnath district, where the incident took place on July 11. "We narrated to him (Rahul) what happened with my cousins and uncle. He listened to us patiently and assured us all help so that we can get justice," Jitu Sarvaiya, a cousin of the victims, told reporters after Gandhi left. "Rahulji said he feels ashamed that such incidents are still taking place in the country and gave his personal number to us to contact in case of any emergency," he said. The Congress Vice President met Balubhai Sarvaiya and his family members, after landing at the nearby Union Territory of Diu. Seven of family members of Balubhai including him were beaten up in the incident. "He (Rahul) also asked questions about issues and discrimination being faced by us in our village. We told them that still the practice of untouchability is prevalent here as we are made to stand away from others," Jitu, who is studying engineering at a college in Bhavnagar district, said. "We demanded from him that those who were involved in the incident should be given exemplary punishment and kept behind bars for their entire life or else they will once again do this to someone else," he said. "We also told him about police not coming to help us when cow activists were beating my cousin brothers," he said. Incidents of violence were reported late last night in Rajkot and Mehsana, while protest marches were held on Thursday in Limbdi and Surat, police said. Why would we leave this village? People who hurt us should leave: Victim after meeting Rahul Gandhi #UnaIncident pic.twitter.com/0gkooe83tU ANI (@ANI_news) July 21, 2016 In Rajkot, a BRTS bus stand was damaged, while a state transport bus was damaged at Unjha in Mehasana district late last night though nobody was hurt, they said, adding barring sporadic incidents, nothing major has been reported so far on Thursday. The state transport bus service resumed today after remaining suspended yesterday in view of the protest, officials said. Dalit protesters tried to block a train today for a short while near a railway station at Udhna in Surat. Thousands of protesters took out a rally and blocked the Ahmedabad-bound Navjivan Express for some time before police managed to clear the tracks. A rally was also taken out in Limbdi town of Surendranagar district. In Modasa of Arvalli district, shops were shut on Thursday against the forced closure and damages suffered during the bandh called by Dalits on Wednesday. FIRs have been filed against both shopkeepers and protesters following yesterday's incident in which several shops were damaged by Dalits when they tried to enforce the bandh, police said. Why would we leave this village? People who hurt us should leave: Victim after meeting Rahul Gandhi #UnaIncident pic.twitter.com/0gkooe83tU ANI (@ANI_news) July 21, 2016 Meanwhile, NCP leader Praful Patel along with his party's Gujarat MLAs, Jayant Patel and Kandhal Jadeja, met one victim, Bhanubhai Sarvaiya, and his family members at Mota Samadhiyala in Una and offered them compensation of Rs 2 lakh. They then left for Rajkot to meet the hospitalised victims. Later, Patel alleged that Chief Minister Anandiben Patel took nine days, which is a long time, after the incident to reach the victims. "As a public representative, when the entire state is on fire and a sense of distrust prevails, it becomes our responsibility to console the affected family members and make them feel that we are there with them in their time of difficulty," he said. The three accused who were arrested in connection with the case were on Wednesday remanded to a four-day police custody by a Rohtak court. (Photo: Representational Image) Chandigarh: Haryana police today formed aSpecial Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged gangrape of a 21-year-old Dalit woman in Rohtak. The SIT will submit its report within 90 days. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Mohammad Akil, who paid a visit to the victim in a Rohtak hospital on Wednesday, ordered setting up of the SIT. Read: Rohtak gangrape case: NHRC issues notice to Haryana govt Stating this, state Health Minister Anil Vij told reporters on the sidelines of a state cabinet meeting in Chandigarh that the SIT will have two DSPs as members. "As part of the investigations, the DNA samples of the complainant and the accused will also be matched. I can assure you of a fair probe. Whosoever has done any wrong will have to face the law," he said, adding that the SIT has been asked to submit its report within 90 days. The victim, a college student, was allegedly gangraped by five persons in Rohtak district on July 13. This is said to be a repeat offence on her with two of the offenders also named as accused in the first case of gangrape in Bhiwani three years ago, DGP KP Singh told reporters in Chandigarh on Wednesday. Read: Rohtak girl gangrape: Cops interrogate three of the five accused The two repeat offenders were out on bail. The incident had also echoed in Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Vij said the BJP government is sensitive towards cases of crime against women. "We try to act swiftly whenever such cases come to light," he said. The three accused who were arrested in connection with the case were on Wednesday remanded to a four-day police custody by a Rohtak court. Meanwhile, Opposition Congress slammed the BJP government in Haryana, alleging that women were feeling unsafe in the state. "Even as a Dalit girl, raped again by the same culprits within three years, struggles to fight the trauma, the insensitivity of the police and administration in Rohtak, the countless number of such incidents which keep happening every other day, have made women feel unsafe in Haryana," alleged Kiran Choudhry, Leader of Haryana Congress Legislature Party (CLP). She slammed the Manohar Lal Khattar government in the state for the deteriorating law-and-order situation, especially crimes against women, and demanded immediate steps to bring to book the remaining two accused in the case. "The Dalit girl's rape by the same rapists who were out on bail shows the BJP government's insensitivity, exposes its tall claims on law-and-order and raises two pertinent questions -- why did the state not oppose their bail and since they were granted bail, why the victim and her family, who had shifted to Rohtak, were not given adequate police protection," she said in a statement in Chandigarh. Officials said that audit reports related to more than 300 gram panchayats were not sent by these officers. (Representational Image) Hyderabad: Ranga Reddy district officials are likely to issue suspension orders against the sarpanches of four gram panchayats located around the city for allegedly issuing approvals to 102 illegal layouts. Sources said their involvement was confirmed by an inquiry held under the supervision of the district panchayat officer, Dr. J. Aruna, after complaints were lodged by officials from the Directorate of Town and Country Planning. The report has been submitted to the collector who would issue show-cause notices seeking explanation why the government does not suspend them from their services. Officials would also take action against 32 sarpanches who were issued showcause notices on various violations in the districts. Manikonda sarpanch K. Narender Reddy along with an ex-sarpanch and a few panchayat officials received notices last year for misusing Rs 63 lakh. The then DPO found that three panchayat raj officials had misused about Rs 2.5 crore of funds. Ex-sarpanch Narender of Puppalguda, also in the IT corridor, was issued a showcause notice for allegedly misusing Rs 1.1 crore. The government issued notices to secretary Sathyapal Reddy for misusing Rs 4.69 crore funds. Kismathpur sarpanch Jayasree was also issued a notice for misusing powers last year. The district administration is also concentrating on a few division-level panchayat officers who did not maintain records and prepare audit reports. As per the rulebook, these officials must send quarterly reports of panchayats which have more than Rs 5 lakh revenue. Officials said that audit reports related to more than 300 gram panchayats were not sent by these officers. Hyderabad: The incident of burning three puppies alive sparked widespread outrage among the citys residents and netizens from all over the country. Several animal rights activists have sought stringent punishment for the boys while many have condemned the act on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms. We hope that the police and court take swift and stern action for the violence against defenceless puppies. A psychiatric evaluation should also be made. There is abundant research demonstrating that violence towards animals can be an indicator of other abuses and potentially a predictor of serious anti-social behaviour including criminal offenses and violence towards women and children, said animal welfare advocate and activist from Secunderabad, Ms Navamita Mukherjee. Activists meanwhile say that the law is not strong enough to prevent atrocities against animals. In most cases, the accused get away with their acts paying a fine of Rs 50, the maximum penalty prescribed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. In 1960 when the law was enacted, `50 had a big value. The government has not changed the fine in 55 years,? said activist Ms Shreya Paropkari of animal rights group Humane Society International. Bhopal: The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) may have postponed its protests against sacked BJP leader Dayashankar Singh for his derogatory slur on former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati, but that has not stopped its party leaders from making vicious attacks on Singh for abusing their supremo. BSP MLA Usha Chaudhary on Thursday was caught on camera calling the suspended Uttar Pradesh BJP vice-president an 'illegitimate child'. "Since the BJP came to power, the Dalits have been tortured. The BJP Government protected those who should be put behind the bars. Based on what Dayashankar Singh said about Mayawati ji, I think its Dayashankar's family which is like that. There is something wrong with Dayashankar Singh's DNA, I think he is an illegitimate child, that is why he made such a remark," she said. #WATCH BSP MLA Usha Chaudhary calls Dayashankar Singh an "illegitimate child", says "something wrong with his DNA"https://t.co/4B9yCyK6HT ANI (@ANI_news) July 21, 2016 Chaudhary dubbed Dayashankar's remark an insult to the nation and the Father of Indian Constitution Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Read: BSP leader offers Rs 50 lakh for Dayashankar's tongue "The BJP Government is anti-Ambedkar. We will show them the way out in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls and 2018 Gujarat Assembly polls. The place for the culprits is jail," she added. The Uttar Pradesh Police earlier said that the suspended BJP state vice-president left for an 'unknown location' when the cops arrived at his residence to arrest him. Balia Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Jha said that their efforts to locate and nab Singh would continue. The BSP workers are staged protests across several cities of the nation over Singh's derogatory remark and demanded his arrest. The BJP yesterday expelled Dayashankar from the party for six years. Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi is served tea as he meets one of Dalit victims who was beaten up by cow protectors at Una in Rajkot on Thursday. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Its trouble time for saffronites who have been trying to play the backward card in the high-stakes elections that lie ahead in UP and Punjab. With the BJPs move to woo backwards taking a major hit, the Sangh Parivar is looking at options on how to contain the lumpen elements masquerading as cow vigilantes. The BJP, that has been demanding a Congress-mukt Bharat, was hit back by the Congress on Wednesday with the slogan that the BJP wants a dalit-mukt Bharat. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday rushed to Una and met members of the dalit family allegedly assaulted by gau rakshaks for skinning the carcass of a cow. Delhi Chief Minister and AAP president Arvind Kejriwal is expected to visit Gujarat on Friday. Sensing the danger of being thrashed in the coming electoral battle in UP and losing its grip over Gujarat, the RSS and VHP on Wednesday joined forces to condemn the attacks on dalits and cow protection groups. The situation for the BJP worsened after its UP unit vice-president, Dayashankar Singh, called BSP supremo Mayawati a prostitute. We believed the BJP was ahead of the SP and we could edge past the BSP. This remark has consolidated Mayawatis position for the forthcoming polls, a senior BJP leader said. NEW DELHI: China has expressed annoyance over recent Indian media reports that about 100 battle tanks have been deployed in eastern Ladakh. Linking economic aspects to military development, an opinion piece in the state-owned Global Times on Thursday said the high Indian illiteracy rate is a hindrance to increasing productivity adding to evidence that India cannot make itself a promised land for Chinese manufacturers overnight. "Deployment of tanks near the Indo-China border may hit a nerve within the Chinese business community, it said. The Modi administration has recently promoted a second round of reforms to attract more overseas investment by allowing foreign firms to increase their shareholding in local enterprises. However, it is puzzling that while deploying tanks near Chinas border, India still strives to woo Chinese investment, writes Hu Weijia of the state-owned Chinese government mouthpiece in the opinion section of the newspaper. Two nations must abide by consensus: China China has expressed annoyance over recent Indian media reports that about 100 battle tanks have been deployed in eastern Ladakh. Reacting to reports of the deployment, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in a written response: The two countries should abide by relevant agreements and consensus, work in concert to maintain peace and tranquillity of the border area and create a favourable environment for improving bilateral mutual trust and bolstering proper settlement of the boundary question. News reports had three days back that two regiments of T-72 tanks have been deployed in eastern Ladakh with the first regiment being moved in 2014, another late in 2015 and a third regiment expected to be moved in soon so as to station a full brigade. This move to put tanks in east Ladakh was conceived about 25 years back. Although we do not know what kind of deployment China has on the other side, 100 tanks in such a huge area does not count for much and is a defensive posture at best, a retired general told this newspaper. Eastern Ladakh has a totally flat terrain girdled by high mountains and is considered suitable terrain for tank warfare. Police stop BSP activists who were protesting against expelled BJP leader Dayashankar Singh for his derogatory remarks against BSP chief Mayawati, in Lucknow on Thursday. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Its trouble time for saffronites who have been trying to play the backward card in the high-stakes elections that lie ahead in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. The BJP, which claimed to have the support of a large chunk of upper castes across the country, has been trying to reach out to Dalits, who constitute nearly 17 per cent of the countrys population. Party strategists claimed since Dalits were under-represented at the national-level, the BJP could provide them leadership. It was pointed out that despite Mayawatis attempts to reach out to Dalits, she had never been able to make her presence felt outside UP and this was the space that the BJP was looking for at the national-level. Infographic On Wednesday, the RSS in Gujarat issued a statement saying it strongly condemns all forms of discrimination, injustice and atrocities in the name of caste, while VHP leader Pravin Togadia tweeted: Just bcoz the name is Goraksha Dal doesnt mean that they are associated with VHP. Those who implicate VHP in this matter should refrain (sic). It may be recalled that recently the VHP had thrown its support behind the Gau Raksha Dal, that was accused of force-feeding cow dung to beef transporters in Haryana. The Dalit backlash, that has virtually shaken the saffron leadership, is expected to have an adverse impact in Punjab, where the BJP-Akali Dal alliance was already hit by anti-incumbency. Punjabs Dalit population is 31 per cent, compared to 20.5 per cent in Uttar Pradesh. After Narendra Modi left Gujarat and became Prime Minister, the BJP has been hit by one political crisis after another in the state. Before the BJP could contain the Patel agitation, the Dalit backlash has put the administration on a sticky wicket. Infographic What is worse for the BJP is that the Opposition is now using National Crime Records Bureau data which indicates crimes against backwards have risen after the BJP took over power. The NCRB data compiled till 2014 shows that crimes against SCs and STs are up by 40 per cent. Meanwhile, facing attack over the recent violence against Dalits in Gujarat, the government asserted in Rajya Sabha that it will not tolerate such incidents which are a blot on humanity and rejected the opposition charge that atrocities against the community had increased in NDA rule. Home Minister Rajnath Singh rejected the opposition charge that cases of atrocities against dalits have increased in last two years and said he could reel out figures of such incidents that took place under Congress rule. Bhopal: An unemployed youth on Thursday attempted to commit suicide by setting himself on fire in front of Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singhs official bungalow at Raipur in Chhattisgarh, police said. Yogesh Sahu, 28, poured kerosene on him and set himself on fire when he apparently failed to meet the chief minister during the latters weekly Jandarshan (public grievance redressal) programme held in his official residence. The incident took place after closure of the programme. The youth, who was outside, poured kerosene and torched himself when people were coming out of chief ministers residence after the programme. Security personnel deployed there doused the fire and rushed the youth to the hospital, Raipur SP Sanjiv Shukla said. The youth, hailing from outskirt of Raipur, sustained 25-30 percent burn injuries and was stated to be in stable condition. The cause of his taking the step would be ascertained only after police recorded the youths statement, the SP added. A policemans job is hard enough. A policewomans would be much harder, faced not just with unwelcome attentions of her boorish male colleagues, but pressure from her superiors, who are often well-connected with the powers that be, and expect her to, mindlessly follow their diktat. Are policewomen like Anupama Shenoy and now Roopa Tambada, the exceptions to the rule? Are women government servants, at the receiving end of similar threats unless they fall in line, similarly ill-suited, simply square pegs in these round holes. We need more women in the workforce? But on these terms? Or is the current spree of suicides and suicide attempts just a trend and maybe a passing phase? The recent suicide attempt by a city sub-inspector, Roopa Tambada, allegedly as a result of prolonged harassment by her supervisory officer, inspector Sanjeev Gowda, has turned the spotlight back on the dark underbelly of the states law and order police wing. The extreme step taken by the woman PSI has come as a rude shock to many of her colleagues and batchmates, who have known her for years. Read | Guest column: Gender sensitization should be taken up seriously I still cant believe she would do something like this. I have known her for years. She is a daring officer. I dont know why she tried to harm herself. I would approach my seniors if I was harassed or ill- treated, but never try to kill myself, said Ms Renuka AV, a woman police sub-inspector attached to the Mico Layout police station. We are used to working for long hours in our profession. We dont have any fixed hours so if there is a need and I am called on duty in the middle of the night I go to the station or the scene of crime. I was fully aware of what I wanted when I opted for this career 10 years ago. I am the only lady officer in my police station, but I dont feel awkward. My inspector and my fellow sub inspectors dont make me feel any less. I have never faced any kind of harassment from my seniors. Once I am home I hang up my uniform and spend quality time with my family. I am not a cop at home, but a wife and mother. I also acknowledge the support of my husband and my daughter, because without it, it would have been difficult for me to give my best at work and at home Ishwari, Sub Inspector, Jayanagar police station While her approach is certainly the more sensible, the fact that Ms Tambada cracked under pressure despite being labelled a tough officer speaks volumes about the problems that women officers encounter in the police department. The malaise became evident when even a senior officer like former Deputy Superintendent of Police of Kudigi, Anupama Shenoy, buckled under the pressures of the job and hung up her boots recently. Ms Shenoy, who once dared to keep the then labour ministers call on hold, gave up the fight and quit the force allegedly due to the all powerful liquor mafias influence in the police wing, which she reportedly found too hard to counter. Acknowledging that political interference was an issue, Ms. Shenoy, speaking to the Deccan Chronicle on the phone from Delhi, said other problems like gender bias too dogged women in the police force. Although women gazetted officers dont suffer much harassment, women constables and sub inspectors are constantly harassed. There are instances of sexual harassment of constables and sub- inspectors by their seniors as well, but such incidents dont come to light because the victims are worried about the consequences, she disclosed. Women police officers also allege discrimination in allotment of routine duties and in the handling of important cases. Just because we are women, we are told we cannot perform certain duties. The attitude of male officers has not changed though women have been working in the department for decades and have often displayed exemplary professionalism. When we have undergone the same training as men, why this disparity? asked one woman officer. There are highs and lows in every profession. We need to do the balancing act and handle ourselves accordingly. I am proud to be a police officer. I was given the same training as my male colleagues, so why should I feel any less? I give respect and get respect in return. I have the support of my husband and our two children with whom I try and spend quality time. They understand the demands of my profession and I am thankful to them Anjumala Nayak, Inspector, Ulsoorgate police station Several are unhappy that they are almost always expected to sit behind desks in police stations and not considered for patrolling or other jobs that their male counterparts do. Only if a case involves women, such as rape, molestation or eve teasing or if a large number of women participate in a protest are we treated as police officers by our seniors, regretted a woman constable, wondering when they would get treated as equals deserving of the same opportunities as the male police in the force. Not enough women in the force There is 20 per cent reservation for women in the department and we are slowly inching towards the target. Presently, there could be 15 to 18 per cent women officers in the department, said Additional Director General of Police, Training, Raghavendra Auradkar, adding that a lot many women applied for direct recruitment in the police department today. We have very fine women officers, who have stood up to professional challenges and are very committed to their jobs, he said, however, admitting that there was need for gender sensitization in the department. Women have to balance between their professional and personal lives. The supervisory officers should be sensitive while interacting with them. We have introduced gender sensitization in the training curriculum for sub inspectors and there has been a change in attitude, he claimed. Another police officer acknowledged that women were not allowed to do night patrolling. If need be they can be called at night, but no woman cop is sent out on night patrolling. They are instead posted at the control room to manage the police emergency number, Dial 100, he explained. If need be, quit the job, not life Dont quit on life. If something bothers you in the job or profession you are in, quit the job. It takes a lot of commitment, patience, grit, determination and responsibility to work in a force that is male dominated. But once you don the khaki there is no looking back, said police sub-inspector Renuka AV. A 2007 batch officer, the 34-year-old PSI was recently transferred to the Mico Layout police station. Mother of a five-year-old boy, Ms Renuka, was earlier posted at the Banshankari police station. Though she doesnt deny there is harassment in the police department, she says it depends upon how one deals with it. If a woman has the right attitude, she can survive in any field or department, in her view. I usually start my day at 6 am. After getting my son ready for school, I report to duty at around 8.30 am and work till 10.30 pm. After a long day at work, it becomes cumbersome for me to do household chores as well. But then again we cant mix our personal problems with our professional, added the lady police officer, who admits to have been naive and quite gentle on first joining the police force. But she reveals that she soon got accustomed to the crudeness of her profession. Dealing with criminals and deadlines, Ms Renuka is now a tough cop by her own admission and used to the foul language and tough demeanour that cops are notorious for. I am used to the challenges of the job and take it in my stride. Nothing bothers me. There have been times when my senior officer has raised his voice and hauled me up in front of the station staff. Though I felt bad and hurt at the time, I chose to ignore it and concentrate on my work, she recounted. But Ms Renuka believes that male officers need to be sensitive to their women colleagues. I have on occasions approached my reporting officers to exempt me from duty on medical grounds but they either failed to understand or didnt want to understand why I needed time off. They told me that I should have opted for a softer career option or sat at home. I was livid. But now I have become tough and know how to deal with situations like these, she explained. Private TV channels showed the green flag with moon and crescent hoisted at the house of one Anwarul Haque in Kharadi colony in Biharsharif. (Photo: ANI Twitter) Nalanda: Officials of Nalanda district in Bihar on Thursday went into a tizzy over reports of hoisting of a flag resembling the national flag of Pakistan at a house located in Kharadi colony. Private TV channels showed the green flag with moon and crescent hoisted at the house of one Anwarul Haque in Kharadi colony in Biharsharif, district headquarters of Nalanda. Nalanda is the home district of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. After getting information from the media that a Pakistani flag has been hoisted atop a house, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Sudhir Kumar and Deputy Superintendent of Police Mohammad Saifur Rahman rushed to the spot and seized the flag from family members. The family had already removed the flag before officials reached the place. Later, the officials took the flag with them. SDO Sudhir Kumar said the matter is being investigated, including veracity of the flag, whether it was actually the national flag of Pakistan. Shabana Anwar, Haque's daughter, told PTI, "We are hoisting this flag on the occasion of Muharram for past five years". Haque is engaged in business of supply of tent and furniture on special occasions. Neither an FIR has been lodged nor anyone has been arrested or detained in this connection so far, the SDO said. As the news flashed on TV channels, opposition attacked the Nitish Kumar government over the episode. Senior BJP leader CP Thakur demanded stern action into the matter. Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), an ally of BJP, spokesman Danish Rizwan said "efforts are on to turn Bihar into Jammu and Kashmir. The centre should intervene immediately to stop such anti-national activities in Bihar." Chennai: With the statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar lying in an abandoned state at a guest house in Haridwar, Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on Wednesday dashed off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention in the installation of the bust at an appropriate place in the holy town in Uttarakhand. Contending that the visuals of Thiruvalluvar statue in an abandoned condition beamed on television channels have caused an outrage in Tamil Nadu, the Chief Minister wanted immediate intervention of the Prime Minister's office in ensuring that the Uttarakhand Government treats the bust with due respect. I request you to kindly take up this matter with the Government of Uttarakhand urgently and to ensure that the statue of Thiruvalluvar is treated with due respect and is installed at an appropriate location at the earliest. Failure to do so would lead to the whole objective of the project to install the statue of Thiruvalluvar in a pilgrim centre in Northern India being completely defeated. I request you to kindly accord this issue the highest priority and prevail upon the Government of Uttarakhand to resolve the matter at the earliest, she said in the letter. Ms Jayalalithaas letter came days after a massive outrage in Tamil Nadu over the state of the statue of Tiruvalluvar, which was unveiled at a makeshift camp at the Dam Kothi guest house in Haridwar after sadhus protested against its installation at the Sankaracharya Chowk. Writers, Tamil lovers and politicians had demanded that the Union and Uttarakhand Governments take steps to install the statue at an appropriate place. In the letter, Ms Jayalalithaa also recalled the efforts madeby former BJP MP Tarun Vijay to install the statue on the banks of river Ganga and her gesture of nominating two ministers of her cabinet when the Tiruvalluvar Ganga Payanam reached Chennai on June 22. The object of the Tiruvalluvar Ganga Payanam is to show solidarity of the North with the Tamil saint poet Tiruvalluvars message of equality and ending social discrimination in society, she said. After protests and accusations that the Uttarakhand Government did not handle the issue properly, chief minister Harish Rawat had said late Tuesday night that the statue will be installed at the Kumbh Mela area within a week. He had made this assurance to representatives of various Tamil Sangams of north India who met him demanding urgent action in the matter. Journalists under the aegis of Kerala Union of Working Journalist (KUWJ) take out a protest march in Mananchira in Kozhikode on Thursday against the attack on journalists by groups of lawyers in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. (Photo: DC) THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has promised protection for journalists on duty, it seems restrictions will be imposed on their entry into court on Friday. Thiruvananthapuram city police commissioner Sparjan Kumar said the entry of journalists into court premises will be restricted on Friday. "We have received directions that journalists should be restricted to avoid untoward incidents. Since the lawyers boycotted court proceedings on Thursday, there was not need for journalists to come to court," he added. Meanwhile, in Kollam, the sentencing of Aadu Antony in police officer Maniyan Pillai's murder case is scheduled for Friday and the police have assured protection for mediapersons who turn up to report the proceedings. However, police sources said that owing to the tension between journalists and lawyers, the court may postpone the proceedings. There were allegations that the police failed to contain the clashes. Even as stones and liquor bottles were pelted at journalists, the police team led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Shiv Vikram refrained from entering the court premises and controlling the lawyers. While it was widely presumed that the police could use force inside court premises only with the permission of a judge, highly-placed police officials said that in case of a law and order breakdown, the police can enter the court premises without a judge's nod. Jeevan TV reporter Anu Lal who sustained serious head injury in the stone throwing by lawyers from inside the court premises being taken away to safety. (Photo: A.V. MUZAFAR) THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Lawyers in Thiruvananthapuram went on a rampage attacking journalists, damaging their vehicles and creating terror in the district court premises throughout the day. As many as 15 persons including journalists, cops and lawyers were injured in the clashes that took place at regular intervals within and outside the court premises. It all began on Thursday morning when journalists reached the court to cover the days events. They were welcomed by derogatory posters pasted on the door outside the media room inside the complex. The posters read Entry of fourth gender banned. Similar derogatory posters were pasted on the vehicles of news channels. When journalists protested against the remarks, a group of lawyers shouted them down and pushed them out of the building. Journalists who came out of the building and raised a protest again, faced abusive and provocative remarks from the lawyers who had turned unruly by then. They pushed and shoved journalists, asking them to leave the premises. Amid slogans and counter slogans, the small group ofpolicemen deployed there, tried to separate the warring groups. Since many vehicles of media houses were parked inside the premises at that time, the lawyers tried to target the cars and were seen asking their colleagues to puncture tyres. As tension prevailed, there was almost a free-for-all situation outside the main gate of the district court complex. A group of lawyers started throwing stones from inside the court. Tension mounted in Vanchiyoor junction as stone pelting continued unabated. Anu Lal, a reporter with Jeevan TV sustained serious injury when a stone hurled from inside the premises hit him on the head. He was immediately rushed to the general hospital. A gumasthan was also injured in the stone pelting. The vehicle of Asianet News was damaged. After the stone throwing came to a brief halt, the mediapersons squatted outside the main gate and raised slogans demanding arrest of lawyers. During this period, DCP Shiv Vikram, CPM leader V. Sivankutty and other police officials went inside the court premises to hold talks with lawyers. After the meeting, the DCP came out and announced that cases would be registered after getting complaints and examining the video footage of the incidents. However, the protesting journalists insisted that the unruly lawyers, particularly those who attacked the reporters and damaged vehicles, should be arrested. The lawyers who were witnessing these developments on TV channels inside the premises, started heckling and raising provocative slogans. This led to a fresh round of violence between 5 pm and 6 pm. Unruly lawyers threw beer bottles, stones and wooden planks on the protesting journalists. Kerala Kaumudi bureau chief P. Rajeev sustained head injury and was rushed to the hospital. Subsequently, a section of local people also assaulted mediapersons accusing them of attacking them. Some local leaders and workers were seen assaulting Mathrubhumi video journalist V.S. Biju and his camera was also smashed. The group also tried to chase away the protesting journalists. Later, city police commissioner Sparjan Kumar arrived at the spot and held talks with the journalists and assured strict action against those responsible for violence. Subsequently, the journalists called off the protest. Senior CPI leader Pannyan Raveendran, Mullakkara Ratnakaran, CPM district secretary Anavoor Nagappan also came to the spot and tried bring the situation under control. Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs aide, K. Mari Gowda, who is on the run after abusing Mysuru deputy commissioner, C. Shikha in public, has reportedly reached New Delhi. Top sources in the government said he evidently took a late night flight to Delhi to reach a safe hideout and to avoid the medias glare. The former president of Mysuru zilla panchayat has been at large since Mrs Shikha filed a complaint at Nazarbad police station on July 3, accusing him and others of intimidating her. This incident, however, was not the first time Mr Mari Gowda courted trouble. In another case, he was given a clean chit by Mysuru (South) police after he was accused of illegally selling a piece of land which he had leased from a woman in Kurubarahalli in Mysuru taluk. A resident of Ramakrishnanagar in Mysuru, he had leased one acre and 34 guntas of land belonging to J.S. Annapoorna, for a five-year period commencing July 12, 2011. He paid Rs 10,000 as the lease amount, had it fenced, and later sold it to C. Rama Rao, a resident of Kuvempunagar in Mysuru through a sale deed registered on April 5, 2012. Mrs Annapoorna, who learnt about the illegal sale deed, moved the court seeking registration of a criminal case against Mr Mari Gowda and Mr Rama Rao, under sections 420, 463, 464, 114 R/W 34 of IPC. The court heard directed Mysuru (South) police to register a case, following which a case registered against K. Mari Gowda and Mr. Rama Rao. The local police, who investigated the case, however, submitted a B report to the court on January 18, 2013 stating that there was no substance in the complaint. Dr Gs best friend jaffer says he is best suited to be CM Veteran congress leader C.K. Jaffer Sharief, on Wednesday revived the debate within his party on the issue of a Dalit occupying the position of CM by suggesting Congress leader in Lok Sabha,Mallikarjun Kharge and KPCC president, Dr G. Parameshwar, as candidates best suited for the post. Speaking to media persons at the release of a book Prabuddha on achievements of Mr Kharge, Mr Sharief observed that the party had been advocating the prospect of a Dalit making it to the top post from the days of late PM, Indira Gandhi. I strongly feel that both Mr Kharge and Dr Prameshwar are equally capable and experienced to be CM. I am not making this statement just to please them. As a Congressman who has served the party for more than five decades, I feel it is the right time for the party to fulfill its very old promise, the leader added. In response to a question, Mr Sharief took potshots at Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, saying when someone who came from "outside" could occupy the top post, why not a loyal Congressman? What is wrong with my suggestion? Did Dr Parameshwar not work equally hard along with Mr Siddaramaiah to ensure the party's victory in Assembly polls in 2013? Has Mr Kharge not worked for this party? Why should anyone feel embarrassed even to mention their names for the CM's post?" he asked. In response to another question, Mr Sharief suggested to Mr Siddaramaiah and his cabinet colleagues to mend their ways in order to retain the support and confidence of people. "These (suicide of two police officers) are the incidents which prove the mettle of any administrative set up. If there are chinks in it, we need to accept it graciously and handle it delicately," he added. Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday called on Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan and briefed him on his New Delhi visit, meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers and others. The CM spent nearly 1.5 with Mr Narasimhan and discussed a host of issues pertaining to AP Reorganisation Act, High Court bifurcation, Supreme Court referring to AP, TS differences on irrigation projects to Apex council, states plea for financial assistance for various projects etc. Mr Rao revealed that he had invited the PM to formally launch Mission Bhagiratha drinking water scheme in Gajwel next month. If the PMs visit is confirmed, he may also lay the foundation for the NTPC power project in Peddapally. Sources said that Mr Narasimhan will visit New Delhi on Sunday to attend the inauguration of hi-tech museum at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Hyderabad: Accusing the Opposition and the AP government of trying to stall TS projects, irrigation minister T. Harish Rao on Wednesday said that the Supreme Courts ruling on the issue was a slap on the face of AP. The Supreme Court decision has come as boon to Telangana. The case is now clear. TD and AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and other Opposition leaders had hatched a conspiracy to stall our projects, he remarked. In a big relief to parched Mahbubnagar district where migration is rampant, Mr Harish Rao released water to canals by switching on pumps of the Phase-II of the pending Nettampadu irrigation project that will provide irrigation water to 1.2 lakh acres, Phase-II of the Bheema project for 1.6 lakh acres and Koilasagar project that will help irrigate 20,000 acres. We will provide irrigation to 4.5 lakh acres this kharif and eight lakh acres next year. KCRs goal is to complete pending projects and launch new ones. The Opposition claims that these projects were completed by them. If thats true, why was water not released? We spent Rs 900 crore and will spend another Rs 2,000 crore to complete them. As water is released here, Congress, TD leaders are crying, he said sarcastically. Mr Harish Rao added, Our aim is to bring in an additional 20 lakh acres under irrigation in Mahbubnagar district. Health minister Laxma Reddy, Deputy Chairman of Planning Board Nirajanjan Reddy, MP A.P. Jitender Reddy and other TRS leaders were present. Mr Harish Rao alleged that BJP leader Nagam Janardhan Reddy was making futile attempts to stall projects by filing cases in courts out of frustration due to defeat in elections. The Opposition is also instigating farmers not to part with their lands. Have faith in the Chief Minister, but not in Opposition. We acquired 8,000 acres of the 12,000 acres required, he said. The irrigation minister asserted by next summer, every household will get drinking water from Jurala at the doorsteps under Mission Bhagiratha. He said that Congress MLA D.K. Aruna gave Mangala harathi (welcome) when YSR dug canals and took water illegally to Anantapur district. She backed Samaikhyandhra and today she is on padayatra, he fumed. If theres one thing that is clear about the coming Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, its that all parties are facing a huge dilemma. The BJP, which should have been confident after its massive victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in the state, is facing a crisis of leadership. It is still unclear about whom to project as its CM candidate, and there seem to be many claimants. The Samajwadi Party faces the dilemma of how to resolve sharp differences among senior leaders on whether or not to merge the Quami Ekta Dal (QED) with itself. The Bahujan Samaj Party faces the dilemma of how to handle dissension in the party, with some senior leaders quitting it after accusing supremo Mayawati of selling party tickets. The Congress, that too faced the dilemma of whom to project as its CM candidate, with the names of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka doing the rounds, seems to have taken the lead in this respect by projecting former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit. The elections are due early next year, but events unfolding (referred to locally as Utha Patak) in all political parties indicates that as of now the leaders are simply unable to read voters minds. While it is too early to get a sense of local dynamics in specific constituencies, as much rests on who is fielded (belonging to which caste) by each party, one begins to get a sense of the way the wind is blowing. The discussions on the UP elections is already heating up, without any sense of which party is ahead in the race. The upsets within various parties only shows that candidates are unsure of which horse to ride. The indecision within parties indicates they are unsure about what strategy to adopt to mobilise voters. Assuming the upper castes will anyway be a votebank for the party, the BJP is trying to play the OBC card. The SP, confident of getting Yadav support, is going all out to woo the urban middle class, and Akhilesh Yadav is trying to project a clean image. Ms Mayawati, confident of getting the dalit vote, is trying to woo Muslims by giving a large number of tickets to Muslim candidates. The Congress, having realised it may have difficulty in mobilising either dalits, or OBCs, is still hoping for the Muslim vote by making Raj Babbar state party chief, and is trying to make inroads into the upper castes (Brahmins and Rajputs) by projecting Ms Dikshit, a Brahmin, as its CM candidate, and nominating Sanjay Singh, a Rajput and Raja of Amethi, as its campaign committee head. Going by the current pro-incumbency trend at state levels, the SP should be a frontrunner, at least at this stage, with no serious signs of dissatisfaction with the work done by the young chief minister. The electoral verdicts in various states in recent decades suggest more state governments are getting re-elected and only some tend to lose the polls subsequently. But there are many indications to suggest that things are not very smooth within the SP. First, former Meerut zila panchayat chief Maninder Pal Singh and Yuva Morcha state secretary Rahul Yadav joined the BJP along with their supporters in the presence of UP BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya. If that was a small setback, the events that unfolded over the short-lived merger of the QED, an eastern UP-based outfit with two MLAs, with the SP indicates that a confrontation may be brewing between chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and his uncle Shivpal Yadav, one that may harm the SP in the Assembly elections. With voters from major castes or communities already polarised in favour of one party or another, the CMs expression of righteous indignation seems meant to appease the urban middle class, which to a large extent cuts across castes and communities. While many believe the BSP is ahead of others in the fray in UP, things arent going too well for that party too. With only a few months left for the elections, national general secretary Swami Prasad Maurya left it after accusing Ms Mayawati of corruption and auctioning seats. Another leader, R.K. Chaudhary, also left the party after accusing Ms Mayawati of corruption. In another jolt to the BSP, which is fighting to keep its dalit votebank intact, Phillaur leader Baldev Khera also announced he would quit. All these developments only show the party is weakening. The BJP is finding it difficult to decide on a face to project as its CM candidate ahead of the elections, with the names of Varun Gandhi, Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani and Yogi Adityanath doing the rounds. The party finds it hard to decide on a consensus candidate. It faced the same dilemma in Bihar, where it lost the elections badly. Having announced its CM candidate well in advance, the Congress may still face a dilemma on whether to go into these elections alone or look for a viable alliance partner. If the Congress decides to contest alone, it will find it impossible to cross the halfway mark needed to form the government. If, on the other hand, it decides to enter into an alliance, it faces a tough choice on which party to partner with Mayawatis BSP or Ajit Singhs Rashtriya Lok Dal. Some believe it may be useful for the Congress to ally with the BSP, which had got 19.7 per cent of the vote in the 2014 parliamentary election, compared to Congress own 7.5 per cent. It could be a winning combination, and may also help in consolidating the votes of Muslims, who constitute 18.5 per cent of the electorate. It will also help further consolidate the dalit vote (18 per cent of UPs total voters) in favour of this alliance. Once seen as a viable combination, it may also help get upper caste votes back to the Congress fold, specially of Brahmins and Rajputs. But the main dilemma for the Congress is whether it will be satisfied being a junior partner, as it would have to contest fewer seats than the BSP, which got a much bigger voteshare in 2014. Also, a big question is whether the BSP will be ready to form an alliance with Congress. While the overall picture is fuzzy at the moment, things will get clearer and the clouds may start disappearing as we move closer to the election. Till then, one can only wait and watch as events unfold in UP. Kaushik Raghu, Senior Staff Engineer at Audi, is reflected in the passenger side visor mirror while demonstrating an Audi self driving vehicle on I-395 expressway in Arlington, Va., Friday, July 15, 2016. Experts say the development of self-driving cars over the coming decade depends on an unreliable assumption by most automakers: that the humans in them will be ready to step in and take control if the car's systems fail. Experience with automation in other modes of transportation suggests that strategy will lead to more deaths like that of a Florida Tesla driver in May. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Washington: Experts say the development of self-driving cars over the coming decade depends on an unreliable assumption by many automakers: that the humans in them will be ready to step in and take control if the car's systems fail. Instead, experience with automation in other modes of transportation like aviation and rail suggests that the strategy will lead to more deaths like that of a Florida Tesla driver in May. Decades of research shows that people have a difficult time keeping their minds on boring tasks like monitoring systems that rarely fail and hardly ever require them to take action. The human brain continually seeks stimulation. If the mind isn't engaged, it will wander until it finds something more interesting to think about. The more reliable the system, the more likely it is that attention will wane. Automakers are in the process of adding increasingly automated systems that effectively drive cars in some or most circumstances, but still require the driver as a backup in case the vehicle encounters a situation unanticipated by its engineers. Tesla's Autopilot, for example, can steer itself within a lane and speed up or slow down based on surrounding traffic or on the driver's set speed. It can change lanes with a flip of its signal, automatically apply brakes, or scan for parking spaces and parallel park on command. Joshua Brown, a 40-year-old tech company owner from Canton, Ohio, who was an enthusiastic fan of the technology, was killed when neither he nor his Tesla Model S sedan's Autopilot braked for a truck making a left turn on a highway near Gainsville, according to federal investigators and the automaker. Tesla warns drivers to keep their hands on the wheel even though Autopilot is driving, or the vehicle will automatically slow to a stop. A similar self-driving system Audi plans to introduce in its 2018 A7 monitors drivers' head and eye movements, and automatically slows the car if the driver's attention is diverted. But Brown's failure to brake means he either didn't see the truck in his path or saw it too late to respond an indication he was relying on the automation and his mind was elsewhere, said Missy Cummings, director of Duke University's Humans and Autonomy Laboratory. The truck driver said he had heard a Harry Potter video playing in the car after the crash. "Drivers in these quasi- and partial modes of automation are a disaster in the making," Cummings said. "If you have to rely on the human to see something and take action in anything less than several seconds, you are going to have an accident like we saw." Operators an airline pilot, a train engineer or car driver can lose awareness of their environment when they turn control over to automation, said Rob Molloy, the National Transportation Safety Board's chief highway crash investigator. He pointed to the crash of Air France Flight 447 into the Atlantic Ocean while flying from Brazil to France in 2007. A malfunction in equipment used to measure air speed caused the plane's autopilot to disconnect, catching pilots by surprise. Confused, they caused an otherwise flyable plane to stall and fall from the sky, killing 228 people. Planes and trains have had automation "for 20, 30 years and there are still times when they're like, 'Wow, we didn't expect that to happen,'" Molloy said. Part of the problem is overconfidence in the technology causes people to think they can check out. Not long after Tesla introduced its Autopilot system, people were posting videos of car with the self-driving mode engaged cruising down tree-lined roads or even highways with no one in the driver's seat. Brown, for example, had posted videos lauding the Autopilot system and demonstrating it in action. "There is a tendency of people to take one ride in one of these vehicles and then conclude that because they have not crashed over the course of 10 minutes that the system must be ready," said Bryant Walker Smith, a University of South Carolina professor who studies the technology. Some experts think the ability of people to monitor autonomous systems may be getting worse. With the advent of smartphones, people are accustomed to having their desire for mental stimulation satisfied immediately. "Go into Starbucks, for example," said Cummings. "No one can just patiently wait in line, they're all doing something on their phones. It's kind of pathetic." Some automakers may be rethinking their approach. Two years ago, General Motors announced it would start selling a Cadillac in the fall of 2016 that would almost drive itself on freeways. But last week the company confirmed that the project has been delayed for an unspecified reason. At previous briefings, company executives said they were waiting to perfect methods of assuring that the driver pays attention to the road even when the system is on. The system, called "Super Cruise," will use cameras and radar to keep the car in the center of a lane and also stay a safe distance behind cars in front of it. The system will bring the car to a complete stop without driver action if traffic halts, and it can keep the car going in stop-and-go traffic. But it's designed for use only on limited-access divided highways. Google, meanwhile, is aiming for a car that's fully self-driving and may not even have a steering wheel or brake pedals. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Google is using artificial intelligence to save as much as 40 per cent of energy it uses to cool its vast data centres. According to the reports, the energy consumed at these centres, where Google processes all the information consumed by its users, could account around 2 per cent of the worlds total greenhouse gas emissions. However, Google has claimed responsibility of 0.01 per cent of global electricity. The technology has been created at DeepMinds, a Cambridge-based artificial intelligence company, which was acquired by Google in the year 2014. The company used machine learning to understand the environment at the centres and made it more efficient, aimed towards reducing power usage. Google said that DeepMinds software has managed to reduce 15 per cent of total energy usage across 12 centres based in America, Europe and Asia. The company also added that it now gets 3.5 times of computing power out of the same amount of energy as it did five years ago. In a blogpost, Google said that it is expecting to increase its energy usage at the rate of four per cent from 2014 to 2020. The company is also looking to be completely powered by renewable energy. According to Google, the data centre algorithm can be used to improve efficiency in other areas. In addition, the company also plans to benefit separate companies that are running on its cloud from the improved efficiency at the centre. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Not only Apple, but angry protesters are also seen outside KFC outlets. There are several groups in China who are infuriated over the ruling by an international court against the country. The furious groups are expressing their anger for America by smashing iPhones and mobbing KFC outlets, referring to what they symbolise as American. Videos showing people smashing their iPhones are running viral on the social media network across China. Angry protesters are seen outside KFC outlets in around 17 cities, reported the local news, Sohu. Mashable reveals a video on Meipai.com, a Chinese website, which shows students in a dorm smashing their iPhones with hammers. Another video shows a guy doing the same and posting the video online. Weibo also had posts of people purportedly smashing iPhones. One user goes to the extent of provoking other users to take out their iPhone and smash it and if they dont, then they are not Chinese. The Mashable reports that the users are directing their anger at the US, which they see as the Western force backing the smaller Asian countries with which China is in dispute over the ownership of a group of islands in the South China Sea. China has been in dispute with the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam over the Spratly Islands and the waterways around them, which it claims having historical ownership over the same. However, last week marked an International tribunal ruling in favour of the Philippines, which awarded some of the islands off Chinas coast to the smaller nation. This dispute with the Philippines and the international ruling is what China sees as anti-Chinese, which further led to the patriotism issue where the people of China are boycotting American goods. This has brought Apple and KFC into the firing zone since the two are major business players in the country. The official Xinhua news wire has now persuaded people not to take out anger on property. In an op-ed published Tuesday, the government-owned paper acknowledged the indignation felt by the Chinese, but denounced "irrational" acts as a way of expressing patriotism, reported Mashable. Several years ago, a similar territorial dispute with Japan over the Diaoyu Islands, saw people took take the streets, where Japanese cars were smashed, resulting in numerous injuries and damaged property. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Ankara: Turkey will follow France's example in suspending temporarily the European Convention on Human Rights following its declaration of a state of emergency, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Thursday, according to broadcaster NTV. President Tayyip Erdogan announced a three-month state of emergency late on Wednesday after last weekend's failed military coup, saying it would enable the authorities to act more efficiently to bring those responsible to justice. France declared its own state of emergency following last November's attacks by Islamist militants in Paris. Read: Heroes to battered 'traitors': The main suspects in Turkey coup In comments quoted by NTV, Kurtulmus also said Turkey's state of emergency could end within one to one and a half months. He identified "structural and individual" intelligence failures during the coup attempt and also said that work was underway to restructure the army, NTV reported. With Erdogan cracking down on thousands of people in the judiciary, education, military and civil service after last weekend's failed coup, a lawmaker from the main opposition party warned that the state of emergency created "a way of ruling that paves the way for abuse". Announcing the state of emergency late on Wednesday, Erdogan said it would last at least three months and allow his government to take swift measures against supporters of the coup that attempted to topple him over the weekend. It will permit the president and cabinet to bypass parliament in passing new laws and to limit or suspend rights and freedoms as they deem necessary. For some Turks, the move raised fears of a return to the days of martial law after a 1980 military coup, or the height of a Kurdish insurgency in the 1990s when much of the largely Kurdish southeast was under a state of emergency declared by the previous government. Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek - who previously worked on Wall Street and is seen as one of the most investor-friendly politicians in the ruling AK Party - took to television and Twitter in an attempt to calm nervous financial markets and dispel comparisons with the past. "The state of emergency in Turkey won't include restrictions on movement, gatherings and free press etc. It isn't martial law of 1990s," he wrote on Twitter. "I'm confident Turkey will come out of this with much stronger democracy, better functioning market economy & enhanced investment climate." Johannesburg: South African prosecutors said Thursday they would push for a longer sentence for Paralympian Oscar Pistorius, who was jailed for six years earlier this month for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. "The sentence of six years imprisonment, in all the circumstances, is disproportionate to the crime of murder committed (and) shockingly too lenient," the National Prosecuting Authority said in a strongly worded statement. The arrests were made in the southern states of Sao Paulo and Parana. Moraes says there were no specific targets for attack. (Photo: Representational Image) Rio de Janeiro: Brazilian police have broken up an alleged terrorist group sympathetic to the Islamic State organization that was planning to target the upcoming Olympic Games, officials said Thursday. Ten people were arrested in a nationwide swoop codenamed Operation Hashtag, and two more were detained, the Justice Ministry said. Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes said the group of Brazilian nationals, communicating by messaging services WhatsApp and Telegram, discussed attacks and had begun preparations ahead of the Olympics, which start August 5 in Rio de Janeiro. "There was an order between them to start training in martial arts and to (obtain) ammunition, weapons with which they could carry out an act," de Moraes told a hastily called press conference in the capital Brasilia. "This was in progress. One of them had got in contact with an underground weapons site in Paraguay, asking to buy an AK-47" assault rifle, he said. However, de Moraes said the threat of terrorism at the Rio Olympics, the first ever held in South America, was "very small." He described the group as "an absolutely amateur cell" and "disorganized." Although some made a declaration of loyalty to the Islamic State organization, there was no direct contact, de Moraes said. Not all members of the group had met each other, he said. "Some of them made an oath of loyalty by Internet to the Islamic State, but there was no personal contact by this group with Islamic State by WhatsApp." In a statement, the justice ministry said that it had launched "Operation Hashtag to break up a group involved in the promotion of Islamic State and the preparation for carrying out terrorist attacks and other criminal acts." About 130 officers took part in the operation in which 10 were arrested and two more temporarily detained, the statement said. The arrests and 19 searches were conducted in states across the country, ranging from the Amazonas region to the financial capital Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where the Olympics open on August 5. Last week, Brazil said it was bolstering security for the August 5-21 Olympics following the truck attack in the French city of Nice, which killed 84 people and left scores badly wounded. The attack has been claimed by the Islamic State group. The Brazilian intelligence agency ABIN last month picked up messages in Portuguese that it said were linked to the Islamic State group. Brazil's Olympics security plan calls for the mobilization, starting July 24, of some 85,000 members of the security forces. These include 47,000 police officers and 38,000 military service members tasked with protecting the 10,500 athletes, and some 500,000 tourists expected to come from all parts of the world. Three law enforcement officers were fatally shot and three others wounded Sunday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by a shooter whom police also gunned down. (Photo: Representational Image) Miami: A Florida police officer shot and wounded an autistic man's black caretaker, authorities said, in an incident purportedly captured on cell phone video that shows the caretaker lying down with his arms raised before being shot. North Miami Assistant Police Chief Neal Cuevas told The Miami Herald that officers responded to the scene Monday following reports of a man threatening to shoot himself. Officers arrived to find 47-year-old Charles Kinsey, a therapist who works with people with disabilities, according to WSVN-TV trying to get his 27-year-old patient back to a facility from where he had wandered. Cuevas says police ordered Kinsey and the patient, who was sitting in the street playing with a toy truck, to lie on the ground. The video shows Kinsey lying down and putting his hands up while trying to get his patient to comply. An officer then fired three times, striking Kinsey in the leg, Cuevas said. No weapon was found. The latest shooting comes amid weeks of violence involving police. Three law enforcement officers were fatally shot and three others wounded Sunday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by a shooter whom police also gunned down. Two weeks earlier, two white officers in Baton Rouge killed a black man, Alton Sterling, 37, on July 5 during a scuffle at a convenience store. That shooting, captured on cellphone video, provoked widespread protests about police treatment of the black community. On July 6, another black man, 32-year-old Philando Castile, was killed in Minnesota when a police officer pulled him over. The next day, a sniper killed five Dallas police officers as they guarded a peaceful protest. In Florida, Kinsey's attorney, Hilton Napoleon, provided a cellphone video to the Herald on Wednesday taken moments before the shooting. It shows Kinsey lying in the middle of the street with his hands up, asking the officers not to shoot him, while the autistic man sits next to him, yelling at him to "shut up." "Sir, there's no need for firearms," Kinsey said he told police before he was shot, according to WSVN. "It was so surprising. It was like a mosquito bite." Kinsey is black. Police haven't released the name or race of the officer who shot him but said he's been placed on administrative leave, which is standard. The investigation has been turned over to the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, Cuevas said. In an interview with the TV station, Kinsey said he was more worried about his patient than himself during the incident. "As long as I've got my hands up, they're not going to shoot me. This is what I'm thinking. They're not going to shoot me," he said. "Wow, was I wrong." The 21-year old girl has told investigators that she was not only drugged and gang-raped, but that two of her attackers had drugged and raped her three years earlier. (Representational image) United Nations: In the wake of the alleged gang rape of a young Dalit woman in Rohtak, a top UN official has condemned the "heinous culture of impunity" surrounding violence against women and demanded immediate action to end the "brutality". "The reported gang rape of a young Dalit woman in India by the same five men who had raped her three years ago underlines the heinous culture of impunity that surrounds violence against girls and women," UNICEF Principal Gender Advisor Anju Malhotra said in a statement yesterday. She said approximately 120 million girls worldwide 1 in every 10 will experience sexual violence and a majority of these girls are violated for the first time between the ages of 15 and 19. "But outrage is not enough. We need action now to end this brutality that has become routine and to give the victims of violence the justice and protection they deserve," she added. The 21-year old girl has told investigators that she was not only drugged and gang-raped, but that two of her attackers had drugged and raped her three years earlier. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq expressed hope that the UNICEF statement will be followed up on. "But certainly regarding this case our point is it goes beyond this particular case, in this particular country. According to UNICEF, this is a problem affecting 120 million girls worldwide, so it's a huge, huge problem and when we talk about ending this culture of impunity we mean it needs to be ended across the board, in every country," he told reporters at the daily briefing yesterday in response to a question on the incident. Melania Trump's speech was found to be similar to Michelle Obama's speech of 2008. (Photo: AFP) Cleveland: A speech writer on Wednesday took responsibility for parts of a speech Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's wife Melania gave at the Republican convention this week that drew accusations of plagiarism. Meredith McIver, a staff writer for the Trump Organisation, said she had inserted passages into Melania Trump's speech that resembled parts of a 2008 speech by first lady Michelle Obama. "I did not check Mrs. Obama's speeches. This was my mistake and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused Melania and the Trumps, as well as to Mrs. Obama. No harm was meant," McIver said in a statement. She said Melania Trump had read passages from Michelle Obama's speech to the 2008 Democratic National Convention over the phone to her as examples. McIver then wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing in a draft that became Melania Trump's speech on Monday night. In a potentially embarrassing admission for the Trump campaign, McIver said the first lady is a person that Melania Trump "has always liked." A small section of Melania Trump's roughly 15-minute speech, a highlight of the opening day of the convention in Cleveland, was similar to Michelle Obama's speech in support of Barack Obama, then a U.S. senator campaigning for president. Accusations of plagiarism plagued the Trump campaign from the moment news of the similarities emerged. Under pressure to explain what had happened and who was to blame, Trump's people offered different versions of events on Monday and Tuesday. Hours before giving the speech on Monday, Melania Trump told NBC's "Today" that she wrote it with as little help as possible. But her husband's campaign manager, Paul Manafort, told CBS' "This Morning" on Tuesday that it was a collaboration with speechwriters. Democrats said the affair and the explanations showed Trump's team was not ready for prime time, all the more embarrassing because Trump has accused the presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton of being untrustworthy. The Trump Organisation is owned Donald Trump. Donald Trump, points toward Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana after Pence's acceptance speech during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (Photo: AP) Washington: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's camp reached out to Ohio Governor John Kasich with an offer to make him the "most powerful vice president in history", according to a media report. In May, Donald Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., reached out to a senior adviser of Governor Kasich, who left the presidential race just a few weeks before, The New York Times Magazine reported. As a candidate, Kasich declared in March that Trump was "really not prepared to be president of the United States" and the following month he took the highly unusual step of coordinating with his rival Senator Ted Cruz in an effort to deny Trump the nomination. But according to the Kasich adviser, Donald Jr. wanted to make him an offer nonetheless "Did he have any interest in being the most powerful vice president in history?" When Kasich's adviser asked how this would be the case, Donald Jr. explained that his father's vice president would be in charge of domestic and foreign policy, the report said. Then what, the adviser asked, would Trump be in charge of, to which Donald Jr. said, "Making America great again". Ultimately, Trump chose Governor Mike Pence of Indiana, not Kasich, to be his running mate. Donald Jr, however, has disputed the Kasich adviser's account. "You know the way I conduct myself. Do you really believe I would say, '(John Kasich) is in charge of foreign and domestic policy and (Donald Trump) will focus on making America great again'? What am I, a meathead?" he told CNN. Multiple sources close to Kasich were quoted as saying that Donald Jr., tried to entice Kasich with a position as the most powerful vice president in history, but he turned it down. Trump also denied ever personally asking Kasich to be his running mate in a tweet. "John Kasich was never asked by me to be V.P. Just arrived in Cleveland - will be a great two days!" Trump tweeted. Kasich sources said the vice presidential back-and-forth began when Donald Trump Jr. reached out to Kasich's adviser, shortly after Kasich dropped out of the race in May. Trump's communications adviser Jason Miller also insisted on Wednesday that, while a call occurred between Donald Trump Jr. and top Kasich adviser John Weaver, a vice presidential offer was never on the table. "It's completely ridiculous. There was never an offer made. It's completely made up. Governor Kasich is just being a sore loser," Miller said. Kasich has refused to endorse Trump and will not speak at the ongoing Republican National Convention even though it is taking place in his home state. The three officials sanctioned by US in Iran had important logistics roles in al Qaeda, which is officially designated by the United States and the United Nations as a global terrorist organization. (Photo: AFP) Washington: The US treasury announced sanctions on three Iran-based senior al Qaeda officials on Wednesday for their alleged involvement in moving funds and weapons around the Middle East for the terror group. The treasury said Faisal Jassim Mohammed al-Amri al-Khalidi, Yisra Muhammad Ibrahim Bayumi and Abu Bakr Muhammad Muhammad Ghumayn have important logistics roles in al Qaeda, which is officially designated by the United States and the United Nations as a global terrorist organization. The treasury said Khalidi, a 31-year-old Kuwait-born Saudi national, was part of a new generation of Qaeda operatives who in May 2015 participated in a senior leadership meeting as the military commission chief. Egyptian Bayumi, 48, is a Qaeda veteran involved recently in raising and deploying funds for the group. Ghumayn, a 35-year-old Algerian, took control of the financing and organization of Iran-based Qaeda members last year. The sanctions seize any assets located in US jurisdictions of those named, and ban Americans and US-based companies from doing business with them -- effectively closing off their access to much of the global financial system. Treasury remains committed to targeting Al-Qaedas terrorist activity and denying Al-Qaeda and its critical support networks access to the international financial system, Adam Szubin, acting under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement. A school utility worker mops a mural depicting the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 at the Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino High School campus at Makati city east of Manila, Philippines. (Photo: AP) Kuala Lumpur: Investigators probing what happened to flight MH370 said on Tuesday the cause of the plane's disappearance remained a mystery as its second anniversary passed with no end in sight for devastated next-of-kin. The Malaysia-led international team of aviation experts set up to investigate issued an annual progress report, but the brief statement contained no new insights into what caused the Malaysia Airlines jet to vanish. "To date, the MH370 wreckage has still not been found despite the continuing search in the south Indian Ocean," said the statement. Read: Malaysian PM hopeful that flight MH370 will be found It was the second straight year that the team of investigators, which includes seven representatives from the likes of the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and its counterparts, had nothing to offer. Malaysia and Australia, however, said they remained optimistic that the painstaking search for an Indian Ocean crash site will find something that could lead to the recovery of MH370's flight data recorders, and eventually reveal what caused the plane's disappearance. "The current search operation is expected to be completed later this year, and we remain hopeful that MH370 will be found," Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a statement. If nothing turns up by the time the scheduled search ends, Malaysia, Australia and China will meet "to determine the way forward", he added, without elaborating. The jet vanished on March 8, 2014 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 passengers and crew onboard, mostly Chinese and Malaysian nationals. Authorities believe the Boeing 777 flew far out over the remote southern Indian Ocean and went down. A wing fragment later confirmed to be from MH370 was found on an island thousands of kilometres (miles) from the search area last July. It was the first proof the plane went down, but brought authorities no closer to finding a crash site. The three nations have already indicated they will end the biggest and most expensive search effort in history if its high-tech scanning of a designated swathe of seafloor comes up empty. The search zone is expected to be fully scoured within a few months. 'Suffering day and night' Australian Transport Minister Darren Chester echoed Najib's hope that the search can eventually "give answers to the world, in particular the families of missing loved ones". Next-of-kin, struggling for closure in the tragedy, have pleaded for the quest to be expanded and continued until there are results. In Beijing, at least 20 Chinese relatives gathered at a major Buddhist temple to pray and read out a statement appealing for an open-ended search. "Since MH370 disappeared, we family members have suffered day and night, with each day passing like a year. Our longing for our loved ones aboard the plane grows every day," the statement read. Theories to explain the disappearance include a possible mechanical or structural failure, a hijacking or terror plot, or rogue pilot action. Many families accuse the airline and Malaysian government of letting the plane slip away through a bungled response, withholding information on what happened and treating grieving relatives insensitively, charges that are denied. The second anniversary also is the deadline for filing lawsuits against Malaysia Airlines. Scores of next-of-kin have filed lawsuits seeking damages in recent days in the United States, Malaysia, China, Australia and elsewhere, while others have accepted undisclosed settlements, say attorneys. Some suits also have targeted Malaysia's government and Boeing. Malaysia Airlines on Tuesday denied being insensitive toward next-of-kin and promised to honour its "moral and legal obligations". "(Malaysia Airlines) has never shied away from its commitment to engage with the next-of-kin, and strives in good faith for payment of fair and equitable compensation," it said in a statement to AFP. Last September, the Taliban briefly overran the city of Kunduz and held it for a few days before they were routed by the army. (Photo: Representational Image) Kabul: Two districts in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz were coming under sustained attack by Taliban fighters on Thursday, Afghan officials said. At least one policeman was killed and four were wounded in the fighting in the Qalay-i-Zal district, said Mahmood Danish, spokesman for the governor of Kunduz province. Airstrikes were called in to help repel the insurgents, he said. Officials in the district reported earlier that the Taliban began attacking in waves earlier this week, and had taken much of the district, which is east of the provincial capital, also called Kunduz. Kunduz is strategically important, bordering Tajikistan to the north. It is a bread-basket province, and sits on a major crossroads connecting the country north to south and east to west. The provincial capital was overrun by Taliban in September, sending shockwaves through the country as it was the first time the insurgents had taken a major urban center since launching their insurgency 15 years ago. The city of Kunduz came under threat again in April, when Afghan forces aided by US troops and air power pushed the insurgents back into the surrounding districts. Also today, in the Dasht-i-Archi district northeast of the city of Kunduz, the head of the local community council, Abdul Nazar, said the Taliban had been attacking all day, and had taken most of the district. He said that no reinforcements or logistical support had arrived in the district. Kunduz lawmaker Abdullah Qarluq told The Associated Press that the Taliban had taken complete control of Qalay-i-Zal "and also 98 per cent of Dasht-i-Archi." He put Afghan security forces' deaths at 11, for both army and local police. The conflicting casualty figures could not immediately be reconciled. The Taliban have escalated their attacks as part of their summer offensive against Afghan government forces The tour bus carrying visitors from China burst into flames on a busy highway near Taiwan's capital on Tuesday, burning to death 26 people onboard. (Photo: AP) Taipei: Distraught relatives of 24 Chinese tourists who died after a fire ripped through their bus in Taiwan broke down in tears Thursday as they arrived on the island to identify their loved ones. The mainland tour group was travelling just a few kilometres away from Taipei's Taoyuan airport to catch a flight home Tuesday when their bus was engulfed in flames and careered through an expressway barrier, killing all 26 on board, including a Taiwanese driver and guide. Investigators are probing the cause of the accident and say the fire started at the front of the bus, near the driver's seat. Questions are still swirling over why none of the passengers were able to escape through emergency exits. One female relative in her 50s collapsed in tears and pounded a table in front of gold-framed portraits of the dead including three children at a funeral parlour near the airport, where the bodies are being kept. Two other women sank to their knees in front of the images of the victims. They were among dozens of relatives who arrived at the parlour as Buddhist volunteers chanted outside. The family members bowed three times in front of the portraits and laid white flowers in front of them. They then returned to their hotel where they will meet Taiwanese officials Thursday evening. Chinese officials have demanded Taiwan take measures to ensure the safety of mainland visitors to the island, after a number of fatal accidents involving tourists from China in recent years. Liu Kezhi, secretary-general of China's Association for Tourism Exchange across the Taiwan Straits, expressed "strong dissatisfaction" over the accident. "I hope Taiwan will take real measures and put high importance on the safety of mainland tourists, so that similar issues will not happen again," Liu told reporters after paying his respects to the dead. Taiwan's Premier Lin Chuan also paid his respects at the parlour Thursday. Relatives were due to have DNA samples taken to help with identification on their arrival at the airport, according to the Travel Agent Association, which is coordinating their stay. They will only be able to see the bodies of their family members after the DNA results have been processed, which will take a day, the association said. The group from China's northeastern Dalian City was on an eight-day trip around the island, taking in popular spots including Alishan nature reserve and Taroko Gorge. A highway police officer and a truck driver tried to save the trapped tourists, with pictures showing them attempting to smash windows with fire extinguishers. One eye witness said passengers inside the bus had been pounding on windows as the bus swerved off the highway. A postmortem carried out on the driver's badly burnt body revealed he had inhaled a large amount of smoke, prosecutors said. Seongju residents say the THAAD deployment makes their county a strategic target and complain that it carries health and environmental hazards. (Photo: AP) Seoul: Several thousand South Koreans staged an angry protest on Thursday against the planned deployment of a US anti-missile system near their hometown, but President Park Geun-Hye insisted the move was a national security imperative. South Korea's defence ministry announced last week the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system, or THAAD, will be installed in Seongju, a rural county about 200 kilometers (135 miles) southeast of Seoul, by the end of next year. The decision was predicated on the growing threat posed by North Korea's advancing nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programme. But Seongju residents say the THAAD deployment makes their county a strategic target and complain that it carries health and environmental hazards. "Let's block the deployment of THAAD, a threat to peace on the Korean peninsula!" chanted some 2,000 protestors, waving flags and banners that read 'No THAAD' as they sat outside Seoul station today. The protestors were surrounded by hundreds of police, amid concerns of a repetition of a violent standoff last Friday, which saw Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-Ahn pelted with eggs and water bottles. Hwang had been in Seongju to try and appease the residents, but ended up being trapped in his minivan for hours. Today's protest began just hours after Park urged public support for THAAD. "The government's decision was based on the judgement that it was the best way to protect our country and people from North Korean threats," Park said during a National Security Council meeting on Thursday. "If there is a better way, please let me know," Park added. Tensions on the divided Korean peninsula have been running high since Pyongyang carried out its fourth nuclear test in January, followed by a series of ballistic missile tests. On Tuesday, the North fired three ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan (East Sea) in an exercise aimed at simulating pre-emptive attacks on South Korean ports and airfields hosting US military "hardware". London: Britain's former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was against allowing second wives of men based in the UK to enter the country to join them, according to UK government documents released on Thursday. Muslim men mostly of Pakistani and Bangladeshi-origin tended to be in polygamous marriages, something Thatcher did not want her government to be seen to be condoning, according to Cabinet Office files between 1982 and 1986 released by the National Archives. "The country would be with us on this. We would be crazy to discriminate in favour of the coloured Commonwealth against the UK," Thatcher told then attorney general Sir Michael Havers. Havers was concerned about the legality of such a ban without a change in the law. "I am very conscious of the fact that this is a highly explosive subject and that there is a need for early amendment of the law. I must, however, advise in the strongest terms against taking any action against second wives until there is a change in the law. Such unlawful action by the government cannot be contemplated," his note to the Prime Minister read. The issue caused considerably worry to the government, with a Downing Street policy unit briefing note pointing out that "though the numbers are small, the problem is vexed and the Home Office are exposed to public pressure". At one stage the home secretary of the day, Douglas Hurd, even contemplated breaking the law over the issue of polygamous wives. In March 1986, he wrote arguing for a change in the law to make it possible to refuse such women entry. Until the law changed, Hurd said he was prepared to "postpone compliance with his legal obligation" on the issue of second wives. A note from one of Thatcher's advisers said she "strongly shares the Home Secretary's view that an early change in the law is required". When Hurd suggested making future polygamous marriages invalid but recognising existing ones, she wrote in the margin: "We do not recognise polygamy at all." Brussels, Belgium: Police sealed off a Brussels square and called in bomb experts after a man was seen wearing a thick coat on a hot summer's day with wires protruding from underneath, but he turned out to be a student who said he was researching radiation levels. "The way in which he reacted initially was not normal, which is why we had to use such measures," a police spokesman in the Belgian capital told reporters after Wednesday's incident. He said the bomb squad had used a robot to carry out an initial check which revealed metal plates underneath the man's coat, further raising suspicions. The man was taken in for questioning. Brussels airport was the site of an Islamist militant attack that killed 32 people in March. Authorities are on high alert before a national holiday on Thursday, which police fear could be a target after last week's attack on crowds celebrating Bastille Day in the French resort of Nice. French President Francois Hollande is greeted by Ireland's Prime Minister Enda Kenny on his arrival at Government Buildings in Dublin. (Photo: AP) Dublin: Britain should begin the process of leaving the European Union "as soon as possible", France and Ireland said after talks between President Francois Hollande and Prime Minister Enda Kenny in Dublin. Hollande and Kenny "looked forward to the notification as soon as possible by the new British government of the UK's intention to withdraw from the Union, which will permit orderly negotiations to begin", said a joint statement issued after the meeting. They "also agreed on the importance of maintaining the closest possible partnership between the EU and the UK, based on a balance of rights and obligations, including in respect of the four freedoms," it said. "Ireland and France are the UK's nearest neighbours, with significant and complex economic, human, cultural and historical links. In consequence, both countries have specific and indeed unique concerns to be addressed in future negotiations," it added. Britain voted to leave the European Union but Prime Minister Theresa May has indicated she does not plan to invoke Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty, the formal exit procedure before the end of this year. The negotiations are expected to hinge on Britain's desire to restrict the freedom of EU citizens to live and work in Britain and on what access Britain might be allowed to have to the EU's single market. Jerusalem: Hundreds of Israeli police are being drafted into Jerusalem to protect the city's Gay Pride march on Thursday, a year after an ultra-Orthodox Jew killed a teenager and also stabbed five other people. Shira Banki, 16, was killed at the march last August after she was attacked at random along with five others by Yishai Shlissel, who is now serving a life sentence. Shlissel had spent 10 years in jail after an almost identical attack on the 2005 Jerusalem Gay Pride march and had been released just three weeks before last year's event, leading to criticism of police. This year they have promised to increase the number of officers, with up to 1,000 being deployed. The route of the parade will be closed off to cars from early afternoon. All marchers will be inspected before joining, with many pre-registering, while carrying a weapon of any kind will be prohibited, police said. Entry to and from the march, which begins at 6:00 pm (1500 GMT), will be severely restricted. Shlissel's brother has also been placed under house arrest, police confirmed. Last year, around 5,000 people marched, and organisers expect a higher turnout this year. The participants will walk past the site where Banki was murdered and her parents will address the crowd at the end of the march. Tom Canning, one of the organisers who himself narrowly avoided being stabbed last year, said he was satisfied with the security steps taken by police. "I think the police got a big blow from what happened last year," he told AFP. "This year the entire security plan has been in planning for the last three months and is being managed by the highest ranks of the police." Cowardice Israel has long had by far the most liberal approach to homosexuality in the Middle East, compared to its Arab neighbours, with a large and influential gay community. The annual Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem, a city sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians, is however far smaller than the one held in nearby Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv's parade typically attracts tens of thousands of people to what is considered one of the world's most gay-friendly cities, while Jerusalem is far less welcoming to homosexuals. The march comes at a difficult time for Israel's LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community, with an alleged homophobe recently nominated as the army's chief rabbi. The military named Colonel Eyal Karim as its chief rabbi despite him having allegedly referred to gay people as "sick and disabled". There was also an outcry over his response to a question on the rape of non-Jewish women in wartime. Some interpreted Karim's response as justifying it, which he firmly denied. A gay pride march in the southern city of Beersheba was also cancelled by organisers last week after the high court agreed with police that it could not go through the city's main thoroughfare due to security threats. Imri Kalmann, co-chair of Aguda, the Israeli National LGBT Task Force said it was clear that "words had consequences". "When the head officer of the army decided to put aside everything that the army rabbi said and to give him the position as chief rabbi, he said something not only to him but to everyone," he told AFP. He said: "You can say bad things about women, about the (gay) community and it won't really harm you." Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat has drawn the ire of many in the gay community for announcing he would not attend Thursday's march in part because it "offends the (ultra-Orthodox Jewish) public and the national-religious public". Kalmann was scathing in his criticism. "I think it is cowardice. He is not doing it because this is his opinion. He is doing it because he wants to please voters," he said. In an address to the nation late Wednesday, Erdogan announced a Cabinet decision to seek the additional powers, saying the state of emergency would give the government the tools to rid the military of the virus of subversion. (Photo: AP) Ankara: Turkish lawmakers convened Thursday to endorse sweeping new powers for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that would allow him to expand a crackdown in the wake of last week's failed coup. The 550-member parliament is set to approve Erdogan's request for a three-month state of emergency. Erdogan's Justice and Development Party account for 317 members in the chamber. In an address to the nation late Wednesday, Erdogan announced a Cabinet decision to seek the additional powers, saying the state of emergency would give the government the tools to rid the military of the "virus" of subversion. He didn't specify exactly what the state of emergency would entail. Under the Turkish Constitution, the emergency measures allow the government to "partially or entirely" suspend "the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms," so long as it doesn't violate international law obligations. Lawmakers can sanction, under the terms of the constitution, a state of emergency for a period of up to six months. A state of emergency has never been nationwide though it was declared in the restive southeast of the country between 1987 and 2002. There, governors were able to impose curfews, call in military forces to suppress demonstration, and issue search warrants. Martial law was imposed across the country for three years following a successful military coup in 1980. The measure would give Erdogan the authority to extend detention times for suspects and issue decrees that have the force of law without parliamentary approval, among other powers. Even without the emergency measures, the government has already imposed a crackdown that has included mass arrests and the closure of hundreds of schools. Turkish state media said a further 32 judges and two military officers have been detained by authorities during the crackdown since last week's coup. Already, nearly 10,000 people have been arrested while hundreds of schools have been closed. Additionally, as of Thursday, 58,881 civil service employees have been dismissed, forced to resign or had their licenses revoked. A soldier allegedly linked to the attack on a hotel where Erdogan had been vacationing during the foiled coup was arrested in southwestern Turkey, the state agency Anadolu reported Thursday. The lieutenant was one of about 30 soldiers who government officials have said were involved in the attack on the hotel in the resort town of Marmais. The attackers arrived minutes after Erdogan had left the hotel, according to official reports. Earlier this week, officials said at least four suspects remain on the run. Countries around the world are keeping a close watch on developments in Turkey, which straddles Europe, the Middle East and Asia. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Thursday the state of emergency should only last as long as it's "absolutely necessary." Steinmeier said it's important that "the rule of law, a sense of proportion and commensurability are preserved" and that it's in Turkey's interest to "keep the state of emergency only for the duration that is absolutely necessary and then immediately end it." Any action stemming from the new powers should only be taken against those with "a provable involvement in punishable actions" and not "an alleged political attitude," Steinmeier added. Erdogan, who had been accused of autocratic conduct even before this week's tough crackdown, said the state of emergency would counter threats to Turkish democracy. "This measure is in no way against democracy, the law and freedoms," Erdogan said Wednesday after a meeting with Cabinet ministers and security advisers. The High Court overturned a trial court's verdict that acquitted Tarique Rahman, 48, from money laundering charges. (Photo: Twitter) Dhaka: The eldest son of Bangladesh's opposition leader and former premier Khaleda Zia was on Thursday sentenced to seven years in prison for laundering nearly USD 2.5 million. The High Court overturned a trial court's verdict that acquitted Tarique Rahman, 48, from money laundering charges. The court sentenced him to seven years in prison and slapped a Taka 200 million fine. The bench of justice Enayetur Rahim and Amir Hossain gave its verdict on an appeal by the Anti-Corruption Commission. The court upheld the seven year sentence of Rahman's business partner, Giasuddin Al Mamun. In November 2013, a Dhaka court acquitted Tarique, the Zia, over charges brought against him for siphoning off Taka 204.1 million (nearly USD 2.5 million) to Singapore between 2003 and 2007. Nepali Congress and CPN-Maoist Centre have been exerting pressure on the government that the no confidence motion registered in parliament earlier this week should be put up for discussion. (Photo: AFP) Kathmandu: The no-trust motion against Nepal Prime Minister K P Oli could not be taken up today as ruling and opposition parties differed over the issue of initiating discussion on the vote tabled by the opposition. Nepali Congress and CPN-Maoist Centre have been exerting pressure on the government that the no confidence motion registered in parliament earlier this week should be put up for discussion. They have also demanded that Oli should resign to clear the way for formation of a new government. However, the ruling coalition has been insisting that the Parliament should first endorse two remaining bills related to the fiscal budget before having a discussion on the no-trust motion. As her efforts to bring the two opposing alliances to an agreement failed, Parliament Speaker Onsari Bharti has re- scheduled the Parliament meeting tomorrow, according to sources at the Parliament secretariat. "After Nepali Congress proposed to go for a package dealon the issue the major parties have agreed to hold discussion on the issue to sort out differences before the Parliament meeting starts tomorrow," they said. Oli, who became prime minister, last October heading Nepal's eighth government in the past 10 years, has been facing a no-trust motion after the Maoists withdrew support from the coalition government last week. The no-trust motion in the 601-member Constituent Assemblywas backed by 183 NC parliamentarians, 70 from CPN-MC and three from CPN-United. The three parties have a combined strength of 292 in Parliament. Oli's Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) currently has 175 elected seats in parliament, far fewer than the 299 needed to win a vote of confidence. The six Madhesi parties, whose combined strength is 50, have also announced to support the no-trust motion. Pakistan urged the international community to take notice of the situation in Kashmir and extend its support to the Kashmiri people. (Photo: PTI) Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday said it has approached the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to send a fact- finding team to Kashmir to investigate the alleged human rights violations and recent killings of innocent people. "We have requested UNHRC to send a fact-finding mission to Kashmir (in India) and probe recent killings of innocent Kashmiris," the Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign AffairsSartaj Aziz said. Briefing journalists at the Foreign Office here, he urged the international community to take notice of the situation in Kashmir and extend its support to the Kashmiri people. Aziz repeated the words of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that Kashmir is not India's internal matter. "Kashmir is not India's internal matter because it is recognised under the United Nations," he said and accused India of using "state-sponsored terrorism to justify illegal occupation over Kashmir". "India will not be able to legitimise its occupation," he said. To a question as to why Sharif is not using his 'personal relations' with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to defuse tension in Kashmir, Aziz said, "PM Sharif's personal ties with Modi are not state ties". He further said: "It does not matter how many times Modi speaks to Sharif on phone in a day what matters is whether the former talks to the latter about the Kashmir issue." When asked if Pakistan is considering severing diplomatic tie with India over the Kashmir violence, Aziz said, "Severing ties with India over the issue is no solution to the issue of Kashmir." The adviser declared that Pakistan "fully backs" All Parties Hurriyet Conference (APHC) leader Syed Ali Geelani's four-point formula on Kashmir. Aziz also said that India wants to do point scoring on the issue of filing an application in a local Indian court for registration of case against Prime Minister Sharif. "Filing an application by an Indian organisation against PM Nawaz Sharif (for declaring Hizbul commander Burhan Wani and observing black day in this connection) in an Indian court is a point-scoring from the Indian government," he said. A case has been filed in a court in Ambala, India by the Anti-Terrorist Front against Sharif accusing him of hatching a conspiracy to provoke riots in Jammu and Kashmir. An Activist of Awami Workers Party chants slogans during a demonstration to condemn the killing of model Qandeel Baloch and against honor killing, in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Photo: AP) Islamabad: Pakistan's parliament will on Thursday debate bills aimed at tackling so-called honour killings and amending its rape law, officials said, following the murder of a social media star last week. Rights groups and politicians have for years called for tougher laws to tackle perpetrators of violence against women in Pakistan and the debate follows a slew of high-profile killings in the country. Lawmakers from both lower and upper houses of parliament will take up proposed bills Thursday afternoon, parliament official Hasan Murtaza Bukhari said, and votes on the suggested changes are expected within weeks. "After discussion and approval of these bills by this committee, the drafts will be tabled in a joint sitting of the house which is likely to promptly take it up," he said. "But we are not sure that how much time this process will take. The salient features of these drafts will also be known only after being presented in the committee," added Bukhari. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's ruling PML-N party has a large majority of seats in the lower house and the bills are believed to have enough backing from opposition parties to pass in the senate too. The proposed bills could seek to close a loophole that allows those who kill in the name of honour -- usually a relative of the victim -- to evade punishment by seeking clemency from other family members. Pakistan amended its criminal code in 2005 to prevent men who kill female relatives pardoning themselves as an "heir" of the victim. But punishment is left to a judge's discretion when other relatives of the victim forgive the killer -- a loophole which critics say is exploited. Social media starlet Qandeel Baloch was strangled to death by her brother on Friday, once again casting a spotlight on the custom of "honour killings", which claims around a thousand lives in Pakistan every year. Held up by many of the country's youth for her liberal views and forthrightness, Baloch -- who posed with mullahs and courted controversy in plunging dresses -- was also reviled by many and frequently subject to misogynist abuse online. Rights group Amnesty International this week called on the country to "undertake structural reforms that end impunity for so-called 'honour' killings, including by passing legislation that removes the option of clemency for such killings". Islamabad: The founder of the Pakistani militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hafiz Saeed, pledged on Wednesday to support armed rebels in Indian-ruled Kashmir. Saeed, who is designated a terrorist by the US government with a $10 million bounty on his head, addressed thousands of his supporters in Islamabad. His charity, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, has rallied recently in various Pakistani cities with a series of so called "black day" demonstrations against recent violence in the Indian-held portion of the divided Kashmir territory. Pakistan's government also called for "black day" observances to express solidarity with Kashmiris. The largest street protests in recent years erupted in the Indian-held Kashmir after Indian troops on July 8 killed Burhan Wani, the popular 22-year-old leader of Kashmir's largest rebel group. Police and paramilitary soldiers in riot gear enforced a strict curfew for the 12th straight day Wednesday as life remained paralyzed and streets deserted in the disputed region. During the recent protests, clashes between government forces and Kashmiris have left 47 people, mostly teens and young men, and a policeman dead. Nearly 2,000 civilians and about 1,600 government troops have been injured. Saeed assured the Kashmiris of full support. "We will shed our blood wherever you shed your blood," he told the rally participants who chanted down with India and al-Jihad. Both India and Pakistan claim the entire Kashmir territory. Leaders of the Delhi BJP unit went to LNJP Hospital on Wednesday and consoled the family of the Aam Aadmi Party volunteer who committed suicide on Tuesday. She took the drastic step after a long fight against molestation and mental torture by Aam Aadmi Party leaders of Narela, said the Delhi BJP in a statement. Delhi BJP President Satish Upadhyay asked Police Commissioner Alok Kumar to order a high-level probe into the torture of the victim especially looking into the role of the AAP MLA from Narela, Sharad Chauhan. Upadhyay has also asked the police commissioner to inquire as to why the local police did not act tough even after she had filed a complaint about molestation and torture in June, 2016. Had the local police then not succumbed to the pressure of the MLA and acted tough, her life could have been saved, he said. Be it todays incident of suicide by an AAP worker or domestic violence complaints against AAP MLAs Somnath Bharti and Manoj Kumar or complaint of a woman worker against AAP leader Kumar Vishwas or of overall neglect of women leadership in the AAP, the silence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on such issues has constantly given encouragement to his women basher colleagues, added Upadhyay. The way CM is silent today over the suicide of the AAP worker, he had gone into similar silence over the unfortunate killings of farmer Gajender and prior to that of (Santosh) Koli (who was to contest 2013 polls but died in a road accident), said Upadhyaya. He added that the Delhi BJP unit will take out protest march and also stage a dharna outside Delhi Assembly and force the CM to speak on these killings. Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta also went to the hospital and met the bereaved family. The Delhi BJP chief said the Narela incident has established anti-woman character of AAP. While the BJP went on an offensive against the AAP for its workers alleged anti-women stand, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal opened a new front against the saffron party over its leaders unparliamentary language against BJP supremo Mayawati. This is shameful. BJP's abuses n threats against women continue unabated both online n offline, tweeted Kejriwal. In a related development, BJP legislator from Vishwas Nagar O P Sharma complained to Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung and said Maliwal should be sacked for her partial and unfair role in not proceeding against AAP legislator from Sangam Vihar, Dinesh Mohaniya, in a sexual harassment case. Sindh High Court chief justice's son Awais Ali Shah, who was rescued from the clutches of Pakistani Taliban by the army in the restive northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, today narrated his terrifying ordeal to police and said he was kept blindfolded throughout his abduction. Shah, who was rescued yesterday after an intelligence based operation at Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, narrated the details of his ordeal to the police task force during a meeting at his home. The joint team has to submit a report to the Supreme Court tomorrow. Shah, who is in his late 20s, was kidnapped in broad daylight from a parking lot outside a shopping centre in the upscale Clifton area on June 29 by four armed and masked men. Shah told the security officials that his abductors put a gun to his leg when he tried to resist them at the time of abduction. "One of them even threatened to kill me," Shah was quoted as saying by the Dawn. According to Shah's statement, he was initially kept in Karachi by his abductors."I was kept blindfolded throughout the ordeal and was only allowed to remove the folds when I had to use the washroom," Shah said. He said that he was initially kept in Karachi by his abductors for atleast 10 days as they could not leave the city due to the police and security operations in Karachi after his abduction. He further said the captors used to communicate with each other in Pashto language. Shah said he was shifted to Sukkur after 10 days and after one day he was taken to Dera Ismail Khan from where his captors handed him over to another group. Shah said on the day of his release he was apparently being taken to the tribal areas via Tank with two of them flanking him on the rear seat. The SHC Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah has credited the Pakistan army for the safe recovery of his son. "All credit goes to the army," said the SHC judge. When asked what role the government played in his son's recovery, he said the "army is not separate from the government". Asked whether Shah was kidnapped by militants to seek release of jailed militants, he said he had no idea which group had kidnapped his son. "I am just thankful that my son is back safe and sound," he added. A 65-year-old retired government employee was stabbed to death at his house in east Delhis Mayur Vihar on Wednesday, the police said. Vijay Kumar, who hailed from Keralas Thrissur district, lived with his wife at Samachar Apartments. Kumar retired from Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, while his wife works with the income tax department.According to police, Kumar was found with multiple stab wounds on his chest and abdomen. The house was ransacked and valuables were missing, said a police officer. The investigators suspect it to be a case of murder for robbery, though they have not ruled out the possibility of involvement of somebody known to the family. There was no sign of forced entry into the house, the officer added. Kumars wife had left home for her office on Wednesday morning. The couple had moved into the house four months ago. Before that they lived with their daughter Ambalis family in the same apartment complex. Ambali works with Rajya Sabha TV. The incident came to fore at around 2 pm when Ambali returned from office and went to meet Kumar. Ambali used to visit her parents on a daily basis. On Wednesday, she found the main iron and wooden doors of the house ajar. Ambali thought her father had left the doors open as he knew she would be visiting him after work. She went inside and found the TV lying on the floor and rooms ransacked, the officer said. Kumars body was found covered with mattresses in the bedroom. Ambali raised an alarm and alerted the security guards of the apartment. The police were informed after which forensic experts also examined the house. The body has been sent for post-mortem. We are waiting for the autopsy report to ascertain the exact cause of death, the officer said. A murder case has been registered and police are examining CCTV footage to ascertain if any suspicious person visited the flat before Kumars murder The 'fugitive' eldest son of Bangladesh's opposition leader and former premier Khaleda Zia was today sentenced to seven years in prison by a court here for laundering nearly USD 2.5 million, overturning a lower court's decision to acquit him in the high-profile graft case. Tarique Rahman, 48, who is senior vice president of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sentenced by the two-member bench of the High Court for siphoning off the money to Singapore between 2003 and 2007 when the party-led four-party righting alliance government was in power. "He (Rahman) has been tried in absentia as he did not appear despite being summoned...the court earlier declared him fugitive" a court official told reporters after the verdict. Rahman, who has been living in London since 2007, was charged under Money Laundering Act. The court also slapped Taka 200 million fine on him. In a surprise verdict, a Dhaka court on November 17, 2013 had acquitted Rahman of the graft charge but handed down seven years of imprisonment and fined Taka 400 million to his friend and business partner Giasuddin Al Mamun in the same case. The High Court, however, upheld Mamun's jail term but lowered the amount of fine to Taka 200 million, an equal amount of penalty slapped on Rahman. BNP earlier rejoiced the lower court's verdict but the judge of the court, who retired within few days after the verdict came under the scanner of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) as he reportedly left the country soon after. According to one of the pending charges, Rahman allegedly masterminded a fatal grenade attack in 2004 on a rally of the then main opposition and now ruling Awami League killing 24 people. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina narrowly escaped the assault but with permanent hearing impairment. Bangladesh earlier formally asked London to extradite Rahman to face justice. It is unclear if Rahman has sought an asylum in the UK as the British authorities earlier declined to make any public statement on the issue calling it a "personal matter of an individual". The Anti-Corruption Commission brought the money laundering charge against Rahman during the past military- backed interim government which spearheaded a massive anti-graft campaign under the State of Emergency from 2006 to 2008 when Rahman was put behind the bar. He was allowed to take an overseas tour for medical treatment under a Supreme Court order but he preferred to stay back in London as the subsequent general election installed Awami League to power with three fourths majority. Pakistan played a "key role" in fomenting the recent trouble in Kashmir and it was sponsoring terrorism in India, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today. Observing that the situation in the Valley was "normalising" gradually, he singled out Pakistan for fomenting trouble there, saying it had played a "key role" in fuelling tension and that terrorism in India was sponsored by it. Referring to the 'black day' observed by Pakistan on the killing a Hizbul Mujahedin terrorist in Kashmir, he said it has no right to interfere in India's internal matters, but it was doing so to deflect attention from its failures as the people there were fighting along sectarian lines. "If there is terrorism in India, then it is Pakistan sponsored," the Home Minister said. He also announced in Lok Sabha that an expert committee will be set up to recommend alternatives to pellet guns, a non-lethal weapon blamed for causing fatal injuries and blindness among protestors in Kashmir. Replying to a discussion on the Kashmir unrest, Singh said the committee will submit its report in two months. He also rejected apprehensions of some members that terrorism was on rise in the valley as he reeled out figures to suggest that it had gone down with the security forces eliminating more militants. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed security forces to maintain "maximum restraint", he said, but added that it cannot be denied if someone had committed some mistakes. "We all feel sad over the lives lost and those injured," Singh said. He also noted that "barbarism" can have no place in the society as some people had celebrated when some security personnel were killed. Referring to many members' concerns over the use pellet guns, he said one person had died due to injuries caused by these weapons, while 53 suffered injuries in eyes. These guns, categorised as non-lethal, were used in 2010 as well when it had killed six persons and caused eye injuries to 98 with five suffering complete blindness, he said, rejecting criticism that security forces used them indiscriminately. Singh then announced that the government was considering alternatives to pellet guns. "We will form a committee of experts. It will see to it what non-lethal alternatives we can bring in place of pellet guns. It will give report in two months," he said. Singh said five civilians had died in terror incidents so far this year prior to the ongoing unrest, as against 17, 28 and 15 in 2015, 2014 and 2012. During the current protests, 38 civilians were killed and 2180 injured with 2055 of them having been discharged from hospitals. One security person had also died and 1739 of them suffered injuries, the Home Minister said. The government alone cannot solve problems in Kashmir and all parties would have to work together, he said. Training guns on Pakistan, he said it came into being in the name of religion but failed to keep the Muslims together and underwent a division. "It does not need to worry about Muslims in India," he said and invoked former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's poem to suggest that those who fuel fire in the homes of others get caught in the same blaze. He also recalled the BJP stalwart's mantra of 'Kashmiriyat, jamhuriyat (democracy) and insaniyat (democracy)' to solve the problem there and termed the Valley as India's crow while making a reference to Aamir Khusro's "heaven on earth" expression for it. "The youths of Kashmir are also patriots. There is an attempt to misguide some... There is a mindset that the stokes baseless anger against India," he said, adding that same "distorted mindset" can be seen in parts of Chhattisgarh, in a reference to Maoist violence there. Referring to the demand of some members that an all-party delegation be sent to the Valley, he said he had spoken to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti who said it could be discussed when she comes to Delhi in the next 2-3 days as the situation there was returning to normal. "I myself want to go there and stay in a guest house to establish dialogue with the people there... We are sure that we will succeed in improving the conditions in Kashmir," Singh said. The Prime Minister, Singh said, had remained in touch with him over the situation in Kashmir during his foreign tour and offered his suggestions. "I felt he was in pain and worried. The first meeting he called upon his return to India was to discuss Kashmir," the Home Minister said. Noting that Pakistan has an evil eye on Kashmir, he assured the House that the government will restore its pride and glory. Striking a conciliatory note, he said all governments in the past have made efforts to improve the conditions there. He called Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, whose killing sparked the recent protests, a "tech-savvy terrorist of new generation" who had exploited social media platforms to lure youths into picking up the gun. He noted that the terror outfits like Hizbul and LeT ran their camps in Pakistan. The Home Minister termed plebiscite an "outdated and irrelevant" idea. Jyotiraditya Scindia (Cong) said he had never spoken about plebiscite but had called for dialogue and talks. Curfew is being relaxed in the Valley now and newspapers have begun hitting the stands. Internet was blocked but it is no longer so, he said, adding that the web was being used to inflame passions. Giving an example, he said a photograph showing police beating up civilians was being circulated even though the incident had happened in Uttar Pradesh long back. The discussion in Parliament, he said, showed that all parties can come together when faced with a big challenge and waxed eloquence on India's unity in diversity. In a case of alleged discrimination in the US, a 40-year-old Muslim man was removed from a plane after a flight attendant publicly announced his name, seat number and said she would be "watching" him. The matter came to light yesterday when the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) complained to transport authorities that Mohamed Ahmed Radwan was removed from the American Airlines Flight last December because of his "identifiably Arabic and Muslim name." According to federal law, airlines are prohibited from discriminating against passengers based on religion, ancestry and national origin, among other criteria. CAIR sent a letter to the Department of Transportation (DOT) yesterday urging an investigation and also called for a "thorough examination" into prevailing practices of major airlines, The Charlotte Observer reported. In addition, CAIR said the DOT should develop policy guidelines on objective factors to be looked at while deciding to remove a passenger from a plane. Radwan, a chemical engineer, said he was flying from Charlotte to Detroit on December 6, 2015, on American Airlines Flight 1821. As he was taking his allotted seat, Radwan said, a female flight attendant loudly announced, "Mohamed Ahmed, Seat 25-A, I will be watching you." After a minute, she repeated, "Mohamed Ahmed, that is a very long name, Seat 25-A, I will be watching you." Then a third time, according to Radwan, she said, "25-A: you will be watched." "I was in total shock. I've been flying for over 30 years, and I've never heard something like that," he said. The flight attendant did not make such a statement about any other passenger, Radwan said. When he asked about her statements, the attendant said she was going to monitor everyone. When asked why she singled him out, the attendant accused him of being "too sensitive" and walked away, he said. After a couple of American Airlines employees talked to him, he was told the attendant felt "uncomfortable" and he was escorted off the flight. "I felt too unsafe to fly with American again," he said. Radwan instead booked a much later flight, which cost him about USD 1,500 and interfered with his travel plans. Worse than the inconvenience was the humiliation of being treated like a terrorist, Radwan said. "I've been a US citizen for 13 years, but at that moment I felt my sense of being American taken from me," he said. In April, a Muslim woman was removed from a Southwest Airlines plane at a Chicago airport after she had asked to switch seats as she was told she had made the flight attendant "uncomfortable". A Muslim family of five were also escorted off a United Airlines flight in March for "how they looked". Keeping a close watch on reported deployment of battle tanks in Ladakh by the Indian army, China today said the two countries should abide by pacts to maintain peace in border areas even as its media warned that the move may affect flow of Chinese investments into India. "There have been a series of significant agreements and consensus reached between China and India on upholding stability of the border area," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang said here, reacting to reports of deployment of T-72 tanks in the Ladakh sector. "The two countries should abide by relevant agreements and consensus, work in concert to maintain peace and tranquillity of the border area and create a favourable environment for improving bilateral mutual trust and bolstering the proper settlement of the boundary question," he told PTI in a written response to a question on the reported deployment. "The China-India border area has long been peaceful and stable. The two countries are committed to resolving territorial disputes peacefully through negotiation, and agree to jointly manage disputes and maintain peace and tranquillity of the border area pending the final settlement of the boundary question," he said. However, an article in the state-run Global Times said the tank deployment may upset flow of Chinese investments into India and called for joint efforts to clear misunderstandings. "A media report stating that nearly 100 Indian tanks have been positioned near the Indo-China border to counter any possible threat grabbed people's attention as more Chinese firms are looking to increase their investment in India," the article said. "However, it is puzzling that while deploying tanks near China's border, India still strives to woo Chinese investment," it said. "The deploying of tanks near the Indo-China border may hit a nerve within the Chinese business community, causing investors to weigh the threat of political instability when they make investment decisions," the article said. The article refers to reports of Indian army deployment of tanks in the Ladakh border to catch up with China's aggressive military and infrastructure build-up across the border. China too reportedly has major mechanised units on its side of the border and tank deployment was aimed at ensuring parity, the reports said. The article said, "China and India share a large potential for economic and trade cooperation, and while this may make Chinese enterprises enthusiastic about investment opportunities in the Indian market, those firms should remain calm in the face of investing risks" Five teams from Bangalore Off-road Drivers Association (BODA) will be participating in the third edition of Force Gurkha Rainforest Challenge 2016, one of the toughest off-roading motorsport competitions in the country. The intensive challenge lasts for seven days and involves driving in forests on rocky slopes and even in streams. With this years event set to begin on June 22 in Goa, preparations are in full swing. Madhusudan Reddy, along with co-driver Kumar Raju, will be participating in RFC India for the second time. We were under-prepared last time having only seen a few videos of the challenge on the internet, Reddy said. In spite of this, they came third in the petrol category. This year he wants to give it his best shot and he is prepping both himself and his Mahindra Gypsy for the challenge. Last one month has been very hectic. I put in about three hours in the gym and I also have to runaround to get parts for my vehicle and take it on test drives, Reddy added. The challenge has several competitive legs the Prologue, the Predator, the Terminator and the Twilight Zone with progressing difficulty levels. After a few easier stages on natural terrain, the competition moves away from spectators eyes to deserted quarries and forest areas. Vivek Kuriakose, who is participating along with his co-driver Ashok Kuriakose, said, Certain climbs are very high and you cant see what lies ahead. On such stretches, the co-driver who is outside the vehicle, acts as the eyes of the driver, giving instructions over walkie-talkie. He added that the monsoon rains make things more difficult and sometimes they have to drive through water levels four to five feet high, admitting that the experience was quite scary. The youngest of them, 29-year-old Pradeep Kumar will be taking part in RFC for the third time. Talking about his vehicle, Thar King, he said, It is a Mahindra Thar. But I have replaced nearly all of the parts with imported ones for better performance. RFC is very challenging because you have to survive in the forest for seven days, carrying your own food, vehicle parts and other supplies. Expecting this years competition to be tougher than the previous two editions, he and his co-driver Prithviraj A C practise on rocky terrain on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The other two participating from Bengaluru are Lokesh Aradhya (co-driver Rohith KR) and Siddartha Santosh (co-driver Yanrenthung Jamio) who was on the waiting list until his participation got confirmed on Monday. This brings the total number of teams participating from Karnataka to seven, the highest number of entries from a single state. The top driver at the event will get an automatic, free entry to the RFC Mother Event to be held in Malaysia at the end of the year. Black money has always been a big irritant for any government. But for the present NDA government, it is a bigger challenge as the BJP had made it a big poll plank. Though the government is yet to get any remarkable success in uncovering the black money, some efforts made by it are laudable and speak of its serious intent. It has opened a special window Income Declaration Scheme, 2016 that gives another reprieve of four months to declare their undisclosed income or face stringent punitive action. The scheme is in force from June 1 to September 30, this year. So far, not many people have come forward to declare their undisclosed income and it will not be surprising if it meets the same fate as the foreign income and assets declaration scheme announced in Budget 2015-16 which failed to yield desirable results apparently because of high tax rate of 60% and penalty. Parliament enacted The Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Taxes Act, 2015 which declares its object like this: An Act to make provisions to deal with the problem of the black money that is undisclosed foreign income and assets, the procedure for dealing with such income and assets and to provide for imposition of tax on any undisclosed foreign income and asset held outside India and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. It provides for imprisonment of 10 years besides penalty if tax evasion is proved. Irrespective of its failure or success, it reflects on the noble intention of the government. However, the government must do some brainstorming as to why did it failed to yield the desired result. Another legislation to curb black money is the enactment of The Benami Transaction (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2015. This act was originally made in 1988 but could not be enforced because of some inherent contradictions. The rules under it could not be framed for 27 years and the Act remained shelved. Under the pressure of the Anna Hazare movement, the UPA government introduced the amendment bill in Parliament but it was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on finance. The Committee submitted its report in June 2012, but the government could not muster courage to introduce it, and the bill lapsed with the 15th Lok Sabha. The data regarding the declaration of income are baffling. Out of a population of 125 crore, only 1.5 lakh have declared their taxable income above Rs 50 lakh. It may be contrasted with a 2015 Credit Suisse survey that said that India had 1,85,000 dollar millionaires. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit the nail on the head when he pointed out the huge mismatch between Indias tax and wealth statistics. It is heartening that an international opinion is building up against black money. Never was this issue discussed in the G-20 forum, but in the last summit one paragraph was on unaccounted and black money, and 20 countries agreed to fight the menace of black and dirty money as it is also linked to terrorism. Dirty money is different from black money as it is the money earned by crimes. So, since all dirty money is black money, all black money is not dirty money. The Panama papers provide compelling evidence of how Mossack Fonseca used its leverage to write and bend laws all over the world to safeguard the interests of criminals over a period of decades. It is such a company which protected around two lakh such dubious operators. Jurgen Mossack and Ramon Fonseca want to mislead by giving the impression that their firms shell companies are not into any hanky-panky, but the Panama Papers conclusively prove that they are used to carry out a wide array of serious crimes and not confined to evading taxes. Swiss role However, the situation is changing. Switzerland has also assured it full cooperation in unearthing black money. Rudolf Elmer, a former employee of the Swiss Bank Julius Bar, made a CD containing the list of those having account in Swiss Bank. The list has the names of 17,000 Americans and 2,000 Indians. The USA could successfully bring back $780 million on the basis of this list. Elmer worked with the bank for nearly two decades, and in his last assignment, he looked after banks Caribbean operation until his dismissal in 2002. He shot into prominence as a whistleblower in 2008 when he gave secret documents to WikiLeaks describing the activities of Julius Bar in the Cayman Islands and how it helped evading tax. However, the deposits in the Swiss and other foreign banks are fast depleting which is quite natural as moneybags stashing away money to foreign banks are not nincompoops. Experts are not every sanguine about the success of the scheme of voluntary disclosure. Earlier, six Voluntary Disclosure of Income Schemes (VDIS) were introduced till 1997. In 1997, the Supreme Court made a swingeing criticism of such schemes that honest tax payers feel cheated while the dishonest go scot free by paying a penalty. Not only that, the Court took an undertaking from the government that no such amnesty scheme would be announced in the future. So, the latest window has not been called an amnesty scheme, but, nonetheless, it is amnesty in nature. The government has to act tough but it must not be unmindful of unreasonable tax structure which is tantamount to tax terrorism. Over 4,000 Indians have become NRIs in the last two years to escape the Indian tax dragnet. RBI governor Raghuram Rajan warned against a dangerous trend of frequently questioning the legitimacy of entrepreneurial prosperity. However, the government must not be lenient to anyone in the name of entrepreneurial enterprise though genuine enterprise must be encouraged. The terror attack in Dhaka cafe caused concern not only in Bangladesh but all over the world. This concern was for several reasons. To begin with, this attack was seen similar to attacks that had taken place in Paris, Brussels and Ankara. Moreover, these attacks were claimed by the dreaded terror organisation Islamic State (IS) in which a number of westerners were killed. However, this attack is also concerning for India which is already facing regular onslaught of terror from its western frontier. The organisational presence of the IS and al-Qaeda is still not confirmed in Bangladesh and the Sheikh Hasina government vehemently to denies it, but what cant be denied is the presence of local groups who claim allegiance to these international terror organisations. At present, prominent Islamist groups in Bangladesh are Jamaat ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) and Hizb-ut-Tahrir. The JMB claims allegiance to IS while ABT is loyal to al-Qaeda. Hizb-ut-Tahrir itself is an international Islamist organisation, hence it does not need to claim allegiance to any such group. Reports indicate that sometime back, there has been a meeting of these groups where they decided to work together as their ultimate objective is same and that is implementation of Sharia law. The concern for India arises from the fact that groups like the JMB are active on both sides of the India-Bangladesh border. It is greatly helped in its operation by the porous nature of this border. Though JMB has been active on the Indian side of the border for many years, its activities became public after the Burdwan blast. A number of suspects of Burdwan blast were arrested in Bangladesh as intelligence and investigative agencies of both sides worked in close cooperation with each other. But the arrests also indicated the seamless fashion in which this group was operating on both sides of the border. The JMB on several occasions has been prominently mentioned by the IS in its Dabiq magazine. It is also appreciative of JMB for its terror activities in Bangladesh and for working to establish Sharia law in the country. It also praises JMB for willing to be part of the Caliphate established by the IS. What is most interesting is the fact that IS refers this area as Bengal and not Bangladesh. This means that when it talks about JMB and its activities it means both sides of the border. Even in the past, Bangladeshi terror groups have been talking of Greater Bangladesh, but for the first time, an international terror outfit seems to be referring to this. Here, it is interesting to note that another Islamist group Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) has also been warning that attack to India and Myanmar would come from Bangladesh using local recruits in respective countries. Its India-born chief, Asim Umar has been recently designated as a global terrorist by the USA. Umar has received extensive training by the ISI in Pakistan. An increased terror activity in Bangladesh would mean that the country could also be subsequently used as spring board for attacks on India. More attacks? Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expects further increase in terror activities in her country in the coming days. She suspects that relatives of those Jamaat leaders who have been hanged may organise these attacks as they have vast resources. The government has also shared a list of 10 Jamaat-Ul-Mujahideen (JMB) Bangladesh cadres with the Government of India along with their images they are suspected to have sneaked into the Indian territory. These JMB cadres are suspected to have played a role in the Dhaka cafe attack and have fled the country to avoid arrests. They are believed to be hiding in north Bengal. Increased terrorist attacks in Bangladesh would also bring political instability in that country. Once again that would not be in the interest of India. A politically unstable neighbour has always been a security risk to us. This can be very well seen in Pakistan, Afghanistan and to some extent in Nepal. On the other hand, a politically stable Bangladesh with Sheikh Hasina at the helm of affairs has enhanced security on Indias eastern border. Moreover, it has been extremely beneficial for the Bangladeshi population as its economy has grown continuously at 6-7%. A politically stable Bang-ladesh is also important for regional cooperation as sometime back India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan launched their BBIN initiative. This initiative would bear fruit only in a peaceful situation. Clearly, increased terrorist violence in Bangladesh is also going to create problems for India. There is a need for security agencies of both countries to work together in close cooperation so that vicious design of these terror groups can be defeated and the region can continue to move on the path of progress. (The writer is Associate Fellow, Institute for Defence Studies & Analyses, New Delhi) Plans are on the anvil to start a helpline to aid parents in handling childrens issues, said UNICEF consultant and child rights activist Sr Dulcine Crasta. She was addressing at a workshop jointly organised by the District Child Welfare Committee, Padi - Valored Childline, the Department of Women and Child Welfare, District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and the Press Club at Patrika Bhavan here on Wednesday. Sr Dulcine said that the Shanthi Sandesha Research and Development Centre has started the parental helpline in Udupi district on an experimental basis. This centre has been selected by the UNICEF as the nodal agency towards providing training on child rights. The parental helpline will address the issues of parents and is directed towards providing counseling to them. The helpline will be started in Dakshina Kannada by Childline on a pilot basis and may be implemented on permanent basis later. Deliberating on the child rights issue, Sr Dulcine said that children have a right to obtain proper information. She also said while referring to the media publishing some photos of victimised children that children have a right to privacy. Publishing of childrens photos which represents them badly is prohibited, said Sr Dulcine. She also said that publishing of details of children affected by HIV or certain kind of disabilities, children whose parents are in prison and children in conflict with the law is an offence as per the law. The UNICEF consultant said, The media is not a competent authority to initiate action in childrens atrocity issues. She also added that the media has a role in agenda setting in the protection of children. The media can inform the competent authority about child abuse. The involvement of children in news should be editorially justified, she exhorted. Sr Dulcine brought to the awareness that the Juvenile Justice Act and Pocso Act speak on the role of media in the issue. The sources of information should be official and the child should not be stigmatised by reporting. This will lead to revictimising the child, noted Sr Dulcine. Padi Childline Director Renni DSouza said that Child Welfare Committee deals with the care and protection of children in conflict with law. On the other hand, the Juvenile Justice Board deals with the interrogation and rehabilitation of children in conflict with law, she said. Child Welfare Committee Chairperson Nikesh Shetty said that the violation of child rights will amount to a fine of Rs two lakh and an imprisonment of six months. Earlier, DCPU Officer Usman welcomed the gathering and explained the importance of conducting such a workshop. Education Department Officer James Cutinho and Udupi CWC Member Sr Lilly Pushpa among others were present. Students from St Aloysius College, Besant Womens College and Mahatma Gandhi college took part in the workshop. Despite this higher level of tolerance, neither the indigenous nor foreign varieties are able to sustain themselves in the 10 lakes which were part of the study. Agricultural pollution and destruction of lakes due to agricultural and layout encroachments are other major problems, said Mohan. As many as 12 indigenous Indian species of fishes found in city lakes face the danger of going extinct in a few years due to increasing pollution and climate change, says an ongoing study by a team of researchers from the Bangalore University.The study focuses on relation between the aquatic life and climate change. Dr M Ramachandra Mohan, HoD, Department of Zoology, is conducting the study along with a few of his PhD students.The team studied fish life in 10 lakes between Bengaluru and Melekote (in Doddaballapur taluk of Bengaluru rural district). The vulnerability of fish in Bengaluru lakes has increased manifold in the last five years, Mohan, who is studying fish and other aquatic life in Bengaluru for the past 15 years, said.The 12 species endangered include the Karnataka Labeo (Labeo Calbasu) and Indian Glassy fish (Pseudambassis Ranga) to name a few.Of the 12 species, five are under the vulnerable category and the rest are endangered. Two foreign species are also in danger, said Mohan.In Karnataka, 201 freshwater fish species have been found. Of these, 40 fish species are under threat and urgent conservation measures are needed to be implemented to ensure their survival, says the study.It goes on to say that the native freshwater fish diversity in water bodies is declining rapidly. The crucial reason for the decline are the destruction of habitat due to construction of dams and barrages, pollution and exploitative fishing practices. Climate change is generally causing the waters to warm as well as bringing changes to rainfall patterns, water levels, river flow and water chemistry.The predominant presence of exotic species like Tilapia, Silver carps, Grass carps and African catfishes in rivers and reservoirs is because they can tolerate high pollution and static water levels. Sorry, the page you are looking is no longer available. Click here to go to Home The BSP workers hit the streets in large numbers on Thursday to protest use of derogatory words for party supremo Mayawati by senior BJP leader Daya Shankar Singh. The BSP leaders, who had declared that their protest would continue until Singh was arrested, called off their 'dharna' (sit-in) after the police officials promised them that the culprit would be arrested within 36 hours. Senior BSP leader Naseemuddin Siddique said that the party would again hit the street if Singh was not arrested as promised. BSP workers and leaders from different parts of the state had started gathering near the statue of Dr BR Ambedkar at Hazratganj since early morning after Mayawati's call for the demonstration. The protesters included a large number of women too. The authorities had blocked the road that lead to Rajbhavan and the chief minister's residence as a precautionary measure. Rs 50L for tongue A BSP leader in Chandigarh offered Rs 50 lakh for the tongue of BJP leader Dayashankar Singh for his derogatory remarks against BSP chief Mayawati. After Haryana enacted a new law to ban sale of beef and prevent cow slaughter, incidents of conflict involving vigilante groups, cow smugglers and police have been on the rise in the state. Several hundreds of cows that were reportedly being smuggled out of the state have been rescued in the first six month of the year with the number of such cases registered by the police mounting each day. In the wee hours of Thursday, 19 cows being ferried in a truck were rescued on the highway in Bhiwani in Haryana. The suspects fled the scene after abandoning the truck. At the same time, incidents involving vigilante groups, many of them arguably self-styled, taking law in their own hands in the name of protecting the holy cow, have also increased. A recent video of people associated with one such vigilante group forcing two persons, accused of beef smuggling, to eat cow dung went viral drawing flak from various quarters. Ever since the Khattar-led saffron party came to power in Haryana, the love for the holy cow has become ever more sacrosanct with the government constituting a cow protection cell that is now headed by a woman IPS officer Bharti Arora. A 300 plus team, including 220 policemen, will protect cows from slaughter. A dedicated round-the-clock helpline too has been set up in the state to deal with cruelty to this bovine. But in the ambit of all being done in the name of cow protection in Haryana, the police are cautious of laws that may be broken by vigilante groups vowing to protect the cow. Sources said cow vigilante groups will not be allowed to put up any check posts of sorts where they stop vehicles unauthorized to look for cow smugglers or beef. The law in Haryana provides punishment of up to 10 years for cow slaughter. However, Minister for Social Justice Thawar Chand Gehlot and his junior minister Ramdas Athawale disputed the Opposition charges and pleaded with leaders not to politicise the issues. Both the ministers, who are also senior Dalit leaders, also said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has taken several steps for the welfare of SC/STs in the country. Initiating the discussion, senior JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav sought a ban on Gau Rakshaks (cow vigilantes) operating in some parts of the country.He said there was a Taliban-like attitude and it was a matter of shame that even after 70 years of independence, atrocities against Dalits, especially women, were increasing. Who created these Gau Rakshaks? Why doesnt the government ban them? What is this tamasha? .... We talk about Taliban ... our caste system has a Taliban-like attitude, we need to discuss that, Yadav said. The Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday attacked the BJP over growing atrocities on Dalits, saying a Taliban-like attitude was prevailing in some parts of the country.They urged the Centre to act before the situation goes out of control. Participating in a discussion on recent incidents of attacks on Dalits in various parts of the country, the members also said the situation in Gujarat was explosive as Dalits were attempting to commit suicide.The debate came amid large-scale protests after the recent case in Una in Gujarat, where four Dalit youths were brutally beaten up in public by some cow vigilantes. Gujarat continues to boil over the thrashing of a youth by self-appointed cow protectors in Una on July 11 as Dalits held rallies and dharnas across the state despite a bandh on Wednesday. The police registered 48 cases so far against the rioters, with state additional DGP in-charge of Law and Order, V M Pargi stating that most these cases were registered against crowds of 50 to 100 people. Bus torching and stone pelting have been reported from many places, prompting police to explode tear gas shells to control the crowds. Local administration in many districts issued prohibitory orders, while one more person in Ahmedabad consumed poison as a mark of protest against the Una incident. Unidentified rioters burnt three state transport buses in Mehsana district, an hours drive from capital Gandhinagar, as authorities suspended bus services between Rajkot and Ahmedabad following blockades along the national highways. The bus services were paralysed following the blockade in Khatariya village near Limbdi that connects saurashtra to South and Central Gujarat. Thousands took to streets in Saurashtra, as skirmishes were reported from Talala town in Gir Somnath, Kutiyana in Porbandar and Amreli district. Police fired tear gas to control the mob in Keshod town in Junagadh. District Collector of Surendranagar, where a rally has planned on Friday to condemn the Una incident, announced curfew under Section 144 that prohibits assembly of more than four people. There was stone pelting in Dholka town in Ahmedabad district, prompting police to use teargas to disperse the crowd. The town remained tense as police allegedly entered homes of the rioters, beat them up and detained them. Several women gheraoed the police station where nearly 50 men were detained. They used rolling pins and utensils to demand the release of the protesters. SI R J Shukla filed an FIR against 300 people for rioting and damaging public property. In Surat, a group of protesters flooded the railway track at Udhna junction, disrupting train services till the police intervened. Dalits held rallies in Vadodra and Patan. The law seems to be biased when it comes to action against forest land encroachers. The Forest department, acting on the direction of the Karnataka High Court, has booked FOCs (forest offence cases) against only some encroachers in Koppa division, Chikkamagaluru circle. The department report has pointed out that 57 persons have encroached forest land in the division. Of these, the department has not initiated FOCs against 14 encroachers. The High Court had directed the department to submit a periodical action taken report while hearing the public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Samaja Parivartana Samudaya (SPS). During the hearing, SPS had filed a memo in September 2013, with a list of 87 encroachers in Chikkamagaluru circle. The court directed the department to take action in all these cases. The list, prepared by the department officials after conducting fresh survey, confirmed encroachment of 1,446 acres of forest land by 57 individuals and some estates in the division. The report, to be submitted before the court, reveals that FOCs have been booked against only a few encroachers. The report confirmed that some individuals have encroached large tracts of land (155 acres, 161 acres and 64.39 acres). During our field visits in the district, we found that vast area of forest land was in illegal possession and enjoyment of certain individuals for a long time. However, the list prepared by the Forest department, after taking up fresh survey, shows that only in some cases, FOCs have been registered, while in a few major encroachment cases, no action has been taken. This is clearly a very serious violation of fundamental rights under Article 14 (Right to Equality) of the Constitution that mandates to treat all persons as equal before the law. It is, therefore, very essential to not only immediately register FOCs, but also take appropriate action against officials who have treated certain encroachers as privileged offenders, which is non-est in law, S R Hiremath of SPS said. The list, prepared by the departments Koppa division, shows that in 10 cases, FOCs have been registered, while in some other cases, proceedings under Section 64 (a) of Karnataka Forest Act have been initiated. The list includes only people and entities who encroached more than 30 acres of forest land. We objected to this selected registration of FOCs and the DCF concerned of the Koppa division has written to the Chief Conservator of Forests, Bengaluru, seeking directions to register FOCs. When the local officials have the right to take criminal action against encroachers, why are they seeking permission from their seniors? There are several encroachments below 30 acres. The department has to take stringent action against these encroachers also, Hiremath said. The AIADMK government, which retained power in the recent Assembly polls, presented budget with no new taxes on Thursday. The government allocated more funds for several welfare schemes even as the state's debt stood at Rs 2.52 lakh crore at the end of the current fiscal. The government has proposed to construct 10 lakh houses for poor people, distribution of laptops to 5.35 lakh students, buying of new buses and huge allocations for the energy sector. In addition, a total of Rs 355 crore has been provided for poverty reduction schemes, besides allocating Rs 150 crore to impart skill development training for two lakh youth in the state. While presenting the budget in the House, Finance Minister O Panneerselvam also announced that a World Bank-funded Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) will be implemented at an outlay of Rs 745.49 crore. On the energy sector, a total 13,000 MW of thermal power, 2,500 MW of hydel power and 3,000 MW of solar power will be added to the existing generation capacity in the next five years. According to him, the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) has also agreed to fund the second phase of the Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Programme (TNIPP) with an outlay of Rs 1,560 crore to improve the investment environment. "This government is also in the process of developing the Ponneri Industrial Node as a National Investment and Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ) under the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor Project," the minister said. Panneerselvam said taking into account the state government's decision to close down 500 liquor shops, the excise duty collection for the current financial year has been scaled down to Rs 6,636.08 crore. "In spite of constraints on revenue receipts, the overall fiscal deficit, net borrowings and outstanding debt-GSDP ratio will be within the permissible limits, except the Fiscal Deficit during 2017-2018," he said. A CBI Special Court on Thursday adjourned the hearing on the bail petitions of former Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanithi Maran and two other accused in the money laundering case of the Aircel-Maxis deal scam. Special CBI Judge O P Saini posted the case to August 1 after the counsel representing the Enforcement Directory (ED) N K Matta sought more time to prepare its reply to the bail applications. The Maran brothers along with Kalanithis wife Kavery and South Asia FM Ltd (SAFL) Managing Director K Shanmugam had moved the bail petitions before the special CBI court on July 11. The court had issued summons against Maran brothers and other two accused in the case in February. The former telecom minister, his brother and others are accused of arm-twisting Chennai-based telecom promoter C Sivasankaran to sell the stake in Aircel to Malaysian-based Maxis Group in 2006. Malaysia-based business tycoon T Ananda Krishnan and Augustus Ralph Marshall, a top executive in the Maxis group, are also accused in the case probed by the CBI. The agency is considering splitting the case as it struggles to bring the accused foreign nationals and companies to the special court. A second summons had to be issued in December since the first summons could not be served. The chargesheet filed in January by the EDs economic offences investigation wing (under the Money Laundering Act) accuses the Maran brothers and Kalanithis wife of being involved in laundering of Rs 742.58 crore in the case. The ED has listed Sun Direct TV Private Limited (SDTPL) and the SAFL as accused in the case, saying they received bribe money meant for Dayanidhi from Mauritius-based companies. Owned and controlled by Kalanithi, the companies used the proceeds of the crime to further their own business, the ED claimed in its chargesheet. To reduce accidents caused by drunken drivers on highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is planning to send a reminder to the Karnataka government to take steps to shut liquor shops along the highways in the state. Two years ago, the NHAI had written to the state government in this regard. D Srinivasulu Naidu, Project Diretcor, NHAI said he will soon write to the government in this regard. In April this year, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to take measures to reduce road accidents by enforcing strict action against drunk driving besides conducting a road safety audit. Following this, the Centre in May directed the state governments to close liquor shops on highways. A meeting of NHAI officials with the Transport and Excise departments held two months ago in Bengaluru failed to take any decision on the closure of liquor shops, said a senior official. Meanwhile, Srinivasulu said, People normally blame bad roads for accidents. But, all national highways are in good condition, well-designed and well maintained. He stressed the need to bring down drunk driving cases by closing liquor shops along the highways. Surendra Kumar, the previous NHAI Project Director had even asked the state government to conduct a survey of liquor shops along the national highways. Karnataka has 6,432 km of national highways. The Excise department is yet to conduct a survey of liquor shops along the highways, said Vishwaroop A S, Additional Commissioner, Excise department. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reassured his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina of Indias continued support to the neighbouring country in combating terrorism. Modi also lauded Hasina for launching a war against extremism and terrorism in Bangladesh, where security forces arrested four members of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh or JMB a radical organisation which is being suspected for orchestrating the July 1 attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka. You are not alone in this fight against terrorism. You have with you the full support of India, Modi told Hasina, as the two leaders spoke through video-conference links after remotely inaugurating an Integrated Check Post on India-Bangladesh border at Petrapole in West Bengal. I want to assure Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that India would extend all sorts of assistance in her fight against terrorism. The terrorists stormed into the Holey Artisan Bakery on July 1 and killed 20 hostages and two policemen overnight before the commandos of the Bangladesh Army stormed into the eatery and gunned down most of them. Just six days later, a woman and two policemen were killed and 13 were wounded in a bomb explosion and gun battle near the venue of a mass prayer on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr at Sholakia in Kishoreganj district of the neighbouring country. Hasina vowed to step up her governments crackdown on extremists and terrorists in Bangladesh. Modi on Thursday began his speech by condemning the recent terror attacks in Bangladesh. He lauded the Bangladesh prime minister for displaying strong leadership at a time when her country was going through difficult times. Your leadership (in the fight against terrorism) is an example for the entire region, said Modi. More than half of India-Bangladesh trade takes place through Petrapole-Benapole border between the two nations. The Petrapole-Benapole Integrated Check Post is going to be the largest land port in South Asia. It will provide better facilities for effective and efficient discharge of functions such as security, immigration, customs and quarantine, while also providing support facilities for smooth cross-border movement of persons, goods and transport. The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday continued with curfew apparently to outwit the separatists, who had asked people to resume their routine activities after 2 pm till evening. The separatist leaders, including Syed Ali Geelani, Mohammad Yasin Malik and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in their protest calendar had asked people to resume their routine activities on Thursday after 2 pm and buy essential commodities for a prolonged spell of strikes and protests. However, as people started moving out at 2 pm, authorities imposed curfew apparently to counter the relaxation given by the separatists. A police handout at 1.30 pm said there will be no relaxation in curfew and restrictions across the Valley will remain strictly in place till further orders. People in Srinagar said that security forces didnt allow them to move out of their houses to buy the essential commodities. Though there was movement of people in uptown and Civil Lines areas of city, including Lal Chowk, but in the noon the police erected barbed wires, deployed CRPF and closed several roads. If the government is making efforts at promoting education at its schools, this one at Sheelavanth Somapura in Shiggaon taluk of the district is not a good advertisement. The school in question is a free for all. One teacher - Kambappa A D - comes drunk and is so removed from the world around him that he does not even realise when students walk out of the classroom as per their will. His wife, an SSLC pass, is a standby for him, taking classes on his behalf. Whats worse, the alcoholic teachers son - a class V teacher at a government school in nearby Gundasi - gives the periodic tests for the students here. The father and son even beat the mischievous lot among the students and their teaching leaves a lot to be desired. Parents are shifting their wards to other schools one by one. The day is not far when the government closes this school for want of student strength. If one thought that the headmaster is even remotely concerned about the state of affairs here, he or she is completely wrong. For, the headmaster himself lands in the school leisurely at 11 am daily and scoots off early. So also the other teachers. The school has three teachers (including the headmaster) for 94 children studying up to class VII. Kambappa was transferred to this school on April 10 last year. The drunk teacher smokes beedis, cigarettes and chews gutka, sitting in the class. He was blissfully ignorant when Vijay, a student, went out of the class and climbed atop a tree recently, only to fall down and fracture his hand. Neelakanta Hubballi, president of the school development and management committee, has demanded that the authorities concerned should take note of the lawlessness in the school. Maintaining hygiene is the last thing on the minds of the teachers here, he said. There are other issues in the school - that is over 100 years old - to fill its cup of woes. Not only is the campus full of weeds, a portion of the building is dilapidated and a part of the schools one acre, two guntas land is encroached. M H Patil, the block education officer, said that one more teacher had been deputed here and more would be transferred to the school. Shivanagouda Patil, deputy director of Public Instruction, said teacher Kambappa had been suspended, following complaints. Two persons, including a minor, were thrashed and tied to a telephone pole on suspicion of eve-teasing. The incident took place near Begur Road in Electronics City on Wednesday. According to the police, Surya and his friend, who is a minor, are residents of a slum in Jnanappahalli. They teased a 16-year-old PUC student Shilpa (name changed), who was returning home after college. Shilpa informed a few people in the neighbourhood that the two made obscene gestures and teased her. Around 20 people gathered at the spot, thrashed the two and tied them to a pole before informing the Electronics City police. The police took the two, who sustained minor injuries, to a nearby private hospital for a treatment. A case has been registered. Three men riding a motorcycle were killed when a mini goods truck crashed into the median strip and ploughed into their two-wheeler on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway at Mayaganahalli in Ramanagaram taluk on Wednesday night. Tanveer, 25, a resident of Nalband Wadi in Ramanagaram, and Naushad, 24, and Zaheer, 25, both from Channapatna, were returning home from work when the head-on collision occurred, police said. The mini goods driver lost control over the vehicle as he approached Mayaganahalli. The vehicle crashed into the divider and entered the other side of the road before colliding with the trios bike head-on. The young men fell down, sustained severe injuries and died on the spot. The vehicle driver just drove off, police added. Murder accused killed A gang of five men barged into a paying guest accommodation and fatally hacked a murder accused who was out on bail. The incident occurred in Rajajinagar N Block, on Thursday. Bharath, 24, a tailor from Kurubarahalli in JC Nagar, had gone to the place to meet some friends. The gang attacked him with sharp weapons and also threatened his friends when they came to his rescue. Police said Bharath was jailed in a murder case in 2012. Though he had given up crime, he fought with some men in the PG accommodation over a petty matter. Police suspect insiders in the PG accommodation. A 78-year-old retiree from Waterloo filed an excessive force complaint last week against a Butler County Sheriff's deputy who pulled him over at gunpoint after trees in his pickup prevented him from seeing the deputy, who was trying to stop him for speeding. The lawsuit comes at a time when police are getting intense scrutiny across the country for the use of excessive force in minor traffic stops, primarily against black men and women. This case has nothing to do with race, but Carl Osentowski's attorney said in the suit that he feared he would be shot. Osentowski is a 5-foot-9, 176-pound white man who suffers from a severe heart condition, attorney Adam Sipple said in the case filed July 11 in U.S. District Court in Omaha. On June 11, 2014, he was leaning on the center console as he drove down Nebraska 92 near Rising City, and didn't spot the deputy who had been trying to stop him for about five minutes. When he saw the lights, he pulled over, rolled down his window, put his hands out and asked, "What's going on?" Deputy Andrew Yost ordered him to get out of his pickup and keep his hands above his head while leveling his firearm at him. "Because of his medical conditions, it was very difficult for Carl to keep his hands above his head, to brace himself, or otherwise maintain his balance as he exited his full-size pickup, causing him to fear he would be shot if he failed in his efforts to comply with the commands," the attorney wrote. He said Yost kept pointing his gun and screaming at Osentowski to turn around and lie face down on the shoulder of the highway as Osentowski tried to explain he hadn't seen him sooner because he had trees loaded in the bed of his truck. Sipple said Yost then ordered Osentowski's son, a passenger in the truck, to the ground, too, where they were forced to stay for about five minutes until a second officer arrived. Deputies searched the two and the truck, and they handcuffed the men's hands behind their backs, despite having no reason to believe Osentowski had committed any crime but a minor traffic violation, Sipple said. Osentowski was detained about seven minutes more, handcuffed in the back of the patrol car, before he was issued a ticket for speeding and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. He ultimately pleaded guilty to speeding and was fined $75. "Throughout the traffic stop, Carl felt extremely frightened, shocked, overwhelmed by, and in disbelief of, Deputy Yost's actions," Sipple said. After they were allowed to leave, his son called 911, believing his father was about to suffer a heart attack. Now they are seeking general damages, plus $100,000 each in punitive damages. Butler County Sheriff Marcus Siebken declined to comment last week. County Attorney Julie Reiter didn't respond to requests for comment. COLUMBUS -- Blue and black balloons dotted the sky as they were released in support of law enforcement. Dozens of community members showed up Wednesday for the event in the Hy-Vee parking lot to show their appreciation for the work done by police, sheriff and state troopers. Columbus Police Officer Jodi Hefti organized the effort, an undertaking in response to the shooting of officers around the country recently in cities like Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Hefti began the planning Sunday and in just a few short days, the word spread and brought out enough individuals, both young and old, to release 400 balloons. Members of the local police department, Platte County Sheriffs Office and Nebraska State Patrol were on site. They were interacting with those in attendance, giving out stickers to children and taking photos. It was a scene of support that those in law enforcement said they feel, at least locally. For me personally, I think we have a pretty strong support for law enforcement in this area but to believe it and see it are two different things. So actually to see people come out here is really reassuring that we do have community support, said Sheriff Ed Wemhoff. Police Chief William Gumm echoed those comments. He said what did surprise him about the event was the good turn out on such a short notice. The event was gesture Michael Martinez said he felt was important to be a part of. He is from Shelby but works in Columbus. I think it is needed to support law enforcement right now in any small way we can, he said. Diana Zoucha of Columbus came to the event because of what is happening around the country. I think with all the craziness right now that we need to show all the support we can for law enforcement, she said. Hy-Vee Store Director Chad Dyhrkopp said he jumped on board to be part of the event when he was asked by Hefti. When they ask, we always find a way to help. They take care of us 365 days a year, he said. Hefti said unlike what is seen in some cities, officers here feel like they are backed by the community. It hasnt just been through events like the balloon release. She said some people have brought in treats to the police department to show their appreciation. Sometimes the best show of gratitude, though, is a simple wave or a thank you. We have good community support right now. We need to tell our citizens we appreciate that community support, she said. The event was also a way for the public and officers to meet and talk to each other. Its good to let the citizens see law enforcement other than just driving down the road and pulling people over, Hefti said. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has selected Anite to provide it with measurement and analytics solutions. Under the agreement, Anite Network Testing will supply installation and commissioning of backpack, handheld, portable, and fixed QoS measurement and analytics tools for voice, data, and video services on 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, CDMA, and WiMAX networks. The telecom regulator will measure a range of KPIs, such as call-drop rate, received call, MOS, call setup time, call success rates, and other QoS parameters. The contract comprises Anites Nemo Walker and Nemo Invex II for in-building and outdoor measurements and benchmarking, and Nemo WindCatcher with multi-file-format (multi-vendor) support for network analysis and post-processing. Siddharth Dash, Sales Director at Anites Network Testing Business, said: Our suite of measurement products, combined with our state-of-the-art analytics solution with multi-vendor support, gives the Regulatory Commission the tools needed to ensure the Quality of Service of national wireless networks, regardless of the technology they use. Nemo Invex II is a mobile benchmarking, measurement, and optimisation system combining powerful intuitive software and scalable hardware designed to create a superior benchmarking solution for wireless broadband networks. Nemo Walker is a portable tool for indoor and outdoor benchmarking and multi-technology measurements. It is an Android-based indoor benchmarking system that enables extensive synchronised measurements. It consists of a master controller and up to eight test terminals, and a scanner. Nemo WindCatcher is an analytics solution for mobile networks with multi-vendor and multi-technology support. Nemo WindCatcher provides flexible in-depth analysis, reporting, and optimisation based on features such as call trace. The alleged owner Artem Vaulin was arrested in Poland, and the US now wishes to extradite him back to the country. The US Department of Justice have announced that they have apprehended the alleged owner of Kickass Torrents (KAT), one of the most popular torrent websites. Artem Vaulin, 30, was arrested in Poland, and is charged by criminal complaint filed in the US. Further, a federal court in Chicago has also ordered the seizure of one bank account and seven domain names associated with KAT. The US now seeks to extradite Vaulin. The complaint alleges that Vaulin owned and operated Kickass Torrents, which was used to illegally reproduce and distribute copyright movies, games, TV programs, music, and other media since 2008. Further, it says that the copyrighted material is collectively valued at well over $1 billion. It also states that KAT moved domains several times due to numerous seizures and copyright lawsuits, and has been blocked in multiple counties including the UK, Italy, Denmark, and Malaysia. The website is said to have relied on a network of computer servers located around the world. Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Departments Criminal department stated, Vaulin is charged with running todays most visited illegal file-sharing website, responsible for unlawfully distributing well over $1 billion of copyrighted materials. In an effort to evade law enforcement, Vaulin allegedly relied on servers located in countries around the world and moved his domains due to repeated seizures and civil lawsuits. His arrest in Poland, however, demonstrates again that cybercriminals can run, but they cannot hide from justice. However, it is also noted that the charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and Vaulin is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Android N will refuse to boot, or boot with user consent, if a phone is infested by malware. Android Nougat will check for malware when it boots up on a device. If it finds malware, the OS wont boot up. The malware check during boot was part of Marshmallow as well, but the phone would still boot if a malware was found, notifying the user that their phone has malware. It seems Google is really focusing on the security element of the Android OS. As reported earlier, Android N is also going to stop ransomware from changing device passwords. The announcement was made on the Android Developers blog, where Google explained the boot check mechanism used in Android Nougat. A malware infested phone will either not boot or boot in something like safe mode, in order to limit the malwares activity. Starting with devices first shipping with Android 7.0, we require verified boot to be strictly enforced. This means that a device with a corrupt boot image or verified partition will not boot or will boot in a limited capacity with user consent, said the post. However, the new methods may also mean that non-malicious corruption will also stop your device from booting, which is presumably why booting is allowed with user consent. Strictly enforced verified boot improves security, but can also reduce reliability by increasing the impact of disk corruption that may occur on devices due to software bugs or hardware issues, wrote Google. Rumours suggest that the Xiaomi Redmi Pro may feature a MediaTek Helio X25, 4GB RAM and 128GB of storage. Xiaomi has posted a series of teasers on its Weibo account, giving clues about the upcoming Redmi Pro smartphone. One of the teasers shared by Xiaomi shows Chinese celebrity chef Liu Shi Shi cooking a dish called '10 core double stem head'. In another teaser video, Xiaomi showcases a dish called 'OLED PING'. Speculations surrounding the device and the two teasers suggest that the upcoming Redmi smartphone will house a deca-core SoC and an OLED display. Other speculations around the soon-to-be-launched Redmi Pro includes MediaTek Helio X25 SoC, previously seen on the flagship Meizu Pro 6. The Redmi Pro is expected to house a 5.5-inch 1080p display, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It is also likely that the upcoming smartphone will feature a fingerprint scanner, metal build and run on Android v6.0 Marshmallow, with MiUI 8. The upcoming Redmi smartphone may also come with dual-rear cameras, and is expected to be announced at Xiaomis July 27 event. Walcom Group announced on Thursday that it has reached agreement, via its subsidiary Walcom Thailand , for the purchase of a two-thirds stake in a 15,295 square metre freehold site in the Sakorn Province in Thailand, located 32km from Bangkok. The AIM-traded firm said total consideration for the site is THB 23.9m (0.52m), of which the company's two-thirds stake is THB 15.9m, which will be funded entirely from Walcom Thailand's existing cash resources. The company has witnessed a steady growth in demand for its products in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Economic Community over the last few years, Walcom said in a statement. Specifically, the board has witnessed expanding sales into Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam during the current financial year and is hopeful that this trend will continue. With this in mind, and while the cost of land in Thailand is relatively low, the board has taken the opportunity to acquire this site to develop a feed additive manufacturing plant in Thailand, which is a member of the AEC, for supplying the AEC market, it explained. Completion of the acquisition from a third party vendor is expected to occur within the next four months. The remainder of the interest in the Sakorn site has been acquired by Mr Paitoon Buddhinunta-Opas, the general manager of Walcom Thailand, its board confirmed. Germany's biggest airline cites terror attacks and political and economic uncertainty Lufthansa airlines has blamed European terrorist attacks and an uncertain political and economic environment for cutting its profit forecast for this year. It cut its full-year profit forecast for 2016 from "slightly above previous year" to "below previous year". Other airlines such as British Airways and Easyjet have also cut their prospects following a fall in bookings. The group also released preliminary results for the first half of 2016, saying sales fell to 15bn euros, down from 15.4bn in the same period last year. First-half adjusted EBIT rose to 529mn euros, up from 468 mn last year. A previous target of 6% for increased flying also fell to around 5.4% for the year. In its statement, Lufthansa said advance bookings, in particular on long-haul routes to Europe had "declined significantly", since it made its original profit forecast in March. As well as various terror attacks in France, Belgium and Turkey in the past year, Europe has faced political and economic turmoil following the proposed departure of Britain from the European Union last month. Shares in Ashtead topped the FTSE 100 on Thursday morning as investors read across from the results of US-based sector peer United Rentals, which reported slightly improved quarterly results overnight. With Ashtead's US-focused Sunbelt providing the bulk of group sales, it was significant that Connecticut-headquartered United Rentals retained its full year outlook, with management reaffirming revenue, operating profit, capital spending and free cash flow guidance for 2016. Market leader United also said it was solid growth on both the east and west Coasts of the US, though conditions remain challenging in Canada. "Based on what we saw through the mid-year, and what we hear from the field, we continue to expect our business to improve both seasonally and cyclically," United chief executive Michael Kneeland said, although acknowledging the "elevated uncertainty" about the global economy. Analysts at Peel Hunt in London said the key observation for Ashtead was the continued momentum in its key US regions, with demand for speciality and improved rental rate guidance. The broker confidently retained its 2017 pre-tax profit forecast of 750m, ahead of consensus 720m to reflect currency moves, with earnings per share of 97.1p. JP Morgan Cazenove also commented on the impact for the UK group: "We would expect the commentary on the sequentially improving rental rate to be taken positively by Ashtead, reinforcing some of the more positive data points seen in recent months." At 0945 BST Ashtead shares were up 3.9% at 1,172p, close to last year's all-time high. Chief executive James Henderson left with immediate effect and was replaced by Philip Bowcock, the current chief financial officer, in the interim. A permanent position will be appointed in due course. On Friday Canaccord Genuity cut its target price for William Hill from 301p to 340p. The company had experienced poor results from the Cheltenham horse race, tighter regulation and technology challenges. In June UBS said the bookmaker had lost market share in Australia amid fierce competition. In March, William Hill said it expected operating profit to fall between 260m and 280m this year from 291m last year. William Hill said Hendersons leaving arrangements will be consistent with the director's remuneration policy. His 12 months notice period started on the 21 July and he will remain an employee for four weeks. Peel Hunt said: The company says that trading is in line with previous guidance: EBIT (earnings before interest and tax) of 260-280m. William Hills business has faltered recently, particularly online, and there have been numerous operational management changes. Changing the CEO with no replacement lined up shortly before the interims - due 5 August - implies that the problems of the business are yet to be resolved. "Despite the poor recent share price performance and the reassurance on trading we expect the share price to struggle today. We are putting our forecasts and recommendation under review ahead of the interims. On consensus forecasts, William Hill shares trade on 12x FY16 PER, falling to 11x FY17, and a 4.4% dividend yield, based on consensus." The FTSE 250 listed company said there is no entitlement to pay Henderson's 2016 bonus following a notice of termination. But Henderson will be paid the executive bonus matching scheme award in March 2018. In 2015 he was awarded 77,754 deferred bonus shares for the annual bonus earned in 2014. Chairman Gareth Davis said: "James's career with William Hill has spanned over 30 years covering the retail, online and international businesses. We would like to thank him for his significant contribution and we wish him all the best for the future. Philip has a clear set of priorities as interim CEO, principally the continued turnaround of the online business. We will confirm a successor in the coming months." Bowcock joined William Hill in November 2015 and has experience in the leisure industry and a commercial background in multi-site international businesses. Shares in William Hill were up 1.56% to 279.40p at 0928 BST. UK Prime Minister Theresa May would have to justify any delay in starting the formal Brexit process, French President Francois Hollande said on Thursday. Speaking after a meeting in Dublin with Irish PM Enda Kenny, Hollande said he would be seeking an explanation from May during talks in Paris on Thursday night. He said the UK should leave 'as soon as possible' so 'orderly negotiations' could begin. I will meet Theresa May tonight. That will be the opportunity to hear the arguments. What is the interest of delaying? I would like justifications, he said. "Access to the single market cannot be guaranteed unless free movement of workers is respected," he added. The harder French position is in stark contrast to Wednesday's talks in Berlin with May's German counterpart Angela Merkel, who said the UK should 'take a moment' over its plans to leave the European Union. 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. How Ohio anti-abortion activists shaped post-Roe America 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. The Indian Army has deployed additional tanks in the mountainous border areas of Ladakh, in Jammu and Kashmir, along its borders with China as a precaution against China's aggressive military postures. In an unusual move, New Delhi has deployed more than 100 of the Russia-made T-72 tanks on the barren heights of Ladakh in its disputed border with China, a strategy seen as beefing up India's presence in an area that overlooks the Tibet Autonomous Region. China has been constantly upgrading its military infrastructure especially on its border with India. The Indian Army, however, said the move is part of the winter drill to validate the capability of the T-20 tanks at such heights and is not an inimical move against China. ''What we have done is that we have procured special additives and lubricants for high altitude terrain such as winter grade diesel and additives for the lubrication system, which prevents it from freezing in the tank,'' reports quoting Colonel Vijay Dalal, Commanding Officer of a tank, as saying. While the tanks and crew have acclimatised, they have not been able to test their fire power in the heights here due to lack of firing ranges. There is a need to verify their firing capacity at higher altitudes and the Ladakh region, which is lined with plains in between the mountain ranges, offers a chance to test the T-20 tanks. India has already deployed tanks in Sikkim. Operating and maintaining tanks at such low oxygen conditions has significant challenges. There is severe degradation in the performance of these tanks as the cold temperatures and high altitude affect several parts and sub-components of the tanks. For training, however, the Army now sends its crew to the training centre at Ahmednagar, which is in the plains and has much different conditions. This is the first time that India deployed the T-72 tanks in the Himalayan region after the 1962 Indo-China war, reports The Diplomat. The latest deployment also comes amidst increased Chinese incursions, the latest by the PLA being on 8 March this year when Chinese troops entered almost six km near the Pangong lake area of Ladakh region. The move, however, was thwarted by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). ''The ITBP men showed banners and told the Chinese troops to go back. After a two-hour long verbal duel, the Chinese men went back. Such incidents keep on happening because of difference of perception on the LAC,'' the Hindustan Times quoted a senior security official as saying. The Chinese PLA had made similar incursions into Indian territory in April 2015 and twice in 2014, July and December. (See: 'Indian defence moves could hit investment from China' ) 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. Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture, the competition in which secondary school students design high fashion outfits from recycled materials, won both Best Live Event and Best Overall Event at this year's prestigious Event Industry Awards in Dublin. The competition was started by Troy Armour and Elizabeth Curran (second from left) who are both from Buncrana. In just six years, it's grown from humble beginnings at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, to selling out the 3Arena and gracing the red carpet at both Royal Film Premieres in London and the Cannes Film Festival. JK is now taking off at schools across the UK as well. Pictured with Troy and Elizabeth are Sara Ryan and Ciara Armstrong, also of JK. Elizabeth said, After six years of hard work and watching the competition grow, we are overwhelmed to win this prestigious prize. Were already looking forward to making Junk Kouture 2017 even bigger and better, growing on last year but we wouldnt be able to do it without the fantastic work from our team who have made Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture what it is, so a huge thanks to them. And of course, last but most certainly not least, thanks to all the teachers, schools, parents and teachers who made the show everything it is, a huge thank you to all of you. Bring on 2017! Pictured above: this year's winners at the Final in the 3Arena. Laura Lynch, Head of Youth Banking at Bank of Ireland added, We are thrilled and honoured to receive this Award for Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture 2016. In addition to inspiring students to channel their passions and creative ability, the competition offers students who get involved a life changing experience. Weve worked closely with the Junk Kouture team to develop and grow the competition regionally and nationally since 2012, so it is fantastic to gain this recognition for our continued commitment to supporting todays youth. Entries for this year's competition will open in September. For further information, visit www.junkkouture.com or visit us over on Facebook www.facebook.com/junkkouture or Twitter: https://twitter.com/junkkouture Donegal band, Tanjier, have been shortlisted by RTE 2FM and Oxfam for their 'Play the Picnic' competition. Of the hundreds of acts that entered, Tanjier have been chosen as one of the top 30. Tanjier are a dynamic band whose roots are firmly planted in Donegal. Michael Killen and Ronan Lynch are native Donegal men, from Castlefinn and Ballybofey respectively. The group formed in October, 2015. The band members met in a variety of circumstances, explains Killen. "I met Ronan in primary school in Castlefinn, I then met Tommy in college in Marino, Dublin. I met Ann when we were in Uganda on a volunteer teaching programme. The band formed a few years later," he said. Looking for your help From the 30 shortlisted bands, the top 10 will play at Electric Picnic this September. To achieve this, Tanjier are asking people to vote for them and raise money for Oxfam by doing so. "Oxfam fights against worldwide poverty. To play on the Oxjam stage at Electric Picnic this summer would be an amazing experience. If we go on to play the Cosby Stage as the overall winner, it could open up countless possibilities for Tanjier. Were asking people to help make this happen by texting Picnic2 (no spaces) to 50300. Support this fight against poverty and vote for us! Texts cost just 2 and the proceeds go towards Oxfam," said Ronan. Tanjier release their debut EP, Sunrise on Sunday, July 31st in the Wiley Fox, Dublin. Concert-goers on the night can expect a fusion of synthpop, indie rock, folk and funk inspired by the likes of Bob Dylan, Bon Iver, Coldplay and Jack Garratt. The closing date for the competition is Friday, July 29th. Keep up to date with Tanjier on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to their debut single Sunrise on www.soundcloud.com/tanjier/sunrise. As many area communities will be observing Trick-or-Treating this weekend and Monday, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections advises you and your family to keep your children safer this Halloween by discussing ahead of time what to do if you are ever separated. A list of safety tips from state agencies is below to help ensure a safer Halloween weekend for everyone. You can also find the hours for trick-or-treating in Door and Kewaunee counties by clicking here. -A parent or trusted adult should always accompany children -Stay on well-lit streets and stick to neighborhoods you know -Only stop at homes where the porch light is on -Never enter a home or car for a treat -Trick-or-treaters should carry a cell phone to allow for quick communication -If the child carries a cell phone, activate location services prior to trick-or-treating -Call 911 if you see any suspicious or illegal activity Children should yell No! and run from any stranger who tries to take them somewhere -Have a responsible adult check treats at the end of the night Similarly, the Wisconsin Department of Health also suggests some tips for families with trick-or-treaters and families who are giving out candy. Costume Tips -Choose costumes that are light-colored and more visible to motorists. -Use reflective tape to decorate costumes and candy bags to increase the visibility of children to drivers. Reflective tape may be purchased at hardware, bicycle, or sporting goods stores. -Use make-up rather than a mask; if your childs costume does include a mask, make sure it fits snugly and that the eyeholes are large enough to allow full vision. -Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. -Costumes should be short enough that a child will not trip and fall. -Choose costume accessories such as swords or knives that are made of soft and flexible material. -Do not use novelty contacts such as cat eyes or snake eyes. Pedestrian Safety -Engage in Halloween activities during the daylight hours, if possible. -Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision. -Remind children to walk, not run, and to only cross streets at crosswalks. -Be sure your children are accompanied by a responsible adult who has a flashlight. ----- -Flashlights or chemical light sticks should be used so that children can see and be seen by motorists. Halloween Home Safety -Remove obstacles from your lawn, porch, or steps if you are expecting trick-or-treaters. -Make sure your front porch is well-lit. -Avoid using candle-lit jack-o-lanterns if possible. If you do use candles, dont place them near curtains, furnishings, or decorations. Move them off porches where childrens costumes may ignite. -Keep your pets in another room when you are expecting trick-or-treaters. -Small children should not carve pumpkins; instead, allow them to draw the designs on the pumpkin and adults may carve. -Turn on an outside light if welcoming trick-or-treaters. DkIT are the first third level institute in the country to issue an open tender for the role of chaplaincy following an ongoing row over how such roles were being filled. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) are set to publish a report into the commonplace practice which saw third level institutes hire chaplains on an in-house, behind closed doors basis. The practice was highlighted by Dundalk man John Hamill of Atheist Ireland, who drew attention to the fact that under European law all roles had to be open tender and could not favour any particular religion or gender. Up to this point many third level institutes had appointed chaplains through the local Roman Catholic church. Mr Hamill believes that Atheist's Ireland campaign has been validated by the change. This would not have happened without the Atheist Ireland campaign and that was explicitly confirmed by the HEA as part of their report. We provided a detailed briefing to them during their investigation and they have accepted all of our recommendations. Mr Hamill states he doesn't mind who gets the job as long as it's the best candidate. Atheist Ireland expects that the best candidate for the job is appointed, irrespective of faith or creed. If the best candidate happens to be a Catholic priest then the Catholic priest should absolutely be appointed. These are public service roles. We dont care what religion a Garda or a nurse is. Student services appointments should not differentiate on religion either. Atheist Ireland however believe that a significant portion of chaplaincy resources should be spent on those of no faith. The only third level college in the country that retains information on the religious breakdown of their student body, is Maynooth University. Circa 25 per cent of their students have no religion at all and there is no reason to suspect a higher religiosity in Dundalk. As such, we will look forward to circa 25 per cent of chaplaincy activities being aimed at students of no faith. Perhaps one day per week from the daily Mass could be replaced with a secular presentation? Atheist Ireland would be happy to help with this. DkIT have also stated in their open tender that whoever the candidate is, they will not be allowed to proselytise for their faith while in the job, something Mr Hamill is keen to highlight. Those who are required to proselytise for their faith can do so on their own time. A Garda or a nurse from such religions dont get breaks from their jobs to proselytise criminals and patients. Student services should be no different. The respite service at St Marys Drumcar will continue despite its current suspension. The St John of God North East Services have stated it regrets the postponement of the respite services but it is hoped to have them restored as soon as possible. However Deputy Fergus O'Dowd said that recent revelations about the additional payments to senior managers from St. John of God have raised serious public concerns. The public has a right to know why respite services are being cut in one area while huge payments are being made to senior managers, Deputy O'Dowd said. It is ironic that this cut in respite comes to light on the same day that the media is reporting that an undisclosed payment of 600,000 was made to the Chief Executive of St John of God in 2013. Deputy ODowd said: When one contrasts the tremendous work of the staff and the community of St. John of God's with the scandal of the under-the- table payments to senior executives that were announced recently, it is absolutely unacceptable that this can happen, he told the Dail. I have no doubt that the Minister of State will intervene immediately and urgently, so that the care these people need comes first and always first. These people must be looked after and I look forward to the Minister of States response and, indeed, his actions. I know they will be appropriate, but it is unacceptable that the scandal of payments under the counter would continue. I have had a number of constituents ringing me, all of them regretfully in tears and very upset, looking for an increased level of care in terms of the respite their family members need. Their family members, in each case, have an intellectual disability. One of them occupies a respite bed in St. Mary's in Drumcar for three weeks and then on the fourth week of the month they are forced to leave that respite bed in the proper place and to go to a private nursing home, notwithstanding the excellence of care there. It is inappropriate and unacceptable to the family and, indeed, to the person who is in that bed, because they leave their familiar surroundings and they are put into an entirely inappropriate place with people who are much older than them. He asked the health minister of state to look at the issue, not just the cases of the people referred to, but the wider issue of the emerging needs in the entire communities? Respite must be available for these people, he said. The issue was also raised by Fianna Fail Deputy Declan Breathanch and Sinn Fein President and Deputy Gerry Adams. Dundalk Youth Service has been awarded Junior Runner Up at the Irish Cancer Society X-HALE Youth Awards 2016. The group scooped the award for its short film Ciggy and Me which was showcased at the recent event in the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield. Over 300 young people came together to showcase their anti-tobacco films and projects which they have created to contribute towards establishing Irelands first smoke-free generation. Smoking rates among young people have plummeted to their lowest rate yet with only eight per cent of young people between the ages of 10 and 17 now smoking. The rate of smoking among young people in Ireland has seen continuous decline in recent years. While in 1998, 21.2 per cent of young people between 10-17 years were smoking, the numbers dropped to 11.9 per cent in 2010 and 8 per cent in 2014. X-HALE is an initiative of the Irish Cancer Society which aims to empower young people to work towards reducing smoking among their generation, by raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and encouraging their peers to be smoke free. Since its inception in 2011, the X-HALE Youth Awards has seen almost 1,200 young people attend the annual event, with over a quarter of a million views for the young peoples smoking prevention short films and projects online. Kevin OHagan, Cancer Prevention Manager at the Irish Cancer Society said: I would like to congratulate Dundalk Youth Service for taking part and for making a positive impact on their health and that of their peers. They have been recognised for exceptional effort in their project. We need to look at what Dundalk Youth Service and the rest of the #theXgeneration are saying. They can be Irelands first smoke-free generation and they are telling us in their own way that the time is up for the tobacco industry in this country. They are educated on the issue of smoking and are refusing to let their health be affected by tobacco. Description: Anheuser-Busch's Stella Make Summer a Vacation Sweepstakes is giving away prizes for the warm weather. Enter and you could win a personal watercraft worth $6,500 or one of 18 weekly prizes of a Stella tote. Sweepstakes Links: Click Here to Enter this Sweepstakes Click Here for the Official Sweepstakes Rules Click Here for the Sweepstakes' Home Page Note: If the sweepstakes entry link doesn't work for you, try entering through the home page and looking for a link to the sweepstakes. Category: Car Sweepstakes, Jewelry & Fashion, Big Sweepstakes, Weekly Sweepstakes Eligibility: USA, 21+ Start Date: May 01, 2021 End Date: September 06, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. CT Entry Frequency: 1 x weekly per person/email Sweepstakes Prizes: Grand Prize: A personal watercraft. (ARV: $6,500) 1st Prizes (18 - 1 per week): A Stella tote bag. (ARV: $25) Description: Do you love coffee and listening to live music? Enter Dunkin' Brands' Concerts and Coffee for a Year Sweepstakes and you could win prizes to make your concert-going dreams come true. One grand-prize winner will receive a year's worth of free concerts and Dunkin' coffee awarded as $3,000 in Live Nation gift cards and a $520 Dunkin' gift card. Ten more winners will each receive $15 to spend at Dunkin'. Sweepstakes Links: Click Here to Enter this Sweepstakes Click Here for the Official Sweepstakes Rules Click Here for the Sweepstakes' Home Page Note: If the sweepstakes entry link doesn't work for you, try entering through the home page and looking for a link to the sweepstakes. Category: Events Sweepstakes, Food & Drink Sweepstakes, Gift Certificates Sweepstakes, Free Ticket Sweepstakes, Medium Sweepstakes, Daily Sweepstakes Eligibility: Open to residents of Ohio, 18+ and above the age of majority Start Date: September 16, 2021 End Date: October 28, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. ET Entry Frequency: 1 x daily per person/email Sweepstakes Prizes: Grand Prizes (5): $3,000 in Live Nation e-gift cards and a $520 Dunkin' e-gift card. (ARV: $3,520) 1st Prizes (10): A $15 Dunkin' e-gift card. (ARV: $15) If you think California is a tough place to do business, youre not alone. CALIFORNIA LANDS AT THE BOTTOM A new report from CNBC confirms what scores of companies have long suspected California is the least business-friendly state in the nation. CNBCs 10th annual Americas Top States for Business study places the Golden State at the bottom of the list for 2016. California was also found to be one of the costliest places to do business, with a favorability ranking of 49 out of 50. Those figures dont surprise Clay Harrison, co-owner of Vidcam, a Burbank business that rents cameras, lighting and audio equipment to the TV industry. The thing that bothers me the most are the local taxes, he said. If you buy equipment here in L.A. County they want money. If you buy it from outside the state they want money. And you have to fill out form after form to do business here. The city also has a gross receipts tax but theyre not giving you anything in return. All of this makes it hard to do your record keeping when you have a small business. STATES EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM, INFRASTRUCTURE ALSO RANK LOW Californias educational system also ranked low on the scale, landing at 38, and the states network of roads and bridges, waterways, rail lines and other infrastructure was ranked the 33rd worst in the nation. STATE RANKS HIGH IN TECHNOLOGY, ACCESS TO CAPITAL Still, California was rated second in technology and second in easy access to capital. The states overall economy was likewise deemed the eighth healthiest in the nation. Larry Mandell, a principal with Training Refund Group, said his company is one of the bright spots in Californias otherwise difficult business climate. His Anaheim-based business helps companies secure funding for employee training through the California Employment Training Panel. The money comes from an employment training tax of $7 per employee, per year that is paid by employers. There are some programs out there that are pro-business and this is one of them, he said. California companies are at a disadvantage because of our schools and educational system. People are coming into the workplace who dont have the skills necessary to really compete. The biggest benefit from our program is that people get the skills training they didnt receive in school. TEXAS TOPS THE LIST IN CUMULATIVE RANKING The CNBC report also provides cumulative rankings for how each state did over the past decade. By that measure, California ranked 36th out of the nations 50 states. Texas topped the list at No. 1, followed by Virginia, Utah, Colorado and North Carolina. Advertisement Hawaii landed at the bottom of the cumulative ratings, although it snagged the top spot this year in the Quality of Life category. GOLDEN STATE LEADS THE NATION IN JOB CREATION Economist Christopher Thornberg, a founding partner with Beacon Economics, noted last week that Californias reputation for being unfriendly to businesses hasnt slowed the states forward momentum particularly in job creation. You could argue that just in the last four months we have finally erased the last residuals of the Great Recession out of the labor market, he said. And of course California, once written off as a disaster of business unfriendliness, is continuing to lead the nation in terms of economic growth. Figures show California added nearly 447,000 new jobs last year, more than Texas and Florida combined. Kim Victorine, director of operations for Plastics Plus Technology in Redlands, agreed that Californias tax climate and labor costs including workers compensation, medical insurance and related expenses make it difficult to do business here. But for Plastics Plus, he said, it makes sense to stay. We make a slew of different medical parts that are used in hospitals and emergency rooms and we ship a lot of products to L.A. County, San Diego County and to Mexico, he said. We have lower shipping costs by being where we are, and we make deliveries in our own trucks. perkthim albanian Crnogorska prijevod Sir Suma Chakrabarti will meet governments and businesses in three Western Balkans countries The President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Sir Suma Chakrabarti is visiting three Western Balkans countries of operations next week in the first phase of his wider regional tour. President Chakrabarti will visit Kosovo on 25 July, Albania on 26 July and Montenegro on 27-28 July 2016. He will meet top officials in all three countries to discuss the growing importance of the Western Balkans for the EBRD and its role in the region. The President will also meet representatives of the business and diplomatic communities and other international financial institutions active in the region. He will sign loan agreements in Kosovo, launch an agriculture financing facility in Albania and attend a ground-breaking ceremony for an agricultural distribution centre in Montenegro. President Chakrabarti said ahead of the visit: The Western Balkans is one of our priorities. We initiated a new dialogue between the countries prime ministers two years ago at the inaugural Western Balkans Summit held at the EBRDs London headquarters, and earlier this year we hosted regional prime ministers and business leaders alongside hundreds of foreign investors at a follow up Western Balkans Investment Summit, also at the EBRDs headquarters. I am glad to see that the new format of regional cooperation, now known as the Berlin Process, is gaining momentum. We remain committed to actively supporting regional integration, including better connectivity in areas of transport and energy. I am looking forward to deepening our cooperation further and discussing new ideas during my visits to the region. The EBRD is one of the largest investors in the Western Balkans. In Kosovo, the EBRD has invested over 203 million in 48 projects (which will increase to 50 projects with two planned signings during the Presidents visit). In Albania, total EBRD investment has reached 1.056 billion in 74 projects. In Montenegro, the Bank has invested nearly 530 million in 53 projects. In late August this year, the President of the EBRD will also visit Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. 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. Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential candidate, this week unveiled a technology and innovation agenda that calls for a broader commitment to improving computer science and STEM education, expansion of broadband Internet to the entire United States, and deployment of 5G wireless networks. Clintons plan calls for advancing high-tech training in American schools through collaboration with nonprofits and the private sector to train up to 50,000 computer science teachers in the next decade. It would double the investment in federal training grants to provide computer science education for students. It would provide access to capital for entrepreneurs, and institute measures to promote diversification of the tech workforce. Clinton called for changes to the immigration system to remove barriers to high-skilled workers and entrepreneurs who want to come to the U.S., where technology companies are in dire need of talented engineers and other staff. The plan would create start-up visas for entrepreneurs, and attach green cards to STEM masters and PhDs from accredited colleges and universities. Wider Access Clinton said the digital divide, which has left low income and rural communities without affordable high-speed Internet, should be closed by 2020, and that 5G wireless should be made available to support the Internet of Things, smart factories, autonomous vehicles and other innovative technologies. She also came out in support of Net neutrality, and called for greater competition, backed up by enforcement from government agencies. She said states and localities should reduce barriers to entry. Clintons technology agenda, including her support for STEM education and her plans to expand the new technology workforce, maintain a free and open Internet, and increase emphasis on cybersecurity training, drew praise from Todd Thibodeaux, CEO of the Computing Technology Industry Association. CTIA, which includes more than 2,000 member companies in the information security sector, is based in Washington. The need for high-speed, reliable digital infrastructure is critical to the expansion of innovation and commerce, Thibodeaux added. Strong encryption, favorable trade deals to allow U.S. companies to remain competitive, and high-skilled immigration reform must be part of the conversation, he said. CompTIA is one of more than a dozen technology associations that released a technology sector presidential platform in May. Another is the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, which likewise applauded the Clinton plan, noting its emphasis on cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, diversifying the STEM pipeline and increasing fundamental research funding. Clintons proposal conveys a vested interest in the digital economy and understands the importance of open access to information and a fast Internet, as well as how the issues bolster the growth of our economy and quality of life for consumers and businesses in the Bay area, said Peter Luroe-Munoz, the groups vice president of technology and innovation policy. Staying on Course The Clinton proposals appear to be an extension of existing federal policies, said Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT. Its easy to see why some have suggested that Clintons technology-related policies would qualify as an extension of Barack Obamas strategy, he told the E-Commerce Times. Her support for Net neutrality is particularly clear in that respect, and also sets her apart from the presumptive GOP candidate, Donald Trump, who steadfastly opposes it. Clintons likely appointments of pro Net neutrality commissioners to the FCC and other agencies could have a lasting impact even if she were to serve only one term, King suggested. The goal of expanding high-speed broadband to the entire population is praiseworthy, according to broadband technology analyst Craig Settles, but without a commitment to increase the speed and lower the cost, the impact would be limited. If she does not address the issue of lack of competition, its hard to see the U.S. getting an increase in coverage speeds, let alone affordability, he told the E-Commerce Times. The U.S. is woefully unprepared for expanding broadband access, Settles said, because building the infrastructure required to make those services available, including the installation of poles, laying fiber-optic cables, etc., would require thousands of trained workers. Most politicians and most technology executives, for that matter lack a full understanding of these issues, technology analyst Jeff Kagan told the E-Commerce Times. They decide which way will give the government the kind of power it needs, without much concern for marketplace realities. The United States Federal Trade Commission has launched an investigation into philanderers dating site Ashley Madison, Reuters reported Tuesday. The company, which suffered a massive data breach last year that resulted in extortion attempts and ruined lives, as well as class-action lawsuits, earlier this week announced that it hired a new CEO and a new president in April. CEO Rob Segal and President James Millership also revealed that Ashley Madison had been using fembots computer programs responding like real women to conduct conversations with some of its paying male customers worldwide. The fembots have been shut down, confirmed an Ernst & Young report commissioned by Ashley Madisons parent company, Avid Life Media. The use of fembots might have triggered the probe by the FTC, which is tasked with guarding against consumer fraud, among other things. The FTC declined to confirm or deny whether it is conducting an investigation, because FTC investigations are nonpublic, spokesperson Jay Mayfield told the E-Commerce Times. Ashley Madison did not respond to our request to provide further details. Possible Impact Ashley Madison is seeking to rebrand itself as a service that promises discretion for participants in many types of adult dating not just affairs. A large number of its members are singles, according to the company. Disclosures arising from the FTCs investigation will make it more difficult to reposition Ashley Madison as safe for customers, suggested Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group. Ashley Madison will want to create a new image but as the evidence from the investigation is shared, it will reinforce the old image, making it nearly impossible for the firm to successfully pivot, he told the E-Commerce Times. On the other hand, the probe might spice up the firms image. At the time it was hacked last July, Ashley Madison had about 40 million users; it now boasts more than 46 million. Keeping Users Safe Since the breach, Ashley Madison has stepped up efforts to secure its IT systems. It hired cybersecurity firm Deloitte, whose experts apparently found several simple backdoors in its Linux servers. Also, Ashley Madison said it expects to reach the first level of Payment Card Industry compliance by September, according to the Reuters report. Ashley Madison earlier this year instituted masking for subscribers photos. However, if an adversary has access to the back-end systems, the masking of profile pictures doesnt provide much protection, noted Rick Holland, VP of strategy at Digital Shadows. Masking is a good step so long as its part of a holistic approach to improving security, he told the E-Commerce Times. Every company is vulnerable to some degree to data breaches as long as there are people involved in the process, Enderle pointed out. Given the value of information surrounding someones extramarital affairs, I doubt Ashley Madison can afford security that would be good enough to truly ensure this wouldnt happen again. Digital Shadows last fall discovered cybercriminal gang DD4BC was seeking to extort Ashley Madison breach victims, demanding they pay a ransom of one bitcoin for its silence. At least 17 victims paid up. Two suspected members of the gang were arrested in January, Holland said, but recently weve had clients report they were targeted by a copycat actor. It takes time for organizations to materially improve their security maturity, so its likely that Ashley Madison and Avid Media still have significant opportunities to mature, Holland remarked. 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On Jan. 13, President Barack Obama announced a national initiative to find a cure for cancer. Should we wait for the medical system to find a cure or can we act for ourselves now? Lets start with eating healthy real food, especially ones that have been proven scientifically to help in fighting cancer. Photo credit: Harvest to Table Lets start with eating healthy real food, especially ones that have been proven scientifically to help in fighting cancer. Here are six of them. 1. Flaxseed Lignans Help Fight Cancer Reduce prostate cancer with flaxseeds. Research studies have shown that lignans can slow the growth of prostate cancer cells. Breast cancer survival was significant in three studies that followed thousands of women diagnosed with breast cancer, published at PubMed Central1, 2, 3. They found, Lignans might play an important role in reducing all-cause and cancer-specific mortality of the patients operated on for breast cancer. 2. Tomatoes Lower Risk of Cancer Risk of breast cancer may be reduced with tomatoes due to their high amounts of carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene and total carotenoids) as shown by research in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Risk of prostate cancer was found to be reduced in a study showing men who ate more than 10 portions of tomatoes or tomato products per week reduced their risk of prostate cancer by 18 percent compared to men who ate less than 10. It is clear that the current evidence favors the consumption of tomatoes and tomato products rather than lycopene supplements as stated in the Oxford Journals. 3. Avocados Help Fight Cancer Cells The glutathione found in avocados has been found to help prevent some kinds of cancers. Researchers at Ohio State University found nutrients in Hass avocados kill or stop the growth of pre-cancerous cells that lead to oral cancer. Avocado extract was found to inhibit prostate cancer. Molecules in avocados have been found to attack leukemia stem cells directly while leaving healthy cells unharmed, according to a study. 4. Garlic Fights Cancer Lung cancer risk decreased in a study with those who ate raw garlic two or more times a week, according to a study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research. The researchers also found that even smokers who ate raw garlic decreased their risk of lung cancer by around 30 percent. Garlic, as an allium vegetable, has been found in a study to protect against stomach and colon cancers. In test tubes, garlic seems to kill cancer cells. And studies suggest that people who eat more raw or cooked garlic are less likely to get colon and stomach cancers and cancer of the esophagus. University of Maryland Medical Center. 5. Legumes (Beans and Lentils) Reduce Cancer Risk Prostate cancer risk was found to be lower in a six-year study of more than 14,000 men living in the U.S. Those with the highest intake of legumes (beans, lentils or split peas) had a significantly lower risk of prostate cancer. Legumes were found to reduce risk for colon cancer. Scientists examined 14 studies with 1,903,459 participants and found that those consuming the most legumes, especially soybeans, had the lowest risk for colon cancer. Pancreatic cancer risk was lessened when legumes were consumed more than two times a week compared to those who ate legumes rarely or less than once a week, according to a study. 6. Cruciferous Vegetables (Broccoli, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts) Help Prevent Cancer Cruciferous vegetable have been shown to lower overall cancer risk according to research at Oregon State University. They have been found to help inhibit and regulate cancer-causing genes, according to research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. People who ate greater amounts of the cruciferous vegetable, brussels sprouts, had a lower risk of cancer, as stated at the National Cancer Institute fact page. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE 11 Foods to Avoid If You Want to Lose Weight Why You Should Have a Himalayan Salt Lamp in Your Home 4 Things You Should Know About Caffeine in Your Coffee High Sugar Consumption Linked to Breast Cancer Leonardo DiCaprios eponymous foundation held its star-studded third annual fundraising gala in St. Tropez, France last night, setting a new fundraising record. This years glittering gala raised nearly $45 million for environmental causes. Getty Nearly $45 million was raised to support the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundations mission of preserving the environment and all of Earths inhabitants. The event also honored victims and survivors of the Bastille Day attack in Nice, Francea portion of the evenings proceeds went to GiveforFrance.org, with DiCaprio himself and a number of guests making personal donations, according to the organizers. In a speech kicking off the evening, the Oscar-winning actor and prominent activist urged for solutions to the worlds environmental challenges. While we are the first generation that has the technology, the scientific knowledge and the global will to build a truly sustainable economic future for all of humanitywe are the last generation that has a chance to stop climate change before it is too late, DiCaprio said. We are the last generation that has a chance to stop climate change before it is too late. Leonardo DiCaprio Getty DiCaprio listed several environmental conservation achievements from this past year, such as the signing of COP21 agreement in April, where the United Nations Messenger of Peace delivered a speech in front of world dignitaries imploring a shift towards renewable energy. He also highlighted successful initiatives achieved by his foundation and their partners, including the first native tiger population increase in 100 years and the first moratorium on all new palm oil plantations in Indonesia, a cause that The Revenant star has been particularly involved. The evening was hosted by DiCaprio as well his foundations fundraising chairman Milutin Gatsby, CEO Terry Tamminen, executive director Justin Winters and with support of banking group Julius Baer and Swiss watch maker Chopard. Event chairs included Boris F.J. Collardi, CEO of Julius Baer, Philippe Cousteau, Jonah Hill, Kate Hudson, Tobey Maguire, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Caroline Scheufele, Kevin Spacey, Cate Blanchett, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Robert De Niro, Scarlett Johansson and Charlize Theron. The gala, of course, included a host of A-list attendees, including Bono, Chris Rock, Mariah Carey, Bradley Cooper and supermodels Naomi Campbell, Constance Jablonski, Joan Smalls, Doutzen Kroes and Lily Donaldson. The Weeknd and Lana Del Rey gave special performances. [instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BIGXggvjASH/ expand=1] H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco awarded with the foundations first New World Leadership Award, in recognition of his legacy of environmental conservation. The soirees signature silent and live auction featured a slew of unique experiences (my favorite: attending the U.S. Opens mens final with Leo!), luxury collectibles and memorabilia. DiCaprios collection of fine art on the block included pieces from renowned artists Jeff Koons, Pablo Picasso, Urs Fischer, Olafur Eliasson and Adrian Villar Rojas. GQ gave a hilarious breakdown of auctions offerings: The items range from the practical to the insane. For example, you could bid on DiCaprios Rolex, his diamond cufflinks he wore when he won his Oscar, various pieces of expensive fine art (like the ones in DiCaprios storied collection), and A Unique Pair of Luminous Jellyfish Earrings. That last one is a little less Leo, but it is just the right amount of decadent. You can also go for the Leonardo DiCaprio experience, including a week on set with Martin Scorsese (will he let you call him Marty?), a private game of Texas Hold Em with Edward Norton and Jonah Hill, an evening with Mariah Carey, and lunch with Margot Robbie. All for the price of a few years at an Ivy League, but think about it. What better education is there than paying celebrities to hang out with you? Thats what I thought. There are also some weirder offerings like a portrait of Leos eyeball. If youre going to get a portrait of an eyeball, why not have it be Leo DiCaprios eyeball? Its a good eyeball. That said, the money raised is going towards worthy causes. The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, founded in 1998, has given away more than $59 million to fund environmental projects across the globe. The foundation announced last week $15.6 million in grants, the largest portfolio of environmental grants in the foundations history, to organizations that are working to preserve and protect the future of the planet. These grants further the foundations approach to helping tackle some of todays most pressing environmental issues. @LeoDiCaprio Foundation invests $2,100,000 to protect indigenous rights support Indigenous-led conservation movement https://t.co/89ymLD2v4h Indigenous Waters (@TribalWater) July 17, 2016 The destruction of our planet continues at a pace we can no longer afford to ignore, DiCaprio said. I am proud to support these organizations who are working to solve humankinds greatest challenge. Elon Musk, founder of Tesla Motors, has been leading the way in innovation in the auto industry for more than a decade. The Model S made waves at this years International Auto Show. Last September, Tesla announced it will build the worlds largest battery factory just outside of Reno, Nevada. The company is calling it a gigafactory, which will produce batteries for cars making their all-electric cars more affordable. But the company also has plans for new products in solar and in-home energy storage. In a partnership with SolarCity, Tesla plans to use rooftop solar panels fitted with Teslas batteries to allow customers to use that stored energy to, say, charge their electric car overnight. Photo credit: Shutterstock Tesla will be the most significant competition utility companies have seen in 100 years, according to Adam Allington of Marketplace. Allington spoke with J.B. Straubel, Teslas chief technology officer, who says, In a single factory were doubling the worldwide capacity to manufacture lithium-ion batteries. That will be huge for Teslas all-electric fleet, but the company also plans to develop batteries for use with solar power generation. In places such as California where solar is becoming commonplace, there is a huge demand for these batteries. We sign up approximately one new customer every minute of the workday, Will Craven, director of public affairs at California-based SolarCity, told Allington. Much of the excess energy harnessed by solar panels is returned to the power grid, Cravens says. Homeowners have no control over where that excess energy goes. But now, in a partnership with SolarCity, Tesla plans to use rooftop solar panels fitted with Teslas batteries to allow customers to keep that energy in-house. That way, homeowners can use that energy when they want and how they want. Its what investors call a disruptive technology and it puts Tesla in direct competition with utility companies. Stationary storage, or backup storage, is really being considered the Holy Grail of renewable electricity generation, Ben Kallo, an analyst with the Robert W. Baird financial services firm, told Marketplace. With the ability to store energy, renewable energy sources can compete head-to-head with utility companies for customers, according to Kallo. Musk has never been afraid of the competition. Tesla released its patents in an unprecedented move to advance electric vehicles. When asked at the International Auto Show if he was worried that so many other car companies were going electric, he said no. The future is in electric vehicles. Forward-minded utilities might look at Teslas business model as an opportunity, says Kallo. Energy-storage technology could be used to build capacity in their existing grids and also to build new infrastructure for battery-powered cars and homes. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE Tesla and Toyota Driving Innovation Far Beyond Electric Cars Worlds Biggest Car Company Says No to Gasoline, Yes to Hydrogen The Green Car Guide of 2015 (Photo: . REUTERS / Philimon Bulawayo)A Zimbabwean church member prays for a mother and her child outside a temporary polling station in Mbare, Harare, August 1, 2013. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai dismissed Zimbabwe's election as a farce on Thursday after his rival President Robert Mugabe's party claimed a landslide victory that would secure another five years in power for Africa's oldest head of State. Pope Francis is encouraging Zimbabwean bishops to promote unity and reconciliation in their troubled country that is said to be in economic ruin with political divisions that leave millions of citizens in exile. Meeting on June 2 with the Catholic bishops of Zimbabwe in Rome, the Pope praised the country's church hierarchy for showing their people that their nation's crisis "is both spiritual and moral." Francis said, "While Zimbabweans' faithfulness is already a balm on some of these national wounds, I know that many people have reached their human limit, and do not know where to turn," Vatican Radio reported. Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe is aged 90 and clings onto power after 34 years of rule stifling opposition even within his own Zanu-PF party say many commentators. Many Africans, however, revere him for his stated indigenization policies which they see as a victory over colonialism. Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti hit out at Mugabe for his frequents absences from the country for what his officials describe as "routine eye check-ups" in Singapore that cost Zimbabweans millions of dollars for each trip. 'ROBBER ECONOMY' "The Zanu PF government has become a robber economy and it is not sustainable. The biggest crime that this government of the day is doing is failing to pay civil servants their monthly salaries on time," said Biti. Zimbabwean writer Wezhira Marihwepi said in an opinion piece in the New Zimbabwe online newspaper, "Looking at all economic and social data, the scientific fact which emerges is that his Zanu PF government is edging the country towards total ruin and destruction." Pope Francis said, "The Church in your country has stood fast with her people both before and after independence, now also in the years of overwhelming suffering as millions have left the country in frustration and desperation, as many lives have been lost, so many tears shed," the Pope said. He paid special tribute to the pastoral letter released by the bishops of Zimbabwe in 2007, "God Hears the Cry of the Oppressed," noting that it showed how the country's difficulties have evolved "from colonial times through the present moment." The Pope encouraged the African bishops to preserve unity among the faithful, and especially among the clergy, and to "guide everyone with great tenderness toward unity and healing." Commenting on Pope Francis meeting Precious Shumba, a spokesperson for the Anglican Bishop Chad Gandiya, told SW Radio Africa that Zimbabwe's churches have been deeply fragmented by political allegiance. He said this had resulted in the churches remaining "insignificant" in the country's social landscape. Shumba said Wednesday that the church has been "corrupted" by its political allegiances. "The Church has fallen far short of giving spiritual guidance to the national leadership, in terms of raising critical value issues. They have left the politicians to abuse the citizens, and left the citizens at the mercy of an elite who are consuming all the resources," he said He noted, "In terms of dealing with the national conflict, the church has not come out strongly against oppressive leadership and dictatorial tendencies by those wielding State power and authority, and this means citizens are feeling vulnerable." (Photo: Human Rights Foundation)Pastor Evan Mawarire Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe holds short shrift for anyone who opposes him and he has vent his wrath on evangelical pastor Evan Mawarire the inspiration of a mass protest movement using social media. Mugabe has castigated Mawarire who is behind the #ThisFlag social media campaign that denounces the government's management of the economy. The Zimbabwean president even said he is not a true preacher and accused him of being sponsored by foreign countries bent on destabilising Zimbabwe, which he often uses to deride his opponents. Mawarire backed a stay-at-home strike earlier this month, one of the largest anti-government protests in years, but he was arrested last week, only to be released when a court threw out the charges. The pastor's lawyers convinced the court that the charge of subversion, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, had been added at the last minute, denying him a fair trial, the BBC reported. PEACEFUL STAND Mawarire was first charged with inciting public violence despite calling on Zimbabweans to take a peaceful stand against unemployment and corruption and avoiding directly criticizing the president. After the court hearing he went to neighboring South Africa as he said he wanted things to cool off. The 92-year-old Mugabe made his first comments about the #ThisFlag movement that began several months ago, saying that if people like Mawarire did not like living in Zimbabwe, they should go to "the countries of those who are sponsoring them." Mugabe has ruled with an iron fist since independence from Britain in 1980. He led the country after a bitter civil war against white settlers who had illegally declared themselves independent trying to prevent the major ruling in the southern African country. "A man of religion will speak the biblical truth. 1 Corinthians what does it say? Love one another," the president said during an address to thousands of mourners at the funeral of Charles Utete, the country's first black cabinet secretary. "So beware these men of cloth, not all of them are true preachers of the Bible." Mugabe accused Mawarire of being a charlatan and he was not sure which God he serves. "I don't know whether they are serving God... we spell God double G.O.D, they spell God in reverse," he said to cheers from the crowd. Mawarire has a crowd pulling manner using social media effectively indicating the rise of a new type of leadership in Zimbabwe, wrapping himself in the national flag and posting videos on the Internet that expose the ruling party. The Human Rights Foundation welcomed the release of Mawarire and the court's ruling that his rights were violated. "It is encouraging that a Zimbabwean court would order the charges against a prominent critic dropped," said HRF president Thor Halvorssen. "However, Mawarire should not have been arrested in the first place. His movement called for people to stay home; it is therefore absurd that he was charged with causing public disorder. Zimbabwean authorities must stop arresting peaceful protesters and allow freedom of speech in the country." Mawarire told South African media that Mugabe's statements had shocked him. "To hear a head of state talk of something that is an untruth is bad. So this has become a very serious situation for me, and I fear it. I am worried," he said, Nehanda Radio reported. "The main reason I came here was just to get away from it all, to calm down, relax, clear my head and think clearly about the way forward," he added. There were reports last week of unidentified men making several visits to his home and church in Harare claiming they were looking for him. Kelly, Pastore debate inflation, energy policy in congressional race Kelly and Pastore went head-to-head in a debate Tuesday that was organized by WQLN and Erie News Now, which first aired the taped debate Thursday. 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 Malika Haqq is making a name for herself on TV Ones R&B Divas and now her new co-star Countess Vaughn has a few words for her. Haqq joined the popular reality show this season and she has already rubbed a few of her co-stars the wrong way. And actress Vaughn has no problem admitting it. In the highly anticipated season opener Huqq reveals that she was blindsided by the beef she and Vaughn have. I really dont understand. Do you just want drama with me? Vaughn and Haqq try to speak face-to-face about their drama and Vaughn apologizes for not being warm to Haqq. Haqq said the two met when she was younger during Vaughns days on The Parkers. She accused Vaughn of being rude to her. But Vaughn later reveals she is just as confused. I cant believe Malika. This is the second time that this girl has mentioned an event that I dont remember. And shes all claiming like shes a baby like Im so younger than you. Yeah Youre an adult. I dont know why shes trying to act like shes such a newbie. Still, when Haqq apologizes for possibly hurting Vaughns feelings, Vaughn slightly turns up. You didnt hurt my feelings I dont have a problem letting nobody know where Im at, she said. But Haqq is convinced that Vaughn still has an issue with her. And Vaughn continues to throw shade. Obviously she doesnt know what its like to be a child star. Does she know what its like to be a star period? See it below. Hollywood Divas airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on TV One. Chris Blattman quoting Hsiang and Sekar: International trade of ivory was banned in 1989, with global elephant poaching data collected by field researchers since 2003. A one-time legal sale of ivory stocks in 2008 was designed as an experiment, but its global impact has not been evaluated. We find that international announcement of the legal ivory sale corresponds with an abrupt ~66% increase in illegal ivory production across two continents, and a possible ten-fold increase in its trend. An estimated ~71% increase in ivory smuggling out of Africa corroborates this finding, while corresponding patterns are absent from natural mortality and alternative explanatory variables. These data suggest the widely documented recent increase in elephant poaching likely originated with the legal sale. More generally, these results suggest that changes to producer costs and/or consumer demand induced by legal sales can have larger effects than displacement of illegal production in some global black markets. ... A new NBER working paper by Sol Hsiang and Nitin Sekar. Ungated version here. Younited Italia, Nicola Manzari e il nuovo Coo, Luca Faccini e Head of Growth e Domenico Petraroli e General Counsel DALLAS, July 21, 2016 -- Bleeding inside the lining of the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage) is significantly more common among smokers, especially female smokers, than among people who do not smoke, according to new research in the American Heart Association's journal Stroke. Subarachnoid hemorrhage results from bleeding into the lining between the brain's surface and underlying brain tissue. Although these are more common among women than they are among men, the reasons for this difference were unclear. While smoking is the main risk factor, this study examined the association between smoking habits and subarachnoid hemorrhage in a large prospective study. "Female sex has been described as an independent risk factor for subarachnoid hemorrhage, but we found strong evidence that the elevated risk in women is explained by vulnerability to smoking," said lead study author Joni Valdemar Lindbohm, M.D., a physician in neurosurgery and public health at the University of Helsinki in Finland. "Our results suggest that age, sex and lifestyle risk factors play a critical role in predicting which patients are at risk for subarachnoid hemorrhage and emphasize the importance of effective smoking cessation strategies." Although cigarette smoking was linked to an increased risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage among both sexes, women faced the highest risk. Specifically, researchers found: Among light smokers (1 to 10 cigarettes per day), women were 2.95 times more likely to have subarachnoid hemorrhage compared to non-smokers, while men who smoked comparable amounts of cigarettes were 1.93 times more likely. Women who smoked 11 to 20 cigarettes per day were 3.89 times more likely to have subarachnoid hemorrhage compared to non-smokers, while men who smoked comparable amounts of cigarettes were 2.13 times more likely. Women who smoked 21 to 30 cigarettes per day were more than 8.35 times likely to have subarachnoid hemorrhage compared to non-smokers, while men who smoked comparable amounts of cigarettes were 2.76 times more likely. The good news is that subarachnoid hemorrhage risk significantly decreased among former smokers. Women and men that quit smoking more than six months earlier had comparable risk to non-smokers. "There is no safe level of smoking," Lindbohm said. "Naturally the best option is never to start. Quitting smoking, however, can reduce the risk for subarachnoid hemorrhage in both sexes." Study participants included 65,521 adults in Finish national surveys. Since 1972, this study has obtained health information from randomly selected participants through questionnaires and physical examinations. Slightly more than half of participants were women, and their average age was 45 years. Average follow-up was 21 years from study enrollment until first stroke, death or study completion on December 31, 2011. Authors note that participants' smoking behavior could have changed after study enrollment and that alcohol consumption, medication for high blood pressure, or high cholesterol are factors that could have affected results. According to the American Heart Association, subarachnoid hemorrhage accounts for three percent of all strokes. Smoking is perhaps the most important modifiable risk factor in preventing subarachnoid hemorrhage, with the highest population attributable risk of any subarachnoid hemorrhage risk factor. ### Co-authors are Jaakko Kaprio, M.D.; Ph.D.; Pekka Jousilahti, M.D., Ph.D.; Veikko Salomaa, M.D., Ph.D. and Miikka Korja, M.D., Ph.D. Author disclosures are on the manuscript. The Department of Public Health at the University of Helsinki funded the study. Additional Resources: Researcher photo and smoking images are located in the right column of this release link http://newsroom.heart.org/news/female-smokers-face-greatest-risk-for-brain-bleeds?preview=a1da973b59b19cf3e42d60705e1f4168 After July 21, view the manuscript online here. Even moderate smoking associated with sudden death risk in women Follow AHA/ASA news on Twitter @HeartNews For stroke science, follow the Stroke journal at @StrokeAHA_ASA Statements and conclusions of study authors published in American Heart Association scientific journals are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the association's policy or position. The association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available at http://www.heart.org/corporatefunding. For the first time, scientists have shown that malaria-transmitting mosquitoes actively avoid feeding on certain animal species such as chickens, using their sense of smell. Odors emitted by species such as chickens could provide protection for humans at risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases, according to a study in the open access Malaria Journal. Researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia found that Anopheles arabiensis, one of the predominant species transmitting malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, avoids chickens when looking for hosts to feed on. This indicates that, unlike humans, cattle, goats and sheep, chickens are a non-host species for An. arabiensis and that the mosquitoes have developed ways of distinguishing them from host species. Rickard Ignell, the corresponding author, said: "We were surprised to find that malaria mosquitoes are repelled by the odors emitted by chickens. This study shows for the first time that malaria mosquitoes actively avoid feeding on certain animal species, and that this behavior is regulated through odor cues." To find out which species the mosquitoes prefer, the research team collected data on the population of human and domestic animals in three Ethiopian villages. They also collected blood-fed mosquitoes to test for the source of the blood that the mosquitoes had fed on. People living in the areas in which the research was conducted share their living quarters with their livestock. The researchers found that while An. arabiensis strongly prefers human over animal blood when seeking hosts indoors, it randomly feeds on cattle, goats and sheep when outdoors, but avoids chickens in both settings, despite their relatively high abundance. Since mosquitoes select and discriminate between their hosts mainly based on their sense of smell, the researchers collected hair, wool and feathers from potential host and non-host species to analyze the odor compounds present in them. Identifying certain compounds that were only present in chicken feathers, the researchers used these and other compounds obtained from all species to test their ability to repel mosquitoes from mosquito traps. The traps were set up in 11 thatched houses in one of the villages for a total of 11 days. In each of the houses, a single volunteer aged between 27 and 36 years slept under an untreated bed net. The researchers found that significantly fewer mosquitoes were caught in traps baited with chicken compounds than in control traps. Suspending a living chicken in a cage next to a trap had a similar repellent effect. Because it feeds indoors and outdoors on various host species, An. arabiensis is difficult to control with existing methods, according to previous research. The results of this study suggest that, in combination with established control methods, the odors emitted by chickens and other non-host species could prove useful in controlling An. arabiensis. Rickard Ignell said: "People in sub-Saharan Africa have suffered considerably under the burden of malaria over an extended period of time and mosquitoes are becoming increasingly physiologically resistant to pesticides, while also changing their feeding habits for example by moving from indoors to outdoors. For this reason there is a need to develop novel control methods. In our study, we have been able to identify a number of natural odour compounds which could repel host-seeking malaria mosquitoes and prevent them from getting in contact with people." ### Media Contact Anne Korn Press Officer BioMed Central T: +44 (0)20 3192 2744 E: anne.korn@biomedcentral.com Notes to editor: 1. Chicken volatiles repel host-seeking malaria mosquitoes Kassahun T. Jaleta, Sharon Rose Hill, Goran Birgersson, Habte Tekie and Rickard Ignell Malaria Journal 2016 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1386-3 For an embargoed copy of the research article please contact Anne Korn at BioMed Central. After the embargo lifts, the article will be available at journal website here: http://malariajournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12936-016-1386-3 Please name the journal in any story you write. If you are writing for the web, please link to the article. All articles are available free of charge, according to BioMed Central's open access policy. 2. Malaria Journal is aimed at the scientific community interested in malaria in its broadest sense. It is the only journal that publishes exclusively articles on malaria and, as such, it aims to bring together knowledge from the different specialities involved in this very broad discipline, from the bench to the bedside and to the field. Malaria Journal offers a fast publication schedule while maintaining rigorous peer-review; this is achieved by managing the whole of the publication process electronically, from submission to peer-review. 3. BioMed Central is an STM (Science, Technology and Medicine) publisher which has pioneered the open access publishing model. All peer-reviewed research articles published by BioMed Central are made immediately and freely accessible online, and are licensed to allow redistribution and reuse. BioMed Central is part of Springer Nature, a major new force in scientific, scholarly, professional and educational publishing, created in May 2015 through the combination of Nature Publishing Group, Palgrave Macmillan, Macmillan Education and Springer Science+Business Media. http://www.biomedcentral.com LEAD, S.D., U.S.A. / SHEFFIELD, U.K. -- The Large Underground Xenon (LUX) dark matter experiment, which operates beneath a mile of rock at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in the Black Hills of South Dakota, has completed its silent search for the missing matter of the universe. Today at an international dark matter conference (IDM 2016) in Sheffield, U.K., LUX scientific collaborators presented the results from the detector's final 20-month run from October 2014 to May 2016. The new research result is also described with further details on the LUX Collaboration's website. LUX's sensitivity far exceeded the goals for the project, collaboration scientists said, but yielded no trace of a dark matter particle. LUX's extreme sensitivity makes the team confident that if dark matter particles had interacted with the LUX's xenon target, the detector would almost certainly have seen it. That enables scientists to confidently eliminate many potential models for dark matter particles, offering critical guidance for the next generation of dark matter experiments. "LUX has delivered the world's best search sensitivity since its first run in 2013," said Rick Gaitskell, professor of physics at Brown University and co-spokesperson for the LUX experiment. "With this final result from the 2014 to 2016 search, the scientists of the LUX Collaboration have pushed the sensitivity of the instrument to a final performance level that is four times better than the original project goals. It would have been marvelous if the improved sensitivity had also delivered a clear dark matter signal. However, what we have observed is consistent with background alone." Dark matter is thought to account for more than four-fifths of the mass in the universe. Scientists are confident of its existence because the effects of its gravity can be seen in the rotation of galaxies and in the way light bends as it travels through the universe, but experiments have yet to make direct contact with a dark matter particle. The LUX experiment was designed to look for weakly interacting massive particles, or WIMPs, the leading theoretical candidate for a dark matter particle. If the WIMP idea is correct, billions of these particles pass through your hand every second, and also through the Earth and everything on it. But because WIMPs interact so weakly with ordinary matter, this ghostly traverse goes entirely unnoticed. The LUX detector consists of a third-of-a-ton of cooled liquid xenon surrounded by powerful sensors designed to detect the tiny flash of light and electrical charge emitted if a WIMP collides with a xenon atom within the tank. The detector's location at Sanford Lab beneath a mile of rock, and inside a 72,000-gallon, high-purity water tank, helps shield it from cosmic rays and other radiation that would interfere with a dark matter signal. The 20-month run of LUX represents one of the largest exposures ever collected by a dark matter experiment, the researchers said. The rapid analysis of nearly a half-million gigabytes of data produced over 20 months was made possible by the use of more than 1,000 computer nodes at Brown University's Center for Computation and Visualization and the advanced computer simulations at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center. Careful calibration The exquisite sensitivity achieved by the LUX experiment came thanks to a series of pioneering calibration measures aimed at helping scientists tell the difference between a dark matter signal and events created by residual background radiation that even the elaborate construction of the experiment cannot completely block out. "As the charge and light signal response of the LUX experiment varied slightly over the dark matter search period, our calibrations allowed us to consistently reject radioactive backgrounds, maintain a well-defined dark matter signature for which to search and compensate for a small static charge buildup on the Teflon inner detector walls," said Dan McKinsey, professor of physics at the University of California, Berkeley, senior faculty scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and co-spokesperson for the LUX experiment. One calibration technique used neutrons as stand-ins for WIMPs. By firing a beam of neutrons into the detector, scientists were able to carefully quantify how the LUX detector responds to the signal expected to be produced from a WIMP collision. Other calibration techniques involved injecting radioactive gases into the detector to help distinguish between signals produced by ambient radioactivity and a potential dark matter signal. These calibration measures, used for the first time with LUX, helped scientists meticulously search through a wide swath of potential parameter space for dark matter particles. "These careful background-reduction techniques and precision calibrations and modeling have enabled us to probe dark matter candidates that would produce signals of only a few events per century in a kilogram of xenon," said Aaron Manalaysay, the analysis working group coordinator of the LUX experiment and a research scientist from the University of California, Davis, who presented the new results in Sheffield. "We worked hard and stayed diligent over more than a year and a half to keep the detector running in optimal conditions and maximize useful data time," said Simon Fiorucci, physicist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and science coordination manager for the experiment. "The result is unambiguous data we can be proud of and a timely result in this very competitive field -- even if it is not the positive detection we were all hoping for." The quest continues While the LUX experiment successfully eliminated a large swath of mass ranges and interaction-coupling strengths where WIMPs might exist, the WIMP model itself, "remains alive and viable," said Gaitskell, the Brown University physicist. And the meticulous work of LUX scientists will aid future direct detection experiments. "We viewed this as a David and Goliath race between ourselves and the much larger Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN in Geneva," Gaitskell said. "LUX was racing over the last three years to get first evidence for a dark matter signal. We will now have to wait and see if the new run this year at the LHC will show evidence of dark matter particles, or if the discovery occurs in the next generation of larger direct detectors." Among those next generation experiments will be the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment, which will replace LUX at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. Compared to LUX's one-third-ton of liquid xenon, LZ will have a 10-ton liquid xenon target, which will fit inside the same 72,000-gallon tank of pure water used by LUX to help fend off external radiation. "The innovations of the LUX experiment form the foundation for the LZ experiment," said Harry Nelson, University of California, Santa Barbara, and spokesperson for LZ. "We expect LZ to achieve 70 times the sensitivity of LUX. The LZ program continues to pass its milestones, aided by the terrific support of the Sanford Lab, the Department of Energy and its many collaborating institutions and scientists. LZ should be online in 2020." LUX, the first major astrophysics experiment in the Davis Campus of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (Sanford Lab), was installed in 2012. Sanford Lab is located in the former Homestake Gold Mine in Lead, S.D. A South Dakota-owned facility, it is managed by the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA), which reopened the mine in 2007 with $40 million in funding from the South Dakota State Legislature and a $70 million donation from philanthropist T. Denny Sanford. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) supports Sanford Lab's operations. "The global search for dark matter aims to answer fundamental questions about the makeup of our universe. We're proud to support the LUX collaboration and congratulate them on reaching this higher level of sensitivity," said Mike Headley, executive director of the SDSTA. "We're looking forward to hosting the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment, which will provide another major step forward in sensitivity." The LUX scientific collaboration, which is supported by the DOE and National Science Foundation, includes 20 research universities and national laboratories in the United States, the United Kingdom and Portugal. Over the next few months, LUX scientists will continue to analyze the crucial data that LUX was able to provide, in hopes of helping future experiments finally pin down a dark matter particle. "LUX has done much more in terms of its sensitivity and reliability than we ever expected it to do," Gaitskell said. "We always want more time with our detectors, but it's time to take the lessons learned from LUX and apply them to the future search for dark matter." ### Major support from LUX came from the U.S. Department of Energy. DOE's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit the Office of Science website at science.energy.gov. The Sanford Underground Research Facility's mission is to enable compelling underground, interdisciplinary research in a safe work environment and to inspire our next generation through science, technology, engineering, and math education. For more information, please visit the Sanford Lab website at http://www.sanfordlab.org. TORONTO (July 21, 2016) - More than one in three - an estimated 328,000 -- Ontario students in grades seven to 12 report moderate-to-serious psychological distress, according to new survey results from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Girls are twice as likely as boys to experience psychological distress. "This is a significant number of young people, especially girls, who are experiencing high levels of psychological distress," says Dr. Robert Mann, senior scientist at CAMH and co-lead investigator of the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS). A total of 10,426 students from across Ontario participated in the 2015 OSDUHS, the longest-running school survey of adolescents in Canada, and one of the longest-running surveys in the world. "We were also surprised to see this number increase to 34 per cent in 2015 from 24 per cent in 2013. That is a 10 per cent jump in reported psychological distress in just two years," said Dr. Mann. Psychological distress is defined as symptoms of depression and anxiety and is measured using a six-item screening tool. Students are asked how often they felt nervous, hopeless or worthless, among others indicators, in the last four weeks. Forty-six per cent of girls indicated high levels of distress compared to 23 per cent of boys. Levels of distress also increase significantly in the later teens, to an average of over 40 per cent of students in grades 11 and 12. One in five students (21 per cent) reported visiting a mental health professional at least once during the last year, a marked increase from 12 per cent in 1999. "While we can't say for certain what is causing this distress, it's important for parents, schools and health care providers to be aware of what young people are telling us about their mental health," said Dr. Mann. "Our research indicates that the later teen years into the twenties is the peak period of stress for many people." Screen time, social media use, and problem gaming on the rise Survey results also showed that in 2015, almost two thirds (63 per cent) of students spent three hours or more per day of their free time in front of a TV or tablet/computer. The percentage of students who are screen-time sedentary has increased from 57 per cent since 2009, the first year of monitoring this behaviour. At the same time, while the majority of students rate their health as excellent or very good (66 per cent), only 22 per cent of students met the recommended daily physical activity guideline, defined as a total of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day, during the past seven days. Additionally, 86 per cent of students visit social media sites daily and about 16 per cent spend five hours or more on social media per day. "We know that the more time spent on social media sites, the greater the risk of cyberbullying and related mental health issues," said Dr. Hayley Hamilton, scientist with CAMH's Institute for Mental Health Policy Research and co-lead investigator on the OSDUHS. "Combined with low levels of physical activity across this age group, we are seeing clear priority areas where we can work with youth to improve health." An estimated 122,600 students in Ontario (13 per cent) report symptoms of a video gaming problem which includes preoccupation, loss of control, withdrawal and disregard for consequences. The percentage of students indicating a video gaming problem rose to 13 per cent in 2015 from 9 per cent in 2007, the first year of monitoring. Problem video gaming is especially prevalent among boys in this age group, with 20 per cent reporting problematic symptoms compared with 5 per cent of girls. "The reality is that it's not possible to be technology-abstinent in 2016," said Lisa Pont, social worker with CAMH's Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario, who helps youth and parents better manage technology use. "But it is possible to have good 'cyber health', to balance screen time with other activities and to prevent technology from having serious negative consequences on the rest of your life." Noticing an increase in young people struggling with gaming and other forms of tech use, Pont helped develop CAMH's clinical programming on technology misuse and also trains other health professionals in this emerging area. "At CAMH we see young people who are on the more severe end of problem tech use, many of whom have pre-existing depression and anxiety," said Pont. "Many youth are heavy users of technology and are able to keep good balance in their lives. But for those who develop problems, it is important that the underlying and concurrent issues are addressed so that healthier tech use is achievable." ### The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital and a world leading research centre in this field. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy development and health promotion to help transform the lives of people affected by mental illness and addiction. CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, and is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Centre. For more information, please visit camh.ca or follow @CAMHnews on Twitter. The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) is one of the longest-running school surveys in the world, internationally recognized for pioneering contributions to understanding and addressing substance use, mental health, physical health, and risk behaviours among adolescents in grades 7 to 12. The survey began in 1977, and is conducted every two years to provide insights into important trends over time. The survey findings are widely used in health care, education, and public policy in setting health priorities and developing youth services and preventative policies. During the 2014-15 school year, 10,426 students in grades 7 to 12 in 220 schools from 43 boards participated in the current survey cycle, administered on behalf of CAMH by the Institute for Social Research at York University. Full results, breakdowns by geographic region, and historical data are easily accessible at http://www.camh.ca/osduhs. ITHACA, N.Y. - Social scientists have known for several years that kids enrolled in run-down schools miss more classes and have lower test scores than students at well-maintained schools. But they haven't been able to pin down why. A Cornell University environmental psychologist has an answer. Lorraine Maxwell, an associate professor of design and environmental analysis in Cornell's College of Human Ecology, studied more than 230 New York City public middle schools and found a chain reaction at work: leaking toilets, smelly cafeterias, broken furniture, and run-down classrooms made students feel negatively which lead to high absenteeism and in turn, contributed to low test scores and poor academic achievement. "School buildings that are in good condition and attractive may signal to students that someone cares and there's a positive social climate, which in turn may encourage better attendance," Maxwell said. "Students cannot learn if they do not come to school." Maxwell found that poor building conditions, and the resulting negative perception of the school's social climate, accounted for 70 percent of the poor academic performance. She controlled for students' socioeconomic status and ethnic background, and found that while these student attributes are related to test scores, they do not tell the whole story. School building condition is also a major contributing factor, Maxwell said. "Those other factors are contributing to poor academic performance, but building condition is significantly contributing also. It's worth it for society to make sure that school buildings are up to par," she said. Her study, "School Building Condition, Social Climate, Student Attendance and Academic Achievement: A Mediation Model," appears in the Journal of Environmental Psychology. In an earlier, related study, Maxwell asked a handful of middle-school students what difference they thought a school building makes. "I will never forget one boy," Maxwell said. "He said, 'Well, maybe if the school looked better, kids would want to come to school.' And that sparked me to think, 'OK, they notice.'" Maxwell's latest study analyzed 2011 data from 236 New York City middle schools with a combined enrollment of 143,788 students. The data included academic performance measures and assessments of physical environments done by independent professionals in architecture, and mechanical and electrical engineering. Maxwell also analyzed surveys on how parents, teachers and students felt about the school's social climate; that dataset developed by the New York City Department of Education is the largest of its kind in the United States. Buildings also have symbolic value, Maxwell said. For example, government buildings in Washington, D.C., and in state capitals are well maintained, with gold-leaf roofs, Greek columns and polished marble stairs meant to inspire awe, she pointed out. "Those buildings are kept well. Why? They give us a certain impression about what goes on inside and how much society values those activities," she said "So you can understand why kids might think a school that doesn't look good inside or outside is giving them a message that perhaps what happens in their school doesn't matter." The study has serious implications for policymakers, Maxwell said. They must understand that school conditions are especially important for kids in minority and low-income communities. "Those students are already potentially facing more of an uphill battle, and sending more positive messages about how the larger society values them is critical," she said. ### Former State Treasurer Barbara H. Hafer faces federal charges for allegedly concealing the receipt of more than $500,000 in consulting fees, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. U.S. Attorney Peter Smith said Hafer, 72, of Indiana, Pennsylvania, was charged Wednesday with two counts of making false statements to federal agents. Hafer served two terms as State Treasurer from 1997 to 2005, and two terms as State Auditor General from 1989 to 1997. The office said federal agents in May interviewed Hafer as part of an ongoing investigation. During the interview, she allegedly concealed her financial relationships with a business person, claiming that this person did not help with her consulting business. When shown a signed contract between Hafer & Associates LLC and the company owned by the other person, Hafer denied receiving any payment on the contract. According to the indictment, the other person had a financial relationship with multiple businesses and had relationships, including fee sharing arrangements, with entities that provided asset management services to the Pennsylvania Treasury while Hafer served as treasurer, the office said. The interview with Hafer took place as part of an ongoing long-term FBI-IRS investigation of alleged pay-to-play activities involving the state government. The investigation revealed that in February 2005, within weeks of leaving the Office of Treasurer, a firm associated with this other person began making payments to Hafers consulting firm. For a year, Hafer & Associates received $41,667 a month, totaling the $500,000 committed contract, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. The office also noted that the investigation found that payments began before the contract was signed by the parties. The news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office said that although Hafer claimed that this person did not help her business, the investigation revealed that the money accounted for about 73 percent of the funds her business earned in 2005. According to the indictment, the person also caused an additional $175,000 to be paid to Hafers business during the calendar years of 2006 and 2007. The case was investigated by the FBI and the IRS. W. Henry Boom, MD, professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Moses L. Joloba, MBChB, MS and PhD, dean of the School of Biomedical Sciences at Makerere University have received an HIV research training program grant from the Fogarty International Center of the US National Institutes of Health. The "Microbiology and Immunology Training for HIV and HIV-Related Research in Uganda" program will provide biomedical training in basic microbiology and immunology at the master's level in Uganda and at the PhD level in the US. "The program has been designed to meet the most essential training needs identified by my colleagues in Uganda with a long-term goal of strengthening the biomedical research capacity of major universities and medical schools in our country," said Joloba. "Our focus will be on biomedical training in basic microbiology and immunology to be applied to HIV and HIV/AIDS-related diseases research," said Boom. The $1.5 million five-year grant builds on a 28-year training record of Case Western Reserve University with partners at Makerere University and the Joint Clinical Research Center in Uganda. It aims to strengthen Ugandan biomedical research capacity at the faculty level by supporting PhD level training in microbiology and immunology at CWRU of talented young Ugandan scientists who have completed master's level training at Makerere University. It also aims to strengthen graduate education in biomedical sciences in Uganda by supporting master's level training in the School of Biomedical Sciences at Makerere University 's College of Health Sciences. Additionally, it will provide advanced facilities for immunology and microbiology research in Uganda for new and returning trainees. "The program features comprehensive, basic science education that addresses the changing circumstances imposed by the HIV epidemic in Uganda," said Boom. It will offer a course in Uganda on HIV and HIV/AIDS-related infections focused on the latest innovations in basic science and technology. This will serve as a core course for the master's program and will be team-taught by lecturers in Uganda and CWRU with expertise in basic and clinical virology, pathogenesis, and drug resistance of HIV; complications of HIV/AIDS, particularly HIV/TB; and basic and clinical immunology. As the number of young biomedical scientists in Uganda grows, there will be a demand for Ugandan mentors. Therefore the program will organize mentor training by former Ugandan CWRU trainees. The CWRU grant is one of fifteen grants in a dozen countries that will be funded. It comes through Fogarty's HIV Research Training Program, whose goal is to build research capacity in low- and middle-income countries. It's the Center's latest effort in nearly 30 years of support for HIV research training. To help developing countries address issues that are emerging as their HIV epidemics evolve, Fogarty and NIH partners are investing up to $13 million over five years to support new awards in HIV research training. ### For more information on Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, please visit: http://case.edu/medicine LOS ALAMOS, NM, July 20, 2016 -- New software is enabling ChemCam, the laser spectrometer on NASA's Curiosity Mars rover, to select rock targets autonomously -- the first time autonomous target selection is available for an instrument of this kind on any robotic planetary mission. Developed jointly at Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Research Institute in Astrophysics and Planetology in Toulouse, France, the ChemCam (chemistry and camera) instrument aboard Curiosity "zaps" rocks on Mars and analyzes their chemical make-up. While most ChemCam targets are still selected by scientists, the rover itself now chooses multiple targets per week. "This new capability will give us a chance to analyze even more rock and soil samples on Mars," said Roger Wiens, principal investigator for ChemCam at Los Alamos. "The science team is not always available to pick samples for analysis. Having a smarter rover that can pick its own samples is completely in line with self-driving cars and other smart technologies being implemented on Earth." To select a target autonomously, the software uses adjustable criteria specified by scientists, such as identifying rocks based on their size or brightness. The criteria can be changed depending on the rover's surroundings and the scientific goals of the measurements. ChemCam's spectrometers record the wavelengths seen through a telescope while the laser is firing. This information enables Los Alamos scientists to identify chemical composition of the targets. Through the same telescope, the instrument on the rover's mast takes images that are of the highest resolution available. In nearly four years since landing on Mars, ChemCam has analyzed roughly 1,500 rock and soil samples with more than 350,000 total laser shots at about 10,000 points in all. Los Alamos' work on discovery-driven instruments like ChemCam stems from the Laboratory's experience building and operating more than 500 spacecraft instruments for national defense. The autonomous software is called AEGIS (Autonomous Exploration for Gathering Increased Science) and was developed by engineers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. It has previously been used on NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity to analyze images from a wide-angle camera as the basis for autonomously selecting rocks to photograph with a narrower-angle camera. Development work on AEGIS won a NASA Software of the Year Award in 2011. The most frequent application of AEGIS uses onboard computer analysis of images from Curiosity's stereo Navigation Camera (Navcam), which are taken routinely at each location where the rover ends a drive. AEGIS selects a target and points ChemCam, typically before the Navcam images are transmitted to Earth. This gives the team an extra jump in assessing the rover's latest surroundings and planning operations for upcoming days. Another AEGIS mode starts with images from ChemCam's own Remote Micro-Imager, rather than the Navcam, and uses image analysis to hone pointing of the laser at fine-scale targets chosen in advance by scientists. For example, based on images received on Earth, scientists might select a threadlike vein or a small concretion in a rock. AEGIS then controls the laser sharpshooting. "Due to their small size and other pointing challenges, hitting these targets accurately with the laser has often required the rover to stay in place while ground operators fine tune pointing parameters," says robotics engineer Tara Estlin, the leader of AEGIS development at JPL. "AEGIS enables these targets to be hit on the first try by automatically identifying them and calculating a pointing that will center a ChemCam measurement on the target." From the top of Curiosity's mast, the instrument can analyze the composition of a rock or soil target from up to about 23 feet (7 meters) away. The Curiosity mission is using ChemCam and other instruments on the rover as the vehicle investigates geological layers on lower Mount Sharp. The rover's extended mission is analyzing evidence about how the environment in this part of Mars changed billions of years ago from conditions well-suited to microbial life, if any life has ever existed on Mars, to dry, inhospitable conditions. For more information about Curiosity, visit: http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl. ### About Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, a team composed of Bechtel National, the University of California, BWXT Government Group and URS, an AECOM company, for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health and global security concerns. LEAD, SD, USA / SHEFFIELD, UK -- The Large Underground Xenon (LUX) dark matter experiment, which operates beneath a mile of rock at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in the Black Hills of South Dakota, has completed its search for the missing matter of the universe. Today at an international dark matter conference (IDM 2016) in Sheffield, UK, LUX scientific collaborators presented the results from the detector's final 20-month run from October 2014 to May 2016. The new research result is also described with further details on the LUX Collaboration's website. http://luxdarkmatter.org LUX's sensitivity far exceeded the original expectations of the experiment, collaboration scientists said, but yielded no trace of a dark matter particle. LUX's extreme sensitivity makes the team confident that if dark matter particles had interacted with the LUX's xenon target, the detector would almost certainly have seen them. These new limits on dark matter detection will allow scientists to eliminate many potential models for dark matter particles, offering critical guidance for the next generation of dark matter experiments. "LUX has delivered the world's best search sensitivity since its first run in 2013," said Rick Gaitskell, professor of physics at Brown University and co-spokesperson for the LUX experiment. "With this final result from the 2014-2016 run, the scientists of the LUX Collaboration have pushed the sensitivity of the instrument to a final performance level that is 4 times better than originally expected. It would have been marvelous if the improved sensitivity had also delivered a clear dark matter signal. However, what we have observed is consistent with background alone." Dark matter is thought to account for more than four-fifths of the mass in the universe. Scientists are confident of its existence because the effects of its gravity can be seen in the rotation of galaxies and in the way light bends as it travels through the universe, but experiments have yet to make direct contact with a dark matter particle. The LUX experiment was designed to look for weakly interacting massive particles, or WIMPs, the leading theoretical candidate for a dark matter particle. If the WIMP idea is correct, billions of these particles pass through your hand every second, and also through the Earth and everything on it. But because WIMPs interact so weakly with ordinary matter, this ghostly traverse goes entirely unnoticed. The LUX detector consists of a third-of-a-ton of cooled liquid xenon surrounded by powerful sensors designed to detect the tiny flash of light and electrical charge emitted if a WIMP collides with a xenon atom within the tank. The detector's location at Sanford Lab beneath a mile of rock, and inside a 72,000-gallon, high-purity water tank, helps shield it from cosmic rays and other radiation that would interfere with a dark matter signal. The 20-month run of LUX represents one of the largest exposures ever collected by a dark matter experiment, the researchers said. The rapid analysis of nearly a half-million gigabytes of data was made possible with the use Brown University's Center for Computation and Visualization (CCV) and the advanced computer simulations at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's (Berkeley Lab) National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC), a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science User Facility. Berkeley Lab is also the lead DOE laboratory for LUX operations. "I am particularly pleased with the support LUX received from NERSC in processing these data," said Kevin Lesko, group leader of Berkeley Lab's Dark Matter group. "The Berkeley students, post-docs and visitors working on this analysis made extensive use of the NERSC for event scanning, calibration, Monte Carlo simulations and the data-blinding scheme." Careful calibration The exquisite sensitivity achieved by the LUX experiment came thanks to a series of pioneering calibration measures aimed at helping scientists tell the difference between a dark matter signal and events created by residual background radiation that even the elaborate construction of the experiment cannot completely block out. "As the charge and light signal response of the LUX experiment varied slightly over the dark matter search period, our calibrations allowed us to consistently reject radioactive backgrounds, maintain a well-defined dark matter signature for which to search and compensate for a small static charge buildup on the Teflon inner detector walls," said Dan McKinsey, professor of physics at the University of California, Berkeley, senior faculty scientist at Berkeley Lab, and co-spokesperson for the LUX experiment. "We worked hard and stayed vigilant over more than a year and a half to keep the detector running in optimal conditions and maximize useful data time," said Simon Fiorucci, a physicist at Berkeley Lab and Science Coordination Manager for the experiment. "The result is unambiguous data we can be proud of and a timely result in this very competitive field--even if it is not the positive detection we were all hoping for." The quest continues While the LUX experiment successfully eliminated a large swath of mass ranges and interaction-coupling strengths where WIMPs might exist, the WIMP model itself, "remains alive and viable," said Gaitskell, the Brown University physicist. And the meticulous work of LUX scientists will aid future direct detection experiments. Among those next generation experiments will be the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment, which will replace LUX at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. Compared to LUX's one-third-ton of liquid xenon, LZ will have a 10-ton liquid xenon target, which will fit inside the same 72,000-gallon tank of pure water used by LUX to help fend off external radiation. LZ is expected to have 70 times the sensitivity of LUX and will continue the search in 2020. "We're looking forward to hosting the LUX-ZEPLIN experiment, which will provide another major step forward in sensitivity," said Mike Headley, Executive Director of the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA). LUX, the first major astrophysics experiment in the Davis Campus of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (Sanford Lab), was installed in 2012 and is located in the former Homestake Gold Mine in Lead, S.D. A South Dakota-owned facility, it is managed by the SDSTA, which reopened the mine in 2007 with $40 million in funding from the South Dakota State Legislature and a $70 million donation from philanthropist T. Denny Sanford. DOE's Office of Science supports Sanford Lab's operations; Berkeley Lab provided management and oversight of the DOE operations support of Sanford Lab for the past five years. The LUX scientific collaboration, which is supported by the DOE and National Science Foundation (NSF), includes 20 research universities and national laboratories in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Portugal. "The announcement of this new result from LUX raises the bar in the search for dark matter, exceeding our expectations," said Natalie Roe, Physics Division Director at Berkeley Lab. "With the successful completion of LUX, we are now focused on the success of LZ, which we hope will produce a dramatic discovery." ### Major support for LUX came from the DOE Office of Science. The Sanford Underground Research Facility's mission is to enable compelling underground, interdisciplinary research in a safe work environment and to inspire our next generation through science, technology, engineering, and math education. For more information, please visit the Sanford Lab website at http://www.sanfordlab.org. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory addresses the world's most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab's scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. For more, visit http://www.lbl.gov. DOE's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit the Office of Science website at science.energy.gov. New York, NY (July 21, 2016) - The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has named four outstanding young scientists as recipients of the prestigious Damon Runyon-Sohn Pediatric Cancer Research Fellowship Award, committing nearly $1 million to help address a critical shortage of funding for pediatric cancer research. The Fellowship Award provides funding to basic scientists and clinicians who conduct research with the potential to significantly impact the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of one or more pediatric cancers. Each recipient receives a four-year award totaling $248,000. Since 2012, this award has supported eighteen innovative pediatric cancer researchers who were selected through a highly competitive process that includes evaluation by a prestigious committee of pediatric oncologists from the leading cancer centers in the U.S. "These are some of the best young scientists working in pediatric research today, and they're at a critical juncture in their careers," says William Carroll, MD, chair of the Damon Runyon-Sohn Pediatric Cancer Fellowship Committee and Professor of Pediatrics and Pathology at New York University Langone Medical Center. "The program provides critically needed support for high quality young investigators working on high impact translational research. We need their brilliant minds focused on curing childhood cancers. That is why this award is so important." Because cancer occurs less frequently in children and young adults than in the adult population, pediatric cancer research does not receive significant funding from either the National Cancer Institute (only four percent of its budget) or the biopharmaceutical industry. As a result, there have been limited advances in recent years in treating these cancers, and fewer scientists are working in this field. In 2012, the Sohn Conference Foundation, dedicated to curing pediatric cancers, partnered with the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, the leading charity supporting innovative young cancer researchers, to establish the award. The Sohn Conference Foundation has committed over $2.2 million to the program to date. The award program continues to receive additional funding and recognition within the philanthropic community. "I am inspired by Damon Runyon's commitment to supporting excellent young scientists who are dedicating themselves to cancer research," says Evan Sohn of the Sohn Conference Foundation. "Our Foundation is investing in this unique fellowship because it has the potential to change how cancer care is provided to children and young adults." 2016 Damon Runyon-Sohn Fellows Challice L. Bonifant, MD, PhD, with her sponsor Pavan Reddy, MD, at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, is studying how best to direct the immune system to combat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a blood cancer of both children and adults. By specifically directing T immune cells to AML, she hopes to make therapy stronger and more effective, while also reducing toxicity. She is exploring the activity of T cells targeting multiple AML-specific antigens that do not affect normal cells. The ultimate goal of the work is to develop new strategies to treat AML. Michael A. Koldobskiy, MD, PhD, with his sponsor Andrew P. Feinberg, MD, at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, studies the ways that cancer cells rely on "epigenetic" modifications, or chemical marks that modify the expression of genes without a change in the genetic sequence itself. Variability of epigenetic marks allows cancer cells flexibility in turning genes on and off, and may account for resistance to treatment. By dissecting the mechanisms of epigenetic modification in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common cancer in children, he aims to identify new targets for treatment. Tamara P. Miller, MD, with her sponsor Richard Aplenc, MD, PhD, at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, focuses on improving how the side effects of leukemia treatment are reported. Currently toxicities of cancer treatment for patients enrolled on clinical trials are identified through manual review of the medical record, but prior work has shown that this method of identification leads to under-reporting of side effects. She aims to develop a new method that uses electronic medical record data to identify and report toxicities during treatment for leukemia. Her goals are to show that this new method is more accurate than the current system used in clinical trials, and to apply this method to describe the true rates of toxicities of leukemia therapy. Cara A. Rabik, MD, PhD, with her sponsor Patrick A. Brown, MD, at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, is examining how mutations in the WT1 gene result in methylation changes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). WT1 recruits the machinery necessary for demethylation to its target genes, ultimately regulating gene expression. When WT1 is mutated, these genes remain methylated and inactive, preventing normal hematopoiesis. She is identifying WT1 target genes and mapping their methylation landscape both in leukemic and normal settings. She will also test drugs designed to cause demethylation to evaluate if these drugs can treat the leukemia caused by mutations in WT1. ### About The Sohn Conference Foundation The Sohn Conference Foundation is dedicated to the treatment and cure of pediatric cancer and other childhood diseases. The Foundation supports cutting-edge medical research, state-of-the-art research equipment, and innovative programs to ensure that children with cancer survive and thrive. The Foundation raises its funds through premier investment conferences and special events, including its renowned annual New York Sohn Investment Conference. Founded in 1995, the Conference honors the memory of Ira Sohn, a Wall Street Professional who lost his battle with cancer at age 29. The Foundation has expanded its reach to include the Sohn Canada Conference, Sohn Hong Kong Conference, Sohn India Conference, Sohn London Conference, Sohn San Francisco Conference, and Sohn Tel Aviv Conference. To date, the Foundation has raised $70 million. More information on the Sohn Investment Conference is available at http://www.sohnconference.org About the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation To accelerate breakthroughs, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation provides today's best young scientists with funding to pursue innovative research. Twelve scientists supported by the Foundation have received the Nobel Prize, seven have received National Medals of Science, and 71 have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, the science "Hall of Fame." Since its founding in 1946, Damon Runyon has invested over $300 million and funded over 3,500 young scientists. 100% of all donations to the Foundation are used to support cutting-edge scientific research. Its administrative and fundraising costs are paid from Damon Runyon Broadway Tickets and its endowment. For more information, visit http://www.damonrunyon.org. INDIANAPOLIS -- A life sciences company based on Indiana University technology has received a two-year, $1,472,476 grant from the National Institutes of Health to help researchers determine if nerve activity is associated with a common heart rhythm disorder. Officials at Arrhythmotech LLC will use the STTR Phase II grant on new methods to study patients who are affected by atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation causes the heart's upper chambers to contract irregularly instead of working together with the lower chambers. The company is developing a device capable of detecting, on the skin, the nerve activity that is responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response. Its platform technology could potentially be widely used in the medical field. Dr. Peng-Sheng Chen, co-founder of Arrhythmotech, said the grant will allow him and his colleagues to better establish the company's technology. Chen is also the Medtronic Zipes Professor of Cardiology, director of the Krannert Institute of Cardiology and chief of the Division of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine at the IU School of Medicine. "The grant will allow us to collaborate with investigators at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles," he said. "After the grant period has ended, Arrhythmotech will determine the next steps to make the method widely available to the medical community for research, education and patient care." Arrhythmotech was formed through the Spin Up program at Indiana University Research and Technology Corp. It received a Phase I STTR grant worth $212,634 from the NIH in 2014. It also received $15,000 and won second place in the 2015 BioCrossroads New Venture Competition. Research reported in this news release was supported by the National Institute On Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R42DA043391. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. ### About Indiana University Research and Technology Corp. IURTC is a not-for profit corporation tasked with the protecting and commercializing of technology emanating from innovations by IU researchers. Since 1997, IU research has generated more than 2,700 inventions resulting in over 3,900 global patent applications being filed by IURTC. These discoveries have generated $133 million in licensing and royalty income, including $111 million in funding for IU departments, labs and inventors. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Tumor growth is critically regulated by the androgen receptor, and treatment strategies to lower androgens, such as testosterone, are a mainstay of clinical treatment. Over time, however, resistance frequently develops and the disease may progress to a castration-resistant form that expresses a variant of the androgen receptor, which evades blockade by drugs that dampen androgen receptor signaling. Thus, clinically there is an urgent need to identify patients expressing androgen receptor variants to determine which treatment options are likely to benefit patients. In this issue of JCI Insight , researchers at the University of British Columbia describe a new imaging tool to detect the presence of the androgen receptor and its active splice variants. Led by Marianne Sadar, the research group developed an analog of an investigational drug that binds to portions of the androgen receptor that are common to the full length and variant forms of the androgen receptor. In a mouse model of prostate cancer, they showed that this compound specifically detected prostate cancer cells expressing androgen receptor by SPECT/CT imaging. These findings suggest that this imaging agent may be suitable for further development for castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. ### TITLE: An imaging agent to detect androgen receptor and its active splice variants in prostate cancer AUTHOR CONTACT: Marianne Sadar British Columbia Cancer Agency Email: msadar@bcgsc.ca View this article at: http://insight.jci.org/articles/view/87850?key=e7289b0a0100baebaf56 JCI Insight is the newest publication from the American Society of Clinical Investigation, a nonprofit honor organization of physician-scientists. JCI Insight is dedicated to publishing a range of translational biomedical research with an emphasis on rigorous experimental methods and data reporting. All articles published in JCI Insight are freely available at the time of publication. For more information about JCI Insight and all of the latest articles go to http://www.insight.jci.org. Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) suffer from chronic respiratory infections, primarily caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which lead to airway inflammation and damage. Several recent studies have suggested that a specific type of immune cell, known as Th17 cells, produce the factor IL-17 to drive the inflammatory response in the setting of CF lung infection. In this issue of JCI Insight, Jay Kolls and colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh demonstrate that bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) inhibitors, a class of drugs that alter DNA architecture and change gene expression, attenuate CF lung inflammation. Using immune cells isolated from CF patient lungs, Kolls and colleagues showed that BET inhibitors suppressed the response to Th17 cells as well as the release of inflammatory factors from Th17 cells. Moreover, in a mouse model of lung infection, BET inhibitor treatment decreased lung inflammation without promoting infection, indicating that BET inhibitors could potentially be used to treat CF patients. ### TITLE: Antiinflammatory effects of bromodomain and extraterminal domain inhibition in cystic fibrosis lung inflammation AUTHOR CONTACT: Jay K. Kolls Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Email: jay.kolls@chp.edu View this article at: http://insight.jci.org/articles/view/87168?key=28c129abe75d8548bd71 JCI Insight is the newest publication from the American Society of Clinical Investigation, a nonprofit honor organization of physician-scientists. JCI Insight is dedicated to publishing a range of translational biomedical research with an emphasis on rigorous experimental methods and data reporting. All articles published in JCI Insight are freely available at the time of publication. For more information about JCI Insight and all of the latest articles go to http://www.insight.jci.org. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer and results from long-term damage and fibrosis, such as is caused by chronic alcohol abuse and viral-induced hepatitis. Patients with advanced HCC are often given the drug sorafenib, which targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other kinases to prevent blood vessel growth in the tumor. Recent studies indicate that sorafenib can also alter immune cell function in patients. In this issue of JCI Insight, Yasmin Thanavala and colleagues at Roswell Park Cancer Institute evaluated the immune response in a small cohort of patients with advanced HCC before and after treatment with sorafenib. Sorafenib treatment was associated with a reduction in immune-suppressive phenotypes, including decreased expression of PD-1, which dampens the responsiveness of a group of immune cells that can attack the tumor (known as effector T cells), fewer immune cells that dampen immune responses (regulatory T cells), and lower levels of factors that suppress immune system activity. Several of these responses were associated with increased overall survival. Together, the results of this study indicate that evaluation of HCC patient immune phenotypes before and after sorafenib can help predict treatment outcome. ### TITLE: PD-1+ and Foxp3+ T cell reduction correlates with survival of HCC patients after sorafenib therapy AUTHOR CONTACT: Yasmin Thanavala Roswell Park Cancer Institute Email: yasmin.thanavala@roswellpark.org MEDIA CONTACT: Annie Deck-Miller Senior Media Relations Manager Roswell Park Cancer Institute Email: Ann.Deck-Miller@RoswellPark.org View this article at: http://insight.jci.org/articles/view/86182?key=0636e0a5e60402318c3c JCI Insight is the newest publication from the American Society of Clinical Investigation, a nonprofit honor organization of physician-scientists. JCI Insight is dedicated to publishing a range of translational biomedical research with an emphasis on rigorous experimental methods and data reporting. All articles published in JCI Insight are freely available at the time of publication. For more information about JCI Insight and all of the latest articles go to http://www.insight.jci.org. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the TV series "Star Trek" has captured the public's imagination with the signature phrase, "To boldly go where no one has gone before." NASA's Hubble Space Telescope doesn't "boldly go" deep into space, but it is "boldly peering" deeper into the universe than ever before to explore the warping of space and time and uncover some of the farthest objects ever seen. When "Star Trek" was first broadcast in 1966, the largest telescopes on Earth could only see about halfway across the universe -- the rest was uncharted territory. But Hubble's powerful vision has carried us into the true "final frontier." This is epitomized in the latest Hubble image released today in time for the new motion picture "Star Trek Beyond." The Hubble image unveils a very cluttered-looking universe filled with galaxies near and far. Some are distorted like a funhouse mirror through a warping-of-space phenomenon first predicted by Einstein a century ago. In the center of the image is the immense galaxy cluster Abell S1063, located 4 billion light-years away, and surrounded by magnified images of galaxies much farther. Thanks to Hubble's exquisite sharpness, the photo unveils the effect of space warping due to gravity. The huge mass of the cluster distorts and magnifies the light from galaxies that lie far behind it due to an effect called gravitational lensing. This phenomenon allows Hubble to see galaxies that would otherwise be too small and faint to observe. This "warp field" makes it possible to get a peek at the very first generation of galaxies. Already, an infant galaxy has been found in the field, as it looked 1 billion years after the big bang. This frontier image provides a sneak peak of the early universe, and gives us a taste of what the James Webb Space Telescope will be capable of seeing in greater detail when it launches in 2018. The cluster contains approximately 100 million-million solar masses, and contains 51 confirmed galaxies and perhaps over 400 more. The Frontier Fields program is an ambitious three-year effort, begun in 2013, that teams Hubble with NASA's other Great Observatories -- the Spitzer Space Telescope and the Chandra X-ray Observatory -- to probe the early universe by studying large galaxy clusters. Identifying the magnified images of background galaxies within these clusters will help astronomers to improve their models of the distribution of both ordinary and dark matter in the galaxy cluster. This is key to understanding the mysterious nature of dark matter that comprises most of the mass of the universe. ### The Hubble Space Telescope is a project of international cooperation between NASA and the European Space Agency. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the telescope. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland, conducts Hubble science operations. STScI is operated for NASA by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy in Washington, D.C. To learn more about Hubble's impact on our pop culture, and how you can get involved with #spothubble, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/2016/spothubble For images and more information about Abell S1063 and Hubble, go to: http://hubblesite.org/news/2016/28 http://www.nasa.gov/hubble http://www.spacetelescope.org/news/heic1615 Trypanosome parasites cause sleeping sickness in Africa. If left untreated, the infection causes coma and eventually death. A study published on July 21st in PLOS Pathogens takes a close look at what happens after an infected tsetse fly transmits parasites into the skin of a mouse host and shows that very few parasites are needed to successfully colonize the host. In addition, multiplication of parasites at the bite site creates a reservoir from which parasites can be picked up by subsequent tsetse fly bites. Trypanosome parasites have a complicated lifecycle that involves several different stages in both its mammalian and insect hosts. Many studies of pathogen-host interactions have involved needle injection of bloodstream-form parasites rather than the natural inoculation of so-called metacyclic trypanosomes by tsetse flies into the host skin. In this study, Guy Caljon and Jan Van Den Abbeele, from the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, together with colleagues describe an animal model which recapitulates the natural course of infection--an infected tsetse fly biting the ear of a mouse--and allows easy visualization of trypanosomes, because they are fluorescently tagged. By following the parasites over time, the researchers studied how they spread from the initial inoculation site and multiply in the mouse host. They found that metacyclic trypanosomes are highly infectious--in their set-up, the dose that successfully infected 50% of exposed mice was just 7 metacyclic stage parasites. In comparison, even 200 bloodstream form parasites were unable to infect mice following injection into the skin at the ear. The researchers also found that a subpopulation of parasites stays and actively multiplies in the skin around the initial inoculation site for at least 7 days after the infectious bite. When they honed in on the infection site using scanning electron microscopy, they saw a number of intricate interactions of parasites with local fat cells (called adipocytes) and collagen fibers. Measuring the temperature at the injection-site ear several days after the fly bite, the researchers observed that it was elevated by more than one degree Celsius compared with the opposite ear, possibly because of local inflammation in response to actively growing parasites. When they offered starved tsetse flies the choice between mouse blood at the lower and the higher temperature, the flies showed a preference for the warmer blood. Based on parasite densities present for at least a week following the initial bite and the induced temperature changes, the researchers speculated that parasite-free tsetse flies could get infected by taking a blood meal at the site. They were able to test this hypothesis, and found that, indeed, the fly hosts could pick up substantial parasite numbers from previously inoculated sites. However, when they checked the guts of the flies 7 days later, they were unable to find clear evidence that an infection in the fly host had been established. Their study, the researchers conclude, "is the first to document in detail the presence of a residing intradermal trypanosome population at the tsetse biting site from which the host is systemically infected". They suggest that "these parasites may play a role as an early trypanosome reservoir in the mammalian host and could be picked up by the tsetse vector". "Further unraveling of the basis of the skin-resident trypanosome phenotype", they hope, "will shed new light on processes underlying host colonization and early parasite acquisition by the tsetse fly vector". ### Contact: Jan Van Den Abbeele, e-mail: jvdabbeele@itg.be, phone: +32(0)3.247.6262 Guy Caljon (now at Antwerp University), e-mail: Guy.Caljon@uantwerpen.be, phone: +32.(0)3.265.2601 In your coverage please use this URL to provide access to the freely available article in PLOS Pathogens: http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1005744 Please contact plospathogens@plos.org if you would like more information. Funding: This work was funded by the Research Foundation--Flanders (G031312N), the InterUniversity Attraction Pole program P7/41 and an EU/FP7 ERC starting grant No.282312 (JVDA). NVR is supported by a fellowship of "Les Amis des Instituts Pasteur a Bruxelles". The CMMI is supported by the European Regional Development Fund and Wallonian government. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. Citation: Caljon G, Van Reet N, De Trez C, Vermeersch M, Perez-Morga D, Van Den Abbeele J (2016) The Dermis as a Delivery Site of Trypanosoma brucei for Tsetse Flies. PLoS Pathog 12(7): e1005744. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1005744 A fundraiser drive to restore the Bell Tavern in Silver Spring Township is going really well, the head of the buildings preservation group said, adding that more good news is coming about the project in the near future. The Patriots of Captain Bells Tavern Association is a group of local citizens striving to save the historic James Bell Tavern, according to the organizations website, patriotsofcaptainbellstavern.com. The group hopes to acquire the structure and work to build it into a heritage and cultural center. So far, the group has raised more than $12,500 for the cause with an ultimate goal of $400,000, Christine Musser, president of the Patriots of Captain Bells Tavern Association said this week. Musser appears optimistic about reaching the goal within a year or so, hinting that prominent funding could be just around the corner. Weve had a turning point. Additional information about this will be released in September. Theres good news coming, Musser said. Last month, the Silver Spring Township Supervisors approved an agreement between the township and developers Mark and John DiSanto to gift the Bell Tavern to the township or a separate 501c3 nonprofit organization in exchange for agreeing to rezone a nearby property to allow for future warehouse development, along with various other stipulations. The deal also calls for Triple Crown to pay to stabilize the building and restore the exterior, but if the township does not rezone the land, the municipality would be responsible for some of the buildings repairs. Triple Crown Corporation had legally obtained a permit to demolish Bell Tavern, but the process was abruptly halted in January after reports surfaced of the buildings potential historic significance. Some historians believe the building was the site of the Stony Ridge Convention on July 3, 1788, an event that led to amending the U.S. Constitution to include the Bill of Rights. Musser said the Patriots of Captain Bells Tavern Association has filed an application to incorporate itself as a 501c3 nonprofit entity, which would allow it to acquire the building. Musser said she provides monthly reports about the groups progress at Silver Spring Township Supervisors meetings, most recently on July 13. As part of its fundraising efforts, the Patriots of Captain Bells Tavern Association is selling merchandise and seeking donations at public events across the area, such as last months Jubilee Day in Mechanicsburg. The group also will run a booth at a bluegrass festival scheduled for Aug. 7 at Willow Mill Park, Silver Spring Township. Available merchandise includes T-shirts; postcards with nails from the original tavern; and stars and flags made with 18th century tavern wood. In humans and other mammals, the cerebral cortex is responsible for sensory, motor, and cognitive functions. Understanding the organization of the neuronal networks in the cortex should provide insights into the computations that they carry out. A study publishing on July 21st in open access journal PLOS Biology shows that the global architecture of the cortical networks in primates (with large brains) and rodents (with small brains) is organized by common principles. Despite the overall network invariances, primate brains have much weaker long-distance connections, which could explain why large brains are more susceptible to certain mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer disease. In earlier work, Zoltan Toroczkai, from the University of Notre-Dame, USA, Maria Ercsey-Ravasz, from Babes-Bolyai University, Romania and Henry Kennedy, from the University Lyon, France, and colleagues combined tracing studies in macaques, which visualize connections in the brain, with network theory to show that the cortical network structure in this primate is governed by the so-called exponential distance rule (EDR). The EDR describes a consistent relationship between distances and connection strength. Consistent with the tracing results, the EDR predicts that there are many fewer long-range axons (nerve fibers that function as transmission lines of the nervous system) than short ones, and this can be quantified by a mathematical equation. At the level of cortical areas (such as visual cortex or auditory cortex) examined by the tracing studies, this means the closer two areas are to each other, the more connections exist between them. In this study, the researchers compare the features of the cortical networks in the macaque - a mammal with a large cortex - with those in the mouse, with its much smaller cortex. They used detailed tracing data to quantify connections between functional areas, and those formed the basis for the analysis. Despite the substantial differences in the cortex size between the species and other apparent differences in cortex organization, they found that the fundamental statistical features of all networks followed the EDR. Based on these results, the researchers hypothesize that the EDR describes an effective design principle that remains constant during the evolution of mammalian brains of different sizes. They present mathematical arguments that support the universal applicability of the EDR as a governing principle of cortical connectivity, as well as further experimental support from high-resolution tracer experiments in small brain areas from macaque, mouse, and mouse lemur (a primate with a very small brain). Their results, the researchers conclude, "suggest that the EDR plays a key role across the mammalian order to optimize the layout of the inter-areal cortical network allowing larger-brained animals to maintain communication efficiencies combined with increased neuron numbers". As the EDR predicts and the tracing data here confirm, neuronal connections weaken exponentially with distance. Assuming the EDR can be applied to all mammalian brains, this suggests that long-distance connections could be quite weak in the human cortex, which is approximately five times larger than that of the macaque. If true, the researchers say, one could speculate that the low weight of human long-range connections may contribute to an increased susceptibility to disconnection syndromes, such as have been proposed for Alzheimer disease and schizophrenia". ### In your coverage please use this URL to provide access to the freely available article in PLOS Biology: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.1002512 Citation: Horvat S, Gamanut R, Ercsey-Ravasz M, Magrou L, Gamanut B, Van Essen DC, et al. (2016) Spatial Embedding and Wiring Cost Constrain the Functional Layout of the Cortical Network of Rodents and Primates. PLoS Biol 14(7): e1002512. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.1002512 Funding: SH was supported by the "Programme Avenir Lyon Saint-Etienne" of the Universite de Lyon (ANR-11-IDEX-0007), within the Program "Investissements d'Avenir" operated by the French National Research Agency (ANR), and Marie Curie Program European Union's Seventh Framework (FP7/2007-2013) No. PCOFUND-GA-2013-609102, PRESTIGE coordinated by Campus France. MER was supported by the UNESCO- L'Oreal National Fellowship "For Women in Science", by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 668863, and in part by the GSCE-30260-2015 "Grant for Supporting Excellent Research" of the Babes-Bolyai University. DCVE and LM were supported by grant National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01-MH-60974. AB was supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 EY016184 and the McDonnell Center for Systems Neuroscience (to AB and RG). ZT was supported, in part, by grant FA9550-12-1-0405 jointly from the US Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and by grant No. HDTRA-1-09-1-0039 from Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). HK was supported by ANR-11-BSV4-501 (CORE-NETS), ANR-14-CE13-0033 (ARCHI-CORE), ANR-15-CE32-0016 (CORNET) and LabEx CORTEX (ANR-11-LABX-0042) of Universite de Lyon, within the program "Investissements d'Avenir" (ANR-11-IDEX-0007) operated by the French National Research Agency (ANR). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. Prometheus, the mythological Greek heroic deity, has been given a namesake in a new species of tiny rain frog, discovered in southwestern Ecuador. The name was chosen by the international team of scientists, led by Dr Paul Szekely, Ovidius University, Constanta, Romania, in acknowledgement of the Prometeo program, funded by the Ecuadorian government. The description of this new species (Pristimantis prometeii) is the result of the cooperation between three Romanian Prometeo investigators affiliated with the Universidad Tecnica Particular de Loja and Universidad Nacional de Loja, and two Ecuadorian specialists from Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador. The full study is available from the open access ZooKeys. During the day, frogs of the new species were found hiding in flowering plants, while at night -- perching on leaves at low heights in well preserved cloud forests. They grow to 2-3 cm with the females being larger than the males. The newly described species is part of a group of frogs called Terrarana (meaning 'Land or terrestrial frogs'). This is a lineage of frogs that has evolved directly developing eggs, which are deposited in terrestrial habitats. Unlike other frogs, these ones do not have an aquatic tadpole stage and the embryos develop directly into froglets on land. The newly described species is only known from Reserva Biologica Buenaventura, southwestern Ecuador, at elevations between 878 and 1082 m. This reserve is privately owned by the Jocotoco Conservation Foundation. The reserve has at least another four endemic species of amphibians, reptiles, and birds. With more than 470 species, the directly developing rain frogs of the genus Pristimantis continue to surprise everyone. "While new species are described every year, there are over a hundred discovered over the last decade only," remind the authors. ### Original source: Szekely P, Cogalniceanu D, Szekely D, Paez N, Ron SR (2016) A new species of Pristimantis from southern Ecuador (Anura, Craugastoridae). ZooKeys 606: 77-97. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.606.9121 Discovered by scientists using the manned submersible Curasub in the deep-reef waters of the Caribbean island of Curacao, a new scorpionfish species is the latest one captured with the help of the sub's two robotic arms. Found by Dr. Carole C. Baldwin, lead scientist of the Smithsonian's Deep Reef Observation Project (DROP) and based at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, Ms. Diane Pitassy, also affiliated with the Smithsonian in Washington, and Dr. Ross Robertson, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama, the new species is described in the open access journal ZooKeys. In their paper, the authors also discuss the depth distributions and relationships of western Atlantic members of its genus. The new scorpionfish is distinguished from other similar scorpionfishes by a number of physical traits, including its distinctive bright orange-red colors, more elongated fin rays, and DNA. Inhabiting depths between 95 m and 160 m, it is also the deepest-living member of its genus in the western Atlantic Ocean. The new scorpionfish is officially called Scorpaenodes barrybrowni in honor of Substation Curacao and freelance photographer Barry Brown, who "has patiently, diligently, and expertly taken photographs of hundreds of fishes and invertebrates captured alive by DROP Investigators," explain the authors. "He has generously shared his photographs, and they have enhanced numerous scientific and educational publications. It is an honor to recognize Barry Brown's contributions to science through his photography." "Fish specimens that are brought up from deep reefs only occasionally surface alive," explains Baldwin. When DROP scientists return to the surface in the Curasub with a living fish, Barry races it to his aquarium and begins to work his photographic magic." The new fish already has a common name as well. For the public, it will be known as the Stellate Scorpionfish, deriving from its star-shaped yellowish spots and the radiating pigment markings accentuating its eyes. The manned submersible Curasub reaches depths up to 300 m and is used by DROP and other marine scientists to search for tropical marine fishes and invertebrates, while conventional SCUBA divers are unable to reach deeper than 30 - 50 metres below the water surface. "The 50-300 m tropical ocean zone is poorly studied - too deep for conventional SCUBA and too shallow to be of much interest to really deep-diving submersibles," notes Baldwin. "The Curasub is providing scientists with the technology needed to remedy this gap in our knowledge of Caribbean reef biodiversity." The sub relies on two hydraulic arms, one equipped with a suction hose, and the other designed to immobilize the fish with an anaesthetizing chemical. Once anesthetized, the individuals are collected with the suction hose, which empties into a vented plexiglass cylinder attached to the outside of the sub. In January, the team of Drs. Luke Tornabene, Robertson and Baldwin discovered the Godzilla goby. About a year ago, Baldwin and Robertson stumbled upon another new goby species, which amazed the scientists with its love for the depths so much that they named it after the Curasub. In 2013, the authors recognized the DROP research program in the name of a beautiful new species of small blenny fish, Haptoclinus dropi. "Stay tuned for more new discoveries," suggests Baldwin. "We have only scratched the surface of our understanding of the biodiversity of tropical deep reefs." ### Original source: Baldwin CC, Pitassy DE, Robertson DR (2016) A new deep-reef scorpionfish (Teleostei, Scorpaenidae, Scorpaenodes) from the southern Caribbean with comments on depth distributions and relationships of western Atlantic members of the genus. ZooKeys 606: 141-158. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.606.8590 SAN ANTONIO (July 21, 2016) - To support a coordinated, innovative approach to the development of an AIDS vaccine, Texas Biomedical Research Institute scientists, together with a multi-institutional coalition of experts from the United States and Europe, have received a grant for $23 million from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health. The goal of this program is to establish a vaccine approach that targets a frontline defense at the mucosa, while simultaneously generating backup immune responses in the blood and tissues. The new Program Project grant is led by Dr. Ruth Ruprecht, Scientist and Director of the Texas Biomed AIDS Research Program, as the principal investigator. She has brought together leaders in the fields of viral pathogenesis, molecular biology, whole body imaging, monoclonal antibody development, immunology, lymph node-targeted vaccine design and animal modeling. "We are very excited about the potential of this project, which is the largest NIH Program Project grant received by Texas Biomed," said Dr. Robert Gracy, President of Texas Biomed. "Ruth has assembled a quality team to tackle a vaccine approach that is both visionary and sensible in its design and is a great example of the type of research we deliver at Texas Biomed. This project embodies the mission of Texas Biomed, which is to enhance lives through discovery." The AIDS epidemic has been the worst infectious disease outbreak in modern history, killing 35 million people and continuing to infect 50,000 people in the U.S. each year. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "developing a safe, effective and affordable vaccine to prevent HIV is the best hope for controlling or ending the HIV epidemic." "The basic idea of the new program project is to induce host defenses against HIV simultaneously at multiple levels, first at mucosal barriers, then in mucosal tissues, and finally in the systemic circulation and the rest of the body," Dr. Ruprecht explained. "The first line of defense consists of mucosal antibodies - mostly IgA and IgG molecules in mucosal fluids - which trap incoming virus particles in a process called immune exclusion. The second line of defense consists of IgG antibodies in mucosal tissues and in blood that can both neutralize the virus and lead to the killing of infected, HIV envelope-producing target cells through antibody-dependent cell killing. The third line of defense involves specific immune T cells that can kill infected target cells expressing various viral proteins; such killer T cells circulate throughout the body." Ruprecht explained that the inspiration of this approach stems from the military strategy termed defense-in-depth which seeks to prevent a country from being overrun after the frontline has been penetrated by the enemy. HIV transmission occurs in about 90% of all cases through mucosal exposures, including sexual contact and perinatal transmission. To mobilize and optimize the host defenses in mucosal fluids and tissues against the incoming virus, the scientists will use a highly interactive approach. The five-year project, broken into three sub-projects, will begin with the basic analysis of virus movement through mucus, mucosal fluids and penetration through epithelial barriers and how virus-specific antibodies affect these processes. Through fluorescent labeling of virus particles and/or antibodies, scientists will be able to see exactly how and where the virus goes upon entering a mucosal barrier and how it interacts with antibodies. Dr. Thomas Hope, Professor in Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, will lead these studies. Dr. Hope will collaborate closely with experts at the Research Imaging Institute (RII) of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), where state-of-the-art imaging will be used to track virus and/or antibody movement across the epithelium and over time throughout the body. These imaging studies will be led by Dr. Peter Fox, Professor and Director of the Research Imaging Institute, and Dr. Beth Goins, Professor at UTHSCSA. The second part of the Program Project, led by Dr. Ruprecht, will pursue results from previous studies in which her team demonstrated the effectiveness of the process called immune exclusion, in which mucosal antibodies, specifically dimeric IgA1, can act as a trap to capture virus particles and crosslink them, thereby blocking their ability to cross the epithelial barrier. Her team, which includes Texas Biomed scientist Dr. Viraj Kulkarni, an expert in virology and immunology, plans to examine the structural requirements for optimal virus capture at the mucosal frontline in close collaboration with Dr. Antonio Lanzavecchia, Director of the Swiss-based not-for-profit Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), affiliated to the Universita della Svizzera italiana. IRB will construct and produce monoclonal antibodies that can be tested in cell culture and in animal models as a first line of defense. The third part of the project will be led by Dr. Darrell Irvine, Professor of Materials Science & Engineering and Biological Engineering, with Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who will be responsible for vaccine design and lymph node targeting for vaccines. Like Dr. Hope, Dr. Irvine will also work closely with Drs. Fox and Goins at RII/UTHSCSA to target his vaccines to the mucosal areas where the virus first enters the body. The scientists plan to follow vaccine delivery with PET and MRI imaging and analyze immune responses generated in mucosal fluids, tissues and blood. The nonhuman primate research will be conducted at The Southwest National Primate Research Center at Texas Biomed and overseen by Texas Biomed scientists Drs. Samir Lakhashe and Sandeep Gupta. Work with the SNPRC will enable the team to further test these concepts and candidate vaccines in the appropriate nonhuman primate model. Dr. Sarah Ratcliffe, Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Pennsylvania, will provide biostatistical support for the collection and analysis of data on the primate studies. ### Funding for this project comes from NIAID grant number 2P01_AI048240-12, as well as support from the Southwest National Primate Research Center's NIH base grant P51 RR013986. Texas Biomedical Research Institute is one of the world's leading independent biomedical research institutions dedicated to advancing health worldwide through innovative biomedical research. Texas Biomed partners with hundreds of researchers and institutions around the world to develop vaccines and therapeutics against viral pathogens causing AIDS, hepatitis, hemorrhagic fevers and parasitic diseases responsible for malaria and schistosomiasis. The Institute also has programs in the genomics of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and other diseases, as well as regenerative medicine programs in neurodegenerative disorders, muscle diseases and diseases of the eye. For more information on Texas Biomed, go to http://www.TxBiomed.org. Long-term treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics decreased levels of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, and activated inflammatory microglial cells in the brains of mice in a new study by neuroscientists from the University of Chicago. The study, published July 21, 2016, in Scientific Reports, also showed significant changes in the gut microbiome after antibiotic treatment, suggesting the composition and diversity of bacteria in the gut play an important role in regulating immune system activity that impacts progression of Alzheimer's disease. "We're exploring very new territory in how the gut influences brain health," said Sangram Sisodia, PhD, Thomas Reynolds Sr. Family Professor of Neurosciences at the University of Chicago and senior author of the study. "This is an area that people who work with neurodegenerative diseases are going to be increasingly interested in, because it could have an influence down the road on treatments." Two of the key features of Alzheimer's disease are the development of amyloidosis, accumulation of amyloid- (A) peptides in the brain, and inflammation of the microglia, brain cells that perform immune system functions in the central nervous system. Buildup of A into plaques plays a central role in the onset of Alzheimer's, while the severity of neuro-inflammation is believed to influence the rate of cognitive decline from the disease. For this study, Sisodia and his team administered high doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics to mice over five to six months. At the end of this period, genetic analysis of gut bacteria from the antibiotic-treated mice showed that while the total mass of microbes present was roughly the same as in controls, the diversity of the community changed dramatically. The antibiotic-treated mice also showed more than a two-fold decrease in A plaques compared to controls, and a significant elevation in the inflammatory state of microglia in the brain. Levels of important signaling chemicals circulating in the blood were also elevated in the treated mice. While the mechanisms linking these changes is unclear, the study points to the potential in further research on the gut microbiome's influence on the brain and nervous system. "We don't propose that a long-term course of antibiotics is going to be a treatment--that's just absurd for a whole number of reasons," said Myles Minter, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Neurobiology at UChicago and lead author of the study. "But what this study does is allow us to explore further, now that we're clearly changing the gut microbial population and have new bugs that are more prevalent in mice with altered amyloid deposition after antibiotics." The study is the result of one the first collaborations from the Microbiome Center, a joint effort by the University of Chicago, the Marine Biological Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory to support scientists at all three institutions who are developing new applications and tools to understand and harness the capabilities of microbial systems across different fields. Sisodia, Minter and their team worked with Eugene B. Chang, Martin Boyer Professor of Medicine at UChicago, and Vanessa Leone, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar in Chang's lab, to analyze the gut microbes of the mice in this study. Minter said the collaboration was enabling, and highlighted the cross-disciplinary thinking necessary to tackle a seemingly intractable disease like Alzheimer's. "Once you put ideas together from different fields that have largely long been believed to be segregated from one another, the possibilities are really amazing," he said. Sisodia cautioned that while the current study opens new possibilities for understanding the role of the gut microbiome in Alzheimer's disease, it's just a beginning step. "There's probably not going to be a cure for Alzheimer's disease for several generations, because we know there are changes occurring in the brain and central nervous system 15 to 20 years before clinical onset," he said. "We have to find ways to intervene when a patient starts showing clinical signs, and if we learn how changes in gut bacteria affect onset or progression, or how the molecules they produce interact with the nervous system, we could use that to create a new kind of personalized medicine." ### The study, "Antibiotic-induced perturbations in gut microbial diversity influences neuro-inflammation and amyloidosis in a murine model of Alzheimer's disease," was supported by the Cure Alzheimer's Fund and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Additional authors include Daina Ringus, Xiaoqiong Zhang, Paul Oyler-Castrillo, and Mark Musch from the University of Chicago; Can Zhang, Joseph Ward, and Rudolph Tanzi from Massachusetts General Hospital; and Fan Liao and David Holtzman from Washington University. About the University of Chicago Medicine The University of Chicago Medicine & Biological Sciences is one of the nation's leading academic medical institutions. It comprises the Pritzker School of Medicine, a top 10 medical school in the nation; the University of Chicago Biomedical Sciences Division; and the University of Chicago Medical Center, which recently opened the Center for Care and Discovery, a $700 million specialty medical facility. Twelve Nobel Prize winners in physiology or medicine have been affiliated with the University of Chicago Medicine. Visit our research blog at sciencelife.uchospitals.edu and our newsroom at uchospitals.edu/news. Twitter @UChicagoMed, @ScienceLife Facebook.com/UChicagoMed LAWRENCE -- In the second it takes to read these words, 65 billion neutrinos will shoot through every square centimeter of your body. Luckily, these infinitesimal particles don't do any harm -- they pass through us, as they do with most everything, without stopping or interacting. "Partly because it's so tiny, a neutrino has this unique property -- it's able to penetrate through matter very easily," said David Besson, professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Kansas. "A neutrino produced in the center of the Sun can typically require a light year's worth of solid lead to stop that neutrino, whereas light, in the form of photons from the Sun, you can block out easily with dark sunglasses." According to Besson, the ability of neutrinos to pierce through anything and keep on moving makes them ideal cosmic messengers. "The fact that neutrinos are so penetrating makes them interesting to astrophysicists," he said. "Huge and cataclysmic stellar explosions that we'd like to understand produce lots of particles, but most of them will be absorbed by material in the interstellar medium before getting to our observatories. But neutrinos, because they're so penetrating, can carry info from much farther away -- much more than a photon, for example." Yet, neutrinos are tricky to detect precisely because they don't interact with matter. Today, Besson is part of a multinational research effort at the South Pole to build and operate the Askaryan Radio Array, a large-scale radio-detection instrument that will identify radio waves cast off from high-energy neutrinos far underneath the Antarctic ice shelf. Eventually the array will be composed of 37 antennae stations that effectively will transform hundreds of cubic kilometers into a colossal neutrino detector. The ARA team recently published a performance review of the first two stations to come online in the peer-reviewed publication Physical Review D. Their findings showed great potential for the detector to push forward understanding of the cosmos once it's fully operational. "The first two stations are showing a lot of promise of detecting neutrinos," Besson said. "Radio transparency within the ice is very high. We measured at this at the South Pole and were able to send radio waves through about 4 miles' worth of ice. So that's pretty transparent, and it means you can bury an antenna in the Antarctic ice and scan for several kilometers around for potential neutrino interactions." Besson performs data analysis and serves as a spokesman for the ARA group. He said once the array is fully operational, it could produce information from neutrinos that would shed light on the state of the current universe and also the universe's origins. "Neutrinos tell us something about cataclysmic explosions that happen today or within the recent history of the universe," he said. "But also, because they can reach us from very farthest periphery of the distant universe, they carry an imprint of processes that occurred in early universe. If you can accumulate enough data from them, you can test theories of evolution of the cosmos." While scientists are learning secrets of the universe, KU undergraduate and graduate students will have the opportunity to learn about neutrinos and neutrino detection via the array. Moreover, two of the graduate students will travel to Antarctica to engage in research this October. Their route will take them from Lawrence to Kansas City, Los Angeles, New Zealand, McMurdo Station in Antarctica, and finally to the South Pole aboard a C-130 military jet. "There's a particle astrophysics group here at KU -- they work on radio-wave detection of cosmic rays," Besson said. That group includes four graduate students and three undergraduates. Further, Besson is working with high school students at KU this summer, including soon-to-be Jayhawks. "Two of them are coming here as undergrads in the fall," he said. "The nice thing about radio waves, unlike gamma rays or x-rays, is they're familiar to people, and the equipment you need to send and receive radio waves are just antennas, and it doesn't take much work to get to point where you can design and build and test your own antennae." ### The National Science Foundation funds research at the Askaryan Radio Array. Other support comes from the Taiwan National Science Councils Vanguard Program, the Belgian F.R.S-FNRS and the National Research Nuclear University Moscow Engineering Physics Institute. WORCESTER, MA - Scientists at UMass Medical School, the Institut Curie in Paris and Stanford University, have taken a detailed look inside the small, densely packed structure of the inactive X chromosome found in female mammals called the Barr body and developed a model system that may be an important tool for understanding chromosome structure and gene expression. The inactive X chromosome has long been thought to be a rather amorphous compacted structure, but the new study, published in Nature, reveals a highly organized chromosome consisting of two distinct lobes of condensed inactive DNA with smaller structured domains of active DNA embedded in them. These smaller domains, referred to as topologically associating domains, are highly defined genetic "neighborhoods" and are found on other chromosomes as well. These domains have a significant role in gene expression, and their presence within the otherwise inactive Barr body was surprising. "This is the most detailed molecular view we've been able to obtain of the DNA inside the Barr body," said Job Dekker, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, professor of biochemistry & molecular pharmacology and co-director of the Program in Systems Biology. "Under a microscope, the inactive X chromosome is very different than other chromosomes; it looks like a condensed, undefined, inactive 'blob.' Our study, using a range of experimental approaches including imaging and genomic methods, describes something else entirely: a highly organized and elaborate structure, rich in features that may silence or activate genes all along the chromosome." Although DNA is composed of a linear sequence of bases, it doesn't exist inside the cell nucleus in a simple, straight form. Instead, the genome folds and loops back on itself so it can fit inside the tight confines of the nucleus. The shape it takes has a profound influence on which genes in a cell are turned on or off. To properly understand how the genome works to coordinate gene expression, it's necessary to understand how the genome is organized in space inside cells. In the case of the inactive X chromosome, scientists know that female mammals contain two X chromosomes, one of which is "turned off" to avoid overexpression of genes. This inactive X chromosome can be clearly seen with a microscope as a dense, shapeless, dark stain, called a Barr body. It is thought that the Barr body's dense shape is a result of it being mostly inactive. But the precise structure of the Barr body, how it is condensed and why some pieces of the DNA remain active have been very difficult to explore using even the most advanced imaging technologies, and more recently with genomic approaches based on chromosome conformation capture. A pioneer in the study of the three-dimensional structure of the genome, Dr. Dekker has developed a suite of chromosome conformation capture technologies -- biochemical techniques for determining how DNA segments interact and are linked to one another, which are the heart of the "3C," "5C," and "Hi-C" tools used by researchers worldwide to map the three-dimensional organization of chromosomes inside cells. Using the Hi-C technology, Dekker and colleagues were able to construct a detailed view of the shape and architecture of the inactive X chromosome. To unravel the structure of the inactive X chromosome, Dekker and colleagues first had to address some major obstacles. One problem, according to Bryan R. Lajoie, a bioinformatician in the Dekker lab, is that it's all but impossible to tell the inactive X chromosome apart from active X chromosome given that they have virtually the same sequence. "The mice models we use in the lab lack the diversity we need genetically to be able to make this sort of distinction," he said. "In order to properly determine the three-dimensional structure of the chromosomes using the Hi-C sequencing technology, we crossed two different mouse strains and built a new computational approach using naturally occurring mutations in one of the X chromosomes as guideposts," said Lajoie. "By filling in the gaps computationally, we were able to connect enough dots to begin building a three-dimensional model of the inactive X inside the Barr body." What they found was that the Barr body wasn't a single dense mass of DNA but instead is composed of two separately packed lobes separated by a highly repetitive segment of DNA called a macrosatellite repeat, found only in a few places in the genome. Dekker speculates that these macrosatellite repeats are responsible for packing and organizing DNA inside the Barr body. When the team used CRISPR technology to surgically remove the macrosatellite repeat from the chromosome, they found that the bi-lobed structure disappeared. "It's remarkable, that a single element can have such a global impact on shape and function of a chromosome," said Edith Heard, PhD, chair of epigenetics and cellular memory at the Institut Curie in Paris. Though mostly inactive, there are still clusters of genes inside the lobes that are being expressed. These genes reside inside topologically associating domains (TADs), which organize the genome into neighborhoods separated by boundaries rich in CTCF proteins, which repress transcription. This finding suggests that TADs play a role in making organizing gene expression within the otherwise inactive lobes of the silent X chromosome. "In order for a gene to be expressed inside the inactive Barr body it had to be located inside a TAD. It's possible that TADs may be playing a kind of protective role, allowing genes to be accessible for expression even when they are located inside the condensed and inactive chromosome," said Dekker. This breakthrough establishes the inactive X chromosome as a powerful and unique model system for studying the relationship between the spatial organization of the genome and gene expression and will help scientists learn more about how the genome works inside living cells. ### About the University of Massachusetts Medical School The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), one of five campuses of the University system, is comprised of the School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the Graduate School of Nursing, a thriving research enterprise and an innovative public service initiative, Commonwealth Medicine. Its mission is to advance the health of the people of the Commonwealth through pioneering education, research, public service and health care delivery with its clinical partner, UMass Memorial Health Care. In doing so, it has built a reputation as a world-class research institution and as a leader in primary care education. The Medical School attracts more than $266 million annually in research funding, placing it among the top 50 medical schools in the nation. In 2006, UMMS's Craig C. Mello, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and the Blais University Chair in Molecular Medicine, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, along with colleague Andrew Z. Fire, PhD, of Stanford University, for their discoveries related to RNA interference (RNAi). The 2013 opening of the Albert Sherman Center ushered in a new era of biomedical research and education on campus. Designed to maximize collaboration across fields, the Sherman Center is home to scientists pursuing novel research in emerging scientific fields with the goal of translating new discoveries into innovative therapies for human diseases. The University of Nottingham and Royal Norwegian Naval Academy (RNoNA) are investigating how to prevent shipping Global Positioning Signals (GPS) being jammed in potential cyberattacks that may cause vessels to go off course and collide or run aground. Big, modern ships are highly automated with networked navigational systems, including differential GPS (DGPS) which offers more accurate positioning (to one metre) than conventional GPS. However, previous research has found that these highly-sensitive maritime DGPS receivers, are easy to disrupt, using 50 jammer devices, which are widely available on the market. DGPS signal disruption, particularly when ships are navigating through narrow inshore waters, could result in inaccurate positional information, leading to more maritime accidents. For the study, academics from the Nottingham Geospatial Institute (NGI) and RNoNA Navigation Centre tested DGPS disruption in the busy shipping lanes of the Norwegian straits where navigational errors account for half of accidents. Dr Lukasz Bonenberg, senior technical officer at the NGI, said: "Main factors behind maritime accidents in this part of Norway are an influx of foreign vessels, coupled with quickly changing weather conditions and the dangerous nature of the narrow inshore waters. "In these difficult conditions, with a need for high-accuracy navigation, there tends to be an over-dependence on DGPS technology which can lead to a false feeling of security. These errors have increased significantly since the introduction of DGPS on most ships. "DGPS jamming from nearby cliffs, for instance, could seriously affect shipping traffic going through the narrow straits and fjord networks. Affected vessels could take a long time to correct their journey or physically stop, which may cause the maritime equivalent of a motorway pile-up," Dr Bonenberg adds. The trial was conducted with the high-end surveying grade receiver and antenna, which was placed on the shore with the jammer moving towards or away from the receiver on a small boat. The aim of the trial was to quantify the jamming effect, simulating a vessel's approach to a narrow inshore strait. The researchers found that the DGPS receiver didn't stop functioning altogether. Instead it gave false readings in the on-board navigation system with positional data moving more than 10 metres. "Observed discrepancies of up to 10 metres are very hazardous, considering the narrow nature of the Norwegian straits, which are frequently affected by poor visibility," explains Lieutenant Commander Oeystein Glomsvoll at RNoNA Navigation Centre. "GPS jamming is a worldwide growing problem. The technology for jamming is readily available, resulting in many cases of intentional jamming in recent years, and the attention given to this problem has increased." The research team looked at a solution that would fix and maintain a transporter ship's position more accurately and quickly using additional GPS signal frequencies instead of upgrading navigational systems on board. Currently, the majority of maritime receivers are DGPS L1 ones. Authors suggest combining this system with the multi-frequency GLONASS receiver -- an alternative navigation system to GPS -- is advantageous. This is because the frequency band of GPS + GLONASS signals together is much wider than dual L1 and L2 frequency GPS or GLONASS alone, increasing positional precision. This has been traced back, not only to the increased number of satellites used, but also to the higher elevation and better coverage of the GLONASS satellites operated by the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces. Dr Bonenberg, from the Faculty of Engineering, said: "The use of multi-constellation receivers and an increase in the frequencies received offers better jamming resilience for close-to-shore navigation." GPS signalling is currently undergoing modernisation, which includes an additional frequency (L5) and an open L2C code on an L2 frequency. Currently, only a limited number of satellites offer these signals. Data observed during this experiment suggests that use of this modernised signal will offer advantages similar to the multi-frequency GLONASS one. ### For more information, access the research paper 'GNSS jamming resilience for the close to shore navigation in the Northern Sea,' published in the latest edition of Journal of Navigation. Like people, animals have personalities. And their personalities differ, sometimes hugely, on traits like shyness and aggressiveness. Among the big questions are where those differences come from, why they exist, and how they are maintained. Now researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have uncovered an unexpected benefit of these personalities: to protect societies from extreme temperature changes. The work, led in part by Spencer Ingley, a postdoctoral fellow at UNC College of Arts and Sciences, is particularly relevant at a time when the planet's climate is projected to increase on the order of 3 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100. It could also have far reaching implications on how to restore animals in their different habitats in an increasingly changing world. "We live in a time of global change," said Ingley. "Scientists are seeing that these changes can have a huge impact on individual organisms and groups of organisms. But people have rarely looked at personalities and how the personalities of groups can alter their response to these changes, particularly in different temperature environments." This work focused on the tangle web spider, known to scientists as Anelosimus studiosus, which lives in North Carolina and across North and South America. In this species, individual spiders have either one of two personalities: docile or highly aggressive. Together, they not only share the same living space but also share in the duties of brood care and capturing of prey. Ingley and his team, which included researchers from Israel, Australia, and the U.S., looked at the effect of temperature - 75 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit - on the spiders' ability to survive and reproduce as an individual and within a colony. They found that aggressive spiders were less likely to survive and reproduce at higher temperatures. But the opposite was true for docile spiders: as the temperature heated up, the better they reproduced and survived. The researchers saw the same pattern when the colonies were made up of all aggressive individuals or all docile ones. But when a colony had different personalities - a mix of aggressive and docile spiders - the aggressive spiders didn't die in hot temperatures and docile ones didn't die in cooler ones. In other words, not a single aggressive spider was able to reproduce at 93 degrees Fahrenheit and most of them died at that temperature. But when Ingley and his team added docile spiders to the mix, the aggressive spiders thrived in that diverse community at that temperature. "Some aspect about living in a diverse society shields these aggressive spiders from selective pressures that would otherwise kill them," said Ingley. "Without these diverse personalities, these spider societies would be more susceptible to extreme fluctuations in temperature - and it is interesting to think if our own society could benefit from diversity in a similar way." ### Each 1 percent decrease in volume was linked to a 2-fold worsening in the odds of a patient surviving University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers have demonstrated for the first time that changes over time in the volume of patients seen by trauma centers influence the likelihood of seriously injured patients living or dying. The findings, reported online and scheduled for an upcoming issue of the journal Annals of Surgery, mean that changes in patient volume across all affected centers should be considered when designating a new trauma center in a region. "It takes about three years for the impact of increased patient volume to translate into improved patient outcomes," said lead author Joshua Brown, M.D., M.S., a research fellow in the Division of Trauma and General Surgery in the Pitt School of Medicine's Department of Surgery. "Siphoning of patients through unregulated growth of unnecessary trauma centers can have a profound detrimental impact on patients that isn't immediately obvious. Before designating a new trauma center, serious consideration should be given to how that designation will affect patient volumes over time at trauma centers throughout the region." A trauma center is a hospital equipped to immediately provide specialized care to patients suffering from major traumatic injuries, such as falls, car crashes, burns or shootings. In the U.S., the American College of Surgeons sets criteria and conducts reviews for trauma center validation, and the individual states ultimately grant trauma center designation. In Pennsylvania, trauma centers are granted "Level" designations based on their capabilities, ranging from Level-I (highest) to Level-IV (lowest). Dr. Brown and his colleagues examined records of nearly 840,000 seriously injured patients seen at 287 trauma centers between 2000 and 2012. The centers averaged 247 severely injured patients per year, and 90 percent of the cases involved blunt injury. The researchers compared the expected death rate for each center if everything involving each trauma patient's care had gone perfectly to the center's actual death rate. Each 1 percent increase in patient volume at a trauma center was associated with 73 percent better odds of a patient surviving. Conversely, each 1 percent decrease in volume was linked to a two-fold worsening in the odds of a patient surviving. "So, the study suggests the negative impact of declining patient volume is significantly greater than that of the positive impact of increasing patient volume," said senior author Jason Sperry, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor in the Pitt School of Medicine Departments of Surgery and Critical Care Medicine. "Granting unnecessary designation to a trauma center in a region that doesn't have the patient volume to support it not only hurts patient outcomes at that new center, but it will likely lead to a decline in patient outcomes at other nearby centers." Follow-up study will be needed to determine why patient volume is linked to patient outcomes, but the researchers suspect that as centers increase their number of patients, they also increase their resources, infrastructure and experience. Although advances in care and diagnostics may be more readily adopted at higher-volume trauma centers, this alone did not explain the influence of trauma center volume changes on patient outcomes over time. "Taking care of patients who sustain complex traumatic injuries is a truly multidisciplinary effort, so it requires an institutional-level commitment of resources and staff," said Dr. Brown. "There are many dynamics at play here that make the issue more involved than simply increased opportunity to hone surgical skills." ### Additional authors on this study include Matthew R. Rosengart, M.D., M.P.H., Jeremy M. Kahn, M.D., M.S., Deepika Mohan, M.D., M.P.H., Brian S. Zuckerbraun, M.D., Timothy R. Billiar, M.D., Andrew B. Peitzman, M.D., and Derek C. Angus, M.D., M.P.H., all of Pitt. No funding directly supported this study, though Dr. Brown receives support from the National Institutes of Health grant 5T32GM008516. About the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine As one of the nation's leading academic centers for biomedical research, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine integrates advanced technology with basic science across a broad range of disciplines in a continuous quest to harness the power of new knowledge and improve the human condition. Driven mainly by the School of Medicine and its affiliates, Pitt has ranked among the top 10 recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health since 1998. In rankings recently released by the National Science Foundation, Pitt ranked fifth among all American universities in total federal science and engineering research and development support. Likewise, the School of Medicine is equally committed to advancing the quality and strength of its medical and graduate education programs, for which it is recognized as an innovative leader, and to training highly skilled, compassionate clinicians and creative scientists well-equipped to engage in world-class research. The School of Medicine is the academic partner of UPMC, which has collaborated with the University to raise the standard of medical excellence in Pittsburgh and to position health care as a driving force behind the region's economy. For more information about the School of Medicine, see http://www.medschool.pitt.edu. http://www.upmc.com/media Sen. Pat Toomey has been a critic of Donald Trumps and is skipping the Republican National Convention, and it is fueling questions from GOP voters as he hopscotches to meet-and-greets across Pennsylvania in his re-election campaign. On Wednesday, Toomey addressed a gathering at a Chambersburg-area restaurant where he fielded questions, including whether Toomeys criticism is hurting the newly minted Republican presidential nominee. Toomey may not have had the answers his questioners were seeking, but he also downplayed a Republican Party split over Trump. I do think the party is moving in the direction of greater unity and is likely to end up there, Toomey told one questioner, retiree Ray Myers. Thats where it looks like its heading. Democrat Katie McGinty is challenging Toomeys bid for a second term in an expensive and closely watched race that could help tilt control of the U.S. Senate. McGinty has attacked Toomey as an enemy of the middle class and womens rights in a race that is increasingly turning on debates surrounding gun violence, terrorism, those living in the country illegally and public safety. In moderate Pennsylvania, Democrats outnumber Republicans four-to-three, meaning Toomey will need significant support from conservative Democrats, independents and moderate Republicans to beat McGinty. But he has another tightrope to walk: Trump nailed down a surprising 37 percentage-point victory in Pennsylvanias April 26 primary, and Toomey may not be able to afford alienating Trump backers. Asked by Myers whether his criticism of Trump would hurt the GOP nominee, Toomey said people will vote for Trump based on their own perceptions. And how quickly or slowly I get to the point of endorsing him is, I think, not very important, Toomey said. Asked by another questioner, Allen Piper, whether it would help his candidacy to endorse Trump, Toomey said he didnt know. Donald Trump is unique, right? Toomey said. I mean, there hasnt been a candidate like him, certainly not in the last 100 years, probably longer than that. So we just dont know. ... I want to stay on the path Im on, lets see a little bit more. He added, Its still only July, weve still got a lot of time. Toomey pointed out that he is encouraged by Trumps short list of would-be nominees to fill an open seat on the U.S. Supreme Court and his selection of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate, whom Toomey called a rock solid conservative. Toomey also suggested that those moves by Trump were spurred by the collective reservation from conservatives. Still, Toomey repeated his questions about Trumps commitment to fiscal conservativism Trump was a Democrat, gave big campaign contributions to Democrats and advocated tax increases and single-payer health care, Toomey said. In May, Toomey laid out a longer list of concerns in interviews and editorials, including Trumps vulgarity and his vagueness about what he would do as president or how. So Ive seen these examples that have given me real pause as to whether he would lead America based on conservative principles or not, Toomey told another questioner, Michele Jansen. So Ive said, let me step back here and see how this develops and see what kinds of specific policies he proposes and how this evolves, and of course Im not the only one. Toomey is not alone among endangered Republican senators to skip the convention in Cleveland. Republicans Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, John McCain of Arizona and Mark Kirk of Illinois skipped it entirely. Ohios Rob Portman was to appear on the convention floor this week, but not speak from the podium, a departure from custom for any host-state senator. Alternately, Wisconsins Ron Johnson targeted his Democratic opponent, Russ Feingold, from the conventions national stage during a prime-time speech Tuesday night. Toomey maintains that he is not boycotting the convention because of Trump, but because he prefers to take the time in Pennsylvania this week to make his case to voters, attend fundraisers and do media interviews. I think this is just a much more effective way for me to spend my time if I want to hold this seat, which I do, Toomey told the restaurant crowd. If Dr. Kalipada Pahan's research pans out, the standard advice for failing students might one day be: Study harder and eat your cinnamon! Pahan a researcher at Rush University and the Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Chicago, has found that cinnamon turns poor learners into good ones--among mice, that is. He hopes the same will hold true for people. His group published their latest findings online June 24, 2016, in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology. "The increase in learning in poor-learning mice after cinnamon treatment was significant," says Pahan. "For example, poor-learning mice took about 150 seconds to find the right hole in the Barnes maze test. On the other hand, after one month of cinnamon treatment, poor-learning mice were finding the right hole within 60 seconds." Pahan's research shows that the effect appears to be due mainly to sodium benzoate--a chemical produced as cinnamon is broken down in the body. If that chemical sounds familiar, you may have noticed it on the ingredient labels of many processed foods. Food makers use a synthetic form of it as a preservative. It is also an FDA-approved drug used to treat hyperammonemia--too much ammonia in the blood. Though some health concerns exist regarding sodium benzoate, most experts agree it's perfectly safe in the amounts generally consumed. One reassuring point is that it's water-soluble and easily excreted in the urine. Cinnamon acts as a slow-release form of sodium benzoate, says Pahan. His lab studies show that different compounds within cinnamon--including cinnamaldehyde, which gives the spice is distinctive flavor and aroma--are "metabolized into sodium benzoate in the liver. Sodium benzoate then becomes the active compound, which readily enters the brain and stimulates hippocampal plasticity." Those changes in the hippocampus--the brain's main memory center--appear to be the mechanism by which cinnamon and sodium benzoate exert their benefits. In their study, Pahan's group first tested mice in mazes to separate the good and poor learners. Good learners made fewer wrong turns and took less time to find food. In analyzing baseline disparities between the good and poor learners, Pahan's team found differences in two brain proteins. The gap was all but erased when cinnamon was given. "Little is known about the changes that occur in the brains of poor learners," says Pahan. "We saw increases in GABRA5 and a decrease in CREB in the hippocampus of poor learners. Interestingly, these particular changes were reversed by one month of cinnamon treatment." The researchers also examined brain cells taken from the mice. They found that sodium benzoate enhanced the structural integrity of the cells--namely in the dendrites, the tree-like extensions of neurons that enable them to communicate with other brain cells. Cinnamon, like many spices, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. So it could be expected to exert a range of health-boosting actions, and it does have a centuries-long history of medicinal use around the world. But the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says that "high-quality clinical evidence to support the use of cinnamon for any medical condition is generally lacking." Most of the clinical trials that have taken place have focused on the spice's possible effect on blood sugar for people with diabetes. Little if any clinical research has been done on the spice's possible brain-boosting properties. Pahan hopes to change that. Based on the promising results from his group's preclinical studies, he believes that "besides general memory improvement, cinnamon may target Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment [a precursor to Alzheimer's], and Parkinson's disease as well." He is now talking with neurologists about planning a clinical trial on Alzheimer's. Before you start heaping cinnamon on your oatmeal, keep a few caveats in mind. First, most cinnamon found in the store is the Chinese variety, which contains a compound called coumarin that may be toxic to the liver in high amounts. A person would likely have to eat tons of cinnamon to run into a problem, but just the same, Pahan recommends the Ceylon or Sri Lanka type, which is coumarin-free. Even then, don't overdo it. "Anything in excess is toxic," says Pahan. What about simply inhaling the pleasant-smelling spice? Will that benefit the brain? "Simply smelling the spice may not help because cinnamaldehyde should be metabolized into cinnamic acid and then sodium benzoate," explains Pahan. "For metabolism [to occur], cinnamaldehyde should be within the cell." As for himself, Pahan isn't waiting for clinical trials. He takes about a teaspoonful--about 3.5 grams--of cinnamon powder mixed with honey as a supplement every night. Should the research on cinnamon continue to move forward, he envisions a similar remedy being adopted by struggling students worldwide. "Individual differences in learning and educational performance is a global issue, he says. "In many cases, we find two students of the same background studying in the same class, and one turns out to be a poor learner and does worse than the other academically. Now we need to find a way to test this approach in poor learners. If these results are replicated in poor-learning students, it would be a remarkable advance. At present, we are not using any other spice or natural substance." ### Pahan's study was funded by VA, the National Institutes of Health, and the Alzheimer's Association. Meeting new people can be both stressful and rewarding. Research at the Weizmann Institute of Science, reported yesterday in Nature Neuroscience, suggests that a molecule involved in regulating stress in the brain may help determine how willing we are to leave the safety of our social group and strike up new relationships. In a study performed in mice, the researchers identified a stress mechanism that appears to act as a "social switch": It caused mice either to increase interactions with "friends" and "acquaintances" or, in contrast, to reduce such interactions and seek instead to meet strangers. Since an analogous stress system operates in the human brain, the findings suggest that a similar mechanism may regulate coping with social challenges in humans. Disruptions in this mechanism might be responsible for difficulties with social coping in people affected by social anxiety, as well as in autism, schizophrenia and other disorders. The study, conducted in the laboratory of Prof. Alon Chen of Weizmann's Neurobiology Department, was led by Drs. Yair Shemesh and Oren Forkosh. "Most social contacts involve a certain level of social stress or anxiety, even when we interact with people we know well, for example, during a holiday meal with extended family," says Shemesh. "In fact, from the point of view of evolution, moderate levels of social apprehension are essential for safe and successful social engagement." Chen adds: "In social environments, an individual's interests often clash with the group's needs and expectations. So the individual must maintain what's known as a socioemotional balance: between the processing of social signals and his or her emotional response to such pressure." The scientists used two behavioral setups to study how mice cope with the challenge of interacting with other mice. One was a "social maze," in which a mouse can choose whether to interact through a mesh with familiar mice or with strangers, or even to avoid interaction at all. The other was a special arena, in which a group of mice was tracked with video cameras and the observations were analyzed with a computer algorithm created for this purpose. The establishment of this unique setting enabled the researchers to quantify various types of interactions - such as approach, contact, attack or chase - among individual mice within the group over several days. The results revealed that a molecular mechanism involved in stress management in the brain of mice determines their behavior toward other mice. The mechanism involves a small signaling molecule, Urocortin-3, and a receptor on the surface of neurons to which this molecule binds. Both Urocortin-3 and the receptor are part of the corticotropin-releasing factor, or CRF system, which plays a central role in coping with stress, and both are prominently expressed in a brain region called the medial amygdala, known to be associated with social behavior in mice. Mice that had high levels of Urocortin-3 in the brain actively sought out contacts with new mice behind the net, even ignoring their own group. But when the activity of Urocortin-3 and its receptor was blocked in their brains, the mice chose to socialize mainly within the group, avoiding contacts with the strangers. Forkosh: "In nature mice live in groups, and the social challenges they face within the group differ from their relationship with intruders. It therefore makes sense for a brain mechanism to produce different types of social coping in these two situations. In humans, this mechanism might be involved whenever we consider moving out of our parents' home, getting a divorce or changing jobs or apartments." ### Taking part in the study were Mathias Mahn, Sergey Anpilov, Dr. Yehezkel Sztainberg, Sharon Manashirov, Tamar Shlapobersky, Dr. Gili Ezra, Dr. Elaine S. Adler, Dr. Yair J. Ben-Efraim, Shosh Gil, Dr. Sharon Haramati, Prof. Elad Schneidman and Dr. Ofer Yizhar of Weizmann's Neurobiology Department, Drs. Evan Elliott and Laure Tabouy from Bar-Ilan University's Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Yael Kuperman from Weizmann's Veterinary Resources Department and Drs. Julien Dine, Matthias Eder and Jan M. Deussing from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich, Germany. Dr. Alon Chen's research is supported by the Henry Chanoch Krenter Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Genomics; the Perlman Family Foundation, founded by Louis L. and Anita M. Perlman; the Irving Bieber, M.D. and Toby Bieber, M.D. Memorial Research Fund; the Adelis Foundation; the Irving I Moskowitz Foundation; the Candice Appleton Family Trust; Mr. and Mrs. Bruno Licht, Brazil; and the Ruhman Family Laboratory for Research in the Neurobiology of Stress. The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, is one of the world's top-ranking multidisciplinary research institutions. Noted for its wide-ranging exploration of the natural and exact sciences, the Institute is home to scientists, students, technicians and supporting staff. Institute research efforts include the search for new ways of fighting disease and hunger, examining leading questions in mathematics and computer science, probing the physics of matter and the universe, creating novel materials and developing new strategies for protecting the environment. Waiting periods for reflection are supposed to be a safeguard against abuse in euthanasia and assisted suicide. That has been exposed as mere veneer as Quebec euthanasia advocates are furious that the province has imposed a ten-day waiting period. From the CBC News story: The federal assisted-dying law requires a 10-day delay between a patients request for doctor-assisted death and the administration of the procedure. Quebecs law doesnt stipulate a waiting period before a doctor-assisted death is administered, though patients have typically received the procedure within 48 to 72 hours. When youre really ill, youre at the end your life and youre really suffering.Each hour, each day can be an interminable agony. They changed the law by simply sending out a letter, said Hivon, who is among five candidates campaigning to become the new PQ leader. Once you accept killing as an acceptable answer to human suffering, the time will come when getting dead takes first priority, not protecting the lives of the despairing ill and disabled. Things are deteriorating in Canada very swiftly. U.S., take warning! Cross-posted at Human Exceptionalism. Photo: Parliament Building, Quebec, by dszpiro on Flickr [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons. IKEA, the Swedish furniture giant is all set to lay its foundation stone for its first store in Hyderabad on August 11 and will open its doors to the customers next year. The big question is IKEA, the Swedish furniture giant is all set to lay its foundation stone for its first store in Hyderabad on August 11 and will open its doors to the customers mid-next year. It was already in the reports that it is investing Rs 1,500 crore in Mumbai as part of its plan to have 25 stores across India by 2025. It has mapped out its other stores across Bangalore, Mumbai and NCR. The store in Navi Mumbai will come within 18 months, for which the company has invested Rs 400 crore. It was reported that each location involves an investment of Rs 550-600 crore. The worlds largest furniture retailer IKEA was one of the first companies in India to get approval for setting up 100 per cent FDI in single brand retail. IKEA is coming at an exciting time in India, especially when its furniture space is buzzing with activity. The home furniture industry in India is estimated at $20 billion, of which online takes up around 250 million. According to reports, the number is likely to boost up to $35 billion, with $700 million dedicated to online furniture space by 2020. Online leaders IKEAs entry will impact the urban cities. Moreover, online furniture store Urban Ladder, which operates in 19 cities, gets 80% of orders from tier-1 cities according to reports. Will the online furniture space face the heat with its entry? With IKEAs lacklustre performance in the online space (owing to its website which has been criticized abroad for its poor display of its latest products) it seems unlikely. Urban Ladder (which operates as a marketplace) doesnt intend to have offline stores. According to reports it is looking to transact a GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) of $250 million by June 2017, even though it reported losses of Rs 58.51 crore in FY15 on revenues of Rs 19.21 crore. Its competitor Pepperfry, another market leader in the online space, has scaled its operations and is seeing significant contributions to revenue from its physical stores. According to reports, eight Tier-1 cities contribute to almost 80% of its business and the company is expecting to hit Rs 2500 crore in GMV by March 2017. The company is already upping its game with its plan to double its store count to 16 this year, as stores have turned out to the best marketing channel for them. Pepperfry opens stores based on customer purchase data of the previous 24 months, which helps it select cities with high customer density. By opening stores in such areas, it is also able to drive supply-chain efficiencies as more orders from an area translate into lower average cost of delivery. There are other players like Mebelkart, Customfurnish and Stitchwood which have raised funds in the recent past and are looking to reach out to more buyers with the help of technology. Meanwhile online interior home design and furniture company Livspace is going all out to expand across country and revolutionise the home design catalogue. According to a study by CraftDriven Market Research, the furniture industry is expected to witness a growth of more than 49% within a span of two years. The growth is attributed to many start-ups as well as to the entry of e-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal. Flipkart aims to become India's largest furniture retailer by the end of this year, with an ambitious target to register a 15-fold growth in the high-value category, which also promises to deliver healthy profits. Moreover, it reports that the start-ups are rapidly working to organise the whole industry. Offline players On the other hand the traditional players like Godrej Interio has partnered with e-commerce major Flipkart to enable customers to access formers exclusive range of furniture. Last year it was heard that Godrej Interio will invest up to Rs 300 crore in the next one year to expand its manufacturing capacity and sales network. Plans are on to add another 100 exclusive stores in next three years on franchise model. The aim is to get around 15% market share within 2 years by introducing innovative designs and expanding its network. Other players like Kishore Biyani's Hometown, which recently acquired Rocket Internet-owned Fabfurnish to build an 'omnichannel strategy', is selling both online and offline. With this acquisition the company is targeting revenues of Rs 1,000 crore by fiscal year 2017. However, IKEAs USP is its do-it-yourself (DIY) model, which is new in India. Urban Ladders founders feel that IKEA will help push the concept of brand and retail store experience. One can safely assume the players in this vertical are definitely bracing up their strategy and at the same time looking forward to IKEAs debut in India. Read more news about (marketing news, latest marketing news,internet marketing, marketing India, digital marketing India, media marketing India, advertising news) Today's US dollar to Canadian dollar forex rate remains on an uptrend. We examine the USD/CAD near-term exchange rate outlook in relation to crude oil prices. The commodity exchange rate pair of USD/CAD closely follows the price of crude oil, as the Canadian economy depends a lot on oil prices. The U.S. crude inventory, which fell by 2.3 million barrels in the week ending July 15, was in line with the analysts expectations of a 2.1 million barrels decrease. It is the ninth successive week of crude inventory draw downs and it is supporting crude oil prices, cooling concerns of a market glut. "While in line with expectations, the drawdown is large enough to provide support, and refiner demand for crude remains elevated," said John Kilduff, partner at New York energy hedge fund Again Capital, reports Reuters. However, Gasoline stocks USOILG=ECI rose 911,000 barrels, whereas, the expectation was for stocks to remain unchanged. "We continue to see these builds in gasoline which suggest the market is fundamentally not sound to sustain a rally," said Tariq Zahir, a trader in WTI crude spreads at Tyche Capital Advisors in New York, reports Reuters. Lets look at the technicals of crude oil: Latest Live US/Canadian Dollar Exchange Rates On Friday the US Dollar to British Pound exchange rate (USD/GBP) converts at 0.863 The live inter-bank GBP-USD spot rate is quoted as 1.159 today. Today finds the pound to pound spot exchange rate priced at 1. Please note: the FX rates above, updated 28th Oct 2022, will have a commission applied by your typical high street bank. Currency brokers specialise in these type of foreign currency transactions and can save you up to 5% on international payments compared to the banks. Crude Oil Price in Pullback Crude oil is in a pullback after having risen close to 100% from its lows of around $26 per barrel. The pullback can take the crude oil prices to around $42 per barrel mark, which is the 38% Fibonacci retracement of the total rise. Crude also has broken down from a descending triangle formation, which also has a pattern target of $42 per barrel. As long as crude remains below the resistance level of $48 per barrel, it should head lower, however, if crude manages to break above the resistance, it will retest the recent highs of $52 per barrel. Lets analyze the prospects of the USD/CAD pair. The USD/CAD pair remains in an uptrend. The sharp rally topped out on 20 Jan of this year and since then, the pair has retraced almost 50% of the total move. If the currency pair manages to rise from the current levels, it will keep the uptrend intact. However, a break below the 50% retracement level will change the trend. Lets look at the daily charts to see if we can find some trades on the long side. On the daily charts, the USD/CAD is forming a bullish ascending triangle pattern. If the pair manages to breakout above the overhead resistance of 1.3126 and close above it, the next pattern target on the pair is 1.358, as shown in the chart. On the other hand, if the price breaks down below the 1.29 levels, the ascending triangle pattern will fail and the pair can drift down to the 1.27 levels. As long as the pair is within the triangle, it is in a no trade zone for the swing traders. Will Oil Prices Fall Boost the USD/CAD Exchange Rate? Traders treat the Canadian dollar as a commodity currency, hence, an understanding of crude oil price action is essential to forecast the USD/CAD exchange rate pair. Technically, crude oil looks to be ready to pullback towards the $42 per barrel mark, which should propel the USD/CAD pair higher. Traders should wait for the breakout before buying the pair, however, if the level of 1.29 breaks down, we will have to reassess the pair once again. OnlySJC said: Please, looking at websites to "see one you like" is not practical (like looking for a needle in a haystack and I did this for months). I have requested if anyone knows of good resources or has personal knowledge of a reliable developer. What I want is not difficult, I just need someone who is honest about his/her skills and is reliable. Thanks. Click to expand... I hope that you're not just relying on this site for advice, it's a predominantly global expat resource not one that specialises in such requests at a local level.As we don't allow advertising on the open parts of the forum, it's quite unlikely that someone would be using the site searching for new clients such as you.If someone knows of someone they can recommend then hopefully they'll make a comment back to you, but to be honest I wouldn't hold your breath.The alternative suggestion made to you I'm sure was sincere, you having not made any local contacts within 6 months is quite a surprising admission - so are you operating a completely unique business not found anywhere else? Is that why you can't find any relevant competitor websites. Why restrict it to Wordpress - that's like saying you'd only use a taxi that has a prime number for a registration. We are looking to move to France within the next year or so and have decided to rent for six months/year to get the feel for the french way of life and to find the location that suits us and that we feel most comfortable in. We are looking in the Gers region. My question is does anyone have any information or advice on renting and which organisations/agents to use. We would obviously be bringing our car over with us is there any paperwork or such like that we need to get sorted before coming over to rent. We will also be bringing our two dogs as well and they have already had the rabies jabs and we are in the process of obtaining pet passports, but is there any other documentation or official processes we need to do before bringing them over with us. Any help or advice would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance. Hi, I am here in France as family member of EU citizen. My wife applied for PPA but she got 1/4 th of the estimation. Later CAF told us they didnt consider me because I am NON EU citizen and I should have 5 years stay before I have RSA OR PPA. Under EU law they can not do any discrimination(as mentioned in europa). I should have the right to access any benefit as french citizen as long as my wife working in this country. Keep explaining to them and they keep saying the same. Any help will be highly appreciated. Just now might not be the best time to be looking around for new friends. Most clubs and associations really do shut down for the summer holidays, opening up again in September or October with La Rentree. Come September, there is an AVF (Accueil des Villes Francaises) in Sainte-Maxime. AVF is a newcomers' group, designed to help newly arrived folks settle into their new environment. Look for signs advertising a Forum des Associations either in Saint Tropez or in Sainte-Maxime. This will be a big gathering of all the various associations in town - and you can check out the local AVF or any other "welcome" groups in the area. There may be interest groups or even some language circle type groups that you could get involved with. (As a native English speaker, it's a great way to get to know folks by helping them with their English in exchange for help with your French.) Cheers, Bev Asked/Answered is a weekly feature for reader-submitted questions. Follow the blog online at www.cumberlink.com: What is the Ferguson Effect? Preliminary data from the FBI for the first half of 2015 indicates that murder and violent crime rose last year. This comes in stark contrast to two decades of largely plummeting violent crime rates in the United States. For context, the murder rate in 2013 and 2014 was 4.5 murders per 100,000, according to the FBI. This was a historically low point for the FBI data that goes back to 1960. Other violent crime rates like aggravated assaults, rape and robbery remain well above Leave it to Beaver-era figures but have largely been cut in half since peaking in the early to mid-1990s. One theory for why homicide rates rose roughly 6 percent between January and June of last year has been dubbed the Ferguson Effect. The theory has two major components, according a National Institute of Justice paper Documenting and explaining the Homicide Rise in 2015 written by criminologist Richard Rosenfeld in which multiple theories on the rise in crime were explored. Sam Dotson, Chief of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, is attributed as the first person to use the Ferguson Effect phrase when he spoke with a reporter in November 2014, Rosenfeld stated. The first theory is that police have pulled back from enforcement because of heightened scrutiny on their work following high-profile killings of black men by police, like Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, according to Rosenfeld. The second component is what Rosenfeld calls a legitimacy crisis of police authority in largely minority communities. According to Rosenfeld, the high profile deaths may have amplified longstanding grievances and discontent with policing in African-American communities. When persons do not trust the police to act on their behalf and to treat them fairly and with respect, they lose confidence in the formal apparatus of social control and become more likely to take matters into their own hands, Rosenfeld wrote. The FBIs preliminary data indicates that only 10 major metropolitan areas made up the majority roughly 66 percent of the overall homicide increase, including St. Louis, Baltimore, Nashville and Houston. The Ferguson Effect and any explanation of the murder and violent crime rise remain only theories. As Rosenfeld points out, final figures for crime rates in 2015 will not be available until September or October. It also to be seen if 2015 is an outlier in the overall trend in falling crime rates or a reversal and beginning of a new trend. Send us your questions Need an answer? We can help. The Sentinel wants to know what you have always wanted to know. Whether its politics, crime, history or just something youve always been curious about, if you have questions, The Sentinel will look for the answer and provide it in our online blog and as a weekly feature in the Sentinel print edition. Shoot us an email at frontdoor@cumberlink.com, call 240-7125 or stop by the office to submit your questions. The best questions will be featured in weekly Asked/Answered columns online and in print. Some truckers are taking on a Woodlands-based transportation company, alleging it may have cheated them out of compensation and overcharged them on expenses. Five truckers sued TIGA Logistics LLC last week, saying the company systematically underpaid them by substantial amounts by misrepresenting the freight revenues used to calculate pay-outs, the suit alleged. They also accused TIGA of deducting unauthorized expenses, fees and other charges from those pay-outs, as well as with keeping money from escrow accounts that should have been returned to them. The group is seeking class-action status and could represent as many as 200 truckers, according to Reagan Pratt, a Houston lawyer who filed the suit last week in Bexar County District Court. Two of the named plaintiffs live in Bexar County. TIGA did not return calls or an email Thursday. The drivers worked as contractors, transporting oil and gas in tankers for drillers that hired TIGA. In most cases, the lawsuit said, the drivers obtained their equipment directly from TIGA either by lease or by lengthy installment contracts. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, a Missouri group that represents small-business truckers, has received so many complaints about such lease-purchase agreements that it generally discourages drivers from signing them. The problem is that when you have a situation where the person owns your equipment and controls how much you work, they are controlling how much money you make, said OOIDA spokeswoman Norita Taylor. A typical complaint, she said, is when a contract nears its end, the company gives the driver fewer loads so he is not making as much money. As a result, she said, the driver isnt earning enough to make payments, ends up defaulting and the company takes back the truck. So here theyve paid all this money and they dont get the title, she added. The lawsuit said TIGA was supposed to pay the owner-operators 70 percent to 75 percent of the freight revenue it collected from customers. The drivers allege that TIGA may have understated the rates charged to its customers. TIGA regularly refused to allow the owner-operators to examine the rate sheets used to compute charges to its customers, the suit stated. Pratt said he intends to subpoena TIGA customers to obtain the rate sheets. The drivers allege that TIGA deducted authorized expenses from payouts to them. For example, they contend the company padded charges by adding a 10 percent fee for all non-fuel expenses paid and a 2 percent surcharge on all fuel expenses charged to company credit cards. The drivers also took issue with how TIGA maintained escrow accounts set up to hold money paid by the drivers to cover maintenance expenses. Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot. When an owner-operators escrow account grew to a substantial sum, it was TIGAs regular practice, pattern and policy to terminate the owner-operators contract, demand return of its leased or partially-purchased equipment, and retain all of the escrow funds, the suit said. The OOIDA, which is not a party to the Bexar County case, has over the years filed numerous lawsuits against trucking companies alleging they failed to return escrow payments to drivers, press releases on the groups website indicate. The OOIDA advises drivers to have a trucking lawyer review a lease-purchase contract before signing it, Taylor said. The Bexar County case seeks from TIGA unspecified actual and punitive damages, return of money in the drivers escrow funds and any profits earned from the escrow funds. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate In the glare of increased spotlight since Turkeys failed coup, Harmony Public Schools, a Houston-based charter school network, renewed denials Wednesday of any ties to exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the Turkish government blames for last Fridays uprising. We have no connection with any religious organization and no affiliation with any movement at all, said Soner Tarim, Harmonys CEO and co-founder. Harmony has nothing to do with any person other than our employees. Harmony will begin the school year next month with 48 schools statewide, including three in San Antonio and two in Laredo. The network is one of many around the country informally referred to as the Gulen charter for its perceived ties to the cleric, a promoter of moderate Islam who lives in self-imposed exile in rural Pennsylvania. In a May complaint filed with the Texas Education Agency, the Turkish government accused Harmony of funneling money to Gulen and others seeking to overthrow Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The TEA is still reviewing the complaint to determine whether the matter warrants investigation and whether the agency has the jurisdiction to do so, spokeswoman Lauren Callahan said. Yetkin Yildirim, another Harmony co-founder, and former members of the charter networks board have been involved in the Institute for Interfaith Dialogue, a Gulen-inspired organization based in Houston. Yildirim told The New York Times five years ago that Gulen influenced him, but Yildirim said he helped start Harmony in 2000 primarily as a community service. The founders, all Turkish expatriates, have said they saw the need for a network of schools focused on science, technology, engineering and math. Gulen was initially denied a special visa to the United States, but was granted a green card after filing a lawsuit in 2007 challenging the denial. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Gulens attorneys argued that he was the head of a movement and had overseen the establishment of a conglomeration of schools throughout the world. Tarim said Wednesday that Harmony schools had nothing to do with supporting Gulens residency application. The Turkish government is demanding the United States extradite Gulen. Tarim said he did not think recent events would affect the Harmony schools. We have been getting this false accusation and pulled into this political fight since 2011, he said. Since then, Harmony continued to grow because people know our reputation. The schools finished the academic year in June with more than 30,000 students statewide. They have almost as many on a wait list. Children at Risk, a Houston-based nonprofit, has given high rankings to the high school grades within the Harmony Science Academy on San Antonios West Side. Harmony agreed to modify its policies after a federal investigation two years ago found the network was not adequately serving special-needs students or English-language learners. Harmonys charter for its San Antonio and Laredo schools is up for renewal in 2020, according to TEA documents. Tarim said he did not think the TEA or State Board of Education would hesitate to grant them another decade. They make their decisions based on facts, not accusations and unfounded characterizations, he said. amalik@express-news.net CCEA approves construction of new dry dock within Cochin Shipyard Limited Published: July 21, 2016 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for construction of a new dry dock within the existing premises of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). The new dry dock will be set up at an estimated cost of 1799 crore rupees with an objective to augment the shipbuilding and repair capacity of the country. Key Facts This big sized dry dock at CSL seeks to tap the market potential of building specialized and technologically advanced large vessels. It is also considered as a critical requirement for promotion of ship building in the country and is a step in the direction of Make in India initiative. The project proposal would generate employment within the country as the ship building and ship repair industry is a labour intensive industry. It will have a multiplier effect on employment generation and help in the process of nation-building in terms of socio-economic development and growth of manufacturing sector. Month: Current Affairs - July, 2016 Topics: Business Cabinet Decisions Economy Make in India National Shipbuilding Industry Latest E-Books DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA Women who consistently used a monthly vaginal ring containing the antiretroviral drug dapivirine reduced their risk of acquiring HIV infection by 75%-91% in exploratory analyses of the phase III ASPIRE study, Elizabeth R. Brown, ScD, reported at the 21st International AIDS Conference. ASPIRE (A Study to Prevent Infection with a Ring for Extended use), also known as the Microbicide Trials Network-020 trial, was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trial of a silicone vaginal ring containing 25 mg of the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor dapivirine. ASPIRE involved 2,629 HIV-uninfected women aged 18-45 years from four Southern African countries with extremely high HIV infection rates: South Africa, Uganda, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. They were prospectively followed monthly for 12-33 months. Dr. Elizabeth R. Brown As reported at a conference earlier in 2016, seroconversion occurred in 71 women assigned to the dapivirine ring and 97 on a placebo ring during 4,280 person-years of follow-up. The resultant 27% relative risk reduction in an intent-to-treat analysis, while statistically significant, was less than hoped for by investigators. However, the device only works if its used consistently, so the investigators decided to conduct exploratory analyses using an objective measure of adherence: the amount of dapivirine remaining in a ring after a months use. This was possible because the rings had been stored for analysis in a central laboratory. The vaginal ring is self-inserted, then meant to be kept in place continuously for a month before being self-removed and replaced with a fresh ring. Dapivirine is released continuously while the ring is in place, so the less residual dapivirine contained in a used ring, the greater the adherence during that month, explained Dr. Brown, a biostatistician at the University of Washington, Seattle. A dose-response effect was observed. In the most encouraging of the exploratory time-dependent use analyses, the rate of HIV acquisition was 4.7 cases per 100 person-years with placebo, 4.9/100 person-years in women defined as nonadherent based upon a residual dapivirine level of 23.5 mg or more, 3.1 with low use, 1.9 with moderate use, and 0.4 cases/100 person-years with consistent use as directed, meaning a patient left the device in place continuously for a month as reflected in a residual dapivirine rate below 22 mg. This translates into a 91% reduction in risk, compared with placebo, in the most consistent users, a 58% relative risk reduction with moderate use, and a 29% reduction with low use, she continued. The new results were hailed as a major advance in preventing HIV infection. Were meeting here at AIDS 2016 in Durban, capital of the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, which is one of the hardest-hit areas of the world for HIV. Over the course of their lifetime, women in Southern Africa have more than a 50% chance of HIV infection. So a new prevention tool that women can use on their own discretely to protect themselves against HIV would be a game changer, Jared Baeten, MD, PhD, said in an interview. Bruce Jancin/Frontline Medical News Dr. Jared Baeten I see this as having an important potential role in the [United States] as well for women who face an increased risk of HIV. Its extremely valuable for them to have a method of protection that they can control and feel good about and safely use for an extended period of time, added Dr. Baeten, professor and vice chair of global health, as well as professor of allergy and infectious diseases at the University of Washington, Seattle. The challenges involved in consistent use of the dapivirine ring are less formidable than are those posed by consistent use of a daily oral medication for preexposure prevention, he noted. Dr. Baeten was a leader of ASPIRE and is codirector of the HOPE (HIV Open-label Prevention Extension) study, which is now underway. The expectation is that adherence to the dapivirine vaginal ring will be better in HOPE than in ASPIRE because participants can now be counseled that the ring works, its safe, and there is no chance of getting a placebo device, he said. There is an urgent unmet need to expand long-acting HIV prevention options for women and girls, Zeda Rosenberg, ScD, founder and chief executive officer of the nonprofit International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM) in Silver Spring, Md., which is the sponsor and developer of the ring. Dr. Zeda Rosenberg Toward that end, in the next several months the ASPIRE data will be combined with those from the IPM-sponsored Ring Study, another completed large phase III trial of the dapivirine ring conducted in Africa. The goals will be to try to identify potentially modifiable sociodemographic and behavioral correlates of adherence and to further strengthen the safety and efficacy findings. The plan is to submit the full data package to the Food and Drug Administration and regulat ory agencies in other countries in the spring of 2017. LISBON, Ohio The Columbiana County Agricultural Hall of Fame selection committee elected four individuals to the Class of 2016: James C. Baer, of Fairfield Township; G. Walter Boyd, Yellow Creek Township; Wilma Lippincott, West Township; and Arthur Arter Rudebock, of Salem Township. They bring the total number of members in the Hall of Fame to 67. All awards are presented posthumously. The group will be enshrined during the Columbiana County Fair in Lisbon, Ohio, Aug. 2, at 10:30 a.m. in the Arts & Crafts Building. The enshrinees families will also be honored, and framed portraits and biographical sketches of each individual will be unveiled. The biographies of the previous inductees are permanently displayed in the Arts & Crafts Building. About the inductees: ARTHUR ARTER RUDEBOCK 1918-2014 Art Rudebock was a quiet leader within the agricultural community, often in the background, but even the first time you met him, you discovered his keen wit and quick smile. Born in 1918, he farmed with his father near Leetonia, in Salem Township, and started by milking six cows by hand and working with a team of horses pulling a 12-inch walking plow. After assuming management of the farm in the 1950s, he and his wife, Eunice, built the AREUTOBE Dairy Farm, developing a milking string of 50 head by the time he retired in 1980. He incorporated many conservation practices to improve the farms soil and crop yields, including the installation of many thousand feet of drain tile, and also served on the Columbiana Soil and Water Conservation District board of supervisors. He was an active member of the Columbiana County Farm Bureau, and its Salem Township Farm Bureau Council, and received recognition for his membership and leadership efforts. He also worked at the Columbiana County Farm Bureau Co-op, was a member of the former Milk Marketing Inc. cooperative, and served as a member of the Columbiana County Extension Advisory Committee. A proponent of youth development, he promoted the countys 4-H program, and often hosted farm field trips for students. The Rudebocks also hosted an International Farm Youth Exchange student from Pakistan in the early 1960s. Through his leadership in the OSU Extension Farm and Home Development group, he became a mentor to many young farm families, and also hosted many farm tours and visitors. And he felt so strongly that farmers should open their doors to their peers and the public, that he was a key member of the Columbiana County Drive-It-Yourself Tour Committee when it formed in 1968. While looking to the future with youth and young farmers, Art also became interested in preserving the past, and was instrumental in establishing the antique farm and home display at the Columbiana County Fair, which featured many items from his personal collections, including his vast collection of antique milk bottles. That first display in 1984 ultimately grew into the Items of Yesteryear building that was completed in 1991, a unique exhibit among county fairs. He was an active leader within St. Jacobs United Church of Christ, serving as deacon and elder, and promoting Rural Life Sunday programs. Of an interesting multi-generational note: Art attended Buckeye Boys State as a junior in high school, an accomplishment followed later by his son Tom and grandson David. JAMES C. BAER 1944-1999 Growing up on his family farm, and in the auction atmosphere, Jim Baer was firmly rooted in agriculture from an early age. He was the only child of Emmet and Lucille Baer, who founded Baer Auctioneers in 1948 and conducted produce auctions in Rogers, Morrisville, Damascus and Canfield, Ohio. This led to the creation of Rogers Community Auction and Open Air Market in 1955. Baer served as an auctioneer and real estate broker for more than 37 years, attending Repperts School of Auctioneering in Indiana between his junior and senior years in high school and becoming licensed before he graduated from high school. In addition to his work with Baer Auctioneers, he also sold at Carrollton and Damascus livestock auctions. A strong supporter of youth in agriculture and 4-H, Baer was a volunteer auctioneer for junior fair market livestock sales in Columbiana, Jefferson and Mahoning counties for many years, and the Mahoning County market livestock committee created the Jim Baer Memorial Scholarship following his death. He also donated his talent and expertise to various benefit auctions, including the Amish School Auction and New Springfield auction. He did this while managing and building the Rogers Community Auction, often called The Rogers Sale, which he owned from 1981 until his death in 1999 single-handedly putting Rogers on the map and creating a tourism destination. Under his direction, the initial eight-acre site purchased by Emmet Baer in 1955 has grown into a facility with nearly 250 acres. He guided the continued growth of the Rogers sale, which has provided a market for the trading of small livestock, produce, hay, grain and other agricultural goods a local market that has benefited both farmers and consumers for more than 60 years. An active leader in his profession, he was a member of the auctioneers associations in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, as well as the National Auctioneers Association. He served on the board of directors of the Ohio Auctioneers Association from 1990 to 1994, and as the associations president in 1995 and was enshrined in its Hall of Fame in 2005. He was also a member of the Columbiana County Farm Bureau, the East Palestine Masonic lodge, the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America. G. WALTER BOYD 1913-1992 Walter Boyd was born, raised, and then lived and worked on his family farm in Yellow Creek Township his entire life, building a well-managed dairy herd and crop enterprise in the hills of southeastern Columbiana County. Always open to new ways of improving his farm, he worked closely with the Ohio State University Extension to learn and implement the latest crop production and dairy management practices. Other dairymen looked to his leadership, as he served as district director and local president of the Dairymens Cooperative Sales Association, which later became Milk Marketing Inc., from 1954 to 1961. And he also helped build the next generation, serving as an assistant 4-H adviser to the No. 16 Agriculture Club. An organizer and charter member of the Southern Ruritan Club, Boyd served as the clubs first president in 1958. He was also a member of the Columbiana County Farm Bureau. He opened his farm to the public, hosting a county agriculture tour of the farm in the early 1950s to demonstrate how he had set up the farm for contour strip farming, a conservation measure that was just gaining interest. He also gave tours of the farm to students from nearby Wellsville and East Liverpool who had never seen where milk came from. His connection with children was fostered by the 30 years he drove school bus for Yellow Creek Local and Southern Local school districts. His commitment to building his community can be seen in his public service: He served as the Yellow Creek Township Clerk for 38 years, from 1940 until 1978. He was also a lifetime member of the Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, where he served as trustee and elder, and, for 22 years, was a trustee of the Oak Ridge Presbyterian Cemetery. WILMA LIPPINCOTT 1906-1993 When Wilma Lippincotts husband, Russell, died in 1946, leaving her with children still at home and a 230-acre dairy and poultry farm to run, she did what she had to do to learn how to operate and manage the farm. She continued the early soil conservation efforts of strip contour farming that Russell pioneered and, in 1949, was one of three farmers honored by the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce Farmers Club for their farmland restoration work. Today, that West Township farm remains in business, farmed by Lippincotts oldest son, Neil. In 1955, she married Jim Pendry, and helped him build his Christmas tree farm and landscaping business until his death in 1977. She attended a floral training center in Cleveland to learn how to design natural decorations, so they could add a Christmas House to the local Christmas tree sales lot and expand their retail market. Together, they were involved in organizing the Ohio Christmas Tree Association, attending state meetings and developing a constitution. That involvement led to their participation in the National Christmas Tree Growers Association, and helped develop that organization as well. In 1981, she married Perry Lippincott, former part-owner of Lippincotts Dairy. She received the Bayard Granges Community Citizen Award in 1993, which recognized her Grange leadership, and efforts in support of building a new, consolidated West Elementary School and other various community activities. She also served as clerk of the elementary school board, volunteered as a 4-H club adviser, and was an active member and leader of the Bayard United Methodist Church. Incidentally, Wilma Lippincott follows the footsteps of not only her husband, Russell, and his father, Edmond Lippincott, who were enshrined in the Columbiana County Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2006 and 2001, respectively, but also her father, C.F. Mindling, a prominent fruit grower who was enshrined in 2004. ALBANY, Ohio The Alexander FFA officer team collected and assembled 120 GO buckets which will provide safety supplies for students. The buckets will be stationed in every classroom in case of an emergency. After assembling the buckets, team members discussed plans for the upcoming school year. WASHINGTON COURTHOUSE, Ohio Students from the Miami Trace FFA chapter, a satellite of Great Oaks Career Campuses, travelled to FFA Camp Muskingum to participate in various activities, meet fellow FFA members from around the state, and get to know the state FFA officer team. Some of the activities members participated in included boating, archery, a ropes course and the Polar Bear Plunge. FFA members also attended various workshops and sessions such as one on social media. WASHINGTON, D.C. For farmers and ranchers, immigration reform must balance agricultures need for a dependable supply of agricultural labor with enhanced security at our nations border. A new video produced by the American Farm Bureau Federation highlights those issues, but with political debate ramping up and no practical solutions on the horizon, farmers say important areas of U.S. food production are at risk. Farmers and ranchers know that you cannot address immigration reform without tackling the issue of border security, said AFBF President Zippy Duvall, who recently saw the delicate balance between the two issues during a tour of agriculture and border security efforts in Arizona. Short on workers Across the nation, farmers and ranchers are experiencing a labor crisis. Reliable and skilled farm workers are harder to come by with each harvest season. And, without an efficient and legal way for a dependable supply of farm workers to enter the country, more U.S. crops are being left to rot in the field. That means consumers will be less able to enjoy American-grown products, according to the video. Our countrys going need to make up its mind. Were either going to import our agricultural labor or well have to import our food. Most Americans would opt for food grown on our own soil by American farmers. To keep that option viable, we must act soon, Duvall said. Immigration reform Farmers and ranchers from all regions are ready for Congress to act on immigration reform, but as Duvall points out in the video, it is important to remember some key American principles. When we fix immigration reform, we need to remember what America really is: Its a melting pot, Duvall said. All of us come from another culture. We came, or our ancestors did, looking to work hard and build a better life for our families. In addition to Duvall, the video features Arizona Farm Bureau President Kevin Rogers, Arizona pecan grower Nan Walden, Arizona vegetable grower John Boelts and Arizona cattle rancher Dan Bell. High tunnel crops to be featured during educational short course Growers, educators and industry personnel can learn more about the aspects of high tunnel crop production during a short course Nov. 9 offered by ISU. The National Pig Association chairman Richard Lister has written to Brexit minister David Davis stressing the importance of the pig industry to Britain's balance of trade. Richard Lister says future sustainability of the British pig industry can be achieved only if pig producers are able to compete with both their European and global counterparts. Commending the new minister's view that key stakeholders must be consulted, he highlights the importance of the National Pig Association as an organisation that is affiliated to the NFU and represents over 80 percent of the national pig herd. Mr Davis said it is common sense to consult with the National Farmers Union and other organisations across the UK in regards to post-Brexit decisions. David Davis will be in charge of negotiating the UK's exit from the EU "The United Kingdom pig industry is worth 1.2 billion at the farm-gate, 5 billion at retail and, considering foodservice and other external sales and export values, over 7.5 billion in total. "Our now blossoming export market is worth 350 million a year and is a vital component of our profitability in this increasingly volatile sector." In his letter, Richard Lister calls on the minister to work towards a transition of current European Union regulation into less onerous domestic UK regulation and also stresses the importance of a free-trade agreement post-Brexit. He proposes an in-constituency meeting to discuss "how we can work together on these key principles", the meeting to include NPA vice-chairman Richard Longthorp, who lives and farms in the minister's Howden constituency. British pig producers have a 'bright future' outside EU "British pork has made considerable inroads to world markets over the past two years and we are confident this will continue, as a result of British pork's premium characteristics," the NPA said. According to an industry poll this weekend, pig producers voted roughly in line with the rest of the country, with around 54 percent wanting Brexit. "As an association, we may be sceptical about a bonfire of regulations, but we share our Brexit members' belief in the resilience of our industry and the specialness of its product," said NPA chief executive Dr Zoe Davies today. Key among British pork's sales assets in global markets, particularly China, are its rigorous safety and regulatory credentials, its high welfare characteristics, and its ability to provide different genetics for different price points ranging from modern indoor production to straw-barns to outdoor-reared and outdoor free-range. "British pork's safety and regulatory credentials are underpinned by regular Red Tractor and RSPCA Assured audits. "And its unique welfare proposition includes no castration, no gestation stalls, and independent Real Welfare audits where vets score pigs for welfare indicators," the NPA said. AHDB has released new analysis of what the UKs trading relationships with non-EU countries might look like post-Brexit. It examines existing markets for agricultural products, exploring how EU membership influences UK trade, and identifies challenges the future holds for UK trade. The Horizon article also looks at the pros and cons of pursuing a restrictive trade policy and what this might mean for agricultural industries. Issues around trade with non-EU countries are important for the pork sector, in particular. So far this year, 45% of UK pig meat exports have been to countries outside the EU, a share which has been rising steadily over recent years. Some of the product exported to other EU Member States will also have been for onward shipment to non-EU markets. At present, UK imports of pig meat from outside the EU are negligible, as import tariffs make the EU market unattractive. However, this could change depending on the approach the UK takes to trade policy. Countries for whom the UK has an export licence Post-Brexit trade negotiations Post-Brexit trade negotiations will depend very much on the relationship the UK will have with the EU following the negotiations. The UK could remain inside the Single Market, inside of the Customs Union or choose to be outside one or both. Based on previous assumption that the UK will be outside the Customs Union, it may find itself having to renegotiate the free trade agreements currently in place on a bilateral basis. The UK is already in a legal relationship with the partner countries having separately ratified these agreements. Nonetheless, at a very minimum, Brexit would imply textual changes to these agreements to recognise that the agreement is now with the UK directly and not through the EU. This would imply a process of ratification both by the UK and by each of the individual trade agreement partner countries. This could be a lengthy process, especially given that the skill set for trade negotiations within the UK is limited, with most of the expertise in this area having been based in Brussels and negotiating on our behalf from within the EU. Also, under the WTO agreements, countries cannot normally discriminate between their trading partners. They cannot grant someone a special favour such as a lower customs duty rate for one of their products without doing the same for all other WTO members. This is also known as the most favoured nation principle. This would imply that it may not be easy to maintain the market access granted under the EUs trade agreements without negotiations to reach parallel agreements with these countries. While signing new agreements outside the EU is certainly feasible, whether details can be agreed before the end of the withdrawal period from the EU remains to be seen. In order to export agricultural goods from the UK, an Export Health Certificate (EHC) is usually required. These are frequently issued on the basis that EU sanitary, phytosanitary and veterinary standards are equivalent to UK standards. UK and EU sanitary standards Membership of the EU has meant that, up until now, EU laws on sanitary and phytosanitary standards (SPS) of production were acceptable to third parties as part of EU trade agreements or arrangements currently in place on a bilateral basis. Whether other countries will accept UK standards as being equivalent to EU standards post-Brexit is not known. It may be that they are simply transferable. For instance, China tends to conduct its trade on a bilateral basis and inspects each plant in each country that it intends to trade with. Indications suggest that for China, this is unlikely to be an issue. Otherwise, the UK will either have to adopt all existing EU laws on standards of production or renegotiate each trade relationship on a bilateral basis. If SPS are not easily transferable, this could have serious implications for the continuity of trade on a technical basis. Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and Tunisia in field of ICT and Digital Economy Published: July 20, 2016 The Union Cabinet has apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Tunisia for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Digital Economy. The MoU was signed between both countries in June 2016 during official state visit of Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari to Tunisia. Key Facts The MoU intends to foster active cooperation and exchange between private entities, Governments, institutions involved in the field of ICT and Digital Economy. It also seeks to enhance capacity building and other public and private organisations of the two countries in the field of ICT and Digital Economy. Month: Current Affairs - July, 2016 Topics: Cabinet Decisons digital economy ICT India-Tunisia National Latest E-Books A partnership between The Crown Estate Scotland Portfolio and Moredun Research Institute to address biosecurity and animal welfare issues has been extended. The two organisations are working together to provide research insight and improvements to farming communities across Scotland. Their latest venture is to produce awareness-raising materials - an information newssheet and poster - on biosecurity for key livestock diseases. It has been designed to clearly outline best practice for a number of important, endemic diseases which affect cattle and sheep in the UK. Losses due to disease cost the UK livestock industry millions of pounds each year and even on an individual basis, importing one disease with incoming livestock can be a costly mistake. For example, the cost of an outbreak of sheep scab in a 500 head flock has been estimated at 6150. Animal health roadshow events This latest activity follows on from a series of animal health roadshow events that took place across The Crown Estates four rural estates in Scotland. These were open to farming tenants but also other rural landholders, vets and animal health workers and representatives of the livestock industry. Biosecurity is one of the most important factors of livestock disease control and is key to healthy livestock. The joint project aims communicate best practice biosecurity as practically as possible. Producers are well aware of the commercial benefits of healthy animals, and the materials encourage a proactive approach to disease prevention. Additionally, Moredun recommends that livestock farmers regularly discuss health plans and response strategies with their vets, as well as maintaining good quarantine practice and environmental hygiene, to improve farm productivity and animal health and welfare. The biosecurity resources were launched at this years Royal Highland Show at the Moreduns Reception event. Biosecurity 'critical part' of disease prevention Andy Wells, Head of Countryside Management for the Scotland Portfolio, The Crown Estate said: "Biosecurity is a critical part of disease prevention and control. "Farming is a key part of our business on our estates and helping our tenants to access current research and advice such as this ensures their businesses, and ours, remain healthy and viable for the future. "Our earlier events carried out in co-operation with Moredun were hugely successful so we were very pleased to work with them again on this next phase of their outreach work." Ian Duncan Miller, Chairman of the Moredun Foundation, said: "The Crown Estate is leading the way as the first land owning estate to join us and we hope many more estates and landowners will follow suit. "The Crown Estate associate membership has allowed more than 350 of their UK livestock farming tenants to benefit from livestock health advice via Moredun's extensive Knowledge Transfer and Exchange network and research expertise." Given the threats to our agricultural industry from parasites and disease, education and information sharing is important for promoting good practice and understanding of the practical actions farmers can take to help protect their livestock George Eustice, the government minister for farming and food, took the opportunity to discuss about 'exciting opportunities' available to British agriculture at the Royal Welsh Show. The UK Minister for Farming, Food and Marine Environment joined a NFU Cymru panel discussion this morning to talk about what's available to British agriculture after the EU Referendum leave vote. He attended a special NFU Cymru debate entitled 'What could the UK departure from the EU mean for farmers in Wales?' The panel discussion, which also featured NFU Cymru President Stephen James, Leader of the Conservative group at the National Assembly, Andrew RT Davies and NFU Cymru Policy Advisors, proved popular with NFU Cymru members, who filled the event marquee. George Eustice at the Royal Welsh Show 2016 'A chance to think things through from first principle' Speaking during the panel discussion, Mr Eustice said: "Were going to work very closely with the NFU, NFU Cymru and NGOs to get their ideas. "I know that the Union is about to launch their own consultation on what should be done and others are already thinking about it. "I guess my challenge to the Union would be this realise that this is a chance to think things through from the first principle; dont cling on to the past and worry about how we keep some of what weve got. "Think about embracing the future. If we are radical and think about things with a blank page and learn from lessons right around the world, I really think we can deliver a policy that is fit for purpose." 'Excellent to hear the right noises from Westminster' NFU Cymru President Stephen James said: "It was excellent to meet with the Minister today and hear that the right noises are coming out of Westminster when it comes to supporting our farmers post-Brexit. "It was also useful to be able to raise with the Minister of State, the issue of possible future trade relationships with Europe and the rest of the world, something that will ultimately have to be decided at a UK level. "What I have impressed upon the Minister is the need to ensure that farmers continue to enjoy access to the single market for their produce, and that products, produced to lower standards than our own high standards of production, are not allowed to undermine domestic agriculture. "NFU Cymru is set to undertake its largest ever consultation with members for what they would like to see for a future Welsh agricultural policy and we can assure the Minister that we will be ambitious and imaginative in our thinking when it comes to helping to shape the future of farming here in Wales." Before leaving the Llanelwedd Showground, George Eustice MP also took the opportunity to learn more about NFU Cymrus Its Time to Back Welsh Farming campaign by pledging his support for the initiative next to one of the campaigns popular bale stickers. JCB is celebrating 25 years production of the Fastrac a range of agricultural tractors that remain unique to this day. It was JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford who struck on the idea of manufacturing an unconventional tractor while he was on holiday overseas in 1984. He saw an opportunity to develop a tractor that had high road speed and which would also be capable of field work, including heavy draft applications. 1986 - one of the first styling sketches done five years before Fastrac was launched His inspirational idea would become reality some years later when the worlds first real tractor with full suspension was launched. The Fastrac design has developed hugely from the first prototype built in 1987 in secret beneath the office block at JCB Transmissions in Wrexham, North Wales. The tractor brought together established technologies and components in a new way that not only provided ride comfort for an agricultural tractor thanks to the suspension incorporated in both axles but, as first tests were to prove, it also shattered the myth that suspension and ploughing is an impossible combination. 1991 - employees mark the production of the first Fastrac The design was developed and the prototypes entrusted to selected farmers for final feedback and refining before the result of the 12 million Project P120 was unveiled to the media and to the public at the Royal Smithfield Show in 1990 ahead of production start-up in spring the following year. Agriculture Minister Baroness Trumpington cracked a bottle of champagne over the nose of the first Fastrac off the Cheadle assembly line. Over the past 25 years the Fastrac has been the first to feature truck-standard disc brakes, multi-mode four-wheel steering, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and self-levelling suspension. 'Proven its worth over the years' Paying tribute to the JCB engineers who brought the Fastrac concept to light, Lord Bamford said: "The concept of a tractor better equipped for road travel and transportation tasks but also very capable at undertaking demanding field work has proven its worth over the years, in terms of increased productivity and lower operating costs. "At the same time, the Fastrac has advanced the principle of giving operators the best possible comfort and working environment so they can be as productive as possible while looking after their health and well-being. "There are many cases of farmers with back troubles, often brought on by driving conventional tractors, who have been able to continue with field work thanks to the supreme ride and comfort of the Fastrac." The Fastrac has also enjoyed moments of fame; it is the only tractor to have featured twice on the BBC Top Gear programme at the original launch and when The Stig set a time of 2 minutes 57 seconds on the airfield test track. And its the only tractor to have launched a World record attempt. In 2006, a Fastrac 8250 capable of 105kph (65mph) got the high-geared JCB Dieselmax underway during the start-up procedure for its successful attempt on the diesel land speed record. Exciting crop innovations and in depth conversations on how arable varieties perform, interact and suit farmers, were very much the talk of Syngentas summer demo days held up and down the country throughout June and July. With several hundred farmers and agronomists attending their local Syngenta Innovation Centres or Platform Sites, the open days provided a great opportunity for them to see whats new in the sector, what's around the corner, and most importantly, how these innovations perform in their local area. Syngenta Technical Indication Expert, Jason Tatnell, explained that they were excited to be able to preview SOLATENOL, their powerful new SDHI fungicide for the first time at each of the events. Attendees looking at 3D microscopy images - Oxford open day "Farmers really want confidence that new products and varieties are going to deliver at a local level in their situation, under a similar climate and weather conditions. "Thats why local technical events like the open days we have held this summer are so important to help farmers make informed crop decisions for the coming season, based on local knowledge and experience, he added. Solatenol plot trials - Rougham open day "This season has been a very high pressure disease year, but SOLATENOL has proven itself at the T2 application its intended for, as it has in the extensive development work carried out in over 700 field trials. "In the trials it has delivered consistent yield results due to the complete leaf protection inside and outside the leaf against key diseases farmers face. "We are awaiting the 2016 (this seasons) yield results from each of the sites, but all looks promising at this stage," he adds. "At each of the events we also had giant 3D electron microscopy images on display that really demonstrate how quickly Septoria and brown rust disease takes hold inside the leaf if left untreated, way before farmers can see any visual signs of damage on the leaf. "Everyone seemed really engaged, and were surprised that these were real images and not computer generated. There is no substitute for seeing how products and crop varieties actually perform." Mr Tatnell also explained how Syngenta have been running a prize draw competition at all their demo days this summer. "Weve been running a competition for attendees to be entered into a draw to win a trip of a lifetime to South America, the first continent to launch SOLATENOL. "This is a really exciting opportunity for the lucky winner to see first-hand how SOLATENOL is already performing for growers across the globe. "The winner will be announced later this summer, so we will wait and see who our winner will be," he added. The National Farmers Union has today met with the new Defra Secretary of State and outlined an ambitious vision for UK agriculture. NFU President Meurig Raymond held talks with Andrea Leadsom MP to stress to the new Secretary of State the importance of food and farming and its strategic relevance to the country. Mr Raymond outlined the work being done by the NFU as the union holds its largest consultation in living memory speaking with its 47,000 farmer and grower members. The results will form the basis for its hopes for a future domestic agriculture policy and will be shared with the new Defra team. NFU President Meurig Raymond Developing a domestic agricultural policy "Discussions with the new Secretary of State today have focused on how the NFU and the Government could work together on preparing for Brexit and the development of a domestic agricultural policy" said My Raymond. "I aim to share our work with the Secretary of State as I hope it will be of great help to Defra as they develop future polices regarding the food and farming sector. Farming's fundamental objective - producing food for a growing population "I told Mrs Leadsom the importance of the NFU and the farming industry working closely with Defra to get the best possible access to markets both in Europe and the rest of the world. "We want to help shape a new domestic agricultural policy which is adapted to the needs of our farmers and food production which delivers public goods. "We want to work together to put in place enablers for improved competitiveness including access to labour. 'Profitable, productive and innovative' "In return the country will feel the benefits of a profitable, productive and innovative food and farming industry which is committed to delivering improvements in health, wealth and environment for the British people. "With a shared vision in place that delivers for the economy, the environment and the British public, the NFU and UK Government can together and ensure that policies are in place so British farming and food production continues to be major part of the economy. "While at the same time, increasing its capacity to deliver its fundamental objective - producing food for a growing population. "I have also outlined the immediate issues facing the industry such as loss of labour in the horticultural sector, the future of agri-environment schemes and tackling bovine TB. "I did raise a number of urgent issues with the Secretary of State that need addressing more immediately; the loss of labour post-Brexit could have a devastating impact on the horticulture industry not only damaging the competitiveness of the sector but could also, in the most severe cases, lead to a loss of crops. "We need a continuing commitment from Government to the 25-year TB eradication strategy - as a matter of urgency, Defra needs to issue culling licences to farmers in those areas which Natural England have deemed fit to proceed. "Also lastly, we need clarity from Government that agreements for thousands of farmers in Countryside Stewardship schemes will be honoured in full." Vulnerable small farms across the UK will get free business support and one-to-one guidance from a new scheme launched today by the Prince's Countryside Fund. The Princes Farm Resilience Programme launches during National Countryside Week, following research earlier this month which showed a steep decline in the number of small family farms. With significant agricultural pressures including volatility in milk, beef and lamb prices and weak export trade and domestic demand, the future for all small family farms is in doubt. Small and medium-sized family farms have experienced unprecedented strain and in 2015, the average farm income fell below 20,000 for the first time since 2007. Recent research carried out by The Andersons Centre for the Fund demonstrates that the problems affecting farms and their ability to survive economically are now so extreme that one in five (17 per cent) is unable to pay their short term debts. Far-reaching programme Speaking about the launch of the programme, The Prince of Wales said: "The small farms which have been such an integral part of Britains landscape for thousands of years are under threat. "My Farm Resilience Programme is designed to respond to those threats by helping up to 300 hard to reach, vulnerable farm businesses. It is the most far-reaching programme ever offered by my Countryside Fund." Claire Saunders, the director of The Princes Countryside Fund said: "There has never been a more important time for practical action to help farm businesses. On top of the everyday problems for farmers, new and more life-changing decisions are now required. "Small farms add vibrancy and strength to rural communities and ensure that we have a diverse farming sector. "By offering this programme we will provide many farmers with new skills to cope with the increasing financial, technical and human challenges they face. "The ultimate target has to be ensuring that we retain a varied and viable farming sector and nurture an essential part of our national identity by helping farms to make the most of their business." Continuing uncertainty Cashflow problems are being passed on to the wider community with work drying up and redundancies looming. On top of the day to day problems for every farmer new and more life changing decisions are now required, against a background of continuing uncertainty. Through a programme of free workshops and one-to-one guidance, farm businesses will be given the tools to evaluate their viability and long-term sustainability, enabling them to make informed business decisions on their future direction. "The programme is committed to helping the farm businesses involved to create a better business and better life from their participation to ensure that we retain a diverse farming sector in the UK," the Fund said. "We recognise that sometimes the decisions the individuals and families will make will seem small or insignificant but all will be encouraged in order to improve their business long-term viability and create a sustainable farming sector in the UK." Farm leaders warn of 'devastating' new veterinary rule for exports Several members of the Wheat Improvement Team at OSU have come together to offer an overview of the 2015-16 winter wheat crop in Oklahoma. Among the authors of this report are Dr. David Marburger, Dr. Jeff Edwards, Dr. Brett Carver, Robert Calhoun, Dr. Tracy Beedy, and Dr. Bob Hunger. As of right now, the 2015-2016 Oklahoma wheat production is estimated to be approximately 132 million bushels, which is about 34% greater than our 2015 production (Table 1) and 277% greater than production in 2014. Although the estimated harvested acres is lower than 2015, the statewide average yield is projected at 40 bu/ac, and this is a 14 bu/ac (54%) increase compared to 2015. Based on these projections, this would be the largest wheat production since 2012, but the average yield would be a new state record. he 2015-2016 wheat growing season was unlike most years in Oklahoma, characterized by periods of plentiful rainfall and near optimal growing conditions at critical times. Most wheat was sown into soil with adequate moisture, allowing it to emerge rapidly. The sufficient rainfall and mild temperatures allowed for good fall growth and bumper forage yields. In fact, plants in many non-grazed fields were abnormally large and phenologically advanced going into winter, and there was some concern about winter-kill. With mild temperatures continuing into the winter months, this concern proved to be largely unfounded, and most plants moved to spring green-up without injury. Similar to 2014 and 2015, January and February were dry months for the Southern Great Plains, and the ample forage growth quickly wicked moisture from the soil. As the wheat crop was coming out of dormancy, there was much concern that the dry conditions would quickly reduce yield potential. Fortunately, rain fell during early- to mid-March as the crop was greening up. This also helped provide grazed wheat the extra boost it needed to recover from grazing injury. As the wheat crop progressed from green-up to flowering, rain continued to fall, but warmer than normal temperatures moved the crop along quickly, and at the time, most thought harvest would come earlier than normal. As we transitioned into grain fill, temperatures stayed at more ideal levels, favoring kernel filling. Most wheat was mature in southwestern Oklahoma and in the central part of the state by the end of the May. Widespread rainfall at the end of May delayed most producers from beginning harvest until the first week in June. Dry weather during June allowed much of the wheat crop to be harvested quickly. Unfortunately, some areas of southwestern Oklahoma were plagued by regular and heavy rainfall events that delayed harvest towards the end of the month. Overall, harvest was pretty well wrapped up in the state by the end of June. Yields throughout Oklahoma were very good overall, with field averages of 30 to 60 bu/ac being the norm. Field averages in the 60 to 90 bu/ac range were not uncommon, and there were even isolated cases of fields averaging over 100 bu/ac. Some producers expressed they will never see their yields this high again in their lifetime, and lets hope they are wrong! Test weights throughout harvest remained at or above 60 lb/bu for early-harvested fields and did not drop much below the upper 50s towards the end of harvest. This was a much welcomed change from the low test weights of 2015. Other than bird cherry oat aphids and wheat curl mites, there were few widespread insect problems in 2015-2016. Aphids were not really on the radar screen of most producers until numbers ballooned in mid-March. As a result, it was not hard to find Barley Yellow Dwarf (BYD) as flag leaves and heads started to emerge. While there was quite a bit of purpling associated with BYD, there was not as much stunting as sometimes observed with early-season transmission of the virus. Wheat Streak Mosaic (WSM) was not as wide spread as in 2015, but it was still a significant issue for many producers in 2016. The favorable growing conditions likely reduced the impact of both BYD and WSM, and yield reductions were not as severe as they might have been in a more drought stressed environment. Click here to see more... : ; - CM ?; - "The addition of 80 new growers growing this year shows that people are still want to incorporate this on farm," he said. "Herbicide resistance remains an ongoing challenge for WA farmers - the RR system offers growers the ability to better control weeds at a time when they are losing key groups of chemistry," he said. Researchers are using a technique known as gene silencing to generate genetically modified plants with genes making them resistant to the green peach aphid. RWA has now been detected in South Australia and Victoria. It is approximately 2mm long and is a pale yellowish green in colour, with a fine waxy coating. Fort Bragg to be known as Fort Liberty. Here's what to know. Heres a free preview of FCPA Today a curated compliance newsletter for busy people. One email a day. Thats it. The days relevant Anti-Bribery Enforcement and Compliance news and commentary are delivered in a morning newsletter. Click here to subscribe. _____ The Lead March 2016 The Huffington Post/Fairfax Media reports Monaco-based Unaoil paid bribes on behalf of oil and gas companies including Rolls-Royce, Weatherford, Saipem, SBM Offshore, ABB, Petrofac, and others. including Rolls-Royce, Weatherford, Saipem, SBM Offshore, ABB, Petrofac, and others. Monaco police raid the Unaoil offices. The UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) opens an investigation into Unaoil, but doesnt make a public announcement. May 2016 KBR and FMC Technologies say the Justice Department contacted them with questions about Unaoil. Both said they are cooperating. June 2016 Unaoil says it will take legal action against Fairfax Media and its partners, and file a criminal complaint with law enforcement in Monaco for the theft of company data. July 2016 SFO announces its conducting a criminal investigation into Unaoil, its officers, employees, and agents in connection with suspected offenses of bribery, corruption, and money laundering. its conducting a criminal investigation into Unaoil, its officers, employees, and agents in connection with suspected offenses of bribery, corruption, and money laundering. SFO says its flush with sources coming forward with information. The Big Picture The DOJ filed forfeiture complaints seeking $1 billion against assets, including mansions, art, and private jets, allegedly bought with money looted from Malaysias sovereign wealth fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad. Mexico signed into law its new National Anti-Corruption System, though some arent happy as the so-called 3-of-3 (personal assets, tax information, and economic interests) disclosures for public officials arent mandatory. Who wants to spend three hours getting depressed about governance? Thats how the creator and guide of the newly introduced Chicago Corruption Walking Tour starts the session. The Blogs Michael Volkov dives into the new AML and Sanctions Regulations by the New York Department of Financial Services. The new regulations go into effect on January 1, 2017. Going down the rabbit hole, Martin Kenney tackles the psychology of fraud in a thoughtful essay. Continuing his series on Johnson Controls, Tom Fox discusses its DOJ declination. Andy Spalding talks about Brazils second pillar of its new anti-corruption initiative, the access to information law. * * * Click here to subscribe to FCPA Today. ________ FCPA Today and the FCPA Blog are published by Recathlon LLC, a leading business publisher serving over 2.3 million readers annually. Singapore said Thursday it has seized property and bank accounts linked to money allegedly diverted from Malaysias sovereign wealth fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad. The seized property and accounts are worth about $177 million, Singapore authorities said. About $88 million belonged to Low Taek Jho, a private businessman named Wednesday in the DOJs civil forfeiture complaint. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said its investigation of money flows linked to 1MDB revealed anti-money laundering lapses at four banks. It named DBS Bank Ltd, Standard Chartered Bank, Singapore Branch, and UBS AG, Singapore Branch. MAS supervisory examinations, which began in March 2015, found lapses and weaknesses in anti-money laundering (AML) controls in these Singapore-based [banks]. MAS will be taking actions against them, the regulator said in a statement. Also named was Falcon Private Bank Limited, Singapore Branch. MAS said it found substantial breaches of AML regulations [at Falcon], including failure to adequately assess irregularities in activities pertaining to customers accounts and to file suspicious transaction reports. The supervisory examination of Falcon PBS is still ongoing, MAS said. Evidence from Singapore played a key role in the 144-page civil forfeiture complaint the DOJ filed Wednesday against about $1 billion in assets allegedly bought with money looted from 1MDB. In May, Singapore shut down the local operations of Swiss-based BSI Bank and detained six bankers suspected of possible criminal conduct in connection with the handling of the Malaysian government fund. At least one former BSI wealth manager has been arrested, Singapore said Thursday. BSI Bank is a private bank based in Switzerland that maintained a branch in Singapore. The DOJ complaint described how BSI accounts were used to move some of the $3.5 billion allegedly misappropriated from the Malaysia sovereign wealth fund. * * * Authorities in Singapore released two statements Thursday about the 1MDB investigation. Here are the statements: ______ Joint Statement by Attorney-Generals Chambers, Singapore (AGC) Commercial Affairs Department, Singapore Police Force (CAD) Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Singapore, 21 July 2016 The AGC, CAD, and MAS announced today in a joint statement that the Singapore authorities have been investigating various 1MDB-related fund flows through Singapore, for possible money laundering, securities fraud, cheating, and other offenses committed in Singapore. We note the statement by the US Attorney General on 20 July 2016, seeking the forfeiture and recovery of more than US$1 billion in assets associated with an international conspiracy to launder funds related to 1MDB. Singapores investigations began in March 2015 and are still in progress. The fund flows being investigated include those connected with Good Star Limited (Seychelles), Aabar Investments PJS Limited (BVI), Aabar Investments PJS Limited (Seychelles), and Tanore Finance Corp. (BVI). The criminal investigations by CAD are targeted at individuals suspected of committing offenses in Singapore related to these flows, while MAS has been examining the financial institutions through which the funds flowed for possible regulatory breaches and control lapses. In the course of the investigations, bank accounts belonging to various individuals have been seized and dealings in properties belonging to some of these individuals have been curtailed. The assets amount in total to S$240 million ($177 million). Of these bank accounts and properties, about S$120 million ($88 million) belong to Mr. Low Taek Jho and his immediate family. Singapore has made a number of requests for information to countries where these funds originated from or were subsequently sent to. Some of these requests are still being processed. Several countries have likewise requested Singapores assistance in relation to questionable fund flows pertaining to monies suspected to have originated from 1MDB. Singapore has promptly acceded to all such requests, in compliance with our international obligations. Appropriate actions will be brought against those who have broken Singapores laws. To-date, two individuals Mr. Yeo Jiawei and Mr. Kelvin Ang have been charged for various offenses. Several other individuals are still being questioned or investigated. _______ Statement by Monetary Authority of Singapore Actions to be taken against Financial Institutions Singapore, 21 July 2016 The MAS announced today that its supervisory examinations of financial institutions (FIs) with 1MDB-related fund flows have revealed a complex international web of transactions involving multiple entities and individuals operating in several jurisdictions. Certain FIs in Singapore were among those used as conduits for these transactions. MAS supervisory examinations, which began in March 2015, found lapses and weaknesses in anti-money laundering (AML) controls in these Singapore-based FIs. MAS will be taking actions against these FIs. MAS supervisory examinations included detailed onsite inspections, and analysis of information obtained from regulators abroad. They revealed extensive layering of transactions and subterfuge aimed at disguising the nature of certain activities and fund flows. In some instances, shell or unauthorised companies domiciled in various jurisdictions were used to conceal the true beneficiaries of the funds. MAS findings to-date on the lapses and weaknesses in Singapore-based FIs in managing 1MDB-related flows are summarised below. The FIs include banks, capital market intermediaries, and a remittance agent. BSI Bank Limited Singapore (BSI Bank) MAS completed its examination of BSI Bank in May 2016. MAS decided to withdraw its status as a merchant bank in view of its serious breaches of AML requirements and poor management oversight, and gross misconduct by some of the banks staff. DBS Bank Ltd (DBS), Standard Chartered Bank, Singapore Branch (SCB), and UBS AG, Singapore Branch (UBS) MAS has completed its inspections of DBS, SCB, and UBS, and is now finalizing its assessments. The preliminary findings are that there were instances of control failings in all three banks and, in some cases, weaknesses in the processes for accepting clients and monitoring transactions. There was also undue delay in detecting and reporting suspicious transactions. The deficiencies observed in DBS, SCB and UBS related to lapses in specific processes and by individual officers. The lapses were serious in their own right, and will be met by firm regulatory actions against the banks. However, the MAS inspections did not reveal pervasive control weaknesses or staff misconduct within these banks, unlike in the case of BSI Bank. Falcon Private Bank Limited, Singapore Branch (Falcon PBS) MAS completed its onsite inspection of Falcon PBS in April 2016, and found substantial breaches of AML regulations, including failure to adequately assess irregularities in activities pertaining to customers accounts and to file suspicious transaction reports. However, the supervisory examination of Falcon PBS is still ongoing as the oversight and management of certain key client relationships were done out of the banks head office in Switzerland. MAS is examining information obtained from Falcon PBS head office and has asked for further details. Raffles Money Change (RMC) MAS has completed its examination of RMC, a licensed money changer and remittance agent. The examination revealed weak management oversight, inadequate risk management practices and internal controls. Specific findings include failure to identify beneficial owners, verify authenticity of remittance instructions, and assess if a customers remittance activities are consistent with the profile of the customer. MAS is finalising regulatory actions against RMC. MAS examination of certain other FIs are ongoing. More details will be provided when these examinations are completed. MAS will take decisive regulatory actions against any FI that has breached regulations or failed to meet the expected AML standards. ______ Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. Hell be the keynote speaker at the FCPA Blog NYC Conference 2016. Everyone knows that tone at the top is important in the ethics and compliance area but the phrase has become a tired and hackneyed cliche. The recent public implosions of established companies and start-ups however, add a fresh perspective and meaning to the concept by illustrating what happens when a CEO or C-suite sets a toxic tone at the top. The iconic and legendary company Volkswagen, previously revered for its green image, is now labeled Hoaxwagon by Fortune Magazine and liable for billions of dollars in remediation and fines, not to mention plummeting worldwide sales and stock price. In essence, it appears that the company deliberately hid the truth about emissions from its cars by rigging devices that defeated testing. As the scandal has unfolded, emails surfaced from 2004 showing that U.S. employees repeatedly and appropriately questioned decisions by German headquarters to blow off regulatory requirements, but got shut down and, in essence, told to obey. Volkswagens former CEO, Martin Winterkorn was apparently known for his autocratic management style and silencing his middle managers. The leaders of Theranos Inc. and Valeant Pharmaceuticals, companies that have suffered precipitous declines in value, share key traits with Volkswagen leadership. Theranos Inc., formerly a hot startup, saw its $9 billion valuation fall to $800 million in a matter of months. CEO Elizabeth Holmes misstatements and extreme efforts to hide the truth from employees, customers, and even regulators, fits the profile of executives responsible for major ethics crises. Holmes went to extraordinary lengths, some possibly fraudulent, to shield the companys work from internal as well as external scrutiny. Before he resigned, Sunny Balwani, Theranos former president and chief operating officer, chastised an employee who raised questions internally about the efficacy of Theranos tests. Balwani then requested that the employee apologize for raising the concerns in the first place. Now Theranos may be in a death spiral as it appears that their signature blood-testing technology doesnt actually work. Holmes is banned by regulators from owning, operating or directing any lab for two years. Valeant Pharmaceuticals, a darling of hedge fund investors, has lost 90% of its share value since last August. The company hid its relationship with a specialty pharmacy, Philidor, from shareholders and regulators. Its employees apparently used fake comic book aliases to hide their collusion with Philidor. Valeant blamed its recent earning restatement and material weaknesses on bad tone at the top and pressure on employees to meet unrealistic sales targets. Its CEO stepped down and its former COO and CFO was terminated. This isnt a new phenomenon. One of the most egregious examples occurred when Jon Corzine, former U.S. Senator and New Jersey Governor who became CEO of MF Global Inc., fired his compliance officer when he was the CEO of MF Global Inc. in January 2011. Ten months later the firm imploded as a result of the issues the compliance officer had raised repeatedly with Corzine (as subsequent inquiries by regulators documented). It should be no surprise that C-suite insistence on blind obedience and lack of transparency leads to misconduct. LRNs research shows that this leadership model is at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to trust, innovation, performance and values. What is surprising is that seemingly savvy investors, including hedge funds and corporations, havent been looking at these factors or asking tough questions when deciding to invest. Instead of focusing on value investing, perhaps its time to consider what values are motivating the C-suite before making a major investment or deal. _____ Susan Divers , a senior advisor with LRN Corporation, has more than 30 years experience in the ethics and compliance area, including serving as the Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer of a Fortune 500 corporation. LRNs mission is focused on values-based leadership and ethics. Peter MacNicol has had his Emmy Award nomination revoked. Peter MacNicol The 62-year-old actor was in the running for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy for his role as powerbroker Jeff Kane in 'Veep', but the Television Academy have now withdrawn him from the shortlist as he has appeared in too many episodes of the series to qualify. Nominees must appear in less than 50 per cent of that season's episodes to be considered eligible and Peter appeared in exactly half of 'Veep's 10-episode fifth season. HBO said in a statement the information for the Emmys was submitted before season five had concluded, and at the time, the actor met the criteria, but he then made a seconds-long appearance in an episode which aired after the deadline for submissions. The network added: "The information we received from the production was that Peter MacNicol was eligible as a guest star. "We are very sorry that Peter's brilliant performance will not be recognised." According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Television Academy will be announcing a new nominee for the category. The rules for the guest actor and actress Emmys were changed last year following criticism that actors who had season-long appearances were eligible for prizes meant to be given to those with minor roles. Peter isn't the first person to have an Emmy nomination withdrawn. In 1995, Dennis Miller lost his recognition in the individual in a variety series category because his name featured in the show's title, which was against the rules. And in 2000, Henry Winkler's guest actor nod was rescinded because his episode of 'Battery Park' aired after the cut-off date. Sarah Jessica Parker nearly turned down 'Sex and the City' because she was concerned about "nudity and language issues". Sarah Jessica Parker The 51-year-old actress is now best known for her leading role as Carrie Bradshaw in the HBO series - which aired from 1998 to 2004 - but she almost didn't portray the newspaper columnist because she was worried about flashing too much flesh and being understood. In an extract from James Andrew Miller's new book 'Powerhouse: The Untold Story of Hollywood's Creative Artists' obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, she wrote: "He [her agent Kevin Huvane] called me up and said, 'Darren Star reached out to me. "'He's written this pilot [Sex and the City] and tells me he wrote it with you in mind - you were in his head when he was writing it. I'm going to send it to you. I've read it. I think it's really good. You should meet with him.' " "And I said, 'Really? I feel like I've got it all right now. I can do a play, then do a movie, then do a play, then do a movie. There's a lot of flexibility. What could be better? Do I really want to go back to making a television series when I'm maybe held hostage signing a long-term contract?' "I met with Darren, and there were a couple of concerns that I had -- like I really wasn't keen on doing nudity and language issues -- but Kevin continued to say to me, 'This is different. You have never done anything like this before. No one's ever done a part like this. Do this.' " The star was so close to Kevin she even used to stay at his house when she needed to be in Los Angeles for work. She added: "I'm Kevin Huvane's oldest client. I'm not his oldest client, but I am his longest-term client. We've been together for 30 years and grew up in the business alongside each other. "We lived together in New York. When I had to be in L.A. for work, Kevin said to me, 'Live at my apartment!' " American Honey is a movie that has already been whipping up a storm on the festival circuit and is set to be one not to miss this autumn. American Honey The movie marks the return of Andrea Arnold to the director's chair for her first feature film since Wuthering Heights back in 2011. As well as being in the director's chair for American Honey, Arnold has also penned the film's screenplay. This is the fourth feature of her career and comes after success with Red Road, Fish Tank and Wuthering Heights. The movie is set to hit the big screen here in the UK in October and the brand new trailer for the film has been released. Take a look: Arnold has a knack for uncovering new acting talent... and she has done it again with her latest film project. The movie sees Sasha Lane take on the central role of Star and it will mark her acting debut. I really cannot wait to see her in action. Shia LaBeouf will star alongside Lane and take on the role of Jake. McCaul Lombardi, Arielle Holmes, Crystal Ice, Veronica Ezell, and Chad Cox are just some of the other names that are on board. American Honey is the tale of Star (Lane), an adolescent girl from a troubled home, who runs away with a traveling sales crew who drive across the American Midwest selling subscriptions door to door. Finding her feet in this gang of teenagers, one of whom is Jake (Shia LaBeouf), she soon gets into the group's lifestyle of hard-partying nights, law-bending days, and young love. For her first feature set and filmed in the U.S., British writer/director Andrea Arnold envisioned a story rooted in the realism and nuance of its characters and what she experienced while traveling across America. At its heart is Star, a teenage girl on the brink of adulthood who hits the road in search of independence while struggling to untangle what it feels like to fall in love. American Honey was the winner of the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, where it also competed for the prestigious Palme d'Or. Arnold is one of the most exciting female director's chair and American Honey is a film that you cannot afford to miss this October. American Honey is released 14th October. by Helen Earnshaw for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on Prince Harry has met with International AIDS Conference youth ambassadors in Africa. Prince Harry The 31-year-old royal is in South Africa to raise awareness of HIV and is due to lead a session later on Thursday (21.07.16) on how the condition can affect young people. A series of tweets on Kensington Palace' official Twitter reads: "Good morning from Durban and the 2016 @AIDS_conference - a busy day ahead for Prince Harry and @Sentebale ... Prince Harry has just arrived at the @Sentebale Global Village session at @AIDS_conference ... "Prince Harry catching up with friends from @Sentebale ... [and] is now meeting with @AIDS_conference youth ambassadors - youth leadership is vital." During the meeting, the Prince was happy to pose for photographs with the ambassadors as well as hold discussions with them briefly. Meanwhile, last week, Prince Harry encouraged young people to get tested for HIV when he took a test at a London hospital and broadcast it live to the world on Facebook. Speaking in the video, which was posted on The Royal Family's social media account, he said: "It's normal for me, even though I'm not from this part of London or being the person that I am and the people I am sitting around, I am still here being tested." Prince Harry's result came back as "HIV non-reactive", which means he is absolutely "fine". Prince William's magazine cover is set to be one of the best-selling issues of Attitude magazine. Prince William The 34-year-old royal was interviewed and photographed for the gay magazine for the cover story on their July issue and the magazine has revealed it has been "overwhelmingly well received" by many people. A spokesperson for the publication said: "Early indications are that it will be one of our best-selling issues and has been overwhelmingly well received. "We have also received many letters, emails and tweets in support of this issue." During his chat with Attitude magazine, the Duke of Cambridge - who has Prince George, two, and Princess Charlotte, 14 months, with his wife Duchess Catherine - pledged support to those being bullied for their sexuality. He said at the time: "The young gay, lesbian and transgender individuals I met through Attitude are truly brave to speak out and to give hope to people who are going through terrible bullying right now. Their sense of strength and optimism should give us all encouragement to stand up to bullying wherever we see it. "What I would say to any young person reading this who's being bullied for their sexuality: don't put up with it. You should be proud of the person you are and you have nothing to be ashamed of." And editor Matthew Todd also revealed the Prince was making history by appearing in the magazine as a royal. He said: "During my time as editor of Attitude, I have met parents whose child has taken or lost their life after being bullied for being LGBT+ or even just perceived to be LGBT. 'I am very happy that the future King of The United Kingdom agrees this must stop and I would urge parents in particular to raise their voices in their communities to ensure that every school protects - really protects - all children." Insisting that Beijing's trade practices, especially in the textile supply chain, invariably leads to dumping of goods in other countries, textile manufacturers in the US have urged the Obama administration not to grant China market economy status.China's chronic misallocation of investment to expand its state-owned enterprises in the textile supply chain and in other industrial sectors where there is an excess of global capacity invariably leads to Chinese dumping and other non-free-market economic practices, Augustine Tantillo, President and CEO of The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) Tantillo has said. Insisting that Beijing's trade practices, especially in the textile supply chain, invariably leads to dumping of goods in other countries, textile manufacturers in the US have urged the Obama administration not to grant China market economy status. China's chronic misallocation of investment to expand its state-owned enterprises in the textile supply...# Those actions hurt the global economy and must not be rewarded by the United States, Tantillo said citing reports that even the WTO had commented that China's market reforms since joining the WTO have fallen short of expectations.Treating China as a market economy would defy logic, he said after a presentation by Manufacturers for Trade Enforcement (MTE) coalition at the Capitol Hill on July 11 and 12. NCTO is part of the coalition.China is seeking a formal designation as a market economy from December 11, 2016, the 15th anniversary of the country 's accession to WTO. At present, the U.S. Commerce Department treats China as a non-market economy when calculating anti-dumping margins and other trade remedies. (SH) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Job creation in labour-intensive and export-oriented sectors such as textiles, automobiles, IT/BPO, declined 67.93 per cent in 2015, and only 1.35 lakh new jobs were created in these sectors during the year.According to the Labour Bureau's Quarterly Quick Employment Survey (QES), estimated employment experienced a net addition of 4.21 lakh (persons) In January 2014 to December 2014 and 1.35 lakh (persons) between January and December 2015. Job creation in labour-intensive and export-oriented sectors such as textiles, automobiles, IT/BPO, declined 67.93 per cent in 2015, and only 1.35 lakh new jobs were created in these sectors during the year. According to the Labour Bureau's Quarterly Quick Employment Survey (QES), estimated employment experienced a net addition of 4.21 lakh (persons)...# The estimated employment for export-oriented sector saw a net addition of 1.22 lakh people in January-December 2015, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha citing the survey.The Bureau conducts quarterly surveys in eight select labour-intensive and export-oriented sectors such as textiles, including apparel, metals, gems and jewellery; automobiles; transport; IT/BPO; leather and handloom/powerloom to assess the effect of economic slowdown on employment in India.The minister clarified that data pertaining to the entire manufacturing sector is not collected under the QES of the Labour Bureau. But five of the eight sectors in QES textiles, metals, gems and jewellery; automobiles; leather and handloom/powerloom are part of the manufacturing sector. (SH) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India He said that the government is sponsoring fifty (50) scholarships each year to support a 24 months Certificate III in Commercial Agriculture programme at FNU. This trains students in various agricultural disciplines to establish commercial agriculture in the country. This initiative will enhance Governments goal of import substitution, provide employment and promote healthy living, he said. The Minister of Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Hon. Inia Seruiratu said that every accomplishment begins with a daring dream.This was his statement shared with students at the opening of the Fiji National University (FNU) Open Day at the FNU Campus in Koronivia today.Your presence here is not by chance but a foreshadow of what is yet to come, what you are yet to achieve in life, your goals, your dreams, said Minister Seruiratu.The Indian author Jiddu Krishnamurti said, the function of education is to help you from childhood not to imitate anybody, but to be yourself all the time. So I dare you today, take this opportunity, realise your career goals and strive towards it, Mr. Seruiratu added.Minister Seruiratu said with the Fiji First Governments no child left behind policy in place, all of you here today or on your way to all the FNU Open Day centres, I urge you to embrace this opportunity and live your dreams.The Bainimarama government has full confidence in the work carried out by FNU and this is evident in 2017 budget which has several important projects for FNU embedded in it, Minister Seruiratu said.The scholarship covers the cost of tuition, accommodation and other boarding expenses during the first year of the programme. Upon graduation, each student can apply for a loan package to cover the cost of farm land, basic farm implements and some start up cash, added Minister Seruiratu. Fijis approach in fulfilling the targets of the WCD will be documented in clear strategies for reducing mortality and morbidity in the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP; in draft) and the country action plan we already have with the UICC to improve clinical systems, services and training, Minister Usamate said. Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Jone Usamate together with the Fiji Cancer and WOWs Kids today signed the World Cancer Declaration (WCD), with the goal to reduce the preventable mortality rate of cancer patients.Fiji has already made several commitments to reducing the burden of cancer as is covered by the WCD such as the World Health Assembly resolutions WHA58.22 (Cancer prevention and control), WPR/RC62.R2 (Expanding and Intensifying Non communicable Disease Prevention and Control), and WHA resolution 66.10 to adopt a global target of a 25% reduction in premature mortality from NCDs by 2025.As cancer is the third leading cause of death in Fiji, a reduction in mortality will contribute largely to these commitments. Additionally, reductions in morbidity that can be achieved by comprehensive treatment (requiring radiotherapy and palliative care/rehabilitation services), and reducing stigma surrounding cancer (leading to earlier detection) will have a positive effect on productivity.Signing the WCD is a further way to indicate to the UICC, as well as our other international partners and the public that Fiji remains committed to reducing the burden of cancer.The Ministry of Health & Medical Services remains fully committed to effectively reduce the burden of cancer after officially becoming a member of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in 2015. The chief Nurse of New Zealand Dr Jane Ellen echoed similar sentiments with the honourable Minister. More than 160 nurses from around the country are attending the two-day symposium which concludes later this week. The Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Jone Usamate has called on Fijian nurses to recognise the need to enhance service delivery for the benefit of ordinary Fijians.He highlighted this message at the 2nd National Nurses Scientific Symposium, which opened today in Suva. Here, the Minister said that as nurses are on the frontline of the health workforce they carry an obligation to deliver high quality service.You play a huge role in the provision of health care services and your attitudes, your knowledge, your expertise, your care and compassion, all impact the type of health service we have, Minister Usamate said.That is why this symposium is important, because it provides knowledge, and the sharing of experiences and networking that can enhance the quality of nursing and thereby health in general, he further added.He also reminded the nurses to be advocates of behaviour change; something that every Fijian can do to better look after their own health.Nurses are agents of change. You should not only talk about it, but at the same time foster the wellness within you. Then you can not only tell people, but show them the way by demonstrating behaviour change, he said.You can make the difference if you are refreshed, organized and well equipped to serve the people, said Dr Ellen. FNU is making a commitment to provide the best training to veterinary students thereby supporting the government in its quest of combating animal health issues and food security. The Minister of Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Hon. Inia Seruiratu said that veterinarians play a vital role play in providing effective surveillance of animal diseases and zoonosis throughout the world.This was his statement to students of the Fiji National University (FNU) celebrating World Veterinary Day at the Fiji National University campus in Koronivia today.They are key professionals providing essential services in a range of areas ranging from farm and wild animals practice, working with the food industry on food safety and world health issues, Minister Seruiratu said.He added that new challenges such as trans-boundary diseases means that veterinarians will need to build capacity and be up to date with modern science and technology.New demands for involvement of the profession include bio-security and the threats of bio-terrorism, the protection of our worlds biodiversity, the protection of our environment and the sustainable management of our natural resources, Minister Seruiratu said. HON. MINISTER KOYA NATIONAL STATEMENT AT THE UNCTAD 14 - KENYA Fijian National Statement for the UNCTAD 14, the Honourable Minister Faiyaz Koya, Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, delivered on 19 July 2016 at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi, Kenya.Women as Agents for Economic ChangeModerator,Im delighted to take part in this leaders roundtable on women as agents for Economic Change.Women are the significant agents of change in our families, communities and economies as a whole. It is their hard work and commitment that builds the strong foundation for the future of their family and that of the nation.Women in the running affairs of the nations as well as in business are a growing force in most countries if not all countries of the World. Over the years, the rate of female entrepreneurship has been growing steadily.In this regard, Fiji is currently leading in the Pacific in the representation of women in our Parliamentary system. For the first time, Fiji has a female Speaker of Parliament. The Secretary General to Parliament and Secretary to Cabinet are also women and this is for the first time in Fijis history all these three position are simultaneously held by women. In the Fijian Government, four women possess significant ministerial portfolios.We have women holding very senior positions, such as Ambassadors, Judges, Magistrates and Legislators. Furthermore, we have women CEOs, Chair and Board Directors in Government Statutory Organisations. And 20 percent of Permanent Secretaries are women.Fiji has actually mainstreamed Gender issues in our Trade Policy Framework. It is Fijis considered view that women in business and in the work force are a powerful source of economic growth for the country.Despite the powerful role women entrepreneurs play in any economy, we recognise that they still face considerable hurdles in terms of taking advantage of the business opportunities including opportunities trade liberalization offers.In Fiji, to counter this, we have provided women entrepreneurs from rural communities and outer islands an opportunity to link to markets, to retail their products under one roof through a National Womens Expo. Through this initiative we are empowering and giving recognition to the women and their specialised skills.In Fiji, we have put in place policies such as the Micro Small Business Grant that also helps women play an active role in the economy. Our analysis shows that increasing the ability for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses will lead to greater economic growth, especially when it comes to women entrepreneurs.Women make up approximately 40 percent of the Grant distribution and 70 percent of the total recipients are in rural area. These are women who are leading from the front women who are taking the risk of doing business to support themselves and their families.Ladies and Gentlemen,I wish to state that the very important that legislation plays an important role in ensuring that women are given an equal field. Our Constitution guarantees equal rights. It is also gender-responsive, socially inclusive Constitution, by which unfair discrimination on the basis of race, culture, ethnic or social origin, colour, place of origin, sex gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, birth, primary language, economic or social or health status, disability, age, religion, conscience, marital status or pregnancy, or opinions or beliefs, except to the extent that those opinions or beliefs involve harm to others, is unconstitutional.Fijians are entitled to rights to education, health services, reasonable access to transport, sanitation and housing, reasonable access to transport, sanitation and housing, adequate food and water, information and to work and a just minimum wage. We have a national minimum wage in place to protect workers in the informal sector, which is more than often dominated by women.In our Civil Service, all appointments are on transparent and merit based system, which has resulted in the recruitment of more women. As I said earlier, we have 4 out of 20 Permanent Secretaries who are women.Over the last 7 years the Fijian Government has increased funding for the National Womens Machinery by some 230 percent. The National Womens Machinery will continue to be supported with adequate funding and human resources to strengthen their capacity to have a strong gender databased that can better influence policy.We have also protected women, we have amended our criminal laws to make it modern and gender inclusive by removing the archaic rules. Our family laws have also been amended to recognise the rights of women in de-facto relationships and to provide legal protection in terms of spousal maintenance and property rights.The Government has also introduced the first Domestic Violence law, which amongst other things, allows any person to apply for a domestic violence restraining order and all of this leads to one thing that is to empower women, to be at the forefront of Fiji. Laws that offered women no protection are a thing of the past.As I said earlier, our Constitution has been our start point, and I quite proudly say this, that we have done quite well in Fiji in respect of women as agents for economic change. In the workplace, I can only use my Ministry as an example, as in the Civil Service all appointments are on merit and my Ministry has more women than men and I have been labelled to having the most efficient Ministry.In conclusion Moderator,Supporting women entrepreneurs with targeted strategies can help them increase their production output and diversify their exports and continue contributing to the socio-economic development of our countries as agents of economic change.I thank you. HON. MINISTER KOYA'S NATIONAL STATEMENT AT THE UNCTAD 14 - KENYA Fijian National Statement for the UNCTAD 14 General Debate, the Honourable Minister Faiyaz Koya, Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, delivered on 20 July 2016 at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi, Kenya. Chair,Firstly, I would like to once again thank the hosts, the Government and the people of Kenya for the excellent arrangements made for the UNCTAD 14 and all the courtesies extended to myself and my delegation since our arrival.After the successful hosting of MC10, this is the second time I have experienced the excellent hospitality and arrangement, which no doubt will contribute to the success of our meeting.Chair,I am delighted to be here and be part of the UNCTAD 14 as the themes and sub-themes for this conference very much relates to the issues and priorities of the Fijian Government, as we continue to deliver for our people.As you may be aware, Fiji as a small island economy that relies on its exports and imports to provide the goods and services required by its consumers, therefore trade remains an integral part of the Fijian economy.Fijis trade policy is characterized by an overall openness, complemented by autonomous liberalization beyond WTO commitments, while also allowing Government to retain the policy space necessary to absorb external shocks and to account for changing trading circumstances.Fiji remains committed to pursuing policies aimed at promoting the expansion of markets at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels, as well as, the diversification of Fijis export product base.In Fijis view, the maintenance of integrity and credibility of the Multilateral Trading System is a component in the mix of global policy approaches needed to ensure sustained economic growth.Even though some of the rules are burdensome on many developing countries and small and vulnerable economies, it is our considered view that the rules could be improved and be made relevant in order to make the multilateral trading system fair and inclusive for all Members.Chair,Fiji still remains fully committed to the Doha Development Agenda -DDA and has been disappointed at the inability of the WTO Membership arriving at concrete developmental outcomes for the DDA since 2001.Fiji was very hopeful that we would get some positive outcomes from the 10th Ministerial Conference held here in Kenya last December. However, the eventual outcome, despite intensive negotiations, was rather disappointing. The hope of the DDA was to bring tangible benefits for developing countries, including farmers and fishermen in rural areas where the potential for the economic development through trade still burns high.Chair,For Fiji and the Pacific, fisheries is an integral part of our way of life and a key resource. Therefore it is important to ensure that fisheries resources are managed in a sustainable manner and that the activities of the present generation should not compromise the needs of the future generations.Chair,In this regard, Fiji was disappointed that Nairobi Ministerial Declaration did not contain legally binding commitments for Members disciplining fisheries subsidies. Despite the mandate to negotiate fisheries subsidies.In that regard Chair,Fiji urges all Member countries to continue collaborating to seek a meaningful outcome, at minimum, in line with the global commitments made in the 2030 Agenda for Development. We do our own futures a disservice if we do not.Fiji is well on the path to social and economic transformation and we are very committed to it. As part of achieving our economic vision, Fiji has completed its domestic processes in terms of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and the ratification process will be completed soon.This is timely following the imminent launch of the Multi-Donor Trust Fund for the United Nations Inter-Agency Cluster on Trade and Productive Capacity by the end of this year. Fiji welcomes the new initiative of creating a new trust fund to fund cluster activities in the three prioritised areas namely; trade facilitation, trade and employment and trade and value chains.Whilst we welcome and fully support the creation of the cluster structured new Trust Fund, in order to get the desired outcomes and impact, we would like to urge that this strategy will only be possible when businesses and investors focus not just on profits, but also on workers and their communities. Such an approach will need to integrate efforts to develop a well-trained, stable workforce as a foundation for the human capital, skills, and predictability needed for long-term socio-economic growth and development.Chair,We feel that the trade facilitation cluster will be another added vehicle to assist countries to tap into the funds to finance other aspects of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, especially in cases where they may lack partners to assist them implement certain measures.With regards to the trade and employment cluster, the aspect of trade and employment has been the weakest correlation link in most economies. Effective delivery of this strategy, which produces results and make positive impact should be at the core. By focusing on trade as a creator of employment, we will be able to truly deliver on key aspects of development. Increased trade induces opportunities that leads to improvement of lives of people. In this way, increased trade will mean a win-win outcome for all.On one hand, businesses from large corporations to MSMEs as well as governments benefit from increased trade flows and strong returns on their investment. On the other hand, workers and their communities benefit from stable incomes and rising standards of living.Chair,The trade and value chains is another important cluster, which in our view will help create and strengthen linkages along the supply chains at national, regional and global level. This will further make trade more beneficial to all the players involved in the production process.In this regard, Fiji would like to request that the implementation of this proposed Trust Fund takes into account the unique circumstances of countries especially the LDCs and Small and Vulnerable Economies due to the distance from markets and remoteness of our economies.It is also important to understand that even though the global economy is interdependent, certain regions such as, the Pacific is mostly left out in decision making bodies at the international level, as it is usually lumped together with Asia. In this regard, fairness and equity in participation and representation should be cornerstone of the international system defends, rather than leaving it to individual members to argue for.We are working hard to ensure that the small voices of the Pacific is heard at the international level in negotiations and its regular work.Chair,There is no greater advocate of climate change than the Fijian Prime Minister is the champion on Climate Change issues. Fiji was the first nation in the world to have ratified the Paris Agreement. Fiji also became the first country in the Pacific to adopt a Green Growth Framework, in which the sustainable development of our resources on land and sea is the overriding imperative.Five months ago, the biggest cyclone ever to make landfall in the southern hemisphere slammed into Fiji and devastated a significant portion of the country. Tropical Cyclone Winston killed 44 Fijians and injured dozens more. It damaged or destroyed up to 40,000 homes, 229 schools and other public buildings and infrastructure.Distinguished delegates,We desperately need you to side with us not only to arrest the current state of global warming but to help us adapt to the sea level rises and extreme weather events associated with climate change. Do not abandon us to the terrible fate that awaits us through its no fault of our own. It is a very real prospect that a single climate event can destroy all the progress we are making to build strong economies and improve the lives of our people.Fiji also appeals to the global community for a much sharper focus on assisting small and vulnerable nations to build their resilience to climate change.We owe it to ourselves and to future generations not only to implement the Paris Agreement but to go beyond, for our childrens sake and our planets future.Chair,Building economic resilience for the most vulnerable is critical to our situation. This is an important aspect to island countries, especially in the Pacific region where one natural disaster has potential to bring the country to its knees. For us, there is a strong linkage between economic resilience and climate change resilience. This is a prime reason why Fiji and others who are directly affected by natural disasters, values greatly the global action on climate change.We also note that the transition to a Green Blue Economy is a long-term challenge. We will need to persevere and spare no effort as we move towards more efficient use and conservation of natural resources and greater respect for our ocean, which is our life blood.Healthy oceans will guarantee the livelihood of future generations in the Pacific and the rest of the world. As we in the Pacific know all too well, it is a collective challenge that States and private actors must assume together. We must develop strategies and embrace approaches to business, trade, infrastructure, energy, food production and employment that enshrine efficiency in the use of resources, minimise waste and pollution.Chair,To make the transition to a Green Blue economy, we will need framework conditions for innovation and a strong voluntary commitment from the business community, the scientific community and civil society.Fijis commitment to the 2030 global sustainable development agenda is absolute and is a cornerstone of our national policies.At every level, we have made the sustainable development of our resources, the reduction of poverty and the social and economic progress of the Fijian people our key priorities.Chair,Yesterday I had the privilege of being one of the panellists during the session on women as agents for economic change. Let me reiterate that women are the significant agents of change in our families, communities and economies as a whole. It is their hard work and commitment that builds the strong foundation for the future of their family and that of the nation.As Fiji, we have demonstrated our commitment to gender equality aspects at every level. We have established unprecedented equality for all Fijians in our Constitution, including the right to be free from any form of violence.We are empowering women by improving their access to education through free schooling, scholarships and tertiary loans. We are empowering women by encouraging them to start their own businesses with our small and micro business grants.We have modernised our laws to give women protection and equal rights and access to opportunities.In conclusion Chair, Fiji is undertaking revolutionary reforms and our vision is to make our country a vibrant, dynamic and internationally competitive economy, serving as the hub of the Pacific. It is our hope that the outcomes of UNCTAD 14 will be translated from decisions to actions towards an inclusive and equitable global economic environment for trade and development.I thank you Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is back from her London holiday. Today, at the airport Aishwarya's bodyguards had a fight with media at the Mumbai airport. Aishwarya was with her mother Brinda and daughter Aaradhya when her bodyguards tried to push away a cameraman (who came too close). It's when her mother fell down. According to Indian Express, ''Aishwarya walked out of the airport with her daughter Aaradhya and mother Brinda in tow. The actress proceeded to her car and first seated her daughter before taking a seat herself. It was then that her bodyguards got aggressive and started forcefully pushing away the media.'' See Aishwarya, Aaradhya & Brinda's Pictures from the Mumbai airport by clicking below. ''One of the guards pushed away a cameraman so hard that he lost his balance and fell on Aishwarya's mother who was standing behind. Aishwarya's mother lost her balance and tumbled down on the ground hard." Also Read: Shocking! Karisma Kapoor Wasn't Happy With Kareena Kapoor's Decision To Move In With Saif Ali Khan ''Aishwarya Rai Bachchan reportedly rushed out of her car. Brinda was then helped by Aishwarya and the media personnel and they attended to her for five minutes. Aishwarya's mother was seen rubbing her head while others attended her. Fortunately, she didn't sustain any serious injuries.Aishwarya and her mother left the airport after her mother regained her composure, '' the report stated. We all know that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan often travels with Brinda and Aaradhya and media is always present to click the actress with her daughter. And most of the time, the Bachchans happily pose for the media at the airport. We understand that actors are public figures but media also have certain responsibilities. And we do think that whatever happened at the airport was not ethical! Readers, please share your views on this incident by commenting below. Yes you read it right! Karisma Kapoor herself confessed in an interview that she was shocked when her sister Kareena Kapoor told her that she wants to move in with Saif Ali Khan, before marriage. Karisma Kapoor revealed in the book 'She Walks She Leads' that it was shocking for her mother Babita, ''It was for me too, to some extent. Our family is slightly conservative but then we accepted that this was Bebo: all heart and all sentiment. Besides, she has this incredible ability to always know what is right for her. She is led by emotion and instinct but, touch wood, her decisions have always proved to be positive and wise.'' Karisma is very close to both Bebo and Saif and you can see their special bond in the pictures below. Reportedly, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor started seeing each other in October 2007. The couple fell in love during the shooting of their film Tashan. Earlier, many people thought that the news of their affair was just a publicity stunt. But all rumours were put to rest when an official confirmation about their relationship was made. She's Got The Look! 30 Unseen Pictures Of Jacqueline Fernandez That Prove She's Born To Slay! It was at the Lakme Fashion Week in 2007, when Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor made their first public appearance and officially announced they were dating. They lived in together for three years. Finally, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor tied the knot on October 16th, 2012. And now the couple is expecting their first child. On the work front Kareena Kapoor will soon start the shooting of Veere Di Shaadi, while Saif Ali Khan is busy with the shooting of his next film Rangoon. Irrfan Khan starrer Madaari, is all set to hit the theatres tomorrow (July 22, 2016) and yesterday night the special screening of the film took place in Mumbai, that was attended by many top celebs of B-town. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Kangana Ranaut, Kriti Sanon, Dia Mirza and many other celebs were spotted at the special screening of the Irrfan Khan starrer. Go Through The Slides & See Their Pictures.. Recently, film-makers including Madhur Bhandarkar and David Dhawan caught the screening the of Madaari and poured in much appreciation for Madaari. RED HOT! Deepika & Fawad's Jaw-dropping Pictures From ICW 2016! Mr Bhandarkar said, "Nishikant is a very good friend and a good filmmaker. Irrfan is a very talented actor... I am very happy that the film is in news and I am sure it will be a great watch for viewers." Mr Dhawan, who usually makes comedy films, was also appreciative of the serious movie."It was outstanding. I enjoyed it. Nishikant is a very competent director. The film is very good and gripping. The hero is very good the kid is very good... The script is very good. The editing is also fantastic... You don't come to know what is going to happen." "Irrfan is always good and works with a lot of sincerity. He is a commercial actor and doesn't bore you," he added. However, Irrfan was a little nervous about the reactions to the movie and here's what the actor told: "I am a bit cautious and a bit scared. I would want to talk only once the film releases. When directors are there I am a bit nervous, otherwise I have an idea that the film will touch people. (So far) We have got a very warm response and we have come to know that it is touching people." JJ Abrams, director of the first two installments of Star Trek series, and producer of the latest release, Star Trek Beyond, is all set to pay a lovely tribute to his late actor Anton Yelchin by dropping off his character entirely from the movie. Abrams has already made up his mind to retire the character - Pavel Chekov, played by Anton Yelchin in the movie Star Trek, and declared that the character will never be recasted or replaced by any other. "I would say there's no replacing him", "There's no re-casting. I can't possibly imagine that, and I think Anton deserves better," says the film-maker. Abrams also says that he has been working on the prospect on how to retire the character and earlier, he had possibly thought of killing the character, but nothing has been finalized yet. Yelchin, the Saint Petersburg born actor, died an unfortunate death at the age of 27. When parking his car, it slipped off the driveway and rolled down toward him only to paste him against the gate. He was a prankster in his unit and loved by all his crew members and cast very fondly. The whole unit is mourning his unfortunate death and the film-maker himself seems to be highly grieved by the development, says the actor deserved much better than what he got in life. Paris Hilton is all set to follow the footsteps of her hotelier grandfather, Conrad Hilton, and will launch her own brand of luxury hotel chain. According to the report, she will start with three initial launches in New York, Dubai and Las-Vegas, known to be her three favourite destinations. She has plans to expand it to other parts of the world. However, the launch date is yet to be finalized. It will be Hilton's second time venture into the arena of real estate. She already have worked with Century Properties in the Philippines, designing their two luxury Beach clubs, branded as Azure Urban Resort Residences. On this development, CEO of Century Properties and project head of Azure, John Victor Antonio said of Hilton, "Her unparalleled style that made her a successful businesswoman and a style icon, as well as her zest for living the good life are the qualities that we would like to incorporate into our vacation-inspired residential property." "With her exposure to the best beaches around the world, coupled with her fun and sensible fashion sense, we believe that we've made the right choice in partnering with someone who appreciates urban resort style living and who can lend a world-class touch to Azure." With this launch, Hilton is sure to add more feathers into her already successful business profile. PUNE, India, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Non-Woven Glass Fiber Prepreg Market by Application (Wind Energy, Electronics, Automotive, Aerospace & Defense, and Others), and by Region (Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and Rest of the World) - Global Forecast to 2021", published by MarketsandMarkets, The global market is projected to reach USD 834.5 Million by 2021, at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2016 to 2021. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 ) Browse 65 market data Tables and 42 Figures spread through 113 Pages and in-depth TOC on"Non-Woven Glass Fiber Prepreg Market" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/non-woven-glass-fiber-prepreg-market-193435998.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. Leading players are focused on entering new markets by launching technologically advanced and innovative products for wind energy, automotive, and aerospace & defense applications which is expected to drive the growth of the market in near future. Wind energy application segment has the largest share of the global non-woven glass fiber prepreg market The wind energy segment of the non-woven glass fiber prepreg market is expected to witness significant growth in coming years. Wind energy capacity is increasing throughout the world. This market will keep on growing due to exhaustion of non-renewable resources. Growing concerns about the environment, especially in countries such as China and India, will lead to the growth of wind energy segment in these countries in coming years. The governments of European countries are also supporting the development of renewable and energy-efficient systems, which is supporting the growth of wind energy application. Asia-Pacific was the largest market for global Non-woven glass fiber prepreg market in 2015, globally Asia-Pacific was the largest market for non-woven glass fiber prepregs in 2015, owing to the increasing demand of non-woven glass fiber prepregs in developing economies such as India and China. China is the leading consumer of prepregs in the Asia-Pacific region. Make an Inquiry @http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=193435998 Companies in this region are investing to develop the cost-competitive non-woven glass fiber prepregs. The extensive growth and innovation, along with the industry consolidations, is expected to drive the growth of Asia-Pacific non-woven glass fiber prepreg market. Key players operational in the Non-Woven Glass Fiber Prepreg Market include Owens Corning (U.S.), Saint-Gobain Adfors (France), Jushi Group Co., Ltd (China), and others. Browse Related Reports: Fiberglass Market by Type (Roving, Yarns), by Application (Composites, Insulations) & by Region - Trends & Forecast to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/fiberglass-market-6124844.html Prepreg Market by Type of Fiber Reinforcement (Glass fiber, Carbon fiber, Aramid fiber), by Types of Resin (Thermoset, Thermoplastics), by Manufacturing Process (Hot melt, Solvent Dip), by Applications (Wind, Aerospace, Automotive, Sporting goods, Electronics (PCB) etc.) and by Region - Global Trends and Forecasts to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/prepreg-market-56131284.html Know More About our Knowledge Store @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Knowledgestore.asp About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide 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 Tel: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit MarketsandMarkets Blog @http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/chemical Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA and SAN MATEO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/20/16 -- SnapLogic, an industry leader in enterprise integration platform as a service (iPaaS), announced that the company will attend Gartner Application Architecture, Development & Integration Summit 2016 (Gartner AADI) as a Silver level sponsor. The summit will take place at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney, Australia from July 25-26. Gartner AADI is dedicated to giving enterprises the latest recommendations for transforming legacy applications, delivering world-class customer experiences, applying leading edge data, and much more. It will feature in-depth new research and advanced best practices in application strategies, business application management, mobile applications, modern application architecture, application development, integration, and emerging technologies, including the Internet of Things. At the summit, SnapLogic will demonstrate how companies can benefit from the cutting-edge capabilities of its platform, including: Empowering the Citizen Integrator with Elastic iPaaS - ensuring more people in the organisation can perform self-service integration, whether they need to connect enterprise applications, business processes, APIs in real-time or enterprise data sources for modern analytics. Solving the Integrator's Dilemma - addressing the need for speed with a converged platform that can handle both ETL and ESB requirements without the overhead. Hadoop for Humans - the ability to generate MapReduce and Spark code without coding and to be able to quickly acquire, prepare and deliver big data, regardless of its velocity, variety and volume. Visit SnapLogic at Gartner AADI Attendees can learn more about how the SnapLogic platform can enable their enterprise's digital transformation at stand S3. Chris Hackett, vice president of international sales, and Ravi Dharnikota, head of enterprise architecture will be on hand to demonstrate the company's award-winning approach to harnessing enterprise application data. To meet with SnapLogic at Gartner AADI, visit https://www.snaplogic.com/gartner-aadi. About SnapLogic SnapLogic is the industry's first unified data and application integration platform as a service (iPaaS). The SnapLogic Elastic Integration Platform enables enterprises to connect to any source, at any speed, anywhere -- whether on premises, in the cloud or in hybrid environments. The easy-to-use platform empowers self-service integrators, eliminates information silos, and provides a smooth onramp to big data. Founded by data industry veteran Gaurav Dhillon and backed by investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Ignition Partners, Microsoft Corp., and Silver Lake Waterman, SnapLogic is helping companies across the Global 2000 to connect faster. Learn more at www.snaplogic.com. Connect with SnapLogic Read the blog Follow us on Twitter Visit us on Facebook Find us on LinkedIn Press Contact: Caitlin Haskins 10Fold Snaplogic@10fold.com 415.800.5369 BOSTON, MA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Widespread urban adoption of self-driving vehicles (SDVs) and "robo-taxis," or self-driving taxis, could result in a 60% drop in the number of cars on city streets, an 80% or greater decrease in tailpipe emissions, and 90% fewer road accidents, according to a new report by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) prepared in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. Self-Driving Vehicles, Robo-Taxis, and the Urban Mobility Revolution, released today, builds on earlier research by BCG and the World Economic Forum, including a survey of more than 5,500 consumers in ten countries -- the largest global survey on SDVs to date. The report examines four potential scenarios for SDVs in an urban context and describes the possible impact of each one. While broad consumer adoption of SDVs -- to which BCG's research shows there are few barriers -- would by itself lead to significant disruption, the real revolution in urban mobility will come with widespread adoption of robo-taxis. "There is a compelling case to be made for SDVs in cities," said Nikolaus Lang, a BCG senior partner and report coauthor. "Ride-shared, electric robo-taxis can substantially transform and improve urban transportation and, by direct extension, livability, by providing more people with easier access to mobility, making streets safer, and freeing up space no longer needed for parking. The major players -- industry, consumers, and policymakers -- are excited and engaged." Some 58% of consumers in cities around the world are open to trying out SDVs. Willingness is highest among younger consumers: 63% of those aged 29 or younger are willing to ride in a fully self-driving car, compared with 46% of consumers aged 51 or older. Acceptance of SDVs is highest in emerging markets. In India, for example, willingness is 85%, while consumers in Japan and the Netherlands are most reluctant (36% and 41%, respectively). Consumers cite the convenience of parking assistance and an increase in productivity while traveling as the top two reasons for interest in SDVs. When asked who should produce SDVs, almost 50% of respondents look to traditional-car manufacturers. Trust in automakers is highest in France, Germany, and Japan; it is weaker in India, the US, and China, where tech companies have high visibility. Although few consumers have even seen an SDV, their expectations for how SDVs will differ from traditional cars are quite specific. More than 35% expect SDVs to be hybrid vehicles, and another 29% anticipate that they will be electric. Many consumers are willing to pay a premium of $5,000 or more for a fully self-driving car. In France, India, and Japan, every second consumer is ready to pay more for an SDV. This willingness to pay extra is driven by an economic logic that balances the incremental cost against potential cost savings in other areas, such as lower parking fees, fuel savings, and even lower housing costs if it becomes more convenient to live farther from the more expensive city core. The research also involved in-depth interviews with 25 urban policymakers in 12 cities. Some 60% of these policymakers expect that by 2025, at least one city will have banned traditional-car ownership, partly as a result of robo-taxi fleets. Another 24% believe that this will happen by 2030. In terms of operating robo-taxi fleets, policymakers clearly see the private sector in the lead and envision a multiplayer setup rather than a monopolistic structure. Numerous trials involving SDVs are already underway in cities as diverse as Singapore, London, and Gothenburg. Gothenburg is currently planning to launch a pilot of 100 SDVs on its ring road in 2017. In addition to conducting research with consumers and city policymakers, BCG and the World Economic Forum developed four comprehensive scenarios -- based on autonomous technology, ride sharing, and electrification -- for the city of the future. Here are the scenarios, in order of potential impact: The Premium Car That Drives Itself. SDVs complement the existing mobility landscape as high-end offerings. This results in a small reduction (about 1%) in the number of vehicles on the streets through limited sharing of self-driving vehicles and fewer accidents -- a drop of almost 20% -- because SDVs, without human error as a risk factor, are much safer. SDVs Rule the Streets. In this scenario, SDVs replace most traditional cars but are still primarily privately owned. One in ten SDVs is shared by multiple individuals, and the total number of cars in the city falls by 8%. The number of accidents drops by 55%, and there is a 5% increase in freed-up parking space. Robo-Taxis Take Over. Robo-taxis are the primary mobility option in the city. The biggest change is a nearly 50% decrease in the number of cars as consumers abandon privately owned vehicles for robo-taxis. There are almost 90% fewer accidents, and nearly 40% of parking space is freed up. The Ridesharing Revolution. Shared robo-taxis are the main mobility mode. Every self-driving taxi now averages 2 passengers instead of the 1.2 assumed to be the average occupancy previously. Ridesharing frees up more parking space (54%) and further lowers the number of cars needed to provide the same level of mobility to the population (59%). Accidents decrease by 87%. "No single scenario will play out exactly as described, but our analysis makes it clear that the potential benefits for society are huge if SDVs are combined with ride sharing and electrification," said Michael Rumann, a BCG senior partner and report coauthor. "A power train shift from internal-combustion to electric engines is essential if cities want to cut tailpipe emissions, and ride sharing in urban areas is required to reduce the number of vehicles that are on the streets at any given time. Autonomous capabilities are the key to big improvements in road safety. These three factors -- ride sharing, autonomous driving, and electrification -- reinforce each other to facilitate fast adoption." A copy of the report can be downloaded at www.bcgperspectives.com. To arrange an interview with one of the authors, please contact Eric Gregoire at +1 617 850 3783 or gregoire.eric@bcg.com. About The Boston Consulting Group The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a global management consulting firm and the world's leading advisor on business strategy. We partner with clients from the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors in all regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their enterprises. Our customized approach combines deep insight into the dynamics of companies and markets with close collaboration at all levels of the client organization. This ensures that our clients achieve sustainable competitive advantage, build more capable organizations, and secure lasting results. Founded in 1963, BCG is a private company with 85 offices in 48 countries. For more information, please visit bcg.com. About bcgperspectives.com Bcgperspectives.com features the latest thinking from BCG experts as well as from CEOs, academics, and other leaders. It covers issues at the top of senior management's agenda. It also provides unprecedented access to BCG's extensive archive of thought leadership stretching back 50 years to the days of Bruce Henderson, the firm's founder and one of the architects of modern management consulting. All of our content -- including videos, podcasts, commentaries, and reports -- can be accessed by PC, mobile, iPad, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Revenue in the second quarter increased by 9 percentSecond quarter-- Revenue increased by 9 percent to SEK 935.4 (860.6) million. Exchange rate fluctuations had a negative impact on revenue of SEK 32.8 million. -- Casino revenue amounted to SEK 683.2 (617.8) million, an increase of 11 percent. 73 (72) percent of the total revenue in the second quarter was attributable to Casino. -- Sportsbook revenue amounted to SEK 223.0 (206.4) million, an increase of 8 percent. A low sportsbook margin resulted in lower than expected revenues. -- Mobile revenue amounted to SEK 383.1 (286.1) million, an increase of 34 percent. Mobile revenue now represents 41 percent of Group revenue. -- Operating income amounted to SEK 158.3 (213.8) million and the operating margin was 17 (25) percent. Operating income was affected by unfavourable exchange rate fluctuations amounting to SEK 23.5 million. -- Income before tax amounted to SEK 156.4 (212.3) million. -- Net income amounted to SEK 146.4 (201.6) million, corresponding to SEK 1.06 (1.46) per share. -- During the quarter, the number of active players was 563 247, which corresponds to growth of 58 percent. -- Customer deposits in all of Betsson's gaming solutions amounted to SEK 3 472.8 (3 116.6) million, an increase of 11 percent. -- Europe-Bet, which was acquired in 2015, contributed by SEK 94.1 (-) million to revenue in the quarter, and by SEK 22.9 (-) million to operating income.Interim period, January-June-- Revenue increased 13 percent to SEK 1,935.5 (1,708.0) million. -- Operating income amounted to SEK 408.4 (451.8) million. -- Income before tax amounted to SEK 405.3 (448.7) million. -- Net Income amounted to SEK 380.3 (425.7) million, corresponding to SEK 2.75 (3.08) per share.Comment from Ulrik Bengtsson, CEO Betsson AB"The results in the second quarter did not live up to our expectations. Many factors made the quarter challenging; primarily unfavourable currency effects, lower than average sportsbook margins and lower revenue in certain markets, partly due to regulatory changes. Betsson's subsidiaries operate in a dynamic environment which is highly demanding. They have taken several actions in the past months in order to increase growth and thereby profitability. The sportsbook offering and functionality have been improved considerably, new exciting products have been launched and our casino has been upgraded. These actions will have effect in future quarters, and we have already in the end of the second quarter seen a strong uplift in active customers. The third quarter has started with daily revenue significantly above the average of the second quarter."Presentation of the Interim ReportToday, Thursday, 21 July, at 9:00 AM CEST, Betsson's CEO, Ulrik Bengtsson, will present the Interim Report from Betsson's office at Regeringsgatan 28, Stockholm, and through webcast on www.betssonab.com or http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/58i9m8jp and by phone on +46 (0)8 505 564 74 (Sweden), +44 (0)203 364 53 74 (UK), or +1 (0) 855 753 22 30 (US). The presentation will be held in English and followed by a question and answer session.Attachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=579437 BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Switzerland's foreign trade data for June is due to be released in the pre-European session on Thursday at 2:00 am ET. The trade surplus is seen unchanged at CHF 3.79 billion in June. Ahead of the data, the Swiss franc held steady against its major rivals. As of 1:55 am ET, the Swiss franc was trading at 1.0865 against the euro, 1.3023 against the pound, 0.9850 against the U.S. dollar and 108.68 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. BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Switzerland's trade surplus declined in June, data published by the Federal Customs Administration showed Thursday. The trade surplus fell to CHF 3.5 billion from CHF 3.8 billion in May. Exports dropped by real 3.3 percent from the prior month following a 1 percent fall in May. At the same time, imports slid 4 percent, bigger than the 0.6 percent decrease seen in May. In the first half of the year, the trade surplus rose to CHF 19.3 billion from CHF 19.1 billion in the second half of 2015. Exports fell 0.7 percent, while imports rose 2.1 percent from last year. Another report from Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH showed that watch exports plunged 16.1 percent from the prior year to CHF 1.6 billion. In June, all the principal markets were in decline. Hong Kong reported a steep downturn for the 17th consecutive month. However, other Asian markets including Japan and China were less seriously affected. Swiss watch industry exports fell faster than at any other time in the first half, reflecting the difficulties with which the branch has had to contend for many months, the federation said. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - William Hill PLC (WMH.L), a gambling company, announced Thursday that its trading remains in line with the previous guidance of 260 million pounds to 280 million pounds of operating profit in 2016. Further, the company said James Henderson is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect. Philip Bowcock, Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed Interim CEO. The company has initiated the search for a permanent replacement for Henderson. Chairman Gareth Davis said, 'James's career with William Hill has spanned over 30 years covering the Retail, Online and international businesses.... Philip has a clear set of priorities as Interim CEO, principally the continued turnaround of the Online business. We will confirm a successor in the coming months.' The company will publish its half-year results on August 5. An interim CFO will be announced in due course. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Naturally Splendid Enterprises Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: NSP)(OTCQB: NSPDF)(FRANKFURT: 50N) ("NSP"). - Following last week's announcement of substantial growth to date in 2016 (+2,350% growth in sales compared to 2015), Naturally Splendid has announced earlier today the receipt of new, previously unreported purchase orders totalling $2.1 million CDN - Therefore, the total value of all purchase orders to date in 2016 exceeds $9.2 million CDN - This remarkable sales number already outshines 2015 sales by a staggering +3,000% (compared to 2014 sales: +3,815%) - The company is suddenly growing exceptionally fast on a consistent basis thus far in 2016: Q1: $1.5 million CDNQ2: $4.3 million CDN (+187% against Q1)Q3: $3.6 million CDN (in the first three weeks of Q3) CEO Craig Goodwin states in today's news: "We are pleased to continue the pace we are on. We booked gross sales of $1,455,000 CDN in our first quarter of 2016 (Q1) and recently announced our second quarter (Q2) gross sales of $4,300,000 CDN. On June 20, 2016 the Company announced a Purchase Order of $1,450,000 CDN for the third quarter of 2016 (Q3) and now with this most recent Purchase Order of $2,100,000 CDN, total gross sales to date exceed $9,200,000 CDN. Our goal naturally, is to have Q3 exceed gross sales of Q2 and we are on a pace to reach that objective." With 57.4 million shares issued and outstanding, Naturally Splendid is currently valued at $15.5 million CDN. If the sales growth rate so far in 2016 is any indication for the remaining months, the company could bag total sales of around $20 million CDN in 2016: A potential sales growth of +6,567% against 2015. With an implied enterprise value ("EV") of $15.5 million CDN and projected sales of $20 million in 2016, Naturally Splendid currently has an EV/Sales multiple of only 0.78x. According to data from New York's Stern University, the following sectors had EV/Sales multiples significantly higher than Naturally Splendid's current multiple of 0.78x: Drugs (Biotechnology ): 8.32x Drugs (Pharmaceutica ls): 4.76x Healthcare Products: 3.75x Average of all sectors: 2.65x Therefore, when applying a conservative EV/Sales multiple of 2.65x, Naturally Splendid would trade at $0.72 CDN/share (+167%% from current market price). When applying a multiple of 8.32x, as being the case with biotechnology drugs, Naturally Splendid would be fairly valued at $2.25 CDN/share (+733% from current level). In case management succeeds in growing Q3/4 sales figures stronger than Q1/2, an even higher valuation appears plausible. As per today's news, Naturally Splendid may exceed expectations again. When looking at the company's share price development over the last two years, the following remarks can be made: (1) Volume in Canada and Germany is picking up significantly since last week's unexpectly announced mammoth sales growth. (2) Share price appears to have bottomed recently at $0.25 CDN and appears ripe for another upswing to the $0.48 CDN level. (3) The explosive spike in share price in early 2015 demonstrates that similar price action may occur again, especially when rising above the $0.35-0.48 CDN levels. (4) MACD indicator looks bullish at the moment and another run up may occur anytime now. According to a statement by Naturally Splendid: "We looked at the history of hemp and came to one clear conclusion - it was time for a radical change." To view the first graph associated with this release, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Graph-1.jpg To view the second graph associated with this release, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Graph-2.jpg The hemp, cannabis and healthcare sector is gaining momentum again, not only in North America but on a global scale, and as such an increased investor's interest has been noticed recently and is expected to accelerate in the foreseeable future. Naturally Splendid is well-positioned to capitalize on this emerging market trend as being one of the first pioneering companies generating substantial sales. Bottom-line: Naturally Splendid is poised to evolve as a leader in the global hemp space. The year 2016 is increasingly turning out to become the long awaited "company-making" year and as such should provide most upside potential for its shareholders. Naturally Splendid continues to see increased interest for hemp food products in Asia. The company has made significant progress in the Asian region while attending tradeshows as Members of the Canadian Trade Delegation in Singapore and Seoul and more recently as official Members of the Premier's Trade Mission to Seoul, Manila and Tokyo, which was lead by British Columbia's Premier Christy Clark. Naturally Splendid is positioning itself to export healthy foods and value added natural formulations globally. The global functional, allergen-free, organic and other healthy foods market will push through the $1 trillion (EUR770b) mark for the first time in 2017, as consumer interest in preventing illness via foods snowballs, says Euromonitor International. More information on Naturally Splendid's products and markets can be read in our last week's introductory report, entitled Naturally Splendid announces 2016 sales figures: Already 2,350% growth since 2015. Website from Naturally Splendid: www.naturallysplendid.com www.hempomega.com www.simpliingredients.comwww.nateralife.comwww.pawsitivefx.comwww.chii.ca About Naturally Splendid Enterprises Ltd. Naturally Splendid is a multifaceted biotechnology company that is developing, producing, commercializing, and licensing an entirely new generation of plant-derived, bioactive ingredients, nutrientdense foods, and related products. Naturally Splendid is building an expanding portfolio of patents (issued and pending) and proprietary intellectual property focused on the commercial uses of industrial hemp and non-psychoactive cannabinoid compounds in a broad spectrum of applications. Naturally Splendid currently has six innovative divisions: (1) Natera brand of retail hemp superfood products currently distributed throughout North America and Asia; (2) Chi Hemp Industries Incorporated (Chii) is selling natural and organic hemp products through e-commerce (3) PawsitiveFX brand of pet care products; (4) Simlpi Plant-Based Ingredients Division of plant-derived bulk ingredients including patent-pending HempOmega; (5) The 12,000-square-foot POS / BPC Facility - which is managed for Naturally Splendid by POS Bio-Sciences - is positioned to offer commercial-scale custom processing solutions for biological materials, such as functional foods and natural health ingredients to a wide range of clients (6) Hemp-based cannabinoid nutraceuticals. The company's advanced technologies, industry expertise, and strategic partners allow for the creation of customized solutions with a consistent focus on quality and sustainability. 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This report is not intended for use by, or distribution to, US corporations that do not meet the definition of a major US institutional investor in the United States or for use by any citizen or resident of the United States. This publication is confidential for the information of the addressee only and may not be reproduced in whole or in part, copies circulated, or disclosed to another party, without the prior written consent of SkyCapitalReport. 2016 Naturally Splendid Enterprises Ltd. is a Canadian company with a global focus on redefining hemp and CBD via bio technology. Contacts: Mike Rodger 604-688-8231 mrodger@skycapitalreport.com Tomorrowland's main stage for its annual UNITE events will be transmitted to seven cities across the world in HD via SES satellites SES S.A. (Euronext Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG), the world leading satellite operator, and Tomorrowland, the largest electronic dance music festival in the world, today announced their collaboration to broadcast the main festival in Belgium live to seven countries in high definition (HD). This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721005433/en/ Tomorrowland initiated its UNITE concept in 2015, with a live connection to Mumbai and Mexico City (Photo: Business Wire) Tomorrowland, a three-day festival, is expecting a turnout of 180,000 at its main venue in Boom, Belgium. Themed UNITE, the second night of the event will be simultaneously held in seven other countries Mexico, India, Japan, Colombia, Germany, South Africa and Israel. The UNITE concept was initiated last year, with a live connection to Mumbai and Mexico City. On the second day of the event, 23 July, from 9 pm to 1 am CET, the performances from the main stage in Belgium will be broadcast live via SES satellites to the seven locations around the world. Festival goers in Belgium enjoying the show will be able to gain insight on what is happening in the other seven cities on a large screen, while the latter will also be able to simultaneously experience the magic of Tomorrowland's main stage in Belgium. "Satellite remains the ideal platform for the transmission of live events in high picture quality to a large audience," said Laurent Petit, Vice President, Global Accounts Occasional Use at SES. "We are proud to partner with Tomorrowland and bring the magic of the festival to thousands of music lovers across the world. For the event to be successful, the festival's madness needs to be constantly on, and for that a seamless live connection is key. Contributing to UNITE is a logical activity for us, as the event's goal is the same as ours: connecting the world, beyond borders." In addition, an Ultra HD video compiling Tomorrowland's best moments will be available on SES's Ultra HD demonstration channels at 19.2 degrees East, 28.2 degrees East, 5 degrees East and 31.5 degrees East. More information found on: www.ses.com/tomorrowland Follow us on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SES_Satellites Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SES.YourSatelliteCompany YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/SESVideoChannel Blog: http://www.ses.com/blog SES Pictures are available under http://www.ses.com/21472913/Our_Pictures SES White papers are available under http://www.ses.com/18681915/white-papers About SES SES (Euronext Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) is the world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of more than 50 geostationary satellites. Focusing on value-added, end-to-end solutions in four key market verticals (video, enterprise, mobility and government), SES provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, and mobile and fixed network operators, as well as business and governmental organisations worldwide. SES stands for long-lasting business relationships, high-quality service and excellence in the satellite industry. The culturally diverse regional teams of SES are located around the globe and work closely with customers to meet their specific satellite bandwidth and service requirements. SES's newest subsidiary, MX1, is one of the leading media service providers and offers a full suite of innovative digital video and media services. Augmented by SES's stake in O3b Networks, a next generation satellite network combining the reach of satellite with the speed of fibre, SES significantly enhances and scales up existing video and data capabilities. Further information available at: www.ses.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721005433/en/ Contacts: SES Markus Payer Corporate Communications Tel. +352 710 725 500 Markus.Payer@ses.com BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Swiss franc weakened against its key counterparts in early European trading on Thursday. The franc slipped to 6-day lows of 1.3104 against the pound and 1.0904 against the euro, compared to Wednesday's closing values of 1.3032 and 1.0872, respectively. Reversing from an early 2-day high of 0.9842 against the greenback, the franc edged down to 0.9886. The franc retreated from an early nearly 4-week high of 108.94 against the Japanese yen and ticked down to 108.23. If the franc slides further, it may find support around 1.00 against the greenback, 105.00 against the yen, 1.10 against the euro and 1.34 against the pound. 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 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- NetComm Wireless Limited (ASX: NTC) is pleased to announce that its CEO and Managing Director, David Stewart, has been recognised for his significant and valuable contribution to the Australian communications industry with the presentation of the Communications Ambassador 2016 award at the 10th annual Communications Alliance ACOMM Awards Dinner last night in Sydney. John Stanton, CEO, Communications Alliance, presented David Stewart with the prestigious Communications Ambassador award, and said: "He's a man who's been in the industry for more than 30 years. He is somebody who has overseen some of the strongest product and technology innovation in Australia and has always been a great supporter of Australian IT professionals, and of manufacturing. He has been, for a period of three decades, a very consistent, strong innovator and contributor to the health of our sector and the creation of jobs in the industry." Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150320/183399LOGO "David established NetComm Wireless as a leading global developer of Fixed Wireless, wireless Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, and helped to advance the Australian communications industry through the introduction of a number of first-to-market data communications technologies over three decades. "Through his longstanding commitment to innovation, David expanded NetComm Wireless into global markets through initiatives impacting a broad range of industry segments including building automation, transportation, mining services and energy management; and bringing city-equivalent broadband to regional, remote and outer urban areas in Australia, the US and Europe with Fixed Wireless," said Justin Milne, Chairman, NetComm Wireless. "These are exciting times for our industry and it is a privilege to have been presented with our industry's top accolade for individual achievement. We have come a very long way since we first began connecting people and machines via dial-up and I am tremendously proud of where NetComm Wireless is today," said David Stewart, CEO and Managing Director, NetComm Wireless. The Australian Communications Ambassador award is the highest honour presented by ACOMMS Communications Alliance and CommsDay each year, with previous recipients including former Telstra CEO, David Thodey and former Telstra Group Managing Director, Stuart Lee. Note to editors For high-resolution photos please visit: http://www.netcommwireless.com/sites/default/files/david_stewart_hi_res.jpg To view the video please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2utLiSP68Mo About NetComm Wireless NetComm Wireless Limited (ASX: NTC) is a leading developer ofFixed Wireless Regional Broadband and wireless Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices that underpin an increasingly connected world. Leading telecommunications carriers, core network providers and system integrators utilise NetComm Wireless' 3G, 4G LTE and new generation Fixed Wireless solutions to optimise network performance and to support their connected products and services in the M2M and regional broadband markets. For the past 34 years, NetComm Wireless has developed a portfolio of world first data communication products, and is now a globally recognised wireless innovator. Headquartered in Sydney (Australia), NetComm Wireless has offices in the US, Europe/UK, New Zealand, Middle East and Japan. For more information, visit www.netcommwireless.com. LONDON, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With Microsoft's recent announcement on the availability of AppSource, I.B.I.S., Inc., and parent company, Sonata Software, are pleased to announce their two solutions available on Microsoft's AppSource - Advanced Supply Chain Software' for Dynamics AX and Brick & Click Retail Solution. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130610/618887 ) Microsoft just announced that it will be launching a business app cloud service - Dynamics 365. Leveraging the Office 365 model, Dynamics 365 features capabilities of Dynamics AX, CRM and Project Madeira, offering clients the specific role/business unit functionality they need. With this announcement, Microsoft has shared AppSource, the new app store to support Dynamics 365. I.B.I.S. + Sonata have industry specific solutions for retail and supply chain business available both on premise and now in the cloud via AppSource. Advanced Supply Chain Software' for Microsoft Dynamics AX is a supply chain solution, designed to meet the needs of modern distributors and manufacturers. Additionally, Brick & Click for Dynamics AX is a retailing solution, now available on AppSource that is a fully unified Omni-Channel Commerce platform. "Microsoft recently awarded Sonata 2016 Microsoft Country Partner of the Year for India. We were recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services to clients, such as Azure Security Center and Azure Stack. We are completely bought into the benefits of doing business in the cloud," shared Srikar Reddy, Sonata Software CEO and Managing Director. Ranga Puranik, President of I.B.I.S. states, "We are excited that Microsoft is launching AppSource for business requirements, giving customers easy access to what they need. We are happy to be a part of this cloud movement with two ISV solutions that strengthen the Dynamics AX solution for Microsoft clients, adding significant value." About Sonata Software Sonata Software is a global IT services firm focused on catalyzing transformational IT initiatives of its clients through deep domain knowledge, technology expertise and customer commitment. The company delivers innovative new solutions for travel, retail and consumer goods and software product companies by integrating technologies such as Omni-Channel Commerce, Mobility, Analytics, Cloud and ERP, to drive enhanced customer engagement, operations efficiency and return on IT investments. A trusted long-term service provider to Fortune 500 companies across both the software product development and enterprise business segments, Sonata seeks to add differentiated value to leadership who want to make an impact on their businesses, with IT. About I.B.I.S., Inc., a Sonata Software Company Founded in 1989, I.B.I.S., Inc. a Sonata Software Company, provides digital transformation for distributors, manufacturers and retailers. Through a Strategic Developer Partner relationship with Microsoft, I.B.I.S. provides world-class solutions for enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), business intelligence (BI), and application development. I.B.I.S. specialties include Microsoft Dynamics AX and CRM solutions focused on supply chain needs. I.B.I.S., Inc. is a two-time winner of Microsoft Dynamics Outstanding Partner of the United States Award, a Worldwide Finalist for the Microsoft Dynamics AX Partner of the Year, Microsoft Dynamics 2015 Distribution Partner of the Year in the United States, a Microsoft Partner with Four Gold Competencies (ERP, CRM, Business Intelligence, Application Development), and a ten-time Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle Partner. In addition, I.B.I.S., Inc. is among the very select few companies that are Microsoft Dynamics Global Independent Software Vendors for Dynamics AX and CRM. Media Contact: I.B.I.S., Inc. Beth Seitz (770) 903-3189 bseitz@ibisinc.com Anuj Kumar Saxena Sonata Software Limited A.P.S. Trust Building, Bull Temple Road, N.R. Colony Bangalore 560019, India Tel: +91-80-67781999 anujkumar.s@sonata-software.com MILWAUKEE (dpa-AFX) - Joy Global Inc. (JOY), a provider of high-productivity mining solutions, announced Thursday that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by Komatsu America Corp., a subsidiary of Japan's Komatsu Ltd (KMTUY.PK). The transaction is valued at approximately $3.7 billion, including Joy Global's outstanding indebtedness. Under the deal terms, Joy Global stockholders will receive $28.30 per share in cash for each outstanding share of common stock held. This represents a 48% premium to the volume weighted average closing price of Joy Global's common stock for the 90 trading days and a 41% premium to the volume weighted average closing price of Joy Global's common stock for the 60 trading days prior to July 21. Following the transaction, Komatsu intends to operate Joy Global as a separate subsidiary of Komatsu and retain the strength of the Joy Global brand names. Komatsu and Joy Global's products and services are highly complementary and the combined organization will continue to focus on safety, productivity and life cycle cost improvement for customers. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Joy Global stockholders, among others. The transaction is expected to close by mid-2017, and is not subject to any financing conditions. Goldman, Sachs & Co. is serving as financial advisor to Joy Global. Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co., Ltd. is serving as financial advisor to Komatsu. 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. LONDON, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- RAVN Systems, experts in advanced Enterprise Search and Artificial Intelligence, is pleased to announce Bech-Bruun has selected both RAVN Connect Enterprise and RAVN Manage for advanced enterprise search and knowledge management. RAVN Connect Enterprise is an innovative approach to capturing, finding, managing and collaborating on an organisation's hard won knowledge and expertise, leveraging the capability to navigate links between knowledge types across the enterprise. It can learn from behaviour and establish explicit and implicit links between data objects and people. Bech-Bruun also selected the RAVN Manage component to manage the search solution to expose any hidden problems, allowing them to remain efficient in managing their Connect Enterprise search application. Bech-Bruunis using the RAVN Connect Enterprise search platform to efficiently search a wide variety of internal content including iManage Work, InterAction CRM, Navision and Mimecast. The RAVN search solution replaces their iManage IUS search platform and is further enhanced with the use of RAVN Manage, which ensures the search solution is running to its full potential at all times. Stefan Winqvist, CIO at Bech-Bruun commented, "RAVN Manage and RAVN Connect Enterprise supplement our current systems extremely well. With both systems, searches become even more efficient and documents may be retrieved significantly faster than before. The fact that the systems understand how people work together and are able to spot cohesion through entire cases is a real strength in our daily operations. In Bech-Bruun, this is a highly strategic focus area. Moreover, RAVN is a pioneer in the area and we consider this as the first step to full implementation of AI." Gareth Thomas, Sales Director at RAVN Systems said, "We are delighted to have signed a project to deploy Connect Enterprise and Manage at Bech Bruun, one of the leading law firms in Northern Europe with an excellent pedigree for innovation and technology." About RAVN Systems RAVN Systems has extremely broad and deep experience with Unstructured Data processing and offers revolutionary, search-based and cognitive computing solutions for any information intensive vertical. RAVN expertise and solutions deliver long-term value, competitive advantages and help manage and mitigate risk through surfacing and harnessing the information contained within unstructured data. For more information please visit http://www.ravn.co.uk About Bech-Bruun Bech-Bruun is a market-oriented law firm offering specialist services. With a wide range of products, Bech-Bruun serves a large section of the Danish corporate sector, the Danish public sector as well as international enterprises. With the help of more than 500 talented employees and some of the most recognised and experienced experts in the business, Bech-Bruun customises solutions to the clients, embracing all of the company's business areas. The goal is to strengthen clients' businesses and help them outperform their competitors. For more information please visit: http://www.bechbruun.com/ Press Contact Rebecca Tear 020 7566 0000 rebecca.tear@ravn.co.uk IRVINE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- The OC Tech Alliance has announced finalists in 13 categories to honor and celebrate 23 years of technology innovation and achievement in Orange County. These finalists, include technology company CEOs, outstanding technology companies and innovative product/technology categories that will be honored at an awards gala on October 6 at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. "Orange County's history of technology is rich with innovation that impacts the nation and the world, and it's demonstrated by the sheer number of nominees for company, product, and technology categories for our 23rd Annual High-Technology Innovation Awards," said Peter Craig, CEO of the OC Technology Alliance. "It's an increasingly difficult task for our judges to select best of the best. We feel our awards program proves our local tech industry has a bright future for growth and innovation," added Craig. Through a partnership with Project Tomorrow, the event will also recognize outstanding K-12 STEM educators and students in Orange County. The Outstanding Technology Leaders and Company finalists are: CEO in Emerging Technology Company: Nima Bakhtiary, Arbela Brian Meshkin, Proove Biosciences Ashley Leonard, Verismic Software CEO in Outstanding Private Technology Company: Michael Carter, IXI Technology Jeff Erle, MobilityWare Deepak Garg, Smart Utility Systems Outstanding Private Technology Company: Mavenlink Smart Utility Systems SYSPRO Emerging Technology Company: Arbela Monster VR Verismic Software Outstanding Public Technology Company: Astronics Test Systems BioLargo, Inc. Skyworks Solutions, Inc. The finalists for product and technology innovation in the following categories are: CleanTech/Green Tech: BioLargo, Inc. - BioLargo Water NxEco - NxEco digital irrigation solution Smart Utility Systems - Smart Customer Mobile Cloud /SaaS/ Web Platform Solutions: Numecent - Cloudpaging Reazon Systems, Inc. - iRubric Rapid Zadara Storage - The Zadara Cloud Consumer Devices & Software: Conexant - RoomAware Optimizer D-Link Systems, Inc. - Full HD 180-Degree Wi-Fi Camera (DCS-2630L) Monster VR - Sweet Escape Cyber Security: Immunant, Inc. - Immunant Apex Netwrix Corporation - Netwrix Auditor Sekur Me, Inc. - Sekur Login Enterprise Hardware & Devices: Astronics Test Systems - CTS-6000 Radio Test Set Microsemi Corporation - Microsemi PDS-104GO 4+1 PoE (Outdoor Power-Over Ethernet) Switch OleumTech - OleumTech Wireless Resistive Level Sensor/Transmitter Enterprise Software: CGTech - VERICUT Composite Applications gen-E - gen-E OpsCenter Lexmark Enterprise Software - Kofax Kapow: Robotic Process Automation for Digital Transformation Medical Technology: Modulated Imaging, Inc. - Ox-Imager CS Onciomed, Inc. - Gastric Vest System (GVS) Vertos Medical - mild Mobile Technology: Acorns Grow Inc. - Acorns GlobeChat - GlobeChat YouMail, Inc. - YouMail for Business Now in its 23rd year, the High-Technology Innovation Awards is Southern California's premier awards program event celebrating achievement among the regional tech industry. The OC Tech Alliance honors local companies, individuals and products driving technology innovation in Orange County. The award recipients will be announced at a gala event on October 6, 2016, at the Westin South Coast Plaza. About Orange County Technology Alliance Orange County Technology Alliance is a 501(c)6 nonprofit trade association committed to fast-forwarding the local innovation economy. It is the successor organization to the Orange County Council of TechAmerica and AeA. It is the only technology association addressing the needs of small-to-midsize technology companies and their leaders based in Orange County, California. The alliance serves members through local networking, professional development, state and federal advocacy, savings on business services and industry recognition. To learn more about membership, contact OC Tech Alliance at octech@octechalliance.com or www.octechalliance.com. Follow alliance activities on Twitter at www.twitter.com/octechalliance. About Project Tomorrow Project Tomorrow (www.tomorrow.org), a national education nonprofit organization headquartered in Irvine, California, supports the innovative uses of research-based science, math, and technology resources to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity in K-12 students. Project Tomorrow addresses the challenges of developing schools for the 21st century through national research projects, community and school-based programs, online tools and resources, and advocacy efforts to ensure that all students are prepared to be tomorrow's leaders, innovators, and engaged citizens of the world. Media Contacts: Dan Chmielewski Madison Alexander PR 714-832-8716 949-231-2965 Email Contact LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Despite an 88 percent surge in clean energy investment the year before last, spending on renewables in Canada suffered a 46 percent slide in 2015 and defied an otherwise impressive year for renewables investment. Keeping hold of its eighth placed global ranking requires that renewables companies like Innergex step up and be heard. The new issue of World Finance magazine takes a look at Innergex's new renewables project as part of the World Finance Project Finance Awards 2016 and asks what it and other companies are doing to lead the renewables transition. Innergex's plans to construct the Upper Lillooet Hydro Project fall in step with much broader ambitions to expand Canada's renewables sector and reassert its credentials as an attractive investment opportunity. The Upper Lillooet Hydro Project includes the 25.3 MW Boulder Creek and 81.4 MW Upper Lillooet River run-of-river hydroelectric projects, both of which are located near Pemberton, British Columbia. The financing is exceptional by virtue of its size at almost CAD 500m, and should be considered even more so thanks to its 40-year term and unique characteristics. Transformative on this and other counts, the project itself is thoroughly deserving of the award for Hydro Power Deal of the Year in this year's Project Finance Awards. By tailoring the financing to meet the different - and complementary - investment objectives of multiple lenders, the borrowers were able to secure a large amount of capital for the long term and at a very low fixed cost. If nothing else, the Upper Lillooet Hydro Project is proof that Canadian pension funds and life insurance companies are pioneers in project finance. More than that, the project is proof that Innergex is a renewables leader in the country, and is doing its fair share to atone for a bad year on the renewables investment front. As one of Canada's leading independent renewable power producers, its mission is to increase renewables production by developing and operating high-quality facilities; all while respecting the environment and balancing the best interests of its host communities, partners, and investors. To read more on the winners of this year's Project Finance Awards, pick up the latest issue of World Finance, available in print and online now. http://www.worldfinance.com/ World News Media is a leading publisher of quality financial and business magazines, enjoying a global distribution network that includes subscriber lists of the most prominent and senior decision-makers around the world, as well as comprehensive airport, hotel and conference site distribution. Contacts: For further media information contact: World Finance Matthew Timms Editorial Department +44 (0)20 7553 4177 matthew.timms@wnmedia.com Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) announced today that Stork, a Fluor company and global provider of maintenance, modification and asset integrity services to a range of sectors, was awarded a two-year fabric maintenance and asset support services contract by Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited across six of their North Sea assets. Fluor booked the undisclosed contract award in the second quarter. Stork will deliver a range of integrated fabric maintenance services, access solutions and specialist services throughout the operator's Saltire, Buchan, Fulmar, Auk, Montrose and Arbroath installations. Stork has provided integrated services across Repsol Sinopec Resources UK's North Sea fields for more than eight years. The two-year contract with extension options builds upon this existing association. "We look forward to continuing our long standing relationship with Repsol Sinopec Resources UK and are fully committed to continuity, quality, innovation and cost efficiency to ensure that we add further value throughout this contract," said Mike Duncan, Stork vice president of delivery (UK Africa). "We support our clients at every stage of their asset's life cycle. Key to this is the optimization of performance by maintaining, repairing and modifying major assets, while driving efficiencies through innovative work processes." About Stork Stork, a Fluor company, offers services and products associated with maintenance, modifications and assurance of asset integrity of production facilities. Stork delivers technical support that spans the asset life cycles of its clients' operations, from concept and design to decommissioning. Stork aims to reduce risk, assure safety and improve asset performance for clients in the global Oil Gas, Chemical, Power, Mining and other industrial sectors. For more information, please visit www.stork.com or follow us on Twitter @StorkTS. About Fluor Corporation Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) is a global engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction and maintenance company that designs, builds and maintains capital-efficient facilities for its clients on six continents. For more than a century, Fluor has served our clients by delivering innovative and integrated solutions across the globe. With headquarters in Irving, Texas, Fluor ranks 155 on the FORTUNE 500 list with revenue of $18.1 billion in 2015 and has more than 60,000 employees worldwide. For more information, please visit www.fluor.com or follow us on Twitter @FluorCorp. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721005131/en/ Contacts: Fluor Corporation Global Media Relations Brian Mershon, 469-398-7621 or Brett Turner, 864-281-6976 or Investor Relations Geoff Telfer, 469-398-7070 or Jason Landkamer, 469-398-7222 or EAME Media Relations Janet Kearns, +44 1252 292039 +44 7802 373466 PUNE, India, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- AskLinkerReports.com provides reports electric glass market and soundproof glass industry. The reports are titled as "Global Electric Glass Industry 2016 Market Research Report" and "Global Soundproof glass Industry 2016 Market Research Report". These reports are available under the Materials Chemicals section - http://www.asklinkerreports.com/category/materials-chemicals-market-research and spreads across 160 pages. The Global Electric Glass Market Research Report 2016 analyses manufactures and provides information by capacity, production, price, cost, production value, product picture and specification and also provides contact information. Complete report on Electric Glass Market analysing major companies and supported with table and figures is available at http://www.asklinkerreports.com/2170-electric-glass-market . The Global Electric Glass Industry 2016 Market Research Report attempts to present a comprehensive study of the market for Electric Glass across the world during the period from 2016 to 2020. On the basis of an analysis of the driving forces, restraints, current as well as upcoming trends, opportunities, and future prospects of the global Electric Glass market. The report analyzes the worldwide Electric Glass market on the basis of various market parameters such as the type of product available in this market, their application of Electric Glass, and the regional distribution. The region analysed are North American, Europe and Asia etc., and the main country including United States, Germany, Japan and China etc. The performance of each of the segments has also been discussed in this report. The production chain, the price and the profit generated in the global Electric Glass market are the key factors; the report has considered determining the attractiveness of this market. The production volume, manufacturing capacity, and the cost structure incurred have also been taken into consideration by market experts while performing the analysis. In report, all the significant factors impacting the global Electric Glass market has been quantitatively as well as qualitatively evaluated to provide a comparative analysis of this market. The major enterprises functional in the worldwide Electric Glass market have also been analyzed, using various analytical tools such as feasibility analysis, investment return analyses, and SWOT analysis to understand and present the competitive landscape of this market. The main objective of this research study is to assist players, consultants, and stakeholders operating in the global market for Electric Glass to create crucial strategies and make rewarding decisions for the expansion of their businesses. Order a Copy of Report at http://www.asklinkerreports.com/contacts/purchase/2170. The report including six parts, the first part mainly introduced the product basic information; the second parts mainly analyzed the Asia Electric Glass industry; the third part mainly analyzed the North American Electric Glass industry; the fourth part mainly analyzed the Europe Electric Glass industry; the fifth part mainly analyzed the market entry and investment feasibility; the sixth part was the report conclusion chapter. Another related report on Glass Market is Global Soundproof glass Industry 2016 Market Research Report this report on the global Soundproof glass market has been prepared by market experts and presents complete information on the worldwide Soundproof glass market, starting from product definitions, classifications, major applications and industry chain overview; Soundproof glass market policy and plan, Soundproof glass product specification, manufacturing process, cost structure etc.. Then the report deeply analyzed the world's main region market conditions that including the product price, profit, capacity, production, capacity utilization, supply, demand and industry growth rate etc. The global market for Soundproof glass has shown gradual changes in its valuation in the recent past. The current market trends have influenced the demand for Soundproof glass significantly. This research study is an attempt to understand the effect of these trends on each of the market segments, considering their impact. Complete table of content is available at http://www.asklinkerreports.com/toc/global-soundproof-glass-industry-2016-market-research-report-3095. About Us: AskLinker Reports is an aggregator of market research and industry intelligence reports providing data analysis of sectors including chemical, medical, machinery, food, energy, automotive, environmental protection, transportation, electric power, light industry, petroleum, electronics and other categories. These reports are by AskLinker Research team backed by research institutions as well as senior, expert researchers. Contact: Ritesh Tiwari UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune - 411013 Maharashtra, India. Tel: +1-888-391-5441 sales@asklinkerreports.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Kootenay Silver Inc. (TSXV: KTN) (the "Company" or "Kootenay") is pleased to provide an update on activities at its 100% owned La Cigarra silver project located in Chihuahua State, Mexico. The Company reports drill permits are in place and preparations for the previously announced 3,000 metre drill program are well underway with expectations that drilling will commence on or by August 1, 2016. The targeted drill program is designed to test the high priority RAM target and to expand La Cigarra's current mineral resource estimate by targeting continuity of high-grade trends recently identified within the resource. (Click the following link to view a map of the La Cigarra Resource and RAM drill targets) States Kootenay President and CEO James McDonald "We are very pleased to proceed with our drill program on La Cigarra and the highly prospective nearby RAM target. This is a key drill campaign that will aid us in our goal of expanding known resources with focus on understanding and expanding high-grade silver zones extending from within the La Cigarra resource prior to proceeding with a Preliminary Economic Assessment on the project. We are also very excited to conduct a maiden drill program on the nearby RAM target that is a large, structurally controlled 3.8 kilometre anomalous silver trend that offers significant potential to further add to our current silver resources." Drill testing will begin on the RAM target where the initial 8 holes of the program are planned, followed by drilling along extensions of the La Cigarra resource where several underlying high-grade silver zones have been identified. This includes the southern boundary of the Las Carolinas Zone where hole 155 returned 23 metres of 138 g/t silver. (See Northair News Release dated Dec 15, 2014). This area remains open down dip and along strike to the southeast, which could potentially extend an additional two kilometres. The overall objective of the program will be to further determine the controls of the high-grade mineralized zones, contained within and extending from La Cigarra with a focus on expanding the known NI 43-101 silver resource estimate. A larger drill program will be designed as progress and results of re-logging to assess the potential to model the high-grade zones and the 3,000 metre program are made and received. La Cigarra Resource Estimate La Cigarra's updated NI 43-101 resource estimate was completed by Allan Armitage, PhD, P. Geo. and Joe Campbell, B.Sc., P. Geo., of GeoVector Management Inc. Resource Statement for the La Cigarra silver project located in Chihuahua State, Mexico: Effective Date January 14, 2015. The resource estimate was calculated based on results from 156 of 173 holes totaling 27,617 metres drilled along the open ended La Cigarra mineralized system which has a defined strike length of at least three kilometres. The 156 holes included in the Property's resource estimate were positioned within a potentially surface minable area comprised of the San Gregorio and Las Carolinas mineralized zones, which combined form a total strike length of 2.4 kilometres. The resource estimate was constrained by a constrained pit shell utilizing a $22 /oz silver price and reported at a 35 g/t silver cut-off grade, and considers metallurgical recoveries of 84% silver. A summary of the mineral resource estimate is listed below: Resource Tonnes In-Situ Grade Category* Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) Measured 3,620,000 88.9 0.074 0.14 0.19 Indicated 14,930,000 85.7 0.068 0.13 0.18 Meas + Ind 18,540,000 86.3 0.069 0.13 0.18 Inferred 4,450,000 80 0.058 0.13 0.16 Contained Metal Ag (oz) Au (oz) Pb (lbs) Zn (lbs) 10,340,000 9,000 10,920,000 15,510,000 41,130,000 33,000 42,950,000 59,260,000 51,470,000 41,000 53,870,000 74,770,000 11,460,000 8,000 12,680,000 15,610,000 The La Cigarra mineral resource is sensitive to cut-off grade. To illustrate this, the block model quantities and grade estimates within the conceptual pit are presented in the following table at different cut-off grades utilizing a $22/oz silver price. Resource Cut-off grade Tonnes Ag (g/t) Ag (oz) Au (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) Category* Measured > 50 Ag g/t 2,670,000 105.7 9,060,000 0.082 0.15 0.20 > 40 Ag g/t 3,250,000 94.7 9,900,000 0.077 0.14 0.20 > 35 Ag g/t 3,620,000 88.9 10,340,000 0.074 0.14 0.19 > 30 Ag g/t 3,980,000 83.8 10,720,000 0.072 0.13 0.19 > 20 Ag g/t 5,020,000 71.6 11,550,000 0.067 0.12 0.17 > 10 Ag g/t 6,950,000 55.6 12,430,000 0.062 0.09 0.14 Indicated > 50 Ag g/t 10,700,000 102.9 35,410,000 0.075 0.14 0.20 > 40 Ag g/t 13,390,000 91.2 39,280,000 0.071 0.13 0.19 > 35 Ag g/t 14,930,000 85.7 41,130,000 0.068 0.13 0.18 > 30 Ag g/t 16,490,000 80.7 42,770,000 0.066 0.13 0.17 > 20 Ag g/t 19,820,000 71.3 45,430,000 0.063 0.12 0.16 > 10 Ag g/t 28,240,000 54.1 49,180,000 0.059 0.09 0.13 Inferred > 50 Ag g/t 3,080,000 97.1 9,600,000 0.063 0.15 0.19 > 40 Ag g/t 3,950,000 85.4 10,850,000 0.060 0.14 0.17 > 35 Ag g/t 4,450,000 80.0 11,460,000 0.058 0.13 0.16 > 30 Ag g/t 5,010,000 74.8 12,040,000 0.057 0.13 0.15 > 20 Ag g/t 6,830,000 61.2 13,440,000 0.056 0.13 0.13 > 10 Ag g/t 10,450,000 44.7 15,030,000 0.052 0.10 0.11 Note: * Values is this table are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell at a $22/oz silver price and for cut-off grades below and above 35 g/t silver should not be misconstrued with a Mineral Resource Statement. The figures are only presented to show the sensitivity of the block model estimates to the selection of cut-off grade. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate and numbers may not add due to rounding. Sampling and QA/QC All technical information for the La Cigarra exploration program is obtained and reported under a formal quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") program. Samples are taken under the direction of qualified geologists and stored in sealed bags. Samples are delivered by the Company via courier to ALS Minerals ("ALS") in Chihuahua. The samples are dried, crushed and pulverized with the pulps being sent airfreight for analysis by ALS in Vancouver B.C. Systematic assaying of standards is performed for precision and accuracy. Analysis for silver, zinc, lead and copper and related trace elements was done by ICP four acid digestion, with gold analysis by 30 gram fire assay with an AA finish. Qualified Persons The Kootenay technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects) and reviewed on behalf Kootenay by James McDonald, P.Geo, President, CEO & Director for Kootenay, a Qualified Person. About Kootenay Silver Inc. Kootenay Silver Inc. is an exploration company actively engaged in the discovery and development of mineral projects in Mexico and in British Columbia, Canada. The Company's top priorities are the advancement of the La Cigarra silver project and the Promontorio Mineral Belt, in Chihuahua, Mexico and Sonora, Mexico, respectively. The La Cigarra property is 26 kilometres from the historic mining city of Parral and boasts nearby power, good road access, gentle topography, and established infrastructure. La Cigarra currently hosts a resource estimate of 18.54 million tonnes containing 51.47 million ounces of silver in the Measured & Indicated categories grading 86.3 g/t silver and 4.45 million tonnes containing 11.46 million ounces of silver in the Inferred category grading 80 g/t silver. The mineralized system at La Cigarra has been traced over 6.5 kilometres and is defined at surface as a silver soil anomaly and by numerous historic mine workings. The La Cigarra silver deposit is open along strike and at depth and is approximately 25 kilometres north, and along strike, of Grupo Mexico's Santa Barbara mine and Minera Frisco's San Francisco del Oro mine. The Promontorio Mineral Belt includes the Company's La Negra high-grade silver discovery and its Promontorio Silver Resource. The Promontorio Mineral Belt is under option to Pan American Silver whereby they can earn a 75% interest in the project with US$16 million of expenditures and payments with Kootenay retaining a 25% carried to production interest (see news release February 16 and March 4, 2016). The Promontorio Silver Resource currently hosts a resource estimate of 44.5 million tonnes containing 92 million ounces of silver equivalent in the Measured & Indicated categories grading 64.3 g/t silver equivalent and 14.6 million tonnes containing 24.3 million ounces of silver equivalent in the Inferred category grading 52 g/t silver equivalent. The Company's core objective is to create value by acquiring silver resources through discovery and acquisition and testing those resources with the ultimate goal of developing them into silver production if they are proven to be economically viable. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: The information in this news release has been prepared as at July 20, 2016. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", constitute "forward-looking statements" under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expected", "may", "will" or similar terms. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Kootenay as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by law, Kootenay expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in Kootenay's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Cautionary Note to US Investors: This news release may contain information about adjacent properties on which we have no right to explore or mine. We advise U.S. investors that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. This press release uses the terms "Measured", "Indicated", and "Inferred" resources. United States investors are advised that while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. "Inferred Mineral Resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources will ever be converted into Mineral Reserves. United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a Mineral Resource is economically or legally mineable. James McDonald, CEO and President at 403-880-6016; Ken Berry, Chairman at 604-601-5652; 1-888-601-5650; or visit: http://www.kootenaysilver.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2016) - Makena Resources Inc. (TSXV: MKN) (FSE: A1KB6R) (OTCBB: CANSF) (the "Company" or "Makena") has scheduled the next phase of drilling at the Patterson Prospect in the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan for early August. Makena anticipates the drill program to consist of at least 3-5 holes in this next phase. This prospect is located in-between Fissions' Patterson discovery, the Pure Point discovery and NexGen. Recently, Makena also acquired 4,060 hectares prospective for diamonds in the Athabasca region of Saskatchewan in the direct vicinity of the De Beers diamond option from CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. Negar Adam, president of Makena states, "We are looking forward to the upcoming drill program. This will be the single largest drill program that Makena has undertaken in many years and we are optimistic about what this program may uncover. Since Makena has this uranium drill program about to commence along with the newly acquired diamond project, management believes that Makena is about to potentially have game changing weeks ahead." If you would like to be added to Makena's news distribution list please send your email address to makenaresourcesinc@gmail.com Makena has an option agreement with CanAlaska on the Patterson Prospect and looks forward to utilizing their uranium expertise on this drill program. Contact Information Tel: 1.604.685.5150 Fax: 1(604) 689-1733 "Negar Adam" President, Director 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 press release. SUGAR LAND, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas) -- Collapsing commodity prices have dashed the hopes of many a global conglomerate, not the least of which is Samsung C&T Corporation (Seoul, South Korea), an engineering and construction leader that is quietly surrendering to the realities of the all-too-rocky mining market. But the company can still look forward plenty of multi-billion-dollar plans related to nuclear and natural gas-fired power. Industrial Info's database is tracking $64.13 billion in projects involving Samsung C&T in some capacity, and more than 90% can be attributed to the Power and Metals & Minerals industries. Within this article: Details on some of the highest-valued projects involving Samsung C&T, including those found in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. For details, view the entire article by subscribing to Industrial Info's Premium Industry News, or browse other breaking industrial news stories at www.industrialinfo.com. Industrial Info Resources (IIR), with global headquarters in Sugar Land, Texas, five offices in North America and 10 international offices, is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. Industrial Info's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities. Follow IIR on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn. For more information on our coverage, send inquiries to info@industrialinfo.com or visit us online at http://www.industrialinfo.com. Contact: William Ploch 713-783-5147 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Taku Gold Corp. (CSE: TAK) ("Taku" or the "Company") is pleased to report that Independence Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: IGO) has announced it will commence up to 1,500 m of RAB drilling on the Hudbay Zone on Taku's Rosebute Property (July 5, 2016 news release). The Rosebute Hudbay Zone hosts three, north trending gold -in-soil anomalies, each greater than 1.0 km in length and 150 m in width. In 2012, Taku intersected 6.2 g/t gold over 5.0 m (Trench 2), 1.2 g/t gold over 10.0 m (trench 5) and 1.5 g/t gold over 20.0 m (Trench 4) (Taku news release September 12, 2012) all located within the Hudbay Zone. The Rosebute Property comprises 694 contiguous claims (14,387 hectares) and contains two significant new gold discoveries known as the Norwest and Hudbay zones. The Property is located approximately 58 kilometres ("km") south of Dawson City, Yukon and approximately 29 km north of the Golden Saddle Deposit owned by Kinross Gold Corporation. The Property is contiguous to the west of Independence's Henderson Property, and is situated in close proximity to the northern access road proposed by Kaminak Gold Corporation that will provide access to the multi- million-ounce Coffee gold deposit recently purchased by Goldcorp for $520 Million. Mark Fekete, P.Geo, is the designated "qualified person" as defined in Section 1.2 in and for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 that reviewed and approved the technical content of this release. On Behalf of the Board of Taku Gold Corp., Zachery Dingsdale, CEO and President About Taku Gold Corp. Taku Gold Corp. (http://www.takugold.com) is a mineral resource company focused on the exploration and development of precious metal properties in Canada with a particular emphasis on the White Gold District of the Yukon Territory and the Tagish Lake region of Northern British Columbia. Follow Taku Gold On: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/takugold Twitter: http://twitter.com/takugoldcorp YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/TakuGold Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/takugold/ Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: Taku Gold Corp. Zachery Dingsdale President and CEO 604 642-0115 604 642-0116 (FAX) zak@takugold.com www.takugold.com TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- HARTE GOLD CORP. ("Harte Gold") (TSX: HRT)(OTC: HRTFF)(FRANKFURT: H4O) has raised gross proceeds of $4,050,000 pursuant to the closing on July 20, 2016 of a non-brokered private placement of 13,500,000 Units ("Units") priced at $0.30 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.35 for a period of two years from Closing. Finder's fees payable under the private placement consist of a cash payment equal to 5% of cash raised pursuant to certain orders, for a total of $154,500. Harte Gold is pleased to announce that JJR Private Capital ("JJR"), through one of its subsidiaries, has subscribed for 10,000,000 Units, for gross proceeds of $3,000,000. Stephen G. Roman, President and CEO of Harte Gold, commented "We are very pleased to welcome JJR Private Capital as a new strategic shareholder of Harte Gold. JJR's strong management team has a successful track record of identifying emerging growth companies. JJR's entrepreneurial spirit and established relationships in the investment community in North America and overse as will serve Harte Gold well as we accelerate the pace of exploration at the Sugar Zone property and move towards commercial production." "Our investment in Harte Gold is in line with JJR's proven strategy of making early investments to sponsor high quality management teams with significant growth potential and unique market opportunities," said Ron Schmeichel, Chairman of JJR. Proceeds from the private placement will fund exploration work on the Company's Sugar Zone Property, the fully permitted 70,000 tonne Advanced Exploration Bulk Sample Project and, commercial production permitting. About Harte Gold Corp. Harte Gold Corp. is focused on the exploration and development of its 100% owned Sugar Zone property where it has permitted a 70,000 tonne Advanced Exploration Bulk Sample for the Sugar Zone Deposit. The Sugar Zone property is located 60 kilometers east of the Hemlo Gold Camp and as per the Preliminary Economic Assessment dated July 12, 2012, contains an Indicated Resource of 980,900 tonnes, grading 10.13 g/t for 319,280 ounces of contained gold (uncapped) and an Inferred Resource of 580,500 tonnes, grading 8.36 g/t Au for 155,960 ounces of contained gold (uncapped). The mineral resource was prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 guidelines. George A. Flach P. Geo, Vice President Exploration, is the Qualified Person for Harte Gold. Harte Gold also holds the Stoughton-Abitibi property located on the Destor-Porcupine Fault Zone adjacent and on strike of the Holloway Gold Mine. About JJR Private Capital JJR Private Capital is a private merchant banking firm that specializes in financing private and public middle market companies. Through its Equity Funds, Credit Funds, and other innovative capital solutions, JJR sponsors high quality management teams and provides capital investments to high-growth businesses ranging in size from $50 million to $500 million in enterprise value. Common Shares Outstanding: 343,527,281 The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: Harte Gold Corp. Stephen G. Roman President and CEO 416-368-0999 sgr@hartegold.com Harte Gold Corp. David Ellis Investor Relations Consultant 416-704-0937 davidellis@hartegold.com This summer's social unrest, which began last year with the outbreak of violence in Ferguson, comes nearly a century after another dark chapter of Missouri social strife: the Lead Belt mining riots of 1917. Those riots began 99 years ago on Friday, July 13, 1917. Missouri's Lead Belt at that time consisted largely of shafts, mills, chat dumps and company houses built near mines sank into the richest lead ore deposits ever discovered. St. Francois County's rough-and-tumble mining towns" in 1917 were company towns in every way. Most lacked any municipal government. The mining company owned it and they ran it. Miners were charged $8 a month to live in the company houses. They were paid with company script that they spent at the company store. Mining wasn't the only business in the area but it was the biggest business. As World War I swept Europe, the demand for lead from those mines -- essential to the manufacture of bullets and artillery shells -- reached an all-time high. Mining lead ... miners called it "working underground" ... was hard, dirty and dangerous. The 40-hour week would not become a federal standard until 1940. Miners, able to see only by carbide lamps attached to their hats, would drill into the stone walls of the cavernous mines, set dynamite charges and blast the ore-bearing rock. The rubble would then be shoveled by hand into small rail carts pulled by mules and dragged to the buckets that lifted the ore to the roller mills where it would be crushed and extracted. Mine companies had difficulty attracting enough men to meet the demand for lead. They aggressively recruited men from Europe with the promise of jobs, better pay and safety from the war that had raged since 1914. While these immigrant miners were from Russia, Hungary, Austria and other European countries, they were universally referred to as "Hunkies" in the Lead Belt. In 1917, Paul J. Clay was a 17-year-old office boy at the mine headquarters in what is today Park Hills. In a personal interview in 1985, he recounted that tensions were strong between the immigrants and American miners from the beginning. On July 13, those tensions erupted into three days of riot and chaos. The American miners forcibly drove the immigrants from their company homes, loaded them onto coal boxcars at the Rivermines depot of the MR&BT Railroad, and shipped them north to St. Louis. The rioting began on Friday night. Miners broke into a store and "borrowed" guns and ammo. They marched into the company housing towns searching for immigrant miners, many of whom fled with their families ahead of the mob. On Saturday, Clay recounted that a mob of American miners brought immigrant miners to the Federal Lead Company office to be paid before they were loaded onto trains. He said the mob also demanded the mine superintendent -- a company man -- who they intended to hang. Clay said he saw the rope. The superintendent hid and was smuggled out of the office later that day, rolled in a carpet and packed into a Model T to escape. The arrival of federal troops put and end to the three days of rioting and mining operations eventually resumed -- without the immigrant workers. Later that year, the company announced a policy that only American citizens would be hired by the mines. Some immigrants would eventually return. Many did not. The troops remained until March. To this day, a tale continues attributing the spark that ignited the riots to a European miner allegedly telling an American miner "you go fight the Kaiser, we will stay here and take care of your women." Clay called the tale a lie. He attributed the riots to radical agitators of the International Workers of the World -- the IWW or Wobblies-- who inflamed the fears of miners and incited violence to achieve their goals. Much can change in 99 years. And much can remain the same. Our annual partner awards recognize exceptional partners who excel at meeting the migration needs of our joint customers KENDALL PARK, New Jersey, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --Binary Tree, a leading Microsoft Exchange and Office 365 migration solutions company, recently announced the recipients of its annual partner awards: Perficient of St. Louis, MO and Nero Blanco of Surrey, England. These awards recognize top-performing Binary Tree partners whose extraordinary efforts help meet customer migration needs around the world. Logo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160104/318869LOGO "A large part of Binary Tree's success is driven through our partner program," says Lisa Whall, Global Channel and Alliances Director at Binary Tree. "So we're proud to recognize our partners each year who've gone above and beyond. Congrats to Perficient and Nero Blanco, and a special thank you to all our partners around the world who help deliver innovative migration solutions to customers in all regions. We look forward to many future engagements." North American Partner of the Year - Perficient For a second year, Binary Tree has recognized Perficient as an outstanding partner. Perficient is the leading digital transformation consulting firm serving Global 2000 and enterprise customers in North America. Their commitment to Binary Tree solutions and quality creates a dynamic partnership that benefits customers across the region. "We at Perficient could not be more excited to be named Binary Tree's North American Partner of the Year two years in a row," says Tony Pagnusat, National Alliance Director at Perficient. "Our teams have worked together for years to be a driving force in eradicating IBM Notes implementations. Our partnership continues to grow as we explore additional migrations scenarios with Binary Tree that drive the Microsoft platform and Office 365." "Our partnership with Perficient continues to evolve year over year. We're thrilled to have such an active member of our partner community," says Fletcher Swift, North America Partner Manager at Binary Tree. "Perficient has embraced our newest Active Directory and Exchange migration offerings. They're a leader in IT transformations, and their world-class delivery services combined with our migration solutions makes for a complete solution our customers can depend on." EMEA Partner of the Year - Nero Blanco Nero Blanco has developed its entire business strategy around Binary Tree products and a close relationship with the Binary Tree technical and support teams. Nero Blanco provides end-to-end consulting services for migrations that involve Office 365, Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange, and IBM Lotus Notes/Domino. "We've worked with Binary Tree on more than 20 migration projects in the past 2 years," says Conrad Murray, Director and Messaging Architect for Nero Blanco. "We see ourselves as Binary Tree's go-to partner in the UK - and the most technical partner. Our goal is to do such a good job that clients repeatedly reach out to us - whether they're upgrading operating systems, migrating from one AD to another, or migrating from multiple ADs to a completely clean environment. We bring in the technical talent and help clients get over the finish line." For more, see the case study . About Binary Tree Binary Tree provides organizations with the most direct and predictable path to a successful technology transformation. We offer software and services to integrate and migrate corporate email, directory and server environments. Our technology, methodology and expertise is uniquely suited to provide fast and manageable migrations, with low risk, little to no user downtime, and adapted to each customer's environment and requirements. Since 1993, Binary Tree has enabled thousands of enterprise customers to migrate more than 35 million users, including 5 million users to Office 365 alone, and facilitated some of the most complex technology transformations on the planet. Binary Tree is a Microsoft Gold Partner and a globally preferred vendor for Microsoft Office 365 migrations and solutions. The Company is headquartered outside of New York City with offices in Hong Kong, London, Paris, Stockholm and Sydney. For more information, visit us at www.binarytree.com. Binary Tree Social Media Resources LinkedIn: Binary Tree Inc. Facebook: Binary Tree Twitter: @BinaryTreeInc Blog: www.binarytree.com/blog Binary Tree Media Contact AmyKelly Petruzzella, Global Marketing Director Tel. (215)278-9628 Amykelly.Petruzzella@BinaryTree.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. (TSX: SBB) ("Sabina" or the "Company") provided an update today on the permitting process for the Back River Gold Project ("Back River" or the "Project") in Nunavut, Canada. Background On June 16, 2016, Sabina announced that the Nunavut Impact Review Board ("NIRB" or the "Board") in a Report, recommended to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (the "Minister") that the Back River Project not proceed to the next phase of permitting at this time. The Report follows an environmental assessment process during which the NIRB coordinated and reviewed Sabina's draft and final Environmental Impact Statements, including numerous technical studies and reports and during which time, Sabina had hundreds of engagements with all northern stakeholders on the project. Sabina's engagement and consultation has been extensive and has included community members, hunters and trappers organizations, hamlets councils, advisory committees, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association ("KIA"), territorial governments and federal regulatory agencies. These engagements enabled Sabina to incorporate socio-economic information and traditional knowledge with scientific data to determine the best approaches to the Project. The process culminated in a six-day public hearing in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, which was attended by representatives of all interested parties. At the end of the hearings, there was strong Inuit support expressed for the Project. Additionally, all agency subject matter experts were satisfied with Sabina's plans and proposals for the project and recommended to the NIRB that the project move to the next phase of permitting. "As we worked through the NIRB process we came to know and respect the people and the environment of the Kitikmeot Region and Nunavut. We have also developed a positive working relationship with the KIA, who we have found to be transparent and business minded while also protecting the best interests of their constituents. Throughout this process we have been focused on responsible mining in the Kitikmeot and appreciate all the input that we have received to assist us in our planning." said Bruce McLeod, President & CEO. "We believed we understood the issues we had to address in the final hearings and had come to resolution on these issues. Unfortunately, Sabina believes that the NIRB recommendation does not reflect this support nor the evidence presented during this process." The NIRB Report is currently with the Minister to make a decision on how to proceed. The Minister has three main options available to her regarding the NIRB recommendation: Reject NIRB recommendation NIRB would issue a Project Certificate with terms and conditions. The Project would advance to the water license application process. Refer the report back to NIRB for Sabina would further engage with NIRB further review and intervening agencies and submit additional information to address specific areas of concern. Accept NIRB recommendation Sabina would submit an updated EIS to NIRB, following which new technical and public hearings would occur. Response to the NIRB Report by Sabina Sabina has submitted a response to the Minister. The link to this document can be found here http://www.sabinagoldsilver.com/assets/docs/media/Sabina-Reponse-to-the-Minister-Re-NIRB-Rec-July-20-2016.pdf. We believe that there are strong grounds for the Minister to reject the NIRB recommendation and refer it back to NIRB to consider terms and conditions for a Project Certificate. The link to the detailed addendum to the Minister can be found here http://www.sabinagoldsilver.com/assets/docs/media/Sabina-Detailed-Response-to-NIRB-Rec-July-20-2016.pdf. In our view, the NIRB Report does not fully consider support of the Project by the local communities and Inuit representatives in the region. Following the NIRB Report, Sabina held numerous meetings within the communities and found that there continues to be broad support for the Project as evidenced by letters that have been sent to Minister (and posted on the NIRB website) recommending that the Project proceed. The Report does not fully recognize the socio-economic benefits the Project stands to offer. Back River will generate significant employment and training opportunities, business opportunities in contracting, consulting and services along with mining royalties and taxes to the region, the territory and the federal government. Sabina and the KIA are working to advance agreements for land tenure rights and Inuit benefits, which would address these initiatives and commitments. We believe that the NIRB Report makes errors by reaching conclusions that are not consistent with the evidence submitted by experts, responsible government agencies, and the KIA on the monitoring and mitigation measures. Relative to other mining and development projects in Nunavut and NWT, Sabina has committed to some of the most protective measures for caribou and the environment in our monitoring and mitigation plans. The appropriate regulatory agencies have completed detailed reviews of these monitoring and mitigation plans and have indicated that they were satisfied that the Project could proceed to the permitting phase on that basis. We have asked the Minister to reject the NIRB recommendation. Whatever the Minister's decision may be, we are confident that we can address the concerns raised in the Report. Sabina Gold & Silver Corp Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. is a well-financed, emerging precious metals company with district scale, world class undeveloped assets in one of the world's newest, politically stable mining jurisdictions: Nunavut, Canada. Sabina recently released a Feasibility Study on its 100% owned Back River Gold Project which presents a project that has been designed on a fit-for purpose basis, with the potential to produce approx. 200,000 ounces a year for approx. 11 years with a rapid payback of 2.9 years. At a US$1,150 gold price and a 0.80 exchange rate, the Study delivers a potential after tax internal rate of return of approximately 24.2% with an initial CAPEX of $415 million. In addition to Back River, Sabina also owns a significant silver royalty on Glencore's Hackett River Project. The silver royalty on Hackett River's silver production is comprised of 22.5% of the first 190 million ounces produced and 12.5% of all silver produced thereafter. The Company has approximately $44 million in its treasury, and is currently amending the budget and plans for 2016. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (the "forward-looking statements"), including our belief as to our ability to address and resolve the concerns of the NIRB through further consultation and collaboration with stakeholders. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the future circumstances, outcomes or results anticipated in or implied by such forward-looking statements will occur or that plans, intentions or expectations upon which the forward-looking statements are based will occur. While we have based these forward-looking statements on our expectations about future events as at the date that such statements were prepared, the statements are not a guarantee that such future events will occur and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which could cause events or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties, assumptions and factors include, among others, the actions by government and regulatory authorities, such as NIRB. In addition, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Known risk factors include risks associated with exploration and project development; the need for additional financing; the calculation of mineral resources and reserves; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; fluctuations in metal prices; title matters; government regulation; obtaining and renewing necessary licences and permits; environmental liability and insurance; and other risks and uncertainties, including those relating to the Back River Project and general risks associated with the mineral exploration and development industry described in our Annual Information Form, financial statements and MD&A for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2015 filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available at www.sedar.com. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We are under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable securities laws. Contacts: Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. Nicole Hoeller Vice-President, Communications 1 888 648-4218 nhoeller@sabinagoldsilver.com Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. Bruce McLeod President & CEO 604 998-4175 604 998-1051 (FAX) http://www.sabinagoldsilver.com MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Orbite Technologies Inc. (TSX: ORT)(OTCQX: EORBF) ("Orbite" or the "Company") today announced that it will hold a conference call to discuss its fiscal 2016 second quarter results on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. (EDT). Participants will be able to dial in or listen to the call via webcast. The call will be hosted by Glenn Kelly, President and CEO, and Jacques Bedard, Vice President Finance & CFO. The Company expects to report its financial results for the second quarter on Thursday, July 28, 2016 before markets open. The call will be held in English. The Q&A session will be in English and French. CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS: Date: July 28, 2016 Time: 10:00 a.m. (EDT) Dial in number: +1 888 231-8191 +1 647 427-7450 Webcast: http://bit.ly/29R80yd Taped replay: +1 855 859-2056 +1 514 807-9274 +1 416 849-0833 Encore password: 47838647 Available until: 12:00 midnight (EDT), Thursday, August 4, 2016 About Orbite Orbite Technologies Inc. is a Canadian cleantech company whose innovative and proprietary processes are expected to produce alumina and other high-value products, such as rare earth and rare metal oxides, at one of the lowest costs in the industry, and in a sustainable fashion, using feedstocks that include aluminous clay, kaolin, nepheline, bauxite, red mud, fly ash as well as serpentine residues from chrysotile processing sites. Orbite is currently in the process of finalizing its first commercial high-purity alumina (HPA) production plant in Cap-Chat, Quebec and has completed the basic engineering for a proposed smelter-grade alumina (SGA) production plant, which would use clay mined from its Grande-Vallee deposit. The Company's portfolio contains 16 intellectual property families, including 32 patents and 101 pending patent applications in 11 different countries and regions. The first intellectual property family is patented in Canada, USA, Australia, China, Japan and Russia. The Company also operates a state of the art technology development center in Laval, Quebec, where its technologies are developed and validated. Contacts: CONTACT INFORMATION: NATIONAL Equicom Marc Lakmaaker, External Investor Relations Consultant 416-848-1397 mlakmaaker@national.ca For Media Inquiries: NATIONAL Equicom Scott Anderson, External Media Relations Consultant 416-586-1954 sanderson@national.ca VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- RepliCel Life Sciences Inc. (OTCQB: REPCF)(TSX VENTURE: RP)(FRANKFURT: P6P1), ("RepliCel" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage regenerative medicine company focused on the development of autologous cell therapies, is pleased that its RCH-01 product, for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, is now cleared by the Japanese regulatory authorities for use in a clinical research study launching now in Japan. The study, designed to involve 60 men and women with thinning hair caused by androgenetic alopecia, will be conducted at Tokyo Medical University Hospital and Toho University Ohasi Medical Center, by Drs. Tsuboi and Niiyama. Clinical endpoints will include measures of safety and efficacy based on hair fibre thickness and density. The study is being financed by Shiseido Company and each product being injected will be manufactured by Shiseido at their SPEC (Cell-Processing and Expansion Center) facility in Kobe, Japan. RepliCel helped Shiseido design, validate, and prepare the SPEC facility for certification by Japan's PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Device Agency). Shiseido's SPEC team was also trained by RepliCel and Innovacell in the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) compliant production protocols for RCH-01. The product being tested in the clinical study, RCH-01, is an autologous cell therapy developed by RepliCel. Shiseido has an exclusive marketing license to the product for certain Asian countries under a License and Co-development Agreement signed in 2013. As part of the Agreement between the companies, RepliCel's team trained the clinical investigatory team on critical elements of both the patient biopsy procedure and injection of the cellular product into the patient's scalp. Furthermore, the injector being used in this study mimics RepliCel's patented, first-generation injection technology. In the Agreement, Shiseido committed to sharing the clinical data from this study with RepliCel thus further strengthening the collective data package being created on RCH-01. While such data may be sufficient for Shiseido to bring RCH-01 to market in Japan, it will also be valuable to RepliCel to inform further product development and clinical testing decisions, for use in submissions to other regulatory agencies, and/or to support license negotiations for this product to parties for market rights outside of Shiseido's exclusive territory. Since the signing of the development Agreement, RepliCel has been working closely with Shiseido on the technology transfer, optimizing several features of the product's manufacturing, and continuing to add to the body of science as it relates to the product and its intended function. "We believe that Japan's unique regenerative medicine regulatory and industry environment provides a unique opportunity to rapidly advance this product in their country. We are excited that RCH-01 has the potential to be launched in the Japanese market by Shiseido sooner than anywhere else in the world," stated RepliCel CEO, R. Lee Buckler. About RCH-01 RCH-01 is an autologous cell therapy utilizing dermal sheath cup (DSC) cells isolated from the hair follicle to treat androgenetic alopecia. To manufacture RCH-01, dermal sheath cup cells are isolated from a small punch biopsy taken from the back of a subject's scalp. These cells are replicated in a GMP compliant cell production facility and the cells are then injected into balding areas on the same subject's scalp. In clinical trials, after injections are performed, subjects return to the clinic at regular intervals for assessment of total, terminal and vellus hair density and cumulative hair thickness, as well as for safety and data collection. Since signing the regional licensing and co-development agreement, ReplCel and Shiseido have optimized the product and its manufacturing including building, validating, and obtaining PMDA certification of Shiseido's facility purpose-built for this product, successfully completed the transfer of the manufacturing protocols and the product manufacturing validations, selected the clinical sites, trained all related personnel, and obtained regulatory clearance for the clinical study. Market: $3.5 billion was spent on hair loss treatments in 2015 according to the Washington Post, with $2.5 billion of this spent on surgical procedures according to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. We believe RCH-01 has the potential to capture a good percentage of that surgical expenditure, but also to significantly grow the market as most hair loss sufferers elect to avoid hair transplant surgery due to the invasiveness and variability associated with the procedure. About RepliCel Life Sciences RepliCel is a regenerative medicine company focused on developing autologous cell therapies that address conditions caused by a deficit of healthy cells required for normal tissue healing and function. The Company's product pipeline is comprised of two ongoing clinical trials (RCT-01 for tendon repair and RCS-01 for skin rejuvenation) as well as its RCH-01 hair restoration product under exclusive license by Shiseido Company for certain Asian countries. All product candidates are based on RepliCel's innovative technology, utilizing cell populations isolated from a patient's healthy hair follicles. RepliCel has also developed a proprietary injection device (RCI-02) optimized for the administration of its products and licensable for use with other dermatology applications. Please visit www.replicel.com for additional information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: RepliCel Life Sciences Inc. Lee Buckler CEO and President 604-248-8693 lee@replicel.com www.replicel.com TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Partners Value Investments LP (the "Partnership") (TSX VENTURE: PVF.UN)(TSX VENTURE: PVF.PR.A) today announced that effective July 22, 2016, the Partnership's Class A Preferred LP Units, Series 1 (the "Series 1 Preferred LP Units") will begin trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under a new ticker symbol: PVF.PR.U. The Series 1 Preferred LP Units began trading on the TSX Venture Exchange on June 30, 2016 in connection with the previously-announced capital reorganization. They were previously listed under the symbol PVF.PR.A. The Partnership is executing this change to reflect the units being traded in United States dollars. The trading currency for the Equity LP Units ("PVF.UN") and the PVI Warrants ("PVF.WT") will remain Canadian dollars. Forward Looking Statements Note: This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or include words such as "anticipates" or the negative version thereof and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as "may," "will," "should," "would" and "could." Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the timing of completion of the proposed reorganization. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of presenting information about current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future, and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Although management believes that these forward-looking statements and information are based upon reasonable assumptions and expectations, the reader should not place undue reliance on them or other forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the actual results to differ materially from the anticipated future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forward in the forward-looking statements include the risk factors and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's documents filed with the securities regulators in Canada. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether written or oral, that may be as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. However, any further disclosures made on related subjects in subsequent reports should be consulted. Contacts: Partners Value Investments LP David Clare Investor Relations 647-503-6516 ir@pvii.ca VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA and NEW YORK, NEW YORK -- (Marketwired) -- 07/20/16 -- Parking Real Estate (PRE), LLC's Managing Director David Schmid praises Parkit's Enterprise LLC's management team. Schmid states, "I have had the pleasure of working alongside Rick Baxter and the Parkit management team including Simon Buckett and Patrick Bonney for the last few years beginning with the structuring and negotiation of our joint venture and now on the investment strategy and asset management of the joint venture portfolio." Schmid continued, "I have had the opportunity to see this management team work tirelessly to advance the joint venture and Parkit's business interests therein. The existing joint venture would not exist if it was not for Rick's leadership, personal integrity and positive collaboration. As a partner in the joint venture, Parkit has been a great partner and Rick has been the face of Parkit." About Parking Real Estate, LLC Owned by the officers of Propark, Parking Real Estate LLC is a company that identifies income producing parking real estate assets, acquires them and optimizes them using cutting edge parking technology and market leading yield management tools. Contacts: David Schmid One Union Place Hartford CT 06103 (860) 527-2378 x115 dave.schmid@propark.com TORONTO, ONTARIO and THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- UpSnap Inc. (CSE: UP) ("UpSnap" or the "Company"), a leading provider of mobile advertising solutions, has signed a reseller agreement with Facebook global marketing partner, Tiger Pistol to begin selling Facebook advertising to its clients. "Tiger Pistol offers the only scalable, data-driven social ads platform specifically built to help resellers serve the Local and Small to Medium Size Business (SMB) market," said Bruce Howard, CEO of UpSnap, Inc. "We are focused on bringing cost effective Facebook advertising to our SMB customers who in many instances have smaller marketing budgets." UpSnap will combine its powerful mobile display ad campaigns with Facebook retargeting as a result of this partnership. With Facebook tracking pixels, UpSnap will be able to retarget those consumers who visit an advertiser's website via a mobile display ad with an ad on Facebook, increasing the likelihood of conversion. The Company will also be able to build and target a look-a-like audience on Facebook based on those that click the mobile ads. About UpSnap UpSnap provides highly-targeted, data-driven mobile advertising to attract the ideal audience for brands big and small. Combining first-party proprietary data and real-time analytics, UpSnap goes beyond location to deliver app agnostic and results-driven campaigns that produce qualified and engaged customers. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain information set out in this News Release constitutes forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "hope", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "scheduled", "believe" and similar expressions. The forward- looking information set out in this News Release relates to future events or our future performance and includes: (i) information concerning the positive effect of new leadership on revenue growth; (ii) the effect of broadening the Company's revenue streams on revenue growth and predictability; (iii) the Company's ability to succeed in the mobile advertising market by focusing on the underserved small and medium sized business market. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions on the date of this news release, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which cause actual results to vary from those express or implied by such forward looking statements. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and they will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and based on what management of the company believes are reasonable assumptions. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or publicly revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws. Furthermore, the Company does not assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward looking statements set out in this news release. The Company's forward looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this press release. Contacts: Alex Pekurar, CPA, CA Chief Financial Officer UpSnap Inc. 416-619-3903 apekurar@upsnap.com Babak Pedram Investor Relations Virtus Advisory Group Inc. 416-644-5081 bpedram@virtusadvisory.com DUBLIN, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Thin Insulation Market by Type, Material, Application, and by Region - Global Trends & Forecasts to 2021" report to their offering. This comprehensive report analyzes the global thin insulation market and the key topics all market participants should be aware of. North America is projected to be the largest market by 2021. North America is projected to be the largest thin insulation market by 2021 due to the presence of numerous key companies in the region. Increased focus on energy-efficient buildings, stringent requirements for insulation, and new building codes have generated awareness about building insulation in the region that are also the major factors influencing the thin insulation demand in the region. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market for thin insulation globally with China being the largest as well as fastest-growing country in the region. Increasing rural to urban migrations in the region are stimulating the housing construction demand in urban areas; consequently increasing the market size of the thin insulation materials. The growing construction sector (residential and non-residential) and advances in process manufacturing are some of the key drivers for the market in Asia-Pacific. Countries such as India, Indonesia, and China are expected to witness high growth in the thin insulation market, supported by increasing demand from the building & construction industry. This study has been validated through primaries conducted with various industry experts, globally. These primary sources have been divided in three categories: by company type, designation, and region. By Company Type- Tier 1- 40%, Tier 2- 25%, and Tier 3- 35% By Designation- C-levels- 30%, Researchers- 40%, and Presidents- 30% By Region- North America - 45%, Europe - 22%, Asia-Pacific - 17%, and RoW- 16% Reasons to buy the report: To understand the global, regional, and national scenarios. To understand the market trends and dynamics along with key drivers To identify the present and upcoming market opportunities To identify the potential markets in various regions for thin insulation To track the recent developments in the thin insulation market To understand the competitive background of the industry and positioning of participants in the market Companies Mentioned: Actis Insulation Ltd. BASF Polyurethanes GmbH Celotax Saint Gobain DOW Corning Huntsman Corporation Johns Manville Kingspan Insulation Owens Corning Rockwool Group The DOW Chemical Company Xtratherm Report Structure: 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 5 Market Overview 6 Industry Trends 7 Thin Insulation Market, By Type 8 Thin Insulation Market, By Material 9 Thin Insulation Market, By Application 10 Thin Insulation Market, Regional Analysis 11 Competitive Landscape 12 Company Profiles 13 Appendix For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/sf7wqt/thin_insulation Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Union Pacific Corp. (UNP) announced earnings for second quarter that declined compared to the same period last year. The company said its earnings dropped to $0.98 billion, or $1.17 per share. This was down from $1.20 billion, or $1.38 per share, in last year's second quarter. Analysts had expected the company to earn $1.17 per share, according figures compiled by Thomson Reuters. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. The company said revenue for the quarter fell 12.2% to $4.77 billion. This was down from $5.43 billion last year. Union Pacific Corp. earnings at a glance: -Earnings (Q2): $0.98 Bln. vs. $1.20 Bln. last year. -Earnings Decline (Y-o-Y): -18.3% -EPS (Q2): $1.17 vs. $1.38 last year. -EPS Decline (Y-o-Y): -15.2% -Analysts Estimate: $1.17 -Revenue (Q2): $4.77 Bln vs. $5.43 Bln last year. -Revenue Change (Y-o-Y): -12.2% 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. HARRISON (dpa-AFX) - MasterCard Inc. (MA) announced a definitive agreement to acquire 92.4 percent of VocaLink Holdings Limited for approximately $920 million, after adjusting for cash and certain other estimated liabilities. VocaLink's shareholders have the potential for an earn-out of up to an additional approximately $220 million, if performance targets are met. A majority of VocaLink's shareholders will retain 7.6 percent ownership for at least three years. If the deal closes in early 2017, the company currently estimates the transaction would be 5 cents dilutive to each of 2017 and 2018 earnings per share. Based in London, VocaLink is a global payments partner to banks, corporates and governments. It designs, builds and operates world-class payment systems. The acquisition accelerates MasterCard's efforts to be an active participant in all types of electronic payments and payment flows. It will allow MasterCard to play a more strategic role in the UK payments ecosystem. 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. The St. Francois County Commission recently discussed purchasing autopsy equipment housed and used at the now-closed Mineral Area Regional Medical Center where autopsies are still performed. Presiding Commissioner Harold Gallaher said for many years MARMC donated space in their basement for autopsies but then the hospital and building were sold. They have been shutting down utilities and closing it down, said Gallaher. We have been told we have about a two-month window to continue using that facility. It is important to us that we maintain an autopsy facility. Up until now the county has not had a coroners office space and Gallaher would like to consider establishing a dedicated office and work space by finding or building a county building. I want to go ahead and buy this equipment. It is for sale from the hospital facility, said Gallaher. There are several pieces of equipment which include an elaborate sink, a cart that drops in to the sink, a body lift and various tools. Gallaher recently sought permission of the commission to pursue purchasing the equipment. He added the equipment could be stored at the sheriffs department if need be until a new work space is found. There isnt room for an autopsy facility, but we can store it at their site until we do find something, said Gallaher. Id like permission to purchase it and then leave it there in use as long as possible until we just absolutely have to move it. Associate Commissioner Gay Wilkinson said he felt it was very important to the county and made a motion to authorize Gallaher to negotiate the price and make the purchase. The commission approved the motion. Earlier in the year Coroner James Coplin came to the commission with several concerns, one being that they had lost use of the morgue space at MARMC for body storage and that only autopsies were being done there. Gallaher addressed the need for a county morgue for both storage and autopsies during that meeting and stated they should look into building a county-owned facility. County coroners from St. Francois County south to the Arkansas line currently travel to Farmington for autopsies. Not taking timely action would raise the countys cost significantly because they would have to transport bodies to Colombia or St. Louis for autopsies. Having their own equipment and finding or building usable space without relying on an outside company's generosity seems like the best plan moving forward. LONDON, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- There is no arguing that there has been a major financial technology revolution over the past few years. Only a decade ago, we were completely oblivious of crowd funding, peer to peer landing, Bitcoin, blockchain protocols, and many more financial innovations. One of the most innovative, and fascinating instrument that has been coined "the rising star" is the Binary Option. Binary Options have played one of the most intricate roles in revolutionizing the derivative trading industry, by bringing it to the layman, to the masses.No longer is derivative trading restricted to professional brokers or investors; the Binary Option has made it so that anyone can be a trader. The Binary Option is actually a derivative product that has been used by professional investors for decades. The bulk of the global OTC derivatives market boasts a notional value of $500 Trillion.[1] Just for comparison, the size of the global stock market is only $62 Trillion.[2] The Warren Buffett company, Berkshire Hathawayposted $633m in gains from derivatives contracts last year, up from $329m in 2014.[3] However, rising FinTech has created user-friendly binary option platforms, so that not only big investors can use derive instruments, but basically anyone with the slightest interest in the market who has a 3G signal. Henceforth, the uprising of the retail derivative trader in the last few years is due to the progress in the technology infrastructure and cost reductions. The average U.S. Internet speed has more than tripled since 2011 from 10 Mbps to 31 Mbps.[4] The cost of cloud infrastructure has dropped more than 90% over the last decade.[5] All of these changes and more have made trading derivatives available not only to fortune 500 companies and billionaires, but also for the regular internet surfer with a credit card.Today there are millions of retail binary option traders who trade with online brokerages like Bbinary, 24option and IG (IG: market cap of 3 Billion GBP). As the technology continues to develop, and to support the continuous and expanding innovate demands of retail derivatives, there is a movement of major companies joining the industry, such as the NYSE Amex Options platform. [6] "The introduction of Binary Return Derivatives, or ByRDs, on NYSE Amex Options gives investors access to a new, simple income-generation tool with the same level of flexibility as standard listed options, plus a straightforward, fixed return," said NYSE Head of Options Ivan Brown. "We're excited to offer investors these innovative and solutions-driven investing tools." -------------------------------------------------- 1. https://www.bis.org/publ/otc_hy1605.htm 2. http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/CM.MKT.LCAP.CD 3. http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160227005005/en/Berkshire-Hathaway-News-Release 4. http://bgr.com/2016/01/02/us-internet-speeds-average/ [http://bgr.com/2016/01/02/us-internet-speeds-average ] 5. http://insights.wired.com/profiles/blogs/2014-in-the-cloud-three-things-we-ve-learnt-so-faraxzz4E0hhbaeB [http://insights.wired.com/profiles/blogs/2014-in-the-cloud-three-things-we-ve-learnt-so-far ] 6. https://www.nyse.com/products/options-byrds "We are living in an exciting time that the rapid growth of technology innovation keeps us alert every day." says Ran Amiran, President of SpotOption. SpotOption is a technology company who develops trading platform for derivative products. SpotOption was established in 2009, and has 250 employees in offices around the globe, including London, HK, and the Middle East. Media contact: Tammy Levy SpotOption UK 1 Royal ExchangeAvenue,LondonEC3V 3LT +44 20 70 48 6666 DENVER, CO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- American Cannabis Company, Inc. (OTCQB: AMMJ) (the "Company"), a full-service business-to-business consulting solutions provider, and seller of ancillary products to the cannabis industry, today announced it has received an order from Kush Bottles Inc. for approximately 100,000 units of its patented Satchel exit bag. The Satchel is a child-resistant vessel that may be used by dispensaries to assemble orders and ensure the proper post-sale handling of cannabis per each state's legislation. Corey Hollister, president and CEO, American Cannabis Company, commented: "The Satchel is reflective of our mission to redefine society's relationship with cannabis through responsible stewardship. The Satchel provides increased safety for patients against accidental ingestion by children and animals. As the medical cannabis markets continue to grow these types of responsible measures will be key to ensuring continued public safety. In addition to meeting this need, the Satchel also provides operators with an additional branding vehicle for their customers." About American Cannabis Company, Inc.: American Cannabis Company, Inc. offers end-to-end solutions to existing and aspiring participants in the cannabis industry. We utilize our industry expertise to provide business planning and market assessment services, assist state licensing procurement, create business infrastructure and operational best practices. Through our two vertically integrated businesses, American Cannabis Consulting and American Cultivator Company, a group purchasing organization, we support our clients from concept to creation to commercialization to on-going operations. For more information, please visit: www.americancannabiscompanyinc.com. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" which are not purely historical and may include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the development, costs and results of new business opportunities and words such as "anticipate", "seek", intend", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "project", "plan", or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects, the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based drugs. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, please visit www.sec.gov. Contact: Terry Buffalo Chief Operating Officer IR@americancannabisconsulting.com 303-974-4771 WNS (Holdings) Limited (NYSE: WNS), a leading provider of global Business Process Management (BPM) services, today announced an extension of its existing agreement with Virgin Atlantic through October, 2021. WNS will continue to provide a comprehensive range of services including Operations Management, Finance and Accounting and Cargo Revenue Management. WNS will continue to work with the Virgin Atlantic team to facilitate the achievement of their strategic objectives through the increased use of technology and domain expertise. These include generating improved efficiency, actionable insights and business transformation. "WNS is extremely proud to announce this 5 year extension of our strategic relationship with Virgin Atlantic," said Keshav R. Murugesh, WNS CEO. "We have worked with the Virgin Atlantic leadership team for over 12 years, and look forward to the next phase in our relationship which will leverage technology, analytics and our unparalleled knowledge of the airline industry." "As a valued partner, WNS has proven over the years an ability to understand our changing business needs and support us to achieve our objectives. We are pleased to embark on a new chapter with WNS by our side as we drive for greater efficiency in the things we do," said Shai Weiss, Virgin Atlantic's CFO. WNS is one of the world's largest travel BPM companies, with nearly two decades of experience providing end-to-end solutions for the travel industry. WNS has over 7,500 travel domain experts globally, and is a trusted partner to many of the world's leading airlines, OTAs, TMCs, hotels, cruise lines and car rental companies. About Virgin Atlantic Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson over 30 years ago after he decided the UK aviation industry needed shaking up and style injected back into it. On 22nd June 1984, Virgin Atlantic's inaugural flight to Newark took place, on an aircraft filled with personal friends, celebrities and the media. Today, Virgin Atlantic flies to over 30 destinations worldwide, including locations across the United States, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Virgin Atlantic currently has 39 aircraft in its fleet with 13 787-9s, 10 A330-300s, 8 A340-600s, 8 747-400s. About WNS WNS (Holdings) Limited (NYSE: WNS), is a leading global business process management company. WNS offers business value to 200+ global clients by combining operational excellence with deep domain expertise in key industry verticals including Travel, Insurance, Banking and Financial Services, Manufacturing, Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods, Shipping and Logistics, Healthcare and Utilities. WNS delivers an entire spectrum of business process management services such as finance and accounting, customer interaction services, technology solutions, research and analytics and industry specific back office and front office processes. As of June 30, 2016, WNS had 32,448 professionals across 42 delivery centers worldwide including China, Costa Rica, India, Philippines, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information, visit www.wns.com. Safe Harbor Provision This document includes information which may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as to future events. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied are discussed in our most recent Form 20-F and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. WNS undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721005617/en/ Contacts: WNS (Holdings) Limited Investors: David Mackey Corporate SVP Finance Head of Investor Relations +1 (201) 942-6261 david.mackey@wns.com or Media: Archana Raghuram Head Corporate Communications +91 (22) 4095 2397 archana.raghuram@wns.com; pr@wns.com Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Monthly Oil Gas Industry Contracts Review Saipem Consortium's Subsea System Contract Leads Award Activity in the EMEA Region" report to their offering. The report 'Monthly Oil Gas Industry Contracts Review Saipem Consortium's Subsea System Contract Leads Award Activity in the EMEA Region' is an essential source of data on the contracts and open tenders in the oil and gas industry. The report portrays detailed comparative data on the number of contracts and their value in the month, subdivided by region, sector and geographies in May 2016. Additionally, the report provides information on the top contractors and issuers based on the worth of contracts executed in the oil and gas industry during the month by geographies and over the year. Data presented in this report is derived from our IPAR database and primary and secondary research. Scope Analyze oil and gas contracts and open tenders in the global arena Review of contracts/open tenders in the upstream sector exploration and production, midstream sector pipeline, transportation, storage and processing, and in the downstream sector refining and marketing Information on the top awarded contracts by sector that took place in the oil and gas industry Geographies covered include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South Central America, and Middle East Africa Summary of top contractors in the oil and gas industry over the past 12 months subdivided by the sector, this include key contractors such as: Tecnicas Reunidas Daewoo Engineering Construction Hyundai Heavy Industries SK Engineering Construction Hyundai Engineering Construction Summary of top issuers in the oil and gas industry over the past 12 months subdivided by the sector, this include key issuers KNPC Statoil Kuwait Petroleum Gazprom BP For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/wp6hqt/monthly_oil_and View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721005693/en/ Contacts: 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 Sector: Gas, Oil, Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2016) - Troy Grant, President and CEO of ELCORA ADVANCED MATERIALS CORP. (TSXV: ERA) (OTCQB: ECORF) (FSE: ELM), (the "Company" or "Elcora"), is pleased to announce that yesterday, July 20, 2016, Darrell Samson, Member of Parliament for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook, was in Bedford touring Elcora's new Graphene Research and Development (R&D) Centre. During his visit, MP Samson announced a $495,750 repayable contribution to the project through ACOA's Business Development Program (BDP). This support has assisted Elcora with purchasing equipment and completing renovations to its new R&D Centre, which is now up and running at full capacity. Funds are also being allocated to hire staff and conduct marketing activities. Elcora will use its new R&D Centre to explore further applications of the raw material graphite, which is processed into graphene. Initially, the company is planning for small scale production of up to 100 kg of graphene per year. Current forecasts are to increase output to 10 tons per year within a few years. An integral component of Elcora's research and marketing will be working with application developers to use graphene in the commercialization of products. The potential uses for graphene are virtually limitless - from bullet proof vests to water purification. Elcora is dedicated to electricity storage, specifically developing batteries for electric cars. That's why, on Wednesday, June 22, Elcora hosted the first North America stop of the 80eDays Electric Car Challenge. Eleven international race teams met at the new Graphene R&D Centre to be briefed on the route. This event helped to demonstrate that electric cars are a sustainable, reliable means of transportation. Elcora's scientists are dedicated to unlocking the full potential of graphene. They are creating a strong foundation of research to support new opportunities and discoveries that will help make Nova Scotia an international centre of interest for the development of graphene applications. The Government of Canada and the governments of the four Atlantic Provinces are committed to working together to build a vibrant economic future for Atlantic Canada. Through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, they are focusing efforts and resources to stimulate the region's economy and address both long standing and emerging regional challenges, and build on Atlantic Canada's competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential, growing innovation ecosystem, and skilled workforce. Quotes "The Government of Canada is making targeted investments to expand innovative research in Clean Technology. Organizations such as Elcora will help to drive economic growth and build on the strong foundation of scientific research in the region." - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency "Supporting clean technology projects such as this one will help to diversify our region's economy, open up new markets and create high-quality jobs for Atlantic Canadians. Exploring new applications of revolutionary materials like graphene will help to accelerate clean growth - and it will all be done right here in Bedford, Nova Scotia." - Darrell Samson, Member of Parliament for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook "Graphene is widely believed to be the next wonder substance that will have the ability to change mankind. The race is on to refine processing technology and to discover practical applications for this material. While the challenge is enormous, the rewards to be had by advancing this material commercially are even greater. This lab is at the forefront in that development and could not have happened without the support of these targeted investments by our elected officials." - Troy Grant, President, Elcora Advanced Materials Corporation Associated Links Elcora Advanced Materials Corporation Website 80eDays Electric Vehicle Challenge Website Atlantic Growth Strategy About Elcora Advanced Materials Elcora was founded in 2011 and has been structured to become a vertically integrated graphite & graphene company that mines, processes, refines graphite, and produces both the graphene and end user graphene applications. As part of the vertical integration strategy, Elcora has secured high-grade graphite and graphene precursor graphite from its interest in the operation of the Ragedara mine in Sri Lanka which is already in production. Elcora has developed a unique low cost effective processes to make high quality graphite and graphene that are commercially scalable. This combination means that Elcora has the tools and resources for graphite and graphene vertical integration. Graphene is the basic building block of graphite, which is made of stacks of graphene layers. Graphene is made of a single layer of carbon atoms that are bonded together in a repeating pattern of hexagons. The one atom thick graphene is one million times thinner than paper, so thin that it is considered two-dimensional. Graphene's flat honeycomb pattern grants it many unusual characteristics. Graphene is stronger than diamond, about 100 times stronger than the strongest steel with equivalent thickness, with a tensile stiffness of 150,000,000 psi, and is the thinnest and strongest known material. This gives graphene many competing advantages in that it can be used as a textile to make wearable electronics or bulletproof vests. Graphene is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity like silicon; however, unlike silicon, graphene is highly flexible and conducts electricity much more efficiently. Since it is such a versatile material, the applications for graphene are limitless. Some examples of graphene applications are: ocean water purification systems, medical devices such as implants or pacemakers, construction materials, or coatings. For further information please visit the company's website at http://www.elcoracorp.com For further information please contact: Troy Grant, Director, President and CEO, Elcora Resources Corp., T: 902 802-8847 F: 902 446-2001. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock Exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and reserves, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of Elcora, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. 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. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Elcora's expectations are exploration risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by Elcora with securities regulators. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Ultratech Inc. (UTEK) Thursday announced second quarter net income of $2.6 million or $0.10 per share, up from $1.5 million or $0.06 per share last year. On an adjusted basis, earnings were $6.3 million. On average, six analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to earn $0.22 per share. Analysts estimates usually exclude special items. Revenue for the quarter increased to $48.9 million from $45.9 million in the previous year. Wall Street expected $48.56 million. Arthur Zafiropoulo, chairman and chief executive officer of the company said, 'We continue to benefit from positive trends related to the extension of the 28-nm node and the expansion of fan-out packaging technologies to manufacture semiconductor chips. With order momentum and positive leverage in our model, we remain well-positioned to take advantage of the current up-cycle in our industry and anticipate strong growth in the second half of 2016.' Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Donald Trump has said that if he is elected president, his government may not automatically come to the defense of its NATO allies if they are attacked. In an interview with the New York Times Wednesday, the Republican presidential nominee suggested that his commitment to automatically defend NATO allies will depend upon their contributions to the alliance. Article 5 of the US-led predominantly western military alliance's principles says an attack on one of the NATO member states amounts to an attack on all members, and that all the allied nations must help the one that came under attack. Trump, who is scheduled to address the Republican National Convention on Thursday, is expected to outline a foreign policy strategy aimed at reducing US expenditure and involvement abroad. In the interview, Trump said he would force allies to share defense costs that have been borne by the United States for long, cancel longstanding treaties he views as unfavorable, and redefine what it means to be a US partner. The businessman-turned politician said he would prefer to be able to continue existing agreements only if allies stopped taking advantage of what he called an era of American largess that was no longer affordable. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Dynasty Metals & Mining Inc. ("Dynasty" or the "Company") (TSX: DMM)(OTCQX: DMMIF) wishes to provide an update on the labour situation at its Zaruma gold mine in Ecuador. An agreement has been reached between Elipe, SA, Dynasty's Ecuadorian subsidiary, and the Zaruma mine workers such that, effective immediately, these miners return to work at Zaruma and continue mining activities. Under the terms of the agreement, the mine workers are entitled to 20% of all material processed to satisfy outstanding wages owed to them with the remaining 80% to be the property of the Company. The transportation and milling costs will also be divided proportionally such that 20% of those costs are to be borne by the mine workers. All material is to be processed at the Zaruma processing plant. Once the current outstanding wage obligation has been satisfied, Dynasty is entitled to 100% of the material processed. The agreement also stipulates that Dynasty has the right to engage contract miners, in addition to the current mine workers, with all material mined by the contract workers remaining the property of the Company. The agreement between the mine workers and the Company is the result of consultation and negotiation between these two groups with participation from the Ecuador Ministry of Labour. "We are extremely pleased to have arrived at this agreement following our negotiations with our mine workers," commented Dynasty CEO Robert Washer. "We believe all parties have acted in good faith to arrive at an equitable arrangement for all concerned." About Dynasty Metals & Mining Dynasty Metals & Mining Inc. is a Canadian based mining company involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties in Ecuador. The Company is currently focused on gold production and continued development at its Zaruma Gold Project. The Company also owns the Dynasty Goldfield Project, a permitted property 180km southwest of the Zaruma project, and the Jerusalem Project, an exploration property immediately south of the Fruta del Norte project. For further information please visit the Company's website at www.dynastymining.com. Contacts: Dynasty Metals & Mining Inc. Robert Washer CEO info@dynastymining.com www.dynastymining.com LAGUNA HILLS, CA--(Marketwired - July 21, 2016) - Itonis, Inc. (OTC PINK: ITNS) Itonis is pleased to announce it received word from its Media Agency that the planned Ten Thousand (10,000) thirty (30) second commercial spots for its Emesyl Nausea Relief product has begun. The ad is being run in about 240 small cable television systems in over 40 states, and cumulatively makes up a network of approximately 1.0M homes. These runs are at various times day and night, and across all the networks on the platform. "We've had several shareholder inquiries as to the status of our planned commercials. I can assure you we have been actively engaged with our Media Company pursuing this information on a daily basis. The response to our inquiries and the gathering of this information took a little longer than we expected; however, we're pleased that the ad campaign is finally underway," said Steve Pidliskey, Itonis Vice President. The Emesyl commercial being run across the network platform can be viewed here: https://wrightmediagroup.com/?portfolio=emesyl-com If you wish to download a standalone copy of the commercial please click here: http://www.itonisholdings.com/data/supporting_files/uploads/1578fee6c35342-emesyl_commercial.mov If you wish to purchase Emesyl online please click here: http://www.emesyl.com/ About Itonis, Inc. Located in Laguna Hills, California, and founded in 2005, Itonis Inc. has focused on the distribution of innovative products to the medical and pharmaceutical industries. The company also holds a licensing agreement with MyECheck Inc, which allows the company to use MyECheck's patented mobile payment application and share transaction revenue fees for point of purchase payments across various industries. Please visit www.itonisholdings.com for additional information. Safe Harbor: Statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including the failure to complete successfully the development of new or enhanced products, the Company's future capital needs, the lack of market demand for any new or enhanced products the Company may develop, any actions by the Company's affiliates that may be adverse to the Company, the success of competitive products, other economic factors affecting the Company and its markets, seasonal changes, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any statements in this press release. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/7/21/11G107530/Images/Tier1-5d69dfd1735ba382be218bdedd205a5d.jpg Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/7/21/11G107530/Images/map-7d3aea1a7c27ad16a7e1bef32227e5b0.jpg Contact: Itonis, Inc. Office@itonisholdings.com Editor's Note: As the two-year anniversary of Lynn Messer's disappearance approached, we spoke to her husband, Kerry Messer. The story ran July 8. Their son, Abram, has now expressed his desire to share his account of what happened in the days prior to and following his mother's disappearance. One of Lynn Messer's sons is now speaking out in great detail for the first time since his mothers disappearance two years ago. I hope you can understand how difficult, frustrating and heart-wrenching all this is. I am having a hard time because I dont know where to start, explained Abram Messer, son of Kerry and Lynn Messer. What I have to say and what my father has been saying for the last two years are literally worlds apart and it is very difficult for everybody who is involved. Its not like what I have to say and what my father has to say is two different versions of the same thing, they are light years apart. Abram says his father was not the one to make the call to law enforcement initially. His brother, Aaron Messer, reportedly called the sheriffs department. Also, Abram points out that going by the timeline of his father, Kerry Messer had four-plus hours of running around the farm and driving on and off the farm before law enforcement was contacted. We know that he left the farm on at least two occasions that morning and nowhere in those four hours did he notify law enforcement in any way, shape or form, said Abram. After my brother called the sheriffs department and told my father he called them, my father immediately told Aaron to leave because he called the sheriffs department. He then told me I had to leave because Aaron called. Abram recalls that emotional morning when his father showed up at his house at 4:15 a.m. and asked what time he was down at his house with the four-wheeler. Abram said Kerry knew that he had driven the four-wheeler home the day before and he was extremely confused as to why his father was at his house at 4:15 in the morning. I jumped out of bed because I heard him yelling, thinking that my house was on fire or something, said Abram. Then he asked me about the four-wheeler." I told him I drove it yesterday and he said 'OK' and turned around and walked away, recalled Abram. He was up at my house in his pickup truck, standing on my porch without a shirt on and he turns around and he walks away. He walks all the way to the end of the house and right before he steps off back into the rain, he says 'I dont know where your mother is and I dont know what is going on,' and then he walks away. At the time Abram and his family lived at one end of the farm and his parents lived at the other end. His parents' home was approximately a half mile from where he lived at the time. It was fairly typical for me to drive the four-wheeler home if I was working later in the evening, said Abram. At the time we only had one vehicle and if my wife needed the car I would walk to my fathers house and drive the four-wheeler home in the evening. Abram said he was very confused and that his father didnt say anything about a note or anything else at the time. He said he went back inside and told his wife what happened with his father. The only thought I had was they have a fully-furnished apartment in the shed across the driveway from their home and they had been having some septic problems (in their house), so they had been using the restroom over in the apartment, said Abram. I told my wife she is probably over there in the apartment going to the bathroom, and I didnt think much else about it. Abram says that after his fathers visit and thinking about his mom wandering over to the apartment to use the bathroom at night reminded him of something that happened when he was a young teenager. He says he told his wife, Elizabeth Messer, the story of when his mother got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom without her glasses. Without her glasses she couldnt see well enough, because we had rearranged the dining room table and she got lost in her own house in the dining room, in the dark, said Abram. She walked around the dining room table so many times, she couldnt figure out which door to go back out. That is also part of why I have very, very, very hard time swallowing that somebody who cannot navigate inside their own home, in the dark, without glasses ... now, two years later, my father is making this (claim) that she probably walked to the river (nine miles away), as he did in an article in May in the Missouri Times. After we small-talked (my wife) was on her cell phone playing games on her Facebook, said Abram. ... which is significant, because then later law enforcement would use that to ping the exact times that she was on or off of her phone and where she was when she was on her phone. Abram said he laid back down for a couple of minutes and ended up dozing back off. He woke up around 7 a.m. and said it kind of scared him that he dozed back off. I immediately grabbed my phone, expecting to see a text message saying she was over in the apartment going to the bathroom, said Abram. There was nothing. I got out of bed and tried calling my father, there was no answer. I tried calling the house, no answer. I tried calling his cell phone, no answer. And I did that several times. Every time I dont get an answer I get more concerned. Abram said that somewhere between 7:30 to 8 a.m. his father finally called him back and said he didnt know what was going on or where his mother was, but because of a note she left he was probably going to have to call the sheriffs department. Now Im officially freaking out, said Abram. He never said anything about a note before then. I asked him what he wanted me to do ... expecting him to tell me to come down and help him look. He called me from his cell phone and I didnt even know where he was at any point during those four hours, except later after search and rescue was at the farm my father threw a fit, saying and I quote, They are wasting their time in searching the farm, shes long gone by now. I asked how he knew that and he responded that he already searched the farm. Abram said he asked his dad, So you are telling me, from 4 to 7 in the morning when you are on and off the farm on at least two occasions you, one person, searched almost 280 acres, alone, in the dark and in the rain with any degree of certainty to know for a fact that your wife is not there? Abram says when he asked Kerry what he could do his dad told him to move the cows. He said Kerry said he didnt need him to come to the house and didnt need him to do anything. After he insisted that, I agreed and had the intention to move the cows and head down to the house afterwards, said Abram, I hung up the phone with him and before I could walk back into the house my brother calls me. He asked if I knew what was going on and I told him I didnt have a clue. I told him what transpired that morning and he asked if I knew about the note. Aaron said (Kerry) just told him about it and he called the sheriffs department. Abram said once he moved the cows he went down to his father's and he was in the barn lot. Abram added he drove up to Kerry and he immediately started yelling at him that he needed to leave and that he couldnt be down there because his brother already called the police. He was so animated and angry that I complied and as I was driving back up the driveway I met the first officer who was responding, said Abram. I pulled over out of his way and we talked a few minutes. I must have looked pretty shook up because it was pretty obvious to him that I was worked up. He asked questions: do I know what is going on? Have I seen them? And I told him everything that happened that morning. Abram said the deputy asked where he was going and he told him where he lived. Abram said he went to the house and talked to his wife. She called her mom and had her pick up the kids so they werent there. I got myself cleaned up and as I was finishing up my wife came in to tell me there was a small caravan of dark SUVs going down my dads driveway, recalls Abram. I went flying back down there and our sheriff is standing in the driveway along with some deputies and there was a detective in the house doing their initial processing of the house. After we talked for a little, the sheriff starts asking my father if his wife has ever been depressed and my father is almost yelling, 'no she has never been depressed, never had anxiety and has never done anything suicidal.' Abram said his wife came down the driveway in their van and she jumped out and asked if him if he told them about the cats. He said he hadnt even thought about that and the sheriff immediately asked what they were talking about. My wife told him the story about how Lynn told her how she went out to the barn to kill herself and she shot the cats instead, said Abram. As soon as she said this, my father starts screaming in her face, 'Stop making things up, that never happened, you dont know what youre talking about, dont listen to her.' My wife took a step back and asked him to stop yelling at her and said she did know this because Lynn had told her. He says and I quote, I didnt know that you knew about that, and then he turned around and stomped away. The sheriff then stuck his finger in my face and said son, you better tell me whats going on. A highway patrol woman came over and took Elizabeth over to a different vehicle to take her statement and I talked to the sheriff telling him the whole story. Accompanied counseling Abram said the cat incident happened six months prior to her disappearance. Shortly after she went to counseling. It was over a year after my mother went missing, whenever we started doing some more investigating after finding out my father had been hiding a relationship with another woman since August of 2014, said Abram. That is aside from the woman he claims he was pursuing as soon as eight weeks after my mother went missing. When we found all this out we began to question the things he was saying and thats when we found out that she never went to any of those counseling sessions alone. Abram said he discovered that his father went with her to all of the counseling sessions and anything pertaining to her depression, anxiety or anything pertaining to any of the suicidal things that she had said or done was not discussed. Now we know she has been saying and making suicidal comments going back a decade after a family friend of ours lost a close family member to suicide, said Abram. We discovered that she confided in several friends that (this) was something that she was really struggling with and really battling. Thats aside from the decades long, very open conversations she has had with her sisters about her depression and depression medications. That is also aside from the fact that right now there are three bottles of her depression medication in their medicine cabinet unless my father has thrown them out. The Note Abram said when it comes to the note, his father told him in the very first week when he asked about the note that they know one of two things: either his mother is dead or she is going to spend the rest of her life in a mental institution. I know of personable knowledge that my father knows and knew exactly the context of that note, because the context of that note that he said was for another family member, was written for me, said Abram. I had a little spat with my mother, where we argued approximately a week before she went missing. I have never hid that, I disclosed that to law enforcement from the very first day. My father was aware of it and everyone in our entire family was aware of it, because I spoke very openly and very plainly about it and never attempted to hide it. Abram added it was very common for Lynn to write notes to them. He said as a lot of mothers tend to be, sometimes their notes tend to be a little passive aggressive. After my mom and I argued when I realized I lost my temper with her the way that I did, I apologized to my mother and I told her I loved her and I gave her a hug, said Abram. I told her for now on, moving forward I am going to make sure that I handle and I deal with the stresses that come up between us in a healthy and appropriate way. So that way we make sure we can just work through things the way we are supposed to work through them. Abram stressed he never said a word about the note until his father spoke to a reporter in May. Abram went on to say Kerrys version of why the note was withheld differs from the reasons why we werent allowed to see the note per law enforcement. We werent able to see the note until April 2015, Abram went on to say as he began to choke up with emotion. Once they began to realize, the reality is that my father is not who he has been holding himself out to be, it has been very difficult for us. Its very curious to me that my father is holding out this public face that he is trying to be conscious and aware of our feelings and not hurt us. Also trying to give me space to deal, ask yourself what that individual gained by telling that particular story. Abram said Kerry has sole control over the farm, sole control over Missouri Family Network as a whole, and he has sole control over every single financial asset, which the nearest they can figure is in excess of 2.5 million dollars. He is protecting all of that, said Abram. Why would I want to tell a story that would cause me to lose my job, home and reputation? What possible motivation would I have to do that to myself? The last time my father spoke to me was approximately two weeks before Christmas 2015 and after he and I have a little bit of a blowup, when I called him out on his lies. Abram said they sat down with their pastor and outlined this and so much more. He added his father sat across the room from him and laughed. His explanation was that I have some kind of development issue and that this developmental issue was causing me to not be able to perceive reality, said Abram. And thats why I was making all these crazy things up that werent real. Happy Pills Abram said Kerry knew his mother suffered depression and anxiety. He added he didnt think of it in terms of depression, because he had a pet name for her depression medication, he called them her happy pills. When they would have arguments and fights it was not uncommon for my father to tell my mother to take her happy pills and leave him alone, said Abram. My brother was going through a divorce and it was pretty ugly. My parents were involved and they went to have a sit-down with a neighboring pastor and my mom let it slip about the cats. The pastor very wisely put the brakes on and said 'you did what?' Abram said according to the conversation he had with this pastor, his father became very agitated. As this pastor said his mom needed to talk to a professional and he knew a Christian psychologist he wanted to refer her to see. My father insisted that was not necessary. She did (not) need to go see a psychologist and they were not going to go and see a psychologist, said Abram. My parents have talked to, that I know of, at least three different pastors and I have told my father on multiple occasions exactly that conversation that I had with that particular pastor. Which is interesting, because my father has made these assertions he would be happy to try and work things out with me to try to help me work through my issues with a counselor, provided it not be that pastor. Appearances When it comes to my father saying he doesnt want to hurt me, my father has completely destroyed my reputation and my ability to work in political arenas, said Abram. I found out he accused me of child abuse, that is telling people I caused my mother to kill herself, that I have been abusing him for years and I finally turned my uncontrollable rage on my mother and drove her to kill herself. Abram said Kerry sent his son and grandchildren out of their own home they have lived in for the last 12 years. There is a lot of people who live by every word that my father breathes, stressed Abram. My father is a master manipulator and a masterful control freak. He has withheld and kept financial information from my mother for years and admitted to me thats the entire reason he refused to write the balance of the checking account in their checkbook so she wouldnt know. Now he is the kind of person who controls the kind of haircut they allow their wife to have and control the kind of clothes their wife is allowed to have and the kind of person who is so concerned about outward appearances. Abram said the reason Kerry said he was the number two suspect, is because he was there every day. He added they may have had a happy marriage, but they did not have a normal functioning marriage. They had a marriage that consisted of one man who made 100 percent of the decisions and called 100 percent of the shots and ruled the roost, said Abram. One year my wife and I bought my mom a pig for her birthday. She loved pigs and always wanted one, but my father wouldnt allow her to have one. When we told her about it she giggled and said sometimes its better to ask for forgiveness than ask permission, so we got the pig for her. We had it at our house and my parents came up and we gave it to her. Abram said his father threw a screaming temper tantrum, standing in his living room, that how dare they defy him by not asking his permission and ordered his mother to get up and get in the car right now because they were leaving and if not, she could walk home. He got up and literally stomped out of the house, slammed the door, got in the car and turned it on, said Abram. My mother very sheepishly got up, apologized for his behavior with very red swollen eyes, slowly walked out of the house and got in the car with him and drove away. Abram said that is not the same picture that his father, for the last two years has been painting of this perfectly happy lovely married couple on Facebook. Those of us who know the truth, who know he has done things, like take a picture of my daughter with her grandma off my wifes Facebook and cropped my daughter out of the picture and manufactured an entire story to go along with it, said a tearful Abram with much emotion in his voice. Believe me, we know there is something very, very wrong. But we also know those thousands of people who are following that page, dont have a clue. For the last two years, my father has been in the drivers seat. Abram said you wont find him quoted in any other articles for the last two years except for the ones that have just came out. Yes, I did facilitate the article in May, said Abram. It was a desperate attempt to get my fathers attention and hopefully he would begin to say, maybe I shouldnt be doing this, but instead he fired me and forced us out of our home. In pursuit of the truth, Abram says he has already lost everything, but his father still stands to lose an awful a lot. He said Kerry has a political empire he has built and takes all the credit for and he has very powerful political friends pulling the strings for him, to get him a team of lawyers. One thing he is using a team of lawyers for is to deal with me however he needs to, said Abram. For the first time in two years we are free from my fathers control, we are free from his threats, we are free from all of those things and we are free to tell the truth. We have been nothing but truthful with law enforcement this entire time. Abram saw his mother for the last time the day before she went missing. He had spent the day cutting hay with his father off of Route DD and the last time he saw her was when he was moving equipment down Route DD and she drove past him, slowed down, smiled and waved and Abram said he waved back to her. You will never convince me that a person who cant walk across the room without their glasses walked eight plus miles to the river, said Abram. Him saying she walked to the river, the article in May was the first time he has ever said anything like that. Now, the KMOX article is the second time he said it. Huh, thats awful interesting, two years later after saying I have no idea of anything thats happened, now all of a sudden he says he thinks she may have walked to the river. Abram said he does not believe there is any way possible his mother left the farm of her own freewill and they were not aware of it. Not with all of the searching, search and rescue workers and dog teams to find nothing, stated Abram. I may not know everything, I may not know exactly what happened to my mother, but I assure you my mother did not spread wings and fly away. CALGARY, AB--(Marketwired - July 21, 2016) - Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX: CVE) (NYSE: CVE) will release its second quarter 2016 results on Thursday, July 28, 2016. The news release will provide consolidated second quarter 2016 operating and financial information. Financial statements will be available on the company's website, cenovus.com. A conference call and webcast to discuss the results will be held for the investment community at 9 a.m. MT (11 a.m. ET). To participate, please dial 888-231-8191 (toll-free in North America) or 647-427-7450 approximately 10 minutes prior to the conference call. The webcast link will be available via Cenovus's website, cenovus.com or via the following URL: http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1218251&s=1&k=E7C8402E8DCDD6080C1961A428318B3E Cenovus Energy Inc. Cenovus Energy Inc. is a Canadian integrated oil company. It is committed to applying fresh, progressive thinking to safely and responsibly unlock energy resources the world needs. Operations include oil sands projects in northern Alberta which use specialized methods to drill and pump the oil to the surface and established natural gas and oil production in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The company also has 50% ownership in two U.S. refineries. Cenovus shares trade under the symbol CVE and are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. The company's enterprise value is approximately $18 billion. For more information, visit cenovus.com. Find Cenovus on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. CENOVUS CONTACTS: Investor Relations Kam Sandhar Vice-President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development 403-766-5883 Graham Ingram Manager, Investor Relations 403-766-2849 Media Brett Harris Media Lead 403-766-3420 Media Relations general line 403-766-7751 NEW YORK, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Anticipated increase in the tire production capacity, growing vehicle sales and expanding automobile fleet to propel global tire market over the next five years According to TechSci Research report, "Global Tire Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2021'', global tire market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% in value terms during 2016-2021. On the basis of vehicle type, the global tire market is broadly classified into six categories - passenger car tire, light commercial vehicle (LCV) tire, medium and heavy commercial vehicle (M&HCV) tire, two-wheeler tire, three-wheeler tire and the OTR tire. During 2011-2015, both automobile production and sales grew at sluggish pace, globally. Key reasons for weak demand can be attributed to Eurozone crisis and slump in the crude oil prices post 2013. As a result, the global automobile production and sales grew at a CARG of 1.37% and 2.59%, in the volume terms, during 2011-2015, respectively. Backed by slow growth in automobile production and sales, the global automobile fleet (excluding two-wheeler and three-wheeler) exhibited a CAGR of 3.79% during the same period. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140117/663730 ) Crude oil prices declined from above US$ 100 per barrel levels in 2011 to sub US$ 50 per barrel levels in 2015, thereby exhibiting a negative CAGR of over 16% during 2011-2015. As a result, the Middle-East region witnessed decline in the revenue generated from the oil sector. As a result, expenditure for construction and infrastructure sectors shrunk, which impacted the sales of OTR, LCV and M&HCV vehicles and related products such as tires across the region. Further, in 2009, Europe suffered one of the worst economic meltdowns, commonly referred to as the Eurozone Crisis. Though the crisis impacted the entire region, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain were among the most severely affected countries. The European economy suffered a slump, and multiple public as well as private banks declared bankruptcy, which impacted various sectors, consequently restraining growth in Europe's automobile and related components market over the last five years. However, the region witnessed signs of revival in 2013 due to several bailout packages offered by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). "The global automobile market is poised to grow at a brisk pace over the next five years, backed by anticipated stabilization of crude oil prices and growth in the global economy, which is expected to augment demand for automobiles and increasing consumer spending, and consequently, boost sales of tire in the coming years." said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director with TechSci Research, a research based global management consulting firm. "Global Tire Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2021" has evaluated the future growth potential of tire market and provides statistics and information on market size, consumer behavior and trends. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment evaluation. Besides, the report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges and opportunities in the global tire market. Browse Related Reports Saudi Arabia Construction Equipment Rental Market by Equipment Type (By Diesel Genset, Crane, Wheel Loader, Excavator, Bulldozer, Motor Grader and Telescopic Handler), Competition Forecast and Opportunities, 2011 - 2021 http://www.techsciresearch.com/report/saudi-arabia-construction-equipment-rental-market-by-equipment-type-by-diesel-genset-crane-wheel-loader-excavator-bulldozer-motor-grader-and-telescopic-handler-competition-forecast-and-opportunities-2011-2021/653.html United States Radio Taxi Services Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2021 http://www.techsciresearch.com/report/united-states-radio-taxi-services-market-forecast-and-opportunities-2021/617.html India Tire Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2021 http://www.techsciresearch.com/report/india-tire-market-forecast-opportunities-2021/672.html UAE Commercial Vehicles Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2021 http://www.techsciresearch.com/report/uae-commercial-vehicles-market-forecast-and-opportunities-2021/644.html About TechSci Research TechSci Research is a leading global market research firm publishing premium market research reports. Serving 700 global clients with more than 600 premium market research studies, TechSci Research is serving clients across 11 different industrial verticals. TechSci Research specializes in research based consulting assignments in high growth and emerging markets, leading technologies and niche applications. Our workforce of more than 100 fulltime Analysts and Consultants employing innovative research solutions and tracking global and country specific high growth markets helps TechSci clients to lead rather than follow market trends. Contact Mr. Ken Mathews 708 Third Avenue, Manhattan, NY, New York - 10017 Tel: +1-646-360-1656 Email: sales@techsciresearch.com Connect with us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/TechSciResearch Connect with us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/techsci-research PUNE, India, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report "Modular Data Center Market by Functional Module Solution (All-In-One Modules, and Individual Modules), Service (Consulting, Integration and Deployment, and Infrastructure Management), Deployment Size, Vertical & Region - Global Forecast to 2021", published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is estimated to grow from USD 10.34 Billion in 2016 to USD 38.30 Billion by 2021, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 29.94%. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 ) Browse 61 market data Tables and 46 Figures spread through 155 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Modular Data Center Market" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/modular-data-centers-market-996.htmlURL Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. The major forces driving the Modular Data Center Market include the high adoption of data centers with low Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) across various organizations, need to reduce operational expenditure, increased data center flexibility and scalability, and increased need for portable and containerized data centers. The Modular Data Center Market is growing rapidly because of the increasing number of users opting for high-performance and energy efficient data centers. "Individual functional module to grow at the highest CAGR" The market by functional module solution has been segmented into all-in-one functional module and individual functional module. Individual functional module is expected to witness the highest CAGR during the period 2016 to 2021. This solution facilitates provisioning of modular data center comprising separate modules for IT space, mechanical, and electrical use. It provides the flexibility needed by data center users through provisioning of separate modules on demand and also enables deployment of custom-made solutions to customers. These benefits are driving the market and are expected to help in propelling the Modular Data Center Market at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. "Infrastructure management services segment expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period" The market by service has been segmented into consulting, integration & deployment, and infrastructure management. Infrastructure management are expected to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period owing to the rapid adoption of modular data center solutions in large enterprises, which require third-party assistance for infrastructure management of the modular data center infrastructure. Ask for Sample Pages @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsample.asp?id=996 North America is expected to dominate the Modular Data Center Market during the forecast period The Modular Data Center Market segments the global market on the basis of regions, which include North America, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Europe, Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America. North America is expected to hold the largest share of the Modular Data Center Market in 2016 due to the technological advancements and early adoption of modular data center across a large number of verticals in this region. The market in APAC is expected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2016 and 2021. The primary driving forces for this growth are increasing data center traffic and growing need for rapidly deployable data centers in various industries in the APAC countries, especially India, China, and Japan. The report also encompasses different strategies, such as mergers & acquisitions, partnerships & collaborations, and product developments, adopted by major players to increase their share in the market. Some of the major technology vendors include Huawei Technologies Co., LTD. (China), Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Development LP (U.S.), IBM Corporation (U.S.), Schneider Electric SE (France), Dell, Inc. (U.S.), Cisco Systems, Inc. (U.S.), Emerson Electric Co. (U.S.), Commscope, Inc. (U.S.), Cannon Technologies, Ltd. (U.K.), and Rittal GmbH & Co. KG (Germany). Browse Related Reports Containerized Data Center Market by Container Types (20 ft 40 ft, customized), by Application (Greenfield, Brownfield, Upgrade and Consolidation), by Deployment size, by Vertical, and by Region - Forecasts and Analysis (2014-2019) Know More About our Knowledge Store @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Knowledgestore.asp About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide 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. Connect with us: MarketsandMarkets Blog @ http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/telecom-it 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 1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com TYSONS CORNER, VA--(Marketwired - July 21, 2016) - NeoSystems Corporation, an award-winning provider of outsourced accounting, hosting, system consulting and other vital strategic back office services, announced today that Matthew Fogo has joined NeoSystems as Sr. Vice President of Sales for NeoSystems and joins their Executive Team effective immediately. "With over 25 years of Sales, Services/Delivery, Partner, Project and Product Management experience, Matt understands every nuance of the client's journey and we are thrilled he has joined the NeoSystems organization. Matt's successful, results-driven approach to leading Sales teams will help position NeoSystems for our next phase of growth and customer success," said NeoSystems CEO Michael Tinsley. "Matt will also play a crucial role in ensuring our partnerships with Deltek, Ultimate Software, IBM, and NetSuite are optimized for the greatest mutual success." Mr. Fogo will spearhead every aspect of NeoSystems' Sales efforts and play a critical role in supporting NeoSystems clients. Moreover, with respect to Deltek, he will manage all key elements of the Deltek and NeoSystems relationship. NeoSystems customers will benefit greatly from Mr. Fogo's deep knowledge of Deltek's solutions and the ERP landscape. Previously, as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Dassian Inc., a key partner in the SAP Partner ecosystem, Mr. Fogo established Dassian as a dominant software company in the delivery of functionality specific to professional services firms and government contractors. He led all sales and marketing functions, growing pipeline over 400% in his three years there. During his 17 years at Deltek, Inc, Mr. Fogo served in several key leadership roles that enabled the company to grow from $40M to $350M in revenue. As Vice President of Sales, Mr. Fogo helped negotiate many of the largest deals in the company's history. He was also instrumental in managing enterprise client engagements and in establishing the sales enablement function. Earlier in his career, Mr. Fogo worked for government contracting companies and rose to the position of Controller and Acting CFO. Mr. Fogo received a Masters Degree in Federal Contracting from George Washington University and holds a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from Mary Washington College. About NeoSystems Corporation NeoSystems Corp., based in Tysons Corner, Virginia, delivers integrated strategic back office services and solutions to enable, run, and secure commercial entities, government contractors, and nonprofit organizations. Today, NeoSystems supports 700 companies and over 50,000 employees with its managed services and NeoSystems' experts have implemented hundreds of fully integrated financial and business management systems. Utilizing best of breed technology and leveraging in-depth expertise in Accounting & Finance, Human Capital Management, Hosting (SOC1/SOC2), and Information Technology, our team enables companies to improve vital operations, reduce their overhead costs and become compliant with complex requirements. NeoSystems is partnered with the world's leading software companies, including Deltek, Ultimate Software, NetSuite, IBM, Integrify, Contract Logix, and others to provide best-in-class solutions. NeoSystems was recently named Deltek's first and only Platinum Partner. For seven years in a row, NeoSystems has been named one of America's fastest growing private companies by Inc. Magazine. For more information, visit http://www.NeoSystemsCorp.com. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/7/19/11G107215/Images/Matt_Fogo_Temporary_pix_7_20_16-fb600b5dd1dca2a79f964e714fcc46ca.jpg Agency contact: Nancy Rose Senich 1-202-262-6996 cell/txt. nancy@rose4results.com neosystems@rose4results.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has reacted to Texas Senator Ted Cruz's speech at the Republican National Convention, which turned out to be catastrophic. Cruz, Trump's unsuccessful primary rival, was booed off the Convention stage Wednesday night after he delivered a speech that stopped short of endorsing the GOP candidate. Cruz opened by congratulating Trump on winning the nomination, and then didn't mention him again for the rest of his speech. He called on convention delegates not to stay home in November, but vote their conscience without naming anyone in particular. The New York delegates realized what was happening and started chanting for Trump. He was interrupted several times during the speech with angry chants of 'endorse Trump, endorse Trump.' Cruz was then booed for the rest of his speech and nearly involved in a series of hostile confrontations on his way out of the arena. Trump apparently took the drama lightly. 'Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didn't honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal!,' he said on Twitter. Cruz came under fire from Party officials. 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. GATINEAU, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Public Services and Procurement Canada The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of delivering a single ship support contract to service the Royal Canadian Navy. This contract will provide the best value to Canadian taxpayers, while supporting Canada's shipbuilding industry. As part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy and following extensive industry consultation, the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, the Honourable Judy M. Foote, today announced the launch of an open competition to provide in-service support, including refit, repair and maintenance and training, for the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) and Joint Support Ships (JSS). Combining the contracts for the AOPS and JSS In-Service Support (AJISS) under a single contractor will benefit industry by increasing workforce stability and benefit Canadians by reducing costs through economies of scale. The AJISS contract will include an initial service period of 8 years, with options to extend services up to 35 years under an open and competitive process. The National Shipbuilding Strategy is a long-term commitment to shipbuilding that will rejuvenate Canada's marine industry, support Canadian technological innovation, strengthen the middle class, and help grow the economy to many communities across the country. Quotes "The Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships and Joint Support Ships In-Service Support contract will provide work for the Canadian marine industry for the next 35 years. Our Government is creating stable middle-class jobs and generating economic growth from coast to coast to coast. At the same time, we are seeking new ways to make procurement work better for businesses and Canadians, in this case by having one support contract for both ships." - The Honourable Judy M. Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement "The Government is delivering on its commitment to the renewal of the Royal Canadian Navy's fleet under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. By combining the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships and Joint Support Ships In-Service Support into one contract, we ensure the effective maintenance and support of these fleets over their operational lives. This, in turn, allows the Navy to continue to proudly serve Canadians." - The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence "The Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy requires defence contractors and their major suppliers to invest an amount in Canada equal to the value of their defence contracts. The AJISS procurement presents a unique opportunity for the Royal Canadian Navy to work closely with industry partners to sustain these vessels, while creating jobs and generating economic activity in Canada." - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Quick Facts -- Up to six Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships are being built by Irving Shipbuilding. The delivery of the first vessel to the Royal Canadian Navy is scheduled for 2018. -- Two Joint Support Ships will be built by Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards. The delivery of the first vessel to the Royal Canadian Navy is scheduled for 2020/2021. -- Value Proposition commitments will be applied to this contract. Associated Links National Shipbuilding Strategy Follow us on Twitter! Contacts: Annie Trepanier Office of the Honourable Judy M. Foote 819-997-5421 Media Relations Public Services and Procurement Canada 819-420-5501 Efficiency and Safety Benefits to Lead Adoption SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --ABI Research forecasts augmented reality (AR) in enterprise to explode over the next five years, as the technology will add functionality to existing workforces that was not previously possible, with remote assistance to be the primary use case. This, combined with increased safety and efficiency, will drive investors and project managers to explore AR with smartglasses applications in the healthcare, industry, and government market segments forecast to hit 27 million shipments by 2021. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151014/276887LOGO "Google Glass was just the beginning of a massive market shift for augmented reality," says Eric Abbruzzese, Senior Analyst for ABI Research. "For 2016, initial tests and low-volume implementations will be expanded to higher volume investment and rollout, creating a more mature and disruptive marketplace for 2017. Devices with more powerful processing and hands-free input methods, such as ODG's R7 and Daqri's Smart Helmet, stand best suited for industrial and healthcare usage." Factors such as display quality, field of view, processing power, battery life, input options, and price all differentiate the devices currently on the market. Considering the market's nascency, prior experience is a plus; both ODG and Vuzix have been developing AR technology for more than one decade. Players such as Vuzix and Optinvent are even pivoting around lower prices to help broaden appeal. Early AR adopters, like Boeing and GE, highlight the interest surrounding this technology and encourage others to get involved. The market continues to see an influx of new competitors, including Daqri, Meta, ODG, and Vuzix, vying for a promising piece of the enterprise market share. Major hardware OEMs, such as Epson and Microsoft, will also strive to meet the demand in enterprise. Those with established manufacturing infrastructure and device experience will be better suited to meet this ramp-up. "2017 is shaping up to be an important inflection point for AR," concludes Abbruzzese. "While growth is already promising, true AR ubiquity will require large-scale implementations and an increase in supporting software and content. The timing is right for this to occur throughout next year, as devices mature and early adopters prove the efficacy of their initial AR investments to those who were more passive." These findings are from ABI Research's Enterprise Focused Augmented Reality Glasses (https://www.abiresearch.com/market-research/product/1022749-enterprise-focused-augmented-reality-glass/). This report is part of the company's Enterprise IT & OT Convergence sector (https://www.abiresearch.com/market-research/practice/future-enterprise-it-and-ot-convergence/), Video, OTT, AR & VR sector (https://www.abiresearch.com/market-research/practice/cloud-content-ott/), and Transformative Technology sector (https://www.abiresearch.com/market-research/practice/transformative-technology/), which include research, data, and analyst insights. About ABI Research ABI Research stands at the forefront of technology market research, providing business leaders with comprehensive research and consulting services to help them implement informed, transformative technology decisions. Founded more than 25 years ago, the company's global team of senior and long-tenured analysts delivers deep market data forecasts, analyses, and teardown services. ABI Research is an industry pioneer, proactively uncovering ground-breaking business cycles and publishing research 18 to 36 months in advance of other organizations. For more information, visit www.abiresearch.com. Regulatory News: Etam Developpement (Paris:TAM): m 2016-Q2 change change lfl 1 2016-H1 change change lfl 1 Group sales 284.6 -4.9% -4.2% 633.8 -1.8% -1.8% Europe 216.9 1.7% -1.4% 443.8 3.6% -0.1% China 67.7 -21.1% -14.8% 190.0 -12.5% -6.9% Europe by country France 2 191.0 1.5% -2.0% 394.2 3.9% -0.1% Other 25.9 3.0% 2.6% 49.6 1.5% 0.6% Europe by brands ETAM 3 173.6 1.0% -2.0% 360.1 3.7% -0.2% 1.2.3 43.3 4.3% 0.9% 83.7 3.5% 0.5% 1 like-for-like and at constant exchange rates including internet sales 2 including export sales 3 including Undiz I. BUSINESS TRENDS In the second quarter of 2016, the Group net sales amounted to 284.6 million, including a negative currency effect of 6.0 million mainly due to the depreciation of the yuan against euro. Net sales decreased by 4.9% compared to the second quarter of 2015. Like-for-like and at constant exchange rates, net sales decreased by 4.2 %. Over the first half of 2016, the Group net sales amounted to 633.8 million, including a negative currency effect of 9.4 million mainly due to the depreciation of the yuan against euro. This represents a decrease of 1.8% on a real basis or 1.8% like-for-like and at constant exchange rates compared to the first half of 2015. 1. IN EUROPE In the second quarter of 2016, net sales totalled 216.9 million, up 1.7% and down 1.4% like-for-like and at constant exchange rates. Over the first half of 2016, sales came to 443.8 million, up 3.6%, almost stable like-for-like and at constant exchange rates. Over the first half of the year, same-store sales growth of the underwear activities Etam and Undiz, as well as of 1.2.3, outperformed the markets where the Group operates in Europe. Etam's ready-to-wear business on the contrary suffered a severe decline due notably to an overly marked reduction in its offering. The action plan currently being implemented should bring results by the end of this year. 2. IN CHINA In the second quarter of 2016, net sales totalled 67.7 million, down 21.1%, including a negative currency effect of 5.8 million relating to the depreciation of the yuan against the euro. Like-for-like and at constant exchange rates, net sales fell by 14.8%. During the first half of 2016, net sales totalled 190.0 million, down 12.5%, including a negative currency effect of 9.0 million relating to the depreciation of the yuan against the euro. Like-for-like and at constant exchange rates, net sales decreased by 6.9%. The retail period following Chinese New Year (as of mid-February) was very difficult, with a sharp drop in sales in department stores, partly due to a traffic slowdown. The performance of stores in shopping centres and the e-commerce channel is continuing to improve. II. NETWORK DEVELOPMENT At 30 June 2016, the Etam Group had 4,047 points of sales, including 960 in Europe, 2,208 in China and 279 international franchises. Over the first half of 2016, the Group continued to expand its international network for its lingerie activities with successful openings in South Korea under the Etam brand, and in Russia under the brand Undiz. It also opened ten 1.2.3 stores in and outside France. In China, the network was reduced by 69 units. The Etam Group is an international retailer of women's lingerie, beauty, ready-to-wear clothing and accessories with 4,047 points of sales at 30 June 2016 Next releases 2016 Interim results on 25 August 2016 after the market close in Paris Etam Developpement: ISIN code: FR0000035743 Reuters: TAM.PA Bloomberg: TAM FP Etam Developpement 10 961 739 R.C.S. PARIS 308 382 035 Registered office: 78, rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris France View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721005892/en/ Contacts: Etam Developpement Information for analysts and investors Tel.: 01 55 90 72 79 www.etamdeveloppement.fr Regulatory News: Transgene (Paris:TNG), a company focused on designing and developing targeted immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases, today announced that the Safety Review Committee of the Phase 1/1b trial with TG1050, Transgene's immunotherapy product candidate for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, has recommended that the study should continue. Maud Brandely, Chief Medical Officer of Transgene, said: "We are pleased to be continuing the development of our internally discovered and developed immunotherapy TG1050. The Phase 1/1b trial is progressing well with no severe adverse events observed. We are now moving ahead with the enrollment of the multiple dose cohorts of this study. Chronic hepatitis B is a major unmet medical need, and with TG1050, we are looking to provide a much more-effective treatment that is urgently needed for this viral liver disease, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer." This first-in-man trial is an international, randomized, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating TG1050 in patients who are currently being treated for chronic HBV infection with standard-of-care antiviral therapy. The primary objectives of the Phase 1/1b study are to evaluate the safety and tolerability of TG1050 administered in single and multiple doses and to determine the dose and schedule of TG1050 administration for further development. Secondary objectives include evaluating the antiviral activity of and immune responses to TG1050 TG1050 is a targeted immunotherapy candidate for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, based on a viral vector expressing 3 HBV antigens. Pre-clinical results have demonstrated TG1050's capacity to induce robust, broad and long-lasting HBV-specific T cells with characteristics similar to those found in patients whose infection has been resolved1. Antiviral effects of TG1050, including seroconversion to the surface antigen (HBsAg), have also been shown1 2 About Chronic Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by HBV infection. It can result in chronic infection and liver disease and, if left untreated, puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. Recent figures indicate the number of patients being treated for chronic hepatitis B was 200,000 in total in the United States, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom and 100,000 patients in Japan. The eligible Chinese market represents 500,000 patients. Those numbers are expected to increase as more patients are diagnosed and treated for their disease. Currently available antiviral treatments cure only an estimated 3% of cases, and patients in the developed world must take these treatments for an average of 15 years and often for their lifetime. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic approaches to improve the cure rate. About TG1050 TG1050 is a targeted immunotherapy candidate for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, based on a viral vector expressing 3 HBV antigens. Transgene has initiated a randomized, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled safety and dose-finding first-in-man study (NCT02428400) evaluating the safety and tolerability of TG1050 in patients who are currently being treated for chronic HBV infection with standard-of-care antiviral therapy. TG1050 is also being developed in China, where Transgene operates a joint-venture with Tasly Biopharmaceutical Technology, TG1050 has been recently granted an IND number. The latest publications on TG1050 are available on Transgene's website: www.transgene.fr. About Transgene Transgene S.A. (Euronext: TNG), part of Institut Merieux, is a publicly traded French biopharmaceutical company focused on designing and developing targeted immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Transgene's programs utilize viral vector technology with the goal of indirectly or directly killing infected or cancerous cells. The Company's two lead clinical-stage programs are: TG4010 for non-small cell lung cancer and Pexa-Vec for liver cancer. The Company has several other programs in clinical and pre-clinical development. Transgene is based in Strasbourg, France, and has additional operations in Lyon, as well as a joint venture in China. Additional information about Transgene is available at www.transgene.fr Follow us on Twitter: @TransgeneSA Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements about the future development of TG1050. Although the Company believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The occurrence of any of these risks could have a significant negative outcome for the Company's activities, perspectives, financial situation, results and development. The Company's ability to commercialize its products depends on but is not limited to the following factors: positive pre-clinical data may not be predictive of human clinical results, the success of clinical studies, the ability to obtain financing and/or partnerships for product development and commercialization, and marketing approval by government regulatory authorities. For a discussion of risks and uncertainties which could cause the Company's actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors ("Facteurs de Risque") section of the Document de Reference, which is available on the AMF website (http://www.amf-france.org) or on Transgene's website (www.transgene.fr 1 Gut. 2015 Dec;64(12):1961-71. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2014-308041 2 J Hepatol, 2015, Vol 62 (Suppl N2), S205 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721005954/en/ Contacts: Transgene: Lucie Larguier, +33 (0)3 88 27 91 04 Director Corporate Communications IR investorrelations@transgene.fr or Media contacts: Citigate Dewe Rogerson David Dible Marine Perrier, 44 (0)20 7638 9571 transgene@citigatedr.co.uk WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - United Airlines has announced that it will work with the Transportation Security Administration to install state-of-the-art, automated security lanes and add permanent TSA Precheck enrollment centers at convenient locations. The airlines will also redesign security checkpoints at several of its most-frequented hub airports. United will debut the automated lanes at Newark Liberty International Airport this fall, with lanes opening in Chicago and Los Angeles airports later this year. The new lanes enable up to five customers to fill their individual bins simultaneously and move through the screening process quicker, the company said. 'We are working every day with the TSA to develop and launch innovative ways to improve the airport experience for our customers,' said Greg Hart, United's executive vice president and chief operations officer. 'These improvements demonstrate United's commitment to use the latest technology to ensure our customers have a reliable and enjoyable experience every step of their journey.' Passengers across the country's major airports have always complained about long lines for screening by TSA agents that made many to miss their flights. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- The shareholders of KWG Resources Inc. (CSE: KWG)(FRANKFURT: KW6) ("KWG") have held their Annual and Special General Meeting voting resoundingly in favour of the re-election of the Company's incumbent Board of Directors but then, very ambiguously, not supporting that same management's principle initiative. A tally of proxies delivered for use at the meeting in respect of a proposed Special Resolution intended to provide the market in KWG's shares with possible additional liquidity mechanisms, indicated that, if put to a vote, the Special Resolution would fall short of the desired two-thirds of the votes represented at the meeting. Accordingly, the meeting was then adjourned without a vote being held in respect of the Special Resolution to a date to be announced. Annual Meeting voting results Of KWG's 961.3 million outstanding shares, proxies for a total of 501 million shares were voted at the meeting re-electing as directors Douglas Flett (98.43% in favour), Thomas Pladsen (98.41% in favour), Donald Sheldon (98.44% in favour), Frank Smeenk (98.77% in favour) and Cynthia Thomas (97.37% in favour). However, proxies representing 200.2 million shares were instructed to be voted against the Special Resolution seeking authority to create (by conversion of common shares for holders electing to do so) multiple voting shares re-convertible into their constituent common shares. The Company reported that its two largest shareholders, voting some 36% of the shares represented in person or by proxy at the meeting, had provided proxies that opposed the initiative which was overwhelmingly supported by the majority of KWG's numerous individual shareholders. In the result, only some 60% of the votes available to be cast at the meeting were in favour and the meeting was adjourned without the Special Resolution having been put to a vote. "Since 1929 the 'penny stock' market has been denied access to margin credit and put-and-call option trading", said KWG President Frank Smeenk. "This has perhaps in the past served well the interests of promoters and their underwriters, but often not so much the investors. We are determined to bring the benefits of those liquidity mechanisms to the owners of KWG so that its value can be fairly established in capital markets which include both those mechanisms and the very numerous sophisticated investors who seek their utility. This is particularly opportune now, as our Company's undertakings increasingly come to international attention for their long-term strategic value. But, we do not want to leave behind the many thousands of our owners who are content to speculate only in the 'penny market'. Our proposed solution is to do to our shares what all governments that circulate currency do to their money: let it be usable in both small denomination coins (pennies, nickels and dimes) and large denomination bank-notes (dollar bills), interchangeable back and forth at any time in accordance with a fixed exchange ratio. Instead of coins and bank-notes, KWG would have single-vote shares and multiple-vote shares, interchangeable back and forth at any time in accordance with a fixed exchange ratio. The support of the vast majority of our numerous individual shareholders has been gratifying and we are quite hopeful of soon being able to provide them with this simple mechanism. We think that it will increase considerably the liquidity in the market for shares in our Company and largely close the chasm between what their present sellers would take and what their buyers would pay. For KWG, a 'penny market' that trades in 1/2 cent increments has ceased to be of service for its shareholders. And, as there is no financial penalty in listing fees on the Canadian Securities Exchange, we have a unique opportunity to leave all of our issued shares outstanding. In this way we hope to avoid the disintermediation of our many enthusiastic small shareholders by the usual consolidation of capitalization, a route taken by so many other junior resource companies, and the consequent loss of liquidity from destruction of their tradable board lots which results." Recovery Process studies budgeted by Natural Resources Canada unit The Steering Committee overseeing the Canadian Chromite R&D Initiative of Natural Resources Canada's Canmet Mining unit recently approved programs and budgets for further research including KWG's proprietary direct reduction method of producing ferrochrome with natural gas. KWG will provide sample material from the Black Horse chromite occurrence for use in the research programs. Private Placement addition The Canadian Securities Exchange has granted permission for the completion of one final tranche of the previously-announced private placement of units, for $150,000. Each of the 7.5 million further units will comprise one new treasury share and one warrant; each warrant may be exercised to acquire a further treasury share for $0.05 at any time within five years from closing. KWG applied for and was granted relief to the CSE's minimum price rule. All shares issued will have a hold period of four months. About KWG: KWG has a 30% interest in the Big Daddy chromite deposit and the right to earn 80% of the Black Horse chromite where resources are being defined. KWG also owns 100% of CCC which has staked claims and conducted a surveying and soil testing program, originally for the engineering and construction of a railroad to the Ring of Fire from Aroland, Ontario. KWG subsequently acquired intellectual property interests, including a method for the direct reduction of chromite to metalized iron and chrome using natural gas. KWG subsidiary Muketi Metallurgical LP is prosecuting two chromite-refining patent applications in Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, and USA. Shares issued and outstanding: 961,320,281 Contacts: KWG Resources Inc. Bruce Hodgman Vice-President 416-642-3575 info@kwgresources.com ALISO VIEJO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Verismic, a global leader in cloud-based IT management technology, has been named a finalist in the "Emerging Technology Company" and "Emerging Technology CEO" categories of the Orange County Technology Alliance's annual High-Tech Innovation Awards. Verismic's agentless Cloud Management Suite is a cloud-based IT management solution that automates cumbersome IT tasks such as software distribution, third-party patching and power management. A user-friendly dashboard allows for tracking of IT assets through automated and customizable reporting. "We're thrilled to earn this recognition from the influential OC Tech Alliance, an organization that does great work promoting Orange County as an important technology hub," says Verismic president and CEO, Ashley Leonard. "Cloud Management Suite provides companies with a better way to distribute software and handle patching, resulting in reduced costs and a more productive IT department. I'm also honored to receive the accolade as an emerging technology CEO. My success is not possible without the the Verismic team which provides our customers with a sophisticated IT management platform and amazing service." Now in its 23rd year, the High-Tech Innovation Awards is Southern California's premier awards program event celebrating achievement among the regional tech industry. The OC Tech Alliance honors local companies, leaders and technology products that make Orange County a technology hub. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on October 6, 2016, at the Westin South Coast Plaza. "Orange County is home to many outstanding technology companies and our judges had a difficult task of choosing finalists from many worthy submissions," said Peter M. Craig, OC Tech Alliance chairman. "We congratulate Verismic as a finalist in these categories as it certainly achieves high marks for technology innovation here in Orange County." About Verismic: Verismic Software, Inc. is a global industry leader providing cloud-based IT management technology focused on enabling greater efficiency, cost-savings and security control for users, all while engaging in endpoint management. Headquartered in Aliso Viejo, Calif., Verismic is a growing and dynamic organization with offices in four countries and 12 partners in nine countries. Over the past two years, Verismic has worked with more than 150 companies ranging from 100 to 30,000 endpoints delivering a variety of solutions for organizations of all sizes as well as managed service providers (MSPs). Verismic's software portfolio includes the first-of-its-kind agentless, Cloud Management Suite (CMS); Power Manager; Software Packaging and Password Reset. For more information, visit www.verismic.com. Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3036278 MEDIA CONTACT: Leslie Licano Beyond Fifteen Communications, Inc. 949.733.8679 leslie@beyondfifteen.com HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Today, on the campus of Dalhousie University, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is contributing $250,000 to the Ocean School pilot program. The Ocean School program aims to promote a better understanding of our oceans, connect Canada's youth with these fascinating bodies of water, and inspire a new generation of ocean scientists. Its curriculum supports the Government of Canada's renewed focus on ocean science and its commitment to protect our three oceans, coasts, waterways and fisheries for the benefit of current and future generations. Jointly developed by Dalhousie University and the National Film Board, Ocean School is a groundbreaking, ocean science education program for students mainly between the ages of 11 to 15. This innovative program combines cutting-edge research with stunning filmmaking and a variety of modern teaching tools, including interactive virtual classrooms, virtual reality installations, and hands-on research projects Fisheries and Oceans Canada's contribution will support the program's virtual reality prototype and will help ensure Ocean School's completion by 2017. Quick Facts -- The funding comes from a new $5M Partnerships and Priorities Fund as part of the $197.1M in ocean and freshwater science. It aims to support and leverage new partnerships and collaborations within Canada's ocean and freshwater science community. -- The investment in Ocean School is in line with Canada's 2013 commitments under the Galway Statement for Atlantic Ocean Cooperation to enhance ocean literacy. Quotes "We are proud to partner with Dalhousie University and the National Film Board on the development of Ocean School. By fueling youth's interest in ocean science, this advanced, state-of-the-art program will help inspire Canada's next generation of ocean leaders, innovators and researchers." - The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard "The Ocean School partnership is a great example of government and post-secondary institutions working together to encourage our youth to discover the scientific wonders of the sea. Such initiatives are so important as they can inspire the next generation of young Canadians to pursue careers in science." - The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science "We are thrilled Minister LeBlanc visited campus today to provide us with this generous funding; it will enable us to move this project into the next stage of its development. This program unites Dalhousie's world-leading ocean science and education expertise with NFB's award-winning creative talent and learning technologies. We are very excited to see how it will make a difference for Canadian youth, and we thank the Government of Canada for its generosity." - Martha Crago, VP Research at Dalhousie University "The National Film Board of Canada is excited to be working with Dalhousie University on Ocean School, the latest in a long tradition of NFB initiatives that bring together Canadian expertise in science, media and education to create cutting-edge learning experiences. As the world's oceans bear the brunt of climate change and the demands of a growing global population, it's more important than ever that young Canadians have the resources they need to face these challenges and make wise choices. With the assistance of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Ocean School will go a long way in changing how we view our oceans-so vast, so rich with life, but also threatened as never before." - Claude Joli-Coeur, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the National Film Board of Canada Associated Links Ocean School website DFO's Partnerships and Priorities Fund Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca Follow us on Twitter! www.Twitter.com/DFO_MPO Contacts: Media Relations Fisheries and Oceans Canada 613-990-7537 Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Patricia Bell Press Secretary Office of the Minister Fisheries and Oceans Canada 613-992-3474 Patricia.Bell@dfo-mpo.gc.ca TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- (TSX: TOF.UN) Investors and investment advisors are invited to listen to an update on Taylor North American Equity Opportunities Fund (the "Fund") by David Taylor of Taylor Asset Management. A link to the update recorded on July 18, 2016 has been posted to the Brompton Funds' website at www.bromptongroup.com. The Fund is available for purchase on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TOF.UN. Taylor Asset Management employs a value-driven investment strategy to construct a portfolio that seeks to balance long-term capital growth with capital preservation and will invest opportunistically in equity and equity related securities of issuers that they believe are fundamentally sound and are trading at a discount to their intrinsic value. The Fund currently has approximately 66% of the portfolio allocated to Canadian equities with the balance allocated to US and Non-North American equities. The portfolio can be biased to either country depending on which market David believes offers the most attractive valuations. In addition, the Fund may invest up to 25% of the portfolio in securities listed outside of North America in cases where the portfolio manager believes attractive opportunities exist or for purposes of diversification. Since inception on June 19, 2012, through to June 30, 2016, TOF.UN has generated a return of 8.9% per annum(1), which is comprised of an increase in the NAV of the fund of $1.45 to $10.78 and total cash distributions of $2.38. TOF.UN has a current monthly distribution of $0.052 per unit, which equates to a market distribution rate of 6.1%(2). About Brompton Funds Brompton Funds, a division of Brompton Group which was founded in 2000, is an experienced investment fund manager with approximately $2.0 billion in assets under management. Brompton's investment solutions include TSX listed closed-end funds, mutual funds, hedge funds and flow-through limited partnerships. For further information, please contact your investment advisor, call Brompton's investor relations line at 416-642-6000 (toll-free at 1-866-642-6001), email info@bromptongroup.com or visit our website at www.bromptongroup.com. About Taylor Asset Management David Taylor of Taylor Asset Management Inc. has been managing equities for 28 years and funds managed by David Taylor have won 15 Lipper Awards(3) in the past decade for short, mid and long-term performance. (1) Please see www.bromptongroup.com for returns for all periods. (2) As at June 30, 2016 (3) For a detailed list of awards, please visit www.bromptongroup.com/funds/fund/tof/overview You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell units of the investment fund on the Toronto Stock Exchange or other alternative Canadian trading system (an "exchange"). If the units are purchased or sold on an exchange, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying units of the investment fund and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning units of an investment fund. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the fund. You can find more detailed information about the Fund in the public filings available at www.sedar.com. The indicated rate of return is the historical annual compounded total return including changes in unit value and reinvestment of all distributions and does not take into account certain fees such as redemption costs or income taxes payable by any securityholder that would have reduced returns. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to matters disclosed in this press release and to other matters identified in public filings relating to the Fund, to the future outlook of the Fund and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding the future financial performance of the Fund. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terms such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "continue" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Actual results may vary from such forward-looking information. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Contacts: Investor relations 416-642-6000 Toll-free at 1-866-642-6001 info@bromptongroup.com www.bromptongroup.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2016) - Defiance Silver Corp (TSXV: DEF) (OTC: DNCVF) ("Defiance"), is pleased to announce that Peter J. Hawley, BSc, BEng, P.Geo. has joined Defiance as a Director and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Hawley adds significant depth to the board with his 36 years of geological and mining experience spanning grassroots exploration through to development and production. Having worked extensively with a large number of intermediate and senior mining companies including Teck, Noranda, Placer Dome and Barrick Gold, Mr. Hawley was also the founder, CEO & Chairman of Scorpio Mining Corporation from 1998 to December 2014 when Scorpio combined with U.S. Gold and Silver Inc to form Americas Silver Corporation, where he still remains a Director. Peter is also the CEO of Scorpio Gold Corporation, a low cost open pit heap leach gold producer in Nevada, USA. Mr. Hawley has a track record of raising significant funds for private and public companies along with structuring mergers and acquisitions. Bruce Winfield, President & CEO of Defiance, stated, "On behalf of the Board, I would like to welcome Peter to the Defiance team. Peter brings another experienced mine finder and developer to the Board. His success in both fund-raising and deal structuring will be a tremendous asset to Defiance as we advance the San Acacio Silver deposit." Defiance has granted 200,000 incentive stock options to Mr. Hawley. The options are exercisable on or before July 20, 2021, at a price of $0.41. The grant of stock options is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. A Panoramic Video on the San Acacio Deposit is available on our website, or Click Here to visit our Defiance YouTube Channel. Defiance Silver Corp. is a silver explorer and developer advancing the San Acacio Deposit, located in the historic Zacatecas Silver District of central Mexico. Defiance is managed by a team of proven mine developers with a track record of exploring and developing 7 operating mines to date. Defiance's corporate mandate is to expand San Acacio to become one of Mexico's premier high grade wide vein silver deposits. For more information on the property or Defiance, please visit Defiance's website at www.DefianceSilver.com. On behalf of Defiance Silver Corp. "Bruce Winfield" President and CEO For more information, please contact: Sunny Pannu - Corporate Development (604) 669 7315 or via email at pannu@defiancesilver.com 2300 - 1177 West Hastings Street www.defiancesilver.com Vancouver, BC V6E 2K3 Tel: 604-669-7315 Email: info@defiancesilver.com 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. WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - July 21, 2016) - US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Morocco Wednesday and Thursday to meet with government officials as well as university students, entrepreneurs, and NGOs to discuss the fight against violent extremism and the 22 nd Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 22), which is scheduled to take place in Marrakesh in November. "The US-Moroccan partnership is key, not only to address common challenges, including security and climate, but also to benefit from available opportunities," said Mr. Blinken at a joint press briefing on Wednesday with Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Salaheddine Mezouar. "We greatly appreciate the leadership of the Kingdom, host country of the 22nd Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, on a large number of issues related to environment and climate," he noted. Minister Mezouar stressed that "the US commitment to the climate issue is crucial to accelerating the implementation of the Paris Agreement, the fight against climate change, capacity building, mobilization of funding and technology transfer." On security, the two officials reviewed "several issues of common interest, particularly the threat of Daesh, the issue of terrorism, religious leadership and the importance of promoting the value of tolerance advocated by Islam," according to Moroccan press reports. Minister Mezouar "noted a convergence of views in relation to the Middle East and Libya," and that the fight against Daesh in Libya, Iraq and Syria "is beginning to bear fruit." Mr. Blinken praised the role played by Morocco in the fight against extremism and terrorism, which includes participating in the US's anti-ISIS coalition, co-chairing with the Netherlands the Global Counterterrorism Forum, and an oft-lauded strategy of promoting religious tolerance and moderation throughout the region. In addition to his meetings with government officials, Mr. Blinken also met with international relations and political science students from the International University of Rabat as well as with green entrepreneurs and innovators. Tweeting on these encounters, Mr. Blinken said he was "inspired by [meetings] today highlighting Morocco's bright future" and "bowled over by eco-entrepreneurs," whose "Innovative ideas/solutions [are especially] critical ahead of OurOcean & @COP22 this fall." Mr. Blinken will next travel to Tunisia and Algeria. The Moroccan American Center for Policy (MACP) is a non-profit organization whose principal mission is to inform opinion makers, government officials, and interested publics in the United States about political and social developments in Morocco and the role being played by the Kingdom of Morocco in broader strategic developments in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. This material is distributed by the Moroccan American Center for Policy on behalf of the Government of Morocco. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/7/21/11G107576/Images/mezouar_and_blinken-b15290265b2994368239895a8ecbad14.jpg CONTACT: Jordana Merran 202.470.2049 jmerran@moroccanamericancenter.com PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwired - July 21, 2016) - Janrain , the leading Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) solutions provider, today announced the company is hosting a live educational webinar for digital marketers on July 26 that will focus on how brands can increase loyalty through CIAM. Jamie Beckland, vice president of product for Janrain, and Sarah Buxton, co-founder of The Observer Effect, will share insights and best practices for creating personalized experiences that drive deeper customer engagement. The webinar takes place at 9:00 a.m. EDT (2:00 p.m. BST / 3:00 p.m. GMT+2 / 6:00 a.m. PDT). One of the many topics this webinar will reflect on is how traditional, one-way communication from brand to customer is being replaced with a new interactive exchange between brand and customer -- one that's built on experience, value and loyalty. "CIAM helps companies truly know their customers in order to personalize their engagement," said Jamie Beckland, vice president of product for Janrain. "Digital experiences and customer data are now the foundation of modern business success, and even the most digitally advanced brands are consolidating their marketing strategies and data infrastructure around a single source: the customer's identity." Beckland and Buxton will also discuss why brands are moving toward increasingly personalized and synchronized interactions because of rapidly evolving customer expectations, and how the fragmentation of communication channels and devices is constantly developing at the same time. Webinar attendees will learn how to: Understand the actual needs of the customer Unify a customer's digital identities into one and manage them in a centralized platform Personalize experiences in order to drive deeper customer engagement Integrate Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) approaches Buxton, who is co-hosting this webinar with Janrain, has spent more than 10 years starting, scaling, acquiring and promoting businesses in both B2B and B2C environments. Buxton will share her unique perspectives on how to grow business revenue and turn brands into hyper-personalized engagements. To register for this webinar, please visit http://tinyurl.com/July-26-Webinar. About Janrain The Janrain Customer Identity and Access Management platform helps brands build a unified view of their customers across all devices by collecting accurate customer profile data to power personalized marketing. The proprietary platform encompasses social login, registration, customer profile data storage, customer segments, customer insights, single sign-on, and engagement. Janrain powers customer identity management for brands like Pfizer, Samsung, Whole Foods, Fox News, Philips, Marvel, and Dr Pepper. Founded in 2002, Janrain is based in Portland, Oregon, with offices in London, Paris, and the Silicon Valley in California. For more information, please visit www.janrain.com and follow @janrain. Media Contact: Jamie Dunne for Janrain +1 973.723.6216 jamie.dunne@dunnepr.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - As Donald Trump prepares to officially accept the Republican presidential nomination in Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday, the results of a new Suffolk University poll show the real estate tycoon tied with likely general election opponent Hillary Clinton in the Buckeye State. The poll showed Trump and Clinton tied at 44 percent among likely Ohio voters, while another 11 percent are still undecided. However, the survey found that Clinton has an advantage when Libertarian Gary Johnson and Green Party nominee Jill Stein are added into the mix. Clinton leads Trump 43 percent to 39 percent in a four-way scenario, with Johnson at 5 percent, Stein at 1 percent and 12 percent undecided. The poll also showed that the two major party candidates are viewed unfavorably by a majority of voters, with 51 percent viewing Clinton unfavorably and 53 percent viewing Trump unfavorably 'These largely negative views of the candidates come despite heavy Clinton campaign advertising in Ohio leading up to the Republican Convention and Trump's efforts to humanize his candidacy with multiple primetime speeches from family members,' said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center in Boston. He added, 'The Ohio-based Republican convention might have been expected to give Trump a bump among that state's voters, yet their dislike of both major-party candidates is translating into unease about the upcoming election.' Suffolk noted the final poll in 2012 showed President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney tied at 47 percent in Ohio, although the president ended up winning the state 51 percent to 48 percent. The survey of 500 likely Ohio voters was conducted July 18th through 20th and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points. (Photo: Lorie Shaull) 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. CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Essential Energy Services Ltd. (TSX: ESN) ("Essential") intends to release its 2016 second quarter financial results on August 9, 2016 and has scheduled a conference call and webcast at 10:00 am MT (12:00 pm ET) on August 10, 2016. The conference call dial in numbers are 416-340-2217 or 866-696-5910, passcode 6905316. An archived recording of the conference call will be available approximately one hour after completion of the call until August 24, 2016 by dialing 905-694-9451 or 800-408-3053, passcode 6643565. A live webcast of the conference call will be accessible on Essential's website at www.essentialenergy.ca by selecting "Investors" and "Events and Presentations". Shortly after the live webcast, an archived version will be available for approximately 30 days. ABOUT ESSENTIAL Essential Energy Services Ltd. provides oilfield services to oil and natural gas producers, primarily in western Canada. Essential offers completion, production and abandonment services to a diverse customer base. Services are offered with masted coil tubing, fluid and nitrogen pumping, service rigs and the sale and rental of downhole tools and equipment. Essential offers the largest masted coil tubing fleet in Canada. Further information can be found at www.essentialenergy.ca. The TSX has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Contacts: Essential Energy Services Ltd. Garnet K. Amundson President and CEO (403) 513-7272 service@essentialenergy.ca Essential Energy Services Ltd. Karen Perasalo Investor Relations (403) 513-7272 service@essentialenergy.ca CALGARY, Alberta, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The commencement of this Phase 1 pharmacokinentic (PK) trial in patients with severe renal impairment is the first in a series of planned clinical trials designed with value creation in mind. Resverlogix Corp. ("Resverlogix" or the "Company") (TSX:RVX) today announced that dosing has commenced in a Phase 1 PK study with lead drug candidate apabetalone (RVX-208) in patients with severe renal impairment. While the Company's Phase 3 BETonMACE trial, designed for high-risk cardiovascular disease patients with type 2 diabetes and low HDL is enrolling as planned, this Phase 1 trial has been initiated and designed in accordance with the Company's strategy to expand into new indications such as renal (chronic kidney disease) and orphan diseases with our lead candidate, apabetalone. This trial has the potential to create increased value for apabetalone in new high-risk patient segments which have shorter development paths to product registration and market adoption. The primary objective of the Phase 1 study, based in New Zealand, is to determine if apabetalone treated patients with severe renal impairment have the same favorable PK traits as has been witnessed in previous apabetalone trials. Results are expected in the second half of 2016, and if successful, will allow for more advanced renal impairment and dialysis trials to proceed. The study will also explore acute changes in biomarkers relevant to Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal (BET) inhibition in subjects with severe renal impairment. Two cohorts, each comprised of eight subjects, will be evaluated in the study. Cohort one will include subjects with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) not on dialysis, with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 30 mL/min/1.73m[2]while cohort two will include healthy individuals whose age, weight and gender will be matched to the renal impaired subjects. All subjects will receive a single oral administration of 100mg of apabetalone. Dr.Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh, Chairman of the Renal Clinical Advisory Board, and member of the BETonMACE Clinical Steering Committee stated, "The results from this study will further assist the Company in advancing planned Phase 2 trials into expanded renal indications. Additionally, potential effects on novel biomarkers and pathways affected by select BET inhibition in patients with severe renal impairment may be elucidated and provide insight for the pre-specified subgroup in Resverlogix's Phase 3 clinical trial BETonMACE, where is it anticipated that approximately 15 percent of subjects will have moderate renal impairment." About Resverlogix Resverlogix is developing apabetalone (RVX-208), a first-in-class, small molecule that is a selective BET (bromodomain and extra-terminal) inhibitor. BET bromodomain inhibition is an epigenetic mechanism that can regulate disease-causing genes. Apabetalone is the first and only BET inhibitor selective for the second bromodomain (BD2) within the BET protein called BRD4. This selective inhibition of apabetalone on BD2 produces a specific set of biological effects with potentially important benefits for patients with diseases such as high-risk cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer's disease, Orphan diseases, and peripheral artery disease, while maintaining a well described safety profile. Apabetalone is the only selective BET bromodomain inhibitor in human clinical trials, currently in a Phase 3 trial BETonMACE in high-risk CVD patients with type 2 DM and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Resverlogix common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:RVX). For further information please visithttp://www.resverlogix.com. Follow us on Twitter:@Resverlogix_RVX(https://twitter.com/resverlogix_rvx), or on our blog athttp://www.resverlogix.com/blog This news release may contain certain forward-looking information as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation, that are not based on historical fact, including without limitation statements containing the words "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "intends", "will", "should", "expects", "continue", "estimate", "forecasts" and other similar expressions. In particular, this news release includes forward looking information relating to the Company's Phase 3 clinical trial and the potential role of apabetalone in the treatment of CVD, DM, chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer's disease, Orphan diseases, and peripheral artery disease. Our actual results, events or developments could be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that any of the events or expectations will occur or be realized. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions and risk factors including those discussed in our Annual Information Form and most recent MD&A which are incorporated herein by reference and are available through SEDAR athttp://www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and are made as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention and has no obligation or responsibility, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. IRVINE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE: IM) today announced that after consultation with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the company and Tianjin Tianhai Investment Company, Ltd. (Tianjin Tianhai) (SSE A Share: 600751 and SSE B Share: 900938) have elected to submit a joint voluntary notice to the Committee, which will be filed in due course. The companies continue to expect the transaction to close in the second half of 2016 as previously announced, whereby Ingram Micro will become a part of HNA Group, a Hainan-based Fortune Global 500 enterprise group and a leader in aviation, tourism and logistics, which is the largest stockholder of Tianjin Tianhai. The companies also said that they are maintaining steady progress in receiving the required competition authority approvals in various jurisdictions, obtaining early termination of the waiting period under the U.S. HSR Act and antitrust authority approval from the Ministry of Commerce People's Republic of China (MOFCOM), as well as approvals from antitrust authorities in Brazil, Canada, India, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey. Additionally, after discussions with the European Commission and the Swiss competition authority, respectively, it was determined that antitrust filings with the Commission and the Swiss competition authority were not required. Instead, the companies have filed with the antitrust authorities in the following jurisdictions: Austria, Italy, Poland and Slovakia. About HNA Group Developed from a local aviation transportation operator to a conglomerate encompassing core divisions of aviation, holdings, capital, tourism and logistics, HNA Group's business outreach has expanded from Hainan Island to the globe, which has assets valued at over $90 billion, and has 11 listed companies. In 2015, HNA Group had revenues of $29 billion and nearly 180,000 employees worldwide. More at www.hnagroup.com. About Tianjin Tianhai Tianjin Tianhai was established on December 1st, 1992, located in Tianjin Airport Economic Zone, with registered capital above RMB2.89 billion. Tianjin Tianhai is a Shanghai Stock Exchange traded company. Tianjin Tianhai has now developed from a traditional marine shipping company into a modern logistic industry investor and operator, focusing on investment in logistic market segments, supply chain investment and management based on upstream and downstream of the logistic industry, as well as financing service for the logistic industry. With its clear vision, Tianjin Tianhai will be committed to becoming a core platform for logistic assets investment/management and financing service with global coverage under HNA Group. 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 www.ingrammicro.com. Cautionary Statement for the Purpose of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 The matters in this communication that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act are based on current management expectations. Certain risks may cause such expectations to not be achieved and, in turn, may have a material adverse effect on Ingram Micro's business, financial condition and results of operations. Ingram Micro disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: (1) our acquisition and investment strategies may not produce the expected benefits, which may adversely affect results of operations; (2) changes in macro-economic and geopolitical conditions can affect our business and results of operations; (3) failure to retain and recruit key personnel would harm our ability to meet key objectives; (4) we are dependent on a variety of information systems, which, if not properly functioning, and available, or if we experience system security breaches, data protection breaches, or other cyber-attacks and security risks to our associates, could adversely disrupt our business and harm our reputation and net sales; (5) we operate a global business that exposes us to risks associated with conducting business in multiple jurisdictions; (6) we may become involved in intellectual property disputes that could cause us to incur substantial costs, divert the efforts of management or require us to pay substantial damages or licensing fees; (7) our failure to adequately adapt to industry changes could negatively impact our future operating results; (8) we continually experience intense competition across all markets for our products and services; (9) termination of a key supply or services agreement or a significant change in supplier terms or conditions of sale could negatively affect our operating margins, revenue or the level of capital required to fund our operations; (10) substantial defaults by our customers or the loss of significant customers could negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity; (11) changes in, or interpretations of, tax rules and regulations, changes in the mix of our business amongst different tax jurisdictions, and deterioration of the performance of our business may adversely affect our effective income tax rates or operating margins and we may be required to pay additional taxes and/or tax assessments, as well as record valuation allowances relating to our deferred tax assets; (12) our goodwill and identifiable intangible assets could become impaired, which could reduce the value of our assets and reduce our net income in the year in which the write-off occurs; (13) changes in our credit rating or other market factors, such as adverse capital and credit market conditions or reductions in cash flow from operations may affect our ability to meet liquidity needs, reduce access to capital, and/or increase our costs of borrowing; (14) we cannot predict the outcome of litigation matters and other contingencies that we may be involved with from time to time; (15) our failure to comply with the requirements of environmental regulations could adversely affect our business; (16) we face a variety of risks in our reliance on third-party service companies, including shipping companies, for the delivery of our products and outsourcing arrangements; (17) changes in accounting rules could adversely affect our future operating results; (18) our quarterly results have fluctuated significantly; (19) despite its global presence, Ingram Micro may fail to proactively identify and tap into emerging markets and geographies; (20) our acquisition by Tianjin Tianhai / the HNA Group may not be timely completed, if completed at all; and (21) prior to the completion of our acquisition by Tianjin Tianhai / the HNA Group, our business experiencing disruptions due to transaction-related uncertainty or other factors making it more difficult to maintain relationships with vendors, customers, licensees, other business partners or governmental entities, or retain key employees. We have historically instituted, and will continue to institute, changes to our strategies, operations and processes in an effort to address and mitigate risks; however, there are no assurances that Ingram Micro will be successful in these efforts. For a further discussion of significant factors to consider in connection with forward-looking statements concerning Ingram Micro, reference is made to our SEC filings, and specifically to Item 1A-Risk Factors, of our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. 2016 Ingram Micro Inc. All rights reserved. Ingram Micro and the registered Ingram Micro logo are trademarks used under license by Ingram Micro Inc. For More Information Contact: Damon Wright +1 (714) 382-5013 damon.wright@ingrammicro.com BELLEVUE, WA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Esterline Corporation (www.esterline.com) (NYSE: ESL), a leading global specialty manufacturer primarily serving the aerospace and defense markets, today announced the selection of Scott Selle to serve as President for the company's Defense Technologies business group within its Advanced Materials segment. Selle served in the U.S. Navy and has 20 years of aerospace manufacturing and defense munitions experience, more than a decade of which was spent in executive leadership positions. The Esterline Defense Technologies operations include three manufacturing locations in the United States, employing approximately 600 people and supplying airborne countermeasure products and combustible ordnance for allied military forces. Esterline CEO Curtis Reusser said, "In addition to his years of defense industry and management experience, Scott has a proven track record of success with achieving world-class operational performance, maintaining high regulatory compliance standards, and making excellent strides in workplace safety. I'm excited for him to bring immediate value to our team." Before joining Esterline, Selle ran his own small consulting business supporting aerospace and defense manufacturing companies with operational and growth goals. Prior to that, he was President of Nammo Talley Inc., a developer of aerospace and defense munitions products similar to those manufactured within Esterline Defense Technologies. He also spent time as President of Fairchild Controls Corp. -- a division of the Airbus Group -- and held several roles of increasing responsibility within Honeywell Aerospace. Before his career in industry, Selle served in the United States Navy submarine force, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. He has a bachelor's degree in Materials Science Engineering from the University of Florida and an MBA from Arizona State University. Selle is also a Six Sigma Black Belt continuous improvement expert, and from 2013 to 2015 was the chairman of the Industrial Committee of Ammunition Producers, a government-industry alliance for the open exchange of information on issues related to ammunition and energetics. Selle succeeds Jim Brandt, who is retiring later this year after five years with Esterline. Brandt was closely involved in the selection process to find the best successor to lead the Defense Technologies business going forward. About Esterline: Esterline Corporation is a leading worldwide supplier to the aerospace and defense industry specializing in three core areas: Advanced Materials; Avionics & Controls; and Sensors & Systems. With annual sales of approximately $2 billion, Esterline employs roughly 13,000 people worldwide. Operations within the Advanced Materials segment focus on technologies including high-temperature-resistant materials and components used for a wide range of military and commercial aerospace purposes, and combustible ordnance and electronic warfare countermeasure products. Operations within the Avionics & Controls segment focus on technology interface systems for commercial and military aircraft and similar devices for land- and sea-based military vehicles, cockpit displays and integration systems, flight training and simulation equipment, secure communications systems, specialized medical equipment, and other high-end industrial applications. The Sensors & Systems segment includes operations that produce high-precision temperature and pressure sensors, specialized harsh-environment connectors, electrical power distribution equipment, and other related systems principally for aerospace and defense customers. Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3036386 GREENVILLE, SC--(Marketwired - July 21, 2016) - KEMET Corporation (NYSE: KEM), a leading global supplier of electronic components, today introduced its advanced U2J Class-I ceramic dielectric capacitors. This U2J surface mount platform offers more than twice the capacitance available in C0G/NP0. It also provides superior temperature performance over X7R, X8R and X5R, rendering it an ideal capacitor solution for many applications including telecom, data acquisition and Internet of Things. "KEMET continues its leadership position in Class-I dielectric product offerings with the release of this new U2J dielectric technology," said Abhijit Gurav, KEMET Vice President of Ceramic Technology. "These new U2J capacitors offer the highest capacitance values for Class-I ceramic dielectrics in the industry while providing excellent voltage stability similar to our commercially-successful C0G." U2J capacitors are extremely stable with a linear capacitance change with temperature, enabling design engineers to predict the change in capacitance over the operating temperature range. They also retain over 99% of nominal capacitance at full rated voltage and extend the available capacitance of Class-I dielectric MLCCs into a range previously available only in Class-II dielectrics. U2J capacitors are Pb-Free, RoHS and REACH compliant without exemptions. U2J MLCCs are available now in commercial grade and with a flexible termination option. For more information, please visit www.kemet.com/U2J. About KEMET KEMET Corporation is a leading global manufacturer of electronic components that meet the highest standards for quality, delivery and service. The company offers its customers the broadest selection of capacitor technologies in the industry across all dielectrics, along with an expanding range of electromechanical devices, electromagnetic compatibility solutions and supercapacitors. KEMET's corporate headquarters are in South Carolina; the company also operates manufacturing facilities, sales and distribution centers around the world. KEMET's common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "KEM." Additional information about KEMET can be found at www.kemet.com. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements included herein contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws about KEMET Corporation's (the "Company") financial condition and results of operations that are based on management's current expectations, estimates and projections about the markets in which the Company operates, as well as management's beliefs and assumptions. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," variations of such words and other similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management's judgment only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise. Certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcome and results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements are described in the Company's reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/7/20/11G107436/Images/KEMET_U2J_Dielectric_Capacitor-ffbcea4879948f11a6be98932c2a3a27.jpg Contact: Dr. John C. Boan Vice President, Marketing johnnyboan@kemet.com 954.766.2813 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Avrupa Minerals Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: AVU)(FRANKFURT: 8AM) is pleased to report on joint venture progress during 2016 at the Covas Tungsten Project in northern Portugal. Blackheath Resources ("BHR") holds 75% of the JV by virtue of contributing over 1.6 million euros, to date, for exploration on the project. Avrupa holds the remaining 25% and continues as Operator of the project. For further information concerning the earn-in joint venture deal with BHR, please refer to the Avrupa news release of May 12, 2014. Work in 2016 includes the following programs: -- The partners have commenced planning and initial work on the project environmental impact study ("EIS"), according to guidelines established by the government of Portugal. The initial work program includes preparation of detailed flora, fauna, and socio-economic baseline studies in/around the Cerdeirinha, Boundary, Castelo, Muito Seco, and Lapa Grande tungsten deposit areas. The deposits have previously been partially drill-tested by the joint venture, and an initial NI 43-101 indicated resources estimate was reported by Avrupa and BHR at the end of Q1 2015. -- Bulk sampling and mineralogical work commenced at the Cerdeirinha open pit site. A field team collected approximately 200 kilograms of tungsten-bearing material which was sent out for mineralogical studies prior to commencing full processing test work. -- Work continues on an internal experimental exploitation study for a small-scale pilot plant at Cerdeirinha, based on the initial indicated resources estimate. -- Further internal review of the Telheira deposit area is planned for later in July/August. Paul W. Kuhn, President and CEO of Avrupa commented, "We are certainly pleased with the program movement during the first half of the year. Starting the EIS, mineralogy, and processing test work are important milestones for the Covas program. We are looking forward to continued positive results from the Project and to making further steps towards determining the viability of the Covas operation." Avrupa Minerals Ltd. is a growth-oriented junior exploration and development company focused on discovery, using a prospect generator model, of valuable mineral deposits in politically stable and prospective regions of Europe, including Portugal, Kosovo, and Germany. The Company currently holds nine exploration licenses in three European countries, including six in Portugal covering 3,821 km2, two in Kosovo covering 47 km2, and one in Germany covering 307 km2. Avrupa has three joint ventures, two in Portugal and one in Kosovo, including: -- The Alvalade JV, with Colt Resources, covering one license in the Iberian Pyrite Belt of southern Portugal, for Zn/Cu-rich massive sulfide deposits; -- The Covas JV, with Blackheath Resources, covering one license in northern Portugal, for intrusion-related W deposits; and -- Avrupa's partner at the Slivovo Gold Project in Kosovo is presently advancing the Project by funding and operating a pre-feasibility study. Avrupa is currently upgrading precious and base metal targets to JV-ready status in a variety of districts on their other licenses, with the idea of attracting potential partners to project-specific and/or regional exploration programs. For additional information, visit our website at www.avrupaminerals.com. On behalf of the Board, Paul W. Kuhn, President & Director This news release was prepared by Company management, who take full responsibility for its content. Paul W. Kuhn, President and CEO of Avrupa Minerals, a Licensed Professional Geologist and a Registered Member of the Society of Mining Engineers, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has reviewed the technical disclosure in this release. Mr. Kuhn, the QP, has not only reviewed, but prepared and supervised the preparation or approval of the scientific and technical content in the news release. 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. Contacts: Avrupa Minerals Ltd. Paul W. Kuhn President & Director 1-604-687-3520 888-889-4874 (FAX) www.avrupaminerals.com ATHENS, GREECE -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Danaos Corporation (NYSE: DAC), one of the world's largest independent owners of containerships, announced today that it will release its results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016, after the close of the market in New York on Monday, August 1, 2016. The Company's management team will host a conference call to discuss the results on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at 9:00 A.M. ET. Conference Call Details: Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers: U.S. Toll Free Dial-in: 1 844 802 2437 U.K. Toll Free Dial-in: 0 800 279 9489 Standard International Dial-in: +44 (0) 2075 441 375 Please indicate to the operator that you wish to join the Danaos Corporation earnings call. A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available until August 9, 2016 by dialing 1 877 344 7529 (US Toll Free Dial In) or +44 (0) 2036 088 021 (Standard International Dial In) and using 100901373# as your access code. Audio Webcast: A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available through the Danaos Corporation website (www.danaos.com). Participants of the live audio webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast. An archived version of the audio webcast will be available on the website within 48 hours of the completion of the call. About Danaos Corporation Danaos Corporation is one of the largest independent owners of modern, large-size containerships. Our current fleet of 59 containerships aggregating 353,586 TEUs, including three vessels owned jointly with Gemini Shipholdings Corporation, is predominantly chartered to many of the world's largest liner companies on fixed-rate, long-term charters. Our long track record of success is predicated on our efficient and rigorous operational standards and environmental controls. Danaos Corporation's shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "DAC". Visit our website at www.danaos.com For further information please contact: Company Contact: Evangelos Chatzis Chief Financial Officer Danaos Corporation Athens, Greece Tel: +30 210 419 6480 E-Mail: cfo@danaos.com Iraklis Prokopakis Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Danaos Corporation Athens, Greece Tel. +30 210 419 6400 E-Mail: coo@danaos.com Investor Relations and Financial Media: Rose & Company New York Tel. 212-359-2228 E-Mail: danaos@rosecoglobal.com ROAD TOWN, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Northwestern Enterprises Ltd. ("Northwestern"), a company beneficially owned by Paulo Carlos de Brito ("Brito"), announces that on July 21, 2016, it entered into binding agreements with two separate sellers to acquire ownership of an aggregate of 95,480,414 ordinary shares ("Ordinary Shares") of Rio Novo Gold Inc. ("Rio Novo"). The 95,480,414 Ordinary Shares (the "Purchased Shares") will be purchased by Northwestern in private transactions at a price of $0.092 per share on or before August 22, 2016, subject to customary closing conditions. The Purchased Shares represent approximately 63.03% of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares (based upon the 151,482,253 Ordinary Shares stated to be issued and outstanding by Rio Novo). In addition, concurrently with the completion of the acquisition of the Purchased Shares, Brito intends to cause an aggregate of 3,557,000 Ordinary Shares to be transferred from Sercor Ltd. ("Sercor") to Northwestern, representing approximately 2.35% of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares. Both Sercor and Northwestern are entities owned and controlled by Brito, and such transfer will be effected without change in beneficial ownership of the applicable Ordinary Shares. After giving effect to the acquisition of the Purchased Shares and the transfer of Ordinary Shares from Sercor, Northwestern will hold an aggregate of 99,037,414 Ordinary Shares representing approximately 65.4% of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares. The entering into of the private agreement to acquire the Purchased Shares was completed as part of Northwestern's ongoing review of its investment holdings and to permit it to acquire a significant ownership position in Rio Novo. In connection with the increase in its position in Rio Novo, Northwestern intends to propose nominees for the board of directors of Rio Novo and to cause such nominees to be elected or appointed in accordance with applicable law, and to engage in dialogue with management and the board of directors of Rio Novo regarding strategic options available to the company. For additional information, or to obtain a copy of the report required pursuant to the early warning reporting requirements, please contact: Paulo Carlos de Brito Telephone: +5511 2164-7345 Email: daniela@springold.com Northwestern Enterprises Ltd. Morgan & Morgan Building Pasea Estate, Road Town Tortola, British Virgin Islands Contacts: Paulo Carlos de Brito +5511 2164-7345 daniela@springold.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Tahoe Resources Inc. ("Tahoe") (TSX: THO)(NYSE: TAHO) today announced that the Company will release its second quarter and first half 2016 financial and operating results after the market close on Tuesday, August 9, 2016. The Company will then host a conference call to review the results the following morning, Wednesday, August 10, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT). Those wishing to join the call can do so using the telephone numbers listed below. A recording of the call will be available later in the day on August 10, 2016 on the Company's website at www.tahoeresources.com. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/21/16 -- Firan Technology Group Corporation (TSX: FTG) announced today that Mike Andrade has joined FTG's Board of Directors. In conjunction with this, he is also appointed to the Audit Committee and the Corporate Governance/Compensation Committee. Mike Andrade has extensive experience in the electronics industry. He is currently Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Solar. Prior to this he was President, Diversified Markets at Celestica where he spent over twenty years of his career. Mike Andrade has both an engineering degree and an MBA. He has always been active in a variety of community causes throughout his career. "We are pleased to have someone with Mike's skills and experience join FTG's Board," stated Robert Beutel, Chairman, FTG Corporation. He added, "FTG has future growth plans and having an experienced executive like Mike provide his guidance and advice can only increase the likelihood of our continued success." "As electronics becomes a larger portion of the aerospace industry, companies like FTG become more important, particularly for Canada," noted Mike Andrade. He added, "I am pleased to join FTG's Board at this time as my previous experience in growing international aerospace electronics businesses should be beneficial to them as they expand." ABOUT FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION FTG is an aerospace and defense electronics product and subsystem supplier to customers around the globe. FTG has two operating units: FTG Circuits is a manufacturer of high technology, high reliability printed circuit boards. Our customers are leaders in the aviation, defense, and high technology industries. FTG Circuits has operations in Toronto, Ontario, Chatsworth, California, Hudson, New Hampshire and a joint venture in Tianjin, China. FTG Aerospace manufactures illuminated cockpit panels, keyboards and sub-assemblies for original equipment manufacturers of aerospace and defense equipment. FTG Aerospace has operations in Toronto, Ontario, Chatsworth, California, Fort Worth, Texas and Tianjin, China. The Corporation's shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FTG. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are related to, but not limited to, FTG's operations, anticipated financial performance, business prospects and strategies. Forward-looking information typically contains words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan" or similar words suggesting future outcomes. Such statements are based on the current expectations of management of the Corporation and inherently involve numerous risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, including economic factors and the Corporation's industry, generally. The preceding list is not exhaustive of all possible factors. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual events and results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made by the Corporation. The reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully when making decisions with respect to the Corporation and not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Other than as may be required by law, FTG disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional information can be found at the Corporation's website www.ftgcorp.com Contacts: Firan Technology Group Corporation Bradley C. Bourne President and CEO (416) 299-4000 x 314 bradbourne@ftgcorp.com Firan Technology Group Corporation Joseph R. Ricci Vice President and CFO (416) 299-4000 x 309 joericci@ftgcorp.com Mining industry adviser, RungePincockMinarco Ltd, says it has lost a court case in Russia.Initially, RPM sued a Russian company in the Arbitration Court of Moscow to recover US$ 988,500 in professional fees.Not only did RPMs claim for unpaid debts fail, but, the Court ordered RPM to refund US$350,000 in fees that it had already paid by that Russian company.RPM believes the Courts judgment was without merit, and has lodged an appeal.RPM reported a net loss of $1.1 million at 31 December 2015. Industry Ventures LLC, a San Francisco, CA-based venture capital firm, closed a total of over $400m in two funds. The new funds, which bring the firms total institutional capital under management to over $3 billion, of which $1.1 billion has been raised this year, include: Industry Ventures Partnership Holdings IV, L.P., a hybrid fund of funds to support new early stage venture capital partnerships, and Industry Ventures Direct, L.P., the firms debut direct co-investment fund to invest in early and mid-stage companies when they need more capital for growth. Founded in 2000 by Hans Swildens, CEO, Industry Ventures has invested in over 66 new venture capital partnerships, 12 co-investment funds and made 26 direct co-investments. The funds focus generally on technology investments in the software, internet infrastructure, hardware, digital education, fintech, mobile applications, digital health, and cyber security sectors. The investor base includes leading institutions representing government and corporate pension funds, insurance companies, endowments, foundations, high net worth family offices and the firms Managing Directors. FinSMEs 21/07/2016 EpiBiome, a South San Francisco, CA-based precision microbiome engineering company, has been accepted into Stanfords StartX Accelerator Program. Throughout the 16-week program, EpiBiome will receive mentorship from a community of more than 200 serial entrepreneurs, experts, angels and venture capitalists. Additionally, Stanford will participate in the companys B financing round, offering more than $400k in value from the programs partners, all in exchange for zero equity. Led by Dr. Nick Conley, co-founder and CEO, Aeron Tynes Hammack, PhD, Co-founder and COO, Christina Tsai, PhD, Co-founder & VP of Asian Business Development, Lucia Mokres, DVM, Chief Medical Officer, and Bruno Marchon, PhD, CTO, EpiBiome develops FDA-approved therapies to combat infectious disease in humans and in agriculture without the use of small-molecule antibiotics. Its first product will address bovine mastitis, an inflammation of the udder tissue in dairy cows, usually caused by bacterial infection. Backers in the company include Alexandria Venture Investments, China Rock Capital Management, Illumina Accelerator Boost Capital, Matrix Capital Management, SV Tech Ventures, and Viking Global Investors. It just received $1m in debt financing. FinSMEs 21/07/2016 Visual art, music, tech, startups and venture capital all of them are highly experimental, prone to failure and aim to transform our society. And I was thrilled to attend Tech Open Air, a new event that brings together artists, investors, product people and scientists to celebrate creativity and discuss innovations, technology and culture. I was able to attend the event, and Im happy to share with FinSMEs readers a few things Ive learned, in no particular order. Among the others, I was amazed by the talk by Paola Antonelli, Senior Curator at MoMA, which was about Design and Violence, a web-based project collecting a huge variety of objects and design ideas carefully designed to kill or hurt people. Its somehow shocking to see how much ingenuity humans put in anything they do and killing is a big part of it. Speaking about our world, my attention was grabbed by China and Silicon Valley alternative models, two topics extensively discussed at TOA. China Stage 4 was the best stage of the festival, despite being the smallest indoor stage. Organized by NEU China, it hosted a great variety of topics with China as common theme. Being a European citizen, I was curious to learn more about whats going on in the biggest competitor to the US/Silicon Valley system. Here some takeaways: China is a huge market for digital goods people spend $15 bn a year in mobile gaming and people use to pay to live stream/broadcast, and theres no surprise then that a big VR movement is taking off. While technical challenges (framerate, real time motion) are shared by all VR companies in the world, it seems more difficult fo Chinese companies to gather attention of the young, still-too-risk-adverse VC community to build an ambitious company without a concrete plan to make revenue in a short time. TL;DR: China seems to have the best market in terms of number of users and habit of spending but its not the best place to start a company in this space for an immature, too risk-adverse VC ecosystem. David Lee founder of the first maker space in Shenzhen and speaker at TOA pointed out, VC-backed companies represent less than 1% of the total companies founded in China (and in the world too) and the VC-backed entrepreneur is not the typical Chinese entrepreneur. Its shocking to acknowledge that there is a huge number of unknown companies who make $5/15M in revenue per year and are totally bootstrapped or crowdfunded many of which basically build a hardware product for vertical markets and based in Shenzhen. Shenzhen is today the place to be for any maker or hardware entrepreneur, because its culture and production facilities can provide to the biggest variety of components and maker talents in the world. A simple example comes from company shipping 50 million units of a particular device with 8 giant speakers a year. Who needs an eight-speaker huge smartphone? Turns out, construction workers do. And its a big business. Silicon Valley Alternative Models The overall mood of TOA was a big we are Berlin statement with a question mark at the end. What is Berlin today? Its still difficult to define. The first talk to give a systemic description of Berlin was Kickstarter CEO Yancey Strickler, the last speaker of the conference. Stickler, a former art critique turned entrepreneur, talked about how culture, narrative and business have the power to shape our society, and the unique potential and opportunity that Berlin has to become a unique tech hub, globally. Kickstarter recently did something incredible for a private tech company: it paid dividends to its investors. I wasnt able to fully understand the reason behind it until Ive heard him speak. Strickler is an idealistic entrepreneur, who isnt afraid to point out all is wrong with the Silicon Valley model of hyper-growth at all costs something that the many Rocket Internet employees who attended at the conference might have found difficult to accept but worth thinking about. His point was that Berlin shouldnt follow this model but build a real alternative based on privacy and restored respect for the user/customer, based on companies with the ambition to have a positive impact on society at scale. I wasnt conviced by all the ideas mainly because all of the biggest Silicon Valley based companies had a huge positive impact on society too, and he seemed to forget it in his own speech. What is clear to me after TOA is that the unique atmosphere and culture of Berlin, more than Brexit, represents the biggest chance for the city to become a tech hub able to spur world-changing companies. FinSMEs 21/07/2016 Governments the world over play to galleries and often make knee-jerk reactions with an eye on winning public sympathy and approbation but when the same is done by the judiciary and quasi-judicial bodies, it is a cause for alarm and concern. It is against this backdrop that the recent National Green Tribunals (NGT) ban on diesel vehicles of 10 year vintage from plying on Delhi roads raises eyebrows and concerns. First of all, the technical issues. A study by IIT Kanpur has conclusively proved that vehicular pollution accounts for hardly 2 percent of Delhis unacceptably high polluted air, with biomass emissions, construction dust and emissions from coal-fed ovens and plants being the main culprits. It was the duty of the executive and its lawyers to make a proper presentation before the NGT highlighting the contributory factors in their proper perspective. That perhaps would have sobered down the NGTs instinctive proclivity to rile against the most convenient whipping boy----the diesel vehicles. Secondly, there are logistical issues laced with technical that have been turned a blind eye to. Where will the lakhs of vehicles be kept? Will they be shifted to other states, both neighbouring and distant? Would the NGT in that case not be guilty of shifting the problem to other states in the manner of European nations dumping their electronic waste in third world countries? The government should have submitted its blue print to the NGT about its seriousness in speeding up mass rapid transport system in Delhi including expanding the metro rail footprint. The Delhi government should also have impressed on the Petroleum Ministry to bring down the sulphur content in the diesel so as to comply with BS VI norms from which we are lagging behind considerably. Thirdly, what about those who are caught in the cross-fires? Automobile industry has invested heavily in assembly lines and technology for diesel vehicles. They obviously cannot be expected to dismantle all these suddenly especially if other states follow suit in keeping with our herd instincts. And with the advent of app-based taxi hailing, thousands of drivers have borrowed heavily to run taxis for their livelihood honourably. Their dreams would go up in smoke as would those of banks which have advanced them loans. NPAs could mount, this time round from the self-employed sector. It is true that it took the Supreme Court to order CNG, a clean fuel, for public transport vehicles that helped Delhi to reduce pollution levels considerably. But it is one thing to order a new technology or fuel and quite another to order a disruptive ban with its ripple effects. CNG brought about a revolution in terms of employment and business opportunities but ban on diesel vehicles would be counterproductive and disruptive besides being a wrong solution to a vexed problem. Diesel cars have been the favourite whipping boys of NGOs and judiciary. They have come to symbolize, rightly or wrongly, elitism. Diesel cars especially the large SUVs are bought by the rich and the famous for their macho appeal as well as their cheapness both in terms of one time purchase cost and running expenses. But then the government is to blame for its wrong fiscal policy when it comes to diesel vehicles. The cheapness in manufacturing cost should have been mopped up through a stiff impost. And diesel is no longer the fuel for the poor farmer running his tractors. Therefore at least in urban petrol pumps, diesel must be sold at a price comparable to petrol. In the US, diesel is more expensive than petrol, with the reason being refineries produce far less quantities of diesel. The sooner we bring about parity between diesel and petrol prices the better. It is good that the AAP government is going to file an appeal against the ill-thought-out verdict of the NGT. The Narendra Modi-governments decision to front load the annual capital infusion for public sector banks (PSBs) may have come as an immediate relief for some of the cash-strapped public sector banks (PSBs). But, it is only a painkiller, not a medicine that can cure Indias state-run banks from the begging bowl syndrome or the ritual of lining up before the North Block every year to get government funds to stay afloat. The announcement hasnt really impressed rating agencies. In a note issued on Wednesday, rating agency, ICRA said capital infusion has come too little considering the requirement of these lenders. According to the rating agency, the PSBs would require capital in the range of Rs 40,000 crore to Rs 50,000 crore as compared with Rs 22,900 crore that the government has infused. In total, the government plans to infuse Rs 25,000 crore for the full year. This shortfall in allocation could continue to impact the PSBs loan book growth in FY2017 as the possibility of large quantum of capital raising from non-government sources remain limited as of now and PSBs internal capital generation is likely to remain muted on the back of significant pressure on their asset quality." To put it in simple words, there are no takers for PSBs in the market if they want to raise more funds. Not just ICRA, the global rating agency, Fitch ratings too have said that pressure will remain on state-run banks despite the current round of capital infusion. Fitch estimates Indian banks will need $90 billion in total additional capital - most of which will be accounted for by the public banks - to meet Basel III requirements by 2019, it said. Pressures on public bank credit profiles will remain, and more capital than the Rs 70,000 crore earmarked through to fiscal year 2019 will be needed from the government to restore market confidence and position the sector for long-term growth, Fitch said. Rest of the banks except the ones in the begging bowl list (State Bank of India has the largest pie getting Rs7,500 crore of the thirteen banks getting capital infusion) will have to fend for themselves. Sarkari banks woes The reason for pessimism on the part of credit rating agencies regarding state-run banks is obvious. Their balance sheet sizes arent in a good shape, as is evident from the ongoing bad loan clean-up exercise in their books. Also, the high provision (money set aside to cover such loans) associated to this has jacked up their capital requirements many fold. PSBs losses have escalated sharply in the second half of the fiscal year ending March 2016Rs 38,407 crore. Their NPAs have gone up by an additional Rs 2.26 lakh crore in this period. As a point of comparison, the loss figure is nearly double the government's capital injection in fiscal year 2016 and eroded the equivalent of nearly 15 percent of end-FY'15 capital. This caused loan-book contraction at many public banks, which brought sector-wide credit growth to below 10 per cent in fiscal year '16, the lowest increase in a decade. Bad loans and associated provisions are only one part of the overall capital problem. Banks need money to meet the Basel-III norms and expand credit when the loan demand picks up in the economy. Clearly, the governments ability to continue to feed the state-run banks, in some of which it has ownership above 75 percent, is doubtful. As the raters pointed out, even this year, the government hasnt been able to provide the required capital for the banks. With there being no sign of improvement in the health of their balance sheets, things are going to be even more difficult for PSBs and their owner (the government) in the approaching years. In other words, Indias sarkari banks are so used to the begging bowl syndrome. Forty seven years after Indira Gandhi announced their nationalization, what has changed in the functioning of banks? The short answer is nothing much. Except the largely cosmetic changes government-programmes like Indradhanush offer, PSBs continues to be largely extended arms of the government. A large part of the burden of social sector funding, priority sector lending and making government schemes successful still fall on them on a regular basis. This is something Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Raghuram Rajan has highlighted in the recent past. Similarly, these entities have been easy targets for the corporate-political nexus for easy money for years. But the major reason for the current NPA (Non-performing Assets) mess in these banks is their lack of efficiency in credit appraisal process and careless lending practices to grow their loan books. Till recently, every outgoing chairman wanted to show maximum growth in their business volume while little attention was paid on quality of growth. Autonomy of operations and scope to innovate was a word too distant for these entities. The idea of nationalizationtake the banking services to millions of unbankedhas progressed but still remains a task far from the target. The big and imminent problem for PSBs is that the industry around them is changing too fast. With new payments banks and small finance banks stepping in and existing private banks ramping up their technology base, the competition has intensified a lot. These new lenders are relying heavily on technology such as mobile and internet banking rather than traditional brick and mortar model. These banks typically target the young customer-segment in the urban, semi-urban areas that are tech savvy. In comparison to them, PSBs have failed to catch up in the desired manner. The technology challenge How are PSBs poised in the new era of technology war? Nandan Nilekani, ex chairman of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) describes this problem in his recent Indian Express column. The public sector banks, which occupy the commanding heights of the economy with a 70 percent market share, will be particularly challenged. Even as they deal with the inheritance of their losses, they will have to cope with, and master enormous digital disruption. This will require their owners, the government, to give them the autonomy and freedom to experiment and innovate. Nilekani is bang on here. According to a 29 June Credit Suisse report, the advent of Unified Payment Interface (UPI) and Aadhaar bank linkage has set stage for a payment revolution in Indias financial services industry. The Indian payment system will now leapfrog to digital where cost of transactions will be near zero, customer ownership will rest with best interface providers and incumbency of deposits will be challenged, the report said. This, in turn, will result in new business models to emerge, which will be redefined and unserved markets open up as financial providers move from being data poor to data rich. We estimate the consumer and SME loan market will grow from US$600 billion to US$3,020 billion in the next ten years, it said. Currently, India has 342.65 million internet users and 1 billion mobile phone users. Nilekani points out that already one billion Indians have Aadhaar numbers and over 280 million Indian residents have Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. The number of smart phone users in India is expected to increase to 700 million by 2020. Those that are able to transform (The Quick) will not only survive but capture increasing market share. We expect private bank market share to rise from the current 23 percent to 37 percent over the next ten years as private banks are nimbler and currently have a disproportionate share of digital channels, says Credit Suisse report. In other words, those banks which fail to make use of technology will perish. Thats a strong warning to Indias state-run banks which still are still heavily dependent on government capital for survival and do not have a self-sustainable model. If the Modi-government is serious in saving these banks, it will have to think of freeing these entities from the begging bowl syndrome. Modi will have to rethink his aversion to the privatization of PSU banks. Unless the government let go of its control and let PSBs fend for themselves competing in a free market, there is no future for these entities. (Data provided by Kishor Kadam) New Delhi: Debt-laden infrastructure firm Gammon India Ltd today reported consolidated net loss of Rs 502.51 crore for 18-month period ended 31 March. The company closed its accounts for nine months ended 30 September, 2014, recording a consolidated net loss of Rs 728.88 crore. In a filing to BSE, Gammon said: "The current period ending 31 March, 2016 is for 18 months and the previous period the company had closed its account for the nine month period ended 30 September, 2014. Therefore the figures for current audited period are not strictly comparable with those of the previous audited period." It further said that the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has directed the company to either recover remuneration paid to Abhijit Rajan, chairman and managing director, for the period 1 April, 2012 to 30 September, 2014 or to file application for waiver of renumeration paid. The company's operating results have been affected in the last few years due to various factors including liquidity crunch, unavailability of resources on timely basis, delays in execution of projects, delays in land acquisition, approval of design etc by client, scarcity of labour and materials as well as operational issues, it said. Its total income from operations stood at Rs 8,099.28 crore for the 18 months ended 31 March. The company's total expenses during the period under review stood at Rs 7,181.89 crore. Its overseas operations are characterised by weak order book, paucity of working capital and uncertain business environment. This has also resulted in various winding up claims filed against the company. It further said that the company is exploring various options for overcoming liquidity crisis. It is also in discussions with clients for clearing bottlenecks in timely execution of projects. The company is evaluating and exploring various courses of action for raising funds for company's operations including options for strategic restructuring. India's online retail space continues to witness hectic action even as ecommerce giants are leaving no stone unturned to prove their mettle in a highly charged up and competitive world. While users are spoilt for choice with rising number of online retail applications available in the market, more and more consumers, however, are believed to be downloading Amazon.in app compared with Flipkart app. According to a report in Times of India, Amazon.in app has overtaken Flipkart to emerge as the most downloaded app on Google and Apple app stores in the first quarter (January-March) of current year. ToI has cited data from leading app data tracker App Annie, which has put Amazon app ahead of Flipkart in terms of the most downloaded app in the first quarter. Also, another web and app analytics firm, SimilarWeb, too, also rated Amazon ahead of homegrown Flipkart in app downloads after getting in data for the past 28 days, the ToI report said. "While Flipkart has reduced its sale events and advertisements on media, Amazon continues to spend money on media and naturally tends to get more people to download the app. The Amazon app quality is also better since it is a global technology platform. Indications are that Amazon might be very close to Flipkart or already ahead in sales," ToI quoted Harish HV, partner at audit firm Grant Thornton. In fact, Amazon is already closing the gap with Flipkart in India, with its chief executive officer Jeff Bezos last month pledging to invest another $3 billion in his company's India operations. According to a media report, Amazon displaced another home-grown ecommerce giant Snapdeal to become India's second-largest online marketplace by shipments in March. Amazon India's unit market share surged to an estimated 21-24 percent from 14 percent in March, while Snapdeal's fell to 14-15 percent from 19 percent, an ET report said. Aware of the intensifying competition from the US counterpart, Flipkart has been devising aggressive strategies to enhance customer experience of shopping online from its platform. The Bengaluru-based company now has plans to build an independent digital payments business with an outlay of Rs 670 crore, primarily aimed at reducing its dependence on cash transactions and take a slice of the growing online payments market, Economic Times report said. A day before, Flipkart also said that it is on the verge of launchig an initiative named F-Assured aimed at youngsters who haven't yet started shopping online. F-Assured also preempts the launch of Amazon Prime, which is likely to be launched in India soon, the ET report said. To sum it up, local knowledge could give Flipkart an advantage but Bezos has demonstrated a willingness over the years to keep pouring in money and accepting losses until the battle is won, said a Bloomberg report. Amazons consistent performance over the last year and our stellar first quarter indicates that the tide is turning, Bloomberg quoted Amazons India chief Amit Agarwal in an e-mail interview. New Delhi: JSW Energy Thursday reported consolidated net profit of Rs 366.53 crore for the first quarter ended 30 June, 2016-17. Its net profit after taxes, minority interest and share of profit of associate stood at Rs 308.85 crore in the year-ago period, JSW Energy said in a filing to BSE. The company said in a press release that "PAT of Rs 367 crore, up by 19 percent as against Rs 309 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year." Net sales during the April-June quarter were at Rs 2,411.24 crore, as against Rs 2,058.16 crore a year ago. In the BSE filing, however, the Sajjan Jindal-led firm said: "Karcham Wangtoo plant of Himachal Baspa Power Company Limited, has filed petition for determination of final tariff with Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and pending the receipt of final tariff order, the revenue from sale of power under long term power purchase agreements are being recognised in terms of expected tariff as per the available guideline in this regard. "The hydro projects were acquired during September, 2015, hence figures for the corresponding quarter of the previous year are not comparable." On generation, the press release said: "During the quarter, net generation was up by 48 per cent compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year primarily due to generation from hydro power plants acquired during FY 2016 and improved performance of Ratnagiri plant; which were partly offset by shut downs at Vijayanagar and Barmer plants due to maintenance and low scheduling of power since the month of June." During the quarter, the 300 MW Baspa-II power project achieved its highest ever generation in AprilJune quarter since the commissioning of the plant with a gross generation of 454 million units (MUs). "The merchant sales during the quarter were 2,397 million units (37 percent of volume); while the sales under long-term PPA were 4,019 million units (63 percent of volume)," the statement said. For the first quarter ended 30 June, 2016-17, the company achieved a consolidated turnover of Rs 2,492 crore, up 15 percent as compared to Rs 2,167 crore a year ago. The increase in turnover is primarily on account of the addition of hydro units acquired during the second quarter of the previous year; partly offset by lower realisation during the quarter. NEW DELHI Protesters from the low-caste Dalit community blocked roads and attacked government buses in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat on Wednesday in a third day of demonstrations over the flogging of four men accused of skinning a cow. The four members of the Dalit community were last week tied to a car, stripped and flogged with sticks by self-styled hardline Hindu cow protectors who then published a video of the attack as a "warning" to others. The beatings sparked the most serious protests by Dalits in years in Gujarat, with seven youths trying to kill themselves in protest by taking pesticide in different parts of the state, an act that further inflamed tempers. A police officer was killed on Tuesday during clashes in Una, 340 km (210 miles) from Gujarat's main city, Ahmedabad, where the tannery workers were attacked. Cows are revered in Hinduism and their slaughter is banned in most states including Gujarat, where Modi ruled as chief minister for a decade and spearheaded a 2011 ban. Dalits in the state, however, said they earn their livelihood from skinning cows that die naturally, buffalos and other animals, and vowed to fight anyone trying to stop them from doing so. "We are the poorest but we are not cowards," Mayur Dabhia, a leader of the Dalit campaign group in Ahmedabad. Police are investigating whether the flogged men killed the cow or whether it was already dead. Dalits are at the bottom of India's ages-old social hierarchy, making them vulnerable to attacks perpetrated by self-styled cow-protecting vigilantes. The vigilantes chase trucks transporting cattle and raid slaughter houses. Several people accused of eating beef have also been attacked, including a Muslim man who was last year beaten to death by a mob in a town near New Delhi. Opposition lawmakers disrupted parliament on Wednesday to protest against the floggings in Gujarat and demanded Modi apologise to the victims. "The recent shocking incident in Gujarat where four Dalit youths were savagely beaten and humiliated publicly is just one example of the social terror this government condones," Sonia Gandhi, president of the opposition Congress party told supporters, Indian media reported. Critics say Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party's Hindu nationalist agenda empowers hardline activists to believe they can take matters into their hands and target minority groups like Dalits and Muslims involved in the cattle trade. Home Minister Rajnath Singh condemned the attack in Gujarat and said Modi was committed to the protection of low-caste people. (additional reporting by Amit Dave in AHMEDABAD and Tommy Wilkes in NEW DELHI; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani, Robert Birsel) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. ANKARA Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told Reuters on Thursday that there were significant failures in intelligence ahead of last Friday's attempted military coup and that the armed forces would quickly be restructured. In his first interview since declaring a state of emergency following the abortive coup, Erdogan said a new coup attempt was possible but would not be easy, saying "we are more vigilant". "It is very clear that there were significant gaps and deficiencies in our intelligence, there is no point trying to hide it or deny it. I told it to the head of national intelligence," Erdogan told Reuters in his palace in Ankara, which was targeted during the coup attempt. He said there was no obstacle to extending the state of emergency beyond the initial three months if necessary. Erdogan said the movement of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who he blames for masterminding the attempt to seize power, would be treated as "another separatist terrorist organisation", drawing a parallel to the state's fight against Kurdish militants over the past three decades. "We will continue the fight ... wherever they might be. These people have infiltrated the state organisation in this country and they rebelled against the state," he said, calling the actions of Friday night "inhuman" and "immoral". He said the death toll had risen to 246 people excluding the coup plotters and that 2,185 people were wounded. Soldiers used fighters jets, military helicopters and tanks to strike institutions including parliament, the intelligence agency and Erdogan's palace in Friday's violence in Istanbul and Ankara. (Reporting by Samia Nakhoul, Nick Tattersall, Orhan Coskun, Tulay Karadeniz; Writing by Nick Tattersall) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Assembly on Thursday witnessed ruckus as BSP MLAs protested the derogatory remarks against their party chief Mayawati questioning her character by Dayashankar Singh and sought his arrest, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House twice during the Question Hour. The four BSP MLAs in the state, sporting blue cap and 'dupatta' and displaying the party symbol, raised the issue during the Question Hour and rushed to the well of the House demanding the now expelled BJP leader's arrest for the derogatory remarks and tabling of Censure Motion. Congress legislators also supported their demand. BSP MLAs, Usha Choudhry and Sheela Tyagi, led by their Legislative Party Leader Satyaprakash Sakhwar, persisted with their demand despite the Chair directing them to go back to their seats. Following this, Speaker Sitasharan Sharma adjourned the House for ten minutes. Opposing BSP's demand, state Legislative Affairs Minister Narottam Mishra said the issue can't be raised in the House as it is a matter pertaining to Uttar Pradesh and advised them to raise it in Parliament through their leaders. "We have given a notice for tabling Censure Motion on the issue of derogatory statement made by Dayashankar against our leader Mayawati and demanded that it should be immediately accepted. Besides we also demand his immediate arrest," BSP MLA Sheela Tyagi said outside the House. Senior Congress MLA Ajay Singh and another party member Jeetu Patwari supported the BSP members' demand and pressed for tabling the Censure Motion against Singh. They also termed BJP as an "anti-Dalit party" and said if it did not heed to BSP's demand, then it will be construed that it is against SC and ST. New Delhi: "Gau raksha jaruri hai (cow protection is necessary) but who will save humans," newly inducted Union Minister and Dalit leader Ramdas Athawale said on Thursday, asserting that incidents like the attack on Dalits in Gujarat should not be be allowed to recur. Law alone will not ensure that there is no crime against Dalits, he said and suggested that promotion of inter-caste marriages can help in checking casteism in the society. "All should work together and nobody should politicise things," he told reporters at the sidelines of an event here. "Law alone will not ensure that there is no crime against dalits. For this, people need to work together. Law will take its own course. Unless the society changes, inter-caste marriages are promoted, unless efforts are made to bring together two sides of the society, I feel casteism will not end," he said. To a question over attack on Dalits by vigilantes for skinning a dead cow in Gujarat, he said these sort of incidents should not happen. "The message should go that Dalits are also citizens of this country. They should also be respected. 'Gau Rasksha jaruri hai' (cow protection is necessary) but who will save humans. It is not right to attack people like this," Athawale said. "That is why I would like to appeal to all the people of the country that Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar has given us a Constitution, which ensures social and economic equality, and accordingly we should work and end any wrong mentality," Athawale further added. He said there has been no government under which crimes have not been committed. "But the governments should ensure strict punishment (to guilty)," the Minister said after participating in inaugural session of day-long meeting on 'Monitoring the implementation of constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Castes'. The meeting comes at a time when the Centre is under attack from the opposition parties on the Gujarat incident where dalit youths were assaulted by vigilantes for skinning a dead cow. Srinagar: As an uneasy calm prevailed in violence-hit Kashmir, an all-party meeting on Thursday called for a national initiative to address problems confronting the state and an "inclusive engagement of all the stakeholders" to carry forward peace and reconciliation process. The meeting, convened by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, was however boycotted by the opposition party National Conference. The five-hour long meeting here while discussing the prevailing law and order situation in Kashmir Valley took note of the empathy and sense of solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir reflected during the debate on the prevailing situation in the State in both Houses of Parliament, an official spokesman told reporters. "The meeting calls for converting this political consensus into a national initiative for addressing the problems confronting Jammu and Kashmir and its people," he said, adding the meeting called for "inclusive engagement of all the stakeholders" in Jammu and Kashmir for carrying forward the peace and reconciliation process in the State. The spokesman said the meeting expressed deep grief and concern over the loss of life and injuries caused during the law and order situation prevailing in the Valley since 8 July -- the day when Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani was killed. The unrest has claimed 43 lives and injured over 3,400 others. The meeting also observed a two-minute silence to pay homage to those who lost their lives in the law and order situation, the spokesman said. The chief minister expressed gratitude to the leaders of all the political parties for their presence to deliberate over the prevailing situation. She, however, expressed dismay over the non-participation of the NC at the meeting. "I had spoken to NC working president, Omar Abdullah, myself last evening and requested him to attend the meeting," Mehbooba said, adding the presence of the leaders of the largest opposition party in the state would have added value and substance to the meeting. In a two-page letter to senior minister of PDP Abdul Rehman Veeri, the NC on Wednesday said in the absence of any "credible, effective and humane leadership" in the state, an all-party meeting was a "futile" and "meaningless" exercise. Leaders of various political parties Pradesh Congress Committee president GA Mir, CPM leader MY Tarigami, Panthers Party president Harshdev Singh, Peoples Democratic Front leader Hakim Mohammad Yasin, Democratic Nationalist Party leader Ghulam Hassan Mir, Lok Jan Shakti Party leader Sanjay Saraf, Awami Ittehad Party leader Sheikh Abdul Rashid, CPI leader A R Tukroo and BJP state president Sat Sharma also spoke at the meeting. Talking to reporters outside the meeting hall at SKICC, Tarigami said the situation in the Valley was "grim" and it was "essentially a political unrest" that needed a political response. "I feel the situation is grim and the response that we want to such a grim situation, especially by the government of India on an immediate basis, we expect that they understand these realities and face them. "What has happened till now is there is flare up which is extinguished, people get killed, it is discussed and then the same story is repeated. If that happens, I am afraid, there will be bigger troubles ahead," Tarigami said. The CPM leader said the government should not look at the situation in isolation and should not rely exclusively on security forces. "I want to place this before the whole country that please draw lessons. The Parliament of India which is in session, should not look at this as an incident, do not think in isolation of whatever is happening or how much of blood has been wasted here, you cannot ignore this. "The first thing is to do is not terrorise the people of Kashmir by relying exclusively on security forces, that is not an answer, not at all. It is unacceptable to all of us," he said. Tarigami said the situation in the Valley was not just a law and order problem. "Yes, law and order is involved partly. But essentially it is a political unrest and needs a political response." The first thing which we will expect from the government of India, the Parliament of India, is to recognize the nature of the uncertainty, to recognize the nature of the unrest with which we are confronted with today, he said. "I will expect the prime minister to speak in the Parliament and at least sending a message to the people of Kashmir that the pain which the people of Kashmir are feeling right now, that pain is being felt by the rulers as well," he said. He said "the cure to this pain is not bullets, this is a political pain, it is a political disease and its cure should be found within the political spectrum". "I advise them that do not seek excuses that it is being done by that country or from anywhere, this fire is here, inside the country and is a result of that neglect which is there since many decades now. "This pain is an expression of the pain which Kashmiris are feeling since decades," he said, adding, "I appeal to the government of India and the Parliament, treat people of Kashmir as human beings." Meanwhile, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav calls on J-K Governor BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Thursday called on Governor NN Vohra and discussed recent developments in the Valley, a day after he met Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. "Governor and Madhav discussed the recent developments and the various initiatives required for restoring normalcy in the state," an official spokesman of the BJP said. Madhav, who was instrumental in stitching an alliance between PDP and BJP in the state last year, had a meeting with Mehbooba late Wednesday evening. However, his meeting with Mehbooba was a low-key affair. "It was a one-to-one meeting between the two leaders. We do not know what was discussed but the prevailing situation must have definitely been discussed," an official source said. Madhav also met BJP leaders including Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh on Wednesday before meeting with Mehbooba, sources said. The Valley has erupted into violent protests after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on 8 July. New Delhi: A top body of newspaper editors have strongly condemned the "undeclared censorship" on newspapers in Kashmir Valley, calling it a direct attack on freedom of press. The All India Newspaper Editors' Conference (AINEC), in a strongly worded resolution, slammed the alleged ban on publications, raids on the newspaper offices and printing presses and said the PDP-BJP government in the state has "failed" the right thinking people. "No government in the Centre or in the states can preserve democratic traditions of our great country without supporting the freedom of press, in spirit and reality. "Unfortunately, the BJP-PDP alliance in the J and K, seems to have failed the right thinking people in the Kashmir Valley," AINEC president Vishwa Bandhu Gupta said. He said, "This new method, of undeclared censorship adopted by the BJP-PDP combine has set a new precedent of censorship, and it is totally unacceptable." The AINEC urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to refrain from "restrictive and undemocratic" methods to "gag" the press in the Valley. The newspaper owners in violence-hit Kashmir had decided not to publish newspapers after authorities allegedly raided some media houses and seized their printed copies on Saturday. However, on Thursday the newspapers were back on the stands after five days. On Thursday, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had met editors and owners of the city-based newspapers and expressed regret over restrictions on the media. Earlier this week, the Editors Guild of India had condemned the Jammu and Kashmir government for "unwarranted muzzling" of media in the state. On Monday, Press Council of India (PCI) chairman Justice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad had ordered registration of a complaint over the alleged crackdown and sought a report from the state government. From Nehru to Sonia Gandhi, the entire family has been against Dalits: BJP Rahul Gandhi's visit to the Dalit victims of Una has not gone down well with BJP. Sambit Patra condemned Rahul Gandhi's 'Photo-ops' calling it a tactic for gathering votes. "These 50-60 votes will not benefit anyone in this country" said Patra. He also attacked Congress saying that the party has been sleeping for 70 years now. He said that while Congress's ideology was corruption, BJP's governance is based on complete honesty. Patra claimed that other political parties have done nothing for Dalits in decades, using them only as vote banks. GVL Narsimha Rao too echoed similar sentiments saying that BJP has been attacked by other political parties only on few 'isolated' incidents, as BJP's governance has been nothing short of transformational. He attacked Congress as well saying that from Nehru to Sonia Gandhi, the entire family has been against Dalits. Srinagar: Authorities lifted curfew in four districts of Kashmir where schools were scheduled to reopen on Thursday but the ban on movement of people continued in the rest of the six districts of the Valley as a precautionary measure. Curfew has been lifted from Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam and Ganderbal districts of the Valley but restrictions on the assembly of people under Section 144 CrPC continue in these districts as a precautionary measure, a police official said. He said the curfew was lifted in order to facilitate the reopening of the schools in these areas following the government decision to this effect on Wednesday. The government on Wednesday modified its earlier order and announced opening of schools in these four districts from Thursday. The schools were earlier scheduled to open on 18 July but the government had extended the summer vacations till 25 July in view of the unrest that has claimed 43 lives and injured over 3,400 others. While officials did not comment on whether the schools opened on Thursday, reports from these four districts said the educational institutions remained closed. "Some staff members had arrived for duty at schools but returned home as no students turned up," Nazir Ahmad, a social activist from Bandipora, said. Ahmad said even schools in Garoora, the native village of Education Minister Naeem Akhtar, remained closed. "Please do not expect people to risk the lives of their children," he added. Unofficial reports received from Baramulla, Budgam and Ganderbal also spoke about schools not opening on Thursday. Meanwhile, curfew continued in the remaining six districts of the Valley. Normal life remained affected for the 13th day on Thursday due to curfew and separatist-sponsored strike against the civilian killings in the clashes between protestors and security forces in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter on 8 July. The separatist groups, which are spearheading the ongoing protests, have, however, relaxed the bandh in the valley from 2 pm on Thursday till night. The "relaxation" was announced by the separatist camp to allow people to stock essential commodities. The strike will resume from Friday till 25 July. Thane: In a suspected case of honour killing, a 16-year-old Dalit boy was allegedly killed by family members of an upper caste girl with whom he was in love with in Navi Mumbai. Seven persons have been arrested in connection with the case and the 17-year-old girl has also been detained, police said on Thursday. Following the incident, some members of the Republican Party of India (RPI) took out a morcha to Nerul Police Station late last evening demanding action against the police personnel who had allegedly refused to initially register a complaint by the parents of the boy of his abduction by the girl's brothers. The Navi Mumbai Police yesterday suspended two officers of Nerul Police Station in this connection. The boy, identified as Swapnil Sonawane, a resident of Dharave village in Nerul area of Navi Mumbai in Thane district, was in love with a 17-year-old schoolmate. However, the girl's parents did not approve of the relationship. On Tuesday night, a group of around 20-25 people, including the girl's family members, severely beat up the boy with iron rods at Dharave village in Navi Mumbai, police said. The boy was later taken to a local hospital where he was declared brought dead, they said. Subsequently, the police yesterday arrested the girl's brothers Sagar Naik (25), Sajesh Naik (21), father Rajendra Naik (50), mother Malti Naik (43), the brothers' friends Ashish Thakur (23) and Durgesh Patil (22), and an autorickshaw driver Sameer Shaikh (23). The accused have been booked under relevant IPC sections for murder, kidnapping, rioting and criminal intimidation and also under The SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities Act), police said. The arrested persons were produced in Vashi court on Wednesday and remanded in police custody till 25 July, Senior Police Inspector, Nerul, Adikrao Pol said. The girl was also detained and sent to a Bhiwandi remand home, police said. Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale said that two officers of Nerul police station have been placed under suspension against whom there are allegations that they refused to register the complaint of the boy's family. An officer of the ACP rank from another division will carry out investigation into the case, he said last night. During Wednesdays debate on the recent attacks on Dalits in Gujarat, Home Minister Rajnath Singh told the House that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was upset by the developments in his home state. True to his style, the Prime Minister himself has not expressed his unhappiness or regret over the incidents of brutality in the state he had presided over for more than a decade. By now, this silence is characteristic of a Prime Minister who seems to exclusively reserve his comments especially his Twitter feed for affairs that many would consider inane, particularly in light of the disturbing developments that have been unfolding across the country. But there are more serious matters at hand here than the PMs non-response: The flogging of seven members of a Dalit family by cow protection vigilantes on the suspicion that they had skinned a dead cow, points to the severe faultlines in the much vaunted Gujarat model of development. In fact, the attacks on Dalits not the first to take place in the state validate the arguments made by many scholars that, propped up on FDI and privatisation policies, the Gujarat model has consistently overlooked the concerns of the subaltern populations, a large section of whom are Dalit. Like in other states, the case of Gujarat too proves that mere economic mobility is not enough to eliminate break social ostracisation or eliminate caste-prejudice. For Dalits especially (unlike the underprivileged from upper castes,) economic deprivation coalesces with caste-based social discrimination. The historic roots of such ostracisation go deep and have both implicitly and explicitly been propped up by all major political parties in the state. While affirmative action in the form of reservations in educational institutions facilitated access education, which became a tool of their upward economic mobility, social ostracisation continued to thrive, leaving Dalits ever-vulnerable to attacks from the upper castes, who habitually connive with the administration and police. In their book Ahmedabad: From Royal City to the Megacity, Achyut Yagnik and Suchitra Seth, writing on the communal and casteist divisions in the city, observed: The distinctive feature of Ahmedabad was the spatial segregation of people based on caste and community, which preserved social hierarchy and social distance. They argue that in the 19th century, the admission of dhed boys into schools however challenged this equilibrium and by the 1980s, Dalits had emerged as a sizeable middle class. The shift in the balance of power however raised the hackles of upper castes, leading to protests against the reservation system in 1981. Beginning in Ahmedabads BJ Medical College, the unrest spread to the whole state, including industrial areas. Four years later, the Dalit population once again found itself to be the principal target of an anti-reservation stir even though it was the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) who were the beneficiaries of a hike in reserved quotas in educational institutions and government jobs. Even as Gujarat economically prospered, there was no let-up in the practice of caste discrimination. Consider for instance, that an RTI query by Divyabhaskar.com in March this year revealed that the present BJP dispensation headed by Chief Minister Anandiben Patel is funding separate cremation grounds for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe in several villages. According to a survey conducted by Navsarjan, an NGO that works in Gujarat, 10 villages already run separate crematoriums for Dalits while the state government has allocated funds for 40 more such segregated spaces. Denied space in general crematoriums, Dalit families are often forced to cremate their loved ones in open spaces. Rewind to 2001 when a massive earthquake devastated Gujarat leaving at least 30,000 dead and over a million homeless. Human rights organisations working in state in the aftermath of the catastrophe noted the deep communal and casteist fissures that even skewed the distribution of relief material among victims. Visiting the towns of Bhuj, Bhijouri, Khawda, Anjar, and Bhachau in Kutch, six weeks after the earthquake, Human Rights Watch observed how Dalits and Muslims were segregated from upper caste Hindus in the affected areas. Several residents and survivors who were living separately told the Human Rights team, We are surviving the way we lived, that's why we are in separate camps. Although the Gujarat government allocated equal amounts of monetary compensation and food supplies to all communities, Dalits and Muslims were denied the same access to adequate shelter, electricity, running water, and other supplies. Fifteen years later, little has changed on the ground. The Times of India report this April described how in the scorching heat, the Dalit women in Mehsanas Bechar village were not allowed to fetch water from a well. They plead with youths passing by to fetch them water, but to no avail. It is over an hour and half when finally, an old woman takes pity and starts filling up their pots, drawing water from the well. The 200 Dalit families living in the 20,000-strong village are daily made to wait to draw water from the well. With the Uttar Pradesh elections approaching, the BJP doesnt want to alienate Dalits. But as the recent developments in Gujarat as well as the abuses hurled at Mayawati by a senior BJP office-bearer in UP show, the partys attempts to woo Dalits continue to sit uneasily with the upper-caste Brahmanical politics that is integral to it. Will Rahul Gandhi score a self-goal by turning down the suggestion of the Supreme Court that he should apologise to the RSS for blaming it for the murder of Mahatma Gandhi or be prepared to face the trial in the defamation case? Or, will it give him and the Congress an opportunity to take on the RSS ideologically and to put all the unpalatable facts about the organisation before the people through the Supreme Court proceedings and expose the RSS doublespeak on the Mahatma whom it publicly praises but privately loathes? It is being argued that there is very little chance of Rahul Gandhi winning the case. From a strictly legal point of view, it might be correct as the Supreme Court has revealed its mind by asking him, Why did you make a sweeping statement against the RSS branding everyone associated with the organization in the same brush? You can't make wholesale denunciation of an organisation. The court has also asked him that should he not regret his statement and face trial, he would have to prove what was the public good in his statement. At a time when assembly elections in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh are approaching, will it be a wrong political strategy for Rahul Gandhi to fight the ideological-political battle even if there is a real risk of his going to jail? Will his going to jail not galvanise his Congressmen and women all over the country, something that his party badly needs? It does not seem so. What did Rahul Gandhi really say? Addressing an election rally at Thane in March 2014, he allegedly said: RSS people killed Gandhiji and today their people (BJP) talk of him...They opposed Sardar Patel and Gandhiji. Was he really very wide of the mark? Lets have a look at what the then Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was also the Home Minister, had to say about the RSS in the context of Mahatma Gandhis assassination. On 18 July, 1948, in a letter to top Hindu Mahasabha leader Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, who later founded the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, he wrote: As regards the RSS and the Hindu Mahasabha, the case relating to Gandhijis murder is sub judice and I should not like to say anything about the participation of the two organisations, but our reports do confirm that, as a result of the activities of these two bodies, particularly the former, an atmosphere was created in the country in which such a ghastly tragedy became possible. Sardar Patel is the current icon of the RSS-BJP and his words cannot be taken lightly. He held the RSS even more responsible for creating an atmosphere in which the Mahatmas assassination could take place. The entire case of the RSS having no role in the Mahatmas assassination rests on the fact that much before Nathuram Vinayak Godse committed the murder on 30 January, 1948 he had left the RSS and thus had no organisational links with it. For a long time, this was believed to be true. However, Nathurams younger brother Gopal Godse, himself one of the accused in the Gandhi murder case, cleared the air in an interview given to Frontline (January 28, 1994). All the brothers, Gopal Godse said, were in the RSS. Nathuram, Dattatreya, myself and Govind. You can say we grew up in the RSS rather than in our home. It was like a family to us. Nathuram had become a baudhik karyavah [intellectual worker] in the RSS. He has said in his statement that he left the RSS. He said it because Golwalkar and the RSS were in a lot of trouble after the murder of Gandhi. But he did not leave the RSS. He further clarified, You can say that RSS did not pass a resolution, saying, go and assassinate Gandhi. But you do not disown him (Nathuram). The Hindu Mahasabha did not disown him. In 1944, Nathuram started doing Hindu Mahasabha work when he had been a bauddhik karyavah in the RSS. In this context, we must remember that the RSS and the Hindu Mahasabha enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with each other and membership of one did not preclude that of the other. One could be active in both the organisations. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the propounder of the theory of Hindutva, was never formally part of the RSS but he and his theory continue to inspire it even today. He too was an accused in the Gandhi murder case but was let off not because of lack of evidence, but because the statement of a prosecution witness, who was otherwise found reliable, could not be independently corroborated. It is being argued that in the post-Partition months when the subcontinent witnessed unprecedented communal strife and historys biggest transfer of population, Gandhi emerged as the most hated, despised and ridiculed figure in a nation craving for revenge and violence well before he was done in by Godse. This view was first articulated in an editorial in Organiser (January 11, 1970), then edited by KR Malkani: It was in support of Nehrus pro-Pakistan stand that Gandhi went on fast and, in the process, turned the peoples wrath on himself. However, what do the facts tell us? Mahatma Gandhi undertook an indefinite fast on 13 January, 1948. Two days later, replying to newspaper correspondents questions in a dictated message, he said, My fast, as I have stated in plain language, is undoubtedly on behalf of the Muslim minority in the Indian Union and, therefore, it is necessarily against the Hindus and the Sikhs of the Union and the Muslims of Pakistan. It is also on behalf of the minorities in Pakistan, as in the case of the Muslim minority in the Indian Union. It is absolutely clear that Gandhi was fasting in support of the minorities of both India and Pakistan Muslims of India and Hindus and Sikhs of Pakistan. It is also being asserted that Gandhi was despised, booed and shunned by his own people for his adamant demand that India should help the new nation-state of Pakistan monetarily. However, as GD Tendulkar has explained, owing to the Kashmir dispute, India had been withholding from Pakistan fifty-five crores of rupees which it had previously agreed to hand over as part of the division of the assets. The fact is that Gandhi was despised, booed and shunned not by his own people but by the Hindu and Sikh refugees who had crossed the border and suffered unspeakable cruelty at the hands of the Muslims. Similarly, innocent Muslims of Delhi were bearing the brunt of the refugees anger. Their mosques and houses were being forcibly occupied. Gandhis fast was directed against the terrible communal violence in which Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs had been participating and it had stirred the conscience of people throughout the country. Had he been shunned by his own people, Hindu, Sikh and Muslim leaders, including representatives of the RSS and the Hindu Mahasabha, would not have met him on 18 January, 1948 to persuade him to break his fast as they had brought with them a written pledge to maintain communal harmony. At a time when the RSS-BJP combine is busy appropriating icons like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, BR Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh, it will be a worthwhile exercise if historical facts about their attitude towards Gandhi are brought before the Supreme Court. Even if Rahul Gandhi loses the legal battle, he would have won politically. Chairman of Hurriyat (M), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has in the past put forth many demands for the creation of conducive atmosphere for talks with the Government of India including the revocation of AFSPA and the release of political prisoners. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, he spoke about the present Kashmir unrest, Burhan Wani, the role of Pakistan and a lot more: Do you think that the conditions this time are different from 2010 ? I dont think the conditions are different today than they were six years ago. In 2010 as well, people were out on the streets seeking the freedom and the sentiment for freedom has not died down. People had learnt the lessons from the 2008 agitation. The issues remain the same. But this time, besides the martyrdom of Burhan Wani, there was anger about other issues as well. People have been angry about the proposed settlement of the ex-servicemen, exclusive township for the Kashmiri Pandits and over giving up the state subject rights in industrial policy. They realised that India is trying to assimilate the people of Kashmir linguistically and economically. Why do you think people showed so much anger over the killing of Burhan Wani? A: The people of Kashmir easily associated with the life of Burhan Wani. He was from a prosperous family and was good at studies. He could have become a doctor or an engineer, but he chose the path of azadi. Every Kashmiri related to him. He was a local person and he was a Kashmiri nationalist. He represented the symbol of resistance. Moreover, unlike the past 20 years of militancy that remained discreet, Burhan was very open and remained active on social networking sites. He didnt use any aliases. Burhan had also faced excesses by the forces that every Kashmiri has faced at one point or another. Will Burhan Wani turn into an inspiration for other youths? The Government of India has to realise that it is its policies that are to be held responsible for the current unrest in Kashmir. They are not allowing agitation or even peaceful protests. Rather the government books people under the Public Safety Act (PSA) and excesses are committed by forces on the Kashmiri youth. It is the policies of New Delhi that are responsible for the unrest here. Are you ready for dialogue with the Government of India to end the current deadlock? For the talks to start with the Government of India, it must first acknowledge Kashmir as a dispute. Instead of acknowledging that there is a problem here, New Delhi blames Pakistan and the Hurriyat Conference for the current unrest. We have spoken to the parliamentarians earlier and put forward many conditions for improving the situation here. But there has been no forward movement on those issues and nothing has been done on the ground to improve the situation here. Are there any conditions from your side that you think New Delhi should fulfil to improve conditions here? There are a number of conditions that we had put forward in our dialogue with the former prime minister Manmohan Singh. We had sought that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) be repealed here, that political prisoners be released and troops should be withdrawn from Jammu and Kashmir. Such demands have not been fulfilled and they stand even today. How do you see the reaction of international community to the current unrest? The international community has reacted, but more concrete steps need to be taken to normalise the situation here. The United States has shown its concern, but there is a need for it to ensure that India and Pakistan engage in dialogue. The dialogue is not going on, there is a complete deadlock. The dialogue will help resolve the issues. How do you see Pakistans involvement in the unrest? They held a cabinet meet and even gave a call for black day. Pakistan is party to the dispute. It has a role to play and its concerns over the present Kashmir situation are genuine and the Government of India needs to understand that. Taking the debate over atrocities on Dalits outside Lok Sabha, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi met the kin of the Dalits thrashed in Una for skinning a dead cow. According to a kin of the victims, Gandhi, who spent around 40 minutes with the family members, said he is "ashamed" that such incidents are taking place in India. "We narrated to him (Rahul) what happened with my cousins and uncle. He listened to us patiently and assured us all help so that we can get justice," Jitu Sarvaiya, a cousin of the victims, told reporters after Gandhi left. "Rahulji said he feels ashamed that such incidents are still taking place in the country and gave his personal number to us to contact in case of any emergency," he said. The Congress Vice President met Balubhai Sarvaiya and his family members, after landing at the nearby Union Territory of Diu. Seven of family members of Balubhai including him were beaten up in the incident. "He (Rahul) also asked questions about issues and discrimination being faced by us in our village. We told them that still the practice of untouchability is prevalent here as we are made to stand away from others," Jitu, who is studying engineering at a college in Bhavnagar district, said. "We demanded from him that those who were involved in the incident should be given exemplary punishment and kept behind bars for their entire life or else they will once again do this to someone else," he said. "We also told him about police not coming to help us when cow activists were beating my cousin brothers," he said. "We also told him that after the brutal beating for skinning of dead cows. Our family has decided to leave this business of leather....we will work as labourers but never get involved in this traditional business of ours," Jitu said. "We also sought financial help describing the poor conditions of our family for education of our children so that in future they can have a standing of their own," he said. Later, Rahul Gandhi left for Rajkot where the victims of flogging are undergoing treatment. Gujarat Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar later said that Rahul will give Rs 5 lakh as aid to family of the victims. Sixteen persons have been arrested so far in connection with the assault on Dalits, while four policemen have been suspended for dereliction of duty. Una, a remote village near Una town of Gir-Somnath district, has been the epicentre of politics since a video showing some self-procliamed cow vigilantes thrashing Dalits for allegedly skinning a cow went viral. The issue picked up steam in both Houses as the Monsoon Session was on, forcing Rajnath Singh to concede that recurring incidents of violence against Dalits is an social issue. Meanwhile, political leaders turned up in a beeline in Una to to score points. Gandhi's visit comes on the heels of Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel's visit. AAP convener and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal is due to visit next on Friday, according CNN News 18. Battling BJP over the issue Congress has on Wednesday announced the meeting. However, in what could be major embarrassment to the party, the Gandhi scion was allegedly caught napping in Lok Sabha while the house was debating on violence against Dalits. Gandhi drew much flak from fellow parliamentarians on the issue, however, Congress's fire-fighting machinery was quick at his rescue. "When the Dalit issue was being discussed in house, Rahul Gandhi was sleeping. This shows how serious Congress is on the issue," Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati said attacking Gandhi, according to a News 18 report. The congress rubbished the claim and said Gandhi was looking down to check his phone. His visit to Una on Thursday, however, is being termed a political gimmick. BJP has called it a "photo-op show". BJP said that Congress's hypocrisy has been exposed as, on Wednesday Rahul Gandhi was sleeping in Lok Sabha and on Thursday he was out meeting the Dalit victims. However, Gandhi has been quick to reach out to victimised Dalits in the past as well. When Rohith Vemula, a Dalit scholar from Hyderabad university had committed suicide, Gandhi was among the first politicos to reach out to the kin and colleagues of Vemula, as reported in Firstpost at the time. With inputs from PTI DHAKA Emdadul Islam's three-decade career in Bangladesh's garment trade has seen the industry hit by riots, labour unrest, power shortages and safety scandals, but he had never lost faith in its ability to weather the latest crisis and continue to grow. Now, after a group of radicalised young Bangladeshis killed about 20 people, including 18 foreigners, in an attack on an upscale Dhaka restaurant claimed by Islamic State, he fears for the future of the $28 billion sector. "I thought it impossible for this to happen in Bangladesh," said Islam, a director of Babylon Group, which makes garments for the likes of H&M (HMb.ST) and Tesco (TSCO.L). "It was just a nightmare. This is not Afghanistan, or Pakistan, or something." Bangladesh relies on garments for more than 80 percent of its exports and roughly 4 million jobs. It ranks behind only China as a clothing supplier to developed markets in Europe and the United States. But the July 1 attack has confronted the industry with its biggest image crisis since the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory building in 2013, with some fearing security worries could cripple a sector that is the lifeblood of the economy. "I never thought Islamic extremism would be a big threat to the industry directly, and I never thought it would happen quite like this," said Rubana Huq, managing director at the Mohammadi Group, which owns a string of garment factories and other businesses. Foreign companies, including Japan's Uniqlo, have suspended all but critical travel to the country since the attack, although there are no signs yet of big players moving orders elsewhere. The government says it has stepped up security for foreign business travellers, investors and diplomats. "BLACK FRIDAY" Despite a long history of turbulent domestic politics that often spills onto the streets, Islam said the relative stability of Bangladesh compared with rival manufacturing bases had been an important factor in the rise of its garment sector. "When we started in the 1980s, Sri Lanka at that time was in a very volatile situation, so companies came to us. They wanted Bangladesh to produce - that's how we grew," said Islam, 60, one of the founding partners of garment maker Babylon Group back in 1986. Islamic State and al Qaeda have made competing claims for a series of killings of liberals and members of Bangladesh's religious minorities in the past year. But the July 1 attack signalled a far more sophisticated threat from those seeking to replace the mainly Muslim country's secular democracy with strict Islamic rule. "On that night, we lost the identity of our country," said Mesbha Uddin Ali, chairman of garment maker Wega Group. What has been particularly shocking to many middle class Bangladeshis is that the attackers mostly came from well-to-do backgrounds and appear to have been radicalised only recently. "One of my friends called it 'Black Friday', which I think was pretty accurate," said an American in the garment industry, who has been living in Bangladesh for seven years. "Bangladesh has such a strong family culture, and yet the fact that these young, educated boys chose to leave that and do something like this is shocking." Many of the victims of the latest attack worked in the garment trade, and the U.S. executive, who declined to be identified due to personal safety concerns, said it had prompted him to take extra precautions. "I don't walk anymore," he said. "I don't take the rickshaws anymore. And I'm not a man who likes to waste time, or money, so I did take a rickshaw for short distances. Now I just lay low." Some local executives have taken more robust measures. "Earlier I had this pistol, but it was never loaded and I did not carry it," said Mohsin Uddin Ahmed Niru, a director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). "Now I carry it every day." WARNING SIGNS There had been warning signs that the radicalisation threat in Bangladesh was growing. An Italian aid worker was shot dead in Dhaka's diplomatic quarter in September 2015, in the same week masked gunmen killed a Japanese farmer in northern Bangladesh. In response, the government deployed paramilitary soldiers on night-time patrols in the diplomatic quarter and a number of companies stepped up security for visiting executives. More protection has been promised in the wake of the July 1 killings. "We have already re-arranged security measures all over the country after the terror attack," said Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu, who also heads the cabinet committee on law and order. "All foreigners including diplomats, business travellers, garment buyers, investors and development partners are all covered by extra security." Industry sources say H&M last week sent an email to all its vendors informing them about a series of upgraded security norms at its office in Bangladesh. "We are in contact with our office in Dhaka, and none of H&M's company workers are affected," a spokesman for the Swedish fashion retailer said in an email. "We have safety routines to assure our co-workers safety on-site. Regarding our sourcing, there are no plans in changing any sourcing, but we are following developments closely." An official at El Corte Ingles, one of Europe's largest department store chains, said the company had moved all eight of its foreign staff out of the country and was observing a two-month "hold period" before deciding whether they would return. All of the company's meetings in Dhaka have been cancelled, and would be rescheduled in Hong Kong, said the official, who declined to be identified. El Corte did not respond to a request for comment. One garment exporter, who also declined to be named, said he had already lost a $3.6 million order from privately-held French retailer Celio. "They were supposed to come to Dhaka on July 13, but after the attack they cancelled the visit," he said. "This meeting was vital for me. I tried to convince them to meet somewhere else, but they said they had already shifted the order to China." Celio did not respond to a request for comment. There are no signs yet of major buyers shifting orders away from Bangladesh, not least because the production cycle has entered the busy Christmas season and pulling out business now would be expensive and logistically challenging. But industry players fear that, over time, security worries may prompt buyers to look to up-and-coming garment centres such as Myanmar and Ethiopia that offer similar cost advantages to Bangladesh. "There may not be any short-term impact, but medium-to-longer term, for sure," said Mohammadi Group's Huq. "Buyers have a right to go wherever they feel their business is more secure, and most importantly - their lives. They do not want to die in Bangladesh." (Reporting by Zeba Siddiqui, Ruma Paul and Serajul Quadir in Dhaka; Writing by Euan Rocha; Editing by Alex Richardson) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. I have come to Iraq. Tell father and mother not to worry about me. I have come here for jihad. I will never be back. This message, that sent a chill down the spine of many readers, was sent by Najibullah Ansari, a Marine engineer who had been missing since January 2015. It was published in several local newspapers in Bangladesh, a nation still recovering from the trauma of the deadly Dhaka attack, that claimed the lives of 20 people. He is just one of the 261 missing Bangladeshi nationals, who, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) of the neighbouring country has identified as possible threats those who could've joined the terrorist outfits like the Islamic State. The agency has released photos of 50 of them. Following massive search operations within the country, the security agency on Monday released the names of people who have been missing for a long period and are suspected to be involved in Jihadist activities. Local media outlets have come up with reports of dozens of doctors and engineers, like Ansari, of having gone missing and joining Jihadist groups in the Middle East. The security agency posted the names of the missing persons on its Facebook page. Mufti Mahmud Khan, the spokesperson to the RAB, said to the media, We have to find them. Benazir Ahmed, the Chief of RAB, called on the people to inform the law enforcing agencies if they have any information about the persons missing. He also appealed to the people to inform if any family has a missing member. Their lives and the lives of many others can be saved if they are found, he said. The RAB launched the operation to find out these missing persons after the Dhaka carnage, which was mostly carried out by men who had been missing for a long time before it. Though the Bangladesh government has been claiming that the attack was carried out by home-grown militant groups, and not by foreign Jihadist groups like the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, Najibullahs last message indicates that those alien groups might have established strong links in Bangladesh through which they might be hiring and radicalising youths in Bangladesh. The RAB has also published CCTV footage that shows four persons, including a woman, suspiciously loitering in an intersection near the Holey Artisan bakery where the deadly attack took place. More anti-Trump protests planned across United States | Reuters By Gina Cherelus | NEW YORK NEW YORK A second round of protests was planned across the United States on Thursday a day after thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of big cities after Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election.An anti-Trump rally was planned at New York City's Union Square Park for a second straight night and organizers urged demonstrators to join events in Washington D.C., Baltimore, the University of Wisconsin and elsewhere.There were protests in at least 10 cities on Wednesday, including one that filled streets in midtown Manhattan with demonstrators marching to Trump Tower, the president-elect's gilded home on Fifth Avenue. Many chanted "Not my president!" and blasted his campaign rhetoric about immigrants, Muslims and other groups.Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and a high-profile Trump supporter, said the demonstrators were "a bunch of spoiled cry-babies." "If you're looking at the real left-wing loonies on the campus, it's the professors not the students," Giuliani said on Fox News on Thursday. "So these are the ones who are more influenced by the professors." He said he would encourage Trump to listen to these voices and tell them to wait a year."Calm down, things are not as bad as you think," Giuliani said CLEVELAND A staff writer for the Trump Organization took responsibility on Wednesday for the "chaos" caused by a speech given by the wife of U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump that drew accusations of plagiarism and cast a shadow over the party's convention this week. The writer, Meredith McIver, apologised and offered an explanation that threw into sharp relief two days of efforts by the Trump campaign to deny there had been a problem with Melania Trump's speech on Monday night. The Republican convention in Cleveland, which formally anointed Trump on Tuesday as the party nominee for the Nov. 8 presidential election, was meant to be an occasion for the party to rally around its unorthodox White House candidate after a bitterly divisive primary campaign. But the accusations of plagiarism, and the Trump campaign's responses to them, have been a major talking point just as the party tries to showcase a candidate who it believes can appeal to voters and a campaign operation capable of beating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the Nov. 8 election. In a statement, McIver said she had inserted passages into the Melania Trump speech that resembled parts of a 2008 speech by first lady Michelle Obama to the 2008 Democratic National Convention, when Barack Obama was in his first campaign for the presidency. McIver said she had offered to resign over the speech controversy, but Trump and his family had rejected the offer. The Trump Organization is owned by Donald Trump. Trump defended McIver in an ABC News interview on Wednesday, saying: "She made a mistake. People make mistakes. You've made mistakes. We all make mistakes." He said McIver had been with him for a long time and was a "good person." Trump added: "I thought it was terrific the way she came forward and just said, 'Look, it was a mistake that I made.' She thought it was very unfair to Melania." In her speech on Monday, Melania Trump spoke of passing on to the next generation the value of hard work that she inherited from her parents and said that "the only limit to your achievements is the strength of your dreams and your willingness to work for them." "My parents impressed on me the values that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say and keep your promise; that you treat people with respect," Melania Trump told the Cleveland convention. In Denver eight years ago, Michelle Obama said she and her husband, Barack, "were raised with so many of the same values: that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you're going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect. McIver said Melania Trump had read passages from Michelle Obamas speech over the phone to her as examples. McIver then wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing in a draft that became Melania Trump's speech. McIver said in her statement that Michelle Obama is a person Melania Trump "has always liked. 'MY MISTAKE' I did not check Mrs. Obamas speeches. This was my mistake and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused Melania and the Trumps, as well as to Mrs. Obama. No harm was meant, McIver said. Nowhere in the statement by McIver and comments by Trump campaign officials on the speech has there been any sense of irony that the wife of the Republican nominee was inspired by the words of Michelle Obama at the same time that speaker after speaker at the Republican convention, echoing Trump, assailed her husband's policies. Democrats have seized on the similarities in the speech and the Trump campaign's various explanations over the ensuing 48 hours as showing that his team is not ready for prime time. The charge was all the more embarrassing because Trump has repeatedly slammed Clinton as untrustworthy. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said on Wednesday the similarities showed the country's values were largely shared, even if political leaders had differences. "That certainly buttresses an argument that the president has been making quite frequently of late, about the country not being as divided as it might seem," Earnest told reporters. 'BUNGLED SO BADLY' Questions have lingered over why the Trump campaign had not run simple plagiarism software that is commonly used to ensure that speakers do not inadvertently lift other people's words, and why the campaign sought to deny and brush away the problem. Republican strategist Ted Newton, president of Gravity Strategic Communications and a staffer in Republican Mitt Romneys failed 2012 presidential campaign, said the Trump campaign should have come clean much sooner. It sort of reflects the old adage: Its not the crime, its the cover-up, Newton said. To have it bungled so badly is really a shame and sad for her. If the campaign had admitted what happened sooner, Newton said, It would have been a bump in the road. Hours before giving the speech, Melania Trump, a Slovenian-born jewellery designer and former model, told NBC's "Today" that she had written it with as little help as possible. But her husband's campaign manager, Paul Manafort, told CBS' "This Morning" on Tuesday that it was a collaboration with speech writers. As late as Wednesday, just hours before McIver's statement, Manafort was pressed again on the issue on CNN. He did not say words had been lifted from the Michelle Obama speech and sought to stress the overall effectiveness of the speech. "The controversy that you're talking about is not meaningful at all," he said. McIver is listed as a writer on some of Trump's most popular books, including "Trump: How to Get Rich" and "Trump: Think Like a Billionaire." Her author's biography in "How to Get Rich" says she was a Ford Foundation scholar who graduated from the University of Utah, as well as a member of the Trump Organization. (Additional reporting by Steve Holland, Amy Tennery and Emily Stevenson in Cleveland and Ayesha Rascoe and Mohammad Zargham in Washington; Writing by Alistair Bell and Frances Kerry; Editing by Leslie Adler and Peter Cooney) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. digital and print publisher. digital and print publisher. We are Americas largest We are Americas largest The brands you love. The experiences you want. 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Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe According to TripAdvisor, Cancun is the second most popular destination in Mexico. That certainly shows when looking at passenger traffic at Mexican airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste SAB CV (ASR 0.53%), or ASUR, which continued to benefit from strong traffic growth at its Cancun Airport during the second quarter. Its crown jewel airport was once again nearly the sole driver of passenger traffic growth across its nine Mexican airports, which meant it was once again the biggest contributor to earnings growth. ASUR's results: The raw numbers Metric Q2 2016 Actuals Q2 2015 Actuals Growth (YOY) Total Passenger Traffic 6.9 million 6.6 million 5.4% Total Commercial Revenue Per Passenger $97.18 $81.76 18.9% EP ADS in US$ $1.56 $1.32 18.3% What happened with ASUR this quarter? ASUR's quarter would have been lousy without Cancun: While domestic traffic grew at seven of ASUR's airports and was up 5.7% year over year to 2.75 million passengers, Cancun drove the bulk of that traffic. Not only did it account for 53% of domestic traffic, but it grew traffic by 7.4% to 1.6 million passengers. That helped offset a decline in traffic at Minatitlan and Villahermosa, which, along with weak growth at Veracruz and Huatulco, weighed on domestic traffic growth. Internationally, traffic growth was 5.1%. Here, Cancun is even more important because it accounted for 95% of traffic last quarter, and as a result, its 5.9% traffic growth did all the heavy lifting, more than offsetting declining traffic at more than half of ASUR's airports. ASUR's other big earnings driver was its ability to capture more revenue per passenger. Last quarter, this key metric increased 18.8% thanks to 25.2% improvement in commercial revenue. Driving this was 30%+ revenue growth in food and beverage operations, car rental revenues, and teleservices. Total operating costs and expenses, meanwhile, declined 6.4% because of a decrease in construction costs resulting from lower capital expenditures and fewer investments in concessions. That said, costs of services increased 11% because of the Terminal 3 expansion at Cancun. What's driving this growth? Because Cancun continues to be one of Mexico's top tourist destinations, ASUR is investing to increase its capacity to handle this traffic. This includes the recently opened Terminal 3, which should increase its international passenger traffic capacity by 4 million. In addition to that, the company will soon open Terminal 4 to further boost capacity. While the focus of those terminals is international passenger traffic, Cancun continues to be a major destination domestically. That is why Aeromexico, for example, recently launched a new route from Guadalajara to Cancun. That route should also provide a boost to Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico (PAC 1.05%), which operates Guadalajara. In fact, traffic at Groupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico's principal domestic airport is up 15.3% in the first six months of this year, partially because of passengers heading to Cancun. Looking forward As long as Cancun remains one of Mexico's top vacation destinations, it should continue to drive traffic to ASUR's airport. That's what the company is betting on, with it adding two additional terminals to that airport so that it can meet future demand. Needless to say, that airport will likely remain the key growth story at ASUR for quite some time. The second quarter was mixed, both for the oil sector and for Core Laboratories (CLB -6.49%). For the industry, oil prices rebounded sharply, however, oil and gas activities were still bottoming out, evidenced by a 23% sequential decline in the U.S. rig count. This weakness in activities weighed on Core's financial results, with revenue and earnings both down single digits when factoring in some special items. That said, the company firmly believes that the second quarter marked the bottom of an expected "V-shaped" recovery in both the oil market and its financial results. Core Labs results: The raw numbers Metric Q1 2016 Actuals Q2 2016 Actuals Growth (QOQ) Revenue $153.6 million $148.1 million -3.6% Net income $15.1 million $16.6 million 10.2% GAAP EPS $0.35 $0.38 8.6% What happened with Core Labs this quarter? Core Lab's quarter was so-so. Core's financial results were right smack in the middle of its guidance range, which projected revenue of $145 million to $150 million and earnings of $0.34 to $0.36 per share. Speaking of earnings, they declined on an adjusted basis by 5% to $0.35 per share due to foreign currency fluctuations and a lower than expected tax rate. The primary driver of the company's guidance-meeting financial results was its reservoir description business. That segment's revenue was up 1.4% to $103 million while operating income increased 5.4% to $19.2 million. One of the drivers is a program with big oil giant ExxonMobil XOM 0.38% ) Core's other two operating segments, production enhancement and reservoir management, didn't hold up quite as well. Earnings and revenue were down double digits due to the impact of the declining rig count on the production enhancement segment as well as the highly discretionary nature of the company's reservoir management projects. What management had to say As Core's management team wrote in the press release about the quarter: Reservoir description operations posted relatively strong operating margins reflecting ongoing deepwater and international projects while production enhancement outperformed the North American market place where the U.S. land rig count was down 23% on a sequential quarterly basis. Clients continued to show interest in Core's reservoir management regional geological studies encompassing offshore Guyana and Senegal, locations of two recently discovered potential giant oilfields, from which both reservoir fluids and cores are being analyzed by the company. Core's reservoir description business is driving its financial results at the moment. However, it is starting to see interest in other projects, with it noting that its reservoir management segment could see a boost in the future if, for example, companies such as ExxonMobil participate in a regional geological study encompassing its offshore Guyana discovery. Looking forward That potential upside aside, the company remains firmly convinced that better days are ahead. Core's management team reaffirmed that it "continues to anticipate a 'V-shaped' worldwide commodity recovery beginning in the second half of 2016." Furthermore, it noted that one evidence of this is that "several U.S.-based operators have recently announced rig additions." Because of this positive macro outlook, the company projects that its third-quarter results will increase sequentially over the second quarter. It sees revenue between $148 million to $151 million, with earnings ranging between $0.39 to $0.41 per share. Another quarter, another three months of margin expansion for Illinois Tool Works (ITW -0.34%). After a difficult end to 2015 prompting reduced earnings guidance, management has turned momentum around and for the second quarter in a row has raised its guidance for full-year earnings per share. In truth, the guidance hike is more about internal execution and margin optimism than an improvement in the revenue outlook. That said, it's only really the welding segment that's disappointing right now; elsewhere there are signs of a growth recovery in the engineering-equipment manufacturer's end markets. Let's take a closer look at a nuanced quarter that needs some careful explaining. The tale of Illinois Tool Works's second-quarter earnings A quick look at the key points from the update guidance helps explain matters. Full-year organic revenue growth is now expected to be in the range of 1% to 2% compared to prior guidance for 1% to 3%. Full-year GAAP EPS was upgraded from from prior guidance for $5.40 to $5.60 and is now expected to be between $5.50 and $5.70. Management started the year guiding toward $5.35 to $5.55. Operating margin guidance stays the same, with management still expecting more than 22.5% for the full year. Operating margin guidance includes "50 basis point dilution" due to an acquisition, so de facto Illinois Tool Works increased margin guidance. Regular readers will already have seen that industrial supply company MSC Industrial Direct (MSM 0.94%) reported ongoing weakness in its heavy-machinery and metal-cutting end markets -- the kinds of industries that buy Illinois Tool Works' welding equipment. Deteriorating conditions in those end markets was borne out in Illinois Tool Works' organic revenue figures. As you can see below, welding continued to disappoint for the company, but interestingly, four of the seven segments saw increased growth in the second quarter compared to the first. Indeed, the full-year organic revenue target was reduced only due to the "lingering difficult market conditions being experienced by the Welding segment." A return to growth in test and measurement and electronics -- a highly cyclical sector -- is a notable and welcome event, suggesting that the company is over the worst of the slowdown in the industrial economy. Moreover, construction and automotive -- also seen as cyclical sectors -- remain strong. Continued margin expansion Outside welding, conditions appear to be improving, but management isn't simply waiting for some assistance from the economy. In fact, the company is in the fourth year of a five-year enterprise strategy aimed at expanding operating margin. A large part of the plan involves disposing of underperforming businesses and focusing on adjusting product lines in order to generate future growth. In other words, the company has self-help initiatives in place, and management continues to execute well. The chart below shows ongoing margin expansion in six of Illinois Tool Works' seven segments, and as a consequence management felt able to increase full-year EPS guidance. Looking ahead Let's turn to third-quarter guidance. These are the results management expects: Organic revenue growth between 1% and 3%. GAAP EPS, including an acquisition, between $1.42 and $1.52. Operating margin at 23%. Moreover, there is reason to believe there could be some upside to the third-quarter and full-year guidance. For example, during the earnings call CFO Michael Larsen outlined: "We are assuming current levels of demand going into Q3 and the slight bump in overall year-over-year organic growth rate is due to the comps. So we're assuming no acceleration in Q3 or Q4 at current demand levels." However, outside welding, end-market conditions appear to be improving, and management's guidance could prove to be conservative. Regardless, it was a good second-quarter report, as the company continues to wring every bit of margin and growth it can from a moderately growing industrial economy. The performance of paint specialist Sherwin-Williams (SHW 0.44%) over time has greatly rewarded long-term shareholders with share-price appreciation and dividend income. Recently, the combination of a healthy housing market and the strategic acquisition of rival Valspar (VAL) has helped send Sherwin-Williams stock to new all-time record highs. Coming into Thursday's second-quarter financial report, Sherwin-Williams investors were expecting solid and steady growth on its top and bottom line. Yet results fell short of their expectations, and some worry about whether the company can sustain its past pace of growth into the future. Let's take a closer look at Sherwin-Williams and its results to see what lies ahead for the paint maker. Sherwin-Williams can't avoid runs, drips, errors Sherwin-Williams' second-quarter results represented a departure from its usual practice in failing to exceed investor expectations. Revenue of $3.22 billion rose 2.8% from the year-ago quarter, but that was less than the 5% growth rate that most of those following the stock had wanted to see. Similarly, net income grew 8% to $378.1 million, but even after accounting for expenses related to the Valspar acquisition, adjusted net earnings of $4.06 per share were a dime less than the consensus forecast among investors. Taking a closer look at Sherwin-Williams' results, the company's segments looked a little different than they have in recent quarters. As usual, the paint stores group posted sales gains, with the top line rising 6.2% on comparable-store sales growth of 5.2%. The segment earned more than half a billion dollars during the quarter, rising 17% thanks primarily to higher sales volumes for paint. Profit margin jumped more than two percentage points to 24.1%. However, the remainder of Sherwin-Williams' businesses were under pressure. The consumer group saw rare declines, suffering a nearly 3% drop in sales that sent profits down 5% from a year ago. The company blamed the drop on tough comparisons following last year's introduction of the HGTV Home paint line during this period, and improved operating efficiency wasn't enough to offset higher spending on overhead expenses. The global finishes group took a 1% hit on dollar-based sales figures, and the Latin America coatings remained under pressure with an 11% fall in sales. Sherwin-Williams CEO John Morikis still accentuated the positives. "We are pleased to report record sales and earnings per share from the continued positive sales volume and strong operating results of our paint stores group," Morikis said, "and operating margin improvements in our global finishes group." The CEO also pointed to the 31 net new locations that the paint store division opened during the first half of 2016. Why are Sherwin-Williams investors nervous? Unfortunately for the company, Sherwin-Williams made some less optimistic predictions about its coming earnings. The paint-maker expects sales to rise by low- to mid-single digit percentages, which would be on the low side of the current expectation for 5% growth on the top line. Earnings of $4.10 to $4.30 per share would similarly be below the consensus forecast for the quarter, although the figure includes a net downward impact of a dime per share due to acquisition expenses and income-tax provisions. For the full year, Sherwin-Williams said that it expects just low single-digit percentage increases in net sales. The company said that it was raising its guidance for the full year to $11.65 to $11.85 per share, and although that was less than the $12.50 to $12.70 per share it anticipated in last quarter's release, the new figure includes a net reduction of $0.85 per share to account for acquisition and income tax impacts. That leaves the net guidance basically unchanged from where it was in April. At this point, Sherwin-Williams investors are looking forward to the Valspar deal closing. The merger got approval from Valspar shareholders in June, and the two companies believe that closing will happen by the end of the first quarter of 2017. Sherwin-Williams received a second request for merger information from the Federal Trade Commission in connection with the merger, but that's not unusual for a deal of this size. Investors weren't happy with Sherwin-Williams' results, sending the stock down 6% in pre-market trading following the announcement. After such a long history of strong growth, it would be disappointing to see Sherwin-Williams start to lose its momentum, but shareholders are starting to worry more about that possibility becoming reality. European banks rose on Thursday after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi suggested using public money to tackle the level of bad loans in the eurozone banking system. The Stoxx Europe 600 banks index jumped 0.6% after trading with losses earlier in the day. Speaking at the ECB's monetary policy news conference Draghi said a public backstop for non-performing loans would be "very useful," but it should be agreed with the European Commission. Draghi also warned the level of bank loans is problem a for future profitability and bank lending. "We want to avoid fire sales," he said. The comments come after concerns have risen in recent weeks that the level of bad loans at Italy's banks could blow up the country's financial system and threaten its membership in the eurozone. Italian banks are neck-deep in non-performing loans, with official data putting the total at around 200 billion ($220.5 billion), or around 8% of total loans. The issues have been reflected in Italian bank shares, with focus particularly on Siena-based Banca Monte dei Paschi , which is down 74% so far this year. The European Central Bank earlier this month asked BMPS to cut its gross nonperforming loan exposur to 14.6 billion by 2018 from 46.9 billion in 2015. Copyright 2016 MarketWatch, Inc. General Mills Inc. disclosed Thursday that it will cut 420 jobs in Brazil and 440 jobs in China, as part of a restructuring of certain international product lines. The job cuts are a result of the snack giant's plan to close a snacks manufacturing facility in Marilia, Brazil, to cease production of meals and snacks at its facility in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil and to cease production of underperforming snacks at its Nanjing, China facility. The company also said in the filing that it made a "tentative decision" to close its facility in Vineland, New Jersey, which would affect 370 jobs. In addition, the company reached an agreement to sell its dry mixes plant in Martel, Ohio, which will affect 180 jobs. General Mills expects to record charges of $42 million for its moves in Brazil and China. The closure of its Vineland plant is expected to cost $67 million, while the sale of its Martel plant will lead to a loss of $11 million. The stock, which tacked on 0.6% in premarket trade, has run up 24% year to date through Wednesday, while the S&P 500 has gained 6.3%. Copyright 2016 MarketWatch, Inc. Its been a record year for mergers and acquisitions activity in the U.S. but not in the same sense Wall Street has become accustomed to. While M&A volume in 2014 and 2015 surged to pre-crisis era record highs, 2016 has become known as the year deals failed. According to data from Dealogic, the first half of the year has already seen the highest U.S. targeted withdrawn M&A on record with 59 deals worth $462.96 billion wiped out of the market. On a global scale, 590 deals totaling $633.05 billion have turned to rubble. Among the blockbuster tie-ups failing to materialize were a $160 billion proposed deal between Allergan (NYSE:AGN) and Pfizer (NYSE:PFE); a $102 billion proposal between United Technologies (NYSE:UTX) and Honeywell (NYSE:HON); a $40 billion deal by Canadian Pacific (NYSE:CP) to acquire Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC); and a $38 billion proposal for Halliburton (NYSE:HAL) to buy Baker Hughes (NYSE:BHI). Halting many of the planned transactions was concern by the U.S. government and other global entities that the mergers would create an anti-competitive market. Take for example the proposed merger between the worlds No. 2 and No. 3 oilfield services companies, which agreed to combine under harsh operating conditions of multi-year low oil prices amid increased pressure from international competitors: Regulators squashed that deal over concerns it would result in higher prices for the sector. On Thursday, the list of mega deals under scrutiny by the U.S. government grew to include the planned mergers totaling more than $90 billion between Aetna (NYSE:AET) and Humana (NYSE:HUM), and Anthem (NYSE:ANTM) and Cigna (NYSE:CIG). The Department of Justice, in a statement, said the transactions would hurt competition in the U.S. as the number of large, multi-national health insurers were reduced from five to three. The complaints allege that the two mergerswould harm seniors, working families, and individuals, employers and doctors and other healthcare providers by limiting price competition, reducing benefits, decreasing incentives to provide innovative wellness programs and lowering the quality of care, the DoJs statement read. Following the announcement early Thursday, Anthem, Humana, and Aetna said they were committed to challenging the DoJs decision. Cigna, in a statement, said it was evaluating its options consistent with its obligations under the agreement, but declined to elaborate. Shares of the four companies rallied more than 2% in afternoon trade. Stormy Skies Ahead? While this year has no doubt forced some of the globes biggest companies to rethink their growth-through-acquisition plans, Thaddeus Kresho, partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers deals practice, said whats happened so far in 2016 is not necessarily a sign that the second half of the year will be quiet on the deal-making front, though it is likely to make many companies take a step back and reevaluate the landscape. Particularly in the health-care sector, Kresho said theres a lot of opportunity for M&A beyond health insurers. Theres a lot of talk around payers and insurance companies, medical devices, but there are a lot of deals out there happening. Theyre putting private-equity dollars to use. It might not be $40 billion deals those are always nice to see, and they get scrutiny but theres a lot of money across health care and I expect that to continue, he said. Kresho added that the size of the deal can be a red flag for regulators, but its not the only thing that draws attention. Grassroots commentary from local areas all across the country also adds fuel to the fire when it comes to anti-trust regulations. "It might not be $40 billion deals those are always nice to see, and they get scrutiny but theres a lot of money across health care and I expect that to continue." - Thaddeus Kresho, PwC partner It all depends on where you are [as a company] in a local community and how it impacts you. People are really thinking about the consumer and raising their voices, asking Is it good for me? he said. No matter what battle the DoJ is willing to fight, desire wont be extinguished from American companies to partner up with firms holding similar interests, according to Kresho. While companies might not look for buyout opportunities, there are other ways they can link arms to offer better services to consumers. In the health care space, Kresho said more affiliations are likely to happen and while the method is far from a new idea, the frequency of those kinds of deals has increased over the last six to 12 months. These are large hospital systems hoping to extend networks into other populationsthere is some talk around efficiencies, some driven by spend, health care systems, or IT systems. Certain community hospitals need help from bigger systems and they look to be more apt to an affiliation now than they would have been before, he explained. Airbnb said on Wednesday it hired former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to help craft its anti-discrimination policy to combat discrimination occurring on the home-sharing company's platform. Airbnb, which allows private homeowners, or "hosts," on the site to rent apartments and houses on a short-term basis, has received complaints of discrimination based on race, gender and sexual orientation. "While we have a policy that prohibits discrimination, we want this policy to be stronger," Airbnb Chief Executive Brian Chesky said in a blog post announcing the hiring of Holder. Holder, the first African American to hold the position of U.S. Attorney General, will be working with John Relman, a civil rights attorney and authority "on fair housing and public accommodation issues," Chesky said. In June, Holder wrote to lawmakers on behalf of ride-hailing service Uber to argue against the use of fingerprint-based background checks as they consider how to regulate ride-hailing service drivers. Airbnb has said that discrimination occurring on its platform is the biggest challenge facing the company. Last month, the hashtag #AirbnbWhileBlack trended heavily on Twitter in the United States, serving as a forum for black travelers to share experiences of racial discrimination from white Airbnb hosts. (Additional reporting by Heather Sommerville in San Francisco) I like the fact that he is a leader, he is decisive, he is a curious person, she said. He knows how to build a team most importantly and thats what the American people want-- somebody whos a team builder, can bring us all together and unite us around a cause. For Blackburn, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton is not a team builder. For over a year, Blackburn has been questioning the how the Clinton Foundation operates. She started with the IRS and followed up the Federal Trade Commission. "We sent a letter after the first of the year to the FTC asking about the charity [Clinton Foundation] and whether it was a scam charity," she alleges that the Clinton Foundation gives about 15% of its donations to its missions far below the 50%-75%, other charities commit. "Interestingly enough what we heard back from them (FTC) was it was not a sham charity," she added while noting that some charities have been shut down for giving less than 50%. Blackburn is set to speak about unity and vision in her speech at the Republican National Convention on Thursday night. She said she also hopes to emphasize the Partys focus on restoring opportunity in America. Were not the Grand Old Party, but the Great Opportunity Party, she said. Thats the message we want to get across. Blackburn said she also believes Trump and his vice presidential pick, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, are a match made in political heaven. The Department of Justice (DOJ) doesnt get healthcare? Thats the word from Anthem (NYSE:ANTM) after antitrust officials announced the intent to block its planned $48 billion purchase of Cigna (NYSE:CI), as well as Aetnas (NYSE:AET) planned $34 billion purchase of Humana (NYSE:HUM). The DOJ filed the lawsuits on Thursday, alleging the mergers would badly hurt competition in the industry. In a mid-morning press conference, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said if the deals were to proceed, American consumers would suffer. Ticker Security Last Change Change % ANTM n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. CI CIGNA CORP. 316.58 +1.63 +0.52% AET n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. HUM HUMANA INC. 544.52 +5.30 +0.98% They would leave much of the multi-trillion dollar health insurance industry in the hands of three mammoth insurance companies, and restricting companies, and restricting competition in key markets, she said. In a statement to FOXBusiness.com, Anthem said, Todays action by the Department of Justice is an unfortunate and misguided step backwards for access to affordable healthcare for America. Access to health insurance saves lives, improves health and reduces the cost of care for all Americans. The DOJs action is based on a flawed analysis and misunderstanding of the dynamic, competitive and highly regulated healthcare landscape and is inconsistent with the way that the DOJ has reviewed past healthcare transactions. As for next steps, the insurer says Anthem is fully committed to challenging the DOJs decision in court but will remain receptive to any efforts to reach a settlement with the DOJ that will allow us to complete the transaction and deliver its benefits at a critical time when American consumers are seeking high quality healthcare services with greater value at less cost. In a separate release, Cigna said it is currently evaluating its options consistent with its obligations under the agreement. A spokesperson declined requests by FOXBusiness.com to be more specific. Shortly after the DOJ announcement, Humana said together with Aetna, the company intends to "vigorously defend the merger transaction, as reported by Reuters. Texas Senator Ted Cruz defended his decision Thursday to not support the Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump after the real-estate mogul attacked his family during the primary campaign. A similar situation developed during the Republican primary involving Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts family. His parents, Marlene Ricketts and TD Ameritrade (NASDAQ:AMTD) founder Joe Ricketts, reportedly donated about $4 million to an anti-Trump super PAC. Gov. Ricketts exclusively told FOX Business Networks Liz Claman on April 29 that he would support whoever became the Republican nominee to take the White House despite Trump having insulted his parent as Trump did of Cruz family. The family's donations did not go unnoticed thanks to a tweet from Trump back in February. I hear the Rickets family, who own the Chicago Cubs, are secretly spending $'s against me. They better be careful, they have a lot to hide! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 22, 2016 Ricketts said on Countdown to the Closing Bell he will be voting for Trump in November and wants all Republicans to rally around the partys nominee. I went through a very contested Republican primary myself and the day after that primary every one of my opponents was at a unity rally to support me and thats what we have to do as Republicans is come together to support our nominee, Ricketts said. The Nebraska governor told host Liz Claman he understood where the Texas Senator and Ohio Governor John Kasich are coming from after both former presidential candidates strongly disagree with the GOP nominee and were dealt with personal attacks by Trump. As we Republicans, we have to come together, the primary is over we gotta get behind our nominee, Ricketts said. When it comes to choosing who should be voted into the White House, Gov. Ricketts said, the choice couldnt be more clear about who is going to take the country into the right direction and thats Donald Trump. Playboy magazine debuted their first non-nude issue in March 2016. But now another magazine called Treats is stepping into the breach to feature celebrities including Lydia Hearst, Emily Ratajkowski, and Olivia Culpo in their birthday suits. Even Sarah McDaniel, Playboys first ever non-nude cover girl on that March issue, ended up going fully naked for Treats this summer. So what is Treats secret to getting the stars out of their skivvies? Playboy is for men. I do this for women, founder and Editor in chief Steve Shaw told FOX411. I shot for Playboy, Maxim, FHM and it was just cheesy. Forcing some poor actress to pose seductively. In Treats, the goal is to show beautiful, artistic images. Its sensual, not sexual. The veteran photographer said he doesnt even think about what a man wants when deciding on the images that will make it onto his magazine. Im a feminist in a sense. Im cautious about everything I put in because I dont want to offend women, said Shaw. Others in the fashion industry have taken note of Shaws vision and departure from Playboy and so-called lad mags. Robert Casey, president of Boston-based modeling agency Maggie, Inc., told FOX411 that Treats is a more high-end artistic magazine aimed at the fashion industry elite whereas Playboy in its nude glory days catered to men looking to ogle women. (And of course read the informative interviews.) Treats is a different animal entirely and is spearheading a genre Playboy could have only hoped to ever be," Casey said. Playboy was always about lowest common denominator, like Top 40 erotica -- naked hot chicks that would appeal to any hetero male, and an occasional celeb thrown in as a PR stunt. Treats is the meeting of luxury, art, fashion and erotica. Its truly unique and fills a void, smart erotica that can appeal to women as much as men. Craig Lawrence, President of modeling agency ONE.1, who represents models like Rocky Barnes, who have both posed for the mag, agreed. We have always supported Treats because the pictures are great, they use amazing photographers, and it is a great launching pad for several models, including Emily Ratajkowski. But Lawrence also credits Playboy for breaking away from its tradition of glossy, airbrushed images this year and moving toward a more fashion forward future. I think it may be too early to tell, but the new formula may work in its favor, said Lawrence. They are getting great editorial models and photographers, and it is helping to legitimize the book in the fashion industry. FOX411 reached out to Playboy but did not receive comment. Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson sent former presidential candidate Ted Cruz a message on FOX & Friends Thursday morning: Get over it. The reality star, who had been a big supporter of Cruz during his campaign, said its time for the Texas senator to get behind Donald Trump. I mean give me a break Ted, go ahead and endorse the man, Robertson said on FOX & Friends following Cruz's Wednesday night speech at the Republican National Convention where he failed to endorse Trump. I mean, you lost, he won. The Robertson patriarch continued, I love that dude [Cruz] but all the guys who lost and gals, they all need to swallow their pride and say the people [and] the Republican Party has said Donald Trump is the man we want in the White House. Attending the RNC has taught Robertson a thing or two about politics, he shared. So Im learning about politics as Im going and I think maybe the key word is they need to learn how to forgive each other and lets move on. A Washington private school for young children has shut its doors as health officials investigate an E. coli outbreak that has left two preschoolers hospitalized and possibly exposed an additional 10 staff members and 60 children. Q 13 Fox reported that the Snohomish Health District has closed the Monroe Montessori School, in Monroe, to prevent further spread of the bacteria. People who are elderly, immunosuppressed, or young are more at risk for suffering complications from infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The school has preschool, kindergarten and elementary classes, according to its website. Theyre babies. Thats scary, Wendy Weilbacher who lives in Monroe, told Q 13 Fox. The news station reported that the two hospitalized children are girls and that one is suffering from kidney complications. Heather Thomas, spokeswoman for the Snohomish Health District, said its unclear whether the bacteria is spreading at the school, and that their investigation aims to find out. They are going through and sanitizing the facility and they will be testing all of the children who have been in that facility since July 11, as well as staff, Thomas told the news station. Symptoms of E. coli include stomach cramping, nausea, diarrhea and bloody stool. Female smokers may be the most at risk for brain bleeds when compared to male smokers or non-smokers, a study released Thursday found. The results, published by researchers from the American Heart Association, suggest that, while smoking increases the chance of brain bleeds in both sexes, women are disproportionately at risk. A brain bleed otherwise known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage, results from bleeding into the area between the brains surface and the underlying tissue, and, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, can result in seizures, coma, and ultimately death. Overall, researchers found, female smokers were more likely to develop brain bleeds than non-smokers, regardless of how much they smoked. However, women who reported smoking heavily21 to 30 cigarettes per day were at the greatest risk. These women were more than eight times more likely to develop a hemorrhage than non-smokers. Male smokers were similarly at risk; however, the study found that men who smoked heavily were only a little under three times more likely to have a brain bleed than non-smokers. "Female sex has been described as an independent risk factor for subarachnoid hemorrhage, study lead author Dr. Joni Valdemar Lindbohm, a physician in neurosurgery and public health at the University of Helsinki in Finland, said in a news release. But we found strong evidence that the elevated risk in women is explained by vulnerability to smoking," The study, published in the American Heart Associations journal Stroke, analyzed the health information from 65,521 randomly selected adults between the years 1972 and 2011. Brain bleeds account for three percent of all strokes, according to the American Heart Association. The good news, the study cited, is that the risk is significantly reduced in former smokers who had quit six months earlier, with their chances of a brain bleed being almost equivalent to that of non-smokers. Researchers noted that it is possible for there to be factors besides smoking that can lead to an increased risk of brain bleeds, such as alcohol consumption and high cholesterol or blood pressure. However, they assert that smoking is the biggest risk factor for developing a hemorrhage. "There is no safe level of smoking," Lindbohm said. "Naturally the best option is never to start. Quitting smoking, however, can reduce the risk for subarachnoid hemorrhage in both sexes." The Zika virus, which continues to wreak havoc in the Americas, is at the forefront of many travelers minds as we head into the summer months. There is currently no vaccine commercially available for the virus, nor is there a cure for those who become infected, but there are a few ways to stay safe. We recently got this question from a viewer: Dear Dr. Manny, Im traveling this summer and am concerned about the Zika virus. I dont want to buy bug spray with chemicals in it. Are there any essential oils I can use to ward off mosquitos instead? Thanks, Gina Before booking your vacation, familiarize yourself with the so-called Zika hotspots, which are areas where the virus is prevalent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel advisory to anyone headed to areas in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, the Pacific Islands, South America and Cape Verde. Its also important to consider the risks involved with travel to such areas. The Zika virus is particularly dangerous for expectant mothers and women of childbearing age. The virus can cause severe birth defects in developing babies such as microcephaly, which causes abnormal brain development. The virus can be contracted either by being bit by an Zika-infected mosquito, or through sexual transmission. Most people who are infected with the virus do not experience symptoms, but those who do may suffer from fever, rash, joint pain, muscle pain, headache or conjunctivitis. If symptoms present within two weeks of traveling to a Zika-infested location, it is important to see your doctor. Although there is no vaccine, you can take a few steps to protect yourself from this virus. Practicing safe sex with condoms, and protecting yourself from mosquitos by avoiding low-lying areas surrounded by water and covering exposed skin can help. The CDC has said it is safe to use insect repellant that contains deet, but for those looking to avoid chemicals there are also essential oils you can use. Essential oils are a really great way to keep mosquitoes away that could be carrying the Zika virus because theyre natural, toxin free and they smell really great, Lara Riggio, owner of The Lara Touch Wellness Center in New York, and an eastern healing and essential oils expert, told FoxNews.com. Its super easy: Get a three ounce bottle so you can actually travel with it, [and] fill it halfway with water and halfway with witch hazel. Then youre going to take your essential oils I like to use citronella, eucalyptus and tea tree oil youre going to take 10 to 15 drops, drop them in with the water, shake it up, spray it all over your body, Riggio said. The mosquitoes will stay away, and youll smell great. For the most up-to-date information on the Zika virus and travel notices, visit CDC.gov. Do you have a health question? Tweet us at @DrMannyonFOX. As the 1860 Republican National Convention only the partys second drew near, Sen. William H. Seward was the acknowledged frontrunner, facing a fragmented, yet numerous opposition. Seward would have nowhere close to a majority when the convention opened in Chicago on May 16. Sewards problem was he was thought too radical on the slavery question by some Republicans: he wanted its abolition while many party members wanted only to stop its spread to the western territories or opposed southern efforts to plant it north of the line established by the Missouri Compromise. After his 1858 debates with Sen. Stephen Douglas, some careful travel in the Midwest in 1859 and a well-received speech at New York Citys Cooper Union, followed by a tour through the Northeast in early 1860, Lincoln was well-regarded but hardly the first choice of a large number of the convention delegates. No matter: the Lincoln managers came backed by a full Illinois delegation (despite concerns about possible defections from the Chicago men), patiently worked to bring Indiana to their mans side before the convention opened, and canvassed delegations committed to favorite sons like New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Lincoln men could only do so much to advance his cause by stressing his moderate views on race, his speaking ability, and his life story of a poor man who had risen in life by hard work, ambition, and grit. They also needed to dangle promises of cabinet posts and patronage to attract support, especially when Sewards managers were rumored to have satchels of cash. Whether because he wanted to be on the record opposing such wheeling and dealing or because he did not want to be bound by any such promises, Lincoln wired his managers: Make no contracts that bind me. They didnt pay attention to his telegram. It took until 11 am on June 17 for the nominations to be made and the first roll call. As expected, Seward led with 173 votes, followed by Lincoln with 102. The other 160.5 votes were divided among ten hopefuls. Most of Lincolns votes came from Illinois and Indiana. On the second ballot, the Lincoln mens smooth words and pledges paid off as some Pennsylvania swung into his column, joined by almost all of New Hampshire and Vermont, some of Ohio and Kentucky, and most of the Virginia Unionists in attendance. Seward had moved up to 184 but Lincoln was close behind at 181. As the chairman called for a third ballot, movement was clearly toward the Illinoisan. Most of Massachusetts and New Jersey and more of Ohio joined the bandwagon, leaving Lincoln 1 short of a majority at the end of the roll. Seward threw in the towel. There were simply too many Republicans wary of Sewards radicalism on slavery and Lincoln was a good second choice for so many people. So, despite losing the 1858 senate race and having last served in politics as a one-term Whig House member from 1847 to 1849, Lincoln was on his way to the White House. But unifying the party was still necessary. The astute Lincoln understood Sewards severe disappointment at losing out on the nomination. So he summoned the New Yorkers chief lieutenant, publisher Thurlow Weed, to Springfield. No one knows what transpired in the hours the men spent in Lincolns house but the nominee succeeded in conciliating the man whom he beat for the nomination. Seward later became Lincolns Secretary of State and one of his greatest allies on the storied Team of Rivals that constituted the new presidents cabinet. Authors note: For more information about the 1860 Republican nomination fight, check out Gary Ecelbarger's book The Great Comeback: How Abraham Lincoln Beat the Odds to Win the 1860 Republican Nomination (Thomas Dunne Books, September 2, 2008). FDR had dominated American politics for most of the 1930s, but Republicans had high hopes for the 1940 presidential election. Conventional wisdom was that Roosevelt would not try to buck public sentiment by seeking an unprecedented third term and that the Democratic presidential battle would leave that party divided and dispirited. So the GOP field was large and eager. Two young and attractive candidates sat atop the list. The frontrunner was the 38-year old Manhattan District Attorney Thomas Dewey, armed with a well-deserved reputation for crime fighting, and Ohios 50-year old junior senator, Robert A. Taft. They were joined by one of the Senates leading isolationists, Michigan's Arthur Vandenberg, and more than half a dozen favorite sons and minor candidates. One of those might have appeared to be Indiana native and power company executive Wendell Willkie, who was apparently still registered as a Democrat in February and polling at 3 percent in May, just weeks before Republicans gathered in Philadelphia June 24. But Willkie was the beneficiary of a gigantic grassroots draft movement orchestrated by Fortune magazine's managing editor, Russell Davenport, and other powerful newspaper and magazine publishers eager for a businessman candidate with internationalist views on foreign policy. A respected Republican National Committee member, Connecticuts committeeman, Sam Pryor, Jr. also helped Willkie. An entrepreneur and financier, Pryor had heard Willkie eviscerate deputy Attorney General Robert Jackson in a national radio debate. Intrigued, he invited Willkie to speak at the 100th anniversary of Christ Church in Greenwich and shortly after began promoting the Hoosier to his wide circle of political friends. Then fate intervened. In mid-May, Oregon committeeman Ralph Williams died of a massive stroke at a meeting of the RNC Arrangements Committee in Philadelphia. Pryor succeeded him, giving him the ability to affect the convention in a profound way. Dewey led on the first ballot with 306, followed by Taft at 189 and Willkie at 105. Vandenberg was next with 76, followed by Pennsylvanias favorite son, Gov. Arthur James at 74. The remaining 346 delegates were split among eight others. Then on the second ballot, Dewey dropped to 338 while Taft rose to 203 and Willkie jumped to 171, with 288 to the remaining candidates. Deweys decline was not good news for the candidate: its hard for a frontrunner to regain momentum once it was lost. Deweys decline was no accident. Pryor had worked a split in the New York City Republican Party to hide Willkie supporters in Deweys first ballot total and began pulling them and others out of Dewey and moving them to Willkie on the second. He also arranged with Willkie supporters to back favorite sons, such as New York publisher Frank Gannett and Massachusetts congressman and GOP House leader Joe Martin, who was privately supporting Willkie. Many of these hidden Willkie followers were from states late in the alphabetical roll call, so Pryor could arrange for Dewey to decline and Willkie to rise on successive ballots. By the end of the third ballot, Dewey had been bled down to 315, while Taft had risen to 212. But Willkie moved into second place with 259. His rise was also added by the fact the galleries were packed with screaming Willkie supporters, who chanted their favorites name incessantly and filled the hall with screams, cheers and songs whenever his name was mentioned. As Arrangements Chairman, Pryor was in charge of distributing guest tickets. While he denied having packed the galleries when the leader of the Texas delegation accused him of doing so, Pryors denial was not credible. He knew the packed galleries could help stampede the delegates. After the third ballot, Pryor met in a freight elevator behind the stage with Minnesota Gov. Harold Stassen, then 33-year old and the convention keynote speaker, and former Kansas Gov. and 1936 GOP presidential nominee, Alf Landon, and convinced the two men to throw their strength behind Willkie. Dewey collapsed on the fourth ballot. On the next ballot, Landons Kansas and the rest of New York moved into the Willkie camp, narrowing the race to Willkie vs. Taft. A sixth ballot was called: Michigan moved en masse from Vandenberg to Willkie, followed by Pennsylvania, making the businessman and political novice the Republican nominee. It would be another 76 years before the GOP did this again. Terror in Nice, a failed coup in Turkey, Russian-sponsored war in Ukraine, and Great Britain's decision last month to leave the European Union are all signs of a Europe in need of leadership more than ever. But where will that leadership come from? Traditionally, its been the United States in concert with the United Kingdom that has provided the strategic backbone to the transatlantic relationship. However, with the British decision to leave the EU and signs of America turning inward a key question arises: Can Germany provide the continents anchor to help maintain transatlantic stability and strength? Certainly, Germany is once again the great power on the European continent. Its not a status either Germanys neighbors or most Germans feel entirely comfortable with. German citizens and politicians had become strategically comfortable during the Cold War wrapped in the blanket of the American-led alliance (NATO). Since that time, Germans have rested most often inside the cocoon of the European Project." The combination of the EUs own institutional weaknesses and serial crises (Greek bail outs, refugees, the Russian invasion of Ukraine) have pushed Germany to the forefront. Angela Merkel has taken the lead in ways unprecedented for a German Chancellor. As Americans might sympathize, as a response to this leadership, some German allies see arrogance, unilateralism"--and worse. Europeans have long memories, and Germany's size, weight, and geo-strategic position can make lesser powers in the neighborhood easily jittery. But it's hard to get escape facts. With London leaving, within the councils of the EU the German voice in Europe will now become unavoidably bigger. How will Germany respond to the new situation? Will it be spooked by a new role and additional responsibility? Can Germans admit that the country's past, while important, can no longer--after 60 years of exemplary democratic rule--define its present, let alone its future? Germanys outgoing president, the highly respected former East German dissident Joachim Gauck, has attempted to move his country along this new agenda. Gauck argues that Germany should play a more overtly active role internationally, and not instinctively saying no to the use of the military in all cases, for example. The German president insists that his country overcome inhibitions linked to its past in order to accept more responsibility for Germany and European security in the futurea view reiterated by the German defense ministry with the publication of a new government-approved white paper on German security policy. Part of this responsibility involves standing up for universal rights in Europe and elsewhere--the very principles that define Germany's own democracy. However, this will not be easy. A recent poll indicates that a majority of Germans would not support sending the German military to defend Poland or the Baltic States if invaded by Russia. And while Chancellor Merkel has led the way within Europe on sanctions against Russia for its illegal annexation of Crimea, her coalition partners in the Social Democratic Party--as well as some members of her own party--advocate a softer line. German foreign policy has been generally characterized by caution. In a recent piece in Foreign Affairs on Germanys new global role, Germany's Social Democratic Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier writes, Some politicians, such as the former Polish foreign minister Radek Sikorski, have described Germany as Europes indispensable nation. Germany has not aspired to this status. But circumstances have forced it into a central role. But one would be hard pressed to read Steinmeier and see anything that resembles a clear or coherent roadmap for Germany's new course. There are three ways to push Germany sensibly ahead. First, there's NATO. It's striking that Steinmeyer omits mention of the transatlantic military alliance in an article about Germany's new foreign policy. The evolving projection of German foreign policy power will need multilateral cover in order to be palpable to others in Europe. For decades, the Germans have understood this about the European Community (and today's EU). It's time Berlin fully grasps the same lesson about NATO. Germany inside NATO is a safer idea to other Europeans than the idea of Germany un-tethered. In addition, it's NATO that will provide the indispensable organizational, infrastructural, and technological framework for European defense going forward. The EU has myriad problems; it has deep deficiencies and structural limitations in foreign and defense policy. It cannot substitute for NATO on the security front. Moreover, given the scale of the security problems facing Europe, German leadership exercised outside of NATOand, hence, absent the US contributionwould be a bridge too far for Berlin. However, as the current presidential campaign has made clear, to maintain that vital American role, Germans will need to spend more on defense, learn to articulate a strategic vision, and actually be prepared, when necessary, to use its military decisively. A tall order, no doubt. Second, there's Russia, a conundrum for the Germans. Serious foreign policy requires a mixture of carrots and sticks, a sober and clear view of one's own interests and values, and an accurate assessment of the aims of adversaries. It also involves resolving dilemmas. Much of the German political establishment finds it difficult--including large parts of the county's influential businesses and banking community--to view Vladimir Putin's Russia as threat and foe. This has in part to do with short-term commercial interests. But Germany's general culture of strategic reticence tends to confuse diplomacy and dialogue for ends, rather than means. Putin's expansionist foreign policy must be deterred and contained, and on this, Germany must lead. It would be hardly in German or European interests to sit idly by why Moscow further weakens and divides the continent. Finally, there's Syria. Refugee flows have turned the EU upside down. Germany alone has take in more than 1.1 minion refugees since last summer. The challenge of integrating such large numbers of people from Syria and other Muslim majority countries is in itself daunting. The EU has negotiated a deal with Turkey to regulate future flows. But everyone knows that such deals with the current Turkish leadership are inherently unreliable. The recent coup attempt underscores this (note Turkish President Erdogan flies not to Brussels or Berlin, but rather to Moscow to confer with Vladimir Putin after the failed coup). More refugees will come from the Middle East and Northern Africa. Germany needs to lead an effort, if not to stabilize a country like Syria, but at least to create safe havens so that the displaced and homeless have a decent and secure option for protection and shelter. This spring, Germany proposed such an option, but faced opposition from an Obama administration determined for its part to keep American ground troops as far as possible from harm's way. Let Germany lead the European effort to cajole the Americans, much like the Americans had done with the Europeans to develop support for action in the Balkans in the 1990s. But that means a willingness to take the lead materially and diplomatically. As uncomfortable as it might be for Germans, there is no turning the clock back. Britain is leaving the EU, and the United States, no matter who the next president is, will increasingly find itself stretched to handle multiple global security issues. Threats to Europe from the East and the South will not abate. The need for German leadership is inevitable. Both Europe and the U.S. depend on this. Will the Germans accept their new role? Mike Pences speech Wednesday night was a model for how a vice presidential nominee should use his first star turn on the national stage. He introduced himself with humility and humor, he praised the presidential nominee effectively and he launched solid barbs at the political opposition. But in Pences case his speech was overshadowed by the earlier appearance of Ted Cruz, Donald Trumps chief rival in the primaries. Cruz gave an inspirational speech that harkened back to Ronald Reagans 1976 speech to GOP delegates at the convention that nominated Gerald Ford. But Cruz chose not to take Reagans approach and call for the tickets victory. Instead, he emulated Ted Kennedy at the 1980 Democratic convention who chose not to mention the need for voters to elect his rival, Jimmy Carter. Pence knew he had cleanup work to do after Cruzs non-endorsement. He did his best to remove the sting by saying: "I'm a conservative Christian who likes our nominee and can deliver a good speech. Delegates I spoke with after the convention went further and said Pences speech was a home run. He was fluid, on point and unifying, Robert Rabon, the chair of the South Carolina Republican Party in Myrtle Beach, told me. Pences speech energized delegates, reached out to independents and presented Trump in a more favorable light than even the candidate usually does. But Pence was also speaking to people in the TV audience who have no affiliation with the Republican Party. "I started out in the other party until I heard the voice of the 40th president and I joined the Reagan Revolution, he said. He noted that union members, coal miners and family values Democrats have been abandoned by the Democratic Party. So too are struggling middle-class families, he claimed, whose wages have been stagnant under the Obama administration. We are told this economy is the best we can do, he said. That isnt true, its merely the best THEY can do. Then Pence turned his attention to Hillary Clinton. He savaged her over her performance during and after the Benghazi terrorist attacks in 2012. It was Hillary Clinton who left Americans in harms way in Benghazi, Pence said. But he argued Clinton thought after four Americans fell, what difference at this point does it make? Pence wouldnt let up at that point: Anyone who said that, anyone who did that, should be disqualified from ever serving as commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the United States of America His most effective one-liner of the night was when he mocked her lock step agreement with the Obama White House by calling her Americas Secretary of the Status Quo. He also needled the news media by zinging them for doing half of (Hillarys) work for her. Pence had a couple minor stumbles, but they were in areas few would notice. He claimed that Trump was a major supporter of educational choice -- a Pence priority as governor of Indiana -- but in reality Trump has often confused support for greater choices for school children with his opposition to Common Cores educational standards. But in general, Pences speech energized delegates, reached out to independents and presented Trump in a more favorable light than even the candidate usually does. Pences speech was a knockout, Paul Kamenar, a Washington, D.C. lawyer attending the convention, told me. The big problem is that Cruz stepped all over his headlines and became the story of the night. What if the folks who run the Department of Political Justice recently were told that the republic would suffer if Hillary Clinton were indicted for espionage because Donald Trump might succeed Barack Obama in the presidency? What if espionage is the failure to safeguard state secrets and the evidence that Clinton failed to safeguard them is unambiguous and overwhelming? What if President Obama never really liked his former rival whom he appointed as his secretary of state? What if he had no real interest in seeing her succeed him because he and his wife simply could never trust her? What if, when Clinton suggested to the president that the U.S. wage a secret undeclared war against Libya, the president went along with it as a no-lose proposition? What if he assumed that if her secret war succeeded hed get the credit and if her secret war failed she would get the blame? What if the means of fighting the secret war consisted of employing intelligence assets rather than the U.S. military? What if Clinton concocted that idea because the use of the military requires a public reporting to the entire Congress but the use of intelligence assets requires only a secret reporting to a dozen members of Congress? What if Clinton expanded her war by permitting American and foreign arms dealers to bypass the NATO arms embargo on Libya by selling heavy-duty, military-grade arms directly to militias in Libya? What if this was Clintons dream scenario -- an apparent civil war in Libya in which the victorious side was secretly armed by the U.S., with democracy brought to the country and Clinton the architect of it all? What if the CIA warned Clinton that this would backfire? What if the CIA told her that she was arming not pro-Western militias but anti-American terrorist groups? What if she rejected all that advice? What if providing material assistance to terrorist groups is a felony? What if the Department of Political Justice actually obtained an indictment of an American arms dealer for going along with Clintons schemes? What if Clintons secret war in Libya was a disaster? What if she succeeded in toppling the Libyan leader, Col. Moammar Gadhafi, only to have him replaced by feuding warlords who control anti-Western terrorist groups that not only failed to produce democracy but instead produced destruction, chaos, terror, torture and death? What if Clinton managed her Libyan disaster using a non-secure email system even though she regularly sent and received state secrets? What if she sent many emails containing state secrets about her Libyan war to her friend Sid Blumenthal? What if Blumenthal had been turned down for a State Department job by the president himself? What if Blumenthal did not have a government security clearance to receive lawfully any state secrets? What if Clinton knew that? What if the FBI found that Blumenthals emails had been hacked by intelligence services of foreign governments that are hostile to America? What if there were terrible secrets that Clinton wanted to keep from the public and for that reason she used private servers and non-government-issued mobile devices? What if those terrible secrets involved her enabling the unlawful behavior of her husband and his shoddy, unlawful foundation? What if Mrs. Clinton made decisions as secretary of state that were intended to enrich her husband and herself and she needed to keep emails about those decisions away from the public? What if the president recognized all this and authorized the FBI to conduct criminal investigations of Mrs. Clinton? What if, after the ascendancy of Donald Trump in the Republican presidential primaries, the president warmed up to his former rival? What if Trump so got under the presidents skin that it drove him to embrace Clinton as his chosen successor and as the one Democrat who could prevent a Trump presidency? What if the president sent word to the Department of Political Justice to exonerate Clinton no matter what evidence was found against her? What if, in response to that political interference, the FBI investigation of her failure to safeguard state secrets and her corruption took irregular turns? What if FBI management began to intimidate FBI agents who had the goods on her? What if FBI management forced agents to sign highly irregular agreements governing what the agents can tell anyone when it comes to what they learned about Clinton? What if the Department of Political Justice never subpoenaed anything from Clinton? What if it never convened a grand jury to seek and hear evidence against her? What if the FBI requires a grand jury to subpoena documents and tangible things? What if it is highly irregular for a major FBI criminal investigation to be undertaken without a grand jury? What if the attorney general was involved in a publicity stunt with Clintons husband and then used that stunt as an excuse to remove herself and her top aides from making decisions in the case? What if this was a sham, done so as to make it appear that FBI professionals -- rather than someone politically motivated, such as the president or the attorney general -- were calling the shots in the case? What if Hillary Clinton has engaged in espionage and public corruption and FBI agents know that she has? What if they have evidence to prove it but they could not present anything to a grand jury because President Obama wants Clinton, and not Donald Trump, to succeed him in office? What if this blatant political interference with a criminal investigation is itself a crime? What if, midstream in this criminal investigation, the fix was put in? What do we do about it? The two men had not just been friends, but very close friends. They had held each other in the highest regard, finished each others sentences, admired each other in the truest and deepest of friendships. For years they had advanced each others career, hoped for the others greatest success, written regularly to express their admiration and their regret at being apart and supported each other in every way, personally and politically. But then, in 1912, former President Theodore Roosevelt and the sitting president, William Howard Taft, suddenly became bitter rivals in a titanic battle for the Republican nomination for president. Four years earlier, Roosevelt had handpicked Taft to succeed him, helped clear the field for his nomination and stumped the country for his election. But by 1911, TR had soured on Taft, believing he was insufficiently committed to Roosevelts progressive vision and not up to the demands of the office. In truth, TR missed the presidency and regretted his decision not to seek a second full term. Roosevelt swept nine of the 13 Republican primaries in the spring. But most national delegates were chosen in state conventions back then, and Taft prevailed at these with the backing of party loyalists. These gatherings, however, spawned a raft of credentials challenges, and some produced competing delegations of Roosevelt and Taft men claiming to have won the same state. Tafts managers were firmly in control of the Republican National Committee that would resolve the disputes, and that enabled them to present a temporary roster that produced a Taft majority on the floor of the national convention in Chicago. It showed its strength by narrowly prevailing in a test vote on the selection of the conventions temporary chairman. By Friday, it was clear even to Roosevelt that he would lose, albeit by a handful of votes, when the delegates finally got around to the nomination itself. So when the convention took up the question of competing delegations from Californias Fourth District, TRs floor spokesman Frank Heney declared that if the Taft forces seated their pair of delegates and not Roosevelts men, the president will be guilty of treason against the law. Californias governor, Hiram Johnson, followed, telling the convention: The question today is, shall the people rule? The Roosevelt supporters rose to their feet, chanting, Yes, yes, let the people rule. But despite their spirited demonstration, Tafts men prevailed by two votes. Angry at their treatment, Roosevelts progressive followers party leaders, governors, senators and former Roosevelt administration officials caucused. They agreed to arrive at the convention the next day, oppose the Taft credentials decisions and declare they would act on their conscience. Then they would announce they were present and not voting on all other issues before the convention, including the nomination of the GOP ticket. Following the convention, they would reconvene and chart a different course for the election. That night, Roosevelt appeared in a hotel window to respond to the thousands on Michigan Avenue who were chanting his name and cheering for him to address them. My friends, the former president declared, my hat is in the ring and will be in stronger than ever. This split in the Republican Party soon led to the creation of the Progressive Party, which nominated TR, and an epic three-way battle among Taft, Roosevelt and the Democratic nominee, New Jersey Gov. Woodrow Wilson. With the Republicans divided, Wilson won the White House with 42 percent of the vote. Their friendship sundered, Roosevelt ran second with 27 percent, while Taft carried only two states Utah and Vermont with 23 percent. Politics can create powerful friendships, but it can also lead to powerful rivalries. The enmity between these one-time friends cost the GOP the White House. Author's note: For more information check out Lewis Gould's "Four Hats in the Ring: The 1912 Election and the Birth of Modern American Politics" and Geoffrey Cowan's "Let the People Rule: Theodore Roosevelt and the Birth of the Presidential Primary." The collective wisdom of the political class is that Donald Trumps acceptance speech tomorrow night in Cleveland is crucial to his candidacy. This is based on the long-standing (but now passe) idea that a political convention offers an exceptional moment of public attention. Sure, once upon a time a candidate needed to make a good impression in his convention speech (and in the presidential debates) because those were the only times the public could see him (or her) unfiltered. The rest of the air campaign was composed of ridiculously expensive paid ads, highly edited TV news soundbites and the daily banalities of the travelling press corps. This is no longer true, and it is especially not true for Trump. He can reach the public anytime, via social media, calling in for long, unfiltered TV interviews and by staging emotionally charged, newsworthy rallies. A lot of politicians have understood the theoretical possibilities of the new media environment, but Trump has demonstrated how it is used in practice. Not anyone can do it. It requires a candidate with audacity, savvy and originalityqualities boiled out of modern politicians by handlers and pollsters at an early stage in their careers. But if you have the kind of celebrity and personality Trump has cultivated for decades, you no longer need a political convention to attract notice. The whole world is a stage. Of course a presidential nomination acceptance speech is an occasion. Trump likes occasions and he knows what to do with them. But pundits who predict a New Trump will emerge in Cleveland are mistaken. He may or may or may not use a teleprompter. He may or may not get his hair cut. He might even tone down his rhetoric for the evening. But the much discussed pivot is not going to take place. Why not? Well, for one thing a radical makeover would be stupid--he needs to be himself to campaign successfully. And it would be futile. Donald Trump is a great showman but not a great actor. Or, if he is, he is an actor who has mastered only one role. The act is him and he is the act. At this point, Trump cant be anybody but Trump. If todays Western leaders possess one general trait, its a genius for self-deception. Insisting that Islamist terror has nothing to do with Islam, or that religion has no strategic impact, or that all human beings want freedom and democracy, amounts to declaring that up is down, right is left and night is day. And midnight is coming for millions in Turkey, even as we insist that a dying flashlight is the sun. Over the past few years, many Americans heard the term caliphate for the first time as ISIS declared that the territory it seized from Iraq and Syria was the caliphate reborn. To us, caliphate appeared to be just another name for a vast torture chamber. But for hundreds of millions of Muslims, many of whom have nothing to do with ISIS, the caliphate is associated with a lost and much-romanticized golden age when the caliph, who was also the Turkish sultan, claimed spiritual dominion over all Muslims. In the 14th century, the Ottomans revived the still-older concept of a caliphate, declaring that the sultan and caliph were one. It remained so until 1924, when Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the great modernizer, abolished the office as a relic, insisting that Turks had to build a new Turkey and not lay claim to an enervating empire, temporal or spiritual. At the time, the Muslim world split into two camps. On March 8, 1924, The Economist captured the difference: For Turks and other nationalities newly free of Ottoman rule, the Western idea of nationality is in the ascendant and the Caliphate is losing its power over the imagination. So far, so good. But the journal went on to note that for Muslims under colonial rule, the Caliphate carries a message of salvation through an international Muslim solidarity. That message of salvation, if not yet of solidarity, is back. The ragtag ISIS caliphate is merely the forerunner of the more ambitious caliphate to come. Its coming in Turkey. Convinced that history has no relevance, those same self-deluded Western leaders and diplomats refuse to recognize President Recep Tayyip Erdogans vision for his Turkey. He dreams not only of neo-Ottoman glory, but of a caliphate reborn and led by a Turk. (Might anyone venture a guess as to his candidate?) Essentially, the sultan and caliph both would be back on a Turkish throne. Today, Istanbul. Tomorrow, the world. If you decline to acknowledge what a man wants, youll find it hard to understand what he does. The immense and destructive crackdown underway in Turkey now, with at least 10,000 Turks taken into custody and as many as 100,000 others dismissed from their positions not only soldiers, but judges, civil servants, police and academics isnt an end-game. Its a beginning. Declaring a state of emergency in the wake of the botched coup attempt, Erdogan and his allies claim that 100,000 Turks were in on the plot. Its one of the most preposterous claims of our time, but it does the job (any coup with that many conspirators wouldnt have remained a secret longcoups dont work that way). Erdogan didnt need a reason for this pre-planned purge. He had his reasons and his lists of names. He needed an excuse. The failed coup was a gift. Now were witnesses to the destruction of Turkeys secular society and the forced-march reversion to religious regimentation and obscurantism, to intolerance and oppressive fundamentalism. This is the triumph of mosque over modernity, not of the rule of law, but of its supersession. It took almost a century in Turkey, but faith proved stronger than civilization again a trend across the bleeding Islamic world. Professors have been forbidden to leave the country. The government demanded the resignation of all the deans of higher-level schools and universities. Book-banning is on the way, and book-burning wouldnt surprise me in the least. Erdogan also used the coup to demand the extradition from the United States of Fethullah Gulen, a cleric and one-time ally. Shamelessly insisting that Gulen orchestrated the coup attempt from the Poconos, Erdogan is determined to crush even the faintest spark of dissent or resistance. Various observers have likened the coups effect to that of the Reichstag Fire, the murky arson at the German parliament that provided Hitler with the excuse to stamp out all political opposition. The parallel is chillingly precise. The Turkish intelligentsia is about to find itself in the precarious condition of Germanys intellectuals and Jews in the 1930s. Erdogan wants power for himself, but he also, sincerely, wants it for his faith. Hes a true believer and a megalomaniac. His ambitions will ultimately lead Turkey, its neighbors and, quite possibly, its blind, bewildered allies into a succession of bloody tragedies, but for now he has real support among half of the population, those for whom the fever of faith is the ultimate intoxicant. He polls better than Hitler did. Mein Kampf is no match for the Holy Koran. In recent years, the term Islamo-fascism has been thrown around a good bit, usually by those who understand neither Islam nor fascism. But Islamist fascism genuinely fits Erdogans program: populist intolerance justified by faith and harnessed by a leader who explains any failure in terms of victimhood. Erdogan offers exaltation and revenge, the tastiest dish in politics. And, as in Nazi Germany, those confident citizens who deluded themselves that the new leader could be managed find themselves in prison cells or desperate for visa stamps in their passports (if their documents havent already been confiscated). The double-speak language, the naked propaganda, is present, too as in Erdogans claim that his purge of the opposition will strengthen Turkish democracy. His version of democracy is less convincing than Putins. From Reichskanzler to Fuehrer, or from president to sultan-and-caliph, to Erdogan the step appears inevitable. Its only a matter of timing. Among the would-be sultan-and-caliphs cynical initiatives this week has been floating the revival of the death penalty for treason in order to finish off key opponents permanently and intimidate those permitted to survive. But the real execution warrant has been issued: Erdogan killed the secular Turkey of Ataturk, the dream that a Muslim nation could take its place in the front rank of civilization. Donald Trump mostly brushed off the furor over Ted Cruzs non-endorsement speech Wednesday night, calling the snub no big deal even as the senator himself doubled down though the Republican standard-bearer used the dispute to warn voters that if Democrats win in November, their justices will destroy us all. Trump blasted out a pair of tweets responding to the Cruz speech backlash. Cruz, meanwhile, defended his remarks Thursday morning at a breakfast with Texas delegates, during which he was pushed to admit he still held a grudge against Trump for maligning his wife and father. Even as some in the audience Thursday morning chanted Trump, Trump, Cruz doubled down, saying he still doesnt plan to endorse. He also said Trump never asked him to do so when he invited him to speak, and the campaign knew what he was going to say. The Texas senator faced a mixed reaction from the crowd, at a gathering down the street from the convention arena where his remarks caused a commotion the night before. Some cheered, while others challenged him on whether hed endorse. Cruz, amid some contentious exchanges with delegates, suggested endorsing Trump would have been the easy option. But he said, Whether you want me to or not, Im not going to lie to you, and what I said last night is what I believe. And he made clear that part of the reason was personal, referencing campaign swipes at his family in explaining why he broke a primary campaign pledge to back the eventual nominee. "I'll tell you the day that pledge was abrogated was the day this became personal -- I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father," he said. One delegate said, "Get over it. This is politics." Cruz responded, "No, it is not. It's about right and wrong." The night before, Cruz faced a backlash when he, instead of backing Trump, said only that delegates should "vote your conscience." Party officials immediately slammed Cruz, with one calling the speech "classless," while a senior GOP operative on the convention floor told Fox News: "I could not believe it. I literally could not believe [Cruz] didn't endorse Trump. I'm speechless." Cruz, a rival of Trump's during primary season and widely believed to already be eying a 2020 presidential run was interrupted several times during the speech with angry chants of endorse Trump, endorse Trump, with the voices of discontent nearly drowning him out when Trump himself entered the Quicken Loans Arena as Cruz was finishing his speech. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who spoke later in the evening, departed from his prepared text to attempt to recast Cruz's remarks as an endorsement of Trump. Gingrich, a strong Trump supporter, noted what he described as the real estate mogul's "generosity" in allowing Cruz to address the delegates in Cleveland and said that the audience had "misunderstood" the point of the speech. "So to paraphrase Ted Cruz," Gingrich added, "the only way to protect that is to vote for the Trump/Pence ticket." A source close to Cruz's inner circle acknowledged to Fox News that the end of the speech "was tough, but sometimes standing for principle means getting booed." "It's not classless to compliment Trump for winning," the source added. "It's not classless to highlight areas of policy where they can work together like border security, trade or fighting ISIS. It's not classless to call on all his supporters to not stay home, but turn out. The speech overshadowed what was supposed to be a coming out party for Trumps vice presidential running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence. Pence nevertheless delivered just what the Trump campaign hoped he would a measured but forceful message that set the tone for the general election campaign, while assuring voters that Trump was the best option for America, and the conservative choice. Drawing a sharp contrast between Trump and Hillary Clinton and calling 2016 a time for choosing, Pence echoed the message of party leaders the night before: Its Trump or Clinton in November, so pick a side. The choice couldnt be more clear. Americans can elect someone who literally personifies the failed establishment in Washington, D.C., or we can choose a leader who will fight every day to make America great again, Pence said. He added, Its change versus status quo, and my fellow Republicans, when Donald Trump becomes president of the United States of America the change will be huge. Pence appealed to voters Wednesday to resolve here and now that Hillary Clinton will never become president of the United States of America. Calling Trump the genuine article and a winner who never backs down, he also said Trump is the candidate to confront radical Islam, cut taxes, grow the economy, shrink the bureaucracy, enforce immigration law and appoint Supreme Court justices who will uphold the Constitution. Fox News' Bill Hemmer, Jake Gibson and FoxNews.com's Barnini Chakraborty and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Mike Pence quickly accepted the Republican vice presidential nomination and then showed why Donald Trump picked him as his running mate, harkening to his Midwestern roots to appeal to GOP voters to unite against Hillary Clinton rallying the faithful ahead of Thursday nights crowning of Trump as the party standard-bearer. The Indiana governor dubbed the presumptive Democratic nominee Americas secretary of the status quo, and called 2016 a time for choosing. His address was the rally point Republicans were hoping would come from Trumps ex-primary rival Ted Cruz, who faced angry boos from the crowd Wednesday night as he stopped short of an endorsement in his own prime-time speech. Technical glitches with the arenas monitors also created some problems. But Trump soon entered the arena, his son Eric delivered a speech returning the focus to the partys presidential nominee and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich delivered a rousing address to set the stage for Pence. Gingrich even effectively delivered an endorsement on Cruzs behalf. He told the restless crowd that since Cruz told Americans to vote their conscience for anyone who can uphold the Constitution, theres only one choice. So, to paraphrase Ted Cruz, Gingrich said, if you want to protect the Constitution of the United States, the only possible candidate this fall is the Trump-Pence Republican ticket. Drawing a sharp contrast between Trump and Hillary Clinton, Pence then echoed the message of party leaders the night before: Its Trump or Clinton in November, so pick a side. The choice couldnt be more clear. Americans can elect someone who literally personifies the failed establishment in Washington, D.C., or we can choose a leader who will fight every day to make America great again, Pence said. He added, Its change versus status quo, and my fellow Republicans, when Donald Trump becomes president of the United States of America the change will be huge. Pence appealed to voters Wednesday to resolve here and now that Hillary Clinton will never become president of the United States of America. Calling Trump the genuine article and a winner who never backs down, he also said Trump is the candidate to confront radical Islam, cut taxes, grow the economy, shrink the bureaucracy, enforce immigration law and appoint Supreme Court justices who will uphold the Constitution. While Pence, met with chants of We like Mike, made an impassioned case for the billionaire businessman, all eyes were on Cruz Wednesday night amid speculation over whether the Texas senator would use the convention dais to formally endorse his former rival. He didnt. His only mention of Trump was to congratulate him. It seemed toward the end he might be considering the crowds noisy appeals, but he concluded by saying, We will unite the party, we will unite the country by standing together for shared values, by standing for liberty. Still, his speech included a few nods to Trumps message, including a call to build a border wall. His appearance at all on the Cleveland stage represented a reconciliation of sorts, and even without an endorsement, he appealed to voters to get to the polls. To those listening, please, dont stay home in November, he said. If you love our country stand and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution. The carefully worded speech was delivered at a time when Cruz is widely believed to be positioning himself for another presidential run, be it four or eight years down the road. He is no doubt mindful that a full-throated endorsement of Trump could haunt him in the next cycle and it seemed unlikely by Wednesday morning he would deliver one, when Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort offered no expectation of that happening. The non-endorsement reflected the nastiness of their own primary battle, one that saw Cruz and Trump square off all the way into May in a rivalry replete with name-calling and trash-talk. Some delegates in the convention hall remained loyal to Cruz to the end, and he received the second-highest tally during the formal nomination proceedings Tuesday night. Cruz centered his remarks Wednesday around what he called a return to freedom. Freedom means that every human life is precious and must be protected, he said. Freedom means Supreme Court Justices who dont dictate policy, but instead follow the Constitution. Afterward, delegate reaction was mixed. One North Carolina delegate who spoke to FoxNews.com voiced disappointment with how Cruz was treated. A Texas delegate said Cruz hurt the party by not endorsing. A source close to Cruz responded to GOP officials who criticized the non-endorsement. "It's not classless to compliment Trump for winning, the source said. It's not classless to highlight areas policy where they can work together like border security, trade or fighting ISIS. It's not classless to call on all his supporters to not stay home but turnout." Another ex-primary candidate Marco Rubio made a brief appearance, via video message, right before Cruz spoke, saying, The time for fighting is over. Former 2016 candidate and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker spoke shortly before Rubio, with the message, America deserves better than Hillary Clinton. FoxNews.coms Cody Derespina and Fox News Jake Gibson contributed to this report. Protesters tried to burn American flags outside the Republican National Convention Wednesday afternoon, injuring police officers and leading to as many as 16 arrests. Police quickly extinguished the fires, including at least one started by a woman whom officers grabbed from behind and kept on the ground. I just ducked and rolled, said Jacob Lutz, a Cleveland State University graduate student who went to the protests on Public Square with one of his professors. Police were yelling, Get out of the way.' They snuffed it out super quick. The woman purportedly was part of a larger group of protesters, whose members were taken into custody and put in police vans while chanting America Was Never Great. Officers on horseback and bicycles responded to the incident, including some in full riot gear and Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams. "You're on fire. You're on fire, stupid," an officer shouted as he wielded a can of extinguishing spray. Carl Dix, a representative of Revolutionary Communist Party, said his group burned a flag as a "political statement about the crimes of the American empire." Authorities said two officers suffered minor injuries as a result of being attacked in the incident, outside the convention security perimeter and several blocks from the Quicken Loans Arena, where Republicans are making their major speeches throughout the four-day event that ends Thursday. One officer was seen bleeding from his elbow. The arrests Wednesday bring the total number of protest-related arrests this week to 22, said Cleveland Police Sgt Jennifer Ciaccia. FoxNews.coms Joseph Weber, Fox News Griff Jenkins and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Kerrville, TX (78028) Today Cloudy skies this evening followed by thunderstorms late. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low around 60F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Cloudy skies this evening followed by thunderstorms late. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low around 60F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Bernie Sanders plans to meet with 1,900 of his delegates right before the start of the Democratic National Convention on Monday, part of a series of meetings aimed at providing direction to his undecided supporters after he endorsed Hillary Clinton. In an email Wednesday, the Sanders campaign promises his delegates a "very special meeting with Bernie himself." It will follow a series of morning briefings hosted by the campaign on some of Sanders' core causes -- single-payer health care, the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement and criminal justice. One session with senior Sanders staff will offer instruction to delegates "on how to keep the political revolution going strong." "We can't wait to see you in Philly," according to the email, which was obtained by The Associated Press. The planned closed-door meeting comes as many of his delegates are expressing disappointment and some uncertainty as they prepare to descend on Philadelphia for a weeklong convention in which Clinton will be formally nominated as the party's standard-bearer. Sanders endorsed Clinton last week, but he also did not release his delegates and made it clear he planned to continue promoting his liberal agenda. The meeting will precede the 3 p.m. start of the convention. That day, delegates are expected to vote to finalize the party platform and rules. First lady Michelle Obama and Sanders were scheduled to address the convention that evening. "At this point with Sen. Sanders coming out to support Hillary Clinton but also not dropping out, it puts us delegates in a difficult position to try and read between the lines about what to do," said Oscar Mata, a delegate from Utah who intends to support the Democratic nominee. In recent weeks, hundreds of Sanders delegates have loosely organized by email and social media as a way of keeping tabs and to discuss ways to show support for Sanders during the convention. At the least, many want to see a traditional roll call vote of states, while others were considering mass sit-ins or even walkouts if delegates feel their views are not being respected or acknowledged, said Karen Bernal, a delegate from Sacramento, Calif., who helps lead the Bernie Delegates Network, which include more than 1,100 delegates. Heading into the convention, Sanders has 1,894 delegates to Clinton's 2,807 when including superdelegates, or party officials who can support the candidate of their choice. It takes 2,383 to win, a threshold Clinton crossed in early June to become the presumptive nominee. A spokesman for Sanders declined to comment. As Donald Trumps campaign prepared for the most important speech of his brief but meteoric political career one it hopes will not only propel him to the White House but unite a divided Republican Party his November opponent was hunkered down just days before her coming-out party begins to find the right fit for the Democratic ticket. In Cleveland, the Republican Party standard-bearer was putting the finishing touches on his nomination acceptance speech. Trumps address is set to cap a dramatic convention week marked by powerful displays of party unity but also tensions, flaring most recently when Ted Cruz withheld his endorsement Wednesday night. But those tensions could pale in comparison to those on the Democratic side, where Hillary Clinton is trying to strike the right balance with the base as she weighs her running mate options, after a rigorous primary battle against liberal Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who only came around to endorse Clinton days ago. While Cruz's controversy was fading, Clinton might have to fret about Sanders' address next week to his own delegates in Philadelphia -- whose allegiance may still be up in the air. The plot thickened in the Democratic veepstakes Thursday, as a source familiar with the vice presidential search process told Fox News that Clinton met last Friday with New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker at her Washington home. Asked about the process during a pro-Clinton press conference in Cleveland, Booker said: Im here to talk about the convention ... I know the Clinton campaign is in the midst of deciding. Im very happy to be where I am. It was already known that Clinton had met with several other prospects, including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, Labor Secretary Tom Perez and Housing Secretary Julian Castro though some problems have since surfaced with that list. Time is quickly running out for Clinton, considering the convention, which starts Monday in Philadelphia, is where the presidential and vice-presidential candidates are formally nominated. She reportedly said she would make a decision this Friday. Another curveball came in the form of an apparently errant and mistaken report that Clinton was considering former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, a Republican turned Democrat. But that report was pulled back, and Crist downplayed the talk. He told The Tampa Bay Times Clinton was coming to Tampa and they would meet but knew of no plans to consider him for the ticket. "Not that I'm aware of," he told the newspaper. The eleventh-hour speculation comes amid reports that Clinton was narrowing her selections down to Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Booker, though, was among the first prominent Democratic lawmakers to endorse Clinton and has been a strong advocate for her campaign since essentially the start of the election cycle. Clinton does extremely well with African-American voters, based on recent and exit primary polls. But Booker, who is black, could help her expand her outreach among minority voters in her general election race against Trump. Both Castro and Perez, meanwhile, have faced some turbulence over the last week. Castro was just cited for violating federal law when he touted Clintons candidacy in an April news interview. The Wall Street Journal then published a potentially problematic report on Perez, who regularly retells the story of grandfather Rafael Brache being forced to flee the Dominican Republic for opposing the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. Perez has praised his grandfather as being on the right side of history. What Perez didn't offer up as often is that his grandfather was one of the dictators champions during the first five years of his three-decade rule. The Wall Street Journal said Brache also held a string of high-level offices in the Trujillo regime, including being ambassador to the U.S. Brache reportedly expressed great optimism for the regime as late as 1935 when political assassinations had been well documented. Kaine, long rumored to be on Clinton's short-list, still seems to be the leading contender. The former Virginia governor, who represents a key battleground state, is considered a safe choice for Clinton, someone who could help her appeal to moderates who have been turned off by Trump's rhetoric. However, Vilsack, a former Iowa governor who is a longtime friend of the Clintons, is being described as a "strong" second choice. Fox News Mike Emanuel and Jennifer Griffin contributed to this report. Ted Cruzs non-endorsement speech not only drew Bronx cheers from Cleveland convention delegates who chanted endorse Trump throughout, but also is raising questions about whether its curtains for his political future including a 2020 presidential run. I was disappointed when he didnt endorse Trump, Dallas delegate Mary Sue McCarty told FoxNews.com Thursday, on the sidelines of a rowdy breakfast session during which Cruz defended his decision. Cruz is someone who stands on principle but he doesnt act on it. Its political suicide, McCarty said. Cruz was no doubt reluctant to back the man he spent much of the primary campaign battling -- and he is widely reported to be preparing for another presidential run when the time is right, perhaps four years from now. But in declining to align himself with this year's Republican nominee, he angered GOP stalwarts looking for party unity as the general election campaign against Hillary Clinton begins. The fallout could cause problems not only for another White House run, but his Senate re-election in two years. A chorus of boos broke out after Cruz told the crowd to vote their conscience a snub to Donald Trump less than 24 hours from his formal acceptance speech. Speaking Thursday morning with Texas voters in Cleveland, Cruz faced a divided delegation demanding answers. Cruz stood by his choice. I am not in the habit of supporting people who have attacked my wife and attacked my father, Cruz defiantly said. The mood quickly soured as more and more delegates wanted to know why Cruz walked back on a pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee. Cruz told the standing-room-only crowd that the pledge was not a blanket commitment and told an audience member that they might have a similar view if someone were attacking your wife. McCarty believes Cruz is taking things too personally. In politics, you have to have skin like a rhino, she said. What about the picture that was released of Melania on the rug? She added: You stood up and defended your wife and dad but its bigger than that now. Its about the country. Your fellow Republican is not your enemy. Helen Gonzalez of Arlington, Texas, told FoxNews.com that she had been a Cruz supporter but his refusal to endorse Trump has made her reevaluate her support. I am very upset, Gonzales said. After this, I will never vote for Sen. Ted Cruz again. Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, said he feels that Cruz "might have missed a two-foot putt." "I thought he gave a great speech. I'm sorry he didn't quite get there at the end, he told Fox Business Network. Following Cruzs speech Wednesday, another Texas delegate said he was disappointed in the senator. Ill support Ted Cruz as a senator, but tonight we needed an endorsement to unify and move forward and we didnt get that, he told FoxNews.com. We needed him. Hes a great conservative. Hes a great Texan. Hes a great speaker. He can unify just by giving an endorsement and he didnt do that for us tonight. Former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin blasted Cruz on Twitter where she told him to delete his career. In an interview with Brietbart News, Palin said, Cruz's broken pledge to support the will of the people tonight was one of those career-ending 'read my lips' moments. But not everyone is ready to turn their back on Cruz. Anne Mazone of Navasota, Texas, says with Cruz, what you see is what you get. There are more people that love him now, Mazone told FoxNews.com. Thats what we elected him for. Why do you expect him to be different now? A source close to Cruz's inner circle acknowledged to Fox News that the end of the speech "was tough, but sometimes standing for principle means getting booed." "It's not classless to compliment Trump for winning," the source added. "It's not classless to highlight areas of policy where they can work together like border security, trade or fighting ISIS. It's not classless to call on all his supporters to not stay home, but turn out. Fox News' Cody Derespina and Fox Business Network's Blake Burman contributed to this report. Republicans have done this for a while now. Award us control of the House and then well repeal ObamaCare. Elect Mitt Romney this fall and then well undo all of President Obamas ills. Give us control of the Senate and then well really repeal ObamaCare. We promise. We really, really really mean it this time, too. Cross our hearts and hope to die. Cleveland is clearly Donald Trumps convention. On Wednesday afternoon, Trumps tricked-out 757 jet and Sikorksy S-76 helicopter zoomed in and out of Clevelands Burke Lakefront Airport, TRUMP emblazoned on the sides. People flocked to windows and ran into the streets to catch a glimpse. They pointed to the heavens like residents of Metropolis spotting Superman flying above. Perhaps its only appropriate that Cleveland is the city where Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster co-created Superman. And while most conventioneers focus on Trumps stagecraft, artful political jockeying played out Wednesday on the very stage designed for Trumps coronation tonight. Political upstarts usually engineer their insurrections in the shadows. They conduct clandestine meetings as they plot their rally to power. Not for the GOP convention in Cleveland. If Donald Trump loses this fall, one can point to July 20, 2016, as the start date for the 2020 GOP presidential sweepstakes. For the record, thats the day before Trump formally accepted the nomination for this year. Wednesday nights Republican convention session featured possible 2020 GOP wannabees all on stage or on video at some point: Vice presidential nominee Mike Pence. Vanquished Trump rivals Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. Even Pence wrangled House Speaker Paul Ryan into the act, inviting his old congressional pal to introduce him to the throng. This is the feedback loop in which Republicans have operated over the past few years. They promise a big political outcome later. They struggle to legislate and make policy in the here and now. There are promises of big action after the next election. Granted, Republicans face substantial political and operational impediments on Capitol Hill on big issues, be it torpedoing the Affordable Care Act or reforming the tax code. But its almost impossible to score the optimum voting mixture on Capitol Hill to champion major legislative initiatives. Still, its one thing to project legislative priorities into the future. But it seems as though at least some Republicans are already looking forward in hopes of 2020. Trying or not, they were all in the public eye at the convention Wednesday night. In his address Tuesday, Paul Ryan posited that come the next State of the Union speech youll find me right there on rostrum with Vice President Mike Pence and President Donald Trump. Ryan used his speaking slot to pitch his Better Way agenda for Congress. He spoke of tax reform and ripping out the health care law. You know what? None of this will happen under Hillary Clinton. Only with Donald Trump and Mike Pence do we have a chance at a better way, said Ryan. But if Trump fails, some voters would like to see Ryan run in 2020. Walker deviated from the usual approach of convention speakers. First, the lectern disappeared into the stage. Walker then grabbed a microphone and jogged onto the dais like Wink Martindale hosting a TV game show. Walker talked about how more people are employed in Wisconsin than ever before. Our budget is balanced and responsible. He added that if conservative reforms can work in a blue state like mine they can work anywhere in the country. And if Donald Trump fails, Walker might hope the public will hand him the mic in four years. And then there was Ted Cruz. Vote your conscience. Vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution, thundered Cruz, yelling to be heard over hostile hecklers. The throng practically booed Cruz off the stage and chanted Trump! Trump! Trump! Still, Cruz presides over a core of loyalists who would might vote their conscience in November. And if they do During his video message, Rubio told the crowd that the time for fighting is over. Its time to fight for a new direction in November. And if that strategy doesnt work out Ironically, Pence said that the public is tired of hearing politicians in both parties tell us well get to it tomorrow. Conservatives hoped Pence would run in 2012. They pined for him to run this time. And since conservatives didnt secure a conservative at the top of the ticket in 2016, would 2020 beckon for Pence? It may be Donald Trumps convention. But if things go south for Trump, Wednesday night may emerge as the first primary of the 2020 campaign. During Cruzs speech, video monitors all over the arena flickered spastically. This included permanent message boards and video screens installed directly behind the stage and hanging from the rafters. Digitized pixels spasmed, their lumens more appropriate for a discotheque than a political convention. Speculation flooded through the arena that hackers orchestrated the mischief. Yet no Guy Fawkes mask materialized on any of the screens. No hackers. But the appearances of these politicians made some conventioneers wonder if they were already skipping 2016 and hacking directly into 2020. Capitol Attitude is a weekly column written by members of the Fox News Capitol Hill team. Their articles take you inside the halls of Congress, and cover the spectrum of policy issues being introduced, debated and voted on there. I came to Cleveland believing that the whole notion of party unity was overrated. Sure, the media would obsess on all the GOP big shots who were blowing off the convention. But how much would voters care that the Bushes and Marco and McCain and Romney werent showing up? Donald Trump ran against the Republican establishment and whipped the other 16 candidates. Hes an insurgent who doesnt embrace some of the partys conservative principles and has some crossover appeal to Democrats. Of course this was never going to be four days of air kisses and hand-holding. But to the extent that the media are focused on the Trump campaigns spats with Ted Cruz and John Kasich, its diverting the media spotlight that otherwise would be focused on the Trump campaigns message. Cruz knew exactly what he was doing in delivering a stemwinder that failed to include any hint of an endorsement. I mean, vote your conscience? The senator held a presser this morning and the cable networks took it live. Cruz fiercely defended himself, but theres a reason he has few friends in Washington. If hes still mad at Trump over comments about his wife and father, then why agree to give a prime-time speech at Trumps convention? And what about that support-the-nominee pledge? The Trump folks were livid, even though theyd seen the speech in advance, and if anything it created a little wave of sympathy for the nominee. But the flap deepened the media narrative that Republican disunity is on display in Cleveland. The same goes for the feud with Kasich, who refused to show up at the convention being held in his home state. It didnt help matters when Trump campaign czar Paul Manafort called Kasich petulant and an embarrassment to the party. All the more ironic, then, that Robert Draper reported in the New York Times that a Trump operative had essentially offered Kasich the VP slot, saying he could be in charge of domestic AND foreign policy while Trump concentrated on making America great again. Trumps speech will ultimately be the biggest story coming out of Cleveland. But Cruz, Kasich and Melanias plagiarized speech, even if overplayed by the press, has muddied the nominees story line. Massachusetts latest move to expand its assault weapons ban to a new class of rifles is a solution in search of a problem, according to gun rights groups who note the latest annual FBI statistics show not one murder was committed in the Bay State using a rifle of any kind. State Attorney General Maura Healey announced this week the states more than 30-year-old ban on assault weapons would now be expanded to include rifles that look like, or can be modified to perform like, assault rifles. Healey cited recent mass shootings around the nation in recent years, and said expanding the definition of assault rifles would make citizens safer. The gun industry has openly defied our laws here in Massachusetts for nearly two decades, Healey said Wednesday. That ends today." "We have a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that combat-style weapons are off our streets and out of the hands of those who would use them to kill innocent people," she said. "Increasingly, these guns are the weapon of choice for mass shooters, and we will do everything we can to prevent the kinds of tragedies here that have occurred in places like Orlando, San Bernardino, Newtown and Aurora. But critics reacted quickly, noting that FBI Uniform Crime Statistics show zero murders were committed in Massachusetts in 2014 using rifles of any sort. While most mass shootings in the U.S. involved a rifle, the vast majority of gun deaths nationwide did not. This is an abuse of power by the Massachusetts attorney general, said Alan Gottlieb, chairman of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms and founder of the Second Amendment Foundation. It is no different than President Obamas illegal anti-gun executive orders. If these firearms were legal yesterday, they are legal today," Gottlieb said in an email to FoxNews.com. "This ban on semi-auto firearms must be stopped before gun prohibitionists in other states try to enact similar bans by fiat," he said. The debate is the latest example of the long-running argument between Second Amendment purists and gun control advocates about whether new firearms laws make people safer. Indeed, the fact that Massachusetts has so few murders committed using assault weapons could be seen as evidence that the original ban was successful. The enforcement notice from the attorney general says a weapon is considered a copy or duplicate if its internal operating system is the same as those of a specifically-banned weapon or if the gun has key functional components that are interchangeable with those of a banned weapon. Such weapons would include copies of the Colt AR-15 and the Kalishnikov AK-47, which are both prohibited by the state's assault weapons ban. Healey's office claims gun makers produce and sell what they call state compliant versions with minor changes to various parts of the weapon. The AG says that an estimated 10,000 copycat assault weapons were sold in the state in 2015. A number of Hillary Clintons top lobbyist bundlers, who have raised millions for her presidential campaign, either directly represent foreign entities or work at firms that represent foreign entities, according to documents from the Justice Departments Foreign Agents Registration Unit. Hillary for America, Clintons campaign committee, has hauled in more than $7 million in bundled lobbyist contributions since its inception. The committee finished2015 with $4.1 million in bundled lobbyist contributions. It has since added more than $2.9 million to its coffers from lobbyists, with $1.2 million of that amount pouring in during the second quarter of 2016, from April 1 to June 30. Tony Podesta, owner of the Podesta Group and brother of John Podesta, the chairman of Clintons campaign, is a top bundler for Hillary for America. Podesta has bundled $267,835 in contributions to date. Podesta was hired to work on behalf of Saudi interests. Saudi Arabia has built an extensive lobbying and public relations presence in the United States, the Washington Post reported in April. It has also supplied the Clinton Foundation with millions. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has given between $10 and $25 million to the foundation while Friends of Saudi Arabia has contributed between $1 and $5 million. Click for more at The Washington Free Beacon. Donald Trump faced pushback Thursday from current and former NATO officials after suggesting that if elected he might not protect certain members of the 28-nation coalition against Russian aggression. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, while saying he would not "interfere" with the U.S. election, responded by urging unity among NATO countries. Solidarity among allies is a key value for NATO, Stoltenberg said in a statement. We defend one another. The United States has always stood by its European allies. He added, "Two world wars have shown that peace in Europe is also important for the security of the United States." James Stavridis, retired four-star Navy admiral who served as the 16th supreme allied commander of NATO, also tweeted: "Trump on NATO: deeply dangerous will dismay our closest Allies but great cheer in Kremlin: I can hear Vladimir Putin chortling from here." Stoltenberg spoke in response to Trump suggesting Wednesday in a New York Times interview that he would decide whether to protect Baltic republics against Russian aggression based on whether they have fulfilled their obligations to the United States and other NATO countries. Democrats also piled on. Harry Truman and Ronald Reagan would be ashamed, Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz said Thursday in Cleveland, just blocks from where Trump is scheduled to accept the nomination at the Republican National Convention. NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance of European and North American democracies created after World War II to strengthen international cooperation as a counter-balance to the rise of the Soviet Union. In 2014, NATO created a rapid-reaction force to protect its most vulnerable members against a confrontation with Russia. Trumps remarks about the United States obligations under NATO to others in the coalition are in line with previous comments questioning the United States' global role. The billionaire businessman and first-time candidate has previously suggested the U.S. pull out of NATO, considering the country pays more than its share while also having to underwrite global security. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said the cornerstone of [the NATO] alliance is the pledge that all of the allies have made to mutual self-defense. Last week, President Obama pledged unwavering commitment to defending Europe, adding that "in good times and in bad, Europe can count on the United States." The campaign for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton was among the first to pounce on Trump's statements. "The president is supposed to be the leader of the free world. Donald Trump apparently doesn't even believe in the free world," said Clinton senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan shortly after the interview was published. Trump's running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, was on the defensive early Thursday, telling Fox News that he is confident Trump would stand by America's NATO allies, but insisted that those countries "must pay their fair share." Fox News Lucas Tomlinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report. A rare Civil War sword belonging to Union Brigadier General Eli H. Murray will be sold at an auction of Americana in Scottsdale, Arizona next week. A Southerner who fought with the Union Army, Murray was given the German-made sword in 1862 for his bravery in the first battle of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, according to auction house J.Levine Auction & Appraisal. Every man in Murrays regiment gave a dollar for the sword, which at the time cost $1,200. The sword will be part of a three-day auction that begins July 28. J. Levine Auction & Appraisal estimates that the Damascus folded steel sword, which is adorned with gold, is now worth between $100,000 and $150,000. A Kentuckian, Murray joined the Union army at age 19 when the Civil War broke out. He later served as governor of the Utah Territory from 1880 to 1886, where he became known for his opposition to polygamy. The sword comes with strong provenance, according to J. Levine Auction & Appraisal. In around 1938 Elis son Neil Murray and his family were visiting Hardinburg, Kentucky when, upon signing a hotel guest register, the clerk asked if Neil was related to Eli Murray. When Neil confirmed that Eli was his father, the clerk said that he had something for him. "A few minutes later, he presented the historic sword and uniform. More than 70 years earlier, General Murray had been a guest at the hotel after the war ended. He took off the uniform and sword and gave them to the hotel proprietor saying he never want to see them again," said Josh Levine, J.Levine Auction & Appraisal owner and auctioneer, in a statement. Other items set to be auctioned next week include a quilt signed by Presidents Chester A. Arthur and Rutherford B. Hayes, a large collection of Zane Grey books and movie posters. An 89-year-old Texas woman is suing United Airlines, claiming she fell down an escalator and broke four ribs, fractured her pelvis and injured her shoulder, arm, back and legs in February because the airline failed to provide her with a wheelchair. In the lawsuit, filed last week in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Thelma Kiger claims she was handed a wheelchair voucher in Los Angeles before flying to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The passenger says that the airline promised an attendant with a wheelchair would meet her at the gate and take her to the baggage claim area upon arrival. But Kiger says no one was waiting for her when she got off the plane, and a United representative told her to sit at the gate and wait. After 10 minutes, she says, a man operating an electric cart approached, helped her board the cart and took her to the area near the escalator that takes passengers down to baggage claim. Once there, she claims, the operator told to get off the cart and provided no information regarding further assistance. With no other assistance by United, or any explanation as to whether she would be provided any further assistance to the baggage claim area on the lower level, Plaintiff attempted to access the escalator to go down to the baggage claim area, the lawsuit reads. As Plaintiff grabbed the handrail to step onto the escalator, suddenly and unexpectedly, she fell to the bottom of the escalator and was knocked unconscious. Kiger was hospitalized for a week before she was sent to a medical center, where she underwent weeks of physical therapy. She says she now must use a cane to ambulate and can no longer participate in many activities she was able to enjoy prior to the incident. The lawsuit accuses United of negligence, negligent training and violations of the Air Carrier Access Act, which prohibits discrimination by air carriers on the basis of physical disability and requires air carriers to provide assistance requested by or on behalf of qualified individuals with a disability. Kiger is seeking compensation for her medical expenses and the physical pain and suffering and mental anguish she has experienced since her fall. In an emailed statement to Consumerist, a spokeswoman for United wrote: We are dedicated to providing convenient and comfortable service to all of our customers. While we havent been served with a lawsuit, we are looking into this matter with our wheelchair service partner. Vision has a tendency to leak. I dont know where I learned that; I do know Im not the author. I also know its a principle no founder or leader in a tech company should ever forget. You, for example, have a vision for your company. You wouldnt have founded it otherwise. Your vision sustained you through months of living off savings and sleeping at the office as you fought to balance limited resources with the kind of steady growth that attracts investors. It steered you through the misery of testing and retesting an imperfect product while wondering if youd survive the next slog of business financing before running out of cash. Whats more, your vision helped you convince a team of smart, talented people to put their livelihoods in your hands and devote a significant portion of their waking hours to your enterprise. Now the enterprise has gained some momentum -- what role should vision play for you and your employees as you move ahead? It's your job to keep the pail full. Try to think of vision as a tangible asset, like cold spring water in a pail. Startup work is hard, and each challenge or setback is like a hole getting punched in the bottom of the pail. It starts to drip slowly at first, but as the hours pass, the water leaks out more quickly, until one day youre staring at an empty pail. Now imagine that you and your employees are all holding these pails. Related: Never Lose Sight of Your Vision Without a replenishing source, the fellow with the empty water pail withers and dies. Without a replenishing source, employees with empty vision pails turn restless and sour. When enough vision pails go empty -- and enough of that sourness spreads -- your company culture will grow toxic. Youll experience more and more talent turnover, and find yourself in a downward spiral thats nearly irreversible. You are responsible for keeping those vision pails full. After all, youre the source of the vision, like a wellspring is the source of a stream, no matter how the stream twists and turns and takes on a life of its own. Its easy for you to refill your own vision pail. Your business is your baby; its close to your heart all the time. If your pail keeps leaking regardless, think of how it must be for your employees. Our job as leaders is to always be looking for authentic moments in which to communicate our vision to our people. As leaders, how can we accomplish this? To start with, think simple. As the source of your vision, just your presence can be uplifting. My company, Nav, has its main office in California, but the bulk of our employees work out of an office in South Jordan, Utah. I make it a point to fly out every week to counsel, chat, work and laugh with this gifted, world-class team. Regular, up-close interaction like this also helps me empathize with my employees well enough that I can usually sense if somethings wrong, be it personal or professional. Company meetings are another way we keep our vision pails full. Once a month, the California office flies into Utah for a kind of family reunion. The meetings are relaxed and fun, but charged with a sense of purpose. A few weeks before the meeting, I interview two of my employees about their lives, hobbies, careers, childhoods, etc., and then type up a little essay about each of them, which are later read to the whole team. We eat, drink and play; we look at company goals; we address problem areas and applaud improvements; and generally just reconnect and enjoy each others companionship for a few hours. Speaking for myself, I always leave these meetings feeling pumped. Related: A Strong Team Can Carry Your Vision to the End Zone A true story of vision in action. Back in January, Nav had an experience that I think beautifully illustrates this concept of vision leaking and refilling. As part of Navs business credit monitoring tool, we send customers an alert whenever something changes on their credit reports. Our marketing team had the idea to send a second alert to customers whod not logged in 30 days after their first alert. But the person who was in charge of sending the emails to this select little group used the wrong filter. We noticed a tremendous spike in activity in our system, and wondered what was going on. Turns out wed sent the email to every single one of our customers and prospects. In the moment, it seemed like we had a full-on disaster on our hands. Navs business model is built on trust. You trust us with your personal and credit data, and well keep a loving, watchful eye on it and alert you if anything changes. It isnt necessarily fun to receive one of these alerts, because its not always good news. For that reason, we have a strict commitment to never bug you unless its important. And wed just told tens of thousands of people that they might have reason to worry when they didnt. You can imagine the potential fallout -- blood pressures spiking along with the system, fingers pointed, blame assigned, feelings hurt, panic. But none of that happened. The first thing my team asked when they realized it was an error was how to correct it. Another member of the team stepped forward to share ownership of the mistake with the person whod used the wrong filter. Customer support jumped all over problem-solving around incoming calls and emails. Someone suggested we write an immediate apology, which at first my business partner and I rejected, not wanting to compound the problem with a second email blast. Then someone else suggested that we offer to provide photos of the marketing team wearing stylish dunce caps to atone for the mistake. Both suggestions eventually won out. We wrote a thoughtful, humorous email explaining what happened -- a human had clicked on the wrong field of our email management software. It was a wonderful failure. Related: Vision: The Driver of Entrepreneurship Authentic and transparent communication. That night, during my flight home, I wrote an email to the entire Nav team expressing love and gratitude. I wasnt consciously trying to refill any vision pails. I wrote it because I had to, because it poured out of me. What had begun as the vision of two people -- my cofounder and myself -- had spread to over 50 people. It had been enriched a little more with each new hire, like the progress of sunrise over a lake. What begins as a few gleams on the water turns slowly into countless glimmers, which, if you squint just right, blend into one disc of light. I wont say that I cried on the plane, as it would have violated my lifetime resolution of no-tears-excreted. That my face must have registered the effort to hold them back, however, was brought home to me when a kind flight attendant offered me a cup of soothing tea and a defibrillator. A black nationalist group on Thursday reportedly distanced itself from the gunman who earlier declared allegiance to the organization. The Los Angeles Times interviewed the 71-year-old son of the Washitaw Nations founder. Fredrix Washington told the paper that the gunman, Gavin Eugene Long, is not one of us. Washington added, I dont even want to say his name. Long, who killed three law enforcement officers in Louisiana before a SWAT team killed him, purportedly described his actions as a "necessary evil" in a self-described, handwritten manifesto. An Ohio man said Long emailed the message to him less than an hour before the shootings. Washington went on: Black lives matter, blue lives matter. Im a humanitarian; all lives matter to me. This guy didnt just kill white people, he killed a black cop. So how can he be related to us? Long, whose last known address was in Kansas City, Mo., carried out the attack on his 29th birthday. Oren Segal, director of the Center on Extremism for the Anti-Defamation League, said there was no information linking Long, who was black, to any known extremist group or movement, but the ADL and others were investigating Long's possible use of aliases. The ADL considers the Washitaw Nation an extremist group, but Washington denied the charge. The Los Angeles Times pointed out that investigators into the deadly shooting have not tied the group--founded in the early 1990s-- to the deadly shooting. Members of the group believe they are descendants of Moorish Africans who lived in North America prior to white settlers, the report said. The Associated Press contributed to this report Residents of a small Colorado town were told Thursday not to drink, shower in or cook with their water because of evidence of THC, the intoxicating ingredient in marijuana. The Lincoln County sheriff's office tweeted that bottled water was being brought to the community of Hugo, about 100 miles southeast of Denver. Authorities added that there were no reports of any unusual symptoms. The sheriff's office added that the contamination was discovered after testing brought about by "complaints", but did not elaborate further. A spokeswoman for the Colorado Division of Emergency Management, Micki Trost, told the Associated Press state investigators are headed to the scene. She did not know the source or extent of the contamination. The Lincoln County sheriff's office says federal authorities are also involved. Hugo, a community of about 730 people, prohibits marijuana cultivation, product manufacturing, testing facilities, and Colorado's retail marijuana stores. It's unlikely that consuming pot-tainted water would cause lasting health effects, said Mark Salley, a spokesman for the state Department of Public Health and Environment. The effects of drinking THC-laced water would depend on the concentration, the amount consumed and how quickly it was consumed, all information officials don't yet know, Salley said. Drinking water containing THC would be similar to eating marijuana-infused food, meaning the effect would depend entirely on how much was consumed and the strength of the tainted water. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Click for more from KDVR.com. Drivers who won a $1.8 million class-action suit against a small Ohio town over its use of red light cameras want to collect their damages -- straight from the pockets of a new crop of motorists caught by the unpopular and all-seeing digital eyes. Lawyers for thousands of drivers cited in New Miami filed a class-action lawsuit in 2013 against the Butler County town of 2,000 for using an automated speed camera system that they said violated due process rights.The plaintiffs won their case and a subsequent appeal by the town, which now hopes to put the case before the Ohio Supreme Court. In the meantime, plaintiffs -- and their lawyers -- want their money. And in a case of extreme irony, they want to collect it by garnishing fines generated by New Miami's new red light camera vendor, Blue Line Solutions. "We want to make sure that any money that New Miami received from their new speed camera program goes to pay back the plaintiffs that had to pay under the old speed camera system," attorney Michael Allen told FoxNews.com on Wednesday. Allen, along with the other four attorneys involved in the suit, argue that the new stream of ticket revenue is the cash-strapped town's "only remaining substantial asset." Last week, Butler County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Oster denied the motion to garnish New Miami's current red light camera revenue -- at least until the final appeal is exhausted. "This case is currently pending review before the Supreme Court of Ohio," Oster wrote on Thursday, adding that garnishment [is] an extraordinary remedy under these circumstances, which should not be considered lightly." Allen said the attempt was rejected for "legal, technical reasons." "We're waiting for the Supreme Court to say, 'No, village of Miami. Get your wallets out and start paying these people,'" he said. Two boys in Racine, Wisconsin are saying "thank you" to police officers and sheriff's deputies in a unique way. "The world's going crazy -- and the police need something to save their lives," Marcelino McKinney said. Eight-year-old McKinney and his brother, 11-year-old Michael McAllister, said they're heartbroken by recent attacks against police officers across the country. "You hear on TV all these people killing the cops, you want to tell them that you're on their side," McAllister said. Since the attack in Dallas that took the lives of five officers on July 7th, the brothers have reached out to nearly 70 police officers, deputies and firefighters -- offering them gifts of thanks. "I said 'keep this in your pocket so you can be safe,'" McKinney said. McKinney hands out crosses -- some wooden and some plastic to let officers know someone cares. McAllister has spent countless hours making black and blue bracelets. "When you keep this on your wrist, you just remember that I'm on your side," McAllister said. The brothers have made a big impact on law enforcement officials -- who have posed for pictures with the boys. Racine Police Sgt. Walter Powell stopped by their home on Wednesday, July 20th to say thank you. "I carry this notepad around with me everywhere I go -- so I`ll always have this with me," Powell said. The boys also got Racine Police Department badges and flashlights. "What you are doing is worth more than the cross and the wristband to us," Powell said. Click for more from Fox 6. Authorities in Connecticut are investigating the death of a 4-month-old boy at an unlicensed day care as a homicide after medical inspectors working the case months later found that the baby had an extremely high level of Benadryl in his blood, Fox 61 reported. Fairfield police have not made any arrests. Investigators are now trying to determine if the homicide was intentional or accidental. In addition to investigating Adam Seagulls death, police will pursue possible criminal charges against the day care, the report said. Diphenhydramine, most commonly known as Benadryl, is an antihistamine meant to treat moderate to severe cold symptoms in adults. Seagulls death was initially ruled an accident from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Deputy Police Chief Chris Lyddy says there had been no signs of trauma and the baby had not been sick. The FDA warns against administering the medication to infants under two-years-old without a doctors supervision, due to increased risk of overdosing. We have not been able to rule out anybody, Deputy Police Chief Chris Lyddy told the Fairfield Citizen. He said the day care had been in operation at a woman's home for 11 years. His infectious smile brought immediate joy to everyone who had the privilege of experiencing it, part of the infant's obituary read. As he would look at you with his beautiful brown eyes, your heart became bigger and fuller with love. Click for more from News 12 Connecticut. A New Hampshire father is headed to prison for at least 10 years for assaulting his infant son multiple times, leaving the 3-month-old boy with 17 broken bones. A Brentwood judge sentenced 26-year-old Jose Orta-Santana of Newmarket Wednesday to 10 to 25 years in prison. He pleaded guilty in February to 10 first-degree assault charges in the abuse that took place between January and February 2015. Police were notified in March 2015 after Boston Children's Hospital treated the child for two skull fractures and multiple broken bones. Court documents say Orta-Santana first lied to police about his son's injuries before admitting to punching and throwing the child after becoming frustrated with his crying. His attorney argued Orta-Santa has a history of mental illness and no criminal record. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 Vice President Joe Biden says the U.S. has accepted an invitation to send a Navy ship to New Zealand for the first time in three decades. The move signals an end to a stalemate between the two countries that was sparked by New Zealand's anti-nuclear policy. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced during a joint news conference with the visiting vice president on Thursday that New Zealand had invited the U.S. to send a ship to participate in the Royal New Zealand Navy's 75th anniversary later this year. Biden says he has gladly accepted the offer. No U.S. warships have been allowed to visit the country since the 1980s, when New Zealand introduced its nuclear-free policy. Police in South Florida Thursday said they were investigating an officer who shot and wounded an autistic man's caretaker, as video emerged apparently showing the caretaker lying down with his arms raised before being shot. Police were responding to reports of a man threatening to shoot himself on Monday, North Miami Assistant Police Chief Neal Cuevas told The Miami Herald. Officers arrived to find 47-year-old Charles Kinsey, a therapist who works with people with disabilities, according to WSVN-TV. His 27-year-old patient reportedly ran away from a group home. The therapist claimed he was trying to return his patient to the facility. Police ordered Kinsey and the patient, who was sitting in the street playing with a toy truck, to lie on the ground. The video shows Kinsey lying down and putting his hands up while trying to get his patient to comply. New video shows moments before @NorthMiamiPD shot unarmed man with hands in air https://t.co/cNJpYrIsvj WSVN 7 News (@wsvn) July 21, 2016 An officer then fired three times, striking Kinsey in the leg, Cuevas said. No weapon was found. The latest shooting comes amid weeks of violence involving police. Three law enforcement officers were fatally shot and three others wounded Sunday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by a shooter whom police also gunned down. Two weeks earlier, two white officers in Baton Rouge killed a black man, Alton Sterling, 37, on July 5 during a scuffle at a convenience store. That shooting, captured on cellphone video, provoked widespread protests about police treatment of the black community. On July 6, another black man, 32-year-old Philando Castile, was killed in Minnesota when a police officer pulled him over. The next day, a sniper killed five Dallas police officers as they guarded a peaceful protest. In Florida, Kinsey's attorney, Hilton Napoleon, provided a cellphone video to the Herald on Wednesday taken moments before the shooting. It shows Kinsey lying in the middle of the street with his hands up, asking the officers not to shoot him, while the autistic man sits next to him, yelling at him to "shut up." "Sir, there's no need for firearms," Kinsey said he told police before he was shot, according to WSVN. "It was so surprising. It was like a mosquito bite." Kinsey is black. Police haven't released the name or race of the officer who shot him but said he's been placed on administrative leave, which is standard. The investigation has been turned over to the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, Cuevas said. In an interview with the TV station, Kinsey said he was more worried about his patient than himself during the incident. "As long as I've got my hands up, they're not going to shoot me. This is what I'm thinking. They're not going to shoot me," he said. "Wow, was I wrong." The Associated Press contributed to this report. A 20-year-old man was charged Thursday with capital murder in the death of a Kansas City, Kan., police officer who was fatally shot while investigating a drive-by shooting, Wyandotte County District Attorney Jerome Gorman said. The prosecutor said Jamaal Lewis faces the murder charge in the death Tuesday of 46-year-old police Capt. Robert Melton. Lewis also faces charges of aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a weapon from an incident prior to the shooting of Melton. A second man, 18-year-old Daqon Sipple, has been charged with aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and criminal discharge of a weapon. It's unclear if Lewis and Sipple have lawyers yet. Both have been in custody since Tuesday. Police Chief Terry Zeigler said Wednesday that authorities were not seeking additional suspects, but that the investigation remained ongoing. Zeigler also said Melton's death didn't appear to be a planned ambush, but that it appeared he was shot by someone trying to elude authorities. Melton was by himself searching for a suspect in a drive-by shooting when he drove up to a person who matched a possible suspect's description. Before he could get out of his vehicle, he was shot several times through his passenger-side window. Melton was a 17-year veteran of the department. He had also served in the Kansas Army National Guard and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan before he retired in 2012, according to the guard. Melton's death is the second fatal shooting of a Kansas City, Kan., police officer this year. On May 9, detective Brad Lancaster was fatally shot near the Kansas Speedway -- the first shooting in the department in 19 years. Curtis Ayers, of Tonganoxie, is charged with capital murder in Lancaster's death. Ayers is accused of shooting Lancaster in Kansas City, Kan., and then fleeing in a car to Missouri, where police shot and wounded him. A transgender student filed a lawsuit against a Wisconsin school district Tuesday, alleging that the district wont let him use the boys restrooms and repeatedly uses his female birth name, violating federal anti-discrimination laws and the U.S. Constitution. The Transgender Law Center and the civil rights law firm Relman, Dane and Colfax PLLC filed the federal lawsuit in Milwaukee against the Kenosha school district. The filing states Ashton Whitaker, a 16-year-old student at Tremper High School, was designated a girl on his birth certificate but began identifying as a boy in middle school. The suit claims the district denied him access to boys restroom facilities and directed staff to monitor his restroom usage, forcing him and other transgender students to wear green wristbands to help staff recognize them. As a result, Whitaker drastically reduced his liquid intake, aggravating a medical condition that causes him to faint, and suffered stress migraines, according to the lawsuit. Teachers also continue to call Whitaker by his female birth name, he had to room with girls on an orchestra trip to Europe and the principal initially denied him the ability to run for junior prom king. School officials relented only after his classmates protested, the lawsuit stated. The district's actions violate Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, as well as the Constitution's equal protection guarantees, the lawsuit argues. "Transgender youth are struggling with the issue of their identity, but if they're not received well by people around them, then they can have additional psychological problems and so this has been very stressful for him," Rock Pledl, Whitaker's attorney said, according to Fox 6 Milwaukee. "The degree to which the administration has just continued to harass him over and over and raising the stakes when you'd think it'd be the opposite. You'd think they'd be looking for a way to make his life at that high school more pleasant." Whitaker said in a news release that the district's actions have made his life miserable and he's worried about how he'll navigate his upcoming senior year. An attorney for the Kenosha district said Wednesday he is certain the district will win the lawsuit. "The district is confident that when the litigation process establishes accurate facts and applies them to the proper legal standards, its policies and practices will be found to be in total compliance with all laws," Ron Stadler said in an email sent by the district's communication director to Kenosha News. Wisconsin is one of the states suing President Barack Obamas administration over its directive to public schools to let transgender students use the facilities that correspond to their gender identity. Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin tried to pass a bill during the 2015-16 legislative session that would have made it the first state in the nation to force public school students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their birth gender. The measure went nowhere. The Kenosha district responded to the lawsuit in a statement to Fox 6 Milwaukee. "Kenosha Unified was recently made aware of the lawsuit filed against the District alleging discrimination against a transgender student. The district and its legal counsel are reviewing the complaint and all of the allegations asserted in the complaint, the district said. Even a cursory review of the complaint shows that some of the factual allegations are patently false. The district does not have a practice or policy requiring any student to wear a wristband for monitoring any purpose or for any reason whatsoever. The district has worked diligently with transgender students and their families to address their unique needs and accommodations, including the family named in the suit." At least 13 states and the District of Columbia prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity in schools. Hundreds of school districts, from Anchorage, Alaska, and Tucson, Arizona, to Fairfax County, Virginia and Chicago, have adopted similar protections. At least two other transgender students have filed lawsuits similar to Whitaker's seeking the right to use boys' bathrooms and locker rooms. Gavin Grimm filed a lawsuit in Virginia seeking to use boys' bathroom at his high school. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Grimm in April. The school board has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take the case. A 14-year-old Maryland middle school student filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday alleging school officials have barred him from using the boys' restrooms and locker rooms. On the other side of the issue, dozens of families sued in May seeking to stop Township High School District 211 in suburban Chicago from allowing a transgender girl from using the girls' locker room. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Click for more from Fox 6 Milwaukee. Police in northern India said Wednesday that they have arrested two men for raping a young woman for the second time in three years after she refused to withdraw the case against them. The woman, a college student in her early 20s, was in stable condition at a hospital in Haryana state following last week's attack, said senior state police officer Sanjay Kumar Singh. Police arrested a third suspect in the case this week and were looking for two others. The incident highlights the persistence of violence against women in India despite a public outcry following the December 2012 gang rape of a woman aboard a moving bus in New Delhi that led to stronger laws against sexual assault. After the woman in the latest case was first raped in 2013, three men were arrested. Two of them were freed on bail pending the outcome of the trial, which is ongoing. Singh said that those two were among five men who gang-raped the woman last week. The woman, from a poor, low-caste family, had been raped in 2013 in Bhiwani, a town in Haryana. Her family moved to another town in Haryana, Rohtak, after they were threatened by the suspects. The accused, who face life sentences if convicted in the first case, allegedly offered 5 million rupees ($73,500) to the woman's family to drop the rape complaint, the NDTV news channel cited the family as saying. The woman told police that she was gang-raped again on July 13 because she was unwilling to withdraw the case. According to Singh, the state police officer, the woman was abducted from outside her college in Rohtak and raped by the men, who later dumped her at a desolate spot in the town. Police found the victim lying unconscious and admitted her to a hospital. Rohtak is 55 miles west of New Delhi. A California lawmaker is proposing a federal law that would protect U.S. service members who stick up for sexually abused children -- an effort inspired by a Green Berets heroic defense of an Afghan boy. Sgt. Charles Martland was nearly booted from the Army for roughing up an Afghan police chief who had abused a young boy in a practice known as bachi bazi, or boy play. Now, according to the lawmaker behind the proposal, the Taliban is exploiting the sick practice by sending young children onto Afghan military facilities to pose as "dancing boys" or "tea servers," only to kill their would-be tormentors. According to reports, the Taliban is now regularly turning to child sex slaves to initiate insider attacks against Afghan forces, Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., wrote in a recent letter to Defense Secretary Ashton Carter aimed at gaining support for his proposal. In fact, one report cites at least six attacks between January and April that killed hundreds of Afghans. I think it fits with their [the Talibans] modus operandi. They are terrorists. Thats what terrorists do." Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) This is concerning given our interests in Afghanistan, but it also requires serious attention due to the presence of U.S. forces and their ongoing mission to train, assist and advise the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, Hunter added. In addition to vociferously defending Martland after the decorated Special Forces veteran was disciplined for the 2011 incident, Hunter has proposed a bill that would bear Martlands name and enable soldiers and sailors to intervene when a child is being abused. The twisted "boy play" practice, especially prevalent in southern Afghanistan, has been more than tacitly tolerated by U.S. forces stationed in Afghanistan. In addition to disciplining Martland and a fellow soldier who acted with him, the military has said policing the practice is the responsibility of the local Afghan government. Under Taliban rule, men who abused young boys faced the death penalty. The fact that they would use the stomach-turning practice against members of the U.S.-backed government does not surprise Hunter. I think it fits with their modus operandi, Hunter said. They are terrorists. Thats what terrorists do. Theyve used women in the past. They used children with learning disabilities. I dont put anything past them. Hunters proposed Martland Act, also known as the Mandating America's Responsibility To Limit Abuse, Negligence and Depravity Act, aims to establish a policy against sexual abuse on all United States military installations, whether located in the United States or overseas. Included in a draft in the bill was a list of findings by Congress, including: Members of the United States Army and Marine Corps were told to respect cultural and religious practices of Afghans, and that sexual abuse carried out by local allies was a matter of Afghan law. One U.S. soldier told of hearing from his bunk the screams of boys brought onto a U.S. base by Afghan police officers. At night, we could hear screaming but we're not allowed to do anything about it. The bill will be put forward for vote after investigations by both the Defense Departments Inspector General and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. That is not fast enough for Hunter. This isnt a political bill, he tells FoxNews.com. "The Army likes to wait out politicians. They like working on matters until the public forgets about them. Treating child abuse as a cultural norm is not only immoral for the U.S. military, it could put service members as well as innocent Afghans at risk under the emerging Taliban trend. By enacting [this bill], Congress would ensure that our military stands on the side of child abuse victims rather than the perpetrators of that abuse, said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice, which recently sent a letter calling on the House Armed Services Committee to approve the bill. No child should be abused. No American service member should suffer for doing what is morally right." Martland was in his second deployment to Afghanistan when a desperate mother told him she had been beaten and her son abused by the local police commander trained, armed and paid with U.S. taxpayer dollars. Martland and his team leader, Daniel Quinn, confronted the commander, identified in previous reports as Abdul Rahman. "He confessed to the crime and laughed about it, and said it wasn't a big deal. Even when we patiently explained how serious the charge was, he kept laughing," Quinn told FoxNews.com last August. According to reports of the incident, Quinn and Martland shoved Abdul Rahman to the ground and dragged him off the base. He quickly reported the incident to another Army unit in a nearby village, and the next day a U.S. Army helicopter landed and took Quinn and Martland away. The pair was disciplined for their actions and, amid military cuts, the Army Human Resources Command recommended Martland be discharged in part based on his disciplinary record. After an outpouring of public support, the decision was reversed and Martland has been able to continue with his military career. The Green Beret was unavailable for comment as he is currently undergoing training at an undisclosed location. Hes good. He does not dwell on it, Hunter, who has been in touch with Martland, told FoxNews.com. Hes the kind of guy to carry on like nothing happened. Hes happy to still be a part of the Special Forces. BREAKING NEWS: An Australian police bomb squad is examining a car that was driven into an underground parking garage at a western Sydney police station. Police have arrested the driver, who reportedly tried to set himself on fire. The Australian newspaper reported that authorities found gas bottles packed inside the car. The bottles did not explode. The circumstances were still being investigated. UPDATE: Man in custody after he drove his car into the underground car park of Merrylands police station. #9News pic.twitter.com/2RsVCrFMP0 Nine News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) July 21, 2016 New South Wales police said in a statement that a perimeter had been established around the station in the western Sydney suburb of Merrylands as a precaution. They said they had no other information. One source called the attack very deliberate, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. A reporter at Sydneys ABC station reportedly said that a police source believed the incident was an attempted terror attack. The BBC pointed out that there was no official confirmation. The Associated Press contributed to this report An extremist in prison for a deadly attack on last year's annual Jerusalem gay pride parade plotted another attack on Thursday's march, police revealed. Investigators thwarted the plot by Yishai Schlissel, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish man, and arrested his brother, Michael, as an accomplice, police spokeswoman Luba Samri said. Yishai Schlissel is serving a life sentence for his 2015 stabbing spree that killed a 16-year-old girl and wounded seven other people. He had been released from prison weeks earlier after serving a sentence for stabbing several people at the 2005 pride march. Police would not say how Schlissel plotted an attack from inside prison. Police briefly detained his mother and four other brothers, ordering them to stay away from the march. Officers said they would ramp up security for this year's march in Jerusalem. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A young teacher in Pakistan who died last month from severe burns did not kill herself, a team of investigators revealed Thursday, suggesting police were trying to silence her family by calling it a suicide. Supreme Court Bar Association team says Murree teacher Maria Sadaqat did not commit suicide but was burnt to death pic.twitter.com/a5w4JcdIP9 omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) July 21, 2016 Relatives of the 19-year-old teacher, Maria Sadaqat, said a team of attackers drenched her in gasoline and lit her on fire because she refused to marry the son of her school's owner. Police initially arrested the owner and three other people but released them weeks later, saying they determined her death was a suicide. Pakistan's Supreme Court Bar Association launched a separate investigation and determined the police officers' findings were "flawed," the BBC reported. The new investigation did not determine conclusively who may have killed her. However, it found that police may have engaged in "character assassination" against the teacher's family. "The mission strongly feels that flawed investigations encourage crimes against women," the report added, saying such police statements could be to blame for the rise in so-called "honor killings." Nearly 1,000 women are murdered in Pakistan each year for violating conservative norms on love, marriage and public behavior, analysts say. Islamic law in Pakistan allows a murder victim's family to pardon the killer, which often allows those convicted of honor killings to escape punishment. Sadaqat was babysitting her 5-year-old sister in northeastern Pakistan at the time, according to the Telegraph. She died days later in a hospital on June 1. Neither the woman's hands nor her feet were burned, which fit her claim that four men held her to the ground as they attacked, Supreme Court Bar President Ali Zafar said. The teacher suffered burns to 85 percent of her body, local media reported. Earlier this week, the brother of slain Pakistani model Qandeel Baloch confessed to strangling her for "family honor" because she posted "shameful" pictures on Facebook. Baloch, who had become a social media celebrity in recent months, stirred controversy by posting pictures online taken with a prominent Muslim cleric. She was found dead on Saturday at her family home in the central city of Multan. Police arrested her brother, Waseem Azeem, and presented him before the media in Multan, where he confessed to killing her. He said people had taunted him over the photos and that he found the social embarrassment unbearable. "I was determined either to kill myself or kill her," Azeem told The Associated Press as he was being led away. He said that even though Baloch was the main breadwinner for the family, he slipped her sedatives the night before and then strangled her in her sleep. "Money matters, but family honor is more important," said Azeem. The Associated Press contributed to this report. U.S.-backed Syrian fighters on Thursday gave Islamic State militants 48 hours to leave an encircled town near the Turkish border without a fight, a last-ditch effort to protect civilian lives, according to a statement issued by the group. The Manbij Military Council, which is part of the U.S.-supported Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, said the initiative represents the "only and last" opportunity for IS militants to "leave the town alive." Backed by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes, SDF fighters have encircled Manbij and seized western parts of the IS-held town but have so far avoided an all-out assault to minimize civilian casualties. However, airstrikes in the Manbij countryside blamed on the coalition have killed scores of civilians in the past few days, including children. The statement accused IS of using civilians as human shields and said it would allow the group a last opportunity to leave the town with their "individual weapons" to a location of their choice. Manbij is an IS hub and lies on a key supply route to the Islamic State group's de facto capital of Raqqa. If Manbij is captured by the U.S.-backed fighters, it will be the biggest strategic defeat for IS in Syria since July 2015, when the extremist group lost the border town of Tal Abyad. The fighting around Manbij coincides with an uptick in fighting in the contested city of Aleppo where government forces have completely encircled the eastern, rebel-held parts of the city, trapping hundreds of thousands of people inside. Stephen O'Brien, the U.N.'s emergency relief coordinator, said he is "gravely alarmed" by developments in eastern Aleppo. "Food in east Aleppo is expected to run out by the middle of next month," he warned. The head of delegation for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Syria described the situation as "devastating and overwhelming," with heavy and indiscriminate shelling and an "untold numbers of civilian casualties." "The bombing is constant. The violence is threatening hundreds of thousands of people's lives, homes and livelihoods," said Marianne Gasser, according to an ICRC statement. It said Gasser was in Aleppo. Meanwhile, the U.N.'s children agency condemned the killing of children amid Syria's ongoing civil war following brutal incidents in the country's north. In a statement distributed Thursday, UNICEF said dozens of children were among those killed in airstrikes in and around Manbij in the past few days. The U.S.-led coalition has not commented on the accusations but has stepped up its airstrikes on the area, which is controlled by the Islamic State group. "No matter where they are in Syria or under whose control they live - absolutely nothing justifies attacks on children," UNICEF said. UNICEF also condemned the killing of a 12-year-old boy who was beheaded on-camera in Aleppo this week by a Syrian rebel group. The Nour el-Din al-Zinki group, which has so far been known as a relatively moderate group that fights the Syrian government and the Islamic State group, called the killing of the Palestinian boy an "individual mistake" and said it will open an investigation into his murder. In Geneva, the U.N. Humanitarian aid adviser Jan Egeland appealed for 48-hour localized truces across Syria to allow in aid. He said the U.N. got authorization from the Syrian government to deliver aid to all 18 U.N.-designated besieged areas, but fighting is keeping them from making deliveries "We are hopeful that intensive diplomatic activities will lead to access to eastern Aleppo," he said of the now besieged rebel-held part of the city of Aleppo. Egeland also said there are "intensive discussions" underway about how to help some 100,000 people who have been stuck for weeks at the Syrian-Jordanian border. "We are hopeful that we will be able to supply them with food and other necessities soon, either from within Syria or from Jordan," he said. Tens of thousands of people have been stuck in the area known as the "berm" for its earthen mounds, after Jordan closed the border following a car bombing last month that killed seven Jordanian soldiers near the Rukban crossing point. Doctors Without Borders on Thursday called for the evacuation of war-wounded Syrians through Jordan's sealed northern border. The international medical humanitarian organization said it has not treated any war-wounded Syrians in the emergency room in the Ramtha Government hospital -- located about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Syrian border -- since the closure of Jordan's northern border following the deadly June 21 suicide attack. "The closure of the borders means that the most vulnerable victims of the conflict -- those badly injured by the war -- no longer have the chance to survive," said Luis Eguiluz, MSF's head of mission in Jordan. Veterans of Zimbabwe's independence war made a significant break with President Robert Mugabe for the first time Thursday, calling him dictatorial, manipulative and egocentric. The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association has been a pillar of support for the 92-year-old leader for decades, but it released a statement criticizing the man it had long been quick to defend. The veterans are known for unleashing violence on those opposing the government. The surprise revolt by Mugabe's aging corps of loyalists comes after nationwide anti-government protests organized via social media. Many in Zimbabwe are frustrated by a rapidly deteriorating economy, a currency crisis and alleged corruption. "We note, with concern, shock and dismay, the systematic entrenchment of dictatorial tendencies, personified by the president and his cohorts, which have slowly devoured the values of the liberation struggle," the statement said after dozens of veterans' representatives from around the country met Thursday, changing anti-government slogans. The group said it would no longer support Mugabe's political campaigns, accusing him of abandoning the veterans for the youth league of the ruling party ZANU-PF. The veterans' group blamed the southern African country's economic crisis on "bankrupt leadership." Mugabe, who has been in power for 36 years, has recently turned toward the youth league for political support, including two rallies attended by tens of thousands of people. Earlier this week, the world's oldest head of state responded to the recent anti-government protests, telling critics to leave Zimbabwe if they are unhappy with conditions at home. The veterans' group indicated it has had enough of such talk from the president. "We are dismayed by the president's tendency to indulge, in his usual vitriol against perceived enemies, including peaceful protesters, as well as war veterans, when the economy is on its knees," their statement said. "He has a lot to answer for the serious plight of the national economy." Mugabe came to power when Zimbabwe, formerly known as Rhodesia, won independence from white rule in 1980. The guerrilla war that led to independence forged close ties among the fighters. The veterans were also at the forefront of Mugabe's land reform program that saw thousands of white farmers violently evicted to make way for landless blacks. Mugabe's rule began with widespread optimism, but that faded over the years amid economic hardship and contentious relations with the West. Mugabe has blamed the recent woes on Western sanctions. 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For further details, log on to www.furnitureassemblyexperts.com For more information, please visit http://www.FurnitureAssemblyExperts.com Contact Info: Name: Furniture Assembly Experts Organization: Furniture Assembly Experts Address: 9418 Annapolis rd Suite 204 Source: http://marketersmedia.com/bike-assembly-service-in-washington-dc-maryland-and-virginia-launched-by-furniture-assembly-experts/124427 Release ID: 124427 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) ChicagoCarKeys Launches New Web Informational Site Chicago Car Keys is a mobile car locksmith providing car key replacement for lost or stolen keys. The technicians respond quickly to unlock cars or provide extra keys when needed. -- Chicago Car Keys and Jose Mario Hernandez are pleased to announce the launch of their new website for describing their mobile car locksmith business. The Chicago car locksmith provides car key replacement for lost or stolen keys, unlock cars when people are locked out and provide extra keys when someone wants an additional set. The new website has a unique feature which allows potential customers to search for the make and model of their vehicle and learn the price of the key without the need for a telephone call. The Chicago car key replacement firm has a list of additional services which include ignition repair and removal of broken keys from the ignition or car door locks. The mobile service is an emergency response team which arrives quickly at any time of the day or night. The customer has the benefit of convenience since the technicians go to the customer. This mobile service helps to prevent any cost of towing or dealer fees which might be incurred if the dealer was called for the service. Although the website is new, Chicago Car Keys has been serving the Chicago and area residents for more than two decades. Vehicle owners know that it is frustrating to be locked out of a vehicle, or be stranded and waiting for a tow truck. The technicians from the Chicago firm guarantee arrival within thirty minutes and on-the-spot car unlocking key and remote replacement. According to Jose Mario Hernandez, "If you are not sure whether we carry your car keys, use the search feature of the website to find out if we have your key available. The results will tell you how much it will cost to obtain a new key. There are no surprises in our prices. We service most cars and motorcycles. If you don't see the key, check with us, since some of the less common keys may not be listed." For more information, please visit https://www.chicagocarkeys.com/ Contact Info: Name: Jose Mario Hernandez Organization: Chicago Car Keys Address: 1838 W. 21st PL, Chicago IL Phone: (773) 521-7000 Source: https://www.chicagocarkeys.com/our-services/ Release ID: 124455 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) Not Another Flake: Maple Holistics Introduces New Tea Tree Shampoo For Dandruff Maple Holistics has announced the introduction and release of their new Tea Tree Shampoo for Dandruff. Available for purchase at the Maple Holistics website, the shampoo is the latest in Maple Holistics' line of personal care products which promote an all-natural and healthy lifestyle. -- Finally, some good news for those folks suffering from dandruff. Maple Holistics has announced the introduction and release of their new Tea Tree Shampoo for Dandruff. Intended to solve even the most stubborn of dandruff, the new Tea Tree formula from Maple Holistics is all-natural and made with ingredients that target and eliminate dandruff sight unseen. Available for purchase now at the Maple Holistics website as well as at Amazon.com, the Tea Tree Shampoo is the latest in Maple Holistics' long line of acclaimed and successful personal care products which are intended to promote an all-natural and healthy lifestyle. Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo for Dandruff works effectively by clearing out old skin cells from hair to stimulate new hair growth. The preservative-free formula is 100% organic and contains the synergy necessary to combat dandruff and stimulate cell renewal. Intended to leave hair feeling fresh and revitalized, Maple's Tea Tree Shampoo features an impeccable formula enhanced with Argan, Jojoba and Botanical Keratin and provides an energizing scent, free of synthetic fragrances. The Tea Tree Shampoo contains only the purest and most therapeutic ingredients to promote the elimination of dandruff and the strengthening of healthy hair by taking advantage of the most potent organic chemistry nature has to offer, with Verbenone-rich Rosemary, Bulgarian Lavender, and Tea Tree with over 98 ther all-natural compounds. Packaged in an environmental-friendly facility, the shampoo is packaged in BPA-free plastic bottles which allow for easy storage. The packaging methods for the product are held to the highest standards to ensure that the shampoo retains full freshness and flavor. About the Company Maple Holistics provides industry leading all-natural hair, body, skin, and food products. The company offers a natural, holistic range of premium products which can enhance hygiene, health and daily living. Company products are made in the USA. For more information, please visit https://www.mapleholistics.com/ For more information, please visit https://www.mapleholistics.com/ Contact Info: Name: Nate M Organization: Maple Holistics Release ID: 123829 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) Free Freightnet Membership List your company in the Freightnet directory. It's Free, it's Easy and your company can be displayed in front of potential freight buyers within 24 hours. WH Ireland suffered a 1.8m loss in six-months as the wealth manager struggled with a fine from the Financial Conduct Authority and was not insulated against the troubled economic landscape. In its interim results, ending 31 May, the wealth management firm revealed it had continued to see profits fall, reporting a pre-tax loss of 1.8m, declining more steeply from the 0.35m loss seen at the end of November. On 31 May last year, however, the company had been in the black, reporting a profit of 0.59m. WH Ireland had also seen its revenue drop to 11.9m at the end of May this year, from the 15.9m reported in May 2015. Its full year results, released in February revealed the company had slipped into negative territory after being hit by a 1.2m fine from the Financial Conduct Authority following a review in 2013. The loss also reflects one-off, non-trading costs, amounting to 600,000, which include legal and advisory fees and temporary employment costs within the companys compliance department. Tim Steel, chairman of the WH Ireland, said it had been a challenging and difficult period for the firm, particularly following the settlement with the FCA. He also said the companys wealth management arm was not insulated from the uncertainty in the UK markets. Mr Steel blamed the fall in income from the corporate broking division on fears over Chinese growth, commodity price deflation, and the referendum, which he said had left the UK stockmarket moribund. He said this reduced client trading activity has meant the firm has had lower levels of commission. However, its half year results painted a more positive picture when it comes to discretionary assets under management, which jumped by almost a quarter to 949m, from 767m at the end of November. It assets under management and administration also nudged up 6 per cent, hitting 2.7bn from 2.5bn over the same period. Mr Steel said the group is currently undergoing significant transformational change at various levels, including the partnership with SEI Corporation to improve the companys operational platform. He also announced the company was looking to sell its property in Manchester to provide more liquidity and greater flexibility, as the company looks to develop its business. katherine.denham@ft.com A Supreme Court ruling around collateral lies on insurance claims could have an impact on how protection insurance is sold. A judgment in the case of Versloot Dredging v HDI Gerling handed down yesterday (20 July) overturns centuries of insurance practice, according to MoneySuperMarkets content editor Kevin Pratt, meaning insurers will now not be able to throw out perfectly valid claims on little more than a technicality. The issue was whether the insurers of a ship were entitled to repudiate liability on the ground that the insured had told a lie in presenting the claim, if the lie proved to be irrelevant to the insurers liability. The vessel was incapacitated by a flood in her engine room caused by the crew and previous contractors negligence. Owners presented an insurance claim, telling the insurers solicitors that the crew had informed them an alarm had sounded, but could not be investigated because the vessel was rolling in heavy weather. This was a lie told by the owners to strengthen the claim, accelerate payment under the policy, and take the focus off any defects in the vessel for which the owners might have been responsible. The lie was in fact irrelevant to the claim, since the vessels loss was found to have been caused by a peril of the seas. But the judge held that the owners lie was a fraudulent device, which meant the insurers did not have to pay out under the policy. The Court of Appeal agreed, but the higher Supreme Court held that the fraudulent device rule does not apply to collateral lies, which are immaterial to the insureds right to recover. Insurers can no longer use so-called collateral lies to reject a valid claim, he stated, noting that the one worry is if insurers are paying more claims as a result of this ruling, then they will increase premiums, Mr Pratt said. In terms of health and life insurance claims, it all comes down to full and honest disclosure of material facts, such as pre-existing medical conditions and statements on quote forms pertaining to health and lifestyle (e.g. smoking), stated Mr Pratt. If the policyholder gives accurate answers and doesnt withhold information, then any claim should be honoured, he pointed out. A possible collateral lie might be for someone to say, on their application, that they were married when in fact they lived with their partner, without having married them. If they contract cancer, the claim should be honoured, and not rejected on the basis there is a discrepancy on their application. James Dalton, director of general insurance policy at the Association of British Insurers, said the Supreme Court decision could be a blow for honest customers. This decision risks pushing up the cost of insurance and prolonging the pay-out process for the vast majority of people who are honest customers. As the dissenting judge, Lord Mance said, allowing lies will distort the claims process by the time and cost involved in unveiling the fraud and attempting to ascertain its true implications. Peer-to-peer lender ThinCats has developed a socially impactful way for investors to boost social enterprises while enjoying up to 30 per cent tax relief in the first year. Community Chest, the new peer-to-peer for good investment platform will allow investors to benefit from social investment tax relief (SITR) or community investment tax relief (CITR). Depending on their clients investment horizon, advisers can either help their clients to achieve 30 per cent SITR in the first year of a three-year loan, or CITR at 5 per cent a year on a five-year loan. According to ThinCats founder Kevin Caley, this is the UKs first peer-to-peer for good proposition. He said: Community Chest will allow investors to provide much-needed funding for social enterprises while also making a strong tax-efficient return on their investment. Mr Caley said this might attract those higher-rate investors still waiting for clarity on Innovative Finance Isas from the FCA - which is expected later this year - as they could achieve tax relief now, outside of an Isa wrapper. I believe Community Chest will be popular with investors looking to diversify their portfolio, while delivering funding for UK social enterprise Kevin Caley The 5 per cent CITR available is, Mr Caley explains, equivalent to 8.3 per cent before tax to a higher-rate tax payer and would be in addition to any annual Isa allowance they already have. The new proposition uses ThinCats platform, where lenders can take a fixed income investment in established social businesses through an online auction. However, Community Chest operates differently to ThinCats regular secured loans. The prime investor benefit, according to Mr Caley, is the tax relief from the government. In order to qualify for the tax relief, loans must be held for a fixed term, so they cannot be sold on the ThinCats secondary market. Mr Caley added: This tax relief is only available on unsecured loans so this represents a significant difference from the normal secured ThinCats loans. I believe Community Chest will be popular with investors looking to diversify their portfolio, while delivering a vital new route to funding for social enterprise across the UK. The first deal from Community Chest 500,000 loan to ART Business Loans, a community eevelopment finance institution providing funding to small and medium sized businesses in the West Midlands. One business owner who has already benefitted from ART is Michelin star and Great British Menu winning chef, Glyn Purnell, who opened his own restaurant in Birmingham with the finance it provided. The government consulted on the rules to include peer-to-peer loans within Isas in 2014, with a view to legislating to allow peer-to-peer loans to be held in an Isa from 6 April 2016. Jupiters Merlin team have sold their significant stakes in the Artemis Income and Kames High Yield Bond funds after both portfolios saw managers exit last month. The multi-manager team, headed by John Chatfeild-Roberts, removed exposure to both the Artemis and the Kames products from their 3.6bn Income and 1.5bn Balanced portfolios in June, according to latest factsheets. Merlin Income alone held a 238m position in Artemis Income and a 135m position in Kames High Yield as recently as this April. Data provider Morningstar estimates the 6bn Artemis fund suffered a net outflow of 370m last month, with Kames 1.1bn fund seeing 205m leave. Both funds saw managers depart last month: Artemis Adrian Gosden left after 13 years at the firm, while Kames hired David Ennett from Standard Life Investments to replace the outgoing Claire McGuckin. The Merlin teams moves came as part of a reduction of its Income funds UK equity holdings, a move which may also have been connected to the UKs vote to leave the European Union on June 23. UK equities accounted for 54 per cent of Merlin Income at the end of May but this had fallen to 45 per cent as of the start of July. Royal London UK Equity Income was also a victim of this reduction. The fund was removed from Merlin Conservative, a much smaller Jupiter product at just 35m in size. But Morningstar estimates the Royal London product saw a 193m net outflow in June, a figure which suggests other Merlin portfolios may also have cut back exposure. Some of this UK money has been shifted into global equities, which now account for more than 9 per cent of the Income portfolio, up from less than 4 per cent. This increase appears to be the result of a new position in Terry Smiths Fundsmith Equity product, a portfolio held across a number of other Merlin mandates. Mr Smiths fund is not a traditional income vehicle but does offer a gross yield of 1.9 per cent. Both the Income and Balanced funds also have sizeable cash holdings as a result of the changes. The former has 6.3 per cent in cash and the latter has 7.3 per cent as of the start of this month. Jupiter declined to comment on the changes, but the Merlin team said in their latest update to clients: The current market dislocation can create significant opportunities; we and our underlying managers will seek to take advantage of this in the weeks and months to come. Aberdeen Asset Management has reduced the price dilution for investors wishing to redeem from its UK Property fund following a slowing of outflows and the disposal of assets. Earlier this month, Aberdeen imposed a 17 per cent dilution on its 3.2bn property funds for redeeming investors, while temporarily suspending the fund to allow investors to reconsider. The suspension was lifted last week and the price cut has now been reduced, resulting in a 7.5 per cent uplift on the dealing price, the firm said. A 7 per cent fair value adjustment to the price of the portfolio at the time of the original suspension remains in place, however. Martin Gilbert, chief executive at the fund house, said the change reflected an improving outlook for the funds. We have been able to reduce the temporary dilution adjustment applied to the funds significantly, reflecting the reduced levels of redemptions the funds have seen and the rebuilding of the funds cash levels, he said. Our hope is that trading in the funds continues to revert to more normal levels. This should allow us, in time, to remove the dilution adjustment altogether. A handful of rivals have indefinitely suspended their property funds amid uncertainty for the asset class following last months EU referendum result. Earlier this week, M&G Property Portfolio manager Fiona Rowley accused rival fund houses of coming to market too quickly to offload property assets. She said attempts to divest properties in her suspended fund had been hampered by a rival open-ended funds launching a firesale. Legal & General Investment Managements property vehicle, which alongside Aberdeens remains open to trading, also reduced its fair value adjustment earlier this week. There is a warrant out for the arrest of the owner of troubled overseas property company Harlequin Property, after he failed to appear before magistrates on charges of tax evasion and theft. Harlequin chairman Dave Ames was due to appear at Kingstown Magistrates Court in Saint Vincent in June to answer four charges of theft and four charges of tax evasion. The charges, brought by the government of Saint Vincent, where his company and its flagship hotel Buccament Bay are based - amount to approximately $8m East Caribbean dollars (2.3m). The theft charges relate to the equivalent of around 967,000. But Mr Ames failed to turn up at court when summoned. Law enforcement authorities on the island therefore issued a warrant for his arrest. Harlequin, which is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, was set up by Mr Ames who then marketed investments in the development of villas mainly in the Caribbean to UK investors, many of whom were recommended them by financial advisers. Auto-enrolment has seen the number of people enrolled in a workplace pension jump by almost 50 per cent, hitting just over 15 million by the end of 2015, figures from the Department for Work and Pensions have revealed. The figure is up from 10.7 million in 2012, before the auto-enrolment regime was introduced. Since that date the number has steadily increased. Men benefitted more than women from the introduction of the new workplace savings regime, with the number of men in a employee pension jumping by 2.5 million, compared to 1.9 million women. In total, 8.1 million men were members of workplace pension schemes at the end of 2015, compared to 7 million women. The most likely age group to be enrolled in a scheme were 45-49 year olds, followed by 50-54 year olds and 40-44 year olds. The least likely to be enrolled were 22-24 year olds and the over 60s, while 25-34 year olds saw the biggest rise in pension scheme membership. The report also looked at the percentage of pensioners on a low income. While the overall trend saw pensioner poverty rates decrease - in keeping with a recent report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies - those over 85 were actually marginally worse off than they were five years ago. The report also found an ethnic divide, with a huge spike in the number of black British pensioners and pensioners of African and Caribbean origin living on a low income - up from 19 per cent in 2010 to 30 per cent in 2015. The percentage of Asian or Asian British retirees living on low incomes dropped from 31 per cent to 27 per cent, while the percentage of white retirees was steady at about 13 per cent. Claire Walsh, a chartered financial planner at Aspect8, said the low opt-out rate - currently around 9 per cent - was great news. However, she said in her experience, small employers were less interested in auto-enrolment. She predicted that as smaller businesses reached their staging dates over the next two years, the opt-out rate would increase. However, she did not think a higher contribution rate would lead to an increase in opt-outs. People just dont engage with their finances. Theyre inert, which, for auto-enrolment is a good thing. Earlier this week, former pensions minister Steve Webb urged the government to make increasing the AE contribution rate beyond the planned 8 per cent its priority. james.fernyhough@ft.com Farmers have been assured they will have good access to EU markets and a reliable supply of seasonal workers, despite the recent Brexit vote. Defra minister George Eustice, who was attending the Royal Welsh Show on Wednesday (20 July), dismissed recent claims by EU farm commissioner Phil Hogan that the UK would have to leave the EU first before trade negotiations could begin. A trade agreement will be in place before that happens, Mr Eustice told Farmers Weekly. We plan to start negotiations with our European counterparts quite soon, and discuss what the new policies will look like. See also: UK likely to face tariffs post-Brexit, warns EU commissioner One stumbling block to market access could be the governments desire to also limit immigration, but Mr Eustice was quick to give an assurance on this. It is not true that you have to have a totally free movement of people to have a free-trade agreement, he said. We have arrangements with other countries in the world that dont have this requirement attached. It is not true that you have to have a totally free movement of people to have a free-trade agreement George Eustice, Defra It is quite possible to put in place arrangements that enable people to come here on work visas without having a complete free-for-all. All these issues are ours to negotiate. Properly funded budget Although he gave no guarantee that the existing 3.7bn of European support for UK agriculture would be maintained, he said there would be a properly funded agriculture budget making use of some of the 9bn no longer sent to Brussels. It is too early to say what shape it will take, said Mr Eustice. But we dont want something that recreates the CAP with its badly thought-out policies. With UK agriculture dependent on immigrant labour, Mr Eustice suggested that a scheme similar to the defunct Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme could be established. This is an issue for the negotiation and for the Home Office to consider. There are established ways of issuing permits for seasonal workers, he said. Promotion Mr Eustice was speaking during one of his first engagements after being promoted to minister of state at Defra in prime minister Theresa Mays reshuffle, having previously been a parliamentary undersecretary. He now reports to fellow Brexiter Andrea Leadsom, who replaced Liz Truss as secretary of state at the department. Both politicians were involved in the launch of the Fresh Start Group five years ago, advocating EU budget cuts and reform of the CAP. During the EU referendum campaign, Mrs Leadsom indicated that the UK government will give you the same money when we leave the EU. Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said she must keep her promise on this, while NFU president Meurig Raymond demanded that farmers involved in agri-environment schemes must still be paid in full. We need a continuing commitment to the 25-year TB eradication strategy, he added. Story Highlights Satisfaction now at 17%, down from 29% in June Lowest measure of satisfaction since October 2013 Race relations surges to top of "most important problem" list WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Americans' satisfaction with the way things are going in the U.S. dropped 12 percentage points in the past month, amid high-profile police killings of black men and mass shootings of police. Currently, 17% of Americans are satisfied with the state of affairs in the U.S. Satisfaction is the lowest it has been nationwide since October 2013, when Republican members in Congress led a federal government shutdown. For the past two years, satisfaction has been in the 20s and 30s, with low points of 20% in December 2015 and November 2014. This 12-point drop in one month is tied for the largest decrease in satisfaction since Gallup started asking satisfaction monthly in 2001. The previous largest decrease during this period was also 12 points in October 2008, as the financial crisis was taking hold. These data are from Gallup's latest monthly reading of Americans' satisfaction, taken July 13-17. Between the June reading and now, the U.S. has been rocked by deadly shootings of black men by police in Louisiana and Minnesota, and the targeted killing of police at a protest in Dallas. Also since the last survey, a gunman killed 49 people in a gay nightclub in Orlando. World news has not offered much solace, with a terrorist attack across the Atlantic in Nice, France, involving a truck ramming into a crowd on Bastille Day in mid-July, killing 84. Race Relations Named as Most Important Problem in U.S. The same July poll finds a surge in concern about race relations and racism, after the several recent incidents of violence between police and black men. In the July 13-17 update, 18% of Americans say race relations or racism is the most important problem facing the nation, a jump of 13 points in the past month. Since 2000, mentions of race have only once previously been in double digits -- in December 2014, when 13% mentioned race as the top problem facing the nation. Race was infrequently mentioned as the top problem facing the nation from 1970 through 2000, with the exception of May 1992, a week after the Rodney King verdicts in Los Angeles, when 15% mentioned race as the top problem. There was little change in Americans' mention of terrorism this month, despite the Orlando shootings. Recent Trend, Most Important Problem What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today? April 2016 May 2016 June 2016 July 2016 % % % % Race relations/Racism 7 5 5 18 Dissatisfaction with government 13 13 13 16 Economy in general 17 18 18 12 Unemployment/Jobs 9 9 8 7 Crime/Violence 2 2 3 6 Ethics/Moral decline 5 3 5 6 Immigration/Illegal aliens 8 7 7 6 National security 5 4 5 6 Terrorism 6 4 4 5 Guns/Gun control 1 1 1 5 Elections/Election reform 4 5 6 5 Gallup Dissatisfaction with government ranks second among the most important problems this month, and at 16% generally remains in the range it has been in during recent months. Mentions of the "economy in general," No. 1 last month, fell to third at 12%. Americans this month are more likely to mention crime/violence (6%) and guns/gun control (5%) than they have been in previous months, most likely a reaction to the occurrence of violence and shootings in Louisiana, Minnesota, Texas and Florida. Democrats' Satisfaction Drops Precipitously The decline in Americans' satisfaction this month includes a particularly sharp drop among Democrats, whose satisfaction levels -- after registering 51% last month -- dropped 22 points to 29% in July. This was a marked change from the 11-point jump in satisfaction Democrats expressed from May to June. Republicans, on the other hand, have professed extremely low satisfaction with life in the U.S. throughout the Obama administration, ranging from 3% to 19% during Barack Obama's term in office. Independents' satisfaction dropped in the last month from 24% to 16%. Bottom Line Racial strife, epitomized in the recent police shootings and shootings of police, and highlighted in ongoing protests, appears to have ignited new concerns about the state of the U.S. The American public now says race relations/racism is the nation's single most important problem, and overall satisfaction with the way things are going in the country has dropped significantly. Americans' satisfaction with the way things are going in the U.S. has generally been low in the past decade, even before the July downturn. In an era increasingly defined by wars in the Middle East, a Great Recession, ongoing economic uncertainty and heightened and polarized political rhetoric, it is not surprising that more than half of Americans have said they are not satisfied with the way things are going in the country for more than a decade. As the summer continues, with political conventions and the possibility of ongoing racial unrest, satisfaction with the U.S. may remain low as uncertainty persists at least until the presidential election in November. Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics. Survey Methods Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted July 13-17, 2016, on the Gallup U.S. Daily survey, with a random sample of 1,023 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. Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works. 'The Big Bang Theory' Season 10 Air Date, Spoilers, News & Update: Sheldon & Leonard Will Be Stepbrothers? New Casts, Plot Details, Theories Revealed! "The Big Bang Theory" Season 9 ended with its timely fashion of epic finales. One particular scene was Sheldon's mother and Leonard's father possibly hooked up. Now, "Te Big Bang Theory" Season 10 spoilers have claimed that Leonard and Penny's wedding an embarrassment to both their families and friends. Sheldon and Leonard could become stepbrothers in 'The Big Bang Theory' Season 10 "The Big Bang Theory" Season 9 finale showed a pre-wedding dinner of Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Penny (Kaley Cuoco) with Sheldon's mother, Mary, and Leonard's father, Alfred, both hating Leonard's mother. The two got well acquainted with one another and decided to take the hike to their hotel rooms. Could this lead to another love story in "The Big Bang Theory" Season 10? We'll see. The morning next day, both Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Leonard called their parents but the service was off, then made Penny chuckle and leaving the fans speculate that the two fell in love and fooled around that night. The parents of Sheldon and Leonard had the same hotel, so there is a great possibility that the two might continue their romance relationship in "The Big Bang Theory" Season 10. 'The Big Bang Theory' Season 10 producer Steve Molaro reveals some plot details The Executive Producer and show runner Steve Molaro of "The Big Bang Theory" revealed that there is something going on with Alfred and Mary, thus, making a big change for Sheldon and Leonard on season 10 of "The Big Bang Theory". The show runner added to mention that Sheldon and Leonard will do everything to stop their parents from falling in love to a point of making a fool of each other. 'The Big Bang Theory' Season 10 spoilers, theories, predictions, news and update As for the spoilers of "The Big Bang Theory" Season 10, the lovebirds Howard (Simon Helberg) and Bernadette (Melissa Rauch), Sheldon and Amy (Mayim Bailik), are said to have relationship milestones. Also, Raj has no idea of who will be the character's girlfriend in the next season. Meanwhile, there is a report that "The Big Bang Theory" Season 10 will be the last installment of the popular show. However, Jim Parsons and Kaley Cuoco have admitted that they are willing to do more for the series if everyone is on board with it. Also, aside from Mary and Alfred, there is a possibility that the other cast's parents will have a storyline in "The Big Bang Theory" Season 10. Plus, some speculations are saying that Penny's mother will finally show up and Lisa Kudrow, from "FRIENDS," is portraying the part. 'The Big Bang Theory' Season 10 official air date now revealed "The Big Bang Theory" Season 10 will air on September 19, 2016. For more information on "The Big Bang Theory" Season 10, stay tuned to GamenGuide! IFA 2016 Latest News & Update: Samsung Gear S3, Galaxy Tab S3 Debuting? IFA 2016 is just around the corner and Samsung is expected to be one of the biggest companies in attendance. But the question now is what will the Korean company have in store for techies when the event kicks off next month in Berlin? The easy answer to that could be the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy Note 7. It is the big device awaited by many though it may not be the one in focus. The reason for this is that Samsung has scheduled a separate event happening on Aug. 2 in New York. With the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 likely already out in the open, it makes no sense to re-launch it the month after. So with the last big smartphone out, it could be the perfect time to reveal two other devices the Samsung Gear S3 and the Galaxy Tabs S3. Samsung Gear S3 and Tab S3 launch speculation Belief that Samsung will be unveiling the Gear S3 comes from Antonio Monaco, another reliable tipster on numerous occasions. The Italian journalist is confident that the Korean giant will be unveiling the two products at IFA 2016. Monaco gives his two cents on the Gear S3 via Sam Mobile. He explains that the Samsung wearable will look a lot like an ordinary wristwatch and come with a built-in GPS. Unfortunately he wasnt able to shed more light on the Galaxy Tab S3, a tablet that has so far offered limited info. One thing worth noting is that Samsung released an updated Galaxy Tab S2 early this year so it is possible that a high end tablet could be showcased at IFA 2016. @Cinquetacche a questo punto speriamo GPS possa arrivare anche su AW2! Jacopo Reale (@JakeReale) July 19, 2016 The Gear S3 and Tab S3 chances of launching With consideration to the limited information tied up to the Galaxy Tab S3, it may be best to expect a Gear S3 release. With most of their outstanding products already out in the open, these two devices remain the logical leftovers for the said event. CSULB alum wins gold at the 38th Long Beach Marathon which was his first An interesting story last Sunday in the Gazette-Times examined the phenomenon that educators have termed the "summer slide" the natural tendency for students to lose academic ground during the long, warm weeks of summer vacation. School districts around the mid-valley have started programs intended to help students keep an educational mindset during the summer months, and those are showing some signs of success. Engaged parents and guardians also have a role to play: Something as simple as frequent trips to a public library can keep kids reading during the summer, and libraries themselves increasingly are offering innovative programs intended to keep young brains buzzing. Summer can be a good time to encourage children to follow and explore their own passions. If that means one of your kids spends a long afternoon taking a detailed look at bugs, well, that's probably for the best. And savvy parents often are on the lookout for opportunities during family vacation to sneak in some learning under the guise of fun (that is, until the parents collapse, exhausted, at the end of each vacation day). All that is worthwhile. But we continue to dance around a question that we should be asking more directly: Is the summer vacation too long? Jim Golden, the superintendent of the Greater Albany Public Schools district, is among the educators who's been asking that question, although that school district is nowhere near making any decision on this matter. An idea Golden was floating last year involved shortening the 10-week summer vacation and scattering what he called mini-breaks throughout the year. For example, schools could schedule mini-breaks around holidays such as Memorial Day to give families five-day weekends. (The mini-breaks also could offer stressed students a chance to catch up on their schoolwork, an opportunity students likely would embrace.) There's nothing particularly new about the idea of trimming back summer vacations; the notion has been kicking around ever since it became apparent that most children were no longer required on the farm during the summer. In fact, some Oregon schools have experimented with the idea of doing away with extended summer vacations: Rosa Parks Elementary School in Portland, for example, has used what amounts to a year-round schedule. The school operates on a nine-weeks-on, three-weeks-off rotation. (Rosa Parks students do get five weeks off at the end of the school year and the school offers extra instruction during the three-week-off periods to students who need it.) No one is saying yet that this is the model that all Oregon schools should follow. And any plan to shorten summer vacations will require working through a long list of details. It likely will come with some increased costs. (Although Rosa Parks students have about the same number of school days as other Portland students, the extra instruction during the three-week-off periods costs about $60.000.) But it stands to reason that a student who stays sharp in the summer will be better equipped to attack the new school year with gusto. Would a different approach to vacation time improve the quality of education we provide our students? No one knows for sure, but it seems silly not to at least ask the question. (mm) United Nations : New Climate Secretary welcomed to Bonn Bonn Mayor Sridharan welcomes the new head of the UN Climate Secretariat to Bonn. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Patricia Espinosa has taken up her new post as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Climate Secretariat (UNFCCC) in Bonn. Mayor Ashok Sridharan welcomed her in the Alten Rathaus (historical City Hall). Having the Climate Secretariat here, we host a global player in the field of climate protection. I am delighted to be working with Patricia Espinosa, remarked the Mayor. Speaking with one another, they talked about the importance of having the Climate Secretariat in Bonn, which is keen to be seen as an international host city for the UN. Sridharan pointed out how the city is engaged in climate protection and recognized the project of the Bonn Climate Ambassadors as a model for other cities in Germany and abroad. As a welcoming present, Mayor Sridharan handed over a Beethoven CD to Espinsoa and invited her to the annual United Nations Day at the end of October and the roundtable discussions. Espinosa succeeds Christiana Figueres as Climate Secretary. She has more than 30 years of experience in international relations. She was Foreign Minister for Mexico from 2006 - 2012 and after that she was Mexicos Ambassador to Germany until 2013. 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. This New Rs 599 Powerbank Can Fully Charge your iPhone or Android Phone in 1.5 Hours News oi -Vigneshwar India's mobile and tech sccessories e-tailer, LatestOne.com has announced the launch of PTron Gusto, the slim pocket sized powerbank with a capacity of 3000mAh. The newly launched PTron Gusto will be available exclusively on LatestOne.com priced at Rs. 599. Supported with pocket-fit built, the 3000mAh polymer battery, the device is light weight about 50 gram and compact enough to slip in to credit card compartment of any wallet. Zopo Speed 8 First Impressions: A deca-core beast, priced higher than metal clad rivals! PTron Gusto can be used to charge mobile phones, tablets, Bluetooth headsets MP3 players and cameras. As per the company press release, it can fully charge an iPhone 6s within 1.5 hours and Galaxy S5 within 3 hours. This power bank also comes with a built-in micro USB cable and embedded connector for all Android & iOS smartphones and tablets. WATCH: A Real Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in Action Video has been LEAKED! Speaking about the new product, Mr. Ameen Khwaja, Founder and CEO said, "PTron Gusto is for customers who like their gadgets to be compact yet functional. Our manufacturing team has worked dedicatedly on Gusto power bank to make sure that it is light weight without compromising on the quality." - Press Release 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 Tinder Pushes Beyond the Realms of Hookups, Launches Tinder Social News oi -Vigneshwar Tinder, a location-based dating app has started rolling out a new update in some places including India, US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. This update comes with a new option called 'Tinder Social', which allows us to form a group, sharing the common interest and much more. In fact, this update was initially tested in Australia and found out more people socialized and shared a similar interest together. Using Tinder Social, the users in Australia organized pub crawls, attended concerts and much more. In order to use this app, the user needs to update it first. After updating, the users can unlock the Tinder Social to gain access. Here, users can create a group by picking 1 to 3 members and also they can assign a status. SEE ALSO: Xiaomi Announces 360 Mi White Smart Camera Ahead of Redmi Pro Launch Further, the users can toggle Tinder Social ON and OFF by accessing their settings in-app at any time. "Tinder Social is designed to make it as easy as possible to plan your night, get out into the real world and meet new people. The new feature takes the Tinder experience to a new level, offering our users more ways to expand their social circles and interact with potential matches," said Sean Rad, CEO and co-founder of Tinder. "We believe it's the ultimate tool for planning your next adventure." Taru Kapoor, Head of Tinder India, said, "We're excited to bring Tinder Social to India - this feature offers a simple, fun way for our users to continue seeking new experiences and forging meaningful connections." Download 1|2 Best Mobiles in India U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Release No. NR-268-16 July 19, 2016 Readout of Deputy Secretary Bob Work's Meeting with Latvian Minister of Defense Raimonds Bergmanis Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Gordon Trowbridge provided the following readout: Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work met with Latvian Minister of Defense Raimonds Bergmanis today at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Deputy Secretary Work reaffirmed the United States' iron-clad commitment to upholding NATO's Article 5 obligations to defend the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of all 28 NATO members. The leaders went on to reflect on the success of the July 8-9 Warsaw Summit, noting that NATO allies are now more ready than ever to act together to deter external aggression. Deputy Secretary Work thanked Minister Bergmanis for Latvia's deployment of trainers to the Counter-ISIL coalition in Iraq and its commitment to dedicate two percent of its GDP to defense spending by 2018. He also applauded Latvia's efforts to procure new systems that will increase its military capabilities, as well as its interoperability with other NATO allies. Deputy Secretary Work said that the U.S. will continue to execute a robust exercise program in Latvia and throughout the alliance's eastern flank, noting that the U.S. will be deploying an additional armored brigade combat team to Europe. Both Deputy Secretary Work and Minister Bergmanis stated that they look forward to implementing NATO's enhanced forward presence and to working together in the future. http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/849939/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Release No. NR-269-16 July 19, 2016 Readout of Secretary Carter's Call with Turkish Minister of Defense Fikri Isik Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter spoke today by telephone with Turkish Minister of Defense Fikri Isik. Secretary Carter reiterated the support of the United States for Turkey's democratically elected civilian government and the rule of law. For his part, Minister Isik expressed his appreciation for the call and assured the secretary that Turkey remains a determined and committed partner and ally in the fight against ISIL and terrorism of all kinds. The two discussed the importance of operations at Incirlik Air Base to the counter-ISIL campaign. The minister expressed regret over his inability to attend the counter-ISIL defense ministerial that Secretary Carter is hosting on Wednesday in Washington, but assured the secretary that the Turkish Ambassador to the United States will be in attendance and will be fully empowered to speak for the Turkish government. The secretary and the minister agreed to keep in touch in the days and weeks ahead. http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/850006/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Coastal Riverine Squadron 2 Returns From Deployment Navy News Service Story Number: NNS160719-13 Release Date: 7/19/2016 2:16:00 PM From Coastal Riverine Squadron Two Public Affairs HAMPTON, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2, based out of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, returned home July 19 following a six-month deployment supporting operations across four areas of responsibility. "I am truly proud of each and every Sailor at CRS 2 and of their many accomplishments during our deployment," said Cmdr. Samuel Davis, commander, CRS 2. "Their strength, dedication to the mission and sincere care for one another demonstrated in this dynamic and arduous operating environment is a testament to their keen abilities and resolve. I am deeply grateful for the enduring support we all received from family and friends throughout our deployment." Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeffrey Allen Crook, one of the new fathers, greeted his six-week old son upon returning from deployment. "Absolutely a blessing," said Crook, who was also welcomed home by his extended family. CRS 2 Ombudsman Kimberly Essenburg was on hand to welcome the returning Sailors back to Virginia and discussed the joy of homecomings. "It's like Christmas, but the night before," said Essenburg, who was joined by CRS 2 Family Readiness Group President Rebecca Hamilton. During the deployment, the over 350 Sailors completed a variety of missions to include dynamic and static seaward security for high value assets, landward security, aircraft security and maritime domain awareness operations. Additionally, Sailors conducted unmanned aerial vehicle operations and interoperability training with adjacent forces during their deployment. CRS 2 supported operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. In addition, the Sailors of CRS 2 provided force protection and participated in International Mine Countermeasures Exercise and Eager Lion 2016 in Aqaba, Jordan. Additionally, CRS 2 Sailors supported operations in U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility while operating out of Rota, Spain, and conducted security missions in Panama in support of U.S. Southern Command. CRS 2 is part of the Coastal Riverine Force (CRF), which operates in harbors, rivers, bays, across the littorals and ashore. The primary mission of the CRF is to conduct maritime security operations across all phases of military operations by defending high value assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and harbors both inland and on coastal waterways against enemies, and when commanded conduct offensive combat operations. The CRF is comprised of units manned, trained, and equipped to conduct port and harbor security, high-value asset security and escort, surveillance and reconnaissance, insertion and extraction of small units and command and control for supporting assigned units. The CRF is capable of conducting 24-hour operations in all weather conditions and climates. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ministerial Meeting of the Expanded Small Group of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC July 19, 2016 U.S. Secretary of State Kerry and U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter will host foreign and defense ministers of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL in Washington D.C., on July 21, 2016, for the first joint ministerial of the Counter ISIL Coalition. More than 40 members of the Coalition will assemble to review the campaign to date, and strategize how to further accelerate ISIL's demise. It will include a detailed discussion of priorities for the Coalition's multiple lines of effort, including its working groups on political-military coordination, combatting foreign terrorist fighters, counterterrorist financing, counter-messaging, and stabilization of liberated areas, to increase the momentum of the campaign. With the recent liberation of Fallujah and other parts of Anbar Province in Iraq, as well as the advances around Manbij in Syria, this is a key moment to continue to set core ISIL on a lasting, and irreversible, path to defeat. The Coalition's Small Group regularly meets to synchronize and enhance combined efforts to counter ISIL. The last meeting of Coalition foreign ministers took place in Rome, Italy, on February 2, 2016, and the last meeting of defense ministers took place in Brussels, Belgium, on February 11, 2016. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Retaking Mosul Is 'Now Upon Us' Top US Official Declares by Jeff Seldin July 19, 2016 Some U.S. and Iraqi officials are voicing growing optimism about the prospects of retaking the key city of Mosul from the Islamic State terror group sooner than first anticipated. No one is suggesting the fight to recapture the city, the Iraqi capital of the terror group's self-declared caliphate, will be easy. But there is a sense that momentum has clearly swung in favor of Iraqi forces backed by U.S. and coalition air power and that now is the time to press the advantage. "In many ways our campaign is now ahead of where we thought it would be at this time," U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Brett McGurk said Tuesday, ahead of two meetings to focus on the future of Iraq and the fight against IS. "Mosul is now upon us," he added at an event with the Iraqi foreign minister at the U.S. Institute for Peace, noting that the Iraqi Security Forces have not lost a battle in over a year. Iraq's foreign minister was also optimistic, calling Mosul "the next target." "It is the last hideout of Daesh [IS] in Iraq," Ibrahim al-Jaafari said through an interpreter. Remaining challenges Though heartened by the recent campaign to retake the crucial Qayyarah West Air Base, just south of Mosul, from IS, neither McGurk nor Jaafari was willing to put a timeline on possible Mosul operations, acknowledging any effort to retake the city would be complicated, with setbacks likely. Among the key challenges are the size of Mosul's remaining civilian population, thought to be around 1 million, and the dense urban terrain, raising the prospect for a possible block-by-block fight through booby traps and human shields. Additionally, despite having lost considerable ground to coalition-backed forces in Iraq, IS has had plenty of time to prepare since first taking Mosul in June 2014. "I expect that ISIS has extremely hardened defenses inside of Raqqa and Mosul," said Jessica McFate, a former U.S. Army intelligence officer now with the Institute for the Study of War. There are also concerns IS might find a way to use the failed coup attempt in Turkey to its advantage. In particular, U.S. officials wonder whether the subsequent crackdown on elements of the Turkish military could weaken defenses along the Turkish-Syrian border, giving the terror group just enough space to bolster some of its operations. But even before the failed military coup in Turkey, IS had already been shifting fighters to defend Mosul, with a series of layered defenses, even making a push into the city, according to military and intelligence officials. Shia militias One Iraqi militia leader told VOA perhaps as many as 8,000 IS fighters have been assembled to protect Mosul, many of them Iraqis who are familiar with the terrain. "We can say that they are less than 10,000," said Atheel Alnujaifi, a former governor of Nineveh province. Yet while that would seem to be a formidable force, Alnujaifi, who heads Iraq's National Mobilization Front and its approximately 4,000 fighters, believes there are growing cracks in the terror group's resolve. "The information coming from inside Mosul says that most of the foreign fighters are leaving these days," he said, adding operatives inside the city see signs of growing resentment. "The people of Mosul want indeed to rise up against Daesh." At the same time, there are concerns a critical misstep could cost Iraqi forces dearly. "Always [IS] say that Shia militia will come to the city, will come to the city, will fight in the city and the Shia militia will kill all the Sunnis," Alnujaifi said, warning the message of fear continues to resonate. "If there is a Shia militia in this fight, I think it will be a difficult fight inside the city." For now, though, the Iraqi government still intends to use Shia militias in Mosul just as it did in Fallujah, rejecting accusations that Shia militias captured or killed hundreds of Sunni men fleeing the city. "Those volunteers are doing a great job in the war against ISIL," Jaafari said Wednesday. "What happened in Fallujah after the city has been liberated has proved that it's a good plan to apply." Getting the pieces in place Even if the plan is good, there is still a matter of making sure Mosul is sufficiently isolated and that all of the other pieces are in place. "You've got to do all the legwork first," one U.S. official told VOA on condition of anonymity. U.S. military officials have said the campaign to recapture Mosul will require as many as eight Iraqi brigades and two Kurdish brigades, each with 2,000 to 3,000 troops. And there were concerns not all of them would be ready until late this year. "We can begin the operations," the Defense Intelligence Agency director, Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart, cautioned U.S. lawmakers this past March. "But taking and securing Mosul in the next eight to 10 months is not something I'm seeing in my crystal ball." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cameroon Pressured for Accountability in Fight Against Boko Haram by Salem Solomon July 19, 2016 Although Cameroon has received praise for its military action to push Boko Haram out of the northern part of the country and neighboring Nigeria, Amnesty International is criticizing the Cameroonian security forces for crimes including extrajudicial killings, torture and holding prisoners in inhumane conditions. In a report titled "Right Cause, Wrong Means," published late last week, Amnesty International said more than 1,000 people accused of supporting Boko Haram are being detained in terrible conditions, many in a prison called Maroua in the northern part of the country. Built to house 350 people, it is holding more than 1,500. Amnesty said up to eight people are dying each month in the prison due to poor conditions. "There's lot of illnesses, there's malnutrition and it's dirty conditions and, as a result, in the prison between six and eight people are dying every month because of diseases linked to those conditions," said Stephen Cockburn, the deputy regional director for Amnesty International West and Central Africa. "And there are also some people, not everyone, but some people who are subjected to torture, as well." Cockburn said most of those who are picked up after allegations of supporting Boko Haram are tried before a military court, where they're offered few legal protections and there is a lower threshold for evidence than in civilian courts. In addition, prosecutors are able to submit accounts from anonymous witnesses who cannot be cross-examined. More than 100 people, including women, have been sentenced to death by military courts in the last year, he said. Amnesty also references the case of a 27-year-old man, who has been detained over messages sent to his friends joking about Boko Haram's methods to recruit young graduates. The organization calls for the nation's anti-terror law to be revised so that it clearly defines an act of terror in order to avoid people being arrested for making jokes in text messages. In addition the report states that suspects detained in 2014 and 2015 by Cameroon's elite anti-terror unit, the Bataillon d'Intervention Rapide, were beaten with sticks, whips and machetes. Some died in custody. Government rejects report Government officials have rejected the report, saying that human rights groups were not nearly as vocal when Boko Haram killed about 2,000 Cameroonian civilians, according to the government spokesperson. The military spokesperson, Col. Didier Badjeck, also downplayed the report, saying troops did not commit the alleged abuses and had received specific training in the protection of civilians. "You tell us that you have gone in our prisons and that certain people are innocent. Where is the proof?" Cameroon's Minister of Information Issa Tchiroma Bakary told reporters. Badjeck added that the report relies heavily on non-credible witnesses. Additional attempts by VOA to speak to Bakary and the embassy in Washington were not successful. Amnesty met with officials and wrote a letter to the government in May requesting input prior to releasing the report. However, Cockburn said, no responses have been received so far, but there is some work being done to alleviate prison overcrowding. "There have been some efforts to improve or to build new parts of the prison in Maroua," he said. Amnesty goes out of its way to emphasize that the threat posed by Boko Haram is real and the fight against them is necessary, but it believes security forces have crossed a line in terms of respecting human rights. "What we found in our research has been although the security forces have been trying to pursue the right goals they've been using the wrong means," Cockburn said. "They have committed very serious human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, torture, disappearances and subjecting people to unfair trials in military courts." Potential for government action Despite immediate rejections, the pressure to improve prison conditions and create better conditions for prisoners is mounting and the Cameroonian government seems ready to take steps to address these issues. "There is a promise, just a few days ago, to open a commission of inquiry on human rights violations during the conflict," Cockburn said. "We have not seen the scope of that inquiry, we've not seen the terms of reference and we don't know how open and independent that would be, but that could be something." If done properly, Amnesty says, the government can take this opportunity to turn things around. The organization called on the government to free those held with little or no evidence against them, and that "would also reduce the pressure on the prison system," Cockburn said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Growlers soar with B-1Bs around Ellsworth AFB By Airman 1st Class Sadie Colbert, 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs / Published July 20, 2016 ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. (AFNS) -- Navy EA-18G Growlers have joined B-1B Lancers during the past several weeks in the skies around Ellsworth Air Force Base for electronic attack training. This marked the first time the Navy's Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129), stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, traveled to Ellsworth AFB to conduct training in its local airspace. The training was conducted in June and is also taking place from July 11-22. Navy pilots and electronic warfare officers utilized the unique components of the Powder River Training Complex airspace to help accomplish its role as the fleet replenishment squadron for the EA-18G. "We are one of two aircraft in the U.S. military inventory that is capable of accomplishing the electronic attack role," said Navy Lt. Matthew Galamison, an EA-18G instructor. "It's very important that our aircrew get the training and range that they need with the proper emitters in order to practice against threats that are out there." Part of the Growler's mission in combat is to deny, degrade or delay the enemies' ability to acquire and engage friendly air forces and also give bombers or fighters access to those targeted areas, Galamison said. During the EA-18G's time at Ellsworth AFB, B-1B bombers have joined the Navy aircraft to train to these sorts of mission sets. The lethality of worldwide anti-access and area-denial capabilities and the need to operate in a contested electromagnetic spectrum shows the necessity for electronic warfare missions. "This training is unique," said Air Force Lt. Col. Allen Geist, the 390th Electronic Combat Squadron commander. "The Growler community is the one community that strategically looks at using electronic warfare, an ability that allows our aircraft to access denied environments." VAQ-129 has the distinct role of providing airborne electronic attack training for both the Air Force and Navy. Its home station, NAS Whidbey Island, also hosts the 390th ECS, the Air Force's sole AEA unit at NAS Whidbey Island, as part of the Joint Airborne Electronic Attack Program. The 390th ECS is a geographically separated unit of the 366th Operations Group out of Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. Historically, the Air Force had its own dedicated electronic warfare aircraft that flew escort for large strike packages. They would crack open bristling networks of search-and-track radars, surface-to-air missiles, and anti-aircraft artillery batteries, collectively known as integrated air defenses. In 1995, after the Air Force divested its AEA aircraft, the Office of the Secretary of Defense directed electronic warfare Airmen be embedded with the Navy's EA-6B Prowlers, and now EA-18G. Under a memorandum of understanding between the Air Force and Navy, select Air Force EWOs and pilots continue to embed on Navy electronic warfare missions through a competitive exchange program. "The Air Force has always been interested in maintaining a knowledge of airborne electronic attack," Galamison said. "There are more capable threats with new tactics emerging, which is why the exchange program between the Air Force and Navy exist so both B-1 and F-15 (Eagle) aircrew can come to Whidbey for one to a couple of years to learn how airborne electronic attack operates." Galamison added with the exchange program, Air Force aircrews can take the knowledge they have learned on AEA and bring it back to the Air Force to make integration of other aircrews easier during large force exercises, such as those held in the Powder River Training Complex. "The great thing about coming out to Ellsworth to use the Powder River Training Complex is its size and threat emitters that we can utilize," said Geist, a former B-1B weapon systems officer. "It gives us a great training opportunity and definitely builds the foundation for the electronic weapons officers to have the expertise to take down enemy integrated air defense systems." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 100-plus aircraft fly in for exercise Red Flag 16-3 By Tech. Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes, 50th Space Wing Public Affairs / Published July 20, 2016 NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- The three-week long Red Flag 16-3, a U.S.-only exercise that tests all participating units' combat capabilities in a joint environment that centers on multi-domain integration, kicked off here July 11. Red Flag is the service's premier air-to-air combat training exercise and one of a series of advanced training programs administered by the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center and executed through the 414th Combat Training Squadron. Previous Red Flag exercises have provided experiences to master the air domain, but todays' exercises must incorporate all domains. "We fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace. This is the exercise where we'll put this to the test," said Col. DeAnna Burt, the Red Flag 16-3 Air Expeditionary Wing commander. Burt is the first space domain leader to ever command an AEW at a Red Flag exercise, a position that has traditionally been staffed by aviators. She will lead the joint operation into accomplishing its main objective of "establishing habits of achieving multi-domain combat success today to enable the rapid defeat of America's adversaries tomorrow." As an AEW commander, Burt will be focused on multi-domain execution and will be engaging participants to determine how they plan to utilize the capabilities of all domains to supplement a tactical mission. "We want to force people out of their comfort zone. We'll be pushing them to talk about kinetic and non-kinetic effects and how when they are synchronized achieve tactical success," the colonel explained. Historically, the exercise's third iteration of the year is a U.S.-only operation. This year, 115 aircraft from 25 Defense Department units will be operating at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), the Air Force's premier military training area with more than 15,000 square miles of airspace and 2.9 million acres of land. And for the first time, an F-35 Lightning II is participating in the exercise. The aircraft is from the, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. Red Flag 16-3 participants are faced with 1,900 possible targets, realistic threat systems and an opposing enemy force that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. Nellis Air Force Base and the NTTR are the home of a simulated battlefield, providing combat air forces the ability to train to fight together in a peacetime environment, and to survive and win together. (Some information compiled from a Nellis Air Force Base news release.) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Carter: Defense Ministers Agree on Next Steps in Counter-ISIL Fight By Cheryl Pellerin DoD News, Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON, July 20, 2016 Defense ministers and other senior leaders of the counter-Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant coalition have agreed on next steps in the accelerated fight against the terrorist army in Iraq and Syria, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said today. Carter hosted the meeting, the third of its kind, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland for the representatives of more than 30 nations from the coalition and NATO to discuss the ongoing military campaign against ISIL and plans for upcoming offensives. "In January this year, we updated our comprehensive coalition military campaign plan, and we've pursued a number of deliberate decisions and actions to accelerate this plan and hasten ISIL's lasting defeat," Carter said during a news conference after the meeting. Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command, attended the meeting and joined Carter at the news conference. Since then, he added, "in play after play, town after town, from every direction and in every domain, our campaign has accelerated further, squeezing ISIL and rolling it back toward Raqqa and Mosul. By isolating these two cities, we're effectively setting the stage to collapse ISIL's control over them." Carter said the ministers agreed today on the next plays in the campaign that will culminate in the collapse of ISIL's control over Mosul and Raqqa. Accelerating the ISIL Fight Since the first full defense ministerial in Brussels in February, Carter said, coalition nations, including the United States, have provided support to accelerate the campaign as local partners have made advances. And all have agreed to do more, he said. For the United States, President Barack Obama decided to deploy another 560 troops to support the Iraqi security forces in their offensive to retake Mosul. And on a visit to Iraq last week, the secretary met with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and Defense Minister Khaled al-Obaidi, offering to share with the Iraqi forces hard-earned U.S. expertise in countering improvised explosive devices. Today, Carter said, Army Lt. Gen. Mike Shields, director of the Defense Department's Joint Improvised Threat Defeat Agency, is in Baghdad meeting with Iraqi officials to discuss the topic. Coalition countries also are making new contributions, the secretary said. France is sending the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle back to the region to carry out airstrikes against ISIL, Australia will expand its training of Iraqi police and border guards, and the United Kingdom recently announced that it would deploy more personnel to Iraq, including trainers and engineers. "Destroying ISIL's parent tumor in Iraq and Syria is necessary, but it's not sufficient," Carter said. ISIL's influence and activities continue to pose a threat to all coalition countries, and today the ministers discussed how they can continue to combat ISIL wherever it might try to take hold around the world, and how the military campaign can best support each government's effort to protect its homeland and people, he said. Iraq and Syria On the pace of expected operations into Mosul and Raqqa, Carter noted that positioning forces for enveloping Mosul in Iraq involves training and equipping forces mainly in the south and then repositioning them. "That has gone right according to plan," Carter said, "including the Qayyarah west seizure, which has always been part of the plan," and establishing the base there with help from the additional 560 U.S. troops. In the north, it's mostly Kurdish forces that will execute the envelopment from the north, he added. In Syria, the Syrian-Arab forces are fighting hard in Manbij, and coalition forces are in a support role, advising and providing air support, Carter said. Votel said he's been pleased with the performance of Syrian-Arab coalition forces in the Manbij offensive. "This has been a very difficult fight," the Centcom commander said. "This is an area that the Islamic State is trying to hold on to, and what I've been most impressed with is the deliberateness and the discipline with which our partner forces have conducted themselves. They are moving slowly, they are moving very deliberately, mostly because they're concerned about the civilians that still remain in the city of Manbij. I think that speaks very highly of their values and very highly of what they're about here. And I think we've picked the right partners for this operation." Stabilization, Reconstruction But Carter said most of the conversation during the defense ministers' meeting was not about the movement of forces, which was planned a long time ago and is going well. "Most of our conversations today were about what happens after the defeat of ISIL in Mosul," he added, including stabilization and reconstruction plans and concern that the stabilization and governance effort will lag behind the military campaign. "Making sure there's no such lag must be a significant strategic priority for us," the secretary said. "We discussed it today, and it will be an important focus of our conversation tomorrow at the State Department with our foreign ministry counterparts." Tomorrow, Carter and Secretary of State John Kerry will meet with defense and foreign ministers at the State Department. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Release No. NR-270-16 July 20, 2016 Readout of Secretary Carter's Meeting with French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter met with French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian today at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington ahead of the latest counter-ISIL defense ministerial. Secretary Carter offered his deepest condolences to the French people and government in the wake of last week's barbaric attack in Nice. He went on to welcome France's recent announcement that it would intensify its support for the counter-ISIL campaign, including the deployment of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to support coalition air operations. The secretary emphasized that France's contributions would surely accelerate the retaking of Mosul and ISIL's lasting defeat. Secretary Carter and Minister Le Drian exchanged views on a range of additional global security challenges, and the leaders said that they look forward to working together in the future to promote stability and prosperity in the transatlantic area and around the world. http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/850679/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The cops were in his house arresting him for using his first amendment rights. You're right. The cops were 100% wrong. They were 100% wrong when they murdered Tamir Rice in that park with that toy. They were wrong when they murdered the guy in NY selling cigarettes on the sidewalk. They were 100% wrong when they murdered Alton Sterling laying on the ground, assassinating him at point blank range with 2 shots in the back. Sorry. You shoot anybody in the back for any reason, you are a ******* coward in any sense. They were 100% wrong when they murdered Philando Castille in MN. for doing absolutely nothing. And those are just the cases we have video of. Obama should not only not be lighting the White House blue. He should direct the DOJ to engage of mass arrests of criminal cops. U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Transcript Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and General Joseph Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command July 20, 2016 Joint Press Conference by Secretary Carter and Gen. Votel on the Counter-ISIL Coalition, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ASH CARTER: -- (inaudible) -- everybody. Thank you for being here. I appreciate it. Good afternoon to everyone. I want to begin by thanking all of my counterparts, all of the ministers of defense from all of the nations represented here today at another one of our full counter-ISIL meetings of defense ministers from the entire coalition. This is something we've done and we're going to do periodically, and I thank them for joining us as we continue to rigorous evaluate, plan the next steps of and further accelerate our campaign to deliver ISIL a lasting defeat. And critically -- that is a critically important time for the military campaign, and we had a very productive discussion. Thanks to our global coalition, to our clear and deliberate campaign plan, our dedicated -- (inaudible) -- forces and the sacrifices of our countries' military personnel, we now have momentum in this fight and clear results on the ground. And today, we made the plans and the commitments that will help us deliver ISIL the lasting defeat that it deserves. I'm going to provide a brief update on these conversations, after which General Votel and I will take your questions. By the way, Joe's been doing an absolutely spectacular job as our CENTCOM commander. And running this campaign on a daily basis, and he delivered excellent presentations to the group here. So I very much appreciate it. As I said earlier today, our coalition's military campaign plan has three objectives. First, to destroy the ISIL parent tumor in Iraq and Syria. That's necessary, but it's not sufficient. As recent attacks remind us, ISIL safe havens threaten not only the lives of Iraqi and Syrian people, but also the security of our own citizens. And the sooner we defeat ISIL in Iraq and Syria, the safer our countries will be. So our second objective is to combat ISIL's metastasizes everywhere they emerge around the world. And third, and most important, to help protect our homelands. In January this year, we updated our comprehensive coalition military campaign plan to accomplish the military aspects of these three objectives. And we've pursued a number of deliberate decisions and actions to accelerate this plan and hasten ISIL's lasting defeat. And since then, in play after play, town after town, from every direction and in every domain, our campaign has accelerated further, squeezing ISIL and rolling it back towards Raqqah and Mosul. By isolating these two cities, we're effectively setting the stage to collapse ISIL's control over them. Thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of our local partners and our service members, and more contributions from the nations that met here today, we seized opportunities, reinforced success, and taken the fight to the enemy. But we're not going to rest. Today, we reviewed and agreed on the next plays in our campaign, which of course we won't discuss publicly yet, but let me be clear, they culminate in the collapse of ISIL's control over the cities of Mosul and Raqqah. Now, before I continue, I want to say that we're aware of reports of civilian casualties that may be related to recent coalition airstrikes near Manbij city in Syria, which is one of the last junctions connecting Raqqah to the outside world. We'll investigate these reports and continue to do all we can to protect civilians from harm. Being scrupulously careful to avoid civilian casualties and being transparent about this issue is a reflection of the civilized nature of this coalition. Getting back to the future campaign and the next plays, after detailing those next plays, we identified the capabilities and the support required to execute those plays. Since our first full defense ministerial in Brussels in February, our nations, including the United States, have provided even more support to accelerate the campaign, as our local partners have made advances. But we're all going to need to do more. For the United States' part, President Obama decided to deploy an additional 560 troops to support the Iraqi security forces in their offensive to retake Mosul. And on my visit to Iraq last week, where I met with Prime Minister Abadi and Defense Minister Obaidi, who by the way is here today and I was pleased to speak with him and he spoke to the other ministers several times -- I offered to share some of our hard-earned expertise in countering improvised explosive devices with the Iraqi security forces. In fact, the director of our joint improvised threat defeat agency, Lieutenant General Mike Shields, is in Baghdad today meeting with Iraqi officials to discuss this topic, a pledge I made to Prime Minister Abadi last week. And I can -- I -- I -- given the requirements that we spelled out to apply the capabilities needed in the coming steps in the coalition campaign, other countries in the room indicated their intent, like the United States, to contribute more. I'm going to have to leave it to those countries to announce their own contributions, but I have to say, it was very encouraging to see so many countries be willing to do so much more across such a wide spectrum of capabilities, all the way from strike aircraft through to training and vital work in logistics, stabilization and other aspects. I can name a few coalition countries that will be making new and additional contributions who have already indicated -- they made these public. I'll just remind you. France is sending the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle back to the region to carry out airstrikes against ISIL. Australia's committed to expanding their training of Iraqi police and border guards, which will be vital for security in Iraq after the defeat of ISIL. The United Kingdom announced in recent weeks that it would deploy more -- more personnel to Iraq, adding more trainers and engineers to help the Iraqi security forces and so on. Together, we're going to ensure that our partners on the ground have what they need to not only win the fight, but also to hold, to rebuild and to govern their territory. The biggest strategic concern of this group of defense ministers was that the stabilization and governance effort will lag behind the military campaign. Making sure there's no such lag must be a significant strategic priority for us. We discussed it today and it will be an important focus of our conversation tomorrow at the State Department with our foreign ministry counterparts. And of course, as I said earlier, destroying ISIL's parent tumor in Iraq and -- and Syria is necessary, but it's not sufficient. ISIL's influence and activities continue to pose a threat to all our countries. And today, we also discussed how we can continue to combat ISIL wherever it might attempt to take hold around the world and how our military campaign can best support our national government's efforts to protect our respective homelands and people. We had a very full agenda today. I was pleased to hear so many of my counterparts emphasize the importance they place on defeating ISIL. I'm confident we made the plans and the commitments we'll need to build on our momentum and deliver ISIL the lasting defeat it deserves. Thank you. And General Votel and I will now take some questions. STAFF: We -- (inaudible) -- in the room. And we'll being with -- (inaudible). If you could identify yourself. Q: Hi. Thank you. Mr. Secretary, can you tell us whether you got any additional assurances during the meeting from the Turks about the operation of Incirlik Air Base? And how concerned are you that some of that unrest in the country could have spillover effect into the fight? And for General Votel, we've heard some rumblings about some of the military commanders believe that they are willing to look at additional U.S. forces if needed down the road. And I'm wondering if you can say whether or not the -- any of the additional 560 troops have actually moved into Iraq. And do you see that as sufficient for now and if not, for how long? Thank you. SEC. CARTER: OK. I'll take the first question then -- and -- and General Votel can answer the second one. First one, with respect to Turkey, the -- the Turkish representatives were here at the meeting today. I'm very pleased at that. The minister could not make it for reasons that are very understandable. I spoke to the Turkish Defense Minister yesterday and -- first of all, to tell him that I was glad that he was safe and -- and in -- that -- that his ministry was functioning, which he assured me that it was. And obviously to tell him -- that I had been concerned for him and that we support the democratically elected government of Turkey. But on the military side, he assured me first, very clearly, that Turkey -- nothing that happened over the weekend will interrupt their support for our collective counter-ISIL campaign. And with respect to bases like Incirlik, because it was a coup that involves some elements of the military, they've been very careful for awhile -- (inaudible) -- operations in a number of their bases, that includes Incirlik. He assured me that they'll be returning to normal there at Incirlik shortly. And so our campaign, and General Votel can speak to this, hasn't been affected by that at all and you're absolutely right. There are alternatives to that. But again, he indicated to me that he expected operations to return back to normal. It has pretty -- mostly to do with the power there at Incirlik -- very soon. So I was very pleased to -- to talk to him. Let me ask Joe if he could add anything to that. But I -- principally on the second question about -- GENERAL JOSEPH VOTEL: Yeah, thanks -- thanks for your question. So we -- you know, with the recent announcement of the -- of the additional 560, we're doing the final planning preparation to -- to move those -- those elements in. We have not moved any large numbers of that -- of that additional force in yet, but we will very, very shortly and so I -- I'm pleased with -- with the authorization we have to do that. It will make a difference for us as we prepare for the next phase of the campaign. To the second part of your question on future requirements, I won't get into too many detail there. I will just tell you what we have tried to do is link our request for additional capabilities, whether they're U.S. or coalition, to specific objectives and we are trying to tie -- we're trying to achieve within the campaign. So as we move forward, as we continue our campaign operation, I do think we will, as we've done with our -- with our coalition partners, we will look to add additional capabilities that are necessary for us to accomplish our objectives. STAFF: (off mic.) Q: Gentlemen, thank you. Can you talk about the pace of expected operations of moving into Mosul, moving into Raqqah. You said a couple times over the last few months it seems to be a little faster than expected in both cases, given one -- how Fallujah -- (inaudible). What kind of time frame are you looking there and are you satisfied with the progress? Also, can you give a bit of a report card of the -- the Manbij fighting, specifically the performance of the local fighters the Americans have been training, YPG, YPJ, et cetera? SEC. CARTER: Sure. I'll start and Joe if you can follow up. First of all, with respect to the positioning of forces for the envelopment of -- of Mosul in Iraq. Just to draw -- give you a picture of the mechanics of that, this involves the training and equipping, first and foremost, of forces, mostly in the south, where we and our coalition partners do a lot of training, and then repositioning them. That has gone right according to plan, including the Qayyarah West seizure, which has always been part of the plan. The establishment of the base there, which our 560 will contribute to helping the Iraqis to establish. That will be the southern-most envelopment of Mosul. And then in the north, it's Kurdish forces -- which is why I have worked so closely, both with Prime Minister Abadi and President Barzani, so that -- to make sure that there's complete cooperation between them, which there is, because there are mostly Kurdish forces that will comprise the envelopment from the north. So, that's all going to occur in the next few months, and Joe can add to that if he wants to. And then last, on Manbij, my observation -- but Joe -- Joe would know that -- better, so I'll let General Votel speak to it. But my -- my observation is that the -- the Syrian-Arab forces that are fighting in Manbij are fighting very hard and very well. Obviously, we're in a support role there, advising, providing air support and so forth. But they -- it has been a tough fight, but they've certainly been strong in carrying the fight to the enemy there. But let me ask General Votel, both of us -- GEN. VOTEL: Yeah, look thank you, Mr. Secretary. So, on -- on both of your questions, first on -- I think one of the key things we took out of the -- I took out of the meeting this morning was, with respect to Mosul, was we shouldn't underestimate the amount of preparation necessary to take on an operation like that. It's a big city, two million people, large geographic area, so we want to make we're well prepared. So, things like force generation, making sure we've got the right stabilization plan in place, and we've got the right political aspects in place here to help manage that city after the fight has gone, I think are important -- important aspects. And I think we generally all coalesced around that idea this morning, as we talked about it. With respect to Manbij, I -- I've been extraordinarily pleased with the performance of our partner forces, the Syrian-Arab coalition, in particular. This is -- this is, as the secretary said, has been a very difficult fight. This is an area that -- that the Islamic State is trying to hold on to. And what I've been most impressed with is the deliberateness and the discipline with which our partner forces have conducted themselves. They are moving slowly, they are moving very deliberately, mostly because they're concerned about the civilians that -- that still remain in the city of Manbij. And I think that -- that that speaks very highly of their values and it speaks very highly of what they're -- of what they're about here. And I think we've -- I think we've picked the right partners for this operation. I'm very pleased. SEC. CARTER: Let me just second what General Votel said at the very beginning. Most of our conversation today was not, in fact, about the movements of forces, because that was planned a long time ago. And that's going fine. Most of our conversations today was as General Votel indicated about -- about what happens after the defeat of ISIL in Mosul. Stabilization plans, reconstruction plans and so forth. And we're identifying the requirements there, which are large, because as General Votel indicated, it's a large city. And it's that conversation that is -- lies behind my statements. And I think the biggest strategic concern of the defense ministers here was for the stabilization and reconstruction, which are not purely military aspects of the campaign, and to make sure that our plan -- that the planning and the execution of them is in time for the execution of the military aspect. STAFF: So Helene and then we'll go to Reuters. Q: Thank you. For both of you, I understand that you're talking now about what happens after Mosul and what happens after Raqqah. But are you concerned at all that even with the military battlefield successes that we are -- that the counter-ISIL coalition is having, that you're winning the battle but losing the larger war as the attacks in Nice and other places show? SEC. CARTER: Well, as I've said, I think defeating ISIL in Iraq and Syria is absolutely necessary. It's necessary because that's where ISIL arose. That's where it claims to have a state based upon -- (inaudible) -- where it clams to have a capital. And we need to destroy the fact and the idea that there can be a state based upon this ideology. That has to be done in Syria and Iraq. But that's not the entirety of the campaign. The campaign extends to other parts of the world -- Afghanistan, Libya, and so forth. And it extends to the protection of our homeland, because there are people who can either come there or who are there who are infected or affected directly or indirectly by this same ideology. So, all three of those fronts are very important. And Iraq and Syria, as I said, it's necessary to do that, but that's not enough. That's not going to be sufficient to provide us entire protection. We're going to need to do all three aspects of the campaign. GEN. VOTEL: I would just add that I thought we had a very clear-eyed discussion about ISIL this morning. And, you know, we talked -- we talked about the fact that it's a connected network here; that what it does in Iraq and Syria does have impacts outside of the area. But yet our focus on them in Iraq and Syria is necessary to disrupt that. It's part of the process. The second thing we talked about is that they are vulnerable. We are having success against them in a variety of ways -- their resources, their forces, their ability to hold terrain. And so they are vulnerable and we are taking advantage of that. And the third thing we talked about is that this is a very adaptive enemy. And we should expect, as we've seen in the past, that they are going to move away from being a symmetric-type force to a more asymmetric-type force, a more terrorist-type force that we've seen. And so I thought the discussion about that was very, very clear. And I think everyone left with a good understanding that what we do is important, but as the secretary said, it won't be sufficient to address the global -- (inaudible) -- which we are also addressing. Q: Mr. Secretary, we have publicly heard from Kurdish officials about their frustration about not being invited to this defense ministerial. Given the important role that they have played in the past in this counter-ISIL campaign, and as you talked about, the important role they're going to play in retaking Mosul from the north, why weren't they invited? Was it any particular government, such as the Iraqi government, that had a disagreement about inviting them? And if I could just push you a bit more on the strike north of Manbij that appears to have killed more than 50 civilians, hundreds of airstrikes from the U.S.-led coalition have targeted that area. And human rights groups have sort of doubted that it could be anyone but the U.S.-led coalition. So what does this say about the intelligence that's being used in this counter-ISIL campaign? SEC. CARTER: OK. Let me take the first part first. Kurdish forces have been -- have performed spectacularly well in the course of the counter-ISIL campaign and make a very strong contribution. The -- the -- therefore, the cooperation between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan regional government under President Barzani is very important. I spoke to both of them last week when I was in Baghdad. I've spoken to both of them on many occasions, to make sure that we're all on the same page in the campaign so they know and Kurdish forces know that they're an essential part of the campaign. And by the way, not only the United States but many of the other coalition partners are -- are supporting the peshmerga as well. We're supporting them in salaries, other with equipment and supplies and so forth. And so we make sure, and I make sure personally because I've made this promise to Prime Minister Abadi and to President Barzani, that I would make sure that our communications about the progress of the campaign between them was seamless and that it would conducted in the way that the Iraqi government under Prime Minister Abadi is conducting itself. And we support this kind of conduct, which is a single unified, but also decentralized country that respects the variety in people. And the -- I think the last thing I'll say -- (inaudible) -- is to -- (inaudible) -- Prime Minister Abadi has established and President Barzani and his -- his advisers are a very important part of a Nineveh popular mobilization committee, which is to think about events in Mosul after the collapse of ISIL's control very much along the lines of stabilization. It's a complicated place and -- and with a number -- a complex social composition and a number of different groups of people, all of whom deserve a better life than the one they have under ISIL. I'll just say one more thing. I don't have anything much more to add, but I'll see if General Votel does, about your question about the Manbij. I -- the -- I think the important thing I would stress is that we will conduct an investigation on any possible civilian casualties in this matter, as we always do, and we'll be transparent about that. That is because that is the reflection of the values that we bring to this campaign, the values of the countries you saw in that room today who want to behave and conduct themselves in a civilized manner, and that means when you're -- when you're -- there's a possibility of something like civilian casualties, you promptly investigate it and are transparent about it. That's what we're going to do. GEN. VOTEL: Mr. Secretary, I think you addressed it pretty well. I would just add that, you know, I think the -- I don't think it's any kind of indictment of the intelligence community. It is an extraordinarily dynamic situation up around Manbij right now, as we talked about a little bit earlier. So it's a very difficult fight. ISIL is -- is trying to -- trying to hold onto that area, so we do see them showing up at a variety of different locations. And so when it's a dynamic situation like that, we have to -- we just -- we have to respond, and I think that's the situation in which we found this particular -- this particular operation taking place, which -- which we're currently investigating to kind of get to -- get to the facts about what actually happened there. Q: Thank you. This is Pierre(inaudible). My question is about the campaign -- (inaudible) -- today on the ground on local forces. Is there any opening for other forces from outside Iraq or outside Syria to do the work on the ground, to fight on the ground? Are you considering sending any troops? Were you offered, during this meeting, troops from other countries -- (inaudible) -- from the coalition? SEC. CARTER: Well, the approach of the coalition, generally speaking, is to support and enable and empower the local forces. That is in recognition of the fact that they will need to, after they expel ISIL from their territory, will need to hold and govern. So in the long run, outsiders can help, but they can't substitute for local forces. So our whole strategic approach is that. At the same time, you would be wrong if you didn't think that there were members of the coalition countries, including the United States, on the ground in Iraq and Syria. There are. It's -- but their job -- their principal job is to support these local, capable forces in achieving these objectives by bringing the full weight of everything the coalition has -- intelligence, air power, logistics, supplies, training and eventually stabilization and reconstruction -- to bring to bear to help them so that they can reclaim their territory from ISIL. So that's the strategic role that they're playing. But I emphasize that they are there, and we appreciate that on the part of our coalition partners. And as the American secretary of defense, I -- there's no -- nothing I take more seriously than putting American service members in a situation that is inherently hazardous. So, they are in that theater. They're flying every day overhead, and there's inherent risk in that. I just want to remind everybody that -- that there is risk here for our people and we need to respect that. And they're performing so spectacularly. But that's our role. (CROSSTALK) Q: Gentlemen, thank you very much for your time today. Were any concerns raised today about, particularly from some of the Arab states, about the campaign expanding beyond the Middle East too quickly? Or distractions coming up as a result? I say this in light of the Brazilian issue coming up today with the concerns raised about the Olympics, and a group aligning themselves with ISIS there. And then also, obviously, the ongoing discussion about what to do with Libya. Thank you. SEC. CARTER: Well, there was discussion of the fact of and the possibility of further spread of ISIL around the world. So I wouldn't say that wasn't discussed. It was. In fact, there was a session devoted entirely to that that was led, as it happens, by the French defense minister. So this is a global coalition going after what is a global problem, no question about it. So I've spoken a lot about Syria and Iraq simply for the reason that I described earlier, which is that that's where it began. We need to take care of it there. But you're absolutely right. It's everywhere else, and we did talk about it. Anything to add? GEN. VOTEL: No, I think you got it, Mr. Secretary. (CROSSTALK) SEC. CARTER: Oh, I guess one other thing, Dan, I can say is certainly there's no one in the room from anywhere who believes that's dilution. You used the word "dilution." It's necessary. I mean, we're going to have to do it. So it's not a distraction. It's an essential part of the campaign, these other -- other places. So I wouldn't use that word for it. These are essential things as well. And we did talk about a number of them and our approach to them. And I think we all recognize that that's part of the campaign, if that's helpful to you. Q: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. I have two questions about Turkey. Since the attempted coup last week, there has been a sweeping crackdown in Turkish society. Just today, we've seen over 20,000 teachers being sacked. Given that NATO membership does involve a commitment to democratic principles, do you believe that Turkey's membership in NATO could be at risk if this crackdown continues in the coming days? (CROSSTALK) Q: Secondly, if I could just follow up on that, from the flipside, since the attempted coup, there has been a vigorous debate in Turkey about its own relationship with the West, President Erdogan, as I'm meeting President Putin in the coming weeks, have you received any indication or -- from the Turkish side in your conversations with them that they are reevaluating their relationship -either with the U.S. or with NATO? SEC. CARTER: Turkey's been a strong ally for decades as we face together all kind -- a great variety of problems, from the Cold War to today's counter-ISIL campaign. So the alliance is very strong. And our relationship's very strong. And as I said earlier, we respect and support the democratically elected government there and no, I don't have any indication from the -- as I said, I had a conversation with the Turkish Defense Minister yesterday and he assured me that Turkey's participation in and support for what we're talking here about today, namely the counter-ISIL campaign, is unchanged and he'd like to be here if he could, but obviously because of the circumstances, his delegation was here instead. So there hadn't been any change. Thank you. http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/851184/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Release No. NR-272-16 July 20, 2016 Readout of Secretary Carter's meeting with Australian Minister for Defense Marise Payne Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter met today with Australian Minister for Defense Marise Payne on the margins of the C-ISIL Ministerial in Washington, D.C. Secretary Carter and Minister Payne discussed a range of security issues during their meeting, including their mutual commitment to degrade and defeat ISIL and the importance of continued support to the Government of Afghanistan. Secretary Carter thanked Minister Payne for Australia's recent decision to broaden their training mission in Iraq to include Iraqi police. They also discussed the need for a peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea in accordance with international law. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Australia Force Posture Initiatives in Australia's Northern Territory to the alliance, and Secretary Carter congratulated Minister Payne on her recent election victory. Secretary Carter and Minister Payne said they are looking forward to the Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations to be hosted by Australia later this year. http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/851192/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Sudan: Demonstrators protest outside UN compound without incidents 20 July 2016 A thousand people today demonstrated in front of a United Nations compound in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, the UN Mission in the country announced, and dispersed without incidents after handing over a petition. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that the protestors gathered around the Tomping Compound, where tens of thousands of people had sought refuge from the latest bought of fighting in the country. Some people initially threw stones at the gate, but dispersed after handing a petition to the Mission, reportedly against a proposal by the African Union to deploy a regional peacekeeping force to the country. "A peacekeeping quick reaction force and formed police unit personnel were on the ground to control the crowd and no casualties were reported," a UN spokesman, Farhan Haq, told reporters in New York. The security situation has been unstable in Juba and elsewhere since the recent fighting between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) loyal to President Salva Kiir and the SPLA in Opposition backing First Vice-President Riek Machar. Some 272 people, including 33 civilians, have been killed and at least 36,000 civilians displaced. Yesterday, two national UN staff members were physically assaulted by youth protestors in Bor, following a speech by the local governor. "UNMISS condemns physical attacks against its personnel and property and calls on all parties to respect the operations of the UN, its staff and assets," Mr. Haq said today in reaction to the incident. The UN Mission also raised concerns about increased levels of obstruction of its operations, after the Government announced today that flight safety assurances for its rotary wing aircrafts would only be granted for travels to the Greater Upper Nile and Greater Bahr el Ghazal regions. "UNMISS is concerned by these developments, which are a clear violation of the Status of Forces Agreement signed with the Government, and which are preventing the UN from implementing its mandate in the country," said Mr. Haq. Despite restrictions of movement, the Mission continues to conduct patrols in Juba, including the areas known as the "protection of civilians" sites, he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 17 Malian Soldiers Killed as Conflict in Country's Center Deepens by Katarina Hoije July 20, 2016 Suspected Islamist militants have attacked an army base in central Mali, killing 17 soldiers. Thirty-five soldiers were wounded in Tuesday's raid, which occurred in Nampala, in central Mali, just a few kilometers south of the border with Mauritania. The assailants burned buildings, pillaged shops and shot at troop positions at the base. The attack followed increasing unrest in Mali's central Mopti region that has included not only attacks on security forces but also clashes between self-defense militias and armed groups over territory. The situation has degenerated since 2015, mainly because the state is absent in some parts of the region, said Boukary Sangare, a researcher who has monitored the conflict in the center for the past decade. "The zone is drenched in intercommunal conflicts between Peul and Dogon, Peul and Tuareg and so on. It's total chaos," Sangare said. "This has pushed some Peul groups to take up arms to defend themselves against other groups, since all traditional conflict-solving mechanisms have broken down." Little help available Mali urgently needs help to address the escalating conflict in the center. But with the U.N. peacekeeping mission already overstretched in the north, and French forces in Operation Barkhane engaging with terrorist groups in the northern regions, resources are limited. "Mopti is not a new front, but we are facing a new threat in this region from terrorist groups that have not signed the peace agreement," said Colonel-Major Abdrahamane Baby, the army chief of staff. "The biggest security threat is still northern Mali. What we see in the center is only the echo of the conflict in the north." On Tuesday, two armed groups claimed responsibility for the attack in Nampala. A radio station received a call from the National Alliance for the Safeguarding of the Peul Identity and the Restoration of Justice, an ethnic Peul self-defense militia. It would be the first time the group, which was set up last month and includes some who fought alongside the Islamists, has launched an attack. Hours later, the Massina Liberation Front also said it was behind the attack. Last year, the group affiliated with the Islamist extremist group Ansar Dine and killed over a dozen people in an attack on a hotel in Sevare. Baby said it was more likely that the Massina Front was behind the attack. "We know that some of the movements in the center, such as the Massina Front, are affiliated with Ansar Dine in the north," he said. "The group's leader, Iyad Ag Ghali, is linked to other terrorist groups, such as HCUA and others. That's why I'm saying that the north is the origin of the violence in the center." Worst loss since 2012 The Nampala attack resulted in the worst loss suffered by Malian forces in such a raid since January 2012, when fighters from Ansar Dine and al-Qaida-linked groups captured a military base in Aguelhok in northern Mali. Following Tuesday's attack, reinforcements were sent toward Markala, an important army base in the Mopti region. "If we don't act now, the terrorists will continue to occupy the terrain," Baby said. A peace deal signed between the Bamako government and northern separatist groups last year will allow the groups that are parties to the accord to disarm and reintegrate into the army. Many of the fighters are still waiting to be disarmed. None of the groups that claimed Tuesday's attack are parties to the agreement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MSF Reports Humanitarian Catastrophe in Nigeria's Borno State by Isabela Cocoli July 20, 2016 Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF) is calling for a major aid response to a humanitarian catastrophe in northeastern Nigeria's war-torn Borno state, where at least 500,000 people are in urgent need of food, medical care, water and shelter. "Aid agencies must deploy a massive relief operation to respond to this humanitarian emergency," Dr. Isabelle Defourny, MSF director of operations, said in a statement Wednesday. As the Nigerian army regains control of towns and villages in the conflict with the extremist group Boko Haram, the extent of the emergency is becoming more apparent, according to the international medical humanitarian organization. Many people have been cut off from the outside world for as long as two years. The Internal Displaced People (IDP) now living in towns controlled by the military are entirely dependent on outside aid, with many suffering from malnutrition as food is insufficient, MSF's statement noted. Last month, an MSF medical team found 16 severely malnourished children at immediate risk of death in an IDP camp in the town of Bama, in Borno state, and referred them to a therapeutic feeding center. Nearly 1,500 people, the most vulnerable and sick, were then evacuated by the authorities and food aid increased, MSF said. But 15 percent of children in the camp suffer from severe acute malnutrition, and there have been about 40 deaths in the last three weeks. According to MSF, Bama is only one of many communities in Borno state that are in dire need of aid. Monguno, a town of 150,000 people 65,000 of whom are displaced has been without medical care since January 2015. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Military Strikes Hit ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, July 21, 2016 U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. Strikes in Syria Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted nine strikes in Syria: -- Near Raqqah, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit. -- Near Manbij, five strikes struck five separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed seven ISIL fighting positions. -- Near Mara, three strikes struck three separate ISIL tactical units, destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and damaged a separate ISIL fighting position. Strikes in Iraq Fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 11 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq's government: -- Near Qaim, a strike produced inconclusive results. -- Near Haditha, a strike destroyed an ISIL command-and-control node. -- Near Hit, two strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle. -- Near Mosul, two strikes struck a large ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL headquarters and an ISIL financial headquarters and destroyed seven ISIL assembly areas, an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL artillery piece. -- Near Qayyarah, two strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed five ISIL boats, an ISIL mortar system and an ISIL tunnel. -- Near Ramadi, two strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL recoilless rifle, an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL weapons cache. -- Near Sinjar, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit. Task force officials define a strike as one or more kinetic events that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single, sometimes cumulative, effect. Therefore, officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIL vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against buildings, vehicles and weapon systems in a compound, for example, having the cumulative effect of making those targets harder or impossible for ISIL to use. Accordingly, officials said, they do not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target. Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike. Part of Operation Inherent Resolve The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Syria include the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Under Secretary of the Navy Visits Newest Amphib during RIMPAC Navy News Service Story Number: NNS160721-01 Release Date: 7/21/2016 8:27:00 AM By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Demetrius Kennon, USS America (LHA 6) Public Affairs PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Under Secretary of the Navy Dr. Janine Davidson visited amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) while the ship was underway participating in the 2016 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, July 18. During her time aboard, Davidson toured the combat information center, amphibious air traffic control center, joint information center, a main engine room, and ate on the ship's mess decks with Sailors and Marines. America's history and future were among the topics of discussion during the under secretary's lunch with the crew. "It made me feel like I had some input in what the future of the Navy is going to be like," said Quartermaster 3rd Class Dartagnan Carcana, assigned to America. "It was a nice experience knowing that what I said is being heard." "A lot of people were really nervous at first just because it was a VIP visit, but afterward the consensus was 'that was pretty cool,'" said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Tavaris Hobbs, assigned to Fleet Surgical Team 1 with Commander, Amphibious Squadron 3. "It's something that you'll rarely be able to do in your naval career." Davidson said visiting the ship during the world's largest multinational maritime exercise was high on her list of things to do, and she appreciated talking to the Sailors, Marines and partners aboard to hear about how much they're learning and how much they enjoy their jobs. "You can't come out here and not be amazed at the choreographed ballet that is [amphibious] operations, especially out on the flight deck," Davidson said. RIMPAC provides the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps the opportunity to evaluate gear, new equipment, and new operational concepts; and being able to conduct these assessments on a multinational level is critical. "We can tell and test the degree to which our interoperability and the way in which we cooperate together has improved over time, so it absolutely pays multiple dividends," said Davidson. When nations work together during exercises such as RIMPAC, they will be better prepared to respond in the future, because it won't be the first time working together as a multinational team, she added. While aboard, Davidson toured the ship with Capt. Michael W. Baze, America's commanding officer. One stop on the tour was a main engine room. Davidson was particularly interested in the ship's hybrid electric drive and fuel conservation efforts as part of the Great Green Fleet initiative. America's hybrid electric propulsion system uses a gas turbine engine as well as an electric motor and diesel generator. The electric motor propels the ship through the water while the generator produces the ship's electricity. Similar to a hybrid car, once the ship reaches 12 knots, the gas-turbine engine kicks in. High ranking officials tour ships to get a glimpse of the practical application of their decisions made for the good of Sailors and Marines and the equipment they operate. In many cases, the officials have been in the Sailors' shoes and are working to improve the way ahead. "I wholeheartedly believe that visits like these are necessary for the crew," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Ricky Williams, assigned to America. "As much as we get wrapped into our routines, to be able to get that outside look at everything ... and know that they do care enough to take that time to spend with us Sailors, that means a lot to me personally." "I know it takes a little bit away from your day-to-day operations, but it's incredibly important and really, really valuable for people like me and also for our congressional partners and our international partners to be able to take a day like this and walk through and actually see what's happening," said Davidson. "We have to make decisions every day, and having a sense of what you're doing out here, what challenges you have, is incredibly valuable." Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nigeria kills 42 Boko Haram militants, rescues 80 women, children Iran Press TV Thu Jul 21, 2016 3:50PM Nigeria's military has rescued at least 80 children and women in an operation against the Boko Haram Takfiri terrorist group in the country's troubled northeast. Army spokesperson Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman said on Thursday that the captives were released on Tuesday by troops who attacked a gathering of the Boko Haram militants at Gangere village in Borno state. The official added that the freed hostages included 42 children and 38 women. Usman noted that 42 terrorists were also killed during the high-scale offensive. This comes as military has reportedly freed as many as 10,000 hostages form the grips of the Boko Haram terrorists this year. The Takfiri terrorist group has kidnapped a large number of civilians, including several women over the past years. On April 14, 2014, Boko Haram terrorists kidnapped 276 girls from their secondary school in the northeastern town of Chibok in Borno. Fifty-seven of the girls managed to escape afterwards, but the fate of the remaining others is still largely unknown. That mass abduction of female students by the terrorist group has shocked people around the world and brought global attention to Boko Haram's militancy. Boko Haram started its campaign of militancy in 2009 with the aim of toppling the central government in Nigeria. It has so far taken the lives of more than 20,000 people and forced over 2.7 million others from their homes. Boko Haram has expanded its terror activities to Nigeria's neighboring countries. Troops from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger have been battling the terrorists in recent months. The group has pledged allegiance to the Daesh Takfiri terrorists operating mainly in Syria and Iraq. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Why Czech Republic Seeks to Buy Used German Leopard Tanks Sputnik News 18:20 21.07.2016 The Czech military has recently expressed an interest in purchasing a number of surplus Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks from Spain. A Czech Republic military delegation has recently visited a Spanish military base of the 41st Logistic Support Group in Zaragosa, which, among other things, serves as a storage facility for Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks that were removed from service and are being offered for sale. Ruslan Pukhov, head of the Centre for the Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, told Sputnik that Prague's decision to purchase this type of military hardware appears to be a prudent one, as the Leopard is perhaps one of the best tanks in the world, and even the US M1A1 Abrams main battle tank uses the Rheinmetall 120 mm gun the primary weapon of the Leopard 2. "You know how a perfect world army would look like? US Air Force, French navy, German tanks and Russian soldiers," Pukhov remarked. He pointed out that while the T-72 is an impressive war machine in its own right, it has already become outdated, which is why the Russian military is switching to the T-14 Armata. "It would be a vehicle protected both from high-explosive munitions and from anti-tank weaponry. A tank's active defense system can intercept one shot, a passive defense system can endure two shots, but nowadays a tank endures about 8-10 hits during battle," Pukhov said. According to him, the new vehicle should be fitted with a powerful cannon like a tank, and at the same time pack sufficient firepower to keep enemy infantry armed with anti-tank weapons at bay. He added that Russia does have the concept of a tank support fighting vehicle, which dates back to the Soviet military operation in Afghanistan, when the ZSU-23-4 Shilka anti-aircraft system proved to be extremely effective against mujahedeen infantry elements. "It's hard to tell how one could make a cross between Shilka and a battle tank. But whoever manages to accomplish this feat first would be able to seize the lion's share of the global [weapons] market," Pukhov surmised. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Deems Permanent US Military Presence Abroad 'Unnecessary' Sputnik News 10:00 21.07.2016(updated 10:22 21.07.2016) Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has said he supports sending US troops abroad, though it is not necessary to deploy forces overseas on a constant basis. CLEVELAND (Sputnik) Trump has been repeatedly criticized for a foreign policy perceived as isolationist and an alleged refusal to realize the US exclusiveness in the world, which is the cornerstone of the country's foreign strategy and its military doctrine. "If we decide we have to defend the United States, we can always deploy [from the US soil] and it will be a lot less expensive," Trump told The New York Times newspaper in an interview published on Wednesday. Washington has a wide network of military bases in nearly all regions of the world, with over 150,000 US servicemen serving there. Over the last 15 years, the United States participated in dozens of armed conflicts abroad and was engaged in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Trump also said that if he becomes the US president, he would support other NATO states in case of Russia's attack on them only if the allies "fulfilled their obligations" in regard to Washington. On Tuesday, Trump officially received the presidential nomination from the Republican party. "If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes," Trump told The New York Times in an interview published on Wednesday, answering a question whether he would support the country's NATO allies if Russia attacked them. In the past, Trump has repeatedly said that if elected president he would require major US allies to pay a larger portion for the joint defense. In 2015, the United States paid nearly 75 percent of NATO's budget, according to data compiled by the European Leadership Network. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Although South Korea approved the planned deployment of the U.S. Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems in the Republic of korea, Seoul insists the system will operate autonomously and independently of the U.S. regional missile defense system. Washington has deployed a network of land and sea-based radars, interceptors, and command centers to protect its bases in the Pacific from potential missile attacks from North Korea, Russia or China. Seoul announced on July 8 that it would allow a U.S. THAAD battery to be stationed in the country after months of deliberation. The site selected for the U.S. missiles is near the rural town of Seongju in the southeastern part of the Korean peninsula. The site is expected to become active in 2018. The new assets are expected to protect the entire area of South Korea and the U.S. forces stationed in the country. Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koos remarks made at the National Assembly policy review session come after speculations that the deployment of the THAAD system in South Korea will invariably lead to the Seouls joining the Washington-led missile defense system which is seen by some as a move to isolate China. Yonhap news agency reported. The Seoul government has persistently said that it has no intention of joining the MD system. Instead, South Korea plans to establish the indigenous Korean Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system, to face the evolving threat of North Korean missile and nuclear threats. While KAMD will extend the protection of South Korea, from the outset, it was designed to operate independently of foreign, regional missile defense networks such as those operated in the region by the U.S. Army and Navy. In line with this policy, Seoul has stepped up efforts to build up KAMD, Han Min-Koo said. He made clear that the THAAD to be employed in South Korea will not be sharing information with the wider MD network. The MD is a sensitive issue because it can alienate neighboring countries such as China and Russia that South Korea wants to maintain good relations with. China, in particular, is Seouls No. 1 trading partner, and a key player in Seouls drive to get North Korea to give up its nuclear ambitions. Meanwhile, North Korea is stepping up its missile testing. Yesterday, North Korea tested three ballistic missiles simulating a preemptive strike against South Korean ports and airfields. The first two missiles fired were short-range Scud variants, and the third was a medium-range Nodong, it was the 25th missile test conducted by North Korea this year. All three were fired into the sea off the east coast of North Korea. According to North Korean state media, the tests successfully simulated air-burst nuclear detonations, which if accurate and proven, would enable North Korean ballistic missiles to detonate above and out of range of the Patriot missile defense systems currently deployed in Korea. The United States has available ballistic missile defense (BMD) capability and inventory -including a number of surface vessels carrying AEGIS systems, THAAD Battery in Texas and an Aegis Ashore Site with a TYP-2 Radars in Hawaii and japan that can be quickly activated to counter the North Korean nuclear ballistic missile threats. Other assets include Japanese AEGIS destroyers that also have ballistic missile defense capabilities. Trump Challenges NATO Mutual Defense Clause by Ken Bredemeier July 21, 2016 U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is questioning whether the United States would automatically defend other NATO allies if they were attacked, a bedrock principle of the U.S.-European military alliance since the end of World War II. As he gets ready to address Americans Thursday night as the 2016 Republican presidential candidate, Trump told The New York Times that he, if elected, would set conditions on how the United States would respond to an attack on any of the other 27 NATO countries. Trump said he would first see if other countries have shared the cost of funding NATO defense expenses that the U.S. has largely borne but that he says can no longer afford. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg immediately rebuffed Trump, saying, "Solidarity among allies is a key value for NATO." Stoltenberg added: "We defend one another. We have seen this in Afghanistan, where tens of thousands of European, Canadian and partner nation troops have stood shoulder to shoulder with U.S. soldiers. Two world wars have shown that peace in Europe is also important for the security of the United States." White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the United States has "a steadfast commitment to our NATO allies," which he described as "iron clad." He said there should be no mistake or miscalculation made about the U.S. commitment to the NATO alliance. Fulfilling obligations? Trump said he "would prefer to be able to continue" existing agreements. But asked whether the U.S. would defend three small Baltic states Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia from a Russian attack, Trump said he would decide whether U.S. assistance was warranted only after reviewing whether they "have fulfilled their obligations to us." The three nations have been NATO members since 2004. He said, "If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes." Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves voiced his irritation at Trump's views, tweeting that Estonia is one of five NATO countries in Europe that is meeting its commitment to spend 2 percent of its budget on defense and that it had "fought, with no caveats" alongside NATO allies in Afghanistan. The NATO involvement in Afghanistan, occurring after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, is the only time the treaty's mutual defense clause has been invoked, warfare aimed at destroying al-Qaida's Afghan training operations. Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, a Trump adviser who spoke on his behalf at this week's Republican National Convention, told VOA that too often NATO members want to have a military that mirrors that of the U.S., with an Army, Navy and Marine Corps, but that they cannot afford to do so and "are not paying for it now." "It'll be a good relationship, one based on brutal honesty and based on mutual respect for each other's capabilities and understanding that all of the countries in NATO can't all try to look alike when talking about military resources and capabilities," Flynn said. Shifting approach Trump acknowledged that his approach to U.S. foreign affairs differs from past Republican presidential candidates, who since the end of World War II seven decades ago have supported an internationalist agenda, in which the U.S. views itself as the dominant force in the world for peace. He said he would press his theme of "America First," which he said meant to him that "we are going to take care of this country first before we worry about everyone else in the world." 'Fix our own mess' Trump said the United States has to "fix our own mess" first before trying to alter other countries' behavior, such as not pressuring Turkey in the wake of last week's failed coup, or other authoritarian allies, as they purge political opponents or crack down on civil liberties. "I don't think we have a right to lecture," Trump said. "Look at what is happening in our country. How are we going to lecture when people are shooting policemen in cold blood?" Asked whether the U.S. should urge Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to observe Western standards of justice in dealing with opponents of his government in the aftermath of the putsch, Trump demurred. "When the world sees how bad the United States is and we start talking about civil liberties, I don't think we are a very good messenger," he said. Trump defined U.S. interests abroad almost entirely in terms of economic interests. "We are spending a fortune on military in order to lose $800 billion," Trump said, in a reference to what he claimed are U.S. trade deficits. Last year, the figure was actually $531.5 billion. Trump further pledged to scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico unless they negotiate new terms that include discouraging U.S. companies from moving their manufacturing operations out of the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Treasury Blacklists Three Al-Qaeda Leaders Living In Iran July 21, 2016 by RFE/RL The United States has blacklisted three Al-Qaeda leaders living in Iran, saying they had helped the Islamist militant group on the battlefield, with finance and logistics, and in mediating with Iranian authorities. Faisal Jassim Mohammed al-Amri al-Khalidi, a 31-year-old Saudi national, led an Al-Qaeda brigade and was serving as the group's military commission chief in May 2015, the U.S. Treasury Department said on July 20, describing him as "part of a new generation" of Al-Qaeda operatives. As of 2011, Khalidi liaised between Al-Qaeda associates, central council members, and leaders within the Pakistani Taliban. Yisra Muhammad Ibrahim Bayumi, 48 and an Egyptian national, mediated with Iranian authorities as of early 2015, the Treasury Department said, and helped Al-Qaeda members living in Iran. Abu Bakr Muhammad Muhammad Ghumayn, 35, had control of the group's financing and organization inside Iran as of 2015, the Treasury Department said. Ghumayn, an Algerian, was previously based in Pakistan. Iran has held several Al-Qaeda members, both high-ranking and lower-level, in prison since the September 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington, though U.S. officials say the precise conditions of their confinement are unclear. Al-Qaeda and Iran's government have a complex and sometimes tense relationship, according to documents seized from Osama bin Laden's hideout in Pakistan and made public. At times, Iranian authorities promised to release and may have actually released Al-Qaeda figures, but one of bin Laden's sons who had been held in Iran, Saad, reportedly was killed in 2009. Iran's Shi'ite Muslim rulers deny cooperating with Al-Qaeda, a Sunni extremist group. Iranian officials call Al-Qaeda a terrorist group, and Iranian security forces periodically report the arrest of Al-Qaeda members. An analysis by the U.S. Military Academy at West Point published in 2012 concluded that while it was obvious the Al-Qaeda-Iran relationship was antagonistic, the rationale behind Iran's detention of Al-Qaeda militants for years "without due process" was unclear. The Treasury Department's statement did not make clear what conditions the men were living under in Iran. Bayumi has been in Iran since 2014, the Treasury Department said, but it did not say how long the other two men had lived there. Bayumi had been able to secure funds from Syria for Al-Qaeda members and facilitate Al-Qaeda funds transfers in 2015, the Treasury Department said, suggesting he had some freedom to operate since moving to Iran. The blacklisting freezes any property of the three men in the United States and bars U.S. citizens from dealing with them. With reporting by Reuters Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/us- treasury-blacklists-three-al-qaeda-leaders- living-in-iran/27870698.html Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South China Sea arbitration decided by biased arbitrators People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 07:30, July 20, 2016 BEIJING, July 19 -- The arbitration over the South China Sea dispute unilaterally initiated by the former Philippine government is in fact a celebration among rogue arbitrators, who have hidden their selfish motives under the guise of the rule of law. In 2013, the Aquino III administration brought an arbitration case over its South China Sea dispute with China, prompting a five-member ad hoc arbitral tribunal. By doing so, the Philippines violated its standing agreement with China to settle the their disputes through bilateral negotiation. The country also violated China's right to decide its own means of settling a dispute as a State Party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Last Tuesday, the tribunal issued a so-called final award, denying China's long-standing historic rights in the South China Sea. The Chinese government said in a white paper that as the arbitration had no jurisdiction over this particular case, awards rendered by it are null and void and have no binding force. "China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea shall under no circumstances be affected by those awards. China does not accept or recognize those awards. China opposes and will never accept any claim or action based on those awards," it said. BIASED TRIBUNAL Most of the members of the ad hoc tribunal were picked by Shunji Yanai, then president of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and former Japanese ambassador to the United States. Yanai presented a report to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that called for the lifting of a ban on Japan's ability to send its military abroad in a combat role, something that would run counter to its constitution. Yanai's creation of the arbitral tribunal is believed to be biased as he initially picked Judge Chris Pinto of Sri Lanka -- whose wife is a Filipino -- as one of the tribunal's members. Pinto was later replaced by Judge Thomas A. Mensah of Ghana, who pursued long-term studies in Britain and the United States. The other four members are Judge Jean-Pierre Cot of France, Judge Stanislaw Pawlak of Poland, Professor Alfred Soons of the Netherlands and Judge Rudiger Wolfrum of Germany. Four members have extensive experience in arbitration, among whom Mensah participated in five arbitration cases over maritime disputes and Wolfrum, three. However, some members' stances in past cases are questionable as they have set the precedent of expanding tribunal jurisdiction at will and ignoring sovereignty issues. Wolfrum, who was designated by Manila in the South China Sea arbitration case, participated in an arbitration case over the Chagos Archipelago dispute between Britain and Mauritius from December 2010 to March 2015. He was an arbitrator designated by Mauritius in the case. Britain maintained that the tribunal had no jurisdiction over the case as it touched upon sovereignty issues. But Wolfrum, along with other arbitrators, rejected Britain's appeal. When the Netherlands sued Russia after the latter's navy boarded and detained the crew of a Dutch vessel in waters off the Russian coast in 2013, Moscow asserted that the court had no jurisdiction in the matter and refused to participate in the hearings. Wolfrum, who was not an arbitrator in the Russian case, released an opinion with another judge, in which they strongly criticized Russia's stance. International law experts say that the long-standing opinion that an arbitrator holds on some kind of dispute may influence his or her judgement in other cases, prompting him or her to make a presumptive decision and affecting the impartiality of arbitration. Shunji Yanai knows this all too well. He also knows that he can easily create a tribunal biased against China by choosing some arbitrators who are more inclined to ignore sovereignty issues. Of course, biased arbitrators are not enough. The role of the United States as global policeman was key. Evidence shows that the United States has long been instigating and manipulating the Philippines to act on a so-called legal front. Experts point out that without the careful planning of the Untied States, the Philippines alone would not have been able to file the arbitration case. The U.S. legal team not only appeared before the ad hoc tribunal, but also took charge of the drafting of the several-thousand page legal document. But the most important merit of the legal team, said the experts, is its inextricable connection with the tribunal. U.S. lawyer Bernard Oxman, who represented the Philippines in the arbitration, had previously worked with Shunji on many occasions. Oxman also has close ties to the U.S. government. He used to be the Assistant Legal Adviser for Oceans, Environment, and Scientific Affairs of the U.S. Department of State from 1968 to 1977. Oxman was also the vice-president of the U.S. delegation to the third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III) and one of the coordinators of the English language group of the drafting committees of the Conference. This despite the fact that the United State has yet to join UNCLOS. Experts point to the fact that the complicated and inextricable connections between the arbitrators and the Japanese and U.S. governments as well as the Philippines have constituted a huge network of political interests, which trampled justice by abusing the international law and order. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kim Jong Un Guides Drill for Ballistic Rocket Fire Korean Central News Agency of DPRK via Korea News Service (KNS) Pyongyang, July 20 (KCNA) -- Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army (KPA) Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK, provided field guidance to the drill for ballistic rocket fire of the Hwasong artillery units of the KPA Strategic Force. He, together with General Kim Rak Gyom, commander of the Strategic Force, and other commanding officers, went round the firing sites to learn about the preparations for ballistic rocket firing. After hearing about its plan, he ordered to kick off the drill. The drill was conducted by limiting the firing range under the simulated conditions of making preemptive strikes at ports and airfields in the operational theater in south Korea where the U.S. imperialists nuclear war hardware is to be hurled. And it once again examined the operational features of the detonating devices of nuclear warheads mounted on the ballistic rockets at the designated altitude over the target area. It fully demonstrated the combat capability of the Hwasong artillery units. Kim Jong Un expressed great satisfaction over the successful drill, highly praising the artillerymen for keeping themselves fully ready to carry out any order issued all of a sudden and for being always exact and elaborate both in maneuverability and striking force. He assigned the leading officials of the WPK Central Committee, scientists and technicians in the field of research into nuclear weapons and commanding officers of the KPA Strategic Force accompanying him to the tasks of fully ensuring speed and security of the operation of nuclear attack system, rounding off the Juche-based firepower striking methods and developing diverse type ballistic rockets. He was accompanied by Ri Man Gon, Ri Pyong Chol, Hong Sung Mu, Kim Jong Sik and other leading officials of the WPK Central Committee and scientists and technicians in the field of research into nuclear weapons. -0- (2016.07.20) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DPRK top leader guides ballistic rocket test-firing People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 07:19, July 20, 2016 PYONGYANG, July 20 -- Top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un has guided a test firing of a ballistic rocket of the Hwasong artillery units of the strategic force of the military, the official news agency KCNA reported Wednesday. The test-firing was conducted under simulated conditions of launching preemptive strikes at the ports and airfields in South Korea where the U.S. nuclear hardware is to be mobilized, the KCNA said. The test also "examined the operational features of the detonating devices of nuclear warheads mounted on the ballistic rockets at the designated altitude over the target area," it added. Kim was satisfied with the test result and instructed to ensure the speed and security of the operation of nuclear attack system and develop diversified ballistic rockets. The date and place of the test-firing was not given by the state media. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Tuesday that the DPRK fired off three ballistic missiles, which are believed to have been a Scud-C type, from the western region of Hwangju in North Hwanghae province between 5:45 a.m. and 6:05 a.m. Seoul time. The missiles traveled about 500 to 600 km, making them able to hit the entire South Korean region, said the JCS. The test-launch came six days after Seoul and Washington agreed to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) in Seongju county, some 250 km southeast of Seoul, by the end of next year. The DPRK's military threatened to take "physical measures" against THAAD when the deployment site is determined in response to the THAAD deployment decision. Meanwhile, Seoul's unification ministry said Monday that Pyongyang appeared to have been in a state of preparing another nuclear test given increased activity in its main Punggye-ri nuclear test site where the country carried out four underground nuclear tests since 2006. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Missile test simulates nuke strikes on US targets in S Korea: Pyongyang Iran Press TV Wed Jul 20, 2016 4:54AM Pyongyang says its latest ballistic missile test simulates the launching of preemptive nuke strikes against US bases in South Korea, and was personally monitored by North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un. According to a statement released by North Korea's official KCNA news agency on Wednesday, the test "examined the operational features of the detonating devices of nuclear warheads mounted on the ballistic rockets at the designated altitude over the target area," and aimed at mimicking possible strikes on South Korean ports and airfields hosting US military "hardware." Early on Tuesday, Pyongyang launched three ballistic missiles, believed to be two SCUD missiles and a Rodong medium-range missile, from an area in the North's western region into the Sea of Japan, just over a week after threatening a "physical response" to the US's deployment of the sophisticated Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system in the South. In a statement released shortly after the launch, South Korea's military said that "the ballistic missiles flight went from 500 kilometers to 600 kilometers, which is a distance far enough to strike all of South Korea including Busan." Washington and Seoul began intense consultations on THAAD after North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test in January, which was followed by a satellite launch and a string of test-launches of various missiles. THAAD has been designed to intercept ballistic missiles inside or just outside the atmosphere during their final phase of flight. Last week, Seoul confirmed that THAAD would be installed in Seongju County about 200 kilometers (135 miles) southeast of Seoul by the end of next year. The announcement, however, sparked several large protests staged by residents of the county, who fear potential risks to local environment and security. Separately, the United Nations also denounced Pyongyang's Tuesday missile tests and said that they were in violation of existing UN resolutions against the North. "The DPRK's firing of missiles is deeply troubling. Such actions are not conducive to reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula." said Farhan Haq, a spokesman for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. The UN has generally imposed a ban on Pyongyang's developing of the ballistic missile technology. It has adopted five rounds of crippling sanctions on the North since it first tested an atomic device in 2006. Tensions have been flaring in the region since January, when North Korea said it had successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb, its fourth nuclear test, and vowed to build up its nuclear program as deterrence against potential aggression from the US and its regional allies. A month later, Pyongyang launched a long-range rocket which it said placed an earth observation satellite into orbit. However, Washington and Seoul denounced it as a cover for an intercontinental ballistic missile test. North Korea says it will not give up on its nuclear deterrence unless Washington ends its hostile policy toward Pyongyang and dissolves the US-led UN command in South Korea. There are around 3,000 US troops permanently stationed in South Korea. The two Koreas technically remain in a state of war after the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India Continues to Push China to Support Its Nuclear Supply Group Bid Sputnik News 15:24 20.07.2016(updated 15:32 20.07.2016) India will continue to engage China in order to obtain support for its inclusion in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, External Affairs of India, Sushma Swaraj said in the Parliament. NEW DELHI (Sputnik)- "If someone does not agree to something once, it doesn't mean that he will never agree to it forever. We are continuing in our efforts to engage China on this issue," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said in Parliament. Sushma Swaraj was speaking in the Lower House of Parliament, Lok Sabha, in response to queries from opposition party members on the status of India's bid for membership of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group. The External Affairs Minister refuted the accusation of the opposition parties that India mishandled its bid for membership in the the Nuclear Suppliers Group. At the Nuclear Suppliers Group Plenary meeting in June, China led a block of nations that opposed India's membership bid since India has not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India Moves Nearly One Hundred Tanks, Troops to Chinese Border Sputnik News 00:51 21.07.2016(updated 10:17 21.07.2016) With tensions rising between China and India, New Delhi has deployed nearly 100 tanks to its eastern border. The mountainous region of Ladakh, in northern India, lies in a tense location between disputed Kashmir and Tibet. In an effort to boost its military presence in the area, the Indian military has sent Russian-made T-72 tanks to Ladakh's Chinese border. "The vast flat valleys along the mountain ranges allow for armored movement; besides, there has been an increase in the force levels across the border," an unnamed military official told NDTV. The tanks have undergone significant upgrades to be better outfitted for the region's climate. "We have procured special additives and lubricants for high-altitude terrain such as winter-grade diesel and additives for the lubrication system, which prevents it from freezing in the tank," Colonel Vijay Dalal told The Hindu. This marks the third regiment placed in Ladakh by India since 2014. Tensions between the neighbors have been building recently. Earlier this month, the Indian Navy deployed three ships to the South China Sea. "The visiting ships are also likely to conduct exercises with the Royal Malaysian Navy aimed at enhancing interoperability in communication as well as Search and Rescue procedures," said a statement issued by India's Defense Ministry. Malaysia is currently at odds with China over territorial claims in the waterway. Beijing and New Delhi are also competing over Nepal. While Nepalese Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli has expressed an interest in working more closely with the Chinese government, India is unlikely to surrender its own influence over Kathmandu. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Larijani urges AEOI to devise plan to set up nuclear enrichment plant IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, July 20, IRNA -- Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani urged the Iranian nuclear body to start devising plans for setting up a nuclear enrichment plant. During his Wednesday morning speech in the parliament, the speaker also warned the US about the offensive measures it is taking against Iran which stood against the nuclear agreement. He further criticized the recent report by the United Nations Secretary General about Iran's nuclear activities. He said the hostile measures of the US administration and Congress against Iran gives Tehran no option other than confronting them. He said the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) ought to prepare a plan for launching a plant for nuclear enrichment and to submit the plan to the parliament. 1424**1771 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU statement on JCPOA joint commission meeting in Vienna ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Wed / 20 July 2016 / 14:49 TEHRAN (ISNA)- The European Union issued a statement as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action Commission (JCPOA) joint commission meeting between Iran and the P5 + 1 was wrapped up. The foreign policy office of the European Union said that the meeting of the JCPOA was an opportunity to discuss concerns about the sanctions and the nuclear program of Iran. It added that all present members confirmed their commitment to continue implementing the nuclear deal. The fourth meeting of the joint commission of JCPOA was held in Vienna with representatives of Iran and P5+1 members. Senior Iranian nuclear negotiator Abbas Araqchi said, that the meeting mainly focused on sanctions and obstacles to implementing the nuclear deal as well as baking and financial restrictions. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US appeals court reverses forfeiture order of Iran assets Iran Press TV Wed Jul 20, 2016 6:33PM A US federal court order benefiting the families of some victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack and others has been reversed on appeal. The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in New York City rejected a judge's rational on Wednesday in ordering the sale of an office building in Manhattan worth about $1 billion as well as other properties. In 2013, the judge said revenue from the skyscraper passed through Bank Melli, a state-owned Iranian bank, violating American sanctions. The federal appeals court disagreed that the properties were owned by the Iranian government. In November 2009, federal prosecutors in the US seized the assets of the Alavi Foundation due to alleged links to the Iranian government, citing violation of a US-trade embargo against Iran. The assets of the Alavi Foundation included the 650 Fifth Avenue building in Manhattan, as well as Islamic centers consisting of schools and mosques in New York City, Maryland, California, Texas and Virginia. American Legal scholars said they know of only a few cases in US history in which law enforcement authorities have seized a house of worship. Without rent from the office building, the Alavi Foundation would have almost no way to continue supporting the Islamic centers. The Alavi Foundation, which was established in 1978, works to advance the Islamic and Persian culture in the US. In the last four decades, the organization has also given millions of dollars to American schools, universities and charitable organizations; among them Harvard, Columbia and Rutgers university. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran can roll back nuclear program if JCPOA breached: Salehi Iran Press TV Wed Jul 20, 2016 4:24PM The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has warned that Tehran can roll back its nuclear program if the other side to the country's nuclear agreement violates the deal. Ali Akbar Salehi told IRIB on Wednesday that Iranian experts have devised a "reversibility" mechanism that would enable Iran to "immediately" return to conditions before the conclusion of the deal if the other side fails to live up to its commitments under the nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "Should something happen that would breach the JCPOA we are fully capable of rolling back [the Iranian nuclear program]," Salehi said. He, however, stressed that Tehran has no plans to build a new facility. Elsewhere in his remarks, Salehi said Iran has witnessed many "contradictions" in comments made by Western governments and officials over the past month. "We think that something is in the making but we hope it is not true," he said, censuring a recent report by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on JCPOA implementation. The report by the UN chief claims that Iran's ballistic missile launches "are not consistent with the constructive spirit" of the JCPOA, which was reached between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council the United States, France, Britain, China and Russia plus Germany on July 14, 2015. Iran and the six world powers started implementing the JCPOA on January 16. Under the deal, all nuclear-related sanctions imposed on Iran by the European Union, the Security Council and the US should be lifted. Iran has, in return, put some limitations on its nuclear activities. Washington and the European Union are yet to completely lift sanctions against Iran, months after the agreement went into effect. The July 18 report by the UN chief has sparked criticism not only from Iran but also from the US and Russia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No ground for Daesh activities in Iran: IRGC commander Iran Press TV Wed Jul 20, 2016 3:19PM The commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says there is no ground for the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group to infiltrate the country. "There is no ground for Daesh activities in Iran. Many of the [terror] groups dismantled over the past days were counter-revolutionary groups that have failed [to reach their objectives]," IRGC Commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari told reporters in the holy city of Mashhad on Wednesday, when asked about Iran's security situation. Highlighting the good level of security in Iran amid instability and insecurity in the region, the commander said that maintaining security in the country is the top priority for the IRGC. Jafari added that the IRGC plans to hold several drills in the future to keep up and boost its military preparedness in the face of any enemy moves. Iranian forces have recently engaged in clashes with terror groups, thwarting their terrorist activities on the border and within the country, arresting several of them and confiscating large amounts of explosives and bomb-making materials. On July 12, Iran said it had arrested at least five people who had planned terror attacks across the country. Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi said those arrested were affiliated with terrorist groups and intended to carry out their plots during the Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Destiny) (June 24, 26, 28) and International Quds Day (July 1), but "they were identified and arrested one after another in different cities." "These groups are mostly linked to the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group," he added. On July 7, IRGC forces also killed two more outlaws affiliated with counter-revolutionary groups in the country's western province of Kordestan. In June, a police officer and five members of the so-called Jaish ul-Adl terror group were killed in the Khash region in the province of Sistan and Baluchestan. Iran's Intelligence Ministry also thwarted a Takfiri-Wahhabi plot to stage attacks in Iran's major cities, including the capital city of Tehran, last month. Ex-banker, certain politicians involved in fraud Elsewhere in his remarks, Jafari confirmed that the IRGC has arrested Ali Rastegar Sorkhe'i, the former managing director of Bank Mellat, in connection with a massive corruption case, in which certain politicians are also involved. He added that the case was followed by the country's Judiciary. Rastegar Sorkhe'i and his deputy were arrested on Tuesday upon a Judiciary order due to their broad activities in an organized banking scam. Earlier in July, Iran's Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance Ali Tayyebnia removed the heads of Mellat, Saderat, Refah and Mehr-e Iran banks for receiving "unconventionally" high salaries. The top bankers were accused of receiving large bonuses, interest-free loans and in some cases tax evasion. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Defense Minister Confirms Receipt of Russian S-300 Systems Sputnik News 02:55 21.07.2016 Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan confirmed the delivery of the Russian-made S-300 air defense systems, noting that they were already partially deployed in the country, Iran's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee spokesman Seyed Hossein Naghavi Hosseini said Wednesday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to Hosseini, cited by the local Fars news agency, Dehghan made the statement about the receipt of S-300 air defense systems at the committee's meeting earlier on Wednesday. On Tuesday, head of Russia's Rostec corporation Sergei Chemezov said that Russia is planning to complete the deliveries of the S-300 air defense systems to Iran by the end of 2016. On April 11, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that Russia had made the first contracted delivery of the S-300 systems as scheduled. Iran unveiled its first S-300 systems during an annual Army Day parade in mid-April. The $900-million Moscow-Tehran contract to deliver five Russian S-300 systems to Iran was signed in 2007. It was suspended after the adoption of UN Security Council sanctions on Iran in mid-2010. In April 2015, Russia resumed the talks on the S-300 deliveries following a framework agreement on the landmark deal ensuring the peaceful nature of Tehran's nuclear program. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Italy to Provide $33Mln Aid Package, $440Mln Loan to Iraq in 2016-2018 Sputnik News 21:03 21.07.2016 Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said that Italy will provide funding worth 30 million euros from 2016 to 2018 to Iraq and grant a 400-million-euro loan for the same period. ROME (Sputnik) Italy will provide an aid package worth 30 million euros ($33 million) and grant a loan of 400 million euros to the Iraqi government between 2016 and 2018, Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said Thursday. "Yesterday we announced our intention to provide funding worth 30 million euros from 2016 to 2018 to Iraq and grant a 400-million-euro loan for the same period," Gentiloni said, as quoted by the askanews outlet. The decision is reported to have been made a day before at a conference dedicated to the support of Iraq's stabilization as the participants pledged to raise additional funding of over $1 billion for the Iraqi government. Iraq is suffering from the onslaught of the Islamic State terrorist group, which is outlawed in many countries, including Russia and the United States. More than 3.3 million Iraqis have been displaced since 2014 by the hostilities in the country, according to the US State Department. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address French Government Spokesman Confirms Special Forces Presence in Libya Sputnik News 09:26 20.07.2016(updated 10:02 20.07.2016) French troops are in Libya, government spokesman Stephane Le Foll confirmed on Wednesday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The spokesman refused, however, to confirm the reported deaths of two French soldiers by militia who shot down their helicopter outside Benghazi on Sunday. "The special forces are there, of course, and to help ensure that France is present everywhere in the fight against terrorists," Le Foll said in an interview with the France Info radio station. Le Foll additionally said French Defense Minister Jean Yves Le Drian was in the United States to coordinate a Daesh attack on the Iraqi city of Mosul. Following Daesh takeover of Libya's coastal city of Sirte in late 2015, the United Kingdom and Italy have sent special forces to Libya. US and French special forces are reportedly operating in the country, but the reports have not been officially confirmed until now. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Three French Soldiers Killed During Operation in Libya by VOA News July 20, 2016 Three French soldiers have been killed in Libya, according to the country's defense ministry. "Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian regrets the loss of three French officers who died while on mission in Libya," the ministry said in a statement. "He lauds the bravery and devotion of the French military personnel who, each day, are carrying out dangerous missions against terrorists." The ministry did not elaborate on how exactly the soldiers were killed, but the soldiers are the first reported Western military casualties from since it became known earlier this year that special forces operators were working on the ground in Libya. France has had jets flying reconnaissance missions over Libya. Le Drian told parliament last month that France had been conducting the missions in Libya "for some time." "We need to see what's going on," he said. The French military, along with the British and US militaries, has been backing Libya's unity government in battling jihadists from the Islamic State group since earlier this year. IS has established a stronghold for itself in the coastal Libyan town of Sirte, but Libyan forces have been battling to retake the city for the past two months. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Libya unity govt. condemns French military presence Iran Press TV Thu Jul 21, 2016 4:38AM The unity government in Libya has condemned the presence of French military forces in the country following the revelation that such forces are operating on the ground in Libya. The revelation came on Wednesday, when the French Defense Ministry confirmed the death of three of its soldiers who it said were on a mission in Libya. The French soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash in Magrun, south of the Libyan coastal city of Benghazi. Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) slammed the presence of the French troops in Libya as a "violation" of the country's sovereignty. The GNA said in a statement on the same day that it would welcome "any help given to us by friendly nations in the fight against Daesh," however, any assistance given "should be based on a request (by the Libyan unity government) or in coordination" with it. France had previously said its planes were involved in reconnaissance flights in areas controlled by Daesh militants in Libya but it was the first time it was confirming the presence of special forces on the ground in the country. Meanwhile, the confirmation prompted hundreds of people to take to the streets in several cities across Libya to protest the French military presence in their country. The demonstrations were held mainly in the capital, Tripoli, and Misrata, some 200 kilometers (125 miles) east of the capital. The protesters waved flags and held up placards reading, "Get your hands off Libya," and "No French intervention." Libya has been the scene of violence since 2011, when an uprising coupled with NATO military intervention led to the toppling and killing of longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The country had had two rival administrations since mid-2014, when militants overran Tripoli and forced the parliament to flee to the country's remote east. The two governments achieved a consensus on forming the GNA last December after months of United Nations (UN)-brokered talks to restore order to the country. However, the GNA has had difficulty taking over as fighting continues among a plethora of militia groups in the country. Daesh, which is mainly active in Syria and Iraq, has taken advantage of the political chaos in Libya to increase its presence there. On Tuesday, the UN warned that Daesh may set up new terror cells in Libya and North Africa as Libyan forces are advancing further against the Takfiri group in the Libyan city of Sirte, its major stronghold in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria airstrikes kill over 100 Daesh terrorists in Hama Iran Press TV Wed Jul 20, 2016 4:38PM More than 100 members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group have been killed in airstrikes by Syrian warplanes on their positions in the western province of Hama. The Syrian fighter jets pounded areas in the vicinity of the village of al-Mufakar al-Sharqi near the city of Salamiyah on Wednesday, Syria's official news agency SANA reported. A military source said over a dozen armored vehicles equipped with machine guns and belonging to the terrorists were also destroyed. On Tuesday, the Syrian army and popular forces took control over several areas east of Salamiyah. To the north of the country, Syrian warplanes destroyed a Takfiri command center in Raqqah province, which has been the stronghold of Daesh in Syria. The terrorists were also dealt heavy blows by the Syrian forces in several areas across the provinces of Homs, Dayr al-Zawr and Dara'a. United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura estimates that over 400,000 people have been killed in the conflict that has gripped Syria for over five years now. The UN has stopped its official casualty count in Syria, citing its inability to verify the figures that it receives from various sources. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkish Army Turncoats Targeted Prime Minister's Convoy During Coup Sputnik News 11:37 20.07.2016(updated 11:53 20.07.2016) Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim's convoy was targeted by members of the Gendarmerie on the Friday night of the failed coup attempt in the country while he was traveling from Istanbul to Ankara, local media reported, citing the Turkish interior minister on Wednesday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to the media outlet, the convoy was fired at by an alleged gendarmerie vehicle in the Kastamonu province, when Yildirim was on his way to Ankara, from where he intended to control the emergency situation caused by the coup attempt. "Coup attempters targeted Prime Minister Binali Yldrm's car as well," Interior Minister Efkan Ala said, as quoted by the Hurriyet Daily News. Late on Friday, the Turkish authorities said that an attempted coup was taking place in the country. The coup attempt was suppressed by early Saturday, with Yildirim stating that all coup supporters had been identified and would be apprehended as the country was returning to normal life. Thousands of judiciary and senior civil service members have been removed from office in Turkey and thousands of military personnel have been arrested. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Officers with the Albany Police Department will now act as first responders for traumatic injury or overdose victims after being issued military grade trauma kits, which include 40-milligram doses of Narcan, a drug that blocks the effects of narcotics. Issuing the trauma kits was the idea of Albany Police Detective Travis Giboney, who proposed that Narcan become a part of the kit. Officers will use the prescription drug to bring unresponsive suspects back to lucidity ahead of emergency medical personnel arriving. The department spent $62 for each dose, and paid $4,000 for the trauma kits at a unit cost of $60 each. A group of officers received the Narcan, trauma kits and classroom instruction on how to use them during a department in-service training Tuesday. They learned how to identify the symptoms of an overdose and how to administer the drug. Another group will undergo the same training July 26. While the idea of using Narcan to save an overdosing subject seems like a valuable option for officers, some, reported Albany Police Captain Eric Carter, are reticent to use the drug in the field. "I know there are some officers that have said, 'Well, I'll do the training and you can issue it to me, but there's no way I'm ever going to use it,'" he said. The reason for the opposition, according to Carter, is that some officers have read that suspects revived with the drug can become violent and will try to fight officers. In fact, Corvallis Fire Department Emergency Medical Technician Darren Russell, who was teaching the class, advised officers to "stand clear" once they administer the drug, because the subject, once revived, may become agitated and combative. But another officer allowed that such a reaction is more the result of waking up and no longer being high than it is aggression. Carter assured his officers that most of the information about combative subjects is false, saying, "Down south, there is no fear of Narcan. This is a tool that we can hopefully save some lives with." Turkey To Suspend European Rights Convention, Says Deputy PM July 21, 2016 by RFE/RL Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus has said Turkey will suspend its duty to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights during the current three-month state of emergency following an abortive coup last week. Kurtulmus said the step was being taken "just like France has done under Article 15 of the convention," which allows signatory states to suspend certain rights in a period of war or major public emergency. France has declared consecutive states of emergency following deadly attacks that killed 130 people in Paris in November and 84 people in the Mediterranean resort of Nice earlier this month. But Turkey's announcement is almost certain to alarm critics who fear that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's administration plans to use the failed coup to punish traditional political opponents and further consolidate Erdogan's already considerable grip on the levers of state power. Turkish authorities said the state of emergency was needed to take swift and effective action against those responsible for the military coup, which left more than 260 people dead and 1,500 injured. "Turkey will suspend the European Convention on Human Rights insofar as it does not conflict with its international obligations," Kurtulmus was quoted as saying by the state-run Anatolia news agency. Article 15 and other international human rights conventions allow governments to restrict certain rights, including freedom of movement, expression, and association during states of emergency. Article 15 says such moves must be strictly proportionate and not discriminate against people based on ethnicity, religion, or social group. Bypassing Parliament The Turkish state of emergency will allow Erdogan and the cabinet to bypass parliament in passing new laws and to limit or suspend rights and freedoms as they deem necessary. However, Kurtulmus said it "does not contradict the European Convention on Human Rights." He also said the state of emergency may only be enforced for up to 45 days despite being declared for three months. Kurtulmus insisted that no steps would be taken to restrict basic rights and freedoms, telling journalists that "the decision on the state of emergency is aimed at cleansing the state of the gang" of conspirators. The government of NATO member Turkey has said a "cancer virus" within some state institutions led to the July 15 coup attempt, and it launched mass purges of state institutions that threaten the livelihood of tens of thousands of people at universities, in the civil service, and in houses of worship. Meanwhile, a Greek court on July 21 sentenced eight Turkish military officers who reportedly fled last week's failed coup to suspended two-month prison terms for illegally entering the country. The officers, wanted by Ankara to face a military trial at home, have requested asylum in Greece and will remain in police custody until their cases on that issue are heard early in August. Turkish authorities insist they will receive fair treatment at home, despite indications of rough treatment in the postcoup crackdown by Erdogan's government. So far, nearly one-third of Turkey's roughly 360 serving generals have been detained. Some of those shown in state media have appeared bruised and injured. Hours after the state of emergency went into effect, Turkish media reported that 32 more judges and two military officers were detained by authorities on July 21 as part of the crackdown. Thousands Targeted Erdogan's government has already fired, suspended, or detained nearly 60,000 police, judges, civil servants, and teachers in an unprecedented reprisal following the failed coup that has stunned world leaders. But Erdogan gave no indication that the clampdown would end anytime soon. "Of course that does not mean we have come to the end of it," Erdogan told Al-Jazeera television on July 21. Turkey's education system has also been hit hard during the ongoing crackdown. The Education Ministry on July 20 added more than 6,500 new names to the list of 15,200 school employees suspended, state media reported. The government also started proceedings to close down more than 600 educational institutions, most of them private schools. In addition, 21,000 teachers at private institutions have had their licenses revoked and more than 1,500 university deans have been forced to resign. Many of the thousands targeted by the government are purported to be followers of Fethullah Gulen, an Islamic cleric living in self-imposed exile in the United States whom Erdogan blames for the coup attempt. The 75-year-old Gullen, an erstwhile Erdogan ally, has condemned the coup attempt and denied any involvement. The last state of emergency in Turkey was lifted in 2002 in two southeastern provinces. In early Western reaction to the latest Turkish state of emergency, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on July 21 urged Ankara to maintain both the rule of law and a sense of proportionality in its response to the coup attempt. Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders has also voiced "serious concerns" about the turn of events in Turkey. Russia, which recently patched up briefly strained relations with Ankara, refrained from commenting on the Turkish move. Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters on July 21 that the matter was "an internal affair of Turkey." With reporting by Reuters, dpa, and AFP Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/turkey-suspends- european-rights-convention/27872022.html Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK Sub Collides With Merchant Ship in Gibraltar Waters Sputnik News 06:43 21.07.2016 A British sub collided with a merchant vessel off the coast of Gibraltar while performing a training exercise, the UK Defense Ministry informed. LONDON (Sputnik) An investigation has been launched into the incident and the UK submarine will be undergoing further checks. "At approximately 13:30 local time today, HMS AMBUSH, an Astute-class submarine, while submerged and conducting a training exercise was involved in a glancing collision with a merchant vessel off the coast of Gibraltar," the ministry said in a Wednesday statement. The submarine suffered some external damage but the crew were not injured and the nuclear plant was not affected, according to the statement. "We are in contact with the merchant vessel and initial indications are that it has not sustained damage." Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Civilians Subjected To Unlawful Detentions, Disappearances, Torture In Eastern Ukraine, Watchdogs Say July 21, 2016 by Eugen Tomiuc Civilians have been subjected to extended arbitrary detention, disappearances, and even torture by both sides in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, two leading rights watchdogs warn in a joint report. The July 21 findings by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch (HRW) accuse Ukrainian authorities and pro-Kyiv paramilitary groups of holding civilians suspected of supporting or having connections with Russia-backed separatists. It says separatists incarcerated civilians suspected of backing or spying for the Ukrainian government. In some cases, detainees were used as a negotiation chip for prisoner exchanges, the groups say in the report, titled You Don't Exist: Arbitrary Detentions, Enforced Disappearances, And Torture In Eastern Ukraine. Authorities in Kyiv reacted to the report by promising to investigate, while a representative for separatists in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk called the findings "absurd." 'Immediate' Action Needed The rights groups say they were driven to join forces by the magnitude of the problem. "The reason why we speak with one voice is because the problem of arbitrary detentions and forced disappearances and torture in connection with the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine is very big and demands immediate action by all sides involved in the conflict," HRW's Tanya Lokshina told RFE/RL. The groups looked in detail at 18 alleged cases of arbitrary, prolonged detention of civilians by both sides in the conflict, which has claimed more than 9,400 lives since April 2014. The report says that, in most cases studied, civilians were held without any contact with the outside world, including with their families or attorneys. Most of those detained were ill-treated and even tortured, and some were denied medical care for injuries sustained in detention, the report says. The report says pro-government forces, including volunteer battalions, detained civilians, then handed them over to the SBU, which ultimately moved them into the regular criminal justice system. Russia-backed separatists, meanwhile, held civilians in isolation for weeks or months without charge and, in most cases, subjected them to ill-treatment, the report notes. In the territories held by the separatists -- parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces -- local security forces operate in a complete rule-of-law vacuum, it says. Detained, Tortured By Both Sides One case, that of a 39-year-old man whom the report names only as Vadim, stands out in particular, because it says he was held in secret detention and tortured by both sides. Vadim was apprehended by Ukrainian forces in April 2015, the report says, while traveling on a bus from Ukrainian-controlled Slavyansk to his hometown of Donetsk -- one of the main cities held by Russia-backed separatists. It says he was questioned by Ukrainian forces about his ties in Slavyansk, called a "separatist thug," then kept in unacknowledged detention at a base, interrogated and tortured, then transferred to another facility, which the report says was maintained by SBU personnel. The groups say Vadim spent another six weeks there without any contact with the outside world, was tortured with electric shocks, burned with cigarettes, and beaten by interrogators demanding he admit he had ties with the separatists. After he was released, the report says, he returned to Donetsk only to be immediately arrested by the Russia-backed authorities, who kept him incommunicado for another two months and beat and ill-treated him over suspicions he had been recruited by the SBU during his previous captivity. 'Totally Absurd' Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that authorities would seek to find those responsible for any violations. "It will be possible to conduct adequate checks in cooperation with the [Ukrainian] ombudsman. As the Justice Department we are ready to join to this process," Petrenko said. Earlier, Oleksandr Tkachuk, the SBU's chief of staff, denied the existence of SBU-run detention facilities. Tkachuk told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that the SBU is ready to provide rights watchdogs access to all its premises to show that it is not holding anyone in arbitrary detention. But Tkachuk said authorities would study the report and investigate possible human rights violations by members of Ukraine's law-enforcement agencies. Representatives of the separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine also denied the existence of secret detention facilities on the territory under their control, parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. "We have no hidden prisons. I am personally monitoring the treatment of our prisoners and their state," Darya Morozova, who is identified as an ombudsman for the separatist group Donetsk People's Republic, told the Interfax news agency. Vladislav Deinego, a representative of another group seeking independence from Kyiv, the Luhansk People's Republic, also flatly rejected the findings of the report. "This is totally absurd. Our security services are obviously engaged in exposing subversive actions and sabotage, but this work is legal and transparent. Any hidden prisons are out of the question," Deinego told Interfax. Bargaining Chips The report warns that all people held by the warring sides in eastern Ukraine are protected under international human rights law. "International human rights law, international humanitarian law ban arbitrary detention, torture, and ill-treatment. The ban on torture is absolute. Torture is, in fact, a war crime," HRW's Lokshina said. In some cases, the report says, detentions constituted enforced disappearances, because "the authorities in question refused to acknowledge the detention of the person or refused to provide any information on their whereabouts or fate." A particularly serious accusation in the report is that captors on either used the possible release of detainees as a bargaining chip for prisoner exchanges. "Almost in all of the 18 cases that we investigated for the purposes of our joint report, release of civilian detainees was at some point described by the relevant side in the context of prisoner exchanges," Lokshina said. In nine out of the 18 cases, they were in fact exchanged, says the document, noting that the practice raises grave suspicions that civilians may be detained intentionally for bargaining purposes. 'Deeply Entrenched Practices' While it is difficult to estimate the actual number of civilians who have fallen victim to such abuses, the document quotes the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which stated in a report last month that "arbitrary detention, torture, and ill-treatment remain deeply entrenched practices" in the region. "The cases we documented jointly with Amnesty International may only represent the tip of an iceberg," said HRW's Lokshina. The two watchdogs call on both the Ukrainian government and the separatists who hold parts of eastern Ukraine to "immediately to put an end to enforced disappearances and arbitrary and incommunicado detentions." They call on both sides to apply "zero-tolerance" for torture and ill-treatment of detainees, and urge them to thoroughly investigate accusations of torture and ill-treatment in detention and hold those found responsible to account. Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-- torture-unlawful-detentions-disappearances -amnesty-hrw/27871129.html Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Alan Burkitt-Gray speaks to Don MacNeil, chief operating officer of GTT, about its company restructuring after coming out of Chapter 11 and its strategic roadmap for the next 12 months. A Lebanon man was arrested Tuesday evening after a road-rage incident in which he allegedly pointed a semiautomatic handgun at a motorist and a female passenger in that car on Highway 20, just north of the Lebanon city limits. Lebanon police officers eventually found and detained the suspect, 41-year-old Kerby Neman, after a high-risk traffic stop at the intersection of South Fifth and Maple streets in Lebanon. A subsequent search of his Ford pickup revealed a loaded Taurus 9mm semiautomatic handgun, which was concealed inside the truck. Officers seized the firearm and arrested Neman on charges of unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, pointing a firearm at another and reckless endangering. An investigation found no connection between Neman and his victims, and Neman had no prior contacts with the Lebanon Police Department. The incident is still under investigation. Those with information about the case should call the Lebanon Police Department at 541-451-1751. Toronto, Ontario (FSCwire) - Murchison Minerals Ltd. (Murchison or the Company) (CSE: MUR) announces that it proposes to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to $2,000,000 (the Private Placement) as detailed below. Concurrent with the Private Placement, the Company will consolidate its current issued and outstanding share capital on a 10 old for 1 new basis (the Consolidation) as previously approved at the Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders held on April 6, 2016. Post Consolidation, the Company proposes to issue up to 4,000,000 post-Consolidation common share units (the Units) at a price of $0.25 per Unit and up to 3,333,333 post-Consolidation flow-through units (the FT Units) at a price of $0.30 per FT Unit. Each Unit will consist of one post-Consolidation common share of the Company (a Common Share) and one Common Share purchase warrant (a Warrant). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional Common Share (a Warrant Share) for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of closing (the Closing Date) at an exercise price of $0.30 per Warrant Share. Each FT Unit will consist of one post-Consolidation flow-through common share of the Company (a FT Common Share) and a one-half Warrant. In the event that the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of the Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the CSE) is greater than CDN$0.60 for 10 consecutive trading days, the Company may give notice to the holders of the Warrants that the expiry time of the Warrants has been accelerated and the Warrants will expire on the 30th business day following the date of such notice. A finders fee may apply to a portion of the proceeds raised under the Private Placement in the amount of 7% cash and 7% broker warrants. All securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a four month hold period from the date of issue. Proceeds from the Private Placement will be used by the Company to fund the exploration of its 100% owned high-grade Brabant-McKenzie zinc-copper-silver deposit in central Saskatchewan and for general working capital purposes. Certain directors and officers of the Company may acquire securities under the Private Placement. Any such participation would be 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 based on a determination that the securities of the Company are only listed on the CSE and that the fair market value of the Private Placement, insofar as it involves interested parties, does not exceed $2,500,000 or 25% of the market capitalization of the Company. The Private Placement was approved by all independent directors of the Company. The Company also announces that a total of 7,124,000 options previously granted to certain directors, officers, consultants and employees on December 2, 2014 at a price of $0.03 have been cancelled and 712,400 options will be re-issued on a post-Consolidation basis with at a minimum exercise price of $0.30 per common share on or later than thirty (30) days from the date of cancellation and subject to CSE approval. About Murchison Murchison is a Canadian based exploration company with a diversified portfolio of properties, including the high-grade Brabant-McKenzie zinc-copper-silver deposit in north-central Saskatchewan, the HPM Nickel/Copper/Cobalt project in Quebec and holds gold claims in the Pickle Lake area of northwestern Ontario. Murchison also owns the Cloridorme high alumina shale formation, which is contiguous and essentially an extension of the Marin deposit of Orbite Technologies Inc. located on the Gaspe Peninsula in eastern Quebec. Additional information about Murchison and its exploration projects can be found at www.murchisonminerals.com. Kent Pearson, President and Chief Executive Officer or Erik Martin, Chief Financial Officer at info@murchisonminerals.com (416) 350 - 3776 Forward-Looking Information Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information. The parties undertake no obligation to update forward-looking information except as otherwise may be required by applicable securities law. NEITHER THE CSE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE CSE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PRESS RELEASE. To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:public://news_release_pdf/murchison07212016.pdfSource: Murchison Minerals Ltd. (CSE:MUR) To follow Murchison Minerals Ltd. on your favorite social media platform or financial websites, please click on the icons below. Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2016 Filing Services Canada Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCwire) - enCore Energy Corp. (TSX-V: EU) (enCore or the Company) is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the Private Placement) of up to 8,400,000 units at price of C$0.09 per unit, for proceeds of up to C$756,000. Each unit consists of one common share of enCore and one whole common share purchase warrant. Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of C$0.15 for two years from the date of issue of the warrant and C$0.25 during the third year. Up to C$500,000 of the proceeds of the Private Placement will be used to repurchase from Till Capital Ltd. (Till) up to 10,000,000 common shares of enCore held by Tills subsidiary, Resource Re Ltd. (Resource Re), at a price of C$0.05 per share (the Repurchase). The balance of the proceeds will be used for general corporate and administrative purposes. Under the terms of an agreement between the Company and Till dated July 20, 2016, the parties have agreed to complete the Repurchase, subject to completion of the Private Placement and applicable regulatory approvals, by not later than August 10, 2016. The Company intends to purchase 7,000,000 of the 10,000,000 shares and assign its right to purchase the remaining 3,000,000 shares to third parties, including some of the Companys officers and directors. enCore has agreed that any shares not ultimately acquired by third parties will be repurchased by the Company. All shares repurchased by the Company will be cancelled and returned to the Companys treasury. Through this creative financing and repurchase arrangement the Company will be able to add approximately $ 400,000.00 net to the treasury while only increasing the issued and outstanding shares by 1,400,000 shares. said William M. Sheriff, Chairman. We intend to continue to position the company to participate in what we see as the bright long term future of the uranium industry. Through Resource Re, Till currently owns an aggregate of 13,847,000 (or 19.37%) of the Companys outstanding common shares. The Repurchase is therefore a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). The Company is relying on the exemption from the formal valuation requirement in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 (as a result of its shares being listed on the TSX Venture Exchange) and the exemption from the minority approval requirement in section in section 5.7(1)(f) of MI 61-101 (as a result of the transaction having a fair market value of less than 25% of the Companys market capitalization). On completion of the Repurchase and assuming the full amount of the Private Placement is raised, Till will control 3,847,000 (or 5.28%) of the Companys anticipated 72,892,750 outstanding common shares. Completion of the Private Placement and Repurchase transactions is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company may pay cash commission or finders fees to eligible parties on all or a portion of the Private Placement, in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. About enCore Energy Corp. enCore Energy Corp. has a 100% interest, with no holding costs, on 115,000+ acres (46,400 ha) of private mineral rights in New Mexico, including the Crownpoint and Hosta Butte uranium deposits. These deposits contain an Indicated mineral resource of 26.6 MM pounds of U3O8 at an average grade of 0.105% eU3O8 and an Inferred mineral resource of 6.1 MM pounds of U3O8 at an average grade of 0.110% eU3O8(1). A portion of these resources are under NRC license. The Company also holds certain processing rights at the White Mesa Uranium Mill of Energy Fuels in Blanding, Utah. Dr. Douglas H. Underhill, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and Chief Geologist for the Company, has reviewed, verified and approved disclosure of the technical information contained in this news release. For additional information: enCore Energy Corp. Dennis Stover, Chief Executive Officer or William M. Sheriff, Chairman (972) 333-2214 info@encoreenergycorp.com www.encoreenergycorp.com Technical Report, titled, Crownpoint and Hosta Butte Uranium Project Mineral Resource Technical Report, McKinley County, New Mexico, USA, Mineral Resource Technical Report - National Instrument 43-101, dated May 14, 2012, and authored by Douglas L. Beahm, PEng, PGeo. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This press release contains projections and forward-looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward-looking information includes, without limitation, the Companys intended financing and the amount planned to be raised thereby and the Companys proposed use of proceeds, including the Companys intention to use a portion of the proceeds to repurchase and retire up to 10,000,000 common shares of the Company from Till Capital Inc. Often, but not always, forward-looking information statements can be identified by the use of words such as proposes, plans, expects, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, or believes, or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might, or will be taken, occur or be achieved. The forward-looking statements made in this press release are based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Companys plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information, such as failure to satisfy the conditions to completion of the Repurchase, including a failure to obtain TSX Venture Exchange approval for the Private Placement or Repurchase transactions, and other risks typical of any junior mineral exploration company as set forth in the Companys Management Discussion & Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed on SEDAR. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These statements are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change. To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:public://news_release_pdf/encore07212016.pdfSource: enCore Energy Corp. (TSX Venture:EU) To follow enCore Energy Corp. on your favorite social media platform or financial websites, please click on the icons below. Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2016 Filing Services Canada Inc. VIRGINIA CITY, NV--(Marketwired - July 21, 2016) - Comstock Mining Inc. ("Comstock Mining" or "the Company") (NYSE MKT: LODE) will host a conference call on Thursday, August 2, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time/11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to report Second Quarter 2016 results and provide a business update. The live call will include a moderated Q&A, after the prepared remarks. The dial-in telephone numbers for the live audio are as follows: North American Toll Free: 866-253-4737 Canada Local / International: 416-849-4292 The audio will be available, usually within 24 hours of the call, and for 30 days thereafter, at http://www.comstockmining.com/investors/investor-library About Comstock Mining Inc. Comstock Mining Inc. is a Nevada-based, gold and silver mining company with extensive, contiguous property in the Comstock District and is an emerging leader in sustainable, responsible mining. The Company began acquiring properties in the Comstock District in 2003. Since then, the Company has consolidated a significant portion of the Comstock District, amassed the single largest known repository of historical and current geological data on the Comstock region, secured permits, built an infrastructure and commenced production in 2012. The Company continues evaluating and acquiring properties inside and outside the district expanding its footprint and exploring all of our existing and prospective opportunities for further exploration, development and mining. The near term goal of our business plan is to maximize intrinsic stockholder value realized, per share, by continuing to acquire mineralized and potentially mineralized properties, exploring, developing and validating qualified resources and reserves (proven and probable) that enable the commercial development of our operations through extended, long-lived mine plans that are economically feasible and socially responsible. Forward-Looking Statements This press release and any related calls or discussions may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 about Comstock. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements about matters such as the future quality of life on the Comstock and Comstock's future production, operations and infrastructure. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "plan," "should," "intend," "may," "will," "would," "potential" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of doing so. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical and current trends, current conditions, possible future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, representations or warranties and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Some of those risks and uncertainties include the risk factors discussed in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of our annual report on Form 10-K. Occurrence of such events or circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows or the market price of our securities. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements by or attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement. Neither this press release nor any related calls or discussions constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - July 21, 2016) - Verde Potash (TSX: NPK) ("Verde" or the "Company") informs that the civil servants of the Minas Gerais State Environmental Agency have resumed work today, following a decision to end the category's strike. The Minas Gerais State Environmental Agency is responsible, among other things, for the analyses and approval of environmental licenses. About Verde Potash Verde Potash promotes sustainable and profitable agriculture through the development of its Cerrado Verde Project. Cerrado Verde, located in the heart of Brazil's largest agricultural market, is the source of a potassium-rich deposit from which the Company intends to produce solutions for crop nutrition, crop protection, soil improvement and increased sustainability. The Company's portfolio includes TK47 , Super Greensand and Alpha. Cautionary Language and Forward Looking Statements Neither the TSX nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release contains certain "forward looking statements", which include but is not limited to, statements with respect to the future financial or operating performance of the company, its subsidiaries and its projects, and statements regarding use of proceeds. Forward looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", or "does not expect" or "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", "intends", "forecasts", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates" or variations of such words or phrases or state that certain actions, event, or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by said statements. There can be no assurances that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in said statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Address 96 Oxford St Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 View map Features Late night, Licensed, Bar Prices Moderate (mains $20-$40) I'd like to take a little break in your regularly scheduled restaurant review to put forward an idea. And that idea is "when it comes to the lockout laws do we, as a city, need to grow up?". Keep in mind, I say this as a dedicated late night fun seeker, ever at the ready with a Daiquiri in hand to greet the blue-grey horror of dawn. Yes, the laws suck a big one. And yes, they've killed a large slice of Sydney nightlife and late night culture. But the laws aren't going to change in a hurry, so maybe we'll have to. Sydney bars and bartenders are leading the charge with a whole new breed making the most of the existing late night restaurant licenses floating around town. Meet the rebirth of the supper club, updated for 2016. While the Swillhouse Group's outrageously successful Hubert might be punking French food and pastis, Big Poppa's has come out swinging with a mash-up of hip-hop and Italian food. The Big Poppa brownie. Photo: James Alcock An ode to all things Golden Age (think Public Enemy No.1 over Public Enemy), there's a mosaic of Biggie Smalls, crown askew, on the floor in the downstairs bar. On the walls, classic prints are overlaid with lines from some hip-hop greats. (Though did anyone ask Kendrick Lamar about having his lyrics to "bitch, don't kill my vibe" overlaid on paintings of sickly, white half-nude renaissance-period aristocrats? I wonder.) And is putting a cocktail called Purple Drank, Lewis Jaffrey and Co's colourful, tooth-jangling take on a West Coast Cooler and a wink to everyone's favourite codeine-based American cough syrup a little heavy handed? Maybe. But turn your attention to the Corpse Reviver Mali-Blu a perfectly icy and austere take on a classic Corpse Reviver spiked with Malibu and blue liqueur. Upstairs, it's an Italian trattoria serving late night comfort food, executed by head chef Liam O'Driscoll (ex-Pendolino). Here, it's a straightforward menu chock-full of dishes you'll want to order either at the beginning or end of the evening (or both). Flat-iron steak, ruby red slices doused in the anchovy-charged butter it's been cooked in and a squeeze of lemon, maybe, or a powerful cheese-on-cheese-on-cheese-on-cheese eggplant parmigiana. Gnudi three baby's-fist-sized ricotta puffs doused in tomato sauce showered in pecorino encapsulates all the joy of a guilty late night red-sauce adventure only heightened with great ingredients and solid technique. Celebrate like they do in Houston with a Purple Drank. Photo: James Alcock So now we're all growing up together, can I propose one more thing? We take a prohibition approach to drinking, and learn to keep the right spirits, bitters, modifiers and mixers on hand at home. Start building up a decent cellar. Bottle shops may all be closed by 10pm, and you may be doing the midnight weave home after last drinks but check it: you're now a bulletproof legend in your own lounge room. Try this Use your fingers for the vongole clattering around the plate mixed with little pieces of pork cheek and pasta nibs Pro Tip: The Poppas don't take bookings, but you can eat in the bar if there are no tables upstairs http://www.bigpoppa.com.au Standing inside one of David Jones' bustling food halls, renowned chef Neil Perry recalls the days he visited as a youngster with his father and marvelled at the fresh produce, and in particular, an "amazing apple". "It was an incredible experience for me through the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s ... all the food and fresh ingredients," he said. Neil Perry will use some pop-ups. Photo: Dominic K Lorrimer Fast forward to now, and Perry is set to take the reins of a long-term project to transform the department store's ageing food emporiums into "world-class food experiences". He'll be looking at new venue designs, developing fresh recipes, and training staff so they offer flawless service. "Such places can tend to open and a line is drawn in the sand and they start, depending on the lifespan, to age and become antiquated because they're not evolving," he said. Neil brings an innate understanding of all things food in the Australian market and an unquestionable instinct for pleasing the Australian palate. John Dixon, David Jones CEO "We want to give people a compelling reason to come back again and again for the classics and for things changing, things of the moment, so we don't get stuck in time." David Jones opened its first food hall in Market Street in the Sydney CBD in 1938, with free, try-before-you-buy tastings by brands such as Heinz and Arnotts thrilling customers. It now operates four food halls around Australia. Its famed Market Street store, which had a major revamp in 2007, has numerous specialty "bars" for things such as oysters, noodles, cheese, antipasti and confectionery. Advertisement Regular customers will notice changes within weeks at the food halls in Market St and Bourke St in Melbourne. Perry, who will be juggling other major clients such as Qantas, scoured the world's best food halls including several in New York on a recent trip. He has been hinting at the new partnership by posting photos of exotic mussels, cheeses and vinegars on his Instagram page with captions referring to a "new project". A Herald article from 1949 on David Jones' food hall. Photo: Fairfax Media "At Market Street we're going to do pop-up things where we'll whet the appetite and get people excited," he said. "The changes will be gradual." Pop-ups will be particularly useful for Perry with David Jones preparing to sell the Market Street building, which also houses the menswear section, to the tune of $370 million. David Jones' newly installed chief executive John Dixon, former chief of the 5 billion ($9.7 billion) food business of the famous Marks & Spencer chain, said it was committed to its long-term goal of overhauling its food operations. More product tasting new project A photo posted by Neil Perry (@chefneilperry) on Jul 17, 2016 at 7:05pm PDT Last year, speculation mounted that the store's owner, Woolworths Holdings, was gearing up to enter Australia's $88 billion food and grocery market. "Our food strategy goes beyond the food halls. Short life, long life, wines, groceries, we're looking at revamping the whole of the food operation," he said. "It's perfectly positioned at the top end of the market, in terms of being the destination place for high-quality, speciality food offerings," he added. "The food hall will undergo a significant transformation. Neil brings an innate understanding of all things food in the Australian market and an unquestionable instinct for pleasing the Australian palate." THE TEST OF TIME 1930s Sir Charles Lloyd Jones dreams of a department in David Jones that specialises in fine food and wines. 1936 In June, the first food hall opens in David Jones' George Street store. It is an immediate success. 1938 In May, the Market Street store opens in Sydney. The food hall is transferred to the lower ground floor there. Coffee sells for threepence a pound (about 7 a kilo) and madeira cake is a shilling a pound. 1942-1946 The food hall is closed because of World War II. The Department of Munitions moves into the building. 1951 There is more innovation as the food hall goes self-service. 1953 The food hall expands to include a butchery, a fishmonger, a fruit and vegetable market and a seafood cafe. 1984 The food hall is completely renovated, becoming Food, Glorious Food. It includes a grill, an oyster bar and a coffee shop. 2003 At the end of August, the new food hall, with its nine eateries and expanded range of gourmet foods, opens. 2016 David Jones announces a long-term partnership with chef Neil Perry who "wants to create world-class food experiences". When was the last time you sat down to a meal and ... ate it? Without take a photo first? Aha, thought so. The photography of food has become a completely normal part of the entire experience. I mean, if you didn't shoot it, did you really eat it? Who can really tell? Which is why we consulted two of our favourite food photographers on Instagram, who seem to have the perfected that coveted blend of styling and lighting to make food photography seem easy. Because if we're being honest, food is tricky to shoot - it's not all pretty fruit 'n' chocolate 'n' puddings, is it? Sometimes, you've got to shoot a dumpling. Here's how to do it. 1. Natural light is best A photo posted by Helen (@grabyourfork) on Apr 29, 2016 at 1:01am PDT Food blogger Helen Yee @grabyourfork is a girl who specialises in eating out (for our viewing pleasure) and documents her meals with editorial-quality photographs using a mirror-less digital camera to capture her shot, but can whip out the iPhone if the lighting's good. "Always try to use natural light. When I'm eating out, this means trying to dine at lunchtime or book an early dinner," Yee says. "Don't ever use flash - it never looks good and is discourteous to other diners." Related Content The 10 commandments of food photography Taline Gabrielian from Hippie Lane (@talinegabriel) agrees. "Whether you're shooting inside or outside, natural light always produces a better photo. Overcast days are also a good opportunity to get nicely lit snaps." 2. Set the scene A photo posted by HIPPIE LANE (@talinegabriel) on May 29, 2016 at 12:48am PDT "At it's core, a great food shot has to be appetising. An intricate and elegantly constructed dessert can be just as enticing as a splodge of jam dripping messily from a doughnut. [And] action shots can help draw in your audience," says Yee. "Hold a dumpling with your chopsticks or take a forkful of chocolate cake and show it to the camera." Gabrielian is also a fan of including a fork or spoon in the pic "it's realistic and relatable," she says. But if making your food mobile is just too much to handle while trying to take a snap, styling your dish to stand alone is the way to go. "The best food shots are a result of careful styling, with colours, composition and plating," says Gabrielian. Lesson: have a plan. Know what look your aiming for and set it up before snapping away. 3. Choose carefully A photo posted by Helen (@grabyourfork) on Mar 20, 2016 at 5:49pm PDT "Styled or not, some dishes are delicious to eat but don't look good to the eye," warns Gabrielian. "Decide whether the dish is photogenic before going through the shooting process. It will save you time and disappointment." Advertisement Foods that don't translate well from plate to pic are soups and dishes that are either primarily brown or white according to Yee. "Glistening sauces underneath fluorescent lighting are a nightmare," she adds. So, best to avoid. 4. Snap away A photo posted by HIPPIE LANE (@talinegabriel) on Jul 5, 2016 at 3:09pm PDT Take lots of shots. Lots. Of. Them. "Practice shooting - over and over and over!" says Gabrielian. "Photography and styling food is a skill that is learnt through practice. Compose your picture and take many different frames of the same dish. Through trial and error, you will learn what works and what doesn't." "In dim dining rooms with candlelight, I'll take up to a dozen [shots]," says Yee. But she also warns, "If you're photographing a communal dish or someone else's plate, get it done within 20 seconds or risk having a fork dug into you." Wise words. 5. Tell the story A photo posted by Helen (@grabyourfork) on Jul 18, 2016 at 12:18am PDT Yee recommends avoiding the urge to clear the space around your dish. "Use the background to provide a story and a sense of place. Don't clear away the table condiments in a Vietnamese pho noodle house. Keep the bottle of sriracha and the box of tissues visible in the background to create context," she says. And play with angles. "Some plates of food look better from above, from the side or from an angle," says Gabrielian. "Take photos at various angles to begin, choose your favourite and resume from your favourite position to get the golden shot." Do McDonald's use beef fat in their fries? D. Hartley Frying chips in animal fat gives deep flavour and superlative texture to chips. Animal fat is more stable at high temperatures but was phased out in the great fat scare of the late 20th century. At this time McDonald's in the US did use beef tallow in its fries but replaced it with vegetable oil in the 1990s. It does however use "natural beef flavour" in the oil blend that the fries are cooked in before being frozen and shipped to stores around the nation. In 2001, the company was presented with legal action by a group of Hindus who were protesting against the use of beef in what they assumed was a vegetarian product. At the time a McDonald's company spokesman said that, "The natural flavouring consists of a minuscule amount of beef extract". In Australia, McDonald's fries are made with potatoes, canola oil, dextrose, (may contain) sodium metabisulphate and antioxidant 306 also known as Vitamin E. Neil Perry's John Dory with pine nuts, parlsey and garlic. Photo: William Meppem Do you know if anyone grows and sells Australian-grown pinenuts? I have given up buying the stale, bitter, ancient supermarket ones. A. Beckett. Pinus pinea. Say that three times quickly. It is also called the Italian Stone Pine and is the source of some of the finest pinenuts in the world. There are over 120 different species of pine trees producing seeds embedded in the pinecones wirth varying degrees of edibility. The ones A. Beckett refers to are grown in China, are short and squat and come from species that are less palatable than the smooth and creamy P. pinea. If possible, visit a Middle Eastern nut shop, chat to the staff and tell them what you are after. There are some really lovely pinenuts coming from Afghanistan which are protected by a thin husk that is easily flicked off with your fingernails. At present there are two substantial pinenut plantations in Australia that should be producing local pinenuts in time for the next federal election. Love 'em or hate 'em? Brussels sprouts. Photo: Supplied What do I do with brussels sprouts? L. Edgar Brussels sprouts are at their best when young, deep green, tight and firm. If you treat them like little cabbages you can peel away their stronger outer leaves to reveal a pale tender heart. Heat the loose leaves through in some butter and serve with lemon juice. Perhaps cook a few anchovy fillets in the butter first and you have an instant umami-rich sauce. Steam the hearts separately and bring them all together and serve them with roast lamb. Delicious. Or slice them finely lengthways and toss with shredded carrot and apple, and dress with sesame oil, fish sauce and lime juice, a little sugar and Asian soft herbs, and serve with cold roast chicken. Superb. Letters, corrections and apologies Recently I referred to the passionfruit flower being used as a "pneumonic" to help South American Indians remember the crucifixion of Jesus. The word that should have appeared was "mnemonic". Thank you to all who gave me a good bollocking for such "appalling laziness". Send your vexing culinary questions to: brainfood@richardcornish.com.au Twitter and Instagram: @Foodcornish Affectionately named the red dot, Singapore is a melting pot. Given its strategic location at the foot of Malaysia, it's long had an eclectic mix of cultures, with the former British Colonial port attracting migrants from China, India, Malaysia, the Middle East and beyond. This convergence has made it one of the most diverse food cities to add to your travel hit list. The country's strong street food culture is the focus of this year's Singapore Food Festival and the program is taking it (back) to the streets, with restaurant chefs interpreting hawker food favourites. Flagship event STREAT was similar to our own Good Food Month night noodle markets, with each stall hawking a few dishes. However, STREAT mixed legit hawker stalls alongside restaurant pop-ups. The alfresco event at Clifford Square drew orderly queues, with the waterfront location boasting an Instagrammable Marina Bay Sands backdrop. Chef Han Liguang's spin on Singapore chilli crab for pop-up restaurant Six Hands Dinner. Photo: Supplied Dishes ranged from regional Peranakan appetiser popiah (fresh spring roll loaded with puffed rice, egg, prawns, sprouts and more) to murtabak (similar to roti) stuffed with oozing cheese, onion and tandoori chicken. To drink? Whisky-spiked teh tarik ("pulled" milky tea) on the rocks. The playful cocktail was served traditional kopitiam takeaway style in a plastic bag perfect for toting from stall to stall. STREAT also featured pop-up restaurant Six Hands Dinner, which served a playful hawker-inspired five-course menu ($40). The trio of chefs put a top-end twist on the city's signature dishes, such as a deconstructed satay starter served in a hollowed-out eggshell, the rich peanut and coconut sauce lightened as a foam. "This is something that brings the history, and also invention, the addictiveness and the soul. The word is soul food, right?" said chef Susur Lee, of TungLok Heen. "I really feel that [the menu] is a good excuse to bring back the romance of Singaporean-style hawker food. It's the history otherwise if you lose the history, you lose a cuisine." Highlight: The festival's STREAT event sees legit hawker stalls mix with restaurant pop-ups. Photo: Supplied As for his favourite local dishes, Toronto-based Lee nominated Hainanese chicken rice and ice kachang. "After you eat spicy food, ice kachang is sort of like, 'I'm OK now', my stomach's completely good it's like putting out the fire." For Lee, the colourful iced dessert represents the vibrancy of South-East Asian cultures and is a combination of culinary tradition and fun. Advertisement Much like fellow Six Hands collaborator Han Liguang's take on arguably Singapore's signature dish, chilli crab. The Labyrinth restaurant chef's whimsical dish included a beach scene with crumbled fried mantou bun "sand", tempura soft-shell crab and the sauce churned into a chilli ice-cream. A collision between tradition and invention, like the festival, and city, itself. ALSO TRY Street eats get fancy Oyster omelette and lemongrass gimlet at the Tippling Club. Photo: Supplied Missed Six Hands at STREAT? Try the Tippling Club's five-course hawker food inspired menu instead. British expat chef Ryan Clift's (ex-Vue De Monde) dishes will be paired with cocktails perhaps oyster omelette with lemongrass gimlet (S$259). Eat cake and celebrate Singapore's Slow Food movement celebrates rainbow-striped jellies and coconut dusted bites on its Kueh Appreciation Day (July 26). The colourful sweets are said to be the one dish that brings all of the city's ethnicities together. See slowfood.sg Peranakan kueh sweets for Kueh Appreciation Day. Photo: Supplied Tea-infused chicken rice Local tea company TWG is serving a spin on the hawker hall staple, Hainanese chicken rice, infusing the rice with rare yellow tea buds. Try the Singapore Breakfast blend, a mix of green and black tea with Indian spices, a nod to the country's cultural make-up. Cheap eats at the 50 Cents Fest If you thought our under $30 reviews were cheap, get a load of this. The Chinatown Food Street (an undercover stretch of eateries in the city's Chinatown precinct) will step back in time to the 1950s/1960s with hawker-style dishes priced from a mere 50; July 30-31. Singapore Food Festival runs from July 15-31, see yoursingapore.com The writer travelled courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board. Magical: The cauliflower panna cotta at White Mojo. Photo: Pat Scala In Melbourne's restlessly brilliant culinary scene, nothing can be taken at face value. Bars hide behind cupboards, restaurateurs experiment endlessly, and breakfast in an unassuming neighbourhood cafe can be an unexpected esoteric adventure. Here are three spots with a serious side order of surprise. The brunch that blows your mind: White Mojo In an airy white and blond CBD space, which looks deceptively conventional, resides what the team behind this new brunch spot gleefully term "carefully curated chaos". White Mojo has turned brunch into a wild gastronomic ride even by Melbourne standards during which you might encounter the White Mojo croissant burger: soft-shell crab, pickled cucumber, chipotle mayonnaise and fried egg, all lovingly embraced by a croissant. Or venture further into the disconcertingly delicious with cauliflower panna cotta, which comes with black pudding dust, Canadian scallop, crisp pancetta, 63-degree egg (cooked at the Heston Blumenthal-decreed optimum temperature for a perfect runny yolk), dehydrated red onion and potato popcorn, all served in a smoke-filled glass cloche. There's a lovely quote on White Mojo's menu declaring that their fresh juices "encourage our customers to be their best, to feel empowered, to stay innovative, to be considerate and delightful and, of course, to be happy." After this, any other brunch will seem both boring and spiritually bereft. 115 Hardware Street, Melbourne CBD Sagra Italian restaurant in Malvern. Photo: Anu Kumar The restaurant that's (much) more than a restaurant: Sagra Advertisement The location of huge, four-level Italian food emporium Sagra is its first surprise. The sleepy suburb of Malvern last year found itself an unlikely home to this gleaming, bustling foodie hub that aims to satisfy your every possible epicurean whim from early breakfast to late-night rooftop cocktails, takeaway, hampers, pantry ingredients or a sit-down, slap-up dinner. Event catering for 350? No probs. And then there's art, furniture and views. This place wants you to sing, like Barry White: "You're my first, my last, my everything." And you might especially when you try the Sicilian cannoli dipped in Callebaut dark chocolate. The ground floor houses a central open kitchen surrounded by a 120-seater dining room where there's theatre aplenty as the chefs bring forth juicy lamb, pork ribs, calamari, heirloom tomatoes, eggplant and more from their pride and joy, a high-temperature Josper roasting oven. To the rear are an alimentare and enoteca offering all the wines on the menu and an array of produce cheese, salumi, ready-made meals from local suppliers. On the mezzanine floor, with views over the foodie action below, is a gallery with rotating exhibitions. Ascend a tucked-away staircase and you'll find a 100-seater rooftop bar with wow-factor views across Melbourne and an extravagant menu of Italian proseccos, wines, grappa and craft beers. This semi-secret eyrie is a standout, especially with a plate of Josper-roasted chicken wings and a Birra del Borgo ReAle APA from Lazio. Or you could just do dessert, which can be enjoyed in the gallery, dining room or upstairs. Among all those very good reasons to come, we'd still pick the cannoli. 256 Glenferrie Road, Malvern The bar that's almost not there: Bar Exuberante Most cocktail lovers in Melbourne will be familiar with the Richmond space that used to be Matthew Bax's cult cocktail bar Der Raum, which morphed into "rum brothel" Bar Economico. You used to go through a sliding door at the back of bawdy Economico to access the hidden Exuberante, a tiny, 14-seater, windowless, wood-paneled homage to faded hotel pomp. When staying nearby, we decide to revisit. But when we arrive, Economico has gone, and all that remains is a dark, empty shop, the only furniture a lone writing desk marooned near the window. The sign out front has been crossed out. We assume the whole lot's closed, because mercurial Bax is known for shutting or relocating his clever conceptual ventures without warning (Der Raum is now in Munich). But we ring the doorbell anyway. There's a pause, and then a fellow in a shabby concierge uniform, hat and all, appears from somewhere at the back. He unlocks the door, ushers all the way through the eerie empty space into a tiny, dishevelled manager's office. Beyond a door is Exuberante, made all the more surreal by its isolation. Matthew Bax in character at Bar Exuberante. Photo: Carmen Zammit You're in the once-salubrious private bar of the fictitious 1950s Havana Imperial Exuberante Palace Hotel, complete with typos on the menu, room keys as drinks tabs and the staff in full character. There's a Ladies' Menu with no prices, and a big bell that the bartender rings to signal the cocktail waitress (in French maid outfit) to deliver your drinks the two steps to your table. It's all a hilarious stage for the cocktail genius that defines Bax's venues. The Hot Cold Pina Colada warm white chocolate and coconut foam atop a chilled, lavender-infused rum cocktail is one of the best drinks I've tasted anywhere. Who knows what lies ahead for Exuberante, but be persistent in seeking it out. 438 Church Street, Richmond The writer travelled as a guest of Airbnb FILE - In this April 13, 2016 file photo, Garry Marshall, right, and Barbara Marshall arrive at the Los Angeles premiere of "Mother's Day" at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. Writer-director Garry Marshall, whose TV hits included "Happy Days "Laverne & Shirley" and box-office successes included "Pretty Woman" and "Runaway Bride," has died at age 81. Publicist Michelle Bega says Marshall died Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in at a hospital in Burbank, Calif., of complications from pneumonia after having a stroke. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File) SHARE FILE - In this June 8, 2008 file photo, producer Garry Marshall, center, accepts the legend award on stage at the TV Land Awards in Santa Monica, Calif. Writer-director Marshall, whose TV hits included "Happy Days," "Laverne & Shirley" and box-office successes included "Pretty Woman" and "Runaway Bride," has died at age 81. Publicist Michelle Bega says Marshall died Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in at a hospital in Burbank, Calif., of complications from pneumonia after having a stroke. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File) FILE - In this April 7, 1978 file photo, producers of the television comedy show "Happy Days," from left, Ed Milkis, Tom Miller and Garry Marshall, are shown in Los Angeles. Writer-director Marshall, whose TV hits included "Happy Days "Laverne & Shirley" and box-office successes included "Pretty Woman" and "Runaway Bride," has died at age 81. Publicist Michelle Bega says Marshall died Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in at a hospital in Burbank, Calif., of complications from pneumonia after having a stroke. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File) FILE - In this Aug. 12, 2004 file photo, actors from left, Henry Winkler, Penny Marshall, Ed Begley, Cindy Williams and Garry Marshall pose after Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams received their stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Penny Marshall and Williams starred together in the TV show "Laverne and Shirley." Writer-director Marshall, whose TV hits included "Happy Days "Laverne & Shirley" and box-office successes included "Pretty Woman" and "Runaway Bride," has died at age 81. Publicist Michelle Bega says Marshall died Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in at a hospital in Burbank, Calif., of complications from pneumonia after having a stroke. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File) FILE - In this April 10, 2016 file photo, Garry Marshall arrives at the 2016 TV Land Icon Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. Writer-director Marshall, whose TV hits included "Happy Days "Laverne & Shirley" and box-office successes included "Pretty Woman" and "Runaway Bride," has died at age 81. Publicist Michelle Bega says Marshall died Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in at a hospital in Burbank, Calif., of complications from pneumonia after having a stroke. (Photo by Rich Fury/Invision/AP, File) By Justin Chang Los Angeles Times (TNS) LOS ANGELES I want the fairy tale. You may recall that line from Pretty Woman, the 1990 smash hit that made Julia Roberts a star and announced Garry Marshall already a major creative force in television with Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley and The Odd Couple as a force to be reckoned with in the movies as well. The line could also serve as a worthy epitaph for Marshalls three-decade-plus film career, during which he would recast the Cinderella story, again and again, in contemporary trappings that were as easy to smirk at as they were hard to resist. Marshall gave us hard-luck fables and ugly-duckling fantasies, comedies of wish fulfillment and spectacles of female empowerment. He also gave us endless opportunities for guilt-free commodity fetishism, in which the cameras gaze was forever being magnetized by plush interiors, sparkling jewelry and even more sparkling dental work. His aesthetics never drifted too far from Beverly Hills, or from the lessons he learned as a TV director before making the leap to the big screen. He knew that whatever his movies may have lacked in visual dynamism they could make up, to some degree, in human charisma in the radiance of his leading ladies and their mega-wattage smiles, and in the infectious good vibes radiating from behind the camera. Not all of them were ladies, of course. He worked wonders with Matt Dillon in The Flamingo Kid (1984), the rare coming-of-age charmer in which Marshall didnt feel the need to tie up everything in a neat bow. (The movie also marked one of the directors earliest collaborations with Hector Elizondo, his longtime friend and a fixture of his movies ever since.) Any traces of youthful disillusionment had been airbrushed away by the time he made The Princess Diaries (2001). It was our first real introduction to Anne Hathaway, who stumbled into the frame in gawky spectacles and a bushy Hermione Granger mane, and walked out having undergone the mother of all Disney makeovers. Talk about happy endings: Hathaway may have been crowned princess of a fictitious European monarchy called Genovia, with none other than Julie Andrews as her royal grandmother, but Marshall wound up handing this ingenue the keys to a far richer kingdom, namely that of Hollywood itself. I still remember seeing The Princess Diaries in theaters with my family and leaving in a pretty good mood, all of us well aware that wed just been sold a load of goods and not really minding. I suspect that was more or less the effect Marshall hoped his movies would always achieve and which, at their best, they managed. One of the lessons of his unabashedly formulaic, often critically derided output is that sometimes whether its a G-rated teenage transformation story or an epic tearjerker like Beaches a load of goods is exactly what youre in the mood for. And Marshall, to his credit, was committed to rediscovering his particular version of once-upon-a-time in any number of unique settings, not all of which were as squeaky-clean as Genovia not at first, anyway. I like to do very sentimental, romantic kind of work, Marshall once said in a New York Times interview. Its a dirty job, but somebody has to do it. Its a telling remark, insofar as it raises the notion largely corroborated by his films that Marshall saw himself as not just a mass entertainer, but also an adept clean-up artist. Long before Pretty Woman became ubiquitous shorthand for the 90s romantic comedy, the movie set off shudders of moral outrage for daring to cast Roberts as a streetwalking Eliza Doolittle. Never mind that its portrait of prostitution was carefully glossed over by a polite cutaway whenever things got too steamy and by the very casting of Roberts herself, who led with her enchanting and thoroughly wholesome grin. Seeing Pretty Woman today, the very idea of indignation seems hopelessly quaint: The movie remains one of the neatest tricks that Hollywood ever turned, and one of the most profitable. None of Marshalls other fairy tales would be as commercially successful, and few of them certainly not Runaway Bride, a popular but lackluster reteaming of Roberts and her Pretty Woman beau, Richard Gere would prove as emotionally satisfying. Even still, Marshall never tired of finding strange, unconventional environments in which to serve his deeply conventional brand of cinematic comfort food. At times he seemed drawn to certain dramatic scenarios for no other reason than to swoop in with his soft lighting and his beautiful actors, and set about carefully softening every edge something that earned him praise and criticism in the case of Frankie and Johnny (1991), a tender blue-collar romance starring Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer. And this impulse could elicit, in its wilder incarnations, a measure of real appreciation, more for Marshalls pure daring than for his execution. He misfired with the S&M shenanigans of Exit to Eden (1994), and with The Other Sister (1999), a graceless attempt to squeeze the challenges of the mentally disabled into his signature romantic formula. But he fared rather better years later with Georgia Rule (2007), which turned the story of a teenage girls sexual abuse into a compelling maelstrom of bizarre moods and melodramatic twists, with Lindsay Lohan, Felicity Huffman and Jane Fonda steering the film from comedy to tragedy and back again. The last movies Marshall directed were a loose trio of holiday-themed ensemble movies Valentines Day, New Years Eve and this years Mothers Day that invited no shortage of scorn from critics (this one included), and for good reason. At a time when decent romantic comedies are dispiritingly rare, Marshalls latest trick six movies for the price of one! felt close to self-cannibalism, in service of stories that were neither especially comic nor, truth be told, particularly romantic. Their saving grace, in a way, was Roberts. Whether playing a tight-lipped Army captain in Valentines Day or a home-shopping empress in Mothers Day, she offered a welcome reminder of the love and loyalty that Marshall commanded on screen and off, his pleasure in turning filmmaking into a warm, familial enterprise. But look closer at Roberts seeming older, wiser and sadder than she did in her star-making breakthrough, her smile breaking through only in brief, bittersweet glimmers and you can see the truth beneath the gilded fantasy. Not everyone, she seems to signal, lives happily ever after. But that doesnt mean we dont still want the fairy tale. Beth Namishia, left, Megan Madura, center, and Jodie King, dressed as Ghostbusters, pose in front of the convention center before Preview Night at Comic-Con International held at the San Diego Convention Center Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in San Diego. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Invision/AP) SHARE Inger Utke, left, takes a selfie with Edwin Galarza, dressed as a "Star Wars" themed dinosaur, during Preview Night at Comic-Con International held at the San Diego Convention Center, Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in San Diego. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Invision/AP) Jessica Chancellor, dressed as Batgirl, waits in line for her credential on Preview Night at Comic-Con International held at the San Diego Convention Center Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in San Diego. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Invision/AP) Bunny Knowble, dressed Galactus Eater of Worlds, crosses the street with the crowd on the way to Preview Night at Comic-Con International held at the San Diego Convention Center Wednesday July 20, 2016, in San Diego. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Invision/AP) San Diego event gives insider peeks By Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times (TNS) As Donald Trump whips up Republicans to a fever pitch in Cleveland, and the Democrats tee up for their rejoinder next week in Philadelphia, a very different, though no less impassioned, kind of convention is kicking off in San Diego. Starting Wednesday, about 130,000 people of all ages will gather at the San Diego Convention Center in the annual pop-culture pilgrimage that is Comic-Con International. Some will be clad in superhero tights, some will wear Stormtrooper costumes, and some, riding the latest craze, will undoubtedly be decked out as Pokemon characters. But whatever their particular flavor of fandom, Hollywood will be there to greet them with open arms. The convention offers attendees the chance to be the first on their block to catch glimpses of some of the most hotly anticipated upcoming superhero, sci-fi and fantasy films, including possible glimpses of Justice League, Doctor Strange and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. For the studios and TV networks, its an opportunity to stoke enthusiasm for their upcoming wares among a diehard crowd of true believers and potential influencers. As with last year, a few big players will be missing in action: 20th Century Fox which brought 6,000-odd fans in the conventions fabled Hall H to their feet last year with its early look at Deadpool is sitting this year out, reportedly over concerns about piracy. Ditto Universal Pictures. Paramount and Sony wont be putting on major panels either, though the former will be hosting the premiere of its new film Star Trek Beyond and the latter will offer a screening of its R-rated animated comedy Sausage Party. And, barring any surprises, Lucasfilm the 800-pound gorilla at last years convention will keep its Star Wars franchise powder dry this year following last weeks Star Wars Celebration convention in London. That will leave the two behemoths of the comic-book world, DC and Marvel, to slug it out in the battle for buzz while also providing a chance for films that may otherwise have become lost in the shuffle like Luc Bes-sons sci-fi epic Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets and Oliver Stones Snowden to grab a piece of the spotlight. In its two-hour panel Saturday morning, Warner Bros. will try to move past the disappointment of this springs critically bashed Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and stir up excitement for its future slate of DC superhero films, including Suicide Squad and possibly debut footage from Wonder Woman and Justice League. Suicide Squad director David Ayers, who earned a raucous reception at last years convention when he unveiled an early look from the edgy supervillain team-up film, is well aware that the expectations have been raised for the movie, which opens Aug. 5. The film was sort of the redheaded stepchild of the DC universe it was always supposed to be like the cooler little brother to your Batmans and your other shows, said Ayer, who will be on hand with the films stars, including Will Smith, Jared Leto and Margot Robbie. Suddenly it became a lot more prominent than I think any of us expected initially. Warner Bros. will also offer sneak peeks at non-comic-book fare, including King Arthur: Legend of the Sword and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, a spinoff from the Harry Potter franchise set to hit theaters in December. For Fantastic Beasts director David Yates, who helmed the last four Potter films, Comic-Con will offer the chance to pull the curtain back more on the new J.K. Rowling-scripted film, about which little has yet been revealed beyond a teaser trailer. This is a very different part of the Potter universe its new characters and brand-new stories, Yates said. Its like going to a restaurant that you absolutely love, but its a different meal. On Saturday afternoon, Marvel Studios which skipped Comic-Con last year in favor of Disneys D23 convention in Anaheim will pull out its own big guns in Hall H. While there has been no official word about what will be showcased or who the panels special guests may be, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige is expected to show off Doctor Strange starring Benedict Cumberbatch, while director James Gunn has teased that he may unveil an early look at Guardians of the Galaxy 2. Though big-screen tentpole fare hogs much of the spotlight, Comic-Con is about more than comic-book movies and sci-fi epics. TV has a push into the convention in recent years, and 2016 will be no exception. Fan favorites like The Walking Dead, Supergirl and Game of Thrones will be on hand, as will newer small-screen fare like Marvels Luke Cage, which hits Netflix in September. Writer and producer Bryan Fuller, who has a new Star Trek series in the works, will join Trek veterans like William Shatner, Scott Bakula and Michael Dorn in a panel celebrating the 50th anniversary of the space-adventure franchise. Fuller will also be unveiling the Starz fantasy drama series American Gods, which he co-created and which is based on a bestselling novel by fan favorite Neil Gaiman, who will also be on hand. Im excited to be in a room full of Neil Gaiman fans, Fuller said. Its always fascinating because Comic-Con is just like being shot out of a cannon. You dont quite know when your feet are touching the ground. And for those who cant make it to San Diego this year, the official convention streaming service, Comic-Con HQ, launches this year with a new video initiative. Classic Comic-Con experiences such as the Eisner Awards (hosted by John Barrowman), the Masquerade and the Her Universe fashion show will all be live-streamed from Comic-Con HQ. And a select number of panels, such as Game of Thrones and Silicon Val-ley, will be available for streaming at some point after they wrap up. Still, for longtime Comic-Con veterans like actor Bruce Campbell, who will be touting the upcoming second season of his Starz comedy-horror series, Ash vs Evil Dead, there is nothing quite like being there. Ten or 15 years ago, nobody cared about these conventions they were for actors who werent working anymore, Campbell said. Finally, the studios realized the depth of the fandom thats out there, the intensity that it is. I laugh at all the big actors who come to Comic-Con now. Now, youll get Harrison Ford. I go, Where were you 10 years ago? Times staff writer Meredith Woerner contributed to this report. SHARE By Ngan Ho of the San Angelo Standard-Times A civil lawsuit brought against the Sutton County Hospital District and Chief Executive Officer John Graves, seeking over $1 million in damages, will be dismissed by a San Angelo federal court. Chris Hall and the hospital district, including Graves, reached a settlement June 8 after a one-day mediation hearing in Austin. "The board of directors of the Sutton County Hospital District, John Graves and Dr. Chris Hall would like to publicly announce they have mutually agreed to resolve all disputes between them," Graves said. "The hospital district and Dr. Hall believe this resolution is in the best interest of all parties and the community of Sutton County." Hall, a contracted physician with the hospital district, filed a lawsuit in the 112th District Court on Sept. 1, saying that Graves and the hospital district's board of directors fired him in retaliation after he blew the whistle on them. On May 29, 2015, Hall reported to the Sutton County 112th District Attorney's Office that Graves and members of the board broke the law by violating the Texas Open Meetings Act. Hall said he became aware that they "had violated and conspired to violate the Texas Open Meetings Act by communicating among themselves outside of a properly posted public meeting regarding issues of public business," the lawsuit stated. Employment contracts for Hall and other employees, including physicians, and other unspecified items were discussed in private, the lawsuit alleged. "These discussions were not conducted in public and were conducted in order to gain the approval and votes of members of the Board of the Sutton County Hospital District prior to having a public meeting and voting on these issues in public as required by law," the lawsuit stated. On June 4, 2015, Hall was fired by Graves, who reports to the board of directors, "as a result of his report of violation of the law," the lawsuit asserted. Hall sought notice from Graves on June 25, 2015, regarding reasons he was terminated and "none was ever given," the lawsuit stated. Graves and the hospital district responded to the lawsuit in court documents and generally denied all of the allegations presented by Hall and demanded he prove his claims. Graves and the hospital district stated that Hall's "employment was separated for legitimate reasons" and they "did not act with a retaliatory motive." Hall said in the lawsuit that he blew the whistle in "good faith." His lawsuit alleged Graves and the hospital district violated his constitutional right to free speech and the Texas Whistleblower Statute and breached his employment contract without notice of breach and justification or cause, among other claims. Hall's 16-page employment contract says employment may be terminated if the two parties mutually agree, if there is a breach in contract and the breaching party is unable to correct the breach within 30 days or in the event of a physician's death or disability. The physician also is afforded the ability to terminate the contract agreement without cause upon 180 days of written notice. Hall's contract went into effect Nov. 1, 2012, and was to continue for one-year terms and automatically renew for an additional year until termination in accordance with the provisions listed. The hospital district was to pay Hall $91 per hour initially, and beginning Jan. 1, 2014, the base salary would increase by 3 percent each year. "For the long-term financial sustainability and to ensure continued health care services, there does require operation adjustment," Graves said. "The board of directors (and) hospital administration are working with hospital staff to determine what those adjustments are." The Texas Attorney General's Office conducted an investigation and concluded there were no violations, Graves said Tuesday, and a case file was never created. Graves said that because of "time and expense," "we just want to wrap it up," so a settlement was made. The hospital district's board of directors approved the confidential settlement behind closed doors during an executive session at a regular meeting June 13. Details of the settlement were not released, and The Devil's River News in Sonora filed an open records request seeking details. By law, the district is required to release the information promptly or provide a reference to the law that allows the information to be withheld from the public. The settlement is confidential with a non-disclosure agreement in place, Graves said, adding that he will release and hand-deliver the settlement packet to The Devil's River News as soon as the case is officially dismissed. Graves said he believes that will happen near the end of July. Calls to Hall's attorneys were not returned. SHARE Contributed photo Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence with Dennis Graham, a delegate from Brownwood, at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Graham celebrated his 65th birthday while at the convention Wednesday. By Federico Martinez, Federico.Martinez@gosanangelo.com @Federico_ SAST Texas delegates remained divided Thursday morning, with some expressing outrage and others supportive of Sen. Ted Cruzs refusal to endorse GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump during his Wednesday night speech at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. Cruz, whose defiant stand drew loud boos and angry threats from many Republicans during and after his speech, met with Texas delegates Thursday morning to explain his decision. According to delegates who attended the meeting, Cruz reiterated that he would not endorse any candidate who personally attacked my wife and father during the primary race. Cruz spoke with the Texas delegation at breakfast this morning, said Geoff S. Conner, an alternate delegate from Runnels County who is attending the convention. A number of delegates confronted him angrily over not endorsing Trump, reminding him of his earlier pledge. Some told him they admired his principles but thought party unity was more important. Rhonda J. Lacy, a delegate from Midland, said via text while she was still meeting with Cruz, that its important the party be united, but she respects Cruzs decision. Texas still stands with and in respect for her Senator, wrote Lacy, who is also a member of the Texas State Republican Executive Committee. Yes, some are upset, others a little sad. Still others understand the fact that it was known that Ted would not be endorsing, but would give remarks on liberty, freedom and voting up and down the ballot for those who will protect our Constitution. Ted discouraged everyone from writing in anyones name, including his own. He also very firmly stated that he would not be voting Hillary. Dennis Graham, a delegate from Brownwood, was angry about Cruzs snub of Trump. Im not happy with what Cruz had to say, said Graham, who noted that Cruzs comments and refusal to endorse Trump were a surprise. Its the same as we had from Cruz at the state convention. He never stated Trumps name good or bad in Dallas. It was all about Cruz. I would think his career in politics is over for anything in the near future if not forever. Cruz refused to budge on his decision to not endorse Trump, several West Texas Republicans who participated in the breakfast said. The Cruz meeting made no breakthrough, Im sorry to say, Connor said. He was repeatedly pressed to endorse Trump and refused because of Trumps earlier attacks on his wife and father. It remains unresolved. Many Republicans are concerned that Cruzs refusal to endorse Trump and vow to not vote for him could prompt his supporters to follow suit. That could result in some Cruz supporters staying away from the polls this fall or voting for a third-party candidate, such as Libertarian Gary Johnson. The former New Mexico governor is garnering about 15 percent voter support, according to recent polls. Johnson was quick to capitalize on the controversy Thursday morning. During an interview with CNN he implied that Cruzs vote your conscience comment really meant vote for Gary Johnson. Texas Rep. Mike Conaway, the District 11 congressman for San Angelo, arrived at the convention Tuesday afternoon and said its up to Trump to make sure he doesnt lose those Cruz supporters. Trump has gotten to where he is by telling us what we will do, he said. Tonight he should start telling us how he will do it. Folks are torn. He is going to have to gain support. Conaway, who endorsed Trump in mid-May after it became clear that the billionaire would most likely be successful in his bid for the nomination, said he was pleased with the selection of Mike Pence as the vice presidential running mate. Pence served in the House from 2000-12 before becoming governor of Indiana, and Conaway said he was impressed by Pence during the period the two of them worked together. Having a vice president with legislative experience would be an asset, he said. Mike Pence did a great job. We served together for six years in the House. He is a great man of faith, a bedrock conservative, Conaway said. It says something about Trumps decision-making abilities. Add that to his suggested nominees for the Supreme Court and it should encourage everyone about how he approaches the process. Its a big plus. Look at them as a team with different attributes and styles. They should be able to work well together. Texas delegates remained divided Thursday morning, with some expressing outrage and others supporting Sen. Ted Cruzs refusal to endorse GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump during his Wednesday night speech at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. Cruz, whose defiant stand drew loud boos and angry threats from many Republicans during and after his speech, met with Texas delegates Thursday morning to explain his decision. According to delegates who attended the meeting, Cruz reiterated that he would not endorse any candidate who personally attacked my wife and father during the primary race. Cruz spoke with the Texas delegation at breakfast this morning, said Geoff S. Conner, an alternate delegate from Runnels County who is attending the convention.A number of delegates confronted him angrily over not endorsing Trump, reminding him of his earlier pledge. Some told him they admired his principles but thought party unity was more important.Rhonda J. Lacy, a delegate from Midland, said via text while she was still meeting with Cruz, that its important the party be united, but she respects Cruzs decision. Texas still stands with and in respect for her Senator, wrote Lacy, who is also a member of the Texas State Republican Executive Committee. Yes, some are upset, others a little sad. Still others understand the fact that it was known that Ted would not be endorsing, but would give remarks on liberty, freedom and voting up and down the ballot for those who will protect our Constitution. Ted discouraged everyone from writing in anyones name, including his own. He also very firmly stated that he would not be voting Hillary. Dennis Graham, a delegate from Brownwood, was angry about Cruzs snub of Trump. Im not happy with what Cruz had to say, said Graham, who noted that Cruzs comments and refusal to endorse Trump were a surprise. Its the same as we had from Cruz at the state convention. He never stated Trumps name good or bad in Dallas. It was all about Cruz. I would think his career in politics is over for anything in the near future if not forever. Cruz refused to budge on his decision to not endorse Trump, several West Texas Republicans who participated in the breakfast said. The Cruz meeting made no breakthrough, Im sorry to say, Connor said. He was repeatedly pressed to endorse Trump and refused because of Trumps earlier attacks on his wife and father. It remains unresolved. Many Republicans are concerned that Cruzs refusal to endorse Trump and vow to not vote for him could prompt his supporters to follow suit. That could result in some Cruz supporters staying away from the polls this fall or voting for a third-party candidate, such as Libertarian Gary Johnson. The former New Mexico governor is garnering about 15 percent voter support, according to recent polls. Johnson was quick to capitalize on the controversy Thursday morning. During an interview with CNN he implied that Cruzs vote your conscience comment really meant vote for Gary Johnson. Rep. Mike Conaway, the District 11 congressman for San Angelo, arrived at the convention Tuesday afternoon and said its up to Trump to make sure he doesnt lose those Cruz supporters. Trump has gotten to where he is by telling us what we will do, he said. Tonight he should start telling us how he will do it. Folks are torn. He is going to have to gain support. Conaway, who endorsed Trump in mid-May after it became clear that the billionaire would most likely be successful in his bid for the nomination, said he was pleased with the selection of Mike Pence as the vice presidential running mate. Pence served in the House from 2000-12 before becoming governor of Indiana, and Conaway said he was impressed by Pence during the period the two of them worked together. Having a vice president with legislative experience would be an asset, he said. Mike Pence did a great job. We served together for six years in the House. He is a great man of faith, a bedrock conservative, Conaway said. It says something about Trumps decision-making abilities. Add that to his suggested nominees for the Supreme Court and it should encourage everyone about how he approaches the process. Its a big plus. Look at them as a team with different attributes and styles. They should be able to work well together. McCraw says DPS did not fail Uvalde Uvalde shooting victims' family members called for Steve McCraws resignation in a tense meeting of the Texas Public Safety Commission on Thursday. Stacy Revere/SCG/Zuma Press/TNS Indiana Gov. Mike Pence was recently chosen as Republican nominee Donald Trump's running mate for vice president. SHARE Indiana gov. shows more concern for party than people By Matthew Tully Dear America: I can tell you a lot about the job Mike Pence has done during his one term as governor. Good, bad and otherwise there's no shortage of material. It's been a term filled with plenty of news, capped off now by news that one of the nation's most proudly religious and conservative governors is teaming up with Donald J. Trump. I could tell you about the discriminatory religious freedom bill Pence signed in 2015, the one that recklessly damaged his state. But that was such a fiasco that you may have all heard all about it. Or you may have seen the disastrous interview Pence did in the middle of that controversy with ABC's George Stephanopoulos, the one where he struggled to answer the most basic question imaginable: Is it OK to discriminate in Indiana? I could tell you about an abortion bill he signed just this year, a bill so extreme that it meandered into issues such as miscarriages. It has since been ruled unconstitutional. It was another example of Pence leading with his far-right ideology. On the plus side, there was the Medicaid expansion deal he worked out with the Obama administration two years ago, a deal that angered fellow conservatives, but rather thoughtfully put the concerns of uninsured Hoosiers ahead of his denunciations of Obamacare. And then there was his successful push in 2014 for a $10 million preschool pilot program, which was notable for being the first investment in preschool by Indiana state government, and for showing Pence as willing to buck fellow conservatives. It was around the time of the preschool bill that I began to think that if Pence kept his focus on the right things he might emerge as a good governor. The problem, though, is that each time it looked like he was growing into the role, his ideology and partisan obsessions took over. For a leader with more policy heft and a mountain of ideas on how to improve his state, this might have balanced itself out. For a relative lightweight like Pence, a communicator more than a doer, it was disastrous. To me, one unforgivable decision stands above everything else. For Pence, who truly does come across as the nicest guy in politics, it forever altered how I look at him. It made clear that his priorities too often lie in politics and ideology, and not in the nuts and bolts job of leading a state. The decision came late in 2014. Following the creation of the preschool pilot program, the Pence administration and a host of other leaders and groups worked together on an ambitious federal preschool grant application. The feds had made clear that Indiana was likely to receive one of the largest shares of the available pot of money, perhaps $80 million, to not only provide scholarships for children in need, but also to help build a robust statewide preschool infrastructure. Just about everyone was on board. Education leaders. Early learning advocates. Government officials who work on children's issues. Even members of the Pence administration, including those at the Family and Social Services Administration and Pence appointees to the Early Learning Advisory Committee. For a state that has invested too little in preschool, and has paid for that negligence, this was seen as a game changer. Then, without a public announcement, Pence at the last minute killed the application. Even today, if you bring this up with advocates of children, a look of disbelief comes across their faces. Some powerful voices on the far right fought support for publicly funded preschool programs, as well as improved child care regulations, and many of them have ties to the governor. When news about Pence's decision broke, he offered an empty response centered on fears of federal government strings being attached to the money. He could not name one such string. He could not point to one true area of concern. He could not explain why he had crushed the work of so many experts in the field without even meeting with them. He could not explain why a policy idea was killed once it got to the political office. At a time when he was still considering a campaign for the GOP presidential nomination, a governor who took heat for seeking federal money for his health care program was nervous about being seen as taking more for a cause that divides many conservatives. In recent weeks, in the heat of a re-election campaign, Pence's team has tried to mitigate the damage. With polls showing strong support for preschool, Pence announced he would actually like some of that federal money. Suddenly, concerns about federal strings evaporated. Again, Pence had made a political decision. Meanwhile, his spin doctors have been trying to sell a new answer for his 2014 decision that he didn't want to upset state lawmakers who had skeptically accepted the pilot program. Sorry, but you don't get to rewrite history, or revise your answer two years later. As you get to know Pence in the coming days, I suspect you'll find him to be a nice guy, a skilled politician and a sometimes-gifted communicator. He is all of those things. But in Indiana, one thing is clear: He never grasped the job of being governor. He was too political and ideological for a job that requires pragmatism. His focus was on the next step up, and not the job at hand. Matthew Tully is a columnist for the Indianapolis Star. SHARE By Gloria Johns We're all in mourning about the police shootings in Dallas this month, and now what has occurred in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We have now had a front-row seat to the horror of these atrocities. These law enforcement killings are what being unmercifully hunted like an animal and executed without cause, or judge and jury, looks like. This is what it looks like when you're preyed upon for merely being who or what you are. As many so rightfully suggest, a change of heart would go a long way in helping us care more for each other, and it was heartening to see post-shooting videos of an integrated outpouring of support for law enforcement. There is a sense that we all have been victimized and seek to heal each other. But the beast that divides us cannot be slain without first recognizing that it exists and, second, that finger-pointing continues to bring us to the precipice. For example, Donald Trump seized the moment to politicize the tragedy by criticizing Hillary Clinton and President Obama. And it didn't take long for Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to call the protesters "hypocrites" for running away while law enforcement rushed into harm's way. In reality, protector and protected were actually playing the roles as prescribed police being sworn to protect. And although the shooter was in no way associated with Black Lives Matter, Rudy Giuliani, who has not had many shining moments since 9/11, directly blamed the Black Lives Matter movement for the Dallas attack. Even the moniker "Black Lives Matter" was once again criticized as being inherently racist. My understanding of this phrase draws from the Bible when Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor." Far be it from me to interpret God's word, but I'm sure he wasn't suggesting that only the poor are blessed. Rather, Jesus called for equality for the poor who were starved, often beaten, and left to die in the street. That is my understanding of the message of Black Lives Matter, and I'm going to trust that Jesus' words struck the right balance. And then a return barrage of reprehensible sentiments: Instigators took the opportunity to call for more violence against law enforcement. Unfortunately, perhaps that call has been answered by other attacks on police, just as the hateful rhetoric of Republican candidates against Muslims and gays likely incites violence against these groups. There is no justification for the murders of our law enforcement too many are dying in increasing numbers. But some have even callously suggested that law enforcement themselves were responsible for the attacks, having been complicit in their silence and protection of fellow officers who have consistently used the badge and gun to the detriment of people of color. Philando Castile, who was shot and killed by an officer in St. Paul, Minnesota, had been stopped by police at least 52 times in the few years leading up to his death. That number is even more significant considering that most of the stops were for minor offenses, giving one pause to wonder what really inspired such exaggerated attention from law enforcement toward this black man. Along with our best selves going forward, the conversation also should be civil. But without that conversation, we dishonor the precious lives that have been lost and mistakenly use good will to deceive ourselves, rather than heal. I want to be encouraged that the result of this chaos will be a coming-together of warring factions. But I can't base this hope on current reactions. For some it has already become a contest of not only whose lives matter most, but whose deaths matter most. In the end we come full-circle sorrowful, angry and still divided. The words of William Shakespeare come to mind signifying our past and what could be our future: "I, for winking at your discords too, have lost a brace of kinsman. All are punished." Gloria Johns is a freelance writer living in Austin, with dual residency in San Angelo. Contact her at glo_kel@yahoo.com. On Wednesday, in the afternoon, at the Australian Embassy Chancery Building, Paris, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC met and was briefed by Mr Brian Pontifex, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD). Also on Wednesday, in the evening, at Government House, Brisbane, the Honourable Chief Justice Catherine Holmes, Acting Governor of Queensland and Dr Arthur Preston hosted a reception in support of Wesley Medical Research where the Acting Governor addressed guests. Description GIS - 21 July, 2016: The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) organised yesterday, in the context of its 10th anniversary, a Green Customs Day whereby some 200 MRA employees planted a tree in an effort to make of the Customs and Port area a greener place and also launched a book on the History of Customs in Mauritius in the presence of the President of the Republic, Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim. The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) organised yesterday, in the context of its 10anniversary, a Green Customs Day whereby some 200 MRA employees planted a tree in an effort to make of the Customs and Port area a greener place and also launched a book on the History of Customs in Mauritius in the presence of the President of the Republic, Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, lauded the evolution of the MRA since its inception adding that the Authority has over a short period of time transformed its image as well as the public perception of the intricacies of revenue administration in accordance with world best practices. The President also commended the action of planting trees undertaken by the MRA besides its main role which is that of revenue collection. According to her, such endeavours need to be encouraged, nurtured, promoted and replicated by other organisations as well as inculcated in the generations to come. Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim also highlighted the importance of trees to mankind and appealed that planting a tree does not suffice but nurturing it and taking care of the plant is equally important. She further appealed to every citizen to make it a habit of planting at least a tree every year and nurture it. In conclusion she pointed out that by planting trees today we are planting the foundation for life for the generations to come. For his part, the Director General of the MRA, Mr Sudhamo Lal, spoke of instilling a green culture among the MRA employees as well as sensitising them on the importance of plants for mankind. He enumerated various eco-friendly initiatives implemented by the MRA since its inception among which the paperless strategy through the promotion of e-filing of individual income tax returns which reached 97% in 2015 and the launching of the Mauritius Trade Link which also goes in line with the dematerialisation of customs documents. Mr Sudhamo Lal, also recalled the strategy of the MRA towards the administration of taxes whereby he added that taxpayers are no longer seen as payers but rather as contributors to their own welfare. According to him, the next challenge is to effect a change in attitude from an obligation to pay to a willingness to pay which he said can only be done through the contribution of each and every one. It will be recalled that for the year 2016 revenue collection by the MRA amounted to Rs 70 billion. Description GIS 21 July 2016: I want to make it clear that coming up with the Police Complaints Commission Bill is not at all a blame against the police force. On the contrary, the philosophy behind the Bill is to enhance the already existing trust that the vast majority of the population has in our Police Department. I want to make it clear that coming up with the Police Complaints Commission Bill is not at all a blame against the police force. On the contrary, the philosophy behind the Bill is to enhance the already existing trust that the vast majority of the population has in our Police Department. This statement was made by the Prime Minister, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, at the National Assembly on 19 July 2016 in his summing up on the Police Complaints Commission Bill. The operation of this new institution will be guided by the five principles which the European Court of Human Rights has developed for effective investigation, namely: independence of the investigators; gathering of adequate evidence; prompt and expeditious conduct of the investigations; transparency in decision making; and the safeguard of the legitimate interest of the complainant in the process. According to the Prime Minister, this Bill will enhance the status of the Police Complaints Division by converting it into a full-fledged Commission; be a separate entity and will be a body corporate with its own staff, line budget and reporting obligations; and makes a specific provision for the Commission to promote better relations between the public and the Police. It is the duty and responsibility of any Government to do its utmost to uphold human rights. However, citizens should also be aware of their civic responsibilities and should know that any unlawful action which may jeopardise the social fabric will not be tolerated, underlined Sir Anerood Jugnauth. The proposed Police Complaints Commission, he added, will be in a position to set aside the many superfluous and unjustified complaints that are made against police officers and will have the necessary latitude to make appropriate recommendations to the Director of Public Prosecutions, if ever there is evidence that false accusations have been made against a police officer. The Prime Minister recalled that the Police Department has a workforce of more than 14 000 officers and therefore cases of indiscipline and abuse which are, unfortunately, inherent in human nature, are inevitable. The very purpose of this Bill therefore is not only to shield our citizens from these abuses, but to also act as a deterrent for the very few officers who, by their irresponsible behaviour may bring such a vital institution to disrepute, he said. Moreover, he expressed his conviction that an independent and effective police complaints system will enhance public trust and confidence in the Police whilst ensuring that there is no impunity for misconduct and abuse of authority by police officers. Government will also introduce a Police and Criminal Evidence Bill, announced Sir Anerood Jugnauth. The Bill will provide for codes of conduct that will regulate the conduct of police and other investigators and address a number of issues relating to criminal enquiries, including victims rights. (TNS) -- Glynn County, Ga.s basic police communications will soon become public again, a move that Chief Matt Doering said is in the best interest of the officers and the people they serve.Police communications went silent on June 8, when the Brunswick-Glynn 911 Center completed a $4.5 million upgrade from the old analog radio system to a more technically sophisticated digital system. In the process, county police and Brunswick Police went to encrypted channels, which blocked radio traffic to those with private emergency radio scanners.But the encrypted channels are not quite as reliable as the open channels at the outer perimeters of the radio airwaves, Doering said. To ensure the best communications possible for his officers, Doering said the county will soon switch to an unencrypted channel for basic communications among patrol officers and dispatchers.When you get on the outer fringes of the network the computerized encryption is not as clear as the unencrypted, Doering said. The non-encrypted was clearer, if it was just a little. Thats important to me because communications are critical to me in everything we do. So were going to decrypt the primary channel only.Doering said it is also good policy to be as open with the public as possible without hindering effective policing. He had said last month that the encrypting of police communications was part of the upgrade package and not a deliberate attempt to exclude the public.I believe in openness to the public, Doering said. The media and the people who want to go buy a digital scanner to hear our basic channels should have access to that. Ive always believed in open operations.Doering said it could take a month or more before those who own personal police scanners can hear county police traffic. All the departments radios have to be reprogrammed.But Doerings decision will come as good news to the private citizens who are avid followers emergency communications radio traffic, said Robert Tucker, manager of the RadioShack at 141 Altama Connector in Brunswick. As it was, the countys upgrade from analog to digital communications had caused a veritable run on the new digital radios needed to follow any emergency traffic.The new digital scanners are about four times the cost of the old analog radios. But Tucker found anxious customers waiting for RadioShack to open the day after the county switched, which coincided with a sale on the new digital radios at $299, a $100 savings.We had a line of customers out here, Tucker said. Thats something you usually only see on Black Friday or something. We only had 10 radios and sold out.Although Brunswick and county police cannot yet be picked up, the new digital scanners do broadcast communications for the city and county fire departments, the Georgia State Patrol, county animal services and the port authority police. Tucker has a handful of emergency radio owners who call him regularly to see if regular police scanner traffic is available.Some people are pretty passionate about it, Tucker said. I have a list of people who want me to call as soon as the frequencies are opened up. People like to be informed, thats one thing Ive learned. People want to know whats going on. Theyre concerned, and they want to help if they can.Brunswick Police Capt. Angela Smith said the department has no immediate plans to go with unencrypted frequencies.The upgrade put the Brunswick-Glynn 911 Center on a new system called P25, bringing the county in line with new Federal Communications Commission requirements and into compliance with standards of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials.Doering said police will continue to use encrypted channels when it is deemed necessary, such as in the service of warrants or when dangerous emergencies are unfolding.We dont want the bad guys to know were coming after them, Doering said. Nashville officials released their much-anticipated 2020 transportation plan Wednesday, offering a series of recommendations they believe will create a more efficient system of movement and better use of public space in the rapidly-growing city.Chief among those recommendations: the creation of a Metro Nashville Department of Transportation.As it stands the city has a planning department as well as a public works department. The region has a metropolitan planning organization too. But Nashville itself has no transportation department.(T)his contributes to stagnation in terms of innovation, commitment to complete streets, active transportation, and ultimately accountability to move Nashville forward, the report read, touting the need for the new office.Produced jointly by the city of Nashville, the Urban Land Institute, and former Chicago transportation commissioner Gabe Klein , the report offers dozens of strategies for the city.But this plan is unusual in its scope. Often cities and regions produce big, sweeping planning documents that are intended to cover timeframes of 10 years or more. Instead, in the new Gear Up 2020 document, leaders offer immediate, short-term steps the city can take in less than four years that are still expected to have big impacts.The recommendations come as Nashville, one of the fastest growing cities in the country, is rapidly adding population but also experiencing growing pains as a result of the expansion. It follows the high profile cancellation last year of Amp, the proposed bus rapid transit system that would have provided an east-west connection across the city.The new study warns that while Nashville is booming right now, there is a general uneasy feeling that the pace could quickly slow unless the region thinks hard about the way it grows.The study is worth a look, even for those who dont have a stake in Nashville. Thats because, in many ways, the plan could be applied to many (if not most) medium-sized, rapidly growing Sun Belt cities. It offers insights on how cities that came of age in the era of automobile can pivot to the more pedestrian-friendly preferences of todays consumer. At the same time, it outlines incremental steps that can be achieved without decades of work or massive amounts of funding.Among the recommendations is a vision zero goal increasingly popular in cities across the country that strives to eliminate traffic deaths. It also highlights the need for equity within public spaces, more compact and mixed-used development and public-private partnerships.The outline also warns that the city is not competing effectively for dollars with the regional MPO and stresses that bold plans are often shelved in favor of incremental, or little change. It proposed the new city-level DOT office as a way of addressing both hurdles.Interestingly, the plan urges leaders to foster an entrepreneurial spirit in government by establishing a DOT enterprise fund that would allow the new department to potentially generate revenue from undervalued resources such as parking.The proposal also calls for taking another stab at a major transit system, despite Amps failure. It recommends that leaders finalize a plan to build regional support for an initial transit line segment. The goal should be to position the region to build something that will be successful in garnering initial support, through to ridership, allowing a larger system plan to be undertake, the plan reads. The end goal is to create walkable neighborhoods and business districts linked by high quality transit for longer trips (and) bikes for medium trips. The car becomes an option versus mandatory.Another interesting idea: the team said its worth studying whether existing parking facilities should be converted to affordable housing or open space. They argue that Nashville has too much parking, and as subsequent generations have less interest in driving, its time to rethink those garages and surface lots.It calls for developing an inventory of both publicly- and privately-owned parking facilities, calculating the value of each of those properties, and then overlaying that data with future growth. The idea is to consider how to convert lowest-use to highest and best use in a way that would benefit society and maximize returns.Check out the whole plan at nashville.uli.org After two and a half years at the helm of New York Citys digital revolution, Chief Digital Officer Jessica Singleton is stepping down to pursue an MBA at Harvard Business School but describes in a post on Medium that she is not saying "goodbye," only "see you soon."Hired by Mayor Bill de Blasio as the citys digital director, she has shown her competence in connecting citizens with government tech services, and made NYC an attractive home for bourgeoning tech companies.Singletons accomplishments can be broken down into three basic categories: human capital and talent, access and infrastructure, and governments own innovation. On each front, significant progress has been made.Training the citys next generation of tech workers has been a huge priority for Singleton and the city. In September 2015, de Blasio announced $80 million in funding for all public schools in the city to teach computer science and the basics of programming . The city also has tripled the Tech Talent Pipeline , expanding the program for another 1,000 New Yorkers.Another major initiative has been the conversion of telephone booths to Wi-Fi hot spots. The LinkNYC project delivered free gigabit speeds across the five boroughs, and numerous companies have committed to expanding operations in the city, including Google, New Lab and WeWork.Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was the release of the NYC Digital Playbook , a commitment and strategy to building an interactive and innovative host of digital services. The playbook showcases the citys technology principles while outlining how to make the city even more attractive to tech companies."By doubling-down on our commitment to openness and creating a formal pipeline from government to New York City's incomparable tech and design community, Singleton said in an email toupon the playbook's launch, we will serve New Yorkers in a smarter and more effective way.This is paired with NYC Alpha , an evolving beta portal to deliver online services to constituents that Singleton described as a place where officials can test out new ideas, get feedback from the public, and blog weekly on whats working and what isnt. Jules Bianchi was enduring a "difficult time" in his relationship with Ferrari when he crashed at Suzuka in 2014. That is the claim of F1 veteran Felipe Massa, as the sport this week marks the one year anniversary of the tragic death of the former Marussia driver. Bianchi, 25, was widely regarded as a Ferrari driver of the future when he speared off the track in fading light during the 2014 Japanese grand prix. Massa agreed: "He was a driver who should have had the chance to race for Ferrari. At the time, there was talk that he could go there and that they were talking. "He was having a difficult time in his talks with Ferrari," the Brazilian, who drove for Ferrari for eight years until he was dropped at the end of 2013, told UOL Grande Premio. "But his talent was clear. I always thought he was a driver who could be very successful in F1," added Massa, who was close to Bianchi as they shared a manager in Nicolas Todt. At the time of his ultimately fatal crash, Bianchi was the leading member of Ferrari's driver development academy. (GMM) Monisha Kaltenborn has declined to confirm or deny reports it is Marcus Ericsson's Swedish backers who have bought the Sauber team. The Swiss outfit announced on Wednesday that it will be fully acquired by a Swiss-based group called Longbow Finance, resulting in the retirement of founder Peter Sauber. "As a Swiss company, we are very pleased with having secured the future of a Swiss presence in a highly specialised and innovative industry," said Longbow's Pascal Picci. But the Swiss newspaper Blick claims that Longbow is in fact powered by Tetra Laval, a Swedish multinational headed by billionaire Hans Rausing that already finances Sauber driver Marcus Ericsson's seat. "On the background of the purchase agreement, we do not comment," Kaltenborn, who remains team boss, told the newspaper when asked about the Tetra Pak rumours on Thursday. She also would not say what Longbow has paid for the team, which will continue to be called Sauber. Kaltenborn admitted: "Of course I am very relieved and happy that we found a solution. It is certainly one of the best days in my tenure as team boss. "Now we need to stabilise as a company and then move forward step by step. "Having a competitive car as soon as possible is one of the key strategic objectives," she added. "But giant leaps should not be expected this season. "The challenges remain enormous, but now at least they are positive challenges." Kaltenborn also would not comment on claims that, with Ericsson's backers now owning Sauber, the 25-year-old Swedish driver's career is at least secure. "As I said, we will analyse and discuss all of this in the next weeks. We only ever do contracts for one year with drivers," she insisted. (GMM) The F1 paddock remains split on the issue of radio restrictions, as the FIA further tightened the rules ahead of the Hungarian grand prix. In a shock move following recent criticisms, the governing body on Thursday revealed a further clarification. The headline is that a driver like Nico Rosberg at Silverstone who is told about a problem must now pull into the pitlane during a race to have it fixed. "The rule is now clearer than before," a Mercedes source told Auto Motor und Sport. But Williams' Valtteri Bottas isn't sure, arguing that some teams may choose to ignore the pitlane instruction and instead push for a Rosberg-like post-race time penalty. "At the moment it looks like it's better to take the penalty," said the Finn. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel pulled no punches at all, blasting the "b------t" radio rules. Force India team manager Andy Stevenson is also confused, revealing: "We checked all the radio messages after Silverstone and there were more than 15 cases that should have been punished too." He also warned that the new clampdown will drive up costs, with engineers now having to rewrite some software. And Williams technical chief Pat Symonds is also surprised with the FIA's latest rule tweak, declaring: "We wanted the radio ban to be somewhat relaxed, so what does the FIA do? "They make the rules even more strict." (GMM) Kathleen Parker (column, July 11) was quick to believe Philando Castiles girlfriends version of what happened when he was shot, but its just what she said. Parker heard the F word from the officer but didnt mention hearing him say, I told him not to do it. Why would he say that had he asked for his ID? Sounds like he thought he might be going for his gun. The video of Alton Sterling showed two officers trying desperately to subdue him. Had he not resisted arrest, it would have turned out differently. Why be quick to place blame on officers who lay their life on the line almost daily? They cant wait until someone pulls a gun, then try to protect themselves. Do you think they might possibly fear for their life? Should they just let them go so we can have a society of offenders running free because theyve learned if you resist, the officer will let you go? Parker wants us to imagine a young black man being taught to be extra careful around police. How about we imagine police being able to do their job without a battle ensuing? How about we begin to pray for this? Barbara Hege Greensboro Town Players / Contributed photo Sight Unseen, a drama presented by the Town Players that explores questions about art, money and love, opens Friday, July 22, in Newtown. Don Margulies play tells the tale of Jonathan Waxman, a wealthy artist who is so renowned that collectors buy his works sight unseen. His father has recently died, and though hes successful and happily married, he struggles with self-doubt and longs to recapture the feelings that first inspired his artworks. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GREENWICH - In 1900 American chestnuts were one of the hallmark species of large trees in forests of the northeastern United States. Growing up to 100 feet tall, they were common throughout Connecticut, provided vital food to local wildlife and plentiful hardwood lumber for construction projects. They were robust in stature, number and range. At least until they werent. This tree was decimated by the blight, said Greenwich Land Trust Conservation and Outreach Director Steven Conaway. Between 1900 and 1950 three to four billion trees were killed by blight, a disease caused by an Asian bark fungus that was accidentally introduced when Asian chestnuts were brought across the ocean. Now, Conaway and the land trust are using an acre on Burning Tree Road to take part in a national effort spearheaded by the American Chestnut Foundation to bring the American chestnut back from the brink. A $15,000 fence, funded by private donors, protect 368 trees, each costing hundreds of dollars and a lot of time and effort on the part of scientists, Conaway said. The seeds they used the product of 33 years of research and development were cross-bred with the Chinese chestnut for resilience, a process Conaway calls plant sex, basically. Our ultimate goal is to repopulate American Chestnuts, he said. The trees planted by the land trust in Greenwich are two years old. By the time they are five, they will be purposely infected with the same blight that wiped out billions of their ancestors a century ago. Conaway estimates that up to a third of the trees will die. Those that dont, will be resilient to the disease. They will be allowed to grow tall right where they are planted. Squirrels will take the fallen nuts away from the trees, bury them in new places and forget about them, Conaway said. Those trees will grow and be resistant to blight too, beginning the long process of repopulating the forests of Greenwich, which will then spread to the wider Northeast. This is the first planting in Fairfield County. We want to be at the forefront, Conaway said during a tour of the sanctuary, just north of Dingletown Community Church, this week. The chestnuts here are going to stay here. This site is perfect for growing American chestnuts When the Land Trust first planted the trees in long rows two years ago, there were 394. Due to stress and drought, 26 of them have since died. The trees currently range in height from two to about five feet. Their growth is expected to soon take off at a rate of as much as five feet a year. They arent producing chestnuts yet, but when they do hundreds of spiny shells will occupy the floor of the field. These are the urchins of the forest, Conaway said. American chestnuts are smaller than Chinese chestnuts, which are generally what humans use for eating, Conaway said. Instead, American chestnuts are vital for wildlife, and thats why the Land Trust is so concerned about them. The blight that wiped out so many chestnuts across the country a century ago was first noticed just south of Greenwich, in the present day Bronx Zoo. From there the blight initially spread south, but didnt take long to wind its way back up north and take out Greenwich trees, Conaway said. The cleansing of American chestnuts a hardwood from forests in the area created an abundance of lumber. Conaway said this is why many houses built about 100 years ago are made of chestnut. The species was not completely eradicated because many essentially dead trees were still able to produce small sprouts at their base. Small pure chestnuts can be found, but they are rare and often do not live to an old age. The American Chestnut Foundation donated the tree seeds to the land trust. Labor, on a parcel owned by the trust, was performed by volunteers including from Scarsdale, N.Y.-based Emerald Tree and Shrub Care and the Greenwich Land Trust Youth Corps, a group of teenagers the organization hires each summer to get them thinking about conservation-related fields. The project was co-sponsored by the Greenwich Tree Conservancy. pfrissell@hearstmediact.com; @PeregrineFriss GREENWICH Greenwich Hospital has won a national nursing award. Less than one in ten hospitals received the designation from a national nursing agency. From the hospital: - Greenwich Hospital has received the prestigious Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), placing it among the approximately seven percent of the more than 5,600 hospitals nationwide - and one of only six in Connecticut - to achieve this distinguished honor. Magnet designation is the highest honor of nursing excellence that any hospital can achieve. Greenwichs Magnet designation is the culmination of several years of preparation and commitment to evidence-based nursing practices and patient care through quality improvements as well as interdisciplinary collaboration. The Magnet designation recognizes Greenwich Hospital at a national level for the excellent patient care and clinical outcomes we witness every day. Our motto of Exceptional Nurses, Exceptional Care accurately reflects the level of expertise and dedication of our nursing staff throughout every corner of the organization. This achievement is a testament to our culture of excellence, said Susan Brown, RN, MSN, executive vice president of Operations and Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer at Greenwich Hospital. This honor underscores Greenwich Hospitals ongoing commitment to provide the best possible patient experience, said Norman G. Roth, the hospitals president. Magnet designation provides the ultimate benchmark for patients and their families to measure the quality of care they can expect at a hospital. The hard work and dedication of our nurses ultimately elevates the work environment of all staff and physicians. The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes healthcare organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional practice. To achieve Magnet status, Greenwich Hospital submitted a comprehensive Magnet manuscript in February that included scores of documented examples of nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes at Greenwich Hospital. In June, four Magnet appraisers spent three days at the hospital assessing patient care and outcomes. Magnet hospitals must undergo re-evaluation every four years to retain the designation. According to ANCC, healthcare organizations that achieve Magnet status are better equipped to attract and retain top talent; improve patient care, safety and satisfaction; foster a collaborative culture; and advance nursing standards and practice. Vietnam tries to find its feet in world of free trade New-generation free trade pacts will force Vietnam to wake up and shake up. Vietnam is likely to stand to benefit the most from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, U.S. President Obama said last April during his visit to Vietnam. Free trade and open markets, however, will require the Southeast Asian country to make difficult economic and structural adjustments, the Vietnam News Agency reported. Vietnam is an important player In a decade, the Pacific trade deal will boost Vietnams gross domestic product by 11 percent, news provider Bloomberg cited trade experts as saying. The TPP will slash an estimated 18,000 tariffs among its 12 members. As a result, Vietnams exports may jump 28 percent in the same period, and the country's low labor costs will make it an attractive outsourcing hub. Much of these gains will go to the countrys rapidly growing apparel and footwear sector. According to the Eurasia Group, Vietnam may record a 50 percent increase in garment, textiles and footwear exports in the next 10 years. The TPP will also play a vital role in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), and Vietnam is expected to see a huge surge in FDI inflows following the TPP, said Oliver Massmann, chief executive of the Duane Morris law firm. He even forecast the country will rise to become a leading country in Southeast Asia over the next decades. Pharmacy hub According to Koen Kruijtbosch, vice chairman of EuroChams Pharmaceutical Sector Committee, Vietnam has the potential to become a pharmacy hub in the region, but this will require government support. The country should relax industry rules, allowing 100-percent foreign ownership in pharmaceutical companies and implementing stricter intellectual property protection, Kruijtbosch added. Vietnam cannot afford to miss out on the benefits of the TPP, said Victoria Kwakwa, the World Banks Regional Vice President for East Asia and Pacific at a workshop last month. If Vietnam isnt well prepared for the trade pact, it will not only lose market share in the fastest growing region in the world, but also pass up on the opportunity to boost economic reform, the World Banks senior official added. Major economic and structural reforms High-standard new-generation free trade agreements like the TPP will require Vietnam to make significant economic and structural changes. These changes will include stricter environmental and labor standards, fairer business and investment conditions and more comprehensive restructuring of state-owned enterprises. Experts suggested the Vietnamese government should adjust polices to pivot around the private business sector and conduct a comprehensive reform of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). In doing so, Vietnamese policymakers need to change their mindset, developing laws to support and promote businesses rather than monitor and control them. Vietnam started selling shares in SOEs in the 1990s in an attempt to bolster its economic reform. So far, the government has sold its stakes in 90 percent of state-owned companies. And in the face of both prospects and challenges under a variety of free trade agreements that Vietnam has signed in recent years, the Southeast Asian country is trying to accelerate the privatization of state-owned firms. The World Bank suggested that because Vietnam has too many SOEs, the government should only retain its stake in about 20 parent companies by 2035. After being either partly or wholly privatized, SOEs will no longer be able to get massive state subsidies, as well as cheap credit and land use rights, which will level the playing field with private companies. The TPP will also encourage the Vietnamese government to enhance transparency to create a favorable investment environment to attract foreign investors looking for such conditions and strong rules, which are among the most important commitments in new-generation free trade agreements. Another thing that the Vietnamese government can do to seize the benefits of new-generation free trade pacts is improve transport infrastructure, said Herb Cochran, executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam. Better transport infrastructure will help Vietnamese companies save costs and increase their competitiveness, Cochran added, referring to the fact that Vietnam will gradually move up the global value chain when domestic businesses can compete in more advanced and developed markets. Vietnamese businesses cannot leave all the work to the government without lifting a finger, said lawyer Oliver Massmann. He said local companies should understand the commitments that Vietnam has made under the TPP, and all the benefits and challenges that the trade pact may bring in the future. Vietnamese businesses should also work with the government to develop business policies. Local Vietnamese businesses have become more aware of the TPP agreement, according to a survey conducted by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). About 88 percent of respondents have heard of the TPP and half of them have carefully studied the trade pact. Nearly 90 percent plan to improve their product quality, utilize technological innovation and gain access to new markets in the next three years in an attempt to get themselves ready for the TPP. Nguyen Huu Dat, an official from the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetables Association (Vinafruit), said trade associations should work with government authorities to set up an organization to support and protect Vietnamese exporters. The Vietnamese government has confirmed that the newly-elected national legislature intends to ratify the TPP trade deal at its first plenary session taking place from July 20 to August 9. Related News: > Vietnam to ratify TPP trade deal by August 9 > Vietnam to approve TPP this year, but all efforts may be in vain > Vietnam to shake up supporting industries to seize TPP opportunities GREENWICH For the second year in a row, two Greenwich High School students have been selected as regional finalists in the Google Global Science Fair. Rising junior Shobhita Sundaram and rising senior William Yin were selected from among thousands of global entries as two of the 100 finalists from around the world. I had a feeling that those two would do well, said GHS teacher Andrew Bramante, who taught both students in his independent honors science research course last school year. I was not surprised. To enter the course, students pitch a research idea to Bramante and must be selected as one of his 48 yearly students. Often working on weekends and holidays, Bramantes students spend the academic year developing their research projects with the intention of entering them in science fairs in the spring. Yin joined the course in his sophomore year, he said, of because of his deep love of science. Two years ago I had no idea how to conduct research at all. I wanted to be a musician or a writer. The freedom thats offered in the research class enticed me, said Yin.I wanted to build whatever I dreamed up. That really drove me to apply. Yins project in the Google science fair is a band-aid like sensor that, when placed on the neck, can detect the build up of arterial plaque in the body in as little as 30 minutes. The build-up of arterial plaque is the leading cause of death globally, in part because of lack of early detection. Through my readings and research, I was surprised to find that there doesnt exist any sort of test for the early diagnosis of atherosclerosis thats affordable to the common consumer, said Yin. The tests that currently exist tend to cost upwards of hundreds of dollars. Yin wanted to develop a lost-cost test; the sensor he developed only costs $5. He is currently working on obtaining a patent on the sensor. Yins project won him first place in the biotechnology category of the Connecticut science fair and the Grand Prize in Medicine from The International Sustainable World (Energy, Engineering, and Environment) Project. Last year, he did a cancer study on how to deliver cancer therapeutics and minimize the growth environment of tumors, which won him top honors in the Connecticut State Science Fair. Sundarams project is also health-focused. She created a computer prediction model that allows researchers to predict the value and use of new cancer treatment drugs before actual testing. Her program has already verified the usefulness of current chemotherapy drugs. Sundaram attended Cornell Medical School last summer where she took courses to learn the machine language that she used in her project. Bramante had anticipated that Sundarams project would be recognized by Google. She is so articulate. She is independent, said Bramante. I had a feeling the Google people would see the value (of her project) because its just more innovation, its different and it involves computers. The next steps for Yin and Sundaram are interviews with Google over Google hangout, an internet messaging, voice and video site about their projects. if they pass that hurdle, they move on as one of 16 global finalists, an announcement Google will make in mid-August. If chosen as global finalists, they would travel to Google headquarters in California to compete for the Grand Award in late September. In 2015, GHS students Margaret Cirino and Olivia Hallisey were selected as Google regional finalists. Hallisey went on to win the 2015 Google Science Fair Grand Prize for her project, a quick, inexpensive and accurate detection of the Ebola virus that does not require refrigeration. Hallisey won a $50,000 education scholarship from Google. Bramantes research course has produced an impressive number of award-winning projects in the past 10 years. Twenty-three of his students have been invited to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair as a result of their first or second place finishes in the Connecticut science fair. Twenty of his students were recognized by the Intel Science Talent Search and three have won grand prizes from ISWEEEP. I almost look to these kids to teach me, said Bramante, because as much as you learn through jobs and experience, I am learning with them because these are all new things. The hard part for me is to keep up with them or keep just slightly ahead of them so that I look like I know what Im talking about. He said that if Sundaram and Yin become Google global finalists, he will pay to fly to California with them. Last year, I didnt go. This year, if it happens again, I might find some money to go, said Bramante. Its just that cool. emunson@hearstmediact.com; @emiliemunson This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Asian Tiger mosquitoes capable of transmitting the Zika virus, have been trapped recently in Bridgeport and Stratford the governor announced Thursday but the insects were not carrying the virus. The presence of the insect aedes Albopictusis is not a surprise, since it has been found in recent years along shoreline communities from Greenwich to New Haven. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said during a news conference at the state Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven. We have established a registry for pregnant women who have contracted the disease, Dr. Raul Pino, commissioner of the state Department of Public Health, told reporters. So far no one has been born with any birth defect. We do not expect mosquito transmission in Connecticut. If local transmission were to occur in Connecticut, more likely it would be sexual. West Nile virus currently remains a larger threat to public health, with a total of 130 cases reported over the years, including three fatalities, Pino said. Last year, Bridgeport was the states hot spot for West Nile, with 10 reported cases. Statewide, 31 people have tested positive for the Zika virus and all of them had traveled to Central America, South America and Caribbean countries. Three Zika patients are pregnant. Thus far we have found no mosquitoes infected with Zika virus, said Theodore G. Andreadis, director of the experiment station. However we have already detected one batch of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus. These were collected in Stamford. The experiment station uses specialized traps to capture , along the shoreline. Malloy warned homeowners to explore their properties for potential water-catchment areas, to eliminate places where mosquitoes can breed. This is going to be, by all appearances, a big year for West Nile in the state, particularly the waterfront communities, he said. kdixon@ctpost.com; Many have been spending their vacation in hospital. More than 70 tourists have been hospitalized in the popular resort town of Phan Thiet with symptoms of food poisoning such as abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. A group of 800 tourists from the Saigon Food Joint Stock Company were visiting Ham Tien-Mui Ne in the central province of Binh Thuan on a tour operated by the Rong Viet travel company. The group was staying in several hotels in Ham Tien Commune. The group had a party at a restaurant in the commune on the evening of July 18 that included hotpot, chicken and fish. At midnight the same day, about 50 victims were hospitalized, and the next morning many more with the same systoms were rushed to hospital. Victims at the hospital. Photo by VnExpress Doctor Nguyen Thanh Dung from An Phuoc Hospital said the victims had suffered from food poisoning but were all now in stable condition. Some victims have been discharged but many others are spending their holiday in hospital. Police said they are investigating the case. Phan Thiet is a bustling port city about 200 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City. The city has become a favorite destination for tourists with its beautiful beaches, kite-surfing, white sand dunes, colorful fishing villages and fish sauce. Mui Ne's fishing fleet. Photo by sophia_lim28 Related news: > Dozens of tourists hospitalized due to suspected food poisoning in Vietnam's resort town Understaffed and overworked, employees say. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images Its been a rough past half-year for Chipotle employees interacting, day in and day out, with a string of angry or worried customers, all while executives were, at times, dumping their company shares and doing lines of cocaine. One big consequence of the E. coli outbreak was that the company had to cut hours, and employees who initially understood why that needed to happen (for a while, it was looking like employees could probably run whole stores solo) are now wondering whats up. A new petition on the site coworker.org states that stores are busier yet still seriously understaffed, and that this shortage has started crushing workplace morale, running off top workers, and affecting customer service. The petitions creator, a Massachusetts employee named Daniris Pacheco, writes that a lot of two-person jobs have turned into a one-person nightmare. Believe it or not, lines at stores have gotten longer, she says, but service is in steady decline, a problem compounded by the fact that Many of our top performers left to find jobs that appreciated their hard work. Normal workdays sound like a mess: We barely ever get to open the fax line, which provides speedy service to those who order online or via telephone. Because of the lack of staffing it has left us with many negative monthly reviews. For example, during the night shift, it is said that our peak rush hours are between the hours of 6 and 7pm when in fact our rush hour can extend very well near 10pm most nights. Some of us often leave work without taking our breaks. Busy workers cant do store upkeep, either, which then drags out closing down at night. The letter, which is at 1,086 signatures and counting, warns the company is squandering its second chance at being [customers] favorite go-to lunch and dinner establishment. Its timed to Chipotles latest earnings report, which will come out later today. One of BlackBerry's new Android-powered smartphones coming in the next few weeks or months has just passed the FCC. We're talking about the device that's been codenamed Hamburg, and which got its specs leaked in May through a benchmark run. The same model received its Wi-Fi certification last month. This will be a mid-range offering, and it's very likely to be just a rebranded version of the alcatel Idol 4. The one leaked image we've seen so far showed us a design that's identical to that of the Idol 4, and now the FCC reveals that the Hamburg has a 2,610 mAh battery - and yes, that's exactly how big the Idol 4's battery is. BlackBerry Hamburg (STH100-2) at the FCC The FCC has also confirmed that TCL is making the Hamburg. The Chinese company manufactures smartphones under the alcatel brand, and it's been rumored to have entered some kind of partnership with BlackBerry earlier this year. Well, it looks like we're about to see the first fruit of this collaboration - the new BlackBerry-branded clone of the alcatel Idol 4. This should have a 5.2-inch 1080p touchscreen, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 chipset, 3GB of RAM, 16GB of built-in storage, a 13 MP main camera, and an 8 MP selfie snapper. It will probably run Android 6.0 Marshmallow. It might even become official next week. Via These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. The Ministry of Health penalized more than 15,000 staff in the first half of 2016 after complaints from patients and their families. Data from the ministry shows that during the first six months of 2016, some 4,000 phone calls were made to its hotline, of which 40 percent were complaints about health equipment and facilities, 28 percent about the examination process and 15 percent related to the attitudes of doctors and nurses. The costs of related services like car parks, canteens and funeral homes are said to have been fairly high as there are no specific rules governing them. In response, the ministry has dismissed five people, demoted seven top officials, transferred 50 to other positions and issued warnings to 15,800 staff. Well eliminate any scabby sheep that can spoil the whole flock, Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien said at meeting on July 19. The minister added that hospitals should invite individuals and companies to provide related services and involve the public in the decision-making process, without specifying how the process would work. If suppliers aren't approved by the public and fees start to climb, hospital managers will be held accountable. The Ministry of Health has a hotline at 1900-9095, so anyone can phone in to make a complaint, even about small problems like parking fees, Tien added. Vietnam is in the process of improving customer care, and positive results have been seen over the last year. The results of a survey revealed that 70.1 percent of patients received clearer instructions about examination procedures while 69.1 percent said that they were treated with more respect. Pham Van Tac, head of the Bureau of Organization and Personnel under the ministry, said that hospitals in the south have transformed more than those in the north. Related news: > My left foot: Surgeons at major Vietnam hospital operate on patients wrong leg > Teenager who lost leg due to alleged doctor negligence files compensation claim > Hospitals and the death business Microsoft has announced that it will be dropping support for the older versions of some of the operating systems for Skype. The applications has evolved to support a lot of new features over the years and understandably some of these platforms can no longer support them. That, or Microsoft just doesn't want the hassle of providing support for so many platforms out there, which is also understandable to an extent. The first platform to get the axe is Microsoft's own Windows Phone. Skype will only support Windows 10 Mobile and will drop support for Windows Phone 8.1 and 8 starting October 2016. Next is Android, where devices running older than Android 4.0.3 will no longer be supported on the latest Skype 6.2. However, you can run the older Skype 4 on devices running Android 2.3 and above. Lastly, the Skype 7.0 for Mac client will only work on macOS 10.9 (Mavericks) and above and older versions will have to use the web client after October 2016. Source The very first cases to be deported, but apparently, not the last. Da Nang's municipal administration on Wednesday deported and slapped fines on four Chinese tour guides who were working illegally in the central city. Tran Chi Cuong, deputy director of Da Nangs Department of Tourism, said that the four guides had violated Vietnamese law for entering the country and working without permission from relevant authorities. As a result, they have been fined VND94.4 million ($4,200) in total and told to leave Vietnam. Nature Love Co.,Ltd, which hired the guides, also had its business licenses revoked and faces a fine of VND12.5 million ($560) for employing illegal workers. The Department of Tourism is also working with other authorities to handle the case of the Vietnamese owner of the company, who allowed a legal Chinese representative to run the business. On July 6, the city slapped a fine of VND120 million ($5,400) on six Chinese people who entered Vietnam on tourist visas to work illegally as tour guides. It is estimated that there are currently about 60 illegal Chinese guides working in Da Nang for travel companies registered to Vietnamese owners but actually run by Chinese people. Some of these guides even spread lies about Vietnams history, refuse to use the Vietnamese dong and burned Vietnamese money at a bar in June. Related news: > Da Nang publishes booklet asking Chinese tourists to behave > Vietnam to punish obnoxious Chinese tourists and guides > Illegal Chinese tour guides spread lies about Vietnamese history Published on 2016/07/20 | Source Korean movie opening today 2016/07/20 in Korea "Train to Busan" (2015) Advertisement Directed by Yeon Sang-ho With Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok, Kim Su-an, Kim Eui-sung, Choi Wooshik,... Also known as "Busan Bound" Crank in : 2015/04/26 Crank up : 2015/08/19 Synopsis "Train to Busan" is about the zombie appearance on a KTX headed for Busan. Produced by Yeon Sang-ho, an animation producer with a firm fan base. Festival Cannes 2016 Midnight Screenings Beware, thieves! The new generation of Jackie Chans is on the case. Youths who volunteer for the tourist protection force in Saigon will be equipped with motorbikes, walkie-talkies and cameras, and receive martial arts training to work at tourist hot spots. The city will also increase the number of volunteers and security forces stationed where disorder, overcharging and robberies are common, as well as at festivals and fairs. Information about laws and regulations will be included in the training program. In order to support volunteers financially, the city is encouraging businesses located in popular tourist spots to make donations to the force. According to the city's Tourism Department, over the past years, the tourism sector has contributed from 9-11 percent of the local state budget. However, many problems need to be solved, such as rip-offs and robberies. Last year, the department received diplomatic notes from Australia, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan reporting cases of their citizens being robbed in the city. Among them, 83 cases were Japanese citizens and 73 were Australians. The city has asked the government to establish a specialized police force to protect tourists. While the proposal is awaiting approval, the city will punish businesses and travel companies that con customers. Related news: > Saigon calls for vigilante spirit to fight rising crime > How to detect fake cops in Vietnam? Tips to help you avoid being robbed > Fake cops arrested after targeting tourists in Saigon robbing spree > How to swap a grenade for a bag of sugar in HCMC Crew members of the six illegal Chinese fishing vessels found in Quang Tri waters on Monday. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Tri Vietnamese forces have cut short another illegal incursion by Chinese fishermen in its territorial waters. Hundreds of Chinese vessels have been driven away or seized by Vietnamese border defense forces as the country continues its battle against illegal fishing activities in its exclusive economic zone. In the latest incident on Monday, a group of six Chinese fishing boats were chased from Vietnamese waters after the Vietnam Coast Guard detected them near an island off the central province of Quang Binh. Local border defense forces said they received information about the Chinese fishing vessels near Con Co Island, about 10 nautical miles from the ChinaVietnam Common Fishery Zone. The trespassers reportedly fled when they saw two high-speed boats from the Quang Binh Coast Guard approaching. The two vessels, carrying 16 Vietnamese military officers, caught up with the fishing boats shortly after. They recorded the incident and issued warnings to the fishermen, before escorting the six boats out of Vietnamese waters. According to local authorities, 24 Chinese fishermen were onboard the vessels, and none of them could provide identification or fishing licenses. In April, Vietnam seized a Chinese oil tanker disguised as a fishing boat in the Gulf of Tonkin near the northern port of Hai Phong. Related news: > Chinese vessels sink Vietnamese fishing boat near Paracel Islands > Vietnam sends patrol ships to drive Chinese fishing vessels from territorial waters > Vietnam drives off Chinese fishing boats for violating waters > Vietnamese fishermen defiant after latest Chinese fishing ban in East Sea Ventia Utility Services is facing enforcement action by the Fair Work Ombudsman after a group of overseas workers was threatened with dismissal if they joined a union. In a statement, the Ombudsman said the NSW-based services firm had shown sincere regret and agreed to overhaul its recruitment practices. Ventia previously known as Thiess Services works with government, industrial and commercial clients in Australia and New Caledonia. The firm purchased Thiess on 31 March 2015. In February 2011, Thiess formed a recruitment agreement with Prime Manpower Resources Development: a Philippines-based firm recruiting local staff to work in Australia. During recruitment, candidates were required to sign two contracts: a binding employment agreement with Thiess and a Master Employment Contract (MEC) with Prime which legally allows Filipino nationals to work outside the country. The workers were employed by Thiess on 457 visas after arriving in Australia in 2013. They were hesitant to join a union because one clause in the MEC permitted the firm to terminate staff engaged in union activity. After being redeployed or made redundant in October 2013, 10 workers contacted the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) which raised concerns with the Fair Work Ombudsman and Thiess, and claimed the MEC violated the Fair Work Act. Thiess told the Ombudsman it did not know the affected employees had signed the MEC and said Prime acted without prior authorisation. The firm sent out a letter of apology to the workers in October 2013, withdrawing the clause and assuring staff that union membership would not be punished. In its investigation, the Ombudsman discovered that Thiess had signed a blank MEC in February 2011 which Prime had later used as a template for future staff contracts. Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said that Thiess violated the adverse action provisions of the Fair Work Act by effectively forbidding staff to join a union. While this issue seems to have arisen because of poor governance rather than a deliberate attempt to deprive these workers of their rights, it was none-the-less in black and white in the employment contract and created genuine anxiety among the workers, she said. She added that the MEC was misleading by claiming the firm could terminate employees for union membership. The right of workers in Australia to join, or not join, a union is a fundamental freedom enshrined in the statute books, and we expect all workplace participants to uphold these rights. In the event that they do not, we take our role in upholding these laws very seriously, James said. Under the Enforceable Undertaking signed by Ventia, the firm is required to: Vietnam's lawmakers attend the opening ceremony of the first session of new National Assembly at Ba Dinh hall in Hanoi, Vietnam July 20, 2016. Photo by Reuters/Kham A raft of violations reflects Formosa's 'disregard for the interest of the Vietnamese'. A Vietnamese lawmaker has called on the National Assembly, the national legislature, to investigate the Vietnam unit of Taiwanese conglomerate Formosa Plastics Group that was held accountable for causing mass fish deaths along the country's central coast last April. Truong Trong Nghia, an outspoken deputy from Ho Chi Minh City, on Wednesday demanded that a committee be formed to investigate the responsibility of Formosa Ha Tinh Steel in the toxic disaster. "Formosa has been licensed to do business in Vietnam for 70 years but a raft of its violations have been uncovered during the very first years," Nghia told reporters on the sidelines of the opening session of the newly-installed National Assembly on Wednesday. "Such violations reflect Formosa's disregard for Vietnam's rule of law and the interest of its people." The Assembly has the mandate to set up such a committee to handle hot-button issues of the country but it has never exercised that power, Nghia said. In early April, large quantities of fish washed up dead near the Vung Ang Economic Zone in the central province of Ha Tinh. The disaster stretched 200 kilometers (124 miles) along the central Vietnamese coast, as far south as Thua Thien-Hue, resulting in the death of more than 70 tons of sea fish and 35 tons of farm-raised fish. Especially hard hit were Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Quang Binh and Thua Thien Hue provinces where thousands of fishermen lost customers or were forced to sell at a loss. In late June, Formosa Ha Tinh Steel admitted its $10.6 billion steel plant had been responsible for the massive fish deaths, pledging $500 million in compensation. Related news: > Vietnams police investigate provincial agencies following Formosa incident > Vietnam slaps polluting steel firm Formosa with $70 mln tax bill > Formosa apologizes for mass fish deaths, pledges compensation and changes Evaluating job performance can be subjective especially when looking as aspects such as levels of commitment, problem solving abilities or team work. As none of these things are easy to measure, management may be tempted to look at quantitative data such as the time staff spend working at their desks. The downside of taking this approach is that it is pretty easy to game the system, said one business expert. In 2015, a study by Erin Reid a professor at Boston Universitys Questrom School of Business found that many male employees at a leading consulting firm were just pretending to work the required 80-hour working weeks. Many men found unobtrusive, under-the-radar ways to alter the structure of their work (such as cultivating mostly local clients, or building alliances with other colleagues), Reid wrote in a Harvard Business Review article. This excessive number of hours was deemed necessary to become the ideal employee one who was always available for the job while being free from personal responsibilities and interests which could interfere with work. Reid calls this strategy passing when employees give the impression that they are really working while finding ways to scale back their true hours in reality. This tactic can manifest itself in extreme ways, she noted. One consultant she talked to was actually on a ski holiday while his manager thought he was at work. He told me: I skied five days last week. I took calls in the morning and in the evening but I was able to be there for my son when he needed me to be, and I was able to ski five days in a row. He clarified that these were work days, not vacation days: No, no one knows where I am. Those boundaries are only practical with my local client base Especially because were mobile, there are no boundaries. In another article for the Harvard Business Review, Reid and Lakshmi Ramarajan, an assistant professor at Harvard Business School, called for evaluating tangible results instead of hours worked. We propose that managers reduce the incentives for passing by encouraging people to focus on achieving their goals and measuring actual results rather than hours invested, they wrote. Managers can praise staff for the quality of advice provided, they suggested. Alternatively, manager could look at and respond to the number of repeat engagements secured. Other policy changes can be made even more easily. One employee we interviewed remarked that her current boss differed from her old one because he believed late nights were a sign that she was working inefficiently, and he discouraged them. Another employee said that her manager had let her allocate deadlines for the tasks she was expected to complete. This higher level of autonomy can encourage high-performing workers who may have passed on a particular task to follow through instead, Reid and Ramarajan said. The following information is provided by local law enforcement agencies. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Compiled by Jessica Isaacs The following were provided by the Watauga County Sheriffs Office. July 12 INCIDENT: An unattended death was reported at 306 Betsy Circle in Todd. INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 3764 Rominger Road in Banner Elk. ARREST: A female suspect, 47, of 134 Miller Drive in Boone, was charged with felony neglect disable/elder ser inj. Trial date: Sept. 7. July 13 INCIDENT: Fraud and larceny were reported at 311 Laurel Fork Road Apt. 1 in Vilas. INCIDENT: Fraud was reported at 381 Apple Way Road in Blowing Rock. INCIDENT: Fraud was reported at Boone Drug. INCIDENT: Assault on a female was reported at 501 Lucky Lane in Zionville. ARREST: A male suspect, 33, of 3581 Rush Branch Road in Sugar Grove, was charged with felony breaking and entering, larceny and possession of stolen property. Secured bond: $5,000. Trial date: Aug. 3. July 14 INCIDENT: Discharging firearm in unsafe manner was reported at 826 Presnell School Road in Banner Elk. INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 10675 N.C. Highway 105 S Unit 3 in Banner Elk. INCIDENT: Fraud was reported at 288 H Stanley Miller Road in Deep Gap. INCIDENT: Motor vehicle theft automobile and larceny were reported at 1438 Mountain Dale Road in Vilas. INCIDENT: An unattended death was reported at 125 Ski Crest Park in Blowing Rock. July 15 INCIDENT: Drug violations and breaking and entering were reported at 509 Hodges Gap Road in Boone. INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 146 River Way in Boone. INCIDENT: Breaking and entering a motor vehicle and larceny from motor vehicle were reported at 101 Leatherwood Road in Banner Elk. INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 100 Bennick Place in Sugar Grove. INCIDENT: Breaking and entering a motor vehicle and larceny were reported at 193 River Road 2 in Banner Elk. INCIDENT: Drug violations were reported at Radford Quarry on Bamboo Road. ARREST: A male suspect, 22, of 430 New River Heights Drive in Boone, was charged with felony possession of marijuana and misdemeanor simple possession of a schedule VI CS. Secured bond: $3,000. Trial date: Sept. 7. ARREST: A male suspect, 35, of 244 Devils Den in Banner Elk, was charged with FTA. Secured bond: $1,500. Trial date: Aug. 11. July 16 INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 353 Elk Lane in Deep Gap. INCIDENT: Fraud was reported at 1251 Ray Brown Road in Boone. ARREST: A female suspect, 36, of 1099 Bairds Creek Road in Vilas was charged with FTA. Secured bond: $1,500. Trial date: Aug. 18. July 17 INCIDENT: Breaking and entering were reported at 122 A Laurel Reach Lane in Boone. INCIDENT: Disorderly conduct was reported at 2815 N. Pine Run Road in Boone. INCIDENT: Larceny from buildings, breaking and entering and unauthorized use were reported at 125 Ski Crest Park Unit 1 in Blowing Rock. ARREST: A male suspect, 32, of 822 Ramsey Woodring in Todd, was charged with disorderly conduct. Secured bond: $500. Trial date: Sept. 7. July 18 INCIDENT: Breaking and entering and vandalism were reported at 177 Cool Springs Drive in Blowing Rock. INCIDENT: Vandalism and communicating threats were reported at 1110 Ford Road in Boone. INCIDENT: Larceny and drug violations were reported in a camper in Roan Mountain. July 19 INCIDENT: Simple physical assault was reported at 100 The Overlook Road Apt. 1 in Banner Elk. INCIDENT: Assault on a female and communicating threats were reported at 315 Monroe Herman Road in Banner Elk. INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 220 Alan Drive in Boone. ARREST: A male suspect, 49, of 315 Monroe Herman Road in Banner Elk, was charged with assault on a female and communicating threats. Trial date: Sept. 9. By Jesse Wood Minus a few days between the attacks in Nice, France, and the shooting of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, the flags at the Watauga County Sheriffs Office have been flying at half-staff since July 8, according to Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman. This July, the flag has flown at half-staff across North Carolina and the rest of the country on three separate occasions on the orders of Gov. Pat McCrory and President Barack Obama. Currently, the flag is flying half-staff to honor the lives of the three police officers in Baton Rouge who were killed on Sunday by Gavin Long, a former Marine who served in Iraq. In issuing this order to remain in effect through Fridays sunset, McCrory stated, This tragic incident involving the killing of police officers in Baton Rouge is another example of the danger our law enforcement officers face every day in communities across our nation. Ann and I are praying for the families of these fallen officers who were murdered while simply doing their job. Now more than ever it is time to show our support for those men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to protect us. In Avery County, Sheriff Kevin Frye recently wrote a 600-word post on the Avery County Sheriffs Office Facebook page after the dust settled in Dallas. Frye noted that social media and the 24-hour news cycle has caused the hundreds of thousands of officers to become targets of public outrage, convicted in the court of public opinion and not given the benefit of waiting on court and evidence. Last night I watched a debate where some are calling for the total disarming and dissolution of law enforcement, their idea was to let the communities take care of their problems and this lady was from the murder capital of the US, Chicago. I heard people say they were more afraid of the police than the gangs, which control sections of their cities, Frye wrote on July 12. Although I have empathy for people living in those conditions the facts, something often overlooked, do not bear out this type of reaction. Radical people and radical thoughts seem to get all the press, seem to get all the attention and seem to be heard more than those who try to use facts and common sense to try to find real solutions. It is going to take responsible journalist, responsible corporations ( Youtube, Facebook, Twitter etc) and responsible citizens to change the path we seem to be on and to keep from inflaming people with quick rash videos and provocative statements and political rhetoric. In closing, Frye mentioned how he and his deputies were greeted by dozens of folks while at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and received dozens of cupcakes and cards of support form the American Heritage Girls Troop NC 0516. He described how heartwarming it was when these folks offered their support and talked about how much they respected the efforts of law enforcement. We as law enforcement know we are supported by the vast majority of citizens and I want to thank you so much, Frye wrote. Share this: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pocket Peter Thiel on Foreign Policy By: David Henderson Thiel, who supports gay marriage, plans to say that although he does not agree with all the policies in the official GOP platform, he believes fighting over cultural issues such as bathroom bills is a distraction from more important matters. Thiel intends to make the case that the most paramount challenges facing the country center on the economy and foreign entanglements. He strongly opposes an expansionist military policy and plans to say that he agrees with Trump that the United States should avoid unnecessary wars. This is from Matea Gold, Peter Thiel plans to make history as first GOP convention speaker to announce that he is proud to be gay, Washington Post, July 20, 2016. HT2 Tyler Cowen. Just when I think theres nothing to like about Donald Trump, I see him holding back on risking war with Russia. Heres how the editors at the Wall Street Journal put it in an editorial titled The GOPs Putin Confusion: This week Republicans were given a glimpse of the GOPs changing foreign policy during a platform fight over language regarding Ukraine. A delegate proposed an amendment that called for the U.S. to provide Ukraines military with the lethal defensive weapons it needs to protect itself from Mr. Putin. But in the end that was watered down to a more milquetoast appropriate assistance. This is a telling change because it shows the subcommittee that edited down the language seemed to be worried that the call to give Ukraine lethal weapons (the only kind that will make a difference) would be too provocative. Thats the same argument that President Obama has used to justify withholding lethal aid, and its a victory for Mr. Putin. Its wrong on the merits because the Russian will keep pressing Ukraine until the price becomes too high. Lethal aid would raise that price. A friend who has been following the Republican convention more closely than I have tells me that it was the Trump forces that pushed for watering down the language. Thiel is a strong supporter of free markets. The above picture is of Ed Stringham, Thiel, and me (Im the one with the white hair) at an annual meeting of the Association for Private Enterprise Education. The lift and escalator manufacturer reported yesterday that its second-quarter operating income increased by approximately 7.2 per cent year-on-year to 348.6 million euros, equivalent to 15.3 per cent of its net sales of 2,273 million euros. Henrik Ehrnrooth, the chief executive at Kone, points out in a press release that the value of new orders remained at a high level of 2,068 million euros despite declining by 5.7 per cent at historical and by 1.9 per cent at comparable exchange rates. The decline was largely attributable to the continuing economic slowdown in China: Kone recorded an increase in new orders in all regions except for China, where orders declined significantly, according to Ehrnrooth. He adds that the second-quarter performance of the lift and escalator manufacturer was nevertheless roughly in line with the overall market in China, as although new equipment volumes did not decline as much as in the first quarter, pricing pressures in the market intensified. Ehrnrooth is pleased with the overall performance of Kone. Our strong execution and profitable sales growth continued during the second quarter, he says. I am particularly pleased to see solid service sales as well as significant growth in our modernisation orders in the quarter and in the first half of the year. This is a good basis for continuing our work towards the target of further accelerating the growth of our service business. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Martti Kainulainen Lehtikuva The support will be spread over a several-year period and will be used to re-build areas re-captured from the Islamic State (IS), the terrorist organisation also known as Isis, Isil and Daesh, to distribute humanitarian aid and to clear mines, indicates a press release from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs . Finland has decided to grant an additional ten million euros in financial support to Iraq. Post-conflict stabilisation is now needed in the areas re-captured from Isil in Iraq, Kai Mykkanen (NCP), the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, says in the press release. Support is necessary on several tracks: immediate humanitarian assistance, clearance of mines and unexploded ordnance, and short and medium-term projects to restore the critical infrastructure. The financial support, he adds, was granted in order to offer returning Iraqis the opportunity to have a future in their home country. The spiral of acrimony and violence must be broken, states Mykkanen. The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) estimated in May that the security situation in Iraq has improved to the extent that it is possible for asylum seekers to return to the country without being exposed to a threat to their life or well-being. Finland has also held negotiations with Iraq over the forced returns of unsuccessful asylum seekers. The effectiveness of forced returns, however, has been called into question by for example Timo Soini (PS), the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Roni Rekomaa Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi She also insisted that she is not considering challenging the incumbent chairperson. Sanna Marin, a deputy chairperson of the Social Democrats, has revealed in an interview with Uusi Suomi that she has been urged to announce her bid to succeed Antti Rinne at the helm of the Social Democratic Party. Several people have enquired whether or not I'm ready for a leadership campaign, but for me the question is irrelevant at this point in time, she said. Helsingin Sanomat reported earlier this week that some members of the opposition party are prepared to jettison the incumbent chairperson and have pledged their support to Antti Lindtman, the chairperson of the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group. Uusi Suomi was unable to reach Lindtman for a comment on Tuesday. Helsingin Sanomat also wrote that those disillusioned with the current leadership have asked practically every viable candidate to challenge Rinne. The daily identifies Tytti Tuppurainen, a second-term Member of Parliament from the electoral district of Oulu, Timo Harakka, a former journalist and a first-term Member of Parliament from the electoral district of Uusimaa, Erkki Tuomioja, a former Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Susanna Huovinen, a former Minister of Health and Social Affairs, as other possible candidates for the position. Both Harakka and Tuppurainen stated, however, that they are not considering running against Rinne. The discontent is widely believed to stem from opinion polls showing a decline in voter support for the Social Democrats. YLE reported recently that support for the party dipped by 1.9 percentage points between June and July, allowing the National Coalition to overtake the Social Democrats as the second largest political party in Finland. Challenging the reform of health care and social welfare services should be a priority for the Social Democrats in the upcoming parliamentary term, according to Marin. I support the incumbent chairperson in those efforts and I'd prefer if the discussion revolved around issues rather than people, she added. Marin estimated that offering a sustainable social vision that appeals to a wide variety of people is vital for the popularity of the Social Democrats. We have to reform the industrial structure of Finland, offer protection amidst changes in the working life, find answers to combat climate change and tackle inequality, she listed. Party members with leadership aspirations must announce their candidacy before the party conference of the Social Democrats in February, 2017. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Roni Rekomaa Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi Commissioners urge ban on refugees The Henderson County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday approved a resolution urging a ban on refugee resettlement in the county a couple of hours after speakers condemned the resettlement program as a threat to security. Related Stories A fledgling effort by St. James Episcopal set off a negative response from the elected leaders and a strong condemnation from county residents who said the refugees pose a threat to safety and a drain on local and state resources.A number of areas would be affected, Commissioner Grady Hawkins said as he explained why he drafted a resolution urging Gov. Pat McCrory to resist any resettlement in North Carolina. The first one that comes to my mind is the schools. We already have information that over half the children in elementary school are on the free or reduced lunch program. To add more to that number certainly would be a burden. St. James Episcopal Church was considering participating in the refugee resettlement program, WLOS-TV reported, and Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk told the station she supported the effort. Councilman Ron Stephens raised concerns about it, saying it wasn't clear that the refugees would be adequately vetted. Refugees would compete for the extremely limited supply of affordable housing and for jobs, Hawkins said. I think its imperative we take care of our own citizens here before we look at the needs of other countries, he said. Its annoying to me that this whole process begins with the United Nations and the United Nations I dont think in my mind has any authority at all dictating who comes into Henderson County as refugees. Seventy percent of them stay on welfare. The agencies that relocate these folks provide them funding for only three months and after that theyre on the taxpayer rolls for education, medical assistance and other needs, he said. Secretary of State John Kerry has said nowhere is there a greater hotbed of incubators for these terrorists than Syria and we want to import 10,000 of them, he added. Speaking during the open comment period at the start of the regular meeting, residents implored the commissioners to stop the resettlement program. The real underlying truth is were at war with this seventh century religion and its aim is to take us over, Robert Heltman said. Our own president is part of the problem working like mad to bring more and more people who are trying to destroy us. Commissioners unanimously approved the resolution and agreed with an amendment by Commissioner Charlie Messer to disseminate the document to all 100 North Carolina counties ahead of the annual meeting of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners next month. This will be a good way for other counties to sign on to this, Messer said. Because the federal government pretty much does what they want to do unless they hear from the people. Man charged in theft of narcotics from hospital Related Stories Law officers charged a 44-year-old Wadesboro man with the theft of narcotics from a locked container in a secured surgical area of Park Ridge Hospital. Charged with felony breaking and entering, felony safecracking, and felony larceny after breaking and entering was Marc Hayes Thompson. The charges stem from a July 4 incident where Thompson is suspected of stealing narcotic medications after breaking into the cabinet. Thompson was arrested Wednesday and jailed in Randolph County on a $50,000 bond.No court date has been set for Thompsons charges in Henderson County. LOCAL BRIEFS: Hot Dog World, Bearkitten fundraiser, Street Dance Hot dog king Steve Katsadouros presents a $1,000 check to David Cook, director of Interfaith Assistance Ministry, for the IAM New Building fund. Hot Dog World customers and staff, along with Steve and Dora Katsadouros, donated the money for the new IAM fa Related Stories Valley Hill, aging agency win grant for fall prevention Valley Hill Fire Department and the Henderson County Council on Aging won a 2016 North Carolina Regional Remembering When conference scholarship. The Remembering When program, sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association, focuses on fire safety and fall prevention for older adults. Training through the Remembering When conference will provide the team with materials and information geared to help Henderson County residents reduce injuries and deaths related to fire and falls among older adults. Upon completion of the training, the Council on Aging and Valley Hill Fire Department will work together to provide presentations to older adults in Henderson County, train staff members on fire and fall prevention, and perform home visits specifically geared towards the Remembering When program. Working together with the Council on Aging for Henderson County will enable Valley Hill Fire Department to better connect and educate the older adults that live in our community so they can continue to live independently at home in a safe environment Valley Hill Chief Tim Garren said. With photo Appalachian Fire will perform Monday at the Street Dance, a Hendersonville tradition since 1918. CONTRIBUTED Street dance features Appalachian Fire Hendersonvilles Street Dance on Monday, July 25, features Walt Puckett as caller, Appalachian Fire and the Mountain Thunder Cloggers. The 98th annual Street Dance has been a favorite tradition in Hendersonville since local citizens took to the streets to welcome home the soldiers from WWI. Appalachian Fire features traditional bluegrass and first-rate picking on song selections that range from contemporary and classic bluegrass tunes to gospel standards. Mountain Thunder Cloggers, Western North Carolinas largest recreational precision clogging team, have performed at many regional festivals including Bele Chere, the Mountain State Fair, Farm City Day and the North Carolina Apple Festival. Bring a chair; admission is free. The dance is from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Visitors Center, 201 South Main Street. At 6:30 p.m., caller Walt Puckett will teach audience members basic Appalachian square dance steps so everyone can join in the fun. For additional information call Henderson County Tourism Development Authority at (828) 693-9708, 800-828-4244 or visit www.visithendersonvillenc.org. HES kicks off healthy fundraiser Hendersonville Elementary School kicks off its Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds event on Friday, July 22. The annual fundraiser culminates Friday, Aug. 5, with the 3-Mile Cubcat CRAWL. The race starts and finishes on the school campus with registration check-in at 5:30 p.m. (Rain date is Friday, August 12. Strollers are welcome. Please no bicycles or pets.) Pre-registration is $15 for adults and $5 for grades K-12. Those registered by Friday, July 29, get a free T-shirt. Late registration fees are $20 and $10. Make checks payable to: HES PTO. This is a non-sanctioned race for fun and exercise. A clock will be available during event, but times will not be recorded. The Cubcat CRAWL is sponsored by the PTO. Proceeds go to buy needed items that benefit the school. Come early and let your kids have fun in the HIPP ZONE, provided by Camp Tekoa. Donation suggested for entrance. HIPP will be selling pizza from Iannuccis to benefit the playground. Popcorn, sno-cones and drinks will be available for purchase. Registration Forms are available at hendersoncountypublicschoolsnc.org/hes or at the school. New Directions leaders to speak at Table Talk New Directions leaders will discuss a new ministry during Table Talk at Hendersonville Presbyterian Church, 699 North Grove St., on Wednesday, July 27, at 5:25 p.m. The public is invited and there is no charge. New Directions, through its Mustard Seed Project, provides single mothers with professional Christian counseling, financial assistance for housing, legal assistance for divorce, financial counseling and restorative retreats. Founded in 1996 by Bridget and David Walls, the ministry works to restore children and families through the gospel of Jesus Christ. For those who would like to attend dinner (small charge), reservations are required. Call the church office at (828) 692-3211. Arredondo wins grant from Self-Help bank Self-Help Credit Union announced the winners of its education scholarship for students active in their community. With 18 credit union branches each selecting a $500 winner, Self-Help awarded a total of $9,000. This is the second year Self-Help has sponsored the scholarships. The winner sponsored by the Hendersonville branch, at 855 Spartanburg Highway, was Jorge Ammi Martinez Arredondo. Self-Help, a community development credit union and lender headquartered in Durham, has provided more than $7 billion in financing to 112,000 families, individuals and businesses underserved by traditional financial institutions. It serves more than 58,000 members across North Carolina. In recent months, Bahrain has been cracking down on dissent, activists, journalists, and political opposition, primarily targeting members of the Shia community and arguing that criticism of the government promotes sectarianism and threatens national unity and security. Recently, the police re-arrested human rights activist and outspoken government critic Nabeel Rajab on accusations of spreading false news. Furthermore, travel bans have been placed on civil society actors and journalists, including reporter Nazeeha Saeed, in addition to activists planning to attend this month's UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The government also announced that it revoked prominent Shia cleric Shekikh Isa Qassims citizenship without giving him the opportunity to appeal that revocation in court. In June, authorities suspended the activities of the main opposition political society, al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, and froze its funds. Then, on July 17th, Bahrains High Civil Court ordered al-Wefaq to be dissolved on accusations of undermining the state, spreading sectarianism, having connections to terrorist activities and building a new generation that carries the spirit of hatred. The partys assets are to be liquidated and all proceeds transferred to the national treasury. The July 17 court decision is subject to appeal. The United States is deeply concerned by the decision of a Bahraini court to dissolve the opposition Al Wefaq political society and liquidate its assets, said Secretary of State John Kerry in a written statement. The governments recent steps to suppress nonviolent opposition only undermine Bahrains cohesion and security, as well as the regions stability. These actions are inconsistent with U.S. interests and strain our partnership with Bahrain. They also contradict the governments stated commitments to protecting human rights and achieving reconciliation with all of Bahrains communities, said Secretary of State Kerry, while also regretting the missed opportunity of Wefaqs boycott of November 2014 elections and acknowledging the real security threats that Bahrain faces. [The United States] call[s] on the Government of Bahrain to reverse these and other recent measures, return urgently to the path of reconciliation, and work collectively to address the aspirations of all Bahrainis. This is the best way to marginalize those who support violence, and bring greater security and stability to the region. For our part, the United States will continue to support steps by all sides to advance a political dialogue. Marta Herda is accused of murdering Csaba Orsos by driving him into the harbour at Arklow Picture: Collins A car driven into the sea was used "as an instrument of murder", a murder trial has been told. The prosecutor was giving his closing speech in the trial of a woman accused of murdering her colleague by driving him into a harbour, where he drowned. Marta Herda of Pairc Na Saile, Emoclew Road, Arklow, Co Wicklow is charged with the murder of 31-year-old Csaba Orsos on March 26, 2013. The 29-year-old Polish waitress has pleaded not guilty to murdering the Hungarian at South Quay, Arklow. Brendan Grehan SC, prosecuting, told the Cental Criminal Court that the prosecution's contention was simple and straightforward, that Ms Herda had deliberately driven into the water. Intention "Whether she did it on the spur of the moment or thought about it beforehand is irrelevant," he said, explaining that the intention for murder could be formed at the time. "Someone overheating, losing the run of themselves can commit murder," he explained. He said that the prosecution case relied to a large extent on circumstantial evidence. "In this case, it's the prosecution's contention that a car driven into the sea was used, in effect, as an instrument of murder," he said. He said that, as well as having the facts, the jury could draw inferences. "If you see a door wide open in a house in the early hours of a morning . . . you might well think that person, whenever they went out through the door, must not have intended to go away, but must have intended to come back in," he said. The court heard that Mr Orsos' front door was found open after the incident. He said the CCTV evidence showed Ms Herda's car driving from the direction of her home towards the area where Mr Orsos lived around 5.30am that day. It was not in dispute that Ms Herda was the driver and was alone. He noted that an eyewitness said the woman was on the phone and animated. He said that critical phone evidence showed that Ms Herda rang the deceased three times that morning. "She's last on the phone to Csaba Orsos at 5.37," he said. He noted that a nightwatchmen heard a car driving at speed down the quays around 5.50am. "He mentioned that a brake-mark, measuring 13 foot 6 inches, was found at the scene. "It was brought about as the result of a hand brake applied in the car," he noted. "We don't know who applied the handbrake, but we do know that it, like in most cars, was between the passenger and driver seat." He noted that the driver's window was the only one down. He reminded the jury that Ms Herda was found soaking wet in very light clothing on a bitterly cold night when it was snowing. He also pointed out that Ms Herda was a good swimmer and knew that Csaba Orsos could not swim. He then moved on to Marta Herda's own words. "He shouldn't have been there. I drove the car into the water," she told a paramedic that morning. "He didn't think I'd do it," she told a nurse. Nodded A doctor had asked if she knew what would happen when she went into the water. He said she nodded and said that she knew he couldn't swim. Mr Greham said that one of the key questions in the case was how Mr Orsos came to be in the car with her. "There is such a convenient loss of memory as to that critical matter," he said. "She claimed to the gardai that she can't remember how he came to be in her car or even phoning him, but she can remember everything up to that." He said the prosecution case was that she acted with deliberate intent when she drove off the pier and asked for a verdict of guilty of murder. The jury will hear from the defence this morning. Ireland will have to contribute an additional 280m to the EU budget due to our heavily-distorted growth figures, Finance Minister Michael Noonan confirmed. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) revealed last week that the Irish economy grew by a massive 26.3pc in 2015 - more than three times the original estimate. Experts dismissed the massive revision as "Leprechaun economics" and a "farce" as it relates to the activities of Ireland's complex multi-national sector. Even Finance Minister Michael Noonan said October's Budget would be based on growth of around 5pc, as the revised figure provoked a bemused international reaction. But as the figure pushes up the value of the Irish economy, at least on paper, then the amount of money we must contribute to the EU Budget also rises. EU contributions are significantly determined by a country's GDP. Mr Noonan said the increase is around 380m, but added that "mitigating factors" meant it would actually be around 280m higher than what had been previously estimated. "We currently estimate the impact of the Central Statistics Office revision on our EU Budget contribution for 2017 at about 380m," Mr Noonan said, in response to a parliamentary question from Fianna Fail. Mitigating "However, other mitigating factors mean the overall increase in the EU budget contribution is now estimated to be in the order of 280m, when compared with the forecast underlying the Summer Economic Statement. "It must be emphasised that the final impact depends on a number of variables, including the size of the overall EU budget for 2017 (which is not due to be agreed until November 2016) ... and other EU budget developments." The colossal increase in GDP was due in part to some very large foreign companies reinventing themselves as Irish companies to benefit from our low corporation tax rate. Large purchases by aircraft-leasing firms based here were also a factor. The Department of Finance said the increased contribution to the EU will not impact on the 'fiscal space' available - around 1bn for the 2017 Budget. But Fianna Fail finance spokesman Michael McGrath said the GDP figure had "lumped us with a bill of 280m" and greater engagement with Eurostat is now needed. Speaking to RTE, he asked what impact it will have on the Department of Finance. "My understanding is that they are going to have to engage now with the EU commission, for example, to see if it will have any impact, so it's not absolutely certain," McGrath said. TV3 has sparked speculation that it may have poached Bill Malone from RTE as its new Director of Content. One of the national broadcaster's most experienced executives, Malone is currently Channel Controller for RTE2, a role he's had for the past three years. However, the Herald can reveal a move could be on the cards after he was linked with Lynda McQuaid's former job. The role would propel him into overseeing all the programme decisions for TV3 and its new addition to the group, UTV Ireland. "This could be a big move, as there's massive investment going into TV3 from Virgin Media," said a source. "He has so much experience and he would be bringing all that talent and background knowledge to TV3. He would be a huge asset for the organisation." A former Commissioning Editor, Malone has been behind some successes for RTE2, including the decision to commission the popular First Dates Ireland series and the Voice of Ireland. Proven During his lengthy tenure there, he has also worked on some of its flagship shows, including the Saturday Night Show and Mrs Brown's Boys. An award-winning documentary maker, the 46-year-old Waterford native previously produced the Late Late Show and also worked on Prime Time. He was appointed Channel Controller for RTE2 in March 2013. At the time, RTE's former TV MD Glen Killane said he had "an innate understanding of Irish audiences and a proven track record in delivering high-quality public service programming across a wide range of genres." Both RTE and TV3 have declined to comment. Prominent independent social researcher and political commentator Kem Ley was shot and killed in Phnom Penh on Sunday, July 10th. Let me share my condolences for the dead. I condemn this brutal act, Prime Minister Hun Sen said in a Facebook post later that day. He also called on authorities to take strong action in the case and try to control and strengthen security in order to protect the safety of people across the country. In a Facebook post Sam Rainsy, the President of the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party, strongly condemned the killing. Mr. Kem Ley was a dignified son of Cambodia who actively participated in the fight for democracy and justice for the Khmer people, he wrote. I never thought that I was going to live long, Mr. Ley reportedly said. One day, I might die or be shot to death. But as long as I live, I will say what the others dare not to. No one can buy me or make me not speak out. We are deeply saddened and concerned by reports of the tragic killing of prominent Cambodian political commentator Dr. Kem Ley, said John Kirby, Assistant Secretary and State Department Spokesperson, in statement released July 11th. We offer our sincere and profound condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. The United States, he said, is following developments in this case closely, noting the Cambodian governments call for an investigation, and urge that authorities ensure this process be thorough and impartial. The United States stands with the democratically-elected government in Turkey, after an attempted military coup that took place on July 15 and 16. According to the Turkish government, over two hundred people were killed during the failed attempt, and more than 1400 were injured. At a news conference in Brussels, Secretary of State John Kerry called Turkey a NATO ally and a key partner. We stand squarely on the side of the elected leadership in Turkey, said Mr. Kerry, noting that both he and President Barack Obama had stated their support for the democratically-elected Erdogan government as the attempted coup began to unfold. But Secretary Kerry also urged the Government of Turkey to uphold the highest standards of respect for the nations democratic institutions and the rule of law. We will certainly support bringing the perpetrators of the coup to justice, but we also caution against a reach that goes well beyond that and stress the importance of the democratic rule being upheld. Thousands of people in the military, the judiciary, and other areas have been detained in Turkey in the aftermath of the coup. The Erdogan government has raised the concern of the United States and other countries over a crackdown on journalists and opposition media outlets. In May, State Department Spokesperson John Kirby urged the government to abide by its constitutional and OSCE commitments to fundamental principles of democracy, including due process, judicial independence, and freedom of expression. These principles are key elements of every healthy democracy and are enshrined in the Turkish constitution, Mr. Kirby had said. At a press briefing this week, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner emphasized that there is no justification for the attempted overthrow of a democratically-elected government like Turkey, and he reiterated U.S. support for the Erdogan government. Mr. Toner noted, however, that in the aftermath of political upheavals, there can be an impulse by countries to overreach, and he urged Turkeys leaders to remain mindful of the democratic values they and the Turkish people hold dear. ELKO Nevada Connections Academy is hoping to change the way students in the state experience education. The academy teaches the same curriculum approved by the Nevada State Board of Education but presents the lesson plans in the form of online classes. Interactive video, from teachers allow students to ask questions about the lesson as they would in a traditional classroom environment. During a recent information session, Nevada Connections Academy teacher Reva Rindy said the school has expanded its enrollment since its start in 2007 and the flexibility offered with the online curriculum appeals to a wide variety of students. We have a wide variety of families with different circumstances. Sometimes they travel a lot or their student is in a sport that requires training during the day, she said. Even though the academy allows students to work from home, parents of students will not be responsible for teaching the lessons. Instead, academy teachers do what they can to remain in regular contact with their students remotely. Rindy said the level of communication takes the teaching responsibilities away from parents and allows a higher level of accountability than if the student was home schooled. The teachers are the ones who actually do the teaching, she said. We have virtual live lesson rooms where the students meet the teachers to go over confusing concepts and we do a lot of phone calling. But because were a public school were held accountable that way. One of the students present at the information session, Rachel Ahrens, said she had been home schooled from the beginning but thought the academy may provide her the structure she needed while allowing her to still study from home in Spring Creek. My mom wanted me to be home schooled until college but I really wanted to get more structure, she said. Ahrenss mom, Juliana Ahrens-Grenber, said she chose to home school all of her children so she could remain active in their lives. Juliana wasnt too excited about giving up teaching responsibilities but said she wanted to give her daughter options in regards to her education. I want to give my students the freedom of choice, she said. This is something she wants to explore so Im going to allow her to do it if thats what she wants to do. Kindergarten through eighth grade principal at the Nevada Connections Academy Heather Engelhardt said even though the majority of the students in the academy come from cities there is the potential for the academy to appeal to families in rural areas as well. Engelhardt pointed out that parents will still have access to teachers, while students will be able to enjoy field trips, socialization and other activities without having to adhere to the rigid daily schedule of a traditional school. The idea of that for a rural community is quite attractive, she said. Those interested in Nevada Connections Academy can find out more about the school at connectionsacademy.com. County cross country: Hubs sweep titles, boys score a perfect 15 North Hagerstown claimed both team championships and had both individual champions, with the boys achieving the first perfect score in meet history. Alice Goicoechea volunteered her time and ranching knowledge to the community for over six decades. However, she will always be linked with the Elko County Fair through her 25 years as a board member for the Elko County Fair and Home Arts Supervisor. Alice Marie Larios Goicoechea was born Oct. 23, 1926, to Benito and Daniela Larios on the Diamond A Ranch in Jarbidge, growing up with ten brothers and sisters. When she was a teenager, she moved to Elko and worked at the Star Hotel for her uncle and aunt, Pete and Matilda Jauregui. Alice married Elias Goicoechea in 1944 and moved to the Holland ranch where they raised their four children, Albert, Dolores, Larry, and Carmen. At the ranch, Alice developed her reputation for cooking and hosting large dinners for ranch hands and family holiday gatherings. Later, she would give cooking demonstrations at the Cowboy Poetry Gathering and for Great Basin College events. Believing that community involvement was important, Alice encouraged family participation in political events, livestock associations and local organizations. She was a member of the Nevada Cowbelles and became president of the Wool Growers Auxiliary. Teaching sewing for 15 years for 4-H groups, Goicoechea also prepared students for state and national competitions in the Make It Yourself with Wool contests. Alice dedicated most of her time as a volunteer for the Elko County Fair Home Arts Division, becoming the supervisor for over 25 years. In 1985, she became the first female member of the Fair Board. Of the many improvements she and fellow volunteer, Della Martney, made was to beautify Home Arts and Flower buildings and picnic area. Alice also suggested that creating space for vendor and food booths by closing off part of the street in front of the fairgrounds, which brought additional revenue to the fair. Recognizing her 25 years of service to the fair, the Goicoechea Home Arts Building was dedicated in her name in 2002. Six years later she served as grand marshal of the Fair Parade. In the livestock industry, Alice was honored by the Nevada Sheep Industry Women and named Elko County Cattlewoman of the Year. 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/ Jingru Bai teaches Madrid taxi drivers Chinese. JAIME VILLANUEVA (EL PAIS VIDEO) Around 10 taxi drivers sit patiently and attentively, looking curious, in the Madrid classroom of Jingru Bai, a teacher of Chinese language and culture. "Ni hao" (Hello in English) is the term theyve learned best so far which will help them sound warmer and friendlier when welcoming Chinese tourists to the Spanish capital. In addition to new words, Bai is also teaching them gestures and nonverbal methods of communication that will likely be familiar to the tourists, such as avoiding physical and direct eye contact. In 2015, 110,000 Chinese tourists visited Madrid alone a 41% increase on the year before while 400,000 visited Spain overall, according to Chinese tour operator Chinese Friendly International. Spain's highest-spending tourists Chinese tourists spend an average of 1,800 on a trip to Spain, 140 more per day than other travelers, according to tour operator Chinese Friendly International. While in Madrid they tend to visit the capital's most important museums (the Prado, the Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen) along with major monuments such as the Royal Palace. They also frequent the luxury shops in the upscale Salamanca neighborhood. Most taxi-users are experienced travelers visiting Spain for the second time. This recent increase in the number of Chinese tourists has led the company MyTaxi to offer language and etiquette lessons to its drivers, many of whom have been excited to undertake the project. I want to be able to treat them as pleasantly as possible, so thats why Ive come to this class today, since there are times where you dont really know how to interact with them, says Agustin Munoz, a 53-year-old driver, who attended his first lesson in July. In addition to the one-hour in-person class, which drivers voluntarily attend to learn the basics of Chinese history, culture and language, they can also elect to take a 15-session online course to continue honing their language skills. The initiative is trying to encourage a more personalized treatment of Asian tourists, explains Antonio Cantalapiedra, CEO of MyTaxi in Spain and Portugal. Taxi drivers are advised never to say four because its pronounced almost exactly the same as the Chinese word for death I have learned completely new things that I had no idea about before, like the numbers, which they count from one to 10 with the fingers of just one hand, explains 52-year-old German Pena, who during the class took photos of every explanatory slide with his cellphone. I saved all the notes on my phone so I can use them later as reminders at home, he adds. Professor Bai emphasizes the need to understand the numbers to be able to communicate the price of the ride. While Bai explains, the drivers faces display surprise at certain moments of the lesson, such as the advice that they never speak the word for four because its pronounced almost exactly the same as the word for death. The initiative began last year and has been adopted by other cities such as Seville and Barcelona. Last week saw the first session of the summer here in Madrid, but the course will continue into the coming weeks. Among the newcomers, returning student Esteban Lopez is already applying what hes learned to greet his passengers: They feel more comfortable. I dont make any gestures that they could interpret as obscene, or that they wouldnt like. They just appreciate the gesture. 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 Allison Light. Last week, four Dailt men were stripped, tied and beaten up in Gujarat for skinning a dead cow. On Wednesday, a top BJP leader in Uttar Pradesh, Dayashankar Singh, compared BSP chief Mayawati to a prostitute. These are two more additions to a long list of incidents that prove biases run deep in this country. YS Alone, professor at the School of Arts and Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and a strong voice on Dalit issues spoke to Hindustan Times on the reasons behind increasing caste violence and why political leaders only pay lip service to the Dalit cause. KD: Rajnath Singh condemned the Gujarat incident. Is that enough? YSA: As a minister of home affairs, he will do so. But will he do anything to change ground realities? For example, the protesters, mainly the Ambedkarites, are always booked under the National Security Act (NSA). Can the minister change such a scenario? Will he provide caste figures of the NSA arrests or publish the caste census? Will he allow changes in the police practices? Will he ask caste-Hindu politicians to be democratic and follow the Constitution and not the irrational belief and sacred practices? Politics is confined to power and not to bring any social change, thats the irony of this nation. KD: Is the Una violence against Dalits and protests in Gujarat surprising? YSA: The Una violence has got coverage because of media; it is not new, many such incidents have happened in other states. It is not an isolated incident; the public beating is a reminder to the Dalits that they have to live under fear and are secondary citizens of the Republic, even though equality as is a fundamental right of all citizens. But caste-Hindu citizens dont think about equality, their ingrained hierarchy and hate generate two equalities, one for themselves, and another for their caste-duties. KD: Could this round of protests flag off a new phase of caste struggle in Gujarat? YSA: This round of protests is a sign of unrest that is exists in Gujarat and other parts of India. The Dalits demand constitutional justice. India is in a perpetual and constant denial of constitutional justice. Khaps exist in rural Gujarat the way they exist elsewhere. The Gandhian syndrome of the state has produced constant denials when it comes to atrocities and inhuman nature of behaviour of the so-called spiritual caste-Hindus. The atrocity data is a testimony to this fact of life of this democratic nation. KD: There is a view that Patidars protests for quota benefits and OBC status is spurring caste clashes. Would you agree? YSA: The Patidars have been frontrunners in all anti-reservation agitation in Gujarat. Though there is a constant re-configuration of the caste pattern within the larger caste-Hindu society, but their attitude towards Dalits remain the same. Ambedkar does not figure in their ideological change. The Patidars have been the most influential community in Gujarat. There is one fundamental question which one has to address at the moment, why there is a consistent demand for job reservation from many social groups? It means that reservation becomes constitutional guaranteed means of representation. Why Patidars do not question the wisdom of their claimed leaders of so-called national struggle? Social suffocation is just an upper layer that does not become a weapon to change internally. The roughness that exists with many caste-Hindu caste groups including the Shudra caste-Hindu is so enormous that they deem violence is their right. The religious ethos of spirituality is just another paradigm of ignorance and their reality is that of psychotic behavior because caste is a psychotic perversion. Dr Ambedkar has stated that caste is a perversion of Varna. Caste is a psychotic perversion. Perversions have been legitimised as sacred. KD: National crime statistics show that violence against Dalits is on the rise in India. Is this an administrative/political failure or cultural/social failure? How can this state of play change? YSA: It is indeed true that statistics has shown increased violence against Dalits. However, it is not increase but increase in reporting and complaints lodged by the Dalits. Earlier, many complaints even would not be registered against violence, but today, because of spread of consciousness, administration is forced to record complaints against Dalits. Police and general administration has always been very insensitive when it comes to issues of atrocities against the Dalits. Failures have to be blamed to cultural and religious belief systems. The caste-Hindus think that they have every right to perpetuate violence on the scheduled caste community. As long as the scheduled caste community remains subjugated, live under fear and does not demand equal right, the caste-Hindus find it alright but the moment Scheduled caste demand rights, equality and constitutional justice, he/she is punished, all kinds of means are used to inflict violence, to an extent of public elimination/termination of life. Such is the nature of society. Often many Indians claim to be a nationalist and show patriotic gestures towards country, however, same set of people do not show any kind of action or be part of transformative politics. The one who claims to be nationalist should care for each and every citizen of this nation, but the Dalits and tribals are always treated as that of others. Things can change if people mainly the caste-Hindus including the Shudra caste-Hindus realise how their claimed cultural practices are hindrances to equality and constitutional justice. Ambedkarian ideas and principle is the only solution to end such menaces. Ambedkarisation of Indian society is the only solution. KD: Is the ban on cow slaughter pushing Dalits to the brink? YSA: Anti-cow slaughter laws have been enacted in many states; it shows the mindset of the state legislator as to how their ideas have been controlled by religiosity of sacredness. I wonder why the same State and its followers do not do anything to prevent atrocities against the Dalits and tribals. Killing of human being becomes secondary in such legislations whereas a particular animal becomes primary concern, its an irony. Those who wish to prevent cows should do without legislation and government funds; let the government money be used for the education and other purposes. KD: Some Dalit commentators believe that economic growth/development can erase caste discrimination to a great extent.. YSA: This is a recent idea that has been advocated by few individuals who are not voice of the society. It is their prerogative and democratic right to think on those lines. I do not think that mere economic empowerment will end caste as well as hate. As I said, caste is a psychotic perversion, will economic well being stop such perversions? Solution lies in Ambedkars Annihilation of Caste, which should be the agenda. No non-Ambedkarite political party has courage to take this agenda. It requires courage and for that, the age-old practice of hate, anger and violence will have to be put in the dustbin. Larger cultural change is required. Belief systems will have to be discarded totally. Caste discrimination operates on ideological level. So far economic growth has not brought any ideological and cultural change. The only change it has brought in India is Sanskritisation/Brahmanisation of society. Such a change is harmful to make society to believe in constitutional ethos and make nation a proud place to live or even to have shared aspirations. @kumkumdasgupta SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON From the mask that Hrithik Roshan donned in Krrish (2006) to the one that Salman Khan wore for his film Kick (2015), all have been popular. In Indias rich cultural tradition where masks are as popular in Indian folk and martial dances (such as Kathakali and Chhau) as Bollywood an ongoing exhibition of 33 masks from Mexico, will transport you to a carnivalesque setting. Titled Masks of Mexico, the exhibition is a window to the rich culture of Mexico. Throughout the year, there are almost 4,000 celebrations in which masks are used for performances; including Christmas, Easter, Day of the Dead, pilgrimages and the days dedicated to patron saints, says Melba Pria, Mexican ambassador to India. A mask decorated with wooden beads. Carved out of wood, ceramic, metal, fabric or plastic, most of the masks displayed in this exhibition are used for dance-drama performances in Mexico. In these theatre performances, dancers and audiences recreate sacred myths, legends and historical events, says Pria informing that the mask cultures of India and Mexico have many similarities. In both the countries, the mask-making industry began by demands of religious functions, folk, dance and theatre. A mask worn by dancers during Easter. Some of the masks showcased at the exhibition, are used as part of performances and can be identified with their devilled appearance or vibrant colours. Take for instance, Danza de los Viejitos (Dance of the Old Men) from Michoacan. It is a humorous dance where the dancers wear masks of old people along with their typical campesino clothing. Other popular dances include the Dance of Tecuanes, from the state of Guerrero, or the Dance of Negritos, from the state of Veracruz, adds Pria. A tiger mask. Even masks of carnival dances such as Dance of Chinelos, from the state of Morelos, or the Dance of Mascaritas, from the state of Oaxaca are on display. But unlike the mask makers are dwindling in India, majorly due to economic reasons, in Mexico the tradition is still alive and prominent. Pria says, The production of masks, in Mexico, was traditionally focused on its use by dancers. However, some masks are made for collectors and tourists, too. Many of the mask-makers have other trades such as baking, carpentry or factory work. There are some select communities that have enough demand of masks, to allow mask-makers to devote themselves to the elaboration of these pieces. Read: Art fraternity sceptical over govts move to rate artistes The carnival dance Parachicos. Giving example of the Parachico mask, the ambassador explains that some of the communities of mask-makers are in the state of Tlaxcala, or the town of Chiapa de Corzo, in the state of Chiapas, where the dance of the Parachicos is performed by thousands of dancers, on the traditional January feast which is part of UNESCOs Intangible Cultural Heritage List. One of the most famous mask-makers in Mexico is Antonio Lopez Hernandez, who specialises in Parachico masks, she adds. Read: Bikaner House: Not the most expected place for a fashion week finale Apart from being an integral part of the performances, these masks created with extraordinary craftsmanship, are work of art in itself. Pria says, They are sculptures through which the mask-maker can unleash his creativity. Masks are also canvases in which one community interprets a topic in its own way. You will see many Mexican houses with masks but not everybody feels comfortable around them because masks have always a personality. Masks in every culture are very powerful. Carriers of recurring themes, as a result of Mexicos shared culture, it is interesting to see how communities and mask-makers interpret the same character or concept in different ways at this exhibition. CATCH IT LIVE WHAT: Masks of Mexico, exhibition WHERE: India International Centre, Lodhi Estate ON TILL: July 31 TIMINGS: 11am to 7pm NEAREST METRO STATION: Jor Bagh on Yellow Line SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The human desire to capture oneself is as old as the pharaohs. An ongoing exhibition traces portraits as an art form through the ages A visit to the art complex at The Bombay Art Society can make for an eerie experience. Step inside and you are surrounded by people gazing at you, albeit from their portraits. The portraits depict gentlemen attired in the costume of the times (coats or a kurta-pyjama), their head gear reflecting the region they belong to (a Sikh or Puneri turban). There are portraits of elegantly dressed women, draped in saris or posing with a shawl around their shoulders, and of young girls exuding innocence. A total of 103 such artworks are on display as part of The Portrait Show, an exhibition at The Bombay Art Society. (From left) Portrait of a young girl by Prema Pathare, watercolour on paper and Bani by Manojkumar Sakale, oil on leenon surface (The Bombay Art Society) Commissioned usually by the rich and the powerful, portraits have been a tool to denote status. On the flip-side, critics are wary of any kind of artistic work that involves money. The same was true of portraiture, leading some to consider it as an inferior art form. Yet, despite the criticism, portraits have served as individual history, and a record of the changing times. The exhibits on display include works by Bombay School artists (students of Sir JJ School of Art). The noteworthy artists whose works are featured include GS Haldankar, VA Mali as well as contemporary artists such as Vasudeo Kamath and Anil Naik. The works range from watercolour to oil, pastel, pencil and charcoal on paper. And the paintings have been sourced from private collectors, institutions, and artists. (From left) Portrait of a young lady with a string of pearls by Stragliati and a portrait by Ravindra Mistry (The Bombay Art Society) Portraiture can be seen in the ancient Egyptian wall paintings of gods and pharaohs. The Renaissance led to the reinvention of portraiture in its modern sense, says Shraddha Purnaye, gallery manager at The Bombay Art Society, adding, In India, portraiture can be traced to the sculpted images of gods and emperors. It later embraced influences from Iran to Europe, as well as indigenous Hindu and Muslim traditions. Indian portraiture also evolved and developed styles of its own. While the European trend was to make portraits that were based on observation, the Mughal artists developed a form that focused on the individuals personality, rather than simply recording how they looked, says Purnaye. Later, artists like MV Dhurandar, VA Mali, AX Trindade and GS Haldankar reinvented the genre and made it popular, influencing many generations to follow. (From left) A painting by Shrikant Kadam and Portrait of a Man by Antonio Xavier Trindade, oil on canvas painted on board (The Bombay Art Society) In the 1960s, the emergence of American artist Andy Warhol, who shot to fame making celebrity portraits, and American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, who made satirical comic illustrations, saw the re-emergence of portraits as a significant art form around the globe. The advent of photography (an easier and cheaper way to get a portrait) in the 20th century did lead to patrons veering away from commissioning portraits. Portraits struggle to find buyers in an exhibition. Today, commissioned works by the state or philanthropic individuals remain a prime source of work for artists practising portraiture, says Purnaye. But dont write off the form just yet. Contemporary artists are redefining it and making it viable for a new audience. While artist Vasudeo Kamath, a passionate advocate of the form, founded the Portrait Artists Group to generate awareness, artist Manojkumar Sakale, who has painted legends like Ghulam Ali, holds demonstrations for the public. (From left) Portrait of Man in Red Turban by MV Dhurandhar, oil on canvas and Portrait of Baburao Painter by VA Mali, oil on canvas pasted on board (The Bombay Art Society) 5 artists you need to know MV Dhurandhar (b 1867): An excellent illustrator, skilled portrait painter, and figurative artist. In the Portrait of Man in Red Turban (see above), the light is peculiar and perceived as flat. The transparency of colour is amplified in the face. Antonio Xavier Trindade (b 1870): A Roman Catholic born and raised in Portuguese Goa, Trindade reveals a mixture of Western and Indian influences. In Portrait of a Man, you see an unglamorous realism which was not much about rendering decorative details but about imitating texture and natural complexion. VA Mali (b 1911): He did portraits of acclaimed personalities like the Mayor of Mumbai and entrepreneur GD Birla. He is known for his ability to capture human emotions and his clean style of painting. GS Haldankar (b 1912): Influenced by the lives of Swami Vivekananda and Jesus Christ, he had an ascetic demeanour. He was keen on experimentation and made commissioned portraits of Field Marshal Sam Maneckshaw and Mahatma Gandhi. Vasudeo Kamath (b 1956): Kamath studied at the Sir JJ School of Art and is known for painting landscapes and portraits. He is a winner of The Draper Grand Prize by the Portrait Society of America. The Portrait Show is on display till July 27, 11am to 6pm At: The Bombay Art Society, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (W) Call: 2651 3466 SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy was not an accident but the result of a sabotage that claimed thousands of lives, a former official of the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) told the district and sessions court here on Wednesday. SP Choudhary, the former UCIL production manager, was among eight Indian officials of the erstwhile company convicted of causing death by negligence in the case and sentenced to two-year rigorous imprisonment by the chief judicial magistrate (CJM) court in June 2010. Warren Anderson, the chief executive of Union Carbide when the gas leak killed over 3,000 people, died in 2014 without giving into Indias repeated attempts to make him face trial. Dow Chemical, which bought Union Carbide in 2001, has washed its hands of any responsibility. While one of the eight Indian convicts died during the trial, all others challenged their conviction before the Bhopal sessions court. The CBI, which probed the case, too, challenged the CJM court order for enhancing the quantum of punishment in the case. CBIs premise that the tragedy was caused due to design defect was a farce While arguing for his client, Choudharys counsel Anirban Roy told the court the CBIs premise that the tragedy was caused due to design defect and poor maintenance of the gas plant was a farce. It was instead a result of sabotage at the plant by some people. Hence the tragedy was a manmade disaster, said Roy. Choudhary had assisted the probe agency in the investigations into the case. The theory of design defect, Roy said, was floated by the central government in its endeavour to do justice to the victims of the tragedy. Everyone else who was part of investigations into the case just toed the line of the central government, he said. Govt and the CBI suppressed the truth and saved real perpetrators of the crime The government and the CBI suppressed the actual truth and saved the real perpetrators of the crime, the counsel told the court. He further sought the entire CBI case diary of the 1984 disaster. We have orally sought the case diary On the next date of hearing on August 19, we will submit facts to support our argument and formally request the court for the CBIs case diary, Roy told the HT. If this remark by a senior Madhya Pradesh minister is anything to go by, the issue of farmer suicides can be resolved through exorcism and good luck charms not favourable agricultural policies. State home minister Bhupinder Singh has blamed some of the deaths in Madhya Pradeshs Sehore on ghosts and evil spirits, spurring criticism that the government believes in supernatural beings. A written reply tabled by him in the state assembly listed 418 cases of suicides in chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans home district over the last three years, but did not attribute even a single one to crop failure. In our survey, we did not find any family saying that the farmers concerned had committed suicide due to crop failure-induced economic stress, Singh told the assembly in response to a question from Congress MLA Shailender Patel. Patel said Singh, in his written response, cited ghostly possession as one of the reasons for farmers committing suicide. Does this mean the state government believes in ghosts and superstition? Patel asked. The Congress MLA further noted that the minister hadnt mentioned crop loss or inability to repay loans anywhere in his response. Instead, he cited possession by ghosts and spirits as the reason for farmers committing suicide in two cases. The reason for 117 cases was listed as unknown, he said. Following this, many Congress MLAs rose from their seats and heckled the ruling ministers for blaming a matter as serious as farmer suicides on supernatural entities. Opposition MLA Jitu Patwari said the state government should officially accept the existence of ghosts in the given circumstances. According to data from the state crime records bureau, Madhya Pradesh witnessed 18,687 farmer suicides between 2001 and 2015. Over 1,000 farmers killed themselves across the state owing to crop failure and related issues last year. Director Agneya Singh of upcoming film M Cream hopes that the movie, which has marijuana as an important element, opens the debate regarding legalisation of marijuana in India. Marijuana is not even a drug, its a herb. It has been used in Indian culture for hundreds of years. In fact, India had opposed the US-led UN convention to ban marijuana in the 50s, Singh said. US has decriminalised marijuana, so many countries in Europe are allowing people to smoke it, there is so much medical proof and evidence about the therapeutic benefits of marijuana and cannabis, the director said in an interview. Read: M cream is a notion of rebellion So I think it is very hypocritical that here in India, where we have actually the best hashish and marijuana in the world, we have not legalised it or decriminalised it at least. So I do hope that the film is able to open that debate, Agneya added. While marijuana is a crucial component of the film, the film is actually a story revolving around another drug named M Cream, a mythical magical variant of the drug hashish. The film traces this road journey by a group of rebellious friends, to the mountains in Himachal Pradesh in pursuit of this drug. Read: Udta Punjab shows drugs as a menace, M Cream believes in the opposite: Director Agneya added, Of course the film is not just about marijuana or drugs, but I do hope that its able to open a debate within the society because I think there is a generational shift, I think a lot of young people want the drug to be legalised due to its benefits and the fact that its not the same thing as cocaine or heroin. Thats something that the older generation, the government and the health authorities need to know about, the director said. Another recent release Udta Punjab had drugs as an important component. A lot of people have been comparing our film with Udta Punjab. I think it has raised a controversy which has opened a lot of new doors for Indian cinema and for Indian filmmakers. The two drugs, heroin and cocaine that have been depicted in Udta Punjab and marijuana in our film are completely different, he added. Watch: Trailer of M Cream M Cream, which has won numerous awards in international festivals, is produced by Vindhya Singh under the banner Agniputra Films. The film stars Imaad Shah, Ira Dubey and Auritra Ghosh in lead roles. Follow @htshowbiz for more. Gauahar Khan is a self-confessed fan of Vidya Balan . After Ishqzaade (2012), she met Vidya at an awards function, and expressed her admiration for the National Award-winning actor. When I told Vidya that I loved her work, to my surprise, she in turn told me that she loved me and my work too, says Gauahar. Hearing her say she is my fan was a huge deal. I was shivering when I heard that. Perhaps, it was because I was relatively new at that time. She told me that we have to work together some day. I too wished and hoped for the same as I loved her and her work so much. I am the biggest Vidya Balan fan, she adds. Read: I am not in a rat race, want to stand out for my work: Gauahar Khan Vidya Balan, who was impressed with Gauahars acting skills, sent her a text message, asking her to consider a role in the film Begum Jaan. (Aalok Soni/ Hindustan Times) To Gauahars surprise, Vidya sent her a message earlier this year, saying she wants her to play a role in her next film, the Hindi remake of director Srijit Mukherjis Bengali movie Rajkahini. When Gauahar heard about the film, she felt it would be an apt and perfect role for her. She says, I wished that somehow I get a call for a role in the film and the next thing I know is I get a message from Vidya, saying she wants me to do a part in the film. I was jumping with joy, and couldnt believe that it was happening. Gauahar is thrilled that she has got a substantial role in the film. Read: Every woman should have the power to dream: Gauahar Khan The actor, who has been part of the film and TV industry for many years, couldnt be happier with her career path. It was always a dream to be where I am right now. This place and phase was something I had wished for, and I never thought it would happen. I have worked with some of the best talent in the industry. From here on, I can only imagine things getting closer and closer to what I have only dreamt of, says the actor. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON With Rajinikanth-starrer Kabali joining the league of ill-fated big films that are victims of piracy, Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Irrfan Khan, Kangana Ranaut and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali have expressed concerns piracy issues in the industry. Read: Two minute Kabali scene leaked online Piracy should not happen. Dont ask me such deep questions at night. Ask me some simple questions, Shah Rukh Khan said at a special screening of Madaari in Mumbai. Recently, films like Udta Punjab and Great Grand Masti were leaked online even before they hit the screens. Kangana Ranaut, who was also present at the screening, said, Thats very sad for our industry, we work very hard. I think it is violation and people should stop doing it. This sort of stealing is not acceptable in any society. We have to make sure we dont encourage such behaviour, it is bad behaviour. Read: Udta Punjab leaked online, makers file complaint with cyber cell Watch Madaari trailer Imtiaz, who is gearing up for his next film with Shah Rukh, said it is a grave crime and people who indulge in it should understand that. Its a very sad thing. People do not understand what kind of a serious crime it is. The audience who indulge in piracy also does not realise how it is hurting the actors, directors, movie-makers...they should really think about it. It is very harmful for the film industry, the filmmaker said. Irrfan, who was also present at the screening, said piracy has become a bigger threat to films than Hollywood. Thats a huge threat, biggest threat. Piracy is a bigger threat than Hollywood, the way it is leaking online. I wish all the film industries of different regions can come together and ask the government that we need to stop it, Irrfan said. Read: Film industry is not united on piracy issue, says Irrfan The actors were speaking at a special screening of Irrfan Khan-starrer Madaari, which releases on Friday. Follow @htshowbiz for more L&T Hydrocarbon Engineering (LTHE), a fully-owned subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro, in consortium with EMAS CHIYODA Subsea (ECS), a 50:50 joint venture company owned by Ezra Holdings and Chiyoda Corporation, has been awarded a contract by Saudi Aramco for the development of an offshore gas field in Saudi Arabia, worth over $1.6 billion. In a statement issued on Thursday, L&T said the share of LTHE in the contract is 60%, or about $960 million. Shares of L&T were trading down 0.7% at Rs 1,560 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), with the broader index also down 0.4%. The contract is for the development of the second phase of the Hasbah Offshore gas field off the coast of Saudi Arabia, and is the first major contract from Saudi Aramco after the finalisation of the long-term agreement executed by Saudi Aramco with the LTHE ECS consortium in June last year. We are dedicated to providing EPCI (engineering, procurement, construction and installation) services in this region with our state-of-the art facilities and strong team delivering excellence in execution. We look forward to more accomplishments with our consortium partner EMAS CHIYODA Subsea under the long-term agreement, which is for six years extendable by another six years, said L&T Hydrocarbon MD Subramanian Sarma. The consortium will carry out complete EPCI work of the offshore plant, which includes well-head platforms and 25 km of in-field pipelines. Other works include interconnections of trunk lines to transport produced gas, from offshore to the Fadhili Gas Plant, complete with 110-km of fiber optic and power cables for power and communication network with the onshore facilities. The project is scheduled to be completed over a period of three-and-a-half years and will serve Saudi Aramcos strategy to supply additional 2,500 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMSCFD) of clean natural gas through the Fadhili Gas Plant to meet Saudi Arabias growing energy demand. HMS Ambush in Gibraltar on Thursday. AFP More information British Navy unloading weapons from nuclear submarine in Gibraltar Spains Foreign Ministry has called on the British government to explain Wednesdays collision off Gibraltar involving a British nuclear submarine and a merchant vessel. The ministry says that while it was informed by the British authorities that HMS Ambush would be in Spanish waters, it was not told of the accident, as would be usual between two allies, and particularly in the case of a sensitive area like Gibraltar. The incident happened on Wednesday at about 1.30 pm local time, the British Ministry of Defense said in a statement. The Royal Navy has suffered other instances of damage with their attack submarines HMS Ambush was submerged when it was involved in a glancing collision with a merchant vessel off the coast of Gibraltar, said the statement, adding: We are in contact with the merchant vessel and initial indications are that it has not sustained damage. Ambush suffered external damage but the boats nuclear plant was not affected and no sailors were injured. The 7,400-ton attack boat returned to Gibraltar for additional examination and an investigation is underway. The submarine had been operating from Gibraltar, a contested British territory at the southern tip of Spain, since late June. Nuclear submarine operations from the tiny enclave of 30,000 have met with protests from both residents and Spanish citizens concerned with the boats nuclear reactors. The Royal Navy has suffered other instances of damage with their attack submarines. 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 In 2015, the sail of Royal Navy Trafalgar-class attack boat HMS Talent was damaged after the submarine struck ice shadowing a Russian Navy ship. In 2010, HMS Astute was grounded off the Isle of Skye shortly after being commissioned. English version by Nick Lyne. India has underlined the need for a judicious mix of fiscal, monetary and structural policies by major economies to deal with the heightened uncertainty on account of Brexit. Governments, central banks and regulators have to mitigate the pressure of such vulnerabilities through judicious mix of fiscal, monetary and structural policies, finance minister Arun Jaitley said in his speech at the meeting of the board of governors of the New Development Bank (NDB). In his speech, read out by joint secretary in the finance ministry Raj Kumar, Jaitley said that Britains decision to exit from the European Union, commonly-termed as Brexit has further heightened uncertainty, market volatility and risk-averse behaviour. Kumar represented India at the first annual general body and board of governors meetings of the NDB, which took place in Shanghai on Wednesday, as Jaitley could not attend it because of the ongoing Parliament session back home. Outlining the challenges, he said the current global economic context is far from being robust and is marked by a modest pickup in some advanced economies from their low levels of growth. He also said that decline in growth in emerging markets and developing economies, increased financial sector volatility, and, in general, a downward revision of global growth projections by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also pose challenges. IMF earlier this week has cut global growth forecast for 2017 by 0.1 percentage point to 3.4% citing substantial increase in economic, political, institutional uncertainty on account of Brexit. Jaitley said the structural problems of emerging markets and developing economies (EMDE) continue to affect their growth. The sluggish global trade and low commodity prices have also adversely affected commodity-exporting EMDEs, by aggravating their corporate and other economic vulnerabilities, he added. India, Jaitley stressed, is following the approach of Reform to Transform through far reaching structural reforms. We have taken several initiatives to boost investment climate and improve the ease of doing business, he said. Referring to the initiates, he said setting up National Infrastructure Investment Fund would stimulate investment in infrastructure and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016, for easier exit of companies have been passed by Parliament. Besides, programmes such as Make in India, Start-up India, and Skill India are focused on encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation. The government has launched a massive financial inclusion programme and more than 20 crore bank accounts have been opened for the unbanked persons. We are now using Aadhaar, a unique identification system with statutory backing, as backbone for targeted delivery of financial and other subsidies, benefits and service, Jaitley said. BENGALURU: Online marketplace ShopClues, run by Clues Network Pvt Ltd, has launched an advertisement platform for the 500,000 merchants in its marketplace, following in the footsteps of bigger rivals Flipkart and Snapdeal (Jasper Infotech Pvt Ltd), which have stepped up the drive to generate ad revenue in the last one year. ShopClues, which claims to focus on smaller towns and cities, said the new product called AdZone, a self-service solution that helps merchants promote products using native and custom ads, was developed in partnership with ad tech firm C1X. This is unlike Flipkart and Snap deal, which acquired Ad I Quity Technologies Pvt Ltd and Reduce Data, respectively, to strengthen their presence in the digital ads space. ShopClues claims to have run a pilot with 300 merchants for the ad product and launched 1,000 ad campaigns over a 10-day period earlier this month. This platform will boost the visibility of products and maximise product views, helping vendors to increase business with us. The bidding system ensures transparency, while our differential bidding mechanism for products is essential for retailers , said Radhika Aggarwal, co-founder, ShopClues. The move by ShopClues, which has raised at least $200 million from the likes of Nexus Venture Partners, Tiger Global Management LLC and Singapore s sovereign wealth fund GIC Pte Ltd, among others, comes at a time when e-commerce companies are exploring ancillary revenue streams such as ads. For instance, in China, some e-commerce companies have built large ads businesses. Alibaba Group generates larger mobile ad sales than even Baidu, Chinas local search engine, according to researcher eMarketer. Alibaba generates more than half its sales from ads. Closer home, both Flipkart and Snapdeal have launched ad products for merchants. Flipkart generates $1 million in monthly advertisement sales, making the company one of the largest digital ad platforms in India less than a year after it launched its ads business. It launched the digital ad product in May last year, after buying Ad IQuity in March. The platform is for merchants as well as brands. SoftBank-backed Snapdeal launched a new version of its advertising platform Snapdeal Ads, which aims to help sellers target shop person the site based on behavioural data. The companys foray into the segment came after it acquired Reduce Data in September last year. Digital ad spending in India is expected to increase by 40% to 6,525 crore this year, according to a January report by media agency GroupM. A majority of the ad spending currently goes to Google and Facebook. Over the next five years, digital ad spending is expected to shift to mobile from desktop sites as sales of smartphones boom, and the likes of Flipkart, Snapdeal and ShopClues are planning to capitalise on this shift and generate large ad revenues. The attacks on Africans in Delhi and outside were spontaneous criminal attacks by anti-social elements and not racial or premeditated acts against a community, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday. Swaraj was replying to Shiv Sena MP Rajkumar Dhoots question in the Rajya Sabha about the recent attacks, including the killing of Congo national Masonga Kitanda Olivier in May. To ensure the safety of Africans and avoid a rerun of such cases, the government was trying to accommodate African students studying in India on scholarships in campus hostels, the foreign affairs minister said. She said such attacks had taken place outside campuses. Swaraj said minister of state for external affairs V K Singh will hold meetings with the African people in all the big metro cities. A monitoring mechanism has been established under the states division of the ministry to get feedback on previous cases in coordination with the state governments. A sensitisation campaign is being carried out. I have written to seven states that have more presence of Africans to do a sensitisation on the pattern of the one done in Delhi to avoid recurrence of such incidents, the minister said. The government provides scholarships to African students to study in India and will work to provide them accommodation within campuses, she said. Swaraj said the African nations that had expressed apprehension over the rising attacks were satisfied with the responses and steps taken by the government. They came and attended the African summit and went back satisfied. The students did not hold any protest which they initially proposed at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, she said. Swaraj informed the Upper House that after the killing of a Congo national in Delhi in May, there were a few incidents of attacks against Indians in Kinshasa in which some people sustained minor injuries. The Indian Embassy in Kinshasa had raised the issue with the ministry of foreign affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo and sought police protection for Indians there. An advisory was issued to all Indians, assuring them of all assistance, the minister said. Swaraj said engagement with African nations had been more than ever before in the past. We want more engagement with Africa and deeper economic ties with them, she said. An Indo-Canadian man and his mistress were served life sentence, without the option for parole for 25 years, after being found guilty by a jury for murder of his wife in January 2014. The accused, 40-year-old Bhupinderpal Gill and 37-year-old Gurpreet Ronald, were then in an extramarital relationship. Finding them guilty of first-degree murder after nine-week trial in the Ottawa Superior Court, the jury sided with the investigators testimony that Ronald had killed Bhupinderpals wife Jagtar Gill (43). The murder took place when Bhupinderpal left home on January 29, 2014, and Ronald went there and killed Jagtar, who was bedridden and was recovering from surgery. Police said Ronald repeatedly bludgeoned Jagtar, a mother of three, and also stabbed her. That day also happened to be the victims 17th wedding anniversary. Ronald was arrested by police on April 7; Bhupinderpal was taken into custody a week later. According to reports of the trial, emotions ran high in the courtroom as the verdict was reached. The proceedings ended after Jagtars niece Ramandeep Chahal read out an anguished statement on behalf of her family, which said: Jagtars children have been robbed of a mothers love. There is no closure, as we often hear. There is no moving on. Theres nothing, and we mean absolutely nothing, that makes you feel better. They say time heals all wounds but we have to disagree. The only thing time has done for our family is to move the tragic loss of Jagtar further away. It hasnt made it better. The conspirators had met while they worked bus drivers in Ottawa. A secret affair ensued, leading to the horrific killing. Gurpreet, a mother of two girls, is married to Jason Ronald who is also a driver with the same company in Ottawa. During her testimony, Gurpreet admitted that she had an affair with Bhupinderpal, but she told the jury that her sexual relationship with him was not satisfactory and that she was also having an affair with another fellow driver. Her lawyer told the jury that she depended on Bhupinderpal only for emotional support, a shoulder to cry upon and she had no intention of being with him. During his testimony, Bhupinderpal told the jury that he ended his affair with Gurpreet in 2013 before his wife was killed in January 2014. During the trial, a psychic also testified that Bhupinderpal and Gurpreet had consulted her about their future together. Gurpreets husband also testified, telling the jury how his wife tried to attack him with a knife many times. I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media, or for that matter, the Opposition parties in Parliament: Manmohan Singh in January 2014 announcing his decision not to seek re-election as prime minister. It is now just over two years since Singh demitted office, but such has been the high profile nature of Narendra Modis prime ministership that the gent in the blue turban seems like an archival image from another era. And yet, this is perhaps as good a time as any to assess the contribution of Singh: This weekend, after all, marks 25 years since he delivered his landmark 1991 Budget speech opening up the Indian economy. There are unlikely to be any well-choreographed events to mark the occasion or attempts at self-praise. Singh in semi-retirement is a bit like the man was when he was the occupant of 7 Race Course Road : Low profile, self-effacing, and yes, mostly silent. Read | Manmohans son-in-law is new chief of Natgrid If we were to locate Singh in the context of contemporary politics, he will be perhaps referred to dismissively as a weak prime minister, someone who owed his position to the munificence of Sonia Gandhi. The shadow of presiding over big-ticket corruption in particular means that Singh is judged almost like a Dhritarashtra -like figure who simply didnt do enough to rein in his avaricious Cabinet colleagues. But if we were to rewind the clock back to the early 1990s, we might get a better sense of the man. The period between 1990 and 1992 is arguably the most turbulent in post-Independent India, second only to the dark Emergency years. VP Singh had uncorked the Mandal reservations genie that threatened to split the polity on sharp caste lines. The BJP had re-ignited the Ram Mandir agitation, a dangerous move that would result in the demolition of the Babri masjid and communal riots in several parts of the country. A prime minister had been assassinated, the Kashmir valley was burning and Punjab continued to simmer. And the economic crisis was so serious that the government was close to a default, foreign exchange reserves were down to just three weeks of imports and the government was airlifting its gold reserves to get temporary relief. In this volatile environment, Singh was asked to shepherd the economy as Union finance minister. We could argue, as Singh himself has in a recent interview, that it requires a crisis for our policy-makers to act decisively. But act he did under the guidance of then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao. While credit must be given to Rao for managing the political fallout of economic liberalisation, we cannot minimise the role that Singh and his core team played at the time. Read | Manmohan, Modi slug it out over Patels legacy Rao was the wily politician, an artful practitioner of realpolitik in a coalition era. But it was Singh who provided credibility to economic measures that were looked at with suspicion by many within and outside the country. India in that period needed an individual who could reassure industry that sweeping reform would not harm their interests: Singh with his scholarly background, bureaucratic diligence and sharp administrative focus was just the man to provide the healing touch to an economy in ICU. Indeed, of the three competing political forces at the time, the opening up of the Indian markets was probably the riskiest. The Mandal report was, in a sense, only acknowledging a ground reality of growing caste assertion; the mandir agitation was part of the core ideological agenda of the BJP; market economics, on the other hand, was seen to strike at the very root of the Congress, and the countrys commitment to a socialistic pattern of growth. Twenty-five years later, mandir politics is now little more than background music that is heard only when there are elections in Uttar Pradesh. Mandal politics, as last years elections in Bihar showed, is still reflected through sharp caste identities but is largely confined to the Hindi heartland. If there is a sustainable all-India political phenomenon, it is the increasing appeal of a market-driven society, one that is captured by an aspirational India, or what Prime Minister Narendra Modi chooses to call the neo-middle class. Read | To say sorry or not: The different shades of apology politics in India Ironically, Modi, perhaps more than any other contemporary politician, has been a direct beneficiary of the forces unleashed by Singh in 1991. Without the benefit of Manmohanomics, there would be no Modinomics: The millions who have been lifted out of poverty in Gujarat and beyond in the last two decades and catapulted into the middle class are the result of the opening up of the economy in the Manmohan years as finance minister. At a time when the BJP was still stifled in its economic agenda by its Swadeshi warriors, it was Singh who was taking the tough decisions. Catchy slogans like Make in India and Start up India resonate today because Singh moved the political discourse away from anti-business rhetoric. He created the environment for a changing India which Modi was astute enough to seize and drive forward. Sadly, the controversies that dogged the second term of Singh as prime minister were also perhaps the result of the less appetising side of reforms. Opening up of the economy created opportunities for large-scale profiteering through cronyism and corrupt deal-making. That Singh couldnt control it only reveals his limitations as an accidental politician. Maybe, if Singh had retired or resigned in 2009 when it was clear that he would have to compromise with corruption to survive, he might be judged less harshly. Even so, as a man of quiet dignity who transformed India at one of its most difficult periods, Singh deserves our respect and appreciation. Post-script: I met Singh last week to ask if he would agree to a TV interview on the momentous events of 1991. Why do you want me to talk about myself? In any case, I dont make good TV, he sighed with typical diffidence. I guess not everyone wants to be on TV to make a mark. Rajdeep Sardesai is a senior journalist and an author The views expressed are personal SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Indias membership bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the UN tribunals rejection of Chinas claims to the South China Sea have created a degree of bilateral turbulence. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be involved in intense diplomacy with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang at the G-20, East Asia and BRICS summits in September-October this year. Modi will be attending the G-20 summit at Hangzhou on September4-5, followed by the East Asia summit in Vientiane on September 6-8 and will be hosting the BRICS summit at Goa on October 15, 2016. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj made the Indian position amply clear in Parliament yesterday when she said that India will never sign the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) but will continue to engage with China over its opposition to Indias entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group. The leaders of the two Asian giants urgently need to sort out their differences after China, diplomatic optics apart, blocked India from becoming a member of the NSG at the Seoul plenary in June. Although the Chinese media called India a spoiled child of the West after the NSG bid, the fact is that New Delhi first reached out to Beijing through established diplomatic channels in April 2015 for support to enter the 48-member club. Approaching the US was natural as President Obama had supported Indias NSG bid in 2010. While PM Modi engaged with President Xi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tashkent on the day the Seoul plenary began, foreign secretary S Jaishankar reached Beijing the day before to seek its support for the NSG membership. It is understood that Beijing first linked Indias membership to Pakistan despite the fact that Islamabad has still to separate its military and civilian reactors and adhere to thewidely accepted NSG regime. India had no objections to Chinas support for Pakistans entry into the NSG, but the bid fell through since no one except Turkey was interested. It was at this time that China shifted diplomatic gears from linkage to blockage at Seoul with three other countries joining the chorus citing process and procedures. Matters apparently reached a head at the Seoul meeting when the French delegate forcefully pointed out to his Chinese counterpart that his country joined the NSG before signing the NPT as an example that there was limited correlation between the two. While a section of retired Indian diplomats believe that New Delhi should not irritate Beijing by raising the NSG issue again with Core Leader Xi, South Block has no intention of giving up on the nuclear club but feels that China is a diplomatic hurdle to the high table of the NSG or even the SCO. During his visit to Uzbekistan in July 2015, President Nursultan Nazarbayev told Modi that had it not been for Russia, India would not have become a member of the SCO as China was supporting Pakistan. He also said other SCO members did not want India-Pakistan affairs to dominate the Central Asian forum. While the situation along the 3,488 kilometre long Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China is stable, boundary resolution talks have been reduced to an exercise in optics with Beijing refusing to yield an inch on the protracted issue. The Special Representative dialogue which was started in 2003 has yielded no results beyond confidence-building with China wanting India to be flexible on its claims in the Eastern Sector with a specific eye on Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. The ongoing Indian military exercises in Eastern Ladakh are to test its capabilities to deter any September 2014 Chumar-like intrusion by the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). Even though Sino-Indian bilateral trade is heading towards the $100 billion mark, New Delhi wants cooperative mechanisms with Beijing in the political areas of the relationship if the 21st century has to be an Asian century. India is concerned over the China-Pakistan all-weather relationship whether it be in providing five more nuclear reactors, military hardware or building the economic corridor through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The fact that China exercised its veto on Masood Azhar, emir of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group, in the UN speaks volumes about its sweetheart relationship with Islamabad. Chinese charge daffaires in India Liu Jinsong has gone on record claiming that New Delhi has supported Beijings claim with regard to the International Tribunal Verdict rejecting the latters claims over the South China Sea on July 12. But Indias position leaves no ground for ambiguity as it has recognised that the Tribunal had been setup within the jurisdiction of the UNs Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and that this must be given the utmost respect. India believes that the Tribunal award will be legally binding on the Philippines and China since both are parties to UNCLOS. Each state party to UNCLOS has a duty to comply with the ruling under Part XV which deals with compulsory dispute settlement. Article 296 and Article 11 of annexure VII of UNCLOS are relevant in this regard. Armchair strategists believe that the Tribunals ruling will cast a shadow over India s claims to Sir Creek vis-a-vis Pakistan. But land boundary disputes are outside the purview of UNCLOS. Taking a broad overview of Chinas aggressive moves in the South China Sea or at the NSG plenary accompanied by crude name calling, PM Modi and President Xi need to bring back the relationship to the 2014 Ahmedabad or the 2015 Xian days as the regional and global aspirations of both the countries cant be fulfilled without the cooperation of each other. The Chinese notion of a weak India is not a reality in 2016. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON NEW DELHI: Unidentified persons barged inside the gated Samachar Apartments in east Delhis Mayur Vihar and stabbed a 64-year-old man over 10 times on Wednesday noon. This is the fourth case of an elderly citizen being murdered in the last fortnight. Vijay Kumar, a retired official at the ministry of health, was found lying in a pool of blood in his bedroom by his daughter Ambily. Kumars daughter, who works with Rajya Sabha TV, had come to meet him for lunch. His daughter used to have lunch with Kumar every day. When she came home, she found the door ajar. When she did not find him in the drawing room, she went to his bedroom and instead found him in a pool of blood without clothes. Half his body was on the bed and the rest half touching the ground, a senior police officer said. I called him several times but he did not take the call. I got worried and went upstairs to check on him. It is then when I found him lying dead, his daughter said. Kumar was to turn 65 on Friday. Investigating officers said from the brutality of the murder, it appeared to be a case of revenge or enmity. WAS KILLER KNOWN? Police said the murderer was someone known to the Kumars because the entry to the house was not forced. The house wasnt found to be ransacked. Police sources said three glasses of tea and a plate of biscuits were found on a table. Police are scanning the fingerprints on the glass. An officer said Kumar was stabbed by a kitchen knife. The doors lock was not broken and the belongings were untouched. Though the keys to the almirah were in the keyhole, the jewellery and cash were not touched. Robbery was not the motive, an investigator said. The only thing missing from the home was a TV set. The killers might have taken the TV set to pose as mechanics who came to the house to pick up the TV set for repair, Rishi Pal, DCP, east said. A neighbour said Kumar and his wife Vasundhara, who works with the income-tax department, moved to the colony four months ago. At the time of the murder, Vasundhara was in office. Their daughter lives in the same area. The daughter often left her kids with them. They lived in separate flats but used to eat together every day. Today, around 2pm, I heard her shouting for help. When we went to the flat, we found Kumar dead, a neighbour said. A forensics team visited the crime scene. Around three people went to the house. It appears they dressed up the crime scene after killing Kumar. They may have escaped through the terrace by jumping to the other building. We have accessed CCTV footage from the colony gates. We are questioning the security guard at the main entrance, their servant and a driver, a senior police officer said. Domestic helps were behind all the three murders of senior citizens in Kalkaji, Paschim Vihar and Dwarka. LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI: The BJPs vice-president in Uttar Pradesh was expelled from the party on Wednesday for comparing Dalit leader and four-time chief minister Mayawati to a prostitute, a remark that triggered political outrage and a demand for his arrest. Daya Shankar Singh, an upper caste Thakur, called the BSP chief a vaishya for allegedly selling party tickets to aspiring candidates for next years state polls. For her part, Mayawati demanded Singhs arrest. Otherwise, if in response to this, people get violent, it will not be on my conscience, she said in the Rajya Sabha. Senior BSP leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui filed an FIR against the BJP leader in Lucknow. Singhs remark comes as an embarrassment for the BJP, which has been trying to woo Dalit voters in the state. Look at the way Mayawati is selling tickets. Even a prostitute keeps her commitment. But look at a leader like Mayawati who sells a ticket for Rs 1 crore, then after some time, if another is willing to pay Rs 2 crore, she will give the ticket to him. Mayawati has become worse than a prostitute, he said in Mau. Singh, a former Lucknow University Students Union (LUSU) president who was promoted from a secretary to vice-president in the party unit, withdrew his statement later, and apologised. I was referring to the crisis of credibility that she faces. In a different context, I had said that even prostitutes have some credibility, he tried to reason. But the damage was already done. His comments came at a time protests were growing in Gujarat over an attack by cattle vigilantes on four Dalit men. Opposition MPs disrupted Parliament and accused the BJP-led NDA of condoning attacks on Dalits and pursuing a policy that keeled towards the upper caste. Angry BSP workers hit the streets in various districts and have planned more protests on Thursday in state capital Lucknow and other major Indian cities. The Congress came in support of Mayawati, and denounced Singhs comments. This man has to be arrested before sundown. This has to be made an example of, party leader Renuka Chowdhury said. The uproar in the Upper House prompted senior BJP leader and Union finance minister Arun Jaitley to condemn Singhs remark and express regret. I should tell Mayawatiji that the party shares her grief over this issue, I will look into this matter. We stand with her. I am personally hurt that a BJP party person used such derogatory words against her, he said. The BJPs state unit chief, Keshav Prasad Maurya, too apologised and warned party workers to control their tongue. When criticising our political opponents, we must take care about the use of words. We can question our political rivals, but we have to be very careful about our choice of words, he said. His warning follows Prime Minister Narendra Modis code of conduct for party leaders and workers in June, a seven-point guideline outlining how they should behave, work, and talk in public. Modi is set to address a rally in Gorakhpur on Friday, part of the BJPs concerted effort to wrest power in the state where it did exceptionally well in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, winning 71 of the 80 seats. The party has its eyes on the large Dalit electorate, which is known to be the BSPs core support base. In April this year, the BJP had expelled Madhu Mishra, its UP womens wing president for making anti-Dalit remarks. NEW DELHI: The Delhi Congress on Wednesday claimed anomalies and discrepancies in the delimitation process of the municipal wards under process by the Delhi State Election Commission. Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken said anomalies were intentionally being created to delay the municipal elections due next year. The draft report on the delimitation process prepared by the state polling body is full of flaws and in gross violation of the notification of the Lieutenant Governor. According to the notification, boundaries of each ward should be carved within the boundary of an assembly constituency, Maken said. As per the new delimitation draft, boundaries of 60 out of 68 assembly constituencies have been crossed, he added. For example, in Mehrauli Assembly constituency in south Delhi, Katwaria Sarai, which is part of Mehrauli, has been shifted to the Malviya Nagar Assembly constituency. Similarly Khirki Extension, which is part of the Greater Kailash Assembly constituency, has been shifted to Malviya Nagar, said Maken. The Congress leaders said the delimitation was being carried without consulting the associate members. The delimitation committee should consist of the State Election Commissioner as chairman, additional commissioner of the MCD and a joint secretary of the Delhi governments urban development department, as members apart from five MLAs and five municipal councillors, as members, said Congress leader Pratyush Kant. Maken said the Congress will hold a demonstration outside the state election commissions office on Monday to protest against the anomalies. NEW DELHI: The restriction on buying vehicles with engine capacity over 2,000 cc has put Delhi Transport Corporations Delhi to Kathmandu bus service in jeopardy. The DTC told the National Green Tribunal on Wednesday that the ban meant they would not be able to register and run three Volvo buses they were planning to buy for the route. The Supreme Court had banned the registration of diesel SUVs with engine capacity of more than 2,000 cc last year. Following this, the Delhi transport department had refused to register the three buses. King Felipe receives Speaker of Congress, Ana Pastor. Angel Diaz (EFE) King Felipe VI on Thursday initiated the legal procedure to give Spain a new government in the wake of the repeat election of June 26. The new speaker of Congress, Ana Pastor, has handed the monarch a list of the party representatives who will meet with him next week to discuss the possibilities of political deals, with a view to getting a new executive up and running as soon as possible. Following her meeting with Felipe VI, Pastor said that the King expressed great satisfaction at seeing the new Congress in session. If no deals are reached and no prime minister found, Spain will be facing a record third election Spain has been under a caretaker government since late December, and there is a growing urgency for lawmakers to start dealing with issues such as the 2017 budget or deficit containment, especially now that Brussels is threatening to slap Spain with a fine for systematically overshooting its target. The King will give acting prime minister Mariano Rajoy, whose Popular Party (PP) won the most seats at the election but fell short of a majority, one week to secure enough support from other parties to get himself reinstated. Rajoy has not yet confirmed whether he plans to bid for the post. Following the original and inconclusive election of December 20, which the PP also won, the acting PM refused to submit to an investiture vote because he knew he lacked support from any other party. 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. The Socialist leader, Pedro Sanchez, made a bid instead, but was voted down. Since then, Sanchez has been blaming the anti-austerity Podemos for not supporting his candidacy, which makes it unlikely that both groups will attempt to craft an alternative leftist government this time around. If no deals are reached and no prime minister found, Spain will be facing a record third election. Felipe VI will meet with members of 12 parties, representing all groups with a congressional presence except for the Basque radical party Bildu and the Catalan Republican Left (ERC), who declined the invitation to meet the King. While the Spanish head of state is a symbolic figure with no power to force deals or make appointments, he plays a mediator role. Under Article 99 of the Spanish Constitution, it is up to the monarch to facilitate an investiture by meeting with political leaders and deciding whether any one candidate stands a chance of forming a government. Until now, either the PP or the Socialist Party (PSOE) had secured large enough majorities for the new prime minister to be an evident choice. But following years of crisis and the emergence of two protest parties, Ciudadanos and Podemos, the December 20 election produced a fragmented scenario in which no party was strong enough to form a government. Subsequent attempts at crafting coalitions all failed, leading to a fresh election on June 26. English version by Susana Urra. NEW DELHI: Quack doctors continue to have a free run treating unsuspecting patients in the Capital thanks largely to police inaction, Delhi Medical Council data show. Of the nearly 400 complaints filed by the council with police against unqualified people illegally prescribing drugs, only a fourth have been converted into first information reports( FIRs) needed to arrest the culprits. As a result, unqualified and unregistered medical practitioners continue to prescribe medicines that can harm patients and fuel antibiotic resistance through repeated use. Over the past three years or so, Delhi Police have registered barely 100 FIRs on 397 complaints filed till March this year against people prescribing drugs they are not qualified or licensed to do. We have tried everything. Council members even met some senior officials in Delhi Police, who assured us of legal action against these quacks posing as doctors, but nothing has been done, council registrar Dr Girish Tyagi said. A World Health Organization report titled The Health Workforce in India, based on 2001 Census data and published in June, said nearly a third of those calling themselves allopathic doctors were educated only up to Class 12. Also, 57% of the practitioners did not have any medical qualification. Under the Indian Medical Council Act, only doctors of modern medicine registered with a state medical council are licensed to prescribe allopathic medicines. The Capital has 10,932 doctors of modern medicine registered with the Delhi Medical Council, according to data with Indias Central Bureau of Health Intelligence for 2015. There are 3,617 registered practitioners of ayurveda, 2,074 of unani medicine and 4,354 of homeopathy. People are certified as quacks by the council after a thorough investigation. We have documents and foolproof evidence on these people against whom complaints have been made for posing as doctors and prescribing modern medicine across Delhi, Dr Tyagi said. The councils anti-quackery cell tracks people who are not authorised to prescribe allopathic medicines. After the council receives a complaint, it alerts the chief district medical officer of that particular zone, who conducts an inquiry. The council then issues an order asking the person to shut the illegal clinic and stop practising. The order is shared with police to register an FIR against the person. The entire process takes two to three months. Police sometimes do not even accompany our officials during raids, Dr Tyagi said. Delhi Police in their response said they would act on the complaints soonest. Since the matter has been brought to my notice now, I will ask all district DCPs to take necessary actions and submit their reports as early as possible. Whatever action needs to be taken will be taken as per law, said special commissioner of police (crime) Taj Hassan, also chief spokesperson, Delhi Police. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON NEW DELHI: Delhi Police registered an FIR against former Delhi law minister Somnath Bharti on Wednesday, for allegedly instigating some of his supporters to misbehave with a woman associated with an NGO. Bharti, who is the Aam Aadmi Party s legislator from Malviya Nagar, has been booked under section 109 (Punishment of abetment if the act abetted is committed in consequence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). His supporters who allegedly misbehaved with the woman at his instigation, have been booked under charges of molestation, physical assault, criminal intimidation and outraging a womans modesty. Nupur Prasad, additional DCP (south), said Bharti was booked under abetment charges and that the FIR was registered against him at the Saket police station on a complaint received from the woman. A senior police officer said the crime took place a fortnight ago, when the woman went to attend a programme where Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was the chief guest. The complainant wanted a few women of her group to meet Kejriwal to show their work, but Bhartis supporters allegedly misbehaved with her. The woman accused the Malviya Nagar MLA of instigating the men who then physically manhandled, molested and threatened her. She accused them of using filthy language against her, the officer said. Bharti countered the charges against him. I am ashamed at this misuse of the Delhi Police by the Modi government. I have video footage that shows that the women had breached the chief ministers security cordon and the police personnel had stopped them. Why should the FIR be registered against us? The FIR against me discredits the Delhi Police, Bharati countered. The police refused to summon Bharti immediately. We will first record the statement of the complainant under section 164, then only we will summon him to join the investigation, the officer added. Earlier, the AAP legislator was in the news for domestic violence, molestation and promoting enmity. Bharti was chargesheeted in a domestic violence case filed by his wife Lipika Mitra. He is facing charges of molestation, assault and promoting enmity in a case dating to January 2014 when he led raids on several flats in south Delhis Khirki extension area where foreigners of African origin were staying. NEW DELHI: Calling for a unique political solution in violence-hit Kashmir, former Union home minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday said the government should revert to the original terms under which the state acceded to India in 1947 and allow Kashmiris to frame their own laws within the ambit of the countrys Constitution. We ignored the grand bargain under which J&K acceded to India... we broke our promises, we broke our faith and we paid a price for 40 years... Turn the clock back all the way to 1947 and the original terms of accession to the extent that is today possible, the senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP said in an interview to India Today. His remarks came as the Valley entered day 12 of a curfew imposed after protesters took to the streets against the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. More than 40 people have been killed in the ensuing clashes with security forces and scores have been admitted to hospitals with pellet injuries. I think, I may be right or wrong, what is necessary is to give the people of Kashmir the assurance that the grand bargain under which they acceded to India will be fully honoured. They will be part of India, but the bargain will be honoured, Chidambaram said. He also called on the government to practice what it had preached to Sri Lanka for Tamil areas and urged the devolution of asymmetric powers. He warned the situation in the Valley can sharply deteriorate if Kashmiris are not allowed a greater say in governance and administration. Within hours, the BJP hit back saying it was the Congressled UPA government which had failed to handle the Kashmir issue. Raking up the accession issue reflects the Congress mindset, the genesis of which began with Pt Jawaharlal Nehrus handling of J&K, which could not align with the rest of India like other states that merged under the leadership of Sardar Patel, BJP secretary Sidharth Nath Singh said. During the interview, Chidambaram, referring to the act that gives the army special powers of detention, said: I must confess that we were not willing to overrule the defence establishment. Opinion within the government was sharply divided. There was hardly any support to repeal or amend AFSPA. He, however, said the ruling BJP-PDP combine in J&K and the Centre were worsening the situation in the Valley. Now governments both in Delhi and Srinagar are mishandling it very, very badly. Kashmir is not about the land we are completely misunderstanding them . Taking on the BJP, he said: If there is anything that the Kashmir people loathe, it is the BJPs ascendency. The legitimacy of the government does not take away from the fact that it sends a threat among the people, he said. Asked whether his suggestions would receive a favourable reply from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said: I dont know what his fundamentals beliefs are. If his fundamental belief is that India must be a majoritarian state, whatever I said will be a complete waste on him. CLEVELAND: Donald Trump formally clinched the Republican presidential nomination on Tuesday amid persisting signs of discord in a party that has yet to fully embrace his polarising candidacy. In a roll-call of delegates on the floor of the convention, 721 votes went to candidates other than Trump, in one of the most significant expressions of discord in the partys recent history. But Trump easily acquired the 1,237 required to win the nomination, clinching it with New York delegates delivered to him ceremonially by his eldest son Donald Trump Jr. Together weve achieved historic results, Trump said, beaming live from New York. This is a movement, but we have to go all the way ... We ll win the presidency and bring real change. The real estate magnate was scheduled to appear at the convention on Wednesday with his running mate, Indiana governor Mike Pence, and then on Thursday to accept his nomination. Donald Trump formally clinched the Republican presidential nomination on Tuesday amid persisting signs of discord in a party that has yet to fully embrace his polarising candidacy. In a roll-call of delegates on the floor of the convention, 721 votes went to candidates other than Trump, in one of the most significant expressions of discord in the partys recent history. But Trump easily acquired the 1,237 required to win the nomination, clinching it with New York delegates delivered to him ceremonially by his eldest son Donald Trump Jr. As giant television screens hanging from the high ceiling of the venue, a sporting arena, flashed Over the top, Trumps family joined supporters chanting Trump, Trump, Trump. Together weve achieved historic results, Trump said, beaming live from New York. This is a movement, but we have to go all the way . . . Well win the presidency and bring real change. The real estate magnate is scheduled to appear at the convention on Wednesday with his running mate, Indiana governor Mike Pence, and then on Thursday to accept his nomination. Getting the party fully behind him, however, remains a challenge. Many leaders have stayed away from the convention or extended formulaic and tepid support if they did show up. New Mexico governor Susana Martinez, who has been at odds with Trump, led her state delegation on the floor to vote for Trump, but had someone else make the formal announcement. John Kasich, governor of Ohio, which is hosting the convention, continued to stay away and his states delegates cheered every vote he picked up during the roll-call on the floor. Prominent leaders also staying away included George HW Bush and George W Bush, the only two living Republican presidents. They are not supporting Trump, they have said. Even those who showed up have seemed noticeably lacking in enthusiasm. Speaker Paul Ryan, who was late to endorse Trump, has remained a reluctant backer, stoic and soldierly. He called Trump not my kind of conservative just days before the convention, and on Tuesday told the convention, Have we had our arguments this year? Sure we have. You know what I call those? he asked. Signs of life. Signs of a party thats not just going through the motions, not just mouthing new words for the same old stuff. Ryan, the senior-most elected Republican in the country, barely even mentioned Trump in his speech twice, thats all. And in none of those instances was it about the nominee s vision or policies. Even early Trump backer Chris Christie, who delivered the most exciting speech of the night, made the case for the nominee more by slamming his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Christie conducted a mock trial of Clintons tenure as secretary of state (2009-2012) and held her guilty on every charge, prompting the crowd to chant, Lock her up, Lock her up. NEW DELHI/GANDHINAGAR: Opposition lawmakers shouted slogans and disrupted Parliament repeatedly on Wednesday, accusing the government of doing little to protect Dalits after four members of the community were thrashed for skinning a dead cow in Gujarat. Last weeks beatings by self-styled cow protectors have sparked the most serious protests by Dalits in Gujarat, posing a political challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modis party ahead of a string of elections in states where the community accounts for a substantial size of votes. The attacks fallout continued to reverberate in Gujarat, where a strike called by Dalit groups on Wednesday evoked overwhelming response in Saurashtra and north Gujarat. In Delhi, Congress president Sonia Gandhi led the opposition charge, accusing the government of snatching the rights of Dalits, many of who earn a livelihood by skinning animals that die naturally. The recent shocking incident in Gujarat is just one example of the social terror the government condones, Gandhi said, addressing party lawmakers. But home minister Rajnath Singh sought to do use the political fire, calling the July 11 Dalit beating s asunfortunate and asocial evil. The Prime Minister was sad and hurt (about the Gujarat incident), Singh told Parliament. Opposition parties, however, competed to take credit for championing the cause of the Dalits, who account for 32% and 21% of the population in politically crucial states as Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The BJP has been trying to reach out to the community as part of its efforts to expand its support base beyond upper caste voters. Violence against Dalits is not unusual in many parts of India, and the Gujarat incident has given opposition parties a potent weapon to attack the BJP-led central government, which has been struggling to tackle weeks of violent street protests in Kashmir. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal are due to visit the state later this week. In Gujarat, the government struggled to placate Dalits. Some 50 people were detained in Rajkot, and in Ahmedabad protesters were seen forcibly trying to shut down markets and schools during Wednesdays strike. Chief minister Anandiben Patel, who tried to calm tensions by visiting families of those assaulted, said nine people had been arrested so far. Faced with the opposition onslaught, home minister Singh sought to argue that incidents of atrocities against Dalits were far higher in Gujarat before Modi took over as chief minister in 2001. He also defended the state government, saying it had acted swiftly and effectively. He said authorities were also working to set up a special court to try the men, who are said to be members of a local cow vigilante group. Congress MP K Suresh sought a joint parliamentary panel probe into the matter attack. Violence is RSS agenda. RSS is trying for Dalit-mukt Bharat. The government has totally failed. It was a BJP-sponsored attack. What is going on? Is this the Gujarat model, Suresh said, as tempers ran high in the Opposition benches. Later, Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC) members walked out of the Lok Sabha. In Rajya Sabha, main opposition Congress, BSP and TMC sought to outdo each other to raise the Dalit issue more forcefully. The BSP had raised the issue on Monday too, forcing an adjournment. At one point, opposition MPs stormed to the well of the House, shouting slogans against the government and its anti-Dalit mindset. Two friends travelling from Delhi airport went through a pat-down search and thorough interrogation after they uttered bomb while standing in a queue for boarding. According to airport sources, two Indore-bound passengers were handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) after one of them said, May I carry bomb please. The duo was let off after re-checking and interrogation, the sources added. The staff of Indigo airline heard the conversation and informed the CISF, which is responsible for the security of the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport in the capital. Their baggage was recalled and checked again thoroughly, a CISF official said. They were also subjected to thorough frisking. A pat-down search was ordered, but nothing suspicious could be found. They admitted it was a joke and apologised. We let them go after two hours and proper checking. The incident took place on Monday afternoon. Last month, a medical student from Kashmir was detained at the IGI airport after the security staff claimed her check-in luggage carried a graffiti saying there could be bomb inside. She was detained and released several hours later after a background check. The incident led former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah to urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Rajnath Singh to look into the issue. In February, a Delhi-based exporter and his friend landed in trouble after he claimed he was carrying a bomb in the flight that had SPG-protected Priyanka Gandhi as a co-traveller. The passenger was treated as a possible threat and taken back, with his co-passenger, to the terminal. Read: Kashmiri girl detained at Delhi airport for luggage that said carrying bomb Know what are the two most stolen items in Delhi? Cellphones and vehicles. Topping the list of most stolen items in Delhi this year are cellphones. In one day, the Delhi police register at least 120 mobile phone theft cases across the city. In 2016, a total of over 20,200 cell phones have already been reported stolen. Police believe the numbers could be higher because many do not inform the police. You could guard cellphones close to your chest but what about the second item on the list, which is more than a hundred times bigger than a phone? With an average of around 87 thefts per day, vehicles are the second most common stolen item on the list. The thefts include cars, motorcycles, two-wheeler scooters. Vehicle thieves to not even leave the battery-operated e-rickshaws. In the first half of 2016(till June 31), at least 15,900 vehicles were stolen. On an average, 87 vehicles were stolen every day. Police said most vehicles stolen were two wheelers. Around 1,500-2,000 stolen vehicles are recovered every year, police said. BEWARE OF CELLPHONE THIEVES IN DELHI METRO There are 156 police stations in Delhi but the most cell phone thefts were reported at the Delhi metro police stations. A total of 4,800 FIRs related to thefts were filed at metro stations till 2016, out of which police said around 3,600 were about cell phones. A senior officer said that cell phones, wallet and jewellery were the three most common items stolen inside the metro. This year, police arrested around 168 pickpockets from inside the metro. At least 40 of them were women. Women dont normally steal cell phones. All those we arrested this year worked in groups. They are more into stealing wallets and jewellery, said a police officer. MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS TREND SHOWS THEFTS INCREASING EVERY YEAR According to Delhi police statistics, motor vehicle thefts show an increasing trend each year. Last year, 31,114 vehicles were stolen between January 1 - December 15, as compared to 22,219 during the same period in 2014. Police say the stolen vehicles are not resold in Delhi. They are taken to other states, even places as far as those in the North East states of the country. Last week, police arrested three men who came from Bareilly in Delhi around 250 kilometers -- only to steal a motorcycle. The motorcycles were then taken to Manipur and sold to their clients. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The AAP government on Thursday effected a Cabinet reshuffle, with health and transport minister Satyendar Jain getting additional charge of the urban development department. The urban development department so far was with deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds charge of 11 other departments including education, finance, planning, land & building, revenue, vigilance, services, administrative reforms, information technology, law and justice. The urban development department looks after the work of municipal corporations and development work in unauthorised colonies across the National Capital. Earlier, Jain was also given the charge of transport ministry after Gopal Rai stepped down due to health reasons. The cabinet reshuffle comes at a time when engagements of chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in poll bound states Punjab, Goa and Gujarat are on the rise. Sisodia, being Delhis deputy chief minister, also takes care of chief ministerial works in the absence of Kejriwal. After Thursdays reshuffle, Jain will hold charge of Delhis power, home, PWD, transport, health, industries and urban development. A government source said that the change was effected for better coordination of work between Sisodia and Jain, who hold important portfolios in the Kejriwal cabinet. Policemen probing the Samachar Apartment murder case in east Delhi said they were looking for a woman, caught on CCTV cameras leaving the flat after the crime. Vijay Kumar, a retired health ministry official, was found murdered at his flat on Wednesday. Police sources said the suspected woman reportedly worked as a domestic help at Kumars flat. Investigators, however, refused to share any details, saying it would hamper the probe. In the CCTV footage, a woman is seen carrying an LED TV that went missing from Kumars flat. A kitchen knife, allegedly used for stabbing Kumar in his chest and abdomen, was also missing, said a police officer. The suspect is a resident of Trilokpuri in east Delhi. We believe another person was present at the crime spot since three empty tea cups were found on the table. One of the cups had lipstick marks on it, said the police officer, seeking anonymity. Another camera caught the woman entering through one of the rear gates of the apartments an hour before the crime. What happened after is still a mystery. We are not sure whether the second suspect was already there or entered the apartments after her arrival, the officer said. The attackers had made a friendly entry into Kumars house. Investigators suspect an acquaintance was behind the murder. He drove his way in and out of thefts and that too in an Audi. His luxury drive literally opened doors of posh localities for him. He would drive the vehicle into the driveways of homes in tony Delhi localities, put up a stern face, tick off the guards for a missing shirt button or a cap not worn properly and enter the house, stealing at will. His pick: luxury cars which he would drive away while an associate would bring his Audi home. Robin, who has more than 30 cases of auto theft registered against him, was delivering a stolen BMW at a five-star hotel in Paschim Vihar, Delhi on Wednesday when police nabbed him. He used to strike in the morning hours when people are either busy getting ready for work or are out for morning walks, an investigator told HT. He would target houses where families leave their front doors open to let in domestic helps or other staff as they get busy with their mornings, the officer said. Recently, he managed to lay hands on a BMW. The key was lying on the table and he could not resist, he told police. It is not clear if the BMW he was dropping at the hotel was the same car. He would drive to posh localities in his Audi with an associate and confidently enter the house. He would steal car keys and drive away with them, the officer said. Unsuspecting guards would often open the gates, without realising they were aiding a theft. How many thieves drive an Audi? Laptops, speakers, cameras and even candle stands -- he would steal anything, the officer said. Police zeroed in on Robin after CCTV footage of him stealing a BMW from a compound of Noidas Sector 17 came to light. The footage has two men getting inside the compound in an Audi. One of them goes inside a house and returns with the car keys. He drove the BMW past the security without getting caught, while his associate followed him in the Audi. A case was registered and we sought help from the local intelligence to trace the stolen car, an investigator said. They arrested him after they were alerted about his presence in Delhi, the officer said. Robin would be handed over to the Uttar Pradesh Police for questioning. Police have a good reason to suspect that the Audi that has aided many car thefts is also stolen. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A plastic container floating in the sea. Sami Sarkis / age fotostock Just like there was a Bronze Age and an Iron Age, we are now living through a Plastic Age, says Andres Cozar, a marine biologist and researcher at Spain's Cadiz University. He should know. Cozar has spent the last few years exploring the seven seas as a member of projects such as the Malaspina Expedition, headed by the Superior Scientific Research Council. Together with his team, Cozar has proved that there are five major accumulations of plastic waste in the open ocean, coinciding with the five major ocean gyres. Despite the bad news, Cozar remains optimistic because he feels that steps are being taken in the right direction Beside the well-known accumulation of plastic residues in the North Pacific Gyre - a rotating water current - researchers have found similar waste in the center of the North Atlantic, South Pacific, South Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. And Cozars latest research also shows a sixth large accumulation of plastics in the Mediterranean Sea. When we compared the measurements in the Mediterranean with the ones we took in each one of the gyres, including the much-discussed North Pacific Gyre, we saw that the average concentrations were similar to those in the Mediterranean, he explains. 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. And whats more, Cozar says, the samples taken from the surface water could be just the tip of the iceberg of plastic waste, less than one percent. Large amounts of microplastics, he warns, are trickling down the food chain and to the sea bed. Cozar revealed these findings at the 5th International Symposium on Marine Sciences, held recently at Alicante University. The researcher also told a crowd of experts and students that there are high concentrations of plastic in the first kilometer off the coastline. Until now, what we knew was that it accumulates in the center of the gyres, which are located thousands of kilometers off the coast, but there are in fact coastal areas where the concentration is equally high. According to Cozar, the plastic is blown around at the mercy of the winds until it hits the coast and starts building up there. The issue is also relevant because Spaniards are big fish consumers. Studies from Thailand and the United States show that between 25% and 40% of fish and clams sold in markets contained plastic, he says. Such a study has not been conducted on Spains coasts, but Cozar believes that it would yield similar results. Experts recommend investing in beach cleanups after storms to remove some of the sea plastic. Juan Carlos Cardenas (EFE) Despite the bad news, Cozar remains optimistic because he feels that steps are being taken in the right direction. One of these is a ban on plastic bags in Morocco. Cozar also defends investing in measures such as removing plastic from beaches, because storms bring up large amounts of trash and it can then be removed with little effort. In his opinion, it is essential to seek the cooperation of local fishing guilds and diving associations in order to address the issue of plastics at the sea bottom. In Villajoyosa (Alicante), local fishermen have launched a project to turn the plastic that gets caught in their nets into textiles. Other efficient measures, says Cozar, include setting up floating barriers at the mouth of urban rivers, improving waste management techniques, researching new materials to replace plastic, encouraging volunteer cleanup in coastal areas, and conducting awareness campaigns to show people that what goes into the sea could end up on their plates. English version by Susana Urra. Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia told school teachers that they should leave out 20% of the syllabus since the Delhi government could not fulfil its promise to reduce the curriculum by 25%. We were told we wont be allowed to reduce the syllabus . So we have told our teachers verbally not to teach 20% syllabus and not use it to test students. We need to have revolutionary thinking, he said on Thursday. Sisodia, who is also the education minister, said he was advised to consult educationists over reduction in syllabus. He said he consulted the teachers since they know best what needs to be taught. I thought some of them (educationists) are Leftist, some Centrist and others Rightist. For me, the 50,000 teachers who work in the classrooms are the best educationists. Because they know what is useless and how much effort has to be taken to make students understand concepts, the deputy CM said. Sisodia was speaking at a conference on education at the Constitution Club on Rafi Marg. The minister stressed the need to change the syllabus and said there was a need to teach ideas from new perspective. Read: After 6-yr-olds death, Delhi schools to face safety compliance test In books, students read fairy tales. We teach students fairy tales about a princess who is ugly and then gets beautiful upon praying. Students learn that it is important to be beautiful. Such books and chapters need to be thrown away. Such things cant be taught. But as we cant change syllabus, we must tell students that it is not right. And instead teach them about beauty of heart, he said. He suggested a survey to find out how many private schools are owned by politicians and in how many schools politicians and retired government officers are board members. He said commercialisation cannot be stopped but quality of teaching can be improved at government schools. The two most-sought-after items by thieves in the national capital are cell phones and motor vehicles, according to Delhi Police data. City police register theft cases of at least 120 cell phones a day, which makes the communication gadget the number one item targeted by thieves of all kinds petty thugs preying on solitary joggers in parks, street muggers, burglars, and pickpockets in public transport. Police said cell phones make the easiest target because everyone has one these days, and the favourite preying field of thieves is the crowded Delhi Metro, where around 3,600 of the 4,800 registered FIRs at Metro police stations this year are those of cell phone thefts. Last year, a little less than 50% of cell phones lost in the city were reported in Metro and railway stations. More than 20,500 cell phones have been stolen till July this year, and police believe the number could be much more because many people dont report such thefts. The second item on the list seldom goes unreported, though. Cars, motorcycles, and scooters collectively make up the second most-preferred object of thieves. In the first half of 2016, at least 15,900 vehicles were stolen about 87 a day. Even battery-operated e-rickshaws, which make up the bulk of neighbourhood short-distance taxis, are not spared. Anything that moves on wheels is a target, an officer said. But the favoured wheels are motorcycles and scooters, data show. Police manage to recover around 2,000 stolen vehicles every year a dismal success rate considering the staggering number of thefts in a city which has about 9 million vehicles, the highest in the country. Police statistics show car and bike thefts are increasing each year. Last year, more than 31,000 vehicles were stolen, compared to 22,219 in 2014. Unlike cell phones, stolen vehicles are not resold in Delhi. These are smuggled out and reach places as far-off as the Northeast, undetected. Police arrested three men last week, Bareilly natives who travelled 250km to Delhi to steal motorcycles. Their loot, they confessed, was sent to clients in Manipur. Carjackers operate in gangs, or work alone like super thief Dhani Ram Mittal who cant stop stealing a car or two even at 77. He is behind bars, as is a gang of ingenious thieves who came in a stolen Audi and took off with a BMW parked at a housing society in Noida this month. Delhi has a booming market for stolen cell phones, with hundreds of shops such as the ones in Gaffar Market selling used phones. There are experts who can change a phones IMEI number, the unique identity that allows police to trace a stolen one. An officer has to upload the stolen phones IMEI number, and accordingly track it through its GPS location. This can be done only if the phone is switched on. Even if the GPS location is detected, it requires lengthy analysis and surveillance to pinpoint the exact place where the phone is used, an officer explained. In April, six men were caught with 448 cell phones, including 310 Apple iPhones. These phones were stolen from 16 different states and brought to Delhi to be resold. Since iPhones are easy to trace, these were dismantled and their parts sold to dealers at Gaffar Market, an officer said. Within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), MLAs have been spotted jokingly placing bets among themselves, asking who will be the next to be accused in an FIR in Delhi. With FIRs lodged against 11 AAP MLAs for offences ranging from domestic violence and molestation to forged degrees, others are wondering if cases would be lodged against them in the future. The party has maintained that a majority of these cases are politically motivated and a result of vendetta and misuse of the police force. There are three MLAs that the AAP has not defended after cases were filed against them. This includes Asim Ahmed Khan, against whom the Delhi government filed a complaint of corruption with the CBI. The other two are Kondli MLA Manoj Kumar against whom cases of land grabbing, outraging a womans modesty and causing hurt have been registered and former law minister Jitendra Singh Tomar who has been charged with using fake degrees to enroll with the Delhi Bar Council. Read: Centre trapping AAP MLAs in fake cases: Kejriwal The party had initially defended Tomar but changed its stance after proof emerged of his wrongdoing. Leaders, however, point out that 13 months after he was arrested, no chargesheet has been filed against him. Akhilesh Pati Tripathi, accused of molestation, has already been acquitted since the charges against him could not be proved. The same thing is going to happen with most other MLAs. These charges are nothing but political vendetta, said a senior AAP leader. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, during the Talk to AK programme, said that all AAP MLAs should get ready to be arrested. Our MLA, Commando Surinder Singh, who fought against terrorists during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and lost his hearing, has been accused of casteist abuse and assault. He was only asking NDMC officials to not to take bribe. MLA Akhilesh Pati Tripathi was accused of sexual harassment there wasnt any evidence against him and he was acquitted. The Centre is treating AAP MLAs the way the British used to treat freedom fighters. I have asked MLAs to be ready to go to jail. I have told them this is the second freedom struggle, he said. Read: Now, AAP MLA Prakash Jarwal booked for molestation, assault AAP LEGISLATORS IN THE DOCK 11 AAP MLAs have cases registered against them. Except Alka Lamba and Asim Ahmed Khan who was not arrested, all others were held and released on bail. PRAKASH JARWAL Deoli MLA Cases: Two FIRs the recent one on July 6, 2016, when a woman accused him of molestation and threatening her when she went to DJB to file a complaint. First FIR on May 22, 2014, for assaulting a Delhi Jal Board engineer when he refused to listen to his instructions while supervising a drilling work in Sangam Vihar. Status: Arrested a day later in first case, no arrest in the second one DINESH MOHANIYA Sangam Vihar MLA Cases: FIR for molesting, assaulting and threatening a woman who had gone to meet him about a water problem in her area on June 22, a day later another FIR against him for slapping and manhandling a senior citizen in Govindpuri. The senior citizen alleged he was beaten when he complained about local issues. Status: Arrested on June 25 for molestation JAGDEEP SINGH Hari Nagar MLA Case: FIR for causing hurt, criminal intimidation and wrongful restraint of manager of a waste management company on May 21, 2016. Status: Arrested on May 29 MAHINDRA YADAV Vikaspuri MLA Case: Rioting and assaulting a public servant at a protest in west Delhis Nihal Vihar on January 27, 2016. Status: Arrested on January 29 AKHILESH PATI TRIPATHI Model Town MLA Cases: Molestation, misbehaviour with a woman and rioting in 2013, registered against him across police stations. Status: Arrested for molestation in November 2015. Acquitted in Molestation and rioting cases. SOMNATH BHARTI Malviya Nagar MLA, former Delhi law minister Cases: Attempt to murder, domestic violence, cheating registered by his wife Lipika Mitra in September, 2015. Two other cases registered against him in connection with the midnight Khirki Extension raid in 2014 which African women were allegedly molested and manhandled by a mob led by Bharti. Latest case is for instigating supporters to misbehave with a woman. Status of cases: Arrested on September 29, 2015, in the domestic violence charge, after he evaded arrest for a week. SURINDER SINGH COMMANDO MLA from Delhi Cantonment Case: Casteist remarks against an NDMC sanitation inspector belonging to a schedule caste, obstructing him and other NDMC employees from performing government duty on August 4, 2015. Status: Arrested on August 21 ALKA LAMBA Chandni Chowk MLA Case: FIR in August 2015 on complaint of a businessman who said Lamba trespassed his shop and ransacked it. She was also booked for manhandling a constable at the spot. Status: Not been arrested JITENDER SINGH TOMAR Tri Nagar MLA, former Delhi law minister Cases: Enrolling with Delhi Bar Council using fake LLB and BSc degree. FIR registered at the Hauz Khas police station June 8, 2015. Status: Arrested on June 10, 2015 MANOJ KUMAR Kondli MLA Cases: Four FIRs for charges including land grabbing, outraging a womans modesty and causing hurt; registered at three east Delhi police stations. Status: FIRs registered in May 2014, arrested on July 9, 2015, for land grabbing The dismissal of the vice-president of the UP unit of the BJP, Dayashankar Singh, and his subsequent expulsion from the party for his derogatory remarks about BSP president Mayawati have sparked events that speak of both change and continuity in our political life. The fact that virtually all parties, including the BJP, have condemned this shows that the Dalits, whose leader Mayawati is, cannot be ignored anymore. This is a change for the better. The BJP, which has had to face considerable embarrassment after the suicide of a Dalit scholar in Hyderabad, could not afford to be silent at the insult to the charismatic Dalit leader from UP, which is going to the polls next year. Secondly, it also shows Mayawatis elevation to iconic status among the Dalits, which was not the case 21 years ago, when she was attacked at a guest house in Lucknow in June 1995. Then too vile abuse had been thrown at her but that did not set off the intense condemnation we are seeing now. Today an insult to Mayawati is read as an insult to the Dalits as well. Read: Mayawati emerges as rallying point for Oppn amid raging Dalit issues This much is for the change. But what brought out the aspect of change are ingrained attitudes. It has been a common male trait in India to abuse a woman by using sexual terms that Mr Singh did. Politicians of yore did exercise restraint in this regard at least publicly, but now they seem to have cast off the pretension of doing so. Second, how far was the expelled BJP leader sure of the charge of auctioning party tickets that he had brought against Mayawati? In doing so, he merely played to the drumbeat of a view that is being orchestrated by another expelled leader but belonging to the BSP. Both should have known that such methods do not work in this day and age. But still politicians of all parties have the habit of creating a miasma of corruption around their political opponents, without sparing a thought for how such aggression will be received by the people they are trying to influence. Read: BSP leader announces reward of Rs 50 lakh for Daya Shankar Singhs tongue Finally, the manner in which BSP workers protested in Lucknow on Thursday showed that good change pales before vulgarities that dominate our public discourse. Not content with asking for the arrest of Mr Singh, some of them have gone to the extent of asking for his hanging. An award has also been declared for slitting Mr Singhs tongue. Such animosities feed on one another, and prepare the soil for certain types of crassness that should have been a thing of the past long ago. Indias plan to roll out a goods and services tax (GST) and create a common national market has missed several deadlines, including the last one of April 1. The next deadline looks to be set at April 1, 2017. Once adopted, the GST will dramatically alter Indias indirect tax structure by replacing a string of central and local levies such as excise duty, value added tax and octroi into a single unified tax and stitch together a common national market. But, the wait could get longer if Parliament fails to ratify the 122nd Constitution Amendment Bill in the monsoon session that began on July 18. Read | Govt forms new strategy to garner opposition support on key bills If Parliament fails to pass the Bill in this session, it will further delay the process of getting it ratified in at least half of the state assemblies. The Bills holdup until Parliaments winter session, which usually runs till December-end, could mean most states will not be able to take up the legislation before their respective Budget sessions in February-March next year, the same time around which assembly polls in five states Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur are likely to be held. This will, in turn, push back the enactment of the supplementary and subordinate legislation that will have to be passed after the main central law is enacted. These include the state GST law, the central GST law and the integrated GST law. These are enabling legislation that are necessary for rolling out the new tax system. Read | Congress not opposed to GST bill, were authors of GST idea, says P Chidambaran Pending the passage of the Bill, the proposed GST council cannot be formed. This will delay decisions on rates and the structure of the dispute resolution mechanism. A delay in Parliaments approval of the central law carries the risk of pushing back this process by a few months. In addition, it is also imperative to have a robust country-wide information technology (IT) network and infrastructure to make the implementation seamless. The IT network is still a work in progress, which has to be tested in the run-up to April 1, 2017 before its final roll-out. The fiscal hurdles among states have kept away large-scale investments in what should otherwise count as one massive, attractive market. But, for how long can India avoid the roll-out in its quest for an ideal GST model? India cannot continue to remain an assortment of several dissimilar markets governed by diverse sets of tax rules and rates. It is true that governments dislike criticism but the BJP-led NDA government seems to be particularly sensitive to any derision of their agenda or world view. Heres one more example of this: The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), which was rocked by 139-day campus protests last year over the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as its chairperson, has made it compulsory for all new students to submit a conduct affidavit. The affidavit bars students adults who have voting rights from violating the decorum and decency on the campus and insulting faculty members. It goes on to add that the institute has the full right to initiate disciplinary proceedings against students who violate any of its rules and regulations. The bottom line: Come and study, but dont get into a debate on issues beyond textbooks or raise voices against social injustices/government agenda. No radical thoughts, please. Read: Can India have a future without critical thinkers? This is the first time that such a notification has been introduced in the institute, but it is not difficult to understand why it has been done. Other than last years protests in FTII, the country witnessed two other major protests this year by the student community in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Hyderabad Central University (HCU). In both cases, students, especially the Left-leaning ones, clashed with the ones on the Right, which is trying to get a foothold in Indias campuses. The FTII affidavit is also clearly part of this broader agenda of changing the narrative in these universities. This agenda is also being pushed through bureaucratic (as seen in FTII) and policy (the new education policy) measures. In an interview to HT, this is what TSR Subramanian, who led a committee established by the HRD ministry to come up with ideas for a new education policy, argued in support of curbs on students political activism on campus: The opinion basically states that freedom of expression is a fundamental right But there should be restriction to ensure that this right of a few should not impinge on the majority of the students. It is possible to have such restrictions. Read: What happened in Hyderabad (University) is the symptom: TSR Subramanian It is not only that the Centre cannot digest criticism of its actions, it is also using all kinds of means to ensure that student agitationists are kept in check. JNU recently refused to register the 21 students who were involved in the events of February 9 for the new semester, which includes students body president Kanhaiya Kumar. If the Centre thinks that student activism is bad then it should also rein in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) too. It cant be that ABVPs politics is benign and what other parties/students indulge in is toxic. This amounts to double standards and does nothing to enhance education in the country. Engineers, management postgraduates and doctors filled 97% seats of yoga courses at Barakatullah University in Bhopal, indicating the rising employability range of the ancient Indian mind-body discipline. Yoga has become a sought-after college course following Prime Minister Narendra Modis global push to popularise the exercise and meditation routine. The seats for four courses of yoga have almost been filled in the first phase of admission. This enrolment rush surprised authorities at the popular university, where seats for latest courses such as remote sensing, environmental science, genetics, geo-informatics, and cyber law were still vacant. Governments at the Centre and state are paying special attention to yoga. Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced that a yoga teacher will be appointed every government school. Other states too have made similar announcements. We are expecting a boom in the demand for yoga teachers, engineering student Rahul Sharma said, referring to his choice. Professionals too are heading for yoga for a better future. I am a physical trainer. I am waiting for a permanent job as a physical training (PT) teacher, but the governments emphasis on PT has changed. Now, it is focusing only on yoga. So I have to change my field for a better job opportunity, said a PT teacher. Besides job opportunities, people opt for yoga for personal development too, explained Sadhna Dauneria, the universitys yoga department head. Candidates are showing a keen interest in yoga courses 125 of the 130 seats had been filled already. About 40% of the students are engineers, management postgraduates, ayurvedic and homeopathic doctors. The response has been good over the past two years. This year it exceeded our expectations. The university didnt do any additional publicity for yoga, yet the yoga department received the highest number of applications. We published the same advertisement for all courses. But yoga defeated humanities, commerce and even some latest science courses in the admission process. Enhancement in employability seems to be a major factor, university registrar HS Tripathi said. Ending two years of non-induction of students amid protests in the campus, the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) is admitting a new batch next week. The FTII administration said it will sensitise the students joining on July 28 to be not swayed by their seniors who held prolonged protests last year against a top appointment at the institute. The union government, which runs the 1960-founded autonomous institution under the information and broadcasting ministry, appointed actor Gajendra Chauhan as the FTII chairman on June 9 last year. This led to a 139-day strike by students, who saw saffronisation in the move by the NDA regime at the centre. The agitation formally ended in October, but protests continue over Chauhan as the head of the institute. Read more: FTII okays new syllabus, courses Despite the revolt that attracted nationwide attention, FTII this year received 3,892 student applications, which is 30% more vis-a-vis the last time it notified admissions. The institute did not recruit students in 2014 and 2015, also citing non-completion of courses for the 2008-batch students who were over-staying. The longest of courses FTII offers are of the post-graduate diploma category, spanning three years. The new batch will be apprised about our general guidelines, said FTII director Bhupendra Kainthola. Besides the decorum we expect from students, we will provide them information about the facilities FTII provides them. The new batch, typically, will sign an affidavit agreeing to the general code of conduct. Read more: Punes FTII ready for overhaul, to introduce 22 new courses The management of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore has asked its students and their families to mobilise funds so that the construction work at its campus can be completed after the premier institute allegedly ran out of funds from the government. Established in 2009, IIT-Indore began functioning from a temporary building and moved to a new one from 2012 even though construction work was incomplete and remains so. Classes are held in the under-construction buildings that have leaky roofs and sparked fear for the safety of the students at the elite technology school. Crucial equipment, like the super computer and radio telescope, have been packed and locked for the fear of getting damaged. The deputy registrar Pradeep Agrawal has written a mail to students, their families and friends to pool in to speed up the construction work. In a move to mobilise resources for fastening the process of development of infrastructure and other purposes at IIT-Indore, donations are welcomed Donations made to IIT-Indore are 100% exempted from income tax, Agrawal wrote. Read more: IIT-Indore bans social media over online protests against fee hike A students, who did not wish to be named, said they have been asked to behave like a messengers and get donations for the institute. When we questioned the deputy registrar about it, he said that all the funds which were issued to us have been exhausted and the building is yet to be completed, the student said. From super computers to state-of-the-art equipments, all have been packed and kept inside as there is so much dust and leakage and they fear that the instruments will get damaged. Also, these machines require proper air conditioning and an enclosed spot which the institute is not able to provide, another student said. The institutes authorities were not available for comment. Earlier this week, IIT-Indore banned all social media on its campus in a bid to stop PhD scholars from taking their protest against a recent fee hike online. All the systems linked to the institutes server have been blocked for all social media platforms. Students of IIT-Indore on Thursday protested in front of the directors office in Simrol campus, demanding rollback of the fee hike decision and putting an end to their mental harassment by faculty and administration. Boycotting classes and lab work, about 150 PhD scholars sat outside the directors office till late evening. However, the administration maintained its silence yet again. All 400 PhD students want to protest until our grievances are addressed, but the administration has put pressure on faculty and managed to convince some students to attend classes, a PhD scholar told HT. My mentor called me and threatened me saying if I dont attend lab work, he will not help in completing research work. For the past 10 days, students are protesting the proposed tuition fee hike, which has been increased by 130% (from Rs 8,350 to Rs 19,900) for the old Ph.D scholars. The students claim the fee hike is not applicable on them as they had joined the institution much before the proposal was floated. But the administration holds the view that the proposed fee hike is justified since scholarship of students was increased. After protests by the students on social media, the administration told them that they can pay fee in instalments but it is adamant on not taking back the proposed hike. Meanwhile, the IIT administration tried to stop media persons from entering the campus on Thursday morning. The media persons entered the campus after much persuasion and arguments. The students also raised their voice against carrying out classes and research work at under construction buildings. Many accidents have occurred in the buildings. Once, a rod fell next to a student. Had it fallen on him, it would have been a tragedy, a student said. We will continue our protest against the tyranny of administration and faculty members. The student gymkhana urged the students to end their strike, saying the fee hike decision is on hold until the director returns from abroad. But the students asserted that gymkhana is not an official body, and they want official communication in this regard. This is to create factions among students to break the protest, a student said. Jazmin, the female lynx now living at the Madrid Zoo Aquarium. Carlos Rosillo Two Iberian lynxes are the new residents of Madrids Zoo Aquarium, which inaugurated special facilities for the endangered species on Wednesday. King Felipe VIs mother, Sofia, who still holds the honorary title of queen, attended the event along with state and regional officials. The male, Kalama, and the female, Jazmin, are the only Iberian lynxes to live in the Madrid region. Most of the others are in southern Spain, particularly in Donana National Park, where there is a breeding program in place to save the species. The breeding program has raised the number of specimens in two Andalusian locations from 100 in 2002 to 361 in 2015 The three and four-year-old animals were transferred to their new 600 m2 residence from a breeding center in Zarza de Granadilla (Caceres). Jesus Fernandez, director of the zoological division of Parques Reunidos, the parent company of Madrids Zoo Aquarium, explained that because they are not fit for reproduction purposes, the lynxes will fulfill another one of the programs goals, which is raising social awareness about the dangers threatening this species. With this initiative, the Zoo Aquarium and the Parques Reunidos Foundation are joining the Life Iberlince conservation program, which is run jointly by the Environment Ministry and the regional government of Andalusia. This program has managed to reduce the Iberian lynxs status from critically endangered to endangered. 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. The Andalusian environment chief, Jose Fiscal, said that the breeding program has raised the number of specimens in two Andalusian locations from 100 in 2002 to 361 in 2015. In the whole of the Iberian peninsula there are 404 animals after some of them expanded into Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura and the neighboring Portugal. Agriculture Minister Isabel Garcia Tejerina underscored that lynx conservation is one of the prime examples in the history of nature protection in Spain. She added that the coordinated work of all agencies involved in the project has yielded excellent results throughout these last 15 years. Agustin Lopez Goya, biology director for Parques Reunidos, explained that the main threats to the Iberian lynx are vehicle strikes on roads and a decline in wild rabbit populations through disease. Lynxes feed on rabbits, and if these are ill the lynx is usually affected as well, and its own population declines notably, added this expert. English version by Susana Urra. Bollywood offered its condolences over the sad demise of veteran filmmaker Garry Marshall, who passed away on Tuesday, at the age of 81. Celebs including Anupam Kher, Neha Dhupia and Sajid Khan took to their respective social media handles to pay their respects. Read: Pretty Woman director Garry Marshall dies at 81 Posting a picture with Marshall, Anupam tweeted, Had the privilege of meeting director #GarryMarshall in LA. He spread happiness like his movies did. Will miss him. Had the privilege of meeting director #GarryMarshall in LA. He spread happiness like his movies did. Will miss him. pic.twitter.com/9e5cB9j41z Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) July 21, 2016 R.I.P. GARRY MARSHALL..thanks for giving the world classics like mork and mindy, pretty woman and beaches..., tweeted Sajid. R.I.P. GARRY MARSHALL..thanks for giving the world classics like mork and mindy, pretty woman and beaches... pic.twitter.com/SfP7JYU9L4 Sajid Khan (@SimplySajidK) July 20, 2016 Neha Dhupia wrote, RIP #GarryMarshall ... We have loved your cinema ... But you had so many more stories to tell... Cinema lost another gem... RIP #GarryMarshall ... We have loved your cinema ... But you had so many more stories to tell... Cinema lost another gem.... Neha Dhupia (@NehaDhupia) July 20, 2016 Marshall, who died at a hospital in Burbank, California, from complications of pneumonia after suffering a stroke, is survived by his wife Barbara, a son and two daughters along with six grandchildren and two sisters. Read: Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, Chris Pine all want Princess Diaries 3 Garry, who started his career as a joke writer for comedians such as Joey Bishop and Phil Foster, was known for developing Neil Simons 1965 play The Odd Couple and directing Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride, Valentines Day, New Years Eve, Mothers Day, The Princess Diaries and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. Follow @htshowbiz for more Animal rights activists on Thursday called for psychiatric evaluation of eight juveniles who burnt alive three puppies and filmed the horrific act. The boys were detained and referred to the Juvenile Justice Board after the video went viral on Wednesday. NG Jayasimha, managing director of Humane Society International/India HSI/India, said a psychiatric evaluation should be done as the violence towards animals could be an indicator of other abuses and potential serious anti-social behaviour in adulthood, including criminal offences and violence towards women and children. As an animal welfare advocate and as a parent, it breaks my heart to see the suffering the animals have gone through and the possible violent history that the youngsters must have had to deal with to resort to this kind of action, he said. The boys, all said to be under the age of 18, committed the cruelty in a graveyard in Musheerabad area of Hyderabad. The police took the action following a complaint by Shreya Paropkari, cruelty response manager for HSI/India, and Vasanthi Vadi of People for Animals Hyderabad. The video shows the boys carrying three puppies, approximately two months old, by their hind legs and burning them alive under a pile of dried branches, sticks and jute sacks. The puppies were struggling in the video to escape while the culprits pushed them back and held them down under the burning fire using poles. Jayasimha hoped the Juvenile Justice Board takes swift and stern action for this inexplicable violence against defenceless puppies. HIS/India pointed out that the puppy burning case in Hyderabad closely follows the recent case of a dog being thrown off a terrace by medical students in Chennai and a host of animal cruelty cases across the country. However, in most cases, the accused are able to get away with paying a meagre fine of Rs 50, the maximum penalty prescribed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, it said. HSI/India and People for Animals have started a campaign, #NoMore50, to increase the penalties for animal cruelty so as to deter animal abuse. It is a tragedy for this country that animal cruelty is not taken as seriously as it should be. The penalty for killing an animal, and in this case, several animals in this horrific manner, is less than hiring an auto rickshaw to the court to attend the trial. Its time we study and understand the importance of violent behaviour towards animals in children and the domino effect it could have in other forms of violence, it added. Read | Hyderabad: Boys burn alive three puppies, another shoots dead a dog Seven senior resident doctors handle the work of 20 to run the emergency medicine department round-the-clock at New Delhis All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Of the seven, one doctor is about to finish his tenure in 10 days. The shortage forces us to depute a single senior resident for each shift. He has to oversee the treatment of 150 200 patient during an eight-hour shift and is assisted by 15 newly joined junior residents, who do not have the experience to handle emergency cases, said a senior resident doctor from AIIMS. The situation is worse at the surgical emergency, where there are only two senior residents. To run the emergency 24*7, doctors are posted in three shifts. There arent enough doctors to complete all the shifts in a day. The surgical emergency is being run by non-experienced junior residents, said the senior resident. There is a need for at least four senior residents for each shift, wrote the resident doctors association recently to the hospital administration. This is the situation every six months, when the tenure of the resident doctors end or they quit the job to prepare for their MD/DM examinations. However, this year it is worse, said Dr Vijay Kumar, president of the resident doctors association at AIIMS. According to him, the administration has modified its selection criteria to offer the positions only to candidates who have done a course in MD Emergency Medicine, which has aggravated the problem. This is a relatively new course and usually people who have done MD Medicine can handle the emergency. But, the new requirement would mean that the administration would be able to hire only one senior resident this year, said Dr Kumar. The work pressure has forced the six remaining resident doctors to consider quitting from the premiere institute. The RDA has demanded urgent intervention in the matter to prevent any unnecessary negative outcome in patients. The resident doctors are the first ones to get beaten up by the families and blamed by the administration, he said. There is an interview scheduled for the 26th of the months and after due processes we will definitely fill in all the vacant posts. We conduct these interviews twice a year and call in candidates according to the waiting list, said Dr DK Sharma, the medical superintendent of the hospital. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON When the Opposition launched an attack on the BJP in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday over the controversial prostitute remark of its UP functionary, the ruling party also received flak over repeated references by its leaders to presstitute in the other House. It was the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which has been a regular supporter of the government in Parliament, that slammed the BJP over the use of presstitutesa term coined by Union minister VK Singh to hit out at his media critics. While talking about the lack of dialogue between the government and the Kashmiri youth, BJDs deputy leader in Lok Sabha, Tathagata Satpathy said, We stop their newspapers, we stop their media and we ban everything. There are ministers who call the media bad names like presstitutes. I am ashamed to be in a democracy, in a country like India where ministers of dignity call the media such words. Singh was present in the House when Satpathy snubbed his remarks. This came after the BJPs UP vice-president Daya Shankar Singhs remarks comparing former chief minister Mayawati to a prostitute triggered outrage and saw protests on the streets of UP. The BSP lodged an FIR against Singh for the derogatory remark. Uttar Pradesh Police said the FIR was lodged under the SC/ST act and the matter will be investigated. Attacking the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief for allegedly selling party tickets, Singh, an upper caste Thakur, called the Dalit leader a vaishya while speaking in Mau. Though he immediately withdrew his statement and apologised for the remark, it was enough for Mayawati to point out that Singhs manners were indicative of the saffron partys growing frustration. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)s Chandigarh unit chief Jannat Jahan announced a reward of Rs 50 lakh on Thursday to anyone who brings her suspended BJP state vice-president Daya Shankar Singhs tongue for his remarks against BSP chief Mayawati. BSP workers staged protests across several cities of the nation over Daya Shankar Singhs derogatory remarks against party chief Mayawati and demanded that the suspended BJP state vice-president be arrested. Daya Shankar Singh, an upper-caste Thakur, called Maywati a vaishya for allegedly selling party tickets to aspiring candidates for next years state polls. Also read | When she contested LS polls: Destinys child wants to show shes no pushover Look at the way Mayawati is selling tickets. Even a prostitute keeps her commitment. But look at a leader like Mayawati who sells a ticket for Rs 1 crore, then after some time, if another is willing to pay Rs 2 crore, she will give the ticket to him. Mayawati has become worse than a prostitute, he said in Mau. Jahan described the BJP as both anti-women and anti-Dalit, saying that such remarks show their character. BJP has shown its true face. They were anti-Dalit, but now they are against women as well. The derogatory language used against Behenji shows their character. They (BJP) are neither with women or with Dalits or the poor, she told ANI. He should be put behind bars. If anyone brings me his (Daya Shankar Singh) tongue, I will give them Rs 50 lakhs, she said. BSP workers gathered in large numbers at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and raised slogans denouncing the BJP. Dayashankar should be sent to jail. He should be hanged. There are atrocities taking place against Dalits in Gujarat, one of the agitators told ANI. In Lucknow, BSP workers staged a protest at the main Hazratganj crossing. BSP state president Ram Achal Rajbhar said that party supporters have been asked to gather in the state capital in larger numbers. The BJP expelled Dayashankar Singh from the party for six years on Thursday. Union finance minister Arun Jaitley expressed on Thursday regret in Parliament over Singhs remark. It is not right and I condemn the use of this word. And if a person has said this, we will investigate. I express personal regret. I associate with your dignity and stand with you, Jaitley told Mayawati in the Rajya Sabha. The BSP chief thanked Jaitley and other leaders in the Rajya Sabha for supporting her. There are war of thoughts and ideas in the House, but never have I used derogatory words against anyone ever, Mayawati said. Daya Shankar Singh should be arrested and if in response to this, people get violent, it will not be on my conscience, Maywati said. Read | BJP expels Daya Shankar from party for comparing Mayawati to prostitute Thousands of Bahujan Samaj Party workers thronged Lucknows streets on Thursday, shouting slogans and demanding the arrest of an expelled senior BJP leader who called BSP chief and four-time chief minister Mayawati a prostitute. Angry protesters mostly Dalits burnt effigies of former BJP state vice-president Daya Shanker Singh, who made the objectionable remarks. As calls for his arrest mounted, police raided Singhs house in Qaiserbagh but couldnt find him with sources saying he had gone to Balia in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Senior BSP leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui who was leading the protests -- said the demonstrations would continue until Singh was arrested. Read: BJP expels Daya Shankar from party for comparing Mayawati to prostitute The comment has triggered a political storm ahead of state polls early next year, when the sizeable Dalit population is likely to be crucial. Read: State-wide protests in UP today for prostitute remark against Mayawati The BJP that has made several overtures to the community sacked Singh within hours of the remark with Union finance minister Arun Jaitley apologizing to Mayawati. We have taken action against Dayashankar, issue has ended now, information and broadcasting minister Venkaiah Naidu told ANI. But the BSP, which counts the states Dalit population as its primary votebank, refused to back down, with party members protesting in several states, including Delhi and Madhya Pradesh. In Lucknow, many protesters were locked in scuffled with BJP supporters, forcing the police to put up barricades to stop BSP workers from moving to the BJP office in Hazratganj. The massive protests triggered mile-long traffic snarls as thousands of four-wheelers and two-wheelers got stuck on all routes in the area. Read: BSP lodges FIR against Dayashankar for comparing Mayawati to prostitute SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhis decision to deploy dozens of battle tanks near its border with China might lead to misunderstandings between the two countries and also impact the flow of Chinese investment into India, a Chinese state-run media report said on Thursday. The opinion piece in nationalistic tabloid Global Times said it was puzzling that India was stationing 100 Russian second-generation T-72 tanks at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at a time when it is also wooing Chinese investment. The newspaper was reacting to reports in a leading Indian daily earlier this week that said the Indian army was deploying the tanks in Ladakh for the first time since the 1962 war between India and China. The Indian report said the move was not aimed at China but rather to ensure the tanks stayed in fighting condition in the sub-zero temperatures typical of the high-altitude region of Jammu and Kashmir. Ties between the two countries, prickly at the best of times, worsened after China stonewalled Indias membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group last month. Beijing has also been alarmed by New Delhis growing closeness with the United States as well as its expanding role in the South China Sea that the Chinese authorities consider as part of their sovereign territory. But despite their political differences, China remains one of Indias largest trading partners. Thursdays Global Times report suggested China was doing India a favour by investing in a country where people were illiterate and the business environment bad. In an index on the ease of doing business, from the World Bank, India currently ranks 130 out of 189. Despite Indias stated goal to rise to within the top 100 this year, the nation has its work cut out for them, it said. Additionally, the illiteracy rate in India remains high and continues to hinder the countrys efforts to improve its productivity, adding to evidence that India cannot make itself a promised land for Chinese manufacturers overnight. On top of all this, India is deploying tanks! said the opinion piece written by Hu Weijia. Chinese outbound investment has gone up by about 58.7% in the first half of the year. This new wave of Chinese investment only just begins to meet Indias rising import demands. The Peoples Daily said Wednesday that the Modi administration has recently promoted a second round of reforms to attract more overseas investment by allowing foreign firms to increase their shareholding in local enterprises. However, it is puzzling that while deploying tanks near Chinas border, India still strives to woo Chinese investment. In the once-sleepy village of Samadhiyala, one of several that dot Una tehsil in Gujarats Gir-Somnath district, the love of cows could be masking a more sinister design land grab. Family members of four Dalit youths publicly thrashed by self-styled cow activists for skinning a dead cow say that the assault was the result of an upper caste conspiracy aimed at grabbing their land and homes. A video clip of the July 11 incident which shows the four people being flogged by members of a self-styled cow protection group went viral a day later, sparking nationwide outrage amid allegations of increasing atrocities on Dalits since the BJP-led government came to power at the Centre. Tight security seen after at Samdhiyala village in Una. (Arun Sharma/HT PHOTO) Read: Wont tolerate attacks on Dalits, says Rajnath Singh on Una incident We believe that village sarpanch Prafullabhai Korat conspired with Hindu vigilante groups to organise this attack as he had been eyeing the two acres of land that Dalits have been using to skin dead animals, said Babubhai Veerasbhai Sarowya, father of Visrambhai and Rameshbhai, who were among the four assaulted by a group called the Gow Raksha Samiti on charges of cow slaughter. The sarpanch has since gone into hiding. The so-called activists had arrived in the village in two vehicles one of which allegedly had President Shiv Sena Gir Somath written on its rear windscreen, a fact-finding team was told. The activists allegedly used casteist abuses while flogging the youths though the four victims pleaded that they were only skinning dead cattle. Ahmedabad-based Raju Solanki of the Dalit Haq Rakshak Manch an organisation that works for the community -- was not surprised at Babubhais charge. Land has always been central to atrocities against Dalits. The Hindu vigilante groups which mostly comprise the upper castes have been carrying out atrocities against the Dalits in conjunction with the state administration and the police, he said. The family of the sarpanch, however, dismissed the charge. The land being used by the Dalits converges on the borders of three villages, but we are not interested in occupying it. We have enough land of our own, said Jeenabhai Korat, father of the sarpanch. Samadhiyala, around 300 km from state capital Gandhinagar, has suddenly turned into a garrison state -- with police vans and pickets at each corner. It has also emerged as a breeding ground for conspiracy theories and intrigues. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is served tea as he meets one of Dalit victims who were beaten up by cow protectors , at Una in Rajkot district on Thursday. (PTI) Read: Shocked and pained Rahul announces in Una Rs 5 lakh aid for Dalit family One unconfirmed report said that a Dalit youth in a nearby village had committed suicide by consuming acid. Others warn of a bloodbath waiting to happen. The reason for all this is that, while Dalits have improved their economic status in past decades, the upper castes and the Patels in particular have been growing increasingly insecure, said a veteran Gujarat-watcher. The justification of this argument was visible at Samadhiyala. All the 100 Dalit homes in a village with a population of around 2,000 have concrete homes. One of Babubhais nephews is a final-year engineering student, while his own daughter is training to become a nurse. In contrast, a majority of the Patels among the states affluent communities but now agitating for reservation in jobs -- living in the rural areas have allegedly lagged behind. Unemployment has been growing in Gujarat. That is the reason for the current social churn and political upheavals, Solanki said. Dalit leaders say community members, who constitute about 7% of the states population, are subjected to institutionalised caste bias. Official data show that about 1,000 cases of atrocities on Dalits are reported every year in the state. Figures also reveal that 50 Dalit women are raped and 200 Dalits are murdered on an average every year in Gujarat. (With inputs from Kulsum Yusuf in Ahmedabad) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Trouble might grow for Gujarat chief minister Anandiben Patel, whose government is facing another controversy over four Dalit men being beaten up on suspicion of cow slaughter. Subsequent protest took violent turn in the last two days, claiming life of a policeman and igniting fresh worries within the BJP about its political fallout in next year November-December election. The BJP leadership has been discussing pros and cons of replacing Patel ahead of the crucial assembly election and latest round of protest will provide more ammunition of her detractors in the BJP both in Gandhinagar and Delhi. Patels latest worries follows last year protest from the Patidar community over reservation demand and the arrest of its leader Hardik Patel. The agitation from the dominant community had cost the BJP in local bodies election, wherein it suffered a jolt in the rural areas for the first time in one decade. Between 2010 and 2015, the BJPs vote share declined by about 10 % in district panchayat poll and slid from 48.51 % to 42.32% in election for Taluka panchayats. BJPs vote share also declined by about 3 per cent in election for 56 municipalities and a little over 1 % in polls for six municipal corporations. Read: Gujarat model may dent BJPs prospects in other poll-bound states Patel has problem at two fronts. The electoral reverses and administrative lapses reflect the lack of her grip over administration, in sharp contrast to Modis 12 year rule. Also, it emboldens her rivals in the party, who are asking for her exit ahead of the December 2017 assembly election. Modi chose Patel over his trusted aide Amit Shah, now BJP chief, to succeed him in Gujarat. The 74-year-old woman leader has since struggled to step into the big shoes of Modi. She turns 75 this November and Delhis power corridor is abuzz with reports her power tussle with Shah, who apparently wants a leadership change in Ahmedabad. Patel has in different interviews denied any trust deficit with Shah. The BJP chief, too, on many occasions denied having any ambition to return to Gujarat. I have moved on. I dont look back, he had told a select group of reporters recently. But, sources close to the chief minister suspect a foul play in Dalit protests. Is it mere coincidence that protests over the July 11 incident (of Dalit flogging) spread only on July 18 evening? There could be more to it than what meets the eye, a source close to the chief minister told HT. Read: Oppn protests attack on Dalits, Sonia says govt condones social terror The chief ministers office in Gandhinagar and her media managers in Delhi have been circulating the list of actions such as the arrest of accused, compensation to victims and others which Patel has taken to deal with the situation. Patels loyalists blame a section within the party for creating wrong perception about her in Delhi. Here, BJP leaders fear that she may have to deal with more challenges in immediate future than the Dalit protest. The release of Patidar agitation leader Hardik Patel from Surat Jail on July 15, BJP sources said, might lead to revival of the reservation demand by the dominant community. The demand is not legally tenable. To deal with any revival of reservation demand will be a big challenge for Patel, a BJP functionary in Delhi said. A source said Amit Shah had met a few senior functionaries of the party on the eve of Hardiks release to take stock of the situation. Winning Gujarat next year is crucial for Prime Minister Modi. Not only has he held the state for 12 continuous years, but Gujarat has been under uninterrupted BJP rule since March 1998. Gujarat is home state to both Modi and Shah is often described as the stronghold of the Rashtriya Swayamseva Sangh and its affiliates. We can nto afford to lose Gujarat. That will have a psychological bearing on the BJP and its cadre. Modi is well aware of the situation and the final decision of Patels fate will be taken by him, a BJP leader said. Read: Gujarat govt acted fast in Una, Dalit atrocities under Cong rule too: Rajnath SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON BSP chief Mayawati took centre stage in national politics and won rare unanimous opposition support in Parliament on Thursday, as protests grew over derogatory remarks about her and atrocities against Dalits. Thousands of people filled the main streets of Lucknow and elsewhere in Uttar Pradesh, demanding the arrest of expelled state BJP leader Dayashankar Singh for comparing Mayawati to a prostitute. They left after the authorities promised to arrest Singh within 36 hours. The insult to Mayawati, a Dalit icon and four times chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, came at a time the central government has been struggling to contain protests over the beating of four Dalit men by self-styled cow vigilantes for skinning a dead cow in Gujarat. Thursdays demonstrations as well as Mayawatis speech in parliament signalled that Uttar Pradesh was set to become the focal point of Dalit protest politics, with elections in the state just months away. Accounting for about 21% of the state population, Dalits are a key swing vote. Implying a political backlash for the BJP, Mayawati said Dalits would never forgive the party for Singhs comments. People from the weaker sections of society respect me a lot; they treat me as a goddess and if you say bad things about their goddess, they will feel bad and are bound to protest, she said. In the Rajya Sabha, her speech bore the hallmark of a potential election pitch. It is a positive thing that the entire Parliament has condemned it. You have not only condemned vehemently, but boosted my morale and motivated me to fight for the cause of Dalits, she said. In the name of cow protection, in the past one and a half years, first there were atrocities against Muslims, now we see even Dalits are not being spared. This is not just in Gujarat but across the country, especially in BJP-ruled states. The events of the past few days are seen as undermining the BJPs outreach to Dalit, who have traditionally not voted for the party. In parliament, home minister Rajnath Singh tried to douse the political fire, saying that not only physical violence but also verbal abuses equally insult and hurt a person. I felt ashamed when I was informed about this, he said. On the Gujarat attack, he said four police officials had been suspended and a CID probe ordered. But that did not mollify the opposition parties, almost all of which jockey for Dalit support. Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia pitched the attack against Mayawati as BJPs efforts towards a Dalit-mukt India. Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury termed the attack on Mayawati as a part of a larger plan to find new avenues of attacking Dalits. I keep wondering that when it came to Dalits, there is diarrhoea of words and constipation of action. There are voluminous speeches but no action, he said. Even within the NDA ranks, the BJP stood isolated on the issue. Its ally and RPI (A) leader Ramdas Athawale said: It is important to protect the cow but who will save humans? Back in UP, police raided Singhs Lucknow residence twice on Thursday but were told he is possibly on a tour of Ballia in eastern Uttar Pradesh. His mobile phone was switched off. Singhs younger brother Dharmendra Singh was taken into custody, police said. BSP workers also gathered in large numbers at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and shouted slogans denouncing the BJP. Besides, party MLAs also protested in the Bhopal assembly. In Lucknow, Singhs wife, Swati Singh, alleged BSP workers were harassing her and her 12-year-old daughter. A case must be registered for mentally harassing my daughter, ANI quoted her as saying. But angry BSP supporters justified their action, shouting slogans such as gali ke badle gali (abuse for abuse). 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 Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati said on Thursday Dalits will never forgive the BJP after a party leader compared her to a prostitute, as protests over the statement rocked Uttar Pradesh and Parliament. Her comments came minutes after the BSP called off massive street protests in Lucknow after the state administration said BJP leader Daya Shankar Singh who made the controversial remark will be arrested in 36 hours. Filthy language used against me, Dalits will never forgive BJP, Mayawati told reporters. Read: BJP expels Daya Shankar from party for comparing Mayawati to prostitute The BJP moved swiftly after the comments sparked a political storm on Wednesday, expelling Singh and apologizing to Mayawati. But this didnt appear to have impressed the BSP chief, who demanded Singhs arrest. The BJP could have won my heart if they had filed an FIR against Daya Shankar Singh, she said. As calls for his arrests grew, police raided his Lucknow residence but were told he is possibly on a tour of Ballia in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Sources told HT he is likely to surrender in a Lucknow court in a few hours. People from weaker sections of society cutting across party lines respect me a lot, they treat me as goddess... And if you say bad things about their goddess they will feel bad and are bound to protest, Mayawati said. Read: BSP lodges FIR against Dayashankar for comparing Mayawati to prostitute The protests are politically significant as they come months ahead of crucial polls in Uttar Pradesh, where both the BJP and BSP are aggressively wooing the influential Dalit vote. The scheduled castes have traditionally voted for the BSP and stayed away from the BJP -- which is seen as a party of the dominant castes -- but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made several overtures to the community, including inducting several Dalit members into his council of ministers recently. Earlier in the day, thousands of BSP workers and leaders thronged the central squares of Lucknow in protest against Singhs comment. They demanded the BJP leaders arrest and burnt his effigies with police putting up barricades to stop BJP and BSP workers from fighting it out on the streets. I havent asked anyone to protest on the issue. The language used by the BJP leader was so bad that people from weaker sections, especially Dalits, protested on their own. I cant stop them. But I want to assure them that I will continue to fight for their rights, said the BSP chief. In Parliament, Mayawati received the support of all political parties with the Opposition trying to use the issue to corner the government. Missed the big headlines of the day gone by? Dont worry. HT presents to you the top news of Thursday. Catch a glimpse to catch on. From protests over Dalit issues to China-Pakistan joint exercise and the euphoria over Rajinikanths Kabali, heres your one-stop news basket. Dalit ire singes BJP, Mayawati takes the centre stage BSP chief Mayawati took centre stage in national politics and won rare unanimous opposition support in Parliament on Thursday, as protests grew over derogatory remarks about her and atrocities against Dalits. Thousands of people filled the main streets of Lucknow and elsewhere in Uttar Pradesh, demanding the arrest of expelled state BJP leader Dayashankar Singh for comparing Mayawati to a prostitute. They left after the authorities promised to arrest Singh within 36 hours. Read full story Chinese and Pakistani troops launch joint patrol along PoK border Chinese and Pakistani troops are jointly patrolling a stretch of the border connecting Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Xinjiang against the backdrop of reports that more than 100 Uyghurs from the region have joined the Islamic State. Chinas state media reported the joint patrolling on Thursday, with the website of Peoples Daily, the Communist Party of Chinas mouthpiece, publishing dozens of photos of armed Chinese and Pakistani troops marching along the border and conducting drills. Read full story Stop inciting terrorism, meddling in our affairs, India tells Pakistan Hitting out at Pakistan for observing a black day on the situation in Kashmir, India on Thursday asked it to stop supporting terrorism on Indian soil and meddling in the countrys internal affairs. In a strong response to the black day observed by the Nawaz Sharif government , the external affairs ministry said the events in Pakistan were led by UN-designated terrorists a reference to Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed who organised a rally from Lahore to Islamabad on Wednesday. Read full story France truck attacker had accomplices, planned for months: Prosecutor The truck driver who killed 84 people on a Nice beachfront had accomplices and appears to have been plotting his attack for months, the Paris prosecutor said Thursday. Prosecutor Francois Molins said five suspects currently in custody are facing preliminary terrorism charges for their alleged roles in helping 31-year-old Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel in the July 14 attack in the southern French city. Molins office, which oversees terrorism investigations, opened a judicial inquiry Thursday into a battery of charges for the suspects, including complicity to murder and possessing weapons tied to a terrorist enterprise. Read full story Im not Trumps servile puppy dog, says Ted Cruz The senator from Texas refused to endorse Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, and was widely seen as making a case for himself for another run for the presidential nomination in 2020. Vote your conscience, Cruz said, winding up his speech. Vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution. Read full story An entire state gone wild: Kabali has Tamil Nadu raving for more With Kabali set to hit cinemas across the country on Friday, the state of Tamil Nadu is in uproar, with fans swarming local theatres desperately trying to nab the rare first day first show ticket. The release of a Rajinikanth film in Tamil Nadu is an almost sacred affair. An occasion which unites his die-hard fans and the curious alike in seeing the man known reverently as Thalaivar, perform on the big screen. Read full story Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi reached Una and met family members of the Dalit men who were thrashed for allegedly killing a cow earlier this month, an incident that sparked violent backlash over the past two days. Simmering discontent blew up across the state after a video of the incident went viral. The violence has so far claimed the life of a policeman while a Dalit committed suicide in protest. Rahuls visit to Una comes on the heels of that of Gujarat chief minister Anandiben Patel who met the victims and their families on Wednesday. Patel told the victims families that her government was taking strict action against the culprits and 16 of them were already arrested. As some of the victims complained of getting threats, Patel assured that police would also arrest those people. Congress VP Rahul Gandhi meets the family members of victims of Una incident, in Una (Gujarat) pic.twitter.com/cxXhutphlE ANI (@ANI_news) July 21, 2016 The Congress vice-president met Balubhai Sarvaiya, one of those beaten, and his family members after landing in Diu. Seven of Balubhais family members, including him, were beaten. He (Rahul) also asked questions about issues and discrimination being faced by us in our village. We told them that the practice of untouchability is prevalent here as we are made to stand away from others, Jitu, who is studying engineering at a college in Bhavnagar district, said. Dalit organisations had called for a bandh on Wednesday to protest the brutal thrashing of the community youths in Una. The bandh evoked a mixed response with incidents of stone-pelting and road blockade reported at some places. Some parts of Saurashtra and north Gujarat regions observed total bandh where sporadic incidents of stone-pelting and road blockade were witnessed. The attack on the Dalits by the vigilante cow protection group on July 11 has seriously dented the BJPs plans to reach out to scheduled castes in Gujarat. Both the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are keen to make political capital out of the unrest in Gujarat. After Rahul, AAP supremo and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to visit Una on Friday. The atrocities on Dalits in Gujarat also rocked Parliament on Wednesday, forcing home minister Rajnath Singh to concede that the attacks on Dalits are a social evil. He condemned the Una incident and urged political parties to unite over the issue. The Congress had announced on Wednesday that Rahul Gandhi would visit Una to meet the victims. But the sight of the Congress vice-president dozing in the Parliament during the discussion on the situation in Gujarat, drew fire from BSP chief and Dalit leader Mayawati. Mayawati slammed Rahul, saying it showed his lackadaisical attitude in the sensitive matter. The Congress vice-president was spared of further embarrassment because his nap was overshadowed by the outrage that exploded following a sexist slur on Mayawati by one of BJPs vice presidents in UP - Daya Shankar Singh who has since been expelled from the party. Accusing the Congress of playing cheap politics over Kashmir, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said the unity and integrity of the country is paramount and not the lives of terrorists. Our party (BJP) is committed to the security of the country. The unity and integrity of the country is paramount, not the lives of terrorists, Naidu said while briefing the media in Delhi on a number of issues, including the recent violence in Kashmir. He accused the Congress of playing cheap politics over the Kashmir issue and compromising national security. For short term political benefits, some are politicising the issues related to the countrys unity and sovereignty, he said adding that sympathy with terrorists is not acceptable at all. This is nothing but cheap politics. They should understand public sentiments of the country, he said. He was referring to former Union home minister P Chidambarams comments in a TV interview that the grand bargain under which Kashmir acceded to India has not been honoured. It was the Congress which ruled the country over 50 years and also the state of Jammu and Kashmir.. then who failed to keep the promise, asked Naidu. The problem in Jammu and Kashmir is not due to the Narendra Modi government and country knows who mishandled the issue, he added. Naidu also attacked those who criticised the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani. Why there is so much sympathy for a terrorist who was booked in 15 criminal cases? he asked. A day after the photo and video clipping of abducted Catholic priest Tom Uzhunnalil surfaced on social media, relatives pleaded the Union government on Wednesday to expedite measures to get him released. The issue also figured in Parliament and the external affairs ministry said it was verifying veracity of latest posts. The priest, who hails from Pala in Kottayam, was abducted on March 4 when members of a terror group stormed an old-age home run by Missionaries of Charity in southern Yemeni city of Aden. Sixteen persons, including four nuns were killed in the attack. The weary photo almost looks like his. We dont have any mechanism to cross check this either. We are relieved to hear that he is alive, his brother Mathew Uzhunnanil said. Special prayers were held in his village in Ramapuram. We are hoping against the hope, said another relative of the priest, TC Mathew. In the photo, the priest with an overgrown beard looks fragile and weary putting both his hands on his chest. Besides the photo, an old video clipping is also doing rounds in social media. It is really disturbing. Blind-folded, hes getting thrashed by unknown assailants, said another relative. It is not clear who posted the video and photo on social sites. The issue figured prominently in Lok Sabha. Replying to a question raised by Kottayam MP Jose K Mani external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said the government will make all efforts to release the priest. The abduction is a matter of grave concern for us. We dont have an embassy there and we are exploring all ways to reach him. Prime Minister Modi during his recent overseas visits has taken up the issue with various heads of states, she said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The raging Dalit issue and a former BJP leaders slur against her has provided the perfect conditions for Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati to emerge as a rallying point for Opposition parties. For the past three days, the Dalit protests in Gujarats Una have dominated parliamentary sessions, and amid this chaos, Mayawati has risen to forcefully state her case and attack the BJP-led NDA. Read | Parliament in tumult over attack on Dalits in Gujarat On Monday, an hour into the monsoon session of Parliament, the Dalit leader launched a scathing attack on the central government over the recent atrocities against Dalits in Gujarat. The next day, CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury raised the demolition of the Ambedkar Bhavan. But it was Mayawatis intervention that forced the NDA to come out with an assurance that the Centre would ask the state to rebuild it. On Wednesday, the Rajya Sabha session was disrupted as the Opposition protested over BJPs Dayashankar Singhs atrocious comment on Mayawati, prompting the party to go into a damage control mode and sack him. Read | BSP demands BJP leaders arrest for remark against Mayawati Mayawatis stance, highlighting the recent incident in Gujarats Una where seven Dailt boys were stripped and beaten, set the tone for the confrontation between an almost unified Opposition and the government. The Dalit issue, aptly highlighted with an eye on the upcoming polls in Uttar Pradesh, has found resonating support from other political parties. CPI(M)s Yechury, Trinamools Derek oBrien and Congress Anand Sharma swiftly moved to claim an opportunity to undermine the Modi government. OBrien summed up the Opposition mood and Mayawatis deftness in rallying rally the parties behind her when he said, Sir, what is happening in Gujarat? The Dalits are being oppressed and we are not discussing it. Behen ji (Mayawati) raised it two days ago. We all want to raise this issue. The former chief ministers move also comes at a time when serious doubts were cast over the Opposition unity in Parliament in the backdrop of the recent assembly elections. The Biju Janata Dal and AIADMK were already operating individually. After the West Bengal polls, the Trinamool Congress decided to keep its distance from the Congress when it aligned with the Left, creating a further rift in the Opposition ranks. For the BSP chief, this is an opportunity for a comeback, considering her party failed to win a single seat in Uttar Pradesh in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. To that end, the focus on the Dalit atrocity is a political potboiler. On Thursday, Gujarats Una will be paid a visit by Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel, furthering the matter. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday sought the cooperation of all political parties to restore normalcy in the valley where more than 40 people have died and nearly 2,000 injured in clashes between protesters and security forces triggered by the death of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani. National Conference, the states main opposition party, is not participating in the all-party meet convened by Mufti to review the situation in the valley. The situation is sensitive that is why we are here. We have made mistakes in the past but want to learn from our mistakes, we want to talk about them, Mehbooba said in Srinagars Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC). Read: In Kashmir, pellet gun victims are as young as 4 years We seek guidance from you all as the parties here have worked in Kashmir for decades, added. The government asked its employees to resume services in many districts in the valley, including Srinagar. The ruling Peoples Democratic Partys media adviser Suhail Bukhari also said schools will be opened in at least four districts in Kashmir. Newspapers returned to the stands across Kashmir with prominent publications carrying front-page articles against the five-day media gag that triggered widespread condemnation in the valley. Read: Back on stands, newspapers in Kashmir question gag Most people said getting back their daily news fix was a physiological relief because the media clampdown had started to fuel rumours but newspapers made their displeasure with the gag public. An uneasy calm prevailed on the 13th day of curfew in Kashmir even as protests planned at night poured in from many parts. Young men staged demonstrations across Srinagar on late Wednesday and raised pro-freedom slogans in mosques. Many areas in the city observed complete blackout by switching off lights for nearly an hour in the evening. Read: Why Kashmiris hate Indian media The protests were in response to a separatist call to observe July 20 as Black Day against the recent civilian killings. Pakistan too also observed July 20 as Black Day to express solidarity with Kashmiris. Separatists have asked people to resume normal work in the valley after 2pm on Thursday but local residents are likely to observe a complete shutdown till Friday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A 16-year-old Dalit boy was allegedly killed by family members of an upper caste girl in a suspected case of honour killing in Mumbai. Seven people have been arrested in connection with the case and the 17-year-old girl has also been detained, police said on Thursday. After the incident, members of the Republican Party of India (RPI) took out a march to Nerul Police Station on Wednesday evening, demanding action against the police personnel who had allegedly refused to initially register a complaint by the parents of the boy of his abduction by the girls brothers. The Navi Mumbai Police suspended two officers of Nerul Police Station in this regard on Wednesday. The boy, identified as Swapnil Sonawane, a resident of Dharave village in Nerul area of Navi Mumbai in Thane district, was in love with a 17-year-old schoolmate. The girls parents did not approve the relationship. On Tuesday night, a group of around 20-25 people, including the girls family members, beat up the boy with iron rods at Dharave village in Navi Mumbai, police said. The boy was later taken to a local hospital where he was declared brought dead, they said. Police arrested the girls brothers Sagar Naik (25), Sajesh Naik (21), father Rajendra Naik (50), mother Malti Naik (43), the brothers friends Ashish Thakur (23) and Durgesh Patil (22), and an autorickshaw driver Sameer Shaikh (23) on Wednesday. The accused have been booked under relevant IPC sections for murder, kidnapping, rioting and criminal intimidation, and under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, police said. The accused were produced in Vashi court on Wednesday and remanded in police custody till July 25, senior police inspector, Nerul, Adikrao Pol said. The girl was also detained and sent to a Bhiwandi remand home, police said. Navi Mumbai Police commissioner Hemant Nagrale said that two officers of Nerul police station have been placed under suspension against whom there are allegations that they refused to register the complaint of the boys family. An officer of the ACP rank from another division will carry out investigation into the case, he said last night. In the wake of the alleged gang rape of a young Dalit woman in Rohtak, a top UN official has condemned the heinous culture of impunity surrounding violence against women and demanded immediate action to end the brutality. The reported gang rape of a young Dalit woman in India by the same five men who had raped her three years ago underlines the heinous culture of impunity that surrounds violence against girls and women, UNICEF Principal Gender Advisor Anju Malhotra said in a statement yesterday. She said approximately 120 million girls worldwide 1 in every 10 will experience sexual violence and a majority of these girls are violated for the first time between the ages of 15 and 19. But outrage is not enough. We need action now to end this brutality that has become routine and to give the victims of violence the justice and protection they deserve, she added. The 21-year old girl has told investigators that she was not only drugged and gang-raped, but that two of her attackers had drugged and raped her three years earlier. Read: Choked, threatened, beaten: Rohtak gangrape victim recalls horror The monsoon session of Parliament entered its fourth day on Thursday. The major points of discussions in the two Houses so far have hinged on rising violence in Kashmir, violence against Dalits in Una and flood control measures. Home minister Rajnath Singh announced in the Lok Sabha that an expert committee would look into the use of pellet guns as a weapon used on protestors and that the committee would submit its report in two months. Use of pellet guns to control mob in the ongoing agitation in Kashmir, inflicting injuries in their eye, has been criticized, putting pressure on the state to review its use. Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia raked up the issue of UP BJP vice-president Dayashankar Singh called BSP supremo Mayawati a prostitute, in Lok Sabha and sought legal proceedings against Singh. A total of 25 bills, including the crucial GST Bill, are expected to come up for consideration and passage during the monsoon session. Here are the live updates from the third day of the monsoon session: Live updates: 1.02 pm: Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm. 12.50 pm: Legal proceedings should be carried out against Dayashankar Singh, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia says in Lok Sabha. 12.40 pm: Will constitute an expert committee to review the use of pellet guns for crowd control, Rajnath Singh says in Lok Sabha. 12.32 pm: Only non-lethal weapons should be used to tackle crowds during protests. And its not the first time pellet guns were used... We will form a committee to see if there are non-lethal ways to control the crowd, Rajnath Singh says in LS. 12.21 pm: The Kashmir issue needs to be dealt with collectively. Everyone needs to partake in the responsibility of making the situation better, Rajnath Singh says in Lok Sabha. 12.17 pm: J&K is Indias crown. But we cant deny the fact that our neighbour has an eye on it:.. Pakistan instead of fixing its internal matters is trying to destabilize India, home minister Rajnath Singh says in the Lok Sabha. 9.01 am: Lok Sabha adjourned till 11 am Pavel Manukyan: There are no talks The authorities removed doctors from the territory of Erebuni police compound. Pavel Manukyan, member of Sasna Dzrer (Daredevils of Sasoun) armed group, informed A1+. He learnt from A1+ that overnight the police cleared Khorenatsi street of demonstrators, but he didnt get concerned about it, They cleaned, but at night people will again gather. In reply to the question whether after the removal of the demonstrators, the authorities arent tougher in the talks, Mr Manukyan answered, There are no talks; I cannot see anything like that. He is aware that something is being discussed through Alek Yenigomshyan. In reply to the question why Serzh Sargsyan remains silent, the gunman said, When isnt he silent especially during conspiracy. The latter also learnt from A1+ that the NSS doesnt consider them to be terrorists anymore, but an armed group. But it doesnt change much, he said. What the gunmen of Sasna Dzrer are called, according to Pavel Manukyan, wasnt a topic for discussions, Dont the people know that we arent terrorists, we are armed rebels. He hopes that the people will take to the streets and that they will join them. By the way, he also informed that the issue of food hasnt be solved and it isnt known what will happen. Ancient Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar is in the midst of a controversy in the holy city of Haridwar. Cutting across party lines, politicians from Tamil Nadu urged Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat to find a place for the statue on Tuesday. Amid growing pressure, the Haridwar administration re-erected the statue in the compound of a government building, where the statue was otherwise kept wrapped in a plastic sheet. The installation of Thiruvalluvars statue is the brainchild of former BJP Rajya Sabha MP from Uttarakhand, Tarun Vijay, whose term expired this month. On June 29, Vijay invited the Uttarakhand CM, governor KK Paul and other dignitaries for the installation of the statue at the Shiv bridge near Har Ki Pauri, but the Ganga Sabha the umbrella body of teerth-purohits at Har Ki Pauri objected to it. It was then decided to install the idol at Shankaracharya Chowk, named after Adi Shankaracharya, but saints resisted the move. Finally, the statue was unveiled at a government guesthouse in a brief function that was attended by the governors of UP, Meghalaya, a minister from Tamil Nadu among others late on Tuesday. It is up to Harish Rawat to decide (where to permanently install statue) Politicians have extended support (to Thiruvalluvar statue), BJPs former lawmaker said on Wednesday. Baba Hathyogi, a spokesperson of the Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad a powerful body of saints said they were not opposed to the idea of installation of the statue. We are not opposed to it. In fact, we would have provided land to Tarun Vijay had he approached us. But he didnt even have a word with us before (making a plan for statues installation), he said. The Ganga Sabha echoed the sentiment. Purshottam Sharma, president of the organization, said no one should play politics in the name of saints. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa stepped into the controversy on Wednesday and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the issue. The visuals of the statue in this condition, beamed on television screens, are causing outrage in Tamil Nadu, Jayalalithaa said in a letter to Modi. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The police seized a Pakistani flag and arrested the man accused of hoisting it from a bustling suburb in Nalanda district on Thursday. The man, who lives near a mosque in Bihar Sharif reportedly hoisted it atop his house for want of a baby boy. The district administration swung into action when a local television channel showed the flag flapping from the roof of a house near the Jama Masjid in Kharadi locality of the district headquarters, 90 km south of the state capital. The owner of the house, Anwarul Haq, admitted to hoisting the flag, a district administration source said. He believed that it would help his wife give birth to a baby boy. Nalanda district magistrate Thiyagarajan SM, when contacted, said there was no Pakistani flag currently flying in Bihar Sharif. We will be inquiring into the matter, he added. Police will soon be sending the video for forensic examination in New Delhi. A person places Pakistan flag at his terrace in Nalanda district of Bihar. Police has got the flag removed now. pic.twitter.com/sJ4c23gGfT ANI (@ANI_news) July 21, 2016 Nalanda is the home district of chief minister Nitish Kumar. The incident comes a week after Patna reportedly witnessing pro-Pakistan slogans during a protest march to support controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi. The protesters, under the banner of Popular Front of India, took out a procession on On July 15, slamming the Centre for unnecessarily troubling and cracking down on Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation head Naik and Owaisi, an MP from Telangana. One person was arrested. The BJP blamed the coalition government of the Janata Dal (United), the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress in Bihar for sympathising with anti-nationals. The Opposition partys leader Prem Kumar said in the state assembly that the CM, along with RJD leader Lalu Prasad and the Congress, was responsible for patronising such anti-nationals. Defending the government, the JD(U) said the culprits would be booked. We will certainly send them to jail, a spokesman of the ruling party said. We have issued orders to the Nalanda police for stern action. All pro-Pakistan symathisers in the state will be dealt with sternly. (With inputs from ANI) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Mumbai Police filed a chargesheet in television actor Pratyusha Banerjees suicide case against her boyfriend Rahul Raj Singh in a local court on Wednesday. Singh, who is currently out on bail, has been charged with abetment of suicide, assault and criminal intimidation in the chargesheet that has over 1,000 pages. Banerjee, who shot to fame as Anandi in Balika Vadhu, was found hanging at her Goregaon apartment that she shared with Singh on April 1. The chargesheet includes statements of Banerjees parents, her uncle Dipankar and his wife Barnali, her co-stars and friends. Actress Kamya Punjabi and Banerjees friend Leena Dias are among the 45 witnesses who gave their statements to the police. Barnali told the police in her statement that she saw the injury marks on Banerjees body when the 24-year-old actor visited them at their Ambernath home early in February for two days. Banerjee showed her the injuries she sustained on her thigh after a fight with Singh. Read: Pratyushas parents demand CBI probe, to seek euthanasia if probe fails Her uncle then called Banerjees mother Soma and told her they are sending her back home. However, Banerjee decided to stay back. Barnali also told the police that Banerjee called her on March 31, a day before committing suicide to complain that her life has gotten very difficult. Banerjees parents wrote to the chief minister, state home minister and the police commissioner asking for a murder probe into the case. They also demanded that the case should be transferred to the crime branch alleging that the local police station was giving a free hand to the accused to destroy evidence. However, the Bombay high court did not take their petition and asked the Bangur Nagar police continue their investigations in the case. Singh has been asked to appear before the court on July 30. Was it an individual or an ideology that killed Mahatma Gandhi? The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh may have been cleared of charges of complicity in Gandhis assassination but historians say the groups ideology of pushing for a Hindu nation was in direct opposition to the freedom fighters stand. Their conflicting ideologies made their relationship fraught. This conflict was back in the spotlight on Tuesday after the Supreme Court ticked off Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who had blamed the RSS for Gandhis assassination in a speech. You cant make wholesale denunciation of an organisation. There is a difference between Nathuram Godse killing Mahatma Gandhi and the RSS killing him, the court observed. This has been hailed as a vindication of its stand by the RSS, which asserts Gandhi altered his opinion about the Sangh after visiting a camp in Wardha and appreciated their work. They also point out the Sanghs work was suspended for a few days after the assassination as a mark of respect. Read: Rahul Gandhi isnt the first Congress leader the RSS sued over Gandhis killing But many historians think otherwise. There are records, based on the letters of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, of how the RSS workers distributed sweets when they heard of Gandhis murder. One has to look at their involvement in terms of the atmosphere that they created against Gandhi, said historian Arjun Dev. Pointing out that there is plenty of historical evidence to substantiate Rahuls statement, Dev said: RSS may not have directly killed Gandhi, but they created a certain ideology against him. He underlined that Veer Savarkar and his Hindu Mahasabha had shown tacit support for Nathuram Godse, who was convicted of killing Gandhi. Read: 90 years on, RSS goes for an image makeover While he agreed that the RSS and Gandhi were polar opposites, historian Ramachandra Guha, however was emphatic in pointing out that the Sangh could not be held responsible for the murder. If Rahul Gandhi said the RSS is responsible for killing Gandhi, he is wrong, because Godse, who felt RSS was not radical enough, had by the time of the assassination) left the Sangh, Guha said. On the larger RSS- Gandhi relation, he said, the Sangh was ambivalent towards him and when the rioting spread in 1946-47 and Gandhi tried to stop it, the RSS turned hostile towards him. Ideologically and philosophically there was a profound distance between Gandhi and the RSS. At a time when Gandhi was giving his life for Hindu-Muslim unity, the RSS and the Muslim League perpetrated hatred, the former against, the Muslims and the latter against Hindus, he explained. Read: RSS, BJP hit out at Rahul over defamation case; Cong says he wont apologise Over the years, the RSS has been striving to alter the perception that it was opposed to Gandhi and that following his murder, was considered a communal outfit by Patel. According to a letter Patel wrote to MS Golwalkar as quoted in Desraj Goels Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh the then home minister said while there can be no doubt that the RSS did service to the Hindu Society, the objectionable part arose when they began attacking Muslims. But the RSSs changed stance on Gandhi too is seen through a prism of skepticism. Guha said the RSSs attitude to Gandhi has changed, They now acknowledge that Gandhi was a great man, but whether this acknowledgement is genuine or tactical it is hard to say. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliate, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), condemned on Thursday the attack on four Dalit men by self-styled cow protectors in Gujarat after the incident triggered a wave of nationwide protests. Both groups are known for their hard-line Hindu stance and have spoken out in the past over strict nationwide cow-protection laws but distanced themselves from the thrashing, saying they were against caste bias. The RSS strongly condemns all forms of discriminations, injustice and atrocities in the name of caste, a statement by the Sanghs Gujarat unit said. Read: Dalit attacks muddy the waters for Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel The ideological parent of the BJP called for harsh punishments for the perpetrators of the attack, saying the incident underlined the need for chinta (concern) and chintan (reflection). RSS strongly condemns all forms of discriminations, injustice and atrocities in the name of caste, a statement by the Samghs Gujarat unit said. The VHP, which is at the forefront of the cow-protection movement, also condemned the incident. Just bcoz the name is Goraksha Dal doesnt mean that they are associated with VHP. Those who implicate VHP in this matter should refrain, Parishad chief Praveen Togadia tweeted. This is in sharp contrast to the VHPs stated position on cow slaughter and beef consumption. The right-wing outfit had been demanding stiff punishment for the family of Mohammed Ikhlaq who was lynched last year on suspicions that he had slaughtered a cow and consumed its meat. Read: Oppn protests attack on Dalits, Sonia says govt condones social terror Experts say the Hindu groups may have been forced to backtrack because the BJP fears losing the Dalit vote ahead of the crucial Uttar Pradesh elections. VHPs international joint general secretary Surendra Jain had told HT earlier that if governments fail to protect cows, it will be incumbent on people to do the needful, a statement seen by many as promoting cow-protection vigilante groups. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Congress on Wednesday launched a frontal attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his handling of the volatile situation in Kashmir, leading an Opposition chorus that the NDA government did not have a plan to restore normalcy in the border state after the killing of a militant a fortnight ago. Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said that the PM was on a foreign tour while the Valley was witnessing clashes after security forces shot dead Hizbul Mujahideen leader Burhan Wani on July 8. He found time to wish a ministerial colleague on his birthday, but didnt say anything on Kashmir. A state was on fire and the PM was beating drums abroad, Scindia said in Parliament, referring to Modis trip four-nation Africa tour that concluded on July 12. Asking PM Modi to take inspiration from the US President, Scindia said Barack Obama cut short his foreign trip following the July 7 Dallas shooting. But where is the Mann ki Baat when trouble began in Kashmir, the MP asked, referring to Modis radio broadcast programme. The Congress chief whip in the Lok Sabha advised the Centre to send an all-party team to Kashmir, where sustained violence has claimed 45 lives and injured close to 2,000 people. My party is with the government, but we want it to act with a plan, he added. Scindia hit the government hard for saying that Pakistan stoked the latest flare-up in Kashmir, and said the Modi regimes policy with the neighbouring country was a joke. Read: Sonia Gandhi criticises govt, advocates sensitivity in handling J-K protests When you were in this (Opposition) side, you made strong statements. Now, on the other side, you are soft-pedalling. Pakistan is interfering in our internal matters, issuing statements. And our foreign office is pleading before them not to make such statements, as if with folded hands. The suggestion found echo in other Opposition parties, as the BJD, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, YSR Congress and the CPI(M) came down heavily on the government. Are you capable of engaging the Kashmiri youth, asked BJDs deputy leader Tathagata Satpathy. How many education loans, how many micro industries have come to Kashmir? You deal with them with the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, but couldnt give 5,000 jobs. The member from the BJD, which is an arch rival of the Congress in Odisha, also took digs at the BJP over its slogan of Congress-mukt Bharat. In democracy, it cant be mukt of anybody, Satpathy quipped. Trinamools Kalyan Banerjee said the Centre must extend help. High-sounding speech of ministers will not solve problems, he added. SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav asked the government to be cautious of Chinas plans to control Kashmir. CPI(M) leader Md. Selim maintained that use of brutal force can fulfil political agenda but not national interest. Read: In Kashmir, pellet gun victims are as young as 4 years The PDPs Muzaffar Beg spoke on how the Congress had betrayed the Kashmiris and said, We went with the BJP because it was voted as a winner by Indians. On his part, Scindia slammed the BJPs ruling alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party in Kashmir as a marriage of convenience. The state government was suffering from an identity crisis, he alleged. In response, Minister of state for foreign affairs MJ Akbar went down the road of history to recall how Pakistan had resorted to violence on the Kashmir issue right after Independence. Describing Kashmir as not a battle of geography, but ideology for Pakistan, he defended Modi saying, PM ka imaan, zabaan, yakeen saaf hai. We will take up the issue of Pakistan observing Black Day after Wani was killed. Akbar, like fellow BJP leader Anurag Thakur, appealed to the Opposition to be united at least on the issue of Kashmir. Thakur sounded a word of caution to the Opposition. Pakistan has lit the fire in Kashmir. But Soniaji (Gandhi), we have to see that no one starts supplying fuel from the country, he said, amid the backing of BJP allies like the Shiv Sena, Akali Dal and the PDP on the issue. The government is ready to work but it is responsibility for all political parties to help to create atmosphere. Hitting out at Pakistan for observing a black day on the situation in Kashmir, India on Thursday asked it to stop supporting terrorism on Indian soil and meddling in the countrys internal affairs. In a strong response to the black day observed by the Nawaz Sharif government, the external affairs ministry said the events in Pakistan were led by UN-designated terrorists a reference to Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed who organised a rally from Lahore to Islamabad on Wednesday. Violent protests in Jammu and Kashmir, triggered by the killing last week of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, have claimed 44 lives so far. Pakistan has repeatedly criticised Indias handling of the situation. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who angered India by referring to Wani as a Kashmiri leader, and his cabinet decided last week to observe the black day. Besides events held by the government, jihadi leaders such as Hafiz Saeed organised protests across Pakistan. Read: Pak will have to observe Black Day throughout the year: Shiv Sena We once again ask Pakistan to stop inciting and supporting violence and terrorism in any part of our country and refrain from its deplorable meddling in our internal affairs in any manner, external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in a statement. Referring to rallies, events and statements related to Jammu and Kashmir over the last two days, Swarup said: We have also noted that the events were led by UN-designated terrorists, who had in the past protested the elimination of dreaded terrorists including Osama bin Laden and Taliban leader Akhtar Mansour in Pakistan. India strongly condemns the encouragement and support which such terrorists and their activities receive from Pakistans state. Swarup said the Pakistan government should ensure full safety and security of the Indian high commission in Islamabad and all its officials and their families in view of the threats of marches and protests at the mission. Read: Unprecedented, outrageous: Back on stands, newspapers in Kashmir question gag The observance of Kashmirs Accession to Pakistan Day on Tuesday had exposed Pakistans longing for the territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Swarup said. India demands that Pakistan must fulfil the obligation to vacate its illegal occupation of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, he added. Observers have said Sharifs posturing on the Kashmir issue could be linked to elections being held on Thursday to the assembly in PoK. Sharifs PML-N party has launched a concerted bid to dislodge the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party, which is currently in power in PoK. Referring to the polls, Swarup said Pakistan must also stop misleading the international community and Kashmiris through meaningless exercises such as the so-called elections today in POK which Pakistan ironically calls Azad (free). SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Newspapers were back on the stands across Kashmir on Thursday with prominent publications carrying front-page articles against the five-day media gag that triggered widespread condemnation in the Valley. Most people said getting back their daily news fix was a physiological relief because the media clampdown had started to fuel rumours but newspapers made their displeasure with the gag public. The Valleys largest circulating English daily -- Greater Kashmir -- protested with a banner editorial on page one. The headline --red on black -- said No gag is civilized. The newspaper said Friday police raids on its printing press wasnt only about gagging press in a blatant show of states power and might it was about brazen disregard to the Fourth Estate. It was unprecedented. It was outrageous. The front page of Greater Kashmir, the Valleys largest circulating English daily, in Srinagar on Thursday. (Waseem Andrabi/HT ) The newspaper whose three employees were detained said the government action was about muzzling the voice of the voiceless. It was about strangulating the truth that newspapers, as a matter of professional obligation, have been telling its people especially in times of mass killings and countless injuries. The way this raid came, it became clearer that the state lacked a democratic way to approach thingsthe same state which, instead of encouraging truthful reporting from ground, paved way for rumour-mongering with the imposition of complete information blackout. The media gag had come after days of violence in the Valley where tens of thousands of people clashed with security forces, leaving more than 40 dead and nearly 2,000 injured. Read: In Kashmir, pellet gun victims are as young as 4 years The unrest was triggered by the killing of top insurgent Burhan Wani, who commanded immense popularity in the Valley. A leading Urdu daily, Srinagar Times, carried a cartoon and an editorial against the ban on its front page. When newspaper offices are raided and employees arrested, where is the freedom of press? the editorial wrote. Other stories on newspapers were mostly about chief minister Mehbooba Muftis assurance to the press. The state government had appeared divided over the ban. Newspapers in Kashmir will resume publication from Thursday after chief minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed regret over the ban and assured media that complaints of high-handedness against the press will be looked into, wrote English daily Rising Kashmir. The paper carried an opinion piece Simmering Kashmir by its editor-in-chief Shujaat Bhukari on its edit page; it also reproduced an article written by IAS officer Shah Faesal on the page. Kashmir Reader, another daily which faced the gag and had stories banned even on its website, reproduced an article written by editor Hilal Mir for a national daily a few days ago. The gag order apparently an authoritarian act, is actually a sign of powerlessness of Kashmirs pro India politicians. The local media is the biggest check on the propogandist reportage of majority of Indian media outlets especially television, which cannot see the eruptions except through the prism of national interest, Mir wrote. As newspapers returned to the stands, uneasy calm prevailed on the 13th day of curfew in Kashmir even as protests planned at night poured in from many parts. Read: Why Kashmiris hate Indian media Young men staged demonstrations across Srinagar on late Wednesday and raised pro-freedom slogans in mosques. Many areas in the city observed complete blackout by switching off lights for nearly an hour in the evening. The protests were in response to a separatist call to observe July 20 as Black Day against the recent civilian killings. Pakistan had also observed July 20 as Black Day to express solidarity with Kashmiris. Separatist have asked people to resume normal work in the valley after 2 pm on Thursday but local residents are likely to observe a complete shutdown from Friday. Meanwhile, the states main opposition party, National Conference, wont be participating in an all-party meet convened by Mehbooba on July 21. The government has asked employees to resume services in many districts in the Valley-including Srinagar. The ruling Peoples Democratic Partys media adviser Suhail Bhukari said schools will be opened in at least four districts in Kashmir. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The BJP swiftly expelled its Uttar Pradesh unit vice-president for his abusive remark about BSP chief Mayawati, underscoring the partys zero tolerance towards anything that can scuttle its pro-Dalit plan ahead of the 2017 state polls. The 44-year-old Dayashankar Singh, a former Lucknow University Students Union (LUSU) president, is an old BJP hand, and has risen through the ranks. He was promoted from a secretary to vice-president in the party unit. But he probably failed to read the lines, and shot off his mouth, comparing Dalit leader and four-time chief minister Mayawati to a prostitute. The outrage he caused threatened to upset the BJPs efforts to project a pro-Dalit image, especially in UP where scheduled caste and scheduled tribe people account for 23% of the states population. The partys ideological fountainhead, the RSS, and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad too have launched Dalit-outreach initiatives in the poll-bound state. He was close to the BJP leadership as was apparent by his promotion in the latest BJP unit in UP. But as the BSP used his remarks to accuse the party of anti-Dalit bias, the leadership acted, a party source said. Read| BSP leader announces reward of Rs 50 lakh for Daya Shankar Singhs tongue Singh, an upper case Thakur, played a key role in organising Prime Minister Narendra Modis May 1 function in Ballia, his native place. Modi launched the scheme to provide free cooking gas to the poor from there. But his tongue did him in, and he failed to learn any lesson from another expulsion that preceded his. In April, the BJP had quickly expelled Madhu Mishra, a Brahmin leader, after she was accused of making anti-Dalit remarks. BSP chief Mayawati had reacted strongly to both leaders comments, accusing the BJP of possessing an anti-Dalit mindset, a line the saffron brigade feared ahead of the UP polls. In the 2012 UP polls, the Samajwadi Party made inroads into the BSPs Dalit vote bank by winning 58 of the states 85 reserved assembly constituencies. But, in 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP won all the 17 reserved seats. The partys decision to distance itself from Singh wasnt apparently an easy one. But he gave his party little option because the BSP, itching to get back at the BJP whom it has accused of poaching its leaders, was adamant on his expulsion and arrest. The eastern UP leader, who had apologised for his remark, was taken by surprise at the speed with which his party acted against him. I have no clue. I am hearing of my expulsion through you, he said over the phone on Wednesday night. Some of Singhs supporters protested the expulsion. But he may be gone for good, at least for now. By sacking him, the BJP denied BSP the advantage it was aiming for, said Athar Siddiqui of the Centre for Objective Research and Development. Read| Filthy language used against me, Dalits wont forgive BJP: Mayawati SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) called for state-wide protests in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday to condemn the derogatory remarks a BJP leader made against their party chief a day earlier. The BJPs state vice-president Dayashankar Singh had compared former chief minister Mayawati to a prostitute while accusing of her selling party tickets on Wednesday, a remark that cost him his position in the party. Senior BJP leader and Union minister Arun Jaitley assured the Dalit leader of action in the matter when the issue caused uproar in the parliament on Wednesday afternoon. Singh was immediately stripped of his designation, and, by late Wednesday night, was expelled from the party for six years. Read | BJP expels Daya Shankar from party for comparing Mayawati to prostitute However, these measures seem to have done little to assuage BSP party workers. On Wednesday, a large number of them assembled at public places and crossings in Banda, Fatehpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Sultanpur, Bahraich, Ghaziabad, Agra and Ghazipur. BSP state president Ramachal Rajbhar had told Hindustan Times that the party intended to launch a countrywide protest in the matter, with demonstrations planned at its district headquarters on Thursday. In Lucknow, workers were told to assemble near the statue of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar in Hazratganj, the same area where the BJP state headquarters is located. They are expected to be joined by the Leader of opposition in Vidhan Sabha, Gaya Charan Dinkar, and the leader of opposition in Vidhan Parishad, Naseemudin Siddiqui, with Rajbhar, party sources said. WATCH: Mayawati slur: Massive protest by BSP in Lucknow's Hazratganj against Dayashankar Singh.https://t.co/42HZ0CWzds ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 21, 2016 Read | BSP lodges FIR against Dayashankar for comparing Mayawati to prostitute In view of the protests, the district administration increased security in Lucknow, while police personnel have been deployed around the BJP office. The administration also asked the BSP to hold its protests at the designated dharna stal instead of Hazratganj. Condemning Dayashankar Singhs comment, Rajbhar had earlier said, (The comment) shows the bias among the BJP leaders against a Dalit leader. Singh also cast a slur against a woman who is widely respected and has a mass following. The party would continue its protest till action was taken against Singh according to law, he added. Mayawati had also called for Singhs arrest. Political observer RK Mishra said that it was unusual for the BSP to take to the streets, but in light of the state assembly election next year, the party was using this as an opportunity to discredit the BJP. With a few months left for assembly election, the BSP has decided to mobilise its cadre on the outrageous comment issue. The party has also decided to rally its supporters by attaching the issue with the dignity of Mayawati. The issue has come in handy for the BSP to dub BJP an anti-Dalit party to check its attempt to make inroads into the Dalit vote bank. Read | Presstitutes and prostitutes: The language our netas use The BSP also found support from the Samajwadi Party, which, on Wednesday, condemned the remarks. A ruling party spokesman said the party always held women in high esteem and would not tolerate comments which damaged their dignity. (With inputs from PTI) Citizens expect mediatory efforts by lawmakers (video) The citizens of Armenia dont know definitely what happened and what is happening in the territory of Erebuni police compound, but they are sure that the current situation is the result of injustice. Injustice and loss of patience resulted in this, the cup of patience is full; one can bear certain difficulties, wars, awful phases after war, but endless patience is typical of a poor, brainless person, who is in a deplorable condition, says one of the citizens. The government must come to senses, what they have done against the people so far is enough, now lets them think about the people, or else such things will happen more, notes another citizen. Four days have already passed, but the Police Chief remains silent, Serzh Sargsyan hasnt made a statement. Head of the country must make a speech, these issues also depend on him so that everything passes peacefully and no bloodshed happens, says one of the residents of Yerevan. In order to overcome the explosive situation, the citizens expect mediatory efforts by the lawmakers. Though, the previous days showed that only several lawmakers are active including Nikol Pashinyan. There should be many such people in this situation so that no bloodshed happens, says a pensioner. The residents of Yerevan are sure the issue must be solved without bloodshed. Taking note of instances of people being tricked into kidney transplants, The Transplantation of Humans Organ Act was framed in 1994 to end illegal organ trade. But two decades later too, there seems to be no end to crimes related to organ donations. A case in point could be the foiled illegal kidney transplant bid at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, on July 14. The 48-year-old recipient from Gujarat, who was suffering from a chronic kidney ailment, had submitted forged documents claiming the donor was his wife. Police investigations indicated the hospital staff, too, may have been involved in the racket. Dr Sanjay Nagaral, editor of Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, said, Such scams reflect deprivation. There are people who are desperate to get an organ transplant and the mindset is one can buy things, even an organ. While donors are willing to pay for an organ, there are people who are willing to donate their organ in exchange for a few lakh rupees. We need to stop entertaining such patients, said a nephrologist, who did not wish to be named. Doctors said patients are willing to get an organ illegally because of the huge gap in the demand and availability of organs for transplants. According to the data by the Chennai-based Mohan Foundation, two lakh people in India need transplants every year. Currently, 3,100 patients in Mumbai with end-stage organ failure are awaiting transplants, according to the zonal transplant coordination committee (ZTCC) that oversees and facilitates cadaver donations in Maharashtra. A report by the Directorate of Medical Education and Research, (DMER) states 900 kidney transplants are conducted in Mumbai every year, of which 90% come from live donors, said Dr Pravin Shingare, director, DMER. This means a small number of kidneys come from cadaver donations, compared to other countries such as Spain, where more than 50% organ donations are cadaver. Dr Jatin Kothari, nephrologist, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mahim, said, There has been an increase in the number of patients with chronic kidney diseases. But this increase has come with better access to facilities such as dialysis. This also means there are more patients awaiting kidney transplants. Dr Shrirang Bichu, nephrologist, Bombay Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Marine Lines, said dialysis is always the second option. Dialysis comes with a compromised quality of life. It is only in cases where we dont find donors or we cant do a transplant because of other medical conditions that we continue with dialysis, he said, adding patients who are on dialysis have to be in hospital for 12 hours a week. The most viable way of bridging the gap is to encourage cadaver organ donations, said doctors. Dr Gustad Daver, president of ZTCC, said, We need to work on the states cadaver donation programme. Public hospitals, where most brain stem deaths are reported, need to be forthcoming in raising awareness about cadaver donations. After the kidney scam at the hospital in Powai, the states public health department is contemplating stringent guidelines for approval for organ transplants. Doctors said it will add to the troubles faced by patients, awaiting transplants. Making laws more stringent by including clauses such as police verification of all documents submitted by patients is not the solution, said Dr Daver. The current laws scrutinise the entire process. Every hospital has a member from the Directorate of Health Services to look into it, he said. Those riding two-wheelers without a helmet can no longer buy fuel at petrol pumps, courtesy the state governments new No Helmet No Fuel rule. Transport minister Diwakar Raote, while announcing the decision in the state Assembly, said allowing unsafe riders to refuel their two-wheelers was like encouraging them to ride without helmets. The decision was taken in accordance with the guidelines laid down by a road safety committee appointed by the SC, he said in the state Assembly. He also said policemen, who do not follow traffic safety rules will also face action. The minister said the state has already made helmets compulsory for both the rider and the pillion rider. A few other states such as Kerala will implement the policy from August 1. Around 4,500 petrol pumps have been asked to implement it in Maharashtra. The pumps also have to display boards at their outlets informing customers about the decision. Petrol pump operators, however, opposed the move saying it was not their job. We had a meeting with senior police officers of the Mumbai police commissionerate about implementation at 223 petrol pumps in the city on an experimental basis. But implementation across the state was a unilateral decision taken without taking us into confidence. We do not have any right to deny petrol. The denial will lead to unwarranted brawls, said Uday Lodh, president, Federation of All Maharashtra Petrol Dealers Associations. Lodh also said the government was shifting police responsibility on to their shoulders. An official from the transport department expressed doubts over how the decision can be implemented. We have made helmets for pillion riders mandatory in the state, but nothing has happened beyond a few drives, he said. Meanwhile, the state government has also warned the police personnel to follow road safety and traffic rules or face the action. When Nationalist Congress Party legislator Ajit Pawar raised the question over police personnel and officers riding their two-wheelers without a helmet, Raote said the police force has been directed to mend their ways. Strict action will be taken even against the police personnel found violating traffic rules, Raote said. Tension was palpable at Kopardi in Karjat taluka of Ahmednagar district on Wednesday, when a team from the state reached the village to pacify the villagers, who are angry over the poor handling of the gang-rape and murder of a minor. The police have so far arrested three suspects in the July 13 incident and a search is on for the fourth suspect. It took a series of meetings from various agencies through the day to address their concerns ranging from security to illegal sale of liquor and misuse of atrocities law. The state authorities also assured them a charge sheet would be filed against the culprits within a month. The local residents felt the authorities took too long to act against the accused. Maharashtra womens commission president Vijaya Rahatkar and Pune police commissioner Rashmi Shukla, a member of the investigating team, held meetings with the local residents, who alleged the accused were being given political protection. We had never expected such an incident in our village. We thought our village was safe, said Bhimabai Sudrik, a villager. Rahatkar, along with a counsellor, a doctor and social activists, held a session with girls from the village and their parents, while Shukla promised thorough investigation and protection to women and girls. Shukla met the family of the victim and apprised them of the investigation. She also visited the school at Kuldharan, 7km away from Kopardi, and told the villagers the police outpost near the school would be immediately operational, so the villagers can get in touch with them easily. Shukla also shared the telephone numbers of police officers and told the villagers that police personnel have been deployed near the suspects house to prevent any impulsive action by angry residents. With parents stopping their girls from attending the school, the MSRTC distributed free passes to girl students. A special pick-up and drop service for girl students will be operational from Thursday. Members of the womens commission also spoke to girl students from the area, who said they feared they would be forced to stop education after the incident. The police will help you immediately. You have no reason to fear, Rahatkar told the girls. Rahatkar told HT they will meet the parents and students till their confidence is restored. A special team comprising a woman doctor, woman activist and counsellor will visit the village at regular intervals, said the authorities. Rahatkar said a primary health centre would soon be opened in Kopardi. The residents were also concerned about the illegal sale of country liquor and misuse of Atrocities Act. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON BJP leader Daya Shankar Singh kicked up a controversy by calling BSP leader Mayawati worse than a prostitute. Within hours, news and social media were clogged with TV channels and newspapers calling him sexist, cheap and blatant. Finance minister Arun Jaitley expressed personal regret in Parliament and the party expelled Singh. But underlying in the controversy was one unanswered question: What is so inherently sexist in calling someone a prostitute? Why is sex work considered bad? In India, prostitution is not criminalised. However, pimping, brothel-keeping and soliciting sex in any other way is punishable, according to the law. This goes to show that prostitution is often inseparable from trafficking and exploitation. So what one advocates for is humane treatment and facilities for sex workers. Like it or not, theres nothing inherently wrong about prostitution. What is wrong is how sex workers are treated in India. They are often forced to operate out of dingy houses in seedy neighbourhoods without proper protection or oversight. Read: BJP expels Daya Shankar from party for comparing Mayawati to prostitute They dont have access to proper legal, police or health options and are often exploited by both their customers and pimps. Using prostitution as a slur only worsens their already precarious social position. Using prostitution as a slur often comes from rigid social morality. A lot of people who are opposed to the idea cant really articulate why they dont like it--similar to the same way most regard homosexuality. They allow their personal feelings and prejudices to dictate how the profession is seen. The same bias reflects in the mindset of political leaders, when they use prostitution--just another job--in a derogatory way. To take what is just another profession and strip it of dignity is not only wrong, it is attacking the human worth of sex workers. And when senior leaders agree that the comment is offensive, they are offending the prostitutes and not Mayawati. Read: BSP lodges FIR against Daya Shankar for comparing Mayawati to prostitute Prostitution is far more widespread in India than we imagine and is undertaken by many people who see it as a viable option in an otherwise bleak economy. In 2007, the ministry of women and child development reported more than 3 million female sex workers in India. But our moral dogma and prejudices have ensured that demands by sex workers for recognition as labourers have fallen on deaf ears. Leaders and lawmakers should either rehablitate sex workers or help them do their work safely instead of dropping in at red-light areas for poll campaigns and then denounce by using prostitute as a term of abuse. (The views expressed are personal.) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The zero hour in the Lok Sabha on Thursday saw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress joining hands to demand derecognition of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over the youth manifesto gaffe in Punjab besides other issues. Also read | After manifesto gaffe, AAP divided on playing religion, dera cards in state Congress MP from Ludhiana Ravneet Singh Bittu said AAP had hurt the feelings of Sikhs in Punjab by using the picture of the Golden Temple along with the party symbol broom on its youth manifesto released in Amritsar on July 3. Joining his party colleague Santokh Singh Chaudhary, who raised the issue of alleged desecration of Quran, Bittu said the Election Commission of India should derecognise the rookie party. BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi also joined the chorus, seeking the partys derecognition over a suicide case involving an AAP activist in Delhi. Also read | Badal compares AAPs manifesto gaffe with 1984 riots, Operation Bluestar A local court on Wednesday sent three, including a doctor, arrested here on Monday as part of a recently busted child-trafficking racket, to the Kapurthala jail. They had allegedly sold a baby boy four times within a few days of his birth Police produced the accused Dr Reena of Jaswant Hospital near Dakoha, Manpreet Kaur of Sirhind in Fatehgarh Sahib, and Jyoti of Nakodar in a local court and did not seek their further custody. Dr Reenas defence requested the court for medical examination of his client as she complained of uneasiness after which the court asked the cops to do the needful. The city police have so far failed to trace the baby boy, who had been passed to an Uttrakhand couple for Rs 4.5 lakh. A Mithu Basti woman, Saroj had sold the baby to Jyoti for Rs 3.3 lakh through neighbourhood contact Kuldeep Kaur. Jyoti passed on the infant to Dr Reena for Rs 3.5 lakh, the doctor sold it to Manpreet Kaur for Rs 4.10 lakh, and then it reached the couple. Till Wednesday, the police had got the details of Bittu, a relative of Manpreet Kaur, who had sold the boy to his sister-inlaw in the hill state. Bittu is reportedly undergoing treatment for Hepatitis C in Delhi and a team would quiz him to know the whereabouts of the couple. Bittu, Kuldeep and Saroj have also been nominated in this case by the police. On July 17, two more women Dr Ramandeep Kaur, 29, of Bangas Patti Mattwali village, and Seema, 28, of Baba Bakala in Amritsar district, were sent to the Kapurthala jail in a the case. Dr Vishal Bhanot, 45, of Jalandhars Urban Estate Phase-2 and Harjinder Kaur, 30, of Sangat Singh Nagar were the other accused arrested in a case of selling a four-monthold boy for Rs 5 lakh at Hotel Baj Celebration on the Garha road here on July 14. The babys maternal grandmother, Asha, 50, and grandfather, Brij Mohan, 55, of Madhuban Colony in Jalandhars Basti Bawa Khel area were also taken into custody. Dr Ramandeep Kaur is general manager of he City ART Services sperm bank and surrogacy clinic running from a rented accommodation in Jalandhars Gian Nagar locality. Where fence is missing, an invisible wall guards us against Indias hostile neighbour. Our eyes in the sky catch everything going on at the border. Lieutenant General KJ Singh, general officer commanding-in-chief of Western Command, said here on Wednesday that modern technology such as laser walls and aerial surveillance were the armys new weapons against terrorism and cross-border infiltration. Barbed-wire fence is hard to lay where the border-demarcating rivers keep changing their course. Laser wall bails us out, he told the media on the sidelines of the inauguration of a war memorial at Cheema village close to border in this sector. It commemorates the martyrs of the 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan. Commenting on the unrest in Jammu and Kashmir after the killing of militant Burhan Wani, the general said the army and police were trying to settle things down. The security forces are taking no chances with the safety of the Amarnath pilgrims in Kashmir. We are on full alert till August 18 (last day of the pilgrimage to the cave shrine), he said. Vajra Corps GOC lieutenant general JS Cheema and Golden Arrow Division GOC major general Vijay Pingale were with him. The general said many stories of courage during the 1965 and 1971 wars were made in the Khemkaran sector. The many war memorials built by various units are in want of care because of remote location. These will be relocated to Abdul Hamid Samadhi Complex, the general said. Eight new memorials at the complex commemorate the sacrifice of 22 soldiers. The martyrs received a full military honours at the memorial. The generals laid wreaths. Golden Arrow Division built the memorial under the guidance of Gurki Brigade. Senior Akali minister Sikandar Singh Maluka has put his weight behind Patialas ex-mayor Jaspal Singh Pardhan after the CBI gave clean chit to the latter in a three-year-old murder case. At a press conference here, Maluka re-introduced Pardhan as a respectable senior leader of the party and promised him a responsible position in the party. Pardhan said he believed that case against him in connection with the murder of a woman in the family close to him was a conspiracy of his rival. Pardhan had to resign as the Patiala mayor in 2013 after he was booked in the murder case. I will expose the leaders who had framed me at the right moment, he said, adding that he would also file a defamation case against them. Pardhan plans to meet SAD president Sukhbir Badal and present his case for his re-entry in the active politics. Pardhan had also approached Akali ministers Janmeja Singh Sekhon and Surjit Singh Rakhra after the CBI clean-chit. A special investigation team of the Punjab Police had given a clean chit to Pardhan in the murder case in March 2013, and the Punjab and Haryana high court ordered a CBI probe in May 2014 on the plea of victim womans father. The CBI is likely to submit its probe report to the high court in a weeks time. Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) activists held a protest here on Wednesday against Pakistan for observing Black Day to draw attention to what it terms Indias alleged human rights violations in Kashmir following the shooting down of a Kashmiri militant belonging to the Hizbul Mujahideen by security forces earlier this month. Pakistan had announced its decision to mark Black Day after a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif last week. The protesters blocked the national highway here for 10 minutes, forcing the authorities concerned to divert two Delhi-Lahore and Lahore-Delhi buses. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had announced to observe a black day against India for unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, after the killing of Burhan Wani by the army. Sena workers carried out a protest march in the city for around two hours and burnt Pakistans national flag and its Nawaz Sharif. Protesters started their march from Hanumangarhi Temple and converged on NH1, blocking its two sides. Workers also raised slogans against J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and her alliance partner Bharatiya Janata Party accusing them of not making efforts to control the violent protests. Talking to the media, Inderjit Karwal, senior state vice-president of the Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take concrete steps to teach Pakistan a lesson for issuing statements against India and supporting the militants. Due to the protest, the Sadae-Sarhad bus from Lahore was diverted via Kartarpur, Kapurthala, Nakodar, Noormahal and Phillaur to avoid passing Phagwara. While, the second bus coming from New Delhi was also diverted from Phillaur, avoiding their entry in Phagwara. Activists forced three Muslim families belonging to Kashmir to shut down their garment showrooms. They wrote Pakistan Murdabad slogans on the showrooms shutters. The showrooms, two in the Gaushala Bazaar, and one at Bansawala Bazar, had been running by here for the past many years here as Kashmir Art Emporium and Kashmir Fashion Fair and Kashmir Clothes. As many as 185 passengers were hassled at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, for over three hours after a phone call from Dubai about a suspicious bag on a SpiceJet flight put the security personnel on an alert on Thursday morning. The SpiceJet flight that reached Amritsar from Dubai at around 9.30am was immediately taken to the isolation bay for search and frisking. All this happened because of an unclaimed blue bag. Deputy commissioner and others coming out of the airport in Amritsar on Thursday morning. (Sameer Sehgal/HT Photo) Sources said the goof-up happened at the Dubai airport. A woman did not board the flight but her bag made it to the plane flying to India. It is learnt that the questioning of the woman was on at the Dubai International Airport. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and police team led by additional deputy commissioner of police Gaurav Garg reached the spot. Baggage of all the passengers was searched in the isolation bay. The bomb disposal squad of the police and anti-sabotage teams were also rushed to the airport. Sukhraj Singh, a passenger, who had come from Dubai, said: We had to wait for three hours inside the airport. Nothing was found in the bag but the passengers were hassled. Another passenger, Jagjit Singh, said, There was chaos all around as soon as the flight landed. Many passengers were made to stand in the open. There was a lot of confusion over the bag. It was at about 12.45pm that the passengers were allowed to leave. Heres a statement issued by SpiceJet on the episode: On July 21, 2016, a passenger Ms Idinirinkarlina Btnanang (holding Indonesian passport) travelling on SG 056, Dubai to Amritsar, did not board the aircraft after clearing immigration, security check and boarding. She reported back after one hour of the flight departure. Dubai Airport officials informed the pilot in command about the unaccompanied checked in baggage on board and the pilot in command requested the Amritsar ATC officials for isolated parking stand. The baggage of Ms Idinirinkarlina Btnanang has been identified and will be handed over to her/relevant authorities. The false alarm due to the miscommunication caused inconvenience to the passengers, which is deeply regretted. Also read | Make Chandigarh airport international or use for wheat storage, fumes HC HT SPOTLIGHT Punjabs unused airports: Winged dreams, grounded reality Minister on current situation and Prime Ministers statement (video) Minister of Economy Artsvik Minasyan appreciates the level of tolerance displayed by the police, said the Minister today after the Government session, touching upon the seizure of Erebuni police station, If detaild examination is carried out by the relevant bodies including Ombudsmans office, there may be separate cases, when there is unlawful behavior or inadequate display. In separate episodes we can see that there were obvious provocateurs, who instigated clashes, those people violated everybodys rights. In reply to the question whether those people are rebels or terrorists for him, Artsvik Minasyan answered, Take hostage expression is included in the articles of the Criminal Code and no side denies what it means. In reply to the question why the authorities remain silent until now, the Minister answered, Prime Minister has just made a statement; for some people it can say nothing, for others it can tell everything. He reminded that at present the process is in the range of the law enforcement system, Let it be resolved, you shouldnt create additional tension. I am sure that those people, at least part of them, whom I know and who were participants of Artsakh liberation war, those people will also display prudence and will take concrete actions, which will alleviate the situation. It is obvious that intolerance in the society rose to the level that the people think the political issues can be solved in that way. The students of Braj Kishore Netraheen Vidyalaya will soon create history by becoming the first batch in the Eastern India and second in the country, after Pune, to work as call centre operators. 14 girls in the 15-19 age group are undergoing training in their school to become call operators. The mobile operator company, Vodafone, had earlier sent these girls to Pune for the initial training. Now, back in their school, the girls are spending hours practising what they learnt in Pune. Dressed in school uniform, Sunita Kumari of class 10 made her first test call on Thursday. Hello sir, this is Sunita. May I know your full name please? I would like to inform you about three offers on your number. Can I speak to you for a few minutes? she said effortlessly and wished the customer a good day before ending the call. Neelu Verma, the founder-trustee of Braj Kishore Netraheen Vidyalaya, a non-profit school in Ranchi, said the call centre training wing will become operational on the campus from next month. Special computers with text-to-speech software have been installed at the centre to help the students operate them with ease. Verma says: The idea came to me after coming across a model in the Technical Training Institute in Pune where the blind students received training to work in call centres. The school authorities will decide about the placement of the girls once the training is over. We are in talks with a few telemarketing companies and will decide by the next month, said Verma. One of the trainers and in-charge of the call centre wing, Sanjay Kumar Sinha, said, Given an opportunity, these girls are as capable as anyone in taking up challenges. They are equally dedicated about their studies and attend classes regularly. The school authorities said the girls will earn a monthly remuneration ranging between Rs 3,000 and Rs 6,000 once employed by the telecom companies. Vandana Mandi, 19, a trainee, said, This opportunity has come to us at the right time, as the money we earn later will help us pursue our studies too. Ultimately, each one of us wants to become financially independent. Sunita Kumari of class 10, blind since birth, said: I want to perform well in the telemarketing field and also encourage juniors to hone this skill. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The hype and hoopla that is being raised on the eve of Pa Ranjiths Kabali -- where Rajinikanth plays a don out to save his Tamil brethren in Malaysia -- brings us to a huge question mark. Is Kabali going to be the superstars last film? Is he going to call it day after this? Tamil Nadu has seen several Rajinikanth movie releases, but the buildup this time around seems to have gone overboard. Imagine Air Asia flying a plane to bring the actors fans from the Far East for a special show, topped with food and the works. And there is a bus running with Rajinikanths photographs splashed all over. Not just this, his thousands of fans are all set to anoint tall wooden cut-outs of the star with milk -- despite huge protests by milkmen in Chennai and elsewhere not to waste this precious food in a country where more than a third of the population goes to bed hungry, where children do not get enough milk, if at all. Watch all the songs of Kabali here: The cut-outs will also be anointed with sandal paste and honey, and garlanded with roses and lilies. Such fan worship was never seen even in the heyday of great actors like MG Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesh and Gemini Ganesh. Even someone like NT Rama Rao in Andhra Pradesh -- who often donned the role of mythical figures like Rama and Krishna -- could not attract such popular adulation. And mind you, Ramachandran went to become a Dravidian politician and Tamil Nadu chief minister, whose appeal was enormous, and who achieved a lot of this through cinema. What then is the reason for the Rajini craze? Nobody has been able to put a finger quite accurately on this. Watch Kabalis Telugu trailer here: But if Kabali fails -- like some of Rajinikanths earlier ones -- it can spell disaster. One standup Tamil comedian, who did not wish to be named, said that the first reports of Kabali were not too encouraging. Those who have managed to see it at a special screening in the US on July 20 -- a show that the star attended -- came away with mixed feelings. Their Facebook pages appear to have been blocked. Also, someone who had watched the Kabli show in America is alleged to have leaked the opening scene. The two-minute of the video has gone viral on WhatsApp. The video tells us about Rajinikanths character being an illiterate in the film, and fighting for the cause of Tamils in a foreign land. The leak comes despite Kabalis producer, Kalaipuli S Thanu, moving the Madras High Court to stop the movie being leaked online or pirated. The court had restrained 169 registered internet service providers in India from allowing illegal downloads. Kabali could just be a do-or-die scenario for Rajinikanth. But then there can be dozens of unregistered service providers in India who may well be having a free run. Despite all this, trade sources say that Kabali will earn Rs 100 crores in the first three days of its opening. This will be in addition to the Rs 200 crores that the film has reportedly made through corporate deals, satellite rights and music sales. Thanu has told the media that he expected Kabali to earn Rs 500 crores. The movie will open on July 22 in 4500 screens in India, and 400 in America. Certainly, one of the most spectacular openings, but Kabali is said to have a sad ending. One only hopes that film itself will not end up so. ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop The two-minute introduction scene of Rajinikanths Kabali, which is slated for a worldwide release on Friday, has leaked online. According to a source, the leak might have happened from the Gulf. The leaked clip features Arabic subtitles too. Hence, it must have originated from the Gulf. The team is trying to find the source of the leak, said a source. The two-minute scene features Rajinikanth exiting from a prison. Read: Kabali | Chennai, Bengaluru companies declare a holiday on July 22 Read: Rajinikanth visits Virginias Satchidananda Ashram with his daughter Meanwhile, superstar Rajinikanth along with his daughter Aishwarya watched the special screening of the film in Virginia (US) on Wednesday. Directed by Pa Ranjith, the film features Rajinikanth as a don fighting for Tamils in Malaysia. Watch the trailer of Kabali here: ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop While chatting with potential partners on dating websites, men become aggressive and women are self-conscious of their attractiveness, according to a research. The findings show that males tend to be more focused on their own interests and are oblivious towards their attractiveness to potential dates. Read: Men lack skills for online dating We found that males like to send a lot of messages to attractive female users, but they dont get much responses, said Shuangfei Zhai, doctoral candidate at Binghamton University in New York, US. Conversely, females become more conscious of their own attractiveness to other users. For females, they are self-conscious because they tend to evaluate the likelihood of getting a response from the user they are sending messages to, Zhai added. Also, women have much greater chances of getting responses from users whom they message, said the paper published in the journal Social Network Analysis and Mining. Read: Emotional people more likely to be cheated on dating sites For the study, the international team of researchers collected data from Baihe, one of the largest dating websites in China, to reveal behavioural differences between male and female users when it comes to contacting potential partners. They also developed a reciprocal recommendation system that better matches users who are mutually interested in and likely to communicate with each other. Underscoring the deep divisions that remain within the Republican Party, US senator Ted Cruz of Texas finished his speech to loud boos on Wednesday night after failing to endorse the partys presidential nominee Donald Trump. Anti-Trump Republican delegate Ken Cuccinelli told Reuters he escorted Cruzs wife Heidi off the convention floor of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland out of concern for her safety. Cruz, who came in a distant second behind Trump in the race for the nomination, stopped short of endorsing Trump after a bitter and personal campaign and mentioned him only once, drawing boos and repeated chants of We want Trump. I want to congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night, Cruz began. Later in his speech, he urged: Please, dont stay home in November. Stand, and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution. Senator Ted Cruz waves before speaking at the Republican National Convention. (AP Photo) Trump made his entrance to the convention hall near the end of the speech, applauding Cruzs remarks but distracting the crowd from his former rival. During the campaign for the partys nomination, Trump insulted Cruzs wifes looks and suggested the Texans father was with John F Kennedys assassin just before the president was shot in Dallas in 1963. During the primary campaign, Cruz called the New York real estate developer a serial philanderer and a narcissist. Another Trump rival vanquished in the race for the party nomination, US senator Marco Rubio of Florida, spoke by video and praised Trump for his commitments to safeguarding national security, lowering taxes and appointing conservative Supreme Court justices. The time for fighting each other is over. Its time to fight for a new direction for America. Its time to win in November, Rubio said. Austria said it will summon Turkeys ambassador on Thursday to discuss Ankaras increasingly authoritarian behaviour and allegations it had been behind recent Turkish protests in Vienna. The announcement came a day after Turkey imposed a three-month state of emergency following last weeks coup, which has seen some 50,000 people arrested or sacked. Were worried that Turkey is now developing increasingly authoritarian traits. We have therefore summoned the ambassador to clarify in which direction Turkey will develop, foreign minister Sebastian Kurz told public broadcaster Oe1. Read: Turkeys Erdogan declares state of emergency for three months after coup bid What weve seen in recent days was in many ways unacceptable: the dismissal of thousands of public servants, massive interference in the justice system, the arrests of many officials, he said. The coup attempt needs to be condemned but its not a free licence for such actions. Kurz also denounced large Turkish pro-regime rallies, which took place in Vienna last weekend. Thousands of demonstrators from Austrias 300,000-strong Turkish community marched through the capital waving flags and chanting slogans in support of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. At one point, tensions escalated and a Kurdish restaurant was vandalised. We have received information that the pro-Erdogan protests... had been directly ordered from within Turkey. That is of course untenable and we want to protest against that, said Kurz. The foreign minister added that the European Union needed to exert financial and verbal pressure on Turkey. We as Europe need to stand by our values, especially in these increasingly uncertain times. We must not look away when there are aberrant developments in Turkey, he said. Bangladeshs High Court on Thursday sentenced the eldest son of opposition leader and former premier Khaleda Zia to seven years in jail for money laundering, scrapping his acquittal by a lower court three years ago. A two-judge bench made the decision against Tarique Rahman, who is the heir apparent to Zia, throwing a major challenge for the former prime minister to rise against her arch-rival, current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Rahman, the 51-year-old senior vice chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been living in exile in Britain since 2008, when he left the country after securing bail on medical grounds. The verdict in the case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) came at a time when Bangladesh is struggling to fight a rising Islamist militancy. There has been growing concern that Hasina will further consolidate her powers in the days to come. The government regularly blames Zia and her party of being in a partnership with the Jamaat-e-Islami in an anti-government alliance. Zainul Abedin, a defence lawyer, told reporters the court had also fined Rahman 200 million Takas and upheld an earlier verdict of seven years of jail for his businessman friend Giasuddin Al Mamun. The court, however, lowered the previous fine imposed on Mamun from 400 million Takas to 200 million Takas. A trial court had in November 2013 acquitted Rahman in the case but jailed Mamun. According to the case, Rahman and Mamun were accused of siphoning off 204.1 million Takas to Singapore between 2003 and 2007 after taking the money from a construction company as bribe. Rahman also spent some money from the amount, the prosecution said. The High Court on Thursday also asked authorities to take steps to bring Rahman back from London but there are procedural complexities as Britain and Bangladesh have no extradition treaty. The BNP has accused the then authorities of torturing Rahman in custody after a military-backed caretaker government arrested him on various charges in 2007 during a state of emergency rule. Zia ruled Bangladesh during 2001-2006 but chaos began after an opposition alliance led by Hasina and Zias government failed to agree on how the next elections would be held. After months of chaos, the military installed a caretaker government that conducted an election in late 2008. Hasina came to power with an overwhelming majority through that election. The man who ambushed and killed three law enforcement officers in Louisiana purportedly described his actions as a necessary evil in a self-described, handwritten manifesto that an Ohio man says was emailed to him by the gunman less than an hour before the shootings. Photographs of the three-page letter show it was signed by Cosmo, the first name of an alias used by Baton Rouge gunman Gavin Long, and the pictures were attached to an email sent from a Google address Long used. In the letter, Long said he expected people who knew him wouldnt believe he would commit such horrendous acts of violence. He wrote that he viewed his actions as necessary to create substantial change within Americas police force. The Associated Press obtained the photographs of the letter Wednesday from Yarima Karama, a Columbus, Ohio, musician who said he didnt know Long personally but received several emails from him after Long began commenting on Karamas YouTube videos in March. The AP was not able to conclusively verify Long sent the photos himself from his Google account. Metadata reviewed from the three photos indicates they were snapped shortly before 8 a.m. on the day of the shooting using a Motorola Android cellphone, but both photos and time stamps can be modified. The photographs appear to have been taken from inside a car because a gearshift and a cup holder are visible. Police have said officers first saw the shooter at a convenience store at 8:40 a.m. Sunday. Within two minutes, there were reports of shots fired. Police gunned down Long after he fatally shot three officers and wounded three others. It was his 29th birthday. The violence capped two weeks of turmoil for Baton Rouge that began with the killing of a black man, Alton Sterling, during a scuffle with two white police officers at a convenience store. That shooting, captured on cellphone video, provoked widespread protests about police treatment of the black community. Karama said he provided a copy of the letter to FBI agents who interviewed him at his home Wednesday. The story about the manifesto was first reported by BuzzFeed. Todd Lindgren, a spokesman for the FBI office in Cincinnati, said he could not respond to any questions about the case due to the Baton Rouge matter being an ongoing investigation, and the FBIs New Orleans office also declined comment. Louisiana State Police Col. Mike Edmonson said law enforcement officers found an array of handwritten documents in Longs car and a hotel where he was staying, but he did not know if the material included the letter Karama shared. It was all rants and raves, Edmonson said. In the self-described manifesto, which was started off with the words Peace Family, Long wrote about a concealed war between good cops and bad cops, and said he felt obligated to bring the same destruction that bad cops continue to inflict upon my people. Long, a black military veteran whose last known address was in Kansas City, Missouri, spent five years in the Marine Corps. He served one tour in Iraq before being honorably discharged. Before the Baton Rouge shootings, Long posted rambling internet videos calling for violent action in response to what he considered oppression. He did not specifically mention Baton Rouge or detail his plans for an attack in the letter. I know I will be vilified by the media & police, it read. I see my actions as a necessary evil that I do not wish to partake in, nor do I enjoy partaking in, but must partake in, in order to create substantial change within Americas police force, and judicial system. Karama read the letter in a video posted on YouTube. He declined to provide the AP with copies of the other emails he said he received from Long or with additional technical information about Sundays email that possibly could help the AP conclusively verify Long wrote the letter. Karama, who described himself as a hip-hop artist and community activist, said he provided other information about Longs emails to various news outlets. Im about building my own brand at this point, he said. Ive given the information to who I need to. Chinese and Pakistani troops are jointly patrolling a stretch of the border connecting Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Xinjiang against the backdrop of reports that more than 100 Uyghurs from the region have joined the Islamic State. Chinas state media reported the joint patrolling on Thursday, with the website of Peoples Daily, the Communist Party of Chinas mouthpiece, publishing dozens of photos of armed Chinese and Pakistani troops marching along the border and conducting drills. There was no report accompanying the photos and it could not immediately be ascertained whether such patrolling was being done for the first time, or the activity was being reported for the first time. The caption with the photos read: A frontier defense regiment of the PLA (Peoples Liberation Army) in Xinjiang, along with a border police force from Pakistan, carry out (sic) a joint patrol along the China-Pakistan border. Chinese and Pakistan troops jointly patrolling the border connecting PoK with Xinjiang region. (Photo courtesy PLA website) What was referred to as the China-Pakistan border is considered by New Delhi as the frontier of PoK, officially an integral part of India. The joint patrolling comes at a time when Washington-based think tank New American Foundation has said that 114 men from Xinjiang were among thousands of foreign fighters recruited by IS. It added that Chinas control over religious activities in northwestern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region could be a push factor driving people to leave the country and look elsewhere for a sense of belonging. Quoting New American Foundation, state media said: Of the more than 3,500 foreigners recruited to join ISIS, the report stated that 114 came from Xinjiang, making the region the fifth largest contributor. Xinjiang followed Saudi Arabia and Tunisia on the list. Pakistan has repeatedly dismissed reports of the presence of Chinese troops in PoK. These reports had suggested the troops were deployed in the region to protect infrastructure projects funded by China and Chinese personnel working on them. Chinese and Pakistan troops jointly patrolling the border connecting PoK with Xinjiang region. (Photo courtesy PLA website) Work is currently underway on the flagship $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project which will cut through PoK to connect Xinjiang to Gwadar port in Balochistan. CPEC is expected to connect both countries through roads, railway networks and pipelines. It is an integral part of President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road Initiative. The photos were also published at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is seething with unrest triggered by the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani that has claimed 44 lives. Indian recently positioned about 100 T-72 tanks along the frontier with China in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. Officially, China refers to Jammu and Kashmir as Indian Controlled Kashmir. Earlier this week, Chinas foreign ministry said in statement it was concerned by the casualties in the Indian state. We are equally concerned about the casualties in the clash, and hope that relevant incident will be handled properly. The Kashmir issue is left over from history. China holds a consistent stance and hopes relevant parties will address the issue peacefully through dialogue, the statement said. The official Xinhua news agency, wrapping up a report from Srinagar on Thursday, said: A separatist movement and guerrilla war challenging New Delhis rule is going on in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989. A Florida police officer shot and wounded an autistic mans black caretaker, authorities said, in an incident purportedly captured on cellphone video that shows the caretaker lying down with his arms raised before being shot. North Miami assistant police chief Neal Cuevas told The Miami Herald that officers responded to the scene on Monday following reports of a man threatening to shoot himself. Officers arrived to find 47-year-old Charles Kinsey, a therapist who works with people with disabilities, according to WSVN-TV, trying to get his 27-year-old patient back to a facility from where he had wandered. Waiting to see how they'll explain this... Police shot unarmed black behavioural therapist!! #BlackLivesMatter https://t.co/WqaDtEtcxm Leandri J van Vuuren (@Lean3JvV) July 21, 2016 Cuevas says police ordered Kinsey and the patient, who was sitting in the street playing with a toy truck, to lie on the ground. The video shows Kinsey lying down and putting his hands up while trying to get his patient to comply. An officer then fired three times, striking Kinsey in the leg, Cuevas said. No weapon was found. Twitter users reacted with outrage to the shooting. So thankful our police is protecting us from dangerous maniacs like autistic dudes with a toy truck and unarmed therapists. #CharlesKinsey Marcella Arguello (@marcellacomedy) July 21, 2016 Nothing is more dangerous than a black dude on the ground with his hands up. #CharlesKinsey pic.twitter.com/K9FqiryQW1 colton dunn (@captdope) July 21, 2016 in all fairness to the cop that shot #CharlesKinsey, the toy truck the autistic boy was holding DID have a broken taillight Matt Oswalt (@MattOswaltVA) July 21, 2016 Where is AllLivesMatter on #CharlesKinsey? He did everything right & still was shot. He didn't "resist" & complied, what's your excuse now? (@neyshajasme) July 21, 2016 The latest shooting comes amid weeks of violence involving police. Three law enforcement officers were fatally shot and three others wounded Sunday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by a shooter whom police also gunned down. Two weeks earlier, two white officers in Baton Rouge killed a black man, Alton Sterling, 37, on July 5 during a scuffle at a convenience store. That shooting, captured on cellphone video, provoked widespread protests about police treatment of the black community. On July 6, another black man, 32-year-old Philando Castile, was killed in Minnesota when a police officer pulled him over. The next day, a sniper killed five Dallas police officers as they guarded a peaceful protest. In Florida, Kinseys attorney, Hilton Napoleon, provided a cellphone video to the Herald on Wednesday taken moments before the shooting. It shows Kinsey lying in the middle of the street with his hands up, asking the officers not to shoot him, while the autistic man sits next to him, yelling at him to shut up. Sir, theres no need for firearms, Kinsey said he told police before he was shot, according to WSVN. It was so surprising. It was like a mosquito bite. Kinsey is black. Police havent released the name or race of the officer who shot him but said hes been placed on administrative leave, which is standard. The investigation has been turned over to the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office, Cuevas said. In an interview with the TV station, Kinsey said he was more worried about his patient than himself during the incident. As long as Ive got my hands up, theyre not going to shoot me. This is what Im thinking. Theyre not going to shoot me, he said. Wow, was I wrong. 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 It was supposed to be Mike Pences big night at the convention on Wednesday, but Ted Cruz stole it from him with a stunning speech urging Republicans to vote with their conscience. The senator from Texas refused to endorse Donald Trump, the nominee, and was widely seen as making a case for himself for another run for the presidential nomination in 2020. Vote your conscience, Cruz said, winding up his speech. Vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution. He did congratulate Trump for winning the nomination last nightearlier in the speech, but did not endorse him or offer words of support that Trump supporters were expecting him to. Cruz left the stage amid catcalls and booing and his wife Heidi Cruz, who was in the audience, was escorted away by security from angry Trump supporters heckling her. Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didn't honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal! Trump said in a tweet shortly. But Cruz had made his point, wrecking the night for Trump and his running mate, Indiana governor Pence, who would have expected to dominate headlines with his acceptance speech. Cruz later defended his decision, saying he was not Trumps servile puppy dog. Trump had, during the primary battles, insulted Heidi for her physical appearance and suggested his father was linked to late president John F Kennedys assassin. I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father, Cruz told a meeting in Cleveland on Thursday. The Trump campaign had indeed previewed Cruzs prepared speech, which was released under embargoed-until-delivered conditions shortly before the senator took the stage. But there were expectations Cruz could go beyond the speech and suggestor indicate, according to multiple reports, his support for Trump, if not endorse him. Cruz did neither. He said, We deserve leaders who stand for principle. Unite us all behind shared values. Cast aside anger for love. That is the standard we should expect, from everybody. The first-time Texas senator was the last serious challenger to drop out of the race for the Republican nomination after a bitterly contested battle with the front-runner, Trump. The real estate magnate had alleged, without any evidence, that Cruzs father, a Cuban immigrant, was part of the conspiracy to assassinate Kennedy. And he had re-tweeted a post from a supporter that used an unflattering picture of Heidi alongside that of a glamorous Melania Trump to make an obvious, but uncharitable, point. After exiting the race, Cruz joined other erstwhile rivals who refused to endorse Trump such as Jeb Bush and John Kasich, both of whom are still holding out. Many prominent Republicans have continued to refuse to back Trump, who will accept the nomination on Thursday, exposing persisting fissures in the party even at the convention. At a roll-call of delegates to elect the nominee on Tuesday, more than 700 votes went to candidates other than Trump in a manifestation of dissent considered unparalleled in the partys recent history. But some Trump supporters expect the nominee to rally the party around his candidacy between now and the elections, a few weeks from now in November. Subba Polla, an Indian American from Virginia who is here with his states delegation, said, Trump has begun getting support from all sections of the party and will continue to do so. Craig Dunn, a delegate from Pences home state Indiana, said, Dont let empty stands (at the convention venue) fool you Trumps support is deep and wide, as you will see. Trump skeptics have cited empty stands at the venue, a sporting arena in Cleveland, as proof of the nominees continued lack of support among sections of the party. An Indo-Canadian man and his mistress have been given life sentences, without the option for parole for 25 years, after being found guilty by a jury for the brutal murder of his wife in January 2014. The accused were 40-year-old Bhupinderpal Gill, and Gurpreet Ronald, 37, who were then in an extramarital relationship. In finding them guilty of first-degree murder on Wednesday, the jury in Ottawa sided with the investigators testimony that Ronald had killed 43-year-old Jagtar Gill. The jury reached its decision after six days of deliberation following a trial that lasted more than two months. Jagtar was murdered after her husband had left their home on the morning of January 29, 2014. Ronald went to the residence in the Ottawa suburb of Barrhaven, and killed Jagtar, who was bedridden while recovering from surgery. Ronald, according to police, repeatedly bludgeoned Jagtar Gill, a mother of three children, and also stabbed her. That day also happened to be 17th anniversary of the victims marriage to Bhupinderpal. While Ronald was arrested by the police on April 7, 2014, Bhupinderpal was taken into custody a week later. According to reports of the trial, emotions ran high in the courtroom as the verdict was reached. The proceedings ended after Jagtars niece Ramandeep Chahal read out an anguished statement on behalf of her family, which said, Jagtars children have been robbed of a mothers love, there is no closure, as we often hear. There is no moving on. Theres nothing, and we mean absolutely nothing, that makes you feel better. They say time heals all wounds but we have to disagree. The only thing time has done for our family is to move the tragic loss of Jagtar further away. It hasnt made it better. The conspirators had met while working as bus drivers in Ottawa. A secret affair ensued, leading to the horrific killing. The Ottawa Citizen reported that in accordance with her wishes, Jagtars ashes will be scattered in India. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Reports of sporadic violence during elections to the assembly on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Thursday prompted the deployment of troops in sensitive areas. The opposition Pakistan Peoples Party won the last polls in 2011 and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs PML-N party has launched a concerted bid to come to power in the region. More than 17,000 Pakistan Army troops were deployed for the peaceful conduct of the elections. A total of 423 candidates from 44 political parties are running for 41 directly contested seats in the 49-member legislative assembly. The contestants include four former prime ministers of the region and more than a dozen ministers. More than 2.67 million are registered to vote, including 1.48 million men and 1.19 million women. Twelve of the 41 seats are reserved for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir living in Pakistan. There are two seats each in Karachi and Rawalpindi, and one each in Peshawar, Islamabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat and Multan and 438,884 registered voters will elect representatives on these seats. The PML-N, which formed its PoK chapter in 2011, is considered a new entrant in the regions politics. However, it is increasingly important for the party to win the vote because it would set the tone for its future in the region. Traditionally, the party that rules in Islamabad has won the PoK elections. Given that the PML-N is in power at the centre, it has an edge over its rivals. However, Prime Minister Sharifs absence from the campaigning because of his ailment gave opposition leaders, including Imran Khan of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and PPPs Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, an opportunity to exploit the situation. Bilawal, the PPP chairman, has warned his party will launch street protests if the PML-N tries to rig the polls. If the PML-N riggs the elections or resorts to violence, then people would forget the 2014 dharna, Bilawal told a news conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, referring to a prolonged protest against the PML-N two years ago. Besides the PML-N and PPP, the other parties in the fray are Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Muslim Conference, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement. Police arrested 17 people Wednesday after a melee broke out during a flag-burning in the streets outside the Republican National Convention. It was the most turbulent protest since the four-day convention began on Monday. The chaos briefly prevented delegates and members of the media from getting into the Quicken Loans Arena for the evenings proceedings. Two officers were assaulted and suffered minor injuries, police said. One officer was seen bleeding from an elbow. Those arrested face charges including inciting violence and felonious assault on a police officer. Police Chief Calvin Williams said a protester whose pants caught fire got defensive when a police officer tried to put out the blaze. The man assaulted the officer, and things escalated from there, Williams said. The melee brought to 22 the number of people arrested during the convention, far fewer than some law enforcement authorities had feared. Read: Ted Cruz booed, wife escorted out for not endorsing Trump at convention A police officer holds a US national flag that protesters attempted to burn outside the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (AFP) Right now, I think so far, so good, Williams said Wednesday night. Were still out there, were still vigilant, to make sure we finish this day and the last day tomorrow on a positive note. The protest took place just outside an entrance to the arena and near a row of popular restaurants where cable news networks had set up for the week. Carl Dix of the Revolutionary Communist Party said the group organized the burning of the American flag as a political statement about the crimes of the American empire. Theres nothing great about America. Moments after the flag was set on fire, officers charged in to put it out with an extinguishing spray that some in the crowd thought was pepper spray because of similarities in the design of the canisters and the eye irritation caused by the fire-suppression substance. Youre on fire! Youre on fire, stupid! a Cleveland officer shouted at a protester while firing the extinguishing spray. Burn that rag! Burn that rag! supporters of the group yelled. Pushing and shoving broke out, and police quickly had several group members on the ground in handcuffs. Some in the crowd jeered the officers, yelling, Blue lives murder! Read: Trump staff writer takes responsibility for Melania speech controversy Protesters are arrested after an attempt to burn US flag, on the third day of the Republican National Convention. (AFP) About 10 more minutes passed before the crowd was under control. Earlier in the day Wednesday, blocks away from the arena, a right-wing religious group lifted a banner reading Jesus is angry with you sinners, while kissing lesbians mocked their message, helping turn Clevelands Public Square into part-carnival, part-debate floor. The expansive square was a free-flowing mix of ideas and beliefs along with colorful characters pounding on bongos and wailing on a sousaphone. The days demonstrations started when a few dozen people holding banners printed with a red-brick design formed a human wall to mock Donald Trumps plan to seal off the Mexican border. We want to wall off the hate of Trump, said Tim Chavez, of Columbus. A half-dozen Trump supporters defended the GOP nominee from attacks by immigration activists. Police officers used bicycles and their bodies to separate those with opposing views. In a first for the Republican Party, a Sikh-American woman opened the second day of its national convention here with the ardas, a Sikh prayer. Harmeet Dhillon, vice-chairwoman of the California Republican Party, delivered the Sikh prayer on the national stage here in Punjabi and then translated it into English. It was the first such instance for the convention but it was not the first time the 47-year-old San Francisco lawyer upended expectations, the Los Angeles Times reported. Born in Chandigarh, she emigrated with her parents to England and then to the Bronx, New York. Her father, an orthopaedic surgeon, soon moved the family to rural Smithfield in central North Carolina. Taking the stage minutes before Donald Trump was officially nominated as the partys candidate for US president, Dhillon led the convention in the Sikh prayer on Tuesday. After the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem, Dhillon took the stage and explained that it was Sikh custom to wear a headscarf for the traditional prayer. Dhillon, a delegate from San Francisco, covered her head with a shawl after stepping up to the podium. Ive said this prayer before I could walk, she said. Dhillon hoped her reading the prayer would show that the Republican Party truly does have a big tent. I think this is an inclusive party. Ive never felt anything but included since Day One, Dhillon was quoted as saying by The Mercury News. Trump clinched the Republican Partys presidential nomination to run against Democrat Hillary Clinton in the November polls, a stunning rise for an outsider after months of controversial campaigning that saw him crushing 16 well-established party rivals. Diversity was showcased by the party in Cleveland as the state party turned to Shirley Husar, who is black, to make the announcement. Riding 12,000 kilometres, a group of Sikh bikers in Canada have raised over $60,000 for a cancer charity. The 24-member team of Sikh Motorcycle Club reached Surrey, Canada, two weeks after departing for their journey to raise awareness about the devastating disease. On 13 bikes, the members rode through British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, before turning around in Montreal. More than 70 individuals and groups made donations to support their initiative, helping them raise a total of $61,194 for the cancer society. The money will go towards the Canadian Cancer Foundations efforts to fund research and prevention initiatives and assist those fighting paediatric cancers. We thought about those kids who need money to fight cancer. This gave us the energy to undertake the journey, said rider Charnjit Dhadda. Along the way, the bikers met community members and appeared on local television and radio stations. Every city they went to, they found cooperative people from both Sikh and non-Sikh communities, said club founder Harjinder Singh Thind. Allan Mugford, the foundations regional director for Fraser Valley, said they were stunned and amazed by the fundraising effort. This is a totally committed and passionate group of community members, he said. Beyond fighting childhood cancers, the riders had another mission -- bringing communities together. The main purpose of this club was to build a bridge between the mainstream community and us the Sikh living next door. We have succeeded in doing that, said Thind. A Turkish officer on trial in Greece after fleeing last weeks failed coup said on Thursday he did not want to return home owing to indiscriminate arrests by Ankara authorities. We saw indiscriminate arrests of military personnel and we were afraid, the man, one of eight officers who fled to Greece, told a court in the northern city of Alexandroupolis. The eight men are on trial for illegal entry to Greece and face up to five years in jail there, in a case that threatens to strain ties between the two NATO allies. The men, labelled terrorists by Ankara, have blocked their deportation by applying for asylum. We thought of going to Bulgaria, Romania or Greece finally we chose Greece, said the officer who opened Thursdays trial. The officers flew to Alexandroupolis by military helicopter on Saturday and were allowed to land after sending a distress signal to authorities. A Turkish detachment arrived after them and returned the Black Hawk helicopter to Turkey. Greek military units have been placed on heightened vigilance amid reports that additional Turkish military personnel could be trying to flee to the Greek islands, a navy spokesman told AFP. The eight men arrived in handcuffs at the court with their faces hidden. They claim that they were in the process of transferring wounded men to their unit during the clashes that broke out during the attempted coup on Friday, but came under fire by police. We had to land in a field near Istanbul and wait, before deciding to flee, the suspect said. The court is expected to deliver a ruling later on Thursday under tight security. According to one of their lawyers, Ilia Marinaki, the soldiers two commanders, four captains and two sergeants fear for their safety and that of their families after the abortive bid to topple President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Whatever the court ruling on Thursday, any action on their fate will likely have to wait until early August when asylum authorities are to decide on their applications. Turkish authorities insist they will receive fair treatment at home, despite indications that suspects are often subjected to rough treatment amid a huge retaliatory crackdown by Erdogans government. Turkeys ambassador has warned that failure to return the officers will not help ties. I hope we will manage to swiftly go through the phases of due process and manage to return these terrorist elements so that they will face justice, Kerim Uras told reporters in Athens on Tuesday. Historic foes, Greece and Turkey became members of NATO in 1952. Ties have improved dramatically in recent years although there are irritants such as airspace and maritime border disputes. Greece last year also faulted Turkey for allowing thousands of mainly Syrian refugees and migrants to sail to its shores, before an EU deal stemming the flow came into force in March. A pro-Khalistan leader based in Britain predicted the death of former prime minister Indira Gandhi four months before she was gunned down by her bodyguards and also spoke of targeting her son Rajiv Gandhi, classified British documents released on Thursday showed. India repeatedly complained in 1984 to the Margaret Thatcher government about the presence in Britain of Jagjit Singh Chauhan, the self-styled president of Khalistan, and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Hashim Qureshi , according to the documents. Qureshi was accused of involvement in the murder of Birmingham-based Indian diplomat Ravindra Mhatre in 1984. According to a 48-page note titled Foreign political activists in the United Kingdom: Immigration control, officials of the Foreign Office and Home department set out several aspects of policy and practice in dealing with such individuals. The note said: The Indian authorities have repeatedly complained about statements made in the UK by a Sikh, Dr Jagjit Singh Chauhan, self-styled President of the Sikh Republic of Khalistan. In June this year he predicted the death of Mrs Gandhi; he has subsequently spoken of Rajiv Gandhi being a target. Gandhi was assassinated by two Sikh bodyguards at her official residence in New Delhi on October 31, 1984. The note added, His remarks have drawn a sharp response from the Indian government and there is a risk of severe damage to our bilateral relations. Other Sikh extremists in the UK, some of whom have sought asylum, constitute a further threat to bilateral relations. On Qureshi, the note said: Mrs Gandhi complained personally to Lady Young about Hashim Qureshi, a Kashmiri extremist leader known to have been involved in terrorist and hijacking offences, who visited the UK in early 1984. It further said, There are grounds for believing that he was involved in the murder of the Indian Assistant Commissioner in Birmingham, Mr Ravindr Mhatre. There is, however, no substantive evidence...He subsequently left the UK. Chauhan migrated to Britain in 1979 and formed the Khalistan National Council. He returned to India in 2001 and died in Punjab six years later. The note was the outcome of directives by Thatchers ministers to consider the need for further action on foreign political activists, and listed India among four countries whose citizens were involved in incidents during 1984 (Operation Bluestar was among the incidents of the year). The notes annexure mentioned several countries with whom Britains relations could be affected due to the presence of some of their controversial citizens on British soil. These included leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party such as Benazir Bhutto. The cache of documents released include deliberations in the Thatcher government on preventing Pakistani and Bangladeshi men bringing second wives to Britain, and the possible entry into Britain of UK passport holders (of Indian origin) who were expelled from East Africa in the 1970s but had moved to India. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON LONDON: After a confident performance in her first Question Time in the House of Commons, Prime Minister Theresa May left for Berlin on Wednesday to hold Brexit-related talks with German chancellor Angela Merkel and later with French President Francois Hollande. The Prime Ministers Office announced May had formally informed European Council President Donald Tusk that Britain will not take up the rotating EU presidency as scheduled from the second half of 2017. A sharply attired Mays performance in the gladiatorial encounter in the House of Commons reminded many of former prime minister Margaret Thatcher, as she took on Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and joked about the travails within the opposition party. Britons voted to exit the EU in a referendum held on June 23, triggering a political crisis that cost former prime minister David Cameron his job. Before the session, a Downing Street spokesperson said the decision not to take up the EU presidency was conveyed during a phone conversation between May and Tusk. May noted until Britain left the EU, it remained a full member of the bloc. In this context, the Prime Minister suggested that the UK should relinquish the rotating presidency of the Council, currently scheduled for the second half of 2017, noting we would be prioritising the negotiations to leave the EU, the spokesperson said. May, often called the British Merkel, is expected to convey to Merkel in Berlin that Britain needs more time to decide when to trigger Article 50, beginning the process to leave the European Union. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON CLEVELAND: Oskar Masco drops his backpack, pulls out a placard, holds it up over his head and gets to work, as he plans for the duration of the Republican convention. His placard read: Trump Terrorises. He is a lone wolf in a sea of protestors, mostly at Public Square, which is close to the venue hosting the convention. Some arrive in small groups, some in horde sand still others in large rallies. Most of them look well-funded and organised, which is not illegal. Masco, a rickshaw-driver from California, is self-funding his protest, like the Republican nominee he is opposing. A man in a large sun hat came by holding a man on a leash, walking on all four sand pretending to be a dog. He invited people to kick the human dog if they wanted Trump to win. He was a Trump supporter, he said, and was soon yelling back at three anti-Trump protestors, joined soon by an African- American man who said he was supporting Trump. The debate underway in newsrooms and living rooms across the US has spilled out into the the streets in Cleveland, where Republicans started the process of picking their nominee on Monday. Black Lives Matter activists walked around the citys main square, fists in the air on Monday, alongside activists representing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, and an assorted lot of others. Masco slipped into the rally, to become part of the larger collection, make a larger impact, catch the eyes perhaps of a TV crew or enterprising stand-alone bloggers. Trump is dividing the country, Masco said, Turning people against people, against Muslims, against Mexicans. Asahalf-Mexican himself, its quite personal, he added. As the man walking the human dog yelled back at a protest or, Masco walked around them and held up a hastily scribbled placard that said: This is what white privilege looks like. Needless to say the man and his man-dog were both whites. And they looked a bit concerned when Pierre Nappier, a burly African American, came to their help. Citizen transferred from Nor Nork police division lying on stretcher Parent of one of the detainees taken to the RA Police Nor Nork division told A1+ that a person was taken out of the division lying motionless on his stomach on the stretcher and he was transferred by ambulance car. Employees of the ambulance didnt answer the questions. At the moment the Ombudsman is inside the building. We learnt that the members of Civil Contract were all released. Parents gathered outside the police building have no information about their children, who are currently in the division; they have only heard that they children are being beaten. The Helsinki Citizens Assembly has also received an alarm from here; the citizen informed that he is in front of the RA Police Nor Nork division, where there are many arrestees and detainees. The citizen also informed that there are people, who had been beaten up. Photo from Facebook page of Ararat Mirzoyan BEIJING: India and China could replicate military protocols set up during Sino-Russia border negotiations to minimise conflict as both countries continue protracted talks to resolve their boundary dispute, a top Chinese expert has said. There are lessons in avoiding conflict to be learnt from the way China and Russia resolved their boundary issue after negotiating for decades. China successfully solved the problem with the Soviet Union despite difficulties such as the collapse of the Soviet Union. All border issues have been solved except the ones with India and Bhutan, Xing Guangcheng, director general of the Institute of Frontier Science at the influential Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), told Hindustan Times. Two military and disarmament protocols implemented by China and Russia in the mid-1990s could be replicated in the Sino-Indian talks to settle boundary differences. From the negotiations, we built mutual trust with Russia and came out with two important protocols - the Border Area Military Trust Protocol in 1996 and the Border Area Disarmament Protocol. I think the protocols can also be applied to the Sino-India border problem, Xing said. The negotiations between the Soviet Union and China were not moving forward, he said, till then President Mikhail Gorbachev came to China in 1989. After that, the negotiations became more meaningful as both countries started to work pragmatically to settle the border issues. Soon after that in 1992, the Soviet Union collapsed, Russia joined the three countries of Central Asian and continued the negotiation in the 4+1 pattern, he said. After several rounds of talks and the two protocols to maintain peace along the border, the problem was finally settled, he said. Xing an expert on Chinas border history and designated cultural elite by the government -- was in Lhasa to take part in the recently held Tibet Development Forum. He said India and China currently have good mechanisms for communication but will have to focus on controlling flare-ups. For one, the two countries have implemented the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement aimed at controlling incidents along the boundary. There are three disputed regions along the frontier and tension in one can escalate tensions along the entire boundary, Xing said. LONDON: Several Labour Party members believe the outcome is known, but after weeks of debate, a single candidate Owen Smith has been put on the ballot paper to take on party leader Jeremy Corbyn, who has faced much opposition since the June 23 Brexit vote. The final candidate to challenge Corbyn was decided after MPs decided between Smith and Angela Eagle, who withdrew on Tuesday when the former got more votes. The election will be held over the next two months before the partys annual conference. BEIJING: A prominent journalist was killed in a car bombing in Ukraines capital, Kiev, on Wednesday. The countrys top online news website, Ukrainska Pravda, said its journalist Pavel Sheremet, 44, died in an explosion early on Wednesday as he got into his car to drive to work. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ISTANBUL: Turkey has blocked access to the WikiLeaks website, the telecoms watchdog said on Wednesday, hours after it leaked thousands of ruling party emails just as Ankara grapples with the aftermath of a failed military coup. Around 50,000 soldiers, police, judges and teachers have been suspended or detained since the attempted coup on the weekend, and Turkey s Western allies have expressed concern over the crackdowns reach. Reports said 99 generals and admirals just under a third of the country s 356 top military officerswere formally charged on Wednesday, and the country was expected to announce emergency measures to try to shore up stability and prevent damage. Turkeys higher education council banned academics from work trips abroad and urged those overseas to quickly return home, a report said. WikiLeaks on Tuesday released nearly 300,000 emails from the AK Party dating from 2010 to July 6 this year. Obtained before the attempted coup, the date of their publication was brought forward in response to the governments post-coup purges, WikiLeaks said. The source of the emails was not connected to the coup plotters or to a rival political party or state, WikiLeaks said. Founded by Julian Assange, WikiLeaks publishes leaked material, mostly from governments. In 2010, the organisation published classified US military and diplomatic documents in one of the largest information leak sin US history. When President Andrew Jackson defended the honor of the wife of his secretary of war, the resulting scandal broke up his first cabinet and threatened to make his administration a laughingstock. By J. Kingston Pierce President Andrew Jackson was irate, convinced that he was the victim of one of the most base and wicked conspiracies. For him, the scandal known as the petticoat affair was a social matter that his enemies had exploited and blown out of proportion. It was true that the situation had taken on a life of its own. It is odd enough, Senator Daniel Webster wrote to a friend in January 1830, that the consequence of this dispute in the social . . . world, is producing great political effects, and may very probably determine who shall be successor to the present chief magistrate. Always eloquent, in this case Webster also proved prophetic. For the imbroglio to which he referredinvolving the young wife of the secretary of war, a woman much favored by Jackson but snubbed by Washingtons gentility for her outspokenness and allegedly sordid pastdid ultimately help decide the fortunes of two powerful rivals eager to follow Old Hickory into the White House. the cause of the turmoil was the young and vivacious Margaret Peggy Eaton, although she was still Margaret Timberlake when Jackson initially made her acquaintance. She was the daughter of William ONeale, an Irish immigrant and owner of a commodious Washington, D.C., boardinghouse and tavern, the Franklin House on I Street. The tavern was especially popular with congressmen, senators, and politicians from all over the growing United States. Margaret, the name she apparently preferred over Peggy, was born at those lodgings in 1799, the oldest of six ONeale children. She grew up amidst post-prandial political clashes and discussions of history, international battles, and arcane legislative tactics. Margaret observed the nations lawmakers at their best and at their worst, and the experience taught her that politicians were as flawed and fallible as anybody else. Far from home and family, these gents were easily charmed by the precocious and beautiful girl and did their best to spoil her rotten. I was always a pet, she later remarked. It was a curious upbringing for a girl in those days, when women were expected to be submissive and demure, domestic and irreproachably virtuous, and utterly uninterested in politics, much less able to argue governmental issues with anything approaching insight. Margarets parents could only try to balance her exposure to the often coarse world of men by sending her to one of the best schools in the capital, where she learned everything from English and French grammar to needlework and music. When she showed a talent for dance, Margaret took private lessons, becoming skilled enough by the age of 12 to perform for First Lady Dolley Madison. Moreover, many a guest at the Franklin House remarked on Margarets piano-playing prowess. Jackson once wrote to his wife, Rachel, at home in Nashville, Tennessee, that every Sunday evening [she] entertains her pious mother with sacred music to which we are invited. Jackson met Margaret in December 1823, when he traveled to Washington as the new junior senator from Tennessee and boarded at the Franklin House. Like so many others in federal service, Jackson had had no intention of relocating to the capital. At that time it was a scattered, muddy, and manifestly Southern town that had recovered from the British invasion of 1814 but remained short of municipal conveniences. Furthermore, the wickedly humid weather in the spring and summer prompted lawmakers to complete their sessions by early April, then escape to cooler climes. The Franklin had been recommended to Jackson by John Henry Eaton, Tennessees senior senator and the author of a biography that affirmed Jacksons heroism as the general who vanquished the British army at New Orleans in 1815. Jackson had taken a liking to hotelier ONeale and his agreeable and worthy family. He was especially fond of Margaret, the 23-year-old wife of navy purser John Bowie Timberlake, with whom she bore three children (one of them dying in infancy). She was, Jackson said, the smartest little woman in America. Rachel Jackson was equally impressed by Margaret when she accompanied her husband to Washington in 1824. It was Old Hickorys friend Senator Eaton, however, who appeared most thoroughly bewitched by the dark-headed, blue-eyed, and fine-featured tavern-keepers daughter. A handsome and wealthy widower nine years older than Margaret, Eaton had known her ever since he began staying at the Franklin House as a newly appointed senator in 1818. That was long enough for him to have heard all the rumors about Margarets premarital teenage romances. The gossip included tales of how one suitor swallowed poison after she refused to reciprocate his affections; how she had briefly been linked with the son of President Jeffersons treasury secretary; and how her elopement with a young aide to General Winfield Scott had gone seriously awry when she had kicked over a flowerpot during her climb from a bedroom window, awakening her father, who dragged her back inside. Such storiescoupled with the fact that Margaret Timberlake tended toward flirtatiousness, enjoyed serving men in her familys tavern, and shared her opinions and jokes too loudly and liberallyled others in the capital to presume that she was a wanton woman. Eaton, though, saw her quite differently. He had become a confidant of John Timberlake and even fought, though unsuccessfully, to have his Senate colleagues reimburse the often financially troubled purser for losses Timberlake sustained while at sea. Moreover, when Timberlake was away, Eaton was glad to escort his wife on drives and to parties, enjoying both her humor and intelligence. Margaret called Eaton my husbands friend . . . he was a pure, honest, and faithful gentleman. Rumormongers, however, credited the relationship between the Timberlakes and Eaton with far less innocence. They slandered John Timberlake as a drunk and neer-do-well and claimed that the real reason he kept sailing away from home was because he couldnt face either his financial woes or his wifes patent philanderings. This talk grew uglier when, in April 1828, Timberlake died of pulmonary disease while serving in Europe aboard the USS Constitution. Amidst the widows grieving, rumors spread that the purser had not perished naturally at all but had committed suicide in despair over his wifes behavior. The situation caused distress not only to Margaret and Eaton, but also to Jackson, whose recent memories of defending his own wife against malicious murmurs made him all the more sympathetic to Margarets plight. Jacksons first campaign for the White House in 1824 ended with his winning the bulk of the national popular vote but losing the presidency when his failure to gain a majority in the Electoral College threw the race to the House of Representatives, which preferred John Quincy Adams. It was a particularly dirty contest, as Adams backers strove to undercut Jacksons appeal in any way possible. Their tactics included ridiculing his lack of education and accusing him of everything from blasphemy to land frauds and murder. They even resurrected allegations that Rachel Jackson had been a bigamist and adulteress. Those last charges stemmed from Rachels first marriage to a rabidly jealous Kentucky businessman named Lewis Robards. The pair had wed in 1785, but Robards believed that his wife was unfaithful and sought a divorce in 1790. A year later, assuming that she was once more a free woman, Rachel married Andrew Jackson, an ambitious, red-headed young attorney whom shed met when he boarded at her mothers home in Nashville. Not until 1793 did the Jacksons learn that Robards had only just been granted a divorce and that theyd been living very publicly in sin for more than two years. To quash further scandal, the Jacksons promptly retook their vows. Yet claims of Rachels immorality haunted the couple. Early in the 1828 presidential race, rumors arose again in pro-Adams newspapers, one of which asked in an editorial, Ought a convicted adulteress and her paramour husband to be placed in the highest offices of this free and Christian land? Jackson went on to win that election, becoming the first president from the emerging West and creating what is today the Democratic Party. Yet when Rachel died of a heart attack less than three months before his inauguration, Jackson blamed the political defamers for hastening her demise. May God forgive her murderers, the president-elect said at his wifes funeral, as I know she forgave them. I never can. Even if Rachel had survived, Jackson would likely have supported Margaret Timberlake against character assaults; he had a long record of precipitant gallantry. Following Rachels death, however, Jackson became still more stubborn in championing the hoteliers daughter, equating her with his late mate as a woman unjustly scorned. When John Eaton told Jackson of his wish to do what was right & proper by marrying Mrs. Timberlake, the president counseled swift action. Damn the gossipers, he insisted, if you love Margaret Timberlake go and marry her at once and shut their mouths. Unfortunately, the candle-lit nuptials held at the ONeale residence on January 1, 1829, only incited fresh criticism of the couple. Louis McLane, an eminent Maryland politician (who would hold the positions of secretary of the treasury and state in Jacksons second cabinet), sniped that the 39-year-old Eaton had just married his mistressand the mistress of 11-doz. others! Margaret Bayard Smith, a Washington society maven whose husband was president of the local branch of the Bank of the United States, proclaimed Eatons reputation totally destroyed by this union with a woman who hadnt even waited a respectful period of time before marrying again. Floride Calhoun, wife of John C. Calhounthe South Carolinian who had served John Quincy Adams as vice president and would hold the same office under Jacksonaccepted a social call from the Eatons after their wedding. Nevertheless, she steadfastly refused to pay a return visit, which in the protocol-bound world of Washington could only be interpreted as a calculated snub. This left John Calhoun to ponder the difficulties in which [such a rebuffing] would probably involve me. Worried that fallout from this fracas might wound the president-elect, some of Jacksons partisans tried to dissuade him from naming Eaton to his cabinet. It was the wrong approach. Jackson had said many times, when I mature my course I am immovable. Since Rachels death, he had found greater need of his friend Eatons advice, and he wasnt apt to abandon the man simply because of attacks by malcontents on Margarets propriety. Jackson reportedly thundered at one Eaton detractor: Do you suppose that I have been sent here by the people to consult the ladies of Washington as to the proper persons to compose my cabinet? Jackson soon announced the appointment of Eaton as his secretary of war. Hopes that this prestigious position might help to rehabilitate Margarets reputation were dashed as early as Jacksons inauguration in March 1829, when the spouses of other cabinet members and politicos obviously slighted the seventh presidents little friend Peg. According to modern Jackson biographer Robert V. Remini, at a grand ball on inauguration night, the other ladies in the official family tried not to notice as Peggy Eaton swept into the room and startled everyone with her presence and beauty. Even Emily Donelson, Jacksons beloved niece and his choice as the new mistress of the White House, turned a chilly shoulder to Margaret. She claimed that Eatons elevation to the cabinet had given his wife airs that made her society too disagreeable to be endured. During his early months in office, Jackson had intended to concentrate on replacing corrupt bureaucrats. Instead he was plagued by what Secretary of State Martin Van Buren dubbed the Eaton Malaria. Jackson decided to delay his formal post-inaugural cabinet dinner, fearing bad blood between Mrs. Eaton and the rest of the political wives. The president was continually distracted from the nations business by having to defend Margaretdespite her protestations that she did not want endorsements [of virtue] any more than any other lady in the land. On the evening of September 10, 1829, Jackson concluded that if this flap was to end, he must take decisive action. With Vice President Calhoun at home in South Carolina and John Eaton not invited, the president summoned the balance of his cabinet, plus Reverends John N. Campbell and Ezra Stiles Ely who had recently criticized Margarets morals. Though ailing from dropsy, chest pains, and recurring headaches, the 62-year-old president proceeded to proffer evidenceaffidavits from people who had known Mrs. Eatonthat he said absolved her of misconduct. When one minister dared to disagree, Jackson somehow forgot that Margaret was the mother of two surviving children from her marriage to John Timberlake as he shot back: She is as chaste as a virgin! Thinking the matter was settled, Jackson finally held his overdue cabinet dinner in November 1829. While it provoked no very marked exhibitions of bad feeling in any quarter, recalled Van Buren, the event was nonetheless awkward and tense. Guests rushed through their meals in order to avoid discussion of or with the Eatons, who had found places of honor near Jackson. The next party, hosted by Van Buren (who had neither daughters nor a living spouse to inhibit his societal intercourse), drew every member of the cabinetbut their wives contrived excuses for staying away. By the spring of 1830, Jackson had come to believe that the situation did not result merely from connivances among the gentry, but from scheming by his political foes. Initially he imagined the plot was led by his renowned Kentucky rival Henry Clay, who would doubtless benefit from his administrations troubles, vexations and difficulties. As the president watched his cabinet split over this petticoat affair, however, he couldnt help noticing that those advisors most opposed to the Eatons were also the strongest followers of John Calhouna man he was coming to distrust. Tall, wiry, and earnest, Calhoun had helped elect Jackson to the White House, and many assumed that hed be Old Hickorys successor. Nevertheless, the vice president eschewed the capital during most of the Jackson administrations tumultuous first year, and what the president remembered from Calhouns brief time therenotably, his wife Florides refusal to reciprocate Margaret Eatons social callrubbed him the wrong way. One historian, J.H. Eckenrode, argued a century later that it was Calhouns vain and silly wife who, by spurning Margaret, ruined her husbands career at its zenith. Certainly Floride Calhouns obstinacy, when combined with policy differences between her husband and Jacksonespecially on the question of whether states should be allowed to nullify federal lawsdrove a deep wedge between the nations two highest-ranking officials. At the same time that Calhoun was falling from grace with the president, Secretary of State Martin Van Burens fortunes were rising. The former governor of New York, charming in person and a skilled behind-the-scenes strategist (allies and enemies alike called him the Little Magician), Van Buren had won the presidents regard by showing respect for John and Margaret Eaton. He became Jacksons dear friend, someone the president felt was well qualified to one day fill his shoes. Calhouns backers realized that Jacksons dwindling faith in the vice president played to Van Burens advantage. Daniel Webster wrote that since Jackson had become so dependent on his secretary of state, the Vice President has great difficulty to separate his opposition to Van Buren from opposition to the President. Calhoun could only pray that his public approval or a Van Buren slip-up would still propel him into the presidency. For two years the press and pundits savaged the administration over Jacksons support for the Eatons. The nastiest rumors about the couple spread with impunity. One even averred that the war secretary had fathered a child with a colored female servant. Van Buren saw as well as anybody how Margaret Eaton had become a liability for the Democrats and a personal burden to Jackson. The president had even sent his nephew and private secretary, Andrew Jackson Donelson, and his wife, Emily, back to Tennessee when they refused to associate with the Eatons. Andrew Donelson expressed his sadness in parting from his uncle, to whom I have stood from my infancy in the relation of son to father. Harmony needed to be restored within the administration. Yet if the president discharged the anti-Eaton minority from his cabinet, he risked alienating Calhouns contingent of the party, and if he dumped his secretary of war after all this time, he would seem to have caved in to his critics. The solution was presented to Jackson in April 1831 by Van Buren, when he offered to resign and suggested that John Eaton do likewise. This would permit the president to ask the remainder of the cabinet to do the same and allow for a reorganization. Though a few members resisted, later protesting their departures in print, they all relinquished their seats. The capital reeled at this turn of events, and some people predicted that it portended governmental collapse. Newspapers were quick to trace the cause of the cabinets fall to Margaret Eaton. One publication likened the event to the reign of Louis XV when Ministers were appointed and dismissed at a womans nod, and the interests of the nation were tied to her apron string. Henry Clay figured Calhoun could now take bolder and firmer ground against the president, dooming Jacksons chances of reelection in 1832 and maybe improving Clays own chances of winning the White House. Others hoped that John Eatons resignation would finally end talk of his blackballed wife, giving rise to that seasons most popular toast: To the next cabinetmay they all be bachelorsor leave their wives at home. Elected to a second term, Jackson was eager to end the debate that had threatened to bring down his first administration. He hustled John Eaton and his wife off to the Florida Territory, where John became governor. Two years later Jackson appointed Eaton as the United States minister to Spain, and Margaret and John enjoyed life in Madrid for four years. Bitter over the decline of his political fortunes, Vice President Calhoun sought revenge against Martin Van Buren. In 1832, Calhoun cast the tie-breaking vote against the New Yorkers confirmation as U.S. minister to Great Britain. This rejection, Calhoun told a colleague, will kill him, sir, kill him dead. On the contrary, it won Van Buren sympathy with the American public. In 1832 Van Buren became Jacksons running mate for the upcoming presidential election, and in 1836 he was voted into the White House himself. Calhoun, meanwhile, resigned the vice presidency in 1832 to return to the Senate. Amazingly, despite their history, Eaton eventually turned on Jackson. In 1840, when President Van Buren recalled Eaton from Spain for failing to fulfill his diplomatic duties, Eaton announced his support for Van Burens presidential rival, William Henry Harrison. Jackson was infuriated by Eatons political disloyalty, claiming that He comes out against all the political principles he ever professed and against those on which he was supported and elected senator. The two men didnt reconcile until a year before Jacksons death in 1845. John Eaton died in 1856, leaving a small fortune to his wife. Margaret lived in Washington and, after her two daughters married into high society, finally received some of the respect she craved. She didnt enjoy it for long. At age 59, the once-vivacious and now wealthy tavern-keepers daughter married her granddaughter Emilys 19-year-old dance tutor, Antonio Buchignani. Five years later, Buchignani ran off to Italy with both Emily and his wifes money. Margaret died in poverty in 1879 at Lochiel House, a home for destitute women. She was buried in the capitals Oak Hill Cemetery next to John Eaton. A newspaper commenting on her death and on the irony of the situation editorialized: Doubtless among the dead populating the terraces [of the cemetery] are some of her assailants [from the cabinet days] and cordially as they may have hated her, they are now her neighbors. J. Kingston Pierce is a Seattle resident currently working on a collection of essays about that citys past. [ Top ] [ Cover ] Chambers learned about discipline and hard work on his grandfathers 500-acre strawberry farm in Oregon Tim Chambers admits to an overabundance of enthusiasm. In his 15-year Marine Corps career, that enthusiasm served him well, leading to his series of Forrest Gumplike experiences. You can get anywhere with enthusiasm, said Chambers. Like onto the median of Washingtons 23rd Street in Marine dress blues during Rolling Thunder in 2002, snapping a salute to the bikers rolling by. Despite myriad challenges, Chambers hasnt missed a Rolling Thunder since, becoming somewhat of a legend who is recognized by millions. The eldest of six children, Chambers learned about discipline and hard work on his grandfathers 500-acre strawberry farm in Silverton, Ore. My grampa showed me how to be courteous, treat all people with respect and use common sense, Chambers said. And because he always kept his hoe close to my behind, it made the Marine Corps seem easy. Chambers joined the Marines after high school in 1994. From Parris Island on, he credits his energy and enthusiasm with helping him land many interesting jobs, including protocol chief to a general stationed in Japan and assistant to the chief defense counsel for the Marines in Washington. Sergeant Chambers was also an ardent volunteer for organizations such as Special Olympics and the Muscular Dsytrophy Association. While stationed in Washington from 2000 to 2003, he participated in the World War II Memorial groundbreaking ceremony and the Korean War Commemoration Committees ceremonies for veterans who never received their medals. In 2003 Chambers volunteer work earned him recognition as one of five Very Important Patriots by the National Military Family Associationand because of that, his face appeared on the Kelloggs Frosted Flakes cereal box. On September 11, 2001, however, his energy and enthusiasm took a more dramatic turn in Washington. When the Pentagon was hit, he raced to the scene with other Marines and helped in the rescue efforts, entering the building to look for survivors and bodies. Two months later, Chambers and 10 other Marines were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. The whole ordeal reminded me of why the Marine Corps exists, said Chambers. We are trained to react. It was a gut check and helped me decide to reenlist. For his heroics, he was invited to the 2002 Rose Bowl parade to ride on a float with other 9/11 first responders. Chambers first became aware of Rolling Thunder while he was stationed in Washington, and in 2002 the Marine decided to don his dress uniform and spend the day thanking veterans. But he didnt think that was enough. Hed attended many funerals on behalf of the Marines, but felt giving a salute at a vets funeral was really too late. That was it, he said of his impulsive gesture. I just jumped out there as the parade was happening and popped up a salute. Then I started thinking, Can I make it to the end? If I fall out will I look like a complete idiot? I just got caught up in the moment, he said, not thinking it would be more than just a one-time thing. The next year, though, Chambers began his salute at the very beginning of the motorcycle run and held it to the end. Transferred to California in 2004, Chambers said his run might have ended then. Soon, though, he received validation of his Rolling Thunder salute in the form of a letter from Marine Commandant General Michael Hagee, who wrote about the letters hed received praising Chambers action and congratulating him for serving as a superb representative of our Marine Corps. I was just floored, Chambers saidand he felt determined to get back the next year. He arranged to take leave to get to Rolling Thunder each year after that, and he has even taken his mother and grandmother with him a few times. Three times hes accompanied riders from the Run for the Wall or Carry the Flame groups. By 2008 the Marine sergeant had become a Rolling Thunder fixture. That year, after giving the salute, Chambers got a call from an aide to President George W. Bush. He told Chambers the president had seen him that day, was very impressed, and invited him to a Memorial Day breakfast at the White House the next morning. Chambers took his grandmother along, and they met the family of Army Staff Sgt. Matt Maupin, who had been a POW in Iraq and whose remains had just been recently returned. Chambers recalled the Marine Commandant General James Conways reaction to seeing him: He came up to me and said, What are you doing here, Marine? Who invited you? I said, The president did, sir! That was fun. While Tim Chambers annual salute, which lasts three to four hours, is a feat in itself, a serious medical condition has made the last three years especially challenging for him. After surgery in 2005, he contracted a serious bacterial infection caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In Chambers case, the bacteria invaded his back muscles and causes flare-ups that require intense therapy and can leave him bedridden for months at a time. The recurring illness contributed to Chambers decision to leave the Marines in 2009. The Marine Corps has been my whole life since high school, he said, but I knew I could no longer serve. I miss it a lot. For the last three years, Chambers has suffered flare-ups just prior to Rolling Thunder. In 2011 he was hospitalized for several months before the Memorial Day weekend. Added to that, Chambers also had a broken right wrist. The first hour is always hell and I have to fight mentally to keep from falling out, he said. Over the years, it hasnt gotten easier. I really thought I was going to fall out last year. But even though he was clearly struggling, Chambers held his salute until the last bike passed. Ill be in better shape this year, Chambers said in March, noting that the MRSA infection had not returned. The biggest concern I have is fitting into my uniform, he said. Im 36 now and have been so sick the past few years that I havent had much opportunity to work out. But, really its more of a mental thing. Im always thinking, If I drop my salute, can I find a rock I can crawl under? What mostly runs through Chambers mind during the salute are thoughts about what he is representing and who he is reaching. Service members truly have compassion and love for each other, he said. The country needs to see this, and Rolling Thunder brings it to life. I feel the need to thank them for doing it. Im floored any time I hear that Ive touched someone, said Chambers. Whenever a mother says I remind them of a son who diedbe it in Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan or even Vietnamit completely blows me away. And when they tell me their stories, I will then tell them to others. Mission accomplished. And its not just a one-way experience for Chambers, who never served in combat. When the vets stop and salute me, or when active duty soldiers and Marines get off their bikes, it validates meeven though they see whats not on my chest, he said. As long as I am honoring and emulating them and helping people to remember their service and sacrifice, I hope that I will be accepted. While Tim Chambers admitted to having a few mental tricks to sustain him through the salute, he said hes found something else that gets him through it. Its amazing, he said. When the bikes come right by me, the vibrations of the engines run through my body, and it takes away the pain in my arm. I especially love it when they rev up their engines and look me right in the eye and say, Looking good, Tim! It means so much to be remembered and respected. Theres nothing better than that. Journalist subjected to violence: his professional activities hindered Announcement: Journalist of Iravaban.net Gevorg Tosunyan was subjected to Violence: His Professional Activities were hindered On 21 July, hundreds of citizens were gathered in Khorenatsi street to prevent the possible collisions between the armed group members who have occupied the PPSR and the police. Journalist of Iravaban.net Gevorg Tosunyan was carrying out his professional activities in Khorenatsi Street and neighboring to it areas to cover the developments referring to the capture of the Police regiment premises and other event related to it. In Tigran Mets Avenue he videotaped the incident where persons in civilian clothes were throwing stones on other civilians. The persons, who were throwing stones, exercised violence against the journalist, pushed him and throw on the ground, hit and then forcedly seized the camera and took the memory card hindering the journalists professional activities. The Armenian Lawyers Association strongly condemns the violence, the case of obstructing the professional activities of the journalist and stresses that according to Article 164 of the RA Criminal Code, Hindrance to the legal professional activities of a journalist is a criminally punishable act. Armenian Lawyers Association is calling on law enforcement bodies, to immediately give a legal assessment to this act and take measures to solve the crime and to bring the perpetrators to responsibility. Armenian Lawyers Association T his autumn Govia Thameslink Railway, which runs the service between Kings Cross and Kings Lynn known as the Fen Line, will launch a consultation on proposals that include introducing new wi-fi-enabled trains capable of running at 110 miles per hour. It will also consider increasing the frequency of London trains to every half hour. And when Cambridge North station is opened in May next year Fen Line services could be diverted through the new station, speeding up commuter times. More and more people are moving into the Fen Line area, explains Andy Tyler, secretary of the Fen Line Users Association. I should think they are moving further out from London because of the high property prices, and the main grumble and grouse they have is overcrowding what I hear all the time is people saying they are treated like cattle. I think that is a bigger issue than journey time for most people. At present the journey from London to Kings Lynn takes almost two hours. From Downham Market, one of the areas most popular market towns, it takes just over an hour and 20 minutes and the proposed upgrade to the service should bring this closer to the one-hour mark. The best commuter towns less than an hour from London 1 /40 The best commuter towns less than an hour from London Brighton, East Sussex What it costs: A house will set you back just over 500,000 and a flat costs about 270,000. The commute: Victoria is do-able in just under an hour, but the journey is more commonly scheduled from one hour and seven minutes. Annual season tickets start from 3,764. Top schools: Eastbrook Primary Academy, St Lukes Primary School and Downs Junior School get outstanding Ofsted ratings. Varndean is one of several senior schools rated good. Who it would suit: Young professionals, old professionals, families looking for a change of lifestyle - buzzy, cosmopolitan Brighton has something for everyone, from boutique shopping to smart bars and restaurants and the beach. Daniel Lynch Ewell, Surrey Ewell, Surrey What it costs: The average house is 376,000, with flats at about 207,993. The commute: Trains take 33 minutes from Ewell West station to Waterloo, and an annual season ticket will set you back from 1,820. Top schools: The Mead Infant School, West Ewell Infant School, Wallace Fields Juniors, and Glyn School, for seniors, are all Ofsted outstanding. Who it would suit: Those after a quick, reasonable commute and good local schools will like Ewell. Theres a good high street, nice pubs and restaurants, and a park with a BMX course and running tracks. Alamy Ashford, Kent What it costs: Houses sell for an average 211,821 and the average flat costs 118,466 The commute: Trains take from as little as 38 minutes by high-speed rail to St Pancras. An annual season ticket costs from 5,140. Top schools: Highworth Grammar School is outstanding, says the Ofsted watchdog, while all the main primary schools get good reports. Who it would suit: Ashford is very good value for first-time buyers looking to get on the property ladder. It's also a great staging point for the Kent Downs and the coast 20 miles away, weekends in Paris on the Eurostar, and shopping at the Ashford Designer Outlet. Alamy St Albans, Hertfordshire What it costs: Houses sell for an average 619,000, while flats go for an average o f298,000. The commute: Trains to St Pancras take 17 minutes, with an annual season ticket costing 3,320. Top schools: St Alban and St Stephen Roman Catholic Infant and Nursery School, The Abbey Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, and St Albans Girls School have all been deemed outstanding by Ofsted. Who it would suit: St Albans is safe and sweet, with a weekend market and the beautiful cathedral. Families, especially, love the brilliant schools, great city centre full of alfresco cafes, boutiques and high-end chains, and the nearby countryside. Harlow, Essex What it costs: A house costs an average 256,313 and a flat 151,721. The commute: Trains take half an hour to Liverpool Street. An annual season ticket costs 4,420. Top schools: Burnt Mill Academy (seniors) and Jerounds Community Junior School are Ofsted outstanding. Almost all other Harlow schools are good. Who it would suit: City workers seeking value for money and a fast journey into town. Old Harlow is very pretty, with clapboard country pubs, and the whole town is dotted with parks and nature reserves. Amersham, Buckinghamshire What it costs: Houses sell for an average 674,475 and flats for 301,741. The commute: Trains to Marylebone take 33 minutes, with an annual season ticket costing 3,368. Top schools: Both Chestnut Lane juniors and Elangeni primary have been deemed outstanding, by Ofsted, while Dr Challoners Grammar School and Dr Challoners High School are among the top-performing state schools in the whole of the UK. Who it would suit: Old Amersham is picturebook pretty and just perfect for weekends spent roaming the boutiques, restaurants and old timbered pubs. Alamy Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire What it costs: Expect to pay just over 664,000 for a house and just under 303,000 for a flat. The commute: It takes 31 minutes to Euston with an annual season ticket costing 4,644. Top schools: This family-oriented town boasts no fewer than four Ofsted outstanding primary schools. Who it would suit: Given its superb range of schools, beautiful countryside and range of Victorian homes, Berkhamsted is best-suited to families. Alamy Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire What it costs: Homes in the area have breached the 1 million mark, with houses costing around 1,133,770, and flats selling for an average 449,646. The commute: You can be in Marylebone in just 22 minutes at the cost of 3,328 per year for a season ticket. Top schools: Ofsted consider the Gerrards Cross CofE School an outstanding primary and, thanks to the 11-plus system, seniors can try for one of the area's grammar schools. Who it would suit: This affluent town on the edge of the Chilterns has a low crime rate, great schools and a well-provisioned high street, making it a great choice for families. Alamy Cobham, Surrey What it costs: Average prices in Britains most expensive village currently stand at 1,164,565. The commute: From 38 minutes to Waterloo. Annual season tickets are relatively cheap at 2,604. Top schools: St Matthews CofE Aided Infant School has bee awarded an outstanding Ofsted report, alongside two good primary schools. Who it would suit: Yummy mummies will love this glamorous village, with its wealth of brasseries, boutiques, Pilates studios, and Aveda spas. Alamy Virginia Water, Surrey What it costs: a house costs an average of 945,579, with flats costing 422,133. The commute: Commutes to Waterloo take around 45 minutes, with an annual season ticket costing 2,896. Top schools: Trumps Green Infant School is outstanding, according to Ofsted. Who it would suit: The fact that the local off license stocks Louis Roederer Cristal champagne (265) and Remy Martin Louis XIII cognac (1,195) prove that Virginia Water is a rich area that suit those with expensive tastes. Shutterstock Marlow, Buckinghamshire What it costs: Houses sell for an average 510,805, and flats for 288,749. The commute: It takes 52 minutes to Paddington with an annual season ticket costing 3,348. Alternatively, it takes 30 minutes from High Wycombe or Beaconsfield to Marylebone. Top schools: There is a quartet of Ofsted outstandingschools including Holy Trinity Church of England (Aided) School, Spinfield School (primary), Marlow Church of England Infant School and Sir William Borlases Grammar School. Who it would suit: Thanks to a good mix of shops, restaurants and bars, Marlow is great for someone who enjoys a busy life. The pretty surrounding countryside is ideal for a pub lunch and wander. Alamy Taplow, Buckinghamshire What it costs: An average house in the area costs 503,961, and an average flat 245,632. The commute: 40 minutes to Paddington. An annual season ticket is 3,616 Top schools: Taplows primary school St Nicholas Church of England Combined School is rated good by Ofsted. Seniors have several high-performing options in nearby Maidenhead. Who it would suit: Londoners keen to escape to the countryside but don't want to leave behind their mod cons of city life. The busy towns of Maidenhead, Eton and Windsor are all nearby. Alamy Stock Photo Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire What it costs: Flats cost an average 377,610, and houses come in at 683,587. The commute: Paddington is 50 minutes away and an annual season ticket costs from 4,396. Top schools: Nettlebed Community School (primary) is outstanding, while Frieth Church of England Combined School, and Gillotts School (seniors) are both rated good by Ofsted. Who it would suit: Commuters who want to enough the buzz of town life. It has art galleries, a cinema, and an annual literary, music and arts festival alongside the famous annual regatta. Alamy Stock Photo Rochester, Kent What it costs: Houses in the area will set you back an average of 220,765, and flats 142,781. The commute: Commuter can choose from 38 minutes to St Pancras, or 45 minutes to Victoria. A season ticket costs from 3,956. Top schools: There are plenty of excellent primary schools to choose from. For older children, The Rochester Grammar School (girls) and Sir Joseph Williamsons Mathematical School are both rated outstanding by Ofsted. Who it would suit: The Kent town offers a lovely historic skyline with a castle, cathedral and quaint old town. Walton-on-Thames, Surrey What it costs: An average house will cost 709,055, whilst an average flat will set you back 317,323. The commute: It takes just 26 minutes to Waterloo and an annual season ticket costs from 2,412. Top schools: Ashley CofE Aided Primary School is rated outstanding by Ofsted, and Walton Oak Primary School is good according to the Governments schools watchdog. Who it would suit: The leafy suburb offers a great commute and boasts some nice cafes and neighbourhood restaurants for those who like socialising. Windsor and Eton, Berkshire What it costs: An average house sells for 596,000, and an average flat for 365,000. The commute: It takes 51 minutes to Paddington or 56 minutes to Waterloo. An annual season costs 2,904. Top schools: St Edwards Catholic First School, Hilltop First School, and Windsor Girls School (senior) are all rated outstanding by Osfted. Eton College is very famous. Who it would suit: Busy Windsor is perfect for Royal watchers who like the Queens wide open spaces and do not mind aircraft noise. Alamy The Chalfonts, Buckinghamshire What it costs: Houses cost an average 742,000, and flats come in at 290,000. The commute: Chalfont & Latimer station is in Zone 8 but you can catch a mainline service to Marylebone in 35 minutes. An annual season ticket costs 3,036. Top schools: The area boasts good grammar schools. Selective Dr Challoners High School is one of the UKs top state girls school, with an outstanding Ofsted report. Both Little Chalfont Primary School and Chalfont St Peter Infant School get top marks too. Who it would suit: All the Chalfonts are in easy reach of the Chilterns - each one has something different to offer. Little Chalfont has good shops while Chalfont St Peter offers great pubs and is close to Gerrards Cross. Chalfont St Giles has a chocolate-box village feel and Chalfont Heights has a private gated estate. Alamy Chelmsford, Essex What it costs: A typical flat costs 178,000 while an average house costs 335,000. The commute: It takes 34 minutes to Liverpool Street and an annual season costs 4,748. Top schools: One of the top secondary schools in the country, King Edward VI Grammar, is situated in Chelmsford. It is boys-only until the sixth form, but younger girls can opt for the excellent Chelmsford County High School. Who it would suit: Those who like to have all the mod cons on their doorstep but still like the rolling countryside. Alamy Luton, Bedfordshire What it costs: Houses in the area cost an average of 222,000 and flats will set you back 221,000. The commute: It only takes 23 minutes to reach St Pancras. An annual season ticket is 3,960. Top schools: There are plenty of well-regarded primaries to choose from. Barnfield South Academy, Barnfield West Academy, and Cardinal Newman Catholic School (all seniors) are all rated good by Ofsted. Who it would suit: The great value housing is very attractive. For a more rural feel, head to the nearby villages of Offley and Lilley. Alamy Petersfield, Hampshire What it costs: a house costs an average of 416,000 with flats costing 194,000. The commute: The fastest train to Waterloo takes an hour and three minutes but its qualities make up for an extra 180 seconds on the train. An annual season is 4,308. Top schools: There are schools for all ages on offer. Petersfield Infant School is rated outstanding by Ofsted, whilst Herne Junior School and The Petersfield School (seniors) both rate as good. Who it would suit: thanks to it's location in South Downs National Park, its perfect for those who dream of a perfect country town with period homes and community spirit. Alamy Cambridge, Cambridgeshire What it costs: A typical house in Cambridge costs just over 600,000, while flats cost an average of almost 330,000. The commute: From 50 minutes to Kings Cross. An annual season ticket costs 5,012. Top schools: The majority of the citys schools are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted, with St Albans Catholic Primary and St Bedes Inter Church School (seniors) amongst those with top marks from the Governments schools inspector. Who it would suit: Londoners who still want to experience cosmopolitan city life. Alamy Tonbridge, Kent What it costs: A house costs an average of almost 395,000, whilst an average flat costs just over 270,500. The commute: From 41 minutes from Charing Cross (or 49 minutes from Cannon Street). An annual season ticket costs 4,060.. Top schools: Most of Tonbridges primary schools get good ratings from Ofsted and seniors can try for Kents fantastic grammar schools. Who it would suit: Londoners who enjoy a good social life thanks to a theatre, a couple of sports centre and plenty of sports clubs. It has an affluent feel and streets of good quality Victorian houses in the town centre. Daniel Lynch Wickham Bishops, Essex What it costs: Houses in the area typically cost an average of almost 243,000, while flats come in at just over 178,000 The commute: From Witham, the nearest station, which is just over three miles away, trains to Liverpool Street take from 45 minutes. An annual season ticket costs 5,232. Top schools: There isn't a school in the village but Great Totham Primary, in the neighbouring village, gets a good rating from Ofsted. Older children can attend Maltings Academy in Witham, rated outstanding. Who it would suit: Londoners looking to get more for their buck and still have an easy commute into the city. The surrounding countryside is lovely, and you can be at the coast within 40 minutes. Guildford, Surrey What it costs: Houses cost, on average, just over 649,047 with flats coming in at almost 292,000. The commute: From 39 minutes to Waterloo. Annual season tickets cost from 3,360. Top schools: Most are highly rated by Ofsted with the youngest pupils especially well catered for. Both Wood Street Infant School and Stoughton Infant School are Ofsted outstanding. Who it would suit: City workers who want the countryside on their doorstep yet a quick commute into the bright lights of the city. Alamy Lingfield, Surrey What it costs: the average cost of a house in this Surrey town is 433,000. The commute: From 50 minutes to Victoria, an annual season ticket cost 3,396. Top schools: Both Lingfields state primaries (Lingfield and Dormandsland) are rated good by Ofsted. Older children will have to travel to the "outstanding" comprehensive Imberthorne School, East Grinstead, four miles away. Who it would suit: Commuters who love to spend their downtime soaking up the fresh, countryside air. Odiham, Hampshire What it costs: an average house costs 500,319 here, while two bedroom flats are priced at around 200,000 to 250,000. The commute: trains from nearby Hook take 58 minutes to Waterloo. An annual season ticket costs from 3,988. Top schools: Mayhill Junior School and Robert Mays School (seniors) are both rated good by Ofsted. Who it would suit: people coming out of south west London find better value for money than in some of Surrey's swish commuter hotspots, plus a commuting time that doesn't really change. Alamy Leigh-on-Sea, Essex What it costs: a typical house costs around 407,000, while a flat costs just over 214,232. The commute: from 48 minutes to Fenchurch Street. A season ticket costs 4,524. Top schools: both Leigh North Street Primary and West Leigh Junior School get top marks from Ofsted. The town also has two (academy) senior schools both rated good by the schools watchdog. Who it would suit: City workers who fancy messing about by the seaside. Leigh has a bit of a London village vibe, with good, quirky indy shops and galleries on Leigh Broadway, and plenty of cafes. There are lots of like-minded ex-Londoners to befriend. Getty Oxford What it costs: expect to pay just over 916,000 for a house or 386,000 for a flat. The commute: squeaks in under the hour, with services to Marylebone from 57 minutes. An annual season ticket costs 5,620. Top schools: St Barnabus and St Philip (juniors) in boho Jericho is particularly sought after. Many parents go private, with The Dragon School, Magdalen College School (boys) and Oxford High School (girls) top of the picks. Who it would suit: given those London-style prices, a move to Oxford is far more about lifestyle than budget, and Oxford is a gorgeous looking city, with a more cosmopolitan feel than smaller towns can manage, it is walkable/cycleable, and the countryside on the doorstep is glorious. Shutterstock Reading, Berkshire What it costs: an average house goes for 334,397, while flats are priced at around 227,235. The commute: from 27 minutes to Paddington. An annual season ticket costs 5,024. Top schools: Reading School is one of the highest performing schools in Britain, whilst All Saints Junior School is outstanding according to Ofsted. Who it would suit: first-time buyers looking for value for money and those looking to minimise the amount of time spent sitting on the train. Alamy East and West Malling, Kent What it costs: a typical house now costs just over 305,000, while flats sell at just over 218,000. The commute: journeys from West Malling to Victoria take from 50 minutes, or 56 minutes from East Malling. Season tickets from either station cost 4,176. Top schools: The Discovery School (juniors) in West Malling is Outstanding according to Ofsted; seniors can try for one of Kents grammar schools. Who it would suit: those who like the idea of a small market town with a pretty Georgian high street filled with traditional pubs and some good shops, at lower prices than better-known Kent commuter towns like Sevenoaks, will prefer West Malling, whilst East Malling is a proper village. Alamy The cost of an annual season ticket from 5,844 from Kings Lynn and from 5,564 from Downham is unlikely to change. However high travel costs must be set against the towns average property price which, according to Rightmove, is 179,396 almost a third of the price of a typical London property. Ed Bennett, valuer at Wilson & Betts estate agents, estimates that a four-bedroom modern house in the town would cost from 220,000. A three bedroom Victorian semi would cost between 170,000 and 200,000. And one of the town centres two-bedroom 16th-century sandstone cottages which have earned Downham the nickname the gingerbread town would cost between 130,000 and 160,000. Benett says around a third of buyers moving into Downham, and into nearby towns like Watlington, are coming out of London and are not overly concerned by the journey time. For the money that they can save on property they are not that bothered, he said. They can always work on the train. As prices rise in London people are looking further along the train line. Downham traditionally has been made up of an older generation, because it has so many bungalows, but you are starting to see a younger demographic move in. As Bennett suggests, Downham is a sleepy sort of place, although it does have some useful shops and several pubs. It is also only half an hour by train to Cambridge, and around an hours drive to the beautiful Holkham beach and nature reserve. Exactly when the proposed improvements will materialise is uncertain, and Tyler says constant procrastination over how to upgrade the service was another reason for passenger unrest. A spokesman for Govia confirms that a public consultation on the plans will take place later in the year. Rate disparity, if left unchecked, can seriously impact your hotel's bottom line. Hotels often find themselves with lower rates on OTAs and other third party channels than they do on their own website that's not good! So what can hotels do? This article will cover: The impact of rate disparity on your hotel's bottom line The impact of rate disparity on your hotel's bottom line Causes of rate disparity Causes of rate disparity How hotels can combat rate disparity and encourage direct bookings Let's get started. Why Does Rate Disparity Actually Matter? What does rate parity mean, exactly? According to Eye for Travel , it can be thought of as "maintaining consistent rates for the same product in all online distribution channels Expedia, Orbitz, Hotwire, etc. regardless of what commission the OTA makes." It also applies to rates on your own website compared to third party sites. Rate disparity, then, is when wires get crossed and lower rates are offered on some or all OTAs than the rates your own site. Note: The reverse is much rarer. Rate parity clauses in OTA contracts usually prevent you from offering a lower rate on your own site. However, that's not always the case check your contracts to see, as not all of them will require rate parity. Why is rate disparity important? There are two parties it matters to: you and the customer! Tt also affects OTAs, but they are mostly protected from harmful effects by their contracts and if the price is lower on their site, it gives them an advantage. For customers, it can be a matter of trust. If rates on your own "Best Rate Guaranteed" site are more expensive than those on the OTA, you might lose their trust or lead them to believe that an OTA is offering 'discounted' prices. For hotels, when OTAs offer a lower price than your own website, there's no incentive to book direct and you're still paying those OTA commission rates. Causes of Rate Disparity If your hotel frequently experiences rate disparity issues, it's important to know that it isn't always deliberate. In fact, it's probably mostly accidental. Rate disparity is usually caused by you guessed it administrative issues. There are many channels your hotel is probably active on, and third-party channels have been known to change their prices based on factors like price and location, putting tremendous pressure on revenue managers to spend time they don't have monitoring OTA prices in an attempt to continue matching them. In Triptease's 2016 study, "OTAs Undercutting Hotels: A Billion Dollar Sinkhole," they found that: On average, the price on a hotel's website was undercut by an OTA 1 in 4 times This undercutting is costing hotels over $1B a year in direct bookings Despite this, the direct price is an average of $10.27 cheaper across the board What causes this high rate of disparity? Their study lists 10 factors that lead to cheaper rates on OTA websites: Promotions might have been created directly with an OTA Market Manager or through and OTA extranet, meaning it isn't available on the hotel website. A property has an out-of-date rate code still running on an OTA. Remember to close them! The OTA has failed to change the rate they were given , for technical or other reasons this may apply across the board or only to certain geographic markets. The OTA is using a different currency conversion rate than your hotel. The OTA has a base allocation, and you've sold out all other rooms of that grade and below. Your Channel Manager is tracking inventory from your PMS, and the CRS is suffering latency errors and showing inventory that's no longer available. The revenue manager might have linked the wrong OTA rate from their CRS. Your CRS does not support length of stay rates, but they are used on the OTA. Wholesale rates have been put on sale by the OTA they might have sold them to third party sites. Unless your hotel has specifically agreed to the rates being sold, you can insist on the rates being removed. The OTA is using their commission to discount the rate or is applying a lesser markup to a net rate this might happen all the time or only certain times, and may only happen for specific markets. Tarun Gulati, who has worked in the hospitality space as both a hotel CEO and in hotel sales, has similar conculsions about the causes of rate disparity in his 2015 piece, "Price Disparity Could be Cannibalizing Your Hotel's Revenue." He advises that human errorduring manual room and rate uploads to OTAs often occur, and it's common for managers to forget to revise OTA rates during an update, or to accidentally leave old rates on certain sites. He advises a channel manager to solve this. Other causes he lists are rooms being sold as a discount package by OTAs (which can be difficult for hotels to control, depending on their contract terms), inconsistent listings on OTAs (e.g. selling only luxury rooms on OTA X and only base category rooms on OTA Y), and OTAs competing with one another, treading into "grey areas of price parity agreements" in the process. When it comes to OTAs trying to beat the competition, Gulati recommends taking a firm stand after all, when they exist, rate parity agreements go both ways. Most of these problems, as you might guess, are easy to resolve. The trickiest part is staying on top of problems! Fortunately, there are several technology providers that offer potential solutions for monitoring and adjusting rates all you need to do is figure out which one is right for you How Often Does Rate Disparity Happen? Rategain's March 2016 study analysed degrees of rate parity by location. They found that Dublin held steady at 26% rate parity (or 77% disparity), and London had just 13% parity between hotel brand websites and OTAs. For Dublin, on average, 26% of hotels practiced parity, 23% had hotels offering better rates than OTAs, and 51% were cheaper on OTA sites. In Venice, a shocking 97% of hotels offered better rates on OTAs than their own site only 3% of Venetian hotels offered better rates on hotel brand sites, and no hotels included in the study practiced full rate parity. A different study from the University of Delaware, led by Dr. Cihan Cobanoglu, also investigated instances of rate disparity. In his study, they explored differences in room rates from 100 different 3- to 5-star hotels, based on the dates of booking and channel of booking. Here we're focusing on the channel, since rates changing as the date of check-in approaches is normally just a reflection of an updated, clearer demand forecast for that date. They compared direct channels to indirect channels. Direct distribution channels include calling the hotels, calling their reservation hotline (1-800 number, if they have one), and booking on the hotel's website. Indirect channels are OTAs like Expedia, Booking.com, Orbitz, Travelweb and Travelocity. Dr. Cobanoglu and his team found that hotels trying to claim a "Best Rate Guarantee" on their site were facing a real challenge. Indirect channels beat direct channel prices in every room rate collection point 7 different channels on 4 different dates. Furthermore, demand on the date they were testing for was below hotels' forecasts, leading to prices dropping as check-in date approached. These results are not the most encouraging. Namely, they point to insufficient revenue management practices across the board in the industry. Cobanoglu's diagnoses was that "the hotel industry needs to react soon and address this disparity to maintain the viability of direct booking", especially if hotels are claiming a "Best Rate Guarantee" on their own site. How Hotels Combat Rate Disparity If you're advertising a "Best Rate Guarantee" or similar on your own site, which we recommend, it's vital to follow through on that. In most cases, OTA contracts will demand rate parity, although recent legislation in France and Germany and a British investigation indicates that the tide may be turning against these clauses. If your contracts include rate parity, follow the rules- but don't give OTAs a better price! Invest in the technology to monitor and update your rates if OTAs lower or raise them in certain times or locations. To comply with your contracts and avoid legal risks, it's also important to monitor your own rates. If your contracts don't demand parity, offer a slightly lower rate on your own site than you do on third party sites. Rate parity clauses also generally only apply to publically available rates that means if you have a loyalty club, a discount group or similar, you can offer them better rates privately, via email, a login system on your website or over the phone. You can even offer lower rates to Facebook or Twitter followers! What can you do for publically available rates on your site to? Offer perks! Free wifi, parking or discounted tickets to local events are all great ways to make your site's offering more appealing than an OTA. Conclusion There are many creative ways to manage your rates, but you should always have one eye out for rate disparities. Correcting rate disparities only costs you time in the short term, and it can save you thousands over time. When you overcome rate disparity issues, you encourage guests to book direct, maintain control over your property and prices, and give yourself the chance to capture more revenue. Net Affinity is an Independent Digital Agency providing Revenue Generating Solutions for Hotels. Our services include Website Design, Digital Marketing and Booking Engine Technology. Our culture of award winning design and innovation together with a keen eye for emerging trends allows us to deliver services that directly impact on growing revenue for our clients. As experienced hoteliers we have a genuine and wholehearted passion in providing a complete customer centric service to our customers. We pride ourselves on the development of a relationship that allows us to nurture your business and ensure our success is your success. Taylor Smariga Copywriter and Content Marketing Executive at Net Affinity 0871804188 Net Affinity This month Hotel Cafe Royal is pleased to announce new appointments to its executive team Laura Cammarano, Director of Sales; Franziska Lein, Senior Sales Manager Leisure & MICE; Sasha Taylor, Director of Groups & Events and Andreas Bergfeld, Account Director Corporate Markets for The Set hotels. July also sees a new position for Rohit Gupta, former Sales Director at Hotel Cafe Royal, who was appointed Regional Director of Sales, Middle East for The Set hotels. Joining Hotel Cafe Royal in 2015 as Associate Sales Director and later Sales Director, Rohit has helped shape the hotel as one of the leaders in its field with his expertise in the Middle Eastern market. In his new role for The Set, Rohit will continue to focus on developing and growing the important Middle Eastern market for both Hotel Cafe Royal in London and sister property Conservatorium in Amsterdam as well as the new Lutetia in Paris when it opens next year. Prior to joining Hotel Cafe Royal Rohit spent a number of years working for the Jumeirah group in Dubai working in Global Sales roles, particularly focusing on his specialist areas the Middle East and India. 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 The most significant growth will take place within the Asia Pacific region, in which Oakwood Asia Pacific will grow its portfolio by more than 40 percent through 2017. The growth includes the just opened Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Brisbane, the company's first branded property in Australia, and expansion of branded properties into Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam; while simultaneously solidifying its presence in existing key markets, such as China and Japan. Oakwood Worldwide yesterday announced its plans for continued growth and global expansion with new branded properties throughout key regions. As part of the expansion, the industry-leading corporate housing solutions provider will establish an Oakwood-branded presence in several new countries, in addition to launching a new product, Oakwood Studios. The most significant growth will take place within the Asia Pacific region, in which Oakwood Asia Pacific will grow its portfolio by more than 40 percent through 2017. The growth includes the just opened Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Brisbane, the company's first branded property in Australia, and expansion of branded properties into Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam; while simultaneously solidifying its presence in existing key markets, such as China and Japan. "The growing demand we are seeing for our service solutions and branded properties can be attributed to several key factors, including an increased awareness of corporate and serviced apartments and their benefits over traditional hotel offerings for longer stays, as well as an increasingly mobile workforce," said Christine Moore, vice president, global marketing, communications and revenue management, Oakwood Worldwide. "Corporate and serviced apartments offer the room to spread out and engage in the culture of a location, while also enabling travelers to feel more at home with fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas and separate bedrooms, with multiple tiers of luxurious appointments, depending on the travelers lifestyle and budget." Advertisement In November 2016, Oakwood Asia Pacific will be launching Oakwood Studios. This is the fourth product category to launch under the Oakwood brand name in Asia joining Oakwood Premier, Oakwood Residence and Oakwood Apartments. The opening of Oakwood Studios Singapore will mark a milestone for Oakwood Asia Pacific because the property will be both the launch of Oakwood Studios, as well as the first Oakwood-branded property in Singapore. "Oakwood Studios will be located in dynamic cities with vibrant scenes, offering guests an authentic urban experience complemented by unpretentious, tech-enabled spaces, allowing one to seamlessly alternate between work and leisure," said Paul Stocker, vice president sales, marketing and revenue management, Oakwood Asia Pacific. "Whether you're on a long-term relocation, short-term project or a business trip, Oakwood Studios is perfect for the urban global traveler that values a vibrant environment to kick back, relax and take in the city for work and leisure." In addition to Oakwood Studios, an extension of the Oakwood Residence product tier - Oakwood Hotel & Residence, will open later this year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Suzhou, China. This extension of the brand will allow guests, whose needs may vary depending on the length of their stay, to choose between hotel rooms and serviced apartments, while still enjoying the offerings of an Oakwood property. The new Oakwood Hotel & Residence Suzhou is just one example of how Oakwood is growing its presence strategically in China. Oakwood looks to expand into second and third tier cities, doubling its current inventory in the next five years. Likewise, Oakwood will cement its position in Japan with its 10th property, Oakwood Apartments Minami Azabu, slated to open in Tokyo in August 2016. With this addition, Oakwood will be the most dominant operator of serviced accommodation in one of the world's most metropolitan cities. In the EMEA region, Oakwood Worldwide has added three new locations to its London portfolio: Oakwood Lincoln Plaza, Oakwood Kensington and Oakwood Fitzrovia. The luxurious serviced apartments offer open-plan living spaces, beautiful interiors, premium furniture, fully equipped kitchens and high-end fixtures and fittings. Additional amenities include high-speed internet, SMART TVs, Bluetooth speakers and weekly housekeeping service. As part of its joint venture with Singapore real estate development, investment and capital management company, Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd, Oakwood Worldwide has recently increased its branded presence in the U.S. with three new branded properties in the Silicon Valley region, as well as new properties in Dallas; Seattle; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh, N.C.; and Los Angeles. Additional branded properties in the United States are in the pipeline and will be announced at a later date. There looks to be a new chapter in the on-going feud between Toronto artists Drake & Tory Lanez. On Wednesday night, Drakes Summer Sixteen Tour rolled into Austin, Texas, where the 6 God wasted little time in sending some subtle shots jabs at what people are believing is aimed at Tory Lanez. To kick off the show, Drake performed his hit song Summer Sixteen, and decided to slightly alter the opening lyrics to his verse, rapping All you boys doing fake controllas wanna be me a little? While the lyrics could be intended for Tyga, who recently released a 1 Of 1 song that sounds eerily similar to Controlla, its safe to say thats not the case, and Drizzy had Tory on his mind when switching things up. Coincidentally, Tory just so happened to release a new remix over Drakes Controlla a couple weeks ago, which has been receiving good feedback from fans. Add that to their already previous issues and you have yourself the latest chapter in the New Toronto saga. Check out the re-worded line (below) and let us know what you think. Is Drake calling out just Tory here or all artists in general? [Via] drake Jordan Brand has officially unveiled the next addition to Michael Jordans signature line, the Air Jordan 31. The sneaker draws on inspiration from the original Air Jordan 1, specifically the Banned Air Jordan 1 colorway from 1985. The kicks feature a lot of elements of the original Air Jordan, including a leather upper, and the inclusion of both a Jumpman and Nike Swoosh. Additionally, the Air Jordan 31 consists of flyweave on the upper, responsive full-length Zoom Air cushioning and FlightSpeed technology. The AJ XXXI is being billed as Jordan Brands greatest performance sneaker to date, which will be worn by Russell Westbrook in the upcoming season. One of the first two Air Jordan 31s to launch will be of the Banned variety, while the other is being billed as a Fine Print colorway. We also expect to see the release of the USA colorway which Jimmy Butler and Carmelo Anthony have been lacing up during Team USA practice. The Air Jordan 31 will make its retail debut on September 3rd ($185), alongside the Banned Air Jordan 1. Item #1 On Monday afternoon, North Miami police officers responded to 911 call asserting that a man was in the street holding a gun and threatening to kill himself. When they arrived on the scene, they found a 23-year-old autistic man holding a toy truck who had wandered outside a nearby mental healthy center his 47-year-old caretaker, Charles Kinsey. Kinsey obeyed police orders to lie down. He raised his hands his hands in the air and urged his patient to do the same. Kinsey assured the cops that he and his patient were both unarmed and pleaded for them not to fire. When the patient remained sitting cross-legged, an officer opened fire with his assault rifle, striking Kinsey once in the leg. Kinsey told reporters that when he asked the officer why he had shot him, the cop responded, I dont know. Kinsey was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. He throws his hands up in the air and says, Dont shoot me. They say lie on the ground, so he does, Kinseys attorney Hilton Napoleon said Wednesday. Hes on his back with his hands in the air trying to convince the other guy to lie down. It doesnt make any sense. A bystander captured the incident on their cell phone. Watch the footage below. Charles Kinsey "It's almost like feel bad for not writing for a while" Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner told reporters last month that the band was in "no rush" to record their next album, but now it seems Turner might have had a change of heart. In an interview with Beats 1, he said he "[felt] bad for not writing for a while" and planned to get back behind the piano to start writing again. As of now, Turner does not think the next album will be AM part 2. He also discussed his recent shows with The Last Shadow Puppets. Listen to the interview below. In September, Manchester's Warehouse Project returns for 12 weeks of music. M.I.A., Skepta and Jon Hopkins are scheduled to open the 12 week event on September 23, 2016. The 2016 series will take place across the city, instead of the usual venues on Store street. Mura Masa, Jungle, Section Boyz, and more will be featured in this year's event. Chance The Rapper, Jay Prince, and Samm Henshaw will be playing a sold-out show in November, as well. Advertisement Tickets are available now on The Warehouse Project website. Donald Trump said he chose his running mate to inspire party unity. The goal of his presidential convention was party unity. But Texas Senator Ted Cruz remained defiant Thursday with his decision to withhold his support from his party's nominee. "I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father," Cruz told the Texas delegation in a sometimes-heated meeting in Cleveland the morning after his nationally televised convention speech sent a shock through Republican politics. His pledge during the primary to support the eventual Republican nominee "was not a blanket commitment that if you go and slander and attack Heidi, that I'm going to nonetheless come like a servile puppy dog and say, 'Thank you very much for maligning my wife and maligning my father.'" The upshot is that Trump isn't any closer to uniting the party because of the man who got the second most votes in the primary. Cruz told Texas delegates Thursday -- to a mix of applause and chants of Trump's name that was carried on cable news -- he was "watching and listening" to decide how to vote. He said he won't vote for presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, and that he's not encouraging anyone to write in his name on ballots in November. "This isn't a social club," Cruz said. "We either stand for shared principles or we're not worth anything." Republicans spent much of the past year scheming behind closed doors, searching for ways to shut down Trump's campaign. On Wednesday, that conflict spilled out into the Quicken Loans Arena courtesy of the Texas senator -- and Trump knew it was coming. On the third night of Trump's four-day convention -- headlined by Indiana Governor Mike Pence, the party's vice-presidential nominee -- Cruz stole the show by refusing to endorse his one-time rival. After Trump's campaign chairman dominated headlines on Monday for railing against Ohio Governor John Kasich, and after the campaign had to quell an uproar over plagiarism in Trump's wife Melania's speech, Cruz's move assured a pitched battle carrying through Thursday and into the climactic night and the biggest speech of Trump's political career. "We're writing his political obituary -- he's dead," Stephen Bannon, executive chairman of Breitbart News, the influential right-wing website that was an early fan of Cruz, said about the senator. 'Classless,' Disrespectful Pence on Thursday showed an instinct to try to bridge the divide, saying on Fox News, "What you're seeing is a party that's coming together. There's always going to be differences and nuances in the way people express that." He was "glad" Cruz and Senator Marco Rubio spoke, he said. "I've been through a few tough elections myself and I know that those feelings can be strong," Pence said. The message from longer-time Trump associates was far angrier. "I thought it was classless, to tell you the truth," Trump's son Eric said about Cruz's speech on CBS News. "I think he was not respectful of the invitation by the convention to come and speak," campaign chairman Paul Manafort said on NBC News. Former Texas Governor Rick Perry, who supports Trump, said Cruz made "a bad call." "I don't want to have to go back to Texas and explain to people why I was part of the problem and not part of the solution, and a very left-leaning Ginsburg clone is put on the Supreme Court next spring because I couldn't bring myself to support Donald Trump," Perry said on CNN, referring to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the likelihood that the next president will get to nominate at least one person to the nation's top court. "That's a pretty hard argument, I think, to make.'' One of the most emotional moments of the convention so far began with 20,000 loyalists greeting Cruz with thunderous applause and ended with thunderous boos as it became clear a succinct endorsement wasn't coming. "A big middle finger to this entire convention," said Shaun Ireland, a Texas delegate, just minutes later on the convention floor. "This is the worst possible thing he could have done." Cruz, infamous in the Senate for a reputation of looking out only for himself, proved again that he was willing to go it alone as the party rallied around Trump during an evening of speeches from Republican heavyweights and some of its most ambitious politicians. "Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didn't honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal!" Trump said late Wednesday on Twitter. Earlier in the day, Manafort said he would be personally viewing the Cruz speech in advance. "I'm comfortable that Senator Cruz is going to talk about his vision for America," Manafort said. "He'll give a sign of where he is on Donald Trump that will be pleasing to the Trump campaign and to Republicans." Cruz told Trump two days ago he wouldn't be endorsing him Wednesday night, and that the Trump folks knew what to expect in his speech, according to Cruz strategist Jason Johnson. Cruz on Thursday said the Trump team saw his speech beforehand and knew exactly what he would say on stage. In many ways, it was a perfectly symbolic moment in an increasingly chaotic and disorderly convention. With just one day left in the convention and the biggest speech of all still remaining, the discord within the party and disagreement over why to back Trump has been a consistent theme. On Wednesday, leading Republicans filling out the prime-time lineup sent mixed messages to delegates and television viewers alike. Some, like Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, made an impassioned case to vote for Trump. Others, such as Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, mostly urged America to vote against Clinton. Cruz took a third path: Voters should at least show up to support the Republicans farther down the ballot. "Don't stay home in November," Cruz said. "Stand and speak and vote your conscience -- vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution." As the crowd quickly turned on him, the first-term lawmaker could muster only a pained smile as he left the stage. Security escorted his wife, Heidi, out of the arena after the speech, CNN reported. At least one Trump supporter shouted "Goldman Sachs" at Cruz's wife as she left the floor, the network said, a reference to her role as a managing director at the firm from which she took a leave of absence during her husband's campaign. Cruz's speech seemed to amount to a political bet that Trump will lose the election, and that opting not to throw his lot in with the nominee will preserve his fortunes in 2020. Unclear is whether the gambit will backfire on Cruz by prompting Republicans to blame him for refusing to get in line and help unite the party when it mattered most. Cruz fundraised off the speech, writing in a solicitation to supporters e-mailed Thursday that speaking at the convention was an "honor" and that "this fight has never been about a particular candidate or campaign, but because each of us wants to be able to tell our kids and grandkids, that we did our best for their future, and for our country." Less than a year ago, Trump and Cruz -- then rivals for their party's presidential nomination -- campaigned together in Washington, jointly attacking President Barack Obama's nuclear deal with Iran. But as Cruz became Trump's last real threat in the primary, the political friendship turned bitter and caustic. Trump repeatedly and mercilessly called Cruz a liar. Cruz returned fire, saying Trump was "utterly amoral," "a serial philanderer," and "a narcissist at a level I don't think this country's ever seen." He predicted a "disaster" if Trump became the party's nominee. The problem for Trump wasn't just the lack of an endorsement from Cruz. The speech raised questions about why Trump -- who has campaigned on his extraordinary negotiating skills -- allowed Cruz to take stage. It fell to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Georgia, whom Trump considered naming as his running mate, to try to disarm the tension in the crowd. Gingrich followed Cruz on stage and argued to his audience that they "misunderstood" the senator. "Ted Cruz said you can vote your conscience, for anyone who would uphold the Constitution," Gingrich said. "In this election, there is only one candidate who would uphold the Constitution. "So, to paraphrase Ted Cruz, if you want to protect the Constitution of the United States," Gingrich continued, "the only possible candidate this fall is Trump." In an interview, Gingrich said he plotted with Manafort backstage minutes after the arena filled with boos for Cruz. While Trump's son Eric spoke on stage, Manafort told Gingrich he wanted him to offer a comeback to Cruz's snub, according to the former speaker. "He told me, 'We really need closure,'" Gingrich said. "I said, 'Fine, I'll open my speech with closure.' " -- With assistance from Joshua Green, Sahil Kapur, John McCormick, Steven Dennis, Jennifer Jacobs, Kevin Cirilli, Chelsea Mes, Toluse Olorunnipa, Laura Curtis, Kasia Klimasinkska, and Ben Brody. Peter Dazeley/Getty Images This week marks the 26th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, which was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush on July 26, 1990, and prohibits discrimination against 56.7 million Americans with disabilities. In Houston, Sunnyside's 77051 ZIP code has the highest share of disabled residents, with 22.4 percent of people in this area reporting at least one disability. The rate is even higher for Sunnyside seniors, at 63.1 percent of folks 65 and older, giving the ZIP code Houston's highest concentration of disabled seniors as well. 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. Tags : empowering workplace revolution The Next Workplace Revolution: Rise of Remote Working Really, how much better could remote working possibly be? One extra days worth of work each week - thats how much more productive Ctrips employees got when their company allowed them to work from home in their pajamas. 34% of global business leaders say half their companys full-time workforce will be working remotely by 2020. Now, heres why this is absolutely mind-blowing. For long, the world of business operated under the assumption that gathering employees within the same physical space was the best way to boost productivity. Chains of management were created to enforce immediate answerability and constant supervision inside an environment designed to focus employees intensely on their professional responsibilities. The times when such micro-management was considered conducive to work output are long gone. In fact, the freedom of remote working has become a criterion that people are expressly looking for before theyll sign on the dotted line, said Adam Kingl, Director of Learning Solutions at the London Business School. Its not a perk or reward. Digital natives are now moving into management, and are starting to be the architects of workplace culture. If your boss understands that work is fluid it can happen anywhere, at any time, then there is mu... Canadians, were constantly hearing about how the country is drastically underprepared for retirement but if were in dire straits, it seems scores of other nations are up a certain creek without a paddle.In a recent survey analysing the retirement security of 43 nations, Canada came in at a respectable 10place safely outdoing the U.S. which followed in 14place.Released yesterday, the 2016 Global Retirement Index examines the key factors that drive retirement security and provides a comparison tool for best practices.John Hailer is the CEO of Natixis Global Asset Management the company behind the comprehensive index he says nations will have to reinvent existing approaches if they want to improve their standing.Demographics and economics have rendered the old model unsustainable, but the leaders in our index are finding innovative ways to adapt to the new reality and provide a blueprint for the rest of the world, he said.Northern European countries dominated the leader board for retirement security with Norway in first place followed by Switzerland (2), Iceland (3), Sweden (5), Germany (7), the Netherlands (8) and Austria (9).They are joined by New Zealand in fourth place, Australia in sixth place and Canada in tenth.Paula Allen is the VP of research and integrative solutions at Morneau Shepell she encouraged employers to take a more active role in educating employees on retirement.It makes sense for employers to be active in this education for two reasons, she told HRM. One is fiduciary responsibility when the employee-employer responsibility is changing or dissolving, along with the associated supports, as it does at the point of retirement and two, is the corporate reputation.No employer would want people who identify themselves as retirees of their company to be in dire straits. It is not a good message for current and potential employees or corporate reputation in the community.Allen also urged employers to implement mandatory education as well as utilizing tools to their advantage.Much of the current education is passive and positioned as voluntary. Employers might consider something more structured for retirement as they do for on-boarding, she suggested.Also education is rarely enough. Tools are critical. Consider how effective it is to tell someone to lose weight by eating and exercising, versus giving them calorie calculators, a scale and scheduling exercise sessions at the start of each day.For all the latest HR news and info straight to your inbox, subscribe here lionaire property magnates John and Michael Chow have been cleared of unjust dismissal after the Employment Relations Authority dismissed allegations made by a pair of former employees.Michael Speight and Nicholas Duffy claimed they had been unfairly fired when they lost their jobs to restructuring a move which came after a key Wellington tenant chose not to renew its lease.After hearing the news, the prominent Chow brothers met with staff to discuss strategy and proposed moving a portion of the business to residential accommodation a little over two weeks later, property staff agreed the company needed to reduce the department size and contract out some work.Four roles were disestablished as a result of the reshuffle including Speights and Duffys while two new positions were created. However, the disgruntled pair believed they had been preselected for redundancy.They claimed they had "fallen out of favour" with the Chow brothers, which resulted in letters of concern being handed to them just weeks before the restructure was proposed.Additionally, Speight argued that the John Chow had shown favouritism towards another employee by asking him to spend the night at his Auckland home when on business, whereas Speight had never received a similar invite.Chow told the authority the overnight arrangement was a matter of convenience as opposed to preferential treatment and member of the authority Michele Ryan agreed with his explanation.She also ruled that redundancies were a consequence of a genuine business need and stressed that the brothers actions had been fair and reasonable.While the ruling is a win for John and Michael Chow, the pair said they were disappointed the case had ever even arisen.We take pride in CGML's reputation as being a great place to work, they stressed, adding that it was heartening to learn the ERA had accepted their evidence and personal testimonies. Colleen Gara via Getty Images A wild wolf pup stands in a meadow in Banff National Park. Messy campers could lead to another loss for Alberta's Bow Valley Wolf Pack, Parks Canada staff warn. On Tuesday, a yearling grey wolf entered a campground in Johnston Canyon, attracted by the smell of garbage that wasn't properly disposed of. Advertisement Steve Michel, a human-wildlife contact specialist, says staff are concerned the wolf might become food conditioned. The last couple days, it has been exhibiting problematic behaviour, he said in an interview with the Rocky Mountain Outlook. Food-conditioned wolf killed In June, the young wolf's mother was killed after she became food conditioned and was approaching people at a campground. Staff say it's vital that Banff National Park visitors respect the wildlife and properly dispose of or store their food. Advertisement Unfortunately, it just takes one visitor to not follow those recommendations, and food or garbage can be left out and a bear or wolf can find it and then we have a real problem on our hands, Michel told The Crag And Canyon. The camper has been charged with not properly disposing of their garbage, which could lead to a maximum fine of $25,000, according to the Calgary Herald. Also on HuffPost: A Calgary group is calling for Calgary Pride to "act in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Toronto movement" and "bar any police representation" from this year's Pride parade and affiliated events. An open letter to the organization was posted on the Generation Forum website on July 10, two weeks after Black Lives Matter protesters brought the Toronto Pride parade to a standstill until organizers agreed to a list of demands which included banning police floats from future events. Advertisement "Black and Indigenous queer people, particularly Black and Indigenous trans women, are disproportionately mistreated by police... Canadian police forces have a history of surveilling, violating and brutalizing LGBTTQ2SIAA people through raids and incarceration," reads the open letter written by activist Trent Warner. No community consultations Warner says he was inspired to write the letter when he read a statement Calgary Pride sent to 660 News after the events in Toronto stating that the organization would continue to welcome law enforcement in the parade. "I didn't see any community consultations from them," Warner told The Huffington Post Alberta. "Being a member of the LGBT community in Calgary and in Alberta I see and I hear from friends who are people of colour that it can be very whitewashed and it can be very exclusive." The Calgary Police Service's LGBTQ liason officer posted a response to the open letter on his personal Facebook page, calling it exclusionary. Advertisement "I completely understand that there is a historic mistrust of law enforcement (that is why my role exists), we all do, but times have changed," Const. Andy Buck wrote. However, one Indigenous LGBT activist disagrees, saying it's not exactly true that times have changed. "I understand how important it is to have police presence there... but these are people from your community that are telling you we do not feel safe because of the history between the police and queer people of colour and trans people of colour. We're part of this community as well," Evans Yellow Old Woman told HuffPost Alberta. "Our lives are way more important than peoples' feelings.'" A study by Egale Canada Human Rights Trust found that LGBT Canadians who are also people of colour face significantly more complex forms of oppression than their Caucasian counterparts. 'We should be talking about this' Yellow Old Woman, who has been involved with Idle No More in Calgary, says he appreciates how Black Lives Matter has created an open dialogue to discuss issues Indigenous Canadians are facing with the police, something he would like to see Calgary Pride echo. Advertisement "It gave the opportunity for other people of colour to be like 'you're right, we should be talking about this," he said. "I think we should remember that Pride isn't always a celebration. "Our lives are way more important than peoples' feelings." Warner sent the open letter to Calgary Pride when it was published and has since followed up, but has yet to hear a response. The Huffington Post Alberta has also reached out to Calgary Pride for comment. "At the end of the day it's not about the police, it's about the marginalized people in our community who can't celebrate Pride with our community because there's a presence that's unfriendly to them," Warner said. Also on HuffPost: Many experts say Britains vote to leave the European Union will lead to a property crash in London. A report from Societe Generale this week predicted a 30-per-cent slump in the citys house prices. But if theres a crash coming to London, it's nowhere to be seen at least for now and the city is instead on the cusp of breaking a real estate record. A 12-bedroom apartment has gone on sale in the city with an estimated asking price of GBP150 million, or around C$260 million. The apartment is located in this building: Advertisement Thats the Admiralty Arch, a 104-year-old landmark a 15-minute walk from Buckingham Palace through St. James's Park. Basically, one of the best real estate locations on earth. The Daily Telegraph reports the building was once home to Sir Winston Churchill, and writer Ian Fleming reportedly worked in the building while working on his James Bond novels. It comes with multiple fireplaces, 20-foot-high ceilings, a valet parking service and lifetime membership in a private club. Advertisement According to the Evening Standard, Spanish developer Rafael Serrano is offering the property for sale as a single unit that could also be split up into four separate apartments. The actual asking price is unknown. Property agents in London say an apartment in that location would go for GBP8,000 to GBP9,000 per square foot, working out to around GBP150 million, or C$260 million. Many prognosticators said Londons property market, a favourite target for wealthy foreign investors and jet-setters looking for a second home, would see a major slump after the Brexit vote. But so far, the opposite has happened. Advertisement The decline in the British pound following the vote has made London real estate much cheaper from the perspective of foreign buyers, and sales in the city jumped a solid 38 per cent in the week after the vote. Stormy weather in Manitoba Wednesday led to a stunning sight for one videographer. Rob Radcliffe, who lives in Hartney, Man., shot footage of twin tornadoes snaking through the sky just as a storm started brewing around 5 p.m. local time. @weathernetwork Manitoba storm arriving in the west end of Winnipeg. pic.twitter.com/kqUZRtK2TZ Braden Kalichuk (@BradenKalichuk) July 21, 2016 Advertisement "I set up in what appeared to be the most logical place for action and it paid off," he told The Huffington Post Canada via Twitter. He said the twisters were about 400 metres apart, and the action he saw lasted for about 13 minutes. Twin tornadoes aren't quite as rare as meteorologists once thought, but still spectacular. While Radcliffe said he only saw minimal crop damage, other parts of Manitoba didn't escape unscathed. Clouds forming and lightning over the Winnipeg skyline during the storm at the @Wpg_Goldeyes game tonight #mbstormpic.twitter.com/57WFFardWT Mariana Sklepowich (@m_sklep) July 21, 2016 The massive storm cut off power for thousands in the province and brought lashing winds. In Winnipeg, one side of the Parkway Plaza condo building was ripped off. Seven floors worth of condos were drenched with water and some of the mostly elderly residents had to evacuate, according to The Canadian Press. Advertisement Roof blown off of apartment building on corner of Leila and Sinclair @ctvwinnipeg@weathernetwork#mbstorm pic.twitter.com/Mn7vy4fKt9 Erik Rogalka (@ERogalka) July 21, 2016 Len Bakalinsky, who lives in the building, told CBC News that he heard a "big bang" and then "all hell broke loose." Josephine D'Andrea, another resident, told The Canadian Press that there was a "fair amount of damage" on the roof of the building. Many reported seeing the sky over Winnipeg turn green before the city was hit with high winds, heavy rain and intense lightning. Advertisement Users took to social media to share their images and videos of the storm: Clouds forming and lightning over the Winnipeg skyline during the storm at the @Wpg_Goldeyes game tonight #mbstormpic.twitter.com/57WFFardWT Mariana Sklepowich (@m_sklep) July 21, 2016 Environment Canada received several reports of tornadoes touching down, and at least one was confirmed in Hartney, according to CTV News. Video shot near Hartney Mb by Hebert family. Tornado watch still in effect. @ctvwinnipeg@CTVNationalNewspic.twitter.com/XL4bW0bZOO Jill Macyshon (@JillMacyshonCTV) July 20, 2016 Advertisement The storms come after several days of hot and humid weather in the region. With files from Mohamed Omar and The Canadian Press Also on HuffPost Dirk Anschutz via Getty Images Children (6-13) in school auditorium giving standing ovation, portrait An elementary school in Sydney, Australia, is raising eyebrows after it banned clapping to respect students who are sensitive to noise. Elanora Heights Public School announced in a newsletter that clapping would be replaced with silent cheering. This means students are allowed to punch the air, pull excited faces and wriggle about on the spot when prompted by a teacher. Advertisement While the ban on clapping seems bizarre in itself, whats really baffling people is the fact that the school believes this new policy will reduce fidgeting. On Wednesday, News.com.aus report on the ban was posted to Reddit where users were quick to point out the schools inconsistencies. In reference to the fact that students can wriggle on the spot and that this will reduce fidgeting, one Redditor noted: This is the best part because it just completely defies logic. Advertisement The Reddit thread also led to a discussion about how a ban on clapping was not the answer to helping noise-sensitive students cope. I have Asperger's Syndrome and this may be the dumbest thing I've ever heard! one wrote. Yes, noise sensitivity can be extreme at times, but this is NOT the way to deal with it. These kids need to learn how to interact with others (to the best of their individual capabilities), not to be the reason that all the other kids cannot have fun. This will only serve to further alienate kids on the spectrum and cause a backlash against them. Another user called the policy extremely ass backwards, noting that making noise in response to happiness and excitement is an inborn trait and a part of normal human psychosocial behavior. I believe we should be respectful to people with disabilities and if we can slightly change what we do to accommodate them, then we should. Offering an alternative solution to noise-sensitive kids, one user revealed that her son used to carry noise-cancelling headphones around school. Advertisement Worked fine for years, she said. Now he has the courage to cover his ears, or move to a quieter space. Following initial reports on Elanora Heights Public Schools ban on clapping, Education Minister Adrian Piccoli revealed that the policy was put in place for a teacher who wears a hearing aid. The school is supporting a teacher with a disability, Piccoli said on a radio interview on Wednesday. The teacher has asked for instances where there is cause for applause, for this not to be done loudly. I believe we should be respectful to people with disabilities and if we can slightly change what we do to accommodate them, then we should. The Education Minister then stated that there is no ban on clapping. News.com.au notes that the newsletter does not explicitly say there is a ban, but that children will be prompted to silent cheer if it is needed. Nonetheless, this isnt the first time an Australian school has introduced a controversial policy. Previously, a number of elementary schools have banned hugging. Advertisement Principal John Grant, of St. Patricks Primary School in Geelong, said his school introduced the policy to protect students and encourage all of us to respect personal space. ALSO ON HUFFPOST: If there's anyone who could teach a course in Instagram, it's Selena Gomez. Earlier this year, the pop music star knocked her best friend Taylor Swift out of the top spot on the photo-sharing app. With 90.7 million followers and counting, she is still the most followed person on Instagram and has the most-liked photo of all time. Advertisement And while the 23-year-old pop star probably won't be giving an actual workshop on Instagram any time soon, she has dropped some subtle tips and tricks on how to master the app, which we've compiled into a handy tip sheet. Whether you're a budding influencer looking to build a following or a casual user looking for your best angle, here are Selena's tricks to nailing the perfect Instagram. restock the bus -grocery shopping in Saskatoon A photo posted by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on May 18, 2016 at 9:55pm PDT While plenty of high profile celebs use social media consultants, Gomez doesn't put a whole lot of thought into what she posts. Advertisement Her feed isn't colour-coded or categorized, the 23-year-old just uploads. "It comes in a moment when I capture something happening, and I go, 'Oh, that would be great for Instagram. I should post it.' I know it's boring, but that's genuinely what I do," she tells The Hollywood Reporter. Whether that moment happens while grocery shopping in Saskatoon, walking through a gas station or sipping iced coffee, if it works, it works. Got you Edmonton, Canada A photo posted by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on May 17, 2016 at 11:38am PDT A side effect of not worrying about having a meticulously curated feed is having a variety of posts to share. The former Disney star doesn't limit herself to sharing professional shoots only. She freely uploads impromptu selfies, silly snaps eating with friends, dance videos with fans and pictures with concert-goers at the gates after her shows. Advertisement In an interview alongside comedian Kevin Hart and Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom with The Hollywood Reporter, Gomez revealed that she uploads all of her posts herself, and everyone there agreed that you can definitely tell when a third-party takes the reigns. "I try to find a good balance of just being 100 percent myself and knowing when to post a really good selfie with good lighting," she tells The Hollywood Reporter. Sharing a quirky mix of posts makes your feed interesting to scroll through and has a more natural feel. #tb This hair... @selenagomez @pantene @paolakudacki @kateyoung @gregorykaoua @hungvanngo A photo posted by Hung Vanngo (@hungvanngo) on Jun 15, 2016 at 6:16pm PDT Makeup artist Hung Vanngo revealed for a brief moment just how the "Kill 'Em with Kindness" singer edits her selfies. Advertisement The post has since been deleted, but the Internet remembers all, and we took notes. For Gomez's selfie of this makeup look, Vanngo listed the steps used to edit the image, and no there was no need for a filter or retouching app. They simply toyed with photo editing tools: brightness, contrast, warmth, saturation, colour, vignette and sharpen. Playing with these gives you a bit more control over the feel of your photos and can help give you some variety from the Valencia filter that tinges most other pictures on the 'gram. when your lyrics are on the bottle A photo posted by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on Jun 25, 2016 at 2:03pm PDT Instagram can be a money-maker for bloggers and online personalities with a decent-size following. For Gomez, this could mean up to $550,000 a pop for sharing a sponsored post on all of her social media channels, according to a list of the top social media influencers compiled by data company D'Marie Analytics. Advertisement Gomez tops the list in terms of how much she could make on a post, but still, she doesn't flood her profile with sponsored ads. So far she's shared only a few campaigns with Coca-Cola, Pantene and Kmart. "Personally, I think it's because she's being smart and she's aware that over-saturating her social feeds with sponsored content could negatively impact the relationship she has with her audience," Frank Spadafora, CEO of D'Marie told AdWeek. Keeping her Instagram focused on real life events and photos keeps it feeling authentic and beloved by her fans. The one thing that gets me going before anything.. Sheldon Cooper -Big Bang Theory A photo posted by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on Jun 22, 2016 at 12:33am PDT "I am very interactive with my fans so a lot of the comments Ill read," Gomez told GQ in an interview about her Insta habits. "Theyre very invested in my life, as I am with them." Advertisement Gomez makes a habit of casually revealing honest facts about herself and it makes her feed feel less posed and more connected to her followers. It ends up being her die-hard followers who will remember the tidbits down the line, like that she has a thing for "Big Bang Theory's" Sheldon Cooper, or her love for pickles. Follow Huffington Post Canada Style on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter! Alamy Not even 7000 years of joy can justify seven days of repression ~ Hafez After Orlando, instead of perpetuating the discourse of obscene tastes, calamitous diseases and protecting children, mainstream Muslim leaders have begun reaching out to LGBT brothers and sisters. However, when it comes to LGBT Muslims, conservative Muslim discourse continues to depict homosexuality as a test from Allah. Many conservative Muslim leaders construe homosexuality as anal intercourse between males and consider the act a major sin. It is viewed as the emblematic crime of Lot's people. Paradoxically, it is argued that, "trials are harder for those with strong faiths but they are lighter for those with weaker faith." This necessitates the question that when did the abomination become a test? Advertisement Contemporary scholars like Hamza Yusuf superimpose the medieval category of ma'buns (receptive partners), viewed as evil-doers, onto gay men. Other scholars like Sherman Jackson assert that, "it is futile and perhaps even anti-religious to try to stamp out (sin)." This necessitates the question that when did evil-doers become so exalted so as to be severely tested? There do seem to be some opinions in Muslim legal manuals that view homosexuality as a test. However, instead of mindless imitation, such opinions warrant a careful scrutiny. Often such opinions emerge from the Saudi sponsored Hanbali school of jurisprudence and can be traced back to the 14th century scholar Ibn Taymiyyah. Ibn Taymiyyah mentioned in his exegetical work that while people generally tilt towards women, some would also be tested in their tilt toward beardless boys. However, this is not a test of lifelong celibacy, for the desire towards boys was deemed superfluous. It was construed as the same desire channeled to women. Such scholars understood sexuality based on the medical knowledge available to them. Ibn Taymiyyah asserted that it is the insertive partner who has the desire for sex, whereas the receptive partner has no sexual desire except for disease or affliction, financial reasons or other aims. Advertisement Al-Ruhaybani believed that the insertive partner' semen poisons the receptive partner's body such that he does not remain deserving of any good. Ibn Qayyim opined that the receptive partner is dealt a death through penetration after which no life can be wished. Likewise, Ibn Kathir felt that such a person has nothing beneficial for creation. No wonder, Ibn Qudama stated that the male is not an entity for receptive intercourse. Should such opinions continue to inform rulings in Islamic jurisprudence? Or should such extra-textual information be updated by contemporary consensus amongst professional psychological and psychiatric bodies? It is important to highlight that contemporary Muslim scholars have picked some opinions from the tradition and sidelined others. This indicates that the tradition as presented by contemporary conservative scholars is skewed by their whims and personal prejudices. Not many contemporary Muslim scholars support Ibn Taymiyyah's opinion on the ijma (consensus) for the death penalty for liwat (anal intercourse between males). However, they support his opinion that denying the prohibition of liwat constitutes grounds for excommunication. To uphold excommunication, they have to suppress Ibn Abidin's dissenting opinion and exaggerate liwat to the level of the six articles of faith and the five pillars. Claims of an immutable tradition are exaggerated. In upholding the test argument, contemporary Muslim scholars sideline the opinions of Ibn Qayyim and Al-Ruhaybani that the receptive partner is beyond reform and is better off being killed. Indeed, the test argument seems more of a contemporary development than a traditional position. Advertisement The opinion that homosexuality is a test from Allah is based on mindless submission. The argument is often made that believers must submit even if they do not know the reason behind the ruling. This viewpoint is bolstered by verses that mention that believers do not have a choice in a matter ruled by Allah and the Prophet (33:36) for their response should be "we hear and obey" (24:51). For conservative Muslims, aql (reason) based arguments are irrelevant as Muslim norms are determined by the text instead of pure reason. However, it is also true that the Qur'an describes those who do not reason as the vilest of creatures (8:22) and condemns them (10:100). The Qur'an is a book for people who reflect and Allah's law is both reasonable and known through appeal to reason. Challenging unreasonable prescriptions is difficult as they usually rest on unthinking dogma. Yet, it is worthwhile to repeatedly emphasize that needless suffering is abth (useless), self-imposed hardship is not piety and that the law does not cause oppression. Repression sold in the guise of tests and heavenly reward is zulm (oppression), which must be warded off based on the cardinal legal maxim - raf al harj (repel harm). Indeed, the Prophet is reported to have admonished against invoking trials and driving people away from the sanctuary. He is also attributed with the saying, "do not harm and accept no harm," on the basis of which a whole school of jurisprudence was even formed. Advertisement It is true that not everyone may find companionship in a materialistic world that prizes the superficial and instant gratification. However, this does not mean that homosexuality is a test. Instead, the test is that no matter how bleak the situations get, one retains inner joy and radiates happiness. In short, the test is to live with love, relentless, radical, everlasting love. Thomas Barwick via Getty Images Women practicing yoga during class in studio in reverse warrior pose Yoga is one of the best fitness activities people can do to stay in shape. Most people know about its benefits for flexibility, but yoga is so much more. It can build strength and sharpen the mind. It helps boost the immune system and lower stress. It even helps fight depression. There is so much yoga does for practitioners. If you are a beginner looking to see what yoga has to offer, follow these tips to get started right away. Don't Be Afraid Many beginners get scared off by yoga before they even enter a studio. The unfamiliar terminology and super fit people they see coming out of yoga classes often intimidate neophytes. This is a shame because the truth is that yoga is one of the most welcoming activities imaginable. Instructors and fellow students will go out of their way to help welcome you and make you feel comfortable. Advertisement Try a Class You don't need to head out and buy a bunch of yoga pants and a mat before you even take your first class. In fact, you should avoid doing this. Instead, you should take some introductory classes before you decide whether you want to keep doing yoga. Nearly every yoga studio offers discounted or even free introductory classes. Take advantage of these to sample different flavors of yoga around your town. You don't even have to bring your own mat as the studios provide them for beginners. Select a Style When you are taking introductory classes, make sure to try as many different types of yoga as you can find. The many different types of yoga all spring from the same basic source, which is hatha yoga. However, the variations among them can be extreme. DoYogaWithMe.com, an online yoga teaching site, nicely explains the several different types of yoga that are being taught today. A Word About Savasana Savasana is almost always the last pose of a yoga class. The translation into English for savasana is "corpse pose." For the final five minutes of an hour-long class, the entire class will be engaged in quiet meditation while in savasana. Do not be the person who gets out of this pose to leave class early. You will make yourself look like a total newbie if you disregard this rule. Savasana is a crucial part of yoga practice, and it is disrespectful to other students to disturb them by packing up during this time. Get Your Mat Once you have sampled some classes and decided on a yoga style and studio, you will be ready to get the equipment. The one piece of essential equipment that you need is a yoga mat. Mats can vary widely depending on the yoga practice and the practitioner. Some people like thicker mats for the cushioning they provide, while others want to feel the solidity of the studio floor beneath them. It is best to talk with your yoga instructor and do some online research to find the right mat for your yoga practice. POPSUGAR Fitness has a nice guide for first-time yoga mat buyers. Advertisement Wear the Right Clothing While you can do yoga in any type of non-restrictive clothing, most yoga practitioners want to eventually get the clothing they see everyone else wearing. Not only does this yoga workout gear make you look good, it also is practically designed to be as unrestrictive as possible and to stay out of your way while you get into difficult poses. Quality yoga clothing from respected manufacturers like Alo Yoga, Soybu and Lily Lotus will last longer and feel more comfortable than bargain brands. Practice at Home While it is best to learn how to perform yoga poses with an instructor, you can certainly practice at home once you get the basics down. In fact, most people find that they are able to more conveniently fit yoga practice into their lives when they have a space at home to practice in. Set aside a corner of your home where you can practice yoga undisturbed. If you don't want to do it alone, there are loads of great online yoga instructors you can use to simulate being in a class. One of the best is Adriene Mishler, whose free YouTube videos and inspiring email newsletter are wonderful resources for beginners. New vegetation sprouts from the forest floor while surrounded by scorched trees at Gregoire Lake near Fort McMurray, Alberta. Wildfires forced the evacuation of more than 80,000 people. (Photo: Darryl Dyck/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Like all Canadians, I watched the nightly news in disbelief as wildfires devastated the Fort McMurray region throughout the months of May and June. I read about how the blaze destroyed roughly 2,400 homes and buildings, and how 80,000 people were forced out of their residences for nearly a month. Advertisement But I still wasn't fully prepared for what I experienced during my visit last week. I'm a professional forester and I've seen my fair share of forest fires up close. Still, the vastness of this fire and extent of damage in an urban area was sad, sobering and more than a little eerie. Once-vibrant neighbourhoods now looked like cemeteries. Hundreds of burnt cars, pieces of patio furniture and still-standing stone chimneys were coated with an ashen-coloured paper and water mixture to prevent the toxic ash from flying. The only things left standing intact was a cluster of Canada Post mailboxes. They were just sitting there with no damage at all, their colours and numbers still strangely unblemished, with everything else around them either burned or melted away. Upon entering some neighbourhoods, my team at Tree Canada and I were stopped by security personnel, many of whom were wearing paper masks. It didn't take long to figure out why. I immediately started sneezing and feeling itchy after breathing in the acrid air. My team had to obtain special passes to visit many of these areas, which are still cloistered behind heavy security and fencing because of the strong contamination and security issues. We were in Fort McMurray to both understand the devastation to its tree cover firsthand and to consult with the Government of Alberta, city planners, urban foresters and First Nations groups on the best way to rebuild and restore the region's tree canopy. You may have already heard that the wildland forest in the area will regenerate itself, and that's true -- amazingly, not even two months since the fire, there were many places where a new generation of trees were already a foot high. But while fire is actually a vital ecological component of the boreal forest, it can be a far more destructive force in urban areas. Trees within municipalities have greater difficulty in naturally regenerating for a number of reasons, such as compacted soils, air pollution and salt from city streets. Advertisement In short, urban trees need help to regrow. And this will be a huge task as the sheer amount of forest and individual trees burnt within the city of Fort McMurray itself is quite disturbing. In addition to the 580,000 hectares of scorched earth (larger than the entire province of P.E.I.), more than 10,000 community trees on private property and community parks were lost, including thousands of mature boulevard trees which now need to be replaced. It was almost exactly 20 years ago that Tree Canada, a national, not-for-profit charitable organization, launched Operation ReLeaf to help communities recover from Quebec's devastating Saguenay Floods. Since then, we've helped municipalities across the country replenish urban forests damaged by floods, snowstorms, fires and pests such as the Alberta Mountain Pine Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer. However, over the past few days, it's become clear to me -- the Fort McMurray wildfires will be our greatest challenge to date. While the municipality in the region handles priority issues such as putting houses in the ground, getting people back to work and kids back to school, we'll be using our decades of experience and expertise in urban forestry to assist the region's return to its former beauty while helping bring a sense of normalcy back to the lives of its residents. To accomplish our goal and help make Operation ReLeaf Fort McMurray a success, we're currently seeking corporate sponsorships and individual donations from everyday Canadians. Please visit www.treecanada.ca if you would like to contribute to the cause or learn more about my organization's efforts. Advertisement While what I saw last week was bleak, I still see a bright future for Fort McMurray. With a little help, I believe we can restore the region's urban tree canopy and rejuvenate one of Canada's hardest working communities. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook MORE ON HUFFPOST: The Stepford Wives is a 1972 satirical thriller novel by Ira Levin. The story concerns Joanna Eberhart, a photographer and young mother who begins to suspect that the frighteningly submissive housewives in her new idyllic Connecticut neighborhood may be robots created by their husbands. The term 'Stepford Wife,' which is often used in popular culture, stems from the novel and is usually a reference to a submissive and docile wife. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, it was sometimes used in reference to any woman, even an accomplished professional woman, who had subordinated her life and/or career to her husband's interests and who affected submission and devotion to him even in the face of the husband's public problems and disgrace. Amos Chapple via Getty Images A man with a union jack suitcase boards a flight at airport. One of my favourite moments in the TV series The Apprentice (the British version, of course, a.k.a. the original), has three contestants sitting in the back of a black taxi returning from a disastrous task. After a long despondent silence, the woman sitting in the middle turns to the man on the left and says: "There are two types of people in the world -- energizers and sappers." She pauses, then adds: "And you are a sapper." Our approach to change can be similarly divisive -- enthusiasts and resisters. There are those who welcome change, who see it as an exciting opportunity, who are at ease with uncertainty and moving into the unknown, who do not concern themselves with romantic attachments to things past. And there are those who resist, who worry things won't work out or everything will actually just get worse, who like certainty, and who, I suspect, are saddened by the passing of things warm and familiar. Advertisement Change is much on my mind. Not surprising really -- I'm leaving Vancouver as my four years as British Consul General come to an end. So my family will move from a West Coast Canadian city to a small village in rural England. Our house will be different. My wife will return to the NHS and I will change jobs. Our children will go to University and a new school. Our daily contact with Canadian friends and colleagues, with supermarkets where we know the aisles, restaurants where we know the menus, walks where know the trails -- all will change. It does not help that British Columbia is one of the most abundant places in the world -- a natural environment that is as stunning as it is rich in resources. Steady growth has matched that of the U.K. through recent years. The people have a North American "get her done" attitude combined with a British dry humour, stoicism and grounding. And the relationship with the U.K. is founded as much on values as heritage. It is so close it's akin to a mutual adoration society. My job has been one of great fortune as well. I've witnessed the launch of a rocket marrying British technology with Canadian innovation, supported companies landing in the U.K., helped British environment and education businesses contribute to the B.C. economy, promoted things British from Bond to The Bard, and commemorated the Battle of Britain. Yet valuable as this has been (I hope), our personal lives are small compared to the changes currently taking place on a global scale. 2016 is proving to be a radical year. The U.K.'s decision to leave the European Union is, of course, foremost in my mind. We know it has the potential to affect many things. And of course the U.K. has a new government, led by a new prime minister, Theresa May. The U.S. will have chosen a new president by the end of the year; not to mention numerous other geo-strategic shifts, or the ongoing environmental challenges brought about by climate change. Advertisement So, change is happening, personally and globally. It will do so regardless of whether we are enthusiasts or resisters; whether we choose it or not. What matters, what determines our success, is how we adapt. Resisters must accept change is inevitable, that there's no such thing as "staying the same" or "returning to the way things were;" and that it is indeed the cliched opportunity to discover, to excite, to grow, to improve. Yet enthusiasts must ensure, that in their unmitigated welcoming of all things new, they do not discard what worked or what mattered; nor must they determine future choices on the basis of the latest headline or twitch in the market. Response to change requires a positive acceptance of the reality, a calm head, and clear strategic thinking. I don't want to leave Canada. And I don't want to stop being a Consul General. But I shall. There is no time for wistful dreaming about how nice it would be if everything could stay the same or just keep going. Nothing does. And in doing so, instead I wish my successor Nicole Davison (@NicoleDavisonFCO) as much happiness as I have had, and look to do all I can to make a success of whatever comes next. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook MORE ON HUFFPOST: Panoramic Images via Getty Images Low angle view of an Israeli Flag fluttering, Israel This is an interview I conducted with Professor Yakov M. Rabkin of the Universite de Montreal, author of the recently published What Is Modern Israel. Professor Rabkin's earlier book on the subject of Israel, entitled A Threat from Within: A Century of Jewish Opposition to Zionism, was nominated for the Governor General's Literary Award and for the Hecht Prize for Studies of Zionism. Advertisement Given all of the books that have been published over the years regarding Israel, what compelled you to write What Is Modern Israel? My Tokyo publisher. Impressed by the success of the Japanese version of my earlier book, A Threat from Within: A Century of Jewish Opposition to Zionism, in his country (it was listed as the best non-fiction book by the prestigious daily Asahi Shimbun), he asked me to write about modern Israel. It was to be a shorter and more accessible book, aimed at young readers. In A Threat from Within, I had examined the reasons why Zionism was initially rejected not only by rabbis but also by the vast majority of Jews. In the present book I had to go further. I had to spell out the origins of Zionism, including religious ones, to look at the evolution of Israeli society and its relations with world Jewry, as well as at the roles played by Jews from Russia. The Russian dimension explains many aspects of contemporary Israel that remain otherwise puzzling. What exactly do you mean by "the Russian dimension"? While Theodor Herzl, the founder of political Zionism, was meeting kings and ministers, Jews from the shtetls in the Russian Empire formed the backbone of Zionist settlement in Palestine at the turn of the 20th century. Subsequently they entrenched themselves in positions of leadership. Even though the Soviet Union did not allow emigration from the 1920s on, over 60 per cent of the members of Israeli parliament in the 1960s were of Russian origin. There has never been a prime minister in Israel who was either not born in the Russian Empire, or whose parents were. Advertisement Moreover, a million Russian-speaking Jews settled in Israel in the late 20th century. They are mostly estranged from Judaism; they consider themselves of "the Jewish nationality" and are therefore quite unabashed about ethnic nationalism and the use of force to impose it. Most of them vote for the right and the extreme right parties. Their success in penetrating the highest echelons of power and moving Israeli politics to the nationalist right has been impressive. The recent appointment of Moldova-born Avigdor Lieberman as minister of defence illustrates this accomplishment quite convincingly. In your book, you delve into the impact of Christian Zionism on the birth of the Israeli state. Is that impact limited only to the early stages of the Zionist project? No, the role of Christian Zionism did not end with the Balfour Declaration in 1917 or the unilateral proclamation of independence by David Ben-Gurion in 1948. True, certain interpretations of Paul's Epistle to the Romans argued for the "ingathering [of] the Hebrews" into Palestine as early as the 17th century. This affected the public imagination in the English-speaking countries, particularly those with anti-Semitic prejudices who wanted to get rid of local Jews. This mind-set is clearly reflected in the Balfour Declaration. This Christian motivation for the Restoration of the Jews in the Promised Land lent a powerful practical impulse to a group of assimilated Jews in Central and Eastern Europe in search of a collective "solution of the Jewish question." The Judaic hope of Return had been traditionally characterized by an entirely different sensibility and ultimate goal. Jewish tradition holds that this return must be a part of a messianic project rather than a political and a military enterprise. In fact, there was little room for Jewish tradition in the Zionist scheme, which not only originated among Protestants, but was sustained by individuals of Jewish origin who were mostly atheists or agnostics. A recent Pew poll shows that 82 per cent of white Protestants in the United States believe that "Israel was given to the Jewish people by God." Only 40 per cent of Jews do. This is why Christian Zionists constitute a much more reliable source of political and financial support for Israel than Jews. Recent Israeli governments and settlers in the territories, which Israel conquered in 1967, have developed close ties with major organizations such as Christians United for Israel. Its leader, Pastor John Hagee, claims that his organization represents 50 million people. This is nearly four times more than the entire Jewish population of the world, which is estimated at 14 million. And one should also take into account the millions of Christian Zionists in Latin America, South Korea, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Advertisement What do you make of Israel's claim that it represents all of the world's Jews? Can you elaborate on the distinctions between Judaism and Zionism? The Jews of Israel constitute about one half of the world's Jewish population. But Israeli leaders have consistently claimed that they speak on behalf of all Jews since, in their view, the Zionist state somehow belongs to Jews around the world, even though these Jews exhibit no desire to move to Israel and are citizens of their respective countries. The claim to represent all Jews is politically empty, but is an effective tool to blur fundamental differences between Judaism and Zionism, and between Jews and the state of Israel. This claim therefore holds Jews hostage to Israel's political and military behaviour. It is quite clear that anti-Jewish violence in Europe and elsewhere is fuelled by the conflict in Israel/Palestine. For the Zionists, this is a win-win situation because this violence breeds insecurity and destabilizes Jewish communities. This, in turn, results in emigration, some of it in the direction of Israel, a country that needs Jews in order to ensure a non-Palestinian majority there. Currently, Palestinians constitute a majority on the land controlled by Israel between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. What can bring about a just peace in Israel/Palestine, given the steady rightward trend of the Israeli electorate? Advertisement Outside pressure. This is the consensus of Israeli peace activists. The Israeli government also understands this and is behind unprecedented legislation in several Western countries forbidding boycotts of Israel and its exports. Western governments permit Israel to act with impunity, but this policy suffers from a serious democratic deficit: citizens of most countries in Europe and North America view Israel very critically and consider it a threat to world peace. It is this grassroots pressure that may help Israel decide to embrace decency and peace. These viewpoints are not widely known here. Who published and who distributes your book? The publisher, Pluto Press of London, takes care of Europe; the University of Chicago Press distributes my book in the United States; and in Canada it is Brunswick Books. Whereas my previous book-- A Threat from Within: A Century of Jewish Opposition to Zionism--has been translated into over a dozen languages, including Arabic and Hebrew, the new one has so far appeared in Japanese, French, Russian, and, finally, in English. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook MORE ON HUFFPOST: The five things you need to know on Thursday July 21, 2016 1) JEZITATION, REPETITION, DEVIATION The House of Commons rises for its summer recess today as MPs head off to their constituencies. The Tories are the most chilled Ive ever seen them, but grim-faced Labour members look like they are marching into gunfire. (This is the last WaughZone until the House returns too, see below). Advertisement The main action today is outside Parliament, which is exactly where Jeremy Corbyn is happiest. His leadership campaign launch has been pre-briefed overnight (in almost all its detail, which is novel) and has more policy than in a long time. Echoing Beveridge (who was a Liberal don't forget) Corbyn even has his own 5 new social ills: Inequality, neglect, insecurity, prejudice and discrimination. His most striking policy promise is to insist all employers with more than 21 staff publish an equality pay audit that details pay, grade and hours of every job. The Labour leader will emphasise his past as a trade union rep chasing up equal pay for women, at a stroke addressing two key voter groups hes targeting in this election. And trade union votes, as well as full members and registered supporters, are important. Some 70,000 took part last year, with most favouring Corbyn. Owen Smith may get the backing of the GMB leadership, but Len McCluskey is in fighting mood on behalf of Jez. So much so that he laid into his former flatmate Tom Watson yesterday in a HuffPost blog. But overall for Corbyn this campaign gives him a chance to ram home his image as a politician who doesnt play by the normal media or Westminster rules. Expect his key anti-austerity messages to be repeated. And expect some new policies along the way. Owen Smith yesterday told TV viewers that he didnt take Viagra because he doesnt need it, adding he was like a 'Duracell bunny'. Yet Corbyn too is a relentless politician, with bags of energy that belie his 67 years and his Zen-like demeanour. Advertisement Smith has a mountain to climb among the membership, but will be hoping that it is that what swings this race is a moment's hesitation among members about Corbyn's credibility as a PM-in-waiting. He is even suggesting walking into the lion's den by attending some Momentum rallies. Our man Ned Simons was at a Momentum/LabourAgainstAusterity rally last night and it was quite a thing. Former MP Chris Williamson suggested Labour MPs who opposed Corbyn were 'sleepers' put into Labour by Lynton Crosby 30 years ago. And NEC member Christine Shawcross, said the smashed window in Angela Eagle's constituency office was an act of vandalism not political opposition (as it happens, Wallasey CLP was suspended by Labour HQ yesterday). 2) 48 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE The 183,541 people who have applied to join Labour as registered supporters - in just two days - nearly outnumber the entire Tory membership and Lib Dem membership combined. Of course, if you're going to open your party to clicktivism, you reap what you sow. Many long-standing full members claim that there's still little evidence that all the new members who joined post-Jez have done any real work door-knocking or leafleting. But that complaint is all but irrelevant when it comes to electing a leader. It's far from clear just whether the #SavingLabour (backed by jK Rowling) or #KeepCorbyn campaigns have got most of the 181K applications (the online form does allow you to say why you're joining, so we could get a readout on that at some point). But Corbyn's team have been much, much cannier on online activism, and his enormous number of Facebook likes could be what ends up determining the outcome. I'm told that Momentum's latest stats on the number of people who clicked through its site to the Labour sign-up page show that they have huge numbers on their side. Advertisement One area where clicktivism has been active of late was among 'the 48%' who signed in their millions a petition for a second EU referendum. And this is the most fertile ground for Owen Smith, and that's why his team want him to push hard on his own pledge to have a fresh mandate for any Brexit deal. I note that Corbyn's key aide yesterday played down his call for Article 50 to be triggered, and said JC too wanted some 'democratic accountability' for the negotiated deal. The Guardian has done a straw poll of officers of 100 local Labour parties and found enthusiasm for Corbyn waning, though no real urgency to back his rival. One typical respondent was David Sedgewick, secretary of the CLP in Denton and Reddish: There are members who have been here for 10, 15, 20 years who think he has to go. Those who have joined in the last year think he walks on water. Theres an almost religious-like following and if you criticise him youre a blasphemer. Here's another straw in the wind, though. Richmond Park and Kingston North CLP last night became the first to nominate Owen Smith (nomination meetings are the only local party meetings still allowed). Pro-Corbyn speeches came not from Momentum stereotypes but from older members such as Walter Wolfgang (remember him?). But the meeting swung after an intervention by former newsreader Anna Ford (yes, it really was her). She said she'd voted for Jez last year but now feels he lacks the skills to operate in a Parliamentary system. Others agreed and a majority backed Smith, citing his voting record and potential as a PM. Ms Ford stressed that she would abstain from voting for either candidate. All of which is interesting, not least because Richmond Park CLP is traditionally leftwing - and is Seumas Milne's own local party. 3) MRS SLOW-COMBE PUSHES Slowly does it. No rush. Less haste more speed. Thats Theresa Mays approach to triggering Article 50 (the formal mechanism starting Brexit) so far, and Angela Merkel yesterday showed her own inner caution by agreeing to give the PM more time. Other EU leaders want to end the uncertainty, but Merkel clearly wants to allow May the space to sort out her priorities first. Advertisement May is known in Whitehall as someone who likes to get on with the job, but only after due deliberation. And theres a lot of deliberating going on right now, some of it tactical, some ore strategic. Her line on the Tory migration pledge was significantly altered in PMQs with her remark that it may take some time to achieve. Universal Credit was quietly delayed yet again, to 2022. The child obesity strategy has been put back to the autumn. Still, given Brexit is the big picture being pushed by their leader, Tory MPs are not unhappy at some of the deliberation. One Cabinet minister told me yesterday that Tuesdays Cabinet was a breath of fresh air after years of Camerons reign. An hour long discussion of the economy took place, with many ministers taking part and Philip Hammond responding in detail to each contribution. Under George, we had a patronising five minutes from him and that was it, they said. Meanwhile new Armed Forces Minister Mike Penning tells me that he is the first ever soldier from the ranks (as opposed to officer class) to hold the post. More proof of Mays management skills and her canny determination to be seen opposing the wealthy elite. The Sun reports May is also creating a Parliamentary Policy Board, to give backbenchers real influence after the years of being shut out by the Cam-Osborne chumocracy. Many Tory MPs were delighted by Mays PMQs debut, not least for the Thatcher-like steel in taking on Corbyn and his ideas. But re-play that Remind him of anybody? line and it sounds both more nervous and more jarring than in the chamber live. Panto-villainy is not her style, and may undercut her kinder, gentler pitch to Labour and floating voters. And some things dont change. I count 30 Written Ministerial Statements on the Order Paper this morning. Advertisement BECAUSE YOUVE READ THIS FAR Watch Ted Cruz get booed after he refuses to endorse Donald Trump.. 4) BREAST BEST TEST The Telegraph reports that a Parliamentary equalities review by a Professor of Gender has concluded that MPs should be allowed to breastfeed in the Commons. Former Speaker Betty Boothroyd famously refused to allow nursing in the chamber on the grounds that eating and drinking on the green benches was banned for MPs and should be for babies. But John Bercow welcomed the report to showcase the Commons as a "role-model parent friendly institution. But theres stacks of non-breast recommendations in the review too, from office hours instead of late nights, to ending the requirement of male MPs to wear jackets and ties, to transgender toilets and more paintings of women MPs. Theres even a suggestion that Prime Minister's Questions should be heard in silence" because it is too rowdy. Its more a wish-list than a set of concrete proposals, but Bercow will chair a committee to look at which merit implementation. The Speaker said at the reports publication that We do tend to preserve by laziness, rather antiquated practices and prejudice. We won't achieve everything in this paper overnight but by bringing people together we will achieve worthwhile things." 5) VLADIMIR TRUMPIN Speaking of breasts, Donald Trump really risked making a tit of himself with his latest pronouncements on world affairs. The theory is that once Trump got the nomination he would tack to the centre and show his grown-up side. But in an interview with the New York Times, hes shown instead just how quixotic and authoritarian he could prove as President. Trump said he would not put pressure on Turkey or other regimes which cracked down on civil liberties. I dont think we have a right to lectureLook at what is happening in our country, he said. How are we going to lecture when people are shooting policemen in cold blood? Advertisement Just as worrying, Trump suggested he would tear up Natos charter that says members automatically come to the aid of a fellow state under attack. Asked about Russias threatening activities that have unnerved the small Baltic States, he said that if Moscow attacked them, he would decide whether to come to their aid only after reviewing whether those nations have fulfilled their obligations to us. If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes. No wonder Vladimir Putin is licking his lips at the prospect of The Donald winning in November. SUMMER BREAK The WaughZone is taking a much-needed summer break and will be back in a few weeks time. Its a gruelling business, this pre-dawn email lark, but its very rewarding to get your feedback through texts, emails, DMs and phone calls. I can only apologise for some of the puns, but some of you clearly like them. Thank you all for reading and have a great summer. If youre reading this on the web, sign-up HERE to get the WaughZone delivered to your inbox. Government cuts. This phrase has dominated many a news story in the British media for the past six years. While we tend to associate the phrase with reduced spending on housing benefits or the National Health Service (NHS), there are some cuts which don't make the headlines. One example is local authority funding of adventure playgrounds. Playgrounds are great, and growing up in the UK most of us will have benefitted from them at some point or another. So cuts to their funding are certainly sad, but not a matter of life and death as with the NHS - or are they? "Improving children's emotional and physical well-being is really important to help prevent other illnesses later in life. So in the long term if these sorts of services are cut, the NHS bill will get even higher", says creative community organiser Polly Robbins. Advertisement Even in the shorter term she may have a point - Robbins' current project is at Somerford Grove Adventure Playground in Tottenham, located in an area where 37.5% of children in Year 6 are obese (compared to 21.9% in London and 19.0% in England). Despite being the only playground of its kind in Haringey Borough, Somerford Grove has lost all local authority funding due to cuts. As a result, the playground is only open sporadically and at times staff work for free to make sure they open at least once a week. Adventure playgrounds are particularly beneficial for childhood development because they encourage children to take risks, building their resilience and problem solving. This is why they need to be supervised by staff, who "usually go far beyond their remit as a play worker - they also signpost families to other local services and provide a support network for children and families, and can be independent confidants of children", adds Robbins. Over the past 18 weeks, Robbins has been working as part of a small team of local artists and community organisers to run weekly art workshops based on Edward Lear's nonsense poem The Quangle Wangle's Hat. Children have been working with local artists to build huge sculptures of the heads of the fantastical characters from Lear's poem - an activity made all the more important by the fact that they will be doing less and less creative projects at school due to education reforms. Advertisement Being actively involved in building the structures with which they play is common in adventure playgrounds. "I've really enjoyed experiencing new things, and being able to be silly in front of people I don't know. And I like working with new stuff like wood - I wouldn't do that at home", said one child about the Quangle Wangle workshops. Somerford Grove Adventure Playground is needed by the 13,000 5-15 year olds it serves perhaps more than others of its kind. It is located in Northumberland Park, the most deprived ward in Haringey, and among the most 2-3% most deprived nationally. According to Haringey council, life expectancy in the area is 7.7 years lower than that of Fortis Green and Highgate, Haringey's wealthiest wards. It is easy to simplify the debate around the impact of some public spending cuts compared to others, and the benefits of adventure playgrounds are not immediately obvious. But these are community spaces which many of us will have used as children, parents or carers. And for me, the thought of a London without playgrounds is strange and almost frightening - but in the current political climate, could easily become a reality. Chris J Ratcliffe via Getty Images It is a measure of the frenetic political conditions in which we are living that the draft of this article became hopelessly out of date in the few days it has been sitting on my desk. With Theresa May now installed as Prime Minister we have, following a few dizzying weeks in which no one has really been quite sure what will happen over the course of a morning, the possibility of some semblance of business as usual returning to Government. Yes, it will be a PB (Post-Brexit) sort of politics, in which the only thing that feels certain in the immediate future is a whole load of uncertainty, but at least the wheels should begin to turn. Advertisement Although the current climate makes looking back at something that happened over a month ago appear as if one has an unhealthy interest in ancient history, the question of what will happen to the NHS and where the money goes remains highly relevant, and nowhere more so than in mental health. No doubt people affected by mental illness voted on both sides for a variety of different motivations. In the aftermath, however, our supporters have expressed deep anxiety about what will happen to mental health services, which for so long have been the subject of confusion and often the first to suffer in times of economic pressure. Ironically, one of the reasons for this is the inherent difficulty that exists in proving what funding is actually going into mental health services in the first place. In February this year, the Independent Mental Health Taskforce produced the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health with the goal of achieving parity between physical and mental health provision. It was commissioned by NHS England and its chief executive, Simon Stevens, who put the question of the integration of mental and physical health at the centre of his own drive to improve outcomes across the sector, recognising that mental health conditions account for the largest single cost across the NHS. The Five Year Forward View for Mental Health made a series of recommendations in terms of quality, prevention and access and is clear about what each organisation in an increasingly complex health landscape should be doing and by when. It concluded that it was reasonable for people with mental illness to expect to receive a high quality consistent service close to home, and it was accepted and endorsed by the Government in its entirety. Advertisement This week the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health implementation plan was published, which provided some further and welcome clarification and direction in these very uncertain times, and I know that will be a comfort to many of our supporters. The plan digs down into many of the recommendations, outlining detailed funding allocations and timescales up until 2021. We will be keeping a close eye on tracking this funding and progress over the next five years. We will be looking particularly closely at how those with experience of mental illness will be involved in designing and delivering these programmes going forward, including through co-production of mental health services at a local level. It's good to see the focus on secure care services and how the physical health of those with mental illness will be improved, as these are all key issues for our supporters. The plan also outlines increased access to talking therapies to those who experience psychosis and personality disorders, and although funding and timelines are yet to be worked out for this particular area, seeing tried and tested interventions like this being taken forward is very welcome indeed. The recommendations and the subsequent implementation plan have left very little wiggle room for those responsible for delivering, and we and others across the sector will have no hesitation in holding the different players to account, including the case for investment that sits at the heart of the report. A month after the referendum, the UK is still reeling from the result - quite apart from the political upheavals of the past few weeks, the value of the pound has plummeted against the Euro and dollar among other currencies. But if you don't want your holiday to cost significantly more than it would have done in June, here are six of the best value travel destinations to visit after Brexit. Advertisement 1. Argentina There's no shortage of reasons to tempt you to the tip of South America - the thundering Iguazu Falls, the vineyards and steak of gaucho country, the elegance and buzz of Buenos Aires, the wild landscapes of Patagonia. And according to new figures from travel money specialists FairFX, it's the best value holiday destination around, with 500 getting you almost 10,000 pesos, around 6,000 more than in 2013. Try a small group tour with a specialist, such as Journey Latin America or use the extra money for a bit more luxury with Argentina-based Dehouche. 2. South Africa Another pick from FairFX, where the weak Rand means you can explore for less. There's vineyards here too at the Cape, plus Cape Town's mix of beach, city chic and jazz history, not to mention Table Mountain, the coast near Durban or try a safari. Advertisement Tucan Travel has a string of tours, with more than half of the group travelling solo, or try a self-drive trip around the Rainbow Nation with Rainbow Tours. 3. Sri Lanka If you've got better things to do than stare at exchange rates, how about a destination which simply won't cost a fortune when you land. Sri Lanka has beaches, jungles, historic cities and incredible wildlife, as well as tea plantations, plus fantastic food for bargain prices. Mercury Holidays has some great hotels with no single supplement including beachside spa hotels. 4. Indonesia Look even further east and Indonesia can also promise idyllic beaches and exotic culture to discover, all without the price tag of some better-known South East Asian destinations (unless you fancy a luxury hotel on Bali, in which case you're sorted too). Advertisement G Adventures has two different YOLO tours while Explore has a great trip to hunt for Komodo Dragons with some other highlights along the way. 5. Bulgaria Really don't want to venture outside Europe? The pound might not be quite as strong against the Bulgarian Lev as it was, but hasn't seen the same crashes as the Eurozone. For sunseekers, there's the Black Sea and for culture vultures there's the capital Sofia which is the second oldest city in Europe and packed with museums. Or the wonderfully named Plovdiv, the second city, is a university town with winding streets and plenty of cafe culture. Vidados matches you with local hosts for a range of activity holidays, including wine, music and archaeology breaks. Advertisement 6. Dominican Republic One of the best value islands in the Caribbean, you can find the usual white sand beaches and swaying palms here but also some bargain prices - even if you're looking for a bit of all-inclusive luxury. Head to Punta Cana and you can get a week at a five-star hotel including flights and all-inclusive for under 135 per night. Tropical Sky has some great deals, including the Dreams and Breathless group of hotels. Cathy Winston is editor of 101 Singles Holidays When I heard the news that I'd been given the opportunity to join Free The Children on their Me To We trip to the Masai Mara as part of AOL's annual CSR initiative, I had no idea what to expect. This was an experience I had heard so many positive stories about from colleagues that had taken part in previous years, all of which recounted how the experience changed their lives and altered their perspective on the world. As with most bold claims, it's hard to empathise with statements like that and I found it hard to feel the full weight of that enthusiasm until I immersed myself in the experience first hand. During the past three years at AOL, I've seen the remarkable work this charity is doing through their international development model. What's always resonated with me personally was Free The Children's mantra that impoverished local communities are impacted the most through 'a hand up', not 'a hand out' approach. This is exactly what I found to be true in Kenya and I was moved by the sense of pride that results from this self sufficient mentality. A mentality that is sure to serve people well no matter where in the world they come from or what kind of background they've grown up in. Advertisement Whilst staying at the Me to We camp we learnt a lot about the charities sustainable pillars and how they're working towards creating solutions. We met the parents from the local community, the children, young adults, teachers and elders that hold the village together with their hard work, infectious positivity and traditional values. At the Kisaruni Girls Secondary school, I was mesmerised by a group of ambitious young women that take their education so seriously that they created their own school timetable. Every day they get up at 5AM to begin their chores and help maintain their school, followed by a day of academic studies and then finally debates and book clubs before lights out at 10pm. They do this by choice and as a result, the girls are self sufficient. Not a single janitor is employed to maintain the school and they repeat this routine every day, seven days a week - three months at a time. Self-awareness, self-esteem, assertiveness, friendship, family and respect are the pillars that uphold their community and I could see with my own eyes what a powerhouse they are creating. Supported by a team of teachers that not only value academic excellence, but mental wellbeing has served these girls well. I was so pleased to have been proudly shown a guidance and counselling room on a tour of the school lead by the students. These girls' commitment day in and day out is the product of not just ambition, but genuine love for their community, respect for their families and the drive to improve the lives of others around them. The hard work I thought I put in for my degree was nothing compared to the efforts of these young women and I felt genuinely honoured to be in their company and learn from their discipline and passion. These are the future engineers, doctors and journalists of Kenya - bright minds, hungry to learn and not afraid to pursue their dreams. Advertisement I also learnt a lot about the individuals I travelled there with from both the UK and Canada - we were 14 personalities in total, living together for ten days, being guided through the Kenyan culture by two infectiously funny and well-natured Masai Warriors, Jim AKA Jimbo and Jackson. Sharing a tent with an awesome colleague and mum of three with a passion for Drake and Led Zeppelin - I won't forget. Seeing their reactions to the community was just as insightful as realising my own, and we all helped each other push ourselves out of our comfort zones every day. Break dancing in front of the girls at the Kisaruni school was a personal highlight and probably the only opportunity to put those street dancing classes to use. We were lucky enough to visit Rongena, where we met the children from a local primary school and Elenerai, where we joined the Mamas for a water walk - a task these women undertake daily. And of course, visiting the Baraka Health Centre was a personal highlight as this is where AOL's funding went for their volunteer tip the year before, helping support the construction of the new surgical wing. IAN HOOTON via Getty Images The National Health Service has had an international workforce ever since it was founded. It is a world leading and inspiring organisation which has always attracted the talent of some of the finest nurses from around the world. In the early days it was particularly reliant on nurses from Commonwealth countries, but in more recent years Trusts have recruited more nurses from the EU, from countries like Ireland, Spain and Portugal. Advertisement Figures obtained by the RCN show just how dependent the health service is on their services: there are over 33,000 nurses trained in the EU registered to work in the UK. Just to put that number in context, that is almost 8,000 more nurses than are currently working in the whole of Wales. There is an important debate to be had over how much the UK health service should rely on overseas recruitment, and the RCN has long called for greater long-term investment in the training of more home grown nurses to ensure the NHS can cope with growing demand without being at the mercy of global nursing workforce trends. What is not up for debate is that the NHS depends on these 33,000 nurses to enable it to provide safe staffing levels. What is not up for debate is that without them, patients across the UK would be less safe. Which is why it is not enough for the Government to simply say that it expects their rights to be protected. There must be a guarantee. Working in the health service you get used to dealing with the unexpected. But the uncertainty that health care organisations now face in trying to plan their future staffing levels is simply not acceptable - and the absence of concrete assurances over the future of EU nursing staff is only making this worse. Advertisement A lack of investment in training in England has been partially responsible for the massive - and costly - reliance on temporary staff that we have seen in the past few years. On top of that, the Government is still planning on taking a leap into the dark with its plans for a new loan system for student nurses which could put off many potential nurses and make this uncertainty worse. So Trusts have a big headache when it comes to recruiting enough staff to provide safe care for patients. But when it comes to retaining the staff they already have, things aren't much easier. Years of pay restraint has left nurses 14% worse off in real terms, and many have been forced to consider whether they can afford to continue in the profession. With all of this uncertainty, it is absolutely vital that employers in the health service at least have a guarantee that their EU trained staff will be protected. Without this guarantee, they cannot be expected to guarantee safe staffing levels. Phil Noble / Reuters 'Breastfeeding in Parliament: MPs should be allowed to nurse children in House of Commons, review says' screams the headline from Huffington Post. A quick online search shows similar headlines in the Daily Mail, The Sun, The Times and The Independent. The Guardian also squeezes gender neutral loos into its top line alongside breastfeeding. Advertisement And in one fell swoop they sum up why we are still light years from equality. The review they cite is the product of a year's work by the respected academic, Professor Sarah Childs. She spent months listening to people who work in Parliament, discussing what barriers they faced, and probing the cultural norms that have developed over centuries. Ideas for change were tested and debated in detail with a cross-party group. The result was a 41-page report, running to more than 20,000 words, full of carefully argued and evidenced proposals. There were 43 main recommendations, ranging from requiring political parties to publish monitoring data on candidate selections, to how Select Committees can hear from a diverse range of witnesses rather than assuming that only white men are experts. Proposals are made about Parliament's dress code, works of art, calendar, voting methods and scheduling. None of these 43 recommendations are about breastfeeding. The word 'breast' is mentioned just twice in the body of the report, in a sub-section under recommendation 12 on page 21, which covers the need for a clear policy on maternity, paternity, parental, adoption and caring leave. The report makes clear that even if infants were permitted into the House of Commons chamber and committee rooms, their presence there would be unlikely to be a routine event. An important symbolic change that might even on occasion be practically helpful to new parents who are MPs, yes. A key plank of how we will create a more inclusive Parliament, certainly not. I know the media sensationalises and twists things out of context. But I genuinely struggle to understand the thought-process that takes a tiny part of a serious report about how our democratic institutions reflect society, and not only blows it up into the headline, but in some cases makes it the only idea that they even include in the entire story. Advertisement It's the journalistic equivalent of pinging a girl's bra-strap and thinking it's hilarious. "Boobs! They mentioned boobs!". You can almost hear the puerile chuckles in the newsroom. Perhaps the most important recommendation was number 4, which called for media passes for Westminster to be at least 40% men and at least 40% women. The media covering our politics is much more of a boys' club than Parliament itself, both the group of journalists in Westminster and the people making the editorial decisions about what's news, what's the headline and what's the accompanying picture (the totty, naturally). There are a tiny number of women in the core group of journalists covering Parliament, and it's not getting better over time. Unlike politicians, who are rightly challenged on the snail-like progress towards equal representation in their parties, the media is far less accountable for its own appalling record. Television channels recognise that just having blokes reporting the news looks a bit weird in 2016, so they have a better mix - though notice how the big set-piece events are still seen as a job for the boys. And radio schedules and newspaper bylines tell their own story. Just start counting if you don't believe me. As the gateway to how many receive their news and find out about the world, the media matters. If current affairs is only presented as white middle-aged men see it, that sets a default view of the world that misses interesting angles and runs the risk of groupthink. Parliament needs comprehensive change to do its job credibly for all of society, and Professor Childs' report sets out a range of great ideas to achieve that. We also need a much more representative media, but there seems less appetite for change in the corridors of power in Fleet Street. Advertisement Maybe one day we'll be able to read coverage of reports which make a passing mention of breastfeeding without cringing. Until then, perhaps you'd better avert your eyes. It's the nature of the world we live in today that we know more about the multi-million sale of a centre forward to Chelsea than we do about the multi-billion sale of one of the UK's finest tech companies. This week ARM, a global success story, was sold. Based in Cambridge, the high tech capital of the UK, the company sold 15billion microchips last year, generating a revenue of $1.5billion. As a world-leading designer of microchips, ARM is at the vanguard of the technology underpinning the "Internet of Things" - widely expected to be the next technological paradigm. The company is a mine of intellectual property with huge growth potential. If our country is to be successful in the decades to come, it is precisely this sector whose explosive growth and dynamic entrepreneurialism we need to be nurturing. Advertisement And we should not forget that ARM's roots lie in British public funding. The company received support for the universities and research institutes that made Cambridge-based ARM and its predecessors possible. And ARM was a spin-off from Acorn Computer, whose BBC-backed computer helped create the modern PC market. But this week's sale of ARM to an overseas buyer has highlighted the need for stronger policy levers to give strategic direction to British industry. The Prime Minister began her tenure with a commitment to reinvigorate British manufacturing by intervening in strategically important sectors. This was heartily welcomed by the Labour Party, who have long been advocating such an approach. Yet already we see her Chancellor rolling over in the face of this buy-out, claiming that selling the British company ARM would turn it into a "global success story". Of course, there is comfort in the fact that Softbank, the company who have bought ARM, have said they are prepared to make a legally-binding commitment to double the number of jobs at ARM. But it is cold comfort. Advertisement There is, after all, no precedent for such a commitment being enforceable in British law. It is hard not to recall Kraft reneging on its promise that there would be no job losses following its takeover of Cadburys in 2010. We cannot be complacent in assuming that these commitments will endure. When Hewlett Packard took over British software firm Autonomy in 2011, at a cost of 7.4billion, it led to 20% redundancies, including that of its founder, and the loss of its intellectual property. Softbank has attracted some criticisms for its own acquisitive approach. Labour will closely monitor the Takeover Panel to ensure that Soft Bank's commitment on jobs are legally watertight and long-lasting. But this is not enough. Even if this particular deal does avoid the job losses and asset stripping that have become typical of recent takeovers, ARM's future will now be determined by the strategic decisions of a Japanese conglomerate which has no reason to put the interests of British industry first. This raises serious questions about the Government's promise to adopt an active industrial strategy. Such promises are meaningless if the Government is not prepared to intervene to maintain its capacity to shape the direction of Britain's industry. The fact is that, under current legislation, the Government of the day has very little power to ensure that corporate takeovers accord with Britain's industrial strategy. For too many communities, and for too many companies, workforces and even whole industrial sectors, globalisation feels like a runaway train which travels too fast and to an unknown destination. Advertisement In the aftermath of the Brexit vote, it is time that Parliament gave government new powers to intervene in strategically-significant takeovers when it is in the public interest. The present legislation allows intervention only in matters relating to national security or media concentration. This definition of the public interest desperately needs updating to fit with the emerging consensus that Britain needs an industrial strategy that serves the interest of stakeholders rather than just shareholders. I will spend the summer consulting with a range of industry representatives about how to incorporate such a commitment into Labour Party policy. Of course, rebuilding our economy and creating the environment for long term prosperity after the destructive austerity years will take more than a new statutory framework for mergers and acquisitions. The Government are failing to provide the clear-sighted strategic support that successful innovators need from government, and which countries like Germany, Finland or the US do so well. The history of ARM shows that Britain did this once, and Labour believes we can again. This week, the Shadow Chancellor pledged to set up a National Investment Bank to mobilise 250billion of investment where our current financial system is failing. Without such decisive interventions, Britain will not only fail to create world-leading companies in strategic sectors in the future, it may even find its current place in such sectors eroded as our best companies are cherry picked by overseas investors with an eye on a quick buck rather than a long term plan. The Government needs to start doing more than pay lip-service to the importance of Britain's industry, and set out a clear plan to nurture and promote Britain's place in strategically important sectors. This is truly significant: estimates suggest that if we are to tackle the world's most pressing issues - from the refugee crisis to climate change - an additional $2.5 trillion of funding must be found. To fill this gap it's imperative we look at new financial models which are able to harness the scale of capital markets to drive social change. Impact investment is just such a model and our societies and planet are reliant on this sector taking a lead in delivering change. The Global Steering Group on Impact Investment brought together 13 countries last week in Lisbon, Portugal, along with leaders from the worlds of finance, business and philanthropy, and government. This follows hot on the heels of the recent Vatican Impact Investing Summit last month. This increased attention is an indication of the level of excitement and momentum led by a rapidly changing investment landscape. Capital markets are evolving, and beginning to look not just at risk and return but also at the social and environmental impacts of an investment decision. This has opened up the opportunity for innovation, which impact investment is filling. The Global Impact Investing Network estimates that there will be 12,000 impact investment transactions this year; nearly 3 times the number of deals in 2014. The amount of money in impact investments will increase to $17 billion, up from $10 billion. In my speech to the Lisbon conference, I said that this growth is driving every significant mainstream manager such as Goldman Sachs, Blackrock, and AXA towards some version of impact investment. Advertisement This represents unprecedented growth. Governments, investors, and philanthropists are all now seeing the potential for impact investment and they are taking action to get ahead of the trend. Much of this growth is driven by changing demographic trends which are radically altering the investment landscape. In the future, our stereotyped notions of what an investor 'looks like' will be overturned by a new millennial generation which is already beginning to set in train a new future for investment: with social and environment impact, as well as financial return, at its heart. There are three reasons for this. Firstly, we are increasingly seeing the growing financial influence of millennials at work as they come of age. As they work their way up the professional ladder into more senior positions in the financial industry, this will only increase. Advertisement Secondly, millennials will have the resources to give them real financial clout. A huge volume of financial assets are expected to transfer from Baby Boomers to their millennial heirs over the next generation - with an estimated $30 trillion changing hands in North America alone according to Accenture. Thirdly, this group is not content with the status quo. Millennials by their nature have a mind-set which is positive about their ability to make a difference globally. This is not just natural optimism that goes along with youth - millennials genuinely feel empowered, and compelled, to change things. According to research by Standard Life Investments, 61 per cent of millennials are worried about the state of the world and feel personally responsible for making a difference. Impact investment offers this group an opportunity to not only have a hand in driving change, but also to ensure that businesses, governments, and other organisations are held to account for the outcomes they deliver. This combination of power and attitude is driving impact investment forward already. 28 per cent of high net worth millennials surveyed by the US Trust in 2016 use impact investments, up from 17 per cent in 2015. Though it is too early to tell if this is a long-term trend, it is an indication of what may come. What investment will look like in the future is likely to be radically different, with the impact investment market expected to grow significantly over coming years, to as much as $3 trillion. The UK market, where the Government has been active in putting in place incentives for impact investment, and where there is an established social investment wholesaler in Big Society Capital, is expected to grow by 30-40% every year in the current forecast. As our cities grow, so do the demands on their infrastructure. More people require a greater volume of housing, better transport, extra amenities and, perhaps most fundamentally, more of the vital stuff that's required by each and every citizen and service - electricity, gas and water. But there's a problem when it comes to increasing the capacity of our utility networks. The bulk of the modern urban environment is already built. Look around most cities -- whether it's an erratic old medieval settlement like Prague or a modern ordered grid like Chicago -- it's simply not feasible to rip out utility infrastructure to build new. To do so would be invasive, and, in all honesty, prohibitively expensive. There is, however, another way. Much progress can be made by making existing utilities infrastructure more efficient, making better use of what it can already provide, accurately forecasting future usage, and ensuring that it's maintained intelligently. To do so simply requires us to have a clear understanding of existing capacities, how the infrastructure operates, and the ways in which it's used. Advertisement The easiest way to achieve that is to introduce a layer of digital intelligence: fitting buildings with sensors and meters to measure energy use and efficiency, and monitoring supply networks to identify faults and losses. These systems can provide data which allows us to understand utility use at the macro- and micro-level, providing insight about how people actually use services and how the networks operate in real time. Utility companies are already aware of at least some of the power that this kind of sensing can provide, because it's fundamental to the concept of the 'smart grid.' Electricity companies are increasingly able to predict -- and meet -- demand more effectively as a result. Yet many of the greatest gains are to be realised not by optimising single infrastructures, but instead by integrating approaches across multiple utilities. Some of the projects we're working on at Future Cities Catapult are demonstrating the potential for collaboration across the utilities sector. With Amey, for instance, we're designing and testing a new spatial planning service across Staffordshire that will enable utility companies to identify where maintenance is most required. In turn, that will create opportunities for collaborative works performed by multiple companies at once, saving time, money and disruption. The idea may remind you of a popular beer advert from the 1990s, where labourers took the seemingly unusual step of co-ordinating their work to minimise public upheaval. They were clearly onto something. Advertisement Elsewhere, we've been working with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to develop a prototype tool to rate infrastructure capacity and simulate how new developments reduce that capacity over time. Using information from the city's Open Data Infrastructure map, it shows utility assets and long-term development sites. By working with developers and city councils, utility companies would be able to better forecast future demand and plan accordingly. These are wonderful examples of the possibilities for utility companies in smart cities, but they will require shifts in thinking and operation to achieve. Perhaps most importantly, such progress will require utility companies to embrace a collaborative approach to working. With new smart systems installed within buildings and infrastructure, there is a risk of intermediaries providing services for consumers -- bundling utility provision for customers, for instance -- which providers themselves would have to respond to. But it's not just utility companies that might need convincing. In 2009, the Dutch government made a swift U-turn on installing smart meters around the country following complaints that their deployment represented an invasion of privacy. To avoid such problems in the future, utility companies must ensure that new data acquisition systems are explained more accurately or, even better, co-created with citizens so that people feel a sense of ownership and of the collective benefit, rather than seeing them as oppressive top-down social engineering. Finally, regulators -- who set the commercial boundaries for utilities -- need to recognise the city as an entity. In the past, rules have been set at the regional or national level, but cities, with their density of infrastructure, provide the perfect environment for integrated utility services to be tested. Regulators must recognise this and shape their guidelines in order to allow this vital innovation to occur. The recent report 'Towards a Smart Energy City: mapping a path for Bristol' stressed that regulators don't adequately consider the city scale. This must change. AP/Press Association Images This blog is an adapted version of a speech delivered by Prince Harry to the International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, on Thursday 21 July I first travelled to the beautiful mountain kingdom of Lesotho when I was 19. This stunning country is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery on earth, but it is also home to some of the world's most vulnerable young people. Advertisement On that first visit, and many others over the last 13 years, I have met countless young people who know little of what it means to be a child. It is all too common for a 12 year old boy or girl to be forced out to work so they can provide for their brothers and sisters, having lost one or both parents to AIDS. When my friend Prince Seeiso and I founded Sentebale, we saw early on that children living with HIV grapple with several medical, emotional and social challenges all at once. We knew that just focusing on the physical effects of the disease wasn't enough - a child with unaddressed depression or traumatic stress from bereavement, poverty, and discrimination is not a child who is likely to stick with their treatment programme. I have spent the last few days visiting our new Momahato Childrens' Centre near Maseru. Our team there create a safe and open environment where young people are encouraged to share their experiences of living with HIV, often for the first time, with their peers. Over the last decade working in Lesotho, I've seen first hand the amazing progress that has been made in treating the physical and mental effects of HIV. These advances in halting transmission, expanding access to treatment, and improving provision of testing are the successes of many of the people and organisations gathered here at this conference. Advertisement At the time of the first International AIDS conference, HIV was a death sentence. Treatment was not widely available in the developed world, let alone in poorer regions. Stigma kept HIV positive people from talking openly about their condition and kept vulnerable people from having the courage to step into a clinic and ask for a test. But thanks to the work of leaders in the fight against HIV - people like Nelson Mandela, Sir Elton John, the brave activists of TAG and ACT UP, people like Dr Peter Piot, and like my mother, Princess Diana - we have made huge progress. When my mother held the hand of a man dying of AIDS in an East London hospital, no one would have imagined that just over a quarter of a century later treatment would exist that could see HIV-positive people live full, healthy, loving lives. But we now face a new risk - the risk of complacency. As people with HIV live longer, AIDS is a topic that has drifted from the headlines. And with that drift of attention, we risk a real drift of funding and of action to beat the virus. We cannot lose a sense of urgency, because despite all the progress we have made, HIV remains among the most pressing and urgent of global challenges - 1.1million people died of AIDS and 2.1million were infected last year alone. HIV remains the number one cause of death amongst adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. In my own country, infection rates are still rising amongst important groups despite the availability of instant testing and universal access to treatment. Advertisement So it is time for a new generation of leaders to step forward. It is time for us to step up to make sure no young person feels any shame in asking for an HIV test. It is time for us to step up to make sure that girls and boys with HIV aren't kept from playing with their friends, classmates, and neighbours. It is time for us to step up and acknowledge that stigma and discrimination still act as the greatest barrier to us defeating this disease once and for all. What I have seen in the last few days in Lesotho gives me huge confidence that we will rise to this challenge. Seeing young people who have so little, yet who work so hard to support their friends and educate their families about HIV, continues to inspire all of us at Sentebale. They are why I care so much about this fight. I hope that their stories of courage, and not just the huge problems they face, can inspire all of you as well. What I believe is that we cannot beat HIV without giving young people in every country the voice they deserve. Without education and without empowerment, HIV will win. Advertisement But just imagine what would happen if in places like Lesotho and throughout Africa, children were given the tools to protect their health, to speak out against stigma and discrimination, and to support their friends and family. In helping young people to fight HIV we would not just be ending this epidemic, we would change the direction of history for an entire generation. With East Africa rapidly emerging as one of the the world's creative and entrepreneurial hotspots, UNESCO is launching a new project in Uganda on 27 July to strengthen the country's cultural industries and the skills of creative professionals. The project, 'Creative Industries Development for the Diversity of Cultural Expressions: Strengthening the sustainability of creative industries in Uganda', is financed by the Republic of Korea and supports the implementation of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, which was ratified by Uganda in April 2015. "We are grateful for this support from the Republic Korea," underlines Mrs Rosie Agoi, Secretary-General of the Uganda's National Commission for UNESCO. "Uganda is convinced of the potential of the creative industries to contribute to the sustainable development of the country. That is one of the primary reasons we ratified the 2005 Convention. "We are confident that this project will give us the solid base and momentum needed to further develop the creative industries in Uganda". Advertisement Kicking off the project in the capital, Kampala, at the National Theatre and Crafts Village, technical experts drawn from relevant ministries, departments and agencies as well as the private sector and universities will form a task force to be co-chaired by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa. The project Task Force will lead a mapping exercise of the cultural industries in three regions across the country, and oversee a series of training sessions to improve skills in artistic design, marketing and management to improve the quality of cultural goods, and lay the foundations for increased income generation. The meeting will be opened by Mrs Rosie Agoi, Secretary-General of the Uganda's National Commission for UNESCO; H.E Jong-Dae PARK, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Uganda; Mr Mohamed Djelid, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, and Mr Pius Bijirimana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development of Uganda. ''We believe that the 2005 Convention is an important tool for promoting diversity in cultural expressions and enhancing local development pathways, in line with the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,'' says Keum Gi Hyung, Director, International Cultural Affairs Division, Ministry of Culture, the Republic of Korea. ''Creativity is important in societies as it brings social cohesion and helps to facilitate exchanges and access market,'' he adds. Uganda is already a recognized scene setter for the film industry - it was featured as a location in the Hollywood movie Mississippi Masala, starring Denzel Washington and directed by Mira Nair. Ms Nair has also established in Kampala a film school called the Maisha Film Lab fostering young directors, screenwriters and producers Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania Advertisement A recent British Council study, Scoping the creative economy in East Africa (2015), reports that Maisha has provided over 400 scholarships, produced 38 films and has made film available to the entire East African community through cultural exchanges, partnerships, a monthly film chat, and an annual film festival. Together with Hive Colab the country's leading digital hub, Maisha Film Labs is considered as one of the leading examples of Uganda's creative economy. In 2013, according to recent UNESCO/UIS data on the international flows of cultural goods and services, Uganda exported cultural goods worth almost US $7 million and experts report the country can increase profits in the long run with more investment in creativity to contribute towards reducing poverty. Employment in the creative industries is growing, for example the copyright industries employ about 100,000 people countrywide, according to a mapping survey commissioned by Uganda National Commission (UNATCOM) for UNESCO in 2009. In a move to secure the important role of the creative industries in the National Plan for Development, the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU) has been mobilizing the government to mainstream culture in all development initiatives and specifically to earmark at least 1 percent of the national budget to cultural development programmes. ''We hope that these trainings will also be a platform to bring about new ideas and connections among the key players in cultural policy making and civil society to start building on music, film art and other forms of creativity,'' underlines Danielle Cliche, Secretary of UNESCO's 2005 Convention on the Protection and the Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Advertisement Uganda is the first African country to benefit from the UNESCO Korean Funds-in-Trust, established in 2007 to enhance creativity in developing countries in Africa and Asia. USD $145,000 has been granted for this project. Other countries to benefit from the Korean funding for the creative industries include Mongolia and Vietnam. Follow us on Twitter: #supportcreativity kodda via Getty Images Back in December 2015 the world congratulated itself on the historic agreement reach in Paris to limit global warming to below 1.5C. The COP21 deal was momentous, exceeding expectations of what was achievable and striking a level of ambition that confounded the critics. It laid down the first marker towards a more sustainable future, one in which future generations should be protected from the worst excesses of climate change. Advertisement For years, the EU has been a leader on tackling climate change. Though its environmental and climate commitments had come under increasing scrutiny, the pivotal role it played in Paris, standing firm on red lines and forming coalitions across the world, was crucial in securing the final deal. The UK has undoubtedly played its part in this. For many years it has been one of the international standard bearers for climate change action. David and Ed Miliband passed into law the world's first Climate Change Act, while Gordon Brown was the leading figure behind the creation of the UN's Global Climate Fund, which helps the poorest countries in the world protect their people from the increasing perils of rising sea levels and extreme weather. But just as Britain has long been a force for progressive climate policy, its pending withdrawal casts a cloud of uncertainty over the whole Paris deal. When the deal was signed back in December, it was signed collectively by the EU submitted its plan on the basis of what 28 member states had agreed. Advertisement By signing the deal collectively, the EU became the most important political entity that could achieve the necessary reductions in greenhouse gases and carbon emissions to achieve the 1.5C target, throwing momentum behind the process and playing a key role in the striking a final agreement. However, the removal of one of those member states would seriously undermine the EU's commitments and spell real danger for the historic deal made in Paris. Cue Brexit. Given Britain is the second largest economy inside the EU its looming withdrawal, helped little by the ludicrous decision to abolish the Department for Energy and Climate Change, has created a great deal of uncertainty. Christiana Figueres, the former executive secretary of the UNFCCC, the UN body responsible for overseeing the process, has argued the UK's decision to leave the EU will require aspects of the Paris deal 'to be re-written'. The EU will have the very tricky task of recalibrating its commitments across remaining states. More serious though, is the danger of further delay. Advertisement At a time where Pacific islands are already starting to sink into the rising sea - when populist, climate change sceptics like Donald Trump are running on platforms promising to overturn the Paris agreement - every day makes it more urgent, and more difficult, to limit global warming to non-catastrophic levels. This week I joined sixteen colleagues from across the European Parliament's Environment Committee and Industry, Research and Energy Committee in writing to the European Commission with ten key requests for the upcoming proposals on the EU's energy and climate framework. We feel this is a vital time for the Commission to ensure the EU's policies are up to scratch and properly reflect the possible fallout from Brexit. Not only will the Commission need to step up its efforts to ensure the agreement in Paris is ratified as soon as possible, it also needs to set out how the EU will hit the targets it sets out. ASSOCIATED PRESS As the dust settles after the most drastic cabinet reshuffle in decades, the image Theresa May is trying to project does not match her previous rhetoric, nor her recent appointments. The country's recent Brexit vote has clearly felt like a mandate not only to leave the European Union, but also to shift the incumbent Government party to the right. Leading Brexiteers and Eurosceptics have been the headline appointments. This clear ploy to pacify and placate the right of the party has led to the appointment of the previously disgraced Liam Fox, who in 2011 was forced to resign due to a previous flatmate and lobbyist meeting him on at least 18 foreign trips. The same Prime Minister, who saw George Osborne as a tarnished brand, seemingly does not mind promoting a minister with a similarly questionable track record when it suits her. Advertisement Nor does she flinch at appointing another right winger, David Davis, to head the Brexit negotiations. When he was Europe Minister, under John Major's Government, he became known as 'Monsieur Non'. The atmosphere then between the UK and the EU was the most toxic officials had ever experienced according to one insider. Will Davis, whose reputation precedes him, really be the best man to convince 27 other countries of the strength of our case? This desperate cosying up to the Brexiters, is no better exemplified by making Brexit figurehead and poster boy Boris Johnson Foreign Secretary. Disbelief filled Westminster and the world, as the man best known for his zip wiring escapades and undiplomatic approach, is ironically made Britain's top diplomat. The laughter surrounding him often masks a sense of nervousness that something slightly too risque or downright offensive will be said at any time, possibly souring relations with whichever nation is hosting him. Similar to Liam Fox, his track record does not prove he is trustworthy enough to hold one of the most powerful positions in Government. A man who has offended so many of our allies and spouted half truths his whole life, whether as a reporter or leading the Brexit campaign, is now being trusted to lead the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. This bizarre inability to distance herself from the most toxic elements of her party extends to broken Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt. The least liked man in the country inexplicably kept his job; one can only presume that nobody dared take on the job of implementing another throwaway Tory pledge, a pledge which has already alienated a whole new generation of doctors. Or perhaps he is being lined up as the fall guy who will be put out of his misery when we find out that the 350million for the NHS every week, promised by BoJo and others, has in fact been spent on 5,000-a-day lawyers hired to extract us from the legal quagmire Brexiters have plunged us into. Advertisement Against the backdrop of these appointments we witnessed the demotions of more centrist politicians like Nicky Morgan and the destruction of the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The desire to stick to pledges has unfortunately not been extended to climate change goals set by the Tory government. The integration of DECC into the larger Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, is a move that can hardly be described as surprising from a Prime Minister who on the few times she has voted on climate change matters, voted against implementing further measures to tackle global-warming. Rather than stopping there, Theresa May has appointed leadership contest loser Andrea Leadsom to Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The same woman who, when appointed as Energy Minister, had to ask 'Is climate change real?' and since then has had a staunchly ungreen voting track record. Mrs May's final inspired choice was Priti Patel to head up a department - International Development - which she has previously wanted to abolish. These promotions exemplify the lengths Mrs May will go to in order to heal the rifts within her party and promote Brexiters and the right of the party. The popular press has seen no shortage of doomsday scenarios whereby robots are coming to take our jobs over the past year or so. I'm largely pretty skeptical of these claims, and it seems as though employees are too. I wrote recently about a New Zealand based study that asked people how concerned they were about their job being automated, with the answer broadly being "not very". I'm not entirely sure it's wise to be quite so blase about things, it does only represent one side of the coin. Are employees similarly unimpressed by the potential impact automation could have? Prepared for automation A recent study, called the Robotic Workforce Research, has recently been published by AI company Genfour to try and understand how companies feel about automation. Advertisement They quizzed 250 businesses from the UK and United States to understand both their thoughts on robots, and any plans they have to introduce automation into their business. Roughly half of the respondents believed that automation would be a positive thing for their business, with nearly all believing that a robotic future was inevitable. What's more, large numbers believed that significant portions of their business could be automated today. Interestingly, whilst some businesses believe that the transformation will be almost immediate, the majority are confident it will happen within a few years, which is still a pretty swift transformation in my eyes. "These statistics show a very different picture from the negative portrayal of the fear surrounding robots and automation we've seen all too often. Business leaders see automation as a way to increase productivity, reduce repetitive and mundane tasks and create efficiencies in the back office. It's our job to elevate the power of automation out of departmental level and into the board room," says Genfour boss James Hall. Advertisement A polarized workplace Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was the IT department that was most enthusiastic about the prospects of automation. Interestingly however, those at board level were the least enthusiastic, with the HR department appearing polarized in their enthusiasm. What was also common was that across organizations and departments, those in the US were more enthusiastic about automation than their UK peers. Enthusiasm was also higher amongst younger employees, with most of those who expressed concern about automation coming in the 45-54 age group. In terms of industries, the report revealed that construction was the sector most likely to pursue automation, with over half revealing imminent plans to ramp up their use of automated machines on the building site, whether that be robotic bricklayers or automated project managers. Ajay Chaturvedi is the founder of HarVa, the first BPO set up in rural India which employs only women and author of the widely acclaimed, Lost Wisdom of The Swastika.Do you find yourself wondering what success really means? For some it might be earning a prestigious degree at an Ivy League university, having millions in the bank or being featured in The Wall Street Journal. I was one of those people. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, landed a fancy job at a top tier bank in straight out of the gates, and was tagged a rising star. But deep down I felt empty, unfulfilled and unhappy. My so-called illustrious career left me feeling drained, and I had nothing to offer my marriage - resulting in my now ex-wife and I drifting apart. Advertisement Where did it all go wrong? I grew up believing that following the typical streams of engineering, medicine or law was the key to success. In India, it's really a thing - aspiring to be anything other than a doctor, lawyer or engineer is viewed rather dimly, mourned even. In fact, just five years ago, if you decided to become an entrepreneur, you'd be regarded as a failure on your last legs. It's a sad reality that India's culture has always favored something like calculus over creativity. Young people grow up believing that to follow any other course means certain failure. I can tell you that there are a lot of tree-climbing fish in India. Back to my story. Everything was falling apart in my world, with the sub-prime crisis adding further grist to the grind. During one of my mandatory two weeks off at the bank, something inside me snapped and for no reason at all, I decided to head to the most desolate, remote yet majestic place I could think of: the Himalayas. Advertisement With no specific plan, a map, nor any reservations, I ventured into the mountains without my smartphone, with growing trepidation. Having been trained to be a logical, objective, evidence-driven individual, leaving things to 'chance' made me feel even more uneasy. But as it turns out, having no wifi allowed me to find another amazing connection. And by letting go, I found something I didn't even know I was searching for - me. The real me.Almost like out of a novel, along my trek through the breathtaking paths on the Himalayas, I came across a guru. At first, I viewed him with suspicion. Two weeks turned into six months. Back in NYC, I used to gulp down my coffee and navigate the hectic commute to work every morning, but now my days began with sun gazing and focusing on my breath. Yes, it sounds kooky, but this is how I managed to turn my life around. Being aware of one's breath is probably the key to clearing one's mind. We are so focused on the visual that we barely pay any attention to what we truly feel. It's probably why you have your best ideas in the shower when your eyes are closed, or close your eyes when deep in prayer. The most distracting and illusionary sense is our sense of sight. The one true way of connecting with one's self I learnt on that trip to the Himalayas, is to look within, to shut out the external world by closing our eyes and focusing on our breath. By feeling. By diving within. This life-changing wisdom passed on to me by that 110-year old guru was something I never learnt in the best Ivy League schools. Not unsurprisingly I quit my job not long after, regularly visiting the guru in the mountains. I learnt yoga which is not, contrary to first belief, about contorting one's body into various positions. Advertisement Yoga is realizing who you really are. By exercising our breath, we become connected to different parts of our body, to different elements. Above all, it allows us to feel connected not just to ourselves, but to others, and the universe. It has been over six years since my first journey to the Himalayas. This is my karma bhoomi, or my place of work now. Success to me now means being content: being able to stand-alone and not be lonely. Being comfortable with me. I have become more social, less conscious. Seeing others succeed genuinely makes me happy. That doesn't mean I'm not ambitious. I still am. But the benchmarks are my now my own. Who am I? I am my breath. This post has been written in commemoration of the UN's International Day of Yoga. They said it was democracy live as it happens, in the making. Call it what you want but what I witnessed on day 1 at the RNC 2016 was nothing short of typical Trump-like tactics: bullying, arm-twisting, possible threats and all sorts of intimidation to prevent a vote of the rules so that in 2020 Trump, or someone like Trump, couldn't clinch the GOP nomination. As the RNC, at this stage all too apparent to see, anoints its candidate for the White House Presidential election, there's no getting away from the fact that Donald Trump is not only disliked by his own party but also, Democrats and millions of others who are undecided on how to vote and of course, the 'Establishment'. Let's not forget that Donald Trump was once part of the Establishment and was happily singing their tune just so long as they did his bidding. If anything Trump is more Establishment than Hilary Clinton. Not only because he is a lobbyist extraordinaire, not because he has propped up those who support and have supported his ideals over the many years, not because the politicians and other power elites have allowed him to close property deals BUT, because he thought winning the GOP nomination was a done deal. When he saw that those he backed politically and financially over the many years were now unprepared to support his candidacy, he suddenly decides to become anti-establishment and paints himself as the 'man of the people'. He is anything but 'a man of the people'. A man of the people who is worth $8 billion. A man of the people with has numerous luxury homes around the world. A man of the people who refuses to come clean on his taxes. A man of the people who peddles so much hatred and xenophobia against his own fellow Americans simply because they don't share his views or political convictions. This is NO MAN OF THE PEOPLE. He is and has always been about one thing - DONALD TRUMP. His ego is immeasurable proven by the fact that he relishes in his own limelight and God-like persona on TV. Advertisement As a Brit and having recently witnessed the shameful exit of United Kingdom from Europe, I'm drawing frightening similarities between the former Mayor of London (Boris Johnson) and Donald Trump. Mr Johnson lied to the British people and told them half-truths and used the same scare tactics Trump has been using in his Presidential campaign namely, immigration, jobs, xenophobia, giving power back to the people from centralised government, how isolationism as a doctrine would work better and, how both have divided their respective nations creating a clear demarcation not only between the haves and the have-nots but, pitted friend against friend. The end result has pitted Britains against Britains and resurrected a nationalist sentiment among Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who now want to become independent of England and hence break up the Union and put at stake the stability of the constitutional monarchy. In a bizarre twist, Boris Johnson physically looks very similar to Trump. In Britain, just like here in the U.S. it was the working class who voted in favour of exiting the European Union. Fear and ignorance reign supreme. Americans need to be extremely cautious of Trump and his rhetoric. His speeches and so-called political ideology, and I truly believe Trump has no political conviction one needs to hold high office has, shocking similarities to Adolf Hitler and his sense of nationalism. A sense of nationalism Trump is now advocating among the American people by singling out minorities and making them social, moral, religious and economic scapegoats. Trump's contention is to make America great again. Trump wants America first. America is prepared to alienate ethnic minorities (LGBQT community, Muslims, and Mexicans). Trump wants to abolish laws like same-sex marriage and prevent Muslims from entering the country regardless of whether or not they're terrorists. His pick for VP (Mike Pence) is very much against same-sex marriage and ultra conservative. Trump's solution to immigration from Mexico is not to build relationships or understand the problem but to build walls, barriers and expel those who he refuses to recognize as part of the economic fabric of this great nation. Trump wants to give greater freedom to gun owners and loosen the rules on gun control once again 'scaring people into thinking the federal government is threatening to take away their liberty'. Trump deliberately provokes and rallies his supporters into invoking violence for the courtesy of the media so as to detract from his falsehoods or lack of ideas and policy. Advertisement My fear for a Trump Presidency, and to many this will sound crazy and inconceivable but I'm sorry, but just how crazy is it for a reality TV star with no political experience to come so far in the bid to become the 45th President of the united States. In all the time I've been covering the news I have never, to my knowledge come across a more controversial, more disliked, more ill-informed, more abusive, sexist, xenophobic and all round disagreeable individual who is also disliked on the world stage. Three things that I believe will happen as part of Trumps Presidency: 1.He will increase the police presence at mosques up and down the country. He will also ask Muslims to compulsory register themselves at various police stations. You'll see lines of Muslims outside police stations waiting to get an ID, number or tag. Scenes chillingly similar to Nazi Germany and the Jews. 2.He will act first and ask questions later and have total disregard for the rule of law. An example of this is to deport those immigrants who have not become naturalised citizens under the Obama Administration then, ask questions later. 3.Civil war - crazy and for the most powerful democracy in the world, unthinkable. This is likely if Trump gets elected or doesn't get elected. We need only see the way Trump supporters behave at his rallies to see the kind of leader he is who incites his own crowd to violence or be deliberately disruptive. The fear of federal government taking guns away from the people and thereby infringing on their civil liberties will be enough to provoke violence and disruption with protests on the streets and violent demonstrations. As Adolf Hitler once said, "make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it." Donald Trump says that Hilary Clinton is a crook. He keeps repeating it hoping that she will either just pack up and give in or, people will connect her name to 'crook' and 'liar'. Word association, especially for the majority of Trump supporters is very dangerous. According to recent surveys, most of Donald Trumps supporters DO NOT possess college degrees. It's astounding how people who chose to remain ignorant, are unable to comprehend, analyze, evaluate, think for themselves or even be intelligent enough to want to learn all the facts... be allowed to vote for the most powerful person in the world, simply astounding. But I have some breaking news for Mr. Trump. The Department of Justice and the Attorney General, as well as the FBI, concluded that there was no case to answer for. Now, that being established Mr. Trump of course is far more qualified to make legal decisions and far more qualified than those in the Justice Department and the AG's office. Sour grapes, Mr. Trump, sour bloody grapes. Grow up, accept the facts and move on. This isn't about crying after the horse has bolted or trying to get the voters to be as nasty and vindictive as you. It is though, an example of the sort of wannabe leader you are. Advertisement On the flip side, your political speechwriter tendered his resignation and yet you refused to accept it. Your words and not mine or the media 'people make mistakes and that we learn and grow from these experiences'. So of course you wouldn't apply the same logic to Hilary Clinton would you Mr. trump, no! But actually, if you make public mistakes like this as the First Lady then the consequences could be huge. Don't forget that your wife's comments would have more force and impact were she to become the First lady. Also, if she continues down this route making mistakes then she will become a laughing stock and embarrass the office of the Presidency not to mention ridicule the position of the First Lady. Like you, she is a loose cannon and just cannot be trusted in the role as you too have no experience and dealings with important and influential people domestically or on the world stage. And before you retort back, this isn't a Trump fundraiser or some plush banquet. You'll be seen on the world stage and you simply cannot make mistakes like this. People also seem to forget that Donald Trump is now on his third wife. He reportedly had an affair which brought about the demise of his first marriage to Ivana and his second wife was informed that Donald was divorcing her via, The New York Post which he put in front of her door. The point here is that Donald Trump is deceitful, calculating, cannot be trusted and quite frankly, has failed at relationships and partnerships which are supposed to be binding and lasting. It's a love affair he is now seeking to get involved in with the American people. But his track record shows his vanity is bigger than the consequences of his actions without a care for those actions or, those around him. In conclusion, Mr. Trump you are hoodwinking the people of this great nation. You have no qualms in making speeches and promises but in fact there's no precedent on what you've done or achieved for anyone but yourself. It's always about YOU and will always be about YOU. You're in it just for yourself and your place in history. Not content in being one of the wealthiest men in America or a property magnate, you are pinning the hopes of millions of people in this country on your ability to deliver. What have you done for his country that has had a positive impact other than on you or your business? I for one don't want to find out come November as I already know the answer and how this will play out!! Georgina Pazcoguin Photo Paul Kolnik Georgina Pazcoguin is an audience favorite at New York City Ballet due to her striking stage presence. She is especially known for her interpretations of roles in Jerome Robbins' ballets. Now she has taken a leave of absence from her life as a ballerina to jump into the role of Victoria in the much anticipated revival of Broadway's Cats. In a recent conversation Pazcoguin reflected on her career path which has been edited below. Cats is currently in previews and opens on August 2nd at the Neil Simon Theater. Andrew Blackmore-Dobbyn: One of the first things I noticed about you on stage with City Ballet is that you have a really strong sense of character. Do you think that has limited you since you have been cast in so many character and demi-character roles? Georgina Pazcoguin: It's an interesting question. I don't feel like it has been a hindrance. I think it's a very special thing to be able to create different characters. I'm honored that they think I can step into those roles. I do feel that there are very few people at New York City Ballet that have the capacity to do those roles. I take the glass half full perspective of it in that they think of me as one of those people who can do both. Of course I'd love to dance more. When those opportunities are given to me I try to make the very most of them that I possibly can. I don't think of it as a hindrance. I think that any chance to experience a different facet of myself helps me grow as a person and I'm continuing to break down that initial thought that may be held that Georgina is more of a character actor than she is a dancer. I'm very much a dancer, too. Advertisement You've arrived more or less at the mid-point of your career... what are your favorite accomplishments so far? I'm just so very grateful to have had the first half that I've had. I'm really proud that I didn't have things handed to me when I was super young. I'm really proud that I've had to work for them. I struggled a lot with comparing myself to other dancers and their career paths and how fast they were getting promoted and what sort of roles they were doing and I think what I'm most proud of, beyond getting promoted, beyond the different accolades that you get, and I'm grateful for those kind of things but I never in a million years thought I would be on the cover of Dance Magazine. I think that is a special honor. At the end of the day, I'm proud that I've kept my head on straight and kept my eye on the real prize which is having a career that is full and spans many different spectrums of dance and that I did this on my own. It took me a long time to get comfortable in my skin as a human. I don't know that I would have had the strength earlier to step away from City Ballet had I been offered something like Cats because it's a very scary decision. I think for a lot of people it's a no-brainer and there is that side to me but it is a scary proposition to step away from something that has been my home for fourteen years. I'm so happy that things have happened with this trajectory with time for me to appreciate being in the corps de ballet and time for me to appreciate those down times so that when the happy times come I can be immensely proud and have no regrets. Coming into a big company like City Ballet it's easy for a kid to get lost or discouraged. Who did you have to help you along? Advertisement A lot of the older dancers in the company were very accepting. My first year in the company, to be honest, they weren't sure how much I fit in and if New York City Ballet was the place for me. I almost didn't get my contract so that was a very tenuous year for me. I remember some senior corps dancers coming up to me right before I had my meeting. This is when Aesha Ash came up and she said, "I have seen you grow so much over this year and you are so special as a dancer and whatever happens, whatever is decided, know that we have all seen you put forth your maximum effort." I just think that there is a wonderful sense of community with the dancers at City Ballet. I was accepted into a group of wonderful friends there who were older and even principal dancers when I was in the corps. Everyone has their own story. It's hard for every single person. This career is not for the faint of heart. Just from hearing their stories I realized that I was not alone. They're not exactly in my situation but if they were able to rise above it, I can too. This is what I want and I'm never going to stop wanting it. I've achieved this much and I still want more but I'm doing that in a realistic sense. I'm not asking for it all right now. How do you feel about being a role model for Filipino American girls who look up to you? I think it's an incredible honor and I'm happy to be that sort of representative and I intend to step up to the plate for anyone who doesn't necessarily fit the stereotype of what a ballerina should be. I'm happy to be that role model for them. I never really thought of myself being in that position. I'm just beginning to realize it now that race has become such a highlighted topic in the ballet world today. I never even thought of myself as an ethnicity growing up until I came to New York City. I will gladly accept that role. I hope to be someone that people feel like they can reach out to and ask questions. I don't know all the answers but I can share what I have dealt with. Mostly what I've dealt with has been my own struggles with my limitations and what I've done to myself. How did Cats come about? Did someone approach you? I've been reaching out for a while. I'd had the opportunity to perform in On the Town and loved every second of it. I liked the idea of auditioning and getting my name out there and exploring the musical theater side of myself. I got a call from my agent, Lacey, who said Tara Rubin Casting called and wanted to know if you're interested in coming in and auditioning for Cats. I was like, wow! My name came up in a conversation about Cats. That in itself was enough... that my name had come up. Lacey told me that it would mean a leave of absence from NYC Ballet and said I know you've struggled so hard to get to the position you're in there as a soloist and I said, I'm open. If they want me to come in, I absolutely will make it happen. We thought it wasn't going to work out because my schedule was really heavy and I was on stage more than I'd ever been. A few dancers had gotten injured and I went into Paz de la Jolla in the principal role. I was going to Cats auditions in the morning, taking early dance classes and rehearsing in the afternoons. At one point I thought, if this is supposed to be, fate will make it be. I didn't stress about it. I was absolutely delighted when I got the call and they wanted me to play Victoria. How has it been preparing the show? They have an open mind about me. They don't necessarily know me as a strong dancer for the last fourteen years like New York City Ballet does. I'm being looked at with a fresh eye. I'm loving Victoria as a character. She's innocent and pure and I'm not playing an evil person who's plotting against someone else. I get to do adagio on stage instead of grand allegro as a solo. These are new things for me and very exciting. I get to explore a softer side of myself as a dancer and performer. Is the show being re-choreographed? It's a blend so it's Cats based on Gillian Lynne's original choreography and then Andy Blankenbuehler has been brought on to the project to add his specific, wonderful point of view. I think they're trying to... you have to keep in mind that audiences have changed since Cats ran. Dance has changed. I think it's a great idea to update it while keeping the heart of what people know and love still there. What has Cats taught you about yourself as a performing artist? It's a little early to say what kind of evolution I'm having. I'm learning that being uncomfortable is okay. Have you given any thought to what you might be interested in when you're ready to stop dancing? Identifying fake fish, cleaning up polluted canals, improving science education - these are some of the jobs that governments are getting done by mobilising the profit motive. Over the past twenty-five years, partnerships between government and business have grown into an industry worth hundreds of billions of dollars, but as the two sectors grow ever closer together, innovative agencies are finding new ways to have private companies get things done for the common good. Traditional public-private partnerships, where government contracted companies to provide things, began with big infrastructure projects such as roads, power stations or waste treatment plants, and were worth more than $300billion in the EU between 1990 and 2009 alone. As these become more popular around the world, emerging economies such as Brazil, India and China have recently passed laws to make them easier. Advertisement But the need for new ways of doing things is pressing. With budgets still severely constrained and innovation being churned out faster than ever in the private sector, government needs to find a means of harnessing that energy. And Apolitical's network of the most senior public servants has identified new models for doing so as one of their most urgent requirements. Here we pick out the key breakthroughs: 1. Deploying innovators Modelled on the song recognition app Shazam and currently being brought to market, the app FISHazam allows shoppers, restaurateurs and fishmongers to use their smartphone cameras to identify what kind of fish a fillet is from. That matters because as many as one in three fish on sale are not what they purport to be; cheap or endangered species end up on our plates in the guise of fancier varieties. We're trying to use a basic economic incentive The app is being privately developed but came out of a hackathon series organised by government. Taking place in 43 cities on six continents, it was started by the US State Department in order to find ways of raising awareness about sustainability in the fish market. As Yassine Santissi, one of the app's developers, told Apolitical, 'It would be good to create an incentive to fish sustainably. 75% of global waters are international, not under the purview of a single country, and so regulation doesn't really work. We're trying to use a basic economic incentive, people's self-interest, like, "I don't want to be cheated."' FISHazam is one of 37 finalists to present solutions to problems posed by fisheries experts, such as how to prevent invasive species spawning in the Great Lakes or stop lost nets from killing fish to no purpose (something known as ghost fishing, said to be responsible for around 30% of global catches). Advertisement James Thompson, the Director for Innovation at the Secretary's Office of Global Partnerships, which ran the hackathons, told Apolitical, 'FISHazam could be huge. It could be a game changer. And it came out of one weekend. When you're able to bring the private sector, you also bring in their innovation, their creativity, which we just don't have in government. And we can't contract for creativity.' 2. Acting the broker The Netherlands does things on a much larger scale, using satellites to direct farmers to good grazing land in Mali, setting up an early-warning flood system in Colombia and building solar-powered desalination plants in the Virgin Islands. It does this by bringing together hundreds of companies and research institutes in a given field, in this case water, and connecting them to business opportunities that advance the common good. Sometimes it needs a little nudge to get through to the right people The water sector is handled by the Netherlands Water Partnership, which co-ordinates more than 200 companies and institutes. Set up by the Dutch government in 1999, it is now a foundation funded by membership fees. The NWP directs potential clients, such as foreign governments, to the right combination of companies and research institutes to find a solution. 'We give the Dutch water sector a head-start in the international arena,' spokeswoman Anita de Wit told Apolitical. 'Of course our expertise is already well known, but sometimes it needs a little nudge here and there to get through to the right people or to showcase what you can do.' The Netherlands is also home to groundbreaking work on phosphate - the stuff in sewage that makes algae bloom across rivers and canals, killing everything in them, but that can also be turned into a fertiliser. A Dutch civil servant, Arnoud Passenier, in 2011 set up a Europe-wide marketplace to connect research institutions, companies and farmers, and so build a system where phosphate is an asset instead of a pollutant. Advertisement Passenier told Apolitical, 'People were very surprised that someone from the Ministry of the Environment took that initiative. But I do not care if people or organisations have a sustainability goal. If they have a goal to innovate because they can reduce costs or have a commercial advantage or they want to improve their image, that's OK for me. We're very pragmatic with that.' (Read the full story here.) 3. Leveraging socially responsible business The UK has capitalised on companies' growing interest in social purpose to do things like improve science education or funnel their huge purchasing power into social enterprises. The Buy Social scheme provides private firms with a list of suppliers that have a social mission. So a company needing to buy, say, bedding or packaging could be put in touch with Bita Pathways, an NGO that helps people will mental illness get back into work. Or a company needing to buy water for its coolers could be connected with Belu Water, which invests all its profits in ending water poverty around the world and has donated more than $2million to WaterAid in the past five years. Shevaun Haviland, Deputy Director, Business Partnerships at the Cabinet Office, told Apolitical, 'We asked businesses to say they would use social enterprises in their supply chain up to one billion pounds ($1.3billion) and that we in government would also commit to social enterprises. The issue is actually finding enough social enterprises. And a billion pounds is nothing relative to the size of their supply chains, so there's a very big area of opportunity. By bringing government and business together, we can fix some really wicked problems.' Companies like Nestle, Rio Tinto, Ford and Shell have also been mobilised to improve science education and encourage schoolchildren to study those subjects. The Your Life programme takes schoolchildren into companies to enthuse them about the jobs available with a science degree, as well as introducing them to next generation technology like drones and solar-powered cars. Advertisement We can amplify our impact through working with business Rebecca Price, Head of Finance and Professional Services at the Cabinet Office, told Apolitical, 'Companies want really highly skilled young people to come and work in their organisations and, at the same time, government would really like to upskill young people. It's something where there's a really clear alignment of objectives, so we can amplify our impact through working with business.' The impetus for this closer collaboration has come from business itself and the growing recognition that socially responsible business practices bring a financial benefit. Haviland said, 'We're hearing more and more that getting involved with core purpose and mission is high on their agenda. There's evidence that, as a business, if you put purpose at your core, you'll grow faster and be bigger. So it's become a commercial imperative. The potential is huge. It's a really exciting time for us.' YEREVAN, Armenia -- Twelve armed men's seizure of a police station in Armenia's capital of Yerevan has put President Serzh Sargsyan in a bind. On the one hand, he needs to resolve it as soon as possible to demonstrate to the many Armenians who disagree with the takeover that no one is above the law. On the other hand, he needs to be careful not to be so heavy-handed in his response that it fires up a public that already resents Armenia's deteriorating economic situation and gap between the small number of rich and everyone else. That could spark a general uprising against his government and a response from Russia, which always gets a nervous tick when there's turmoil in the neighbor it considers its most obsequious servant. Advertisement The stand-off in Yerevan started Sunday, when a dozen followers of fringe opposition leader Jirair Sefilian seized the police station to demand his release on charges of plotting a coup. The situation reminds me of what American law enforcement officers faced when they surrounded the compound of the fanatic Branch Davidian religious sect near Waco, Texas, in 1993. The stage was set for the Waco stand-off when federal officers raided the Davidians' ranch to seize weapons the group had been stockpiling. A gun battle broke out, killing six of the fanatics and four officers. That led to a 51-day stand-off that law enforcement decided to end with a tear-gas attack aimed at forcing the Davidians out of their compound. Unfortunately, the compound caught fire, killing 76 men, women and children. Advertisement Ever since, right-wing extremists have invoked the Waco dead to try to win converts to their anti-government agenda. The stand-off at the Yerevan police station has some of the elements of the Waco situation. The Davidians were fervent followers of a charismatic fanatic named David Koresh. Those who seized the Yerevan station are diehard followers of Sefilian, who has called in the past for an overthrow of the Armenian government. Police arrested the war hero in June on the coup-plot charges. Another similarity between the Waco situation and the one at the Yerevan police station is that the initial clashes between the loyalists and police spawned bloodshed. In the case of Waco, 10 people died. Those holed up at the Yerevan police station killed one of the officers there when seizing it -- Colonel Artur Vanoian -- and wounded two others. Although they have let the wounded and other hostages go, they still hold five. Bloodshed makes the resolution of a dispute between anti-government types and authorities much harder. Most of the public expects those who commit bloodshed to be prosecuted, regardless of the political inclinations that prompted the bloodshed. Advertisement If there had been no bloodshed, Armenian authorities would have had room to compromise with the station occupiers. Now compromise is out of the question. On the other hand, the last thing Sargsyan needs is to turn the occupiers into martyrs whom the broader political opposition could use to try to ignite a general uprising against the government. A lot of the Armenian public dislike his regime, starting with their belief that he stole his second term as president in the election of 2012. He is also disliked for agreeing to let Armenia's Russian-owned electricity company increase rates by 17 percent, and for forcing through a new constitution in December of last year that extended his rule for many years. The simmering anger against the government means police must refrain from storming the Yerevan police station. That would not only lead to the martyring of the occupiers but the deaths of some of the hostages. Sefilian, who served 18 months in prison on a weapons charge in 2007 and 2008, has called openly for a government overthrow. Advertisement He has been unhappy of late with Sargsyan's policy on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. His specific beef is that Sargsyan refuses to commit to retaking small slices of territory that Azerbaijan reclaimed in a flare-up of the fighting in April of this year. Sargsyan has been going along with Russian President Vladimir Putin's effort to broker a Nagorno-Karabakh peace deal. Sefilian, who fought in the Nagorno-Karabakh War from 1990 to 1994, opposes a deal. The Nagorno-Kazabakh War started when the mostly ethnic Armenians in the territory declared their independence and neighboring Azerbaijan objected because it considers the enclave its territory. Armenia has always supported the separatists. Since the takeover of the police station, Sefilian supporters have taken to the streets of Yerevan to demand that he and the station occupiers be released. Most of the demonstrations have been small -- fewer than 200 people -- because most Armenians consider Sefilian's Founding Parliament Party a fringe group. Advertisement Police have used force on the protesters, however -- and that has angered some of the public and members of opposition groups that enjoy broader support. Those groups' strategists are undoubtedly trying to figure out ways to fan the flames of the "Free Sefilian" protests into a broader conflagration against the government. It's just as likely that Sargsyan's loyalists are staying up at night trying to figure out ways to keep that from happening. We are all trying to make sense of what has been a summer filled with far too many senseless acts of violence at home and abroad. We have witnessed tragedies in Baton Rouge, St. Paul, Dallas . . . and before that Orlando. And last week we learned of another horrible terrorist attack--this time in Nice--that claimed 84 lives. There has been so much sadness lately that it hardly seemed possible to absorb any more. But as I began writing this essay on Sunday, a news alert popped up on my screen reporting that three police officers were killed, and three more injured, in a firefight in Baton Rouge. There are unaddressed and unresolved tensions in our country that contribute to the unrest, the anger, and the strain we are seeing in many of our communities. In addition to the racial, social, and economic issues that continue to divide us, we are seeing signs that terrorists are now being "raised" here at home. The shooter in Orlando, who had a history of emotional instability, and before him the couple in San Bernardino who opened fire at the county public health department's Christmas party last December were influenced ideologically and poisoned psychologically by the extremist views of radical jihadist groups overseas that successfully use the internet to recruit and influence. Advertisement As we continue to seek answers and explanations for each individual tragedy, we must guard against becoming complacent or worse, hopeless, as a result of the cumulative impact of these disturbing events. When individuals and communities are assaulted and traumatized, the tendency is to withdraw and shut down. When we feel overwhelmed by the enormity of a challenge we are more likely to become avoidant, depressed, or resigned. While these are understandable human reactions, we mustn't allow ourselves to turn away or give up. We must draw strength from one another and remain focused on identifying solutions to the serious challenges we face as a nation and as a global society. And there is reason to be hopeful. There is much that we can do to address disparities, encourage compassion, and build healthy communities--if we work together to harness the goodness and skills of our citizens. Following several days of racially charged violence here at home, several of our national leaders stepped up to encourage calm and restraint. They asked us to practice tolerance, and they reminded us to listen to one another. President Obama participated in a televised town hall gathering to answer questions from those directly affected by the racial tensions apparent in our communities. The President didn't profess to have all of the answers. Instead he encouraged us to move toward each other to find solutions. He reminded us that we must stop looking to our police to solve and contain all of the issues that plague our most challenged communities. Advertisement While it is helpful to hear from our leaders during times of crisis and instability, it is also important for each of us to lead by example when and where we can. We mustn't abdicate personal responsibility or ignore the power we all have to become part of the solution that our nation needs, that our world needs. The key is to recognize what we each have to offer and identify mechanisms and channels to deliver our gifts to effect change where change is desperately needed. Over the past several weeks I have often found myself thinking of the famous inaugural address that President John F. Kennedy delivered on January 20, 1961: " . . . ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." These words have never been more important. The issues affecting our communities are complex. There is no single approach or simple answer. But we know what healthy communities look like, and we know what the ingredients are to build them. For example, we know that emotionally healthy individuals are less likely to engage in random acts of violence and, in fact, violence of any kind. We know that emotionally healthy parents raise emotionally healthy children, who in turn are more likely to lead productive and successful lives because they are emotionally healthy. And we know that certain conditions promote--and others interfere with--the emotional well-being of a community. And while we all have talents and gifts to contribute, some of us also have valuable skills that can be applied directly to alleviate the emotional suffering we see in our communities here at home and around the world. Providing effective mental health care for those in need is not a panacea for what ails our nation or the world. But providing such care is a necessary step in building healthy and peaceful communities. There are many people suffering as a result of the violence and societal turmoil we see today. And our most vulnerable citizens who struggle with mental illness are at greater risk of falling through the cracks in society during times of unrest and strain. All of those who are suffering emotionally are in need and deserve our help. Those of us in the mental health field have important expertise: we can respond and we can make a difference. Over a decade ago, I founded Give an Hour, an organization whose mission is to "harness the expertise and generosity of volunteer mental health professionals capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions that arise within our society." We began our efforts by asking mental health professionals to give an hour of their time each week to provide critical mental health care to those who serve and their families. Mental health professionals across the country responded. They are still responding. Thus far our network of nearly 7,000 has provided over 192,000 hours of free care to those who serve, our veterans, and their families. Advertisement Over the years we have developed critical partnerships with the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, other nonprofit organizations, foundations, and corporations--all in the service of collectively addressing the mental health needs of this deserving population. In addition to providing direct care, we have developed relationships and projects that are changing the way we think about the challenges and address the issues affecting those who serve and their families. Lately I have been thinking about what we might be able to accomplish if we harness the skills and expertise of more of the 400,000 mental health professionals in our country--professionals who have the skills and expertise we need to address the emotional suffering affecting so many of our citizens. Clearly, we could do a lot. We could add to the available resources in communities all over the country by providing direct care, consultation, and coordination where needed. In addition to the direct positive effect of providing more resources to communities in need, there would be indirect benefits as well. Bringing together individuals with different perspectives and different backgrounds to focus on common goals would lead to greater understanding and sensitivity between groups. And those who agree to serve would benefit as well, because we know that volunteering is as good for those who give their services as it is for those who receive care. The benefits are both personal and professional. My daughters--now 15 and 20--have grown up in the post-9/11 world. When they were little I worried they might be overwhelmed by the pain and suffering they too frequently heard reported in the news and saw on the internet. I used to tell them that the best thing to do in the face of ugliness and brutality is to do good in the world. It seemed to help them. Ever since moving to the Netherlands twenty-two years ago from New York to marry my Dutch partner, I've been living as a "European". That cosmopolitan tag has meant a lot to me, especially when I think of my Jewish grandparents who fled Europe a century ago to find safety in America. They left Europe to escape the same xenophobic prejudices that many Brexit voters now seem to embody. The Europe I moved to in 1994 was a continent of foreigners, moving freely from one country to another without the hassle of visas, work permits, or conflicting health insurance requirements. The "European Project" certainly wasn't perfect, but it opened a brave new world and dampened the ethnic divides that once pervaded this continent and led to repeated and brutal wars. Trade brought peace. But after Britain's "Leave" vote last month, I was shocked to discover that the world I lived in was diminished and soon might cease to exist. Advertisement Brexit is like watching a dear friend commit suicide in slow motion. You can't help him in any way, and you're waiting to see if he's really going to die. It's a painful process. Nobody expected this. So there was no advance planning. But at 5:00 a.m. the day after the vote, I sensed there was a problem. I woke up suddenly and reached for the radio. The BBC announcer was hesitating and clearing his throat, and I knew that something was wrong. Then he said, with a tremor, "The BBC now projects that the Leave campaign has won the referendum. The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union, by a margin or 51.9% to 48.1%." Then he was silent. The enormity of the thing sank in on us all, weighed down as though we were being crushed. Since then I've watched both of Britain's major political parties go into self-destruct, and the leaders who created the referendum rush to quit their jobs and leave the stage. And we're seeing mounting racism: banners in the UK that say "Leave Now/Repatriation Now" and black people cursed on London busses. Anybody with dark skin, British or otherwise, feels threatened. In fact, any foreigner, no matter what his or her color, faces an uncertain future. What does this mean for me as an American in the Netherlands? As a Jew? As a gay man? Suddenly all bets are off. Will the entire European project come crashing down? I fear it will. Advertisement The day after the referendum, I went to get a haircut. The nice Dutch lady who has cut my hair for years noticed I was sad. When I told her I was concerned about Brexit, she brightened up immediately. "Shouldn't WE have a referendum like that in Holland?" I know how she and many other working class Dutch people would vote, to "Leave". I let the subject drop. Britain's momentous decision to withdraw from Europe was, in my view, the greatest European disaster since World War II. It gives strength to the extreme right wing (racist) "Euro-skeptics" throughout Europe, it threatens to tear down the entire European project, and worst of all - I can hardly imagine this - it creates the very real possibility that Donald Trump will be the next President of the United States, Marine LePen will win in France, and Geert Wilders in the Netherlands and Alternative for Germany will gain power. I say this because everyone underestimated the powerful of the angry, anti-establishment vote that led to Brexit. And I fear we are underestimating the power of that vote in other countries, as well. A record 72% of eligible British voters braved storm and rain to vote. Some "Leave" voters were people who voted for the first time in decades. Older, poorer and less educated people were particularly eager to vote "Leave". A revolution occurred that nobody was ready for. Just as unprecedented numbers of voters swarmed to the polls to support Brexit, we could imagine the same phenomenon in America. Donald Trump is mining the same vein of frustration and dissatisfaction that fueled the Brexit vote. Advertisement We have an opportunity to counter that wave if we understand what is powering it. But the mainstream political establishment has been off point until now. Just as Donald Trump caught the Republicans off guard, I fear that Hillary Clinton, a wonderful woman whom I support fully, is conducting a campaign for traditional liberal values that misunderstands the strengths of the opponent she is fighting. British Prime Minister David Cameron's central argument for "Remain" also missed the point. He argued "Brexit will make the UK poorer." That had little affect, it seems, because many Brexiteers already felt poor. While London glitters with the riches of the financial sector and a booming real estate market, towns in the north of England are struggling. People who have two jobs and still can't pay the rent are watching the millionaires dance at the party in London, and they are livid about it. Nigel Farage's UKIP understood this and used it deftly. So does Donald Trump. The U.S. and other countries have similar conditions. Both America's and Europe's economies have hardly grown since the global financial crisis of 2008. Most people feel poorer and powerless to doing anything about it. Worse still, the increasing income disparity means that new wealth is rushing to the already wealthy, leaving most people behind. A decade like this has important political consequences. Hitler came to power in 1933 for similar reasons. So voters are angry and are latching on to "populist", anti-establishment candidates who take their anger seriously. Mainstream politicians on both sides of the aisle are missing the boat, having signed up for unorganized labor, ever freer trade and expanded immigration, without focusing on the role of national governments to protect their citizens from the downsides of these forces with structures to protect employment and share wealth. Their responses are individual rather than structural. They focus on "social issues" like women's rights and same-sex marriage (Obamacare was the exception). But these do not address the core of the problem. People are angry. "Never waste a crisis" is one of our wisest aphorisms. Brexit's bloodless coup gives us a chance to avoid the worse one that would eventually have exploded. But only if we act wisely and see what really happened. Advertisement The failure of both the left and the right to restrain unbridled globalism is what led to this disaster. Investors became the only stakeholders in the nation's economy who mattered and, in the UK and the US, government's role as a mediator disappeared. Unprotected workers saw their incomes decline and the middle class erode. Soon after passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement in the 1990s, Ross Perot's "sucking sound" of jobs whisking out of America started immediately. Manufacturing jobs have declined in America by over 30% since then (only the UK did worse), and nobody protected workers except to tell them to "retrain" for a service economy where they would not be welcome. De-unionized Western manufacturing workers now must compete with Asian wages and employment conditions. This of course goes back to the Reagan/Thatcher Revolution. But it accelerated in the 1990s, when privatization became the flavor of the day, the force that would save us from government inefficiencies. The fall of the Berlin Wall proved the rightness of this, and we never turned back. Well, maybe we should look at turning back now. Because the frustrated workers and voters will not stay silent. They will elect demagogues who are happy to grab their votes. Feeling abandoned by the left, they will turn to the loony right. Hence Trump, Le Pen and Wilders. I'm now an anarchist aiding terrorists. I am, at least in the eyes of many at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland including Donald Trump as well as more than 20 governors and many of their supporters. This week I worked with other members of my community to host a refugee family of four fleeing from the violence in Syria. The family of four, a dad, mom and two children 8 and 9, arrived Wednesday from a refugee camp in Jordan. The work to sponsor the family has taken months and has involved scores of volunteers eager to help. The local rabbi and his synagogue bought the bed and mattress for the master bedroom. A Muslim family shopped for the food that is now both stored on kitchen shelves and was served for the family's first meal. Others rented the van that picked up the family. Advertisement Not everyone is from a faith community, but we seem to have a wide range of backgrounds from Quakers to secular humanists. Together, we have raised $10,000 by holding concerts and passing hats, found and rented a house, furnished it, and located volunteers to assist with an orientation that we expect will take at least six months. The government will pay most of the family's initial expenses but we are already finding addition costs that must be met. After all, the family has to learn English, the dad needs to find a job, the kids have to enroll in school and they all need thorough health examinations. Why are we helping people who some of our top leaders fear may be terrorists? I can only speak for myself, but I suspect that we all find it hard to deny these victims of mass terror and war. The conflict in Syria has raged now for five years and the U.N. High Commission for Refugees reports that it has registered five million refugees who have been forced to flee their homes. "I just can't imagine what it must be like for them, to have to leave their home, come here, and start all over," one man told me as we picked up furniture that had been selected for their new home. Critics say terrorists can easily hide among the 10,000 Syrian refugees that the U.S. appears to be on track in bringing here this year. What surprised me was to learn about the extensive screening these families must undergo by officials from both the U.S. State Department and Homeland Security, including repeated interviews. That process, on average, takes 18 to 24 months, and sometimes longer. Advertisement We have all seen the photos of the dead children on the beaches of Europe or read about entire boatloads of refugees drowning in the Mediterranean. But until I undertook a mandatory training class I had not watched a video depicting by air the Zaatari refugee camp where 80,000 people are packed into three square miles of desert. Here, privacy is non-existent, sanitation is always questionable, medical care is scarce and despair is common. "If you think that looks bad," said another volunteer during the training, "you need to realize that is only one camp. There are many more." Not just for Syrian refugees either. Some Palestinian refugee camps were erected in the 1940s and are still operating. Among the lessons we learned during the training is to refrain from asking the family about their ordeal since they have had to flee their homes. They are already traumatized, repeating the horror may bring it back. Advertisement No one wants that. I may never even meet the family. But the last few days have been extraordinary as I have helped bring in furniture, build a bunk bed, and meet so many different people. There is now a welcome mat in the front mudroom, a homemade quilt on an easy chair in the living room, and a big white teddy bear on the bunk bed. It looks like a home. When our little community group was formed, volunteers agreed that we were willing to assist with more than one family. Already we've begun talking about the next family and the one after that. Perhaps When Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg called Donald Trump a "faker" this past week, she was just doing what she knew best: expressing opinion and passing judgment. After a simple response to a question asked by a reporter regarding her take on the controversial candidate, Ginsburg found herself at the center of a national debate: Should Supreme Court Justices be allowed to contribute to the discussion surrounding presidential campaigns? In a time when the politics of the court so heavily impact its ability to proceed, by republican obstruction preventing the appointment of Judge Merrick Garland, it is only fitting that Supreme Court Justices be permitted to voice their opinions and actively contribute to political discourse, without public scrutiny. Particularly when a candidate's policy platforms include flagrantly unconstitutional proposals, members of the Supreme Court should feel an obligation to thwart the continuation of ideology that threatens the principles they are appointed to protect. While Ginsburg's comments demonstrate a break in the precedent of Supreme Court Justices abstaining from political commentary, this break marks a positive step, and should be met with praise rather than condemnation. The conversation over the role that the court should play in the 2016 presidential election did not begin with Ginsburg's comments against Trump, but rather when Mitch McConnell and the Republican controlled senate refused to vote on the appointment of Merrick Garland in February. This decision was one that strategically dragged the Supreme Court into the center of our national discussion; the 2016 presidential election carried new weight as the election that could tip the scale of the highest court in our nation. With such high stakes, the stances of the eight remaining justices held a newfound importance. Through the election of our new president, not only would the executive branch be up for grabs, but the judicial branch was at stake too. Advertisement Yet when Ginsburg spoke out against Donald Trump, the nation acted surprised to see her possessing an opinion- as if her position excluded her voice from the public debate. With Trump proposing a litany of unconstitutional proposals, notably including an outright ban on Muslim immigrants, and displaying a total irreverence for the court through his racist remarks against Judge Gonzalo Curiel, Ginsburg's statements served as an appropriate commentary against an individual who has entirely disrespected our legal system. Justice Ginsburg's remarks came after being lobbed questions about what she thinks of the Republican nominee for president, to which she replied softly, stating that she finds him to be a faker, that she cannot imagine the state of our country with him as our leader, and that her late husband would jokingly suggest that the couple move to New Zealand. The nation wrongfully responded in an outcry, attacking Ginsburg for abusing her position as a member of the Supreme Court and claiming that her remarks demonstrated a lack of impartiality. Trump himself suggested that she should resign for making such comments, stating in a tweet, "Justice Ginsburg of the U.S. Supreme Court has embarrassed all by making very dumb political statements about me. Her mind is shot - resign!" There is undoubtedly a great deal of hypocrisy surrounding the condemnation of Justice Ginsburg from the right wing of American politics. Republicans who made the Supreme Court a defining issue of the 2016 election through their refusal to appoint a justice to fill Antonin Scalia's seat, now find themselves on the opposite side of their own argument, claiming that the Supreme Court is above politics and its justices should remain silent during the election season. Beyond the blatant hypocrisy is the simple fact that at its core, a large majority of the rhetoric spewed by Donald Trump is, in fact, unconstitutional. There is no sacrifice in impartiality by commenting against a plethora of policy proposals that do not hold up to the rule of law, which she swore an oath to protect. While she has since publicly apologized for the comments, we as a nation cannot continue to hold our justices silent when the circumstances pose an obvious need for their perspective. Advertisement Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black wrote in New York Times v. United States (1971) ("Pentagon Papers" case): "[P]aramount among the responsibilities of a free press is the duty to prevent any part of the government from deceiving the people and sending them off to distant lands to die of foreign fevers and foreign shot and shell. In my view, far from deserving condemnation for their courageous reporting, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and other newspapers should be commended for serving the purpose that the Founding Fathers saw so clearly. In revealing the workings of government that led to the Vietnam war, the newspapers nobly did precisely that which the Founders hoped and trusted they would do." But is The Washington Post currently discharging its responsibility of fearless and balanced reporting on matters of war and peace, or is it a megaphone of the multi-trillion dollar military-industrial-counterterrorism complex that has engulfed the United States in permanent global warfare? Think about it: approximately 20 percent of our current population has never lived a single day with the United States at peace, and probably never will. Advertisement As a concession to the shortness of life, I have selected for analysis a representative paragraph in a news article by Washington Post reporter Karan DeYoung published on July 17, 2016 at A14 ( "Would declaring 'war' on ISIS make victory more certain--or would it not matter?"). The paragraph postulates or insinuates that national security experts virtually universally agree that the President is constitutionally crowned with Article II authority to wage war on his own; and, that detractors who assert that presidential wars are unconstitutional because Congress under Article I, section 8, clause 11 is exclusively entrusted with decisions to cross the Rubicon from a state of peace to a state of war are fringe leftists with fringe arguments. Ms. DeYoung writes: "There is little argument, outside certain legal and left-leaning political circles, that Obama has the power to do everything he is now doing and more [against ISIS without any congressional declaration of war or authorization to use military force]. Although Obama and his top aides once ridiculed Bush's claim of authority to wage war on his own as commander in chief of the armed forces under Article II of the Constitution, they now regularly invoke it." Approximately 20 percent of our current population has never lived a single day with the United States at peace, and probably never will. The Washington Post is an honorable newspaper and its reporters are honorable reporters. It is thus painful to submit that the aforementioned paragraph more befits George Orwell's 1984 than an independent newspaper. Advertisement President George Washington, who presided over the constitutional convention and whose politics were not "left-leaning," authoritatively repudiated the claim of presidential power to wage war without congressional authorization. He elaborated without ambiguity: "The Constitution vests the power of declaring war with Congress. Therefore no offensive expedition of importance can be undertaken until after they have deliberated upon the subject, and authorized such a measure." Every delegate present at the creation of the Constitution agreed. Alexander Hamilton, who was a delegate to the constitutional convention, echoed President Washington in Federalist 69: "The President is to be commander-in-chief of the army and navy of the United States. In this respect his authority would be nominally the same with that of the king of Great Britain, but in substance much inferior to it. It would amount to nothing more than the supreme command and direction of the military and naval forces, as first General and admiral of the Confederacy; while that of the British king extends to the DECLARING of war and to the RAISING and REGULATING of fleets and armies, all which, by the Constitution under consideration, would appertain to the legislature." James Madison, renowned as the father of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, secretary of state, and twice President of the United States, explained in a letter to Thomas Jefferson: ""The constitution supposes, what the History of all Govts demonstrates, that the Ex. is the branch of power most interested in war, & most prone to it. It has accordingly with studied care, vested the question of war in the Legisl." President Thomas Jefferson insisted on authorization from Congress before offensive use of the military in the Barbary Wars. He explained that he was "unauthorized by the Constitution, without the sanction of Congress, to go beyond the line of defense"; Congress alone could authorize "measures of offense also." Jefferson thus informed Congress: "I communicate [to you] all material information on this subject, that in the exercise of this important function confided by the Constitution to the Legislature exclusively their judgment may form itself on a knowledge and consideration of every circumstance of weight." James Wilson, delegate to the constitutional convention and future Justice of the United States Supreme Court, emphasized to the Pennsylvania ratification convention: "This system will not hurry us into war; it is calculated to guard against it. It will not be in the power of a single man, or a single body of men, to involve us in such distress; for the important power of declaring war is vested in the legislature at large: this declaration must be made with the concurrence of the House of Representatives: from this circumstance we may draw a certain conclusion that nothing but our interest can draw us into war." Advertisement United States Chief Justice John Marshall, who served in the Virginia ratification convention, in Congress, and as secretary of state, lectured in Talbot v. Seeman (1801): "The whole powers of war being, by the constitution of the United States, vested in Congress, the acts of that body alone [in contrast to presidential orders] can be resorted to as guides to this inquiry." Abraham Lincoln also rejected presidential power to wage war on his own: "The provision of the Constitution giving the war making power to Congress was dictated, as I understand it, by the following reasons: kings had always been involving and impoverishing their people in wars, pretending generally, if not always, that the good of the people was the object. This our convention understood to be the most oppressive of all kingly oppressions, and they resolved to so frame the Constitution that no one man should hold the power of bringing this oppression upon us." Massachusetts Republican Senator Henry Cabot Lodge spearheaded defeat of the League of Nations Treaty because it would have empowered the president to wage war in defense of other nations without congressional authorization. Advocates for the view that the Constitution empowers the President to wage war on his own are airbrushing Article I out of the Constitution. John Bassett Moore, whose voice was gospel on international law, and who occupied the first professorship of international law at Columbia University, instructed, "There can hardly be room for doubt that the framers of the constitution, when they vested in Congress the power to declare war, never imagined that they were leaving it to the executive to use the military and naval forces of the United States all over the world for the purpose of actually coercing other nations, occupying their territory, and killing their soldiers and citizens, all according to his own notions of the fitness of things, as long as he refrained from calling his action war or persisted in calling it peace." Advertisement In sum, advocates for the view that the Constitution empowers the President to wage war on his own are airbrushing Article I, section 8, clause 11 out of the constitution as understood by its authors. Could Donald Trump similarly airbrush out of the Bill of Rights the First Amendment's protection of freedom of the press to destroy The Washington Post? What provisions of the Constitution are off limits to airbrushing by sheer assertion? Is the Constitution today a mere homonym of the authentic document? It sounds the same and is spelled the same but means something different? Repetition does not make unconstitutional actions constitutional. If that were true, we would still be living under separate-but- equal and women would still be second-class citizens or worse under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. Presidential war power advocates often argue that dramatic changes in weapons and other technologies since the 1789 ratification of the Constitution have placed an unforeseen premium on speed and decisiveness in national security matters that make the Constitution's allocation of war powers to Congress obsolete. But the Constitution's architects were not dolts. They knew that the science of government is the science of experiment. They knew that the future could only be dimly perceived, and thus provided for constitutional amendments in Article V. The very first Congress proposed twelve amendments and ten were ratified. Slavery was abolished by the Thirteenth Amendment. Women were granted the suffrage by the Nineteenth Amendment. Repetition does not make unconstitutional actions constitutional. There has never been an amendment, however, that alters the Constitution's exclusive entrustment to Congress of the responsibility of deciding on war, which legalizes what is customarily first degree murder. The Article V amendment process remains open to proponents of presidential authority to wage war without a prior congressional declaration. Under the constitutional view that The Washington Post represents is as indisputable as the force of gravity and unworthy of debate, the President could wage war against China on his own over the South China Sea based on secret evidence no more reliable than the "slam dunk" intelligence that concluded Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction that justified of our 2003 multi-trillion dollar invasion of Iraq. Such a war against China could involve nuclear weapons, inflict tens of millions of civilian casualties, and bring the world to an end with a nuclear winter. China is not ISIS. The Chinese armed forces bested General Douglas MacArthur in the Korean War. Advertisement Photo by: Dennis Van Tine/STAR MAX/IPx 7/20/16 Donald Trump at day 3 of The Republican National Convention. (Cleveland, Ohio) The Trump Convention has been a strange mash-up of three previous moments in Republican history -- each of which ended tragically. First, most seminally, is Joe McCarthy's rise and fall, and the witch-hunt he unleashed. Trump himself, his campaign manager Paul Manafort, and advisor Roger Stone, were mentored and indoctrinated by Trail-Gunner Joe's consiglieri, Roy Cohn. This is Trump's political core, and he calls on it repeatedly in crisis. Trump drew directly on McCarthyism when, after Orlando, he unleashed Newt Gingrich to call for the re-establishment of the House Committee on Un-American Activities, to ferret out Muslim Americans who were planning terror attacks. Trump political adviser Roger Stone accused Clinton aide Huma Abedin of being a terrorist agent working on behalf of the Saudi government. (The one real Saudi Agent highly placed in the 2016 presidential campaign is Trump's Campaign Chairman, Paul Manafort, Stone's business partner, who lobbied for them against Israel, after previously brokering corrupt Saudi arms deals with the French.) Advertisement Then, on the opening night in Cleveland, Manafort drew on another dark moment, Richard's Nixon's Miami Beach Convention with its hard-edged, divisive and racially tinged politics, "If you go back and read," Manafort said at a Bloomberg News breakfast, "that speech is pretty much on line with a lot of the issues that are going on today." Reporting this, The New York Times summed up Manafort's model from Nixon as being a "path to victory this fall through the exploitation of the country's anxieties about race, its fears of terrorism and its mood of disaffection, especially among white, working-class Americans." Notably, The Times did not suggest that Trump would emulate Nixon's complex substantive legacy: wage and price controls, an opening to China after decades as an anti-Communist hawk, a Southern strategy after an earlier role as a civil rights leader, the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. The third ingredient being mixed on the banks of the Cuyahoga River is Barry Goldwater's 1974 San Francisco Convention. The symbolic moment was the vision of Trump standing to the side pumping his fist as his delegates booed and drowned out Ted Cruz for refusing to endorse Tail Gunner Donald. Revolutions, it has been said every since the fall of the Bastille, eat their young. This was the year the conservative Revolution that seized the Republican party for Goldwater reached launched its Reign of Terror. Goldwater might not have approved -- but he set the template. Advertisement But it is on substance that Trumpism has more to do with Goldwater's platform than with either McCarthy or Nixon. Goldwater was willing, and eager, to break the Eisenhower Republican coalition apart on the issue of its leadership on civil rights, in which Nixon played a significant part. (It was House and Senate Republicans, not Democrats, who gave Lyndon Johnson the votes for his civil rights bills.) Without Goldwater having accepted the first Republican Jim Crow Convention delegations at San Francisco, Nixon (and Manafort) could not have executed their Southern Strategy. Neither trade nor immigration was a major issue in 1964, but one of Goldwater's main attacks on Rockefeller was that his foreign policy represented "America Last." "Unpredictability" in foreign policy? Goldwater trade-marked the concept, as well as Trump's scorn for multilateralism, spectacularly displayed on Wednesday in the promise to abandon NATO's commitment to defend any member nation attacked by the Soviet Union. Nixon and McCarthy were both strong advocates of collective action against communism. Trump's ambition, and Manafort's, is to outdo these three progenitors. He has already outdone McCarthy, who was taken down by the Republican establishment, after McCarthy's Senate hearings investigating alleged communist influence in the military. Army counsel Joseph Welch was waiting for McCarthy to go too far. When McCarthy repeatedly attacked a young law associate in Welch's firm, Welch skewered him with the comment, "Have you left no sense of decency, sir." This moment, (which I at the age of nine was called in to witness on TV by my mother) was the beginning of the end for McCarthy and McCarthyism. This year proved that the modern Republican party, at least, has no sense of decency left. November will tell whether Trump gets to exceed Goldwater by winning the presidency. History alone would then record whether Trump's hubris and narcissism produce even more spectacular catastrophes than Nixon's downfall. Advertisement President Obama has said it out loud, noting that "there are biases -- some conscious and unconscious -- that have to be rooted out." Many commentators, including me, have pointed to unconscious bias (rather than overt racism) as what underlies the ongoing racial tension in our country. It also deprives organizations of the known value of true diversity. So how do we "root it out"? The answer is to make people aware of their own biases - so they can change their thinking and their actions. As a result, many organizations turn to "unconscious bias training." Does it work? A recent article in Harvard Business Review points out the increase in the number of organizations who have unconscious bias training programs - and the failure of these programs to produce results. The article explores why some approaches to unconscious bias training do not work - or even make the problem worse. Advertisement Apparently some companies frame the problem being addressed as prevention of costly lawsuits. Often the approach is to "blame and shame" participants about their biases "signaling that the training is remedial." And many make the training mandatory. Not only are such approaches unlikely to engage interest or commitment, the research shows, it can actually backfire and cause backlash. "[L]aboratory studies show that this kind of force-feeding can activate bias rather than stamp it out.... People often rebel against rules to assert their autonomy. Try to coerce me to do X, Y, or Z, and I'll do the opposite just to prove that I'm my own person." Instead of improving tools of inclusiveness, trainers say, participants "respond to compulsory courses with anger and resistance--and many participants actually report more animosity toward other groups afterward." Well, duh! Any of these approaches, common sense tells us, won't work. If mandatory programs backfire, make them voluntary and interesting. The HBR report shows that voluntary programs evoke a positive response. Avoidance of litigation is the lowest level to approach the issue of diversity. Effective training programs frame diversity and inclusion as a business opportunity and an opportunity to increase engagement and make individuals and teams more effective - not as a way to avoid legal risk! Blaming and shaming naturally put people on the defense. Our workshops always stress that the purpose is improvement, not remediation. Most important we need to "normalize" bias, to de-stigmatize it, taking the judgment (and therefore defensiveness) away. Shankar Vedantam's book, The Hidden Brain, explores the brain science underlying bias. He shows that biases are a human survival mechanism. Only if we recognize that everyone has bias can we open the conversation about what our individual biases are - and how they create privilege for some and obstacles for others. Advertisement By Adanjesus Marin and Walter Barrientos In the coming days, our nation's media will focus enormous attention on the formal anointment of Donald Trump as the GOP's candidate for president at the Republican National Convention. Endless ink will be spilled on Mr. Trump's entrance, his appearances, and his words. But, as the Republican Party prepares itself to nominate the most anti-immigrant and racist presidential candidate in at least a generation, Americans should not just be watching Mr. Trump--we must pay attention to those who follow him. It's no secret that Mr. Trump has defined himself politically, from the very launch of his campaign, by scapegoating immigrants as "criminals" and "rapists," and doubling down on his bigotry with proposals to, among other things, deport eleven million undocumented immigrants and ban all Muslim immigrants. Mr. Trump's dominant strategy has been to animate the nativist portion of the Republican primary electorate--a strategy that proved quite successful in the primaries, and that Mr. Trump will continue (albeit in modified fashion) in the general election. None of this is new. And Republicans will likely lose the White House because Trump has so alienated Latinos, communities of color, and other groups, including women. But as Latinos and immigrants, we can't just watch Trump. Our fight is not just about defeating Trump: it's also about defeating "Trumpism," the anti-immigrant and hateful policies and rhetoric he embraces. That's why have to, and we will, watch who follows him in contested Congressional races around the country. These "down-ballot" elections will determine the prospects for critical federal legislation in 2017 and beyond on issues including: reforming our out-of-date immigration system and ensuring that millions of immigrant families can remain together, ending police brutality, and raising the federal minimum wage. What we will if we watch the candidates in these congressional races over the next few days is as simple and scary: the lion's share of one of America's two principal parties, including hundreds of sitting Congressional representatives, will embrace Trump's hateful campaign strategy and applaud him as he formally becomes their standard bearer. Their embrace will take two forms. First will be incumbents and candidates who wholeheartedly endorse Trump. Hundreds of Republican elected officials have said openly that they will support him, and they will double down through November. Their ranks will grow during and after the convention. These Trump acolytes are people like Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York, who has endorsed and then repeatedly stumped for Mr. Trump. At the RNC, voters should pay careful attention to figures like Mr. Zeldin. Despite representing a moderate district where people of color represent roughly 20 percent of the voting-age population, Rep. Zeldin has acknowledged the racism in Trump's words, but refused to withdraw his support. Second will be legislators who are uncomfortable with the Trump brand, but quietly copy his playbook. Many Republicans are concerned that Trump's divisive rhetoric may hurt the Republican brand and their poll numbers--so they stop short of full-throated endorsement, and in some cases are skipping the convention--but will mirror his demagoguery. Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania offers a perfect example. Locked in a re-election fight with Democrat Katie McGinty, Toomey has not endorsed Trump for fear of its political downside. Instead, he has echoed Trump's nativist appeals, leading efforts in the Senate to punish localities that have sought to improve community-police relations and public safety for all residents by distancing local law enforcement from immigration enforcement. To justify this politically-motivated policy fight, Sen. Toomey has suggested that immigrants are criminals and murderers--despite research consistently showing that immigrants commit fewer crimes than native-born residents. This behavior from legislators like Zeldin and Toomey will not be lost on Latinos, voters of color, and other voters who stand for inclusion and diversity. Latino and immigrant voters across this country are angry and we are energized. This is why residents protested outside Rep. Zeldin and Sen. Toomey's offices this past weekend. And it is why, over the coming months, community organizations across the country, working with national groups like the Center for Community Change Action and Center for Popular Democracy Action, will be talking to millions of voters in our communities to make sure that they know the importance of voting all the way down the ballot. No number of photo ops at local cultural events will erase the damage that legislators like these are doing to themselves, and to the Republican Party writ large, by embracing the politics of Trump. As the GOP prepares for its convention, let there be no mistake: our communities are watching. And, to those who have embraced the politics of Trump, we say: we see you. And, in November, we will hold you accountable for vilifying us. Adanjesus Marin is the Pennsylania State Director, and Walter Barrientos is the Long Island Coordinator, of Make the Road Action, an immigrant advocacy organization. Follow their work: @MaketheRoadAct The British today have an identity problem - but this is nothing new. The referendum on whether Britain should remain in the European Union delivered a political and economic shocker: 52 percent of voters favored leaving the EU; 48 percent favored staying. The polls, the pundits, and the betting parlours all predicted no "Brexit." The vote would be close, but Britain would remain. Oops. The pound sterling dropped to its lowest level in 30 years, and now there appears to be some misgiving about the outcome, as many "protest voters" who voted "leave" to send a signal to establishment elites have now surfaced to claim that they really didn't mean it after all. They didn't think their "leave" vote would actually result in, well, leaving. Since the 1970s, Britain has never been "all in" when it came to the EU. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher favored closer integration of Britain with Europe in many important areas but drew the line (wisely, it now appears) when it came to currency union. But now Britain is "all out," and it is unclear whether this will be an economically wise decision in the long term. Advertisement From 1973 to 1975, I lived in Britain as a graduate student. Those years saw the country at an economic and political low point: stagflation, a bitter miner's strike, feckless Conservative and Labour Party leadership, and unrest in Northern Ireland. Mrs. Thatcher changed all of that and championed reforms that created today's thriving London and its presence as a global banking and financial center. The problem, however, seems to be in the rest of the country, where the glitter, glamor, and wealth of London has not played out so well, even though overall UK unemployment is now at a low 5.1 percent. In my student days, I sensed that Britain was keenly aware of its role as a former global empire and was still searching for an appropriate, comfortable place in the world. Would it be a leader or a follower? I will never forget one exchange over breakfast one day in my college. A college employee was arguing -- seriously -- that Britain should become the 51st American state, while another opined memorably that "the problem with you Yanks is that you're all overfed, oversexed, and over here!" I remained silent through this debate. Notwithstanding the humor, this exchange illustrated the ongoing British identity issue: go it alone or join something larger than the United Kingdom (somebody else's empire?). More than 40 years later, the same debate is being replayed, but this time within the context of concerns about globalization (and the failure to share its gains evenly), immigration, stagnant middle class incomes, urban versus rural attitudes (with 1 percenters flocking to the large cities), a mistrust and rejection of elites (especially Brussels bureaucrats, perceived as out-of-touch), and the continuing rise of populist sentiments. Advertisement Every couple of weeks, the London "Financial Times" issues a glossy, full-color magazine called "How to spend it." A recent issue featured a "Boating Edition" with entrepreneur Richard Branson on the cover. There was a full-page ad for "The worlds (sic) most desirable, exclusive & luxurious charter yacht." One boat was available for 45,000 per week, or you could rent an estate on Moskito Island in the British Virgin Islands for $47,300 per night. There was also a white gold watch that cost 202,900. F. Scott Fitzgerald famously wrote that "the rich are different...." My guess is that many more of the "Leave" voters - to paraphrase William Wordsworth -- are more focused on getting rather than on spending. As many observers have noted, these concerns are also playing out in other western democracies. Populist parties in France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain are taking cues from the British "Leave" vote. In the United States, this election season has included the rise of populists on the right (Donald Trump) and on the left (Bernie Sanders). Each man, in his different way, has made appeals to disaffected Americans who are not part of the top one percent of income earners. The appeal of Trump and Sanders to their very different supporters lies in the fact that they are not scripted and claim to care about some of the things that animated "Leave" voters. Their supporters just don't seem to worry whether their economic policies make any sense or are affordable given today's serious budget constraints. Trump and Sanders each have their own band of middle class populist supporters. The fascinating new documentary "Weiner" features the campaign travails of disgraced former New York Congressman Anthony Weiner who campaigned to be Mayor of New York City in 2013. (Go and see this film!) How believable was his claim that he would work to keep New York the great middle class city that it is? Middle class - when the average Manhattan apartment sells for $1.87 million as of this time last year, with one or more apartments topping the $100 million range? How believable is Hillary Clinton as a champion of the American middle class when she wears a $12,495 Armani jackets to a campaign event on inequality and pocketed $250,000 per speech to Wall Street firms for about one hour of work. Today, median household income in the United States remains about $52,000. Advertisement The late Columbia University historian, Richard Hofstadter, published a famous book in 1962 called Anti-Intellectualism in American Life. In the introduction, Hofstadter cited John Dewey for his observation that "[e]very thinker puts some portion of an apparently stable world in peril, and no one can wholly predict what will emerge in its place." Today, it's not just elites who are doing the thinking. Elites are no longer trusted; that is the fundamental message about change and new directions coming from the "Brexit" vote. Direct democracy is returning to favor when average citizens perceive a massive disconnect between the promises and the performance of the people they have trusted for the last 40 years. I think there are two arenas that we really have to focus on. One of them is ending workplace discrimination because it really is a battle not only about the actual discrimination people experience but it's a battle about naming and acknowledging the existence of the LGBT community. The far right when they oppose us at every turn what they're really saying is we don't want the state and we don't want the laws to acknowledge you as actual people. We think that you don't really exist, you just need what God we worship, you just need whatever psychological analyses we provide. We don't believe LGBT people exist and every time a law passes that says you do exist and that you deserve dignity, it undermines their worldview. They think we shouldn't exist and if we say we do exist we should be forced to hide and if we don't hide successfully, violence or discrimination befalls us, then that's just the way things ought to be, to drive us back in the closet. So that is the worldview that drives them to oppose even anti bullying laws in our schools. The work of ending discrimination is certainly about protecting people from losing their jobs or even living in a world where we fear that at any moment discrimination is possible. Will I be denied access to that restaurant; will I be denied this job; will I be harassed trying to get a hotel room? But it is also about addressing the basic recognition and dignity of our lives. The other area that I think should be at the top of our agenda if we're going to uproot the hatred and fear is at the core of this discrimination and violence we have to focus on schools. We have to stop having the lowest bar possible which is students who go to school should not be physically assaulted, verbally abused and emotionally terrorized. That's the least our schools should be. That should not be the highest we aspire to. We should create learning environments where dignity and respect of difference is built in. Where LGBT young people cannot only just go and expect not to be harassed, but can go and expect to thrive and there are models for it and we need the investment in it now. ISTANBUL, TURKEY - JULY 20: People watch on while a speech by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is shown on a big screen in Taksim Square on July 20, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey. Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced tonight a three month state of emergency following Friday night's failed coup. Clean up operations are continuing in the aftermath with the death toll now standing at 246 and 1536 wounded. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) Lately, Turkish-German relations have been far from trouble-free. Chancellor Angela Merkel has grown frustrated with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a number of reasons, including: disputes over the visa requirements for Turks, the heated debate over the Armenian Genocide Resolution, and the Jan Bohmermann affair -- when satirical mockery of Turkey's president led to the prosecution of a German comic. Following a failed attempt to overthrow the Turkish government and Erdogan's sharp reaction, Germany's relationship with Ankara is nearing collapse. Concerns are growing in Berlin and Brussels. Advertisement Generating particular concern in Germany and the EU is Erdogan's reported desires of bringing back the death penalty. "We cannot ignore this demand," Erdogan told crowds rallied outside his residence this past weekend. "In democracies, whatever the people say has to happen." Shortly after the coup attempt was squashed, "I want the death penalty" rose as a popular hashtag on Twitter throughout Turkey. The death penalty was abolished in Turkey over two stages, in 2002 and 2004, as part of the nation's bid to join the EU. A return to the death penalty would throw Turkey's diplomatic standing back 10 years. Advertisement It's clear that if Erdogan's threats turn into concrete action, Germany will find it difficult to allow Turkey to stay in the EU. "Germany and the member states of the EU have a clear position on that: we categorically reject the death penalty," government spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Monday. So far, Erdogan has been a difficult negotiating partner. In the near future, he could become an uncontrollable radical -- and in effect jeopardize the future of the EU. Despite the EU's unanimous condemnation of the attempted coup, Berlin and Brussels are on the brink of a new ice age with Ankara. There are strong indications that Europe is heading towards major conflict with Turkey. So far, Erdogan has been a difficult negotiating partner. In the near future, he could become an uncontrollable radical -- and in effect jeopardize the future of the EU. Advertisement It's clear that the EU's relationship with Ankara poses more questions than answers. Some of those include: What will become of the refugee deal? What will happen next in the debate over the visa requirements for Turkish citizens? Has Erdogan forsaken the EU's requirements for reforms to Turkey's terror laws? "If the EU and Berlin decide to get serious and break off the [border] entry negotiations with Turkey, then Erdogan can turn around and threaten sanctions. At which point Europe would be at risk of an escalation spiral," Thomas Jager, professor of international politics and foreign policy at the University of Cologne, said in a conversation with HuffPost Germany. The political scientist also predicts that Erdogan's "structural violence," and the projected escalation in repression will result in a new wave of refugees. "A growing number of Turks will, in the coming weeks and months, notice that this country is no longer somewhere they want to or can live in," says Jager. Jager's views have been informed by reports by members of Turkey's political opposition, who have expressed anxiety for their safety in the government crackdown following the failed coup. Advertisement Still, Jager believes that the current situation won't necessarily lead to a break in Turkish-European relations. "Everything now strongly depends on how Erdogan responds to the EU's warnings. The ball is in his court," he said. As long as I count the votes, what are you going to do about it? Attributed to William Marcy Tweed Kansas is back in the news, and the purpose of this column is to reassure Kansans that although he played a vital role as a member of the Republican Party Platform Committee, their Secretary of State, Kris Kobach, has not let the affairs of Kansas languish. Mr. Kobach's role on the Republican Platform Committee has been significant. One of his accomplishments was getting language inserted into the platform that addresses the border wall Donald Trump has proposed. The language that he caused to be inserted states that: "The border wall must cover the entirety of the southern border and must be sufficient to stop both vehicular and pedestrian traffic." The Platform Committee also responded favorably to Mr. Kobach's suggestion that the platform condemn the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court opinion legalizing gay marriage, a decision he called "obviously incorrect." Mr. Kobach is a lawyer so he is in a good position to evaluate the correctness of decisions rendered by the country's highest court. Notwithstanding his involvement in convention activities, Mr. Kobach still had time to address critical issues in Kansas. The most critical issue confronting Kansans during the upcoming election season, as Kansans who follow such things know, is non-citizen-voter fraud and here, under Mr. Kobach's guidance, is how it has been addressed. Advertisement On July 11, 2016, the Kansas Rules and Regulations Board approved a temporary regulation that pertains to Kansas citizens who register to vote at motor vehicle offices but do not bring with them proof of citizenship. The new rule is expected to impact roughly 17,000 voters who registered to vote at motor vehicle offices without providing proof of citizenship. Here is how that the new rule will work in practice. When voters who registered to vote at motor vehicle offices without presenting proof of citizenship show up to vote, they will get the same ballot as everyone else, but it will be treated as "provisional" and, after the election, only votes on that ballot for federal races will be counted and votes for local races will not. Mr. Kobach was not acting mindlessly in asking for this new regulation. The Kansas legislature had already enacted the Secure and Fair Elections law that imposes proof of citizenship requirements on Kansas voters who want to register to vote, but the law had already been successfully challenged in 2016 in both state and federal courts. In January, a District Court Judge in Shawnee County Kansas ruled that: "a person is either registered to vote or he or she is not. . . . [T]he right to vote, is not tied to the method of registration." In May, U.S District Judge, Julie Robinson, said that the Kansas Statute ran afoul of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) the aim of which is to make voter registration simple rather than difficult. She said that Kansas cannot require proof of citizenship in order for citizens to register to vote in federal elections. In her ruling, Judge Robinson observed that by having one kind of registration for federal elections and another for state elections, Kansas will have a two tiered election regime "that would create separate requirements for registering to vote for federal and state elections." She observed that that" "is a problem of the State's own making. If the State wishes to change its voter registration laws that directly contradict the provisions of the NVRA, it does so at its own risk. To the extent such laws are preempted by the NVRA, they may not apply to registration for federal elections." Advertisement Although Mr. Kobach appealed both those rulings, he knew he had to do something before the 2016 elections took place since no appeal would be finally decided until after the elections. And that is why he found it necessary to persuade the Kansas Rules and Regulations Board to enact the regulations described above. The new regulations may not, however, be the panacea Mr. Kobach hoped. On July 19, 2016, the ACLU filed suit attacking the newly issued regulations claiming that they violate both state law and the state constitution. Its hope is to have the constitutionality of that regulation addressed by the court in advance of the upcoming elections. Ozana Rodrigues, the mother of Brian De Mulder, who left for Syria after being indoctrinated by Islamist group Sharia4Belgium, poses with a photo of her son outside the Antwerp courthouse, where the trial of the group is currently taking place, January 29, 2015. As Belgium braces for a verdict in Europe's biggest trial of those accused of fostering Islamist violence in Syria, much attention is on poor Muslim immigrant communities' struggle in a region blighted by youth unemployment. But for parents in Antwerp, a city on high alert since the Charlie Hebdo massacre in Paris and police raids on Belgian jihadists, the ruling on February 11 by judges there may never explain why their two sporty teenagers, with no Muslim heritage, abandoned comfortable homes to take up arms in the Middle East. And whatever sentences may be passed on their sons, Brian De Mulder's mother and Jejoen Bontinck's father both say the damage done by those who recruited them - harm that includes lost jobs and disrupted homes for parents and siblings - cannot be undone. Picture taken on January 29, 2015. REUTERS/Yves Herman (BELGIUM - Tags: CRIME LAW CONFLICT CIVIL UNREST POLITICS RELIGION) STUTTGART, Germany -- When 19-year-old Akhror Saidakhmetov started hanging out with two older men and talking about waging jihad in Syria, his mother took away his passport. Later, as the Washington Post reports, when he begged to get it back -- admitting that he wanted to join the so-called Islamic State -- she hung up the phone. Mothers like her may be the first, last and best approach to stopping militant recruiters, but law enforcement often leaves them out of counterterrorism efforts in the U.S. and Europe. There are three different approaches a country can take against violent extremism and terrorism: prevention, repression and intervention. Mostly, Western countries rely on prevention and repression. They focus on containing the active extremist movement through law enforcement operations, or they finance large-scale educational and advocacy programs directed at those deemed to be at risk of violent radicalization. However, Western governments often overlook more targeted deradicalization programs (sometimes called "off-ramps") that engage the families and the immediate communities of individuals deemed to be falling under the sway of extremist narratives. Advertisement Mothers may be the first, last and best approach to stopping militant recruiters. Two years ago, I founded GIRDS -- the German Institute for Radicalization and Deradicalization Studies -- which works around the world to figure out how to intervene when people become radicalized. I first became interested in the topic growing up in a small Berlin suburb where neo-Nazi skinheads were an accepted part of the youth culture. I went away to university and then on a Fulbright scholarship to study violent extremism and counterterrorism. Since then, I have been working as a family counselor to develop deradicalization programs, including specially designed family counseling programs for relatives of jihadi fighters. As governments increase the pressure on extremist groups through sting operations and raids, some members begin to crack, facing a choice to withdraw from the group (which they might want to do, if given a path to do so) or escalate their commitment by doing something violent. Intervention programs aim to provide that first path, allowing wavering members of an extremist cell a way out. A key ingredient of such programs is the debunking of appealing extremist narratives. We strive to destroy the "jihadi cool" by having someone say, "I've been there ... And it sucks." Tina Alkhanashvili, mother of Ramzan Bagashvili, who left home at 18 to join ISIS, is interviewed at her house in the village of Duisi, Georgia on April 7, 2015. (AP/Shakh Aivazov) If we want to prevent future attacks, we need to recruit family and close friends of potential attackers into the counterterrorism effort and provide them with specially trained experts. In many previous attacks by lone actors or members of small terror cells, someone in the attackers' close social environment recognized a disturbing change in their behavior. Sometimes this close relative or friend even knew about the attack plans. Advertisement Frequently these families or friends are desperate to get help and advice on what to do, despite their mixed feelings about betraying a loved one, but law enforcement rarely offers a strategy for making this seem possible. These gatekeepers know what might have motivated their family members to join the radical group and what drives them. In countries that have introduced a dedicated family counseling hotline and support program against violent radicalization, these programs were overwhelmed with calls and requests for help from families of individuals from all different stages of radicalization. This indicates the high demand and the success in reaching out to the affected families once they are offered specially designed programs and neutral third party counselors. Designed and conducted correctly, these programs empower families and communities to counter the appeal of violent extremism. We work by reaching out to the gatekeepers -- family and close friends. Because these gatekeepers know their friends and relatives best, they also know what might have motivated them to join the radical group and what drives them. These gatekeepers also have the legitimacy to suggest alternatives and bring in other solutions. But for that, they need help and strong support networks. Landi Alinji and his mother Hurma Alinji, the brother and mother of Ervis Alinji, who is believed to have been killed as an ISIS soldier, are pictured in their home in the village of Leshnice, Albania on April 25, 2016. (GENT SHKULLAKU/AFP/Getty Images) Mothers are essential gatekeepers. Most of the mothers I have worked with who have lost their children to ISIS or other terrorist groups have noticed something changing about their child but were mostly alone without any outside help. When these families contact me from around the world, what I hear almost every time is the urge to understand what is happening and how to do something about it. Many parents act on their own, take away passports, lock their children up or move with them to another town. These reactions are understandable but counterproductive and can further the radicalization process. There is a common saying amongst jihadis: "Allah tests the ones he loves" -- meaning that any obstacle on the path to martyrdom will be seen as a proof that someone is the chosen one. In addition, recruiters and the Salafi-jihadi ideology explain to those drawn to terrorism that these signs of rejection by their own family are a natural consequence of the perfect truth they have found. The biological family is superseded by the spiritual one, the ummah, and in this way, even your own mother can be labeled as "infidel" and part of the enemy. We knew that ISIS was afraid of the parents' power to block their recruitment efforts. When a mother comes to us, she is assigned a trained case manager. Together they will analyze the child's situation and try to identify the "radicalization recipe." What is driving the son or daughter towards ISIS? Together they will design a step-by-step plan, identify external partners and build support networks around the family. The counselor will teach the family de-escalation techniques to reduce frustration, fights in the family and bullying in school. They will bring in positive alternatives that address the son or daughter's motives. Does he or she want to help women and children in Syria? The mother might suggest working with a Muslim charity or a fundraising campaign with a legitimate organization. Also, the mother will get constant risk analysis from the counselor so that they will be able to decide if and when to bring the matter to law enforcement. The counselor is a bridge between the family and all relevant external partners. To connect mothers to one another, we've built a community called Mothers For Life, which exists mainly online but also has met a couple of times in person. When we wrote an open letter to ISIS in the summer of 2015 and the group responded the same day on Twitter, we knew that they were afraid of the parents' power to block their recruitment efforts. This letter contained the feelings and questions mothers around the world had when their loved ones were taken away against their will -- in stark contrast to the fundamental values of Islam. We wanted to pose questions designed to dissolve parts of the ISIS narrative. After receiving letters from imprisoned fighters saying they realized what they did to their own mothers and want to leave jihadism behind, we knew it worked. Advertisement Fethiya Charni holds a photograph and the passport of her son Tarak Slimi, who is suspected to have joined ISIS in Libya, at her house in Tunisia on April 14. (REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra) Mobilizing mothers fixes another hole in the law-enforcement strategy. Parents in the Mothers for Life network have told me that they do not have a problem in principle with cooperating with law enforcement agencies, but that they have lost trust in them. Sometimes intelligence and police surveilled their children and did nothing to stop them from leaving. Sometimes the mothers were treated as terrorists themselves during house searches. At other times, they have even been charged by courts with providing material support to terrorist organizations despite doing everything they could to get their children back. Sometimes I have to explain to the authorities what the role of the families is, that they are allies and want to help, that they should be respected and seen as partners, not suspects. Mothers for Life is currently active in 11 countries (the U.S., Canada, France, U.K., Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Norway). Most of the parents involved have their own national organizations to support other families. GIRDS experts are based in six of those countries and have trained experts and advised governments around the globe on how to counter violent extremism. Most recently, I was asked to train probation officers in Minneapolis on deradicalization interventions and to conduct risk and radicalization evaluation studies for a number of defendants. ISIS itself has announced that taking away its territory in Syria and Iraq will not defeat its brand and core ideas. It will continue to recruit and shift its tactics and strategy to overseas terror attacks. That makes it all the more important for Western societies to counter ISIS' appeal and that of other violent extremist and terrorist organizations, and there can be no more effective fighters in that cause than the families and immediate communities of those disaffected youths tempted by the perverted promise of martyrdom. Advertisement Also on WorldPost: One of the lessons professional journalists have learned over the years is that objectivity and balance can sometimes be wrongly used. If, as a journalist, you are witnessing rain, you are not obliged to report that one side says it is raining and the other side says it is not. You have an obligation to your audience to tell it simply that it is raining. Such false balance is often seen in conflict-resolution cases where the side attempting to mediate a case where one side is clearly guilty and failing to act to resolve the conflict, presents a "balanced" solution to a skewed situation, accusing each side of committing some kind of mistake. This false balance naturally produces an angry response from the side that is actively trying to produce a solution. In its attempt at striking balance in the asymmetrical Palestinian-Israeli situation, the Quartet, made up of the US, UN, EU and Russia, balances Israel's nearly 50 years of military occupation and illegal colonial settlements with Palestinians' "incitement to violence". Advertisement The often-repeated accusations that Palestinian school textbooks and media are instruments of incitement to violence have long been scientifically debunked even though they were regularly repeated by Israeli officials and Israeli apologists. The claim that Palestinians teach their children hate has been rejected by tens of American and European, as well as Israeli and Palestinian, academic studies since the turn of the millennium. A 2005 US congressional bipartisan report asserted that Palestinian textbooks "do not incite Palestinians towards anti-Jewish violence or constitute a 'war curriculum'." Europe's Chris Patten, the chancellor of the University of Oxford and a former governor of Hong Kong, was so angry about accusations that the EU funds Palestinian textbooks full of hate that he ordered a full investigation which, of course, found the accusation to be untrue. "It is a total fabrication that the European Union has funded textbooks with anti-Semitic arguments within them in Palestinian schools. It is a complete lie," Patten said after the EU's thorough research. Advertisement Media incitement has not been as easy to research. To begin with, there is a huge difference between what people voluntarily choose to watch or read and what is mandatorily taught in schools to children. Furthermore, it is much more difficult to accuse one side of incitement without a regular monitoring mechanism on both sides that uses a clear definition of what is media incitement.Israel has not agreed to participate in a committee that attempted to define and monitor incitement in both Israeli and Palestinian media. In the Palestinian-Israeli context, a much more complicated problem has to be accessed. There is little similarity between the current Israeli media, which have developed over 70 years and are now a strong, vibrant, well-funded sector, and the current Palestinian media that, by and large, are less than 20 years old and are highly restricted because of working under occupation. While a few newspapers existed before the Oslo Accords and were subject to Israeli military censorship, radio and television, as well as a further two newspapers in the West Bank and a couple in Gaza (plus online media) are less than two decades old. Palestinian journalists have been regularly subjected to harassment, restrictions and physical attacks.Local and international media rights organisations documented violations against Palestinian journalists by the Israeli army. Advertisement Journalists, including a member of the Palestinian journalist union, are currently administratively detained in an Israeli jail without charge or trial. A more fair comparison would be between Palestinian media under occupation today and the Zionist media on the eve of the creation of the state of Israel. Palestinian journalists also work under harsh professional conditions, for lower salaries, and face severe travel restrictions. A study by the Vienna-based International Press Institute (IPI) reflected the inability of Palestinian journalists to travel to and from Jerusalem and between Gaza and the West Bank. In fact, the IPI report, published in 2013, revealed that the Israeli government does not recognise Palestinian media institutions. Advertisement Some Palestinian journalists working for international media are granted press credentials, but Israel does not recognise or deal professionally with any of the existing Palestinian media organisations. The IPI report stated that Palestinian and Israeli journalists are restricted from travelling to each other's areas and official sources are often denied to journalists from both sides.In the field of social media, a recent experiment conducted by Israel's Channel 10 whereby an Israeli and a Palestinian youth each wrote similar posts inciting to violence on their Facebook pages is very telling. The young Palestinian's Facebook post received seven likes and a number of warnings from readers not to do it, while the Israeli youth's post received 1,200 likes and shares with a number of commentators offering to help. The Israeli army arrested the Palestinian (he was later released) while the Israeli Facebook writer was not contacted. The continuation of the Israeli occupation and the asymmetrical relationship between the Israeli army and its institutions against Palestinians makes it difficult to unilaterally blame media for the continuation of the conflict. Blaming Palestinian political leaders for failure to condemn every Palestinian attack, while ignoring the Israeli leaders' silence on proven summary executions, is yet another failure of those attempting to maintain such a false balance. Advertisement The idea that the conflict is perpetuated because of Palestinian incitement to violence is akin to accusing a woman of responsibility because she used foul language or for forcefully scratching her attacker while being rapped. Media and political leaders certainly do have an influence on people's behaviour. But reality can only change by ending the root cause of the conflict, namely the military occupation of Palestinian lands. Erdogan's "inner Stalin" is unleashed. After last week's failed coup attempt, Erdogan warned: "This latest action is an action of treason, and they will have pay heavily for that." "This move is a great favor from God. Why? Because it will allow us to [purge] the armed forces, which need to be completely cleansed." Erdogan is turning Turkey into a giant gulag. In the past 5 days, 50,000 military officials, police, judges, journalists, governors and civil servants have been detained, suspended, or fired. Advertisement People are being arrested and jailed with no legal authority. Their whereabouts unknown. Every university dean - more than 1,500 - have been forced to resign; 15,000 educators have been suspended. People are prevented from leaving the country. No one with an official passport can travel. Employees at state institutions need special permission. Progressives and "oppositionists" are at-risk. Background checks are underway to investigate their ties to Fethullah Gulen, the Pennsylvania-based preacher who Erdogan accuses of plotting the coup. There is no end in sight. Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency. The Obama administration rightly condemned the coup. Takeover by the military is not the path to democracy. Now US officials are speaking out against purges in Turkey, but they have little leverage. Advertisement Secretary of State John Kerry warned, "There must be no arbitrary purges, no criminal sanctions outside the framework of the rule of law and the justice system." Kerry said NATO would "measure" Turkey's actions. "NATO also has a requirement with respect to democracy." He raised the possibility of reviewing Turkey's NATO membership. When Erdogan suggested Turkey might reinstate the death penalty, which it abolished in 2004, EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, cautioned: "No country can become a partner state if it introduces the death penalty." She added, "We call for the full observance of Turkey's constitutional order and we...stress the importance of the rule of law. We need to have Turkey respect democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms." Mogherini's warning has apparently fallen on deaf ears. Coup plotters are being tortured and paraded on television. Erdogan threatened to hang those involved in the coup. A young soldier was beheaded, his execution broadcast on social media. It is unknowable how many others have been tortured or killed. The fact of the matter: Erdogan could care less what is said. Exposing Erdogan's corruption is the only way to influence his conduct. Reza Zarrab, a dual Turkish-Iranian national with close ties to Erdogan, was arrested at the Miami International in May. The US attorney in charge of prosecuting the case, Preet Bharara, has promised to expose Zarrab's money laundering and gold sales, which sought to evade sanctions on Iran. Zarrab may testify against Erdogan, his son Bilal, and Erdogan's inner circle. The US attorney should quickly publish Zarrab's indictment, naming beneficiaries of his crooked business. Advertisement After the indictment is unsealed, the US should impose sanctions on everyone implicated in the indictment. It should freeze their overseas assets and ban their travel and the travel of their family members. History teaches us that dictators ignore toothless warnings. Hitler and Mussolini were democratically elected, like Erdogan. They were oblivious to international pressure. Criminal indictments for corruption and targeted smart sanctions are the only available tools to mitigate Erdogan's sweeping crackdown. Many of us are experiencing a sense of helplessness in light of the recent violence and current events. Whether publicly or privately, we express sympathy for all who are impacted as we console and comfort ourselves in a variety of ways. While you may feel powerless to improve the world on a large scale, you can make a difference by taking a moment. Be a voice for encouragement. Embrace the opportunity to cultivate love and acceptance over fear and discord. Do your part to start a ripple effect of compassion. Seek out a cause close to your heart and invite friends and family to join in on their next volunteer opportunity. Stay open to meeting new people and learning new things as you share a worthwhile experience together. Engage positively. Establish eye contact with your local cashier and say "thank you" before grabbing your cup of coffee and racing off to work. Make room for another commuter to merge into your lane of traffic or wave at someone you pass on the street. Opt for a healing breath in rather than snapping or scowling at a minor irritation. Walk away from gossip and refuse to encourage uncivil behavior among your friends and family. Advertisement Go back to the classroom. Whether you're connecting face-to-face or commenting on social media, follow this classic bit of wisdom often used in the classroom. Ask yourself: Is this Thoughtful? Helpful? Important? Necessary? Kind? The last one -- kindness -- is the most essential of all. Take a look at your contact list. Observe the list of "favorites" and evaluate if your interaction is positive or negative. The people you engage with on a regular basis should lift your spirit and encourage you to do better. You should prompt the same response in them. Remember to pause. When a coworker, spouse, or your teen is getting on your last nerve, step back, count to 10, and look at the larger picture. Use the recess to compose yourself, resisting the urge to fire off or lash out in anger. If you hear something negative coming out of your mouth, stop and redirect yourself. Your tongue is one of the most powerful muscles in your body. Use it to teach or inspire. Care for others. After you've had adequate rest and made healthy choices a priority, ask yourself who in your circle could benefit from a phone call or outing. Chances are, you have someone on your mind you've been meaning to reach out to -- do it today. Send a note, make the call, surprise them with flowers, or somehow let them know you are thinking about them. We have tremendous power over the lives we intersect with daily. May your actions uplift others. You may also find Respectfully Addressing a Tragedy on Social Media helpful. The Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel look pretty much the same as they did when Ferdinand Magellan and Sir Charles Darwin sailed these waters hundreds of years ago. From the deck of the Stella Australis on the 3-day expedition cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina to Punta Arenas, Chile, I spent a lot of time gazing at snow-covered peaks, majestic glaciers, forested hills, and the cobalt waters with few signs of civilization aside from an occasional fishing boat. Unlike many cruises, our days were filled with land-based activity. The first morning we rode in a Zodiac to windswept Cape Horn, once the bane of sailors navigating between the old and new worlds. We climbed a flight of stairs from the dock to a boardwalk at the top of the cliffs then walked for less than a mile to the highest point on the island. Back in the day Cape Horn was often referred to as "the end of the earth," which is how I felt standing there looking out over the wild seas. In the afternoon we trudged up a steep, muddy trail at Wulaia Bay for a breathtaking (in both a literal and figurative sense) view of islands, mountains and water. The somewhat strenuous hike on a steep trail through patches of snow was about 4-5 miles round trip with a 500 foot elevation gain. It was worth it. The only hint of civilization in the panorama spread out below us was our ship. Advertisement The highlight of the second day was an easy walk from a beach across the sound from the saw-toothed peaks of the Cordillera Darwin to a lagoon in front of the Aguila Glacier. We were close enough to make out the details of the deep blue fissures in the face of the glacier and hear the occasional tumbles of calving ice. On our last day we visited Magdalena Island at sunrise to walk among thousands of Magellanic penguins. They ignored us as they trundled Charlie Chaplin-like from their hole-in-the-ground dens to the water and back. It was only about a two-mile hike from the dock up the hill to a lighthouse and back, but it was cold and windy, the most inclement day of our trip. In general the weather was good, much better than I expected, ranging from somewhat windy and overcast to warm and sunny. I was prepared for much worse. In fact, my biggest problem was overdressing. The slightest exertion made me sweat and I waddled around with even less grace than the penguins. And the route through mostly protected waters is pretty calm. As far as I know, no one got seasick. I also spent a night in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina, before the cruise and in Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in Chile, at the end (the cruise also runs in the other direction, from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia). Ushuaia, sandwiched between mountains and water, is ruggedly beautiful and features the fascinating End of the World Museum and an historical prison. Punta Arenas was a bustling seaport on the shipping route between Europe and the east coast of the US and Asia and the west coast before the opening of the Panama Canal. Examples of classic European architecture dot the downtown and elaborate graves and mausoleums of the pioneers from the far corners of the earth who helped settle this remote outpost fill an old cemetery. Advertisement If we travel to vicariously experience other eras, as many think we do, then Patagonia, the Beagle Channel, and the Strait of Magellan evoke a magical time when exploration and commerce opened up the new world. The remote, wild landscape -- that unexplored space on old maps marked, "here be dragons," -- has changed very little since then. The fact that it is stunningly beautiful is a bonus. On this cruise it was easy to put myself back in time -- without the scurvy, cramped quarters and questionable companions. For anyone interested in adventure, history, and scenic beauty and who wants to experience it in comfort, I can't think of a better way to do it. President Obama took office in the immediate aftermath of the financial crisis and Great Recession, so it is hardly surprising that the White House took advantage of Democrat majorities in the House and Senate to push forward new financial regulations. Indeed, the administration was so eager to take advantage of the opportunity that it began the legislative process before receiving the report of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC), which the president had created by signing into law Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act in May 2009. Given the rush, it is hardly a surprise that there was a fundamental misdiagnosis of the origins of the crisis. The simple mantra that drove the debate - Wall Street greed and under-regulation -led to legislation known as The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank). Dodd-Frank turns six on July 21, and, given its manifest flaws, it is fair to wonder about what might have been and whether a more stable financial system could have been achieved at lower regulatory and economic cost. Dodd-Frank was a sweeping reform. It created new agencies and bureaus: the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), the Office of Financial Research in Treasury, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CBPB), the Federal Insurance Office in Treasury, an Office of Credit Ratings within the Securities and Exchange Commission and others. It revamped securitization rules; changed the oversight of derivatives; changed the prudential standards for risk-based capital, leverage, liquidity, and contingent capital; imposed the Volcker Rule; had provisions for corporate governance, and more. And, in the process of being implemented, it required roughly 400 separate rulemakings that remain incomplete 6 years later. Advertisement These myriad reforms are united by a single proposition: the solution was more regulation and bigger government. That is a fundamental misreading of the crisis, which was born of under-regulation (e.g., mortgage origination, largely by the state), over-regulation (e.g., the affordable housing standards imposed on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac), and poor regulation (e.g., prudential regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission). In the process, Dodd-Frank was also filled with provisions that had nothing to do with the crisis per se, whether it is the expensive Volcker rule (which limits proprietary trading that had nothing to do with the crisis) or the conflict minerals rule (which has served only to inflict economic damage on the Congo), or others. By failing to develop a nuanced understanding of the crisis, the administration birthed a bad law. And by doing so in a partisan fashion, it ensured that Dodd-Frank would become a political lightning rod until President Obama departs office. The public understands this. More voters surveyed believe that "big government" has had more of a negative impact on their personal financial situation than "big Wall St. Banks." A majority of voters also believe the avalanche of new federal regulations issued under Dodd-Frank is strangling our economy, killing jobs, and eating away at our freedoms. And a vast majority surveyed agree with the statement "Although the Obama Administration claims that lack of regulation caused the financial crisis of 2008, the real cause was misguided federal policy that encourage banks to offer loans to people who could not pay them back, leading to a nationwide real estate crash." All of this is true even though 63 percent of those surveyed said they are unfamiliar with Dodd-Frank. They may not know the name, but they understand the actions and their implications. Advertisement According to the overwhelming majority of the world's climatologists, global warming is the most pressing challenge of our time, posing an existential threat to our quality of life. The Republican Party disagrees. In that vein, voters are faced with a sharply contrasting choice this November. The Democratic Party takes the scientific admonitions seriously, whereas the GOP's official line is that the climate threat is still unproven. One encounters the striking differences of the two parties' environmental perspective in their national platforms, which in this case reflect the positions of the presidential nominees. In the Republicans' Platform, the existence of human-induced climate change is not even acknowledged. There is no hint of concern much less a sense of urgency over rising sea levels, unusually prolonged droughts, and record heat waves that scientists link in varying degrees to climate change. Advertisement If anything, the GOP seeks to reverse course in dealing with the threats. The Platform specifically calls for a halt to the federal government regulating the carbon emissions associated with global warming. A pledge is included to withdraw us from the international climate change accord negotiated by President Obama earlier this year in Paris. Opposition is voiced for any tax on carbon, special subsidies to jumpstart increased use of wind and solar energy, and a gradual transition away from fossil fuels to clean renewable alternatives. On the contrary, there is a clarion call to "drill, baby, drill." In one of the Platform's few specific uses of the term "climate change", GOP drafters offhandedly declare that this environmental phenomenon is "far from the nation's most pressing national security issue." By contrast, the Democratic Platform states that climate change "is an urgent threat and a defining challenge of our time." It then proceeds to list many of the recent adverse climatological impacts and advocates a transition to a total clean energy-based economy by mid-century. In keeping with a strategy to combat climate change and curtail environmental degradation, the Democratic Platform urges elimination of federal government fossil fuel subsidies, and no drilling in the Arctic Ocean and off the Atlantic Coast. Advertisement Climate change is not the only environmental issue on which the two parties differ. Republicans would seek to strip the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of its regulatory authority and transfer it to the states with their checkered records of enforcement. Moreover, states would have extreme difficulty coordinating an effective mass response against transboundary environmental threats. Democrats for their part, are generally supportive of the EPA, and against GOP proposed spending cuts aimed at emasculating the agency's capacity to fulfill its statutory mission of protecting public health. "There are McDonald's and Starbucks all over Cuba now, right?" "I've already missed my chance to see the island as it was before the U.S. relaxed restrictions." "Now that I can fly a bunch of different airlines to Cuba, why shouldn't I go whenever I feel like it?" In my decades in the travel industry, I've never seen a destination become so popular so quickly or generate more questions and more misconceptions. We're coming up on two years since the U.S. took the first steps to normalize relations, and it's time for a sanity check on what has and hasn't transpired. After all, according to some sources, more than 3 million visitors have landed on the shores of Cuba, the most ever until that point. But 2016 is on track to beat those numbers handily with around 2 million visitors in just the first six months. I speak on a daily basis with leaders in the Cuban travel industry, my company introduces a steady stream of curious visitors to the country, and I've been lucky enough to make a number of visits to the island myself. With that feet-on-the-ground knowledge, let me give you a reality check to keep you up to speed and in position to win the cocktail party conversation. Advertisement First and biggest, let's talk airlines. Yes, a number of companies including Delta, American, JetBlue and United have preliminary clearance from the U.S. government to begin flights to a variety of Cuban airports. But wait a second. What the news doesn't always make clear is that the Cuban government hasn't matched this initiative with its own approvals. There's optimism that, as early as this fall, the number of seats and gateway cities will rise. Nevertheless, this is Cuba where a sure thing is never quite as sure as you'd like. Cuba will negotiate for some percentage of those seats to be set aside for Cuban people who travel back and forth to the U.S. Best estimates among my contacts are that we're still months away from the time when you'll be able to go online or pick up the phone and book the flight of your choice at will without fear of major confusion or practical problems. Right now, when we book flights for our guests, we're able to take care of the visa arrangements and the ticket price also includes health insurance, transfers and the like. How that may all change -- or get more complicated -- as the market opens up remains to be seen. Another elephant in the room is the fact that the U.S. rules requiring Americans only visit Cuba as part of authorized "people-to-people" exchange programs are the same as they always have been. Plentiful flights or not, it remains easy to run afoul of this travel requirement. Only programs like the ones we run at Classic Journeys fastidiously negotiate the maze of rules about what is and isn't permissible. (U.S. citizens are still NOT allowed to go to Cuba for a beach vacation, for example.) While licensing of travel companies is not as closely monitored as it was several years ago when we began going to Cuba, the stated requirements are as stringent as ever. When, by how much, or even if those standards will be relaxed is even iffier at the due to the impending elections in the U.S. Without delving into the politics, suffice it to say that there are as many points of view about the wisdom of normalized relations. And whether or not things will continue on the same trajectory is, simply, unknown. Advertisement Business in Cuba has changed, but probably less than you hoped (or feared). For a while now, the Cuban government has been granting licenses to citizens so they can operate private businesses. Many of these enterprises are related to the travel industry. The paladares (privately-owned restaurants) are some of the greatest success stories of recent years. Their positive impact is compounded by the number of people they employ and pay at higher levels than the notoriously minuscule government wages. On the other hand, the environment remains largely unfriendly to American-owned businesses. The government does not allow totally free enterprise and demands majority stakes in businesses. As a result, many U.S. companies are still not ready to take the risk. Starwood now is involved in four Havana hotels, but there hasn't been a rush to erect golden arches, barista joints, or other chain stores. The fact is the Cuban population is still largely unable to afford such products; as much as travel has grown, relying only on visitors for revenue isn't a viable business model. The franchise invasion hasn't happened. On the good news/bad news front, businesses in Havana can have trouble getting approval for an electric sign to attract customers. I call it qualified good news because it's part of an organized effort to protect the look and feel of the city. To maintain the character of historic facades, the City Historian regulates signage. Yet I can easily sympathize with the businesses that need every little advantage they can get, but which remain constrained by the top-down control that's characterized the government here since the Revolution. This piece is co-authored with Dr. Gary Dirks Kosovo's energy transition is at a standstill. Between trying to live up to the standards of industrial countries and meeting the needs of its citizens, the tiny country of 1.8 million is grappling with the growing global pressure to adopt alternative energy strategies. This means moving away from low-cost coal-powered fuel, which currently supplies 97 percent of the country's energy via two outdated lignite powered plants (Kosovo A and Kosovo B). Everyone agrees cleaner energy is the best solution for Kosovo, but the lack of funding and time make the choice much more complex. In June, the Kosovo Electric Company (KEK), a state-run company that oversees Kosovo's energy sector, including Kosovo A and Kosovo B power plants, organized a conference in Prishtina to discuss the challenges of transitioning to a new clean energy system. In the conference, Dr. Gary Dirks outlined at least three principles that should ideally guide any country's transition to renewable energy: Continuity: No matter how well-intentioned, taking steps toward a national renewable energy system must not leave gaps in energy availability even for short periods of time. Equality: The burden of the energy transition cannot fall disproportionately on lesser developed countries and disadvantaged populations within a country. Climate-focused: The new system must reduce emissions of greenhouse gases consistent with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change targets. However, not all three principles can be followed in all cases, as in the case of Kosovo. Therefore Kosovo must find a solution that fits the current economic, political, and social reality of the state. Since 2008, when Kosovo declared its independence, economic growth has slowed to almost a complete standstill, reliance on remittances has increased, and trade imbalances have expanded. According to the UN Development Programme (UNDP), Kosovo's unemployment rate is 35 percent in the general population and as high as 60 percent among youth. More than 29 percent of the population live below the poverty line. Kosovo's economic development is further hindered by its antiquated energy sector. According to the World Bank, "Kosovo's outdated electricity system is inadequate and unreliable, posing significant challenges to economic growth and development. Frequent power outages hinder investment and disrupt manufacturing, education, and health services." Kosovo A has a 345 megawatt capacity that is more than 50 years old and considered by many to be one of Europe's biggest sources of pollution. If it suddenly stops running -- which is well within the realm of possibility -- it poses a potential threat to an already fragile economy. In 2014, the power plant exploded, killing two people and injuring thirteen others. It is a hazard to the environment, the economy, and the KEK workers who operate the plant. KEK's second plant, Kosovo B, was built in the mid-1980s, and has a 540 megawatt capacity. Both power plants are in constant need of repair. The fact that they continue to function is a testament to the ingenuity and commitment of the men and women who manage and maintain them. At the heart of the issue is what transitional energy strategy should Kosovo pursue as it attempts to decommission Kosovo A, a European Commission request, in 2017? The Kosovo government is proposing to replace Kosovo A with a new 400 megawatt coal-powered plant: Kosovo C. Kosovo C would also rely on lignite for power, but, as the government notes, it will be built with updated, cleaner coal technology thereby reducing pollution levels. This proposed transition is not only cost-effective but provides a quicker steady flow of energy to its citizens, businesses, hospitals, and schools. The Kosovo government has asked the World Bank for funding. As of this writing the World Bank has not made a decision. Environmentalists, who see the closing down of Kosovo A as an opportunity for Kosovo to transition from coal to a green energy system (for example, solar or wind energy), have called upon the World Bank to stick to their pledge not to fund coal-powered plants and thereby not fund Kosovo C. They instead recommend funds be used to support green energy projects. Although everyone agrees that Kosovo should transition to renewable energy sooner rather than later, many question whether Kosovo can develop and operate such a system within a time period that recognizes the risks the current system creates. Advertisement It was the second day of Eid and I had traveled with my companion, Iqbal Qaiser, to the village of Makhdoom Pur Pahuran, almost halfway between Lahore and Multan. We were in search of a gurudwara, the premises of which were now being used for a government school. The wooden door of the school was looked. After much effort, we located the guard and requested him to lead us to the gurudwara. There were two missiles at the entrance of the school, named Abdali and Ghori, on the nuclear warheads that the Pakistani establishment boasts. Before us was the main gurudwara, raised on the spot where Guru Nanak, hailed as the founder of Sikhism, preached his message of peace and tolerance. Advertisement This now housed the office of the principal. There was a Quranic verse on the forehead of the building, extolling the significance of education. The boundary wall going all around the school was filled with the 99 names of Allah and other verses from the Quran in calligraphy. A section of another wall was dedicated to Muslim scientists. Every day, young and impressionable children come to this and thousands of other such schools spread across the country. Here, they are indoctrinated with propaganda about Islamic superiority and nationalism, premised upon half-baked historical facts. In textbooks across Pakistan, historical Islamic characters are depicted as legendary figures who challenged the demonic rajas or kings of India. Tales of Muhammad Bin Qasim, Muhammad Ghori, Mahmud Ghaznvi, and Ahmad Shah Abdali are taught to Pakistani students in subjects as varied as Urdu, Islamiyat, and Pakistan Studies. Last year, it was reported that some Quranic verses were also included in chemistry textbook. The situation is not much better in private schools. A few years ago, while I was working in one of the country's leading private schools of the country I noticed similar propaganda all over its premises. One board was dedicated to Islamic heroes, which included all the aforementioned invaders. Devoid of their political contexts and character traits, they were presented as Islamic warriors fighting for the cause of Allah. Advertisement Another board proclaimed the benefits of fasting and prayer and said it is alright to beat up young children if they do not fulfill their Islamic duties. This indoctrination continues into colleges and universities. According to the laws of the country, all students have to be taught Pakistan Studies - roughly, the history, geography, politics culture and demography of the country - and Islamiyat in school as well as college. This rule applies to public as well as private institutions and the only exceptions are non-Muslim students, who can opt for civics instead of Islamiyat. However, many members of minority religions whom I spoke to said they prefer to study Islamiyat over civics. This is because there have been complaints of discrimination during college admissions against students who have not taken Islamiyat. Others assert that in an Islamic society where the threat of the blasphemy law looms large, many minorities like to acquaint themselves with Islam so that they don't unconsciously offend the sensibilities of Muslims. Recently, I interacted with a Hindu student from Tharparkar, in the Sindh province, residing in Islamabad who spoke of how Hindus in Pakistan are expected to respect the sensibilities of Muslims, but the reverse does not hold. In all government universities, bonus points are awarded to students who are Hafiz-e-Quran - that is, they have learned the Quran by heart. No such benefit exists for non-Muslim students with respect to their religious knowledge. Advertisement Over the years, universities and colleges churn out Islamised students who go on to form the new breed of professors and administrators that mould the curriculum and the atmosphere of the universities according to their moral standards. Recently, the University of Sargodha banned boys and girls from sitting together anywhere on the campus. A notification from the university stated that they may sit together only in groups of three or more. Similarly, the University of Swat had issued a notification disallowing students from sitting or walking with the opposite sex inside and outside the campus. The notice was later withdrawn. At Punjab University in Lahore, one of the largest universities in the country, the Jamiat-e-talaba, the student wing of religio-political party Jamaat-i-Islami that is known for its sympathy to Islamic militants, has maintained a stronghold for nearly three decades now. Roaming around the campus, their cadre ensures that the so-called Islamic environment of the university is upheld. Several private universities in Pakistan have also boasted of the Islamisation of their environment. Some student groups and liberal professors have tried to fight back and reclaim secular spaces but the threat of the blasphemy law has quickly silenced these voices. For example, in 2013, young and talented Fulbright scholar Junaid Hafeez was fired from Bahauddin Zakariya University in Multan, the largest university in Pakistan's southern Punjab region, where he was teaching English literature. Later, a case of blasphemy was filed against him for alleged remarks that he made on campus and through a Facebook page. He is still languishing in jail as several lawyers who have represented him over the years have received death threats. The case has received international attention for its seeming curbs on free speech and as an example of justice being waylaid. Advertisement In 2014, Rashid Rehman, the renowned human rights lawyer who was representing him, was shot dead in his office for taking up his case. In the midst of all this, the government is now contemplating making Quranic education compulsory up to Class 10. It is in this environment that the Pakistani education system is increasingly producing students who are sympathetic to Islamic militants, who too espouse a puritanical version of Islam similar to what is taught to these students through their formal education. It is surprising, then, that the government expresses shock when it comes across people like Saad Aziz, who was convicted for killing human rights activist Sabeen Mahmud and perpetrating the 2015 attack on a bus near Safoora Goth, Karachi, which killed at least 43 members of an Ismaili sect. Aziz was highly educated - he graduated from the prestigious Institute of Business Administration in Pakistan. The July 1 Bangladesh attacks, in which at least 20 were killed after being held hostage at the upmarket Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka, were also carried out by youngsters who had studied at the country's elite schools and universities of the country. Advertisement For far too long progressives for whom family is the center of their lives have remained silent while conservative Christian groups with "Family" in their names hijacked the concept of "Family values." Groups like Focus on the Family, The American Family Association, and the Family Research Council have been demeaning these values for decades, but until now the harm they have been able to wreak has been pretty much confined to their mega-churches and radio talk shows. Thanks to their participation and influence in drafting the platform of the Republican Party for this week's convention in Cleveland, however, they are now threatening the futures of the vast majority of well-functioning American families in ways that go far beyond neo-liberal economic policies, destructive though those policies are, too; if these groups have their way and the Republican platform becomes operational, many values which enable families to flourish will be much harder, if not impossible to realize in the future, and their fragility makes it imperative to speak out against the Republican conception of family life now. Advertisement For example Tony Perkins, head of the Family Research Council, was highly influential on an array of topics, not least in his opposition to any meaningful legislation on gun control. For myself -- and tens of thousands others, I believe -- when I think of my two grandsons still in elementary school it is hard not to think of Sandy Hook today or Columbine tomorrow. I still remember the Virginia Tech Massacre when I write to grandchildren in college. When my wife goes for a walk the San Bernadino slaughter frequently comes to mind, and Aurora when we go to the movies. Orlando brings some tears to my eyes remembering the loss of one of my closest friends, the gay godfather of my youngest daughter. And the recent massacres of policemen in Dallas and Baton Rouge cannot make protecting my family anything but a more difficult task. But gun control is only one dimension of highly negative positions taken by the self-proclaimed guardians of family values. I have never seen a shred of evidence that the decisions a department store makes about what signs to put on the rest rooms it provides for its customers adversely affects any family, yet the AFA's website calls for a boycott of Target stores on just that basis (Target simply did not want to discriminate against any of their customers based solely on their sexual orientation).. Quite the contrary, it would seem that Target's action should be applauded, for their action can only enhance tolerance of diversity, which should be high on everyone's list of values to inculcate in all families not made up of clones. On the other hand, little research is needed to believe that if breadwinners are expected to meet their financial responsibilities they must earn wages sufficient to buy an entire loaf in order to feed the family without having to take second and third jobs, yet I saw no calls from any of the "family" groups to boycott Walmart, or any of the other businesses that pay only the most minimum of wages, and expend much time, effort and money to resist any employee efforts to form a union to bargain collectively to better their working lives, and hence the quality of their families' lives. Advertisement Similarly, those truly committed to family values in a democratic society can only shudder when they read the RNC's stance on abortion: "We call on the government to permanently ban all federal funding and subsidies for abortion and healthcare plans that include abortion coverage." When this statement is coupled with another promising the repeal of Obamacare, the Republican Party is effectively denying all but the richest families the right to make their own decision about this highly important question for all family members, but especially the women, and placing it instead in the hands of conservative politicians usually white and almost invariably male. Another plank in the platform from these same politicians and "Family" groups will also prohibit all forms of sex education except abstinence in the public schools, which sermons are not only singularly unhelpful at all levels, they take away a solid resource for parents not knowledgeable in such matters to rely on in addressing this complex issue when their children reach the teen years and the hormones begin running at higher rates of speed. The "abstinence only" thinking is also responsible for the platform plank claiming that pornography is the "#1 health issue of our time," when a full fifth of all American children are in families living below the poverty line -- most of whom go to bed hungry every evening --and 25+ million people still lack health insurance of any kind. Wishing to turn back the clock on gay marriage, the Republicans are setting themselves up for charges of being homophobic, but it is the entire institution of the family, not just individuals, that will suffer if they should prevail, for the ability of our LGBTQ fellow citizens to ritually celebrate their commitments to their partners, and to adopt children, has been invigorating the institution of marriage, and of the family, as few other events in the recent past have done. A number of other planks in the RNC platform are of a similar nature, from decreasing federal support for public schools and medical services to increasing it to the Pentagon for employing instruments of death against "enemies" that are largely of our own making. And there is much more. All of these and other similar policies currently hailed as embodying "family values" make it more difficult for caregivers to fully support each other, lovingly care for the elders among them, and enhance feelings of love, understanding and compassion in their children. These are not particularly radical ideas, except perhaps to conservatives who have left the fold to become reactionaries. Rather are these ideas simply traditional family values entered on love, shorn of misogyny, sexism, homophobia and resort to violence, but they are no less traditional for all that. Advertisement But I should not conclude without noting that arch- conservatives do not have a monopoly on wrong thinking about families; individualists celebrating capitalism and championing personal freedom at all costs also contribute mightily to the ongoing degradation of familial affairs; conservative Christians are not alone responsible for the malaise. A particularly egregious case of insensitivity to the dynamics of loving family life - in the name of scholarship -- has come from the discipline of political science, and has been in the news recently because the results of the research supposedly serve to predict accurately the kind of persons likely to vote for Donald Trump. The political scientist, Stanley Feldman, has worked out a mere four question test that has become the gold standard for discerning certain patterns of voting behavior. All four questions are in a similar vein, so I will list only the first: Please tell me which one you think is more important for a child to have: Independence or respect for elders? I naturally preferred the "respect for elders" answer, having spent a fair amount of time with my aunts, uncles, grandmother and other elder friends of my parents in the working-class family in which I was brought up. My parents certainly taught me to think for myself, and my wife and I did the same with our daughters. But focusing on respect for others, especially the elderly, obliges us to attend ever more closely to the full humanity of those we are related to in a way that focusing on our supposed individuality does not, and I believe it is essential for the full realization of our humanity to embed that fellow feeling in those we love, and are loved by, all the more so as this feeling conduces to a sense of joy at assisting them rather than seeing them as a burden. But according to Feldman, what my answer indicated was a fairly strong tendency toward authoritarianism, which is supposedly why I would be inclined to vote for Donald Trump. Because no one wants to be called "authoritarian," I probably should have regretted my choice. But I did not, instead asking "Independence from what?" Certainly each family should have a copy of Thoreau's Walden in its library, along with his "Essay on Civil Disobedience." But none of us are independent of all others, now or at any time, so how valuable can "learning independence" be for children compared to helping them learn to enjoy helping their grandmother with the shopping, or giving her a backrub when her arthritis flares up? Advertisement Feldman's work strikes me as neo-liberal or libertarian propaganda masquerading as social science scholarship, and to my mind is just as mischievous for weakening the institution of the family as the rants of arch-conservative Christians or reactionary Republicans. All such anti-humanistic perspectives must be challenged because there is no alternative to the family as an institution for raising children and adults to celebrate a life together. Families we must have, it seems, and thank goodness for that; without them the lives of most of us would be hollow, and our civilization unrecognizable. FILE - In this Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013 file photo, a Syrian woman stands amid the ruins of her house which was destroyed in an airstrike by government warplanes a few days earlier, killing 11 members of her family, in the neighborhood of Ansari, Aleppo, Syria. President Bashar Assad has exploited his greatest advantage on the battlefield _ his air power _ to push back rebel advances and prevent the opposition from setting up a rival government in its northern stronghold. Along the way, fighter jets and helicopters bombed bakeries, makeshift hospitals and residential areas, according to a new report by a U.S.-based rights group released Thursday, April 11, 2013 accusing the regime of committing war crimes with indiscriminate airstrikes that have killed more than 4000 since summer. (AP Photo/Abdullah al-Yassin, File) Violence in conflict does not discriminate. Men, women and children suffer from starvation, bombings, forced disappearances and torture. They equally experience traumatic loss when driven out of their homes. This is the case in Syria, where men and women and their families uniformly face the dire consequences of war, as evident in Darayya, Aleppo and across Syria. Yet, it is men that clearly dominate the negotiation about Syria's future. By far, men outnumber women in the ranks of the International Syria Support Group. Men outnumber women in the Syrian negotiating parties. Any sidelining of women from the peace process will have serious consequences for Syria as well as Europe's future. To secure a lasting peace, Europe must actively work on ending the marginalisation of women and ensure that they have an active role in the peace process. Advertisement Women's involvement in a peace process is critical for any solution to last. We know this from experience. In former conflicts like El Salvador in the 1990s, Northern Ireland in 1997, and Somalia and Burundi in 2000 we saw the more women are involved in the peace process, the more likely peace will hold. Women's participation broadens the understanding of the underlying issues of the conflict and helps create more sustainable, comprehensive peace agreements that garner a wider base of support. Women are not just important partners in a peace process, they are essential for enduring peace. Syrian women are essential for developing meaningful effective solutions. Earlier this year in preparations for the UN-led Geneva talks, a group of Syrian women representing the mosaic of Syria's different backgrounds established the opposition's Women's Consultative Committee. Sweden, with its feminist foreign policy, was quick to offer its support to the women. With its help, this team of Syrian women was active in all the opposition's efforts during the negotiations. They offered the peace process a clear, cogent view on how Syrians are working to achieve the political solution Syrians need. These women introduced innovative, detailed plans on how existing civilian state infrastructure could be reformed and integrated into a future democratic Syria working alongside Syrian civil society. Furthermore, the Syrian women secured a commitment from the opposition that any future Syrian government would have at least 30% women representation. Last month four headstrong Syrian women from the group - several of them members of the Syrian opposition's High Negotiations Committee - travelled to Brussels to outline their vision for Syria to European politicians and senior officials. Among them was Bassma Kodmani, Alise Mofrej and Fadwa Mahmoud. These women are diverse in background and experience, yet expressed a uniform appeal to European leaders: stop the violence, break the sieges, release detainees and ensure accountability. Advertisement Women in Syria want a political solution. But a sustainable solution cannot be reached while their sons and daughters are starving in besieged cities, agonising from torture in Assad's prisons, systematically subjected to rape or other forms of sexual violence, or dying from bombs launched at schools and hospitals. Syrian women are calling on Europe for protecting civilians because they know this is the first step to a sustainable solution. Europe - the EU and its member states - have provided more humanitarian aid than any other donor for the Syrian people. Despite such efforts, over 1 million Syrians still live under medieval sieges. As a humanitarian leader, Europe must demand that all sieges be lifted and that access not merely be a one-off to deflect international pressure, but sustained over time. Accountability is also critical. Sweden, one of the countries in Europe hosting the highest number of refugees from Syria, will not be a safe haven for war criminals. In the absence of international justice, Swedish courts have started prosecuting war crimes committed in Syria with more cases in the pipeline. Other European countries should follow suite. The EU should support efforts to secure the release of detainees, including by demanding that international monitors have full, unimpeded access to all detention centres, including military prisons. Doing so would not only improve the conditions inside Assad's jails, it would also help unlock the political process in Geneva. European policymakers have long said that Syrian women must have a voice at the peace process. Syrian women are ready to assume that role. But the valid plans women present cannot be put into action if Europe and the world fail to establish the conditions necessary to reach peace in Syria. Europe must empower Syria's women by meeting their legitimate demands to end the violence, break the sieges, release detainees, and ensure accountability. Now is the time for Europe to lead on Syria and bring about the conditions for peace. CINCINNATI, OH - Democratic Presumptive Nominee for President former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, along with Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), speak to campaign volunteers at a 'get out the vote' event at University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio on Monday, July 18, 2016. (Photo by Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images) Election 2016 has been a shocking and unpredictable political affair. Right? Actually not. Election 2016 has not only been the most predictable election in recent memory, but the results have been virtually set in stone for many years. Hillary Clinton basically secured the 2016 Democratic nomination seven-and-a-half years ago, on January 7, 2008, the day she teared up at a press conference in New Hampshire. Having suffered a surprising loss to Barack Obama in the Iowa primary a week earlier, with the polls in New Hampshire indicating that she would you likely lose that primary as well, and with the polls in the heavily black southern states quickly starting to reflect a recognition that Obama was for real, Clinton choked up as she discussed some of her mistakes. And in so doing, she in effect admitted to the Democrats and largely to the world that she realized that her chances in 2008 were slim and fading quickly. She would of course still make a frantic attempt to regain her footing and catch Obama by the Texas and Pennsylvania primaries, but she then understood that the effort likely would come up short. With her tears, Clinton acknowledged that day that she had learned her lesson. In the future, she would not take the party or the nomination for granted. She would wait for her next turn and would be a better candidate in 2016. Advertisement On that frosty New Hampshire day in January 2008, Clinton and every other serious Democrat potential 2016 hopeful knew that 2016 would belong to Clinton. Of course, questions then remained as to what Clinton would do for the next 8 years. And there would be 2016 challengers and some "surprise" show of strength either from the left or the right to come, as the emergence of a strong "surprise"rival on the margin is never really surprising. No one was prepared simply to accept a seeming 2016 coronation and everyone including Clinton recognized that having her "earn" the 2016 nomination would be more helpful for the general election than defaulting into the November race. But with the Democratic base and establishment then behind the 2008 runner-up, the numbers needed to flip that "surprise movement" challenger into a nominee could almost certainly never materialize, and thus no potentially serious Democratic challenger -- Joe Biden. Mark Warner, Andrew Cuomo -- would waste the effort or political capital. Despite the Sanders drama-leading-nowhere to come, Clinton's place in the November 2016 match-up has indeed been basically set for nearly the past eight years. Tim Kaine and Julian Castro became the two Democratic finalists for the 2016 vice-president slot on August 23, 2008 and September 4, 2012 respectively. During the summer of 2008, Kaine, a Catholic moderate who was then the former mayor of Richmond, Virginia and sitting Governor of Virginia (and is now a former governor and current U.S. senator from Virginia), had made the Obama list of the final three potential vice-presidential candidates, along with Biden and then Senator Evan Bayh. Expecting the nomination, Kaine reserved dozens of hotel rooms for his extended family at the 2008 Democratic Convention in Denver. The rooms were ultimately used by the Biden clan, as Obama went with the more senior statesman. Given the 2008 selection of Biden and with Evan Bayh soon to disappear from politics, Kaine that summer became the overwhelming leader in the clubhouse for the 2016 vice-presidential nod. Advertisement Four years later and four years ago, with the Hispanic vote then quickly growing in size and importance, Castro was tapped to give the Keynote Address at the 2012 Democratic Convention. His poor-boy-makes-good speech electrified the convention center and sent Democrat social media into a frenzy. As Castro descended the podium following his speech, he assumed his position as the Hispanic 2016 vice-presidential alternative to Kaine. Though Clinton is just now narrowing in on the official final selection, the ticket that will finally "emerge" in Philadelphia in two weeks has in fact been fairly well-set for many years. No one of course long ago could have seen Donald Trump securing the 2016 Republican presidential nomination or Mike Pence becoming the VP candidate. But the nomination of a white male with virtually no appeal to either women or minorities -- like Trump -- has its roots and predictability in the immediate aftermath of the 2008 nomination of John McCain, the rise of the Tea Party, and the continuation of a self-destructive Republican primary and caucus nominating system. With the Republicans desperately needing a centrist candidate who could appeal to and cut into the growing demographic advantage supporting the Democrats -- women, minorities, gays, young, old, immigrants -- the Republican nominating system remained rigged over the past eight years in favor of a white male who will toe the line on the social issues most repugnant to the growing pro-Democrat constituencies. Donald Trump may have replaced long-favored Jeb Bush in securing the 2016 Republican nomination, but the Clinton versus white-male-with-no-appeal-to women-and-minorities matchup has long been both predictable and in the making. Finally, the addition of a second, double-down, and if it were possible, even more offensive white male -- Pence -- to complete the 2016 Republican ticket has been the odds on favorite since the implosion of Sarah Palin in November 2008. Romney never got close to straying from the white male model in picking Paul Ryan in 2012 and Trump too focused almost exclusively on the three white male bears in that same broken mold -- Christie, Gingrich and Pence. And he chose the one. Pence, who would most alienate women and Hispanics. With the line-ups long set, an old adage comes to mind. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again... and expecting a different result. From recent refrains that intellectual theft is acceptable to calls for the death of one's political opponent, it has never been clearer: there is nothing to distinguish American politics from that of any other nation. Indeed, it is no overstatement (in light of the goings-on at the 2016 Republican National Convention) to note that with each passing day America is more the "Land of the Hypocrites and Barbarians" and less a land of morals and values than ever before. All this, while the world sits back and laughs. I am not, never have been, never will be and have no desire to be a person with any "political" influence. So my comments come from the standpoint of an observant citizen who has some rendering of common sense and basic decency. At the end of the day, I have no hidden agenda except the desire to live in a world where concepts like love, respect and peace abound, and where people do not actively seek to hurt others for any type of gain (including ego, power and money). Given the above, I accept that it might cause me less grief to sit back, watch, and say nothing of my thoughts at this precarious moment in time. But I have learned that silence in the midst of wrong can be problematic in the long run; therefore, I am determined to use my voice before it is taken away from me. So, here goes... Advertisement Let me be clear: Plagiarism is deceitful. It is dishonest. It is unethical. And it is a type of cheating. Because of plagiarism: Dreams have been shattered. Jobs have been lost. Students have been expelled. Reputations have been tarnished. Opportunities have been squandered. Trust has been crushed. So, when former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich said: "Who cares [if Melania Trump] plagiarized]? She is stunningly attractive. She is stunningly articulate...", I need to tell him: "I care, Mr. Gingrich." After all, she is the potential First Lady of the United States. Plagiarism is NOT okay. And it is not a wise or productive message to send to America's children, American citizens or citizens of the world that being attractive and articulate excuse deceit. Advertisement Being "stunningly attractive" does not preclude someone from being dishonest and unethical. And being "stunningly articulate" does not preclude someone from being a cheat or a thief. This kind of thinking and messaging usurps any sense of personal and national integrity. And speaking of integrity, let me be clear: Calling for the death of political opponents because of ideological differences is pure evil. It is immoral. It is injurious. It is senseless. And in some cases, it is criminal. It was bad enough that Michael Folk, a member of West Virginia's House of Delegates, tweeted that U.S. Presidential Candidate, former U.S. Senator, former Secretary of State and former First Lady Hillary Clinton should be "hung on the Mall in Washington, DC." But things only deteriorated a few days later when New Hampshire State Representative Al Baldasaro called for Mrs. Clinton to be "put in the firing line and shot for treason." Mrs. Clinton is human. She is a wife. She is a mother. She is a grandmother. She has served this country as a national leader on more fronts than most Americans ever will. She does not deserve to die or be threatened with death because of her political beliefs. Maybe some Republican leaders (e.g., former Congressman Joe Walsh) became so comfortable with making implied threats against President Obama that they presumed it acceptable to state with more specificity their desired conclusion for Mrs. Clinton. However, this type of rhetoric must NOT be allowed in a so-called civil society. It is dangerous. It is alarming. It is terroristic. It is insane. Period. Advertisement And in case it has gone unnoticed by Folk and Baldasaro, we don't legally hang dogs in this country, let alone put them before a firing squad. Most of us humans consider that kind of behavior to be barbaric. The kind of warped thinking that believes no one should "care" if we deceive, cheat, and steal is deplorable, especially in a so-called "leader." And the kind of warped messaging sent by those who randomly call for the death of others based on political differences is unacceptable in a nation that considers itself a world leader. Let me close on this, in the United States of the 21st century, we cannot allow such base messaging and behavior to go unchallenged. Sure, we are not the "perfect" nation, but that does not mean we should not continue to strive to become the very best humanity has to offer. This means we should never presume that chants of "Lock her up" for someone found not guilty of criminal wrongdoing should be allowed to resonate with frenzied fanfare in the halls of a convention designed to propose our nation's next leader. This entire spectacle reeks of a mob mentality in an absurdly moral-less nation. As an American citizen, I am embarrassed. The messaging and behavior emerging from America's current political arena is shameful. It is counter-productive. And it does not support a United States of America. Dear God, what on earth are we teaching our children? And what kind of world are we crafting for their future? Recently President Obama provided an assessment of the Affordable Care Act (ACA or "Obamacare") in an article published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The president acknowledged the program's successes and shortcomings, and offered up some advice about how to improve it going forward. It is unusual for a sitting president to critique his own legislative achievements and many of his points have been and will continue to be debated. But by writing the article, the president demonstrated concern over the need to continue efforts to improve the state of health care in America. ACA's main goal was to increase health care coverage for Americans. A necessary corollary to increasing coverage, which costs money, was to reduce costs in the system. As President Obama points out in the article, the growth in Medicare spending per enrollee has decreased since the ACA roll-out. The article also notes that rates paid for Medicare services have been reduced. When providers (hospitals, doctors, etc.) are paid less for the same services, the reduction in Medicare cost growth should come as no surprise. While Medicare rates are being reduced, insurers are asking for significant rate increases for plans they are offering on insurance exchanges. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is proposing an increase of almost 60%. In Oklahoma, the proposed increase is about 50%. Insurers are justifying these rate hikes by citing the significant claims they've had to cover for members enrolled in their programs. In Oklahoma, Blue Cross paid $1.38 in claims for every dollar in premiums collected. Losses like that have driven many insurers out of the insurance marketplace altogether. After losing about half a billion dollars in ACA exchanges last year, UnitedHealthcare, the nation's largest health insurer, announced that it would only offer health insurance in a handful of states. Advertisement Americans are cautioned not to panic about these proposed rate increases for several reasons. First, the rate increases are proposals and must be approved by regulatory bodies. Additionally, proposed increases vary considerably around the country, and from plan to plan. The proposed increases are only expected to apply to individuals buying insurance on the open market. About half of these individuals, or 12 million people, do not qualify for subsidies to help pay for the cost of insurance. They will feel the effects of the proposed changes. However, the other 12 million individuals do qualify for subsidies, and may not feel the impact of the increases at all. But somehow, somewhere, someone is subsidizing the subsidies. About 50% of Americans receive health insurance through their employers. For years, employer-based plans have reported cost shifting to employees. Between 2005 and 2015, premium increases for covered families increased 61%. During the same period, the contribution that workers had to pay towards their coverage rose 83%. Consider a lawsuit recently filed by UnitedHealthcare against American Renal Associates, a company that provides dialysis services. The suit alleges that American Renal Associates schemed to shift insurance coverage for patients currently enrolled in Medicaid to private health insurance. The motivation was that private insurers were paying 20 times more than Medicaid per treatment. The difference in reimbursement was an astonishing $200 to $4,000. In the whack-a-mole world of health care cost sharing, rates cut in one program manifest as cost increases in another. In the end, it's hard to determine exactly what the right rates of service should be. One of the biggest frustrations with the American health care system is that it is incapable of accurately pricing goods and services. The reimbursement that providers receive varies considerably based on which insurer is paying. This structure motivates providers to prioritize access to patients whose insurance pays the most. It also encourages more procedures and tests that reimburse at the most attractive rates to be performed. Advertisement In order to address some of the sketchy incentives that are by-products of the health care payment system, both ACA and industry leaders are embracing the notion of outcomes- or value-based bundled payment models. In such models, a provider would receive one payment that is tied to a patient's outcome. The approach is expected to lead to more coordinated care that puts patients first and reduces unnecessary testing. Philosophically, value-based care is a terrific idea, but the mechanics of implementing it are still being debated. How one defines an outcome, what services should be included in the bundle, and how results will be measured are questions that are still being hashed out. Assuming that the industry can settle on implementing this care delivery model, the pricing problem will still be in effect. If the system can't accurately price a single procedure, how can it accurately price a bundled payment? If past is prologue, the government will set rates for the bundles, private insurance will try to price the services in a profitable plan, and price variability and erratic cost sharing will still define the market. Maybe it's time for a new health care payment model that promotes market-based rates. Providers could establish their own rates of service and offer these rates directly to patients. This approach requires providers to have a better understanding of their own cost structures, and motivates them to compete and perform in order to gain and retain customers. Further, studies have shown that increased patient engagement improves patient outcomes. With market-based pricing, patients will be much more circumspect about what health care services to buy, and will demand value for their payments. This model also eliminates the significant administrative burden borne by both providers and insurers related to negotiating rates of service and processing claims and payments. Funding such a shift in payment structure could come in the form of vouchers or accounts provided by the federal government. All Americans would be allocated an equal amount to be spent on the providers they choose. Amounts would vary by age to accommodate for the variability in demand for services. If individuals believe the allocated amount is insufficient for their health care needs, services could be purchased in cash. Further, individuals could purchase insurance - which would pay providers at the same market rates - to cover catastrophic or life-threatening events. States and local communities could band together to fund coverage for individuals who need but cannot afford or choose not to purchase supplemental coverage. Advertisement Market-based pricing could reduce administrative costs, increase patient accountability, and encourage providers to practice medicine in a way that supports local market preferences. The proper implementation of market-based pricing should reduce healthcare utilization, enable a more effective use of heath care funds and importantly, promote better heath. istanbul turkey august 11 ... A rebuttal of many strong misstatements being made by press and polity, alike Now that the dust has settled on the recent public appearances by FBI Director James Comey and Attorney General Loretta Lynch about Hillary Clinton's emails, we can set the record straight on a string of gross inaccuracies that are being picked up and repeated, again and again, in Cleveland and in other corners of the political ether. Remarkably, while most claims about Hillary Clinton's handling of classified material have been misstated--or much worse--her own public statements over the past year have been uniformly accurate. Here are three of the biggest falsehoods, together with one unreported truth: Accusation #1. Candidate Clinton has repeatedly denied, over the past year, that emails marked classified crossed her unclassified server, yet at least some of these emails contained markings that should have alerted her to the presence of classified material--and this constitutes both a serious violation and evidence that she lied to the American people. Advertisement Sorry, but this is utterly false: This accusation is the cornerstone of all the other charges that have been made against Clinton regarding her handling of classified material. It's the cornerstone because, if true, it would easily be the most meaningful, and serious, charge against the former Secretary. Based on this writer's previous Government service, how a particular communication or other document is "marked" is far and away the most serious factor in deciding whether a violation of classification rules has occurred. In this case, it is absolutely clear that no violation took place. For starters, "some" emails with classified markings turned out to be merely two or three documents, or one hundredth of one percent of all of Clinton's 30,000 documents that were turned over for the FBI's review. More importantly: (i) None of these few documents displayed headers marked "Top Secret," "Secret" or "Confidential" as is required in order to alert any reasonable user that the particular document contains classified information. (ii) A handful of paragraphs in these emails contained the letter "C" (apparently meaning "Confidential") embedded within them--and the two about which we know the specifics were condolence call sheets to foreign leaders, e.g.: Advertisement (C) Purpose of call: To offer condolences on the death of President so-and-so and to congratulate the new President on his recent swearing in. [Cleansed to remove actual identities.] No one this writer knows would read that segment, and consider it classified. And, in fact... (iii) These few emails actually bore the "C" markings in error, as the State Department asserted soon after Comey's appearance before Congress. If anything, this handful of so-called "classified" documents exposes our Government's misguided habit of over-classification, and the need to overhaul the entire system--a topic for another day. Bottom line: It is absolutely, demonstrably accurate that Secretary Clinton did not send or receive emails marked classified over her unclassified server--and she has been telling the unvarnished truth about this all along. Accusation #2. From the group of 30,000 work e-mails turned over by Clinton's lawyers to the State Department (and bearing no classification markings whatsoever), 110 e-mails "have been determined by the owning agency to contain classified information at the time they were sent or received" and "any reasonable person in Secretary Clinton's position should have known that an unclassified system was no place for that conversation." Advertisement Sounds cogent, right? Maybe, but it's actually irrelevant and wrong: Even putting aside the appropriateness of Comey offering his own commentary in an unprecedented news conference called to announce the FBI's recommendation to the Justice Department, these are Director Comey's subjective characterizations and go completely unsupported. Of course, we don't know what these 110 emails actually look like or what they say--and we probably never will. However, if Comey's assertions are taken at face value, the State Department and other "owning agencies" have determined, just now, during the past year's investigation, that 110 unmarked emails contained classified information "at the time they were sent or received." This sounds suspiciously similar to the "up-classifying" process wherein agencies decide, later on, that documents that were not designated Top Secret, Secret or Confidential at the time they were sent or received, magically became so classified later on. Luckily though, we really don't have to go down this rabbit hole of "after classification." Because the determination of what actually constitutes classified information is always a subjective exercise--one classifier may deem a diplomatic conversation classified while another may not--accountability for the mishandling of such information is (again) normally tied to how documents are actually marked. In fact, this much was established by the writer in the Washington Post just last year: What makes the unsecured sending (or receipt, without proper reporting of the matter) of classified material unlawful is the fact that the material was previously designated [or "marked"] as classified. The intentional sharing of such designated material on unclassified systems or with unauthorized individuals made Gen. David Petraeus's actions unlawful. By contrast, Ms. Clinton clearly did not exchange over her personal server material that had been designated classified -- and this is the standard to which the law holds her. Bottom line: In the absence of classification markings, Clinton instinctively relied on the good judgment of over 300 experienced and security-cleared Government officials with whom she was corresponding--none of whom either questioned the use of an unclassified system to communicate with Clinton on these subjects, nor sought to have the information marked classified and moved to a secure communications system. Case closed. Advertisement Accusation #3. In its unsecured state, Clinton's home server was vulnerable and subject to hacking--in fact, we know it was hacked by actors who are no friends of the United States. Vulnerable, yes -- but ultimately, no breach found. Let's not forget that the State Department server which went unused by Secretary Clinton was also an unclassified system and therefore no more an appropriate place for writing classified emails than was Clinton's own private server: In fact, the State Department Inspector General recently reported that one of the Department's highest ranking career officials, Lewis Lukens, found nothing unusual about either Clinton's electronic absence from the State Department system or the fact that she used an outside server for her communications. (See this writer's recent column on this site, "Correcting the Record (Again): Hillary Clinton's Handling of State Department Emails)." Bottom line: Clinton has said many times that if she had to do it all over again, she would not have used a private server located in her New York home. Nevertheless, while we know that the State Department's unclassified system has been hacked by hostile actors, Director Comey stated plainly that the FBI's forensic teams found no evidence of any similar breach of Clinton's server. Advertisement One Hidden Truth: What is incredible about the coverage of this whole issue is the one big piece of information that is being kept from the American people: from watching on TV or reading all the accounts of this affair, the average observer might believe that all the emails Secretary Clinton either read or wrote during her tenure--classified and unclassified alike--traveled exclusively over an unclassified server. This is untrue. In fact, when Secretary Clinton needed to send or receive genuinely classified documents, we know that she marched over to the encrypted and secure computer within her office suite (or asked a cleared assistant to do so) in order to manage such documents. In other words, there is a whole separate classified email system that operates only in the State Department building and Embassies around the world, and the Secretary surely handled thousands of messages sent on that classified system over her four years in office. The fact that Clinton really did use a classified server when appropriate to do so, confirms that she always respected the need to safeguard sensitive material--and the importance of protecting our nation's secrets. Of course, this mindset of hers has much to do with Director Comey's ultimate recommendation, and reflects the true "intent" she demonstrated throughout her national service. * * * At this point, a reasonable reader of this column may wonder how, given all of the above, FBI Director Comey could possibly have concluded that Secretary Clinton and her colleagues were "extremely careless" in their handling of certain sensitive information--even though the Attorney General, in her own testimony before Congress last week, pointedly refused to characterize Clinton's behavior in the same way. This writer has a theory about what Comey was up to. The notion that Hillary Clinton would be indicted based on what the FBI found in her handling of emails was always preposterous. But given this uber-partisan year, the posturing of vicious attack dogs in Congress, and the unfortunate tarmac incident in Phoenix, Comey felt he had to leaven his "non-indictment" decision with a tongue-lashing of Hillary Clinton and her colleagues. In so doing, he overplayed his hand -- and, in overreaching, he also got many of his facts wrong. (Among several other misstatements were Comey's account that Clinton's lawyers did not themselves possess security clearances--they all did--and that, contrary to her public statements, Clinton possessed more than one handheld device--yes, but only because she replaced her Blackberries over time.) In the end, there was a political angle to Comey's behavior after all, but his tongue-lashing had a perhaps unexpected, and decidedly unhappy, effect: it opened the floodgates of mock hand-wringing, conspiracy theories, and faux mistrust, all directed by Congressional Republicans against one of their own and against that most honorable of non-partisan institutions which he leads. Unfortunately, if fictions and lies are allowed to carry the day, then we all lose out from this one: the integrity of the FBI will be wrongfully impugned, the Republican Party will be further devalued, and Hillary Clinton--who doesn't deserve any of this--has to spend her precious time overcoming the falsehoods that are written and spoken about her. Republican vice presidential nominee, Indiana Governor Mike Pence speaks at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. July 20, 2016. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst He's smooth. He commands the stage. He's humble and mild-mannered. He's the boy scout to Trump's pit bull. And he sure does love his mother and his wife. But do not be fooled. Are you a woman? Mike Pence is your worst nightmare. The Governor of Indiana, now Trump's sidekick, wants to strip you of all of your reproductive rights. He's been working diligently at this mandate from God in his home state, and he has been frighteningly successful. This is the ultra conservative, anti-Planned Parenthood crusader who signed into law every anti-abortion bill that has landed on his desk, the most sadistic being that any woman who has a miscarriage or an abortion must have the fetus buried or cremated. That's right. It's your responsibility to make sure that happens, even early in a pregnancy when the fetus is the size of a pea. Advertisement This is what he had to say in March when he signed into law a bill that expands Indiana's restrictive laws. "By enacting this legislation, we take an important step in protecting the unborn, while still providing an exception for the life of the mother. I sign this legislation with a prayer that God would continue to bless these precious children, mothers and families." And this is how he is perceived in the anti-abortion community. "Mike Pence is a pro-life trailblazer and Mr. Trump could not have made a better choice," said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the anti-abortion Susan B Anthony List. You get the picture. Not only does Mike Pence believe you have no rights over your own body, Pence doesn't even believe that you should have the right to serve in the military. Back in 1999, when Pence was a radio talk show host, he penned an editorial that criticized, of all things, the Disney movie Mulan, for giving young girls the idea that they can serve combat roles alongside men. Here's a sample of that gem. "Many young women find many young men to be attractive sexually. Put them together, in close quarters, for long periods of time, and things will get interesting. Just like they eventually did for young Mulan." Advertisement Most of us would think the moral of the Mulan story is that girls can do anything. But Pence wrote, "Moral of story: women in military, bad idea." I have to wonder in his heart of hearts if Mike Pence even believes you should be able to work. (By the way, if you haven't read Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, I suggest you do it now.) Are you a member of the LGBTQ community? Mike Pence is your worst nightmare. Pence is a very vocal critic of LGBTQ rights, and has been since he got into politics. His pen's been busy in this sphere as well. Pence made national news last year when he signed a religious freedom law that discriminated against the LGBTQ community. After quite a backlash, he was forced to add an amendment to the law that would protect these citizens. In 2006, while still in Congress, Pence supported a constitutional amendment to define marriage as solely between a man and a woman. In his speech Pence said, "societal collapse was always brought about following an advent of the deterioration of marriage and family." Advertisement And, according to Pence, being gay is your choice. In the past he has supported conversion therapy for gays. Of course, Pence opposes President Obama's recent directive to schools to allow students to use the bathroom of the gender they identify with. The list goes on, but it is pretty clear where he stands on these issues, and how he feels about the people for whom these issues are so important. Are you a human being who cares about your fellow human beings, no matter their race, religion, background or immigration status? Mike Pence is your worst nightmare. Make no mistake - while Trump might be more liberal on some of these issues, he knows he has to placate his religious, conservative base. And when as many as three Supreme Court seats will be up for grabs, Pence and his Congressional cronies are going to have the power to choose the nominees. Advertisement In his speech to the Republican convention, Pence addressed SCOTUS. "We all better think very carefully -- very carefully -- about what this means for our Constitution and limited government. Elect Hillary Clinton and you better get used to being subject to unelected judges using unaccountable power to take unconstitutional actions. So let me say, for the sake of the rule of law, for the sake of the sanctity of life, for the sake of our Second Amendment and for the sake of all our other God-given liberties, we must ensure that the next president appointing justices to the Supreme Court is Donald Trump." Here is the bottom line: Mike Pence likes to say on a regular basis, "I'm a Christian, a conservative and a Republican... in that order." According to The New York Times, Mike Pence gave himself to Jesus when he was a college student. As Jonathan Mahler and Dirk Johnson write, "His evangelical Christianity is now the driving force behind his political agenda, whether he is working to deny funds to Planned Parenthood or to make it legal for religious conservatives to refuse to serve gay couples." The 2016 elections are heating up. And so is the planet. According to NASA, there is a 99 percent chance that 2016 will be the hottest year on record, surpassing the current record set in 2015. And yet for the first time in the age of modern climate science, a presidential nominee believes climate change is a hoax. Donald Trump has said that global warming was "created by and for the Chinese" (he later said he was joking), and that he will rescind the Paris climate agreement and roll back the steps President Obama has taken to address the issue (definitely not joking). Where does that leave Republicans who think the GOP should pay attention to climate change and support clean, renewable energy sources? Advertisement On their own. GOP Stirrings in Congress A week before the convention, 33 House Republicans joined Democrats to successfully defeat a proposal that would have stripped funding of climate change science at the Environmental Protection Agency. It's not a vote that will set us on the path to doing something about climate, but the growing number of Republicans who are willing to vote independently on the issue is a notable shift. Just two years ago, only one House Republican, Rep. Chris Gibson of New York, voted against an amendment that would have prevented federal agencies from assessing the costs and risks posed by climate change. This is the latest, but not the only, sign of heightened interest among Republicans in Congress. Fourteen House Republicans have now supported a resolution calling for action on climate change. When the resolution was introduced last September, Republican Carlos Curbelo explained the reality faced by his constituents in Florida. "South Florida is the frontline of climate change, where we have seen its negative impact in the form of rising sea-levels and the erosion of our coastal communities. Our goal...is to shift the debate from whether climate change is real to what we can do to mitigate its effects." In the Senate, a coalition of five Republicans and five Democrats, led by Senators Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican, and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Democrat from Rhode Island, introduced an amendment calling for the United States to be a world leader on climate change and for Congress to act. Many of these congressional voices on climate change took a pass on attending the GOP convention, according to Grist's Ben Adler. Voters Heading in Different Direction The GOP's slide into climate denial with Trump should alarm strategists who put together the Republican National Committee's post-mortem analysis of Mitt Romney's 2012 defeat. Their conclusion: the GOP lost the hearts, minds and votes of young voters, swamping the GOP's edge among older voters. Democrats came to the same conclusion. Jim Messina, who ran President Obama's re-election campaign, revealed after the election one of the secrets to their success: climate change. "In the 2012 election we did focus groups with young voters...and we asked them to describe a Republican, and their #1 word was 'dinosaur., We asked them why, and their biggest example was 'climate change.'" The shift is also pushing against the trend of public opinion, and in particular a complex and evolving set of views among Republican voters. Notably, there has been a 19 percent increase over the past two years in the share of conservative Republican voters who think global warming is happening. That's a larger jump than any other group of voters. Altogether, 73% of voters think global warming is happening. And when it comes to addressing the problem, a May poll also found that 67 percent of Republicans support a Clean Energy Commitment and believe that "moving rapidly to clean energy is a big step toward reducing the damaging impacts of climate change." Organizing Around a Moral Cause Against this backdrop, a number of grassroots leaders convened in Cleveland during the Convention to discuss ways to spring the GOP from the box it has trapped itself in and re-connect with voters to offer a way forward. According to Rachel Lamb of Young Evangelicals for Climate Action: "First and foremost, it's a moral issue." Climate change is "negatively impacting people, as well as the environment, which we're called to take care of by God." A Road Back from the Abyss? As Politico reports, Republican businessman and philanthropist Jay Faison laid out the challenge at a GOP convention event: "If we have an environmental policy, I don't know what it is....we're virtually defenseless on this issue. Any purple state, we are at risk and we don't know it. Period." The GOP's road back from the abyss of denial is anything but clear. Perhaps mayors will lead the way. After all, mayors from both parties have to deal with the real climate damages to their communities. On January 20, 2017, the United States' 45th president will be sworn in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. While the candidates are campaigning across the country, their teams are already working behind the scenes to prepare for the next president's first day in office. Planning for the complex process of a presidential transition begins months before the election and involves working with both the current administration and outside stakeholders. Transition reports prepared by those stakeholders, which help set high-priority goals, are essential resources for the incoming administration to ensure a productive start. The Center for Open Data Enterprise has received support from the Laura and John Arnold Foundation to publish a nonpartisan informational Open Data Transition Report, which will be made public in October. The report will draw on experts from business, the public sector, and civil society to provide an action plan for continuity and further improvements in open government data -- free government data released for public use. It will show how open data can fuel national initiatives in healthcare, medical research, energy, criminal justice reform, education, labor, veterans' benefits, and many other critical areas. The current administration has placed a high priority on putting open government data to use. President Obama issued an executive order on open government his first day in office and established a national Open Data Policy in 2013. The White House and federal agencies have launched citizen-focused programs to help students find the best-value colleges, improve medical safety, and spur neighborhood development using open data. To support data-driven initiatives like these across government, the administration has launched the U.S. Digital Service, the 18F group, and the Presidential Innovation Fellows program, which help federal agencies build the technical infrastructure they need to maximize open data's potential. Advertisement The drive for better open data is coming both from the White House and from a truly bipartisan movement in Congress. The DATA Act, which mandates the release of more detailed and usable data on government spending, passed the House and Senate almost unanimously. Now the OPEN Government Data Act, which aims to open all kinds of federal data, has strong bipartisan support in both houses. Leaders on both sides of the aisle understand: Open government data will be critical to solving the tough challenges we face as a nation. The momentum for opening more government data is encouraging and energizing, but it is not yet enough. Open data advocates in federal government still have to deal with inadequate legacy IT systems, poor-quality data, incompatible data formats, and a general lack of resources. Many consider open data an unfunded mandate: They lack the budget to turn their data into a valuable national resource, as federal policy now requires. As a result, the government's new open data programs are only a small sample of how open data could be applied, across the federal system and in all sectors of the economy, if it receives the right level of support. The next president will have an unprecedented opportunity to lead a truly data-driven government, working with federal agencies and the U.S. Congress. By providing high-quality, usable data about everything from satellite observations to local neighborhood resources, the government can open new opportunities for scientific research, economic growth, and citizen engagement. The next administration's task will be to solidify the gains that have already been made, shape a new vision for a data-driven democracy, and ensure that the leadership and resources are there to make that vision a reality. The Open Data Transition Report will be designed to help the next administration identify and pursue the most compelling open data opportunities. It will help support the federal government's commitment to open data, provide continuity to the next administration, and develop a wide range of programs to put open data to the best possible use. Advertisement Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas and 2016 presidential candidate, pauses while speaking during a campaign event in Irvine, California, U.S., on Monday, April 11, 2016. Cruz swept the Republican National Convention delegate selection process in Colorado, displaying a strong grassroots organizational effort and greater popularity among the western state's most committed party activists. Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images When Ted Cruz refused to endorse Donald Trump in his Republican National Convention speech, he channeled his ideological opponent, Ted Kennedy, whose bitter primary fight with Jimmy Carter made him dodge the opportunity to raise hands with his opponent. It cost Carter the 1980 election, and might do similar damage to Trump. Texas Senator Ted Cruz waged a bitter battle for the 2016 GOP Nomination with Donald Trump, being one of the last candidates standing. He and his wife were attacked by Trump over her looks, Goldman Sachs loans, accusations that his father had ties to Lee Harvey Oswald and the Kennedy assassination. Cruz also gave as good as he got. Advertisement While many other prominent Republicans stayed home from the RNC in Cleveland, Ohio, Cruz showed up. But if Trump felt that the conservative firebrand would kiss his ring, he was badly mistaken. Cruz delivered a very lengthy speech where he encouraged people to vote their conscience, rather than vote for the GOP nominee. Earlier that day, Trump twice used aerial vehicles (his personal plane and his helicopter) to buzz Cruz's rally. In the aftermath of the speech, Heidi Cruz had to be escorted by Virginia delegate Ken Cuccinelli from the convention hall, ostensibly for her own safety. Ted Cruz was booed. It's not too different from the 1980 Democratic National Convention in New York City. Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy waged a bitter primary fight against incumbent President Jimmy Carter. Kennedy struggled from the gate, and Carter built a powerful lead. Then Kennedy mounted a furious comeback, narrowing Carter's lead going into the convention. Carter desperately needed a show of unity at the DNC that year to take on popular GOP challenger Ronald Reagan. Kennedy received a prime time speaking role at the convention. But if Carter wanted a warm embrace to unify the party, he didn't get it. Kennedy's speech barely mentioned Carter. And the Massachusetts Senator deliberately ducked Carter, who followed him around the stage but failed to get hands raised together. Carter's reelection chances, and the rest, were history. Carter is still bitter about that snub, blaming Kennedy for his loss. Advertisement Trump claims that it was "no big deal" at a post-speech tweet, but that same tweet also blasted Cruz for not "honoring the pledge." Trump came out to try and pry media cameras away from the Texas Senator. New Jersey Chris Christie went on CNN to slam Cruz, calling it "political suicide." Trump tweeted that he saw the speech, while his campaign manager insisted there would be an endorsement. It's the Melania Trump plagiarism all over again, where mistakes are made, lies are told afterwards about who is responsible, and the story hangs around and incredible excuses are made (like the My Little Pony), wasting an effectively partisan Mike Pence speech. What will happen next? Ted Cruz is headed for my congressional district in West Georgia, where he will campaign for State Senator Mike Crane, backed by the Club for Growth, who is seeking an open Congressional seat in a bitter primary against West Point Mayor Drew Ferguson, favored by local GOP elected officials. It will be the first test of how Republicans will react to Cruz's non-endorsement. We'll find out later in November whether Cruz did the same damage that Kennedy was able to do 36 years ago. CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 19: Seth Taylor, left, a member of the western Ohio Minutemen, stands in Public Square in downtown Cleveland with his assault rifle on July 19, 2016. Ohio is an 'open carry' state. Protests in the park were peaceful and uneventful. (Photo by Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post via Getty Images) A week and a half after Dallas, days after Baton Rouge, the mayor of Cleveland is powerless to stop armed protesters from intimidating convention goers and menacing the police. Why? The National Rifle Association prefers it that way. This week we're seeing the NRA's vision for America on full display. For the gun lobby, the ideal is guns for anyone, anytime, anywhere -- even on crowded city streets. To that dangerous end, it continues to push a state-level policy that ties the hands of mayors and police chiefs and blocks cities from protecting their own citizens. Advertisement So, as much as Cleveland might like to set more reasonable limits on where people can openly carry guns, the city is handcuffed. In 2006, the gun lobby's allies in the Ohio general assembly overrode a Republican governor's veto and made "preemption" the law. Today, bending to the gun lobby, more than 40 states with preemption laws bar cities from setting their own public safety policies. Some preemption laws contain provisions that sway officials from even attempting to address gun violence. For example, in Florida, local officials who adopt any gun rules or regulations can face fines up to $5,000. They can also be removed from office. The effect is chilling. It's also illogical. It's why Florida cities can prohibit knives but not guns at their parades, and why Cleveland can prohibit glass bottles but not guns outside the convention. Advertisement Other preemption laws give out-of-state gun lobby groups the standing to sue local officials in court -- and collect attorneys' fees and damages at taxpayer expense. That was the case in Pennsylvania, before the State Supreme Court struck down a punitive preemption law on procedural grounds. Now NRA lobbyists are trying to revive it in the legislature this year. That's how the gun lobby operates. They set up shop in state capitols. They push laws that rob cities of the right to control their own affairs, and that punish mayors for doing their jobs. Then, they make taxpayers foot the bill for the lawsuits that inevitably follow. The disconnect between the gun lobby's interests and those of mayors and police -- particularly after Dallas and Baton Rouge -- is jarring. Every day, police put their lives on the line to uphold the Constitution, defend our laws, and protect us. They epitomize service and sacrifice. Yet, as Dallas Police Chief David Brown eloquently and rightly pointed out last week, policymakers are failing our cops and communities. Reflecting on his state's lax gun laws -- after the protesters who were openly, lawfully carrying rifles had created confusion for police as they chased the gunman attacking them -- Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings said, "I just want to come back to common sense." Advertisement The mayor is not alone. Look at the polls, and close to 90 percent of the public supports bucking the NRA and fixing our gun laws. After the mass shooting in Orlando, the overwhelming majority of Americans said they backed the ideas the Senate voted on and the House discussed last month. One proposal would require a background check for every gun sale. The other would give law enforcement the ability to block a suspected terrorist from buying a gun, while at the same time protecting his or her due-process rights. Congress remains gridlocked, but at the state level, common sense is increasingly defining our gun politics and policymaking. Since Newtown, six states have closed a loophole in federal law by requiring background checks on all gun sales -- making it 18 states in total with such laws. Nevada and Maine can make it 20 this year, if voters approve Election Day ballot initiatives. The more that lawmakers and voters reject gun lobby extremism, the closer we come to striking an all-important balance. We can protect our gun rights while making sensible, effective policy. And every time we buck the NRA -- especially when we stand up for mayors and their cities -- we can help protect the police duty-sworn to protect us. Advertisement Here's a news flash from well-known speaker and author David Avrin: Your marketing probably sucks. Ouch, right? In his latest book, Visibility Marketing, Avrin pulls no punches after years of consulting with companies about messaging and marketing. He concludes that most companies are using the same, competency-based messages - which may have worked in the past but don't work now. What led him to this? I sat down with Avrin to find out, and in between grins and laughter, I learned a ton. According to Avrin, whose book launches this week, the marketplace is populated with great companies that are smart, strong, lean and good at what they do. It's no longer effective to suggest that your company is simply better than your competitors because 1) it's probably not true and 2) the marketplace is fed-up with hearing the same trite messages over and over again. Says Avrin, if you continue to use tired, competency-based messages such as "we have the best customer service" or "we only use the freshest ingredients," then you are just one of many voices in the crowd saying the same dull thing. Are your competitors using stale ingredients? No. Are your competitors providing mediocre customer service? Probably not. Advertisement According to Avrin, the new normal is that everyone is good, and offering a quality product or service is table stakes. And the marketplace is rejecting competency based messages. So what do you? Avrin offers a number of ideas and even includes exercises at the end of each chapter in his book to help you figure it out. A few highlights: Everybody's good. Why are you better? Because quality now abounds, you have to offer potential customers a compelling reason why they should switch to your company. Most of your prospects are already getting their needs met somewhere, so you need to explain why you are better and convert them. In his book, Avrin discusses a company called Hydro Flask, which makes a compelling case why it's insulated water bottles are better than its competitors. The company shipped filled bottles via postal mail to reporters and asked them not to open them until they were called three days later. Upon opening the bottles, reporters found (drum roll, please): ice. Hydro Flask showed why their insulated bottles are better than their competitors. After three days and a trip through the mail, still visibly ice cold. Advertisement Be visible According to Avrin, when you think of visibility and traditional marketing, visions emerge of bright buildings, colorful outdoor advertising and perhaps guys waving signs by the roadside. Today, we must be visible where our customers congregate, in the publications they read and the websites they visit. Those who win in business are very successful at broadcasting their messages into the lives of their prospects. Avrin also points out that you can continue with the "biggest and the brightest" messages but realize that you better be larger than life. He mentions how the Burj Khalifa in Dubai isn't just the tallest building in the world, but the tallest by 700 feet. It's impossible to ignore in its category. To what question are you the answer? So perhaps you don't have the best water bottle or the tallest building, how do you market your product or service? According to Avrin, you don't have to be the absolute biggest or the best, but you have to be the best choice for your target market. In the book, he offers exercises on how to develop differentiators for your business. Today, we have to step back and ask hard questions, he advises. Why are we different? Where are we vulnerable? If we could recreate our company or product, how would we do it differently? And one of Avrin's favorites: To what question are you the answer? If you are simply looking for another book with tired platitudes and over-told case studies, then this is not the book for you. However, if you value a straightforward, actionable and an often irreverent take on how to improve your business and get more customers, then I highly recommend Visibility Marketing. Feel like a co-worker is subtly trying to sabotage your career? The mole from the Netflix show has the perfect advice for that, actually. Shit's kind of heavy for all of us right now, and we have a long road ahead, but I thought maybe, just maybe, you'd like five minutes of light reading about how I saved a cat and she saved me. Her name is FatFace. She's been feral for at least five years and she has three teeth and she weighs under five pounds. FatFace was part of a feral colony my neighbor took care of, and which I've subsequently taken over after my neighbor moved across town. I enjoy our cat colony, which totals between 10-12 mostly black or Russian blue cats, but let me tell you something about taking care of cat colonies: Don't publicly share that info at parties. One time I was at a networking event and met a handful of interesting people and had to stop this sentence from coming out of my mouth: "Oh, man. I have to get going! My cat colony is going to be piiiiissed if I don't get home soon for feed time." Advertisement (Side note: Our colony is fixed and if any genitalia-sporting cats come into the colony, my former neighbor traps them and gets them fixed through the Austin Humane Society's trap-neuter-release program.) FatFace was one of the oldest cats in the colony, and like most of the other ferals, she was terrified of us. Most of her time was spent hiding under the neighbor's house or keeping herself at a distance, squinting, watching our every move. However, we took a shine to the little goober because of her tiny stature and her expressive face. When I acquired the colony and discovered she only had three teeth, I began feeding her soft food. Over the course of nine months, FatFace went from eating soft food we left out, to letting us get very close to her, to letting us touch her, to letting us brush her, to letting us pet her. Now I'm happy to say she lives in our house and enjoys sleeping on my butt and sniffing my armpits. She also enjoys curling up like a tiny donut. Here are some other fun fact about FatFace: She's between 5-10 years old. We called her "he" for five years until I asked my vet to check out her netherparts. She also likes to sleep on my chest and stare at me from about two-to-three inches from my face. She does not like to be picked up; she makes this pathetic "muu-annn" sound when you do it. She doesn't like fancy-ass soft food; she likes good-ol' mystery meat from Friskies. We've managed to put one pound on her; she now weighs over five pounds. My bf thinks she is part dwarf cat. She has mouth herpes. She loves when you push on her nose really hard. She gets so into it that she might bite your face. She doesn't mind if you scratch her stomach -- but not the feet. She's a very affectionate, chill cat. Even when she's ready to party at 3AM or eat at 7AM, she just stares at us or head bunts us. Advertisement She's kind of a slob. Because she has mouth herpes and few teeth, she can't eat or groom well. Most of the time we get salmon sneezes all over our faces. During the day, I'll lay on the bed next to her and instantly fall asleep. At night time I can no longer get work done because she sleeps on my neck. She's very much loved by us. I've never owned a cat before, and I never thought I could love a cat as much as I do. She has brought great joy to my life, and I hope I bring joy to hers. If you'd like to follow the #LifeofFatFace, let's hook up on Instagram! The Best Pro-Choice Anti-Pence Movement Rally Ever Right before George W. Bush came up with the first legitimate reason to burn a book -- a memoir called "The Decider" -- he told NBC anchor Matt Lauer that, as young man, his mother showed him an old jar containing the fetus of her stillborn child. Later, to make that seem less psychotic and to clear up any questions, Barbara Bush explained that it was her housekeeper who actually canned George Zygote Bush. Which really makes a person wonder where the hell the housekeeper was dusting when she came across it. "Oh Lord," she might have sighed while scooping out the litter box, "The governess misplaced another lovely fetus. I'd better see if there are any Ball jars left in the pickling cabinet." That wouldn't happen today, not in Indiana, where the governor recently signed into law legislation designed not only to make abortion more traumatizing and harder to obtain, but also to freak the crap out of women whose bodies naturally reject a zygote or fetus. Today, Barbara would have to provide that jar a proper burial at her own expense. As do women who elect to have an abortion today at that remaining Indiana clinic (probably located near Ice Station Zero in Antarctica). It's a little like the Chinese policy that requires the nearest kin to pay for the bullet used to kill a condemned prisoner. This bill, HEA 1337, which Governor Pence signed into law at the end of March stipulates mandatory burial or cremation as well as some guidelines that seem designed only to bewilder alien historians and archeologists a few centuries down the road. Advertisement Highlights include: A woman considering abortion because the fetus has been diagnosed with a lethal anomaly must first be counseled on the benefits of perinatal fetal hospice. (The law also directs the state to make a brochure about that.) The law prohibits a person from performing an abortion if the person knows that the pregnant woman is seeking the abortion solely because of race, Down syndrome or any other disability. (Good to know that race is bundled in with disabilities in Indiana.) Mandatory ultrasound 18 hours prior to electing an abortion, of course. A miscarried or aborted fetus must be preserved until it can be interred or cremated - even if the pregnancy was so early in term that it amounts to little more than clotted blood. There's a lot more vaginal madness in that bill, if you want to check it out yourself. But in all fairness, the law mercifully spells out that zygotes do not require to be named before internment. No names, just ceremonial disposal. And they can be cremated in batches if the mother needs to take advantage of a volume discount. How thoughtful. Plus, no names will cover tracks of Indiana funeral homes that have had a few problems with fetus funerals - like the one that just shoved a few in the ceiling. And, leaving no evidence, Indiana can dodge the United Nations, which declared in January that, regarding abortion: ... subjecting women and girls to humiliating and judgmental attitudes in such contexts of extreme vulnerability and where timely healthcare is essential amount to torture or ill treatment ... Advertisement In any event, these new laws always lead to groups of protesting voters holding picket signs, making scripted phone calls, signing petitions and demanding to get their Supreme Court sanctioned rights back. Surely this is happening in Indiana, but the women of Hoosier Ville are also responding in what might be the most creative pro-choice protest ever. Someone who is remaining anonymous started a Facebook page called Periods for Pence, a call to action for all women to contact the good Governor with progress reports on their baby making. And they the women of Indiana are responding, and many are reporting their conversations on that Facebook page: Them: "Good Morning, Governor Pence's office" Me: "Good Morning. I just wanted to inform the Governor that things seem to be drying up today. No babies seem to be up in there. Okay?" I was just writing to see where I should send my used tampons. You know, since it's a collection of human cells that could have created a life. Also, will the Governor's office be covering postage? Me: Hello, this is Sue Magina again. I just hit a pothole on I-70. It was a doozy! I'm worried it might have shaken something around up in there, and I wanted to make sure that was addressed in this new abortion law. I knew Governor Pence would be worried. Thanks. Advertisement I tried to call to let him know that I have a shallow vagina and my husband is doing his part but I'm not sure his sperm is reaching my egg. I wanted to ask him his thoughts on shallow vaginas and the best position we should be having sex in so I can get pregnant, or at least have a really good orgasm. Should I have a vagina implant, and if so, does he know anyone with a long vagina that would be willing to swap? I don't have a period anymore. Do you think it OK I call his office to discuss the Oxford comma? If not, then how a period should be followed by two spaces not one. One space is some internet thing. Glad Pence is on the case. Can't have too many unschool gynoticians. Hello my name is Flo... The group is not limiting itself to phones and online media protests - members have brought to the mix their right to assemble. Recently they held and event they've named "Color Your Junk for Mike Pence," where they gathered to color in pages from a sex education coloring book - and then mail the pages to him. Kim Saylor, the organizer, told the press: "We want Gov. Pence to have enough information to act as 'Dr. Pence' for ourselves and our fellow Hoosiers. By providing him with a chance to examine depictions of our reproductive systems, we hope he'll gain much needed insight." This is a noble effort by the protesters and is undoubtedly driving employees at the office of the Governor toward nervous breakdowns. But as they leap over the edge, they should remember that the problem isn't the protesters. It's the American madness of crowds that keeps electing men who are obsessed with female reproduction. In Indiana, more than 16% of the population live below the poverty line, compared to the 9% of pregnancies that ended in abortion. If that sounds like a lot, consider that, in numbers, abortion is a decision that only 1,440 of 6,500,000 people in the state of Indian face each year. There are bigger issues out there. Advertisement Charles Mackay, in his classic book "Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds," states that: Men, it has been well said, think in herds; it will be seen that they go mad in herds, while they only recover their senses slowly, one by one. The women of Indiana are leveraging that maxim. And they starting with one man named Pence. And if he becomes the Vice President, we're all going to have to get out our coloring books. *** A speechwriter for Donald Trump's business has taken the blame for apparent plagiarism in Melania Trump's 2016 speech at the Republican National Convention. After all the excuses for Melania Trump's plagiarism of Michelle Obama's 2008 Democratic National Convention Speech, including denial and blaming it on Hillary Clinton, we get a mea culpa from Meredith McIver, a Trump employee on Trump Organizational letterhead. NBC news reports "McIver twice called the inclusion of language from Michelle Obama's 2008 speech "my mistake," seemingly contradicting the campaign's earlier insistence that no significant plagiarism occurred." "According to McIver, Mrs. Trump "always liked" the First Lady and passed on her convention remarks as an "inspiration" for her own speech. Somehow, the passage ended up in the final version largely unchanged." Advertisement "Over the phone, she read me some passages from Mrs. Obama's speech as examples," McIver wrote. "I wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing in the draft that ultimately became the final speech. I did not check Mrs. Obama's speeches. This was my mistake and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused to Melania and the Trumps, as well as to Mrs. Obama." While, it is touching to see words indicating cross-party admiration from Republican Trump boosters Melania Trump and Meredith McIver for the Democratic First Lady Michelle Obama, it strains credulity that the theft of Michelle Obama's speech was a mistaken tribute to her or that Melanie has all along been a secret Michelle Obama fan. Should Melania ever sit down for an interview on the subject, here are some suggested questions for Lesley Stahl or whomever should have the fun of this questioning: 1. Melania, as an immigrant yourself, having escaped the hardships of the communist Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to become an American citizen in 2006, do you admire Michelle Obama for her speech at City College NY speaking to immigrants about hard work and success in America? How do you square your admiration of Michelle's support for immigrants in America with your support of your husband's anti-immigrant campaign rhetoric? How do you admire them both? 2. Do you admire Michelle Obama's Harvard Law degree? Your education got interrupted by your modeling career, including nude modeling. Of course that's your choice, but why did you feel you had to lie about graduating from architecture school? Is the truth secondary to appearances? Advertisement 3. If you admired the strong feminist Michelle Obama so much, how can you support your husband's anti-woman campaign and support amongst his followers for calling Michelle ugly? Did you see Barbara Bush comment on CNN that she doesn't see how any woman could vote for Trump? Do you believe that women need to look a certain way to be "successful" as your husband has indicated? 4. You began your relationship with Donald Trump while he was still married to his second wife. Do you believe that honesty is an important quality in a president and in a first lady? Is that part of what you respect in the Obamas? 5. As a Michelle Obama fan, do you read her speeches or watch them? Was Michelle's Democratic National Convention Speech in 2008 one of your favorites? Is that why you read it to your speech writer over the phone and chose to include it in your own remarks on behalf of your husband? Because it was so memorable to you? Were you thinking of Michelle while you spoke her words? It's always interesting to note what elements in life have the power to stir human emotion. Which speeches spark applause, what ideas propel action; which leaders reflect the best of who we are and what we can be. We look to those people and events to galvanize us, to convince us that our contributions to society have purpose and value; that we have the power within ourselves to shake up the status quo to participate in making the world a better place. Those are lofty principles, to be sure, but ones that are essential to progress and cultural evolution. Ones that, we'd hope, are found in the fine print of a national convention's mission statement. We'd expect that, because what's the point of a national convention -- beyond the theatrics of officially nominating the candidate -- if not to inspire the electorate to the very highest levels of integrity, purpose, and compassion? Then there's the RNC of 2016. If one has the endurance, the sheer stomach, to sit across from a TV and witness the circus that is the Republican National Convention, they will find, instead of lofty ideals, the bombardment of vitriol and hate-speak, sputtering hysteria, fear-mongering and demagoguery, plagiarism, finger-pointing, threats of violence, racial insensitivity and general mayhem and bullying. Advertisement It would seem that any intent to exemplify admirable behavior and compassionate humanity, or any other meritorious, commendable human traits, was thrown under the bus to focus on attacking the Democratic candidate and our current president like a cabal of shrieking, witch-hunting, pitchfork thrashing "villagers." Horrible stuff, yes... ... but it served to make me very proud to NOT be in that demographic, to NOT be a participant in that ugly proceeding; to, simply, NOT be Republican. In looking at the regressive platforms of the party, the pessimistic, hate-filled rhetoric of its speakers, the racism and xenophobia of its members, and, most egregiously, the repugnance and incompetence of its now-officially nominated candidate, I can only pity the person who has somehow, inexplicably, unfathomably, hitched a ride on that particular train. To be a Republican in 2016 is surely an exercise in putting fingers in one's ears and hands over one's eyes. Certainly the Democratic party is not a pure entity itself. I don't like every person I know who's a Democrat and I'm not fond of every Democratic politician. That party, like any group, has its share of corrupt, self-serving members. It has a cadre of those to the farthest left who see conspiracies in everything and find fault in leaders not delivering all on their agenda. Some in the party have done little to further Democratic principles, while others are ineffective or too easily manipulated. But still, still, the heart and soul of the party represents and strives to be the most embracing, compassionate version of government. Advertisement The Republicans? Well, their National Convention has been a study in the opposite of inspiration, the opposite of lofty ideals. They designed and produced an event with speakers who spent their precious soapbox time screaming (literally, in some cases!) about fear and terror (Rudy Guliani), the Lucifer-like evilness of Hillary Clinton (Ben Carson); the supposedly "justifiable" shooting of Clinton for "treason" (Al Baldasaro), the "Is she guilty?!" prosecution of Hillary via speech (the Bridgegate-challenged, Chris Christie), with, as a bonus, the has-been actor/model Antonio Sabato, Jr. asserting that Obama IS, indeed, a Muslim. There were chaotic floor fights attempting to shout-down the nomination process, the candidate's wife plagiarizing her speech; a aggressively grieving mother keening that Hillary literally killed her son in Benghazi; speakers who refused to endorse the candidate, speakers who shouldn't have even been there (Chachi?), the convenient prop of a black sheriff claiming Black Lives Matter is "anarchy," with likely more madness to come before it's over. Was there any inspiration in all of that... anywhere? Any soaring rhetoric to appeal to the best of human nature? Were the speakers determined to celebrate the fabulousness of their presidential candidate? It would seem: no, no and... NO. The tragedy of today's GOP is that it embodies and aggrandizes the very worst of America and Americans. It pushes fear and hate, it stokes anger and blame; it dismisses intelligence, integrity, wisdom, and compromise. What was once a proud party based on "small government" and fiscal conservatism has metastasized into a cabal of sneering white supremacy, xenophobia, misogyny, and crass ignorance. The Trump campaign is built on the lazy, entitled, sadly correct notion that there are enough people who mirror and reflect his ugliness to vault him to prominence. Advertisement Which makes me sad, but also leaves me grateful, and so proud... to be in the other camp. The camp that offers a big tent, compassionate platforms, and consideration for people of every race, creed, color, gender, orientation, ethnicity, and background. A party that sees government as an essential partner, a foundation, an entity made up of the people, for the people, with the participation of those whom the people elect to office. A group that embraces, encourages, exemplifies, and embodies ideals that any parent can hold up to any child with pride and integrity. A party that -- though flawed, complex, imperfect, fallible, and regularly challenged -- pushes the hope for more "love and kindness." Hate and fear do nothing but foment more hate and fear. It's love and kindness that inspires. I'm proud to support a party, and a candidate, that wants more of that. RNC Clown photo by LDW. ___________________________________________________________ Today, the Earth got a little hotter, and a little more crowded. Saving BUB, Beautiful Unique Biodiversity, like this golden macaw, is another important reason to save the carbon storing Amazonian rainforest. Source cuyabenolodge.com Forests: the cheapest way to store carbon OO Deforestation In The Amazon Continues - Takeaways: in the last 50 years, nearly 20% has been lost almost 300,000 square miles; In 2015, it lost another 2,000 square miles. OO Deforestation From Illegal Gold Mining Spreads To Northern Peru show satellite images. When we harm forests, we harm ourselves. OO India State Plants Close To 50 Million Trees In A Day - trying to beat a world record. Takeaways: govt funded +6.2 billion for tree-planting nationally; India pledges to increase forest cover to 95 million hectares (235 million acres) by 2030. long-term survival of trees planted in such mass campaigns remains a concern. <> A Beauty Among Many That Are Threatened, the decline of the monarch butterfly is the poster story of much wider insect decline, including the catastrophic decline of bees worldwide. Credit Ted Wilcox OO Vanishing Act: Why Insects Are Declining And Why It Matters - they are being lost to pesticides, monoculture, and habitat loss, but are essential to agriculture and \ecosystems necessary for our survival. Think food pollinators, for starters. Paying For The Right Kind of Greenery Source www.ababaugandasafaris.com OO Uganda: A Cheap, Simple Way To Slow Deforestation - where it is happening rapidly, is to simply pay land owners not to cut down their trees, a program showed. The program is a positive model for protecting a biodiverse hub that includes a key habitat for endangered chimpanzees. It also validates the effectiveness of a "Payments for Ecosystems Services" of the sort that could help slow global deforestation, leading driver of climate change. Advertisement * * CARBON-STORING UNDERSEA FORESTS THREATENED Wikipedia OO Sea Otters Are Climate Champions: They Protect Carbon Storing Kelp Forests in the Aleutian Islands by eating sea urchins, keeping these kelp eaters from ravaging kelp forests. "The difference in annual absorption of atmospheric carbon from kelp photosynthesis between a world with and a world without sea otters is somewhere between 13 and 43 billion kg of carbon." Sea Urchins Flourish, Eating Declining Kelp as oceans warm and acidify. Credit David Doubilet OO Warming, Acidifying Oceans Harm Health, Survival Of Kelp Forests - particularly those in the warmest part of their range, shows a new study, reducing kelps while resulting in more of its predators, sea urchins. Rock lobsters, which usually keep sea urchin numbers in check, are falling, putting yet more pressure on kelp populations. It is uncertain whether kelp communities will survive. AUSTRALIA SEA FOREST DEVASTATION An Undersea Jungle No More - most of Australia's kelp forests were recently destroyed by a marine heat wave. Source www.toptenplus.com Advertisement OO Australia: Marine Heatwave Devastates Vast Kelp Forests destroying about 90% of forests off the western coast between 2011 to 2013, posing a threat to biodiversity and the marine economy. Related Headline: OO Climate-Driven Regime Shift Of A Temperate Marine Ecosystem - rapid warming off Australia's west coast has transformed large stretches of kelp forests into tropical and subtropical marine ecosystems of seaweeds, invertebrates, corals, and fish typical of subtropical and tropical waters, a new study finds. OO Australia's Other Great Reef Is Also Screwed - While the world panics about the Great Barrier Reef, an even larger and more valuable habitat, Australian kelp forests, are collapsing. That's Not Snow - It's Skeletons... of mangroves that died from overheating. Credit James Cook University OO Mangrove Die-Off in Australia Led by Climate Change - About 7,000 hectares of mangroves over 700 km in the north have died due to climate change and El Nino -- the worst in the world, says a mangrove expert. Advertisement "This is what climate change looks like. You see things push the maximums or minimums." Climate change warmed waters in the area made rainfall more erratic and, with this strong El Nino year, pushed mangroves beyond their tolerance threshold. Australia is also reeling from mass coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef and mass deaths of kelp forests off the coast of Western Australia. OO Great Barrier Reef: Govt Must Choose Which Parts To Save says an expert, and confront the prospect that some of it may be doomed, an expert on conservation modelling has warned. * * OH-OH OO Climate May Be More Sensitive And Situation More Dire says new research. The climate may be warming more and faster in response to climate changing emissions than previously thought. * * CHANGING LAND USE DRIVES ASIAN CLIMATE-CHANGING EMISSIONS Like A Giant Climate Changing Infection Asian deforestation emits climate changing carbon gases, and often the farms that replace them further add emissions in growing livestock and crops. Source ulet ifan at flipboard.com Advertisement OO Asia: Significant Carbon Emissions from Changing Land Use and Cover from 1980-2009 resulted, and were responsible for 20-40% of such source emissions globally, a new study finds. * * HOT NEWS Source NSF Central Arizona Phoenix LTER site OO Heat Wave Lifts June To Hottest On Record For US with a record average of nearly 72 F for the lower 48 states. OO We Just Broke The Record For Hottest Year, Nine Straight Times * * CLIMATE COSTS MOUNT US Climate Change Costs Mount with this year looking to equal or be worse than the record US disaster year, 2011. Source NOAA OO US Billion+ Dollar Weather Disasters Surge to Eight - And It's Only June - Takeaways: 2 floods and 6 severe weather events Including severe hailstorms many in Texas, well above the US average in yearly disaster costs. <> European Capitals Are Set to Heat UP under continued global warming. Credit MikeMey67 at flickr.com OO Climate Change To Blame For 1,000 Deaths In 2003 Heat Wave says a new study. The model attributes 1,000 deaths directly to climate change. The model looked at Paris and London; In much warmer Paris, 70% of the deaths were climate linked; 20% in London. Extended to the70,000+ deaths in Europe during that hot summer, the model could potentially link far more deaths to climate change. The chances of experiencing such extreme heat waves in London and Paris have tripled. OO Boiled Alive - When the human body gets to 42C, it starts to cook. The heat causes the proteins in each cell to irreversibly change, like an egg white as it boils. In the 2003 summer, record temperatures soared from 36.5 C to 41 C in Bosnia. OO Climate Report Predicts British Heatwaves Of 48C <> Source CBC, Reuters OO Canada: Alberta Wildfires Costliest Disaster In Canadian History * * MELTDOWN Planetary Thermal Shield Disappearing as it literally melts away, allowing the planet to absorb ever more heat every day. OO Arctic Sea Ice Crashes To Record Low For June With Record Speed - ice cover disappeared at an average rate of 29,000 miles a day, about 70% faster than the typical rate of ice loss, experts say. OO Alaska: As Glaciers Melt, Landslides Follow - mountainsides around Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska are giving way, causing seismic tremors and tsunamis. Advertisement * * FIXING CLIMATE CHANGE @@ A Simple And Smart Way To Fix Climate Change given by Dan Miller in 2014 at a Ted talk suggests a way to profit as we tackle climate change, by finally charging those who sell and use fossil fuels - and distributing the revenues back to all of us. The strategy is sure to speed transition to clean renewable energy. What's not to like? Check it out! * * SPEAKING OUT Source www.huffingtonpost.com Hillary At Least Addresses Climate Change occasionally, but Trump is absent on even acknowledging the problem. OO Food Shortages, Sea Level Rise: US Voters' Top Climate Change Concerns OO Climate Change: The Missing Issue Of The 2016 Campaign - reveals a Guardian survey of US voters, who are angry that the national election campaigns fail to deal with concerns over the gathering global disaster. Advertisement * * WET NEWS OO Climate Change Makes Flood More Likely, More Damaging, experts say. Overwhelming scientific evidence shows that the warming of the planet's atmosphere is increasing the occurrence of and the seriousness of heavy rains in West Virginia. OO Britain Faces Drowning With Global Warming As the Earth's temperature continues to rise at an alarming rate, and catastrophic flooding is just the beginning. The Bright Eye of Destruction, Nepartak, is the latest in destructive typhoons helped by the heat of global warming. Source climatesignals.org OO Super Typhoon Nepartak Causes Devastation Across Taiwan's Coastline OO Climate Change Boosted Nepartak's Intensity, Destruction OO Acid Oceans Decreasing Carbon Storage in the Oceans - as the acidity* prevents myriad marine organisms from forming calcium carbonate skeletons, an important way that oceans store carbon. Ultimately, there will be a limit of the carbon dioxide the oceans will be able to absorb. At that point, the planet will, under continued global warming, heat up far faster. Advertisement *As humans fill the air with the carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases that cause global warming, much of that carbon gets dissolved in the ocean, causing the water to acidify. Muscled Out By Climate Change? Source allomoulesfrites.com OO Climate Change Will Muscle Mussels Off The Menu By 2100 says a new study, ocean acidification seriously affects mussels' ability to cling onto rocks,, which they must do 6-12 months while they grow to a marketable size. By 2100, the mussel coastal regions will be so acidic that nearly half of mussels will be unable to cling on long enough to be farmed. Related Headline: OO Acid Attack: Can Mussels Hang On for Much Longer? * * SOCIAL REPERCUSSIONS Hot Times - Field and construction workers are particularly vulnerable to heat wave harm. Source imgur.com OO As Temperatures Climb, US Workers Are Suffering - In 2011, heat killed 61 U.S. workers and sickened 4,400+. Advertisement There are no federal heat standards for workers. OO New York City Faces Drowning Within This Century - from projected sea level rises of 5-7 feet or more. It's not clear that even the planned 10-foot walls to protect Manhattan will be enough, especially when the next big storm comes. The Sea Is Claiming Their Homes with rising tides, faster than these Marshall Islanders can find new ones. Source Bikini Atoll Local Government via AP OO Seas Rising Faster Than Refugee Law Can Adapt - in being able to decide what rights people have when displaced by rising sea levels. From Wet to Dry: As Lake Poopo Died, So Did the Identity of A Community OO Climate Change Drying Up Lakes That Sustain Communities in the Andes in South America. * * OO What Happens When Society Crumbles And Progress Stops Takeaways: Every complex society in history - think Rome, the Maya, Greece - has collapsed. societies grow more complex at the cost of energy; social collapse occurs when not enough energy exists to sustain social complexity; collapse of trade, political institutions, technology, economies, production ensues. collapses are inhumane: MANY people die. in past regional collapses, people refashioned new societies from remnants. the next collapse is likely to be global; current resource devastation and pollution means there will not be much left to develop our current level of society, again. MEH: If we brought our populations to sustainable numbers and consumption levels humanely, we might spare our descendents this inhumane future. * * A SWEET SPOT IN CREATING SUSTAINABLE POPULATIONS Triple Win: Using Profits to Provide Needed US Family Planning - Medicines360.org is key to creating a sustainable US population and bright futures for women - AND saving taxpayers many billions yearly in community costs by preventing unintended pregnancies. Source medicines360.org GOOD IDEAS Credit E. Moinu, IITA OO The Limits To Green Growth - Reconciling environmental and economic imperatives will be hard, but necessary. "Some might argue that calling for radical transformation, rather than incremental change, is inappropriate... But this view implicitly underestimates the seriousness of the environmental crisis that the world faces, and assumes linear change when the needed transformation will be non-linear." Advertisement "We Now Live In A Full World, but we still behave as if it were empty..." Credit Randy Scott Slavin As Herman Daly notes: "we now live in a full world, but we still behave as if it were empty, with ample space and resources for the indefinite future... The prevailing obsession with economic growth puts us on the path to ecological collapse, sacrificing the very sustenance of our well-being and survival. To reverse this ominous trajectory, we must transition toward a steady-state economy focused on qualitative development, as opposed to quantitative growth, and the interdependence of the human economy and global ecosphere." Credit Natash at free images OO How The World's Most Fertile Soil Can Help Reverse Climate Change - Takeaways: Soil mixed with biochar* and organic matter stores far more carbon; Retains far more water and is far more fertile; In combo with reducing fossil fuel use, it could make a huge difference And address many agriculture, food security and hunger issues. *organic wastes heated in a low oxygen environment - a way to recycle human and agricultural wastes, both plant and animal. Advertisement Source AFP via Getty Images OO Fix or Nix the Most Inefficient, Dirtiest Plants To Reduce Emissions in every country, a new study indicates, since not all plants are equal in how much emissions they produce per unit power. OO A Super Microgrid Controller Allows Microgrids to 'Talk' to Each Other - important as clean energy microgrids spread. OO Flipping Crystals Improves Solar Cell Performance - Takeaways: Perovskite crystals can convert sunlight to electricity efficiently; A new two dimensional formation of the crystal has tripled that efficiency And is outstandingly stable. Perovskites are closer to being used in solar installations. OO California: Making Your Home Energy Smart With A Click - the state government is making it happen. Advertisement Source floridatrend.com OO Miami's Plan To Deal With Climate Change: Make Developers Pay Up - charging fees for those who develop in environmentally sensitive areas. OO Here's What US Can Learn From Germany's Sunny Grid - One day recently, Germany had generated just short of 100 percent of its electricity from renewable energy. Part 3 of 4. OO Surviving Kenya's Drought: Catching Water With Rocks - Rock catchment systems use naturally occurring rock outcrops to divert rainwater to a central collection area. A concrete wall is built to direct the water that trickles down the rock surface into a sand and gravel filter, then down pipes into covered storage tanks. * * GOOD CLEAN NEWS OO Big Solar Is Leaving Rooftop Systems In The Dust - Solar power is on pace for the first time this year to contribute more new electricity to the grid than will any other form of energy - a feat driven more by economics than green mandates, favoring large scale over rooftop installations. OO Offshore Wind Costs Hit Record Low . OO Wind Power Plant In Atacama Desert Fills Chile's Clean-Energy Sails OO Google, Amazon and Apple Are Forging the Future of Corporate Energy Management Large corporations are taking a more active approach to managing their energy. Advertisement OO New York Investing Bigtime in Clean Energy Future <> Bringing The Sun to her community in Tanzania, selling solar lights, and clean stoves as part of the Solar Sisters cooperative. Source Solar Sisters OO From Basket Weavers To Salt Farmers: The Women Leading A Renewables Revolution - From Tanzania to India, social enterprises are helping women become clean energy entrepreneurs. OO Deutsche Bank Pulls Back From Deals in Coal Mining Sector * * CLINTON BESTS TRUMP AT CLIMATE AND ENERGY POLICY Where Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump Stand on Climate, Energy Source www.realclearpolitics.com OO Where Clinton, Trump Stand on Energy, Climate Change OO Trump's Wall Will Hurt U.S. Energy Companies - by choking off a burgeoning energy relationship between the US and the emerging oil and gas nation of Mexico. * * CLUELESS LEADERSHIP OO Despite Economic Advantages, Some Republican States Are Discouraging Clean Energy OO G20 Nations Fail To Agree On Timeline For Phasing Out Fossil Fuel Subsidies * * FOSSIL FUEL FOLLIES OO Coal Dust Pollution Kills 23,000 Yearly In EU penetrating lungs, and it racks up tens of billions of euros in health costs, says a new report. OO Shell Seeks Exemption To North Sea Clear-Up Rules so it doesn't have to remove all the drilling crap it left undersea - some of the structures the size of the Empire State Building. Advertisement OO Poland's Disappearing Lakes Fuel Battle Over Coal Mining as the industry siphons groundwater for its mining, and farms and lakes dry up. * * ELECTION YEAR: If You Don't Vote For Climate Action, You Can Forget The Rest - in a climate-changing world of famine, drought, rising seas, giant storms and heat waves, there will be no security in jobs, health, wealth, or national safety. There will be chaos ensuing from increasing crises and disasters. Vote. OO Global Warming Policies We Set Today Will Determine The Next 10,000 Years - of global warming, a new study shows -- and whether our civilization survives or not: history shows that harmful climate change has destroyed civilizations before. This time, it could be worldwide. Let's keep "The Hunger Games" in the realm of fiction. * * If we do not grow sustainably, Our children will die inhumanely. @@ The Cost of Unintended Pregnancy: Too Young Teen childbearing cost US taxpayers $9+ Billion in 2010 And the costs of raising a child usually ensures decades, if not a life, of poverty for its mother. - US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advertisement WHAT YOU CAN DO Help prevent unintended pregnancies in your community: publicize where women can access affordable contraception. They can go here to find locations: And there are many more actions you can do, right here. * * * SOLAR KEEPS SMILING OO Faster Rooftop Solar Growth To Cut Demand From Biggest U.S. Grid OO 'The Switch: How Solar, Storage And New Tech Means Cheap Power For All' - the solar revolution is closer than you think, argues an expert, as storage and new technology evolve. OO MGM Resorts Expands Solar Array, Now US Largest * * * WHY WE SHOULD ACT NOW: RISING RISKS Daily Climate Change: Global Map of Unusual Temperatures, July 20, 2016 How unusual has the weather been? No one event is "caused" by climate change, but global warming, which is predicted to increase unusual, extreme weather, is having a daily effect on weather, worldwide. Looking above at recent temperature anomalies, much of the US and the waters surrounding it are experiencing warmer than normal temperatures: the eastern Pacific warm spot continues and so does the drought in California, despite the occasional precipitation. Much of the areas surrounding the North Pole are experiencing much warmer than normal temperatures - not good news for our Arctic thermal shield of ice. Hotter than usual temperatures continue to dominate human habitats. Advertisement There is, of course, much more news on the consequences and solutions to climate change. To get it, check out this annotated resource list I've compiled, "Climate Change News Resources," at Wordpress.com here. For more information on the science of climate change, its consequences and solutions you can view my annotated list of online information resources here. To help you understand just what science does and does NOT do, check this out! Computer keyboard with vote key Virginia Senator Tim Kaine is at the top of virtually everyone's speculative list of possible running mates for Democratic, presumptive presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Kaine's profile is an impressive one. He's been a mayor, governor, senator and chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Add this to his foreign policy chops and Virginia's status as one of the largest and most crucial swing states in the 2016 election and you have seemingly little to criticize the idea of Kaine as VP. Advertisement However, Kaine has a shortcoming that many Democrats may find awkward to acknowledge openly. There's nothing historical or particularly exciting about the prospect of his candidacy for Vice President. At 58-years-old, Kaine isn't particularly youthful, nor does he come from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. He is an older, white-male member of the Democratic establishment. The Democratic Party is in the midst of an election cycle which is shaping up to be a final determination that it is in fact the party of minorities and women in the US. Is it feasible that in the midst of an attempt to elect the first woman president, immediately after the first Black president the Democratic Party will have the number two spot on their ticket occupied by a conventional, white-male politician? Advertisement The answer. Of course it is. After all, 73-year-old former Senator Joe Biden can be described exactly the same way. However, this is 2016, not 2008. The political climate surrounding Clinton's choice is completely different than that of her Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama. In Donald Trump, Clinton faces a Republican candidate who is historically unpopular with minorities and women. The United States now faces raging battles over issues which greatly effect minorities in immigration and police brutality. The Democratic Party and the United States as a whole seem to call for a more daring choice than the selection of the vanilla, albeit eminently qualified Tim Kaine. So why consider anything other than qualification in a potential vice president? Isn't that the most important factor after all? Logically speaking, probably. Politically speaking, in 2016, probably not. Simply put, Kaine is the ultimate conventional pick in the most unconventional presidential election in generations. Advertisement He's a safe, defensive choice, not an exciting one and it's unclear if Clinton should be playing a preventative defense at this point. As it stands, the election is fairly close with both Trump and Clinton being historically unpopular with voters. Clinton has no shortage of options if she decides on a more exciting nominee that would compliment the historical nature of her candidacy. African American Senator Cory Booker, female Senator Elizabeth Warren in addition to Latino-American, Obama administration cabinet secretaries Tom Perez and Julian Castro are said to be contenders for a position on Clinton's ticket. None of these picks have as much state and federal level governing experience as Kaine, but all of them are generally thought of as more progressive and exciting, due in part to the historic possibilities of their potential placement on a national ticket. In the end, Clinton's selection will reveal just how much she is willing to confront the unconventional nature of the 2016 campaign and the changing demographics of her party's base and the country as a whole. Advertisement CINCINNATI, OH - Democratic Presumptive Nominee for President former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, along with Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), speak to campaign volunteers at a 'get out the vote' event at University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio on Monday, July 18, 2016. (Photo by Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images) Given his outrageous rhetoric and hate speech, his uncontrollable ego, his pathological lying, his virtually apocalyptic policy agenda and his textbook racism, it's no surprise that some commentators have declared the 2016 presidential contest to be simply a referendum on Donald Trump. And to some extent it is. Americans will be given the choice to accept or reject Trump's bigotry, demagoguery and recklessness. Donald Trump over the last year has given enough reason for every right thinking American to go to the polls to make sure that he never gets anywhere near the White House. But focusing on Trump alone obscures the other, equally important aspect of the choice we're making in November: that Hillary Clinton is an extraordinary candidate that all of us, particularly those of us in the progressive movement, should be proud to support. On the issues that matter most, she's laid out a powerful agenda to move our country forward. Advertisement Most importantly, consider the issue on which the next president might have the greatest impact: the Supreme Court. As Bernie Sanders said in his endorsement speech last week, the results of the 2016 election will reshape the Court for a generation. It could allow us to overturn disastrous decisions in cases like Citizens United; defend the rights of women, immigrants, workers and LGBT people; protect the environment and repair the damage being done to civil rights law. Years of harm to essential rights of Americans could be reversed by our next president. And Hillary Clinton has made clear exactly what kind of nominee she's looking for: I'll appoint justices who will protect the constitutional principles of liberty and equality for all, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or political viewpoint; make sure the scales of justice aren't tipped away from individuals toward corporations and special interests; and protect citizens' right to vote, rather than billionaires' right to buy elections. That's a promise that any progressive should cheer and is reason enough for us all to try to be the first in line when the polls open. The next president will likely have the opportunity to appoint a number of new justices to the Court, and the vacancies to be filled are likely to come from across the Court's ideological divide. As president, Hillary Clinton would be able to correct the Court's sharp, decades-long conservative tilt and build a judiciary that lives up to the core promises of our Constitution. Advertisement But that's hardly the only place on which Hillary Clinton has charted a course that would move our country decisively in the right direction. Let me outline just a few examples. Hillary Clinton has argued for stricter gun laws and expanding Social Security. She will fight for paid family leave, for equal pay, and for a higher minimum wage. When it comes to fighting big money in politics, Clinton has laid out a comprehensive plan to increase transparency, empower small donors, and reduce the influence of corporations and wealthy special interests; and she's spoken out strongly in favor of amending the Constitution to empower Congress to address the problem -- more than just a long-term goal, she committed to introducing an amendment to overturn Citizens United in her first 30 days as president. On immigration, she's made clear that she'll do everything in her power to keep families together and push for comprehensive immigration reform allowing 11 million to emerge from the shadows. She's endorsed the idea of debt-free college and pledged to work against mandatory minimum laws that have exacerbated our mass incarceration crisis. And she's proposed funding for law enforcement training to help protect the transgender community. Make no mistake: it will take hard work and grassroots energy to score wins on each of those issues. Republicans in Congress won't back down no matter how badly their standard bearer is defeated or how many seats they lose in the House and Senate. But on each of these issues progressives can be confident that President Hillary Clinton will be a staunch ally and effective leader. On Election Day, there may be Americans who vote for Hillary Clinton only because they can't stomach the idea of letting Donald Trump anywhere near the White House. But I won't be one of them. When I pull the lever for Hillary Clinton, the first woman president of the United States, I'll be doing it with enthusiasm. Advertisement Donald Trump, 2016 Republican presidential nominee, listens during the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S., on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. Donald Trump, a real-estate developer, TV personality, and political novice, was formally nominated as the 2016 Republican presidential candidate Tuesday night in Cleveland after his campaign and party officials quashed the remnants of a movement to block his ascension. Photographer: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images Donald Trump has been formally nominated as the Republican candidate for the presidency of the United States. Now, every American voter faces a question that must overrule all others: Should we give the nuclear codes to a man with absolutely no national security experience at all, who explicitly rejects all professional military advice, and whose well-documented personality is ruled by narcissism, dishonesty, the thinnest of skins, a quickness to anger and an absolute lack of impulse control? Advertisement Presidents have meaningful but deeply limited authority in domestic matters. There is only so much they can do to effect the economy, immigration policy, the Second Amendment, or social issues like marriage equality and abortion. But presidents have virtually unlimited power when it comes to ordering American troops into battle to kill and die. It is no exaggeration to say that an American president can, with almost nothing standing in their way, wake up from a nap and decide to end every life on earth in the span of that afternoon. Incidentally, the man who actually wrote The Art of the Deal for Trump fears that, if elected, he could well do exactly that. With this understanding, Donald Trump stops being funny pretty damn quickly. With this understanding, arguments about whether Hillary Clinton is liberal or conservative enough, or takes good enough care of her email, begin to sound ludicrous. With this understanding, all of us need to face a simple and terrible truth, unprecedented in our nation's history: We face a presidential nominee so irredeemably unfit to serve as commander-in-chief that he poses a genuine threat to the country. We should not use the word "threat" lightly -- especially in this context. So let's consider, for a moment, the ramifications of what Trump himself says he will do. In other words, let's do what may be the hardest thing anyone can with respect to Donald Trump, and take the man at his word. Advertisement For instance, it isn't hard to draw a line between Trump's campaign rhetoric and the possibility of the biggest crisis in civil-military relations in our time. Trump has repeatedly said that he will order American troops to abdicate our values by demanding they execute policies like torture ("waterboarding and a hell of a lot worse") and killing the family members of suspected terrorists. His "policy" thinking is driven apparently not by what is good for our national security, but by a bloodthirsty drive to match the savagery of our enemies. And no matter how many senior national security leaders insist these orders will be refused, Trump maintains that his cult of personality will force our men and women in uniform to obey him. Trump also would reimagine the international system in his own image. Since at least 1987, he has been arguing that the world is "laughing at" America for funding global security. However inflated his conception of his own net worth may be, Trump is indeed a businessman at heart; he is incapable of understanding anything but purely transactional relationships, so he can't get beyond "everyone pays 50-50 for tanks and planes." This simplified thinking has driven him to start Twitter fights with multiple world leaders, question the utility of NATO in a time of increased Russian aggression, and insult the very Muslim allies abroad who are so key to his implausible plans to defeat ISIL "big time." The shortsighted, calamitous Brexit vote is the ideal foreign policy model for Trump -- as opposed to the Greatest Generation's tireless sacrifices to weave the security and prosperity of nations together by way of international institutions. And of course, Trump has a downright frightening track record when it comes to nuclear weapons. In keeping with his views on allies and protection fees, he's posited that a conflict between Japan and North Korea "would be a terrible thing but if they do, they do." This is, of course, an extension of his musing that perhaps Japan, South Korea and even Saudi Arabia should simply get their own nuclear weapons; as for the United States, he has refused to rule out using tactical nuclear weapons in the Middle East or even in Europe. Considering that Trump's answer to a question about the nuclear triad was to say that "nuclear changes the whole ballgame" -- especially given that he had been asked the same question by the same host months earlier and taken none of the intervening time to understand our nation's most powerful weapons -- this bravado and ignorance is negligent on a scale that could threaten humanity. Individually, any of these ideas would be damaging to national security. Taken together, they're a catastrophe. But Trump's ideas, as bizarre and dangerous as they are, are not even the real problem -- it's Trump's fundamental character that is the real dealbreaker. There is no better version of him, no world in which he changes his mind or spins himself into another set of positions, which can change that reality. It is simply impossible at this point for anyone to claim not to know that Trump is irredeemably unfit for command. The truth about Trump is staring us in the face. The choice each of us must make is to admit that truth, or hide from it. This isn't about politics anymore. It is a question of patriotism and personal character. GOP leaders who have not done so already must finally put country above party and admit that Trump is unfit to serve as commander-in-chief. It will feel good to stop twisting yourselves into knots to justify his latest embarrassment or outrage, and it will feel even better when you come out of this election cycle with your reputation and your integrity intact. Doing anything else is craven and un-American -- and if that isn't good enough, it's the right move for you in the long run. GOP leaders who do publicly oppose Trump but who have made a career out of publicly smearing Hillary Clinton must also admit an uncomfortable truth: she is a more or less conventional politician, not a bigoted monster or temperamental child. As long as the indefatigable "both sides are to blame" chorus continues to paint Clinton and Trump as a somehow equivalent evils and clings to the impossible dream of an independent swooping in to win the White House, they're only making Trump's election more likely. Advertisement Photo by: Dennis Van Tine/STAR MAX/IPx 7/20/16 Ted Cruz at day 3 of The Republican National Convention. (Cleveland, Ohio) The surreal spectacle of Texas Senator Ted Cruz standing at the microphone at the Republican National Convention was amazing to behold. He thumbed the eye of the nominee and his supporters. He ignored the pledge he made to support the Republican nominee. He left some convention delegates foaming at the mouth in anger, some shaking their heads in disappointment, and others quietly cheering. He imperiled his political future. Importantly, however, he also delivered a master class in political courage and treachery. Courage? Yes, courage. It took courage to tell a hostile crowd of fervent Donald Trump supporters that they picked the wrong person to be their nominee. It took courage to tell those same delegates and voters around the country that they should not support Donald Trump. I know he didn't use those words exactly, but make no mistake about it; "vote your conscience" is the same as saying "anybody but Trump." It's one thing to say it to friends at the dinner table. It's another thing altogether to say it in front of thousands of people in a room and millions more watching at home. Advertisement But it was also the most traitorous political move in American political history. Benedict Arnold, Judas Iscariot and Marcus Junius Brutus would be impressed. Political geeks know that party conventions are multi-day marketing events. Long past are the days in which they picked the nominee. Their only purpose is to promote and propel the nominee into the general election. Every person who speaks at a convention knows the deal and the expectation that they will assist in that effort. To understand this but use someone else's party to promote your agenda, with all there is at stake, is the height of treachery. Cruz, yet again, put himself above the party. Courage and treachery are common in politics. Rarely do you see it displayed by one person simultaneously. Cruz, who is conducting himself as someone who has already begun the 2020 campaign, delivered an amazing "daily double." His 2020 plan, however, requires Trump to lose this year. Cruz is doing all he can to make sure his plan, not Trump's is what prevails. Right now in New York, the United Nations is hosting a High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. Its purpose? To progress action on the Sustainable Development Goals: a set of 17 high-level areas that will help set the global policy agenda until 2030 and create a more prosperous and equitable world. They are big obligations and it'll take a concerted and collaborative effort to achieve them, not just from governments but from business, civil society and citizens everywhere. The fact that the world's governments are even able to meet in New York is thanks to modern air transport. However, providing safe, efficient and reliable air service does not just help diplomats reach UN headquarters. Aviation plays a more fundamental role in helping to support development around the world. A new report we are releasing today, Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders, explores the way in which air transport supports economies and social development whilst continuing our work on environmental action. The numbers are striking: in 2014 (the latest year for which many government statistics are available), commercial air transport supported 62.7 million jobs and $2.7 trillion in global GDP. Nearly ten million of those jobs are in the industry itself, working at airports, airlines, air traffic management and manufacturers of aircraft and their components. The rest are jobs supported in the wider economy: through supply chains to the industry, induced spending by employees and millions of jobs in tourism generated by air transport. Some 54% of all international tourists travel to their destinations by air. Advertisement The Sustainable Development Goals are aimed at helping to focus efforts. We think aviation helps support at least 14 of the goals. Some perhaps only in a fairly minor way, but some in a much more significant role. Aviation currently operates flights between 17,370 cities, towns and villages. There are 104,000 scheduled services around the world each day carrying 9.8 million people. Most of these are on busy routes helping to transport cargo (nearly 35% of world trade by value travels by air), tourists, students (4.1 million study abroad each year), business people (it is estimated that over 150 million people work outside the country in which they were born) and friends and family. It is these family, business and social connections that provide what might be the most important aspect of air transport in today's world: bringing people and cultures together. In that way, we not only help with the United Nation's current work on the Sustainable Development Goals (and, indeed transporting diplomats to events like this weeks's Forum), but a more fundamental aspect of the UN entirely. After all, the 'founding constitution' of global air transport, the Chicago Convention of 1944, starts off with the words "Whereas the future development of international civil aviation can greatly help to create and preserve friendship and understanding among the nations and peoples of this world...". Democratic primary voters, who chose Hillary Clinton because they believed she was the most electable Democrat against Donald Trump, may be in for a rude awakening. They may have picked the least electable Democrat and placed the country and the world in jeopardy of a proto-fascist President Trump. Very simply, the Clinton campaign is in big trouble. And Hillary seems on the verge of compounding the problem by choosing a boring, corporate centrist running mate like Tim Kaine or Tom Vilsack, who will only emphasize the status quo nature of her candidacy, rather than a populist like Elizabeth Warren or Sherrod Brown who could put some energy and enthusiasm into her directionless campaign. I really don't want to be writing a "woulda, coulda, shoulda" column about why Bernie Sanders would have been more electable. At this stage I'd rather be making the argument that, for all her political and character flaws, Hillary is still preferable to Donald Trump and that progressives should be doing everything possible to prevent Trump's election, which means critically supporting Hillary. But there's no avoiding the painful truth that Hillary is in danger of losing. Advertisement Going into the Republican Convention, and right before a week of Hillary-bashing, Nate Silver wrote that Clinton's lead "is as safe as Kerry's was in 2004". According to Silver's models, Clinton leads Trump by 3-4 points, down from 6-7 points a few weeks ago. John Kerry went into his convention with a 3 point lead over Bush, but ended up losing. Even more troubling is the deeper polling in a Washington Post article headlined "The Continuing Political Decline of Hillary Clinton." According to the article, "it's hard to overstate just how bad Clinton's numbers are. And a new Washington Post-ABC News poll is the latest to suggest they just keep getting worse -- so much so that they are in some ways about as bad as Trump's." 57 percent of registered voters have an unfavorable view of Clinton and 47 percent have a "strongly unfavorable view". The "Strongly unfavorable" view hit a new high. And by 72-21 percent voters think that Clinton is "too willing to bend the rules." Per The Post, "either way you slice it, Clinton's image is as bad or worse as it has ever been." Meanwhile Trump's unfavorable ratings are 49 percent, a statistical tie with Clinton's. If there's a glimmer of hope for Clinton in the poll numbers, it's that a "mere" 42 percent think Clinton isn't qualified to be president, while 58 percent think that Trump is unqualified. So if the election comes down to who appears more "presidential," Clinton might prevail. Advertisement But when asked which candidate could bring "the needed change to Washington," Trump leads by 11 points, 50-39 percent. So if this is a change election, there's a good chance that Trump wins. And beyond the anecdotal, one poll number strongly points to a change election: Only 28 percent of voters think the country is going in the right direction which 68 percent think it's going in the wrong direction. In a year in which there's tremendous fear and angst across the land, Democrats picked the personification of a status quo candidate in Clinton. In that context, Hillary's 35 years in public life -- as first lady of Arkansas and the U.S., Senator from New York, and Secretary of State -- may be more of a liability than an asset. She personifies what Bernie Sanders has called" establishment politics and establishment economics," despite her platform concessions to the Sanders forces. The Republican establishment was so weak and compromised that a colorful, bellicose outsider like Trump could push it aside and stage a successful hostile takeover of the Republican Party. The Democratic establishment also face a serious outsider challenge, with Bernie Sanders getting about 44 percent of the pledged delegates against the vaunted Clinton Democratic machine. But with a Democratic president in office, who's popular with Democrats, and a series of rules that, if not "stacked", were clearly intended to make an insurgent campaign difficult to succeed, Hillary squeaked through. The Democratic establishment got what it thought it wanted in a candidate who is the very embodiment of the status quo. And in a year in which voters are clamoring for change, that may have been a big miscalculation. Advertisement Moreover, although Republican attacks on Hillary go way overboard ("lock her up"; "Benghazi, Benghazi, Benghazi"; she's responsible for the deaths of innocent youths at the hands of undocumented immigrants) there's plenty left that makes voters' lack of trust for Hillary plausible. She does seem to lack core principles, instead putting her finger to the wind and holding focus groups to decide on her political positions. She was for every past trade deal, including TPP, until she flipped to opposing TPP, but her delegates still wouldn't vote to put opposition to TPP in the Democratic platform. She was for the Keystone Pipeline until she changed to opposing it in the Democratic primaries. She was for a $12 minimum wage until she conceded to the Sanders forces in accepting $15. Most of both Clintons' political careers has been about moving the Democratic party away from its New Deal roots to the corporate center, so her 11:59 conversion to more Sanders-like positions on certain issues hardly makes her credible as a bold progressive. Despite Sanders having given Clinton a pass on her emails, there are some serious failings on her part. Republican chants of "lock her up" are way over the top and maybe even politically counter-productive. The FBI Director correctly concluded that there was insufficient basis for a criminal prosecution. But the likeliest explanation for Secretary Clinton using her personal server for State Department business is that she was afraid that politically embarrassing emails might become public. In storing official State Department data on a server in her Chappaqua home, she did put them in greater danger of being hacked. It's not out of bounds to say that Hillary may have risked national security to protect her personal self-interest in privacy. Advertisement In my view, Bernie gave Hillary too easy a pass on the emails during the primaries. The Republicans were bound to come after her with all guns blazing and better that she would have been ready -- or if voters concerns were too great, even that the issue led to Bernie prevailing in the Democratic primaries. And as I've previously written, there has been a soft corruption to the Clintons. The over $130 million earned in speaking fees earned by Bill and Hillary since 2000, often from Wall Street, give the appearance of being payments for services rendered or to be rendered. The Clinton Foundation has taken multi-million contributions from corrupt foreign governments and oligarchs, helping them gain positive publicity for often ill-gotten gains. Status quo politics, soft corruption -- all of this gives Donald Trump a chance of prevailing in the fall, despite his own low popularity ratings. It doesn't mean that Trump should win. Trump is a racist, xenophobic, misogynist who has played to the darkest, and even proto-fascist, elements in America. I shutter with fear and loathing watching the Republican convention. And Trump is even more corrupt and dishonest than Clinton: telling so many lies that the fact checkers can't keep up; changing positions several times a day; building his businesses by cheating contractors and workers; using bankruptcy to line his pocket while fleecing lenders. Trumps dishonesty, narcissism, and instability makes Hillary seem like a choir girl. Advertisement Trump must be defeated. In Weimar Germany, parties of the left and center were so busy fighting each other, that they allowed Hitler to come to power, and we know how that worked out. For that reason, despite Hillary Clinton's manifest flaws, I will do everything I can to help Hillary defeat Trump for the Presidency, even while working to institutionalize and make the political revolution embodied by Sanders permanent. It would be a lot easier if Hillary would make a VP pick that would energize her voters to go to the polls, someone like Elizabeth Warren who, I've described in a previous Huffington Post piece, as the LeBron James of American politics, a true super star. But as of this writing, cautious Hillary seems determined to go with a boring, cautious corporate centrist like Kaine of Vlisack, which will only make the task of defeating Trump even more difficult. Photo courtesy of Tom Hunton Until very recently, small farms have tended to avoid planting wheat because it's not very profitable per acre. Commercially, wheat is grown in such vast quantities that it's usually sold not by the pound but by the ton. For centuries, society has considered wheat a faceless "commodity" like iron ore or cotton, every sack anonymous and interchangeable. But that's all about to change. Wheat is experiencing a renaissance as chefs, food writers, and savvy consumers discover that each kernel holds a universe of long-forgotten flavors, a terroir: Wheat from one area tastes different from the wheat in another, and each varietal has a different flavor profile from the one down the road. And when wheat is no longer treated as a high-volume/low-price commodity, small farmers can start commanding top dollar for unique grain grown in a unique way on their unique land. Advertisement Oakland, California-based pasta company Community Grains is now leading the race to bring terroir-labeled wheat products to the general retail market. A few years ago, the company experimented with a new label for a few of its pasta varieties, specifying not only the exact varietal of wheat in its fettuccine or torchiette, but exactly where it was grown--even naming the specific farm--along with the date it was harvested. The experiment got such positive feedback from customers that as of this month Community Grains is now converting its entire product line to the concept--moving forward they won't sell any products with anonymous wheat. "The key to good food is to de-commoditize it," says Community Grains founder Bob Klein. "That's why we only buy directly from two CSA farms here in California's Capay Valley, in Yolo County. They were growing small amounts of this wonderful wheat, and people were going crazy for it, so we requested more. Now there's a symbiotic relationship directly between the farmer and the food producer." But is it really possible to tell the difference between heirloom wheat hand-tended in small plots and nameless factory wheat? When you come right down to it, it's all just ... wheat, a flavor that's always in the background, never the star. In fact, in blind taste tests, even top wine experts can't tell different wines apart. Aren't wheat terroirs just as indistinguishable? No, says Dr. Stephen Jones at the Washington State University Bread Lab. As a leading expert in wheat genetics, he's proven that different wheat strains and growing conditions do produce unique flavor profiles. "We do taste tests all the time in our lab with bakers, chefs, students, and even random visitors. People notice big differences in wheat flavor based on where it's grown--especially when it's fresh-milled 100-percent whole wheat. That's where the flavors are." Advertisement Although wine connoisseurs have developed an entire vocabulary to describe the subtle aromas hidden in a glass of Zinfandel or Chardonnay, the specialty wheat dialect is still in its infancy. "Sadly, we don't yet have terms for all the different flavors in wheat," says Klein. "But we're working on it." Taste-testers at the Bread Lab have volunteered such expressions as "nutty," "earthy," "bright," "chewy," "warm," and "gratifying." It's a start. A farmer at Full Belly Farm climbs aboard the combine. Courtesy Paul Muller Modern American farmers did not invent the notion that specific varietals of wheat from various geographic regions have different flavors; you can trace the concept back to Italy centuries ago, where each Italian region championed the quality, texture, and taste of their own wheat pasta over all others. The recent rise of major nationally distributed pasta brands eroded the regionalism, but now Italian pasta terroir is making a comeback, too. Companies like Rustichella d'Abruzzo have begun to release pastas made exactly as they were in the 19th century, such as their "PrimoGrano" line which exclusively uses hyper-localized ancient wheat strains only discovered in the hills of the Abruzzo region; a handful of acres are harvested and processed using traditional methods to make a single batch of pasta once per year, released to connoisseurs like the rarest of wines. Just as there is no "best" type of grape, there is no single all-purpose heritage wheat "better" than the others. Small farmers are re-discovering that ancient wheat strains, known as "landraces," each excel in different culinary contexts: Red Fife, originally from prehistoric Anatolia but perfected in Canada, is unbeatable for bread flour, for example; Sonora Wheat, the first wheat brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors, makes the perfect tortilla; Mesopotamian Durum, the grand-daddy of them all, dating back 9,000 years, is the basis for impeccable pasta. When applied to wheat, the term "landrace" refers to any ancient variety cultivated so far in the past and for so long that it evolved to thrive in a specific ecosystem; nowadays these primitive types are cherished as the source of wheat's genetic diversity, which is otherwise being lost as modern high-yield strains dominate all others. The very word "landrace" is appropriate here as well, since "land-" in this context means both "regional area" and "the ground" (while in botany "-race" means "distinctive sub-variety"), so "landrace" is the native English word closest in meaning to the French terroir. Advertisement For American farmers, the difficult part about marketing these heirloom strains is convincing consumers to give wheat a second look. You can only charge a premium for specialty wheat if customers are willing to pay. Paul Muller, co-owner of Full Belly Farm in Guinda, California--who grows the heirloom Iraqi Durum used by Community Grains to make its fettuccine--is excited about the wheat renaissance. "I've grown up around wheat all my life," Muller says, "and until recently no one has really talked about flavor. But now food writers and chefs are saying, 'Hey, we love this wheat.' People are finally paying attention to it. We as wheat farmers are now growing a food, not a commodity." At the retail end, Community Grains' Klein feels that the word "terroir" is a bit pretentious and strives to avoid it: "Terroir is just a French marketing word that scares off average people. Instead, we use 'Identity Preserved,' which is a USDA designation, but we go far beyond what they require." Indeed, Community Grains' "23 Points of Identity" for each box is dizzyingly detailed, documenting for customers not only the wheat's variety and point of origin but also the alkalinity of the soil, the harvest date, each kernel's protein content out to two decimal points, and much more, right down to the names of individual farmers working the fields. A box of Community Grains spaghetti, with the wheat's farmer, farm, location, class, variety, and milled location specified. Courtesy Community Grains Advertisement Klein is convinced that the flavors of these heirloom and landrace wheat varieties are only as good as the soil in which they're sown. "Wheat like ours from small farms tastes superior because it's grown in very good nutrient-rich soil," he says. "Most generic wheat, conversely, comes from nutrient-depleted soil, because in the United States we usually grow wheat where the land is cheap, which is not great nutrient-wise. The better farmland is normally reserved for more profitable crops. But wheat from good soil gives a more 'animated' flavor, especially in fresh-baked bread." WSU's Jones agrees that wheat grown in more desirable areas produces a vastly superior grain: "With grapes, the big flavors come from intentionally stressing the vines, but with wheat we have discovered it's the opposite--the big flavors do not come from stress but from cool and moist conditions." Tom Hunton of Camas Country Mill in central Oregon is spearheading the wheat terroir movement in the Pacific Northwest, not only growing specialty wheats such as Edison Hard White (described as "buttery" and "golden") but also inviting a growing community of local grain farmers to share his new state-of-the-art stone grist mill; without this access, they'd have to sell their high-end wheat at much lower prices on the commodity market, where its terroir would be lost. From this small cooperative beginning, Hunton has big dreams: "We desire to bring taste and flavor to as large a population as possible, at an affordable price point," he says."We want to move beyond food for the elite and share these phenomenal flavorful varietals with a broader audience." Advertisement Also on HuffPost: The Jadeed Voices Initiative is a special project by the Muslim Writers Collective which offers a platform to reflect on our faith and the diversity among us by highlighting the exigency of promoting nuanced, multifaceted perspectives. We will be sharing one narrative a day from July 8-22. For more information about this initiative, please visit our author page, and follow the Muslim Writers Collective on Facebook and Twitter. We pulled up in front of the church and saw two stoic black men in dark blue suits and red bow-ties posted at the door. They stood in identical postures - hands at their waist, right over left, feet spaced apart, chins up and chest out. My dad rolled down the window. "Brother Clarence! As-salaam alaikum!" The stone face softened when he saw my dad and was replaced with a wide grin and sparkling eyes. He walked over to the car to greet us. "Walakium salaam, Brother Darryl. How's the god?" "Maaan, I'm hanging in there brother. Look, I'm here with my son, and we trying to find where to park. Can you help us out?" "Salaam alaikum, Lil Darryl," he said waving at me. "His name is Stephen." Advertisement "I didn't know you had an older son," he whispered. I pulled out my phone and pretended like I wasn't paying attention. "Yea man, that was back in the day...you know how it is." "Oh yea yea, I feel you man. But look, the church lot is around the corner," he pointed vaguely in the opposite direction. "I need to get back to my post, you got me slacking off over here." "My bad, brother. Yea I'm gone go park. Salaam alaikum." When we got back to the church, we walked into the vestibule and saw two large curtains up on either side. The women were entering on the right, and the brothers on the left. Many of the women were wearing long white dresses and matching scarves over their heads. I got in the men's line and waited like I was at an airport to enter the sanctuary. The guys in the front were taking off their shoes, and a man wearing white gloves was patting down the brothers one by one. After going through the security, I was directed by one of the bowties to sit in a pew on the left. My dad tapped me on my shoulder and said that he had to sit on the stage. I nodded and turned around to take in the whole scene. The church was bustling with movement, black men and women everywhere embracing each other with handshakes, hugs, and kisses on the cheek. I turned to look at the stage and saw a half dozen bowties surrounding it. A man wearing a dashiki approached the rostrum and introduced himself as the pastor. The crowd began to quiet. "When some folks asked me if I was gonna let Louis Farrakhan come to my church and address my congregation, you know what I said? 'You better believe it!' These doors are always open to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam." Advertisement The church exploded with applause, and a few voices rose above the chorus with shouts of "Go head now!" and "That's right!" I clapped along with the crowd but couldn't hear the sound of my own clap. The vibrations of the church's applause echoed so loudly that it became one sound. The pastor waited for the applause to subside and then continued. "Now for the time you've all been waiting for. It is my distinct honor to welcome our brother. Our Minister. Our champion in the cause for Black liberation here and around the world. New Life Missionary Baptist Church, please welcome the Honorable. Minister. Louis. Farrakhan!" The church exploded again with a standing ovation. The bowties securing the stage shot up with their hands to the sides, scanning the audience. The pastors, ministers, and other dignitaries on the stage formed two clapping parallel lines facing the back. We all stood there clapping, waiting. The longer we waited, the louder the applause seemed to get. Every few seconds, men shouted praises like, "Allahu Akbar!" which I had recently learned from my dad meant God is the Greatest. Suddenly a short, fair skinned man with thick-rimmed glasses emerged. His hair was a wavy black texture, slicked down to the right side of his head with a part on the left. He stopped and shook the hands of the people in the lines on both side, smiling into their faces and sharing a few words with each. After he greeted everyone, he walked up to the edge of the stage on the right, smiled and bowed. Then he walked over to the left side of the stage and did the same. Finally, he came to the center of the stage and looked out at the teeming masses of his people, outstretching his arms as though inviting an embrace from us all. The applause was like a steady downpour of rain on the roof of a house. He took the rostrum and gazed out at the audience, his facial expression becoming stern. He raised his hands gesturing for the applause to come to a close, and within ten seconds the room was silent. "In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. We thank Allah for His blessings and mercy that anytime a member of the human family goes astray, he always raises up among that people a prophet or a messenger to lead, teach, and guide them back to the straight path of God. We thank Him for Moses and the Torah. We thank Him for Jesus and the Gospel. We thank him for Muhammad and the Qur'an - peace be upon these worthy servants of Almighty God." I gazed around the room to steal a peek at all the faces. Most looked on with a starry eyed gaze, a few with suspicious glares. I looked towards the stage to find my dad. I spotted him off in the far right corner of the stage. He was sitting towards the edge of his seat, googly eyed like a schoolboy who just saw his crush. "Do you know why I bowed to you when I came out? It's because I know who you are. But you don't know who you are. Because if you knew who you were, you would treat each other with reverence. You wouldn't call each other niggas." Advertisement While the audience applauded, I thought about the many times I called my brothers or friends niggas and, for the first time, questioned why? Then there was a moment when I felt like a door in my mind opened. "At funerals, what do pastors quote from the Bible? Come on pastors. What were Jesus' words? I am the resurrection--" the audience began chanting the scripture with him, "'and the life and He who believes in me, though he is dead, yet shall he live!'" He paused a moment and narrowed his eyes before continuing. "You say it over bodies! But I'm saying it over you because you are the dead that must be raised to life," he bellowed, lifting his hands and pointing at the crowd for emphasis. I had heard that scripture a million times in church and at funerals - sitting in graveyards under green tents. But this time it was like a veil had lifted. Behind it, I saw all my friends and family. All oblivious to their own spiritual death. We needed to be resurrected, and this was Farrakhan's whole mission - to rescue us from the grave. Recently, NCLR Action Fund has been taking a look at payday lending and its effects on Latinos around the country. We know that payday lenders are predatory, disproportionately choosing to set up shop in communities of color. We know that Latinos are more likely than the general population to use a payday loan. And we know that Latinos overwhelmingly support reining in the payday lending industry's abuses, with 74 percent of Latinos supporting regulation from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Payday lenders have built their businesses on the backs of hardworking Americans. They design loans that are nearly impossible for most people to pay back in full on time. By building in exorbitant fees to simply extend the term of a loan, lenders collect upwards of 300 percent interest on these small dollar loans. By setting these traps for unsuspecting borrowers, payday lenders strip millions of dollars from our communities annually. That's why NCLR Action Fund is joining the effort, along with other civil rights groups and consumer advocates, to tell the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that we support their efforts to rein in predatory payday lenders. It's part of NCLR's Annual Conference this year and we are taking part in an online effort to submit public comments calling for the strongest possible rule. Join us here: http://stoppaydaypredators.org/nclr/ Advertisement The savagery of these murders has been clarifying. It has cast a powerful light on the dangerous intersection of politics and law enforcement nationally; an intersection where agenda-driven ideologies, shameless posturing and manufactured racist propaganda collides with the everyday world of policing: a world of honor, valor and commitment to protecting the public. As we have seen before in the case of Michael Brown in Ferguson, when provoked or even assaulted, law enforcement remains color-blind. The race-baiting hate mongers sold a narrative that was patently false, a narrative that was disproved by forensic evidence and the sworn testimony of credible witnesses. Words can have consequences. And in the case of the recent police shooting in Dallas, those consequences can prove deadly. Sadly, there were no lessons learned after the brutal assassinations of Police Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos in Brooklyn in December 2104, during a bizarre and terrifying chapter of city history after Mayor de Blasio added fuel to the fire raging in the wake of the Eric Garner grand jury decision. De Blasio's poisonous rhetoric simultaneously empowered the racial hate-mongers and dehumanized members of the NYPD. Images of a frenzied crowd chanting "What do we want? Dead cops! When do we want them? Now!" are forever seared into the minds of Americans. Like de Blasio's irresponsible rhetoric, a recent statement by Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton was dangerously premature and incendiary. He suggested that the shooting of Philando Castile by a St. Paul police officer was race-driven. "Would this have happened if the driver were white, if the passengers were white?" he asked. "I don't think it would have." Likewise, President Obama, never one to wait for the facts before coming to his conclusions, stated this concerning the recent police-related shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota: "When incidents like this occur, there's a big chunk of our citizenry that feels as if, because of the color of their skin, they are not being treated the same, and that hurts, and that should trouble all of us," Obama said on Thursday. "This is not just a black issue, not just a Hispanic issue. This is an American issue that we all should care about." Yes, the Big Lie, that America's black youths are being killed indiscriminately by white police officers, once again promulgated by ideologically driven hatemongers, by individuals who refuse to acknowledge irrefutable facts. Black youths are not being deliberately and illegally murdered in America; in fact, there were 238 white felons shot and killed by police nationally so far this year compared to 123 black felons, according to The Washington Post's Fatal Force database. Inconvenient facts for the racial hatemongers. As the late U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan often said, "You are entitled to your own opinion. But you're not entitled to your own facts." Race relations and policing in America would be greatly improved if the Black Lives Matters folks, and the elitists who fan the flames, took heed of this sage advice. Patrick J. Brosnan is a retired NYPD Detective and CEO of Brosnan Risk Consultants Welcome to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A state with a rich history that allows residents and visitors to walk in the footsteps of this country's founding fathers. Bienvenido! to the farms, rivers and mountains that served as a backdrop to the drafting and signing of the Constitution, a document that continues to guide our nation more than 200 years later. In 1682, the year Philadelphia found a home on the map, it became the first city in the new world to guarantee religious freedom. The city adopted the motto, "Philadelphia maneto;" let brotherly love endure. To this day, the city continues to embrace those who step into its boundaries. Advertisement Pennsylvania is home to almost 1 million Latinos. The growing population, throughout the state and the country, include students, entrepreneurs, physicians, artists, elected officials and educators. The Latino community plays an important role in every industry within the United States, helping our nation move forward. And as we prepare for another election, the contributions of the Latino community are being affirmed by the state and the city of Philadelphia. As Philadelphia prepares to welcome the Democratic National Convention, local Latino businesses are getting in on the action. Their work includes managing and selling DNC2016 official merchandise and working on PoliticalFest, the largest convention-related event open to the public. The convention organizers also made it a priority to make sure news and opportunities are available in English and Spanish. In an effort to reach and engage more Latinos than ever, organizers developed a bilingual, digital presence that includes the Spanish-language page on the official Convention website and the Spanish language Twitter account @ConvencionDem. This July 4th, we celebrated our country's 240th anniversary. One of our hard-won freedoms is the right to vote and choose our leaders. As the Republican National Convention concludes in Cleveland and the Democratic National Convention gets underway in Philadelphia, it is a fitting time to encourage all eligible citizens to honor those who fought for our freedoms by voting this November. Whether you live in Pennsylvania or elsewhere, remember to register to vote before October 11 and then come out on Election Day, November 8. Should you be planning to cast your ballot absentee, be sure to look into the deadlines associated with applying for the absentee ballot and when it needs to be received. For more information, please visit votesPA.com. Advertisement If 2016 has been a year for anything, it has been a year of turmoil. it has been a year in which the relations between national and international institution have been rewritten forever, and a year in which the established elites of the developed world have suffered from a bloodied nose. But it is interesting to have approached the half way point in this tumultuous period, and realised that it is the parties which have traditionally opposed elites in greater measures which have found themselves in what can gratuitously be described as a pickle and can more realistically be described as crises of identity. However different the UK and the US circumstances are. The cures are the same. If your eyes can bear to look, gaze first upon the festival of tragicomedy that is the UK Labour Party. This is a party that has had more impact than any other on British political party on discourse in the last century. The achievements that the Labour Party have to their credit in government include implementing the Beveridge Report, the welfare state, universal healthcare, the Open University, greater access to university education more widely, constitutional reform, decriminalisation of homosexuality, a ban on abortions, winding down of media censorship and the removal of Section 28 which stigmatised education regarding LGBTQIA+ issues.. This is a record that many in the Labour movement can be proud of having. Yet this once great party organisation has now been demoted to the rank of a glorified talking shop for quasi-Communists that are thirsty for ideological purity, and an emotional disgust towards those who are supposedly unfortunate enough to have their judgement clouded by the false class consciousness. Advertisement In Jeremy Corbyn, the far left has found a figurehead through which their ideological tendencies can be afforded some kind of legitimacy. But the cost of this is massive. The Labour moderates have been marginalised and reviled by Momentum. It is a pretty damning indictment on the affairs of Labour that a leader that claims to be a proponent of the new politics happens to be using the kind of tactics that would not have looked out of place in the political stone age. The intrigue, the shameless self interest, the willingness to put self before party is indicative of the fact that very little has changed in terms of the political climate in which we operate. The only change is a tendency towards factionalism and a neglect of the cooperation that made the Labour Party the positive force that it has been in the past. The big problem is this. The working class in the UK has been dying for the last 40 years, to the point that the purpose of the Labour Party is no longer obvious. What we are seeing is the battle to determine the future direction of Labour. It is one the moderates cannot afford to lose. By contrast, the problem with the US Democrat Party is not that it is too ideological. It is the fact that large sections of it are not ideological enough. Of course, the short term threat facing the Democrats is more external as opposed to internal. A lot of blue collar workers who one would expect to be voting Democrat in order to have better public services are attracted to the populist sentiment of Donald Trump. This is not helped by the fact that the Democrats have in a leader an individual who is referred to as 'Shillary Clinton' in a number of online locations. The public perception is of her as someone who is far too close to comfort to the kind of big interests that the Democrats ought to be keeping tabs upon. When you hear about the fact that she has had massive support from her Super PAC's or is very friendly with the senior executives of Goldman Sachs, you cannot hope but despair for the future of the party. This is someone who is frankly a woeful orator, lacks a clear and coherent message that people can get behind, partakes in the cheapest appeals towards popular culture which come off as downright embarrassing and was a senior member in some of the worst foreign policy decisions the US has ever made. Advertisement When trying to identify what Hilary's support base consists off, it is a lot of people who fear the impact that Donald Trump would have on the US political system. You also have a lot of reluctant supporters who herald from the Bernie Sanders camp who only support Hilary because of the fact that they prefer the devil that they know. Sanders cannot blame anyone but himself for the fact that he was not the Democrat nominee. His assertions that he was a socialist candidate completely miss the mark because his policy set is merely centre left and he has an A rated record on voting in line with what the NRA suggests ought to be followed in the policy sphere. He was merely promising what every other nation in the developed world already has. By portraying himself as a maverick and an anti-establishment candidate, he made it clear to a section of the population that he was too large a gamble. The Republican Party may have given Clinton a path to the presidency. but make no mistake, it is very much a Pyrrhic victory. For the Democrats still need to find an identity which does not merely resemble a moderate version of whatever the Republicans are proposing. A new Brain Trust is going to be necessary, one feels, in order to be competitive against truly broad Republican policy. Retired New York Police Department Detective Harry Houck owes black children an apology. In the aftermath of the shooting deaths of five Dallas police officers, Houck said that black children are prone to criminality. That was said in the same week that former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani said that the Black Lives Matter movement is inherently racist. Houck's statement is not just his own belief; many white people believe the same and that is part of the reason police violence against black people is tolerated, accepted and excused. It is also one of the reasons for the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement. From the beginning of our history as a nation, there has been no regard or respect for black lives. In the United States Constitution, black people were fractionalized - i.e., they were decided to be only 3/5 of a human being. During slavery, black people worked from sun-up to sun-down, making the economy of the South what it was and what it would become. After the Civil War and the abolishment of slavery, the system of convict leasing provided prisoner labor to private entities, including plantation and former plantation owners and corporations. Under this system, black people were indiscriminately arrested for minor, non-violent crimes and sentenced to work for white people - usually for the rest of their lives. In the famous Dred Scott decision, United States Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Taney had the temerity to write that there were "no rights of a black man that a white man was bound to respect." When the Brown v Board of Education case rendered "separate but equal" to be unconstitutional, white people disobeyed the law for years, some school districts choosing to close schools rather than integrate them. Black schools were given the worst supplies, the worst teachers; the physical facilities were inhumane, in the North and the South. Some schools attended by black children in the North had no heat in the winter and no air conditioning in the summer. In the South, black children could not even go to school during some parts of the year because they had to be available to work in the fields. Advertisement Black people were punished, sometimes killed, for learning to read and write; the white power structure made the same illegal. Black people were deemed to be the lowest rungs of humanity, even as white people clung to black people for their labor skills. And through it all, black people held on and continued to push for justice and rights as American citizens. The criminalization of black people, coupled with white supremacy and its belief that black people are inherently inferior to white people has caused a multitude of problems. There has never been justice for black people in the criminal justice system. How can it be just when history shows that black people were accused over and over of crimes the "justice system"knew they had not committed, and were yet convicted - normally by all-white juries - and then sentenced to life in prison or many times, death? There developed a spirit of haughtiness among white people here, believing the lie that black people were inherently criminal. Law enforcement officers historically took part in the hunt-down, beatings, and killings of black people, many times without a trial. They did not protect black people; they helped to kill them. When George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin - which really ignited the Black Lives Matter movement, it is probable that he did not worry about being convicted because the history in this nation is that black people killed by whites (or those who think they are white) deserved their fate. Advertisement It is in this toxic reality that black children live. They are not free. They cannot play with toy guns; they cannot do the mischievous things that all kids normally do. They are taught to talk with lowered voices, to respect (and fear) police officers. I have seen white kids in resorts acting like kids do - being rude and loud and ...just kids, while at the same resort, black kids are told to sit still and be quiet. Black children are not free. Harry Houck doesn't have a clue. If black kids in poor neighborhoods commit crimes it is because they have nothing else to do. Any idle kid, no matter his/her race or ethnicity, will get into trouble if left to their own devices. It's part of being a kid. Too often, in poor black neighborhoods, parents are working so they can stay in their homes and apartments and do not have the money to send their children to camps or places where there is good child care. The kids run free and they get into trouble. But they are not "prone to criminality." They are "prone" to being kids. Period As the kids grow up and see how their schools are lacking as compared to white schools nearby, as they see how their friends are arrested for crimes that their white friends get away with, as they get rejection after rejection for jobs for which they apply, they get angry. They do not understand what is wrong, why they are treated so differently. If there is anything black children are prone to, it is a feeling of unworthiness, a feeling of inferiority, the pain of being rejected, and anger at all of the above. Advertisement Unless and until Harry Houck and others who make these pronouncements about black kids come into our communities and see, taste, feel what goes on there with these little ones whose eyes show hopelessness by the time they are in the third grade, he should be quiet. Jamila Mayanja receives praise from President Obama at 2014 YALI Summit in Washington D.C. Next up in my series of women designing the future of Africa is Jamila Mayanja. Jamila was my student at Dartmouth as Mandela Fellow in the YALI program in the summer of 2014. She's an African superstar who was recently highlighted on the BBC. One of the things I love about Jamila is how she totally embraced the design approach we used in my Design Driven Entrepreneurship class. She's shared stories of how she used in her business, in her trainings and even how she used it to redesign her husband's career. 1. What do you do now? I am the C.E.O of Smart Girls Uganda and J Mobile Laundry Service. 2. Describe your current businesses. Both of my current businesses are social enterprises that provide work and train young women The aim is to teach them the skills to start their own small businesses while also providing my clients with a quality, affordable service. Advertisement In the future, I'm working on creating affordable local products that encourage Ugandan girls to engage in agribusiness. There is an interesting value-add opportunity here that I don't believe anyone has taken advantage of, yet. 3. What is the main benefit for the customer with your work? My laundry customers, mostly women, save a lot of time or money that allows them to do other, more important things. They also feel good about themselves because when they engage with us, they feel they are having an impact on our youth by supporting them with a sustainable job that lifts them out of unemployment. 4. Describe how you use or have used design thinking or human centered design in your work. Well I use it pretty much everything I do. When we expand J Mobile Laundry into new areas, the girls and I use human centered design to engage with future customers to understand their needs and day-to-day challenges. We make sure we are creating and iterating our business services based on our ongoing engagement and understanding with those customers. With Smart Girls Uganda we train young women to start their own business by using the design thinking process as the foundation and so far it has been a success. Advertisement 5. How has that impacted your customers? Our clients feel that we listen to them and hear. They feel that we do a good job of meeting their needs, which makes them feel very connected to our business. 6. How has that approach impacted your business team? For one, our business team is busier now because of the design approach has helped grow the business pretty rapidly. For another, the staff notice fewer and fewer customer complaints in the areas where we have most heavily implemented our design thinking approach. 7. What is the biggest challenge you see for African business to become more design oriented and customer obsessed? African businesses have a tendency of rushing to implement a solution without understanding customers and their needs. It means a lot of them are not very good. We also suffer from a cultural influence that makes us afraid to try something new and getting out of our comfort zone. We're going to have to break away from this if we're going to succeed. 8. What design advice would you give to other aspiring African entrepreneurs? Don't be afraid to get the solution from your customers. Remember too that there are no wrong answers in this process. Let the design process work itself out and be patient with the process, don't rush it. Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto gives a speech during a ceremony to give the national flag to the athletes who will compete in the upcoming Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Los Pinos presidential palace in Mexico City on July 21, 2016. / AFP / YURI CORTEZ (Photo credit should read YURI CORTEZ/AFP/Getty Images) In the shadow of the U.S. presidential elections, Mexico's president Enrique Pena Nieto returns to the White House this Friday to talk trade, immigration, and security with President Obama. The two met in Canada less than a month ago, but there is indeed much unfinished business. First, Mexico must act now to implement promised labor law reforms that would strengthen the labor justice system and end the practice of employer-controlled "protection contracts." Currently, American companies such as Ford and Goodyear continue to create and sign labor contracts before they have even hired and negotiated with workers. Such "protection contracts" unfairly depress wages and create incentives for companies like Carrier and Nabisco to close plants and move jobs to Mexico. Responsible companies should know better. Advertisement While the reforms require legislative change and depend on political processes, both Mexico's executive branch and U.S. companies can act immediately to stop the proliferation of protection contracts. Neither have. Second, Mexico must address violence perpetrated by its security forces, recently accused of killing eight protesters who were supporting striking teachers. As American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten recently wrote to Secretary of State Kerry, "Mexico's democracy is threatened when police resort to deadly force rather than government engaging with all relevant stakeholders in meaningful and constructive social dialogue." The shocking toll of deaths and disappearances at the hands of security forces is gruesomely documented in a recent report from the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, which found that reforms on paper have not reduced ongoing violence and impunity. The U.N. report reinforces the conclusions of an extensive report by the Open Society Justice Initiative, released on June 7, which finds that the Mexican government and organized crime groups have committed "crimes against humanity," including murder, torture, and enforced disappearances that have been widespread, systematic, and part of a policy to attack civilian populations. Third, President Obama should not expect Mexico to be America's armed enforcer, increasing forced deportations of Central American refugees. Both countries should respect the human rights of refugees within their borders. As an example, President Obama should immediately halt the deportation of families and children who have come to the U.S. fleeing gang violence in Central America and move to close the family detention centers as the courts have ordered. Advertisement As the New York Times editorialized on July 18, "If the Obama administration took its principles to heart, it would be closing its family prisons and abandoning its emphasis on border crackdowns in favor of greater efforts to connect Central Americans with pro bono lawyers and to provide family- and community-based alternatives to detention." Poverty and violence south of the border must be addressed by a policy of equitable economic development and strengthening the justice system, not by jailing children or building mythical walls. At the conclusion of the hip-hop musical Hamilton, the full company joins in posing the question, "Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?" As Hamilton demonstrates, stories matter. The reframing of Alexander Hamilton as an immigrant -- a "bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman" -- who grew up to be "a hero and a scholar" and our first Secretary of the Treasury, has changed the way that many Americans view Alexander Hamilton. Lin-Manuel Miranda may even rescued Hamilton's place on the ten-dollar bill! We lawyers and English teachers are particularly attuned to narratives, because we read, analyze and tell stories all the time. English teachers call them narratives or plots; lawyers call them facts. In each case, however, stories capture audience interest, make experiences real, and form the basis of opinions, both public and legal. One oft-repeated anecdote relates that, upon meeting Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, on Thanksgiving Day in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln remarked, 'So you're the little woman who wrote the book that made this great war!'" Similarly, stories of broken promises, feuds and other ill-doings form the basis of law suits and legal rulings. When told publicly, such narratives may give rise to more equitable laws. That's why it is vitally important that we hear the stories of people who believe that they have been wronged. A list of events is not a novel. A set of statistics is not a victim. Although lawyer may recite facts and law, only the victim, on the witness stand, can fully describe the effect that an injustice has had on his or her life. While a journalist can report events, it is the stories of eye-witnesses that make those occurrences feel real. When stories are suppressed or hidden, however, no one learns the truth. Advertisement For these reasons, the non-disparagement clauses now contained in virtually every employee's separation agreement should be declared void as a matter of public policy. Such clauses, which forbid employees to speak critically of their former bosses, even if they are expressing honest opinions or the critical statements are true, prevent the telling of stories that make for public debate and, in the long run, result in better laws. Society cannot move forward, unless people can tell their stories, and do so publicly. A recent case in point is the sexual harassment law suit, brought by a journalist, Gretchen Carlson, against Roger Ailes and Fox News. Although they are not yet proven, the details set forth in Carlson's complaint are hair-raising and indignation-inducing. Whatever you may think of Fox, no woman should endure what Carlson claims to have experienced. Yet there may be more to that story: additional narratives that may never be told. Why not? Because, as reported on the CNN Money web site by reporter Brian Stelter, other former women staffers who may believe that they were treated illegally by Fox are forbidden by contract to either speak publicly, or confer with Carlson's attorneys regarding their experiences. Yet shouldn't an employer be spared what may be retaliatory, untrue accusations by a former employee? Yes, an employer should be protected against vengeful, false charges -- and already is protected, under state anti-defamation laws. Yet non-disparagement clauses extend their reach far beyond such provisions, preventing employees from voicing honest criticism regarding former employers, supervisors, Boards of Directors -- even, in some cases, a former employer's outside attorneys. Moreover, employers obtain such protections by withholding severance pay and benefits until the employee agrees to sign -- a practice regarded by many as coercion. Once an employee has signed a separation agreement containing an anti-disparagement provision, barring a legal subpoena, that person's story can never be told. Advertisement The latest reports are that Fox News's parent company, 20th Century Fox, will waive the non-disparagement clauses in their former employees' separation agreements so that the former staffers can participate in an internal investigation of Carlson's complaint. The staffers will still be prevented, however, from publicly disclosing their experiences. Nor will Gretchen Carlson's attorneys automatically have access to any statements that may be made by these important potential witnesses. Unless the case is settled, those lawyers may have to embark on a long, expensive legal process to interview former Fox employees. By insisting on non-disparagement clauses, employers are effectively "burying the bodies," including women or minorities who have experienced workplace discrimination; employees whose disabilities are not being properly accommodated; or, as is increasingly the case, older employees victimized by age discrimination, an illegal practice that is rampant in today's workplace. If such stories are not told, the objectives of the laws are thwarted; nothing changes, and the public interest is not served. For example, many Americans believe the false narrative that racial and gender discrimination, as well as sexual harassment, are no longer workplace problems. Younger women can't figure out what Hillary Clinton and other members of their mothers' or grandmothers' generation are shouting about; isn't all that unpleasant stuff over and done with? Well, no, it isn't. As an employment attorney, I hear stories of illegal terminations, inequitable lay-offs, bogus restructurings, unscrupulous retaliation, and other actions that violate federal and state laws. Yet unable to forgo severance pay and benefits, let alone finance a long, expensive law suit, most workers sign severance agreements that virtually always include non-disparagement clauses. Who tells these workers stories? No one. That is why you haven't heard them. Advertisement Without public discussion, we cannot improve enforcement or change the law. Nor can public pressure be brought to bear on employers who engage in illegal behavior. One law suit -- even an article on CNN's web site about a popular TV journalist -- is not sufficient to relate the complete narrative. For every story that is told, many remain buried. In a flash I thought, oh God, the civil war has started. Then the headlines shifted and, for the moment, "normalcy" returned. It's a Trump-sated normalcy that's anything but, of course, and the most recent heavily reported violence (at least as I write these words) -- the killing of three police officers in Baton Rouge -- blends into the endlessly simmering turmoil known as the United States of America. And the civil war, in fact, started long ago. But until recently, only one side has been armed and organized. That's why the two latest police killings, by disciplined, heavily armed former military men, loose a terrifying despair. The victims are fighting back -- in the worst way possible, but in a way sure to inspire replication. When people are armed and outraged, the world so easily collapses into us vs. them. All complexity vanishes. People's life purpose clarifies into a simplistic certainty: Kill the enemy. Indeed, sacrifice your life to do so, if necessary. I fear this is still the nation's dominant attitude toward its troubles. We're eating ourselves alive. Advertisement One way this is happening was described in a recent New York Times story, headlined: "Philando Castile Was Pulled Over 49 Times in 13 Years, Often for Minor Infractions." Castile, who as the world knows was shot and killed by a police officer during a routine traffic stop on July 6, was a young man caught in a carnivorous system pretty much all his adult life. Every time he started his car, he risked arrest for "driving while black." The Times quotes a Minneapolis public defender, who described Castile as "typical of low-income drivers who lose their licenses, then become overwhelmed by snowballing fines and fees." They "just start to feel hopeless." The story goes on: "The episode, to many, is a heartbreaking illustration of the disproportionate risks black motorists face with the police. . . The killings have helped fuel a growing national debate over racial bias in law enforcement." A growing national "debate"? Oh, the politeness! How much racism should we allow the police to show before we censure them? It's like talking about the "debate" we used to have over the moral legitimacy of lynching. Here's Gavin Long's contribution to the "debate": "One hundred percent of revolutions, of victims fighting their oppressors, from victims fighting their bullies, one hundred percent have been successful through fighting back through bloodshed. Zero have been successful through simply protesting. It has never been successful and it never will." Advertisement Long, the former Marine who served a tour of duty in Iraq, shot and killed three police officers in Baton Rouge on July 17, ten days after Micah Johnson, the former Army Reservist who served a tour in Afghanistan, shot and killed five police officers in Dallas. America, America . . . What we have here is a toxic mixture of racism and militarism and guns. We're in the midst of an endless war against evil -- or terror, or whatever -- in the Middle East, a war that has pretty much been fought by low-income recruits who see military service as a way out of poverty. This war is a planet-wrecking disaster, though the raw horror created by our bombs and missiles overseas remains largely outside U.S. public awareness. Fifteen years in, it's simply "war" -- the background noise of American greatness. The consequences are somebody else's problem. For instance, this sort of news, as reported earlier this week on Common Dreams, hardly makes it into the debate: "Dozens of civilians, including children, were killed on Monday and Tuesday by U.S.-led airstrikes in Syria. "The strikes appeared to have been a mistake, with the civilians taken for Islamic State (IS or ISIS) militants, the U.K.-based human rights group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told the AFP news agency. Advertisement "Fifty-six civilians were killed on Tuesday by coalition forces, and 21 civilians were killed by the coalition on Monday. The 77 civilian deaths included at least 11 children." But they're not Americans, so such deaths just aren't that important to us. Indeed, the war -- and the trillions of dollars it costs -- go virtually unmentioned in the surreal race for the presidency that's currently underway. Also unmentioned is the fact that the war is being brought home to our gun-saturated society by former soldiers fighting back against racist policing the way soldiers always fight back: They're killing "the enemy." The potential volatility of this barely noticed situation is enormous. If protesters decide to arm themselves as they confront heavily armed police, the violence on both sides could morph into civil war. The only defense against this is awareness, respect and disarmed openness on all sides of the conflict -- openness of the sort that took place this past Sunday in Wichita, Kansas. On the same day, coincidentally, as the police killings in Baton Rouge, members of Black Lives Matter and the Wichita police department co-sponsored what they called a "First Steps Cookout": an outdoor party with "free food -- provided by the police, the community and local businesses -- and the opportunity to have open conversations with law enforcement," according to Huffington Post. Nearly a thousand people attended. This is what takes courage: to get to know your "enemy." I know at the deepest level of my being that we can walk together toward such awareness. This is the only chance we have to disarm our volatile future. Advertisement - - - Robert Koehler is an award-winning, Chicago-based journalist and nationally syndicated writer. Contact him at koehlercw@gmail.com or visit his website at commonwonders.com. The Jewish concept of "Hakarat Hatuv" (which literally means "recognizing the good" in Hebrew), Gratitude, relates to the importance of expressing one's appreciation for the good bestowed upon them, both in word and in deed. I have witnessed its incredible effect in my diplomatic life as well as numerous times in my personal one. A few weeks ago, I got to say a special THANK YOU and travelled all the way from New York to Alaska to do so. My extended family and grandparents' arrived in Israel "On Eagles Wings," which was the name given to the operation of airlifting Yemenite Jews to the nascent state of Israel during the years 1949-1950, following the re-establishment of the Jewish State (named after Exodus 19:4 - "and how I bore you on eagles' wings, and brought you to Myself" ). This, believe it or not, has been the theme of my recent trip to Anchorage, Alaska. A few years ago, a good friend of mine, Israel's Consul General in San Francisco, Dr. Andy David, shared with me a fact unbeknown to me before: the airplanes which brought members of the ancient Jewish community of Yemen to Israel were none other than Alaska Airlines . Moreover, he said, in Anchorage there is even a unique exhibit telling that story, located at the local Jewish Museum! In spite of the tremendous challenges of immigrating to a new country, my late grandparents have always been grateful for having lived to see the re-establishment of the Jewish state. I vividly remember one of our many conversations, when we just heard an announcement of yet another terrorist incident on the radio (Israeli reality: news every hour on the hour), followed by the news that "IDF forces are chasing the attackers and are close to apprehending them." My grandmother's face lit. She looked at me and said: "bad things happened to us when we were in Yemen as well, just because we were Jewish, but today we are fortunate to have our own State. Our own soldiers. We can, thank G-d, defend ourselves. Can you imagine how lucky you are, my son?!" she said with a smile. "Thank G-d and the good angels." And I did. I do. After learning of this incredible part of our history -- of my family's history -- I made up my mind to get to Anchorage and express my gratitude, our gratitude, to the people who made it happen, in loving memory of my late grandparents and in profound appreciation. Indeed, that moment came on July 6th 2016. I was honored to be a part of a very special tribute to Alaska Airlines who took this airlift upon themselves, a mission turned into a passion to help those in danger and in need, especially in the shadow of one of humanity's greatest atrocities, the Holocaust. The wonderful people of Alaska Airlines: Non-Jews, as Jews, who saw it as an obligation from afar not to turn a blind eye to human suffering of others thousands of miles away and played a significant part in the return of an indigenous people to their homeland. Such was the then President of Alaska Airlines, the late James Wooten, who -- against the differing views of members of his own board -- decided to go ahead with the plan, even changing at some point the name of the airline just to be able to do what he felt was the right thing. Such was the late pilot Bob Maguire, an Irish-American who viewed himself to be a "modern day Moses" bringing the "Israelites home": it is told that at some point, Maguire needed fuel and had to land in Cairo (which might be a bit more hospitable today, but by no means was it so then). Realizing the danger he and the rest of the passengers were at, he had told the airport management "the entire plane suffers from small pox" and that ambulances are needed asap to evacuate them to a nearby hospital. Needless to say, he got his fuel in no time and continued on his journey. This was a perilous and arduous journey, but no despair was seen in sight, but rather hope filled the air. The hope for a new tomorrow, accompanied with significance and meaning. This might seem like an issue of the past, yet I strongly believe in its relevance to our future. It made me realize once more that there is so much more to us as human beings than what we might think or perceive based on the human experience, as it is reflected on our TVs, internet and papers today. We have it within us to do the right thing. We could rise to the challenge, with only our hearts bridging the gap of thousands of miles between us, expressing our true essence as "those made in the image of G-d". It has always been my dream to venture up north and witness one of nature's most beautiful marvels, the Aurora Borealis, "Northern Lights" as they are called. I did. These unsung heroes are the true Northern Lights. Thank you, and May We All follow in your path and play a part in a Cycle of Kindness: both on the giving and receiving end. The military coup and the attempt to seize power in Turkey Many masks have slipped since Turkey's failed military coup last Friday, such that a great many on the right and the left alike, who never tire of eulogising about democracy and human rights, the masses, and people power have been exposed as little more than pseudo liberals and fake democrats. Ironically, the same western "experts", "analysts" and "commentators", who had in the last Turkish elections gleefully predicted the overthrow of the AKP but were sorely disappointed after its victory, have committed an even more colossal error of judgment this time round. Advertisement Instead of expressing a clear principled stance against military coups and in favour of democracy and the popular will, they chose to side with the putschists as they bombed the Turkish parliament with F16s and gunned down peaceful protesters http://foreignpolicy.com/2016/07/15/erdogan-has-nobody-to-blame-for-the-coup-but-himself/. They cheerfully sought justification for the plot to topple a democratically elected government when it was underway, heaping scorn on the elected president instead of the generals and soldiers who conspired to overthrow him http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/turkey-coup-erdogan-ankara-istanbul-military-army-turkey-s-coup-may-have-failed-but-history-shows-a7140521.html. And when the coup was defeated, against all the odds, the tune turned to lamentations over democracy and its terrible plight under "arrogant" and "authoritarian" Erdogan and gloomy warnings of an inevitable slide to repression and tyranny A Sunday Times commentator even rebuked the coup plotters, which he referred to using such lofty descriptions as "the guardians of secularism" and "a force for progress", even as "Modernity" itself, for staging its coup in July when "everyone is soporific with the heat", suggesting that September would have help yield the desired outcome http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/modernitys-first-mistake-was-to-take-on-religion-in-the-july-heat-rjzcscw3b. The same symphony of exoneration of the coup-plotters and demonisation of Erdogan was played by leftwing media. Hours after the coup's launch, the liberal, left-leaning Guardian ran a piece that bore the surreal title "Turkey was already undergoing a slow-motion coup - by Erdogan, not the army" https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/16/turkey-coup-army-erdogan! Advertisement Neither was western governments' response any more principled. Resorting to diplomatic sophistry, they initially avoided denunciation of the military coup, confining themselves to vacuous calls to "caution" and "restraint". Only when the tens of thousands of ordinary Turks who defied the curfew and, unarmed, resisted the attempt to drag their country back to the dark era of military dictatorship and managed to defeat the seceders, did these hollow phrases shift towards tepid statements of "support for democracy" and lengthy expressions of concern for the putschists and their fates. Erdogan may have committed numerous errors, moving as he is in a highly complex local and regional context. What is indisputable though is that his power is founded on electoral and popular legitimacy. And, like him or loathe, the Turkish president has done more to democratise the country than any other leader in its modern history, strengthening its civil institutions and corroborating the authority of the people in opposition to a military which had wrought havoc in its political life. The AKP era has seen the liberation of civil rule from the general's hegemony, reform of the military and restructuring of the security service, intelligence apparatus and special forces. Through the accumulation of democratic traditions, with the liberalisation of the country's political system via successive elections, political pluralism and the widening role of civil society, the Turkish people has grown freer, bolder, and more able to defy the edicts of putschists and generals. The paradox is that no other leader in the Middle East is more demonised than Erdogan when he is one of the very few heads of state who have actually been democratically elected in that part of the world "we" wish to keep as a "black hole" and "our" anti-thesis. Advertisement As for "our" allies, who range between seasoned autocrats and bloodthirsty generals, they are safely exempted from our scorn, plots and conspiracies. In fact, they may even do our dirty work for us, as some of our oil rich Gulf friends had done in Egypt and continue to do in Libya and other countries in the region. For this is the deal: Either a democracy that yields those we want, that is, those who do as we say and serve our interests, and eliminates those we disapprove of, which is the ideal scenario for us. Otherwise, we must look to our reserves of putschists and generals around the region to accomplish what is needed in quick "surgical interventions". Our orchestra of apologists would, then, swiftly move to embellish the ugly spectacle with fact-reversing analyses and commentaries than turn coup-plotters into "guardians of modernity and "agents of progress" and democratically elected leaders into "dictators". As for those citizens who dared defend their electoral choices, they will be painted as zealots and religion crazed fanatics, or in Turkey's case, as "Erdogan's Islamist mobs", as one British newspaper referred to the anti-coup protesters http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2016/07/erdogans-islamist-mobs-know-moment-finally-arrived/. The truth is that the West couldn't care less about democracy or human rights. They are irrelevant when it comes to its friends and allies and are only valuable as a stick with which it may beat its rivals and enemies. If Erdogan is being vilified today, it is not because he is not a democrat or a tyrant, but because he is not pliant to western dictates and willingly keeps to the rules and parameters the West lays down for the region. 65 minutes from Mumbai is the jewel city of India, Udaipur. A city of lakes surrounded by hills and history, makes it one of the most romantic and historically significant place in India . I sincerely believe that whoever created this universe might have Udaipur on its most favorite earth destination ever; for the natural beauty you witness here can leave you speechless for days at a stretch. The rhythmic ripples of Lake Pichola, grand palaces, lush green parks, and the warmth of the city people force you to leave a part of your heart in this magnetic city forever. Udaipur is often known as the Venice of the East. It has risen to such high levels of popularity not only because of its charming landscape but also because it captured the imagination of many creative minds over a period of time. Advertisement There is something in the air of Udaipur that inspires imagination. Why else would Oodeypore (Udaipur) be the birthplace of Bagheera (fictional panther in Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling)? The James Bond movie Octopussy and countless other blockbuster Bollywood movies that have been shot here further confirm the above assertion. Udaipur induces trance. It casts on spell that you cannot break. Visiting Udaipur is grand in itself but if you decide to sojourn at the Lake Palace run by Taj, the experience will leave you mesmerized. The Lake Palace has been converted into a 5 star luxury hotel with marble flooring and walls. The beautiful workmanship is beyond any description. It is quite tastefully decorated and represents many elements from the great kingdom of Mewar. The palace is located on the island of Jag Niwas in Lake Pichola. Since the palace is in the middle of the lake, the hotel uses speedboats for transportation. The quality of service at Taj is impeccable. They know how to make their guests feel special. Their thoughtfulness is a plus point and they display the same through little gestures throughout your stay at the palace, which is unique, and something you will cherish in your memories for years. Advertisement Some of my treasured moments at the palace were as follows: Refreshment platter while I waited for the boat. My first boat ride into the palace Being escorted to the palace by the royal guard who carries an embroidered umbrella. Showering of the rose petals A warm traditional Hindu welcome with "Khammagani (Namaste)", "Aarti" and refreshments. Boat trip to Jagmandir Evening cultural program that depicts various native art forms. Morning/ Evening flute playing and yoga sessions Surprise goodies basket in the room (everyday) Warm and genuine hotel workers The team at Taj Lake Palace truly knows the true meaning of hospitality. They treat their guests like royalty, and it seems to me that "Atithi Devo Bhav" (Guest is God) is their motto. They walk the extra mile to make you feel like you made the right choice. Imagine for a moment: You are a proud immigrant to the United States. In the vein of the American tradition stretching back to the nation's founding, you've come to New York City to create a better life for you and your family. You've worked as a nurse's assistant, providing crucial health care services to New Yorkers and providing for your family on a single income, including your U.S. citizen-born son who has grown into an energetic and radiant young man, your pride and joy. Then one day you are taken to a police precinct without being given a reason, and you overhear officers say that your son has been killed. This is the story of Constance Malcolm, a Jamaican immigrant and the mother of Ramarley Graham, an 18-year old who was shot and killed by police in his own home. When Ramarley was twelve years old, he volunteered at a Petland in the Bronx after being told he was too young to get a job there. He loved animals and had aspirations to be a veterinarian. In February of 2012, officers from the NYPD's Street Narcotics Enforcement Unit unduly entered Constance and Ramarley's home and shot Ramarley, who later died from his wounds. The scene was chaotic and fast, the details of what the police said they saw are disputed -- but in no way did it warrant this tragic, excessive use of force. Ramarley, as his mother says, "never even got the opportunity to pursue his dreams." Yet the police officer responsible for Constance's son's death still works for the NYPD. In March of 2016, federal prosecutors announced that they would not pursue criminal charges against Richard Haste, the police officer who killed Ramarley Graham -- this decision is consistent with a long list of non-indictments and acquittals of police officers in the shootings of members of the black community, including the case of Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, and just last week, Freddie Gray. Constance continues to call for the firing of Officer Haste, and advocates nationally for police accountability. This is an all too common example of how an unjust system destroys and disenfranchises Black communities -- including Black immigrant families. "I came to this country for a better life," Constance says, "but we have no rights." Her neighborhood in the Bronx consists mostly of Caribbean immigrants, who routinely face the discrimination afforded to both Black Americans and immigrants in the United States. Police searches are so common that she once saw a black teenage boy immediately face a wall and put his arms up when he saw an officer approaching him, knowing he would be frisked. Since 2002, New Yorkers have been stopped and frisked more than five million times. Advertisement For Black immigrants, these issues are particularly fraught. There are undocumented immigrants of Caribbean and African descent in her neighborhood that are afraid to report crimes or march in protest, for fear of deportation. Under President Obama, more than 2.5 million people have been deported, the highest number under any administration in history. Because of these injustices, it is easy to understand why members of her community hold a deep sense of fear and distrust of the law enforcement officials meant to protect them. It has become clear that the system has failed us at every level. From the abuse of power of local law enforcement, to the Supreme Court's failure in the United States v. Texas case to let President Obama's administrative relief to go forward, to the reckless fear mongering rhetoric around immigrants from some of our elected officials - time and time again our public servants have shown a complete disregard for the needs of their communities. For far too long, police have used excessive and deadly force without being held accountable, and politicians have ignored the needs of their country without consequence. Out of respect for people like Constance Malcolm and Ramarley Graham, and the dozens of other families left mourning the deaths of their loved ones killed unjustly by police, the time is now for our communities to unite and demand accountability from our government. In this time of ongoing tragedies and escalating violence, all victims of injustice must stand with one another. This year, as our communities get out the vote in the 2016 presidential elections, we keep in mind all these injustices that continue to plague black and immigrant communities. The fruit of the "land of opportunity" should not be an immigrant mother burying her son, and we stand shoulder to shoulder in the continued struggle for a fairer and more just America. By BJ Goergen As someone from Dallas, the recent shooting of police officers and a protestor highlighted close to home for me that something is wrong in this country. In these dark moments, the Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) program gives me hope for America's future. PLS is designed for leaders from diverse backgrounds who share a commitment to facing society's greatest challenges. The program exposes scholars from around the country to leadership lessons from President Lyndon Johnson, President George H.W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush, and senior members of their administrations. Beyond the incredible impact of learning from some of our nation's greatest leaders, I was deeply impacted by the unique perspectives of my fellow scholars. We're doctors, lawyers, teachers, pastors, fundraisers; we work at foundations, non-profits, Facebook, LinkedIn, Wal-Mart, Chick-Fil-A, Target, JP Morgan, BP, and Coca-Cola. We run small organizations, big organizations, and one-man shows. We're a pool of Americans who reflect the rich diversity found in our country -- Republicans, Democrats, independents, gay, straight, Latino, Middle Eastern, black, Indian, white, Chinese, European, and African. It's a rare and unique opportunity to be with such a diverse group of people studying leadership lessons from America's former presidents while we encounter leadership challenges of our own. Advertisement As a Republican who worked for President George W. Bush's administration for nearly seven years, I've been exposed to talented leaders and diverse opinions. As someone who runs a foundation that works in South Sudan, I'm deeply aware of the challenges that people around the world face to survive and thrive. While I pride myself on being open-minded, I was exposed to perspectives in this program that challenged my worldview and made me reconsider the meaning of real impact. From PLS, I learned about the daily struggles of my Latino, black and Indian classmates from the deep racial and ethnic health and social welfare disparities in the communities they grew up in. I revisited my views on structural inequities and white privilege. My LBGT classmates shared how they grew up being different and ostracized because they never belonged to any in-group. I talked with a police chief who taught his force to use the philosophy "What if it were family" to evaluate tough situations. I learned that "a rising tide lifts all boats" didn't work for many of my fellow scholars. I saw disabilities up close and the courage it took to overcome them. On day one of the program, I sat next to Kevin Causey, a gregarious Democrat who runs the Saint Francis Foundation in San Francisco. He cares deeply for the homeless in his community and we quickly connected over my foundation's work on homeless issues in Fort Worth and South Sudan. Then he realized I was a Republican: "What?!" Kevin has become one of my dearest friends in the program. There aren't many forums in America where Kevin and I can meet, let alone become friends, let alone find a way to collaborate on homelessness and education in our cities. PLS challenged us to become better leaders in our organizations, but it also challenged us to tackle the tough issues facing our cities, our states and our country. Advertisement Together, we can do more. We can do better. Getting to know my classmates has reminded me about all that is good about civic engagement and politics. I've watched our political identity take a backseat to our desire to make this country better. We must make the practice of America live up to the promise of America. Thanks to PLS, I'm reminded that there are deep inequities in our society. Together, we need to do our part to make sure every citizen feels safe and has the opportunity for a better life. America has come a long way since the days of school desegregation requiring military escorts, but the events and conversations in the past month around the country show we have more ground to cover. If we engage in thoughtful dialogue, learn from each other, and find ways to work together across diverse aisles, our country will see a new day. America's hope and strength is found in the diversity of her people, in their resilience, and in their willingness to embrace great challenges. BJ Goergen is the Executive Director of The Radler Foundation and a 2016 Presidential Leadership Scholar. AIDS awareness ribbon The world's top HIV/AIDS experts are gathering in Durban, South Africa for the 21st International AIDS Conference - a meeting that fills me with hope that an opportunity is at hand to finally get the disease under control, but it's an opportunity that is tempered with a little caution. I am hopeful because the last time the conference was held in Durban in 2000, a moving experience for me personally, it was followed by real collective action around its theme "Breaking the Silence", which was primarily about improving access to services and reversing widespread stigma and discrimination. I am also cautious in hoping for too much since we have known for some time what to do to bring the pandemic under control, yet that dream remains an elusive one. Advertisement At the time of Durban 2000, I was CDC's Country Director in Botswana, which was a period of astronomical AIDS-related mortality and frustration throughout the region. Botswana had the highest HIV prevalence in the world. Funerals were a constant reality. The best and brightest segments of the population were dying at alarming rates - teachers, health workers, soldiers and police, businessmen, or anyone in which mobility affected their lives. President Bill Clinton had visited Botswana in 1998 and the word "AIDS" received no mention. A close colleague died from "that disease" and at the funeral in the home village relatives described how "demons had reached up from the underground". Fellow African health professionals, whom I admired tremendously for their endurance, were quitting or refusing to care for AIDS patients because of the inevitable mortality they had experienced time and time again. It was hard enough to access an HIV test, let alone treatment. Highly active anti-retroviral therapy, or HAART, had been revealed at the AIDS conference in 1996 yet the cost of drugs at $5,000 per year put that hope out of reach for the masses. That was the frustration. Durban 2000 was to change that. Nkosi Johnson, an 11-year-old South African child living with HIV/AIDS gave an impassioned and tearful speech, calling on the South African government to make treatment accessible, which it has, albeit with delays during President's Mbeki's tenure of deadly denialism about the causes of AIDS. Nkosi died soon after the conference. Speaking at the closing, President Nelson Mandela further inspired the audience and left us with a resolve to return to our countries and fight the war: "...... We need, and there is increasing evidence of, African resolve to fight this war. Others will not save us if we do not primarily commit ourselves. Let us, however, not underestimate the resources required to conduct this battle. Partnership with the international community is vital. A constant theme in all our messages has been that in this inter-dependent and globalised world, we have indeed again become the keepers of our brother and sister. That cannot be more graphically the case than in the common fight against HIV/AIDS. ...." Nelson Mandela, 2000 Thanks to the leadership of President Festus Mogae, a former World Bank economist, Botswana became the first African country to roll out national programs. Other government officials heard the promise of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and returned to lobby their countries to invest in testing, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, and comprehensive ART programs. Many have, like South Africa which invests more than $2 billion per year in their epidemic. Many countries could do much better, such as those who rely excessively on external donors and invest little in their own epidemic from their own national budget. There was a call in Durban 2000 for the formation of a "Global Fund" as a global financing mechanism, and indeed it was established through collective governmental and non-governmental action in 2002. And then President George W. Bush announced PEPFAR (The United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) in his 2003 State of the Union Address, which with tremendous bipartisan Congressional support has been the largest investment in a single disease in history. Photo Courtesy of Saratoga WarHorse Since the publication of my bookRIDING HOME ~ The Power of Horses to HealI have discovered many remarkable programs that utilize horses to heal a number of varied emotional wounds of men woman and children. One such organization which I recently had the honor of visiting and observing isSaratoga WarHorse,a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Saratoga Springs, New York, which helps military veterans heal from the devastating emotional effects of Post Traumatic Stress. The emotional healing that begins with the nonverbal nonjudgmental acceptance of a horse enables veterans to feel safe enough to be themselves. This breakthrough Connection helps bridge the barrier of shame and isolation created by Post Traumatic Stress and enables the veteran to go on and continue to recover often utilizing emotional expressive therapy with another human. Establishing a positive relationship with a horse requires the awareness and recognition of a mutual trust between horse and human. A horse can therefore become a crucial and even life-saving component in the beginning stages of Post Traumatic Stress recovery. Saratoga WarHorse'ssuccess with veterans has been remarkable and I believe its profound results can be attributed to its devoted founder and program director Bob Nevins. According to Nevins it was a news report about the record number of suicide rates of military veterans that started him on this path about five years ago. Advertisement Bob said, These guys are falling through the cracks, and that's why we have a suicide issue. When they make this connection with the horse, it's as if this emotional circuit breaker resets itself and it turns out to be a very powerful experience. Bob Nevins served in Vietnam as a medevac pilot for the 101st Airborne and was wounded in action in 1971. In 2011 he retired from his 24-year career as an airline captain and using the personal saving from his 401k, dedicated his life full-time to establishing and running the Saratoga WarHorse Foundation. For many veterans admitting to someone that they are suffering the painful effects of Post Traumatic Stress is often impossible. If one finally summons the courage to acknowledge their Post Traumatic Stress, asking for help can be just as difficult. When Bob, himself a combat veteran recovering from Post Traumatic Stress answers a veterans call for help there is an immediate feeling of trust that would otherwise be extremely difficult to establish. Once a veteran accepts the help offered by Bob, he or she is flown to the program at no cost and with all the expenses paid for bySaratoga WarHorseand its sponsors. Veterans arrive and are immediately met and chauffeured to their hotel where they meet with Bob, his hand-picked team, and other veterans who will be attending the program, and they all have dinner together. Groups are purposefully small ranging from 6 to 8 participants. There are no forms or insurance papers to fill out, or questions about a soldiers war stories. At dinner Bob tells them the program does not involve talking about or reliving their painful traumatic experiences. They are there to feel safe, trusting and experience the emotional healing breakthrough that comes from establishing a relationship with a horse. Advertisement As one veteran told me, War kills your sense of trust. When I came home, I didn't know if somebody wanted to be with me to make me feel good or to make themselves feel good. My horse didn't know me from before the war. All he knew was what he saw when we met. He didn't want anything from me, didn't expect anything. I didn't have to talk about my feelings; I could just feel them, and he was okay with it. He opened me up. When I realized he had started to trust me, it was the first time since I had come home from the war that I felt like me, like I had gotten my old self back. Thousands of men and women have selflessly traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan, where they confronted death and horror on a daily basis. They survived unimaginable acts of war only to come home to a life of emotional trauma, broken relationships, paralyzing depression, hopelessness or suicide. Prescription drugs and traditional talk therapy have repeatedly failed to break through to the psychic wounds of post-traumatic stress disorder. In my research forRIDING HOME ~ The Power of Horses to HealI discovered that in 2013, both the Wounded Warrior Project and a study fromGeorge Washington University estimated that there were between 300,000 and 400,000 veterans in the United States suffering from PTSD. These findings also reported that the cost of treating war veterans with traditional talk therapy and prescription drugs has grown, with spending to date of more than $2 billion of taxpayer funds. I also discovered that in 2011, the New York Times reported that widely prescribed drugs for treating veterans with PTSD were not only ineffective but caused serious side effects. A more recent study reported in a New York Times article from July 2016 stated that every day 22 veterans take their own lives. Nevins told me that on more than one occasion he received a call from a veteran who had gone through the Saratoga WarHorseprogram, returned home, and said, "Before I came to your program I had decided to commit suicide. Now I want to live again. Thank you" Saratoga WarHorsehas been around for only a few years, but it has quickly and dramatically demonstrated an unmistakable ability to help in the healing of our country's returning war veterans. Its methods are often faster, cheaper, and more effective than many of the more traditional procedures and medications. Thousands of lives could be helped, maybe even saved, if only there was more awareness of, support and resources for programs like the Saratoga WarHorse.Bob Nevins encourages you to contact him atBob@SaratogaWarHorse.com. You can also learn more atSaratogaWarHorse.com. Tim Hayes 2016 Advertisement On November 13, 2015 at approximately 4:20 PM ET, a set of coordinated attacks shook Paris. At approximately 5:00 PM ET, the USAGov Contact Center, handling calls for the Department of State, received its first call about the attacks: An American woman was shot in Paris. Her worried mother had no way to reach her. The next call came in 11 minutes later. Then 15 minutes.Then four. As news of the attacks spread, the number of people unable to get in touch with family and friends in Paris grew. Over the next four days, agents at the Contact Center worked the phones 24 hours a day, comforting and connecting more than 600 callers with information to locate their loved ones overseas. As many as 4,000 other callers got the information they needed from the Contact Centers constantly-updated recordings. Whether its as complex as a crisis abroad or as straightforward as getting the phone number for your local Social Security office, USAGov and its Contact Center connect you with your government. Advertisement Get to Know USAGov and Its Contact Center It can be overwhelming to search for dependable information about government services and benefits. USAGov is your starting point--the official federal program that guides you to the information you need from across government. Browse or search for the agencies and programs you need on USA.gov or its Spanish language counterpart, GobiernoUSA.gov. If youd rather talk to a person, the USAGov Contact Center at 1-844-USA-GOV1 is there for you. How Can the USAGov Contact Center Help You? The Contact Center handles more than 800,000 inquiries a year, answering questions for free on scores of topics including: Taxes Affordable housing Scams and identity theft Passports and travel warnings Address changes Green Cards and immigration Voting and elections Call, E-mail, or Chat The USAGov Contact Center is easy to reach: Call toll-free: 1-844-USA-GOV1 (1-844-872-4681) Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 8 PM ET to speak to an agent in English or in Spanish. After hours, on weekends, and during federal holidays, you can listen to recorded messages with information on popular topics like taxes, passports, and government benefits. Advertisement Chat in English or in Spanish online with an agent Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 8 PM ET. Tips for Getting in Touch The Contact Center provides general government information. Depending on the nature of your question, an agent may be able to give you an immediate answer. If the information you need is more specialized, the agent will give you the web URL or phone number (toll-free if available) and business hours of the government program or office that can answer your question. The agent you talk to may ask a series of questions to make sure they understand the situation youre calling about so they can get you the best answers. Agents are not case managers and wont be able to take personal information from you or look up your records or applications with any government agency. Whether you're affected by international events, or have a question close to home and don't know where to turn, the USAGov Contact Center can direct you to answers you can trust. By: Soraya Shockley Outside the Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday, Cleveland police officers closed in on a group of protesters wearing black shirts emblazoned with the words "Revolution Nothing Less" and burning an American flag. For a moment, it seemed like the protest scene at the Republican National Convention was about to get dramatic. But after a brief flare up, it was over. Happening now Detentions made during protest outside the #RNCatCLE pic.twitter.com/ZFiCAoU7eD Sara Sidner (@sarasidnerCNN) July 20, 2016 At least so far, the RNC has been far from the powder keg of possible chaos, unrest, and violence that many around the country feared it might be. With only small protests and rallies of a few hundred people sprouting up over the past few days, the streets have remained largely peaceful. Advertisement Although verbal altercations have broken out between opposing protest groups, the number of arrests during the convention is still low. As of Tuesday night, only five arrests have been made total, which stands in stark contrast to the previously estimated 1,000 arrests per day for which the Cleveland Municipal Court had prepared. The contrast between the security concerns going into the convention and how the convention has actually unfolded thus far is shockingly different. During the 18 months of preparation here, the fear was that the Cleveland convention could turn into a repeat of the 1968 Democratic National Convention which rocked the city of Chicago with mass riots. The reports the city of Cleveland released as to how they were spending their $50 million federal security grant did not help the perception that this convention could be calamitous as the spending was foreboding to say the least. The city bought 2,000 sets of riot gear and batons, 24 sets of ballistic body armor, thousands of body cameras, and upped their original protest insurance from $10 million to $50 million. Cleveland also recruited thousands of police officers from around the country to bolster the department's personnel from 1,500 to 4,000 police officers which does not even include the over 4,000 federal law enforcement officers who will be present during the extent of the convention. On top of that, Cuyahoga County freed up 200 beds in the county jail to accommodate the previously estimated 1,000 arrests per day. So far, none of the anticipated turmoil has come to pass. Most officers on the streets have been in light body armor and normal patrol blues, however there is noticeable heightened security in the form of Secret Service officers in flak jackets and K-9 units surrounding the arena. Still, there is no riot gear in sight. But what has been most striking is the tactics used by law enforcement to seemingly infuse calm into a tense situation. Advertisement One of the interesting tactics is how police are utilizing horses, bikes and bodies. Prior to the convention, Cleveland bought 300 new bikes and helmets at a cost of almost $400,000 and increased their mounted unit to 30 horses. From observation, the police have been using a combination of horses, bikes, and on foot police to peacefully breakup rowdier groups and maintain order. For example, when large gatherings have devolved into arguments, my fellow reporters and I have seen cadres of police on bicycles ride straight through crowds, quickly separating agitators. The story here in Cleveland has become less about the police being armed to the teeth and ready for mayhem and more about the intelligent policing that has kept the city relatively quiet. However, it is important to note that the full extent of Cleveland's preparedness has yet to be tested as protests have been dramatically smaller than expected. Thursday is the last day of the convention, the last chance for a major protest to occur, and the last opportunity for law enforcement to prove whether they are actually creating the calm. We want to thank our partner -- WCPN ideastream -- for sharing their space with us this week. Hutchinson Zoo confirms avian flu in geese in its bird rehab center The virus was in geese being treated at the center. One animal was euthanized. The zoo's exhibit birds are being isolated indoors to protect them. On 11-12 of July 2016, the Council of Europe organised a training course for LLM professors from Academy of Public Administration and Moldovas Universities on Council of Europe standards and best European practices on Internet and Human Rights including Internet Governance. The purpose of the training course was to promote, increase knowledge among and to provide guidance to academic community on CoE adopted standards on Human Rights and internet, rule of law in the digital world, the European Court of Human Rights case law related to Internet Governance, including new technologies and to share and make use of this knowledge in their activity. The event took place in the framework of the harmonisation of the Academy of Public Administrations existing LLM/MA/MSc curricula for civil servants to include CoE Internet human rights and Internet Governance standards and related European Court of Human Rights case-law. The training course gathered more than 60 professors from all Universities of Moldova and was conducted jointly by CoE and local experts. The event is organised within the framework of the joint CoE/EU project Strengthening the respect for human rights in the implementation of the Republic of Moldovas Digital Agenda aiming at strengthening capacities of national authorities on human rights standards, awareness raising among the private sector, civil society and general public on those standards. Source: http://pjp-eu.coe.int/en/web/eap-pcf/-/training-course-for-llm-professors-from-moldova-on-internet-and-human-rights The economic impact of natural hazards in the first half of 2016 was $98 billion according to Aon Benfield. Initial estimates reveal that insured losses were $30 billion, the highest level since 2011 although lower than the 10-year average of 31 billion.Almost half (47 per cent) of the insured losses were in the US and covered by private or public insurers; the higher insurance penetration rates in the US meant that the percentage of losses covered by insurance (30 per cent) was higher than the 10-year average of 28 per cent.Insured losses were led by severe connective storms at 42 per cent of the total insured losses and Texas accounted for 55 per cent of the global total of $12.3 billion.The first half of the year also produced at least six individual events for which insured losses reached $1 billion, 5 of them were weather-related.Driverless cars will be available to consumers within a few years but the insurance industry is lagging the technologys advance a KPMG report says.The survey of senior leaders representing many of the UKs largest insurance companies and brokers found that just 10 per cent have strategic plans in place for the arrival of the vehicles.It seems that insurers are not rushing to draw up plans as most (67 percent) believe that it will be 20 years before the vehicles become mainstream; this is largely due to safety and consumer acceptance issues they say.Not that the senior insurance leaders polled are dismissive of the benefits from the technology in the long term with 89 per cent believing they will reduce claim frequency and severity.Insurers need to overcome their apathy towards driverless vehicles. There are clear opportunities to develop new income streams for those firms that are prepared to step out of the pack and embrace the changes taking place in the sector, said Murray Raisbeck, insurance partner at KPMG.A Canadian insurance brokerage has seen an uptick in people contacting their Saint John offices but its not quite what it seems.Far from being a strong surge in insurance business inquiries, Mitchell McConnell is being bombarded with messages from south of the border from voters who think the firm is US Senator Mitch McConnell."We'll get a comment along the lines of 'Senator, you're not doing your job. Pick up your socks,' to just blathering profanity to just everything in between," Chris Bourque, president of Mitchell McConnell Insurance told CBC News.There are even those that refuse to believe that the insurance brokerage is not the Senator even when it has been politely pointed out; Mitchell McConnell staff call those tinfoil hat folks Bourque joked. The Independent Investor: Candidates & the Economy As the GOP political convention winds down and the Democrat convention gears up, we continue to hear a steady stream of economic "one liners" from the candidates. We all know that fixing the economy is one of the major issues of this campaign but so far the candidates are long on words and short on specifics. "If I'm elected," promise both candidates, there will be more jobs, trade, wages and growth. According to them, all we need do is check the right boxes come Election Day and the rest will be a foregone conclusion. Historically, Wall Street and corporations vote Republican because the GOP is good for business, while labor, minorities and the "have nots" back the Democrats. However, times and the issues are changing and so are the candidates. Take the banking sector, for example, both parties and candidates this year have targeted Wall Street as a villain in need of chastisement. The GOP has made a re-instatement of the Depression-Era, Glass-Stegall Act a plank in their platform. Repealed under the Clinton administration, the act had prevented commercial banks from entering the capital markets. Democrats Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders (as well as the public) have blamed the banks for the entire financial crisis fiasco that was brought about by the repeal of the act. The banking sector's involvement in capital markets and the creation of derivative products such as mortgage-backed securities in large part brought down an enormous financial house of cards that threatened to sink all of us. Free trade is another area where roles appear to be reversed between the candidates, if not the parties. Protectionism has always been part of the Democrat's list of issues, although the label itself was usually shunned as un-American. It stems from the days when labor unions were large and free trade was thought to threaten American workers' jobs and paychecks. As the party of the worker, Democrats traditionally tried to protect the blue-collar voter. Today, we have Hillary Clinton defending free-trade agreements while Donald Trump is promising to dismantle them. Taxes, of course, are always an issue in every election. Tax reform usually occupies center stage with Republicans, with corporations the leading beneficiary of their policies. The "tax and spend" party, usually a Democrat label, however, is also promising those same corporations tax relief this time around. Each candidate has a grab bag of goodies for individual sectors of the economy, such as Trump's promises to help oil and gas, coal and other mining companies through a change in the regulatory environment. Hillary Clinton promises to hike the minimum wage and possibly include more illegal immigrants into the legal system that could help consumer spending and therefore the retail sector. As in so many prior elections, I discount most of these promises as political rhetoric to woo certain states and voting blocs to one side or another. We will have to wait until next week to examine the Democrat's party platform, but I wouldn't be surprised to see more commonalities than differences between the two parties' planks. This is, in my opinion, a reflection of the populist resurgence in this country. The anger Americans are expressing over the state of the economy and their place in it has crossed party lines. Those among the party faithful who ignore it, do so at their own jeopardy. Bill Schmick is registered as an investment adviser representative with Berkshire Money Management. Bills forecasts and opinions are purely his own. None of the information presented here should be construed as an endorsement of BMM or a solicitation to become a client of BMM. Direct inquires to Bill at 1-888-232-6072 (toll free) or email him at Bill@afewdollarsmore.com. Environment Massachusetts State Director Ben Hellerstein is urging the state to pass comprehensive energy policies to move toward 100 percent renewables. Parks and Open Space Manager Jim McGrath. Berkshire Environmental Action Team Executive Director Jane Winn. PreviousNext New Report Highlights Pittsfield Renewable Energy Push, Urges More To Follow Lead Sarah Gardner of William College's environmental studies program said the biggest challenge is not capacity but the political dispute over renewable projects. PITTSFIELD, Mass. A new report being released in two weeks will highlight the city's efforts toward energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center is releasing the report that will urge municipalities to boost their efforts in moving toward more renewable energies and the Legislature to pass aggressive energy policies to move the entire state to 100 percent renewable. "Across Massachusetts, cities and towns are leading the way toward 100 percent renewables and as state officials consider major changes to our energy policy, we urge them to follow the lead of communities like Pittsfield and charge full speed ahead," the organization's state director Ben Hellerstein said. The report highlights more than a dozen communities that have taken aggressive steps toward clean energy with Pittsfield being one of those. "We've been very active over the past decade with our work to increase energy efficiency and seek opportunities for quality renewable projects in all areas of our municipal operations from our vehicle fleet to our public buildings and beyond," Parks and Open Space Manager Jim McGrath said. McGrath said the city performed energy audits on all of the municipal buildings, leading to numerous heating and cooling system improvements and lighting projects to reduce energy. The city performed a gas conversion project at the Berkshire Athenaeum that saves taxpayers some $45,000 a year in energy costs and similar project was performed at City Hall. In 2011, through the Mass Save program, the city had audits done on a number of downtown buildings that led to clustered projects. As for renewable sources themselves, in 2012, the city was part of the Clean Energy Center's Solarize Massachusetts program that paved the way for 90 residential homes to have solar panels. At the municipal wastewater treatment plant, an entire heat and power system was replaced and a 2 megawatt solar array was installed. "Our focus on this facility made true economic sense," McGrath said, adding that the treatment center is the largest energy user. The city also installed a hydro-turbine in the water system in Coltville to generate energy and soon will be developing a 2.9 megawatt solar array on the capped landfill on East Street. Further, the city has entered a municipal aggregation program with Colonial Power that will not only lead to more inexpensive electricity but also ensure that a greater amount of the energy is coming from renewable sources. "Although we have challenges, some of these challenges seem insurmountable, the city is committed to become a more sustainable and energy efficient community by embracing the spirit of our green community designation," McGrath said. Jane Winn, executive director of the Berkshire Environmental Action Team, said there is still a lot more work to be done. She suggested having Eversource rewire the downtown to support solar and wind on top of buildings. "I can remember being in my dentist's office as a child watching the flags on top of North Street buildings blowing straight out for the whole visit. If the downtown were re-wired, we could set up micro-grids so downtown and the hospital would be resilient and keep running when other areas might blackout," Winn said. Further she said "let's make sure that when we build new buildings like a Dunkin Donuts or potential mega Walmart we require that building to be new-zero energy." She also highlighted the Greening the Gateway Cities Program, which will plant some 2,400 trees in the city and thus reducing energy costs because of the shade provided. The city's efforts are something Environment Massachusetts wants to see replicated across the state. The organization is calling for more aggressive measures to move toward 100 percent renewable energy. "We are experiencing more and more heat waves, more and more extreme weather events. Last month was the hottest June on record as many of the recent months have been. We know that these effects are only going to get worse if we don't take rapid action to get off of fossil fuels," Hellerstein said. There is a bill currently in the legislative process that could double the amount of renewable energy in Massachusetts, Hellerstein said. The bill also carves out a place for offshore wind and bans using public monies for gas pipelines. "We urge them to think as big as possible. 100 percent renewables is where we need to get to so now is the time to take big steps and not baby steps," Hellerstein said. But the political battle over renewable energy projects seems to be the biggest hurdle, according to Sarah Gardner, associate director and lecturer of environmental studies at Williams College . "One of the hardest things to do in this battle for renewable energy is to actually get projects on the ground. There tends to be a lot of opposition to projects," Garner said. Gardner is calling on the state to "pull together across political lines" to become a leader in renewable energy. She said more jobs will be created from a renewable economy than will be lost by sticking with fossil fuels and that to reduce carbon reductions significantly, states need to be 100 percent renewable by 2050 just 34 years away. "It may sound like a radical idea to have a 100 percent renewable commonwealth but averting the climate crisis isn't really a radical idea," Gardner said. In order to achieve that, she said a significant portion of the state's power needs to come from wind, which is a hotly debated issue from the Berkshires to Cape Cod. The state has the capacity to be 100 percent renewable if there is a significant push to do so, she said. "We really need to start embracing wind energy and stop opposing plans for wind in the state and offshore," Gardner said. "There is no possible way to achieve 100 percent renewable if we don't have a lot of wind in the mix." Massachusetts Technology Collaborative implementation liaison Bill Ennen provided an update on the last mile project to the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission's regional issues committee. BRPC Hears Update To 'Last Mile' Broadband Plan PITTSFIELD, Mass. Finishing out the so-called "last mile" of broadband connectivity will take a flexible approach, giving towns an array of options to connect, according to Massachusetts Technology Collaborative implementation liaison Bill Ennen. Ennen was appointed in June at the same time Peter Larkin, former Pittsfield state representative, was appointed to chair the board of the state's Massachusetts Broadband Initiative. The two are now heading the operations to bring high-speed internet into 44 unserved towns in Western Massachusetts. Ennen's role is to be the middle man between the MBI and individual towns. Their approach, under the direction of Gov. Charlie Baker, is focused on working closely with towns to develop individual plans for build out and operation of the network. "It is going to be a complete patchwork quilt of solutions," Ennen told the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission's regional issues committee on Wednesday. Baker had previously put a halt to MBI operations while the administration reviewed the program. On May 10, operations picked up again with new leadership and changes to the plans. Particularly, a change Ennen felt was important was ending the demand for a "ubiquitous fiber to the home network" and embracing a number of options. Ennen said that provision left little room for towns to craft other plans. "Depending on the financial condition of each town the opportunities are greater or lesser," Ennen said. The fiber expansion was too costly for many towns and the new program allows the development of extending cable service, using fiber optic, or wireless. Further, towns can opt to work alone in building out local networks or in consortium with others, with MBI officials providing help with a number of ownership models. Ennen said the administration is now deploying staff to work with the towns, hopefully to eliminate a situation in which a community creates a plan the administration won't fund. MBI opened a 21-day readiness process during which engineers will work with each town. "We opened up this window for people to submit and be part of this process," Ennen said. "That process is very unique to each town." He said the governor wants to focus on affordability and sustainability in the system. The administration needs to be convinced that future taxpayers won't be unduly burdened by something they can't afford. The Department of Local Services will serve a role in the 21-day period with financial advisers and other staffing with deeper knowledge of the marketplace. "We recognized that there was no practical way for a last-mile town, one of the 44 towns, to come forward and seek funding through some type of state program approach," Ennen said of the process. Middlefield is seeking to pilot a wireless approach and funding wouldn't otherwise have been granted for that but now is while Mount Washington received a $230,000 grant to build a out a "fiber to home" network that will be owned, operated, and maintained by the town. Mount Washington's project comes at a cost of $700,000, which voters had authorized to fund from both stabilization and borrowing. Mount Washington BRPC representative Eleanor Tillinghast said her town is lucky to have the ability to pay but others in the state don't have that luxury. "There needs to be extra support for the communities that do not have the resources to essentially go it alone," she said. The service will cost residents $120 a month and Tillinghast hopes that any town making the investment on its own isn't "undercut" by existing providers. For example, she said Verizon could enter the picture after the network is built out and sell a similar product for half the cost. Then the town would lose so many customers that the town would be forced to sell off the network at a fire-sale price and Verizon could be waiting in the wings to purchase it at a lower cost. The dynamic with private companies has been a cog in the wheels of expanding broadband. Ennen said there is virtually no way to force a company to build out a network the company doesn't want to build. "It was a large waste of time to try to get them to do anything different," Ennen said. Mount Washington Selectman Jim Lovejoy echoed the sentiment that the goal isn't to "find more customers for Verizon and Comcast." While the MBI's focus is to allow for many options, Lovejoy said the towns should be focused on building out a network that will support development. "When somebody starts the conversation by saying we don't want to let the perfect interfere with us getting anything done. What happened to the idea of trying to get something that will really make a difference?" Lovejoy said. He compared the build-out to that of roads or schools. He opposes setting up a situation in which a town is dependent on a private enterprise saying that instead the focus should be on a long-term solution. "If you have the capacity in your local government to build a police station, you have the capacity to build a network or your citizens," Lovejoy said. "This kind of infrastructure is not that different from the roads that we build and other infrastructure we build to make our towns more popular for development." Tillinghast agreed, saying rural towns overcame the same challenges building out the electrical network. An additional obstacle is utility poles. Tillinghast said many poles are not up to code so the cost to upgrade ones that service additional utilities falls on the towns. And then what happens when a pole is damaged because of a storm? She hopes the state will lend support and use its leverage to help towns in sorting out those details. The private companies do serve a role in expansion, however. With the merger of Charter Communications and Time Warner Cable, three towns in the Berkshires West Stockbridge, Hinsdale and Lanesborough will see upgraded service. It won't be full fiber but it will be close. Ennen says expanding cable into a town like New Ashford could be an option to service unserved areas there. Charter is required to upgrade all of its infrastructure to a level of as if the town had no service whatsoever, Ennen said. When it comes to negotiations with cable providers, Ennen said multiple towns can join together for negotiations. Ennen rejects the notion, however, of waiting for private companies to fully build out the state. He said there seems to be no evidence to suggest Verizon will be expanding FIOS or even maintaining its current copper-wire infrastructure. He said there is still limited cell phone service in a number of areas in the state. "Those cell towers should have been built out 10 years ago and it haven't been," he said. "We can't hope that the new technology will make its way out here." Despite the challenges in what Ennen described as "moving a huge bureaucracy along," the expansion of broadband remains a top priority. Local representative on the MBI board Frederick Keator said, "the governor has made it a top priority. He is very well aware of the need and the importance of expanding this technology." But, the governor also doesn't want to issue a blank check, he said. Olver Endorses Adam Hinds for State Senate Seat PITTSFIELD, Mass. Democratic state Senate candidate Adam Hinds has picked up the endorsement of former U.S. Rep. John W. Olver. Olver, of Amherst, said he was "thrilled to endorse Adam Hinds for state Senate." The retired Democratic congressman is the highest profile endorsement for the Hinds so far; he has also been endorsed by North Adams Mayor Richard Alcombright, Pittsfield School Committee Chairwoman Katherine Yon, and a number of the Pittsfield and North Adams city councilors. "Having spent a lifetime in public service to Western Massachusetts, I understand the amount of time and effort that it takes to advocate for this region," Olver writes. "I served in the Massachusetts Legislature for more than two decades and I know what it takes to make Beacon Hill pay attention to the needs of this region. Adam Hinds is remarkably capable, and will be the strongest voice and most powerful advocate for Western Massachusetts. Adam understands the many challenges we face in this region, and has what it takes to bring resources back to the district. "As I stated years ago, I believe that public service is about helping people, the opportunity to do what is right, and improving the everyday lives of families in Massachusetts. Adam embodies these values in every aspect of his life, from his early political work to the years he spent in service at the U.N., to his community work in Pittsfield and North Adams." We work towards an equitable, gender-just, self-reliant and sustainable fisheries, particularly in the small-scale, artisanal sector We work towards an equitable, gender-just, self-reliant and sustainable fisheries, particularly in the small-scale, artisanal sector We work towards an equitable, gender-just, self-reliant and sustainable fisheries, particularly in the small-scale, artisanal sector We work towards an equitable, gender-just, self-reliant and sustainable fisheries, particularly in the small-scale, artisanal sector The content you are trying to view is exclusive to our subscribers. To unlock this article: Members of the motoring beat with the Nissan X-Trail and Nissan Juke at the Tacloban City Capitol Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) takes its media guests on a new adventure drive to its latest Visit the Philippines, Drive to Discover with Nissan leg to the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival in Tacloban, Leyte. The program is created in conjunction with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT). Visit the Philippines, Drive to Discover with Nissan aims to boost local tourism through the promotion of road travel to tourism destinations recommended by the TPB. We at Nissan are very excited to once again be running our Visit the Philippines Drive to Discover with Nissan program, discovering the wonderful city of Tacloban and the Samar province. said Ramesh Narasimhan, NPI President & Managing Director, After rising from the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, the resiliency and versatility of the people in this region is something to be admired." As the longest running festival in Eastern Visayas, the Pintados-Kasadyaan is one of the landmark events in Leyte that brings together the different, vibrant festivals from its various towns. It also serves as a reminder of the Leytenos resiliency to rise above the challenges, and celebrate life. It is this diversity and resilient culture that we are proud to underscore together with our Nissan vehicles, the Nissan X-Trail and the Nissan Juke, which with their strength and reliability on and off the road perfectly complement the Leytenos strength of character. The travel highlighted the Nissan X-Trail and Nissan Jukes advanced technology. Given the long distance drive over different kinds of terrain, the challenges to both the drivers and the vehicles were mitigated by the Nissan X-Trails modern features. These include its Advanced Drive-Assist Display, its intuitive All-Mode 4x4-i system that lets drivers switch drive systems from 2WD to 4WD for both on-road and off-road conditions, and its Around View Monitor that allows the driver to see 360-degrees of his surroundings prior to parking. The Nissan Juke, on the other hand, combines the toughness of an SUV with the comfortable driving features of a sedan. Its I-CON Dynamic Control System lets the driver control both the cabin environment as well as the driving demands. At a touch of a button, the driver can switch driving styles to Sport, Normal, or Eco mode to meet the different road conditions while maximizing performance with fuel economy. Media guests flagged-off from the airport to the Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum, which is home to some of the countrys priceless artifacts and antiquities. Here, a surprise cultural number from the Eastern Visayas State University dance group, one of the regions best cultural performers known for their performance during the Pope Francis visit early last year, also greeted the Nissan group. After a tour, the group ended the day with a visit to the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival Park to catch the colorful festivities. Amidst the swirl of festival colors, the Nissan X-Trail in Fiery Red and the Nissan Juke in Solar Yellow boldly stood out for their stylish lines and color palette, making the fiesta truly a feast for the eyes. The next day, the group took off early for Basey, Samar via the scenic San Juanico Bridge. Located in the center of Samar, Basey is known as the seat of natural resources, and is home to several growing natural attractions of the province. The Nissan team took on the alternating good road - rough road route to the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Samar. The vehicles kept the ride comfortable for both drivers and passengers. The Nissan X-Trail Zero Gravity seats in the front row helped reduce muscle fatigue, and the Dual Zone climate control system allowed the passengers to customize their level of cooling. The drive also included a tour to Saob Cave in Basiao, where local mat weavers can be found. The caverns cold temperature help preserve the raw materials that make for their top-quality banig products. All throughout the trip, both vehicles kept their passengers cool even under the heat of the sun. The last day of the Leyte leg saw the entire group take on the overland drive for Tacloban. Some of the highlights of the day included visiting the MacArthur Landing site in Palo, the M/V Eva Jocelyn Memorial, which displayed the hull of the superstructure that was grounded inland at the height of typhoon Haiyan (local name: Yolanda), as well as The Capitol, where a commemorative plaque notes that it was the site where Sergio Osmena was formally installed as the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines by General Douglas MacArthur. Exploring some of these unsung tourism destinations in Samar and Leyte made for an unforgettable tour of new finds, enabling the guests to know more about the country. This is the kind of experience that encourages one to live up to the Nissan spirit of Drive to Discover, added Narasimhan. The Nissan X-Trail and other Nissan vehicles are available in all Nissan dealerships for test-driving and outright sale, while the Visit the Philippines, Drive to Discover with Nissan is an ongoing project that will run until October 2016. The program will be jointly spearheaded by NPI and TPB with monthly road trips with members of the media to various destinations set by the TBP. Back to top Online Car Classified Carmudi formally announced its third scholarship program that aims to help third and fourth year undergraduate students who are academically outstanding but economically challenged. The Scholarship Program is a bi-annual search that provides scholarship grants for deserving students in the country. It is open to all incoming senior college students of the participating universities and colleges. Carmudi PH holds this program as one of their many ways to uphold the companys continuing concern for the socio-economic development of the country. The scholarship program targets students from the fields of Economics, Business, Marketing, Communications, Media, IT, Engineering, and other relevant majors in the university. A financial aid worth of P30,000.00 per semester will be given to the grant sole recipient. At present, Carmudi Philippines has already granted 2 scholarship program from University of the Philippines Visayas and Ilocus Sur Polytechnic University. Aljohn T. Torreta who is a son of a fisherman and a vendor was the first scholarship grantee who recently graduated as a Summa Cum Laude, while Kristine Ian De Guzmana single motherwas chosen as the second scholarship recipient for her academic excellence. With the Philippine automotive industry growing at breakneck speed, Carmudi Philippines supports the Filipino consumer by empowering them with widest choices, best prices and authoritative reviews, all at their fingertips. The company serves as the guaranteed safest marketplace for car selling and buying. To know more about the scholarship program, visit www.carmudi.com.ph or go directly to www.carmudi.com.ph/scholarship Back to top Gary Wyatt to Retire from County of Imperial El Centro, California - After almost 26 years of devoted service for the County of Imperial, the Imperial County Intergovernmental Relations Director, Gary Wyatt, a resident of Brawley is set to retire on September 1, 2016. When asked about his departure Mr. Wyatt said, I end the Imperial County employee portion of my life as I begin it filled with thankfulness, excitement, happiness and hope. I have enjoyed most of my time at the county and have discovered great people and friends everywhere I turned. I have also had a rather unique experience here. Mr. Wyatt joined the County of Imperial in September 1990 as a Crime Prevention Officer with the Imperial County Sheriffs Office. He worked with the Imperial County Sheriffs Office for 10 years subsequently becoming a Crime Prevention Supervisor, before being elected to the Imperial County Board of Supervisors in 2000. During his 12 year tenure as an Imperial County Supervisor, Mr. Wyatt represented District 4 and was extensively involved with many county initiatives and worked closely with his fellow board members to increase the quality of life for its residents. Some of the efforts he led while a member of the Board was to restructure and reorganize county services, including expanding services in the north end of the county therefore increasing access to services. Additionally, he played a large role in the development of the Imperial County Public Benefit Program in an effort to maximize the benefits of solar energy development in Imperial County while mitigating losses to agricultural production and assisting community improvement projects for its residents. After completing his final term on the Board, Mr. Wyatt was later asked to return and serve as the countys Intergovernmental Relations Director, a position he has held since May 2013 working as the countys representative to multiple state and federal organizations while advocating for legislation and action that furthers the countys policy interests and priorities. When asked about his plans post retirement, Mr. Wyatt stated, Now its time for me and the love of my life to start our new beginning and create new dreams to enjoy together. Mr. Wyatts wife, Dorothy, also a county employee is also set to retire on September 1, 2016 after nearly 23 years of service with the Imperial County Sheriffs Office. Global Engineering Programs expand Purdue's impact on world West Lafayette, Indiana - The Office of Global Engineering Programs and the College of Engineering schools and programs continue work to expand the overseas reach of Purdue University. Global Engineering is the center of the college's efforts in international education, research and engagement. It offers a number of opportunities through the East Asia Program, the Exxon Mobil Foundation-supported Engineering in Latin America Program and a minor in global engineering. East Asia Programs manager Wei Qiu said studying abroad is a great way for Purdue engineering students to become leaders and collaborators. "East Asia and the United States have a high stake in each other's success because of economic collaboration," she said. "We need more engineers as collaborators and leaders to create a peaceful and better future together." As part of this effort, Global Engineering Programs recently was awarded $50,000 by USA Study Abroad, a branch of the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. State Department. The Minority Engineering Program, Women in Engineering Program and several Engineering schools worked in conjunction for the grant, which engages ROTC, women and minority students in engineering by offering innovative courses abroad. The project focuses on East Asia. Capacity Building Grants were awarded to 18 colleges and universities out of more than 160 applicants. Eight Purdue colleagues worked to earn the federal award: Andrew Brightman, assistant head, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering; Patrick Brunese, senior academic administrator, School of Industrial Engineering; Darryl Dickerson, associate director, MEP; Jeffery Gray, associate professor, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Beth Holloway, WIEP; Wei Hong, director of the Chinese Language Program and the Confucius Institute; James D. Jones, associate head, School of Mechanical Engineering; and Lt. Col. James Scrogin, branch commander for Army ROTC. The project is titled "Diversifying and Scaling Purdue Engineering Study Abroad in East Asia." Through it, Global Engineering Programs will focus on Japan, Hong Kong and China. Partnerships with universities in Japan, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China will allow students to study programs such as robotics in Japan. East Asia is a large trade region and offers an important market for students to gain exposure and practice experience. "With this grant, I believe the opportunity is more ready than ever before for Boilermakers from diverse backgrounds to immerse themselves in the fascinating cultures of China, Japan or South Korea," Qiu said. "Our students will become classmates, labmates and friends with many young people in Shanghai, Hong Kong or Tokyo while abroad. We want to make sure that women, minorities and ROTC engineering students enjoy equal access to these kinds of transformative opportunities." U.S.-Norwegian Demining Initiative Brings Together Non-Governmental Organizations With the Private Sector Washington, DC - Today in Washington, the United States and Norway joined representatives of non-governmental organizations and the private sector to promote collaboration and innovation in combatting the serious humanitarian challenge of landmines and unexploded ordnance in post-conflict countries under the U.S.-Norwegian Demining Initiative. Norwegian Ambassador Kare Aas hosted the event at his residence in conjunction with the visit of Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende to Washington. Ambassador Aas, Foreign Minister Brende, Deputy National Security Adviser Avril Haines, and Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller addressed the guests at the event. They discussed that safely clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance, risk education and outreach to prevent injuries, and survivor assistance programs are all essential to helping countries rebuild. They emphasized that governments need the cooperation and participation of non-governmental organizations and the private sector in these areas as well. The U.S.-Norwegian Demining Initiative, announced by Secretary Kerry and Foreign Minister Brende in Oslo on June 15, 2016, is the latest chapter in decades of our close partnership on humanitarian assistance. Built upon the success of the United States and Norway-led Global Demining Initiative for Colombia, the initiative is an effort to broaden partnerships to safely clear landmines and unexploded ordnance in post-conflict countries. The United States and Norway plan to convene a ministerial-level demining conference this fall on the margins of the UN General Assembly in order to secure commitments on humanitarian mine action from other governments and private sector partners for key countries, including Colombia, and thereby help further the cause of international peace and security. The United States is the worlds largest single financial supporter of efforts to clear unexploded ordnance and landmines. The United States has contributed more than $2.6 billion since 1993 to over 90 countries around the world through more than 60 partner organizations to reduce the harmful effects of at-risk, illicitly trafficked, and indiscriminately used conventional weapons of war. Projects selected for $9 million in community-based habitat restoration funding Washington, DC - NOAA is recommending $9 million in funding for 17 coastal and marine habitat restoration projects for its 2016 Community-based Restoration Program, as part of agency efforts to support healthy ecosystems and resilient coastal communities. The recommended projects, in 10 states and territories, range from coral reef restoration in Florida to fish passage improvements in California. This years projects will restore habitat for a variety of coastal and marine species, including three of NOAA Fisheries highly at-risk Species in the Spotlight Atlantic salmon, Central California Coast coho, and Sacramento River winter-run Chinook. Projects will also concentrate on habitat improvement in two of NOAAs Habitat Focus Areas Puerto Ricos Culebra Island, and West Hawaii where agency and partner efforts can come together to yield community and environmental benefits. These restoration projects are a win-win for the environment and surrounding communities, said Pat Montanio, director of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation. When we make smart investments in habitat restoration, we not only help sustain fisheries and recover protected resources, we also use these projects to provide additional benefits, like protecting coastal communities from flooding and erosion, and boosting local economies through increased recreational opportunities. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Community-based Restoration Program, which was established in 1996 and authorized under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006. Since the programs beginning, NOAA has provided more than $140 million to implement more than 2,000 habitat restoration projects, all through strong partnerships with more than 2,500 organizations. Through the program and the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NOAA and its partners are helping to create healthy habitats and resilient fish populations in the United States. At this point in the selection process, the application approval and obligation of funds is not final. Each of the 17 applications is being recommended and is not a guarantee of funding. Final approval is subject to funding availability as well as final review and approval by both the NOAA Grants Management Division and Department of Commerce Federal Assistance Law Division. Applicants should expect to receive formal notification of award approval by October 1. Details about the 17 projects recommended for funding are available on the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation website. NOAAs mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Canada, Germany, Japan, Kuwait, The Netherlands, and the United States at the Pledging Conference in Support of Iraq Washington, DC - Over $2 billion in new money has been pledged for the people of Iraq in response to Daeshs campaign of tyranny that has resulted in enormous suffering, deprivation, and devastation for the Iraqi people. To help address the grave conditions faced by those displaced in Iraq, the international community has surged forward to provide desperately needed humanitarian support such as food, water, and shelter for those in need, and to help create the conditions that will allow the safe and voluntary return of displaced families to liberated areas as quickly as possible. The foundations for long-term stability can be achieved if Iraqs humanitarian crisis is alleviated and its citizens are able to return to their homes safely, with access to basic services, healthcare, and education, and hope for economic prosperity. As a result of the conference, led by the co-hosts Canada, Germany, Japan, Kuwait, The Netherlands, and the United States, the international community mobilized to meet near-term funding requirements for Iraq in four critical-need areas: humanitarian assistance; demining; UNDPs Funding Facility for Immediate Stabilization; UNDPs new Funding Facility for Expanded Stabilization (FFES), endorsed by Prime Minister Abadi to provide pivotal, medium-term stabilization initiatives to foster resiliency and recovery in Daesh liberated areas. The humanitarian assistance raised yesterday primarily supports United Nations agencies operating in Iraq, as well as other international organizations and non-governmental organizations. Through these organizations, the international community has provided resources for assistance to every governorate in Iraq, helping people who need it mostultimately saving lives and alleviating human suffering amid daily threats of violence from Daesh. The stabilization pledges generated through this initiative will contribute meaningfully to longer-term reconciliation efforts within Iraq, the success of which is vital for the countrys longer-term stability and recovery from Daesh oppression. The donors that gathered remain committed to assisting Iraq, and strongly urge all governments, organizations, and individuals to support the lifesaving efforts of the UN and its funds and agencies, in addition to other humanitarian partners. We are particularly gratified by the presence at yesterdays conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and welcome its efforts to broaden advocacy efforts on behalf of the Iraqi people. As donors, we remain cognizant as well that success on the battlefield enacts a disproportionate toll on the civilian population. The United Nations announced July 20 that it will require an additional $284 million in order to plan for the humanitarian impact of Mosuls liberation, while far more will likely be needed to mitigate this challenge as Daesh is defeated in Mosul. We therefore hope the results of the initiative allow donors to more speedily align their pledged contributions against elements of the United Nations latest appeal. While not a comprehensive listing of the pledges tabled during the event, the following highlights signal achievements of the Pledging Conference in Support of Iraq. The list excludes 2017 and 2018 commitments from those donors not able to specify publicly their out-year programming. Conference Highlights: Responsive and Robust Humanitarian Assistance Pledges A total of 26 donors pledged contributions totaling more than $590 million for humanitarian assistance in support of Iraq, through bilateral and multilateral channels. These funds will support the needs identified in the United Nations 2016 Humanitarian Response Plan for Iraq, in addition to other organizations providing aid in Iraq and the region, and lay the groundwork for a more effective international response to the anticipated humanitarian challenges attendant to the Mosul campaign. Support for Stabilization Programming Fourteen nations announced new funding for critical stabilization programming in Iraq, pledging more than $350 million. An even larger number of countries made additional pledges totaling $125 million for UNDPs Funding Facility for Immediate Stabilization, a significant advance towards meeting the $180 million requirement identified by the United Nations for 2017. Dedicated Funds for Humanitarian Demining Activities More than ten nations made over $80 million in new pledges for demining efforts in Iraq. This support will provide approximately three-quarters of the total amount of funding the United Nations estimates is required for one year of demining activities in Iraq. Launching the Funding Facility For Expanded Stabilization The United States was the first major donor, with $50 million, to pledge funding to the new UNDP Funding Facility for Expanded Stabilization. FFES facilitates recovery and resilience in Daesh liberated areas, providing project-specific funding to support rehabilitation of facilities to restore critical, public services and create jobs. The UN estimates that teaching colleges, hospitals, and universities eligible for FFES support will be able to employ an estimated 17,000 to 20,000 people in each of the areas previously devastated by Daesh. Long-Term Commitment to the People of Iraq In addition to securing immediate funds for near-term humanitarian needs and critical stabilization programming, the Pledging Conference in Support of Iraq secured more than $200 million in commitments for 2017 and 2018 to address demining, stabilization and humanitarian needs. This funding pipeline provides international organizations and NGOs with the flexibility and programing safety-net required to address unforeseen humanitarian crises or respond rapidly to evolving stabilization challenges. Zimbabwe Man Who Started 'Pak Bean' Rivalry Had This to Say After Pakistan's Defeat 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 }} All that is left of the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St Sava on West 26th street is a blackened shell. Daylight streams through the circular windows under the old spire and the arched stone doorway. The fire in May 2016 that gutted this 200-year-old building - a blaze that could be seen for miles around - has not only cost New York City a great architectural treasure but also a literary and historical one. For it was in this church on 29 April 1882 that 23-year-old Edith Wharton married businessma Teddy Wharton. The marriage was unsatisfactory - some say it was a sexual disaster - and it spurred Edith to drift into fiction in her forties. She became the first woman to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1921. In such an old city, there are surprisingly few relics that remain as they were during the prolific novelists time, and nothing, beyond a small red plaque at her childhood home, to commemorate the most iconic New York writer of the late 19th and early 20th century. The church where Edith Wharton was married is now a ruin (Getty) Francis Morrone, architectural historian and NYU professor, tried to rally a movement to erect a statue of Ms Wharton on Central Parks Mall and Literary Avenue, alongside Walter Scott and Robert Burns, but, in his own words, it went nowhere. So much has changed, and continues to change, in a landscape that houses more than eight million people. Edith would be startled by the escalating prices in Greenwich Village around Hudson Street, a truly downmarket area in her day, according to Mr Morrone. She might also be puzzled by the glass skyscrapers crowding along Fifth Avenue, which was once all residential housing. Maybe the failure to commemorate the writer is partly due to the fact that she did not really like the city at all. She once famously said that brownstone a local, muddy-coloured sandstone from Connecticut was the most hideous stone ever quarried. New York City was a dismal, ugly city in her time there is no getting around it, says Mr Morrone as we saunter along West 23rd Street to view the Nobel Prize for Literature nominee's childhood home. The feelings of her New York girlhood softened a great deal as she got older. By the time she wrote The Age of Innocence, the writing doesnt have the sort of sharp edge that "The House of Mirth" has. But she didnt want to live here. The plaque at number 14 West 23rd Street says that Edith's house marks the boundary of fashionable district in the 1850s, when it was built. Edith's childhood home is now a Starbucks and a WeightWatchers (The Independent) That is very untrue," says Mr Morrone. "By the time Edith Wharton was born in 1862, Murray Hill, the East 30s and 40s [streets], were the northern boundary of the fashionable neighbourhood." Her house has been altered so many times in the last century that it cannot be delegated as a protected building. It is now a Starbucks on the ground floor, where her fathers extensive study used to be. Below is the only known photo of the original building: 14 West 23rd Street (Courtesy of Francis Morrone) (Francis Morrone) I always imagine her reading Shakespeare and the romantic poets, right where the little counter where the milk and sugar packets are, Mr Morrone says. Although the corporate exterior of the building might cause some to groan, few people might know that Starbucks was named after a character in Moby Dick by Herman Melville, a distant cousin of Edith's. She never had a formal day of schooling in her life, and the cold relationship with her mother did little to encourage her writing. Yet the shy and nervous girl read all the books she could find until she went on to write The Decoration of Houses, which is still an important resource for architects today. Her childhood brownstone was sold in 1882 by Ediths mother to a retailer, who replaced the traditional brownstone front and the so-called English entrance with a commercial, cast iron front. A few doors down the street, only the top half of a building has been left as a brownstone, which gives the viewer an idea of what her house once looked like. Edith spent much of her younger years in Madison Square Park (Getty) Take a stroll around Madison Park just off West 23rd street and you will find the layout of paths and greenery is exactly the same as when she played there most days as a child, accompanied by her governess. It was there, at 13 years old, she met Emelyn Washburn, six years her senior and reportedly in love with her. Emmeline was adventurous, and the pair often explored the city, including into strictly out of bounds areas like the Lower East Side. It is speculated that on these rambles, according to Mr Morrone, Edith went inside cheap hotels and boarding houses, the interiors of which are so accurately described in her novels. She had to have experience of that somewhere, says Mr Morrone. [For anyone who wants to get more of an idea of the interior of 19th century aristocrats homes, including the velvet flocked wallpaper mentioned in Ediths novels, it is worth visiting the Gilded New York exhibition, on display at the Museum of the City of New York.] When it came to marrying Teddy Wharton, the white marble, early Gothic Revival Grace Church on Broadway and East 10th street was normally the most appropriate venue for a high society weddings. Newland Archer and May Welland are married there in The Age of Innocence, and it was where the author herself was baptised. Ms Wharton was baptised in the Grace Chruch (Getty) The church today (The Independent) But Edith had already had a broken engagement with the son of the Fifth Avenue Hotel owners widow and the scandal was such that it was decided that the wedding should take place in the low-key St Sava cathedral two blocks over. She and Teddy lived in her mothers new house, 28 West 25th Street the house no longer exists until they relocated to a brownstone on Park Avenue. That house was part of a row of six identical houses, and only one remains, between 78th and 79th avenue. The last row house standing on Park Avenue (Google Maps) Although some locations in her novels are mysteriously untraceable like the miserable boarding house of the doomed Lily Bart in The House of Mirth there are plenty of iconic landmarks in her books: Grand Central Station, The Central Park, Washington Square Park and Fifth Avenue. Although when strolling around, fans will frequently have to use their imagination. In her memoir, A Backward Glance, Edith wrote: The Fifth Avenue of that day was a placid and uneventful thoroughfare along which genteel landaus, broughams, and victorias, and more countrified vehicles of the carryall and surrey type, moved up and down at decent intervals and a decorous pace. Fifth Avenue in the 19th century (Getty) Fifth Avenue is almost completely unrecognisable from the days when fashionable society rode up and down in their carriages. Delmonicos, the famed restaurant frequented by the high and mighty, is no longer at the north-west corner of Madison Square Park. The Benedick serviced apartments for bachelors that Lily Bart is seen scuttling out of is based on a building in Washington Square, but was moved in The House of Mirth to the vicinity of Grand Central Station. Mr Morrone points to one of the last original houses on Fifth Avenue at number 47, now the Salmagundi Art Club. It is grand, with wide smooth steps and a chandelier in the hallway, and will give people an idea of what the residential avenue used to look like. Opposite the writers childhood home used to stand the once-fashionable Fifth Avenue Hotel, featured in her short story called New Years Day, where the hotel guests being evacuated onto the street due to a fire are watched by neighbours, who notice two guests are of their set and are clearly having an affair. Reading Ediths novels, one gets a sense of the claustrophobia within the respectable circles of society in which women of that era lived, and also an idea of the restricted geography of the grids and avenues which formed the boundaries of their world. The only really respectable area was Fifth Avenue, from the bottom to the top, although a few elite families were clinging on to their houses in around Washington Square Park. Private residences in Washington Square Park, the homes of the last 'true' aristocrats (Getty) In The Custom of the Country, Ralph Marvell, whose family lives in Washington Square, describes the community as the vanishing denizens of the American continent doomed to rapid extinction. [] he looked up at the symmetrical old red-house front, with its frugal marble ornament, as he might have looked into a familiar human face. Edith and her husband retained their Park Avenue house for two decades, until the pair moved to Newport. Edith then designed and built The Mount, a grand countryside manor in Lennox, Massachusetts, where she continued to write. She moved permanently to Europe in 1906, never returning to the United States, and she died in her suburban villa in Seine-et-Oise near Paris in 1937. She died at 5:30 P.M., but her death was not known in Paris, read her New York Times obituary. Yet her characters, her stories, and the buildings - in many ways the City is a great character itself - linger on. As for the ruined cathedral of Saint Sava on West 26th Street, Mr Morrone says the plan is to restore the remaining wall and to build a new church behind it. It will be an important restoration. At least for historians and Edith Wharton devotees, looking at the front of the old grey-stone church will be like looking into a familiar human face. 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 }} Matt Damon. Think about that name for a second. Matt Damon. If youve seen Trey Parker and Matt Stones Team America: World Police, chances are youve read that name, not in your own voice, but in MAAAAAAT DAAAAMONs. Asked in 2014 whether he enjoyed the film in a Reddit AMA, Damon described it as both brilliant and confusing, stating that he never understood it. Thankfully, the Jason Bourne actor returned to the website to clear some things up about his feelings towards the cameo, describing how hes always been bewildered by the movie but believes its creators are geniuses. The actor also explained his main reason for being cool with the whole thing: because it put him on record as being against the Iraq War. Damon's AMA responce I was always kind of bewildered by Team America, I think because its hard for us to understand what our images are in public, I think were not good judges of that, and when I saw myself on screen just only able to say my own name and not really that well, I kind of wondered Wow, is that how people perceive me? At that point I just kind of was like, Im a screenwriter and an actor, and like really? I can barely say my own name? So I was always bewildered by that, and I never talked to Trey and Matt about that. And Incidentally, I believe those two are geniuses, and I dont use that word lightly. I think they are absolute geniuses, and what theyve done is awesome and Im a big fan of theirs, but I never quite understood that one. But I will say this. Those of us who were parodied in that video were parodied because we were against the Iraq war, and we went on the record against that war, and so history is on my side not theirs. Stone and Parker, also famous for being the team behind South Park and West End production Book of Mormon, previously said they made Damon that way in the film because, when they saw the puppet, it looked kind of mentally deficient, and therefore decided to decrease Damons IQ a serious amount. The $2.5bn dollar man: Matt Damon Show all 3 1 /3 The $2.5bn dollar man: Matt Damon The $2.5bn dollar man: Matt Damon damon-ap.jpg AP The $2.5bn dollar man: Matt Damon damon-getty.jpg Getty Images The $2.5bn dollar man: Matt Damon damon.jpg Recently, the actor revealed that in the upcoming Bourne film, he only has 25 lines of dialogue, rivalling Mad Max for titular character who says almost nothing. 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 }} One of the beautiful things about franchises such as Star Wars is that every character has a story. C-3POs red arm? Theres a comic book explaining what happened. That droid in Maz Kanatas cantina? Theres a tonne of background information available. Those strange aliens in Jabbas palace? Theres probably a book about them too. With the release of Rogue One, a dozen new background characters with histories of their own are set to be released into a galaxy far, far away, including the newly introduced Edrio Two Tubes. The Tognath bounty hunter, who can be seen at the San Diego Comic-Con, carries a huge rifle and borrows aesthetically from villains, mainly Darth Vader thanks to his breathing mechanism, but is actually an ally of the Rebel Alliance. An official description of the character appeared on the official Star Wars Facebook page, reading: Edrio Two Tubes is a mercenary pilot who flies alongside his eggmate, Benthic. The two share the nickname derived from the breathing apparatus that allows their Tognath physiology to process oxygen atmospheres. Edrios home world Yar Togna was conquered and occupied by the Empire, forcing him to flee as a refugee. Desiring to strike back at the Empire, Edrio and Benthic have allied with Saw Gerrera. While Edrio will likely only have a minor role in the film, expect a tie-in comic book sometime soon. Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Show all 45 1 /45 Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Meanwhile, a major Rogue One spoiler was seemingly revealed at the Star Wars Celebration in Europe and a new trailer gave us our first look at Vader in the 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 }} The Star Trek Beyond premiere at San Diego Comic-Con was both a spectacularly exciting event yet also incredibly sad. While it marked the first time a film has been screened outdoors on an IMAX and the first time a premiere was accompanied by a ninety-piece orchestra, the event was missing one person in particular: Anton Yelchin. The actor tragically died passed away last month at the age of 27, much to everyones shock; the cast and crew paying their respects at the premiere. As wonderful as this is to be here with all of you, and to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, there is something wrong tonight, producer J.J. Abrams told the crowd, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "There is something missing tonight, there is someone missing tonight." Picture preview: The 45th anniversary Star Trek art exhibition Show all 10 1 /10 Picture preview: The 45th anniversary Star Trek art exhibition Picture preview: The 45th anniversary Star Trek art exhibition 641472.bin Picture preview: The 45th anniversary Star Trek art exhibition 641477.bin Picture preview: The 45th anniversary Star Trek art exhibition 641479.bin Picture preview: The 45th anniversary Star Trek art exhibition 641476.bin Picture preview: The 45th anniversary Star Trek art exhibition 641478.bin Picture preview: The 45th anniversary Star Trek art exhibition 641475.bin Picture preview: The 45th anniversary Star Trek art exhibition 641471.bin Picture preview: The 45th anniversary Star Trek art exhibition 641470.bin Picture preview: The 45th anniversary Star Trek art exhibition 641473.bin Picture preview: The 45th anniversary Star Trek art exhibition 641474.bin "Anton Yelchin should be here. Antons parents are here, Irina and Victor. We love their son and if I could ask everyone to have a moment of silence for our dear friend, Anton. Following the moments silence, fireworks were set off as the Star Trek theme was blasted out by the orchestra. Later on, Zachary Quinto, who plays Spock in the rebooted series, paid tribute to the original Spock, Leonard Nimoy. "I Just want to take a moment to honour him, to acknowledge him, to celebrate him and to love him. We all carry him with us in our heart, tonight, he said. Abrams recently confirmed that they will not recast Yelchin's character in the films. Star Trek Beyond is in UK cinemas now. 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 }} If you havent seen a Syrian wedding dress before, they tend to err on the glamorous side. You get cascading frou-frou tulle skirts and bodices embellished with beading, embroidery and bling diamante. These Disney princess-worthy frocks couldnt be more at odds with the perceived image of day-to-day life in a refugee camp. Yet, as viewers will see in the BBC2s new two-part documentary The Refugee Camp: Our Desert Home, they are a regular sight in Zaatari, the Jordanian camp that currently houses over 79,300 Syrians whove fled their war-torn homeland. The camp was established in 2012 and is now, going on population, the fourth largest town in Jordan. There are around 10 weddings a week there, where bride and groom and their friends and families will attempt to live a semblance of a normal life. In practice, that means a lot of chanting and singing (sample lyric from the grooms entourage: May God help him tonight), the distinctive, piercing sound of ululating women, cutting through the dust, with some spray foam in the mix for good measure. Theres a sense that life goes on. The attitude is look at what we can do with so little, says one of the films three presenters, A&E doctor Javid Abdelmoneim (known as Doctor Javid). These people really, really enjoy themselves on a day-to-day basis, there is a lot of kindness between them. Zaatari's 'market street' is lined with shops and food stalls (BBC/Twenty Twenty Television) Doctor Javid and his co-presenters, Countryfile frontwoman Anita Rani and hostile environment expert and journalist Ben Timberlake, spent around three weeks in the camp in February and March, a time when temperatures get close to freezing. The camp is run by the Jordanian government, the UNs refugee agency and more than 30 different charities. They were greeted by residents from grown men to babies keeping warm in green jackets donated from Saudi Arabia. You wonder what they think about wearing something thats come from a country who sold weapons to the opposition, says Javid. But for the people we spoke to, the blame was laid with Bashar al-Assad all the way. Despite the clearly challenging living environment, it is in many ways an upbeat film. It gives a different perspective to the refugee story than the unflinching Exodus, the recent BBC three-parter that followed families and individuals on their journeys to Europe. Here, the three presenters all highlight different elements of camp life. That includes Timberlake working in the bakery that distributes 90,000 loaves a day to the 24,000 homes, as well as following the some of the camps youngsters as they competed in a wrestling tournament. Some of the homes in Zaatari, now the size of Bath (BBC/Twenty Twenty Television) Rani goes into the homes prefab one-room boxes that replaced the original tents including that of a man whose stone sculptures and vegetable patch had transformed his home into something of an oasis. Doctor Javid visits some of the camps 11 clinics and hospitals including a Syrian-run medical centre whose head had turned down a number of lucrative job offers to help his countrymen. A board member for Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in the UK who has worked in medical response units in Haiti following the earthquake and more recently in Ebola crisis centres, Doctor Javid says that he was pleasantly surprised by the relative order and structure. Any tertiary care was referred out of the camp, as it would be in a normal town of that size. Away from the medical scenes, the film shows plenty of joyful vignettes of camp life. Like Musa and Montaha's on-screen wedding, or young Mohammed who proudly shows Timberlake a snazzy red and yellow bike with flashing dynamos and glittering hanging decorations that he fixed up in the cycle shop where he works. Bikes are the main mode of transport in the camp and a good one is a status symbol. The boys at the bike shop (BBC/Twenty Twenty Television) But there are also the hard facts. The people of Zaatari are legally not allowed to work. The authorities turn a blind eye to the 3,000-plus businesses, the barbers, bakers, bike shop and falafel stalls and stalls selling clothes that line the main market street and run alongside the hospitals, schools and official supermarkets. But the majority of people at the camp are not employed. Each inhabitant receives 20 food allowance a month from the authorities, as well as a water allowance and most are reliant on handouts. This is an alien state for people who were doctors, lawyers, teachers, hairdressers and restaurant owners back in Syria. The demographic of the camp is young: 75 per cent under-18s and women. These are people who were fit enough to walk to the camp with their belongings, but not for fighting or yet pushed on to Europe. The amount of people who had lost male relatives was heart-breaking, says Timberlake. Its hard to ignore the fact that none of the upbeat subjects would have chosen this life. Like 18-year-old bride Montaha who acknowledged that if she were at home she would be in her first year at university studying to be a doctor. Or Mohammed's friend working at the the bike shop who, like a third of the kids in the camp, had stopped going to school. Its better for me and my family, but not for my future. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Many children choose to work in Zaatari's businesses to help support their families instead of going to school (BBC/Twenty Twenty Television) Zaatari previously had a reputation for rioting and reports suggested that prostitution was commonplace. While by all accounts, security has improved in the last couple of years, the film steers clear of this controversy. Likewise, we only hear the stories of the families willing to appear on camera. Doctor Javid says that they encountered the worlds oldest man, who has been certified as living in the camp, but his daughter who usually interprets her fathers stories wasnt willing to appear on film (many of the camps inhabitants come from Dera, a conservative part of the country). You really had to have good relationships with the family to film with the women. But it was often hard getting the kids out of shot, says Timberlake. There was also, both presenters say, an unwillingness by some to speak out as they were worried that their relatives in Syria could get into trouble. There is that constant reminder of the fact that a catastrophic war is being waged just seven miles over the border. Look how many people there are in wheelchairs, thats not normal, says Doctor Javid at one point when he visits the camp's trauma unit. Theres a conflict between accepting that Zaatari is not a short-term solution and the fact that no one wants to be there. Doctor Javid says that he was struck by the empty communal ablution blocks, that people had installed bathrooms in their own houses, yet for many there was a reluctance to spend on decorative trappings. Theres a feeling of stasis, being in limbo, he says. There is still this feeling that this isnt permanent, they are still clinging on to that hope of wanting to get back to Syria as soon as possible. This aerial shot of the camp shows the scale - it is more of a town than a temporary settlement (BBC/Twenty Twenty Television) (BBC) Indeed, both say the people they met showed little interest in going to Britain. Those that leave the camp tend to go to countries taking more refugees: Germany, Saudi Arabia and Canada, rather than Britain. Our government has pledged to take 20,000 Syrians by 2020, a stark contrast compared to the likes of Jordan, which has housed more than 635,000 from its neighbour so far. With the onset of summer, the school holidays and a perception of slightly more stability, more people have actually returned to their homeland in recent months than to other countries. From the west, we see these people streaming towards us. We take it personally and think theyre coming here, says Timberlake. But actually theyre just trying to get away from Syria. The pull for them going home is much stronger than their desire for a new, better life. Timberlake says that he experienced a similar phenomenon after working in Iraq in the early 2000s and that all the friends he made who fled, have returned to the country. Charities organise activities for the camp's children, like this wrestling competition (BBC/Twenty Twenty Television) He says the draw of Canada as a destination is more visible at the camp, indeed in the film you see a family packing to move there. But also that the Syrians, from his experience, dont feel the same affinity with the UK. Thats different, he says, from other areas where he has worked, like Mali, where many refugees come up from Nigeria, a former colony, and see Britain as a promised land. While the presenters acknowledge life in Zaatari is hard, perhaps harder than this film suggests, they both think that Britain can learn from their Jordanian counterparts. This is particularly stark when comparing Zaatari with the likes of The Jungle in Calais, not an official UN camp or anything like the scale of Zaatari, but one that houses thousands of refugees. Jordan is doing a very, very good job of dealing with large number of Syrians who have sought safety in that country and theyve managed to find some sort of comfort in living, says Doctor Javid. Its not ideal but its better than nothing. Its a shame that France and Britain couldnt do better in Calais. As well as the authorities, they both hope the British can change their attitudes. We cant even handle a few extra thousand people without it being a huge debate and those countries show levels of generosity that shame us, says Timberlake. Perhaps it is their turbulent history that is the difference. They all have memories in their families of running from something. Thats the downside of two generations of peace and posterity for you. Above all, they say that they want us to see the refugees as the same as us. Try and understand it as if it was happening to you, says Timberlake. A simple exercise of empathy, from the bottom down. I would hope every viewer would come away with the sort of understanding: There but for the grace of God go I.' The Refugee Camp: Our Desert Home starts July 21 on BBC2 at 9pm Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate 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 Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Its no news that Greenland is in serious trouble but now, new research has helped quantify just how bad its problems are. A satellite study, published last week in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, suggests that the Greenland ice sheet lost a whopping 1 trillion tonnes of ice between the years 2011 and 2014 alone. And a big portion of it came from just five glaciers, about which scientists now have more cause to worry than ever. Its the latest story in a long series of increasingly worrisome studies on ice loss in Greenland. Research already suggests that the ice sheet has lost at least 9 trillion tonnes of ice in the past century and that the rate of loss has increased over time. Climate scientists are keeping a close eye on the region because of its potentially huge contributions to future sea-level rise (around 20 feet, or six metres, if the whole thing were to melt) not to mention the damage its already done. Ice loss from Greenland may have contributed as much as a full inch of sea-level rise in the last 100 years and up to 10 percent of all the sea-level rise thats been documented since the 1990s. The new study takes a detailed look at ice loss in Greenland between 2011 and 2014 using measurements from the CryoSat-2, an environmental research satellite launched by the European Space Agency in 2010. It relied on a type of measurement known as altimetry basically, measuring how the surface of Greenlands altitude changed over time in response to ice gains or losses. Simplistically, if the ice sheets going up, we can find that as evidence that the ice sheet is growing, said lead author Malcolm McMillan, a research fellow at the University of Leeds. And where we see that the ice sheet surface is lowering, we can find that the ice sheet is losing ice. But he cautioned that this is something of a simplification. The researchers also had to consider how other factors such as snowfall which would be difficult to differentiate by satellite might be affecting changes on the surface of the ice sheet. Snow and ice are at different densities, so theyre associated with a different amount of mass loss, McMillan explained. We used a regional climate model and a model of the surface of the ice sheet to really inform us and tell us about the nature of the changes that were seeing. Using this method combining the satellite observations with modeling the researchers found that the Greenland ice sheet lost mass at an average rate of about 269 billion tonnes per year from January 2011 through December 2014. Altogether, this comes to about 1 trillion tonnes of ice loss over the four-year period. That said, there were some major fluctuations from one year to the next an observation that University of Sheffield climate expert Edward Hanna (who was not involved in the new study) said is one of the papers most notable findings. The biggest losses were observed in 2012, when an unusually warm summer helped bring about a loss of more than 400 billion tonnes of ice. The next year, 2013, saw a comparatively modest loss of just over 100 billion tonnes. Theres not so many studies that do these sort of trend analyses or time studies for the latest few years, Hanna noted. So its really trying to assess how the ice sheet is responding to ongoing climate variability or change. Overall, the ice loss was particularly prevalent in the southwest, but the scientists noted that there were also losses observed in the cooler, northern parts of the ice sheet. Notably, the researchers also found that a solid 12 percent of all the ice loss came from just a handful of glaciers composing less than 1 percent of the ice sheets total area. Each of these five glaciers flows outward into the sea, so that a combination of both rising air temperatures and ocean temperatures likely play a part in their ongoing retreat. Among these was the iconic Jakobshavn glacier, a well-studied location now famous for its recent massive ice losses. Its been known to calve blocks of ice boasting several square miles in surface area, as measured from above. Scientists were already fairly well aware of the massive losses being suffered by these glaciers, McMillan acknowledged. But the finding helps reinforce previous observations and drive home their disproportionate role in the ice sheets contributions to sea-level rise. Also it means that going forward, were able to kind of develop long-term and systematic records that we can [use to] regularly monitor these glaciers and see how theyre changing into the future, he said. In fact, the studys results match up reasonably well with measurements taken by certain other satellites. After doing some comparisons, the researchers found that data from NASAs GRACE satellites, for instance, suggest that Greenland is losing ice at a rate of about 287 billions tonnes per year. And according to Hanna, the results stand well with scientists overall estimates of recent ice loss in Greenland, which he says are consistently suggested to be around 250 billion tonnes annually for the past few years. Greenland's youth exodus In this way, the study reinforces many beliefs that were already widely held about Greenlands precarious condition. But the techniques used to do so may strengthen future measurements, which will be used to inform the climate models that help scientists make predictions about how the ice sheet will behave in the future a crucial step in determining the amount of sea-level rise we might expect over any given time period. I guess the most significant or the most novel aspect of the study is really the resolution or the detail that were able to measure, McMillan said. Although satellite techniques give us a holistic view of how the ice sheet as a whole is changing, what were able to do by using this specific technique is identify specific regions that are changing. And thats really important because it kind of gives us more of an idea of the processes that are causing the changes. Copyright Washington Post Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit 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 Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Scientists have announced they can now reverse the menopause in what is thought to be a major scientific breakthrough. Trials claim to have rejuvenated womens ovaries using a blood treatment normally used to help wounds heal faster and have reversed menstrual cessation in multiple women, including 40-year-old woman who underwent the menopause five years ago. The research, undertaken by scientists in Athens, has been presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryologys annual meeting in Finland, The New Scientist reports. The scientists used platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which triggers the growth of tissue and blood vessels and is thought to quicken the repair of damaged bones and muscles by stimulated tissue regeneration. They injected PRP into the ovaries of women who had already undergone the menopause and say they found it restarted their menstrual cycles, causing them to experience periods again. From these 'restarted' periods, the researchers have been able to collect and fertilise eggs which the women have released, raising the possibility that they could be implanted in their uterus and the women could subsequently have children. However, the team have yet to implant any eggs to test the theory. Health news in pictures Show all 40 1 /40 Health news in pictures Health news in pictures Coronavirus outbreak The coronavirus Covid-19 has hit the UK leading to the deaths of two people so far and prompting warnings from the Department of Health AFP via Getty Health news in pictures Thousands of emergency patients told to take taxi to hospital Thousands of 999 patients in England are being told to get a taxi to hospital, figures have showed. The number of patients outside London who were refused an ambulance rose by 83 per cent in the past year as demand for services grows Getty Health news in pictures Vape related deaths spike A vaping-related lung disease has claimed the lives of 11 people in the US in recent weeks. The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has more than 100 officials investigating the cause of the mystery illness, and has warned citizens against smoking e-cigarette products until more is known, particularly if modified or bought off the street Getty Health news in pictures Baldness cure looks to be a step closer Researchers in the US claim to have overcome one of the major hurdles to cultivating human follicles from stem cells. The new system allows cells to grow in a structured tuft and emerge from the skin Sanford Burnham Preybs Health news in pictures Two hours a week spent in nature can improve health A study in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that a dose of nature of just two hours a week is associated with better health and psychological wellbeing Shutterstock Health news in pictures Air pollution linked to fertility issues in women Exposure to air from traffic-clogged streets could leave women with fewer years to have children, a study has found. Italian researchers found women living in the most polluted areas were three times more likely to show signs they were running low on eggs than those who lived in cleaner surroundings, potentially triggering an earlier menopause Getty/iStock Health news in pictures Junk food ads could be banned before watershed Junk food adverts on TV and online could be banned before 9pm as part of Government plans to fight the "epidemic" of childhood obesity. Plans for the new watershed have been put out for public consultation in a bid to combat the growing crisis, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said PA Health news in pictures Breeding with neanderthals helped humans fight diseases On migrating from Africa around 70,000 years ago, humans bumped into the neanderthals of Eurasia. While humans were weak to the diseases of the new lands, breeding with the resident neanderthals made for a better equipped immune system PA Health news in pictures Cancer breath test to be trialled in Britain The breath biopsy device is designed to detect cancer hallmarks in molecules exhaled by patients Getty Health news in pictures Average 10 year old has consumed the recommended amount of sugar for an adult By their 10th birthdy, children have on average already eaten more sugar than the recommended amount for an 18 year old. The average 10 year old consumes the equivalent to 13 sugar cubes a day, 8 more than is recommended PA Health news in pictures Child health experts advise switching off screens an hour before bed While there is not enough evidence of harm to recommend UK-wide limits on screen use, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have advised that children should avoid screens for an hour before bed time to avoid disrupting their sleep Getty Health news in pictures Daily aspirin is unnecessary for older people in good health, study finds A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that many elderly people are taking daily aspirin to little or no avail Getty Health news in pictures Vaping could lead to cancer, US study finds A study by the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Centre has found that the carcinogenic chemicals formaldehyde, acrolein, and methylglyoxal are present in the saliva of E-cigarette users Reuters Health news in pictures More children are obese and diabetic There has been a 41% increase in children with type 2 diabetes since 2014, the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit has found. Obesity is a leading cause Reuters Health news in pictures Most child antidepressants are ineffective and can lead to suicidal thoughts The majority of antidepressants are ineffective and may be unsafe, for children and teenager with major depression, experts have warned. In what is the most comprehensive comparison of 14 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs to date, researchers found that only one brand was more effective at relieving symptoms of depression than a placebo. Another popular drug, venlafaxine, was shown increase the risk users engaging in suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide Getty Health news in pictures Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults at higher risk of heart disease, study claims Researchers at the Baptist Health South Florida Clinic in Miami focused on seven areas of controllable heart health and found these minority groups were particularly likely to be smokers and to have poorly controlled blood sugar iStock Health news in pictures Breakfast cereals targeted at children contain 'steadily high' sugar levels since 1992 despite producer claims A major pressure group has issued a fresh warning about perilously high amounts of sugar in breakfast cereals, specifically those designed for children, and has said that levels have barely been cut at all in the last two and a half decades Getty Health news in pictures Potholes are making us fat, NHS watchdog warns New guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body which determines what treatment the NHS should fund, said lax road repairs and car-dominated streets were contributing to the obesity epidemic by preventing members of the public from keeping active PA Health news in pictures New menopause drugs offer women relief from 'debilitating' hot flushes A new class of treatments for women going through the menopause is able to reduce numbers of debilitating hot flushes by as much as three quarters in a matter of days, a trial has found. The drug used in the trial belongs to a group known as NKB antagonists (blockers), which were developed as a treatment for schizophrenia but have been sitting on a shelf unused, according to Professor Waljit Dhillo, a professor of endocrinology and metabolism REX Health news in pictures Doctors should prescribe more antidepressants for people with mental health problems, study finds Research from Oxford University found that more than one million extra people suffering from mental health problems would benefit from being prescribed drugs and criticised ideological reasons doctors use to avoid doing so. Getty Health news in pictures Student dies of flu after NHS advice to stay at home and avoid A&E The family of a teenager who died from flu has urged people not to delay going to A&E if they are worried about their symptoms. Melissa Whiteley, an 18-year-old engineering student from Hanford in Stoke-on-Trent, fell ill at Christmas and died in hospital a month later. Just Giving Health news in pictures Government to review thousands of harmful vaginal mesh implants The Government has pledged to review tens of thousands of cases where women have been given harmful vaginal mesh implants. Getty Health news in pictures Jeremy Hunt announces 'zero suicides ambition' for the NHS The NHS will be asked to go further to prevent the deaths of patients in its care as part of a zero suicide ambition being launched today Getty Health news in pictures Human trials start with cancer treatment that primes immune system to kill off tumours Human trials have begun with a new cancer therapy that can prime the immune system to eradicate tumours. The treatment, that works similarly to a vaccine, is a combination of two existing drugs, of which tiny amounts are injected into the solid bulk of a tumour. Nephron Health news in pictures Babies' health suffers from being born near fracking sites, finds major study Mothers living within a kilometre of a fracking site were 25 per cent more likely to have a child born at low birth weight, which increase their chances of asthma, ADHD and other issues Getty Health news in pictures NHS reviewing thousands of cervical cancer smear tests after women wrongly given all-clear Thousands of cervical cancer screening results are under review after failings at a laboratory meant some women were incorrectly given the all-clear. A number of women have already been told to contact their doctors following the identification of procedural issues in the service provided by Pathology First Laboratory. Rex Health news in pictures Potential key to halting breast cancer's spread discovered by scientists Most breast cancer patients do not die from their initial tumour, but from secondary malignant growths (metastases), where cancer cells are able to enter the blood and survive to invade new sites. Asparagine, a molecule named after asparagus where it was first identified in high quantities, has now been shown to be an essential ingredient for tumour cells to gain these migratory properties. Getty Health news in pictures NHS nursing vacancies at record high with more than 34,000 roles advertised A record number of nursing and midwifery positions are currently being advertised by the NHS, with more than 34,000 positions currently vacant, according to the latest data. Demand for nurses was 19 per cent higher between July and September 2017 than the same period two years ago. REX Health news in pictures Cannabis extract could provide new class of treatment for psychosis CBD has a broadly opposite effect to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component in cannabis and the substance that causes paranoia and anxiety. Getty Health news in pictures Over 75,000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS Mr Bransons company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an 82m contract to provide childrens health services across Surrey, citing concerns over serious flaws in the way the contract was awarded PA Health news in pictures More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively Getty Health news in pictures Landmark study links Tory austerity to 120,000 deaths The paper found that there were 45,000 more deaths in the first four years of Tory-led efficiencies than would have been expected if funding had stayed at pre-election levels. On this trajectory that could rise to nearly 200,000 excess deaths by the end of 2020, even with the extra funding that has been earmarked for public sector services this year. Reuters Health news in pictures Long commutes carry health risks Hours of commuting may be mind-numbingly dull, but new research shows that it might also be having an adverse effect on both your health and performance at work. Longer commutes also appear to have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, with those commuting longer 33 per cent more likely to suffer from depression Shutterstock Health news in pictures You cannot be fit and fat It is not possible to be overweight and healthy, a major new study has concluded. The study of 3.5 million Britons found that even metabolically healthy obese people are still at a higher risk of heart disease or a stroke than those with a normal weight range Getty Health news in pictures Sleep deprivation When you feel particularly exhausted, it can definitely feel like you are also lacking in brain capacity. Now, a new study has suggested this could be because chronic sleep deprivation can actually cause the brain to eat itself Shutterstock Health news in pictures Exercise classes offering 45 minute naps launch David Lloyd Gyms have launched a new health and fitness class which is essentially a bunch of people taking a nap for 45 minutes. The fitness group was spurred to launch the napercise class after research revealed 86 per cent of parents said they were fatigued. The class is therefore predominantly aimed at parents but you actually do not have to have children to take part Getty Health news in pictures 'Fundamental right to health' to be axed after Brexit, lawyers warn Tobacco and alcohol companies could win more easily in court cases such as the recent battle over plain cigarette packaging if the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is abandoned, a barrister and public health professor have said Getty Health news in pictures 'Thousands dying' due to fear over non-existent statin side-effects A major new study into the side effects of the cholesterol-lowering medicine suggests common symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness are not caused by the drugs themselves Getty Health news in pictures Babies born to fathers aged under 25 have higher risk of autism New research has found that babies born to fathers under the age of 25 or over 51 are at higher risk of developing autism and other social disorders. The study, conducted by the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, found that these children are actually more advanced than their peers as infants, but then fall behind by the time they hit their teenage years Getty Health news in pictures Cycling to work could halve risk of cancer and heart disease Commuters who swap their car or bus pass for a bike could cut their risk of developing heart disease and cancer by almost half, new research suggests but campaigners have warned there is still an urgent need to improve road conditions for cyclists. Cycling to work is linked to a lower risk of developing cancer by 45 per cent and cardiovascular disease by 46 per cent, according to a study of a quarter of a million people. Walking to work also brought health benefits, the University of Glasgow researchers found, but not to the same degree as cycling. Getty One woman who responded well to the treatment was 40-years-old and had undergone the menopause five years previously. Researcher Konstantinos Sfakianoudis told The New Scientist: It offers a window of hope that menopausal women will be able to get pregnant using their own genetic material. It seems to work in about two-thirds of cases. We see changes in biochemical patterns, a restoration of menses, and egg recruitment and fertilisation. What if men had periods? He added: We need larger studies before we can know for sure how effective the treatment is. The menopause typically occurs naturally in women between 45 and 55 years of age when their periods start to become less frequent over a few months, before stopping altogether. The process can often be accompanied by a number of symptoms including hot flushes, difficulty sleeping and vaginal dryness, as well as low mood and anxiety. Menopause can occur at a much earlier age for many women, often triggered by chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments. 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 }} James Gorman, the chief executive officer of Morgan Stanley, said he expects to move some of its staff from London to the continent following UKs vote to leave the EU. Gorman said he changed his travel plans to visit London earlier this week, in an interview with CNBC. Recommended Read more UBS boss says jobs could be moved from London after Brexit Gorman said Britains decision to leave the EU bloc means Morgan Stanley will need to set up headquarters on the continent and potentially reshuffle some of its employees. Clearly we and other banks will have to have a European-style headquarters in one of the major markets, whether it's Frankfurt or one of the other cities there, Gorman said. However he sought to reassure his employees: London is going to remain a critical part of our footprint. We're not having a knee-jerk reaction here. This is going to unfold over at least a five-year timetable, he added. May's Brexit vision City institutions had warned prior to the vote that leaving the EU could mean job losses and movement of operation to the continent. Banks fear they may lose passporting rights, which allow firms in one EU country to provide services to clients elsewhere in the single market. Some are discussing whether they will need to move European headquarters to keep the same privileges. HSBC has confirmed that it will keep its headquarters in London despite the shock decision for the UK to leave the EU. But Goldman Sachs and UBS hinted they might move some of their staff out of the UK, although no official decision has yet been taken. Morgan Stanley denied it is moving 2,000 jobs to Dublin and Frankfurt, on the da EU referendum results were announced. Morgan Stanleys statement came after sources told the BBC that the process was already underway. 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Show all 6 1 /6 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you More expensive foreign holidays The first practical effect of a vote to Leave is that the pound will be worth less abroad, meaning foreign holidays will cost us more nito100 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you No immediate change in immigration status The Prime Minister will have to address other immediate concerns. He is likely to reassure nationals of other EU countries living in the UK that their status is unchanged. That is what the Leave campaign has said, so, even after the Brexit negotiations are complete, those who are already in the UK would be allowed to stay Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Higher inflation A lower pound means that imports would become more expensive. This is likely to mean the return of inflation a phenomenon with which many of us are unfamiliar because prices have been stable for so long, rising at no more than about 2 per cent a year. The effect may probably not be particularly noticeable in the first few months. At first price rises would be confined to imported goods food and clothes being the most obvious but inflation has a tendency to spread and to gain its own momentum AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Interest rates might rise The trouble with inflation is that the Bank of England has a legal obligation to keep it as close to 2 per cent a year as possible. If a fall in the pound threatens to push prices up faster than this, the Bank will raise interest rates. This acts against inflation in three ways. First, it makes the pound more attractive, because deposits in pounds will earn higher interest. Second, it reduces demand by putting up the cost of borrowing, and especially by taking larger mortgage payments out of the economy. Third, it makes it more expensive for businesses to borrow to expand output Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Did somebody say recession? Mr Carney, the Treasury and a range of international economists have warned about this. Many Leave voters appear not to have believed them, or to think that they are exaggerating small, long-term effects. But there is no doubt that the Leave vote is a negative shock to the economy. This is because it changes expectations about the economys future performance. Even though Britain is not actually be leaving the EU for at least two years, companies and investors will start to move money out of Britain, or to scale back plans for expansion, because they are less confident about what would happen after 2018 AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you And we wouldnt even get our money back All this will be happening while the Prime Minister, whoever he or she is, is negotiating the terms of our future access to the EU single market. In the meantime, our trade with the EU would be unaffected, except that companies elsewhere in the EU may be less interested in buying from us or selling to us, expecting tariff barriers to go up in two years time. Whoever the Chancellor is, he or she may feel the need to bring in a new Budget Getty Images The UKs vote to leave the European Union is a very significant decision which will have a considerable impact, the extent of which will not be known for some time, a spokesman for Morgan Stanley said. There will be at least a period of two years before an actual exit takes place, so there will be time to implement any changes required to adjust our business to the new environment. Morgan Stanley will continue to monitor developments very closely and will adapt accordingly while prioritising the interests of our clients, our shareholders and our employees, he added. 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 }} Singapore vowed to take action against four banks for failures in anti-money laundering controls and said it seized S$240 million (133 million) in assets linked to alleged fraud at the Malaysian state investment company known as 1MDB. Preliminary findings uncovered instances of control failings at UBS Groups Singapore branch, Standard Chartereds local unit and DBS Group, as well as substantial breaches of anti-money laundering regulations at Falcon Private Bank in the city-state, the Monetary Authority of Singapore said in a statement Thursday. The regulators probe, which started in March 2015, is part of global investigations into 1Malaysia Development Bhd. that stretch across Abu Dhabi, Switzerland, the Caribbean, Hong Kong and the US. More than $3.5 billion (2.64 billion) was misappropriated from the Malaysian firm, and about $1 billion (755 million) laundered through the US banking system, the US Justice Department said on Wednesday as it launched what could potentially be its biggest ever seizure for such ill-gotten gains. Supervisory examinations of financial institutions with 1MDB-related fund flows have revealed a complex international web of transactions involving multiple entities and individuals operating in several jurisdictions, the Singapore central bank said. Certain financial institutions in Singapore were among those used as conduits for these transactions and the Money Authority of Singapore will be taking action against them, it said. Singapore authorities have been investigating various 1MDB-related fund flows through the island nation for possible money laundering, securities fraud, cheating, and other offenses committed in the city. Bank accounts belonging to various people were seized and dealings in properties belonging to them curtailed, it said. About S$120 million (67 million) in the accounts and properties belonged to Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho and his immediate family, it said. Low has said he provided consulting to the fund that didnt break any laws. Efforts to reach him for comment on Thursday via his Hong Kong-based company Jynwel Capital were unsuccessful, and the firm didnt immediately reply to an e-mailed query on the asset seizure. The law enforcement agency or regulators can only seize assets when theres suspicion of an offence, meaning that the investigation has probably crystallised and they have identified some culpability, said Nizam Ismail, head of regulatory practice at RHTLaw Taylor Wessing LLP in Singapore. Its definitely a step forward in the investigations, given the complex circumstances involved in asset tracing. They have to be sure of their legal basis. DBS and Standard Chartered spokesmen said in separate statements that the banks were cooperating with authorities, noting that both lenders had reported the suspicious transactions to the relevant agencies. Standard Chartered had strengthened its anti-money laundering controls, a spokesperson said. Representatives for UBS and Falcon didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. There were cases of weakness at DBS and at the Singapore branches of Standard Chartered and UBS in the processes for accepting clients and transaction monitoring, as well as undue delay in detecting and reporting suspicious transactions, MAS said. The regulator said in May that it is closing the Singapore unit of Lugano-based BSI for breaches of money-laundering rules in relation to its 1MDB probe. The lapses at the other three banks were in specific processes and by individual officers, and not pervasive control weaknesses nor staff misconduct as was the case with BSI, the MAS said. In its statement on Wednesday, the regulator also said: It had completed its inspections of DBS, Standard Chartered and UBS and is finalizing its assessment. Its supervisory examination of Falcon is still ongoing. The oversight and management of certain key client relationships were done out of the banks head office in Switzerland, and MAS has asked for further details. Biggest business scandals in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Biggest business scandals in pictures Biggest business scandals in pictures Volkswagen emissions scandal VW admitted to rigging its US emission tests so that diesel-powered cars would looks like they were emitting less nitrous oxide, which can damage the ozone layer and contribute to respiratory diseases. Around 11 million cars worldwide were affected. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Martin Shkreli and Turing Pharmaceuticals Martin Shkreli became known as the most hated man in the world after his drug company, Turing, increased the price of a 62-year-old drug that treated HIV patients by 5,000% to $750 a pill. He was charged with illegally taking stock from Retrophin, a biotechnology firm he started in 2011, and using it pay off debts from unrelated business dealings. Shkreli, who maintains he is innocent, and says there is little evidence of fraud because his investors didn't lose money. Biggest business scandals in pictures Panama Papers: Millions of leaked documents expose how worlds rich and powerful hid money - April 2016 Millions of confidential documents have been leaked from one of the worlds most secretive law firms, exposing how the rich and powerful have hidden their money. Dictators and other heads of state have been accused of laundering money, avoiding sanctions and evading tax, according to the unprecedented cache of papers that show the inner workings of the law firm Mossack Fonseca, which is based in Panama. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Google's tax avoidance Google reached a deal with the HM Revenue and Customs to pay back 130 million in so-called back-taxes that have been due since 2005. George Osborne championed the deal as a major success. But European MEPs have since called for the Chancellor to appear in front of the committee on tax rulings to explain the tax deal. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Rogue trader A French court cut the damages owed by rogue trader Jerome Kerviel from 4.9bn (4.2bn) to just 1m (860,000). The court ruled on that Kerviel was partly responsible for massive losses suffered in 2008 by his former employer Societe Generale through his reckless trades. Kerviel has consistently maintained that bosses at the French bank knew what he was doing all along. AP Biggest business scandals in pictures Barclays CEO under investigation for trying to identify whistleblower - Monday Paril 10 Authorities have launched an investigation into Barclays chief executive officer Jes Staley for trying to identify a whistleblower, the bank said on Monday. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) are both investigating Mr Staley after the bank notified them that Mr Staley had tried to identify the author of two anonymous letters, which were sent to the board and a senior executive in June 2016. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures UK to crack down on bank money laundering after reports of 65bn Russian scam, City minister says - March 2017 The Economic Secretary to the Treasury has vowed that the Government will crack down on money laundering practices, after several of the UK's biggest banks were accused of processing money from a Russian scam, believed to involve up to $80bn (65bn). Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Former HBOS bankers convicted of bribery and fraud over 245m loan scam - February 2017 Two former HBOS bankers were among six people found guilty of bribery and fraud that cost customers and shareholders hundreds of millions of pounds, the BBC reports. Lynden Scourfield, 54, a manager at HBOS, forced struggling clients to use the services of his friends David Mills, 60, and Michael Bancroft, 73. In return, the two businessmen arranged sex parties, cash and lavish gifts. On Monday, the three were convicted at Southwark Crown Court on accounts including bribery, fraud and money laundering. Mark Dobson, another manager at HBOS, Alison Mills, and John Cartwright were also convicted. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Lloyds chief apologises for damage caused by affair allegations - August 2016 Antonio Horta-Osorio, the chief executive of Lloyds Bank, has broken his silence over allegations about his private life admitting he regrets any "damage done to the group's reputation". In a message sent to the bank's 75,000 employees, the banker said that anyone can make mistakes while insisting that staff had to maintain the highest professional standards. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Christine Lagarde faces court over 340m Bernard Tapie payment - July 2016 The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde, must stand trial in France over a payment of 403 million (now 340m, then 290m) to tycoon Bernard Tapie, a France's highest appeals court has ruled. The court rejected Ms Lagarde's appeal against a judge's order in December for her to stand trial over allegations of negligence in her handling of the affair. Ms Lagarde could risk a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of 15,000 euros if convicted. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures HSBC senior manager arrested in FX rigging investigation at JFK airport in New York - July 2016 A senior executive at HSBC has been arrested at New York's JFK airport for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to rig currency benchmarks, according to reports. Mark Johnson, global head of foreign exchange cash trading in London, was reportedly arrested on Tuesday. He will appear before a federal court in Brooklyn on Wednesday charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Bloomberg said. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Former PwC employees found guilty in 'Luxleaks' tax scandal - June 2016 Two ex- PricewaterhouseCoopers staffers were found guilty in Luxembourg of stealing confidential tax files that helped unleash a global scandal over generous fiscal deals for hundreds of international companies. Antoine Deltour and Raphael Halet face suspended sentences of 12 months and 9 months and were ordered to pay fines of 1,500 (1,230) and 1,000 (822) for their role in the so-called LuxLeaks scandal. Despite the minimal sentences, the ruling was described by Deltours lawyer as shocking and a terrible anomaly. The ruling puts on guard future whistle-blowers, Deltour told reporters.The LuxLeaks revelations sped beyond Luxembourg, causing European Union regulators to expand a tax-subsidy probe and propose new laws to fight corporate tax dodging, while EU lawmakers created a special committee to probe fiscal deals across the 28-nation bloc. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Goldman Sachs dealmakers lavished Libyan officials with prostitutes to win contract - June 2016 A former Goldman Sachs dealmaker trying to persuade Gadaffi-era Libya to invest $1 billion with the investment bank procured prostitutes and invited Libyan officials to lavish parties in the hope of winning the business, the High Court heard on Monday June 13.The Libyan Investment Authority sovereign wealth fund is suing Goldman Sachs for inappropriately coercing its naive staff into giving its sovereign wealth fund cash to the bank to invest in products they did not understand. The products were designed to generate big profits for Goldman, the LIA claims.Goldman denies wrongdoing and says the LIA was treated as an arms-length customer Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Former boss of BHS said his life was threatened - June 2016 Darren Topp, the former boss of BHS, has said former owner Dominic Chappell threatened to kill him when he challenged him over a 1.5 million transfer out of the business. MPs on the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee asked Mr Topp about a 1.5 million transfer Mr Chappell made from BHS to a company called BHS Sweden. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley admits paying workers below the minimum wage - June 2016 Mike Ashley admitted paying Sports Direct employees below the minimum wage at a hearing in front of MPs. The company founder said that workers were paid less than the statutory minimum because of bottlenecks at security in an admission that could result in sanctions from HMRC. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Mitsubishi admits improper fuel tests - April 2016 Mitsubishi has admitted to using false fuel methods dating back to 1991. The scale of the scandal is only just coming to light after it was revealed in April that data was falsified in the testing of four types of cars, including two Nissan cars. AP Biggest business scandals in pictures Quindell, the scandal-ridden insurance firm Quindell was once a darling of AIM but its share price fell in April 2014 when its accounting practices were attacked in a stinging research note by US short seller Gotham City. In August the group was forced to disclose that the 107 million pre-tax profit it had reported for 2013 was incorrect, and it had in fact suffered a 64million loss. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Toshiba Accounting Scandal The boss of Toshiba, the Japanese technology giant, resigned in disgrace in the wake of one of the countrys biggest ever accounting scandals. His exit came two months after the company revealed that it was investigating accounting irregularities. An independent investigatory panel said that Toshibas management had inflated its reported profits by up to 152 billion yen (780m) between 2008 and 2014. Biggest business scandals in pictures FIFA Corruption Scandal Fifa, football's world governing body, has been engulfed by claims of widespread corruption since the summer of 2015, when the US Department of Justice indicted several top executives. It has now claimed the careers of two of the most powerful men in football, Fifa President Sepp Blatter and Uefa President Michel Platini, after they were banned for eight years from all football-related activities by Fifa's ethics committee. A Swiss criminal investigation into the pair is ongoing. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Libor fraudster City trader Tom Hayes, 35, has become the first person to be convicted of rigging Libor rates following a trial at London's Southwark Crown Court. Hayes worked as a trader in yen derivatives at UBS before joining the American bank Citigroup in Tokyo. He was fired from Citigroup following an investigation into his trading methods. He returned to the UK in December 2012 and was arrested following a two-and-a-half year criminal investigation by the SFO. Getty Its finalizing regulatory action against Raffles Money Change after an examination of the money changer and remittance agent revealed weak management oversight, inadequate risk management practices and internal controls. Its still examining certain other financial institutions, the details of which will be provided when the inspections are completed. MAS didnt name the firms. The alleged scheme of money laundering and misappropriation tied to the Malaysian investment firm stretched from 2009 to 2015, the US Justice Department said Wednesday. Malaysias government said on Thursday that it will cooperate with lawful investigations of local companies or its citizens. Bloomberg 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 BBC journalist has dismissed trolls sending her racist abuse on Twitter as "idiots" who she refuses to waste her time on. Naga Munchetty has become a stalwart of BBC Breakfast and is often one of the first people some of its 1.5 million viewers are greeted with in the morning as they sip their coffee and eat their Cornflakes. The former financial journalist from London says she often receives feedback from viewers on her interviews each day, responses which are often helpful. However, she is also exposed to a darker side of social media in the racist and sexist abuse some trolls have levelled at her. People news in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 People news in pictures People news in pictures 7 October 2015 Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in an ice hockey match between former NHL stars and officials at the Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons EPA People news in pictures 6 October 2015 German designer Karl Lagerfeld (R) and model Cara Delevingne (C) appear at the end of his Spring/Summer 2016 women's ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Chanel at the Grand Palais which is transformed into a Chanel airport during the Fashion Week in Paris, France Reuters People news in pictures 5 October 2015 Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne addresses the Conservative party conference in Manchester. The Chancellor argued that reducing the payments to people in low paid jobs would give them economic security by reducing the Governments spending deficit Getty Images People news in pictures 4 October 2015 Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston takes a moment in the centre of the field with his daughter Frankie Thurston, holding dark-skinned doll, after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The image quickly became the talking point of Australias National Rugby League Final and provoked a strong reaction on social media, with many praising Thurston for giving his child a toy that promotes inclusiveness and diversity Getty Images People news in pictures 3 October 2015 Pope Francis gives a thumbs-up as he greets people at the end of an audience to the participants of a meeting organized by the "Food Bank" at the Paul VI audience hall in Vatican Getty Images People news in pictures 2 October 2015 Britain's Finance Minister George Osborne (L) throws an American football as he meets with former American football players Dan Marino (2nd R) and Curtis Martin (not pictured) at 11 Downing Street in London, ahead of the New York Jets playing against the Miami Dolphins at London's Wembley Stadium on 4 October Getty Images People news in pictures 1 October 2015 An honor guard opens the door as Russian President Vladimir Putin enters a hall to attend a meeting with members of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia People news in pictures 30 September 2015 Former Mrs America Lisa Christie, who alleges misconduct by Bill Cosby, holds up photos of her younger self during a news conference at the law office of attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Matt Damon has defended himself against claims that he instructed gay actors to remain in the closet. He had said I think youre a better actor the less people know about you and sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether youre straight or gay, people shouldnt know anything about your sexuality but an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show said, I was just trying to say actors are more effective when theyre a mystery. Right? Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Marion Cotillard has said that there is no place for feminism in Hollywood. Speaking to Porter magazine, she saidFilm-making is not about gender/ You cannot ask a president in a festival like Cannes to have, like, five movies directed by women and five by men. For me it doesnt create equality, it creates separation. I mean, I dont qualify myself as a feminist." Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Paul Walkers daughter, Meadow, is suing Porsche over her fathers death in a lawsuit that claims he was trapped in the burning car because of design flaws and the seat belt. The Fast and Furious star was killed when the Porsche Carrera GT he was a passenger in hit a pole in California in 2013. The driver, his friend Roger Rodas, also died when the vehicle burst into flames. AP People news in pictures 28 September 2015 Robert Mugabe waits to address the United Nations General Assembly. The leader of Zimbabwe reportedly exclaimed 'We are not gay!' as he criticised Western nation's "double standards and attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs. In 2013 he described homosexuals as worse than pigs, goats and birds. Reuters People news in pictures 28 September 2015 South African comedian Trevor Noah hosts the first 'Daily Show' since taking over from Jon Stewart as host. Stewart had presented the US satirical news show since 1999 and was described by Noah during the show as a 'Political father' 2015 Getty Images People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Sir Elton John may have received a phone call from the real Vladimir Putin. Mr Putin's spokesman announced he had made contact weeks after the singer was duped by pranksters pretending to be the Russian President. Getty People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was mistakenly declared as the artist who produced the Mona Lisa by Fox News anchor Shepard Smith. It was in fact Leonardo da Vinci. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 A new biography claims Donald Trump expected to be dead by 40 and never marry. The Guardian says the a new book also claims that in 1980, Mr Trump manufactured a fake vice-president of his real estate conglomerate, whom he called John Baron. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 The Dalai Lama has said that Britain's policy towards China is just about 'Money, money, money.' And asked 'Where is morality?' People news in pictures 24 September 2015 Puff Daddy secured the number-one spot on the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list, with the publication calculating he made an estimated $60million (39m) between June 2014 and June 2015. Munchetty told The Mirror: If someone says, She did a bad job of that interview, Ive come away and not understood anything, I would go back and re-examine that interview. Recommended Read more Twitter tries to crack down on trolling Racist and sexist stuff, I just think, Youre an idiot. Im not going to go home going, Im so upset someones called me a racist word, or said Im a woman, I cant do a job. Theyre idiots. You cant waste your energy on idiots. Twitters CEO Jack Dorsey is already under pressure to do more to tackle online racism after the disturbing abuse directed at Ghostbusters star Leslie Jones prompted calls for tougher action against trolls. Twitter has said its rules prohibit engaging in or inciting the harassment or abuse of other users. We know many people believe we have not done enough to curb this type of behaviour on Twitter, a spokesperson said in a statement. We agree. We are continuing to invest heavily in improving our tools and enforcement systems to better allow us to identify and take faster action on abuse as its happening and prevent repeat offenders. 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 }} Chelsea Manning has argued for the right to be defined as more than a whistleblower, weeks after attempting to take her own life. Manning was hospitalised earlier in July at the Fort Leavenworth military prison in Kansas where the transgender US soldier is serving a 35-year sentence for leaking over 700,000 classified documents to Wikileaks. Her lawyers claimed Manning was cut off from her legal team and family members after her hospitalisation for more than 36 hours. Manning's legal team later released a statement explaining they had made contact with her and Manning reassured her followers of her health on Twitter. "I am okay," she wrote. "I'm glad to be alive." People news in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 People news in pictures People news in pictures 7 October 2015 Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in an ice hockey match between former NHL stars and officials at the Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons EPA People news in pictures 6 October 2015 German designer Karl Lagerfeld (R) and model Cara Delevingne (C) appear at the end of his Spring/Summer 2016 women's ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Chanel at the Grand Palais which is transformed into a Chanel airport during the Fashion Week in Paris, France Reuters People news in pictures 5 October 2015 Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne addresses the Conservative party conference in Manchester. The Chancellor argued that reducing the payments to people in low paid jobs would give them economic security by reducing the Governments spending deficit Getty Images People news in pictures 4 October 2015 Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston takes a moment in the centre of the field with his daughter Frankie Thurston, holding dark-skinned doll, after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The image quickly became the talking point of Australias National Rugby League Final and provoked a strong reaction on social media, with many praising Thurston for giving his child a toy that promotes inclusiveness and diversity Getty Images People news in pictures 3 October 2015 Pope Francis gives a thumbs-up as he greets people at the end of an audience to the participants of a meeting organized by the "Food Bank" at the Paul VI audience hall in Vatican Getty Images People news in pictures 2 October 2015 Britain's Finance Minister George Osborne (L) throws an American football as he meets with former American football players Dan Marino (2nd R) and Curtis Martin (not pictured) at 11 Downing Street in London, ahead of the New York Jets playing against the Miami Dolphins at London's Wembley Stadium on 4 October Getty Images People news in pictures 1 October 2015 An honor guard opens the door as Russian President Vladimir Putin enters a hall to attend a meeting with members of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia People news in pictures 30 September 2015 Former Mrs America Lisa Christie, who alleges misconduct by Bill Cosby, holds up photos of her younger self during a news conference at the law office of attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Matt Damon has defended himself against claims that he instructed gay actors to remain in the closet. He had said I think youre a better actor the less people know about you and sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether youre straight or gay, people shouldnt know anything about your sexuality but an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show said, I was just trying to say actors are more effective when theyre a mystery. Right? Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Marion Cotillard has said that there is no place for feminism in Hollywood. Speaking to Porter magazine, she saidFilm-making is not about gender/ You cannot ask a president in a festival like Cannes to have, like, five movies directed by women and five by men. For me it doesnt create equality, it creates separation. I mean, I dont qualify myself as a feminist." Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Paul Walkers daughter, Meadow, is suing Porsche over her fathers death in a lawsuit that claims he was trapped in the burning car because of design flaws and the seat belt. The Fast and Furious star was killed when the Porsche Carrera GT he was a passenger in hit a pole in California in 2013. The driver, his friend Roger Rodas, also died when the vehicle burst into flames. AP People news in pictures 28 September 2015 Robert Mugabe waits to address the United Nations General Assembly. The leader of Zimbabwe reportedly exclaimed 'We are not gay!' as he criticised Western nation's "double standards and attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs. In 2013 he described homosexuals as worse than pigs, goats and birds. Reuters People news in pictures 28 September 2015 South African comedian Trevor Noah hosts the first 'Daily Show' since taking over from Jon Stewart as host. Stewart had presented the US satirical news show since 1999 and was described by Noah during the show as a 'Political father' 2015 Getty Images People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Sir Elton John may have received a phone call from the real Vladimir Putin. Mr Putin's spokesman announced he had made contact weeks after the singer was duped by pranksters pretending to be the Russian President. Getty People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was mistakenly declared as the artist who produced the Mona Lisa by Fox News anchor Shepard Smith. It was in fact Leonardo da Vinci. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 A new biography claims Donald Trump expected to be dead by 40 and never marry. The Guardian says the a new book also claims that in 1980, Mr Trump manufactured a fake vice-president of his real estate conglomerate, whom he called John Baron. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 The Dalai Lama has said that Britain's policy towards China is just about 'Money, money, money.' And asked 'Where is morality?' People news in pictures 24 September 2015 Puff Daddy secured the number-one spot on the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list, with the publication calculating he made an estimated $60million (39m) between June 2014 and June 2015. In a blog post for Medium titled Moving On, Manning asked to be recognised as her real authentic female self instead of being addressed variously in articles as Chelsea Manning, formerly Bradley Manning, the whistleblower imprisoned over her role in the dissemination of classified information by Wikileaks. Manning said the attack on an LGBT nightclub in Orlando led her to reflect on her sense of self and identity since being incarcerated. In her essay, she called for the right to be able to define herself outside of the act that has come to be synonymous with her name. Manning also shared a picture of herself before beginning her transition from male to female and urged others not to identify her simply by her conviction, status, or as a "hero". I am tired of being defined by the world through the narrow lens of a single event that happened in my life several years ago, writes Manning. Now my priorities have shifted. I am faced with a more dire reality: That I am tired of being defined by the world, instead of being allowed to define myself. In general, I am not fond of sweeping broad-stroked oversimplifications. In this spirit, when hearing me labelled as a hero and a whistleblower, I take a deep sigh. The bottom line is that I am only human. When I cut my finger turning the page of a book, I bleed like everybody else. 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 }} There's a new power couple in Los Angeles. On Thursday, supermodel Miranda Kerr announced that she's engaged to Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel -- and to do it, she used Bitmojis from Bitstrips, which Snapchat just bought. The Australian supermodel started dating the 26-year-old CEO a year ago. Here's how the two fell so quickly for each other: (2016 Getty Images (2016 Getty Images) The power couple first met at a dinner for Louis Vuitton in Los Angeles and became friends. 'We were really good friends for a long time before we started dating,' Kerr told The Sydney Morning Herald. In 2007, Kerr was the first Australian to become a Victoria's Secret Angel and was among the world's highest-paid models. Now she's working on creative projects like jewelry lines and just launched a handbag collection in Asia. The 33-year-old Kerr was once married to Orlando Bloom and had a son, Flynn. British actor Orlando Bloom waves on May 26, 2013 as he arrives for the screening of the film 'Zulu' presented Out of Competition at the 66th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes. (LOIC VENANCE/AFP/Getty Images) Spiegel had to wait at least six months to meet him, per Kerr and Bloom's rules, but 'things are going well,' Kerr said. 'We're just a modern family now.' Spiegel stays busy as the CEO and cofounder of Snapchat, the photo-messaging app. Since he founded it almost five years ago as a Stanford student, the company is now rumored to be worth close to $20 billion. Even though they stay busy with work, Kerr says Spiegel loves to come home and chill with the family. 'He's 25, but he acts like he's 50. He's not out partying,' Kerr once said. 'He goes to work in Venice [Beach, in LA]. He comes home. We don't go out. We'd rather be at home and have dinner, go to bed early.' Evan Spiegel (Andrew Parsons/REX Shutterstock) In May, the couple went all in and purchased a 7,164-square-foot house for $12 million in the Brentwood neighborhood of LA. Things were already getting pretty serious. While their relationship is mostly private, the duo make some high-profile appearances like a dinner at the White House with President Barack Obama. Mostly, though, the pair love hanging out together. On Wednesday, Kerr announced their engagement by using Bitmojis from Bitstrips a company Snapchat had just bought for $100 million to show that Spiegel had popped the question. 'I said yes!!!' Kerr said in her Instagram post. 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 }} Prosecutors in South Africa will appeal against the shockingly lenient" sentence handed to Oscar Pistorius for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp. The Paralympic gold athlete, 29, was given a six-year sentence for the murder of Ms Steenkamp on Valentines Day 2013. The National Prosecuting Authority said it will file appeal papers on Thursday, according to the Associated Press. The prescribed minimum custodial sentence for murder is 15 years under South African law, but Judge Thokozile Masipa determined Pistorius should receive a shorter sentence because of mitigating factors such as his rehabilitation. In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Show all 90 1 /90 In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius arrives at court Oscar Pistorius arrives at court prior to another day of cross examination during his ongoing murder trial in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius arrives at court Oscar Pistorius is greeted by the "Support for Oscar" Facebook group members as he arrives at the Pretoria High Court In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Prosecutor Gerrie Nel in court Prosecutor Gerrie Nel walks past a courtroom reconstruction of the toilet in which Reeva Steenkamp was shot and killed during Oscar Pistorius' murder trial at the high court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Prosecutor Gerrie Nel in court Prosecutor Gerrie Nel gestures as he explains a possible scenario into how Oscar Pistorius might have fired on girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial The door through which Reeva Steenkamp was shot used as evidence in court The door through which Reeva Steenkamp was shot used as evidence and displayed during the Oscar Pistorius murder trial at the high court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius leaves court Oscar Pistorius leaves the high court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial June Steenkamp in court June Steenkamp, mother of Reeva, is comforted by unidentified relative after her dead daughter's picture was shown on screen during the trial of Oscar Pistorius at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Aimee Pistorius and Lois Pistorius in court Sister of Oscar Pistorius, Aimee Pistorius (L) and aunt Lois Pistorius (R) listen as Oscar Pistorius testifies in court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Gina Myers in court Gina Myers, Reeva Steenkamp's best friend, is overcome with emotion as she listens to Oscar Pistorius' testimony in the Pretoria High Court In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Aimee Pistorius cries in court Aimee Pistorius (R), sister of Oscar Pistorius, cries as she hears her brother tell his story of the events on the night he killed Reeva Steenkamp during his ongoing murder trial in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial June Steenkamp in court June Steenkamp hides her face as she listens to Oscar Pistorius' testimony in the Pretoria High Court In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Arnold and Lois Pistorius cry in court Arnold and Lois Pistorius overcome with emotion as they listen to their nephew Oscar's testimony in the Pretoria High Court In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius in court Oscar Pistorius reacts as he listens to evidence by a pathologist during his trial in court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius in court Oscar Pistorius reacts during his trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Gerrie Nel speaks in court State Prosecutor Gerrie Nel speaks as he cross-examines the pathologist during the trial of Oscar Pistorius in court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius in court Oscar Pistorius puts his hands to his head while he sits during his trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius in court Oscar Pistorius reacts during his trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius speaks with relative Oscar Pistorius speaks with a family member during his trial in Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Aimee Pistorius in court Aimee, sister of Oscar Pistorius, cries as her brother takes the stand to testify at the high court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Carl Pistorius in court Oscar Pistorius' brother Carl Pistorius reacts during Oscar's trial at the high court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial June Steenkamp in court June Steenkamp, mother of the late Reeva Steenkamp listens to evidence by a pathologist during the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius in court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Arnold Pistorius and Lois Pistorius in court Uncle Arnold Pistorius and aunt Lois Pistorius look on during the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius at the high court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius in court Oscar Pistorius cries as he sits in the dock during his ongoing murder trial in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius in court Oscar Pistorius sheds tears as he sits in the dock during his ongoing murder trial in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius in court Oscar Pistorius shedding tears as he sits in the dock during his ongoing murder trial in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius in court Oscar Pistorius sits in the dock during his murder trial at the high court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius in court Oscar Pistorius makes his way to the dock during his ongoing murder trial in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Kenny Oldwage questions a witness Kenny Oldwage a member of South African Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius' legal team questions a state witness during the ongoing murder trial in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Hilton Botha arrives in court Hilton Botha, former lead detective in the Oscar Pistorius murder case, arrives ahead of Pistorius's trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial A member of the African National Congress Women's League outside the court A member of the African National Congress Women's League holds a mobile phone with a picture of Reeva Steenkamp outside the high court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius cries during his trial Oscar Pistorius cries during his trial at the North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius is comforted by relatives Oscar Pistorius is comforted by relatives as he sits in the dock during court proceedings at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius is comforted by relatives Oscar Pistorius is hugged by his aunt Lois in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius in the dock Oscar Pistorius holds his head in his hands in the dock during cross examination of a witnesses in court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius leaves court Oscar Pistorius is photographed as he leaves at the end of his trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius and Aimee Pistorius Oscar Pistorius with his sister Aimee Pistorius during the murder trial at the high court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Photographs of Pistorius taken after the shooting Pistorius from the waist up, with a tattoo visible on his back, and blood on his left arm In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Photographs of Pistorius taken after the shooting Photographs of Pistorius taken soon after fatal shooting of Reeva Steenkamp were shown in court. The athlete's prosthetic legs are splattered with blood In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius' watch collection with blood marks on it A photograph of Pistorius' watch collection with blood marks on it. One of the watches went missing the night police searched the house after Reeva Steenkamp was shot on Valentine's Day. In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius's bedroom with the duvet on the floor A close up of Pistorius's bedroom, with the duvet on the floor. Pistorius argues he woke up to bring a fan from his balcony when he heard noises coming the bathroom In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius covers his head with a notebook as he listens to forensic evidence Oscar Pistorius covers his head with a notebook as he listens to forensic evidence during his trial in court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius puts his hands to his head while he sits in court Oscar Pistorius puts his hands to his head as he listens to forensic evidence during his trial in court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius reacts while listening evidence in court Oscar Pistorius reacts during his murder trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius places his head in his hands Oscar Pistorius places his head in his hands as he listens to the cross examination during his trial in court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius during his continuous trial Oscar Pistorius sits in the dock during his murder trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Lt Col JG Vermeulen demonstrates the effect of hitting of a bathroom door Lt Col JG Vermeulen demonstrates the effect of hitting of a bathroom door with a cricket bat during the trail of Oscar Pistorius in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Lt Col JG Vermeulen recreates a possible scenario at Oscar Pistorius home Lt Col JG Vermeulen recreates a possible scenario at Oscar Pistorius home when he shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius's defence team questions forensic evidence Pistorius's defence team questions forensic evidence suggesting the athlete was wearing his prosthetic legs when he hit the lavatory's door with a cricket bat In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial State prosecutor Gerrie Nel speaks in court State prosecutor Gerrie Nel makes a point during the trial of Oscar Pistorius at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius speaks with his legal team Oscar Pistorius speaks with a member of his legal team prior to a hearing of his trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius sits in court Oscar Pistorius sits with hands on his head at the court dock during the ongoing murder trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius in court during ongoing trial Oscar Pistorius sits in the dock on another day of his trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial State prosecutor Gerrie Nel in court State prosecutor Gerrie Nel takes part in Oscar Pistorius' ongoing murder trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius arrives in court The accused arrives at the Pretoria High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius cries in court Oscar Pistorius cries as he listens to cross questioning about the events surrounding the shooting death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, in court during his trial in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius cries in court Oscar Pistorius cries as he chats to his lawyer Barry Roux during his trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius on the sixth day of his trial Oscar Pistorius holds his hands to his face as he sits in the dock during day 6 of his murder trial at the High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius sits in court Oscar Pistorius is pictured with hands on his head during a hearing on the sixth day of his murder trial In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Relatives of Reeva Steenkamp in court Relatives and friends of Reeva Steenkamp, Gina Meyers (C) and her mother Desiree (R) attend a hearing of Oscar Pistorius on the sixth day of his trial In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius arrives in court Oscar Pistorius arrives at the Pretoria High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Security guard Pieter Baba testifies Security guard Pieter Baba testifies the murder trial of South African Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius at the high court of Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pistorius family in court Aimee Pistorius, sister of Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar, rests her head on an unidentified woman's shoulder during the fifth day of his trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius listens as witness testifies Oscar Pistorius puts his hands to his head while a witness testifies and speaks about the morning of the shooting of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius cries Oscar Pistorius cries while a witness testifies during the fourth day of his trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius looks at notes Oscar Pistorius looks at notes during the fourth day of his trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius on the second day of his trial Covering his ears, on empty benches, Oscar Pistoius gestures after arriving at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius reads defense paperwork Oscar Pistorius looks at his defense team paperwork during a break on the second day of his trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Members of the media during the trial Members of the media work during a break in proceedings on the second day of the murder trial of South African Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius during trial Oscar Pistorius looks on inside the Pretoria High Court In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Chief investigating officer Lieutenant General Vineshkumar Moonoo during the trial Chief investigating officer Lieutenant General Vineshkumar Moonoo gestures during the second day of the murder trial of South African Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius leaves court Oscar Pistorius leaves North Gauteng High Court during the lunchtime break as he faces trial accused of the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius in court Oscar Pistorius at the Pretoria High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius and Barry Roux in court Oscar Pistorius and Barry Roux at the Pretoria High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Advocate Barry Roux speaks in court Advocate Barry Roux at the Pretoria High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius in court Oscar Pistorius at the Pretoria High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius in court Oscar Pistorius walks at the Pretoria High Court as Reeva Steenkamp's mother looks on In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial June Steenkamp in court Reeva Steenkamp's mother looks on inside the Pretoria High Court In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Lois, Arnold and Aimee Pistorius in court Lois, Arnold and Aimee Pistorius at the Pretoria High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Carl, Aimee and Lois Pistorius in court Carl, Aimee and Lois Pistorius speaking with a member of his legal team at the Pretoria High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Carl Pistorious in court Carl Pistorious, the brother of South African Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, leaves the courtroom during a lunch recess at the High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Prosecutor Gerrie Nel Prosecutor Gerrie Nel reads out the charges on the opening day of proceedings in the High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Pretoria news A newspaper vendor sells the Pretoria News as the Oscar Pistorius trail starts at North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. Olympic and Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius is accused of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius denies the allegation claiming he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder inside their home on Valentines Day 2013 In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial June Steenkamp in court June Steenkamp (L), mother of the murdered Reeva Steenkamp, sits in court ahead of the trial of Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial June Steenkamp arrives in court June Steenkamp (C), the mother of Reeva Steenkamp, arrives at North Gauteng High Court for the trial of Oscar Pistorius in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial June Steenkamp arrives in court June Steenkamp (R), the mother of Reeva Steenkamp, arrives at North Gauteng High Court for the trial of Oscar Pistorius in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Carl Pistorius arrives in court Police try to hold back the media as Carl Pistorius, the brother of Oscar Pistorius, arrives at North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Media outside the court in Pretoria Bewildered media stand outside North Gauteng High Court as Oscar Pistrious slips into court through another door to face trial accused of the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in Pretoria In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Daily News front page day after the shooting Oscar Pistorius was arrested in South Africa in the shooting of Reeva Steenkamp In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp at the Feather Awards in 2012 in Johannesburg In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial Reeva Steenkamp Reeva Steenkamp who was shot dead on the Valentine's Day 2013 In her sentencing remarks, she referred to Pistorius as a fallen hero who believed an intruder was behind the door, not the model and law graduate. Pistorius defence team confirmed the athlete nicknamed blade runner would not appeal his sentence. His sister Aimee thanked the judge in an interview shortly after he was returned to prison and said she was grateful for setting out her belief that Ms Steenkamps killing was not an act of gender-based violence. 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 }} Pakistan's ruling party plans to pass long-delayed legislation against honour killings within weeks in the wake of the high-profile murder of an outspoken social media star, the daughter of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Wednesday. The bill will go before a parliamentary committee as early as Thursday, said Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who is an increasingly influential member of her father's ruling party. The government has faced mounting pressure to pass the law against murders carried out by people professing to be acting in defence of the honour of their family. The law would remove a loophole that allows other family members to pardon a killer. The brother of social media star Qandeel Baloch, often described as Pakistan's Kim Kardashian, has been arrested in connection with her strangling death and told a news conference he was incensed by her often risquA posts on social media. People news in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 People news in pictures People news in pictures 7 October 2015 Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in an ice hockey match between former NHL stars and officials at the Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons EPA People news in pictures 6 October 2015 German designer Karl Lagerfeld (R) and model Cara Delevingne (C) appear at the end of his Spring/Summer 2016 women's ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Chanel at the Grand Palais which is transformed into a Chanel airport during the Fashion Week in Paris, France Reuters People news in pictures 5 October 2015 Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne addresses the Conservative party conference in Manchester. The Chancellor argued that reducing the payments to people in low paid jobs would give them economic security by reducing the Governments spending deficit Getty Images People news in pictures 4 October 2015 Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston takes a moment in the centre of the field with his daughter Frankie Thurston, holding dark-skinned doll, after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The image quickly became the talking point of Australias National Rugby League Final and provoked a strong reaction on social media, with many praising Thurston for giving his child a toy that promotes inclusiveness and diversity Getty Images People news in pictures 3 October 2015 Pope Francis gives a thumbs-up as he greets people at the end of an audience to the participants of a meeting organized by the "Food Bank" at the Paul VI audience hall in Vatican Getty Images People news in pictures 2 October 2015 Britain's Finance Minister George Osborne (L) throws an American football as he meets with former American football players Dan Marino (2nd R) and Curtis Martin (not pictured) at 11 Downing Street in London, ahead of the New York Jets playing against the Miami Dolphins at London's Wembley Stadium on 4 October Getty Images People news in pictures 1 October 2015 An honor guard opens the door as Russian President Vladimir Putin enters a hall to attend a meeting with members of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia People news in pictures 30 September 2015 Former Mrs America Lisa Christie, who alleges misconduct by Bill Cosby, holds up photos of her younger self during a news conference at the law office of attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Matt Damon has defended himself against claims that he instructed gay actors to remain in the closet. He had said I think youre a better actor the less people know about you and sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether youre straight or gay, people shouldnt know anything about your sexuality but an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show said, I was just trying to say actors are more effective when theyre a mystery. Right? Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Marion Cotillard has said that there is no place for feminism in Hollywood. Speaking to Porter magazine, she saidFilm-making is not about gender/ You cannot ask a president in a festival like Cannes to have, like, five movies directed by women and five by men. For me it doesnt create equality, it creates separation. I mean, I dont qualify myself as a feminist." Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Paul Walkers daughter, Meadow, is suing Porsche over her fathers death in a lawsuit that claims he was trapped in the burning car because of design flaws and the seat belt. The Fast and Furious star was killed when the Porsche Carrera GT he was a passenger in hit a pole in California in 2013. The driver, his friend Roger Rodas, also died when the vehicle burst into flames. AP People news in pictures 28 September 2015 Robert Mugabe waits to address the United Nations General Assembly. The leader of Zimbabwe reportedly exclaimed 'We are not gay!' as he criticised Western nation's "double standards and attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs. In 2013 he described homosexuals as worse than pigs, goats and birds. Reuters People news in pictures 28 September 2015 South African comedian Trevor Noah hosts the first 'Daily Show' since taking over from Jon Stewart as host. Stewart had presented the US satirical news show since 1999 and was described by Noah during the show as a 'Political father' 2015 Getty Images People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Sir Elton John may have received a phone call from the real Vladimir Putin. Mr Putin's spokesman announced he had made contact weeks after the singer was duped by pranksters pretending to be the Russian President. Getty People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was mistakenly declared as the artist who produced the Mona Lisa by Fox News anchor Shepard Smith. It was in fact Leonardo da Vinci. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 A new biography claims Donald Trump expected to be dead by 40 and never marry. The Guardian says the a new book also claims that in 1980, Mr Trump manufactured a fake vice-president of his real estate conglomerate, whom he called John Baron. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 The Dalai Lama has said that Britain's policy towards China is just about 'Money, money, money.' And asked 'Where is morality?' People news in pictures 24 September 2015 Puff Daddy secured the number-one spot on the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list, with the publication calculating he made an estimated $60million (39m) between June 2014 and June 2015. Some 500 women are killed each year in Pakistan at the hands of family members over perceived damage to honour that can involve eloping, fraternising with men or any other infraction against conservative values that govern women's modesty. Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the government wanted to pass the law unanimously and had been negotiating with religious parties in parliament. We have finalised the draft law in the light of negotiations, she told Reuters in an interview. The final draft will be presented to a committee of joint session of parliament on July 21 for consideration and approval. Maryam said once the parliamentary committee approved the bill, it would be presented for a vote in a couple of weeks before a joint session of parliament. 'Honour killing' confession A spokesman for Jamaat-e-Islami, one of the two major religious parties in parliament, said his party would not oppose the bill. Pakistan's other main religious political party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, could not be reached for comment but it has only a small number of seats in parliament. Both religious parties have traditionally opposed legislation empowering women. The upper house of parliament passed the bill in 2014 but it lapsed after the government failed to put it up for a vote in the lower house because it was preoccupied with legislation aimed at tackling security problems and economic reforms. A senior government official told Reuters all major parties were now backing the bill and it was likely to be passed in a few weeks by a joint session of parliament. The prime minister is taking personal interest, added a second official and close aide to Sharif. You will see in coming days more will be done, big changes will be announced. In a rare move, this week the government became a complainant in the police case against Baloch's brother accused of her murder, designating it a crime against the state and thereby blocking her family from forgiving their son. Baloch had long divided opinion in the deeply conservative Muslim society with her social media photos and posts. She was unapologetic about pushing the boundaries of acceptability for women and changing the typical orthodox mindset of Pakistanis. Many viewed her as a disgrace to the cultural values of Islam and Pakistan. Others hailed her as a feminist icon. She ran into political controversy last month after her selfie photographs with a prominent Muslim cleric, went viral, leading to him being fired from a prominent Muslim council. After her death, the cleric, Abdul Qavi, told media that her murder should serve as an example for others who tried to malign the clergy. He is being investigated for her murder along with Baloch's two brothers. Although government officials appeared confident of backing for the bill in parliament, it could still face resistance. The influential Council of Islamic Ideology, which advises the government on the compatibility of laws with Islam, warned that it would not support any law that removed the forgiveness loophole, even though the council considers honour killings a crime. Islamic law and the Koran say that the right to forgive or punish lies first and foremost with the victim's family, said council spokesman Inam Ullah. So if this bill is trying to completely take away that right from the family, then of course that is against Islamic teachings. The state cannot completely take away that right from the family. The religious parties and the council hold significant influence over public opinion and the government fears a backlash if any law passes without their approval. This mentality - that you can get away with murder in the name of honour - it has to be done away with, said Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, whose documentary on honour killings A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness won an Oscar this year. I am hopeful that this law will pass but the change in mindset will talk so much longer ... I think Qandeel Baloch's murder is the tipping point. 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 }} Roger Ailes, the Fox News executive in departure talks with the company he helped build, has reportedly been accused of sexual harassment by more than 20 women. Mr Ailes, 76, is the focus on an investigation being conducted by lawyers hired by Fox News parent company, 21st Century Fox, after a former Fox anchor, Gretchen Carlson, filed a sexual harassment lawsuit. She said Mr Ailes, did not renew her contract as she rebuffed his sexual advances and she challenged a sexist newsroom culture. Earlier this week, it was reported that Megyn Kelly, probably the most high profile female journalist on the network, had told those lawyers that she too was sexually harassed by Mr Ailes more than a decade ago. Mr Ailes has strongly denied both accusations. Megyn Kelly (Mike Coppola/Getty Images) Now it has been reported that more than 20 women have made accusations against the Fox News CEO and chairman, and detailed these alleged incidents to Ms Carlsons lawyers. The new accusations range in time from Mr Ailess time at Fox News to his role in the 60s as executive producer on The Mike Douglas Show, the Guardian said. Almost all of the 20-plus women claim they experienced Mr Ailes harassment firsthand. In a few cases, said spokesman John Garger, the accusations were as severe as those in Ms Carlsons lawsuit. The messages are still coming in, he said. Roger Ailes (Getty) This week it was reported that Mr Ailes, one of the most powerful and controversial figures in the American media, is set to leave his position with a huge payout amid the mounting furore. It is possible that some of the channels biggest names, such as Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity, could leave with him. One report said Mr Ailes could receive as much as $40m in a pay-out. New York magazine reported that 21st Century Fox Chairman Rupert Murdoch and his sons, Lachlan and James, had settled on removing Mr Ailes after reviewing the initial findings of the probe into the allegation of sexual harassment made by Ms Carlson. Megyn Kelly v Donald Trump Mr Ailes had denied the allegations levelled at him by Ms Carlson, and likewise rejected the claim that he had made advances to Ms Kelly. 'Roger Ailes has never sexually harassed Megyn Kelly, his lawyer, Susan Estrich, said in a statement. In fact, he has spent much of the last decade promoting and helping her to achieve the stardom she earned, for which she has repeatedly and publicly thanked him. In a statement, 21st Century Fox, said: Roger is at work. The review is ongoing. And the only agreement that is in place is his existing employment agreement. 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 }} Fox News chairman and CEO Roger Ailes issued his resignation, effective immediately, following sexual assault allegations from more than 20 women. Rupert Murdoch, executive director of 21st Century Fox, will serve as interim chair and CEO of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network. Roger Ailes has made a remarkable contribution to our company and our country. Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organisation and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years, Mr Murdoch, 85, said in a statement. Fox News has given voice to those who were ignored by the traditional networks and has been one of the great commercial success stories of modern media. "I am personally committed to ensuring that Fox News remains a distinctive, powerful voice. Our nation needs a robust Fox News to resonate from every corner of the country." Fox News anchor, Gretchen Carlson, filed a lawsuit against Mr Ailes, 76, alleging that he did not renew her contract after she refused sexual advances from him. Lawyers launched an investigation into the executive's treatment of women at the media company after Ms Carlson challenged the "sexist" culture at the workplace. Fox News claims Obama used a 'raw onion' during gun control speech Among Mr Ailes' accusers, Fox's News most prominent female anchor, Megyn Kelly, reportedly told lawyers that Mr Ailes sexually harassed her more than a decade ago. More than 20 accusations against Mr ailes have come in, dating back to his work in the 1960's on the Mike Douglas Show, according to the Guardian. For his part, Mr Ailes has fervently denied accusations made by Ms Kelly and Ms Carlson. "Roger Ailes never harassed Megyn Kelly," said Susan Estrich, Mr Ailes' lawyer, said in a statement. "In fact he has spent much of the last decade promoting and helping her to achieve the stardom she earned, for which she has repeatedly and publicly thanked him." The future of Fox News remains uncertain as some of the station's top players, such as Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity, could leave alongside Mr Ailes, as their contracts contain options that they could leave if he is no longer in charge. Mr Ailes co-founded Fox News in 1996, and it has since become a strong source of conservative news. 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 }} Police are searching for two men after a serviceman was threatened with a knife near an RAF base in Norfolk. The two men approached the serviceman, who was not in uniform, with the blade near married accommodation at RAF Marham near Kings Lynn just before 3:30pm on Wednesday. After threatening the man with the knife they fled the scene in a dark-coloured Ford Galaxy. The serviceman was not injured in the incident. Streets in the area were sealed off while an investigation took place and police officers patrolled the area on Wednesday evening. Norfolk Constabulary refused to say whether the incident was related to terrorism and the local police and crime commissioner, Lorne Green, said a very intensive investigation was under way. He told the East Anglian Daily Times: There is nothing at the moment to strongly suggest one motive above another and it is all subject to a very intensive investigation at the moment. There is a very close co-operation between the constabulary and the military police, which is ongoing at the moment. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty UK news in pictures 12 September 2022 Crowds line the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, as King Charles III joins a procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS UK news in pictures 11 September 2022 Members of the Public pay their respects as the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, is driven through Ballater AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 10 September 2022 Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wave at well-wishers on the Long walk at Windsor Castle AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 9 September 2022 King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort wave after viewing floral tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Buckingham Palace Getty UK news in pictures 8 September 2022 A screen commemorating Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in Piccadilly Circus, London Britain EPA UK news in pictures 7 September 2022 Police officers stand guard after Animal Rebellion activists threw paint on the walls and road outside the Houses of Parliament in protest, in London, Britain Reuters A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: We are aware of an ongoing police operation in relation to an incident near RAF Marham. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time. A family day for the friends and families of the RAF squadrons at the base due to take place today was to go ahead as planned. RAF Marham is home to four air force squadrons who have been carrying out raids on Isis territory in Iraq and Syria from a base in Cyprus since December last year. Frontline squadrons of the RAF's Tornado GR4 Force, which is focused on operations in the Middle East, operate from RAF Marham, while the Tactical Imagery-Intelligence Wing, the No 3 (RAF) Force Protection Wing and the No 93 Expeditionary Armament Squadron, the RAF's specialist weapons support squadron, are also based there. The ticketed event, which is not open to the public, allows families and friends of servicemen and women to see the base and enjoy displays from aircraft. The base is home to almost 10,000 people, including members of the RAF, Navy and Army, as well as the civil service and other staff. The station is being redeveloped ahead of the arrival of the F-35 Lightning Force, the UK's new stealth fighter jet. Additional reporting by 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 }} Two men who threatened a serviceman with a knife near an RAF base on Wednesday were trying to abduct him, according to a leaked official memo. Norfolk Police have said they are unable to discount terrorism as a motive for the attempted knife-point abduction and released the description of the two Asian males they were looking for. RAF Marham near King's Lynn is home to four squadrons who have been conducting air raids against Isis targets in Iraq and Syria from a base in Cyprus since December last year. The base was temporarily locked down after the incident at about 3.40pm when the pair attempted to grab the unnamed serviceman, believed to be in his 20s, but he fought them off. The serviceman was unharmed in the incident. A note addressed to all service personnel at the base, seen by the Daily Mirror, warned: Two Asian males approached a serviceman who was running approximately one mile outside of RAF Marham main gate and tried to bundle him into their vehicle. The vehicle was a dark-coloured Ford Galaxy. RAF Marham near King's Lynn in Norfolk is home to four squadrons carrying out air strikes in Syria and Iraq (PA) The Asian males were carrying a knife when the serviceman was approached. A second memo warned all military staff to keep a low profile while in the area, avoid being alone while riding a bicycle or on foot and not to wear anything that may distinguish them as members of the air force. Detective Superintendent Paul Durham, from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team said: I can confirm we are treating this as an attempted abduction and detailed inquiries are being carried out at the scene to establish the full circumstances. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty UK news in pictures 12 September 2022 Crowds line the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, as King Charles III joins a procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS UK news in pictures 11 September 2022 Members of the Public pay their respects as the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, is driven through Ballater AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 10 September 2022 Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wave at well-wishers on the Long walk at Windsor Castle AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 9 September 2022 King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort wave after viewing floral tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Buckingham Palace Getty UK news in pictures 8 September 2022 A screen commemorating Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in Piccadilly Circus, London Britain EPA UK news in pictures 7 September 2022 Police officers stand guard after Animal Rebellion activists threw paint on the walls and road outside the Houses of Parliament in protest, in London, Britain Reuters The motivation for the attack remains unclear at this time, and whilst we are currently unable to discount terrorism, there are a number of other possible hypotheses. We are therefore carrying out a thorough investigation to understand what has happened, why and who is responsible. Visible patrols continue in the area and officers will be carrying out house-to-house enquiries and detailed searches of the scene in Squires Hill, which remains closed for the time being. Both suspects were described by police as being between 20 and 30 years old and of Middle Eastern appearance. 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 }} Concern is growing for a father who has disappeared with his six-year-old twin boys. Fazal Hossenbux is being sought by police after last appearing at his sons' nursery in south London.He is understood to suffer from numerous health issues. Officers in Croydon are appealing for any information on the 54-year-old and his children, who disappeared from Thornton Heath, in Croydon, at 3.30pm on Tuesday. Farden and Farhan Hossenbux, both six years old, have been missing for more than 24 hours after last being seen at their nursery on July 19. Fazal Hossenbux (Metropolitan Police) Mr Hossenbux is described as Asian, 5ft 6ins tall, with receding grey hair and a grey beard. He is known to frequent the area around Southend-on-Sea. Anyone who has seen Mr Hossenbux or his children, or who knows of their whereabouts, is asked to call police in Croydon via 101 or Missing People on 116000. 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 }} An investigation has been launched after a Ukip councillor made comments on Facebook suggesting those who voted Remain in the EU referendum should be killed. The comments appeared on Terence Nathans Facebook page, councillor for Cray Valley West in Bromley, on Tuesday night. The post, written in response to a news article referring to legal efforts against the Brexit vote, mentions Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which when triggered would initiate the UK's departure from the EU. Screenshot of Terence Nathan's comments posted to group 'Worrying signs' (Facebook ) (Facebook) Mr Nathan wrote: Time to start killing these people till article 50 is invoked, adding perhaps remainers will get the message then. After another Facebook user raised concern over Mr Nathans rhetoric, he replied in a second comment: Not threatening anyone, no need for threats just a bullet. Mr Nathan has since apologised for the comments saying: My comments were only intended to be taken with a pinch of salt. I did not think anyone would take it seriously but some obviously have and I greatly regret this. It was honestly intended as a ridiculous overstatement. Anyone would tell you that I hold dear both respect and democracy. I would never have ever seriously have advocated such violence. I apologise for any offence taken as it was never my intention. Police and council officials have said they are looking into the remarks. 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 Bromley Council spokesman said: The Council has launched an investigation into the alleged comments made but it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage. Bromley Metropolitan Police Service said: Police in Bromley are aware of comments apparently posted online by a Bromley Councillor. Enquiries into this matter are ongoing. A screenshot of the Facebook comments has been posted into the online group Worrying Signs, which has been set up to record incidents of abuse following the Brexit vote. 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 }} Justice Secretary Liz Truss has been sworn into office as the UK's new Lord Chancellor. She is the first woman to hold the senior government position, which looks after the independence and functioning of the courts, in around a thousand years. Ms Truss, 40, is the Conservative MP for South West Norfolk. She was welcomed to her new appointment by leading members of the judiciary at a colourful ceremony at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. She takes over the ancient office famously held by Sir Thomas More and Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in Tudor times from Michael Gove, and also replaces him as Justice Secretary. Prime Minister Theresa May has promoted a number of women to her Cabinet, including Amber Rudd as Home Secretary and Justine Greening as Education Secretary. Dressed in gold and black, Ms Truss took an oath and pledged to respect the rule of law, defend judicial independence and ensure effective support for the courts. Remembering when Liz Truss gave one of the weirdest speeches ever The country's top judges, including Supreme Court president Lord Neuberger and Master of the Rolls Lord Dyson, were present for the proceedings in a packed, oak-panelled courtroom. Describing the occasion as historic, Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas said a long-standing monopoly has been swept away, and it is plainly not before time. He told Ms Truss: You are the first female Lord Chancellor. Today is an historic occasion. It marks another step in the evolution of your great office, one that has for so long formed and continues to form the fulcrum between the judiciary and government." It is a step long - indeed very long - overdue. We are delighted that you are here today at the Royal Courts of Justice at this significant constitutional occasion at which you have taken the oaths of office. He added: My Lord Chancellor, it is readily apparent that you have had to date a most distinguished career which has demonstrated your greats skills and wide experience. Ms Truss said: I am delighted to have been appointed to this role. It is a privilege and an honour for me to have been sworn in today as the first woman Lord Chancellor. I am a great supporter of reform and modernisation throughout the courts and tribunals system, and that urgent task will be high on my agenda in the months ahead, as I know it is for senior members of the judiciary. The mother-of-two, who was brought up in Yorkshire and studied philosophy, politics and economics at Merton College, Oxford, entered Parliament in 2010. She served as Environment Secretary from July 2014 a role which has now been given to Leave campaigner Andrea Leadsom. Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Show all 27 1 /27 Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Andrea Leadsom Andrea Leadsom has been appointed Secretary for Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Getty Images Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Priti Patel Priti Patel has been appointed International Development Secretary PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Alun Cairns Alun Cairns will stay on as Welsh Secretary Reuters Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Karen Bradley Karen Bradley is now Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Rex Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Greg Clark Greg Clark has been appointed Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? James Brokenshire James Brokenshire has been appointed as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Stephen Crabb Stephen Crabb has resigned as Work and Pensions Secretary PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Theresa Villiers Theresa Villiers will not return as Northern Ireland Secretary. She was reportedly offered a role by Theresa May, but turned it down, saying it was not one she felt could take on Getty Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Chris Grayling Chris Grayling has been appointed Transport Secretary PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Damien Green Damien Green has been appointed Work and Pensions Secretary Getty Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Liz Truss Liz Truss has been appointed Justice Secretary Getty Images Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Patrick McLoughlin Patrick McLoughlin who was Transport Secretary has been appointed Tory Party chairman and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Getty Images Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Justine Greening Justine Greening has been appointed as Education Secretary Getty Images Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Gavin Williamson Gavin Williamson is to become the new Government Chief Whip Reuters Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Jeremy Hunt Jeremy Hunt will continue as Health Secretary Getty Images Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Nicky Morgan Nicky Morgan lost her job as Education Secretary Reuters Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Michael Gove Michael Gove has been sacked as Justice Secretary Reuters Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? John Whittingdale John Whittingdale left his job as Culture Secretary EPA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Oliver Letwin Oliver Letwin, the Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster, has been sacked from his role in the cabinet PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Philip Hammond The former Foreign Secretary has been made Chancellor EPA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Boris Johnson Leading Brexit campaigner is given the role of Foreign Secretary Getty Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Amber Rudd Leading Remain campaigner takes Theresa May's old job of Home Secretary PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Michael Fallon Stays as Defence Secretary AP Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? Liam Fox The former Defence Secretary is named as head of new Department for International Trade PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? David Davis The former shadow Home Secretary and leadership rival to David Cameron is named Secretary of State for Leaving the European Union - aka Brexit minister PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? George Osborne Gone as Chancellor - and fails to secure any new role in May's government GETTY Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in and who's out? David Mundell The Conservative Party's only Scottish MP retains his role as Scottish Secretary Getty Images Ms Truss is perhaps better known to some for an excruciatingly awkward speech she gave to delegates at the 2014 Conservative Party Conference on the topic of British food exports, such as tea, pork and cheese. After introducing herself to delegates, Ms Truss continued her food-themed address with the now infamous line: In December I'll be in Beijing, opening up pork markets, pausing for dramatic effect after delivering this sentence. During the same speech, she added: "We import two-thirds of our cheese. That. Is. A. Disgrace." Previously she was deputy director at think-tank Reform and also worked in the energy and telecommunications industry for 10 years as a commercial manager and economics director. After Chris Grayling and Mr Gove, she becomes the third non-lawyer Lord Chancellor in a row. 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 }} Margaret Thatcher's senior aides used pictures of a baby Prince William in an attempt to distract attention from a 1983 anti-nuclear march, official government papers reveal. Files released by the National Archives at Kew, west London, show Ms Thatcher's press secretary Bernard Ingham recommending the release of photos of the prince to distract media attention from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) march. The papers show ministers feared protests at the Greenham Common airbase in Berkshire could prevent US missiles from being deployed there. File photo dated 12/12/82 of a peace protests outside RAF Greenham in Berkshire (PA) Foreign Secretary Francis Pym advised Ms Thatcher the risk of demonstrations could become "so widespread and powerful" deployment of the missiles would "become difficult or even impossible". By Easter, the focus was on a planned 14 mile "human chain" with tens of thousands of demonstrators linking up in a line extending from Greenham Common to the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment at Aldermaston and the Royal Ordnance Factory at Burghfield. Which countries have nuclear weapons? Show all 14 1 /14 Which countries have nuclear weapons? Which countries have nuclear weapons? USA Have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Russia Have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? UK Have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? France Have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? China Have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? India Say they have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Pakistan Say they have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? North Korea Say they have nuclear weapons EPA/Rodong Sinmun Which countries have nuclear weapons? Israel Believed to have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Belgium Nations hosting nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Germany Nations hosting nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Italy Nations hosting nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Netherlands Nations hosting nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Turkey Nations hosting nuclear weapons Getty Fearing only "an assassination attempt on the pope" or "a North Sea blow out" could steal news attention from the protest, Mr Ingham recommended the release of footage of Prince William on his first trip to Australia. "I think Good Friday is a lost cause. This is the day when the CND chain will (or will not) be formed between Aldermaston and Greenham Common. It is also a day when there is not much sport," he wrote. "However, what would take the trick would be press and TV pictures, for TV release on the evening of Good Friday and/or Saturday newspapers of Prince William in Australia." When Prince Charles and Princess Diana landed at Alice Springs, the 10-month-old prince was briefly displayed to the cameras, the BBC reports. By the autumn, with the first missiles set to arrive at Greenham Common, Mr Heseltine informed Ms Thatcher there would be four infantry battalions on standby in case of any trouble from the demonstrators. Britain backs renewal of Trident nuclear programme At the same time, he disclosed that RAF personnel would be "covertly" inserted into the base, with a small number of armed personnel "operating very close to the armed US personnel and with the same rules of engagement". "The political implications of a demonstrator being shot by an American guard would, at this stage of initial deployment, be very grave," he wrote. "Therefore any determined demonstrator who managed to penetrate the perimeter fence and its guard force, and was then able to penetrate the next screen of unarmed UK personnel, would finally confront an armed British serviceman rather than an armed American." Additional reporting by Press 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 }} Peace protesters demonstrating against the deployment of US nuclear missiles at British air bases in the 1980s were kept under close watch by MI5, newly released Government papers suggest. Files released by the National Archives in Kew, west London, indicate that peace camps set up around the bases involved were monitored by the security service for evidence of infiltration by subversive organisations. They include a letter from a senior MI5 officer, JL Jones, to No 10 after Downing Street raised concerns about the activities of protesters who had established two camps at RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire, where some of the missiles were stationed. Writing in February 1985, Mr Jones said that the camps known as the Rainbow Fields Village and the People's Peace Camp were made up of floating groups of Quakers and peace and ecology campaigners. Although individual members of subversive organisations have from time to time been involved with both camps, neither owes its foundation or its continued existence to the support of any subversive group, he wrote. But despite that reassurance, Mr Jones warned CND members linked to an organisation known as Action 84 were pressing for the protests at Molesworth to be stepped up. A leading figure in this was Jimmy Johns, a former member of the (Trotskyist) Socialist Workers Party and one of the founders of Action 84, who sits on CNDs Projects Committee, which plans future campaigns, he wrote. As a result of this pressure, CND has decided to make Molesworth the focus of its campaigning in 1985. The intention of CND now is to hinder any construction work at the site. Which countries have nuclear weapons? Show all 14 1 /14 Which countries have nuclear weapons? Which countries have nuclear weapons? USA Have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Russia Have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? UK Have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? France Have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? China Have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? India Say they have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Pakistan Say they have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? North Korea Say they have nuclear weapons EPA/Rodong Sinmun Which countries have nuclear weapons? Israel Believed to have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Belgium Nations hosting nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Germany Nations hosting nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Italy Nations hosting nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Netherlands Nations hosting nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Turkey Nations hosting nuclear weapons Getty The Downing Street intervention was prompted by a warning from John Major, then the backbench MP for the nearby constituency of Huntingdon, that CND was trying to acquire a property to use as a base for its activities in the area. Mr Jones said MI5 had no knowledge of such a plan but said the protesters had built a crude structure at the site which they used as a chapel. The campers call the chapel 'Eirene' after the Greek word for peace. The building has no roof but was dedicated (for religious services) by the Bishop of Huntingdon, he wrote. PA 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 }} Emergency services have launched a rescue operation after a car plunged into the River Clyde in Renfrew, Police Scotland said. One person is trapped inside the car, the coastguard said. The car, which is understood to have one person in it, was seen driving "at speed" and clipping another two cars before breaching the metal fence and entering the water. A young girl, believed to be the daughter of the driver, was treated by paramedics for her injuries, STV News reported. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty UK news in pictures 12 September 2022 Crowds line the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, as King Charles III joins a procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS UK news in pictures 11 September 2022 Members of the Public pay their respects as the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, is driven through Ballater AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 10 September 2022 Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wave at well-wishers on the Long walk at Windsor Castle AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 9 September 2022 King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort wave after viewing floral tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Buckingham Palace Getty UK news in pictures 8 September 2022 A screen commemorating Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in Piccadilly Circus, London Britain EPA UK news in pictures 7 September 2022 Police officers stand guard after Animal Rebellion activists threw paint on the walls and road outside the Houses of Parliament in protest, in London, Britain Reuters Divers have been deployed at the scene, which is close to Intu Braehead shopping centre. Coastguard units from Helensburgh and Greenock have also been called, the BBC reports. A coastguard spokesman said: "We received reports of a vehicle in the water with a person trapped. "We have two rescue teams at the scene - Helensburgh and Greenock as well as as a coastguard senior officer and the HM coastguard helicopter from Glasgow as well as police, ambulance and fire. "The helicopter was on scene and did a quick search and went and picked up divers. There's now divers at the scene trying to rescue the person that's trapped." A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We can confirm that we are attending an incident in the Renfrew area of the city. "There is a report of a car incident but we don't have any details about casualties or the people involved just yet." More follows 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 new Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, has been accused of putting lives in danger after he published an article suggesting a former colleague was a spy "for a laugh". While editor of The Spectator in 2001, Mr Johnson released an article naming a secret service agent using the pseudonym Smallbrow as the Daily Mail journalist, Dominic Lawson. The article was based on allegations made in a book by a former spy, Richard Tomlinson. Mr Tomlinson claimed Mr Lawson, who was then editor of the SundayTelegraph, used to provide cover for British secret agents. Mr Johnson published the claim Mr Lawson used to give letters to spies so they could pretend to be foreign correspondents on assignment. Mr Lawson, who said he has never worked for the Secret Service, responded to the allegations by telling Mr Johnson's biographer, Sonia Purnell, how he had put the lives of his staff in jeopardy. "He knew me, we were friendly. It was intensely annoying, Mr Lawson said. And apart from anything else, if you're running a newspaper with foreign correspondents in strange parts of the world, as I was then, it's potentially a physical threat to them if it's believed that they're working for British intelligence. You can imagine how angry I was. Theresa May questioned over Boris Johnson appointment by German press "I rang him up, but there was just this sense of Never mind, Dommers, I just did it for a laugh," Mr Lawson said. He added: And the thing about Boris is that because in some strange way he is adorable, one forgives him. It's not just women; men too fall for that charm." The revelations have surfaced following a conference on the ongoing war in Syria, in which Mr Johnson accidentally referred to Turkey as Egypt on two occasions. Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match Show all 7 1 /7 Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match Boris Johnson plays rugby with Japanese elementary school children in Tokyo Getty Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match Boris Johnson bumps into a schoolchild during a Street Rugby event at Tokyo Square Gardens building EPA Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match Boris Johnson collides with 10-year-old Toki Sekiguchi during a game of Street Rugby with a group of Tokyo children Reuters Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match Boris Johnson falls down after colliding with 10-year-old Toki Sekiguchi during a game of Street Rugby with a group of Tokyo children Reuters Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match Boris Johnson falls down after colliding with 10-year-old Toki Sekiguchi during a game of Street Rugby with a group of Tokyo children Reuters Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match There have been claims that the Foreign Secretary will no longer oversee MI6 following Mr Johnsons appointment. Writing in the Sunday Times, Adam Boulton said the Foreign and Commonwealth office is now left with an unspecified role as it reels at the appointment of Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary. The Government has strongly denied Mr Johnson will no longer be responsible for the Secret Service. A spokesperson told Politics.co.uk: "As has been long standing practice, responsibility for SIS and GCHQ lies with the Foreign Secretary. This has not changed and will not change." 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 }} Female MPs could be allowed to breastfeed in the House of Commons following an independent review into tackling sexism in Parliament. The report, commissioned by Speaker John Bercow, states lifting the ban would enable all members to participate fully in House business. Mr Bercow welcomed the recommendation, telling The Telegraph allowing women to breastfeed their babies in the chamber would make the Commons a role-model parent friendly institution. He said: [The report] will prove to be both important and enduring. We do tend to preserve by laziness, rather antiquated practices and prejudice. "We won't achieve everything in this paper overnight but by bringing people together we will achieve worthwhile things." The report, conducted by Sarah Childs, author of the study and professor of politics and gender at the University of Bristol, includes 42 other recommendations to address the issue of sexism. Among them are the suggestions that male MPs should not be required to wear and suit and tie, and that transgender toilets should be installed in Parliament to address gender insensitivity. It also recommends more portraits of women should be hung in Parliament, and urged the Commons to abandon the rule requiring that MPs have been dead for a decade before paintings of them can be displayed. The world's 15 most powerful women in 2015 Show all 15 1 /15 The world's 15 most powerful women in 2015 The world's 15 most powerful women in 2015 Angela Merkel - German Chancellor German Chancellor Angela Merkel has retained her number one ranking for topping this years Forbes list for the fifth consecutive year and ten times in total. The world's 15 most powerful women in 2015 Hillary Clinton - Presidential candidate, United States Clinton, who could become the worlds most powerful leader in 2016, has been featured on the list every year since it launched in 2014. The world's 15 most powerful women in 2015 Melinda Gates - Cochair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Melinda Gates has cemented her dominance in philanthropy and global development to the tune of $3.9 billion in giving in 2014 and more than $33 billion in grant payments since she founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with her husband in 2000. The world's 15 most powerful women in 2015 Janet Yellen - Chair, Federal Reserve, Washington, United States Janet Yellen made history in 2014 when she became the first female head of the Federal Reserve. The world's 15 most powerful women in 2015 Marry Barra - CEO of General Motors Mary Barra made history by becoming the first female CEO of General Motors. The world's 15 most powerful women in 2015 Christina Lagarde - Managing director, International Monetary Fund Christine Lagarde is entering the last year of her first term heading the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the organisation which serves as economic advisor and backstop for 188 countries. Under Lagarde the IMF has supported efforts to increase female labor force participation as way to reduce poverty and inequality. The UK, Germany, China, France and Korea have endorsed Christine Lagarde for another term as the head of the IMF. The world's 15 most powerful women in 2015 Dilma Rousseff - President, Brazil Dilma Rousseff, who has been elected in 2010, is Brazil's first female president. The world's 15 most powerful women in 2015 Sheryl Sandberg - COO of Facebook Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook COO and author of bestseller Lean In, joined the company in 2008 and became the first woman on its board four years later. Sandberg helped the social network go public and expand digital revenue. The world's 15 most powerful women in 2015 Susan Wojcicki - CEO of Youtube Susan Wojcicki is CEO of YouTube, the worlds most popular digital video platform used by over a billion people across the globe. She oversees YouTube's content and business operations, engineering, and product development. The world's 15 most powerful women in 2015 Michelle Obama - First lady, United States Michelle Obama, the 44th first lady of the United States has focused her attention on issues such as the support of military families, helping working women balance career and family and encouraging national service. The world's 15 most powerful women in 2015 Park Geun-hye - President, South Korea Park Geun-hye is the first female leader of a country that has the highest level of gender inequality in the developed world. In her inauguration speech, she promised to prioritise both national security and economic revitalisation. The world's 15 most powerful women in 2015 Oprah Winfrey - Actress, Director/Producer, Entrepreneur, Personality, Philanthropist Oprah Winfrey, a former queen of daytime TV has proven she can thrive without a talkshow. Her 'The Life You Want' tour sold out stadiums from Newark to Seattle in 2014. The world's 15 most powerful women in 2015 Ginni Rometty - CEO of IBM Ginni Rometty joined IBM in 1981 and later became the first woman to lead the company. The world's 15 most powerful women in 2015 Meg Whitman - CEO of Hewlett-Packard Meg Whitman is the only woman to have headed two large U.S. public companies: eBay and Hewlett-Packard.Until Marissa Mayer's arrival at Yahoo, she was the only female head of a leading Internet-based company. The world's 15 most powerful women in 2015 Indra Nooyi - CEO of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo. Mrs. Nooyi leads one of the worlds largest convenient food and beverage companies, with 2008 annual revenues of more than $43 billion. Breastfeeding in the chamber was prohibited in 2000 by then Speaker Betty Boothroyd. Giving her reason for the ban at the time, Ms Boothroyd said: You wouldnt start feeding your child if you worked on a supermarket checkout or if you were a solicitor having a meeting with a client. The ban was continued by Ms Boothrotd's successor Michael Martin. Last November, female ministers called on the Commons to ditch "Victorian values" and follow the lead of the European Parliament, which allows women to breastfeed during debates. But the then deputy Commons leader, Therese Coffey, told MPs she did not believe there was wide enough support to make the change. She said: "This is a workplace and it is not something that people enjoy wider than that." In response to the call one Conservative MP claimed it would expose politicians to tabloid ridicule, claiming there was an appropriate time and place for breastfeeding. Mr Bercow will now chair a committee to look into implementing the report's recommendations. 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 }} French President Francois Hollande will tell Theresa May Brexit talks must start quickly when the leaders meet later on Thursday. The French president is also expected to say he rejects any "pre-negotiations" and has said the UK cannot access the EU free market without accepting the free movement of people. Mr Hollande will host Ms May at a working dinner at the Elysee Palace, a day after she met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. During their meeting on Wednesday, Ms Merkel made it clear Germany will not enter into discussions with the UK until it invokes Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and formally begins the two year process of leaving the EU. Angela Merkel insists Article 50 must be triggered before Brexit talks The people in the majority in the UK voted for leaving, she said. We have not asked them to leave. I think its understandable that a new government will have to take a moment and seek to identify its interests," she added. "So we will wait for the moment when the UK invokes this and applies for this and then we will put our guidelines on the table as to how we see the future relationship. Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Show all 12 1 /12 Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Brexit protest: Thousands march in London A woman poses with a home-made European Union flag as Remain supporters gather on Park Lane in London to show their support for the EU in the wake of Brexit PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Remain supporters demonstrate in Parliament Square PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Tens of thousands of people gathered to protest the result of the EU referendum PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London A majority of people in the capital voted to remain in the European Union Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Protesters chanted: What do we want to do? Stay in the EU PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The march follows a similar rally in Trafalgar Square that was cancelled due to heavy rain but which tens of thousands of people turned up to anyway Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum by 52 per cent to 48 per cent Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London But support for the Leave campaign in urban areas and among young people was significantly lower Rex features Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Marchers gathered at Park Lane at 11am and marched towards Parliament Square PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Some protesters held up baguettes in a display of affection for our continental neighbours PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The disparity between different parts of the country has promoted a four million signature petition calling for a second referendum and even a renewed push for Scotland to cede from the UK PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The events organiser, Kings College graduate Kieran MacDermott, wrote: We can prevent Brexit by refusing to accept the referendum as the final say and take our finger off the self-destruct button" Reuters Speaking in Dublin, Mr Hollande said: "The sooner the negotiations are open the better, and the shorter the better." The Prime Minister has insisted she will not invoke Article 50 of the EUs Treaty of Lisbon to start the talks until after the end of this year. She is sticking to the timescale she set out when she hoped to become prime minister in September, even though she succeeded David Cameron two months earlier than expected after her Tory leadership rivals all fell by the wayside. Mr Hollande, speaking after talks with the Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, said: Should the negotiations be shorter? The most important thing is that they should not drag on." He added: "It's a decision that was taken by the British people...it is the British who will have to bare the consequences. Europe will try its best to give its best relationship with the UK. But there's a time the politicians have to accept this vote. They have to accept the consequences." Ms May is adamant that she will not be rushed into opening the negotiations. Whitehall officials have warned her that the 27 other EU nations will be in the driving seat once they begin partly because a two-year deadline for the process can be extended only if all 27 agree. Responding to Mr Hollandes remarks, Downing Street said Ms May had told him in a telephone call last week that it was going to take some time to prepare for these negotiations. Her spokeswoman added: France is one of our oldest and most important partners, where the depth of our relationship - particularly on security and defence - is very important for both of us. The PM's clear message will be the importance we attach to that relationship. Mr Kenny said Ireland's so-called soft border with Northern Ireland should remain after Brexit. "We do not favour a hard border. Obviously we do not want to see a European border from Dundalk to Derry, that would not be acceptable.We'd be vigilant in terms of people moving through who might have tendencies to be involved in terrorist activities, he said. 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 has formally launched his fight to remain party leader with a pledge to tackle discrimination in the workplace as Labour MPs were accused of deliberately undermining him by not cheering his words at PMQs. Speaking at the UCL Institute of Education the embattled Labour leader laid out the "five ills" of 21st century Britain - inequality, neglect, insecurity, prejudice, and discrimination. Echoing the five giant evils identified by the social reformer William Beveridge in the 1940s, the Labour leader claimed that throughout his leadership campaign he would match each of these ills with a policy solution. His hopes of holding on to his job were boosted after more than 183,000 people paid 25 this week to become registered supporters, enabling them to vote in the party's leadership election. Sources close to the Labour leader believe many of the new supporters have signed up to back Mr Corbyn. Recommended Read more Why Owen Smith would be much worse than Corbyn as Labour leader Mr Corbyn said his plan to combat discrimination in the workplace involved forcing companies with more than 21 employees to publish details of their employees' working conditions, hours and pay. In a speech in London supported by Labour frontbencher Kate Osamor, and activists, the Labour leader said: It is not only women who face workplace discrimination but disabled workers, the youngest and oldest worker, black and ethnic minority workers. Young workers are institutionally discriminated against, not entitled to the full minimum wage, not entitled to equal rates of housing benefit and so many are now saddled with huge student debts, he added. It comes after Labour confirmed on Wednesday that Mr Corbyn and Owen Smith, the former work and pensions secretary, will be the only two candidates on the ballot paper for the postal vote which ends on 24 September. His challenger in the contest Mr Smith became the unity candidate after Angela Eagle, the former business secretary, dropped out of the race to ensure there was just one challenger facing Mr Corbyn. He believes he can win people round. He is not someone who is going to shy away from people who do not agree with him, Mr Smiths spokesperson said. Meanwhile, Mr Corbyns close friend and ally Diane Abbott accused Labour MPs of sulking during the leader's addresses to the House of Commons. The shadow health secretary told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "If Owen Smith wants Jeremy to score over Theresa May in Prime Minister's Questions, he needs to talk to his colleagues. "They refuse to cheer, they sit on their hands, they sulk, they chat among themselves, and some of these Labour MPs need to understand, it's not about supporting Jeremy as a person, it's about going into the chamber for Prime Minister's Questions and supporting your party. "When Theresa May came in she got huge cheers from the Tory benches. When Jeremy came in there was silence." Answering questions following the speech Mr Corbyn indicated that he would not hold grudges against critics in the Parliamentary Labour Party who have sought to oust him, saying: I have an ability to very conveniently forget some of the unpleasant things that are said, because it's not worth it. Asked if he believed he could take Labour into power, Mr Corbyn added: This party is going places. This party is strong. This party is capable of winning a general election and if I am leader of the party I will be that prime minister. 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 Corbyns plan to combat discrimination in the workplace by forcing companies to publish details of their employees pay and equality characteristics could be unlawful, a leading law firm has claimed. The policy, which was announced on Thursday at a speech in London as Mr Corbyn launched his campaign to remain Labour leader, will require all employers with more than 21 staff to publish equality pay audits. Mr Corbyn said the audits would detail pay, grade and hours of every job alongside data on recognised equality characteristics. Recommended Read more Corbyn launches leadership bid as MPs criticised over PMQs silence It is not only women who face workplace discrimination but disabled workers, the youngest and oldest worker, black and ethnic minority workers. Young workers are institutionally discriminated against, not entitled to the full minimum wage, not entitled to equal rates of housing benefit and so many are now saddled with huge student debts, he added. But Sarah Henchoz, a partner at Allen & Overy law firm, responding to the announcement said: Taken at face value, Jeremy Corbyns proposals would be unlawful. Jeremy Corbyn launches Labour leadership bid The principle is an extension of the current Governments gender pay gap reporting requirements but going into such a granular level of detail when it comes to employee pay and equality characteristics would likely mean that employees would be identifiable. This would be a breach of human rights and data protection law and would expose companies to legal challenge and probably also investigations by the ICO and Human Rights Commission, she added. Furthermore, it would be wise to question the quality and accuracy of the data that employers will be able to collect. Employees are not required to provide information on their equality characteristics sexuality, ethnicity, disability etc. to their employer so it may be the case that any data the employer has is not wholly accurate or even representative of its workforce. To require employees to provide this information would mean a change to the law and such a change is unlikely to be supported given these are sensitive matters and would require a substantial intrusion into an employees privacy. A spokesperson for Mr Corbyn, however, dismissed the claim. The information requested by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission would not be specific enough to identify individuals and would therefore not be in breach of the Data Protection Act, they added. Ian de Freitas, a partner at Berwin Leighton Paisner with expertise in privacy law, told The Independent that you need to see a lot more meat on the bones of Mr Corbyns proposal before a judgement on its legality can be reached. He said: My initial reaction was to think about the privacy side of it most people are pretty sensitive about what they get paid. 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. But, he added, it was not unlawful from a data protection or privacy prospective if there is a justifiable reason for publishing the data. If the Labour Party or Jeremy Corbyn puts forward a position which says well it has a benefit to society that outweighs the privacy concerns from a privacy and data protection perspective that might be OK, he said. Its not prima facie unlawful you really need to see the details of the proposal. 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 Corbyns critics warned that they will wage a war of attrition until they force him out of his job after he suggested that Labour MPs who refuse to back him could be sacked by local party activists. Senior Labour MPs rejected Mr Corbyns plea to rally behind them if he defeats his challenger Owen Smith in the September leadership election. They told The Independent they are prepared to trigger another leadership election next year and even a further contest the following year. Many of the MPs who have quit the Labour frontbench because they have no confidence in Mr Corbyn will not return if he defeats Mr Smith. One former shadow Cabinet member said: There will be a process of attrition. Most of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) will not serve under Jeremy. His position is untenable. The sooner he realises that, the better. Another Labour MP said: If we dont win [the leadership] this year, we will do it again next year and, if necessary, the year after. At some point before the next general election, he will go. The only question is when. The threats by the pro and anti-Corbyn camps raised the prospect of Labours civil war continuing after the leadership election. Corbyn aides insisted that he was merely outlining Labours current policy, which allows local parties to trigger a reselection contest if they want their MP to face competition before being chosen to stand at a general election. But MPs claimed he was giving local activists the green light to purge MPs who refused to join his frontbench team. At the launch of his re-election campaign, Mr Corbyn said: At the moment, selection takes place when there is a trigger ballot system, where a constituency party decides whether or not it wishes to have a full selection process. Jeremy Corbyn launches Labour leadership bid Constituency boundary changes to take effect in 2020 will give many local Labour parties the chance to ditch their MP without changing Labour rules to bring in mandatory reselection a change that some left-wing activists and the Unite union want to see. Mr Corbyn said: The sitting MP for any substantial part of the new boundary would have an opportunity to put their name forward. So there would be a full and open selection process for every constituency Labour party throughout the whole of the UK. Mr Corbyn said he would offer the hand of friendship to the MPs who had quit the Labour frontbench but insisted the PLP must respect the result of the leadership election. It's the job, it's the duty, it's the responsibility of every Labour MP to get behind the party at that point and put it there against the Tories about the different, fairer kind of Britain that we can build together, he said. He insisted: This party is going places. This party is strong. This party is capable of winning a general election. Later Mr Corbyn said: It is not up to me who is a candidate or the MP in any constituency. But he hoped there would be a process that strengthens democracy. Mr Smith, who resigned as shadow Work and Pensions Secretary last month, would remain on the backbenches if he fails to oust the Labour leader. He argued that Mr Corbyns remarks about reselecting MPs was at odds with his promise to bring in a new politics. Mr Smith said: It didnt seem very friendly, kind or gentle to me for Jeremy to threaten everybody who works for him with the sack. Its not much of an employer who says work for me, work harder or I am going to sack you all, which is effectively what he is doing today. I think we have just got to bring the party back together. Jeremy, I dont think, is prepared to compromise in any way, shape or form. I dont think he feels he can bring the party back together. Thats why he is talking about reselections. I think he is reconciled, he is fatalistic about the prospect of the party splitting apart and being destroyed. He just wants to control the Labour Party. 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. Corbyn allies are increasingly confident he will be re-elected after more than 180,000 people paid 25 in 48 hours this week to become registered supporters and get a vote in the election. Team Corbyn believes that the majority of them will back him. But the anti-Corbyn Saving Labour group insists that it signed up many of the supporters. 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 }} Nearly 40,000 people have lodged a complaint with the police alleging that Nigel Farage incited racial and religious hatred during the European Union referendum campaign. A statement signed by over 39,800 people alleging the offence, was handed into officers at Kentish Town police station at 12.30pm on 20 July 2016. The alleged crime was issued with a reference number by police. Figures released by the National Police Chiefs Council earlier this month show a 42 per cent spike in race and religious hate crimes during and in the wake of the EU referendum campaign. 5 of the worst things Nigel Farage has said about immigration Recommended Read more Nigel Farage flustered by LBC caller over lack of language skills Ukip leader Mr Farage faced criticism during the course of the campaign after he made a number of public statements and unveiled a controversial poster that attracted significant criticism. The so-called Breaking Point poster, unveiled by Mr Farage on the morning of 16 June, depicted Syrian refugees crossing a border in central Europe, thousands of miles from the UK. Critics noted that it only depicted ethnic minorities and that its text appeared to equate the EU with immigration from the Middle East. The statement is handed in at Kentish Town police station Campaign rhetoric referenced in the police complaint include such reported statements by Mr Farage as: I think its legitimate to say that if people feel we have lost control of our borders completely, and we have lost control of our borders completely as members of the European union, and if people feel that voting doesnt change anything, then violence is the next step. When Isil say they will use the migrant tide to flood Europe with 500,000 of their own jihadists, I think we better listen. If you allow the unlimited access to huge number of young males into the European continent, who come from countries where women are at best, second-class citizens, dont be surprised if scenes that we saw in Cologne dont happen more often. Incidents of hate crimes reported on social media since the reported hate crime surge began tend to involve members of the public telling people speaking foreign languages or simply people who are not white to leave or go home. Others involve racist anti-immigrant graffiti, such as that daubed on the Polish cultural centre in Hammersmith, west London. Zack Newman, who created the petition on Change.org in response to the Leave.EU Breaking Point poster said: We need to send a clear signal that in all political campaigns and public life, racism and religious intolerance cannot be used to attract support. Nigel Farage's most controversial moments Show all 12 1 /12 Nigel Farage's most controversial moments Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he unveiled that 'breaking point' poster during the referendum Mr Farage was accused of deploying Nazi-style propaganda when he unveiled a poster showing Syrian refugees travelling to Europe under the next Breaking point. Users on social media were quick to compare the advert to a Nazi propaganda film with similar visuals and featuring Jewish refugees. The poster was particularly controversial because it was unveiled the morning of the killing of Labour MP Jo Cox Rex Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said hed be concerned if his neighbours were Romanian In May 2014 Mr Farage was accused of a racial slur against Romanians after he suggested he would be concerned living next to a house of them. I was asked if a group of Romanian men moved in next to you, would you be concerned? And if you lived in London, I think you would be, he told LBC radio during an interview. Asked whether he would also object to living next to German children, he said: You know the difference Bongarts/Getty Images Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said the EU campaign was won 'without a bullet being fired' Nigel Farage has said the next Prime Minister has to be a Leave supporter AFP/Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he resigned as Ukip leader and came back days later After failing to win the seat of South Thanet at the general election, Nigel Farage stepped down as Ukip leader as he had promised to do during the campaign. Days later on 11 May he un-resigned and said he would stay after being convinced by supporters within the party. Well see how long his resignation lasts this time AP/Matt Dunham Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he blamed immigrants for making him late Mr Farage turned up late to a 25-a-head meet the leader style event in Port Talbot, Wales in December 2014. Asked why he was late, he blamed immigrants. It took me six hours and 15 minutes to get here - it should have taken three-and-a-half to four, he said. That has nothing to do with professionalism, what it does have to do with is a country in which the population is going through the roof chiefly because of open-door immigration and the fact that the M4 is not as navigable as it used to be Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he wanted to ban immigrants with HIV from Britain Mr Farage has used his platform as Ukip leader call for people with HIV to be banned from coming to Britain. Asked in an interview with Newsweek Europe in October 2014 who he thought should be allowed to come to the UK, he said: People who do not have HIV, to be frank. Thats a good start. And people with a skill. He also repeated similar comments in the 2015 general election leadership debates Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he defended the use of a racial slur against Chinese people Defending one of Ukips candidates, who used the word ch**ky to describe a Chinese person, Mr Farage said: If you and your mates were going out for a Chinese, what do you say you're going for?" When he was told by the presented that he honestly would not use the slur, Mr Farage replied: A lot would Lintao Zhang/Getty Images Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said parts of Britain were like a foreign land The Ukip leader used his 2014 conference speech to declare parts of Britain as being like a foreign land. He told his audience in Torquay that parts of the country were unrecognisable because of the number of foreigners there. Mr Farage has also previously said he felt uncomfortable when people spoke other language on a train Screengrab Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said the British army should be deployed to France At the height of trouble at Britains Calais border Mr Farage proposed a novel solution. The Ukip leader called for the British army to be sent to France to put down a migrant rebellion. In all civil emergencies like this we have an army, we have a bit of a Territorial Army as well and we have a very, very overburdened police force and border agency, he said. If in a crisis to make sure weve actually got the manpower to check lorries coming in, to stop people illegally coming to Britain, if in those circumstances we can use the army or other forces then why not AFP/Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said breastfeeding women should sit in the corner Mr Farage sparked protests from mothers after he told women to sit on the corner if they wanted to breastfeed their children. I think that given that some people feel very embarrassed by it, it isnt too difficult to breastfeed a baby in a way that's not openly ostentatious, Mr Farage said. He added: "Or perhaps sit in the corner, or whatever it might be AFP/Getty Images Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said the gender pay gap exists because women are worth less At a Q&A on the European Union in January 2014 Mr Farage said there was no discrimination against women causing the gender pay gap. Instead, he said, women were paid less because they were simply worth far less than many of their male counterparts. A woman who has a client base, has a child and takes two or three years off - she is worth far less to her employer when she comes back than when she went away because that client base won't be stuck as rigidly to her portfolio, he said Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said he actually couldnt guarantee 350m to the NHS after Brexit During the EU referendum campaign the Leave side pledged to spend 350 million a week on the National Health Service claiming that this is what the UK sends to Brussels. Nigel Farage didnt speak out against this figure and also pledged to spend EU cash on the health service and other public services himself. Then the day of the election result he suddenly changed his tone, saying he couldnt guarantee the cash for the NHS and that to pledge to do so was a mistake Getty One petitioner, Angie Porter, said that in her opinion, Mr Farage is personally responsible for stirring up anti-immigrant sentiment (aimed not just at EU migrants all migrants), and that he did so in the pursuit of his own political goals. She added: A swift and serious response to this dangerous and unacceptable behaviour is the only way for the UK to demonstrate that racist politics will not be tolerated. The Independent has contacted Ukip and Leave.EU for comment on this story. 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 }} Britain invests more power in the Prime Minister than almost any other democratic country puts in its leader. That makes the people around them incredibly important. Unlike in America, where Presidents have to contend with a legislature they often dont control and a judiciary that can rule laws they create unconstitutional, British leaders are only appointed if they can control parliament (and Cabinet ministers must be members of it), which gives each PM great power to affect change. They write the agenda, and if they have a majority in the House they can usually force most of their ideas through, especially early in their ministry. The two most powerful women in Europe May, 59, and Merkel, 62 meet as respective leaders for the first time this week. Photo: Getty. Thus those who have the PMs ear can quickly make the law of the land. And, given that Theresa May is, as one journalist put it, a mystery colleagues know as much about her as a Londoner might know about a neighbour, the words of her closest advisers matter even more. Will her administration be Thatcher on steroids, as some Labour voters fear, or considerably more moderate? Under Tony Blair, two backroom advisers were especially critical Alastair Campbell and Jonathan Powell. Alastair Campbell, in the background to the left, was a key force behind Blair. Photo: Getty. (AFP/Getty Images) Under Cameron, the backroom influences who set the tone of the Coalition were Steve Hilton and Andy Coulson. Theresa May has now appointed her key advisers, who will share the role of chief of staff. They are Fiona Hill, a 42-year old Scot, and Nick Timothy, a 36-year old from Birmingham. Over the past eighteen months Hill has tweeted around 500 times, mostly by re-tweeting others. As all Twitterers are told, retweets = endorsements, but we all know thats not true. O'Shaughnessy, Hilton and Silva were key advisers to Cameron in Opposition and in Number 10 during the early years. Photo: Getty. (Getty Images) Timothy has tweeted five times as much, and wrote 19 revelatory columns for Conservative Home over the past nine months. Put together, this is what seems to matters to these two. What follows could soon be government policy. First let's look at Fiona Hill. 1. Modern slavery No subject populated Hills Twitter timeline more over the past eighteen months than modern slavery and human trafficking. The subject cropped up more than 30 times, most often through Hills retweeting of Kevin Hyland, the UKs first Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, who was appointed after the passage of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Hill was clearly a driving force behind the legislation, one of Mays most important while at the Home Office (expect more on the issue, Hill tweeted legislation is only part of the answer). May met with US Secretary of State John Kerry earlier this week. Photo: Getty. (Getty Images) In 2015 she wrote an 80-page report on the subject, which began with the story of: 15-year old Serena forced into appalling and brutal sex with groups of men her story is shocking, her suffering is unimaginable crimes such as this are being replicated in towns and cities across Europe. The report was for the Centre for Social Justice, one of the only two think tanks, along with Reform, that Hill tweeted or retweeted. After a decade in which Policy Exchange has been the most important think tank in Britain (with first Demos and then IPPR mattering most to the Left), the CSJ and Reform look likely to replace them as this governments preferred policy hubs. 2. Womens equality Two dozen times, Hills timeline touched on the underrepresentation of women and discrimination against them, or praised female achievements. She twice RTd calls for a statue of a woman in Parliament Square (it contains nine men), as well as research on Whitehalls diversity reserve only three women currently serve as Permanent Secretaries, all in smaller departments; the way female journalists are under-promoted and under-paid; the need to have more women in finance and in business; and the proportion of women in EU parliaments, highlighting the UKs middling ranking (just under a quarter of MPs are female). She shone a light on a Mail magazine cover that featured six male (and greyed) newcasters and no women, and tweeted hashtags such as #pledgeforparity and #womenofyear. She also retweeted Lynne Featherstones book on the fight to legalise same-sex marriage, and shared a tweet declaring diversity, dialogue and differences are the true richness of any democracy. 3. A Remainer and internationalist On the eve of the EU referendum, Hill retweeted a pro-EU postcard written by a French woman (I love you, stay with us!) and a tweet praying the charisma of Scottish women I once saw as political foes save me from the swivelly obsessions of old Englishmen. She also highlighted the benefits of EU security, retweeting pieces by Tory greybeards William Hague and Malcolm Rifkind on the issue, while dismissing the pro-Brexit comments of Ron Noble, a former Interpol chief wheeled out by Sun. One RT suggested Hill was confident of a swing back to status quo in the polls, and while she hoped the SNP would help the UK stay in, she is no fan of the party, who she agreed ran Project Garbage on NHS during the Scottish referendum. 4. She agreed with Nick Nick Timothy that is, her co-chief of staff. She tweeted or retweeted him 17 times, often sharing his pieces for Conservative Home. After years working together and under May at the Home Office, the two seem to have a formidable and coherent working relationship. Thats in contrast to David Camerons two most important early advisers Hilton and Coulson who were barely speaking to one another when they entered Number 10 after years clashing at Conservative Campaign Headquarters. She twice backed him on free schools (Timothy left the Home Office to run the New Schools Network), and also supported his view of faith schools (they should be allowed where parents want them). May's Cabinet will carry out government policy, but her backroom advisers will be critical in shaping it. Photo: Getty. (Getty Images) Both advisors seem largely supportive of Michael Goves reforms to the education system, with Hill also RTing a tweet mocking how the head of the National Teachers Union likes to quote Marx. She also shared tweets by Damian Green, the new Welfare Secretary, four times, including one in which Green praised Hill and Timothy, calling them powerful, knowledgeable, experienced and quipping, They werent just people dragged in at 22. Green, like Phil Hammond, was born within a year of May and was at Oxford at the same time; he is expected to be one of her most loyal and influential ministers. 5. Fighting inequality Perhaps most tellingly, Hill retweeted a Guardian piece on The new Washington consensus time to fight rising inequality. Her timeline is peppered with comments on creating a more caring society. She shared tweets about disability care, employment and abuse, as well a piece on the devastation of mental illness, and one on the life of children in care (like growing up in a pinball machine). She backs the Better Broadband For All campaign, celebrated that more young people are volunteering, RTd a link on how Finance SHOULD shrink, but wont and another on How to create banking standards. Hill rarely tweeted herself, but did so when about to chair a session on debt and moneylending, calling it a massive issue, and noting almost 9 million people struggle with it, with an estimated 310,000 borrowing from illegal moneylenders. She highlighted the governments Higher Education Green paper, specifically its aim to get more disadvantaged & BME students into universities, as well as backing the creation of more routes into technical education and supporting the idea of making it less bureaucratic to establish a new university. To her the disadvantaged are white, poor and working class boys as much as any other group; she shared facts on how they are the least likely to take A-levels and that in Stockton baby boys live to 67, while in Belgravia they reach 91. 6. She isnt a zealot No fan of Nigel Farage, she tweeted Bye bye Nigel in celebrating his Thanet loss during last years general election and five-times retweeted mocking tweets about George Galloways failure to retain his seat. Away from politics, she seems to be a fan of Victoria Wood, Wimbledon AFC and The Archers. More notably, she has also been supportive of the BBC. In a rare Twitter speech, she called it a unique brand, and Britains equivalent to Google and Facebook, while also RTing Jeremy Vines line that No else does what we do. Yes it needs to modernise. But stop banging it for fun. Why hurt it? And why do journos always suffer the cuts? She twice tweeted in support of investigate journalism, both at the Beeb and Channel 4. Time will tell if she welcomes investigation centered on Number 10 or the government in the coming months and years. Tomorrow well take a closer look at Timothy. 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 }} Police in Brazil have arrested 10 people alleged to be planning a large-scale terrorist attack at the upcoming Rio de Janeiro Olympic games. Two more suspects are said to be on the loose just two weeks before the Olympics begin on 5 August. The group is not thought to be directly linked to the so-called Islamic State (Isis), but is reported to have tried to make contact with the extremist organisation. The arrests were made in 10 different states including Sao Paolo and Parana in the south of the country. Brazilian Justice Minister Alexandre Moraes has said all the suspects are from Brazil and one is a minor, according to Associated Press. The detainees are suspected of pledging allegiance to Isis through social media apps and discussing the use of weapons to carry out an attack. Mr Moraes said there was no specific target for an attack and an emergency cabinet meeting has been called. France attack: Mourners pay respects in Nice They were complete amateurs and ill-prepared to actually launch at attack, Mr Moraes said. A few days ago they said they should start practicing martial arts, for example. However Mr Moraes said even disorganized groups should be taken seriously. Last week, a top military aide in Brazil said concerns about terrorism had reached a higher level after the Bastille Day attack in Nice. In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte Isis fighters parade through in Sirte in 2015 In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte Islamic State (IS) group jihadists on the outskirts of Libya's western city of Sirte AFP/Getty In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte A photo of a billboard in Sirte, Libya, listing seven rules for women's clothing, saying they must be loose-fitting and undecorated HRW/social media In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte Isis militants process down a street in the coastal city of Sirte in Libya this week; the group has heralded Libya as its strategic gateway to attack Europe AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte An Isis lecture on Sharia at the Ouagadougou complex in Sirte, Libya, in 2016. HRW/social media In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte A sign reading "The city of Sirte, under the shadow of Sharia" as smoke rises in the background while forces aligned with Libya's new unity government advance on the eastern and southern outskirts of the Islamic State stronghold of Sirte on 9 June. Reuters In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte Fighters loyal to Libya's GNA prepare to launch attacks against Isis as they continue their resistance on the outskirts of the western city of Sirte Getty In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte Forces loyal to Libya's UN-backed unity government are seen during clashes with jihadists of the Islamic State (IS) on the western outskirts of Sirte on June 2, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte Forces loyal to Libya's UN-backed unity government fire during clashes with Isis around 14 miles west of Sirte on June 2, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Libya On Tuesday, a Brazilian jihadist group, not yet confirmed to be the same group that has been arrested, became the first in South America to pledge allegiance to Isis. According to extremist monitoring group SITE Intelligence, a channel on the Telegram app called Ansar al-Khilafah #Brazil has posted a message of support for Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. 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 }} New York City police have ended an overnight standoff with a man who they believe tossed an apparent fake bomb into a squad van prior to the arrest. The suspect, 52 year-old Hector Meneses, was taken into custody after he locked himself in his minivan in Columbus Circle, a high-traffic segment of Midtown Manhattan just north of Times Square where police suspect he threw the fake explosive late Wednesday night, ABC 7 reported. Recommended Read more Man arrested for allegedly tweeting bomb threat during Trump rally The standoff ended around 7.45 am local time, according to NYPD Chief James P ONeill. Meneses was carried off on a stretcher, reportedly to wearing a red helmet, sunglasses, and what was described as tactical vest. I have a bomb on me and I want to die, the suspect reportedly told officers. Police recovered 19 LED lights, wires, and a remote in the mans vehicle after his arrest. Chief ONeill said he had been trying to make a bomb, but didnt even get close to an improvised device, according to a reporter on the scene. Bystanders who witnessed the conclusion of the hours-long standoff were shocked to find out what had been going on just as rush hour traffic was descending on the city. We heard a cop saying, Come out with your hands up. Next thing I know a cop tells us to leave, Jennifer Constanza told the New York Daily News. They told us a suicide bomber was nearby. The 59th Street Columbus Circle subway station was closed, and commuters were instructed by transit police to plan around the closure. Members of SWAT teams, K-9 units, and bomb squads were present during the standoff. Two NYPD officers are being heralded for their heroics prior to the incident when the suspect allegedly tossed the fake bomb through an open window in the police van parked in Times Square. CCTV of fake bomb in Times Square According to the Daily News, Sgt Hameed Armani and Officer Peter Cybulski did not try to throw what they believed to be a bomb outside the vehicle, or flee, but instead drove the van away from the popular tourist destination. "We knew what each other was thinking," said Officer Cybulski. "We weren't going to let anything happen in Times Square." Sgt Armani added: "We both said our prayers." Bomb squad determined the object to be a hoax device a candle, a cylindrical electrical device, and a flashing LED light after examination. Police evacuated and cordoned off the surrounding area. Meneses was taken to Bellevue Hospital for psychiatric evaluation. He is being treated as "mentally disturbed". 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 US may not come to the aid of its Nato allies under attack if Donald Trump becomes president because domestic issues in America must be given priority, the Republican hopeful has said. Mr Trump's remarks are at odds with Natos core principle of collective defence for members, which has been in place since the formation of the alliance at the beginning of the Cold War. The US, he said, needs to try to fix our own mess before coming to the aid of foreign partners. 10 of the scariest things Donald Trump has ever said I dont think we have a right to lecture, Mr Trump said in an interview with the New York Times. Look at what is happening in our country. How are we going to lecture when people are shooting policemen in cold blood? He said that under his leadership, the US would first consider countries contribution to the Nato alliance before coming to their aid, and added that other member states should begin bearing more of the defence costs borne by Washington. Mr Trumps comments could cause anxiety among Baltic states, many of which see Nato as a key guard against Russian belligerence. Recommended Read more Trump campaign admits Melania speech was cribbed from Michelle Obama When asked if the US would automatically protect these countries from Russian aggression, he said it would depend on their contributions: If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes. The world would learn to adjust to his approach, Mr Trump said. I would prefer to be able to continue with existing international agreements, he said, but only if America was not asked to continue to pay for what he called an era of American largesse he claimed was no longer affordable. Speaking about plans to have a less interventionist foreign policy, Mr Trump highlighted economic concerns in the US, and said he would press on with his America First rallying cry. Donald Trump's most controversial quotes Show all 14 1 /14 Donald Trump's most controversial quotes Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Isis: "Some of the candidates, they went in and didnt know the air conditioner didnt work and sweated like dogs, and they didnt know the room was too big because they didnt have anybody there. How are they going to beat ISIS?" Getty Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On immigration: "I will build a great wall and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me and Ill build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words." Reuters Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Free Trade: "Free trade is terrible. Free trade can be wonderful if you have smart people. But we have stupid people." PAUL J. RICHARDS | AFP | Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Mexicans: "When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. Theyre sending people that have lots of problems. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists." Getty Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On China: "I just sold an apartment for $15 million to somebody from China. Am I supposed to dislike them?... I love China. The biggest bank in the world is from China. You know where their United States headquarters is located? In this building, in Trump Tower." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On work: "If you're interested in 'balancing' work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them. Instead make your work more pleasurable." AP Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On success: "What separates the winners from the losers is how a person reacts to each new twist of fate." Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On life: "Everything in life is luck." AFP Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On ambition: "You have to think anyway, so why not think big?" Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On his opponents: "Bush is totally in favour of Common Core. I don't see how he can possibly get the nomination. He's weak on immigration. He's in favour of Common Core. How the hell can you vote for this guy? You just can't do it." Reuters Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Obamacare: "You have to be hit by a tractor, literally, a tractor, to use it, because the deductibles are so high. It's virtually useless. And remember the $5 billion web site?... I have so many web sites, I have them all over the place. I hire people, they do a web site. It costs me $3." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Barack Obama: "Obama is going to be out playing golf. He might be on one of my courses. I would invite him. I have the best courses in the world. I have one right next to the White House." PA Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On himself: "Love him or hate him, Trump is a man who is certain about what he wants and sets out to get it, no holds barred. Women find his power almost as much of a turn-on as his money." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On America: "The American Dream is dead. But if I get elected president I will bring it back bigger and better and stronger than ever before and we will make America great again." GETTY If we decide we have to defend the United States, we can always deploy from American soil, he said, and it will be a lot less expensive. He added: We are going to take care of this country first, before we worry about everyone else in the world. 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 }} For a three-day conference of world leaders, there could never have been a larger and more all-encompassing subject to tackle. How to beat Isis. Not just one cell or group of people, but a vast swathe of affiliated networks across the world who are adept at social media, recruitment and planning deadly and elaborate attacks. The summit of global leaders in Washington DC starts one day after a pot of money has been pledged - $2.1 billion to help assist the people of Iraq as they move back into their homes and who are desperately in need of food and water. In the opening remarks for the conference, US secretary of state John Kerry welcomed the attendees - a whos who in the corridors of power, from the UKs new foreign secretary Boris Johnson as well as heads of state from countries including France, Finland, Sweden, Canada, Japan, Kuwait and Australia, as well as the FBI and military leaders. We are engaged in an historic effort, said Mr Kerry. Nothing like this coalition has ever before been assembled. And were not following a manual on antiterrorist coalition-building, were writing it. France attack: Mourners pay respects in Nice The conference will focus, he said, on sharing ideas, learning about different situations and challenges facing each country, from domestic terror attacks in the US like San Bernardino and Orlando, to the Nice and Paris attacks in France and airport security in Turkey, to the devastating war in Syria which has displaced millions and triggered the largest refugee crisis since World War II. In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Show all 12 1 /12 In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Smoke rises after airstrikes by US-led coalition planes as Iraqi security forces advance against Islamic State extremists in Fallujah, June 15, 2016 AP In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Iraqi security forces advance during heavy fighting against Isis militants in Fallujah, Iraq, on 14 June AP In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Shia militia say that moving resources from Fallujah towards the area near Mosul was a 'betrayal' of the battle for the city GETTY In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Hospital sources said 18 bodies were recovered from the river over the weekend AP In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Up to 60,000 civilians were feared trapped in Fallujah at the start of the Iraqi operation AP In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Shia fighters hold an Isis flag in an operation east of Fallujah the terror group has lost ground in both Syria and Iraq AFP/Getty In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Shia fighters hold their weapons as they gather near Falluja, Iraq, June 4, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Pro-government forces bid to take back ground from Isis in Fallujah MOADH AL-DULAIMI/AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Smoke billows on the horizon as Iraqi military forces prepare for an offensive to retake the city AP In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah A member of the Iraqi security forces fires artillery during clashes with Isis militants near Fallujah, Iraq, 29 May, 2016 Reuters In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Iraqi government forces fire a rocket near al-Sejar village, north-east of Fallujah, on May 26, 2016, as they take part in a major assault to retake the city from the Islamic State group AFP/Getty In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Shia fighters and Iraqi security forces advance towards Fallujah Thaier Al-Sudani/Reuters The so-called Counter-ISIL coalition was first summoned by president Obama two years ago. And in the wake of the attack in Nice this month where a lorry driver ploughed into Bastille Day crowds, killing 84 outright, president Obama vowed that he would never give up on diplomacy. Mr Kerry, starting the summit on an optimistic note, told the audience that US airstrikes have driven Daesh out of nearly half the territory it once occupied in Iraq and out of 20 per cent of its territory in Syria, cutting down terrorist fighters by a third. The coalition also hopes that around 40,000 citizens will return to the embattled and bulldozed city of Fallujah in the coming weeks. Yet, skewing the numbers another way, terrorists still claim 80 per cent of their territory in Syria and two thirds of the fighters are at large. In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte Isis fighters parade through in Sirte in 2015 In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte Islamic State (IS) group jihadists on the outskirts of Libya's western city of Sirte AFP/Getty In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte A photo of a billboard in Sirte, Libya, listing seven rules for women's clothing, saying they must be loose-fitting and undecorated HRW/social media In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte Isis militants process down a street in the coastal city of Sirte in Libya this week; the group has heralded Libya as its strategic gateway to attack Europe AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte An Isis lecture on Sharia at the Ouagadougou complex in Sirte, Libya, in 2016. HRW/social media In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte A sign reading "The city of Sirte, under the shadow of Sharia" as smoke rises in the background while forces aligned with Libya's new unity government advance on the eastern and southern outskirts of the Islamic State stronghold of Sirte on 9 June. Reuters In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte Fighters loyal to Libya's GNA prepare to launch attacks against Isis as they continue their resistance on the outskirts of the western city of Sirte Getty In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte Forces loyal to Libya's UN-backed unity government are seen during clashes with jihadists of the Islamic State (IS) on the western outskirts of Sirte on June 2, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Sirte Forces loyal to Libya's UN-backed unity government fire during clashes with Isis around 14 miles west of Sirte on June 2, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Isis' Libyan stronghold of Sirte Isis in Libya Mr Kerry likened Isis to a bacteria or a virus, resilient and adaptable to changing conditions. It requires a multi-faceted attack - an attack against its supply lines, its oil facilities, tanker trucks and cash storage sites. The US already has information sharing agreements with 55 international partners to track down terrorists. The first clear goal is to counter Isis in Syria, Iraq, followed by Afghanistan and Libya, and as defense secretary Ash Carter described it, the intangible geography and terrain of the internet. Over 20 of Isis external operators are dead, so far. In the meantime, the cancer is spreading, developing expertise in more foreign languages and establishing contacts around the world. While words like caliphate and Allahu Akbar are always wet on the lips of Donald Trump and his allies, Mr Kerry restrained from peddling Islamophobic talk during his opening speech. Yet to understand how to defeat the network, he said leaders must be clear on the purpose of Isis. To kill as many people as it can, in as many places as possible, said Mr Kerry. In the immediate absence of any great diplomatic ideas, the conference is unlikely to avert the continuation of war. The US has made it clear, and very early on. It is equally determined to kill as many Isis leaders as it can, and in as many places as possible. 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 Muslim man was removed from an American Airlines flight after a flight attendant publicly announced his name, seat number and said she would be watching him. Mohamed Ahmed Radwan had boarded a plane in Charlotte, North Carolina and the flight attendant went to the tannoy and said: Mohamed Ahmed, Seat 25-A: I will be watching you. The employee made no other announcements about any other passenger. Mr Radwan asked the employee why she had made the announcements. She reportedly responded that he was being too sensitive. The passenger then reported the incident to two other American Airlines employees. He was told he must leave the plane as he had made the first air stewardess uncomfortable. The Council on American-Islamic Relations has filed a complaint about the incident, which happened in December last year, to the Department of Transportation after failing to resolve the matter directly with the airline. Video shows Muslims kicked off flight CAIRs staff lawyer, Maha Sayed, wrote in the complaint that Mr Radwan was singled out and unjustifiably removed from the plane due to racial discrimination. Given the continuing rise of anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate crimes occurring throughout the United States, this type of reckless and harmful conduct should not be tolerated by our nation's airlines, which are legally charged with safely carrying all individuals who are rightfully present in an equal and nondiscriminatory manner, without regard to their religious affiliation or ethnicity, the letter read. This incident is particularly troubling given the recent wave of incidents in which airline personnel have arbitrarily removed passengers of Muslim and/or Middle Eastern background without an objectively reasonable cause or explanation, Ms Sayed added. An American Airlines spokeswoman said in a statement: American [Airlines] was contacted by CAIR earlier this year. We thoroughly reviewed these allegations and concluded that no discrimination occurred. We serve customers of all backgrounds and faiths and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. In April, a Muslim woman was removed from a Southwest Airlines plane at a Chicago airport after she had asked to switch seats as she was told she had made the flight attendant uncomfortable. A Muslim family of five were also escorted off a United Airlines flight in March for how they looked. They said they had asked staff if there were any safety harnesses for their three children. The pilot told them they had to leave as it was a safety issue. 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 }} More than a dozen people were arrested on the third day of the Republican convention as protesters clashed with police. 17 arrests were made on Wednesday, bringing the total number over the past three days to 22. Two police officers also reportedly received minor injuries. Recommended Read more Trump campaign admits Melania speech was cribbed from Michelle Obama Police in black riot gear and mounted on horses were deployed to the streets of Cleveland, Ohio, where the convention is taking place. Tensions rose further after protesters burned an American flag, and police hurriedly put out the flames. Most of the protesting has occurred in Public Square, close to the convention arena. They were given orders to dispense but some refused. Clashes happened between protesters themselves. Police put out the flames from a burning flag (Getty) Police officers were called to briefly separate the two groups and keep them from fighting. While delegates inside the convention were shouting "lock her up", referring to Hillary Clinton, around 100 protesters outside lined up and held a fabric "wall" to protest at Mr Trump's calls to build a wall along the US-Mexican border. 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 victim of a serial rapist was imprisoned for a month to make sure she would testify after she suffered a mental breakdown. The woman, named only as Jenny, is suing Harris County in Texas and US law enforcement for unspecified damages. Jenny, who suffers from bipolar disorder, experienced a psychological break while on the witness stand. She walked out into traffic outside the Harris County Criminal Courthouse and was then involuntarily committed to a psychiatric ward in St. Joseph's Hospital. But following her release, she was put into general population at the Harris County jail over the Christmas holidays. Jenny is homeless and officials used an attachment order, allowed under Texas law, to detain her. While in prison she was allegedly assaulted by another inmate and had her head smashed against some concrete. According to her lawyer, Sean Buckley, Jenny did not receive her medication while she was incarcerated and suffered another mental breakdown. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Mr Buckley said: "The prosecutors, for their own convenience, just wanted to dominate and control my client," "And the best way for them to do that was to put her in the Harris County jail as a material witness," Chron reports. "It goes beyond just negligence," he added. "The District Attorney's office could have resolved this by just giving her victims' services and helping her instead of trying to control her out of laziness." Jenny was allowed out of jail on 11 January and testified against her attacker, Keith Hendricks, who was later jailed for raping several women and given two life sentences. Officials at the Harris County Sheriff's office are investigating the allegations. 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 }} Only days after reproductive rights advocates celebrated the Supreme Courts decision to overturn a law that would have shuttered the vast majority of abortion clinics in Texas, Gov Greg Abbott quietly proposed new rules that would require aborted foetuses to be buried or cremated. Mr Abbott published the proposal 1 July to be available for public comment for 30 days. Following that period, the new rules could easily be implemented, bypassing a vote by state legislators. Recommended Read more Supreme Court strikes down controversial Texas abortion restrictions Governor Abbott believes human and foetal remains should not be treated like medical waste, and the proposed rule changes affirms the value and dignity of all life, the governors spokesperson, Ciara Matthews, told the Associated Press. In Texas, state agencies can implement new rules without receiving formal approval from lawmakers. Although, it is unusual for governors to propose the rule themselves, but agency staff. Along with his appointed director of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Mr Abbott proposed the new rules without formal review period with the agency. Abortion rights advocates see the move as yet another effort by the anti-abortion governor to make abortion inaccessible for Texas women, and the new rules would bring non-medical ceremonial, non-medical processes into medical regulation. I think the biggest point is you have [a state] agency, through the governors fiat, propose his own idea of tradition and ceremony into a space where it doesnt belong, legal counsel for NARAL Pro-Choice Texas Blake Rocap told The Independent. Its obviously another way to make the provision of medical care harder in the state of Texas, he added. Its another obstacle and hoop for doctors to have to jump through at no discernable benefit to anyone. Mr Rocap explained that, at this stage, it remains unclear the full impact the new rules would have on women seeking abortions and the clinics themselves an issue he attributes to the hastiness of the rules publication. Theres no information about how they would enforce. Once they publish the rule, theres no guidance, he said. I can say that it definitely involves a separate contractor licensed funeral home, funeral home director, or cemetery that currently is not involved in the provision of medical care. No one knows the extent they have to comply. Women on the front line of America's abortion war Show all 3 1 /3 Women on the front line of America's abortion war Women on the front line of America's abortion war IA28-34-Abortion-2.jpg AP Women on the front line of America's abortion war IA34-Janis.jpg Women on the front line of America's abortion war IA28-34-abortion-3.jpg AP For instance, cremations in Texas require the issuance of a death certificate from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Mr Abbotts rules, however, do not stipulate whether or not such a certificate would be required if foetal tissue is sent to a crematorium. If so, Mr Rocap warns, it could effectively create a public database of women who have had abortions in Texas. The new rules also have the potential for women who wish to donate foetal tissue for scientific research purposes this could include families who have suffered miscarriages who decide to sent foetal tissue to pathology to learn why the pregnancy did not come to term. If this tissue has to be cremated or buried, families dont have the advantage of modern science to have healthy pregnancy, Mr Rocap said. Much of the language coming from Mr Abbotts administration, he added, seems to stem from the debunked claim by an anti-abortion organisation, Center for Medical, Progress that Planned Parenthood sold foetal tissue for profit. Abortion rights activists celebrating after the Supreme Court struck down Texas' restrictive HB2 law (Pete Marovich/Getty) If you look at all of these anti abortion regulations, they are all based on false premises, he said. They are telling lies about medical practice ... and turning those lies into laws. Gov Abbotts proposed rules are similar to a portion of an Indiana bill signed into law by GOP vice presidential candidate Gov Mike Pence, which was similar to Texas HB2 and included foetal remain rules, according to the AP. A federal judge granted an injunction after the Supreme Court decided against the Texas law. Indiana infamously convicted 33-year-old Purvi Patel for feticide and neglect of a dependent after suffering a miscarriage. Ms Patel admitted to disposing of the foetus in a dumpster after going to the hospital for excessive bleeding. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison in March 2015. The state of Ohio, too, enacted rules requiring foetuses be disposed of in a humane manner the definition of which remains unclear. Mr Rocap said that representatives from NARAL are bringing their grievances about Mr Abbotts break in procedure to the HHSC, and encouraged the governor to bring the issue to a public debate. We can have a debate about whether it is appropriate or not to do foetal tissue research, he said. Lets hear from the scientists who are doing the research. ... It shows a real lack of courage and leadership to do it in the dark of night. 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 }} An unarmed care worker was shot by police in North Miami while attempting to calm down his autistic patient. Charles Kinsey, a behavioural therapist, had his hands up and said he was unarmed when police marksmen opened fire. The incident occurred after police responded to an emergency call reporting a man with a gun threatening to commit suicide. Mr Kinsey later said the patients toy truck had been mistaken for a gun. Video of the incident shows Mr Kinsey lying on the ground and trying to calm down his patient, who was sitting next to him. He can be heard in the footage of the incident trying to explain the situation to the police. All he has is a toy truck. A toy truck. I'm a behaviour therapist at a group home, Mr Kinsey can be heard saying. Despite Mr Kinseys reassurances, he was shot in the leg, and then briefly handcuffed by officers before being taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Speaking to reporters from his hospital bed after he was shot, Mr Kinsey told WSVN TV: Im going to the ground, just like this with my hands up. And Im laying down here just like this. And Im telling him again, Sir, theres no need for firearms. Im unarmed, this is an autistic guy. He has a toy truck in his hand. When he shot me, it was so surprising. It was like a mosquito bite. And when he hit me, Im like, I still got my hands in the air. I said, You know, I just got shot. And Im saying to them, Sir, why did you shoot me? And his words to me, he said, I dont know. The policeman who shot Mr Kinsey has been put on administrative leave as the shooting is investigated, North Miami Police Department told WPLG TV. During the incident, Mr Kinsey was more worried about his patient than himself, he told reporters. Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Show all 19 1 /19 Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protestors demand justice for Philando Castile on July 7, 2016 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Stephen Maturen/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protestors lie in an intersection during a demonstration for Philando Castile on July 7, 2016 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Stephen Maturen/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protestors lie in an intersection during a demonstration for Philando Castile on July 7, 2016 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Stephen Maturen/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protestors demand justice for Philando Castile on July 7, 2016 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Stephen Maturen/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protesters march throughout New York City. Timothy A Clary/AFP/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protesters march throughout New York City. Timothy A Clary/AFP/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protesters are arrested by NYPD as they call for justice throughout New York City. Timothy A Clary/AFP/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protesters are arrested by NYPD as they call for justice throughout New York City. AFP/Getty Images Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police AFP/Getty Images Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police AFP/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police AFP/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police AFP/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police AFP/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police AFP/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police AFP/Getty Images Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Getty He said: I was really more worried about him than myself, because as long as Ive got my hands up, theyre not going to shoot me. This is what Im thinking, Theyre not going to shoot me. Wow, was I wrong. 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 }} A popular criticism of Hillary Clinton amongst conservatives at the Republican National Convention zeroes in on her role in the attack on the US embassy in Benghazi, Libya. The attack claimed the lives of four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens, and Ms Clinton has undergone thorough investigation by Republicans in Congress who have all found no evidence of the former Secretary of States culpability. Yet, the subject still remains a point of concern for prominent Republicans and their voters. Recommended Read more Benghazi report is nothing more than political warfare In his Wednesday night speech which garnered massive attention for his lack of endorsement of Donald Trump Texas Sen Ted Cruz said Ms Clinton responds to the death of Americans in Benghazi, What difference does it make? Ms Clintons quote has come up numerous times during convention theatrics, but taken in full context, it is not nearly as dismissive as Ms Clintons opponents would like US voters to believe. The, What difference does it make? quote comes from testimony during a 2013 Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing when Republican senator Ron Johnson pressed Ms Clinton to answer a question about the cause of the attack. Republicans blast Hillary Clinton in Benghazi report Mr Johnson, who spoke at the convention Tuesday, continuously asked Ms Clinton whether or not she should have called people who were evacuated from the 11 September 2012 attack to determine whether it had been orchestrated or stemmed from a protest outside the embassy. No, again, we were misled that there were supposedly protests and that something sprang out of that an assault sprang out of that and that was easily ascertained that that was not the fact, Mr Johnson said in 2013, and the American people could have known that within days, and they didnt know that. Ms Clinton, growing more frustrated with the senators line of questioning, gave a stern response. With all due respect, the fact is we had four dead Americans, she said. Was it because of a protest or was it because of guys out for a walk one night who decided that theyd they go kill some Americans? What difference at this point does it make? Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi Show all 17 1 /17 Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi Pete Marovich/Bloomberg/Getty Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg/Getty Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi AFP/Getty Images Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi Evan Vucci/AP Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi AP Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi Carolyn Kaster/AP Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi Carolyn Kaster/AP Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Hillary Clinton testifies before House Select Committee on Benghazi Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty She continued: It is our job to figure out what happened and do everything we can to prevent it from ever happening again, senator. Now, honestly, I will do my best to answer your questions about this, but the fact is that people were trying in real time to get to the best information. The [Intelligence Community] has a process, I understand, going with the other committees to explain how these talking points came out. But you know, to be clear, Ms Clinton added, it is, from my perspective, less important today looking backwards as to why these militants decided they did it than to find them and bring them to justice, and then maybe well figure out what was going on in the meantime. The House Select Committee on Benghazi released its final report in June that found no new evidence of wrongdoing by Ms Clinton. The 800-page report still criticised the Defense Department for their inability to respond to the attack in time, the New York Times reported. The assets ultimately deployed by the Defense Department in response to the Benghazi attacks were not positioned to arrive before the final, lethal attack, the committee wrote. The fact that this is true does not mitigate the question of why the worlds most powerful military was not positioned to respond. Democrats rebuked the committee, which cost more than $7m, calling it a political attack on Ms Clinton with the intent to thwart her run for the White House. After the latest report was released, Ms Clinton said, I think its pretty clear its time to move on. VFF Central Committee President Nguyen Thien Nhan reports voters' concerns and aspirations at the 14th NA's first session (Photo: VNA) Voters nationwide voiced their hope that deputies elected to the NA and Peoples Councils will fully realise the action plans and promises they made, suggesting that a mechanism should be put in place to empower the VFF to monitor the work. The deputies should perform their duty as representatives of the people by honestly and fully coveying voters ideas, requests and aspirations to the NA and State agencies, they said. Lauding the 13th NAs efforts in building and approving the 2013 Constitution as well as its reform through organising question-and-answer sessions, voters also pointed to the shortcoming of the previous NA, including the loose coordination in writing law that led to mistakes in some legal documents. They also urged the NA, Government and judicial agencies to continue speeding up measures to prevent and combat corruption. Voters and citizens expressed their concern and anger at Chinas illegal reclamation and construction of works and deployment of armed forces in islands and reefs belonging to Vietnams Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos, together with violent acts against Vietnamese fishermen. These actions have caused instability in the region, threatening the freedom of navigation in the East Sea and violating the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Declaration on Conduct of Parties in the East Sea signed by ASEAN and China, they noted. They expressed hope that the Party and State will continue rolling out resolute and effective measures to safeguard the national sovereignty over seas and islands in a peaceful manner. At the same time, voters voiced their concern over the serious environmental pollution and depleted natural resources due to industrial production, mining and the operation of trade villages, which affect the sustainable development of the country and future generations. They lauded the Governments efforts in investigating the reasons for mass fish deaths along the coasts of four central provinces and in handling Formosa Ha Tinh for causing the unprecedented environmental incident. They urged the Government and local administrations to seek measures to deal with short-term and long-term consequences of the incident, while supervising Formosa Ha Tinh in fully realising their commitments. The voters also requested support from the Government in implementing measures to minimise climate change impacts. Meanwhile, food safety was also among the concerns of voters who voiced their hope for urgent solutions to bring about basic changes in awareness and social responsibility of agricultural and food producers and traders in the field. Also, they highlighted the need to enhance the quality of higher and post-graduate education, as well as the creation of jobs for college and university graduates, together with better health care services. Voters in some localities also raised objections to high road tolls. During the first NA session, VFF Central Committee President Nguyen Thien Nhan also proposed some solutions to specific problems raised by voters./. 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 }} Donald Trumps running mate, Indiana Gov Mike Pence, is a staunch opponent of abortion having signed into law a restrictive measure against clinics that offer the procedure. But he also has spoken out against condoms, claiming they are not an effective defence against sexually transmitted diseases. Buzzfeed unearthed Mr Pences 2002 comments which he made in response to then-Secretary of State Colin Powells remarks about safe-sex amongst young Americans. I think its important for young people, especially, to protect themselves from the possibility of acquiring any sexually transmitted disease, Mr Powell said at an MTV town hall presentation, but especially to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS, which is a plague that is upon the face of the earth. While a US Representative from Indiana, Mr Pence criticised Mr Powell for his promotion of condoms as STD protection. Given the enormous stature that Colin Powell rightly has, not only in America but in the world community, it was a sad day, the current vice presidential candidate told CNNs Wolf Blitzer. I dont think any administration has had a worst day since boxers and briefs on MTV, he added, referring to a question presented to President Bill Clinton in 1994 on a similar programme. Mr Pence continued: And the truth is that Colin Powell had an opportunity here to reaffirm [President George W Bushs] commitment to abstinence as the best choice for our young people, and he chose not to do that in the first instance and so I think its very sad. Prayer can cure, churches tell those with HIV Show all 1 1 /1 Prayer can cure, churches tell those with HIV Prayer can cure, churches tell those with HIV 658470.bin The other part is that, frankly, condoms are a very, very poor protection against sexually transmitted diseases, and in that sense the Secretary of State may be inadvertently misleading millions of young people and endangering lives. In the 2002 interview, Mr Pence dismissed Mr Powells suggestion as a modern, liberal answer to a global problem. Mr Pence also spoke out against President Bush's 2003 Aids initiative as an effort to provide relief to the African crisis. It was modeled after a Ugandan so-called "ABC" approach - abstinence, marital fidelity, and condoms. The condoms were a point of contention for Mr Pence and other Republicans in Congress. "I don't think there's any pro-family American who would object to [distribute condoms to Africa] as long as we're able to deliver that consistent with our values and consistent with what we know works," Mr Pence told CNN, asserting that condoms should only be a last resort method. "In the four African nations that exclusively use condoms as a means for AIDS prevention that's where you've seen the incidence of Aids skyrocket in Africa in Kenya and Zimbabwe." According to the Center for Disease Control and Preventions website, however, condoms are highly effective when used consistently and correctly in preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and diseases, as well as HIV and Aids. 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 }} Senator Ted Cruz has further disrupted events in Cleveland defending his decision not to endorse the nominee of the Republican Party, Donald Trump, noting the personal slights that his wife and father had suffered at the hands of the New Yorker during the hard-fought primary season. He would not be a servile puppy dog, he declared. The entire Republican gathering in Cleveland, which had already seemed wobbly at best, was knocked abruptly off the rails entirely on Wednesday night when Senator Cruz, who dropped out of the nomination race on 3 May, delivered a long speech on the convention floor that notably did not offer clear support for Mr Trump. By Thursday morning, Mr Cruz was laying out his reasoning in a manner that amounted not just to an omission of support for Mr Trump but another extraordinary attack on him. He accepted that he had said on a debate stage earlier in the spring that he would support the Republican nominee whomever it ended up being, but said that he had decided to renege on that pledge the day this became personal. He was making reference to the turn in primary process when Mr Trump launched a blistering attack on the Texas Senators wife, Heidi Cruz. Specifically the New Yorker retweeted a meme of his own wife, Melania, and Ms Cruz, that was clearly meant to be an unflattering comparison. A picture is worth a thousand words, Mr Trump added to it. On another occasion Mr Trump insinuated that the Senator's father was connected to the assassination of John F Kennedy Jr. The remarkable ruckus in Cleveland raised the stakes exponentially on the acceptance speech that Mr Trump will give in the Quicken Loans Arena tonight, which is meant to be the moment he projects party unity of which there is very little and his own presence as someone who can lead the country. That pledge was not a blanket commitment that if you go and slander my wife that I am going to come like a servile puppy dog for maligning my wife and maligning my father, Mr Cruz said. It is not a game, it is not politics. Right and wrong matter, he added, addressing members of the Texas delegation in Cleveland. What does it say when you stand up and say vote your conscience and rabid supporters of our nominee begin screaming what a horrible thing to say? It is unclear whether he had understood in advance what his failure to endorse Mr Trump in a prime-time speech would produce on the floor of the arena. As he wound down his speech, a storm of boos erupted. At the same time Mr Trump entered the arena looking angry, his fists in a clench, and the wife of the Senator was escorted out for her own safety by security guards. Later Mr Cruz was further barracked as he navigated the bowels of the arena after his speech. When he attempted to enter the VIP lounge sponsored by Sheldon Adelson, one of the partys top donors, he was turned away. He told the Texan delegation that he had no intention of going so far as to vote for Hillary Clinton in November. He also denied that he was encouraging his supporters to write in his name on the ballot in November and thus withheld their support for Mr Trump. I can tell you, I'm not voting for Hillary, he said. Mr Cruz during the prmary campaign called Mr Trump a pathological liar. 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 }} The choreography said it would be the climax of a night of swelling and harmonious praise of Donald Trump. But when Mike Pence took the stage to accept his vice presidential nomination, delegates on the floor before him were still buzzing about the discordance of Ted Cruz. The failure of Senator Cruz to endorse Mr Trump at the Republican convention in Cleveland on Wednesday night raised the bar for Governor Pence a lot. How could he, in 30 short minutes, repair the damage inflicted just moments before? How could he forge the impression, at least, of unity, when the dirty laundry of disunity had so vividly been put on display? Fortunately, the former US congressman and radio talkshow host, has a soothing way of talking, like a pastor at the pulpit. That description is apt, of course. I am a Christian, a conservative and a Republican in that order, he offered, a phrase that has become almost a mantra with him. Until now he has had to do it all on his own but now with this united party he has back-up, Mr Pence said of the task past and future for Mr Trump, overlooking the embarrassing reality that the party is not united at all and has done a fine job this week of demonstrating it. But in a convention short on conventional moments, Mr Pence managed to return some sense of normality to the proceedings, giving a solid, sometimes self-deprecating address with scattered policy references, on topics from Israel to Isis and the imperative of having Mr Trump choose the next justices of the Supreme Court. At its end, Mr Trump made a brief appearance on stage to congratulate him. But most successful for Mr Pence, as for others in Cleveland, were his fusillades in the direction of the likely Democrat nominee. Lets resolve Hillary Clinton will never become President of the United States of America, he said, later branding her the Secretary of the Status Quo. Once more, his criticisms of Ms Clinton prompted chants from the floor of, Lock her up! Not very well known to America, Mr Pence got a loudly positive reception from the floor of the Quicken Loans Arena with millions watching on primetime TV. The delegates interrupted him with chants of USA, USA and, We like Mike. When Donald Trump becomes President of the United States of Americathe change will be HUGE, he declared to rapturous applause. Governor Pence welcomed to the stage as he accepts vice presidential nomination (Getty) Applauding Mr Trump, he chastised the media. They think they have done him in only to find the next morning when they wake up that Donald Trumps is still standinghe is tough, he perseveres. He added of the man who picked him as his running mate: He's a doer in a game usually reserved for talkers ... He doesn't tiptoe around the rules of political correctness. And he emphasized a point the campaign has worked hard to put front and centre. As they say at home you cant fake good kids, he said of the nominees offspring, three of whom had already addressed the delegates. How about his amazing children, arent they something? The man designated to warm the crowd before the Mike Pence show was New Gingrich, the former House speaker in the first Clinton era, or part of it. As he stepped out on the stage, he was met by scattered but determined boos, yet one more display of party disunity. His first task was to repair some of the damage done by Senator Cruz and his earlier refusal to endorse Mr Trump, suggested delegates had misinterpreted the Senators suggestion that, You can vote for conscious for anyone who will uphold the constitution. He explained: In this election there is only one candidate who will uphold the constitution. If you doubt we are at warlet me refresh your memory, he said, evoking the recent train attack on a train in Germany. He recalled the lorry massacre in Nice, which Isis claimed responsibility for, and went on to list other recent terror attacks around the world. Mr Gingrich, one of the finalists in Mr Trumps search for a running mate before he lost out to Mr Pence, warned: We cannot allow ourselves go numb to these accumulating atrocities. He cited one analysis that since January 2015 some 30,000 people have been killed by terrorists. Donald Trump is right. We are at war with radical Islamists, we are losing the war, he said. We must change course to win the war. . 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 }} The fragile illusion of Republican party unity fell away in Cleveland on Wednesday night, as Ted Cruz, the man who ran Donald Trump the closest for the GOP presidential nomination, was loudly booed by a crowd enraged at his refusal to endorse Mr Trump in his convention speech. A noisy chant of Trump! Trump! Trump! reverberated around the Quicken Loans Arena as it became increasingly clear the Texas Senator would conclude his address without lending explicit support to the Republican nominee. Id like to congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination, said Mr Cruz, perhaps through gritted teeth. But rather than urge the Republican faithful to vote Trump in November, he implored them instead to vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the constitution. He even went so far as to endorse one of Mr Trumps most controversial policies: the building of a border wall. But it was not enough to satisfy the nominees most ardent fans. Mr Cruzs wife, Heidi, was reportedly rushed from the convention hall as the crowd turned on her husband. In an apparent coincidence, as he approached the climax of his speech, the image of the conservative firebrands signature grin on the arenas jumbotron screen began to flicker, as if a Trump goon were somewhere backstage trying to cut the power. Mr Cruz, a distant runner-up in the GOP primary, could surely be forgiven for his reluctance, after being subjected to manifold primary season indignities by the property mogul, who nicknamed him Lyin Ted and launched personal attacks on his wife and father. He responded by describing Mr Trump as, variously, a pathological liar, a serial philanderer and a narcissist at a level I dont think this country has ever seen. Its hard to come back from that. Mr Trump himself was sanguine about the situation, tweeting later that he had read Mr Cruz's speech beforehand and decided its endorsement-shaped hole was "no big deal". Wednesday was the night of the vanquished, as one by one Mr Trumps former foes lined up on the convention stage in Cleveland as support acts for the man who had so brutally and unexpectedly dashed their presidential ambitions. Mr Cruzs divisive speech was preceded by appearances from Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker who dropped out before Iowa, and urged others in a crowded Republican field to do the same in hopes of thwarting Mr Trump and by Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who exited the race after making unfortunate jokes about Mr Trumps manhood on the stump. All three erstwhile presidential hopefuls agreed on their distaste for the presumptive Democratic nominee, but even Messrs Walker and Rubio could muster only lukewarm endorsements for the Donald. A vote for anyone other than Donald Trump in November is a vote for Hillary Clinton, said Mr Walker, describing the former Secretary of State as the ultimate liberal Washington insider. Throughout his speech, Mr Walker encouraged the crowd to join him in repeating the mantra America Deserves Better, offering a portal into a humdrum parallel universe where he was the nominee, and this was his campaign slogan. Meanwhile Mr Rubio, whose Senate attendance record is famously spotty, failed to turn up to his own partys convention, and was instead beamed into the arena in a pre-recorded video. After a long and spirited primary, the time for fighting each other is over, he said. The crowd did not appear to have been listening. 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 search team looking for Malaysia Airlines jet MH370 which vanished in March 2014, has said they may have been looking in the wrong place. Searchers led by engineering group Fugro have been combing a 120,000 square kilometre area of the southern Indian Ocean off western Australia for the past two years. However, the team has said they now believe the aircraft may have glided down rather than dived in the final moments of its descent, which would have carried the plane beyond the current search zone. MH370: A timeline The hunt for the missing aeroplane is due to finish in three months, and the official search could then be called off. So far nothing has been found. Only one piece of debris has been linked with the plane with certainty a flaperon found on a beach on Reunion island 2,500 miles west of the search area. The Boeing 777 aircraft disappeared after leaving Kuala Lumpur en route to Beijing, with 239 passengers and crew on board. If it's not there, it means it's somewhere else, Fugro project director Paul Kennedy told Reuters. Mr Kennedy has said it is not impossible they somehow failed to spot the aircraft in the search zone, but he and his team argue a more likely option is the plane glided down - meaning it was manned at the end - and made it beyond the area marked out by calculations from satellite images. If it was manned it could glide for a long way, Mr Kennedy said. You could glide it for further than our search area is, so I believe the logical conclusion will be well maybe that is the other scenario. Recommended Read more MH370 search team unearth 19th century shipwreck in ocean Doubts over the validity of the search zone are expected to fuel calls for the search team to make their data publicly-available so that rival investigation teams can pursue a collaborative open source method of hunting the missing plane. The search teams controlled glide hypothesis is the first time officials in charge of the case have suggested a pilot may have remained in control during the flights final moments. Mr Kennedy said a skilled pilot could glide a Boeing 777 the same as MH370 approximately 120 miles from cruising altitude after running out of fuel. This scenario would mean an entirely new search area would have to be calculated. The end-of-flight scenarios are absolutely endless, Fugro managing director Steve Duffield said. Which wing ran out of fuel first, did it roll this way or did it tip that way? But any further search would require a fresh round of funding from the Chinese, Australian and Malaysian governments. MH370 debris - in pictures Show all 7 1 /7 MH370 debris - in pictures MH370 debris - in pictures MH370 debris French police officers carry a piece of debris from a plane in Saint-Andre, Reunion Island. AP MH370 debris - in pictures MH370 debris Police carry a piece of debris from an unidentified aircraft found in the coastal area of Saint-Andre de la Reunion, in the east of the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion AFP PHOTO / YANNICK PITOUYANNICK PITOU/AFP/Getty Images MH370 debris - in pictures MH370 debris The plane part is being taken to France for further investigation Reuters MH370 debris - in pictures MH370 debris French gendarmes and police inspect a large piece of plane debris which was found on the beach in Saint-Andre, on the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion Reuters MH370 debris - in pictures MH370 debris French gendarmes and police inspect a large piece of plane debris which was found on the beach in Saint-Andre, on the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion Reuters MH370 debris - in pictures MH370 debris Johnny Begue, a member of a local shore cleaning association, in Saint-Andre, French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion, holds the remain of a suitcase found the day before on the same site Getty Images MH370 debris - in pictures MH370 debris Searches continued on Friday for other possible MH370 debris along beaches on the island of Reunion AP To date the search has cost almost $137m (103m), making it the most expensive search in aviation history. The three governments have previously said that unless major evidence comes to light, the search would not be extended. Reuters contributed to this report 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 }} France has forged a globally renowned reputation as a sensualists paradise, boasting world dominating art, food, wine, cheese and of course, strong unfiltered cigarettes. But is the latter about to be stubbed out? The French government is considering a ban on cigarettes deemed too stylish. This includes Gitanes and Gauloises iconic national brands ubiquitous across the country and pervasive throughout modern French culture. Pablo Picasso, Jean-Paul Sartre and George Orwell were all notable smokers of Gauloises, while John Lennon allegedly smoked Gitanes to make his voice deeper, and Guns N Roses guitarist Slash even has a tattoo of the Gitanes dancing gypsy logo. The ban would also apply to brands including Marlboro Gold, Vogue, Lucky Strike and Fortuna, reports TheLocal.fr. It is the result of a new public health law based on a European directive that says tobacco products must not include any element that contributes to the promotion of tobacco or give an erroneous impression of certain characteristics. French newspaper Le Figaro said that while this appropriately smoky language was relatively vague, the ban was intended to cover anything suggestive of masculinity or femininity, physical slimness, youth or sociability. Four major tobacco companies have written to the government seeking clarification on the potential law, calling for an urgent meeting to discuss the details of the plan. In the letter they accuse French health minister Marisol Touraine of an arbitrary and disproportionate application of EU directives. Existing EU laws mean French cigarette firms must cover 65 per cent of packaging with health warnings. About 78,000 people a year die from smoking in the country of around 13 million smokers, according to the World Health Organisation. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Frances national appetite for smoking baffled scientists in the 20th century who described the apparently high level of smoking with relatively low death rate from smoking as "the French paradox". However, WHO figures show the countrys proportion of smokers is now in line with the European average of 28 per cent. 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 sooner Britain leaves the EU the better, French President Francois Hollande has told Theresa May in Paris. "Uncertainty is the greatest danger," warned Mr Hollande, as he emphasised that to trigger Article 50 as soon as possible would be in Europe's best interest. The British Prime Minister was greeted at the Elysee Palace in Paris by her French counterpart. Ms May outlined her plan to strengthen the defence partnership between France and the UK after the terrorist attack in Nice last week. She said French citizens were still welcome in the UK and were still able to work there. Brexit did not mean walking away from the "profound friendship" between the two nations, she said. Mr Hollande also told Ms May that there can be no access to the EU single market without allowing free movement of people. Hollande Says UK 'Must Accept EU Conditions' for Market Access At the first meeting the two leaders, Mr Hollande could not have been more unambiguous on the single subject that will define the complex negotiations that will take place between the UK and the EU over the coming years. [Free movement] is the most crucial point, he said. That's the point that will be the subject of the negotiation. The UK today has access to the single market because it respects the four freedoms. If it wishes to maintain in the single market it will have to abide by the four freedoms. There cannot be freedom of movement of goods, capital and services if there isn't free movement of people. The EU's 'four freedoms', on movement of goods, capital, services and people were agreed in 1993. Access to the single market is dependent on accepting all four. Non-EU countries with access to the single market, such as Norway, have to abide by them too. With David Cameron, there had been a number of limited opt outs that in no way hindered the free movement of people. "It will be a choice facing the UK. Remain in the single market and accept the free movement that goes with it, or accept another status. The two leaders spoke at length about the 'special bonds' between the two countries but it is clear that bond will have little bearing on the forthcoming negotiations. Ms May again repeated that "Brexit means Brexit" and that meant reducing immigration. The British people gave had a very clear message that we should introduce controls on the movement of individuals from Europe into the UK she said. We will deliver on that, but we want to get the right deal on the trade of goods and services. The export of financial services into the EU are of fundamental importance to the British economy. To date, no non-EU member nation has been able to secure a trade agreement with access to the single market that includes financial services. Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Show all 12 1 /12 Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Brexit protest: Thousands march in London A woman poses with a home-made European Union flag as Remain supporters gather on Park Lane in London to show their support for the EU in the wake of Brexit PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Remain supporters demonstrate in Parliament Square PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Tens of thousands of people gathered to protest the result of the EU referendum PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London A majority of people in the capital voted to remain in the European Union Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Protesters chanted: What do we want to do? Stay in the EU PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The march follows a similar rally in Trafalgar Square that was cancelled due to heavy rain but which tens of thousands of people turned up to anyway Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum by 52 per cent to 48 per cent Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London But support for the Leave campaign in urban areas and among young people was significantly lower Rex features Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Marchers gathered at Park Lane at 11am and marched towards Parliament Square PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Some protesters held up baguettes in a display of affection for our continental neighbours PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The disparity between different parts of the country has promoted a four million signature petition calling for a second referendum and even a renewed push for Scotland to cede from the UK PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The events organiser, Kings College graduate Kieran MacDermott, wrote: We can prevent Brexit by refusing to accept the referendum as the final say and take our finger off the self-destruct button" Reuters On Wednesday, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel had told Ms May that Britain should 'take your time' over deciding when to invoke Article 50 and formally begin the two year process of leaving European Union. But President Hollande disagreed. The sooner the better is in the common interest. We can prepare for discussions but there there cannot be discussions or negotiations [before Article 50 is invoked]. Uncertainty is the greatest danger. The new government needs time, but let me be clear: the sooner the better in the common interest. But Ms May stood firm: It will take time to prepare for those negotiations. I understand the need for certainty and confidence in the markets. But the UK will not invoke Article 50 before the end of this year. 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 }} France's interior minister has backtracked on his claim national police were stationed at the entrance to the promenade in Nice where the Bastille Day truck attack took place. In a speech two days after the attack, Bernard Cazeneuve said "national police were present and very present on the Promenade des Anglais". He also suggested their cars were blocking the walkway entrance when Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel drove a 19-metric ton (20-ton) truck onto the promenade killing 84 people before police shot him dead. However, Mr Cazeneuve has now said local police, who are more lightly armed than national police, were guarding the entrance to the area. He has also launched an internal police investigation into the handling of the attack, to be published next week. In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Show all 30 1 /30 In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man reacts near bouquets of flowers near the scene where a truck ran into a crowd at high speed killing scores and injuring more who were celebrating the Bastille Day national holiday in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A woman arrives with a toy and a bouquet of flowers as people pay tribute near the scene where a truck ran into a crowd in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A woman reacts as she places flowers in front of the memorial set on the 'Promenade des Anglais' where the truck crashed into the crowd during the Bastille Day celebrations in Nice EPA In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack People gather to view the floral tributes near the site of the truck attack in the French resort city of Nice AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man reacts near bouquets of flowers as people pay tribute near the scene where a truck ran into a crowd at high speed killing scores and injuring more who were celebrating the Bastille Day national holiday, in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Floral tributes are laid out near the site of the truck attack in the French resort city of Nice AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A child's toy is placed among the floral tributes laid out near the site of the truck attack in the French resort city of Nice AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Investigators continue at the scene near the heavy truck that ran into a crowd at high speed killing scores who were celebrating the Bastille Day in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Crime scene investigators work on the 'Promenade des Anglais' after the truck crashed into the crowd during the Bastille Day celebrations in Nice EPA In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A forensic expert examines dead bodies covered with a blue sheet on the Promenade des Anglais seafront in the French Riviera city of Nice Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A forensic expert evacuates a dead body on the Promenade des Anglais seafront in the French Riviera city of Nice, after a gunman smashed a truck into a crowd of revellers celebrating Bastille Day Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man reacts as he sits near a French flag along the beachfront the day after a truck ran into a crowd at high speed killing scores celebrating the Bastille Day in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Discarded items are left on the beach, not far from the site of the truck attack in the French resort city of Nice AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Bullet holes in the windscreen of the lorry that was driven into the crowd at high speed Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man walks through debris on the street in Nice, France, the morning after a lorry ran into a crowd, killing at least 84 and injuring 50 Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Rescue workers help an injured woman to get in a ambulance AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Authorities investigate a truck after it plowed through Bastille Day revelers in the French resort city of Nice, France AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Celebrations of Bastille Day were targeted by the lorry driver AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack People cross the street with their hands on thier heads as a French soldier secures the area after at least 84 people were killed along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A paramedic attends one of the dozens of people injured in the Nice Bastille Day attack In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Soldiers march on street where the lorry crashed into the crowd REUTERS In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man sits next to a body seen on the ground after at least 84 people were killed in Nice, when a truck ran into a crowd celebrating the Bastille Day national holiday Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Bodies are seen on the ground after at least 84 people were killed in Nice, when a truck ran into a crowd celebrating the Bastille Day national holiday Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Children were among the 84 killed in the atrocity, with around 50 more hospitalised Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve (2nd L) speaks to the media in Nice AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man walks with his hands up as police officers carry out checks on people in the centre of French Riviera town of Nice AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack With injured people laying in the street police and onlookers react near to a truck in Nice AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Police officers, firefighters and rescue workers are seen at the site of the attack AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Police officers speak with a soldier after a truck that ploughed into a crowd leaving a fireworks display in the French Riviera town of Nice AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Police shine a light into the cab as they approach the driver's cab of a truck, in Nice AP French newspaper Liberation has claimed Mr Cazeneuve lied about the whereabouts of the national police officers and cars, and accused French authorities of lacking transparency. Using witness statements and photos in its Thursday edition, Liberation claimed that only one local police car was stationed at the entrance to the walkway. The paper quotes local police officer Yves Bergerat, who said the guns and bullets of the local force are not even equipped "to puncture the tires". Mr Cazeneuve accused the paper of conspiracy theories and maintained that several "heroic" national police who killed the attacker after an exchange of fire were stationed further down the promenade. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls joined a chorus of officials defending themselves against the charges, and made a public show of support for Mr Cazeneuve in whom, he said, he had full trust. Lies debase public debate ... the government has nothing to hide, Mr Valls said. France attack: Mourners pay respects in Nice "There's no room for polemics, there's only room for transparency," French President Francois Hollande said. "The necessary, serious preparations had been made for the July 14 festivities." He added: If there were any shortcomings they will come to light. Much of the criticism, beyond the system of road blocks easily breached by the truck, centres a complex command structure where some units of police answer to local government and others to central government. The inquiry will look into the details of how the area was cordoned off for the traditional Bastille Day festivities and how the area was patrolled. I welcome the interior minister's decision to order an inquiry of the Nice attack by the police of police, tweeted Christian Estrosi, the head of the regional government in the southeast Riviera coast area who has led the criticism. The right-wing politician has accused the Socialist administration of not doing enough to protect the public. Nice police department chief Adolphe Colrat, who answers to central government rather than the regional politicians who are leading the criticism, said the authorities had at no time lied or misled people on policing arrangements. Elsewhere, the Paris prosecutor has said the attacker, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, had been plotting his attack for months. . Prosecutor Francois Molins said his office, which oversees terrorism investigations, said five suspects currently in custody are facing preliminary terrorism charges for their alleged roles in helping driver in a judicial inquiry opened on Thursday. Mr Molins said information from Bouhlel's phone showed searches and photos that indicated he had potentially been planning an attack since 2015. Additional reporting by agencies 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 }} Rebel Turkish fighter jets were tracking President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's private plane when it suddenly "vanished" from radar, saving the president's life and allowing him to put down the coup. President Erdogan was returning to Istanbul from a holiday near the coastal resort of Marmaris when a faction in the military launched the coup on Friday. His Gulfstream IV jet was forced to circle in a holding pattern just south of Istanbul, unable to land because rebel forces had taken over the city's Ataturk airport. As the plane circled, two rebel F-16s searched for the jet on their radars, finally picking it out among the commercial traffic and moving to intercept. "At least two F-16s harassed Erdogan's plane while it was in the air and en route to Istanbul," a former military officer with knowledge of events told Reuters. "They locked their radars on his plane and on two other F-16s protecting him." "Why they didn't fire is a mystery," he added. Another senior official said the presidential business jet had been "in trouble in the air" but gave no further details. The president's Gulfstream IV was reportedly able to evade detection by changing its identity to match that of a civilian airliner, according to David Cenciotti, an Italian aviation expert blogging on The Aviationist. In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Show all 17 1 /17 In pictures: Turkey coup attempt In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Erdogan attends the funeral service for victims of the thwarted coup in Istanbul at Fatih mosque on July 17, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey Burak Kara/Getty Images In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soldiers involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge with their hands raised in Istanbul on 16 July, 2016 Gokhan Tan/Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A civilian beats a soldier after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 REUTERS/Murad Sezer In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Surrendered Turkish soldiers who were involved in the coup are beaten by a civilian Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soliders involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wave flags as they capture a Turkish Army vehicle Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt People pose near a tank after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers block Istanbul's Bosphorus Brigde Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A Turkish military stands guard near the Taksim Square in Istanbul Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Pierre Crom/Twitter In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers secure the area as supporters of Recep Tayyip Erdogan protest in Istanbul's Taksim square AP In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Murad Sezer/Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers detain police officers during a security shutdown of the Bosphorus Bridge Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish Army armoured personnel carriers in the main streets of Istanbul Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Chaos reigned in Istanbul as tanks drove through the streets EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks to media in the resort town of Marmaris Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of President Erdogan celebrate in Ankara following the suppression of the attempted coup Reuters The president's pilots switched their radio transponder to that of a Turkish Airlines passenger jet, THY 8456, allowing the jet to blend in with civilian traffic. The rebel fighters were unable to take the risk of accidentally shooting down a passenger jet full of tourists and later broke contact after being engaged by two loyalist F-16s and eventually broke contact, according to Mr Cenciotti. Forces loyal to the president were able to reopen Ataturk airport, allowing him land safely and rally his supporters to defeat the coup. Turkey criticized over post-coup backlash The Turkish parliament is expected to approve the president's request for a three-month state of emergency following the failed coup. In an address to the nation on Wednesday night, Mr Erdogan announced a cabinet decision to seek additional powers, saying the state of emergency would give the government the tools to rid the military of the "virus" of subversion. The state of emergency will give the government sweeping powers to expand a crackdown that has already included mass arrests and the closure of hundreds of schools. Turkish state media said a further 32 judges and two military officers had been detained by authorities during the crackdown since last week's coup, bringing the total number of people arrested up to 10,000. Nearly 60,000 civil service employees have been dismissed and hundreds of schools closed. The targeting of education ties in with the president's belief his former ally and current nemesis Fetullah Gulen, who runs a network of schools worldwide, seeks to infiltrate the Turkish education system to bend the country to his will. Mr Gulen and his supporters have denied any involvement in the coup. Mr Erdogan, who had been accused of autocratic conduct even before this week's tough crackdown, said the state of emergency would counter threats to Turkish democracy. "This measure is in no way against democracy, the law and freedoms," he said after a meeting with cabinet ministers and security advisers on Wednesday night. The president also suggested military purges would continue: "As the commander in chief, I will also attend to it so that all the viruses within the armed forces will be cleansed." Additional reporting by agencies 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 population of the Jungle camp in Calais has soared to new levels and now includes more than 750 children, a new census has revealed amid fresh threats of eviction. The southern half of the camp was razed to the ground earlier this year, but a new census by two leading charities has shown the community is larger than ever before. The population of the camp now stands at more than 7,300 and is growing by 15 per cent every month. With 50 people arriving every day, the number is expected to reach 10,000 by September. The mix of tents, temporary accommodation and other shelters mainly house refugees from the Middle East and Africa. Included in the thousands are 761 children. The youngest child is four months old, making it likely they were born a refugee. More than 600, or 80 per cent, of the children are not accompanied by an adult. The youngest of these is eight years old. According to the charity Help Refugees, more than one hundred of the children travelling alone went missing after the last demolition of the ramshackle site. The right-wing mayor of Calais, Natacha Bouchart, has vowed to destroy the remaining half of the camp very soon. Ms Bouchart has said she had the support of French interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve. Help Refugees co-founder, Josie Naughton, told The Independent: During the last eviction 129 unaccompanied minors were unaccounted for. In the absence of any official system of registration it's impossible to create robust systems of protection. In moments of chaos, like that of an eviction, children go missing and no one has any system to identify where they have gone. She said it was possible the children would be found safe, but equally they could have fallen into the hands of traffickers or worse. Calais and Dunkirk camps Show all 16 1 /16 Calais and Dunkirk camps Calais and Dunkirk camps (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps A portrait of an Afghan man wearing a traditional Perhan Turban in the Calais Jungle (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps Two Gendarmes guard the main entrance to the Dunkirk camp (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps One Kurdish Iraqi mans reminder to himself (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps Two young boys in the Dunkirk camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps An Iranian hunger striker stands outside the only remaining shelter in the South Side of the Calais camp (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps A church in the South Calais camp, on of the the only structures not demolished in the South Side of the camp (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps A man gets a hair cut in the Calais camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps Night falls on the Calais Jungle. Fires burn in the distance (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps The containers provided as alternative accommodation for the people in the camps (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps A young boy in the Dunkirk camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps A man listens to music inside one of the shipping containers (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps The awful living conditions in the Dunkirk camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps An Afghan man in the Calais camp (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps One of the Iranian hunger strikers (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps A family in their wooden shelter in the new Dunkirk camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) The unaccompanied child refugees have been staying in the Calais camp for about five months on average. Yet some have been living there for more than a year in the hope they will make it to the UK. Many are waiting to be reunited with family in the UK. Ms Naughton added: There are 10,000 children who have reportedly gone missing in Europe so far. Another eviction could add hundreds more to that devastating tally. Some secured government accommodation has been built on the site, but the latest census reveals that 75 per cent of adults and 70 per cent of children are staying in tents and other makeshift shelters. Earlier this year, a report by the Refugee Rights Data Project found that 75 per cent of refugees at the camp say they have "experienced police violence". The increase in the numbers at the site in unexpected, since refugee charities had predicted the numbers would slow due to tighter border control between Turkey and the EU. The two-day event is jointly organised by the Ministry of Health and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam. According to Deputy Minister of Health Le Quang Cuong, over the past years, Australian Government and non-governmental organizations have offered valuable support to the Vietnamese health sector. This support focuses on areas such as HIV/AIDS, strengthening the preventive medicine system, improving environmental health, and training human resources. The conference in Hanoi (Source: CPV) During the event, participants focus on discussing a range of topics including non-communicable diseases and stem cell research, improving the quality of medical and healthcare services through innovation in technology, and on Vietnams healthcare education, service delivery and financing reforms. The Australian delegation, including scientists, academics and health technology executives, is led by Prof Ian Frazer, a much feted immunologist who developed a vaccine against cervical cancer. Apart from the conference, Prof Ian Frazer will have a talk at Hanoi Medical University on July 20th and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh city on July 22nd./. 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 }} I went to Taksim Square where there was a rally against the coup, says Gokse, a 30-year-old woman journalist and photographer. I was so scared because all the women there looked at me as if I was a demon. The men said that if you go on dressing like that you deserve to die. Most people there were carrying red Turkish flags, but there were some black flags with Arabic writing on them like you see in Daesh (Isis) videos. In Istanbul there is a mood of apprehension in the wake of the failed coup, the demonstrations demanding that the coup plotters be hanged and the detention or sacking of 60,000 soldiers, judges, teachers and civil servants. People feel they are turning the corner towards an uncertain future about which they know nothing except that they suspect it will be worse than anything they have experienced in the past. I have known three military interventions in my lifetime, but this one is different, says Ayse Bugra, professor of political economy at Bogazici University. The difference is that this time the attempted putsch was contested and not just announced through a statement from the army high command readout on the radio on the morning after it had taken place. Not having a stable solid army is not reassuring,she says. Recommended Read more Everything you need to know about the Turkey coup Sometimes the pervasive gloom and expectations of calamity seem to go far beyond what is rationally predictable, particularly among the intelligentsia and educated middle class. Things may be bad, but this is not Baghdad or Damascus, I said. But that makes it worse, replied Prof Bugra. Previously the majority felt that Turkey was an island of stability. Turks are simply not used to the degree of violence, uncertainty and fear to which Iraqis and Syrians have become accustomed over the last 50 years. The post-coup purge so extensive and radical that some Turks call it a "counter-coup" has so far led to the detention of some 10,000 people according to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking as he introduced a three-month state of emergency late on Wednesday night. But the number affected by the crackdown is far greater than this, with all 3.3 million public servants banned from taking holidays, presumably so they will not be absent if they are investigated for links to the movement led by the self-exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is alleged by the state to have been behind the attempted coup. Nobody knows who will be implicated. In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Show all 17 1 /17 In pictures: Turkey coup attempt In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Erdogan attends the funeral service for victims of the thwarted coup in Istanbul at Fatih mosque on July 17, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey Burak Kara/Getty Images In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soldiers involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge with their hands raised in Istanbul on 16 July, 2016 Gokhan Tan/Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A civilian beats a soldier after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 REUTERS/Murad Sezer In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Surrendered Turkish soldiers who were involved in the coup are beaten by a civilian Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soliders involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wave flags as they capture a Turkish Army vehicle Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt People pose near a tank after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers block Istanbul's Bosphorus Brigde Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A Turkish military stands guard near the Taksim Square in Istanbul Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Pierre Crom/Twitter In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers secure the area as supporters of Recep Tayyip Erdogan protest in Istanbul's Taksim square AP In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Murad Sezer/Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers detain police officers during a security shutdown of the Bosphorus Bridge Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish Army armoured personnel carriers in the main streets of Istanbul Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Chaos reigned in Istanbul as tanks drove through the streets EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks to media in the resort town of Marmaris Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of President Erdogan celebrate in Ankara following the suppression of the attempted coup Reuters The Turkish parliament voted to approve the national state of emergency on Thursday, giving Mr Erdogan the authority to extend detention times for suspects and issue decrees that have the force of law without parliamentary approval, among other powers. Turkey has temporarily withdrawn from the European Convention on Human Rights, citing the precedent of France doing the same in response to terrorist outrages. The purpose of these actions appears to legalise what the state is already doing, while reassuring the outside world that Turkey is not turning into one more Middle East autocracy with no law or accountability, and in which any dissent is punished as terrorism. The Council of Europe has said it had been informed of Turkey's decision, and that the convention will still apply, but that individual exceptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek, who previously worked on Wall Street, wrote reassuringly on Twitter on Thursday that the state of emergency in Turkey won't include restrictions on movement, gatherings and free press, etc. It isn't martial law of 1990s. I'm confident Turkey will come out of this with much stronger democracy, better functioning market economy and enhanced investment climate. Turkey failed coup: Security under the spotlight Not everybody is so confident because they do not know how long the purge will go on or how wide-ranging it will be. Some compare it to the Bolshevik purges after 1917, though not to Stalins purges in the 1930s. Prof Bugra says that nobody some of her colleagues were joking that they should learn how to make jam and pickles because they cannot concentrate on their work in the present atmosphere. The Gulenists were certainly at the heart of the coup plot though they may not have acted alone, but they only finally broke with the ruing Justice and Development Party (AKP) in 2014. The AKP may now denounce the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO), but for years they were close allies and the Gulen movement was the AKPs chosen instrument in purging the security services of secularists by arrests and trials alleging participation in non-existent conspiracies. Mr Gulen and his supporters have denied any involvement in the attempted coup The Gulenists had every opportunity to insert their own cadres and adherents into the armed forces, police, civil service and educational institutes. Some Turkish observers compare the role of the group in securing positions of influence for its members to that of the Roman Catholic organisation Opus Dei, which was alleged to have had similar links with right wing governments such as that of General Franco in Spain. In addition to committed adherents, the Gulenists were deemed to dominate a variety of business associations though these were often loose networks whose members may not have known have had much connection to the movement. The coup has also brought to the surface a long standing cultural clash between the secular and the religious. Mr Erdogan continues to call for demonstrations in the streets to capitalise on his success in defeating the coup perhaps also a sign that his administration is not confident that there will not be more armed action against it. These boisterous crowds shouting nationalist and religious slogans frighten AKP opponents. An example is Sayeste, a highly educated 40-year-old woman who arranges clinical trials for pharmaceutical companies and is thinking of leaving the country because of the creeping Islamisation of education and culture. She says that if she had to think only of herself she would stay, but she is worried about her seven year daughter Mira being affected by the more religious and intolerant atmosphere. She explains that Mira goes to a primary school where she is the only one to do music and swimming while the other girls all go to the mosque to listen to readings from the Quran. She says she would like to go with her friends. Sayeste fears Mira will become isolated from the other children. She dreads her being affected by the degree of hatred for each other expressed by different sides in a deeply divided Turkish society. As an example, she recalls that three years ago she joined the protests to keep open Gezi Park in central Istanbul when the government denounced us all as terrorists. 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 }} Saudi Arabia has executed its 99th person this year, continuing the trend to more death penalties yearly in the Kingdom. The conservative country, which publicly beheads citizens and foreigners for a variety of crimes, has reportedly executed more people than this time last year by reaching almost 100 this month. Accused murderer Hassan bin Mubarak al-Amri was the 99th person to be executed in the state-sanctioned punishment, which is usually performed with a sword. Sara Hashah, Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa spokesperson, said Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Iran were responsible for 90 per cent of all recorded executions globally and were "out of step" with the rest of the world. "In Saudi Arabia, where people are routinely sentenced to death after grossly unfair trials, we have seen a dramatic surge in the number of executions in the past two years which has shown no sign of abating in 2016," she told The Independent. "This clearly demonstrates that Saudi Arabias authorities are increasingly out of step with a global trend of states moving away from the death penalty. "Saudi Arabias authorities must end their reliance on this cruel, inhuman and degrading form of punishment immediately. The number of death sentences in the Kingdom was swelled by the 47 people executed on January 2 on charges of Al Qaeda-related terrorist activity. The execution of a Shia cleric among them provoked international condemnation and the cutting-off of diplomatic ties between Riyadh and Tehran. Last year was already a record-high for executions in Saudi Arabia, with 158 people sentenced to death in total compared to 90 in 2014. Juveniles on death row in Saudi Arabia Show all 8 1 /8 Juveniles on death row in Saudi Arabia Juveniles on death row in Saudi Arabia Abdullah al-Zaher Abdullah al-Zaher was arrested at the age of 15 for attending a protest and he is was the youngest in a group of juvenile offenders put on death row Juveniles on death row in Saudi Arabia Abdullah al-Zaher Previously held alongside fellow juvenile offender Ali al-Nimr, whose case sparked outrage around the world, Abdullah has now been moved to solitary confinement at a new facility and could be beheaded at any moment Juveniles on death row in Saudi Arabia Abdullah al-Zaher His family and lawyers believe he was forced to sign a document without knowing its contents, and which later was used as a confession in the closed trial against him Juveniles on death row in Saudi Arabia Ali Mohammed al-Nimr Ali Mohammed al-Nimr faces imminent beheading and crucifixion for crimes he reportedly committed as a child Juveniles on death row in Saudi Arabia Ali Mohammed al-Nimr The UN has issued an urgent call for Saudi Arabia to halt his execution but a Saudi court has upheld the sentence of Ali Mohammed al-Nimr, the son of a prominent government dissident, despite growing and high-level international condemnation Juveniles on death row in Saudi Arabia Ali Mohammed al-Nimr Mr al-Nimr, who was arrested in 2012 for his participation in Arab Spring protests when he was just 16 or 17 years old, could now be put to death at any time Juveniles on death row in Saudi Arabia Dawood al-Marhoon Dawood al-Marhoon was 17 year old when he was arrested for participating in an anti-government protest Juveniles on death row in Saudi Arabia Dawood al-Marhoon After refusing to spy on his fellow protesters, 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 It is also one of the few countries in the world to carry out public rather than private executions. The others are Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, North Korea and Somalia. All Middle Eastern and North African countries use the state-sanctioned death penalty except for Oman and Israel. Punishment by decapitation or other means is considered in some Arab countries to be an accurate interpretation of shari'ah law, which includes the Islamic law concept of qisas, or eye-for-an-eye retribution for murder. But critics point out that nonviolent drug offences make up a significant part of those sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia. Nor has the punishment always been deployed, with Pakistan, Egypt and Jordan using it more frequently now than in previous years. After an eight-year halt in executions, Jordan resumed its use of the death penalty in December 2014 when authorities executed 11 men on murder charges, with a further execution taking place in February 2015. A terrorist attack on school children in Peshawar in northwestern Pakistan, meanwhile, also prompted a resurgence of the death penalty in the country. Mass executions and death sentences in Egypt have even targeted pro-democracy protesters. Iran remains the most prolific executor of its people, outstripping China's larger record in terms of numbers by proportion of the Iranian population executed. But four countries banned the use of the death sentence completely in 2015: Fiji, Madagascar, Republic of Congo and Suriname, with Mongolia expected to follow suit in September 2016. Ms Hashash said Saudia Arabia belonged to "an increasingly isolated minority, as for the first time ever in 2015 a majority of the world's countries fully abolished the death penalty." Crimes punishable by beheading, stoning or firing squad in Saudi Arabia include: blasphemy, drug offences, adultery, murder, armed robbery, rape and false prophecy. Several states in the US also sanction the death penalty. Last year, 28 death row prisoners were executed, all by lethal injection. 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 }} Photos of Syrian children holding pictures of Pokemon characters and asking the world to save them have been circulating the internet. The images, published on Facebook, show young Syrians looking dejectedly into the camera holding images of Pokemon characters with the words: "I am here, come save me". The signs also state the location of each child. They are all in different Syrian towns. One of the children's sign reads: I am in Kafr Nabl on the outskirts of Idlib, come and save me," and another: "I am in Kafr Zeta, save me." Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them Show all 13 1 /13 Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office The photos were posted by the Revolutionary Forces of Syria Media Office (RFS), a media outlet for the working to spread the messages of Syrians against Bashar al-Assasd's presidential regime. A spokesperon for RFS, which is based in Turkey and has reporters in Syrian cities, told The Independent: "With the media spread wide for Pokemon game we decided to publish these images to highlight the suffering of the Syrian people from the bombing of the forces of order and Air-Assad to the Syrian people and besiege them. Syrian refugees in Turkey lose hope of return "We want to raise awareness and draw attention to the plight of Syrian children in besieged areas and the suffering of Syrian people who are attacked and killed by the Assad regime and its allies." The images have been circulated more than 21,500 times. Hundreds of people commented on the Facebook post expressing sympathy and sharing prayers for the children. The photos have also been shared on Twitter, with one user describing it as "the Pokemon game you have not seen before". Since Pokemon Go became an international craze, people have expressed frustration that more attention is not being paid to the suffering in Syria, where a war has raged since 2011 - leaving hundreds of thousands dead and forcing millions to flee their homes. Robert Fisk: Freedom, democracy and human rights in Syria Show all 3 1 /3 Robert Fisk: Freedom, democracy and human rights in Syria Robert Fisk: Freedom, democracy and human rights in Syria 453865.bin AFP/GETTY IMAGES Robert Fisk: Freedom, democracy and human rights in Syria 453867.bin Robert Fisk: Freedom, democracy and human rights in Syria 453866.bin AFP The Syria Solidarity Campaign (SSC), a UK-based organisation that offers political solidarity to the Syrian Revolution, wrote: "Syrians have more pressing concerns than catching Pokemon. "If only augmented reality could save lives here is Syria." The images were published after more than 50 civilians were killed by air strikes in northern Syria, the majority of them women and children. The RFS spokesperson added: "Syrian children are victims of the war and the brutal and indiscriminate attacks that are carried out on a daily basis by regime and Russian jets. "The Syrian children are paying the price for the international inaction to stop the Assad killing machine." Unicef has said it estimates 35,000 children are trapped in and around the Syrian city of Manbij, where the air strikes hit. 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 }} US-led coalition air strikes are believed to have killed at least 77 civilians in northern Syria, prompting demands from Syrian opposition leaders to halt the strikes, which are meant to hit Isis fighters. At least 56 civilians were killed in strikes in Toukhan, north of the Isis stronghold of Manbij on Tuesday, and 21 were killed in air strikes on Manbij itself on Monday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group. Director of the Observatory, Rami Abdel-Rahman, told German news agency DPA: We believe that the raids, which were carried out Tuesday, were by US [or] allied planes but it was by mistake. The Observatory said the dead from Tuesday's air strike included 11 children. The president of the opposition Syrian National Coalition, Anas al-Abdah, called for a suspension on the US-coordinated air strikes while the deaths are investigated, and warned that civilian casualties at the hands of the US-led air campaign would prove to be a recruitment tool for terrorist organisations. In a letter to foreign ministers working with the US-led intervention, Mr Abdah said: It is essential that such investigation not only result in revised rules of procedure for future operations, but also inform accountability for those responsible for such major violations. The total number of civilians killed in strikes near Manbij since May stands at 167, according to the Syrian Observatory. Syrias foreign ministry has claimed that Tuesdays air strike on Toukhar was carried out by French warplanes, while it claimed Mondays attack was by the US. In a letter to the UN, the Syrian government said: [Syria] condemns, in the strongest terms, the two bloody massacres perpetrated by the French and US warplanes and those affiliated to the so-called international coalition, which send their missiles and bombs to the civilians instead of directing them to the terrorist gangs. A spokesman for the US-led alliance said there were multiple national aircraft providing strikes in Manbij. So how the Syrian government knows who conducted what strike, I question. US Defence Secretary Ash Carter has said that the US-led force would look into the reports of civilian casualties around Manbij. French President Francois Hollande said he had no precise information on whether French planes were responsible for the Toukhar air strike. We are striking in the framework of the coalition and are very careful in our strikes, he said. Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Show all 10 1 /10 Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Graffiti on the ancient stones reads in Arabic Shooting without the permission of the chief is prohibited Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Damaged artefacts lay inside the museum of the historic city of Palmyra Reuters Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Syrian pro-government forces rest by Palmyra Citadel as they take control of the city from the hands of Isis Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces The UNESCO world heritage site appears surprisingly intact after its recapture from the militant group Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Many had feared the ancient city would be destroyed following its capture by Isis in May Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Smoke billows from the Palmyra Citadel as Assads forces drive the Jihadist group from the city Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Palmyra is one of the most important cultural centers of the world Unesco says Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Pro-government forces play football in the streets following the recapture of the city Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces The extent of the destruction caused by Isis 10 month occupation of the city has yet to be fully realised Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces The City Council of Palmyra building in ruins Reuters The air strikes in the area are aimed at supporting a ground operation by the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish and Arab alliance which is trying to drive Isis out of Manbij. A local military council allied to the SDF, which has captured part of Manbij after weeks of fighting, has set Isis fighters a 48-hour deadline beginning Thursday to leave the city. Manbij is in the northern province of Aleppo, which forms a theatre for several separate battles between multiple warring sides in Syria's five-year-old conflict. Kurdish gains have alarmed rebel forces battling the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, who say they will respond with force to any attempt to break up Syria. 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 }} Q On your recommendation I am taking advantage of the fares war to Toronto to reach family the Midwest US. Everything is booked apart from the border crossing at Windsor (Canada) to Detroit (US). Looks like I need to catch a bus to go through the tunnel. Do you know anything about that? And do I need an Esta? Jenny Smith, Southampton A Its a smart plan to use Toronto as a gateway to the Midwest this summer. For peak dates in August, the lowest fare to Detroit I can find is 1,000 return from Heathrow via Paris on Air France. In contrast, non-stops on Air Canada Rouge from Gatwick to Toronto are widely available at 700 return. From Toronto airport you can travel easily into Union Station in the centre and onwards by train in about four hours to Windsor. Detroit in Michigan and Windsor in Ontario face each other across the Detroit River. Counter-intuitively, you go north to reach the US because of a wrinkle in the frontier. There are frequent Tunnel Buses run by the City of Windsor beneath the river. The closest the bus stops to the Via Rail station on the Windsor side is the corner of Wyandotte and Goyeau Streets about a mile away. The one-way fare is $5 (either US or Canada the latter is better value), and the journey takes about 15 minutes plus whatever time you spend getting through immigration. The process is swift and polite, and a welcome alternative to the airport arrivals experience. No Esta (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation permit) in advance is required you are turning up by road, so you just fill in a form at the border. Every day, our travel correspondent, Simon Calder, tackles a readers question. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder 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 }} There is a lot of talk of restoring cabinet government at the moment. Theresa May has dispensed with David Camerons chumocracy, it is said, and she implied yesterday she is restoring traditional, proper procedures. She has even got rid of the sofa and armchairs in the Prime Ministers office in 10 Downing Street, I am told, and replaced them with a glass-topped table and straight-backed chairs. But one of the things that Jon Davis and I teach our students at Kings College, London, is that the traditional model of cabinet government is an academic fiction that has never described how power is actually exercised in Britain. Dr Davis and I teach a course called The Blair Years for Masters students at the Policy Institute at Kings. Last term we had visiting speakers including Ed Balls, Peter Mandelson and Andrew Adonis (above). The course is part of what I call the Davis school of ultra-contemporary history. The previous term, Dr Davis co-taught a course on the postwar history of the Treasury with Sir Nick Macpherson, the Permanent Secretary of the Treasury, who was still in post at the time (he retired in the spring). Next year there will be a new module called No 10 and the History of the Prime Minister since 1945, in association with No 10 and the Cabinet Office, which will draw on the experience of people who have worked in Downing Street to explain how cabinet government actually works. I expect Dr Davis will teach that it is faster and more fluid than the text-book model, with most of the work done in a network of cabinet committees rather than at Cabinet itself. Dr Davis is an academic entrepreneur who is building a remarkable centre of excellence at Kings. He and I first worked together at Queen Mary, University of London, where he and other doctoral students set up the Mile End Group with Professor Peter (now Lord) Hennessy to bring together academics, civil servants, politicians and journalists to discuss Westminster and Whitehall. It has now become the Strand Group at Kings. It is still sponsored by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, which pays for events and supports one of the four doctoral students who help run the Group. Many of those projects involve working with government departments. Eleanor Hallam is working on a PhD on Alistair Darlings period as Chancellor, with access to Treasury files. Jack Brown is the first ever researcher in residence at No 10, where he is investigating how the 10 Prime Ministers between 1945 and 1997 used the buildings rooms and facilities. Both are examples of how Kings is working with the civil service to improve its institutional memory. It was one of Sir Nicks reasons for co-teaching the Treasury course: the high turnover of Treasury staff means that the lessons of economic history have to be re-learned. When Darling became Chancellor, for example, there were no senior Treasury officials who had been through a recession. Not only did Sir Nick do some teaching and a memorable inaugural lecture on the history of the Treasury since the second Dutch war of 1667 but he gave Treasury officials time off to go on the course. Understanding the past is essential to good economic policy-making, he said. I am glad a select band of Treasury officials have completed the course. They will provide better advice as a result. Kings is hoping to build up that kind of relationship with other departments and with No 10. Dr Davis and his Strand Group assistants have built a history website for No 10 about Margaret Thatchers time as Prime Minister, and another on Cabinet Secretaries that features interviews with all the living ones, including Sir Jeremy Heywood, the present Cabinet Secretary. As a visiting professor at Kings and a friend of Dr Daviss, I am biased, but I think what he is creating is something special. Our students say they appreciate it: they get the chance to hear in person from those who have been at the heart of government, whether it is Sir Dave Ramsden, the Treasurys economic adviser, explaining how the decision not to join the euro was taken in 2003, or Tony Blair himself, in conversation with Sir Michael Barber, who was the head of the Prime Ministers Delivery Unit in Blairs second term. (Michelle Clement, another Strand Group assistant, is writing a PhD on the Delivery Unit using Sir Michaels diaries as her primary source.) There is no better way of understanding recent history, or how government works, than hearing from the people who were there. Dr Davis is rightly proud of the students who have passed through his powerhouse, once described by Andrew Marr as the equal of anything on offer at Oxford or Cambridge. His PhD students all started taking MAs under him. Todays MA Apprentices undertake their MA at Kings, work with the Strand Group team and have the chance to do internships with Hewlett Packard Enterprises and with the Treasury. Many of them have gone on to careers in academia, journalism and politics. One of them, James Jinks, was on TV this week being interviewed about the Trident decision as the co-author with Peter Hennessy of The Silent Deep: A History of the Royal Navy Submarine Service Since 1945. I may be sceptical about trying to recapture an imaginary golden age of cabinet government, but I hope, as we look forward to the new term this autumn, that Theresa Mays Government appreciates the importance of using universities such as Kings to strengthen the institutional memory and administrative skills of its departments. Applications are now welcome for Strand Group MA Apprenticeships 2016-17 by 1 August 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 }} The fight against terrorism is expected to be top of the agenda when the 21 countries comprising the Arab League meet next week. The biggest single thing we can to stem the tide of extremism is to provide the worlds children with an education but the prospects of refugee children are being blighted by a lack of schooling, meaning they are more likely to become the extremists of the future. The international refugee crisis has forced more than 60 million people from their homes. Five years on from the start of the Syrian conflict and the Arab Spring, men, women and children are still dying in large numbers on their terrible journeys to find a new home. And those that reach safety are often still denied the basics of healthcare and education. Growing up in a refugee camp in Bethlehem taught me what it is like to have a disrupted education. The average length of displacement for a refugee is now 17 years: this means that some refugee children will spend their whole school careers in camps. That is why it is so difficult to witness the poor educational provision for Syrian refugees, and the lack of international support. Aid agencies and international organisations have calculated that $638 million is required this year to provide an education for refugee children worldwide. So far just a quarter $164m has been given. In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Show all 12 1 /12 In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee children at the Moria camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees queuing for food at the Kara Tepe camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees' tents at the Kara Tepe camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees at the Oxy transit camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees waiting to board ferries to the Greek mainland in Mytilene, Lebos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees waiting to board ferries to the Greek mainland in Mytilene, Lebos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees waiting to board ferries to the Greek mainland in Mytilene, Lebos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos The graves of drowned refugees in Mytilene, Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos A building used to house unaccompanied children at the Moria camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees queuing to register at the Moria camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees at the Moria camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees arriving on smugglers' boats from Turkey in Lesbos Right now, 2.8 million Syrian children are out of school due to the destruction of schools and the displacement of children and their teachers. In neighbouring Lebanon, 50 to 80 per cent of 360,000 school-aged refugee children are out of school, and the same is true of Turkeys estimated two million Syrian refugees. Despite this, schools in both countries have to run double shifts and evening classes because they are so overwhelmed by the newcomers. Education in refugee camps is also seriously overstretched. In Jordans Zaatari camp, class sizes of over 100 are common. We must urgently hire more teachers, train them to a higher standard, and find ways of helping them overcome the inevitable language barriers. Resources tend to be focused on primary teaching, but it is important to provide support for older children, who often have to abandon their studies to provide for their families. Most importantly of all, we must remember that these are traumatised children. Before we can focus on writing or mathematics we need to give them the emotional and psychological support to help them cope with their hellish experiences, and to avoid repeating the violence they have witnessed. In total, 79 per cent of refugee children have experienced a death in the family, while nearly half display symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder 10 times the usual prevalence in children. My own children were deeply affected by the violence they witnessed in Palestine. This inspired me to help others who have been through similar experiences. I now teach in a school where most pupils are displaced young children and violence is a common feature of life. They find that school provides a safe haven in which to build peace, trust, and respect. In the classroom, we address how displacement affects them and work around it through play and teamwork. Similar approaches will benefit refugee children all across the world. We must also think of the burdens that have been placed on the school systems of host countries, which also jeopardises the quality of education for existing pupils and the new arrivals. Last year, UN agencies, the World Bank and other donors provided 200,000 free school places in Lebanon for Syrian refugees, but this needs to be extended to Jordan and Turkey. These countries budgets are already stretched beyond capacity, and, realistically, help can only come from international donors. Thousands of child migrants face uncertain future in US The wheels of diplomacy are turning far too slowly for the needs of refugee children. The rhetoric surrounding this issue focuses on complexity for instance the dilemmas of whether by giving people sanctuary, we are encouraging others to risk their lives and the slow progress in securing international agreement on resettlement. But the complexity has become an excuse for inaction. We need stronger funding commitments from Governments and aid agencies right now. $474 million the shortfall in funding for educating refugee children is not a large sum if Governments act together. A child is out of school is not just a tragedy for that child. It makes us all weaker and more vulnerable. Hanan Al Hroub is the 2016 Winner of the Global Teacher Prize, awarded by the Varkey Foundation. She teaches at Samiha Khalil High School in the Palestinian city of al-Bireh, near Ramallah in central West Bank 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 }} Donald Trump's latest warning that, if elected president, he may cut his countrys commitment to Nato has caused deep alarm among Americas allies and dismay in the US foreign policy establishment and understandably so. They strike at the central underpinning of the alliance in its near 70 years of existence, that an attack on one member is an attack on all and that the US, in practice Natos guarantor power, would come to the aid of the victim of aggression. Recommended Read more Trump says US may not defend Nato allies from attack if he is leader His remarks came in an interview with the New York Times that also highlights his longheld mercantilist views on trade. They do not break dramatic new ground. But they are his most forceful on the subject yet, and will surely feature in his acceptance speech wrapping up the Republican convention in Cleveland. As such, they will be music to the ears of adversaries like Vladimir Putin above all Mr Trumps refusal to provide an unconditional assurance the US would come to the defence of the Baltic states, Natos newest members and under mounting pressure from Russia. For Mr Trump, in defence as in trade, what matters most is Americas economic interest. On both fronts, US partners were taking advantage of a generosity that America could no longer afford. That applied to trade agreements like Nafta (If I dont get a change, Ill pull out in a split second, he told the Times) but also to the umbrella of Nato protection in other words, US protection in time of crisis. Donald Trump's most controversial quotes Show all 14 1 /14 Donald Trump's most controversial quotes Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Isis: "Some of the candidates, they went in and didnt know the air conditioner didnt work and sweated like dogs, and they didnt know the room was too big because they didnt have anybody there. How are they going to beat ISIS?" Getty Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On immigration: "I will build a great wall and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me and Ill build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words." Reuters Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Free Trade: "Free trade is terrible. Free trade can be wonderful if you have smart people. But we have stupid people." PAUL J. RICHARDS | AFP | Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Mexicans: "When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. Theyre sending people that have lots of problems. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists." Getty Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On China: "I just sold an apartment for $15 million to somebody from China. Am I supposed to dislike them?... I love China. The biggest bank in the world is from China. You know where their United States headquarters is located? In this building, in Trump Tower." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On work: "If you're interested in 'balancing' work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them. Instead make your work more pleasurable." AP Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On success: "What separates the winners from the losers is how a person reacts to each new twist of fate." Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On life: "Everything in life is luck." AFP Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On ambition: "You have to think anyway, so why not think big?" Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On his opponents: "Bush is totally in favour of Common Core. I don't see how he can possibly get the nomination. He's weak on immigration. He's in favour of Common Core. How the hell can you vote for this guy? You just can't do it." Reuters Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Obamacare: "You have to be hit by a tractor, literally, a tractor, to use it, because the deductibles are so high. It's virtually useless. And remember the $5 billion web site?... I have so many web sites, I have them all over the place. I hire people, they do a web site. It costs me $3." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Barack Obama: "Obama is going to be out playing golf. He might be on one of my courses. I would invite him. I have the best courses in the world. I have one right next to the White House." PA Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On himself: "Love him or hate him, Trump is a man who is certain about what he wants and sets out to get it, no holds barred. Women find his power almost as much of a turn-on as his money." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On America: "The American Dream is dead. But if I get elected president I will bring it back bigger and better and stronger than ever before and we will make America great again." GETTY Not even the Baltics, faced by threatening Russian manoeuvres close to their borders, were exempt from the rule. Could they count on US military aid if the Russians attacked? Have they fulfilled their obligations to us? was Mr Trumps reply. If they fulfil their obligations to us the answer is yes. In effect, the businessmans stance places an unprecedented question mark over Natos Article 5, which declares that aggression against one member is an attack on all. Ironically, the only country on whose behalf the Article has been invoked is the US itself, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The uitimate question of Nato has always been whether in the event of a Russian invasion of, say, Estonia, the US would be ready to risk an escalation that could trigger a nuclear exchange. Belief that it was ready has kept the peace. Under a president Trump that belief would be weakened at the very moment Nato faces an assertive Russia, precisely the threat the alliance was created in 1949 to deal with. In some respects, the Trump Doctrine is more conventional, and might find private agreement in unexpected quarters. Even some US allies have been irked by the countrys habit of preaching human rights to all and sundry, given the violence on Americas streets and its record of torture against terrorist suspects. Mr Trump has suggested he would, if anything, step up the use of waterboarding and the like. But he was effusive in his praise of Recip Tayyip Erdogan, despite his massive purge after last weeks failed coup, amid fears that Turkeys autocratic president will exploit the crisis to extend his own power, at the expense of Turkish democracy. When the world sees how bad the United States is and we start talking about civil liberties, I dont think we are a very good messenger, he said. America must first fix its own mess before lecturing others about behaving better. Such is the candidates gospel of America First. For Mr Trump, hhis philosophy has nothing to do with the isolationists who marched under that banner in the years before World War II. But his views on Nato, his scepticism of foreign trade deals, his disinclination to get involved in the internal affairs of other countries are all rejections of the internationalism that has guided US presidents, whether Republican or Democrat, since 1945. Small wonder that the vast majority of Americas foreign policymakers and its friends abroad are aghast at the thought of Donald Trump in the Oval Office. 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 }} If Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wasnt so busy right now trying to emasculate his 600,000-strong Turkish army, hed be raging about the contents of a new book that with judicious research and painfully ironic timing has just appeared in Australia with irrefutable proof of the 1915 Armenian genocide at the hands of Turkeys (then) 500,000-strong army. The Turkish army, in the 1914-18 war, was intimately involved in the Nazi-like persecution and slaughter of one and a half million Armenian Christians. And it neither knew nor apparently cared that Australian prisoners of war were witnesses to the greatest war crime of the conflict. But now along comes a small Australian publisher with a highly researched volume, by Vicken Babkenian and Peter Stanley, in which the reader can find the testimony of Australian and other Allied prisoners who witnessed the dispossession and mass murder of the Armenians. Some were survivors of the 1915 siege and surrender of Kut al-Amara in present-day Iraq, whose death march to prisons in Anatolia matched in brutality if not in numbers the killing of the Armenian population of Ottoman Turkey. Other Australian troops were captured at Gallipoli. Several were submariners whose vessel was seized by the Turkish navy. They were Allied servicemen, not propagandists, and their attempts to help the doomed Armenians were as brave as they were innocent. Turks who still deny the knifing, beheading, mass executions and rape of the Armenians in a deliberate campaign of genocide and Sultan Erdogan is one of them will find it hard to challenge these witness statements. Though he has other worries on his mind right now, Erdogan is so strong a defender of the old Ottoman army that he rearranged the date of last years 1915 Gallipoli commemorations to obscure the anniversary of the start of the far bloodier destruction of the Armenian people on the same day. But when hes eventually finished destroying the army, judiciary, civil service and academic freedoms of present-day Turkey perhaps on a subsequent, more relaxing holiday at Marmaris Erdogan should take a look at the 324-page Armenia, Australia and the Great War. In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Show all 17 1 /17 In pictures: Turkey coup attempt In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Erdogan attends the funeral service for victims of the thwarted coup in Istanbul at Fatih mosque on July 17, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey Burak Kara/Getty Images In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soldiers involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge with their hands raised in Istanbul on 16 July, 2016 Gokhan Tan/Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A civilian beats a soldier after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 REUTERS/Murad Sezer In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Surrendered Turkish soldiers who were involved in the coup are beaten by a civilian Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soliders involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wave flags as they capture a Turkish Army vehicle Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt People pose near a tank after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers block Istanbul's Bosphorus Brigde Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A Turkish military stands guard near the Taksim Square in Istanbul Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Pierre Crom/Twitter In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers secure the area as supporters of Recep Tayyip Erdogan protest in Istanbul's Taksim square AP In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Murad Sezer/Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers detain police officers during a security shutdown of the Bosphorus Bridge Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish Army armoured personnel carriers in the main streets of Istanbul Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Chaos reigned in Istanbul as tanks drove through the streets EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks to media in the resort town of Marmaris Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of President Erdogan celebrate in Ankara following the suppression of the attempted coup Reuters Here, for example, is Lieutenant Leslie Luscombe of the Australian 14th Battalion at Gallipoli, captured by the Turks and sent to Angora province where he saw a sad and depressing sight on a railway station platform: a considerable number of Armenian women and children were huddled together while Turkish soldiers armed with whips drove them onto sheep trucks to transport them to some distant concentration camp. Just before Luscombes arrival, the monks of the Armenian monastery in which he was to be held had doubtless been liquidated. All the Australian prisoners were housed in abandoned Armenian houses. One of Luscombes colleagues, Corporal George Kerr, was sent to work on the uncompleted German Taurus mountain railway and lodged on the upper floor of a house whose occupants included 60 miserable creatures (as he recorded in his secret diary), both Armenians and Greeks. Captain Thomas White of the Australian Flying Corps, arriving under Turkish guard in the Ottoman city of Mosul (now, of course, the Isis capital), saw Armenian women, reduced to beggary, pleading for food. He was marched to the abandoned Armenian town of Tel Armen where although a few Armenian women and children were still present the men were absent. After climbing a low hill, he found 36 newly made graves which spoke eloquently of what had become of the Armenian men. White described himself as horrified at the Turks handiwork, noting later that these massacres had been simultaneous and to order throughout the entire country. John Kerry: Turkey coup could threaten country's Nato membership At this time, the Armenians of Ras al-Ein (a village now in the hands of the American-armed YPG anti-Isis militia) were being prepared for their death march to Deir ez-Zour and White wrote of seeing a large camp of Armenians herded together after the general round-up from their homes, and waiting to be sent on marches that had always the same ending. After a train ride to Afion, White and others were housed in a church from which Armenian survivors had been driven to make way for them. Their menfolk had been killed and furniture confiscated and now they were being turned into the street from their last possible sanctuary. He found a burial ground of Armenians, some of whose bodies were so close to the surface that their bones protruded. On the British-Australian-Indian prisoners 2,000km death march northwards to Anatolia from Kut, two POWs discovered a well at the back of a village house filled with the mutilated remains of the murdered Armenian women and children. In total, 70 per cent of the British POWs who surrendered at Kut and 30 per cent of the Indians died in captivity. By September 1916, the dead Allied POWs were themselves being buried in the Armenian cemetery at Afion. At Yozgat, Allied prisoners were placed in empty Armenian houses whose owners had been massacred and their shops pillaged, according to engineer Captain Kenneth Yearsley. The Armenian massacres continued long into 1918 in the east of Turkey where, to the credit of the books authors, they record the slaughter of Muslim villagers by Armenians but in the north of Mesopotamia, Colonel Stanley Savige, an Australian Gallipoli veteran, and his men found themselves fighting 10-to-one against Turkish and Kurdish cavalry killing the stragglers from an Armenian refugee column. They had found them old men, weak and wounded women, deserted infants and crippled children and, under fire, pulled women and children onto their horses, leaving, with aching hearts, cripples and infants to their fate. Captain Robert Nichol, a New Zealander, was killed as he fought for the Armenians lives. Rare images of Armenian genocide survivors on show in Italy As General Allenbys victorious army surged through Palestine and into what is now Syria in 1918, they found thousands of Armenians, starving and dying, most of them women and children, up the long road from Damascus to Homs and Hama and Aleppo a melancholy highway in todays ghastly Syrian conflict and then again around the Turkish city of Diyabakir. Australian cavalrymen emptied their supplies and water bottles for the Armenians. Ancient Diyabakir still existed then; much of it has now been destroyed by the present-day Turkish army (including those who plotted against Erdogan last week) in their battle against the Kurdish PKK. Quite a volume for Sultan Erdogan to dip into, then, once hes finished purging his broken country. But I suppose he can always claim evidence notwithstanding that the Ottoman government wasnt responsible for the Great War Armenian genocide on the grounds that its soldiers, like his own, simply took the law into their own hands. 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 }} If anything illustrates the desperate need for a reordering of British politics, it is the treatment, or rather mistreatment, of Jeremy Corbyn. Almost everyone with even the tiniest stake in the system as it stands has contributed; that includes the London-based media, as well as the Labour MPs and celebrity spokespeople who are theoretically on his own side. The Conservatives have hardly needed to deploy any of their assault forces, so keen have others been to do the job for them. Dont get me wrong. I am no Corbynista. His politics are not mine, but I understand his appeal. His arguments are coherent; they deserve to be heard, and every government needs a credible opposition. Alas, this is not what is happening To his many enemies, Jeremy Corbyn is a pretender. He is a pied piper who has cast a spell over a deluded section of the young. He is incompetent. He was eviscerated by Theresa May at PMQs. Hes hopeless in Parliament generally. He cant lead. He could never be elected prime minister. He is a stubborn egotist, who wont acknowledge his failings. He is traducing the noble Labour cause and should stand down post haste for the sake of the party he loves. Well, that is a point of view. The trouble is that, even in our land of free elections and free media, it is pretty much the only message that is finding its way out to the great British public. Part of the fault may lie with Corbyns own media operation, but a lot of it derives from the dominance of a self-serving establishment logic, according to which only people like us are entitled to a say. Jeremy Corbyn launches Labour leadership bid Here is an alternative version. Lets start with legitimacy of party leaders. It is little short of astonishing that Jeremy Corbyn, with the colossal mandate he received a year ago from party supporters, in a contest conducted entirely according to agreed rules, should be dismissed as somehow illegitimate and an aberration. The losers may not like the rules (retrospectively), but at least some of them were instrumental in setting them. When Corbyn resists calls for his resignation, citing his mandate, he is absolutely justified in so doing. Compare this with the position on the benches opposite. Theresa May was on the losing side (if only nominally) in the EU referendum; she was one of several candidates to succeed David Cameron, all of whom fell by fair means or foul by the wayside, leaving her to be crowned party leader and prime minister without a contest. It beggars belief that the Conservatives, as Cameron did in his valedictory PMQs, have hailed this as a triumph (of efficiency, rather than democracy?) and that there are no calls as yet for Theresa May to seek her own mandate at a general election. May herself demanded this of Gordon Brown in analogous circumstances, so what is different now? It is not good enough to hail the return of political stability and insist that the poor electorate is suddenly tired of voting. And how incompetent is Jeremy Corbyn really? He has not been nearly as ineffective a parliamentary performer as his adversaries charge. If you take into account that a large number of his own MPs have set out to stymie, if not actually sabotage, his efforts, just hanging on in there is a feat. He may not be the best picker of people and he may not be a natural leader, but it is hard to judge his strengths (beyond an almost superhuman resilience) when you consider the obstacles placed in his path. He had to sit through a speech by his foreign affairs spokesman in the Syria debate that argued the opposite of what he, as party leader, believed. Earlier this week, he had to watch as his MPs hand May a victory in the Trident vote, that was out of all proportion to public sentiment. His difficulty is that the Labour Partys electoral system threw up a leader whose mandate came from the popular, rather than the still nostalgically Blairite parliamentary, party. How many leaders would look competent in such circumstances? 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. Consider other measures of political success and the picture changes. As Corbyn said yesterday in his opening bid to remain leader, the party under his tutelage has won every by-election it has fought and four mayoral races, including London. It has changed the terms of the economic debate George Osbornes demise and Theresa Mays first remarks as Prime Minister are the latest testimony to that. Party membership is higher than it has ever been, and Corbyn improbable though it once seemed has fired political enthusiasm into the supposedly apathetic young. He has done this by reviving old Labour priorities and applying them in a way that speaks to a generation growing up in the shadow of the financial crisis and several disastrous wars. Nor does his brand of Labour speak just to the young. It appeals to many of those whose employment is precarious, who have seen huge mistakes (in finance and Iraq) go unpunished, who resent the stratospheric rewards the bosses reserve for themselves, and who ask whether Labours pursuit of electability in the 1990s was not at the price of their interests and the partys soul. The political centrism that prevailed in Parliament in the wake of Tony Blairs landslide, left sections of the population essentially without a voice. The Iraq war, a touchstone now for mistrust of government, was supported by both major parties in Parliament, as was sweeping de-regulation, as despite the Labour leaders best efforts was the Trident decision this week. Jeremy Corbyns was a lone voice on all these issues, but he can claim in many ways to have been vindicated. His so-called intransigence has now won him a following in the country at large, where levels of discontent largely disguised by the first-past-the-post electoral system were spectacularly laid bare in the Brexit vote. Whether you agree with him or not, you must accept that Jeremy Corbyn represents a real opposition. If only the Labour elite could accept that, too. 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 }} In the wake of the Nice attack, doubts have been raised once again about the tough French approach to countering extremism. Less commented on is the fact that the UK government is pursuing anti-extremism policies that come straight out the French playbook. Whether it is disrupting non-violent extremism, or making Muslims feel that they are increasingly being monitored, the French authorities have been implementing hard-line policies for decades and it has not done them any good. The UK governments pursuit of French-style tactics is unusual if you consider the two countries chequered history on matters of terrorism. When France was attacked by jihadist militants in the mid-1990s, it launched an unrelenting crackdown on extremist circles. French officials also poured scorn on Londonistan across the English Channel, where radicals were allowed to roam free. When London was hit by the 7/7 bombings in 2005, France told Britain (with some justification) that we told you so and maintained its own draconian response to terrorism. The British ramped up counterterrorism policies after 7/7. Yet my research indicates that the UKs response to jihadist terrorism has generally remained more proportionate than that of the French and arguably with better results. Both countries still have a considerable problem of radicalisation, but France has faced a wave of terrorist attacks since 2012 unparalleled in any other western country. Something has been going seriously wrong in its efforts to combat extremism. In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Show all 30 1 /30 In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man reacts near bouquets of flowers near the scene where a truck ran into a crowd at high speed killing scores and injuring more who were celebrating the Bastille Day national holiday in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A woman arrives with a toy and a bouquet of flowers as people pay tribute near the scene where a truck ran into a crowd in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A woman reacts as she places flowers in front of the memorial set on the 'Promenade des Anglais' where the truck crashed into the crowd during the Bastille Day celebrations in Nice EPA In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack People gather to view the floral tributes near the site of the truck attack in the French resort city of Nice AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man reacts near bouquets of flowers as people pay tribute near the scene where a truck ran into a crowd at high speed killing scores and injuring more who were celebrating the Bastille Day national holiday, in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Floral tributes are laid out near the site of the truck attack in the French resort city of Nice AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A child's toy is placed among the floral tributes laid out near the site of the truck attack in the French resort city of Nice AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Investigators continue at the scene near the heavy truck that ran into a crowd at high speed killing scores who were celebrating the Bastille Day in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Crime scene investigators work on the 'Promenade des Anglais' after the truck crashed into the crowd during the Bastille Day celebrations in Nice EPA In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A forensic expert examines dead bodies covered with a blue sheet on the Promenade des Anglais seafront in the French Riviera city of Nice Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A forensic expert evacuates a dead body on the Promenade des Anglais seafront in the French Riviera city of Nice, after a gunman smashed a truck into a crowd of revellers celebrating Bastille Day Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man reacts as he sits near a French flag along the beachfront the day after a truck ran into a crowd at high speed killing scores celebrating the Bastille Day in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Discarded items are left on the beach, not far from the site of the truck attack in the French resort city of Nice AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Bullet holes in the windscreen of the lorry that was driven into the crowd at high speed Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man walks through debris on the street in Nice, France, the morning after a lorry ran into a crowd, killing at least 84 and injuring 50 Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Rescue workers help an injured woman to get in a ambulance AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Authorities investigate a truck after it plowed through Bastille Day revelers in the French resort city of Nice, France AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Celebrations of Bastille Day were targeted by the lorry driver AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack People cross the street with their hands on thier heads as a French soldier secures the area after at least 84 people were killed along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A paramedic attends one of the dozens of people injured in the Nice Bastille Day attack In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Soldiers march on street where the lorry crashed into the crowd REUTERS In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man sits next to a body seen on the ground after at least 84 people were killed in Nice, when a truck ran into a crowd celebrating the Bastille Day national holiday Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Bodies are seen on the ground after at least 84 people were killed in Nice, when a truck ran into a crowd celebrating the Bastille Day national holiday Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Children were among the 84 killed in the atrocity, with around 50 more hospitalised Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve (2nd L) speaks to the media in Nice AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man walks with his hands up as police officers carry out checks on people in the centre of French Riviera town of Nice AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack With injured people laying in the street police and onlookers react near to a truck in Nice AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Police officers, firefighters and rescue workers are seen at the site of the attack AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Police officers speak with a soldier after a truck that ploughed into a crowd leaving a fireworks display in the French Riviera town of Nice AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Police shine a light into the cab as they approach the driver's cab of a truck, in Nice AP The extensive monitoring of radical circles in France has unnerved many in its Arab and Muslim communities. French intelligence chiefs have talked openly of their efforts to keep tabs on adherents to radical Islam, such as Salafis. There is an infamous database of some 10,500 people who are suspected of links to radical Islam or jihadist terrorism. Even if the majority of these people are extremists, there are likely to be scores of individuals in the governments files who are far removed from any sort of violence. Nevertheless, they too have been spied on. Some aspects of the Prevent programme risk pushing British down a similar road. While it is reasonable to expect citizens to report people who they think are supporting violence, making it a statutory duty as the Government has done sets off a dangerous dynamic. Putting this duty into the hands of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public sector workers means that the policy is bound to be applied inappropriately in some cases. For example, it is fine in our society for a white teenager to make vociferous criticisms of Israel but if a young Muslim expresses similar views, he may be reported and then subject to a higher level of scrutiny. Any benefits of this initiative could be outweighed by the resentment that is generated when a section of the community feels itself under increasing scrutiny and held to a higher standard of appropriate behaviour than the rest of society. The Government now wants to go a step further in its planned counter-extremism bill. It has promised to introduce extremism disruption orders to close down centres of extremism and disrupt radicals whose words or actions do not break any existing laws. The French have been doing something like this for years, under a programme called the fight against radical Islam. The French authorities raid call centres, restaurants, bookstores and other places they think are linked to radical Islam. Premises are shut down, administrative penalties are imposed and alleged extremists are disrupted. Yet, over 10 years into this programme, the results dont look good. Frances extremism problem is worse than ever and the alienation of many Muslims from the French state has been deepened by programmes such as this one. France attack: Mourners pay respects in Nice British officials may think that the broader history of discrimination and disadvantage in places like the Parisian banlieues make the French case rather different from the UK. They may assume that such contextual differences will allow them to crack down on extremism without producing the negative results that France has experienced. But the question for them is: why risk it? The benefits of a crackdown are uncertain at best and its downside is potentially huge. The government needs to realise that if it pursues policies similar to those of the French authorities, it risks bringing us closer to French-style waves of violence on the streets of Britain. Frank Foley is a lecturer in the Department of War Studies at Kings College London and author of 'Countering Terrorism in Britain and France: Institutions, Norms And The Shadow Of The Past' (Cambridge University Press) 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 }} First Donald Trump, and now Roger Ailes. Who could have imagined it? The once great Republican party party divided and hijacked by a preening real estate mogul only to be matched for internal turmoil by the wildly successful cable news channel that is its mouthpiece. Ailes may not be the household name that Trump is. But as chairman and chief executive of Fox News, he has been indisputably the most powerful TV executive in America. Now, author of his own downfall, he is being shown the door, and the very future of Fox has been plunged into uncertainty. Virtually from the moment Fox was launched in 1996, it has been the Republicans great enabler, a giant 24/7 echo chamber of the partys conservative ideology, its prejudices and its partisanship, incubator of its paranoia against Democrats and liberals in general, and the Clintons in particular. Sometimes the two entities seem one, as Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin metamorphose from Republican presidential and vice presidential candidates into Fox talk showhosts, while a TV personality like Trump ascends to the highest level of politics. Fox and Trump, it is true, have had their differences. But they need each other in equal measure. Trump gives Fox ratings. Fox gives Trump, if he needed it, a megaphone to reach the faithful. For two decades, Ailes has ruled this empire, secure in his partnership with Foxs owner Rupert Murdoch, and buttressed by the fact that that the cable channel generates 20 per cent of the profit - $1bn or so of its parent company 21st Century Fox. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Indeed, until a few days ago, 2016 was shaping up as the apotheosis of Fox News and Ailes, as they geared up for a 20th anniversary with ratings at unprecedented levels, and its dominance of cable news secure. But now, it seems, Ailes could be out by the end of this week. There will be statements brimming with phrases like immense contributions and promises of consulting roles or similar, not to mention a rumoured eight figure financial settlement. The truth though is that the reign of a man who was adviser to three Republican presidents Nixon, Reagan and George H.W. Bush before moving into television news, and who personifies the intersection of politics and media in American life as no other, is over. In a sense Ailes has been hoist on his own petard. He created Fox as a macho, swashbuckling alternative to staid old CNN. He called it fair and balanced, a slap at the liberal mainstream media, which his Republican audience is convinced is an unfair and unbalanced liberal conspiracy directed against them. And he in spirit has been one of them, with his creed of God, Country, Family, and his reputed boast, My first qualification is that I didnt go to Columbia Journalism School. He peopled Fox News with brash and abrasive conservative commentators and svelte blonde lady anchors barred from wearing trouser suits, their legs on display beneath glass desks. But Ailes, it now appears, took the jock culture he had fostered too far. His troubles exploded on July 6, when Gretchen Carlson, a former Fox anchor, filed a lawsuit alleging she had been sexully harassed by Ailes. That was followed by claims of similar mistreatment from other women among them, it is suspected, Foxs current female superstar, anchor Megyn Kelly. Now his departure is being sealed at the very moment the Republican party he helped shape is crowning Donald Trump in Cleveland. The real difference though is that Rupert Murdochs protection is no longer sufficient. The 85-year old family patriarch has handed over the daily reins to his sons James and Lachlan. The pair have clashed with Ailes in the past, and the harassment suit gave them their chance to strike. The question is now, what becomes of Fox News? Under Ailes, a stable of TV cable superstars emerged, like Bill OReilly and Glen Beck. Will they stay if he goes? OReilly has already hinted at retirement and, reportedly, some of these stars even have a clause in their contracts allowing them to leave if Ailes no longer runs things. And what of Ailes protegees on the management side, products of the culture with which he infused the network? The crucial unknown however is the intentions of the younger Murdochs. There is no obvious replacement for Ailes, and it has been suggested the brothers would prefer a Fox resembling Murdoch-controlled Sky in Britain, more neutral and less strident. That however would risk killing the amped-up partisan goose that lays the golden ratings eggs, not to mention Americas balance of political/media power. Such is the legacy of Roger Ailes. 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 post-Brexit sky is clearing. Consider the news of the past few days nothing startling, but reassuring as far as it goes. Let us start with the City of Londons position as a centre for trading in the euro, which is threatened by Brexit; indeed President Hollande of France said that the arrangement had to end. Yet in an interview with the Financial Times, Valdis Dombrovskis, a Vice-President of the European Commission who has the euro among his responsibilities, showed himself much less gung ho. Dombrovskis said it was too early to draw conclusions. There were different factors at play in deciding what to do, he added. In other words, there is a chance of a rational negotiation. Then there is Scotland. Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister, is a skillful politician who has claimed that Scotland would be able to veto Brexit. This week her spokesperson amended this and contented herself with commenting: were not going around saying we have a veto, because frankly, we dont. How are Germans feeling about Brexit? There are two other weaknesses in Sturgeons position. While the oil price remains subdued, the viability of an independent Scotland must be doubtful. And the chances of an independent Scotland gaining swift admission to the European Union are similarly questionable. I dont say that we should disregard Sturgeons threats, but those who value the union should not lose sleep over them. Most significant of all, however, has been the news that has been coming through regarding Britains chances of negotiating free trade agreements with countries outside the European Union. Such bilateral deals have been prohibited since we entered the Common Market (predecessor to the EU) in 1973 and international trade became solely a matter for Brussels. Now both Canada and Australia have indicated that they are ready to talk. In the United States, Republican lawmakers have been enthusiastic about negotiating a deal with Britain. They like the idea of linking two like-minded liberal economies. Even John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, was emollient. He said in London on Monday that while there can be no trade deal between Britain and the US until the countrys exit from the European Union is complete, clearly you can begin to pencil things in. Meanwhile negotiations of a big EU-US free trade deal grind on slowly and could still break down. 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 In an eerie way the sudden possibility of trade deals with Commonwealth countries such as Canada and Australia takes us right back to Britains anguished discussions in the early 1960s about the merits of membership of the Common Market. The prime minister of the day, Harold Macmillan, who took the decision to apply towards the end of 1960, wrote in his diary: Shall we be caught between a hostile (or at least, less and less friendly) America and a boastful, powerful Empire of Charlemagne now under French but later bound to come under German control? Is this the real reason for joining the Common Market (if we are acceptable) and for abandoningBritish agriculture and the Commonwealth? Then when the French President, General de Gaulle, vetoed Macmillans request, he noted The great question remains What is the alternative to the European Community? If we are honest, we must say that there is none. Had there been a chance of a Commonwealth Free Trade Area, we should have grasped it long ago. A few weeks ago, we asked ourselves the same great question and reached a different conclusion. In fact it is reasonable to be optimistic about striking free trade deals outside Europe. In our sights, as well as Canada and Australia, there should be New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, the USA and China. But getting there will be an immensely complicated and long drawn out task. This was well illustrated by an excellent seminar hosted by the Policy Exchange on Monday. Leading the discussion was Dr Geoff Raby, a former Australian Ambassador to China and to the World Trade Organisation. These are the lessons I learnt. First Britain must start by regularising its situation with the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which supervises the global rules of trade between nations. This should be straight forward because the UK economy is largely open and our practices are already in conformity with WTO rules. Second, when we start to negotiate with individual countries, we should set the bar high and aim for what could be called EU Plus and WTO Plus agreements. So we should consider proposals for liberalising trade in agricultural products, which is largely banned by the EU itself, as well as the usual goods and services. Third, to attain our objectives, it is essential to have clarity of purpose, to employ literally hundreds of skilled trade negotiators (which we currently lack) and to gain long term, unambiguous government support for what will be a lengthy process. French president Francois Hollande and Taoiseach Enda Kenny during a press conference at Government Buildings in Dublin Taoiseach Enda Kenny is holding talks with French president Francois Hollande less than a week on from the Nice terror atrocity. The fallout from Brexit and security and counter-terrorism measures are expected to dominate discussions at Government Buildings in Dublin. Eight-four people were killed when Tunisian Mohamed Lahouaiyej Bouhlel drove a truck into crowds enjoying Bastille Day celebrations and fireworks over the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Another 15 people remain critically ill in hospitals. Mr Hollande's trip to Dublin had been arranged before the terror assault and has since been scaled back, but he has retained a commitment to meet president Michael D Higgins. He will be back in Paris for talks with British Prime Minister Theresa May this evening. The discussions in Dublin will be attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan and by Dara Murphy, junior minister for European Affairs. President Hollande, who has already visited Portugal this week, will be accompanied by Harlem Desir, France's Secretary of State for European Affairs. On the ramifications of Brexit for Ireland's so-called soft border with Northern Ireland, Mr Kenny reiterated that it should remain. "We do not favour a hard border. Obviously we do not want to see a European border from Dundalk to Derry, that would not be acceptable," the Taoiseach said. "We'd be vigilant in terms of people moving through who might have tendencies to be involved in terrorist activities." Mr Hollande called for greater sharing of information between countries facing the terrorism threat. "We have to exchange as far as possible information to track a certain number of individuals and avoid any doubt setting in," the French leader said. On the Irish border, Mr Hollande said he understood the concerns about ensuring the peace process is not damaged by Brexit. "I do recognise there is a special situation here for Ireland," he said. "It's a special situation and it has to be found a special place in the negotiations." The discussions in Dublin also focused on international and domestic security, the economies and issues relating to energy. Mr Kenny said Ireland was working on laws which may allow data and information on terror suspects in Ireland to be shared with Britain. "Obviously where information might be available, which might be tracking terrorist activities or communications, this is an important priority for Ire to assist in preventing terrorist activities," he said. The Irish border will be a special case in the Brexit negotiations, French president Francois Hollande has said. In Dublin for talks with Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Mr Hollande called for Britain to begin its split from the European Union sooner rather than later and for the discussions to be as short as possible. Amid concerns the open border with Northern Ireland could return to customs, police and immigration checks, the French leader said he understood concerns about the peace process. "I do recognise there is a special situation here for Ireland," he said. "It's a special situation and it has to be found a special place in the negotiations." Mr Hollande's trip to Dublin was arranged before last Friday's Bastille Day atrocity in Nice. Eighty-four people were killed when Tunisian Mohamed Lahouaiyej Bouhlel drove a truck into crowds enjoying celebrations and fireworks over the Promenade des Anglais. Another 15 people remain critically ill in hospitals. On the ramifications of Brexit for Ireland's soft border with Northern Ireland, the Taoiseach reiterated that the UK-Ireland Common Travel Area and freedom of movement should remain. "We do not favour a hard border. Obviously we do not want to see a European border from Dundalk to Derry, that would not be acceptable," the Taoiseach said. "We'd be vigilant in terms of people moving through who might have tendencies to be involved in terrorist activities." While Mr Hollande's trip to Dublin has been scaled back in the wake of the terror attack, he retained a commitment to meet President Michael D Higgins. A statement on behalf of the two leaders called on Britain to trigger Article 50 and begin the process of Brexit as "soon as possible". Mr Hollande dismissed suggestions which have been floated that the negotiations may not begin until December. "Should the negotiations be shorter? The most important thing is that they should not drag on," the president said. "The sooner the negotiations are open the better, and the shorter the better." And he called on British politicians to accept reality. "It's a decision that was taken by the British people," Mr Hollande said. "Firstly it was the British who will have to bear the consequences. Europe will try its best to give its best relationship with the UK. "But there's a time the politicians have to accept this vote. They have to accept the consequences." Mr Kenny also said the French leader was aware of the importance of the role the EU played in cementing the peace process in Northern Ireland. "Europe has contributed greatly to the support of the Good Friday Agreement in putting that fragile peace together," the Taoiseach said. "We see, as a country with a land border here, this peace process is absolutely essential." Mr Hollande's Dublin visit was one in a series of meetings with fellow European leaders this week including British Prime Minister Theresa May. Security and counter-terror issues were also top of the agenda with the Taoiseach. Mr Hollande called for greater sharing of information between countries facing the terrorism threat. "We have to exchange as far as possible information to track a certain number of individuals and avoid any doubt setting in," the French leader said. Mr Kenny said Ireland was working on laws which may allow data and information on terror suspects in Ireland to be shared with Britain. "Obviously where information might be available, which might be tracking terrorist activities or communications, this is an important priority for Ireland to assist in preventing terrorist activities," he said. The French president spent around an hour with Mr Higgins at Aras an Uachtarain behind closed doors and signed the visitors' book. Mr Hollande was also pressed on air strikes by coalition forces in Syria which have left scores of people dead and whether France took any responsibility. "I don't have any accurate information about what the French planes could have done," he said. "We are very strict about how we make our strikes and I have no feedback about the responsibility of the French." It has been reported that 73 civilians were killed in US air strikes on a Syrian village in what activists claim is the most deadly attack on non-combatants since a coalition began bombing Islamic State positions. The negatives of Britain's shock decision to leave the EU have been well documented. Some commentators have found it difficult to see any upside from Brexit with a potential UK recession being mooted. As share prices in Ireland and the UK plummeted following the vote, there was one place investors highlighted as a safe haven. It was gold. Swathes of UK gold companies reported major increases in transactions after June 23 as Britons sought refuge from what seemed an open-ended plunge in the value of sterling. However it isn't just companies selling gold that are benefiting from the uplift in demand: Irish exploration firm Conroy Gold and Natural Resources has began to feel a welcome knock-on effect. Conroy chairman Professor Richard Conroy said that despite a lack of saleable gold, the economic situation has a major impact on his business. "When we're doing our economics on a potential gold mine, it becomes very important and it's also important in various other ways, in that the major and intermediate companies obviously have a greater interest in doing a joint venture and that's to our advantage for the actual development of a mine when the emphasis is on gold. "There are a number of elements which impinge on us but we can't directly sell the gold because we haven't as yet produced any," Mr Conroy said. "If you're a major gold company you will be all the more anxious to do a deal with a much smaller company such as ourselves, which has the potential to discover a large quantity of gold." The increase in demand for gold comes off the back of strong year for the company. Early last year Conroy slapped a potential value of 150m on Ireland's first commercial gold mine, at Clontibret in Monaghan. That valuation, Mr Conroy says, is still holding through more than a year on and actually tips it to rise in value rather than dip due to the increase in the price of gold. In the year to date so far gold has experienced a big surge, rising from $1,078 (978) per ounce in January to $1,331 per ounce in July. While its value has fluctuated, dropping from a 2011 high of $1,864, Conroy's chairman still maintains it's a smart move to have some of your wealth made up of an investment in gold. "It makes absolute sense for people to have a percentage in gold, certainly the Central Banks are indicating that. For the last number of years they have been steadily building up their reserves of gold. "Central banks have been scarcely selling any gold at all over the last number of years. They feel that is advisable to do," he said. On Monday Conroy announced it had found four new gold zones on its Glenish target in Monaghan. The discovery was made in a 150 metre-wide structural corridor in the western part of the Glenish gold target. The new zones were found partly in thanks to a capital raise the company completed in December. Conroy Gold raised over half a million euros at the time for the further development of gold mines through a share placing and debt conversion. That capital is still sufficient to keep the firm going as Mr Conroy ruled out the possibility of another capital raise in the not too distant future. "We've been fortunate to raise funds to keep out exploration going and very fortunately we've gotten the results as we've gone along but it's a very prolonged process." Year-on-year the company continued to reduce its net loss down to 315,314, however making a profit doesn't seem to be a pressing concern just yet. "Curiously not (intentions to bring down net loss), it may seem a contradiction but if you're running an exploration company your cash flow is outward not inward. Now we try to run a tight ship and watch all our expenses because we go as far as possible to see money going into the ground to make discoveries. "We've been involved in the exploration business for many years and it takes a long time. For quite a long time people found it difficult in seeing Ireland as a major international base metals country. "Now, if you go out to the big mining conferences in Toronto they'll immediately say 'Ireland - oh yes of course a zinc province'. But they don't think of it as yet of gold and we're hoping that gradually that message will get across." Mr Conroy has previously spent time in medicine and politics before taking on the Irish mining scene, something he finds there is a peculiar lack of awareness about. "It's remarkable the contrast in Finland, they're very conscious of their mining industry, they encourage it in every way that they can, they are very upmarket, they're very good environmentally and technically. "Whereas here in Ireland we don't even know about it. In fairness to people here, those involved in the Geological Survey here and in the Geological Survey in Northern Ireland, they are enormously helpful. They have very high quality people. But when you go beyond that circle of people it's surprising how little is known about mining." The former senator said Ireland as a country is missing a trick in not capitalising on gold mining, saying it has genuine potential for job growth. Ireland doesn't seem to be a hard sell either compared to the more familiar destinations for mining. "People imagine that a mine out in Africa or somewhere in the Australian outback would be financially more attractive but there's more to it than that. "As well as the actual financial situation, which in Ireland is quite attractive, not because of the tax, but because you have a good infrastructure, you have a good power supply, you're not flying expats out to Liberia or wherever it is. "Ireland has many attractions and it's also considered as politically stable." Conroy looked at gold in the nineties and believed it was vastly undervalued. As a result the company is now looking at potential benefits from its early investment. However, Mr Conroy said it has been a "long hard process". The company remains comparatively "tiny" to other larger gold companies, employing just ten. A return on investment is hoped for fairly rapidly but the Conroy founder said the company is open to a joint venture with larger companies as it looks to exploit its gold targets dotted across Ireland. In the meantime the company has seen a near 60pc increase in its share price since Britain shocked the world with its decision to leave the European Union. It was of course Ms Merkel and Mr Sarkozy who tried to push the Taoiseach into concessions on our corporate tax rate in favour of a better deal on bailout loans IRELAND'S position in a post-Brexit EU landscape is far from clear. There is no question about our commitment as a Member State, and as a member of the Eurozone, but in terms of financial services and economic issues, Ireland faces dangers on several fronts. Only one week after the result of the UK referendum, the European Parliament decided once again to push its agenda for further tax harmonisation. This is not good for Ireland, not good for the EU and certainly not good for business. Now more than ever, Ireland needs to be focused on staying competitive. Such moves from the EU are not helpful. The EU's corporate tax agenda puts Ireland in a dangerous position following Brexit. On one hand, we have Britain proposing to reduce its corporate tax rate to 15pc and on the other we have to continue our battle with the EU on tax harmonisation. Of course, we have to remain firm on our 12.5pc corporate tax rate - this is a complete red line issue for Ireland. Moreover, any attempts to harmonise tax rates through the backdoor must be resisted. This government, and many previous governments, must be commended on their efforts to fight hard for Ireland's corporate tax policy. But now the fight will become more difficult. The UK was always a natural ally for Ireland in resisting the EU's tax harmonisation agenda, particularly on the proposal to have a harmonised EU financial transaction tax (FTT) and a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB). In a few years, it is most likely we will no longer have a UK ally at the European table - a huge political setback whose importance cannot be overstated. Whenever corporate tax issues were raised at the European Council, the UK and Ireland always took the same position, and with the UK on our side we knew that France and Germany could not extend their reach too far. It was of course Ms Merkel and Mr Sarkozy who tried to push the Taoiseach into concessions on our corporate tax rate in favour of a better deal on bailout loans. Despite this, we still have to wait to see what kind of EU is going to emerge in the years following Brexit. This will dictate what kind of debate we are going to see on corporate tax. Not long after the referendum, Wolfgang Schauble, the long-standing German Finance Minister, said that Europe can't simply operate like it did in the past. At one level he is right. The relentless focus now must be all about getting the Eurozone functioning properly. Europe has to tackle the low growth high cost narrative that too often exists around the world in commentary about the EU. But that cannot be at the price of railroading smaller Member States. He went on to say that it is for national governments to set the pace for future cooperation with the European Union and "if the Commission isn't coming along, then we'll take matters into our own hands and solve problems between governments". Schauble is a politician who doesn't mince his words. It is clear that he wants Member States to take control and for the European Commission to take a step back. The problem is that leaving matters to the big countries, frequently means following their agenda. There is no guarantee that by cutting out the EU Commission that our situation can improve. If anything, it's the Commission that stands up for smaller Member States and understands the challenges they face. I firmly believe that the EU institutions do need to take a good hard look at themselves and the way they operate following Brexit. National governments also need to do more to explain to people the benefits of the EU. There is a huge wave of Euroscepticism all over Europe and not enough has been done to address this. This sort of discontent should give EU leaders the impetus to build a better Union, one that is more connected with its citizens. And while it may not feel like it at the moment, the fact is that never in our history has there been such good relations between Member States, never have we had such a continuous time of peace in Europe and never have we had such a good quality of life. Unfortunately a great many Europeans do not see things in this way. Instead, the tendency is to blame the EU for everything that is going wrong. The irony is that the EU was already starting to change its way of doing business, especially since the new European Commission came into office in 2014. There has been a strong emphasis on better regulation, there was a recognition that we need to further develop a single Capital Markets Union and there was also a desire to give national parliaments more control. It is too early to say whether the EU that emerges in the coming years will be kinder to Member States wishes for respect for sovereignty. Whatever EU develops in the future, Ireland has to manoeuvre itself carefully in this new post-Brexit environment. We can no longer rely on the UK to do our bidding for us. That means that we have to be clear and vocal about things that are harmful to us. We also have to start building new alliances at the European table, now that Britain will no longer be there. The European Council is made up of a group of blocs - the Scandinavian countries generally stick together, the Benelux countries have a close alliance, the Baltics share many similarities and the Mediterranean countries operate in a like-minded way. In its own way, Ireland and the UK made up a bloc as well. The reality is that we are now very much on our own and very much on the periphery. But by associating ourselves more closely with certain countries or blocs we can get more out of negotiations on European policy. In particular, Ireland's representatives in Brussels need to play a smart diplomatic game on tax for the coming years - we need to solidify partnerships with those Member States who think along the same lines on tax issues. There are several other big EU issues on the horizon which will require careful negotiations and diplomatic skills. The completion of the banking union is one such issue that is fast approaching. Added to that, the Commission is keen to follow up on the actions proposed in the "Five Presidents report" on the completion of the Economic and Monetary Union. Many of these actions will define the future trajectory for the Eurozone and the euro. The EU will also continue its work on climate action following the agreement at COP 21 in Paris. And of course, migration will remain a major issue for Europe in the coming years. The EU has served us well and we must never forget that. We have been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the EU. This year we became a net contributor to the EU budget - an amazing turnaround for what was once a poor country. We must remain as committed as ever to the EU. But we must also remain self-interested. We must work as hard as possible at every moment to defend our interests in a post-Brexit EU. Brian Hayes is a Dublin Fine Gael MEP The head of the EU's policing agency has said he does not believe Ireland would see an increase in violence in the event of a future Border poll being passed. Rob Wainwright, the director of Europol, said Ireland has "come a long way since the Troubles" and that he is "rather optimistic" reunification would not lead to a return of terrorism activity. Speaking to reporters at the MacGill Summer School in Glenties, Mr Wainright warned that Brexit has "potential implications" for the sharing of intelligence on organised crime. But he said he did not have any specific concerns about the prospect of a united Ireland. "The issue is entirely a political one of course, again it's for the governments of Ireland and the UK to deal with and comment on it and certainly not for me," Mr Wainright initially said, when asked about the recent momentum behind a poll taking place. "Would there be a concern? I'm not sure, I think we have come a long way since the Troubles. The Ireland that we see today is very, very different to what we saw all those years ago. "I hate to think that we would slip back into something like that, and I am rather optimistic that we wouldn't whatever the cause might be," he added. However, the newly appointed Northern Ireland Secretary moved yesterday to effectively rule out a referendum on Irish unity. James Brokenshire told MPs he does not believe that the conditions required to call a border poll have been met. His comments, made during his House of Commons debut in his new role, came after Taoiseach Enda Kenny raised the prospect of a future vote on Irish unity in the wake of Brexit. Mr Kenny said EU/UK negotiations should factor in the possibility that a Border poll could be held in years to come. But his intervention prompted fury from Unionists. Nigel Dodds, deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, asked Mr Brokenshire to "spell out" the fact that there is "no question" of a Border poll. Mr Brokenshire replied: "I have been quite straightforward in relation to the issue of the Border poll. Conditions "The conditions are set out very clearly in relation to the Belfast Agreement and I have been very clear that I do not think those conditions have been met." Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement the power to call a border poll rests with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. But the accord stipulates that such a vote can only be called if there is evidence of a clear shift of public opinion in favour of Irish unity in Northern Ireland. In the Dail yesterday, Mr Kenny said: "There is never anything wrong with talking about these issues." However, he accepted there will be no Border poll in the near future. "There is no evidence of a majority wanting to join the Republic. My point is a different one in that it is about catering for the future, in whatever number of years. "If that were ever to be triggered there is an opportunity to deal with that consequence in the discussions. That is all. "It has nothing to do with immediacy in terms of border polls," Mr Kenny said. Ireland is entitled to a special place in the negotiations on the UKs departure from the European Union, French President Francois Hollande has said. In a major boost for Taoiseach Enda Kenny, the President acknowledged that the Good Friday Agreement and land border between the Republic and Northern Ireland will need to be at the centre of Brexit talks. He said that while France and Ireland are the UKs nearest neighbours, Ireland is "even more of a neighbour than France. He said his country understood the stance Ireland must take in advance of the Brexit talks and he intends to note the Irish situation when he meets with British Prime Minister Theresa May later today. Mr Hollandes intervention is particularly significantly as German Chancellor Angela Merkel last week played down the idea that Ireland would be able to get specific guarantees around trade and the movement of people in any negotiations. The French President met with Mr Kenny for almost an hour at Government Buildings to discuss Brexit and the ongoing terror threat around Europe. They also witnessed the signing of a new agreement that will see the transmission of electricity between the two countries. Both leaders stressed that they want the British government to trigger Article 50 which formally sets a Brexit in motion as soon as possible. Expand Close President Michael D Higgins pictured with President of the French Republic Francois Hollande during the French President's visit to Aras an Uachtarain. Picture Credit : Frank Mc Grath / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp President Michael D Higgins pictured with President of the French Republic Francois Hollande during the French President's visit to Aras an Uachtarain. Picture Credit : Frank Mc Grath Mr Hollande took a particularly hard line, saying that British politicians needed to act on the result of the referendum. Its the British that will have to bear the consequences, he said. He also offered assurances that Irelands controversial 12.5pc corporation tax rate is not under any threat as a result of Brexit. In terms of taxation or tax harmonisation, that has nothing to do with Brexit, Mr Hollande told reporters. He cited the importance of the Good Friday Agreement, saying: I do recognise that there is a special place for Ireland. A special place has to be found in the negotiations. Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he wants Britain to maintain the closest partnership possible with the EU. He said that his discussion with Mr Hollande led him to believe that both countries have quiet specific and unique concerns in the forthcoming negotiations". He said the Good Friday Agreement has been back by the EU which had contributed greatly to the peace. That element of the negotiations is unique to Ireland. The French President understands that, Mr Kenny said. The Taoiseach also expressed the sympathy of the Irish people to France in the wake of the Nice atrocity. He said: An appalling litany of outrage was inflicted on Nice and the people of France. Mr Kenny said we all now live in a turbulent and dangerous world and Ireland would work in whatever way possible to fight terrorism, while also protecting our neutrality. Mr Hollande said he accepted Irelands neutral stance in relation to closer co-operation on defence issue but said the Irish government had responded to his call for solidarity after the series of terror attacks. I will never forget that, he said. Nice attacker plotted for months; suspected accomplices in custody The 31-year-old man who drove a delivery truck down 2 kilometres of Nice's seaside promenade, killing 84 people celebrating Bastille Day, had envisaged such a terrorist attack for months before getting behind the wheel, a French prosecutor said Thursday. GALLERY People gather at the new area for floral tributes on the "Promenade des Anglais in the French riviera city of Nice, France, 19 July 2016, after deadly attack on Bastille day 14 July 2016. Minutes of silence in the French National Assembly in Paris, France, 20 July 2016 for the victims of the Bastille Day attack in Nice late 14 July. At least 84 people died and many were wounded after a truck drove into the crowd on the famous Promenade des Anglais. Police secure the area in Nice, France, July 15, 2016 where a truck drove into a crowd during Bastille Day celebrations in Nice, France, July 15, 2016. More than 80 people died and many were wounded in a terror attack. Paris (dpa) - Tunisia-born Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel also had accomplices, prosecutor Francois Molins added, saying that he sought charges against five people in custody, some of whom exchanged messages in the days, weeks and months before the attack. The latest information on the investigation into the attack counters previous suspicions that Lahouaiej Bouhlel was very rapidly radicalized, as messages and photographs found on his phone and computer showed an interest in jihadism as far back as early 2015.Molins said he was seeking charges against four men and one woman, three of whom were of Tunisian or joint French-Tunisian nationality and two holding Albanian nationality. The charges sought included association with terrorist networks and complicity in a criminal attack related to terrorism. None of the five were known to French intelligence services prior to the attack, Molins said. Lahouaiej Bouhlel was also not known to intelligence services.Among the data uncovered by the investigation, Molins said that Lahouaiej Bouhlel had exchanged more than 1,200 calls with one of the men held - named as Mohamed Oualid G. - since July 2015. Mohamed Oualid G. had sent Lahouaiej Bouhlel a message after the attack on Charlie Hebdo in January 2015 celebrating the shootings and saying the "soldiers of allah finished their work."Images taken from Mohamed Oualid G.s phone also show him filming the Nice promenade after the attack, as well as filming himself, Molins said. Photographs taken by Lahouaiej Bouhlel on July 11 and 13 also show Mohamed Oualid G. in the truck that was used to mow down the crowd on July 14, Molins said. Another of the fives prints were found on the interior of the truck, Molins said. Lahouaiej Bouhlel sent three text message in the moments preceding the attack, including a message to another one of the people held congratulating him for procuring a weapon.After ploughing down the promenade, Lahouaiej Bouhlel shot multiple times at three police officers, who followed the truck as it continued for another 300 metres. After he was shot dead by police, two automatic pistols, a magazine, cartridges, two fake Kalashnikovs, and a non-functional grenade were found in the cab.While the investigation is still piecing together the disparate pieces of the picture, no clear link has yet been established between Lahouaiej Bouhlel and the Islamic State group, which claimed responsibility for the attack two days after it occurred. Molins said that 15 people remain in critical condition, of the 330 people hospitalized after the attack. Many of those gathered on the seaside promenade to watch the fireworks show and who were killed by the onslaught came from abroad, including visitors from the US and Italy.The attack in Nice - the third major terrorist act on French soil in less than two years - has created schisms in the countrys political class, with conservative and far-right politicians accusing the Socialist government of not having done enough to secure the nation against the threat posed by terrorism. After the newspaper Liberation raised questions about the extent of security, how many police and what level of police were present on the promenade, the French Interior Ministry opened Thursday a "technical inquiry" to try to head off speculation.The inquiry - to be headed by the police oversight body - was announced Thursday by Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve after mounting criticism of the measures taken to ensure the celebrations were secure. Liberation claimed that only two municipal police officers and one police car were present on the entrance to the seaside walk where crowds were gathered for the fireworks show, saying that their findings were contrary to previous statements made by Cazeneuve.Two days after the attack, Cazeneuve said that the "national police were present, and very present, on the Promenade des Anglais" and added that police vehicles blocked access to the promenade. Speaking from Ireland, French President Francois Hollande said the inquiry was to seek answers about whether security plans were sufficient, but called for calm. "There is no place for polemics, there is only place for truth and transparency," he said.Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the government "has nothing to hide" and added that, "in this moment we are in need of unity." Frances parliament extended the countrys state of emergency for the fourth time on Thursday, expanding police powers to conduct searches and detain suspects for another six months.The measures, enacted after terrorist attacks around Paris last November that targeted in part a national stadium and concert hall and left 130 people dead, have been criticized by human rights groups. The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) has called for policies to be introduced that will ensure long-term fiscal sustainability in its annual report published on Thursday. The NCC says that the Irish economy faces a number of external threats, and that the Government need to implement measures that can buffer the domestic economy against potential external shocks. Regarding Britains decision to leave the EU, the annual NCC benchmark report notes the extensive challenges now facing Ireland: The realignment of the deep inter-linkages between Ireland and the UK brings into sharp focus the need for Irish based enterprise to step up their own productivity and innovation performance to compete in international markets and for Ireland's policy system to be agile in responding to the competitiveness challenges and opportunities of the UK outside the EU. The Council calls for an increase in investment that takes into account the actual condition of the public finances. The report emphasises the need to increase spending on the countrys infrastructure in the areas of roads, energy, water and broadband services. Significantly, the report says the need to broaden the countrys export base has never been more important in the context of Brexit and enhancing the competitiveness of our key clusters is critical, together with an ambitious external trade agenda. The condition of banks balance sheets is also raised, with the report expressing concern that an overhang of non-performing loans was hindering lending to firms. Concern was also expressed about the availability of alternative sources of finance for companies. The need to develop talent in the areas of engineering and mathematics was also highlighted while the NCC stated that enterprises needed to engage with apprentice schemes in order to improve productivity and competitiveness. The number of women in the workforce should also be increased by the provision of improved childcare services and by cutting the cost of returning to work. The report stated that the improvement in Irelands competitiveness in the years 2011-2015 was a major reason behind the countrys economic revival. The NCC noted that Ireland moved up nine places in the IMD World Competitiveness rankings in 2016 from 16th to 7th. The report also calls for a concerted effort to meet Irelands commitments to reducing the carbon output in 2020 in accordance with its international obligations. Bank of Ireland is to cut 20pc of its branch network in Northern Ireland, reducing its number of outlets in the North to 28 from 36. The decision could lead to up to 54 job losses. The bank said its branch network in the Republic won't be affected by the cuts. A spokesman for the bank said those employed at the affected branches can transfer, redeploy or relocate to other roles within the bank or apply for voluntary redundancy. However, the Financial Services Union (FSU) disputes this, saying 54 roles will be cut somewhere along the line. The bank said the volume of business in the branches is insufficient to sustain them. The branches account for around 6pc of the bank's business in the North. Bank of Ireland's Northern Ireland consumer and small business regional director, Sean Sheehan, said the decision had not been taken lightly. "A key priority will be to ensure customers understand the alternative arrangements available, and to maintain continuity of customer service," he said. "We are responding to the continuing shift in customer behaviour towards increased use of digital and online channels, and the changes announced today will put us in the best position to continue to support our customers' changing needs and grow our business in the future," he said. FSU general secretary Larry Broderick challenged the bank's plan to close the branches, describing it as "a kick in the teeth" for both customers and staff in Northern Ireland. "At a time when the union is discussing with the bank the impact of existing workloads on both staff and customers, this announcement is a retrograde step which is more focused on cost cutting and enhancing profits rather than customers and staff," Mr Broderick claimed. "The FSU will be challenging the bank's plans and, although the bank has confirmed that all redundancies will be voluntary, the union calls on politicians to support its campaign to challenge this decision in the interest of all stakeholders and the wider Northern Ireland economy," Mr Broderick added. The branches scheduled for closure are located in Castlereagh, Draperstown, Antrim, Belleek, Castlederg, Newtownards, Maghera and 1 Donegal Square South, Belfast. The business said the closures are due to be implemented on a phased basis starting in late autumn. Bank of Ireland said it will write to customers affected by the changes 60 days before their branches close. The news follows a prediction from Davy estimating that earnings at the bank could be hit by more than a third in the first half of the year. The stockbroker cited a weakened sterling and a dropoff in bond gains as the main reason for the dip in earnings. A hit in the bank's pension scheme also means that the payout of its first dividend since the financial crash may be further delayed as its available capital may be reduced. The Central Bank is to put its headquarters on Dame Street and two other premises on Dublin's College Green on the market in the coming months, with sources estimating they could fetch upwards of 60m. The bank expects to be able to start moving into its new purpose-built office accommodation on North Wall Quay by the end of this year. The iconic headquarters on Dame Street, which was completed in 1978 and officially opened in December 1979, is expected to be put up for sale, along with 6-8 College Green and 9 College Green, in the autumn. Lisney estate agents will be managing the sales. The main Central Bank building, designed by architect Sam Stephenson, could command a price in excess of 40m should it be sold separately. Together with the commercial buildings at numbers 9 and 6 to 8 College Green, the entire lot is expected to command a price in excess of 60m. A lease the bank holds on premises in nearby Iveagh Court expires in May next year and it is not expected that this will be extended. The anticipated sale price falls considerably short of the 140m development cost of the new headquarters. It is understood that the three premises will be offered to the market in one or more lots. The Irish Independent understands that while the pricing for the properties has not yet been determined, this is expected to be completed in the coming weeks with active marketing getting underway after that. The upcoming sale of the Central Bank's existing headquarters is not expected to have any impact on the timing of the movement of its employees to its new headquarters in the docklands. One industry source said typically it was preferable to show buildings to prospective purchasers while they were still occupied as opposed to lying vacant. Staff members have also been informed via an internal message that the 'golden ball' artwork outside the Dame Street building, the Crann an Oir, will remain on Dame Street, and will not be transported to the new North Wall Quay site. The decision was made after discussion with "local stakeholders and the wider arts and architectural community", staff were informed. The bank said there was a "strong consensus" that the artwork is an "integral part of the fabric of the plaza and an important site-specific public art installation". "The widespread view is that Dame Street is its rightful home," the bank told staff. The Crann an Oir (tree of gold) sculpture is also used as the Central Bank's official logo. The bank said that this will continue. The Central Bank is considering deepening its analysis of non-financial sectors such as tourism, agriculture and pharmaceuticals to give a broader analysis of the workings of the economy. The Central Bank Commission said the bank should consider widening the areas it looks at, and warns about, in its financial stability analysis. It also said the bank should consider other risks when conducting its financial stability analysis, including the potential need in the future to signal that the economy could overheat. The comments were contained in the latest minutes of the meeting of the Commission in May, held around a month before the Brexit vote. The minutes show that the referendum was discussed at length by members, with Mark Cassidy, the head of the Financial Stability Division, briefing on the bank's plans to deal with the potential fallout of the vote. "In relation to Brexit, Mr Cassidy provided an update on recent work undertaken in the bank regarding the risks associated," the minutes stated. "The overall analysis contained in the two reports prepared for the Commission covered a broad range of potential scenarios and related economic and financial market effects; the potential impact on profitability and business models of financial-sector firms across all sectors, including banks, insurance and funds; implications of potential relocation of financial services firms and/or activities to Ireland; effects on the Central Bank's balance sheet; and also implications for the work of the bank including in relation to supervision, European regulatory policy, resolution, payments and the deposit guarantee scheme." The minutes also noted that members of the Commission suggested that the bank should consider other risks when conducting its financial stability analysis. "While not an immediate issue, the need to signal the risk of recovery turning into potential over-heating, and the implications for policy, was something that could feature in future reports. It was also argued that the greater risk lay in the lack of adequate housing supply; while another perspective was around the need to consider the risks that lie with intervention in the housing market," it stated. "The possibility of more analysis on non-financial related sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture and tourism, was raised, in order to provide a full picture of the resilience of various building blocks of the economy." Providence had anticipated it would make the repayment in May of this year Irish exploration firm Providence Resources has repaid the $20m debt owed to Melody Business Finance after shareholders in the company passed the resolution to do so last Thursday. Tony O'Reilly's firm received an extension on the debt facility in December, allowing it up to May 2018 if needed. Providence had anticipated it would make the repayment in May of this year. Providence has also allocated 9,938,033 ordinary shares to Melody. At the EGM, shareholders approved the company's plans to raise $73.4m (65m) through a sale of shares to new and existing investors. That money has been used in part to pay off Melody and to "discharge the balance of uncontested sums" that it owes to Transocean drilling. In April a UK court ordered Providence to pay Transocean millions in drilling fees, in what came as a shock to the company's chief executive O'Reilly. Speaking at the EGM Mr O'Reilly said the Transocean decision came contrary to any legal advice the company had received. The Providence chief also outlined the company's intention to appeal the decision made. Cleaning up the company's balance sheet means that Providence can now focus on finalising drilling deals without financial pressure. The company has said that some of the world's biggest oil and gas companies have shown interest in its Druid off-shore oil project. "This should lead to an improved outcome with respect to farm-in deals and consequently a better outcome for shareholders," Davy Stockbrokers said in a note. The UK should consider scrapping corporation tax over time to massively boost the country's attractiveness to global business, a British think tank has said. It comes as Ireland's competitiveness watchdog warned that while our 12.5pc corporate tax rate remains competitive, we're under pressure internationally. Here, the National Competitiveness Council warned that Ireland needs to "respond in a forthright and confident fashion" to the challenges posed by Brexit. The London-based Adam Smith Institute said corporation tax in the UK should be abolished as part of a reboot of the country's tax system in the wake of the Brexit vote. It said the move could be phased in, with an initial cut to 12.5pc, to bring the country in line with Ireland, then chop it further to 6.25pc and ultimately zero. Such a move would put Ireland under pressure in terms of foreign direct investment. But whether Whitehall would follow up on the call remains to be seen, although the institute is regarded as having helped influence Conservative Party thinking in the past. New UK Chancellor Philip Hammond has so far not committed to plans announced by his predecessor, George Osborne, to cut Britain's corporation tax rate to below 15pc. The Adam Smith Institute said there is a "false belief" that corporation tax is paid by companies. "It is paid by the employees of companies, by their customers, and by their shareholders," the Institute said, in a note from its president, Madsen Pirie. "Without corporation tax, businesses would have more money to distribute to shareholders in dividends, to increase the pay of their employees, and to keep prices keen for their customers. "Although the government would forego the amount it receives in corporation tax, it would receive more income tax from the higher dividends to shareholders and from the increased wages to employees, and more VAT from the extra spending power the lower prices put into the pockets on customers." The Institute said abolishing corporation tax would "make the UK a very attractive location for world businesses, and drive a real boost to economic growth". Mr Hammond has pledged to do whatever is required to restore confidence in the British economy. He said the vote to leave the EU had "rattled confidence" and he will take "whatever measures" needed to shore up the British economy. Complaints from Fianna Fail that there are "gaps" in the new action plan on housing are premature, Housing Minister Simon Coveney has said. He has rejected suggestions from Fianna Fail's housing spokesman Barry Cowen, pictured, that there are "glaring omissions" in the 'Rebuilding Ireland' strategy. Expand Close Barry Cowen Photo: Tom Burke 2/6/2016 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Barry Cowen Photo: Tom Burke 2/6/2016 "I listened to Barry Cowen in the Dail and that wasn't the message I got from him. I know he seems to have made statements in the media, but I'm not quite sure what gaps he is talking about to be honest," Mr Coveney said. The lack of concrete proposals to resolve the rental crisis has been key to Fianna Fail's criticisms of the plan, but the minister said it would be "foolish" of him to try to rush putting a plan together. "He mentioned the rental market and the need for change there, but we have agreed to look in detail at the rental market and make decisions before the end of the year. "I think it would have been very foolish of me in 74 days after the Government being formed to actually try and rush a package for the rental market, we have had a broken rental market for decades in Ireland," he said. The minister said rents are either "increasing too quickly or collapsing too quickly". "What we need is a stable rental market where rents are predictable, where there is some rent certainty, where we have security of tenure, where people can actually choose to rent for life if they want to avoid the risks attached to taking on a big debt like a mortgage, that's the norm in most European countries but not in Ireland." Mr Cowen warned in the aftermath of the publication of the plan on Tuesday that if the Fine Gael-led minority Government didn't fix the housing crisis then Fianna Fail would bring down the Government. However, Mr Coveney said he was "not sure what Barry Cowen means in real terms". "We want to get this right, there is a need for proper stakeholder consultation across multiple different stakeholders. "We're going to do that and make the right decisions before the end of the year and I expect Fianna Fail will be part of that process too." Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said yesterday that the plan was a positive move but its implementation would be the real test. He said every party in Leinster House needs to make "this the number one social issue of our time". "We have to get meaningful results and get houses built." Adopting a softer tone than Mr Cowen, he said: "We have identified areas such as the rental sector and student accommodation where inroads could be made in terms of dealing with this problem that haven't yet emerged and aren't dealt with in this plan." Mr Martin said pressure needs to be put on building council houses. "I'm not talking about big estates. You could build niche, good quality houses that would provide opportunities for families to have good accommodation and good quality of life." However, he added there seems to be "a reluctance" to build local authority homes. Mr Martin also said that Fianna Fail favours a tweaking of the Central Bank rules that require first-time buyers to save between 50,000-60,000 in order to buy an average home in Dublin. "We think it's a difficult place to live in at the moment in Ireland. We think that home ownership is something people should aspire to," he said. Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams condemned the 5.5bn committed to housing in the plan, saying it is "not ambitious enough." Mr Adams said thousands of homeless people will not get a remedy for their plight and the plan put too much emphasis on the private market. "Why did you ignore the Dail committee report on housing which called for a moratorium on home repossessions?" Mr Adams asked. The Sinn Fein leader said other recommendations for the Dail housing committee have also been ignored, including efforts to help people in mortgage arrears and buying homes to house homeless people. The Taoiseach strongly rejected Mr Adams's criticisms saying the Government was now trying to remedy problems which occurred as a result of the economic crash. Mr Kenny said the entire package would tackle a range of serious problems including building 47,000 social houses. He said there were opportunities for a rapid building programme to house homeless people. What did Barry Cowen actually say? "The plan is not complete, thats for sure. The rental sector and first-time buyers have been long-fingered ... There are gaps in this strategy that have to be filled. We will make proposals to fill them in the event of them not doing so. If after that process we still feel this Government can't address this crisis of course were going to have to look for another government to do it." Twitter has launched another campaign to get more users to sign up to the embattled social network: it's going to offer more users a "blue tick". Actually a white tick on a blue background, the tick is a sign of officialdom and has traditionally been reserved for users considered "official", such as celebrities, public figures and organisations. But Twitter has now opened the stamp to all of its users who can apply to be verified through a simple form. "We want to make it even easier for people to find creators and influencers on Twitter, so it makes sense for us to let people apply for verification," said Tina Bhatnagar, Twitter's vice president for user services. The change is one of many in the last year that the company hopes will attract more users after its growth stalled earlier this year. Among the more controversial suggestions were the removal of the 140-character restriction and the introduction of an algorithm-based timeline, which swiftly prompted the hashtag #RIPTwitter to trend. In the last year the network has introduced a curated news section called Moments and will now verify more accounts. Until now, just 187,000 of the social network's 320 million monthly users had been verified. Security experts worry that ubiquitous blue ticks could cause more Twitter users to click on malicious links from accounts impersonating brands. "There is a growing trend of malware and ransomware attacks on social media with bad actors impersonating brands to bait users into clicking malicious links," said Ben Harknett, the vice president for Europe and the Middle East for security company RiskIQ. "The increased availability of the blue tick means that users are even less likely to question its validity." How to verify your Twitter account Users who think they qualify for a verification tick for having a "great, high-quality account" that is of "public interest" can apply through a form that Twitter will post to its site later this week. In order to be given a blue tick, users will need to prove that they are who they say using a verified phone number and confirmed email address. To check that you have these details go to Settings by selecting the cog icon on your profile in the app or by clicking on the profile icon in the top right hand corner of the browser page. You can verify your email address under the Account tab and phone number under Mobile. Users will also need to have their account set to "public" in order to be verified, which can be done by going to Settings -> Security and Privacy -> deselecting "Protect my Tweets". Other criteria include a short biography, header and profile photos, birth date, and website address. You can check that you have all of these details by going to your Twitter profile and selecting "Edit profile". The company could also ask would-be verified users to upload a scan of a government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver's licence. Twitter will notify users via email whether their request has been successful. If not, they can reapply within 30 days. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Looking for a decent Android work phone that doesn't cost the earth? Of all the models reviewed this year, our Technology Editor picks out three mid-tier models worth looking at. 1 Huawei P9 (from free on contract or around 500 sim-free) Expand Close Huawei P9 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Huawei P9 While Huawei's P9 has largely been talked about because of its (superb) double-lens camera, the 5.2-inch handset is also a really good work-compatible phone in its own right. Physically, the P9 looks and feels every bit the premium handset. It seems to borrow an awful lot from Apple's iPhone 6 and 6S, with smooth rounded cornering and brushed matt steel casing. Huawei has put its fingerprint reader on the back of the phone which is easier to manage in the normal way that you hold a phone. It does mean that you have to turn the handset over when it's sitting on a table, though. The P9 uses USB-C as its charging system which means that your old Android cables won't be much use (although the plug parts still work as normal). The benefit of USB-C is that it's generally faster for data transfers and charging times. As far as battery life itself goes, the P9 is satisfactorily middle of the road, with a full day's use the norm form its 3,000mAh battery. While there's 32GB of storage within the device, it also has a microSD card slot that lets you store more if you want. There is no shortage of power, with an octacore processor and 3GB of Ram. At 423 pixels per inch, the high resolution 5.2-inch screen is bright and sharp. Although not quite at the 500 pixel level of some handsets, anything over 400ppi is easily good enough for the human eye. A final word on the P9's camera prowess. Its twin 12-megapixel Leica lenses allow it to do things few others are capable of. Principally, it can create a very shallow depth of field, where the background is a little blurry and makes your subject stand out more. This results in really beautiful portrait shots of people in a way that only big DSLR cameras are usually capable of. 2 Vodafone Smart Platinum 7 (399 or from free on contract) Expand Close Vodafone Smart Platinum 7 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Vodafone Smart Platinum 7 Own-brand smartphones used to be strictly budget affairs. But Vodafone is pushing up the scale, with a very accomplished 5.5-inch Android handset (made by Chinese giant TCL) that feels at home with the big boys. You can see some of the phone's 'premium' aspiration in its design. It's a metal unibody-style frame with gorilla glass covering the back. The edges of the phone are nicely chamfered and the buttons have a useful grill finish for a tactile perspective. Another mark of its high-end pretensions is a really, really high-resolution screen (2K definition with 534 pixels per inch, far higher than most other mid-range handsets). Another signal is the inclusion of a fingerprint scanner. Unlike the iPhone, this scanner is placed on the back of the phone, just underneath the camera. The idea is that you use your index finger rather than your thumb. I have mixed feelings about this, but some will like it. This phone more or less runs pure Android, meaning you can get going on it without wincing at mocked-up 'content screens'. Unlike some of the newest smartphones, this handset is charged using the older MicroUSB cable (the one all Android phones have been using for the last five years). Overall, this is good insofar as you almost certainly have such a charger knocking around already. But it also supports 'fast' charging, which means you can replete around half the phone's battery in about 30 minutes. There's quite a lot of power under the hood, here: 3GB of Ram and an octacore processor. Obviously, if you buy this you'll be using Vodafone's network. It's often a little more expensive than rival operators but generally gives faster 4G data access and has comparatively good coverage around the country. There's a dedicated photo button on the upper left side of the phone, a feature I really like. Press it twice and it starts the camera, even from a locked state. The 16-megapixel camera itself is pretty good with an f2.0 aperture and HDR. One thing you might miss with this phone is a choice of accessories. (Vodafone sells its own 'Dad-friendly' folio protector case for 20.) You're getting an awful lot for your money with this phone, compared to some of the standalone big brands such as Samsung, Sony and HTC. 3 One Plus 3 (400 from OnePlus.net) Expand Close OnePlus3 phone / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp OnePlus3 phone Want a really good Android phone for under 400? You can't do better than this. There is very little to differentiate this from the top Samsungs, HTCs or Sonys: it's just a smidgeon of battery life. Other than that, this is as good as you'll get. The 5.5-inch phone's looks are bang up to date, with an ultra-slim metal unibody design. One feature I love is its physical 'silent' button: you can toggle between full notifications, 'priority' ones and all-silent operation. This is a lot quicker than pulling down a menu. There's a fingerprint reader on the front of the phone and a souped-up engine under the hood with a whopping 6GB of Ram. It also gives way more internal storage than most rivals, with 64GB (of which around 53GB was available). It comes with Google's newest Android operating system which has a handy 'night mode', making it easier to handle after dark. There are some elements that show the OnePlus 3 is a shade down from the most expensive phones out there. Its high definition screen, while bright and strong, is a touch below the ultra-resolution of some handsets with 401 pixels per inch. But the only thing I had any issue with was the battery life, which started to get a bit weak around teatime. Admittedly, I had it tethered to a smartwatch all day as well as a pair of Bluetooth headphones. But with more expensive rivals, they have lasted a little longer. Still, I'm a hog when it comes to phone usage so this may not affect others. And with a USB-C charger, it recharges most of the 3,000mAh battery in half an hour. The handset's (Sony-made) 16-megapixel camera is genuinely good. I took it down to the west of Ireland where the contrast in lighting can strain a lens's ability to deal with light and dark features. But it handled it without much fuss. There's an 8-megapixel selfie camera too. Video recording goes to 4K resolution, just like the top smartphones. Do you ever wish you had a Twitter 'blue tick' of verification? Well, now you can. As of today, Twitter is accepting applications for the blue tick from anyone. You just fill out an online form, giving Twitter some verifiable personal contact details. It's aimed at companies and associations as much as individuals. There's a catch, though: you have to be a person of "public interest". That means you have to pitch Twitter as to your importance. "We'll ask you to tell us why we should verify an account," says Twitter's application guidance. "If the account represents a person, we want to understand their impact in their field." So if you're not someone who can show they have made an "impact", don't bother applying. You're not in the same league as our 187,000 verified people, pal. "We approve account types maintained by users in music, acting, fashion, government, politics, religion, journalism, media, sports, business, and other key interest areas," Twitter's advice continues. This is all pretty daft. Why can't anyone be 'verified'? Where is the business strategy in not giving 'verified' status to anyone who can produce a valid contact number and address? Do people really want to be judged as less important than a few celebrities and journalists? (Full disclosure: I have had a 'verified' Twitter account for a couple of years, as hundreds of Irish journalists have, so maybe I should just shut up and enjoy the relative elevation.) In the cold light of business performance, it makes no sense. Twitter's user numbers have stagnated and may even now be falling, just as Snapchat, Facebook and others are soaring. Its 'verified' strategy has not helped at all: it possibly makes the 310 million monthly users who aren't verified feel slightly disposable. And it arguably contributes to another problem Twitter has: harassment. Armed with anonymity or obscurity, ordinary people let darker, more vulgar sides of themselves out for a gallop. This week, one of the cast of the new 'Ghostbusters' film, Leslie Jones, was harassed off Twitter largely for being the wrong sex to star in a remake of the movie. While one of the ringleaders was the (verified, now suspended) right-wing commentator Milo Yiannopoulos, most of the barrage came from semi-anonymous accounts who clearly felt little compunction about spewing vitriol Jones's way. If a greater number of those accounts had been verified (attached to valid phone numbers, addresses and other personal details), it's very unlikely that the venom would have been quite as strong. People simply behave better when they're easily traceable. On top of this, 'verified' users have more controls available to them to screen or block nasty interlocutors. So why does Twitter persist with the idea that some users deserve special status over others? I recently had the chance to ask the company's newly-chosen Ireland MD, Mark Little, about the 'verified' issue and about the company's attitude to dealing with harassment. "Obviously we are going to support users to help them on the platform," he said. "But we are about freedom of expression, too. We're not going to be a censor. We're not going to tell you what you should listen to. Our focus is on is building tools that allow you to have the choice of who you listen to. One of the great things about Twitter that I always loved is that while I may have an opinion, I'm never more than a second away from hearing someone who has a different opinion. "It's a lot to do with how you use it and how we can educate society to look beyond the bubble." (I should say that we spoke about this issue two weeks before the Leslie Jones harassment case or Twitter's announcement over loosening its 'verified' user policy. Little's comments were therefore in response to a general question on the issues.) While this makes sense in its own right, it doesn't get at why Twitter is obsessed with its 'verified' stratification, something its faster-growing rivals just don't bother with. The best answer may be that Twitter still sees itself as a live news service above all else. And that in this context, an elite tier of verified users and accounts is the best way to cut through noise. In one way, this is a absolutely right: Twitter incontrovertibly owns live news (and events) in a manner that other networks simply do not. For example, it was the only truly live place to follow the recent Nice terror attack as it unfolded. And Twitter was even more compelling during the attempted coup in Turkey: no TV or online rival came close. But surely opening up its 'verified' status to more than 1pc of its (possibly shrinking) user base would not threaten any of these core competencies? Would you use the service less or more if the person next to you was 'verified'? I'm betting it wouldn't be less. Twitter's critics often overdo it when predicting doomsday scenarios for the service. But the company does need to start thinking a little differently. It's time to open up the 'verified' bubble. Passengers looks out at the city skyline as they wait to board a cable car at a Yangtze River Cableway station in Chongqing, China, The skylines of some of China's biggest cities sprout from land that was farmed less than a generation ago. For the government, they're a soaring testament to the country's transformation into an urbanised superpower. And despite China's economic slump, there are plenty of bureaucrats who'd like to see the process continue. According to a report last week, local governments are planning to develop more than 3,500 new urban areas in the next few years, with capacity to house 3.4 billion people - or roughly half of humanity. It's an audacious set of unco-ordinated blueprints, and a good reminder that China's economic planners have yet to find a tool for growth they like more than shoehorning people into newly built cities. But thanks to sweeping demographic and economic changes, they'll need to find one: China's 40-year programme of urbanisation is reaching its limits. As late as 1953, more than 85pc of China's population was still rural. Starting in the 1970s, that began to change as the economy opened up, factories sprouted along the coast and the government loosened rules restricting where citizens could live. Over the next few decades, hundreds of millions of people left farms to work in the towns and cities that grew up around new factories. Some did so voluntarily, while others were forced off land by local governments eager to develop their own manufacturing and housing clusters. The results were transformative: Between 1982 and 2015, China's urbanisation rate rose from 21pc to 56pc. For a while, seemingly all a local government had to do to inspire growth was kick some farmers off their land, build an industrial park and offer tax breaks to the first factory willing to open up. In the early 2000s, I remember gazing sceptically at the massive urban settlements under construction tens of miles outside of central Shanghai. Yet when I returned a year or two later, they had become boomtowns, housing hundreds of thousands and driving property values so high that the factories were priced out. The process repeated itself across China. But it couldn't last forever. In the spring of 2013, I visited Changxing Island in northern China. The local government was determined to turn the once-rural area into a major industrial and shipbuilding center. Yet the factories I visited were quiet, and the roads leading to them suspiciously uncrowded. I toured a handful of urban settlements dotted with high-rises that were obviously vacant. When I went to a restaurant, the tables were empty. In one memorable case, business was so slow that a waiter ran out the door to buy the ingredients for our order. Several factors are setting these new urban settlements up for problems. Probably most important is demographic change. In the 1970s, China had a surplus of young, under-employed workers in its countryside. That's no longer the case. The working-age population has been in decline since 2011, and the country's birthrate continues to drop. Today's workers also aren't nearly as interested in moving away from home as past generations were. Last year, China's migrant population fell by 5.68 million - the first decline in three decades. Conditions in the countryside have improved markedly in recent years, and rural incomes are rising faster than urban ones, thanks to decades of infrastructure investment and the growing reach of e-commerce. Even if a small-town Chinese is keen to leave home, his preferred destination is unlikely to be Changxing Island or any of the 3,500 new settlements reportedly on the drawing board. Only one in 10 migrants moved to small cities last year. Despite these problems, the central government is still aiming to boost the urbanisation rate to 60 percent by 2020. That will require an additional 100 million people to leave the countryside over the next four years - at a time when the economic rationale for doing so is increasingly dubious. Rather than setting such goals, and erecting vast settlements to meet them, a better approach is to invest in some basic urban amenities, and then let workers decide for themselves where to live. A good step would be a programme to deliver clean water to the hundreds of millions of Chinese who currently lack it. Another would be a national plan to control urban floods, like those that have afflicted central and southern China in recent weeks. Finally, the government needs to reform the antiquated "hukou" permit system that prevents rural migrants from easily acquiring the rights and services that their urban counterparts are entitled to. None of these reforms has the visceral appeal of a new skyscraper. But collectively, they'll go a long way toward ensuring that China's cities are worth living in. (Bloomberg View) Meet adorable two year-old Rosie Totton, who was born and lives in Australia. Her dad Kevy Totton is from Co. Armagh and he decided to give his daughter a beginners guide to Norn Irish. After greeting viewers with hi boy, little Rosie practices some local phrases, including whats the craic and dead on. Kevy (31), now based in Echua, Victoria in Australia, was keen to teach his daughter a few of the colourful lines from home. While shes more than happy to engage in a hilarious your ma battle with her dad, the tot struggles gleefully with some of the longer phrases. After her dad asks her to repeat wind your neck in, Rosie can only mumble along with delight. She also has a go at Northern Irish pronunciations of household objects like the mirror, before leaving viewers with an enthusiastic Cheerio! Pokemon Go players should keep their road safety in mind warns expert An 18-year-old boy has been fatally shot while playing Pokemon Go in the first reported death linked to the augmented reality game. Jerson Lopez de Leon from Guatemala was shot dead while he was playing Pokemon Go with his cousin Daniel Moises Picen (17) in Guatemala. It's reported the two teenage boys were ambushed on a street in Chiquimula, 120 miles south east of the capital Guatemala City. Nearly 20 bullet casings were found at the scene of the murder. Local media reports that Jerson was shot dead while Daniel was wounded. Expand Close Jerson Lopez de Leon. Photo: Facebook / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jerson Lopez de Leon. Photo: Facebook Officials confirmed the cousins had been searching for Pokemon when they were attacked. It still isn't clear why the pair were attacked but it is speculated that the attackers may have found the teenagers using the app itself - which has location features to make it possible to lure people to go to specific areas, or to locate players. Police are now looking for the occupants of a van that was seen driving from the scene. Jersons mother, Rosalinda, said that the teenager had left the house to go out and play the augmented reality game. "I don't know why my son left the house, she said. He was already in bed when his cousin sent him a message asking him to go out and download a game a few blocks from the house." This isn't the first time the popular game has caused problems. Expand Close Pokemon Go players should keep their road safety in mind warns expert / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pokemon Go players should keep their road safety in mind warns expert Two Pokemon Go players were shot at by a homeowner in Florida after being mistaken for burglars. On Wednesday, coastguards in the UK had to come to the rescue of about 20 teenagers, after they stole a boat to locate Pokemon creatures on New Brighton marine lake. Video of the Day The Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team issued a warning after the group fled the scene, abandoning the boat to drift into the middle of the marina. A spokesman said: Catching Pokemon Go took a not-so-fun turn when the UK Coastguard was called to investigate reports of a group of 20 youths taking a rowing boat without permission, to chase a Pokemon across New Brighton marine lake. Danny Jameson, senior coastal operations officer, added: We know that many people are enjoying Pokemon Go across the UK and we wouldnt want to spoil that fun. However, we would ask people to use a little common sense and not to take risks while looking for Pokemon. On Wednesday night's episode of Carpool Karaoke, James Corden was joined by one of his most famous guests yet. America's First Lady Michelle Obama joined the British TV host as he toured the grounds of the White House. She chatted about her life in the public eye and belted out some powerful female anthems, including Beyonce's Single Ladies and her own song, This Is For My Girls. Missy Elliott then made a colourful cameo and they rapped along to her hit Get Ur Freak On . And coincidentally rapped this lyric from the song - "copywritten so don't copy me, y'all do it sloppy-ly" - following the Melania Trump plagiarism controversay. The segment was filmed before Tuesday night's Republican National Convention so it couldn't have been intentional but it's still a beautiful and timely coincidence. And the lyric has always been part of the song: "Holla, ain't no stoppin' me / Copywritten, so don't copy me / Y'all do it, sloppy-ly / And y'all can't come close to me" But still... A car driven into a harbour was used as "an instrument of murder", a court was told. The prosecutor was giving his closing speech yesterday in the trial of a woman accused of murdering her colleague by driving him into a harbour, where he drowned. Expand Close Csaba Orsos / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Csaba Orsos Marta Herda, of Pairc Na Saile, Emoclew Road, Arklow, Co Wicklow, is charged with the murder of 31-year-old Csaba Orsos on March 26, 2013. The 29-year-old Polish waitress has pleaded not guilty to murdering the Hungarian at South Quay, Arklow. Both had been in Ms Herda's car when it went into the water that morning. Ms Herda escaped at the harbour but Mr Orsos's body was found on a nearby beach later that day. They had worked together; he was in love with her, but she didn't feel the same way. She told gardai he had spent two years following her, phoning her and sending her messages. Brendan Grehan SC, prosecuting, said that the prosecution's contention was simple and straightforward, that Ms Herda had deliberately driven into the water. "Whether she did it on the spur of the moment or thought about it beforehand is irrelevant," he said, explaining that the intention for murder could be formed at the time. "Someone overheating, losing the run of themselves can commit murder," he explained. He said that the prosecution case relied to a large extent on circumstantial evidence. "In this case, it's the prosecution's contention that a car driven into the sea was used, in effect, as an instrument of murder," he said. He said that, as well as having the facts, the jury could draw inferences. "If you see a door wide open in a house in the early hours of a morning, you might well think that person, whenever they went out through the door, must not have intended to go away, but must have intended to come back in," he said. The court heard that Mr Orsos's front door was found open after the incident. He said the CCTV evidence showed Ms Herda's car driving from the direction of her home towards the area where Mr Orsos lived at around 5.30am. It was not in dispute that Ms Herda was the driver and was alone. He said the next footage was captured at 6am near the lifeboat station. It showed a woman from the direction of the harbour wall. He said that critical phone evidence showed that Ms Herda rang the deceased three times that morning. He noted a nightwatchman heard a car driving at speed down the quays at around 5.50am. "Within a short piece of time, 15 minutes at tops, maybe even less, she's speaking to him by phone and he's in the water, never to come back," he said. "That time frame is very important." He noted that the driver's window was the only one down.He pointed out that Ms Herda was a good swimmer and knew that Csaba Orsos could not swim. He pointed to photographs of "the demolition" of two harbour barriers. "The damage to the barriers suggests a car going at speed in one direction, into the cold and dark Avoca river at that hour of the night with a man she knew couldn't swim," he said. He said the prosecution case was that she acted with deliberate intent when she drove off the pier and asked for a verdict of guilty of murder. The jury will hear from the defence this morning. A cousin of murdered Gary Hutch has been jailed for burglary after the court previously heard that special security arrangements had to be put in place for him in custody. Samuel Hutch (40) of Cardiffsbridge Avenue, Finglas, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to trespass and possession of a stolen bicycle in Sandymount on October 25, 2015. He also pleaded guilty to damaging a car door in Ringsend on the same date. Hutch, who has 89 previous convictions, further admitted a burglary in Cabra on February 6, 2016. His previous convictions include 39 burglaries, possession of a phone in prison, robbery, theft, criminal damage, as well as road traffic and drugs offences. At the original sentencing hearing last June Judge Melanie Greally heard that Hutch would have special difficulties in serving his prison sentence due to his security arrangements in custody. He is not allowed visitors or to mingle with other prisoners and cannot access prison facilities or courses due to those arrangements. The court heard there was an environment of fear and tension and Hutch was isolated and extremely lonely. Breffni Gordon BL, defending, said it was clear from his name and security arrangements that he was related to the Hutch family who have been discussed in the media. He said part of his client's troubles of late are connected with events outside prison and the courts. He said Hutch was affected by the death of his cousin to whom he was close. However counsel said he was a completely different character who was not associated with the brand of criminality of other members of his family. Mr Gordon said Hutch had fallen into drug addiction at 16 years old and offended to feed his habit. Judge Greally accepted that Hutch was encountering particular difficulties and took into account his guilty plea and the fact the burglaries were committed to fund his addiction. She noted that despite his situation he is addressing his addiction in prison. Judge Greally sentenced Hutch to a consecutive sentence totalling four years but suspended the final 18 months of that term on strict conditions. Mr Gordon told the judge last month the court could take the view based on his record that he was operating in an entirely different environment to other members of his family. He said prior to these offences Hutch had been doing quite well and completed a residential rehabilitation course but family tragedies in 2015 including the murder of his cousin Gary Hutch in Spain had caused his life to spiral out of control again. He fell back into drug use and offending. He said Hutch had been close to Gary but they were completely different characters. Mr Gordon said although Hutch did not have access to a drug counsellor due to his security arrangements he has detoxed in custody and is now medicated only for health issues. He said because of difficulties in recent times Hutch intended on his release to take an opportunity to start his life afresh somewhere else. Counsel submitted that due to his situation Hutch would experience difficulties unlike any other prisoner serving a sentence and that can be taken into account by the court. The Dail Public Accounts Committee (PAC) engaged in "a frolic" for which it had no mandate and no basis in law during its questioning of former Rehab Group chief executive Angela Kerins, the High Court has been told. John Rogers SC, for Ms Kerins, said the PAC invaded her private affairs, seeking to hold her accountable when it had "no legal basis" for doing so. The comments came on the fourth day of Ms Kerins's High Court action against the committee, the State and the Attorney General. She is seeking damages, claiming she lost her 240,000-a-year job, suffered a collapse in health and attempted suicide following an appearance before the PAC in February 2014. Ms Kerins has alleged members of the committee engaged in "a vendetta" against her, repeatedly seeking private information about salaries and pension arrangements at the charity and commercial group. The three-judge court is to decide the extent of the PAC's jurisdiction to conduct inquiry hearings before other issues, including any liability to damages, are addressed. Mr Rogers said some PAC members made comments and statements demonstrating bias, including subjective bias, towards Ms Kerins. He said bias was evident at a PAC public hearing that she attended on February 27, 2014, and "absolutely apparent" at a second hearing on April 10, 2014, which she did not attend. The most significant occasions of that came from questions from Independent TD Shane Ross and Sinn Fein TD Mary Lou McDonald when they "specifically" targeted Ms Kerins, he said. Deputy McDonald pursued questions "loaded with suggestions" that Ms Kerins had damaged Rehab and used words expressing "disdain" for Ms Kerins. The TD also inferred some impropriety by Ms Kerins in relation to a company, Complete Eco Solutions Ltd, counsel said. This was a company co-owned by Ms Kerins's husband, from which a Rehab company had bought coffins imported from China in 2010. Deputy Ross had pursued a Rehab board member at the April 10 hearing over whether a complaint had been made against Ms Kerins and "outed" that there was such a complaint, which was a matter "entirely private" to Rehab. Condemn PAC chairman John McGuinness also made comments that showed a willingness to condemn Ms Kerins, including describing her conduct as "deplorable", counsel said. A recorded extract from the April 10 hearing was played to the court yesterday. Ms Kerins was not part of the Rehab delegation that attended that hearing. In her proceedings against the members of that PAC and the State, Ms Kerins claims she became so overwhelmed as a result of her treatment on February 27 that she tried to take her life on March 14 and was unfit to attend the second hearing. The PAC denies her claims, denies it conducted itself unlawfully, showed bias towards her or was guilty of misfeasance in public office. It also denies it is a fact-finding committee and pleads its hearings were in the public interest. Mr Rogers argued there can be an examination of the remuneration of officers of charities, but that, without legislation, the PAC cannot examine the pay of individuals. He relied on various court decisions, particularly in the Abbeylara case, to argue the PAC hearings concerning Ms Kerins had no legal basis. Those decisions addressed the powers of Oireachtas committees and effectively shut down an Oireachtas sub-committee investigation into the shooting dead by armed gardai of John Carthy during a siege at Abbeylara in 2000. The sub-committee, the courts held, had no power to make adverse findings that could impugn the good name of a person not a member of the Oireachtas. While the PAC argued it was not a fact-finding body, its members made statements and comments derogatory of Ms Kerins and directed to the character of Ms Kerins and her reputation, Mr Rogers said. Paul Gallagher SC, for the PAC, is due to begin its response today. The lawyer for a woman accused of murdering her colleague by driving him into a harbour, where he drowned, has said that if she had done so deliberately it would be suicide. Giollaiosa O Lideadha SC was giving his closing speech to a jury at the Central Criminal Court this morning. Marta Herda of Pairc Na Saile, Emoclew Road, Arklow, Co Wicklow is charged with the murder of 31-year-old Csaba Orsos on March 26, 2013. The 29-year-old Polish waitress has pleaded not guilty to murdering the Hungarian at South Quay, Arklow. Both had been in Ms Herdas car when it went into the water that morning. Ms Herda escaped at the harbour but Mr Orsos body was found on a nearby beach later that day. They had worked together, he was in love with her, but she didnt feel the same way. She told gardai he had spent two years following her, phoning her and sending her messages. Mr O Lideadha said that the prosecution case was completely unsustainable and didnt make any sense. He said there had been a tendency by the prosecution to run with a presumption of guilt. He said that something amazing had happened in the States closing speech by Brendan Grehan SC. He said to you that some of you might find it fanciful or far fetched that Marta Herda deliberately drove into that water because she had the window open and could swim, he said. Mr O Lideadha said it was a true and important concession. Thats why Im happy to allow you to apply your gut here. It just doesnt make sense, he said. He noted that the prosecution then said that she might have wanted totake her own life. I find this a truly amazing proposition because thats the defence case, that how could she have done this because it would be taking her own life, he said. The barrister will continue his speech this afternoon. The wife of bankrupt property developer Sean Dunne is seeking permission from a US court to be allowed to sue a New York building firm for $500,000 (454,300) after an investment deal went sour. Former socialite and gossip columnist Gayle Killilea is looking for the repayment of cash she says she invested in a firm called JDDC Construction, claiming it reneged on a deal that would have given her 50pc of the company's shares. The sums at stake are a $250,000 (227,150) loan advanced to the company and a $250,000 bond deposit used by JDDC in connection with a contract for renovations at Manhattan's Fashion Institute of Technology. However, the 2012 deal turned sour and JDDC sought to have it rescinded. Its directors, Sean Doyle and Denise Campion, alleged Ms Killilea and her husband made misrepresentations that Mr Dunne had resolved debt problems in Ireland. They also alleged that the couple pledged to invest just under $1m (908,600) but Ms Killilea had only provided $500,000. Ms Killilea, who began operating as a property developer after the couple moved to the US in 2010, has described the claims as "baseless". Legal papers seen by the Irish Independent reveal efforts to settle the dispute, though arbitration stalled after Mr Dunne filed for bankruptcy with debts of close to 700m in March 2013. Mr Dunne's bankruptcy trustee, Richard Coan, then intervened in the dispute, effectively blocking Ms Killilea from pursuing a claim against JDDC. He has alleged the $500,000 invested was not Ms Killilea's money, but that of her husband. Ms Killilea denies this, saying the money was hers, and has asked the US bankruptcy court to lift a "stay" which is prohibiting her from suing JDDC. In an affidavit, Ms Killilea claimed the building firm disregarded the terms of the investment agreement, failed to make payments due to her, failed to pay subcontractors and refused to provide financial transparency. She also claimed JDDC used her husband's bankruptcy "as a pretext to delay, frustrate and suspend the arbitration", depriving her of the repayment of her loan and her share of the company's profits. Allegations The allegations are disputed by JDDC. Its directors have previously claimed Mr Dunne told them he was looking for a company to carry out construction work and that he had $6m (5.45m) in personal funds available for immediate investment. They claimed Mr Dunne said any investment would have to be in his wife's name as he was emerging from financial difficulties and had bad credit. It is the second time since her relocation to the US that Ms Killilea has taken legal action in a bid to recover funds allegedly misappropriated from her. She previously sued her former immigration lawyer Philip Teplen over his failure to return $500,000 placed in an escrow account to support her application for a US investment visa. Rose Kenny (centre) is surrounded by family and friends as she leaves the Central Criminal Court. Photo: Collins Courts A 50-year-old man who launched a "vicious" knife attack on a woman he was in a relationship with 15 years previously has been jailed for 14 years. Denis Leahy of Queen Street, Dublin 7 was charged with attempting to murder Rose Kenny at School Street Flats, Dublin 8 on September 23, 2014. Leahy pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Rose Kenny after the case had opened to the jury at the Central Criminal Court on June 22. He had previously pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Ms Kenny at the same address on the same date. Rose Kenny was attacked on the stairwell of her apartment complex on her way to work in a local creche. Her injuries included three stab wounds to her neck and three stab wounds to her chest. One of the stab wounds to her neck went through the front of her larynx. Today Mr Justice Paul Butler sentenced Leahy to 14 years imprisonment and backdated it to September 23, 2014. Expand Close Denis Leahy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Denis Leahy He said the victim impact statement given by Ms Kenny last week was so moving that he had to adjourn sentencing until today to consider all the matters carefully. Mr Justice Butler also said that Ms Kenny was obviously very popular with the presence of all her peers in court. He said the aggravating factors included the ferociousness of the attack and the injuries sustained to Ms Kenny. It was only thanks to the highly skillful medical intervention that Ms Kenny survived, he said. The judge said the attack by Leahy was premeditated and had been planned for at least a day. He also said there was a lack of remorse shown by the accused and the court considered the offence to be at the higher end of the scale. The judge said the mitigating factors included the fact that the accused had no relevant previous convictions. From an early stage he admitted the facts and at a late stage he entered a plea to count 1, he said. Upon handing down sentence Mr Justice Butler said: The lowest sentence I can impose on this case is 14 years to date from September 23, 2014. I considered a suspension but there is no basis on which to do so." The brother of Rose Kenny spoke on behalf of his sister outside court today regarding the sentence handed down. Paul Kenny said: "On behalf of Rose we would like to thank our friends, family and the investigating team. Although we think no sentence would have been harsh enough, we are very pleased with the outcome and we now hope that Rose can get on with the rest of her life. Its a fairly stiff sentence but it's a terrible crime and we are glad the judge saw through everything." Last week Ms Kenny delivered an emotional victim impact statement to the court. Afterwards speaking outside the Criminal Courts of Justice the 51-year-old woman said the attack had changed her completely. Ive had to leave the area I grew up and worked in. I tried to go back to work but I just wasnt able for it. It has just completely changed my life and I dont trust the world the way I used to, she said. I dont look anyone in the eye and say hello anymore, I look at their hands to see if they are carrying a weapon. I just dont think its a nice world, she said. The court previously heard that on the morning of the attack Ms Kenny was going to work in a local family resource centre where she worked in a creche. She left her flat at 7.50am and came down the stairs to make the forty second journey to her place of employment when she saw a man reading a newspaper at the end of the stairs. I remember saying good morning and he just jumped up and attacked me but I never saw his face after that, she said. Ms Kenny never lost consciousness throughout the attack until she got to the hospital. My eyes were closed through the whole attack but I opened my eyes then and I never let them close again because if I closed my eyes then I would have died and I did not want to die, she said. Ms Kenny said she sustained multiple injuries and lacerations to her neck, abdomen, back, shoulder and arm. Her "horrendous injuries" included three stab wounds to her neck and three stab wounds to her chest. She said she was heavily medicated at the time so it was weeks before she realised how seriously she was hurt. After the vicious attack her sister Jeanette and daughter Jamie were at the scene. They lived in the same complex and I asked people not to let Jeanette or Jamie see me like this but they came on the scene and I will never forget the screams by them, she said. The mother of one did not recognise Leahy throughout the assault even though she had shared many years with him as her partner. I never recognised him at all. When I was told it was him it was like being attacked all over again, she said. Ms Kenny said she has since had to live with the "guilt" of bringing this man into her life and every day she asks herself how could she "have been such a bad judge of character." She had been in a relationship with the accused for approximately five years in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They had parted on reasonable terms but she had had no contact with Leahy for six years prior to the offence on September 23, 2014. I was dating him, I was his partner. I feel how could I judge somebody so badly. I feel I put my familys lives at risk because of him, she said Ms Kenny also said that the morning Leahy attacked her, he attacked her entire family. He had holidayed with my whole family, my mother and father. He had been to weddings and christenings so when he attacked me he attacked my whole family, she said Ms Kenny returned to work at the local creche in May 2015 but had to finish in April 2016. I went back to work and I tried but work involved answering phones and doing a lot of meeting and greeting and my voice got worse. Im waiting for speech therapy and I hope to get back to work soon. Im fine now, I have great support. I was broken but they are fixing me. I will be good, she said. Ms Kenny advised other victims of crime to listen to their friends and family and be strong. She also said it hurts more that Leahy never expressed any remorse. He could have got word to me some way that he was sorry for what he had done but there was nothing, no remorse at all. Im still hurting that somebody I loved at one time could do that to somebody, she said. The court previously heard that four months before the attack Leahy had returned to Ireland from Thailand and had been told by someone that Rose Kenny had informed gardai that drugs were in his house. At the sentence hearing prosecuting counsel said that there was no indication from gardai that Rose Kenny had informed gardai about drugs being in his house "in any way." Referring to this, Ms Kenny said this rumour wasnt true at all. Ms Kenny said she tries her best not to think about Leahy now. I want to get back to where I was. I was a very strong person and I will get back to being that person. I have great support and have brilliant friends and family. The whole of the Liberties was behind me and I had prayers from everybody. I had prayers from America where I have great friends. It was all the prayers and support that helped me get through this, she said. Last week Mr Patrick Marrinan SC, prosecuting, told the court that Denis Leahy had pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Rose Kenny after the case had opened to the jury on June 22. Mr Marrinan then called Detective Inspector Sean Campbell to take the stand. The court heard that Ms Kenny was 49-years-old at the time of the attack and was living at School Street Flats in Dublin 8. Det Insp Campbell agreed with the barrister that Ms Kenny was a single woman and had an 18-year-old daughter. Ms Kenny worked in the local creche at School Street and had been in a relationship with the accused for approximately five years in the late 1990s and early 2000s. "According to Rose Kenny her relationship with the accused man was like any other and had its ups and downs but it had ended amicably," said Mr Marrinan. Their relationship ended at a wedding in Rome after there had been an argument. Counsel told the court that Ms Kenny had maintained some contact with Denis Leahys family after the split as well as being in contact with her former partner for a number of years. Mr Marrinan explained that it was not until after they split up that Denis Leahy had travelled to Thailand and resided there. She had no contact with the accused man for six years prior to the offence on September 23, 2013, he said. On that day Ms Kenny left her flat at 7.50am and went to work in a creche. The court heard she made a call to her friend as she was walking down the stairs of the complex and left a voicemail for her. As Ms Kenny reached the bottom of the stairs she saw a man reading a newspaper and said good morning to him so he would move out of the way as he was blocking her path. This man who she didnt recognise throughout the assault was Denis Leahy, he said. Mr Marrinan told the court: He said to her that she had called the cops on him and he started to stab her repeatedly around the neck and body. The assault lasted for a few moments and Denis Leahy then made good his escape. The accused dropped the knife at the scene and it was later retrieved by gardai. Rose Kenny managed to stumble for a few yards and she then collapsed in the courtyard of the complex. Neighbours came out to offer their assistance and she was then rushed to hospital. Upon arrival at St James Hospital she was treated as an emergency patient on account on her multiple stabbings. The court heard she had superficial lacerations to her left arm, a deep laceration to her left forearm and three stab wounds to her neck. She also had three stab wounds to her chest including one stab wound which collapsed her lung. One of the stab wounds to her neck went through the front of her larynx and there was a second penetrating injury to the right of her neck. The third stab injury went through the left of her neck and it was not as deep as the other two injuries. Extensive surgical repair had to be carried out to her larynx and pharynx," said Mr Marrinan. The court heard she recovered well from her neck injuries but these were extremely deep and life threatening injuries. Det Insp Campbell agreed with counsel that she was in intensive care for five weeks. The gardai were alerted and a full investigation commenced. Mr Marrinan told the court that the accused had been captured on CCTV footage in the area that morning and he had gone to Mountjoy Garda Station after the attack where he admitted to assaulting Rose Kenny. Mr Leahy was then taken to Kevin Street Garda Station and during the course of his detention there he was interviewed on a number of occasions by gardai. The net effect of what he had to say was that he been in a relationship with Rose Kenny some ten years prior to this attack but he had left and gone to Thailand where he had lived. He had been in contact with Rose Kenny via email until seven years prior to the offence, said Mr Marrinan. The court heard that four months before the attack Mr Leahy had returned to Ireland and had been told by someone that Rose Kenny had informed gardai that drugs were in his house. He says this was the reason why he left Ireland for Thailand and he had suffered some financial problems. He indicated he discovered this four months beforehand and decided to get revenge against Rose Kenny. That is the sole basis that he indicated to gardai why he carried out the attack, said counsel. The court heard Denis Leahy did not take drink or drugs. He had been there on the day prior to this (a Monday) to carry out the act. However he hadnt seen Rose Kenny and so he went back the following day armed with a knife, said the barrister. The court heard that there was no indication from gardai that Rose Kenny had informed gardai about drugs being in his house "in any way." He didnt express remorse during the course of being interviewed for what he had done. He was charged with attempted murder subsequently and a trial date for the case was fixed. The case was opened by the prosecution and he then pleaded guilty to count 1. He had pleaded guilty to count 2 on the indictment which was assault causing harm, said Mr Marrinan. The court heard that Denis Leahy was 48 years of age at the time of the offence and had worked previously as a taxi driver, security guard and was in the army before he left Ireland for Thailand. The accused had one previous conviction in 1990 for a public order offence for which he received a fine. Mr Marrinan then read a report from a counsellor called Philip Burke who Rose Kenny had attended in 2015. In his opinion she was suffering from chronic post-traumatic stress disorder following the attack. The court heard that Rose Kenny presented herself to the counsellor with severe anxiety and explained that her ex-partner had savagely attacked her and then left her for dead. The report which was read to the court last week said: Rose Kenny is unable to return to where the attack took place and she no longer feels safe when she is not indoors. She is currently unemployed and has lost her desire to return to work as a result of the attack. She is prone to outbursts of anger and irritability and fears random attack from strangers in the street. When she is required to venture outdoors she rushes everywhere." Defence counsel Mr Sean Gillane SC told the court that it was of material significance that his client had presented himself in Mountjoy Garda Station on the morning of the attack. At this stage the injured party was unaware who had attacked her, he said. The court heard that the accused accepted unreservedly in the course of his detention that he had carried out the attack. Mr Gillane told the court that his client is from the Mountjoy Street area of Dublin and he had left school at 14 years of age but had a serious capacity for work. The court heard he has been in custody since his arrest in September 2014. His barrister asked the court to take into account his guilty plea which came on the day that the case opened and meant that Rose Kenny did not have to give evidence in the trial. It ought to be said that his guilty plea is a public acknowledgement of responsibility for what happened to Ms Kenny. He has asked me to express his sorrow for what he visited on her, he said. Mr Gillane told the court that his client is at a juncture in his life where the sentence that will be imposed on him "is of significance." He also asked that his client be treated as leniently as possible and as someone who "effectively had no previous convictions." LAST WEEK'S VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT IN FULL: Last Thursday morning Ms Kenny took the stand and read her victim impact statement to the court. The court heard that on the morning of September 23 she was a normal 49-year-old woman living a normal existence. I had family obligations and I had worked since the age of 14. I always had a carefree spirit that my family and friends enjoyed. I never gave a second thought to stepping outside my house and just got on with my normal day to day activities. I tried to be a good mother, a good daughter, a good sister and generally just to be a good person, she said. The court heard that now Ms Kennys life is in two separate segments. Her life can be categorised into before the attempted murder on her and her life after it. Ms Kenny read that on the morning of September 23 2014 she left her flat at the usual time of 7.50am to make the forty second journey to her place of employment at the local family resource centre that also operated as a creche. I was a key holder but I never got to open that morning and have never returned to my flat that I had lived in for the past 22 years. I just couldnt walk up them stairs again where the attack happened. Ive relocated from an area that I lived and worked all my life and had to leave a community that I so belonged to, she read. Ms Kenny told the court that she was attacked that morning by a man that she did not recognise as being Denis Leahy, a man that she had shared many years with as her partner. Although she is the victim, she said: I have to live with the guilt I feel of how I brought this man into my life and without knowing that I put my life and that of my daughter and family and friends life in danger. How could I have known that he was capable of doing such gruesome things to another human being. Every day I ask myself how could I have been such a bad judge of character." The court heard that Denis Leahy left her in hospital for seven weeks with "horrendous injuries." For four of those weeks she could not swallow her saliva. Read More "I had to have a suction tube in my hands at all times. I couldn't walk, talk or swallow and was totally dependent on others. I had my sister Jeanette and my beautiful daughter Jamie sleep with me all night in the hospital for the first week as I was so sure I was going to die," she read. The court heard she spent twelve hours in surgery on the day of the attack, her arm was lacerated but luckily one of Ireland's top surgeons was in St James Hospital that day. The doctor put her arm back together and Ms Kenny told the court that it does not look "so bad now." "The same can't be said for the other scars, the mental and the physical. My back, abdomen, chest and neck are destroyed with stab wounds but these can be hidden. But what I can't hide is my horrible gravelly voice, it embarrasses me when I speak and especially when strangers in shops that are serving me ask was I out singing last night. How I wish that was the case," she read. Ms Kenny told the court that the morning Denis Leahy attacked her, he attacked her whole family, "the very same family that he had holidayed with, attended weddings and christenings with," she read. The court heard that the accused had to know that she (Rose Kenny) had just buried her younger sister Sharon ten weeks prior to the attempted murder on her. "He knew this and still had no qualms about putting my family to more pain. Denis Leahy also knew that my younger sister and daughter lived in the same complex as me," she read. The court heard that after the attack her sister came running out of her home to find her "bleeding profusely on the ground." A few minutes after that her daughter Jamie was on the scene. "I will never forget the screams out of both of them. They also have been scarred for life and I feel so terrible that they have to carry those images with them for the rest of their lives," she read. The court heard Ms Kenny never lost consciousness until she got to the hospital. "I knew if I closed my eyes I would never open them again and I had to stay alive to look out for my Jamie, although now that role has been reversed," she read. Ms Kenny told the court that she returned to live with her 80-year-old mother after her release from hospital that November. Her mother accompanied her every second day to the dressings clinic to have her wounds "plugged and dressed." Ms Kenny continued going to the clinic until Christmas week and then they healed enough for her mother to change the dressings. "I wish Denis Leahy could have seen the pain in her eyes while she was doing that," she read. Ms Kenny said she has always considered herself to be a strong woman. She returned to work in May 2015 but had to finish in April 2016. "My voice just couldn't cope with answering the phones and meeting and greeting the parents of the children in the creche," she said. "I just feel so broken. I dont trust the world in the same way that I always had. I'm always in a state of anxiety for both myself and my family. I fight these feelings every day but some days I just want to curl up and stay in bed," she read. The court heard that her family are now helping her fix her life again and she now lives in a new flat where she has had to start from scratch. "Im waiting to get speech therapy and then with the help of my counsellor I hope to return to work next year. I know I will never be the same carefree easy going woman that I was before Denis Leahy tried to murder me," she read. Ms Kenny said she will try very hard to get "as near as possible to being that person again." "After trying his best to murder me and leaving me so damaged he still has shown no remorse for what he did," she concluded. Brian Collopy (left) and Kieran Collopy at Limerick District Court, where they were both sentenced to eight years in jail Two feared drug-dealing brothers have been jailed for eight years after a seven-month long garda investigation. Brian Collopy (43), Kilonan, Ballysimon, Limerick, and his brother Kieran Collopy (40), of St Ita's Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick, were jailed at Limerick Circuit Court yesterday after they were caught bagging heroin worth 40,000 for wholesale supply in a kitchen. A key development in the operation came when an undercover officer managed to place herself next to the brothers in a fast food outlet as they discussed details of a planned heroin deal with one of criminal George 'The Penguin' Mitchell's drug dealers. The convictions represent a major success for gardai. The Irish Independent can reveal the brothers, who led the Collopy criminal gang, were nabbed with the heroin at their St Mary's Park stronghold in Limerick city on December 15 last. The heroin was imported to the country after it was sourced from close associates of George Mitchell (66). The arch-criminal is suspected of sending millions of euro worth of drugs into Ireland every year from his German base. Read More He has remained an active drugs trafficker for two decades and gardai linked 'the Penguin' to the seizure of over 3m worth of cannabis from an Irish-registered yacht off the Spanish coast in August 2012. Mitchell was linked to a spate of gangland hits in the 1990s before he fled to continental Europe. A major development in the Collopy case came on December 10 last as an arranged meeting between the brothers and a trusted confidant of 'the Penguin' at a fast-food outlet in Portlaoise was closely monitored by gardai. Unknown to Brian and Kieran Collopy or the third individual, Limerick gardai, who had been monitoring and detailing the gang's activities since early 2015, were aware of the meeting in the centre of the town on December 10 last. An undercover officer managed to place herself next to the brothers and 'the Penguin's' dealer undetected in the restaurant and overheard details of the heroin deal. Five days later and following the surveillance operation by Limerick's divisional surveillance, drugs, detective and community policing units, gardai made their move on the Collopy brothers. Ten ounces of heroin worth just over 37,000 wrapped in pieces of black refuse sacks were found in a kitchen which was accessible from two houses merged together in St Ita's Street, St Mary's Park. In his evidence to Judge Tom O'Donnell, Det Sgt Alan Cullen said the brothers were disposing of loose heroin that was left over from the bagging operation, when they "ran themselves into a corner" after gardai forced their way into the address acting on confidential information. Weighing scales, bags and latex gloves were also found on the kitchen counter covered in a brown dust later confirmed to be heroin. Kieran Collopy was found in an upstairs bathroom and Brian Collopy in an upstairs bedroom. A wet brown powder found in a silver saucepan in the bath, and on a spoon on the side of the bath was also confirmed to be heroin. Traces of the drug were also found on a hoody and shoes worn by Kieran Collopy. So comprehensive was the garda file on them, the brothers pleaded guilty at their first opportunity at a court appearance earlier this year. Judge Tom O'Donnell said the brothers were not drug mules or couriers but actively involved at the highest level of a commercial enterprise organised for their own benefit. The judge described heroin as "an absolute scourge on society". Imposing an eight-year jail term, the judge said the Collopy brothers were both "at the top of the drugs pyramid". A group of people who unlawfully re-occupied the site of a planned student accommodation project have been given 21 days to leave by the High Court. A number of men, women and children have set up 'Squat City' in lands and buildings at Lower Grangegorman and Brunswick Street, where planning permission was recently granted for 126 student units, the court heard. Expand Close James Keever Photo: Collins Courts / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp James Keever Photo: Collins Courts Last year, the same property was the subject of court proceedings against a group who ultimately all left, after one of them was jailed for contempt of the court order to vacate. TSAF 1 Brunswick GP Ltd bought the property in September from a receiver. However, another group then moved in. TSAF director, Tim Mitchell, said in an affidavit an anchor tenant for the commercial area requires it to be ready by no later than May 2019. James Keever (inset left)argued TSAF had no legal standing to bring proceedings because the property had not been properly registered after it was sold. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan said the arguments in relation to the title of the property did not find any favour with the court as a matter of law. Owen Reen and Rebecca Cremin with baby Jayden in hospital in Kerry Photo: Domnick Walsh A young Kerry father successfully helped his partner deliver their infant son by the roadside thanks to careful instructions over the phone from paramedics. Owen Reen (20) said that both his partner Rebecca Cremin (23) and himself were totally relieved baby Jayden was born without complications after the couple were shocked to realise they wouldn't make it to Kerry University Hospital (KUH) in Tralee in time for the delivery. The baby was safely delivered by the time paramedics reached the couple's car. Baby Jayden wasn't due for five weeks - and Owen was stunned when Rebecca first told him at their Rathmore home at 7pm last Friday that she urgently needed to get to KUH. He immediately drove his partner towards Tralee but her waters broke on the outskirts of Killarney. Owen was then horrified to realise that the battery on his mobile phone was virtually exhausted. "Jayden was not due for another five weeks when Rebecca realised that we needed to get to the hospital quickly," Owen said. Terrifying "It was a bit of a frightening experience alright. What made it terrifying was that my phone had not been charged overnight. I just had a single bar left on the battery." Owen rang his sister Edel for advice as she had given birth just last year. She rang Kerry paramedics who then called Owen. "When they contacted me, they advised me that I would not make it to KUH and it was better to stop and deliver the baby myself," he explained. "The paramedic on the phone was fantastic and helped me to remain calm throughout. We are really so grateful for all their help. "It all happened so fast I really did not have time to panic." Owen described the delivery - in which he even managed to tie baby Jayden's umbilical cord - as "the toughest thing I have ever had to do". "But I also want to say that it was the greatest experience of my life. I'm just so thrilled that everything turned out so well." Because he was born premature, Jayden is not expected home for several days. "Jayden is getting fantastic care. We really want to thank everyone at KUH and all the paramedics for their help," Owen said. A retiree and metal-detecting enthusiast has found a missing antique diamond ring in the Mediterranean after the owner lost it while on holiday. Katie Patterson was devastated when she discovered the precious family heirloom, worth 12,000, was missing after a swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Despite frantic search efforts, the 23-year-old was unable to recover it during the holiday, and continued the hunt when she returned home to Staffordshire, England. After reaching out to a number of metal-detecting companies in the UK, she was put in touch with George Edmunds, a 75-year-old retired diver from Dorset who has 30 years of experience in underwater detection. Speaking to RTEs News at One, Mr Edmunds said: She told me she had lost this ring in Majorca. Great sentimental value, worth about 10,000. It wasnt so much the monetary value, it was the sentimental value because it had been handed down through the generations from her great grandmother. And she commissioned me and we flew out about a week after she lost the ring. Desperate to find the beloved Victorian platinum ring, Ms Patterson offered to pay him to fly to Majorca and help her recover it. The bay was only about maybe 150 metres across. She met us at Palma. She flew back to Mallorca to show me where she lost it and she went and stood out where she thought was the spot where she lost it, and I sort of detected around her, Mr Edmunds told the show. Equipped with a waterproof metal detector and snorkel, he dived in and within 50 minutes he had located the ring buried three inches under the seabed, a full 30ft from the shore. Katie had in the meanwhile, after about three quarters of an hour, gone back to the beach because she was starting to get cold because she had been stood in the water a long time. In the meanwhile I had found a handful of coins and another ring actually - I also found a diamond eternity ring. Katie went back to the beach to warm up. I carried on looking and about 10 minutes after she left I found her ring, got back to the beach and I tipped what Id found out onto a towel. I kept her ring back and showed her the finds - the coins Id found and another ring. The look on her face, she was a little bit crestfallen and then I said I also found one of those Mickey Mouse rings that you can buy at funfairs, that kids can buy and I showed her the ring. She was absolutely speechless and aghast and then all the sobbing and crying and hugging and kissing. She was absolutely over the moon. It was worth all the effort just to see the look on her face. Mr Edmunds said that although metal-detecting is a hobby for him, he would usually ask people who seek his help to pay his expenses such as travel costs. Normally what I ask of people if I have to do a bit of travelling is to pay what expenses I have to incur. Normally its about 10% value of whatever the object is. But of course if I had stuck to that with Katie it would have cost her 1,000, so I waived that. Ms Patterson told the Telegraph she spent up to 1,200 on flights and accommodation for herself, Mr Edmunds and his partner to complete the search in Majorca. She said she felt guilt over losing the ring as she was the fourth generation in her family to have it, and had only inherited it two years before when her grandmother died. She added that she never thought she would see it again. When he produced my ring, I just broke down in tears. I was lost for words and just gave him a massive kiss, she said. Lies, damned lies, and statistics. It's a phrase we're all familiar with, but even Mark Twain would have struggled to find a better use for it than to describe 'Leprechaun Economics'. At first it was funny. For one thing Nobel laureate Paul Krugman was tweeting about Ireland - and it seemed like he was making a joke. Expand Close Click here to view full-size graphic / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Click here to view full-size graphic But the idea that our growth rate for last year was 26.3pc quickly became a serious problem. Well respected news agency Bloomberg sent a dispatch around the world asking what price a developed economy would have to pay for producing such an astonishing figure. They estimated the cost at "global ridicule" and "a renewed focus on its tax system". The 'Financial Times' took part in the mocking, leading their main story with an uncharacteristically witty intro: "The Irish have written some notable works of fiction - James Joyce and Flann O'Brien produced imperishable classics. "Now there is a new addition to the national oeuvre - the official narrative of the country's economy." But nobody's laughing now. Least of all those of us who had hoped for a decent slice to be taken off the Universal Social Charge in October's Budget, or to see some extra money be pumped into education or housing. When the figures were first revealed, journalists were asking the Department of Finance whether it would lead to a Budget Day windfall. Basic economics suggests that a growing economy means more money for the Government to play around with. Admittedly that didn't work out particularly well in the wake of the Celtic Tiger However, a week on and we discover that the phantom growth might actually cost us money. The Department of Finance has offered assurances that the 280m extra we have to pay to fund Europe will be factored into the Budget without affecting the 1bn set aside for spending and tax cuts - but Fianna Fail, who must help pass the Budget, say this can't be guaranteed. It's worth bearing in mind that this takes place against a backdrop where Ireland is already at the centre of a massive EU probe into whether technology giant Apple was given a special tax deal. If the EU finds against the company in the coming months, billions of unwanted money will roll into Michael Noonan's coffers and the world will again wonder what kind of a Republic we're running. That pot of gold could have serious ramifications for jobs. And then there is Brexit to factor in. The UK is the second biggest contributor to the EU, meaning that when they leave in the next couple of years, our bill will rise again. The truth hurts because while statistics are flexible, facts are stubborn. THE Irish Naturist Association has asked Wexford County Council to set aside a section of beach at Curracloe as a designated nude bathing area. Pat Gallagher, President and PRO of the association, told the Wexford People the submission followed publicity surrounding a recent visit to the area by some of his members and remarks by then-Mayor Cllr Ger Carthy that he would be in favour in allocating a designated section of the beach to naturists. Mr Gallagher suggested an area of the beach, near the Raven, could be designated as naturist or clothing optional 'where naturists could swim and sunbathe nude'. 'We suggest that a portion of the Reserve parallel to the beach be included in the designated area. It is secluded and can only be reached after a long walk. We suggest that signs such as "Nude bathers may be seen beyond this point", be put up to ensure that any member of the public visiting the area will not be shocked or offended,' Mr Gallagher says in his letter to the council, which was sent to Cllr Carthy. When news of the last naturists visit to Curracloe broke in May, Cllr Carthy said the bottom line was that; 'If I went naked on the streets of Wexford, I would get arrested.. it's against the law to go naked in a public place in Ireland.' He said that despite the legal issues, he was sure he would be able to find the naturists a more isolated spot on the county's coastline than at popular beauty spots like Curracloe. Mr Gallagher said the associated wanted to stress that 'we would never seek to cause offence or to impose our views on those who would be offended by nudity in a public place'. An animal specialist team were called in and they used an air pellet to put the bird down An animal rights group has condemned the putting down of a pigeon in a courthouse last week. The pigeon had entered the building on Washington Street, Cork and despite attempts to lure it out, staff were unable to remove it. A Courts Service spokesperson said the animal had become distressed after being in the building overnight and was dying from stress. An animal specialist team were called in and they used an air pellet to put the bird down. Speaking to Corks 96fm Opinion Line on Thursday, a spokesman from the Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN) said the shooting was completely preventable. John Carmody from ARAN told the show: Its a very, very sad situation and one that could have been completely preventable in the first place. Mr Carmody said there were always other options in dealing with such situations and laziness was a likely contributor to the outcome. If its not bloody pigeons that are being blasted out of the sky, its deer that are being shot or this animal or that animal. Weve heard of cows a couple of weeks ago. Its gone beyond a joke at this stage, to be quite honest with you, where if there is animals in whatever area, whether its in parks or for instance in this situation its in a court. Mr Carmody said he would have preferred if an animal welfare inspector or group had been contacted to assist. He added: [Pigeons] are actually very clean animals and theyre highly, highly sociable animals as well. Youll often see them in flocks of up to 20 to 30 birds. They mate for life. Theyre very complex, intelligent animals. All jokes aside, I think it was a pretty sad situationIt just didnt need to happen. Independent.ie made a number of attempts to identify and contact the animal control specialist team involved but these attempts were unsuccessful. A student was kicked in the face and jumped on by five men in a brutal and unprovoked attack as he walked on Dublins Dollymount Strand with his girlfriend. The 26-year-old believed the attack occurred for no other reason than to steal his sunglasses. The Brazilian student, who does not wish to be named, said he has been in Dublin for 18 months and wanted to enjoy the rare spell of good weather with his girlfriend on Tuesday, so they decided to go for a walk on the beach together. Because it was sunny there was a lot of people there, and we were walking through the dunes when a guy passed me and pulled my sunglasses off my face, the student told the Herald. He didnt say anything and just walked off. I thought he was just having a laugh with me. So I said to him hey bro, give me back my sunglasses, and went to take them back. He then turned and kicked me in the face, and then started kicking me in the back and head. I was down on my knees trying to protect myself. Then another guy joined him and started kicking me too. I was really scared and was shouting at them to stop. I managed to break away from them for a moment but then more guys came and all of a sudden, there was four or five of them. drifting My girlfriend was screaming at them to stop but they pushed her away, and luckily an Irish girl and her boyfriend then came to help us. We broke away again and the Irish guy was taking me to safety when we saw the gang approach once more but then a lot of Irish people gathered to help us and the gang left. The student was left drifting in and out of consciousness with head and facial injuries, as well as bruising to his back and body. Somebody called an ambulance, the shocked student added. I was dizzy and faint and sore. I dont remember the ambulance coming, but I came around on the way to the hospital. It was awful. A short time later, gardai arrested five teenage males on Clontarf Road. They were brought Clontarf and Raheny Garda Stations, where they are being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. All five were later released without charge and files are being prepared. A number of the youths were underage. The student said he wanted to thank everybody who came to give him assistance during the ordeal. The gardai said I was lucky not to have been more badly injured, he said. It was terrifying but I will heal. I am so glad for all the help that people gave us and want to thank them. This has not changed my opinion of Ireland. I still want to stay here and learn here. Ireland is a good place. A man has been arrested over the gun murder of Vincent Ryan in Dublin earlier this year. The 25-year-old, known as Vinnie, was gunned down as he sat in a car on McKee Road, Finglas, north Dublin on February 29 - four years on from the murder of his brother Real IRA chief Alan. Expand Close Vinny Ryan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Vinny Ryan Independent.ie has learned that a man in his 30s was arrested this afternoon in North Dublin on suspicion of withholding information about the murder. He has been brought to Finglas garda station where he is being held under section 30 of the Offences Against the State act. He can be questioned for up to three days. Despite numerous arrests, nobody has been charged in connection with the murder. Previously gardai arrested a 33-year-old Finglas man who was formerly a member of the mob which was led by slain gang boss Eamon 'The Don' Dunne and has served a number of lengthy prison sentences. He also has almost 100 previous criminal convictions. Ryan was previously a member of the Dublin Real IRA but had left following his brother's murder in September 2012. Expand Close Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin. Despite this he remained a target of the gang who killed his brother as they feared he might strike back in revenge. He became a father to baby daughter Phoenix a number of weeks before his death. This is the damage sustained by a garda patrol car after a collision with a suspected stolen vehicle. Two gardai required hospital treatment after the alleged ramming incident which happened in the town centre of Bray, Co Wicklow, at 10.30pm on July 12. A 26-year-old Ballyfermot man and woman who was allegedly a passenger in the vehicle were arrested at the scene. RISK The male suspect William Coady with a current address at Judge Darleys Hostel, Benburb Street, Dublin made his second appearance at Bray District Court on Monday where he was further remanded in custody after appearing first at Arklow District Court last Wednesday. The earlier court hearing heard that Coady was a risk to society and that he was accused of driving a stolen car at speeds up to 200kph. He is charged with using an MPV without the consent of his owner. Inspector Syl Hipwell said that Coady had been pursued by gardai in a high-speed chase through Dublin and into Co Wicklow. The chase ended when the defendant went through a red light on Brays Main Street and collided with a garda patrol car. Evidence was given that Coady, who was covered in blood, was asked if he had any remorse for his actions and he said that he was happy that the garda and himself were all right. Coady was upset when he was denied bail at the court hearing and said: I made one stupid mistake. He also shouted at his defending solicitor David Tarrant from the witness box when bail was denied. What are you doing for me solicitor? Youre meant to be speaking up for me, he said. While Coady is in custody, his co-accused Jessica McCarthy, of Camac Crescent, Inchicore, was granted bail. The 1bn that was predicted to be available for spending hikes and tax cuts in the next budget has been placed under serious threat by 'Leprechaun Economics'. The apparent dramatic surge in Ireland's growth has caused our contribution to the running of the European Union to be bumped up by a further 280m for next year. The Central Statistics Office revealed last week that the Irish economy grew by 26.3pc in 2015 - more than three times the original estimate. Experts dismissed the massive revision as "Leprechaun Economics" and a "farce" as it relates to the activities of Ireland's complex multinational sector. The Department of Finance has insisted that the larger EU bill will not reduce the amount of money available for Budget 2017. Read more: GDP surge means we will have to pay more to the EU but is it 380m or 280m? However, Fianna Fail's finance spokesman Michael McGrath told the Irish Independent: "This is real cash which is going to have to found and paid in 2017. "It's going to have to be accounted for in the budget for next year." The colossal increase in GDP does not accurately reflect what is happening in the Irish economy. It was due in part to some very large foreign companies reinventing themselves as Irish companies to benefit from our low corporation tax rate. "We've reported extraordinary growth but we're not getting the benefits in terms of employment. It's a false economy," he said. "It's not in any sense real but it will have a real effect on our pockets," Mr McGrath said. Finance Minister Michael Noonan has already indicated that October's Budget will be based on growth of around 5pc, as the revised figure provoked a bemused international reaction. But as the figure pushes up the value of the Irish economy, at least on paper, then the amount of money we must contribute to the EU Budget also rises. Read more: Could leprechaun economists yet precipitate an Irexit? Or predict crocks of gold for all? Mr Noonan said the increase is around 380m, but added that "mitigating factors" meant it would actually be around 280m higher than what had been previously estimated. "We currently estimate the impact of the Central Statistics Office revision on our EU Budget contribution for 2017 at about 380m," Mr Noonan said. "However, other mitigating factors mean the overall increase in the EU budget contribution is now estimated to be in the order of 280m, when compared with the forecast underlying the Summer Economic Statement. "It must be emphasised that the final impact depends on a number of variables, including the size of the overall EU budget for 2017 (which is not due to be agreed until November 2016) ... and other EU budget developments." Mr McGrath said it is possible that the so-called 'fiscal space' available on Budget Day will remain at 1bn - but this will depend on the economy outperforming expectations. Read more: 'Leprechaun economics' growth figures may mean higher EU bill "It's possible that corporation tax will outperform estimates and that would cover the extra liability without an impact on the Budget. "I think it will take some time yet for the possible implications to become clear." Large purchases by aircraft-leasing firms based here were also a factor. There was also a massive jump in net exports, due largely to the fact that multinationals here contracted companies overseas to do work. But some booked it through their operations in Ireland, even though no economic activity was taking place here. "It's a real sting in the tail from the GDP figures. As well as reputational damage, it's hitting us in the pocket," Mr McGrath said. One of the country's most senior garda officers has said some of the recent events across Europe have brought into sharp focus the question of whether the force should be armed. Assistant Garda Commissioner John O'Mahony said the issue of our predominantly unarmed force was constantly assessed and the majority of officers agreed with the status quo. Expand Close Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald Photo: Steve Humphreys / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald Photo: Steve Humphreys But he said the question of whether all officers should be armed was one that would have to be addressed again in the future. "It's a very deep question. There is a decision to be made for our future by our community and by our population as a whole as to what sort of police force we need," he told the MacGill Summer School. "Whether we need an armed police force or whether we traditionally retain the police force that we have where our uniformed force are largely unarmed. It's something obviously that we look at and we look at on a regular basis and we assess." The garda chief indicated that it was his preference to keep officers unarmed and he said there were units within the force that carried guns. "Certainly, from my own experience - and I have 39 years' experience in policing - is that my own preference and my own experience in the organisation - I know that there is still a large support that we do retain the fact that we are not carrying firearms. "But it is open, it's a constant topic of discussion. "It's a question again obviously with what's happening in the rest of Europe." Attention During a debate on terrorism, he said that there remained a "potent residual threat" from dissident republican elements, which required significant resources and ongoing garda attention. Also speaking in Glenties, the head of Europol Rob Wainwright said it was vital that the Government updated its interception laws, a pledge already made by Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald. "I think there is a bit of a vacuum in the law and a vacuum in how we deal with that in society, as these countries move more and more to Ireland as Ireland becomes a data hub," he said. "The solution is not easy because when we are talking about encryption - encryption is really a desirable thing to have in society absolutely. "But we have to deal with the implications of the fact some nay-doers in society abuse those very powers to undermine privacy interests we are seeking to protect in the first place," he added. Mr Wainwright said Ireland was not in the firing line of terrorists. The threat of a Dublin Bus strike is looming after unions predicted their members will reject the offer of a 2.75pc-a-year pay rise as it falls short of a recent deal with Luas workers. The Labour Court has recommended an 8.25pc pay rise over three years, or 2.75pc a year to January 2018, in a decision just issued. And it says each grade of staff should enter talks with Dublin Bus with a view to increasing their pay further in return for productivity measures. But the two main unions at the State-owned company, Siptu and the National Bus and Railworkers' Union (NBRU), have warned that industrial action may be imminent as the pay rise fails to meet expectations. The unions will now ballot their members on the court's recommendation. The NBRU sought a pay hike of 31pc to take account of a pay rise recently awarded to Luas drivers and an increase under a previous social partnership deal that was not paid. The Luas deal, which ended months of strikes, was worth 18pc up to 2020 or almost 4pc a year. Siptu organiser John Murphy said there is a "strong possibility" of industrial action if the State-owned company does not make a better offer, as the proposed pay hike is likely to be rejected by his members. And the General Secretary of the NBRU, Dermot O'Leary, said he could not rule out "the spectre of industrial action". Mr O'Leary said his 1,450 members are unlikely to be happy with the pay hike as they want a similar increase to Luas drivers. Treatment "It is disappointing that the court has apparently decided not to follow its own guide in not awarding a similar increase of at least 3.8pc per year, which it awarded to others in the same transport sector as recently as last month in settling the Transdev dispute," said Mr O'Leary. "We went on record in advance of the resolution of the Luas dispute indicating quite clearly that we would expect similar treatment with regards to bus and rail workers. "We cannot rule out the spectre of industrial action in the coming weeks and months should they reject this recommendation." The recommendation by Labour Court Deputy Chairman Brendan Hayes says pay rises should be backdated to January 1 this year and the deal will expire on December 31, 2018. Pay increases of 2.75pc should be given on January 1 each year from this year to 2018. It says the pay rises reflect "the acknowledged contribution of the workers, by way of cost-saving measures, to the company's recent recovery". Mr Hayes says Dublin Bus is emerging from a deep recession during which the number of workers was cut, wages were "suppressed" and productivity increased significantly to ensure the survival of the business. He said passenger numbers are on the rise after a period of continual decline and fares have also gone up. But his recommendation says the recovery is in its infancy and must be allowed to develop further before the company could support significant wage increases. Dublin Bus said it will fully consider the recommendation. The twisted remains of the car lie upended beside a huge crater after the explosion that killed Christopher Ewart-Biggs and civil servant Judith Cooke Shortly before 9.38am on Wednesday, July 21, 1976, a stately Jaguar car drove through the ornamental gates of Glencairn House in south County Dublin. By a quirk of fate, the driver, Brian O'Driscoll, turned right rather than left. Just 317 yards down the road, a 200lb bomb, constructed by what was later described as "a South Armagh specialist" and hidden in a culvert under the road, was detonated by a three-man IRA terror gang as the car passed over it. Expand Close Christopher Ewart-Biggs / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Christopher Ewart-Biggs Christopher Ewart-Biggs (55), the newly appointed British Ambassador to Ireland, and 26-year-old British civil servant Judith Cooke were killed. Mr O'Driscoll and Brian Cubbon (57), the highest ranking civil-servant in Northern Ireland, were badly injured. That morning, Ewart-Biggs was on his way to his first formal meeting with the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Garret FitzGerald, at Iveagh House. While it was just another atrocity in a long line perpetrated by the IRA, the assassination of Ewart-Biggs 40 years ago today was taken by the then Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave and the British Prime Minister James Callaghan as a direct and premeditated attack on both states. Murphystown Road, now a busy thoroughfare on the Luas line, linking Leopardstown and Carrickmines, was then a winding country road in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. No houses were visible from the road, but behind ornamental gates was Glencairn House, built by New York's Tammany Hall chieftain 'Boss' Croker. A little further along was Glencairn Stud, owned by Sweepstakes owner Paddy McGrath, which is now largely The Gallops housing estate. Expand Close A crowd watches the wreck being taken away Photo: Matt Walsh/NPA/Independent collection / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A crowd watches the wreck being taken away Photo: Matt Walsh/NPA/Independent collection The British Ambassador's residence was probably totally unsuitable from a security point of view because the ambassador's car was vulnerable to attack no matter which way it turned as it left the tree-lined avenue leading to the public road. Ewart-Biggs, an impressive-looking, Oxford-educated former British Army man who lost an eye at the battle of El Alamein in 1942, wore a distinctive smoked-glass monocle. Before his appointment to Dublin, he was a senior liaison officer between the British Foreign Office and the secret service agency MI6. This fact was used by IRA apologists to describe him as a 'spy' after his assassination. He had been in Dublin only two weeks and the first reports of the bombing indicated, wrongly, that his wife had also been killed. But early that fateful morning, Jane Ewart-Biggs had left Glencairn to drive to Rosslare and catch the ferry to Fishguard. She was driving towards London, where she intended to buy some furniture for the ambassador's residence, when she heard the news of her husband's murder on the car radio. She was put on a RAF plane and flown back to Baldonnel, where she was greeted by Garret FitzGerald and his wife Joan. She declined an offer from the Irish government of a State removal. But on the evening of her husband's murder, she issued a statement saying: "I would like to convey my grateful thanks for the kindliness which I have received from the Irish government and all their authorities after what has happened and to say how much this has helped me." "We did what we could in the days that followed to make the situation as easy for her," Garret FitzGerald later told Irish Independent reporter Raymond Smith. "The task fell to me to prepare and deliver the homily at the memorial service...it was one of the most difficult tasks I have ever had to perform. "I knew that the tone and content of what I had to say could have a significant effect one way or the other on Anglo-Irish relations at a very delicate moment. I tried very hard to strike a note that would convey to the British people the deep sense of shame which I knew was shared by the vast majority of Irish men and women at what had happened." At the service in St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Dr FitzGerald emphasised that the assassination would strengthen, rather than weaken, Anglo-Irish relations. "Your words about Judith and also about poor Christopher caught our feelings exactly," Brian Cubbon - who was recovering from his injuries in England - said in a letter to FitzGerald. "The violent men who contrived and carried out this atrocity are a terrible threat to both our countries and a common enemy." Meanwhile, Liam Cosgrave and his Justice Minister, Paddy Cooney, moved to introduce the Offences against the State Amendment Act, allowing for terrorist suspects to be detained for questioning for seven days. Because the Dail was in recess, this legislation was not introduced until it reconvened in the autumn, when the measure was strongly opposed by the Fianna Fail opposition led by Jack Lynch. President Cearbhall O Dalaigh convened a meeting of the Council of State and, despite advice from two senior judges who said the measure was constitutional, he referred it to the Supreme Court. This led to Defence Minister Paddy Donegan calling the President a "thundering disgrace" and, after a political crisis, the resignation of both Donegan and the President. In the years that followed, Jane Ewart-Biggs, instead of being bitter towards Ireland, dedicated herself to improving Anglo-Irish relations. Mrs Ewart-Biggs, who died in 1992, also established the Christopher Ewart-Biggs Memorial prize for literature. Thirteen suspected members of the IRA were arrested in the subsequent nationwide investigation, which involved hundreds of gardai and detectives. But no one has ever been convicted of the murder of Christopher Ewart-Biggs. Pictured (left): June with her husband Tony and their daughter Clodagh, (middle) Baby Clodagh, (right) June and Clodagh An Irish couple who welcomed a baby girl after years of struggling to conceive have said that every day since she was born feels like Christmas because they feel so fortunate. June Shannon (45) and her husband Tony Curtis went through four unsuccessful rounds of IVF before deciding to go down the route of choosing a donor egg. It took 6 years, 5 rounds of IVF but all worth it to wish happy #FathersDay to my wonderful hubby @735songs pic.twitter.com/2vVo53pvNI June Shannon (@juneshannon) June 19, 2016 We got married in 2006 and for a few years we tried, but it just wasnt happening for us, June told Independent.ie. In 2009, our GP recommended we begin to look into IVF, and we were referred to a fertility clinic in Dublin. Over the years we went through four unsuccessful cycles. On our first try, I became pregnant but unfortunately I miscarried at nine weeks. We went through four more cycles without any success. Read More The truth was time was running out, money was running out and I was getting that bit older at 43, she said. Our infertility was unexplained, which made it that much more difficult to cope with. At this point we had already spent 21,000 because all we had ever wanted was to be parents. After four rounds of IVF, the option of using a donor egg was brought up by the couples doctor. June and her husband had inherited a small amount of money from her late mother and the couple felt like this was their last chance at having the family they always dreamed of. 6 years of heartache, 5 IVF Cycles, 1 miscarriage, 21,000 ...practice makes perfect, baby Clodagh worth the wait;) pic.twitter.com/REBdJsaE35 June Shannon (@juneshannon) August 21, 2015 Read More They began the process of choosing a donor egg from Czech Republic, which was fertilised with Tonys sperm. The fertilised embryos were then returned to Dublin and used in IVF. In 2012, I lost my mum and she left Tony and I a little bit of money. With this we just had one more shot at IVF, it was our last hope. As I was 43, the path of using a donor egg was suggested to us and it was something we talked a lot about. Its an option thats becoming more and more popular. Our egg was donated from the Czech Republic. Usually you have to go abroad, but with our clinic we didnt, which really cut out the cost of travelling. It was a strange process because youre looking at profiles of different anonymous women and the only details you have are their hair colour, eye colour, height and their educational status. Youre choosing your childs biological mother and that is strange. Read More Ahead of the deciding to go the donor route, many clinics insist you go for counselling because its such a big decision and one that you have to be very sure about. For me, I feared that I might not bond with the baby but I neednt have worried. Im completely in love with her. We really wanted a family. It was all we ever wanted. We didnt feel complete, she said. After undergoing her final IVF procedure, June waited in hope that she had fallen pregnant, only to discover on Christmas morning that she was expecting. Read More In December 2014, I took a test and discovered I was pregnant. It was the best Christmas present I could have ever received. There was a bit of worry of course, because I had miscarried in the past but we were so happy. Our daughter was born on August 20 and we named her Clodagh after my mum, she said. Expand Close Baby Clodagh, now aged 11 months with her mum June Photo Credit: June Shannon / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Baby Clodagh, now aged 11 months with her mum June Photo Credit: June Shannon June, who is a journalist, admitted that although IVF is extremely tough on a couple, it was all worth it now that Clodagh is in their lives. With grief I have learned that time does help you heal, but with infertility, every month, every year that goes by without a baby only intensifies the sorrow. Its heartbreaking. Read More "Men can often be overlooked in this process and I do know its just as difficult for them. Theyre wish to be a father is often just as strong as a womans. Im lucky that my husband Tony is so wonderful and has always been so supportive. Its brought us closer together.. IVF is tough, there is no doubt about it but its not that bad. I would tell anyone not to be put off by the stories they hear. If you are successful, its all worth it, said June. The mum-of-one said she and Tony plan to tell Clodagh about her biological mother in the future as they feel its important to be open with children. When Clodagh gets older well definitely tell her about the donor egg and how she came into the world. I think its so important to be open with children. Unfortunately the whole process in the Czech Republic is anonymous, so she will never get to find out who her biological mother is, but its important for her to know how she came into the world. The couple said they are very aware of how lucky they are to have been blessed with Clodagh, and June says her daughter often stops her in her tracks. We are fully aware of how lucky we are to have Clodagh. Its amazing and every day is like Christmas with her. Expand Close Pictured (left): June with her husband Tony and their daughter Clodagh, (middle) Baby Clodagh, (right) June and Clodagh / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pictured (left): June with her husband Tony and their daughter Clodagh, (middle) Baby Clodagh, (right) June and Clodagh We never imagined that we would have her but we always hoped. Sometimes I look at her and she just stops me in my tracks. Sometimes, I never thought wed get here, June said. Premium Dan O'Brien Opinion While we catastrophise about Covid, we ignore risk of running out of cash We Irish view the world in an increasingly strange and unhealthy way. We catastrophise about Covid in a way other European countries do not. We focus on how bad the effects of the virus could get, on how many more restrictions might be imposed by Government and how helpless we are in the face of the virus. The Government beat its own deadline to deliver the housing and homelessness plan. It was promised in 100 days and delivered in 75. This urgency is welcome. Focus Ireland believes there must now be similar urgency to develop a clear plan to help ease the immediate and deepening family homeless crisis. The new plan has many positive measures but as yet its capacity to deliver homes is on hold and dependent on subsequent plans. It is important to stress that homelessness does not stand still. This June alone, 72 families became newly homeless in Dublin. A total of 502 families and their 995 children have become homeless in Dublin in the first six months this year. 'Rebuilding Ireland' has five pillars which reflect the core areas of concern. The most emotive and politically sensitive - homelessness - is given pride of place. The targets are more ambitious than previous governments' plans. Many of the barriers that stalled earlier plans are also recognised. In terms of a 'launch' this plan could be seen as a textbook success in one way. The high level of consultation with key stakeholders in drafting the plan was also very welcome. However, at a deeper level there's a sense that something is missing. While the language of the plan is filled with urgency, many of the key issues are to be addressed by future plans. Family homelessness is driven by a crisis in the private rented sector and a new strategy for this sector is promised for "Q4 2017" with urgent legislation to follow. Meanwhile, the Census has confirmed 200,000 homes are vacant in the middle of our worst ever housing crisis. Getting access to some of this empty stock to deliver homes can play a vital part in easing the housing and homeless crisis. This issue will not be addressed until a 'Re-use Plan' in "mid 2017". The rental situation is also to be addressed by a future plan, with this process due to start after the summer and completed by year-end. These are complex issues and it's legitimate to criticise previous governments for not addressing them but it's unreasonable to criticise Housing Minister Simon Coveney for not having the answers immediately. It is in the substantive issues which the plan claims to address that the real problems emerge. The most serious social challenge of today is the crisis in family homelessness, which sees 1,000 families living in emergency accommodation with over 2,000 children. So what does 'Rebuilding Ireland' say about this? It includes a number of very positive proposals to make life in emergency accommodation less appalling - free travel passes to schools, action on nutrition, better links with community and social services. All very good initiatives. Full credit to both ministers Katherine Zappone and Coveney for putting them there, and all strength to them as they fight to get the funding in the forthcoming Budget. But 'Rebuilding Ireland's big commitment on family homelessness is its very first commitment, Action 1.1, and aims to end the use of commercial hotels as emergency accommodation by this time next year. How will it achieve this? Apparently, not by providing homes for these families, but by building 1,500 units of new emergency accommodation where families will stay "while more permanent tenancies are secured". Focus Ireland has no arguments against rapid-build and we welcome attempts to improve on emergency accommodation provided in hotels and B&Bs. But when you examine the various timeframes in the plan, this commitment does not really add up, given there are currently over 1,000 families in hotels and B&Bs. If the current rate of growth neither falls nor rises, there could be an additional 1,000 families homeless by the target date of mid-July 2017. The plan seeks to deliver 200 new, rapid-build emergency units by the end of 2016, and a further 400 in 2017 - say 400 by mid-2017. The plan says that, in addition to the rapid-build emergency units, some of the families will move to homes which are currently vacant in the private sector and which will be acquired by local authorities and the Housing Agency. However,the timeline for this starts in 2017 and relatively few of these (though they are welcome, as they will provide actual homes) will be available by mid-July. Focus Ireland maintains that even if the plan to move families from hotel accommodation to new, rapid- build emergency accommodation succeeds, it does not address the fundamental problem faced by these families. That they are homeless. A plan to provide better emergency accommodation, while welcome, is not a plan to tackle their homelessness. The most effective policy for supporting families out of homelessness was Alan Kelly's directive that local authorities must give 50pc of all allocations to homeless and vulnerable households. Mr Coveney abolished this measure. We believe the minister needs to look again at this issue, as it is a key - and proven - way to deliver sustainable pathways out of homelessness. This measure shared the burden between the homeless households and others on the waiting list. While these are very serious criticisms of the plan, Focus Ireland is not setting out in any way to rubbish it. It contains many highly positive aspects and represents a significant step forward. What we are calling for is for the minister and his department to continue the open approach and consultation with Focus Ireland and others to develop a comprehensive sub-plan to help tackle family homelessness. Focus Ireland believes it is possible to work together to end the terrible family homeless crisis as we 'Rebuild Ireland'. Mike Allen is head of advocacy at Focus Ireland It is not easy for young adults in this country. A study from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) last week found that younger people are having a tougher time of it in modern Ireland than older people. Housing and money problems were the big issues affecting this group, often dubbed millennials - those under the age of 30. So it is a shame that the Government's much-heralded housing strategy offers little in terms of firm plans to deal with the difficulties faced by younger people. High rents and difficulties for first-time buyers getting the funds together for a deposit are key issues affecting the millennials. But 'Rebuilding Ireland' is very light when it comes to details for easing the impact of these two issues. Instead, there is a commitment to come up with solutions to the rental crisis and vague suggestions that the Budget will contain some form of help-to-buy scheme for first-time buyers. This means that, for now, millennials have been left with very little, when they most need help. The ESRI report last week confirmed what we instinctively know - young people continue to be the big losers since the financial collapse in 2008. The study found that those aged between 18 and 30 are almost twice as likely as those aged over 65 to experience quality-of-life issues. Eleven separate indicators were measured. Millennials scored badly when it comes to income poverty, housing quality issues and the ability to afford basic goods. The rental crisis is disproportionately hitting younger people. High rents are inter-related to difficulties securing a mortgage, because paying through the nose for a rental property affects the ability of younger people to put together a deposit for a mortgage. Central Bank lending rules have seen the size of the average deposit climb to 50,000 for first-time buyers in the Dublin area. And the figures from the Irish Banking and Payments Federation show that a deposit of 20,000 was needed outside Dublin by the end of 2015, up from 16,000 in 2014. This is in the context of a situation where young people are already under financial pressure because they earn less than older colleagues. They are generally on contracts, rather than having permanent jobs, and few opportunities are open to them for advancement when they do get a job. All of this means that the gaping holes in the 'Rebuilding Ireland' plan are an unforgivable let-down for young adults. On rents, the plan says it aims to address obstacles stopping the delivery of more rental accommodation. But this appears to be the least developed of the sections in the 117-page report. A strategy for the rental sector will be published by the last three months of this year. So we get a report, telling us there will be another report. Our tenancies legislation was designed for a society in which people rented temporarily before progressing to home ownership. It will take major cultural and legislative changes to alter this. And the aspiration to own a home is embedded in the Irish psyche. People know instinctively that home ownership leads to the accumulation of wealth. But the housing plan is sparse when it comes to details of what form of financial help will be put in place to aid struggling millennials to get a foot in the door of a home they can call their own. Again, we are told to wait. The Budget will contain a plan, we hear. It is all very well to set out plans and strategies to build more houses. But young people can't get a mortgage, and instead are condemned to "rental jail" with spiralling rents and a chronic shortage of accommodation. The rental crisis and the plight of first-time buyers must be dealt with urgently. The new housing strategy misses this opportunity. It is far from being a game changer. Three years ago, I wrote in these very pages about Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan and how his authoritarian tendencies were threatening not only Turkey but also the Near East and the country's application for EU membership. 'Imperious Leader has gone too far with his strange edicts' was the prescient headline. Well, now we will find out just how far Erdogan will go. The Turkish president has reacted furiously to the failed coup against him by dismissing and jailing tens of thousands of military personnel and officials. He is now moving on to the courts and the schools. It does not look good. Of course, the strange edicts of Erdogan have led to this. But his proposals of three years ago (a partial ban on alcohol, and on the wearing of bright lipsticks by Turkish Air stewardesses) are trifling compared with his attempts since then to consolidate powers in a revised presidency. Protests have come from secular activists, but also from followers of Fethullah Gulen, the mystic cleric who has fallen out with Erdogan and alleges corruption by the Turkish regime. Turkey blames the elderly Gulen, who lives in Pennsylvania, of fomenting the coup from afar and wants the US to extradite him. Basically, Erdogan cannot believe that anyone can disagree with him and wants to return Turkey to the strong-man leadership of the country's founder, Ataturk, or even the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. In fairness, he has won continual elections and has presided over an amazing economic revival in Turkey. On a recent visit, it took me two hours to get to the airport from central Istanbul, such was the congestion of shiny new cars circling the Bosphorus. But my jubilant taxi driver wouldn't hear of any complaints and pointed to his election stickers for the AKP (Erdogan's ruling party). This prosperity has provoked a new pride - but also new demands and challenges. So, for the rest us, this crisis couldn't be happening at a worse time. We rely on Turkey, a major Nato member, in the fight against Isil and in dealing with war-torn Syria, as well as in coping with the refugee crisis, as shown by the financial deal it did with the EU. Can the West control the situation and control Erdogan, and restrain his vengeance? It has to be done. Otherwise, we are in real trouble. And it would endanger what has been created in Turkey itself, which is an amazing, vibrant culture and the ideal crossover between East and West, and between the Islamic world and a mainly Christian Europe. Huge advances have been made in trade, art, fashion and culture and even in human rights, as well as in recognising the rights of the country's Kurdish minority - although a guerrilla war continues with the Kurdish PKK terror group. Some would say that the crisis shows the damage that can be done by just one ruler, in the shape of Erdogan, or indeed Vladimir Putin in Russia. But, like Putin, Erdogan remains popular and has had to contend with a scheming political landscape and dangerous neighbours. For the West, and the EU in particular, the reaction should be to stay close to the situation and exert what influence it has as a restraint on a Turkey that still craves a European association. To wash our hands of the Turkish crisis, or to impose sanctions or isolation, would be a mistake. The irony is that the coup was ostensibly launched to 'protect democracy'. In Turkey, the army has traditionally been a bulwark of secularism. This was the legacy of Ataturk, who, much to the delight of the West, kept Turkey in the Western camp. But he was a dictator too. Indeed, in 1980, after a period of political chaos, the army staged a coup and imposed order. And, on New Year's Eve 1981, when martial law was lifted, I was among the many young backpackers in Istanbul who joined in the celebrations. It was quite a party. The soldiers were hailed as heroes who had rescued Turkey from instability and 'backward' Islam. Turkey has come a long way since then. It has advanced economically but has also become more Islamic in a moderate way, which is probably a more accurate manifestation of society than Ataturk's repressive secularism. Erdogan's wife is veiled, for example. But his Islam is a long way from the radicalised Islam of Isil or the Gulf states. Turkey is, as Irish travellers will testify, almost entirely Westernised. However, the Turkish president is volatile. He has reacted furiously to social media, stormed off the stage at a Davos discussion on Israel and gave the go-ahead for the downing of a Russian jet. The hope would be that his shrewdness and common sense would prevail and he would see that any further over-reaction would endanger him, as well as Turkey and the region. However, on current evidence, that realisation clearly hasn't come yet. Now that the UK is leaving the EU (what timing) it is really left to the Germans to fashion a response. Germany has a huge Turkish community and should be familiar with the culture there, including the political landscape. Being sympathetic but firm should be the approach - and not letting Turkey slip away. Otherwise, we are facing turmoil in the Near East and an end to meaningful co-operation on refugees and jihadis - the last thing that a shaken Europe needs right now. You pay to play in the EU, and in broad strokes the price is worked out on a fairly straightforward basis. Rather than a flat fee per country, or a price based on population, it's the size of the economy that matters. In our case, having long been poorer than the European average, the exact formula didn't really matter for almost the entire time we've been members. Between farm supports and structural funds, we traditionally drew down far more from the EU than we ever paid in. Those days are well behind us now. News this week that the Irish bill will go up by close to the 300m a year mark confirms it. That bill has gone up on the back of last week's controversial new figures from the Central Statistics Office. It showed gross domestic product (GDP), the standard EU measure for the size of the economy, had gone up a whopping 26pc in 2015. The rise has been roundly ridiculed, but the numbers are correct. By including the value of companies claiming an Irish headquarters - many of which only arrived from the US in the last 24 months - as well as the massive number of aeroplanes owned by Irish leasing firms, the CSO came up with a figure of 244bn for the 'size' of the Irish economy, up from the previous 193bn. With the size of the economy up, our higher EU membership fee is basically automatic. In Britain, which has always had to pay to be in the EU, the annual price of admission has been a political hot potato dating back to the Margaret Thatcher era. The yearly row over the bill has been a cause and an effect of Britain's highly transactional approach to the whole thing. For us, in a country used to getting a free membership ride in Europe, it's all coming as a bit of a shock. It shouldn't, though. As we've become wealthier this was always going to become an issue. The freakish growth figures only bring it home more dramatically. If Ireland's apparent economic might is exaggerated by a handful of recent corporate transactions, there's not much point in whining about it. It's certainly not anyone else's fault. As a country, we've actively marketed ourselves, both overtly and with a wink and a nod, as an unusually attractive place to be in business - including the lowest corporation tax rate in the developed world. We wanted businesses to come here, and they've come. By and large, that's been to the benefit of all of us, creating hundreds of thousands of highly skilled, well paid and generally secure jobs over five decades. In the last year alone, corporation tax has poured into state coffers at a far higher rate than ever before. Some 'Irish' companies, it's true, barely have a foot on the ground here, including some of the biggest pharmaceuticals businesses anywhere. Thanks to an accounting quirk they all count towards our GDP. That hits us in the pocket, which only means our largely successful economic policies come with an element of downside. But what doesn't? The EU rules on this one are clear. We pay to play based on the size, and shape, of the economy we've created. If we don't like that, we need to look first and foremost at our own company law and tax rules. The likelihood is, we'll ultimately see this bill as a price worth paying. On the flip side, paying our way in Europe, arguably even overpaying to be in the club, means we need to be more outspoken than ever in defence of our interests, including using this big bill to definitively knock on the head Brussels' relentless push to hem in our legitimate freedom to tax at rates that suit us, and not necessarily our neighbours. I was horrified and very angry to read a report (Irish Independent, July 15) that we don't have enough TDs to run the country. Local Planning Minister Simon Coveney has commissioned a group to look into the matter with a view to changing the constituencies to increase the number of TDs. Absolute nonsense. He should commission the group to organise a referendum to alter the Constitution to facilitate a move to vastly reduce the number of TDs. Ireland has a population of 4.7 million people and we have 158 TDs to cover that. Most of them are incompetent, self-serving individuals who rarely contribute to any issue of national importance. It wouldn't surprise me to hear that the salary bill for the Dail is tens of millions of euro per annum. Think what could be saved by reducing both Dail and Senate by two-thirds. This country owes several billion euro, so what contribution does Mr Coveney's move make to reducing that debt? Cut out the nonsense, Mr Coveney, and face up to economic reality. The very last thing this country needs is more politicians, who were jointly responsible for the mess we are in, Ciaran McDevitt, Dublin 5 Bureaucracy, EU-style According to the latest census figures, the population of Donegal has fallen by almost 7,000. So what is new? Years ago when this country didn't have its 'freedom', entire families were banished from the land - for example, the 1861 Derryveagh evictions - by unscrupulous landlords. Today, the various Irish governments have been doing the work of those landlords, all at the behest of their masters in Brussels. Rural counties like Donegal have been hit at every turn, with the closure of post offices, garda stations and the mountains of red tape heaped upon the farmers and small businesses which in effect puts them out of business. The EU looks on Ireland as an outpost. Dublin views Donegal in the same manner. Then people have to leave to seek out a living. The landlord of today may not use a battering-ram, but why should he, when he's got bureaucracy EU-style? Colm Shovlin, Dunkineely, Co Donegal The burqa ban Mary Kenny is right (Irish Independent, July 18), nothing excuses, or even remotely mitigates the savagery of Nice or Brussels or Paris. But firstly a point of fact. The ban on the burqa in Belgium has been in effect since it was introduced in 2011. In the past two months, Switzerland, Bulgaria and Latvia have also introduced a ban on the burqa and niqab. The Netherlands introduced a partial ban in 2015. Rather than the burqa ban alienating Muslims in Europe, is it not far more relevant that the act of wearing a burqa alienates the wearer from wider society and any hope of integration? This seems to be the recent opinion of the European Court of Human Rights, which has recently upheld the burqa ban in France in the interests of "social cohesion". It is also suggested France's commitment to secularism discriminates against the values of Islam. Would these be the values enshrined in Sharia law? Once again, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2001 that "Sharia law was a system of law that was in marked contrast to the values embedded in (the European Convention of Human Rights)". Are we to allow the regression of European values in order to appease one particular religious ideology? It is pointed out that some of France's Muslim population are alienated and suffer from higher unemployment and live in ghettos. But that does make one wonder how on earth the hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese refugees to Europe and Canada in the early 80s managed to get jobs and avoid living in ghettos? And why aren't we hearing about the marginalisation of the millions of people from other minorities in Europe, such as the Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish Shintoist, Jain and Yazidi communities? Paul Corcoran, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14 Doomsday for housing investors The new Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness is disappointing. Yet again we have a load of hot air presented to satisfy the critics. It does nothing to protect the existing supply of private rental accommodation. The Government and Housing Minister Simon Coveney need to stop the exodus of property owners from the sector. More than 41,000 property owners left the private-rental sector in the three years from 2012 to 2015, with many more lining up to exit as soon as the market improves. To be told by this report that you must sell your property with tenants in situ is, to say the least, the death knell for the investor, small or large. The punitive tax treatment of the sector was not addressed and costs will increase with increased standards. Providing rental accommodation needs to be valued by the State and treated as a business, like every other business. Supply is the issue and this report discourages investment in the private rental sector. As with the previous report by Minister Alan Kelly in November 2014, this is doomsday for investors. Stephen Faughnan, Irish Property Owners' Association, Dublin 15 The Rapid Build Programme, the use of empty units and a first-time buyers' package approved on Tuesday by Cabinet to help tackle the housing crisis is to be very much welcomed. However, we must be cautious that we do not inflate a housing bubble, as happened in the recent past. We must also be careful that best practice in terms of planning is adhered to. Spatial and proximity restrictions, fire safety measures, adequate natural light in dwellings, visual amenity, dual aspect and adequate infrastructure in terms of traffic are all concepts which need to be at the forefront of our minds when considering planning applications. The road to hell is often paved with good intentions. Planning authorities need to ensure that we avoid legacy issues for future generations while also meeting the needs of those requiring housing. Killian Brennan, Dublin 17 Pilloried by poetry 'Our Killer City' by Galway's Rita Ann Higgins is a very bad attempt at poetry. It consists of a series of gripes made against a city that has always preserved Irish culture. These gripes may well be accurate and as such, call out for correction and improvement. But did it ever occur to poet Higgins that her beloved city does not have these resources? That a prize of 1.5m could be of significant help? With time, Galway will pull itself together. But for how long will we have to put up with such bad poetry? Fr Maurice Foley, Dalgan Park, Co Meath Donald Trump's US presidential campaign had a rare brush with controversy this week when his wife Melania was accused of plagiarising a speech by First Lady Michelle Obama. Though Melania's keynote at the Republican Party convention had drawn positive reviews - possibly from onlookers relieved that "the Donald" had shut up for once - attentive listeners were struck by similarities to a 2008 presentation by Michelle Obama to the Democrats. "My parents impressed on me the value of that you work hard for what you want in life," 46 year-old-former model Melania declared. "That your word is your bond and you do what you say and keep your promise. That you treat people with respect. Show the values and morals in the daily life. That is the lesson that we continue to pass on to our son." Her words sent buzzers ringing among those whose job it is to remember significant speeches by political wives. Eight years ago, Michelle Obama had shared remarkably congruent thoughts with the Democratic convention as her husband was confirmed as the party nominee for president. "Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values," Michelle Obama had said. "That you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you're going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don't know them, and even if you don't agree with them." With the studied slickness of professionals who have spent the past six months putting out fire-fights, Trump's brain-trust responded quickly, if vaguely, to the accusations. Expand Close Michelle Obama / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Michelle Obama "In writing her beautiful speech, Melania's team of writers took notes on her life's inspirations and in some instances included fragments that reflected her own thinking," said the campaign's senior communications advisor Jason Miller. "Melania's immigrant experience and love for America shone through her speech, which made it such a success." Trump himself had no quibbles regarding his wife's performance. "Her speech and demeanour were absolutely incredible," he tweeted. "Very proud!" Should Melania's feel-good burblings rate as plagiarism - the deliberate passing off of another's work as your own - or was she merely honouring Michelle Obama by riffing on the First Lady's pearls of insight? The question cuts to the essence of the modern debate about intellectual copyright - where is the line to be drawn between ripping off and humbly giving tribute? Video of the Day Here intention is all important and you don't have to look very far for examples. In 2011 Enda Kenny gave an uncharacteristically loquacious and uplifting speech - so loquacious and uplifting in fact, that many wondered as to the source of the Taoiseach's inspiration. After all, not even his biggest admirers would ever claim the leader of the country was a world-class public speaker. Kenny had, it turned out, regurgitated chunks of an address made by Barack Obama in 2008 But it was okay. Kenny was simply tipping a hat to Obama, one head of government saluting another. "I have his speech hanging in my office and because he was here, one of the best orators in the world, I used it to honour him," he said. "I substituted 'Ireland' instead of 'America'. "It was a tribute to him rather than anything else." The illicit re-purposing of someone else's work has been with us from the moment people started sharing stories and songs around campfires. For as long as there has been civilisation, there have been copycats. Shakespeare was, for example, accused of plagiarism; TS Eliot's 'The Waste Land' was posthumously revealed to have drawn on the work of lesser-known poets ("Immature poets imitate, mature poets steal," Eliot had written in an essay. "Bad poets deface what they take, and good poets make it into something better, or at least something different"). Even Johnny Cash, country music's true original, has had to put his hands up: his 1955 standard 'Folsom Prison Blues' was subsequently found to contain elements of Gordon Jenkins' 1953 composition 'Crescent City Blues'. In fact, Cash had drastically re-worked the material, turning a song about stultifying small town life into the existential scream of a prisoner tortured by the sound of a passing train. It didn't matter: with lawyers smelling blood, Cash caved and settled with Jenkins for about $660,000 in today's money. However, it would take the creation of the internet to turn plagiarism into something that intrudes in all our lives. With a few mouse clicks it is possible to download bespoke academic assignments from the internet - making plagiarism a recourse for work-shy students as much as for politicians short on inspiration. An unofficial 2011 survey by a Trinity College student publication, for instance, estimated 54pc of undergraduates had engaged in plagiarism; in all some 1,000 students in Ireland have been disciplined for submitting third-party essays in the past six years, the rate of offences climbing quickly. But, as Johnny Cash's woes attest, it is in music where the idea of originality is most fraught. At a time when it is almost impossible for new artists to attract meaningful attention, a break-out hit is more important than ever. Yet with so much music already out there, what happens when a songwriter feels there are no good tunes left? Just how difficult this can be was underlined when in 2014 British soul-man Sam Smith agreed to give a co-writing credit, and 12.5pc royalty share, to Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne after similarities were spotted between his single 'Stay With Me' and Petty's hit 'Won't Back Down' (co-written by Lynne). Through it all, Petty insisted, things had stayed amicable (Smith for his part said he was shocked as he had never heard 'Won't Back Down'). "I have never had any hard feelings toward Sam," Petty wrote. "All my years of songwriting have shown me these things can happen. Most times you catch it before it gets out the studio door but in this case it got by. A musical accident no more no less." The subject came under the spotlight once again when Led Zeppelin were this year required to go to court to defend themselves against accusations that part of their biggest hit, 'Stairway To Heaven', had plagiarised obscure 70es soft rockers Taurus. To widespread relief, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, Zeppelin's chief songwriters, were found not to have ripped off the other group; at trial Plant made the point that if 'Stairway To Heaven' had any parallel it was with Chim Chim Cher-ee from Walt Disney's 'Mary Poppins' as both utilised a simple chord progression that had been "around forever". This takes us to the nub of the issue. Ours is the era of the mash-up. Beyonce borrows from indie bands (she reimagined the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, with permission, on her latest LP), rappers rhyme over old samples, authors use Jane Austen as a springboard for their own ideas. Where does plagiarism end and the free interchange of ideas begin? It is a question Melania Trump's speech writing team are surely asking themselves at this very moment. Ash are to be recognised for their exceptional contribution to music at a special awards ceremony in Belfast (Jeff Robinson PR/PA) Northern Irish rockers Ash are to be recognised for their contribution to music at a special awards ceremony in Belfast in the autumn. The three-piece from Downpatrick - who have performed with the likes of U2 - will receive the Legend Award at the Mandela Hall on November 11. Charlotte Dryden, chief executive of Belfast's Oh Yeah Music Centre, said: "Ash have played a major part in the story of Northern Irish music and in the story of Oh Yeah too. "Our centre is named after the very song which features on their debut album, 1977. How brilliant to finally honour and celebrate the band with an Oh Yeah Legend Award." After receiving the accolade, Ash will perform 1977. Ms Dryden added: " It is going to be a momentous evening." Formed at Downpatrick High School in 1992, Ash have had two number one albums in the UK plus 18 top 40 singles. Frontman Tim Wheeler won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Pop Song in 2001 for Shining Light. Their music has featured on numerous film soundtracks and video games, and they have sold more than eight million records worldwide. Talking about the 1977 tour, the band said: "Some of these songs have grown with us throughout those years; others have the ability to transport us mentally and emotionally back to that crazy formative year of 1995 to 1996." Previous recipients of the Oh Yeah Legend Award include the Divine Comedy, Therapy?, Stiff Little Fingers and The Undertones. The Oh Yeah Legend presentation will be preceded by another award, the Northern Ireland Music Prize for the best Northern Irish albums. Video of the Day This event is part of a wider programme, Sound of Belfast, that will take place November 4-12. Laura Jayne Halton from Kildare winner of the best dressed lady at the Dublin Horse Show in the RDS, Dublin. Picture: Mark Condren Bruce Springsteen pictured in the stands watching his daughter Jessica during her event They came with a mission - to win the Best Dressed title worth a whopping 10,OOO at the RDS today... and if they manage to spot Bruce Springsteen at the Ballsbridge show grounds, then all the better! The 'Born to run' singer was in town to watch his show-jumping daughter Jessica (24) compete at the horse show. The Dundrum Town Centre Ladies Day during the Dublin Horse Shoe has quickly become a coveted title on the Best Dressed summer circuit. Tralee milliner, Carol Kennelly won the title in 2014 with a feathered dress and one of her own masterpiece hats. Expand Close Laura Jayne Halton from Kildare winner of the best dressed lady at the Dublin Horse Show in the RDS, Dublin. Picture: Mark Condren / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Laura Jayne Halton from Kildare winner of the best dressed lady at the Dublin Horse Show in the RDS, Dublin. Picture: Mark Condren Last year, Maynooth fashion designer, Laura Jayne Halton arrived relatively late compared to some hopefuls and ended up scooping the title with a stunning monochrome ensemble with dramatic cape and mini hat. But you don't have to be a professional in the fashion industry to win at the RDS today. Early competitors included three generations of one family - Anne McCaffrey from Knockyon with her daughter, Caroline White and her four year old daughter, ChArlotte. "We were in Maastricht last week at Andre Rieu and Caroline saw her dress and the matching one for Charlotte so we decided then to enter, " said Anne who bought her lime dress in Turnhout in Belgium. Expand Close MC Laura Woods at the Dublin Horse Show / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp MC Laura Woods at the Dublin Horse Show Laura Woods, who is MC for the day, wore a red Karen Millen dress and hat by Sarah Stephens of Hat Society. As one of the organisers from Dundrum Town Centre said: "If you think you look fabulous, so do we." Video of the Day Up for grabs at the Ladies Day today is the 'Best Dressed' title and the winner will take home a 10,000 voucher for Dundrum Town Centre. Great Lengths, the leading premium hair extensions brand, are sponsoring the Most Creative Hat and the winner will walk away with 1,000 worth of Great Lengths hair extensions, expertly applied by one of the countries leading hair stylists, plus a 1,000 voucher for the five star Europe Hotel & Resort in Killarney, Co. Kerry. Expand Close Best Dressed judge Bairbre Power at the Dublin Horse Show / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Best Dressed judge Bairbre Power at the Dublin Horse Show Louis Copeland & Sons are sponsoring the prize for the Best Dressed Man and the winner will take home a made to measure Louis Copeland & Sons half canvassed suit made from 100% superfine Wool with two button fastenings. Longines are sponsoring the Elegance is an Attitude category for which the prize is a Longines Dolce Vita watch, cased in steel and decorated with diamonds. Judging by the build up in enquiries to this year's event, the 2016 entry levels promise to rival last year's record and TV3 presenter, Laura Woods, pictured here, will be on hand to interview all the entrants and enquire about their style choices and inspiration. Registration at the RDS starts at 11.30 beside the Band Lawn inside the RDS show grounds and judging begins at 12 noon with the winner announced late in the afternoon. Laura Woods flew in from her family holidays yesterday to take up the role of MC and she will introduce every finalist and interview the two style judges - blogger and curvy model, Louise O'Reilly and Bairbre Power, Fashion Editor of the Irish Independent. Dundrum Town Centre are the title sponsor of Ladies Day for the second year running and Michael Duffy, chief executive of the RDS described it as "a strong partnership that complements both parties and are looking forward to a day full of fashion, style and fun for all. You can follow what's happening on the fashion front at the RDS on Bairbre's style updates on Instagram and twitter @bairbrepower A wooden boat used by refugees to leave Libya drifts abandoned after a rescue operation to save migrants on the Mediterranean Sea (AP) Rescue boats have recovered the bodies of 17 migrants and plucked 1,128 survivors from the Mediterranean Sea south of Sicily, a day after 22 corpses were found at the bottom of a smugglers' boat. The Italian coast guard, which co-ordinated Thursday's rescues, said the operation took on survivors from five rubber motorised dinghies, a larger boat and two small boats. Those rescues took place as a separate vessel was bringing the bodies of those discovered a day earlier towards Sicily. Humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders, meanwhile, said the bodies of 21 women and one man were found in a pool of fuel at the bottom of another smugglers' boat. That same rescue effort saved 209 people who were aboard two rubber dinghies. By Thursday evening, the coast guard reported that nearly 1,700 migrants had been rescued in a two-day period. Vessels from non-government organisations, national military fleets and passing cargo ships have been rescuing migrants daily from unseaworthy smuggling boats launched from Libya's lawless shores. Hundreds of thousands of migrants have been rescued in the past few years. AP The South African government will appeal Oscar Pistorius' six-year murder sentence, Talk Radio 702 said on Thursday. The Paralympic gold medallist was sentenced to jail for six years in July for murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in 2013. At the time, some commentators described the jail term as lenient. The radio report gave no further details. 'The person who came up with the expression 'the weaker sex' was either very naive or had to be kidding," wrote Donald Trump in his 1997 opus 'Trump: The Art of the Comeback'. Of course then he went and ruined it all by adding, "I have seen women manipulate men with just a twitch of their eye - or perhaps another body part." But back then the real-estate mogul had no idea that almost two decades later his fate would rest in the hands of that very same twitching and thoroughly incomprehensible breed. Even when it was made clear to Trump that as the presumptive Republican Presidential nominee he might need to woo the electoral swathe that happens to make up 51pc of the US population, Trump seemed to struggle to understand that publicly branding a host of famous women "dumb", "unattractive" and "bimbos" who were probably menstruating wasn't going to do it for him. And thereby he solidified what has become known as "Trump's women problem". So serious is that "women problem" less than four months before the election, that a recent 'Washington Post'-ABC News poll found 77pc of women had an unfavourable impression of Trump - including 65pc who saw him in a "strongly unfavourable" light - while another poll had him trailing his Democrat opponent Hillary Clinton by 24 points among female voters. He may have repeatedly lambasted Clinton for playing hers, but even Trump could see when it was time to whip out his 'women card' - and at this week's Republican National Convention, which kicked off on Monday, he wheeled out the big guns. But who are the great women who will stand not so much behind this man - as the bumper sticker reads - but alongside him? Melania Trump: The Current Wife Until she was handed a speech to read on day one of the convention that bore embarrassing similarities to Michelle Obama's 2008 convention speech, Melania was seen as one of his best cheerleaders. Young-ish (46), beautiful, and adamant that the man she has been married to for 11 years is "not Hitler", the Slovenian Spitfire is most crucially the feline face of apolitical immigration: a woman who was smart enough to play by the rules from the moment she touched down in the US nearly 30 years ago and who would (arguably) be America's first immigrant First Lady - although, of course, had Trump been president prior to Melania's arrival, the two would probably never have met. "The joke around Capitol Hill is that he never once considered building a wall around his trousers," says US political commentator Stephen Fisher. Trump Card rating 6/10 Marla Maples: The Second Wife Expand Close Ex-wife Marla Maples / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ex-wife Marla Maples Trump left his first wife, Ivana, for Marla Maples: their affair and his subsequent divorce with Ivana became tabloid fodder. Trump and Marla married in 1993 and separated in 1997. But there's no bad blood there: in fact, just three years ago Marla admitted that she still loved him - and her former stepchildren Eric, Ivanka and Donnie, too. The 52-year-old also has a 22-year-old daughter, Tiffany, with Trump, who was unleashed, alongside Donald Trump Jr, on day two of the GOP convention. Trump Card rating 4/10 Ivana Trump: The First Wife Suing his first wife of 14 years for violating a gag order might just be one of the most ludicrous things Trump has ever done. Expand Close Ivana Trump / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ivana Trump Why? Because everything that comes out of the sequin-tastic former department store model's mouth is gold - think Marilyn Monroe crossed with Dorothy Parker. It was Ivana who famously claimed that Trump kept a book of Hitler's speeches by his bed. The 67-year-old (right) also pretty much created Trump as he is now (even attempting to trademark 'The Donald' in 1999) - and had the good grace to pass her smartness, sass and humour down to her three children. Trump Card rating 8/10 Ivanka Trump: The Daughter-in-Chief This 34-year-old mother of three (an executive vice-president with the Trump Organisation and owner of a fashion brand that targets working women) is so bright, capable and poised that she really ought to be running for president herself. "Yeah, she's really something," Trump has admitted of his daughter. "And what a beauty, that one. If I weren't happily married and, ya know, her father . . . " So long as Trump doesn't introduce her with anything similar at the convention - and the speechwriters have come up with some original material - she could be reversing those statistics in no time. Trump Card rating 11/10 Tiffany Trump: The 'Who Knew?' Daughter "The Trump daughter no one is talking about" first came out of her shell in November 2015, when she joined her half-siblings for a family interview with Barbara Walters and declared her father the best man for president because he was "true to himself". Since then the 22-year-old model - who was raised by her mother Marla Maples in California - switched coasts to attend her father's alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania, completed an internship at 'US Vogue' and has been seen mingling on the sidelines of Republican presidential debates. As part of a group of socialites known as 'The Rich Kids Of Instagram' - where she has 160,000 followers - there's a slight wild card/Bristol Palin-style risk there, but she might just be a useful piece of artillery when it comes to that youth vote. Expand Close Tifffany Trump talks fondly about her father at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Photo: Brian Snyder/Reuters / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tifffany Trump talks fondly about her father at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Photo: Brian Snyder/Reuters Trump Card rating - as yet unknown Hope Hicks - Trump's press secretary She's 27, a former model (pattern, anyone?) and spends her days both responding to the tidal waves of media requests and preventing the boss from career-ending tweeting. One only hopes she keeps a healthy supply of tranquillisers in her desk drawer. But having previously worked with Ivanka on her fashion line (and as the daughter of a top PR executive), Hicks seems to be able to handle whatever The Donald throws at her. And if she plays her cards right, that might just be the job of White House Press Secretary. Expand Close Trumps campaign press secretary Hope Hicks / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Trumps campaign press secretary Hope Hicks Trump Card rating 9/10 ( Daily Telegraph, London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Donald Trump made a triumphant helicopter landing in Cleveland ahead of the biggest speech of his political life today at the Republican national convention - but without his wife Melania, who is caught in an embarrassing plagiarism row. Mr Trump's children and their spouses awaited the Republican nominee's arrival, mingling with the family of Mike Pence, Mr Trump's running mate. Mrs Trump was conspicuous by her absence just two days after she delivered an address at the convention in which whole passages were taken from a 2008 speech by Michelle Obama. As Mr Trump prepared to give his most high-profile address to date, Newt Gingrich has praised his mastery of mass communication in the age of Kim Kardashian. The former speaker of the house described Mr Trump as "the first presidential candidate of the Kardashian era", which he said was one of the property mogul's biggest assets as a candidate. "He sends tweets before he gets out of bed in the morning," Mr Gingrich said. "Then he thinks deeply: 'What shall I do at 10am to make news?'" While he has found success on social media, Mr Trump will face a far different test tonight on one of the largest stages American politics has to offer as he accepts the Republican Party's nomination for president. His advisers say he will give a "disciplined" speech that would mix pre-written material with some characteristic ad-libbing. The campaign, meanwhile, was hit by further unwelcome distractions. First, the speechwriter who helped construct Mrs Trump's convention address - in which passages were taken wholesale from a 2008 Michelle Obama's speech - said a mix-up was to blame for the passages being included. Meredith McIver, a Trump Organisation employee, offered her resignation, which Mr Trump rejected. Then, hours before Mr Pence was to take the stage as Mr Trump's vice-presidential pick, the New York Times reported that John Kasich, the Ohio governor, had rejected the job before it was offered to Mr Pence. Donald Trump Jr, serving as a delegate from New York State, gave what has been praised as the best speech of the convention so far, leading to speculation he may enter politics himself. ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Rahma who was forced to live her life in a plastic bucket A teenage girl who never developed her arms and legs as part of a mysterious illness is now forced to live her life in a plastic bucket. Rahma Haruna (19) from Kano in Nigeria was born healthy but doctors noticed she stopped hitting developmental milestones as an infant. From six months when she learned how to sit, that was when it began, her mother, Fadi told Barcroft. She started with a fever and that was it. Then stomach pains. Then her body parts like hands and legs. She didnt learn how to crawl, she said. Her father Hussaini said hes spent 15 years searching for a cure. The family have spent thousands on experts and treatments for Rahma but nothing has worked. I sold almost everything in my possession. I farm, go to the market and lots more looking for money to pay for her bills. Only God knows the real amount of what I had spent, Hussaini told Barcroft. Rahma who spends her life being carried around in a bucket and can barely move a muscle said she thanks God in everything she does and hopes to have her own grocery shop when shes older. Her ten-year-old brother Fahad and the rest of her family spend their days begging for change and donations for Rahma as well as washing her, helping her eat and bringing her to visit family. I help her in many ways, said her brother Fahad. Bathing her is another thing I do and taking her out everyday. I like taking to our relatives. She feels happy when we visit them. They help me a lot, they give me anything I need, said Rahma. After being launched into the spotlight Rahma has received gifts and donations, including a wheelchair. We once went to a supermarket and we met someone who bought her wheels. I feel happy whenever I see people helping her, said Fahad. The incident occurred in the western Sydney suburb of Merrylands A man has been arrested after igniting petrol inside his car and crashing it into the gate of a police station car park in Sydney. The man, in his 60s, suffered serious burns in the incident in the suburb of Merrylands, but no-one else was injured. New South Wales police said there is no indication that the incident was terror-related. Assistant Commissioner Denis Clifford said t he man initially parked his car on the driveway of the police station and when an officer approached the vehicle, the man ignited an accelerant, which is believed to have been petrol, and drove into the roller door of the underground car park. Police extinguished the fire and removed the unconscious man from the vehicle. He is now in a serious condition in hospital. Mr Clifford said police are still trying to determine the man's identity and motivation. "There's nothing to indicate this is in any way related to terrorism," he added. "We just don't know why this person has acted this way." A bomb squad has inspected the vehicle, but there was no further threat to anyone, Mr Clifford added. "The police reacted very bravely and it's just a miracle that no-one else was seriously injured," he said. A man who murdered a vulnerable single mother whom he met on an online dating site has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Miles Donnelly, 35, strangled Usha Patel, 44, after she had put her five-year-old autistic son to bed at her home in Cricklewood, north-west London. He then left the little boy alone to discover her body, the Old Bailey heard. The couple had arranged to have sex on the evening of October 7 last year, having met online around seven months earlier. They had both stripped naked when Donnelly attacked her in a drunken rage, stabbing her 13 times with a large bread knife, beating her ferociously about the head and strangling her. Having murdered Ms Patel, Donnelly fled to the west London home of Rosie Ferrigno, 43, whom he barely knew, where he hid from police for 30 hours. Expand Close Miles Donnelly Credit: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Miles Donnelly Credit: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire He made advances towards her and said he was sexually frustratrated. He hit her on the back of the head with a stool with a nail sticking out of it when she refused. Donnelly, of Paddington, west London, who lived a lifestyle of drinking and taking drugs and had a long criminal history, had denied murder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. But he pleaded guilty to the charges on the first day of his trial. Judge Rebecca Poulet QC gave Donnelly a life sentence with a 23-year minimum term for Ms Patel's murder. He was also given an 18-month concurrent sentence for the assault on Ms Ferrigno. The judge said Donnelly had murdered Ms Patel in a "frenzy of rage" in "a particularly ferocious and violent attack". She told him: "In my assessment, this case is a stark warning to anyone who plans to meet anyone after limited internet contact." She warned people not to invite a stranger into their home, saying a face-to-face meeting should only take place once "one person feels they know something of the other". The judge said: "Usha Patel invited this defendant to come into her flat ... She was clearly anxious to meet a new partner. She paid for this invitation with her life. "She was, in my judgment, an extremely vulnerable woman ... both in her background and in the immediate moments leading to her death, when she was heavily intoxicated. "Your brutal attack on this woman must have been terrifying for her." Read More A manhunt for Donnelly was launched after police found his house keys inside Ms Patel's home and matched forensic samples on a wine glass. Donnelly was arrested on October 11 last year after he phoned police and told them where he was. Prosecutor Simon Denison QC described Ms Patel, who allowed Donnelly into her home on the same day they swapped texts saying "I love you", as "the picture of a very vulnerable woman". In contrast, Donnelly would have known he was a "significant and serious danger to women" when he was "driven by compulsions to drink, take cocaine and have sex". Mr Denison said of Donnelly's brutal attack on Ms Patel: "As she was dying, or even just after she had died, he stabbed her a number of times in the stomach." Donnelly then made off "in a hurry", leaving his underpants, socks, T-shirt, hoodie and keys behind - all items which linked him to the crime. Ms Patel was found dead the next day when her father arrived to take the five-year-old child to school. The little boy told his grandfather: "Mummy's not well." Her battered body was discovered on the sofa amid drink bottles and glasses. She had been dead for some hours. Mr Denison said: "She was lying on her back under a duvet cover that covered her from her neck down. "There was a trickle of blood running from her nostril down her cheek. He tried to wake her but there was no response and she was cold. She had no pulse." The court was told that Ms Patel's son still has nightmares and keeps saying he hopes Mummy will come home soon. Ms Patel's father was too distraught to attend the sentencing hearing. A leading journalist was killed in a car bombing in Ukraine's capital Kiev, sending shockwaves through the Ukrainian journalist community that was shaped by the gruesome killing 16 years ago of the founder of the publication he worked for. The country's top online news website 'Ukrainska Pravda' said its journalist Pavel Sheremet died in an explosion early yesterday as he got into his car to drive to work to anchor a radio talk show. Several Ukrainian politicians suggested that Russia could have been involved in the car bomb. The publication said the car was owned by its founding editor Olena Prytula, who was Sheremet's partner. Images from the scene showed the charred car stranded in the middle of a cobbled street. The Ukrainian president has ordered protection for Prytula. Interior Minister Khatiya Dekanoidze said at the scene of the crime that she would personally supervise the investigation. Ukraine's media was deeply affected by the murder of 'Ukrainska Pravda' founder Heorhiy Gongadze in 2000. A Swedish man has had his conviction for raping a teenage girl overturned - because he was asleep at the time. The unnamed man from central Sweden said he was unaware he had had sex with the girl until DNA tests proved he was the father of the baby she conceived. The girl confirmed the man in his 50s was asleep at the time, but said she had allowed the intercourse to take place in the hopes that his wife, who was sleeping next to them, would wake up. In March, the district court rejected this explanation and sentenced the man to two and a half years in prison for raping a minor. It concluded that the girls story was probably an afterthought - as the position she said the rape had happened in would have been impossible for a sleeping person. An expert also gave evidence to the court saying it is highly unusual for someone not to wake up during sex if they are not suffering from sexsomnia - a rare sleep disorder which makes the suffer attempt to have intercourse while in deep sleep. The man has not been diagnosed with the disorder. But the central appeals court, the Svea Hovratt, threw the verdict out on Tuesday saying the prosecution had not proven beyond reasonable doubt that the man was awake when the incident took place. The mans lawyer, Jimmy Schiold, told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet: "My client is of course very relieved. He has, from day one, professed his innocence and it has uphill fight for us. When you're accused of this type of crime,been anwhich is very serious, you almost have to prove your innocence rather than the other way around,which is how it felt in the District Court". He said his client was now a free man after four months in prison and that he just wanted to move on with his life. A courtroom assistant acting on behalf of the victim declined to comment. The prosecutor also declined to comment on whether she will appeal the case in the Swedish Supreme Court. There have been several cases of defendants claiming sexsomnia in Sweden over the past decade - a suspected sleeping rapist was cleared by an appeals court in 2014 - prompting a Gothenburg prosecutor, Ginger Johannson, to put together guidelines earlier this year, the Local reports. Her report said courts should call on sleep experts to discuss the condition and focus on whether the defendant appeared groggy or alert to the victim at the time of the attack. Turkey has banned all academics from travelling overseas after cancelling their annual leave, as President Tayyip Erdogan's post-coup crackdown escalated to "exceptional proportions". Teachers were told yesterday they could not travel abroad on any work-related trips, and those overseas were ordered to return. One British lecturer at a state-run university in Istanbul said that foreign nationals had also been told to come back to work. "It's summer break and we've all been summoned back to work as all annual leave has been cancelled," said the teacher, who did not wish to give her name. The lecturer, who is currently abroad, said both local and international staff received a letter from the university saying they must report for work at 8.30am today. "I've heard from the secretary that we have to stay in Istanbul and aren't allowed to leave - no idea how that would be enforced but as our work permit cards have ID numbers and workplaces written on them, it's possible. I don't know about other teachers, but I am very concerned." She has contacted the British embassy in the country to check whether the move is legal. A senior Turkish official described the travel ban on academics as just a "temporary measure". "As you surely know, universities have always been crucial for military juntas in Turkey, and certain individuals are believed to be in contact with cells within [the] military," he said. The licences of 21,000 staff working in private schools have been revoked, more than 20,000 employees at the education ministry fired, and the state-run higher education council has demanded the resignation of 1,577 university deans. The Turkish education ministry last night announced the closure of more than 600 state schools. The higher education council has asked university rectors to "urgently examine the situation of all academic and administrative personnel" linked to what it calls the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (Feto) and report back by August 5. The government has accused a US-based Muslim cleric, Fethullah Gulen, of masterminding the attempted coup, in which more than 230 people were killed. He denies the accusation. A man who admitted hacking hundreds of email accounts and stealing explicit photos from several celebrities has been sentenced to six months in US federal prison. US District Judge John A Kronstadt sentenced Andrew Helton, from Astoria, Oregon, to the prison term and two years of supervised release. Helton pleaded guilty in March to stealing 161 nude or explicit photos from 13 people, including unidentified celebrities. Authorities have said they do not believe any of the images he stole were publicly released. Helton's lawyer said he should not receive a prison sentence because the phishing technique he used was not technologically sophisticated. Helton said his arrest had forced him to confront his mental health issues and change his life. Prosecutors said his actions caused significant emotional harm to his victims. A top trader at banking giant HSBC has been released on bail after he was arrested by FBI agents and charged with fraudulently rigging a 3.5 billion dollar (2.6 billion) currency exchange deal. Mark Johnson, the bank's head of global foreign exchange cash trading, was arrested by federal agents at New York's JFK International Airport on Tuesday evening as the US Department of Justice continues its long-running probe into foreign exchange trading. Mr Johnson, 50, who is a UK citizen but lives in America, was released on a 1 million dollar (755,000) bail after appearing on Wednesday at a Brooklyn federal court charged with allegedly conspiring to defraud an HSBC client through a "front running" scheme. Stuart Scott, 43, HSBC's former head of foreign exchange cash trading for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, who lives in the UK, has also been charged. A warrant has been issued for Mr Scott's arrest. The two men are accused of conspiring to commit wire fraud between November and December 2011 after "misusing information" from a client that hired HSBC to carry out a foreign exchange transaction linked to the sale of a foreign subsidiary. It is alleged the two men "caused the 3.5 billion dollars (2.6 billion) foreign exchange transaction to be executed in a manner that was designed to spike the price of the pound sterling, to the benefit of HSBC and at the expense of their client". Mr Johnson reportedly said on a telephone call to Mr Scott "Ohhhh f**king Christmas" when the full order for the amount was authorised. The "front running" enabled them to generate 8 million dollars (6 million), some of it illegally, to the benefit of HSBC and at the expense of their client, it is alleged. Robert Capers, US attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said: "As alleged, the defendants placed personal and company profits ahead of their duties of trust and confidentiality owed to their client, and in doing so, defrauded their client of millions of dollars." Defence lawyer Frank Wohl declined to comment after Mr Johnson was released on bail following an initial court appearance before a magistrate in Brooklyn. Assistant attorney general Leslie Caldwell said: "The defendants allegedly betrayed their client's confidence, and corruptly manipulated the foreign exchange market to benefit themselves and their bank." She added: "This case demonstrates the criminal division's commitment to hold corporate executives, including at the world's largest and most sophisticated institutions, responsible for their crimes." In August last year, nine banks including Britain's Barclays, HSBC and Royal Bank of Scotland agreed a settlement of more than two billion US dollars (1.3 billion) with US investors over foreign exchange rate rigging claims. Mr Johnson's arrest is the latest scandal to impact HSBC which came under fire from US senators in 2012 after drug cartels laundered money through the bank's Mexican operation. HSBC is not accused of any wrongdoing and declined to comment. A still image from an undated video posted on social media shows a boy before he was beheaded on the back of a truck by rebel fighters in what is said to be Syria Photo: Reuters The US is investigating a video that appears to show members of one of the Syrian rebel groups it has funded beheading a child. Images of a fighter cutting off the young boy's head with a knife matched some of the worst brutalities committed by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil), which has killed hundreds of captives in Syria and neighbouring Iraq in the past three years. The boy, who looked to be around 12 years old, was captured near Handarat refugee camp in northern Aleppo by Nour al-Din al-Zenki, the main opposition faction fighting the Syrian regime in the besieged city. Before being killed, he is shown on the back of a truck being taunted by several men who claim he was from a Palestinian faction that fights in support of President Bashar al-Assad. "This is a prisoner from the Quds brigade. They don't have men any more so they've sent us children today," one of the men is heard saying. "These are your dogs, Bashar, children of the Quds brigade," said another. A fighter then cuts off his head and holds it up for the camera as others in the group shout "Allahu akbar", or God is great. The graphic video has been shared on social media, where it has been met with outrage and condemnation. The group has received military support from Washington. Amnesty International reported earlier this year that the group was responsible for torture and forced confessions in Aleppo. Mark Toner, a US state department spokesman, said Washington was seeking more information on what he described as "an appalling report". Meanwhile, air strikes on Isil-held villages in northern Syria have killed at least 56 civilians, amid intense fighting between the militants and US-backed forces. Residents in the area blamed the US-led coalition for the strikes that targeted two villages, Tokhar and Hoshariyeh, which are controlled by Isil, activists said. The villages are near the Isil stronghold of Manbij, a town that members of the predominantly Kurdish US-backed Syria Democratic Forces have been trying to capture in a weeks-long offensive. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 56 civilians, including 11 children, were killed in the strikes on the villages, which also wounded dozens. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] A flight had to be diverted to Bali after a group of passengers travelling together began fighting on board A flight from Sydney to Thailand had to be diverted to Indonesia after a group of drunk Australians who were travelling together started fighting. Jetstar Flight 27 was carrying 314 passengers when it diverted to Bali on Wednesday night after the six Australians who were on their way to the tourist island of Phuket became "extremely disruptive among themselves" and refused requests from the crew to calm down, the Australian budget airline said. The airline said all six were removed from the plane in Bali, but officials there said only five men were held by airport security and now face deportation to Australia. It is not clear what happened to the sixth passenger. Bali airport manager Trikora Harjo said an investigation concluded that the only reason the men started fighting was because they were drunk. "They were not seriously injured, just bruised," he added. Nine Network television showed footage of one of the men with a black eye being escorted by security guards from the plane. The report said another man was bleeding heavily in the plane from a broken nose. Bali airport official Yusfandri Gona said the men will undergo health checks before they are deported. "They drank too much beer and liquor on the aircraft. Some of them started fighting, yelling and punching each other and ignored other passengers and the cabin crew's requests for calm and order," Mr Gona said. Nine Network reported the fighting broke out five hours into the nine-hour flight to Phuket. "The other customers on board supported the decision to offload the group in Bali and thanked the crew," Jetstar said. The plane continued on to Phuket an hour after landing in Bali. The airline did not say whether it will pursue the troublemakers for the cost of the diversion. AP Police in the US state of Florida shot the carer of an autistic man A Florida police officer shot a therapist who was looking after an autistic man while he was lying in the street with his hands up. A mobile phone video shows Charles Kinsey asking the police not to shoot him, during the incident in Miami. The 47-year-old, who is black, and works with people with disabilities, was trying to get his 27-year-old patient back to a facility from where he had wandered. The authorities said the incident happened on Monday, following reports of a man threatening to shoot himself. North Miami Assistant Police Chief Neal Cuevas told The Miami Herald that officers responded to the scene and ordered Mr Kinsey and the patient, who was sitting in the street playing with a toy truck, to lie on the ground. He said Mr Kinsey was lying down, and put his hands up while trying to get his patient to comply. An officer then fired three times, striking Mr Kinsey in the leg, Mr Cuevas said. No weapon was found. Mr Kinsey's lawyer, Hilton Napoleon, gave the Herald the mobile phone video taken moments before the shooting. It shows Mr Kinsey lying in the middle of the street with his hands up, asking the officers not to shoot him, while the autistic man sits next to him, yelling at him to "shut up". "Sir, there's no need for firearms," Mr Kinsey said he told police before he was shot. "It was so surprising. It was like a mosquito bite." Police have not released the name or race of the officer who shot him. AP The Turkish president has declared a three-month state of emergency following the failed coup. Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the measure is being taken to counter threats to Turkish democracy and was not intended to curb basic freedoms. He spoke after a meeting with Cabinet ministers and top security advisers. The insurrection by some military units was launched late on Friday, but security forces and protesters loyal to the government quashed the rebellion. Mr Erdogan said the pro-government death toll in the botched coup was 246. AP The Turkish parliament has endorsed sweeping new powers for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that allow him to expand a crackdown in the wake of last week's failed coup. Legislators in the 550-member parliament voted 356-115 to approve a three-month state of emergency across Turkey. Mr Erdogan had earlier said the new powers will give his government the tools it needs to rid the military of the "virus" of subversion. Deputy PM Mehmet Simsek said the state of emergency will be used to act swiftly against the perpetrators of the coup. He insisted the state of emergency will be different to those imposed in the country previously and that the rule of law will be upheld. "We will use it in a fashion closer to our allies like France and others," he said. However, he had already announced plans to suspend the European Human Rights Convention in line with an article contained within the agreement allowing for it in time of emergencies. He said the government will go after "rogue" elements within the state as he warned there could have been "carnage in the streets" had the coup succeeded. "We owe it to our people to go after them. We will have a legal framework for it." The state of emergency will see a crackdown which has already included mass arrests and the closure of hundreds of schools stepped up. Earlier on Thursday, Turkish state media said a further 32 judges and two military officers had been detained by authorities. Nearly 10,000 people have now been arrested and about 60,000 civil service employees have been dismissed. The targeting of education ties in with Mr Erdogan's belief that the cleric Fethullah Gulen, whose followers run a network of schools worldwide, seeks to infiltrate the Turkish education system and other institutions in order to bend the country to his will. The US-based cleric's movement, which espouses moderation and multi-faith harmony, says it is a scapegoat. Turkey experienced a national state of emergency in the immediate years after martial law was declared in 1980 following a coup. It was also declared across the restive south-east region between 1978 and 2002. Police at the scene of the train attack in Wuerzburg, Germany (AP) Two Hong Kong tourists remain in a critical condition in hospital three days after they were attacked by a teenage Afghan refugee wielding an axe and a knife on a German commuter train. The patients - identified by German news agency dpa as a 62-year-old man and his daughter's 30-year-old boyfriend - were among five people injured in the attack in Wuerzburg, southern Germany, o n Monday night. The 17-year-old attacker, Riaz Khan Ahmadzai, slashed two men and two women from Hong Kong before jumping off the train and injuring another woman who was walking her dog. He was later shot dead by police. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attack and posted a video in which the teen waved a knife and referred to himself as a "soldier of the Islamic State". Authorities, however, have said they believe the attacker acted alone after becoming radicalised. Kenneth Tong, a senior officer with Hong Kong's Immigration Department, said it is hoped one of the two female victims, who had been treated elsewhere, could be transferred to the Wuerzburg university hospital soon. AP Image Credit: Eric Benson / Clemson University SHARE By Coverage Partner Wspa CLEMSON A dangerous species of ant might soon enter South Carolina for the first time, according to Clemson University scientists. The tawny crazy ant is native to South America and was found in Texas in 2002. Since then it has been found in Florida and Georgia. "The predictive models show that the tawny crazy ant could become established in South Carolina in 2016, especially along the coastal counties from Jasper up to Georgetown," said Eric Benson, professor and entomologist in the plant and environmental sciences department at Clemson University. Benson says the ant multiples very quickly and can overwhelm its surroundings. Though the ants don't bite or sting, Benson said their numbers create the problems. In urban areas they can short out electrical equipment and infest homes. They kill other ants (including fire ants), but that isn't good for the environment, according to Benson. "If you have millions of ants moving into a nursing home, a school, a hospital or any place that's a sensitive environment, they will go from being a nuisance to an extremely serious problem. Entire floors of buildings can become covered with these ants," said Benson. After the advent of the internet the world has shrunk to the size of our palms and with just one touch today we can reach anyone on the globe. The impact is much more on the movie industry where everything from casting to promotions are done using the world wide web reaching millions in a second. A Tamil film star and his Tollywood, Bollywood or Hollywood counterparts are all on the same platform exchanging their views or films in no time at all. There was a time a few decades back when the best means of communication were only the STD and the elusive ISD. It was the starting of the 50s when the Master of Histrionics Sivaji Ganesan a little educated impoverished stage actor stormed onto the Tamil screens with Parasakthi` and instantly became a superstar. From then on he went on to make acting a 24/7 penance playing the role of a roadside rickshaw puller (Babu`) to the King of England (Vishwaroopam') and everything in between. Through his immense talent and hard work he earned the respect of his contemporaries throughout the country who acknowledged and accepted his supremacy. His fans celebrated and cherished him as an integral part of their lives as he represented their mirror image in all walks of life on the silver screen. Cutting across the barriers of the times and distance his fame traveled outside the country earning him many awards and accolades from Egypt to Europe and the Americas. His admirers around the globe included US President John F Kennedy, The King of Egypt along with Hollywood heavyweights Marlon Brando, Charlston Heston, Jack Lemmon, James Garner and Walter Pigeon. His greatness is even more venerable for the fact that it was achieved in the Dark Ages of Communication when he could reach and touch the people across the globe solely through his acting prowess alone. We take great pride in remembering the eternal Beacon of Tamil cinema and salute the legend for all his valuable and timeless gifts to movie lovers which will carry on for many more generations to come. Hindustan Zinc Ltd's core operating profit stood at Rs. 6,433.67 crore, recording decline of 13.29% yoy. Operating margin for the current period at 46.82% contracted by 335 bps yoy. Hindustan Zinc Q1FY17: Earnings Disappoint: Hindustan Zinc's revenue went down 30% during the quarter to Rs 2,501.47 crore, compared to Rs 3595 crore a year ago, led mainly by lower zinc volumes and lower prices at the benchmark London Metal Exchange (LME). HZL reported a 47% decline in net profit to Rs 1037 crore during the first quarter of FY17, led by higher depreciation, and taxes and lower investment income. This was, however, partly offset by higher rupee depreciation and higher silver prices."A smaller investment corpus on account of dividend pay-out in the beginning of the quarter led to lower investment income, which along with higher tax rate and higher depreciation resulted in net profit of Rs 1,037 crore, lower by 47% y-o-y," a HZL statement issued late on Thursday evening said. Management comments: Agnivesh Agarwal, chairman HZL said: "In line with strong zinc fundamentals and our expectations, zinc prices surged 14% in Q1 FY 2017 as compared to the previous quarter, making it the best performing base metal. We also witnessed a rally in silver prices, which along with increasing volumes is accentuating its contribution in our profits, having reached almost 20% at present. Hindustan Zinc reported standalone net profit of Rs. 7,054.31 crore For the quarter ended June 30, 2017, declining by 13.74% yoy. Its standalone revenue for the quarter stood at Rs. 13,624.66 crore, registering decline of 7.87% yoy.Hindustan Zinc Ltd's core operating profit stood at Rs. 6,433.67 crore, recording decline of 13.29% yoy. Operating margin for the current period at 46.82% contracted by 335 bps yoy.Hindustan Zinc's revenue went down 30% during the quarter to Rs 2,501.47 crore, compared to Rs 3595 crore a year ago, led mainly by lower zinc volumes and lower prices at the benchmark London Metal Exchange (LME). HZL reported a 47% decline in net profit to Rs 1037 crore during the first quarter of FY17, led by higher depreciation, and taxes and lower investment income. This was, however, partly offset by higher rupee depreciation and higher silver prices."A smaller investment corpus on account of dividend pay-out in the beginning of the quarter led to lower investment income, which along with higher tax rate and higher depreciation resulted in net profit of Rs 1,037 crore, lower by 47% y-o-y," a HZL statement issued late on Thursday evening said.Agnivesh Agarwal, chairman HZL said: "In line with strong zinc fundamentals and our expectations, zinc prices surged 14% in Q1 FY 2017 as compared to the previous quarter, making it the best performing base metal. We also witnessed a rally in silver prices, which along with increasing volumes is accentuating its contribution in our profits, having reached almost 20% at present. Result Highlights: (Rs. in crore) Reported Results IIFL Estimates Variance (%) Standalone Revenue 2530.61 2853.7 [11.32] Standalone Net Profit 1036.86 1309.9 [20.84] Standalone EPS for the quarter stood at Rs. 2.45.Hindustan Zinc Ltd is currently trading at Rs. 194.6, up by 0.55 points or 0.28% from its previous closing of Rs. 194.05 on the BSE.The scrip opened at Rs. 187.95 and has touched a high and low of Rs. 195.9 and Rs. 187.95 respectively. So far 2038454(NSE+BSE) shares were traded on the counter. The current market cap of the company is Rs. 81991.95 crore.The BSE group 'A' stock of face value Rs. 2 has touched a 52 week high of Rs. 203.3 on 13-Jul-2016 and a 52 week low of Rs. 117.2 on 25-Aug-2015. Last one week high and low of the scrip stood at Rs. 197.9 and Rs. 185.4 respectively.The promoters holding in the company stood at 64.92 % while Institutions and Non-Institutions held 32.41 % and 2.67 % respectively.The stock is currently trading below its 50 DMA. Prevent Unauthorized Transactions in your demat / trading account Update your Mobile Number/ email Id with your stock broker / Depository Participant. Receive information of your transactions directly from Exchanges on your mobile / email at the end of day and alerts on your registered mobile for all debits and other important transactions in your demat account directly from NSDL/ CDSL on the same day." - Issued in the interest of investors. KYC is one time exercise while dealing in securities markets - once KYC is done through a SEBI registered intermediary (broker, DP, Mutual Fund etc.), you need not undergo the same process again when you approach another intermediary. No need to issue cheques by investors while subscribing to IPO. Just write the bank account number and sign in the application form to authorise your bank to make payment in case of allotment. No worries for refund as the money remains in investor's account." www.indiainfoline.com is part of the IIFL Group, a leading financial services player and a diversified NBFC. The site provides comprehensive and real time information on Indian corporates, sectors, financial markets and economy. On the site we feature industry and political leaders, entrepreneurs, and trend setters. The research, personal finance and market tutorial sections are widely followed by students, academia, corporates and investors among others. Time and again we have heard stories that didn't just inspire us, but made us realise that our issues in life are almost negligible. There are inspiring stories all over the world that give us a bigger picture of how some people fight it out against all odds, only to emerge as a winner. Here's another such story that will make you believe that nothing is possible. Like, nothing. Let us introduce you to a wonder-woman. Dr. Seema Rao is India's only female commando trainer who has been training the Special Forces for 20 years without any compensation. She's also a 7th-degree black belt holder in military martial arts, a combat shooting instructor, a firefighter, a scuba diver, an HMI medalist in rock climbing, and a Mrs India World pageant finalist. Apart from all the achievements we have stated above, here is an additional list of all the wonderful things that Rao has done till now. 1. She's one of the rarest people in the world who have mastered the art of Jeet Kune Do (It is an eclectic and hybrid martial art founded by Bruce Lee in 1967) and she further got authorised to teach the same. Wikipedia 2. She has been certified as a doctor in conventional medicine. She also has an MBA degree in crisis management to her credit. Linkedin 3. She's also a co-author. She has co-authored many books. Youtube From first Encyclopedia of Close Combat Ops training in the world which is produced solely for Indian forces, the first Indian book on world terrorism - A Comprehensive Analysis of World Terrorism to the Commando Manual of Unarmed Combat, all her books are available at libraries of FBI, INTERPOL, UN, and SWAT Police the world over. 4. Apart from all the accolades and awards, she has also received: World Peace Award by World Peace Congress, Malaysia awarded by the Prime Minister of Malaysia for contribution to the country in 2008, US President's Volunteer Service Award, three Army Chief Citations, Home Minister of India Letter of Commendation in 2009 placing on record the selfless National service in the field of close quarters battle training, and a 1000 felicitations from Indian government. Twitter 5. Not many know that she also produced and acted in Indias first mixed martial arts movie, Hathapayi, which revolves around a woman protagonist. This was the first Indian film that showcaseda martial art of Jeet Kune Do. Youtube screengrab Even after endless troubles in her personal life, she chose to never give up: Even when she and her husband were facing monetary issues, they never started charging money for their training. Her work demanded travelling to some of the riskiest areas and because of her work commitments, she even had to miss her fathers funeral. From a vertebral fracture to being mercilessly shot by insurgents, even when there were many obstacles, she chose to never give up. Once, she was attacked and after suffering a head injury, she almost lost her memory for a short while. However, she regained it and her life was back to normal. In a world where a girl child is aborted or killed after the birth, the couple adopted a girl child. Apart from all the risks that were involved in their jobs, the couple adopted a girl child instead of going for a normal childbirth process. Fighting it out against all odds, in a male-dominated field of commando training, she once revealed how some people she started training showed displeasure on being trained by a woman commander. In an interview with Naaree, Seema said: Not only did I have to discipline them, but I also had to gain their confidence in my ability to teach. However, eventually, I have always managed to earn the respect of commandos that I have trained. We are proud of you, woman! 1. Addressing all the marriage and engagement rumors, Deepika Padukone made an official statement. Instagram Deepika Padukone told media, I think this is the right opportunity for me to clarify. There is no such plan anytime soon. I am not pregnant, I am not engaged, I am not married. I am not planning to get married anytime soon!" 2. Priyanka Chopra, who is excited about her negative character in Baywatch spilled some beans on the character. Instagram PC is super-excited about her negative character in Baywatch it seems! "So to me that was the best part of doing Baywatch and getting in my high high heels and on my tippy toes and doing mean things and getting away with it. I enjoyed it way more than I should. Being bad is like an addiction because we don't get to do that in real life. 3. Salman Khan who loves animals dearly has now immortalized his pets 'MySon' and 'MyJaan' Pinterest Seven years after Salman Khans dogs passed away, they have been immortalised in a plaque installed on the traffic island outside Mehboob which is close to his residence. 4. Sussanne Khan slams the rumors of her and Hrithik holidaying Pinterest A few days ago, reports of the separated couple, Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan holidaying in London with their kids began doing the rounds and she herself chose to slam the rumors. Sussanne said that eating lunch together doesn't mean that they're holidaying together. 5. Actor Varun Dhawan won't mind doing a nude scene if 'script demands'! Pinterest In an interview with Mumbai mirror, Varun said, "I won't say no to a nude sequence. But the scene needs to be approached artistically and, more importantly, it shouldn't be off-putting. I don't want to do anything just for the sake of it or for shock value." Bollywood actor Salman Khan shows unconditional love for only a few 2 of them were bull mastiffs Myson and Myjaan - so much so that hes immortalised in a plaque installed on the traffic island outside Mehboob Studio. The marble memorial features an embossed painting of the dogs with their names etched underneath. Interestingly, the spot is 700 meters from where Salman Khan allegedly crushed pavement dwellers under his Toyota Land Cruiser in a drunken haze almost 14 years ago googlemaps According to intial reports in the case, his car had stopped after crashing into the American Express Bakery at Hill Road, after his act of drunken (alleged) manslaughter. Salman Khan also seems to have no love for Ravindra Patil, his former police bodyguard and prime witness. Months before the incident, then-24 year old constable Patil had been appointed to Salman as Salmans unarmed bodyguard, to shadow him everywhere. On the 28th of September that year, Salman was drinking at Juhus JW Mariott hotel in Juhu, while Patil waited in his car outside businessofcinema Salman then (allegedly) drove his SUV over pavement dwellers. Patil, the only eye witness, decided Salmans fate. Only he claimed Salman was drunk, speeding, and had been warned by Patil to slow down. Other witnesses changed their narrative and soon turned hostile, but not Patil; despite claiming pressure to change statement from Salmans lawyers. The last time when someone really considered Ravindra Patil as something close to Being a Human was when he was fighting for his dear life in a Municipal hospital, suffering from a strain of tuberculosis that was drug resistant. He was possibly coughing out his last breath on the cold hospital floor, alone. His family had cut him out of their life, and they didnt even claim or collect his body they simply didnt care. Khan had called the incident "an unfortunate incident beyond his control, such as an act of God." Does Salman Khan even have permission to put up the plaque? As per BMC (BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation) norms, putting up a plaque in a public place requires approval. Mumbai Mirror When asked if the BMC was aware of it, Congress corporator from H West Ward, Asif Zakaria said, "Such proposals are generally passed by the local ward committee. I'll have to check with the BMC if proper permission was sought." Bandra residents told Mumbai Mirror that it was installed in the last fortnight but Salman Khan has avoided adding his name to avoid controversy. While addressing the High Court on a petition filed by Antony Clement Rubin - an honorary animal welfare officer of the Animal Welfare Board of India - against the bail granted to the two MBBS students by a lesser court, Justice PN Prakash "queried the possibility of proceeding against the accused under any other act apart from the PCA, 1960 and the Indian Penal Code," Rubin told Indiatimes. At the end of the hearing Justice Prakash issued a notice to the state police as well as the two accused to appear in court again in two weeks for the next hearing. Rubin says, "This is the first time that the case was filed by civilians without the aid of charities. Animal abuse can end only if people unite against it instead of waiting for NGOs and other bodies to manage the situation." Facebook/Antony Rubin While Bhadra and her friends celebrate the first step towards better laws against animal abuse in the country, the conversation around the same intensifies in Hyderabad where five boys were held by the police for throwing three live puppies into a fire, making a video of it and circulating it. Alokparna Sengupta, Deputy Director of HSI/India, says, "The amendment to the 1960 ACt, in the form of the Animal Welfare Bill has been proposed by the AwBI to the MOEFCC. The ministry now needs to look into it, vet it, get approval from cabinet and then propose it to the lok sabha and rajya sabha where upon passing it. The bill will then be an Act. Poonam Mahajan, MP, in support of HSI India and PFA's campaign #NoMore50 is going to introduce a private member bill in the Lok sabha this session. Video grab Antony Rubin, who has been working for the cause of animals for more than a decade, informed Indiatimes, "We have presented our case with a scientific research that shows that people who abuse animals are likely to abuse humans in the near future as well. We have compiled a research with case studies from across the world, including India, which shows that the people who abuse animals are as likely to target humans as well." Speaking about justice for animals that have been abused, Rubin speaks highly of being human. "People who abuse animals for fun are deeply psycologically disturbed. They require medical assistance. Instead of penalising them, they should be given more avenues to aid and assist animals - after psychological teatment to help them. These crimes must be declared as a non-bailable offence to deter irresponsible behaviour." Facebook/Shravan Krishnan "We need to reform the people instead of having "an eye for an eye" attitude." In a bid to make India's coasts safer and less prone to infiltration, National Fishworkers'Forum (NFF), an apex federation of fishermans' organisation in the country has offered to stop fishing at night that often provides cover for smugglers and terrorists to infiltrate into India. BCCL/representative image The apex body is all set to submit a memorandum to Indian Coast Guard asking them to stop all kinds of bottom-trawling in the sea at night. India has 8000 km long coastline which is vulnerable to infiltration despite Indian Coast Guards tight vigil. There have been scores of instances where smugglers and terrorist have entered India via coastline including the infamous 26/11 attack on Mumbai where 10 Pakistani terrorists entered India via sea route and rest is history. BCCL/representative image The move came in the backdrop of last month attack on a Cafe in Dhaka in which 22 people were killed. The increase in Islamic radicalisation in Bangladesh has put Indian authorities on tenterhooks and thus vigil at all coasts has been beefed up. NFF too has decided to do their bit and has offered to stop industrial fishing at night, so that no one from foreign land can enter India's waters in fishermen's garb. BCCL/representative image Major areas where security has been shored-up Through the concern is for the whole coast line but areas and establishments like nuclear-power stations, ports and defence facilities. According to NFF national convenor, Debashis Shyamal, "The fish workers' forum in Bengal (Dakshinbanga Matsyajibi Forum) will submit the memorandum to the Indian Coast Guard asking to stop bottom-trawling or bull-trawling fishing activities in the sea at night. If that can be imposed successfully there will be no movement of trawlers in the sea at night." BCCL/representative image Local fisherman have been a great source of information for Coast Guard over the years. Infact in 2008 as well, a senior port official has notice unusal behnavior from terrorist when he asked them questions. But unfortunately he didn't report the matter to authorities. The defence officials also believe that this move would help to contain infiltration immensely. "It is definitely a welcome move. If they submit any such memorandum we, as an enforcement agency, will certainly take serious note of that," commandant IJ Singh, spokesperson of Indian Coast Guard, told Mail Today. As Assam continues to reel under the devastating impact of floods, the Brahmaputra river has submerged 60 per cent of the rhino habitat Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary located in Morigaon district near Guwahati, Assam. Where is the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary? Wild Places of India The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a reserve in the Morigaon district of Assam. Located about 30 km east of Guwahati, the sanctuary is an hour drive along the River Brahmaputa. A small portion of the sanctuary also passes through a village of Mayong. The sanctuary is famous for its one-horned rhinos. It has the highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world. The sanctuary also runs a successful Rhino breeding programme called the "Indian Rhino vision 2020" within its premises. The programme is an ambitious effort to attain a wild population of at least 3,000 greater one-horned rhinos spread over seven protected areas in the state by 2020. Under this programme, the Assam Forest Department has partnered with Bodoland Territorial Council, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to address the threats facing Indian rhinos. However, besides rhinos, this sanctuary is also home to other animals like the leopard, wild boar, barking deer and wild buffalo among others. There are also more than 2,000 migratory birds and various reptiles and is an important nesting site in the region. A major portion of the sanctuary has been submerged due to the flooding of the River Brahamputra. The Star As a result of the floods, the sanctuary authorities have tightened security system to combat poaching in the sanctuary during the floods. Poaching is at an all time high during such times as the animals venture out because of flooding in the sanctuary. The forest officials reported that the floods had also damaged around 50 per cent infrastructure of the Sanctuary which is the worlds densest habitat of the Great Indian one-horn rhinos. Several link roads connecting to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary were submerged and even washed away in some places. However, due to non-availability of funds the patrolling mechanised boats as well as country boats used for protection of the wildlife could not be repaired. Due to non-availability of mechanised boats, it has become difficult for guards inside the flood ravaged areas of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary to perform their duties effectively. Fund constraints for the last three months was also hindering repair works of its five anti-poaching camps Kuchiyani, Kolabhuyan, Kukkari, Tuplung, and Nekera that were destroyed by storm and flood causing the forest guards to face serious problems in anti-poaching operations. As the flood situation intensifies, human and wild lives are in danger. Associated Press Over 1.35 lakh people affected in Lakhimpur, Golaghat, Morigaon, Barpeta and Jorhat districts, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority. The worst hit areas are villages in Jorhat and Golaghat. Disaster authorities in Assam say that the flood situation which began on July 4, 2016, has now affected over 1,23,000 people across 190 villages. The floods are a result of heavy monsoon rainfall in river catchment areas. By July 5, Indias Central Water Commission (CWC) reported that the Brahmaputra River was flowing close to or above danger levels in Nematighat in Jorhat, Dhubri (Dhubri district), and Numaligarh in Golaghat. Two persons a man and his son were washed away in the flood around Jorhat district. Relief camps have been set up in Golaghat, Jorhat and Biswanath, housing around 1,800 people. Food, including rice, salt and dal, has been distributed, along with other supplies such as mosquito nets and tarpaulin for temporary shelters. Helicopters and boats from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) have been pressed into service to evacuate people marooned in the flood in Assam, where about 1.57 lakh people have been affected. The Indian Army have also been involved in relief and rescue operations. AFP Besides damage to property, the floods have also destroyed agricultural land. Over 13,635 hectares of agricultural land are under water that have destroyed the standing crops. Severe erosion has hit several places and a number of roads, embankments and other infrastructure facilities have been damaged in many districts. Assam Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said flood alerts were sounded under the Flood Early Warning System (FLEWS) for Barpeta and Jorhat districts. The flood alerts were for rivers Manas, Noakhanda, Mora Chawlkhowa, Beki and sub-tributaries rising in Barpeta district's Baghbor, Kalgachia, Barpeta, Sarthebari revenue circles. An alert was also issued for Brahmaputra river in Majuli revenue circle in Jorhat district for the next two days. A college student, who was gang-raped three years ago by five men in Bhiwani district, and then allegedly gang-raped again by the same men in Haryana's Rohtak district has promised to achieve justice in the courtoom. Instead of hushing up the matter with the promise, the girls father has told them media that she plans to fight the case, even as Haryana has repeatedly failed to protect her. The girl reportedly told her father: 'I will not give up.' popular-reading/representative image The brother of the victim alleged that his sister was abducted from outside her college in Rohtak town, 75 km from New Delhi, on July 13 by the accused after being dragged into a car. She was driven to an isolated spot and gang-raped again. The 20-year-old victim has been admitted to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) in Rohtak in a serious condition following the second incident of gang-rape with her, police sources said on Monday. BCCL "I had come out of college. There were the same five boys in a car. I got scared on seeing them. They dragged me into the car and tried to strangulate me. They gang-raped me and threw me out of the car," the victim said. Her brother alleged that the accused also tried to kill his sister. The accused dumped the victim near Sukhpura Chowk power house. BCCL "The accused, who had gang-raped her in Bhiwani three years ago, had been putting pressure on us to withdraw the rape case and settle the matter. When we refused to accept their offer of Rs 50 lakh, they threatened my father and other family members. They abducted my sister from outside her college on July 13 and gang-raped her again to teach her a lesson for not withdrawing the case," the victim's brother said. He said that their family was under constant threat from the accused, who were from well-placed families. The family had relocated from Bhiwani to Rohtak after the first gang-rape incident, the victim's brother said. The accused, who had been arrested earlier following the gang-rape in 2013, were later released on bail by a court in Bhiwani recently. An Indian in Melbourne committed suicide after he was denied permanent residency by the Australian government. SBS SBS reported that Deepak Singh moved to Australia in 2008 to pursue a diploma in community welfare but with the aim to settle in the country. A change in the governments immigration laws during his course, though, made it impossible for him to gain permanent residency. Deepak, from Amritsar, Punjab, married an Australian woman and continued to live in the country on a temporary visa. While married, he applied for permanent residency but was denied and his visa was put on hold, Mosiqi Acharya wrote. His friend Sidhu told SBS that Deepak was under a lot of pressure as he couldnt go back to India or stay on in Australia. Sidhu found out about his suicide on the morning of July 19. Barely a month after the toppers scam in Bihar where Class XII Arts topper pronounced political science as prodigal science and called it the science of cooking, the state has once again hit headlines for wrong reasons. This time, the situation is even more embarrassing. Dozens of principals of government-run and middle and high schools failed to do simple calculations and frame a sentence in English. india.com/Represenatational image This happened in a meeting called by Patna District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar to discuss ways to improve the quality of education in the schools. But to his surprise and disbelief many heads of the schools could not answer simple questions. While a principal could not correctly calculate the pass percentage of his school, others failed to calculate an average of students and teachers attendance. Another principal did not even understand a question the district magistrate asked in English; forget about replying it correctly. Kumar expressed concern over the poor quality of teachers and called it disturbing. Whatever has come forward is extremely disturbing and a matter of concern. It has exposed the poor quality of school principals who are responsible for teaching students. It was shocking for me. How can such a teacher with poor knowledge teach our children in a school, he said. This is not the first time when the quality of teachers in the state was exposed. In last two to three years, there have been several media reports that teachers in several government-run schools cannot spell the days of a week and months of a year; some can't even spell apple or grapes. BCCL For a teacher in Bihars Gaya district Pratibha Patil was the president till 2014 and the then Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani was the governor of the state. Shocked with the answer, the district magistrate ordered a probe into the authenticity of the teacher's qualification based on which she got a job in a government school. Recently, Buxar District Magistrate Raman Kumar had to face the same situation when he was inspecting a government-run primary school in Rajpur locality. During conversation with the principal, he realised that she was mispronouncing certain words. The officer asked her to write the words Aashirwad and Namaskar in Hindi. But she could not write despite repeated attempts. Screengrab The level of education in the state is going down so low despite the fact that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Education Minister Ashok Choudhary have repeatedly said that the government is committed to provide quality education by improving the quality of teachers through training. A total of 29,700 teachers appointed on contractual basis in 2006 without any written test or viva on the basis of their B.Ed. and D.Ed. degrees or marks obtained in pre-university and university were subjected to undergo an eligibility test after the news reports started surfacing that most of them are not even have basic knowledge general knowledge. Interestingly, 2,734 of them have already appeared and could not clear the test in two attempts. If they fail in the third or final attempt, their services would be terminated. Henri Prevost Allard considers himself more Sikh than French. A lineal descendent of General Jean Francois Allard, the military officer who led Maharaja Ranjit Singhs army from 1822 to 1839, and his Indian wife, Bannu Pan Devi, a princess from Chamba, he is keen to keep the connect alive; if at all, to cement the connect between Saint Tropez, a small village in France where the General came from, and Punjab further. As part of Namaste France endevour, the ongoing cultural exchange effort, the village is gearing up to pay a befitting tribute to the legendary king by installing his bust next to that of General Allard in September this year. This bust is a gift from the Government of Punjab. A bust of Bannu Pan Devi would also be unveiled during the grand ceremony scheduled to be held on September 17. This bust is a contribution from the Allard family. Several other events, including an exhibition and a conference have also been planned around the event. Vikram Sahney Henri Allard was in India to receive the bust from the Punjab government. Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not trust a Brit to lead his army, and therefore he chose a Frenchman." "General Allard was fugitive Frenchman who had served in Napoleons army before political changes took over in France. He modeled Ranjit Singhs Army, Fauj-e-khas, on the lines of Napoleans Army, taught them to build a canon and led from the front, Allard shared. He soon won over Maharaja, who planned a marriage for him with a Princess from Chamba, Bannu Pan Devi, so he did not have to return. ambafrance-in The man known as Pullu Return, he did to Saint Tropez to settle his wife and family after the practice of Sati put the fear in him that his wife would meet a similar fate as those of the wives of Indian generals, were he to die in a battle in India. He came back to India to serve his king, this time, alone. He died fighting for the Maharaja and was buried in Lahore. Interestingly, one of his sons, Auguste Poulou Allard, was named Pullu or Poulu as he was was born under a bridge while Bannu Pan Devi accompanied her husband General Allard to the battle. Pul means bridge in Pahari. Henry Allard A historian and writer himself, Henri Allard has also published a novel on his ancestor called Le Generalissime, in which he has payed glowing tributes to Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his legacy. Talking more about the bust, he shared, The new bust is also made in bronze (the metal in which General Allards bust has been crafted) and is approximately 80 cm in height. It will be set up on the same type of plinth as that on which General Allard is displayed. The bust has been sculpted by Prabhat Rai, a sculpture from Madhya Pradesh, as commissioned by the Government of Punjab. Bannu Pan Devis bust has been sculpted by a sculpture in Venice, Italy. I would have got it done here, but distance was a big deterrent, he rued. Allard also shared that the General had carried a lot of art gifted by the Maharaja when he returned to France. This included a painting of the Maharaja. Unfortunately, the art was stolen from the Allard family several decades ago. As the US-China standoff over the South China Sea dispute escalates, two unsuspecting American companies have been caught in the crossfire. AP KFC and Apple, two otherwise hugely popular american brands in China, have come under attack in the country following the recent international tribunal verdict which rejected Beijing's sovereign claim on the island, in a petition filed by Philippines. Nationalists are protesting at KFC outlets and calling for a boycott, spurred by government accusations that Washington encouraged Manila to oppose Beijing's claims to vast tracts of ocean. Photos circulated online show young Chinese wearing scarves with patriotic slogans smashing Apple iPhones in protest. Twitter KFC is China's biggest restaurant chain with more than 5,000 outlets. Incidentally, the state media which fanned public anger with a torrent of criticism on US are now condemning the attacks. "This is not the right way to express patriotism," said the government's Xinhua News Agency. The China Daily newspaper called the protests "jingoism that does a disservice to the spirit of devotion to the nation." Days after the high profile honour killing of Pakistani model-actress Qandeel Baloch, a man has been tortured to death for having an affair with a married woman in Dera Ghazi Khan, the ancestral village and final resting place of Qandeel Baloch. Video Shows ISIS Fighter Raping A Girl. She Screams In Pain, While His Friends Laugh This is a rare case of a male falling victim to a so-called honour killing in Pakistan. clarionproject.org Hundreds of women are murdered by relatives in the country each year on the pretext of defending what is seen as family honour, but it is unusual for the victim to be a man. The latest incident happened in the impoverished district of Dera Ghazi Khan on Monday, police said. Pak Model Qandeel Baloch Was Shot Dead And Sickeningly, Parts Of The Internet Are Celebrating It Allah Ditta, 24, was stabbed multiple times by a group of five men after they spotted him in the village of the woman he was allegedly having an affair with. AFP A local police official said Ditta began the relationship when he was working for the womans brother-in-law, and that she ran away with him in May but returned home two weeks later after the village council intervened. Dittas arms were cut off as were his lips and nose, the official said. District police chief Ata Muhammad Khan confirmed the incident: The victim was taken to hospital where he died. He added it appeared to be an honour killing and that police were now searching for the suspects. The woman was not harmed. Instagram The killing of Qandeel has triggered fresh calls for legislation to amend the criminal code which allows murderers to avoid jail by seeking forgiveness from a victims relatives a convenient means of escape particularly in honour cases. The phenomenon of honour killings was examined in an Oscar-winning documentary by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy called A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness. The film was hailed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who in February vowed to push through anti-honour killing legislation, but no action has been taken since then. 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. Eight Turkish military officers and NCOs that fled to Greece aboard an army helicopter early Saturday issued a joint statement on Thursday moments after they were handed down a two-month suspended sentence on a misdemeanor charge of illegally entering the country essentially a mild reprimand. Still, the former president of the Committee (2001-04) refuses to accept the position previously owned by Scottish Hugh Dallas, mostly because of his different philosophy with the current members of the CRC Frangiskos Somarakakis, Dimitris Ntabosis In The US, Money Talks When It Comes To Israel By Jonathan Cook July 21, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - The grubby underside of US electoral politics is on show once again as the Democratic and Republican candidates prepare to fight it out for the presidency. And it doesnt get seamier than the battle to prove how loyal each candidate is to Israel. New depths are likely to be plumbed this week at the Republican convention in Cleveland, as Donald Trump is crowned the partys nominee. His platform breaks with decades of United States policy to effectively deny the Palestinians any hope of statehood. The question now is whether the Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton, who positions herself as Israels greatest ally, will try to outbid Mr Trump in cravenly submitting to the Israeli right. It all started so differently. Through much of the primary season, Benjamin Netanyahus government had reason to be worried about Israels special relationship with the next occupant of the White House. Early on, Mr Trump promised to be neutral and expressed doubts about whether it made sense to hand Israel billions of dollars annually in military aid. He backed a two-state solution and refused to recognise Jerusalem as Israels capital. On the Democrat side, Mrs Clinton was challenged by outsider Bernie Sanders, who urged even-handedness towards Israel and the Palestinians. He also objected to the huge sums of aid the US bestows on Israel. Mr Sanders exploited his massive support among Democrats to force Mrs Clinton to include well-known supporters of Palestinian rights on the committee that drafts the partys platform. But any hopes of an imminent change in US policy in the Middle East have been dashed. Last week, as the draft Republic platform was leaked, Mr Trump proudly tweeted that it was the most pro-Israel of all time! Avoiding any mention of a two-state solution, it states: We reject the false notion that Israel is an occupier. Support for Israel is an expression of Americanism. The capitulation was so complete that even the Anti-Defamation League, a New York-based apologist group for Israel, called the platform disappointing and urged the Republican convention to reconsider. After all, even Mr Netanyahu pays lip service to the need for a Palestinian state. But Mr Trump is not signalling caution. His two new advisers on Israel, David Friedman and Jason Greenblatt, are fervent supporters of the settlements and annexation of Palestinian territory. Mr Trumps running mate, announced at the weekend, is Indiana governor Mike Pence, an evangelical Christian and a stalwart of pro-Israel causes. So why the dramatic turnaround? Candidates for high office in the US need money lots of it. Until now Mr Trump has been chiefly relying on his own wealth. He has raised less than $70 million, a fifth of Mrs Clintons war-chest. The Republican partys most significant donor is Sheldon Adelson, a casino magnate and close friend of Mr Netanyahu. He has hinted that he will contribute more than $100 million to the Trump campaign if he likes what he sees. Should Mr Netanyahu offer implicit endorsement, as he did for Mitt Romney in the 2012 race, Christian Zionist preachers such as John Hagee will rally ten of millions of followers to Mr Trumps side too and fill his coffers. Similar indications that money is influencing policy are evident in the Democratic party. Mr Sanders funded his campaign through small donations, giving him the freedom to follow his conscience. Mrs Clinton, by contrast, has relied on mega-donors, including some, such as Haim Saban, who regard Israel as a key election issue. That may explain why, despite the many concessions made to Mr Sanders on the Democratic platform, Mrs Clintons team refused to budge on Israel issues. As a result, the draft platform fails to call for an end to the occupation or even mention the settlements. According to The New York Times, Mrs Clintons advisers are vetting James Stavridis as a potential running mate. A former Nato commander, he is close to the Israeli defence establishment and known for his hawkish pro-Israel positions. Mrs Clinton, meanwhile, has promised to use all her might to fight the growing boycott movement, which seeks to isolate Israel over its decades-long occupation of Palestinian territory. The two candidates fierce commitment to Israel appears to fly in the face of wider public sentiment, especially among Democrats. A recent Pew poll found 57 per cent of young, more liberal Democrats sympathised with the Palestinians rather than Israel. Support for hawkish Israeli positions is weakening among American Jews too, a key Democratic constituency. About 61 per cent believe Israel can live peacefully next to an independent Palestinian state. The toxic influence of money in the US presidential elections can be felt in many areas of policy, both domestic and foreign. But the divorce between the candidates fervour on Israel and the growing doubts of many of their supporters is particularly stark. It should be dawning on US politicians that a real debate about the nations relationship with Israel cannot be deferred much longer. Jonathan Cook is a Nazareth- based journalist and winner of the Martha Gellhorn Special Prize for Journalism. http://www.jonathan-cook.net/ Is the Saudi 9/11 Story Part Of The Deception? By Paul Craig Roberts July 21, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - James Jesus Angleton, head of CIA counterintelligence for three decades, long ago explained to me that intelligence services create stories inside stories, each with its carefully constructed trail of evidence, in order to create false trails as diversions. Such painstaking work can serve a variety of purposes. It can be used to embarrass or discredit an innocent person or organization that has an unhelpful position on an important issue and is in the way of an agenda. It can be used as a red herring to draw attention away from a failing explanation of an event by producing an alternative false explanation. I forget what Angleton called them, but the strategy is to have within a false story other stories that are there but withheld because of national security or politically sensitive issues or some such. Then if the official story gets into trouble, the backup story can be released in order to deflect attention into a new false story or to support the original story. Angleton said that intelligence services protect their necessary misdeeds by burying the misdeed in competing explanations. Watching the expert craftsmanship of the Saudis did 9/11 story, I have been wondering if the Saudi story is what Angleton described as a story within a story. The official 9/11 story has taken too many hits to remain standing. The collapse of Building 7, which, if memory serves, was not mentioned at all in the 9/11 Commission Report, has been proven to have been a controlled demolition. Building 7 collapsed at free fall acceleration, which can only be achieved with controlled demolition. Over 100 firemen, policemen, and building maintenance personnel who were inside the two towers prior to their collapse report hearing and experiencing multiple explosions. According to William Rodriguez, a maintenance employee in the north tower, there were explosions in the sub-basements of the tower prior to the time airplanes are said to have hit the towers. An international team of scientists found in the dust of the towers both reacted and unreacted residues of explosives and substances capable of instantly producing the extreme temperatures that cut steel. A large number of pilots, both commercial and military, have questioned the ability of alleged hijackers with substandard flight skills to conduct the maneuvers required by the flight paths. 2,500 architects and engineers have called for an independent investigation of the failure of the towers that were certified to be capable of withstanding a hit by airplanes. The revelation that the 9/11 attack was financed by the Saudi government has the effect of bolstering the sagging official story while simultaneously satisfying the growing recognition that something is wrong with the official story. Commentators and media are treating the story of Saudi financing of 9/11 as a major revelation that damns the Bush regime, but the revelation not only leaves in place but also strengthens the official story that Osama bin Laden carried out the attack with precisely the hijackers identified in the original story. The Bush regime is damned merely for protecting its Saudi friends and withholding evidence of Saudi financing. The evidence of Saudi financing is what restores the credibility of the original story. Nothing changes in the story of the collapse of the three WTC buildings, the attack on the Pentagon, and the crashed airliner in Pennsylvania. American anger is now directed at the Saudis for financing the successful attacks. To hype the Saudi story is to support the official story. A number of commentators who are usually suspicious of government are practically jumping up and down for joy that now they have something to pin on Bush. They havent noticed that what they are pinning on him supports the official 9/11 story. Moreover, they have not explained why the Saudi government would finance an attack on the country that protects it. Saudi Arabia is a long-time partner. They accept pieces of paper for their oil and then use the paper to finance the US Treasurys debt and to purchase US weapons systems, purchases that lead to larger weapons sales, thus spreading R&D costs over larger volume. What do the Saudis have to gain from embarrassing the US by demonstrating the total failure of US national security? Really, if a few hijackers can outfox the NSA, the CIA, and the national security state, we clearly arent getting out moneys worth and are giving up our civil liberties for nothing. Saudi financing does not explain who had access to wire the buildings for demolition, or to schedule on 9/11 a simulated attack that the actual attack modeled, thus causing confusion among some authorities about what was real and what was not. Saudi financing does not explain the dancing Israelis who were apprehended filming the attacks on the towers and who later said on Israeli TV that they were sent to New York to film the attack. How did the Israelis know? Did Prince Bandar tell them? Bush didnt tell us about the Saudis, and the Israelis didnt tell us about the attack. Which is worse? This Saudi revelation is too convenient for the official story. How do we know that it was not devised as a story inside the story to be used when the story got into trouble? The Saudis would be a logical choice to be put in such a position as the original neoconservative plan for overthrowing Middle Eastern governments included overthrowing Saudi Arabia. Now we have an excuse. I have doubts that the alleged hijackers played any role other than cover for bringing down buildings by controlled demolition. Possibly the hijackers and the Saudis who financed them, if the evidence is real and not concocted, were not aware of their role and thought they were participating in a different deception. Are we being deceived again with a story inside a story? Will it succeed along the lines that Angleton explained? Or will it possibly backfire? If the US government will hide some of the truth from us for 13 years, why not all of the truth? What else in the official story is false? Dr. Paul Craig Roberts was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy and associate editor of the Wall Street Journal. He was columnist for Business Week, Scripps Howard News Service, and Creators Syndicate. He has had many university appointments. His internet columns have attracted a worldwide following. Roberts' latest books are The Failure of Laissez Faire Capitalism and Economic Dissolution of the West , How America Was Lost , and The Neoconservative Threat to World Order . The Purge Continues: Thousands of Judges Under Arrest By Pierre Barbancey - Translated By Henry Crapo July 21, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - After the failed "coup detat", the purge continues in the army and in the justiciary. 9000 civil servants have been fired. A European commissioner expresses his belief that "we at least have the impression that something had been prepared in advance". It was Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans dream. With the coup aborted, he can realize it: almost 9 000 employees of the Turkish Ministry of the Interior, mostly police and gendarmes, have been dismissed. A provincial governor and 29 governors of municipalities have also been laid off, the agency adds. Some 6000 members of the military have also been placed in custody and nearly 3000 arrest warrants have been issued against judges and attorneys. Officially, this house-cleaning is aimed at people suspected of links with the exiled preacher in the United States, Fethullah Gulen, accused by the president Erdogan of plotting the coup attempt; Gulen categorically denies it. But in reality, he who is often called "the new sultan" has shifted into high gear toward what is his main goal: to strengthen presidential powers, to redraw the political-administrative map more to his liking, and to restore the death penalty. The Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) is opposed to this; they demand that the rule of law be protected. The unpreparedness of the putschists and their amateurism These are not merely speculations. Since the events that occurred on Friday night, many questions have arisen. And the attitude of power only serves to strengthen these concerns. One can also be amazed by the unpreparedness of the coup plotters, or, in any case, by the amateurism that led them not to follow the basic rules of the coup, including that of neutralizing the number 1 in the country. Instead, Recep Erdogan was able, via video-conferencing equipment, to contact the country and then to get on a plane from his resort town to reach Istanbul, where his supporters were waiting. The coup leaders did not seek to block the garrisons that were not in revolt, nor the areas where special forces were based. An attempted coup in haste, without much chance of success, therefore. At this stage, one can legitimately ask whether the domestic intelligence services, which remained loyal to the central government, simply let the coup proceed, in order to trigger the current "cleansing" operation in the administration and the army. Especially as, be it connected with Fethullah Gulen or not, in a very recent meeting of the military council, dissension had appeared among the staff. "One has at least the impression that something had been prepared. The lists (for arrests - Ed) were ready, suggesting that they were prepared to serve at one time or or another. I am very concerned. This is exactly what we feared," said even the European Enlargement Commissioner, Johannes Hahn. An unusual tone that is found among many European leaders, starting with the French Foreign Minister, usually more discreet with regard to Turkey. "For the future (...) we want the rule of law to be fully functioning in Turkey; this is not a blank check to Mr. Erdogan," said the head of French diplomacy on France 3. The Europeans will remind him (...); in Brussels, we will talk about Turkey and insist that Turkey must also comply with European democratic standards. No purges; the rule of law must apply." Even more surprisingly, asked to say if Turkey remained a reliable ally in the fight against the jihadist organization, Jean-Marc Ayrault said: "There are questions that have been posed, and which we will pose. There is a some question of reliability, and some part of suspicion, I must say in sincerity. " With these new developments, Recep Erdogan now wants to go right to the end, even engaging in a standoff with the United States on the extradition of Gulen, all the while calling for the mobilization of his supporters. For months, Erdogan has attacked all forms of dissent in the country. Journalists and press are prime targets, not to mention his violations of parliamentary law, aimed at members of the HDP. Original French Article: Des milliers de magistrats en etat darrestation - by Pierre Barbancey ======== We append a translation of a recent article by reporter Thierry Meyssan, as published in Al Watan. Manipulation in Turkey By Thierry Meyssan President Erdogan is a product of the Milli Gorus, an Islamist militia that supported the jihadists in Russia in the 90s and hatched a coup in 1999. In 2003, Recep Tayyip Erdogan became prime minister of a member state of NATO. In 2011, the Erdogan government signed a secret treaty with France, involving it in the wars against Libya and Syria in exchange for the "right" to expel its Kurdish population into a state that would be created for the occasion. In 2012, President Erdogan took over Prince Bandar bin Sultans role as coordinator of jihadist networks. In 2013, President Erdogan took over the role of Emir Hamad of Qatar in sponsoring the Muslim Brotherhood. He then moved to Izmir the headquarters of Land Forces Command of NATO, the Landcom, which coordinates the war against Syria. In 2014, the Erdogan government participated in the transformation of the Islamic Emirate in Iraq by providing the 80,000 fighters of the Iraqi brotherhood Naqchbandis, the group that had created the Milli Gorus in Turkey. Also, the attempt to overthrow the Erdogan government appeared to be the end of the war against Syria. Yet, it would simply disorganize the international coalition for the time necessary for the different functions of President Erdogan to be re-assigned to other leaders. The military involved in the July 16 events have been betrayed from within: no regime personalities have been arrested, neither Hakan Fidan, nor Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Those who took the premises of national television TRT made the fine announcement that they controlled the country, but none of the strategic objectives had been targeted. There have been many rumors, but no trace of a coup, save perhaps by those who attacked the empty buildings of the National Grand Assembly; traces of which attack now appear as a warning to the Deputies. No leader of the coup has made contact with the opposition to join in forming a new regime, so that the latter, frightened at the idea of the possible return of a military dictatorship, joined ranks with their enemy, the AKP. Even before the end of the attempted coup, Presidents Erdogans men arrested the gendarmerie officers who had opposed him, but were in no way involved in the coup. By the time it was over, they not only had arrested the plotters of the coup, but also more than 7000 other people, sacked more than 8000 officials, suspended 2700 judges and the Vice President of the Constitutional Court. The lists of their names had long been waiting in the white Palace. The great purge of followers of Fethullah Gulen continues. The United States seemed most surprised by this betrayal. After consulting the former president Abdullah Gul, then a magistrate, as possible successors of the president, they aided the Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) during the rigged elections of November 2015, and recently a magistrate. Clearly, they were informed in advance of the coup and were rejoicing. France, also aware, had closed its embassy and consulate on the evening of July 13. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Information Clearing House has no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of this article nor is Information ClearingHouse endorsed or sponsored by the originator.) Privacy Statement US Kills as Many Civilians as Nice Attack--but Get No Front-Page Headlines By FAIR July 21, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " FAIR " - A coalition airstrike reported on Tuesday that killed at least 85 civiliansone more than died in the Nice attack in France last weekwasnt featured at all on the front pages of two of the top US national newspapers, the New York Times and LA Times, and only merited brief blurbs on the front pages of the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post, with the actual stories buried on pages A-16 and A-15, respectively. According to the London Telegraph (7/19/16), the airstrike killed more than 85 civilians after the coalition mistook them for Islamic State fighters. Eight families were represented among the dead, with victims as young as three. The Intercept (7/19/16) reported the death toll could end up being well over 100. The Pentagon has not denied the reports, saying an investigation is underway, according to Stars and Stripes (7/19/16), a media outlet that operates inside the Department of Defense. As many on Twitter pointed out, the number of dead was roughly equal to that of the recent Nice attack, yet the airstrike did not garner nearly as much media coverage, nor did news outlets convey an outpouring of grief: US accidentally obliterated 85 civilians. Same number as killed in Nice but you wont see wall-to-wall coverage https://t.co/eS8wEa14pQ Rania Khalek (@RaniaKhalek) July 20, 2016 By contrast, the Nice attack garnered multiple front-page stories in the New York Times and LA Times, as well as significantly more than 20-word blurbs in the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post. For those who see a false equivalency, there are two mitigating reasons for this glaring discrepancy: 1) The airstrike deaths were an accident and 2) Syrias a war zone, where civilian deaths are to be expected. Neither of these retorts are satisfactory, and certainly not enough to justify a virtual front-page blackout. On the issue of accidental deaths having less import than purposeful ones, this doesnt explain why unintentional natural disaster deaths routinely receive splashing front-page coverage. Intent rarely affects coverage of these events; only death counts do. And this is granting the deaths were actually accidental, which we dont know for sure at this time, or whether the US military was using tactics, like so-called signature strikes, that are known to greatly increase the chances of killing noncombatants. As for the war zone factor, according to Airwars, a Western group that monitors civilian deaths at the hands of the US-led coalition, the total number of civilians deaths since the beginning of airstrikes in September 2014 has been 190. To increase this number by almost 50 percent in a matter of days would indeed be a radical departure from the normal course of eventsrendering it more than newsworthy. Indeed, all of the publications in question ran a story on the dozens of deaths at the hands of US-led airstrikes, so we know they deemed it notable. Just not notable enough, for whatever reason, to put in a prominent position for US audiences. Volatile America By Robert C. Koehler July 21, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - In a flash I thought, oh God, the civil war has started. Then the headlines shifted and, for the moment, normalcy returned. Its a Trump-sated normalcy thats anything but, of course, and the most recent heavily reported violence (at least as I write these words) the murder of three police officers in Baton Rouge blends into the endlessly simmering turmoil known as the United States of America. And the civil war, in fact, started long ago. But until recently, only one side has been armed and organized. Thats why the two latest police killings, by disciplined, heavily armed former military men, loose a terrifying despair. The victims are fighting back in the worst way possible, but in a way sure to inspire replication. When people are armed and outraged, the world so easily collapses into us vs. them. All complexity vanishes. Peoples life purpose clarifies into a simplistic certainty: Kill the enemy. Indeed, sacrifice your life to do so, if necessary. I fear this is still the nations dominant attitude toward its troubles. Were eating ourselves alive. One way this is happening was described in a recent New York Times story, headlined: Philando Castile Was Pulled Over 49 Times in 13 Years, Often for Minor Infractions. Castile, who as the world knows was shot and killed by a police officer during a routine traffic stop on July 6, was a young man caught in a carnivorous system pretty much all his adult life. Every time he started his car, he risked arrest for driving while black. The Times quotes a Minneapolis public defender, who described Castile as typical of low-income drivers who lose their licenses, then become overwhelmed by snowballing fines and fees. They just start to feel hopeless. The story goes on: The episode, to many, is a heartbreaking illustration of the disproportionate risks black motorists face with the police. . . . The killings have helped fuel a growing national debate over racial bias in law enforcement. A growing national debate? Oh, the politeness! How much racism should we allow the police to show before we censure them? Its like talking about the debate we used to have over the moral legitimacy of lynching. Heres Gavin Longs contribution to the debate: One hundred percent of revolutions, of victims fighting their oppressors, from victims fighting their bullies, one hundred percent have been successful through fighting back through bloodshed. Zero have been successful through simply protesting. It has never been successful and it never will. Long, the former Marine who served a tour of duty in Iraq, shot and killed three police officers in Baton Rouge on July 17, ten days after Micah Johnson, the former Army Reservist who served a tour in Afghanistan, shot and killed five police officers in Dallas. America, America . . . What we have here is a toxic mixture of racism and militarism and guns. Were in the midst of an endless war against evil or terror, or whatever in the Middle East, a war that has pretty much been fought by low-income recruits who see military service as a way out of poverty. This war is a planet-wrecking disaster, though the raw horror created by our bombs and missiles overseas remains largely outside U.S. public awareness. Fifteen years in, its simply war the background noise of American greatness. The consequences are somebody elses problem. For instance, this sort of news, as reported earlier this week on Common Dreams, hardly makes it into the debate: Dozens of civilians, including children, were killed on Monday and Tuesday by U.S.-led airstrikes in Syria. The strikes appeared to have been a mistake, with the civilians taken for Islamic State (IS or ISIS) militants, the U.K.-based human rights group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights group told the AFP news agency. Fifty-six civilians were killed on Tuesday by coalition forces, and 21 civilians were killed by the coalition on Monday. The 77 civilian deaths included at least 11 children. But theyre not Americans, so such deaths just arent that important to us. Indeed, the war and the trillions of dollars it costs go virtually unmentioned in the surreal race for the presidency thats currently underway. Also unmentioned is the fact that the war is being brought home to our gun-saturated society by former soldiers fighting back against racist policing the way soldiers always fight back: Theyre killing the enemy. The potential volatility of this barely noticed situation is enormous. If protesters decide to arm themselves as they confront heavily armed police, the violence on both sides could morph into civil war. The only defense against this is awareness, respect and disarmed openness on all sides of the conflict openness of the sort that took place this past Sunday in Wichita, Kansas. On the same day, coincidentally, as the police killings in Baton Rouge, members of Black Lives Matter and the Wichita police department co-sponsored what they called a First Steps Cookout: an outdoor party with free food provided by the police, the community and local businesses and the opportunity to have open conversations with law enforcement, according to Huffington Post. Nearly a thousand people attended. President Assad: Aleppo Battle Last Card Played by Turks, Qataris & Saudis By Editor July 21, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Al-Manar " - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad gave interview to Cubas official state news agency Prensa Latina in which he said the Turks, Qataris and Saudis lost most of their cards on the battlefields in Syria and that Aleppo battle is their last card, affirming that there is strong harmony between Syria and Latin America, especially Cuba, on the political and historical levels and that hard work is needed in order to invigorate the different sectors of this relation, SANA reported. The following is the full text of the interview: Question 1: Mr. President, thanks for giving Prensa Latina this historic opportunity of conveying your point of view to the rest of the world about the reality in Syria, because as you know, there is a lot of misinformation out there about your country, about the foreign aggression that is taking place against this beautiful country. Mr. President, how would you evaluate the current military situation of the external aggression against Syria, and what are the main challenges of Syrian forces on the ground to fight anti-government groups? If it is possible, we would like to know your opinion about the battles or combats in Aleppo, in Homs. Aleppo battle is the last card for the Turks, Qataris and Saudis President Assad: Of course, there was a lot of support to the terrorists from around the world. We have more than one hundred nationalities participating in the aggression against Syria with the support of certain countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar with their money and Turkey with the logistical support, and of course with the endorsement and supervision of the Western countries, mainly the United States, France, and the UK, and some other allies. But since the Russians decided to intervene in supporting legally the Syrian Army in fighting the terrorists in Syria, mainly al-Nusra and ISIL and some other affiliated groups, the scales have been tipped against those terrorists, and the Syrian Army has made many advances in different areas in Syria. And we are still moving forward, and the Syrian Army is determined to destroy and to defeat those terrorists. You mentioned Homs and Aleppo. Of course, the situation in Homs, since the terrorists left Homs more than a year ago, the situation has been much, much better, more stable. You have some suburbs of the city which were infiltrated by terrorists. Now there is a process of reconciliation in those areas in which either the terrorists give up their armaments and go back to their normal life with amnesty from the government, or they can leave Homs to any other place within Syria, like what happened more than a year ago in the center of the city. For Aleppo it is a different situation, because the Turks and their allies like the Saudis and Qataris lost most of their cards on the battlefields in Syria, so the last card for them, especially for Erdogan, is Aleppo. That is why he worked hard with the Saudis to send as much as they can of the terrorists the estimation is more than 5,000 terrorists to Aleppo. Question 2: Through the Turkish borders? President Assad: Yes, from Turkey to Aleppo, during the last two months, in order to recapture the city of Aleppo, and that didnt work. Actually, our army has been making advancement in Aleppo and the suburbs of Aleppo in order to encircle the terrorists, then, lets say, either to negotiate their going back to their normal life as part of reconciliation, or for the terrorists to leave the city of Aleppo, or to be defeated. Theres no other solution. Question 3: Thank you, thank you very much. Mr. President, which are the priorities of the Syrian Army in the confrontation with the terrorist groups? And were particularly interested, because in Cuba we had something similar in the past, in the role of the popular defense groups; what is the role that the popular defense groups are playing in the theater of operations? Syrian armys priority is to fight al-Qaeda-linked organizations of ISIL, al-Nusra, Ahrar al-Cham and Jaish al-Islam President Assad: The priority of the Syrian Army, first of all, is to fight ISIL and al-Nusra and Ahrar al-Cham and Jaish al-Islam. These four organizations are directly linked to Al Qaeda through the ideology; they have the same ideology, they are Islamic extremist groups who want to kill anyone who doesnt look or doesnt feel or behave like them. But regarding what you called the popular militia groups, actually, at the beginning of the war, the terrorists started an unconventional war against our army, and our army is a traditional army, like any other army in the world, so the support of those popular defence groups was very important in order to defeat the terrorists in an unconventional way. That was very helpful to the Syrian Army, because those fighters, those national fighters, they fight in their regions, in their cities, in their villages, so they know the area very well, they know the region very well, I mean the pathways, the terrain, lets say, very well. So, they can be very huge assets for the Syrian Army. That is their role. Question 4: Mr. President, how does the resistance of the Syrian people take place in the economic front to foreign aggression, I mean the economy, and please, what is your opinion on which sectors of the Syrian economy have remained functioning despite the war, economic blockade, looting, and so forth? President Assad: Actually, the war on Syria is a full-blown war; it is not only supporting terrorists. They support the terrorists, and at the same time they launched a political war against Syria on the international level, and the third front was the economic front, in which they dictate to their terrorists, to their surrogate mercenaries, to start destroying the infrastructure in Syria that helped the economy and the daily needs of the Syrian citizens. At the same time, they started an embargo directly on the borders of Syria through the terrorists and abroad through the banking systems around the world. In spite of that, the Syrian people were determined to live as much normal life as they can. That prompted many Syrian businessmen or the owners of, lets say, the industry, which is mainly medium and small industry, to move from the conflict areas and unstable areas toward more stable areas, on a smaller scale of business, in order to survive and to keep the economy running and to keep the needs of the Syrian people available. So, in that regard, most of the sectors are still working. For example, the pharmaceutical sector is still working in more than 60% of its capacity, which is very important, helpful, and very supportive to our economy in such circumstances. And I think now we are doing our best in order to re-expand the base of the economy in spite of the situation, especially after the Syrian Army made many advancements in different areas. Question 5: Mr. President, lets talk a little bit about the international environment, please give me your opinion about the role of the United Nations in the Syrian conflict, the attempts of Washington and its allies to impose their will on the Security Council and in the Geneva peace talks. So far, there is no UN role in the Syrian conflict; there is only Russian and American dialogue President Assad: Talking about the role of the United Nations or Security Council could be illusive, because actually the United Nations is now an American arm, where they can use it the way they want, they can impose their double standards on it instead of the Charter. They can use it like any other institution within the American administration. Without some Russian and Chinese stances in certain issues, it would be a full American institution. So, the Russian and Chinese role has made some balance within these institutions, mainly regarding the Syrian issue during the last five years. But if you want to talk about their role through their mediators or their envoys, like recently de Mistura, and before that Kofi Annan, and in between Brahimi, and so on. Lets say that those mediators are not independent; they reflect either the pressure from the Western countries, or sometimes the dialogue between the main powers, mainly Russia and the United States. So, theyre not independent, so you cannot talk about the role of the United Nations; it is a reflection of that balance. That is why so far, there is no United Nations role in the Syrian conflict; there is only Russian and American dialogue, and we know that the Russians are working hard and seriously and genuinely in order to defeat the terrorists, while the Americans always play games in order to use the terrorists, not to defeat them. Question 6: Mr. President, how do you see at the present time the coexistence among Syrian ethnic and religious groups against this foreign intervention? How do they contribute or not in this regard? President Assad: The most important thing about this harmony between the different spectrums of the Syrian fabric, is that it is genuine, because that has been built up through the history, through centuries, so for such a conflict, it cannot destroy that social fabric. That is why if you go around and visit different areas under the control of the government, you will see all the colors of the Syrian society living with each other. Intervention: I saw it in Damascus. President Assad: Exactly. And I would say, I would add to this, that during the conflict, this harmony has become much better and stronger, and this is not rhetoric; actually, this is reality, for different reasons, because this conflict is a lesson. This diversity that you have, it is either to be a richness to your country, or a problem. Theres no something in the middle. So, the people learned that we need to work more on this harmony, because the first rhetoric used by the terrorists and by their allies in the region and in the West regarding the Syrian conflict at the very beginning was sectarian rhetoric. They wanted people to divide in order to have conflict with each other, to stoke the fire within Syria, and it didnt work. And the Syrians learned that lesson, that we had harmony; we had had harmony before the conflict, in the normal times, but we have to work more in order to make it much stronger. So, I can say without any exaggeration that the situation regarding this part is good. In spite of that, I would say the areas under the control of the terrorists and as you know those terrorists are mainly extremist groups affiliated to Al Qaeda in which they worked very hard in order to indoctrinate the young generation with their dark ideology, and they succeeded in some areas, this dark ideology with the killing and beheading and all these horrible practices. With the time, it is going to be more difficult to deal with this new generation of young people who have been indoctrinated with Al Qaeda and Wahabi doctrine and ideology. So this is the only danger that we are going to face regarding our society, harmony, and coexistence that you just mentioned. Question 7: Mr. President, I would like to go again to the international arena. What is in your opinion the role of the U.S.-led international coalition in relation to the groups that operate in northern Syria, in particular regarding the Kurds group. I mean the bombing of the American airplanes and the coalition in the northern part of the country. What to do you think about that? President Assad: You know, traditionally, the American administrations, when they had relations with any group or community in any country, it is not for the sake of the country, it is not for the interest of the people; it is for the agenda of the United States. So, that is what we have to ask ourselves: why would the Americans support any group in Syria? Not for Syria. They must have their agenda, and the American agenda has always been divisive in any country. They dont work to unite the people; they work to make division between the different kinds of people. Sometimes they choose a sectarian group, sometimes they choose an ethnic group in order to support them against other ethnicities or to push them in a way that takes them far from the rest of the society. This is their agenda. So, it is very clear that this American support is not related to ISIL, it is not related to al-Nusra, it is not related to fighting terrorism, because since the beginning of the American intervention, ISIL was expanding, not shrinking. It has only started to shrink when the Russian support to the Syrian Army took place last September. Question 8: Mr. President, what is your opinion about the recent coup detat in Turkey, and its impact on the current situation in that country, and on the international level, and on the Syrian conflict also? Coup in Turkey is a reflection of instability and disturbances within the country President Assad: Such a coup detat, we have to look at it as a reflection of instability and disturbances within Turkey, mainly on the social level. It could be political, it could be whatever, but at the end, the society is the main issue when you have instability. Regardless of who is going to govern Turkey, who is going to be the president, who is going to be the leader of Turkey; this is an internal issue. We dont interfere, we dont make the mistake to say that Erdogan should go or should stay. This is a Turkish issue, and the Turkish people have to decide. Erdogan used the coup to implement his Muslim Brotherhood agenda But what is more important than the coup detat itself, we have to look at the procedures and the steps that are being taken by Erdogan and his coterie recently during the last few days, when they started attacking the judges; they removed more than 2,700 judges from their positions, more than 1,500 professors in the universities, more than 15,000 employees in the education sector. What do the universities and the judges and that civil society have to do with the coup detat? So, that reflects the bad intentions of Erdogan and his misconduct and his real intentions toward what happened, because the investigation hasnt been finalized yet. How did they take the decision to remove all those? So, he used the coup detat in order to implement his own extremist agenda, Muslim Brotherhood agenda, within Turkey, and that is dangerous for Turkey and for the neighboring countries, including Syria. Question 9: Mr. President, how do you evaluate the Syrian governments relations with the opposition inside Syria? What is the difference between these opposition organizations and those based outside Syria? Oppositions outside Syria are traitorsthe real opposition is the one based inside and works for the Syrian people President Assad: We have good relations with the opposition within Syria based on the national principles. Of course, they have their own political agenda and they have their own beliefs, and we have our own agenda and our beliefs, and the way we can make the dialogue either directly or through the ballot boxes; it could be a different way of dialogue, which is the situation in every country. But we cannot compare them with the other oppositions outside Syria, because the word opposition means to resort to peaceful means, not to support terrorists, and not to be formed outside your country, and to have grassroots, to have real grassroots made of Syrian people. You cannot have your grassroots be the foreign ministry in the UK, France or the intelligence in Qatar and Saudi Arabia and the United States. This is not opposition, this is called, in that case, you are called a traitor. So, they call them oppositions, we call them traitors. The real opposition is the one that works for the Syrian people and is based in Syria and its agenda derived its vision from the Syrian people and the Syrian interests. Question 10: Mr. President, how do you evaluate the insistence of the U.S. and its allies that you leave power in addition to the campaign to distort the image of your government? I mean, in the foreign environment. How do you see that insistence from them that you leave power? President Assad: Regarding their wish for me to leave power, they have been talking about this for the last five years, and we never responded even with a statement. We never cared about them. Actually, this is a Syrian issue; only the Syrian people can say who should come and go, who should stay in his position, who should leave, and the West knows our position very well regarding this. So, we dont care and dont have to waste our time with their rhetoric. I am here because of the support of the Syrian people. Without that, I wouldnt be here. That is very simple. It is part of the American politics to demonize presidents About how they defame, or try to demonize certain presidents, this is the American way, at least since the second World War, since they substituted British colonization in this region, and maybe in the world, the American administrations and the American politicians havent said a single honest word regarding anything. They always lie. And as time goes by, they are becoming more inveterate liars, so this is part of their politics. So, to demonize me is like how they tried to demonize President Putin during the last two years and they did the same with the leader Castro during the last five and six decades. This is their way. So, we have to know that this is the American way. We dont have to worry about it. The most important thing is to have good reputation among your own people. That is what we have to worry about. Question 11: Mr. President, what is your opinion on Syrias relation with Latin America, particularly the historical links with Cuba President Assad: In spite of the long distance between Syria and Latin America, we are always surprised how much the people in Latin America, not only the politicians, know about this region. I think this has many reasons, but one of them is the historical similarities and commonalities between our region, between Syria and Latin America. Latin America was under direct occupation for long time ago but after that it was under the occupation of the American companies, and the American coup detats and the American intervention. Intervention: Yes, a lot of them. Latin America People understand that the war in Syria is about independencethere is strong harmony between Syria and Latin America, especially Cuba President Assad: So, they know what is the meaning of being independent or not to be independent. They understand that the war in Syria is about independence. But the most important thing is the role of Cuba. Cuba was the spearhead of the independence movement within Latin America and Fidel Castro was the iconic figure in that regard. So, on the political level and the knowledge level, there is a strong harmony between Syria and Latin America, especially Cuba. But I do not think we work enough to improve the other part of the relation; to be on the same level mainly on the educational and the economic level. That was my ambition before the crisis and that is why I visited Latin America, Cuba, Venezuela, Argentine and Brazil, in order to invigorate this relation. Then, we had this conflict started and it was a big obstacle to do anything in that regard, but I think that we have not to restrain the relation on the historical and the political levels. That is not enough. You have so many other sectors, people should know more about each other. The long distance could be an obstacle, but it shouldnt because we have strong relations with the rest of the world, east and west. So, it is not an obstacle in these days. So, I think if we overcome this crisis and this war, we should work harder in order to invigorate the different sectors of this relation with Latin America and especially with Cuba. Question 12: Mr. President, do you have an expectation for I mean would you tell me your opinion about the electoral process in the United States mainly for the president? Now, we have two candidates; the Republican one is Mr. Donald Trump and the Democratic one is Mrs. Hillary Clinton; and we know her very well, but what is your opinion about this process, about the result of this process and how it could impact the conflict here, in the war in Syria? No US president in the near future will come to make dramatic change in the politics of the United States President Assad: We resumed our relation with the United States in 1974. Now, it has been 42 years since then and we witnessed many American presidents in different situations and the lesson that we have learned is that no one should bet on any American president, that is the most important thing. So, it is not about the name. They have institutions, they have their own agenda and every president should come to implement that agenda in his own way, but at the end he has to implement that agenda. All of them have militaristic agendas, and the only difference is the way. One of them sends his army like Bush and the other one sends mercenaries and proxies like Obama, but all of them have to implement this agenda. So, I do not believe that the president is allowed completely to fulfill his own political convictions in the United States, he has to obey the institutions and the lobbies, and the lobbies have not changed and the institutions agenda has not changed. So, no president in the near future will come to make a serious and dramatic change regarding the politics of the United States. Question 13: Mr. President, one final question: what message would you send using this interview with Prensa Latina to the governments and people of Latin America, the Caribbean, and also why not the American people, about the importance of supporting Syria against terrorism? Message to Latin America: We have to keep our independence as the US will not stop trying to topple every independent government President Assad: Latin America is a very good and important example to the world about how the people and their governments regain their independence. They are the backyard of the United States as the United States sees, but this backyard was used by the United States to play its own games, to implement its own agenda and the people in Latin America sacrificed a lot in order to regain their independence and everybody knows that. After regaining their independence, those countries moved from being developing countries, or sometimes under-developed countries, to be developed countries. So, independence is a very important thing and it is very dear for every Latin American citizen. We think they have to keep this independence because the United States will not stop trying to topple every independent government, every government that reflects the vast majority of the people in every country in Latin America. And again, Cuba knows this, knows what I am talking about more than any other one in the world; you suffered more than anyone from the American attempts and you succeeded in withstanding all these attempts during the last sixty years or more just because the government reflected the Cuban people. So, holding strongly to this independence, I think, is the crucial thing, the most important thing for the future of Latin America. Regarding Syria, we can say that Syria is paying the price of its independence because we never worked against the United States; we never worked against France or the UK. We always try to have good relations with the West. But their problem is that they do not accept any independent country and I think this is same for Cuba. You never tried to do any harm to the American people but they do not accept you as an independent country. The same is true for other countries in Latin America and thats why you always have coup detats mainly between the sixties and the seventies. So, I think preserving the independence of a certain country is not only an isolated case; if I want to be independent, I have to support the independence in the rest of the world. So, the independence anywhere in the world, including Latin America, will support my independence. If I am alone, I will be weak. Supporting Syria will be mainly in the international arena. There are many international organizations, mainly the United Nation, in spite of its impotence, but at the end, their support could play a vital role in supporting Syria and, of course, the Security Council; it depends on who is going to be the temporary member in the Security Council, and any other organization supporting Syria will be very important. Question 14: Mr. President, I know that you are a very busy person, that is why I appreciate very much your time that you have dedicated to Prensa Latina interview in this moment. I hope this would not be the last interview that we have with you. President Assad: You are welcome anytime. Australia, UK, US Complicit in Indonesian Massacres, International Judges Say By Samantha Hawley July 21, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " ABC " - A non-binding international tribunal at The Hague has found Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States were complicit in facilitating the 1965 mass killings in Indonesia. Key points: 500,000 Indonesians killed in anti-communist purge at height of Cold War Report found Australia continued to back army despite knowing about the killings President Joko Widodo has refused to apologise for historic murders An estimated half a million people perished in what was one of the worst massacres of the 20th Century. The killings were triggered by a failed coup that led to the deaths of six army generals, followed by the mass targeting of communists. The International People's Tribunal at The Hague has now ruled that Indonesia committed crimes against humanity, but the finding is non-binding and carries no legal weight. The judges found allegations of "cruel and unspeakable murders" and the "unjustifiable imprisonment of hundreds of thousands of people without trial" was well founded. "It has also been demonstrated that sexual violence, particularly against women, was systematic and routine, especially during the period 1965 to 1967," the report said. The judges found Indonesia responsible for the crimes and called for the current administration to apologise and to institute investigations and prosecutions of those perpetrators who are still alive. "Furthermore, the archives should be opened and the real truth on these crimes against humanity should be established," the judges said. The tribunal's report found Australia, the US and the UK complicit by using propaganda to manipulate international opinion in favour of the Indonesian army. The report said Australia and the UK, " shared the US aim of seeking to bring about the overthrow of president Sukarno." "They continued with this policy even after it had become abundantly clear that killings were taking place on a mass and indiscriminate basis. On balance, this appears to justify the charge of complicity," the report said. The report detailed horrifying details of rape and torture, including accused communists being forced to drink soldiers' urine, while in other cases victims' ears were cut off and they were forced to consume them. According to the report, other acts of torture included, burning body parts, electric shocks, water torture, pulling out of fingernails and tying victims inside a sack with snakes. Indonesian President Joko Widodo has said he will not apologise for the historic atrocity, but the report argued it was his duty to do so. Death of a Nation: The Timor Conspiracy from John Pilger Death of a Nation: The Timor Conspiracy from John Pilger on Vimeo. Lagos is a busy city where everyone is determined to make ends meet. What goes through your mind when you encounter different bus conductors? INFORMATION NIGERIA hereby brings to you the different bus conductors you meet on the streets of Lagos. 1. The gossip: The conductor who never minds his own business: he always interrupt when passengers are discussing. 2. The controller: The bus conductor who is always controlling the driver. From all indications, he might be the owner of the bus, but just want to be in control of the money being made 3. The cool, calm and collected. These species are hard to find, but they still exist. A thorough look suggest that they are drop outs who need to make money. 4. The grammarian: he speaks terrible english language to impress his passengers. No dulling, no be only you go school, abeg! 5. The politician: he always argues about why the new president should win the elections and tell us how much more he made during the previous administration 6. The toasters: Fine babes never passs them by, without them saying hi they believe all women want is money. 7. The smart one: if you are not smart, he could outsmart you, you would be made to forget your balance with him. 8. The curser: he abuses and curses any driver that wont allow the bus to maneuver. 9. The learner: he is sure new to this job. He isnt familiar with the bus stops. The agberos use him to catch trips 10. The friendly: he knows how to salute police men and other law enforcement agencies, so as not to be apprehended. INFORMATION NIGERIA readers, did we miss anything? Tellus in the comment session. As part of efforts to find lasting solution to the recurring gridlock along Mile 2 Apapa expressway, a temporary truck park to hold about 3,000 trucks and tankers is to be completed in the next two months. The project is being financed by a private firm, supported by a body working for a permanent solution to the perennial traffic situation along the route. The forum being championed by the Customs Area Controller of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Benjamin Aber, includes all government agencies operating around the port area, truck drivers, ministry of works, agencies of the Lagos state government etc. Aber said at the inspection located at Kirikiri town, that apart from the temporary park, the piece of land around Amuwo Odofin acquired by the truck drivers will be used as the permanent truck holding bay. The Customs boss said the committee intends to create a no parking, no stopping corridor on both sides of the expressway from Mile 2 to Apapa. Immediate past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, has asked the Chairman of the partys National Caretaker Committee, Ahmed Makarfi, to dissuade the PDP caucus in the National Assembly from participating in the alleged ill-advised adventure to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari. In a four-page letter to Mr. Makarfi, dated July 15, 2016, Mr. Anenih said he was persuaded that the time was neither right nor the reasons compelling enough to contemplate the impeachment of Mr. Buhari. The former BoT Chair, therefore, urged the national caretaker chairman to personally lead the process of consultation with PDP members in the National Assembly, with a view to getting them to play a patriotic, rather than partisan role, at this time of national economic and social uncertainty. The letter, titled: The PDP Caucus in the National Assembly and the threat to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari reads: I am constrained to write this letter by my love for our great country and my long years of involvement in the pursuit of peace, co-existence and national development. I am concerned about the noises coming out of the National Assembly to the effect that some of our distinguished Senators and Honourable Members are contemplating a move to impeach the President. I feel even more disturbed that the PDP Caucus is being rumoured to be actively involved in this plan to go for the jugular of the Executive. The rumoured role of the PDP Caucus is, indeed, the main reason I have chosen to write this letter to you. I wish to appeal to you to use your noble office as the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of our great party to dissuade our party members, in the National Assembly, from embarking on or participating in this ill-advised adventure. I am persuaded, Sir, that the time is neither right nor the reasons compelling enough to contemplate the impeachment of the President. I do not doubt that the National Assembly may have its grouse against the President, but I am sure that the options of consultation, dialogue and negotiation have not yet been exhausted. We should all assist in persuading our members to persevere in the pursuit of these options. I do not believe an attempt at impeachment, at this time, is in the best interests of the party, or the country. Such a move will create tension, instability and even crisis in our body-politic. It will unleash all those fissiparous forces which, in the last few months, have begun to gain momentum. Fundamentally, as the main opposition party, I believe the PDP should concern itself with an inward review of why Nigerians lost faith in us and in our partys vision for Nigeria; our focus should therefore be on trying to figure out how we can once again regain this trust. As a party in opposition, what I expect is constructive criticism of the ruling party when it goes wrong. Playing an active role in the internal power struggles between factions of the ruling party is an unnecessary distraction, and an exercise that appears to promote personal agenda rather than the National Interest. I am not unaware that the times are hard; that Nigerians are groaning under the weight of unpaid salaries and astronomical increases in the cost of living, that ballooning security problems are increasingly threatening to rip apart the fabric of our national existence, and that Nigerians feel more divided today than they have ever felt, but it would be unfair to blame this President or this Government for all of these problems. Instructively, none of these problems was floated as justification for the threat of impeachment by the National Assembly. On the economy, it is a well-known fact that all oil-producing countries are suffering from an economic down-turn because of the radical drop in the price of crude oil. As a mono-product economy, dependent on crude oil, there is no magic bubble that could have insulated us completely from the systemic shocks caused by the attendant loss of revenue. Rather than seek scapegoats, the situation demands that all our institutions, political parties and leaders should set aside all partisan interests, and work together to wade through these difficult times. It is, therefore, my wish and prayer that you, personally, lead the process of consultation with our members in the National Assembly, with a view to getting them to play a patriotic, rather than partisan role, at this time of national economic and social uncertainty. May God continue to bless you with the wisdom to lead our party to its manifest destiny. Over a year ago when Boko Haram insurgents swept through the fishing community of Baga in northern Borno State, horrified residents had limited options. The militants attacked and killed many, locals and security operatives alike. Men, women and children who managed to flee, arrived camps for internally displaced persons with grisly tales of what they saw either during the attack, or while on the run. One woman, Jummai Ibrahim, who braved all odds to stay alive, told PREMIUM TIMES chilling details of how she lost everything, including a 21-year-old son, and how Boko Haram insurgents forced her to watch him decapitated. Back in Baga, Jummai and many other women that fled, lived fairly well, with good earnings from a booming fish trade near the Lake Chad. The 58-year-old was famous as a big time merchant, she said. Now, seated at the Maiduguri IDP camp where she has lived for months, Jummais appearance tells nothing of that well-to-do past. All my life fishing is what I do, said Jummai with some degree of pride. It was fishing that took me and my husband to Baga and even into some parts of Chad in the past 40 years. She said they made money daily from fishing and food crops. Without being ungrateful to God, I will say we have made great fortune from our fishing business mostly on the Lake Chad waters, she narrated. But unfortunately, Boko Haram came in to dislodge our peace and caused us serious loss of our properties, and money. Killing and stripping On the day Boko Haram insurgents struck in January 2015, Jummai said their last consignment of fish for day had been loaded to a truck at about 6 am, ready for delivery to the markets. The cargo was not much that day at about N700, 000, she said. When gunfire ran out, the town laid in ruin and residents like Jummai fled leaving all they toiled for. After loading the truck, we had to leave it in the park overnight for it to be transported the next morning. We later lost everything because everyone had to run for their dear lives when Boko Haram came in large numbers shooting their ways into every household and killing everyone they came across. All our food stuff stored in our silos were also left behind, she narrated. We suffered a great deal fleeing to safety. Now that we have arrived the IDP camp in Maiduguri, we came to meet a life we never envisaged at all. It was a setback to many of us women who were once masters of their own in terms of financial resources; because back there in Doro-Baga, we do our business and make enough money to take good care of ourselves and our needs. It is ironical to see me here today begging to feed when I could make over N3 million in a single net-drag of fishes; the least we make in the sales of fishes could be around N500, 000. We do not know any other business except fishing and farming; and here we have nothing to do other than sitting down every day and waiting for handouts from government, she said. Jummai, a mother of seven children, who are mostly adults, said Boko Haram gunmen did not only invade their community, but went after them as they fled into the bushes. Many, according to her were killed in the bush and many, especially young women, were abducted by the assailants. I left all my belongings back in Doro-Baga when fleeing the attack by Boko Haram. I came with only the clothes I had on me, she said. We ran all day together with some of my children. When we got to a village called Kalwaram, I saw many people killed, and at the outskirts of the village I saw fresh corpses of two soldiers; one of the soldiers was stripped Unclad, his manhood was cut off his groin and forced into his mouth. I could not stand the sight of such horror, but I had to untie my wrapper and cover his body up to, at least, protect his dignity. I kept on running with only my underskirt and the blouse I had on me, until I got to a village called Minnati, where a woman saw me and out of sympathy gave me a wrapper to wear over my underskirt. That was how I got to the camp in Maiduguri, all on foot, Jummai narrated. Jummai said their journey out of Baga began on a bloody note as they ran into the insurgents on the outskirts of the town. I lost many of my relatives while fleeing from Baga. Immediately we made it to the outskirts of Baga, Boko Haram gunmen intercepted us and took away one of my daughters who was two months pregnant and her three-year-old son and 13 other ladies who were either my cousins or my husbands younger ones that were living with us. One of my sons, Habibu, who was about 21 years old was killed by Boko Haram. When they saw him with me, one of the Boko Haram gunmen told me that Mama this your son is old enough to join the Civilian-JTF, so he is assumed to be a potential member of the Civilian-JTF. For that reason they dragged him to the ground in my presence and slit his throat. They wanted to force me to hold his legs while they were cutting off his neck, and I told them I could not do such thing. I attempted to close my eyes because I could not stand to see how they were killing my own son like an animal, but one of them hit me with the butt of their gun on my arm, and insisted that I must watch them as they killed my son. I watched him cry and calling on me to help him, when I cried out that I could not help him, then he kept on screaming that mama pray for me, and forgive me if I ever offended you, pray for me(sobs)that was how my child was slaughtered and beheaded, Jummai narrated, weeping. I have seen pains and torture from Baga to Maiduguri. Life in Maiduguri Life at the IDP camp has been another tortuous phase for Jummai. She complains about how she and her surviving family now struggle to eat and get basic needs as clothing. Now I am left with nothing except rags, she said, struggling a wry smile, but apparently fighting back tears. Last year, Borno State government came to share clothes for us and that was what we have been using since then. As you can see now, the clothes have turned to rags because of everyday use. Look at my body, look at our skins, we lack soaps to bathe and even the cheapest cream to oil our body. We do not even have washing bar to wash our clothes. It is so pathetic. It is even more pathetic now that I have over 20 children including some of my own that were able to make it on their own to this camp and those of neighbours that have been killed, all living with me in the same apartment here in the camp. Food that was recently distributed by the Borno state governor during this Ramadan did not get to us in our own house. We have to depend on one or two measures of rice that some good relatives brought to us. Just imagine the irony of life(sobs) me a woman of means in Baga, whom people do come to meet for help; even when the local government council was in difficulties, they do come to me for assistance which I did render without blinking an eyelid. I was a very independent woman financially. I was very famous and prominent in my community; none of our Lawans (District Head) and Bulamas (village heads) would say they dont know me. On whether she would want to return to Baga to pick the pieces of their lives, Jummai said such an opportunity would be like being offered free pilgrimage to the holy land. But looking at what I passed through to get to safety here, I would rather wait here with my children until when the soldiers declare that there is no more Boko Haram, she added cautiously. Her immediate concern now is having an improved living condition in the camps where food and clothing will not be an issue. I am calling on government both at the federal and state level to come to our aid; especially in the area of feeding in the camps; of course the SEMA and NEMA normally provide food which are cooked by committee members and shared in the camp. But, sadly, most of the food cooked are not prepared in the best way that it could be consumed. That is why you see many people would rather dry the food in the sun and go out to sell them to get small amount they could use to buy something to eat. No one can eat the food here because it was poorly cooked. What we want is for the state government to come to the camp and give us the uncooked rice and corn flour so that we can cook them on our own, just like it did during this Ramadan. Allowing us to cook our food is better than some people coming to cook in the camp kitchen and at the end no one can eat what they prepare for us. I have seven children, one was killed; some that were captured by Boko Haram were able to reunite with us after soldiers rescued them. But most of them, especially the males have to leave the camp to go into the world to fend for themselves. One of my daughters who has 4 children has not seen her husband for a very long time Source: Premium Times Enenche who leads the Jesus Glory Outreach passed away last night. IDOMA VOICE gathered that he slumped and was rushed to the general hospital in Abuja where he was confirmed dead by the doctors. He was taken back to church for prayers till this morning but all to no avail. He became a household name with his monthly all-night crusade tagged Lagos Prophetic Sound of Abundance at Airport Hotel, Ikeja a few years back. Samoses is a highly Anointed Man of God that has touched the lives of thousands in diverse ways. Jesus Glory Chapel Intl, a living Church with its Headquarters at Life Camp, Abuja, and branches within and outside Nigeria. Hes also from the Enenche family, the producer of Dr. Paul and Enenwa Enenche. He is one of sons of the traditional ruler of Ogbadibo, Chief D Enenche. Meanwhile, an insider has hinted our reporter that prayers are currently going on as the family hope God will still bring him back. Source: Idoma Voice The acting Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has directed the Deputy-Inspector-General of Police, operations, Joshack Habilla, to speedily facilitate the arrest of the killers of Lazarus Agaie, the traditional ruler of Bokkos community in Plateau. The IG issued the directive in a statement issued by the Force Spokesman, Don Awunah, in Abuja on Thursday. Mr. Idris said those behind the gruesome murder of the monarch would be fished out in due time for prosecution as he added that the deaths of the monarch, his family and orderly, were painful, but said it was more painful when people took to reprisal attacks. He, however, urged the aggrieved to be patient with the police in their investigation into the murder of the monarch while assuring that the Police would arrest the culprits and make them face the wrath of the law. The IG equally assured Nigerians the police under his watch would ensure decency in the polity but needed the collaboration of everyone with useful information. Kano State Government says its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has hit over N2 billion monthly because of an improved collection system. The Chairman of Kano Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), Alhaji Sani Dambo, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Kano. Dambo said the improvement was as a result of economic measures adopted by the state government in order to reduce dependence on the monthly revenue from the Federation Account. There is need for diversification, we should go toward alternative forms of revenue generation instead of depending on the dwindling oil revenue, he said He said that the increase manifested since the inception of Gov. Abdullahi Gandujes administration in the state. We have really improved on our IGR since the assumption of office of this present government. Since the restructuring of the KIRS our IGR has improved from less than a billion to between N2.2 to N2.3 billion monthly and we are making efforts to surpass this achievement, he said. Dambo said that the service targets N10 billion before the end of the year and had also initiated measures to block all leakages for better results to enable the government meet its responsibilities. He called on the people of the state to pay their taxes to help the government honour its commitment to the people. He also warned that the service would not hesitate to prosecute any individual or corporate organisation that failed to pay taxes to the state. (NAN) The Katsina State police command has arraigned a man, Muhammad Abdulkadir, before a Chief Magistrates Court, for allegedly inciting disaffection against the state government. The prosecutor, Altine Ragiji told the court that Abdulkadir was arrested on July 7, after he allegedly committed the said offence against the State Governor, Aminu Masari. Ragiji said that the offence was contrary to Section 416 of Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, 1963. Counsel to the accused person, Mr. Peter Israel, however, challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the case. He argued that the law under which the accused person was arraigned, was obsolete as the state has its own laws made in 1989. The penal code laws of Katsina State does not provide for the said offence. Also, the law itself has not given a particular court that will have jurisdiction to entertain the matter. So, we are questioning the jurisdiction of the court whether it can entertain, hear and determine the case against the accused person, Israel argued. He, therefore, urged the court to conditionally or unconditionally release the accused person on bail. The Chief Magistrate, Nura El-Ladan, turned down the bail application until the court gave its ruling on the issue of jurisdiction. Mr. El-Ladan also adjourned the case to July 26, for continuation of hearing and ordered the accused person to be remanded in prison. A man from Pennsylvania, Joshua Long, who was jailed for burglary has been accused of using human brain to get high. The 26 year-old was charged with abuse of a corpse when his aunt found a brain underneath the front veranda of a vacant trailer. The brain was said to be in a display container like the type found in museums and stuffed into a Walmart bag. The trailer is the former home of Angela Micklo, Longs aunt and Robby Zoller, who happen to be wanted robbery suspects. Long allegedly said that he and Zoller had used the formaldehyde that preserved the brain to smoke cannabis. The scuffle between the wife of the president, Mrs Aisha Buhari, and Governor Ayodele Fayose has taken a new twist on Wednesday, as Mrs Buhari opened a court case against the Ekiti State Governor, for claiming she was involved in the Halliburton scandal. It would be recalled that the governor had in June stated that Mrs. Buhari was the Aisha Buhari named in a U.S. court document, alleged to have been involved in bribery case involving a convicted former U.S. lawmaker, Williams Jefferson. Fayose, mistakenly referred to the Jefferson bribery as the Halliburton scandal, which is an entirely different case, He however, still affirmed that he was right, despite Mrs. Buharis denial and threat of lawsuit. According to PREMIUM TIMES, Mrs Buhari filed the case on July 20, 2016, where she prayed the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to grant her reliefs to issue writ of summons against Mr. Fayose and his media advisers, Idowu Adelusi and Lere Olayinka. The presiding judge, Olukayode Adeniyi, granted all reliefs sought by wife of the president including an order of substituted service. Mary Ekpere, counsel to Mrs. Buhari, prayed the court for the lawsuit to be served on Mr. Fayose and his two aides, even though Ekiti State is outside the jurisdiction of the Abuja Division of the FHC. Mrs Buhari had earlier in a letter written to the governor dated June 23, demanding withdrawal, where she maintained that the allegation of her involvement in the scandal as very wild and unfounded. The National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, yesterday, impounded 152 cartons of unregistered Dizapam tablets B.P. worth over N25 million. The drugs which were manufactured at Mumbai, India by Shalina Laboratories PVT. Ltd were released to NAFDAC by Customs Service officials who seized them at the Nigerian Cameroon border in Cross River State. The Coordinator of NAFDAC in Enugu State, Ikechuku Okoye, while displaying the unregistered drugs in his office, told newsmen that the Dizapam tablets B.P. 10mg were smuggled into the country through Calabar axis adding that Customs Service officials alerted his agency over the matter. What happened was an inter-departmental achievement. The customs in Enugu called us that they intercepted drug products at the Nigeria- Cameroon border and that we should come and check if they were within our jurisdiction. When we got there, we saw Dizapam, a controlled drug and we checked and found out that the product was not registered by NAFDAC; and the person was bringing it illegally. The customs now handed them over to us for further investigation, Okoye said. It is sedative, so I wonder people who brought them in but we are still trying to get more information from the customs so that we will go for the person that brought them into the country because they are controlled and thus have to be registered by NAFDAC to monitor how they are being used. The drugs are worth over N25 million and I wonder why somebody will engage in a business worth such amount and preferred not to register it with NAFDAC but bring such illegally. It is unfortunate but NAFDAC is equals to the task, the NAFDAC coordinator added. Okoye then advised members of the public to always insist on buying drugs or products regulated by NAFDAC, saying that any product without NAFDAC registration number was fake. The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has appealed to the three tiers of government to strictly adhere to the Resolution of the National Economic Council (NEC) on the right of way, which stipulates taxes to be charged telecommunication operators in the country. Danbatta in a meeting with the Minister of Communication Technology, Adebayo Shittu, at the commission headquarter in Abuja complained that telecom operators are subjected to indiscriminate regime of taxes, adding that it is always a major challenge getting approvals for right of way, especially from state and local governments. He said: You find states, local and federal governments charging different extremely high rates, and in some instances you find even area boys forcefully subjecting operators to pay. This is a menace. My appeal is that the Minister of Communication should work hand in hand with the commission, to ensure adherence to the provision of NEC on right of way. The Minister of Communication Technology, Adebayo Shittu, in his own statement, called on the commission to urgently address the high rate of drop calls and unsolicited messages by telecom operators, saying Nigerians are complaining everyday. Even as Minister of Communication, I receive unsolicited messages and calls. When you complain, they will ask you to press something to discontinue, and even when you do, they will still continue to charge you, which is very wrong. We must do something to stop this because if we do not, Nigerian people will see us as failures, not capable of protecting their interests, the minister said. Prof Danbatta explained that, On unsolicited text messages, one important regulatory measure we have already put in place is that henceforth, from July 20, all text messages must have a Do Not Disturb provision and consumers can opt into this. This is going to apply to all consumers. If this is not adhered to, there will be consequences. The fine is about N10m for non-adherence. Punch The wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha, has sued the Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, for alleging that she was one of those indicted for involvement in the Halliburton multi-million dollar scandal. Vanguard AbujaThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, heard how three prominent members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Bauchi State managed the N500 million booty dispatched to the state from the N23 billion allegedly released by the former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to influence the outcome of last years presidential election in favour of the PDP. The Sun EFCC quizzes ex-deputy speaker, 2 others over N500m poll funds OPERATIVES of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday quizzed the former deputy speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly, Sace Dumba over the sharing of N500 million for the 2015 presidential election. Thisday The latest poll released by NOIPolls has revealed that President Muhammadu Buharis approval rating for the month of June has nosedived to 39 per cent from 48 per cent in May. Daily Times Former Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, has urged the Chairman of the partys National Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, to dissuade the PDP caucus in the National Assembly from participating in the alleged ill-advised adventure of removing President Muhammadu Buhari from office. Guardian The organised labour has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the management of bailout funds released to states for payment of salary arrears. Daily Trust Kwankwaso, Amaechi, others bought their way to APC with N100m each Bafarawa A former governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, yesterday said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is the mother of corruption. Leadership A former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari has the political will to root out corruption in Nigerian public service. The Nation The Nigeria Immigration Service in Ebonyi State, yesterday, intercepted an 18-seater white bus with registration number-Lagos LDD-468XH, customized with Ondo State Sunshine Express conveying 18 persons including underage children suspected to be victims of human trafficking. The State Acting Controller of NIS, Barrister Okey Ezugwu while answering questions from newsmen at the Command Headquarters in Abakaliki, stated that the surveillance team of the Command intercepted the vehicle in Abakaliki axis on their way to Edo state from Bekwara in Cross River state. He said the victims when interrogated confessed that they were going to Ondo while some were sent to Benin to work in a Cocoa plantation. But the Controller said they had no business going on the trip without their parents adding that it was child labour and abuse of child rights for children below 18 years to be subjected to such inhumane treatment of working in cocoa farm. Parents have the responsibility of taking care of their children, knowing the companies they keep, where they go, and whatever they are doing at every point in time, Ezugwu said. He stressed that it was not a good option for responsible parents to give their children out to strangers for monetary and material gains. As part of efforts by the Federal Government to diversify the nations economy, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has concluded plans to establish an energy renewable plant in Benue State using agricultural products NNPCs Group General Manager of Renewable Energy Division, Rabiu Suleiman, revealed this yesterday during a visit to the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, in the state capital. He said the project would be financed through a joint venture with foreign partners and would gulp about $300 million, adding that the corporation had already secured technical partners. According to Suleiman, the plant, when completed, would boost economic growth of the state and create employment, even as the land would be used for the cultivation of sugarcane, cassava, and palm kernel from where ethanol would be extracted as a renewable energy source. He noted that the decision to diversify energy generation from existing sources to agricultural products was conceived by the Federal Government in 2005 and has since been in the pipeline. While also disclosing that the Federal Government had discovered crude oil in the Chad and Benue valley, Suleiman noted that seven other states have been tipped for this renewable energy project, explaining that the success of the Benue plant would determine the take-off of the others. The NNPC boss commended the Benue State government for providing 20,000 hectares of land for the projects take-off, assuring of the states equity share in the project. Governor Samuel Ortom in his remarks, praised President Muhammadu Buhari for chosing Benue for the pilot project while also assuring the NNPC delegation that his administration would provide adequate security to both the expatriate and Nigerian workers engaged in the plant. It was tit for tat at Nsukka in Enugu State last week, when a policeman, Corporal Robert Ugwanyi, was stoned to death for killing a commercial motorcyclist, Mr Festus Onah, shortly after he had come out from a restaurant, where he had gone to eat. Onah, whose skull was blown open by the policemens bullet, had his brains splashed all over the area, prompting a spontaneous attack on the policemen by passers-by and other onlookers. Before the incident, residents of Nsukka had been grumbling over the activities of policemen and thugs attached to the state Ministry of Transport, who stop motorists for their MOT particulars only to end up extorting between N10,000 and N30,000 from them. The police killing occurred when some policemen attached to a task force set up by the Nsukka Local Government Council, were trying to compel or force traders to relocate to the newly completed Building Materials Market on the outskirts of the Nsukka metropolis. South East Voice gathered that when the task force members were sealing building materials shops at the Beach Area, some members resisted, insisting that they had no reason to move to the new site as they were not affected by the local government by-law. One of the traders was reportedly said to have told the task force members that he dealt on animal feeds, hence he was not affected by the directive. However, as argument raged, other traders from a near-by small food materials market and other passers-by gathered to watch the development. It was further said that as the argument was degenerating, Ugwuanyi, who was said to have recently come to Nsukka on transfer, reportedly fired a shot from his assault rifle. The bullet hit the late commercial motorcycle (okada ) rider, Onah, who was oblivious of what was going on and he died instantly. Late Onah, who was married and had six children, hailed from Ibagwa-Aka community in Igboeze South Local Government Area, and was alleged to have relocated from the North-East in the heat of the Boko Haram menace, to his home town, from where he travelled to Nsukka daily for his okada business. However, as soon as the crowd noticed that the okada man was stone dead, they descended on the armed policeman and began to stone him until he became unconscious. His colleagues were said to have managed to collect his gun as he was being stoned before running back to the Nsukka Divisional Police Headquarters for reinforcement, before returning to the scene to rescue him. However, it was already too late as doctors at the near-by Bishop Shanahan Hospital could not revive him and promptly referred the patient to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla on the outskirts of Enugu metropolis, but doctors could not attend to him there. Ugwuanyi was again rushed to the Park Lane Hospital, Enugu, where the policemen carrying him were told that there was no bed space before he finally gave up the ghost. The Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the deaths, saying that the Police were investigating the matter. Source: Vanguard The operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of Lagos State Police Command have arrested 22 teenagers for robbery, stealing and cultism. The 22 teenagers, amongst whom are four female, were arrested for allegedly involved in separate incidences of robbery, stealing and cultism around Agege and its environs. The two leaders of the first gang, which consist of eight members, Babatunde, 15 and Tayo, 15, were arrested on last Thursday, at about 11:30 p.m. in Mulero, Agege for assaulting and robbing one Aladegbo Abidemi with an axe, and snatching her Blackberry Z10. The suspects were reported to have given out other members of the gang the following day. Other members of the gang arrested included: Matthew, 18; Sakiru, 16; Ganiyu,13; Reliwan, 15; Ibrahim, 15 and Kudus, 15. According to their victim, Aladegbo Abidemi, female, 26, I was coming from work. I decided to pass through Mulero to link the closest bus stop around 10:00 p.m. I sensed my phone ringing and I picked it. Just few seconds while on the call, I noticed some young boys about 12 swarming like bees towards me. I ran but I fell down. They rough handled me, threatened me with an axe and took my phone. They retreated and abandoned me inside the gutter. A couple of minutes after standing up, I saw RRS patrol vehicle. I reported the incident and showed them the direction they went. They gave them hot chase, and arrested them with my phone. The second gang, consisting of 10 male and four females were picked-up at Abattoir on Monday at about 02:35 am, after three of them had earlier been arrested in Computer Village, Ikeja, for stealing mobile phones. It was gathered that the trio, Sulaimon, 13; Godwin, 19 and Sunkanmi, 15, entered a phone stall and pretended they wanted to buy a phone. They walked out again after inspecting the phone only for the stall owner to realise that two phones were missing. They were however caught on their way going. It was learnt that during interrogation at the RRS headquarters, three of them owned up to be members of Eiye Confraternity. The names of other gang members arrested included: Taiwo, 17; Rotimi, 17; Lateef, 19; Tunde, 17; Bolawatife, 15; kayode, 15; Olamide ,15. Other members of the gang who are female included: Olamide, 19; Agnes, 14; Ayo, 15 and Ope, 16. All the suspects have been transferred to the State Police Command, Ikeja, for further investigations. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the arrest of the teenagers. She stated that the Commissioner of Police summoned the parents of the children and he has ordered that the teenagers be sent for rehabilitated without delay. She added that the arrest of the suspects was an eye-opener to the challenges of crime fighting and breakdown of family values. More photos below The Enugu State Police Command, has arrested three persons for alleged forgery of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyis signature to secure employment at the State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH). The state police spokesperson Ebere Amaraizu made the disclosure on Thursday in Enugu in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The statement said that the suspects, Gloria Onuoha, Roseline Onwuamaeze and Thomas Nwigwe, allegedly raised a letter purported to have emanated from the Office of the Governor with his signature. It added that the suspects used the letter to secure employment in the hospital as Accountant on Grade Level 7, Higher Executive Officer (HEO) on GL 8 as well as Chief Typist on CONTISS 8 step 13 respectively. The statement said that one Chijioke Nzegwu currently at large, facilitated the illegal deal for Gloria and Roseline having received a huge sum of money from them through Nwigwe. Amaraizu said that the suspects were assisting the police in their investigations. Source: NAN The Deputy Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Wasiu Eshilokun, on Wednesday accused the leadership of the Senate of complicity in the July 12 altercation between Senators Remi Tinubu and Dino Melaye. Mr. Eshilokun, who led a delegation of legislators from the assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat in Abuja, alleged this after submitting a protest letter to the partys National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun. Mrs. Tinubu (APC-Lagos Central) and Mr. Melaye (APC-Kogi West) were reported to have engaged in a heated verbal altercation during a closed-door session at the red chamber. In the events that followed the incident, Mr. Melaye addressed a news conference where he denied reports that he threatened to beat up or impregnate Mrs. Tinubu, and alleged that she called him a thug and a dog. Mr. Eshilokun said there could be altercations, disagreements and verbal attacks but that it must be with decorum. We are here to show our displeasure about what happened at the upper chamber. There could be verbal attack but it must be decorous, he said. There could be equal and opposite reaction not abusive and negative reaction. Such a statement shouldnt come from someone who is from the senate. Whenever issues arise it should be sorted out in a parliamentary manner, and we also felt that the leadership of the Senate didnt act immediately. Issues like this should not be allowed to fester; it should be nipped in the bud. This is unbecoming of an August body. There was a conspiracy of silence and we felt that this is not good. If he had cautioned the senator immediately, it would not have be blown out of proportion, he said. Reminded that they had shirked their duties in Lagos to pursue a trivial matter, Mr. Eshilokun said, there were protests by concerned women group to the House of Assembly. He added, We read the letter during plenary and it was resolved that the letter be sent to the president, the senate, the party and that appropriate sanctions should be sought Yesterday, we went on recess and will not resume till Aug. 29. He denied the online allegation trending that they were sponsored with N75 million to embark on the protest, saying, we are buoyant enough to sponsor ourselves. The N75 million trending is a mere allegation. Its a cause that we feel that we must fight. He disclosed that the APC chairman assured that he would look into the matter and get it resolved. (NAN) On this day in 2010, Nigeria laid out plans to bail out its badly struggling banks by removing up to 21 billion dollars in deadbeat loans from their balance sheets. Also on this day in 2011, a gun battle between soldiers and suspected Islamists broke out after a failed bomb attack in Maiduguri leaving one extremist dead. On Thursday evening, an explosive device was hurled at a military patrol team by some suspected members of Boko Haram and Lt. Col. Hassan Isijeh Mohammed while speaking with AFP, the explosive missed its target and detonated without causing any casualties, prompting the attackers, suspected to be from the Islamist sect known as Boko Haram, to open fire on the patrol. Some of the former governors and a serving governor mentioned by a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa as allegedly buying their way into the All Progressives Congress, APC, and introducing corruption into the party, have condemned his utterances as false. Mr. Bafarawa had in an interview published on Thursday, claimed that former Governors Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and current Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), who defected from the PDP in 2014, paid N100million each to be admitted into the APC. When they (five governors) came into the APC, they were warmly received because they had the money to contribute N100 million each. When I, a founding member and acting chairman of the partys constitution drafting committee queried why they were expressly allowed entry, I was bluntly told they had money to give. I then offered to also contribute N100 million but my own contribution was rejected. Those five governors entered APC to corrupt the party, and they succeeded in doing so, Bafarawa, a former governor of Sokoto State, was quoted in the interview as saying. First to respond to the allegation was Bafarawas successor in Sokoto, Wamakko, who asked the PDP chieftain to to go and clear himself of the arms deal allegation currently hanging over his head. Speaking through his former aide, Alhaji Abubakar Cika Umar, Wamakko, who is now a Senator, said: He (Bafarawa) is a shameless person; otherwise, he would not be dishing out falsehood when he has a serious allegation dangling on him. He is being accused of participating in the cornering of the arms money and we all know the diversion of the arms money contributed to the escalation of the insurgency. The diversion of the funds led to the killing of innocent persons, turned thousands of children to orphans and made many women to become widows, Umar said. Bafarawa is one of politicians that are being probed over the diversion of arms funds under the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki. He was alleged to have collected N4.6billion from the Office of the NSA. Also, Governor Ahmed, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Dr. Muideen Akorede, said, All the allegations were not true because none of the five governors at the time paid any amount to join the APC. In Kwara for instance, our political structure is an independent one, which made it possible for us to move into the party in mass. We didnt dislodge any member of the APC but only gave life to it, he said. Also, Hajiya Binta Sipikin, an aide to Kwankwaso, also now a senator, said her principal will not join issues with the ex-Sokoto governor. Senator Kwankwaso is seriously attending to national issues for the betterment of Nigerians. This is not time for politicking but a time to consolidate the gains of the APC, she said. The Nigerian Senate invited the Minister for Finance Mrs Kemi Adeosun to the floor off the house to explain the Monetary/Fiscal Policies adopted by the nation. In the chat which is ongoing, Mrs Adeosun assured that Nigeria is on the right path economically. INFORMATION NIGERIA brings you 4 things she had to say about it. SEE ALSO: Inflation Rises to 16.5% In July Nigerians should not panic. We are still the biggest economy in Africa and we will still get better. Finance Minister @MrsKemiAdeosun Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) July 21, 2016 What has been spent We have spent N247.9Billion till date on Capital Expenditure. @MrsKemiAdeosun briefs the Senate Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) July 21, 2016 What they are working on We are working on the recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture and we will come up with a plan in the next 30Days. @MrsKemiAdeosun Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) July 21, 2016 They know the situation Things are tough and We are not ignorant of that. Minister for Finance @MrsKemiAdeosun Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) July 21, 2016 Our Revenues are looking well; FIRS and Customs are doing well in terms of this. Minister of Finance @MrsKemiAdeosun Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) July 21, 2016 What they need Nigeria is weathering the storm so far. We need the Public Procurement and UBEC Laws to be amended. @MrsKemiAdeosun Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) July 21, 2016 And when Senator Mohammed Hassan raised salient concerns about the recent IMF Forecast and how Nigeria will cope with Foreign Exchange pressures, says; The President Muhammadu Buhar of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC made it very clear that one of the top priorities of his administration would be to fight corruption. While some Nigerians have wholeheartedly supported the fight, others have said the fight is one of vengeance and witch-hunting. The APC however took to its Twitter handle Thursday evening to explain corruption albeit why they are all for expunging it. How corruption affects a country politically In political sphere, corruption impedes democracy and the rule of law. APC Nigeria (@APCNigeria) July 21, 2016 In a democratic system, public institutions and offices may lose their legitimacy when they misuse their power for private interest. APC Nigeria (@APCNigeria) July 21, 2016 Corruption may also result in negative consequences such as political instability, reducing the transparency of political decision making APC Nigeria (@APCNigeria) July 21, 2016 How it affects the people Impact of corruption is often manifested through political intolerance, problems of accountability and transparency to the public, etc. APC Nigeria (@APCNigeria) July 21, 2016 How corruption affects a country economically The economic effects of corruption can be categorized as minor and major. However, both in one way or the other have serious impact APC Nigeria (@APCNigeria) July 21, 2016 First and foremost, corruption leads to the depletion of national wealth APC Nigeria (@APCNigeria) July 21, 2016 Corruption is often responsible for increased costs of goods and services APC Nigeria (@APCNigeria) July 21, 2016 When corruption grows into a large scale Large scale corruption hurts the economy and impoverishes entire population. APC Nigeria (@APCNigeria) July 21, 2016 In Social sphere, corruption discourages people to work together for their common good. APC Nigeria (@APCNigeria) July 21, 2016 Frustration and general apathy among the public result in a weak civil society. APC Nigeria (@APCNigeria) July 21, 2016 Demanding and paying bribes becomes the tradition in a corrupt country APC Nigeria (@APCNigeria) July 21, 2016 The Zamfara State House of Assembly on Wednesday listed six impeachable offences committed by Governor Abdulaziz Yari. Chairman of the Assemblys Committee on Information, Mannir Gidan-Jaja, in a statement issued in Gusau, the state capital, accused the governor of misappropriating billions of naira from the state coffers. Gidan-Jaja listed the money allegedly misappropriated to include N11 billion bailout fund, N1 billion agricultural loan released to the state by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and corrupt abuse of local government funds. The assembly also accused Mr. Yari, who is Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, of failing to remit funds deducted for pensions and gratuities to pension fund administrators as provided by law. According to the statement, the governor had also ignored a resolution of the assembly not to appoint Murtala Jangebe as Chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board. It said that the assembly had passed a vote of no confidence in Jangebe, after he was allegedly found to have misappropriated over N1 billion belonging to the board in 2014. The lawmakers also accused the governor of incessant foreign trips, which they noted have had negative impact on the day-to-day running of government, apart from imposing financial burden on the state. The lawmakers condemned the arrest of the Speaker, his Deputy, Majority Whip and supporting staff of the assembly by the Department of States Security Services. The lawmakers described the arrest as a clear interference in the functions of the legislature as enshrined in the Constitution. The statement called on President Muhammadu Buhari to caution the DSS against further interference in the matter. We are also demanding the unconditional release of our principal officers who are currently under detention with the DSS in Abuja. (NAN) Google's intelligent cloud developer tools are expanding with the launch of a new Cloud Natural Language API on Wednesday. The service is aimed at helping developers create applications that understand human language. It's an important move for Google, as public cloud providers are racing to host new applications built with intelligent capabilities. Natural language processing allows developers to build apps that can tackle the challenging task of understanding how humans communicate, and it is key for things like building intelligent assistants and chatbots. This API can provide a bunch of information about a block of text back to an application, including the overall sentiment of a passage and an analysis of the structure of a sentence. The system can also identify entities mentioned, including people, organizations, locations, events, and products. The API is based on the same research that Google used to create Parsey McParseface, an open source parser for English text that the company released earlier this year. The natural language API entered public beta alongside Google's already-announced Speech API, which lets applications take in recorded voice clips and get text back. By connecting the two APIs, it's possible for developers to build an app that can listen to a user's voice and then understand what that person is saying. By launching these two services in beta, Google continues its competition against the likes of Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM, which are also launching intelligent capabilities in their public cloud platforms. On top of all that, Google also launched one of its cloud platform regions in Oregon, a significant expansion of the company's public cloud capabilities. At first, customers will be able to use the company's Compute Engine, Cloud Storage, and Container Engine services, with more capabilities coming later. Users in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles will see a 30 to 80 percent reduction in latency when using applications hosted in the US-West1 region compared to those hosted at Google's US-Central region in Iowa, the company said. It's all part of Google's continuing push to increase its relevance in the rough-and-tumble public cloud market, where it faces fierce competition. Its Five OClock Somewhere Stock Market (and Sentiment Results) HedgeFundTips.com - 1 hour ago While the Hang Seng plummeted, U.S. equities rallied and we wound up +1.5% on the day. How the hell that happened, Ill never understand, but its far different from the outcome I expected coming... RFD-TV Interview: Grain and Livestock Markets Blue Line Futures - Thu Oct 27, 5:19PM CDT Will the South American weather be the catalyst, or will the US Dollar take the cake? Oliver Sloup, Vice President of Blue Line Futures, explains the grain markets to RFD TV. Hogs Fall Triple Digits on Thursday Barchart - Thu Oct 27, 4:48PM CDT Front month lean hog futures worked lower on Thursday with Dec futures getting within 20c of a limit drop on the days low. Dec hogs ultimately closed down by $3.37, with $0.87 to $2.85 losses in the... HEZ22 : 85.125s (-3.81%) HEJ23 : 92.125s (-2.18%) KMZ22 : 95.775s (-0.98%) Cotton Weakens Triple Digits Barchart - Thu Oct 27, 4:48PM CDT Cotton futures closed off their lows by ~20 points, but were still down by 142 to 271 at the bell. The ($DXY) was higher on Thursday after a GDP growth of 2.6% for Q3. Cotton export sales were 68,437... $DXY : 110.41 (-0.13%) CTZ22 : 74.88 (-0.31%) CTH23 : 74.58 (-0.31%) CTK23 : 74.46 (-0.09%) Wheats End Red on Thursday Barchart - Thu Oct 27, 4:48PM CDT The KC HRW futures market pulled back on Thursday and closed with 5 1/2 to 8 3/4 cent losses despite improved export sales. CBT futures ended the day firmer with losses limited to 2 cents in the front... ZWZ22 : 834-4 (-0.48%) ZWH23 : 853-6 (-0.50%) ZWPAES.CM : 7.7193 (-0.26%) KEZ22 : 927-0 (-0.56%) KEPAWS.CM : 8.9049 (-0.94%) MWZ22 : 948-0 (-0.26%) Cattle Close Red on Thursday Barchart - Thu Oct 27, 4:48PM CDT The ($DXY) strengthened on Thursday after a positive GDP growth reported at 2.6% for Q3. Cattle futures spent the day in a tighter $0.95 range, but ultimately settled with 5 to 32 cent losses. December... $DXY : 110.41 (-0.13%) LEV22 : 151.400s (-0.03%) LEZ22 : 153.425s (-0.10%) LEG23 : 156.850s (-0.11%) GFV22 : 175.975s (-0.26%) GFX22 : 178.125s (-0.39%) Fractionally Indifferent Soybean Trade Barchart - Thu Oct 27, 4:48PM CDT The soybean futures market stayed in a 16c/bu range (Jan), from -4c to +12c, but ultimately settled with a fractionally mixed board. New crop prices were weaker on the day. Meal futures rallied on Thursday,... ZSX22 : 1387-6 (+0.40%) ZSPAUS.CM : 13.4145 (+0.29%) ZSF23 : 1397-4 (+0.29%) ZSH23 : 1406-2 (+0.30%) Corn Weakens on Thursday Barchart - Thu Oct 27, 4:48PM CDT Corn futures fell by 1 3/4 to 3 cents in the front months on Thursday. The Fed announced real GDP grew by 2.6% in Q3, and the ($DXY) recovered rallying back to $110.453. The weekly Export Sales report... $DXY : 110.41 (-0.13%) ZCZ22 : 680-4 (-0.26%) ZCPAUS.CM : 6.7296 (-0.47%) ZCH23 : 686-2 (-0.22%) ZCK23 : 685-0 (-0.29%) Ukraine on Thursday increased the daily application for imports of natural gas from Slovakia from 12.9 million to 18.2 million cubic meters, according to data from the Slovakian gas operator Eustream. In June and on July 1 through July 14 imports of gas from Slovakia amounted to around 500,000 cubic meters, on July 15 2.1 million cubic meters, on July 16 and July 17 8.8 million cubic meters, on July 18 7.8 million cubic meters, on July 19 11.8 million cubic meters, and on July 20 12.9 million cubic meters Naftogaz Ukraine has bought up most of the outbound transport capacity on the Vojany-Uzhgorod gas pipeline from Eustream until 2019 for supplies of natural gas along the route from the European gas market to Ukraine. Ukraine can import around 40 million cubic meters of gas from Slovakia to Ukraine. Invention-based innovations hold enormous potential to improve people's lives, create new jobs and industries, and provide the spark that propels economic development. Economist Joseph Schumpeter, writing in the early 20th century, saw invention as a crucial first step in a process of innovation that disrupts the economic status quo and drives development. Unfortunately, inventors face numerous barriers in bringing their ideas to fruition. For young inventors, often finishing their educations or starting new enterprises, the challenges are even greater. Lemelson Foundation recognizes these obstacles, but believes fervently in the power of invention and its transformative potential. That's why the funder, based in Portland, Oregon, makes invention the focal point of its funding, which extends to programs in the United States and abroad. We've written about Lemelson before, and like to check in now and again on this foundation, which occupies a unique niche in the philanthrosphere. Inventions may be an obvious driver of prosperity and progress, but we don't see a lot of funders explicitly focused in this area. A fewlike the Kauffman Foundationsupport entrepreneurs, many of whom have invented new products and services. But Lemelson is unusually laser-focused on the inventors and the process of invention. The way it's bored into this critical but uncrowded space is a good example of a funder with a high-leverage strategy. To help nurture a new generation of future American inventors and innovators, Lemelson recently awarded a two-year grant of just under $500,000 to Boston-based Citizen Schools. This national nonprofit strives to enrich middle school education through expanded learning time programs held after the regular school day. Citizen Schools has programs in middle schools across seven states: California, Texas, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York. But Citizen Schools does not operate your typical after-school program. Sure, there's the usual dose of academic support, designed to help middle schoolers improve their grades and test scores, but there's another component, one aimed at sparking the kind of critical thought and creativity that gives rise to the transformative inventions that change millions of lives. A key element of Citizen Schools' approach to after school programs is its apprenticeship component, which turns students into young scientists, engineers, lawyers, business owners, artists, and others by pairing them with successful adults in these fields who serve as volunteer teachers in the program. Funding from Americorps supports the work of these volunteer teachers, known as Teaching Fellows. Citizen Schools' Teaching Fellows bring their expertise to life for students over a period of 10 weeks, after which each student gives a "WOW! moment," a public presentation of what he or she learned over the course of those 10 weeks. This could involve developing a robot, producing a film, developing a computer program, or many other projects and activities designed to showcase what students learned through this apprenticeship. The apprenticeship component of Citizen Schools aligns nicely with Lemelson's funding priorities, which emphasize invention and innovation. This is the organization's second grant from Lemelson, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2015. Citizen Schools' model also reflects many of the characteristics of good after-school programs, as described by Columbia University psychologists Jeanne Brooks-Gunn and Jodie Roth, who emphasize that the best programs approach students as resources to develop rather than as problems to be managed. Characteristics of the best after-school programs include helping students develop positive relationships with adults, building on their strengths rather than focusing on weaknesses, giving challenges to which students can rise, and providing enriching activities in which students can participate. Citizen Schools incorporates all of these characteristics, especially through the apprenticeship element of its model. A growing number of funders have a shown support for the Citizen Schools approach. In addition to Lemelson, the organization's supporters include the Schusterman, Wallace, Gates, and Ford foundations, as well as Carnegie Corporation, Biogen Foundation, Cisco, and Fidelity. Many funders are interested in after-school programs and other extended learning opportunities for K-12 students. A large number of such programs exist, and there are multiple models and methods good and bad for doing extended learning. There is a growing understanding of what effective extended learning looks like, and Citizen Schools appears to have found a winning approach. Lemelson, meanwhile, has found a way to parlay its focus on invention and innovation into a program with enormous long-term potential. Related: Check Out What Lemelson Is Doing to Support Inventors in East Africa Christopher Stone, President of the Open Society Foundations Its been a bumpy ride at the Open Society Foundations over the past few years. When George Soros hired Chris Stone in 2012 to lead OSF, he asked him to bring more order and cohesion to a far-flung philanthropic operation known for its creative chaos. Stone set to work. As he told me last year, his goal was to create a more professional foundation that is working with a meaningful budget designed to advance a meaningful strategy that is clear and expressed, which the board had a meaningful role in shaping. Those may sound like pedestrian goals, but they were a big deal for a foundation that felt more like an archipelago than an island, with offices in 37 countries and famously fragmented lines of authority. Even consolidating OSFs global spendingwhich is over $900 million a yearinto a single budget was a daunting task. As is often the case when organizations go through big changes, Stones reforms brought a fair degree of disruption and unhappiness, with some staff feeling jerked around by the process. Thats part of the context of a vote yesterday by OSF employees in New York City and Baltimore to join a union, the Communications Workers of America. The votes were cast by all program officers and support staff, with the exception of those who work in HR or IT, with the final tally coming in at 109 to 80 in New York and 7 to 2 in Baltimore. Stone told me today that the unionization push channeled concerns "regarding the way the restructuring was handled, as well as other issues of workplace culture." In addition, he said, it reflected a broader view about the value of unions embraced by OSF staff. We're in a moment, he said, of "a renewed sense of the importance of unions and the rights of working people in areas where labor has not traditionally organized." This is the first time that employees of a private foundation have joined a union. The move raises interesting questions about the role of unions in philanthropy that have never surfaced before. Does collective bargaining for foundation staff make sense? Will this trend spread to other big foundations? And if it does, how will it affect how these institutions operate? Such questions arent entirely novel, since theres a long record of nonprofit staff unionizingin top orchestras, hospitals, social service providers, and advocacy groups like the ACLU. Still, the arrival of collective bargaining in foundations is new and different. This is where the real money and power lies in the nonprofit sector, generating a perennial debate about accountability. The upshot of that debate has been that those in command of foundations arent much accountable to anyone. And while unionizationif it ever does spread widely in foundationsseems unlikely to greatly alter that picture, the vote at OSF certainly introduces a new wrinkle into the accountability conversation. Its fitting that staff at Americas largest progressive foundation are leading the way here. In its grantmaking, OSF has long backed collective bargaining rights for workersboth in the United States and abroad. We believe in unions, Chris Stone told me earlier this month, and noted that many OSF staff felt that the foundation should practice what it preached in its own internal operations. The union drive at OSF really started percolating earlier this year, creating a tricky situation for Stone and the board. Its one thing to favor unionization of, say, the fast food industry with its low-wage business model. Its quite another to deal with union reps in contract negotiations within your own institutionespecially when its time to make major organizational changes, as most foundations do periodically. Stone told me that he tried to be scrupulously neutral as the unionization effort unfolded, and even supportive. He said he understood that the unionization push was not about OSF employees winning higher pay and benefits, but about issues that often matter far more to white-collar workershaving a greater say in organizational decisions that affect their jobs and lives. These same themes, it should be noted, have often been the key drivers of nonprofit union activity. Staff at nonprofits tend to understand that theres not a lot of extra cash floating around for pay hikes, but may see collective bargaining as a way to bring greater democracy to the workplace. The big question is whether more workplace democracy is really a good idea in foundations. A fear is that it could limit the nimbleness of these institutions. Its crucial for foundations to be able to change direction and reorganize themselves as circumstances evolveas well as to streamline themselves in ways that free up more resources to advance their missions. If collective bargaining makes that harder, it could undermine the impact of foundations. Foundations have long drawn criticism for growing too bureaucratic and self-satisfied, elevating the prerogatives of staff above the needs of grantees and losing the sense of urgency needed to advance change. Also, as any foundation president can attest, making big changes at these organizations is no easy thing as it stands. The overarching problem, of course, is that foundations arent beholden to any clear bottom line or to outside constituencies who can force steps to boost their effectiveness. These institutions are uniquely at risk of being captured by self-interested inside players and drifting alonga mediocrity marked by middling performance and excessive overhead. Its worth noting that these dangers initially made George Soros hostile to the idea of creating a permanent foundation. Up until 2005, Soros planned to spend down his fortuneonly to give up on that idea as his wealth piled higher, and as he came to see the need to provide ongoing support to open society advocates worldwide. But Im guessing that Soros still harbors fears about how foundations can drift toward ossification. Its hard to know whether the unionization of foundation staff would exacerbate such tendencies, but the risk seems real. Yes, collective bargaining could impose more accountability of a kindfinallyon those who lead big foundations, though maybe not in a good way. A common critique of unions is that they sometimes put the short-term interests of their members above the long-term imperative of institutions to make bold changes in the face of new challenges. The damaging role of unions in orchestras comes to mind, with some of these nonprofits facing near-fatal constraints on their ability to adapt to threats facing classical music. But Im getting ahead of the story. So far, were just talking about the U.S. arm of the Open Society Foundations voting to join CWA, and its too early to say how that will affect the foundations day-to-day operations, much less its effectiveness. Stone says that "the last few months have given rise to important conversations about the kind of workplace we want to have and the union drive played an important role in that." And he added, "we look forward to developing a collaborative relationship with CWA, one that will help us be even more effective at advancing open society principles and values." As for whether staff at other foundations will be tempted to follow suit, stayed tuned. I'll be writing more about this story in the next day or two to further unpack the issues at play and reactions in the philanthrosphere. If anyone wants to chime in with thoughts, my email is davidc@insidephilanthropy.com. Related: Philanthropy vs. Tyranny: Inside the Open Society Foundations' Biggest Battle Yet Tommy Pierce, owner of A+ Storage of Tennessee LLC, is seeking final site-plan approval to build a mixed-use project in Bellevue, Tenn., that will include self-storage. A+ Storage Old Hickory in Bellevue will be the companys first development in West Nashville, according to the source. Plans for the 7-acre site at 497 and 501 Old Hickory Blvd., which Pierce owns, include four buildings and 100,000 square feet of storage space. Pierce may sell two 1-acre lots that front Old Hickory Boulevard to retail or mixed-use developers or develop them himself, the source reported. We love what's going on in Bellevue. With the growth [moving] west and complete renovation of the Bellevue Mall area, it is really exciting, Pierce said. Construction will begin as soon as the site plan is approved and building permits are obtained, the source reported. The $7 million project is expected to be complete in spring 2017. Founded in 2003, A+ Storage operates seven facilities in Fortress, La Vergne, Mt. Juliet/Providence, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Nolensville and Spring Hill/Columbia, Tenn. In 2014, the company sold five facilities for $33.6 million. The properties were in Clarksville, Franklin, Gallatin, Hendersonville and Hermitage, Tenn. Two A+ Storage employeessenior vice president of operations Stephanie Tharpe and property manager Ashley Dawnpresented seminars this year at the Inside Self-Storage World Expo in Las Vegas, April 25-28. Tharpe spoke on Conquering Self-Storage Job Burnout, while Dawn addressed The Facts of Self-Storage Life: Things You Need to Know About Being a Facility Manager. Copies of both presentations are available for purchase at www.insideselfstoragestore.com. Minneapolis officials are considering a rezoning request that would allow property owner Adam Mackie to convert a nearly 90-year-old grain-silo building into self-storage. The triangular, 0.78-acre lot is currently zoned for residential uses, but Mackie wants to convert the ground floor into 33 storage units until he can pursue a mixed-used development that would also feature multi-family housing on the property and surrounding lots, according to the source. The planning commission voted 7-1 on Monday to recommend rezoning the property to light industrial with an industrial-living overlay district, which would allow industrial and residential uses, the source reported. When Mackie purchased the abandoned grain-silo building last year for $23,000, he was the only bidder. The property at 3333 41st St. E. has a history of tax foreclosure. Although Mackie bought the structure with the intention to convert it to apartments, reusing the silos without major investment or public subsidies is difficult, according to city documents. Mackie has lost money on the property since hes owned it, the source reported. Raising the site may also not be an option. A county study indicates demolition and clearing would cost about $2 million, and the structure would have to be evaluated for historical significance before it could be torn down, according to the source. The self-storage project would enable Mackie to create some money to do maintenance, security and pay the taxes on this previously tax-forfeited property, Carol Lansing, an attorney with Faegre Baker Daniels LLP and representing Mackie, told the commission. The most likely long-term solution will be to assemble the rest of the parcels on that block, maybe do the housing component there and see if theres a feasible complementary reuse of the silos. Although commissioner Ryan Kronzer said he wanted to see a more detailed site plan before deciding on a recommendation, commissioner Sam Rockwell argued it would be more problematic for the city to leave the property vacant. The history of the site, with only one bidder and a history of tax foreclosure, makes me worried that were just going to head back down that route, Rockwell said during the meeting. Im not crazy about mini-storage right next to a train station, but I think some use is better than no use. Several multi-family developments are either being planned or underway in the surrounding area, the source reported. The zoning and planning committee is scheduled to discuss the rezoning request on Aug. 11. The city council is expected to vote on the issue on Aug. 19. Pegasus Group, a real estate investment and management company that owns and operates 51 self-storage facilities in 11 states under the Central Self-Storage brand, has acquired two Storage City properties in Antioch and Milpitas, Calif. The Bay Area facilities were purchased from an unidentified Norway-based self-storage company. Together, they comprise more than 111,000 net rentable square feet in more than 1,100 units, according to a press release from Performance Self Storage Group Inc. (PSSG), the real estate firm that brokered the sale. These assets offered a rare opportunity to purchase two institutional-quality self-storage properties in markets where storage properties rarely become available for sale, said Jason Allen, co-owner of PSSG. Once marketed for sale, we knew immediately these properties would command an extremely low cap rate and generate multiple offers. Both properties were about 95 percent occupied at the time of the sale, the release stated. Our self-storage industry has been flooded with qualified buyers looking to buy storage properties like these, said Carl Touhey, also a co-owner of PSSG. The lack of inventory has created a true sellers market, and demand for storage assets like these has never been higher. The seller operates self-storage facilities in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. PSSG offers self-storage brokerage services to owners and investors in California. The company has completed more than $620 million in sales transactions, according to the release. Based in Walnut Creek, Calif., and founded in 1988, Pegasus specializes in self-storage investments. Its portfolio is primarily comprised of facilities operated and managed under the Central Self-Storage brand name. It operates 19 facilities in California, including two in Antioch and one in Milpitas. The U.S. General Electric Corporation on July 21, 2016 signed letters of cooperation with Ukraine's Antonov State Enterprise and public joint-stock company Ukrzaliznytsia. "We sign two strategic and political documents on cooperation with GE at the Infrastructure Ministry. This decision is not accident: we were mulling the positions of all players on the global market for a long time. We understand that GE is number one company in the world in production of diesel locomotives," Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan said. He said that one document signed with Ukrzaliznytsia creates the legal base for further strategic cooperation in production of locomotives in Ukraine. "The second paper is important too. This is Antonov State Enterprise. We are one of few countries producing own planes. We believe that cooperation with GE in supplies of engines would bring our planes to the new quality level. We would be able to occupy the deserved niche in global airspace. I am sure that we have all chances for this. I hope that we will start implementing the projects in practice after signing this document. The world demands Antonov planes, but with high-quality European engines," the minister said. Ukrzaliznytsia Head Wojciech Balczun said that reformation of the company into public joint-stock company has been accelerated. "First, this is modernization of locomotives and wagons. Everyone knows that they require modernization. I am sure that thanks to cooperation with GE we will be able to accelerate these processes and build the economically viable rolling stock. We will hold negotiations on the modernization directions, including with other manufacturers," he said. GE Transportation Marketing Director Adem Saglik added that the company is ready to meet the challenge, as GE has a large experience of work all over the world with different clients. Ukraine will be no exception. "We think that taking into account the strategic location of the country and railway infrastructure, we have a large potential. We are glad to be part of reform in Ukraine not only from the point of goods supplies, but improvement of operation efficiency," he said. Antonov President Oleksandr Kotsiuba said that the signing of the memo is another confirmation of support of the aviation sector by the state. Officials understand that aircraft building is the sector of national importance. "We hope that our partnership will be mutually beneficial. We are waiting for better conditions to buy products," he said. @DumoulinDC @hondaindy @NASCAR #NASCAR Pintys Series @DumoulinLP Toronto (Ontario, Canada), July 17th, 2016 The weekend brought a much anticipated fourth place for the #47 WeatherTech Canada / Groupe Bellemare team. On the starting grid in seventh place, Louis-Philippe Dumoulin has quickly made his way to the top-five and was able to skillfully stand his ground through the last restart, ending up crossing the finish line just one step away from the podium on the Toronto Honda Indy road circuit. Its a relief for us to find ourselves in the top-five again! Everything was in place for us to finish strong and fight for a podium. The first restart put us in a delicate position between two opponents, but it all worked out in the end for us. Everything played out during the second neutralization. I knew it was possible to compete for the top-five, or even the podium. A fourth place brings us confidence in our 2016 plan. The team did an exceptional job and it paid off. Were only a few settings off from the WeatherTech Canada / Groupe Bellemare road circuit car being as competitive as it was in previous years, explains Louis-Philippe Dumoulin. The great rally against cancer continues What a show of generosity! The cause affects many people. The young and the old are touched by it, and both contribute in their own way to raise funds for the Quebec cancer foundation. Once again, this weekend, the fans have mobilized and covered the trunks of Jean-Francois and Louis-Philippe Dumoulins cars in signatures, raising another $800 (total so far: $1650). Come see us on Saturday July 23rd (Edmonton) and Wednesday July 27th (Saskatoon). The race will be broadcast on TSN (3/5) on Saturday, July 23 at 14:30 p.m. as well as on RDS on Friday, August 5th. Passion Performance Partnerships ABOUT PARTNERS WeatherTech Canada designs, develops and produces high quality, digitally custom fit automotive accessories; including FloorLiners, All-Weather Floor Mats, Cargo Liners, TechLiners and No-Drill Mudflaps. Engineers use the newest technology available to measure the geometric complexity of the vehicle ensuring a constantly perfect fit. WeatherTech Where Technology and All Weather Protection meet! www.weathertech.ca Groupe Bellemare: Competitive and dynamic, Thomas Bellemares innovative and growing family team is ready to take on any challenge. With support from senior members and a qualified team of managers, the third-generation Bellemares are reaching new heights. Built upon a solid past, the company moves forward with an exceptional team of experts and seeks a select group of clients. Our clients continue to benefit from our wide variety of services that target a large number of sectors. As a result, our visibility is constantly on the rise. Working with the Bellemare team has become a measure of success. Start off right by choosing a winning team! www.groupebellemare.com WEBSITES / ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Meet Louis-Philippe Dumoulin at www.weathertech.ca WeatherTech Canada: www.weathertech.ca/behindtech Groupe Bellemare: www.groupebellemare.com/ Honda Indy Toronto : www.hondaindytoronto.com Dumoulin Competition: www.dumoulincompetition.com NASCAR Pintys Series: http://hometracks.nascar.com/series/pintys-series Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dumoulincompetition Twitter: @DumoulinDC / @DumoulinLP / @jf_dumoulin Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/dumoulincompetition Media Contact : Jessica Menard, Ph.D., Les Equipes Caissie-Menard inc., medias@dumoulincompetition.com, 819 448-6514 (voicemail) Paul Corbeil, Certified Agent, PARAPHE sports-management, 819 696-2768 (voicemail) @PtboSpeedway Peterborough, ON (July 20, 2016)- In a perfect world, every race season at Canadas Toughest 1/3-Mile Paved Oval would just go on and on and on. Even though it seems like things just got underway, Peterborough Speedways 2016 campaign will reach its unofficial halfway point Saturday, July 23rd when Country 105 presents the Mid-Summer Bash. As the countdown continues to the 24th Annual Autumn Colours Classic, fans will be treated to an exciting night of action with the Jiffy Lube Mini Stock, Trent Lakes Complete Plumbing Renegade Truck, Paul Davis Systems Thunder Car, Earl Ireland Auto Sales Late Model and Ontario Modifieds Racing Series divisions. Track owner and promoter J.P. Josiasse says there is still plenty of great racing on the agenda. Weve had some outstanding shows that have kept the fans on the edge of their seats, said Josiasse. In 5 of the last 6 weekly events, there has been at least one feature race that has been run from start-to-finish without a caution flag. That type of performance offers the crowd some excellent racing throughout the pack and the outcome isnt usually decided until the field comes off the 4th turn in a charge toward the checkered flag. For the Mid-Summer Bash Saturday, July 23rd pit gates will open at 3:00, with the spectator grandstands unlocked at 5:00. The nights first qualifying heat will hit the tight, tricky bullring on Mount Pleasant Road, west of the Liftlock City at 6:00. Looking ahead at the schedule finds the Touring Chase for the Autumn Colours Classic with the OSCAAR Super Late Models, Modifieds, Midgets and Pro Midgets along with the home track 4Fun and Mini Stocks on the program for Saturday, July 30th. The annual appearance of the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Series also featuring the 4Fun, Mini Stock, Thunder Car and Ontario Modifieds Racing Series takes the stage Saturday, August 6th. Bullring Bullet Points: The Kids Bike Races that were delayed due to time constraints the night of the APC Pro Late Model event will be held during the intermission Saturday, July 23rd at the Mid-Summer Bash Full schedule details, along with up to the minute news and results are always available at www.peterboroughspeedway.com, by liking the track on Facebook or following it on Twitter. You can also download the free Peterborough Speedway app on your Smartphone. Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com, www.facebook.com/clarkemotorsports 613.968.6410 A federal appeals court said on Wednesday the U.S. government cannot seize a midtown Manhattan office tower originally built by the Shah of Iran, whose owners it claimed were fronts for the Iranian government. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals also said hundreds of victims of terrorist acts linked to Iran could not force the owners of 650 Fifth Avenue to pay unsatisfied money judgments they had won against that country, finding no proof that the owners and Iran were legally one and the same. Both decisions were written by Circuit Judge Richard Wesley for a unanimous three-judge panel, and totaled 145 pages. They overturned rulings by U.S. District Judge Katherine Forrest against the nonprofit Alavi Foundation, which promotes Islamic culture and the Persian language, and 650 Fifth Avenue Co, of which Alavi is a 60 percent owner. The owners had claimed they were given no chance to show why they should not be held liable. Iran was not a defendant in the lawsuits, which were returned to Forrests courtroom, including for a possible trial in the governments forfeiture case. We are very pleased, Daniel Ruzumna, a lawyer for the owners, said in an email. We look forward to vindicating our clients rights and interests at trial. Lawyers for the victims and the office of U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara in Manhattan did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The 36-story building in question is located near Rockefeller Center and St. Patricks Cathedral, and would likely fetch hundreds of millions of dollars in a sale. Money Laundering Charges In seeking the forfeiture of that building, several other properties and various bank accounts, authorities accused Alavi of engaging in money laundering that violated U.S. sanctions against Iran, and knowing that the buildings minority owner Assa Corp. was backed by state-controlled Bank Melli. But Wesley said Forrest failed to properly review evidence that demonstrated a genuine dispute as to whether Alavi knew of Bank Mellis control over Assa. He also said Forrest did not properly consider whether authorities had waited too long to seek a forfeiture, and that the judge was too quick to admit evidence they obtained by search warrant. In the victims case, Wesley said Forrest erred in finding that the buildings owners could under the federal Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act qualify as Iran itself, or be deemed its agents or instrumentalities. The appeals directed Forrest to examine whether the victims could seek to enforce their money judgments under another law, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act. The cases are In re: 650 Fifth Avenue and Related Properties, 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 14-2027; and Kirschenbaum et al v. 650 Fifth Avenue and Related Properties in the same court, No. 14-1963. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Richard Chang) Topics USA Claims Preliminary global economic losses reached US$98 billion during the first half of 2016, while global insured losses hit US$30 billion their highest levels since 2011, according to Impact Forecasting, Aon Benfields catastrophe model development team. These losses economic and insured were slightly below their 10-year averages of US$112 billion and US$31 billion, respectively, although they were slightly above the longer-term averages of US$84 billion and US$24 billion dating to the year 2000, said the report, titled Global Catastrophe Recap: First Half of 2016. The percentage of global economic losses covered by public and private insurers was 30 percent, slightly above the 10-year average of 28 percent due to the prevalence of U.S. losses where insurance penetration is higher, Impact Forecasting said. The report noted that the United States accounted for 47 percent of global insurance losses sustained by public and private insurance entities during the six-month period. From an economic loss perspective, earthquake was the costliest type of disaster during first half (US$34 billion), comprising 30 percent of the loss total, mainly attributable to two powerful earthquakes that struck Japans Kumamoto region on April 14 and April 16. From an insurance perspective, severe convective storm (SCS) was the costliest peril (US$12.3 billion), comprising 42 percent of the loss total, the report said. Most of the insurable losses from SCS resulted from major thunderstorm events in the United States that prompted widespread hail, damaging straight-line winds, and tornadoes. The U.S. state of Texas alone recorded roughly 55 percent of all insured SCS losses, the report said. Meanwhile, the report highlights that there were at least six individual billion-dollar global insured events (five of which were weather-related) during the first half of the year, and at least 22 separate billion-dollar economic loss events including at least 20 that were weather-related, led by the U.S. (nine events), APAC (seven events), Americas (three events), and EMEA (three events). The first half of 2016 ended up as the costliest on an economic and insured loss basis since 2011, said Steve Bowen, director within Aon Benfields Impact Forecasting team. The year has already been highlighted by a significant earthquake sequence in Japan, the Fort McMurray wildfire in Canada, flooding in Western Europe and a series of extensive hailstorms in the United States, he added. With the pending transition to La Nina during the second half of the year, there will be a heightened focus on the risk of flooding across parts of Asia and hurricane landfall in the Atlantic Ocean basin, Bowen affirmed. The financial toll of weather disasters during La Nina years has historically been among the costliest on record, and so we will wait to see whether this trend plays out in the coming months. Source: Aon Benfield/Impact Forecasting Related: Last years report: First Half-Year Economic, Insured Cat Losses Below Average: Impact Forecasting Topics Catastrophe USA Profit Loss Aon Earthquake Canadian pipeline operator Enbridge Inc. has agreed to pay $177 million in penalties and improved safety measures in a settlement with the U.S. government tied to one of the largest inland oil spills in U.S. history. The settlement, announced on July 20 by Enbridge, the U.S. Justice Department and the Environmental Protection Agency, resolves Clean Water Act violations stemming from the 2010 failure of Enbridges Line 6B near Marshall, Mich., which spilled some 20,000 barrels of oil into a branch of the Kalamazoo River. It also resolves a second spill that same year in Illinois and commits the company to spend at least $110 million to prevent future spills and improve operations on its pipeline system that extends through seven U.S. states in the Great Lakes region. Under the settlement, Enbridge Energy Partners, a U.S. subsidiary of Calgary-based Enbridge, will pay a $61 million fine related to the Marshall spill, plus a $1 million fine for a September 2010 spill of about 6,400 barrels of oil from a second pipeline in Romeoville, Illinois. Enbridge said it accepts the fines and measures required under the consent decree. Brad Shamla, Enbridge vice president of U.S. operations, said the settlement wont have a material impact on us from a financial perspective. The company estimated the total cost for cleanup to date at $1.2 billion. We have accepted the penalties and, in fact, already enacted many of the safety measures set out in the consent agreement, Shamla said on a conference call with reporters. Shamla added that the company has transformed its safety culture in the aftermath of the 2010 spills. Enbridge last year reached a $75 million settlement with Michigan requiring it to restore wetlands, compensate the state for money spent on the cleanup, and other measures. Under the new settlement, Enbridge must improve the maintenance and monitoring of its Lakehead pipeline system, and adopt measures to protect the communities and environment along the nearly 2,000 mile (3,200 km) pipeline. The company must also install leak-detection and monitoring systems to prevent future accidents, to be audited by a third party. The Justice Department said the agreement also resolves Enbridges liability under the Oil Pollution Act. It will pay more than $5.4 million in unreimbursed cleanup costs for the Marshall spill, as well as all future removal costs. This settlement will make the delivery of our nations energy resources safer and more environmentally responsible, Assistant Attorney General John Cruden of the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division said. Environmental groups said Enbridge got off lightly in the deal, and called for stronger penalties going forward. A $62 million penalty and promises to maintain pipelines as a penalty for the worst inland oil disaster in U.S. history is woefully insufficient, said Collin OMara, president of the National Wildlife Federation. (Reporting by Valerie Volcovici in Washington and Julie Gordon in Vancouver; Additional reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Will Dunham) Topics USA Energy Oil Gas Pollution The father and son who posted videos of drones firing a handgun and incinerating a Thanksgiving turkey with a flame-thrower can be questioned by aviation regulators, a U.S. judge ruled in a closely watched case that may determine the governments ability to oversee unmanned aircraft. The FAA is investigating whether the flights which became an internet phenomenon on YouTube may have violated aviation safety regulations. U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Meyer dismissed the arguments of Austin and Bret Haughwout, who maintained that the Federal Aviation Administration had no legal authority over the small drones because they arent aircraft and the agency has no right to question them. I do not agree, Meyer wrote in a decision issued on Monday. The judge said it is plausible to believe that the Haughwouts devices fall within the definition of an aircraft for the purposes of federal law. Whether the FAA will be able to successfully bring an enforcement case against the pair from Clinton, Connecticut, is a separate matter, the judge said. He laid out the eventual arguments in what may become a test case over the limits of the FAAs authority over drones. The FAA argues that it controls the airspace down to the ground for purposes of overseeing drones, but Meyer questioned whether that is legitimate. Authority Questioned No clause in the Constitution vests the federal government with a general police power over all of the air or all objects that leave the ground, he wrote. He stopped short of issuing an opinion on that, saying: This case does not yet require an answer to that question. The debate over where FAAs authority begins and ends holds enormous potential impact over the burgeoning drone industry, said Rebecca Byers MacPherson, a lawyer at Jones Day in Washington who formerly worked as an FAA attorney. The FAA has traditionally avoided regulating aircraft below 200 feet because airplanes and helicopters rarely fly that low except at airports, MacPherson said. Drones, which fly in those near-ground zones, have led the FAA to claim authority closer to the ground. Industry Impact How the courts eventually decide that question will impact numerous industries, such as railroads and utilities that may not want unmanned aircraft hovering over their property, as well as individuals like the Haughwouts or neighbors who may fear for their privacy, she said. Austin Haughwout, who had been a student at a local state college, created a sensation with his drone videos, first posting one last year of a quad-copter holding a black handgun apparently firing shots into a wooded area. It has been viewed more than 3.7 million times. Later last year, he posted a separate video entitled Roasting the Holiday Turkey showing a slightly larger drone holding a flame-thrower blasting a turkey on a spit. The Haughwouts attorney, Mario Cerame, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. Cerame has argued that the FAA is overreaching in its investigation. Youve got to stop for a second and think about whats the jurisdiction of the FAA, he told reporters after a July 6 hearing on the case in New Haven according to video posted by the Hartford Courant. What do they have power over? Do they have power over what people do in their backyards on their own property? No one is saying anyone was hurt here. The case is Huerta v. Haughwout, 16-cv-00358, U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut (New Haven). Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics USA Aviation Aerospace Stopping an earthquake before it starts? It sounds like a feat possible only for a superhero. But in Kansas and Oklahoma state policymakers are showing that insofar as humans are causing earthquakes, they can stop them, too. After restricting oil and natural gas operations in certain hotspots, Oklahoma is feeling an average of about two earthquakes a day, down from about six last summer, and Kansas is feeling about a quarter of the tremors it once did. Using a growing body of research, along with trial and error, scientists and state regulators are gradually getting closer to pinpointing the cause of the startling increase in earthquakes in the Central and Eastern U.S., and preventing them. The general cause, scientists have found, is not drilling, but what happens after, when operators dispose of wastewater that comes up naturally during the oil and gas extraction process. The operators inject the wastewater into disposal wells that go thousands of feet underground, which can increase fluid pressures and sometimes cause faults underneath or nearby to move. Since March 2015, Kansas and Oklahoma have placed new restrictions on how much wastewater each operator in certain areas can dispose of at a given time. To gather more data, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas are expanding their seismic monitoring systems this year, placing permanent stations across the states and moving temporary stations to new hotspots. And Oklahoma and Texas hired more staff or are contracting with scientists to study the geology of areas where earthquakes are occurring, the details of the quakes that happen, and the oil and gas activity that may be associated with them. About 7 million people across the Central and Eastern U.S. are now at risk of man-made shaking powerful enough to crack walls and rattle items off shelves, according to a one-year United States Geological Survey (USGS) forecast released in March. The report outlined the risk from man-made earthquakes for the first time, listing the states with the highest risk in order as Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Arkansas. The tension below ground brought rise to political tension, too. Many of the epicenters are in rural towns in conservative states, which generally shy away from government regulations. The oil industry regulators in Oklahoma and Texas are elected officials, with campaigns often funded in part by contributions from the industry, said Cliff Frohlich, a seismologist with the University of Texas at Austin who has studied man-made quakes in Texas. In Oklahoma, Republican Gov. Mary Fallin was at first hesitant to connect wastewater disposal with the quakes. Now, shes taking action. In January, she allotted $1.4 million in state emergency funds to the states regulators and scientists to increase the states monitoring and research. Like many other Oklahoma residents, I have felt my walls shake from earthquakes that have struck our state with increasing frequency over the past few years, Fallin wrote that month. Im committed to funding seismic research, bringing on line advanced technology and more staff to fully support our regulators as they take meaningful action on earthquakes. Where to Put the Water States in the Central U.S. really werent ready for earthquakes they didnt need to be. From 1973 to 2008, the region saw on average 24 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or larger each year, according to USGS. These are quakes that can cause minor damage or more. The USGS tallied 1,010 earthquakes in the region last year, a number that has increased steadily from 318 in 2009. Parts of the historically aseismic region, such as northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas, are now as seismically active as California. Every scientist working in the midcontinent of the U.S. is pretty confident that the vast majority of these earthquakes are induced, said Tandis Bidgoli, assistant scientist and geologist for the Kansas Geological Survey. Especially where you are having swarms of earthquakes. The spike corresponds with the drastic increase in oil and gas operators use of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking a technique in which water, sand and chemicals are pumped at high pressures underground, fracturing rock and freeing trapped oil and gas. Fracking has allowed operators to drill in new places and get much more from each site. While fracking itself is rarely the cause of quakes, it is one reason why there is so much more wastewater to dispose of, Bidgoli said. Injection wells have been safely used for wastewater disposal for decades, with permission from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has directed operators to bury the water thousands of feet below ground to avoid surface contamination. But now, the agency is looking for other options. In Oklahoma, Fallin created a group in December to study how the wastewater could be recycled or reused. Meanwhile, scientists are trying to pin down answers: Is the wastewater being buried too deep, or is there too much being buried, or are large amounts being buried too quickly? The regions most likely to see earthquakes associated with wastewater disposal are areas where there is more water naturally in the ground, such as in south-central Kansas, where extracting one barrel of oil means having to dispose of at least 16 barrels of wastewater, Bidgoli said. Changing Pressures States responses to the quakes have varied. But scientists and regulators say thats mostly a good thing, as the geology of each area varies. Since 2008, Arkansas, Colorado, Ohio and Texas have placed new restrictions on the disposal of wastewater in injection wells, although those havent affected operations as broadly as the new rules in Kansas and Oklahoma. Kansas was studying the issue in 2014 when a magnitude 4.8 earthquake hit southwest of Wichita. That day, Republican Gov. Sam Brownback announced the expansion of the states seismic monitoring system. In March 2015, the Kansas Corporation Commission, which regulates the industry, began limiting wastewater disposal in five zones and two counties. Since then, the state has felt fewer tremors. In the last six months of 2015, there were 39 quakes of magnitude 2.8 or larger, compared to 48 quakes during the last six months of 2014. In the first six months of 2016, only 11 were recorded by USGS. This is probably a result of the new restrictions and the slowdown in oil and gas production, said Rex Buchanan, interim director of the Kansas Geological Survey. The number of oil and gas wells drilled in the state declined almost 64 percent in a year, to 2,080 wells in 2015. Oklahoma was slower to make sweeping changes, although it first began regulating the wells in 2013. In spring 2015, the state took its first broad approach, asking all operators to prove they werent drilling too deep. But when quakes continued to increase, they decided that volume cutbacks were needed. In March, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission began restricting how much wastewater operators dispose of in about 600 of its 3,800 disposal wells, in certain hotspots. Since the regulations began, Oklahoma operators have drilled a million barrels fewer each day, a decrease driven by both the new rules and low oil and gas prices, said Jeremy Boak, a geologist and director of the Oklahoma Geological Survey. Oklahoma felt 619 earthquakes of a magnitude of 2.8 or higher from January through June, compared to 701 during the same time last year, according to USGS data. While state regulators in Kansas and Oklahoma have acknowledged a connection between earthquakes and wastewater injection, the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates the industry there, has not clearly done so. The state takes the issue seriously, said Ramona Nye, spokeswoman for the Texas commission. It put in place rules restricting use of disposal wells in areas of seismic activity, hired a seismologist, and gave staff the authority to set volumes and pressures on wells, and shut down a well if there is a correlation between it and a quake. And Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, signed a bill last year to spend $4.5 million on studying the issue. About 26 percent of the earthquakes of magnitude 3 or higher in the state since 1925 were almost certainly induced, according to a new study by Frohlich at the University of Texas at Austin and others. The funding, which was approved by the governor, will go toward installing 22 permanent stations and buying 36 portable seismometers to monitor seismic activity across the state, along with research run by the University of Texas at Austin. Regulators in Kansas and Oklahoma say oil and gas companies resisted the new rules at first, but the companies are now cooperative, even helpful, in providing information about their land and operations. This is mostly because the companies are a part of the communities they work in, said Steve Everley, spokesman for Energy in Depth, an advocacy branch of the industry-backed Independent Petroleum Association of America. At the end of the day, they just want the earthquakes to slow down and eventually stop, Everley said. If that means do this, or do that, they are willing to do that. Whats Next Despite the cooperation, Kim Hatfield, the president of Crawley Petroleum and a vice chairman of the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association, said policymakers should be cautious about imposing restrictions on the industry. The regulations in Oklahoma would have caused a major reduction in drilling and revenue if low energy prices hadnt reduced drilling, Hatfield said. Its important to understand what exactly is causing the quakes, he said, so when the price of oil recovers, the oil industry isnt stuck with ineffective or over burdensome regulations. If the exact cause is determined, he said, there may be ways to safely use disposal wells. Scientists are worried about what will happen when production picks up again. If the business becomes more profitable, more people in larger areas may be at risk of quakes, Bidgoli said. Other concerns, such as building codes and earthquake insurance, havent been a big part of the conversation yet, except for in Oklahoma. Two bills were introduced there earlier this year one that would prevent insurers from denying damage claims resulting from man-made quakes, the other to create a state-run insurance program. Both failed to pass. Boak said he isnt envious of policymakers. While scientists can go back and forth for decades on whats happening, he said, regulators have to make decisions about who to hold liable. Im very glad, as a geologist, I dont have to have the answer for that, he said. The article above originally appeared on Stateline, an initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts, pewtrusts.org/Stateline. Related: Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters USA Legislation Texas Energy Oil Gas Pollution Oklahoma Kansas Earthquake New requirements regarding the implementation of changes in workers compensation loss costs have been passed by the South Carolina Legislature, and the insurance department is reminding insurers to ensure they follow the new filing rules as loss cost increases will take effect Sept. 1. The South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI) approved a loss cost increase of 2.5 percent put forth by the National Council of Compensation Insurers (NCCI) for workers comp policies in the state as of Sept. 1, 2016. NCCI, South Carolinas workers comp insurance rating organization, files prospective loss costs with SCDOI for approval. Once approved, insurers writing workers comp in the state must adopt the new loss costs. Loss costs represent claims experience, which is a main driver of workers comp costs. Claims experience is measured by the number of workplace injuries and the average cost of injuries. The exact loss cost changes for South Carolina vary depending on the following classifications: In a July 6 bulletin from SCDOI Director Raymond Farmer, all insurers transacting workers comp insurance business in South Carolina were notified of the loss cost changes, as well as changes passed by the Legislature this year regarding new procedures for workers comp insurers filing loss cost adoptions or loss costs multipliers. Insurers writing workers comp in the state must now file their intent to adopt NCCIs filing within 60 days of the approval date of the new loss costs in accordance with the new law. Insurers must also now implement the latest NCCI loss costs within 120 days from the new loss cost effective date. SCDOI approved NCCIs South Carolina loss cost filing on June 21, giving insurers until Aug. 20 to make their filing to adopt the new loss costs and until Dec. 30, 2016 to implement the loss costs adoption. The new law, which amends the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina relating to rate filing requirements, also requires an insurer to file its multiplier for expenses, assessments, profit and contingencies within 60 days before using a new multiplier. The section relating to the filing requirements for rating organization members was also amended to establish that an insurer writing workers comp insurance may satisfy its filing obligation by becoming a member of or subscriber to a licensed rating organization. SCDOI recommended the legislative changes in its Workers Compensation Insurance Coverage: The State of the South Carolina Market report released in Dec. 2015, saying they would regulate the marketplace in a more efficient manner and codify the current regulatory practice. SCDOI has posted a timeline in under the Insurers section on its website to help insurers understand the deadlines of the new requirements, as well as information on the new procedures. It also directs insurers to how they can prepare and complete rate, rule and form filings, which are submitted via the State Electronic Rate Form Filing (SERFF) system. Filings must be submitted by insurer and by line of business. Farmer said the overall loss cost increase of 2.5 percent comes on the heels of the 1.9 percent increase in 2015, and he hopes that its not an indication of a trend towards future increases, despite some concerning factors. We have had higher medical costs here for the last several years that is the main reason for the increase, Farmer said. Medical costs, whether for individuals or group or workers comp continue to rise, so when you look at that and review, it isnt a surprise. SCDOI characterized the workers comp market as stable in its December 2015 report, with new carriers entering the marketplace continuously improving the availability of coverage. Rate levels for the states assigned risk plan, which is also administered by NCCI for employers who are unable to procure workers comp coverage in the voluntary market, were also approved to be raised by an overall 6 percent. The increase was in response to a revision request by NCCI for corrective action because of excessive losses within the assigned risk plan that jeopardized the ability of the plan to operate as a self-funded mechanism. South Carolina law requires the assigned risk plan be able to operate on a self-funded basis. Accordingly, rates may be adjusted to the assigned risk plan as necessary to ensure that it can continue to operate in such a manner. Topics Carriers Trends Legislation Workers' Compensation Profit Loss South Carolina Ukraine expects that the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at a meeting in August would make a positive decision regarding the resumption of financing of the credit program, Ukrainian Finance Minister Oleksandr Danyliuk has told reporters. He said that before the meeting Ukraine will be able to settle all technical issues left unsolved. "We have done many things I think that in August a meeting of the board will be held and the creative decision will be," Danyliuk said. The minister said that bills that have not been passed by parliament are not of large importance for resumption of the program, but the number of these bills is an alarm signal. The minister said that a delay with the decision from the IMF would not affect the hryvnia exchange rate. "I do not see any preconditions that the exchange rate could react somehow on it. The situation with reserves is stable," he said. As reported, the four-year EFF program for Ukraine totaling SDR 12.348 billion (about $17 billion at a current exchange rates), opened by the IMF in March 2015, originally foresaw quarterly revisions of the program, as well as the issue of four tranches to Kyiv in 2015, with another four in 2016. However, at present the country has received only the first tranche of funds for $5 billion and the second one worth $1.7 billion. The IMF supposed the allocation of funds in 2015 of another three tranches per SDR 1.18 billion each (about $ 1.63 billion) and a decrease in quarterly tranches to SDR 0.44 billion ($ 0,61 billion) in 2016-2018. At the same time, Ukraine was able to get only the first two tranches. Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin introduced Uber to West Virginia by hailing the states first ride. After an Uber trip from Capitol Market in Charleston to the state Capitol, Manchin and Tomblin announced Ubers launch in Charleston and Morgantown on Tuesday afternoon, with plans to expand. A law that took effect July 1 lets companies like Uber and Lyft offer rides in the state. West Virginia joined scores of states that allow the ride-booking, phone app-based services. Companies offering the services must comply with nondiscrimination laws. The law requires a Division of Motor Vehicles permit, car insurance, underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy, and driver background checks. Tom Hayes of Uber said hundreds of drivers have already signed up. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Virginia An Idaho-based software company is being sued after it hired two former employees from another company. The lawsuit, brought by SS&C Technologies Inc. against Clearwater Analytics and former SS&C employee Bradley Rossa in Illinois state court, focuses on common and often contested areas of business law: What information departing employees may take with them to the next job, and who they may contact after leaving. SS&C, which is based in Connecticut, has also filed a similar lawsuit against another former employee, Richard Pullara, in federal court in Connecticut. The number of trade-secret lawsuits filed in federal courts has increased dramatically in recent years, doubling about every decade. State courts have also seen a rapid increase in the number of such lawsuits. That trend is likely to continue, said Annemarie Bridy, a University of Idaho law professor and expert in intellectual property and technology law. Information is very valuable, and as more and more of the value in our economy is attributable to information and intellectual property, you would expect the control of that information to become more and more contested, Bridy said. In the two lawsuits, SS&C contends that the former employees emailed or made digital copies of confidential customer and product documents before they left work at SS&Cs Chicago office, and that they used or intended to use the information at their new jobs at Clearwater Analytics in Boise. SS&C also contends that Pullara, who left the company in 2012, violated a non-solicitation contract when he recruited or tried to recruit other SS&C employees to join the Boise company. Finally, SS&C contends that Clearwater knew Rossa had proprietary information from his former company, and thus violated trade-secret laws and illegally interfered with Rossas non-disclosure contract by hiring him. Brian Sieve, the attorney representing Clearwater Analytics and the former SS&C employees in both cases, did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press. However, Clearwater has denied any wrongdoing in court documents filed in response to the lawsuits. Patrick Pedonti, SS&Cs chief financial officer, said his company will vigorously enforce our rights. It is hard to control what employees take when they leave, but they clearly have an obligation not to use that information, especially with competitors. Thats why we have agreements with employees that they cant take confidential information or trade secrets, Pedonti said. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Atlanta, GA, July 21, 2016 Timothy Furber, CPCU has joined Breckenridge Insurance Services wholesale brokerage division as a senior vice president, broker in the Portland, Maine area office. Prior to Breckenridge, Furber was at Swett & Crawford for 17 years, most recently as an underwriting manager. Tims experienced underwriting perspective is a great addition to our team, stated Robert Matamoros, executive vice president of the brokerage division. With his drive, there is no doubt he will expand our reach and deliver best-in-class products and services to our retail insurance agent partners, he added. Furber specializes in underwriting property and casualty risks and has an established presence in the New York and New England regions. He will continue the expansion of the Breckenridge brokerage team in the northeast and additionally serve in a contract binding role. In addition to Swett & Crawford, Furber was a property and casualty underwriter for Worcester Insurance and served as a workers compensation specialist for Occupational Health Underwriters. He started his insurance career at Liberty Mutual after graduating from the University of Maine with a marketing and finance degree in Business Administration. Furber can be reached at tfurber@breckis.com or 207-808-4944. About Breckenridge Insurance Services: Breckenridge Insurance Services is a national wholesale commercial insurance brokerage firm with more than three decades of experience in supporting agents and their clients. Focused on building long-term partnerships, the experienced brokerage group offers consultative services and quality carrier relationships and binding authorities for a variety of standard and hard-to-place specialty coverages. Breckenridge Insurance Services has eight offices across the United States and continues to strategically expand its team and presence to serve diverse markets with top-rated domestic and international carrier partners. About Breckenridge Insurance Group: Breckenridge Insurance Group, headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., is an international specialty wholesale insurance broker, program manager, managing general agent (MGA) and insurance services provider. The company offers access to diverse range of commercial insurance and financial services products to businesses and professional services firms in a variety of industries. The company serves independent insurance agents, brokers and legal and financial institutions throughout North America by way of Blue River Underwriters, OSC, Breckenridge Insurance Services, Breckenridge Elevation Authorities contract binding group and InSpecialty innovative insurance solutions. For more information, please visit www.breckgrp.com or call 630.945.3878. CA Insurance License #0G13592 Media Contact: Caren Henry chenry@breckgrp.com 267.961.8252 Topics Agencies Underwriting India is one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world. It harbours enormous opportunities for domestic and foreign investments because of its highly skilled manpower, huge domestic market and natural resources. Foreign investors have found India to be a very attractive investment destination, leading to enormous growth in the economy. Significant and expanding cross-border trade has led to the Indian government increasing its efforts in providing an investor friendly tax regime, without losing major revenue. As a result, India has signed agreements with a large number of countries for the avoidance of double taxation (DTAs). Besides preventing income from being taxed twice, the treaties also promote trade and commerce. However, in certain cases, effective DTAs have also resulted in double non-taxation. This has led to a large number of investors routing their investments through jurisdictions that have a favourable DTA with India, such as Mauritius, Singapore, and to a certain extent, the Netherlands and Cyprus. While the DTA provisions allowed investments to be steered into India from a tax efficient intermediate jurisdiction, the issue has also led to an increased amount of litigation because of treaty shopping, among other issues. Time and time again, the legislature made attempts to eliminate grey areas and doubts over the application of DTA provisions, while the judiciary made substantial developments with landmark judgments. An example of this is the case of the Union of India v Azadi Bachao Andolan (2003) 263 ITR 706 (SC). In this case, the Supreme Court of India (SC) said the Indian government had power under Section 90 of the Income-tax Act (IT Act) to enter into an agreement to avoid potential double taxation by demarcating the respective areas of each jurisdictions taxation even if no tax is presently levied in the other country. It also upheld the validity of Circular No. 789, which stated that the tax residency certificate issued by Mauritian tax authorities is enough proof of residency. In a step towards substance-based taxation, the Indian tax laws have undergone some significant changes that have inter alia directly impacted the conventional ways in which foreign investments are structured. To name a few, these changes include: The taxation of offshore indirect transfers of Indian assets; The notification of Cyprus as a non-cooperative jurisdiction (see below); The recent amendments to the India-Mauritius DTA and the consequential impact it has on the India-Singapore DTA; The introduction of the General Anti Avoidance Rules (GAAR); The change in corporate residency tests that are now based on the place of effective management of a foreign company; and The mandatory disclosures of foreign assets, including offshore trusts. Some of these changes are discussed below, followed by how the amendments are making some conventional structures outdated. Blacklisting Cyprus Cyprus was originally one of the preferred jurisdictions for routing investments into India. Its low tax regime for offshore and resident companies, as well as its identity protection for investors was highly sought after by institutions. However, Cyprus failed to share information on tax avoiders and the Indian government declared Cyprus as a non-cooperative jurisdiction in November 2013 and imposed a 30% withholding tax on any payment to a Cyprus entity by Indian residents effectively suspending the tax benefits otherwise available under the India-Cyprus DTA. A recent press release issued by the Indian Ministry of Finance said the notification may be withdrawn following negotiations between the two countries. The press release also stated that India and Cyprus may soon sign a revised DTA under which, among other changes, the capital gains will be taxable at source, rather than on a residence basis (the latter resulting in a double non-taxation of capital gains where a Cypriot resident sells shares of an Indian company). Amendment to India-Mauritius DTA Under theIndia-Mauritius DTA, capital gains were exempt from tax in India and could be taxed only in Mauritius. However, Mauritian tax laws meant capital gains were not taxable in Mauritius either. This double non-taxation made Mauritius a favourite jurisdiction for foreign investors to route their investments into India. Due to this provision, the government lost a substantial amount of tax revenue, resulting in India renegotiating some terms of the DTA with Mauritius. A protocol signed by the authorities on May 10 2016 plugged the double non-taxation loophole. Under the revised DTA, capital gains tax will be charged on the sale of shares of Indian companies from April 1 2017. However, the protocol provides a grandfathering period for investments made in Indian companies before April 1 2017. Impact on India-Singapore DTA Like the original India-Mauritius DTA, Indias DTA with Singapore provides a similar capital gains tax exemption on alienation of shares in an Indian company by a Singapore resident. The revised measures in the IndiaMauritius DTA will impact this exemption in the India-Singapore DTA. The protocol to the IndiaSingapore DTA provides that the said exemption will remain in force so long as the DTA between India and Mauritius provides exemption from capital gains tax in the source state in case the sale of shares of a company (for instance, in India when the shares of an Indian company are sold by a Mauritian resident). There is lack of clarity on aspects such as: a) Whether the protocol to the IndiaMauritius DTA would automatically result in the withdrawal of the exemption or would require re-negotiation of the IndiaSingapore tax treaty itself; b) Whether there would be any grandfathering provision; and c) Whether the exemption under the IndiaSingapore DTA would only be withdrawn for equity instruments and not for debt, among other instruments. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has confirmed that India will renegotiate the DTA with Singapore soon. Indirect transfer of assets The tax landscape of indirect asset transfers has also changed in recent years. In 2012, the Indian legislator introduced a provision to levy tax on capital gains earned by a non-residents transfer of shares or interest into a foreign company that derived substantial value from underlying Indian assets. The SC ruling in the Vodafone dispute case had been sought to be overruled by the retrospective amendment. In 2015, a number of important amendments were made to the criteria, including the definition of substantial value for taxing income attributable to Indian assets. The changes also introduced a reporting requirement for Indian entities. In June 2016, the government released rules relating to the method of computing the fair market value of Indian and global assets and other compliances. The underlying Indian entities, as part of their reporting obligation, must maintain extensive information regarding multi-level and multi-jurisdictional structures. Introduction of GAAR The Indian governments primary focus has been to revise its laws to eliminate double non-taxation and discourage illegitimate tax planning. As part of this plan, GAAR will enter into effect from the next financial year, commencing on April 1 2017. The rule will empower the Indian tax authorities to scrutinise investment structures and other transactions that have been made only to achieve a tax benefit and do not have any commercial substance. Hence, investments made in India through a third country may need to pass the test of GAAR before receiving a tax benefit under a DTA. The principle of substance over form Looking at the recent changes made by the Indian government in its taxation policies and the decisions made by the Indian judiciary, it is evident that the tax authorities will look into the commercial substance of an arrangement rather than the form. Tax authorities will scrutinise transactions and will deny tax benefits to any such transaction or arrangement that could be a tool to evade tax or that is lacking any commercial substance. Even in the amended India-Mauritius DTA, a Limitation of Benefits (LoB) clause has been introduced. The provision, which is similar to the LoB clause in the India-Singapore DTA, does not allow a shell company in Mauritius to be entitled to claim benefits of the reduced tax of half the applicable rate during the two year transition period between April 2017 and March 2019. POEM test India has adopted Place of Effective Management (POEM) as the basis for determining corporate residency of a foreign company. POEM means a place where key management and commercial decisions that are necessary for the conduct of business of an entity as a whole are made. Accordingly, a foreign company could be considered an Indian tax resident if its POEM is for the relevant year is considered to be in India. On December 23 2015, the government issued draft guiding principles for the determination of the POEM of a company (POEM Guidelines). These guidelines emphasise that: (a) The determination of POEM is based on all relevant facts related to the management and control of the company; (b) The POEM concept is one of substance over form; and (c) The POEM determination is an annual exercise, i.e. the POEM of a company is to be determined on a year to year basis. Once the POEM of a foreign company for a particular financial year is in India, its global income for that particular financial year is exposed to Indian taxation unless the applicable DTA resolves the tax residence of the taxpayer in favour of the other jurisdiction. These changes have led multinational enterprises and the investor community to re-think their methods for investing in India or divesting from their existing Indian investments. Traditional structures becoming outdated Given the more evolved tax law in India, below we briefly discuss some of the conventional structures for investing in India that may no longer be used. SPV structures that use an intermediary holding company in a tax friendly or tax neutral jurisdiction for routing investment to India would be exposed to a greater level of scrutiny under GAAR when the rule enters into effect. With the recent DTA amendments influencing the attractiveness of Cyprus, Mauritius and Singapore (for the time being), investors may have a limited choice in how they structure investments into India from the perspective of achieving a tax efficient exit. With the indirect transfer tax provisions being part of law, using an intermediary entity to indirectly transfer underlying Indian assets/ business would be subject to tax in India. Also, the Indian tax law has strict disclosure requirements on the Indian companies to disclose such offshore transactions. The obligations ensure the Indian tax authorities are aware of such offshore transactions. Tightening of disclosures of foreign assets, including offshore bank accounts and trusts, discourages the use of structures set up to accumulate the wealth of Indian residents outside India to avoid residence-based taxation, as well as those structures where Indian funds are routed back into India through structures, which are able to achieve a no tax outcome. Tougher disclosure rules also give the tax authorities more tools to track down such structures. Based on the POEM, a foreign company that has its intelligence in India would be considered to be an Indian resident. While POEM based taxation would be more relevant for outbound investment structures, it may potentially also impact fund structures where the fund managers or advisers are in India and are providing advice regarding the Indian investment market on which investment vehicles are being used to invest into the country. In such structures, factors such as independent decision making of the investment vehicle, substance in the investment vehicle in terms of its head and brain, location of the real decision makers and the nature of advice provided by the Indian teams, both on paper and in conduct, would be critical. Note that the POEM Guidelines do recognise the electronic/ virtual modes of attending meetings and thus, use of technology to flout rules may not be an option for taxpayers. ALL is not lost Given all these recent significant developments concerning taxation in India, the substance in structuring is going to be critical and that will be the biggest challenge in terms of structuring foreign investments into India in a tax efficient manner. This may require a change in mind set from the first step. The structuring exercise would need to consider and build a commercial and non-tax justification supported by the underlying documents and actual conduct. Investments made prior to April 1 2017 will be grandfathered from a GAAR perspective whereby taxability of income from the transfer of such investments will not be tested under GAAR. Similarly, April 1 2017 is a critical date for investments from Mauritius. The amendments to the India-Mauritius DTA only shuts the equity investment route as the capital gains arising from the sale of shares would no longer be exempt from Indian taxes. However, capital gains from the transfer of other capital assets situated in India, such as units, non-convertible debentures, debt securities, etc. will continue to enjoy exemption from capital gain taxes under the amended India-Mauritius DTA, but they may be susceptible to GAAR. Therefore, the debt route may still be tax efficient under the amended India-Mauritius DTA with a 7.5% withholding tax rate on interest arising to a Mauritian beneficial owner of such debt from India. Thus, going forward, Mauritius could be the most preferred jurisdiction for debt investments into India. Furthermore, based on this changed scenario, the Netherlands could be an interesting jurisdiction worth exploring for the purposes of investing into India. Under the India-Netherlands DTA, when a resident of the Netherlands transfers its investments in an Indian company to another foreign/non-resident buyer, its capital gains would be exempt from tax in India. Also, in relation to indirect transfer taxation, the transferors jurisdiction of tax residence and the applicable tax treaty with India are also relevant as there are several tax treaties under which there is a favourable provision in this regard whereby only the residence country gets the right to tax the transaction. Thus, all is not lost and there are structuring opportunities which could be considered while ensuring that the structures have adequate substance. Almost a year after the final guidelines were released, BEPS is changing the strategy of multinationals. Staff levels have increased and training has improved. It is becoming more common to find management, sales and marketing staff trained on tax and transfer pricing legislation so they can identify the potential risks businesses face. MNEs are reforming to be BEPS-compliant while minimising tax and transfer pricing risks worldwide. In-house counsel, private practice and advisers will have an opportunity to discuss the issues in New York on September 22 & 23. The 16th annual ITR Global Transfer Pricing Forum, held at the Ritz Carlton, will examine varying tax authority approaches; pitfalls for taxpayers; and OECD updates on further transfer pricing work. Discussions will revolve around BEPS documentation strategy and technology responses to BEPS; financial services; PE, supply chain and allocation of risk; an update on dispute resolution; and IP planning and profit split strategies. An overview of the conference and registration can be found here. Dozens of speakers will be featured, including Todd Wolosoff, Global Managing Partner - Transfer pricing, Deloitte; Bradley Shumaker , Tax Counsel, Transfer Pricing, Zimmer Biomet; Ognian Stoichkov, Director, Transfer Pricing, PepsiCo.; William Morris, Director - Global Tax Policy, GE; and Eduardo Goldszal , Finance Senior Director, NCR Corporation. Justice Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Petrenko has urged the Verkhovna Rada to pass a law on tightening criminal responsibility for illegal seizure of enterprises. The minister said now Ukraine has a very liberal procedure for re-registration of business entity heads which could lead to abuse and raiding. "The government together with the community will insist on adopting the "anti-raider law," which would foresee the abolition of this stupid rule, and the second thing is strengthening criminal responsibility for persons involved in seizure of enterprises," the minister said at a forum on the 100 days of the government in Kyiv. According to him, now responsibility for raiding is three years in prison. The government proposes equating responsibility for raiding with responsibility for corruption crimes, which provides for confiscation of property. What Is Standard Deviation? Standard deviation is a statistic that measures the dispersion of a dataset relative to its mean and is calculated as the square root of the variance. The standard deviation is calculated as the square root of variance by determining each data point's deviation relative to the mean. If the data points are further from the mean, there is a higher deviation within the data set; thus, the more spread out the data, the higher the standard deviation. Key Takeaways: Standard deviation measures the dispersion of a dataset relative to its mean. It is calculated as the square root of the variance. Standard deviation, in finance, is often used as a measure of a relative riskiness of an asset. A volatile stock has a high standard deviation, while the deviation of a stable blue-chip stock is usually rather low. As a downside, the standard deviation calculates all uncertainty as risk, even when its in the investor's favorsuch as above-average returns. 1:52 Standard Deviation Understanding Standard Deviation Standard deviation is a statistical measurement in finance that, when applied to the annual rate of return of an investment, sheds light on that investment's historical volatility. The greater the standard deviation of securities, the greater the variance between each price and the mean, which shows a larger price range. For example, a volatile stock has a high standard deviation, while the deviation of a stable blue-chip stock is usually rather low. Standard Deviation Formula Standard deviation is calculated by taking the square root of a value derived from comparing data points to a collective mean of a population. The formula is: Standard Deviation = i = 1 n ( x i x ) 2 n 1 where: x i = Value of the i t h point in the data set x = The mean value of the data set n = The number of data points in the data set \begin{aligned} &\text{Standard Deviation} = \sqrt{ \frac{\sum_{i=1}^{n}\left(x_i - \overline{x}\right)^2} {n-1} }\\ &\textbf{where:}\\ &x_i = \text{Value of the } i^{th} \text{ point in the data set}\\ &\overline{x}= \text{The mean value of the data set}\\ &n = \text{The number of data points in the data set} \end{aligned} Standard Deviation = n 1 i = 1 n ( x i x ) 2 where: x i = Value of the i t h point in the data set x = The mean value of the data set n = The number of data points in the data set Calculating Standard Deviation Standard deviation is calculated as follows: Calculate the mean of all data points. The mean is calculated by adding all the data points and dividing them by the number of data points. Calculate the variance for each data point. The variance for each data point is calculated by subtracting the mean from the value of the data point. Square the variance of each data point (from Step 2). Sum of squared variance values (from Step 3). Divide the sum of squared variance values (from Step 4) by the number of data points in the data set less 1. Take the square root of the quotient (from Step 5). Using Standard Deviation Standard deviation is an especially useful tool in investing and trading strategies as it helps measure market and security volatilityand predict performance trends. As it relates to investing, for example, an index fund is likely to have a low standard deviation versus its benchmark index, as the fund's goal is to replicate the index. On the other hand, one can expect aggressive growth funds to have a high standard deviation from relative stock indices, as their portfolio managers make aggressive bets to generate higher-than-average returns. A lower standard deviation isn't necessarily preferable. It all depends on the investments and the investor's willingness to assume risk. When dealing with the amount of deviation in their portfolios, investors should consider their tolerance for volatility and their overall investment objectives. More aggressive investors may be comfortable with an investment strategy that opts for vehicles with higher-than-average volatility, while more conservative investors may not. Standard deviation is one of the key fundamental risk measures that analysts, portfolio managers, advisors use. Investment firms report the standard deviation of their mutual funds and other products. A large dispersion shows how much the return on the fund is deviating from the expected normal returns. Because it is easy to understand, this statistic is regularly reported to the end clients and investors. Standard Deviation vs. Variance Variance is derived by taking the mean of the data points, subtracting the mean from each data point individually, squaring each of these results, and then taking another mean of these squares. Standard deviation is the square root of the variance. The variance helps determine the data's spread size when compared to the mean value. As the variance gets bigger, more variation in data values occurs, and there may be a larger gap between one data value and another. If the data values are all close together, the variance will be smaller. However, this is more difficult to grasp than the standard deviation because variances represent a squared result that may not be meaningfully expressed on the same graph as the original dataset. Standard deviations are usually easier to picture and apply. The standard deviation is expressed in the same unit of measurement as the data, which isn't necessarily the case with the variance. Using the standard deviation, statisticians may determine if the data has a normal curve or other mathematical relationship. If the data behaves in a normal curve, then 68% of the data points will fall within one standard deviation of the average, or mean, data point. Larger variances cause more data points to fall outside the standard deviation. Smaller variances result in more data that is close to average. The standard deviation is graphically depicted as a bell curve's width around the mean of a data set. The wider the curve's width, the larger a data set's standard deviation from the mean. Strengths of Standard Deviation Standard deviation is a commonly used measure of dispersion. Many analysts are probably more familiar with standard deviation than compared to other statistical calculations of data deviation. For this reason, the standard deviation is often used in a variety of situations from investing to actuaries. Standard deviation is all-inclusive of observations. Each data point is included in the analysis. Other measurements of deviation such as range only measure the most dispersed points without consideration for the points in between. Therefore, standard deviation is often considered a more robust, accurate measurement compared to other observations. The standard deviation of two data sets can be combined using a specific combined standard deviation formula. There is no similar formulas for other dispersion observation measurements in statistics. In addition, the standard deviation can be used in further algebraic computations unlike other means of observation. Limitations of Standard Deviation There are some downsides to consider when using standard deviation. The standard deviation does not actually measure how far a data point is from the mean. Instead, it compares the square of the differences, a subtle but notable difference from actual dispersion from the mean. Outliers have a heavier impact on standard deviation. This is especially true considering the difference from the mean is squared, resulting in an even larger quantity compared to other data points. Therefore, be mindful that standard observation naturally gives more weight to extreme values. Last, standard deviation can be difficult to manually calculate. As opposed to other measurements of dispersion such as range (the highest value less the lowest value), standard deviation requires several cumbersome steps and is more likely to incur computational errors compared to easier measurements. This hurdle can be circumnavigated through the use of a Bloomberg terminal. Consider leveraging Excel when calculating standard deviation. After entering your data, use the STDEV.S formula if your data set is numeric or the STDEVA when you want to include text or logical values. There are also several specific formulas to calculate the standard deviation for an entire population. Example of Standard Deviation Say we have the data points 5, 7, 3, and 7, which total 22. You would then divide 22 by the number of data points, in this case, fourresulting in a mean of 5.5. This leads to the following determinations: x = 5.5 and N = 4. The variance is determined by subtracting the mean's value from each data point, resulting in -0.5, 1.5, -2.5, and 1.5. Each of those values is then squared, resulting in 0.25, 2.25, 6.25, and 2.25. The square values are then added together, giving a total of 11, which is then divided by the value of N minus 1, which is 3, resulting in a variance of approximately 3.67. The square root of the variance is then calculated, which results in a standard deviation measure of approximately 1.915. Or consider shares of Apple (AAPL) for a period of five years. Historical returns for Apples stock were 12.49% for 2016, 48.45% for 2017, -5.39% for 2018, 88.98% for 2019 and, as of September, 60.91% for 2020. The average return over the five years was thus 41.09%. The value of each year's return less the mean were then -28.6%, 7.36% -46.48%, 47.89%, and 19.82%, respectively. All those values are then squared to yield 8.2%, 0.54%, 21.6%, 22.93%, and 3.93%. The sum of these values is 0.572. Divide that value by 4 (N minus 1) to get the variance (0.572/4) = 0.143. The square root of the variance is taken to obtain the standard deviation of 0.3781, or 37.81%. What Does a High Standard Deviation Mean? A large standard deviation indicates that there is a lot of variance in the observed data around the mean. This indicates that the data observed is quite spread out. A small or low standard deviation would indicate instead that much of the data observed is clustered tightly around the mean. What Does Standard Deviation Tell You? Standard deviation describes how dispersed a set of data is. It compares each data point to the mean of all data points, and standard deviation returns a calculated value that describes whether the data points are in close proximity or whether they are spread out. In a normal distribution, standard deviation tells you how far values are from the mean. How Do You Find the Standard Deviation Quickly? If you look at the distribution of some observed data visually, you can see if the shape is relatively skinny vs. fat. Fatter distributions have bigger standard deviations. Alternatively, Excel has built in standard deviation functions depending on the data set. How Do You Calculate Standard Deviation? Standard deviation is calculated as the square root of the variance. Alternatively, it is calculated by finding the mean of a data set, finding the difference of each data point to the mean, squaring the differences, adding them together, dividing by the number of points in the data set less 1, and finding the square root. What Is the Diamonds ETF? Diamonds is an informal term for an index-based exchange-traded fund (ETF) known as the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF. The Diamonds ETF trades on the NYSE Arca exchange under the ticker symbol DIA. The ETF's objective is to provide returns that mirror the price and yield performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). Key Takeaways The SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF is colloquially called the Diamond ETF, also known as the Dow Jones Diamond Index. Since its launch in 1998, the Diamond ETF has become popular among investors as a way of achieving approximately the same returns as owning the individual stocks in the underlying Dow Jones Industrial Average. Owning shares of Diamonds allows investors to attain the diversity of the DJIA with relatively low transaction fees. Understanding Diamonds Launched in 1998, the Dow Jones Diamonds Index is managed by State Street Global Advisors. Since its launch, it has become popular among investors as a way of achieving approximately the same returns as owning the individual stocks in the underlying Dow Jones Industrial Average. Investors can buy and sell shares of the ETF, just like with common stocks. The fund's holdings consist of the 30 blue-chip stocks in the DJIA, in the same price-weighted proportion as they appear in the DJIA, as well as some cash holdings. The Popularity of the Diamonds ETF Diamonds are a popular and generally well-regarded fund. Owning shares of Diamonds allows investors to attain the diversity of the DJIA with relatively low transaction fees. The fund is highly regarded for its relatively low gross expense ratio of 0.16%. Diamonds, like other ETFs, may offer some investors tax advantages over owning mutual funds. The fund's large size provides ample share liquidity, and investors can buy or sell shares any time the exchange is open. The ETF's high market capitalization and liquidity have spawned a variety of options chains from which traders can choose. The NYSE allows investors to trade Diamond shares using margin, as well as to short-sell Diamond shares. Diamonds ETF Statistics As of Sept. 10, 2020, the fund had total net assets of more than $22.65 billion, with nearly 81 million shares outstanding. The fund's weighted average market cap was about $326.8 billion, at a price-earnings ratio of about 22.25. The fund has a 10-year net asset value of 13.60%. Investing in Diamond Gemstones Diamonds as gemstones--not the ETF--are generally considered a poor investment vehicle, mainly due to the illiquidity of the market, a lack of price transparency, high transaction fees, and high risk related to quality assurance. Investors who want exposure to diamonds could reduce some of the risks by owning GEMS, an ETF that invests in the diamond and gemstone industry. Many wealthy individuals consider diamonds a good investment because they can buy high-priced stones with relatively low transaction costs, and they can enjoy the diamonds while their value grows, as with antiques or art. The title of world's richest person can change on any given day, depending on corporate share pricesbut as of late, that title has been held by Elon Musk. Famous for his business prowess, communication style, and role as a tech visionary, Musk has often been hailed as a genius. Musk is the CEO and co-founder of Tesla (TSLA), the electric vehicle company, and the CEO and lead designer of the aerospace company SpaceX. Elon Musk has generated his wealth primarily through companies that he founded, but part of his fortune also comes from passive investments. Keep reading to learn which of Musk's investments make it into the top five. Key Takeaways Musks best investments include PayPal, SpaceX, DeepMind Technologies, Tesla, and The Boring Company. Elon Musk is an engineer, industrial designer, and technology entrepreneur known for disrupting multiple industries. Musk often holds the distinction of being the world's richest person. Investopedia / Bailey Mariner 1. PayPal In 1999, Musk co-founded X.com, an online financial services and email payment company. A year later, X.com merged with Confinity, which in 2001 was renamed PayPal (PYPL). On Oct. 3, 2002, PayPal was purchased by eBay (EBAY) for $1.5 billion. At the time of the sale, Musk owned 7,109,989 shares of PayPal, which made him the largest shareholder with a stake of 11.7%. Musk no longer holds a stake in PayPal. He exited his position after the sale of the company and used his proceeds from the sale to fund investments such as SpaceX, Tesla, and SolarCity. 2. SpaceX In 2002, Musk founded Space Exploration Technologies Corp., commonly known as SpaceX. The company's founding mission is to revolutionize space technology, including by developing spacecraft that carries humans to Mars and other places in the solar system. NASA awarded SpaceX a lucrative contract in 2006. In 2008, SpaceX launched Falcon 1, the first private liquid-propellant rocket to reach orbit. In 2010, SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft reached the International Space Station (ISS). In 2012, granted SpaceX a second contract to help shuttle crew members between the ISS and Earth. Another contract with NASA was inked in 2021 for $2.9 billion, to transport astronauts aboard its Starship vehicles from lunar orbit to the surface of the moon. 3. DeepMind Technologies The artificial intelligence (AI) company DeepMind Technologies was launched in late 2010, with Musk as one of its key angel investors. In January 2014, Google announced that it had acquired the company for an undisclosed amount. $216 billion Elon Musks reported net worth, as of March 6, 2022 Musk is famously worried about AI overtaking humans and is reported to have invested in DeepMind not to make money but to stay abreast of how rapidly the technology behind AI is developing. DeepMind has focused much of its research on deep reinforcement learning, which is an AI technique that combines deep learningwhich is primarily for recognizing patternswith reinforcement learning. DeepMind developed this type of learning based on reward signals, such as a score in a game, and gave the technique its name in a 2013 white paper. Though developing deep reinforcement learning represented a breakthrough in AI, DeepMind hasnt yet found many successful commercial applications. Alphabet, Google's parent company, has applied the technique internally to reduce the power costs associated with cooling Googles servers at data centers. 4. Tesla Motors Musk was not a founding member of Tesla but led an early round of financing in 2004. In 2008, Musk went from being a board member of Tesla to its CEO, even while still serving as the CEO of SpaceX. On June 28, 2010, Tesla launched its initial public offering (IPO) on Nasdaq with shares of common stock initially available to the public at $17 per share. As of March 7 2022, shares of Tesla traded for more than $800. Teslas mission is to accelerate sustainable transportation by introducing mass-market electric cars to the public. In November 2017, Tesla announced the creation of fully electric tractor-trailer trucks, which were preordered by companies such as United Parcel Service (UPS) and PepsiCo. The companys electric vehicles include the Model S, the Model X, the Model 3, and the high-end Roadster supercar. As of Dec. 28, 2021, Elon Musk owned 177 million shares of Tesla, worth approximately $142.3 billion. Elon Musk remains the company's largest individual shareholder and has significant control over the company's long-term plan and operational goals. 5. The Boring Company Musk founded the infrastructure and tunnel construction company known as The Boring Company in 2017. The company was founded on the premise that traffic is awful but traveling above ground isnt necessarytraffic woes could be "solved" by using the miles and miles of earth beneath roadways. The companys goal is to reduce the cost of tunneling while also making production more efficient. In March 2019, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority approved a $48.6 million proposal from The Boring Company to build an underground tunnel, called the LVCC Loop, that would travel underneath the Las Vegas Convention Center and feature three stations and a pedestrian tunnel. In April 2021, The Boring Company officially opened the LVCC Loop. As of 2022, The Boring Company has completed additional projects in Hawthorne, Calif., and currently has another project underway in Las Vegas. Should You Invest Like Elon Musk? As the worlds richest person and founder of more than one company that has disrupted its respective industry, people around the world are interested in Elon Musk and how hes accumulated such a fortune. Few would deny that Musk is a talented entrepreneur, given the track record of his investments. Though you can choose to invest in one or more of Musk's companies, your investment and business decisions are personal choices that you should customize. What Companies Does Elon Musk Own? Musk is primarily known for his leadership of the electric vehicle company Tesla, although he co-founded and leads Tesla, SpaceX, the neurotechnology company Neuralink, and The Boring Company. The beer industry is made up of companies specializing in the production of beer, although many of them also produce other alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Some of the big names in the industry include Netherlands-based SABMiller International B.V.which is now part of fellow big name Belgium-based Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A./N.V. as well as Japan-based Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd. Demand for beer historically has remained stable throughout economic cycles. As a result, the beer industry is part of the much broader consumer staples sector. According to a report by Technavio, the beer industry in 2022 is seeing increasing demand for premium beers, which continue to drive market growth. The beer industry is expected to continue growing at a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.45% between 2020 and through 2025. Beer stocks, represented by the broad S&P 500 Consumer Staples Sector Index, have outperformed the broader market. The index has provided a total return of 1.8% over the past 12 months, above the -13.1% total return of the Russell 1000 Index. Note that the consumer staples sector is much broader than beer stocks as a category, so the sector's performance compared with beer stocks specifically may diverge. These market performance numbers and the statistics in the tables below are as of Sept. 15, 2022. Here are the top three beer stocks with the best value, the fastest growth, and the best performance. These are the beer stocks with the lowest 12-month trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio. Because profits can be returned to shareholders in the form of dividends and buybacks, a low P/E ratio shows that youre paying less for each dollar of profit generated. America's increasing reliance on 401(k) plans and other defined-contribution retirement accounts is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, because investors (and not pension managers) decide how the funds are invested, they have more control over the funds they'll need during their later years. But gone are the days when most investors could count on a predictable income stream from a defined-benefit pension once their career comes to an end. If the market takes a wrong turn at the wrong time, it could mean losing years of hard-earned savings. When it comes to long-term investing, a degree of cautiousness can be a virtue. Those who have planned for the next bear market before it arrives are in a better position to absorb the shock of a market downturn and maintain their current lifestyle. Here's what you can do now to protect your nest egg from the inevitable volatility of the market. Key Takeaways When markets become volatile as retirement nears, it can put a damper on years of otherwise diligent retirement planning and create extra anxiety. As you get older, your portfolios should shift to more conservative investments that can weather bear markets, and the amount of cash on hand should also grow. Even if you retire right on the cusp of a recession, be diligent with your withdrawal plan and do not let emotions cloud your judgment. If you withdraw retirement funds early (before age 59), you will be hit with a 10% penalty and may owe taxes due. 1:55 Protect Retirement Money From Market Volatility Maintain the Right Portfolio Mix The single most important thing you can do to mitigate risk is to diversify your portfolio. Some investors believe having their savings in a mutual fund means they're in good shape. Unfortunately, it's not quite that simple. There are two key types of diversification that every investor should employ. The first is asset allocation. That's the amount of each asset class you own, whether it be stocks, bonds, or cash equivalents, such as money market funds. As a general rule, you want to lessen your exposure to riskier holdings (e.g., small-cap stocks) as you get closer to retirement. These securities tend to be more volatile than high-grade bonds or money market funds, so they can put investors in a bigger hole when the economy goes south. Older adults, unlike younger workers, simply don't have enough time to wait for a recovery when stocks take a hit. That's why it's important to work with a financial advisor and determine the asset allocation that best fits your age and investment objectives. Because asset categories will grow or decline at different rates over time, it's a good idea to periodically rebalance your account to keep the allocation consistent. Say you own a portfolio with 55% of the holdings in stock and 45% in bonds. Suppose that stocks had a great year and, because of these gains, they now comprise 60% of your account. Rebalancing means selling some of the stocks and buying enough bonds to maintain your overall risk profile. Diversification Helps Having a portfolio with bond funds can counterbalance market volatility. At the same time, a sufficient amount of stock funds and investments in real estate and commodities can help preserve the principal and counterbalance inflation. This is known as diversifying across asset classes. Which asset class will come out on top in a given year varies. The other type of diversification happens within each asset category. If 60% of your portfolio is dedicated to stocks, look for a nice balance between large-cap and small-cap stocks and between growth and value funds. Most advisors suggest having some exposure to international funds as well, in part because it cushions the blow of a U.S. economic slump. Keep in mind that not all bonds are created equal. For example, the debt of companies with a low credit rating, known as junk bonds, is more closely correlated to stock market performance than high-grade bonds. Therefore, the latter is a better counterweight to the stocks in your account. The goal is to have a proper mix of assets that historically don't rise or fall at exactly the same time. Have Some Cash on Hand Those who are already retired have to maintain a delicate balancing act. To protect against outliving their assets, most financial planners suggest holding onto at least some stocks. At the same time, retirees need to be more cautious about their investments because they don't have the long time horizon that younger investors do. As a safeguard against economic slumps, some investment professionals suggest keeping up to five years' worth of expenses in cash or cash equivalents, such as short-term bonds, certificates of deposit, and Treasury bills. When you retire, most of your expenses should be relatively more stable. However, on occasion, a big expense can come along unexpectedly. When this happens, you cannot compensate for it by working more hours if you're retired. You will need to address these expenses by dipping into your savings. The last thing you want to do is to take money out of your investments when they have temporarily dropped due to market conditions. If you're worried that the rate of inflation will grow and eat away at your purchasing power, consider having some of your "cash equivalents" in the form of Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, or TIPS. While the interest rate on these securities is fixed, the par value increases with the Consumer Price Index. So if the rate of inflation hits 5% annually, your investment grows right along with it. If you can get a decent level of current income from a TIPS, the inflation adjustment component keeps the buying power of the principal intact. Remember, though, if you buy TIPS at a premium and we enter a period of deflation, future inflation adjustments could be negative. Retirement account portfolios should become progressively more conservative as time to retirement approaches. Younger savers can afford greater risk and have more aggressive holdings. Those closer to retirement should shift into fixed-income and cash in order to preserve assets and generate income. Be Disciplined About Withdrawals Simply put, the more money you have squirreled away, the better position you'll be in should a bear market arise. This may sound simple, but too many retirees overspend in retirement, which leads to poor investment decisions that are made out of desperation. The antidote is simple: use discipline in your spending habits. Most experts suggest withdrawing no more than 3% to 5% of your funds in year one of retirement to maintain a sustainable lifestyle. From there, you can adjust your annual withdrawal to keep pace with inflation. So if you determine that you can take out $2,000 a month in the first year and consumer prices rise 3% annually, your allotment would grow to $2,060 by year two. By planning your withdrawal allowance, you eliminate the need to liquidate a large sum of assets at fire-sale prices simply to pay the bills. Retirees' mistakes often come from taking out too much of their retirement assets early on and panicking when the markets are struggling, Make sure you have a solid plan and stick with it. If you are still saving for retirement, making an early withdrawal can be costly. If you are under age 59, qualified IRA and 401(k) accounts withdrawals will usually come with a 10% penalty, and you will probably need to pay taxes on all the contributions and gains that you have deferred. So, if you were to withdraw $100,000 early, you'd be hit with a $10,000 penalty as well as $25,000~$35,000 in taxes, depending on your income tax bracketmeaning you may only get 60%~70% of what you thought you were taking out. However, in March 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which allows retirement savers to withdraw up to $100,000 from accounts penalty-free if they have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Distributions must be taken by the end of 2020. What's more, to minimize the tax hit, reporting these distributions as income can be divided over three years. Don't Let Emotions Take Over If there's one tendency to avoid when saving for retirement, it's impulsiveness. When stocks take a plunge, it's tempting to try to cut your losses by selling shares. But most of the time, investors choose to act after the downturn is well underway. You're better off staying the course when things are rough. If you're rebalancing your nest egg on a regular basis, you may actually buy more stock when the market's down to keep your allocation in check. By purchasing at a lowor near the lowyou're poised to maximize profits when the market eventually rebounds. It's equally important to have a steady hand when the economy is humming along. If you're still saving for retirement, resist the urge to cut back when your 401(k) is exceeding expectations. The market will always have ups as well as downs. Those who are ahead of expectations prior to a bear market will invariably have an easier time handling the fallout. Many people think of risk as the size of the probability that something bad could happen. But, risk is the size of the probability that something unexpected might happen, and unexpected events are equally likely to be good. If you can survive the short-term effects of a downturn you can afford to take risks and should not fall for the notion that you should pay a high price to hedge it away. For instance, those who stayed fully invested (in equities) through the turbulent market of 2008-2009. are probably grateful that they did. Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Retirement Account Withdrawals? Usually, the answer is yes. For Traditional IRAs and 401(k) plans, you have a deferred tax liability, meaning that you funded the account with pre-tax dollars at the time and were able to take a tax deduction in that year. When you make withdrawals in retirement, therefore, you will be taxed at your current income tax rate. A Roth IRA, on the other hand, uses after-tax dollars and is then tax-exempt. What Happens If I Withdraw Money Early From a Retirement Account? Retirement accounts have limitations on withdrawals, which cannot be made until age 59 1/2. Early withdrawals are subject to a 10% penalty plus any taxes due. What Is the Maximum I Can Contribute to a Retirement Account? Retirement account contributions limits are often raised year by year. In 2022, the contribution limit for individual retirement accounts (IRAs) is $6,000 ($7,000 if you are age 50 or older). The maximum amount that an individual can contribute to a traditional 401(k) in 2022 is $20,500. Taxpayers who are 50 and over can make a catch-up contribution of $6,500 for a total of $27,000. The Bottom Line By its nature, the economy will always experience boom and bust cycles. Investors who take a disciplined approach and diversify their portfolios are almost always in a better position when the next bear market arises. Aviation Service will check validity of restrictions on work of Dnipro, Zaporizhia, Ivano-Frankivsk airports The State Aviation Service of Ukraine has demanded the international airports of Dnipro, Zaporizhia and Ivano-Frankivsk provide justification for the restrictions they imposed on accepting aircraft. According to the service, in particular, the matter concerns calculations to determine the capacity of airfields (the total number of take-off and landing operations) taking into account the restrictions on the intensity and take-off weight of aircraft for the airports of Dnipro and Ivano-Frankivsk. The Zaporizhia airport, in turn, is required to provide a plan to eliminate deficiencies in servicing passengers on domestic and international flights. "To accelerate providing equal conditions of airfield use for all airlines, information from the airports will be reviewed by August 10," the service said. Earlier mass media reported Turkish Airlines cannot operate flights to Ivano-Frankivsk and Dnipro because of the technical condition of runways in the airports of these cities, which caused certain restrictions on flights. Billy the Kid, one of Americas most infamous outlaws, may have acted as a translator for Irish immigrants. Chuck Usmar, a noted Billy the Kid expert, believes he has found evidence that proves the notorious criminal could speak Irish, a useful skill to have in the Wild West, it seems, as he helped other Irish immigrants make themselves understood. Billy the Kid is believed to have been born in an Irish neighborhood in New York City in 1859 to Irish immigrant Catherine (nee Devine) and her husband Patrick McCarty. While he was baptized as Patrick Henry McCarthy, Billy the Kid sometimes went by the pseudonym William H. Bonney. After the death of her husband, Catherine moved her and her young sons to Indianapolis, Indiana, where she met William Henry Harrison Antrim. Along with Antrim, the McCartys then moved to Kansas and later to New Mexico. There, Catherine married Antrim. However, shortly before Catherine died of tuberculosis in 1874, Antrim had abandoned the family, leaving Billy the Kid and his younger brother Joseph orphaned. At 16 years old, Billy the Kid was arrested for the first time, beginning his descent into criminality. He fled from town to town and earned the moniker Billy the Kid due to his short stature and his age. In the 1870s, still only in his teens or early 20s, he became the most notorious member of the Regulators, the outlaws organized to protect the cattle business of Englishman John Tunstall. The Kid also sold cattle for Irish man Pat Coghlan, who owned the Three Rivers Ranch in New Mexico. Coghlan was born in Co Cork in 1822, and by 1874, he had made his way to New Mexico, where he secured a government contract to sell beef to Fort Stanton. One of Coghlan's employees, Clark Hust, gave an interview in 1954 in which he recalled Coghlan's Irish niece Mary visiting the ranch. Usmar wrote in True West Magazine in 2015 that Mary "did not speak English, and thus she could communicate only with the Coghlansand Billy the Kid. "The Kid acted as a translator between the niece and the ranch hands, including Hust." Usmar says that newspaper reports from the time mention a niece of Coghlan's coming to visit and, in his will, Coghlan left the ranch to a nephew and two nieces, one of whom was named Mary. Coghlans niece certainly seems to have existed, but whether she is absolute proof that Billy the Kid was an Irish speaker is another story. Legend has it that Billy the Kid killed as many as 21 men, one for every year of his short life, although historians believe the actual figure was most likely between six and nine. McCarty is said to have killed for the first time when he was 17, although he could have been even younger as the exact year of his birth is uncertain. In 2010, Governor of New Mexico Bill Richardson seemed prepared to pardon Billy the Kid, but at the last moment opted not to. "It was a very close call," he said on his last day in office, December 31, 2010. "I've been working on this for eight years. The romanticism appealed to me to issue a pardon, but the facts and the evidence did not support it and I've got to be responsible especially when a governor is issuing pardons." More recently, the outlaw is the focus of "Billy the Kid" on EPIX in the US. The 2022 series is described as "an epic romantic adventure series based on the life of famous American outlaw Billy the Kid from his humble Irish roots, to his early days as a cowboy and gunslinger in the American frontier, to his pivotal role in the Lincoln County War and beyond." *Originally published in 2016, last updated in May 2022. IrishCentral History Love Irish history? Share your favorite stories with other history buffs in the IrishCentral History Facebook group. A three-man gang of burglars have been sentenced to a total of 14 and a half years in prison after a carrying out a terrifying seven-and-a-half hour crime spree targeting homes in rural Co Limerick, writes David Raleigh. Gardai tracked the gang down after the three men called to a house looking for a spanner to fix a flat tyre on a car they had earlier stolen to take them on their criminal odyssey". At Limerick Circuit Court, James O'Shea, 27, of Anthony's Lodge, Roo West, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare; Jeffrey Kelly, aged 26, Willow Grove, Old Cork Road, Limerick and 26-year-old Tony Kelly of O'Malley Park, Southill, Limerick all pleaded guilty to charges involving theft, burglary, criminal damage and the illegal taking of a car. The offences took place through the night of May 26, 2015 and into the early hours of May 27. All three members of the gang were on bail for other offences at the time. One couple, from Annacotty, who had 10,000 worth of property taken from their home as they slept, told the court the break-in had "traumatised" them. As well as stealing jewellery, alcohol, and over 800 in cash, the gang made off with wedding presents. The only item recovered from the burglary was a bottle of rum. In a victim impact statement previously read to the court, the couple said since the raid on their home, they lived in fear they would be robbed again. The woman said she refuses to stay alone in the house, if her husband is ever away. After the criminal trio were confronted by the woman's husband, they drove to a house at Crecora, Co Limerick and threatened a female occupant, telling her: "If ye call the guards ye will be lucky to have ye're house standing tonight." John O'Sullivan, prosecuting, said the "odyssey of crime" began when the gang stole a red coloured Seat car from outside a house at Sarsfield Court, Limerick city. The gang also burgled the owner's house stealing a laptop and other items. The gang swept across the Limerick countryside targeting houses in Anacotty, Croom, Crecora and Patrickswell. The crime spree ended near Croom around 8am when they were pursued by Garda Alison Carroll and Garda Catherine Mulchay before they were cornered in a farmer's cattle yard by Det. Garda Paul Crowley and Det. Garda John Keane. Gardai, who were on the lookout for the stolen car, had responded to a report of three suspicious looking men calling at a house looking for help to fix a flat tyre. The court heard all three accused had previous convictions for theft, burglary, arson, public order. After their arrest for the burglaries the gang could not be interviewed by detectives because they were so intoxicated. Judge Tom O'Donnell remarked Tony Kelly had "serious drug and alcohol issues", and that if didn't "clean up his act, he will kill himself through avenues if drugs and alcohol". He sentenced O'Shea, who the court heard "comes from a decent family", to four years in prison. Jeffrey Kelly was also sentenced to four years. Tony Kelly, who also pleaded guilty to separate charges of robbery and attempted robbery of two students, was sentenced to eight years with the final 18 months suspended. Judge O'Donnell said the men had gone on "an appalling expedition". "It smacks of the Wild West," the judge said. The leaders of the Collopy drug gang in Limerick met with a relative of Dublin drug lord George 'Penguin' Mitchell, five days before they were arrested packing heroin in a house, writes David Raleigh. Brian and Kieran Collopy, who were jailed for eight years yesterday, were under Garda surveillance at the time. The Limerick siblings met the Dublin drug dealer and another of his associates in Supermac's fast food outlet in Portlaoise on Thursday, December 10. "They discussed their business links," as one security source put it. An undercover garda managed to place themselves near the Collopys and their Dublin associates to overhear their plans. "This was the Thursday before they were caught. They met two hoods in Portlaoise about a drug deal," the source said. "They met a relative of George 'Penguin' Mitchell in Supermac's in Portlaoise. "The Collopys travelled up from Limerick and the other lads travelled over from Dublin." "Let's just say the meeting was monitored. It was under surveillance," the source added. On December 15, gardai forced their way into three interconnecting houses in the Collopy stronghold St Mary's Park and caught the brothers "red handed" packing nearly 40,000 worth of heroin. The Collopys first got involved in the illicit drug trade in the late 1990s just as the Limerick gang feud began to explode. The family, from St Mary's Park, became involved with their criminal neighbours the Keanes, which at the time was headed up by brothers Christy and Kieran, who operated a lucrative drug gang. Christy Keane - who served part of a 10-year jail sentence for possession of 250,000 worth of cannabis - survived a second attempted hit of his life last year when two gunmen fired several shots from close range, seriously injuring him. His brother Kieran was kidnapped and tortured and shot in the head in January 2003. At the height of the Limerick feud, the Collopys kept out of the city's raging feud, instead concentrating solely on selling drugs to wholesalers who in turn fed it to street dealers for 25 a deal. With Christy in jail and Kieran murdered, the Collopys took control of their neighbour's territory in St Mary's Park. The security source described the jailing of Brian and Kieran Collopy as "good news" for the people of Limerick, but added, others will "step in" to fill the gap. They are up to four main operators selling heroin in Limerick, they said. "There are about 15 to 20 key players. Some gangs are smaller than others...but jailing the Collopy brothers will make a difference alright - it sends out the right message," they explained. Despite the Collopy brothers being sent away for eight years, the source confirmed the gang "still have people working for them". "It's business as usual," they added. The source explained there are "three or four offshoots" of the drug gangs operating in Limerick, which include "five or six guys at the top of each gang". "You only have to walk the streets of Limerick to see there is a large problem. It's simple economics - the demand is there so there is supply." They explained how Brian and Kieran Collopy operated from the top level of their drug gang. "You have an ordinary Joe Soap on the street and he could be selling 10 or 15 deals in his pocket at 25 a piece - he is bottom of the ladder. He's buying around three or four grams of heroin from a wholesaler." "The wholesaler would buy about an ounce from the Collopy gang. They got it from contacts in Dublin, before they bagged and sold it to the wholesaler." In 2006 Brian and Kieran's other siblings, Vincent and Jonathan, we jailed for three years each after their arrest following an undercover Garda operation targeting the sale of heroin. Operation Clean Street was put in place after gardai became concerned about the level of heroin dealing in Limerick city. In 2009, a fifth brother, Philip Collopy, accidentally shot himself in the head. Philip Collopy and Kieran Keane were the main suspects for the fatal shooting of Keane's former associate Eddie Ryan snr, in the Moose Bar in November 2000. The Turkish government has announced plans to suspend human rights laws as it prepares to implement the country's new state of emergency following the failed coup. The nation's parliament is set to approve the three-month state of emergency announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday night. Ahead of the vote, deputy PM Numan Kurtulmus said Turkey will suspend the European Human Rights Convention in line with an article contained within the agreement allowing for it in time of emergencies. In an address to the nation on Wednesday, Mr Erdogan announced a cabinet decision to seek additional powers, saying the state of emergency would give the government the tools to rid the military of the "virus" of subversion. Under the terms of the Turkish constitution, members of the 550-seat parliament have to approve a request for a state of emergency. Of those, 317 are members of Mr Erdogan's Justice and Development Party. The state of emergency will give the government sweeping powers to expand a crackdown that has already included mass arrests and the closure of hundreds of schools. On Thursday, Turkish state media said a further 32 judges and two military officers had been detained by authorities during the crackdown since last week's coup. Nearly 10,000 people have now been arrested, hundreds of schools have been closed and nearly 60,000 civil service employees have been dismissed. The targeting of education ties in with Mr Erdogan's belief that the cleric Fethullah Gulen, whose followers run a network of schools worldwide, seeks to infiltrate the Turkish education system and other institutions in order to bend the country to his will. The US-based cleric's movement, which espouses moderation and multi-faith harmony, says it is a scapegoat. German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Turkey's state of emergency should only last as long as it is "absolutely necessary". He said it is important that "the rule of law, a sense of proportion and commensurability are preserved" and that it is in Turkey's interest to "keep the state of emergency only for the duration that is absolutely necessary and then immediately end it". Mr Erdogan, who had been accused of autocratic conduct even before this week's tough crackdown, said the state of emergency would counter threats to Turkish democracy. "This measure is in no way against democracy, the law and freedoms," he said on Wednesday night after a meeting with cabinet ministers and security advisers. The president also suggested military purges would continue. "As the commander in chief, I will also attend to it so that all the viruses within the armed forces will be cleansed." The pro-government death toll in the botched coup now stands at 246. At least 24 coup plotters were also killed. A Florida police officer shot a therapist in the leg who was looking after a man with autism while he was lying in the street with his hands up. A mobile phone video shows Charles Kinsey asking the police not to shoot him, during the incident in Miami. Unarmed Charles Kinsey, a therapist attempting to help a distressed patient, just before he is shot by Miami police: https://t.co/Umluw5tCXf philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 21, 2016 The 47-year-old, who is black, and works with people with disabilities, was trying to get his 27-year-old patient back to a facility from where he had wandered. The authorities said the incident happened on Monday, following reports of a man threatening to shoot himself. North Miami Assistant Police Chief Neal Cuevas told The Miami Herald that officers responded to the scene and ordered Mr Kinsey and the patient, who was sitting in the street playing with a toy truck, to lie on the ground. He said Mr Kinsey was lying down, and put his hands up while trying to get his patient to comply. An officer then fired three times, striking Mr Kinsey in the leg, Mr Cuevas said. No weapon was found. Mr Kinsey's lawyer, Hilton Napoleon, gave the Herald the mobile phone video taken moments before the shooting. It shows Mr Kinsey lying in the middle of the street with his hands up, asking the officers not to shoot him, while the man with autism sits next to him, yelling at him to "shut up". "Sir, there's no need for firearms," Mr Kinsey said he told police before he was shot. "It was so surprising. It was like a mosquito bite." Police have not released the name or race of the officer who shot him. BHSL, based in Ballagh, Co Limerick, has agreed a $3m (2.1m) project with the State of Maryland in the US. It will trial pioneering manure-to-energy technology aimed at transforming the environmental impact of the global poultry industry. BHSLs technology converts poultry manure into energy, which is then used to provide heating for future batches of chicks, or sold back into the electricity grid. It is the only system available that meets both US and European Union environmental regulations. It already has over 110,000 operational hours on British farms. Last week, the patented BHSL Energy Centre was shipped from Ballagh and will be fully operational by October. Maryland is one of six US states that surround Chesapeake Bay, where, after decades of intensive agriculture, many fields are overloaded with phosphorus. Over 1bn chickens accounting for 12% of total US production are produced in the region each year. That generates an estimated 1.2m tonnes of manure. This is contributing pollutants that flow into the bay, causing severe environmental problems including algal bloom and damage to fish and shellfish stocks. Ann Swanson, executive director at the Chesapeake Bay Commission, said BHSLs solution has the potential to play a very significant role in reducing levels of pollution in the bay. We have been looking for options to address the bays environmental challenges while supporting the farm community. If it works, it will be one of those win-win situations, with a financial benefit to the farmer and a positive environmental impact, she said. The State of Maryland has provided $1m funding to support this pilot project, with the balance of the $3m investment funded by BHSL. Declan OConnor, BHSL chief executive, said the potential size of the US market opportunity is conservatively estimated at over $500m. Our unique solution can both reduce costs and increase revenue for the farmers while solving the environmental challenge they face. We are very excited about the potential to grow our sales in the US following the State of Maryland demonstration. His brother Jack OConnor, company founder and chief technology officer, who designed the patent-protected system, said BHSL is now aggressively ramping up its sales operations. We see a major global opportunity to export our product and add jobs to our team of 28 who already work in the business, he said. The system will be based on Bob Murphys 112-acre farm in Rhodesdale, Maryland, which produces 3,650 tonnes of manure annually. Historically, this was trucked to other farms for use as fertiliser. But that is not now seen as a long-term solution as other farms, like Murphys, will soon have soil phosphorus concentrations that exceed agreed limits. Supporting the pilot project is Mountaire, the poultry company for which Bob Murphys farm grows chickens. It is the seventh largest chicken producer in the US, selling over 330m birds each year. Mr Modis cabinet is likely to approve a three-year exemption on local-sourcing requirements for foreign single-brand retail companies with cutting-edge technology, according to the people, who asked not to be identified due to rules for speaking with the media. At the same time, the government will make it easier for companies like Apple to meet that criteria, the people said. The moves represent the latest shift for Mr Modis government, which has sent conflicting signals in recent months over Apples bid to set up shop in India. Apple chief executive officer Tim Cook visited India for the first time in May as he seeks to tap the worlds fastest-growing smartphone market to counter slowing sales growth elsewhere. India last year said it would exempt companies with state-of-the-art technology from a requirement to source 30% of components locally. In June, the commerce ministry sought to limit that exemption to three years, on top of the five years that all single-brand companies get to comply with local sourcing rules. The finance ministry also questioned the definition of cutting-edge technology, complicating Apples plans. Mr Modis push to clarify those procedures will pave the way for Apple to open a retail store, according to the people. The new rules may also impact Chinas Xiaomi Corp. and Leshi Internet Information & Technology Corporation, which have also asked for exemptions. Representatives from Apple, Xiaomi and Leshi Internet didnt immediately respond to e-mails seeking comment. Industry secretary Ramesh Abhishek didnt respond to two calls on his mobile phone. Apples market share in India is much less than Samsung Electronics and Micromax Informatics, which offer cheaper phones to price-conscious Indians. While Apple currently sells its iPhones and iPads through franchisees as well as the retail units of Indias biggest conglomerates Tata Group and Reliance Industries, it wants its own stores to further boost sales. In May, during Mr Cooks first official visit to India, Apple announced it would open a development accelerator in the countrys technology hub, Bangalore, to provide specialised support to iOS app developers. The new facility would give development access to tools to create innovative apps for customers around the world, he said. Earlier this month, Google had also announced a plan to train 2m software developers in India. By fighting for these developers, Apple and Google are showing how serious they are about the Indian market, Ankit Jain, associate vice-president product at website and app market analytics provider SimilarWeb, wrote in an e-mail this month. Health Ministry to agree treatment of Ukrainians with Turkish network of private clinics The Ministry of Health plans to sign a memorandum with the Lokman Hekim network of private clinics (Turkey) on treatment of Ukrainians abroad in the framework of the relevant state program. According to the Health Ministry's press service, the agreement was achieved at a meeting of the commission on referral to treatment abroad, headed by Deputy Minister Roman Ilyk, with representatives of the Lokman Hekim chain of clinics and the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Ukraine. Lokman Hekim clinics, in particular, can provide services for treatment of oncology, pediatric oncology and hematology. "Turkish colleagues proposed a flexible system of discounts in case of establishment of bilateral cooperation," the press service said. Ilyk initiated the signing of a bilateral document on cooperation between the Ministry of Health and the network of these clinics. Citizens of Ukraine will be sent for treatment abroad in case of a failure of providing relevant treatment in the country's health institutions. These are mainly patients with hematologic, oncologic, neurosurgical, cardiac surgical diseases and congenital malformations. Months of withdrawals from exchange-traded funds tracking German stocks are beginning to reverse, amid a stabilising euro and improving prospects for the countrys exporters. The biggest ETF following the shares had three consecutive weeks of inflows for the first time since January. The reason for the optimism may lie in the companies earnings potential, particularly for carmakers, according to MPPM EKs head of trading, Guillermo Hernandez Sampere. Vehicle sales to China accelerated in the first half of the year, after concern about the countrys slowdown sent the DAX Index tumbling at the beginning of 2016. Daimler, which gets two-thirds of its sales from outside of Europe, said last week that preliminary second-quarter results are significantly better. The carmakers were on the brink because of China, and January-February made a lot of people leave the market, Mr Hernandez Sampere said. The fear of a cool down or a recession was still hanging over the next quarter, but it hasnt been justified. If you look at the companies, Germany equities are screaming Buy me, buy me! The DAX has rebounded 15% since its February low, more than the Stoxx Europe 600 Index. Volkswagen has climbed 24% and BMW has advanced 10% in the period, while other exporters such as steel company Thyssenkrupp and sportswear maker Adidas have jumped more than 50%. And yet, the German stock measure now trades at 12-times estimated profits, near a record low relative to the regional gauge, as analysts expect better earnings. Thats helped drive investors back to Germany, whose economy is forecast to expand 1.5% this year. While analysts estimate profits at DAX members will drop 1% this year, thats better than the 4.3% slide expected for Stoxx 600 firms. And for Germanys auto-related companies, they project a 3.9% rise in net income. The National Competitive Council (NCC) warned that some previously favourable global economic conditions are beginning to turn against Irelands economy with Brexit exacerbating the risk to Ireland. While the economy continues to benefit from external factors such as the weak euro, low energy prices and gradual recovery in key export markets, efforts must be redoubled at national level to improve competitiveness and stave off the threat to economic recovery. The scale of the challenges which confront us have been brought into focus by recent events in the UK. Our long-standing and extensive economic and cultural ties with the UK mean that their decision to leave the EU has significant and direct consequences for Ireland. It brings into sharp focus the need for Ireland to maintain and improve our competitiveness performance across a range of areas such as infrastructure, ease of starting a business, talent, tax and innovation. Only a renewed focus on competitiveness will help to insulate us from external shocks and factors beyond our control. As the economy recovers, we are now seeing price pressures re-emerging and, at the same time, Brexit has resulted in a reversal of exchange rate trends, meaning Irish exports are now more expensive in the UK, said NCC chair Professor Peter Clinch. In its annual benchmarking report, NCC commended the Government on improving the macroeconomic environment through reducing the government deficit, cutting public debt and stabilising the banking system. While maintaining fiscal discipline remains essential, the focus must now shift to supporting economic growth and job creation by addressing microeconomic issues. One of the key pillars of economic growth must be expanding the export base through innovation. The council also called for a particular focus on costs in areas such as energy, legal, health and housing. The overhang of non-performing loans along with the cost and access to working capital also remain a concern while female participation in the workforce must also be encouraged further. The Anglo-Dutch consumer products maker will pay cash for the US toiletry delivery business though a Unilever spokesman declined to comment. The maker of Dove soap said it expects to close the purchase in the third quarter. Unilever will look to expand the subscription model Dollar Shave Club has used since 2012 to accumulate 3.2m customers and take on brands such as P&Gs Gillette and Edgewell Personal Cares Schick in the estimated $3bn US mens shaving products market. Its Unilevers biggest US acquisition since its $3.7bn purchase of haircare maker Alberto Culver in 2011, and it follows Danones purchase of WhiteWave Foods as European companies seek the safer haven of the US economy in the wake of Britains vote to leave the EU. At the $1bn price, Unilever is paying five times projected 2016 revenue, a valuation that Exane BNP analyst Jeff Stent said is inflated because the target has seemingly not made any money and is being replicated by all manner of competitors. Dollar Shave Club started to lose share in 2015, most notably to Gillettes new online shave club, analysts at Euromonitor said in a note. Putting Unilevers resources behind Dollar Shave Club will make life more difficult for P&G, Mr Stent said. The two companies already battle it out in markets like shampoo and deodorants in the US. Unilever shares were little changed in London trade. Online shave clubs are attracting consumers with better value for money, along with the convenience of having razors delivered. California-based Dollar Shave Club has used advertising that pokes fun of the high price and overly-technical nature of branded razor blades to boost its sales, which have grown from $4m in 2012 to $152m last year. Members can pay $1 a month for five cartridges of a simple two-blade razor or $9 a month for 4 cartridges of a six-blade product dubbed The Executive. More recently its expanded into hair pomade, skin moisturisers and even toilet wipes. Branches in Castlereagh, Draperstown, Antrim, Belleek, Castlederg, Newtownards, Maghera, and Belfast are earmarked for closure, though the City Hall branch will house a new outlet to service business startups. The bank said the closures were required as more of its customers were banking online. More than 50 staff would be offered the chance to transfer, redeploy, or apply for voluntary redundancy. Business in the Republic would not be affected. Trump is now officially the Isaac Latterell, whos a Republican representative in the House of Representatives, made the news last night after failing to keep his emotions in check as members of his party called out Trumps name as their nominee. As they read out the name, Latterell can be seen in the camera shot rolling his eyes and performing the classic palm to face gesture in his apparent disgust at the move. "I dont think that the candidate that was chosen has a chance of winning the election or being different than the other nominee," Latterell said to the Argus Leader. "I just think that its a sad day for the Republican party." via BreakingNews.ie The third consecutive week of falling prices has wiped more than 100 per head, on average, off beef cattle sales, in the aftermath of Brexit. While some seasonal adjustment in price, as soon as the intake of cattle increased with supplies coming off grass, was likely, it has been compounded by the drop in the value of sterling following the British referendum decision. The base price being quoted for steers has slipped to 380 cents/kg. While some beef farmers are still getting up to 385 cents/kg this week, actual price statistics for previous weeks confirm that processors are fully implementing recent price reductions. Base prices on offer for heifers have been reduced in line with steer price cuts, to 390 cents/kg. However, some heifers sold this week for up to 395 cents/kg. This week, the market could be boosted by the improved weather, due to more farmers concentrating on work tasks, leaving them less time for selling cattle. Cow prices also eased further this week, with P-grade cows ranging 275-280 cents/kg. O-graders are making 295-300 cents/kg, and up to 315 cents/kg is being paid for better quality R-grade cows. The overall cattle intake at beef plants slipped to around 29,750 head last week. The drop was mainly due to a reduction of around 700 head in young bulls and a slight drop in cows, while both steer and heifer supplies remained stable. In Britain, recent upward trajectory in the trade has continued, due to demand outweighing supply. Retail demand has also improved with better weather. On average, R4L-grade steers and heifers were making around 340p/kg, equivalent to around 416 cents/kg (VAT included). In France, the beef market remained unchanged, with retailers mostly buying domestically produced beef, and resistance to imported product at retail level. Demand remains strongest for niches such as Angus beef. Promotions in two of the main retailers have been focusing on French-produced products such as mince, burgers and some steaks. In Italy, the market remains stagnant due to reduced consumption. Looking at global markets, beef exports from Paraguay for the first half of the year are up 8% compared to 2015, while some uplift in supply is reported in Uruguay. We are now getting used to the idea that Britain will leave the European Union, with several potential negative impacts on us and our economy. There are the immediate effects of a weaker sterling, which reduces the buying power of British companies and British tourists, and increases the competitiveness of British business, which is in competition with us, here, in Britain itself and on export markets, in which we compete against each other. Lower share prices also reduces the wealth both of ourselves and of our UK customers. And then there is the uncertainty, which combined with reduced wealth, could lead to reduced levels of economic growth (some even say recession) in the UK, our largest export market. This would also lead to reduced levels of economic growth here. But what can we do about it? The state agencies, which support native business such as Enterprise Ireland and An Bord Bia have already been active in giving advice to firms on what to do to minimise the ill effects (or perhaps in some limited circumstances) to avail of opportunities created. Bord Bia organised a breakfast briefing for firms in the food and drink sector, last week meeting ended at 10.30am. Over 180 food company representatives attended. Aidan Cotter, the Bord Bia chief executive, reported on a survey of their clients carried out since the Brexit decision. Forty percent expected a decline in their business, while 35% did not know at that stage, 22% expected no change. Six-in-10 businesses were most concerned about the decline in the sterling exchange rate (which of course was real and had already occurred). One in three firms would search for new markets, while the other two thirds, would seek either to cut costs or raise their prices. Some 41% of Irish food and drink exports went to the UK in 2015, while 31% went to other EU markets and 28% to world markets. The sectors most exposed to the UK market were edible horticulture (mostly mushrooms) 90%, poultry 84%, prepared consumer foods (ready meals, burgers etc) 70%, pigmeat 61%, and beef 52%. Other sectors such as dairying, beverages, sheepmeat and fish were less exposed. Britain is also a food exporter and Ireland is its number 1 market with imports of 3bn (3.6bn) of food products by us. Its next largest customers are France, Netherlands and Germany, with British exports in each case of from 1bn to 1.5bn. Prepared consumer foods (43%), dairy products (15%) and beverages (13%) were the main items in the Irish trade. We can obviously expect that the prices of these products, where there is already an established trade, to become more competitive in our home market, with the decline in sterling. Grocery expert A second speaker, James Walton, was from Institute of Grocery Development, a UK based training body for the grocery trade. He outlined the myriad ways in which EU laws or regulations affected the grocery trade including (a) regulation of competition and of state aid; (b) management of greenhouse gas emissions, of water and of waste; (c) regulation of food market including nutrition labelling, product standards; (d) free movement of labour, human rights, working conditions; (e) the common agricultural and fisheries policies; and (f) trade with common customs tariffs and free trade within the union. Each of these areas will be affected in Britain, to a greater or lesser degree, when Brexit is a reality. Mr Walton then outlined the kind of scenarios that would be good for UK companies and for UK farmers. In relation to farming, there would be negative consequences if EU farming subsidies were not fully replaced, the range of goods produced would contract and farmers may be forced to concentrate on production at the expense of sustainability. (Some opportunities there for Irish farming, perhaps but in the longer term). In relation to trade, the following scenarios would be generally favourable for UK companies: The UK joins the European Economic Area (which includes Norway and Iceland) and continues to trade freely with the EU in most areas. The EU agrees to add food and drink to the list of tariff-free items in the EEA. However, the price of access is that the UK must comply with EU rules and make financial contributions. Other major countries agree to trade with the UK on EU terms. Exporters of agri-food with a focus on the UK market have been turning to Bord Bia and other state agencies for guidance on how best to equip themselves for life post-Brexit. In this publication last week, we carried the first half of a series of answers which Bord Bia issued in response to the main questions being posed by their client companies. This week, we run the second half of those responses. Most of these answers fed out of a survey and consultation with Bord Bias member companies, who are primarily made up of the countrys food and drink exporters. The answers are part of an ongoing process in which Bord Bia will keep its partners updated with market information, and with the latest advice from industry experts. This commitment was mapped out at the recent Bord Bia-hosted Brexit briefing in Dublin for some 180 Irish food and drink exporters, with inputs from UK food retail market experts. Participants shared views on the post-Brexit trading landscape, and outlined Bord Bias measures for supporting companies. Britain takes 41% of our food and drink exports, valued at 4.4bn, said Bord Bia CEO Aidan Cotter at the briefing. If we cant resolve the uncertainty, and clearly we cant, our hope is that at least we can now begin to learn how we can deal with it and live with it. Our ongoing close contact with our clients will inform our future supports for the sector. Will there be lots of extra paperwork and costs involved in trading with the UK? Industry experts have predicted a rise in costs, once the UK has left the EU. The UK will become a non-EU country, with expected additional regulatory and administrative business transaction costs. Some experts have informally estimated a 5% rise in trade costs between the UK and its trading partners, however the final costs will only become clear after the negotiation period. How quickly will the current terms of trade be dismantled and new structures put in place? Negotiations for the UK to exit the EU cannot commence until Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty is invoked with the UK prime minister, formally notifying the European Council of the UKs intention to leave. It is not clear when this will happen. While it remains to be confirmed, it is likely that negotiations on the UKs future relationship with the EU, including in terms of trade, would take place in parallel with the exit negotiations. These negotiations are likely to take several years. While consideration of charting a path forward will begin immediately, the negotiations themselves will not formally commence for some time. The negotiations will be between the UK and the remaining 27 members of the EU. Will the EU regulations on food products still apply to products exported to the UK? At present, the UK is still part of the EU, and therefore there are no changes to existing EU regulations on supplying food products to the UK. The UK will need to trigger Article 50 to begin exit negotiations. Will Britain remain a major market for Irish food and drink exports? Over the last number of years many Irish companies consciously chose to reduce their over-reliance on the UK as their main export market, and have looked to diversify their reach into new markets. The United Kingdom imports almost 40% of its food products. Ireland is the main export market for UK food and drink products, accounting for almost one fifth of trade at 3.1bn in 2015. In turn, the UK is the largest market for Irish food and drink. It is the largest single market for Irish food, accounting for 41% of the total Irish exports, an estimated 4.6bn in 2015. The long-term, two-way trade links between Ireland and the UK are extensive. Bord Bia, through our London office, is maintaining a close dialogue with key trading partners to reassure them of the importance of the UK market to Irish food and drink companies and our continued commitment to the UK market during this period of uncertainty. What other potential emerging markets should Irish food and drink exporters focus on? Exports to other EU countries formed 31% of total exports, or 3.4bn, last year, due to the growth of markets such as the Netherlands, Spain, and Poland. Exports to International markets accounted for 3bn, or 28%, in 2015. Irish food and drink is sold in more than 175 markets worldwide. In addition to the support Bord Bia will provide to companies currently exporting to the UK, we will continue our market diversification strategy to broaden the opportunities for Irish companies to export to EU and International markets. New Bord Bia offices in Singapore and Warsaw This summer, Bord Bia will open new office locations in Singapore and Warsaw to complement the existing footprint of 11 offices across the UK, Europe, North America, Middle East and Asia. Bord Bia is also working with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on a number of Trade Missions this year with a view to widening the customer base internationally for Irish Food. These activities form part of an existing diversification and new markets strategy. Ukraine to reach gas imports of 40 mcm per day by late July Ukraine plans in late July to reach natural gas imports from Europe in the amount of about 40 million cubic meters (mcm) per day, President of PJSC Ukrtransgaz Ihor Prokopiv has told journalists in Kyiv. According to him, it is planned in the last days of July to pump 500 mcm of gas into underground gas storage facilities (UGS), in August 1.5 billion cubic meters of gas, in September 1.9 billion cubic meters. In addition, Prokopiv has not ruled out gas injection into UGS will continue in October. "If October is warm, we will pump gas in October to accumulate reserves of about 15 billion cubic meters," the official said. Judge Tom ODonnell, passing sentence on Kieran Collopy and Brian Collopy at Limerick Circuit Court, said the pair were involved in a covert, calculated, and mercenary operation for financial gain. Both had pleaded guilty to having heroin worth more than 37,000 for sale or supply at the old family home in St Marys Park on December 15 last. Judge ODonnell said: An aggravating factor is the nature of the drug involved, heroin. This is dangerous, highly addictive, insidious, pervasive, and an absolute scourge in our society and causes havoc, destroying people as human beings and affecting families. Brian Collopy, aged 43 of Killonan, Ballysimon, Limerick and Kieran Collopy, aged 40 of St Itas Street, St Marys Park were caught preparing heroin packs for the Christmas market. Det Sgt Alan Cullen, head of the Limerick divisional drugs squad, told the court the operation being run by the Collopys was the top of the pyramid in the citys heroin scene. The brothers were found packaging heroin into 1oz units which they sold on to wholesalers, who broke the deals down to 3g amounts before the deals were further broken down when sold on the street. Gardai, following information received by Det Garda David McGrath, raided two adjoining houses at 34 and 36 St Itas Street on December 15 last. Both houses are interconnected. Gardai forced in doors at both houses at around 7pm and, as they entered, heard the sound of two distinct footsteps on the stairs. Gardai met one of the brothers coming from an upstairs bathrooom and the other was in a front upstairs bedroom. In the kitchen, gardai discovered 10 plastic bags each containing 1oz of heroin. Latex gloves and weighing scales were also found on the kitchen worktop. Part of a latex glove and traces of heroin were also found on the stairs and the bathrooom. A saucepan in the bath was found to have traces of heroin. Det Sgt Cullen said the brothers had run up the stairs in an effort to dispose of heroin which had not been bagged. They effectively ran themselves into a corner, he said. The 1oz bags were destined for wholesalers who would break them into 3g amounts for further sale to street dealers, he said. The detective sergeant said eleven months prior to the raid, Brian Collopy had finished a prison sentence and, on his release, began to travel to Spain once a month over the 11-month period. This would not be normal for a person drawing social welfare disability allowance, he said. Brian McInerney and Michael Collins, senior counsel for the Collopys, had objected to John OSullivan, prosecuting, asking Det Sgt Cullen about an undercover surveillance operation carried out five days before the raid when the Collopys were seen meeting a man referred to as Mr X at a Supermacs outlet in Portlaoise. Judge ODonnell backdated the sentences to December 15 last, when the brothers had been first remanded in custody. The prosecutor was giving his closing speech yesterday in the trial of a woman accused of murdering a colleague by driving him into a harbour, where he drowned. Marta Herda, aged 29, of Emoclew Rd, Arklow, Co Wicklow, is charged with the murder of Csaba Orsos, 31, on March 26, 2013. The 29-year-old Polish waitress has pleaded not guilty to murdering the Hungarian man at South Quay, Arklow. Brendan Grehan, prosecuting, said the prosecutions contention was simple and straightforward that Ms Herda had deliberately driven into the water. Whether she did it on the spur of the moment or thought about it beforehand is irrelevant, he said, explaining that the intention for murder could be formed at the time. Someone overheating, losing the run of themselves, can commit murder. He said the prosecution case relied to a large extent on circumstantial evidence. In this case, its the prosecutions contention that a car driven into the sea was used, in effect, as an instrument of murder, he said. He said CCTV evidence showed Ms Herdas car driving from the direction of her home towards the area where Mr Orsos lived at around 5.30am. It was not in dispute that Ms Herda was the driver and was alone. [Shes] driving slowly, doesnt appear to be driving dangerously, he said. He noted that an eyewitness said the woman was on the phone and animated. He said the next footage was captured at 6am near the lifeboat station. It showed a woman from the direction of the harbour wall. He said phone evidence showed Ms Herda rang Mr Orsos three times that day. Shes last on the phone to Csaba Orsos at 5.37, he said. He noted that a nightwatchmen heard a car driving at speed on the quays around 5.50am. Within a very short piece of time, 15 minutes at tops, maybe even less, shes speaking to him by phone and hes in the water, never to come back, he said. That timeframe is very important. Mr Grehan said a brake mark, 13 6 long, was found at the scene. It was brought about as the result of a hand brake applied in the car, he said. We dont know who applied the handbrake, but we do know that it, like in most cars, was between the passenger and driver seat. He added that Ms Herda was a good swimmer and knew that Mr Orsos could not swim. He said the prosecution case was that Ms Herda acted with deliberate intent when she drove off the pier and asked for a verdict of guilty of murder. The jury will hear from the defence this morning. Detective Inspector Eamon ONeill said: For years we have been successful in getting their lieutenants. But these two, the top leadership in the Collopy gang, believed they were untouchable. Now they have received very significant sentences which we welcome. Today is one of the most significant in the fight against organised criminal gangs in Limerick. Since the feud exploded with the murder of Eddie Ryan in the Moose Bar in November 2000, a lot of people have died and many others have been jailed. The gardai in Limerick never lost sight of the main drivers of the feud. These were the gang leaders running multimillion-euro drugs operations. Today two of the highest ranking members of the Collopy gang have followed the leaders of the other main Limerick gang, the McCarthy Dundons into jail for long sentences. The agreement reached between the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and the Government will result in the HSE paying less for medicines from next month. Mr Harris said an improved pricing mechanism would keep drug prices in Ireland on a downward trajectory that would save the taxpayer 600m over the next four years to 2020. He said an estimated additional 150m in savings would come from pharmaceutical companies outside of the IPHA process. Drug prices in Ireland are compared with other European countries and the number has been expanded from nine to 14. The IPHA said prices would be reduced annually, starting on August 1 and on July 1 each year afterwards. Consumers who pay the full cost of medicines can also expect to benefit from price reductions, the association said yesterday. It said the agreement would see total savings of 785m from IPHA member companies, an average of nearly 200m a year. The State spent 1.7bn on medicines last year. Simon Harris The IPHA president, Dr Leisha Daly, who led the IPHA delegation during negotiations, said it was essential that patients had early access to life-saving and life-enhancing new medicines. The agreement is the best way to make that happen. It offers a clear process and sustainable pricing so that new medicines can be made available quickly to patients in Ireland, said Dr Daly. There are 38 international pharmaceutical companies in the IPHA, which are part of the agreement, but it may apply to non-IPHA companies if they want to. Dr Daly said the Government negotiation team had set a demanding challenge for them. Prices in Ireland will be set to be an average of those in 14 countries, with Sweden, Portugal, Luxembourg, Greece, and Italy added to the list. Already included are Austria, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Spain, Britain, and the Netherlands. The Department of Health said the inclusion of lower-priced countries would result in lower prices in Ireland over time. By including some lower cost countries in the basket is a significant win for the Irish taxpayer because it brings us much closer to the European average in terms of drug pricing, said Mr Harris. Under the new deal, some new, high-cost drugs will be referred to Cabinet for a funding decision for the first time. Mr Harris said he still did not think Cabinet should be making decisions on drugs. However, it would only be a matter for Cabinet after the HSE considered nine different criteria and decided that the drug would be beneficial but additional resources were needed. Mr Harris said the new deal provided for a horizon scan every year so new drugs coming onstream could be considered as part of the budgetary process. Talks on a new agreement began in March and continued until May when the State threatened to set the reimbursement price if negotiations failed to reach a satisfactory outcome. The previous agreement that ran for three years from 2012 aimed to deliver 400m in savings. Mr Harris said: I am delighted that we havent had to go ahead and use that compulsory reimbursement tool in relation to IPHA companies. I made a decision to support the HSEs use of that piece of legislation within weeks of coming into office. I think we have seen the benefits of that we now have achieved additional savings. Editorial: 12 The appointment of board members to the ERC was to be announced imminently, the Department of Education told the Irish Examiner in response to questions on its status seven weeks ago. Although established in the 1960s, the ERC based at St Patricks College in Dublin has been given a statutory role since last September. However, a board has only now been put in place, 11 weeks after Mr Bruton was told doing so would be necessary in order for a chief executive to be appointed. He has appointed former St Patricks College president Pauric Travers as chairman, subject to confirmation after he must appear before the Oireachtas education committee. The minister has designated former second-level school principal Denise Burns as deputy chair, with other board positions going to former ERC research associate Jude Cosgrove, former Department of Education assistant chief inspector Edward Murtagh, and Boston College education research professor Michael Martin. The ERC carries out research for the Department of Education and other public bodies. Its work includes the operation of various international testing systems in Ireland, including the OECDs PISA tests of 15-year-olds on reading, maths, and science every three years. It is also designing new standardised reading and maths tests for primary pupils, tests which are in need of speedy revision in light of the earlier-than-expected improvements being attributed to actions under the 2011 National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy. The Irish Examiner put queries to the Department of Education in June about this and several other vacancies. Work is ongoing within the department, to progress via the minister, the appointments to the board of the ERC, as well as three appointments to the Teaching Council. It is expected the respective appointees will be announced imminently, it said on June 2. There were two vacancies for board members on the 37-member Teaching Council a month later, according to a written reply from Mr Bruton to Fianna Fail education spokesman Thomas Byrne. There were also four board positions waiting to be filled on the Irish Research Council and the same number at the Comhairle Bhealoidas Eireann, which oversees the National Folklore Collection. Among the unfilled positions is that of chairman, a seat which has been empty since the end of January. The HEA is one of a number of bodies with long-standing board vacancies, but the Department of Education says the positions are to be filled very shortly. Stephen Kinsella, a board member since 2014 and economics lecturer at University of Limerick, has been acting as chairman since former Ericsson Ireland executive John Hennessys term ended. Six board positions have been vacant since December 6 last year, and two others since April and June 2015. The boards role in the absence of a ministerially-appointed chairman was discussed at the end of March. The Higher Education Authority is one of a number of bodies with long-standing board vacancies, but the Department of Education says the positions are to be filled very shortly While the board has continued to meet every two months in accordance with normal schedules, attendance has fallen significantly from an average of 14 during 2015. Its January meeting had 10 people present, eight attended its March meeting, and only six made the May 24 the minimum required to hold a meeting and make decisions. The shortfalls are understood to have made the remaining membership reluctant to make decisions on critical issues until the board is restored to full strength. The vacancies were advertised last December, and nearly 140 applications were received by the Public Appointments Service. It forwarded a list of those who met the criteria to the former minister Jan OSullivan after the application deadline. In response to a query on the HEA board, the Department of Education told the Irish Examiner on June 2 that the process was being finalised with a view to filling the vacancies as soon as possible. While none have been made since, it is understood that announcements on the revised membership could now be made by Education Minister Richard Bruton within days. HEA board members are paid a fee of 7,695 each, while the chairperson is entitled to a fee of almost 12,000. As part of a self-evaluation exercise last year, over half the board recommended a reduction in membership to between 12 and 15 members. Consultants Prospectus, who facilitated the exercise, recommended a membership between nine and 12, although the numbers to serve on the board are dictated by law rather than being set by the authority itself. In an unrelated situation, an earlier recruitment process to replace the HEAs retiring chief executive Tom Boland has been revised ahead of his departure at the end of this month. In order to avoid an even deeper governance crisis, the chief executive of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment Anne Looney recently agreed to take the HEA role for a few months on an interim basis, requiring a colleague to act in her own position during her absence. Replying to a recent Dail question on education agency board vacancies, Mr Bruton told Fianna Fails education spokesman Thomas Byrne that not all board appointment are at his sole discretion. Individuals may be nominated for appointment by various organisations in the relevant statute of the body concerned, he said, although this is not the case in relation to the HEA. Other than the HEA fees, most education bodies boards are not paid positions, although members may be entitled to reimbursement of expenses associated with attendance at meetings or other duties. The 13 vacancies, which are awaiting appointments by Education Minister Richard Bruton, are mostly based on nominees of various bodies, such as representatives of teachers, school managers, parents, and health services. Two of the 12 ordinary board members must be selected from a shortlist of people who applied through the Public Appointments Service, one each to be nominated by Mr Bruton and Health Minister Simon Harris. The Department of Education told the Irish Examiner last month it was awaiting a nominee from Mr Harris to complete the list which would then be sent to Mr Bruton for consideration. The NCSE is a statutory body established under the 2004 Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act.As well as being responsible for the allocation of special needs assistants (SNAs) and resource teachers to schools, it acts as an important policy advisory body to the minister. Last week, it published a report completed last year on the education of students with autism, recommending additional spending that could cost an extra 20m a year. However, it remains limited in the resources it can allocate due to continuing government limits on the numbers of SNAs and special teachers. Among several third-level colleges with board vacancies is Institute of Technology Tralee, which has been without a chairperson since July 2013. Appointments of institute of technology chairs is the responsibility of the education minister. But none has been appointed to IT Tralee by past ministers Ruairi Quinn, Jan OSullivan or by Mr Bruton for the last three years, since the role was vacated by Flan Garvey, a former Fianna Fail councillor in Clare. The chair of Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology has been empty since last August, and IT Sligos since May. The department said it is finalising the process to fill these vacancies, and a handful on governing bodies of Maynooth University and NUI Galway, by the end of summer. The chairs of five other institutes of technology Carlow, Cork, Dundalk, Galway-Mayo, and Tallaght have become vacant in the past two months. Local authorities have strongly rejected criticisms leveled at them by Taoiseach Enda Kenny over the delay in building social and affordable homes. Yesterday, amid criticisms of the Governments new housing plan, Mr Kenny said: It is about time county councils got back into the business of providing houses. They have been given the money, the opportunities and the incentives to open sites that are currently off limits, and they must get on with the job. Asked later to clarify his Dail remarks, Mr Kenny said the reality is theyve lost the skill to help the people they represent. Obviously local authorities many years ago were building many more houses than they have in the past few years. Theyve lost the skill, if you like to put it that way, of building sufficient houses for their people, he said during a visit to Dublins inner city. But last night, leading figures from local authorities hit back at Mr Kenny saying it is the Governments failure to properly fund local authorities which has led to the crisis. Enda Kenny Central government tend to treat local authorities all too often as independent republics. What it needs to do is equip local authorities with the necessary resources to carry out Government policy, said Tom MacSharry, spokesman for the Local Authority Members Association (LAMA). Paul Reid, county manager of Fingal County Council, rejected the criticisms that enough is not being done in the context of his local authority. It is widely recognised that Fingal is delivering against the Governments plan. In Fingal, I would strongly reject that we havent mobilised well. We were due to deliver about 1,300 houses and we will deliver closer to 2,000 homes, he told the Irish Examiner. Housing Minister Simon Coveney insisted that top-ups for first-time buyers will only apply to purchase newly built homes and not existing homes. Mr Coveney confirmed the package for first-time buyers would not fuel the existing property market. However, buyers will not get sums to buy secondhand homes, he said. News of the payment, which will be backdated to this week, has sparked widespread interest. The amount is yet to be decided, after reports it may be as much as 10,000. Mr Coveney said: Whatever we do, it will be on new houses to ensure that we are encouraging a dramatic increase in supply of new houses for first-time buyers. Its not a grant. Anything we do cant simply fuel the existing property market. We need to increase the stock of new houses that we have. Theres no point in giving first-time buyers the capacity to spend more on second- hand houses and not have any increase in those numbers. That will simply drive up the price of a house which is bad news for everybody, he added. Mr Coveney also said he expects new homes will be delivered in Dublin for a sale price of about 260,000, once the impact of his housing plan takes effect. This is compared to the current 330,000 price tag to build a semi-detached home in Dublin including a profit for developers of 11%. Simon Coveney In the Dail, Mr Kenny faced questions from Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams who said: The Taoiseach commended the Committee on Housing and Homelessness, it is the most commended committee in the Dail. The Taoiseach did not take on board some of its major findings and recommendations. In response, Mr Kenny said: Not all of them were accepted, but they were commented upon favourably. Meanwhile, the National Competitive Council (NCC) warned that some previously favourable global economic conditions are beginning to turn against the countrys economy with Brexit exacerbating the risk to Ireland. The Government last night rejected a Fianna Fail bill to give council tenants the right to buy the houses they are living in at just 60% of their actual costs. Mr Coveney said increasing social houses will be addressed in his housing strategy plan published this week. It looked at the lives of 22 individual living in direct provision and found people were mostly left to fend for themselves once they received their status. The report recommends that former asylum seekers should be entitled to a regular social welfare allowances to help them build their lives in Ireland. One of the authors of the report, Muireann Ni Raghallaigh, said most asylum seekers continued to receive the 19.10 weekly payment even after their status was granted. Although discretionary exceptional needs payments can be made available, most of the studys participants did not receive them, said Dr Ni Raghallaigh. As a result, people were often forced to borrow money and get into debt in order to be able to move out of direct provision. Blessing Moyo, a former asylum seeker who worked as a peer researcher on the project, spoke of her own difficulties in transitioning from directprovision. If you mention to the landlord that youre on rent supplement they want nothing to do with you, which to me is discrimination, she said. Ms Moyo is a mother of three, originally from Zimbabwe, who has been indirect provision for nearly eight years. She got her papers in March but can not find a landlord to accept her rent allowance. Dr Ni Raghallaigh said what they saw was the negative impact of people left in the direct provision system for far too long. The State has a duty to ensure that those granted status have the necessary resources and supports to integrate into local communities and to overcome the many difficulties they face because of the direct provisionsystem, said Dr Ni Raghallaigh. The report calls for those leaving direct provision to be given support akin to that provided to programme refugees. One of the authors of the report is Gabriel Wenyi Mendes, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who has lived in direct provision for four years. I studied accountancy back home, but I cant do anything here, said Mr Wenyi. I am stuck. Where I live in Waterford, there are about 10 people who have got their papers but have nowhere to go. Garda HQ is also reviewing security strategies in the wake of both the Nice truck massacre and the German train axe attack. The revelations come as the head of Europol urged Ireland to modernise its interception laws to help tackle the threat of terrorism. Rob Wainwright said that there is a vacuum in the law when it comes to Facebook, WhatsApp, and other social media which needs to be addressed. Speaking at the MacGill Summer School in Glenties, Mr Wainwright said: I think we havent yet reached a stage where we have the right, balanced, proportional, modern system of managing the way terrorists make use of the internet. I think there is a bit of a vacuum in the law and a vacuum in how we deal with that in society. As these countries move more and more to Ireland as Ireland becomes a data hub, its important Ireland gets that right in terms of how these different parts of our society work together maybe in a more constructive way. It is understood specialist gardai are monitoring the public online activity of known suspects here to gauge their reaction to the recent terrorist attacks. Thousands of posts are looked at every week, and that is done all the time, said one source. If there is anything of interest, it is followed up. Speaking after the Nice attack, in which Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel killed 84 people, including 10 children, Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald said that any public event here attracting hundreds of people would require security of a different sort now. Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel Gardai are conducting these reviews, but security sources said it was very, very difficult to prevent someone using the likes of a truck from killing people in crowded public areas or someone, like the teenage refugee in Germany, from stabbing train passengers. Officials pointed out that they were alive to the possible use of a truck in a terror attack because of statements by IS spokesmen in 2014 urging people to use rocks, knives, and cars to kill. Senior officers are concerned at the reports from French government officials and German police that the attackers were not on their radar and appeared to be radicalised very quickly by IS-type propaganda, but were not apparently in any direct contact with them. Rapid radicalisation is an issue, but some people would know, like close family members, said a security source. We would hope people would come forward beforehand. They have already done so in relation to foreign travel [sons intending to fly to Syria to fight]. Gardai yesterday conducted a terror attack training exercise at the Garda College in Templemore. The threat here is assessed as moderate possible, but not likely the second of five stages. It comes as a terrorism report by Europol, the EU police agency, found that the EU was facing an elevated threat from jihadists. Ukraine, Georgia, Albania, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, and Norway have joined the EU Council's decision to extend the sanctions over the annexation by Russia of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, the Council of the European Union said in a statement. "The Candidate Countries Montenegro and Albania, and the EFTA countries Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, and Georgia align themselves with this Council Decision," the Council said in a statement. "They will ensure that their national policies conform to this Council Decision. The European Union takes note of this commitment and welcomes it," the statement said. "They will ensure that their national policies conform to this Council Decision. The European Union takes note of this commitment and welcomes it," the statement said. The Council on June 17, 2016, decided to extend the existing sanctions until June 23, 2017. Finance Minister Michael Noonan confirmed that Irelands contribution to the EU budget will increase in the wake of the announcement of the bizarre growth figure by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Last night, Labour leader and former Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin was scathing in his criticism of the CSO, which he described as being a law onto itself, saying the figures should not have been published without addressing the major anomalies which caused the spike. The figures are distorted by tax inversion deals by pharmaceutical companies and aircraft purchase by leasing companies. Tax inversion is the practice of moving a companys legal home to a lower-tax juristiction while retaining its material operations in its country of origin Speaking to the Irish Examiner yesterday, Mr Howlin said: These bizarre figures should have been sorted out with Eurostat before their publication. They should have aggregated out the one-off factors which caused the major surge in the figures. Mr Howlin said Ireland should neither try to seek to benefit from the incorrect figures nor should it be liable as a result of them. The revisions by the CSO also resulted in a significant increase in the countrys gross national income, which is used to calculate Irelands contribution to the EU budget. Confirmation of the increased payment came on foot of a parliamentary question from Fianna Fails finance spokesman Michael McGrath. Mr Noonan replied that the revision meant an additional 380m would have to be paid to the EU budget. However, he added that because of a number of mitigating factors, the increase would now be in the order of 280m when compared with the recent summer economic statement. It must be emphasised that the final impact depends on a number of variables, including the size of the overall EU budget for 2017, which is not due to be agreed until November 2016, movements in other EU member states, and other EU budget operational developments, he said. Mr McGrath said the Department of Finance must explain credibly why the distortion of the growth figures came about. Confirmation that the artificially inflated GDP figure for 2015 will cost Ireland an extra 280m in hard cash brings into sharp focus the need for the Department of Finance to give a credible explanation as to how Irelands growth rate could be distorted in such an unexpected and dramatic fashion, he said. Given the impact this extra liability will have on public services that people rely on, the Minister for Finance needs to urgently clarify whether this will have an impact on Octobers budget. The Department of Finance said the increased Irish contribution to the EU will not impact on the fiscal space available to the Government, which is around 1bn for Budget 2017. This does not change as it is fixed each spring, said a department spokesperson. Mary Foran alleged in the Circuit Civil Court that the armed gardai at first refused to allow her go to the toilet. Judge Francis Comerford, awarding Mary and her partner Tony Boyle a total of 38,000 damages against the State, said armed men entering their home at Abercorn Road, East Wall, Dublin, had presented as a great threat. He told the couples counsel Ray Comyn, that cuffing Mr Boyles hands behind his back and forcing him to lie naked on the floor and the handcuffing of Ms Foran could not be justified. Anthony Cummins, Main St, Ballinspittle, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to charges of assaulting the couple on September 28, 2015. The case was adjourned yesterday for sentencing and to allow time for reports on the accused. Judge Leo Malone said he would not jail the defendant who he said needed care rather than custody. However, he said that the assaults were frightening and that Cummins could not repeat such behaviour. Obviously, society has to be protected as well, Judge Malone said. Diarmuid Kelleher, for Cummins, said he had a mental illness for which he was now taking medication . He is back playing guitar. He is at his best for as long as I know him, he said. Insp Gary McPolin said previously that the injured parties told gardai they were minding their own business when they were approached by Cummins. He shouted insults and abuse at the woman and spat at her. Cummins said he was spitting at her to baptise her. He kicked her in the stomach. He also spat at the man. The judge imposed two 300 fines on Cummins, who is aged around 40, for the assaults, and 100 for being drunk and a source of danger. The crew of LE James Joyce plucked the migrants from the dinghy, including two unconscious women. Their second day of operations began at 9am yesterday when they rescued 184 migrants from two dinghies 20 nautical miles north-west of Tripoli. It brings the total rescued since Naval service operations began last year to 10,167. Some of the migrants were taken onboard the Irish ship and the crew also took more people to the Swedish coastguard vessel Phoenix. Medics onboard LE James Joyce revived the unconscious women, dealt with another person who had a broken limb as a result of being squashed in the packed dinghy, and with a person who had a gunshot wound which was probably inflicted two weeks ago. LE James Joyce Meanwhile, the extent of the people-smugglers brutality has been revealed after the Italian navy raised a sunken barge which capsized last year. Inside the locked hold of the barge they found the remains of 458 migrants. They were locked inside and had no chance of escape. Forensic experts believe they were so crammed inside that five people were occupying every square metre of space. The vessel capsized after people on the deck all rushed to one side to attract attention from a passing merchant ship. Its believed that as many as 800 migrants were packed into the boat. A forensic team led by a Milan-based university professor is seeking to identify as many of the victims as possible and to build a database to help people find lost relatives. On August 5 last, LE Niamh attended a similar incident when a packed wooden vessel capsized. The LE Niamh in Cobh The crew rescued 375 migrants and recovered the bodies of 39 more. It is estimated more than 300 drowned, again many of whom were packed into the boats hold. LE Niamh rescued 4,127 migrants on her tour of duty, the most by any single Naval Service ship to date. The flagship LE Eithne rescued a further 3,377 people and LE Samuel Beckett took onboard 1,088. LE Roisin rescued 1,263 and recovered three bodies, while to date LE James Joyce has rescued 312 in just two days of operations. Europol warned that lone actor attacks remain a favourite tactic of Islamic State and al-Qaeda. It pointed out that both terror groups have repeatedly called on Muslims, often radicalised within a short space of time, to perpetrate attacks in the countries they live in. In its 2015 Terrorism Report, written before the Nice attack, it said IS and al-Qaeda clearly have access to people in the EU prepared to carry out suicide attacks, with examples reported in Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK. It said methods include the use of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices. While Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel did not use his truck as an explosive device in Nice, he used it as a mass killing weapon. The report found: Arrests for jihadist terrorism jumped from 216 in 2013, to 395 in 2014 and to 687 in 2015 driving an increase in overall terrorism arrest figures; Arrests of females for jihadist terrorism increased sharplyfrom six in 2013, to 52 in 2014 and to 128 in 2015; 15 EU countries (from those submitting data) have had arrests for jihadist terrorism in 2015 with Ireland, Portugal, and Greece the only member states reporting no such arrests; An estimated one third of the 5,000 EU nationals who have travelled in fight in Syria and Iraq have returned to Europe. The report said there were 211 failed, foiled or completed terrorist attacks in the EU in 2015. The motivation was not specified in 107, while 65 were separatist attacks and 17 jihadist. The UK reported the highest number of terrorist attacks (103), followed by France (72) and Spain (25). There were 151 fatalities, 150 caused by jihadists 148 of these in the January and November attacks in France. Murders and injuries in 2015 resulted from both unsophisticated lone actor terrorist attacks and well-coordinated, complex attacks by groups of militants, said the report. The carefully planned attacks demonstrated the elevated threat to the EU from a fanatic minority, operationally based in the Middle East, combined with a network of people born and raised in the EU, often radicalised within a short space of time, who have proven to be willing and able to act as facilitators and active accomplices in terrorism. The report said the January and November attacks in Paris represented a clear shift in the intent and capability of jihadists. It said police and security services face a highly challenging task in keeping track of ever increasing numbers of people sympathetic to IS ideology. The report said the UK and other EU states pointed to the effectiveness of terrorist media at inspiring and radicalising vulnerable individuals. It said: IS continues to use their media activities to encourage aspiring terrorists to conduct lone-actor attacks. The report said there was a real and imminent danger of the potential for elements of the Sunni Muslim Syrian refugee diaspora to become vulnerable to radicalisation once in Europe, and to be specifically targeted by Islamist extremist recruiters. Of the 1,077 terror arrests in 2015, 687 were suspected jihadists, while 168 were separatists. The greatest number of jihadist arrests were in France (377), Spain (75), and Belgium (60), with no breakdown data from the UK. In relation to separatist arrests, there were 41 in Ireland, third behind Spain (75), and France (44), with no figures for the UK. Rob Wainwright, speaking at the MacGill Summer School, said: The issue is entirely a political one, its for the governments of Ireland and the UK to deal with. Would there be a concern? Im not sure, I think we have come a long way since the Troubles. The Ireland that we see today is very different to what we saw all those years ago. I hate to think that we would slip back into something like that, and I am rather optimistic that we wouldnt, whatever the cause might be. Rob Wainwright, director of Europol, moved to reassure people that these gang lords are not being left to their own devices and are being followed by police forces across the EU. Mr Wainwright was speaking after meeting with Garda Commissioner Noirin OSullivan and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald and before his address to the MacGill Summer School in Donegal. We know about these guys [Kinahan bosses], he told Today with Sean ORourke show on RTE radio. Over the years we have been helping the gardai and other authorities in dealing with these kinds of criminal groups. He said they offered as much help as the gardai needed and said Europol had a very close relationship with other EU police, including in Spain, a Kinahan base. Its part of a growing criminal trend across Europe where we have organised crime groups spreading their wings across European countries. Its a typical case. But he rejected any idea they were untouchable, pointing out that they had to find the evidence first. Its not for me to comment on the particular stage of the investigation, [but] in most instances dealing with these high-end criminals, its only a matter of time before they are caught and locked up. He added: Believe me, these gang members are not being left to their own devices they are being followed by police services around Europe. Garda sources said their investigations into the Kinahan cartel were ongoing. They said they were working with foreign partners and that there was very close co-operation with Spanish police. Furthermore, at 23% Ireland has one of the highest incidences of low-paid jobs in the OECD. In relation to young people, the number of children living in consistent poverty in Ireland has almost doubled, from 6.3% in 2008 to 11.2% in 2014. All of these figures are in a new report called Economic Inequality in Ireland, put together by the public education charity TASC (Think-tank for Action on Social Change). Barnardos CEO Fergus Finlay launched the report yesterday. If I could pass any law I would make it compulsory that every member of the Oireachtas has to read this report and has to stand up and defend themselves in the face of it, he said. In reference to his area of expertise, working with children affected by poverty, Mr Finlay said there were five key messages he hears from young people. Fergus Finlay This is what kids have said to us, five things that children need: one, I want to be safe, to have enough food and somewhere comfortable to call home. I want someone to love me and look after me no matter what. I want to learn and have fun. I want to be accepted for who I am and be part of a circle of friends and family and community who will understand me and value my opinions. I want to be able to get help when I need it. There are thousands and thousands of children in Ireland for whom those conditions dont exist and remain a kind of aspiration, he stated. The report was written by two policy analysts, Rory Hearne and Cian McMahon. The top 10% have over half the wealth in Ireland (53.8%) while the bottom 50% have just 5%. So whatever way you look at it, this is an extremely unequal distribution of wealth in Irish society, said Mr Hearne. If we look at wealth among household groups, lone parents have substantially lower wealth than other households. This really shows the effects of inequality in Ireland, with a particular impact on lone parents, who are predominantly, overwhelmingly women-headed households. The specific figure relating to the gender of lone-parent families shows that women make up 90% of these units. Other key figures in yesterdays report show that the gender pay gap in Ireland stands at 13.9%. The pay gap in Ireland between women with no children and women with at least one child is 31%, the highest gap in the EU. Maggie Feeley from UCDs School of Social Justice and Ursula Barry contributed the chapter on gender and economic inequality to the report. In the absence of adequate State structures, womens continued position as societys default caregivers means they have less power and influence in public spheres where pivotal decisions about social structures and social and economic policies are made, said Ms Feeley. The gender division of care does not happen by accident, it is deeply woven into our policy decisions, social structures, education system and all the ways, historic and contemporary, that women and others are subordinated and relegated to positions of less value in our society. Cian McMahon, the reports co-author, said better State-led policy was required to help provide a sustainable recovery. The strike by 12 members of Unite firefighters and security workers at the regional airport began at 7.15am yesterday and is in response to the cutting of their hours from 39 per week to 21. The cut was made by the airport after the closure of the facilitys only commercial passenger service, between Waterford and London-Luton, by VLM Airlines last month, which resulted in a fall in revenue. Military coups, successful or otherwise, follow a predictable pattern in Turkey. Political groups, typically Islamists, deemed by soldiers to be antagonistic to Kemal Ataturks vision of a secular Turkey gain increasing power. Tensions rise, often accompanied by violence on the streets. Then the military steps in, exercising what the soldiers claim is their constitutional power to restore order and secular principles. This time, it was very different. Thanks to a series of sham trials targeting secularist officers, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had managed to reconfigure the military hierarchy and place his own people at the top. While the country has been rocked by a series of terrorist attacks and faces a souring economy, there was no inkling of unrest in the military or opposition to Erdogan. On the contrary, Erdogans recent reconciliation with Russia and Israel, together with his apparent desire to pull back from an active role in the Syrian civil war, must have been a relief to Turkeys top brass. No less baffling was the almost amateurish behaviour of the putschists, who managed to capture the chief of the general staff but apparently made no meaningful attempt to detain Erdogan or any senior politicians. Major television channels were allowed to continue to operate for hours, and when soldiers showed up in the studios, their incompetence was almost comical. Planes strafed civilians and attacked the parliament very uncharacteristic behaviour for the Turkish military outside areas of Kurdish insurgency. Social media were full of pictures of hapless (and apparently clueless) soldiers being pulled out of tanks and disarmed (and sometimes much worse) by civilian crowds scenes I never thought I would see in a country that has come to hate military coups but still loves its soldiers. Erdogan was quick to blame his former ally and current nemesis, the exiled preacher Fethullah Gulen, who leads a large Islamic movement from outside of Philadelphia. There are obvious reasons for taking this with a grain of salt, but the claim is less outlandish than it may seem. We know that there is a strong Gulenist presence in the military (without which the governments earlier move against senior Turkish officers the so-called Eregenekon and Sledgehammer cases could not have been mounted). In fact, the military was the last remaining Gulenist stronghold in Turkey, since Erdogan had already purged the movements sympathisers in the police, judiciary, and media. We also know that Erdogan was preparing to make a major move against the Gulenists in the military. A few officers had already been arrested for fabricating evidence in earlier trials, and it was rumoured that a large-scale purge of Gulenist officers was in the works for next months meeting of the Supreme Military Council. So the Gulenists had a motive, and the timing of the attempt supports their involvement. It is a supreme irony that the coup Erdogan long feared from the secularists may have eventually come from his one-time allies who themselves were responsible for fabricating myriad coup plots against Erdogan. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses his supporters gathered in front of his residence in Istanbul, on Tuesday. Picture: Kayhan Ozer/Pool Photo via AP Yet a bloody military coup lies very much outside the traditional modus operandi of the Gulen movement, which tends to prefer behind-the-scenes machinations to armed action or explicit violence. The coup may have been a desperate last-ditch effort, given the prospect that they were about to lose their last stronghold in Turkey. But, with so many unanswered questions about what took place, the emergence of many strange twists and turns in the coming weeks would be no surprise. There is less uncertainty about what is likely to happen next. The coup attempt will add potency to Erdogans venom and fuel a wider witch-hunt against the Gulen movement. Thousands have been sacked or suspended from their positions in the military, the judiciary, the civil service and schools and colleges and elsewhere, in some cases detained, and prosecuted with little regard for the rule of law or the presumption of innocence. There are already alarming calls to bring back the death penalty for putschists, which recent experience shows is a very broad category for Erdogan. Some of the mob violence against captured soldiers portends a Jacobinism that would jeopardise all remaining due-process protections in Turkey. The coup attempt is bad news for the economy as well. Erdogans recent, somewhat skin-deep reconciliation with Russia and Israel was likely motivated by a desire to restore flows of foreign capital and tourists. Such hopes are now unlikely to be realised. The failed coup reveals that the countrys political divisions run deeper than even the most pessimistic observers believed. This hardly makes for an attractive environment for investors or visitors. But, politically, the failed coup is a boon for Erdogan. As he put it while it was still unclear if he was going to emerge on top, this uprising is a gift from God to us because this will be a reason to cleanse our army. A pro Government rally after the attempted coup in Turkey Now that the coup has failed, he will have the political tailwind to make the constitutional changes he has long sought to strengthen the presidency and concentrate power in his own hands. The coups failure will thus bolster Erdogans authoritarianism and do little good for Turkish democracy. Had the coup succeeded, however, the blow to democratic prospects surely would have been more severe, with longer-term effects. That provides at least some reason to cheer. Dani Rodrik, professor of international political economy at Harvard Universitys John F Kennedy School of Government, is the author of Economics Rules: The Rights and Wrongs of the Dismal Science. Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2016. Hugues Mingarelli has been appointed Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine to replace Jan Tombinski, the European Commission has said in an announcement. Mingarelli is currently serving as Senior Adviser on Global Strategy and European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) Review Implementation within the European External Action Service, the announcement said. European Commissioner on Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn earlier announced that Mingarelli would begin work in Ukraine early in September 2016. Jan Tombinski, who has headed the EU Delegation to Ukraine since September 1, 2012, has been appointed Head of the EU Delegation to the Holy See, to the UN Organizations in Rome and to the Republic of San Marino. EARLIER this year, when Russian president, Vladimir Putin, announced that he was forming a 400,000-man national guard that would report only to him, many Russians wondered why it was needed. After all, Russias army was supposedly back: Putin had equipped it with new toys, and had even arranged for two small wars in Georgia, in 2008, and in Ukraine, starting in 2014 to prove it. But the failed coup against Putins fellow strongman, Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, points to an important reason for establishing a Praetorian guard. Putin has so hollowed-out Russias democratic institutions that the only means to remove him from power now would be a military putsch. Putin, Erdogan, and even Chinese president, Xi Jinping, all have similar, justifiable fears about their political survival. All three came to office in systems that constrain the exercise of power even if the system is otherwise undemocratic, or an infant democracy ready to be strangled in its cradle. Vladimir Putin In Erdogans case, Turkey had the rule of law, and institutional checks and balances on executive power; and, in Putins and Xis cases, there were unwritten rules, sanctified by decades of precedent. These rules established in Russia by Nikita Khrushchev, after Joseph Stalins death, in 1953, and in China by Deng Xiaoping, following Mao Zedongs death, in 1976 were designed to take the murderousness out of top-level governance by guaranteeing that a leader would not threaten the lives and safety of either his predecessors or of his colleagues. A government official may be removed from power or placed under house arrest, but there is no risk of imprisonment or of physical harm against him or his family. Putin came to power in 1999, in part because he understood, and appeared to accept, this tradition. Boris Yeltsin did not choose Putin as his successor because of his remarkable administrative gifts, but because Putin assured him that, if he were in charge, Yeltsin and his family would be protected from any legal or political retribution. In Yeltsins case, Putin kept his end of the bargain. But, otherwise, Putin has shown little restraint in going after his rivals. For example, the oligarch, Boris Berezovsky, was driven into exile, where he was continuously hounded and harassed, until he was found dead in his home in 2013, allegedly having taken his own life. Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the billionaire owner of Yukos Oil and a possible rival to Putin for political power, was stripped of his company, imprisoned, and later exiled. Lower-profile rivals and enemies have suffered harsher treatment. Exiled Russian intelligence officer, Alexander Litvinenko, to take one highly publicised example, died from radiation sickness in 2006, in the United Kingdom, having been poisoned with polonium. An official UK inquiry concluded that Putin might have been aware of the murder plan; in other cases, Putins personal involvement is unknown. But the message is clear: Putin answers to no rules, and there are no limits to the reach or ruthlessness of his retribution, no matter how powerful in Russia a person might once have been. Xi, an admirer of Putins methods, has adopted the Russians playbook as he has consolidated power in China. Since Dengs final years in office, in the late 1980s, a form of collective leadership within the Communist Party has ruled China, with the same unwritten conventions protecting the most powerful from retribution. Under Xi, however, collective leadership has given way to one-man authority, and the unwritten rules of behaviour have been junked. Xi Jinping Like Putin, Xi uses anti-corruption measures to dispatch rivals and concentrate power in his own hands, and he has been even more ruthless than Putin in doing so. Hundreds of senior generals in the Peoples Liberation Army have been purged and imprisoned on corruption charges. Moreover, Xi has violated the party norm of not pursuing members of the Politburo Standing Committee, beyond removing them from office. Consider the example of Zhou Yongkang, Chinas long-time internal security chief, who has been imprisoned on charges of bribery, corrupting state power (for allegedly having too many mistresses), and leaking state secrets. Members of his family have also been imprisoned. Zhous fall came not long after the trial and imprisonment of Bo Xilai, a candidate for Standing Committee membership, who might have been planning a coup against Xi. Both mens imprisonment precipitated the downfall of a vast network of senior leaders, including provincial governors and the head of the China National Petroleum Company. By violating party norms and unwritten agreements among the ruling elite, Putin and Xi understand that they can never relinquish power voluntarily without fearing for their future safety. Little wonder that, after 17 years of rule, Putin will run again for president largely unopposed in March, 2018. Xi, however, has a problem. In 2017, he will complete his first five-year term, and precedent permits him only one more five-year term. Because five of the seven members of the Standing Committee are to be replaced in 2017, this would be the moment for his opponents to challenge him by nominating a successor. The mere existence of a potential replacement could be a political death sentence for Xi, given widespread anger against him within the Chinese government. Since the failed coup in Turkey, Erdogan has cracked down on those allegedly behind it, having produced a suspiciously convenient arrest list for thousands of politicians and military and judicial personnel, whom he accuses of threatening his democratic rule. But Erdogan now faces a stark choice: follow Putin and Xi down the path of autocratic no-return, or retrace his steps back toward functioning democracy. With even his political opponents supporting him against the military coup, the Turkish people have made their preference known. Nina L. Khrushcheva is professor of international affairs and associate dean for academic affairs at The New School, and a senior fellow at the World Policy Institute. Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2016. Convention speakers have prosecuted Clinton at a mock trial, accused her of being a serial liar and even linked her to the Devil himself. Throughout the campaign, Trump has revelled in referring to his opponent as Crooked Hillary. The most blistering assault at the Republican convention came on Tuesday night when New Jersey Governor Chris Christie took on the role of prosecutor and put Clinton on trial for her performance and her character. The audience responded with chants of Lock her up! Lock her up! But others have piled on. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell told the crowd scandal follows Clinton and former president Bill Clinton like flies. She lied about her emails. She lied about her server. She lied about Benghazi. She even lied about sniper fire. Why, even she lied about why her parents named her Hillary, McConnell said. And yesterday, Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort said the airport meeting between former president Bill Clinton and Attorney General Loretta Lynch last month probably helped Clintons wife escape criminal charges over her use of a private email server. He told ABC that Lynch probably gave Bill Clinton special information that helped his wife. Manafort even tried to blame Clinton for the controversy over Melania Trump lifting passages of her convention remarks from a speech that Michelle Obama delivered in 2008. For people to try and disparage that speech and say that it was something that it wasnt is once again politics, he told Fox News. Its Hillary Clinton once again feeling threatened by a woman and trying to destroy the woman and demean her as a way of positioning her own fate. Perhaps the wildest attack came from former presidential candidate Ben Carson, who told the crowd that one of Clintons role models, community activist Saul Alinsky, acknowledges Lucifer in a 1971 book. So are we willing to elect someone as president who has as their role model somebody who acknowledges Lucifer? Carson said. Think about that. The countrys top online news website, Ukrainska Pravda, said its journalist Pavel Sheremet, 44, died in an explosion as he got into his car to drive to work to anchor a talk show on a local radio station. It said the car was owned by its founding editor Olena Prytula, who was Sheremets romantic partner. Images from the scene showed the charred car stranded in the middle of a cobbled street. The Ukrainian president has ordered protection for Prytula, the interior ministry said. Zoryan Shkiryak, adviser to the Ukrainian interior minister, said in a Facebook post that an improvised explosive device was planted underneath the car. Shkiryak said the device was either a delayed-action bomb or was remotely operated. Its believed to have contained up to the equivalent of 600 grams of TNT. Interior minister Khatiya Dekanoidze will personally supervise the investigation. We are looking at all theories, the visibly-shaken minister said, adding that solving the murder is very important, a matter of honour for the Kiev police. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko met with Dekanoidze, the prosecutor general and the chief of the Ukrainian Security Agency and urged them to conduct a speedy investigation. Russias Novaya Gazeta quoted friends and family of Sheremet and Prytula as saying they had complained about being followed. Ukraines media community was deeply affected by the brutal slaying of Ukrainska Pravda founder Heorhiy Gongadze in 2000. Thirteen years later, an interior ministry official was convicted for the killing but the probe never formally determined who ordered it. The Belarusian-born Sheremet irked officials in Belarus and Russia before he moved to Ukraine, where he said there were fewer hurdles to independent reporting. In a media landscape sanitized by the authoritarian Belarusian government, Sheremet while living abroad founded Belaruspartisan.org which went on to become one of the countrys leading independent news websites. He moved to Ukraine in 2014 after what he said was pressure from his Russian television bosses over the reporting of ongoing opposition protests in Kiev. The writer, Meredith McIver, apologised for using certain phrases, which she said Ms Trump recited to her in a phone call, without checking to see how closely it matched Ms Obamas speech at the Democratic National Convention eight years ago. Trumps campaign hopes his formal nomination for presidential candidate will end the dissent surging through the Republican party that has overshadowed the conventions chaotic start, including the plagiarism charge involving Ms Trump. Alabama senator Jeff Sessions opened the nominating process with a hearty endorsement of Mr Trump, declaring him a warrior and a winner. There were flurries of dissent on the convention floor as states that Mr Trump did not win recorded their votes, but he far outdistanced his primary rivals. He was put over the top by his home state of New York. However, the rocky start raises fresh questions about his oversight of his campaign, which gives voters a window into how a candidate might handle the pressures of the presidency. The plagiarism row centred on Mondays speech by Mr Trumps wife. Two passages from her address each 30 words or longer matched a 2008 Democratic convention address by Ms Obama nearly word for word. Trumps campaign inadvertently kept the scandal alive on the second day of the convention by insisting there was no evidence of plagiarism, while offering no explanation for how the strikingly similar passages wound up in Ms Trumps speech. The matter dominated news coverage from Cleveland, obscuring Ms Trumps broader effort to show her husbands softer side. Despite Ms Trumps initial claim that she had written her speech with as little help as possible, a Trump Organisation staff writer yesterday said she made a mistake in including phrases from Ms Obama speech in Ms Trumps. Ms McIver said Ms Trump read passages of Ms Obamas 2008 convention speech during the writing process and Ms McIver made a note of them. She said that she felt terrible for the chaos she caused and offered her resignation, which Trump had rejected. Trump addressed the convention briefly in videotaped remarks, thanking them for formally nominating him as the partys White House candidate. This is a movement, but we have to go all the way, he said. Democrat rival Hillary Clinton pounced on the tumult, saying the Republican gathering had so far been surreal, comparing it to the classic 1939 fantasy film Wizard Of Oz. When you pull back the curtain, it was just Donald Trump with nothing to offer to the American people, said Ms Clinton. May won loud cheers from the Conservative benches as she sought to twist the knife in the Labour leader over the turmoil in his partys ranks. I am interested that he refers to the situation of some workers who might have some job insecurity and potentially unscrupulous bosses, the prime minister told Corbyn. I suspect that there are many members on the opposition benches who might be familiar with an unscrupulous boss. A boss who doesnt listen to his workers, a boss who requires some of his workers to double their workload and maybe a boss who exploits the rules to further his own career. Remind him of anybody? As Corbyn who is facing a leadership challenge from Owen Smith complained there were many people in this country struggling with insecure jobs, he was met with raucous laughter from Tory MPs. The Labour leader angrily hit back, saying: I know this is very funny for Conservative members but I do not suppose [there are] too many Conservative MPs who have to go to a food bank in order to supplement their family table. May said: Labour may be about to have several months of fighting and tearing itself apart. The Conservative Party will be spending those months bring this country back together. In an combative performance, she also sought to highlight Labour differences over Trident, pointedly praising the 141 Labour MPs who put the national interest first and voted in favour of renewing the nuclear deterrent in Mondays Commons vote. There were echoes of Margaret Thatcher, as May took Corbyn to task after he said that six years of Government austerity had failed. He talks about austerity, I call it living within our means, she replied. He talks about austerity, but actually it is about not saddling our children and grandchildren with significant debts to come. However, she sidestepped a question from the Labour leader when he sought to challenge her about comments by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson calling black people piccaninnies and questioning the motives of US President Barack Obama because of his part-Kenyan heritage. Corbyn also questioned May about her commitment to home ownership, ending insecure work. Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the measure was being taken to counter threats to Turkish democracy and was not intended to curb basic freedoms. He spoke after a meeting with Cabinet ministers and top security advisers. Erdogan, who praised citizens for taking to the streets in support of his administration, said the pro-government death toll in the botched coup was 246. Earlier yesterday, the government expanded its purge of suspected coup backers and began to revoke the licences of 21,000 teachers at private schools. The state-run Anadolu news agency said teachers involved are believed to have ties to US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the government has accused of being behind the failed coup. Gulen has strongly denied the accusations. Turkey has already announced the firing of 15,200 teachers at state institutions, demanded the resignations of 1,577 university deans, and halted all foreign assignments for state-employed academics. In addition, thousands of other state employees including police officers have been fired, all accused of being Gulen followers. Authorities have also rounded up close to 9,000 people including 115 generals, 350 officers and 4,800 other military personnel for alleged involvement in the coup attempt. But two of those military officers fled from a military hospital in Istanbul where they were being treated. Anadolu said the infantry captain and lieutenant are suspected to be followers of Gulen. Turkish police are warning the two officers may be armed and have distributed their photos in a bid to recapture them. The announcement comes after Turkish jets carried out cross-border strikes against Kurdish rebel targets in northern Iraq, killing 20 alleged militants. F-16 jets pounded targets belonging to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, in Iraqs Hakurk region, Anadolu said. The military has been regularly hitting suspected PKK positions in Iraq since last year, but yesterdays were the first since the coup attempt in which several F-16 pilots were involved. The air raids appeared to be an attempt to show that forces are on top of security. Sizemore, famed for his portrayals of gruff tough guys in movies like Heat and Black Hawk Down, was arrested at a downtown Los Angeles apartment. The actor plays a recurring character on the upcoming television series, Shooter, an adaptation of a book and film about a marksman drawn into a conspiracy to assassinate the US president. Sizemore became a star in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with acclaimed appearances in Saving Private Ryan and Heat. However, his substance dependency devastated his movie career, left him homeless, sent him to jail (from August 2007 to January 2009) and led to a failed suicide attempt. His comeback started after he wrote the candid book, By Some Miracle I Made It Out of There: A Memoir, about his recovery. Sizemore previously said his dependency was success. He started with alcohol, then went on to take cocaine, heroin, and crystal meth. In 2003, he was convicted of assault and battery on his ex-girlfriend, Heidi Fleiss, who testified that the actor punched her in the jaw at the Four Seasons Hotel, in Beverly Hills. Fleiss, a former Hollywood madam, convicted in 1994 of running a high-priced call-girl ring, also accused Sizemore of beating her so badly, in New York, that they could not attend the premiere of Black Hawk Down. After his conviction, Sizemore denied he abused Fleiss and he accused her of faking a picture of her bruises. WDAF-TV reports that 20-year-old Danesha Couch of Kansas City, Kansas, says she has not undergone any fertility treatment and realises some people might consider her a freak of nature. Couch delivered two boys 26 months ago. One of them died, but the survivor, Danarius, is a busy toddler. She also has twin one-year-olds, Delilah and Davina. Dalanie and Darla were born last month and just arrived home after three weeks in neonatal intensive care. Ms Couch and her fiance, Jeffrey Presler, plan to marry in September, but she says they do not plan to have any more children for at least 10 years. My regrets would be timing, but Im really happy that I can even create babies or have life because some women cant do that, Ms Couch told Fox4KC.com. I love babies but maybe in 10 to 15 years, when these ones are big enough to help. The odds are approximately 88,000 to one of having three sets of twins, according to a British study. Im always picking something up, picking food up, changing a diaper, she told Inside Edition, adding that she goes through three dozen diapers a day. She said she applied for state benefits but was declined, so she started a GoFundMe page. I have tried to sign up for benefits and got denied, she wrote. I try best i can as a mother but sometimes I need help and honestly Im not too proud to ask." Burma Arakan National Party Criticized by Arakanese Civil Society in Rangoon Rangoon-based Arakanese civil society groups chastise the ANP for ignoring them after the support they gave the party during the November election. RANGOON Rangoon-based Arakanese civil society groups have chastised the Arakan National Party (ANP) for ignoring them after the support they gave the party during the November general election, and for failing to preserve unity in the Arakanese nationalist movement. The criticism was made at a meeting on Wednesday at the Danyawaddy monastery in Rangoons Bahan Township between senior ANP leaders and more than 40 Rangoon-based ethnic Arakanese civil society organizationsthe first such meeting to have taken place. The meeting had a three-fold agenda: preparations for a public conference on the 1982 Citizenship Law to be held by the ANP on Sunday, broad-based collaboration with civil society in addressing the affairs of Arakan State, and the challenges being faced by the ethnic Arakanese community in Rangoon. ANP chairman Aye Maung told those assembled that the conference on the 1982 Citizenship Law would aim to educate the public on the strengths and weaknesses of the law, as well as lay out how the National League for Democracy (NLD) led government is finding loopholes in the law to provide Bengalis with preliminary citizenship documentationa reference to the citizenship verification exercise now being undertaken in Arakan State. Arakanese legal experts will take part in the conference, he said. The 1982 law in its current form places significant barriers to citizenship for communities not listed among 135 officially recognized ethnic groups in Burma. This includes the Muslim minority in Arakan State who identify as Rohingya, most of whom remain stateless, and whom the ANP and ethnic Arakanese civil societyalong with much of the Burmese public and significant sections of the governmentconsiders illegal migrants from Bangladesh, and insists on calling Bengali. At the Wednesday meeting, Arakanese youth activist Sitt Nyein addressed party chairman Aye Maung and the ANP directly, stating that, despite overwhelming support from the ethnic Arakanese community in Rangoon during the election, ANP candidates had not since interacted with Rangoon-based Arakanese civil society. Sitt Nyein also pointed to infighting within the party since the election, which had caused broader disunity within the Arakanese community across the country. We need a father to rely on, Sitt Nyein said, stating the need for a strong Arakanese ethnic party. He asked rhetorically whether they could depend on the party. Show me, what ANP has done for us? he said, to loud applause across the meeting hall. He recalled how ANP candidates had convinced all Rangoon-based Arakanese civil society to support their election campaigns, while handing out free canned beers. Since the election, however, they had disappeared. He reminded the ANP leader that Arakanese youth are always on standby to champion the causes espoused by the ANP, for instance staging protests in opposition to the international community and to Aung San Suu Kyi when they go against Arakanese national interests, particularly regarding the stateless Rohingya. Despite activists being detained for such protests and other personal sacrifices, he said, Our efforts are in vain. Other civil society representatives at the meeting cited several problems faced by the ethnic Arakanese community in Rangoon, which they said had not been addressed by the party or by the Arakanese ethnic minister in the Rangoon Division government (a post elected only by ethnic Arakanese people registered as living in Rangoon Division). The stated problems included women facing difficulties finding work in factories in the Hlaing Tharyar and Shwe Pyitha industrial zones, and being vulnerable to physical assault by thugs; and families facing eviction from houses when they fail to make monthly rental payments. In such cases, ethnic minister Zaw Aye Maung has offered no support, they said. Paing Myint, who represents a small youth group, mentioned the case of 300 people working at a Shwe Pyitha garment factory, who could not afford to buy houses and so spent 4 million kyats (US$3,380) in 2013 on a stretch of land near the factory where they constructed dwellings. This year, the new Rangoon Division government announced that they were trespassing on government landas squatters, they would be relocated under an audacious plan devised by the NLD government to address Rangoons burgeoning squatter problem. Those affected appealed to the ethnic minister but received no response. The ethnic minister Zaw Aye Maung had been invited by the civil society groups to attend the Wednesday meeting, but he was not present. ANP chairman Aye Maung said that he was there on the ethnic ministers behalf. The ANP party chairman acknowledged that his party faces many challenges but presented this as a reason why Arakanese civil society should accelerate their collaboration with the party. The references to unity made by the civil society representatives at the meeting point to a factional tussle within the ANP that has played out over the course of 2016. Since the November general electionwhere the ANP won a large plurality of seats in the Arakan State parliament and in seats representing the state in the national parliamentthere has been considerable friction within the ANP regarding cooperation with the ruling NLD, which has excluded the ANP from the Arakan State government and the new high-level committee charged with overseeing Arakan State. The friction runs between the former leaders of the Arakan League for Democracy (ALD), which has historically been close to the NLD, and of the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party (RNDP), which pushes a harder line in defending the sectarian interests of the states Buddhist majority, since the parties merged to form the ANP in early 2014. The faction from the RNDP is now dominant within the ANP. After failing to be granted the position of Chief Minister of Arakan State, the ANP publicly vowed to work in opposition to the ruling NLDa stance the former ALD members did not consent to. Burma Aung San Suu Kyi Accepts Obamas Invitation to Visit the US State Counselor Suu Kyi has accepted an invitation from President Barack Obama to visit the US, in what would be her first trip there since Burmas 2015 general election. Burma government leader Aung San Suu Kyi has accepted an invitation from President Barack Obama to visit the United States, the government said on Thursday, in what would be her first trip to America since she won an election in November. Suu Kyi planned to travel at a mutually convenient time, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman said. Another government source said the trip was likely to coincide with the UN General Assembly session in New York in September. Suu Kyis party, the National League for Democracy, swept to power in a historic election in November after decades of campaigning against military rule. It took over the running of the country after a transition from semi-civilian rule in April. She accepted President Obamas invitation to visit the US before his presidency ends, said Aye Aye Soe, a spokeswoman at the foreign ministry, which is run by Suu Kyi. Visiting US Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes delivered Obamas invitation during a meeting with Suu Kyi in the capital, Naypyidaw, on Wednesday. Suu Kyi, 71, is barred from becoming president by the constitution drafted under the previous regime, because her two sons do not have Burmese citizenship. She is instead foreign minister and has also assumed the newly created post of state counselor. She is in overall charge of running the government. The US embassy in the city of Rangoon did not comment. Suu Kyi, who spent years under house arrest during military rule, visited the United States as the leader of the opposition in September 2012. The UN General Assembly session in New York is scheduled from Sept. 13 to Sept. 26. Obama will leave office in January after a November election. (Reporting by Aung Hla Tun; Editing by Robert Birsel) Members of the Civil Agreement opposition party were detained after a rally near the Yerevan police station taken over by an armed group had been dispersed, Civil Agreement party leader, Armenian parliament deputy and member of the Armenian National Congress opposition faction Nikol Pashinyan said. Pashinyan had been negotiating with the police and the protesters for the purposes of avoiding clashes and had volunteered to speak to members of the armed group in the past few days. "Party board chair Arayik Harutyunyan, board member Vilen Gabrielyan and about 15 party members staying with me were detained," Pashinyan said on Facebook. Armenian police dispersed a rally near the Yerevan police station taken over by an armed group. About 50 people were detained, a source from Armenian police told Interfax. Before the rally was dispersed, police twice warned the protesters about the intentions and urged them "to stop the illegal action." As many as 51 people, including 28 policemen, were wounded in clashes in Yerevan on Wednesday evening. The protesters hurled stones at the police after their question about food supply to the armed group was left unanswered. Later on, the protesters built barricades on Tigran Mets Avenue and the area near the seized police station. A group of armed persons took over the police station in the morning of July 17. They killed a police officer and injured four people. They demanded that Founding Parliament opposition group leader Jirair Sefilian under arrest on the counts of illegal acquisition and storing of weapons be released. Other demands are resignation of the authorities and formation of a people's confidence government. Armenian police deputy chief Maj. Gen. Vardan Egiazaryan and Yerevan police deputy chief Col. Valery Osipyan were taken hostage amongst others. Burma Burma Army Reveals Concerns Over Ethnic Summit The Tatmadaw fears that a Kachin State ethnic summit could negatively impact the Union Peace Conference, which is slated to convene in late August. RANGOON The Tatmadaw expressed concern over the upcoming Mai Ja Yang peace summit in Kachin State during a press conference on Wednesday in Rangoon, saying that the meeting could negatively impact the Union Peace Conference, which is slated to convene in late August. Army spokesman and chief of military security affairs Lt-Gen Mya Tun Oo reiterated the Tatmadawsthe Burmese term for the national armyintention to cooperate with the civilian-led National League for Democracy (NLD) government, but said the best results for the peace process would stem from open and honest discussion at the Union conference. Reaching a common perspective amongst the different groups is already a challenge, he said. In a meeting, many agreements are reached. Then restraints are imposedand making efforts to move things forward will get harder, Mya Tun Oo said, reportedly emphasizing the concerns of army chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing. Thus, if possible, [the Burma Army] does not want the Mai Ja Yang meeting to happen. We dont want any more territorial claims or forming of alliances, adding that, the military would The ethnic armed groups have said that the Mai Ja Yang summit will be held next week, from July 26-29, and will serve as a plenary discussion for the upcoming Union Peace Conference, as well as a forum to identify common perspectives on federal and state constitutions, security and defense and the countrys political dialogue framework. Padoh Kwe Htoo Win, secretary of the Karen National Union (KNU) and a vice chairman of the ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) Summit Plenary Convening Committee for Mai Ja Yang, told The Irrawaddy that the summit itself is not an action that would damage the upcoming peace conference, but, rather, it will be a supportive action for peace building. He added that he hopes there will not be any objections from the Burma Army, as the military has pledged to collaborate with the NLD government concerning the countrys peace process. Padoh Kwe Htoo Win pointed out that both the State CounselorAung San Suu Kyiand army chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing were informed of the summit when they met in June with the leaders of eight signatory groups to 2015s nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA). The first EAO summit in Laiza, Kachin State, in 2013 moved the country toward the drafting of the NCA by the ethnic Nationwide Ceasefire Coordinating Team and the government, Padoh Kwe Htoo Win pointed out; the previous government had allowed for this gathering to take place. The second eight-day EAO summit was held in the KNU-controlled Law Khee Lar region of Karen State in June 2015. The KNU was among the eight signatories of NCA last October. NCA non-signatory groups are continuing talks with the government regarding all-inclusive participation in the peace process. The senior leaders of one bloc of non-signatory armed groupsthe United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC)met with Aung San Suu Kyi on Sunday in Rangoon to discuss further collaboration toward building a federal union, as well as participation in the political dialogue framework review and the peace conference. One demand from non-signatories to the NCA is for a unilateral ceasefire to be jointly announced by the government, the Burma Army and ethnic armed groups before resuming peace talks in Naypyidaw in August. To this end, the government and UNFC delegations met again for talks in Chiang Mai, Thailand on Wednesday. Making unilateral ceasefires is easy, but the implementation is difficult if we do not have trust in each other and can not manage to agree on the NCA pact, said Padoh Kwe Htoo Win. Business Optimism Expressed at Economic Forum, Despite Govt Policy Blackout At an economic forum, participants express disappointment at sluggish growth but stress Burmas potential, despite the lack of clear government policy. RANGOON Economists and businessmen gathered at a forum in Rangoon expressed disappointment at sluggish growth under the new government since Aprilin light of high expectationsbut remain convinced of Burmas economic potential. However, the lack of clarity from the National League for Democracy government on matters of economic policy prevented a more detailed discussion of Burmas current economic trajectory, with many participants making somewhat abstract calls for inclusive and broad-based growth. The economic forum, jointly staged by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Renaissance Institute in Burmas commercial capital on Thursday, drew several hundred Burmese and foreign economists and businessmen interested in Burmas ongoing economic transformation from a state of isolation and impoverishment. Discussions ranged largely between the agricultural, financial, trade and investment sectors. David Roland-Holst, adjunct professor of agriculture and resource economics at the University of California, Berkeley, spoke of the seemingly unlimited possibilities for Burma but said choices will have to be made. He stressed the three most potent catalysts for inclusive growth in Burma as: greater labor productivity, equitable domestic capital allocation, and infrastructure development. Inclusive growth was described as growth that extended income opportunities to the poor, ethnic and religious minority groups, women and isolated rural populations. For agricultural developmentunderstood to be a centerpiece of the NLDs economic vision for Burma, which has yet to be spelled out in any detailDavid Roland-Holst emphasized diversification of crops and produce, secure property rights for smallholder farmers, greater market access, and the streamlining of rules and regulations for farmers that are currently difficult for most to interpret. Steven Radelet, a professor of global human development at Georgetown University and a former USAID chief economist, noted that almost all developing countries that have gone on to achieve sustained and inclusive growth started with a strong focus on agriculture. A focus on agriculture is particularly pertinent in Burma where the majority of the population still practices farming as their primary livelihood, despite rapid urbanization in recent years and the growth of cities such as Rangoon and Mandalay. Burmese economist Khin Maung Nyo, who largely concurred with the views of his international peers, said, I accept that economic reform under the new government has been slow, because the government has been focused more on national reconciliation and other political matters, but the government needs to accelerate economic growth. Participants at the forum stressed their eagerness to learn about the governments economic policies, which remain generally obscured after more than 100 days in office. Industry sources have predicted an unveiling for certain sectors at the end of this month. Win Aung, chairman of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers and Commerce and Industry, criticized the delay but said he remained very optimistic. He also emphasized the need for Burmas economy to hit the right trackone that is inclusive and sustainableabove the shorter-term imperative of faster growth. Illegal armed formations conducted 70 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas on July 20, including by use of 122mm artillery systems, the press service of the Anti-Terrorist Operation headquarters said on Facebook on Thursday morning. "The hostiles fired 122mm artillery forbidden by the Minsk agreements on Avdiyivka, Semyhirya, Kodema and Kamyanets, while 120mm and 82mm mortars were fired on Dacha, Novhorodske, Zaitseve and Avdiyivka," it said. In the Donetsk sector, the militants fired 82mm mortars on Ukrainian forces stationed in Mayorsk and Troyitske. Grenade launchers and large-caliber machine-guns of the militants fired on Ukrainian fortifications in Avdiyivka, Novhorodske, Luhanske and Zaitseve, the press center said. According to it, the enemy used armored vehicles, grenade launchers, large-caliber machine-guns, anti-aircraft guns and small arms in the Donetsk region. Army strongholds in Vodiane and Talakivka came under attack of 122mm self-propelled artillery systems and 120mm mortars in the Mariupol sector. Besides, 120mm and 82mm mortars were used in Shyrokyne and Krasnohorivka, and snipers were active near Maryinka and Hnutove. The militants conducted six attacks on Ukrainian forces, using grenade launchers and small arms, in Novo-Oleksandrivka and Stanytsia Luhanska in the Luhansk region. A total of 33 out of 70 shelling incidents were observed in the Donetsk sector, 31 in the Mariupol sector and six in the Luhansk sector, the press service said. Thursday, July 21st, 2016 (1:27 pm) - Score 845 A new contract worth 5 million has been signed with Openreach (BT) to expand the operators roll-out of fibre broadband (FTTC/P) services, which will cover another 10,000 homes and businesses in the city of Leicester (Leicestershire, East Midlands of England) over the next 2 years. The deal forms part of the wider 28 million+ Superfast Leicestershire project, which is already working through two existing contracts to ensure that 72,000 (82,000 if you include todays announcement) additional premises can access superfast broadband speeds of at least 24Mbps by 2018 (around 96% coverage); 65,000 of those have already been completed. However the new contract, which is being funded by 2.8 million from BT, 1.1 million from the Local Growth Fund and a further 1.1 million from the Governments Broadband Delivery UK programme, appears to focus almost exclusively on Leicester itself. Peter Soulsby, Leicesters City Mayor, said: Leicester City Council is delighted to be working with partners to increase the coverage of superfast broadband in Leicester, providing first class connectivity to support business innovation and growth. Steve Henderson, BTs Regional Director, said: Our Superfast Leicestershire partnership has already made huge progress in making fibre broadband available across the county. Fibre plays such an important role in everyday life and to our local businesses and were delighted to be extending the programme into areas in and around the city centre. We should point out that Leicester already has strong coverage of superfast broadband connectivity and appears to have largely achieved the Governments national coverage goal of 95%, which is thanks to the efforts of both Openreach (BT) and Virgin Media. But some parts remain poorly served and todays deal could achieve near universal coverage of the city area. Apparently one of the first areas to benefit from this investment will be the Hamilton Office Park, a small business development around three miles north-east of the city centre. After that a number of other areas, such as Stoneygate, Aylestone, Evington and Beaumont Leys, will also see an expansion of BTs network. Thursday, July 21st, 2016 (9:27 am) - Score 4,307 After yesterdays major disruption (here) were loathed to report that this morning appears to have started off in much the same way, with broadband ISPs from across the UK all reporting similar Internet disruption as a result of another possible power failure at a major London data centre. Several ISPs are already pointing the finger at a power failure stemming from Telehouse North (specifically TFM10 as all the other kit is still powered). Meanwhile another ISP said theyve lost all their London resilient interconnects to the BTWholesale DSL platform, although this has failed over to Manchester and so the impact was minimal. The problem itself began after 7am this morning and once again it is affecting routing / DNS connectivity for multiple ISPs (i.e. you might have trouble accessing some websites and Internet services), albeit mostly those that use BTs platform as a lot of ISPs connect through them. At the time of writing Telehouse are still working to restore power. We should point out that yesterdays fault stemmed from TeleCity, not Telehouse (i.e. different site), although its easy to get the two confused. No doubt questions will be asked about why this has happened twice in a row, albeit at different sites. Heres a summary of some ISP updates. https://twitter.com/fastbroadband/status/756036118215262208 UPDATE The current outage affecting BT based connections is linked to a power failure at Telehouse North. There is no ETA yet, sorry ICUK.net (@icuknet) July 21, 2016 Sorry if you're unable to access some websites this morning on Plusnet Broadband, we're investigating the cause and will update you all soon Plusnet Help (@plusnethelp) July 21, 2016 The outage at BT may also be affecting some VOIP trunks that we supply; current ETA for this to be fixed is 10am. Merula Limited (@MerulaSupport) July 21, 2016 more internet woes. Yesterday power fail in Telecity. This morning part of Telehouse Nth out. Our kit currently unaffected. HiWiFi (@hi_wifi) July 21, 2016 A BT outage is affecting all ISPs. We are working with BT to ensure a fix is put in place ASAP! Zen Internet (@zeninternet) July 21, 2016 UPDATE 10:06am Were getting tentative reports that the situation is now being resolved, although like yesterday it could take a couple of hours before everything returns to normal. In some cases you might be able to get rid of the problem by power cycling (rebooting) your router, but dont do this repeatedly as it may harm your service speeds. UPDATE 12:29pm Telehouse Europe has finally issued a brief statement on the matter: We are aware that there has been an issue with the tripping of a circuit breaker within Telehouse North that has affected a specific and limited group of customers within the building. The problem has been investigated and the solution identified. Our engineers are working with our customers on the resolution right now. We will release updates in due course. Some equipment will need to be replaced, although most ISPs have already managed to move traffic around the problem area. When Money Under 30, a personal finance information website directed at young adults, recently published a piece called 8 Rising Tech Cities (That Arent San Francisco or Austin), it probably raised a few eyebrows. On this list of places that will be known as technology leaders in no time were the likes of Cambridge, Mass., and Raleigh, N.C. You thought those cities had already pretty much made a name for themselves in technology, right? So did I. And beyond that, why on earth was Austin, of all places, lumped in the same category with San Francisco, while all of these other cities were being presented as alternatives? I felt like a crotchety old man when I raised those questions in a recent interview with David Weliver, founding editor and publisher of Money Under 30. But for all I knew, this thing was going viral, and millions of young people around the world who didnt know any better were getting a terribly skewed understanding of established tech cities vs. rising tech cities in the United States. Weliver could not have been more gracious, and he readily agreed that some fixes were in order. And being a Bostonian, he had a sense of humor about it. I think the writer may need to reconsider that language, he said. Because I agree, being from the Boston area, Cambridge is pretty established. The piece has indeed been fixed the new headline is 8 Thriving Tech Cities (That Arent San Francisco), and that line proclaiming that these places will be known as technology leaders in no time has been axed. With those fixes made, a slightly condensed version of the list is worth sharing here: Raleigh, N.C. Part of the fabled research triangle, Raleigh is a major tech hub in the Southeast. North Carolina State is located in the city, and is very tech-focused. In fact, in 2014, 23 percent of N.C. State students chose some type of engineering as their major. Tech companies like Lulu, Citrix ShareFile, and Cree Inc. are all located in Raleigh, making it one of the countrys most desirable tech cities. Burlington, Vt. Burlington is a little different than most tech cities youll find. Its the largest city in Vermont with a population of 42,000. But whats really interesting is that, as of 2014, 100 percent of Burlingtons power comes from renewable resources, like wind and water. Its home to the University of Vermont, which ranks highly for its medical programs and is credited as a top 100 school in the United States by U.S. News. BioTek Instruments, LPA Design, and Reading Plus are three tech companies located in or near Burlington. Cambridge, Mass. Part of the Boston metro area, Cambridge is home to two of the worlds most prestigious universities, Harvard and MIT. Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook in one of the Harvard dorms. Together, these institutions are producing some of the most innovative and intelligent graduates in the country. Biotech companies like Biogen, Novartis, Genzyme and Takeda Pharmaceuticals are big employers in Cambridge. In addition, R&D organizations like Draper Laboratory and the Broad Institute are located here. Portland, Ore. Portland isnt just for hipsters anymore. Places like San Francisco and Seattle are well-known as tech hubs, but the cost of living is simply unaffordable for many. While Portland isnt cheap, its definitely less expensive than the major tech hubs. A lot of people in the tech industry are moving here, and companies are following. In fact, the greater Portland area has been named the Silicon Forest for the numerous tech companies concentrated in northwest Oregon. Los Angeles The West Side of Los Angeles is becoming known as Silicon Beach for its dense population of tech-heavy companies. One of the major moves came in 2014, when Google purchased 12 acres in Playa Vista. Other companies like YouTube, Buzzfeed and Yahoo have opened offices in the region, and many startups are buying old warehouses and buildings to renovate into offices. Some of the newer startups located in this region include Swagbucks, Snapchat, Hulu and Nasty Gal. Nashville Most of us think of Nashville as the home of country music, but its becoming much more than that. Nashville is quickly turning into one of the hottest tech cities in the South. In the past five years, tech jobs have increased 38 percent in sectors like health care and IT. Growing tech companies like LeanKit, ForceX and Emma are all located in Nashville. Tech accelerator Jumpstart Foundry has graduated 48 startups from its summer program since its inception six years ago including InvisionHeart, a company that created a handheld, FDA-approved ECG machine. Also contributing to the innovative mood around Music City is the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, whose startup accelerator has helped more than 200 companies launch in the last five years. Atlanta Atlanta is becoming a startup hotspot. The Atlanta Tech Village offers office space for companies as small as one person, and is designed to be an affordable place for startups to get their businesses rolling. Startups get things like office space, parking, mailboxes, conference rooms, Wi-Fi and other amenities without taking on the significant overhead for themselves. The Tech Village currently houses over 170 startups and counting. According to Entrepreneur, one of Atlantas major advantages as a tech hub is the easy access new startups have to big, established corporations based in the city, like Coca-Cola and UPS. Indianapolis Indianapolis is home to over 150 tech companies, including Salesforce, Angies List and Mobi. An organization called TechPoint is also headquartered here. Its mission is to promote and accelerate the growth of Indianas tech community through various programs and initiatives. This type of group will ensure that there are tech companies and jobs in Indianapolis for the foreseeable future. For education, youll find Butler University located in the city. A contributing writer on IT management and career topics with IT Business Edge since 2009, Don Tennant began his technology journalism career in 1990 in Hong Kong, where he served as editor of the Hong Kong edition of Computerworld. After returning to the U.S. in 2000, he became Editor in Chief of the U.S. edition of Computerworld, and later assumed the editorial directorship of Computerworld and InfoWorld. Don was presented with the 2007 Timothy White Award for Editorial Integrity by American Business Media, and he is a recipient of the Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Award for editorial excellence in news coverage. Follow him on Twitter @dontennant. Samsung is only on the brink of releasing the Galaxy Note 7, but there are already rumors on its following flagship. Reportedly, it will come with even more innovations and improvements on existing features. Science World Report shares that the new device will be the next in Samsung's Galaxy S series. As such, it will be called the Samsung Galaxy S8. The publication goes on to further claim that the specs and features of the unit have already been patented by the Korean tech giant. This includes a dual screen feature, as well as a triple camera system. The dual screen will naturally work two-fold and should work via a folding cover. One of the displays will be specific for the device's functionalities. That is, it will contain sensor devices, antenna devices, input devices and the like. On the other hand, the triple camera system will sport layers of lenses. The first set will be two narrow lenses, in order to expand the view of the images. On the front camera will be wide-angled in order to focus on the face of the user. Likewise, this front-facing camera will also come with iris-scanning technology. The iris-scanning technology of Samsung is set to debut in the upcoming Galaxy Note 7, but will be improved on further in the Samsung Galaxy S8. Meanwhile, the fingerprint scanner will reportedly be moved to the back of the handset. Further, Master Herald adds that the Samsung Galaxy S8 will also have 4K display, which will definitely help Samsung cater to the public that is getting more and more interested in Virtual Reality. The Galaxy S8 will be powered with the latest processor. If this does not mean Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor or its Exynos counterpart, it will be whatever follows after. In fact, it might even leave the incumbent Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge eating dust. The Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to release on April 2017. It must be very exciting to have your aerospace technology company recognized as one chosen to be part of the Red Planet Expedition in 2030. This prestige has been given to five new space engineering companies that were tasked for concept development of the upgraded Mars Orbiter to be utilized in the next Mars journey. The companies that were given this honor are: 1. Space Systems/Loral Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Space Systems/Loral is known for its designing and building of satellites and space systems to both commercial and government customers. 2. Orbital ATK Formed from the merge of Orbital Sciences Corporation and parts of Alliant Techsystems, Orbital ATK Inc. is known for being an aerospace manufacturer using state of the art technology. 3. Northrop Grumman A global company focused on innovation and global security systems, Northrop Grumman stayed true to its name. Named as the fifth-largest defense contractor in the world last year, it is without doubt that NASA would team up with this company for Mars Orbiter. 4. Boeing One of the largest global aircraft manufacturers, Boeing has proven its slot in this list given its extensive experience in designing and manufacturing rockets and satellites worldwide. 5. Lockheed Martin Its prominence in the world of aeronautics had given Lockheed Martin an edge among the others given its numerous awards on manufacture of spacecrafts. The leading space agency, NASA is set to plan the travel to the red planet with as much preparation as it could have. Getting the Mars Orbiter improved is a crucial part in the process. After all, this Mars orbiter will aid in human missions to Mars as men are sent to Mars in the year 2030. To be used for the 2020 mission, a concept study must be developed by these companies. A form of assistance in the development process is provided by the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group. A research has published goals to be attained for the Mars orbiter. Crucial elements of this orbiter are global high-resolution imaging systems and telecommunications. The space agency is looking for the concept technology that stands out among the rest. It should be able to integrate the elements needed for the orbiter delivering utmost efficiency, best communications, imaging and operational systems. In a press release , Geoffrey Yoder, acting associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission said, "We're excited to continue planning for the next decade of Mars exploration. The concept project for the Mars orbiter is under the supervision of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Such project will have way for the launching of Mars 2020 rover that will initially visit the red planet as to help the scientists in looking for signs of the life. The Journey to Mars mission in 2030 by NASA will aim to send human beings by then. Elon Musk has posted his so-called Secret Master Plan on July 20 in the Tesla Motors website. One of his plans involved the renting out of Tesla cars in a seemingly Uber-like fashion. The "Part Deux" of Musk's master plan includes helping Tesla car owners earn some cash by renting out their vehicles. He said that the earning potential is quite big since most owners used their vehicle a maximum of two hours a day. Musk also sees a massive demand for Tesla vehicles in the near future. He said that it makes sense for his company to operate a fleet of vehicles that are available for rent to the riding public. Part of the new master plan includes the expansion to all major types of land vehicles. Currently, Tesla cars are limited to three models, S, X and 3, states The Verge. Musk however, would like to release some type of compact SUV and a "pickup truck. Of course, these upcoming vehicles will also run on electricity. Heavy duty transports are also included in Musk's to do list. There are electric busses currently in operation today which guarantees the feasibility of such undertaking. Tesla is also planning to roll out electric powered trucks that are expected to drastically lower the transportation expenses. He has envisioned the use of Tesla vehicles running on autopilot or on self-driving mode. Tesla is currently experimenting with it. However, the Tesla self-driving cars have been in the news lately because of its involvement in a number of accidents and crashes. Musk promised that such mishaps will soon be reduced or avoided once the technology improves. He however, belittled the impact of such accidents to the future of the Tesla vehicles. Once self-driving technology has been improved, he is confident that sharing or renting out vehicles will be made easier. Car owners will just need to push a button on a certain app to include it to Tesla's fleet of cars for rent. Southeast outskirts of Avdiyivka in Donetsk region came under attack, which killed a civilian and damaged residential buildings, the press center of the Anti-Terrorist Operation headquarters said on Thursday morning. "Homes of local residents and power transmission lines supplying electricity to the city of Avdiyivka were damaged in those shelling incidents. The power and water supply to the city was cut off," the press center said in a report posted on Facebook. A local man died in the attack, the report said. "A local resident born in 1997 suffered a lethal injury in the head," it said. The gunfire was coming from the direction of Kashtanove, Mineralne, Yakovlivka, Spartak and the airport area, and 122mm tube artillery and 82mm mortars prohibited by the Minsk agreements were used (the Ukrainian mission to the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) recorded 60 explosions), in addition to SPG, RPG and AGS grenade launchers, weapons of infantry combat weapons and small arms, the report said. In the Luhansk sector, the militants fired on Ukrainian-controlled territories, from the broken motor bridge to the pedestrian bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska. The village of Dachne, the Monument to Grand Prince of Kyivan Rus Ihor and a roadblock near the pedestrian bridge came under fire of weapons of infantry combat vehicles, automatic and anti-tank grenade launchers and small arms, the report said. Ukrainian members of the JCCC informed OSCE SMM observers about those violations of the truce, the press center said. It was reported earlier that Ukrainian positions were attacked 70 times, including by use of 122mm artillery, on July 20. The press center said that 33 out of 70 shelling incidents occurred in the Donetsk sector, 31 in the Mariupol sector, and six in the Luhansk sector. Global fleet and asset tracking firm Navman Wireless has merged with GPS fleet tracking software company Teletrac, creating one of the worlds largest telematics organisations. The rebranded company Teletrac Navman will continue to support its 40,000 customers with more than 500,000 tracked vehicles and equipment. Newly appointed president, Renaat Ver Eecke, will lead Teletrac Navman on a global level. Navman Wireless has been very strong in ANZ and Europe and Teletrac in the US. The new entity will expand the companys offerings to a more geographically diverse market, including Mexico, and the UK. Ian Daniel, vice-president of Asia Pacific at Teletrac Navman, said Were very excited to announce the rebrand. With the latest information on our vehicle & assets tracking solutions, customer case studies, and a blog with news and views from industry experts, our website is a fantastic way for local current and potential customers to see our most recent innovations. Australians want to live a more sustainable life but dont know where to start. The fact is there are simple things we can do towards this at home including using technology and feel better by helping to save the planet and money too. Swedish flat-pack furniture designer IKEA has released its Australia People & planet positive report 2016, revealing Australians have an overwhelming desire to create a more sustainable home. But while they desire and aspire they feel that this is too hard to adopt, that its expensive, and they dont know where to start. The Australian report is a good read and has many findings: Sustainability in the home 63% have a desire for more sustainabability at home. 50% dont know where to start. 39% find sustainability completely overwhelming. Cost of sustainability Cost (52%) and not knowing how (44%) were identified as key barriers to sustainability at home across all age groups, with 66% of millennials aged 18-24 agreeing 57% of Australians are aware of the cost and time-saving benefits of being sustainable 48% in total, and 59% of millennials have expressed the need for help at home With 26% of Australians believing there are no cost-saving benefits to more sustainability at home, IKEA has revealed that: Households in Australia throw away $1036 worth of food a year with 26% admitting to letting food go bad each week A water saving tap can save you money, as well as the equivalent of 260 baths of water a year Swapping a light bulb to LED can save consumers purchasing around 22 traditional light bulbs IKEA Australia created a pop-up, uniquely-designed space called the IKEA Sustainability Studio, located at Central Park Sydney a complete representation of a sustainable apartment, designed by IKEA Australia. It demonstrated how easy it is to make simple changes: swapping a light bulb, using less water, or even introducing sustainable material into your soft furnishings at home can make a big difference and save money. Richard Wilson, sustainability manager, IKEA Australia, said We want to help our customers live a more sustainable life at home. We believe by working together; we can make a big difference to our environment, as well as to our customers hip pockets. Sustainability is not a new concept at IKEA Australia. Doing more with less has always been part of our DNA. IKEA Australia is making sustainability even more affordable, lowering the price on key energy and water-saving and waste sorting solutions, and providing healthy living products for its customers. In FY15, IKEA became the first major global retailer to achieve a 100% sustainable cotton milestone after 10 years of proactive work to make it the norm for the entire industry. All of the cotton in IKEA Australia products, including soft furnishings, bedding, towels, and rugs, now comes from more sustainable sources. And how do you use tech to help sustainability? All tech uses energy TVs, computers, monitors, Internet of Things devices and home appliances. It costs x cents per kilowatt hour typically 30 cents. The short answer is to invest in things like central and remote switching to turn off devices that will not be affected by unscheduled power shutdowns. For example, most smart devices like computers, Wi-Fi routers, TVs, Blu-ray, Foxtel, and similar equipment will not be damaged by a shutdown. Rebooting time is, however, a few seconds to minutes for most. For example, Belkin makes the WeMo switch that can be controlled by motion or an app. Sure, at $99.95 each, it is going to take a few years to cover the capital investment, but its a start. They also have Smart LED light bulbs and light switches. And replacing older computing devices with newer ones will save heaps. For example, the latest Samsung 27 curved monitor uses just 133kWh per year less than about 10% of the power used by a typical five-year-old LCD monitor and we wont even try to compare it with a power-hungry CRT. Mind you, there are some new models that use even less power. Power use does not just extend to devices and lights. Smart thermostats will pay for themselves very quickly, especially in cold climates, because they can be set to activate on a schedule, or by motion, or remotely by an app, or even to use if this, then that logic to open and close curtains and control internal temperatures. Smart thermostats can use machine learning to extract maximum temperature control from minimum expenditure. And then there is Aussie firm Redflow that has developed a world-class home storage battery called ZCell. When coupled with a Redback inverter another Aussie company and a solar panel system you may never have to pay for electricity again. iTWire has details here. So it is not too hard it just takes time and deeper pockets. Aussie company Nano-Nouvelle wants global battery manufacturers to take its patented electrode the Tin Nanode match it with their components, and run it through their standard assembly processes to make better batteries. ITWire recently reported on Australian nanotech company Nano-Nouvelle doing it one atom at a time. It was referring to its epoch-making 3D nano-porous conductive membranes for energy, environmental, chemical and biomedical applications. Its top scientists are pushing the boundaries of functional materials with patent filings around its core technology. The first products in development are high-performance battery electrodes, which can increase energy storage capacity by as much as 50%. It seems that the Americans have taken notice and the company has established agreements with specialist US manufacturers to show how its innovative 3D nanotechnology can improve their battery performance. Nano-Nouvelle chief executive Stephanie Moroz met executives from the two companies at a global battery conference in Chicago, said these high-performance battery manufacturers were ideal partners for the companys technology. They provide a great initial entry point for us, she said. Its hard to go from zero to high-volume production. Nano-Nouvelle is in a good position to support field trials by specialist companies, which work at smaller volumes, are less cost-sensitive and are incredibly focused on improving the performance of their batteries. As Tesla proved with its Roadster EV sportscar, this sort of low-volume, high-margin starting point can provide a high-visibility platform to demonstrate the benefits of innovative technology, which can accelerate its adoption by mass-market manufacturers. An important part of Sunshine Coast-based Nano-Nouvelle's strategy involves working out how to implement its innovative nanotechnology into current manufacturing processes. Moroz met the US executives at the 18th International Meeting on Lithium Batteries, a biennial symposium which attracted more than 1500 delegates from Europe, Asia, and the US. A strong focus for the conference was how to maximise energy capacity and performance lifetime for batteries that power electric vehicles (EVs), which last year passed the one million car milestone globally. Moroz said the focus of battery research had undergone a noticeable shift since the 2014 conference. "Whereas two years ago, it was mainly about portable electronics and wearables, the focus is now on batteries for EVs and energy storage," she said. "People want to drive EVs and put energy storage batteries in their homes, but the delay between a scientific breakthrough and a commercial product can take as long as ten years. The good news for us from this conference is that the battery industry has stopped chasing blue sky technologies to focus on improving lithium-ion performance, which is where our products can deliver real value. Our goal is for them to take our electrode, match it with their other components and run it through their standard assembly processes. While they end up making higher performance batteries, the actual production deployment will require minimal effort on their part. Apple will not use an AMOLED screen in its soon to be released iPhone 7 it could not get enough panels even if it wanted to. According to WitsView, the display panel research arm of Trendforce, Apple was keen to use AMOLED but global production was simply too low. Samsung Display Company (SCD) will ramp up in time for the iPhone 8 in late 2017. Even if Apple stick to LCD, growing global demand for AMOLED will take up any surplus capacity. The adoption of AMOLED in smartphones is driven by two factors its energy efficiency and the fact that Samsung has set the bar impossibly high with its premium Galaxy S7 screens, that it has become an expectation that all flagship handsets will be as good. Samsungs excess capacity is being soaked up predominantly by BBK-owned siblings OPPO and VIVO where 50+% of the models include AMOLED screens. According to WitsViews senior research manager Boyce Fan, there is a huge demand for AMOLED and it is expected to be in more than 20% of the models offered this year and in 40% by 2019. In addition to its high-end Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series, Samsung Electronics this year has expanded its AMOLED adoption to include some mid-range smartphone models. Products carrying AMOLED panels are projected to account for 70% of Samsungs smartphone shipments this year. SDC is also seeing a rise in the sales of AMOLED panels to other smartphone vendors, including Chinese brands, he said. The market visibility of AMOLED smartphones will rise again in 2017 when Apple is expected to formally deploy this technology for the iPhone. Its arrival will radically change the competitive landscape of the high-end smartphone market by challenging the dominance of LTPS LCD, which has been the main display technology for premium models in recent years. This will further lead to a new round of fierce price competition in the mid- and high-end smartphone panel markets. South Korean panel makers have a tight relationship with AMOLED equipment providers and control most of the capacity for the crucial evaporation process. As the leading manufacturer of small-size AMOLED panels, SDC is set to benefit greatly from the booming market. LG Display (LGD) and Japan Display (JDI) will try to catch up with SDC by accelerating their timetables for the development and mass production of AMOLED panels. LGD and JDIs efforts will eventually allow Apple to spread its orders out among multiple suppliers. Chinese panel makers have recently ramped up their investments in AMOLED manufacturing as well. Looking ahead, WitsView anticipates LGD and JDI to become Apples AMOLED panel suppliers in 2018 at the earliest. Feral Linux users who are slamming Microsoft for this and that after it released an alpha version of Skype for Linux are part of the reason why the needs of desktop Linux users are not taken seriously. The very words alpha in the name of the release indicate that the Skype which was announced on 14 July is not ready for prime time. That should be apparent to anyone with the IQ of the common cockroach. But it is apparently not evident to some Linux users. Things do not seem to be clear to some so-called Linux writers, either. Here is one claiming that "The Skype for Linux alpha does not have all the features that will be released into the final version." That is exactly why it's called alpha. but that apparently does not register. It's a test version for early adopters to play with, and record their impressions as feedback. Said feedback will then be used to develop a stable release, with more features. Software has been like that for at least 30 years. This betrays ignorance of a fairly high order. And it is coming from a man who claims to have "written about high-tech for leading industry publications since the 1990s." Gawd save us, is all I can muster in response. The same writer has this comment to make as well: "It can be installed globally but supports only the English language." So what did you expect: support for Swahili? This is alpha software. Microsoft is under no obligation to release Linux versions of any of its proprietary software. No Linux user has depended on, or will ever depend on, the company's munificence to use their computers. But when a proprietary company makes a gesture, it is best to behave in a civilised manner. Don't use the software if you don't care for it or find it is not up to your specifications. That seems to be beyond certain Linux users. And then we have the self-righteous ones, like Bill Weinberg of the Linux Foundation. Quoth this worthy: "Hardcore Linux developers and free software ideologues are unlikely to use this or any other version of Skype that remains closed source." Memo to Weinberg: that bus left a long time ago. Those of us who use Linux for our daily personal needs and work have a much more pragmatic attitude towards computing. If some commercial company chooses to release software that does the job for us, we will use it. When the world's biggest open-source company Red Hat is willing to support the NSA that magnificent organisation that spies on all and sundry regardless of colour, creed or origin in its use of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, then nobody in the free and open source world is in any position to pass judgement on a commercial firm. As one very widely circulated book says: "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" Of course, no person in their senses would expect a commercial company to spend money developing software that does not net a return. That would be supreme foolishness. But it looks like subsidising stupidity has become a full-time endeavour these days. And it looks unlikely to change. iTWire reported on the innovation challenge and readers could vote for the peoples choice. David Lindberg, chief executive, business bank, Westpac, said, Westpacs annual Innovation Challenge is one way that we support Australian businesses with the drive and imagination to shape the future of Australia. Id like to congratulate all of this years finalists and the winner, Surgical Partners, for the outstanding quality of their ideas. This challenge clearly shows that the opportunity for innovation in healthcare is immense, and Westpac is proud to support the next wave of entrepreneurs who have the potential to offer so much to this important sector. The healthcare sector is a priority area for Westpac. Its why we have over 110 expert healthcare bankers with deep industry knowledge and experience supporting our customers across Australia, as part of our purpose to help make Australian businesses stronger. The winner was Surgical Partners. Marcus Wilson, director, commented, Winning this challenge has been a fantastic opportunity to generate exposure for Surgical Partners. The real issue is that medical centres and other players in the space don't know theres a solution to their admin problem. Thats why its fundamental that we use platforms such as this to further expand our network. This win has been a great validation of a lot of restless nights and confirmation that we are doing the right thing. With this funding from Westpac, we will be looking to hire new people as demand is growing. We will also be exploring partnerships with Westpac and opportunities within its network of business customers. The people's choice was Cyph MD (Brontech). Emma Poposka, chief executive and co-founder, commented, Winning the People's Choice Award confirms we are going in the right direction. We believe blockchain is going to be the new standard of trust across all industries where trust is the core value, but particularly in our technology Cyph MD, which solves the interoperability problem in the healthcare sector. Our plan moving forward from the Westpac Innovation Challenge includes an advisory round for more support, then a fundraising stage. We are also looking to build our technology team to continue to improve our platform. The process has been invaluable, and I would encourage others to apply for next year. Colette Grgic, general manager of Innovation, BlueChilli, said, The element of surprise is very exciting and rewarding in an innovation challenge. I don't think any of us could have anticipated that we would have such a suite of great ideas to consider for the prize. To engage the start-up community and discover the incredible work that entrepreneurs are doing is a powerful way to approach innovation, and to offer the start-ups the opportunity to create a path to scale with the support of a partner like Westpac in their corner is very valuable. I think we will see a significant shift in how corporate innovation is delivered in the future, and it's thrilling to see a demonstration of that through Hello HealthTech. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed a decree enacting a decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) dated May 20, 2016 on the execution of UN Security Council Resolution No. 2231 dated July 20, 2015 endorsing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Decree No. 253/2016 was signed on June 15, 2016. The decision of the NSDC has been posted on the website of the head of state. It says that sanctions concern Iran. According to the decision, Ukraine each time is obliged to receive a permit from the UN Security Council to supply military or double-purpose goods that could be used to make nuclear or missile weapons, provide services related to the above-mentioned goods (technical preparation, consultations, financing), apart from exceptions bespoken in advance. Ukraine is also obliged to inspect all goods moved to Iran if there are suspicions that they could be military or double-purpose goods, as well as vessels if there are suspicions that they could ship these goods. Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada approved the resolution to approve NSDC decision No. 2231 on July 14, 2016. The consumer watchdog, the ACCC, says telecommunications customers now have greater safeguards when accessing Telstras voice and broadband services while the telco progressively migrates the services to the National Broadband Network (NBN) as it is rolled out. Final approval of variations proposed by Telstra to its migration plan were given the green light on Thursday by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission which says that the plan offers further safeguards for customers of telcos so they can maintain access to the services they value during migration to the NBN, provided they have submitted their NBN order in time. ACCC chairman Rod Sims says the changes will allow retail service providers more time to complete their migration activities before managed disconnection, and are intended to promote a more positive experience for customers as they move to NBN services. And, last month Sims cautioned consumers that they should act early when it is time for their region to migrate as connecting to the NBN is not automatic". If you want to keep your landline phone and Internet services, you should place an order for an NBN service by the disconnection date for your region as your current services will eventually be permanently disconnected. Sims also noted that one of the revisions to the migration plan is to extend time allowed for the disconnection of services being used to support fire alarms or lift phones that have been registered with NBN. The ACCC chief encouraged those responsible for fire alarms and lift phones to register their services with NBN in order to receive this benefit. The varied migration plan provides for improved disconnection arrangements based on current, practical experience of migrating services to the multi-technology mix NBN, and includes further changes to accommodate the migration of business services by NBN access technology. The ACCC welcomes the preparedness of Telstra, NBN Co and other service providers to identify where additional flexibility is needed in the migration plan, and encourages them to continue to identify improvements that will benefit both household and business customers, Sims said. To access the ACCCs final decision and the varied migration plan click here. Get unlimited access to all content and features at ivpressonline.com with our Full Online Access Subscription. Read our E-Edition, the digital replica of the print newspaper online, access content in exclusive sections including Family, Teen, Business, Databases, Farm and more. This option does not include daily home delivery of the Imperial Valley Press newspaper. For home delivery service, please select Premium or Premium Plus. This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. new malden: Walkers from the Muslim community all over the United Kingdom, including a number from New Malden, came together to walk in the Lee Valley Regional Park recently. The walkers raised over 42,000 for charities including Great Ormond Street, Save the Children and Centrepoint. old malden: St John the Baptist Church in Old Malden has a crack in its tower which requires urgent repairs. The estimates cost of the repairs is 16,000 and 10,000 must be raised before work can begin. Donations can be sent to the church wardens. Ukraine's Justice Ministry and the National Agency for Corruption Prevention (NACP) have agreed on cooperation and exchange of information. The memorandum was signed by Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko and NACP Head Natalia Korchak in Kyiv on Wednesday. "The memo envisages the uniting of efforts on provision of access to all electronic registers of the Justice Ministry to the National Agency," he said at a briefing. Petrenko said that the Justice Ministry will help NACP in operating the public registers. "The launch of the National Agency for Corruption Prevention, the launch of the electronic declaration and monitoring of mode of living of civil servants is a serious preventive measure to purify the civil service from person who cannot explain their property," the minister said. Korchak said that the automatic access to the registers would help the agency's employees to verify data mentioned in electronic declarations of civil servants. Town sued over denied water service The town council met in executive session last week to discuss its defense after a lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court by a Jamestown homeowner who was denied permission... Scout earns Eagle rank with boardwalk work A local Boy Scout is the latest member of Troop 1 Jamestown to lead an environmental project at a wildlife sanctuary in his mission to attain the Eagle rank. Alex... State: Steer clear while deer breeding As deer begin mating during the rut, public safety officials are urging drivers to be cautious on the roads because herds tend to move around more frequently during this time.... None of Ukrainian servicemen was killed but five suffered injuries in the hostilities in Donbas in the past 24 hours, Ukrainian Presidential Administration spokesman for Anti-Terrorist Operation affairs Andriy Lysenko said. "None of Ukrainian servicemen died in the hostilities over the past day but five were injured," Lysenko said at a press briefing in Kyiv on Thursday. Almost two million cases filed by repressive law-enforcement agencies from 1917 to 1991 are stored in central archives, state regional archives and archives departments of district administrations, according to a press release of the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory on the first results of the audit records, published on Thursday. According to the document, the total amount of reserve collections, which contain nothing but archive information media of cases by law-enforcement agencies from 1917 to 1991. The reserve collections comprise 3,236 media. They are the records of 1.999 million cases handled by repressive law-enforcement agencies from 1917 to 991. "Currently, the work is underway to generalize information on the number of archived cases from 1917 to 1991 in ministerial archives, law-enforcement agencies, courts, prosecutors' offices and other departments," head of the Department for Institutional Development of National Memory Policy of Ukrainian Institute of National Memory Ihor Kulyk said. The press release notes that on May 21, 2015 the Law 'On Access to the archives of the repressive law-enforcement agencies of the Communist totalitarian regime, 1917 to 1991' came into effect. The measure planned one year for determining the number of archive information media about cases handled by law-enforcement agencies from 1917 to 1991 at state institutions, authorities of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, local governments, enterprises, institutions and companies that are in their administration or belong to the scope of their management. Rada passes 39% of government-prepared bills in 2015, their share could decline in 2016 Co-chairman of the Group of Strategic Advisers on the Support for Reforms in Ukraine, former Finance Minister of Slovakia Ivan Miklos says that the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, passed about 39% of government-prepared bills in 2015, and their share could decline in 2016. "Last year, 39% of government bills were passed, but it could be even less this year, I'm afraid," he said in Kyiv on Thursday at a forum on the first 100 days of the government's performance. Effective interaction between the parliament and the government is an effective condition for the success of reform, he added. Email Links to our top local news stories of the day, Monday through Saturday. Both parties to the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine are responsible for numerous human rights abuses, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said in a joint report. "Both the Ukrainian government authorities and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine are holding civilians in prolonged, arbitrary, and sometimes secret detention and torturing them," Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said in their report based on interviews with 40 victims of abuses, their family members, witnesses, victims' lawyers, and other sources. "Torture and secret detention are not historical - or unknown - practices in Ukraine. They are taking place right now, on both sides of the conflict," Eurasia Research Director at Amnesty International Denis Krivosheev was quoted as saying in a statement available on the HRW website. Both parties are aware of these abuses but keep turning a blind eye to them, he said. The Ukrainian authorities and pro-Ukrainian paramilitary groups "have detained civilians suspected of involvement with or supporting Russian-backed separatists, while the separatist forces have detained civilians suspected of supporting or spying for the Ukrainian government," the statement said. Rachel Denber, HRW deputy director for Europe and Central Asia, said the report presented 18 cases of illegal detention of civilians. This was not the full picture, as a lot of such cases remain unknown, she said. Both parties hold their civilian captives as "currency" for potential exchanges, Denber said. In this context, the human rights organizations called on both parties not to allow human rights abuses, including ill-treatment of captives. "The Ukrainian government and the de facto authorities in the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk peoples' republics should immediately end enforced disappearances and arbitrary and incommunicado detention, and put into effect zero tolerance policies for torture and ill-treatment of detainees," the report said. China urges US to take heed of plea on antidumping determination BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) issued a statement Thursday, urging its American counterpart to take heed of what enterprises have to say about a preliminary antidumping measure. The U.S. Commerce Department made a preliminary antidumping determination Wednesday regarding imports of washing machines from China. In its preliminary results, the Commerce Department found an antidumping margin for washer imports from two joint ventures in China ranging from 49.88 percent to 111.09 percent. An unnamed official from the MOC Trade Remedy and Investigation Bureau disputed the method by which the U.S. Commerce Department calculated its antidumping margins in this case, saying that it obviously did not tally with the facts as it used the surrogate cost of production method. The MOC urged the U.S. side to listen to the enterprises' plea earnestly and correct the wrong practices. The large multinational corporations involved in this case will continue to speak for themselves through a legal approach, the MOC learned. The official hoped both sides could address the concerns through dialogue and negotiations and avoid possible escalation of disputes. SHARE By of the Joy Global Inc. has agreed to sell its steel plate mill in Longview, Texas, to Nucor Corp., the largest steel producer in the U.S., for approximately $29 million. Under Nucor's ownership, the Longview mill will continue to supply Joy Global with heavy steel plate used to manufacture some of the company's mining equipment. "This offers great opportunities for the mill employees," Rodney Bull, vice president and general manager for Joy Global in Longview, said in a statement. "We look forward to a strong working partnership with Nucor as both companies drive for growth in our respective markets." Local employees were informed directly about the agreement to sell, and the sale is expected to close within 60 days. As noted in its recent earnings release, Joy Global's strategy to deliver profitable growth in its core mining equipment and services business includes monetizing noncore assets. The company's presence in Longview remains strong as it is home to manufacturing and support functions for products across the company's surface, underground and hard rock mining equipment lines. Milwaukee-based Joy Global has been supplying mining equipment for more than 130 years and supports mining companies worldwide through full service programs, including technical support, on-site maintenance and remote health monitoring. The company has 135 locations in 20 countries. Mary Louise Schumacher Art City An online journal about visual art, the urban landscape and design. Mary Louise Schumacher, the Journal Sentinel's art and architecture critic, leads the discussion and a community of writers contribute to the dialogue. SHARE Milwaukee is nothing if not steady, for better and worse. So many things remain as they are or change rather slowly. Gallery Night & Day is one of the true-blue traditions we can be grateful for. It is simply there for us, for those deeply invested in the art community as well as those looking to dip a toe into our arty waters for the first time. What the citywide art event when galleries and museums hold special events and receptions is not, however, is uniformly reliable. The quarterly art crawl represents an array of some of the most intriguing art being made and shown in our region, fleshed out with fun fluff. To help you navigate this Gallery Night & Day, which is Friday evening and Saturday, here are recommendations from arts reporter Sarah Hauer; Art City contributors Diane Bacha, Rafael Francisco Salas, Shelleen Greene, Brook Meier and Jessica Zalewski; and art critic Mary Louise Schumacher. 'Mulgil: Waterway' Greymatter 207 E. Buffalo St., second floor Inspired by water and waves, printmaker Rina Yoon reflects on the idea that "we are the water" in her works presented at Greymatter. Yoon's work "honors and welcomes the wisdom of water," the gallery's release says. "Earth shifts and makes room for water to make its way; from tiny creeks to streams, to rivers and seas, and from above and below. Like Earth, water brings life into our bodies." The show features six new large-scale pieces by Yoon, combining prints and three-dimensional objects made from woven paper. One of the larger pieces spans 7 feet. Yoon, a professor of art at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, focuses on nontraditional printmaking. Instead of using printmaking as a way to print multiples, she prefers the process for the way she can create marks on the paper with the pressure of the press, build up layers and reconfigure the plates to change the image. Friday, 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Recommended by arts reporter Sarah Hauer. Follow her on Twitter at @sarahhauer and Instagram at @hauersarah. 'Drawing, Broadly Speaking' Dean Jensen Gallery 759 N. Water St. Our first artistic expression is to draw. The charcoal from a fire used to make a mark, for instance. This is how our journeys into visual art begin. Drawing is the medium that artists cut their teeth on. It is the basis for all art, from painting to sculpture to digital rendering. Strangely, it is often an underappreciated medium. Like jazz, it can be considered elite, an artist's art, or simply dismissed as a preparatory tool. This survey of artists working in the medium looks at the spectrum of how it's defined. Photorealist graphite works by Melissa Cooke will rub shoulders with the outsider impulses of Gerard Sendrey. The minute drawings of Scott Espeseth explore charged interior spaces and out-of-the-ordinary situations. Nirmal Raja considers the essence of drawing itself, the line, and how it has been used ritualistically by women throughout history. The work of these artists and others in the show promises to expand our understanding of what drawing can be and remind us of its continued potency as an art form. Friday, 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Recommended by Rafael Francisco Salas, an artist and professor of art at Ripon College. Find him on Facebook and follow him on Instagram at @rafaelfranciscosalas. 'Young and Erie' Portrait Society Gallery 207 E. Buffalo St., fifth floor The Portrait Society is showcasing seven young artists who studied in Wisconsin, and I trust Gallery Director Debra Brehmer's eye enough to expect their work will be intriguing and fresh. Brehmer believes it's the first time anyone has assembled a show by recent graduates of state art programs in this case, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, UW-Madison and UW-Parkside. It's a nice kick-starter for these artists, who can only benefit from a gallery show as they're starting out. Visitors benefit, too, by getting the chance to catch some talent on the rise. The show takes its name, "Young and Erie," from the street intersection where MIAD is headquartered, and the idea of an intersection is a nice conceit for artists who are leaving the classroom and starting their professional careers. I also like the idea of different schools intersecting in one place. Will any underlying themes, styles, or influences emerge? We'll have to see for ourselves. Friday, 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Recommended by Diane M. Bacha, editorial director at Kalmbach Publishing Co. and a former arts editor. Find her on Facebook and follow her on Instagram at @dianemb28. 'Material Girls' Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design 273 E. Erie St. Upon first hearing the phrase "material girls," one may think of pop star Madonna circa the 1980s, channeling Marilyn Monroe's famous performance "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend." The three artists behind the MIAD exhibition "Material Girls" bring a certain ironic approach to the phrase with a body of work that explores various material processes as a means to convey identities forged through transnational experiences. Sabin Aell, originally from Austria and now living in Denver, and Nina Ghanbarzadeh and Nirmal Raja, both based in Milwaukee but from Iran and India respectively, all share the experience of living in different countries, learning multiple languages and adopting new cultures. What does it mean to live in "a material world" for them? For Aell, Ghanbarzadeh and Raja, it entails moving beyond the surface, into an exploration of line, color and texture as a means to approach the intangible complexities of living among multiple cultures. Friday, 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Recommended by Shelleen Greene, an associate professor in the Department of Art and Design at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 'Timeline' Redline Milwaukee 1422 N. 4th St. Redline's "Timeline" collects the arts organization's artists-in-residence Cynthia Brinich-Langlois, Jamie Bilgo Bruchman, Luke Farley, Katie Ryan, Jody Emery, Sue Lawton, Julie VonDerVellen, Lynn Reif and Jake Hill together to create a strong collection of emerging Milwaukee voices in variety of mediums. I'm particularly interested in Brinich-Langlois' drawings that read like stories using cartography, geography and landscape to explore fantastical ideas that remind me of the best children's books. These works seem to carry a voice of innocence and sincerity not often seen in art today. Friday, 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Recommended by Brook Meier, a studio leader at Vetter Denk architects and an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Architecture and Urban Planning. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @brooklouismeier. Pamela Anderson Nineteen Thirteen Pfister Hotel 424 E. Wisconsin Ave. Gallery Night's many events have one collective downside: They end too early. The Pfister Hotel offers an antidote. Since its founding, the group Nineteen Thirteen has supported and collaborated with artists and art organizations. Named after a cello crafted in Romania in 1913, the band is cellist and composer Janet Schiff who creates multilayered, electrically amplified cello loops framed by the percussion of Violent Femmes founding member Victor DeLorenzo. This time, Pfister artist-in-residence Pamela Anderson will create art inspired by the ever-evolving contemporary compositions of Nineteen Thirteen while the sound fills the Rouge Ballroom. It's on-the-spot, live art-making and hauntingly lovely music that lasts later into the night. Friday, 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday (Anderson only), throughout the day. Recommended by Jessica Zalewski Schafer, a marketing manager at the Racine Art Museum and a fine art photographer. Follow her on Instagram at @jessicazphoto. 'Viewshed' Grove Gallery 832 S. 5th St. The term "built environment" conjures images of architecture, good and terrible, and debates about urbanism. In truth, it refers to anything in the world that's man-made and creates space. With that open definition in mind, artist Jessica Meuninck-Ganger has been documenting in sketchbooks the landscapes around her, here in Milwaukee and on travels to places like South Korea, South Africa, Japan and Italy. She observes how buildings and spaces can be a response to topography or the social needs of communities, for instance. She watches the evolutions of places, both sanctioned and informal, the ways spaces become gathering places or repositories for junk, depending. Meuninck-Ganger has remixed years of these sketches and drawings into imaginative landscapes in recent months. It's a new body of work, a series of screen prints called "Viewshed." Screen printing, she points out, is a very democratic and often ephemeral art form, one used by social movements to disseminate images and ideas. Still, she prints on Hanji, a traditional handmade Korean paper that can last more than 1,000 years. She loves the contradiction the quick-but-forever aspect to the work. It is her form of architectural preservation, she says. Friday, 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Ron Campbell Gallery 505 517 E. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay Not everyone came to the Beatles through their historic 1964 appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." For some, the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" movie with the Bee Gees and Peter Frampton was an unfortunate gateway to the Fab Four. For those who found the Beatles through Saturday morning cartoons, however, you may owe a debt to an artist you might not have heard of: Ron Campbell, who directed the cartoon series about the Beatles and also was the animator of the 1968 "Yellow Submarine" film. Campbell was, in fact, a veteran of children's TV, with a 50-year career working on programs such as "Scooby-Doo," "The Smurfs," "Rugrats," "Winnie the Pooh," "The Flintstones," "The Jetsons" and others. Campbell will be present for an exhibit of his work, including original cartoon paintings and new ones, too. He will be in the gallery Friday from 1 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Summer in Wisconsin Tory Folliard Gallery 233 N. Milwaukee St. "Summer in Wisconsin" puts many of this gallery's best contemporary artists on view in one blowout show. It promises to be a sampling of mostly great artists. Keep an eye peeled for the work of Mark Brautigam, Laura Dronzek, Kathy Hofmann, Flora Langlois, Beth Lipman, Clare Malloy, Cathy Martin, Brook Slane, T.L. Solien, Nathaniel Stern, Fred Stonehouse, Michael Velliquette, John Wilde, and Mary Alice Wimmer. Friday, 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Recommended by art and architecture critic Mary Louise Schumacher. Follow her on Twitter at @artcity, Instagram at @marylouises and Rex at @marylouise. This photo ran in the Aug. 7, 1968, edition of the Milwaukee Journal with the caption For young followers of Richard Nixon, the day begins at dawn and ends long after dusk. No matter who passes by . . . the Nixon girls urge the support of their candidate with signs, songs and, of course, shrieks. Credit: George Koshollek / Milwaukee Journal SHARE This photo was in the Aug. 7, 1968, edition of the Journal with the caption Delegate Mike Gordus, 65, of Chicago, who has lived through 16 political conventions, is backing Richard Nixon. George Koshollek / Milwaukee Journal By Editor's note: In 1968, politics were the center-ring attraction, and Green Sheet humor columnist Gerald Kloss couldn't resist the circus or combining politics with his favorite source of inspiration, William Shakespeare. This column, in which Kloss mined the Bard's words to "report" on the recently concluded Republican National Convention that nominated Richard M. Nixon and Spiro Agnew, was published in the Aug. 9, 1968, Milwaukee Journal. Q.Mr. Shakespeare, I understand you took in a few sessions of the Republican National Convention at Miami Beach this week. How did it strike you? A. Why, this is very midsummer madness. "Twelfth Night" Mercy o' me, what a multitude are here! They grow still too; from all parts are they coming. "Henry VIII" What an indirect and peevish course is this! "Richard III" What imports the nomination of this gentleman? "Hamlet" Q.Well, it's our system, Will. Did you read the platform? A. A fine volley of words, gentlemen, and quickly shot off. "Two Gentlemen of Verona" You speak a language that I understand not. "A Winter's Tale" I would have made it short. "Romeo and Juliet" Trust not to rotten planks. "Antony and Cleopatra" Q.You must have been impressed by Sen. (Everett) Dirksen's oratory, surely. A. Tell me of corn! "Coriolanus" Look you how pale he glares! His form and cause conjoin'd, preaching to stones would make them capable." "Hamlet" A fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements. "Othello" How high a pitch his resolution soars. "Richard III" You are full of heavenly stuff. "Henry VIII" Q.And certainly you must have enjoyed the spontaneous demonstrations after the nominating speeches. A. O, 'twas a din to fright a monster's ear, to make an earthquake. "The Tempest" 'Tis like the howling of Irish wolves against the moon. "As You Like It" A plague upon this howling! "The Tempest" For do but note a wild and wanton herd Or race of youthful and unhandled colts, Fetching mad bounds, bellowing and neighing loud, Which is the hot condition of their blood. "The Merchant of Venice" Hence to your homes; be gone! "Coriolanus" Q.From what you've seen of politics here, do you favor one of the major parties over the other? A. They are all, all honorable men. "Julius Caesar" Leave us to our free election. "Pericles" The devil take one party and his dam the other! "The Merry Wives of Windsor" ABOUT THIS FEATURE Each Thursday, the Green Sheet brings back some of the stories and features that gave the old Green Sheet its distinct identity, including Gerald Kloss' "Slightly Kloss-Eyed" column taking a humorous look at news and happenings in Milwaukee. Look for them in print and online at jsonline.com/greensheet. Madison was named one of the best cities for creatives by Thrillist. Credit: Mark Hoffman SHARE By of the Step aside, New York and Los Angeles. Madison is the place to be if you're a creative type and looking for an affordable place to practice your craft. At least according to Thrillist, which compiled a list of the best American cities for creatives. The website looked at cities' "full livability spectrum," from artistic communities and a good food scene to affordability. "Madison, as much as any town its size in America right now, is a place to stake out big ideas, defend them ferociously, and maybe put on some public theater, in the cold, when the legislature disagrees," the article states. Badgers have another reason to cheer: Forbes ranked the University of Wisconsin-Madison as the 10th best public college in the United States based on outcomes. The rankings are based on postgraduate success, student debt, student satisfaction, graduation rate and academic success. UW-Madison came in at No. 69 overall on the list of 660 colleges and was 34th among research universities. Stanford topped the list, and Northwestern University was the highest-ranked Big 10 school at No. 15. Lawrence University was the next highest Wisconsin school at No. 134. UW-Madison is also a breeding ground for Fortune 500 CEOs. The school was one of only three public universities to make Money magazine's list of the top 10 colleges of those CEOs. Top alumni include Kimberly-Clark CEO Thomas J. Falk and Burlington Stores CEO Thomas A. Kingsbury. When it comes to choosing a spot to live, Wausau offers some good value. The city made CareerCast's list of the 10 best cities for return on salary i.e. places with low cost of living but good, well-paying jobs. Wausau's cost of living is 9% below the national average, with a median household income of $53,300 and an unemployment rate of 3.4%. About this Feature How do we rate? There is no shortage of lists, rankings and charts to tell us. Adding Us Up is a recurring look at where Milwaukee and Wisconsin rank on the latest lists, from the semi-serious to the silly. If you spot a ranking that rates, share it with us at greensheet@jrn.com. SHARE By of the Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn has issued a 30-day suspension for an officer convicted of misdemeanor disorderly conduct after breaking a door during an argument with his wife last year at their Brookfield home. Officer Jacob E. Baczek's discipline was accepted by the city's Fire and Police Commission last week and he did not file an appeal. Baczek, through attorney Daniel Adams, declined to comment. The Milwaukee Police Department also declined to comment. Baczek, 34, initially was charged on April 14, 2015, with disorderly conduct, domestic abuse, by use of a dangerous weapon. Brookfield police responded to a 911 hang-up about 2:15 a.m. March 29, 2015, at his home. Authorities learned the couple had argued throughout the night and Baczek's wife locked herself in the bathroom, according to a criminal complaint. At one point, Baczek gave the couple's 1-year-old son to his wife in the bathroom before she locked the door again, the complaint says. Baczek used the butt of a rifle to break a hole in the door, which is when his wife called 911, according to the complaint. Over the next several months, Baczek underwent counseling, online court records show. On Jan. 11, the criminal complaint was amended to disorderly conduct without the domestic abuse or weapon modifiers on the charge. The new complaint made no mention of the rifle or broken door. Bazcek pleaded no contest, was found guilty and was fined $505. Waukesha County District Attorney Susan Opper declined to comment on the case. A domestic violence conviction would have barred Baczek from owning guns and prohibited him from working as a police officer under federal law. Although Bazcek had a firearm, Brookfield police did not establish whether his wife felt threatened by it, though they could have done so by asking further questions, said David R. Thomas, who helped write a model policy for the International Association of Chiefs of Police to address officer-involved domestic violence and sexual assault. "Why did he choose to grab, of all things, a rifle to break down that door?" Thomas asked. "That behavior in and of itself tells you something." Thomas, currently a senior adviser in the U.S. Air Force's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, said he was encouraged to see Bazcek was charged. The studies of the rate of officer-involved domestic violence are somewhat dated, but even professional police associations have suggested the rate in the law enforcement community is likely as high as the general population, if not higher, said Tony Gibart, public policy director for End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin. "Survivors of officer-involved domestic abuse face elevated pressures," he said. "Their participation with the criminal justice system may result in the officer losing their job and may make the situation for the family more difficult." SHARE By of the A 34-year-old employee at a BP gas station near Sherman Park fired his gun after a "disturbance" involving several dozen juveniles, Milwaukee police said Wednesday. Officers were called about 10:20 p.m. Tuesday to a report of shots fired outside of a business in the 3100 block of N. Sherman Blvd., according to police. No one was hit by the gunfire and the employee is being ordered in to the Milwaukee County district attorney's office for a review of the case, police said. Authorities did not provide any other details what happened before the employee fired the gun. A group of protesters on Wednesday called for a boycott of the gas station and for the employee to face criminal charges, WITI-TV (Channel 6) reported. SHARE Punish white-collar criminals According to the July 15 Journal Sentinel, an employee of Rockwell Automation who embezzled $313,000 from the company was sentenced to 18 months behind bars ("Employee gets 18 months in $313,000 embezzlement"). This embezzler lobbied to have the behind bars time rescinded, saying "incarceration would be the easy road" and said paying restitution would be the harder road. What?! Jail time plus restitution is the correct sentence, and the restitution terms would be expressed in terms of monthly payments with a return to behind bars if a monthly payment is missed. This guy is said to be from Florida. Well, it is time for him to find out that here in Milwaukee, when you steal by any means you will spend time behind bars. Rockwell Automation essentially evolved from the Allen-Bradley Co., a company founded by the Bradley brothers on Milwaukee's south side with a financial assist from Dr. S. Allen. The brothers chose Milwaukee's south side because it offered a pool of honest, hardworking laborers. Now, more than 100 years later, this American success story company appears to be a target for white collar thieves, the worst kind of thieves. Make an example of this thief and hopefully it will discourage others having similar ideas. We spend too much time and effort prosecuting the poor kid who held up a convenience store for some pocket change while a white-collar embezzler tries to talk his way out of appropriate punishment. Henry Olszewski West Allis Allergies and breast-feeding Regarding the article in the July 16 edition, "Studies target growing allergies," by Shelby Lyon, it mentioned that a "bulk" of studies on the matter suggest that all food allergies are increasing. What's not mentioned is if any of these studies included how many of the affected, if any, were breast-fed as infants. I have three children, each breast-fed, for a combined total of 7.5 years. None of them have any allergies, food or other. None of the children of women I know, who breast-fed them, have allergies. Maybe we're on to something? I understand that there are a few women who have health issues that keep them from breast-feeding, but I've also heard many excuses for not doing it, including I don't want to be tied to a child (why have them then?), it takes too much time, I can't get a break if no one else can feed the baby, or, formula these days is the same as breast milk. No, it is not. I worked full time from the time each of my children was 6-weeks-old; there were many times I wanted to throw in the towel, but I did what was best for them, not what was convenient for me. It has paid off in more ways than one one being no allergies, no worrying what they may ingest, touch, inhale, etc. while out of my presence. So many think that popping a pill or getting a shot is a fine solution to most medical ailments. For a few, yes, a pill or a shot can be the only solution. But most things have a root cause, you just have to find the root and pull it out. Or in the case of breast-feeding, never let the thing take root. Start with a look at the ingredients in very expensive formula compared to those in free breast milk. A. Brown Milwaukee Obama's lack of respect The Medal of Honor is the highest award in the United States for an act of military heroism, and the recipient should be given the ultimate in respect for his or her selfless actions while in the service of our country. It bothers me to no end to have President Barack Obama refer to the most recent recipient, Lt. Col. Charles Kettles, by his first name while bestowing the prestigious award (Nation/World Briefing, July 19). After a long career, this soldier had attained the rank of lieutenant colonel and should be addressed as such. This man assuredly takes great pride in his rank and position and would never allow anyone to address him in this manner. Anyone who has served in the military, as I have, knows about the respect due to command-level officers and would never refer to them on a first-name basis. Obama, as commander-in-chief of our military, should have been briefed on protocol seven and a half years ago. This is not some buddy of his stopping by the White House for a chat, but a true national hero deserving of more respect than a slap on the back. Jack Hanrahan Waterford SHARE Election is about Trump Robin Vos enlightens Milwaukee Journal Sentinel readers about how great his "reform" party is ("Proud to be a Republican," Opinions, July 19). He names Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan and mentions ending slavery and fighting Democrats on corrupt government since 1860. He tries to deflect attention from "high-profile Republicans who are choosing not to attend" the party convention in Cleveland this week. He wants to redirect our gaze from the elephant in the room and focus instead on ideas. But in failing even to mention the nominee's name, Vos further amplifies the sad truth that this election is all about: The Donald who Trumps all else. John Helt Colgate More people not needed In their guest commentary, "Charting Wisconsin's new path to prosperity," economists Wendy Warcholik and J. Scott Moody seem concerned that "Wisconsin suffers from lower marriage and fertility rates" (Opinions, July 18). With deference to them, who does the suffering encompass? Is their lament shared by the flora and fauna of our state? Do the fresh air, flowing rivers and rich soil cry out for more homo sapiens to inhabit our borders? If Aldo Leopold, Sigurd Olson, Gaylord Nelson and other noted conservationists were with us, I believe they would warn us that a higher fertility rate jeopardizes the quality of life for all of God's creation. Less land will be available for agriculture, wildlife habitat and maneuverability. There will be a greater drain on our natural resources. Serenity will be harder to find. When all is said and done, the natural resources of our state let alone our planet cannot sustain unlimited human growth. The responsible stewardship of our natural resources should be a higher priority than human prosperity. Bob Blackburn Campbellsport Be sure to vote In response to the letter from Mark Gorecki, who doesn't "find either candidate suitable," I have an answer, actually two of them ("None of the above?" Letters, July 12). First, study the platforms of the two parties and vote for the candidate of the party that best represents your views. Second, remind yourself that the winning candidate will be appointing federal judges, including Supreme Court justices. These appointments will be affecting critical issues long after the president is no longer in office. Not voting at all should notbe an option! Bev Braasch Delafield College degrees for police Regarding the guest commentary, "Police and the community," Chris Ahmuty says of police: "We give them the power of life and death and great discretion" (Opinions, July 14). But what we fail to recognize is that the increasingly demanding social role of police officer requires full professional status. To make policing a true profession requires, as a basic prerequisite, a college degree for every police officer, with additional educational requirements for promotion and advancement. Talk of "changing the culture" of policing that bypasses the need to upgrade policing to professional standing will be ineffective. Professor Daniel C. Maguire Marquette University 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. Both U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan of Janesville and challenger Paul Nehlen have received the vast majority of their campaign cash from outside Wisconsin. Credit: Mike De Sisti / handout By of the House Speaker Paul Ryan has outraised his long-shot primary challenger by millions of dollars. But both Ryan and first-time candidate Paul Nehlen have received the vast majority of their campaign cash from outside Wisconsin. Nehlen, a Delavan businessman, has gotten 96% of his itemized contributions from out of state a notably high percentage for a political newcomer. Ryan's campaign has received 80% of its individual contributions from outside Wisconsin so far this election cycle, and more than half of his campaign's total haul has come from a joint fundraising committee that lists billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch and other conservative mega-donors among its strongest financial backers. Nehlen reported raising about $489,000 in contributions in the second quarter of the year. That included some $173,500 in itemized contributions, of which just $6,490 or about 4% came from in state. The rest of those itemized contributions came from out-of-state donors. A large portion of Nehlen's contributions just over $300,000 were unitemized, so it's unclear whether they came from Wisconsinites or out-of-state donors. Nehlen also loaned $100,000 of his own money to his campaign. Nehlen's out-of-state campaign contributions are likely due in part to some high-profile endorsements, including 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, conservative activist Michelle Malkin and conservative commentator Ann Coulter. Palin said in May her decision was due to Ryan's initial comments that he wasn't yet ready to support presidential nominee Donald Trump. Nehlen's campaign treasurer is Dan Backer, a Virginia-based conservative strategist who has set up a variety of far-right political action committees, including a newly formed group named Tea Party Forward. That group has routed a number of contributions to Nehlen although many are just $2.50 donations. Some outlets have dubbed Backer's groups "scam PACs" because his firms have received more than $1 million from these groups in the last few years. Meanwhile, Ryan's campaign reported raising about $5.5 million in the second quarter of the year, leaving him with a daunting $9.75 million cash on hand. The Janesville Republican's national political group, Team Ryan, has raised nearly $37.9 million since Ryan became speaker, including some $15.6 million in the second fundraising quarter of 2016. More than half of the cash Ryan for Congress has received for this election $8.2 million has come from Team Ryan. Team Ryan reported transferring $11.3 million to the National Republican Congressional Committee during the second quarter, including $5.4 million in June alone. Since Ryan became speaker, his operation has transferred more than $25 million to the NRCC. Team Ryan's top-dollar donors include: Members of the Koch family: $1.2 million. Robert McNair, owner of the Houston Texans, and his wife: $488,400. Diane Hendricks, owner of ABC Supply Co.: $244,200. Elizabeth Uihlein, president of Uline: $241,600. "Paul Ryan has a big responsibility raising money to keep Republicans across the entire country in office," campaign spokesman Zack Roday said Thursday. "That's a requirement of his job as speaker. He's been successful at that; and as a result Republicans are in a great position to win this election day." Team Ryan is a federal joint fundraising committee that includes his re-election campaign and national political efforts. It includes Ryan for Congress, Prosperity Action PAC and the National Republican Campaign Committee. Ryan was elected speaker in October. He is the the youngest, most conservative speaker in modern times. Nehlen has accused Ryan of betraying his district, and touts his credentials as a businessman a political outsider ready to take on the party establishment. A Nehlen spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment about his recent fundraising numbers. They will face off in the Aug. 9 primary. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (left) joined criticism of Sen. Ted Cruz (right) for not endorsing GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump (center) during his speech at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday. Credit: Getty, AP By of the Cleveland Gov. Scott Walker on Thursday joined others in his party in criticizing Sen. Ted Cruz for his dramatic refusal to endorse Donald Trump at the GOP convention here. But Walker, who has been on both sides of the Republican divide over Trump, was guarded in his comments, reflecting the awkwardness that he and so many other GOP politicians have felt during Trump's march toward the nomination. "I'll let him ... justify his position," Walker said of Cruz, speaking to Wisconsin reporters after a breakfast meeting of the state's GOP convention delegates in Cleveland. Moments later, in a radio interview with Charlie Sykes on WTMJ in Milwaukee, Walker was a bit more pointed. "If I was him, if I was not going to endorse (Trump), I think I would have chosen to do what John Kasich did, which is not come to the convention," the governor said of Cruz, pointing out that both he and Cruz promised at the first GOP debate in Cleveland last year to support the eventual nominee. "I guess he has to reconcile, did he have his fingers crossed or not?" Walker said. The governor said he thought delegates were wrong to boo Cruz at the end of his speech. But he also said Cruz was wrong to use a line in his speech that was "clearly intended to spark controversy." Walker was apparently referring to the line, "vote your conscience" in November. Said Walker: "He was implying people shouldn't vote for Trump." On Thursday, a defiant Cruz declared he's no "servile puppy dog" as he faced GOP criticism over his refusal to endorse Trump. Cruz sought to portray his stance as a matter of principle. But he also made clear it was intensely personal after a brutal primary campaign where Trump dismissed him as "Lyin' Ted," mocked Cruz's wife's looks and linked Cruz's father to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. "I'm not going to get into criticizing or attacking Donald Trump, but I'll give you this response: I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father," Cruz said, adding that those attacks had undone his pledge to back the eventual GOP nominee. For Walker, the whole subject is a tricky one. He said last month GOP delegates should be free to vote their conscience at the convention. In a speech to Wisconsin delegates Thursday, the governor said it didn't matter whether Trump was "my first or my 17th pick," the choice is now down to Trump vs. Hillary Clinton, and he wouldn't be party to electing Clinton to the White House. Walker, who ripped Clinton in his convention speech Wednesday night, said Thursday she "doesn't have the honor to serve as our president of the United States." He said Trump is "ready to govern" and "is fundamentally prepared to change and transform Washington." In interviews Thursday, Walker was pressed again about his own differences with Trump. He said his support "doesn't mean I endorse everything about him." Walker was asked about a statement he made last month suggesting he wasn't ready to fully back Trump until Trump renounced his attack on a federal judge in Indiana (Trump called the judge a "Mexican"). Trump has not renounced that remark. Walker said Thursday "I just disagree" with Trump in that case, but he made it clear he believes Republicans have no alternative but to support Trump against Clinton. "There are many good, decent, honorable people that I respect and admire who don't want to vote for Donald Trump," Walker said on the Sykes show, but a "vote for anyone other than Trump becomes a vote for Hillary Clinton." Walker repeated his "hope" that Trump direct his attacks entirely at Clinton and not trade fire with or attack other Republicans such as Cruz and Kasich. But he told Sykes, "I don't play a leadership role in the campaign," Said Walker: "I will support him and campaign (with him), I guess, if he comes to Wisconsin. I don't know if he will or not." The refusal by Cruz to endorse Trump drew fire Thursday from some Wisconsin delegates, most of whom were pledged to Cruz because of the Texas senator's double-digit victory in the state's April 5 primary. State Sen. Alberta Darling of River Hills, who voted for Cruz in the primary, said it was "disappointing." "He made a pledge. I mean he's 'Mr. Integrity' ... to me that's unacceptable not to stick to your word. It's really a transgression," Darling said. "Cruz talked abut how Trump insulted his wife and his father," delegate Crystal Berg of Washington County said. "Well, it seems to me that Trump really insulted Chris Christie, and Trump insulted Scott Walker and Marco Rubio. And I think he even insulted Paul Ryan and nobody can insult him! And yet those people all managed to understand that this is about country and not about them." Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) said if Cruz refuses to back Trump he "is ruining his career." Grothman said that if "Hillary Clinton gets elected, (Republicans) are going to look at Ted Cruz and say 'You gave us Hillary Clinton.'" In a speech of his own to delegates, Grothman said, "We have people (in the party) who still aren't quite there" when it comes to backing Trump. He said those voters should be assured by Trump's pick of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence for running mate and should be reminded of what will happen to the U.S. Supreme Court if Clinton picks the next several justices. Grothman said Republicans should be grateful Trump is the nominee because he "had the guts" to take on the issue of immigration when "there are a lot of very powerful Republicans who for whatever reason, as a practical matter, don't want to close the border." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Polish scientists have developed a portable device enabling pregnant women to examine the state of their baby, including its heart rate, early detection of placenta abruption, baby's hypoxia or being tied with the umbilical cord. The device, Pregnabit, is aimed at prevention and early detection of possible threats for pregnancy. "Early detection of threats contributes to quicker reaction and implementing suitable medical procedure. Thus the baby's life can be saved by, for example, performing caesarean section," Dr. Patrycja Wizinska-Socha, a researcher working on this device, said. According to the Polish Press Agency, the newly-developed equipment uses professional probes like a traditional cardiotocography technology (CTG) device. However, it is much smaller and portable, thus enabling women to take them home and perform self-examinations at any time and place. The device can be placed on a pregnant woman's belly with a special belt. The examination takes about 30 minutes. After collecting data, the device sends it to a medical tele-monitoring center where well-qualified personnel analyze results. The device should enter the market in 2016 and will be aimed at doctors, midwives and schools of childbirth first. Wizinska-Socha received the "Innovator of the Year 2016" honorary title by MIT Technology Review. By Washington Alarm and condemnation erupted Thursday from European capitals, the White House and leaders of Donald Trump's own party after the Republican presidential nominee suggested the United States might abandon its NATO military commitments if he were elected president. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who backed Trump at the party's national convention only two days earlier, said he totally disagreed with the statement but was willing to "chalk it up to a rookie mistake." McConnell called NATO "the most successful military alliance in the history of the world," in a Facebook interview with The New York Times. In Brussels, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance agreement was crystal clear: "We defend each other." "I will not interfere in the U.S. election campaign," Stoltenberg said. But he pointedly added, "Two world wars have shown that peace in Europe is also important for the security of the United States." White House spokesman Josh Earnest noted that every president since World War II, Republican and Democratic, has supported the NATO agreement. "The cornerstone of that alliance is the pledge that all of the allies have made to mutual self-defense," the White House spokesman said. "The U.S. commitment to that pledge is ironclad." Indeed, Trump's suggestion, in an interview with the Times, would upend decades of American foreign policy and rock the security structures that have underpinned European and global stability since the end of World War II. Trump said in the Times interview that he would review allies' financial contributions in this case, those from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania before acting under NATO's mutual defense clause, if any of the countries were attacked by Russia. Various U.S. administrations have complained, often bitterly, that many NATO members do not foot their share of the alliance's bills. The U.S. accounts for more than 70% of all NATO defense spending and only four other allies Britain, Estonia, Greece and Poland meet the minimum 2% of gross domestic product spending on defense that NATO requires. But Trump's floating of the idea that the spending target would be a prerequisite for the U.S. to defend a NATO ally was an abrupt break from long-standing American policy. Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves tweeted that his country was one of the few to meet the minimum defense expenditure and noted pointedly that Estonia "fought, with no caveats" on behalf of the U.S. in Afghanistan. The only time the treaty's mutual defense clause has been invoked was in 2002, when NATO surveillance planes patrolled American skies and deployed a third of the troops sent to Afghanistan for a decade. More than 1,000 non-American troops died in Afghanistan. Ilves' fellow Eastern European leaders sought to calm the furor. "Regardless of who will be the president of America, we will trust in America," Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite told reporters in Vilnius. Yet, people throughout Eastern Europe expressed deep concern. Fears of Russian aggression have run high since it annexed the Ukrainian region of Crimea. "His words were irresponsible and they inspired fear in me. I'm worried about the world's future, about Poland's future," said 39-year-old schoolteacher Lidia Zagorowska in Warsaw, Poland. "If I were a U.S. citizen, I would never, ever vote for Trump. Let that be my answer," said Katarzyna Woznicka, 54, walking her dog in downtown Warsaw. Back in the United States, criticism, including some from Trump's fellow Republicans, was blistering. "My hope is that if Donald is elected president, we can convince him to change his mind on it," said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), a former primary opponent who now supports Trump. A bitter foe within Trump's own party, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, said: "I'm 100% certain how Russian President (Vladimir) Putin feels he's a very happy man." Some Republicans opposed to Trump have indeed sought to cast him as pro-Putin, a position that would put him at odds with both Republican and Democratic foreign policy and also diverge from the current GOP party platform adopted at the convention. Trump supporters succeeded in preventing a reference to arming Ukraine from getting into this year's platform, but the manifesto itself is demonstrably not pro-Russia. It accuses "current officials in the Kremlin" of eroding the "personal liberty and fundamental rights" of the Russian people." "We will meet the return of Russian belligerence with the same resolve that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union," the Republican platform says. "We will not accept any territorial change in Eastern Europe imposed by force, in Ukraine, Georgia, or elsewhere, and will use all appropriate constitutional measures to bring to justice the practitioners of aggression and assassination." Gov. Scott Walker is considering three finalists for a Wisconsin Supreme Court vacancy: From left, attorney Daniel Kelly, Appeals Court Judge Thomas Hruz and Appeals Court Judge Mark Gundrum. SHARE By of the Madison Two of the finalists Gov. Scott Walker is considering naming to the state Supreme Court have strongly opposed gay marriage, and one of them has written that affirmative action and slavery are morally the same. The GOP governor is expected to announce soon possibly as early as Friday who he will put on the high court to replace retiring Justice David Prosser. The finalists are District 2 Appeals Court Judge Mark Gundrum; District 3 Appeals Court Judge Thomas Hruz; and Waukesha attorney Daniel Kelly. In his application for a seat on the court, Kelly included a 2014 writing sample in which he criticized gay marriage and likened affirmative action to slavery. "Affirmative action and slavery differ, obviously, in significant ways," Kelly wrote. "But it's more a question of degree than principle, for they both spring from the same taproot. Neither can exist without the foundational principle that it is acceptable to force someone into an unwanted economic relationship. Morally, and as a matter of law, they are the same." Kelly declined to comment. A spokesman for Walker did not say whether Walker agreed with that sentiment or if he asked Kelly about the matter when he interviewed him for the job. Also in his application, Kelly labeled as one of the best opinions in the past 30 years U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia's dissent railing against the 2015 decision that found same-sex couples had a right to marry. He excerpted a portion of Scalia's decision that ridiculed the majority opinion for allowing the high court "an unelected committee of nine" to revise the U.S. Constitution. "This will probably always stand as one of the best opinions for the courage it took to speak the truth, the ability to do it in clear and compelling terms, and the sheer power of its prose," Kelly wrote. The Madison weekly newspaper Isthmus first reported on Kelly's writings on affirmative action and same-sex marriage. Gundrum also has opposed gay marriage. As a state representative, he helped lead the effort to amend the state constitution to ban the practice. Wisconsin voters in 2006 approved the amendment, but a federal judge overturned it in 2014. It was among a wave of decisions by courts around the country that led up to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage a year later. Hruz didn't mention same-sex marriage in his application. Capitol insiders for weeks have expected Walker to name Gundrum to the court. The two served together in the Assembly and Walker appointed Gundrum to the appeals court in 2011. But the Wisconsin State Journal, citing five anonymous sources, on Wednesday reported Walker is giving serious consideration to Kelly for the spot on the high court. Kelly was an adviser to state Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley's campaign this year and served as an attorney on Prosser's campaign during a recount after he narrowly won re-election in 2011. Gundrum was elected to the Assembly in 1998 and the Waukesha County Circuit Court in 2010. A year later, Walker appointed him to the Court of Appeals in Waukesha. A judge advocate in the U.S. Army Reserves, he was deployed in 2007 and 2008 to Iraq. On Thursday, he declined to say whether his views on same-sex marriage have changed since he worked on banning it. He said he's a judge now and his personal views are irrelevant. In his application, Gundrum cited as one of the best opinions of the last 30 years a decision by Scalia that found the Second Amendment provided the right to possess firearms to individuals, not just those serving in a militia. As one of the worst, he cited a 2005 state Supreme Court decision that required law enforcement to record interviews with juveniles when they are detained. Gundrum wrote that such policy-making should be left to legislators and that lawmakers were already working on the issue at the time. Walker appointed Hruz (pronounced "rooz") to the Court of Appeals in Wausau in 2014 after he served as a private attorney and a former clerk to Prosser. Hruz, who declined comment for this story, wrote in his application that one of the best decisions of the past 30 years was the state Supreme Court's 1998 ruling that upheld the voucher school program in Milwaukee. As one of the worst, he cited a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allowed the government to force property owners to sell their real estate for a private development. (Kelly also cited that case as one of the worst.) Prosser's replacement is expected to keep in place the court's 5-2 conservative majority. His successor will serve until 2020 and can then run for a 10-year term. Under state law, appointees stand for election at the first year in which a Supreme Court election isn't already scheduled, and in this case contests are already planned for 2017, '18 and '19. 'This is the right time to exhale': David Stearns ends seven-year run The 37-year-old cited a desire to spend more time with family in stepping back to an advisory role, but the New York Mets are sure to be interested. Reddit Email 0 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | Turkish President Tayyip Erdogans firing of some 50,000 people, including educators, bureaucrats, police and military personnel, in the wake of the failed July 15 coup against him, provoked sharp criticism in Egypt, Jordan and other Arab countries that have an adversarial attitude toward the Religious Right such as the Muslim Brotherhood. Erdogan has typically been an ally of the Muslim Brotherhood and its offshoots, and this secular/ religious politics split seems to account for the differences in how his actions are seen in various Arab countries. In Egypt, Husain Yusuf of al-Yawm al-Sabi` (The Seventh Day) lambasted Erdogan. He said that the presidents interview on Wednesday on Qatars Aljazeera was intended to whitewash his dictatorial actions. Yusuf says that Erdogan is attacking everyone he perceives as an enemy, violating human rights, and pursuing a politics of exclusion. He slammed Erdogan as Turkeys Hitler. He also criticized Erdogan for his diatribe against the Egyptian press coverage of the coup and its aftermath, saying that Erdogan appeared to be demanding that the Egyptian press just take the government line and ignore the massacres Yusuf says Erdogans government has committed against his opposition. In contrast, Yusuf maintained, the Egyptian press has just reported the facts in a dispassionate manner. Yusuf says that Erdogan is hypocritical, since his government had sharply criticized Egypt for implementing a state of emergency in the Sinai Peninsula, while Erdogan has put all of Turkey in a state of emergency for at least three months. He said Erdogan despises Egypt because the country virtually ignores him. Bassam Ramadan, writing in al-Masry al-Yawm (Egypt Today), quotes Egyptian observer Mustafa al-Fiqi that Erdogan is preparing to become a new dictator. He said Egypts overthrow of the previous government was completely unlike that in Turkey, since Egypts masses came out in favor of the military. But actually, of course, the coup by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Egypt and the counter-coup by Erdogan in Turkey look very similar in the firings, jailings and other tactics used. BBC Monitoring surveyed some other outlets, writing, Many writers, especially from Egypt and Jordan criticised Erdogans decisions that directly affected more than 45,000 people, accusing him of trying to fully control the county and get rid of any sort of opposition. Some also described the coup as a play that aims to strengthen Erdogans reign. Another writer in the pro-government al-Yawm al-Sabi`, Abdel-Salam, wrote that The European confusion in front of Erdogans policies will definitely make him a new Hitler with new weapons. In Jordans Al-Rai newspaper, Sameh al-Mahariq wrote, What is happening now is political utilization of the coup to benefit Erdogan; a golden chance for that enabled him of launching a wide purging campaign. The Syrian al-Thawra (Revolution) had a piece speculating that more significant coups are on their way in Turkey. The Gulf press was primarily interested in what the coup attempt might mean for Turkish-Iranian relationships and for themselves. In the Kuwaiti government-owned centrist Al-Watan, Abdullah al-Hadlaq wrote, The Iranian Persian regime is scared, terrified and frightened from the possibility of the military coup in Turkey being contagious He predicted that such a coup is coming in Iran. Source: Middle East Arabic press review from BBC Monitoring in Arabic 0700 gmt 20 Jul 16 Related video: Arirang: Turkey fires all university deans in post-coup purge: state TV Reddit Email 0 Shares TeleSur | The killers claim to be fighters om a rebel group that has received both financial and arms support from the United States and allies. A disturbing video circulating online shows an alleged group of U.S.-backed Syrian rebels beheading a Palestinian boy who they accused of being a fighter loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. The footage first shows the terrified child, who is ostensibly under the age of 12, surrounded by fighters in the trunk of a pickup car. A knife-wielding man then beheads the boy, who is laid down on the trunk with his hands cuffed. The executioner shouts Allahu Akbar (God is great), holds up the boys head, then put it down on his back. The militants claimed to be fighters from the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement, an armed Syrian opposition group that has received both financial and arms support from the United States, as well as Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Militants arrested and killed the child near Handarat Refugee Camp in northern Aleppo, for allegedly being a fighter of the Palestinian Liwaa Al Quds (Al-Quds Brigade), a pro-government militia currently active near that war-torn city. Meanwhile the U.S. State Department said it may reconsider its affiliation and support for the Syrian opposition if the gruesome video of the death is true. The group is considered by the Syrian, Russian and Iranian governments to be a terrorist organization and has not been included in any truce or ceasefire deal. The armed conflict in Syria began in 2011 and the United Nations has confirmed that over 400,000 people have been killed along with millions of people displaced. Via TeleSur Related via added by Juan Cole: RT: US may take a pause in aiding Syrian rebels after beheading of Palestinian boy VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 21, 2016) - Avrupa Minerals Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:AVU)(FRANKFURT:8AM) is pleased to report on joint venture progress during 2016 at the Covas Tungsten Project in northern Portugal. Blackheath Resources ("BHR") holds 75% of the JV by virtue of contributing over 1.6 million euros, to date, for exploration on the project. Avrupa holds the remaining 25% and continues as Operator of the project. For further information concerning the earn-in joint venture deal with BHR, please refer to the Avrupa news release of May 12, 2014. Work in 2016 includes the following programs: The partners have commenced planning and initial work on the project environmental impact study ("EIS"), according to guidelines established by the government of Portugal. The initial work program includes preparation of detailed flora, fauna, and socio-economic baseline studies in/around the Cerdeirinha, Boundary, Castelo, Muito Seco, and Lapa Grande tungsten deposit areas. The deposits have previously been partially drill-tested by the joint venture, and an initial NI 43-101 indicated resources estimate was reported by Avrupa and BHR at the end of Q1 2015. Bulk sampling and mineralogical work commenced at the Cerdeirinha open pit site. A field team collected approximately 200 kilograms of tungsten-bearing material which was sent out for mineralogical studies prior to commencing full processing test work. Work continues on an internal experimental exploitation study for a small-scale pilot plant at Cerdeirinha, based on the initial indicated resources estimate. Further internal review of the Telheira deposit area is planned for later in July/August. Paul W. Kuhn, President and CEO of Avrupa commented, "We are certainly pleased with the program movement during the first half of the year. Starting the EIS, mineralogy, and processing test work are important milestones for the Covas program. We are looking forward to continued positive results from the Project and to making further steps towards determining the viability of the Covas operation." Avrupa Minerals Ltd. is a growth-oriented junior exploration and development company focused on discovery, using a prospect generator model, of valuable mineral deposits in politically stable and prospective regions of Europe, including Portugal, Kosovo, and Germany. The Company currently holds nine exploration licenses in three European countries, including six in Portugal covering 3,821 km2, two in Kosovo covering 47 km2, and one in Germany covering 307 km2. Avrupa has three joint ventures, two in Portugal and one in Kosovo, including: The Alvalade JV, with Colt Resources, covering one license in the Iberian Pyrite Belt of southern Portugal, for Zn/Cu-rich massive sulfide deposits; The Covas JV, with Blackheath Resources, covering one license in northern Portugal, for intrusion-related W deposits; and Avrupa's partner at the Slivovo Gold Project in Kosovo is presently advancing the Project by funding and operating a pre-feasibility study. Avrupa is currently upgrading precious and base metal targets to JV-ready status in a variety of districts on their other licenses, with the idea of attracting potential partners to project-specific and/or regional exploration programs. For additional information, visit our website at www.avrupaminerals.com. On behalf of the Board, Paul W. Kuhn, President & Director This news release was prepared by Company management, who take full responsibility for its content. Paul W. Kuhn, President and CEO of Avrupa Minerals, a Licensed Professional Geologist and a Registered Member of the Society of Mining Engineers, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has reviewed the technical disclosure in this release. Mr. Kuhn, the QP, has not only reviewed, but prepared and supervised the preparation or approval of the scientific and technical content in the news release. 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. TORONTO, July 20, 2016 /CNW/ - Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX: WDO) today announces gold production results for the second quarter of 2016 (Q2). Q2 combined production at the Eagle River Complex was 12,147 ounces, a 51% increase over 8,036 ounces in the first quarter. Eagle River Underground Mine tonnes milled during Q2 were 45,305 tonnes at a recovered grade of 7.01 grams per tonne ("gpt") to produce 10,210 ounces. At the Mishi Open Pit Mine tonnes milled were 33,546 at a recovered grade of 1.80 gpt to produce 1,937 ounces. The Eagle River mill averaged 866 tonnes per day (TPD) for Q2, below our target of 980 TPD for 2016 due to mill repairs (thickener) which impacted throughput in April. The average processing rates were 715, 943 and 939 TPD for the months of April, May and June, respectively. Gold sales were 11,265 ounces at an average sales price of CAD$1,637 per ounce. Mr. Rolly Uloth, President and CEO commented, "Second quarter production of 12,147 ounces slightly exceeded our guidance of 12,000 ounces. An operations optimization program took place during the previous quarter with immediate results and significant improvements were clearly demonstrated this quarter. They include the recommencement of mining of the 811 Zone, increased mining rates in the 300 Zone, increasing the cut-off grade for Mishi, and improving underground development rates for mining at Eagle River. Over the course of 2016, we plan to improve dilution with smaller stopes and continue our accelerated development into higher grade areas. The filtration system at the mill is now utilizing new durable velvet backing cloths on the four drum filters, which helped recovery rates and reduced maintenance time and costs. As a result, Eagle River gold recoveries increased from 88.1% in Q1 to 93.4% in Q2. Development of the high grade 7 Zone continues this year, ahead of schedule. The Company anticipates further increases in production for Q3 and Q4 over Q2." ABOUT WESDOME Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. is in its 28th year of continuous gold mining operations in Canada. The Company is currently producing gold at the Eagle River Complex located near Wawa, Ontario from the Eagle River and Mishi gold mines. Wesdome's goal is to expand current operations at both mines over the next four years through mill expansion and exploration. Wesdome has significant upside through ownership of its two other properties, the Kiena Mine Complex in Val d'Or, Quebec and the Moss Lake gold deposit located 100 kilometres west of Thunder Bay, Ontario. These assets are being explored and evaluated to be developed in the appropriate gold price environment. The Company has approximately 129 million shares issued and outstanding and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "WDO". This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the future financial or operating performance of the Company and its projects. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances, management's estimates or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company has included in this news release certain non-IFRS performance measures, including, but not limited to, mine operating profit, mining and processing costs and cash costs. Cash costs per ounce reflect actual mine operating costs incurred during the fiscal period divided by the number of ounces produced. These measures are not defined under IFRS and therefore should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to or more meaningful than, net income (loss) or cash flow from operating activities as determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of our financial performance or liquidity. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flow SOURCE Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. TORONTO, July 21, 2016 /CNW/ - Royal Nickel Corporation ("RNC" or the "Company") (TSX: RNX) has announced today that it has completed its previously announced non-brokered private placement financing, issuing a total of 3,274,000 flow-through shares of the Company (the "Flow-Through Shares") at a price of $0.51 per Flow-Through Share for gross proceeds of approximately $1.7 million (the "Offering"). The proceeds from the Offering will be used to fund "Canadian exploration expenses" ("CEE") (within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) related to RNC's Qiqavik Property in Quebec ("Qiqavik" or the "Project"). Qiqavik, located in Northern Quebec, is an exploration stage property held by RNC through its 68% owned subsidiary, True North Nickel ("TNN"). TNN has outlined a $3.0 million exploration program at Qiqavik focused on gold prospecting, mapping, and geophysics to follow up on high grade gold discoveries made during the prior exploration season (multiple grab samples returned grades between 5 g/t and 198 g/t) and initiate a 1,000 metre drill program. The remaining funding required for the $3.0 million exploration program will be satisfied by RNC's 32% equity partner at TNN, and by CEE-eligible flow-through funds already held by RNC and its subsidiaries. For more information on the Project, refer to RNC's news release dated March 2, 2016. "With funding support from our partner at TNN, RNC is able to leverage this $1.7 million placement into a $3.0 million exploration program. The 2015 prospecting results demonstrated the potential for the Qiqavik project to host important new gold and copper deposits. Our intent is that the results from this summer's program will position RNC to joint venture or spin out this asset to allow funding of future exploration programs with minimal dilution at the RNC level" said Mark Selby, President and CEO of RNC. The Offering took place by way of a private placement to qualified investors in such provinces of Canada and otherwise in those jurisdictions where the Offering could lawfully be made. The securities issued under the Offering have a hold period of four months and one day from closing. Qualified Person and Quality Aussurnace and Quality Control The disclosure of the technical information contained in this news release has been approved by Alger St-Jean, P. Geo., Vice President Exploration of RNC, and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. The 2015 work program at Qiqavik was supervised by Michelle Sciortino, Senior Project Geologist who is responsible for all aspects of the work, including the quality control/quality assurance program. On-site personnel at the project log and weigh all samples prior to sealing and shipping. Sample shipments are sealed and shipped to ALS Chemex in Val d'Or, Quebec for analysis by ME-ICP61a for 33 elements (Four Acid Near Total - ICPAES Multi-element Intermediate Grade Method) and Au-ICP22 for gold (Fire Assay Fusion). Any samples which reported over 10g/t Au were analysed by method GRA22 (Fire Assay by Gravimetric Methods). Lab crusher and pulveriser were washed with blank material in between each sample. Preparation and assaying may be done in ALS facilities in Val d'Or, Sudbury or Vancouver. ALS Chemex's quality system complies with the requirements for the International Standards ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 17025:1999. Analytical accuracy and precision are monitored by the analysis of reagent blanks, reference material and replicate samples. About Qiqavik The Qiqavik property is located in the Paleoproterozoic trans-Hudsonian orogen of Northern Quebec, also known as the Cape Smith Belt. Gold and copper mineralization is hosted in metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks of the Parent Group. The gold mineralization was initially discovered by Falconbridge while prospecting for nickel in the region. TNN's advantageous land position in this emerging mineral belt has given it a unique opportunity to acquire some of the most prospective ground in the Cape Smith Belt for its new Qiqavik Project in one of the best mining jurisdictions in the world. Both Qiqavik and West Raglan could represent major discoveries in this underexplored, emerging polymetallic belt, which is comparable in scale to the Kambalda-Kalgoorlie camp of Western Australia, and home to the world class Raglan Mine. About Royal Nickel Corporation Royal Nickel Corporation is a multi-asset mineral resource company focused primarily on the acquisition, exploration, evaluation and development of base metal and precious metal properties. RNC's principal assets are its majority stake in the producing Beta Hunt nickel and gold mine in Western Australia, the Dumont Nickel Project located in the established Abitibi mining camp in Quebec and a 30% stake in the producing Reed Mine in the Flin Flon-Snow Lake region of Manitoba, Canada. RNC also owns a majority interest in the West Raglan and Qiqavik projects in northern Quebec. RNC has a strong management team and Board with over 100 years of mining experience in the nickel business at Inco and Falconbridge. RNC's common shares and warrants trade on the TSX under the symbols RNX and RNX.WT. RNC also trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol RNKLF. Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" including without limitation statements relating to the completion of the Offering. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of RNC to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: failure of the parties to sign definitive agreements and satisfy conditions of closing; future prices and the supply of metals; the results of drilling; inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the properties; environmental liabilities (known and unknown); general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; political instability, terrorism, insurrection or war; or delays in obtaining governmental approvals, projected cash costs, failure to obtain regulatory or shareholder approvals. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to RNC's filings with Canadian securities regulators available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although RNC has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and RNC disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE Royal Nickel Corporation Figure 1: Map of Au Results from Rock Grab Samples- 2015 Qiqavik Prospecting Program and historical results This photo taken on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 via AP shows motorists watch people gather to protest outside a KFC restaurant outlet in Baoying county in east China's Jiangsu province. Amidst the farce of the South China Sea arbitration, the spirits of patriotism have been uplifted across China. Opinions have been voiced which have strong hold in morality. Passions are awakened and also restrained with reason. In the court of public opinion, Chinese people echoed the national mechanism and media outlets, offering firm grounds for solving the South China Sea disputes. Meanwhile, the soar of patriotism embodies itself in saying no to certain actions. After the South China Sea arbitration, some instigated our young people to take to the streets and boycott foreign goods. Merely a few, however, responded. Rather, many criticized those who put up protest banners in front of KFC outlets and those who post fake articles on the Internet to call for march on the streets. The round of patriotic actions have triggered heated debate both online and offline. Some say this small group of people is doing disservice to our national good, some say the action is not in accordance to the spirits of patriotism at all, while there are others who affirm such simple patriotic passion. The ultimate questions we have to raise here is: What are the real patriotic practices in China today, and what constitutes a mature and healthy mentality for China as a great rising power in the world? To a certain extent, patriotism is more towards about ability than emotion, and it is an ability to use rational thinking. In todays world, the principle of law is the common language, and in todays China, the rule of law is fundamental to our national rejuvenation. At present, throughout the dealing with the South China Sea disputes, China has insisted on using the international law to defend our national interests, and in this way we have achieved the support from over 70 nations and regions. It is a lessoned learned from this experience that only through respect of law and the lawful rights of others, can we prevent the patriotic passion from turning into silly love. Patriotism is not only about the stance, the results of it are also vital. All practices that are beneficial to the national good should be considered patriotic. In turn, for those who hold a belief that being patriotic means that they can do whatever they want and totally ignore orders, public interests, and law, they are merely hypocritic patriots. When the globalization has turned the whole world into a village, loving a country no longer means localism. Patriotism today suggests tolerance, openness, and confidence. All these should constitute a mature and healthy mentality for China as a great rising power in the global community. Vancouver, British Columbia / TheNewswire / July 21, 2016 - Nevada Clean Magnesium, Inc. (TSXV: NVM; Frankfurt-M1V; OTC Pink Sheets: MLYFF) (The "Company") today announced the appointment of Dennis Mee, CPA, CA to the board of directors and as Chief Financial Officer. Dennis Mee has over 35 years' experience as a senior financial and operational executive with a variety of industries. Mr. Mee currently serves on the Board of Directors for Jagercor Energy Corp. which is a publicly traded Canadian company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol JEM. Currently Mr. Mee is President of Part Time CFO Inc, providing companies finance/accounting, strategic planning and other operational management expertise on a part time, as needed basis. Target companies are smaller companies, or those in a startup mode that need help developing strategies, business plans, budgeting or in raising capital. Mr. Mee's previous business experience includes acting as the Chief Financial or Operational Officer for a variety of small to mid-size companies in the Telecommunication, Service and Distribution Industries. Mr. Mee has gained valuable experience on both sides of the business cycle, having led teams through major downsizings and restructurings along with start-ups. Mr. Mee received his Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University in Ottawa and his C.A. while at K.P.M.G in Toronto. He is a member of both the BC and Ontario Institute of Chartered Accountants. The Company also announces the acceptance of Ms. Annie Storey's resignation from the board of directors and we wish her well in her future endeavors. About Nevada Clean Magnesium, Inc. Nevada Clean Magnesium is focused on becoming a major U.S. producer and distributor of primary, high grade, low cost magnesium metal extracted from its 100% owned Tami-Mosi property located in North Central Nevada. Based on the Company's NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment Report published in September 2011 and amended in July 2014, the Tami-Mosi Project has an inferred resource of 412 million tonnes with an average grade of 12.3% Mg for a contained metal content of 111 billion pounds of magnesium using a 12% cut-off grade contained within a high purity dolomite block. For more information, please visit www.nevadacmi.com. This press release was prepared under the supervision and review of James Sever, P. Eng., president and COO for Nevada Clean Magnesium . Mr. Sever is a non-independent qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 standards. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To Reach Nevada Clean Magnesium Please Contact: Edward Lee, CEO at (604) 210-9862 For additional information please visit our website at http://www.nevadacmi.com or view our profile at http://www.sedar.com. You may also follow us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. Copyright (c) 2016 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Cook County Circuit Court [official website] Judge Diane Larsen on Wednesday blocked [opinion, PDF] a ballot measure proposing an amendment to the Illinois Consitution that aimed to eliminate the General Assemblys power to draw legislative district boundaries. The proposal advanced by Independent Maps (IM) [advocacy website] seeks to change the current process to avoid a situation where the redistricting and approval could fall into the hands of elected officials of the same party. Under IMs proposal, the General Assemblys current power to submit a redistricting plan would be removed, and a new Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) created in its place. The plan also envisions a new and increased role [Chicago Tribune report] for the state Auditor General, and additional responsibilities for the individual justices of the Illinois Supreme Court. Larsen ruled in favor of the plaintiffs on seven of the eleven counts challenging the proposal, ultimately rejecting the redistricting amendment. Among other things, she stated that the requirement that at least two Illinois Supreme Court justices not have the same political affiliation adds a new eligibility requirement for the office of Judge of the Illinois Supreme Court and is unconstitutional on that basis. The court also found the additional duties created for the Illinois Supreme Court justices and the Auditor General to be a violation of Article XIV of the Illinois Constitution [text]. According to the court, neither the Supreme Court justices nor the Auditor General are representatives of the legislative branch, and thus outside the scope of Article IV of the Constitution governing legislative redistricting. Dennis FitzSimons, chairman of IM, stated his intention to appeal [press release] the ruling in an effort to keep the referendum on the November 8 ballot. Voting rights remain a controversial legal issue in the US. Earlier this week, courts in Wisconsin and Texas [JURIST reports] invalidated state voter ID laws. Last month, a three-judge panel upheld [JURIST report] North Carolinas newly drawn congressional districts. In April the US Supreme Court [official website] upheld [JURIST report] a redistricting decision in Arizona as not discriminatory. Earlier that same month a panel of federal judges rejected a motion [order, PDF] by Representative Corrine Brown [official profile] challenging the current congressional district boundaries in Florida [JURIST report]. In March the Supreme Court heard oral arguments [JURIST report] regarding an election district plan for Virginias Third Congressional District. This district was altered in 2012 in a manner that increased the already majority-African American population, and the district court found the plan unconstitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment. In November the court heard oral arguments [JURIST report] in a challenge to the Three Judge Court Act, which requires the convening of a three-judge district court to decide certain important lawsuits such as those concerning voter redistricting. Last June the court ruled [JURIST report] that the Elections Clause of the US Constitution permits the state of Arizona to adopt a commission to draw congressional districts. In April of last year the court threw out [JURIST report] a North Carolina court ruling that upheld Republican-drawn electoral districts for state and congressional lawmakers. A Hong Kong court on Thursday found three leaders of the 2014 pro-democracy protests guilty on charges related to their occupation of a government building. Joshua Wong and Alex Chow, prominent leaders of the Umbrella Revolution [Guardian backgrounder], were convicted of unlawful assembly [South China Morning Post report], while a third activist, Nathan Law, was found to have incited others to join that unlawful assembly. The charges stem from 79 days [Time report] of street protests in Hong Kong, during which time pro-democracy protesters occupied [JURIST report] a number of public roads and buildings. Wong and Law are currently the leaders of the Demosisto [party website, in Chinese] political party and were planning to stand for legislative elections in November. The three activists are scheduled to be sentenced [BBC report] next month, subject to a maximum fine of HK$5,000 and up to three years in prison. Chinas human rights record has garnered international attention for the governments treatment of the growing civil rights movement [JURIST op-ed] in the country, led by a number of prominent rights activists and attorneys. In January, Chinese authorities brought charges [JURIST report] against seven lawyers from the Beijing Fengrui Law Firm related to events that have allegedly disrupted the public order, including a police shooting. Chinese state media criticized [JURIST report] detained human rights lawyers for undermining the rule of law last year. In December, prominent Chinese human rights lawyer Pu Zhiqiang was released [JURIST report] after receiving a suspended sentence. Pu was detained in 2014 on a charge of causing a disturbance after he attended a weekend meeting that urged an investigation into the 1989 crackdown of pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square and was subsequently denied [JURIST reports] bail. The Tiananmen protests began in April 1989 with mainly students and laborers protesting the Communist Party of China. The Chinese government declared martial law in May and initiated the violent dispersal of protesters by the Peoples Liberation Army on June 4. The Chinese government has never publicized official figures, but the Hong Kong-based Information Center for Human Rights & Democracy [advocacy website] reported last year that unnamed sources had estimated 600 people were killed [ICHR report, in Chinese]. The Israeli Knesset [official website] voted 62-45 on Wednesday to enable it to impeach legislators [press release] for inciting racism or supporting armed struggle against the state. Impeachment under the new law would reach the full Knesset after referral from a parliamentary committee, and require the approval of 90 of the Knessets 120 lawmakers. The decision to launch impeachment proceedings would itself require 70 votes, including at least 10 from opposition MKs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [official website] said that the new law was necessary to prevent supporters of terrorism [Times of Israel report] against the state to serve in its parliament. Critics have attacked [Haaretz report] the bill as mainly targeting Arab legislators. According to Debbie Gilad-Hayo of the Association of Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) [official website], the new law is a slippery slope [press release] that provides members of Knesset with the power to dismiss serving MKs for political reasons. The practical effect of the law has been questioned [Reuters report] by those who see the 90-vote threshold as a potentially limiting factor. A number of controversial Israeli laws in the recent past have prompted criticism from the UN and the international community. Last week, Israel lawmakers enacted a law [JURIST report] increasing regulation on Israeli human rights organizations. The law requires organizations receiving more than 50 percent of their funding from foreign governments or political organizations to disclose their reliance on such funding in all communication with public officials and on television, newspapers, billboards and online. Last month, the UN Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) [official website] cautioned Israel [JURIST report] that their response to a deadly Tel Aviv attack may be violating international law by implementing prohibitive collective punishment. In January, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territories Makarim Wibisono resigned [JURIST report] from his position in January, saying that Israel has not granted him access to the Occupied Palestinian Territory after repeated requests. Pakistani Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz [official profile] on Thursday announced [press release] his countrys intention to ask the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) [official website] to send a fact-finding mission to Kashmir [JURIST news archive] following recent civil unrest in the disputed region. Authorities used less-lethal pellet guns [WP report] during attempts to quell civil unrest in the Indian-administered territory, which Aziz described as lethal force. Aziz asserted that the use of such force against the innocent civilians, protesting peacefully over extrajudicial killings, is deplorable and constitutes blatant violation of International Human Rights and Humanitarian laws. Pakistan intends to ask the UNHRC to send a fact-finding mission to determine if Indian authorities violated international norms and to impose a ban on the use of pellet guns for crowd control. The disposition of Kashmir is a recurring source of tension between India and Pakistan. Earlier this month, Pakistan accused [JURIST report] India of human rights violations after a clash between the Indian army and pro-independence rebels, which lead to the death of militant commander Burhan Wani of group Hizbul Mujahideen [official website]. Continued unrest following the clash preceded the use of force on which Pakistan now seeks UNHRC action. In March, the Delhi High Court in India granted bail [JURIST report] to a student political leader arrested for rallying against the execution of Kashmiri separatist Mohammed Afzal Guru. The government justified the arrests of rallying students on the grounds that they supported the Kashmiri separatist movement and the break-up of India. In October 2014, Pakistan asked Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for assistance in border protection [JURIST report] after at least 14 people were shot and killed near Kashmir. In June 2015 independent UN human rights experts urged [JURIST report] Pakistan to adopt urgent legislation to put an end to faith-based killings and protect the countrys Ahmadiyya Muslim [BBC profile] community. YINCHUAN, July 20 (Xinhua) -- No region or ethnic group should be left behind in China's drive to build a moderately prosperous society by 2020, President Xi Jinping said during a tour of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region that ended on Wednesday. Xi spent three days in Ningxia, a less developed area with a high concentration of ethnic minorities in northwest China. He called on local officials to implement the central authorities' policies and national development strategies to achieve economic prosperity and unity among ethnic groups. Xi, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, went to Guyuan City and Yinchuan City in Ningxia, home to many Chinese Muslims and people from the Hui ethnic minority group. Xi visited villages, enterprises, a mosque, and a revolutionary education base, studying the implementation of economic and social development and poverty relief work. POVERTY ALLEVIATION During his trip, Xi visited villages in Guyuan City, checking poverty relief work there, talking with villagers about their livelihood, and urging Party members to take the lead to alleviate poverty among villagers. Poverty relief is a priority for China in the next few years. As the country aims to build a "moderately prosperous society in an all-round way" by 2020, over 55 million people should be lifted out of poverty. Xi attaches great importance to poverty relief. For the fourth year in a row, Xi Jinping's new year inspection tours have taken him to the frontlines of China's war against poverty. During the 2016 Spring Festival, he visited Jiangxi Province. Xi visited Gansu Province and Beijing in 2013, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2014 and northwest China's Shaanxi Province in 2015. In Ningxia, he also visited Yuanlong Migrant Village in Minning Township, Yongning County, Yinchuan City. The village was built 20 years ago with Xi's suggestion when he worked in Fujian Province. Its population has since expanded from 8,000 people to over60,000. After visiting the village and villagers' houses, Xi called for promoting poverty relief practices among them. Xi inspected an incubator park established with cooperation between Ningxia and Zhejiang Province, encouraging more enterprises to join poverty relief efforts in western China. RELIGIOUS HARMONY During his tour, Xi visited Xincheng Mosque in Yinchuan. Xi has called for efforts to promote religious and social harmony while guarding against illegal infiltration via religious means. "No matter whether local or imported, our country's religions have been deeply imprinted into the Chinese civilization, with a history of more than 5,000 years, and have been deeply integrated into our social life," Xi said. The president called on authorities to stick to the CPC's religious policies, carry out religion-related work in a law-based manner, and guide religions to adapt better to socialist society. More efforts should be made to "direct religious figures and believers to respect and abide by the law, resolutely guard against illegal infiltration via religious means, and promote religious and social harmony," he said. Education on national unity and progress should be enhanced to strengthen the idea that the Han ethnic group and various ethnic minority groups are inseparable from one another, Xi said. Economic and social development should be accelerated in regions mainly inhabited by ethnic minority groups so as to promote unity and cohesion, the president added. Xi also called on religious circles to interpret Islamic doctrine well, publicize latest achievements in interpretation, foster religious personnel, especially among the middle-aged and the young, and better serve and guide believers. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION The Chinese president underscored the implementation of the nation's new development concepts of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared growth, while urging improved environmental protection during his trip. Xi noted that Ningxia is an important ecological security barrier in northwestern China, and said construction of "green barriers" should be strengthened. Protection of water resources should be reinforced, especially at headstreams and significant lakes and wetlands, to prevent water pollution, he said. The president also called for the protection of the Yellow River, saying pollution of the river, known as China's "Mother River," must be eliminated. China's economy made progress while remaining stable in general terms in the first half of the year, Xi said. The country should work to tackle deep-rooted problems that constrain its economic growth, and seek solid economic foundations and longer-term benefits in order to improve the quality, efficiency and competitiveness of its economy, said Xi. He said the new development concepts -- proposed in the country's roadmap for social and economic development for 2016-2020-- shall be integrated throughout the entire process of China's social and economic development and its efforts to build a"moderately prosperous society" in an all-round way. In China's supply-side structural reform, less developed regions should seek new achievements just as developed regions do, Xi said. Authorities should properly handle relations between supply and demand and between the government and the market, and make sure that the market is allowed to play a decisive role in allocating resources while the government plays a better role. Less developed regions could benefit from the innovation-driven development strategy and seek to improve their strength in scientific innovation through interaction with, or help from, China's eastern and more developed areas, Xi said. During his tour in Ningxia, Xi arrived in Jiangtaipu in Xiji County, Guyuan City, to visit the memorial site commemorating the joining together of forces in the Long March. He laid a wreath at the monument, and called for carrying forward the spirit of old revolutionaries. In the Ningdong energy-chemical industry base, Xi inspected the world's biggest coal-to-oil project. New York City, NY, 07/21/2016 /SubmitPressRelease123/ When most people think about aviation injuries and fatalities, they think of airline crashes. Admittedly, catastrophic crashes usually get the most media coverage. Fortunately, disastrous aviation crashes are relatively rare. On the whole, air travel is indeed the safest way to get from one place to another. Just because a plane doesnt crash, however, doesnt mean passengers cant get seriously injured. Air turbulence is much more common than catastrophic crashes, but it can still cause catastrophic injuries. In fact, air turbulence is the most common cause of injury to airline passengers. Earlier this summer, an Etihad Airways flight traveling from Abu Dhabi to Jakarta experienced air turbulence so severe, over 30 passengers were injured and nine were so badly injured they had to be transported directly from the runway to the hospital. You can visit BBC News to read more about this air turbulence accident. In June 2016, dozens of passengers on a Malaysian Airlines flight traveling from London to Kuala Lumpur were injured due to severe turbulence. As reported by the Telegraph, passengers posted photos showing overturned food carts, spilled food, and scattered luggage all the aftermath of the flights path through rough skies over the Bay of Bengal. In December 2015, an Air Canada flight also experienced violent air turbulence that reportedly caused some passengers to be thrown as high as the planes ceiling. Types of Air Turbulence Injuries Air turbulence injuries can occur in a variety of ways. Unsecured equipment, such as rolling food carts, is a major source of passenger and flight attendant injuries. Falling luggage is also a problem, with some estimates placing falling luggage-related injuries at 4,500 incidents per year. Passengers can also get injured while walking around the cabin or using the lavatory when turbulence strikes. Unfortunately, because turbulence is often unpredictable, passengers can get caught in a bumpy ride with little or no warning. In the cramped interior of an airline cabin, injuries can occur before a passenger has an opportunity to return to his or her seat. Although fatal air turbulence injuries are rare, passengers can and do get seriously hurt during flights every year. Severe injuries include broken ribs, head and spine injuries, broken ankles, and internal injuries. Passengers can also experience secondary injuries caused by physiological reactions to turbulence, such as high blood pressure caused by the fear and anxiety associated with a violent flight. Who Is Responsible for Air Turbulence Injuries? In many cases, the airline is liable for passenger injuries caused by air turbulence. Although pilots generally cant detect turbulence on radar, they usually receive a warning about impending turbulence from a variety of sources, including other pilots, air traffic controllers, and the Federal Aviation Administration. The airline is also liable for injuries caused by the negligence of flight attendants. For example, an airline might be responsible in cases where a flight attendant failed to properly secure luggage, or in a situation where a flight attendant left a beverage or food cart in an aisle. In other cases, passengers can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of equipment within the aircraft or the manufacturer of the aircraft itself. For example, a defective latch on an overhead storage compartment could cause luggage to fall, resulting in passenger injuries. Each air turbulence case is different, and a passenger may need to file a lawsuit against more than one party or entity to ensure he or she receives full and fair compensation. New York Aviation Accident Lawyer Attorney Jonathan C. Reiter is an experienced aviation accident lawyer who devotes a significant portion of his practice to helping air disaster victims and their families obtain compensation for injuries and deaths caused by negligence in the aviation industry. He has a long track record of success in the area of aviation accidents representation. If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident, you need the help of an experienced air disaster and injury lawyer. Call 866-324-9211 today for a free case evaluation. source: http://injuryaccidentnews.jcreiterlaw.com/2016/07/20/air-turbulence-can-cause-serious-injuries/ Social Media Tags:Air Turbulence, airline accidents Newsroom powered by Online Press Release Distribution SubmitMyPressRelease.com Like Us on Facebook It's only fair to share... Pinterest Linkedin email Print WASHINGTON, July 20 -- The U.S. Commerce Department on Wednesday announced its preliminary affirmative determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation against imports of large residential washing machines from China, signaling that it may pose punitive duties on the products. The department said that such products from China had been sold in the United States at dumping margins of 49.88 percent to 111.09 percent. As a result of the preliminary affirmative determinations, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to require cash deposits based on these preliminary rates. The Commerce launched AD investigations against imports of such products from China in January 2016, in response to a request from Whirlpool Corporation based in the state of Michigan, the department said in a statement. The department is scheduled to make its final determinations in December this year, unless the statutory deadline is extended. Punitive duties would be imposed after both the Commerce Department and the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) make affirmative final rulings. The USITC is scheduled to make its final determination in January 2017. Imports of these products from China were estimated at about 899.4 million U.S. dollars in 2014, according to U.S. official data. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has kept urging Washington to abide by its commitment against protectionism and help maintain a free, open and just international trade environment. Residents in Beijing walk on a flooded street as heavy rainfall hit the city on Wednesday.[Su Dong/China Daily] President calls for full preparations as heavy rain heightens risk of disaster from north to south From the south to the north, with record-breaking downpours, flooding, landslides and loss of lives, China is coping with a seemingly endless string of extreme weather conditions and disasters this summer. And it is bracing for more. President Xi Jinping has called for the nation to be fully prepared for the huge floods that are expected along some of the country's major rivers. The president's call was made on Wednesday as China's vast and drought-prone northern regions were hit by the strongest downpours this year, triggering floods and landslides that killed 13 people and left 62 missing. Livelihoods of 1.73 million people in 131 counties of six provinces were affected, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. President Xi also warned local officials that they would not be treated leniently if they failed to perform their duty and live up to the central government's expectations in the forthcoming disaster prevention and control efforts. Protection of life must be the priority, the president said. Beginning on Tuesday, downpours in Shanxi, Hebei and Hubei provinces hit a record high for precipitation before torrential rains spread to much of northern China on Wednesday and brought the most precipitation this year, said Ma Xuekuan, chief forecaster of the Central Meteorological Observatory. Many northern cities raised their flood alert to the highest level on Wednesday, including Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei province. In the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area, the strong downpours are expected to continue in the coming days, the meteorological observatory said, warning of the likelihood of more geological disasters. Before striking northern China, torrential rains hit many provinces in southern and eastern regions of the country, especially in June, causing floods and landslides and heavy casualties. In the first six months of the year, "China has seen 172 deaths, 99 injuries and another 19 people missing from 2,232 geological disasters nationwide, with the casualties increasing by 75 percent year-on-year," said Wang Guanghua, vice-minister of land and resources. The increase in casualties was blamed on the heavy rainfall since the start of the flooding season on March 21. Precipitation saw a year-on-year increase of 21 percent over the average rainfall in past years, and this worsened geological disasters like landslides and mudslides, the ministry said in a statement. Geological disasters like landslides usually peak from July to September, thus leaving the country facing higher risks than usual, especially in southern mountainous areas. "The northern regions, which previously did not have large rainfall and therefore the mountains' soil is loose, will face high risk of geological disasters, requiring full preparation from governments," said Wang, the vice-minister. The numbers of deaths and injuries in southern regions are the highest since 2011, doubling the average numbers of recent years. The report from the ministry and the China National Commission for Disaster Reduction said the flooding, hailstorms and geological disasters have been the major disasters in the first six months, affecting 68.8 million people and causing 505 deaths and 89 billion yuan ($13.3 billion) in direct economic losses. The South China sea has kept its tranquility one week after the arbitration award was issued. China is continuing with its island construction activities. It has conducted trial test flights at two newly established airports in the Nansha Islands and carried out a combat air patrol over Huangyan Island. On Wednesday, eight Taiwanese lawmakers visited Taiping Island in a move to reassert sovereignty. Despite all this, there has yet to be any strong backlash by the US, Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam. The arbitration result, which is merely a piece of paper, failed to yield any actual effects. Nonetheless, the US and Japan have engaged in some petty tricks. US Vice President Joe Biden has won over endorsement of the arbitration result from his Australian host during a recent visit. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe tried to make an issue of the award at the just concluded Asia-Europe Meeting, to no avail. In a statement on its official website, the Vietnamese government denied that Vietnam's top leader agreed on China's position on the South China Sea arbitration award. Philippine Foreign Minister Perfecto Yasay said on Tuesday Manila has turned down a Chinese proposal to start bilateral talks on the South China Sea dispute because of Beijing's pre-condition of not discussing the arbitration result. The stance of Vietnam and the Philippines is not unexpected, nor it is provocative. This is not an indication that the pressure on China over the South China Sea is mounting. Other external powers, save the US and Japan, have no interest in stirring up the South China Sea arbitration. The US interferes in the South China Sea out of its hegemonic ambitions, while Japan can't accept a rising China. Hanoi and Manila know full well that the arbitration result cannot be put into effect. Even though they are unwilling to admit it's just a piece of paper, they understand the award is only an illusion created by the US and Japan. They also clearly know that the US and Japan use them as pawns. Solving disputes through peace talks falls in line with their genuine interests. The US presidential campaign is in full swing. Will President Barack Obama take the plunge of a showdown with China in the South China Sea? Probably not. China believes the US can abide by the bottom line of rationality. Democracy is supposed to prevent silly decisions. But it's believed the Chinese government will make contingency plans. The South China Sea has become a battlefield of strategic competition between China and the US. After a new president is sworn in, the US muscle-flexing in the waters is highly likely to be intensified. But at that time, the wrangling will have nothing to do with the arbitration case, but will be more about collisions between two powers on their way to exploring a new type of relations. South China Sea verdict will never be accepted by the world: experts The South China Sea arbitration verdict will never be accepted by the international community, experts attending a seminar in Singapore said on Tuesday. At a briefing following Monday's Think Tank Seminar on the South China Sea and Regional Cooperation and Development, Director General Wang Lei from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) Bureau of International Cooperation said that experts at the seminar discussed ways to settle and solutions to maritime disputes in the South China Sea, as well as overall regional cooperation and development. The seminar is sure to facilitate ties between China and Southeast Asian countries, Wang added. Law professor Sienho Yee from Wuhan University told the Peoples Daily that the so-called verdict breached not only the previous consensus reached by China and the Philippines, but also the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as the principles and requirements of international law. The tribunal has overreached and abused its authority, therefore the verdict will not be accepted by the international community, Yee stressed. The tribunal is not an international court as it is no related to either the International Court of Justice (ICJ) under the UN system or the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, said Zhao Qizheng, dean of the School of Journalism at Renmin University of China, who is also a former minister of the State Council Information Office,. Zhang Junshe, a senior research fellow with the Military and Academic Institute of the Chinese Navy, told press about a recent military drill launched by China in the South China Sea, saying that it was a regular drill completely within Chinas sovereignty rights and not targeting any country. China's military exercises within its own territory are focused on self-defense, which is quite different from the muscle-flexing operations of the US and other countries, he added. Zhang also criticized the increase of military presence in the South China Sea by countries such as the US and Japan. They are indeed a military threat for countries in the region, he said. We hope those counties with perilous motives will stop their actions as soon as possible since China will never tolerate any infringement of its sovereignty. Commenting on the frequent military drills by the US, Japan and other countries have been carrying out using freedom of navigation as an excuse, Zhang noted that around 100,000 vessels sail through the South China Sea every year, yet none have made complaints regarding freedom of navigation. Deputy Director General Li Guoqiang from the CASS Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies also talked about broader China-ASEAN ties. Hailing their sound relations in various fields, Li said that ASEAN is a diplomatic priority for China. China supports the integrity of ASEAN, and is willing to cooperate with a united ASEAN, he added. The peace and stability of the South China Sea region requires the joint efforts of both China and ASEAN states, he further pointed out. U Win Tin, Chief Editor of Myanmars magazine named Northern Star, called the seminar a window for the outside world to learn about China's South China Sea policy. Will Europeans finally make a decision on their own future? For the past seven years Europe has found itself in an ever deepening predicament. In the beginning was the euro crisis, which threatened to break Europes single currency. Then the refugee crisis threatened the Schengen Agreement and the very unity of the EUs member states. The crises in Ukraine and the Middle East have also tested Europes ability to lead, offer solutions or decisively respond to potential threats. Finally, after years of struggling to deal with the rising Euro-skepticism and the numerous far-Right movements across the continent, the EU is losing one of its oldest members; the UK has finally voted to leave the union. It seems that Europeans have lost faith and trust not only in the European project, but their own governments too. Sadly, they seem to want to destroy their biggest collective achievement; the creation of a stable financially, socially and politically continent for the past six decades. One of the few countries that still puts effort in the European project and shows leadership and ambition, when dealing with any of the crises, is Germany. Naturally, it does it also in order to safeguard and promote its own interests. Much of the rest of the EU member states, still still seem to live in a post war, post communist era, nation centric and conservative reality. But the world is changing and will be very different in the next decades. The harsh reality is that we either all adapt or fail. The Union will either change, or it will die, as said Guy Verhofstadt in the European Parliaments first post-Brexit plenary. The Brits decided that they are out, the French show weak determination to lead, the Southern states are too absorbed in their own corruption, the BeNeLux and the Scandinavian countries show little resistance to the German hegemony, while the Eastern European nations seem to be in it just for the money. They have little vision for Europes future and they do not embrace totally the Wests ambitions. This is evident from how easily they turned the page, once they were faced with the refugee crisis. Even the very EU enthusiastic Poland turned Euro-skeptic, voting in a government that reflects their new approach to migration. One would naturally put all the blame in the corrupt and decadent national governments of Europe. They do not present the reality and how the EU works to the citizens, in order to safeguard their own political ambitions and the interests of national elites. As result, the EU is often used as a scapegoat by them, while the citizens have a very distorted view on how things work on European level. Most politicians continue to use EU membership as a platform to promote not necessarily their voters interests, rather their own agenda. We havent seen many national heads of government, openly speaking for the EU and its role in modern Europe. There has been little praise by any European prime minister or a member of his cabinet, of the importance and achievements of the EU. Most of them prefer to stick to populism and feed national agendas, maintaining the focus of their citizens on national issues. Germany: leadership or hegemony? Yet they now seem to fear the growing German hegemony over the continent. They could of course compete with Germany for leadership, by actively showing involvement, interest and ambition in the European project, instead of blaming the Germans of taking over. Understandably Germanys leadership comes with good and bad effects for the rest of Europe. But until other European states get seriously involved, raise their voice to counterpart that of Germanys, then they should not complain that it promotes its interests first and then the continents. The Germans are seemingly the only ones who try to bring the continent into the next phase of the global reality a multi-polar, ruthless and competitive world. The problem is that Germany is building up its economy to the detriment of the other surrounding, weaker countries. European nations of the periphery should unite and place this pressure on the EU institutions to stop Germany from dominating and start sharing and cooperating. That is not a reason for them to want to leave the EU, or hate and fear Germany altogether. European nations of the periphery should unite and place this pressure on the EU institutions to stop Germany from dominating and start sharing and cooperating. Or at least limit its force and dominance. If they remain disengaged and divided, they can have no expectations from Germany to save them or take their needs into consideration, while trying to keep Europe as a relevant player on the new global reality. No alternative to integration Our continent at the moment is in dire need of leadership and unity, that only Germany is seeming to be keen on. All European national governments must be forced by us, the citizens, to get vocal on Europe and engage fully with the European project, integrating further our countries with each other. Further integration is either we like it or not, the safest bet in securing our continents wealth and stability in the future. Alternatively European economies and societies risk being broken up and becoming even less competitive. Going back to individual states, could mean that only few will survive the impending global competition. Not all European countries have the resources or capability to stay relevant. While being independent and making your own decisions seem more appealing on every countrys electorate, we seem to ignore that the world is changing. Europe is not the center of the globe any more and in the future, it will become inevitably less dominant. So what will it be; isolationist, protectionist, conservative and nation centric mentality and policies, or should Europe be preparing for a more integrated and globalized world. Can nationalism save us, our way of living and our societies? Blaming the EU is easier than making up our minds and taking responsibility for our own decisions. Let us not be fooling ourselves any more, postponing important decisions that can guarantee our future generations prosperity. We need to make up our minds and take responsibility for our own decisions. Blaming the EU or our governments is easier but in the end, we vote for our own leaders and we still have a voice and power. Change is always scary but as it is inevitable, it is preferable to get engaged and contribute to our countries and societies evolution and reformation, rather becoming an obstacle. Will Europe look better in the future as a divided continent, with ever competing small states for the little resources we have left? Or will it look better as a community of integrated, but sovereign nations that share resources while promoting prosperity and stability for every one in the continent? We should be striving to create an equal continent, of equal nations, comprised of equal societies and equal individuals. And that has never been achieved by nationalism and populism. China has recovered 141 officials suspected of misconduct or dereliction of duty since October 2015, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said on Wednesday. These include Li Huabo, a former local finance official accused of embezzling 94 million yuan (about $14 million), and Dai Xuemin, a former trust and investment company manager, suspected of embezzling 11 million yuan. The "important achievement" is a great deterrent to other fugitives, the SPP said. It has asked authorities to come up with more ways to uncover corruption and misconduct, and to take more measures to prevent officials from escaping. It also vowed to strengthen international judicial cooperation. A man suspected of corruption, who has been at large for seven years, was deported by Spain to China in September 2015, the first Chinese fugitive Spain has deported. The man, surnamed Ding, was on Fox Hunt 2015's most wanted list, a campaign to catch economic fugitives. Ding was suspected of offenses in 2007 and 2008, including the mishandling of deposits of public funds, money laundering, contract fraud and extortion. Over 200 million yuan ($31 million) was involved. (Photo/Xinhua) NBA star Dwyane Wade, also known as D-Wade or Flash, may have been the victim of a scam by fake Buddhist monks during his ongoing China tour, which took him to Shaolin Temple on July 19. Amid widespread media coverage, Shaolin Temple said on July 20 that the people posing as Buddhist monks during Wades trip were not actually from Shaolin Temple. The two people dressed to look like monks--one of whom was not even properly outfitted--are not monks at Shaolin Temple. It is unclear whether they are actually fake monks, read a statement from the temple. The two men, one sporting a goatee and a somewhat inaccurate monk's outfit, were seen in many photos standing next to the 34-year-old Chicago Bull star during his visit to the temple. Wade and his wife burned incense and prayed alongside the men. Media coverage gave no information about the pair. Shaolin Temple denied its involvement in organizing the trip, saying that the visit was not an official one, thepaper.cn reported. There are often people who pretend to be monks at Shaolin Temple in order to fool tourists. Now they have caused a misunderstanding among netizens and negatively impacted the reputation of Shaolin Temple, the statement said, adding that the temple retains its right to take legal action in the case. The 2016 Wade China Tour kicked off in Shanghai on July 17 and included a stop in Zhengzhou, home to Shaolin Temple, on July 19. The entourage also visited Shijiazhuang on July 20 and will be in Beijing from July 21 to 25. (File photo) Chinese experts are fighting back after a U.S. think tank accused China of imposing restrictive religious policies, in turn pushing over 100 people to join the Islamic State. The think tank's report, issued by Washington D.C.-based New America Foundation, claimed that China's control over religious activities in northwestern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region could be a push factor driving people to leave the country and look elsewhere for a sense of 'belonging.'" Of the more than 3,500 foreigners recruited to join ISIS, the report stated that 114 came from Xinjiang, making the region the fifth largest contributor. Xinjiang followed Saudi Arabia and Tunisia on the list, the report said. Under the influence of extremism, many countries across the globe have seen people joining the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. It is not a problem affecting China alone, but rather a global issue, Li Wei, an anti-terrorism expert from the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, told People's Daily Online. Professor Pan Zhiping at Xinjiang University called the report a blatant lie and of chaotic logic. Pan told the Global Times, People from the U.S., the U.K. and France have also joined ISIS. Are they all reacting to government polices and suppression? Pan added that the report constitutes rumormongering, and that the Chinese government does not interfere with proper religious activities in Xinjiang. In fact, both Han and Uyghur Chinese celebrate Lesser Bairam. According to Li, the bigger cause of people joining ISIS is excessive military interference on the part of the U.S. If the U.S. had not wrongfully started the Iraq war in 2003, there would be no ISIS today. With its counter-terrorism attempts in the Middle East, and now with its provocations in the South China Sea, the U.S. is not a guardian of international peace and stability, but rather a troublemaker itself, Li said. KEARNEY Possessing methamphetamine, and selling marijuana to police informants landed an Amherst man in prison. Luke Kenney, 24, was sentenced in Buffalo County District Court to 16 to 25 years in prison for two counts of felony possession of marijuana and one count of attempted felony distribution of the drug. With good time, he could be eligible for parole in eight years. Kenney had earlier pleaded no contest to the charges. In March 2011, Kenney sold marijuana to a police informant in a school zone. His arrest was part of a drug sting by area law enforcement agencies in which several people were arrested for drug distribution. In December, Kenney was arrested after Kearney police spotted him at Hilltop Mall. At the time, Kenney was wanted on a court-ordered pickup order. When he was arrested, Kenney had a small plastic bag wrapped in several $100 bills. Inside the bag were two smaller bags, which contained a white crystal substance that tested positive for meth. The bag contained 12 grams, or 0.4 ounces, of the drug, and $857 was wrapped around the bag. A search of Kenneys cell phone found several text messages indicating he was involved in selling drugs. email to: KEARNEY Kearney High School band students will get the chance to showcase their talents Friday at the Hear Nebraska: Good Living Tour. Nebraska Loves Public Schools, a documentary film project about Nebraska public schools, is partnering with Hear Nebraska on the Good Living Tour to give young musicians an opportunity to perform alongside local bands. Twelve KHS band students will perform a piece to open the Good Living Tour. We reached out to music teachers from KHS and asked them if they had a particular student that they would like to showcase that has been involved with their music department, Elizabeth Silknitter, marketing associate for Nebraska Loves Public Schools, said. That is when we heard about this music group that arranged a song for their classmate. We thought it was sad but wonderful that they came together for one of their fellow students. Nathan LeFeber, director of bands at KHS, said Nebraska Loves Public Schools contacted him and asked if he had any students who would be interested in performing at the Good Living Tour. He said he liked the idea of his students participating in the tour because that would bring awareness of the arts and student musicians. Unfortunately, I didnt have any of my own groups that were going to be ready to perform because it was after school and couldnt pull it all together, LeFeber said. But LeFeber said he knew of one student, recent KHS graduate Moriah Chandler, who put together a piece in honor of her classmate Kyah Kinkade, who died in January as the result of a house fire. Chandler said Kinkades death took a toll at KHS. She wanted a way to honor Kinkades memory and chose to do it through music. The biggest connection I had to her was through marching band, Chandler said. She loved it. She always loved marching band. I just got the (marching band) shows and picked my favorite part from each. I tried to tie them together the best I could and arranged a piece. Chandler said it was easy to get the scores from each marching band show because she had most of them in files. The hardest part, she said, was copying the files and arranging them into a piece. In creating it specifically especially in the beginning one of my friends, Michael Kuamoo, was a big help in getting it started, Chandler said. He helped me look through it and decide which parts we actually wanted. It was hard work arranging it. Especially since I was busy with work. Chandler said this will not be the first time the piece is played for an audience. Since completing it, she said the group has performed at the benefit dinner and fundraiser for Kinkade, at the school talent show and at a band get-together at the end of the year. Chandler said she is honored to be able to perform the song on a big stage at the Good Living Tour. I really like getting it out there as much as I can just to show people that we can make good memories out of such a tragedy, she said. It is just playing for her family and all the band members and knowing she is listening and loving music like she always has. It is great. @austinbkoeller More than 1.5 million Americans are living with rheumatoid arthritis. A diagnosis is life altering, as RA causes chronic swelling and pain and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and depression. After learning they have the disease, many patients head to their local infusion center for treatment, as many of the best medicines for RA are delivered via IV. But if Medicare officials in Washington proceed with a new plan to cut Medicare funding, many of these centers will close or be forced to turn away patients who need these advanced treatments. This proposal, which impacts Medicare Part B, will deny patients convenient access to the medicines they depend on. It must be shelved. Most patients with RA, cancer, osteoporosis, and other serious conditions rely on medicines that are delivered intravenously, under the supervision of a doctor. Today, clinics and infusion centers buy these medicines directly and then Part B reimburses them the drugs average sales price plus another 4.3 percent, which accounts for administrative costs, storage, overhead and more. Medicare officials plan to slash the reimbursement rate to the average sales price plus 0.9 percent and an additional flat fee of $16.80 per dose. That would drastically lower the reimbursement rate for advanced drugs while raising it for dated, less-expensive medicines. For some patients, the change wont matter as the drugs they need have been on the market for decades. But for many patients especially those with chronic, auto-immune diseases like RA the best drugs are the newest, most-advanced medicines without cheaper alternatives. Physicians will struggle to offer such drugs under Medicares proposal, so many will refer their patients to hospitals that can afford to carry the drugs. Heading to a large hospital generally means longer travel and wait times. And because treatment costs are higher at hospitals, taxpayers will suffer, too. By being sent to big hospitals for treatment, patients with these diseases also will lose the personalized care of their clinic doctors. As Rose Gerber, the director of patient advocacy and education at the Community Oncology Alliance put it, Medicare is wedging itself between the patient and his or her physician. Some centers will even be forced to close. Clinics and infusion centers barely break even under the current formula. Repeated Medicare cuts have reduced reimbursements for infusion of a high-level medication by 24 percent from 2006 to 2014. As a result, the average center earns a margin of just 1 percent or 2 percent treating Medicare patients. With so many centers treading water, this new round of reimbursement cuts would drown clinics and centers in red ink. In 2013, when officials last cut the reimbursements rate, dozens of cancer clinics closed and acquisitions by hospitals increased 20 percent. Right now, when patients receive a diagnosis of RA, cancer, or another serious disease, many find comfort in the knowledge that theyll have access to miracle drugs that previous generations could only dream of and that their doctor will be by their side throughout the treatments. But if Medicare officials move forward with their plan, that could end. The changes will dash hundreds of thousands of sick Americans hopes for a brighter future and all for an effort to shave costs. Brian Nyquist is executive director of the National Infusion Center Association. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Chinese President Xi Jinping presides over a symposium on poverty alleviation in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, July 20, 2016. Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged developed regions in the east help their partner regions in the west better fight poverty. Xi made the remarks at a national conference on poverty alleviation through east-west cooperation in Yinchuan, capital city of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Wednesday, according to an official statement released Thursday. Pairing and cooperation between eastern and western regions in poverty relief is conducive to coordinated development and common prosperity, according to Xi, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission. China has used the strategy for 20 years, and the widening gap between the east and west has been curbed, said the president, hailing "significant progress" in poverty alleviation in poor western areas and old revolutionary base areas. "Cooperation between paired eastern and western regions in poverty alleviation must continue for a long time," said Xi at the meeting. Eastern regions should make more efforts to aid western regions, which should have a sense of urgency and be proactive in the fight against poverty, he said. Local Party chiefs and government heads in both east and west should personally push for poverty alleviation and consider it a major task. Eastern regions should gradually increase financial aid to the west. Counties in the east should be paired with counties in the west, said Xi, also encouraging partnerships between townships and villages. Industries in the east should be gradually moved west to help alleviate poverty, according to Xi. Xi stressed precision in targeting and helping the poor, not only financially, but also in education, culture, health, science and technology. Officials will be assessed not only on how much effort they make, but also whether their measures are effective, said Xi. Poverty alleviation tasks should be clearly divided, and officials should be held accountable and punished for any failures, he said. At the end of 2014, China had 70 million people living below the nation's poverty line of 2,300 yuan (about 343 U.S. dollars) in annual income in 2010 constant prices. Almost all of them live in the countryside, particularly in the west. China aims to eliminate poverty by 2020, when its 13th Five-Year Plan is completed. A KFC restaurant in Leting county, north China's Hebei province. [Photo: The Beijing News] 3 men have been detained for illegally organizing a boycott of fast-food restaurants KFC in Puyang, central China's Henan province, local police reported on their official Wechat platform on Thursday. The three Men surnamed Li, Yuan and Liu respectively gathered people outside two KFC restaurants in the city, demonstrating banners that called for a boycott of the US fast-food restaurants on Tuesday. According to local police, their actions disrupted the restaurants' normal operations and are in violation of relevant laws. The new protest follows dozens of others in China following the ruling of the Hague arbitration tribunal. Some see the US and Japan to be behind the drama. Local police have warned people not to use radical or illegal methods in boycotting foreign brands and products. Three men who organized protests against KFC outlets have been detained in central China's Henan Province. According to the official WeChat account of the Puyang Public Security Bureau, a small group of people gathered outside two KFC outlets in Puyang City, Henan province on July 19. Several of the group held a banner proclaiming, "Get out of China, KFC and McDonalds!" The bureau handled the situation in a timely manner, initiating an investigation as soon as the incident was reported. The investigation revealed that three middle-aged men were behind the protest. Given that the men disturbed normal business operation of the two outlets, one man was given 15 days in administrative detention, while the other two will each be held for 13 days. All the punishments are in accordance with Article 23 of the Public Security Administration Punishment Law of the People's Republic of China. Local police in China have been taking action to contain scattered protests calling for a boycott of US products, especially fast-food restaurants like KFC, after an international arbitration court ruled against China's maritime claims last week. A man from southeastern China's Sichuan province filed a lawsuit in March against his three daughters. The charge? Not returning home or supporting him over the past 10 years. According to a report in Chengdu Economic Daily, the man's daughters say he is guilty of domestic violence and of favoring boys over girls. Now a local court has begun mediation between the two sides. The family currently relies on an agreement that the three daughters, Yang Liu, Yang Qing and Yang Lan, will each visit their father twice a year, and they will call him at least once every month. The mother of the three girls, Xiao Lu, admitted that their father used to favor boys, despite the fact that all five of his children are female. The money transfer receipts provided by the three daughters. In addition to their other claims, the three daughters blame their father for not being family-centered. Yang Qing said that her father never took an interest in their personal affairs, such as education, careers and marriages. The man did admit that he had not contributed enough to his family, but he rejected the notion that he had abandoned his daughters. Nevertheless, the daughters cite many other reasons to distrust and avoid their father. Yang Liu remembered her father beating her in her own office after she turned down his request for money. Yang Qing also claimed to have been beaten by her father, specifying that he even hit her while she was pregnant. According to the daughters, they were afraid to visit him because of his violent temper. His wife also said that he used to beat her when they lived together. Discussing the lawsuit, Yang Qing promised that, unless her father reformed his behavior, he would lose his family even if he won the lawsuit. Wang Xiangxian, an associate professor at Tianjin Normal University, commented that the plaintiff had not fulfilled his obligations as a father. His breach of the law is the root cause of his daughters' behavior, said Wang, adding that it is unfair for the daughters to take responsibility for the situation. A new film, planned for next year and titled ThisDay, has just been 'launched' with a call to all to get involved - a unique invitation for the entire community. Writted and directed by Pat Kenny, the story is about a man who plans his suicide within a framework of 36 hours - but like all good films - events do not go as expected. The mechanisms for bringing this film to its conclusion - based on a high level of volunteerism allied to crowd funding - make it a rare venture in this country but certainly not globally. Pat Kenny may well have hit something here and judging by the enthusiasm of his colleagues - producers Richard Kearney and Barbara Loftus and costume designer Mary McGuinness - the project is off to a strong start. The topic though is one that has affected many people in our community. The film has been germinating for a number of years with Pat eager to bring his film to an Irish audience, have the movie produced in Kilkenny and on a relatively small budget. Experience Impossible you may say. Not so as the experience of 'Winter's Tale showed. I also wanted to demonstrate, as we did with Winter's End (a story about rural isolation and mental health), that films can be made anywhere and Kilkenny is such a creative hotspot and they don't need to cost the earth, added Pat. Stories always start for me with a character and then a situation. This Day started with Steve, a middle aged separated husband and father of three taxi driver. The story takes place within a 36 hour slice of time at the end of which Steve intends to die by his own hand. An intervention of sorts takes place and Steve can't be sure if it's real, imagined or other worldly. Far from being a downbeat story, This Day is an uplifting celebration of the power of the family. I pitched the story of This Day to the Irish Film Board and they immediately provided support to develop the script he added. As the script came to conclusion, Pat found himself really 'tuning into' mental health and suicide. And Pat has put a lot of thought in to it. The vast majority of the talk around these areas is concentrated on dealing with issues at the cliffs edge, in other words its about raising awareness, raising funds for NGOs and pressuring government to allocate more resources, said Pat who descibed it as necessary but concludes that many people in trouble descriobed their lives as 'stressful.' With the end of the industrial age, a new millennium and significant social change, certain values and interactions have changed. As a result, we live in a time in which positive social interaction and cooperation are not encouraged. Doing well requires us to compete with those around us for limited resources, while the benefits of economic growth filter upward to an incredibly miniscule segment. Society is a winner-take-all never ending game in which pathological behavior is rewarded and people possessing anti-social traits are the most successful. Adherence to authority, the ability to manipulate people and to turn a blind eye to the suffering of others are all qualities that are encouraged and rewarded, said Pat adding It could well be that no truly human being could possibly be at one with a society of this kind, without unhealthy coping measures such as drugs, prescription or otherwise and alcohol. Thought provoking Quoting Jiddu Krishnamurti It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a sick society. Pat belives that making this film offers everyone an opportunity to put something out in to the world that is really thought provoking and of value. As I worked on the story, I kept asking myself if the central character was visibly mentally ill or could be discerned as such. That was until I came across the concept of rational suicide, or in other words, someone who takes their own life but who is not mentally ill. The following is a quote from Kristin Holland, a behavioral scientist at the Center for Disease Control in the US. Many people view suicide as a mental health problem, but many people who die of suicide do not have a mental health problem. Its a public health problem, she said. We shouldnt be too surprised although I will admit I was, he added. Nowdays Pat notes that liberal thinkers tell us we have a right to die - Today liberal thinking tells us that we all have the right to die of course they are speaking in terms of people suffering chronic illnesses, with little or no quality of life and no prospect of improvement. But unfortunately, that message closely aligns with those who see no value in going on, who can see no way out of their problems, who want to escape their pain, but are on the face of it, not ill, not infirm, not old nor dependent on others. As Pat points out, Winters End would never have happened without the collaboration of the people of Kilkenny who generously gave of their time, their talents and resources. It went on to receive two IFTA nominations, winning one and several international awards from LA to Mumbai. Today its available to view for free as a full length film on YouTube. That is why we are taking the production of This Day on a similar path. At this stage we are still crewing up and casting and most importantly, looking for people who are willing to assist with marketing online through social media (Facebbok, Twitter and Instragram), website content and email newsletters. We have a hybrid funding model in mind of further support from IFB, investors and crowdfunding and section 481. Digital marketing is my profession and crowdfunding is an amazing way of building an audience and a community around a project, said Pat. Great attitude One of the producers of This Day is Richard Kearney. Richard has extensive experience in film production and comes with a very can do attitude. Barbara Loftus is also on board, bringing with her skills in communication and outreach, while Judi OMalley is providing the project with her knowledge of funding and project management. Jillian Bradbury who played the lead in Winters End and has since graduated from RADA will take one of the lead roles in This Day while Adam Goodwin who also appeared in Winters End in a lead role and has since been seen in Fair City, The Clinic and is currently shooting in Wicklow on Vikings will also take a role. Prominent local costume designer Mary McGuinness is on hand to offer her expertise and Michael Browne, a talented local makeup artist and photographer has joined the team also. Kilkenny native Ray Doran is also working with on the film from San Diego in the role of key art and storyboard artist, so already they have an international dimension. For now, This Day requires those interested in any particular role - from investor to lighting - to subscribe by visiting www.thisdayfilm.com and while all life's questions may not be answered - how to make a difference by getting involved in this film certainly will be. Best Foreclosure Sites for Finding Properties Making Your Money Last Searching for foreclosures for sale for your next home or to flip for a profit? These websites will guide you to foreclosures and real estate owned properties to buy. (Kitco News) - Newmont Mining Corp.s (NYSE: NEM) adjusted net income jumped 76% year-on-year in the second quarter as gold prices and production rose, while all-in sustaining costs fell. The worlds second-largest gold producer late Wednesday listed adjusted earnings of $231 million, or 44 cents per share, up from $131 million, or 26 cents, in the prior-year quarter. The result exceeded analysts average of 29 cents per share, as compiled by Bloomberg. Net income from continuing operations was $50 million, or 9 cents per share, down from $63 million, or 13 cents, a year ago. The main adjustment to net income in the April-June quarter was a $174 million movement in tax valuation allowances and tax adjustments related to prior period earnings, Newmont said. Gold production was 1.29 million ounces, up from 1.2 million in the second quarter of 2015. New production from Cripple Creek & Victor and higher production at Tanami, Kalgoorlie and Ahafo more than offset declining production at Yanacocha and the sale of Waihi, Newmont said. Copper production slipped to 38,000 tonnes from 42,000 in the prior-year period due to slightly lower grades and throughput at Batu Hijau. AISC was $876 per ounce for gold and $1.53 per pound for copper, compared to $909 and $1.61 in the same period a year ago. Meanwhile, the average realized gold price rose to $1,260 per ounce from $1,179, although the copper price fell to $1.94 per pound from $2.41. We progressed construction of two new mines, and are now building three higher-margin expansion projects including Northwest Exodus on time and at or below budget, said Gary Goldberg, president and chief executive officer. We have also been able to reduce our net debt by nearly 50% since 2013. Construction on the Merian mine in Suriname is approximately 90% completed and is on track to reach commercial production in the second half of the year, Newmont said. Long Canyon in Nevada is 80% completed and on schedule for commercial production in the first quarter of next year. Newmont -- which earlier this summer announced an agreement to sell its interests in PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara, which operates the Batu Hijau copper and gold mine in Indonesia listed new guidance. Gold production is expected to increase from between 4.7 million and 5 million ounces in 2016 to between 4.9 million and 5.4 million in 2017, then remain stable at between 4.5 million and 5 million ounces through 2020. AISC is expected to improve to between $870 and $930 per ounce in 2016, holding relatively steady at between $850 and $950 per ounce in 2017. In the second quarter, the company generated net cash from continuing operating activities of $780 million and free cash flow of $486 million, compared to $441 million and $119 million in the prior-year quarter, according to Newmonts earnings release. Newmont left its quarterly dividend at 2.5 cents per share. For the year to date, Newmont has reduced debt by more than $600 million, the company said. Newmont added that it remains on track to repay $800 million to $1.3 billion of debt between 2016 and 2018, targeting the highest rates and nearest-term maturities first. By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com Follow @KitcoNewsNOW MEEGAN M. REID / KITSAP SUN PHOTOS NOAA marine ecologist Eric Buhle (left) and Puget Sound Restoration Fund marine ecologist Brian Allen record data Tuesday in an Olympia oyster research bed in Keyport's Dogfish Bay. SHARE Puget Sound Restoration Fund marine ecologist Brian Allen uses the tip of a pencil to point out the young Olympia oysters Tuesday in Keyport's Dogfish Bay. NOAA marine ecologist Eric Buhle (left) and Puget Sound Restoration Fund marine ecologist Brian Allen take a quick look at a few Olympia oysters nestled in the mud flats Tuesday in Keyport's Dogfish Bay. MEEGAN M. REID / KITSAP SUN NOAA marine ecologist Eric Buhle (left) and Puget Sound Restoration Fund marine ecologist Brian Allen collect data Tuesday from an Olympia oyster research bed in Keyport's Dogfish Bay. MEEGAN M. REID / KITSAP SUN NOAA marine ecologist Eric Buhle (left) and Puget Sound Restoration Fund marine ecologist Brian Allen take a closer look at a collection of test shells Tuesday at an Olympia oyster bed in Keyport's Dogfish Bay. MEEGAN M. REID / KITSAP SUN By Tristan Baurick of the Kitsap Sun KEYPORT When Brian Allen walked this beach 10 years ago, it was a bare mud flat that sucked and held his boots in an oozing grip. Now he treads easily, his feet supported by millions of rare Olympia oysters. "There are not many places like this at all," said Allen, a marine ecologist with Bainbridge Island-based Puget Sound Restoration Fund. "But we built it, and they came." Pushed to the brink of extinction by pollution and overharvesting, Puget Sound's native oyster has been the focus of several revival efforts, but this 10-acre restoration area on Dogfish Bay, about a mile south of Poulsbo, is the first to foster a self-sustaining and growing population. About the size of a 50-cent piece, the Olympia is smaller and slower growing than the Pacific oyster, a foreign import that now dominates the sound and is the oyster of choice at supermarkets and restaurants. "Pacifics have more meat and get bigger quicker," Allen said. "So, from a commercial point of view, they're a better product." But from an ecological perspective, Olympias are priceless. They form three-dimensional habitat supporting a host of other species, from Dungeness crab to juvenile salmon. "They're ecosystem engineers that form habitat for other species," said Eric Buhle, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ecologist who helped with the PSRF-led restoration. "Olympia oysters are a foundation species." That was evident on a single clump of Olympias Allen pulled from the beach. "Look at all of them," he said, pointing to limpets, chitons and other mollusks living on the oysters. "It used to be that all the life here was in the mud. Now its above as well, with crab, shrimp, fish, birds. They're here now because this is where all these little beasties are." Olympias began their decline during the California Gold Rush. The oysters were dredged by the ton and sent down to feed hungry '49ers. "They have a more complex flavor than you get from most Pacific oysters," Allen said, describing a raw Olympia's "briny, earthy" start and "clean, almost metallic" finish. Oyster eaters thinking about snagging Olympias from Dogfish should take heed of the most recent shellfish harvest closure, which was announced Wednesday, and other recent closures rooted in pollution from human waste. The high levels of fecal bacteria don't hurt shellfish but can make them poisonous to humans. Gold Rush-era demand for oysters depleted Puget Sound of oysters and made it difficult for them to launch a comeback. Young oysters need old oyster shells to latch onto and begin the final stages of development. With tons of shells dumped into San Francisco Bay, Olympias began to fade from the sound. Pollution from mills and other industrial sources sped their decline. Pacific oysters were brought from Japan as a quick-growing replacement. Evolved for life on another continent, Pacifics prefer warmer temperatures and lower acidification than the waters around Washington state. They do well in the sound only under certain conditions and at certain depths, whereas the Olympia can thrive almost anywhere, so long as there's enough shell to foster subsequent generations. Once covering up to 20,000 acres in the sound, Olympias have dwindled to just 5 percent of their former abundance, according to a study by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. PSRF hopes to revive at least 100 acres by 2020. The small nonprofit group is focusing its efforts on 19 areas identified by Fish and Wildlife as prime Olympia habitat. To boost supply, PSRF established an Olympia nursery at the federally managed Manchester Research Station in South Kitsap. The nursery produces millions of gravel-sized oyster babies for "seeding" in targeted areas. The Dogfish Bay restoration began in 2005. The bay had a lot going for it. Tucked into a quiet corner of Liberty Bay, Dogfish has a slow rate of water circulation that aids in oyster reproduction and larval growth. It takes about a month for water to flush out of the bay, giving free-floating larvae time to find a suitable spot to grow. Borrowing a barge and a loading pier from the nearby Keyport Navy facility, PSRF began spreading dump truck loads of Pacific oyster shell acquired from commercial oyster operations. Olympia shells were preferred, but large quantities are hard to come by. PSRF added no oyster seed, hoping that a tiny patch of Olympias already growing in the bay would colonize the shells. PSRF continued to add shell but not much happened until 2010. "That's when we hit the tipping point," Buhle said. "We went from about a dozen oysters per meter to about a hundred oysters per meter, and it keeps growing," Allen added. An increasingly dense population of Olympias now cover 10 acres. Unlike other restoration sites run by PSRF and other groups like Mount Vernon-based Northwest Straits Commission, the Dogfish project no longer needs shell infusions. It's robust enough to not only produce its own shell but send larvae out to colonize other areas, potentially sparking revivals in Liberty and the bays on Bainbridge's west side. Allen hopes to replicate the success in Dogfish at other sites around the sound. "This is the first place that's actually turning into the objective," Allen said. "We want to be able to give a kick to get things moving over the threshold so the natural process takes over. It's very cool that now we know we're on the right path." SHARE CLEVELAND Donald Trump made a grand entrance on the first night of the Republican National Convention backlit in a thick blue fog. I expected to hear the theme song from his "The Celebrity Apprentice" program, "For the Love of Money" by the O'Jays. But, no. Too bad. It would have been no less appropriate for The Donald than the thick blue fog, which pretty well symbolizes the vagueness of his answers whenever he is asked for specifics about his grand campaign promises. Only a day earlier, CBS aired a "60 Minutes" interview in which Lesley Stahl asked whether his promise to "declare war against ISIS" meant that he would send American troops into combat. Trump's long response came nowhere close to delivering a simple yes or no. "Look, we have people that hate us," he said. "We have people that want to wipe us out. We're gonna declare war against ISIS. We have to wipe out ISIS. These are people that ..." "With troops on the ground?" Stahl interrupted, sticking to her line of questions like a pit bull to a lamb chop. "I am going to have very few troops on the ground," he continued. "We're going to have unbelievable intelligence, which we need; which, right now, we don't have. We don't have the people over there. We are going to use....." How was Trump going to build this "unbelievable intelligence?" asked Stahl. More important: Would he send American troops into combat? "Very little," he conceded at last, without saying how many "very little" is. Instead he rambled on about how he was going to enlist NATO and neighboring Arab states, as if our NATO allies would be delighted to send troops while ours stay at home. Good luck with that. When Stahl again asked Trump to explain what he means by "declare war," his newly announced running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, came to The Donald's rescue. This may signal a new role for him in the campaign as Trump's anger translator. "I have every confidence," said Pence. " ... that when Donald Trump becomes president of the United States, he'll give a directive to our military commanders, bring together other nations, and we will use the enormous resources of the United States to destroy that enemy." Bold words. But as a former member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Pence should know how often we have heard promises of very quick wars with "very little" troops before only to be bogged down in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya, to name a few. "Now look, we are going to get rid of ISIS, big league," said Trump, jumping back into the fray. "And we're going to get rid of 'em fast." But we did go to war in Iraq, Stahl reminded him, which didn't turn out well. That's because, said Trump, that war "was handled so badly" and "that was a war that we shouldn't have entered," and "I was against the war in Iraq from the beginning." Actually not from the beginning, according to a Sept. 11, 2002, radio interview with shock jock Howard Stern that Buzzfeed dug up. Trump expressed his support for the Iraq invasion in that interview more than six months before the war began. I offer this information as a service to people who care about facts, a group that apparently does not include Trump's supporters or Trump. For example, when Stahl pointed out that Trump's running mate voted for the war in Iraq, Trump's answer was quick, direct and resolute: "I don't care." It was "a long time ago," he said. But would he be as uncaring about Hillary Clinton, who voted the same way as Pence when she was in the Senate? No way, he told Stahl. "He's entitled to make a mistake every once in a while," Trump said of Pence. "But she's not?" Stahl asked. "But she's not," Trump repeated. Maybe Trump already is rehearsing the answers he plans to give after he makes his first mistakes as president, should we, the voters, be foolish enough to elect him. "Everyone is entitled to make a mistake every once in a while," he might say, "as long as they're on my side." That's the Donald. When he steps out of the fog, the fog stays with him. Email Clarence Page at cpage@tribune.com. Stuff reports: A group of Kapiti College students have attracted international support for a petition to allow year 13s at the school to grow tidy facial hair. Anthony McEwen and four other students started the petition as a social studies assignment, expecting it to attract only 20 or 30 signatures from family and friends. But it has so far received 281 signatures online, from as far afield as Auckland, Christchurch, Australia and Britain. They were all saying stuff like What youre doing is a great change, McEwen said. So support from people not part of the school community. At the end of the day, 99.9 per cent of the comments are positive. Year 13 students were allowed to wear mufti to school, and to use makeup, he said. But if a student turns up with facial hair, he is taken from class and instructed to shave with provided equipment. That did not fit with the rest of the dress code, McEwen said. Its facial hair. Its not like everyone is staring at you. I dont see, when were allowed to express ourselves through clothes, why we cant express ourselves through facial hair. I can think of at least one reason. Teenagers mature at different rates, and some need to start shaving at a quite young age, and others not until later in their teens. Most schools already have a high degree of peer pressure and/or bullying. Having some students turn up with beards etc could lead to hassling of other students for not being mature enough yet to have grown facial hair. I dont care too strongly either way up to a school to decide its own policy. But there are sound reasons why a school might not want to. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr The Herald reports: The United States Navy will send a ship to New Zealand this year, ending a 33-year absence from our ports because of the anti-nuclear rift. US Vice-President Joe Biden will formally accept the invitation today when he meets Prime Minister John Key in Auckland. Biden arrived in Auckland last night and in a speech was effusive in his comments about New Zealand and its shared history with the US, particularly around defence. He did not mention the rift of the past, nor the hugely symbolic gesture of the US Navys return. New Zealand and the United States shared the same values, the same commitment to freedom and equity, and the same fierce independence, Biden said. You nor we never bend. We never bow. We know who we are. We mean what we say. We say it in slightly different ways but it is the same. The US is one of 30 foreign navies invited to attend the 75th birthday celebrations of the NZ Navy. It has been mulling the invitation for the past 18 months and the matter is understood to have gone right to the Commander in Chief, President Barack Obama. File photo: South China Sea For some time, China-Philippines ties were greatly harmed by the South China Sea arbitration unilaterally requested by the Aquino III administration in 2013. The arbitration not only breached the international law, but also the consensus between both sides. As neighbors that cannot be moved, China and the Philippines urgently need to improve their ties since a sound and stable bilateral relationship is in the common interests of both peoples. Though hindered by recent disputes, China and the Philippines once enjoyed a time-honored friendship. The two countries started trading with each other early in Tang and Song dynasties of over 1,000 years ago. The Chinese fleet visited the Philippines several times in Ming Dynasty. About 600 years ago, the Sulu leader Paduka Pahala of the Philippines traveled thousands of miles to visit China and later died here. Up to now his descendants are still living in China. The lineage of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal could be traced back to Fujian Province in China through his father's ancestor Lam-Co, a Chinese merchant who immigrated to the Philippines in the late 17th century. Ye Fei, the famous Chinese general in the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, was born in Quezon, the Philippines. After China and the Philippines established diplomatic ties in 1975, they generally maintained a smooth relationship. With frequent high-level exchanges, the two governments have set up mechanisms for multi-layered communication and cooperation. The two states also reached significant consensus to resolve the South China Sea issue through bilateral negotiation and consultation. In August 1995, China and the Philippines issued a joint statement in which they agreed that "disputes shall be settled by the countries directly concerned" and that "a gradual and progressive process of cooperation shall be adopted with a view to eventually negotiating a settlement of the bilateral disputes." Five years later, the two sides agreed in another joint statement to promote a peaceful settlement of disputes through bilateral friendly consultations and negotiations in accordance with universally-recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The heads of state of the two countries also reaffirmed their desire to resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue in 2011. China-Philippines relations could have had a prosperous development if these consensuses were implemented. However, the Philippines gradually turned a colder face against China after Aquino III and Albert del Rosario assumed office in 2010 and 2011 respectively as the President and Foreign Minister of the country. In April 2012, a Philippine naval vessel harassed Chinese fishermen in the waters of Huangyan Island. A year later, the Philippines unilaterally filed the arbitration. It also tried to infringe on China's sovereignty in the Ren'ai Reef in 2013 and 2014 by consolidating its illegally grounded warship. In just a few years, China-Philippines relations have taken a downturn. Predecessors contributions to the bilateral friendship have almost been forgotten in face of difficulties, disheartening those who value China-Philippines relations. The misjudgment of the Aquino III administration regarding the South China Sea issue remain the fundamental reason for this sinking relationship. Stirring up the situation and fishing in muddy waters, the Philippines has been trying to gain private benefits. Harmony is most precious. Such a traditional value has been long upheld by the Chinese people. Even confronted with the complex situation and vicious provocation, China is still willing to solve the issue through peaceful dialogue and communication, which is the best option. China-Philippines relations can only return to the track of healthy development if both sides go back to the consensus, stick to negotiations and consultations, implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in an effective and comprehensive manner and truly ease and manage the maritime tension. China has always been working toward this goal and all people in the region have witnessed that. President Rodrigo Duterte and the new Philippine government have taken on a positive attitude towards the improvement of bilateral ties. It is expected that the new leadership can demonstrate political wisdom, focus on the common interests of both countries and peoples and make the right decision concerning the future of China-Philippines relations and the wellbeing of both peoples. The South China Sea arbitration case is nothing more than a political farce. Returning to the table of negotiation and consultation is the correct way to settle disputes and the responsible thing to do for the sake of the long-term development of bilateral relations and the welfare of the two peoples. News.com.au reports: The SBS special Pauline Hanson: Please Explain, which airs later this month, includes a range of surprising revelations, including her first sexual encounter with former colleague David Oldfield. On the night of her infamous maiden speech in 1996, Oldfield who was a Liberal staffer for Tony Abbott at the time made contact with Hanson and arranged a meeting at a Canberra pub. He just said his name was David, he wouldnt tell me his last name for reasons who he worked for, she in the documentary. He came over to the motel I was staying in, we had dinner and he stayed the night. He left the next morning. But Oldfield bluntly insists there was no romance in that sex and cryptically said he was doing what I had to do for Tony. Baku, Azerbaijan, July 21 By Azad Hasanli - Trend: Armenian armed forces have eight times violated the ceasefire on the line of contact of the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops over the past 24 hours, said Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry July 21. Armenian armed forces, stationed in the village of Berdavan of Armenias Noyemberyan district and the nameless heights of the Ijevan and Krasnoselsk districts opened fire at Azerbaijani positions located in the nameless heights of the Qazakh and Gadabay districts. Moreover, Azerbaijani positions underwent fire from the positions on the nameless heights of the Goranboy and Fizuli districts. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, July 21 Trend: The OSCE monitoring held along the contact line between the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops has passed without incidents, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry told Trend July 21. The monitoring was held July 21 under the mandate of the OSCE chairperson-in-office personal representative on the contact line to the west of the Azerbaijani Terter town, the ministry said. On the Azerbaijani side, the monitoring was held by the field assistants of OSCE chairperson-in-office personal representative Jiri Aberle and Peter Svedverg. On the opposite side, the monitoring was carried out by the field assistants of OSCE chairperson-in-office personal representative Hristo Hristov and Simon Tiller. 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. Associate Mike Bott works March 28, 2012 at DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee in Maryville. (Steve Morrell/DENSO) SHARE By Ed Marcum of the Knoxville News Sentinel Denso Manufacturing Tennessee Inc. broke ground Thursday on a 186,528 square-foot warehouse, marking the first phase of a $400 million expansion, and has begun the hiring process for 500 new jobs. The new building will allow Denso to consolidate various warehouse operations in the Maryville area so manufacturing space can be freed to produce head-up displays, instrument clusters, electronic controls and other automotive products. "As we continue to expand, we also renew our commitment to serve our customers with our best efforts and to make important new contributions to the economic well-being of Blount County, East Tennessee and the region as a whole," Jack Helmboldt, president and CEO of Denso, said. In September 2015, Denso announced it invest $400 million to expand its automotive parts plant in Blount County, creating 500 jobs. At the time, the plant employed about 3,100 workers producing starters, alternators, instrument clusters and other electronics. Denso has already begun the hiring process for the new jobs. The company is looking for positions in production, logistics and maintenance. It is also looking for experienced production leaders and seeks to fill a variety of professional positions. The new jobs are expected to pay, on average, more than $20 per hour. Applications may be made at www.densocareers.com. The Blount County investment was the second major expansion that Denso announced in East Tennessee in 2015. In January of that year, the company announced it would make an $85 million expansion of its fuel-injector plant in Athens, generating about 400 jobs over a three-year period. Helmboldt said at the time that Denso expected to grow by about 48 percent over two years. At the groundbreaking Thursday, a time capsule was presented containing products, photos and other memorabilia from Denso's first 25 years of operations. The plan is to place it in a wall of the new building for the company's 50th anniversary in 2040. The Bount County and Athens facilities are part of a global automotive company based in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan. Denso Corp. supplies automotive parts to all the world's major carmakers. It has more than 200 subsidiaries and affiliates in 38 countries and regions, and employs more than 150,000 people. The company opened in Tennessee 26 years ago. Then-Gov. Lamar Alexander tried unsuccessfully to recruit Toyota to build a plant in East Tennessee. But, as Alexander explained during the 2015 announcement of the $400 million expansion, Toyota offered to locate Nippon Denso in Maryville as a "consolation prize." It is now a major employer in Tennessee. FILE This Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014, file photo, shows the Anthem logo at the company's corporate headquarters in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File) SHARE By Ed Marcum of the Knoxville News Sentinel Tennessee is joining in on U. S. Dept. of Justice litigation to block the merger of health insurance companies Anthem and Cigna, state Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III announced today. Tennessee is joining with Justice Department and 11 other states in the merger challenge, which was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The complaint alleges that the $54 billion merger would harm seniors, working families, individuals, employers, doctors and other health care providers, Harlow B. Sumerford, spokesman for the attorney general, said in a statement. "In what instance would Tennesseans want 4 instead of 5 competitors from which to choose insurance products or negotiate services?" Slatery said in a statement. "There are too many unanswered questions and too much at stake in reducing competition for Tennessee to support this merger," he said. Besides Tennessee, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Virginia and the District of Columbia have joined in the lawsuit. The merger between Anthem and Cigna is one of two the Obama administration announced Thursday that it would try to block. The Justice Department is also suing to block Aetna's $37 billion acquisition of Humana. According to the Justice Department, eight states have joined the lawsuit to challenge that merger. Aetna and Humana have announced they will "vigorously" challenge the government lawsuit. The lawsuits mark the latest in a series of Justice Department's Antitrust Division to reign in private sector activities its sees as anti-competitive. The division was successful in blocking oil field services company Haliburton in acquiring Baker Hughes and in blocking retailer Staples from purchasing Office Depot. In April, then antitrust division chief Bill Baer said corporate leaders have shown too much "enthusiasm" for deals with "all that capital coming back into the marketplace." From left: Chris Pine plays Captain James T. Kirk, Sofia Boutella plays Jaylah, the late Anton Yelchin plays Chekov and Simon Pegg plays Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott in "Star Trek Beyond." SHARE By Angela Dawson, Special to Go Knoxville Long before he was a major Hollywood star, Simon Pegg was a comedic actor on a TV sitcom in Britain called "Spaced." He and Jessica Stevenson co-wrote and co-starred in the late-'90s comedy as young London slackers who pretend to be married in order to rent a flat from an uptight landlord. As Tim Bisley, Pegg was a sci-fi geek with an almost encyclopedic knowledge of "Star Trek," "Star Wars" and other pop culture fun facts. Flash forward 16 years and Pegg, now 46, not only plays Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, the U.S.S. Enterprise's chief engineer (the role originated on Gene Roddenberry's '60s TV series and reprised in subsequent feature films by actor James Doohan), he also is the co-writer of "Star Trek Beyond," the third installment of J.J. Abrams' rebooted franchise, which also stars Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Jon Cho, Zoe Saldana and the late Anton Yelchin. Filmmaker Justin Lin ("Fast & Furious" films) takes the helm from Abrams, who serves as producer on this installment. Pegg, who co-wrote the screenplay with Doug Jung, spoke at a recent press conference about tackling the screenplay of the newest "Star Trek" voyage, always keeping in mind what Tim Bisley (and "Star Trek" fans like him) would want to see with the outer space adventurers. Q: What would Tim from "Spaced" like and dislike about "Star Trek Beyond"? Pegg: For those who don't know, I started out on a sitcom in the U.K. called "Spaced." It was about a nerdy guy. I don't know what I was talking about it wasn't me at all. There's a line in "Spaced," where Tim says, "As sure as eggs is eggs, as sure as day follows night, as sure as every odd-numbered 'Star Trek' movie is (expletive)." I wrote that in 1998, and here we are in 2016, and I've written an odd-numbered "Star Trek" movie, and I'm happy to say that Tim is wrong. It's an incredible thing to look back on the circularity of that, having grown up a fan of "Star Trek," and science fiction, and now to be participating in it in such an active way. I tried to just make the kind of "Star Trek" movie that Tim Bisley would like. That's what Doug (Jung, the co-writer) and I did. And when I say Tim Bisley, I'm talking about the people that have been with "Star Trek" for a long time. "Star Trek" must have been doing something right because it's been around 50 years, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it. So we wanted to embody the original show, and instill it with what made the original show great but also frame it in a big movie way, which was a luxury they never had back in the day. That's why this series has turned into such a great thing. Necessity was the mother of invention with that show. They had to make these wonderful teleplays. They couldn't rely on special effects. Now, we can do both. I was always thinking (as I wrote it), "What would Tim Bisley think?" Q: What was the challenge of making a movie that honors the 50th anniversary of "Star Trek and be the next level in this trilogy of films? And make it a great action movie for people for non-fans or newcomers to the franchise? Pegg: That was very important to us Doug Jung and I and (director Justin Lin) going in. We wanted to sort of try and create a hybrid of an episode of the original series with a spectacular cinematic event. The "Star Trek" movies have always been "event" films. With the TV series you get time to spend with the series, you have time to spend with the characters. It's a longer game. With a film, you have to try and hit it. It has to be self-contained. It has to memorable. That was the thing to make sure that everybody's that's been here for 50 years gets what they deserve, in terms of a good "Star Trek" film, and for the people who've never seen it before, who perhaps aren't as familiar with "Star Trek," they don't know about Kirk fighting (villains), they're welcome too. This is an inclusive universe in every way, not just fictionally but factually, too. Q: Justin Lin said the main reason why he wanted to tackle this project was because his childhood dream was to (SPOILER ALERT) blow up the Enterprise and then bring it back together. So was that a collaborative effort, or was that all his idea that he presented to you and then you developed it in the script? Pegg: I hated the idea at first. I swear, we had like, rows about it. I was shouting down the phone, going, "You can't do that! You can't destroy the Enterprise!" My problem was that, if you think it's something new, and then we've seen it before. It happened in "Search for Spock," it happened in "Generations." But Justin was very very determined, and as we spoke about it, I realized what he was doing brilliantly was not only sort of taking out a main character, but he was removing the physical connective tissue between the crew. To see what happens when you take away the thing that physically bonds them together. If you take away that thing that necessitates their being a unit, do they dissipate or do they come back together? And that was the genius of that. You take it away very very violently and dramatically, and then you wait and see if they all come back together to be this family, which is essentially what they are. And, of course, they do. So I backed down immediately and said, "Yeah, you're right," which I do occasionally, not always. But in this instance, I realized it was a brilliant idea. But yeah, initially I was opposed to it. Q: There are various subplots involving the cast in which they are paired together? Pegg: Doug and I realized that Chekov hadn't ever spoken to Sulu at any point in the other two movies ("Star Trek" and "Star Trek Into Darkness"). We realized that a couple of the characters had never interacted at all. Q: You're living the dream. As the writer, you get to tell your co-stars what to do after all these years. Pegg: I ask them nicely. Q: Is there anything in "Star Trek Beyond" that you always wanted to see in a "Star Trek" movie that ever since you were young you finally got to do and you felt was important to add in this movie? Pegg: The business of writing a good story and making sure the plot works all that kind of stuff superceded any kind of wish fulfillment. We had to start with that, really. The whole splitting up the crew into little interactive groups was nice. I loved the relationships in "Star Trek" and it was nice to pursue those a little bit more, particularly with Bones and Spock, and the scene with Kirk and Bones at the beginning. It's kind of a vague parallel to the scene in (1982's "Star Trek") "Wrath of Khan" when on Kirk's birthday Kirk and Bones have that moment together. Getting the keys to that kingdom was a real joy and it was sort of nice to be able to write our signature underneath the hundreds and hundreds of signatures that have gone into writing the "Star Trek" universe over the years. It was nice to put our little stamp on that and fill it with little Easter eggs that only we know about. Q: How far do you see the franchise going with these characters and are there any thoughts of a spinoff with "The Next Generation"? What was the greatest takeaway for you from this film? Pegg: I hope it goes on for another 50 years. We'll keep going on as long as we can until we're old and inappropriate. Some of us already are, I say. Me. The thing about the new timeline is that Picard ("Star Trek: TNG") and Janeway ("Star Trek: Voyager"), all those guys, they don't exist. I'm kidding! Man, would I be in trouble. I hope it goes on. There's new CBS series starting. The galaxy, let alone the universe, is a boundless place. There are so many adventures to be had. As long as we have this idea that if we don't all kill ourselves and die in a big fire, we might actually become slightly more enlightened, slightly more tolerant beings, and go off (to explore) space. That is a lovely idea that, secretly, the vast majority of us want to achieve, and "Star Trek" can live forever. Q: The original series often delved into themes with allegories of what was happening socially and politically at the time. Did you try and do that with this film? Pegg: Even since we shot it, the message of this film, the social commentary in this iteration of "Star Trek" is that we're better (off) together. That's what it's about, collectivism. In this era of Brexit (the U.K.'s recent vote to leave the European Union) and talking about building walls in certain places, now more than ever we should be thinking about the value of collectivism and about cooperation and unity. That can be and is our strength: the more fractured we become, the less secure we all feel. The villain in "Star Trek" we could have called him Brexit. It's like a science-fiction name, isn't it? Q: What did you think of Sofia Boutella who plays a new alien character named Jaylah? Pegg: Sofia's incredible. She's a dancer so, physically, she's so adept. She was very up for the physicality of it. When Doug, Justin and I were in the writing room, we wanted to create this very independent female, a very resourceful character on the Altamid surface. We didn't have a name for her. So we used to call her Jennifer Lawrence in "Winter's Bone." That was her long name. It started to get tiring because it's a long name. So then it became J-Law, and then she became Jaylah. So Jaylah is basically named after Jennifer Lawrence in "Winter's Bone." There aren't enough girls in "Star Trek." Zoe (Saldana) has a lot on her shoulders, as you know, so we wanted to increase (the number of women in the film.) Also, with Commodore Paris is a figure of extreme authority. We all loved Sofia. She's a nutcase and a golden addition to this group. She's awesome. Q: There's been a kerfuffle about the character of Sulu (played by John Cho in the rebooted film series) being gay. George Takei (who originated Sulu on the TV series and earlier films) has expressed his dismay publicly over that change in this film. Pegg: The point is (Sulu) had somebody in Yorktown. What we (the writers) wanted to do was put somebody that (the crew) cares about in Yorktown so when it's under threat, it made the threat tangible. We (the audience) know Sulu's family is there so it's not a bunch of faceless Federation people. We care about who's there because we care about Sulu. That was the important thing. The nature of that relationship wasn't an issue. By the way, the whole thing with George (Takei), people like to make things into a spat. George and I email all the time. We had big, long lovely discussions about it. We're on great terms. We never shouted at each other. It was a great discussion to have. I'm really happy with the way it's been talked about and responded to, and I'm still a huge fan of G.T. By Hayes Hickman of the Knoxville News Sentinel The fiery head-on collision that killed two people on Interstate 40 near downtown Knoxville early Wednesday marks the fifth fatal crash involving a wrong-way driver along the same 4-mile stretch since March 2013, police records show. Authorities, however, say they want to be cautious not to draw too many comparisons among the cases. The latest was reported shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday when 21-year-old Maryville College graduate Anthony Swartz drove west into the eastbound lanes and struck an oncoming tractor-trailer at mile marker 387 just west of the Interstate 275 interchange, according to the Knoxville Police Department. The crash killed Swartz and truck driver Carroll Trent, 67, of Evington, Va. The impact ignited more than 800 pounds of benzoquinone, a flammable hazardous material Trent was hauling from Nashville to Virginia, destroying the truck and its tandem trailers. Wednesday's collision shares several similarities to a rash of four crashes in 2013 all of which were caused by men in their 20s who were killed when they drove into oncoming interstate traffic. Likewise, each crash was reported between 1 a.m.-3 a.m. Sign up for our free email newsletters and get headlines in your inbox. Police said alcohol was a factor in at least two of the previous crashes. Jose Jesus Guzman-Torres, 26, had a blood alcohol content of 0.20 when he drove east into the westbound lanes Nov. 10, 2013, striking a Toyota Scion between James White Parkway and I-275, according to records. A second vehicle then struck Guzman-Torres' car. He was declared dead at the scene. The presumed level of intoxication is 0.08, according to state law. Scott Hankal, 24, died in a fiery crash March 15, 2013, when his vehicle struck an oncoming tractor-trailer in the westbound lanes, east of Hall of Fame Drive. Hankal later was found to have a BAC of 0.342. Police suspect alcohol also might have been a factor in the Dec. 21, 2013, fiery crash that killed Bryan Winfree, 27, who struck a tractor-trailer on I-40 East, just west of Alcoa Highway. Investigators were unable to obtain a blood sample from Winfree's body, DeBusk said. Similarly, a blood sample could not be retrieved following the crash that killed Rick Staley Jr., 29, when he drove into an oncoming semi-truck along I-40 East, near 17th Street. No obvious signs of alcohol or drug use were found in the wreckage of Swartz's SUV on Wednesday, DeBusk said. "We're still trying to determine the events leading up to the crash where he had been, who he was with," DeBusk said. Toxicology tests have been requested, although it likely will be several weeks or months before the results are available. The density of interchanges along that stretch of I-40 is another possible factor common among the crashes, as the numerous exits and on-ramps offer more opportunities for an impaired or confused driver to head the wrong way onto the interstate, DeBusk said. Knox County E-911 received a reported sighting of Swartz's white SUV heading west onto I-40 East from James White Parkway less than a minute before the crash. Investigators could not determine where any of the wrong-way drivers at fault in the previous crashes drove onto I-40. Police do not believe any of the collisions were due to problems with the interstate's design or signage, DeBusk said, noting Wednesday's crash was the area's first wrong-way collision in more than two years. "You would think that if that had been an issue we would have continued to see that as a trend," DeBusk said. That stretch of I-40 actually has seen a reduction in overall crashes since the completion of the SmartFix40 project in 2009, he said. Authorities also have no indication a video game was a contributing factor in the Wednesday crash. Trent's daughter claimed in a Facebook post Wednesday evening that Swartz was playing Pokemon Go on his mobile phone while driving. DeBusk, who said he was inundated with calls Thursday morning from local and national media seeking a response to the daughter's claim, speculated the confusion might have been caused by a News Sentinel video interview with DeBusk posted online. The video was immediately followed by a separate, unrelated news clip about a driver in Baltimore who struck a parked police cruiser while playing Pokemon. SHARE Free tickets to attend an Aug. 15 event at the University of Tennessee featuring Scott Kelly, the U.S. astronaut who recently returned from a record-breaking year in space, will be available starting Aug. 1. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Thompson-Boling Arena. A limited number of the tickets will be available for the UT community and the public. Buyers are limited to four tickets. UT faculty and staff can pick up tickets in UT's First-Year Studies office, Room 217 of Greve Hall. Tickets for the general public will be available from the ticket office in Thompson-Boling Arena and at Union Avenue Bookstore, 517 Union Ave. Kelly's visit celebrates the Life of the Mind program, part of First-Year Studies 100, a class that gives new students their first taste of college studies. As part of the 2016-17 program, freshmen are asked to read "Leaving Orbit: Notes from the Last Days of American Spaceflight" by Margaret Lazarus Dean, a UT associate professor of English. The event will be a discussion between Dean and Kelly. Dean and Kelly, who is a UT graduate, are collaborating on a book that will explore the future of space travel and tell Kelly's story about his historic mission. "Endurance: My Year in Space and Our Journey to Mars" is scheduled for publication in November 2017. Afterward, a community fair will be held in Thompson-Boling Arena. Those attending may have a chance to meet Dean and Kelly. During the event, Kelly will talk about some of the life lessons he's learned during his 20 years with NASA and on his most recent yearlong, 143-million-mile adventure. SHARE Gerald McCormick By Thomas Humphrey, Special to the News Sentinel NASHVILLE House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick on Wednesday joined Democratic legislators in calling for a special session of the state Legislature to assure that Rep. Jeremy Durham is expelled from office so that he will not be eligible for a state pension. McCormick, R-Chattanooga, said in a telephone interview that he already was working toward a special session, which he envisions as coming in September, when House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Stewart of Nashville held a news conference earlier Wednesday on the subject. McCormick said a September gathering would come after the scheduled August trial of Rep. Joe Armstrong, D-Knoxville, on federal tax evasion charges. "If he is convicted, I hope Joe Armstrong will do the right thing and resign," said McCormick. "If not, we can deal with that, too get two cats with one stone. Do all our scandals in one day and be done with them." Stewart noted that, if Durham remains in office until his current term expires in November, he will automatically be vested in the state pension plan and eligible to receive a lifetime pension of $300 per month. Durham recently suspended his re-election campaign after public release of a state attorney general's report detailing sexual harassment of 22 women, but did not resign. "Why should we force taxpayers, including many victims identified by the attorney general, to foot the bill for a pension for Rep. Durham's bad behavior?" McCormick asked. "(House) Speaker (Beth) Harwell needs to call for a special session right now to keep the victims from being victimized again by supporting his retirement." McCormick said Stewart's call was "good timing" because he "had the same idea" and is already working with fellow Republican legislators on putting together a special session call. "We should do this on a bipartisan basis," he said. McCormick said he believes expulsion votes could be handled in just one day, at limited expense to taxpayers. He also said Legislators could consider revising the state law that allows legislators to vest in the state retirement system in just four years, perhaps switching to a five-year requirement that applies for most other state employees. Moscow, Russia, July 21 By Orkhan Yolchuyev Trend: Moscow hopes that Russias efforts and the process around the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will not lose its dynamics, said Russian Foreign Ministrys spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Trends correspondent reported from Moscow. Zakharova made the remarks July 21 during the briefing. Turkeys involvement in the Nagorno-Karabakh issue can be seen as a constructive interaction, said Zakharova. If Ankara has something to add for positive result, there cant be any problems. 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. SHARE One hundred ninety-seven years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government does not have to pay taxes to state and, by extension, local governments. The decision in McCulloch v. Madison is one of the most important in Supreme Court history and is taught not only in law schools but in high school civics classes. Therefore it is puzzling that Knox County Law Director Richard "Bud" Armstrong has gone to court in vain attempts to force the federal government to pay property taxes on real estate it has seized in criminal cases not once, but twice. Earlier this month U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Guyton ruled Knox County was not entitled to collect property taxes on real estate the federal government seized from Knoxville fashion designer Marcus Hall. Hall pleaded guilty last year to running a $20 million numbers game. He agreed to forfeit $5 million from bank accounts, currency, four vehicles and 18 parcels of property in Knox County. Previously, Senior U.S. District Judge Leon Jordan reached the same conclusion when the county applied a similar strategy in the $6.6 million embezzlement case involving Leslie Janous, who earned notoriety by throwing an extravagant party for her 15-year-old daughter. The federal government takes ownership of property seized from criminals once a judge issues an order and holds it until it is sold. At that point, the federal government pays taxes owed on the property, plus interest, but the property goes off the tax rolls until the sale is completed. The Law Director's Office contends that the government holds onto the property for an excessive amount of time, depriving the county of property tax revenues. Knox County, asserting it was an "innocent victim" of Hall's criminal enterprise, wanted the federal government to cover the tax bill until the sale. Guyton and Jordan both ruled the law is clear once the federal government takes possession of property, the tax payments cease. The Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes and even Tennessee law agree on that point, Guyton wrote. Only Congress can waive the federal government's immunity from state and local taxes. "Nothing in the federal forfeiture statutes indicates that Congress intended to waive the federal tax immunity for criminally forfeited property," Guyton wrote. Knox County also raised procedural objections, including the contention that Mayor Tim Burchett, not Armstrong's office, should have received notice of the forfeiture and asked for an extension of the deadline to file a claim. Guyton dismissed that argument out of hand, writing that "Knox County's failure to bring these issues before the Court in a timely fashion is a problem of its own making and, perhaps, a deliberate attempt to delay entry of the final order of forfeiture for its own benefit." While seeking to maximize tax revenues is a laudable goal, launching quests that are doomed to fail is not a wise use of taxpayer resources. Armstrong and his staff could better spend their time and expertise on legal matters that have a chance at success. Estes: Tennessee football can't ease off the gas pedal now The situation has changed dramatically for Tennessee's team, and the biggest question is how much that'll change the Vols themselves. Baku, Azerbaijan, July 21 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation led by Italian Minister of Education, University and Research Stefania Giannini. Hailing the bilateral ties between Azerbaijan and Italy in a variety of fields, President Aliyev expressed his confidence that strong partnership will be established in the educational area. The president underlined the role of the Joint Declaration on strategic partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Italian Republic. Hailing the importance of education of Azerbaijani students in Italy, President Aliyev described this as a good example of friendship between the two countries. Giannini underlined her country's interest in expanding cooperation with educational institutions in Azerbaijan. Pointing to Azerbaijani students' education in Italy, Giannini hailed the importance of the growing number of students in the country. She noted with pleasure that she met with Azerbaijans first lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva at the presentation of the First European Games in Rome, adding that they discussed the expansion of cultural cooperation between the two countries. The Italian minister also underlined the importance of the implementation of significant projects in Italy, Vatican with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Park Yong-maan, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), speaks during a press briefing at the Lotte Hotel Jeju, Wednesday. Park called on the government to include jailed businessmen, including CJ Chairman Lee Jay-hyun, among presidential special pardons. / Courtesy of KCCI By Lee Hyo-sik The head of the country's largest business association wants President Park Geun-hye to pardon jailed business tycoons, giving them a second chance to play their part in revitalizing the sagging domestic economy. Park Young-maan, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), urged the National Assembly to refrain from legislating "anti-business laws," adding that labor unions should not go on strike and instead cooperate with management to ride out difficulties. "Whether to pardon jailed businessmen is entirely up to President Park," he said, Wednesday. "But I still would like to see them released and return to management. If I may, I would like to make a plea for leniency on behalf of them. If released, I have no doubt that they will faithfully play their roles, providing much-needed vigor to the economy." His remarks came 10 days after President Park said the government will pardon inmates to mark Liberation Day on Aug. 15. She did not explicitly exclude jailed business leaders from the list, floating expectations that some may be released. On Tuesday, CJ Group Chairman Lee Jay-hyun, who was sentenced to a two-and-a-half year prison term last November, decided not to appeal a lower court's ruling to the Supreme Court, a move seen as an attempt to have himself included among presidential pardons. SK Group is expecting its Vice Chairman, Chey Jae-won, to be included on the list, while Hanwha Group is hoping Chairman Kim Seung-hyun will be pardoned so he can take up an official role managing Korea's eighth-largest conglomerate. KCCI Chairman Park, who is also the chairman of Doosan Infracore, expressed concern over a series of anti-business bills proposed by lawmakers. "Since the 20th National Assembly began on May 30, a total of 180 economy-related bills were proposed," he said. "Of the 180, 119 are primarily designed to restrict corporate activities. Businesspeople are extremely worried about the increasing anti-corporate sentiment among lawmakers when the economy remains in the doldrums. Now is the time for Korea to encourage companies to invest and create jobs." Park called on unions not to strike and instead find middle ground with management. "If workers go on strike, everyone loses," Park said. "Both labor and management should make concessions to come up with a win-win solution." Park also said the 7.3 percent minimum wage hike will place upward pressure on the already high salaries of unionized workers at many companies. "I believe that we should raise income for those receiving a minimum wage," he said. "But the hike is feared to prompt high-income salaried workers to demand a raise. This will increase labor costs, making it more difficult for businesses to operate in Korea. Unionized workers and other high-income employees must not demand the same wage hike as those making the minimum." Early this week, the Minimum Wage Council set next year's minimum wage at 6,470 won ($5.70) an hour, up 440 won, or 7.3 percent, from this year's 6,030 won. By Yoon Ja-young The country's senior citizens need to continue working, while young people are remaining jobless due to a lack of quality jobs. Statistics showed that the number of workers in their 60s or older exceeded young workers in their 20s. According to Statistics Korea, Tuesday, the number of employed people 60 years or older totaled 3.98 million in the second quarter. The number of young employed people in their 20s, meanwhile, stood at 3.79 million. This is partly due to the aging population pyramid. The number of those in their 60s or older totaled 9.81 million in the second quarter, which is 470,000 more than the previous year. Those in their 20s, meanwhile, increased only 52,900 from a year ago, marking only 6.42 million. However, this has more to do with the sluggish economy and poor social welfare. Senior citizens can't stop working after retirement due to a lack of social welfare, and most settle with underpaid, irregular jobs. According to Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training, 45.5 percent of jobseekers in their 50s or older landed jobs as janitors or watchmen. Those who got jobs in the medical or healthcare sectors accounted for 10 percent, while 5.9 percent got jobs in restaurants and 5.8 percent got simple jobs in manufacturing. Koreans retire at 53, on average, much lower than the official retirement age, but they continue working at lower wages. Youth unemployment, meanwhile, is only being aggravated. According to a survey on the country's top 30 conglomerates by the Federation of Korean Industries, 16 said they will hire fewer young new recruits this year than last year. The youth unemployment rate marked 10.3 percent in June, the highest figure for June in 17 years. Hyundai Research Institute recently said in a report that the ratio of young people who are de facto jobless may rise to 34.2 percent when including those in irregular jobs seeking more stable employment. Ryu Sang-yun, a researcher at LG Economic Research Institute, said that youth unemployment may persist for a considerable time if economic growth loses steam. "If the job conditions worsen for youths, it can lead to diverse social problems," he added. "The fundamental solution is to enhance growth potential through structural reforms and creating new growth engines. Efforts should continue to lessen inflexibility of the labor market which works against young jobseekers." By Yun Suh-young Interest in hansik, or Korean food, is growing among local and foreign diners as Korean culture spreads rapidly around the world. Opportunities to learn about food culture in public spaces, however, are rare due to intermittent exhibitions and programs dealing with the subject. Plenty of opportunities to learn about Korean food will be offered during this summer and throughout the rest of the year, as various organizations are holding noteworthy exhibitions. National Folk Museum of Korea / Courtesy of KCDF National Folk Museum of Korea Held exclusively during this summer, "One Summer Day's Repose: Taste, Palate and Healing" is offered at the National Folk Museum of Korea on the grounds of Gyeongbok Palace, central Seoul, from July 20 to Aug. 22. The exhibition illustrates the traditional summer repose of Koreans through their food culture how they used food to beat the summer heat, how they used kitchen utensils and how they relaxed outdoors. The exhibition displays relics, modern craftwork and digital media to bring to life the traditions of Koreans of the past. "Good tableware is just as important as good food. We wanted to spotlight and share the value of Korean food culture the value of space for cooking and dining and the meaning of cuisine through holding this exhibition," said Choi Jeong-cheol, president of the Korea Crafts & Design Foundation (KCDF), during a press conference, Tuesday. The KCDF collaborated with the museum on creating crafts to display. The exhibition is divided into four sections. In the kitchen section, cooking traditions are reenacted through a digital visual art display on the wall and through a display of relics such as white celadon and the "dimibang," Korea's oldest cookbook. In the second section, a summer table setting in the main hall recreates how a Korean meal was served while relics and modern craftwork in the storage room show how tableware looked in the past. The repose section has a large media table in the center of the exhibition hall with a digital show showing audiences how to set up their own meals. For the outdoor section, set in Ochondaek, a separate 125-year-old hanok (traditional Korean house) next to the museum, a hansik cooking and tasting program will be held on weekends until Aug. 15. Chef Yoo Jong-ha of restaurant Amiwol will conduct the program, demonstrating simple Korean summer dishes for participants. K-Style Hub / Courtesy of KTO K-Style Hub The K-Style Hub in Cheonggyecheon, central Seoul, is also a place for immersion in the hansik experience. The center, run by the Korea Tourism Organization, offers a variety of Korean cultural experiences, notably a Korean food exhibition on the third floor and Korean food cooking program on the fourth floor. The permanent exhibition on the third floor offers a general overview of Korean cuisine. A display wall showing how different foods were developed for different seasons is lined up along the corridor from the entrance to the main hall. When reaching the main hall, an ingredient table is on display for visitors to touch, smell and taste ingredients such as salt and spices widely used in Korean foods. Visitors can even take some of it home. Next to it is a display of jangdokdae, earthen jars used to store food, to show the fermentation process along with digital images of different kinds of kimchi projected on their lids. Information on each type of kimchi is offered with a photo. In the middle of the hall lie several exhibits such as a book containing information about Korean food and culture that only flips when someone turns a handle beneath it. Another display is of a large chest of drawers containing ingredients used in Korean food. The exhibition offers free docent services at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. in Korean and at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. in English. On the fourth floor of the K-Style Hub is a learning zone where visitors can cook and taste various Korean delicacies. A sampling area is also offered where visitors can buy some Korean foods. The cooking program is offered regularly Monday through Sunday (except Tuesdays)and is based on prior reservations and fee payment. The Cook-N-Dine program offers bulgogi, bibimbap, gimjang (kimchi-making), and jongga (head family house) food preparation classes that are two to three hours long, with participation fees ranging from 33,000 to 120,000 won. The Cook-N-Play program offers traditional dessert preparation and a traditional performance (44,000 won). The Cook-N-DIY program offers traditional dessert preparation and wrapping gifts with hanji (traditional Korean paper) (33,000 won). Available in this floor is a sarangbang (resting area) where various food-related information, books and recipes can be viewed for free. Modern and traditional tableware are also on display. /Courtesy of Twitter By Lee Han-soo An American saved a man who jumped off a bridge into a river to commit suicide in Busan Wednesday. According to police, the American, 27, saw a man in his 60s jump from a bridge that connects Suyeong-gu and Haeundae-gu around 9:30 p.m. He immediately jumped into the river with a life buoy and pulled the man to safety. The man showed symptoms of hypothermia but refused to go to hospital. Police handed him over to his family at the police station. The man allegedly tried to commit suicide after suffering depression The unidentified American also refused treatment and returned home. Kang Kyung-wan and his SM5 from the wanted poster / Yonhap By Ko Dong-hwan Police have caught a rapist from Gunsan a day after he destroyed his ankle tracking bracelet and fled. Police nabbed Kang Kyung-wan, 45, in Gapyong County, Gyeonggi Province, after Gunsan police spread wanted posters on Wednesday. Kang disappeared Wednesday around 12:30 a.m. after discarding the bracelet near Gwangcheon toll gate in South Chungcheong Province. The resident of the North Jeolla Province city drove north in his SM5, passing the toll gate and Seoul's Eunpyeong district, to reach the border city of Paju late that night. Police searched Kang's phone records to see whether the twice-convicted sex criminal had relatives or friends in Paju. Meanwhile, the bracelet-monitoring authority's Gunsan substation has been criticized for a delay in reporting Kang's disappearance to police. The substation discovered he discarded the bracelet before reaching Gwangcheon about 9:50 p.m. Wednesday but reported it to police nearly two hours later. "Our manual says we first wait for an hour before reporting a criminal's disappearance to police," a substation official said. "Before reporting to police, we check for any possible mechanical defect and try to contact the wearer." Kang, after serving a five-year jail term from 2010, was ordered in July last year to wear the bracelet and carry a portable transmitter for 10 years. The bracelet was replaced earlier this month. Kang also was convicted of a sex crime in 1993. As of May, there are 2,501 bracelet-wearing ex-convicts in Korea. Their charges include rape, abduction, murder and robbery, and they are considered highly dangerous. /Courtesy of Twitter By Lee Han-soo Seoul Metropolitan City will sell taxi vouchers to people overseas planning to visit Korea for use on arrival at Incheon International Airport. "This service is only for foreigners and is planned to prevent any taxi fee rip-off against foreigners," the city government said Thursday. Vouchers can be used in all international taxis and can be bought at Hana Tour travel agency branches overseas. Seoul has been operating some 370 international taxis since May 2009. Foreigners can pay in advance after deciding their arrival date, time and destination and present the voucher at the international taxi information center on the airport's first floor. Currently, the service is only available in Hong Kong but Seoul plans to extend it to other nations such as Japan, Taiwan and China. Prices for a medium-sized taxi vary from 55,000 won ($48) to 75,000 won, depending on the destination. Prices for van-sized taxis and luxury taxis vary from 80,000 won to 110,000 won. By Kim Hyo-jin The main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK) proposed setting up a special committee at the National Assembly, Thursday, to look into the planned deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery here. The party claimed the government has failed to ease public anxiety over the safety of the anti-missile system, saying the Assembly needs to clarify all the suspicions regarding the deployment. "We suggest that the National Assembly launch a committee to further look into issues surrounding the THAAD system," the party's deputy floor leader Rep. Park Wan-joo said during a party meeting. "The government has only pressured the public to follow its decision blindly. Nothing has been explained clearly so far." The proposal came a day after a two-day parliamentary interpellation session on the THAAD deployment, which was convened after the government announced a decision to deploy the anti-missile system in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province next year. Opposition parties argued the session was not enough to alleviate concerns over the efficacy of the system, potential health hazards, and possible tensions with China. They increased their offensive toward the government, heralding that the partisan wrangling over THAAD will be prolonged. "Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn has said it's not appropriate to comment' so many times now it might become his catchphrase," Park said. "The government has to fill in the public at an Assembly special committee if the interpellation session, as it argued, was not the right occasion for it." Meanwhile, the second-largest opposition People's Party mounted an online anti-THAAD campaign, relaying hours-long speeches by its lawmakers through YouTube. "There is long-range artillery having been deployed by North Korea along the DMZ. It is mentioned to be a threat to the South whenever tensions run high on the peninsula," chief policymaker Rep. Kim Song-sik said, showing a photo of the weapon during his speech. "But the THAAD system can't shoot them down, which I find ironic in the government's decision." Rep. Chang Jung-sook, the following speaker, said, "It's not that we don't understand the importance of security. What we can't accept is that the government has pushed ahead with it without seeking a public consensus." The party continued calling on the government to seek parliamentary approval on the deployment of the anti-missile system. The ruling Saenuri Party, however, urged opposition parties to shift attention from a decision that has already been made. It also remained silent on the MPK's call for a special THAAD committee. "I believe questions were answered enough during the interpellation session. It's time to move on," said floor leader Rep. Chung Jin-suk. "The Kim Jong-un government is vehemently opposing the deployment of the THAAD system. It is strong proof that we need it on our soil." This is the last in a three-part series on the controversy over an anti-graft bill scheduled to take effect on Sept. 28. ED. By Kim Bo-eun The anti-graft law, known as the Kim Young-ran Act, is set to go into effect in September, but is hanging in the air because the Constitutional Court has yet to make a ruling on several of its clauses. It is still unknown when the court will make a decision, whether before or after the Sept. 28 implementation. Even if the court finds some of the clauses unconstitutional, the ruling may determine whether the law could be enforced without those clauses or the entire law could be scrapped. The Korean Bar Association (KBA), along with the Journalists Association of Korea, private school employees and private kindergarten directors, filed a constitutional appeal last year, following the bill's passage in March that year, claiming some clauses of the law go against fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The lawyers' group has asked the court to review whether it is constitutional to include private school teachers and journalists as subjects of the act, or to require the subjects to report when their spouse accepts meals, gifts and money for weddings and funerals which exceed the designated limit. They also question the constitutionality of unclear core concepts of the law, such as the definition of "work-related." It claims the clauses go against equal rights, freedom of conscience and the principle of legality. Roughly two months remain until the law goes into effect, but the Constitutional Court has made no notifications regarding the ruling. Court President Park Han-chul said earlier that the ruling would come before implementation, but he has failed to give more details. The court usually makes rulings on the last Thursday of the month. If the ruling is to be made before Sept. 28, two dates remain the last Thursday of July and August. "If the ruling were to take place in July, the court would have announced it by now. We have not heard anything about it," said the KBA public information director Kang Shin-eop. There is also speculation that the court may specially designate a day for the ruling before the Chuseok holiday in mid-September when confusion is expected over gift exchanges ahead of the act. On the ruling, Kang said, "The court could rule one or more of the clauses as unconstitutional and exclude them from enactment. Or the court could decide that the entire act is unconstitutional based on problematic clauses. In the latter case, the law will not take effect." The court could also rule the clauses as constitutional, which would enable the entire law to go into effect. The last possibility is that the court rules the clauses unconstitutional but keeps them effective until the law is amended, in order to prevent confusion caused by the sudden abolition of the clauses. "In the case of the Kim Young-ran Act, the court is not likely to take the last option, because this is a new law and abolishment of the law or the clauses would not be detrimental to the social order," Kang said. In order for the clauses to be ruled constitutional or unconstitutional, the court needs the approval of at least six out of nine judges. By Kang Seung-woo President Park Geun-hye has rejected calls from opposition politicians and liberal activists to reconsider deploying an advanced U.S. missile defense system here, describing it as the "optimal" measure against North Korea's evolving threats. "Despite continued nuclear and ballistic missile threats from North Korea, some politicians and citizens call for the government to reconsider the deployment plan," Park said during a National Security Council (NSC) meeting at Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday. "If there is a better alternative other than deploying THAAD here to protect our people from the North's missile attacks, please propose it. "They should not push the THAAD issue to the center of a political squabble for reconsideration, which is currently dividing the nation and creating social unrest." Last week, the defense ministry announced that a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery will be deployed in Seongju County, North Gyeongsang Province, by next year. However, the plan is drawing a backlash from residents and politicians who have urged the government to reconsider or scrap the plan, citing potential health problems and a lack of discussions with the region before the decision. Defending the decision, Park said she would focus on playing her role for the nation and the people under any circumstances. Baku, Azerbaijan, July 21 Trend: Declaring a state of emergency in Turkey will make it possible to speed up the process of cleansing the country from terrorists, said Turkeys ambassador to Azerbaijan Ismayil Alper Coskun July 21. He made the remarks during the press conference in Baku commenting on the activities of Turkish leadership for preventing the consequences of the military coup attempt in the country. The ambassador expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani people and the countrys President Ilham Aliyev for the support to Turkey during this hard period. Coskun said that seeing false information in media, he considered it necessary to hold this event. Taking into account the attitude of 80 million people to the developments which were started by a small group in Turkish armed forces, the solidarity of citizens, support to political parties, constant presence of the elected Turkish government on its post, it can be said that July 15 became a democracy holiday, added the diplomat. Woo Byung-woo President vows to carry through THAAD deployment in Seongju By Kang Seung-woo President Park Geun-hye defended her senior secretary for civil affairs from allegations of influence peddling, Thursday, and vowed to carry through a decision to deploy an advanced missile defense unit here. During a National Security Council (NSC) meeting, Park urged her cabinet and secretariat not to be swayed by criticism as long as they do the right thing. "I myself have been the subject of much criticism recently. But If I waver, the whole country would become unstable," she said. "Please don't try to avoid criticism if you are doing the right thing. You should confront hardship and work with conviction." Her remarks came as her administration is beleaguered by criticism over the decision to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery here, and an influence-peddling scandal involving the senior secretary, Woo Byung-woo. On THAAD, she said her administration will not scrap the decision as it is the best way to protect the country from North Korea's missile threats. Although she did not specify Woo, her remarks not to be swayed by criticism were widely viewed as indications that she would not dismiss him. Woo, a former senior prosecutor, is facing multiple allegations, including asking online gaming company Nexon Korea to buy real estate owned by his in-laws, helping his son get special treatment during military service and providing secret legal counsel for a jailed businessman. The ruling Saenuri Party and opposition parties have called on Woo to step down despite Woo's denial of the allegations. "Woo's case is placing a huge burden on the President," Saenuri Party Rep. Choung Byoung-gug said in a radio interview. "Even though he is under false accusations, Woo had better resign voluntarily regardless of whether the allegations are true or not. This is for the President." Na Kyung-won, another Saenuri Party lawmaker, said, "If Woo steps down, it would help the administration focus on state affairs." Several lawmakers, regarded as President Park's loyalists within the party, also called for Woo's resignation. "I wonder if Woo can perform his duty properly amid the allegations," said Rep. Chung Woo-taik. "The allegations themselves have damaged his reputation, so he had better make a wise choice." Rep. Lee Ju-young, a former maritime minister, said it was desirable for a government official to come clean about allegations and take the responsibility for them. However, President Park is determined to keep Woo. "The President strongly believes that Woo did not commit any irregularities. So it is not appropriate for Woo to step down," said a Cheong Wa Dae official. The opposition repeated its calls for Woo to step down immediately. "Secretary Woo should offer to resign to save President Park," People's Party floor leader Park Jie-won said, describing him as a "ticking time bomb" in the Park administration. Woo has filed civil and criminal charges against two newspapers that published critical reports about him and he plans to appear before the prosecution for questioning, if he is summoned. "Ahead of his questioning, he should resign from the post, or the prosecution cannot conduct an impartial investigation into him," said the floor leader. Rep. Park Wan-joo, a vice floor leader of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea, said, "While the Saenuri Party lawmakers are urging Woo to step down, it is meaningless to resist snowballing pressure for his resignation." Meanwhile, fresh allegations regarding Woo's family members have been raised, according to local news reports. Woo's wife and her sisters purchased land for farming in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province in November 2014, but they did not engage in farming in violation of regulations. According to the Agricultural Land Act, the owner must farm his or her land after buying the land; otherwise, the possession of the land is regarded as illegal. Other news reports said that one of Woo's sisters-in-law was caught in 2012 for purchasing a forged Honduran passport to enroll her daughter in an international school. She was sentenced to eight months in prison with two years of probation However, she changed her nationality to St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean Sea in 2013, to get her child to register for a foreign school. By Kim Se-jeong Jeju Island will be the venue for the Global Green Growth Week this September, according to former Indonesian president and current chair of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) council Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who encouraged more public and private companies in Korea to join the event. "2016 is a crucial year to translate global commitments into concrete actions and plans," said Yudhoyono during a press conference in Seoul, Thursday. "I am confident that the Global Green Growth Week will serve as a platform to mainstream green growth throughout all segments of the world economy," The GGGI, founded in 2010, is committed to transferring knowledge on sustainable growth from the developed world to the developing world. A variety of discussions will be held during the five-day event on Jeju between Sept. 5 and 9. At the Global Green Growth Summit, speakers will discuss green financing and renewable energy. Participants of the Green Growth Knowledge Platform Annual Conference will touch on how green growth policies can improve the lives of the underprivileged. More specifically, participants will see how sustainable water management, renewable energy use and female empowerment can help developing countries grow. The Asia Regional Policy Dialogue will examine green growth policies in Asia, with representatives of nine developing countries that have adopted green growth strategies with help from the GGGI sharing their experiences. The GGGI is currently helping 24 countries draft green growth policy strategies. The Global Green Growth Week is an annual GGGI event, with a lineup of high-profile speakers from international organizations, individual countries and the private sector. Almost 1,200 participants are expected this year. Key participants will be United Nations Environment Program Executive Director Eric Solheim, former Irish President Mary Robinson and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Chairman Lee Hoe-sung. Visit gggweek2016.org for more information on the event. By Kim Se-jeong The prosecution has sought an arrest warrant for the owner and head surgeon of a plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam, southern Seoul, for allegedly evading taxes and accepting bribes from pharmaceutical companies in return for using their products. According to Gangnam Police Station, Thursday, the owner, surnamed Shin, 43, is accused of evading 10.5 billion won in taxes between 2011 and 2014. The alleged tax evasion was discovered by the National Tax Service which requested the police to investigate him. The clinic is the one of the biggest in Seoul, having a nine-story building with 14 doctors. Chinese medical tourists account for almost 70 percent of their patients. Shin allegedly evaded taxes by asking Chinese patients to pay in cash. For those who didn't, Shin allegedly faked their bank transaction records so that it would look like they spent the money in China, not reporting the earnings to the tax authorities. He is also accused of deleting the medical records of almost 600 patients for the same purpose. Police also suspect Shin received almost 500 million won in bribes from seven pharmaceutical companies for using their products during surgery. An ethnic Korean-Chinese employee, surnamed Choi, also faces arrest for allegedly aiding the false bank transactions. Police also booked 42 others, including officials from the pharmaceutical companies, for collaborating with Shin and offering him bribes. The clinic was in trouble two years ago after video footage showed doctors and nurses partying during a surgical procedure. Three news outlet representatives came under police investigation for receiving 30 million won in total from Shin in exchange for removing related stories from their websites. Residents of Seongju County, North Gyeongsang Province, hold up signs and chant slogans opposing the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in their town at a protest held in front of Seoul Station, Thursday. The two-hour rally with some 2,000 participants ended peacefully. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk County delivers protest letter to Cheong Wa Dae By Kim Bo-eun, Park Jae-hyuk Some 2,000 Seongju residents gathered in front of Seoul Station to protest the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in their county in North Gyeongsang Province. Participants staged a peaceful rally, Thursday, as pledged following one that turned ugly, July 15, two days after the government announced its selection of the county as the THAAD site. But they were firm in their stance against the government's decision to deploy the advanced missile defense unit. The residents took a four-hour ride in 50 buses to Seoul to make their voices heard. "The government never properly explained the plan to us or its effect on residents. We can only see this as the government making a fool of us," a farmer surnamed Roh told The Korea Times. "We have not been able to concentrate on our farm work because of THAAD." A female farmer, who requested anonymity, said, "I have been growing Asian melons for 20 years. The government said THAAD will not harm us or our farm products, but I cannot believe this." A college student surnamed Lee said, "Nobody will sit idly by when harm is being imposed on them." County head Kim Hang-gon had his head shaved alongside constituents, demanding the deployment plan be scrapped. In a speech at the rally, former lawmaker Lee Bu-young said "I am angered when I think of the circumstances Seongju residents are in putting their farm work behind them and coming all the way to Seoul in the hot summer. The government is interfering with the people's livelihood." By Yi Whan-woo The foreign ministers from all countries involved in the six-party talks aimed at North Korea's denuclearization will attend the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Laos from July 24 to 26, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday. The government is "considering and working on" a possible one-on-one meeting between Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and his respective counterparts from four other countries on the sidelines of the ARF, according to an official. The four are U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The official said Yun is unlikely to meet North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho there unless Pyongyang shows its "will to discuss its denuclearization." The annual security forum will take place amid a reinvigorated Cold War rivalry in Northeast Asia stemming from a joint decision by Seoul and Washington to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in Seongju, South Korea. Analysts say Seoul may help to alleviate concerns over a possible confrontation between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan in one bloc and North Korea, China and Russia, if Yun holds bilateral talks with Wang and Lavrov. "There can be misunderstandings among neighboring countries. What's important is to understand what caused the misunderstanding and resolve conflicts through dialogue, and in that regard, it will be critical for Yun to meet Wang and Lavrov and listen to them," said Kim Yeol-su, an international politics professor at Sungshin Women's University. China and Russia have opposed the THAAD deployment, claiming its long-range radar can be used to spy on their military activities. Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, agreed with Kim. "To some extent, South Korea's relations with China and Russia, respectively, will depend on whether the government can schedule meetings with Wang and Lavrov for Yun." Meanwhile, he speculated that Seoul, Washington, Beijing, Tokyo and Moscow may not be able to reaffirm their cooperation on the U.N. Security Council's sanctions against North Korea's nuclear activities. "Diplomatic conflicts over THAAD will take over issues related to sanctions on Pyongyang," he said. By Luis Alfredo Alfaro Despite its remoteness, the possibility of signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between South Korea and Central American nations in the Central American Integration System (SICA) is a golden opportunity for all involved. Even though the involved countries have different cultures, manners, customs, stages of development, peoples, and a huge disparity in natural resources; whatever advantages or disadvantages, those should not be obstacles to strengthening trade and exchanging knowledge and culture. South Korea could become an exemplary and unique case since East Asian nations, with the exception of the Republic of China (Taiwan), do not formally have many trade agreements like FTAs with members of SICA. Something important to consider is that historically, not only in Central America but in Latin America as a whole, Japan has been considered the economic power of Asia with strong cooperation started many decades ago. Japan has shown leadership in areas like, infrastructure development, culture, education, science, agriculture, trading, etc. with that in mind, now is the biggest opportunity for South Korea to take over the leading role and introduce its "Han River Economic Miracle" to Central America. This potential FTA means exchanging thoughts and ideas with a commitment to economic co-prosperity. Even though the social structures in Korea and Central America are quite different, especially with regards to authority and consensus building I think through a commitment to working together we can come to common agreement. The economic outlook for South Korea is looks good, while Central American countries are currently facing obstacles to economic prosperity like high violence and murder rates, complex social problems, gangs, drug trafficking, political instability, migration, and corruption. But, lately actions have been taken with cooperation from the US government in coordination with the North Triangle (El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras) governments to design policies to counteract these obstacles. Central America is an area of extremely helpful people characterized by an amazing inner-happiness and big dreams. By grasping this philosophy and the idiosyncrasy of "Centro America," South Korea could develop a good business relationship with SICA members. Central America is a land of great resources, world renowned logistic routes and hubs like the great Panama Canal and (possibly in some years later the Nicaraguan Canal too),close proximity to the US economy and Canada and serves as a bridge to South America and Europe. Efforts made by Korea with the governments from Central America, either the left or right wing, will be fruitful because they will find ways to consolidate, strengthen and grow in Central American economies. Things are moving forward for South Korea and Central America, but there still need to be more opportunities for growth and cooperation in the future.. Luis Alfredo Alfaro is a Ph.D. in ports and logistics systems, University of Dong-a, Busan. Contact him at myamerica81@gmail.com. By Stefan Gerlach ZURICH After having endured the collapse of its housing market less than a decade ago, Ireland has lately been experiencing a blistering recovery in prices, which already have risen in Dublin by some 50% from the trough in 2010. Is Ireland setting itself up for another devastating crash? It's no secret that the collapse of asset bubbles carries massive financial and social costs. With construction activity and investment spending grinding to a halt, sharp recessions which cause tax revenues to fall, even as surging unemployment demands increased social spending are unavoidable. Taxpayers may even be asked to shore up financial institutions' capital base. The last time that happened in Ireland, it cost more than 60 billion ($67 billion), or about 40% of GDP. Housing bubbles are not difficult to spot; on the contrary, they typically make headlines long before they pop. Yet they are far from rare. Bubbles in Ireland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States collapsed after the financial crisis that erupted in 2008. After the Asian financial crisis erupted in 1997, property prices in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand sank by 20-60%. And a decade earlier, Sweden, Norway, and Finland experienced property-price declines of 30-50%. The obvious question is why nobody stepped in before it was too late. The answer is simple: while the bubbles are inflating, many people benefit. With the construction sector thriving, unemployment falling, and banks lending freely, people are happy and politicians like it that way. The process is simple. Rising prices trigger a surge in building activity, which creates job opportunities for young, low-skill workers, whose employment options are otherwise limited, and generates large profits for property developers and builders. In fact, a telltale sign of a bubble is that second-rate developers suddenly are able to earn billions. Banks' profits rise too, because there is plenty of demand for mortgage lending, which is viewed as almost risk-free. After all, steadily rising property prices mean that, if a borrower defaults, the property can be resold at a profit. (The inevitable market correction remains too remote to be taken seriously at the height of the boom.) Taking advantage of this lending, ordinary people, from taxi drivers to hairdressers, can become millionaires by playing the market on the side. All of this benefits elected leaders, who win the support of voters who feel wealthier, the formerly unemployed who find jobs, and the homeowners whose houses are rising in value. Endearing politicians to voters further are new spending increases and tax cuts that can be undertaken, as accelerating economic growth causes the debt-to-GDP ratio to fall. Because bubbles tend to inflate gradually over a number of years before their abrupt collapse, letting them run a little further seems politically astute. No one wants to be the one to stop the party especially if their job is at stake. But the partygoers of the private sector cannot be counted on to stop themselves. In particular, banks, for which maintaining market share is crucial, cannot be expected to constrain risky lending, especially given the expectation that, if things do go wrong, the taxpayers will fund a bailout. This leaves only the financial regulator or the central bank, which can use macroprudential tools such as loan-to-value and debt-to-income ratios on new mortgage lending to limit the deterioration of banks' balance sheets during boom times. But this approach isn't perfect, either, because the risky borrowers to whom lending is restricted tend to be first-time or low-income buyers. This may not be a problem in countries with well-developed housing markets, where there are plenty of rental properties available from professional landlords. After all, in such markets, renters can find housing with security of tenure at price levels that are predictable, even as they evolve gradually over time according to market conditions, thereby ensuring that landlords have incentives to maintain the properties. But in countries where rental markets are small and function poorly often a result of a widely held belief that all families should own their homes financial stability and access to mortgage financing are closely linked. By limiting the riskiest borrowers' access to finance, rules on mortgage lending can trigger a fierce political backlash. Ireland is a case in point. In January 2015, the central bank sought to protect financial institutions from another catastrophic bubble by restricting their lending to high-risk borrowers. As a result, annual growth in property prices fell from a little over 20% to just below 5%. But the construction industry, worried about its profits, has been harshly critical of the rules, as have ordinary people who have been denied credit, and thus must struggle to find suitable housing in a small rental market. Politicians, no surprise, have jumped on the bandwagon, to capitalize on the popular mood. As the pressure on Irish regulators to relax lending rules intensifies, so do concerns that they will succumb to it. One hopes that they will continue to resist. Would-be borrowers do indeed face genuine challenges as a result of these regulations; but that is nothing compared to the pain that a collapsing bubble would cause. In any case, Ireland's experience with housing bubbles carries a deeper lesson one that virtually everyone has missed. A housing system that can so easily produce such large and damaging bubbles is fundamentally flawed. While restrictions on lending may be useful, they are not enough to bring about an efficient and stable housing system. Many in Ireland might find that conclusion overly pessimistic. Maybe they are simply hoping that, this time, the luck of the Irish will hold. Perhaps it will, and this time really is different. But there isn't much evidence of that. Stefan Gerlach is Chief Economist at BSI Bank in Zurich and a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Ireland. Copyright belongs to Project Syndicate. A U.S. House lawmaker said Wednesday he would like a THAAD missile defense battery "in my backyard" as the system provides excellent protection for his children from oncoming nuclear missiles while posing no danger to humans and the environment. Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) made the remark in a meeting with South Korean reporters, seeking to dispel concern widespread in South Korea about the safety of the missile defense system in the wake of a joint decision by Seoul and Washington to place a THAAD battery in the Asian nation. Detractors claim that the electromagnetic radiation from the system, especially its powerful X-band radar, could be dangerous to humans and agricultural products, despite repeated assurances from officials of the two countries that the system is safe. Angry residents of a town set to host the battery held violent protests against the deployment. "I would want THAAD outside in our backyard if we could get the military to put one there, because I believe it will be a protection to my children and no danger to them. I guess that's the best way I can explain to you why i think it's a good thing," Franks said. "I literally would have great confidence that the system would not harm my children if it were in our backyard, yet I believe it would have great protection for them that we would be the last ones in the neighborhood to get hit with a nuclear warhead," he said. The lawmaker also said that any claims THAAD is dangerous to humans are politically oriented. "The notion that ... the levels of radiation that would be damaging to human life is preposterous. It's simply not true. It is a political claim more than it is a scientific claim," he said. "THAAD has been a thoroughly tested system and it has been extremely effective." He said that each THAAD system has a 99 percent chance of interception. "So, when you have two, you have 99 percent and that 1 percent is left and you have 99 percent of hitting that. So, it's an extremely high chance of interception," he said. (Yonhap) Residents of the southern town of Seongju staged a rally in downtown Seoul, Thursday, to protest against the government's decision to deploy an advanced U.S. missile defense system in their county. Around 2,000 residents gathered in the capital city to express their concerns about the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. The protesters also wore distinct blue ribbons amid concerns that anti-government activists who are not residents of Seongju would join the related rallies to instigate illegal violent protests. The organizers said any participant not wearing a blue ribbon will be banned from entering the area where the protest will be held. Conservative groups supporting the THAAD deployment also plans to hold a rally nearby, with organizers vowing to hold their rally in a peaceful manner. (Yonhap) By Yi Whan-woo Groundless rumors, wild speculation and misunderstanding on national security and public safety are sweeping the nation again after the government failed to convince people concerned about the decision to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in South Korea. The latest fear over possible trade retaliation from China and Russia and also radiation hazards associated with THAAD follows a series of myths on mad cow disease, construction of a naval base on Jeju Island, the Sewol ferry sinking and the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Remarking that the incidents all took place under the conservative governments of Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak, analysts said Thursday that the Park government is to be blamed for failing to learn from past mistakes. The two conservative governments were repeatedly accused of making decisions on sensitive issues behind closed doors without consulting related parties. They were also criticized for bungled responses toward the incidents. "I'd say all those myths stem from public distrust toward the government," said Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University. "Such distrust is not built in a short period time. And it won't go away easily once it builds up." Choi Chang-ryul, a politics professor at Yongin University, agreed, although he said those who spread groundless rumors should be responsible for their deeds. Details added (first version posted on 16:39) Baku, Azerbaijan, July 21 Trend: Declaring a state of emergency in Turkey will make it possible to speed up the process of cleansing the country from terrorists, said Turkeys ambassador to Azerbaijan Ismayil Alper Coskun July 21. He made the remarks during the press conference in Baku commenting on the activities of Turkish leadership for preventing the consequences of the military coup attempt in the country. The ambassador expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani people and the countrys President Ilham Aliyev for the support to Turkey during this hard period. Coskun said that seeing false information in media, he considered it necessary to hold this event. Taking into account the attitude of 80 million people to the developments which were started by a small group in Turkish armed forces, the solidarity of citizens, support to political parties, constant presence of the elected Turkish government on its post, it can be said that July 15 became a democracy holiday, added the diplomat. Parties should adopt the system by year's end The main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK) is stepping up legislative efforts to introduce punitive damages large financial penalties imposed on companies that commit anti-social and malicious crimes intentionally or negligently. The Presidential Committee on Judicial Reform began to discuss adopting the punitive damages system in 2004. But there has been no progress so far as businesses opposed it citing concern about weakened corporate activities. Two high-profile incidents served as the catalyst to revive debates on punitive damages. The so-called Oxy scandal triggered deaths of more than 200 people, including children and pregnant women. Oxy Reckitt Benckiser was responsible for the deaths for manufacturing and selling toxic humidifier disinfectants. The British consumer goods maker was aware of the peril of the deadly chemicals from the outset but sold them without due safety checks. Oxy had been busy fabricating the results of experiment and covering up its illegal acts. It was only last month that the company acknowledged responsibility and apologized; but it has been unfaithful in meeting compensation demands from the victims and their families. In Korea, Volkswagen sold more than 120,000 vehicles with emissions cheating software. But the German automaker has not yet carried out the Ministry of Environment's order to recall them, much less concrete compensation plans. By contrast, Volkswagen is to face fines of up to $18 billion in the United States. All this negligence of consumers here is a testament that punitive damages must be introduced without fail this time. In fact, Korean courts have made it a rule not to make much of damage done to consumers because the legal system is largely geared toward protecting businesses. So the payment for mental anguish has been neglected, and judges have shunned making conspicuous rulings when it comes to damages. Of course, there are concerns about lawyers encouraging consumers to file lawsuits against companies at the expense of corporate time and money, should the system be introduced. But it's certain that gains from the introduction of punitive damages will far outweigh losses. First of all, there is no question that the system will make it possible to prevent similar incidents victimizing a lot of consumers, because companies will be fearful of enormous damages. Also, social costs will diminish as companies are motivated to do their utmost to prevent calamities. Currently, there is controversy concerning the limit of punitive damages. The MPK is seeking to make the ceiling at 10 percent of a company's net worth, but critics say imposing excessive damages could threaten the survival of businesses. So it may be reasonable to set the limit at three times the amount of the damage consumers sustain, as exemplified in a subcontracting law. A recent survey of 41 lawmakers affiliated with the National Assembly's legislation and national policy committees found that 73 percent supported the introduction of punitive damages, with only two legislators against it. This must be the green light for introducing the innovative system. Long gone are the days when anti-social and immoral businesses are faring well without a hitch. The ruling and opposition parties must work together to introduce the punitive damages system by the end of the year. Retiring policewoman Park Soon-ja, 61, left, poses during a donation agreement ceremony at a local welfare center in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Thursday. / Yonhap By Jhoo Dong-chan Retiring policewoman Park Soon-ja has joined the "Honor Society" for donating 100 million won ($87,000) to a local welfare center in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province. The honor is bestowed upon those whose donations surpass 100 million won by the Community Chest of Korea, the largest nonprofit welfare institution in Korea. The 61-year-old outgoing superintendent said she owes a debt of gratitude to society. "For nearly 40 years while serving as a police officer, I have received many honors from the country," said Park. "As I leave the force I feel strongly that it's time for me to help the needy neighborhoods where I have served." Park served as a police officer for 37 years. She first joined the Masan Jungbu Police Station as a constable in 1979, one of the few female police officers at the time. Having served various posts including the 112 emergency control center, the female and juvenile divisions, she has spent most of her career dealing with people's requests. Last month, Park officially retired from her post at the Changwon Seobu Police Station. While serving as a police officer, she regularly visited local senior welfare centers to perform various volunteer efforts such as bathing those with serious illnesses and washing their clothes. "It was not an easy decision to donate her severance pay," said the head manager of the beneficiary local welfare community. "The donation will be used to help needy people in the community." Park is the 80th Honor Society member in South Gyeongsang Province. By Chung Hyun-chae Anastasia Gogiashvili Anastasia Gogiashvili, 20, a sophomore studying global affairs at George Mason University Korea, said she has enjoyed diverse opportunities provided by her university. "Since the university is still in the process of advancement, it values the opinions of the students by closely listening to them," Gogiashvili told The Korea Times. "For example, students are allowed to create new clubs, their own school jacket design and organize events in order to bring the Mason community together." For Gogiashvili, who is dreaming of working for world peace by mediating and solving conflicts, the international environment that George Mason University Korea provides is advantageous in that she can meet different people from various cultures. "I was attracted by the fact that the university shares a campus with three other distinguished universities at the Inchon Global Campus," she said. The Incheon Global Campus (IGC) is currently hosting campuses of the State University of New York Korea, the University of Utah, Ghent University of Belgium and George Mason University Korea in Songdo, Incheon. The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) of the State University of New York will establish its Korean campus next year. "More importantly, President Lee and the faculty of George Mason try to bring guest speakers for special lectures in order to let students take down their walls and become more unrestricted," Gogiashvili said. "With these available opportunities, students are given the chance to establish their own traditions and history of George Mason University Korea." The university tries to provide its students with as many job-related opportunities as it can. The students are sometimes given a chance to work at the university. Gogiashvili also had the experience of working at an enrollment and marketing office as a student intern during the second semester of her first year. "Working when I was a freshman was a unique experience for me. During my working time, it was a privilege for me to learn new office skills, proper communication methods and obtain real world experience," Gogiashvili said. "To me, being a student intern was extremely helpful training since it taught me more about my strengths and weaknesses." Being interested in worldwide issues, Gogiashvili said she would like to have more internship opportunities at government offices, the U.N., the EU, or in organizations that study and analyze global issues. "Understanding the functions of those kinds of organizations will truly benefit students majoring in global affairs in helping them find their specific field of interest," she said. Every George Mason University Korea student has an opportunity to study at its main Fairfax, Virginia, campus in the United States in their third year. "I would like Mason Korea to open up more opportunities for students to study abroad in various nations," Gogiashvili said. "This will allow us to view the world from various perspectives while growing as stronger individuals." LG Electronics shares down on concerns over losing share By Kim Yoo-chul LG Electronics plans to file complaints to the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) against a ruling that both LG and Samsung Electronics were engaged in unlawful dumping of washing machines in the United States. In a preliminary report Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DoC) said Samsung and LG will be required to anti-dumping duty on the products imported into the United States from their production facilities in China. According to the DoC, the anti-dumping duty rate for Samsung is 111.09 percent, while the rate for LG is 49.88 percent. The U.S. government agency decided to apply Samsung's dumping rate retroactively 90 days to remedy its recent efforts to stockpile washers. "LG Electronics plans to bring the preliminary DoC ruling to the USITC as the anti-dumping duty was excessively high," a senior executive said, Thursday. "LG plans to argue that our clothes washers manufactured in China aren't harming the U.S. market." The United States is the most crucial market for LG Electronics' home appliances business. LG competes with Whirlpool and Samsung Electronics. Samsung Electronics said it was considering taking further action. "We want to clarify that Samsung didn't engage in any unfair trade practices and the latest DoC ruling disappointed the company," it said. Shares of LG Electronics were down 2.76 percent to close at 52,800 won on the Seoul bourse, Thursday, while Samsung Electronics gained 0.19 percent to end at 1,543,000 won, data from Korea Exchange said. As the ruling is expected to provide more benefits to Whirlpool, Samsung said the ruling may limit fair market competition between manufacturers in the United States. The preliminary ruling by the DoC is an official response to a petition filed earlier by Whirlpool in December, 2015. The petition outlines a long-term, repeated pattern of pricing below cost by LG and Samsung Electronics and their payment of less for tariffs, helping them get a bigger market share in the U.S. By 2014, 3.8 million washers were imported to the United States from China, said the DoC. LG Electronics had 11.5 percent market share in the residential washing machine market in the U.S. as of the first quarter of this year, followed by Samsung Electronics with 11 percent. Whirlpool is the sector leader with a 22.7 percent share over the same period, according to the data from market research firm Euromonitor. The DoC will make its final ruling on the issue in December. The USITC will decide whether such practices by LG and Samsung have a "real impact" on the American market. "There are chances that the anti-dumping duty will be lowered. But the rate ruled by the DoC in its preliminary ruling was very high. I believe this was partly due to deepening conflicts in trade between China and the United States," Jeh Hyun-jeong, a senior researcher at the Korea International Trade Association's international trade bureau, said. In 2013, the U.S. government also ruled that Samsung and LG Electronics were dumping large residential washers exported to the United States from their facilities in Korea and Mexico. Following that ruling, the Korean electronics duo moved their washer production for the United States to China. But the World Trade Organization (WTO) said the 2013 decision by the U.S. government on LG and Samsung was against WTO agreements. By Kim Yoo-chul Samsung's upcoming new and improved tablet phone will have little hardware overhaul as the world's top smartphone vendor is focused on highlighting some improved software-related features. Edge screen, water resistance and iris scanning could be the three main points that Samsung plans to highlight at the company's unpacked event on Aug. 2 in New York, said officials, Thursday. "Simply put, the Note 7 is an expanded version of the Galaxy S7 edge smartphone. The Note 7 will only be available with a curved screen in accordance with Samsung's latest strategy to promote mobile devices with breakthrough form factors," said a Samsung official. The large-display phone with a stylus for handwriting is expected to have a 5.8-inch screen. The Note 7 will be the first in the Note series to have the water-resistant feature. More importantly, users will be able to use the "S-Pen" even underwater, according to executives at Samsung's first-tier local component suppliers. The new product will also be equipped with iris scanning recognition technology, although initial use of the software is expected to be limited given the scarcity of services using the eye-scanning technology. It's unlikely that the Note 7 will have a dual-camera as the company's strategy is to cut manufacturing costs. The S-Pen will be embedded in the bottom of the device. The Note 7 will support the Samsung Pay service. The Note 7 is the successor to the Galaxy Note 5. Samsung has already confirmed that it will skip the name "Galaxy Note 6" in order to line up its next device with the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge flagships. But it remains to be seen whether the Note 7 will appeal to consumers if it does not awaken idling demand for Samsung devices in target markets. The unit price of the Note 7 will be between 7 percent and 8 percent higher than the previous version. Given some new additions, such a price hike won't greatly kill consumer appetite as Samsung plans to offer subsidies to mobile carriers in countries where the Note 7 will be available. Samsung introduced the Galaxy Note 5 for 890,000 Won in Korea and $699 in the United States without subsidy plans. The company said its mobile chief Ko Dong-jin will handle the upcoming unpacked event. "Samsung's premium handset replacement program Galaxy Club will be applied to the Note 7," Ko said in a recent meeting with local reporters. The executive remains confident the Note 7 will compete with Apple's soon-to-be-released mobile phone tentatively named iPhone 7 in major markets. The "iPhone 7" is expected to be released in the latter half of the year. "We have to admit that Samsung's smartphone business is under pressure. But I think Samsung will be fine," said the senior executive, adding an upgraded Gear VR headset will also be launched soon. Baku, Azerbaijan, July 21 Trend: The House of Commons of the British Parliament has hosted a presentation ceremony of the International Committee for the Preservation of Har Hazeitim (ICPHH) historical cemetery and venue. Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the event. Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK Tahir Taghizade, MP Matthew Offord, First Deputy Mayor of the city of Jerusalem Rabbi Yosef Deutsch, member of the Yugoslavian royal family, wife of the heir to the throne Princess Katherine, leaders of the Jewish community, representatives of non-governmental organizations and organizations in the field of religious tolerance participated in the event. Azerbaijan's achievements in the field of religious tolerance, particularly attention to the Jewish community in the country were hailed. Ambassador Taghizade highlighted the history of cultural diversity and harmonious coexistence of different religious and ethnic communities in Azerbaijan. "Jewish community has lived in peace and tranquility in Azerbaijan for centuries," he said. The diplomat underlined Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyevas participation in the ceremony, hailing the Foundations projects implemented both in Azerbaijan and abroad. The ambassador also highlighted the Heydar Aliyev Foundations projects in the fields of multiculturalism, protection of cultural heritage and religious tolerance. Baku, Azerbaijan, July 21 By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend: The state is rendering enough support to the media in Azerbaijan, said deputy executive secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party, MP Siyavush Novruzov. He made the remarks addressing an event dedicated to the National Press Day (July 22) at the headquarters of the New Azerbaijan Party July 21. Azerbaijan has the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, over a million of refugees and IDPs, and the Azerbaijani media play an important role in covering all these issues and conveying them to international community, added Novruzov. Noting that the National Press Day is marked every year as a nationwide holiday, he said everyone gets information through the media. We saw the role of the media during the recent coup attempt in Turkey, said Novruzov. If the people and police are strong, the media are doubly strong. He further said that during 1990s, when a coup attempt took place in Azerbaijan, the National Leader Heydar Aliyev addressed the people through the media, and thereby, the coup attempt was prevented. This method was used in Turkey as well. The role of the media is irreplaceable in such matters, he added. Novruzov also pointed out that the media are improving. The ruling New Azerbaijan Party sufficiently relied on the media during all elections held in Azerbaijan, he said. President Ilham Aliyev has appealed to the Constitutional Court on holding a referendum, and therefore, this year will be very topical for the Azerbaijani media. At the end of the event, a number of journalists were awarded on behalf of the New Azerbaijan Party. On July 19 and 20, villages in Beylagan district celebrated the completion of multiple electricity and livestock management projects. The ceremonies were attended by representatives of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. Embassy, local Executive Committee, and municipal government. The projects were co-financed by USAID and the Government of Azerbaijan and implemented by the East-West Management Institute (EWMI) under the Socio-Economic Development Activity (SEDA). With support from EWMI, Ashaghi Chamanli, Ashigalilar, Gahramanli, and Orangala village residents improved the aging electrical infrastructure of their communities to ensure the growing population of Beylagan district will have access to electricity. The communities replaced more than 14,000 meters of old electrical wires with modern cable and installed 309 new poles, benefitting nearly 5,300 people in all four villages. Also with support from EWMI, Ashigli village residents built a feed grinding facility capable of processing up to 1500 kg/hr increasing access to affordable and easily available animal feed. This improvement is expected to boost productivity while resulting in a nearly 50 percent reduction in costs, benefitting 2,600 residents of Ashigli village. In total, EWMI has implemented 81 projects in 71 communities benefiting nearly 110,000 people around Azerbaijan with USAID support. Through SEDA, EWMI promotes cooperation between citizens, civil society organizations, and government to advance socio-economic development. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, July 21 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: Russian mobile operator MTS branch in Turkmenistan announced an open request for proposals on provision of equipment to modernize electricity supply to communication facilities. Proposals will be accepted until 17:00 (GMT+5), July 26 at: Chancellery, Main Office of the MTS Turkmenistan, 85, Avenue of Turkmenistans Hero A. Niyazov, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 744035. Additional information can be found at: www.mts.tm The organizer: Department of Procurement and Logistics Management Contact person: Vladimir Petrovskiy Phone: +99366 120023 Email: [email protected] Baku, Azerbaijan, July 21 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: Investments of SOCAR Turkey Energy, a Turkish subsidiary of the Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR, will continue to increase, Anadolu agency quoted Chairman of the companys Board Vagif Aliyev as saying July 21. Aliyev expressed his condolences for those who died in the attempted military coup that took place on July 15 in Turkey and stressed that the event will not damage investments in the country. On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them. However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. More than 200 people have been killed as a result of the coup attempt. The companys investments in the country are over $18 billion with projects which will help Europe to meet its energy needs, said Aliyev. He added that the investments in Turkey will continue, as Turkey is home to the company which has around 40,000 employees. The chairman also underlined the commitment that both SOCAR Turkey Energy and its various different international investors and partners have. "I want to stress that our partners are as determined as we are and trust in Turkey's economy and stability," he noted. Aliyev explained that SOCAR Turkey Energy will complete STAR refinerys construction in 2018. "We will start operations in the refinery, which will be a significant tool for reducing the country's current account deficit," he added. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov Five people have been indicted in the ambush killing of a drug trafficker in Webster County. The U.S. attorney's office says an indictment returned Wednesday alleges that the four suspects from Missouri and one from Mexico were involved in a meth-distribution conspiracy that led to the April killing of 24-year-old Oscar Adan Martinez-Gaxiola. The suspects were identified as 19-year-old Brooke Danielle Beckley, 18-year-old Nathaniel Austin Lee, 27-year-old Jourdan Ashley McGinnis, 19-year-old Anthony Edward Donovan and 22-year-old Yovanny Aroldo Mendivil-Balderrama. They release says state charges will be dismissed because of the federal prosecution. It wasn't immediately known if they had attorneys for the federal case. Authorities said previously that Beckley worked out an agreement with Mendivil-Balderrama that if she killed Martinez-Gaxiola she would get more time to pay a drug debt. (Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, July 21 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: Turkmenistans President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat Natalya Drozd during their meeting noted the importance of consolidation of efforts in such important areas as the strengthening of security and stability in the region, said the Turkmen government in a message July 21. In particular, the sides noted the solving the situation in Afghanistan, fight against drug trafficking, international terrorism and transnational crime that are serious threats for humanity, according to the message. The parties reaffirmed their aim at further intensification of cooperation in the context of common goals and objectives dictated by the interests of maintaining peace and security on a regional and global scale. Fuel and energy, trade and economic, transportation and communication sectors, ecology and environmental protection, humanitarian sphere were identified among the priorities of partnership. Speaking about the existing huge potential for further expansion of the partnership, Drozd said that the Turkmen leadership attaches special attention to the utmost expansion of fruitful dialogue with European countries. A program, which envisages a set of measures, including the construction of social facilities in the Afghanistan, the opening of a shopping center, the supply of humanitarian goods, was prepared in Turkmenistan in order to provide humanitarian aid to the neighboring country. Turkmenistan is supplying electricity to the northern Afghan provinces on preferential terms. Turkmenistan gave proposals to the UN for Afghanistans reconstruction. There is also an initiative to hold an international Forum on Security and Cooperation in Central Asia in Ashgabat in 2016. As an active participant of the activities program within the Istanbul Process, Turkmenistan also offers to host the next 7th regional economic conference on Afghanistan in 2017. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, July 21 By Demir Azizov Trend: Uzbek enterprises are ready to supply a wide range of high-quality and competitive products to French market, said representatives of Uzbek business circles. There are textile, chemical, oil and gas products, as well as fresh and processed fruit and vegetables among those products, said Uzbek representatives during the 6th session of the Uzbekistan-France intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, according to the message of the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade. During the session in Tashkent, French delegation was headed by Matthias Fekl, minister of State for Foreign Trade, the Promotion of Tourism and French Nationals Abroad. It was noted during the session that relations between the two countries continue to develop dynamically. Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and France increased by 3 percent and totaled $300 million in 2015, and exceeded $145 million in H1 2016. Meanwhile, the sides attach great importance to the expansion and deepening of mutually beneficial trade and economic, investment, financial and technological cooperation. In particular, Uzbekistan is interested in purchasing high technologies, modern and reliable French equipment, while France is interested in intensifying cooperation in agriculture and tourism. On the results of the session, the parties signed an intergovernmental agreement on air traffic between JSC Uzbekistan Temir Yollari (Uzbekistan Railways) and Alstom company on cooperation, as well as a memorandum of intent between the Sanofi company and Uzfarmsanoat on production of vaccines. An easier-than-expected first mammogram experience HUNTERSVILLE Scheduling a cancer screening probably ranks somewhere on your to-do list between "clean out the garage" and "donate those clothes that don't fit." Sure, you'll get to it at... Chamber retreat helps discover strengths in communication The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce has proved that networking can come in many ways. It doesnt have to come at a luncheon or happy hour or Christmas party, but... Baku, Azerbaijan, July 20 By Emil Ilgar Trend: Iran signed a memorandum of understanding with South Koreas Daelim Company to improve and optimize the Isfahan Refinery, which puts an actual end to Iran's long-delayed $2.5 billion contract with Chinese financers in this project. The plan to optimize the Isfahan Refinery will be carried out in a four-year period with an investment of $2 billion, Managing Director of Isfahan Oil Refinery Lotfali Chavoshi told SHANA. Daelim will cooperate with Iranian contractors, and National Iranian Oil Engineering and Construction Company will serve as an operator, he added. Once completed, the project will raise the refinerys crude oil feedstock by 16,000 barrels per day, and increase its fuel oil output by 10 million liters per day by adopting new production technologies. The facility's oil output will rise by 8.5 million liters per day, which will be one of the major achievements of the plan, Mehr reported. Earlier, Iran canceled a contract with Chinas CNPC to develop Yadavaran oil field after long delays. Mehr reported July 20 that Iran and China has another contract to finance a $1.3-billion project aimed at optimizing the Abadan refinery, which has also faced a long delay. Remarks to Media by Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera following discussions with US Asst. Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal & US Asst. Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Tom Malinowski Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo. 12 July 2016 Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a pleasure to welcome Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal and Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Tom Malinowski to Sri Lanka and to this Ministry, once again. I am sure that by now, both Nisha and Tom are quite familiar to all of you. As you all know, since the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in Sri Lanka last year, and the series of steps taken by the Government, with the support of the people, to uphold, promote and protect fundamental freedoms, strengthen democracy, good governance, justice and the rule of law, our two countries have managed to elevate the traditionally friendly Sri Lanka-US relationship to a historic high, in a matter of little over one-and-a-half years. It is in a sense, a new beginning for both countries; and we are now engaged in building this relationship as natural partners. We have seen a series of visits from the United States since January last year. This included the Cabinet-level visits of Secretary of State John Kerry, and Ambassador Samantha Power. These high-level visits, combined with the hard work of Assistant Secretary Biswal and Assistant Secretary Malinowski, and others including our respective Ambassadors in the United States and in Sri Lanka, we have succeeded in consolidating relations between our two countries. It was the result of all this hard work that saw our two countries set up a Partnership Dialogue between the United States and Sri Lanka, which met for the first time in Washington DC in February this year. At our meeting today, we discussed a range of issues of bilateral importance including economic cooperation; governance, development cooperation, people-to-people ties; and security cooperation. We also discussed matters pertaining to reconciliation in Sri Lanka; as well as international and regional issues and events that impact on our countries. Apart from discussing ways of making our partnership stronger, including enhancing bilateral trade and investment, we also discussed about enhancing maritime cooperation and Sri Lankas participation in the Our Oceans Conference aimed at preservation of Oceans, to be held in September, in Washington DC. We also discussed the importance of providing an economic peace dividend for the people of Sri Lanka as we progress in the process of reconciliation; and I emphasized the interconnected nature of reconciliation and development, and the resources required for the success of both. During their current visit, the two Assistant Secretaries will call on Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe tomorrow at Temple Trees. They will also meet the Leader of Opposition; Senior Parliamentarians and Ministers; and the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and the Commanders of the tri-forces. They will also travel to Trincomalee on the 14th where there will meet the Governor and Chief Minister of the Eastern Province; and of course visit the historic Konneswaram Temple; and several other project sites. I look forward to continue our engagement with the United States, especially through the Partnership Dialogue, to take our relationship to even greater heights and I wish both, Nisha and Tom and the delegation a very pleasant stay in Sri Lanka. And now I would like to invite Nisha to say a few words. Thank you. Read more The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary Read more Baku, Azerbaijan, July 21 By Khalid Kazimov Trend: Iranian security forces have arrested 40 members of a terrorist group in the eastern parts of the country, a high-ranking security official said. Irans Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli has said the suspects were arrested over the past two nights, IRNA news agency reported July 21. The terrorists dug a 40-meter-long tunnel at depth of 20 meters under a house to carry out explosions and terrorist attacks, added the minister. He did not disclose further details on the location of the operation. Clover POS systems are a great solution if you want to streamline your internal services and want to replace an old kit like cash registers, payment terminals and other equipment. Clovers point of sale solution allows you to get rid of all that and replace it with a more integrated system with state of the This editorial appears in the July 22, 2016 issue of Executive Intelligence Review. EDITORIAL Drama Infernale ... and LaRouches Deutsche Bank Initiative as the Only Way Out [PDF version of this editorial] July 17The world is facing a Drama Infernale, the lead article in the economics section of todays edition of Germanys Welt am Sonntag stated in its headline. Not only is the Italian banking system about to blow apart, with 360 billion euros in non-performing loans, but the entire European financial system is bankrupt as wellwith derivatives-laden Deutsche Bank at the top of the listthey report nervously. But the reality is far worse than even that alarmed account suggests. The entire trans-Atlantic financial system has come apart, Lyndon LaRouche noted in a discussion with associates this weekend, and reported at the outset of the July 16 Manhattan Project Dialogue. As LaRouche PACs Dennis Speed summarized LaRouches comments: The system does not allow for any one point of safety. Dont depend on rational responses from some group. This thing is on the verge of a general global crisis. Therefore, the behavior of people is that they are absolutely panicked; you arent going to get a rational response at this point. Dont try to depend on anyone, dont try to select any individual. This is an emergency situation, with an emergency problem and we have to address it from that standpoint. That emergency action centers on LaRouches call to use a one-time rescue reorganization of Deutsche Bank, based on the principles of the assassinated banker Alfred Herrhausen, to ignite a bankruptcy transformation of the entire trans-Atlantic financial system and unleash actual human productivity. In further discussion on Sunday, LaRouche stated: We have to have an affirmative policy of hyperactive productivity. You have to create productivity, real productivity, not somebody holding their money, or their betting money. And the question is: Are we going to create the elements of productivity which are needed in order to get free of what has happened to us by the people who have tried to suppress things and avert things all along? Thats where the problem comes. And therefore if you dont assert a policy based on those principles, you are just going to find yourself in the same old mess again. Weve got to affect all persons, because if they are not in concert in terms of what they are concerned about, then you have anarchy. And thats going back to zero, or less than zero. Thats the problem. This is the issue. This is what you have to respond to. If you are not responding to that, you are nothing, you have completely thrown away all kinds of rationality. And thats the only way you can deal with it. In our international campaign to implement LaRouches dramatic Deutsche Bank initiative, Helga Zepp-LaRouche noted, we are running into unexpected levels of rage in the population across Europe against Deutsche Bank and all bankers, rage which gets in the way of their comprehending LaRouches call. She noted: In Germany we had an unprecedented, really unexpected wave of hatred against Deutsche Bank. Conservative industrialists, long-term supporters (whom you had never expected to say something like that), they had a completely violent reaction and said: Let them go bankrupt! Shut them down! Why should we spend another penny to save these criminal crooks? And I think that is what people are not fighting through. Because the Herrhausen principle is not just saving Deutsche Bank; its with a gun to the head saying: Either you accept the paradigm shift or you all go under, we all go under with you. But if you want to survive, you have to accept this shift. And if we had an international campaignwhich we have a little bitbut if we had a real campaign, the pressure would get greater on the German government, which is the place where the pressure has to end up. Lyndon LaRouche likewise stressed the importance of the Deutsche Bank reorganization policy: PRESS RELEASE Impact of Congressional HSBC Exposure: Senior Bankers Charged July 20, 2016 (EIRNS)The three major exposures of British/Saudi attacks on the United States just releasedthe Chilcot Report, "28 Pages" of the Congressional 9/11 Report, and House Financial Services Report on HSBC crimesare continuing to combine for a major impact on events in the United States. Among these, the "surprising" arrest and charge today of two relatively senior HSBC bankers. The charges are rigging the values of currencies, as well as improper use of knowledge of foreign-exchange customers accounts, "front-running" those accounts. The Justice Departments investigation has been going on for four years, and has been in limbo for two! But suddenly on Tuesday, Mark Johnson, HSBCs global head of foreign exchange cash trading in London, was arrested at JFK Airport in New York as he was about to fly out of the country. He was held in a Brooklyn jail overnight and was to appear in court Wednesday. According to Bloomberg News, "The U.S. unsealed charges against him and Stuart Scott, the banks former head of currency trading in Europe, making them the first individuals to be charged in the long-running probe." Scott is in the United Kingdom and will need to be extradited. The investigation was so long-running that "in September 2014, then-Attorney General Eric Holder said he expected charges against individuals within months." The House Financial Services Committees report on HSBC, released July 8, made clear that British officials and agencies, including Chancellor George Osborne and the Financial Services Agency (FSA), had intervened to protect HSBC from what should have been much more serious criminal chargesmoney-laundering for drug cartels with terrorist connections, collaborating with a Saudi bank in doing so. The substance had been provided by a Senate Permanent Committee on Investigations report in 2012. It was this British intervention, the House Committees report found, which led Holder to state that HSBC was escaping prosecution because ending the banks Western hemisphere operations could trigger a general crash of the banking system. Now, just 12 days after the release of the report, there are criminal charges, at last, against relatively senior executives of this criminal bankor any big London or Wall Street bank. A terrorist group trying to infiltrate the country using Iran's border with Turkey were busted Thursday morning by the IRGC forces, IRNA reported. The four terrorists using the Turkish border to enter Iran, were intercepted by forces of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps in a region 25 kilometers from the city of Salmas, said the border city's IRGC Commander Alireza Madani. 'Two of the terrorists managed to flee into Turkey, one of them was arrested and another one killed during the IRGC operation, Madani said. 'Based on the intelligence acquired by the IRGC, the four terrorists were counter revolutionary elements living in the neighboring Turkey, he said 'They wanted to launch terrorist activities in Iran, but their plans were aborted,' he said. According to the IRGC commander, two military rifles were also seized from the terrorists. The city of Salmas is located in West Azarbaijan Province, 88 kilometers from Iran-Turkey border. PRESS RELEASE Kerry: U.S. and Russia Have Understanding of Where Were Going in Syria July 20, 2016 (EIRNS)U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by phone yesterday, on Syria. Kerry said afterwards that "We both believe that we have an understanding of the direction we are going in and what needs to be achieved, and our teams will meet shortly and we are going to continue to do that in order to bolster the cessation of hostilities and in order to increase our capacity to fight back against al Qaeda, which is Nusra, as well as fight back against ISIL." Kerry was in London yesterday, where he met with some of his European counterparts, including Britains new Foreign Minister, Boris Johnson, to update them on Syria "and the concrete steps that the U.S. and Russia are planning to take" there. The Russian Foreign Ministry, for its part, reported that Kerry and Lavrov had "discussed concrete steps of Russia and the United States to assist the Syrian settlement efforts and suppress the terrorist groups in the country, pursuant to the agreements reached during the U.S. State Secretarys recent visit to Moscow." Washington post columnist David Ignatius, in a column posted yesterday, reports that Jabhat al Nusra, which, as Kerry indicated, is the target of possible U.S.-Russian military cooperation, is, despite having embedded itself deep into the Syrian opposition against Assad, still Al Qaeda. "[T]he global jihadist ambitions of Osama bin Laden remain part of Jabhat al-Nusras DNA," Ignatius writes. Cycle World Magazine has named its favorite motorcycles of the year, and the winner is ... everybody. Cycle World unveiled this years winners at its 40th anniversary awards ceremony, held at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. The 10 winning motorcycles, in 10 categories, represent a variety of motorcycle manufacturers and manufacturing companies. Advertisement Hondas Africa Twin was named best adventure bike, while Harley-Davidsons Low Rider S won in the best cruiser category. Yamaha snagged three wins, in the dual sport/enduro, middleweight street bike and superbike categories. KTM won a pair, with its 390 Duke grabbing best lightweight street bike and its 1290 Super Duke GT getting top honors as best touring bike. Andy Leisner, vice president at Cycle Worlds publisher Bonnier Motorcycle Group, said the voting this year was hotly contested. Each of the bikes under consideration was ridden by all of the Cycle World staff members and by the six editors who vote for the winners. We have the largest editorial staff of any motorcycle media brand, and the most experienced, and they have logged a huge number of miles on those bikes, Leisner said. The winners are selected from a large field of contenders more than 100, Leisner reckoned while finalists in each category run to at least a half dozen. The six editors generally spend an entire day locked in debate before deciding on the final list. This year, Leisner said, the one category on which everyone agreed was cruiser. We have a large number of manufacturers who have bikes in that class Indian, Harley, Victory, as well as the Japanese and even some of the European brands, but it was a hands-down victory for the Low Rider S, Leisner said. Leisner said the major manufacturers dont exactly lobby to have their bikes included for consideration, beyond making them accessible to the Cycle World editors, because they know the editors just wont have it. But does the magazine hear from manufacturers who dont win? Oh, absolutely, he said. Many manufacturers promote the fact they are 10-best award winner because it helps them sell motorcycles. When they dont win, we hear about it. Who might they hear from? Leisner wouldnt say, but top brands excluded from this years list of winners include BMW, Ducati, Indian, Suzuki, Moto Guzzi and Husqvarna. Here are the winners, by category. Best Adventure Bike: Honda Africa Twin Best Cruiser: Harley-Davidson Low Rider S Best Dual-Sport/Enduro: Yamaha YZ450FX Best Lightweight Street Bike: KTM 390 Duke Best Middleweight Street Bike: Yamaha XSR900 Best Motocrosser: Kawasaki KX450F Best Open-Class Streetbike: Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR Best Standard: Triumph Street Twin Best Superbike: Yamaha YZF-R1 Best Touring Bike: KTM 1290 Super Duke GT To link to Cycle Worlds best bikes page, click here. ALSO 2016 Indian Springfield is a flexible flyer Motorcycle lane-splitting bill moves forward in California Teslas stock falls after Elon Musk reveals his master plan Automakers are sharing information on cyber security threats and working together on ways to respond when hackers strike, under guidelines being developed by the industry. Nearly all companies that sell cars and trucks in the U.S. have joined the Automotive Information Sharing and Analysis Center. The group announced Thursday that its working on best practices to combat cyber threats. Vice Chairman Jeff Massimilla of General Motors says the group has a common Internet portal and already is sharing information on threats. Its now working on guidelines that include developing secure hardware and software and how to respond to hacking incidents. Advertisement The group is holding a hacking attack drill on Thursday. It includes 15 automakers and covers 98% of the cars on U.S. roads. It began operating in January. As Californians consider legalizing recreational marijuana use, a few entrepreneurs are already casting their vote in favor of the states cannabis industry. The group, called Canopy San Diego, is accepting applications for its pot-themed technology accelerator, a first for Southern California. The concept is to find and fund early-stage companies with ideas that can assist the states dispensaries and growers. That could include topics as diverse as water conservation tools, more optimal packaging, payroll software and analytics. Canopy San Diego said it is launching now because it believes the states legal marijuana market is already large enough to support new businesses. With sales projected to reach $2.7 billion this year, California is the largest medical marijuana market in the nation. And, if residents vote in favor of recreational use in November, the states cannabis industry is expected to swell exponentially. Advertisement California is about the size of the rest of the legal markets combined, said John Kagia, executive vice president of data analytics at New Frontier, which researches the industry. The next-largest legal markets are Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Arizona, which each saw $215 million to $1 billion in sales last year. Legalization, Kagia said, represents a significant opportunity to dramatically advance the technological sophistication of an industry that, because of illegality, has not been able to capitalize on the same type of innovation that has advanced most other sectors. There is one important caveat to the accelerator. Canopy San Diego is bypassing the risks associated with funding anyone dealing directly with plants, which means it wont accept start-ups that actually cultivate or sell weed. That means consumer-centric, on-demand pot apps need not apply. The problem with delivery is that it could very easily be legislated into a niche market or legislated into no market at all, said Eric Gomez, founder and chief executive of Canopy San Diego. We have zero control over that. So the risk is too high for us to want to add that to our portfolio. The accelerator is being modeled after a similar venture in Colorado, where the sale of recreational marijuana was legalized in 2014. Canopy San Diego expects to accept 10 young companies into its inaugural program this September and repeat the cycle three times over the next two years. Program executives are in the process of raising $3.4 million, currently from local angel investors, to finance a total of 40 portfolio companies. The program is designed with the objective of taking entrepreneurs with great business ideas and turning those ideas into structured and polished business models that can then be presented to investors and other strategic partners, Gomez said. Each 16-week cohort is designed as a crash course for would-be cannabis entrepreneurs who are just getting started. Participants are supplied with $20,000 to $30,000 in seed money, office space and access to dozens of industry mentors. In exchange, Canopy takes an equity stake of 6% to 9.5% in the businesses. At the end of the boot camp, the three best businesses, as determined by the program leaders, are to receive an additional $50,000 in financing. We are really looking for the right team, said Jack Scatizzi, the accelerators managing director. Were investing in founders, smart founders that are passionate about the cannabis space. Canopy San Diegos muse, Canopy Boulder, got its start about two years ago and graduated 19 start-ups in its first year of existence, including Solana Beach e-commerce company Tradiv. The San Diego chapter will keep close ties with the Boulder program so graduates will also have access to Boulders partner, the Arcview Group, a 500-plus-person investor network focused on the cannabis industry. Tradiv co-founder Geoff Doran said hes glad his company swapped a 9.5% stake for the chance to participate in the Boulder program: Not a day goes by when I think it was the wrong decision. He and Tradiv founder Aeron Sullivan took a $20,000 seed investment to jump-start an online platform where growers list products and dispensaries buy goods. Live for less than a year in Colorado, Tradiv counts roughly 35% of the states licensed cannabis businesses as registered users, Doran said. This week, the start-up is preparing to launch in its home state of California. It has raised $4 million in financing and grown its workforce from two people to nearly 30. Canopy San Diego applicants shouldnt expect to replicate Tradivs quick accession. Realistically, three or four companies from each tranche wont see the light of day. But thats not because theyre venturing into an socially unacceptable industry, Gomez said. As far as the stigma aspect, that is probably the one thing that is changing the fastest, he said. That doesnt concern me whatsoever. jennifer.vangrove@sduniontribune.com You cant call Elon Musk a short-term thinker. His Master Plan Part Deux paints a shimmering future-scape filled with driverless zero-emission cars, buses and trucks; a dramatic decline in vehicle fatalities; homes and businesses that draw power from the sun and store it in batteries for later use; and a new kind of factory: a machine that builds the machine. Financial and market analysts would rather Musk focus on the immediate challenges Tesla Motors faces at the electric automobile company he runs specifically, making sure the latest model, the Tesla 3, a $35,000 car thats crucial to the companys survival, goes on sale as planned late next year. Yet, public-stock companies in the United States have long been criticized for their short-term quarter-to-quarter obsession with sales and profits. Whatever the master plan means for Teslas future, investors and executives in the clean energy industry are welcoming Musks latest missive. Advertisement The master plan, released as a blog post on Teslas site late Wednesday afternoon, lays out Teslas path beyond the Model 3, with plans for an electric cargo truck equipped with autonomous driving technology called Tesla Semi; a new-style electric bus, smaller than current models, capable of operating without a human driver; a pickup truck; a small SUV. Also: An app to let Tesla owners rent out their otherwise idle automobiles. A new Uber-like ride-hailing service. Driverless technology thats 10 times safer than todays cars. And that machine that builds machines. Plus: An all-in-one renewable energy package to combine rooftop solar power with a Tesla battery pack that can store energy to power a household during the night, recharge an electric vehicle, and pump excess energy back into the electrical grid. (A prospect that would become more seamless if Tesla succeeds in buying rooftop panel company SolarCity, Musk said.) It all adds up to Musks quest not just for profit but for something grander: a sustainable energy without which civilization will collapse. Its an enthralling vision. Its easy to see why clean energy investors love it. Hes the CEO of arguably the most influential clean energy company in the world, said Ryan Popple, who runs Proterra, based near San Francisco in Burlingame. The company makes electric drive systems for mass transit buses. Its important to have someone like him say, Here is a vision for the future, and heres how it might work. But the auto industry analysts have a point when they criticize the plan as mushy and vague not just as a financial guidepost for a car company, but as a strategic manifesto. As is typical, Elon Musk has laid out a grandiose plan for the future with no time frames and few specifics and no mention of how and when Tesla will be profitiable, said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst at Autotrader. The stock market shrugged off the plan, as Tesla shares fell 3% Thursday to close at $220.50. The new vehicles when might they be available for sale? Two years? Ten years? Musk isnt saying. Theres not even a rough timeline. The trucks and buses will be ready for unveiling next year. As concepts? As prototypes? As production vehicles? Thats left unsaid. Same for the vehicle sharing app and the ride-hailing fleet, both untethered to any timeline. Musk everybody who knows him calls him brilliant lives in fact-based reality and pushes workers to take it down to the physics when they try to tell Musk why they cant do what he wants done. There are numbers in the master plan yet theyre stated in isolation, with little context, and its not clear what they mean. Autonomous vehicles 10 times safer than average. Whats safer? Hes trotted out statistics in the past that may or may not make his case. Why not here? Worldwide regulatory approval for driverless cars wont come until the 3 million miles of fleet learning turns into 6 million miles. When will that be? A 5- to 10-fold improvement in auto production from the machine that builds the machine. Whats the metric? Something like vehicles per hour? He doesnt say. And what is a machine that builds a machine anyway? Musk has talked about this before but has never explained what he means. He does, however, state the first Model 3 factory machine should be thought of as version 0.5, with version 1.0 probably in 2018. The first master plan Musk put together in 2006 was just as vague, if not more so. But it did contain a neat summary: Build sports car Use that money to build an affordable car Use that money to build an even more affordable car While doing above, also provide zero-emission electric power generation options And he pretty much delivered. He turned out the Model S sedan and the Model X sport utility vehicle. And while $80,000 to $100,000 is hardly affordable to most, theyre selling better than almost anyone expected. On the power front, his Gigafactory outside Reno is turning out battery storage units and soon will be producing battery cells for cars. With Steve Jobs gone, Musk has emerged as perhaps the worlds most celebrated tech visionary. His success thus far at Tesla, and at SpaceX, where hes winning NASA contracts away from traditional aerospace companies to rocket cargo into space, makes Part Deux more than some wouldnt it be cool fantasy dreamed up in a smoke-filled dorm room. Musk proposes a fascinating, if sketchily drawn, vision. Hell be taken more seriously when he backs it up with clearer numbers, solid plans and timelines, and, eventually, execution. And nothing will add more than to his credibility than a successful launch of the Model 3. Wal-Mart is one of the nations largest private energy consumers, having to power millions of square feet of store space. So when the Obama administration wanted to cut energy bills for the Air Force which consumes more energy than any other U.S. agency it turned to the person who had led similar efforts at Wal-Mart for six years. As assistant secretary for installations, environment and energy since 2014, Miranda Ballentine has used her private-sector experience to help the Air Force keep its energy costs down. Advertisement The Air Force spent $8.5 billion on energy in 2015 about 86% of that on jet fuel. But without the changes put in place since 2010, those costs would have been $1.9 billion higher, she said. The Times spoke with Ballentine about the Air Forces energy reduction efforts and how they might translate to the private sector. Heres an edited excerpt. What makes the Air Force the largest single consumer of energy in the federal government? We have around 5,000 aircraft more than the collective aircraft fleets of American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest, FedEx and UPS combined. We have about 615 million square feet of building space. If you added up all of the U.S. Wal-Mart formats, its around 615 million square feet. We have over 80,000 non-tactical vehicles. Thats about five times the number of Yellow Cabs in New York. And it just takes a lot of energy, a lot of BTUs, to power all that stuff. What are some of the ways the Air Force is trying to reduce energy usage? If you can imagine a three-circle Venn diagram, the first piece is reliable and resilient energy. That means a steady flow of energy, whether its jet fuel or electrons, and resiliency is all about the ability to continue function in the face of disruptions. If you drew a second circle you would have cost-effective energy. And then if you drew a third circle you would have cleaner sources of energy. So really what were after is the center of those circles, that sweet spot of more reliable, cost-effective cleaner sources of power both for our aircraft and for our facilities. Are there advantages to the Air Force of using clean energy beyond just being environmentally friendly? In the resilient circle, our historic approach has been to put a diesel generator on the back of mission critical buildings. That approach is not necessarily more cost effective nor is it necessarily cleaner. And, of course, its diesel, and any fossil fuel comes with a supply chain. So if a determined adversary wanted to disrupt not only the electrical grid but also our diesel supply chain, we would be limited to the diesel we have on hand. So if you can imagine instead an onsite solar project that has built into it the switches that allow it to sever itself from the grid if there were a grid outage but continue generating power on-base, and advanced storage systems. Now youve got a fuel source that has no supply chain. As long as the sun is shining, were getting electrons. At DavisMonthan Air Force Base in Arizona a couple of years ago, we finished a solar project. During peak sunlight, 1 oclock in the afternoon, that solar array produces enough power to power the entire Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Were paying about 4.5 cents a kilowatt hour for the power ... compared to 8 cents a kilowatt hour from the grid off-base. So were saving a half a million dollars a year. The Air Force is using LED lighting on runways to replace traditional lighting. Is that an example of how youre trying to make things more efficient? Were actually using LED technology in all kinds of applications, from parking lot lighting and lighting for walkways all the way to indoor lighting. How did your experience at Wal-Mart help you at the Air Force? An electron is an electron, a building is a building, an HVAC system is an HVAC system. In that sense they are very, very similar. A big difference is the government sector has far more acquisition rules, boundaries and policies that they need to adhere to. The federal acquisition rules absolutely make procurement of technologies more complicated and more difficult. Are there certain things that translated well in terms of what you might have done at Wal-Mart to what youve done at the Air Force? Wal-Mart is very, very successful in leveraging its global size and scale to not only save money on technologies and drive down the price of technologies, but also provide manufacturing and consumer certainty to the manufacturers. I would say that at the Air Force, were still at the very beginning stages, at least in energy technologies, in leveraging our size and scale. We still function as essentially independent little towns all across the country, and we have not yet really cracked the code on how to leverage that scale to drive down prices of these technologies for ourselves. How might some of the energy efficiency and reductions efforts that have been undertaken by the Air Force translate to the private sector? It never ceases to amaze me how many organizations are still afraid of renewable energy technologies. Those organizations can look at large private-sector companies like Wal-Mart or Ikea or Coke or PepsiCo who have really gone big, large-scale on these technologies. They also can now look at their U.S. military. All of us are moving very quickly in these technologies because they are proven, theyre reliable, theyre clean and they contribute to resiliency over time. We need resiliency to make sure our military mission can function even if theres a disruption of the electricity grid. jim.puzzanghera@latimes.com Follow @JimPuzzanghera on Twitter ALSO New warning rule for users of generic drugs left in limbo Do jobs numbers indicate the strength of Californias economy? Not really Elon Musk reveals Teslas master plan: It includes trucks, buses and ride sharing The magic of Harry Potter has boosted attendance at Universal Studios theme parks across the country, with millennials in particular falling under the spell of the boy wizard. That is the main conclusion from a study of foot traffic data collected by Foursquare, the tech company known for social media and check-in apps used by 50 million people a month. The study used location data collected by Foursquare apps to determine attendance trends at U.S. theme parks. Advertisement Foursquare has already shown it can use its foot traffic data to make spot-on predictions: The company accurately predicted sales of iPhone 6s last year and forecast the magnitude of the sales decline at Chipotle restaurants following an E. coli outbreak. In the aggregate, we can see the cultural trends and economic trends who is winning and who is losing, Foursquare Chief Executive Jeff Glueck said. Theme park companies typically dont release attendance numbers for individual parks, so Foursquares location data may be helpful at showing the immediate impact of new attractions. Foursquare said most app users also supplied biographical data, which helped the tech company determine that millennials (ages 18-34) represented a big share of the surge in attendance at Universal Studios parks in California and Florida. When the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened April 7, visits to the park jumped 38%, according to Foursquare, with millennials driving about 60% of that traffic. Foursquare said Universal Studios enjoyed a similar surge in attendance from millennials when the Wizarding World of Harry Potters Diagon Alley opened at Universal Orlando in 2014. More recently, the Foursquare data showed the July 4 opening of Universal Studios Hollywoods new Walking Dead attraction increased millennial attendance by five times compared to a typical week. But Universal Studios good fortune doesnt appear to have come at the expense of its biggest rival, Walt Disney Co. Foursquare data indicate that Universal took visitors from smaller theme parks and water parks rather than Disney parks. hugo.martin@latimes.com To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter. MORE Wizarding World of Harry Potter ride may conjure a new path for theme park rides Heres the biggest challenge facing Universal Studios when Harry Potter land opens With Harry Potter land, Universal banks on merchandising magic Facing backlash for discrimination on its platform, Airbnb Inc. has enlisted former U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder to curb bias on the vacation rental service. In a Tuesday blog post announcing the move, company CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement and police officers as questions surrounding race, policing and prejudice have become topics of national discussion. We arent so naive to think that one company can solve these problems, but we understand that we have an obligation to be honest about our own shortcomings, and do more to get our house in order, he wrote. Thats why weve been talking more openly about discrimination and bias on our platform, and are currently engaged in a process to prevent it. Advertisement Holder will help Airbnb craft a world-class anti-discrimination policy, Chesky wrote. The San Francisco company has been under fire since a Harvard Business School study revealed that guests with traditionally black names are more likely to be denied a booking than others. Racism on the site has inspired black start-up founders to propose rival services Innclusive.com and Noirbnb.com as discrimination-free alternatives. Both reportedly intend to launch near the end of summer. Airbnb used its annual OpenAir conference in June to say it would review ways to improve diversity and reduce discrimination on its service a major shift for an event that previously focused on business issues such as data or expansion plans. Chesky said Laura Murphy, the former head of the American Civil Liberties Unions Washington, D.C., legislative office, will guide the review process. Airbnb has said it plans to announce its findings by September. Holder is the latest former government official to cross into the tech industry, joining Ubers David Plouffe and Amazons Jay Carney. Plouffe served as a campaign manager for President Obama. Carney, Obamas former press secretary, was hired by Amazon as senior vice president for worldwide corporate affairs. MORE BUSINESS NEWS Teslas stock falls after Elon Musk reveals his master plan Obama administration moves to block health insurance mega-mergers Stocks are off to a mixed start; bond yields rise UPDATES: 1:10 p.m.: This article was updated with information about proposed rival start-ups Innclusive.com and Noirbnb.com. This article was originally published at 10:05 a.m. Fans were treated to a sneak peek of Disneys upcoming Moana on Thursday at a Comic-Con, where directors Ron Clements and John Musker showed clips from the animated film featuring an island princess and surprised the capacity crowd by sharing the first three minutes of the film. Moana begins with the back story of Maui the demi-god of the wind and the sea voiced by Dwayne Johnson. Panel attendees got to see the shape-shifter in action, seamlessly morphing between various forms, as well as wielding his fish hook against a demon of earth and fire. A surprise appearance by actress Aulii Cravalho, who voices Moana, preceded the sneak peek. The three minutes were light on Moana (shes seen as a child hearing Mauis story), another clip that followed, involving Moana meeting Maui, showcased Cravalhos voicework in action. Advertisement See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour But perhaps the most beautiful preview of the films animation was the third clip that was shared the scene of a young Moana meeting the ocean for the first time. The audience (including the jovial toddler sitting next to this reporter during the panel) was transfixed by the way the water moved and interacted with Moana in the scene. Yes, meeting, as the ocean is very much a character in this film. Although Cravalho is native Hawaiian, it turns out Moana is not specifically a Hawaiian story. The panel included a behind-the-scenes reel of the research trip Clements and Musker made to Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti and the islands in the South Pacific. Variations of Mauis legend is present in all the various islands. Also confirmed at the panel: The Rock will sing a song in the movie. And not just any song. Clements and Musker shared that Johnson will be singing a song specifically written for him by Lin-Manuel Miranda. In a departure from Clements and Muskers classic Disney films (including The Little Mermaid and Aladdin) the animal sidekicks in Moana, although plenty cute, will not talk. But perhaps the most significant reveal about Moana came during the audience Q&A portion of the presentation. When asked what sets Moana her apart from the princesses in previous Disney films, Musker shared how its Moana who is going on a heros journey in the film. There is no romance in the movie, said Musker. Moana, following in the path of recent Disney princesses, is her own hero and will not be letting anybody else define who she is. tracy.brown@latimes.com Twitter: @tracycbrown Live from Comic-Con 2016: Suicide Squads exciting Harley Quinn trailer and Oliver Stones warning about Pokemon Go Blame those endless Hall H lines on Jeff Walker, the man who brought Hollywood to Comic-Con First Belle, now Alice: How screenwriter and headbanger Linda Woolverton is remaking Disney heroines for a feminist age I really disagreed with it: What changed John Chos mind about playing Star Treks Sulu as gay For 50 years, Gene Roddenberrys Star Trek has taken to the cosmos to show how that future is possible only through diversity. As has been made clear over the course of six television series and 12 movies the 13th, Star Trek Beyond, hits theaters Thursday night Starfleet and its captains (most notably James T. Kirk) would be nowhere without women and people of color leading the way. Beyond advances that inclusion further with the revelation that helmsman Lt. Hikaru Sulu played by George Takei in the classic series and by John Cho in the new cycle of movies that began with J.J. Abrams 2009 film is gay. We sat down with Cho, Zoe Saldana (who plays Lt. Nyota Uhura) and director Justin Lin for a frank roundtable discussion about the legacy of Star Trek, representation and optimism. In this excerpt, Cho discusses how he overcame his initial reluctance about revealing Sulus sexual orientation and Lin talks about what happened when Takei first brought up the idea to Roddenberry years ago. When did the conversations about revealing Sulus sexual orientation begin? Lin: Simon [Pegg, actor and co-screenwriter, with Doug Jung] came up with the idea. Then we expanded it. We talked to John. John talked to George. I talked to George. It shouldnt be a big deal its not in this Star Trek world, and to me its not a big deal. It was something that I felt like, after talking and thinking about, was a no-brainer. Cho: I first heard about it from Justin. I had concerns. I was concerned that George not feel like we were negating his value as an actor. He was a gay actor who played a straight character; we werent lifting from him. I also had concerns about how Asians would view it. I really disagreed with it; I was afraid it would be seen as some kind of feminization of Asian men. Lastly, I didnt want it to seem like we were setting up sexual orientation as a choice because it was the same genetic Sulu in two different timelines. But I think all those were concerns about how it would be perceived, not about the thing itself. The thing itself I felt very confident about because it was true and honest, and it set up a great story. Now, because of the way it was handled, in this very nonchalant way, all my worries about the way it would be perceived have essentially been nullified. Roddenberry said, We just had an interracial kiss and got shut down in some stations in the South. Theres no way I can do that. Justin Lin on Gene Roddenberrys answer when George Takei asked to play Sulu as gay John Cho discusses Star Trek character Sulu and his sexuality in Star Trek Beyond. Lin: I had a lengthy conversation with George. A lot of it Ill keep between me and him. One thing that he did say was that he approached Roddenberry and said, Id like to be able to play Sulu gay. Roddenberry said, We just had an interracial kiss and got shut down in some stations in the South. Theres no way I can do that. The show will go down. I went back and watched all those episodes. It was interesting. For me, as a kid watching George Takei portray Sulu, he was a human being. Whenever he was onscreen, I was like, Oh, hes someone. Hes a human being on the Enterprise. Thats the best thing about the portrayal of Sulu. As an Asian American, especially, seeing him, that was a big moment in my life. At the end of the day, thats the whole point. Theres a bunch of human beings together on this journey. READ the full roundtable discussion>> Baku, Azerbaijan, July 21 Trend: Armenian police dispersed the crowd at a building seized by an armed group of demonstrators Police Department of Yerevan, Interfax reported. According to preliminary information, delayed by up to 30 people. Before the operation the police dispersed the protesters warned of impending action. According to recent reports in the clashes in Yerevan 51 people have been injured on Wednesday night, including 28 policemen. On a trip to Los Angeles about 18 months ago, the London-based filmmaker Paul Greengrass sat down to lunch at Shutters with Matt Damon and editor Christopher Rouse. The latter two had come with a stealth mission. Greengrass had long been unwilling to make his third Jason Bourne movie, and for a time was even burned up about a spinoff done without him. But with the director wandering in a kind of decade-long exile making globalization cautionary tales, they thought it was time for him to direct a new movie about Robert Ludlums amnesiac assassin in Bourne-ian terms, to come in. I was skeptical there was one to be done, I was skeptical I wanted to do it and I was skeptical it would hold up with the others, Greengrass, 60, recalled of his response to bringing Jason Bourne beyond the initial trilogy. But Matt said, Were really lucky to have an audience that loves this character. Chris said, The world has really changed since [The Bourne Ultimatum in] 2007. I thought, Maybe Ive been too negative to an old friend. Advertisement Greengrass was telling this story in Las Vegas, where his new movie Jason Bourne starring and produced by Damon; edited by and co-written with Rouse would later that day make its debut, the same city it lights up in a blaze of neon destruction. The figurative distance covered by the director is even greater. When the new Bourne arrives in theaters July 29, it will land the one-time documentarian back in a tentpole fishbowl hed long swam away from while excitingly but troublingly upping the political-realism ante above most Hollywood blockbusters. Jason Bourne at once expands the possibilities of, and tests the appetite for, serious issues in escapist cinema. And it wasnt even supposed to exist not after Universal chagrined Greengrass by making 2012s The Bourne Legacy with his foil Tony Gilroy. I had, Damon said, given up hope that we would get here. Watch the trailer for Jason Bourne. Amid a sea of tattoos and flip-flops and selfie sticks, over the din of piped-in Kesha and slot-machine beeps, the crowd gathered in Caesars Palace to herald the return of Jason Bourne. A somber black-and-white motif anchored by images of Damon-ish intensity adorned the premiere theater, forming a contrast with the pulsating rainbow in the casino beyond. As they walked down an indoor black carpet, principals described their movies dark themes not far from colorful slots with names like Hearts & Dreams. (That this theater normally hosts Celine Dion underlined the contrast.) Such an incompatibility substantive ideas and populist distraction -- provides an apt metaphor for the new Bourne. As one of the few auteurs at the helm of a summer franchise, Greengrass had built his latest work and his career as a kind of paradox. With its trademark handheld cameras and edits faster than a croupiers fingers, Jason Bourne vibrates with the momentum fans know well. From its early set piece at an austerity riot in Athens to its fiery third-act car chase shot practically on the Vegas Strip, Bourne keeps the plot turns coming. Theres the ex-agents new discoveries about his past; a fresh chapter with his comrade-in-roguery Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles); slippery dealings with a murkily motivated cyber-analyst (Alicia Vikander); and a fraught relationship between new CIA director Robert Dewey (Tommy Lee Jones) and Aaron Kalloor (Riz Ahmed), a Silicon Valley mogul whose user database holds the key to Deweys intelligence ambitions. And yes, Bourne is again on the run from shadowy bosses as he tries to learn what brought him here. But you assumed all that. More novel are the social issues: The films Athens-to-Vegas arc, for instance, which by going from a flailing economy to capitalist excess puts a spotlight on economic disenfranchisement. Or the privacy debate when Kalloor and Dewey tensely hash out whether a tech company should give the government a backdoor, it so closely echoes the recent Apple-FBI controversy over a terrorists iPhone youd think Greengrass shot it last month. (He didnt.) When we looked at the differences from Bourne Ultimatum, it was shocking how much had changed, Damon said. We thought, If Jason Bourne was on the run, why not run him through todays landscape? Because Bourne now remembers what hes done, moral questions also enter. Does he want to use his lethal skills to serve his country or does he refrain out of guilt patriotism or conscience? Crucially, every enemy and good guy in the film lies within the U.S. government. This is a far cry from nearly all other 21st-century thrillers, and even from past Bourne movies (though Ultimatum gets close). No longer is the story about the U.S. versus its enemies. Its about the U.S. versus itself. In a sense all these films are anchored in identity, because Jason Bourne is trying to find out who he is. But with this one I think were also asking how we want to define ourselves as a country, Rouse said. Put another way, the earlier films are post-9/11 movies. This is a post-Edward Snowden movie. And fittingly, it grapples with Snowden-worthy technology hacks, facial recognition and social media, the last of which create issues. In a world in which tech companies offer a kind of ipso facto surveillance, what are their responsibilities to their users? Or their government? The conflict between social-media giants and the security demands of a nation state seemed really interesting to me, said Greengrass. Its not right versus wrong its two rights that are in tension. Director Paul Greengrass looks over the Las Vegas Strip from the 38th floor of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on July 18. (David Becker / For The Times ) These interests stem from his background. Beginning as a TV documentary director in England, Greengrass improbably ended up in Hollywood when his 2002 Irish-massacre piece Bloody Sunday caught the eye of a CAA agent, then Bourne producer Frank Marshall and Universal Studios. The Cambridge alum who wears Harry Potter glasses, shoulder-length white hair and a mien that in a certain light can have him looking a little like Jay Leno dedicated much of the next four years to The Bourne Supremacy, the sequel to Doug Limans The Bourne Identity, then Ultimatum. He imported to these movies his obsession with current events (Greengrass is known for being moved to direct films by seemingly unrelated journalism; Paul Masons global-uprising study Why Its Kicking Off Everywhere and a Wired article about hacker recruitment in Vegas were the impetus for this one) and on-the-move documentary-esque shooting choices. You can never relax in a Paul movie, Stiles said. Even when you turn the corner, a camera always pops up. But his first two Bourne movies were, Greengrass admits, painful in their processes. Because his spontaneity often led to key moments being omitted, he and a crew often would be forced to return to various cities for reshoots, sometimes more than once. Hollywood tentpoles also feature rigid release dates and multiple writers an awkward fit for a man who thrives on authorship and on-the-spot pivots. Deciding in 2008 after Bourne scored three Oscars and global success that he didnt want more agita, Greengrass walked away. He went off to make smaller-scale films in the vein of his earlier eye-popper United 93" the 2010 Iraq war tale Green Zone (a flop, underrated) and 2013 Somali pirate story Captain Phillips (a hit, perhaps the inverse). Damon, close with Greengrass, also stayed away. But Universal, short on franchises and not wanting the rights to revert to the Ludlum estate, needed a movie. So executives enlisted Gilroy, who had written all three Bourne films but whose Ultimatum script Greengrass had almost entirely rewritten. They hired Gilroy to write and direct a spinoff, The Bourne Legacy, with Jeremy Renner in the lead role. That sat poorly with Greengrass, who didnt have a warm relationship with Gilroy to begin with. Tony is all planning and Paul is all spontaneity. And theyre each strong personalities, Marshall said of the dueling Bourne torchbearers. Greengrass told confidantes he was truly done with Bourne. The bristling even spread to Damon, who went so far as to take a shot at Gilroy in a GQ interview. (Damon has since apologized. I was surprised at how upset I was by the idea that there was a Bourne movie and I wasnt in it, he told The Times last week.) Legacy performed modestly. Donna Langley, chairman of Universal, said that she was proud of the movie and believed it had a beneficial effect on the public. We kept the spirit of Bourne alive, she said. Nonetheless, she really hoped Greengrass would come back. But the director remained unmoved. His reluctance remained until that day Rouse and Damon met with him at Shutters. We kept the spirit of Bourne alive. Donna Langley, chairman of Universal One of the most notable aspects of the new Bourne is how much the story seems to come from the headlines while still staying above the fray--"relevant without being topical or political, Greengrass said. Though some of the political issues in the new Bourne seem to come with a point of view (Im pretty sure the movie takes Apples side over the governments in the tech-backdoor issue), that may be as much a Rorschach effect as anything else. The films goal, ultimately, is to live in the churn of current events without offering hard conclusions about them. They wrote a script that feels like now but you really dont know what will happen tomorrow, said Vikander, whose character is positioned for a key role in future installments, should they come off. One of the screenplays other distinguishing aspects is its auspices. This is the first Bourne movie of the five to date with which Gilroy was not involved. Instead, Rouse, a longtime Greengrass collaborator but first-time produced screenwriter, has taken the reins, with the goal to broaden out the story thematically. This film is more ambitious in terms of its throw, Rouse said. We wanted to get into the territory of massive societal forces in play, disenfranchised people and social media. Those issues indeed feel urgent. Combine that with a documentary-style shoot --"Never to anticipate the action but to follow it, Damon describes it--and youre left with a movie of far more realism than most summer action-adventures. Unfortunately, more realism also means more reality. Bourne features the pandemonium of a public shooting and a fortified vehicle crashing through a crowd of innocents. While the similarities to attacks in Orlando and Nice are incidental, the films bid for authenticity could strengthen the connection for some viewers. Greengrass downplayed the issue. "Its a bit of a stretch to link what happened in Nice, which is an ISIS attack on an unarmed crowd, to an exuberant popcorn car chase. You wouldnt look at a demolition derby and say, Oh my God. Thats what this is a cinematic demolition derby. He added, I think audiences know whats in filmmakers hearts. Just the same, after the Nice attack, Universal pulled some TV spots spotlighting the Vegas car chase. Back at the premiere, the feeling was more celebratory. After the cast had made its way inside the theater, Greengrass took the stage, seeming like a man happy to be home as he called out cast introductions. Earlier in the day he described why. In my little imperfect way what Im trying to do is understand the world, he said. As a filmmaker, you realize as you get older that each film is part of a dialogue youre having with yourself. That started when I was working in documentaries. And in a way Ive never deviated from it. @ZeitchikLAT MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS I was terrified: Kristen Stewart on working with Nicholas Hoult on their new movie Equals First lady gets down to Single Ladies with James Corden in Carpool Karaoke New Star Wars character revealed at Comic-Con In a world where unabashed advocacy documentaries are thick on the land, Ivy Meeropols expert Indian Point, an evenhanded look at the issues surrounding nuclear power, is a welcome exception. With no end in sight to global energy demands, questions about nuclears place as a possible solution become increasingly urgent, with anger and rigidity on all sides of the issue often the end result. Taking a different approach, Meeropol, whose work includes 2003s excellent Heir to an Execution, examines New Yorks controversial Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant from multiple points of view, including the perspectives of its advocates, its enemies, the people who work inside it and the public servants who are in charge of regulation. Advertisement One of more than 100 American nuclear facilities currently operating, Indian Point is especially controversial because of its location in Westchester County, just north of New York City. As attorney Phillip Musegaas of Riverkeeper, one of Indian Points opponents, points out: Twenty million people, 6% of the U.S. population, lives within 50 miles. Were screwed, basically, if anything goes wrong. Everyone has their fingers crossed under the table. This worry grew more extreme after the 2011 events at Japans Fukushima nuclear plant, the worst nuclear disaster since Three Mile Island and Chernobyl and illustrated here by chilling home movie footage. With Entergy Corp., the owner of Indian Point, scheduled to renew its license to operate the reactors, vocal local opponents like sweet but steely former school librarian Marilyn Elie appear at the mandated Nuclear Regulatory Commission hearings and insist on answers about safety. On-camera proponents of Indian River, who include Entergys public relations director but no higher-ups, say no energy source is without risks but that nuclears benefits like job creation and low cost to consumers outweigh the risks. Adroitly summing things up is environmental journalist Roger Witherspoon, who happens to be married to activist Elie. Everything depends, he says, on the perception of risk and what each side feels is acceptable in that area. One of Indian Points most compelling areas is its exploration of the plant itself, showing us what it looks like on the inside (where the magic happens, one employee notes) and talking extensively to the people who run it day to day. Especially compelling is senior control room operator Brian Vangor, on the job for over 35 years and completely and thoroughly dedicated to keeping things as safe as possible. The most complex and involving character in Indian Point, however, turns out to be Gregory Jaczko, introduced as the chairman of the NRC and the man in charge of regulating Americas plants. As Indian Point progresses, Jaczko gets radicalized by what he sees at Fukushima and pushes for an accelerated schedule for safety upgrades and stronger regulations at plants. The industry, not happy about this, apparently pushed back, leading to highly partisan congressional hearings and nasty talk about Jaczko from folks like Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina. In this highly partisan milieu, filmmaker Meeropols impartiality is tonic. No matter which way you come down on the nuclear power issue, watching Indian Point will clarify your thinking. -------- Indian Point Not rated Running time: 1 hour, 33 minutes Playing: Laemmle Monica, Santa Monica Taking its celebrated Live long and prosper salute to heart, Star Trek has become not just a movie franchise but a pop culture empire. About to turn 50, it has spawned 13 films and six TV series, sold more than 100 million books, comics and magazines and continues to have such cachet that Amazons mighty monarch, Jeff Bezos himself, asked for a cameo in Star Trek Beyond. Beyond is the third episode in producer J.J. Abrams reboot of the Gene Roddenberry episodic TV concept of a plucky spaceship crew exploring strange new worlds and boldly going where no one had managed to go before. Abrams, who directed the last two films, has turned this one over to fellow franchise wrangler Justin Lin, best known for four consecutive episodes of the kinetic Fast & Furious series. Advertisement Given how much was riding on this films success in todays risk-averse Hollywood, not to mention how many different constituencies had to be pleased, the fact that the result is serviceable, delivering enough value to be worth a fans time, is about as good as one could reasonably expect. And because Lins Fast & Furious films live up to their names, its not surprising that the action set pieces in particular and the look of Beyond in general are among its strengths. Not only have Lin and company (including cinematographer Stephen F. Windon, production designer Tom Sanders and make-up designer Joel Harlow) created more than 50 alien races, theyve come up with some nifty alien worlds, especially the enormous spaceport of Yorktown, whose streets were shot in futuristic Dubai. Because Lin has apparently been a Star Trek fan since his youth, he is in tune with the earnestness that is one of the TV series legacies. At its best, this results in a heartfelt tribute to the late Leonard Nimoy, the original Spock. Watch the trailer for Star Trek Beyond, featuring Rihannas new single Sledgehammer. As written by actor Simon Pegg (whose credits include Shaun of the Dead and who also returns as chief engineer Montgomery Scott) and Doug Jung, Beyond spends measurable time on a variety of riffs and character moments with returning regulars. These include Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), Commander Spock (Zachary Quinto), Lieutenant Nyota Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Hikaru Sulu (John Cho), Dr. Bones McCoy (Karl Urban) and Pavel Chekov (Anton Yelchin, the young actor who died in a June 19 accident). Yet even though all these people are back, they are not necessarily endlessly fascinating, and as conversational moments with them go on, Beyond in general, especially in its middle sections, starts to feel like it is marking time as much as anything else. In fact Beyonds most involving characters are its new ones, starting with the energetically villainous Krall (Idris Elba, almost unrecognizable under five hours of makeup). Much more amusing is a can-do alien named Jaylah, engagingly played under kabuki-style makeup by Sofia Boutella, soon to play the title character in The Mummy opposite Tom Cruise. Boutella is especially charming in Jaylahs deadpan idiosyncratic use of English as she calls Captain Kirk James-tee and refers to engineer Scott as Montgomery Scottie. When she says it, its funny. Like its characters, the plot of Beyond is effective in fits and starts, something the screenplay seems to jokingly acknowledge when it has Kirk read a captains log entry saying, things feel episodic. We catch up to the crew of the Starship Enterprise three years into its five-year mission, on its 966th day in deep space to be precise. After a knockabout encounter with a particularly obtuse alien race, the ship heads to Yorktown for routine maintenance. The crew has barely arrived, however, when the Enterprise is needed for what sounds like a fairly routine mission, rescuing a stranded crew that has been shipwrecked somewhere deep inside an uncharted nebula. But as the captain says, quoting the TV series as it turns out, theres no such thing as the unknown, only things temporarily hidden. But things in deep space are not always as they seem, and Enterprise crew members end up stranded on planet Altamid, dependent on each other as they deal with the machinations and depredations of Krall, who, no surprise, will stop at nothing to achieve his nefarious aims. While this setup is effective, there is a sense of the pro forma in the way Star Trek Beyond carefully makes its appointed rounds, dotting the is and crossing the ts. Fun but in a careful way, the film lasts just two hours, but it can seem much longer than that. Star Trek Beyond MPAA rating: PG-13 for scenes of sci-fi action and violence Running time: 2 hours and 2 minutes In general release ALSO Star Trek Beyond stars on uncomfortable conversations, Sulus sexual orientation and the future I really disagreed with it: What changed John Chos mind about playing Star Treks Sulu as gay Anton Yelchin, actor in Star Trek films, dies in freak car accident at age 27 New Star Trek series promises new heroes, new villains and a whole new look For 50 years, Gene Roddenberrys Star Trek has been doing two things: enthralling audiences around the world with a vision of a future in which humanity has put aside its petty differences, and taking to the cosmos to show how that future is possible only through diversity. As has been made clear over the course of six television series and 12 movies the 13th, Star Trek Beyond, hits theaters Thursday night Starfleet and its captains (most notably James T. Kirk) would be nowhere without women and people of color leading the way. Beyond advances that inclusion further with the revelation that helmsman Lt. Hikaru Sulu played by George Takei in the classic series and by John Cho in the new cycle of movies that began with J.J. Abrams 2009 film is gay. We sat down with Cho, Zoe Saldana (who plays Lt. Nyota Uhura) and director Justin Lin for a frank roundtable discussion about the legacy of Star Trek, representation and optimism. Advertisement From Alton Sterling and Philando Castiles deaths, to the killings in Orlando, Nice, Turkey, Dallas and Baton Rouge, it can seem as if the world is on fire. Talk about what it means to be involved in a franchise thats all about a positive future. Cho: Weve been thinking about it a lot while weve been talking about this movie the past couple of weeks. Star Trek it posits a future in which weve figured these things out to some extent. Starfleet is about meeting new peoples and figuring out the commonalities, rather than the differences and, I guess its a message that we need to hear right now. Lin: To me, its a bit emotional and kind of eerie how reality was kind of catching up to something we were sitting in a hotel room talking about theoretically [18 months ago]. Stars Zoe Saldana and John Cho and director Justin Lin discuss making Star Trek Beyond, fandom, Sulus sexuality, and how they approached a timeless story from new angles. Given how long you guys have been involved in Star Trek, how has being part of the films changed your relationship with the Trekkie universe? Saldana: Im a fan of the fan. Im a fan of the active devotee who lives his life believing in something, who represents to me the character of a person that is very confident and sure of himself. Those are people I admire. When I go to conventions like Comic-Con or when I meet a Trekkie or a Trekker, if anything, Im the one whos kind of in awe because it takes a great level of devotion and determination and time to sort of go, I love what this is. I dont care if youre telling me its real or not. What it makes me feel is real, and it makes me act in a certain way in my life, so therefore Im gonna actively love it and promote it and celebrate it. I like that about being a part of something like Star Trek. Lin: For me, it was very interesting. When you make a movie of this size, you really do feel like the art and the commerce is colliding. In many ways, I felt it was really cool to be a part of this franchise at this point in my career. Many times, you feel the commerce. As we were building this, with these characters, instead of trying to make Star Trek this or that, I felt like, Lets go back and really celebrate the essence of what made it great. In that sense, I felt very protective. Star Trek has always been on the forefront of pushing the idea of an inclusive world. In Roddenberrys original pilot, there was a female first officer. In the first series, you have Uhura and Sulu as active members on the bridge. Why does science-fiction allow for, even welcome, that kind of inclusion? Saldana: I think it removes the weight of an uncomfortable conversation that must be had. You know? You go, Oh, its in space, therefore I can watch this. I wont be putting myself or my opinions in danger. You watch it, and the message is subtextual. Therefore, its much more effective. Youre skipping over the uncomfortable conversation. Saldana: Yes. Cho: Your bridge can be very diverse because it has to be it would be ridiculous if it werent. Lin: Theres also this sense of expectation and hope thats built in. What happened in the 150 years [between today and Star Trek] to get to that kind of acceptance, that kind of inclusion? Thats not really talked about in the show, but thats something to strive for. I think ultimately that sense of hope is something that even as a little kid I was able to kind of grab onto. Can you remember the first time you saw somebody who looked like you on TV or in the movies? Cho: Star Trek. It was George Takei. Well, I started watching TV in Korea there were a lot of people who looked like me. Lin: There was Star Trek, and there was an extra in Teen Wolf. There was an Asian American guy dancing. I still remember, like, Oh man, hes at the high school! Saldana: Sixteen Candles! Cho: We dont ever speak of the Dong. Saldana: Rae Dawn Chong for me. And Sesame Street. But Im a kid from New York, so urban life reflected into art and music was around me and accessible and tangible. For all of Star Treks groundbreaking inclusion in 1966, Uhura was kind of a switchboard operator. Sulu was kind of a driver. How have you guys worked since 2009 to make more space in the story for them, to give them more agency in the story? Cho: For me, my engagement with Star Trek was the original series in reruns. I remember thinking, Do they eat together? Do they hang out? Do they even like each other? So this idea of what these characters that I love, off-screen, very quickly became part of my thinking with Star Trek. Part of the fun of doing this movie was to make sure that we were able to get glimpses of moments with these characters. Lin: Thats something that as a fan, I really dont think Ive had, and Ive been wanting since I was a little kid. Cho: J.J.s iteration of Star Trek, and Justin kept expanding that vision. It was much more ensemble-oriented. I dont know that J.J. could have set up a Star Trek that had characters of color without any agency. The times had changed, and he went further with it. Then Justin took it further. I didnt want it to seem like we were setting up sexual orientation as a choice. John Cho, about revealing Sulu to be gay in Star Trek Beyond When did the conversations about revealing Sulus sexual orientation begin? Lin: Simon [Pegg, actor and co-screenwriter, with Doug Jung] came up with the idea. Then we expanded it. We talked to John. John talked to George. I talked to George. It shouldnt be a big deal its not in this Star Trek world, and to me its not a big deal. It was something that I felt like, after talking and thinking about, was a no-brainer. Cho: I first heard about it from Justin. I had concerns. I was concerned that George not feel like we were negating his value as an actor. He was a gay actor who played a straight character; we werent lifting from him. I also had concerns about how Asians would view it. I really disagreed with it; I was afraid it would be seen as some kind of feminization of Asian men. Lastly, I didnt want it to seem like we were setting up sexual orientation as a choice because it was the same genetic Sulu in two different timelines. But I think all those were concerns about how it would be perceived, not about the thing itself. The thing itself I felt very confident about because it was true and honest, and it set up a great story. Now, because of the way it was handled, in this very nonchalant way, all my worries about the way it would be perceived have essentially been nullified. Lin: I had a lengthy conversation with George. A lot of it Ill keep between me and him. One thing that he did say was that he approached Roddenberry and said, Id like to be able to play Sulu gay. Roddenberry said, We just had an interracial kiss and got shut down in some stations in the South. Theres no way I can do that. The show will go down. I went back and watched all those episodes. It was interesting. For me, as a kid watching George Takei portray Sulu, he was a human being. Whenever he was onscreen, I was like, Oh, hes someone. Hes a human being on the Enterprise. Thats the best thing about the portrayal of Sulu. As an Asian American, especially, seeing him, that was a big moment in my life. At the end of the day, thats the whole point. Theres a bunch of human beings together on this journey. Watch the trailer for Star Trek Beyond, featuring Rihannas new single Sledgehammer. What kind of roles are you tired of being presented with? Given the success you have enjoyed, what dont you want your agents to bring you anymore? Saldana: The kickass, only female character in the movie. I want to be one of many women. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt, lets start creating better roles that accurately depict people we know so closely. Do you think theres a world especially in the wake of Hamilton, which is so diverse and so multiracial and so boundary-shattering in which you guys start getting offered roles, historical roles even, that do not require you to be Asian American or African American or Latina? Saldana: I think there are roles there; we just have to choose them. We have to fight for them. We have to fight for these projects to be made. If theres any relevant influence we may have with an investor, with a studio, with a director, with an actor, I think we have to fight. Sometimes we get too caught up in wanting to do that one movie that will get seen and approved and nominated, that we lose sight that there are so many other movies that are worth your time. I do believe in us as actors and directors and writers and producers and also as movie-goers. We have much more power than we believe we have. Without our ticket, studios cant make traditional decisions. Trust me: Studios, investors, filmmakers, they will shift because they just follow the money trail. Lin: Theyre reactionary. When we did Better Luck Tomorrow, I went to the first marketing meeting, and they showed me this pie chart of all the movie-goers and it was like, African American was a big piece of the pie. There was Caucasian, Latino. I said, Wheres the Asian American slice on this pie? Theyre like, Oh, theyre patterned just like the Caucasians, so theyre just in that piece. I was like, whoa. If you go buy a ticket, you tell them what you want to see and you have that relationship, theyll make that movie. You do have the power. Youre the consumer. Given that we talk about how money changes everything, especially in Hollywood, its weird that when you have films like the Fast and the Furious series, Ride Along, Central Intelligence these movies with diverse casts that make billions of dollars, why dont the studios see that money sitting there? Why doesnt that penetrate executive suites? Lin: Theyre behind the times. Its a very slow system. I have been in rooms that other people havent been in. Ive listened; Ive been in on conversations that most people havent been in on. I can tell you, its a very reactionary, very conservative process. I think once you know that, as a participant, it is very important to support what you believe in. [The system] operates on fear. If you cast an all-white movie and it doesnt do well, no one will say its because you had an all-white cast. If you put forth a really diverse cast and you fight for it and it doesnt do well and it may fail for other reasons youre gone because you stuck your neck out for that decision. The easiest word in Hollywood to say is no because nobody will ever call you on no. They only call you on yes. Cho: Conversely, the most powerful thing an actor can say is no. If something is presented and its a stereotypical role or something, you can say no to that, and thats very powerful. Is there a final Star Trek story to tell? Yes, its a saga, and its gone on for years thats part of its joy and wonder. Its eternally renewable. But great stories have great endings. What would you like Sulu and Uhuras ending to be? Wheres that final act that makes Star Trek echo throughout eternity? Cho: You set this up for a super operatic answer. I think Sulus happiness, my reading of him is that hes very ambitious. I think he wants his own ship. If he were to achieve those career aims and maintain a family, I think hed probably be a happy man. Lin: I actually think the idea of it going on forever is a great one. This idea that its infinite but yet we keep pushing because we ultimately get to know ourselves a little bit better by pushing forward. So I know Star Trek is gonna exist. I feel fortunate to be a part of this. I know its gonna exist beyond me. Thats very comforting. Saldana: We cant control that. Were here and now, and its been really positive. So were just gonna be here for now. To live long and prosper. @marcbernardin ALSO: PHOTOS: Chris Pine, Zoe Saldana and others at theStar Trek Beyond premiere at Comic-Con Comic-Con 2016: New Star Wars character revealed while Star Trek premiere blows fans away Inside the increasingly competitive world of fan filmmaking: Will $1 million budgets ruin the fun? Director Paul Greengrass returns to Jason Bourne territory, bringing serious issues back to escapist cinema Country music icon Willie Nelson, long an advocate of marijuana legalization, is putting his money where his mouth (and joint) is by launching Willies Reserve, a new marijuana brand to be introduced in Washington and Colorado over the next few months. The writer of such classics as Crazy, Always On My Mind and Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die is following the lead of rappers including Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg and Freddie Gibbs, all of whom have entered the weed game with personalized strains. Ive smoked enough and I want to give back. Willie Nelson Advertisement Nelson, however, is taking the idea further; his brand wont be restricted to a particular varietal. Rather, the Reserve brand will offer a number of different strains. Ive smoked enough and I want to give back, said Nelson in a press release. Country musics most outspoken stoner promises a premium cannabis brand thats top-grade, meticulously grown and beautifully packaged. To ensure a quality product, hes consulted with horticulturalists and cannabis farmers so that, in the wording of the release, consumers will be able to indulge with confidence, savoring each puff while knowing theyre partaking in an age-old ritual that has bonded marijuana-lovers together since the first dried leaves were touched with flame. (Whoa.) The announcement comes as California heads toward a November election that includes a ballot measure that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Currently the state requires a doctors evaluation and prescription before a resident can purchase marijuana products. After rolling out the brand in Colorado and Washington, Nelsons company plans on expanding as states legalize recreational use of the drug. Except its not a drug, said Nelson. I think people need to be educated to the fact that marijuana is not a drug. Marijuana is an herb and a flower. (Whoa.) Theres a lot of terrible music out there. For tips on the stuff thats not, follow Randall Roberts on Twitter: @liledit ALSO Kesha announces her first U.S. tour since starting a legal war with Dr. Luke The Beatles: Live at the Hollywood Bowl album upgraded for Sept. 9 reissue Queen doesnt want the GOP to use We Are the Champions, but is the law on their side? Samantha Bee, whose weekly TBS series Full Frontal has become appointment viewing for those who survive current events by seeing them kicked in the backside, went off-schedule Wednesday for A Very Special Full Frontal Special. Timed, and more or less themed, to the Republican National Convention, it mucks in alongside Stephen Colberts The Late Show" which is airing live this week to incorporate the days convention news and Saturday Night Live Weekend Update co-hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che, who embedded themselves at MSNBC on Wednesday. They were joined by SNL castmate Kate McKinnon as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg for some late-night comedy. Its a matter of fighting absurdity with absurdity. Advertisement Bees show is, for the most part, a monologue before a live studio audience, played straight to the camera, with occasional cuts to filmed location pieces. The special, which can now be found in separate acts on the Full Frontal YouTube channel, is framed as a documentary in which, in the name of team-building, Bee takes her reluctant young writing staff on a road trip to Cleveland; basically, its a long drive through Pennsylvania. Were a political satire show, Bee says, so of course we wanted to go to the Republican convention, unlike most Republicans. Theyre traveling in 2012 presidential candidate Herman Cains old bus, acquired in the shows opening scene for a paper bag full of cash, as is, with Bees picture plastered over Cains on the side and four-year-old boxes of half-eaten pizza piled all around. I wanted a bus, and for my sins they gave me one, shell say eventually, tweaking a line from Apocalypse Now. Along the way Bee meets with voters and fails to encourage enthusiasm for the project among her staff. Like The Daily Show, some of the humor comes from the strange things people are happy to say on camera. I dont really see him as a racist in my point of view, says one Trump supporter, just because of people I know who consider themselves racist. Another says, dont think its a good idea to put a woman in office Im not a sexist or anything. His girlfriend, a truck mechanic, agrees. A perky young woman who identifies herself as a Trumpette, referring to Trump as Donald John, tells Bee, Hes speaking to the teenager in all of us . All those adults walking around being hypocrites, that sucks right, totally. (She also seems to be doing comedy, intentionally.) A packed half hour, the show is filled out with remote reports, including one on delegates pledged to Ted Cruz and Bernie Sanders, linked by their brave rejection of math and their commitment to vote for whoever wont become the next president. (The Cruz delegate turns out to be Colorados Kendal Unruh, whom convention watchers will recognize as a leader of the fight to change the rules governing delegate pledges.) These little portraits catch a lot of character quickly. Although the Bee of Full Frontal is a nails-tough, straight talker she eviscerates, she slays, she destroys, she murders, as the bus driver (Tony Goldwyn, the president on Scandal) describes her whats emphasized here is her sweetness, caring and hopefulness, her desire to build a team and put her staff in matching blazers. (The staff tries to burn them.) She hugs a young, confused first-time voter, lengthily, twirls a burly young bearded Clinton supporter. People, we are reminded, are only human. A coffee shop visit with a Republican state legislator who believes in a bipartisan approach ends the special on a bright note. You seem so reasonable, Bee tells him. Whats going on? They do make it to Cleveland. But by then, the half hours up. robert.lloyd@latimes.com On Twitter @LATimesTVLloyd Like the sound of pastrami dumplings, gin cocktails and shaved ice? Open your calendar app and pay attention. Here are three food events you should known about: The 7th annual L.A. LuckyRice grand feast is happening at Vibiana in downtown L.A. July 29. The event will highlight food from Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, China, Vietnam, Korea and the Philippines. The event will include spicy Thai larb salmon; chicken and Thai basil dumplings and pastrami dumplings with sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing; sushi handrolls; soy milk panna cotta; and Parks BBQ short ribs. Cocktails will be provided by the events host, Bombay Sapphire East. The festivities start at 7 p.m. for VIP guests and 8 p.m. for everyone else. Tickets are $88 per person for general admission and $150 for VIP access. 214 S. Main St., Los Angeles, www.luckyrice.com. Mitsuwa Marketplace, the Japanese grocery store chain, is throwing its first Nagoya Fair from July 29 to 31 at its Torrance store and Aug. 5 to 7 at its San Jose store. The event will feature food from Nagoya, a city in central Japan, as well as handmade accessories from the area. Food highlights include Nagoya-style chicken wings (fried chicken in a sweet soy glaze), eel bowls and shaved ice. Multiple locations at www.mitsuwa.com. Cookbook author Amelia Saltsman is hosting a farmers market tour at the Santa Monica farmers market Wednesday at 9 a.m. Saltsman, who wrote the 2007 book The Santa Monica Farmers Market Cookbook, will give guests a crash course in whats best to buy now and how to efficiently shop for food. Participants will also be able to meet many of the farmers at the market during the 90-minute tour. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at www.ameliasaltsman.com. Advertisement If you eat brie rind, lets be friends. Follow me on Twitter & Instagram @Jenn_Harris_ ALSO: The Turkish parliament approved a three-month state of emergency Thursday that allows the government to suspend some human rights and judicial protections as it hunts for suspects in the countrys military and other agencies with possible ties to last weeks attempted coup. Top officials rushed to explain that government by decree will be limited to issues related to the coup attempt as they pursue supporters of Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric living in self-exile in the U.S., whom the government blames for the revolt. Turkey is seeking Gulens extradition from the U.S. How long the state of emergency would last remained unclear. Advertisement Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told reporters the state of emergency may last four to six weeks rather than three months and would not reverse fundamental rights and freedoms. This is not a proclamation of martial law. There wont be curfews; the right to assembly will continue to be exercised, he said. But later, President Recip Tayyip Erdogan told Reuters news agency that there was no obstacle to extending it. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the country would eliminate threats without compromising on freedoms or security. Questions remain for many observers about why the state of emergency was needed in the first place. Not only was the coup a colossal failure, but the country has rallied behind Erdogan, adding to his already considerable powers, and his Justice and Development Party commands an absolute majority in parliament. Lawmakers in the 550-seat Grand National Assembly approved the state of emergency by a 3-2 margin, with 346 voting in favor, mainly from the Justice and Development Party and the left-of-center Nationalist Movement party. In its pursuit of what it calls a Gulenist parallel government, the government has suspended, detained or jailed 60,000 military officers and soldiers, policemen, judges, teachers and other government employees. Erdogan told Reuters a new structure would be emerging in the Turkish army, and that there were significant gaps and deficiencies in our intelligence. Even before Erdogan announced the state of emergency late Wednesday, the government took an additional step as it began closing the 524 private schools that Gulens Hizmet organization had run, as well as 102 dormitories and college preparation centers, the semiofficial Anadolu news agency reported. This will put thousands of pupils out of school and create further chaos in the countrys education system, and would have been a highly controversial move before the coup attempt. Gulen spokesmen in the U.S. declined to discuss the closures. The government also notified the European Court of Human Rights that it was temporarily suspending human rights guarantees in a process called derogation. A derogation, which can only be invoked in time of war or a public emergency threatening the life of the nation, does not allow a government to introduce torture or to carry out inhuman or degrading punishments. But reports have surfaced that detainees, particularly those from the military, have been tortured and beaten in detention. Andrew Gardner, a representative of Amnesty International, said there was a wealth of evidence from family members, lawyers and others that detainees, especially high-ranking military officers and soldiers, had been ill-treated. Ankara is where Ive heard the most-serious allegations, he said in particular at the police headquarters, which rebel forces bombed Friday night, killing dozens of officers. He spoke of really high levels of violence. Akin Ozturk, the former air force commander who is alleged to be the main planner of the coup, was pictured in the Turkish media appearing roughed up as if hed been punched in the nose and ears and upper body. Lt. Col. Levent Turkkan, the chief military aide to the militarys chief of staff, was quoted extensively in local media as confessing that hed been a Gulen supporter since attending military high school and military academy, and saying that hed written his testimony out by hand. But his fingers were broken, according to some reports. See the most-read stories this hour A senior official in Erdogans office rejected the allegations. We are doing everything according to the law, said the official, who could not be named under official protocol. Amnestys claims do not reflect reality. Gardner also said Turkish lawyers were refusing to come forward to defend detainees seized after the coup attempt. As a result of their reluctance, defendants have to rely on lawyers appointed by the Turkish bar association, he said. Under the state of emergency, the constitutional protection that a detainee must be charged or released within 48 hours has been suspended. There are many reports that defendants have had no legal counsel for days after being detained. Those suspended from their jobs and now detained or under investigation include thousands of judges and court employees, among them two of the 17 judges on the constitutional court, the highest court in the land. In parliamentary debate Thursday, Bulent Tezcan, a top official in the opposition Republican Peoples Party, decried the state of emergency as a step to deactivate the parliament. Gutman is a special correspondent. MORE WORLD NEWS When it comes to raising a child disabled by Zika, Brazilian women often do it alone On a night of triumph, Donald Trump angers NATO allies and GOP foreign policy establishment Afghan army recruits prepare to deploy into an increasingly deadly war UPDATES: 4:40 p.m.: This article was updated to include comments by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This article was originally published at 3:35 p.m Aug. 25, 2016, 10:40 a.m. Reporting from imperial beach, Calif. We made it, Oregon to Mexico, along an 1,100-mile beach The drive began at the Oregon border. It ended five weeks later at the Mexican border. Where I almost got arrested. OK, thats an exaggeration. When photographer Allen Schaben and I got to the border of Tijuana and Imperial Beach, the party was much better on the Mexican side. Families were in the water and on the sand, a Mariachi band played, and the whole scene was rather festive compared with two people strolling quietly on the Imperial Beach side. I thought briefly about defecting. One man stood at the fence on the Tijuana side, so I walked up to say hello. I asked why he wasnt swimming and he said he didnt have a bathing suit, then he stuck his hand through the fence to shake my hand. A Border Patrol agent sped toward me in an SUV and yelled for me to stand back from the fence. I hesitated, because what was the big deal? But then I noticed a sign warning against contact or the passing of narcotics through the fence, etc. So I stepped back from the fence because I didnt know if Id be able to write my last road trip columns from a jail cell. Im going to wrap up the series on Sunday, but that wont be the end of my coverage of the California Coastal Commission on the 40th anniversary of the Coastal Act. Theres lots to keep an eye on. Legislation to ban private meetings between commissioners and developers could move forward later today. A vote has been delayed on the controversial proposal for a desalination plant in Huntington Beach, a project that doesnt make a lot of sense in my opinion but has big money backing it. The ever-controversial Newport Banning Ranch project -- a massive hotel/housing development on the last undeveloped plot of privately owned coastal property in Southern California -- will be up for a vote in early September. And the City Council election in Pismo Beach has gotten very interesting because Erik Howell, a councilman and coastal commissioner who ticked off Pismo residents by supporting a development that will block ocean views, now has challengers in his reelection campaign. Howell, if youve forgotten, accepted a $1,000 campaign donation from the domestic partner and business colleague of the lobbyist who represents the Pismo development. If he loses his council seat, he loses his Coastal Commission seat too. So stay tuned. The Coastal Commission will have a new director soon, a new chair and at least two new commissioners, and we need to watch closely because whats at stake is the greatest 1,100-mile coast in the world. 10:25 A.M. reporting from san diego Lawmaker who led 72 coastal preservation bike ride from San Francisco to San Diego still has Schwinn that delivered win Former senator James Mills, 89, stands with the bike he rode from Sacramento to San Diego in 1972 to promote Prop 20, which created the Coastal Commission and led to the Coastal Act. The photo was taken overlooking the San Diego skyline from Mills Coronado apartment Wednesday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The bike. I wanted to see the bike, and meet its owner. Arriving in San Diego meant our coastal trek from Oregon to Mexico was coming to an end, and it meant that it was finally time to pay a visit to Jim Mills. Mills, a state legislator from 1962 to 1981, was Senate president pro tempore in 1972 when he decided to support Proposition 20, the coastal preservation act. Without it, conservationists feared, coastal development would run amok, Highway 1 would be widened, and a string of nuclear power plants would spring up on some of the greatest beach fronts in the world. But there wasnt much money to fight Prop. 20s foes, said Mills, who had grown up wading in La Jolla Cove and has a deep appreciation of the states greatest natural resource. So in September 1972, he hopped aboard his canary yellow Schwinn Super Sport and led a bike rally from San Francisco to San Diego. The number of riders swelled at times, Mills said, and bikers were greeted each evening by locals serving plenty of carbs. We ate a lot of weenies and beans, and spaghetti too, he said. He recalled PG&E executives following the cyclists in a chauffeur-driven Cadillac, doing their own spin on Prop. 20. The bike rally drew lots of publicity, Mills said, and whether it made the difference is anyones guess. But Prop. 20 won 55% of the vote and led in 1976 to the Coastal Act that to this day protects the coast for the benefit of fragile marine and land habitats and the enjoyment of everyone. Mills was 45 when he rode down the coast, and 89 now. He greeted me and photographer Allen Schaben at his Coronado condo and said he hasnt done any riding lately, but hes doing a lot of writing. Mills has written several books and is working on another. He leads us down to the basement, and there it is. The dusty, canary yellow Schwinn that Mills rode in 1972, and for many years after the Prop. 20 campaign. He was an avid cyclist. Mills also kept the helmet he wore in 1972. We took the bike upstairs, where Mills put on his helmet and posed next to the bike that is a piece of California history. The Coastal Act has done a great deal of good over the years, Mills said, and the cause is no less important now than it was when he rode south from San Francisco. We need to preserve the coast for the benefit of future generations, he said, and I thank him for his contribution. Aug. 21, 2016, 10:50 p.m. Reporting from the Mexican border Steve Lopez reflects back on his 1,100 mile trek down the California coast 6:57 P.M. Sometimes the sausage is good enough to eat Two things will happen soon. The last column from my 1,100 mile road trip down the California coast will be done. And the reform bill banning private communications between California Coastal Commissioners and developers, as well as others, could finally emerge from the factory. As Ive been saying, Hannah-Beth Jacksons bill sailed through the Senate and should have done the same in the Assembly, but it got pushed off into a dark corner after a very fishy report claimed that reform costs money. The thing has come back to life, though, with amendments that arent as bad as the original amendments. I dont see why we need the amendments at all, or why the wrangling has to take place behind closed doors and out of public view. While I was thinking about that, a reader emailed me a clever idea about how to keep coastal commissioners honest -- make them strap on body cameras, like cops. I like it, and why not do the same with legislators, so we can all see whats going on? Having said all this, though, Im hearing from supporters of Jacksons bill that they think theres actually a chance the legislation is going to be OK, once all the cooks are done tweaking the recipe. Sausage is full of awful stuff, but just about all of it is good on the grill. So as much fun as Ive had telling you to ping Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, @Rendon63rd, and Appropriations Chair Lorena Gonzalez, @LorenaAD80, and ask what gives, maybe we should try another approach. Im told that Rendon, Gonzalez and other Assembly leaders have done some decent work rescuing this much-needed bill from the trash. So go ahead and tweet them again, and tell them youre encouraged, and still watching -- to the extent thats possible -- and counting on them to do whats necessary to get the bill to Gov. Jerry Brown, which is when the real fun will begin. 8:46 A.M. When it comes to coastal protection, why does state Assembly have such a problem with transparency? The need to clean up the way the California Coastal Commission operates was obvious. Commissioners meet privately with developers more than with any other group, by far. They have repeatedly failed to fully explain the nature of those meetings, and have even failed to report them on occasion. State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) penned a bill to ban such meetings. It cleared the Senate and bounced over to the Assembly, which nearly killed it, but finally decided this week to merely beat it to a pulp. The toothless mess that emerged from the Assembly Appropriations Committee this week would allow private meetings to continue under certain circumstances, and now Sen. Jackson has the task of trying to put some punch back into her bill. And heres the irony: We dont know which Assembly members, or higher powers, conspired to water down Jacksons bill because there is no transparency in the process. You cant peer through a window into the sausage factory. These amendments were hammered out privately. One can guess that the development lobby and labor groups did not like Jacksons reform bill because it would get in the way of a process that gives an advantage to those who want to build on the coast. One can even guess that the Brown administration shares their view. But we dont know, because a bill to shine a light on important decision-making got pummeled in a dark room, and the perps left no fingerprints. See Dan Weikels story at latimes.com. Ive sent in a request for an explanation to Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount). He has appointing authority for four coastal commissioners and itd be nice to hear what he thinks about the handiwork by his Appropriations Committee. If youd like to ping him or Appropriations Chair Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) to ask what happened, try @Rendon63rd and @LorenaAD80. Or you can drop a line to The Silent One @JerryBrownGov, but Ive tried, and despite months of turmoil and controversy on the 40th anniversary of the Coastal Act he signed into law, the governor doesnt want to be disturbed. 7:36 A.M. Summer is in the rear-view mirror, end of journey just down the road The tide splashes up on the beach at sunset on a warm summer evening at Windansea Beach in La Jolla. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Carlsbad. Leucadia. Encinitas. Cardiff. Solana. Del Mar. Summer is disappearing in my rear-view mirror. Week Five of my trip from Oregon to Mexico will be over in just a few days, 1,100 miles after it began. Photographer Allen Schaben is farther down the road, waiting for me in San Diego. Soon well stand at the Mexican border and reflect on a deeper love of the California coast, a greater appreciation of the Coastal Act on the 40-year anniversary of protections that became law. Ill wish Id had a week to spend in places where I only had an hour or two. Ill thank the people we met along the way, and tell others well take up their offer the next time through. Californians are passionate about their coast. Theyre closely watching those in public office whose job is to protect fisheries and dunes, to limit development and maximize access. Ive got one eye on Sacramento myself. On legislative reforms that would serve all Californians. On coastal commissioners, some of whom seem to have forgotten their purpose. Im pulling into San Diego, where the air is warm, the water blue, Mexico in the near distance. 4:14 P.M. La Jolla The palm fronds of a palapa reveal a surfer, a couple and children taking in a warm summer sunset at Windansea Beach in La Jolla. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 1:07 P.M. newport beach Watts in a name? Find Amp-le answers in Newport Beach On Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach. (Steve Lopez / Los Angeles Times) Im driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway and spot the sign. The boat name of the week, it says, is Watt A Man. Thats not a mistake. This is the headquarters for Duffy, which makes the electric boats that are part of the culture in the Newport harbor. Many years ago, I wrote a column about a day of hobnobbing and bar-hopping, by boat, with local residents. I also wrote, at the time, about boat owners trying to out-do each other with clever names for the battery-powered boats. One of my favorites was Salt n Battery. So what are some of the newer ones? I walk into the office, and salesman Jim Drayton says one of the best ones this summer was Amp-ly Endowed. Not bad. Tyler Duffield, of the Duffy family, shows me a list with a few more recent winners. Your name here. (Steve Lopez / Los Angeles Times) Its a Ohm Run. Watt the Hey. Watta Yacht. Going back through the years, some of the better names include: Current Affair. Carry Us Ohm Watts the Hurry. Shock Cousteau. Ohmer Simpson. Knots and Volts. I could go on, but why dont you, instead? Send me your best names. Its not as easy as it looks, Duffield said. Its usually the hardest part, he says. Someone comes in and orders a boat, and they get the colors and everything figured out, and the last thing to do is come up with a name before the boat leaves the factory. Yeah, Its a Duff Life out here, where people are Ohm on the Watter, but It Is Watt It Is. 9:13 A.M. Going under in Laguna Beach A snorkeler looks for fish at Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Garibaldi swim and feed on rocks at Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 2:41 P.M. Catching waves in Huntington Beach 10:53 A.M. On our way toward Mexico A view of the beach through a telescope at Pacific City, a new 31-acre mixed-use development in Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City U.S.A. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The site of the proposed Banning Ranch development now before the California Coastal Commission. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The tide rolls in at twilight at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station located on the border of San Diego County and San Clemente. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 4:52 P.M. Laguna Beach 4:45 P.M. Laguna Beach 12:51 P.M. Dana Point A pod of dolphins leaps out of the water with a view of south Laguna Beach in the background on Aug. 12, 2016. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 10:37 P.M. sacramento Profiles in courage: Legislators soften Coastal Commission reform, leave no fingerprints A perfectly sensible bill to clean up the way California coastal commissioners do business has been getting the waterboard treatment. First, Santa Barbara Sen. Hannah-Beth Jacksons SB 1190 was submerged by a ludicrous report claiming it would cost too much money to prohibit private conversations between developers and commissioners. Then it was tossed overboard and dragged like chum. Then on Thursday, legislators pulled SB 1190 back into the boat so badly decomposed its barely recognizable. As my colleague Dan Weikel reports at latimes.com, five amendments gutted the good intentions. The most egregious one allows commissioners to meet privately with developers during on-site visits. This comes just weeks after reports that Coastal Commission Chairman Steve Kinsey met twice with developers of the massive Newport Banning Ranch development and failed to properly report those confabs. Environmental groups, however, would not be able to have such meetings in the bills current form. On my best day, I could not have come up with a more Alice in Wonderland outcome. Details were still emerging, and it wasnt clear which legislators were responsible for the hatchet job, or whether they caved in to political, development or union pressure, or all three. No fingerprints on the body, in other words. Three environmentalists I checked with were livid, and understandably so. Stay tuned for updates on the autopsy, and dont stop letting @JerryBrownGov know how you feel about whats happening to coastal preservation on his watch. #SaveYourCoast 7:46 A.M. Sunset at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages Children run along the beach at twilight near the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The sun sets over the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages in Newport Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Isabella, 9, and Holden, 7, roast marshmallows over a beach fire with their parents, Steve and Amy Knuff, of Aliso Viejo at twilight at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Incoming tide rolls onto the beach at twilight at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 1:29 P.M. Column: Fighting for the California coast from a tiny office in her kitchen nook Susan Jordan, who created and runs the California Coastal Protection Network, is seen in her Santa Barbara office. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) If you were a coastal conservation activist in California, with 1,100 miles of shoreline to look after, how would you even decide where to begin? Theres always a battle somewhere, and let me give you just a couple of examples from one tiny section of the coast. Moss Landing is in the news again this week as the Surfrider Foundation and other activists try to stop Cemex, an international sand mining company, from trucking away the beach as it has done for decades, causing erosion that has begun to set off lots of alarms. Read more 8:49 A.M. Hermosa Beach Remember when you could spend a night at a California beach motel for less than a weeks pay? A third-generation motel owner in this seaside town tells me he gets an offer, about every other day, from someone who wants to buy his property, bulldoze it and rebuild. But hes hanging on because three generations of families have been staying at his low-budget, no-frills motel since the 1960s, and he doesnt want to end those summer vacation traditions. Elsewhere on the California coast, motels and hotels have been bought out by chains and developers, driving up the cost of affordable family vacations. Look for my column on the Hermosa Beach motel in the coming days. And if you know of good low-budget beach lodging, or if youve seen your motel go from cheap to chic, drop me a line at steve.lopez@latimes.com Over the next two days, photographer Allen Schaben and I will be in Hermosa and Huntington Beach, reporting on the proposed desalination plant there. And, by the way, we should find out in the next day or two whether legislation banning private meetings between coastal commissioners and developers is released from legislative prison and put up for a vote in the state Assembly. Theres still time to weigh in at #SaveYourCoast and be sure to give a poke to @JerryBrownGov and Assemblywoman, Lorena Gonzalez @LorenaAD80. Read more Baku, Azerbaijan, July 21 Trend: More than 50 people sought medical care in Yerevan hospitals after the clashes near the seized police station, RIA Novosti reported with reference to the Armenian Ministry of Health July 21. An armed group seized the headquarters of the police and interior troops in Erebuni, Yerevan, July 17, demanding the release of the participant of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, coordinator of the oppositional Armenian civil initiative Founding Parliament Zhirayr Sefilyan. "Twenty eight of fifty one people who sought medical care are police officers," said the message. According to the message, the protesters threw stones at the law enforcement officers July 20 evening. According to the protesters, the situation exacerbated because one of the protesters was allegedly detained by policemen, whom the protesters demanded to return, the message said. The tensions calmed down later, following by police dispersing the protesters near the seized police station in Yerevan. All the protesters who were at the intersection, were taken to the police station. A 10-month-old was killed and the childs mother injured when they were struck by a pickup truck early Thursday in South L.A., police said. The incident occurred about 7:10 a.m. at the intersection of 59th Place and Broadway, according to a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department. Juana Oxlaj, 36, was pushing her child in a stroller as they crossed Broadway when the driver of a 2002 Chevy Silverado made a left turn and struck them, according to the statement. Advertisement The mother and child were taken to California Hospital Medical Center by fire paramedics. The child, whose gender was not given, was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Oxlaj suffered head injuries and was described as stable. Police identified the driver as Esteban Carbajal, 38, of Los Angeles. He remained on the scene as required by law and was released after questioning. There was no evidence that drugs or alcohol were involved, police said. The incident remains under investigation. ruben.vives@latimes.com For more Southern California news, follow @latvives on Twitter. ALSO Heat Dome stretches to Southern California, causing temperatures to soar over 100 Former San Mateo police officer is arrested on 22 sexual assault charges 112 immigrants with criminal pasts arrested in four-day ICE operation in Southern California Four people suspected of robbing a 7-Eleven in Arleta were in custody Thursday morning after a police pursuit. The Los Angeles Police Department received a 911 call at about 4:45 a.m. of a robbery in the 2200 block of Sherman Way. The suspects were seen getting into a black Honda and driving northbound, according to authorities. Advertisement LAPD officers immediately tailed the vehicle, which led to a chase from Canoga Park to Sun Valley. At one point, the driver of the Honda stopped near the intersection of the Golden State Freeway and the Hollywood Freeway, Officer Drake Madison told City News Service. Two suspects ran from the car and through a pedestrian tunnel under the Golden State Freeway and a perimeter was set to find them, according to Madison. Four suspects were taken into custody. No injuries were reported. alexia.fernandez@latimes.com Twitter: @alexiafedz ALSO Driver who allegedly did doughnuts during illegal sideshow on Bay Bridge faces charges Man arrested after leaving a chemical weapon of mass destruction in an Oxnard Wal-Mart, police say Community mourns very dark day after teen boy is arrested in fatal beating of 13-year-old sister If youre planning to stay in Southern California for the next week, theres no escaping the heat dome. Centered over the Midwest, the large dome has been bringing high humidity and intense heat to 21 states and the District of Columbia. Now, that dome of high pressure is blanketing the Southland. That dome has been stretching and broadening and has reached over our area, said meteorologist Kathy Hoxsie of the National Weather Service in Oxnard. Advertisement According to the weather service, the dome is created when air sinks below a slow-moving high pressure system and caps the atmosphere. The only saving grace is a summer monsoon over Arizona, which brings moisture and some cooler temperatures, Hoxsie said. Of course, that brings its own problems notably sticky humidity, she said. In the past day, temperatures jumped three degrees, Hoxsie said. Temperatures are expected to climb to 108 in Lancaster on Friday and 104 in Palmdale on Saturday. Those two days will be the hottest of a heat wave that is expected to last through July 27, Hoxsie said. The scorching heat prompted county public health officials to issue a heat alert for Los Angeles, the valleys and desert. Long Beach residents, however, looking for relief from the heat wont find it along their local coastline. A 2.4 million-gallon sewage spill has closed miles of coastline in Long Beach until Saturday at the earliest. Until then, Los Angeles County residents can visit one of dozens of cooling centers. Residents can also call the countys information line at 2-1-1 for more details on cooling centers. While it is very important that everyone take special care of themselves, it is equally important that we reach out to those who are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of extreme heat, including children, the elderly and their pets, the countys Health Officer Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser said in a statement. veronica.rocha@latimes.com For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter. ALSO Judge refuses to halt subway project after Little Tokyo mall lawsuit Driver who allegedly did doughnuts during illegal sideshow on Bay Bridge faces charges Whales gone wild: Videos show humpbacks bumping humans in Half Moon Bay More than 100 immigrants with criminal convictions were arrested during a four-day sweep in Southern California, federal officials announced Thursday. The operation spanned Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties and targeted 112 immigrants who had been released after serving previous sentences but who could not be held for deportation under state law. The arrested were immigrants who were involved in gang activity or had three or more misdemeanor convictions or a conviction for a significant misdemeanor such as a DUI. Some of those arrested this week were in the country legally, officials said. Advertisement Though everyone who was arrested is subject to deportation under federal law for their previous crimes, most were released back into the country after serving their past sentence because of a state law that took effect in January 2014, said David Marin, deputy field office director for the Immigration and Customs Enforcements office in Southern California. The so-called Trust Act bars local law enforcement from detaining defendants with most minor convictions past their release dates in order to hand them over to ICE, but it allows jurisdictions to turn over people with past felony convictions. But some cities, like San Francisco, where Kathryn Steinle was fatally shot by an immigrant with a criminal record who was in the country illegally, do not take that step. Other jurisdictions notify ICE when a convict is going to be released, but do not hold them until agents are there to pick them up. Hopefully we get there in time, Marin said. Among those arrested this week was Carlos David Martin Ojeda, 46, a sex offender convicted of attempted lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old. Others included: A 64-year-old Mexican national in Riverside County who was convicted of attempted murder of a peace officer in 1996. A 46-year-old Tongan man previous convicted of assault with a deadly weapon. A 37-year-old Salvadoran man in Los Angeles with burglary and DUI convictions. A 45-year-old Mexican national in Los Angeles previously convicted of assault to commit rape and failure to register as a sex offender. Los Angeles County had the largest number of arrestees with 56, followed by San Bernardino County with 16 and Orange County with 13. Riverside, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties each had 12, 11, and 4 arrestees, respectively, ICE officials said. Every single one of these persons came here legally or illegally, and they committed a crime, Marin said. Were a part of the community. We want to contribute to public safety. At least one person will be prosecuted for re-entering the country illegally after having been deported previously, Marin said. That person faces up to 20 years in prison, officials said. The nationality of those arrested breaks down as follows: 89 were from Mexico, seven from El Salvador, five from Guatemala, two each from Belize, Honduras and Vietnam, and one each from Egypt, the Philippines, Tonga, the United Kingdom and Azerbaijan. For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter. ALSO Former San Mateo police officer is arrested on 22 sexual assault charges Police chase leads to arrests of four suspects in robbery of Arleta 7-Eleven Driver who allegedly did doughnuts during illegal sideshow on Bay Bridge faces charges A 23-year-old man was charged Wednesday with trying to kill his former girlfriend with a machete after he crept into her Agoura Hills home and attacked her as she lay in bed. Travis Anthony Hunter is alleged to have broken into his ex-girlfriends home about 6:45 a.m. Monday and repeatedly hacked her, according to Ricardo Santiago, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County district attorneys office. She suffered severe injuries. She has injuries to her face, neck, jaw and other parts of her body, Santiago said. Advertisement Capt. Chris Reed of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department said she was able to fight Hunter, who fled. Other people in the womans home called 911 and sheriffs deputies surrounded the area. Hunter eluded authorities but later returned to the area around the womans home. Friends of the victim later located the alleged assailant hiding by a wall and detained him until deputies placed him under arrest, Reed said. Hunter was barred from contacting his former girlfriend because of a restraining order. He was previously convicted of attacking her. See the most-read stories in Local News this hour >> Prosecutors charged him with one count each of attempted murder; mayhem; willful injuring of a girlfriend; and first-degree burglary. He also faces a misdemeanor count of disobeying a domestic relations criminal protective order. Hunter has a history of violence. In 2012 and 2013, he was convicted of assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury. Last year, he pleaded no contest to attacking his ex-girlfriend, and he was sentenced to two years in prison. As part of the conviction, he was ordered to stay away from the victim. If convicted as charged, Hunter faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison. Hunter is being held in Los Angeles County jail in lieu of $1 million bail. richard.winton@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter at @lacrimes. MORE LOCAL NEWS A laid-off TV reporter in a Culver City Starbucks first uncovered borrowed passages in Melania Trumps speech Weeklong heat wave in Southern California is expected to peak Saturday Near Exide plant, dangerous lead levels in some yards are 100 times above health limits UPDATES: 7:15 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Sheriffs Capt. Chris Reed. This article was originally published at 4:35 p.m. A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge denied a request Thursday from Little Tokyo property owners to immediately halt construction on a $1.5-billion subway project in downtown Los Angeles. The decision came in response to a lawsuit and restraining order request filed by the Japanese Village pedestrian mall Wednesday alleging that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and two construction companies planned to inject a cement-like substance into the soil beneath the shopping area without securing the necessary property easements. Japanese Villages attorney had sought to stop construction until Metro obtained the easements needed to perform the work. Advertisement A Metro spokesman said Thursday that the agency remains confident that the necessary permits and easements are in place to continue to prepare for tunneling, which is expected to begin later this year. The Downtown Regional Connector is a 1.9-mile set of tunnels that will snake from the eastern edge of Little Tokyo to a rail hub along 7th Street in the Financial District. The project, slated for completion in 2020, is designed to allow rail passengers to seamlessly move through downtown without changing trains. Right now, for example, riders coming from Santa Monica must get off the Expo Line and transfer to the subway, then the Gold Line, to reach East L.A. or Azusa. Although tunneling has not yet begun, work on the project is behind schedule and about 9% over its original budget. The line will add three new train stations in downtown Los Angeles: at 1st Street and Central Avenue, 2nd Street and Broadway, and 2nd and Hope streets. The tunnels will primarily run beneath streets or government land, but will also intersect the Japanese Village development. Crews plan to inject cement into the soil there to compensate for the settling that will occur during tunneling. That technique, known as grouting, is common on major construction projects. But Metro has not secured the rights to the land that sits directly outside the tunnels but underneath the soil, according to Japanese Villages request for a temporary restraining order. Staff for the Regional Connector Constructors, a joint venture between Skanska USA and Traylor Bros., told Metro months ago that agency staff had failed to secure all the needed easements, said Bob Crockett, the attorney representing the Japanese Village. Rather than delay the project Metro decided to go ahead and just inject the concrete, Crockett said. A Regional Connector Constructors engineer said in a deposition last month that crews planned to move forward with the work anyway, according to court documents. The restraining order request called the action a risky gamble that will lead to an invasion of Japanese Villages property interests. Its hard for a judge to stop a major project like this, Crockett said, adding that a judge may instead tell the malls holding company to sue for any damages once construction is over. But, he said, were trying to stop it before the fact. Earlier this year, Crockett said, construction crews on the project did some grouting on the western end of the plaza, raising the paving and causing some damage. This complaint marks the third lawsuit that the Japanese Village has filed over the Regional Connector. The group lost a state environmental lawsuit in 2012, and an appeal on a federal environmental lawsuit is pending. laura.nelson@latimes.com For more transportation news, follow @laura_nelson on Twitter. ALSO San Diego moves to ban single-use plastic bags Los Feliz home where Walt Disney set up his first studio could be demolished Trump campaign pays Costa Mesa over $15,000 for costs of policing rally UPDATES: 2:50 p.m., July 21: This article was updated with the judges denial of a temporary restraining order, and comment from Metro. This article was originally published at 9:10 p.m., July 20. Eleven pit bulls were found dead Wednesday and more than two dozen other animals were malnourished and in ill health at a trash-strewn home in Riverside County, authorities said. A person living near the home in the unincorporated area of La Sierra reported Tuesday that a stench was coming from the neglected property, said John Welsh, spokesman for the Riverside County Department of Animal Services. When officials returned the following day with a search warrant, they found the dead and ill animals amid the squalor. Advertisement Riverside County sheriffs deputies and animal control officers encountered a wasteland: rooms filled with trash, animal feces and dilapidated furniture. Some of the 38 dogs on the property had been kept in bedrooms or in makeshift kennels in hallways and other rooms. A terrible shame -- but fortunate to be alive. pic.twitter.com/yKKJTVDgA2 RivCO animalSERVICES (@helpinRIVcoPETS) July 20, 2016 The dogs destroyed the entire house, Welsh said. The home has been deemed uninhabitable by authorities. Of the dogs that were alive, many were emaciated. Some could not walk out of the home under their own power and had to be carried. Its unclear how long the animals had been neglected, but officials said it was more than a few days. Dogs dont get that skinny overnight, Welsh said. Breaking: animal cruelty investigation; neglected dogs, some dead; unincorporated La Sierra area, south of Hwy 91 pic.twitter.com/O03lhpolKh RivCO animalSERVICES (@helpinRIVcoPETS) July 20, 2016 Investigators have been unable to make contact with the homes owner or a possible tenant at the property, Welsh said. Officials are conducting an inquiry for possible charges of felony animal cruelty. The owner of the dogs may have been a backyard breeder who sold them without the proper permits and simply walked away from the property, Welsh said. The database maintained by the countys animal services department did not indicate that officials had been called to the property before. The San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus took in the surviving dogs and has placed them under quarantine. Each was examined by a veterinarian, Welsh said. The animals current health status was unclear. Welsh said the absence of care of the dogs offered a cautionary tale for prospective animal owners to visit breeders and understand how their future pets were raised. This is why we encourage people not to buy from someone selling from a parking lot or on Craigslist, he said. You want to go and visit the dogs. For more news in California, follow @MattHjourno. ALSO Police arrest suspect in a string of violent sexual assaults in Santa Monica, West L.A. Intersex person who was denied a passport over gender designation sues U.S. government Billion Dollar Shave Club: L.A. start-up is purchased by Unilever for a staggering sum A 13-year-old Rocklin girl who police say was killed by her 14-year-old brother and discovered dead in her bedroom by her mother Tuesday was described as a talented gymnast. The girl was identified as Ashley Wood, according to the Rocklin Police Department. Police have not named Ashleys brother because of his age. Ashley was an aspiring gymnast who competed around the country, KTXL-TV reported. Friends posted photographs of the teen at the gym. Advertisement In her elementary school yearbook, Ashley wrote that in 10 years, she would be in the Olympics doing gymnastics, KOVR-TV reported. This young angel passed away today. She was one of the sweetest girls I knew and was taken too soon. RIP Ashley Wood pic.twitter.com/VTf1As5v7E amanduh (@amandarose2o) July 20, 2016 The small city about 22 miles from Sacramento is now grieving over the familys tragedy. Yesterday was a very dark day for our Rocklin community, Police Chief Ron Lawrence said in a statement. On behalf of the Rocklin Police Department, I send our heartfelt condolences to the victims family. Words cannot adequately express our deep sorrow for all involved. Ashley was found at 10:47 a.m., dead from blunt force trauma to the head, Rocklin Police Capt. Lon Milka told KXTV. Police declined to say what weapon was used in the attack. A motive for the killing has not been determined. The mother found her daughters body inside their home in the 6700 block of Monument Springs Drive and called police. Detectives went the familys home and began searching in the neighborhood. With the help of the California Highway Patrol and Roseville police, detectives found the boy in a field about a mile from the home. He was immediately taken into custody on suspicion of murder and taken to the Placer County Probation Juvenile Detention Facility. The U.S. Department of Justice is assisting Rocklin police with the investigation. Multiple crime scenes were found within the home, police said. Milka told KCRA-TV investigators examined evidence found in the bedroom, living room and an area under the home. Times staff writer Joseph Serna contributed to this report. veronica.rocha@latimes.com For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter. ALSO Dylan Nobles death has Fresno pondering police shootings and Black Lives Matter 11 dogs dead, dozens emaciated at Riverside County home: So malnourished they had to be carried Intersex person who was denied a passport over gender designation sues U.S. government A former Northern California police officer was arrested Thursday on suspicion of a series of sexual assaults he is accused of committing while working at two departments, prosecutors said. Noah White Winchester, 31, was taken into custody near his home in Stockton by county investigators on charges that he sexually assaulted five victims while on duty and working as an officer, said San Mateo County Dist. Atty. Steve Wagstaffe. Winchester was formerly employed with the Los Rios Community College District in Sacramento and the San Mateo Police Department. Advertisement Winchester faces 22 felony charges, including kidnapping with intent to commit rape, rape, sexual penetration and oral copulation under color of authority, sexual battery, criminal threats and forcible sex offenses, Wagstaffe said. Winchester is accused of sexually assaulting the victims between July 2, 2013, and Oct. 19, 2015, Wagstaffe said. In 2013, when the Sacramento assaults occurred, Winchester was working as an officer with the college, the district attorney said. Winchester is suspected of attacking women who lived in San Mateo County in 2015, while he was working on duty as a San Mateo police officer, Wagstaffe said. Wagstaffe provided few details about the offenses. A woman was assaulted in her car by a San Mateo police officer at Coyote Point Recreation Area last fall, KGO-TV reported. Winchester worked with the San Mateo police for less than a year, Wagstaffe said. In a statement issued after Winchesters arrest, the Police Department said it was aware of the extensive investigation involving multiple victims and had been working with the district attorneys office since the allegations first emerged. As soon as our department was notified of these allegations, San Mateo police immediately placed him on indefinite leave, while pursuing the investigation, the department said in a statement. College spokesman Mitchel Benson said the charges were shocking. We are appalled to think they could be true, he said. Winchester worked for Los Rios Police Department for six years ending Jan. 16, 2015, Benson said. During his last two years, he was assigned to American River College. College officials are launching an independent investigation into the allegations. If these allegations are proven to be true, that would be horrific for the women who were victimized, Benson said. Such criminal behavior is contrary to the core values and mission of the Los Rios Community College District, our Police Department and the good men and women of Los Rios who work so hard to establish relationships and partnerships of trust and service across the four Los Rios Colleges and throughout the greater Sacramento region. veronica.rocha@latimes.com For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter. ALSO Judge opts not to penalize L.A. over destruction of documents 112 immigrants with criminal pasts arrested in four-day ICE operation in Southern California Driver who allegedly did doughnuts during illegal sideshow on Bay Bridge faces charges UPDATES: 5:04 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from the Los Rios Community College District. This article was originally published at 2:55 p.m University of California regents Wednesday approved a sweeping overhaul of board operations, the first in nearly five decades, saying it would free up more time for deeper discussions of crucial issues. The regents, gathered in San Francisco for a three-day meeting, also discussed continued financial challenges they say will hamper efforts to accommodate 5,000 new California students this year despite a state funding boost. And UCLA Chancellor Gene Block briefed regents on the campus response to the June 1 shooting death of a prominent engineering professor. Advertisement In a major board reorganization, regents voted to streamline operations by reducing the number of committees to six from 10 and directing them to meet concurrently rather than sequentially, as they now do. That change will give regents more time to delve into issues and help them gain expertise in their committee subjects, said Regent Russell Gould, who developed the proposal along with board Chairwoman Monica Lozano. The full board would then have an extended discussion of the issues at hand on the second day of a two-day meeting. Several regents have long expressed frustration that the boards bimonthly meetings were filled with so many presentations -- rehashing written material they had already received -- that little time was left for in-depth discussions. This is a very, very big and significant change and will give us the opportunity to dig deep into problems that the university is facing, Regent Sherry Lansing said. Gould and Lozano modified the original proposal to address objections that it would concentrate too much power among a select few and reduce transparency and public accountability. Former regent Velma Montoya, some UC faculty members and others had written critical articles and blog posts saying the changes would diminish the regents watchdog role over the 10-campus UC system. But Gould told regents the proposal was in no way an attempt to limit voices. The proposal now affirms that all regents have the right to raise any issue at any time and that all open committee meetings will be videotaped and posted online. The board would retain the right to weigh in on all committee actions, rescind any decision delegating authority to UC administrators and maintain the right to investigate allegations of misconduct by a regent. Concerns that a new Governance and Compensation committee would become too powerful were eased by retaining the board chairs right to appoint members. Those changes swayed such critics as Regent Norman Pattiz. The one thing I was really concerned about was concentration of power and authority of a few regents, he told his colleagues. That problem has been addressed. I am willing to ... trust my fellow regents. The changes will take effect at the regents next meeting in September. In other business, the regents praised Gov. Jerry Brown and the Legislature for giving UC an additional $125 million in state funds for 2016-17, a 4% increase, after years of massive cuts. The money includes $18.5 million to enroll 2,500 more California students next year, $20 million for support services for low-income and underrepresented minority students, $22 million to promote innovation and entrepreneurial ventures and $35 million for deferred maintenance. A $5-million firearms research center is expected to be housed at UC Davis, with faculty at all campuses able to apply for funds. However, UC failed to obtain $6 million more it had requested to enroll additional graduate students, a shortfall that some regents said would hinder efforts to provide enough teaching assistants needed to instruct the additional California undergraduates expected this year. Daniel Hare, the outgoing chair of the UC Academic Senate, told regents that a dramatic decrease in state support in the last few decades had nearly doubled the student-faculty ratio at his UC Riverside campus to 29 to 1 from 14 to 1 in the 1980s. The larger classes have compelled many faculty members to switch to machine-scored multiple choice exams over essays and reduced opportunities to get to know students well enough to write meaningful letters of recommendation for them. I cant say UC today is able to offer the same quality of education as in the past, Hare said. In his briefing on the UCLA shooting, a murder-suicide in an engineering building, Chancellor Block said officials sent out more than 500,000 emails and 250,000 text messages through campus alert systems during the crisis. Hundreds of officers from multiple law-enforcement agencies responded and some of the 2,500 campus members who had received active shooter training led efforts to lock doors, turn off lights and take other cautionary steps, he said. Block said, however, that social media became a forum for misinformation with rumors of multiple shooters in different locations. A task force is assessing how to improve UCLAs responses to potential violence in the future. Overall, the emergency response to the incident was successful, and the campus efforts to prepare for such emergencies proved helpful, Block said. teresa.watanabe@latimes.com Baku, Azerbaijan, July 21 Trend: Some journalists were injured July 21 morning while police were dispersing the protesters near the seized police station in Yerevan, said the office of the Armenian ombudsman (human rights defender), RIA Novosti reported July 21. An armed group seized the headquarters of the police and interior troops in Erebuni, Yerevan, July 17, demanding the release of the participant of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, coordinator of the oppositional Armenian civil initiative Founding Parliament Zhirayr Sefilyan. "We condemn this fact as a negative phenomenon in terms of hindering the professional activity of mass media," the ombudsman's office said. All available files on the issue will be sent to the investigative bodies for further prosecution. The number of the injured journalists was not disclosed. The Armenian media reported about Gevorg Tosunyan, journalist of iravaban.net information website, being injured in the dispersal of the protesters. According to the message, police officers used stun grenades and fired several shots in the air after protesters threw stones and other items at them. Fifty one people, including twenty eight police officers sought medical care in Yerevan hospitals after the clashes between law enforcement officers and protesters near the seized police station, the message said. The California Supreme Court cleared the way Thursday for state water authorities to do environmental and geological testing on private land for a proposed project to divert Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta water to the south. The ruling capped six years of litigation by delta property owners, who challenged the states right to enter their land without compensation. In a decision written by Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, the court said state water authorities could proceed with testing subject to various conditions on more than 150 properties. Advertisement The ruling overturned a state appeals court decision that favored the delta owners but also gave property owners more rights than they had previously under state law. The state will have to obtain a court order prior to geological testing, the decision said, and the trial court may limit the exploration to protect the interests of the owners. The trial court also may require the state to deposit an amount that the court decides is sufficient to cover any likely damage and allow the owner to seek compensation before a jury for losses, including restricted use of the property. Thomas H. Keeling, who represented dozens of landowners in the case, said he had hoped for a ruling that would send a strong message to the government about protecting the rights of private property. Thursdays decision, he said, would leave California landowners vulnerable to aggressive tactics by state agencies. Still, he said, he was pleased that the court decided that owners had a right to seek jury compensation for the loss of use of their property and damage. State law previously had not included that right, and rather than overturn the law as unconstitutional, the court added that provision. The proposed project would leave the delta, the largest estuary on the west coast of America, as a saline area and make it very difficult to farm, he said. The farmers in the delta will suffer immensely if these tunnels are ever built. The project, backed by Gov. Jerry Brown, would have to be approved by various agencies. Keeling said reviews and planning would take years. The state has said that it might later acquire the properties, either through voluntary sales or eminent domain, and that it needed to map and survey the properties for plant and animal species, habitat, soil conditions, hydrology and other resources. On 35 of the properties, the state has intended to do geological testing that involved drilling deep holes to determine subsoil conditions. The department is not seeking to obtain title to private property, to permanently maintain bored holes on the landowners property, or to obtain exclusive possession of any portion of the property for a significant period of time, Cantil-Sakauye wrote. Ted Thomas, a spokesman for the California Department of Water Resources, said the ruling was a significant victory for the project. It retains our momentum in increasing water supply reliability while protecting and enhancing the Delta ecosystem, he said. Times staff writer Bettina Boxall contributed to this report. maura.dolan@latimes.com Twitter: @mauradolan ALSO Judge opts not to penalize L.A. over destruction of documents Judge refuses to halt subway project after Little Tokyo mall lawsuit Heat Dome stretches to Southern California, causing temperatures to soar over 100 Five years after the Supreme Court blocked most personal-injury lawsuits against makers of generic drugs, a rule designed to strengthen patient protections have stalled, leaving what consumer groups warn is a safety gap for millions of users. After several delays, the Food and Drug Administration said last year it would to issue a new rule by the end of this month to require generic drug makers to update their warning labels in response to newly revealed risks. But the agency quietly said recently it had put off a final decision until early next year. I am surprised, even shocked that it has taken so long and that this hasnt been fixed, said Allison Zieve, a lawyer for Public Citizen, the consumer-rights group that petitioned the FDA in 2011. Advertisement At issue are legal rules governing the nations most commonly used prescription drugs. I am surprised, even shocked that it has taken so long and that this hasnt been fixed. Allison Zieve, lawyer for Public Citizen More than 88% of the prescriptions dispensed in the United States are for generic drugs. The industry says consumers, insurers and hospitals save $254 billion a year by using these lower-cost, copycat drugs. But these drugs also have what some advocates describe as a hidden risk. Only makers of brand-name drugs have a legal duty to update their warning labels if they learn of new risks or side effects, the high court ruled in a 5-4 decision five years ago. By contrast, justices said that FDA rules forbid generic makers from acting on their own to update their warning labels. The conservative majority reasoned that because generics must be the same as the approved brand-name drugs, their makers are not to free to add new warnings. At the same time, they ruled that generic makers may not be sued by injured patients who contend they and their doctors were not warned of a drugs serious new risks. See the most-read stories in Business this hour The 2011 decision in PLIVA vs. Mensing tossed out suits from two women who suffered crippling nerve disorders and facial disfigurements after taking a generic form of Reglan, a drug that treats acid influx. In 2013, another 5-4 ruling in Mutual Pharmaceutical vs. Bartlett tossed out a $21-million jury verdict in favor of a New Hampshire woman who was disfigured, badly burned and nearly blinded after she had a severe reaction to sulindac, a pill she took to relieve her shoulder pain. Justice Clarence Thomas conceded these women had been dealt an unfortunate hand by a ruling that appears to make little sense, because their injury claims would have upheld had they taken the brand-name version of the same drug. But the FDA regulations stood in the way, he said, adding that Congress and the FDA retain the authority to change the law and regulations if they so desire. In response to public petitions, the FDA proposed to change its rule so generic makers would have the freedom and a legal duty to update their warnings to patients and doctors. But the proposal ran into fierce opposition from industry leaders who said it would be costly and possibly confusing. If several generic versions of a drug were being sold, doctors and pharmacists could be confused if their warning labels differed, they said. Chip Davis, president of the Generic Pharmaceutical Assn., said he was pleased the FDA had delayed the rule again. It carries significant cost consequences that would reverberate through our health system, he said. His group proposed instead that the FDA take over the task of updating warning labels. In the past, the agency has said its limited staff cannot constantly monitor the more than 11,000 drugs on the market. That responsibility has been left to the companies that sell approved drugs. Sandy Walsh, a spokeswoman for the FDA, said the proposed rule change remains under review. The agency has received a great deal of public input from stakeholders and is carefully considering the comments, she said. Consumer-rights advocates are upset by the delay and see a growing danger to public safety as generics take over the market. They say several hundred drugs are now sold only by generic makers, so no manufacturer has the legal responsibility to update warnings of possible new risks. Industry has screamed about this rule, and it looks as though they are bowing to the pressure, said Dr. Michael Carome, director of Public Citizens Health Research Group. Under the courts rulings, he said, the generic makers face essentially no liability, and they are fighting to keep it that way. Lawsuits can provide compensation for people who have been injured, but that is not their primary importance, Carmone said. Now, the generics have no incentive to engage in robust monitoring of the safety of their products, and theres no accountability if they dont. Its critically important that they have a real incentive to promptly warn doctors and patients, he said. Twitter: DavidGSavage MORE BUSINESS NEWS Teslas stock falls after Elon Musk reveals his master plan Obama administration moves to block health insurance mega-mergers Airbnb taps former U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder to curb discrimination A young man takes the podium and jokes about the summer heat. His hair is swept to the side, his shadow of a beard perfectly trimmed, mahogany leather shoes balanced strikingly against his cobalt suit, the very picture of a politician. He is the student body president at Louisiana State University. His father, the former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindals go-to attorney for defending the state, is a partner in a firm that handled more than two dozen state cases. He speaks as dozens have before him, in Dallas, in Phoenix, in Milwaukee, in Cleveland, in North Charleston, S.C., about the need for unity. On Sunday, a gunman ambushed and killed three police officers here, in a city already on edge after days of angry clashes between protesters and police. Advertisement The wounds are deep, there is no doubt about it. But they will be repaired because they have to be, said Zach Faircloth, addressing a vigil Wednesday hosted by the universitys student government. LSU forever. Baton Rouge forever. God bless America. Thank you. Then, the Rev. Raymond Jetson of Star Hill Baptist Church was called up. He hadnt discussed his speech with any of the people on stage. Certainly not with Faircloth. The Rev. Raymon Jetson at a vigil on the campus of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times ) I am delighted and befuddled by calls for healing and unity as if it were an event, he said. It is a process. Healing requires that we acknowledge the illness. The murmur of conversation in the crowd of about 200 dropped a few decibels. Purple-and-yellow Louisiana State University banners hanging from the flagpoles snapped in the breeze. Otherwise, it was quiet. It requires realizing that something is fundamentally wrong, Jetson said. The crowd remained nearly silent, and when he was done, they clapped. After destructive protests against police violence, the kind that often end with protesters throwing bottles and police in riot gear fighting back with tear gas, there are invariably calls for unity. How can a house divided ever stand? the Rev. Anthony Smith of tiny Iowa City, Iowa, asked after the violent protests in Ferguson, Mo., two years ago. This tree will serve as a living symbol of peace, justice and unity, New York City Councilwoman Debi Rose said Sunday, after dedicating a myrtle tree to the memory of Eric Garner, who died two years ago while police officers attempted to arrest him for selling untaxed cigarettes. That was the first time I felt any sort of campus unity since this stuff has started happening, Johns Hopkins University freshman Kyra Meko told the campus newsletter last year after the violent protests in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody. The police, its not them versus us or us versus them. We are them, they are us, and thats the message of unity we need to discuss, conservative televangelist Mark Burns said on CNNs Erin Burnett OutFront the day of the attack on Baton Rouge police. But what good is unity, Jetson asked, without change first? Methodist pastor Colleen Bookter holds a Unite sign during a rally at Louisiana State University. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times ) Jetson, who is black, has a son who will be a freshman at LSU in the fall. Jetson cannot quite articulate what he hopes LSU and Baton Rouge will look like by the time his son is a senior. A more integrated city, certainly. But also one ready to hear and respond to difficult truths about segregation, poverty and unequal treatment by law enforcement. What led [Alton Sterling] to be selling illegal CDs at midnight to support his family? Jetson wondered, speaking after the vigil with The Times about a black man shot to death by Baton Rouge police this month. We need to be discussing that. The grief is still fresh here. Three police officers are dead and a fourth hanging to life. But along with framed photos of the officers and construction paper signs proclaiming blue lives matter, the turmoil that wracked this city after officers killed Sterling has not retreated far, and now is still alive. And its pushing back again. Since the ambush on Sunday that ended when officers shot and killed gunman Gary Eugene Long, protesters asserting inequities in the policing of the citys black population have quietly attended vigils for the slain officers and maintained a low profile. Subtly and quietly, however, their protest endures. The results have been uneven in a city on edge, where a threat of violence this week scared managers into temporarily closing a Wal-Mart on the outskirts of town, and protesters drew the wrath of the local police union by wearing T-shirts splattered with fake blood. Jetson said he understands the potential to rattle nerves here by using the language of an ongoing protest movement at a purportedly neutral memorial that was meant to pay respect to both the slain officers and those killed by police. The delivery, doing it respectfully, not singling out one group of people, that is how we can talk about these issues, he said. Then he repeated a mantra from his speech. Pretending that it does not exist will not make it go away. nigel.duara@latimes.com ALSO Nephew provides glimpse into the paranoid world of Baton Rouge gunman Gavin Long Florida police shoot autistic mans caretaker as he lies in street with hands in the air Shooting of unarmed white teenager has racially diverse Fresno trying to make sense of Black Lives Matter The last time Sahib Taylor saw his uncle, Gavin Eugene Long, he was wearing a bulletproof vest. That was about four months ago, at a family gathering. Long said he was wearing the vest as a precaution in a time of racially charged unrest over police shootings in cities across the United States, Taylor recalled. We have to be prepared to protect ourselves and our family, Long told relatives. Advertisement Then, on Sunday, Long shot and killed three Baton Rouge law enforcement officers and wounded three others, shocking a nation already reeling from a similar deadly attack in Dallas just over a week before and leaving his family to reconcile the man they knew with the attack that added to the growing sense that authorities are under siege. Gavin was a mentor, a father figure to me, Taylor, 22, said. I dont understand exactly what moved him to do this. But there were distressing signs that Long had been slowly cutting himself off from a diverse, bureaucratic society he grew to disdain. Taylor didnt know his father when he was growing up in south Kansas Citys working-class neighborhoods of aging brick and wood-framed homes, auto repair shops, beauty parlors and taverns. Taylor was a sophomore at University Academy in Kansas City when his mother, Kim Long, introduced him to her brother, Gavin. Taylor started seeking Gavin Longs counsel, expecting wise words from the lean ex-Marine Corps sergeant with the countenance of a Zen master. Taylor was impressed that his uncle had self-published three books and had traveled to African nations including Ethiopia and Egypt. He was struck by the way Long had immersed himself in African culture and history and the African American struggle for civil rights. They would take walks in local parks and long drives in Longs compact gray Honda, and talk for hours about the purpose of life. His uncle stressed the importance of self-reliance and shared his ideas about racism, and about how only advanced survival skills and decisive action could thwart the government that allowed it to persist. He told me to be assertive, self-disciplined and to protect and defend myself and my family from people who would want to hurt us, Taylor recalled. He was passionate about living alone. NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj >> Hed say, What defines you as a man? The things you do alone. Who am I at my best? A man who depends on no one else for anything. Long considered himself an apostle of masculine independence, defiance and liberty. On social media and in podcasts produced in a Kansas City studio, hed talk about the importance of being an alpha male and how weak, effeminate role models are corrupting society. Initially, Taylor, the shy teenager who could not find his calling, could not have been more proud of his uncle. But some of Longs notions carried ominous overtones. Primed with reading material by black separatists and a growing suspicion toward government and law enforcement agencies, Long became increasingly preoccupied with the idea that black people were under assault and must take steps to defend themselves. Taylors uncle told him that powerful forces were conspiring to shape their lives. He warned that international corporations, federal banks and political organizations use their power in special ways to control, corrupt and exploit ethnic groups, Taylor said. He said that news media and social media hide the truth, and that the government uses police to control and even kill people. Over time, Longs inconsistencies and personal failings began to catch up with him. He was a complete loner, Taylor said. And his view of life was limited to issues that affected African Americans. I started to wonder: What about Hispanics, Asians and everyone else? Now, his nephew is left struggling to process why the man he admired growing up went on a deadly rampage. I believe that Gavin was tired of it all, he said, the police killings, the bloodshed, the innocent people getting shot and killed and hurt because they are helpless to do anything to stop it. I believe that Gavin was trying to show people that we have to stand up to injustice, he said. Law enforcement authorities say Long was dressed in black and armed with two rifles and a 9-millimeter handgun as he ambushed officers at the B-Quik gas station on Airline Highway, less than a mile from the citys police headquarters. Long completely dismissed civilians who were walking through the area, instead stalking police officers and positioning himself to shoot at close range, Col. Michael D. Edmonson, superintendent of the Louisiana State Police, said at a news briefing two days after the shooting. Within minutes of beginning his rampage, Long had left a scene of carnage. There is no doubt whatsoever that these officers were intentionally targeted and assassinated, Edmonson said. It was a calculated act against those who work to protect this community every single day. I want to understand why Gavin did this, Taylor said, but Im not there yet. Taylors mother last saw her brother about two weeks ago. She told me that Gavin kept posing and smiling at himself in front of a living room mirror, he said. She said it was as though he was taking a proud look at himself because he knew he wasnt going to be around much longer. ALSO Amid death and racial tension, Baton Rouge mayor struggles to hold city together Black nationalist group Washitaw Nation distances itself from the Baton Rouge shooter, who had pledged allegiance to it For some residents, racial tensions invoke reminders of a segregation-era Baton Rouge In a convention marked by the unconventional, Mike Pence made his mark Thursday night by sticking with a traditional script. The Indiana governor hit all the standard notes for a high-profile political address Wednesday night: introducing himself to unfamiliar voters, extolling his running mate and making an explicit appeal to independent and Democratic voters. That typical approach has been in short supply at the GOP nominating confab in Cleveland, with its outsized focus on base-pleasing issues like Benghazi and speakers whose anti-Hillary Clinton rhetoric is matched only by the audiences preferred chant of Lock her up! Advertisement Adding to the unreality was Sen. Ted Cruzs nonendorsement of Donald Trump just an hour before Pence took the stage, prompting a chaotic backlash from attendees. But Pence appeared unfazed by the clamor, smoothly delivering a recitation of Trumps attributes and promising a capable team to win the White House in November. You have nominated a man for president who never quits, who never backs down a fighter, a winner, Pence said of his running mate. Until now hes had to do it all by himself against all odds. But this week, with this united party, hes got backup. Trumps tapping of Pence, a Christian conservative, was seen as a way to mollify the partys base. But Pence made a clear bid for voters outside the Republican fold. The establishment in Washington, D.C., thinks its only a narrow range of voters who are giving Donald Trump a serious look, Pence said. But, he added: Theres a lot of voters out there who feel like the Democrat party has taken them for granted. Pence specifically mentioned union members, African Americans and Latinos as voters who would be drawn into the GOP tickets promise to make America great again. It will be our party and our agenda that opens the doors for every American to succeed and prosper, he said. melanie.mason@latimes.com Follow @melmason for the latest on national politics A dark star named Ted Cruz blots out the sun for Mike Pence Watch: Mike Pence looks to Americas future in convention speech It was 7 a.m on Monday when Fredrix Washington got a call from a cousin with some news: Washingtons photo was on television in a segment about the shooting deaths of three Baton Rouge police officers. Do we know Gavin Long? the cousin asked. Was he part of the empire? Gavin Eugene Long was the killer. The empire was the Washitaw Nation, an indigenous black group that claims ownership over vast swaths of the United States and Canada and of which Washington is a top leader. Advertisement In May 2015 in Jackson County, Mo., Long filed court papers declaring allegiance to the group, which has been monitored by the FBI and tied to sovereign citizen movements. I dont even want to say his name, Washington said Tuesday in an interview from his apartment in San Pedro. Hes not one of us. Washington, a 71-year-old retired oil refinery worker, said the group has several hundred members, many of them his own relatives, spread across the United States. His formal title is Emperial Royal Throne Dauphine. Though the Anti-Defamation League considers the Washitaw Nation an extremist movement, Washington denied that his organization is a hate group or that it espouses violence. Black lives matter, blue lives matter, Washington said. Im a humanitarian; all lives matter to me. This guy didnt just kill white people, he killed a black cop. So how can he be related to us? Long, who was shot dead by police after his attack Sunday, left a trail of websites, social media posts and videos documenting his support of black separatist movements, hatred of white people and increasing anger at police shootings of black Americans. Investigators have not tied the Washitaw Nation to the shooting. But Longs attack has brought unwanted attention to the group, which Washington said prefers to operate quietly. You cant stop a person from using the name Washitaw, he said. Its just freedom of speech. In his living room, a painting of the black, red, yellow and green Washitaw flag hangs above displays of Alice Walkers novel The Color Purple. At a desk, he keeps laminated copies of newspaper articles about his idol, President Obama. The group was founded in the early 1990s by Washingtons mother, a former small-town Louisiana mayor who changed her name to Verdiacee Tiari Washitaw-Turner Goston El-Bey as she developed more Afrocentric views. She went frequently to Detroit, mixing with Nation of Islam leaders, and was influenced by black power movements, her son said. The groups members believe they are descendants of Moorish Africans who lived on the North American continent tens of thousands of years before white Europeans. El-Bey, who died two years ago, wrote a book on the Ancient Ones, as they are called, and traveled the country to give speeches promoting the idea that the land sold by France to the United States in 1803 in the Louisiana Purchase was fraudulently obtained and actually belonged to her. The claims have been rebuked by government officials, and in 2000 the FBI raided El-Beys compound in Louisiana on suspicion of fraud and tax evasion. I havent paid taxes in years, El-Bey said to reporters at the time. And why should I? This is my land. Im not someone who calls herself an empress or who says shes an empress. I am an empress. Washington said that after the raid, he instructed members to start paying taxes, and the group stopped illegally issuing items such as Washitaw Nation license plates and passports. But a few people claiming to be Washitaw members have since been arrested for fraud, tax evasion and squatting. Washington, who moved to Southern California four decades ago, said the groups only aim today is to reclaim thousands of acres of land in Louisiana. Like other advocacy groups, it has an annual conference, maintains a mailing list and petitions government officials. At one point, it was also a registered nonprofit in Louisiana. The documents Long filed in 2015 amount to meaningless paperwork but are customary among sovereign citizens groups that launch wars on paper as a form of rebellion against the government, according to Ryan Lenz of the Southern Poverty Law Center. Since the death of Washingtons mother, splinter Washitaw groups have grown around the country. Each claims to be the true heir to her organization. One group, the United Washitaw, has a website run by a North Carolina-based man who goes by the name Dr. Amin El-Bey. He did not respond to requests for an interview. Another group, Unity Washitaw de Dugdahmoundyah Nation, based in Atlanta, was also unreachable. Washington and William McRae, a cousin who lives in New Jersey, called those groups frauds. McRae, whose title is Crown Prince Emperor El Bey Bigbay Bagby Badger, said he thought Long was a member of one of the other Washitaw groups. I call them hijackers, McRae said. If youre not affiliated with something and youre doing something that youre not supposed to be doing, that means youre taking something and youre using it for your own cause. Though they are not tied to Washingtons group, some people who consider themselves sovereign citizens of Moorish origin have carried out a string of criminal attacks and plots. J.J. MacNab, a fellow at the George Washington University Center for Cyber and Homeland Security who tracks sovereign citizen groups, has counted 18 instances since 2000 of Moorish sovereigns committing extremist violence and plots, ranging from traffic stop shootouts and prison escapes to rape and child molestation. Longs writings and videos on social media, where he praised the black woman and theorized about why blacks were superior to whites, fit in with the Washitaw world view, MacNab said. The belief system doesnt say kill people, she said. It says you are brilliant, you are racially pure, you are of a noble race. You are perfect, you are entitled, you are above government. And when someone pops that bubble, a small percentage are going to go violent. Jarvie is a special correspondent and reported from Atlanta. jaweed.kaleem@latimes.com Jaweed Kaleem is The Times national race and justice correspondent. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. ALSO Florida police shoot autistic mans caretaker as he lies in street Amid death and racial tension, Baton Rouge mayor struggles to hold city together How Fresno is trying to make sense of Black Lives Matter after the shooting of an unarmed white male A boy and a woman camping with a Boy Scouts adventure program were killed and two other campers were injured when severe storms swept through a northern Minnesota forest, the leader of the program said Thursday. The boy and the female volunteer with the Northern Tier High Adventure Base Program died while camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, according to general manager John Van Dreese. Strong storms that moved through parts of Minnesota early Thursday knocked down trees and power lines. Advertisement The two injured campers were evacuated from the wilderness area in the Superior National Forest by air, according to the St. Louis County Sheriffs Office. Nine people, including three adults and six boys, were part of the program and were camping near Basswood Lake at the Canadian border when the storms hit. Sheriffs officials and other emergency responders were working on evacuating the rest of the group from the wilderness area, Van Dreese said. Authorities provided no details of how the two were killed. Last month, the brother of a Minnesota congressman was killed during a Fathers Day camping trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness when a powerful storm brought a tree down on his tent. Craig Walz, 43, the brother of Democratic U.S. Rep Tim Walz, was killed at Duncan Lake as the storm hit. His son was injured. The severe weather early Thursday knocked out power for tens of thousands of people in Minnesota on a day that was expected to be the hottest of the season. Trees, branches and debris blocked roads in northeastern Minnesota and elsewhere. Authorities in Duluth urged people to stay off the streets until they were cleared of power lines. After storms and clouds moved out of the state, temperatures were expected to heat up again with humidity pushing readings into the triple digits, according to the National Weather Service. It issued an excessive heat warning for the southern two-thirds of the state through 7 p.m. Friday. ALSO Florida police shoot autistic mans caretaker as he lies in street, hands in the air Community mourns very dark day after teen boy is arrested in fatal beating of 13-year-old sister How Fresno is trying to make sense of Black Lives Matter after the shooting of an unarmed white man UPDATES: 10:50 a.m.: This article has been updated with more details on the weather and background information. This article was originally published at 9:35 a.m. Ready for Day 4? Find our coverage here As Day 4 of the Republican National Convention begins, were posting news and analysis over here. Below youll find our news feed from the first three days of events in Cleveland. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Mike Pence stuck to the script on an off-script night By Melanie Mason Indiana Gov. Mike Pence hit all the standard notes for a high-profile political address Wednesday night: introducing himself to unfamiliar voters, extolling his running mate and making an explicit appeal to independent and Democratic voters. That typical approach has been in short supply at the GOP nominating confab in Cleveland, with its outsized focus on base-pleasing issues like Benghazi and speakers whose anti-Hillary Clinton rhetoric is matched only by the audiences preferred chant of Lock her up! Adding to the unreality was Sen. Ted Cruzs non-endorsement of Donald Trump just an hour before Pence took the stage, prompting a chaotic backlash from attendees. But Pence appeared unfazed by the clamor, smoothly delivering a recitation of Trumps attributes and promising a capable team to win the White House in November. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California delegate mad at Ted Cruz By Michael Finnegan Donald Trump supporter Michael Der Manouel, a California delegate from Fresno, is not happy with Sen. Ted Cruz. Everybody believed he was building to a point in his speech where he would endorse Donald Trump, and he couldnt bring himself to do it, and the convention expressed its displeasure, Der Manouel told The Times. He couldnt bring himself to do what Reagan did in 76, and its very disappointing, he said. Were going to move forward without all of these guys who reneged on their endorsement pledge. Were going to move forward without them. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print A dark star named Ted Cruz blots out the sun for Mike Pence By Robin Abcarian It wasnt supposed to be like this. The third night of the convention was supposed to belong to Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Donald Trumps running mate. No one anticipated that Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, giving a surprisingly restrained speech, would nevertheless fail to endorse Trump, infuriating convention delegates. To those listening, please, dont stay home in November, said Cruz, in his typically languid debaters cadence. If you love our country, and love your children as much as I know you do, stand, and speak, and vote your conscience; vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution. Thats when the booing began, the Twitter volume went to 11 and, it seemed, no one could speak of anything else. Lost in the noise: Pences perfectly serviceable speech. Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence blows a kiss to his wife as he speaks during the third day of the Republican convention. (Mary Altaffer / Associated Press) Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Retired astronaut Eileen Collins skips over line endorsing Trump in prime-time speech By Christine Mai-Duc In her Wednesday night convention speech, retired astronaut Eileen Collins lamented the fact that the last time the U.S. launched astronauts on American soil was more than five years ago, imploring leaders to do better than that. She called for leadership that will make Americas space program first again, but skipped a line in her prepared remarks that would have endorsed newly-minted Republican nominee Donald Trump. She said she wanted to keep not political. She also passed up an opportunity to slam Obama for space program cuts. It was weird. Laura Keeney (@LauraKeeney) July 21, 2016 Earlier this week, Collins told Mashable that her speech was not meant to be political. This is a chance I could not pass up: We can raise awareness of how the U.S. human space program has slowed over the years, Collins said in a statement to the website. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print FBI may have resumed controversial checkups on Cleveland-area activists, legal group says By James Queally Federal Bureau of Investigation agents may have knocked on the doors of several Cleveland-area activists Wednesday morning, resuming a controversial checkup practice that put the local civil rights community on edge in the weeks leading up to the Republican National Convention, a legal advocacy group said. In a statement issued Wednesday night, the Ohio chapter of the National Lawyers Guild alleged the FBI conducted a series of raids and may have entered a home without a warrant, continuing a practice that disturbed local demonstrators earlier this summer. Its been a consistent theme throughout all of these visits that law enforcement are looking for links and relationships among activists or people known to be activists around the Cleveland area and around the state of Ohio and also in some other locations outside of the state, said Jacqueline Greene, co-coordinator of the guild. Ultimately theyre on an information-fishing expedition. The purpose of these visits is to intimidate and chill First Amendment expression. National activists with Black Lives Matter and Campaign Zero have also said they received unnerving visits from the FBI in the weeks leading up to the nominating conventions, according to the Washington Post. Greene said her office had also reviewed video that appeared to show FBI agents and officers entering a home without consent. Asked about the incident Wednesday night, Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said he was not sure if his officers were involved in any door knocks, as some are on loan to the local FBI office. He said he generally supports the tactic. Were not accusing them of anything, Williams said. Were going around and talking to them. The FBI said earlier this year that the visits were simply about ensuring safety during the convention, but local organizers have criticized the tactic as intimidation. FBI spokeswoman Vicki Anderson said the FBI and police officers from Elyria, a Cleveland suburb, conducted interviews this week in response to investigative leads. The occupants were interviewed outside the residence and no arrests were made, Anderson said in an e-mail to The Times. Law enforcement will continue to respond to investigative leads to ensure the security of the RNC. 9:10 p.m. Updated with a response from the FBI in Cleveland. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gingrich immediately tries to mend the Cruz rift at Republican convention By Seema Mehta Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich sought Wednesday night to get the Republican National Convention back on track after disharmony erupted in full, prime-time view when delegates booed Sen. Ted Cruz for declining to endorse nominee Donald Trump. Veering from his prepared remarks, Gingrich told the thousands of delegates and guests that they had misunderstood Cruz when he urged Americans to vote your conscience. Gingrich said that Cruz had actually urged voters to abide by their conscience and vote any candidate who will uphold the Constitution. In the presidential contest, Trump is the only candidate who would do so, Gingrich said. So to paraphrase Ted Cruz, if you want to protect the Constitution of the United States the only possible candidate this fall is the Trump-Pence Republican ticket, he said. Gingrich, whom Trump passed over as his running mate, also hailed Trump for being generous in allowing his GOP primary rivals to speak without requiring an endorsement. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Watch Marco Rubios message to Republican delegates Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.) speaks in a video address played at the Republican National Convention. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Ted Cruz to delegates: Vote your conscience By Seema Mehta Please, dont stay home in November, Ted Cruz said to convention-goers. If you love our country and if you love your children as much as I know you do, stand, and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution. Delegates chanted at him to endorse Donald Trump, and the phrase vote your conscience appeared to infuriate the crowd. Anti-Trump forces had unsuccessfully sought to make rules changes that would have unbound delegates and allowed them to vote their conscience. The lack of endorsement by Cruz, who mentioned Trumps name only once, was not surprising. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gov. Scott Walker -- a Trump critic, then backer, then skeptic -- got the party memo on GOP unity By Lisa Mascaro @ScottWalker hanging in the Digital Loft at the @GOPconvention. #RNCinCLE pic.twitter.com/JUqjfqeTYO GOP Convention (@GOPconvention) July 21, 2016 When Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker addressed the Republican convention Wednesday, it was as if a memo had gone out from party headquarters that the time had come to step up the effort to unify the party behind Donald Trump. The first two nights of the convention had resulted in start-and-stop progress. Lots of pro-Trump voices. Few new converts. Convention crowds that began to thin toward the end of the evening. Walker, in some ways, was a prime messenger, thanks to his own discomfort over Trump. If Walker -- a onetime Trump rival, who endorsed Trump only to walk it back later -- could vote for the ticket, so could so many other Republicans who preferred someone else. The former presidential hopeful argued his case the way so many Republicans are doing it not so much a vote for Trump as a vote for the alternative to Democrat Hillary Clinton. He made a point of not just naming Trump but also including the vice presidential nominee, Mike Pence, who many believe will help persuade conservatives who are cool to Trump to fall in line with the GOP ticket. Hillary Clinton is the ultimate liberal Washington insider. If she were any more on the inside, shed be in prison, Walker said. America deserves better than Hillary Clinton, he said. That is why we need to support Donald Trump and Mike Pence to be the next president and vice president. Let me be clear: A vote for anyone other than Donald Trump in November is a vote for Hillary Clinton, he said. The speech was full of Walkers sensible Midwestern passion, and it roused the crowd. After House Speaker Paul D. Ryans address the night before, it was among the few speeches that gave prime time the feel of a traditional convention otherwise filled with B-list actors and Trumps business allies. Walker may have lost his chance to be the one onstage as the GOP nominee. But on Wednesday, he did his part to salvage the Republican Party in the age of Trump. Watch the full speech: Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks at the Republican National Convention. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Mike Pence can bring it in a speech when he needs to By Javier Panzar Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is giving the biggest speech of his life tonight. If you are looking for a preview of what the man can do to a crowd it helps to look at the speech he gave to the Family Research Council Values Voter Summit in September 2010. Pence, then a congressman, was so well received he won the straw poll there, beating out former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and eventual 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney. Speaking shortly before Republicans won back a majority in Congress, Pence jabbed at then-speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and promised the crowd not to compromise with Democrats. I am here to say House Republicans are back in the fight and they are back in the fight for conservative values on Capitol Hill, he told a rapturous crowd. The crowd ate up the Republican red meat Pence offered throughout about the nation being trapped in bondage to big government. But Pence also managed to maintained a light touch. He put the crowd in stitches, joking that while MSNBC said Republicans would win just a couple of seats in the House, Fox News said Republicans will win all 435 seats in the Congress. Pence used one of his common lines -- I am a conservative but I am not in a bad mood about it. -- that he has repeated on television since Trump selected him as his running mate. Pence also flashed his socially conservative bonafides that made him attractive to a Trump campaign looking to broaden its appeal to the right wing. Dont ask, dont tell must remain the policy of the United States Armed Forces, he said. Watch: Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch: Conservative radio host Laura Ingraham tells those with bruised egos its time to support Trump It was a speech to fire people up, and included marching orders. We should all, even all you boys with wounded feelings and bruised egos, and we love you, we love you, but you must honor your pledge to support Donald Trump now, Laura Ingraham told delegates at the convention. Watch the full speech: Laura Ingraham, conservative commentator, speaks at the Republican National Convention. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print The hot and cold relationship between Scott Walker and Donald Trump By Kurtis Lee His support of Donald Trump has fluctuated in recent months. Ahead of his states April primary, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker endorsed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who at the time was seen as the strongest candidate to derail Trumps quest to become the Republican nominee. Trumps response? He said that countries like Mexico and China had taken jobs away from Wisconsin and that immigrants in the country illegally were burdening the states taxpayers. Trump blamed it on a lack of leadership by Walker, whose own presidential bid last year faltered after only a few months. I wouldnt do this, except that he endorsed this guy Cruz, and Cruz would be a terrible president, Trump told Wisconsin Republicans at the time. But the effort to assail Walker, who is popular among Republicans in his state after staving off a 2012 recall spearheaded by Democrats, was not a formula for victory. Trump ended up losing to Cruz in the primary by 13 percentage points. As Trump has mended some relationships with establishment figures, the one with Walker remains complicated. Though the governor plans to make clear in his speech Wednesday night his support for Trump over Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, hes wavered in his applause of the billionaire businessman. During an interview with a local Wisconsin television station last month, Walker, who had initially said he would support the GOP nominee, backtracked. Alex and I with our great friend Mike Pence! #RNCinCLE pic.twitter.com/VS5r5rFuF1 Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) July 20, 2016 Its just sad in America that we have such poor choices right now, Walker said, a direct jab at Trump and Clinton. Walkers comments came on the heels of Trumps inflammatory statements about a Latino judge overseeing a fraud lawsuit against the now-defunct Trump University. Yet in recent weeks, Walker has not been as vocal in his criticisms of Trump. In fact, after Trump announced the selection of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence last week as his running mate, Walker offered plaudits. The Mike Pence decision this week to me is a sign that this is somebody who is actually thinking about how to govern, Walker said of Trump in an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. For Walker, who some political observers believe is eyeing another presidential run in 2020, it was a step toward unity. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 17 arrested at flag-burning protest outside RNC; observers dispute police account By James Queally (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Cleveland police arrested 17 people on suspicion of assaulting officers and failure to disperse after a U.S. flag was set on fire outside the Republican National Convention on Wednesday afternoon, but legal observers are disputing the police narrative of the incident. Police Chief Calvin Williams said two people have been booked on charges of felony assault after they pushed and punched police who were trying to extinguish the fire outside the entrance to the Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday. Fifteen other protesters face various misdemeanor charges, including failure to disperse, he said. Police had no plans to stop Revolutionary Communist Party members from burning the flag, which is a legal but controversial form of protest, and Williams said officers only moved in because several protesters clothes caught on fire. But Jocelyn Rosnick, co-coordinator of the Ohio Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild, said 10 legal observers on the scene did not see any of the protesters clothes aflame and contended that no dispersal order was given. She also noted that officers are required to give multiple dispersal orders before making arrests. Flag burning as a means of speech is protected. It has been argued in a number of court cases all the way up to the Supreme Court, Rosnick said. Officers moved in seconds after the flag caught fire. One could be heard yelling, Youre on fire, stupid at a protester as he sprayed a fire extinguisher. A Times reporter who was standing feet away from officers when the flag was set on fire did not hear a dispersal order, however. All 17 people arrested were adults involved in the protest. Williams said police were only at the scene to prevent clashes between members of the Revolutionary Communist Party, which organized the flag-burning protest, and counter groups who had come to stop them, including Bikers 4 Trump. There were people on the corner that were basically saying, Why are you guys doing this? and the whole area got kind of amped up, the chief said. A city police officer and an Ohio state trooper were treated for minor injuries at the scene. None of the protesters whose clothes police said caught fire required medical treatment for burns, Williams said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Potential Trump Cabinet pick Harold Hamm makes convention debut By Javier Panzar Harold Hamm of Continental Resources, says climate change is not a problem, its Islamic terrorism, in his speech to the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) On Wednesday Reuters reported that Donald Trump will consider Harold Hamm, chief executive officer of oil and gas giant Continental Resources, as Energy secretary should he become president. In 2012 Hamm chaired Republican nominee Mitt Romneys Energy Policy Advisory Group, attacked President Obamas policies on oil and gave almost $1 million to a super PAC supporting Romney, according to Politico. Hamm isnt new to politics. Reuters reported that in 2009 Hamm formed a lobbying group to oppose the Keystone XL pipeline, fearing it would flood his companys territory with Canadian oil. But Hamm dropped his opposition after the pipelines operator agreed to add an extension that would pick up his companys oil and take it to refineries, according to the report. Hamm backed Trump in April. He is someone who is not beholden to special interests and has the fortitude to make tough decisions, he said at the time. With a slew of onerous regulations now threatening to cripple American business, the next president of the United States must have the courage, determination and intelligence to disrupt politics as usual. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Band at RNC goes patriotic, then plays antiwar song By Colleen Shalby Country singer Chris Janson joined G.E. Smiths house band on stage tonight at the Republican National Convention. Janson was in the middle of playing his band LoCashs song Love this Life when he stopped to address the delegates dancing on the floor. Let me hear you if youre proud to be from the U.S.A.! Then he broke from his band to play the chorus from Born in the U.S.A. Chants of U-S-A followed. Bruce Springsteens 1984 hit is often deemed a patriotic song, despite its antiwar origins. The song is a criticism of the Vietnam War and the U.S. government, and if you know it, youll recognize the lyrics that surround the catchy chorus: I had a brother at Khe Sahn Fighting off the Viet Cong Theyre still there, hes all gone Heres the playlist (so far) from the convention. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Eileen Collins, the first female U.S. space shuttle commander, urges investments in space exploration at RNC By Christine Mai-Duc In her speech Wednesday night at the GOP convention, astronaut Eileen Collins urged investments to make Americas space program first again. Collins herself has seen a few firsts in her career. She was the first female pilot of an American space shuttle, and in 1999 became the first woman commander of a U.S. shuttle mission. Before becoming an astronaut, Collins was a career military pilot and trained at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma. She also worked as an instructor pilot at Travis Air Force Base in California from 1983 to 1985. She was picked for the astronaut program after attending pilot school at Edwards Air Force Base. Shes also terrified of roller coasters. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Florida Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi was questioned over Trump donation By Javier Panzar Florida Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi, who will speak at the Republican National Convention Wednesday, has drawn scrutiny for soliciting a political campaign contribution from Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump when her office was considering joining an investigation into Trump University. The Associated Press reported last month that a Trump family foundation gave a $25,000 donation to a political group supporting Bondis reelection after she solicited the contribution. The donation alone appeared to be a violation of rules governing political activities by charities. The timing of the contribution also raised questions: The check arrived four days after Bondi said her office was considering joining a New York state probe of Trump University. Her office declined to join the suit against Trump after the check came in, citing insufficient grounds to proceed. The news made waves because Trump has been open about what he expects when he makes political contributions. I give to everybody, he said in an debate last August. When they call, I give. And you know what? When I need something from them, two years later, three years later, I call them. They are there for me. And thats a broken system. Bondi was highlighted in a 2014 New York Times investigation that uncovered lobbyist spending on meals, trips and other contributions for several state attorneys general. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print The architecture of the convention stage By Christopher Hawthorne In Cleveland, the stagecraft is sleek, anodyne and less traditional. There are no Obama-style Greek columns for Donald Trump. Nor has he revived the domestic architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright the way Mitt Romney did during the 2012 GOP convention in Tampa, Fla. Instead the set is a shotgun marriage of Star Trek and Macbook modern, with perhaps a touch in the rounded stairs, lighted from below of Art Deco. A dark oval stage is flanked by a pair of canted silver walls, between which hang several giant video boards. The goal seems to be a series of smooth surfaces to which none of the more direct ad hominem verbal attacks or accusations of plagiarism might stick a slate that can be wiped clean whenever a change in tone or direction is wanted. Call it Teflon minimalism. For those of us watching on phones, tablets and television screens, this gap between the nostalgic and often aggressive rhetoric of the speeches and the sleek, vague futurism of the set design has been among the conventions most striking elements. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump business associate Phil Ruffin takes the stage next By Javier Panzar At the Republican National Convention, many of the speakers have something in common: They arent politicians. Instead, they are friends or business associates of nominee Donald Trump. Take Wednesday night speaker Phil Ruffin. The billionaire owns the Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and worked with Trump to develop the Trump International Hotel. Ruffin has developed properties across the U.S., including in California. He was on hand when Trump was campaigning in Las Vegas this February. Trump's Las Vegas supporters gathering for rally at the Treasure Island casino of Trump biz partner Phil Ruffin pic.twitter.com/Q5VWpxjbfW Michael Finnegan (@finneganLAT) June 18, 2016 He has also stumped for Trump in his native Kansas. Hes a brilliant businessman, one of the best Ive ever seen, Ruffin told members of the Wichita Pachyderm Club in downtown Wichita, according to the Wichita Eagle. If he ever offers you a partnership, take the deal. Right now hes offering a partnership for the country: Trump and the country. He would do a great job. Hed make a great president. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Conservative talk show host Laura Ingraham chides John Kasich ahead of prime-time speaking slot By Christine Mai-Duc Conservative radio talk show host Laura Ingraham is expected to address the need to restore respect across all levels of society in a night themed Make America First Again. Ingraham, who said she would not choose between Ted Cruz and Donald Trump during the primaries, has taken to rallying conservatives behind Trump in recent days. On Twitter, shes criticized Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who dropped out of the race in May, for not attending the convention in his home state. How incredibly short-sighted & self-absorbed for John Kasich not to attend the RNC. What did he accomplish by skipping? Zippo. Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) July 19, 2016 Hey @JohnKasich, you can have my speaking slot tonight. Endorse Trump. Put America first. No one agrees on all issues. We need you. Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) July 20, 2016 It won't help Cruz or GOP if the story coming out after his speech tonight is that he didn't endorse Trump. He's smarter than that. Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) July 20, 2016 Ingraham told the New York Times in May that the anti-Trump effort within the Republican Party was a little juvenile. There are a lot of purists out there who, if they dont get everything checked off on their little bucket list, then they say take your pail and go home, she told the newspaper. Come to the real world. How original. I address this level of disrespect in my speech tonight. Tune in--8:10pET! https://t.co/dZgtmV5CsL Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) July 20, 2016 On Twitter, Ingraham cited a flag-burning protest and subsequent arrests outside the convention hall Wednesday, saying shed address this level of disrespect in her prime-time remarks. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Obama praises Florida Gov. Rick Scott. Tonight, Scott will bash him at the Republican convention. By Noah Bierman The White House released a long statement Wednesday afternoon praising Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican, for responding to a suspected case of Zika. The statement recounted a phone call between the two men earlier in the day in which Obama touted an additional $5.6 million being sent to Florida from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The president recognized Floridas strong record of responding aggressively to local outbreaks of mosquito-borne viruses like Zika, and offered federal support and technical assistance. It was a nice bipartisan moment, expressing how state and federal officials can make government work across party lines. Right? Well, heres an excerpt of the speech Scott plans to deliver at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night. Today, America is in terrible, world-record-high debt. Our economy is not growing. Our jobs are going overseas. We have allowed our military to decay, and we project weakness on the international stage. Washington grows while the rest of America struggles. The Democrats have not led us to a crossroads; they have led us to a cliff. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California delegation afflicted by norovirus: Heres what it does By Melissa Healy At least a dozen GOP staffers from Californias delegation to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland are experiencing vomiting, cramps and diarrhea, and the dreaded norovirus is being blamed for their gastrointestinal misery. Erie County Health Department officials have been called to the scene of the delegations quarters at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, about 60 miles from the convention site, and have collected fecal samples to confirm the diagnosis. Norovirus is the most common cause of diarrheal episodes globally and one of the leading causes of food-borne disease outbreaks in the United States. Treated with rest and fluids, its symptoms of severe gastroenteritis generally wane after two or three days. But it claims the lives of 212,000 annually worldwide, mostly children and the elderly living in low- and middle-income countries. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Man who burned flag outside Republican convention has done it before, group claims By James Queally Police officers arrest protesters from the Revolutionary Communist Party as they try to burn a flag. #RNCinCLE pic.twitter.com/GGimuzX6he Marcus Yam (@yamphoto) July 20, 2016 The man who set fire to an American flag outside the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, touching off a struggle between police and protesters, did the same thing outside the convention in 1984, according to a statement issued by the group that organized the protest. The Revolutionary Communist Party has claimed Gregory Lee Johnson was the man who lit the flag on fire about 4 p.m. outside Quicken Loans Arena. Johnson was the plaintiff in a 1989 Supreme Court case that invalidated restrictions that criminalized burning flags in the U.S., the group said. Johnson also burned a flag outside the GOP convention in Dallas in 1984, according to the statement. Several people were arrested as police used fire extinguishers and pepper spray to stop the protest just seconds after the flag was scorched. The Revolutionary Communist Party had announced the protest earlier in the week, drawing the attention of a number of groups attempting to stop them. A dozen protesters emerged from a tightly packed crowd near Quicken Loans Arena, donning black T-shirts bearing the groups name and chanting America Was Never Great before setting fire to the flag. At least six people were seen being led away by police in zip-tie handcuffs. In its statement, the Revolutionary Communist Party said 14 people were arrested. On Wednesday evening, the Cleveland Police Department said 17 arrests were made. Two officers sustained minor injuries, police said. 17 arrests total: Charges include Felonious Assault on Police Officer, failure to disperse and resisting arrest. Cleveland Police (@CLEpolice) July 20, 2016 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print The ghost of Richard Nixon is haunting the GOP convention By Mickey Edwards It has been a long time since Richard Milhous Nixon has found such love. Law and order, the mantra that elected Nixon president in 1968, has become a central focus of Donald Trumps convention. In the midst of Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter and All Lives Matter, dueling but not incompatible perspectives, varying in emphasis but capable of being reconciled, comes the ghost of Nixon, in the form of Trump, rallying what he hopes are majorities to shout down and shut up the voices of grievance. Like Nixon, Trump is a modern-day incarnation of poor besotted Thomas Hobbes, railing against a world he thought a bleak and forlorn home to a multitude whose lives were nasty, brutish and short. Donald Trump, bless his soul, is standing firm against the darkness. His anger makes Trump grate again. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement With his double-aerial arrival, Donald Trump reminds the media whos in control By Melanie Mason (AFP/Getty Images) Donald Trump, newly minted as the Republican presidential nominee, was about to land on the shores of Lake Erie in a helicopter and nobody knew where to look. Journalists, penned in on a field near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, pointed their cameras in all directions, making sure they had every possible angle. Unlike the raucous rallies filled with fans that have propelled his candidacy, Trumps arrival in Cleveland, advertised as closed to the public, was all about his media horde a relationship that has been rancorous, but undeniably mutually beneficial. The elaborately staged proceedings left no question as to who was calling the shots. Every time a helicopter passed, heads snapped skyward. But fears that Trump would somehow sneak past were unfounded. As his private jet swooped past, the blaring soundtrack suddenly switched from the Rolling Stones to the operatic swells of Puccinis Nessun Dorma. But where to look next? From the south, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Trumps running mate, strolled in, flanked by family. Overhead, from the east, a Trump-branded helicopter circled and then reversed course. With each new sight of an aircraft, a Trump family member, the man himself the media gaggle dutifully pivoted to capture it. They shot photos and videos. They tweeted and Periscoped. They looked up and down, turned left and right the collective herky-jerky dance of covering the quintessential cable news candidate. Finally, Trump emerged from the chopper, greeted Pence and strode to a grassy field, family in tow. He spoke uncharacteristically briefly. No questions, no news made. But no matter. The double-aerial landing got wall-to-wall coverage on television, Trump reinforced his reputation for showmanship, and the news media got another chance to practice the choreography of covering Trump. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print The Trump kids, making their national political debut, soften their fathers sharp edges By Robin Abcarian From left, Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump and Tiffany Trump on the convention floor (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) The four eldest children of Donald J. Trump have become the unlikely stars of the show in Cleveland. Its not even really what they have said or will say; its simply who they are. Their father can be uncouth; they are refined. He can be a bully; they are unfailingly polite. He often rambles and digresses; they stick to their scripts. In this, they are following the recent tradition of other candidates children, including Mitt Romneys five sons, and Chelsea Clinton. In two presidential campaigns, 2008 and 2012, the Romney brothers job was to humanize a father who struck some as robotic and rehearsed. In 2008, Clinton was selling her mother as more capable and experienced than her upstart opponent, Barack Obama. Like her mom, Chelsea was a bit rigid on the trail, but she was poised. When college students asked her about Monica Lewinsky, she replied, I do not think that is any of your business. (Contrast those political offspring to a star of the 2008 presidential campaign, Megan McCain, then a free-spirited 23-year-old who posted photos of herself jumping on hotel beds as she blogged about life on the trail, complete with music playlists.) In an impressive national debut Tuesday night, 22-year-old Tiffany Trump, Donald Trumps daughter with second wife Marla Maples, shared a couple of meager anecdotes about her father. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Multiple arrests apparently made after demonstrators burn flag outside GOP convention By James Queally Outside #RNCinCLe a group of protesters tried to burn two flags; riot police moved in to arrest at least 8 people. pic.twitter.com/WRPf7UdluF Carolyn Cole (@Carolyn_Cole) July 20, 2016 Warning: Graphic images and language. A dozen people changed into T-shirts bearing the Revolutionary Communist Party name shortly after 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. The group set a flag on fire after chanting America Was Never Great, before Cleveland police officers moved in with a fire extinguisher. Youre on fire, stupid, one police officer yelled as he moved in on the group. To the east of the convention entrance, several protestors chanted, Whats the problem? The whole damn system. Several people were seen wrestling with police, and a few were led away in zip-tie handcuffs, with at least six moved to a police transport van. Jocelyn Rosnick, executive director of the Ohio chapter of the National Lawyers Guild told the Times up to 20 arrests may have been made, though the Cleveland Police Department has not confirmed the number. The protest was announced earlier in the week. Firefighters were on the scene and Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams reported that the entrance to the Republican National Convention had been shut down by police before it was later reopened. The police department reported at least two officers were assaulted. Two officers assaulted. Minor injuries. Cleveland Police (@CLEpolice) July 20, 2016 Things getting physical pic.twitter.com/tKz8HGuzIY James Queally (@JamesQueallyLAT) July 20, 2016 Flag was set on fire. Cops used pepper spray to break it up. Melee erupted #RNCinCLE pic.twitter.com/K6MGSjKI7L James Queally (@JamesQueallyLAT) July 20, 2016 Crowd members were split over the incident. Its freedom of speech. Its the purest form of free speech, said Martha Conrad, an attorney from Chicago who said she would offer to represent those arrested. Its disrespectful. People fought and died for that flag, countered Jeff Jagels, 15, of Dayton. The scene has been tense for at least an hour. Minutes before the protest, a religious group that had been spotted around Cleveland earlier in the week said it could burn a gay pride flag instead of the American flag. And a U.S. Marine carrying an American flag was swarmed by media and later escorted away by police after cameras circled him. Bikers 4 Trump got down here but after flag caught fire #RNCinCLE pic.twitter.com/vjZU9txqJD James Queally (@JamesQueallyLAT) July 20, 2016 Riot gear is out but things have calmed. Arrestees still chanting against police #RNC2016 pic.twitter.com/PSWSQvR9sP James Queally (@JamesQueallyLAT) July 20, 2016 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Dog owners get the chance to express a political preference Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement There have been a grand total of three arrests at RNC protests so far By Matt Pearce A sign outside Cleveland Municipal Courtroom D says NO LO TERING. The I has fallen off, sadly. Is there anyone here scheduled for a protection order hearing? a court worker asked the young men and women waiting in the rather soviet hallway. Nope. This morning, a group of activists sat outside Courtroom D, not loitering, but awaiting judgment. Municipal court is maybe the closest thing protesters have to a stern church: hard benches, rules that cannot be broken and a rather stiff penalty for skipping attendance. Jails and municipal courts often form the crucial backstage to all the protests you see on Twitter and TV, the place where the system takes in arrested activists, parks them behind bars and then spits them out after a fine, or, more rarely, jail time. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Loyal supporters cheer Ted Cruz and boo as Donald Trumps plane flies overhead By Seema Mehta Now on the stage: Ted and Heidi Cruz. pic.twitter.com/HPx8NoBT8v Teddy Schleifer (@teddyschleifer) July 20, 2016 Hours before Ted Cruz was to address the Republican National Convention, the second-place finisher in the nomination contest gave no indication he would endorse GOP nominee Donald Trump. In an amazing campaign field of 17 talented, dynamic candidates, we beat 15 of those candidates. We just didnt beat 16, Cruz told hundreds of supporters gathered at a riverside restaurant on Wednesday. Just then, Trumps plane flew overhead as the nominee returned to Cleveland ahead of the conventions third night. The crowd booed and Cruz laughed. That was pretty well-orchestrated, he joked, before continuing. Let me say to the men and women here, I dont know what the future is going to hold. What I do know is everyone has an obligation to follow our consciences, to speak the truth, and the truth is unchanging, to defend liberty. Theres a lot of talk about unity, he said. The way to see unity is for us to unite behind shared principles. Cruz pointed to his campaigns accomplishments in the 2016 campaign: winning nearly 8 million votes, 12 states and nearly 600 delegates; raising 1.8 million donations; and amassing 326,000 volunteers. All of which could lay the groundwork for a future presidential campaign, which was clearly the hope of many of the supporters. As Cruz was talking, a man yelled, Gods not done with you yet! and the crowd chanted 2020! 2020! 2020! Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump flies back into Cleveland for a campaign rally (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Donald Trump ultimately landed at his Cleveland rally on a similarly styled Trump helicopter. He was greeted by vice presidential pick Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Pences wife and his own adult children. Pence will speak at the convention tonight, and Trump is scheduled to join him on stage. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Paul Ryan manages to endorse Trump without praising him in the slightest By Barton Swaim Paul Ryans speech to the Republican National Convention was far and away the best thus far. That must be because Ryan had an actual purpose a purpose, I mean, other than to spout a few platitudes in the hope that no one would remember you had once praised Donald Trump on television. (That was manifestly the case with Sens. Tom Cotton and Roger Wicker, among others, on the conventions first night.) Ryans purpose was to recommend Trumps candidacy without in any way praising the candidate, or, in other words, to endorse Trump in the abstract without praising the man indeed, almost without mentioning him at all. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California GOP is optimistic norovirus outbreak among staff at convention is contained By Seema Mehta California GOP officials said Wednesday they were optimistic a highly contagious virus that led to the quarantine of at least a dozen staff members was contained. Weve had no new outbreaks for the last 24 hours, which makes me feel like all of our efforts to fight it have worked, executive director Cynthia Bryant told the delegation at its breakfast meeting. So knock on wood and say a prayer. The staff members had come down with what was confirmed to be norovirus, which causes stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever and diarrhea. They could not leave their hotel rooms until they had been symptom-free for 24 hours. The affliction is generally short-lived but can be dangerous and even fatal, especially for the elderly and the young. Erie County health officials have been involved in testing for and monitoring the outbreak. The 550-member delegation was warned of the outbreak by the state GOP early Tuesday and advised to avoid shaking hands with others, to wash hands frequently, to avoid sharing food and to not use the delegation buses if they had any symptoms. No delegates, alternates or guests had reported any signs of the virus, Bryant said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Ann Coulter warns California Republicans the nation could turn into California By Seema Mehta Conservative author and TV personality Ann Coulter warned California Republicans on Wednesday that the nation could become like California if Donald Trump is not elected president in the fall. Trumps slogan is make America great again. Hillarys slogan is make America California without the nice beaches, without the good stuff, Ann Coulter told the states delegates at a breakfast meeting. Youre always ahead of the curve, Coulter said. You sent us two of our greatest presidents, Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. And now a Republican cant get elected statewide in California. That is because of immigration. This is why Trumps campaign is absolutely crucial. Coulter, who was applauded by the Californians, contended the influx of immigrants over the past four decades had given Democrats an edge, and that the Republican establishment betrayed its base of supporters on immigration and trade issues. We all know there are certain flaws with our candidate, she said, laughing. Its not like we looked around the country and said, I know who we need to run. Lets get a reality TV star who has never held elected office. No. Hes the only one who will speak for Americans. . @AnnCoulter says she hasn't watched a minute of #RNCinCLE , is only here 'about town' pic.twitter.com/AwXUtEZ77p David Siders (@davidsiders) July 20, 2016 Earlier, Omarosa Manigault, Trumps newly named director of African American outreach, told the crowd that Trump had changed her life by casting her in the first season of The Apprentice. Donald Trump really in that first season taught America that we can work hard, that we can accomplish whatever we put our minds to, and most importantly, sometimes folks arent going to like you, she said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Speechwriter takes fall for Melania Trumps plagiarism, says her offer to quit was refused By Mark Z. Barabak Social media lit up Monday night as some on Twitter pointed out that Melania Trumps prime-time speech at the Republican National Convention sounded strikingly similar to Michelle Obamas 2008 convention speech. The in-house staff writer did it. After more than two days of evasion, denials and contradictory explanations, the Trump campaign released a statement Wednesday to whom it may concern ascribing the plagiarized passages in Melanie Trumps convention speech to a scribe working for his corporate operation. In working with Melania Trump on her recent first lady speech, we discussed many people who inspired her and messages she wanted to share with the American people, said Meredith McIver, who described herself as a longtime and admirer of the Trump family. A person she always liked is Michelle Obama. By McIvers account, Melania Trump read her some passages from Obamas speech at the 2008 Democratic convention and they inadvertently made their way into the final draft that she delivered Monday at the GOPs gathering in Cleveland. This was my mistake and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused Melania and the Trumps, as well as Mrs. Obama, McIver said. No harm was meant. She said she offered her resignation to Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, as well as his family, but it was rejected. Mr. Trump told me that people make innocent mistakes and that we learn and grow these experiences. McIvers account was one of several explanations offered by the Trump campaign and its representatives, including denial that any plagiarism had taken place. Before the controversy erupted, Melania told NBC she had written virtually the entire speech by herself. Far from laying the matter to rest, the statement reignited the issue, which overshadowed the convention for a second straight day and sparked a new round of finger-pointing at Trumps barebones political operation and its repeated stumbles. NEW: Melania staffer falls on sword, says campaign rejected her resignation pic.twitter.com/6ZgfX2cEXQ Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) July 20, 2016 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Government should favor the hard-working middle, not protected minorities, Donald Trump Jr. says By David Lauter The government needs to do more for the hardworking men and women who built the great nation we live in, not members of minority groups who have status as a protected class, Donald Trump Jr. said Wednesday. The Republican presidential nominees eldest son, whose speech at the GOP convention Tuesday drew praise, also criticized his fathers detractors within the party. Some delegates who opposed Trump during Tuesdays roll call look like idiots, Trump Jr. said. I dont think anyone would ever accuse us of being appeasers of the opposition, Trump said of his family. Still, he agreed that his fathers decision to pick Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate was, to some extent, an effort to placate restive conservatives within the party. Describing a vice presidential selection process in which he and his siblings Eric and Ivanka served as chief advisors to his father, Trump said that they had chosen Pence over former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie mostly because it made sense to have someone to counterbalance my father. We dont need two Donald Trumps up there, he said, referring to the outsize personalities that his father, Gingrich and Christie share. Speaking to a large crowd at a breakfast sponsored by the Wall Street Journal, the younger Trump said he has thought about following his fathers path into politics, although not until his five children are older. Id love to be able to do it, he said. He described himself, jokingly, as a Fifth Avenue redneck, referring to his love of guns and the outdoors, and he made clear that he shares some of the views and blunt expressions that have distanced his father from minority voters. Responding to a question about the rise of identity politics on the political left, Trump said that the hardworking men and women who built the great nation we live in, theyre the only people who arent protected anymore; theyre the middle class. Currently, he said, the government benefits people who can show theyre one-sixty-fourth of some protected class. That has to stop, he said, adding that members of the middle class are the people we actually have to start catering to. Those are the people that are forgotten. We have to take care of the problems we have, but we also cant forget the people who built this nation. The hardworking middle, who pay taxes, the middle class. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Donald Trump on Melania Trump plagiarism fuss: All press is good press Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Heres whats on tap for Day 3 of the Republican National Convention By Melanie Mason Were halfway through the four-day GOP convention in Cleveland and after last nights festivities, its official: Donald Trump is the Republican nominee for president. Tonight, well hear from Trumps pick for his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence. Also slated to speak are several of Trumps primary foes, including at least one who still harbors future presidential ambitions. Here are the highlights of tonights schedule of speakers: Gov. Mike Pence, the Republican vice presidential nominee. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, one of Trumps fiercest primary rivals Other 2016 runners-up: Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (appearing via video) and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker Trumps son Eric Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker who was a finalist for Trumps VP pick 8:51 a.m.: An earlier version of this post incorrectly listed Ivana Trump as a speaker. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Brexits Nigel Farage says some of Donald Trumps ideas are pretty out there By Lisa Mascaro Why is Nigel Farage at #RNCinCLE? He says GOP is asking: If #Brexit could reach "beer drinker" voters... how do we? pic.twitter.com/jVVerYlhB7 Lisa Mascaro (@LisaMascaro) July 20, 2016 Turns out that even the leader of Brexit finds Donald Trump a bit too much for British political sensibilities. Nigel Farage, the brash former leader of the United Kingdoms Independence Party, is visiting the GOP convention in Cleveland, and marveled Wednesday at the tone of the American political debate. Some of Donald Trumps comments are pretty out there, said Farage, the chief proponent of Britains divisive campaign to exit the European Union. To say that you would ban all Muslims coming into America ... I can see what hes trying to do; hes trying to reach voters who feel frustrated and, perhaps, a little bit scared, Farage said at a breakfast hosted by the McClatchy news organization in Cleveland. Occasionally, the style of it, it makes even me wince a little bit. The British politician, whose Brexit campaign is often compared to the outsider revolt underway in Republican politics this election year, said hes not about to tell Americans how to vote. Though its no surprise his politics align with Republicans, who invited him to Cleveland, Farage is no fan of President Obama. Its a big mistake for foreign politicians to tell people how to vote, he said, referring to Obama, weeks before the vote, laying out the consequences from the U.S. view if Britain voted to leave the EU. Obama came to the United Kingdom during the Brexit debate. He came to our county. He was rude to us; he told us what we should do, and he led to a big Brexit bounce. He added, Although I have to say, I wouldnt vote for Hillary if you paid me. There is that sense of entitlement, he said about Clinton. Farage is a bit of a political tourist making his way through the GOP convention and U.S. politics. And even the leader of the Brexit campaign that shocked the world had the capacity to be surprised by what he saw in Cleveland particularly the protests outside the hall. It was interesting seeing some of the language displayed on those protest cards in particular on subjects around gay marriage, etc. which in the United Kingdom would be hate crimes, he said. There were some big cultural differences. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Donald Trump really, really wants to win California By Melanie Mason House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy, asked on Wednesday what its like to meet with Donald Trump, described the GOP presidential nominee as inquisitive. And theres one question Trump asks again and again. Every time he meets with me, he asks me...'Can I win California? said McCarthy, a Republican from Bakersfield, at an event hosted by Politicos Playbook. McCarthy said he replies: Well, I dont think so. Its pretty difficult. Thats an understatement. California is one of the deepest blue states in the country. It hasnt backed a Republican for the White House since George H.W. Bush won in 1988. The Trump team insists theyll play well in Democratic-friendly terrain like Connecticut, Oregon and New Jersey, and that Trump will campaign in blue states. That has made veteran GOP strategists worry the Trump campaign will pull resources from pivotal swing states like Ohio, Florida and Colorado. But McCarthy put a positive spin on Trumps preoccupation with California, saying it illustrates the businessmans pluck. Hes probably the most confident person I ever met, McCarthy said. I like people who are willing to take a risk. McCarthy likened Trump to Californias own mold-breaking politician -- the Governator. During his gubernatorial run, Arnold Schwarzenegger had the biggest rallies youve ever seen, McCarthy said, noting both Trump and the former California governor would play the same song at their events: Twisted Sisters Were Not Gonna Take It. Both celebrities-turned-politicians were tapping into the frustration that nothing was happening for many Americans, McCarthy said. Fittingly, McCarthy noted, Schwarzenegger -- who endorsed Ohio Gov. John Kasich during the Republican primaries -- is taking over Trumps storied The Apprentice franchise on TV. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Ben Carson explains how he draws a line from Hillary Clinton to, yes, Lucifer By megan.garvey@latimes.com Ben Carson explains linking Hillary Clinton to Lucifer in his #GOPConvention speech https://t.co/FdJfzaRI9I https://t.co/zwsTHyhMqz CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) July 20, 2016 Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson expounded Wednesday on a rather unusual claim he made during his GOP convention speech that Hillary Clinton has ties to Lucifer. Yes, the devil. Carson, himself a former candidate who now backs GOP nominee Donald Trump, laid out an elaborate thesis during his prime-time address Tuesday that began with Clintons study of Saul Alinsky, a community organizer who advocated disruptive tactics to bring about change. His methods were the subject of Clintons college thesis. We all have people who are our mentors; we all have people we admire, Carson said on CNNs New Day. As a college student at Wellesley, she was on a first-name basis with Saul Alinsky. In Alinskys book Rules for Radicals, he employs Lucifer as a rhetorical tool to make a provocative point. The first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom Lucifer, Alinsky wrote. The book was published in 1971, two years after Clinton wrote her thesis at Wellesley, Theres Only the Fight: An Analysis of the Alinsky Model. Carson suggested Alinskys ideas still shape Clintons thinking. Its very interesting how it uses controlled anarchy in order to change us from a democratic republic to a socialist society, Carson said of Alinskys book. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Analysis: Anger and optimism vie for dominance in the Republican Party By Cathleen Decker Donald Trump won the Republican presidential nomination by harnessing the dour mood of GOP voters put off by the nations political class. Now, as he turns to the general election, he faces the challenge of incorporating something he has mostly omitted to this point an overarching, positive vision for the nation. His best opportunity to date will come during his Thursday night convention address. Hillary Clinton will have the same opportunity and the same demand one week later. For Trump and his fellow Republicans, crafting an appealing argument requires a deft touch. They must persuade even parts of the country that have benefited under President Obama that what they say would be his third term under Clinton would be untenable. That requires a heavy dose of negativity. But history suggests that shifting gears toward an upbeat message is also a necessity. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Down-ballot Republicans whod like to network in Cleveland are instead navigating the Trump effect on the GOP By Lisa Mascaro Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)) Republican Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio spent this week building houses with Habitat for Humanity, motivating young campaign volunteers and kayaking with wounded veterans on the Cuyahoga River. Sen. Marco Rubio was home in Florida, stumping for votes before investigating mold contamination in a federal courthouse in Pensacola. And Sen. Kelly Ayotte was busy in New Hampshire fighting the scourge of opiate addiction crushing the state. As the Republican Party gathers in Cleveland to nominate Donald Trump as their candidate for president, some key lawmakers are steering clear of the GOP convention. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Second night of RNC is suffused with anti-Clinton message By Mary McNamara On Tuesday, the theme of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland was Make America Work Again but the subtext was We Hate Hillary Clinton. Once again the festivities were fueled by the festering personal rage that unites so many disparate groups in reality television, and once again the evening sparkled with oratorical oddities. The president of Ultimate Fighting Championship spoke, as did a professional golfer and former Celebrity Apprentice contestant and yet another cast member of The Bold and Beautiful, as well as some of Trumps children. On Tuesday, however, the lineup also included several of the GOP luminaries who did not decide to skip the convention altogether. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Are you signed up for Essential Politics? By Christina Bellantoni We hope youre enjoying our convention liveblog this week. If youre coming to us for the first time or are a loyal reader, you may not know that we have a daily politics newsletter. The email blast is free and rounds up the important political stories of the day, both at the national level and here in California. And we try to have a little fun with it, too. Heres todays. You can sign up here to get Essential Politics in your inbox Monday through Friday. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Day 2 of the convention in less than 3 minutes By Christina Bellantoni Relive the highlights of the second night of the Republican National Convention. Ray Whitehouse and Cleon Arrey present the evening in less than 3 minutes: Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Chris Christies Hillary Clinton show at the RNC, the supercut By Jessica Roy New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie spoke forcefully Tuesday night about Hillary Clintons record. Though the nights theme was Make America Work Again, Christie chose to focus on the presumptive Democratic nominee, putting her on trial for the audience. They responded favorably, chanting, Lock her up! Lock her up! Watch: Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch: Ben Carson tries to link Hillary Clinton to Lucifer (Carolyn Cole/ Los Angeles Times ) Are we going to elect someone as president who has as their role model somebody who acknowledges Lucifer? Think about that. Dr. Ben Carson speaking at the Republican National Convention Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Vice President Biden was tweeting Republican National Convention videos. Heres why. By Colleen Shalby Anyone who follows the @VPLive account associated with Vice President Joe Bidens travels might have been surprised this evening when it started tweeting videos tagged with the Republican National Convention hashtag #RNCinCLE. Several went out. The tweets were quickly deleted, but the vice presidents account did not offer an explanation. A Twitter spokesperson told The Times that the tweets were accidentally sent by someone in Cleveland -- a mishap due to a technical error. Twitter had previously worked with the @VPBidenLive account during Bidens Cancer Moonshot Summit in June, using whats called Twitter mirrors. The devices are essentially iPads that allow people to take and send photos through Twitter using an official hashtag. Theyve been used during the Oscars, MLB All-Star game and political events. The Biden account was not properly logged out today, and thats how these @GOPConvention tweets ended up on the official vice presidential feed. Its not because Biden was hanging out with actor Tim Daly and Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina, who once shouted You lie! at President Obama. The Twitter spokesperson says the Biden team knows about the situation. Mike Memoli contributed to this report. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Social media explodes with more Trump plagiarism allegations By Javier Panzar Another day, another speech by a member of the Trump family and another round of plagiarism charges coursing through social media. The Daily Shows Twitter account seemed to pounce first when it pointed out lines from Donald Trump Jr.'s speech that seemed to be identical to words first used in a May article by F.H. Buckley in The American Conservative called Trump vs. the New Class. Within 45 minutes The Daily Shows tweet had been retweeted 9,900 times. pic.twitter.com/QEftnTTwy3 The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) July 20, 2016 In his speech, Donald Trumps son said: Our schools use to be an elevator to the middle class, now theyre stalled on the ground floor. Theyre like Soviet-era department stores that are run for the benefit of the clerks and not the customers, for the teachers and the administrators and not the students. From Buckleys article: What should be an elevator to the upper class is stalled on the ground floor. Part of the fault for this may be laid at the feet of the systems entrenched interests: the teachers unions and the higher-education professoriate. Our schools and universities are like the old Soviet department stores whose mission was to serve the interests of the sales clerks and not the customers. The relevant part of Trumps speech begins at the eight-minute mark here: In response, Buckley took to Twitter to defend the younger Donald Trump, saying the speech wasnt stealing. He later told Business Insider he was, in fact, a writer for the convention speech. Except it wasn't stealing... Frank Buckley (@fbuckley) July 20, 2016 View Twitter post James Fallows, former chief speechwriter for President Jimmy Carter, responded to the hubbub on Twitter and in a piece for The Atlantic: You dont recycle, without attribution, things youve written and let someone else present them as his or her own words, Fallows wrote. At least I havent done it myself or previously known of people doing this. On the recycling issue re DJT Jrs speech tonight, my initial take https://t.co/PWZdi4IvmP item by me James Fallows (@JamesFallows) July 20, 2016 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch: Donald Trump Jr. hails father as mentor and best friend (Robyn Beck/Associated Press ) Donald Jr. gave a stirring speech Tuesday night that sparked immediate speculation about his own political future. The younger Trumps address was far more detailed than the traditional policy speeches his father usually delivers. In addition, Trump Jr. spoke of my father, my mentor, my best friend, Donald Trump as a businessman who hung out with guys on the construction sites, pouring concrete and hanging Sheetrock. Watch: Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print How has the labor force really been doing since the Great Recession? By Priya Krishnakumar The theme of the second night of the Republican National Convention is Make America Work Again. In June, the U.S. economy added 287,000 jobs, the highest increase in job growth in eight months. The unemployment rate has declined steadily since reaching a high of 10% in October 2009, becoming 4.9% in June. It increased slightly from a 4.7% unemployment rate in May. Participation in the labor force is down overall since 2008 but has remained between 62% and 63% since 2014. Still, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito used Tuesday night to go after presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on the U.S. workforce. We know [Clinton] will double down on an economic agenda thats led to the lowest workforce participation in decades, she said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Shelley Moore Capito goes after Hillary Clinton on coal (Steve Helber / Associated Press) Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Va.) assailed Hillary Clinton during her prime time speech at the Republican National Convention on Tuesday night, alluding to the former secretary of States comments earlier this year about putting coal miners out of work. Since 2001, use of coal has gradually declined, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Still, the issue of coal is important to many voters in the country. In May, The Times Michael Finnegan explored the clash between Donald Trump and Clinton over coal. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print All about Kimberlin Brown, the soap star-turned-California avocado farmer who is closing Tuesdays GOP convention By Christine Mai-Duc (Earl Gibson III / WireImage) The Republican National Convention lineup has featured several television stars, and tonight soap opera actress Kimberlin Brown will close out the festivities on Day 2. Brown, 55, hop-scotched between roles on shows including General Hospital, Port Charles and One Life to Live. Best known for her role as daytime villain Sheila Carter on The Young and the Restless, Brown later joined The Bold and the Beautiful. View Instagram post More recently, Brown has hosted a Design Network show called Dramatic Designs in which she helps homeowners with interior design projects. The GOP convention website describes Brown as a small business owner, and she and her husband own an avocado farm in Southern California. It doesnt appear either of them have contributed to federal or state political campaigns in the past. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print UFCs Dana White says Trump will fight for this country By Lance Pugmire UFC President Dana White spoke in support of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Tuesday at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, telling the supportive crowd, Donald Trump is a fighter and I know he will fight for this country. White recounted how after his close friend and former UFC Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta purchased the company in 2001 for $2 million, Trump was supportive of staging UFC fights at his property in Atlantic City. Tuesday, the deep appreciation for that early support was noted in Whites speech, which began minutes after House Speaker Paul D. Ryan confirmed Trump as the Republican nominee. Im sure most of you are wondering, What are you doing here? White said. I am not a politician. I am a fight promoter. But I was blown away and honored to be invited here tonight and I wanted to show up and tell you about my friend, Donald Trump the Donald Trump that I know. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Unifying a party against Clinton, not for Trump By Doyle McManus The view from inside the hall: The first half of Tuesday evenings program has been, to borrow a Trumpism, strangely low-energy. House Speaker Paul Ryan formally declared Trump and Pence the nominees to brief cheers from a partly empty floor. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell got booed, twice. Even a brief video appearance by Trump himself drew only moderate enthusiasm. But, to be fair, this was always going to be the least exciting program for the mostly pro-Trump delegates: a parade of congressional leaders, most of whom endorsed Trump only reluctantly. The evenings theme was supposed to be GOP plans to create jobs -- Make America Work Again -- but most speakers barely touched on it. Instead, most of them, from McConnell to Ryan, focused on criticizing Hillary Clinton. The Clinton years are way over; 2016 is the year America moves on, Ryan said. McConnell drew a lusty cheer when he promised that the Senate will continue to block Obamas attempt to fill Scalias seat on the Supreme Court. That honor will go to President Donald Trump next year, he said. Ryan finally roused the pro-Trump crowd to its feet with as close to a full-throated endorsement of the nominee as hes given. Whaddya say we unify this party? he said. Lets win this thing. And Christie drew ecstatic cheers -- plus chants of Lock Her Up! and Guilty! -- when he presented what he said was the prosecutors case against Hillary Rodham Clinton. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Majority Leader Kevin McCarthys priorities: Congress, then Trump By Lisa Mascaro @kevinomccarthy hanging in the Digital Loft at the @GOPconvention. #RNCinCLE pic.twitter.com/mWkgOfM8yd GOP Convention (@GOPconvention) July 20, 2016 House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy backs Donald Trump, but he hasnt been anywhere near the forefront of the Trump movement. A speaking role at the Republican convention was not a role he was initially expecting to have. That might help explain why he barely mentioned Trump, now the GOP nominee, in his prime-time address. I have good news in just 112 days its over, said the Republican from Bakersfield. We have listened and you have told us enough. House Republicans have other issues on their minds, namely preserving their majority in Congress, particularly with an unpopular nominee at the top of the GOP ticket. McCarthy is a powerhouse fundraiser and political strategist working on that goal. Together, by electing a Republican Congress, Donald Trump and Mike Pence, we can build a better America. Congress. Trump. In that order. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Donald Trumps most ardent supporters his kids set to address convention By Kurtis Lee (Patrick Semansky / Associated Press) Among Donald Trumps most trusted advisers are his children. And on Tuesday night, Donald Trump Jr. and Tiffany Trump are taking the stage at the Republican National Convention to address the nation, offering insights into the man who just became the official nominee of the Republican Party. Ivanka and Eric Trump are also set to speak at the convention later in the week. The elder Trump frequently boasts about his children on the campaign trail appreciation they plan to reciprocate in their convention addresses. These wont be typical child-of-candidate speeches, Donald Trump Jr., 38, told the Wall Street Journal. We will talk about him as a father, but I dont foresee a lot of the joking and the fluff we have grown so accustomed to from prior conventions. View Instagram post While the Republican nominee criss-crosses the country speaking to supporters, Donald Trump Jr., Eric and Ivanka run his real estate company. Ivanka Trump, 34, who will speak at the convention on Thursday night, has, according to her father, overseen the conversion of the Old Post Office building in Washington, D.C., into a high-end hotel. Its scheduled for completion this fall. Tiffany Trump, 22, the Republican nominees youngest daughter, recently graduated from the University of Pennsylvania where she majored in sociology and urban studies. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Why is it so hard for the Trump campaign to admit that Melania cribbed Michelle Obamas words? By Robin Abcarian We hold this truth to be self-evident, that Melania Trump borrowed thoughts and words from Michelle Obamas 2008 convention speech Monday night. No, wait. It is a truth universally acknowledged that when Melania Trump uttered words that sounded exactly like Michelle Obamas words, she didnt do her husband any favors. Hey, did I just plagiarize the Declaration of Independence and the opening sentence of Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice? Nope. Those words are so famous, so cliched even, that they dont need to be attributed because everyone knows who wrote them. But what about lifting less famous turns of phrase? What about what happened Monday night, after a guy named Jarrett Hill, who has a YouTube channel on home design, noticed that Melania Trumps convention speech sounded an awful lot like the one delivered by Michelle Obama in Denver in 2008? He noted that two passages in particular used parallel language to describe parallel thoughts. Did Melania Trump or her speechwriters do something wrong? Did borrowing Obamas words cross the line? Or was it all just an embarrassing coincidence? Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Watch: Top congressional leaders speaking at convention have one thing in mind: Keeping Congress in GOP control Three top congressional leaders addressed convention delegates Tuesday in prime time. They offered different messages, but all pushed a similar goal -- keeping Republicans in control of Congress. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy have less to worry about given large GOP majorities. But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells party is in real jeopardy of losing the chamber this fall. Listen to how each man framed the contest as a need to shore up their ranks. And consider the message Sen. Roger Wicker, who leads the Republican Senate campaign arm, telegraphed yesterday at the convention: When Donald Trump is elected president he will determine the future of the Supreme Court and he will lead our troops as commander in chief.... He and Vice President Mike Pence will need a Republican Senate to get that job done. Sen. Roger Wicker, who leads the National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, talks about how Donald Trump would work with Congress. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Its official: Trump will appear all four nights By Christina Bellantoni Donald Trump appeared briefly on screen to address convention delegates tonight, marking the second evening in a row hes been a presence at the party. He told the crowd hell join his vice presidential nominee Mike Pence Wednesday night, and of course hell formally give an acceptance speech Thursday night. That means convention-goers will get four nights of Trump in a row. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump sends message to GOP convention: We have to go all the way By Lisa Mascaro .@realDonaldTrump: "This is going to be a leadership... that puts the American people 1st." #RNCinCLE #gopconventionhttps://t.co/YSrHfP190b Fox News (@FoxNews) July 20, 2016 Donald Trump just cant stay away from his convention. From New York, he sent a video message Tuesday shortly after delegates delivered him the GOP nomination. Today has been a very, very special day, watching my children put me over the top, he said. Getting the partys nomination, Ill never forget it. Its something I will never, ever forget. But the convention in Cleveland is just the start, he said. This is a movement, but we have to go all the way. Most importantly were going to make America great again. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Senate GOP Leader McConnell warms to Trump, hits Hillary Clintons tortured relationship with the truth By Lisa Mascaro Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is known as a skilled tactician, if a cautious politician. But on Tuesday, the Kentucky Republican showed the punch he packs behind the Southern pleasantries and penchant for home-state bourbon. Ladies and gentlemen, Ive been around a while. And Ive been around the Clintons more than anybody should ever have to, McConnell opened. A couple years ago, Bill and Hillary camped out in my state telling anybody whod listen why they ought to vote against me, he said. Tonight Im here to return the favor. McConnell has long wanted the position he now holds as the Senate majority leader, and he once famously said his goal was to make President Obama a one-term president. Ive had my differences with Barack Obama, but l will give him this: At least he was upfront about his plans to move America to the left, he said. Not Hillary. Clinton, he said, has a tortured relationship with the truth. He said: I am here to tell you Hillary Clinton will say anything, do anything and be anything to get elected president. And we cannot allow it. McConnell was initially slow to warm to Donald Trump, but once it was clear Trump would become the nominee he cautiously embraced him. With Donald Trump in the White House, Senate Republicans will build on the work weve done, he said. Not McConnells first choice for the GOP nominee, but the one hes ready to negotiate with. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement As NRAs Chris Cox speaks, some context for U.S. deaths by firearm assault By Kyle Kim Chris Cox of the NRA went after Hillary Clinton as someone who would not protect the 2nd Amendment if she is elected president. He kept his remarks brief, focusing more on the type of Supreme Court justice Clinton would appoint than specific claims about gun violence. Heres some context for the topic. Violent gun deaths in the United States have hovered between 10,000 to 13,000 over the last 15 years. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Heres the shortlist of 11 conservative judges Trump said he could nominate to the Supreme Court By Christine Mai-Duc (Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press) In his speech before the convention Tuesday night, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell spoke of the importance of Republicans winning the White House in November, particularly as it relates to Supreme Court nominees. Let us put justices on the Supreme Court who cherish our Constitution, McConnell said. In May, Donald Trump released a list of 11 judges he might pick as Supreme Court nominees. They are: Steven Colloton: An Iowa judge appointed by President George W. Bush in 2003. He previously worked as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Iowa and was a clerk for former Chief Justice William Rehnquist. An Iowa judge appointed by President George W. Bush in 2003. He previously worked as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Iowa and was a clerk for former Chief Justice William Rehnquist. Allison Eid: A Colorado Supreme Court justice since 2006 and former solicitor general for the state of Colorado who clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas. A Colorado Supreme Court justice since 2006 and former solicitor general for the state of Colorado who clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas. Raymond Gruender: Appointed in 2004 to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit in Missouri by President George W. Bush. A former federal prosecutor in Missouri. Appointed in 2004 to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit in Missouri by President George W. Bush. A former federal prosecutor in Missouri. Thomas Hardiman: A federal judge on the 3rd Circuit of Pennsylvania who was appointed by Bush in 2003. Hardiman, the first in his family to attend college, graduated from Notre Dame University. A federal judge on the 3rd Circuit of Pennsylvania who was appointed by Bush in 2003. Hardiman, the first in his family to attend college, graduated from Notre Dame University. Raymond Kethledge: A Michigan federal appellate judge for the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. Appointed by Bush before his departure from office in 2008. Kethledge was previously in private practice and worked as a corporate attorney. A Michigan federal appellate judge for the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. Appointed by Bush before his departure from office in 2008. Kethledge was previously in private practice and worked as a corporate attorney. Joan Larsen: Sits on the Michigan Supreme Court and was a professor at the University of Michigan School of Law. She clerked for Justice Antonin Scalia, whose death has left a vacancy on the Supreme Court. Sits on the Michigan Supreme Court and was a professor at the University of Michigan School of Law. She clerked for Justice Antonin Scalia, whose death has left a vacancy on the Supreme Court. Thomas Lee: A justice on the Utah Supreme Court since 2010 and a former faculty member at Brigham Young University Law School. Son of former Reagan-era Solicitor Gen. Rex Lee and brother of Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah). A justice on the Utah Supreme Court since 2010 and a former faculty member at Brigham Young University Law School. Son of former Reagan-era Solicitor Gen. Rex Lee and brother of Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah). William Pryor: A Bush appointee to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Alabama. Took Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions place as state attorney general when he entered the Senate. A Bush appointee to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Alabama. Took Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions place as state attorney general when he entered the Senate. David Stras: A justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court since 2010. Previously worked as a legal scholar at the University of Minnesota Law School and clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas. Diane Sykes : A federal appellate judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th District, appointed by George W. Bush in 2004. A former Wisconsin Supreme Court justice. Don Willett: A justice on the Texas Supreme Court since 2005 who was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry. Willett has publicly mocked Trump on Twitter in recent months. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former U.S. Atty. Gen. Michael Mukasey has called for charges against Hillary Clinton By Javier Panzar U.S. Attorney General Mike Mukasey speaks at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC on April 23, 2008. Mukasey spoke on on combating the growing threat of international organized crime. (Nicholas Kamm / AFP / Getty Images) Former U.S. attorney general and Republican National Convention speaker Michael Mukasey has not been shy about criticizing Hillary Clinton. Last year, George W. Bushs former top lawyer said that if Hillary Clinton was convicted of destroying government records by erasing emails from her private server, she couldnt legally run for president. He eventually walked those comments back. But this year he wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal saying criminal charges against her were justified. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print House Speaker Paul Ryan announces tally for Trump Paul Ryan announces Trump has been selected as the GOP nominee #GOPConvention #RNCinCLE https://t.co/KjpeNheq0X https://t.co/1lQZ9dTw0L CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) July 20, 2016 House Speaker Paul D. Ryan announces the tally: 1,725 Trump 475 Cruz 120 Kasich 114 Rubio 7 Carson 3 Bush 2 Paul The chair announces that Donald J. Trump, having received a majority of these votes entitled to be cast at the convention, has been selected as the Republican Party nominee for president of the United States. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan as convention chair Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Mood uneven in convention hall as the GOP nominates Trump By Seema Mehta (Win McNamee / Getty Images) The mood was celebratory, but also subdued and uneven, around the Republican National Convention as Donald Trump became the partys official nominee Tuesday evening, a reflection of how divisive this years primary contest became. Keiko Orall of Massachusetts, an incoming member of the Republican National Committee, described the feeling as hopeful. People are really excited to do something different, she said. Orall said full acceptance of Trump by the GOP establishment was going to take some time, but predicted the party would be united in November because of the prospect of a Hillary Clinton presidency. Theres a binary choice, she said. And theres a long game in the Supreme Court. New Yorkers were jubilant as their vote pushed their native son over the 1,237 delegates needed to claim the nomination. Congratulations, Dad we love you! Donald Trump Jr. shouted as the band began playing New York, New York. Among some delegations, the mood was sour. When Ohio cast its 66 votes for its governor, John Kasich, some near the delegation booed and flashed their thumbs down. Many of its delegates left once Trump was named the nominee. Utahs state rules dictate that it can only vote for a candidate who is put into contention, yet tried to cast its 40 votes for Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. Delegates said they were informed only just before the vote that they could not cast their votes for Cruz, even though he won the states caucus decisively. Chris Herrod, a mortgage officer from Provo, said it felt like a ham-fisted push for party unity. Utahans have been slow to come around to Trump. Were trying to get behind Trump. We obviously dont want Hillary, Herrod said. But, he added: Its a lot harder when theres a spear at our back. He said several delegates had told him they wouldnt have spent the money to travel to the convention if they had known they would not be able to vote for Cruz. Im not a Never Trump person, he said. I just believe in the process. The Alaska delegation was displeased when party rules dictated that all their votes be given to Trump, and demanded a poll of its vote. Party leaders halted the dispute by saying Alaska was among the states that didnt allow votes to be cast for candidates who have dropped out of the race. Others appeared to have put their differences aside. As Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced his delegations votes, he called primary winner Cruz our dear friend and our favorite son as he announced he had won 104 votes, compared with 48 for Trump, whom Patrick described as our new friend and our latest adopted favorite son. The California delegation a 100% pro-Trump delegation since the state primary took place after the contest was decided was seated in the front row and among the most enthusiastic in the room. We are rock-solid for Trump, said Shirley Husar, a delegate from Pasadena who announced Californias vote. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Dana White said he wasnt a political guy. Now he is speaking at the RNC By Javier Panzar UFC President Dana White may seem like an unconventional choice to speak at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland: Just last December he told Yahoo Sports, Im not a political guy, at all, not a little bit. So what is he doing here? He told TMZ this week the speech will be about my relationship with Trump and the Trump that I know. That makes sense given that the nights theme is about the economy and that White has spoken about Trumps early support of the ultimate fighting league in the past. Donald Trump was the first one to have us come out at the Trump Taj Mahal, he told TMZ. Not only did we host the events there, but he actually showed up and supported the events. Youll never hear me say a negative thing about Donald Trump. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Get your groove on to the music of the Republican National Convention Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Mike Pence nominated for GOP vice president Some know Mike Pence as congressman. Others know him as governor. But back home, most call him Mike. Indiana Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb on Gov. Mike Pence as vice presidential nominee Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump tweets on becoming GOP presidential nominee Such a great honor to be the Republican Nominee for President of the United States. I will work hard and never let you down! AMERICA FIRST! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 19, 2016 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Alaska contests the way its votes were counted at RNC and roll call vote pauses House band plays while RNC polls Alaska delegates after the state said their vote was improperly recorded. #RNCinCLE Seema (@LATSeema) July 20, 2016 After a brief dust-up over the roll call votes of Alaska, Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus took the stage to explain the procedure. Initially, all of Alaskas delegates went to Donald Trump. However, Alaska state rules have a provision that notes that when a presidential candidate drops out, those delegates remain with that candidate. Alaskas vote would have been 12 Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, 11 Trump and five for Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. The discrepancy was eventually alleviated with all delegates going to Trump. Chairman of Alaska's Rep party said he doesn't know why 28 delegates went @realDonaldTrump but "it's going to be corrected in record" @ktva Emily Carlson (@emilyreporting) July 19, 2016 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Donald Trump Jr. announced the votes to send his dad over the top By Lisa Mascaro Donald Trump Jr. announces New York's votes, putting his father over the top #GOPConvention https://t.co/4eFzMqhZI3 https://t.co/eVhTTogNvU CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) July 19, 2016 I have the incredible honor of not only being a part of the ride thats been this election process and to watch, as a small fly on the wall, what my father has done in creating this movement because its not a campaign anymore, its a movement -- speaking to real Americans, giving them a voice again. Its my honor to be able to throw Donald Trump over the top in the delegate count tonight.... Congratulations, Dad, we love you. Donald J. Trump Jr. at GOP convention Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Rowdy protest outside RNC ends peacefully after police threaten arrests By James Queally (Marcus Ya In a statement on Wednesday, the UN chief congratulated Iran and the participants in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the first anniversary of the historic achievement and commended progress made so far, IRNA reported. On 20 July last year, the Council adopted resolution 2231 (2015), endorsing the JCPOA under which Iran pledged that it would not seek, develop or acquire nuclear weapons. The resolution called the deal a culmination of diplomatic efforts by Iran and the so-called E3+3 China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. In his statement, Ban Ki-moon said the JCPOA was a triumph of diplomacy for conflict resolution and prevention, and strengthened global norms for nuclear non-proliferation. Resolution 2231 (2015) heralded a fundamental shift in Irans relationship with the Security Council, and provided a defined time schedule for the removal of the Iran nuclear issue from the Councils agenda, the Secretary-General said. He also commended Iran for implementing its nuclear-related commitments, as verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency, while also applauding the steps taken by the European Union and the United States. One year on, I remain certain that the JCPOA is the best way to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Irans nuclear programme and to realize the great aspirations of the Iranian people, he said, calling for the agreement and resolution 2231 to be implemented in a comprehensive manner, based on mutual respect and mutual benefit. The UN Secretary General also hailed the United States and Europe for taking steps towards removing sanctions against the Islamic Republic. That would facilitate greater cooperation to achieve international peace and security, he said. A more restrained tone and an appeal to populism: 5 takeaways from Donald Trumps acceptance speech The balloons have dropped, the smiling family members have embraced, and Donald J. Trump has accepted the Republican nomination for the presidency. Here are our first impressions from Trumps 75-minute address. A tempered tone Trumps improbable run has been propelled by the aura of unpredictability; his seemingly improvised, and often outlandish, riffs at campaign rallies turned them into cable news staples. But Thursday night, Trump stuck largely to the teleprompter and deliberately veered away from potentially inflammatory moments. When audience members at one point began to protest Hillary Clinton by chanting the conventions most popular refrain Lock her up! he waved them off. Trump offered a milder alternative: Lets defeat her in November. But signature policies remain Trump revisited themes he has hit on for over a year, including building a wall on the Mexican border and pursuing populist trade policy. The unifying thread was America first the core theme of Trumps candidacy that calls for a rejection of globalization and a turning inward to prioritize Americas needs. The phrase was popularized by pre-World War II isolationists, notably Charles Lindbergh, and Trump has revived it, though he appears to have been unaware of its history when he first embraced it. Man of the people Trumps gilded lifestyle makes him an unlikely avatar for the everyman. But thats exactly how Trump positioned himself to viewers. He aligned himself with laid-off factory workers and residents of hollowed-out manufacturing towns the forgotten men and women of our country ... people who work hard but no longer have a voice. I am your voice! he declared more than once. This is one of the more remarkable aspects of the Trump phenomenon: In an election season defined by voters antipathy towards the elite, a billionaire with no qualms of flaunting his wealth has effectively channeled their alienation. Its bleak out there, America For four nights, convention speakers portrayed the U.S. as a grim dystopia: impoverished and ridden with violence. Trump doubled down on that desolate outlook, portraying himself as the only savior from continued hardship. Our convention occurs at a moment of crisis for our nation, Trump said at the outset of his remarks, mentioning recent upticks in crime rates and high-profile killings by immigrants in the country illegally. It all adds up to a country on the brink. Trump, billing himself as the law-and-order candidate, says he will save it. Such phrasing evocative of Richard Nixons 1968 presidential campaign is relatively new for Trump, as he seeks to capitalize on Americans anxieties over racial tensions and violence. A rebuke not just of Democrats, but also the GOP The villains of Trumps speech were unambiguous: Clinton and President Obama. But the address also contained an implicit rejection of President George W. Bush and the modern Republican Party. Trump bemoaned 15 years of wars in the Middle East started under Bush and supported by Trumps own running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, a congressman during the Bush years. Trump slammed trade deals championed by the partys business wing, which Pence also backed. And he made practically no mention of the social issues that galvanize the partys conservative base, such as opposition to abortion. On LGBT issues, he positioned himself to the left of the partys conservative base, making a point to mourn gay and lesbian victims of terrorist violence. As a Republican, it is so nice to hear you cheering for what I just said, he ad-libbed at the crowds positive response. He did thank evangelicals for their support, but his address contained little of the overt courting of social conservatives that have defined GOP presidential candidates in recent elections. The purge of thousands in the Turkish military in the aftermath of an attempted coup has not weakened the country's military, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday. "Turkey has a large armed force, professional armed forces and ... I am certain they will continue as a committed and strong NATO ally," Stoltenberg told Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of a meeting of defense officials from more than 30 countries involved in the coalition against Islamic State. Some 60,000 soldiers, police, judges, civil servants and teachers have been suspended or detained since the military coup attempt, increasing tension across the country of 80 million that borders Syria's chaos and is a Western ally against Islamic State. About a third of Turkey's roughly 360 serving generals have been detained since the failed coup on July 15. The armed forces last used force to stage a successful coup in Turkey more than 30 years ago, Reuters reported. On Wednesday, Dutch, German and Canadian foreign ministers expressed concern about the scale of the crackdown by Turkish authorities and called on Turkey to respect the rule of law. Stoltenberg said he expected Turkey's reaction to the coup attempt to be proportionate and in line with the values of NATO, adding that there were no talks to reconsider Turkey's membership in the military alliance. "It is important for all of us that Turkey continue to be a strong NATO ally because Turkey is on the border of all the instability, all the violence we have seen in Iraq and Syria," Stoltenberg said. Speaking with reporters after the defense ministers meeting at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the meeting focused on what happens after the defeat of Islamic State in terms of stabilization and reconstruction. Stoltenberg said there was a greater need to share intelligence in general within NATO and specifically in respect to the fight against the militant group Islamic State. "Partly we need ... to collect more intelligence and partly we need to have better routines, better mechanisms for sharing intelligence as soon as possible," Stoltenberg said. Political conventions traditionally feature exuberant and even intemperate rhetoric. But statements by speakers and delegates at the Republican National Convention pillorying Hillary Clinton as a criminal who ought to be locked up go way beyond pugnacious partisanship. The atmosphere at the convention in Cleveland this week at times has been reminiscent of a lynch mob. Take Mondays speech by retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who said the nation didnt need a president who believes she is above the law, a reference to Clintons use of a private email server as secretary of state. Fair enough, even though Flynn failed to add that the FBI and the Justice Department decided not to file criminal charges against Clinton. But then, responding to delegates shouts of Lock her up, Flynn shot back: Yeah, thats right, lock her up. A delegate from New Hampshire who advises the Trump campaign ... said in [an] interview that Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot for treason. Advertisement Another speaker joining the mob to call for Clintons imprisonment was Patricia Smith, whose son Sean was one of four Americans killed in the Benghazi attack. Responding to a sign in the audience, Smith extemporized: Thats right, Hillary for Prison. She deserves to be in stripes. On Tuesday New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, introducing himself as a former federal prosecutor, conducted a call-and-response session in which delegates whom he described as a jury of her peers pronounced Guilty! as he reeled off a litany of supposed Clinton offenses. That most of them had nothing to do with alleged criminal activity (one of the charges was ruining Libya) didnt make the exercise any less ugly. Nor did the fact that Christie didnt call for Clintons imprisonment. Some delegates nevertheless added chants of Lock her up! to the chorus while holding their wrists together to simulate handcuffs. It isnt just on the convention floor that Clintons critics are calling for her to be imprisoned or worse. On Tuesday a delegate from New Hampshire who advises the Trump campaign on veterans affairs said in a radio interview that Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot for treason. A pilot who doubles as a West Virginia legislator was suspended by United Airlines after he tweeted that Clinton should be tried for treason and then hung on the Mall in Washington, D.C. Donald Trump has encouraged this unhinged rhetoric by calling Clinton crooked Hillary and saying that she has to go to jail. The chorus of Lock her up doesnt put Clinton in any legal jeopardy, and it may not cost her the election. But it could hurt the country by making it harder for Republicans to work with her if she is elected even if they wanted to. How would they justify cooperating with someone their constituents have repeatedly been told is a criminal? Its not out of bounds to question a candidates character, and Clintons clearly is an issue in this campaign. But when one political party characterizes the candidate of the other as not just wrong but corrupt and criminal, the toxic effects are likely to linger long after Inauguration Day. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook For reasons which should have been obvious, it was inappropriate for UC Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi to accept a $70,000-a-year appointment to the board of directors of DeVry Education Group, a for-profit school that was under federal investigation for duping students about their job and income prospects. For this and other possible violations of university policy, Katehi is on administrative leave. But another one of her paid gigs with the textbook company John Wiley & Sons has raised questions as well. What is the chancellor of a public university doing working for a company that profits from selling textbooks to students? Doesnt that raise, at the very least, a perception of a conflict of interest that could harm the universitys reputation? How does UC Davis benefit from having Katehi on that particular board (for which she earned $420,000 over three years, according to the Sacramento Bee)? Sitting on the textbook companys board did not violate university policy, but it should have. The UC Board of Regents has a chance to fix this flaw Thursday when it considers adopting stricter rules for top university officials sitting on outside boards. Advertisement UC President Janet Napolitano is recommending a revised policy that would reduce the number of allowed compensated board seats from three to two and require an extra layer of approval so that the president or other top university officials would not be blindsided by a chancellor or other top officials extracurricular activities. The official seeking permission to sit on a board, whether paid or not, would also have to explain how doing so would benefit the university. Napolitanos suggestions are fine, as far as they go, but they dont fully address two big concerns. One is that when a senior UC administrator takes a second job, that takes time away from the important full-time responsibility of running a university. Merely going down from three boards to two may not solve the problem. Do chancellors really need an extra $12,500 or $30,000 or even $100,000 a year? The other concern is that board positions may directly conflict with the interests of the public. The rules should explicitly forbid top officials from getting paid to sit on boards of companies that do business with the university. Even if there is no immediate conflict (Katehi, for example, didnt make decisions on the purchase of textbooks), how can the public completely trust the motives of a university official who is receiving a paycheck or stock options from a company that profits from the UCs? Also, the rules must apply to all senior managers, not just those hired in the future. Some critics wonder whether UC chancellors or other top university officials ought to sit on compensated boards at all. Their full-time, taxpayer-paid jobs at the university are demanding enough, and they are well paid for them (Katehi, for instance, earned $424,360 per year as chancellor). Do chancellors really need an extra $12,500 or $30,000 or even $100,000 a year? Maybe not, but Napolitano maintains that board positions paid or not can benefit the university by helping create relationships with business and professional leaders that can lead to financial support, partnerships and affiliations. Also, she says, the time commitment will be weighed when approval for a outside job is requested. It is true that there is a potential benefit to the UCs in having its top officials exposed to business leaders and philanthropists. In fact, many UC senior officials are quite accomplished or renowned in their respective fields, and have much knowledge to offer to corporations and nonprofits. It would be foolish to cut them off completely when theres no conflict. But there must a clear line when it comes to potential or even perceived conflict. Without that, a new policy would be little more than window dressing. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook As a policy advisor to the Donald Trump campaign, I frequently get asked whether he is serious about imposing a 45% tariff on Chinese imports. Skeptics cry protectionism and warn of a trade war. Lets set the record straight. Trump will impose countervailing tariffs not just on China, but on any American trade partner that cheats on its trade deals using practices such as currency manipulation and illegal export subsidies. Such tariffs are not protectionist but rather defensive and consistent with actions taken by American presidents from George Washington to Ronald Reagan. Indeed, one of the first bills Washington signed was a tariff, which Alexander Hamilton justified as a necessary defense against a mercantilist Europe. Is a 45% tariff too high? When Japan flooded global markets with underpriced computer chips in the late 1980s, Reagan slapped a 100% tariff on semiconductors, plus high-end computers and TVs. The total tariffs were based on the economic injury suffered by the U.S. semiconductor industry as result of Japans cheating on a trade agreement. This is the kind of flexible case-by-case approach that a Trump White House, Treasury Department, Department of Commerce, and U.S. trade representative would use. Advertisement Still, Trumps suggestion of a 45% tariff on Chinese imports would, by my calculations, be an appropriate level. More than 10 years ago, I began analyzing exactly how Chinas state-run industries significantly undercut foreign manufacturers and found that lower labor costs accounted for only 39% of Chinas price advantage. Five other unfair trade practices the aforementioned illegal export subsidies and currency manipulation along with intellectual property theft and lax worker safety and environmental regulations are the bigger story. For example, Chinas central bank keeps the yuan undervalued, thereby over-stimulating their exports while discouraging U.S. exports to China. Such blatant currency manipulation contributes significantly to a $365-billion trade deficit last year with China that would not exist in a freely floating exchange rate world. Similarly, when China simply steals the intellectual property behind U.S. technology and avoids incurring substantial research and development costs it gains a huge advantage in key industries like autos, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Likewise, when Chinese companies evade the environmental and worker safety costs imposed on American industry, made-in-China stuff can get even cheaper. China has been waging an undeclared trade war on the U.S. since joining the World Trade Organization in 2001. When I added up the effects of such practices in China in 2006, they accounted for 43.7% of the artificially low price of Chinese manufactured goods almost exactly the amount of Trumps proposed tariffs. In the decade since my study was conducted, Chinas cheating has only worsened and become more institutionalized. For example, the bipartisan Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property in 2013 estimated that the U.S. loses more than $300 billion a year to intellectual property theft and blames China for 50% to 80% of the problem. The Peterson Institute for International Economics in 2012 attributed half or more of excess U.S. unemployment to currency manipulation and identified China as by far, the largest currency manipulator. Since 2009, the U.S. trade representative has taken 13 cases against China to the World Trade Organization. The most recent, filed just last week, targeted illegal export duties on raw materials like copper, lead and and tin. Meanwhile, the unfair trade advantages China reaps from lax environmental and health and safety regulations are written in blood: More than 60,000 Chinese workers perished in workplace accidents in 2014 and up to a half-million people die prematurely because of Chinas horrific air pollution. China has been waging an undeclared trade war on the U.S. since joining the World Trade Organization in 2001. The casualties are obvious: More than 50,000 American factories shuttered. Zero gains in real household median income. Our annual GDP growth rate cut almost in half since 2001 compared with the last half of the 20th century. For Trump, steep tariffs are a strategic negotiating strategy to stop China, or any other country, from cheating on international trade deals. His broader goal is to eliminate our massive trade deficit, jumpstart GDP growth and create millions of new jobs. That in turn will boost income levels and generate the tax revenues necessary to pay for the infrastructure, social services, and defense needs of the greatest nation in the world. Peter Navarro is an economics professor at the UC Irvine business school and the author of Crouching Tiger: What Chinas Militarism Means for the World. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Extract and burn more coal. Open public space and the seas to oil exploration. Turn federal lands and environmental regulation over to the states and convert the federal Environmental Protection Agency into an independent bipartisan commission, similar to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with structural safeguards against politicized science. Theres more, but thats the gist of the Republicans 2016 campaign platform on environmental and energy issues. The good news? Party platforms seldom translate into successful legislative agendas. But GOP nominee Donald J. Trump has already backed an aggressively bad environmental agenda (he once said climate change was a China-created hoax). If a Trump administration and a Congress controlled by climate change-denying Republicans adopt this plan as the nations new approach to the environment, well be living in a much smoggier and warmer country, and one in which generations of public stewardship of open lands would end. (The draft Democratic Party platform takes a more realistic view of the environmental crisis facing the world.) The platforms outlook is basically jobs ahead of environment, which has long been the tough balance to strike. Coal mining jobs are important, but not more important than preserving a habitable planet. The oil industry is huge and has been an engine of prosperity for the nation. But burning that oil is one of the leading contributors to global warming. We need to smartly and humanely transition those core industries to more sustainable and less-polluting energy sources. Advertisement In other words, scientific consensus is out, and quackery is in. Thats not the focus of the platform, though which describes coal, the worst of the energy-producing polluters, as a clean source of energy. And the platform is skeptical about climate change despite overwhelming agreement by scientists that the world is getting warmer, sea levels are rising, local environments are changing and plants and animals face dire threats all as a result of decades of human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels for industrial production, electrical power and transportation. According to the platform, the party would renege on the Paris climate accord, under which nearly every nation in the world agreed a few months ago to take steps to try to curtail global warming. It also dismisses the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which was instrumental in establishing the Paris agreement, as a political mechanism, not an unbiased scientific institution. The Republicans evidence? Its unreliability is reflected in its intolerance toward scientists and others who dissent from its orthodoxy. In other words, scientific consensus is out, and quackery is in. Its not a unanimously held concept by the GOP, though. Many Republicans believe in the science, and worry about the effects, according to polling. And a group of conservatives and free-marketers the Partnership for Responsible Growth has been lobbying Republicans to recognize the science on climate change, and to resist the calls to open national parks to drilling and other extractive practices, and for private development. In a sense, the party is re-engaging a political fight from the early years of the parks system. But they face an uphill climb with the party leadership, and Republican members of Congress yet another issue to keep in mind as this campaign progresses. Scott.Martelle@LATimes.com Follow my posts and re-tweets at @smartelle on Twitter Turkeys three-month state of emergency following a deadly coup attempt could end in one or one and a half months, the countrys deputy prime minister has said. "Our aim is to keep the state of emergency as short as possible," Numan Kurtulmus told reporters in Ankara on Thursday, Anadolu Agency rported. "Hopefully, we [will] finish our jobs in one or one and a half months without the need for three months and complete this process by taking necessary steps and Turkey will return to normal," Kurtulmus said, adding that the coup attempt had been repelled. Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag echoed Kurtulmuss comments, saying it does not require three months to take the necessary measures to bring those responsible to justice. "We set three months, but we don't have to complete these three months. We aim to take steps, do what we should do, and lift the state of emergency before the time runs out", Bozdag said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced late Wednesday a nationwide three-month state of emergency after Friday's failed coup. Turkey's government has said the attempted coup was organized by followers of U.S.-based cleric Fetullah Gulen, who is accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through infiltrating into Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary, forming a parallel state. The deadly coup attempt began late on Friday when rogue elements of the Turkish military tried to overthrow the country's democratically elected government. At least 246 people, including members of the security forces and civilians, were martyred during the failed putsch and more than 1,500 others were wounded as they protested against it. Mike Pence, Donald Trumps choice for vice president, did exactly what a running mate is supposed to do Wednesday: He delivered the most coherent pitch anyone has given for the Republican ticket all year. Pence was chosen precisely because hes a calm, conventional, almost colorless conservative but all those mild attributes turned out to be assets at a convention thats been dominated by hyperbole and discord. Pence served up plenty of attack lines against Hillary Clinton and the Democrats, but he leavened them with a dose of Midwestern folksiness that was reminiscent yes, Im going to say it of Ronald Reagan. Advertisement They tell us this economy is the best that we can do, Pence said. Its nowhere near the best that we can do; its just the best that they can do. (Reagan, vintage 1980.) Thats no accident; Pence got into politics in the 1980s as a follower of Reagan. In recent days, hes even professed that Trump reminds [him] of Reagan, an optimistic comparison that should probably be chalked up to the flush of enthusiasm of being picked for a big job. In short, Pence exceeded the low expectations that his mild demeanor engendered. Unfortunately for him, his star turn came amid the rolling chaos of the Trump campaign. Television coverage of the convention was dominated Wednesday by Trump delegates furious booing of Ted Cruz, who gave a speech that pointedly did not endorse the GOP presidential candidate. And Trump himself stepped on Pences show by giving an interview to the New York Times saying he might not defend the Baltic states if Russia invaded, even though the United States has promised to defend them as members of NATO. So not a perfect night for Mike Pence, but still a good one. If the ticket hes on doesnt win this year, he secured his place on the early list of GOP prospects for 2020. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook To the editor: As a lawyer, and with all due respect to Erwin Chemerinsky, I vehemently disagree with his position that it was appropriate for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to voice her negative opinion of Donald Trump. (Ruth Bader Ginsburg has nothing to apologize for in her criticism of Donald Trump, Opinion, July 18) The basis of the separation of powers under our Constitution is so that each branch of our government provides a check and balance. Justices are akin to referees, and imagine if referees were to state their personal preferences before any sporting event. Opinions after adjudication are understandable, but offering opinions as an attempt to influence the outcome makes one a participant. A justice offering her personal opinion is inconsistent with the ethics applied to the judicial system (if not specifically to the Supreme Court), and wisely, Ginsburg has expressed regret for criticizing Trump. Advertisement Ginsburg disagrees with Chemerinsky, and I am pleased to be in agreement with her rather than him. Jean-Claude Demirdjian, Los Angeles .. To the editor: A sincere thank you to Chemerinsky for defending Ginsburg. The Trump campaign is truly terrifying in its wielding of irrational, insulting language as a dangerous weapon. Associating Ginsburgs remarks with Trumps blindness to the importance of fascist symbolism helped me to understand why I wake up each day more anxious about the future. This general madness, which clearly distressed Ginsburg, has infected the constitutional process. A sitting president has been denied his right to nominate a Supreme Court judge. Where are the precedents? John Adams, after the tumultuous 1800 presidential reelection campaign that he lost, nominated John Marshall to the bench just before he left office. The Senate quickly confirmed Marshall as chief justice. And, yes, my family too now wonders aloud about moving to New Zealand. Lynne Culp, Van Nuys .. To the editor: Chemerinsky misses the point. Ginsburgs comments were unprofessional and, dare I say, unethical to the extreme. We as citizens expect our justices to set aside their personal biases. Ginsburg does not get a free pass just because of who she is. This is elitism at its worst. On the other hand, if she wants to publicly make a personal statement as citizen Ginsburg, there are other avenues available to her. Thomas G. Page, Los Osos, Calif. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Hours before he accepted the Republican presidential nomination Thursday, Donald Trump faced fierce international criticism for suggesting his administration might not defend NATO allies in Eastern Europe and might not speak out for human rights abroad. A day that Trumps team had hoped would celebrate his improbable triumph in the GOP instead shifted to concerns he would upend a network of U.S. security guarantees put in place after World War II and embraced or expanded by every president since. Trumps startling comments in an interview with the New York Times drew a swift and furious reaction from foreign diplomats as well as the GOP foreign policy establishment. Advertisement The transatlantic alliance indirectly rebuked Trump for suggesting the U.S. might not defend a member state under attack, a growing concern for Poland, the three Baltic states and other NATO nations fearful of Russian aggression since its 2014 incursion in Ukraine. In a statement from Brussels, the nearly-70-year-old organization said that solidarity was a key value of the 28-nation military alliance and noted that troops from member states had served alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan and elsewhere. In recent months, Trump has repeatedly kicked at cornerstones of U.S. foreign policy. Many of his recent critiques have centered on whether alliances credited with maintaining peace in postwar Europe and containing a bellicose North Korea are too expensive. He went further in the latest interview, however. Asked whether the three tiny Baltic nations Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia and other NATO allies could count on the U.S. pledge to defend them if Russia attacks, Trump said it would depend on whether the country had met its financial obligations. Have they fulfilled their obligations to us? he said. If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes. He was reluctant to criticize mass arrests of thousands of judges, teachers, military officers and others by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan since Fridays failed coup attempt against him. The European Union and Secretary of State John F. Kerry have urged Turkey to honor the rule of law and democratic values, but Trump suggested that such advice, coming from America, was out of line. Right now when it comes to civil liberties, our country has a lot of problems, and I think its very hard for us to get involved in other countries when we dont know what we are doing and we cant see straight in our own country, he told the newspaper. Trump also questioned anew the deployment of U.S. troops in South Korea and Japan to deter the North Korean threat and to counter Chinas regional expansion in the South China Sea. Campaign manager Paul Manafort initially suggested Trump had been misquoted, but a transcript released by the newspaper matched quotations attributed to the candidate. His son Eric Trump then mounted a staunch defense of the candidates comments. But he left it unclear whether his father might break treaty commitments to allies that fail to pay their share for defense. Right now, we subsidize the vast majority of NATO how is that fair? he told CBS News. You have countries that are part of NATO and who dont pay anything or pay very, very little. The foreign policy flap drew a scathing rebuke from the campaign of Hillary Clinton, Trumps Democratic rival. It is fair to assume that Vladimir Putin is rooting for a Trump presidency, said Jake Sullivan, a senior Clinton policy advisor. He suggested Trump has a bizarre and occasionally obsequious fascination with Russias strongman. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was more forgiving. I am willing to kind of chalk it up to a rookie mistake, he tweeted. Foreign officials and governments generally have been circumspect about Trumps campaign pronouncements to avoid the appearance of meddling in U.S. domestic politics. Some ended their public silence Thursday, however. Solidarity among allies is a key value for NATO, alliance Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement. This is good for European security and good for U.S. security. We defend one another. Wesley Clark, NATOs supreme allied commander in the late 1990s, said Trumps statements [play] into Putins hands. [They undercut] the resolve of all the allies to remain faithful to the alliance. Whats at stake, Clark said, is how strongly Europe can fight Russian economic corruption, whether European nations will stand with the U.S. in resisting Chinas use of the South China Sea, and even the strength of the European Union. Trump will say to Putin, Lets be friends. And Putin will respond, Donald, I agree, lets be friends. You are being used by these people in Eastern Europe. They are quarrelsome. We know these people. Lets shake on it. It is called Yalta 2. It will be the end of the European Union and the collapse of the U.S.s largest trading partner. Estonias president Toomas Hendrik Ilves, without referring to Trump by name, quickly tweeted that his nation is equally committed to all our NATO allies, regardless of who they may be. Thats what makes them allies. Ilves wrote that Estonian troops had fought with no caveats alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan, where the post-Sept. 11 invasion marked the first invoking of a treaty article under which an attack on one member state is considered an attack on all. Latvias foreign minister, in Washington for meetings on confronting the threat from Islamic State, said we in Latvia honor all NATO commitments and hope and expect our NATO allies to do the same. The minister, Edgars Rinkevics, said that by 2018, the Baltic state would meet a recommended NATO threshold for spending 2% of its gross domestic product on defense. We do our part, he said in a telephone interview. We take our commitments seriously, and expect that other nations will do so as well. Policy experts from across the political spectrum were flummoxed by Trumps comments, with many calling his views incoherent. Mr. Trump clearly doesnt understand what the word treaty means, because a treaty means you have an obligation to those countries, said Danielle Pletka, a senior vice president at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank in Washington. Retired Gen. Wesley Clark, a former supreme allied commander in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, said Trumps stance undercuts NATOs deterrent in Europe and showed a fundamental misunderstanding of how the alliance works. Some foreign policy experts branded Trumps comments as an attempt, in effect, to monetize American defense obligations. Trump sees alliances as revenue-generating service, tweeted Vali Nasr, dean of Johns Hopkins Universitys School of Advanced International Studies. Trump was turning U.S. foreign policy on its head, he wrote. Daniel Drezner, a professor of international politics at Tufts University, sarcastically posited that Trump could be right that the Korean peninsula might well be unified if not for the presence of U.S. troops unified, he said, under control of the North. If you know anything about foreign policy, you cant read that interview and not be terrified, Drezner said. The controversy comes days after Trumps surrogates reportedly intervened to help rewrite a portion of the GOP platform in Cleveland to eliminate references to arming Ukraine in its fight with Russia. Manafort, Trumps campaign manager, had worked as a campaign consultant for the now-ousted pro-Moscow president in Ukraine before Russia seized the Crimean peninsula in 2014 and provided support for armed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Manafort was asked about the GOP position in Ukraine at a news conference in Cleveland, but he deflected the question, saying only that the world needs a strong U.S. presence. Charlie Black, a longtime Republican strategist, said the change was most unusual. Virtually every Republican in Congress voted to provide defensive arms to Ukraine and they still support it, said Black, now chairman of Prime Policy Group, a government relations firm. This puts the platform on the side of the Obama administration and its weak response to Russian aggression in Ukraine. Times staff writers Michael Finnegan in Cleveland and Ralph Vartabedian in Los Angeles contributed to this report. laura.king@latimes.com tracy.wilkinson@latimes.com ALSO Donald Trump brags about bringing in voters. He doesnt mention the ones he might be chasing away Can past speeches predict what Donald Trump will say tonight? Trump will paint a grim portrait of the U.S. and cast himself as its only savior in GOP acceptance speech UPDATES: 5:35 p.m.: This story was updated with comments from Wesley Clark, former supreme allied commander of NATO. This story was originally published at 7:35 a.m. As Ted Cruz thanked hundreds of supporters Wednesday for helping him beat all but one contender in the GOP primary, Donald Trumps jet roared over the river in the background. The crowd booed, and moments later, they started chanting at Cruz: 2020! 2020! 2020! Many of them said they hoped that the groundwork that Cruz had built during his campaign will form a glide-path for the Texas senator to win the nomination next time. Cruz, a staunchly conservative Texas senator, did nothing to dissuade them. Advertisement We need leaders for the working men and women of this country. I dont know what the future holds, he said, accompanied by his wife, Heidi. What I do know is from the very first days of this nation, God has blessed the United States of America, and I am convinced God is not done with this country. A man in the crowd cried out, Gods not done with you! Hours later, Cruz was booed after he did not endorse Trump during a speech at the Republican National Convention. Please, dont stay home in November, he said. If you love our country and if you love your children as much as I know you do, stand, and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution. Delegates chanted at him to endorse Trump. Instead, the phrase vote your conscience, which echoed a slogan used by anti-Trump delegates, appeared to infuriate the crowd. The lack of endorsement by Cruz, who mentioned Trumps name only once, was not surprising, however. Trump and Cruz initially got along, but as the primary race narrowed, they grew increasingly vicious toward each other. Trump dubbed Cruz Lyin Ted, mocked his wifes appearance and falsely insinuated that the senators father might have been involved in the assassination of President Kennedy. By the end of the primary, Cruz was calling Trump utterly amoral, a pathological liar, a serial philanderer and a narcissist at a level I dont think this countrys ever seen. Cruz ended his bid after losing the Indiana primary in May, but as recently as this week said he was uncertain about whether he would endorse Trump. I am where a great many voters are, which is that I am listening and watching and coming to a decision, he told Politico. Some conservatives and some of his supporters said it was time for Cruz to endorse Trump to help defeat presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Im hoping hell say something that will give all of the die-hard, even the Never Trumpers, a reason to come along with the party and support our nominee, said Jeanne Congdon, a Cruz delegate and retiree from Seattle. FULL COVERAGE: Republican National Convention But for many of Cruzs supporters, the wounds remain fresh, as seen during the nomination roll call Tuesday. I think we passed over the best possible choice in Ted Cruz, said Steve Johnson, a construction worker from Cheyenne, Wyo., wearing a Cowboys for Cruz shirt. Im just so totally disappointed in America. Although he finished second, Cruz did notch some notable victories. Hes the closest second-place GOP primary finisher in decades, winning nearly 8 million votes, 12 states and about 600 delegates; raising 1.8 million donations and amassing 326,000 volunteers. His supporters hope these efforts will be parlayed into a future nomination, and point to Ronald Reagans 1976 second-place finish and 1980 nomination as a model. There are a lot of parallels, said Nathan Dahlin, 31, of Portland, Ore. Theres a change going on in the party. Back in 1976, Gerald Ford was kind of the Republican establishment of the party and Ronald Reagan was the conservative upstart. seema.mehta@latimes.com For the latest on national and California politics, follow @LATSeema on Twitter. ALSO Republican convention dissolves into boos as Ted Cruz withholds endorsement of bitter rival Donald Trump 17 arrested at flag-burning protest outside RNC; observers dispute police account Tonights convention theme is Make America First Again. Here are some areas where America already is first UPDATES: 7:25 p.m.: The story was updated with quotes from Cruzs speech at the Republican convention. The story was first published at 3 a.m. Among Donald Trumps proudest boasts is his claim to have brought millions of new voters into the Republican Party. Part of his strength, his son Donald Trump Jr. said in Cleveland, is his ability to speak to people who arent necessarily the traditional Republican voters. Actual workers like the people who put up sheetrock in Trumps buildings those are the guys who are going to vote for us because were speaking with them, were not speaking at them, were not lecturing them, the younger Trump said. Advertisement But many party leaders fear Trump has embarked on a zero-sum game: For every new voter he pulls in, they worry, he may chase away an existing Republican. The question is whether we can keep the party growing, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan told reporters this week at a session hosted by the Wall Street Journal. Are we adding, or just adding and subtracting? The answer to that question likely will go a long way toward determining the winner of Novembers presidential election. Thats because Republicans have struggled in recent presidential contests to overcome the brutal math of a shrinking voter base. Democrats consistently win big among the nations growing minority populations African American, Latino and Asian American. To compete, Republicans need ever larger margins among whites. In Florida, for example virtually a must-win for the GOP Latino voters made up 17% of the electorate four years ago, when President Obama narrowly carried the state. Theyre likely to be 19% this year, said David Wasserman of the Cook Political Report. That may sound like a small amount, but in a state where the winning margin is often a fraction of a point, it could make a huge difference. Thats part of the reason that strategists in both parties believe that winning Florida will be very difficult for Trump, said GOP pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson. One way out of the GOPs demographic cul-de-sac would be to strengthen the partys appeal to some minority groups, particularly Latinos. GOP officials advocated that path in their so-called autopsy report after Mitt Romneys loss in the 2012 election. But when Republican leaders in Congress tried to pursue it in 2013 by backing a compromise with Democrats over immigration, a critical issue for many Latinos, GOP voters revolted, forcing their leaders to back down. Watch: Day Three of the Republican National Convention in less than 3 minutes. More convention coverage at latimes.com/trailguide. Trump has adopted a very different approach. His strategists argue that a large pool of blue-collar white voters skipped the elections in 2008 and 2012 because the party had ignored them, pushing an agenda tilted toward the more affluent. The party can prevail by motivating those voters to come to the polls, they say. The Republican Party was veering very close to becoming the party of the elites over the past couple of election cycles, said Kellyanne Conway, a senior advisor to Trumps campaign. Donald Trump has made it the party of the worker with his advocacy of tougher trade policies, opposition to illegal immigration and embrace of blue-collar values, Conway said. That will put some states into play that Democrats have consistently won in recent elections, she said, citing places like Pennsylvania, Michigan and, perhaps, Wisconsin. But flipping states is possible only if Trump can bring in new voters without alienating existing ones. So far, he appears to be pushing some voters away at nearly the same pace he attracts others, pollsters in both parties say. The critical divide in the GOP the one Trump must find a way to bridge runs along lines of education and social class. Among white voters without a college degree, Trump does better in many polls than Mitt Romney did four years ago. But Trump does much worse among those with college degrees. The GOP has carried the group in every election going back at least to the 1950s, but Trump is losing it, according to most surveys. In the USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times Daybreak tracking poll of the election, for example, Trump was leading Hillary Clinton 55% to 26% among white voters without college degrees as of Wednesday. But among whites with college degrees, Clinton led 44% to 39%. Overall, the poll had the two candidates tied. Democrats concede that Trump will take some blue-collar white voters away from them in places like southwestern Pennsylvania, northeastern Ohio and similar regions across the nations industrial belt. But they believe they will make up the gap by attracting college-educated voters in places like the suburbs of Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Atlanta evening up the score in the industrial states while making some Sun Belt states, including Georgia, winnable for them. Many Republican strategists fear the Democrats are right. Republicans risk a big tradeoff, said Soltis Anderson. The risk for Trump is that the issues, style and approach that appeal so strongly to blue-collar voters are often precisely those that alienate college-educated ones. One huge piece of the problem is the feeling that Trump is racially divisive, Soltis Anderson said. College-educated voters, especially, cite that concern, she said. Another source of division involves voters outlook on a rapidly changing world. For all of these big, exciting changes in society over the past couple of decades the greater racial and ethnic diversity, the rapid changes in technology and the labor force there are winners and losers, she said. People who have a college degree most often feel like theyre on the winning side; Trump has pitched his appeal to those who feel left out or threatened. Yet another part of the problem is one of style, said Chris Wilson, a Republican strategist and pollster for Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. The schoolyard taunts and macho rhetoric of Trumps campaign turn off college-educated voters, he said. So, too, does the black-and-white certainty with which Trump views the world. Election 2016 | Live coverage on Trail Guide | Sign up for the newsletter Part of that disconnect surfaced in a brief exchange Wednesday between Donald Trump Jr. and a voter a self-described recovering Republican who said he was trying to decide which candidate to vote for. The voter, Reed Benet, a venture capitalist and former Marine Corps officer from Birmingham, Mich., asked the younger Trump to talk about how his father responded when someone told him he had made a mistake and what lessons he took from mistakes. The younger Trump avoided a direct answer, saying that his father always sought advice before making decisions but that I havent often seen him be wrong. That was precisely the wrong answer for Benet, who said afterward that he was more convinced than ever that the elder Trump does not acknowledge the worlds complexity. For now, although he agrees with Trump on several major issues, Benet said he planned to vote for Hillary Clinton. Being a liar is not a disqualifying event for president of the United States, he said. I feel terrible saying that. David.Lauter@latimes.com For more on Politics and Policy, follow me @DavidLauter ALSO The revolution may be delayed: A reporters diary from outside the GOP convention Trumps campaign chair says a President Trump wouldnt renege on NATO treaty if Russia attacks allies Ohio Gov. John Kasich is everywhere (except the convention), condemning Donald Trump (without naming him) You see him here. You see him there. You just dont see Ohio Gov. John Kasich inside the GOP convention hall. The Republican governor has notably taken a pass on appearing at the convention in his home state, turning down what should be a prominent role because of his long-standing objection to Donald Trumps candidacy. But that doesnt mean Kasich, one of the last Republican presidential candidates to get crushed by Trumps party takeover, is absent. Hes ubiquitous: at hotels speaking to state delegations, a banquet hall with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame gabbing with Chris Matthews on MSNBC. Advertisement Kasich is holding a shadow convention, just outside the thick security perimeter of the real one in downtown Cleveland. While speakers inside the convention hall place mock handcuffs on Hillary Clinton and cheer at the dream of a Mexican border wall, Kasich stands behind a Lucite lectern at a staid downtown think tank, quoting Scripture and telling men in suits about Americas obligation to lead the world. Hes doing his best not to name Trump. But hes lodged plenty of backhanded insults, some more subtle than others. As Trump was celebrating his partys official nomination Tuesday night, Kasich held a party down the street at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. When he finished speaking, a song blared: Wont Get Fooled Again. Trumps campaign has fired back; its chairman this week called Kasichs absence embarrassing. To Republican delegates and activists, especially those supporting Trump, its all a bit baffling. Hes a good man and a bad host, said Bobby Kalotee, a county GOP official from New York who was chatting with fellow politicos at a downtown hotel lobby. You do not invite guests to your home and not be at your home. Gregory Peterson, a New York delegate, called the behavior childish and petulant. In politics, winning counts, he said. After youve lost, thats a test of character. Youve got to be a big boy now. Those who know Kasich say its not surprising; he likes defying the crowd and may still be thinking about running for president again. Kasich, who declined questions at an event and an interview request submitted to his staff, insists the snub is not personal. He has yet to endorse Trump and said that will not change unless he sees evidence of a genuine conversion from the brash candidate. Im not here to disrupt. Im not here to criticize, he said in the MSNBC interview. Im just here because Im standing on the things that I believe are best for the country. Im just here because Im standing on the things that I believe are best for the country. Gov. John Kasich to MSNBC The terrible thing is Americans are faced increasingly, I hear from people with no choice, he added. They are not keen on Trump and they dont like Hillary either. Its a vexing situation. Asked to give those Americans some advice, Kasich said he had none. During his appearance at the International Republican Institute think tank this week, Kasich spent 15 minutes praising globalism, free trade, immigration expansion, cooperation with European allies and supporting emerging democracies around the world, all issues on which he disagrees with Trump. Then he described a world very much like the one Trump has often described, with stronger barriers between nations and less U.S. involvement in other countries affairs. What does that stew look like? Kasich asked derisively. Im very worried about it. We think NATO doesnt matter? he said at another point, as if holding an imaginary debate with Trump, who has called the alliance outdated. He made an oblique reference to the Republican convention, teasing a member of the audience who expressed support for the recent vote by Britons to leave the European Union. Youre happy with Brexit? You sure youre at IRI and not the other one? he asked, referring to Trumps convention. The appearances in Cleveland this week are in line with Kasichs presidential run. He did not have the money for a big organization or the crowds needed for big rallies. Instead he held town halls, everywhere, telling voters to embrace their higher purpose and giving out hugs to people who told him they were hurting. In a race dominated by Trumps dark vision of an America that was losing, Kasich stood out, both for his optimism and his embrace of government solutions to problems. The small crowds liked Kasich, but the voters chose Trump. If Kasich wants to run for president again, he is taking a gamble. Ohio is a key swing state, and some in the party may harbor resentment if they believe Kasich is damaging Trumps campaign. Other Republicans could rally to him for sticking to principle, particularly if Trump loses. John Kasich has a history of charting a unique course and hes somewhat impervious to being pushed around by party elders and lobbyists and people like that, said Curt Steiner, a veteran political consultant and friend who supported Kasichs presidential run. So far, Kasich is not paying a political price in his home state, because the party remains so divided, said Jim Nathanson, another Ohio-based GOP consultant. That could change, closer to November. As the party slowly galvanizes behind Trump, there will be more pressure on him, Nathanson said. How will Kasich respond? I never, ever try to guess what Johns going to do, Steiner said. noah.bierman@latimes.com Twitter: @noahbierman ALSO Republican convention dissolves into boos as Ted Cruz withholds endorsement of bitter rival Donald Trump Trump echoes Nixon 1968 on law and order, a risky bet in a more racially diverse nation At a surreal GOP convention, Mike Pence brings proceedings back to earth Alex Triantafilou, the Republican Party chairman of Hamilton County, Ohio, took a break in his very busy schedule to talk about the convention. Operating on about four hours of sleep Parties that start at 11 p.m.! he was on his way to the Quicken Loans Convention Center after attending a reception at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. There hed chatted with Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who earned a reprimand from Donald Trumps campaign chairman this week for refusing to attend the Republican National Convention. Advertisement (A short time later on the convention stage, talk show host Laura Ingraham would allude to Kasich, demanding, All you boys with wounded feelings and bruised egos must honor your pledge to support Donald Trump now.) Also present at the reception: Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, who has expressed only tepid support for Trump and planned a series of events that clashed with the convention itself. Suffice to say, Ohio Republicans have mixed feelings about their partys newly minted nominee. The states delegation, bound by its own rules, on Tuesday cast all 66 of its votes for Kasich. If this has put people like Triantafilou in an awkward position, he isnt letting on. I have, as a county chairman, said repeatedly that we will support the nominee, he said. We are trying, very honestly. Triantafilou said he has not been distracted by controversies like the one that engulfed the Trump campaign after Melania Trump delivered a speech that contained passages lifted from Michelle Obamas 2008 convention speech. That hasnt affected folks, he said. Nor does he think what some have described as a toxic atmosphere in the convention hall will turn voters off. He didnt mind people yelling, Guilty! when New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie staged a mock prosecution of Hillary Clinton on Tuesday night. But I wasnt a fan of the Lock her up chant. Thats not my style. There is a line in there somewhere. Anyway, resistance to Trump as the general election approaches is a far greater concern. Ohio looms large in the American electoral psyche. A classic swing state, it has voted for the winning candidate in every presidential election for the last half-century. Trump and Hillary Clinton will be fighting hard for Ohio, and this, of course, ratchets up the pressure on folks like Triantafilou, who is responsible for getting his voters to the polls. This will be a challenge. I think these two candidates, who both have high negatives, are going to try to destroy each other, and the end result of that kind of campaign is to drive voter turnout down, Triantafilou said. People will throw up their hands and say, We dont like either choice. The challenge for someone like me is to make sure we get our Republicans out. robin.abcarian@latimes.com ALSO In-house speechwriter takes blame for Melania Trumps plagiarism, says her offer to quit was refused 17 arrested at flag-burning protest outside RNC; observers dispute police account Ted Cruz arrives at Republican convention with an eye on the next one The balloons and confetti had not yet dropped on Donald Trump, and already the race to replace him as the 2020 GOP nominee was well underway Thursday. All week, ambitious Republicans with their eyes focused four years ahead had circulated quietly among delegations from key states, shaking hands, making contacts and subtly touting their qualifications. But Sen. Ted Cruzs remarkable refusal to endorse the top of the ticket during his speech at the GOP convention brought the contest into public view. Cruz has not formally announced that he will make another run for the White House. But it hardly mattered. Advertisement The morning after he was booed off the Republican convention stage by angry Trump supporters, the Texas senator tried to position himself as the top Republican willing to buck Trump and as a conservative torch-bearer determined to put principle before party. I wasnt elected to do the convenient thing, I was elected to stand up and do whats right, Cruz said during a rowdy breakfast exchange with delegates from his home state. With that, the 2020 campaign was all but off and running. Convention week always provides a venue for future presidential hopefuls to introduce themselves to the party faithful and big-money donors. In 2004 at the Republican National Convention in New York, then-Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney threw a party for delegates from early primary states on the retired aircraft carrier Intrepid. Eight years later, he was the nominee. This time, at least half a dozen prominent Republicans followed a similar plan even as other potential candidates, including Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida and Ben Sasse of Nebraska, stayed away. John Kasich, the popular Ohio governor, waged what at times resembled a shadow convention with a packed schedule of daily events none of which were held near the Quicken Loans Arena stage where the official convention took place. Kasich greeted New Hampshire delegates, was feted at a party at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and spoke about policy at events with the International Republican Institute and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Romneys 2012 running mate, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin, had little choice but to share the spotlight with Trump, announcing the roll call vote that handed the businessman the nomination. But Ryan also found time for several other events that showcased his claim to be the candidate of new ideas. Veteran campaign-trail warriors Rick Santorum, Mike Huckabee and Newt Gingrich made the rounds Gingrich on a boat tour with supporters. If youre looking for the perfect candidate, go home, read your Bible and practice your faith and wait for the second coming, Santorum told Iowans. Because it isnt going to happen until then. Other up-and-comers, including South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst and Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, let it be known they were in town. Cotton kept up one of the busiest schedules of breakfasts, including a 60-mile trek to Sandusky to meet with the California delegation, which otherwise got few prominent visitors. Asked directly if he was considering running, Cotton laughed: No. Right now Im thinking about making sure Republicans win across the country. But nowhere was the next Republican contest more on display than with Cruz. For those who have watched Cruzs career, his refusal to fall in line as other Republicans reluctantly rallied around Trump came as no surprise. The first-term senator is one of the most combative lawmakers on Capitol Hill. He singularly led the GOP into the unpopular 16-day federal government shutdown shortly after he took office in 2013. He said he told Trump he would not be endorsing him when he was first invited to share the stage in Cleveland and in a phone call before the speech. Some people will say its a totally disruptive act, and the anti-Trump people will say its an effort to save the party, said Jack Pitney, a professor of American politics at Claremont McKenna College and a former Republican aide in Washington. The one thing that is certain: Ted Cruz is not afraid to make people angry. Thats the rock-solid conclusion. He doesnt care. Cruz didnt close the door on an eventual endorsement of Trump, but after their bitter primary campaign, during which Trump attacked his rivals wife and father, Cruz made it clear the GOP nominee had not earned his vote. I am watching, and Im listening, Cruz said at the Texas delegation breakfast. Pushed by his fellow Texans to use his position to unify the party around Trump, Cruz shot back that the GOP is not a social club and must hold true to its values. We either stand for shared principles or were not worth anything, he shouted. You got to get over it! hollered one Texan. This is politics! This is not a game! Cruz shot back. Its not politics. Right and wrong matter. If anyone thinks I was eager to come to this convention and give a speech, supporting a great many policy positions laid out by the nominee, laying out why Hillary Clinton is utterly unfit despite the fact that neither he nor his campaign took back a word about my family I was not eager to do this, Cruz said. I dont intend to throw rocks, said Cruz, who fielded questions during a spirited session punctuated by boos and cheers. I am not encouraging anybody to write my name in. The risks for Cruz are clear. While his stand sets him apart from a GOP establishment that has reluctantly rallied around Trump, his refusal to endorse threatens to prolong the party disunity that has been on vivid display here. The expansive Texas delegation many in cowboy hats and trademark Lone Star State dress shirts split deeply over their once-favorite son. Some welcomed his stand as principled, but many were disappointed by his refusal to help unite the fractured GOP. He just eroded his base, said Gina Castenada, a delegate from Houston, who voted for Cruz during the primary, but wants him to back Trump. The support will not be there in the next election. Im proud of him, said Grant Moody, a Marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is now a banking executive in San Antonio. Im still waiting, as I think Sen. Cruz, and many conservatives are waiting, for Donald Trump to behave in a manner befitting of the office to tone down his demeanor. Its not some political calculation to set him apart, Moody said. Hes speaking his heart. lisa.mascaro@latimes.com Twitter: @LisaMascaro ALSO Trump will paint a grim portrait of the U.S. and cast himself as its only savior in GOP acceptance speech Analysis: Cruzs provocative speech on Day 3 of Republican convention sparks a renewed war over conservatism The revolution may be delayed: A reporters diary from outside the GOP convention If youve looked at Hillary Clintons Instagram account lately, you might have noticed that the comment section is full of people mourning her death, posting RIP Hillary. Theyre also writing spicy boi. So, lets handle the first one: Hillary Clinton is alive and well. Explaining spicy boi is a little more complicated. According to Knowyourmeme.com, the closest thing out there to an authoritative source on real-time meme history, spicy boi became a phenomenon when a Change.org petition posted in late June demanded that fire ants be renamed spicy boys. The petition, which is addressed to Michelle and Barack Obama, as well as Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, currently has more than 50,000 signatures. Advertisement Its 2016, there are 36 genders " the petition says. why arent we calling fire ants spicy boys. On the third night of the Republican National Convention, Hillary Clinton was very popular. Because most of the people signing the petition are anonymous, its hard to judge whats driving this. But the petition appeared to resonate strongly with the alt-right, an amorphous online movement composed largely of young, conservative white males. The spicy boys label serves as a sarcastic dig at what the alt-right apparently sees as out-of-control political correctness. The alt-right counts among its stars Milo Yiannopolous, who was recently banned from Twitter for participating in a campaign of abuse against the African American actress Leslie Jones. Several critics, including more traditional conservatives, have labeled the alt-right movement sexist, racist, or both. Many of the spicy boys comments on Clintons Instagram account refer to racist memes. Other commenters seem to be making sarcastic fun of transgender people: as a personally identifying spicy boy myself i think it is HIGH TIDE the media stop misgendering us as Formicidae and start giving us spicies the respect we DESERVE thank u Still other comments claim that the term spicy boys is more religiously acceptable or politically correct than fire ants mirroring the kind of lampooning often seen in comment sections of articles about racism or discrimination. The bizarre prank jumped the confines of Change.org when an invitation to spam Clintons Instagram account with spicy boys was posted to iFunny.com. Thousands of people appear to have heeded the call, and for the last few days, looking at Clintons Instagram account has meant wading through hundreds of SPICY BOI messages and hot pepper emojis. Eventually, media outlets began to report on the raid which is generally the ultimate goal of 4chan-style harrassment. After a few prominent outlets published spicy boy stories, people decided to try to force a public reaction from Clinton herself. Due to the success with getting on the news with the spicy boy raid we have decided to try again, said a post on iFunny.com Wednesday afternoon. This time we will be spamming RIP and Rest in peace in an effort to get Hillary herself to make a public statement proving she isnt dead. There seems to be a racial tinge to the raid. Some of the comments cite Black Lives Matter, saying that BLM protesters killed her or that Clinton was shot at a Black Lives Matter protest. Its difficult to tell which spammers are just in it for laughs, and which are intentionally racist or sexist. The original call for the raid did not ask for harassment beyond posting RIP Hillary but some seem to be using the opportunity to make disparaging comments. Those spamming Clinton are not necessarily fans of Donald Trump, though some prominent alt-right supporters of Trump do seem to be embracing the meme. As NYMag notes, popular Twitter personality Pizza Party Ben, an enthusiastic Trump supporter and associate of Milo Yiannopolous, declared the original spicy boi raid the best meme in history. Whatever their political leanings, the spicy boy spammers seem to be enjoying their 15 minutes of anonymous fame. Follow me @dexdigi for more on the intersection of culture and the Internet. ALSO Day 3 of the Republican convention sparks a renewed war over conservatism Trump echoes Nixon 1968 on law and order, a risky bet in a more racially diverse nation Trumps campaign manager says Ted Cruz made a mistake by not endorsing the GOP nominee Im Christina Bellantoni, here with your Essential Politics guide to the Republican National Convention. Tonights theme is Make America One Again. But the Republican Party, it seems, is not fully one, at least not yet. Sen. Ted Cruz on Wednesday night fired the freshest shots yet in a war to define the party. As Cathleen Decker writes, that war is one that will persist through November and beyond, regardless of whether Donald Trump wins the White House. Four hours after closing his speech, to boos, in Cleveland, Cruz had a message for his supporters: Our fight goes on. In a fundraising email, Cruz talked about a return to freedom and how Americans are rightly furious. Advertisement We must make the most of our moment to fight for freedom, to protect our God-given rights, even of those with whom we dont agree, so when we are old, and our work is done, we will be able to say, Freedom matters, and I fought to save it, Cruz wrote. I promise to lead the fight for freedom and our liberty every day from the United States Senate. Well see who will prevail in this fight. For now, the focus is on Trump, and what hell say when formally accepting the party nomination tonight. WHAT WILL TRUMP SAY? Weve gotten few hints as to how Trump will treat his moment, or if he even will stick to the tradition of a 45-minute, from-the-Teleprompter address delivered in the peak moments of prime time. George Skelton has some advice for Trump in his Thursday column: Take a page from wife Melanias book and look to the past. Trump would do well to imitate John F. Kennedy or Ronald Reagan when he delivers his remarks, Skelton writes. But if past is precedent, the Republican presidential nominee will go his own way. We also asked convention attendees what they think Trump should say tonight. And they told us, saying it as if they were Trump. Below is our quick look at what happened on Day 3. Or check out the video version. Well have you covered for the final day, with a gavel-to-gavel livestream that will go live here at 4:10 p.m. Pacific. and robust live coverage round-the-clock on Trail Guide. Dont miss a moment. Ill present the best of the rest with a series of headlines. YOUR GUIDE TO CONVENTION NEWS At a surreal GOP convention, Mike Pence brings the proceedings back to earth. Donald Trump really, really wants to win California. The Trump kids, making their national political debut, soften their fathers sharp edges. A small business owner who spoke Wednesday works for a multi-level marketing company. Eileen Collins, the first female U.S. space shuttle commander, urges investments in space exploration at the RNC but skips over a line endorsing Trump in her prime-time speech. In case you didnt know, Mike Pence can bring it in a speech when he needs to. Illinois Republicans revoked the credentials of a Trump delegate who has used a social media handle of whitepride for publicly made racist comments and threats of violence. Wednesdays convention theme was Make America First Again. Here are some areas where America already is first. YOUR GUIDE TO CONVENTION SPEECHES Columnist Robin Abcarians take on the night: A dark star named Ted Cruz blots out the sun for Mike Pence. This California delegate from Fresno is one of many mad at Ted Cruz. WATCH: Ted Cruzs full controversial speech to the Republican National Convention. WATCH: Newt Gingrich immediately tries to mend the Cruz rift at the Republican convention. WATCH: Mike Pence looks to Americas future in his convention speech. WATCH: Marco Rubios message to Republican delegates. WATCH: Gov. Scott Walker a Trump critic, then backer, then skeptic got the party memo on GOP unity. WATCH: Eric Trump lauds his father as a great leader. WATCH: Conservative radio host Laura Ingraham tells those with bruised egos its time to support Trump. YOUR CONVENTION PROTEST GUIDE The FBI may have resumed controversial checkups on Cleveland-area activists, a legal group says. Video: Multiple arrests after demonstrators burn a flag outside the GOP convention. A burning flag and 18 arrests: Reporter Matt Pearces diary from outside the GOP convention. YOUR CONVENTION BINGO CARD From lock her up chants to making America great, we have you covered. JOIN US TONIGHT! Join me, Sacramento bureau chief John Myers and columnist Robin Abcarian at free convention watch parties tonight and again on July 28 in downtown Los Angeles. The free events will run from 6 to 9 p.m. Pacific. RSVP here. TODAYS ESSENTIALS Javier Panzar reports that California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leons daughter Lluvia Carrasco has landed a job with Encino-based political firm Shallman Communications, which counts De Leon and a number of other prominent California Democrats as clients. LOGISTICS Did someone forward you this? Sign up here to get Essential Politics in your inbox daily. And keep an eye on our politics page throughout the day for the latest and greatest. And are you following us on Twitter at @latimespolitics? Please send thoughts, concerns and news tips to politics@latimes.com. Turkey's parliament has ratified a motion ratifying the government's declaration of a three-month state of emergency by a vote of 346 for, 115 against, Anadolu Agency reported. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced late Wednesday a nationwide three-month state of emergency after Friday's failed coup. Turkey's government has said the attempted coup was organized by followers of U.S.-based cleric Fetullah Gulen, who is accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through infiltrating into Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary, forming a parallel state. The deadly coup attempt began late on Friday when rogue elements of the Turkish military tried to overthrow the country's democratically elected government. At least 246 people, including members of the security forces and civilians, were martyred during the failed putsch and more than 1,500 others were wounded as they protested against it. I have some pro bono advice for Donald Trump about what he should say in the most important speech of his life. To borrow an old idiom: In for a penny, in for a pound. As he accepts the Republican presidential nomination and is watched by tens of millions on TV, Trump should open with this: The only thing we have to fear is fear itself nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror Advertisement Sure, hed be plagiarizing Franklin D. Roosevelt. But FDR stole from 19th century essayist Henry David Thoreau. At least FDR tweaked the wording. Then Trump could segue into: My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country. Scholars have found a lot of Lincolnesque similarity in that John F. Kennedy inaugural speech. And the new GOP standard-bearer could steal from the first Republican president, who asked his Gettysburg audience to resolve that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom. And make America great again. I have a dream about that, Trump could add, parroting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Republican politicians love to equate themselves to Ronald Reagan, and GOP voters long for a reincarnation. Sorry, theres no likeness in sight. But Trump could easily lift the Republican icons comments about the evil empire and apply them to radical Islamic terrorists the focus of evil in the modern world. Watch: Day Three of the Republican National Convention in less than 3 minutes. More convention coverage at latimes.com/trailguide. What Trump should really crib however, is Reagans frequent homage to the shining city upon a hill. Such uplifting oratory would be very unlike Trump, but he really needs some of it. Reagan described the city as tall, proudbuilt on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peaceopen to anyone with the will and the heart to get here. Actually, Reagan may have pilfered the city from JFK. He pilfered a lot of stuff, especially from movie scripts. But I never heard anything from Reagan about Mexican rapists and murderers immigrating here illegally. In fact, he signed an amnesty bill. So Trump should show another side of himself, assuming there is one. After all the pirating of paragraphs tongue firmly in cheek the nominee could flash a big smile, something he doesnt do nearly enough. He could show a little self-deprecating humor, not his specialty. And be gracious. He should credit FDR, JFK, Lincoln, Reagan and King, dishing out bipartisan acknowledgments. And he should remind us of the old expression: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Some words are so moving and timeless, he could add, that they really belong to the world and need to be repeated. Which leads to the point of all this: Trump and his wife, Melania, have the greatest respect for First Lady Michelle Obama, he should say. And they deeply regret plagiarizing her inspiring lines on the first night of the GOP convention without crediting her. It was an inadvertent screw up, he could explain. Melania got help writing that speech from a nonpolitical friend. And neither of them will be getting that persons political help again. I promise you. Pretty simple stuff. Turn it around. Capitalize on what everyone had considered a campaign distraction. As Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, President Obamas first chief of staff, famously said: You never let a serious crisis go to waste. Melania Trumps partial copying of Michelle Obama is hardly a crisis. But it did show that the billionaire businessmans political operation isnt quite ready for prime time. It highlighted sloppy, lazy staff work. And it further raised a question about Trumps ability to run the U.S. government. Updates from Sacramento It also smacked of a little arrogance by someone who seemingly thought that the lifting word-for-word of the first ladys thoughts wouldnt be noticed because they were delivered at the 2008 Democratic convention, way back in the middle ages. Dont blame Melania Trump. She apparently just admired some things Michelle Obama had said and wanted to say something similar. She didnt ask for the same exact words. If youre going to use someone elses thoughts, either put them in your own words or say whose thoughts they were, says Tony Quinn, a former speechwriter for California Republicans who edits the Target Book, a chronicle of election campaigns. Nobody exercised quality control. Stupid. Ken Khachigian, who wrote major speeches for Reagan, says the sin was solely the speechwriters. She was identified as Meredith McIver, a Trump family friend and political novice. A speechwriter should never allow this to happen, Khachigian says. When I wrote Reagans inaugural address, I read everyone going back to George Washington. And I remember just hoping I didnt have one of those things floating around in my head and use it. The compounding Trump camp mistake, the veteran political operative says, was not immediately admitting the foul-up instead of glossing it over and trying to argue it wasnt plagiarism. But Khachigian says, In the end, its not going to affect votes. Theres another Kennedy line that the blowhard Trump should copy into his speech: Let us begin anew, remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness. And also this one from Mikhail Gorbachev, speaking to Kremlin leaders at the turbulent end of his reign as Soviet president: Today you have a president. Tomorrow you may have another president. In any case, we are all one, side by side. And we shouldnt spit on each other. george.skelton@latimes.com Follow @LATimesSkelton on Twitter ALSO In-house speechwriter takes blame for Melania Trumps plagiarism Column Why is it so hard for the Trump campaign to admit that Melania cribbed Michelle Obamas words? Updates from Sacramento The honey-hunter lets out a long trill, followed by a sharp grunt. Brrr-hm! On cue, a small bird flies to the hunter and responds with its own chattering noise. The greater honeyguide flits from tree to tree, searching for a beehive. Advertisement Over thousands of years, honeyguides, named for their unusual relationship with people, have gained the ability to recognize and respond to specific calls made by the honey-hunters of Mozambique and Tanzania, according to a study published Thursday in Science. The relationship represents a rare example of cooperation between humans and wild animals. Humans have the tools to avoid angry bees and break open the nest; the birds have the nose to find them. The hunter, seeking an important source of food, smokes out the bees, chops the tree down and extricates the hive and precious honey hidden within. Meanwhile, the bird waits nearby to claim its finders fee: the leftover wax which it happily devours. As far back as 1588, outsiders have observed the dynamics between honey-hunter and honeyguide. More than 400 years ago in modern-day Mozambique, Portuguese missionary Joao dos Santos often noticed a small bird flying into his church to nibble on the wax candles. He also observed the little bird leading men to beehives by calling to them and flying from tree to tree. But how do we know if this human-bird relationship is built on communication instead of coincidence or a myth? To find out if the honeyguides actually help the hunters locate bees nests, the authors of the new study designed a series of experiments. See the most-read stories in Science this hour Claire Spottiswoode, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Cambridge and University of Cape Town, and colleagues started by interviewing 20 Yao men living in Niassa National Reserve in Mozambique about the origins of the brrr-hm signal, and all had the same answer. When asked why, [the honey-hunters] reported that they learned [the call] from their fathers and that it is the best way of attracting a honeyguide and maintaining its attention, Spottiswoode wrote with Keith and Colleen Begg. Next, they followed the honey-hunters following the honeyguides. By trailing the birds, the hunters found beehives 75% of the time, the study found. The researchers also wanted to know if the birds associate the Yao hunters brrr-hm signal with a specific meaning, in this case a reward for working with the humans. If so, the studys authors reasoned, the honey-hunting sound should be more likely to attract a honeyguide than other sounds. Again, the scientists followed the honey-hunters. This time, however, the researchers played recordings of the signal, a human voice or sounds from a ring-necked dove. Across 72 attempts, the specialized honey-hunting call had a 66% chance of attracting a guide; the other sounds had a 33% chance. The honey-hunting signal also increased the chance of a bird leading the humans to a beehive from 16% to 54%. Production of the honey-hunting sound more than tripled the probability of finding a bees nest, the authors wrote. This finding experimentally validates the honey-hunters claims that the honey-hunting sound improves their foraging success. Throughout history, humans have trained and domesticated animals, including dogs, falcons and cormorants, to help search for food. The African hunters relationship with honeyguides is unusual because the birds remain wild. People dont train the birds, and its unlikely theyre trained to respond to humans calls by their parents, either. Adult honeyguides lay eggs in the nests of other bird species. When theyre just days old, the babies use their sharp hooked beaks to kill the hosts hatchlings as they emerge from their eggs. So how do young honeyguides learn how to recognize hunters calls? One hint lies about 600 miles away from the Yao people. Another group, the Hadza of Tanzania, use a melodious whistle to attract honeyguides. Its possible young honeyguides, like their human partners, learn the local honey-hunting calls by observing other birds near beehives. The result: a local cultural tradition among honeyguides that reflects the customs of their human collaborators, the authors suggest. Follow me on Twitter seangreene89 and like Los Angeles Times Science on Facebook. MORE IN SCIENCE Our gut microbes have lived with us since before we were human Two for one: Hubble picks out pair of Earth-sized planets atmospheres To avoid conflict, L.A. mountain lions choose separate hunting grounds Short-term housing has turned into long-term debate in Laguna Beach, and Councilman Bob Whalen captured the tone quite well at the conclusion of another discussion on the subject July 14. It seems like we made no one happy, Whalen said in front of a standing-room only crowd gathered at the Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Center for the second City Council subcommittee meeting regarding short-term rentals in less than a month. The subcommittee, made up of Whalen, Mayor Steve Dicterow and city staff, listened to nearly 90 minutes of familiar refrains from opponents and supporters of a policy allowing Laguna Beach residents to rent out space in their house or apartment. Advertisement The city had allowed residents to do so for 30 days or less at a time for unlimited times a year, so long as they obtained a permit. But complaints about the casual visitors bringing in noise, parking problems and other annoyances prompted the city to put a moratorium on the policy. The clock is ticking the moratorium ends Oct. 1. So the subcommittee is working on a revised ordinance that would allow the practice but with greater limits to appease neighbors. Join the conversation on Facebook >> Indeed, the issue of short-term lodging appears to have polarized Laguna in much the way that the Village Entrance Project, a plan to beautify a main entrance into the city, did three years ago. With that project, the inclusion, since rejected, of a multi-story parking structure near City Hall was met with vehement opposition in the community. In this case, opponents of short-term housing have claimed a lack of responsibility on the part of renters, leading to loud parties, street congestion and ramifications for housing overall, they allege. Supporters of short-term rentals, on the other hand, argue that its a legitimate way for people to bring in a little extra money and that the city could open itself up to legal challenges from property owners or the California Coastal Commission if it banned the practice, which has blossomed in recent years with online listings of available rooms. The Coastal Commissions mission is to protect and enhance the coast for the enjoyment of generations. It makes me sad that people, friends, would be at such divisive ends of this, resident Jennifer Zeiter said at the meeting. A revised ordinance being considered would allow rentals in all residential zones, but a property owner would be allowed to rent out a room in a house, apartment or condominium only twice a year for a maximum of 14 days each, Community Development Director Greg Pfost confirmed Wednesday. In addition, the rental would have to be the property owners primary residence, though the owner would not be required to be there during the tenants stay. Earlier this year, the council backed away from an outright ban on short-term rentals in residential zones, rejecting a recommendation from the Planning Commission. But Coastal Commission staff members have serious concerns with ordinance revisions, Charles Posner, the commissions planning supervisor, wrote in a letter to the City Council last week, referring to the two 14-day rental periods. The proposed restrictions impose limits staff would likely find inconsistent with Coastal Act sections 30213 and 30222, Posner wrote, alluding to the commissions goal of providing overnight accommodations at the coast as well as coastal access. We strongly encourage regulation over prohibition, Posner wrote, adding commission staff understands concerns with neighborhood impacts of the practice. South Laguna resident Debbie Naude said she considered renting out space in her two-bedroom rental home before the moratorium but decided against doing so. The fabric [of the neighborhood] changes so drastically when the summer comes, Naude said. Its not something I think is beneficial. Naude said she knows of a woman who had twice been evicted because the owners were converting properties into short-term rentals. I felt for her, Naude said in a phone interview. Its a ban in many ways, resident Sandy Leger told the subcommittee, referring to the proposal for two 14-day rental periods a year. Regulations are not perfect, Leger added. Its like saying because we know people will speed and run red lights, no one should have a drivers license. The council is scheduled to discuss, and possibly vote on, the draft ordinance Aug. 9. -- Bryce Alderton, bryce.alderton@latimes.com Twitter: @AldertonBryce In an attempt to boost safety and efficiency at John Wayne Airport, county leaders are expected to consider a $102.3-million contract Tuesday that would authorize numerous improvements in two terminals. The Orange County Board of Supervisors are expected to vote on the staff recommended agreement with Swinerton Builders, who worked on John Wayne Airports $48.5-million parking structure, which was completed in 2010. The improvements to Terminals A and B are part of a years-long construction plan for the airport, which sits on unincorporated land adjacent to Irvine, Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. In 2003, John Wayne Airport staff began planning a variety of construction projects including a new terminal, parking structure, a central utility plant, more dining options and improvements to Terminals A and B. The proposed work includes structural and non-structural seismic retrofits, as well as upgrades to lighting and electrical systems, heating, air conditioning and airport bathrooms. The fire sprinkler and alarm system will also be updated as part of the project. More noticeably, aesthetic improvements like fresh carpet, marble floors and increased signage are also included in Swinerton Builders contract. The effort is also expected to make the terminals more accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the contract states. In August, the airport served 936,949 passengers, an increase of more than 12% from the same month in 2014. County staff said they do not expect passengers will have any significant delay because only one of the airports 20 gates will be closed at a time during construction, according to the staff report. The Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Hall of Administration, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd. in Santa Ana. It was the Thank You and Welcome Home that some veterans said they had never before received. More than 400 teachers, students, alumni, veterans, active military members and their friends and family arrived at the Mariners Christian School auditorium Wednesday morning in Costa Mesa for its annual Veterans Day observance. For around 11 years, the campus has held a special program to not only honor service men and women, but to also have their students learn about at least one military-related component. Last year, the event spotlighted the role of animals in the military and the school adopted a Labrador to be given to Freedom Dogs, an organization that provides service dogs for Marines wounded by emotional or physical injuries from war. This years educational component focused on the role of technology in the military. James Evatt, whose two granddaughters attend Mariners, has come to the event the past four years. Evatt served as an engineer and pilot in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years. Ever since my granddaughters started going to school here, Ive always been impressed by three things: the schools work in providing an academic education, a Christian education and what they do to honor veterans, he said. Evatt was invited as a special guest speaker and shared how his experiences with the Air Force led him to a passion for engineering and a career in engineering management at Boeing. Guests and the students in the auditorium also shared oohs and aahs over a quadcopter demonstration operated by Mariners alum Wesley Parsons. The flying device, also equipped with a camera, is used for military search and rescue missions. Technology affects the everyday work life of the military, said Parsons, who now works under an aerial filming retail company. Its important to encourage the future mathematicians and engineers at Mariners because they could be contributing to new technology. At the beginning of the auditorium event, Dwight Hanson, a retired member of the U.S. Marine Corps and father of a Mariners student, led the posting of the colors where students brought in the American flag and a flag from each branch of service into the auditorium. Hanson later had all Vietnam War veterans stand so that attendees could warmly say Welcome Home to them. It was a welcome the veterans did not receive 40 years ago, Hanson said. The transitional kindergarten and kindergarten classes recited poems dedicated to the attending veterans at the program. Later, the second- and third-grade students sang an Armed Forces Medley for members of the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marines while fourth- and fifth-grade students sang the Coast Guard Anthem. During the event, Mariners ASB officers Caroline Brewster, Alex Ianni and Sophie Stameson presented two checks totaling $6,900 to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 in Dana Point. The school raised $1,900 during its pancake breakfast fundraiser last week and added a $5,000 honorarium in their contribution. Korean War veteran Maurice Hansen was there to accept the donation on behalf of VFW Post 9934. I got to say something Ive never said before, he told the audience when receiving the donation. Youve touched my heart big time. Ive never been thanked so many times and its because of your care and tender love. The morning program concluded with a group song of God Bless America and a prayer led by Mariners head of school Troy Moore. About 20 members of the public got a rare tour Wednesday of the 401-acre Newport Beach coastal spread known as Banning Ranch, the possible future home of a controversial residential, hotel and retail development. Five interns, all recent high school graduates from Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa who are now working with the Newport Banning Land Trust, outlined for guests various restoration efforts underway and in the works for the site, which currently is home to a host of oil drilling operations. The students also identified various invasive plants they said are choking out native species and pointed out natural elements like vernal pools. Banning Ranch is the largest undeveloped coastal property in Southern California. But developer Newport Banning Ranch LLC proposes to build 895 homes, a 75-room hotel, a 20-bed hostel and 45,100 square feet of retail space on about 62 acres of the site while preserving about 310 acres as open space with public trails. The remainder of the land would be used for parks and roads. Join the conversation on Facebook >> The open space preservation hinges on the California Coastal Commission approving the development proposal, according to the Land Trust, which serves as steward of the space that would be preserved. Without the project, the land would stay as an oil field for the foreseeable future, said Robyn Vettraino, executive director of the Land Trust. We felt that a lot of people were misinformed about whats going on here, Vettraino said. We figured the best way to inform people is to hold an educational tour. The Banning Ranch Conservancy, which opposes development of the site, says the property contains valuable and sensitive habitat that must be protected under the state Coastal Act. Bill McCarty, who attended the tour Wednesday, took issue with the idea that the land couldnt be cleaned up and preserved as open space without development. They engage in a lot of all or nothing thinking in that respect, he said. There are alternatives. We need to preserve the coastal open space that we are so short of in Southern California. The Banning Ranch Conservancy has indicated its desire to buy the property but has not raised enough money to make that possible. Newport Banning Ranch originally proposed 1,375 homes, 75,000 square feet of retail space, a hostel and several parks on about 95 acres of Banning Ranch. That plan was approved by the Newport Beach City Council in 2012. However, the project has since been scaled back at the behest of the Coastal Commission, which has final say over development along Californias coast. In November, Newport Banning Ranch sent the commission its current plan, for which commission staff recommended approval but included conditions that would further reduce the projects footprint. The developer decided to delay going before the commission for a vote in May, saying some issues remained unresolved and that it needed more time to review the staffs proposal. Most recently, Newport Banning Ranch asked Coastal Commission staff to ease some restrictions for the site to allow more space to build. The project is expected to go before the 12-member commission in September. -- Hannah Fry, hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @HannahFryTCN Newport Beach City Council candidate Jeff Herdman is seeking a court judgment to determine his eligibility to serve as a councilman after the city clerk told him last week that he is ineligible to be seated this year because of his service on a city advisory board. Herdman, a longtime Balboa Island resident, is running in the November election 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 and businessman Mike Glenn and local businessman Lee Lowrey. The winner is scheduled to take over the seat in December. Herdman filed a lawsuit against the city Friday in Orange County Superior Court, less than a week after City Clerk Leilani Brown sent a letter to Herdmans attorney stating that if Herdman wins the election, he would be ineligible to serve at that time. Based upon my review of the city charter and in consultation with outside counsel, I have determined that city charter Section 710 prevents Mr. Herdman from occupying the position of city councilmember for a period of one year after his service on the Civil Service Board is complete, Brown wrote in the letter circulated July 14. Section 710 states that no Civil Service Board member, while a member of the board, or for a period of one year after [the person] 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 Civil Service Board advises the City Council on personnel matters and conducts appeal hearings for city employees in disciplinary matters. The charter provision aims to prevent a Civil Service Board member from currying favor from municipal administrators for a city position based on a decision rendered by the board. Herdman has been on the Civil Service Board since he was appointed in 2014. His term expires in June 2018. Herdmans attorney, Mark Rosen, argues in the lawsuit that City Council members are public officers, not city employees, and that the pay council members receive is not a salary but reimbursement for expenses incurred. A council member receives $1,274 in monthly compensation; the mayor receives $1,808, according to city documents. Rosen also argues that the rules apply to people being appointed not elected to a city position. If elected, I will not be an employee of the city, and I will certainly deny the stipend that is offered as well as the health benefit package during my first nine months or year of service on the council, Herdman said Wednesday. The issue of Herdmans eligibility began earlier this month when Balboa Island resident Bob McCaffrey claimed in a complaint to the city that Herdman is prohibited from running in this years election because of his position on the Civil Service Board. McCaffrey said he intends to support Lowrey in November. Herdman said McCaffreys allegations against him are politically motivated and aimed at eliminating him from the City Council race. These tactics are causing a drain on my campaign fund for legal fees, are taking away from the time I need to devote to campaigning and are also beautifully timed, Herdman said. However, McCaffrey has said he filed the complaint because he believes everyone should follow the rules. McCaffrey is 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. Herdman has been critical of Peotter, Muldoon and Duffield since they were elected. He has suggested in published letters to the Daily Pilot that the city request that the California Fair Political Practices Commission 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. In April 2015, Herdman sent a letter to the FPPC alleging that a campaign contribution Peotter received violated the Political Reform Act and city code. Peotter denied wrongdoing. Last November, McCaffrey filed a complaint with the FPPC against Herdman, alleging that he failed to submit a mandatory form before soliciting and accepting donations for his council campaign. Herdman calls the allegation completely false. Though many candidates for the City Council election have begun raising campaign money, the deadline is Aug. 12 for residents to file paperwork with the city officially declaring their candidacy. Rosen believes the city will not accept Herdmans paperwork to continue his campaign if the court does not render a decision by the August deadline. If that happens, Herdman said, voters will have been deprived of the opportunity to vote for a candidate that does not represent Team Newport. Brown could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Alejandro Cruz took the stage with a white chefs hat atop his head. He was ready to act in his pizza shop scene Wednesday in front of his peers, about 20 students bound for eighth grade this fall. Ive got small pizzas, he said to his audience in a theater class. No no, mijo, Ruben Garfias, the courses teacher, interjected. Garfias then asked Alejandro to fill the room with his voice. Ive got medium pizzas! Alejandro hollered. Ive got large pizzas! ... Come to Pepitos Pizza, where no pizza is impossible for me! Yes! Garfias said as he applauded loudly. Garfias class, where students spend weeks writing their own plays, is one of many summer courses at Gates Elementary School in Lake Forest held in partnership between teaching artists from the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa and teachers in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District. Join the conversation on Facebook >> For the past four weeks, the annual program, specifically for students whose first language is not English, has had around 350 children spend half their days learning art from a Segerstrom instructor and the other half exploring math, science and writing with the districts teachers. The goal is to have the young learners connect what theyve learned from art forms such as dance and theater to the other subjects they typically study in school. All children in the classes are from the Saddleback district and tested as intermediate on the California English Language Development Test, an exam for students whose home language is not English. The students, who are entering first through eighth grade this fall, are divided into classes by grade level. Most kids, especially English-learners, are still converting everything. They have to think in their native language first and then put it back out again, said Mary Benton, a teacher on special assignment in the Saddleback districts Services for English Learners. But after going through the summer program, the students performance improves, according to Benton. We find that they obviously improve on the CELD Test, but what the teachers report to us is the confidence and the ability in them, Benton said. It shows up in a lot of places, not just the CELD Test. Students in Garfias theater class spend the other half of their days in a personal narrative writing class led by Laguna Hills High School teacher Greg Roberts. The writing is meant to prepare them for college essays and job interviews. Roberts had his class write Wednesday about times they have faced challenges, been in accidents and made mistakes. What they do with Ruben connects back to the stories they already have but they may not think are there, Roberts said. Its setting them up for deeper conversations that will eventually take place. Charlie Dando, who teaches dance, had his soon-to-be-fourth-graders count while stepping to different beats Wednesday. Dance is a great tool to help teach kids in pretty much every subject, Dando said. We learn the ABCs through rhythm. Not just that, but with some of the more quiet kids, when they get to dance they get the chance to thrive. Yessenia Mendoza, 16, who went through the program when she was entering sixth grade, is a volunteer helping Gates Elementary teacher Barton Hickson with his math class this summer. When she was in the summer classes five years ago, Yessenia took mathematics and drama. Doing the plays [in drama] helped bring my confidence out, and the teamwork needed in that class helped when we needed to build a pyramid [in the math class], she said. You have to know how to communicate. Its a big deal to be able to speak clearly. The camp will end with a showcase Thursday at Gates Elementary, where the students will share their work from the past four weeks with their families. -- Alex Chan, alexandra.chan@latimes.com Twitter: @AlexandraChan10 Costa Mesa police and the Orange County district attorneys office are pushing back against a defense attorneys allegations that a group of officers illegally detained a 20-year-old man, unnecessarily Tasered him and then lied about the incident. In 2014, police arrested Alexander Sorto outside of a Costa Mesa doughnut shop, where theyd been called to break up a fight. Sorto wasnt involved in the scuffle and left the shop when it broke out, but police alleged Sorto pushed an officer and then ran when they tried to stop him for questioning. Prosecutors charged Sorto with one count of battery on a peace officer and three counts of resisting arrest all misdemeanors. Sortos attorney, David Swanson, however, claimed he had dash camera video and an audio recording from a nearby police cruiser that contradicted officers account of the incident. After hearing Swansons arguments last month, Superior Court Judge Mary Kreber Varipapa barred two of the four officers involved in the arrest from testifying at Sortos trial. Without their testimony, prosecutors said they had no case and dropped the charges. But prosecutors and police have swung back. On July 14, the district attorneys office filed an appeal, calling Varipapas decision erroneous. And on Wednesday, police released a previously undisclosed interview with Sorto in which he says he pushed a police officer before being tackled and Tased. The Daily Pilot listened to the recording. In the interview with a Costa Mesa police sergeant, Sorto said hed left the doughnut shop and was standing some distance away from the building, when an officer approached him and indicated he wanted to talk. I was scared, and I just didnt really want to comment on it, and he kind of charged me, Sorto said on the recording. I got more scared reflexed and pushed him through. He later clarifies that he sidestepped the officer and pushed him away as he charged. The officer, Sorto said, was off-balance and ended up on the ground. During pretrial testimony, Walk described the incident, saying he put his hands on Sortos shoulders from behind, at which point Sorto spun away and pushed him in the chest, according to court documents. Swanson claims a voice recorder captured Walk describing the incident differently immediately after it happened. He reportedly tells another officer he tried to put Sorto in a headlock but missed and fell when Sorto spun away. Sorto says in the interview that after the push, he was then quickly hit in the leg with a baton and Tasered. Did you hear nobody tell you you were going to be based? the sergeant asks. No, not at all, he replies. Costa Mesa police explained that the interview was part of a standard internal investigation performed after any use of force by officers. Because the interview was for internal purposes, it wasnt used as evidence in the case against Sorto and not revealed to prosecutors or Sortos attorney, according to police. According to court documents, Sorto also said he pushed the officer during a separate interview that was turned over to the lawyers. Swanson argues Sorto only made the admission because hed already been hit with a baton and Tasered, but police contend the second interview corroborates the admission. What may be more crucial is Swansons contention that police never had the right to detain Sorto. If thats true, it would negate any charge of battery on a peace officer because the officer was acting outside the scope of his legal duties, according to Swanson. Officer Christopher Walk, who appraoched Sorto, claims he saw him run from the doughnut shop, prompting him to become suspicious, according to court documents. Swanson said dash-camera footage from a police cruiser contradicts this, showing Walk standing in front of the doughnut shop for a time with Sorto nowhere in sight. In the recorded interview, Sorto too says he was confused about why the officer stopped him. I was away from the scene, he said. I thought to myself, theres no reason for them to kind of connect me to this. Walk was one of the officers Varipapa barred from testifying. After her decision, prosecutors told Varipapa that they could not proceed because their entire case stemmed from the original interaction with Walk, so the judge dismissed the charges. The district attorneys office declined to detail why they filed the appeal calling it a normal procedural step. Huntington Beach Councilman Michael Posey has wanted a November ballot measure asking city residents what they want to do with the old Michael E. Rodgers Seniors Center site now that the new facility is up and running at Central Park. But apparently taken aback by dozens of resident emails, he pulled the matter from Mondays agenda. That didnt stop about a dozen residents from showing up at the council meeting to voice their disapproval of Poseys opposition to creating a public park at the Rodgers site. Some held signs reading Parks Make Life Better. At a meeting in April, Posey had retracted his ballot proposal in the face of resistance with an eye toward bringing it back later. It would have asked voters on the Nov. 8 general election ballot if they want to sell the 12,000-square-foot center on 2 acres at 17th Street and Orange Avenue. The vote would have been advisory only. Downtown residents who live near the site have expressed opposition to selling the land to developers, but Posey said he wanted the views of all the people of the city. Join the conversation on Facebook >> The people who live downtown are basically saying they want this to be a park at the expense of every other citizen of Huntington Beach, he said in April, explaining later that selling the Rodgers site which is valued at about $14 million could fund park improvements citywide but that turning the area into another park would further strain city expenses. On Monday, Posey said he pulled the item to allow the Community Services Commission, which makes recommendations to the City Council on matters relating to development, acquisition and renovation of facilities, additional time to determine appropriate uses for the site, further educate the public and invite more public comment. Residents argued at the meeting that they made their stance known a decade ago, when 51% of voters supported Measure T, which asked Huntington Beach voters in 2006 if they wanted a senior center in Central Park. The new center opened earlier this month. The ballot measure failed, however, to include the fate of the old senior center. However, around the same time, then-Mayor Dave Sullivan and four other council members expressed support for returning the old senior center land to public use. Residents also told council members Monday that the citys deed to the property, granted by the Chevron Corp. in 1917, provided that the city use the land for a park or another recreational purpose. However, City Atty. Michael Gates said that the condition no longer applies because the city now owns the property free and clear. Gates said that under the states Marketable Record Title Act of 1988, Chevron needed to renew its interest in the property then and for every 30 years thereafter but had not done so and thus the land defaulted to the citys ownership that year. Other options include turning the center into a veterans memorial hall or keeping it as is, though it would need to be refurbished. The center, a former World War II army barracks built in the 1940s and converted to a senior center in 1975, is in disrepair. At Mondays meeting, residents again spoke in favor of the site being used for park space. You should be advocating for the city as a whole and not a few developers for their success, said resident Eric Bauer, directing his comments to Posey. You should be guarding the life and security of the people of Huntington Beach. Quit beating a dead horse and save our parks. Resident Andrissa Dominguez said she was tired of the issue not being solved by now. I feel like this is ridiculous, she said. I feel like this is redundant. I dont understand why we keep talking about this. Move on. Posey said Tuesday in a phone conversation his intention for the vote was not to sell the land but to engage citizens in democracy. I wouldnt call this a misunderstanding, he said. Id call this a misinterpretation. I was very clear about what my intention was. ... I want every citizen to weigh in because every citizen owns the Rodgers site. Every park in the city needs work. He added he will not bring up the idea for a vote again. As for me, theres really nothing next, he said. If someone else wants to bring it forward, be my guest. Proposed budget reviewed During a study session Monday, the council began to look at a proposed $220.4-million budget, a $3.7 million increase from last year. Most of the revenue will come from taxes on property, sales and utility users, said Carol Molina-Espinosa, the citys finance manager. A majority of the general fund 54% focuses on public safety, with most of that money going toward animal control services, equipment replacement and building renovations. Increased funding for the new senior center, repairs on beach facilities and park improvements is also being proposed. Also, the city expects to hire a deputy city attorney and a recreation supervisor. The council is expected to adopt a budget in September. It would take effect Oct. 1. -- Brittany Woolsey, brittany.woolsey@latimes.com Twitter: @BrittanyWoolsey Presidential spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin said Thursday that the United States should stop letting the extradition of Fethullah Gulen be a problem between Turkey and the US. Speaking to A Haber news channel, Kalin said the extradition of the leader of the FETO terrorist organization, Fethullah Gulen, was not a new development and it had been on the table for about one and a half years. "It is enough for an individual to be extradited if he is warranted as suspect in a case. The testimony of the Chief of Staff's aide clearly shows that they (FETO terror group) are behind this coup attempt. Even Gulen himself said that 'someone who loves us might be among those conducted the coup," Kalin said. The spokesperson signaled that if the U.S. fails to extradite Gulen, Turkey will start to respond to extradition demands from the US with a reciprocal principle. Ankara had submitted an official request for Gulen's extradition to the U.S. on Wednesday. White House later said the Justice Department and other U.S. agencies were now reviewing the documents and will take action in accordance with a decades-long extradition treaty between the two countries with respect to the extradition of criminals. After a 43-year legacy of serving up old-fashioned diner fare, Shakers Family Restaurant has closed its doors, but the owners plan to reopen it as an American bistro spot. Shakers was launched by Henry Yost in 1973 at Central Avenue and Burchett Street, and his son David Yost later took over running the restaurant. Business partner Randy Hoffman said the decision was made to close Shakers because the building was in bad shape, and the timing was right to try something new, especially in an era of booming development and new eateries in Glendale. Join the conversation on Facebook >> We dont want to be irrelevant We felt like the location is capable of much more, he said. The way Glendale is exploding from building and density, we think the timing is good for us. We dont want to be irrelevant The way Glendale is exploding from building and density, we think the timing is good for us. Randy Hoffman The new business will be called Central Grill and Bar. As the name suggests, it will have a new full-service bar, which was never a part of Shakers. As for the new menu, Hoffman described it as not quite a steakhouse, a little more upscale in terms of dinner offerings than Shakers, yet still casual. He compared the menu to that of another restaurant he and Yost run in Pasadena called Central Park Cafe, which also features American bistro-style dishes. But some of Shakers signature recipes will continue to live on, especially for older customers who are regulars, Hoffman said. Were going to have a lot of the same things we used to have, like the zucchini bread, carrot cake and some of the good standbys and hope the older-customer base will come try us and be pleasantly surprised, he said. Ideally, Central Grill and Bar will be open by mid-October, Hoffman said, adding, however, that unforeseen delays might move the date closer to the end of the year. The focus will initially be on lunch and dinner offerings with breakfast expected to return at some point, Hoffman added. Judee Kendall, president of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, said the corner of Central and Burchett is a good location for a restaurant, and shes glad one will be returning. I think having a restaurant there is a good thing, she said. With the number of new people coming to the area, I think its good to have that place because it also has great parking, which a lot of restaurants dont have. -- Arin Mikailian, arin.mikailian@latimes.com Twitter: @ArinMikailian Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide takes place on Sunday, the 101st anniversary of the atrocities that historians tell us began on a spring night in 1915 when more than 200 Armenian intellectuals and civic leaders living in Constantinople were rounded up and imprisoned by the Young Turks then in power. Executions ensued, but the Ottoman Turks werent done. The Armenian Genocide continued into the 1920s, brutally taking the lives of an estimated 1.5 million people. Each and every year, we join the chorus demanding that our country and, perhaps most importantly, President Obama recognize the atrocities by calling it publicly and without flinching the Armenian Genocide. Obama made a commitment in 2008 when he was seeking our countrys highest office to do just that, but has bowed to political pressures to avoid using the term genocide. It became clear this week, as the final commemoration date of his eight years in office arrived, that he will not utter the word as the sitting president. Our local face in Congress, Rep. Adam Schiff, has doggedly fought the battle, not only on behalf of our Armenian population, but on behalf of all of us who understand and share their anguish. Schiff said Friday hes gravely disappointed by Obamas silence on the matter, calling it painfully inexplicable. We agree. We also believe, like Schiff, that Obamas reluctance to offend todays Turkish government does nothing to enhance his legacy. Its a missed opportunity. Worse than that, its just plain wrong. Karen Leighton wants to see a slowing of high-density development and prices in Huntington Beach, including downtown parking costs. In fact, Leighton said she decided to run for a seat on the City Council because she objected to the pace of development in the city over the last few years. I want to make sure that, for how much the city is growing, the infrastructure is ready to handle that, she said. I want to listen to the community and slow down the growth so the city can take a breath, absorb what we have and stop raising prices. Advertisement Leighton, who has lived in Surf City for 34 years, said she also believes she can bring more accountability to the council. Join the conversation on Facebook >> Although she has no city board experience, the neonatal nurse said she has served on a variety of boards and commissions, including the California State Board of Registered Nursing and in her job at Kaiser Permanente Irvine Medical Center in Irvine. I see nurses that have issues with their licensing, like if theyve had an infraction on their license, said the first-time candidate. They are accountable by making sure they get drug tests and have proper supervision at work.... I just feel like there needs to be a little more accountability [on the City Council], so I wanted to see if I could get in and look at it from that perspective. Although she currently works full time, Leighton said she would reduce her hours if elected. Above all, she said, shes interested in speaking up for the residents. I feel very deeply rooted in the community, said Leighton, whose father, Fred Garcia, served as president of Golden West College in the mid-1980s. Yes, Im not really active in some of the events that are going on, but that doesnt mean I dont go, participate and watch. She said she plans on meeting residents to promote her campaign. I want to go in there because I want to see what I can do, she said. I dont want to go in there because I want a second term. I want to try to make some positive changes for the community. This is another in an occasional look at the nine people who have filed papers indicating their intent to run for a seat on the seven-member Huntington Beach City Council. -- Brittany Woolsey, brittany.woolsey@latimes.com Twitter: @BrittanyWoolsey On Wednesday morning, the typically serene playing fields of Hahamongna Watershed Park sprang to life as some 600 campers and counselors of the La Canada family-owned Tom Sawyer Camps recognized 90 years of operation with a special birthday celebration. The morning kicked off with a Jackpot Challenge, in which campers searched for hidden counselors scattered throughout the parks oak groves and trails. Successful searchers received coins, currency they could later exchange for prizes. The atmosphere vibrated as hundreds of kids ages 3 to 13 searched the premises and teams cheered with each victory. Overseeing it all was Mike Horner, the La Canada resident whose family took over the camp in 1974 from the founding family and has been running the show ever since. Horner, known affectionately as Captain Mike to campers and staff, explained how he and wife Sally fell in love with the camp after seeing its positive effects on their son Tommy, whom a doctor once diagnosed as hyperkinetic. He would come home from camp and talk nonstop about everything hed done that day, then hed fall asleep in the middle of dinner we thought, We have found the magic, he recalled. Join the conversation on Facebook >> Some years later, when the family of original founder William P. Schleicher, whod moved the program from Laguna Beach to Hahamongna in 1944, were struggling with the business and thinking of closing it down, the Horners stepped in. Since then, while Tom Sawyer Camps has grown to include four camps that run on different sessions, holiday and after-school camps, the original philosophy has remained unchanged, according to Executive Director Sarah Horner Fish. Its a simple formula made up of play and great staff, she said. Everyone is like family here. Living testaments to that are not hard to find. In one quick glance, Horner Fish identified six counselors who met their spouses through Tom Sawyer Camp. Several employees, like Program Director Eric Ikari, who met his wife when she was a horse counselor there, now has three children who attend the camp. People get so much out of this, he said. Eighteen years ago when I graduated, I didnt know what I was going to do with my life. I came here, met my wife and now Ive got three kids who are campers. One of them, 11-year-old Samantha Ikari, is celebrating her ninth year at Tom Sawyer Camp in the Outpost program, an adventure camp for older kids. I like being able to do things outside and to be able to do activities with my friends, she said, picking rock climbing and trips to the beach as her favorite things to do. Owen Lichtman, 12, of Sherman Oaks has been attending camp for seven years and says he likes how its never the same thing twice. Rock climbing in Outpost even helped him overcome a fear of heights. I used to be really scared of things you need a harness for, but once I did rappelling last year it was all good, he said. Giving kids a sense of autonomy, teaching through play and letting them get their hands dirty is what Tom Sawyer Camps has always been about, Horner said. If you dont have to hose your child off on the front lawn when you bring them home from camp, we havent done our job, he added with a smile. -- Sara Cardine, sara.cardine@latimes.com Twitter: @SaraCardine If your kid comes home from high school and says she doesnt want to be a doctor, blame it on the water. If your kid comes home from Pinkberry and says he doesnt want to be a lawyer, blame it on the air. La Canada is a breeding ground for artists. Did you know that a La Canadan was an innovator in the field of California art? That he spent World War II painting the troops? That he participated in the Pacific landings and was wounded? The artist was Barse Miller. Miller was an East Coast transplant who made La Canada his home, at least for a while. Lets claim him nonetheless. According to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Barse Miller was one of Southern Californias most important artists, contributing significantly to the development of the California watercolor school. Plus, he was from La Canada. Miller grew up in a literary family. As a child, he studied at the National Academy of Design in New York. As a young adult, he studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, traveled to Paris and exhibited at the 1923 Salon dautomne (Autumn Salon). The Salon dautomne is an annual art exhibition held in Paris since 1903. It was created as a reaction against the traditional Paris Salon by modern artists like Henri Matisse. The traditionalists didnt like the Impressionists. Matisse and others started the Salon dautomne as a way to exhibit their work. Miller eventually returned to the U.S., but he skipped the East Coast and made a beeline to Los Angeles. Why not? California had the beaches, Hollywood, Yosemite and Palm Springs. Miller settled down with his wife, Mary, and began a family life. Their first place was at 828 Lucerne, in Los Angeles, but by 1933, the Millers moved to Santa Inez Way in La Canada. Barse and Mary were listed in the local directories. Barse listed his occupation as painter or artist. He continued to teach, travel and paint. He painted the coast. He painted Yosemite. He painted the deserts. But then, the Pearl Harbor attack took place. LIFE magazine hired Miller to sketch the troops. The May 11, 1942 issue featured Barse Millers soldiers. The piece said, To record this phase of the U.S. war effort, LIFE commissioned Barse Miller of La Canada, Calif., whose watercolors are noted for their rugged solidity. LIFE also reported that Miller painted mountain patrols where his paint water continually froze. Within the year, Miller faced tougher conditions. He was deployed to the Pacific as War Art Unit. He was wounded. He continued to sketch. After the war, the Millers moved to Carmel Road in La Canada. In 1946, Miller listed his occupation in the local directory as major, but in later years, it was artist. Haunted by the war, Barse and Mary eventually divorced. She kept the house and raised the children. Barse Miller left. He continued to teach and to work, but not in La Canada. Barse Miller died in Mazatlan, Mexico in 1973. Anyway, if your son or daughter comes home from college and says, Mom, Dad, I want to change my major. I want to study art, blame La Canada Flintridge. Its an artists town. -- ANITA SUSAN BRENNER is a longtime La Canada Flintridge resident and an attorney with Law Offices of Torres and Brenner in Pasadena. Contact her at anitasusan.brenner@yahoo.com. Follow her on Instagram @realanitabrenner, Facebook and on Twitter @anitabrenner. An often-overlooked chapter in African American history former slaves homesteading on the prairies comes vividly to life this month in a tiny Kansas town. These days, only about 50 people live in Nicodemus. But in the 1870s, former slaves left Kentucky to experience freedom in what some described as the promised land of Kansas, a free state during the Civil War. The Nicodemus National Historic Site, which interprets the communitys history, will bring the settlers struggles to life July 30 when a traveling theater company rolls into town. Advertisement Lift Every Voice: The Black Experience in the Heartland, an original production scripted and staged by North Carolinas Bright Star Touring Theatre, shares stories of African American history in the Sunflower State. It will be performed at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the Township Hall, which also serves as the sites visitor center. The play is presented as part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. It begins with the homesteaders but carries on through modern civil rights struggles of the 1960s. Rev. Simon Roundtree, the first black settler, arrived in Nicodemus in June 1877. As the historic site reveals, the preacher soon began circulating fliers inviting Colored people of the United States to join him in what he called Great Solomon Valley. Within months, nearly 200 people joined him. A handful of the buildings they erected, including a schoolhouse and a church, are still standing, making Nicodemus the only remaining black settlement west of the Mississippi River. Its open 9 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Admission is free. Info: Nicodemus National Historic Site, 304 Washington Ave.; (785) 839-4233 MORE Celebrating our national parks 8 Pokemon hangouts in San Diego during Comic-Con Dont like your rental sedan? Switching cars gets easier Yoga in a Ferris wheel? Only in Vegas Joshua Wong, the teenage leader who is the face of the youthful pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, was convicted Thursday of participating in an unlawful assembly that snowballed into a massive sit-in known as the Umbrella Movement. Two fellow youth movement leaders, Alex Chow, 25, and Nathan Law, 23, were also convicted on various charges. Both are former presidents of the Hong Kong Federation of Students, which organized the class boycott that led to mass demonstrations in 2014 demanding more direct public participation in the election of Hong Kongs chief executive. For nearly three months, thousands of protesters filled the financial district and other parts of the city demanding democratic reforms in Chinas most significant public demonstrations since the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. Advertisement During the trial, prosecution painted the student leaders as reckless colluders in a violent act of rebellion; Wong and his co-defendants argued that they had been driven to civil disobedience as a result of the governments increasing clamp-downs on the right to demonstrate in public. No matter what the price or penalty is, well keep fighting, Wong said outside the courthouse. We know facing off [against] the Chinese Communist Party is a long battle for democracy. The verdict, which came after nearly 10 weeks of deliberation by Magistrate June Cheung, could rekindle public dissatisfaction with the current Hong Kong administration in its waning months, as chief executive Leung Chun-ying mulls a second term. In April, Law and Wong formed a new political party to run for the Legislative Council elections in the fall. At 19, Wong is two years too young to run for office; Law filed for his candidacy Monday. But Thursdays conviction may bar him from running in September. Hong Kong, a former British colony of 7.3 million people which is now a semiautonomous Chinese territory, has maintained an independent judiciary under a separate constitution, which is to remain in force until 2047. Under the constitution, the territory is guaranteed the right to vote for its leader eventually. However, in August 2014, the standing committee of Chinas National Peoples Congress decided to limit the choice of candidates for Hong Kongs highest office to candidates handpicked by a pro-Beijing committee. Beijings decision prompted a class boycott organized by the student leaders and escalated into the storming of the plaza known as Civic Square. The demonstrations ended with the arrests of Chow, Law, Wong and 70 others. During the student leaders prolonged detention, demonstrators amassed and faced off against riot police, who tried and initially failed to clear the streets. The emboldened demonstrators then took over major roadways in encampments. Parts of Admiralty, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok were occupied and remained closed to traffic for nearly 80 days. The citys streets ultimately were cleared on court orders. But little political change has been achieved since. While police early in 2015 arrested a total of 48 people for their involvement in the pro-democracy protests, only Wong, Chow, Law and a dozen others have been prosecuted so far. Wong was acquitted in June of two counts of obstructing a police officer during an earlier protest against mainland Chinas claim of complete jurisdiction over the Chinese territory. All told, 955 protesters were arrested during the Umbrella Movement protests when authorities cleared out the encampments. The three remain free on bail until sentencing scheduled for Aug. 15. For the charges on which the student leaders were convicted, the maximum sentence is five years. Law is a special correspondent. It took two months for Zia-ul Haq, 23, to persuade his family to let him join the Afghan National Army. Like hundreds of recruits at an army training center outside Kabul, he said he was driven by patriotism and a desire to defend his country. But his family, which hails from Logar province, a hotbed of fighters claiming allegiance to the Taliban, Islamic State and other militant groups, was reluctant for him to enter a war now in its 15th year. They didnt want me to join, he said. They were against it from the beginning. Advertisement That is because Afghan soldiers and police, who took over responsibility for leading the war from U.S.-led coalition forces a year and a half ago, face ever-greater dangers. As Taliban fighters increase their attacks and target urban centers, Afghan forces have struggled to defend themselves and hold onto territory with diminished support from coalition combat soldiers and aircraft. In 2015, casualties among Afghan soldiers and police rose 27% from Jan. 1 to Nov. 15, compared to the same period in 2014, according to a Pentagon report. The growing risks have contributed to high rates of attrition among Afghan soldiers, which the Pentagon said could pose significant challenges to retaining a professional force. As many recruits as there are, there are as many desertions, said one Afghan military officer at the training center, who was not authorized to speak to the media. NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj >> Despite the risks, up to 6,000 young men and a small but growing number of women continue to enlist each month in the army, according to Afghan defense ministry figures. Many say they join out of patriotism, but a significant number also are drawn by the $165 monthly salary a rare steady paycheck in a country with an estimated 40% unemployment rate and an economy that has nosedived since the disputed 2014 presidential election. The challenges facing the Afghan forces were on display at the armys main training center, a sprawling campus in the hills east of Kabul. During the just-concluded Muslim holy month of Ramadan, during which able-bodied Muslims fast from sunrise or sunset, the recruits simulated battle conditions without food or water, in dry summer heat. On the battlefield, as well, military officials said soldiers and police were observing the fast. Nothing not the heat, not the cold, nothing can affect a soldier, said Obaidullah, an 18-year-old from the northern province of Takhar, as fellow recruits practiced covering themselves in leaves and branches as part of training on concealing themselves from the enemy. Like many Afghans, Obaidullah has only one name. The three-month training includes firing sessions, assembling and dismantling weaponry and field operations, after which recruits are sent out into the war. Afghan army recruits take part in a training session in June. (Sultan Faizy / For The Times ) Sgt. Maazullah, a trainer demonstrating trench warfare techniques, said the nine-week training period wasnt sufficient to prepare troops for the challenges of the Afghan battlefield. By comparison, U.S. Army basic training lasts 10 weeks. Low literacy levels among the recruits slow the training, but officers say they need to replace soldiers quickly because of high rates of casualties and desertions. The excess of the subjects that must be taught in a very short period of time definitely leads to real difficulties on the front lines, the sergeant said. Although Afghan politicians, celebrities, activists and media try to drum up public support for Afghan security forces, the army and police have faced controversy perhaps no more so than with the practice of night raids into Afghan houses in search of insurgent suspects. In 2013, then-President Hamid Karzai banned foreign forces from entering Afghan houses during the raids after repeated reports of abuses. Afghan forces continued the practice but under stricter scrutiny from military officials. As part of army training, Afghan soldiers practice camouflaging themselves. (Sultan Faizy / For The Times ) In January, residents in the eastern province of Paktia accused Afghan soldiers of carrying out indiscriminate shelling and other practices that caused a high number of civilian casualties during a 10-day operation in Zurmat district. Among the allegations were that soldiers used schools and houses as bases from which they would battle Taliban fighters. Atop a hill in the training center, two dozen new recruits including one dressed to look like an enemy combatant walked through the steps of a raid. Circling the perimeter of a mock multilevel house, the soldiers pointed their guns at red ghostly outlines meant to represent opposition fighters. Sgt. Hamidullah, a portly trainer from eastern Afghanistan, gave detailed instructions in Pashto and Dari in a loud, stern voice. He said the soldiers are told to make every effort to avoid civilian casualties. We move in stages, hoping to further encircle the enemy with each step, Hamidullah said. We announce three times over a loudspeaker that we are only here for fighters and that all non-combatants should escape the premises. We cut off all communication channels for the enemy, and we ask for the help of elders in the community to convince the enemies to turn themselves in. The exercise lasts one day but Hamidullah said he needed at the very least, two days to conduct it adequately. Zia-ul Haq, the recruit from Logar, was among those carrying out the mock night raid. When it was over, he wore a look of pride. After I complete my training and become a good soldier, I want to move on to training to become a sergeant. Latifi and Faizy are special correspondents. ALSO When it comes to raising a child disabled by Zika, Brazilian women often do it alone Brazilian police arrest 10 suspected of planning for terrorist attack around Olympics French prosecutor says killer of 84 in Nice had accomplices and planned attack for months The day Josemary Gomes brought her newborn son Gilberto home to a tiny pink house on a sun-baked cobblestone street, she laid him on her bed and wept. But there was no one to comfort the single mother. I raised my head, she said, and carried on alone. Gomes is among a growing number of women in Brazil who are raising children damaged by the Zika virus on their own. Advertisement As many as a third of mothers are unmarried in this nation of 200 million, the hardest hit in an epidemic that has swept around the world. Studies suggest that the rate is highest in impoverished rural villages and crowded slums the places most affected by the mosquito-borne virus that has been linked to at least 1,638 cases of birth defects across the country. Even mothers who have a partner have found themselves suddenly abandoned as their relationships crumble under the emotional strain, economic burden and social stigma that come with raising a child who may require almost constant attention. We think it just becomes too hard for the men, at least from their point of view, said Simone Jordao, who heads a treatment center for children with disabilities in northeastern Brazil, the epicenter of the Zika outbreak. They may try at first, but then they drift away or leave the family forever. Marcos, 9, kisses his half-brother, Gilberto, while 4-year-old Jorge entertains the baby of a family friend. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times ) Babies with microcephaly an abnormally small skull, often accompanied by brain damage tend to be more easily agitated than other infants and cry incessantly. Many develop severe cognitive and physical disabilities and need expensive therapies and monitoring by specialists. Caring for these children is so difficult that staffers at the regions hospitals worry that, without the help of a partner, some mothers might abandon them. That has happened in a few cases in the northeastern state of Pernambuco, where the surge in microcephaly cases began last year, and in the coastal city of Rio de Janeiro, to the south. Orphanages commonly take in children with disabilities, and in some hard-hit cities, they are bracing for an increase in admissions. The fear for children damaged by Zika is compounded by the poverty and youth of many of the parents, some of them teenagers. Many of the families who come to Jordaos center, in the Paraiba state capital of Joao Pessoa, are in situations that are very precarious, either financially or socially, she said. We have many situations where the husband is in prison, for example. These families need support. Gomes, 34, already was raising four boys on her own when she met Gilbertos father. She thought he would take care of them. But when she got pregnant, she said, he told her he was already married. At least he sometimes sent money to help with expenses. When the labor pains started, she caught a bus alone to the maternity hospital, about an hour away in the city of Campina Grande. She was still recovering from the birth when a doctor came with questions. Had she been infected with Zika? Yes, she said, when she was seven months pregnant. The doctor told her that Gilbertos head was unusually small for his body size: He had microcephaly. She thought the doctor must be mistaken. Two ultrasound exams hadnt revealed any problems during the pregnancy. When Gomes called to tell the father, she said, he refused to accept that the baby had a malformation. He said, No. No way, she recalled. I asked him, Why? Do you have any prejudice? He said no. She didnt believe him. People with disabilities are heavily stigmatized in Brazil, especially in the conservative and impoverished northeast, where some view the babies with microcephaly as beset by demons. It was weeks before Gilbertos father visited him, Gomes said. The money for expenses soon stopped arriving. He occasionally stops by the house, usually to see Gomes 17-year-old son, Joao Victor, with whom he remains close. But when he saw a Times reporter and photographer there one afternoon, he rode away on his motorcycle. He could not be reached for comment. Gomes has started calling herself a warrior mom. Gilberto is easily agitated and cries incessantly. A bath is often the only way to soothe him. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times ) Her days revolve around the 8-month-old boy, who is showing signs of developmental delays and has started having convulsions. When Gilbertos crying becomes too much to bear, his mother lifts him into a blue plastic tub set on the kitchen table. Are you hot, my love? she asks, scooping water over his head. Its the only way to soothe him. When its time to start cooking rice and beans for lunch, Gomes hands Gilberto to his 9-year-old half-brother, Marcos. He has to be held or he starts crying again. Medical appointments seem to rule her life. Gomes sets her phone to wake her up at 3:45 a.m. most days. She dresses and feeds Gilberto in the dark, lays food out on the kitchen table for his brothers and hurries out the door to catch the free municipal car that brings patients to Pedro I Municipal Hospital in Campina Grande. Im always late, she lamented. The day Josemary Gomes brought Gilberto home from hospital, she laid him on her bed and wept. When there were no tears left, she said, I raised my head and carried on alone. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times ) At the hospital, parents are encouraged to take part in the childrens physical therapy sessions. Gomes and Gilberto are surrounded by mothers and babies with microcephaly. Fathers hardly ever show up. Jacqueline Loureiro, a psychologist there who runs support groups for the mothers, estimated that of the more than 40 women she counsels, 3 out of 4 dont receive the emotional and financial support they need from a partner even if they are living with the father. This society is still very macho, so the father might be there but not be involved at all, she said. Nor is he likely to help with cooking and cleaning at home, though he might contribute financially. Before Gilberto was born, Gomes cooked and cleaned at a restaurant. Now her only income is from a government program that pays a monthly stipend to poor families. She gets about $130 a month. Her home is so small she must share a bed with three of her children. There is no air conditioning or running water. Mosquitoes that breed in the backyard water tank torment the family at night. Sometimes I think about getting out of here, she said. Gilberto has his diaper changed while Jorge takes a nap. The house is so small the boys share a bed with their mother. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times ) But the rent is cheap, less than $40 a month. The hospital has encouraged her to apply for an additional benefit available to parents of children with disabilities. But the application process is cumbersome, and she must first correct an error on one of the boys birth certificates. When she runs out of money, she picks up diapers and baby lotion from a storage room at the hospital, which has received a flood of donations since the Zika crisis began. She used to be ashamed to ask for help. Now, she says, shell ask anyone. I am Gilbertos father now, she said. I am mother and father at the same time. Special correspondent Vincent Bevins in Sao Paulo contributed to this report. This story was reported with a grant from the United Nations Foundation. alexandra.zavis@latimes.com Twitter: @alexzavis Baku, Azerbaijan, July 21 Trend: 10,410 suspects have been taken into custody so far in wake of last Fridays failed coup, Turkey ruling AK Party Deputy Chairman Yasin Aktay said, Anadolu Agency reported. Among those detained, as Aktay said, there are 287 police, 7423 soldiers, 2014 judges and 686 civilians. On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them. However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. More than 200 people have been killed as a result of the coup attempt. Hillary Clinton's run for the White House has gained the endorsement of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHHC), the organization's first official backing of a general election presidential candidate in its 38 years of existence. Not long after Donald Trump was officially crowned as the Republican nominee during the party's ongoing national convention in Cleveland, USHHC president and CEO Javier Palomarez made the announcement that the organization had decided to throw its supporter behind the former first lady. "We are at the Republican convention to announce that we proudly endorse Hillary Clinton for president of the United States," Palomarez said. "We believe she's the best person for the job. She's got experience. She's got the temperament and track record." 'Extraordinary Times' Palomarez added the organization made the decision to break its tradition and go public for a candidate based on the "extraordinary times" at hand. Trump has vowed to deport millions of immigrants if he is elected and leading up to the convention republican leaders moved to make his pledge to build a wall along the Mexican border an official rung of the GOP platform. In contrast, Clinton has pledged support for a path toward citizenship for many undocumented immigrants. "We believe they call for extraordinary measures," Palomarez said of the party's contrast. "We believed Hillary Clinton was the right person for this job." USHHC Represents 4 Million Hispanic-Owned Businesses Palomarez estimated that the Chamber represents more than four million Hispanic-owned businesses that contribute more than $661 billion to the annual economy. During primary season, the organization endorsed Clinton and Trump's Republican challenger John Kasich. Palomarez strategically made the decision to announce the organization's endorsement of Clinton after the Republican convention had commenced and Trump's theme and proposals on business and the economy under his banner of "Make America Work Again" had been out into play. 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump will formally accept the GOP presidential nomination Thursday night, July 21, in Cleveland, Ohio. The billionaire will give his speech at the Republican National Convention at around 8:30 p.m. ET and his daughter Ivanka, Executive Vice President of Development & Acquisitions at the Trump Organization, will introduce him. There are nine speakers who will go on before Trump at the RNC starting at 7:30 p.m. ET Thursday night. Full List of Speakers: Brock Mealer, motivational speaker Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin Lisa Shin, National Diversity Coalition for Trump Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus Jerry Falwell, Jr., president of Liberty University Peter Thiel, founder of PayPal Tom Barrick, chief executive of Colony Capital Ivanka Trump, Trump's daughter Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee The RNC will broadcast live on C-SPAN. Additional Viewing Options: Watch coverage of the RNC from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. on CBS, NBC and ABC Get a 24-hour update of the RNC each day starting at 1 p.m. on CNN Get the Livestream of the RNC on CBSN, Twitter and the Conventions website You can live stream the Republican and Democratic National Conventions on Twitter https://t.co/xUMxUO8q89 via @BGR Tracy Lewis (@TracyTlewis) July 20, 2016 Meanwhile, Trump is at a crucial point of the 2016 presidential election. Recently, his wife Melania received major backlash for her keynote speech and former GOP presidential runner Ted Cruz refused to endorse Trump during his speech on Wednesday. Yet, Trump is still a favorite among white males in America. He will have to appeal to more people who are not like him in order to win the vote over from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. "We're at the cycle of the campaign when voters no longer are just trying to figure out who you are as a person -- they are trying to envision you in the Oval Office and they want to know there's someone there who shares their values," David Gergen, former advisor to four previous presidents, tells CNN. "This is the moment when he has to be much less abrasive, much more inclusive and embracing of people who are not like him," Gergen added. Even though this weeks RNC highlights have been ignored following Melanias speech, that is not going to stop the Republican Party from talking about Clintons involvement on the Benghazi attacks and her private email server. Will Trump focus on Clintons weak points during his speech? Or will he save that for later and only focus on his strong points? Baku, Azerbaijan, July 22 Trend: No obstacle to extending state of emergency beyond initial three months, Turkey president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in an interview with Reuters agency. 246 people have been killed, more than 2,000 people wounded as a result of the coup attempt. In his first interview since declaring a state of emergency following the abortive coup, Erdogan said a new coup attempt was possible but would not be easy, saying "we are more vigilant". "It is very clear that there were significant gaps and deficiencies in our intelligence, there is no point trying to hide it or deny it. I told it to the head of national intelligence," Erdogan told. On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them. However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday a cut in Turkey's foreign currency credit rating by Standard & Poor's after a failed military coup had been a political decision and showed the rating agency had "sided with the coup, not with democracy". Erdogan told Reuters in an interview in his palace in Ankara that if fellow rating agency Moody's followed suit, it would not be an objective decision. He said there was no liquidity problem in Turkey's strong financial sector. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a televised interview late Thursday that the military will be restructured in a short time. Erdogan also added that there were significant failures in intelligence ahead of last Friday's attempted military coup. President further stated that he gave a call but could not reach the head of National Intelligence Agency (MIT), Hakan Fidan during the night. In his first interview since declaring a state of emergency following the abortive coup, Erdogan said a new coup attempt was possible but would not be easy, saying "we are more vigilant". "It is very clear that there were significant gaps and deficiencies in our intelligence, there is no point trying to hide it or deny it. I told it to the head of national intelligence," Erdogan told Reuters in his palace in Ankara, which was targeted during the coup attempt. Song Joong-ki with Xingxing (Photo : Weibo) Every day, there are several photos of Descendants of the Sun actor Song Joong-ki posted on social media fan pages. Usually, these are photos of his fan meets or product endorsements. However, on Wednesday, the 30-year-old actors photo holding a cute and fat baby became viral because the picture was the object of envy among many women who would want to be held like Xingxing, reported Yahoo. Advertisement The photo was posted on Weibo by Korean actress Zhang Ziyi. And to make women jealous of her seven-month-old daughter, the actress captioned the photo: Your husband is very warm and loving. Xingxing, are you pretending to be cool? Since Zhang Ziy posted it, the photo has gone viral and elicited thousands of comments such as: I want to be Xingxing! Others played along and wrote a response from the seven-month-old cutie which reads: In her heart, Xingxing is really excited. Her father must be jealous. Song Joong-ki and Zhang Ziyi, besides being Hallyu stars, are endorsers of cosmetic brand Proya, reported Korean Times. Tomorrow, June 16, many Shanghai fans of Song Joong-ki will finally see him in person and some lucky ones have a photo with the actor, although not held on his arm like what the Battleship Island actor did with Xingxing. Jul 21, 2016, 10:26am ET Mitsubishi recalls Lancer, Outlander to address suspension corrosion The front cross member is prone to excessive corrosion, potentially allowing the control arm to detach. Mitsubishi has initiated a regional repair program to address suspension corrosion in the Lancer and Outlander. The company in 2014 received a report from Canada alleging excessive corrosion of the front cross member in a 2008 Outlander. A subsequent investigation determined that a safety risk exists if the cross member corrodes to the point of failure, potentially allowing the front control arm to detach. "A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash," the recall documents warn. The campaign affects the 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V6, including vehicles that have been sold or registered in more than 20 states with high levels of road salt exposure in the winter. Service technicians will inspect the front cross members. The component will either be replaced or sealed with an anti-corrosion agent, depending on the level of existing corrosion. It took plumber's putty to get the oversized posters to stick to the tops of the plaster walls decades ago inside Play It Again, a music store on South Side Bethlehem. Wednesday afternoon, owner Joe Hanna braced himself against a ladder, using a pry bar to get them down. Play It Again is closing after 35 years. The space at 129 W. Fourth St. remained, at least Wednesday, equal parts retail store and dream dorm room. Wrestling figures, quirky posters and untold bric-a-brac share the business with rows and rows of records and CDs. The cassette stock has dwindled, but there are some of those, too, and CD-display stands. Hanna, of Salisbury Township, will still own the building. He said he's closing because he got an offer he couldn't refuse from a restaurateur, John Okumus, looking to open a restaurant there. Hanna plans to remain open until Aug. 10, a few days before Okumus gets the key. Okumus, who lives in Bethlehem, said Wednesday he hopes to open by December, catering to the neighborhood near Lehigh University with freshly made Italian and Mediterranean food. Play It Again got its start in January 1981 in Allentown. Hanna opened that April in Bethlehem, on South New Street, and moved to West Fourth Street when he bought the building in 1988. He's seen it all in the music retail business: the rise and fall and rise again of vinyl, the moonshot of CDs and, later, their plunge, along with that of cassettes. "When we opened we were strictly a used record store. That was our niche," Hanna said. "Now you can get any song you want right at your fingerprints with your phone, immediately." But when Hanna started out, buying music to play at home was the only alternative to sitting by the radio waiting for your favorite song to come on. "If you wanted to hear your song when you wanted to hear it, you pretty much had to buy the record," Hanna said. "That was it." Hanna's discounting his stock at a minimum of 20 percent off. Whatever's left next month, he plans to take with him and sell online at piarecords.com. Among the industry names Hanna's hosted over the years have been Misfits founder Glenn Danzig, indie rockers Yo La Tengo and punk godfather Henry Rollins. He's going to miss his regular customers and employees, and the ambiance of the store he made his own through eclectic tastes. Some of the rarer items on display have already been sold, including a promotional mobile that hung from the ceiling advertising Nirvana's 1991 "Nevermind." "That was tough to let go," Hanna said. "I used to see that baby every day when I came to work." Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Dollars and yuan notes are seen at a bank on May 15, 2006, in Beijing, China. (Photo : Getty Images) The Bank of Jiangsu, a mid-sized bank based in Nanjing, launched on Tuesday its online campaign to invite subscription of shares before its IPO release. Offline and online subscriptions started to be available by Wednesday. The bank issued 1.15 billion shares at 6.27 or 64 cents per share. The total offering is expected to reach 7.24 billion yuan. Advertisement The listing was filed at the Shanghai Stock Exchange. According to the website of the China Securities Regulation Commission, a total of 14 banks are waiting for approval of their IPO. There are already eight banks that were approved. Among others, Bank of Shanghai and Bank of Guiyang were already approved. A senior official from the Agricultural Bank of China, Yu Fenghui, said that mid-level banks need to engage in an IPO to augment liquidity issues. Many banks need additional capital as non-performing loans (NFL) are increasing. Yu said, "Raising capital through an IPO will help those banks alleviate liquidity pressure and make the situation not look too bad, but it won't solve their bad loan problems." From 2013 to 2014, the bad debt ratio of the Bank of Jiangsu reached 14 percent. The ratio was already at 13 percent the preceding year. Ivan Shi, a financial analyst from Z-Ben Advisors, said, "The economy hasn't been doing that well in the past few years especially for the sectors that the bank is involved in. The more worrying issue is the continued growth of NPLs over the past few years." There is a bigger burden of NPLs among the larger banks. Banks such as Bank of China Ltd. are carrying the load of state-owned debts. However, the Bank of Jiangsu assures its investors in its prospectus. It said, "In recent years, our bank has been continually increasing the intensity of write-offs, and accelerating the handling of nonperforming loans." The developer behind the transformation of former Bethlehem Steel Corp. lands has been chosen by the city to redevelop a West Bethlehem armory into a work-live complex. The Bethlehem Redevelopment Authority has selected Michael Perrucci's Peron Development to adapt the former Bethlehem Armory, 301 Prospect Ave., into apartments and lofts attractive to empty-nesters and millennial alike. "The best Main Street in America is two blocks away," former Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, who is director of business development for Peron, said. The authority and city announced the selection in a news conference inside the vacant armory Thursday afternoon. It was well attended by area residents curious about what is being planned for their residential neighborhood. The purchase includes the 1930 armory, a maintenance garage added in 1938 and a 1968 garage on the two-acre site. Peron has also bought an adjacent vacant sign company on Filbert Street that will be torn down for on-site parking. Plans call for a mix of 70-78 apartments, lofts and, depending on zoning and planning approvals, commercial technology office space, Callahan explained. The Bethlehem Food Co-op, which is trying to open a cooperative grocery store in the city, is interested in exploring rehabbing the garage into a store. Mayor Bob Donchez said the plans for the "pivotal gateway to West Bethlehem" were a long time coming. The historic Floyd Simons Armory, named after the first Bethlehem soldier to die in World War I, will be renovated in a way that preserves its historic elements and respects the surrounding neighborhood, he said. Rauch Street resident John SanFilippo, who operates California Drum Shop, a music instruction business, out of his home, was unconvinced. "I don't want to look at that," he said gesturing at project renderings. "I am going to lose my whole view." Callahan emphasized there will be plenty of opportunities for residents to offer input. The plans for the site must go through zoning and planning board approvals and be vetted by city council as well, explained Tony Hanna, redevelopment authority executive director. Peron plans to pay the authority $322,000 for the property in December. The city has a deal with the state to buy the 1930 Art Deco armory, which is on the National Historic Register, for $272,000. It will be a simultaneous sale, Hanna said. Peron is floating several options for the site but they all include adding a three-and-a-half or four-story L-shaped addition off the back of the existing buildings. The new buildings would front onto an outdoor courtyard that would act as a buffer for homes on Prospect Avenue. The addition would not stand higher than the existing 1968 garage on Second Avenue and the rooftop terrace will offer spectacular views, Callahan said. "For some of the neighbors, the views they have of South Mountain are something they treasure," said Christine Roysdon, who lives in the 400 block of Second Avenue. Roysdon and Prospect Avenue resident Jeff Pooley said they're pleased to see the armory being reused in a way that keeps its historic character intact. But they're concerned about the number of units proposed and the parking setup. Plans call for narrowing Second Avenue to allow for 40 parking spaces in front of one of the additions. Peron proposes vacating a section of Filbert Street, where the sign shop it bought sits, and adding another 61 parking spots. An additional 23 spots would be built in a lot fronting on Rauch Street. "It feels suburban," Pooley said of putting parking spots out in front. He suggested the old Route 378 on-ramp could be used for parking and emphasized his concerns weren't a case of "not in my backyard." "I'm not opposed to good urban in-fill," Pooley said. If the Bethlehem Food Co-op is not interested in the 1968 garage, plans call for both garages turning into lofts or apartments. The basement floor of the armory would house a community room, fitness center, storage and a lobby. The top proposal for the armory's main floor is a partnership with OraSure co-founder and former CEO Mike Gausling. Gausling is now managing partner of Originate Ventures LLC, which invests venture capital in early stage and emerging growth technology companies in eastern Pennsylvania, and he's interested in moving 30 to 40 workers into the space, Callahan said. "We think it makes it a much more interesting project," Callahan said, adding it allows the historic gems of the armory, likes its steel trusses, to be highlighted. Peron was selected from 10 firms that responded to a November 2015 request for qualifications and proposals put out by the authority. The submissions were scored and ranked, narrowing them down to a field of five. One developer dropped out and Peron was picked from the final four. They rose to the top because of the quality of their plans and the fact that they took the risk of buying adjoining land to improve their pitch, Hanna said. Other Peron projects Peron is currently building the 30-unit Chelsea Commons apartments in a former parking lot on Chelsea Avenue. The developer is also turning three vacant South Bethlehem lots into Greenway Commons, a three-building mix of retail, office and residential. They were behind the adaptive reuse of a 1930 bank into Social Still distillery and turning a brownfield into the Woodmont Mews apartment complex. And Perrucci's BethWorks Renovations has led the charge in redeveloping a chunk of the former Bethlehem Steel property on the city's South Side. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Older Easton homes are often associated with their former owners. Mine, in my family for 58 years, is David Bishop Skillman's house. But after they put his name on Lafayette College's new library in 1964 and he passed away a year later, he was out of our lives, if not our memories. Rob and Amy Collins own Oliver Fehr's home at 19 S. Fifth St. The Italianate Victorian is big and it's welcoming and it wears its history well in all its decay and bloom. Fehr and his wife, Christina Louisa Seyfried Fehr, bought the place the year after it was built in 1869 by a merchant named Lane. They raised daughters Dagmar, Anna and Carrie there. It didn't leave the family until 1969, not long after Carrie's death. But as Amy, 36, and Rob, 46, said Wednesday afternoon while sitting around the kitchen table in the not-nearly-finished home they've owned for 11 years, Oliver might have checked out in 1932, but, as the Eagles suggested, he could never leave. At least until he was politely asked. They had yet to meet the longtime Easton Argus editor's great-granddaughter Janet Gum when the strange stuff started to happen -- stuff that Janet would later put into perspective. There was the creaking of an upstairs rocking chair that just wasn't there. And the smell of pipe smoke in the bedroom where Janet would later tell them Oliver spent his final years, taking delight in the children as they dashed by him. Rocking away and smoking his pipe. "I said to Oliver that you need to stop," Amy said when she'd simply had enough. And the ghost kindly did, she said. There was the 3 a.m. panic when Rob awoke to hear someone walking up steps where there were no stairs. First the kitchen door opened and closed, then the hurried clip-clop of wood against wood, as someone rushed to the attic, followed by heavy steps on the floor quite clear from the second-story bedroom. Rob, who is always warm, felt a deep chill. Amy, who is always pulling on more blankets, was soaked in sweat. Usually, sound from the third flood doesn't come through. But this early morning -- a date that turned out to be just after Christina Louisa's death and just before a family birth -- it was quite clear. "It sounded like a big man walking," Rob said. He figured it was best to stay in bed and stay quiet. If there was going to be a battle, it would be in their bedroom. But, suddenly, the noise jumped down the kitchen. The door opened and closed and it was over. "Why would a burglar run up to the attic and then run out?" Rob asked. "Down steps that don't exist." Janet, who spent summers as a child in the house and died in 2015, taught the Collinses about their house years before after she sought them out. She gave them family photos and treasured stories. The stairway? Originally it was at the edge of the kitchen, right where Rob heard the footsteps. It was moved years ago to the center of the house, where it remains. And then there was Fred. He's quite a famous ghost already, known to all as the inspiration for the Freddy Awards at the State Theatre. Anna Fehr and her husband, Fred Ackenbach, moved back into the house at the beginning of the Depression to share space with her sister, Carrie, who never moved out. J. Fred Osterstock, "a distinguished looking gentleman who managed the company that owned the theatre from 1936-1965," according to the State's website, was pals with Anna and Fred's son Harry and they often played cards in an upstairs bedroom, Rob said. Soon after buying the house, Rob often heard the front doorknob turn, and he wasn't quite sure what to think. But one day he was right next to the door when it happened. He grabbed the knob, turned it, pulled the door and looked out. To see no one. Fred, Rob figured, was coming over to play another game of cards with Harry. Living with ghosts can be stressful, so Rob, who grew up in Clinton Township, sought out some help and he was told to invite the previous residents to leave. "I told them it was time to move out," Rob said. "I thanked them for taking care of the house. ... We're going to take care of it" and raise our family here, he said to Oliver. And in the ensuing seven or so years, there's been "nothing major" supernatural in the Collins home, he said. The house is more romance than horror, Rob and Amy said. Because, without the house, there likely would be no Rob and Amy, no boys 5 and 6 years old; no girls ages 7 months and 2 years. "This house brought us together," Amy said. As Rob tells the story, having been in construction for much of his life, he was looking for an investment property. A building where he could fix up one side for renters and the other for himself. "Not this," he said as he looked up at his huge green Victorian with its shotgun windows off the front porch and a hidden foundation where a turret -- common to such architecture -- likely was to go but never did. But 19 S. Fifth St. keep turning up on the MLS search. "It just kind of drew me in," he said. "I'd drive by. I'd sit on the porch. It wasn't even my house and I'd sit on the porch. After a couple of weeks, I called the agent. It's how I met my wife." He was an assistant manager at Lowe's in Bethlehem Township. Amy worked in customer service. The tour of the home was scheduled for lunchtime. Rob, who has a certain charismatic charm, walked over and asked her, "'Do you want to take lunch and look at a house with me? It's where we would raise our future kids. How many kids are we going to have?' I didn't even know this girl. "We started dating a month after that. We were engaged a year later. When you know, you know." It was the house that got her. "When I saw this house, my eye was drawn right to it," said Amy, who grew up in Bethlehem Township. "If I looked at the neighborhood" she might not have followed through, although the block is much improved in their time there. "One thing about this street, as soon as you turn down it, it feels like a different place," she said. "We closed on the house," Amy added, "and he handed me a key and said, 'I just bought you a house.'" And what sort of house was it once they opened the front doors? "It really needed a lot of work (but) it was beautiful," she said. "It's come a long way. It was nearly unlivable." The chandeliers were gone. A parlor mantle with Apollo in the center was missing as well, although former owners gave it back about a year ago, Rob said. After Gum, who inherited the place, decided not to move there, it was an Easton Upholstery warehouse for years, Rob said. They had planned to use it for showrooms for their furniture, but that didn't come to be, he added. It was bought in 1995 for $35,000 and work was done on the home, but it wasn't completed, Rob said. It was called a "work in progress" in a newspaper account. By the time Rob got it "at the top of the market" for $165,000 in 2005, the challenge was immense, he said. More than a decade in, the couple, who admit they're not wealthy, are still at it. Bit by bit. Day by day. It now needs a new furnace. There's always something. "She does blame me," Rob said with a laugh. "It's love-hate. I love this house and she hates me for it." Are they where she figured they'd be? "Yes and no," Amy said. "It depends on what you are referring. We're a little behind (on the house) but when it comes to family, we're right where I wanted to be. This house was meant to have a lot of people in it." Replastering one bedroom -- drywall was out of the question in this restoration -- took Rob 300 hours and 500 feet of Fiberglas mesh. It was a success, but the house is not done. Not even close. And it probably never will be. It has hiding places and surprises and hand-painted plaster that struggles to survive. When they sought an assessment in an effort to refinance, the person gave them their money back, Rob said. On an interesting block of eclectic architecture, there was nothing with which to compare the home. The closest Rob can come up with is the Asa Packer Mansion in Jim Thorpe, also an Italianate from the Victorian era. Rob likes to use the word steward to explain his role in his house's history. Maybe one of his kids will take it on. Maybe not. "Stability. Home base. I'm done moving," he said. "We'll see how this works out. ... I love old stuff. I feel like I should have been born 100 years ago. ... It wasn't bought as an investment. That walnut doesn't exist anymore," he added as he looked at the beautiful dark wood that rises with the front staircase. He will do no harm. And, perhaps, some good, he said, in a house he plans to own the rest of his life. And with the place's history, maybe for some time after that. "Much like marriage, this house is a lifelong arrangement," Rob said. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Pennsylvania State Police are again asking anyone with information about the disappearance of a Lehigh County man 23 years ago to come forward. John Bealer (Courtesy photo) John Bealer, who was 50 at the time, left his Heidelberg Township home the morning of July 30, 1993 and went to work at a used car dealership on Route 309 in Germansville, according to Pennsylvania Missing Persons. Bealer went home around noon that day and has not been seen since. Bealer's ex-wife came home at about 2 p.m. and found the garage door open and a radio playing, as well as Bealer's wallet and keys inside, but Bealer was not there, the website reports. Anyone with information about Bealer should call state police at Bethlehem at 610-861-2026 or Lehigh Valley Crime Stoppers at 800-426-TIPS. Callers may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Jack Panella Jack Panella was retained for a second 10-year term on the Pennsylvania Superior Court in 2013. He also serves on the Court of Judicial Discipline and was recently elected its president judge. (lehighvalleylive.com file photo) Jack Panella was the first judge to twice be appointed to the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline. Now he's the first to twice serve as president judge. Panella, 61, of Palmer Township, is a former Northampton County judge who now is on the state Superior Court. He was elected president judge by his peers Tuesday at the Court of Judicial Discipline's annual meeting. The eight-member court has the authority to investigate allegations of judicial misconduct, according to the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts. It hears cases and rules when formal charges are filed against a judicial officer. Panella will be entering this term's fourth and final year later this year. His current term will expire on Sept. 18, 2017. He previously served a four-year term on the Court of Judicial Discipline from 1997 to 2001, including a year as its president when he was still a county court judge. A Democrat, Panella was retained for a second 10-year term on the Superior Court in 2013. He served on the Northampton County bench for 12 years until he was elected to the appellate court in 2004. Of the Court of Judicial Discipline's eight members, half are appointed by the Supreme Court and the other half selected by the governor. Panella was a Supreme Court appointee. In his first term, he presided over the case of former Supreme Court Justice Rolf Larsen. More recently, Panella last December headed a three-judge panel of the Court of Judicial Discipline that suspended Supreme Court Justice Michael Eakin for his role in Pennsylvania's Porngate scandal. Eakin quit the bench in March of this year. Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook. buzzi unicem plant stockertown Buzzi Unicem USA operates a cement plant in Stockertown, seen here on July 20, 2016, and a neighboring quarry in Upper Nazareth Township. (John Best | lehighvalleylive.com contributor) A recent explosion at an Upper Nazareth Township quarry has residents concerned about neighborhood safety. An explosion July 13 sent chunks of limestone flying in the air and landing in the nearby Hillside Farms development. Buzzi Unicem USA, formerly Hercules Cement, owns the quarry and the cement plant next door in Stockertown that sit across Route 191 from a residential neighborhood. Residents called police to report damages to house siding, mailboxes and roofs from the dropping debris. Some fragments were found near a playground on Longview Drive. Township resident Joanne Messenlehner said similar incidents have occurred before and she wants township leaders to do something before someone gets hurt. "What steps are you taking to prevent this in the future?" Messenlehner asked at Wednesday's township supervisors' meeting. Township Manager E.J. Mentry said the township does not have any authority regarding activity at the quarry. "When an incident like this happens, the state steps in," Mentry said. Mentry said he was informed that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has opened an investigation into the matter. Calls to the cement plant were not immediately returned Thursday. Also Wednesday, supervisors approved a resolution regarding a proposed expansion of the quarry. A section of Route 191 in Upper Nazareth will have to be moved several hundred feet to accommodate the expansion. Township zoning officer John Soloe said the land belongs to Buzzi Unicem USA and the road is owned by the state. The company must still get DEP and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation approvals. The expansion will require about a half-mile section of Route 191 to be moved 300 to 400 feet to the north of its current path. The affected area is to the west of the Route 33 interchange, where Route 191 crosses Bushkill Creek. Soloe said construction of the new path will not require the current road to be shut down for an extended period. The new road will be built parallel to the existing one and then tied in at the very end of the project, which is scheduled to begin in late 2017 and be completed in 2018, Soloe said. "I expect a minimal amount of disturbance for drivers," Soloe said. The cement plant is celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year. Soloe said plant representatives told him the quarry expansion would allow another 20 years of limestone production. John Best is a freelance writer. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook. A 50-year-old woman who tried to bring 1,000 of cannabis into the Mildands Prison hidden in her underwear claimed she was ordered to do so by drug dealers who had threatened to kill her son. A 50-year-old woman who tried to bring 1,000 of cannabis into the Mildands Prison hidden in her underwear claimed she was ordered to do so by drug dealers who had threatened to kill her son. Before last weeks Portlaoise District Court was Linda Conlon, with an address at 35 Thomond Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin, charged with the supply of a controlled drug into prison. Garda Inspector Aidan Farrelly gave evidence that Conlon had been visiting her son in the Midlands Prison on October 26 this year, when she was detected by staff with the drug concealed in her underwear. She made full admissions to the gardai and said she was under threat and under duress to carry out the transaction. Insp Farrelly said the State could not verify this claim at present and the investigation is ongoing. Defence said that Conlon, a 50-year-old receptionist at a Dublin hospital, has suffered with anxiety and depression since the incident. A letter was handed in to court from Conlons GP, and a letter from her employer. Defence said that some years ago Conlons son became indebted to drug dealers and was ordered to drive a van to a certain location, but the van was intercepted and 600,000 of cannabis was found in the back. Conlons son was convicted and given a lengthy sentence in 2007. Defence claimed that since then Conlon and her family have been subjected to threats and intimidation. Their house has been burgled and Conlon herself was mugged. The windows of their jeep were smashed and the vehicle itself burnt out. Defence went on to claim that three days prior to the offence, Conlon had been approached outside her work by a man with package, who told her: Well be posting your son back to you in bits if you dont bring this into prison. Conlon had been petrified by this man. Defence pointed out her previous clean record and said that a criminal conviction could mean her losing her job. Shes unlikely to trouble (this court) again in the future, said defence, adding that she had received many threats over the years. Judge Denis McLoughlin put the matter back to Tullamore District Court on February 19, 2014, for a probation report. A wood processing plant in Yanbian. (Photo : Getty Images) In the northeast part of China, there is a growing number of individuals who are taking online jobs as live streaming hosts. The trend is getting more popular in provinces like Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning. One live streaming host, Yue Cheng, is from Heliongjang Province. Cheng, or known as "Weihai Dashu," grew in popularity by his culinary skills and love of seafood. He has a live streaming culinary show that is very famous. He already has 526,000 followers. Advertisement Northeast China suffered economic turmoil since 1990s. This part of China used to be an industrialized area. The shift of the region's economy forced many to leave and look for work in other parts of the country. Those who decided to stay are getting by with being resourceful and looking for other sources of income. Toutiao, an official news site in WeChat, said that social media has expanded opportunities for people in third- to fourth-level cities. Liu Yang, an officer-in-charge at Redu Media, said that live streaming talents have risen. "The monthly income of an ordinary live streaming host may not seem very high in a big city, but it's very good for someone in a third- or fourth-tier city," Yang said. "That's why more and more people in Northeast China have joined the industry in recent years." Another plus for these talents is their innate quality of being frank, outgoing and bubbly. Many listeners enjoy these traits from their hosts. A netizen from Anhui Province, Windy Dong, observed, "Hosts from the Northeast stream more often and have more range when it comes to content. When a host gets into a fight with the audience, he might starting singing a song, which eases tensions." I spoke for Remain at about 50 debates during the campaign. Whether they were in village halls, church halls, schools or pubs, I mentioned science. The EU sensibly allocates its science funds by competitive bids and for years a lot has come to universities and research companies in Britain. The benefits for a society in which there are a lot of scientists and science work go beyond simple economics. There is a cultural benefit too from having more people in our community who think with the logical, disciplined mind of a scientist. If the Leave vote is followed through we will lose ability to apply for that. There is also private investment in research that will tend to go to institutions within EU states. Science in the UK is already suffering after the Leave vote, before the exit process has really begun. The BBC has this report that the UK is already a less attractive place for science. Grants are being turned down. European institutions want partners within the EU for good, not in Britain which might leave before projects are complete. Jobs are lost. Lives disrupted. In an example from the BBC story: Dr Nick Wright is one of the UKs brightest young astronomers at Keele University in Staffordshire. A long-standing collaborator recently told him that he was applying for a travel and accommodation grant, which would enable astronomers from research groups across Europe to work together on similar research projects at each others universities. But Dr Wright was told that there were concerns from others involved in the application that a UK institutions involvement in the project would harm its chances so Dr Wright and his group were asked not to be involved. I heard exactly the same when I was in Oxfordshire last weekend at a conference of Liberal Democrat members. There were many scientists at the event who had similar reports. Remain won the vote in Oxford and among scientists across Britain. During the campaign BBC News in the East of England could not find a single scientist to speak for Leave an historian was brought on instead. If we have a further referendum or if the General Election is to be fought with Brexit / No Brexit being a central issue, we need to reach out and convert people who voted Leave on 23 June. The question for us to answer is how to we persuade people in, for example Hartlepool, that the damage to UK science matters to them? * Antony Hook was #2 on the South East European list in 2014, is the English Party's representative on the Federal Executive and produces this sites EU Referendum Roundup. In his first few hours as our EU Spokesperson, weve had more sense from Nick Clegg than weve had from the whole government in the four awful weeks since the referendum. Tonight he was on Radio 4s PM programme saying that it was really important that we started to see some detail from the Government on its plans for Britains exit from the EU. We need, he said, a very detailed plan to extricate ourselves from the complex web of economic and legal ties between us and the EU. He said that if the Government wanted to retain the closest possible ties with the single market, their own backbenchers would kick off. You can listen to his interview here from about 39:30. In a piece for the i newspaper, Nick pointed out a few discrepancies between what the Tories say they want and the likelihood of it happening without compromise: Theresa May cant, for example, promise that we will be able to enjoy all the benefits to our economy that full access to the worlds largest borderless single market will bring, without accepting freedom of movement in return. So which is it? What matters more our economy and jobs or clamping down on immigration? David Davis, Theresa Mays new Brexit minister, appears to believe the single market is just a free trade arrangement. It isnt. Free trade means removing tariffs so that companies can trade without paying different levels of tax on the goods they buy and sell. But the single market is much more ambitious. It is about harmonising all the standards and regulations that apply to goods and services across Europe, so that companies can trade with each other on a truly level playing field. So its good that someone is on the case. He sets out his own plans: Whatever your views on Brexit, it is in everyones interest to make sure what happens next is debated openly and scrutinised properly. Thats why, over the coming months, I will be working with academics, lawyers and other experts to hold the Government to account and to flush out the answers that British people need about their country, their economy and their futures. To do that, Im prepared to work openly and collaboratively with people of all parties and anyone who believes that Britain must remain an open economy and a tolerant, outward-looking nation. Fox, Davis and May should be very worried by Nicks appointment. He has the expertise to hold their feet to the fire like nobody else in British politics. * Newshound: bringing you the best Lib Dem commentary in print, on air or online. Ive had the opportunity to go out to Cleveland, Ohio to campaign for Hillary Clinton for the next two weeks. My friends Ryan and James are out there working as campaign fellows and I thought that it would be fun to go and join them. It is great fun at the moment Ive met loads of friendly people in the office and out at events. The Republican National Convention is downtown right now, as youll all probably know, and we were trying to register voters around the area. Ryan and James got a few, but Im still learning the ropes with doing that. Its really complex to register to vote online here and really easy to fall off the register, so its important that we go out and get people registered. Especially in the more deprived areas of Cleveland, people tend to be removed from the register without knowing they have been because theyve either moved or not voted since 2012. After the voter registration session we went down to Starbucks and this place was absolutely crawling with Republicans and journalists. A man came into the shop wearing a shirt that was trying to parody the Hope image of Obama, except it had Bill Clinton on it with Rape underneath it. As a liberal feminist, I have to seriously restrain myself from arguing with people in public over here. I havent actually watched much of the RNC coverage. Its not good for my blood pressure. Im normally tolerant of my political opponents, but to quote someone I met this evening, Governor Kasich has destroyed womens rights, and thats before we even get on to talking about Trump. On a positive note, our potluck dinner this evening was great there were so many attendees from various diverse backgrounds. First we heard from Councilwoman Nancy Moore, who has served Shaker Heights on the council for years a true Lib Dem style local champion as she introduced Congressman Xavier Becerra (D CA). He spoke about coming from a working class background, being the first in his family to go to college, and the pride in his parents eyes when he invited them to the White House to meet Bill Clinton. So many attendees found that reflected in their own experience including me. His mother was a clerical worker and mine started off working in the Post Office. We have another potluck dinner tomorrow, and Im really looking forward to meeting more people and getting to know more about their experiences. I registered my first voter today, but the jet lag combined with the heat is taking it out of me, so I might see if I can switch to some more phonebanking and data entry. I also got handed a potential ticket to the Daily Show on Friday when I was out doing voter registration, so hopefully I can write about that in my next blog! * Hannah Bettsworth is a member of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats Council for Europe, and the Liberal Democrat Federal International Relations Committee. Outside of politics, she works in European affairs consultancy on health policy. A METROPOLITAN district councillor has called for the local authority to take over the running of a city centre multi-story car park. At this months council meeting, councillors were asked to approve the leasing of the Arthurs Quay multi-storey car park to TCE Management Limited for a period of three years. But Anti-Austerity Alliance councillor Cian Prendiville believes that with parking such a hot topic in the city, the council might take ownership of it themselves. As the temperature outside County Hall soared to almost 30 degrees, Cllr Prendiville said: Parking in the city centre is a big problem, especially in the run up to Christmas. When we put in place parking initiatives then, we are always told the problem is there is a lack of on-street parking spaces, and the multi-stories are crucial. He asked if the local authority is set on leasing the multi-story car park, perhaps conditions could be attached to ensure the operator includes parking initiatives. Perhaps even the council could run the parking lot directly to make parking affordable in the city centre, he added. Metropolitan district mayor Michael Hourigan disagreed, saying: If you lease something to another operator, you lease it on a business basis. If City Council wanted to acquire some of the spaces, they should acquire them back on a commercial basis. it is a commercial operation. I dont think they can expect to lease it out, and take car spaces with no payment. He said he supported the re-leasing of the car park. There are going to be huge developments in the Arthurs Quay area, and if they need a further three years to put the plans together, then fair enough, the Fine Gael man said. Independent councillor John Gilligan said the ownership of the Arthurs Quay car park is a very complex issue, and asked chief executive Conn Murray to address member's concerns. The leasing of the land was deferred until Septembers full council meeting. STATEMENTS by a truck driver involved in a fatal collision in which a father and son were killed in Limerick this week, as well the evidence of a motorcyclist who was first on the scene, will be crucial in determining the outcome of a murder-suicide investigation, say gardai. Marco Velocci and his three-year-old son Alex were killed instantly after a black Audi being driven by the 28-year-old was involved in a head-on collision with a truck on the N24 Limerick to Tipperary road just 2km from the village of Oola shortly before 8.30am on Tuesday. The little boy's mother Jodie Power, 26, suffered a broken arm and a number of stab injuries during an argument at her home after which the boy's father took his three-year-old son. Ms Power remained in University Hospital Limerick this Wednesday where she was due to have a minor operation on her arm. Post mortems were carried out on her three-year-old son and former partner, a carpenter, at University Hospital Limerick also this Wednesday before the bodies were to be released to their families. According to locals, the families were waiting for relatives to return from abroad before finalising funeral arrangements. This Wednesday morning floral tributes, including a small blue teddy bear had been placed at the roadside where Alex and his father lost their lives. RIP you little angel. We love your dearly - your little buddies read one tribute. Oola GAA club cancelled matches which were due to take place on Tuesday night and this Thursday night as a mark of respect to the families. Locals who knew the families said they were numbed by the tragedy. We were all looking forward to the hottest day of the year but for us its our darkest, said one local man on Tuesday. One neighbour of both the Velocci and Power families on Old Road in Oola said the mother, father and son had all been seen out for a walk just the evening before the tragedy and everything seemed to be fine. The couple had broken up two years ago but Mr Velocci had shared custody of their son who lived with his mum in a rented bungalow at The Glebe near Oola Community Centre. Gardai at Bruff received a report on Tuesday morning about a domestic dispute at the house as they were driving to the scene of the fatal crash, initially not knowing that both incidents were connected. It has emerged that Mr Velocci had stayed in his former partners house on Monday night and that an argument took place at breakfast time. The young mother who has a nine-month-old baby from another relationship is said to be distraught. A number of people who witnessed Tuesday morning's fatal collision have told gardai they saw Mr Velocci's black Audi estate being driven into the pathway of the oncoming truck which was travelling on the N24 towards Tipperary. The driver of the truck was uninjured but was said to have been treated for shock. A motorcyclist, almost caught up in the collision, was first on the scene and was too traumatised to be interviewed by gardai on Tuesday. Inspector Luke Conlon of Bruff garda station said their statements will be crucial in determining how the incident happened as well as the timescale of events. There is an awful lot of speculation out there but until we can put the facts together and what the stories are, everything else is just speculation, said Insp Conlon who praised the local emergency services for their professionalism. MIDWIVES at the University Maternity Hospital Limerick have voted unanimously in favour of balloting for industrial action over staffing concerns. On Wednesday afternoon, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation announced its intention to ballot, which will take place over the next three weeks. The trade union has been calling for an additional 30 staff at the Ennis Road hospital since January 2015, INMO spokesperson Mary Fogarty said this week. The UL Hospitals Group stated that it has taken on 14 staff, and is currently in the process of recruiting the remaining 16 staff. However, Ms Fogarty said that, while 14 people have been recruited, a large number of people have left. She said that she was recently notified by management that there were 20 temporary vacancies at UMHL, which include people on sick leave and maternity leave. There has been no real net increase in staff numbers, she added. CEO Colette Cowan said it is operating in a challenging recruitment environment, as is the case for all Hospital Groups. We remain committed to hiring more midwives, nurses and other staff as agreed last November, and will continue in our efforts to do this whilst remaining in regular, monthly contact with the unions throughout this important process, she previously said in a statement. THERE was cross-party support and a warm welcome for news this week that Limerick City and County Council has appointed a tourism officer. Director of services, Pat Daly made the announcement as all seven councillors from the Cappamore-Kilmallock area backed a motion on the issue at their municipal district meeting in June. At that meeting there was a presentation by Ballyhouras heritage and tourism officer Amanda Slattery on part of the countys inclusion in Irelands Ancient East. The relaxing journey of discovery is seen as a follow up to the Wild Atlantic Way. Ms Slattery outlined that while part of the county was originally included in Irelands Ancient East it then came under review due to questions regarding geography. She said that Ballyhoura spent months engaging with Failte Ireland to prove that Limerick deserved its spot. It was agreed that the part of county Limerick east of the N20 would be included. After the presentation Cllr Mike Donegan said he felt embarrassed listening to it. A tourism officer needs to be appointed immediately. We missed the boat on the Wild Atlantic Way and we nearly missed the boat on Irelands Ancient East, thankfully we didnt. We fell asleep at the wheel, said Cllr Donegan. While Limerick was not included in the original Wild Atlantic Way, the route to Foynes from Tarbert was later added. The six other councillors backed his proposal in June. Mr Daly informed Mondays council meeting of the appointment of Majella OBrien as tourism officer. He said she would work with key stake-holders and work to integrate Limerick into the Wild Atlantic Way and other programmes like Irelands Ancient East. Cllr Donegan said Ballyhoura and other community groups and organisations had done great work in south east Limerick and he particularly welcomed the inclusion of the area in Irelands Ancient East. This would open possibilities for capital funding for projects in the area, he said, and a tourist officer would complement this work. Cllr Lisa Marie Sheehy agreed that massive work had been done but said opportunities had been missed and she felt the local authority had not given enough backing to the county. We have got to sell Limerick, Cllr Jerome Scanlan said, pointing out that west Limerick was one of the best kept secrets with its walking trails, the GST and its castles. Cllr Brigid Teefy said: We have great tourist products that need to be marketed. The appointment was a very positive step forward Cllr Seamus Browne said. OVER 200 allegations were made against gardai attached to the Limerick division in 2015, but the Garda Commissioner has found that there were only eight breaches of discipline regulations by gardai. The majority of the 164 admissible complaints relate to allegations of an abuse of authority, and neglect of duty. However, further data obtained by the Limerick Leader this week shows that in only eight cases did the Garda Commissioner identify a breach of discipline regulations following a disciplinary investigation, and apply a sanction. The number of allegations against gardai in Limerick is one of the highest in the State, according to the annual report for 2015 was published this week by the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), an independent agency. However, Limerick is also one of the highest policed divisions in the country given its population size, with 554 sworn personnel this year, down from 656 in January 2011. Of the 205 allegations, 164 were admissible, and 41 or some 20% deemed inadmissible for a variety of reasons, with the majority of those cases not constituting misbehaviour under the Garda Siochana Discipline Regulations. Some 121 admissible allegations against gardai in Limerick have now been dealt with with 43 allegations remaining for investigation. Figures in the report state that there were 175 allegations made against Limerick gardai in 2015, however following queries by this newspaper, the GSOC office clarified that the number relating to Limerick has now increased to 205. A spokesperson said that these additional allegations had been made towards the end of the 2015, but they had not yet been processed. Among the cases is one referral received from a Superintendent in the Limerick division, under section 102(1) of the Garda Siochana Act, which calls for an independent investigation of any matter that appears to indicate that the conduct of a member of the Garda Siochana may have resulted in death or serious harm. This referral was in relation to injury in the context of arrest, and the investigation is still ongoing. The majority of allegations related to gardai attached to Henry Street station, with 115 allegations; followed by Roxboro Road with 28 allegations. In the county, there were 15 allegations relating to Newcastle West and six relating to Bruff. Some 121 admissible allegations in Limerick were investigated and closed in 2015. In 46 of those cases it was deemed that no further investigation was necessary, and in an additional 30 cases the Garda Commissioner identified no breach of Discipline Regulations, following a disciplinary investigation. In 26 cases the allegation was withdrawn or there was no co-operation from the complainant. In five cases, GSOC identified no misbehaviour by a member following a criminal investigation. Two cases were referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions following a criminal investigation, but no prosecution was directed. GSOC advised that it has no power to decide on whether there has been a breach of discipline or not and apply any appropriate sanctions. GSOCs role is to conduct the investigation and then send a report presenting the findings to the Garda Commissioner, who has the responsibility of making that decision, it stated. Nationally, just under 2,000 complaints were received by the Garda Ombudsman in 2015, of which 1,102 were admissible. The most common matters complained of were abuse of authority and neglect of duty, which is again comparable with the Limerick figures. 'WHAT did Michael Collins do after the War of Independence? Answer: 'He made a movie'. Comedian and teacher John Caplis, who has received countless humorous answers from students in exam papers, is bringing his real-life experiences to the stage this Saturday night in the Loft venue, above the Locke bar in Limerick. Entitled 12 Years A Teacher, his sketches are an autobiographical "tale of pain, stress, heartache with a good dose of laughter, which takes a satirical look at the life of a substitute teacher." Speaking to the Limerick Leader, the UL graduate explained that the show is "basically a cathartic rant", which recalls his experiences as a history teacher over the last 12 years, both here in Ireland and in the UK. The show includes many tales from his teaching days, including his first job in Finglas, Dublin, and how he managed to get away with saying the 'f' word to a class full of first years, whilst explaining how Newgrange was built. John also relays the challenge of teaching history as an Irishman in England, especially when his first topic was Oliver Cromwell - under the subheading Brave or Badman. However, he said that all challenges did not come without some moments of laughter, including some of the answers that he has corrected over the years in exams. As well as the above example, he mentioned others that stand out in his mind. When he asked students why the 'The Stone Age, one of the earliest known periods in history, was called the Stone Age', the answer he received was: 'Because thats when stones were introduced into Ireland'. "Overall, 12 Years A Teacher is a show which will must certainly connect with fellow substitute teachers or anybody who dares to recall their own days in secondary school," he said. The show begins this Saturday, July 23, from 9pm. Admission is 10. He will be supported by Galway comic and fellow teacher Steve Bennet. China Allows Use of GSK's Vaccine to Help Fight Cervical Cancer GSK's human papillomavirus vaccine is the first of its kind to get approval for use from China. (Photo : Getty Images) China has allowed the use of GlaxoSmithKline Plc (GSK)'s vaccine called Cervarix to help intensify its campaign against cervical cancer, Reuters reported, citing an announcement from the drugmaker. Advertisement The news marks as the first time that the country has given license for the use of a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. GSK's Cervarix is scheduled to be launched in early 2017. According to the article, cervical cancer is the second most prevalent kind among Chinese women aged 15 to 44 years old. Annually, approximately 130,000 new cases are being reported. GSK also noted that globally, China accounts for over 28 percent of the total cases of cervical cancer. On the average, a new case is being detected every minute worldwide. The premier drug-making firm shared that with the said approval, Chinese women from 9 to 25 years old will now have an access to a vaccine that will help them prevent cervical cancer. Meanwhile, a spokeswoman from the China Food and Drug Administration (CDFA) remarked that it has approved the company's "application for an import registration of the vaccine," Reuters wrote. Back in 2014, GSK made headlines in the country when it was fined around U.S.$500 million for bribing Chinese doctors. Since then, it has struggled to regain its sales in the domestic market. Apart from this, the Chinese government has also significantly reduced the price of three drugs earlier in May. These include GSK's Viread, a hepatitis B drug. Nonetheless, GSK assured that it will work hand in hand with Chinese officials to make sure that there will be a heightened effort in giving access to vaccines. Herve Gisserot, GSK China/Hong Kong's senior vice president of pharmaceuticals and vaccines, said in a statement that in order "to achieve this, we are ready to explore an innovative pricing approach to support the inclusion of Cervarix into public cervical cancer immunisation programmes." Chinese President Xi Jinping is a staunch advocate of recognizing people from new social classes. (Photo : Getty Images) To celebrate the heroism of the long march, President Xi Jinping went to Ningxia on Monday. He visited the Red Army Shrine and hung a wreath to honor the heroes of the long march. Members of the Communist Party and the People's Liberation Army retreated at the shrine in Oct. 1936. Advertisement The visit, according to analysts, was a sign that Xi wanted to reinforce his roots with the Communist Party. His father, Xi Zhongxun, belonged to the Party's first generation of leaders. When President Xi assumed his position in 2012, he stated that he wanted to rejuvenate the lessons of Mao Zedong. Zhang Lifan, a historian formerly with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said, "Xi has frequently used such visits to strengthen his position." The historian was referring to Xi's position of asserting the principles of the Party and the lessons that it has left for the present Chinese generation. "He has borrowed many of Mao's practices," Zhang said. The president asserted the practice of the "mass line," or a campaign that encouraged cadres of the Communist Party to remain close to the people. Zhang observed that the visit is timely to the Party's summer summit. Important policies will be discussed at the seaside resort in Beidaihe in Hebei Province. The president also mentioned the importance of having the "new long march." He called for a "Chinese renaissance" to attain the Party's two century goals. "We, the new generation, should accomplish our new Long March," he said. When the president went around Ningxia, he commented that historical sites should not be made into tourist attractions. "They should be used for ideological education rather than tourism," he said. People are taking pictures of a display of model missiles at the War Memorial of Korea on Feb. 7, 2016, in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo : Getty Images) The economic relationship between China and South Korea is not likely to be affected after Seoul's decision to deploy a missile defense system in the country's southeast, as the two nations are economically reliant to one another, according to experts. On July 8, the U.S. and South Korea jointly announced the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system in response to North Korea's missile and nuclear threats, prompting swift opposition by China and neighboring countries. Advertisement After the announcement was made, various South Korean companies, including Lotte Group and LG Corporation, told the Global Times newspaper in Beijing on Monday that their operations in China is running as usual. On Friday, Choi Yong-Min, head of the Korean International Trade Association's Beijing Office, told the South Korean newspaper Joongang Daily that hasn't been a "notable" change in China's situation and no trade sanctions have been placed on South Korea to date. Choi's comments come amid a boom economic relationship between China and South Korea in recent years. In June 2015, the two countries officially signed a free trade agreement (FTA) which later took effect in December that same year. The agreement is estimated to lift the GDPs of South Korea and China by 1 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively, over the next decade, according to state-owned media. In 2015, South Korea's exports to China amounted to $137 billion, accounting for 23 percent of its total exports, making China its largest market as of 2015, according to data published on the MOFCOM website. Investment also rose sharply between the two countries. In a report published by The Korea Herald this month, South Korean companies invested a total of $2.2 billion in China between January and May 2016, up 12.2 percent year-on-year. The investment is expected to reach $5.3 billion in 2016 based on the rate recorded in the first five months, the report added. Future prospects Given the increasingly close economic ties, experts rebuffed concerns that the deployment of the THAAD anti-missile system will have a considerable long-term impact on trade and capital inflow between the two countries. Chen Fengying, a research fellow at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times that the Sino-South Korean FTA is a treaty of the highest level in the Asian region and that the two economies are inextricably interwoven with each other. "Many enterprises in China and South Korean are placed in the same industry chains, with roles that focus on different procedures, which mean the two countries' economies are dependent on each other", said Bai Ming, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation. "It is hard to imagine what will happen if their economic relationship was jeopardized or even halted." Bai cited the electronic product industry as an example, wherein China assembles and manufactures intermediary goods imported from South Korea and then exports them to other parts of the world. "Some South Korean industries, including the cosmetics and tourism sectors, rely on a large Chinese market," Chen added. Analysts also foresee a more positive outlook for the two countries' economic cooperation because of the trade agreement. Due to the FTA, China's foreign trade volume with South Korea is expected to reach $400 billion within the next 5 years, Shi Yuanhua, a professor of Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times in a report posted on Monday. South Korean tech giant Samsung also expressed confidence that the Chinese market will expand investment into this market to develop cutting-edge technologies and diversify its businesses, the report added. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte wants to know why Chinese nationals are involved in PH drug trade. (Photo : Getty Images/Dondi Tawatao) Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed his grievances over the involvement of Chinese nationals in illegal drug trade in the country. He says he is planning to ask Chinese officials regarding this situation. Duterte, who took office on June 30, has vowed to end crime and get rid of the problem on drugs within the first six months of his administration. According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the president said that he would not hesitate to pardon law enforcers who help him curb illegal drugs amidst abuse of authority accusations by human rights advocates. Advertisement Duterte said that he will grant presidential pardons as long as these police officers and soldiers involved are not fabricating evidence and are telling the truth. The Inquirer noted that human rights advocates are outraged over the reported deaths of more than 200 suspected drug traffickers since Duterte won the May 9 elections. These drug traffickers died during engagements or confrontations with police authorities. Duterte said in a statement that many of the unclaimed bodies of the suspected drug criminals are Chinese nationals. In a video released by his press office, he said that he is planning to ask China why most of its citizens who come to the Philippines do drugs, even when they are in jail. The Philippine Star wrote earlier that Duterte has revealed the names of drug lords who are behind the country's largest drug syndicates. He identified these drug lords as Wu Tian alias "Peter Co," Herbert Colangco alias "Ampang," and Peter Lim alias "Jaguar." All three of them are from mainland China. Duterte mentioned that while Peter Co and Colangco are already in prison, they are still leading their respective operations outside. Lim, meanwhile, remains at large and is said to be in and out of the country. Inquirer pointed out that since Duterte took office, tens of thousands of drug dealers and drug users have already voluntarily surrendered to the police. In Tanauan alone, a town south of the Philippine capital, Manila, around 1,100 people involved in drugs flocked to the local gymnasium to surrender and pledge to reform and to report regularly to village leaders. They were required to fill out forms, to have their mugshots and fingerprints taken, and to undergo group counseling by social welfare officers. Check this video on Duterte naming the top drug lords in the country and the officials protecting them: 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. Child Inside Trash Bin (Photo : Facebook/Coconut Hong Kong) Photos of Chinese actress Fan Bingbing kissing a beluga whale at an aquarium became viral and generated controversy after an animal rights group accused the aquarium of animal cruelty. Similarly, a young mother is accused of child cruelty after she was photographed at the Hong Kong MTR Station trying to place her young son inside the stations trash bin. Stuffing the tyke inside the bin is the mothers way of disciplining her young son. Advertisement Someone posted the photo on social media, and it elicited comments from netizens on the poor parenting skills of the childs mother. The photo, which went viral also, was initially posted on the Facebook page of Hongkong.coconuts.co, reported Malaysiadigest. Betty Hong, the uploader, said with the child were two women and a man who were all speaking Cantonese language. A passenger tried to intervene, but the three cursed at the air traveler. Hong wrote The kids not pooping, hes being punished. Some netizens debated if the mother is from mainland China or Hong Kong. But for many commenters, their consensus is that the manner she treated the child is unacceptable, reported Coconuts Hong Kong. Experts note that pollution caused by the shipping industry is often overlooked. (Photo : Getty Images) Scientists revealed on Monday that the air pollution in China--aggravated by the boom in shipping industry--is killing thousands every year, Reuters reported. Advertisement According to the Chinese-helmed study, the ship-caused pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, which generates acid rain, has led to around 24,000 premature deaths annually in East Asia, where eight of the world's 10 largest container ports are located. Of this figure, about three-quarters were in China, while others were mainly in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong. Many have died from cancer and heart and lung diseases. The study, which was published in the Journal Nature Climate Change, noted that pollution coming from ships is often overlooked as compared to other contributors such as factories and cars. Since 2005, ship traffic in East Asia has increased over two-fold, with "some pollution from the fuel oil of ships [wafting] inland," Reuters wrote. Moreover, the study also revealed that carbon dioxide emissions from shipping has also doubled in less than ten years' time. In 2013, 16 percent of the global total amount of this man-made greenhouse gas came from the said industry. The recently released report was based on satellite data that monitored nearly 19,000 vessels. Though the figure is still a relatively small share in the estimated one million deaths due to air pollution in the region, experts are alarmed with the rise of this statistic. The study remarked that the number of such deaths could be as low as 14,500 or as high as 37,500, considering various uncertainties. U.S. based- Duke University's Drew Shindell, one of the study's authors, shared that the reason why they conducted the research is the sharp increase of levels of shipping in the region. "A few years ago in East Asia the levels of shipping just weren't that large. Now they're huge," the scientist noted. For China's part, it was reported that its government will begin requiring more eco-friendly ship fuels in its coastal regions. Shanghai, one of its most developed cities, is regarded as the busiest container port in the world. Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), working under the United Nations, also eyes to decrease the sulfur limit in ship fuel from 3.5 percent to 0.5 percent by 2020. A detailed new map by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis lays out the landscape of the cerebral cortex the outermost layer of the brain and the dominant structure involved in sensory perception and attention, as well as (Photo : Matthew Glasser/Eric Young) Scientists just revealed a breakthrough discovery on how gray matter can apparently possess consciousness, by mapping the mysterious regions of the human brain. In a new study, neuroscientists revealed the most detailed and intensive map to date, of the labyrinthine region of the brain, which is the cerebral cortex. This part of the brain is also the most outer layer that deals with language, sensory perception, and abstract thought. In this new map, the cortex is divided into 180 different areas known as parcels, which includes 97 undiscovered regions, that can unlock the secrets of how the conscious mind works. Advertisement According to lead author of the study, Matthew Glasser from the Washington University School of Medicine, there are cases that there is a distinct patch of the cortex that can possibly be subdivided, however, scientists could not yet draw out the borders on current data and methods. With better techniques, researchers can be able to divide those areas. In this new map, the team established these borders which can yield new clues about how the cerebral cortex works. The data was collected from more than 200 young adults by the Human Connectome Project, as researchers obtained measurements of the thickness of the cortex, brain functioning and neural connections between these previously unknown regions including the arrangement of the cells on this tissue. According to co-author of the study, David Van Essen of the Washington University School of Medicine, the brain is vastly different from a computer than can support any operating system or run any software program. Instead, the brain function (software) works by being intimately linked with its structure (hardware). In order to better understand this connection, it is crucial to know how everything is wired and organized. Apart from identifying these 97 new areas hidden in the cerebral cortex, this map also shows topological structures that is unique to each human. Researchers now hope that these new findings could shed light to what causes brain disorders like autism, epilepsy, dementia and schizophrenia. Scientists still say that this new brain map that reveals the intricacies of the cerebral cortex is not yet complete, as they believe that this is not yet the final version, but the most comprehensive one yet from past maps. This new study is published in the journal Nature. J-20 heavy stealth fighter China has completed production of its fourth Chengdu J-20 heavy stealth fighter and expects the first squadron of 12 jets to become operational by 2018, as originally announced. Advertisement The J-20, however, will come too late to have any influence on events in the South China Sea should simmering tensions between China and the United States ignite into a naval war this year or in 2017. It will also be unable to prevent the two fifth generation American rivals it copied -- the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II -- from sweeping Asian skies clear of China's outmatched fourth generation fighters such as the Shenyang J-11 and the Chengdu J-10. Both the F-22 and the F-35 have reached operational capability, the F-22 in 2012 and the F-35 this year. The Chengdu Aircraft Corporation is expected to have manufactured 12 J-20s for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) by 2017. These fighters will then be shaken down before becoming operational by 2018. An inferior engine means the J-20 will be unable to engage the F-22 and F-35 on anything approaching equal terms in air-to-air combat. This disadvantage will limit the J-20 to hunting inferior aircraft such as U.S. aerial tankers, cargo aircraft and unmanned aerial drones. The J-20's inferior air-to-air combat capability will also likely relegate it to the role of a long-range strike fighter either designating U.S. warships for Chinese anti-ship ballistic missiles or attacking these surface targets. The engine that should make the J-20 less inferior to the U.S. stealth aircraft -- the Xian WS-15 -- will apparently reach the aircraft in 2018. The first J-20s will be powered by the unreliable and less powerful WS-10 engine. In contrast, the Pentagon will deploy the U.S. military's first operational F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters to Japan this December as tensions with China over the South China Sea continue to simmer. It said 10 F-35B Joint Strike Fighters of the U.S. Marine Corps will move permanently to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan on or before December. These jets will be joined by six more F-35B fighters in June 2017 with the arrival of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1). Since 2011, this ship has been testing the F-35B, the version built specifically for the Marines. The F-35B is a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the jet. It can also take-off and land vertically like a helicopter. "I can't wait to get the airplane out to the Pacific," said Lt. General Jon Davis, Deputy Commandant for Aviation, Headquarters Marine Corps. "It's tailor-made for that part of the world with its fifth generation capability and its expeditionary capabilities to land on a small ship or strip, and flow back and forth between those." Gen. Davis said the Marines' F-35s are ready for combat now if needed. Earth is home to gobs of species, from tiny to gargantuan, and ordinary to downright weird. Take this whimsical octopus spotted by NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer's remotely operated vehicle near Shallop in the Atlantic Ocean. Octopuses are ocean creatures that are most famous for having eight arms and bulbous heads. Some other fun facts: They have three hearts and blue blood; they squirt ink to deter predators; and being boneless, they can squeeze into (or out of) tight spaces. They are quite intelligent and have been observed using tools. And sadly, for them, sex is a death sentence. Description The order Octopoda includes 289 species, according to the World Animal Foundation. The word also refers specifically to animals in the genus Octopus. The word octopus comes from the Greek, oktopus, which means "eight foot," according to a Smithsonian magazine article that summarized facts in Katherine Harmon Courage's book, "Octopus! The Most Mysterious Creature in the Sea (opens in new tab)." Some people call their appendages tentacles, but that is incorrect; they are arms. Most octopus species have suction cups on the bottom of each arm. The arms seem to have a mind of their own. In fact, two-thirds of an octopus' neurons are in its arms rather than its head, according to the article. That means that an octopus can focus on exploring a cave for food with one arm while another arm tries to crack open a shellfish. Some octopuses even have warts. Two deep-sea octopuses in the Graneledone genus G. pacifica and G. verrucosa have skin bumps dotting their pink-hued mantles. These warty protrusions, it turns out, can be used to distinguish the two species, which have been incredibly difficult to tell apart. Scientists reporting June 7, 2017 in the journal Marine Biology Research catalogued the distribution of warts on both species, pinpointing two variables that were consistent across the individuals within a given species: distance between the warts and the tip of the mantle and the extent to which the skin bumps spread down the creature's arms. Octopuses have an excellent sense of touch, according to the World Animal Foundation. Their suckers have receptors that enable an octopus to taste what it is touching. Most octopuses those in the suborder Incirrata (or Incirrina) have no internal skeletons or protective shells. Their bodies are soft, enabling them to squeeze into small cracks and crevices, according to National Geographic (opens in new tab). In April 2016, an octopus at the National Aquarium of New Zealand squeezed out of its tank and made an eight-armed dash for a drainpipe that luckily for him led directly to the sea. A bulbous sack-like body, or mantle, is perched on top of an octopus' head. The only hard part of their bodies is a sharp, parrot-like beak that is on the underside, where the arms converge. Octopuses have powerful jaws and venomous saliva, according to National Geographic. Octopuses weren't always squishy creatures. The ancestors of octopuses and squid sported hard shells. A study published online March 1, 2017 in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences revealed these marine animals lost their hard "mobile homes" in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. This shell loss likely helped the ancient relatives of today's octopus, squid and cuttlefish become more agile to evade predators and nab prey, the researchers said. Three hearts An octopus has three hearts. One pumps blood through its organs; the two others pump blood through its gills, according to the World Animal Foundation. Octopus blood is blue because it has a copper-based protein called hemocyanin. When an octopus is swimming, the organ that delivers blood to the organs stops beating. This exhausts the octopus, which is likely the reason they prefer to crawl than swim, according to the Smithsonian article. Size Octopuses come in many different sizes. The common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is 12 to 36 inches (30.5 to 91.4 centimeters) long and weighs 6.6 to 22 lbs. (3 to 10 kilograms). The giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) is the largest octopus. They typically grow to 16 feet (5 meters) long and weight around 110 lbs. (50 kg), but one was recorded to weigh more than 600 lbs. (272 kg) and measure 30 feet (9.1 m) across, according to National Geographic (opens in new tab). The smallest octopus is the Octopus wolfi. It is smaller than an inch (2.5 cm) long and weighs less than a gram. This tiny pink octopus could one day be named Opisthoteuthis adorabilis. (Image credit: Screenshot, Science Friday ) Habitat Octopuses live in oceans all over the world. Most are pelagic, meaning they live near the water's surface in shells, reefs and crevices. Some species live on the floor of the ocean, making their homes out of caves. Habits Octopuses tend to be solitary, though they do interact with other octopuses at times. Some species of octopuses hunt at night, while others only hunt at dusk and dawn. When scared, octopuses will shoot a dark liquid, sometimes called ink, at the thing that scared them. This will temporarily blind and confuse a potential attacker, giving the octopus time to swim away. The ink can also dull the attackers smelling and tasting abilities, according to the Smithsonian article. Octopuses can also change color to hide and match their surroundings. They can turn blue, gray, pink, brown or green. The mimic octopus can also flex its body to resemble more dangerous animals, such as eels and lionfish, according to the World Animal Foundation. If an octopus does get caught no problem. They can lose arms and regrow them, according to National Geographic. Octopuses are fast swimmers but they prefer to slowly crawl along the sea bottom. To swim, octopuses suck water into their bodies and shoot it out a tube called a siphon, according to the World Animal Foundation. This lets the octopus blast off, away from attackers. Diet Octopuses are carnivores, which means they eat meat. Meals can include clams, shrimp, lobsters, fish, sharks and even birds. Octopuses typically drop down on their prey, envelop it with their arms and pull the animal into their mouth. (Image credit: Sailorr Shutterstock.com) Offspring Octopuses have short life spans. Some species only live for around six months. Other species, like the North Pacific giant octopus can live as long as five years. Typically, the larger the octopus, the longer it lives, according to the World Animal Foundation. No matter what, when octopuses mate, they die soon after. During reproduction, a male delivers sperm by inserting a specialized arm (usually the third right arm) into the female's mantle cavity, according to the World Animal Foundation. Sometimes he literally hands her the sperm, however, according to the Smithsonian article. Females usually lay 200,000 to 400,000 eggs, though it varies depending on species. She obsessively guards the eggs until they hatch. She even stops eating. After the eggs hatch, her body turns on her, according to the Smithsonian article. It goes through cellular suicide, which rips through her tissues and organs until she dies. Meanwhile, the male has swum away and dies in a few months. When they hatch, baby octopuses are called larvae. They drift in plankton clouds and eat other animal larvae until they mature. As part of the plankton cloud, they are also in danger of being eaten by plankton eaters, according to the World Animal Foundation. Classification/Taxonomy The order Octopoda has two suborders: the more familiar Incirrina (or Incirrata) and the lesser-known Cirrina (or Cirrata). Cirrata octopods have two fins and an internal shell (which makes it harder for them to squeeze into small spaces). Here is the classification of Incirrata octopuses in the Octopus genus, according to Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS): Kingdom: Animalia Subkingdom: Bilateria Infrakingdom: Protostomia Superphylum: Lophozoa Phylum: Mollusca Class: Cephalopoda Subclass: Coleoidea Subclass: Nautiloidea Superorder: Octobrachia Order: Octopoda Suborder: Incirrina Family: Octopodidae Subfamily: Octopodinae Genus: Octopus Conservation status According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species, most octopus species are not endangered. Most are either listed as least concern or as data deficient, which means there isnt enough data about the species to make a determination on their endangered status. Cirroctopus hochbergi, a species found off New Zealand, is endangered because its population size is low and its habitat has been damaged by trawling. Other facts The standard plural in English of octopus is octopuses, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. As a word that comes from Greek, it follows Greek rules for plurals. The word "octopi," which follows Latin rules for plurals, is incorrect. Not all octopuses have long arms. The Opisthoteuthis adorabilis arms are very short and have webbing in between each one. This gives the tiny octopus the look of an orange ghost. Octopuses are about as smart as house cats. The oldest octopus fossil is from an animal that lived 296 million years ago millions of years before the dinosaurs lived. Additional resources Editor's Note: This article was originally published in July 2016 and was then updated with new octopus discoveries on June 8, 2017. Shooting stars may fill you with child-like wonder, but these celestial showstoppers are also reminders that Earth is hardly alone in space, and some of those cosmic objects can be downright dangerous. The Perseid meteor shower, which appears every year in mid-August, occurs when Earth passes through a trail of debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. In 1973, based on calculations about the object's orbit using limited observations, astronomer Brian Marsden at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics predicted that Comet Swift-Tuttle could collide with Earth in 2126. The catastrophic prediction was later retracted, but what would happen if Comet Swift-Tuttle smacked into our planet? "We have to be clear that it's not going to happen," Donald Yeomans, a senior research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, and author of "Near-Earth Objects: Finding Them Before They Find Us" (Princeton University Press, 2012), told Live Science. [Perseid Meteor Shower 2016: When, Where & How to See It] When Swift-Tuttle was last seen in 1992, Yeomans was among those who produced revised models for the comet's motion, making the complicated calculations to account for the gravitational effects of the sun and planets on the space rock's orbit. The 1992 sighting, along with data from 1862 and 1737, provided astronomers with enough information to rule out the possibility of a collision in 2126. Even still, Comet Swift-Tuttle isn't just another space rock. Comet Swift-Tuttle is "certainly one of the largest" objects that crosses paths with the Earth, Yeomans said. The cosmic object measures about 16 miles (26 kilometers) across, and when it passes close to the Earth, roughly every 130 years, it's hurtling through space at about 36 miles per second (58 km/s), or more than 150 times the speed of sound. If the comet were to strike the planet, the impact energy would be about 300 times that of the asteroid collision that was thought to have caused the Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction that killed the dinosaurs about 65 million years ago, according to Yeomans. "It would be a very bad day for Earth," he said. But the size of a comet or asteroid isn't the only thing to consider with cosmic collisions, said Gerta Keller, a geoscientist at Princeton University. A comet strike on land or in shallow seas would be "rather destructive" regionally, but the real damage would likely come from gases put into the stratosphere, the part of Earth's atmosphere where the ozone layer is located, Keller told Live Science. Sulfur dioxide would initially cause cooling, and then carbon dioxide would lead to long-term warming, she added. An event like this would likely cause the planet's climate to change drastically, leading to mass extinctions around the globe. [Crash! 10 Biggest Impact Craters on Earth] But Keller also pointed out that most of Earth's surface is covered in ocean. An impact in the deep ocean could trigger earthquakes and tsunamis, but based on what scientists know about the effects of underwater volcanic eruptions, the atmospheric effects likely would be mitigated by the ocean, she said. In this case, Keller said it's unlikely that a comet colliding with Earth would cause mass extinctions. Scientists calculate that Swift-Tuttle's next approach to Earth will be on Aug. 5, 2126, when it will come within about 14 million miles, or 23 million km, or about 60 times the distance from Earth to the moon, Yeomans said. Current models don't expect the comet to ever get any closer than about 80,000 miles (130,000 km) to Earth's orbit, but as time passes, those predictions become less and less certain. So although Yeomans is sure that Earth faces no threat in 2126, he said 10,000 years from now, "you can't rule out the possibility, but it would seem to be very unlikely." Part of that slim uncertainty is due to small influences on the comet that change its orbit ever so slightly each time it swings around the sun. For example, as comets pass near the sun and heat up, expanding gases act like jet thrusters, slightly altering the trajectory. For Swift-Tuttle, that effect is very small, likely due to the comet's tremendous mass, Yeomans said. But over thousands of years, these minute, unpredictable effects make it more difficult to predict the orbit of cosmic objects. And there are plenty of other objects out there to be aware of, Yeomans said. "We have a long, long list of asteroids for which we haven't completely ruled out a collision, but the impact probabilities are so small that it's not really worth worrying about," he said. Original article on Live Science. The combat ship, USS Jackson, completed its first of three scheduled shock trials in order to test the ship's ability to withstand the effects of nearby underwater explosion. Apparently, another shock test registered as an earthquake on July 16, 2016. A tremor reported on July 16 off the coast of Florida was not an earthquake, but a Naval test explosion. The U.S. Geological Survey now lists the event on its earthquake hazards page as an "experimental explosion by the U.S. Navy." According to DefenseNews.com, the 10,000-pound explosion was set off to test the resilience of a combat ship, the USS Jackson. Navy officials have told multiple news outlets that they plan to release a statement about the testing. USGS instruments measured the blast as a magnitude-3.7 earthquake, which would have been a rare seismic event in the tectonically quiet region. Florida sits on the passive margin of the North American continental plate, meaning that temblors are rare. The active margin of the plate is on the West Coast, where the North American plate is slipping under the Pacific plate in a process called subduction. Subduction is why California and the Pacific Northwest experience earthquakes on a relatively regular basis. There has never been an earthquake with its epicenter under Florida, according to the state's Department of Environmental Protection. On occasion, Floridians have felt tremors from quakes centered outside of the state. For example, in September 1886, Florida experienced some shaking from a massive earthquake in Charleston, South Carolina, which had an estimated magnitude of 7.3, according to the USGS. It was the most damaging earthquake ever in the Southeast, according to the agency, and was unusual in that it occurred within a tectonic plate, not at the boundary between two plates. Scientists don't yet understand why earthquakes sometimes occur within plates, according to the Incorporated Research Institutes for Seismology, a consortium of universities that gathers seismological data. The Florida Navy test, which took place 104 miles (168 kilometers) east-northeast of Daytona Beach, is not the first non-earthquake mistaken for a temblor. A 1997 review of all of Florida's historical earthquake reports suggests that out of about 24 incidents reported since 1727, only about five were probably actual quakes. Many of the events, rounded up in a 1991 report, are poorly sourced or can't be confirmed. For example, in 1948, people on Captiva Island reported rattling doors and the sound of distant explosions. In 1952, a slight tremor rattled doors and windows in Quincy, Florida. Such rattling could be explained by ground tremors, but small shakes are also caused by construction, explosions and even supersonic flight (first developed in 1948). And though deep freeze is rare in Florida, some colder areas have reported small earthquakes that are actually "frostquakes" groundwater expanding rapidly in a deep freeze, causing booming sounds and localized shaking. Original article on Live Science. One of the largest Dane axes ever found, recovered by archaeologists from a 10th-century Viking tomb near Silkeborg in central Denmark. Archaeologists have discovered one of the largest Viking axes ever found, in the tomb of a 10th-century "power couple" in Denmark. Kirsten Nellemann Nielsen, an archaeologist at the Silkeborg Museum who is leading excavations at the site near the town of Haarup, said Danish axes like the one found in the tomb were the most feared weapons of the Viking Age. "It's a bit extraordinary it's much bigger and heavier than the other axes. It would have had a very long handle, and it took both hands to use it," Nielsen told Live Science. [See Photos of the 10th-Century Viking Tomb] The simplicity of the mighty ax, without any decorations or inscriptions, suggests this fearsome weapon was not just for show. "It's not very luxurious," she said. And the man in the tomb was buried with his ax alone. "He didn't have anything else buried with him, so I think you can say he identified himself as a warrior above anything else," Nielsen said. The ax was one of the artifacts recovered from the Haarup Viking tomb, or ddehus, which means "death house" in Danish. The tomb consisted of a wooden palisade or roofed structure, about 13 feet (4 meters) wide and 43 feet (13 m) long, which was constructed around the two graves. One of three people found in the tomb was a wealthy Viking woman, who was buried in a wooden cart similar to this reconstruction at Silkeborg Museum. (Image credit: Silkeborg Museum) The tomb was built around A.D. 950 for the burial of a man and a woman of evident distinction, Nielsen said. The individuals were identified by their clothing and belongings, and the only human remains that survived the centuries was a single black human hair found in the woman's clothing. The woman was buried lying in a wooden wagon, which was a tradition for women of noble birth at the time, and a pair of keys found in the tomb indicated that she was one of the leading people in the community, according to the archaeologists. Keys were a symbol of authority and distinction for women in Denmark and elsewhere in Europe in the Middle Ages, and the tradition likely dated back to an earlier time, Nielsen said. "If you are an important woman, with a lot of fine artifacts with you in the grave, then you also have a key," she said. One of the keys was for a small wooden casket, bound with iron brackets, that was buried beside her. "She also had gold and silver threads woven into her clothing, so this is quite fine," Nielsen said. Viking "power couple" Nielsen said the man and woman in the tomb may not have been husband and wife, but they were clearly the local "power couple." [Fierce Fighters: 7 Secrets of Viking Seamen] "The special thing about this tomb is that these two people, each in their own grave, are put inside the same structure," she said. "I can't say it isn't a brother and sister, or it could be [a] husband and wife relationship. But definitely, these two were the ones in charge, the noblest people of the local area." At some point in time, after the first man and woman were buried, a second man was buried in a grave inside a wooden structure that was added to the original tomb. This man was also buried with his ax, although it was not as large as the ax from the original burial, the researchers said. Nielsen thinks the second man could have been a relative or successor of the first man. "He was definitely a warrior," she said. "Both men had Dane axes made for fighting, and both were definitely warriors." The tomb at Haarup was unlike any other Viking tomb in Denmark and the other Viking burials uncovered at the same site, she said. "This is unique the only one of its kind that I know of," Nielsen said. "It's a special place." International connections Other finds from the tomb, and other sites in Haarup, show that the local Vikings likely had some international connections, whether through trade or travel, the archaeologists said. [In Photos: Viking Voyage Discovered] The woman in the tomb was buried with a decorated ceramic cup that originated in the Baltic region, Nielsen said. Two silver coins of a Middle Eastern type called dirhams, thought to be from an area that is now in Afghanistan, were found in the grave of another Viking woman buried nearby. Nielsen has been working at Haarup since the site was unearthed during the construction of a motorway in 2012. As more construction goes on in the area, more archaeological discoveries are being made, including artifacts from the Iron Age and Danish medieval periods, as well as the Viking 10th century. "From the Vikings, we have only found their burials we haven't found their houses yet, so we know them only from their graves," Nielsen said. "They most definitely lived there, but we just haven't found the place yet." Future archaeological research from Haarup will focus on the four different types of woven cloth found in the graves, the construction of the small casket in the leading woman's grave, and the single black hair found in her clothing the only human remains that have survived, and potentially a source of DNA that could provide more clues about its owner, Nielsen said. A report on the discoveries at Haarup, titled "Dead and Buried in the Viking Age," can be read online (in Danish) at Academia.edu. Original article on Live Science. Kickass Torrents (KAT) indefinitely shut down after alleged owner arrested in Poland, The Pirate Bay (TPB) could be next? KickassTorrents (commonly abbreviated KAT) was a website that provided a directory for torrent files and magnet links to facilitate peer-to-peer file sharing using the BitTorrent protocol. (Photo : YouTube/BNO News) Bad news for pirates as the Kickass Torrents websites have been taken down after the alleged owner of the torrent hosting site was arrested in Poland with several criminal charges from the United States. Kickass Torrents is one of the largest torrent sites since The Pirate Bay which has recently just moved from their previous Sweden address. Now, officials have managed to get the Kickass Torrent site down including all of its servers and domain names associated with them. Advertisement As of this writing, all of the websites of KAT are offline. These include kat.cr, thekat.tv, kickass.so, kastatic.com, kickass.to, kat.ph and kickasstorrents.com. The federal officials have arrested the alleged owner of Kickass Torrents named Artem Vaulin in Poland, Variety has learned. There are several evidences that the U.S. authorities have against Vaulin who hails from Ukraine. Kickass Torrents has recently boomed in popularity after The Pirate Bay has been offline for several months and weeks at a time. The site became an alternative for those who were not able to download from TPB and it quickly became one of the largest torrent sites of all time. Unfortnunately, their future seems to be short-lived as the site has already been taken down. There are no news as to when it will be online again or if it will still have the chance to resurface from being taken offline. The formal complaint against KAT states that KickAss Torrents is currently valued at over $54 million thanks to their advertising revenue which can reach up to $22.3 million annually, NDTV reported. Vaulin is being blamed for the several hundred million dollars-worth of damage that the site has done to the music and film industry Besides KAT and The Pirate Bay, there are still other alternatives available. Kim Dotcom is even planning to resurrect the highly controversial Megaupload website that has been taken down several years ago for hosting illegally obtained files such as movies, music and video games. Vaulin will be given until August 29 to prepare his extradition appeal against the U.S. government. For now, people who are used to KAT or Kickass Torrents would have to use The Pirate Bay again for their pirating needs. 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. Junior Hannon from Ballyleague recently fulfilled a lifelong ambition by kayaking along the Shannon from Lanesboro to Limerick to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society. Along the way, they raised an impressive 4,800 for the charity. One of the most striking aspects of the trip was the amount of support they received along the way from local clubs and individuals who just wanted to lend a hand. Junior was joined on this endeavour by Seamus Irwin, Roy Glennon, Niall Madden, Chris McDaid and Fergal Brazil and he says that they were thrilled to receive such a warm send-off from the local community when they set off on their three day trek. There was a stop in Quaker Island for a quick cuppa before they headed to Athlone to be escorted into the town by the Athlone Sub Aqua Club. We were totally overwhelmed by their kindness, Junior told the Leader. The group set up camp in Clonmacnoise before heading to Shannonbridge where they were greeted by members of Ballinasloe Civil Defence. After a short break, they travelled to Banagher where former Longford News reporter Jonathon OMeara was there to greet them with members of the Shannonside Sub Aqua Club. One of the many acts of kindness they encountered along the way was upon their arrival in Portumna, they discovered their van had broken down and George Smith had waited for three hours minding their equipment. Junior also thanked Liam Sherringham for ensuring smooth passage with the lock keepers along the way throughout the trip. We want to say a big thank you also to Seamus Glennon and Mick King for transporting crew and gear and thanks also to Eugene McEntee who supplied meat for the BBQ and to Shauna Hannon who supplied the curly wurlys! Junior added. After camping in Killaloe on Day 2 before heading to Parteen Weir where they met a man who told them he was a cancer survivor. I felt very humbled by this gentleman, Junior admitted. A man named Pat Lysaght guided them through Ardnacrusha and onto to Limerick City into Sarsfield Bridge. We would like to thank everybody who supported us on this wonderful journey, Junior concluded happily. Grooves and gashes associated with the Imbrium Basin on the Moon have long been puzzling. New research shows how some of these features were formed and uses them to estimate the size of the Imbrium impactor. The study suggests it was big enough to be cons (Photo : NASA/Northeast Planetary Data Center/Brown University) Scientists have determined the violent cosmic collision that supposedly marked our very own natural satellite with its famous giant crater or more famously known as the Man on the Moon. In this new study, scientists have identified a massive asteroid, so large that it can be classified as a protoplanet, that crashed into the moon's surface at speeds of 22,000 miles per hour that later on formed the distinct dark patches made from impact craters, around 4 billion years ago. Advertisement This massive space rock is estimated to be more than 150 miles across and collided into the lunar surface with an angle of 30 degrees. This colossal force fractured the moon where the impact marked permanent scars as chunks of lunar rock were ejected, scattering material into space for 300 miles. This impact gouged moon rock and material and left a 750 mile wide crater, which can now be seen as the left eye of the Man on the Moon from Earth. According to planetary scientist, Peter Schultz from Brown University, this is considered as one of the largest and last craters to be formed on the moon. This massive crater has been long known as the Imbrium Basin as this dark feature is also surrounded by mysterious grooves, which are still a mystery to astronomers. Some of these grooves have scattered in a radial pattern, which is the result from moon rocks being thrown off by the asteroid impact. Other grooves however, appear to originate from the northwest region of the crater, along with the angle of the asteroid's trajectory. Schultz explains that anyone with a telescope can see this basin along with these grooves, which are very prominent. In this new study, scientists investigate these mysterious markings called the Imbrium Sculpture by using the Vertical Gun Range which is a 14 foot cannon housed under NASA's Ames Research Center in California. This special cannon can shoot projectiles up to 16,000 miles per hour to be able to study violent events in the solar system. During experiments, Schultz and team discovered that during high speeds and oblique collisions, like an asteroid strike on the lunar surface, this can result with an uprange of the final crater, breaking into pieces that scarred the surrounding surface on the basin. Scientists measured the scars that are composed of the Imbrium Sculpture and calculated the minimum size of the asteroid from a backwards trajectory, before it made impact. Most of these grooves measure around 10 miles long while others are larger. Schultz says that for the first time ever, an estimate was produced about how big the asteroid was, where 150 miles across is the most minimum. These new findings can further provide information about the size of objects that crashed into the moon and other planetary bodies in the solar system including how the early solar system began to form. This new study is published in the journal, Nature. Granard Youth Club, based at Lus na Greine, has won the prize for the best health effects film at the Irish Cancer Society X-HALE Youth Awards 2016. The group scooped the award for its short film Say No! which was showcased at the recent event in the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield. Over 300 young people came together to showcase their anti-tobacco films and projects which they have created to contribute towards establishing Irelands first smoke-free generation. X-HALE is an initiative of the Irish Cancer Society which aims to empower young people to work towards reducing smoking among their generation, by raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and encouraging their peers to be smoke free. Kevin OHagan, Cancer Prevention Manager at the Irish Cancer Society said: I would like to congratulate Granard Youth Club for making a positive impact on their health and that of their peers. They have been recognised for exceptional effort in their project. We need to look at what Granard Youth Club Lus na Greine and the rest of the #theXgeneration are saying. They can be Irelands first smoke-free generation and they are telling us in their own way that the time is up for the tobacco industry in this country. They are educated on the issue of smoking and are refusing to let their health be affected by tobacco. The rate of smoking among young people in Ireland has seen continuous decline in recent years. Pets & Animal, Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: July 21 2016 The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) held its Seventh Annual Unconditional Love Gala on Saturday, July 18th in Southampton. Southampton, NY - July 19, 2016 - The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) held its Seventh Annual Unconditional Love Gala on Saturday, July 18th held at a private waterfront residence on Gin Lane in Southampton. The event sold out for the seventh year in a row. Gala Chair Jean Shafiroff, Board President Jonathan McCann and Chair Emeritus Susan Allen hosted this years event themed around a traditional Hamptons beach soiree, which honored El Faro de los Animales in Puerto Rico including Board Member David Brownstein and New York Branch President, Julie Sinaw. Honorary Board member Georgina Bloomberg came out to support the Shelter, as did Southampton Mayor Mark Epley, U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, John Catsimatidis, and Jill Rappaport. The Honorary Corporate Chairs for the Unconditional Love Gala included Allen & Company, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Ferguson Cohen, LLP, and Stifel Financial Corp. Master of ceremonies Chuck Scarborough welcomed more than 300 guests including Southampton Councilman John Bouvier, Anna Throne-Holst, Richard Demato, Kim Renk, Ellen Scarborough, Debra Hearst, Lilianna Cavendish, Sony Schotland, Greg DElia, Martin Shafiroff and Rachel Grant, in addition to Junior Committee members Kate McEntee, Scott Stevenson, Elizabeth Shafiroff, Phil Piro, Merritt Piro, Charles McConnell, and Sara Vacchiano. All guests enjoyed dinner by Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs and music by the Alex Donner Orchestra. This years Unconditional Love Gala exceeded their fundraising goal through donations, live and silent auctions and pet sponsorships. All proceeds go towards SASF's crucial initiatives, such as their low-cost spay/neuter mobile van granted by the ASPCA, efforts to rescue animals enslaved in puppy mills, and the daily care of the rescues within the shelter. They also benefit the shelter's programs that help special needs children, along with educating, mentoring and implementing SASF's "Playing For Life" program, which is currently in over 40 shelters and highlighted at the major animal conferences throughout the U.S. Link to download images: here About Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation: Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing for the welfare of homeless pets in our community and, in turn, placing them in permanent caring homes. The SASFs mission is to provide for the welfare of animals and to reduce the number of homeless pets. The Shelters goal is to promote and nourish the bond between people and animals through adoption, education and community outreach. SASF recently won an award as the finest shelter on Long Island and rated in the top 10% of the country for their live release rates. The Shelter leads the country with its "live release rate", which means that of all animals brought to the shelter, 94% are adopted into loving homes. SASF is an open intake shelter that welcomes stray pets regardless of age, breed, or health providing them with the finest care, food, training, and medical attention. No adoptable animal is left behind! To learn more, please visit SASFs website or Facebook page. Pets & Animal, Local News, Crime, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: July 21 2016 ECO Ron Gross recently spotted a Black Throat Monitor and an American Alligator advertised for sale on Craigslist. Stony Brook, NY - July 20, 2016 - ECO Ron Gross recently spotted a Black Throat Monitor and an American Alligator advertised for sale on Craigslist. Both species are illegal to own in New York, and the map on the ad showed the listing in an area in Queens. ECO Gross forwarded the information to Queens ECO John Gates. ECO Gates began texting the subject on an undercover phone and through his messaging was able to set up a time to purchase the Monitor for $350, although the Alligator had already been sold. ECO Gates was told to meet in Stony Brook to pick up the animal, not Queens. ECOs Gates and Gross met with the seller at his house on June 30 in plain clothes and confirmed that the Monitor was there. Once the seller brought the monitor out of the house, ECOs Mark Simmons, Marcia Goodrich and Lt. Tom Gadomski, who were waiting nearby, responded and took possession of the animal. The seller was charged with Illegal Possession of a Black Throat Monitor Without a Permit. The owner allowed the ECOs to search the house and no other illegal animals were found. The Monitor was seized and turned over to the Suffolk County SPCA for rehoming. Local News, Crime, Business & Finance, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: July 21 2016 Proposal will bolster New Yorks bribery statute and combat the corruption that has infiltrated Albany and eliminate the influence of money on politicians. Rockville Centre, NY - July 20, 2016 - Today, Senator Todd Kaminsky and Assemblyman Charles Lavine announced landmark legislation (S.8169) that, in the wake of the McDonnell decision, will protect taxpayers interests and close the loophole that allows public officials to accept gifts or benefits simply because of that persons official position. His proposal will bolster New Yorks bribery statute and combat the corruption that has infiltrated Albany and eliminate the influence of money on politicians. Kaminsky and Lavine's legislation finally makes it a state crime for public officials to receive or give any benefit or gift with a value in excess of $3,000 simply because of that persons official position. Giving or receiving unlawful gifts would be punishable as a class E felony. The recent Supreme Court decision in McDonnell v. The United States dramatically narrowed federal bribery statutes. Following that decision, one can now legally give an elected official lavish gifts effectively having them on retainer as long as a specific gift is not connected by a promise to perform an official government act. This legislation directly addresses this issue. No public official should ever be permitted to personally gain from the office they hold, said Senator Todd Kaminsky. The free money loophole that this legislation closes highlights exactly what is wrong with Albany today. For too long, corrupt special interests have had undue influence on Albany for decades and can no longer be permitted to bribe public officials. We must end the culture that has saturated our government and comprised the integrity of our democracy. It is time to make it abundantly clear that gifts to officials are unacceptable and must be made illegal, Kaminsky continued. Public service is just that service - and not a means for enriching yourself or your family. At a time when corruption in our State Government is rampant, we must go out of our way to restrict even the temptation of undue influence and this legislation does just that. This is one of the most important pieces of the legislation that I have sponsored. We must restore our integrity and create a moral high ground. Lavine said under New Yorks current law, a public official must engage in some form of official quid pro quo in order to be found guilty of unlawful gratuity giving or receiving. The loophole was most recently highlighted in the Supreme courts decision in McDonnell v. United State s which effectively held that the acts former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell undertook in exchange for gifts were not official enough to qualify as official government acts for purposes of the bribery or theft of honest services statutes. At its most basic premise, politicians should not be accepting anything of value, money or otherwise, simply for doing their jobs. This legislation bans any public official in New York State from receiving any gift or payment of over $3,000. Further, the bill excludes campaign contributions as they are monitored by the Board of Elections, registered and disclosed. This proposal was also made by the New York State Bar Association Government Ethics Task Force in 2011. New Yorks public corruption laws are woefully inadequate and even following federal convictions of top legislative leaders, state lawmakers have refused to take meaningful action to give local prosecutors the tools we need to hold corrupt public officials accountable, said Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas. I commend Senator Kaminsky for introducing this important legislation that addresses one of the critical deficiencies in the penal law and I encourage the full legislature to promptly consider this bill. The McDonnell decision put the onus on states to strengthen local bribery laws, and Common Cause/NY is pleased to see Senator Kaminsky and Assemblyman Lavine stepping up. It's up to the Legislature to codify our common sense understanding of corruption into law, so that there can be no question for the courts, said Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY. Senator Kaminsky, a former federal prosecutor, has spent his career fighting to end government corruption. He has sponsored bills to get rid of outside income and give more power to prosecutors to pursue corruption cases. Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: July 21 2016 Long Island Cares is the recipient of a $12,000 grant from Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages. Valley Stream, NY - July 14, 2016 - Long Island Cares is the recipient of a $12,000 grant from Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages. The funds will further the organization's mission of providing emergency food relief and eliminate the underlying root causes of hunger on Long Island. New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages (Elmont-D) presented the grant to Paule Pachter, Paule Pachter, Chief Executive Officer and Michael Haynes, Chief Government Affairs Officer. Rosann Coppola, President of the Saint Vincent DuPaul Society at the Holy Name of Mary Roman Catholic Church, and volunteers joined to congratulate Long Island Cares. Since 1980, Long Island Cares, Inc. has had the distinction of being the regional food bank for Long Island. This designation was enhanced in 1994 when we were awarded funding from New York State to administer the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program, which allows us to purchase nutritious food and provide funding to hundreds of eligible organizations that support their infrastructure needs. Were extremely grateful to Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages for her continued support of Long Island Cares and the work of the regional food bank. She understands the needs of her assembly district and her constituents in the Valley Stream, Elmont and Floral Park communities that often times must turn to charitable organizations for assistance. With more than 300,000 Long Islanders facing domestic hunger and high food insecurity in our region, we will be able to target additional resources and support for people in the 22nd Assembly District as a result of Assemblywoman Solages compassion and leadership, said Paule T. Pachter, Chief Executive Officer, Long Island Cares, Inc. A new report published by Feeding America, the national hunger relief organization representing 194 food banks across the country, describes a 27.2% increase in the estimated number of Long Island children experiencing food insecurity. The grant monies will support the distribution of food to veterans, senior citizens and families in need via the member agencies throughout the Twenty-second Assembly District. It is a privilege to partner with Assemblywoman Solages and her dedicated staff in the fight to end hunger in both the 22nd Assembly District and New York State as a whole, stated Michael Haynes, Chief Government Affairs Officer. We commend Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages leadership both here on Long Island and up in Albany in advocating for the hungry whom sadly often do not have a voice or a platform to fight for themselves. Long Island Cares partners with local food pantries at the Holy Name of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Saint Vincent DuPauls, Bethlehem Assembly of God: House of Hope, and Saint Boniface Roman Catholic Church and other organizations in the Twenty-second Assembly District. Far too many children and adults have faced or are currently facing periods of food insecurity. With this grant, we empower Long Island Cares and local food pantries in their efforts to fight against hunger, said Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages. Please call the Office of Assemblywoman Solages at 516-599-2972 for additional information, or if you are in need of any resources. Local News, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: July 21 2016 Over 100 residents of North Hempstead and Great Neck, plus many more from across the district and Long Island, rallied in support of Tom Suozzis congressional bid. Glen Cove, NY - July 20, 2016 - Yesterday, over 100 residents of North Hempstead and Great Neck, plus many more from across the district and Long Island, rallied in support of Tom Suozzis congressional bid. The crowd was joined by local and national elected officials including House Democratic Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer, Congresswoman Kathleen Rice, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judy Bosworth, and former North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman, along with a slew of other local officials. Were all in this together, and we all need to work to together to get things done because this is such an important election. We need to unite as one so we can fix Washington for the people of Long Island, Queens and the rest of the country, said Suozzi. My children, grand-children and great grandchildren need Tom Suozzi in the Congress of the United States, said Rep. Hoyer. Talk about making things great again, we need to make Congress work again, and Tom will be one of the leaders of making the Congress work for the people. The goal is to make this country what it should be and make the Congress work, said Jon Kaiman. We in North Hempstead understand we need to come together and I will work with my friend Tom Suozzi to make him our next Congressman. Suozzi, who has a proven record of going up against the status quo to garner structural change for people, will take that same passion and fight to Congress to fix Washington to find solutions for the most serious problems facing middle class families, seniors and veterans. The 3rd Congressional District covers northern portions of Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties. The seat is being vacated by Rep. Steve Israel, who announced his retirement from Congress earlier this year. The election is on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. 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 With divorce rates steadily rising, female divorcees in Egypt have become less of a taboo in recent years, but only to a certain extent Safaa Ahmed decided to brush off her polygamist husband two years into their marriage. Her husband -- who was already a father when they got married in 2013 -- planned to bring his children to live with them. But after three or four months as a newlywed husband, he decided to remarry his ex-wife. His marriage to Safaa did not come to an end here, though. "I still tried to work things out," recalled Safaa. "Many problems occurred after he returned to his ex-wife, which made me his second." Polygamy is legal pursuant to Egyptian law, which allows Muslim men to have up to four wives as Islamic Sharia stipulates. It is often met with public refusal, however. "His family's frequent interference in our marriage, broken promises to straighten things up, I had to deal with many things," Safaa continued. "He eventually got married to a third woman and that was the straw that broke the camel's back." A sales manager with no children, Safaa knew she can afford unilateral divorce, which is known in Arabic as khul and drops most nuptial legal and financial rights that a female divorcee is entitled to in case of an ordinary divorce instigated by the husband. The Cairo-based 36-year-old opted for what can be an unattainable choice for many women who would feel obliged to sustain their respective marriages despite eagerness to get divorced due to lack of financial independence. "Sometimes I say to myself that if I had been unemployed or I had been a mother with dependents in my custody, I wouldn't have been able to opt for divorce," Safaa said. The unemployment rate for Egyptian women in the last quarter of 2015 reached 25.8 percent, almost triple that of men -- which stood at 8.9 percent -- according to statistics released by the governmental Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). Even though the increasing female unemployment could act as a deterrent to the separation of supporting husbands and dependent wives, divorce rate still went up in 2015 by 10.8 percent compared to the previous year, accounting for almost 200,000 divorces. As much as mounting financial difficulties could be a reason for a failing marriage to continue, other forms of daily-life pressure over the past years resulted in the deterioration of Egyptians' psychological health, which is a main cause for higher divorce rates according to psychiatrist Radwa Osama. "Divorce usually poses the easiest remedy when a couple are at loggerheads with each other," explained Radwa, who conducts workshops held by woman's magazine, Nooun, to help female divorcees overcome their ordeals. "Not many people these days have the patience or the will to seek to work out their differences; many people are psychologically damaged one way or another," she added. With divorce rates steadily rising, female divorcees in Egypt have become more socially acceptable in recent years, but only to a certain extent with the same perennial communal challenges barely alleviated. Safa's work might have enabled her to part company with her husband and lead a single life without worrying much about the financial aspect, but her 2015 divorce has been anything but easy for her. "After I got divorced I didn't let anyone know about it at work for a year. No one felt anything because I was acting exactly the same with no different attitude," she narrated. "When it was known, however, I noticed that my colleagues started to put many things down to the fact that I am a divorcee, whether any changes to my performance at workplace, my mood or anything else." "In general, you start to notice or wonder how people around you have changed, either those who are close to you or acquaintances. You don't really know how people see you." Several restrictions imposed on female divorcees have long been rife in quite a few social circles in Egypt. For one, it is generally seen as inappropriate for a woman to live alone or with flat-mates other than first-degree relatives, preferably including a man or a parent. Such a situation could be further socially unacceptable in case of a divorced woman. The notion stems from a belief that a divorcee would be eager to compensate for the absence of her ex-husband, and thus is likely to use her privacy to get into a relationship outside wedlock, which is illegal and carries religious and social stigma, especially against women. Such notions have barely changed, even though female divorcees are given a bit of a respite thanks to high rates of divorce nowadays, said Samia Khedr, a sociology professor. "Living alone could be a problem nowadays, for instance," she said. "The situation of a female divorcee is more common but it's still far from normal for most of the public." Radwa echoed similar sentiments, saying a divorced woman can be regarded by men as an "easy target". Coming a long way on the route to recovery over the past year after attending Radwa's workshops, which were instrumental in helping her adapt to and accept her divorce, Safa said she is still struggling on the social level. "I can't say I've recovered 100 percent; I still every once in a while come across obnoxious people who would make me feel there is something wrong with my situation," she said, without getting into details. The only time Safaa felt absolutely comfortable with being divorced was when she traveled to Virginia this year upon Radwa's advice. The social burden was taken off her shoulders during the two and a half months she spent in the US. "People there just mind their own business," Safaa said. "They wouldn't even think about other people's social statuses or act accordingly in any way." "It is opposite in Egypt where a divorced woman, unlike a male divorcee, have diminished chances to get married because men and their parents usually prefer a virgin. The closest people to you might stop talking to you after being divorced." Divorcees usually see their social circles shrink, among other social changes after the separation, Radwan explains. "Many mutual friends would opt to talk to one of the separated couple and not the other. Also, no more extended families in most cases or couples activities, thus adaptation is key." Search Keywords: Short link: Libya has for a long time been a major destination for Egyptian workers Three Egyptian were killed on Thursday in a fire at a Libyan port west of the capital Tripoli, Egypt's state news agency MENA reported. A fishing loader at the Zawara Port caught fire after a stove exploded during maintenance work on a fishing boat, MENA quoted the Zawara media department as saying. Three Egyptians were killed in the blaze, it added. Libya has long been a major destination for Egyptian workers due to its geographical proximity and open borders, which until April 2011 allowed Egyptians to enter and reside there without a visa. In a 2014 report, the International Organisation for Migration estimated that up to one million Egyptians remain in Libya -- predominantly from rural areas and Lower Egypt. Egypt's foreign ministry has repeatedly warned Egyptians against travelling to the North African country, which has plunged into chaos following the 2011 toppling and killing of dictator Muammar Gadhafi. Search Keywords: Short link: The Taliban took control of the district of Qala-i-Zal in Kunduz province after an operation the put Afghan forces under siege, Afghan officials and the Taliban confirmed. The district is the latest to fall under Taliban control. Asadullah Omarkhil, the governor of the northern province of Kunduz, said that the security forces lost the district to the Taliban on July 20. Most parts of Qala-i-Zal are in the hands of the Taliban but our military operations continue there to re-take control of the district, Omarkhil told TOLONews. The Taliban touted the operation to retake Qala-i-Zal on its official website, Voice of Jihad. Officials reporting from northern Kunduz province say that Qala Zal district which was under the tight siege of Mujahideen for the past 3 days has now (late afternoon hours) completely fallen under the control of Islamic Emirate, the Taliban reported on July 20. The latest round of clashes in which the district administration building, police HQ, municipality and all the remaining check posts fell to the Mujahideen has left 8 hirelings dead and 15 others wounded, it continued. The Taliban also claimed it captured a sizable amount of arms and military equipment as well as vehicles during the operation. Kunduz province has been the scene of heavy fighting during the past year, and all seven of the districts in Kunduz are either controlled or contested by the Taliban. In September 2015, the Taliban overran Kunduz City and held it for two weeks before US-led Afghan forces regained control of the provincial capital. The Taliban currently control 40 districts in Afghanistan and contest another 43, according to data compiled by The Long War Journal (see map above). Districts under Taliban command are being administered by the group, or the group controls the district center. Typically the Taliban dominates all of the areas of a district except the administrative center in contested districts. The Taliban likely controls or contests more districts displayed on the map above, however the districts listed on the map are ones that can be confirmed via independent sources such as Taliban claims, government reports, and news reports. The Afghan government has downplayed the Talibans advances over the past year, but recently was forces to admit that the number of Taliban-controlled districts doubled in the past year. In June, the Ministry of Interior reported that nine districts are under the sway of the Taliban, including four in the southern province of Helmand, and more than 40 others are heavily contested. The previous year the government claimed the Taliban controlled four districts. [See LWJ report, Afghan Ministry of Interior admits 9 districts under Taliban control.] While the Afghan military has struggled to counter the Taliban in the field, it has touted a program that targets Taliban leaders in raids and airstrikes as evidence of its success. However the US military targeted the Talibans leadership for well over a decade without significantly impacting the groups ability to sustain an effective insurgency. Al Qaeda has taken advantage of the deteriorating security situation to establish training camps in areas out of the governments jurisdiction. For instance, al Qaeda ran two training camps, including a large facility, in the Shorabak district in Kandahar for more than a year before they were discovered by US forces. The US military only discovered the location of the two camps in Shorabak after raiding another in Paktika province in July 2015. Abu Khalil al Sudani, one of al Qaedas most senior figures, is thought to have been killed during that raid. Al Qaeda clearly assessed the situation in Paktika as being safe enough to place one of their top leaders there. The worsening security situation in Afghanistan has not gone unnoticed in Washington. Less than two weeks ago, President Barack Obama described the security environment in Afghanistan as precarious and said he will keep more troops on the ground in Afghanistan than previously planned. While the number of US troops remaining in country will increase from 5,500 to 8,400, Obama still plans to withdraw an additional 1,400 troops by the end of the year, despite the Talibans advances. [See LWJ report, Obama backtracks on Afghanistan withdrawal, cites precarious security situation.] 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. Egypt's tourism sector was hit hard by the halting of flights from Russia in the wake of last year's downing of an airliner over Sinai Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation Sherif Fathy has extended an invitation to a Russian technical team to visit the North African nation soon in hope of resuming direct flights between Egypt and Russia suspended in the aftermath of the deadly October 2015 crash of a Russian airliner over Egypts Sinai. On Wednesday, the state owned MENA news agency reported that Fathy, returning from a visit to Russia, underlined the importance of resuming flights who enjoy a real strategic partnership. Fathy and an Egyptian security and technical delegation held several sessions with Russian counterparts on the latest developments related to security in Egyptian airports, with security measures in airports enhanced in preparation for the return of flights. Fathys visit comes one week before the visit by Egypts Prosecutor-General Nabil Sadek to Moscow to brief Russian officials on the latest news of investigations into the deadly October crash. During his four day visit to Moscow, Fathy held several meetings with Russian officials, including Russian Minister of Transport Maxim Sokolov. According to MENA, Sokolov expressed Russias support for the constructive steps undertaken by Egypt in the field of airport security and infrastructure development. Egypts tourism suffered a severe blow with the halt of flights from Russia in the wake of the fatal crash. The MetroJet plane crashed in northern Sinai after departing from Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport, killing all 224 people on board. An Islamic State group affiliate in Sinai claimed responsibility for bringing down the airliner with a bomb. The Russian authorities and other countries declared the incident a terrorist act, suspending flights citing security concerns in Egyptian airports. In earlier statements to media, the Russian transport minister said that air services would resume after Egypt fully ensures security at its airports. Egypt has said it has fulfilled 85 percent of Russias demands regarding aviation safety and is now expecting steps to be taken by the Russian side towards resuming flights. Search Keywords: Short link: Luton is a large town, borough and unitary authority area of Bedfordshire. Luton and its near neighbours, Dunstable and Houghton Regis, form the Luton/Dunstable Urban Area with a population of about 258,000. Luton is home to Championship team Luton Town Football Club, London Luton Airport and The University of Bedfordshire. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter. For all the latest news from Luton sign up to our newsletter here. St. Barth Properties Introduces Two New Villas - Shadowfax and La Lune Ample outdoor space with heated infinity pool with views of the sea and lush green hills; Three bedrooms with two rooms featuring French king beds; Close proximity to town and beloved local bakery La Petite Colombe and Flamands Beach. Two master suites with incredible views of the sea; Beautifully appointed outdoor space with dramatic views of the sea and fiery sunsets; Elevated second floor with boast incredible sea views. St. Barth Properties' signature concierge services are included in all reservations and create the perfect, restorative vacation whether you are traveling with family, friends or a significant other.Villa Shadowfax is located in Flamands. This lovely 3-bedroom villa treats guests to views of the sea and the lush green hills of neighboring islands. with its minimalist deIcor, guests will enjoy wading in the long, heated infinity pool that sparkles in the sun or enjoy preparing a meal in the villa's sleek summer-white kitchen, which opens to an alfresco covered dining area. There are two French king bedrooms and a third with twin beds that can be converted to a king-sized bed. Glass and screened sliders open to a deck that frame the sea views and soothing tropical breezes. This villa's location is also a plus with its close proximity to the beloved neighborhood bakery La Petite Colombe, a favorite spot for breakfast pastries, baguettes or to pick up a sandwich en route to the nearby and gorgeous Flamands Beach.Highlights includes:This stunning 2-bedroom villa is situated in Pointe Milou, boasting a three-sided vista of the sea and fiery sunsets. La Lune offers privacy, contemporary-styled sophistication and a wealth of special amenities. The living room is furnished for comfort and conversation and an air-conditioned office area makes the space truly multi-functional. The chic, simple deIcor is complemented by a soothing custom color palette and designer accessories add punch and panache. Elevated above the main level, a sleek kitchen and adjacent dining area open to a shaded porch and a spacious sun room furnished for relaxing and dining. The views from here are particularly dramatic. A long solar-heated pool is the focal point of the expansive deck; an open cabana and a lower-level gazebo provide additional outdoor living space. Two equally sized air-conditioned master suites boast king beds, smartly appointed en suite baths and glass sliders to decks overlooking the ocean. The doors and windows are all screened, providing the option of enjoying tropical breezes and the sound of the surf.Highlights includes:*Prices listed above are for 1-2 guests using of one bedroom during the low season, April 16 to December 14. Prices increase when booking additional bedroom as well as when making reservations for travel during the high season, December 15 to April 15. Egypt said Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has lost the ability of "sound judgement" following remarks in which he criticised Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi as being far from democratic. "Among the issues which the Turkish president confuses the most is the ability to distinguish between a full-fledged popular revolution where over 30 million Egyptians went out demanding the armed forces' support, and military coups by definition," the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement early on Thursday. Erdogan renewed his criticism of El-Sisi during a TV interview with Al-Jazeera network late on Wednesday. He said the Egyptian president "has nothing to do with democracy. He killed thousands of his own people. The Egyptian foreign ministry snapped back hours later saying the Turkish president "is continuing to confuse matters and lose the compass of sound judgement -- something that reflects through the tough times he is passing through." The ministry was making an allusion to the abortive military coup in Turkey last week, which resulted in deaths of over 230 people and has since prompted a wide-ranging purge of state institutions. Relations between Turkey and Egypt have been strained since the 2013 ouster of Egypts Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, a close ally of Erdogan's AKP government. Erdogan has repeatedly slammed Morsi's removal as an "unacceptable coup." Cairo has repeatedly accused Ankara of "interference" in its domestic affairs and supporting Islamist militants who carry out terrorist attacks in Egypt. Turkey provides a safe haven for leading members of the Muslim Brotherhood group, which has been banned in Egypt. Ankara also allows TV stations run by sympathisers of the Brotherhood who criticise the government of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to broadcast out of Turkey. Search Keywords: Short link: Recent violence saw the deaths of 300 soldiers, according to government figures Egypt supports efforts aiming to achieve calm in South Sudan, Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi told his South Sudan counterpart Silva Kiir in a phone call Wednesday. During the call, El-Sisi underlined Egypt's support for measures to prevent bloodshed in South Sudan and establish security and stability for its people and that pave the way to aspired comprehensive development. The Egyptian president said Egypt would continue aiding developmental efforts in South Sudan due to the close relationship between the two countries. On 7 July, violence erupted in the South Sudan capital of Juba between forces loyal to President Kiir and those loyal to his deputy, Riek Machar, on the anniversary of the youngest country in the world's independence from Sudan. Days after, a ceasefire was signed between President Kiir and his Machar after the death of over 300 soldiers in deadly battles, according to government's estimates cited by AFP. Search Keywords: Short link: An upcoming visit to Egypt of Russian specialists for completion of the Egyptian airports security audit depends on fulfillment of security requirements by the Egyptian side, a Russian transport ministry representative told Russias news agency TASS on Wednesday. "The date of the next inspection is not known currently. Everything depends on the pace of the Egyptian side to fulfill airfield security requirements presented by Russian specialists," the unnamed official said. The statements came on the same day Egypts civil aviation minister, on an official visit to Russia, extended an invitation to the Russian technical team to visit Egypt soon in hope of resuming direct flights between Egypt and Russia suspended in the aftermath of the deadly October 2015 crash of a Russian airliner over Egypts Sinai. During a four-day visit, Sherif Fathy and an Egyptian security and technical delegation held several sessions with Russian counterparts on the latest developments related to security in Egyptian airports, with security measures in airports enhanced in preparation for the return of flights. Egypts tourism suffered a severe blow with the halt of flights from Russia in the wake of the fatal crash. The MetroJet plane crashed in northern Sinai after departing from Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport, killing all 224 people on board. An Islamic State group affiliate in Sinai claimed responsibility for bringing down the airliner with a bomb. Russian authorities and other countries declared the incident a terrorist act, suspending flights citing security concerns in Egyptian airports. Egypt has previously said it has fulfilled 85 percent of Russias demands regarding aviation safety and is now expecting steps to be taken by the Russian side towards resuming flights. Search Keywords: Short link: Ten Hag always demanding more Article The boss provides his analysis of the win over Sheriff and our hopes of reaching top spot in Group E. RINA S.p.A, the holding company of the multinational testing, inspection, certification and consulting engineering group based in Genoa, Italy, has announced that it has closed its acquisition of the entire share capital of Edif Group Limited for 118.5 million (around $156 million). High levels of synergy can be seen between Edif and RINAs services, complementing and expanding RINAs existing industry services and geographic network. This strategic acquisition also allows RINA to branch into new areas within its industries and geographies, providing an enhanced service offering to new and existing clients. This growth will provide extensive global coverage and strengthen RINAs presence in key sectors, including defence, energy, transport, built environment and infrastructure. RINA was established as a classification society in Genoa, Italy, in 1861 to meet the needs of the shipping world. The company has since diversified and today is a multinational provider of testing, inspection, certification and engineering consultancy services to organizations in the energy, marine, business assurance and transport and infrastructure markets. Edif Group is a provider of a diverse range of technical inspection and engineering consultancy services designed to reduce risk, optimize performance and enhance capability within multiple industries. Edif is headquartered in London, UK, and employs approximately 650 employees and 2,500 associates in over 20 offices internationally, including the UK, the US, Germany, Italy, Canada, Saudi Arabia, China, Singapore, Australia and South Africa. For EDIF, being part of the RINA Group will strengthen the companys access to new markets thorough cooperation with RINAs offices throughout the world. By working together the company, as a larger entity, will be able to more effectively compete for larger contracts with the energy majors and expand its presence in the US, a geographical market that the RINA Group sees as a platform for ongoing growth. Ugo Salerno, Chairman and CEO of RINA, said: Our strategic acquisitions, continued investment in research and development and training have resulted in a unique skill set that covers the certification of management systems, products, installations and personnel for companies operating worldwide and of all sizes. Due to the complementary nature of the business, integration will be straightforward, taking place over the next 18 months. Our philosophy is to grow companies within the group. As people are the most important asset of a service company, we will combine resources from both organisations to optimise integration and the potential of both organizations. With this deal RINAs turnover reaches about 500 million ($550 mln) with an EBITDA close to 65 million ($72 mln). This will enable the company to possibly go public in the medium term. RINAs shareholders and financial partners, will guarantee further funds for pursuing an acquisitive growth path. Following the acquisition, there will be an ongoing acquisition pipeline, which aims to expand the two companies further. Number of idle ships down to around 15, from 70 in early 2016 - broker. Freight rates for large capesize dry cargo ships on key Asian routes could nudge lower next week although they are generally expected to remain around the current levels, ship brokers said. "Owners still have confidence in the market," a Shanghai-based capesize broker said on Thursday. That was reflected through the number of idle capesize ships, which were down to 15 vessels this week, the broker said. That compared with around 70 at the beginning of this year when daily charter rates were less than the operating costs. "I think rates will remain above $4 per tonne for Australia, and $9 or $8.80 a tonne from Brazil," the broker said. Owners were rejecting bids from charterers of $8.80-$8.90 per tonne on Thursday, the broker added. Iron ore, coke and coal prices surged in China on Thursday, fuelled by a rise in steel futures, following three days of losses. This could drive increased chartering activity by miners although the market had yet to react on Thursday, the Shanghai broker said. Iron ore and coal are the staple cargoes for 180,000-deadweight tonne capesize bulk carriers. Rates slipped this week even though all the major miners - Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Fortescue Metals Group and Vale - were active in the market, brokers said. "It just seems that the fundamental problem of the industry continues to prevail, that there is simply too much tonnage," Norwegian ship broker Fearnley said in a note on Wednesday. Capesize charter rates for Western Australia-China fell to $4.20 a tonne on Wednesday, the lowest since May 26, against $4.56 per tonne last week. Freight rates from Brazil to China hit a one-month low of $9.04 per tonne on Wednesday, compared with $9.38 per tonne the previous week. Charter rates for smaller panamax vessels for a North Pacific round-trip voyage were close to the highest in nearly a year on Wednesday at $6,938 per day, up from $5,822 per day last Wednesday. They hit $6,941 per day on Tuesday, the highest since July 29, 2015. "Specific trades been paying a premium due to lack of prompt tonnage. We believe grain (from the east coast of South America) will be the driver in the coming week," the Fearnley note said. Freight rates in the Far East for smaller supramax vessels have remained stable this week, while price levels vary depending on the type of cargo, brokers said. Supramax vessels were fixed at $7,500 per day for (a coal) trip from Singapore to China via Indonesia, while daily rates for nickel ore cargoes are $1,000-$2,000 higher, Fearnley and ship broker Banchero Costa said. The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index climbed to 736 on Wednesday from 726 last week. Reporting by Keith Wallis Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp. of Salisbury, MD announced it has successfully delivered another ocean going tugboat to Vane Brothers of Baltimore, MD. The boat, named Fort McHenry, marks the 12th tugboat that Chesapeake Shipbuilding has built for the maritime transportation company. Chesapeake Shipbuilding has 5 additional tugboats under construction for Vane Brothers. The Fort McHenry is equipped with twin Caterpillar 3512 main engines producing a combined 3,000 horsepower, and a single drum hydraulic winch from JonRie of New Jersey. The tug measures 94 long with a 32 beam, and a 13 depth. All Chesapeake Shipbuilding tugs are built in a controlled indoor environment prior to being moved and launched into Marylands Wicomico River. Chesapeake Shipbuilding has recently made significant upgrades to its facility to increase its production capacity and efficiency. The president has warned Egyptians against attempts to sow discord between Muslims and Christians Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi warned on Thursday against attempts to drive a wedge between Egyptians and vowed to hold violators accountable amid a recent series of violent sectarian attacks in the country's south. Speaking during a military graduation ceremony, El-Sisi urged national unity between Egyptians, saying Christians and Muslims are equal in rights and duties. "We have to pay attention to all attempts being made to drive a wedge between Egyptians," El-Sisi said. His comments come days after a Muslim mob stabbed a Coptic Christian to death during a street argument in the southern governorate of Minya. Alluding to the incident, El-Sisi vowed that "whoever made a mistake will be held to account by law, starting from the president." "It's a state of law," he added. There are no official figures on the number of Christians in Egypt. But unofficial figures suggest Christians make up around 10 to 15 percent of Egypt's population of 91 million. On Saturday, a group of Muslims attacked and set ablaze houses of Christians in the village of Abu-Yacoub, also in Minya, after acting upon a rumour that a Christian intended to turn a kindergarten into a church. At least 14 people were arrested over the assault. In May, Muslim villagers torched seven homes of Christians and assaulted a Christian man's elderly mother, parading her naked in public. The assault in Minya's El-Karm village was sparked by rumours that the man was having an illicit relationship with a Muslim woman. The incident sparked public outcry and prompted El-Sisi to vow to bring the attackers to justice. Search Keywords: Short link: The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) will focus clearly on its core agenda this year, with experts from key areas of industry across the board speaking at its 2016 International Shipping Conference, to be held at the British Library on Wednesday 7 September. Principal speakers include Kitak Lim, Secretary-General, IMO; Ian Parry, Principal Environmental Fiscal Policy Expert, International Monetary Fund (IMF); and Esben Poulsson, new Chairman of ICS. Reducing CO2 emissions is high on the list of priorities for the industry, and this is reflected in the programme, with an all parties session on the issue, chaired by John Adams, Managing Director, Teekay (Glasgow) and Chairman of the Bahamas Shipowners Association, and with perspectives from all sides of the debate including regulators, NGOs and ship operators. Kathy Metcalf, President, Chamber of Shipping of America will address the challenges of the Ballast Water Convention and Guy Platten, CEO, UK Chamber of Shipping will be focusing on EU Brexit and the decisions faced by the shipping industry as a consequence. Other key issues in the spotlight at the Conference include over-capacity in the shipping industry, with guest speaker Olaf Merc, OECD International Transport Forum, and a strong cross discipline panel; and sessions on seafarer supply issues; tackling corruption; shipowner liability; and the NATO response to The issues on the table today cover a broad spectrum and affect us all, says Simon Bennett, Director Policy & External Relations at ICS. It is important to fully debate them at all levels and across all sectors of the shipping community. The 2016 ICS International Shipping Conference offers the ideal opportunity to bring all parties together to share ideas and test established positions. State-run Korea Development Bank and other creditors are expected to extend their conditional debt rescheduling program for Hanjin Shipping Co. to stay afloat, reports Korea Herald. This move will give the struggling shipping company enough time to cover liquidity shortage on its own. The ailing company still needs to raise about 1 trillion won ($875 million) to keep afloat. According to sources, KDB may extend the initial Aug. 4 deadline by a month until early September. It is likely for the main creditor bank to vote for allowing more time for the shippers preparation, a person familiar with the situation said. It is completely up to Hanjin Group to decide but the most practical way for now is the container carrier securing the additional funds through Hanjin Group, especially the groups chairman, said a creditor bank official. Earlier in May, the creditors decided to initiate a corporate rehabilitation program with conditions attached. Under the requirements, Hanjin Shipping has to cut charter fees, join the global shipping alliance and extend the debt maturity, among others. Charter fee rate is the remaining hurdle for Hanjin Shipping as it is still negotiating with the foreign vessel owners to reduce rates. The company announced the plans to raise about 411 billion won by selling its key assets and rights. Hanjin, however, is still short by 8 billion won, even if it successfully collects the proposed amount. At the end of June, two Damen ASD Tugs 2810 set sail from Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania to Puerto General de San Martin (Argentina) for towing, mooring, and fire-fighting operations in the Argentinian region around Rosario on the Parana river. Built at Damen Galati Shipyards (Romania), the vessels will be delivered on time, having met the expectations of Cooperativa De Trabajos Portuarios Limitada de San Martin. This was a first-time order for the Argentinian company who also purchased a Cutter Suction Dredger 500 from Damen Dredging Equipment, which is also on its way by means of a cargo vessel. Alex Westendarp Knol, Damen Area Manager South-America, explains: Our short delivery time together with the cooperation of Argentinian authorities, allowed us to meet the requirements for arranging this departure at short notice. The companys current large rescue center will be able to expand its Maritime Division with the tugboats ESTIBADOR I and ESTIBADOR II. The ASD 2810 tugboats can perform emergency and fire-extinguishing activities should fire break out at a terminal or on a vessel. These tugs will also be used for vessel manoeuvring operations. The 28.67m long ASD Tugs have a beam of 10.43m and are equipped with state-of the-art Fire Fighting 1 capability. Fitted with two Rolls Royce US 205 azimuth thrusters, these compact tugs have a maximum bollard pull of 60.2 tonnes and are easy to manoeuvre at speeds of 13 knots. The CSD 500 dredger, LA PORTUARIA, will be used for dredging operations in the Argentinian terminal region. LA PORTUARIA has a modular design which makes it easy to transport almost anywhere. The dredger is easily made ready for transport and on location reassembled with small locally-sourced cranes. Used for capital and maintenance dredging, the dredger is able to operate in water depths up to 16m and has a maximum swing width of 39.6m. Damen Services will continue to provide Cooperativa De Trabajos Portuarios with proper operation and maintenance of the vessels as well as crew familiarization and training. Norsafe has signed a new contract with VARD Group, and will supply lifeboats complete with davit systems to a series of fifteen new vessels. Topaz Energy and Marine has appointed shipbuilder VARD Group to construct fifteen Module Carrying Vessels (MCVs), each measuring 123m long by 16.5m wide. The MCVs will be built at three of VARDs sites in Vietnam and Romania. Norsafe will deliver two JYN 57 conventional lifeboats with LHD-60 davit systems to each vessel. The unique design of Norsafes LHD-60 davits offers stability, and this is also achieved through a low to the ground installation, which is ideal for placement on the narrow vessels. Maersk Line has signed a five-year carbon reduction pact with Huawei Technologies, a global leading telecom solutions provider and the worlds third largest mobile phone manufacturer. The key to Huaweis success is positioning itself as an innovator and thought leader in its field of expertise. To maintain this status amongst its customers, Huawei has taken the next step by signing a strategic carbon pact with Maersk Line. This agreement integrates both companies sustainability commitments to reduce Huaweis CO2 emissions per container transported with Maersk Line by 18% from 2016 to 2020. Huawei and Maersk Line share a common commitment to sustainable growth. The Carbon Pact confirms our mutual values and aspirations, says Alan Aicken, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at Huawei Technologies. This commitment was first validated in September 2015, when Huawei honoured Maersk Line with their Sustainability Excellence Award as a symbol of the strategic relationship. Head of Maersk Line Greater China Silvia Ding shares how this is a win-win solution for both parties: For Maersk Line jointly signing a carbon pact is a milestone in our relationship with Huawei. The partnership enables transparency related to container transportation, ultimately moving the sustainability agenda forward in China." Silvia adds: "We are happy to contribute to Huaweis ambitions to reduce emissions in their value chain, as well as to take our business relationship to the next level by bringing sustainability elements into purchasing decisions. The Carbon Pact with Huawei does not stand alone. In November last year, Maersk Line was also given the praise of being the excellent core partner in their annual Core Partners Convention. One of the reasons for Huaweis success is that we are helping them protect their reputation as a trusted brand with a contract that has on-time delivery and proactive, dedicated customer service as its top priorities states Daisy Yuan, Huawei Key Client Manager in Greater China. These achievements are the results of hard work and team effort by the Key Client Team in China and clusters across the globe. An aligned implementation plan will be developed to operationalize the carbon pact, manage expectations and track progress over time. Maersk Line is driving similar agreements with other selected strategic customers in China. This is with the purpose of leveraging on its investments in energy efficiency and carbon reductions and to create further opportunities to expand its business. New order intake of NOK 6.2 billion from contract wins for 19 vessels. Vard Holdings Limited (VARD, and together with its subsidiaries, the Group), one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of offshore and specialised vessels, today announced its financial results for the second quarter (2Q 2016) and first half (1H 2016) ended 30 June 2016. Diversification away from traditional markets yields results VARD is committed to fostering new networks and growing its customer base beyond its traditional core markets, and has seen encouraging results thus far. Over the past quarter, the Group secured a total of 19 new shipbuilding contracts for a total new order intake of NOK 6.2 billion, making 2Q 2016 the best quarter in terms of order acquisition since 2013. This includes contracts for four luxury expedition cruise vessels for French cruise operator PONANT, signed at the end of 2Q 2016 and still subject to certain conditions. The project win, if confirmed, signals VARDs successful diversification into the expedition cruise vessel market, realising synergies with its majority shareholder, FINCANTIERI. Furthermore, contracts were secured for 15 purpose-designed Module Carrier Vessels (MCV) for Topaz Energy and Marine. Lower margins due to provision relating to assumed vessel cancellation VARD registered lower revenues of NOK 2.2 billion in 2Q 2016, representing a 10.9% decline from 2Q 2015, whereas 1H 2016 revenues came in at NOK 4.2 billion, down 23.6% from the previous corresponding period in 2015 (1H 2015). In line with guidance for 2016, the reduced turnover was mainly due to lower activity levels at the European yards and at Vard Niteroi in Brazil. EBITDA before restructuring cost declined to NOK 11 million and NOK 68 million in 2Q 2016 and 1H 2016 respectively, from NOK 46 million and NOK 111 million the year before. Correspondingly, EBITDA margin was reduced from 1.8% in the second quarter 2015 (2Q 2015) to 0.5% in 2Q 2016. However, the weaker margin was significantly affected by a provision made for the Groups exposure to Rem Offshore, which is currently negotiating a restructuring plan with its main stakeholders. Restructuring costs of NOK 38 million and NOK 49 million were recognised during the quarter and the half-year respectively. These were incurred in relation to statutory payments pertaining to temporary lay-offs and termination benefits, mainly at Vard Niteroi where the Group has since ceased all shipbuilding activities. Consequently, the Group posted an operating loss of NOK 78 million and NOK 83 million in 1Q 2016 and 1H 2016. Resulting from the above, VARD posted a net loss of NOK 67 million in 2Q 2016 and NOK 24 million in 1H 2016, compared to a loss of NOK 51 million in 2Q 2015 and NOK 277 million in 1H 2015. Losses of NOK 53 million and NOK 16 million were attributable to equity holders of the Company for 1Q 2016 and 1H 2016 respectively. This translates to a cumulative loss per share of 0.25 SGD cents for the first six months of the year, as compared to a loss 0.51 SGD cents the year before. Cash and cash equivalents remained relatively unchanged at NOK 908 million as at end June 2016. Debt-wise, total current liabilities decreased from NOK 16.5 billion to NOK 13.9 billion from 31 December 2015 to 30 June 2016, mainly due to a reduction in construction loans following the delivery of eight vessels in the first half of the year, including five during 2Q 2016. As at 30 June 2016, the Group had a total order book amounting to NOK 11.9 billion and comprising 39 vessels of which 30, or 77%, will be of VARDs own design. Yard utilisation secured in Romania and Vietnam; reduced exposure to Brazil In Norway, the shipyards are experiencing varying degrees of utilisation. With several offshore projects in advanced stages of construction, and one cancellation pending, the challenge is to bridge a period of low workload while awaiting the arrival of hulls for new projects from Romania. To this end, the entire workforce at Vard Brevik has been laid off temporarily, while the Group seeks new opportunities to utilise the idle capacity. Separately, Vard Aukra is expanding its service offering in the aquaculture market, following the delivery of one fish feed barge and two live fish treatment barges. Activity in Romania is ramping up, with yards expected to stay well utilised going forward. Nine of the 15 Module Carrier Vessels from the recent Topaz Energy and Marine contract win are expected to be built entirely in Vard Braila and Vard Tulcea. In addition, the yards are seeing an increasing amount of work arising from the sub-delivery of cruise vessel hulls to FINCANTIERI, along with the hulls of the four cruise vessels for PONANT which, if confirmed, are to be constructed at Vard Tulcea. Following a period of downsizing and restructuring at the Romanian yards last year, the focus now is to maximise operating efficiency to handle the pick-up in workload. Robust operations continue in Vietnam with yard utilisation now secured all the way through 2017. Outfitting work for an Offshore Subsea Construction Vessel (OSCV) for Farstad remains on track, with delivery slated by end-2016. Work has also commenced for the construction of the six Topaz MCVs to be built at Vard Vung Tau. Following the delivery of an AHTS for DOF in April, and the completion of outfitting works in relation to a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carrier for Transpetro, Vard Niteroi in Brazil has closed off all its projects during the quarter. Yard operations have since been shut down, and the leased land area has been returned to the owners in mid-July. Most of the workforce has been terminated following the yards closure, with some key personnel transferred to Vard Promar to further strengthen the management team there. Looking ahead, the Groups activities in Brazil will be concentrated on Vard Promar. Work on projects there, comprising three more LPG carriers and two PLSVs, is progressing in line with forecasts. The Groups overall exposure to Brazil has been reduced through the exit from Vard Niteroi. Active leads in new segments amid challenging offshore market environment The offshore oil and gas market remains challenging, and VARD expects limited new contract opportunities from the sector in the near term. As several offshore players are undergoing financial restructuring, the Group will continue to focus on counterparty risk by working with clients to ensure the delivery of its current order book. VARD is also further exploring non-traditional markets as part of its diversification strategy, leveraging on its existing capabilities and relationships to grow its business. First successful deliveries of innovative projects in the aquaculture sector have resulted in positive client feedback, while the Group is pursuing active leads in other non-offshore segments. In the expedition cruise sector, a further Letter of Intent for two vessels has already been secured, and is expected to be converted into contracts in 3Q 2016. Additional projects are under discussion. Roy Reite, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of VARD, commented, While the offshore market goes through an unprecedented phase of consolidation and restructuring, VARD remains committed to expanding its client base in new market segments, tapping opportunities for growth. With a long shipbuilding history and experience in building highly-specialised vessels, we look forward to deepening relationships with our new customers, growing the breadth of VARDs offerings and restoring value for our shareholders. The Korean Register has announced that it has successfully completed a feasibility study for the conversion of an 8,600 teu containership into a 10,000 teu vessel. This new capacity specification was developed in response to a shipping companys desire to adapt to recent shipping environment changes and to improve operational efficiency. In recent years a change in the optimal size of vessels and a deterioration in the operational efficiency of existing ships, has led to newbuilding orders or the conversion of existing ships. KR offered the shipping company two scenarios for the study. One was a traditional method, to increase the size of the vessel by lengthening the ship, while the other used a more recent approach, whereby the vessels breadth would be expanded, which was used by NSB group last year. Using both of these methods, KR analyzed the new vessels potential speed, fuel efficiency, stability and strength, the cost and time needed for conversion, the size-expandability, the new vessels maneuverability and its anchoring. Looking at the speed analysis, while both options showed a 4% drop after conversion, the length extension conversion was one knot faster than its width expansion counterpart. For fuel efficiency, the length extension conversion consumed 5% less than the alternative vessel. In terms of stability and strength, the widening conversion showed improved stability, with almost no need for additional reinforcement to enhance the vessels strength. However, the lengthening scenario, the vessel stability was unaltered but it needed much more reinforcement on its deck and bottom parts to maintain its strength, because of the increased hull bending movement. The study showed in general that the widening conversion would increase cargo carrying capacity by up to 30%, but in the lengthening scenario, capacity only increased by 15%. It would take twice as long to make the changes to the widening conversion, compared to the time it would take to convert the vessel using the lengthening scenario. There would be no difference in the cost of conversion to either option, because the lengthening conversion requires more steel work. Lastly, the study found that the two options were almost the same in terms of maneuverability and anchoring. Commenting the study, Dr. C. W. Kim, Executive Vice President, Technical Division of KR said: The cost to complete a ship conversion is only around 15% of the cost of a comparative newbuild and the conversion time required is considerably shorter. Therefore, it can be a great alternative to placing a newbuilding order. This study is just one of the ways KR works with its customers to evaluate different options to optimize their business profitability. An Irish navy ship recovered 17 dead bodies on Thursday when it went to the aid of migrants packed onto a wooden boat off the coast of Libya, Italy's coastguard said, marking another deadly day of attempted sea crossings. The LE James Joyce, which is in the Mediterranean specifically to perform search-and-rescue operations, brought on board the bodies of 16 men and one boy, a coastguard spokesman said. He could provide no further details about the cause of death or the nationalities of the dead. On Wednesday, 22 bodies were recovered from a rubber boat off the Libyan coast, and some 3,000 are dead or missing after trying to reach the European Union by sea so far this year, the International Organization for Migration estimates. The LE James Joyce, an Italian navy vessel, a British ship participating in an EU anti-people smuggling operation, and a vessel operated by a humanitarian group also brought 1,128 migrants to safety on Thursday, the coastguard said. There has been a jump in the number of migrants who people smugglers have put onto overcrowded boats in Libya this week amid calm seas and hot summer weather. On Tuesday alone, some 3,200 migrants were rescued at sea and one dead body was recovered. With Europe's migrant crisis in its third year, the Mediterranean has become the world's most dangerous border for migrants. More then 84,000 have crossed the sea from North Africa to Italy so far this year, in line with the number who came over during the same period last year, according to official data. That brings the total number of migrants to have reached Italy by to more than 400,000 since the beginning of 2014. Reporting by Steve Scherer Petroleum Geo-Services ASA reported revenue fall in their recently released Second Quarter and First Half 2016 Results. It logged a healthy MultiClient Sales and continues to undertake cost reductions. Highlights Q2 2016 * Revenues of $183.0 million, compared to $255.8 million in Q2 2015 * EBITDA of $68.8 million, compared to $125.1 million in Q2 2015 * EBIT excluding impairments and other charges/(income) of negative $36.2 million, compared to a profit of $15.9 million in Q2 2015 * MultiClient pre-funding revenues of $47.2 million with a corresponding pre-funding level of 113%, compared to $112.0 million and 152%, respectively, in Q2 2015 * MultiClient late sales of $46.0 million, compared to $33.5 million in Q2 2015 * Gross cash cost further reduced, ending at $158.4 million, compared to $207.6 million in Q2 2015 * Cash flow from operations of $42.4 million, compared to $83.1 million in Q2 2015 * Liquidity reserve of $429.7 million, compared to $545.7 million in Q2 2015 * Ramform Tethys and Sanco Swift commenced operations in the North Sea * Settled EM patent dispute between PGS and EMGS * Leverage ratio maintenance covenant of the Revolving Credit Facility amended to increase headroom "With the gradual recovery of the oil price from its lows in early Q1, we are starting to see early signs of a stabilizing market and improving sentiment," observed Jon Erik Reinhardsen, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We believe that this has started to impact our MultiClient performance positively. The marine contract market is still characterized by very low pricing, but here too we see indications of more predictable patterns in customer survey planning and contracting processes. Due to stacking of capacity, the seismic vessel supply/demand balance has improved substantially since this time last year."" He went on to explain that capital expenditures were relatively high in the quarter, primarily due to the yard installment at floating and equipment for their last new build, Ramform Hyperion. Of the guided $165 million in new build capital expenditures this year the company has already incurred $140 million in the first half and thus the cash flow will be more balanced for the remainder of the year. "Our liquidity position is adequate and there are no material debt maturities until late 2018," informed Mr. Reinhardsen. "With the amended maintenance covenant for the Revolving Credit Facility we have strengthened our ability to navigate beyond the trough of this cycle and created a substantial time window to address 2018 refinancing needs in tune with how the market develops. We continue to focus on what we can control through relentless sales efforts, strict cost discipline, operational excellence and capitalizing on the youngest and most productive fleet in the industry." Outlook The oil price and reduced oil company spending continue to impact seismic demand. Despite some oil price recovery and signs of an improved market sentiment, PGS expects the market uncertainty to continue through 2016. Based on the current operational projections and with reference to disclosed risk factors, PGS expects full year 2016 gross cash cost at or below $700 million. MultiClient cash investments are expected to be approximately $225 million, with a pre-funding level of approximately 100%. 40-45% of active 3D vessel time is currently planned for MultiClient acquisition. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $225 million, of which approximately $165 million is for the new builds Ramform Tethys and Ramform Hyperion. The order book totaled $230 million at June 30, 2016 (including $123 million relating to MultiClient), compared to $204 million at March 31, 2016 and $259 million at June 30, 2015. Key Financial Figures (In USD millions, except per share data) Quarter ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, Year endedDecember 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 2015 Revenues 183.0 255.8 386.1 506.9 961.9 EBITDA (as defined, see Note 13) 68.8 125.1 147.5 252.6 484.4 EBIT ex. impairment and other charges/(income) (36.2) 15.9 (66.3) 29.5 15.8 EBIT as reported (44.6) (45.7) (76.1) (34.8) (430.4) Income (loss) before income tax expense (57.7) (57.9) (119.6) (67.9) (505.5) Net income (loss) to equity holders (51.8) (63.8) (108.7) (83.3) (527.9) Basic earnings per share ($ per share) (0.22) (0.30) (0.46) (0.39) (2.43) Net cash provided by operating activities 42.4 83.1 175.8 295.4 487.9 Cash investment in MultiClient library 41.8 73.6 90.1 137.6 303.3 Capital expenditures (whether paid or not) 51.9 63.3 160.9 104.8 165.7 Total assets 2 970.3 3 297.4 2 970.3 3 297.4 2 914.1 Cash and cash equivalents 49.7 57.6 49.7 57.6 81.6 Net interest bearing debt 1 207.6 995.0 1 207.6 995.0 994.2 Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry met with United States secretary of state John Kerry Thursday on the sidelines of a conference held by the US-led coalition formed to fight the militant group Islamic State (IS). Prior to their meeting in Washington, Shoukry reiterated Egypt's key role in battling the "terrorist" group IS, reported Egypt's state news agency MENA. "Egypt knows the challenges IS poses not only in the region, but in the whole world," he said. "Egypt also appreciates ties with the United States [that have existed for] over four decades." Several defense ministers from countries participating in military strikes against the group in Syria and Iraq will also be taking a part in the summit along with the foreign ministers of the anti-IS group alliance. Egypt is a major supporter of the US-led coalition against the IS group. Kerry urged members of the US-led coalition to increase information-sharing and get more creative in the fight against IS, as the group seeks to boost recruitment by adopting new languages and moving into new areas, Reuters reported. Kerry said the US-led coalition was making progress in fighting IS , and the number of the group's fighters were estimated to be down by about one-third. A victory in liberating the northern Iraqi city of Mosul from Islamic State would mark "a critical turning point" in the fight, he said. But further efforts were needed, Kerry told about 30 defense and foreign ministers in Washington who gathered to discuss the effort. For instance, he said, it was critical to break down structural barriers to allow more sharing of information about threats posed by the group. Search Keywords: Short link: Navis has announced a new N4 terminal operating system (TOS) licensing agreement with Italian terminal, Trieste Marine Terminal (TMT). TMT selected the Navis TOS to optimize the terminals operational cycle and lower costs. The ultimate goal is to increase TMTs efficiencies so customers can experience improved productivity. Trieste Marine Terminal located in Trieste, Italy is the only specialized container terminal, providing unique services for container traffic that moves through the North Adriatic Sea. These services include professional port handling, storage, CFS activities and intermodal services. Due to its distinct geographic location, TMT serves as the most convenient and cost-effective gateway for traffic to flow to and from Central/Eastern Italy and Central/Eastern European countries. TMT is also connected to other Adriatic ports (i.e., Venice, Ravenna, Ancona and Rijeka), providing an additional route for shippers. TMT handles an annual TEU throughput of 450,000. The terminal anticipates a 10-15 percent growth over the next five years. Here at TMT, we are actively tackling all organizational and operational methods so that we can improve and modernize our cargo handling processes, said Roberto Menis, Terminal Manager at TMT. We believe that innovation and automation are key to maintaining a high level of productivity. Therefore, introducing more and more sophisticated technology and equipment is an absolute requirement. We selected N4 in order to remain competitive in the industry, and we are confident that its reliability will carry us forward as we evolve. The N4 implementation process will be managed by Swiss-based Navis partner Data and System Planning (DSP). DSP is working directly with TMT, utilizing Navis methodology and project management tools. DSP will provide configuration, testing, report and field extensions, go-live support services, including customized training courses so that their management and mid-management teams are up and running on N4 as quickly as possible. TMT will also implement Navis advanced applications Expert Decking, Prime Route and Autostow to support their primary objective of improving productivity and level of service to its customers. Pope Tawadros II, head of Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church, warned Thursday that Egyptians should not allow anyone to exploit recent events and affect national unity in reference to a recent series of violent sectarian attacks in the country's south. "We should not give the opportunity to those who exploit the events in a society which has 90 million people, and suffers from financial difficulties and shortage in financial resources, to affect our national unity because their goal is the destruction of our country," the Pope said. In a statement after a meeting with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi following a military graduation ceremony, the Pope said that El-Sisi highlighted the importance of the participation of all segments of society in creating a unifying culture against "evil forces". The Pope also said that the President stressed that whoever violates the law in this regard will be held accountable. In his speech during a military graduation ceremony earlier Thursday, the president warned against attempts to drive a wedge between Egyptians and vowed to punish those responsible for violent attacks, urging national unity between Egyptians. His comments come days after a Muslim mob stabbed a Coptic Christian to death during a street argument in the southern governorate of Minya. On Saturday, a group of Muslims attacked and set ablaze houses of Christians in the village of Abu-Yacoub, also in Minya, after acting upon a rumour that a Christian intended to turn a kindergarten into a church. At least 14 people were arrested over the assault. In May, Muslim villagers torched seven homes of Christians and assaulted a Christian man's elderly mother, parading her naked in public. The assault in Minya's El-Karm village was sparked by rumours that the man was having an illicit relationship with a Muslim woman. There are no official figures on the number of Christians in Egypt. But unofficial figures suggest Christians make up around 10 to 15 percent of Egypt's population of 91 million. Search Keywords: Short link: Turkish jets on Wednesday launched an operation to stop two coastguard vessels heading for Greek waters, five days after a failed coup against the government, local media reported. The air force planes which took off from Turkish bases "launched an operation against two Turkish coastguard boats identified to be attempting to cross into Greek territorial waters," said private Dogan news agency. It was not yet clear whether the boats were carrying suspected coup plotters, and an official said he could not immediately confirm the report. Search Keywords: Short link: Helping students achieve success and continuous growth in learning tops a list of goals set by the Martinsville School Board during a work session Tuesday night. Other goals are to promote a safe, secure learning environment; to recruit, hire, retain and support a high-quality, diverse teaching staff; and to achieve and maintain a high level of communication with school employees and the community. The goals will be used to hold newly-appointed Interim Superintendent Zeb Talley accountable in his duties, said board Chairwoman Joan Montgomery. The board has not had goals in the past, and the need to set goals came out of a meeting that it recently had in Charlottesville with Virginia School Board Association officials, she said. Talley, the principal of Patrick Henry Elementary School, was appointed interim superintendent after the board last week approved the retirement of former superintendent Pam Heath. Montgomery, a retired administrator and principal with the city schools, was principal at Patrick Henry before Talley. She said she is optimistic that Talley will be successful while temporarily at the helm of all four schools. "I believe we live in a community that will support us if we get results," Talley said, such as by improving students scores on state Standards of Learning (SOLs) exams. As part of reaching its top goal, the board wants to see measures such as directing more funds and other resources toward student achievement and classroom learning as well as regular reports on efforts to meet achievement benchmarks. Talley said classrooms need more people, including teachers and staff providing help with using technology. "If our students have people and technology, we can increase (test) scores," he said. Promoting a safe, secure learning environment is important, Talley said, because students are not going to learn well if they do not feel safe in school. Steps that the board wants to see taken toward that goal include providing safety training and resources. Talley said one of his personal goals is for every school to have an assistant principal again. Montgomery added that one of the duties that assistant principals traditionally have had is being responsible for students safety. Teachers and staff developing strong relationships with students is another desired step toward the goal. "The No. 1 thing you can do is build a positive relationship" with students, Montgomery said. "They have to know you love them and you care for them," Talley said. When they know that, they are more likely not to be disruptive and to let teachers and staff know when they suspect there will be problems with other students, officials indicated. Planned steps toward hiring and retaining teachers include trying to provide the best health insurance possible and showing teachers that the board supports them. Teachers must "know the board has their backs," so to speak, such as in handling student discipline matters, said recently-appointed board member Eric Hruza. He mentioned that he has talked with many teachers during the past month. Good communication involves ensuring that teachers, principals and school division administrators respond to parents concerns, as well as the superintendent being visible in the community and returning phone calls and emails from parents and the public, according to board members. "A year ago when I tried to reach the superintendent, it took me four times and four hours on hold" on the phone before she responded, Hruza said. "You have to return calls and communicate with parents to do what we do," Talley said, referring to educating students. Board members said, however, that when school-related problems with their children occur, parents first should try talking with their childrens teachers. If that doesnt work, they should then contact principals and, if necessary, administrators. Many problems can be worked out through discussions with teachers, they indicated. The board scheduled a "meet the superintendent" event from 6:30-8 p.m. July 28 in the commons area at Martinsville High School. The public is invited to drop by and get to know Talley. Also, the board tabled making a decision on a recommendation by Hruza for the board to establish a parent advisory committee. More discussion of the issue is planned during the boards August meeting. Mickey Powell reports for the Martinsville Bulletin. He can be reached at mickey.powell@martinsvillebulletin.com. COLLINSVILLE Solid Stone Fabrics announced Wednesday it plans to create 22 new jobs and invest $1.5 million to expand its textile manufacturing operation in Henry County. Bassett native Mary Rae Carter, special advisor for rural partnerships in the Office of Gov. Terry McAuliffe, made the announcement at the Henry County Administration Building. Welcoming audience members and distinguished guests, Mark Heath said, "Today is another great day here in Martinsville-Henry County." Jim Adams thanked David Stone and Solid Stone Fabrics for investing in the area. "Thank you for placing your trust in the workforce of Henry County and Martinsville," Adams said. Adams also extended a welcome to Carter. "It is certainly my honor to welcome each of you here today to share in the excitement of announcing new job opportunities for our citizens," Adams said. Carter said that delegations from the governors office have visited the Martinsville-Henry County area three times for four announcements in 2016. "Today, we have even more exciting economic development news to share," Carter said before announcing the coming job growth in the area. "The expansions will accommodate new equipment and include building improvements to the existing facility," Carter said. "Its an exciting day for the company," said Stone, founder and president of Solid Stone Fabrics. "We think we have found a permanent home at 405 Walker Road." Stone spoke of the new technology coming to the company. "Its state of the art technology from Portugal," Stone said. "Itll really put Solid Stone on the cutting edge." Stone reminisced about the early days of the company, which his wife, Tammy Stone, encouraged him to start in their basement in 2003. "You know how you work in different jobs and you come home and say, I hate it," or If I was the boss, Id do it this way or that way. I was close to 40, and I think my wife just got tired of hearing it. She said, Why dont you start your own business? If it fails, at least we can say we tried," Stone said. He remembered hearing the fax machine printing in the basement. "Sometimes it was an order. Sometimes it was Go to the Bahamas for $99," Stone said. Stone recalled the excitement and importance of getting orders at the start of his business. He added that his passion has not waivered over the years. Now his employees number more than 60, Stone said, and Solid Fabrics looks forward to the innovation coming its way in the near future. "Theres a climate here that really supports growth," Stone said. Gov. Terry McAuliffe approved a $50,000 grant from the Commonwealths Opportunity Fund to assist Henry County with the project. Also at the announcement, Carter presented Stone with a flag flown over the Virginia Capitol in Richmond. Turkish authorities Thursday imposed a three-month state of emergency, strengthening powers to round up suspects accused of staging the failed military coup despite global alarm over a widening purge. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared the state of emergency, the first in Turkey in one and a half decades, shortly before midnight after an almost five-hour meeting of his national security council. The decision was then published in the official gazette Thursday morning, meaning it has now officially entered into force. He said the nationwide measure would allow Turkey to be cleared of "terrorists" linked to US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom the president accuses of masterminding the failed coup from his leafy compound in Pennsylvania. But with concern growing over respect of the rule of law in Turkey almost a week after the coup that left over 300 dead and raised fears of chaos in the key NATO member, Erdogan insisted that democracy would not be compromised. The state of emergency was needed "in order to remove swiftly all the elements of the terrorist organisation involved in the coup attempt," Erdogan said at the presidential palace in Ankara. But he added: "We have never made compromises on democracy. And we will never make" them. The state of emergency gives the government extra powers to restrict freedom of movement, said an official, adding that it would not restrict financial or commercial activities as "international law sets limits of restrictions". Turkey in 2002 lifted its last state of emergency, which had been imposed in southeastern provinces for the fight against Kurdish militants in 1987. Article 120 of the constitution allows a state of emergency to be imposed "at a time of serious deterioration of public order because of acts of violence." Erdogan vowed that work would now continue "to fight to clean out all those viruses from the armed forces." In a hugely unusual move after the state of emergency was announced, Erdogan early on Thursday read out the morning ezan call to prayer through loudspeakers at the mosque inside his presidential complex, the pro-government Yeni Safak daily said. Meanwhile, mobile users across Turkey received text messages sent by "RTErdogan" urging people to stay in the streets to resist "the terrorists". "The owners of the squares are not the tanks. The owners are the nation," said Erdogan in the text message. Warning that his opponents may launch new provocations, Erdogan has urged his supporters to remain in squares across the country in what he calls a "vigil" for democracy. After announcing the state of emergency in his press conference, Erdogan then spoke by video link to the crowds still filling squares nationwide at midnight. Erdogan also suggested that there would be further detentions in the crackdown, which has already netted several widely known figures. Late Wednesday, a court remanded in custody Ali Yazici, the president's aide-de-camp who looked after military protocol on state occasions and was regularly seen by his side, on charges of supporting the coup. The crackdown has been extraordinary in scope, taking in not just soldiers but also judges, prosecutors and lawyers. Some 50,000 state employees have either been detained or lost their jobs. Over 20,000 people have been dismissed from their jobs in state education and a similar number in the private sector have been stripped of their licences. Courts have remanded in custody 99 out of 118 generals and admirals detained so far and also placing them in custody, with some later seen bruised and wounded. "Of course that does not mean we have come to the end of it," Erdogan told Al-Jazeera in an interview before announcing the state of emergency. Earlier the Turkish leader lashed out at critics of the sweeping purge, telling France's Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault -- who had warned Erdogan not to use the failed coup as a "blank cheque" to silence his opponents -- to "mind his own business". "Does he have the authority to make these declarations about my person? No, he does not. If he wants a lesson in democracy, he can very easily get a lesson in democracy from us," Erdogan told Al-Jazeera. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressed it was "vital that the state of emergency is limited for the required time and then immediately lifted. "Only acts which are legally punishable can be targeted, not political opinion." US Secretary of State John Kerry, flanked by allied foreign ministers, said that while "we condemn this coup", it was important that the response to it "fully respects that democracy that we are supporting". Turkey has stepped up pressure on Washington to extradite Gulen, sending several "dossiers" it says are packed with evidence about his alleged involvement. Gulen has urged Washington to reject the extradition call and dismissed as "ridiculous" the claim he was behind the botched coup. Erdogan, asked if other countries could have been involved in the coup, told Al-Jazeera: "There could be." "The Gulen organisation has another superior mind, if you will, and the time will come when those connections will be deciphered." The government says 312 people were killed in the coup, including 145 civilians, 60 police, three soldiers and 104 plotters. Search Keywords: Short link: The feature film "The Dressmaker" will have an official screening at Movie Town in Martinsville, according to a release. The one-night showing will be held at Movie Town on Aug. 4 at 7:15 p.m. The screening was announced by the Martinsville Rotary Club and White Hot Productions Executive Producer Ian Kirk. According to the release, Kirk is a Rotary Club member in his community in Australia and travels to Martinsville-Henry County regularly to visit his stepdaughter and her family at the Stoneleigh Estate. While he is in the Martinsville-Henry County area, Kirk attends the Martinsville Rotary Club meetings. Based on that relationship, the group decided to create the opportunity for Kirk to screen his movie in the United States and help a worthy cause at the same time. All proceeds made from the screening will benefit the Martinsville Rotary Clubs local charitable projects, which in the past have included local scholarships, a childrens literacy project and a school food pack project. "The Dressmaker," which stars Kate Winslet and Liam Hemsworth, was screened in Australia in late 2015 and is based on a novel by Rosalie Ham. The story is set in Australia in the 1950s and tells of a young ladys return home to a small town life after traveling the world making beautiful dresses for affluent women. The film was nominated for a record 13 awards at the 2016 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards and won in 5 categories. Tickets for the screening cost $10 and are on sale now at the Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center, located at 191 Fayette Street in Martinsville (inside New College Institute) and can also be purchased from Martinsville Rotary Club members. The theater is located at 67 Veteran Road, Martinsville. For more information, contact John Bruce, Martinsville Rotary Club President, at 732-5041. Ive been thinking about Mr. Rogers a lot lately. When I was a little kid in the late 1980s, children fell into one of two camps: You were either a Sesame Street fan, or you were a Mr. Rogers Neighborhood fan. Most of us watched both, because daytime TV offerings for kids were still pretty limited then. I always liked Sesame Street who doesnt like Big Bird? but my favorite character was Oscar the Grouch, which probably presaged my eventual career in writing. However, as much as I liked Sesame Street, I loved Mr. Rogers. I loved watching him slip on one of his comfortable cardigans, all of which were knitted by his mother. I loved the gentle way he addressed the viewer. I loved watching him feed his fish every day (True story: Mr. Rogers once got a letter from a blind five-year-old girl asking him to announce when he was feeding his fish, because she got worried about them when he didnt. After that, he always announced when he was feeding the fish.) I even loved when the trolley would carry the viewer to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, even though I was a little scared of Lady Elaine Fairchilde, who resembled a puppet version of Leona Helmsley. Contrary to the urban legends, Mr. Rogers was not a hardened Vietnam sniper, and he was not covered in tattoos. He was a Presbyterian minister. I dont recall him ever talking about his religion on the show; he simply lived it. What made Mr. Rogers stand out was his gentle curiosity and his acceptance. Everyone who stopped by his neighborhood was a friend, from Mr. McFeely, the speedy delivery man, to Officer Clemmons, the African-American police officer. On one episode, Mr. Rogers guest was a little boy in an electric wheelchair, and he showed Mr. Rogers how his wheelchair worked. On another episode, his guest was a little kid who showed Mr. Rogers how to breakdance (Mr. Rogers didnt do any breakdancing himself, but he really enjoyed learning from the young man). Mr. Rogers was inclusive. He didnt have all the answers, so he talked to people who were different from himself to gain a better understanding of the world. He was willing to ask questions. The underlying message of every show, of course, was that you, the viewer, are special just the way you are. But to Mr. Rogers, everyone was special, and everyone was different, and everyone had the same inherent value as a human being. Fred Rogers died in 2003, and the world is poorer without him. At the same time, I cant help but wonder if it is a blessing that Mr. Rogers did not live to see the brutal year 2016. It would have broken his heart. What would Mr. Rogers have thought about police brutality against African-Americans? What would he have thought about innocent police officers, hard-working people just trying to protect and serve, gunned down for no good reason? What would he have thought about calls to round up people of different religions and ethnic backgrounds and ban them from entering the country? What would Mr. Rogers have thought about Rep. Steve King (not to be confused with horror author Steve King, henceforth known as "the less scary Steve King") making the claim at the Republican National Convention that no one group has contributed more to civilization than white people, a statement that anyone with even a cursory grasp of world history could refute? And what on earth would the depthlessly kind and accepting Mr. Rogers have thought of Donald Trump, a man who, to paraphrase Will Rogers, never met a schoolyard cruelty he didnt like? It is not easy to be the kind of neighbor Mr. Rogers wanted us to be. It is not easy to understand people who are different from us, to put ourselves in their shoes. It is not always easy to be kind to people we disagree with. I know I fall short frequently. Its hard to look at the chaotic world and respond with than an open mind rather than fear and anger. But we still have to try. Its what Mr. Rogers would have wanted. Ben R. Williams reports for the Martinsville Bulletin. He can be reached at benjamin.williams@martinsvillebulletin.com. In Defence of Marxism is committed to safeguarding your privacy. At all times we aim to respect any personal data you share with us, or that we receive from other organisations, and keep it safe. This Privacy Policy (Policy) sets out our data collection and processing practices and your options regarding the ways in which your personal information is used. This Policy contains important information about your personal rights to privacy. Please read it carefully to understand how we use your personal data. 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Please let us know if you have any queries or concerns whatsoever about the way in which your data is being processed by emailing the Data Protection Manager at webmaster@marxist.com A Greek court on Thursday sentenced eight Turkish military officers who fled last week's failed coup to suspended two-month prison terms, an AFP reporter said. The officers, sought by Turkey to face a military trial at home, have requested asylum in Greece and will remain in police custody until their cases on that issue are heard. Search Keywords: Short link: Bill Cosby's lawyers are again seeking to dismiss, or at least delay, his pending criminal trial on sexual-assault charges in Pennsylvania, citing his constitutional right to confront his accuser. Cosby, 79, filed a notice of appeal in Montgomery County on Wednesday, asking the Pennsylvania Superior Court to overturn a ruling denying his writ of habeas corpus and ordering him to trial on three felony charges of aggravated indecent sexual assault. Two weeks ago, Cosby's lawyers unsuccessfully pressed the court to order Andrea Constand to testify prior the trial about the alleged 2004 assault. In the absence of her in-person testimony at the hearing, the case should be dismissed, they argued. However, Judge Steven O'Neill ruled that reading excerpts from Constand's 11-year-old police complaint was sufficient and that a trial on the charges should proceed. In the appeal, Cosby's lawyers argued that prosecutors are relying on "hearsay evidence." "The violation of Mr. Cosby's due process right to confrontation at a preliminary hearing is an issue that is far too important to be denied review," his lawyers wrote in the appeal. "The issues presented here are matters of great public interest that relate to the safeguarding of basic constitutional and human rights and they raise important constitutional questions that go to the heart of due process." A trial date has not been set. Cosby, who owns a home in Shelburne, also faces civil action from a dozen accusers. Some 50 women have alleged Cosby has sexually assaulted them. The comedian has denied wrongdoing. Film-Star Trek Beyond From left, Anton Yelchin, Chris Pine and John Cho appear in a scene from "Star Trek Beyond." (Kimberley French | Paramount Pictures photo via AP) "Star Trek Beyond," three and one-half stars. Rated PG-13. Contains science-fiction action and violence. 122 minutes. By MICHAEL O'SULLIVAN The Washington Post To any connoisseur of the original "Star Trek" television series, the sight of Captain James T. Kirk in a torn shirt will feel as familiar as family. (The character had a bad habit of ruining gold uniform tunics in his frequent fights.) So when the actor Chris Pine - who plays Kirk in the current series of rebooted movies - says, "I ripped my shirt, again," after his peace offering to a delegation of tiny, gargoyle-like aliens goes anticly awry, the in-joke, which opens "Star Trek Beyond," hits on all cylinders: aliens; good intentions thwarted; violent conflict; and, perhaps most importantly, a sense of winking, self-aware humor. The cutaway, which shows Kirk staring into a closet hung with several identical replacement tops, is priceless. That opening rimshot sets the tone for what follows - an action-packed, fun and funny thrill ride into a cinematic nebula that may be uncharted for the crew of the starship Enterprise, but that will be comfortably recognizable to both diehard Trekkers and those who only beamed on board once producer J.J. Abrams took over the helm with the 2009 film. (Abrams, who directed the first two new "Star Trek" films, has relinquished the captain's chair to director Justin Lin of the "Fast and Furious" franchise, who maintains Abrams' balance between respect for tradition and the restless need for innovative storytelling.) As for the controversy over the fact that Sulu (John Cho) is shown to have a male life partner in the new film - played by Doug Jung, who wrote the screenplay with actor Simon Pegg, who plays Scotty - that's a nonissue. The only question anyone should care about is: Can Sulu do his job? And the answer, as the helmsman says to Kirk after being asked whether he knows how to fly a broken-down, jerry-rigged replacement ship when the Enterprise runs spectacularly, shockingly aground, is snarkily appropriate: "Are you kidding me?" That attitude of cocky self-assurance is in full - if sometimes sublimated - force here, even when things are looking most dire for the Enterprise crew, who quickly find themselves lured into a cataclysmic ambush by a new villain named Krall (Idris Elba, all but buried beneath a Halloween mask of hideous prosthetics), on a planet where their only hope is a solitary alien resistance fighter. Jaylah, as that rebel is called, is a welcome female addition to the predominantly male cast. While it has always been ethnically diverse, the crew has traditionally been something of a boys' club. As played by the French-Algerian actress Sofia Boutella - under a patina of black-and-white face paint that makes her look like an angry street mime - Jaylah gives Daisy Ridley's Rey of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" a run for her money. Not just as a warrior, but as a character, she brings new hope and life to this tried-and-true story - not to mention some cool new technology. Hiding out in the hulk of an abandoned Starfleet ship, Jaylah has taught herself broken English (presumably from listening to old rap tunes that were left there by the long-dead crew). One key stratagem of the Enterprise crew against Krall involves weaponizing a recording of the Beastie Boys' "Sabotage" - "classical music," as Dr. "Bones" McCoy (Karl Urban) calls it, in this 23rd-century world. Without spoiling anything, it's the most imaginative, rump-shaking use of diegetic sound I've heard in a long time, and it gives Chief Engineer Scotty the opportunity to shout, over the film's near-constant din, "I've just got to reconfigure the VHF output into a multiphasic sweep!" Warning: One long-held "Trek" tradition is technical mumbo-jumbo. With its talk of "gravitational slipstreams" and the like, "Beyond" is no exception. Deal with it. Occasionally, there are things that just don't make sense, even with a mind charitably predisposed toward the elasticity of science fiction. Case in point: When Krall's forces first attack the Enterprise - with a swarm of mini-kamikaze ships called "bees" - the enemy fighters repeatedly puncture the Enterprise's hull, all the way to the crew's living quarters. Strangely, there is no loss to the ship's artificial atmosphere. As incongruous as that may seem in the vacuum of deep space, "Star Trek Beyond" is no embarrassment to the franchise. Rather, it's a proud addition to a canon that even the ghost of creator Gene Roddenberry would appreciate. It may not boldly go where no "Star Trek" film has gone before, but it gets there at warp speed, and with a full tank of fresh ideas. PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A Boston man has been sentenced to 85 years in prison for trafficking a 14-year-old girl and having her prostitute herself while working at an exotic club in Rhode Island. Troy Footman Troy Footman, 54, was sentenced Wednesday in Providence Superior Court, according to Attorney General Peter Kilmartin. Footman was convicted by a jury in July 2015 of two counts of sex trafficking a minor, two counts of pandering and related crimes. Footman developed a sexual relationship with the 14-year-old runaway from Massachusetts and encouraged her to take a job dancing at Cheater's Gentlemen's Club in Providence in 2013, prosecutors said. Footman also advertised the girl as an escort on the website backpage.com and acted as her pimp, arranging encounters at Massachusetts motels and taking her money afterward. The US Treasury announced fresh sanctions Thursday targeting the arms and financial networks of the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. It added eight individuals and seven entities, some with links to Russia and China, to its sanctions blacklist, which aims to hamper their work by locking them out of the global financial system. Those listed include Russia-based representatives of the Syrian firm Hesco Engineering and Construction, which the Treasury said operates energy production facilities in Syria. The Treasury designated Yona Star International and T-Rubber for sanctions for their roles supplying the Syrian defense ministry, air force and other military bodies from their international offices. T-Rubber's China agents supplied aircraft tires to the air force, it said. Several individuals and businesses involved in international money transfers were also cited for the blacklist. The sanctions freeze any assets those listed might have in US jurisdictions, and ban US individuals and companies from doing business with them -- including non-American banks with a US presence, which includes most major banks around the world. That could make it harder for those blacklisted to make use of international financial networks. "The Assad regime relentlessly engages in destabilizing behavior," said Adam Szubin, Treasury Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence in a statement. "Treasury will continue to act against those responsible for fueling the Assad regime's repressive actions and dangerous weapons proliferation." Search Keywords: Short link: Ejecting Western Sahara from the African Union is "impossible", Algeria's prime minister said Thursday after his country's arch-rival Morocco urged the bloc to rethink its position on the "phantom state". Morocco quit the AU in protest in 1984 after the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) was accepted as a member, but its monarch said Sunday that it hopes to rejoin the bloc. Morocco regards the former Spanish colony as its sovereign territory, but a local independence movement -- backed by Algeria -- has long fought for self-determination. On Sunday Morocco's King Mohammed VI told AU leaders his country wants to rejoin the union, but said recognition of a "pseudo state" is "hard for the Moroccan people to accept". Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal told journalists outside parliament on Thursday that reconsidering Western Sahara's status was "impossible". "If Morocco wants to join the AU without preconditions, Algeria will have no problem, but there are procedures to follow," he said. Morocco's return to the AU would need to be validated by a vote. In 1991, the United Nations brokered a ceasefire between Moroccan troops and Sahrawi rebels of the Algerian-backed independence movement the Polisario Front but a promised referendum to settle the status of the desert territory has yet to materialise. "The position of Algeria is clear and constant: we support the UN solution and respect for international law," said Sellal. Algeria has "no problem with the Moroccan people or Morocco in general," he said. He said Algeria was ready to re-open discussions on bilateral cooperation. Algeria has kept the land border between the two countries closed since 1994. In a message sent to an AU summit in Kigali and quoted by the MAP Moroccan news agency, King Mohammed VI said that although Morocco had left the club, "it never quit Africa". "For a long time our friends have been asking us to return to them, so that Morocco can take up its natural place within its institutional family. The moment has now come," the monarch said on Sunday. Search Keywords: Short link: Donald Trump has raised new questions about his commitment to the defense of NATO allies on the eve of his acceptance of the Republican presidential nomination, The New York Times reported. In an interview with the newspaper on Wednesday, Trump also expressed little willingness to speak out against purges or civil rights crackdowns by authoritarian allies like Turkey, the Times said. "I don't think we have the right to lecture," the Times quoted him as saying during the 45 minute interview in a downtown Cleveland hotel suite. "Look at what is happening in our country," he said. "How are we going to lecture when people are shooting policemen in cold blood?" The Times said that Trump re-emphasized the hardline nationalist approach that he has taken during his campaign, describing how he would force allies to shoulder defense costs that the United States has borne for decades. Asked about Russian activities that have alarmed the Baltics, NATO's newest members, Trump said that if Russia attacked them, he would decide whether to come to their aid only after reviewing whether those nations "have fulfilled their obligations to us." "If they fulfil their obligations to us, the answer is yes," he said. A cornerstone of the 28-member trans-Atlantic alliance is its Article 5 commitment that an attack one member state is an attack on all, a pledge invoked after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves was quick to fire back on Twitter Thursday, insisting that his nation of 1.3 million people bordering Russia is meeting all its NATO spending commitments. "Estonia is 1 of 5 NATO allies in Europe to meet its 2 percent defence expenditures commitment," he said, adding Estonians had "fought, with no caveats" in NATO operations in Afghanistan. "We are equally committed to all our NATO allies, regardless of who they may be. That's what makes them allies," Ilves said. Trump, who said he would press the theme of "America First" at his address Thursday night to the Republican National Convention, said allies would adjust to his approach. "I would prefer to be able to continue" existing agreements, he told the Times, but only if allies stop taking advantage of an era of American largesse that was no longer affordable. The remarks also drew fire from presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's campaign, which said they showed Trump "is temperamentally unfit and fundamentally unprepared to be our commander-in-chief." "It is fair to assume that Vladimir Putin is rooting for a Trump presidency," said Clinton foreign policy adviser Jake Sullivan. Search Keywords: Short link: High Speed Internet is now available in much of Bozeman. Non-profit Bozeman Fiber has spent about $2,000,000 so far laying about 30 linear miles of fiber throughout Bozeman that will provide more band width. Theyve been working on laying the infrastructure for the past three years, and its almost complete. Full Story: http://www.kbzk.com/story/32493530/high-speed-internet-arrives-in-bozeman "The amazing thing about the Bob Marshall is, as large as it is, its surrounded by significant large landscapes with no guarantee theyll remain the way they are," said Zack Porter of the Montana Wilderness Association. "That could change with the stroke of a pen. Monture Creek is 16 miles from trailhead up to the Bob Marshall boundary, even though its surrounded by rugged, wild country. The North Fork of the Blackfoot River, all the way west to Grizzly Basin, looks and feels and smells like the Bob. But it was left out by a twist of fate." ROB CHANEY For the Independent Record Full Story: http://helenair.com/news/natural-resources/bob-backers-push-for-wilderness-half-of-landscape-deal/article_b0aeedaf-4bde-55dd-be0c-caa0548f92ba.html Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Thursday there was a clear link between illegal immigration to Europe and terrorist attacks on the continent. "It is clear as two and two makes four, it is plain as day. There is an obvious connection," Orban told reporters after a meeting of the Visegrad Four group of central European leaders in Warsaw. "If somebody denies this connection then, in fact, this person harms the safety of European citizens," he said through an interpreter. Search Keywords: Short link: The French parliament definitively adopted a set of contentious labour reforms on Thursday which sparked months of violent protests against a package seen as a threat to cherished workers' rights. Prime Minister Manuel Valls used a constitutional tool to force the legislation through parliament three times, to avoid rebel Socialist backbenchers sinking it. After a lengthy bicameral shuttle the reforms were considered adopted on Thursday afternoon after no lawmakers called a vote of no confidence in the government. In a sign of the divisions among the Socialists, lawmakers from the ruling party were only two votes short of calling a vote of no confidence. The Republicans opposition party said it would take the matter to the constitutional council, and the Left Front said it would do the same to denounce "a forceful passage which only strengthens a democratic crisis in our institutions". Valls praised "a great step for the reform of our country: more rights for workers, more visibility for our small and medium enterprises and more jobs." The proposed labour reforms are aimed at making the job market more flexible and reducing unemployment, stubbornly high at around 10 percent. But critics see the measures, which would make it easier to hire and fire people, are too pro-business and would fail to bring down the jobless count. Search Keywords: Short link: Telecom Egypt, the country's state-owned landline monopoly, is in talks with banks about a EGP 5 billion loan to acquire a 4G licence, banking sources said on Thursday. The sources said Etisalat Egypt was also in talks with banks for a 5 billion pound loan to acquire the licence. "TE is negotiating to acquire five billion pounds, and Etisalat Egypt is also negotiating for the same amount to obtain the 4G licence, the National Bank of Egypt is participating in managing the loans," one banking source said. The sale of 4G licences is part of a long-awaited plan to reform Egyptian telecoms. The reforms will potentially allow Egypt's land-line monopoly, TE, which owns a 45 percent stake in Vodafone Egypt, to enter the mobile phone market directly. It will also allow mobile operators to offer fixed line services, ending Telecom Egypt's dominance. Telecom Egypt and Etisalat Egypt were not immediately available to comment. Egypt's telecom regulator has approached Egypt's three operating companies currently offering mobile services - Orange Egypt, Vodafone Egypt, and Etisalat about buying the 4G licences. Saudi Telecom, Kuwait's Zain, China Telecom and a European firm have expressed interest in the licences. Orange Egypt said it is not seeking loans from Egyptian banks, an Orange official told Reuters. "We are in talks with our parent company to finance the 4G licence, we will not acquire loans or credit facilities domestically so that we don't sustain interest burdens on the company's earnings," the official said. Orange Egypt said last month that Egypt's telecommunications regulator had asked it to pay EGP 3.54 billion for a licence to offer fourth-generation mobile phone services. The government has said a unified licence will put all four telecoms companies on an equal footing. It also hopes to collect a total of EGP 22.3 billion from licence fees, Communications and Information Technology minister Yasser al-Kadi said last month. The current operators have until the first week of August to submit applications. *The official exchange rate for $1 = EGP 8.78 Search Keywords: Short link: Caixin Energy, a media vertical focusing on the power and energy sector under Caixin Media Co. Ltd., has signed an agreement with Paris-based independent energy research and consulting firm Enerdata to publish an in-depth monthly energy report targeting readers in China and abroad. The report focuses on three areas electricity, new sources of energy and sustainable development and offers insights on governmental policies, energy firms, developments in the electricity market along with industrial news and the latest energy sector statistics. Each report consists of data and an in-depth analysis on China's market from Caixin Energy and two case studies highlighting the latest developments in the energy sectors of two countries (mainly those that are part of the "One Belt and One Road" initiative) provided by Enerdata. Established in 1991, Enerdata is an independent energy research and consulting firm headquartered in Paris. It has developed the world's largest energy database and is internationally recognized for its analysis and models that help understand the global markets for oil, gas, electricity, renewable energy, carbon emission, etc. Enerdata's clients include the International Energy Association (IEA), the European Commission, Asian Development Bank etc. The monthly energy report is a crucial part of the Energy Intelligence Service (EIS), a newly-launched service of Caixin Energy. Leveraging on the reports' content, EIS will also hold a series of events including seminars, webinars, mass online classes and breakfast meetings where subscribers to Caixin Energy can network with top professionals in the energy industry. Since it was launched two years ago, Caixin Energy has strived to develop original content through in-depth news reporting. With dozens of online and offline events held every year, it has attracted over 150,000 users from the energy industry. While the global energy landscape is undergoing a profound transition, more and more Chinese enterprises are attempting to "go global" and their demands for news and information have become more specific, targeted and sophisticated. In addition to the services offered by a traditional media company, they require up-to-date intelligence to support their investment, financing, technology and management decisions. They are also looking for global exposure through training programs and knowledge-sharing tours. That is the unique value proposition of EIS. For more information about EIS and Enerdata, please contact: Caixin Energy Newsroom: Email: energy@caixin.com Tel: 18911096695 010-85905025 010-85905047 Website: www.wusuobuneng.com Enerdata Email: asia@enerdata.net Tel: +65 6225 5367 The National Audit Office (NAO) recently highlighted cases of local governments concealing spending on investment projects by classifying the expenditure as the procurement of services from private companies. Such behavior is improper and amounts to disguised borrowing which has resulted in hidden debts, Liu Jiayi, the head of the NAO, said on June 29 while briefing the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress on the results of an inspection of local government debt. The transgressors Liu named were the local governments of Inner Mongolia, Shandong, Hunan and Henan provinces, which in total paid about 17.6 billion yuan to procure services from contractors. But in reality the money was used to pay for the construction of government-owned projects, he said. Lius revelation is just the tip of the iceberg and exposes an underlying problem that urgently needs to be fixed. Local authorities have found a loophole in a central government regulations implemented last year on the procurement of services that was aimed at limiting government intervention in the market and preventing state-owned enterprises from unfairly competing with private companies. Under the regulations, a local government is allowed to pay a company thats providing it with a service to construct fixed assets if those assets are needed to deliver the service. But the rules are vague on what constitutes services that the government can buy and how they should be bought, leaving local governments to make their own rules. In practice, some local governments have abused the procurement regulations and paid companies to build projects that should have been funded directly by the government using debt raised through bond issues if necessary. The advantage for the local government is clear. Classifying the spending as debt means that the funds are counted by auditors as a liability and added to the local governments total debt, whereas classifying it as procurement of services, even though it might involve bank loans, means it wouldnt normally be counted as debt. Hiding debt in this way makes it harder to track local government liabilities. It is also risky because hiring a company to build a project for the government is fundamentally different from buying services that necessitate the construction of the project. In addition, the lack of unified standards and supervision makes it easier for local government officials to improperly subsidize companies by, for example, providing financial support to help them build factories and offices. The loophole in the regulation is enticing to many local government officials because it has become much more difficult to borrow through financing vehicles since Beijing started cracking down on the practice several years ago. It is impossible to calculate how much of the spending labelled by local governments as service payments are fake and what proportion may eventually translate into government debt. Left unaddressed, however, this phenomenon could threaten the sustainability of local government budgets. The Ministry of Finance and other central government departments that jointly drafted the regulations should act now, starting perhaps by revoking the authority given to local governments to decide how to implement the rules. Other options include publishing a negative list of what should be excluded from services procurement and public disclosure of procurement information. On the legislation front, the NPC should impose more severe penalties for violating the laws on government budgeting and procurement to discourage transgressions. Pushing through these changes will need strong resolution and planning at central government level. A working group led by vice premier Zhang Gaoli was established a month ago to guide and coordinate the implementation of service procurement by local governments. The policy was a good start. But the toughest challenges lie ahead. Tang Jun is an executive in charge of loans at China Construction Bank. This article has been translated and edited from a commentary published on Caixins Chinese-language website 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 Richard Whitman , Columnist, July 20, 2016 In London for ten years, Landor-owned ManvsMachine will open up shop in Los Angeles on July 25. The agency is well known for its work with Apple, Audi, Honda, Microsoft and Nike as well as the many D&AD, Black Pencil and Lions awards it has won over the years. With the new office, the agency plans to expand its footprint in the U.S. Mike Alderson, founding partner and executive creative director for the global business, has relocated to Los Angeles to join key local hires: Dominique Derrenger, managing director, and Dan Marsh, creative director. In addition, a team of three artists from the London studio has joined the LA team: Antar Walker, creative director; James Owen, technical director; and Matt Whitewood, design director. With a foundation of best-in-class talent, the new studio will expand on the successful formula that has been established in the London office, says Alderson, bringing together exceptional artists to create groundbreaking work for global brands. Each studio will remain a boutique operation, working closely together with a shared DNA. advertisement advertisement The expansion of the business allows ManvsMachine to replicate its proven approach to innovation and creativity, drawing on U.S. talent. A newly minted member of the Landor and WPP family, ManvsMachine will be able to more easily collaborate with Landors North American offices to bring their clients brands to life in motion. Our successful relationship with ManvsMachine allows us to broaden our creative capabilities with screen-based and multichannel branding, says Stuart Sproule, Landors president of North America. Its obvious to us that motion is playing a pivotal role in branding for all industries. by Tanya Gazdik , July 21, 2016 Nissan is launching a social campaign tied to ComicCon 2016, which kicks off today in San Diego. Created by TBWA\Chiat\Day LA, the effort features superheroes, zombies, dragons, and of course, Nissan vehicles. The automaker teamed up with renowned illustrators to feature their vehicle lineup in epic battles. Marc Simonetti, illustrator of the "A Song of Ice and Fire" universe on which the "Game of Thrones" TV series is based, created a special series of comic strips featuring Nissan vehicles as the storied heroes as they take on the ultimate Sci-fi-fantasy Apocalypse, which of course includes aliens, zombies and robots. Individual frames from the comic strips will be shared on NissanUSA social media channels, and when combined, will create one epic story of Good vs Evil. advertisement advertisement The campaign also will ask NissanUSA fans and followers to submit their own photos of their Nissan vehicles to be illustrated in comic-fashion by Brooklyn-based Illustrator Owen Brozman, illustrator of "You Have to F*****g Eat", the sequel to the best-selling children's book, "Go The F*** to Sleep. This isnt the automakers first foray into the fantasy world. Nissan participated in the Middle East Film & Comic Con in 2014 where a Nissan Tilda was turned into a work of art. The vehicle, which is marketed in North America as the Nissan Versa, was transformed with Anime (a Japanese-derived cartoon style) characters being drawn on the vehicle. In 2015, Nissan teamed with One Piece to release the Thousand Serena, a limited-edition Serena Highway Star S-Hybrid wrapped in comic book art. Only nine were created and a lottery open only to drivers in Japan with children determined who could buy the vehicles. by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, July 21, 2016 Interpublic Group shares were down 5% in mid-morning trading to $23.02 after the firm issued second-quarter results that were below consensus Wall Street expectations. But some analysts suggested that the selloff was more about Wall Streets short-term view and not an accurate indicator of the companys performance. Brian Wieser, senior analyst at Pivotal Research, issued a note stating: Overall, negative reaction from investors to the quarters results arent particularly warranted given the lack of meaningful change to the current year and long-term outlook for the business. However, the decline in the stock this morning provides enough upside between current trading levels and our $27 price target to maintain our Buy rating. IPG reported that second-quarter revenue was up 2.2% to $1.92 billion and that net income available to IPG common shareholders was up 29% to $156.9 million. advertisement advertisement First-half revenue was up 3% to $3.66 billion and net income was up 36% to $162.3 million. Organic revenue growth (which excludes acquisitions, divestitures and currency fluctuations) was 3.7% for the second quarter and 5.1% for the first half of the year. By comparison, earlier in the day Publicis Groupe reported 2.7% organic growth for the second quarter and 2.8% growth for the first half of the year. Last week, Omnicom Group reported second-quarter organic growth of 3.4% and first-half growth of 3.6%. On a Thursday morning call with analysts to discuss results, IPG CEO Michael Roth said: We continue to believe that we will deliver on the high end of our full-year target of organic revenue of 3% to 4%. In the U.S. -- which accounts for 62% of IPGs business -- second-quarter organic growth was 4.6%, led by a range of agencies and disciplines, including R/GA and Huge, as well as McCann, MullenLowe, Mediabrands and Weber Shandwick. In the U.K., organic growth was 1.2%, which reflected growth at McCann, R/GA and Weber Shandwick. CFO Frank Mergenthaler said the U.K.s decision to leave the European Union didnt appear to have a material impact on the companys results there. Our U.K. operators are not citing any specific impact on client spending during the quarter related to the run-up to the vote on Brexit, he said. In Continental Europe, organic growth was 0.5%, with the firm continuing to see mixed performance including organic increases in Italy and Spain, offset by decreases in Germany and France. For the first six months, organic growth was 1.1%. As expected, organic growth in the second quarter showed some moderation from our very strong first-quarter increase, said Roth. Within the quarter, we saw growth in June that was at a lower rate than in April and May. It bears noting that this was in part due to the timing of revenue related to a couple of the new business wins that we added in 2015. Roth added that some work that the company expected to execute in the second quarter was delayed by clients until later in the year. But, he added, Based on client work already underway, we are confident that we will realize this revenue during this years second half. Commenting on the ANA transparency report, Roth commented that the company has consistently handled relationships with advertisers in a highly proactive and transparent manner. As such, our conversations with clients relating to the report and the practices it alleges have been constructive. We continue to encourage dialogue on these matters and we stand behind our record of transparency, in our contracts, as well as our dealings with clients and media vendors. Roth added that IPGs performance in this regard has been consistently validated by a range of third-party experts employed by our clients. He said the holding company continues to stand firm behind its policy of not being a reseller of media to advertisers, given its belief that agencies should be agnostic advisors to clients. We see it as a differentiator, he said. Mergenthaler did note that there is some pass through revenue via some events and projects divisions at the company. But those pass through dollars are not media related and the company has been gradually phasing out that activity for several years. by Erik Sass , Staff Writer @eriksass1, July 21, 2016 If memory serves, being a teenager was hard enough before the advent of social media, which may be contributing to even higher levels of stress among adolescents, according to the latest data from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Ontario, Canada. The CAMH surveyed 10,426 students in grades seven to twelve last year and found the numbers experiencing moderate to serious psychological distress is growing, in tandem with growing social media use. However, as always, it should be noted that correlation does not equal causation: it is entirely plausible that young people who are experiencing distress are drawn to social media for any number of reasons (rather than social media causing the distress). The number of teens experiencing psychological distress, including symptoms of depression and anxiety, increased from 24% in 2013 to 34% in 2015, the CAMH survey found. Older teens were significantly more likely to report these kind of symptoms, with the proportion rising to 41% among students in grade twelve. The proportion of students who rated their own mental health as fair or poor increased from 11% in 2007 to 17% in 2015. advertisement advertisement The researchers noted that the increase in psychological distress was correlated with growing social media adoption: according to the latest survey, 86% of students said they visit social media sites every day, while 16% spent more than five hours on social media daily the latter figure up from 11% in 2013. In a related finding, 63% of students said they spend three or more hours per day on screen time including TV as well as computers or smartphones. Female students reported spending more time on social media, with 22.4% using social media five or more hours per day, compared to 10.1% for male students. They were also more likely to report moderate to serious psychological distress, at 45.9% compared to 22.7% for male students. This is just the latest in a series of studies showing correlations between social media and negative psychological outcomes in young people. Earlier this year, I wrote about a study conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, which found that frequent social media use is correlated with a higher risk of eating disorders and negative body image. Respondents who spent more time on social media were over twice as likely (2.2 times) to report factors putting them at risk of eating disorders or distorted body image, when compared with respondents who spent less time. Frequency of check-ins were even more closely correlated with these risk factors, with respondents who checked in most often 2.6 times as those who checked in least often to have risk factors. by Erik Sass , Staff Writer @eriksass1, July 21, 2016 British newspapers were deeply involved in the struggle for public opinion ahead of last months referendum vote deciding that Britain will leave the European Union. So it is only fitting that they should share in the all consequences, both good and bad. There is plenty of both, as newspapers across the political spectrum enjoyed a big boost in online traffic. But they are also suffering negative impacts from political uncertainty on their core advertising business. Almost all the big UK papers saw digital traffic jump following the vote for Brexit, compared to the same period a year before, according to the UK Audit Bureau of Circulations, which tracks online activity as well as print. The rises were seen in both quality and tabloid papers. The Mail Online rose 7.9% to just over 15 million unique visitors per day, while The Guardians online traffic jumped 15.5% to 10.3 million unique visitors per day. Further down the totem pole, The Telegraph soared 29.5% to 5.6 million unique visitors daily, while The Independent rocketed 43.8% to 4.4 million. The Mirror was up 8% to over 5 million, The Sun rose 15.4% to 2.7 million, and The Express was up 18.7% to 1.9 million. The only big paper to suffer a drop in traffic was TheDaily Star, which slipped 9% to just over 800,000 daily unique visitors. Many newspapers also saw print circulation increase modestly in June, compared to the previous month, again including quality and tabloid papers, with The Observer up 8.4%, The Daily Star up 5%, The Guardian up 3.6%, The Telegraph up 3.2%, The Sunday Express up 2.7%, The Times up 2.5%, and The Sun up 2.2%. On a year-over-year basis, The Times was up a remarkable 15.3% to around 450,000, an almost unheard-of feat in an age of relentless print declines. Thats where the good news ends. On the advertising front, things are looking considerably more dismal, at least judging by the results from the Daily Mail and General Trust, which publishes the eponymous newspaper and its weekend counterpart, the Mail on Sunday. The Daily Mail publishers total revenues in the third quarter were down 6%, as advertising revenues tumbled 10%, with print ads down 11% while online ads were up 18%. However, the publisher added that the trend appears to have reversed in the current quarter, suggesting much of the economic uncertainty associated with Brexit has dissipated, at least for the time being. That said, a previous report from UK media research firm Enders Analysis warned that Brexits broader economic impact could accelerate the decline in newspaper publishing, with print ad revenues set to drop by as much as 25% across the industry in 2016-2017. New findings from the University of Birmingham challenge the 'transient' nature of 'mini-strokes' and provide insight into the long term impact of an under-recognised condition. Patients in the University's study consulted their GP (General Practitioner) more frequently than similarly aged patients for fatigue, cognitive impairment and anxiety or depression. Primary care follow-ups with transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients found that they had a 43% increased risk of fatigue, 26% increased risk of psychological impairment, such as anxiety or depression, and a 45% increased risk of cognitive impairment. The research, published in the European Journal of Neurology, recommends that clinical guidelines for TIA need to be revised to acknowledge the likelihood of residual impairments and support rehabilitation for patients that can improve their quality of life. TIAs occur when blood flow to the brain is disrupted and can cause sudden symptoms similar to those of a stroke, such as speech and visual disturbance, and numbness or weakness in the face, arms and legs which usually resolve within a few minutes to 24 hours. Approximately 46,000 people experience a first TIA each year and there are 510,000 people living in the UK with a history of TIA. Incidence has increased in the past two decades, and patients are known to have an increased risk of having a full stroke. Guidelines for TIA are centred around rapid evaluation of people with suspected TIA and focus on diagnosis. Follow-up for TIA patients is focused on management of stroke risk factors through medical, surgical and lifestyle interventions. Though clinical guidelines recognise that stroke patients may experience ongoing impairments which require rehabilitation; these guidelines do no extend to TIA. The long-term impact of TIA has been unclear for some time, and the UK's leading stroke charity, Stroke Association, recommended this as a research priority in their TIA campaign report in 2014. The Birmingham study, funded by National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research (SPCR), used anonymised electronic primary care records from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database, which covers approximately 6% of the UK population. The team designed a retrospective matched cohort study of 9,419 TIA patients, and 46,511 controls were included. The median age of those in the study was 74, and 48% were male. When compared to the control group, which were the same age and sex, TIA patients reported an increased risk of consulting for fatigue (43%), psychological impairment (26%) and cognitive impairment (45%). Dr Grace Turner, from the University of Birmingham, explained: "There have been a number of small studies which suggest long term impacts of TIA, but nothing on this scale, and nothing that included a control group for comparison. It's further evidence of how we can use electronic patient records to further our knowledge and improve patient care." The study design addressed limitations of previous studies by not only including the control group, but also excluding patients with previous impairments from the analysis and controlling for other confounding variables. Dr Turner added: "These findings present an urgent need to revisit clinical guidelines for TIA. They can no longer be considered 'transient' or 'temporary', there is a potential long term impact which could affect quality of life. "In some cases, people may not be able to return to work or participate in social activities, and there is a real impact on their quality of life. Future research should focus on improving care for TIA patients presenting signs of fatigue, anxiety, depression, or other impairments." The team acknowledge that there is a possibility of misdiagnosis or underreporting of symptoms in follow ups, either by the patient or GP, but note that it is more likely that risk levels are higher than reported in the study. Advertisement The danger of the "blessers" has been in the spotlight at the International AIDS Conference in Durban this week. In South Africa, seven million people live with HIV -- and older men are thought to be largely to blame for the shockingly high rate of infections among teenage girls and young women."To the 'blessers', there is only one level I want: the zero level, zero tolerance for men who put adolescent girls at risk for HIV," UNAIDS chief Michel Sidibe declared on Monday at the conference's opening session.Age-gap relationships are the engine driving the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, explained Professor Salim Abdool Karim, director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA).- 'He's in control' -The programme examined the genetic sequences of the HIV virus in a community in the KwaZulu-Natal province -- the hotbed of South Africa?s epidemic -- to track how it was being spread. The results revealed a cycle of infection."Over three out of every five young women -- teenagers and women in their very early 20s -- acquired HIV from a man around his thirties, about eight to 10 years older," Abdool Karim told AFP.The skewed power dynamics in these relationships make it difficult for the young women to demand safe sex, increasing their chances of contracting the virus. "You don't even want to talk condoms, or the guy will think you're being promiscuous," said Motsumi, who was 17 when she started going out with her older partner."You know you should, but he's in control of the sex: when you have it, how you have it." It was a problem made worse by parents and nurses more intent on delivering moral lectures than helping her make informed decisions, she said.As infected young women grow older and reach their thirties, they infect the next group of men "who then infect the next group of young women, and so it goes round and round," said Abdool Karim. "Blessers" has overtaken "sugar daddies" as the common term in South Africa, emerging from the widelyused "blessed" hashtag on social media posts and photographs.- Talk about sex -"It's transactional, not love," said Motsumi who, after a string of such relationships, is sharing her experiences at the Durban conference. "I wanted the money, I wanted to fit in, wear the latest sneakers like my friends." The South African government is straight-forward about the problem.Last month, it launched an awareness programme, where Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa chanted: "Down with blessers! Down with sugar daddies!"Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says it's time to shed taboos and start talking to young girls about sex. "Every parent wants to believe that their daughter is an angel? (but) the fact that they are so highly infected it means they're having sex," he told AFP. Bringing the alarming rates of infection down will take more than just talk."Blessers" thrive on poverty -- and girls who stay in school and have a job are bound to find them less attractive. "Can we give them skills and link them to economic opportunities to reduce their dependency? Because that's where the issue of sugar daddies come in," Motsoaledi told AFP.In 2013, researchers in Britain and South Africa published the result of interviews with 3,500 teenagers, showing that by narrowing the poverty gap, "blessers" could be thwarted. Teenage girls from households which received child support were two-thirds less likely to have a much older boyfriend compared to counterparts from homes that did not receive the benefit.These girls were also half less likely to have sex in exchange for food, money or school fees. Motsumi knows how she is going to approach the subject with her six-year-old daughter. "I'll give her the information she needs to make good choices," she said. "I can't enforce my morals, but if you want to date older men, you need to know the risks."Source: AFP 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. Cigarettes made with similar coloring and marketed as having the same taste are still being sold despite a recent ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Nova Scotia, new research from the Institute for Global Tobacco Control at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests. Menthol has long been added to cigarettes to give them a minty flavor and to make the smoking experience seem less harsh when the smoker inhales. Menthol cigarettes are popular with first-time smokers, and have historically been marketed to women, youth and ethnic minorities globally, with a third of young Canadian smokers using menthol cigarettes. Menthol masks the harshness of smoke, and the evidence shows that menthol cigarettes have an adverse impact on public health. Advertisement Before the ban, researchers in Alberta purchased 199 menthol packs from 14 brand families owned by three parent companies -- Philip Morris International, Japan Tobacco International, and British American -- and 63 packs of cigarettes similar to menthols from four brand families owned by Philip Morris after the province banned menthol. The researchers found no cigarettes resembling menthols made by the other two companies and none of these similar cigarettes were found in Nova Scotia after the ban. While tobacco companies are technically complying with the regulations, this research found that brands that were previously sold with menthol are now marketed with prominent green coloring, the word "green" instead of menthol or are wrapped in packaging saying "smooth taste redesigned without menthol," potentially weakening the public health benefits of the ban on menthol. Flavored cigarettes aside from menthol have long been banned in both the United States and Canada. A number of other jurisdictions and countries have already banned or are considering bans on menthol tobacco products. Restrictions on tobacco labeling, such as the 2010 U.S. ban on words "light" and "low tar," also prompted the tobacco industry to use colors or creative methods to replace the banned words or terms and make it easier for consumers to identify their usual brand. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned flavored cigarettes in 2009, with the exception of menthol, the FDA's tobacco office is still considering extending the flavor ban to include menthol. Other tobacco products in the U.S., like cigars or cigarillos, are still sold with flavorings. Source: Newswise Menthol cigarette bans were enacted in Nova Scotia in June 2015 and in Alberta in September 2015 and are believed to be the first implemented in the world. Researchers visited Alberta before and after the ban and Nova Scotia after the ban. According to statistics kept by the Canadian government, Alberta has the third-highest level of cigarette sales in the Canada and both provinces together make up 18 percent of the country's 29.5 billion cigarettes sold annually.Before the ban, researchers in Alberta purchased 199 menthol packs from 14 brand families owned by three parent companies -- Philip Morris International, Japan Tobacco International, and British American -- and 63 packs of cigarettes similar to menthols from four brand families owned by Philip Morris after the province banned menthol. The researchers found no cigarettes resembling menthols made by the other two companies and none of these similar cigarettes were found in Nova Scotia after the ban.While tobacco companies are technically complying with the regulations, this research found that brands that were previously sold with menthol are now marketed with prominent green coloring, the word "green" instead of menthol or are wrapped in packaging saying "smooth taste redesigned without menthol," potentially weakening the public health benefits of the ban on menthol. Flavored cigarettes aside from menthol have long been banned in both the United States and Canada.A number of other jurisdictions and countries have already banned or are considering bans on menthol tobacco products. Restrictions on tobacco labeling, such as the 2010 U.S. ban on words "light" and "low tar," also prompted the tobacco industry to use colors or creative methods to replace the banned words or terms and make it easier for consumers to identify their usual brand. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned flavored cigarettes in 2009, with the exception of menthol, the FDA's tobacco office is still considering extending the flavor ban to include menthol. Other tobacco products in the U.S., like cigars or cigarillos, are still sold with flavorings.Source: Newswise Advertisement The study, published online July 20 in the journal, found that while menthol cigarettes are off the market, there are new products on the shelves that look almost identical to the menthol cigarettes available before the ban and nearly 90 percent of them are being marketed as a different, smoother alternative to regular cigarettes. These marketing tactics, which clearly mimic the way menthol cigarettes have always been advertised, could undermine the effectiveness of the menthol ban, the researchers say. The Institute for Global Tobacco Control conducted this research with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit."Tobacco companies are notorious for exploiting loopholes and violating the spirit of laws aimed at protecting the public's health and we have documented yet another example," says study co-author Joanna E. Cohen, PhD, a professor in the Department of Health, Behavior and Society at the Bloomberg School and director of the Institute for Global Tobacco Control. "Menthol masks the harshness of smoke, and the evidence shows that menthol cigarettes have an adverse impact on public health." Advertisement "For patients, these findings highlight the importance of having a usual source of care, a primary care doctor with whom they can establish a relationship," says study leader Joy Lee, PhD, MS, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Bloomberg School. "Favorite patients might not be consistently sick, but when a crisis comes they have an existing relationship to work off."Surprisingly, Lee says, many physicians reported that their favorite patients were not necessarily the most compliant or those who were most similar to them. Rather, they were patients who the physician had known over a period of time - anywhere from one year to several decades - and who were or had been very sick, which meant the physicians saw them more frequently and spent more time with them.Three of the respondents reported not having any favorite patients, and voiced concerns that the label suggested preferential treatment. The other physicians in the study, those indicating they had some sort of favorite patient, voiced the same concern. In their responses, physicians often used the term "it's not about me" to convey that instead of thinking about how they felt about their patients they were endeavoring to provide them their best care regardless of their feelings about them - favorable or otherwise."This concern demonstrates that physicians are striving to be fair and to give all their patients the best possible care," Lee says. "We discovered that doctors really thought about their relationship with patients, which is encouraging from a patient perspective. Their thinking really humanizes the patient-physician relationship." Some of those with favorite patients, for example, indicated they were mindful of the boundaries around the physician-patient relationship, and did not socialize with patients outside of their practice or connect with them on social media channels such as Facebook.For the study, a researcher interviewed 25 primary care physicians working in clinical settings across the Johns Hopkins medical system. Participants were mostly white (21, or 84 percent) and just over half were female (14, or 56 percent). The interviews were open ended but mainly centered around eight questions about participants' perceptions of a favorite patient - a term for which there is no consensus definition. All but three of the interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis. (For three, the recordings failed and the interviewer relied solely on detailed notes.) The responses were coded, and three themes around favorite patients emerged: physicians' perspectives, characteristics of favorite patients and effects of the favorite patient relationship.From a policy perspective, the findings highlight the importance of health insurance and consistent access to health care where patients can see the same doctor or practice over time. Uninsured patients tend to see a variety of practitioners, often seeking treatment at emergency rooms, instead of developing relationships with a specific doctor.In fact, the most tangible perceived benefit for favorite patients might be that their physicians, having spent significant amounts of time with them, are best suited to care for their patients because of their knowledge of their cases. Otherwise, physicians did not identify substantial benefits favorite patients had over others except that they were better known to them. Though one did observe, "There is a truth to the fact that my favorite patients probably hear back from me more rapidly than my less favorite patients.""I think it would be surprising if doctors didn't have favorites," says Albert Wu, MD, MPH, a professor in the Bloomberg School's Department of Health Policy and Management and senior author on the paper. "Doctors are human too, and as humans we like some people more than others - in both our personal and professional lives. We want our doctors to be humanistic, and patients benefit from positive regard. It is good to recognize it, to avoid playing favorites, which is different than having favorites."While physicians reported that their favorite patients enriched their professional experience, a fourth theme, about challenging patients, emerged in the responses, largely unprompted by the interviewer. Many challenging patients, the respondents said, lacked an understanding of the limits of what physicians could do. Many respondents reported that formerly challenging patients often became their favorites over time, reinforcing the benefits of patients seeing the same physician when possible. Observed one participant: "Patients who I never thought I would even come to like grow into some favorites [through the] shared experience of knowing them for over a decade.""A Qualitative Exploration of Favorite Patients in Primary Care" was written by Joy L. Lee, PhD, MS; Mary Catherine Beach, MD, MPH; Zackary D. Berger, MD, PhD; Elizabeth R. Pfoh, PhD, MPH; Joseph J. Gallo, MD, MPH, Sydney M. Dy, MD, MSc; Albert W. Wu, MD, MPH.Joy Lee was supported in part by an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality National Research Service Award (NRSA) pre-doctoral institutional training grant (#T32HS000029).Source: Newswise A cardiac/heart murmur is an extra whooshing sound during heart-beat. The murmur is due to turbulent blood flow in the heart or blood vessels. The cardiac murmur is a clinical sign. The types of murmurs are: Innocent murmurs Pathological heart murmurs Innocent Murmurs: The murmurs in the absence of any underlying cardiovascular disease are the innocent murmurs. Pathological Murmurs: Heart murmurs due to an underlying heart valve disease or congenital heart anomalies are the pathological heart murmurs. Innocent Heart Murmurs: Innocent heart murmurs occur due to the high volume blood flow. Excess volume of blood is present during pregnancy, so quite often the murmurs in pregnancy are innocent. The innocent cardiac murmurs can also occur due to physical exertion, fever, anemia and hyperthyroidism. Types of innocent murmur: Stills Murmur/ Precordial Vibratory Murmur: It is due to the change in the blood flow between the left ventricle and the aorta. It is due to the change in the blood flow between the left ventricle and the aorta. Pulmonary Flow Murmur: The murmur arises from the blood flow between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. It is common among children between 8 and 14 years. The murmur arises from the blood flow between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. It is common among children between 8 and 14 years. Supraclavicular or Carotid Bruit: The murmur is audible in the area above the collar bone. It is heard near the origin of the brachiocephalic arteries. The murmur is audible in the area above the collar bone. It is heard near the origin of the brachiocephalic arteries. Transient Peripheral Pulmonary Stenosis Murmur: It is due to the turbulence of blood flow, when the blood flows through the pulmonary artery and its branches. It is present in newborns and infants. It is due to the turbulence of blood flow, when the blood flows through the pulmonary artery and its branches. It is present in newborns and infants. Venous Hum: It is heard in the neck, common in children between 3 and 8 years. It is heard in the neck, common in children between 3 and 8 years. Mammary Souffle: It is a continuous murmur heard in some pregnant and lactating women. It is due to increased blood flow in the breast during pregnancy. Advertisement Pathological Heart Murmurs: Murmurs due to an underlying cardiovascular pathology are the pathological heart murmurs. In children, they are due to congenital heart defects and in adults due to heart valve defects. Congenital Heart Defects: The common causes of pathological murmurs in newborns, infants and children are birth defects in the heart valves, heart septa, blood vessels or the heart wall. The birth defects result in a disturbance in the normal blood flow. Hence, they lead to a turbulent blood flow and the murmurs. Heart valve problem may be due to narrowing of the valves or leaky valves. The narrowed valves cause an obstruction to the blood flow and the leaky valves cause a backflow of the blood. The septal defects in the heart also often referred to as holes in the heart cause a diverted flow between the chambers and cause murmurs. Congenital heart muscle wall disease leading to hypertrophy of the heart septa and the muscle wall (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) leads to a flow obstruction and results in a murmur. Acquired Heart Valve Disorders: The acquired disorders which can cause a defect in heart valves are endocarditis, rheumatic fever, age-related degeneration and other heart conditions. Heart Conditions: Certain heart conditions like heart attack, heart failure and high blood pressure can cause changes or damage to the heart valve and result in a murmur. Certain heart conditions like heart attack, heart failure and high blood pressure can cause changes or damage to the heart valve and result in a murmur. Age-Related Disorder: As a consequence of aging, calcium or other deposits on the heart valves can cause thickening and stiffening (sclerosis), and it can lead to a disturbance in the normal flow. As a consequence of aging, calcium or other deposits on the heart valves can cause thickening and stiffening (sclerosis), and it can lead to a disturbance in the normal flow. Rheumatic Fever : In case of non-treated or incompletely treated streptococcal throat infection, it can lead to rheumatic fever. It can result in the damage to the heart valves, especially mitral valve. But the valve abnormalities may manifest after many years. : In case of non-treated or incompletely treated streptococcal throat infection, it can lead to rheumatic fever. It can result in the damage to the heart valves, especially mitral valve. But the valve abnormalities may manifest after many years. Endocarditis: An infection of the inner heart layer is endocarditis. It is common in individuals with pre-existing valve problems. The symptoms in patients with heart murmur are related to the underlying heart condition and hence, they are variable. The presenting symptoms are: Chest pain Poor feeding and no weight gain in children with murmurs due to congenital problems Dizziness or Fainting Cyanosis Heavy Sweating Chronic cough Swelling of the body or weight gain Enlarged neck veins Breathlessness The heart murmur is a clinical sign. As many murmurs are innocent, it is essential to differentiate the innocent from the pathological. Also, since the murmurs are due to various pathological conditions, it is necessary to establish the diagnosis to provide appropriate care. The physical examination, especially auscultation of the heart with a stethoscope has a significant role in establishing the diagnosis. The physician takes the history and evaluates the murmur based on the location, intensity, duration, timing, radiation and aggravating factors. Depending on the need, the physician suggests any of the following investigations which help in the diagnosis. Electrocardiogram: It helps record the electrical activity of heart. The rate and rhythm of the heart can be detected using ECG. It helps detect heart problems associated with changes in the ECG. Chest X-ray: The images of the heart, lungs and blood vessels are obtained using the x rays. Echocardiogram It helps visualize the heart and to estimate the size of the heart chambers and valves. It is useful to assess the blood flow in the heart and across the valves. Cardiac Catheterization: It is a procedure where a catheter is inserted into the vein or artery in the leg or the arm and advanced till the heart. It helps in the diagnosis of the condition when other tests give inconclusive results. Advertisement The treatment of heart murmur depends on the underlying heart condition. The innocent murmurs do not need any intervention. The causes for the pathological heart murmurs need to be managed. Medical Management: Medicines help reduce the symptoms associated with the heart condition and also delay the further advancement of the condition. Anticoagulants/ Blood Thinners: These are a group of drugs, which prevent the formation of blood clots. Common drugs in this category include heparin, warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel. Diuretics/Water Pills: Drugs, which increase the loss of body fluid in the form of urine. These are useful in patients with excess fluid, which exacerbates the murmur. Beta Blockers: These drugs block the beta sympathetic activity and help to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure. These are useful in few specific heart valve disorders. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors: These drugs are useful to reduce the blood pressure. Statins: These are the drugs which reduce the blood lipid levels. Surgical Management: The repair of the valve or replacement of the valve is necessary depending upon the condition. Valve Repair: Balloon Valvuloplasty: It is performed in the case of valve stenosis. Catheter with a balloon is inserted, and it is guided to the heart. Once, it reaches the valve it is inflated to expand the constricted valve. Annuloplasty: It is a procedure to tighten the valve with an artificial ring. Valve Leaflet Repair: The leaflet of the valve is repaired. Repair of Structural Support: The structural supports of the heart valve are chordae tendineae and papillary muscle. In the case of leaking valves, they are tightened or replaced. Valve Replacement: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): It is also called as transcatheter aortic valve implantation.It is a less invasive approach in patients with severe aortic stenosis. The artificial valve is delivered with the help of a catheter. Open Heart Procedure: In the case of severe aortic stenosis, it is a primary treatment option. The old diseased valve is removed and replaced with a mechanical valve or a tissue valve from cow or deceased human or pig. The Delhi-Mumbai battle is a never ending one. The fact that the citizens of the two cosmopolitans are not exactly friends is a fact not unknown to anyone. There is a vast cultural difference in both the cities and anyone having lived in either is bound to create several misconceptions about the other with no fault of their own. While Mumbaikars have this chilled out and laidback attitude in them, Delhiites have mastered the art of not giving a single flying fuck. The race to become the COOLER CITY has resulted in a silent battle between the two. Mumbaikars and Delhiites have made generalised opinions about one other and no matter how hard you try, that line is hard to erase. Youll always hear a Delhiite saying that Mumbai is too humid and a Mumbaikar saying that all Delhiites are too loud. While Mumbaikars believe that Mumbais night-life is unmatchable, Delhiites think otherwise. While, Mumbai has locals, Delhi has a fully-functioning metro line; while, Mumbai has Vada-Pav, Delhi has Dahi-bhalle; while, Mumbai has Fashion Street, Delhi has Sarojini. Yeah, weve stopped keeping score now, but not everyone can let go of things that easy. So, having chosen to speak about the ever-so-heated topic about Delhi and Mumbai, we have popular stand-up comedian Rajneesh Kapoor (a Delhiite) trying to clear the air about the two cities and giving us an insight into his experiences in the two metropolises. His tongue-in-cheek humour is going to leave you in splits. SAN JOSE The discovery of mosquitoes bearing the potentially deadly West Nile Virus in San Jose and Campbell has prompted a pesticide fogging to kill the insects late Thursday night and early Friday morning. The Santa Clara County Vector Control District announced Tuesday that weather permitting, ground fogging would take place from 11 p.m. on Thursday, July 21 to 2:00 a.m. the following morning, Friday, July 22. The district was distributing door hangers notifying residents in the affected neighborhoods of the scheduled fogging, as well as announcing it through various social media platforms. The fogging operations are centered around Williams Road and South Winchester Boulevard and bordered by Stevens Creek Boulevard and Interstate 280 to the north, Highway 17 and South Bascom Avenue to the east, East Hamilton Avenue to the south and San Tomas Expressway to the west. The affected zip codes are 95117, 95128, 95008 and 95050, and a map is accessible online at: http://arcg.is/29JTFCb. West Nile virus does not cause symptoms in most people, but in some it can cause fever, headache, body aches, and in severe cases, significant neurological damage or death. Adults older than 50 years and individuals with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and kidney disease are most at risk for serious complications. Since its arrival in California in 2003, 5,588 people across the State have contracted the disease; 229 of those cases were fatal. 2015 was a record year for fatalities in the state with 53 deaths. Health officials urge residents to dump standing water on their properties to reduce mosquito breeding. The Alternate Foreign Minister for European Affairs, Nikos Xydakis, today received the Slovak EU Presidencys Ambassador-at-Large for Migration, Igor Slobodnik, at the Foreign Ministry. Ambassador Slobodnik was accompanied by his Dutch counterpart, Andre Carstens. During the talks, Mr. Slobodnik underscored that the continued management of the migration/refugee crisis is a priority of the Slovak Presidency, and he conveyed his concern regarding the effective handling of the problem in light of the international developments in recent weeks (UK referendum, terrorist attack in Nice, France, attack on train passengers in Wirstburg, Bavaria, and, more recently, the attempted coup in Turkey). More specifically, with regard to Turkey, he conveyed the concerns of Bratislava and Brussels as to the extent that the further implementation of the EU-Turkey agreement on migration might be negatively impacted. Mr. Xydakis reiterated that the solution to the crisis should be European and will be achieved only when all of the member states understand that they need to contribute to the implementation of a single European policy on the migration issue. Specifically, he mentioned the need for all of the partners to realize how critical the geopolitical and strategic developments in the wider Mediterranean are. Regarding the Unions cooperation with third countries, he reiterated the need for the EU to focus on Africa and show equal interest regarding the no-less-significant migration flows from Asian countries. Mr. Xydakis repeated that the effective handling of the refugee crisis requires that the European Union rediscover its role as a guarantor of stability, peace and democracy, noting that the Slovak Presidency has a first-class opportunity to promote this image of a centripetal Europe. Finally, Mr. Slobodnik conveyed the Slovak Presidencys request that there be a follow-up to the first Meeting of the Six EU European Affairs Ministers, which took place on 8 and 9 April, in Athens, to coordinate on this complex European problem. Mr. Xydakis responded in the affirmative regarding the prospect for such a meeting, with an expanded agenda, this coming autumn. Cardell Hayes is charged with second-degree murder in the case. Defense attorney John Fuller says District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro and his staff should be kicked off the case because he has made baseless accusations of wrongdoing against Fuller. Judge Camille Buras was scheduled to hear the arguments. Hayes is set for trial Sept. 20. Prosecutors say he provoked an April 9 confrontation by ramming his SUV into one driven by Smith after Smith had earlier bumped the rear of Hayes' vehicle. Fuller has argued that Smith was the aggressor and that Hayes fired in self-defense after Smith went to his own car to get his gun. The motion to remove Cannizzaro was made last week following a story in Nola.comThe Times-Picayune on a 206-page report Cannizzaro sent to local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. In the report, Cannizzaro alleges that Fuller and others sought to intimidate witnesses and jeopardized the safety of witnesses in cases unrelated to Smith's death. The D.A.'s report, which has not been made public, also alleges they are under federal investigation. The local U.S. Attorney declined comment. Hayes, also faces attempted murder for the wounding of Smith's wife, who was shot in the legs. PORT AUSTIN The Port Austin Township board recently approved a survey of a 1.5-acre piece of property the township wishes to purchase for its future hall. The decision sets in motion the move out of the townships current location in the Schillinger and Schillinger Insurance Agency building on North Van Dyke Road, which the township has called home for the past decade. According to supervisor Darcie Finan, a 10-year lease of the building came to a close on May 31. She said re-negotiations to purchase the building, which began last September, have stalled. Negotiations have taken place, Finan said. We have not been able to come to any type of agreement. As a result, the board decided to sign another 10-year lease with property owner Lou Schillinger, at $1,200 a month for the first year. As part of the lease, the township must declare any intention of leaving the building by Nov. 30 in writing and it will be allowed out of the lease by May 31, 2017. If not, the remainder of the lease goes into effect at $1,300/month. With Mondays approval, Stiverson and Associates will be conducting a survey of a 1.5-acre parcel of land on the north side of the Port Austin Water and Sewer Plant, located on Hellems Road. Finan said the township has already made an offer to the Port Austin Area Sewer and Water Authority and it has been accepted, pending the survey and some legal approval. From there, the township plans to build a structure similar to the one its in now. Were basically going to build the same building that we were in, but with some storage to it, Finan said. So we kind of know what the price is going to be. Were hoping we can do this all between $150,000 and $175,000. At this point, the township has $90,000 set aside for the building. It will seek a loan for the remainder and, if everything goes according to plan, it will be paid off in the next 10 years. We dont have to go back to the taxpayers. We dont have to do a millage. We dont have to ask for any money, Finan said. Added Finan: We have been very frugal, and we are watching our pennies. So its in the best interests right now to do that. Officials do not have a completion date, but the plan is to be out of their current home by the May 31 deadline, regardless if they have built a new hall at that point or not. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter sought to minimize Wednesday the impact of the failed coup in Turkey and the ensuing purge of military officers on the NATO alliance and the campaign against ISIS. Despite the recent anti-U.S. rhetoric from the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which has demanded the extradition of a Muslim cleric in Pennsylvania, Carter said, "We support the democratically elected government." The secretary added, "I don't have any indication" that the failed coup and Erdogan's tough response would affect Turkey's continuing membership in NATO. "The alliance is very strong, our relationship is very strong," he said of Turkey, a founding member of NATO. Carter also said he expected commercial power that was cut to the U.S. air base at Incirlik in southeastern Turkey following the coup attempt last Friday to be restored shortly, along with full flight operations that are vital to the air campaign against ISIS in Syria. In a statement, the Pentagon said that Joint Chiefs Chairman Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford phoned his Turkish counterpart, Gen. Hulusi Akar, on Wednesday and they "broadly discussed operations in Incirlik and the deep commitment the U.S. has to Turkey." Carter spoke at a news conference at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, following the opening session of two days of meetings with the defense and foreign ministers of more than 30 nations in the anti-ISIS coalition on the next steps to eliminate the terror group's remaining strongholds. Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu were no-shows at Andrews. Turkey's ambassador to the U.S., Serdar Kilic, represented his government at the meetings, which will continue at the State Department on Thursday. After failing to make contact with Isik in the aftermath of the coup, Carter said they spoke by phone Tuesday and he told Isik, "I was glad that he was safe and the ministry was functioning. He assured me very clearly that nothing that happened over the weekend will interrupt their support" for the campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria." Erdogan responded to the attempted coup with a wide-ranging purge of the ranks of the military, police, judiciary, media and academia. By some counts, more than 50,000 people have been fired or suspended, and more than 9,000 have been detained on suspicion of supporting the coup that Erdogan has blamed on supporters of exiled Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, now living in Pennsylvania. Gulen has denied any involvement in the coup, but the Turkish government on Tuesday said that paperwork had been filed with the State Department demanding his extradition. Secretary of State John Kerry has pledged to review the extradition request while adding that the U.S. would adhere strictly to the law. The purge has devastated the ranks of the Turkish military, with at least 118 generals and admirals now under detention, including the commander of Incirlik air base, which is shared by the U.S. 39th Air Base Wing and the Turkish air force. Erdogan told Al Jazeera on Wednesday that the attempted coup, which left at least 240 dead and more than 1,000 wounded, was carried out by a minority within the armed forces. "It is clear that they are in the minority," Erdogan said. "This organization that we called a terrorist organization [Gulen's] is trying to make the minority dominate the majority. We have taken all the steps necessary to prevent such an event." In a conference call with reporters Tuesday, analyst Steven Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations said the failed coup and Erdogan's harsh response had reduced U.S.-Turkey relations to their "lowest point" in recent times. "It's hard to refer to Turkey as a democracy," Cook said. The U.S. "has to start asking questions about the value of Turkey as an ally," but has been reluctant to do so because of Turkey's membership in NATO and the importance of Incirlik air base in the fight against ISIS, Cook said. However, "the Turks have been reluctant to get involved in fight against the Islamic State," Cook said. "By their own admission, they're much more concerned about Kurdish nationalism." -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Related Video: 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. The U.S. will likely commit more troops to Iraq to bolster local forces against specific objectives in the campaign to retake the last ISIS main stronghold at Mosul, Army Gen. Joseph Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command, said Wednesday. We will look to add additional capabilities that are necessary to accomplish our objectives, Votel said. The extra troops would be in addition to the 560 recently authorized by President Obama to bring the Force Management Level to 4,657. What we have tried to do is link our request for additional capabilities to specific objectives were trying to achieve, he said. Votel said the 560 troops authorized last week would be slated for deployment to the airfield called Quyara West about 40 miles southeast of Mosul, which was recently retaken by the Iraqis. The 560 troops have not begun to deploy to the airfield in any significant numbers, but Votel said he expected that to happen shortly. Votel spoke with Defense Secretary Ashton Carter at a joint news conference following the opening session of a meeting of defense ministers of more than 30 nations in the anti-ISIS coalition at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on boosting their contributions to the campaign. Were all going to need to do more, Carter said. We now have momentum in this fight and clear results on the ground, and today we made the plans and commitments to deliver [ISIS] a lasting defeat. The main goal was to accelerate efforts to back the Iraqi Security Forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga forces in retaking Mosul in northeastern Iraq while working with Syrian Arab and Syrian Kurd forces to retake Raqqa, the so-called capital of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in eastern Syria. At the defense ministers meeting, we agreed on the next plays in our campaign, which will culminate in the collapse of ISILs control in the cities, Carter said, using another acronym for ISIS. Carter declined to go into detail on what the allies and partner nations had agreed to contribute but said France would be returning the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Mideast for the third time. He also said that Australia would be expanding its training of Iraqi police and border guards, and Britain would be deploying more trainers and engineers to Iraq. A key concern of the allies was ensuring that assets were in place to provide for speedy reconstruction, humanitarian aid and the rule of law in areas liberated from ISIS, Carter said. Most of the conversations were about what happens after the defeat of ISIL, he said. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. The three Baltic countries that could be left to the mercies of Russia during a Donald Trump presidency reacted with alarm and disbelief on Thursday to his suggestion that the U.S. might not automatically defend NATO states pursuant to the landmark treaty. "This won't be good for NATO unity or the security situation," said Ojars Kalnins, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Latvia's parliament. "In principle, he is saying the U.S. will not fulfill its promises or obligations," he said of Trump's plan to base U.S. support on how much alliance members spend on defense. Kalnins took to Twitter to mock Trump's remarks. "Too bad the [New York] Times didn't ask Trump if he would defend NATO member Slovenia if attacked," Kalnins said in reference to the Slovenian heritage of Trump's wife, Melania. Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves said on Twitter that his country was one of five NATO countries in Europe to meet its 2 percent defense spending quota and also noted that Estonia met its own NATO treaty obligations in backing the U.S. in Afghanistan. The country's small contingent "fought with no caveats" in Afghanistan, Ilves said. The reaction of Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite was one of disbelief that any U.S. president would shirk treaty obligations. "Regardless of who becomes the next president, we trust America," she said. "It has always defended nations under attack." The Baltic states -- all members of NATO -- were responding to Trump's remarks in an interview with The New York Times in which he appeared to put conditions on the U.S. living up to Article 5 of the NATO treaty requiring all 28 states to come to the defense of a member under attack. "We are going to take care of this country first," the Republican presidential nominee said, "before we worry about everyone else in the world." Trump singled out the Baltic states, saying as president he would decide whether to defend them against attack after reviewing whether "they have fulfilled their obligations to us." "I would prefer to be able to continue" commitments to NATO, he said, but only if the allies stop taking advantage of U.S. willingness to foot the bills of the alliance. "If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is 'Yes,' " he said about coming to the defense of allies. If the Baltic states failed to contribute more, "Yes, I would be absolutely prepared to tell those countries, 'Congratulations, you will be defending yourself,' " he said. The Baltic states and Poland have particular concerns on Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions following his annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in Ukraine. Putin angrily opposed NATO's expansion to include Poland and the Baltic states, and he has stepped up military exercises on their borders while stressing that he has an obligation to protect the large Russian ethnic minority in Latvia. Last month at the NATO summit in Warsaw, U.S. President Barack Obama and the allies agreed to boost troop deployments to the Baltic states and Poland as a deterrent to Russia. Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, sidestepped Thursday on Trump's remarks, saying talk of Russia attacking other countries was "hypothetical." He added, "I would not want to comment on the obligations of other countries to the United States." At alliance headquarters in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg quickly rebutted Trump's remarks. Stoltenberg said he wanted to avoid commenting on a U.S. election but added, "solidarity among allies is a key value for NATO. This is good for European security and good for U.S. security. We defend one another." Retired Adm. James Stavridis, the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander who has been rumored to be a potential vice presidential choice for Hillary Clinton, tweeted that Trump's NATO comments would bring "great cheer in the Kremlin. I can hear Vladimir Putin chortling from here." Trump's remarks gave fodder to critics in both parties on the eve of his address to the Republican National Convention accepting the nomination. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who was one of the losing candidates in the primaries, said that Putin should be "a very happy man" after Trump's remarks. Graham charged that Trump was telling the Russians and "other bad actors that the United States is not fully committed to supporting the NATO alliance." Sen. Ben Sasse, a Nebraska Republican and a leader of the "Never Trump" faction in the party, said, "Our friends should draw strength and our adversaries should take pause from this simple fact: Americans keep our word." The campaign of Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, pounced on Trump's remarks as another indication that he was unfit to lead. "The President is supposed to be the leader of the free world," senior Clinton adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement. "Donald Trump apparently doesn't even believe in the free world. "Republicans, Democrats and Independents who helped build NATO into the most successful military alliance in history would all come to the same conclusion -- Donald Trump is temperamentally unfit and fundamentally ill-prepared to be our Commander-in-Chief," Sullivan said. Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, in an interview with the Daily Beast, accused The New York Times of misquoting Trump, but a transcript posted by the Times showed that the quotes were accurate. At the White House, Press Secretary Josh Earnest said in response to questions that the U.S. remained committed to defending NATO allies. "There should be no mistake or miscalculation made about this country's commitment to our trans-Atlantic alliance," he said. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. A Marine Corps veteran and co-chair of Donald Trump's national veterans coalition is under investigation by the Secret Service after saying Hillary Clinton should be "shot for treason." Al Baldasaro, a state representative in New Hampshire and delegate for the Republican presidential nominee, first made the remarks on Tuesday during a radio interview on WRKO in Boston. "I'm a veteran who went to Desert Shield, Desert Storm. I'm also a father who sent a son to war, to Iraq, as a Marine Corps helicopter avionics technician. Hillary Clinton, to me, is the Jane Fonda of the Vietnam," Baldasaro said. He was referring to the actress' 1972 visit to Hanoi, during which she was photographed sitting on a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun -- a trip that stirred many Americans to call her a traitor and earned her the nickname "Hanoi Jane." Clinton "is a disgrace for the lies that she told those mothers about their children that got killed over there in Benghazi," Baldasaro said. The 2012 attack on the U.S. compound in Benghazi in which four Americans were killed has been a recurring topic this week at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Patricia Smith, the mother of one of the Americans slain in the attack, on Monday spoke at the event and said she blamed the presumptive Democratic nominee for the tragedy that resulted in the death of her son Sean Smith, a U.S. foreign service information management officer; Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens; and the others. Referring to Clinton, Baldasaro said, "She dropped the ball on over 400 emails requesting back-up security. Something's wrong there. I wish they made the documents public. ... This whole thing disgusts me. Hillary Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot for treason." Baldasaro, whose LinkedIn page states he retired as a first sergeant after serving 22 years in the Marine Corps, went on to refer to Marine Maj. Jason Brezler, a reservist and member of the New York City Fire Department, whose military career hangs in the balance of a legal case stemming from improperly handling classified material. In 2012, Brezler sent colleagues an email from a Yahoo account containing a classified profile of an Afghan policeman whom the Marines believed was corrupt and sexually abusing young Afghan boys. Baldasaro was angry at what he said was a different level of legal scrutiny applied in the Marine's case. "They're trying to kick him out of the military," he said. Baldasaro hasn't apologized for his remarks about Clinton. Indeed, on Wednesday he repeated his calls for her to be executed during an interview with WMUR in New Hampshire. "I'm a military man first, and anyone who takes information about our CIA or Secret Service and people at our embassy and puts it out on a server where anyone can grab it, putting Americans in danger to be killed, should be held accountable," he said, according to The New York Times. "As far as Im concerned, it is treason and the penalty for treason is the firing squad -- or maybe its the electric chair now." Baldasaro in May defended the Trump campaign for having distributed $5.6 million to veterans charities. The money was raised during a fundraiser in January, though many large charitable donations had only been distributed in the week before the press conference detailing the gifts, the Associated Press reported. Secret Service spokesman Robert Hoback said the agency is aware of comments made by New Hampshire state Rep. Al Baldasaro and that it "will conduct the appropriate investigation," according to the newswire. A spokeswoman for Trump's campaign, Hope Hicks, told reporters that Baldasaro doesn't speak for the campaign, the AP reported. She didn't say whether he would continue to serve as a veterans adviser to the candidate. -- Richard Sisk and Hope Hodge Seck contributed to this report. -- Brendan McGarry can be reached at brendan.mcgarry@military.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Brendan_McGarry. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - When executives of Switch visited during ArtPrize last year with an eye toward building a regional data center in West Michigan, they fell in love with the international arts competition. This year, the Nevada-based company that is taking over the former Steelcase pyramid in Gaines Township will become a partner with ArtPrize. Switch will host an interactive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) educational experience at ArtPrize's HUB headquarters. During the 19-day event, "the STEAM Village powered by Switch will offer immersive technology applications and hands-on learning stations to thousands of students, families and ArtPrize visitors this fall," according to a news release. "We're thrilled to work alongside Switch through their leadership-level investment to bolster educational programming at ArtPrize Eight," said Christian Gaines, ArtPrize executive director. "This partnership is truly a natural fit, putting Switch and ArtPrize at the forefront of the STEAM conversation - further energizing economic development and expansion across the state, and catalyzing the art and creative communities in West Michigan." STEAM Village will transform the ArtPrize HUB soundstage at 41 Sheldon Boulevard SE into a learning lab, with experiential stations featuring Switch-funded Planet3 and Code.org software demonstrations, a virtual reality painting experience, tinkering stations. "The partnership of Switch and ArtPrize creates the perfect environment for bringing our passion around STEAM educational opportunities to life through hands-on immersive experiences and truly capturing the blend of technology with the creativity of art," said Adam Kramer, Switch executive vice president of strategy. "ArtPrize's investment in the development of educational programs like the STEAM Village powered by Switch are an outstanding addition to the local community and the type of economic development partnership that we are proud to support," Kramer said. "Art defines culture, inspires empathy, generates creative thinkers, and drives innovation. At ArtPrize, we support the STEAM approach to education - which includes art along with science, technology, engineering and math," said ArtPrize Education Manager Becca Guyette. "By teaming up with Switch, we can further explore, expand and execute STEAM-focused programs at ArtPrize that directly benefit our growing education initiatives for schools and families." The exhibit also will include Northwood Awakening, a stunning combination of photography and textile that captured visitors' imaginations and the $200,000 Public Vote Grand Prize in 2015. The STEAM Village will be open to the public daily from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. throughout the event. School groups visiting the event will have early access to the space before it opens to the public each day. ArtPrize Eight will run from Sept. 21 until Oct. 9. Switch is in the process of retrofitting the former Steelcase Corporate Development Center into a data center that will serve the eastern half of the United States. Over the next 10 years, Switch executives have said the project will create 1,000 jobs and $5 billion in new investment in West Michigan. Switch officials have estimated its overhaul of the facility will create about 300 construction jobs as it remodels the pyramid, and another 400 construction jobs as it builds new facilities on the property. RELATED: ArtPrize and weather helped land Switch for Michigan The impressive, 11,000-square-foot Agricultural Education Center was dedicated at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center (SVREC) near Frankenmuth, July 18. Equally impressive is that the $1 million-plus facility was completely funded by donations from agricultural industry stakeholders and friends. Joe Cramer Greening of the Great Lakes was on site for the dedication, and we talked with two of those stakeholders, Ray Van Driessche, director of community and government relations for the Michigan Sugar Company and Joe Cramer, executive director of the Michigan Bean Commission. Both leaders cite the efficacy of the long-standing partnership between their industries and Michigan State University as the key factor in their decision to support the new education center. "Strong MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension programs in the Saginaw Valley will help ensure the continued growth and well-being of the sugar beet production and processing industry," says Van Driessche. "We see this new facility as a way to further enhance and extend the work already underway at SVREC." Ray Van Driessche "There has always been a very close collaboration between MSU scientists and industry researchers at this facility," says Cramer. "Research and education are fundamental to maintaining and improving on the good work that has put the Michigan bean industry in a market-leading position, and the new educational center will pay dividends for years to come." According to Doug Buhler, director of MSU AgBioResearch and assistant vice president for research and graduate studies at MSU, the new building represents "a paradigm of how MSU's commitment to both the agricultural industry and stakeholder engagement can resonate in tangible ways that strengthen our programs." "The SVREC is a place where new, leading-edge research gets quickly transferred to the grower community, and this new facility is dedicated to that creation and transfer of knowledge." Kirk Heinze, Doug Buhler For complete interviews with Buhler, Van Driessche, Cramer and Dr. Christy Sprague, MSU professor of plant, soil and microbial sciences, who conducts research at SVREC, click on the arrows below. Doug Buhler Ray Van Driessche Joe Cramer Christy Sprague Christy Sprague Greening of the Great Lakes airs every Sunday evening at 7:00 on News/Talk 760 WJR and around the state each weekend via the Michigan Talk Network. Luke Marquardt.jpg The Lions are the third team to sign 6-foot-8, 315-pound Luke Marquardt. (AP Photo) ALLEN PARK, Mich. - The Detroit Lions have signed free agent offensive tackle Luke Marquardt, the club announced today. The 6-foot-8, 315-pound Marquardt was undrafted out of Azusa Pacific University, a Division II school near Los Angeles whose best-known player is former Kansas City Chiefs running back Christian Okoye. Marquardt has yet to play in an NFL game Marquardt originally signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2013 but missed the entire season after re-fracturing the same foot that caused him to miss his final college season. He signed with the New York Jets in April but was released. ANN ARBOR, MI - The driver was at fault in a car-pedestrian crash in Ann Arbor that left one person with leg injuries, police say. At 5:50 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, Ann Arbor Police responded to Plymouth Road and Bishop Street for a report a vehicle had collided with a pedestrian. Ann Arbor Police Lt. Renee Bush said one vehicle had stopped at a crosswalk with flashing yellow lights activated, when another vehicle traveling northeast did not stop at the crosswalk and hit the pedestrian crossing Plymouth Road. Huron Valley Ambulance transported one person in stable condition to the University of Michigan hospital, said HVA spokeswoman Joyce Williams. Police cited the driver for failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk, Bush said. Bush advised both drivers and pedestrians to remain aware of their surroundings. "If there are flashing lights, slow down," she said. "We don't want anybody hurt. We have a lot of people who walk in this city." ANN ARBOR, MI - A man and woman were taken to the University of Michigan hospital with non-life-threatening injuries following a head-on vehicle collision in Ann Arbor on Wednesday, July 20. The pair were in stable condition following the crash, said Joyce Williams, public affairs manager with Huron Valley Ambulance. Both the man and the woman were in the same vehicle at the time of the crash. No one else was injured in the accident. The incident occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, involving two silver sedans at the intersection of King George Boulevard and East Eisenhower Parkway. An Ann Arbor police officer said the female driver of the first sedan was traveling eastbound on Eisenhower Parkway when it collided head-on with the second sedan traveling southbound on King George Boulevard. Ann Arbor police could not confirm which vehicle had the right of way. The second sedan was carrying the pair transported to the hospital. The female driver of the first sedan said she was traveling with her three grandchildren, who were shaken by the accident, but did not sustain injuries. Ann Arbor police and fire responded to the incident. ANN ARBOR, MI -- A 35-year-old Ypsilanti Township man was ordered to serve up to 70 years in federal prison for multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct relating to a child pornography case involving a 4-year-old girl in his care. Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Archie C. Brown on Wednesday, July 20, sentenced Kevin M. Lambert to 40 to 70 years for six counts of first degree criminal sexual contact stemming from incidents between September and October of 2015. Lambert also was ordered to register with the Michigan Sex Offenders registry and must be subject to lifetime GPS monitoring. He must also not have any verbal, written or physical contact with the victim. Lambert will serve that sentence concurrently with a 40-year sentence handed down on July 14 by U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Edmunds. All child pornography cases are handled at the federal level, leaving Lambert's CSC charges in the care of local prosecutors. Lambert pleaded guilty to his six local charges on April 6. At his hearing Wednesday, defense attorney Douglas R. Mullkoff attempted to reduce Lambert's sentence for the CSC charges to the mandatory minimum of 25 years in federal prison, equating the charge to second-degree murder. He did so by describing Lambert as a disturbed man with various untreated mental health issues. Mullkoff alleged that Lambert attempted to seek help for those issues before and during the two months the accused was manufacturing and distributing sexually explicit images and videos of the young girl. "He understood he had a problem," Mullkoff said. "This is a troubling case, no doubt, but Kevin Lambert's crime does not define him. My belief is that as bad as this crime was, he didn't kill someone." Lambert's original pre-trial notes and information did not include any reported history of mental illness, something Mullkoff wanted changed before Lambert received his sentence. Lambert addressed Brown before hearing his sentence, saying he "was truly sorry for what he did." Both prosecutors and Brown weren't buying it. Prosecutors clearly defined Lambert as a child molester and a pedophile. They detailed his actions and messages on Kik app chat rooms. This included asking for advice and drugging the girl, later penetrating her with objects on multiple occasions. Prosecutors said that giving him a reduced concurrent sentence was absurd, and that he deserved the full 60 years originally sought by federal prosecutors. Local prosecutors initially suggested a sentence of 60 to 90 years. Brown said that "this court is not so naive to believe that a (4-year-old) would forget or won't appreciate what they've been through." "I know that's not the case," he said. "I can only imagine what (the girl) has had to suffer through and is suffering at this point." Brown argued that the girl's identity was disseminated in the process, and could open her up to decades worth of harassment and potential stalking, in addition to the pain suffered through the ordeal. "This leads the court to the conclusion that a minimum sentence is totally inappropriate given the circumstances," Brown said. "We cannot tolerate behavior such as this. Not only is the victim suffering, but all of society is suffering based on what you put her through." Fatal crash in Howell Michigan State Police took this photo of the vehicles involved in a fatal crash on I-96 in Howell Township on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (Courtesy | Michigan State Police) HOWELL TOWNSHIP, MI - Police have identified the 39-year-old Owosso man who died Wednesday, July 20, in a crash on I-96 as Jacob Shofner. Michigan State Police released his name Thursday after notifying family members. Shofner was driving a GMC box truck following a semitrailer westbound on I-96 near Highland Road in Howell Township. The 25-year-old semitrailer driver slowed, and Shofner's vehicle struck the back of the semitrailer, according to Michigan State Police. Police said drugs or alcohol were not factors in a crash. The Livingston County Sheriff's office, Livingston County EMS and the Howell Fire Department assisted at the scene. 15426987-standard.jpg U-M Regent Mark Bernstein. MLive file photo ANN ARBOR, MI - University of Michigan regent Mark Bernstein and his wife Rachel have withdrawn a $3 million gift they announced in April toward the construction of a new Trotter Multicultural Center. U-M President Mark Schlissel made the original announcement in his opening remarks of the Thursday, July 21, Board of Regents meeting, citing discussions administrators had in recent weeks regarding the naming of the building. Although Bernstein was unavailable for comment after the meeting, U-M Spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said the Bernsteins are reconsidering how to donate the money from the gift. "They are going to reconsider how to best use that support in some other way in the future," Fitzgerald said following the meeting. As the only building on the Ann Arbor campus named after an African-American, concerns were raised by members of the community that naming the new center Bernstein-Bendit Hall would not be a step in the right direction for multicultural efforts of inclusiveness across campus, Schlissel said. "We began to hear concerns from some members of our community who felt a sense of loss and diminishment from this action," Schlissel said during the meeting. "The original Trotter building, named after William Monroe Trotter, is the only building on Michigan's campus named after an African-American. For many, the building's name symbolizes the dedication of generations of Michigan students, faculty and staff who work to make our campus more diverse and inclusive. "I have deep respect for Mark and Rachel's efforts to listen carefully to these concerns and to engage in thoughtful discussions about the issue with community members across our campus," he added. "Given their desire to honor the Trotter house's legacy, they told me yesterday they were withdrawing their name and gift out of respect of the William Monroe Trotter name on the new building." Schlissel said the Bernsteins told him they would be working in the coming months to explore multicultural opportunities. "This experience reinforces how we must as a university do a better job of open and widely inclusive dialogue," Schlissel said. "As they always have, Mark and Rachel will continue to be strong supporters of Michigan and have modeled for us the kind of outreach and dialogue we need to foster greater levels of cross-cultural understanding and to achieve our shared goals as a diverse and inclusive community." Bernstein had announced the $3 million gift during the regents' regular meeting on April 21 along with his wife Rachel Bendit to help fund the new 20,000 square-foot multicultural center on UM's main campus. The regents voted to approve naming the new $10 million building Bernstein-Bendit Hall. Groundbreaking for the center is set to take place in the fall of 2016. the withdrawal of the gift will not impact the start of construction. Bernstein said he and his wife soon realized their gift, which was made with good intentions, was not the best way to build an inclusive campus society. "In our increasingly divided and divisive society, we feel not just motivated, but obligated, to stand publicly for a broad and inclusive approach to multiculturalism," Bernstein said. "That is why we made this gift - it was about enhancing and preserving Trotter while demonstrating for all to see, that multiculturalism in general and race in particular are not other people's issues, but a shared responsibility." Sideview of the William Monroe Trotter Multicultural Center at the University of Michigan. (The Ann Arbor News File Photo) "We know and appreciate that this is a complicated and challenging moment. Once the applause for the announcement of our gift quieted, we heard something else - voices on this campus that expressed deep, heartfelt concern about what is happening," Bernstein added. "What we believed to be a gift, others felt was a loss." The announcement comes following previous discussions between university administrators and members of the Black Student Union, about a week after the Regents approved the gift. Some students objected to naming the new center on social media following Bernstein's announcement of the gift, causing university officials to meet with students from the Black Student Union more than a week later. Schlissel sent out a letter to students detailing the university's plans regarding moving the Trotter Multicultural Center to the center of campus on South State Street, altering the building's name in the process following a meeting with students representing the BSU and Vice President Royster Harper on April 29. The Facebook page of the William Monroe Trotter Multicultural Center posted a rendering of what the sign would look like on April 22, displaying "Trotter Multicultural Center" on the signage listed above "Bernstein Bendit Hall." In his letter, Schlissel compared the dual naming on the sign to U-M's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, housed in Joan and Sanford Weill Hall. "It's still the Ford School, named after one of our most cherished alumni, but the building is named after two donors who helped us realize the vision for the new facility," Schlissel wrote. "Both the Trotter Multicultural Center and Bernstein-Bendit names will be featured on exterior signage." Schlissel lauded the new location for the Trotter Center, while explaining the rationale behind the naming of the building. "Universities frequently work with donors to enhance or build physical facilities, and thus advance the mission of the school or center within," Schlissel wrote. "Gifts of this type must be approved by our Board of Regents, and details are released only after a vote is taken. In both the Ford and Trotter cases, the donors shared U-M's vision for what their gifts could do for our campus." The University of Michigan's Board of Regents approved the construction of the 20,000-square-foot Multicultural Center in December 2015. The approval came after several years of students asking the university for an up-to-date cultural gathering place that wasn't as far from campus as the current Trotter Multicultural Center on Washtenaw Avenue. The new center will be built on a vacant site behind the Betsey Barbour House and Helen Newberry Residence, two smaller residence halls near William Street that face Maynard Street. First Day of Vicksburg Schools04 A kindergartner boards a school bus. The Washtenaw Intermediate School District is running a CEO incubator for the state School Reform Office to offer support for CEOs appointed to oversee persistently low-performing schools. (MLive file photo) ANN ARBOR, MI - The Washtenaw Intermediate School District will have a hand in preparing state-appointed CEOs to intervene in Michigan's lowest-performing schools. The CEO concept is new for Michigan, and it's been met with resistance from East Detroit Public Schools, where a CEO has been given authority over academics at four of the district's schools. In May, the school district successfully sought a temporary restraining order to prevent the state takeover, and this week the judge extended that until July 28. Robert Harvey This is the first time the state's School Reform Office has used its authority to appoint a CEO for a school. The dispute between East Detroit Public Schools and its appointed CEO stems from disagreements over how much authority the CEO should have. Meanwhile, the WISD will help train Robert Harvey so he can train other potential school CEOs. WISD Superintendent Scott Menzel said the agreement with the School Reform Office aligns with the ISD's commitment to provide technical expertise for the benefit of students. The School Reform Office has previously worked with the WISD to collect student data for low-performing schools and to encourage teachers to pursue national board certification. The CEO incubator contract runs for six months and the School Reform Office will pay Harvey's $71,400 salary for that time. Harvey's work experience includes assistant principal at Mount Airy Elementary School in Maryland; principal at Detroit School of Arts, which is part of Detroit Public Schools; and director of budget and new schools for the Education Achievement Authority. At the WISD, Harvey will delve into creating common assessments to track students' mastery of academic standards and provide support for school CEOs as they develop 90-day plans for their school districts and gather input from stakeholders. School Reform Officer Natasha Baker said her office has been interested in common assessment work for a long time, recognizing consistent assessments as a key factor in raising student achievement in low-income areas. "The contract is designed to provide an opportunity for an extraordinarily results-driven leader to work under the leadership of a quality organization," Baker said. "WISD has proved to be a credible organization. Scott Menzel is an incredible leader and has offered up the opportunity for us to do this work together." The mission of the School Reform Office, Baker said, is to turn "priority schools" into some of the highest-performing schools in the state. Priority schools are ranked among the bottom 5 percent in the state. "It's not enough for priority schools to just get off the list," she said. "We want kids to have competitive choices when they graduate from high school." In 2015, Gov. Rick Snyder moved the School Reform Office from the Michigan Department of Education to the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, which is under Snyder's authority unlike the MDE. Snyder was seeking a more active approach to addressing the challenges at priority schools that hadn't shown significant improvement in five years, according to his office at the time the move was announced. Since 2010, the School Reform Office has ranked all Michigan schools annually and those that fall in the bottom 5 percent have four years to develop and implement a reform plan and hopefully move off the priority list. More than 300 schools have been placed on the priority list since 2010, and 184 of them remained on the list as of February, according to the School Reform Office. Current priority schools in Washtenaw County include: Lincoln High School, Holmes Elementary School, Ypsilanti Community Middle School and Ypsilanti New Tech High School. In addition to the option of appointing a school CEO, the state can assign an emergency manager to take over a school district's financial decisions or make a local district part of a statewide school reform district, which was previously run by the Education Achievement Authority. BAY CITY, MI - Carly Peil was excited for the world's largest Viking ship's stop in Bay City for the 2016 Tall Ship Celebration, but never figured she'd have the opportunity become a member of the crew and sail the Great Lakes. "When I heard they were coming all the way from Norway I was on their website everyday seeing where they were," she said. Peil, 20, a Saginaw Valley State University student, was working at Harless + Hugh Coffee when the crew from the Draken Harald Harfagre stopped by for coffee and wireless internet, allowing her to meet the sailors and hear stories about life on a tall ship. With an interest in dabbling as a sailor herself, she began joking with the crew about joining them on their next leg. But things soon became a bit more serious. The crew is split 50-50 with volunteers and professional crew members. Last December, the Draken started looking for volunteers and received more than 4,000 applications from all over the world in a two-week period. "What are the actual odds of me doing this?" Peil thought. She inquired a bit more about the opportunity and then on Tuesday, July 19, the night before the Draken's departure, Peil received word from the captain she would be able to join them. "I was super excited," she told The Times from a coffee shop in Alpena. "I'm their first official hitchhiker." Peil set sail Wednesday morning with the Draken. She's already been pulled into the sailor life. "I'm on the starboard watch," she said, "I've learned to tie knots, work parts of the ship and hoist the sail." "For someone who is new to it, it can be a strong experience," said Karin Gafvelin, a professional crewmember aboard the Draken Harald Harfagre. The Draken docked in Alpena Wednesday night, offering deck tours in the Northern Michigan town Thursday morning. Their next stop is Beaver Island. Her voyage ends in a week when the Draken docks in Chicago for the Tall Ships event there. "I've already been on a day but I don't want to get off," Peil said. Her first night ended with the crew laying on the deck looking at the stars. Sassy the schnauzer LANSING, MI -- A Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction and sentence of a Bay City man who spilled scalding water on a schnauzer, then killed it by repeatedly running over it. The three-judge panel comprising Donald S. Owens, Stephen L. Borrello, and Colleen A. O'Brien on Tuesday, July 19, issued their ruling on the appeal filed by Aaron A. Bellor. Bellor was convicted by a Bay County jury in February 2015 of felony unlawfully killing an animal and misdemeanor failing to provide an animal with adequate care. The following month, Bay County Circuit Judge Kenneth W. Schmidt sentenced Bellor, then 23, to 180 days in jail, an additional 180 days deferred, and three years of probation. The judge also ordered Bellor to $500 in court fines and $250 in restitution. During Bellor's trial, Bay County Assistant Prosecutor Jeff Stroud argued Bellor on the morning of Jan. 22, 2014, took a schnauzer named Sassy to rural Portsmouth Township and ran her over at least twice, killing her. Defense counsel Edward M. Czuprynski maintained Bellor did this as an act of euthanasia, as he had accidentally spilled boiling water on Sassy earlier that morning and panicked. Not knowing what else to do with the suffering dog, Bellor took her to a secluded area and euthanized her with his car, Czuprynski argued. In April 2015, Bellor appealed the matter on two issues. First, he argued Judge Schmidt's answers to several questions from the jury during deliberations tainted the juror's impartiality. Second, he challenged the state's statutory restitution scheme, saying it was unconstitutional as it allows a judge to order restitution based on facts a jury didn't find beyond a reasonable doubt. "On appeal, defendant specifically takes issue with the trial court's response to the following two concerns raised by the jury after several hours of deliberations," the Court of Appeals' decision reads. "One, 'At any point, can an owner decide the fate of a pet?' and, two, 'We are in disagreement as to whether a pet owner is free to use his/her own judgment in determining when a pet should or can be put down.'" "In response," the decision continued, "the trial court eventually responded with the following instruction: 'In considering the meaning of just cause, I instruct you that the purpose of the law is to ensure that animals are treated humanely. The law does not allow a person to kill an animal in any manner he or she deems appropriate. You must consider the manner in which the animal is killed in determining whether the killing was done without just cause or excuse.'" In his appeal, Bellor argued the judge's instruction was "completely unresponsive to the jury's question" and that Schmidt "clearly implied to the jury that the defendant's chosen method of euthanasia indicated there was not 'just cause' and that the jury should conclude there was not 'just cause' as well." The Court of Appeals found Schmidt did not err in his responses to the jury's questions. As a result, the court would not reverse Bellor's convictions. The court also disagreed with Bellor's argument that the state's statutory restitution scheme is unconstitutional. Thus, the court affirmed Bellor's sentence. During Bellor's sentencing, Judge Schmidt said he didn't believe that the scalding of the dog was accidental. "The actions you took that morning suggest to me you're not telling the truth," he said. "Lying to your fiancee about what happened to the dog, going to a remote area of the country to get rid of the dog, releasing it into subzero weather and then running it over with a motor vehicle not once but more than once to kill the dog, to euthanize the dog. "I don't have to buy the argument you and Mr. Czuprynski make. If it wasn't an accident to begin with, it's a terrible act, a terrible thing that you did. If it were an accident, then maybe the words would not be so hollow, but it my opinion, it wasn't an accident. "Guess what? The jury didn't believe you either." ROSCOMMON, MI -- A middle school teacher accused of having sex with a student has pleaded guilty to charges in one Michigan county, but still has an open case in a neighboring county. Vaughn J. Canamore, 31, on Tuesday, July 19, appeared before Roscommon County Circuit Judge Charles D. Corwin and pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a student. The charge involves penetration and is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. In exchange for his plea, the prosecution agreed to dismiss six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, a life offense. Canamore's Roscommon County trial was to begin Thursday, Aug. 4. Judge Corwin is set to sentence Canamore at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6. In neighboring Ogemaw County, Canamore remains charged with four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim between the ages of 13 and 16. His trial was set to begin Thursday, July 21, but has been adjourned with a pretrial set for Wednesday, Aug. 10. The alleged victim was a student at Charlton Heston Academy in St. Helen, where Canamore was a teacher, police have said. The school is in Roscommon County, but Canamore resides in West Branch, within Ogemaw County. Prosecutors have been tight-lipped on the case, not divulging the age of the victim, if there was more than one victim, how the allegations came to light, or how long the criminal conduct spanned. Roscommon County Prosecutor Mark D. Jernigan, through a staffer in his office, declined to comment on the case when called by The Times on July 21. BAY CITY, MI -- A Wisconsin sex offender accused of flashing two girls at a Bay County Walmart has been offered a plea deal. Prosecutors have offered to not bring any additional charges against 41-year-old Joel A. Zahnow if he pleads guilty or no contest to the lone count he already faces, that being aggravated indecent exposure. The offer states Zahnow would also be subject to a third offense sentencing enhancement, as well as consecutive sentencing with crimes for which he is on probation. Aggravated indecent exposure involves fondling one's genitals, whereas standard indecent exposure is merely displaying genitals, Michigan law states. The former is a high-court misdemeanor punishable by up to two years incarceration and a $2,000 fine, while the latter is a one-year misdemeanor. Zahnow on Wednesday, July 20, appeared before Bay County District Judge Timothy J. Kelly for a scheduled preliminary examination. Rather than proceed with that, though, Zahnow waived his right to the hearing, as defense attorney Bruce K. Mannikko said his client is considering accepting the plea deal. Mannikko also requested his client receive a Cobbs hearing. In such a hearing, a judge outlines the likely sentence should a defendant be convicted. Judge Kelly bound Zahnow's case over to Circuit Court for further proceedings. Zahnow's alleged offense occurred about 4:25 p.m. Thursday, June 30, in the Walmart at 3921 E. Wilder Road in Bangor Township. At the arraignment, Bay County Assistant Prosecutor Bernard J. Coppolino said Zahnow followed and spoke with two 7-year-old girls before flashing them. Bay County Undersheriff Troy Cunningham previously said the girls were in the toy aisle while their mother was in an adjacent aisle. The girls told their mother what had occurred, and the mother told store security, who were unable to immediately locate the man. Investigating police had an idea Zahnow was the culprit by the following morning, Cunningham previously said. Deputies located and arrested Zahnow later that day. Records indicate Zahnow in October 2007 was sentenced to 10 years of probation in Wisconsin's Ozaukee County after being convicted of two counts of possessing child pornography. The charge is a 25-year felony in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections' website indicates Zahnow must register as a sex offender until Oct. 3, 2032. The site also states Zahnow is compliant in his registration, having last registered his Bay City address on May 2. As a sex offender, Zahnow was already prohibited from having contact with any child besides his own. At his arraignment, Zahnow told Judge Kelly he has been employed in Bangor Township for five or six years. Zahnow is being held in the Bay County Jail on a $100,000 cash-surety bond. His next court date is pending. BAY CITY, MI - On a warm, sunny evening in downtown Bay City, the Spanish ship El Galeon Andalucia sailed into the sunset and toward Chicago Wednesday, July 20. The Spanish ship, which left the dock along Wenonah Park around 6:40 p.m., stayed in Bay City for a few extra days to raise more funds for its voyage. The El Galeon Andalucia is participating in the Tall Ships Challenge with tall ships from around the world, including the Draken Harald Harfagre Viking tall ship. The rest of the Tall Ships Challenge route includes stops in Green Bay, Wis., Duluth, Minn., and Erie, Pa. DETROIT -- A Detroit physician's license to practice has been suspended due to the alleged overprescribing of "commonly abused" controlled substances. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs announced the suspension of Willie J. Pettiway in a news release Wednesday, July 20. LARA reportedly served Pettiway the suspension on July 15, according to the release. "LARA filed an Administrative Complaint in this matter, which includes allegations that Dr. Pettiway overprescribed commonly abused and diverted controlled substances, such as hydrocodone and alprazolam, without medical necessity," the release reads. "The complaint further alleges that Dr. Pettiway put patients at risk of overdose by frequently prescribing dangerous, high strength combinations of opiates and benzodiazepines." Pettiway's office is located at 8251 W. 8 Mile Road in Detroit. Michael Loepp, a spokesperson for the LARA, said the bureau was tipped off by someone who alleged Pettiway "may have overprescribed controlled substances to a patient who died from a drug overdose." There were no criminal charges against Pettiway as of Wednesday evening, according to a PACER search. Tension between dozens of Detroit police and more than 100 protesters culminated with six arrests but no violence Wednesday night. "We don't respect laws that don't respect us," "Hey, hey, ho, ho, these racist cops have got to go," and "We don't need 'em, need 'em; back up, back up, we want freedom, freedom, from these racist-ass cops," were among the chants. They were demanding the firing of Detroit Police Officer Joseph Weekley, who killed 7-year-old Aiyana Jones during a March 16, 2010 raid. After two trials, charges against the officer were dismissed and he returned to active duty last year. Wednesday would have been Aiyana's 14th birthday. Police vehicles with flashing lights shut down West Grande near the protest site. A Detroit fire truck and EMS ambulance arrived at the scene. Shortly before 8 p.m. with their hands full of plastic restraints, a couple dozen police gathered at a nearby corner. In a single-file line, the police calmly pierced the bulging crowd and created a barrier on the edge of the public sidewalk ordering protesters to stand back. "We ask that you move out of the way," one of the officers said through a mobile loud speaker as they approached. "We will not harm anyone ... All of those who are chained are going to be taken into custody." The crowd continued chanting, "We love you; we, we love you," as police began arresting protesters chained to the facility. "We will not harm anyone during this process," the officer with the microphone said. "No one will be harmed. They will be taken to the Detroit Detention Center." The arrested protesters were escorted to police cars waiting in the road nearby. Detroit firefighters used extraction tools to remove some of the thick chains wrapped around and padlocked to the protesters. Shortly after, the crowd began disperse and organizers said they intended to drive to the Detention Center nearly seven miles away and await the release of those who were arrested. Police said the arrested would be charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Organizers said seven were taken into custody, but Detroit Police Officer Jennifer Moreno said records indicate there were six arrested. Black Youth Project 100, a national advocacy organization for black youth, organized similar anti-police-violence rallies Wednesday in Chicago, Washington D.C. and New York City. Streamed videos from BYP100 rallies The rally began when Mertilla Jones, the grandmother of Aiyana, spoke to protesters at Pallister Park, located several blocks from the police precinct, beginning at 6 p.m. "We know Officer Weekley hasn't paid for his crimes," Jones said said. Weekley was charged with manslaughter and misdemeanor careless discharge of a firearm. His first trial ended in a mistrial when the jury couldn't reach a unanimous verdict. Wayne County Circuit Judge Cynthia Gray Hathaway at the conclusion of Weekley's second trial in 2014 dismissed the manslaughter charge and the jury again deadlocked on the remaining misdemeanor. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in 2015 she wouldn't pursue a third trial. Aiyana was sleeping beneath a Disney "Hannah Montana" blanket on a couch with her grandmother when police entered. Weekley led Detroit's SWAT team into a home on Lillibidge in Detroit about 2 a.m. in search of homicide suspect Chauncey Owens, who would later be arrested on the second-floor unit of the duplex. Weekley testified he didn't initially realize his gun had fired or struck Aiyana in the head. He found out after clearing another bedroom and returning to the family room where Aiyana's distraught grandmother cradled her. Weekley said Jones tried to snatch his gun, causing the gun to fire. Other officers who followed closely behind Weekley into the cramped room testified they didn't see what happened. "I was nowhere near the front door when he came through," Jones told protesters Wednesday. "I watched the light leave out of Aiyana's eyes." 13775400_1281391435234614_4534514486918556779_n.jpg (Fulton County Sheriff's Department of Ohio) FULTON COUNTY, OHIO -- A 20-year-old Ohio woman's whereabouts remain unknown two days after she was last seen near the Michigan-Ohio border. Sierah Joughin was last seen in the area near Evergreen School District in Ohio, which is about 80 miles south of Detroit and less than 10 miles from the state border. The area Sierah Joughin was last seen around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 19. She was last seen around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 19 wearing shorts, a neon tank top and neon shoes while riding a purple bicycle, police report. She is listed by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office as 5-foot-5, 130 pounds, brown hair to the middle of her back with brown eyes. Joughin was reported missing by her family after not returning home Tuesday night. Fulton County Police Lt. Max Nofziger told People Magazine that police are attempting to track the 20-year-old's location by using her FitBit wristband and cell phone. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 419-335-4010 ext. 8. FOX 2 News reports that Michigan State Police Troopers are assisting with the search. DETROIT, MI -- Detroit police say six protesters spent multiple hours in jail Wednesday night after being arrested for disorderly conduct during a protest. Those arrested chained and locked themselves to the Detroit Police Department Third Precinct and refused police orders they detach themselves. More than 100 people participated in the protest demanding the firing of Detroit Police Officer Joseph Weekley, who shot and killed 7-year-old Aiyana Jones on May 16, 2010 during a police raid at a home in Detroit. Wednesday, July 20, would have been Aiyana's 14th birthday. Detroit Police Officer Jennifer Moreno said the six arrested were issued misdemeanor citations and given court dates to return for arraignment. "Those who were arrested were cooperative and taken into custody without incident," Detroit police said in a Facebook statement Wednesday. "As a constitutional policing agency, we reserve and respect the right to the First Amendment and peaceful assembly. "Nevertheless, we must uphold the law and maintain peace and order within our communities." The protest was one of several coordinated by a group named Black Youth Project 100, which also conducted simultaneous protests in Washington D.C., New York and Chicago, all denouncing various acts of police violence. Black Lives Matter Detroit also assisted planning the protest. "We don't respect laws that don't respect us," "Hey, hey, ho, ho, these racist cops have got to go," and "We don't need 'em, need 'em; back up, back up, we want freedom, freedom, from these racist-ass cops," were some of the chants recited by protesters in Detroit Wednesday. GRAND BLANC TWP, MI -- Michigan State Police pitched in their help for a special cause Wednesday during Camp Quality being held at Camp Copneconic in Genesee County. Troopers showed campers some of the equipment they use for their jobs, including demonstrations featuring a K-9 unit, bomb squad truck and robot, as well as handing out some treats to campers. Camp Quality is a summer camp program for children with cancer between 4-17 years old. Funded entirely by donations, the program utilizes Camp Copneconic for its South Camp and Lake Ann Camp & Retreat Center as its North Camp. GENESEE TWP, MI - Robert Cheatham came to listen to what potential ideas residents and police could provide to remedy the issues taking place between the groups of late. Cheatham was one of dozens in attendance during a forum Wednesday evening at New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church at Saginaw and Carpenter roads where Michigan State Police, Flint police, Genesee County Sheriff's Office and local clergy addressed the crowd's questions on the matter. Questions ranged from the use of body cameras, how to let an officer know you have a concealed weapon, what departments are doing to improve community relations, and what's being done to protect citizen's rights. In addressing diversity with Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell, sheriff's deputies, and Flint officers, Pastor Jeffrey Hawkins of Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church said the dialogue has opened up his eyes and he's seen the difference it's made in law enforcement in the community based on frank discussions. "We should all be treated equal we shouldn't all be judged on those prejudices that as we know plague our lives," he said, seeing tears in some officers eyes as they are opened up to the reality of issues taking place in residents' lives. It's important to have those conversations and Flint Police Chief Tim Johnson hopes to reinstall some community policing efforts that would have officers on foot patrols in areas of Flint to speak directly with residents and build up respect so when they have to deal with police or head to the department for an issue "it's like it's their house, not just our house." Part of maintaining that relationship means holding police officers accountable when they make a mistake, Johnson said, a sentiment that's fostered some distrust and animosity towards police in the country. "I think that's why we're sitting here today having this conversation," he said, while adding on a side note the city may soon add nearly 20 officers in a hiring push over the next few weeks that may aid in the community policing plans. Building those relationships includes having a police force representative of the community a person lives in, something Michigan State Police Lieutenant Tom Kish of the Flint post said they are working on right now with Youth Leadership Academies to recruit young people, in particular African-Americans. "Given this current political climate, this is not a time people are attracted to the law enforcement, community, especially people of color," admitted Kish, pointing a finger at the media whom he said is fanning the flames of racism. "I want that diversity and I hear you when you say that." The first step needed to make real change, Cheatham said, is to admit there's an issue and he wanted to hear that during the evening. "You've got to own up to the problem. There's a big elephant floating around and nobody's owning up to it," he said. "You can't keep your head in the sand all the time. That's what a lot of people are doing." Addressing the police shootings and officer deaths in recent weeks, Johnson called it a tragedy and that all lives matters. "Our goal is to make sure that we let you guys know that we appreciate you and appreciate your support," he said, noting the gifts that have come into the department of late, the handshakes and words of support from residents. "It's good to see our citizens in this community respect us enough to say thank you. Let me say, thank you. I appreciate you guys." Two tin mines in Tanintharyi Region have been suspended by the local government for failing to follow the Mining Law and causing environmental damage. The Heinda and Bawapin mines have long been opposed by local communities, who have accused the companies of polluting water supplies and ruining farmland. At the end of June, state-run No 2 Mining Enterprise ordered Thailands Myanmar Pongpipat Company, which operates Heinda tin ore mining project, and Eastern Mining Company, which runs Bawapin mine, to stop work. U Myint Maung, Tanintharyi Region minister for natural resources and environmental conservation, said the two companies failed to keep the terms of their contracts, broke mining laws and damaged the environment. We formed an inspection group on June 3 after receiving many complaints about the mines in the Dawei area, he told The Myanmar Times. We found that the companies were breaking certain laws, so we submitted a recommendation to the central government, which has directed them to suspend operations until they can prove they are following the law. Myanmar Pongpipat has already asked to reopen its mine, and claimed to have stopped all illegal activity, he said, and is now testing operations at two of its four sites. We are monitoring the company closely during this testing period. If we find something improper, they will have to stop again. Once we have checked these two mines, we will check the other two, U Myint Maung said. Since the current government took office in April, more than 10 mining companies have come to the regional government office asking for new mining permits, he said, but none will be given out until existing disputes are solved. Our chief minister has said we will tackle all the mining issues before we give any new recommendations to applicants. If the companies already operating mines do not follow the laws, it will be difficult for new companies to get mining permits in the future. A township committee has refused to renew the operating licence for a military conglomerate-owned acid factory that civil society groups say is damaging local villagers health. But regional officials are unsure whether this will be enough to stop the plant operating. The factory was built dangerously close to Kankone village in Sagaing Regions Salingyi township, where residents have long reported respiratory, skin and eye problems because of factory emissions, an Amnesty International report released yesterday said. Military conglomerate Union of Myanmar Economic Holding Limited (UMEHL) built the Moe Gyo Sulphuric Acid Factory in 2007 to serve two copper mines Letpadaung and the Sabetaung and Kyisintaung mine. UMEHL operates these in partnership with Chinese firm Wanbao Mining Company. In May, a factory representative approached U Ko Ko Naing, the recently elected chair of the new Salingyi township development committee, and asked him to renew the factorys licence, U Ko Ko Naing told The Myanmar Times. The township committee extension requires a raft of documentation including environmental and health certification from village officials, which were not forthcoming, he said. The factory representative approached U Ko Ko Naing at the beginning and again at the end of May, but was refused the extension on both occasions, he added. U Ko Ko Naing did not comment on why certification was not given, but local resident U Aung Soe said local officials had refused to give their approval. The village is constantly fighting pollution from the factory, which had recently forced a local school to close, he added. Villagers have railed against the factory and the Letpadaung mine for years through often bloody protests in an infamous response to a 2012 demonstration police used white phosphorous that left many protesters with burns. The mine restarted operations on May 5 to widespread protests from villagers, who demanded that the conclusions of a 2013 parliamentary inquiry recommending the project continue only with better transparency and an environmental impact plan be formally adopted. Sagaing Region MP U Thein Naing said he was aware that U Ko Ko Naing had not extended the factorys licence, but was unsure of what the outcome would be. Municipal law requires township committee approval for the operating licence, but the authorities would likely take into account both the foreign investment situation as well as local law, he said. The factory is operating with permission from the Ministry of Industry under an initial three-year test run, which expires in October, U Ko Ko Naing said. UMEHL only obtained permission to operate the factory in 2013, after the parliamentary inquiry led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi found that it had been built without permission from local authorities, according to Amnesty International. A local official told Amnesty International that the Directorate of Industrial Supervision and Inspection a body under the Ministry of Industry was allowing the factory to run, even though it lacked a licence from the township committee. U Than Htay, a spokesperson for Sagaing Region Chief Minister U Than Htay, said the Sagaing government would like to relocate the factory away from the village, but that it had no power to either stop it operating or relocate the plant. That was a decision for the Union government, he said, because the licence to operate the factory had been granted by the then-Ministry of Mines now the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation. U Win Htein, director general of the Department of Mines, told The Myanmar Times that the permit to build the factory had been granted by the Ministry of Industry. But he suggested the factorys operations are covered by the licence it has to operate the Letpadaung mine. U Win Htein added that the Sagaing Region government has the power to stop the factory on environmental grounds, but that it would need to collect detailed evidence from qualified environmentalists and submit the request to the government. Amnesty International business and human rights researcher Mark Dummett, who visited Sagaing in June, said the township council has been in touch with members of civil society group the Myanmar Alliance for Transparency and Accountability (MATA) and wants an environmental assessment. A MATA spokesperson told The Myanmar Times the organisation is helping Salingyi township representatives put together a presentation on the environmental damage the factory is causing, which will be presented to the upper and lower houses of parliament later this month. Sagaing Region MP U Thein Naing said it would be difficult to prove environmental damage without the means to accurately measure air pollution. A UMEHL spokesperson said yesterday he did not have time to comment, while Wanbao could not immediately be reached for comment. Its hard not to double-take when driving into the Sagaing town of Monywa. All the usual roadside sights blur past: jackfruit stalls, bullock carts, shirtless men playing chinlone. But then, towering high over the farmland, stands a colossal 116-metre (380-foot) statue of the Buddha. The Laykyun Setkyar Buddha is big. Its hard not to overstate this. Receiving surprisingly little attention outside the region, the gold and white figure is actually the second-largest statue in the world (piped by Chinas Spring Temple Buddha, at 128 metres). For context, it dwarfs the 46 metre Statue of Liberty in New York and the mere 30-metre Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Reportedly, it took 12 years to complete and was officially opened in 2008. The statue is just outside Monywa, a three-hour drive west from Mandalay, in the Maha Bodhi Ta Htaung complex (roughly translating to a thousand great bodhi trees). Not only are there thousands of these trees but also thousands of other Buddhas, including an equally-impressive 100 metre reclining Buddha. But the sheer size of the Laykyun Setkyar Buddha isnt the only attraction. Visitors are invited inside the statue, where they can walk up some of the 31 floors (which allegedly refer to the 31 planes of existence in Theravada theology). The first few levels are covered with some of the most gruesome religious art this reporter has seen anywhere in Myanmar. A naked blonde demonic figure eats babies off a banana leaf. Scores of horned creatures mash humans with hammers before throwing them into pits of fire. Psychedelic wild animals chew on limbs. Think a co-production between Hieronymus Bosch and Quentin Tarantino. Further up, panels begin to show a clear didactic succession: if you do sinful pursuit X, you will end up with horrible fate Y. Drunkenly accost a woman and you will be boiled in a giant cooking pot (along with your friends). Hit a monk and a pointy-eared, fanged being will beat then burn you. Fire an arrow at an animal and you will share the same fate. The list goes on. Myanmar expert at the University of Oxford Matthew Walton told The Myanmar Times that these floors likely depict the hell realms of Buddhism. It often surprises people to learn that some Buddhists believe not only in heaven and hell but in multiple heavens and hells, he said. [Depictions like these] are intended to serve exactly the same purpose as depictions of hell and suffering in the Christian tradition, namely encouraging people to behave well and to avoid actions that would bring demerit or sins. Other Theravada experts believe the scenes in the Laykyun Setkyar Buddha show a layer of hell called a hot naraka where all sorts of torments are inflicted, such as burning, crushing and cutting. They believe it is here where one reaps the consequence of past bad deeds. The effect of witnessing such warnings appeared mixed. Some visitors seemed genuinely shocked by the nature of the art, while others were more preoccupied taking selfies with a human kebab. Looking for more photos of mythological carnage? Okay, here you go: Want to study abroad? Heres your chance. United World Colleges is a network of international schools that offers students the chance to study abroad at colleges around the world. New schools have recently been established in Dilijan, Armenia; Changshu, China; and Freiburg, Germany. Each school unites a couple hundred students, aged 16 to 19, who together represent more than 50 nationalities. Students attend a UWC for two years, taking up the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP). UWC has changed my life and my opinion on a lot of things such as race, gender and religion, said Sue Hsan, who graduated from the Li Po Chun school in Hong Kong in 2013. Sue Hsan was accepted into UWC in 2011, becoming the first female to attend a UWC from Myanmar. She said that her education in Myanmar was not the best and felt frustrated by the narrow range of careers young women are encouraged to pursue. We dont really have a lot of chances to figure out what we really want to do with our future and career, she said. Most Myanmar students learn through the government education system, which tends to focus on rote textbook learning. Students take a limited set of subjects, highly focused on core areas such as math, science and literature. Tha Lang Len, who will graduate from the Maastrict school in the Netherlands in 2017, told The Myanmar Times that UWC offered her a chance to learn in a new way. Education in Myanmar is more about absorbing facts, she said. In UWC, it is more about producing self-understanding and creativity. The Baccalaureate program requires students to take subjects across multiple disciplines, including ones such as humanities and art not covered in Myanmars curricula. In addition to academics, students are also encouraged to participate in an extensive extra-curricular activities program and service initiatives. Khin Myint Myat Zin, who graduated from the Atlantic school in Wales this year, said that she was involved in many different activities while in UWC including eco-fashion design, yoga, and model United Nations. She also volunteered her time helping refugees in Cardiff through an English-teaching program. It was a fulfilling experience. I became more tolerant and open-minded a global citizen, Khin said. UWC tuition fees can cost up to US$60,000. However, most students at the colleges are on partial or full scholarships. Last year, four partial and full scholarships were awarded to Myanmar high school students through the UWC Myanmar National Committee at Thabyay Education. The next application season will close on January 31. The application process is rigorous. It starts with a written application, after which selected applicants are asked to take an aptitude test. Candidates who achieve adequate scores will be invited to attend selection activities and interviews. After graduation, some students go on to continue their studies abroad, including in the United States. The National Committee, which helps select the students chosen for UWC schools, hopes that students will later return to Myanmar and use what they have learnt abroad to give back to society. I have become more enthusiastic to help other people and work for a good cause, says Khin Myint Myat. Nearly 70 Myanmar workers who had languished in immigration detention centres in Malaysia were welcomed home yesterday, the third group to be repatriated in honour of the state counsellors 71st birthday. So far, 214 Myanmar citizens from camps around Malaysia have received paid trips home, according to U San Win, chair of the Kepong Free Funeral Services, including 62 in the first group, 84 in the second and 68 in the third. A further 120 paid for their own airfare. The repatriations began on July 13, and U San Win added that the returns will continue so long as donations are maintained. Now, we have funding for over 250 people to return. We already handed over the funds to the embassy so officials could arrange the trip, said U San Win. He added that the embassy had determined which of the detained citizens to repatriate. In a statement yesterday, the Myanmar embassy in Kuala Lumpur pledged to continue assisting with the repatriations, prioritising those who had spent a lengthy period in the detention centres. By the embassys estimate, almost 2000 Myanmar migrant workers are detained in Malaysia, with over 300 having already served their sentences but unable to return home because they have no money. While the embassy had pledged to consider returning women, children and elderly citizens first, only two children and 36 women have so far been included in the repatriations. The embassy has been giving CI [certificates of identity] to detained Myanmar workers as quickly as possible and trying its best to send them back home, the embassys statement said. As they made their way through the Yangon airport yesterday, some reuniting with waiting relatives, many of the repatriated workers told The Myanmar Times they were unwell, dealing with swelling pains and issues associated with malnutrition due to a lack of food provided in detention. Ko Saw Thinn, 32, spent over a year at the Bukit Jalil Immigration Depot. He said he has had leg pain for seven months, but never had a chance to see a doctor, despite requesting treatment. Many are suffering from similar conditions at the detention facility where I was held, he said. During the time I was there, I saw more than 10 detained Myanmar workers die. U Than Tun, 42, was held for five months at the Belantik immigration detention centre in Kedah. He was among the first group to be repatriated on July 13. The centre is like hell, he said. I saw a few people go crazy because they could not endure the centres conditions, he said. For the third round of returns, the Myanmar embassy in Malaysia approved documents for 63 workers at the Bukit Jalil Depot, 26 from the Semrnyih Detention Centre and 30 from Lenggeng centre, 68 of whom were given funding for their return. State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has accepted an invite from Barack Obama to visit the United States, the government said today, the first time the pair will meet since last November's landmark elections. She accepted the invitation and will discuss a visit there at a mutually convenient time, Daw Aye Aye Soe, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson told AFP. The invitation reinforces Daw Aung San Suu Kyis primacy on the international stage as she continues to be technically barred from leading her government. Despite the National League for Democracy's landslide victory in last November's elections, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is banned from being president by a junta-era constitution. over an amendment to constitution. Negotiations over amending clause 59(f) during the political transition at the beginning of this year remained unsettled. Instead she took on the role of Foreign Minister and created a new position of for herself as "state counsellor". She has also appointed a long term friend and ally, U Htin Kyaw, to be a proxy president, in March. It is not clear when the visit will take place but it is expected to occur before Obama leaves office as American voters head to the polls in November. "President Obama has six months of his term left and they would like to maintain good relations between our two countries," Aye Aye Soe said. Ben Rhodes, Obama's Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications, delivered the invitation on Wednesday during a visit to the capital Naypyidaw. Obama and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi first met in 2012 shortly after the veteran dissident was released from house arrest where she had spent much of the last two decades under junta rule. Mr Obama also met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi during a visit to Myanmar in 2014 and at her lakeside home in Yangon, where he criticised the constitutional provision barring her from the presidency. Before she can head to the US, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is attending the 49th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting and other related meetings which will kick off July 24 in Laos, this years ASEAN chair. Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein posted on his official Facebook page yesterday that the state counsellor had arrived safely at Yangon International Airport for her departure. The Food and Drug Administration is attributing a decrease in potentially toxic food additives to bi-weekly tests for chemical dyes in Mandalay markets. In February, the FDA vowed to ensure inedible chemical dyes and additives meant for textiles and cleaning supplies stay out of food traded in the markets. Tests conducted last year revealed food products, especially noodles and fish paste, contained dangerous substances, such as the toxic chemicals borax and formalin. In May, the FDA announced as part of its 100-day plan that it would be conducting twice-weekly market tests with the goal of eliminating harmful additives. As a first step in stamping out the practice, consumers were educated about the risks and vendors were warned they could face fines. Starting on May 5, we bought food-stuffs to test for chemical dye from 44 markets in Mandalay including Zay Cho, said U Kyaw Kyaw, deputy director of the FDA in Mandalay. According to the results of our tests, we can see chemical dye is becoming less common. If the tests continue, the markets will become clear of chemical dyes. To begin with, the Mandalay FDA officials have concentrated on testing fish and shrimp paste. At first, we found that over 15 percent of the tested market products contained chemical dye, said U Kyaw Kyaw. But after ongoing education and tests, we found that now only about 5pc of the products contain chemical dyes. Previously, formalin was put into bean curd as a preservative, but we are not seeing it being used today. Other food stuffs that contain dyes and additives include chilli powder, bamboo shoots, roasted lablab beans and jalebi snacks, he said. The most common prohibited chemicals found in the examined foodstuffs include Orange II, a dye often used for garments, and Rhodamine B, a dye and suspected carcinogen. Other inedible chemicals found in the testing include dyes Sudan III and Auramine O. Head of Mandalay City Development Committees market department U Zayar Nyein said awareness campaigns have so far been conducted in 18 of the 44 markets. Food producers who continue to put harmful additives in the food will be named and shamed, he added, with the brands posted for public information. In February, the Mandalay FDA released a list of 32 food brands that should not be consumed due to safety concerns. Companies found to be using textile dyes can be punished under section 28(a) of the National Food Law, which can result in three years imprisonment, a K30,000 fine or both. The sellers say they are also eager to become clear of chemical dye, said U Zayar Nyein. Mandalay vendors however have complained that the testing process is not entirely fair, as they have faced losses over goods that were confiscated with no reimbursement. If they want foodstuffs to be chemical dye-free, then they need to offer technical support to food producers in the industry. We are just trying to sell foodstuffs conveniently, a food vendor who asked not to be named said. Translation by Khine Thazin Han Police have vowed stronger action against crime in Pyinmana township, the modestly delinquent younger brother of sedate Nay Pyi Taw. Under the command of Nay Pyi Taw Regional Police Force, the Pyinmana township police force is now stepping up to its responsibilities for security. Not that there is what you would call a crime wave. A crackdown launched to seize drugs and weapons has found no drugs, and one knife. While joint forces from Nay Pyi Taw Regional Police Force have carried out checks and regular patrols around the town, our Pyinmana township police have assumed responsibility for the legal process, said Pyinmana police chief Captain Tin Htay. So far, we havent found any drugs, but we know that some young men carry daggers. If we catch anyone in possession of a weapon, we take action under section 19(e) of the penal code. Just a few days ago, we filed a case relating to possession of a weapon, he said. He said robberies and assaults often occurred in Ywar Kaut ward. There are empty houses there where thieves congregate, he said. A couple of weeks ago, a lawyer was mugged in the street outside the Nan Sein Cake and Bakery shop in Pyinmana. The police have called for the cooperation of the public in reducing crime, and security has been increased at a local hotspot, the Rose Roundabout, the site of a night bazaar that attracts young people. They take selfies, drink and get into fights, said Officer Tin Htay. They come on motorbikes or in cars and take pictures and sit around the roundabout. Its a known haunt. We keep an eye on them, he said, adding that nothing much had happened during the past month. Other places under increased police security surveillance include the township electricity offices, the broadcasting station, the petroleum storage station, Nancho hydropower facility, the Awaiyar Dam and Myanma Economic Bank. Since July 1, 35 crimes have been reported in Pyinmana, including two cases of dacoitry, a robbery, two thefts and 29 lesser offences. Translation by Zar Zar Soe and San Layy The military has admitted that its soldiers killed five civilians in Shan States Lashio township, in a nearly unprecedented admission of responsibility from a powerful institution that critics say has long acted with impunity. At a press conference yesterday in Yangon, Lieutenant General Mya Tun Oo said a military tribunal would try those responsible for killing the five men, who died during interrogations. There are rules and regulations in interrogating. They need to be followed, said Lt Gen Mya Tun Oo, who works in the office of Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. If someone fails to follow them, it requires that action be taken. He promised that the Tatmadaw would fully disclose the outcome of the case, including any punishment meted out, and would offer the victims families assistance. The case in Mong Yaw village made headlines last month, with locals accusing Tatmadaw troops of detaining seven civilians, who were never seen again. An investigation into the other two deaths is ongoing, according to the Tatmadaw, which has long faced allegations of misconduct particularly against ethnic minority populations from human rights advocates and ethnic armed groups. Two of the highest profile cases in recent years were the October 2014 killing, while in military custody, of freelance journalist Ko Par Gyi, and the deaths of two Kachin schoolteachers in northern Shan State in January of last year that were widely alleged to have been perpetrated by Tatmadaw soldiers. No Tatmadaw personnel were found to be culpable by either a civilian court or military tribunal in the two cases. Shan State has been wracked by conflict between the Tatmadaw and several ethnic armed groups in recent years, and civilians are frequently detained by the former and questioned for suspected ties to the latter. Anti-Mai Ja Yang In a less dramatic disclosure yesterday, speaking on behalf of Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, Lt Gen Mya Tun Oo urged Myanmars ethnic armed groups not to go forward with a gathering among their own that they intend to hold in remote Mai Ja Yang, Kachin State. With plans to hold a so-called 21st-century Panglong Conference at the end of August, ethnic armed groups are hoping to gather at the end of this month to discuss and reach common positions ahead of the much-anticipated conference, which will bring together the civilian National League for Democracy government, the Tatmadaw, ethnic armed groups and political parties. The commander-in-chief said it will be difficult to reach similar opinion among the different groups, and it could cause problems at the peace conference ... Discussing openly and honestly among each other is the better way, Lt Gen Mya Tun Oo said at the press conference. At a meeting on June 30 between Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing and eight non-stated armed group signatories to last years nationwide ceasefire agreement, representatives from the signatory groups asked the commander-in-chief for the Tatmadaw to provide security for the Mai Ja Yang summit, citing the regions war-torn recent history and present-day instability. They also sought the militarys blessing to hold the meeting. Ethnic leaders have said the point of Mai Ja Yang is to reinforce the foundation of peace-building efforts, not to try to strengthen their sides hand in the lead-up to the Panglong Conference. Yesterday Lt Gen Mya Tun Oo said Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing was not going so far as to command that the Mai Ja Yang plans be scrapped, and was only offering a suggestion and encouraging ethnic armed groups to consider the possible consequences if the meeting is held. The commander-in-chief is just giving a suggestion on whether the conference should be held or not. If it is held, we dont have any reason to object to it because it is conducted according to the policy of the government, he said, adding that the road from the Kachin State capital Myitkyina to Mai Ja Yang is under Tatmadaw control, and that ethnic armed groups participating in the summit later this month would not be prevented from using it. Addressing the inclusivity of the Panglong Conference, Lt Gen Mya Tun Oo reiterated a previous call for parties in active conflict with the Tatmadaw to lay down their arms in order to get a seat at the negotiating table. These three armed groups need to fully have a desire to relinquish the ways of fighting the government with arms and weapons. If [they do] so, it is not difficult to attain peace, Lt Gen Mya Tun Oo said, referring to the Arakan Army, the Taang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army. All three groups were shut out of the nationwide ceasefire agreement negotiations by the previous military-backed government. State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has stressed that her government is seeking to make the August conference as inclusive as possible, but exclusion of some groups looks increasingly likely with each week that passes without an answer on whom the Tatmadaw will agree to have participate. Ethnic armed groups, and particularly NCA non-signatories, have urged the government to push for the inclusion of the three groups. Translation by Thiri Min Htun This article has been updated to correct the name of the location of an upcoming summit of armed ethnic groups in Kachin State. The town is Mai Ja Yang, not Ma Jai Yang. The Myanmar Times regrets the error. Some 35,000 workers in ailing shipbuilding and construction companies plan to go on strike next week. The move comes ahead of anticipated massive layoffs and wage cuts under a government-led downsizing drive that aims to help rescue the firms from bankruptcy. A federation of shipbuilding labor unions announced the decision at a press conference at the National Assembly on Wednesday. It called for a halt to what it called "unilateral restructuring." It said the management crisis must be handled in negotiations between workers and the government rather than from the top down. The strike will involve Hyundai Heavy Industries, Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering and Samsung Heavy Industries and five other companies. A federation of plant construction unions also announced plans for a full-blown strike to begin next Wednesday. Its demands include better working conditions and pay rises. The United States yesterday pledged US$21 million for improving trade and economic governance in Myanmar. The sum was announced at Yangon University as deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes spoke with students. [Yesterday], I was able to notify the state counsellor and the government that the United States will be providing an additional $21 million dollars in assistance, with a particular focus on economic governance and finding a new strategy to help individuals better their lives, Mr Rhodes said at the university event. Mr Rhodes also reiterated the USs interest in bolstering the new government. The US has been a longtime ally of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy. The fundamental objective of the United States right now is to help the new government succeed in consolidating the democratic transition, so that all of the people in Myanmar benefit from greater economic progress, greater freedom, national reconciliation, and greater connectivity to the world, he said. The US is considering a whole host of ways in which it can help strengthen the economy of Myanmar especially in the agriculture sector and facilitate a climate attractive to businesses in the United States. US Agency for International Development (USAID) administrator Gayle Smith visited Myanmar in May, shortly before the US blacklisting was eased. The US ambassador to Myanmar said at the time that the administrator was visiting to observe and hear the economic priorities and policies of the new government. Following the visit, on May 17 the US Treasury Department extended the majority of the sanctions on private business entities and put more firms linked to Asia World into the Specially Designated Nationals list, but removed state-backed entities from the blacklist. Mr Rhodes said the US government has lifted the economic sanctions against the state entities of Myanmar in the aftermath of the successful election last November and peaceful transfer of power to a civilian-elected government. The majority of the remaining sanctions target tycoons and effectively bar any economic partnership between those individuals and US businesses. Mr Rhodes, however, admitted that the current approach to the economic sanctions puts a burden on Myanmar. We put [them] into place in a different era at a different time for the purpose of supporting transition to democracy, he said. Mr Rhodes also revealed that the US is considering increasing military-to-military cooperation. Clearly, what we have consistently said going forward, is [that we are waiting for] a full transition to a civilian government here and full civilian control of the military. What we are doing is calibrating our engagement with the military to support that effort going forward, he said. Thus far, we have limited our engagement to encourage the work for reform, peace and reconciliation, to share what we know about the modern civilian-military relations and the promotion of human rights in terms of the operations of other professional militaries, he added. The constitutional clause guaranteeing that military representatives hold a 25 percent bloc of parliament is a consideration for engagement, he added. During a press briefing last May at the Center for New American Security, Mr Rhodes said that the US government had focused its tentative military engagement on exchanges, outreach, professionalisation, and supporting Myanmars participation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The military-to-military ties already include members of the Tatmadaw and civilian officials attending some multilateral conferences hosted by the US Department of Defence and observing the annual COBRA GOLD exercise, Mr Rhodes said. Myanmar sent two Tatmadaw officers as observers to the annual COBRA GOLD exercise for the first time when it was hosted by Thailand in February 2013. Several revered Buddhist monks from across Myanmar have spoken out against the nationalist Ma Ba Tha movement, describing it as a minority group and its actions as divisive and politicised. The monks joined a growing chorus of criticism of the movement, which was recently disowned by the State Sangha and hit with legal complaints by the National League for Democracy (NLD) government. U Ariya Bhivamsa, an abbot at Myawaddi Mingyi Monastery in Mandalay, said some monks had initially viewed Ma Ba Tha or the Committee for the Protection of Nationality and Religion as it is called in English as a protector of Buddhism, but most had come to realise that it was radical and close to the military-linked Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). The majority of the Sangha community does not support Ma Ba Tha. But while the good and disciplined monks keep silent to avoid disputes, Ma Ba Tha monks are being boastful, he told Myanmar Now. U Sandar Siri, an abbott at Shwe Thein Monastery in Yangon who participated in the 2007 Saffron Revolution, said Ma Ba Tha was a malign influence and caused disagreements among monks. Myanmars Sangha [Buddhist order] never experienced any rift since Theravada Buddhism started to flourish here. But Ma Ba Tha has now caused a rift, he said. They must stop their works as they are going against the will of the majority of the monks. U Eissaria from Vimutisukha Viraha Monastery in Hpakant township, Kayin State, another leading monk during the Saffron Revolution, said Ma Ba Thas attacks on other religions and its support for the USDP during the 2015 elections had undermined relations between the public and clergy. There has been a remarkable division among people and monks. The works of Ma Ba Tha are disturbing Myanmars communities instead of protecting race and religion, he said. U Eissaria added that Ma Ba Tha attacked the NLD with extremist ideology. Threats and a damaged reputation U Eissaria said Ma Ba Tha had also done considerable damage to the international reputation of Myanmars monks, noting that he and fellow clergy had been labelled nationalists during their trips abroad to Denmark, France and Sweden. My friends told me such disturbances are happening in these countries since the emergence of Ma Ba Tha, he said. U Cintika, an abbott from Maha Vijitarama Monastery in Mandalay, said Ma Ba Thas supporters were so aggressive that they would even threaten moderate monks who publicly questioned the movement. There have been disputes and accusations between pro- and anti-Ma Ba Tha monks, he said, adding that he recently received a phone call in which supposed supporters of U Wirathu, a firebrand nationalist monk based in Mandalay, had threatened to kill him. An unexplained incident last month had raised further concerns. U Cintika said a motorbike crashed into him while he was walking back from a local pagoda at night and the drivers sped away without identifying themselves. Ma Ba Tha monks contacted by Myanmar Now offered a limited response to the criticisms levelled against the organisation. U Vimala Buddhi, another firebrand monk based in the Mon State capital Moulmein, said Ma Ba Tha had no political affiliation and only worked to defend Buddhism. U Sopaka, a Buddhist monk who is the official spokesperson of Ma Ba Tha, said the organisation would continue to strengthen Buddhism, regardless of the statements by other monks, the State Sangha or the government. We have clear objectives and a roadmap we will implement them in the future, he said. A turning point? Ma Ba Tha rose to prominence in the wake of the 2012 communal violence between Rakhine State Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims, and it initially gained sympathy for their views from Myanmars Buddhist majority. Ahead of the 2015 elections, Ma Ba Tha monks portrayed Buddhism as threatened by Myanmars Muslim minority and said the USDP should continue to run the country in order to protect Buddhism. Tensions between Ma Ba Tha and the government have been steadily rising since the NLD assumed power in April, as the movement tried to pressure the NLD during its attempts to resolve the Rakhine crisis. On July 3, the NLDs Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein said the country does not need Ma Ba Tha. The monks said they would respond with a large protest, but eventually backed out. It appears to have been somewhat of a turning point and the government, NLD members and senior monks have all begun to criticise and pressure Ma Ba Tha. Last week, the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee distanced itself from Ma Ba Tha, saying it had never officially endorsed the movement and that it was operating outside of Sangha rules and regulations. A day later, U Wirathu was hit with a defamation suit filed with police by a Yangon charity over highly insulting remarks he made against UN Human Rights Rapporteur for Myanmar Yanghee Lee. Republished with permission from Myanmar Now Earlier this year, when Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he was forming a 400,000-man national guard that would report only to him, many Russians wondered why a new military force was needed. After all, Russias army was supposedly back: Putin had equipped it with new toys and even arranged for two small wars in Georgia in 2008 and in Ukraine, starting in 2014 to prove it. But the failed coup against Putins fellow strongman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, points to an important reason for establishing a Praetorian guard. Putin has so hollowed out Russias democratic institutions that the only means to remove him from power now would be through a military putsch. Putin, Erdogan and even Chinese President Xi Jinping all have similar, justifiable fears about their political survival. All three came to office in systems that place real constraints on the exercise of power even if the system is otherwise undemocratic or an infant democracy ready to be strangled in its cradle. In Erdogans case, Turkey had the rule of law and institutional checks and balances on executive power; and in Putin and Xis case, there were unwritten rules sanctified by decades of precedent. These rules established in Russia by Nikita Khrushchev after Joseph Stalins death in 1953 and in China by Deng Xiaoping following Mao Zedongs death in 1976 were designed to take the murderousness out of top-level governance by guaranteeing that a leader would not threaten the life and safety of either his predecessors or his colleagues. In this system, a government official may be removed from power or placed under house arrest, but there is no risk of imprisonment or physical harm against him or his family. Putin came to power in 1999 in part because he understood, and more importantly appeared to accept, this tradition. Boris Yeltsin did not choose Putin as his successor because of his remarkable administrative gifts, but because Putin assured him that, if he were put in charge, Yeltsin and his family would be protected from any legal or political retribution. In Yeltsins case, Putin kept his end of the bargain. But otherwise, Putin has shown little restraint in going after his rivals. For example, the oligarch Boris Berezovsky was driven into exile, where he was continuously hounded and harassed, until he was found dead in his home in 2013, allegedly having taken his own life. Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the billionaire owner of Yukos Oil and a possible rival for political power to Putin, was stripped of his company, imprisoned and later exiled. Lower-profile rivals and enemies have suffered harsher treatment. Exiled Russian intelligence officer Alexander Litvinenko, to take one highly publicised example, died from radiation sickness in 2006 in the United Kingdom, after being poisoned with polonium. In that case, an official UK inquiry concluded that Putin might have been aware of the murder plan; in others, Putins personal involvement is unknown. But the overall message is clear: Putin answers to no rules, and there are no limits to the reach or ruthlessness of his retribution, no matter how powerful in Russia a person may once have been. In China, Xi, a professed admirer of Putins methods, has adopted the Russians playbook as he has consolidated power. Since Dengs final years in power, in the late 1980s, a form of collective leadership within the Communist Party has ruled China, with the same unwritten conventions protecting the most powerful from retribution. Under Xi, however, collective leadership has given way to one-man rule, and the unwritten rules of behaviour have been junked. Like Putin, Xi uses anti-corruption measures to dispatch rivals and concentrate power in his own hands, and he has been even more ruthless than Putin in doing so. Hundreds of senior generals in the Peoples Liberation Army have been purged and imprisoned on corruption charges. Moreover, Xi has violated the Party norm of not pursuing members of the Politburo Standing Committee, beyond removing them from office. Consider the example of Zhou Yongkang, Chinas long-time internal security chief, who has been imprisoned on charges of bribery, corrupting state power (for allegedly having too many mistresses) and leaking state secrets. Members of his family have also been imprisoned. Zhous fall came not long after the trial and imprisonment of Bo Xilai, a candidate for Standing Committee membership who may have been planning a coup against Xi. Both mens imprisonment precipitated the downfall of a vast network of senior leaders, including provincial governors and the head of the China National Petroleum Company. By violating Party norms and unwritten agreements among the ruling elite, Putin and Xi, it is becoming increasingly clear, understand that they can never relinquish power voluntarily without fearing for their future safety. Little wonder, then, that after 17 years of rule, Putin will run again for president virtually unopposed in March 2018. Xi, however, has a problem. In 2017, he will complete his first five-year term, and precedent permits him only one more five-year term. Because five of the seven members of the Standing Committee are to be replaced in 2017, this would be the moment for his opponents to challenge him by nominating a successor. The mere existence of a potential replacement could be a political death sentence for Xi, given widespread anger against him within the Chinese government. Since the failed coup in Turkey, Erdogan has cracked down on those allegedly behind it, having produced a suspiciously convenient arrest list for thousands of politicians and military and judicial personnel, whom he accuses of threatening his democratic rule. But Erdogan now faces a stark choice: follow Putin and Xi down the path of autocratic no return, or retrace his steps back toward functioning democracy. With even his political opponents supporting him against the military coup, the Turkish people have made their preference known. Project Syndicate Nina L Khrushcheva, the author of Imagining Nabokov: Russia Between Art and Politics and The Lost Khrushchev: A Journey into the Gulag of the Russian Mind, is professor of international affairs and associate dean for academic affairs at The New School and a senior fellow at the World Policy Institute. There's been another one. Again the victim was a prominent government critic, shot in the head in broad daylight in the centre of Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital. What is it with that place? Over the past two decades, it has gained a reputation as one of the most dangerous nations in the world to be an opposition politician or a member of an independent watchdog body. And as if Phnom Penh becoming Assassination Central were not bad enough, whats worse is that those who commission these lethal eliminations rarely get punished. The latest atrocity occurred on July 10 when Kem Ley, one of Cambodias most high-profile and respected community leaders, was gunned down in a gas station coffee shop in downtown Phnom Penh. The hit man, who was caught a short distance away, was a 44-year-old drifter from a border village who, among other things, had once been a foot soldier, a forestry hand, a labourer in Thailand and even a monk. He took work and other assignments when they came his way, and in this case, he claimed that he had shot Kem Ley over an unrepaid US$3000 loan. The weapon he used was a sophisticated, Austrian-made Glock revolver, which, as observers noted, was not the sort of gun one would expect a rural migrant worker to possess. As well, his wife and mother said he had never had as much money as $3000, and certainly not to lend to anyone and most certainly not to Kem Ley who, as far as they were aware, he did not know. Soon Cambodia was buzzing with speculation about the real motive for the murder, and it was naturally assumed that it was related to Kem Leys role as a commentator and fearless critic of the government. His radio broadcasts were especially popular with all sections of society and he recently informed listeners across the country about a July 7 report into the wealth of Prime Minister Hun Sens family. In itself, it was no more shocking than allegations about the effusive wealth of other former regional strongmen like Indonesias General Suharto, Myanmars senior general Than Shwe and Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines. And in truth, all Cambodians with average eyesight have long been able to witness the shameless ostentation displayed by the lavish homes, vehicles, and accoutrements of Hun Sen and his entourage. What came as a bombshell, however, was the extent and magnitude of the shareholdings in almost all the nations major companies by every member of the first family. The devastating report was produced by Global Witness, an international anti-corruption oversight body based in London, and it was aptly titled, Hostile Takeover: The Corporate Empire of Cambodias Ruling Family. Based on data from official government sources, the report revealed that Hun Sens family has links to 114 domestic companies with a share capital of over $200 million and that this was just the tip of the iceberg. Indeed, senior businesspeople in Cambodia said they would tend to multiply the figures for the alleged holdings of the family at least tenfold. The report concluded, The familys holdings span the majority of Cambodias most lucrative business sectors as well those characterised by high levels of corruption, human rights abuses and environmental damage. So it was pretty damning, but the report ran to 58 pages and its complexity made it a tough read even for professionals, let alone Cambodias poorly educated rural masses. Thats where Kem Ley came to the rescue, and in his calm, simply worded Khmer-language broadcasts, he cut through to the key points and made listeners aware of the incredible moral turpitude of their political rulers. Of course, in the process, he made himself a marked man; but that said, no one knows for sure whether a member of the first family directly ordered his elimination. What is known is that most Cambodians suspect there is a connection between Kem Leys assassination and his steadfast criticism of the nations political leaders. Naturally, the prime minister denied it. Said Hun Sen, Who gains any benefit from this incident, which happened at the same time as my government has been talking about peace and safety for the people? He tacitly inferred that Kem Leys murder could be viewed as benefitting his opponents, since it reflected badly on his government. But few believe the opposition was in any way responsible; instead, suspicion has fallen on the ruling party. It is nothing new, given that there have been similar assassinations in the past, notably those of the fiery trade unionist Chea Vichea in 2004 and the popular environmental activist Chut Wutty in 2012. The nations reputation already tarnished by such murders, and those of actress Pisith Pilika, the PMs alleged mistress, in 1999, as well as a grenade attack on a 1997 opposition rally has now been well and truly battered. Furthermore, the well-connected figures who commission these killings, as well as their corrupt business partners, always seem to escape with impunity. The Global Witness report noted, Due to a politicised judiciary which remains firmly in the pocket of Hun Sen, his family members and the companies to which they are linked have been able to operate without fear of prosecution. It all reinforces a growing belief that Singapores former PM Lee Kuan Yew was right when he said Cambodia should never have been admitted to ASEAN because it lacks the shared values of the founding members. In fact, it drags the entire group down into the gutter. Twitter has permanently banned a conservative writer and provocateur for allegedly provoking online racial abuse of Leslie Jones, an actress in the new "Ghostbusters" movie. The social media company said Breitbart senior technology editor Milo Yiannopoulos, known as @Nero on Twitter, broke the companys rules "prohibiting participating in or inciting targeted abuse of individuals." The new "Ghostbusters" movie is a remake of an '80s classic, but this time features an all-female cast, including Jones, an African-American comedian. For purists of the movie, the remake has been criticized, while movie critics have given the movie mixed reviews. Yiannopoulos panned the movie in a review on Breitbart. Jones accused Yiannopoulos, who had over 340,000 followers on Twitter, of inciting racial abuse. The actress shared some of the abusive tweets, which included accusing the comedian of being responsible for AIDS and comparing her to a gorilla. Jones reached out to Twitter founder Jack Dorsey to complain about the abuse before saying she was quitting the social media platform "with tears and a very sad heart. All this cause I did a movie." [July 21, 2016] Growth in Communication Sector to Create Opportunities for the Test and Measurement Market in South Korea Through 2020, Reports Technavio Technavio analysts forecast the test and measurement market in South Korea to grow at a CAGR of more than 4% during the forecast period, according to their latest report. The research study covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the test and measurement market in South Korea for 2016-2020. The demand for T&M from various end-user segments has been considered in determining the market size. The report also presents the vendor landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of the top five vendors in the market. Technavio heavy industry analysts highlight the following four factors that are contributing to the growth of the test and measurement market in South Korea: South Korea in semiconductor space Growth in communication sector Increasing production of Li-ion batteries Center for innovation South Korea in semiconductor space According to Anju Ajaykumar, a lead analyst at Technavio for test and measurement research, "South Korea being the fourth largest importer of semiconductors and the second largest producer of semiconductors (the US being the first) worldwide, experiences high demand for T&M equipment. The semiconductor industry accounted for approximately 30% of the overall T&M market in 2015." The presence of two of the largest semiconductor companies, Samsung (News - Alert) and SK Hynix, is one of the primary reasons for the growth of the semiconductor industry in South Korea. At present, these companies are ranked second and fourth with respect to semiconductor sales. Their market share is predicted to increase in the coming years due to their investments in R&D in an attempt to gain a competitive edge through the dvelopment of new technologies. Growth in communication sector End-users, such as mobile device manufacturers, telecommunication service providers, telecommunication service providers, mobile device manufacturers, and network equipment manufacturers, are increasingly adopting communication T&M solutions, which has propelled the market in South Korea. Telecommunication service providers are anticipated to dominate the communication T&M market during the forecast period. South Korea offers significant growth opportunity for communication T&M equipment as end-users from the communication industry seek to offer their customers high-quality and high-performing services. Increasing production of Li-ion batteries The South Korean Li-ion market has grown significantly in the past few years. This is primarily due to efficient performance of li-ion batteries in various consumer and industrial products. High demand can be seen from the automotive industry for the development of electric vehicles (EVs). The EV market in the country is experiencing rapid growth because of high investment from vendors and shifting consumer focus towards EV. Development of EV will also reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and can eliminate the fuel price fluctuation risk. Moreover, South Korean companies, such as LG Chem and Samsung SDI, are major suppliers of EV batteries globally. Hence, the demand for EVs from other countries will also boost the Li-ion battery market in South Korea. Center for innovation South Korea has already developed into an innovation hub with high R&D activities in various sectors such as consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunication. The country boasts of high R&D spending and has the highest R&D percentage of GDP. The country has the highest broadband penetration and boasts of high average peak connection speeds of approximately 50Mbps. The country's tech-savvy population and its success in manufacturing and exporting cutting-edge electronics products has consolidated its position as a leader in technology. "The start-up culture is promoted by the mobile game developers and social media innovators and is further complemented by entrepreneurs with an interest in innovative concepts that are not inherent to the country and a willingness to take risks," says Anju. Browse Related Reports: Global Material Testing Equipment Market 2016-2020 Global LCR Meter Market 2016-2020 Global Wireless Test Equipment Market 2015-2019 Do you need a report on a market in a specific geographical cluster or country but can't find what you're looking for? Don't worry, Technavio also takes client requests. Please contact [email protected] with your requirements and our analysts will be happy to create a customized report just for you. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies. Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160721005025/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Wife-to-be of actor Kofi Adjorlolo, Victoria Lebene who is in her late 20s says, despite the age difference between her and the former, she is bent on making their union a success. Kofi Adjorlolo is in his late 60s. Age has never been an issue and that is the message we want to send across. We want to let people know and understand that love knows no boundaries and age is just a number, Victoria said. Narrating how they met, Lebene said; The first time we met was on a film set. Unfortunately for me, I was very late and Kofi wasted no time in condemning that in front of everyone. I realised I was the one at fault and from that time, I knew I had to act professionally and comport myself on set. We met again on the sets of other movies and we began talking. We had respect for each other despite the age difference and the love grew from there, Victoria said. According to her, being with Kofi, apart from the romantic angle, has also helped her improve her acting skills. He has been an actor for many years and provides important tips for me when we are on set. Such tips and directions have gone a long way to make me a better actress, Victoria said. Kofi Adjorlolo is highly popular in both Ghanaian and Nigerian films. Victoria is, however, not so well known but has managed to chalk a fair amount of success in Ghana. Bill Cosby is now completely blind, said a well-placed source, who added that the embattled comic is in his own personal hell. The disgraced comedian once known as Americas Dad is now confined to his Pennsylvania home with only his incomprehensibly loyal wife, Camille, at his side. The source close to Cosby told us, His alleged victims may take some solace in the fact that hes in his own personal hell. He has been suffering from a degenerative eye disease and is completely blind . . . All his Hollywood friends have turned their backs on him. He is confined to his house in Pennsylvania, and the only person on his side is his wife, Camille, who is masterminding his defense. His only friends are the small army of lawyers on his payroll. Although his top lawyers, Brian McMonagle and Angela C. Agrusa, didnt respond to questions from Page Six, Cosbys sight has been slowly fading for some time. In January, Monique Pressley, another of his lawyers, said of his strange appearance in his mug shot, Hes a 78-year-old blind man who theyve chosen to charge. Thats not a defense to a charge, thats just a fact. It explains why he is led into court by lawyers and reps on both of his arms. (He turned 79 on July 12.) Since then, the condition has become far more severe. Cosby reportedly has a degenerative eye condition called keratoconus, a condition that causes the eyes cornea to bulge. A judge this month ruled that Cosby will stand trial on sexual assault charges, at a date yet to be determined. Cosby faces three counts of felony aggravated indecent assault from a 2004 case involving Andrea Constand, an employee at his alma mater, Temple University. She was the first of more than 50 women whove accused Cosby of sexual misconduct. But, on Monday, a judge in his civil case ruled Cosby will be allowed to sue Constand who claims he drugged and raped her in 2004 for allegedly breaching a confidentiality agreement she signed with him after he settled with her out of court in 2006. An aide to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump says she made a mistake in writing his wife Melania's tribute to him this week by including identical phrases from a speech Michelle Obama gave supporting her husband Barack Obama's 2008 run for the U.S. presidency. For two days, the Trump campaign belittled complaints that Melania Trump had plagiarized portions of Michelle Obama's address in her Monday night speech to the Republican National Convention about her husband of 11 years. But on Wednesday, Trump aide Meredith McIver, a one-time ballet dancer who helped write some of his books, said she offered to resign over the controversy that has consumed some of the news coverage of this week's convention in Cleveland, Ohio. But she said the presidential contender rejected her offer. Benghazi (Libya) (AFP) - French, British and American soldiers are in Libya to "monitor" Islamic State group jihadists, a military commander in the east of the country told AFP on Thursday. "French, American and British soldiers are in the Benina base" near Benghazi, said air force chief Saqr al-Jaroushi, whose forces are allied with a government based out of the eastern city of Tobruk that is not recognised by the international community. He said around 20 soldiers at the base were charged with "monitoring the movements of the Islamic State jihadists and how they store ammunition." "There are no (foreign) pilots fighting in the place of our pilots and fighters," he said. He added that other foreign military personnel were carrying out similar tasks at other bases and towns across Libya, including the capital Tripoli, Misrata, 200 kilometres (125 miles) to the east and Tobruk in the far east of the country. Jaroushi commands the air force that forms part of the forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar and the House of Representatives in Tobruk, a rival to the Government of National Unity (GNA) that operates out of Tripoli. France, Britain and the US recognise the GNA as the legitimate government of Libya. Jaroushi's remarks come a day after the GNA criticised the presence of French troops in the chaos-wracked country, as President Francois Hollande confirmed France has soldiers there after three died in a helicopter crash. The soldiers were carrying out a reconnaissance mission alongside Haftar's troops. The presence of the troops in Libya was a "violation" of the nation's sovereignty, the GNA said on its Facebook page following Hollande's announcement. The Pentagon said in May that it has a "small presence" in Libya tasked with trying to identify which groups might be able to assist the United States in its mission to combat IS. British media reported in May that British special forces had taken part in combat missions against IS in the country's northeast. Johannesburg (AFP) - South African prosecutors said Thursday they would push for a longer sentence for Oscar Pistorius, describing his six-year jail term for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp as "shockingly too lenient". After he was sentenced earlier this month, Pistorius' lawyers said the double-amputee Olympic sprinter would not appeal against the term, which was criticised by many activists as too short. "The sentence of six years imprisonment, in all the circumstances, is disproportionate to the crime of murder committed (and) shockingly too lenient," the National Prosecuting Authority said in a strongly worded statement. The NPA said the sentence was "an injustice and has the potential to bring the administration of justice into disrepute", saying it would file papers to apply for leave to appeal on Thursday. Pistorius shot Steenkamp, a model and law graduate, in the early hours of Valentine's Day in 2013, saying he mistook her for a burglar when he fired four times through the door of his bedroom toilet. At his sentencing, High Court judge Thokozile Masipa listed mitigating factors for giving him to less than half the minimum 15-year term for murder, including the athlete's claim he believed he was shooting an intruder. "He cannot be at peace. I'm of the view that a long term of imprisonment will not serve justice," said Masipa. She was also the judge who had originally convicted him of the lesser charge of culpable homicide, the equivalent of manslaughter. Members of the ruling African National Congress women's league, who attended many court sessions, have criticised the sentence for failing to send a strong message against domestic violence in South Africa. Pistorius, 29, previously a role model for disabled people worldwide, is being held in Kgosi Mampuru II prison in Pretoria. He was released from the same jail last October after serving one year of a five-year term for the culpable homicide conviction. But an appeals court upgraded his conviction to murder in December. - Long legal battle - At a sentencing hearing in June, a sobbing Pistorius hobbled on his stumps across the courtroom to demonstrate his physical vulnerability. His lawyers argued he should not be returned to jail on account of an anxiety disorder and depression. But Steenkamp's father Barry told the court that he wanted Pistorius to "pay for his crime" of murdering Reeva. Pistorius, who pleaded not guilty at his trial in 2014, has always denied killing Steenkamp in a rage, saying he was trying to protect her. The Supreme Court of Appeal last year ruled he was guilty of murder, irrespective of who was behind the door when he opened fire with a high-calibre pistol he kept under his bed. Barry Steenkamp and his wife June issued a statement on the latest twist in the long legal case, saying they "always fully supported (prosecutor) Gerrie Nel and his team's fight for justice". Law expert Llewellyn Curlewis told AFP that the state "has a good chance of a successful appeal." "To prohibit a precedent being set, the Supreme Court of Appeal might be inclined to hand down a more severe sentence," he said. The year before he killed Steenkamp, Pistorius became the first double-amputee to race at Olympic level when he appeared at the London 2012 games. He said in a recent television interview that he believed Steenkamp would want him to devote his life to charity rather than to be in prison for killing her. Saying he believed an intruder was in the house and seconds from their bedroom, Pistorius said an "instant fear" drove him to grab his gun and walk on his stumps towards the bathroom. "All of a sudden I hear a noise, at the toilet. I presumed it was the toilet door opening and before I knew it I'd fired four shots." By Dennis Peprah, GNA Nsawkaw (B/A), July 20, GNA - A Chief Imam has urged Muslim leaders to join the campaign against child marriage, especially in various Zongo communities in the country. Alhaji Adama Alhassan, the Tain District Chief, said this at a sensitization workshop on forced and early marriages at Nsawkaw, the district capital in the Brong-Ahafo Region. It was organized by Action Aid Ghana, an NGO with support from UNICEF, and attended by assembly members, pastors and Imams in the district. Alhaji Alhassan said Islam strongly condemns any socio-cultural practice that impedes the development of an individual. He said there is the need for Muslim communities to be watchful and help expose the perpetrators of child marriage who are denting the image of the Islamic religion for the law to take its course on them. Alhaji Alhassan applauded Action Aid Ghana for organising the workshop and asked the NGO to intensify the education in the local communities. The Reverend Jackson Abdul Mahama, the Minister in-charge of Nsawkaw Presbyterian Church, said there is the need for Christians and Muslims to collaborate, strategize, and put in place realistic measures to curb the practice. He said since child and early marriage is a societal problem, concerted efforts are required from traditional authorities, assembly members, religious organizations and other opinion leaders to bring the practice under control. Rev Mahama said though early marriages in the district served as a great challenge to the church, it was equally worrying that that public education on the consequences of the practice is very low in local communities. He pledged the church's commitment to intensify education on the practice. Mr Kwame Denkyira Afram, Programme Officer at Action Aid Ghana, said early marriage is a serious offense which breached the victim's human rights and freedoms. He said ending child and forced marriages is a shared and collective responsibility hence the need to involve religious leaders, traditional authorities and assembly members. Mr Afram appealed to the general public to report suspected cases of such acts to the relevant institution such the police, social welfare and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice. GNA A lecturer at the School of Communications Studies, University of Ghana, Dr Etse Sikanku, wants media owners to play a key role in efforts to sanitise Ghanas media landscape. According to him, many of the ethical violations that dominate the media could have been avoided if media owners conduct thorough background checks on journalists before employing them. The interview process should make sure that it is able to determine any particular hazard which that particular journalist might have in terms of the ethical standards in their reporting process, he admonished. He was speaking on PM Express on the Joy News channel on Multi TV, Wednesday. He said the interview process must include test scenarios and role plays aimed at assessing how the journalists would respond before they are given the platform to broadcast. Dr Sikankus comments follow reports of increasing ethical violations in the media, a situation that has been identified as a threat to Ghanas democracy, especially as this years crucial general elections approach. A recent report by media watchdog, Media Foundation of West Africa (MFWA) suggests persistence of abusive language and many ethical violations especially by privately owned media houses. Contributing via phone on PM Express, Mr Sikanku identified blatant misrepresentation of issues, mediocrity and substandard reporting as issues in privately owned media platforms that must be tackled with utmost urgency. Media houses in their attempt to become popular and known always tend to go for things that are just extreme, he told show host, Nana Ansah Kwao IV. A media analyst, Dr Messan Mawugbe, also stressed the need for urgent checks on abuses in the media, warning it could have serious repercussion if it persist. The extent of abuse, especially in an election year, if not discussed critically and comprehensively could create spillover effects, he said. Dr Messan Mawugbe He wants media practitioners to report on issues objectively, but with a firm resolve to preserve and promote national and cultural values. "You cannot have any professional journalistic thoughts if it doesnt rest on the values that hold the society together," he said. Mr Mawugbe, who is Founder of the Centre for Media Analysis, an independent media research institution, also said media houses must intensify training of journalists to align them with the editorial policies of media organistions. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | George Nyavor | [email protected] The Ministry of Health has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Novo Nordisk, a leading Danish multinational pharmaceutical company in diabetic care. Recent reports show an increase in non-communicable diseases in Ghana, with diabetics as the most prevalent. The International Diabetes Federation also estimated more than 266,000 people in Ghana having diabetics with 71 percent not diagnosed. This has led to a new demand for increased diabetes awareness and education. Speaking at the occasion, the Minister for Health, Alex Segbefia, said government has been working with Novo Nordisk for years, and has together established over six diabetic centers across the country. The Ministry added that, the signing of the MoU will go a long way to benefit the country and improve the partnership between the two parties. Increasingly, we are finding that the health of our people cannot be left strictly to government. You need to go into partnership and get private enterprises involved in the health process and this is one of such processes. We have a very good relationship with the people of Denmark and now we are extending it further not only with them giving us donor funding support, but also companies in Denmark will help to expand our health systems. In addition, Emma Jakobsson, the Public Affairs Director of Novo Nordisk said the centers they have established will help bring the education and awareness needed to fight the disease. She said they also train specialize doctors who will be attending to critical situations. We already have six centers running in five different regions in Ghana. It's important to create awareness about diabetes because seven out of ten people in Ghana who live with diabetes are not aware they have it. We make sure the healthcare practitioners are trained to prescribe the right medicine and also hope this memorandum of understanding will be a lot wider than just those clinics because there are a lot of things that can be done even though you do a lot already. The signing of the MoU which was done at the Danish embassy in Accra, also involved key stakeholders from the Ghana health care sector including the Ambassador of Denmark to Ghana, Tove Degnbol. By: Felicia Osei/citifmonline.com/Ghana Ghana's High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, Emmanuel Victor Smith, has confirmed he will be contesting the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in the Akyem Abuakwa North constituency. It is official. I am confirming that I have picked up forms to submit on Friday, Mr. Smith said in an interview with Citi News. Mr. Smith who first contested the seat in 2012 on the ticket of the NDC lost to the late New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for the area J.B. Danquah-Adu. He expressed his interest in the seat after the resignation of the NDC's parliamentary nominee for the constituency Anthony Gyimah. Smith optimistic of victory in NPP stronghold Speaking after picking his nomination form yesterday, Mr. Smith was hopeful of winning not only the primary but eventually wrestling the seat from the NPP in its stronghold. He espoused confidence in developmental projects he has undertaken in the constituency, projects he said will encourage electorates to make him their MP. I can tell that I think have a 60 to 70percent chance of winning that set as of today but I can tell you that as time goes on, the people of Abuakwa North will give me the mandate because of what I have done for that constituency in the last five years. I have lobbied and I have solicited for development of various kinds from road constructions, we are building a hospital in the constituency for the first time in the Kukurantumi area, a community hospital that will serve the whole area, he noted, as some of his developmental interventions. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana Durban (South Africa) (AFP) - Lebogang Motsumi, 27, still remembers the moment when she learnt she had contracted HIV from a man a decade her senior. "It was August 15, 2009, at 1:00pm," she said, recalling the instant when her life changed traumatically. "I was so ignorant," she said. "I thought HIV had a face" -- thin, poor and dying -- "and I wasn't that face." The man who infected her with the AIDS virus was a "sugar daddy" or, in local parlance, a "blesser" -- an older man who "blesses" a younger, often poorer girl with money and gifts and expects sex in return. The danger of the "blessers" has been in the spotlight at the International AIDS Conference in Durban this week. In South Africa, seven million people live with HIV -- and older men are thought to be largely to blame for the shockingly high rate of infections among teenage girls and young women. "To the 'blessers', there is only one level I want: the zero level, zero tolerance for men who put adolescent girls at risk for HIV," UNAIDS chief Michel Sidibe declared on Monday at the conference's opening session. Every week, an estimated 2,000 South African women between the ages of 15 and 24 contract HIV. Girls between the ages of 15 and 19 are up to eight times more likely to be HIV-positive than boys the same age. Age-gap relationships are the engine driving the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, explained Professor Salim Abdool Karim, director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA). - 'He's in control' - The programme examined the genetic sequences of the HIV virus in a community in the KwaZulu-Natal province -- the hotbed of South Africa's epidemic -- to track how it was being spread. The results revealed a cycle of infection. "Over three out of every five young women -- teenagers and women in their very early 20s -- acquired HIV from a man around his thirties, about eight to 10 years older," Abdool Karim told AFP. The skewed power dynamics in these relationships make it difficult for the young women to demand safe sex, increasing their chances of contracting the virus. "You don't even want to talk condoms, or the guy will think you're being promiscuous," said Motsumi, who was 17 when she started going out with her older partner. "You know you should, but he's in control of the sex: when you have it, how you have it." It was a problem made worse by parents and nurses more intent on delivering moral lectures than helping her make informed decisions, she said. As infected young women grow older and reach their thirties, they infect the next group of men "who then infect the next group of young women, and so it goes round and round," said Abdool Karim. "Blessers" has overtaken "sugar daddies" as the common term in South Africa, emerging from the widelyused "blessed" hashtag on social media posts and photographs. - Talk about sex - "It's transactional, not love," said Motsumi who, after a string of such relationships, is sharing her experiences at the Durban conference. "I wanted the money, I wanted to fit in, wear the latest sneakers like my friends." The South African government is straight-forward about the problem. Last month, it launched an awareness programme, where Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa chanted: "Down with blessers! Down with sugar daddies!" Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says it's time to shed taboos and start talking to young girls about sex. "Every parent wants to believe that their daughter is an angel (but) the fact that they are so highly infected it means they're having sex," he told AFP. Bringing the alarming rates of infection down will take more than just talk. "Blessers" thrive on poverty -- and girls who stay in school and have a job are bound to find them less attractive. "Can we give them skills and link them to economic opportunities to reduce their dependency? Because that's where the issue of sugar daddies come in," Motsoaledi told AFP. In 2013, researchers in Britain and South Africa published the result of interviews with 3,500 teenagers, showing that by narrowing the poverty gap, "blessers" could be thwarted. Teenage girls from households which received child support were two-thirds less likely to have a much older boyfriend compared to counterparts from homes that did not receive the benefit. These girls were also half less likely to have sex in exchange for food, money or school fees. Motsumi knows how she is going to approach the subject with her six-year-old daughter. "I'll give her the information she needs to make good choices," she said. "I can't enforce my morals, but if you want to date older men, you need to know the risks." 21.07.2016 LISTEN Republican, Newt Gingrich, long known for his fascistic views, recently declared that Western Civilization is in a war. Truth be told, he is on solid ground. Indeed, Western Civilization is in a war, a war that has been raging since its inception. It has been at war with itself and with the entire non-European world for centuries. Long before anyone heard of Jihadists, Al-Qaeda and ISIL, Western Civilization was at war. Long before Osama Bin Ladin in Afghanistan, Saddam Hussein in Iraq, Muammar Qaddafi in Libya or Bashar al Assad in Syria, Western Civilization was at war with the entire rest of the world. Western Civilization has mastered the art and technology of warfare. They are the quintessential warlords, despite the fact that they love to attribute this term to non-European leaders, especially Africans. There is no civilization on the face of this earth that has waged war more relentlessly and permanently than Western Civilization this is not opinion, it is an indisputable historical fact. European Tribal Wars Newt Gingrich and his kind need to be reminded of the Hundred-Years War (1337 1453). This was a European tribal war primarily between the French and the English, with various other European tribes supporting either side. The Hundred Years War claimed the lives of an estimated 3.5 million people. Then there was the Thirty Years War (1618 1848) involving the majority of European nations. Military historians estimate the death-toll to be at least 8 million. Then we had the two great European tribal wars, erroneously referred to as World War 1 and World War 2, in which the colonized were roped in to fighting alongside the various North Atlantic Tribes. Sadly today, many of us are still fighting on the side of the various North Atlantic Tribes to further the aims of Empire and in the process subjugate and destroy our own peoples. So-called World War 1 claimed the lives of 38 million people, while the other so-called World War one of Europes most genocidal tribal wars left more than 60 million dead. The West turns on the Rest After bleeding themselves for centuries, and committing genocide on their own people, they turned on the Indigenous peoples throughout the world committing an unprecedented act of genocide, and then instigated the horrific Trans-Atlantic trade in captured Africans, resulting in the death of untold millions of Africans. This was a war like no other a war that is still raging on the streets of every town and city in modern day USA, where the descendants of those captured Africans are routinely gunned down by the police in the streets. This year alone, US police have killed at least 136 Africans, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile being the latest victims. In 2012, the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement released a report titled: Operation Ghetto Storm in which they documented the fact that every 28 hours in 2012 someone employed or protected by the US government killed a Black man, woman or child. This is none other than a war being waged by white corporate America and its racist institutions on the poor and disenfranchised. Following the fatal shooting of 5 police officers in Dallas, Texas on July 7th, President Obama had this to say: theres been a vicious, calculated and despicable attack on law enforcement I believe that I speak for every single American when I say that we are horrified over these events, and that we stand united with people and the police department in Dallas. Despite the fact that many of the Africans shot by police in the US have been executed at point blank range, and that a recent victim, Tamir Rice was only 12 years old when he was shot to death in a playground, no US president, including Obama, has ever spoken about the killing of Africans in America in this tone, using appropriately harsh words. And when 3 more police officers were shot and killed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on July 17th, President Obama had this to say: I condemn, in the strongest sense of the word, the attack on law enforcement in Baton Rouge. For the second time in two weeks, police officers who put their lives on the line for ours every day were doing their job when they were killed in a cowardly and reprehensible assault. These are attacks on public servants, on the rule of law, and on civilized society, and they have to stopAnd make no mistake justice will be done. We may not yet know the motives for this attack, but I want to be clear: there is no justification for violence against law enforcement. None These attacks are the work of cowards who speak for no one. They right no wrongs. They advance no causes. The officers in Baton Rouge; the officers in Dallas they were our fellow Americans, part of our community, part of our country, with people who loved and needed them, and who need us now all of us to be at our best. Anyone reading these statements can see that Barack Obama is clear about whose side he is on in this war. In the face of the horrific statistics regarding the number of Africans shot this year alone by police, let alone decades of police brutality and murder directed against African communities throughout the US, Obama deliberately fails to connect the dots. He dare not. As the Black face of White Supremacy and Western Civilizations ongoing war, this White House Negro better keep his story straight and keep to his script. Barack Obama chalks up Major Victory After all, during his presidency he chalked up a victory for Western Civilizations war that compares with few others. He authorized and colluded in the brutal murder of Muammar Qaddafi, one of Africas finest leaders. He joined with his Western European allies to destroy Africas most prosperous country, in a bid to prevent Libya from leading the entire continent to its long awaited destination of a United States of Africa. This was a huge moment for Western Civilizations war effort, since a United States of Africa, with its own currency, backed by its own gold, would have definitely humbled Western Civilization. It would have brought about a cataclysmic shift in global power relations which is why Muammar Qaddafi was targeted for annihilation. The Returnees The two men accused of the police shootings following the killing of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile were both returnees. Micah Johnson was a 25 year old former US Army reservist who had served in Afghanistan, and Gavin Long was a 29-year-old Marine Corps veteran who had served in Iraq. Long received several awards, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Navy Unit Commendation Medal. These two young men were trained to be killers in the ongoing, never ending war waged by Western Civilization. Obama needs to tell us: When US forces bomb wedding parties in Afghanistan and entire apartment blocks in Iraq, killing and maiming men, women, children and the elderly are these attacks not the work of cowards who speak for no one? Have these wars, waged by Western Civilization righted any wrongs? What causes have been advanced by the unleashing of unimaginable terror and genocide on the populations of Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria to name just a few of the most recent targets of Western Civilizations ongoing war. We need to remind Newt Gingrich that those who he charges with the crime of waging war on Western Civilization the terrorists and so-called Jihadists were and continue to be organized, trained, armed and financed by Western Civilizations intelligence agencies and the intelligence agencies of their allies Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan. Let us not forget that Ronald Reagan referred to the jihadists who were fighting the Soviet troops in Afghanistan at that time, as freedom fighters. In fact, it was Ronald Reagan who popularized the concept of Jihad in western political circles. These same jihadists were the forerunners of Al Qaeda and ISIL and have been used and manipulated by Western Civilizations intelligence agencies to fight a number of their dirty wars, leaving behind nothing but mayhem and destruction. After the defeat of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, the Arabs who fought with the Afghan mujahideen, all of whom were supported and armed by Western Civilizations various agencies, returned to their respective countries. Armed with their reactionary Wahhabi ideology they launched jihad against what they referred to as secular regimes. The same regimes that the Jihadists saw as secular were nationalist regimes, that each, in their own way, opposed Western Civilizations domination of their country and the region. Western Civilizations warlords and generals were quick to realize that they could continue their infiltration and manipulation of these groups of jihadists to further the aims and objectives of Western Civilizations Empire. After all, Al Qaeda means the base and refers to the original database created by the CIA when they were backing these so-called jihadists in Afghanistan. It was their base and they had full access to it. No meaningful analysis can be made of events taking place in 2016 if we do not have knowledge of the past. We must research and study His-Story and Our-Story, in order to be able to devise an effective strategy of resistance. As military strategist and philosopher, Sun Tzu counsels: If you know the enemy and you know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and you know Earth, you may make your victory complete. Who is to blame? Newt Gingrich was certainly right Western Civilization is in a war. What he failed to point out is that every aspect of this war, this global terror and nihilistic violence we are confronted with in 2016 was spawned by Western Civilizations agenda for global domination. We must remain focused on the real enemy despite the daily bombardment we receive from Western Civilizations corporate media about the new bogyman. The creation of bogeymen is a strategy they have used since the beginning of their onslaught to distract us from the real enemy - themselves. It would be comical if it wasnt so tragic to watch on as they attempt to portray Russia and Vladimir Putin as the new evil. I suspect that in the age of the internet, even those who in the past absorbed Western Civilizations propaganda as if it was gospel truth, are growing weary. Following is an excerpt from Suicide of a Superpower: Will America Survive to 2025? The book was written by populist conservative, Pat Buchanan. Unlike politically correct liberals, likes of Barak Obama and Hilary Clinton, who never tell it like it is, but rather weave a deceptive narrative to further Western Civilizations prolonged war; and the likes of Newt Gingrich and his gang who like to throw around words and concepts without having any knowledge whatsoever of the history of Western Civilization; Pat Buchanan, although a staunch defender of Western Civilization, is courageous enough to lay the blame where it rightfully belongs. Perhaps his honesty is motivated by his understanding that the very survival of Western Civilization is in jeopardy if it continues on its present trajectory. In his words: We fail to understand what motivated our attackers. They did not come to kill us because they abhor our Constitution, or wish to impose Sharia on Oklahoma. They were over here because we are over there. They came to kill us in our country because we will not get out of their countries. Terrorism is the weapon of the weak who wish to be rid of foreign domination. From Plaines Indians to Afghan mujahideen, from Menachem Begins Irgun to the Algerian FLN, from the IRA of Martin McGuinness to the ANC of Nelson Mandela, it has ever been thus. Terrorism is the price of Empire. While this self-evident truth is abundantly clear to the rest of us, it is important to note when this truth is finally articulated and documented by one of their own. If this war is ever to end then Newt Gingrich and the rest of Western Civilization must face their own demons. Gerald A. Perreira is a writer, educator, theologian and political activist. He is chairperson of the Guyanese organizations Black Consciousness Movement Guyana (BCMG) and Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP). He is an executive member of the Caribbean Chapter of the Network for Defense of Humanity. He lived in Libya for many years, served in the Green March, an international battalion for the defense of the Al Fateh revolution and was a founding member of the World Mathaba, based in Tripoli, Libya. He can be reached at [email protected] The conviction of opposition leader Ousainou Darboe and 18 other peaceful protestors highlights the continuing downward spiral for human rights in Gambia, Amnesty International said today. Following a court decision this afternoon, 19 people including the leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) have been sentenced to three years imprisonment. They were found guilty on six counts relating to participating in unauthorised protests on 16 April 2016 in the outskirts of the capital Banjul. They were found not guilty of incitement to violence, while one man was found not guilty on all counts. The sentencing of senior opposition figures such as Ousainou Darboe is the latest in a continuous chain of violations committed against those who dare to speak out in Gambia, said Stephen Cockburn, Deputy Regional Director for Amnesty International in West and Central Africa. Amnesty International considers all those who continue to languish in jail for protesting peacefully to be prisoners of conscience, who should be immediately and unconditionally released. The 19 people convicted were arrested on 16 April during a peaceful protest that was calling for the release of dozens of UDP supporters who had been arrested during demonstrations just two days earlier. They were also demanding an investigation into the death in custody of UDP National Organising Secretary Solo Sandeng, arrested on 14 April. One witness described in a court affidavit how she had seen the beaten body of Solo Sandeng at the National Intelligence Agency headquarters, swollen and bleeding. The verdict comes two days before the 22nd anniversary of the coup detat that brought President Yaya Jammeh to power, and less than five months before Presidential elections are due to be held in Gambia. In June 2016, Amnesty International launched a report detailing the further decline in freedom of expression and in respect for human rights since the last elections in 2011, including repressive new laws, arrests of journalists and opposition members, and widespread surveillance. The organisation called on ECOWAS to consider suspending Gambia if progress was not made in improving the human rights situation before upcoming elections. During a summit in June, ECOWAS Heads of State called on Gambia to refrain from using excessive force against protestors and to launch a political dialogue with opposition parties. More than 25 others remain in detention awaiting trial for their parts in protests in April and May. Imprisoning opposition leaders and their supporters for protesting peacefully not only fragrantly violates their human rights but is also likely to enflame an already tense situation, said Stephen Cockburn. With just five months before elections are due to be held, the Gambian authorities should take urgent measures to ensure that people can express themselves without fear of reprisals. If they do not, ECOWAS and the international community should not stand idly by. I believe that old maxim goes as follows: At the mention of death, old bones begin to shake. I could, of course, have Googled to find the precise wording of this maxim; but I am not doing so, because I want everything to flow naturally and as organically as the early morning provocation that compelled yours truly to respond to this predictable poppycock from the Deputy Communication Minister, Mr. Felix Ofosu-Kwakye, the man who once smugly declared that technocrats were of the least bit of significance when it came to governance and the critical formulation of public policy initiatives. Now, the same man who was in diapers, or perhaps not even born, when Mr. Sam Okudzeto was President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), is accusing this finest of gentlemen and unarguably one of the leading legal lights of his generation of acting with blanket condescension towards the members of the Mahama cabinet (See Okudzetos Jab at Government Officials Condescending Kwakye Ofosu Classfmonline.com / Ghanaweb.com 7/20/16). According to news reports, Mr. Okudzeto recently had occasion to observe that although there was quite a remarkable pool of intelligent and brilliant minds in the country, President John Dramani Mahama had unwisely chosen to work with people who knew next to nothing about the complexities of running an effective and successful government, while the rest of the nation looked on helplessly and needlessly suffered for such abject lack of good leadership. The Deputy Information Ministers accusation immediately reminded me of President Mahamas recent stern cautionary note to the nation, at large, that except for former Presidents Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum-Kufuor, absolutely no Ghanaian citizen qualified to either presume to evaluate or carp his job performance as the nations Chief Administrator, because no other living Ghanaian citizens, other than these two aforementioned gentlemen, had tasted of what it really meant to be elected as the countrys foremost citizen. If, indeed, Mr. Ofosu-Kwakye sincerely believes that Mr. Okudzeto is more presumptuous and/or condescending to Ghanaians than Mr. Mahama, then it goes without saying that the Deputy Information Minister requires immediate psychiatric examination. We are also told that Mr. Okudzetos well-measured observation comes on the heels of the release of the findings of an Institute of Economic Affairs-sponsored survey of the views of Ghanaians in the lead-up to Election 2016. We shall make time to expatiate on the quiddities of the aforesaid survey, in particular, vis-a-vis what they ought to mean to the nation at large. At any rate, what fascinated me most was Mr. Ofosu-Kwakyes singling out of Ms. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman as a glaring exception to Mr. Okudzetos barb, which the former GBA President ought to have promptly recognized and perhaps even profusely lauded. And his reason? Well, primarily because, according to Mr. Ofosu-Kwakye, Prof. Opoku-Agyeman is a former Vice-Chancellor of Cape Coast University. This is what experts in the art of logical ratiocination call Argument Non-Sequitur. In other words, it is absolutely nothing short of the immitigably farcical for anybody to so facilely presume that just because she is a former Vice-Chancellor of Cape Coast University does not necessarily follow that Naana Opoku-Agyeman would also be an effective Education Minister. And she may well have been one of the finest Vice-Chancellors of any tertiary academy in Ghana; but as far as the present quality of our nations public educational system is concerned, Prof. Opoku-Agyeman has been a blistering embarrassment. Mr. Ofosu-Kwakye also claims that President Agyekum-Kufuor fielded functional illiterates in his administration, but he fails to cite a single example to back up his claim. And yours truly has absolutely no recollection of Ms. Akua Donkor, the founding-mother of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), ever working in the Agyekum-Kufuor-led New Patriotic Party. In sum, the critic would be much more effective with his scandalously vacuous riposte if Mr. Ofosu-Kwakye could objectively draw a balance sheet of the comparative performance of Messrs. Agyekum-Kufuor and Mahama, one that is fully festooned with reliable facts and figures, to enable Ghanaians draw the most logical conclusions. *Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffairs Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday declared a three-month state of emergency in the wake of last week's thwarted coup in his country. Erdogan said the emergency was needed to hunt down all of those thought to be responsible for the coup attempt. Speaking after a meeting with his cabinet ministers, the Turkish leader said the state of emergency was not meant to curb basic freedoms, but instead to counter threats to Turkish democracy. "As commander in chief, I will also attend to it so that all the viruses within the armed forces will be cleansed," he said. State media said authorities were acting to close down 626 private schools and other educational establishments, the latest step of a crackdown after the botched coup. The schools are linked to exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen, who set up a network of schools across Turkey to promote his teachings. In addition, Turkey banned academics from leaving the country and urged those traveling abroad to return home. Turkish media reported that the Education Ministry fired 15,200 teachers across the country, while the Interior Ministry dismissed nearly 9,000 workers. Another 1,500 in the Finance Ministry were fired, as were hundreds more in the Religious Affairs Directorate, the Family and Social Policy Ministry, and the prime minister's office. The country's higher education board demanded the resignations of 1,577 university deans. The firings came in addition to the detentions of about 9,000 people Ankara suspects of involvement in the attempted overthrow of Erdogan's government. U.S. President Barack Obama has offered to aid in the investigation of last week's attempted coup. The White House said Obama and Erdogan spoke by telephone Tuesday. Obama made clear that the United States would "provide appropriate assistance" to the investigation. Government has urged the members of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) to exercise restraint as it works to resolve their grievances. CLOGSAG yesterday [Wednesday] served notice of a nationwide strike on July 27 following governments failure to pay them their market premium. The Employment and Labour Relations Minister, Haruna Iddrisu called for calm, assuring CLOGSAG that government was doing its best meet its concerns. Let me assure you that government is doing everything to maintain the serenity of the industrial atmosphere in the country and to maintain industrial peace and harmony even whilst we address the concerns of the two major categories of workers in the country. Mr. Iddrisu further noted that CLOGSAG have petitioned his Ministry and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the matter has been referred to the Grievances Committee of the board of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. The subcommittee which is looking at market premiums relative to all categories of workers in the country will engage CLOSSAG in the course of this week and submit a report to me for onward submission for government's considerations, the minister stated. Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, Dr. Isaac Bampoe Addo The union has said it willfully carry out it threats of a nationwide strike if government did not pay their market premiums by July 27. CLOGSAG earlier threatened to embark on a strike over the non-payment of the market premium. It protested government's payment of interim premiums to other category of workers, but failure to extend the payments to its members. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana Ghanaian farmers benefitted from $22 million interest-free short-term financing under the Olam Livelihood Charter (OLC), according to 2015 results announced today by global agri-business giant, Olam International. The Olam Livelihood Charter, Olam International's flagship smallholder sustainability initiative, caters for a total of 31,722 Ghanaian farmers in the cashew and cocoa sectors, who cultivate a total of 73,968 hectors of land. Some 57% of these farmers are women. Launched in 2010, the OLC is a global initiative which aims at bringing prosperity to farming and rural communities, building long-term relationships based on fairness and trust, and transferring skills and knowledge through partnerships. The initiative now covers some 344,466 farmers in 17 countries worldwide, including Ghana. The initiative is based on the principle that supporting smallholders with agri-training and seeds or fertiliser is not enough. Initiatives must be holistic in approach and tackle wider social, economic and environmental challenges to achieve mutually beneficial impacts in the long-term. Besides enjoying access to short-term financing under the OLC in the course of the year, Ghanaian farmers were supplied some 155,500 quality seedlings and benefitted from 23,177 training days in Good Agricultural Practices. Olam Ghana also conducted HIV/Aids awareness and testing campaigns and screening programmes for Typhoid. One of the programmes under the Olam Livelihood Charter with the farmers in Bia Jua'beso has produced the world's first verified climate smart cocoa with Rainforest Alliance. Without finance, there's no farm investment. Without adequate nutrition or healthcare, farmers cannot fulfill their potential. Without environmental knowhow, their landscape degrades, explained Amit Agrawal, Country Head of Olam Ghana. Everyone stands to benefit from getting it right. When farming communities thrive, the economy grows and food security in Ghana is enhanced. Meanwhile, we at Olam can grow our business and provide our customers with consistent volumes of traceable, sustainable products, he said. Abuakwa North MP, Gifty Twum Ampofo, has said the wave of condemnation (particularly by women groups) of fellow lawmaker Kennedy Agyapongs sex-for-job allegation against the Chair of the Electoral Commission, Mrs Charlotte Osei, has been lopsided and picky. The Assin Central lawmaker on Saturday June 25, during the campaign launch for Asokwa MP Patricia Appeagyei in Kumasi, said Mrs Osei then chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), who was appointed in June 2015 to replace long-serving EC chairman, Dr Kwadwo Afari Gyan had been advised by some highly-placed persons in government to bring your derriere in exchange for the EC Chair position. Mr Agyapong has been criticised by several persons including the Media Foundation for West Africas Suleiman Braimah and some parliamentarians for the comments. Children, Gender, and Social Protection Minister Nana Oye Lithur described the remark as regrettable, saying Ghanaian women would not countenance personal attacks on women, who have committed to serve Ghana in public office. She said as a public officer, Mr Agyapong should rather promote non-discrimination, respect for human dignity, and gender equality. Also, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Hanna Tetteh said the vicious attacks were unfortunate, since Mrs Osei was a lawyer and professional capable of getting the EC Chair job on merit. Council of state member Ama Benyiwa-Doe also joined the condemnation fray on Wednesday June 29 and accused the NPP lawmaker of never having any respect for women. Additionally, the Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, a womens right civil society organisation, Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, urged the leadership of the NPP to find ways of counselling Mr Agyapong. Speaking in an interview with Prince Minkah, host of the Executive Breakfast Show (EBS) on Class 91.3FM on Wednesday, Mrs Dwamena-Aboagye said: I think it is most unfortunate, he should not have said things like that. It equals assassination of character, it is defamation, it is scandalous and should not be heard from a leader of a country. I think it is very wrong. Further, former Attorney General Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu said in a statement that: I am very happy to hear of the support from our various women rights advocates. I join the many voices of well-meaning Ghanaians to protect the values, ethics and culture of our heritage. Never again must women be subjected to such humiliation and ridicule. It is just enough! I have been a victim of this Kennedy Agyapong's hit speeches, but I survived. I call on the August house of parliament to take appropriate steps to discipline such characters. Again the NPP must cleanse itself of such dirt to appear credible in the protection of women rights. The National Organiser of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Kofi Adams also called on the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, to call the NPP MP to order. Also, a group known as Concerned Women of the Eastern Region on Thursday June 30 demonstrated through the principal streets of the regional capital, Koforidua, to register their anger against Mr Agyapong for his comment. Asked by Chief Jerry Forson, host of Accra100.5FMs breakfast show Ghana Yensom about what she made of her fellow NPP MPs allegation against Mrs Osei, Mrs Twum Apofo said: Its a two-edged sword: has it been investigated to ascertain whether it is true or not, and secondly if its not true, what could have made him make that allegation? Nobody is bothering to investigate the case to find out if its true or not, so that if its not true, we would tell Kennedy Agyapong to apologise to the EC boss, but all that is happening is that women coalitions are being formed against Mr Agyapong. It is selective judgment. It is not good for Ghanas growth. All the coalition groups should be there for all women, she said, citing examples of attacks on other prominent women such as the Chief Justice, the Denkyirahemaa, and a female traditional leader of Atebebubu, which, according to her, passed without a shred of condemnation by any of the same womens groups and coalitions that flayed Mr Agyapong for his attack on Mrs Osei. So the coalition must stand for all women and not be selective, otherwise we will not move on as a country. The director of communications of the NPP, Nana Akomea, has confirmed NPPs agenda to encourage members who attack the chairperson of the Electoral Commission as part of their strategies to blame her for defeat in this years Presidential elections. Nana Akomea, considered by a section of the public as one of NPPs few leaders decorous in their altercations on radio and TV lost a huge opportunity to save his image and that of his party which is becoming notorious for deliberate attacks and threats on personalities. Nana Akomea was contributing to a discussion on Metro TV on his partys National Womens Organizer, Otiko Afisa Djabas call for investigations into allegations that the EC Chair, Mrs Charlotte Osei earned her position after a sexual encounter with the President John Dramani Mahama. Otiko Dzabas loose comment has been condemned by some female politicians and high level professionals surprised at the position taken by a fellow woman. Mr Akomea initially sought to rationalize the unfortunate comment by the NPP Womens Organizer by explaining that she does not subscribe to the insult on the personality of the married EC boss, but host of Metro TVs Good Morning Ghana, Randy Abbey pushed him to the wall by reading the transcript of her telephone interview on Accra-based Class FM. Embarrassed and thorn between the partys position and openly condemning Otiko Djaba, Nana Akomea sarcastically asked, how do you investigate if someone has slept with somebody? Thats my difficulty. Even if you thought there is some truth in it, how does the BNI investigate this kind of relationship? Randy probed further, in an attempt to push Nana Akomea to do what many expected. RANDY: But you call for investigations if you think there is an iota of truth in it. What it means is that she is elevating the thing from mere whispering, rumour mongering, careless and reckless talk to something she believes has some basis and therefore ought to be investigated. NANA AKOMEA: Well, I dont know why. Maybe she has some basis. RANDY: But thats pea-brain talk. Nana Akomea however surprised many when he interjected and accused Randy of using harsh words on Otiko Djaba. His response resulted in a brief banter with Randy Abbey who insisted that the NPP Womens Organizer had belittled her intelligence. Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Editor of the Insight newspaper who also contributed to the discussion described the accusation as anti-woman, backward and extremely reckless. He said the academic qualification of the learned EC Chairperson is far better qualified than those who have joined the attacks on her personality. Otiko Djaba who incidentally is a relative of the President is struggling for recognition in her own party after she seemed to have been sidelined on suspicion that she is a mole. Otiko Djaba is partly from Somanya in the Eastern region and Bole in the Northern region, and has been known to be related to the family of President John Mahama. After the 2012 elections she was accused of spying for her nephew, the President. In October 2014, she came under pressure when her blood sister, Dede Djaba alleged that the partys flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, was once arrested at the Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom (UK) for drug offences. Dede Djaba, a Lawyer based in the UK, came under a barrage of attacks for her revelation. An outspoken NPP MP, Ursula Owusu Ekuful has also publicly backed the Assin North MP, Kennedy Agyapong, who first made the allegation. She has also attacked female government appointees who have taken on the foul mouth Assin North MP. Last week, a group of queen mothers embarked on a demonstration demanding that Parliaments Privileges Committee summons Kennedy Agyapong for questioning. Interestingly, NPP Womens Caucus in parliament declined to join other MPs to receive their petition. Political analysts say Akufo-Addo and NPPs reluctance to condemn the reckless statement will obviously cause them in the 2016 elections. 21.07.2016 LISTEN OK, imagine something unusual. Imagine the product of a fusion of the young and old. Imagine something that is both godly and ungodly. Imagine a cocktail of all the ingredients that make up a thrilling song. Imagine a song that is both commercially viable and inspiring. Think of a song that leaves the club on Saturday night and goes into the church on Sunday morning without guilt. Like a stone that kills two birds. That is not hypocrisy. It is called capriciousness. Kwame Nsiah Apau has a better word: versatility. It is what Hallelujah is. This stone kills three birds, actually. It is Gospel and Azonto and Hiplife. The song is an autobiographical account of the rappers musical career, recounting how successful hes been in the past two decades. We may not have read if he wrote it, so he makes a song out of it. The import is to credit his successes to God, to whom he says Hallelujah. Its remarkable how Okyeame Kwame boils a complete story in the four minute record. This song checks all my boxes! It will break grounds. Lets bet! The beat is unfamiliar, because it is meant for Okyeame Kwame. He's never done anything above the speed of a standard highlife tune. He's never got close to anything that makes you want to dance with so much energy. Hallelujah beats the odds, the way Abochi beats the percussions. The song ideally is meant for reflection in solitude. A chronicle of a person's life would have been created in a way that would be soaked in silence. But the producer insists on making us dance, regardless. Like all others and the ones yet to come, this one too is excellent in composition, vocal delivery, and instrumentation, particularly. The sounds makes a very, very heavy pound. Everything is happening at a time, right from the word 'go! The percussions are played in their totality with a perfect compensation from the keyboard, the bass guitar and the folk instrumentation that is introduced at the jama session. Plus those well-timed drum rolls make the song sound like the kind of praises we do on 31st Night services. Listen also for the whistle of a piccolo. You cant ignore it. The electric guitar melody running at the sides is inviting. You could feel those six strings entangle and move you around, dancing like a puppet at the mercies of a puppeteer. And you can't help it, especially at the beginning. At this point of Kwame's career, what more can he ask? Abraham Harold Marslow, an American psychologist in this theory of needs, explains that the highest need is self-actualisation; the stage where a person realises his personal potentials and self-fulfilment. At the climax of Okyeames business, he feels accomplished. We kind of concur, for its undebatable. After all, he's a happy family man with more than enough to put on the table, a musician with enough plaques to show on his shelves, a man carrying a soul with enough good deeds to show his creator. And hes got a beautiful wife to go back home to. This is a life the angels will be proud of. And Hallelujah is a song they will dance to, too. It is coming from a grateful heart. His prosperous life is well exemplified in the music video. It opens with a display of thumbnails of scenes to typify his luxury, a healthy lifestyle and fun-filled moments. He cruises in a brand-new Rolls-Royce Phantom, hes got some enviable regalia to showcase, hes cladding in expensive outfits, he treks around, enjoying the services of a personal guard and becomes the talk of town. The women adore his splendour. Its set, indeed! Ofori Ankah Kofi, who directed the visuals presents the piece in all the quality it deserves. The location, Holy Trinity Spa makes a befitting setting with its serene atmosphere. Heres where Abochi is introduced. But this Abochi guy, really is a force to reckon with. The way he cunningly grabs attention with his first official appearance is intriguing. He possess this kind of charm that appeals to everyone. On Hallelujah, his voice is luring, in the way he sings on a baritone note and backs with a tenor. It makes up for Okyeame who doesnt have a very good voice. His diction is relatable, too. He enters with the chorus: Wnto ma no , Hallelujah Praise the Lord, Hallelujah Thanks for the good youve been doing to me Awurade a na wama me as bi Okyeame Kwame became prominent in the late 90s as one half of the defunct hip-life group Akyeame. He mentions their historical performance at the world famous Apollo Theatre in New York, the Constitution Hall in Washington DC and finally STRATSFORD Rex, London. During the period they released four albums: Nyansapo in 1997, Nkonsonkonson in 1998, Ntoaso in 2000 and Apam Foforo in 2002. Their songs Ma San Aba, Menko Meda among others become street anthems. They won the GMA Artiste of Year Award in 1999 together with Hiplife Song of the year, Song of the year and Video of the year. They enjoyed six years of success until their breakaway in 2003. It is worth noting how Kwame recounts these moments and acknowledges his colleague in the statement: Anky Fan town na mehyia Okyeame Quophi Vim ne raps de na abrante yi wo bi Nema asesa de nso ny ade a mewer fi Me kae s me hunu ka me ho a mdru akyiri Here is an awesome display of the attitude of gratitude. Kwame released his first solo album "Boshe Ba" (Promised Child) in 2004, just after the breakup of the Akyeame band. He followed in 2008 with "Manwesem" (My Poetry) and in 2011 with "The Clinic". Since then, local and international stages have carried his weight. Global audiences have been electrified by his craft. So in the words Hiplife y me dea he claims ownership of the art. I am not saying this, neither am I resurrecting an old argument. Its in the song! The Rap Doctors application of language is unrivaled. He stuffs the song with rhymes, simile, metaphor. As is usual of him, he does not spare us his rap showmanship. In his second verse, the rapper breathlessly juggles thirty eight words in a time space of 8 seconds: Afei me ride passe p amanfo se Kwame rapi Hw gyidi na Kwame baako p Mennsuro biara na makt Barbiara na me paapi Rapper Dacta na clappi Yhy ase beef Okraku Mantey na de Lord Kenya b tackie Heres where he sounds like bass drums and snare kicks played in quick succession. This thing runs in the family. Don't try this at home! It is now evident the kind of course BRA Kwame is chattering for his music craft, and in subsequent releases we expect such similar work of inspiration. Woso, Try Another Time, Sika were released to either educate, motivate, inspire or advise. This one too is toeing the same line. Youve been trying to win in this game forever And you feel you are under pressure Listen to my story and know that with God by your side Everything will be ok, Its OK I have mentioned elsewhere that we cant find enough plaques to honour a talented player of Okyeames calibre. He has walked a journey of the legends. He has lived the life of a maestro. Forty years is a big deal and to have spent half of it on an enviable career is a long way coming. What more can he say but Hallelujah? Patrick Fynn patrickfynn.com Follow the author on Twitter: @PatrickFynn Deputy Minister For Food and Agriculture (Crops), Dr. Ahmed Yakubu Alhassan 21.07.2016 LISTEN Accra, GHANA On July 21, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) convened local stakeholders at the Alisa Hotel to discuss Ghanas sanitary and phytosanitary export certification system. USAID/Ghana Acting Mission Director Steven E. Hendrix and the Honorable Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (Crops), Dr. Ahmed Yakubu Alhassan, opened the discussion with 25 stakeholders. Hendrix noted, There is a direct link between Ghanas economic health and the safety of its fresh produce. Ghanaian farmers produce some of the best horticulture products in the world, products that, if exported, could bring in millions of dollars to feed families, create jobs, and build the country. He added that the lack of adherence to standards of food exports has blocked an influx of revenue into Ghana. The U.S. government, through the Trade Africa Expansion Initiative, is committed to working with the Ghanaian government and the people of Ghana to improve its trade regime. The Improving Food Safety Systems Program (IFSSP) in Ghana is a USAID program that aims to fortify the plant health and protection compliance system for fruits and vegetables; boost public and private sector collaboration for active growth in exports; and encourage greater quality and profitability for key horticultural value chains in Ghana. About USAID USAID is the lead U.S. government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential. USAID supports Ghana in increasing food security, improving basic health care, enhancing access to education, and strengthening local governance to benefit all Ghanaian people. Despite an earlier threat to strike on Monday July 25, workers of the state broadcaster, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), have abandoned work and taken to the streets in protest. According to Citi News Kwame Botchway, the workers have set up a checkpoint at the entrance of the Corporation. Kwame Botchway quotes the workers as saying that, they have picked up intelligence that the Corporations board is expected to have a meeting at the GBC this afternoon. Therefore they are out in their numbers to ensure no board member gets onto the premises, Kwame Botchway noted. The workers have accused the board of micromanaging the affairs of GBC and misappropriating GBC's internally generated funds by illegally employing directors without recourse to due process. They have vowed to continue protesting until their demands for the dissolution of the Board of the Corporation are met. NMC absolves GBC Board Meanwhile the National Media Commission (NMC), has cleared the governing board of GBC of any wrongdoing after a petition sent to them by the workers union. The Executive Secretary of NMC, George Sarpong, debunked the claims saying their investigations proved that the board was innocent of the allegations that had been levelled against it. The GBC union made a number of allegations to the commission. The commission established a committee to independently investigate the claims and the committee took each of the claims one by one and gave the union the opportunity to prove the case against the people. They could not substantiate any of the claims they made, he said They took time to investigate this matter thoroughly beyond the claim that the GBC union made. The commission went out of its ways and investigate further into the matter and found that those allegations were unsustainable, Mr. Sarpong added. NMC in bed with board The workers accused the NMC of betraying them by lodging a complaint with the Police because of their decision to prohibit the GBC board members from entering the premises. A worker at the GBC who spoke to Citi News on condition of anonymity said: The NMC has refused to objectively consider the issues in question, when they came out with their fictitious reports earlier to clear the board, they were popping champagne and celebrating. Protesting workers to be punished Management of the GBC has said it will crack down on the protesting workers. A memo sighted by Citi News indicated that, any person who was a signatory to a document declaring the GBC board persona non grata, will be punished. GBC management considers the whole write up as misconduct on the part of the signatories to the notice and appropriate procedures will be invoked to ensure sanity within the corporation's governance structure, the memo stated. The memo also noted that, the the union does not have the mandate to declare the board persona non grata. Constitutionally, the National Media Commission (NMC), is the statutory body mandated to appoint and dissolve the GBC board. Any grievance about the work or conduct of the board should be reported to the NMC for redress. By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana 21.07.2016 LISTEN The admission last week that the self-appointed Junior Jesus of Ghanaian politics indeed collected a colossal US$2 million bribe from the late General Sani Abacha, usually referred to as the Butcher of Nigeria, leaves the entire society of Ghana battered and bruised. Here is a person considered so clean that the politics of this nation has come to revolve around him. The 1992 Constitution, the set of laws upon which the political evolution of this nation is evolving, was virtually written, based on his so-called concept of 'integrity, probity and accountability. Read the preamble to the Constitution: In a solemn declaration and affirmation of the commitment to Freedom, Justice, Probity and Accountability DO HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITION. Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings has built his entire political life on the notion of a clean military officer who put down his military fatigues to become the Constitutional Head of State of this Republic. As the military dictator and Chairman of the short-lived Armed Forces Revolutionary Council, he tied eight top officers of this country to the stakes at the Teshie Military Firing Range and executed them. Those executed included three former Heads of State Gen. Kutu Acheampong, who staged a coup on January 13, 1972 and chaired the National Redemption Council he established. Lt-Gen. F.W.K. Akuffo, who staged a palace coup and replaced Acheampong, was also tied to the stakes and shot. The third former Head of State slaughtered at Teshie was Lt-Gen Akwasi Amankwa Afrifa, a leading actor in the events that led to the removal of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah as Life-President of Ghana in February 1966. The other military officers who were forced to give up the ghost at Teshie were Army Commander Major-General R.E.A Kotei, Navy boss Commander Joy Amedume, then Air Force Commander, Air-Vice Marshall George Yaw Boakye, Border Guard Commander Colonel Emmanuel Utuka, and Foreign Affairs Minister Colonel Roger Felli. They were accused of using their influence to corrupt the system. It turned out that some of them had borrowed GH50,000 from the bank to undertake various projects, including farming. Many other officers of the Armed Forces, hundreds of businessmen and women, as well as a number of politicians were incarcerated in various prisons and given long sentences with hard labour. At that point in time, the leader of the military junta was Flt. Lt Jerry John Rawlings, who was considered so clean that he was referred to as Junior Jesus. The first major crack in Mr. Rawlings reputation started doing the rounds in 1998, when newspapers, including The Chronicle, published information, sourced from Nigeria, that the former Chairman of the Provisional National Defence Council, who was then sitting at the Castle as Constitutional President of Ghana, had taken US$5 million bribe from then Nigerian dictator, Sani Abacha, to help clean the image of the Nigerian dictator in international diplomacy. Mr. Rawlings himself was tight-lipped. But as the media and civil society groups called for an investigation into the scandal, the then Speaker of Parliament, the late Mr. Justice Daniel F. Annan, ruled that there was no basis for any such Parliamentary investigation. The matter was put to rest. It took an investigative journalist from Nigeria to get the former Junior Jesus to own up. Under intense questioning from the newsman, Mr. Rawlings said he indeed took the money from Abacha's agent, a security capo called Gwarzo, but the quantum was not US$5 million. It was a mere US$2 million. The confession from Boom Junction, the official residence of the former Head of State, has re-opened the floodgates of criticism. To The Chronicle, the matter goes beyond the quantum of the 'blood' money. For us, the matter ought to be fully investigated, and the former Head of State put on trial. Bribery is still a crime under our criminal code. That is not all. We are appealing to the President to grant pardon, post-humously, to all those executed on the orders of Rawlings in those heady days in June 1979. Of course, we are referring to the eight generals executed at Teshie. It is our prayer too that those who were imprisoned are granted pardon and offered some form of compensation. The crime, for which all those suffered, pales into insignificance against the 'US$2 million' Flt. Lt Rawlings says he took as 'blood money' from the 'Butcher of Nigeria.' Currently, there are ugly noises from Nigeria urging Gen. Mahammadu Buhari to recover the Abacha loot. That, of course, includes the blood money given the former Head of State of Ghana. We urge a full scale enquiry into the whole scandal. Did Flt Lt. Rawlings use some of the Abacha 'blood money' to fund the National Democratic Congress? In all this, where is thy honour, Jerry John Rawlings? 21.07.2016 LISTEN Many Nigerians started looking for information on the failed coup attempt in Turkey since last week. Some suddenly started supporting the coup plotters describing them and their actions as heroes or heroic development (praying earnestly for it to happen in Nigeria) while others see it as a failure. The social media was set agog with a video call from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urging the people to take to the street in defence of his administration. He reportedly launched a social media blitz, sending calls to the population via different platforms, Facebook, WhatsApp, directly to their mobile phones, and through Twitter. This is how powerful the social media can be! Like many other human inventions, the internet-especially in the advent of the social media-suffer from avoidable challenges. Social media was used to quash a coup in Turkey. It has been responsible for bringing down governments both elected and unelected. Noticing the extent of damage social media done to its image, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recently took to its Twitter account to apologize to Nigerians of its past role in spreading toxic comments among Nigerians. The statement reads (from its verified handle @PDPNigeria): We have noticed, with a growing sense of dismay, the level of toxicity that pervades the political space with respect to discussions on national issues, the PDP said. We accept responsibility and apologize for whatever role we have played in reaching this level of toxicity. The statement continued: This toxicity, some of which finds expression in discussions across social media platforms, has reached the level where bridges are being burnt, personal relationships are being strained and an unnecessary tension fills what should ordinarily be patriotic and enlightening conversations on how to move the nation forward On reading this first on The Punch, I had to conclude there must have been a mix up somewhere. I was honestly expecting something like a rebuttal from the party with the traditional claim that its account has been hacked. The news of hackers attacking social media accounts of eminent Nigerians has been frequent in recent times. On at least two occasions, the party has suspended its twitter account. The Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari has also made a public claim dissociating herself from a controversial tweet calling a sitting Governor a dog saying her account had been hacked. Days have gone by, yet PDP has not disclaimed the tweets. Rather, the partys national caretaker committee chair, Ahmed Makarfi threw his weight behind President Buharis fight against corruption. Many Nigerians recall that former All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesman, Alhaji Lai Muhammed gave the party an unusual advice rebrand or go into extinction. Call it coincidence or whatever you chose, the PDP set up what was known as Rebranding Committee headed by a media mogul, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi. The second to go into extinction is not even an option at all. The question will then be whether the party has ever had a brand. The advice did not just come because the APC is diametrically opposed (in terms of ideas) to the PDP. The advice became necessary because of the fact that the party has a well-known brand which will take the gathering of the world most brilliant brand strategists to rebrand! In the heat of the 2015 election, there was no low some of the party supporters will not go on social media. At some point, it was #ISISBuhari. They want us to believe that Buhari sponsors the deadly Islamic State (ISIS) just to score political points. Having served as a volunteer for the Buhari Support Organisations (BSO) myself during the election, I can say that the attitudes of some APC supporters, especially on Twitter, too are condemnable but that is a topic for another day! It looks nice for that the PDP wants us to forget so soon that it once boasted that it would rule the country for 60 or more years. They want Nigerians to forget how they treated as family affair several monumental corruptions involving their members. The party wants us to forget how 16 became greater than 19 in the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) leadership election. They still want us to forget how they did their very best to prove to us that STEALING is not CORRUPTION. They will like us to forget how they told us that it is not the fault of the yam-eating goats but the presence of the tubers of yams in the same room with the goats. There is no problem with forgiving, but forgetting is another matter altogether. The new part slogan, Change The Change (CTC) it intends to adopt as its war cry looks to me like the Trump/Pence (TP) slogan which is now synonymous with tissue paper (TP) in the ongoing US presidential election. The fact that the word change appeared twice in the slogan shows looks more like it has given up the battle to the Change side already. Like I wrote when the party selected ex-Borno state Governor, Ali Modu Sherriff as acting national chairman that the party is doing the APC a great favour and making the work of the ruling party easier by giving out too much. The Change The Change slogan may be another way of telling APC strategists that they have very little work to do come 2019. An unsolicited advice is that the PDP should look for more emotionally mature youths to manage its social media platforms. There is not much that is wrong with its current handlers, but continuing with them can only add to the damage already done it the partys poor public image. I observed some people doing their best to launch a hash tag on twitter, #PDPOnlineDirectorate as a way of encouraging youths in decision making in the party. I wasnt too surprised to get tweets like: Oh wait....I missed something. There is now a Directorate for SM in the PDP. Director, please reveal yourself Politics is local! Fight to be relevant in your Ward, Local government, state and not one useless #PDPOnlineDirectorate you are fighting for. Things can only work better when we all stay and live positively. Making toxic comments about other people helps no one in particular. If the party is serious about its apologies and can urge its supporters to turn a new leave; if the APC too can appeal to its online members to stop attacking those with divergent views; if the rest of us can at least be more neutral in our commenting on issues on social media, then we can safely conclude that democracy is really developing in this country. 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 On July 21, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) convened local stakeholders at the Alisa Hotel to discuss Ghanas sanitary and phytosanitary export certification system. USAID/Ghana Acting Mission Director Steven E. Hendrix and the Honorable Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (Crops), Dr. Ahmed Yakubu Alhassan, opened the discussion with 25 stakeholders. Hendrix noted, There is a direct link between Ghanas economic health and the safety of its fresh produce. Ghanaian farmers produce some of the best horticulture products in the world, products that, if exported, could bring in millions of dollars to feed families, create jobs, and build the country. He added that the lack of adherence to standards of food exports has blocked an influx of revenue into Ghana. The U.S. government, through the Trade Africa Expansion Initiative, is committed to working with the Ghanaian government and the people of Ghana to improve its trade regime. The Improving Food Safety Systems Program (IFSSP) in Ghana is a USAID program that aims to fortify the plant health and protection compliance system for fruits and vegetables; boost public and private sector collaboration for active growth in exports; and encourage greater quality and profitability for key horticultural value chains in Ghana. About USAID USAID is the lead U.S. government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential. USAID supports Ghana in increasing food security, improving basic health care, enhancing access to education, and strengthening local governance to benefit all Ghanaian people. Once council members decide, they will send their recommended candidate's name to the General Assembly, which formally appoints the new secretary-general. By October, diplomats say, they hope there will be a council decision about Ban Ki-moon's successor. The five permanent members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- get to use their veto in the final rounds of the straw polls, meaning they can knock out candidates they don't like. So while they can't "make" a candidate, their veto can "break" one. Council members will check off "encourage," "discourage" or "no opinion" for each nominee. If a candidate performs poorly, they might consider withdrawing their candidacy. On Thursday, the search for the person to fill what the first UN chief, Norway's Trygve Lie, described as "the most impossible job in the world" will move to the next level. After weeks of unprecedented public interviews and even a "debate" of sorts, the decision-making will start. Eastern Europe is hoping one of its eight candidates will prevail, as its region has never had a UN chief. There is also a push by more than 50 member states to see a woman selected. In all, a dozen declared candidates are in the race to become the ninth secretary-general, and for the first time, half of them are women. There are two daughters of former presidents and one of a farmer; a history buff, a former president, an honorary citizen of Timbuktu and an assortment of foreign ministers, all of them want to be the next chief of the United Nations. And the Winner Is In the past, candidates' names were not made public. Some nominees did not even know they were under consideration, as was the case in 1953 with Sweden's Dag Hammarskjold. He said he did not know he was in the race until he received a late-night telegram notifying him that the council had selected him and hoped he would accept. He did. The current president of the UN General Assembly decided to shake things up and invite governments to formally nominate their candidates, only one per government. As a result, for the first time, the contenders have gone through a public interview process, exposing them for better or worse and creating favorites among the general membership, with a consensus that the United Nations needs a strong, competent leader for challenging times. Whether the Security Council and its five veto-wielding members share that view and those preferences is not yet known. The 'Most Impossible Job in the World' With an unending supply of armed conflicts, natural disasters, terror and a global refugee crisis, why would anyone want to be the UN chief? "It's one of the most wonderful jobs in the world," Danilo Turk, 64, a former Slovenian president and candidate said in an interview. He compared the UN to a big mirror. "It reflects all the problems of the world.It reflects all the hopes of the world." What could be better, he asks, than serving those hopes? Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres, 67, says he is running because he wants "to create the conditions for solutions" to global challenges. As the UN high commissioner for refugees for a decade until December 2015, he had a front row seat to the consequences of conflict. "We see things that are going to happen and we fail to organize ourselves, the international community, to be able to act and prevent those conflicts that are then soon going to appear." Guterres said prevention should be a "global attitude." UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova, 64, of Bulgaria supports the idea of an eastern European woman leader. She said her region has "been through profound transformation" and its "experience is extremely important and valuable in this particular moment." The UN top job is the "ultimate way to make a contribution to the global public good," New Zealand's Helen Clark, 66, said in an interview. The daughter of a farmer who rose to be her country's prime minister and is currently head of the UN Development Program, added, "You can throw your efforts, your energy, your determination and skills into trying to advance peace and security, which is so badly needed in so many parts of the world today." "With the right leadership, [the UN] has the capacity to bring people together in a unique fashion to put solutions on the table," Costa Rican candidate Christiana Figueres, 59, said this month.The daughter of a three-time president of Costa Rica, she was the UN climate change chief for six years and helped achieve the first legally binding international deal to limit global warning. What's Next? In the previous race for secretary-general in 2006, it was not until the fourth round of straw polls, two months in to the voting that candidates without broad support started withdrawing. But with the race much more public this time nominees might drop their bids sooner if they have weak support, rather than endure the potential embarrassment of repeated poor showings. Straw poll results are supposed to be confidential, known only to the 15 council ambassadors and the envoys of the candidate countries, so they can inform their nominee, but the results are likely to leak out. Other candidates are also possibly waiting in the wings, watching how the others do and considering jumping into the race. Among them, former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who said this week he has asked the new government in Canberra to nominate him, and Kristalina Georgieva, a European Commission vice president.She is from Bulgaria, which already has an entrant in the race, so she will have to secure the backing of another government if she hopes to be considered. The successful candidate will take over Jan. 1, 2017, for an initial five-year term. Most secretaries-general have served two terms. Parliament is debating an Amendment Bill to decide on a historic change of the general elections date from December to November. Minority Leader and Suame MP Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu We accept the principle but reject the sloppy way the EC has handled it. He says in Kenya, the EC effected important electoral reforms 10 months before its general elections. Let us be circumspect in this. The EC is not ready. Majority leader Alban Bagbin and Nadowli West MP. If you are not ready by November 7, you will not be ready by December 7. This house cannot fail the people of Ghana. Every person and committee has done its job. It is now the turn of this house to perform our duty. We must support the decision of the people of Ghana. We are ahead of Kenya in alot of important benchmarks such as democracy and economy. Ghana should not be learning from countries that are behind us. Every other person is ready except my colleague MP. When will you be ready? He expresses disappointment in the Minority's position to kick against the bill. Attorney-General speaks Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com 21.07.2016 LISTEN From Issah Alhassan, The immediate past Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of Kumasi, Mr Kojo Bonsu, left office under pressure from the Kumasi Traditional Council, but that is not the end of his agony, as there clear indications that some of the assembly members he worked with are also planning to cause investigations into his tenure of office. The assembly members, the paper gathered, are preparing to launch serious enquirers into some contracts which were awarded by the assembly, but which were not approved by the General House as a result of the absence of a Presiding Member. The object of the onslaught may not be limited to the former MCE alone, but also his vociferous and loud-mouthed Spokesperson, Sammy Gyamfi, who has also incurred the wrath of some Asante chiefs and assembly members, following strings of interviews he granted some radio stations after the exit of his boss. Among the major contracts which the Assembly members would be seeking better and further particulars are the construction of the Rattray Park, the on-going Kejetia/Central Markets redevelopment projects, construction of classroom blocks at Kumasi Academy Senior High School (KUMACA), as well as other infrastructural projects currently on-going. Some members of the house, including Maxwell Ofosuh Boakye and Abraham Boadi, aka Opooman, have already signalled their intention to pursue matters against the former MCE, and compel him to answer certain nagging questions surrounding the awards and execution of some contracts in the metropolis. The former Assembly Member for Dichemso Electoral Area, Kwabena Nsekyire, who is also set to reclaim his seat after a Kumasi High Court ruled in his favour, has also given indications of his intention to raise issues bordering on the operations of the house. In the case of the Rattray Park, whose total amount still remains a mystery, Maxwell Ofosu is likely to re-open a petition he filed at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), concerning the use of a whopping sum of GH80,000 for the construction of a fence wall. Though his earlier petition on the matter at EOCO did not see the light of the day, after the investigative body ordered that the case be transferred to the national capital, Maxwell Ofosuh says he will revive the matter now that the MCE is no longer in office. The Assembly Member for the Abusuakruwa Electoral Area has also indicated his resolve to pursue another serious issue bordering on the construction of a classroom block at Kumasi Academy (KUMACA), which, he alleges, contains some suspicious deals. At a press conference held recently, Ofosuh Boakye also accused the former MCE of failing to account for proceeds made at the Kejetia Terminal after the eviction of the then managers of the Lorry Park, Messrs. Freko FD Limited. On his part, the former Assembly Member for Dichemso, Nsenkyire, also raised concerns in an interview with The Chronicle about the contractual details involving the Rattray Park, and circumstances under which the initial agreement with Mr Kwadwo Nsafoah Pokuh (Polla) was abrogated. Efforts by media personnel, including The Chronicle, to get the former MCE to give the contractual sum of the Rattray Park proved futile. He is on record to have scolded a reporter with this paper for being too obsessed with the question of cost of projects. During the eventual commissioning, when residents in Kumasi thought that the controversy surrounding the amount used for the project would be settled, insults were added to injury, after the President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, described those calling for contractual details as ugly noise makers. When the former MCE finally opened his two jaws and broke the silence over the issue, the residents were shocked to hear that the project was valued at $4.4 million. 21.07.2016 LISTEN From Alfred Adams, Takoradi The African Center for Energy Policy (ACEP), an energy think-thank, is advocating for an open and competitive process for the bidding of the country's oil blocks contracts. This, according to ACEP, would ensure that oil blocks were given out to competent investors who are financially resourceful. It would also do away with the tendency of corruption clothing the issuance of oil block to sole bidders. The Executive Director for ACEP, Dr Amin Adam, who is pushing for the adoption of the idea, warned that Ghana could find herself in trouble, if open and competitive bidding for oil blocks was ignored. According to him, there have been instances where investors have abandoned projects solely awarded to them on flimsy grounds. Dr Amin Adam, who was speaking at a day's ACEP programme dubbed, Citizens Energy Manifesto' in Takoradi recently, also challenged Ghanaians to demand how politicians and policy makers intended to solve our energy challenges. He contended that national development was too big to be left in the hands of politicians alone. According to him, it was based on this that his outfit has launched the 'Citizens Energy Manifesto Programme' to collate the views of Ghanaians on the energy sector, for onward submission to politicians and policy makers. The collated views would later be presented to a panel of experts, where they would debate the views, by making inputs and subtractions. At the turn of Sekondi-Takoradi section of the Citizens Energy Manifesto forum, Dr Amin Adam stressed that it was time citizens went to the level of demanding accountability from politicians and policy makers on energy. The Citizens Energy Manifesto provided the platform for citizens to comment on how the next government intended to address petroleum and energy sector challenges. Dr. Amin said the Citizen Energy Manifesto would go ahead to scrutinise policies of political parties on energy and petroleum, after all have been launched. Dr. Ishmael Ackah, Programme Director for ACEP, also stressed that it was important citizens join the call for open and competitive bidding processes for the award of oil blocks contracts. 21.07.2016 LISTEN PREAMBLE This attention-grabbing title may seem offbeat in our literary repertoire but that, regrettably, is exactly what Ghanaian politics is. What our politicians are extremely good at is, in fact, shit-bombing the electorate with grandiose electioneering promises which are largely ignored at the moment of execution on account of the greed of incumbent advantage and in favor of the enrichment of the few, the cream of the crop. Thus for lack of a better expression or phraseology, we are forced to see our politicians essentially as greedy, unconscientious arsonous shit-bombers. These shit-bombing politicians are known for overvaluing the nations duopolistic kleptomania. In many important ways therefore, all these earsplitting cacophonies about Ghanas gateway democracy in the Western media amounts to nothing other than exercises in logocentric elitism. A perfect example of this kind of Orwellian politics is shrouded in the unnerving metaphoricity of the shit-bombing of the Asante Akyem North Constituency Office of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). This speaks to the path of moral decadence our Orwellian duopoly is pursuing. This path of moral decadence is probably the cause of our shit-bombing politics, the particular shit-bombing of the afore-referenced office for instance. Yet this major cause, arguably a strategic indiscretion on the part of whoever is behind this shameful exercise of shit-bombing politics, has suddenly become another normative instance of finger-pointing, of the politics of equalization, of passing the buck. Impunity is the end result. Impunity and immunity for corrupt politicians become the ultimate prices we pay for the politics of equalization. One school of thought says the shit-bombing circus-act is the aesthetic handiwork of the incumbent National Democratic Party (NDC). The other school of thought believes it is an inside job, a self-inflicted act of sabotage. Whoever is behind this disgraceful act of arsonous shit-bombing may be lost in the foggy landscape of partisan politics where these two schools of thought dominate political discourse. In Ghana serious crimes related to arson in highly sensitive places go unresolved and more often than not, partisan politics alone encumbers forensic arbitration of any work related to national security and intelligence gathering efforts of the National Bureau of Investigations (BNI) and the national security, to mention but two. Here: Even though perpetrators of the act are not known, some of the executives are pointing to a case of sabotage by ardent followers of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). These persons they believe are uncomfortable with the visit of Mr. Akufo-Addo because they feel his presence will prove damaging for the fortune of President Mahama, the Presidential Candidate of the NDC, in the constituency. Some residents who spoke to Myjoyonline are also pointing fingers at some insider persons whom they believe are responsible for the act. They say the cracks within the party in the constituency is to be blamed for the act. They believe one of the feuding parties wants the flagbearer to see the divided front ahead of the November polls Tracy Chapmans Talkin' 'Bout a Revolution Lucky Dubes Crime and CorruptionFela Kutis Expensive ShitBob Marleys Burning and LootingKnaans Somalia Boko HaramAl-Shababthe Lord Resistance Army The Bolga Bulldogs, the Invincible Forces The Sea Lionsthe Kandahar BoysAzorka Boys What is next for Ghana? And for Africa? Ghanas national politics has become the most popular hallowed vulgar language of shit-bombing, no less, in our body politic. And more particularly so in the fermented womb of the Fourth Republic, Rawlings Fourth Republic The crazy-baldhead era of the Abachas $US2 millionof the Abachas $US5 millionSakawa largesse from the Nigerian coffersstolen moneypossiblykleptomaniacal criminality of the highest order It is borne out of a patently sick national conscience which is, in turn, mangled by or riddled with bullets of moral hypocrisy and contradictions, as well as of in-your-face salvoes of calculating political lies and mischief. A country that is merely a wobbling stack of cards made of no durable, high caliber building blocks of moral materials in a sinewy gridlock of progressive nationalism other than the lackluster political metaphor of shit-bombing, especially in the case of a body politic whose moral scaffolding as derived from the example of the shit-bombed NPP office is lost on the national conscience. That is a country whose ruling class is no more than rag-tag Boko Haram political and moral jihadists, crazy baldheads, and Tower-of-Babel kleptocratsBloodsucking political gangstersA country whose very presumed existencematerial survivaldepends on universal corruption and a dubious duopoly A country whose Fourth Republic is founded on a crime syndicate of political patients suffering from bouts of hypochondriachal monomaniaA dispensational timeline with no inherent logic of genuine patriotismSocial combustionpolitical conflagration awaits such a dubious system of duopolistic kleptomania A dangerous cabal, of men and women who do not love their countryMurderous thieves in professional blouses and skirts and suitsA bunch of dainty sanctimonious thieves and criminals Crazy-baldhead men and women for whom patriotism is something else, another convenient phraseology for illegal disbursement of judgment debts to cronies and kleptomaniacrony capitalismnepotism A country whose political system some misguided journalists, scholars, and commentators generally refer to as a gateway democracy. A gateway democracy not unlike the lyrical infrastructure of Steele Pulses Door of No Return, of the House of Slaveson Goree IslandSenegalof Nelson Mandelas Robben Island. We shall return with Part 2. REFERENCE Ghanaweb. NPP Office Shit Bombed Ahead Of Nana Addos Visit.July 17, 2016. Five persons are reported dead in renewed clashes between two chieftaincy factions in Tutumba near Kapalma in the Bole district of the Northern region. Narrating the incident to Starrfmonline.com, Public Relations Officer of the Gonja Youth Association, Mahama Haruna said, the incident started Wednesday night when a group enskinned a new chief despite the presence of a ruling chief. The new chief decided to enskin a Tutumba chief which did not go down well with the old chief and this led to a fight between supporters of the two chiefs. The clashes bore down to who has control over mining activities in the area which is determined by a ruling chief, Haruna stated. More fighters from Kusawgu in the central Gonja district have moved to the area to assist one of the factions according to reports. Residents are reportedly fleeing the mining community following series of gunshots. The district police commander ASP Azumah refused to comment when contacted on the issue. According to Local folks, the security officials are yet to come to area since the fight broke last night. -starrfmonline Harare (AFP) - Zimbabwe's liberation war veterans, who have played a crucial and often violent role in supporting President Robert Mugabe, denounced the leader Thursday in the latest sign of growing national instability. "We note with concern, shock and utter dismay the entrenchment of dictatorial tendencies, personified by the President," the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans' Association said in a statement, adding they would not support him in future elections. Facebook (www.newsroom.FB.com) is accelerating its efforts to bring internet connectivity to the four billion people around the world who are not yet online, with the goal of contributing to prosperity, progress and development around the globe. The companys Connectivity Lab has reached a major milestone in this ambition with the first full-scale test flight of Aquila, an unmanned solar-powered airplane that can be used to bring affordable internet to hundreds of millions of people in the hardest-to-reach places. Internet access can offer life-changing opportunities, information, and experiences, but 1.6 billion people today live in remote locations with no access to mobile broadband networks. Facebook is building new technologies like Aquila to help address this challenge. When complete, Aquila will be able to circle a region up to 60 miles in diameter, beaming connectivity down from an altitude of more than 60,000 feet using laser communications and millimetre wave systems. Aquila is designed to fly for up to three months at a time. The aircraft has the wingspan of an airliner, but at cruising speed it will consume only 5,000 watts the same amount as three hair dryers, or a high-end microwave. Facebook has flown a 1/5th-scale version of Aquila for several months, but this was the first flight of the full-scale aircraft. This test flight was designed to verify the operational models and overall aircraft design. To prove out the full capacity of the design, Facebook will push Aquila to the limits in a lengthy series of tests in the coming months and years. As encouraging as the first successful flight is, there is still plenty of work to be done. To reach the goal of being able to fly over a remote region and deliver connectivity for up to three months at time, Facebook will need to break the world record for solar-powered unmanned flight, which currently stands at two weeks. This will require significant advancements in science and engineering to achieve. It will also require Facebook to work closely with operators, governments, and other partners to deploy these aircraft in the regions where they'll be most effective. Facebooks mission is to connect the world and with their growing team of aerospace, optical physics, RF communications and other world experts, and existing relationships with the technology community, telcos, governments, and communities that use Facebook, the company is uniquely positioned to do this work. To date, Facebooks connectivity efforts, which include initiatives like Free Basics, are estimated to have brought more than 25 million people online who wouldnt be otherwise. Segou (Mali) (AFP) - Mali announced Thursday it had opened an investigation into the deaths of 17 soldiers killed in an attack on their base in the centre of the country, as separate violence flared in the north. Two armed groups claimed to have carried out Tuesday's raid on a military camp in Nampala, central Mali, which also left dozens wounded. A day after declaring a 10-day state of emergency, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita paid his final respects to the dead in the presence of bereaved families in Segou, the capital of the region where the attack happened. A previous state of emergency in place since April had only been lifted the week before. "We are mourning today in Segou, crying for our children fallen in battle. Some were 20 years old, others 40. Not every life has dignity. Theirs did," Keita said at a military camp. Keita said he had moved "heaven and earth" in attempts to persuade allies to provide air support to the struggling Malian forces. "We need true solidarity," he added. Both France and the United Nations have stationed troops in Mali in an attempt to curb the country's prolonged insecurity. The president was also due to visit some of the 35 wounded troops still receiving care. Earlier Thursday the justice ministry said prosecutors had opened a terrorism probe into the Nampala attack and called on Malians to "inform the judicial authorities of anything that can help to advance our inquiries." - 'Heavy weapon fire' - Malian jihadist organisation Ansar Dine claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack, along with the recently-founded National Alliance for the Protection of Peul Identity and Restoration of Justice (ANSIPRJ). The military camp massacre was just the latest in a series of assaults on security forces in Mali, and was condemned as a "coordinated terrorist attack" by the government. Meanwhile, in a show of Mali's growing instability, clashes were reported in the restive northern city of Kidal between pro-government and former rebel groups both based there since February. An unnamed local official described "violent street battles" between the heavily armed factions, with residents barricaded in their homes. "All civilians are indoors. Heavy weapons are firing all over the place, especially in centre of town," said the official. Another official said the fighting stemmed from a struggle between rival Tuareg clans over control of the town. There was no immediate information about casualties. Mali has seen repeated violence since it fell under the control of Tuareg-led rebels who allied with jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda in 2012, including Ansar Dine. Attacks are now becoming more frequent in the country's centre, close to its borders with Mauritania, Burkina Faso and Niger, both from criminal and jihadist elements. Although Islamists were largely ousted by an ongoing French-led military operation launched in January 2013, sporadic attacks from desert hideouts are common. Sorry, we can't find the content you're looking for at this URL. Five decades after its founding, the All Nigeria Community-Ghana (ANC-Gh), the umbrella body of Nigerians in Ghana is now being revived and re-positioned to be more relevant to the needs of Nigerians living in Ghana, ANC-Ghana's board of trustees chair Prince Emmanuel Okeson tells JOURNALISTS FOR REGIONAL INTEGRATION (JORIN)s MARTIN-LUTHER C. KING in this chat in Accra. He also articulated a way out of the organizations intermittent leadership challenges as well as a bouquet of welfare packages being planned to make life better for Nigerians in Ghana. Excerpts: JOURNALISTS FOR REGIONAL INTEGRATION: How do you assess the general welfare of Nigerians in Ghana? EMMANUEL OKESON: There is this perception that every Nigerian in Ghana is a fraudster. Of course, that is not true; but that perception is out there. And that is what makes life very difficult for Nigerians in Ghana. But looking at it from the positive side Ill say, Yes, Nigerians in Ghana, especially those in business, have made giant strides. You have people like Okosun, of KRIF Ghana Limited; you have Olu Luther-King, and a whole lot others who have made great impact. But you also look at a majority of our people, theres this kind of a challenge of perception whereby Ghanaians see them as very over-bearing, very aggressive and very competitive. In other words, the locals see them as taking their businesses from them; and, that has not been very good for some of them (the Nigerians). I know a lot of Nigerians who have lost their livelihood, who have had not very good encounters with their Ghanaian counterparts, and that has not been very pleasant at all. So, on a whole it has not been very good, but it has also not been very, very bad. JORIN: All is not well with the All Nigeria Community-Ghana (ANC-Gh), the umbrella body of all Nigerians in Ghana. What is the matter? EO: You know in every organization, especially a vibrant organization, there are bound to be challenges. More so in politics, especially our peculiar Nigerian politics; you tend to have difficulties. Most times we tend to overcome them; sometimes it may even lead to the break-down of the organization. So, All Nigeria Community-Ghana is not an exception. Perhaps, I should take you down memory lane to help you better understand the situation: This organization (All Nigeria Community-Ghana) was formed some fifty years ago. But in 2008 the old guards, if I may use that phrase, thought there was the need for them to allow a new breed of people to come and take over from them. That brought into place a new executive led by Dr. Prince Uche, Mr. Bayor Albert and others. This new executive thereafter kick-started the revival of the organization. They approached Ghanas Registrar-Generals department (the state agency in Ghana responsible for registration of businesses, organizations etc), got a new certificate and started a process of re-organization. It was that re-organization that brought people like us into the organization. Prior to our coming on board, there was nothing like Board of Trustees; they had patrons. But that new executive thought it wise to bring in eminent Nigerians in Ghana to serve as trustees. And, that was how we came in. When we came in as trustees, we identified three key areas that needed to attract greater focus if the organization was to be lifted up to deliver on its mandate. One of them has to do with securing a befitting secretariat for the organization. You may want to know that up to then, the organization was headquartered in a one-room office somewhere in Adabraka (neighborhood of Accra) which was not befitting. So we thought we could acquire a befitting secretariat. Number two, we looked at the constitution as it was by then and realized that that constitution was not adequate. We thought also that we could organize and put in place a more comprehensive constitution to guide the organization. And, finally, we also thought that since the body was in a process of re-organization, there was a need to have a credible election. Essentially these were the three key objectives that we set out to achieve as a board of trustees. Fortunately, we started that with the Dr. Uche-led executives. But unfortunately, Dr. Uche had to resign along the way. But before Uches resignation, we had been able to secure a secretariat, and were already working towards a new constitution. Mr. Bayor Albert succeeded Dr. Uche as the new president, and that was when misunderstanding set in. They started having problems among themselves, that is, members of the executive. Some didnt want Bayor to be there, some communities had issues with their delegates; the situation became chaotic and confusing. But what we did as the Board of Trustees was to ensure that we pursued the objectives that we had set. Ironically, that was the time that the then High Commissioner (of Nigeria to Ghana Musliu Obanikoro) was also leaving office and a new one (Oluseyi Onafowokan) was coming in. The new High Commissioner actually came to meet this confusion; and subsequently assisted us to organize new elections which, unfortunately, did not also go down well with Bayor. Bayor thought that the High Commissioner ought not to have interfered with the process. But in reality, the High Commissioner did not interfere; he only helped to facilitate the election process. And so immediately after the elections, Bayor sued all of us, including the newly elected executive, to court. And that was the beginning of even more troubles. He (Bayor) even got an injunction against some of us, me particularly. As a result of that, I could not attend the inauguration of the new executives. To make matters worse, on the day of the inauguration, which was October 1, 2013, the High Commissioner pronounced the dissolution of the Board of Trustees, but which action was contrary to the constitution that had been adopted prior to the elections. Unfortunately, nobody spoke about it; and, I think, that was the last straw that broke the camels back. Subsequently, the Board of Trustees was unable to carry out its constitutional mandate, which is to be an over-sight body over the activities of the executive to ensure that the executive complies with the provisions of the constitution in their day-to-day operations. So, there was a vacuum. That vacuum created a situation whereby the executive decided to do whatever they liked. And, of course, confusion set in. That situation persisted from 2013 up to 2015. So, this is the genesis of the crisis that rocked the All Nigeria Community-Ghana. JORIN: Jewish, Indian, Chinese and even Lebanese immigrant communities often benefit their compatriots; exert strategic influence on both their host countries as well as their countries of origin apparently because they are well organized and structured. How can ANC-Ghana harness Nigerians and numerous blue-chip Nigerian businesses in Ghana, including Glo, GTBank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, UBA, et cetera to attain a similar level of maturity and relevance? EO: Like a Chinese proverb says, a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. As I said earlier, this organization was formed over 50 years ago; but wed not seen an expansion since then. For so long it was stuck at the level of only few people being interested in, and managing it. But 2010 saw a kind of revival, a re-awakening when all Nigerians who cared to identify with the country were brought into the fold of the organization. Secondly, before now Nigerians with professional background, prominent Nigerians used to shy away from identifying with the organization for various reasons. That left room for only a certain class of people to run this organization. But with the coming in of people like us into the organization, that class of people who had been in charge saw us as a threat; that we were coming to hijack the organization. This is the deep core of all the crises. Now weve been able to sustain the organization because some of us are resolute that since weve come out to identify ourselves as part of the All Nigeria Community-Ghana, we will not allow ourselves be bullied or intimidated out of the organization. And I assure you that the way that Nigerians, prominent Nigerians are beginning to show interest in the affairs of the All Nigeria Community-Ghana, it should not take us long and we will revive and get the organization on its feet. That I can assure you. If you were at the reception held for the President (Muhammadu Buhari) when he visited Ghana, you would have marveled at the caliber of Nigerians who graced the occasion, Nigerians who would ordinarily not attend any Nigerian event in Ghana; and, these people are now showing keen interest in the organization. And I think that when people like that who are well-resourced come in well have the kind of organization that we all would be proud of. We are going to get there; let these troubles blow away, and well just soar high. JORIN: How? EO: I think what is needed first and foremost is to strengthen the organization, get the right people into positions who will, of course, come up with the vision of what they will do for Nigerians to make the organization attractive. I did say that if the organization is attractive, and people can benefit A, B, C, D, definitely they are going to come out to register, to belong to the organization. And what is it that people are looking for? They want some kind of welfare package. Thats number one. Number Two, they want some business assistance, to be assisted in the areas of their businesses. They also want some kind of support when they have issues with the authorities in Ghana here. And, of course, socialization. They want to be part of a bigger Nigerian Family. These are the things that people are looking for. And, as soon as the executive is able to articulate this and then present it to the people, people will come in. I also believe that when people see that indeed, they (the executive) are delivering on this, funding will not be an issue. JORIN: Now why is there a general perception that you as a person are the problem of the organization? EO: I have always stood on the side of justice; I always insist that the right thing must be done. And, that is why most people have issues with me. The constitution that was adopted, enacted and adopted by All Nigeria Community-Ghana on August 3, 2013 stated clearly as to how the organization should be run. Therefore, I try to ensure that we go according to the constitutional provisions. But there are many people who say that, No, it should be done the other way. There are many people within the organization who misinterpret the provisions of the constitution, and that is where the problem comes from. For instance, theres a provision that clearly states that the signatories to the account of the All Nigeria Community-Ghana should be three. That is, the Board of Trustees chairman, the president and then the treasurer. But the president feels otherwise, that it should be done the other way round. However, I insist on what the constitution says, and that we must go by the constitution. Expectedly, therefore, we dont see eye-to-eye. Because prior to that time, there were some monies that accrued, specifically, monies that were paid by some Board of Trustees members which came to me and I deposited them into the account of the organization. And I am not a signatory to that account; in fact it is the old signatories that are still operating that account. And because I didnt want to keep cash with me I thought it wise to deposit those monies into that account pending the time that the right mandate would be changed. And as we speak right now, those monies are still in that account. But it might interest you to know that the executive has gone to open two other accounts which they are operating, contrary to the provisions of the constitution. So things like this bring me at logger-head with certain people. Now, with the issue of registration, we all agreed that all members of the organization should be registered. We started that, and about a thousand were registered in Accra and given identity cards. That exercise was conducted by the Bayor (Albert)-led executive; I was not part of it, but I provided my own money to finance that. Now when the money I had loaned to them was paid back to me, Bayor didnt see why the money should have been paid back to me in his absence; and that was another cause for friction between us. Because they couldnt get any money from anywhere, they fell on me to provide them the money to start that. It was a loan I gave out on the understanding that as soon as they were able to gather enough they will pay me back. But Bayor had issues with that, saying they should have waited for him to return from Nigeria before my money could be paid back to me. And that also became an issue in the ANC-Gh. Another issue has to do with the secretariat that we acquired at a cost of over 70, 000 Ghana cedis by then, which included rent and refurbishment. Now all the monies we collected from all the other members of the Board of Trustees for the secretariat was about 7, 500 Ghana cedis, and those were in pledges. So I had to make up the difference from my own resources. Initially, I put up about 35, 000 Ghana cedis hoping that other members would contribute. But nobody contributed anything. As a matter of fact, we had already taken off the roof, and it was a rainy season, and the house was about to collapse. By then the landlord of the building threatened to take us to court, still nobody was able to contribute any money. Under the circumstance, I had to bring additional money, almost 40, 000 Ghana cedis to re-roof the building and do other refurbishments. By then everybody had abandoned the organization; and, I had to take my own money from my own pocket to complete the renovation, fix air conditioners, do the lightings and other things. It was at that point in time that people started showing interest again in the organization. Now Im giving you these facts so that you can understand why we are where we are. I have put in my own money, put in my own time, gone to wherever needed to be gone to ensure that the objectives that we set for ourselves are achieved. And after it all, people think that they can turn round, and then turn the constitution upside down, and have their own way. I only insist that the right things need be done, at least according to the constitution which we all have agreed to. So basically that is the situation. Now there was this belief among some people in the organization then that the High Commissioner was my friend, and that I manipulated him and told him what to do. But it might interest you to know that the High Commissioners October 1, 2013 disbandment of the Board of Trustees took me by surprise just as I thought it did others there; I didnt have any foreknowledge of it. But like I said, people concluded there was some kind of collusion between the High Commissioner and myself. And from that day, I had issues with the High Commissioner. In fact I was the only person who confronted the High Commissioner on that action. Yet people still alleged that I was in collusion with the High Commissioner to undermine the organization. So you may hear a whole lot of things, but Ive decided to play it cool; because at the right time the truth will come out and those who are discerning will look at both sides and then make their judgment. JORIN: You are chairman of the Board of Trustees? EO: Yes. JORIN: Is that position tenured? EO: No; by the constitution, membership of the Board of Trustees is supposed to be permanent. There are seventeen of us, and to be appointed to that position demands so much; you need to fulfill certain conditions, including payment of a certain amount of money, be a legal resident in Ghana for at least ten years. A whole lot of conditions. JORIN: What is the basic amount a prospective Board of Trustees member is required to pay? EO: Now the basic is 5, 000 Ghana cedis. It used to be 5, 000 United States Dollars, but was reviewed downwards to five thousand Ghana cedis. Thats what qualifies you to be a member of the Board of Trustees. But His Excellencys pronouncement disbanding the Board of Trustees, however, went against the provisions of the constitution of the ANC-Gh. Unfortunately, he didnt see it that way. And so that was one of the last straws that broke the camels back as far as the ANC-Gh crisis is concerned. However, getting to the end of his (High Commissioner Onafowokans) tenure, he called a meeting of the disbanded Board of Trustees with other stakeholders in the Nigerian community in Ghana and rendered an apology, acknowledging it was a mistake on his part, that he shouldnt have done that; and, subsequently restored the Board of Trustees. That was after the damage had already been done. So this is the crux of the problem in the All Nigeria Community-Ghana. Theres so much, l mean, because since there was no Board of Trustees and theres in-fighting within the executives themselves, the end result was that the executive became factionalised; and, that also was equally messy. Additionally, there was also an issue that bordered on criminality that we were also informed of. But since we were not functioning we couldnt have gone into those issues. JORIN: There are talks of various versions of the ANC-Ghana constitution. Which version of the organizations constitution is actually in operation now? EO: In 2013 the delegates, including the Board of Trustees members, adopted a new constitution for the organization; that was on August 3, 2013. It was on the basis of that constitution that we had an election which culminated in the Moses Owharo-led administration being inaugurated on October 1 that year. Within that constitution, it is clearly stated as to how subsequent amendments to the constitution should be done. I have heard that they have a new constitution which, I understand, is as big as an encyclopedia. But the point is that we dont know what is inside that constitution. I was told only one copy of the constitution was produced. But the point is that you dont throw away one constitution and bring another one just like that; that is not what is written in the original constitution. If you want to amend the constitution, theres a process to follow. You start process one, process two, and process three. But you dont throw away a subsisting constitution and bring another to replace it just like that. In fact the 2013 constitution was an amendment; it was not a new constitution. We had the old constitution, we studied it and realized that it did not adequately take care of the new ANC-Ghana that was being put in place. New provisions, including the Board of Trustees, how it was to be structured and responsibilities of the Board of Trustees members etc, were added to the existing constitution. And it took six months of meetings, in fact a constitution review committee was set up; people from the regions were all part of the process. And after six months, we had that constitution. So, if theres a need to review the constitution, the constitution itself provides the process by which that should be done. But what I heard was that they put the extant document aside, brought a new constitution which they adopted and said they had a new constitution. Therefore, as far as I am concerned it is the 2013 constitution that still remains valid till date. And at a stakeholders meeting we had with the High Commissioner, he did make it categorically clear that the constitution that is valid is still the 2013 constitution. Consequently, the issue of elongation of the tenure from two to four years should be put aside; its not in the constitution. JORIN: Tenure elongation is in the new constitution? EO: Yes. As a matter of fact, the Owharo administration thought of a clever way of elongating their tenure; which is by bringing in a new constitution. That is what I believe. JORIN: Since the ANC-Ghana national delegates congress last September and the rumored emergence of a new national executive, there is a bit of confusion as to who now are the authentic ANC-Ghana executive. Is the Owharo-led executive still constitutionally in office? EO: According to the 2013 constitution, which is the constitution that is still valid, it is a two-year term; and, Owharos term expired on September 28, 2015. By October 1, we should have had an election and inaugurated a new executive. But due to the challenges we have, weve been unable to have that election. So by the 2013 constitution, Owharos tenure automatically came to an end on September 28, 2015. Owharo knew this, but chose to perpetrate impunity by hastily convening a so-called national delegates congress. So-called congress because you cant call a national congress and have only three, out of ten members of the national executive, in attendance; out of seventeen Board of Trustees members, only four were present; out of the ten regions of Ghana with a total tally of 40 delegates, not up to twelve delegates attended. By the constitution, that number does not form a quorum. What we had were observers. Indeed, the invitation to the so-called delegates congress was sent to my office only on the morning of the day the so-called congress was supposed to hold. And strangely there were two different invitations to the same congress in one envelope. One had as its venue the conference room of the Nigeria High Commission; another invitation inside the same envelope said its venue was Maglab Hotel, Abeka (a suburb of Accra); and, both were scheduled to hold at the same time and on the same day. At the end of the day, I came to the conclusion that it was a fraud, a scam; but all the same, I managed to go to the High Commission. And lo and behold, I saw them at the High Commission; and, immediately raised the issue of the confusing invitations; but, I was not given any answer. So, what they held over there was not a delegates congress; I just decided to go there to observe things myself. The event was merely a ploy by Owharo to extend his tenure. Unfortunately for him, not all members of the executive agreed to that ploy which was manifested by their absence at the event. In essence, that was not a national delegates congress as provided in the constitution. Beside there must be a quorum before such a congress can be said to be valid. So that so-called congress was null, void and of no consequence. And, I made it clear to them there before I left. Besides that, even if that congress was properly done, they cannot change the constitution. Because the only thing they achieved that day was to say, Let us put the constitution aside, and then prolong, give Owharo another year. That was the outcome of the so-called congress. So it was a sham, a charade. As a consequence, the Board of Trustees, of which I am the head, decided to step in and then carry out its mandate, that is, to sort things out. What we did, in conjunction with all the communities that make up the ANC-Ghana, namely the Igbo community, the Yoruba community, the Arewa community and the South-south community, was to set up an interim management committee whose immediate task is to organize elections within 90 days. That is what we have done. It is not the Board of Trustees per se, or the Board of Trustees chairman per se, that took that decision; it was in consultation with strategic stakeholders in the organization. The committee has already started working; and, Im sure that very soon they will come out with their time-table for the elections. And so as we speak right now, the tenure of the Owharo-led executive had lapsed. If they are still carrying themselves as the executive, well find a way of restraining them. JORIN: Nigeria has a large population in Ghana. How do you intend to effectively harness this large number both for the good of Nigerians living in Ghana and for the corporate image of Nigeria? EO: Thank you very much. Its a big challenge, but it can be done. First and foremost, Nigeria is a country with great diversities, including ethnic, religious, social, cultural etcetera. In Ghana, it can be done; but it will demand a lot of work. It demands that leaders of the Nigerian community in Ghana, first and foremost, come together, and then make this organization an interesting one; an organization that Nigerians will find interesting and useful to be part of, and proud of; an organization that will provide some benefits to them. When that is done, you will see Nigerians coming out from their corners to identify with the organization. And that is what we started to do by the registration exercise; it is to bring them out, to have a data-base, to identify their areas of interest; and then see what we can do to provide them assistance and support that they may need to enhance their businesses and or vocations. That is the only way to mobilize and harness the huge Nigerian population here. First and foremost, set up the organization, make it very interesting, and give out some bait, things that could be used as baits to bring them; because everybody wants to benefit from any organization that they are aspiring to belong to. As soon as you get them, and you create a data-base, there are many things you can do. You can decide to create a network among Nigerians where you can suggest that Nigerians in Ghana kindly patronize Nigerian businesses in the country. That is one way. You can also organize them into groups and have them pool their resources together to invest in some lucrative sectors of the Ghanaian economy. For instance, I know of two, three, four viable business opportunities in Ghana that require only 600, 000 United States dollars. Now if you ask sixty Nigerians to bring in US$10, 000 each, you can get US$600, 000; and then you put up some kind of cooperative or some kind of company, put them together; and then they do that, you direct them into that. That is what we envisaged to do before this problem arose. But I think that as soon as structures are put in place, definitely we are going to do that. Beside that we also want to get them (the Nigerians) involved in the social and political activities back home. We can do it; and we have a plan to do that, granted that all other things are in place. JORIN: Thank you for your time, Prince Okeson! EO: Thank you very much! LG Electronics is to relocate its European headquarters from London to Frankfurt after the U.K. voted to leave the European Union. LG's German office in Dusseldorf will also move to Frankfurt. "The decision is aimed at expanding business-to-business trade in automotive parts, which is our new growth driver," an LG executive said. All preparations are to be complete by October. LG considered moving its main regional office to Germany last year when talk of Brexit began to pick up steam. "We picked Germany as our new hub of European marketing because of the relationship between the U.K. and the EU," the executive said. Frankfurt hosts a global motor show which also showcases automotive parts and sits at a major logistical distribution hub in Europe. LG also plans to boost its home appliance marketing in Germany, where sales are lower than France and the U.K. LG is plugging its premium LG Signature brand of home appliances in Europe, but sales have been weak in Germany, which is home to major rivals Millet and Siemens. LG plans to showcase the brand at the IFA home appliance exhibition in Berlin in September. Samuel Okudjeto 21.07.2016 LISTEN Folks, when those who should have known better not to talk "by heart" fail to do so and speak non-sense, we will take them to task. Failed politician, Samuel Okudjeto who claims to be a constitutional lawyer, has spoken his mind on goings-on as far as governance in Ghana is concerned only to come across to me as a nuisance. Speaking to the host of the Executive Breakfast Show (EBS) on Class 91.3FM, Prince Minkah, after think tank Institute of Economic Affairs launched findings of its pre-election survey, which identified unemployment, unreliable electricity, and poverty as the most important problems confronting Ghanaians ahead of the 2016 polls, Mr. Okudzeto made an outrageous claim that exposes his own ignorance and political mischief. Let's hear him: "Brilliant and intelligent Ghanaians have been sidelined as far as running the country is concerned, and instead, people who know next to nothing are calling the shots due to extreme partisanship in the country..." "The country is full of very brilliant, intelligent people [but] we have sidelined them, we have pushed all of them to the side and then you have people who know next to nothing wielding power, showing power, and the rest of us are suffering. I think its about time that Ghanaians sit up. (See http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/People-who-know-next-to-nothing-running-Ghana-Okudzeto-456717). MY COMMENTS Mr. Okudjeto is himself a failure when it comes to politics, which explains why he is lost in the political wilderness. We recall that he entered Parliament in the Second Republic as the MP for Tongu on the ticket of Agbeli Gbedemah's national Alliance of Liberals (NAL), a staunch opponent of the Danquah-Busia camp. He did nothing at all to contribute to the development of the constituency or improvement of governance, generally. He came to notice mostly by stoking controversies and singing his own praise. He consequently suffered much from that poor performance. When he bounced back for the 1979 elections on the ticket of the People's National Party (PNP) to represent Tongu again, he was roundly rejected at the initial stage. Mr. William Dowokpor was preferred. Hurt by this repudiation, and left stranded on the political terrain, he sought redemption in the workings of the Ghana Bar Association, spearheading opposition against Jerry Rawlings' PNDC as if doing so would help him re-engineer himself for acceptance in the era of constitutional democracy. What next for him but to run for cover in the Danquah-Busia camp, where he wields no influence but speaks "by heart" to sustain that camp's book and rogue politics. He remains neither a mammal nor a bird. Thus, I declare him a political bat!! He has more with which to paint him black. At the time that he represented the Tongu constituency, rumours circulated that consignments of materials (such as cement) given him for the development of the constituency found their way to the custody of his father, Agbakpey. Samuel Okudjeto is an Anlo man but was chosen by the Tongu people as their MP because of his father's long residence in Adidome with his children, thus, making the family acceptable. But his shoddy performance as a politician left the people no other option but to reject him. He has remained rejected to date. Claiming that the "brilliant and intelligent people" have been sidelined for those who know next to nothing to rule Ghana is a huge insult to the electorate. Samuel Okudjeto finds it difficult to accept the fact that those he has disparaged as Knowing next to nothing" but being in power did not impose themselves on Ghanaians nor did they force their way to power. They contested genuine, free, fair, and transparent elections and won the hearts, minds, and thumbs of the electorate to be in power. So, can't Okudjeto and those thinking like him see the sense in the electoral process? He has failed to recognize the fact that the so-called "brilliant and intelligent people" (whom I can easily identify as characters like him in the NPP) stood the elections and lost because the electorate had no respect or confidence in their so-called brilliance and intelligence. The electorate treated them with the highest level of contempt and chose those they were comfortable with to rule them. They will do so again soon. For as long as self-righteous, contemptuous characters of Okudjeto's type live among us and spew raw garbage this way, we will continue to miss the track in efforts at improving governance. I have been so harsh toward Okudjeto because of how he framed his thoughts and expressed to provoke me. Other than that, there are some aspects of his concerns that should be cited for praise. I like the fact that he complained about the excessiveness that occurs in public expenditure, especially the aspect on vehicles and gas consumption (maintenance costs). As he frankly put it, "the amount of fuel guzzled per month by one V8 SUV used by government officials, can build a school for a village". Of course, there is too much waste in the system, and condemning it so the right thing can be done for the good of the country is good; but couching that condemnation in the over-extended mischievous political language as he has done is the problem. In effect, if those who feel that they are "brilliant and intelligent" and can outperform those who know next to nothing, what prevents them from contesting the elections? Putting everything together, then, I can say that Okudjeto's utterances and public posturing reflect the NPP mindset and inferior-superiority complex. If they fear being rejected by the electorate despite all their self-promotion as "brilliant and intelligent" people, then, they should descend from their high horses of arrogance and petulance to reach out to the people with campaign messages that will reflect that "brilliance and intelligence". Other than that, they can rave and rant, huff and puff, fume and fuse all they want to; but it will not put them in power. The electorate will sideline them for as long as they lack substance to confirm their "brilliance and intelligence". Such recycled septo- or octogenarians who still find it difficult to know that their political sun set long ago will rake up the past and confuse it with the present, deceiving themselves that it will resuscitate the future of their political quests. Nature doesnt work that way. The old order is set to yield its place to the new order4; and those who cant deal with the new order will lag behind. Such is it for the Sam Okudjetos w2ho cannot know that politics involves more than claims of brilliance and intelligence. Will Sam Okudjeto and Co. be humble enough to find out why it had to take the ordinary bushman Akwamu Asamani to launch a single-handed attack to drive the British colonizers out of the Osu Castle? Or why Yaa Asantewaa {the Queenmother of Ejisu) had the guts to mobilize the forces of Asanteman to take on the British marauders while her male counterparts (chiefs or whatever) were catapulting? Or why it had to take the ordinary Kwame Nkrumah and his Verandah Boys to bend the arms of the ever-powerful British Establishment to give Ghana independence while the brilliant and intelligent people led by Dr. J.B. Danquah and Kofi Abrefa Busia were jockeying around for recognition and acceptance as brilliant and intelligent for their own sake? As traitors to be condemned by those who know them more than they know themselves? For the records, Danquah died a common death, unsung, at the Nsawam Security Prison in 1962 despite all his intellectual (and not politically beneficial work in life) while Busia died in Britain as a British citizen after his overthrow. They had established a system to groom those spearheading the negative politics in Ghana today that a disappointed and lost Okudjeto is highlighting in his public utterances about governance. We have the records on all of them and will spill them when necessary. Such brilliant and intelligent people arent good for Ghana!! If they were, they would find better ways to appeal to the people for the mandate to rule Ghana. I shall return By Ken Sackey/Benjamin Mensah, GNA Accra, July 21, GNA - Ghana cannot go to the pulls on November 7 and would have to stick to original date of December 7 for the conduct of the 2016 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. This is because the two/thirds majority needed by Parliament to give legal backing to the amendment of the 1992 Constitution for the new date could not be reached. A secret ballot conducted by the house on Thursday after the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Mrs Marita Brew-Appiah has moved the motion produced 125 in favour and 95 against. The number needed to make the effective change of date from December 7 to November 7 was to be 184 per the number of legislators that cast their votes. Mr Magnus Kofi Amoatey, Chairman of the Constitutional Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee expressed disappointment about the results but indicated however that the results to him would give him more time to campaign in his constituency. Mr Boniface Gambila Member of Parliament for Namdam, said the result is a victory for democracy because it expresses the sentiment of the representative of the people. He said the minority was in principles not against the November 7 proposal and indicated however that the rejection was due to the fact that the EC and the Attorney General did not bring the Bill to the House on time. He mentioned that the time constraint between now and November 7 would have created problems for the elections because a number of things such as the exhibition of the voter register and making the electoral register available to the political parties all have to be attended to. The Speaker of Parliament Edward Korbly Doe Adjaho urged Parliament on Friday, June 29, to start the process to amend portions of the 1992 Constitution to give legal backing to the change in the date of the impending General Election from December 7 to November 7. The amendment sought to make the first Monday of November of an election year, the tentative national date for general election. The proposed date for this year's general election, also falls on a Monday. The Bill, was to amend Article 112 of the 1992 Constitution to give constitutional backing to the change of the date for parliamentary elections. Dr Dominic Ayine, the Deputy Attorney General and Deputy Minister of Justice, who is also the MP for Bolgatanga East, tabled the Bill for the first reading. The Speaker of Parliament after the presentation that day referred the Bill to the Council of State for consideration and advice. The Constitution Amendment Bill 2016 was published twice in the Gazette, with the second publication having been made at least three months after the first. At least 10 days had passed after the second publication, hence the laying of the Bill in Parliament. The Speaker, referring the Bill to the Council of State, said he had done all the necessary checks and he was sure the Bill was ready to be presented for the first reading. In accordance with article 291 (2), the Speaker shall, after the first reading of the Bill in Parliament; refer it to the Council of State for consideration and advice and the Council of State shall render advice on the bill within 30 days after receiving it. 'I have done the necessary checks and this requirements of notice (Article 291 (a)) have been complied with and it is my responsibility in terms of the constitution to refer the Bill to the Council of State and I so refer,' he said. The Bill is to amend article 112(4) of the Constitution to make provision for Parliamentary Elections to be held well ahead of the expiration of the tenure of Parliament to ensure an effective and smooth transition. Currently, the dates set in respect of the conduct of both Presidential and Parliamentary elections in the country is the December 7, while the swearing-in of the President takes place on January 7 in the ensuing year. However, the one month period for the transition of one government to the other, has over the years proved insufficient for a smooth transition, particularly, in instances where there is a run-off as was the case in 2000 and 2008. One of the recommendations made by the Electoral Reform Committee after the election petition in 2013 was a change in the date for the conduct of general election from December 7, to the first Monday of November 7, in an election year in order to have elections on a specific day, instead of having elections on a specific date. GNA By George-Ramsey Benamba, GNA Accra, July 21, GNA - The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has organised a day's symposium on menstrual hygiene management in Tamale. It was on the theme: "Menstrual Hygiene Management interventions in schools for the girl-child: Successes, challenges and way forward." CRS, which is the charity wing of the Catholic Community organised the symposium in collaboration with the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene(WASH) Centre of the University for Development Studies (UDS) and Desert Research Institute(DRI). The symposium, brought together WASH-Focused non-governmental organisations(NGOs), academics and governmental stakeholders. Mr Chris Ozar, Country Representative of the CRS said the main objective of the symposium was to create a platform for sharing and expanding knowledge on hygiene among the youth. Menstrual hygiene management is an important segment of the larger challenges Ghana had faced in the WASH sector and therefore access to clean water and sanitation is integral to good health and wellness. Apart from that, a UNICEF statistics revealed that 70 per cent of households in northern Ghana have no access to toilets and fewer than 15 per cent of households have hand washing machines, while water is estimated at 89 per cent nationwide. "Bringing together a diverse group of experts and professionals in the WASH sector creates a sense of collaboration and this is what moves the sector forward and events like this symposium are a stepping stone for the future of WASH in Ghana," he added. Dr Braimah Apambire, Director of DRI Centre for International Water and Sustainability said government, NGOs and other stakeholders working towards the socio-economic development of Ghana understand the essence of keeping girls in school hence such interventions. He said research had shown that there was positive correlations between the time girls spend in school and delayed marriage, improved maternal health, child survival and income potential and therefore the interactions would enhance the chances of girls positively. He said a recent research conducted by the CRS, UDS and the DRI indicated that only 52 per cent of girls are comfortable managing their menstrual period at school and the convening actors are working assiduously to accelerate support to girls in schools. Other presentations were led by Ghana Education Services, School of Health and Education programme(SHEP), Camfed and Hope for Future Generations. GNA you are here: business To set up 1980 MW thermal power plant in UP: Neyveli Lignite The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved Neyveli Lignite Corporation's (NLC) proposal to set up a 1,980 megawatt (MW) thermal power plant in Uttar Pradesh (UP), Chairman SK Acharya told CNBC-TV18. A Samsung staffer said, "We are in talks about three or four projects and expect to win orders in the second half of this year. But industry conditions have got worse due to Brexit, so it wont be easy to meet our targets." The last order was in October 2015 for four oil tankers from Malaysia's AET for US$200 million. No such dearth has been seen since 2009. For example, Samsung Heavy Industries, one of Korea's top three shipbuilders, has yet to win a single overseas order this year. Overseas orders have been the mainstay of both industries, but now the global slump compounded by falling oil prices is threatening their very existence. Korean construction firms and shipbuilder alike are facing a historic dearth in orders from overseas as they teeter on the brink of insolvency. Construction Construction companies have won $15.4 billion worth of overseas orders so far this year, compared to $26.3 billion in the same period of 2015. And the total orders of $46.1 billion for last year already amounted to just 70 percent of the previous year's. Due to low crude oil prices, the big Arab oil producers who used to be their top clients cut back building projects by more than 50 percent. And the projects that do come up are not vastly profitable. Shipbuilding The situation is even worse for shipbuilders, which earn more than 90 percent of their revenues from overseas orders. Hyundai Heavy Industries, Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering and Samsung Heavy, the top three, have won only $1.9 billion worth of overseas orders in the first half of this year. That is less than 1/25 of the $48.6 billion the three shipbuilders won in 2013, when orders came flooding in for offshore crude oil platforms. But the shipbuilders soon found that they had taken on more than they could handle and in many cases lacked the expertise for jobs they had undercut the competition for, resulting in massive losses and bruised reputations. The drought is likely to continue. Offshore oil platforms are usually in demand when international oil prices surpass $60 a barrel, and it is unlikely that they will rise fast enough. The shipping industry is also seeing orders dry up due to Brexit and other global factors that have spooked markets. At most companies, orders from European shipping firms account for the lion's share, but one European firm is already showing signs of canceling orders. An industry insider said, "If the shortage persists, docks will sit empty from the second half of next year. We urgently need to research new products and services and look for new clients." business Hindustan Zinc Q1 net declines 47% to Rs 1,037 cr The firm, part of billionaire Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Ltd, had clocked a net profit of Rs 1,940.14 crore in the year-ago period, it said in a regulatory filing. business JSW Energy Q1 profit up 29%; lenders nix bid to buy Monnet Power JSW Energy said it has withdrawn from the acquisition process of Monnet Power. It had submitted a proposal to Monnet Ispat & Energy for acquisition of majority shareholding in Monnet Power Company, which was not accepted by lenders to Monnet Power. North Korea's official Rodong Sinmun on Wednesday published eight photos related to the launch of three ballistic missiles on Tuesday. They show North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sitting behind a desk with a map of the Korean Peninsula draped over it showing the trajectories of Scud C and Rodong missiles and their intended targets in the East Sea along with curved lines encompassing Busan and Ulsan. The daily said the latest launch aimed to practice preemptive nuclear strikes on South Korean ports and airports. North Korean state TV claimed the launch was also designed to test detonators of nuclear warheads mounted on ballistic missiles "at the designated altitude over the target area." Nuclear weapons deliver the biggest impact when detonated at a height of 30 to 120 km. In other words, North Korea was practicing nuclear attack on Busan, where U.S. military supplies would be being brought in during a war. What happened to the Newcrest Mining share price? Gold has had a terrific run this year. Newcrest Mining Limited [ASX:NCM] is up roughly 80% this year. However, gold stocks such as NCM have been under selling pressure in recent weeks. We ask: Is golds run over? Why did NCM shares do this? Newcrest Mining has been on my watchlist for some time. Gold stocks, which reflect the gold price such as NCM cannot be regarded as safe-haven assets this year. The strength in such stocks can only be regarded as momentum. This means that a lot of money went into gold to chase the high, which invariably pushed gold stocks higher. I have been warning investors for some time on the possibility that gold might fall. The strong rally may falter while the entire commodity basket catches up to it, or it would fall to a more reasonable level; or both can occur simultaneously. I readily admit that I have kept gold stocks on my list as momentum trades. NCM is one of them; another is AngloGold Ashanti [ASX:AGG]. This week, I continue to run NCM in my hypothetical portfolio, but I cant promise that it will still be there next week. This will depend on the degree of the correction. What now for Newcrest Mining Limited? Let me return to the earlier question: Is golds run over? That will depend on several things which are unpredictable at this point. The degree of uncertainty in the world remains high. With Brexit, Nice and Turkey, there is no telling what will happen next. Lets throw in the China South Sea, North Korea and Russia, adding to our list of geopolitical risks this year. Uncertainty is still there in the world, and can heighten at any point over the coming weeks. As a result, I dont subscribe to the view that golds run is definitely over. After all, we have seen a few large corrections in gold over the last couple of months, which all ended in renewed highs eventually. Of course, the ultimate truth will only come from the price of NCM. For me, if the stock goes into a solid correction, I will not keep it. If it does go back into a rally, for whatever reason, I am ready to trade more. As I said before, investors need to be nimble in this environment. Ken Wangdong+ Analyst, Emerging Trends Trader July 21, 2016 Yemen - Impotent Men Beg: "Please Don't Move While We Rape You" Since March 2015 Saudi Arabia, with active help of the U.S., UK and UAE, is trying to subdue Yemen by force. Using foreign and Yemeni proxy forces it attempted to march towards the Yemeni capital Sanaa. But all efforts to move from the desert and coastal plains into the mountainous heart of Yemen failed. Thousands of Saudi air strikes, planned with and supported by the U.S., destroyed much of Yemen's infrastructure and heritage but failed to change the military balance. Followers of the Houthi movement and the Yemeni army loyal to former president Saleh defeated all incursions. At the southern coast al-Qaeda aligned fighters, with silent help from the Saudis, gained and hold some ground around Aden. But they are unable to proceed from there. The Houthis and their allies then turned the war around by invading Saudi Arabia. This led to peace negotiations under hapless UN supervision. But after the Houthis, in a good-will gesture, stopped further attacks on Saudi Arabia the negotiations failed. The Saudis had demanded total surrender which, for some reason, the Houthis and their allies were not willing to concede. Air attacks by the Saudis increased again and they announced, for the twentieths or so time, that their proxy forces will conquer Sanaa within weeks. The Houthis and the Yemeni army also renewed their efforts. New Uragan missiles with 100 kilometer reach suddenly came out of nowhere (video) and hit Saudi areas. Now an renewed invasion follows: 2:25 PM - 20 Jul 2016 Haykal Bafana @BaFana3 Breaking : #Yemen forces & Houthi militia surge 10km into Jizan region #Saudi & capture cement plant & army camp. 1644'49"N 434'31"E Photos : Damage in Samatah, Jizan region, #Saudi Arabia by #Yemen forces shelling 19 July. 1635'54"N 4256'17"E For 200 km of the KSA-Yemen border from Red Sea to inland eastwards, Yemeni forces have invaded at 6 locations, 5-20km deep. Not incl Najran Celebratory gunfire & fireworks in capital Sanaa. 1am local. Hear that, ya Salman? :-) Areas in Saudi Arabia held by Yemeni forces for months now : Al Rabuah & Khoubah, Jizan. Al Shorfah, Najran. The Saudi puppet in the war on Yemen, former vice president Hadi, confirmed and condemned the Houthi success. The Saudi rulers are incensed. That is not the way their war was supposed to be fought. How dare those Yemenis to invade Saudi land? The Saudis ran off to their mommies "western" allies and demanded a strong response. A response was dully given, with a silent smirk, ... in a joint statement: The Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom, USA, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates met on 19 July in London to review the situation in Yemen, following the resumption of UN led-peace talks in Kuwait on 16 July. ... The Ministers agreed that the conflict in Yemen should not threaten Yemens neighbours Read that again: The Ministers agreed that the conflict in Yemen should not threaten Yemens neighbours This should be noted in history books as the most funny diplomatic note ever. "Please, please don't hit back while we invade your land." "Please yield to these impotent men. Please don't move while we try to rape you." As the Saudis are unable to successfully change the balance in Yemen, and incapable of protecting their own land, the Obama administration prepares to add to the chaos by sending more U.S. troops to Yemen. But if the Saudis, with the most expensive U.S. war toys available to them, are unable to win the fight, the U.S. can't either. Another Obama war - launched without aim, without the capability to win, but with huge profits for the U.S. military and intelligence complex. Later, some foreign ministers will agree that the U.S. war on Yemen "should not threaten" the U.S. itself. Some Yemenis though, will disagree. Posted by b on July 21, 2016 at 9:17 UTC | Permalink Comments I think anything past a double D is starting to get out of control it feels like all you are is boobs. Morningstar's "Perspectives" series features investment insights from third-party contributors. Here, Michael Lindsell, manager of the Lindsell Train Japanese Equity Fund, discusses what the impact of the recent launch of Pokemon GO means to gaming stock Nintendo. We look to identify exceptional companies whose businesses are able to survive throughout many different economic and social conditions. Once invested in such a company, we look to hold on to it for as long as possible allowing time, patience and compounding to do its job. In order to survive, these companies need to offer something unique and often irreplaceable - such as a consumer brand, ownership of unique intellectual property (IP) or apparently impregnable business franchise. What we have always liked about Nintendo (NTO) is, firstly, its proprietary ownership of many of the video game industrys most iconic and durable franchises Mario, Donkey Kong, Pokemon and Zelda and, next, its dedication to innovation, which has repeatedly allowed it to bring new and entertaining devices to consumers. Competitive Environment However, over the last five years Nintendo has singularly failed to monetise this IP successfully. During this time, the advent of the smartphone and the ability to play games on such devices has diminished the importance of dedicated game platforms but at the same time engaged many more people with the concept of playing games generally. Also the distribution of game software has changed from cartridges and CDs to digital downloads. With digital distribution, the scope for piracy has lessened considerably, a big concern in the past, which potentially opens up the market to jurisdictions such as emerging markets where the protection of IP rights has historically been poor. Thus over the past five years the potential gaming population, especially casual ones who Nintendo targets, has expanded exponentially, from say 200 million or so console owners to more than 2 billion smartphone owners. Pokeon GO The huge initial success of Pokemon GO is a vivid demonstration of the value of Nintendos IP. And remember Nintendo owns many more franchises, some with even greater heritage. Over the last 25-30 years Nintendo has sold more than 4 billon software units which dwarfs the cumulative sales of any other gaming company. Nintendo has not however solved the problem of monetising its IP. Pokemon GO is licenced to a Google affiliate Niantic and anyway Nintendo only has approximately 30% ownership of Pokemon itself. Pokemon GO is free to play and only monetisable from add-ons and perhaps from its ability to draw gamers to specific locations. The companys proposed smartphone game launches in the Autumn will involve two relatively new Nintendo franchises, Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem, both 100% owned properties but to be launched in joint venture with DENA. Nintendo sees these free to play smartphone games as a way of showcasing its IP using the huge scope of the smartphone platform rather than necessarily earning huge profits. From this perspective Pokemon GO has worked magnificently: the value of Pokemons IP already high before the launch of Pokemon GO - has increased even more. Nintendo still thinks that to monetise its IP properly gamers need to be persuaded to buy its own dedicated platforms which host more immersive games, for which gamers will pay hard dollars - hence its project to launch the Nintendo NX platform in Spring next year. Nintendos current enterprise value is 2.4T, 4.8x depressed sales of c.500bn. We think Nintendo should be able to generate around 20% operating margins - average margins over the last 20 years were 16% - and on the basis of that should be able to sustain the current valuation. But this does not account for any incremental success in monetising its IP, which should be possible given the popularity of its titles. It wasnt that long ago in 2009 that, with the success of the 3DS and the Wii, the companys sales were 1.8T and its net profits were 290bn, 8x its current enterprise value. Its dividend that year was 1,440 per share which equates to a 5.2% yield on todays price. So in our view if Nintendo succeeds in embracing the digitalisation of video games, using the vast scope of the smartphone platform to further boost the value of its IP and then to monetise that IP on new innovative platforms, the shares still have much more potential to reward investors in the future. Disclaimer The views contained herein are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of Morningstar. If you are interested in Morningstar featuring your content on our website, please email submissions to UKEditorial@morningstar.com New Zealands central bank is taking aim at investors by jacking the required down payment for a home to 40% in a bid to cool its market; one industry veteran has some strong opinions about what a similar Canadian would mean. I think thats ridiculous. What does the down payment have to do with it? Joe Rosati, chief executive officer of Broker Financial Group, told MortgageBrokerNews.ca. If somebody has the capacity to pay their debt, whatever it may be, and it makes sense to them on an income-to-debt ratio, then why should a regulator dictate that? It doesnt make any sense and I dont think it will cool [New Zealands] market. Obviously not one to mince words. And one would assume many industry players in New Zealand are singing a similar tune. The countrys central bank will now require citizens to put 40% down on investment properties, the Reserve Bank said in a statement Tuesday. The policy has been put in place to cool the countrys hot housing market. A sharp correction in house prices is a key risk to the financial system, and there are clear signs that this risk is increasing across the country, Governor of the New Zealand Reserve Bank Graeme Wheeler said, per the New Zealand Herald. The average home price in Auckland, the countrys hottest housing market, is about $675,000 (C$619,269). Thats below the average home prices in Canadas two hottest markets, Vancouver and Toronto, where houses averaged $1,026,207 and $746,546 respectively in June. Of course, no economy is equal and there are several differences between New Zealands and Canadas, so a direct comparison based solely on home prices offers just one piece of the economic puzzle. And for his part, Rosati argues Canadas housing market isnt overheated. I dont think we have an overheated market in Canada and I dont think they can really capture the numbers, he said. I think in any open market, supply and demand will prevail and I dont think we need intervention and certainly not government intervention. The Honourable Hugh Segals recent proposal of drafting a basic income program for Ontario should be taken not as a panacea but as a vital ingredient to a suite of solutions that would help the provinces population cope with the prevailing climate of ever-increasing prices, according to a renowned economist.In a contribution piece for the Toronto Star, Armine Yalnizyan of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives stated that this proposal represents a golden opportunity for the province to establish a system that would guarantee equity for its citizens.I am excited about the possibilities, and hopeful the discussion will put basic income in a more realistic context: not as an all-encompassing fix, but as one half of an approach that could help us adapt to the emerging realities of the early 21st century, the CCPA senior economist wrote.Yalnizyan said that while Segals move will not likely address the issue of job availability in the age of increasing automation across all sectors, a basic income would have to be set at a level that reduces the number of people willing to work at low wages.Could a provincial basic income approach federal levels of income support, knowing even $15,000 a year is far below the poverty line for a single person? she mused. Basic math shows this is unlikely. Anyone working under 25 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, at the minimum wage ($11.40) is better off not working not a strong government objective.Yalnizyan added that improving public services would benefit a greater segment of the population.At the federal level, the cost of raising everyones income above the poverty line is an estimated $30 billion a year. The Alternative Federal Budget shows we could permanently expand the stock of affordable housing, child care, and public transit; and almost eliminate user costs for pharmacare, dental care and post-secondary schooling for half the annual cost ($15 billion), the economist explained.After a decade, we would have expanded access to more high-quality, affordable necessities of life, not just for the poor but for everyone, Yalnizyan concluded. Both a basic income and a basic service model put more money in peoples pockets, one with a cash transfer, one by offsetting the costs of necessities. In an effort to combat the increasingly frequent incidents of realtors representing both buyers and sellers in the same deals, the British Columbia real estate council's advisory group recommended the imposition of more severe penalties.William McCarthy, a participant in the advisory group and a previous president of the Institute of Real Estate Management, said that higher fines of up to $250,000instead of the current $10,000 ceilingwould deter realtors from engaging in deceitful practices like dual agency.How can one person serve two masters? It's a perpetual conflict of interest, McCarthy said, as quoted by Lien Yeung of CBC News.McCarthys comments referred to the recent case of Lin (Kelly) Kong, who was slapped with a 90-day suspension earlier this month along with a $1,500 finean amount which McCarthy described as a pittance compared to Kongs possible $37,000 commission from a double-ended deal.Usually, commissions are around 7 per cent for the first $100,000 of the sale price, and then 2.5 to 3 per cent for the remaining amount. Latest figures from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver placed the benchmark cost for a detached home at $1.4 million.If you look at this case in particular, the agent in question took a deliberate attempt to not only act as a dual agent but to cover up the facts, McCarthy said.Other quarters have denounced such a proposal as unnecessarily harsh, however.Part of the benefit of a good Realtor is that they've got a good network, UBC housing economics professor Tom Davidoff said.Double ending is a tough one because exploiting your network to bring in a buyer isn't inherently a bad thing, he added. Banning it can get rid of some legitimate transactions.Davidoff instead suggested the implementation of an atmosphere that encourages mandatory disclosure, which would allow both buyers and sellers to make informed decisions on what they want. CFPB: Credit Unions, Research Conference, HMDA, Privacy Webinar, and YouTube Video Happy 6th year-old-birthday to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Or is it the CFPBs 5th birthday? For those new to the business, the passage of Dodd-Frank in July 2010 put in place the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau in July of 2011. Lots more below on what it has been up to lately. Critics say that the CFPB has made an art of governing and regulating by consent orders and press releases rather than actually establishing rules and regulations. Is it less expensive for the CFPB that way? Consumers are better protected; certainly the large banks are trying to work with the CFPB but some suggest that non-banks, who have taken a large market share from banks, are not working closely with the CFPB. And there are even some that think Richard Cordray wants to be the governor of Ohio or even a candidate for vice president. You gotta love the CFPB. "The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced that its supervisory actions in the first four months of the year uncovered illegal activities in auto finance and payments that led to approximately $24.5 million in restitution to more than 257,000 consumers. The report also highlights issues CFPB examiners found through the agency's examination of businesses in auto loan origination, debt collection, mortgage origination, and small-dollar lending." Being a capital markets guy, I am no math whiz, but I think that this works out to about $95 per head - a sum critics say buys dinner for 4 at Applebee's or less than half of one month's car loan payment. There have been setbacks for the regulator. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau doesn't have the legal authority to adopt a rule banning arbitration clauses that mention broker-dealers, even if the sole purpose is to exempt broker-dealers from the rule, SIFMA said. The bureau should defer regulation arbitration by entities regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission to the agency. Of particular interest to lenders is the news last week regarding HMDA. At this point most, if not all, lenders are collecting the data that will be required. But they are all slicing and dicing the data to see what regulators will find, prior to the regulators finding it. Yes, beginning with data collected in 2017, financial institutions will file their HMDA data with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rather than the Federal Reserve Board. The FFIEC and HUD published the following documents on Resources for HMDA Filers to help financial institutions report Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data collected in or after 2017. These materials are also accessible from the FFIEC website: filing instructions guide for HMDA data collected in 2017, filing instructions guide for HMDA data collected in 2018, technology preview, and the endless frequently asked questions. (Appendix A to Regulation C provides instructions for completing the loan/application register for HMDA data collected in 2017 and submitted in 2018, but not for HMDA data collected in 2018 and submitted in 2019.) For its part the CFPB released a YouTube video on the final rule of HMDA. Yes, the video is an hour, about 57 minutes longer than the typical YouTube video, but one should at least listen to the introduction. Of course the CFPB is not focused solely on mortgages. At the end of this month the CFPB is expected to release a proposal to regulate debt collection practices. The proposal is expected to expand the definition of debt collector and tighten up activities. The U.S. subsidiary of Spanish bank Santander was fined $10 million by the CFPB over allegations of deceptive overdraft practices. The bank used a telemarketing vendor to enroll customers in its overdraft service, but the vendor reportedly did so without customer consent. The industry is certainly watching the CFPB's chess moves regarding arbitration. "Lewis Wiener, Kymberly Kochis and Frank Nolan of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan write: On May 5, 2016, the CFPB released its proposed regulation on restricting the use of class action waivers and arbitration provisions in consumer contracts. The proposal, if effectuated, would essentially overturn years of U.S. Supreme Court precedent." A bipartisan group of 70 U.S. Senators has petitioned CFPB Director Richard Cordray to exclude credit unions from complete CFPB regulatory oversight. "Congress and federal regulators have long taken the approach that credit unions and community banks should be treated differently from the largest financial institutions and non-bank lenders," the Senators wrote. "It is our hope that the CFPB also takes this approach and considers the impact of its rulemaking on smaller financial institutions and consumers." In the letter, the Senators urged the Bureau to tailor its financial rules to match the role of community banks and credit unions around the country. ATS Secured's new white paper is out, written by former CFPB regulator Ben Olson: Achieve Vendor Management & Mortgage Closing Success in a Post-TRID World. "Get guidance from a former CFPB regulator on safely navigating the full impact of 3rd party risk. Gain valuable insight on; liability, responsibility for disclosures, the true definition of 'service provider,' the most important CFPB and TILA-RESPA rule expectations, risk assessment & planning, accuracy of disclosures and permissible changes." The CFPB has announced that it plans to host its second research conference on consumer finance on December 15-16, 2016. The announcement contains a call for complete papers or detailed abstracts that include preliminary results to be submitted by August 26. The CFPB is encouraging the submission of a variety of research including, but not limited to, work on "the ways consumers and households make decisions about borrowing, saving, and financial risk-taking; how various forms of credit (mortgage, student loans, credit cards, installment loans, etc.) affect household well-being; the structure and functioning of consumer financial markets; distinct and underserved populations; and relevant innovations in modeling or data." A particular area of CFPB interest is the dynamics of households' balance sheets. BuckleySandler is offering up a free webinar today from 2-3PM EDT titled, "The CFPB in Privacy & Data Security: Examining the Agency's Role, Authority, and Direction." "Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the CFPB inherited authority over the privacy provisions, including privacy notices, of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The Dwolla enforcement action announced earlier this year showed that the CFPB also intends to be involved in data security issues and financial institutions of all types should take note. Join our panel of CFPB, privacy, and data security specialists as they discuss the authority of the CFPB in the areas of privacy and data security, the actions the CFPB has taken to date in privacy and security, implications of the Dwolla action, and what CFPB actions in other areas may tell us about where the agency could go in privacy and data security." One must register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8355454217426982403. (Registration is required. Please, no outside law firms, government agency personnel, consulting firms, or media. After registering and being approved, you will receive a confirmation email containing instructions for joining the webinar.) Lenders, of course, continue to be impacted and to make changes based on CFPB rules. For example... The industry continues to wait for word on the PHH/CFPB case. PHH's share price has fallen sharply in 2016 driven both by poor performance and regulatory concerns (reflecting the ongoing issues with the CFPB, FHA, New York State Department of Financial Services, and other state regulators). Analysts point out that PHH's shares are now trading below 50% of book value, and there is upside as the board pursues strategic actions, including potentially the sale or the liquidation of the company. Pacific Union has developed a new Change of Circumstance (COC) Form that will better track requirements under TRID and no longer contains references to pre-TRID disclosure requirements. Be advised, while Sun West accepts initial loan application and applicable disclosures executed prior to closing using electronic signature ("e-signature"), documents must be in compliance with the requirements of the Federal E-Sign Act. Utilization of a Signature Vendor from Sun West's list of Authorized E-Signature Vendors available in the HELP section of sunsoft is required. At the time of loan submission, an Audit Trail (such as a Certificate of Completion from an Authorized E-Signature Vendor) must be submitted. Fortunately, throughout all of this rates are minding their own business. (As if rates could do that, right?) Yesterday U.S. Treasuries, and to some extent agency MBS prices, ended the session with moderate losses (worse about .125 but mortgages were only off a few ticks). Why? No good reason, so I won't waste your time. Suffice it to say the usual entities were selling (lenders & agencies, primarily) and the usual entities were buying (the Fed, money managers, insurance companies, pension funds). But for folks who like to try to predict the future, according to Fed fund futures, the FOMC is virtually guaranteed to hold rates steady when it meets next Tuesday and Wednesday, but the probability of a September hike is up to 25%. On the subject of central banks, the European Central Bank released its rate decision today and no one thought the ECB would move rates, which is exactly what happened. Here in the US we've had this morning's Initial Jobless Claims for the week ending 7/16 (-1k to 253k) and the second-tier Philadelphia Fed survey for July (-2.9). Coming up, for those who are riveted to data from two months ago, is the May FHFA Housing Price Index. And we'll also have June's Existing Home Sales report at 10AM EDT and Leading Economic Indicators. Oh, and at 1PM EDT the Treasury will auction $13 billion in new 10-year TIPS - get out your checkbooks. As the folks in New York headed for the subway Wednesday we closed the 10-year at a yield of 1.58%. This morning it is wallowing around 1.60% and agency MBS prices are worse nearly .125 versus last night. Jobs and Announcements In job news, Caliber Home Loans continues to expand its footprint in the Non-Agency space and is actively searching for a Correspondent UW Manager based in the Irving, TX headquarters. This is a highly visible position that will afford the right candidate an opportunity to participate in and contribute to our continued success within the Portfolio Lending Suite of Products. "Be part of the team that is making a difference." For more information, contact Nancy Corlett. Ditech suggests, "Help us take the mortgage industry in a new direction. We have a clear vision of where we want to take Ditech. Are you ready to be a catalyst of positive change for our Customers and our company? Originators, our call centers are a fun and productive work environment. We excel at creating a great customer experience, and have a sales oriented culture. Let us show you how you can take your career to new heights. We are a leader in home loans, with a 50 state presence and a recognized and respected brand. Positions are available in Ditech's Fort Washington (Philadelphia), St. Louis, and Jacksonville, FL locations. Your state licensing is the key to a fast track as a Ditech Home Loan Specialist. Underwriters, Processors, Closers, are you interested in a $2,000.00 signing bonus? Questions can be directed to recruiters Zachary Doering (651-265-5216), Carmen Mohan, or Stacy Gosch (281-404-7864). Founded in 2008, and licensed in 48 states, New Penn Financial, a Shellpoint Partners company, and its reputation has grown substantially under the guidance of a management team with years of experience in the mortgage industry. New Penn Financial has been recognized in the top 20 Third Party Originations Lenders and was recently voted as being a great mortgage lender to work for by sales professionals. Our Mission is to exceed the expectations of our residential mortgage borrowers and business partners through superior service, simple processes, and effective communications. New Penn Financial is sourcing two strong, experienced sales leader to grow and manage our teams in Southern California and Texas. Please contact Aubrie Cusumano, Manager - Corporate Recruiting, with inquiries. What's the number one reason mortgage loan originators and branch managers want to leave their current lender? It isn't compensation, says Assurance Financial. It's lack of support from the home office. Assurance has a simple but important value proposition for all producers - we have a solid reputation for closing loans on time. Our operations staff supports you and your team so you can focus on originating new loans rather than worrying about closing your pipeline. Assurance is expanding throughout the Southeast and Southwest and looking to hire branch managers and MLOs in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. For more information, contact Paul Peters, CMB at 225-239-7948 or visit www.LendTheWay. com/Careers. Stonegate Mortgage Corporation announced that Bill Dyson has been named SVP, Distributed Retail. In this role, he will be responsible for leading Stonegate's Distributed Retail Channel. He will report directly to Steve Landes, EVP, Director of National Sales. Congrats to Bill! SAN ANTONIO A road rage incident involving two women in the Alamo Ranch area on July 19 was caught on camera, including the moment one of the motorists got out of her car, attempted to grab the other's phone and threw a Starbucks drink on her car. Kathia Maria Ocasio posted a Facebook post just after 10:30 a.m. on an "unbelievable" Tuesday drive claiming the driver of a Honda Pilot was "putting people at risk and putting herself in danger." It is unclear what prompted the interaction, but Ocasio began filming after she claimed the unnamed driver started "tail-gating" and "antagonizing" her with "hand gestures." Ocasio continued, saying she told the other driver to "go around" her, to which the driver said she "should move over." The video shows the driver in the SUV brake-checking Ocasio. At the climax of the incident, Ocasio films the other woman getting out of her vehicle at a stop light, attempting to grab the phone from Ocasio's hand, then throwing her drink at the hood of Ocasio's car. "I have a kid in my car," Ocasio said in the video. Ocasio said she made a report to police. "I'm tired of people doing things like this and thinking they can get away with it," she said in the post with nearly 200 shares. The San Antonio Police Department said there were no reports on file for the incident, but deferred requests made by mySA.com to the Bexar County Sheriffs Department, who shares some of that area's jurisdiction. Continue reading HERE. Waste Control Specialists is taking steps to get its low-level radioactive waste facility west of Andrews deeper into the storage of nuclear materials. WCS is seeking licensure from the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission to add an interim storage facility for the safe keeping of high-level radioactive waste until permanent solutions can be agreed upon. The consolidated interim storage facility (CISF) at Andrews aims to solve a lingering problem that will only grow over time. In the next 20 years, between 50 and 60 nuclear power plants will be decommissioned, and we need to figure out what were going to do, WCS spokesperson Chuck McDonald told the Reporter-Telegram on Wednesday, the same day it filed supplemental information to the NRC after submitting its formal, more than 3,000-page application April 28. The Andrews facility would be temporary -- perhaps up to 100 years -- for the storage of high-level nuclear waste. The abandonment of the Yucca Mountain project put permanent storage in limbo. Geologic storage stopped because critics were concerned that putting waste in the ground cannot be adequately monitored. Interim storage puts waste in a place where it can be monitored, McDonald said. Yucca Mountain proponents say $14 billion has been spent and that its almost ready to go. Yucca Mountain might ultimately be where the stuff goes, but they might feel better about it 40 years from now when everybody realizes that it turned out not to be a problem, so lets put it in the mountain we carved out and be done with it, McDonald said. WCS license application is for 40 years with a 40-year extension, though nuclear waste could be moved to a place like Yucca Mountain earlier. McDonald said there currently are more than 70,000 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel in the U.S. WCS wants to build an above-ground storage facility in eight phases, each taking in 5,000 metric tons of spent uranium for an eventual total of 40,000 metric tons. There are currently 12 decommissioned nuclear plants around the U.S. McDonald said the waste is sitting at these sites and that moving it to a single location is safer and offers communities a chance to completely reclaim the land where nuclear power plants once sat. In its supplemental information request filed with the NRC on Wednesday, WCS clarified that even though the facility would hold 40,000 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel, it currently is requesting licensure to store 5,000 metric tons from the 12 decommissioned nuclear facilities, where the NRC has already licensed the waste. WCS will revise its license conditions or technical specifications as necessary. WCS also submitted information requested in preparation for its environmental impact statement. Theres more to opening a high-level radioactive waste storage facility than an application with the NRC. The application itself will take at least three years for approval. In that time, WCS needs the Texas state legislature and U.S. Congress to take action. Just like low-level radioactive waste, the heavier stuff wont be stored for free. Andrews County and the state must determine what their cut of gross revenue receipts will be. Andrews County currently receives 5 percent of the gross paid quarterly, while Texas gets 25 percent for low-level radioactive waste storage. Since 2012, thats meant $7.8 million for Andrews County and $36 million for the state. While McDonald couldnt guess how much the county and state would receive for high-level radioactive waste, he was sure it would be higher than the low-level rates. He said WCS is working with the state legislature to see this decision made either in the upcoming 2017 legislative session or in the 2019 session. WCS is also working with Congress to get the Department of Energy to take claim of the already-existing spent nuclear fuel, which it was bound to do starting in 1998 but has failed to act on. Congress will authorize the DOE to work with private entities. Funding for these payments will come from two sources: the $40 billion fund paid for over the years by nuclear energy ratepayers and the $4.5 billion taxpayer-funded Judgment Fund, which was put in place after the federal government lost a lawsuit over not meeting its legal obligation to dispose of spent nuclear waste itself. The federal governments liability increases by about $500 million each year that it doesnt find a way to dispose of the nuclear fuel, according to a WCS handout. Liability could rise to about $13 billion by 2020. The spent nuclear fuel sits in dry casks and would be transported by rail. McDonald assures the public that transport of radioactive material in these casks is safe, citing one demonstration where a vessel was mostly undamaged after it was hit by a speeding locomotive and another where a cask was still safe after it was shot with a missile. If all is approved on time, WCS would start accepting high-level radioactive waste by 2021 after construction is complete. None of this, however, would be possible without the consent of Andrews County residents. These are difficult sites to get licensed, and its not because of science or merits. It has to do with public opinion, McDonald said. Weve got a good situation out here. Weve been talking with the public for 20 years. Were really good in Andrews. WCS currently employs 220 employees in Andrews and has a $2 million payroll. Like Trevor on Facebook and follow him on Twitter at @HowdyHawes. Alon Brands, one of the largest licensees for 7-Eleven convenience stores, is looking for a new Midland site after selling its store at Big Spring Street and Wadley Avenue to CVS Healthcare. Jonathan Ketchum, senior vice president of retail, said the company is looking at a location about a mile and a half away. He declined to be more specific. Meanwhile, Ketchum and Alon Brands are preparing to bring the Strive-Reduced emissions fuel program to the Permian Basin, the heart of the nations oil country and home to the companys Big Spring Refinery. Ketchum believes the program will be well-received. We dont see this as being non-oil friendly, he said. It allows customers to benefit the local environment merely by buying Alon fuel. Its the same Alon fuel; there are no additives or any special equipment. He said customers like the fact the program is giving back to the community, aiming to reduce each drivers associated carbon emissions by up to 30 percent by planting trees and investing in projects such as reforestation and alternative energy production. We like it because it gives us a competitive advantage, he said. Surveys indicate the companys stores that have the program see a higher frequency of return visits, he said. He said the program was launched last year in Albuquerque, N.M., where residents were seen as more concerned about being environmentally friendly. Then it was expanded to Alons stores in Lubbock. Lubbock, with Texas Tech, was seen as being attuned to environmental friendliness, he said. Now the program is expanded to Alons 7-Eleven stores throughout Midland and Odessa as well as the rest of Texas and New Mexico. The company is committed to tracking the carbon emissions of each gallon of gasoline sold at its stores and neutralizing those carbon emissions by 30 percent. We will work with groups like the Arbor Day Foundation and Keep Midland Beautiful to plant trees and reforest areas in Midland-Odessa, Ketchum said. Trees take in carbon dioxide and emit oxygen, he said. Since the program launched last June, more than 5,000 trees have been planted and more than 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide and equivalent greenhouse gasses have been neutralized. The New Mexico Bureau of Land Managements venue change from Santa Fe to Roswell for its quarterly oil and natural gas lease auction raised concerns over the federal agencys transparency. In response, New Mexico BLM postponed its July 20 event to Sept. 1 to give all who are concerned more time to ask questions about the lease sale. Among the issues New Mexico BLM, and other BLM agencies across the nation, is the threat of protests from those opposed to minerals extraction on federal land, which recently have raised safety concerns at sale events. The Reporter-Telegram reached out to Permian Basin Petroleum Association Executive Vice President Stephen Robertson for his insights on the venue change, recent protests and what oil and gas mean to New Mexicos local and state economies. You can read more about the postponement here: http://bit.ly/29Z3GiT . MRT: Was it a good idea for New Mexico BLM to move its lease auction from Santa Fe to Roswell? Robertson: In this particular case since all of the leases are in southeast New Mexico, it makes sense to have them in the same area where people are living and operating. Those who are living there and are affected by operations can have their say if they want to and be involved in the process. That makes more sense to me than having them in Santa Fe, that's for sure. MRT: What would happen to the oil & gas industry if there were no drilling on federal lands? Robertson: It would have a giant impact on the communities in southeast New Mexico and New Mexico overall. The tax revenues, the royalty revenues collected by the BLM on federal lands does great benefit for the state. If you take that away, you're taking away a giant industrial help that provides tax base for the entire state. You're talking about funding for schools, you're talking about health care, you're talking about funding for infrastructure. MRT: Are drillers doing damage to the environment? Robertson: The good operators sure aren't. That's something the membership of the PBPA prides itself in: being good stewards of the environment. Our members want to do everything they possibly can to leave the environment they way that they found it and produce a mineral that benefits people not only locally financially, but as a reliable energy source for all across the United States and, now that we've removed the export ban, around the world. MRT: Is it important to obtain leases in slower times? Robertson: Of course. One of the things that sets the United States oil and gas industry apart from so many other around the world is that we aren't state owned, so people have to be competitive with each other. Any time a company can find an advantage whether it be a geological formation, whether it's a geographic location, infrastructure in place, anything like that it makes a big difference. By having the opportunity to develop the minerals on any bit of land in the United States is beneficial. MRT: Is the recent WPX Energy explosion in San Juan County, N.M., an outlier? Is it reason to stop exploring for oil and natural gas because of the dangers? Robertson: In that particular instance, I don't know the facts or the details. But in any instance in this industry, you're going to have an outlier, you're going to have something that happens that no one wants to happen. We try to learn from that and develop new safeguards and put in new policies, procedures and guidelines maybe even new regulations to prevent those kinds of accidents from happening again. MRT: New Mexico BLM's parcels up for auction are in Eddy and Lea counties. Are they desirable areas? Robertson: I would think so. Again, I don't know the specifics on those parcels, but those counties have definitely been good, productive areas in the past." MRT: What would you say to protesters who want to "keep it in the ground"? Robertson: Trying to make arguments against people who have already made up their mind is very difficult to do. When you talk about an idea like 'leave it in the ground,' the question I have is what's your alternative? What do you see that's a better alternative, a reliable alternative that's also cost-efficient for people in the U.S. and around the world to get energy? The options out there right now don't fit the bill. There's not anything out there right now, whether you're talking about solar, wind or an all-of-the-above approach that really can satisfy the growing energy needs. We live in a country that has great regulatory framework in place, that has people who are dedicated to the process, and if we can produce those natural resources here and benefit from them in a controlled environment where we can try to limit the outliers, then why would you not want to do that here as opposed to allowing those types of activities to increase in number and strength in places around the world that have near the regulatory environment that we do? MRT: What do you say about the use of hydrocarbons beyond just a source of fuels and lubricants? Robertson: Everything we do in our daily lives revolves around hydrocarbons. If you try to take that out of the equation, our entire world would get flipped upside-down. MRT: Do you have anything to add about BLM? Robertson: I think the BLM is trying to do the best that it can with the situation that it's in with the finances it has, and we as an association try to work as best we can with the BLM. We encourage our operators to do the best that they can to work with the BLM and try to move forward because we all want to get the best benefit for our country out of our countries natural resources. I'm glad the BLM has thought about and taken actions such as moving the meeting to Roswell and publicizing it well because it does need to be known by the public that such a meeting is being had there. MRT: What does PBPA do in particular with New Mexico BLM? Robertson: Some of the activities we work on have to do with increasing membership communications with the BLM. Recently, we've discussed a few projects with the BLM. One which we're working on right now is helping the BLM update their contact list. So many times, the BLM might have an application from a company, especially in current times, that's an older application. They may have done work with the company for a long time, but the point of contact they have with that company is no longer there because of the economic environment we're in right now. We're trying to help the BLM by doing a lot of the legwork on our end by updating those contact lists, getting better phone numbers for people, getting betters names the BLM can contact whenever they have an issue (to avoid) playing phone tag. There can actually be activity done almost immediately to help solve any issue BLM may have discovered. Like Trevor on Facebook and follow him on Twitter at @HowdyHawes. Midland ISD reported improvement in State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testings for grades 3 through 8 from spring testings. However, the district also showed it has a distance to travel to reach the state average in math and reading at least three levels -- third, fifth and eighth grades. There has been improvement in 11 of 17 tested areas that include reading, math, writing, science and social studies, according to a press release from the district, while students across the state showed improvement in six of 17 areas. We are proud of the performance exhibited by our students this year on STAAR, said Elise Kail, executive director of Accountability and Data Systems. Not only have we experienced growth during a critical time in our district, but we exceeded the growth shown by the state. We are still not at the performance level we expect; however, we will continue moving forward in supporting our staff and students as they continue. The passing rates on 2016 STAAR grade level tests (English only) also indicate only one area where MISD students passed at a rate of 70 percent or above -- eighth-grade reading, 73 percent. There were also six areas where students passed at a rate lower than 60 percent -- fourth-grade math, 58 percent; fourth-grade writing, 56 percent; sixth-grade reading, 59 percent; seventh-grade math, 59 percent; seventh-grade writing, 58 percent and eighth-grade social studies, 53 percent. MISD reports passing rates in the 60 to 69 percent range for the other 10 areas. Compared to the state average, MISD saw room for improvement. In six areas, involving third-, fifth- and eighth-grade student results, Midland ISD trailed the states average passage rate by an average of 11 percentage points. They are: - Third-grade math: MISD 63 percent passage, Texas 76; - Fifth-grade math: MISD 65 percent passage, Texas 79; - Eighth-grade math: MISD 67 percent passage, Texas 73; - Third-grade reading: MISD 63 percent passage, Texas 74; - Fifth-grade reading: MISD 62 percent passage, Texas 75; - Eighth-grade reading: MISD 73 percent passage, Texas 82. MISD also reported that cohort comparisons across the district showed satisfactory and advanced level III performance improved in reading and math for six of the 10 tested grade levels when comparing student performance from one grade level to the next grade level. Students in grades five and eight showed improvement across the board from their performance in fourth and seventh grades. The Texas Education Agency administers the STAAR, to students each year in reading and mathematics in grades 3-8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, in science in grades 5 and 8, and in social studies in grade 8. In addition to the regular English version, STAAR tests are available in Spanish (grades 3-5 only), linguistically accommodated (L), accommodated (A) and alternate (Alternate 2) versions for those students for whom the regular English version is not considered valid. Each assessment has three levels designating student performance: unsatisfactory, satisfactory and advanced. Advanced (Level III) means that students are well-prepared for the next grade and are highly likely to be successful in that grade. Students in grades 5 and 8 unsuccessful in their first effort re-tested in reading and mathematics in an attempt to improve their results. Passage rates on 2015 and 2016 STAAR grade level tests in English only. Numbers represent passage rates Third grade Reading: 63 percent (2015: 64) Math: 63 (2015: 61) Fourth grade Reading: 66 percent (2015: 61) Math: 58 percent (2015: 58) Writing 56 percent (2015: 56) Fifth grade Reading: 62 percent (2015: 66) Math: 65 percent (2015: 62) Science: 62 percent (2015: 56) Sixth grade Reading: 59 percent (2015: 70) Math: 61 percent (2015: 67) Seventh grade Reading: 64 percent (2015: 63) Math: 59 percent (2015: 56) Writing: 58 percent (2015: 56) Eighth grade Reading: 73 percent (2015: 64) Math: 67 percent (2015: 59) Science: 63 percent (2015: 47) Social Studies: 53 percent (2015: 42) Largest increases from year to year (percentage points listed) Eighth-grade science: 16 Eighth-grade math: 11 Eighth-grade Reading: 9 Eight-grade math: 8 Largest decreases (percentage points listed) Sixth-grade math: 11 Sixth-grade math: 6 Two former members of the Midland College English faculty, Larry Griffin and Leslie Williams, will be visiting campus to read from their original works. Griffin will be reading noon Monday and Williams will be reading at noon Aug. 1 at Allison Fine Arts Building McCormick Gallery. Griffin, who joined the faculty in 1981, served six years as Division Chair of Fine Arts and Communications. He recently published two books of poetry, Cedar Plums and Jane Compleat. Tuesday was supposed to be Make America Work Again day at the convention. This had led journalists to expect that there would be some discussion by the speakers of, you know, work. The economy. Stuff Americans might want to know about how Donald Trumps policy plans will make them better off. Instead, the evening could be more accurately described as a Two Hours of Hate against Hillary Clinton. Sharon Day, the attorney general of Arkansas, said: And as first lady, you viciously attacked the women who were sexually abused by your husband! Chris Christie presented indictments of Clinton on everything from Libya to her private e-mail server. After every charge was laid out, he asked guilty or not guilty? while the crowd chanted Lock her up! Ben Carson, in the weirdest turn of the night, drew a strange line from Clinton to Saul Alinsky and straight on to Lucifer. Having spent much of my afternoon running around the convention floor in search of rumors of a rebellion that never materialized, I suspect the political logic is sound. This convention is so divided that people seeking comparisons had to reach back to the 1976 battle between Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, or perhaps the Democratic convention in 1968. During the nomination roll call of the states, as alternates in the stadium seats screamed Trumps name, the actual delegates seemed curiously flat -- there were cheers for Trump, yes, but also a lot of somber faces and head-shaking. Meanwhile, when states cast their votes for Rubio or Cruz -- as directed by the voters in their states -- the Trump supporters among the alternates frequently booed. This seemed strange but it was my first convention, so I asked a regular attendee if this was normal. This earned a sad chuckle and a rueful shake of his head. Oh no, he said. Oh no. A lot of delegates love Trump. But a lot of delegates er, dont. In fact, they cant stand the man. Most nominations end with a candidate who a lot of folks consider less than ideal, but who almost everyone can at least tolerate. This year, that toleration is coming only after a lot of arm-twisting, and through gritted teeth. What can all these folks agree on? That they dont want Clinton to be president. That was the subtext of Paul Ryans speech, which barely mentioned Trump, and never praised him. All he could bring himself to say about Trump was that at least if Trump was elected, Clinton would not be president. It was a poignant and effective plea for the party to rally around the only possible thing that could unite them after the bitter season of the primaries, and the resentment in the convention hall over how convention organizers high-handedly and ham-fistedly rolled over last-minute efforts to take a roll-call vote on the rules. The insurgents almost certainly would have lost that vote, so there was little cost in allowing it to go forward. Doing so would have let the insurgents feel that theyd given it their best shot and added legitimacy to the proceedings. But presumably the organizers felt that it would have embarrassed Mr. Trump, so attempts were ruthlessly put down. These factions are never going to come together in enthusiastic endorsement of a Trump presidency. But a Not-Clinton presidency might have enough appeal to hold this fractious convention together, however uneasily. Nor is the broader political logic necessarily bad. Trump and Clinton are both widely disliked by voters. Theyre both also widely known by voters, which means that theres not all that much room to turn those negatives around. Since neither of them is going to have much success campaigning as the likeable, trustworthy person you want sitting in the Oval Office, the only real hope for either party is to convince voters that the other candidate is so horrifying that a Not-Them candidate looks comparatively appealing. So far, Not Trump is beating Not Clinton in the polls. But while some of the speeches Tuesday night probably sounded a bit unhinged to the folks who dont already have a visceral, consuming hatred for her, others, like Christies, struck me as quite effective. Of course, next week the Democrats will get their own chance to present the case for Not Trump. Well get the voters verdict in November. AUSTIN, Texas (AP) An appeals court has dealt the strongest blow yet to Texas' strict voter ID law, ruling that it violates federal protections against discrimination at the ballot box and must be reshaped before November so as not to unfairly harm poor and minority voters. The U.S. 5th Circuit Court in New Orleans found Wednesday that the law violates provisions of the Voting Rights Act. It ordered a lower court to determine ways Texas can fix the law prior to the presidential election this fall. The law has been challenged in court almost from the moment it was approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature in 2011 and has now had a series of major court decisions go against it. Here are answers to some key questions about how Texas got this far and what happens next: ___ Q: How does this affect presidential voting? A: The law went into effect in 2014, even as legal challenges continued to rage. Since then, Texas held three statewide elections under it with no reports of major voter disruptions. During this year's presidential election, voters will still be required to show picture identification to cast ballots. But Wednesday's ruling means those who can't must still be allowed to vote and that a lower court will have to help Texas devise ways to accommodate them. It's not clear when those suggested fixes will be ready or how they will be implemented once they are. ___ Q: What is the Voting Rights Act? A: A federal statute designed to prevent state and local governments from discriminating against minorities. Approved in 1965, it was a landmark civil rights statute that prohibited the use of poll taxes and other requirements designed to discourage blacks from voting in much of the post-Civil War South. In its ruling, the Fifth Circuit suggested that Texas might have drafted its voter ID law with intent to discriminate. That appears to opens the door for a future legal challenge that Texas' law deliberately sought to hinder its poor and minority citizens from voting. The Voting Rights Act used to require that Texas and other, mostly southern states with histories of discrimination get federal approval when redrawing electoral maps or making laws pertaining to elections. The U.S. Supreme Court struck that down in 2013. Still, enough of the act survives that if Texas is found to have intentionally discriminated when it drafted its voter ID law, the state could again be forced to get federal "preclearance" on electoral laws. The Texas Legislature reconvenes in January, though, and could modify the voter ID law enough to avoid such a challenge. In the meantime, the ruling is a win for the President Barack Obama's administration, which used the U.S. Justice Department to challenge Texas' law as a way to fight ballot-box restrictions passed by conservative statehouses nationwide. ___ Q: What happened prior to the latest ruling? A: In 2014, a federal judge in Corpus Christi declared Texas' law unconstitutional, likening it to a poll tax and saying it had a discriminatory effect on poor and minority voters. The law was eventually allowed to remain in effect because that ruling came so close to that November's election. Last year, a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit Court found that the law violated parts of the federal Voting Rights Act. Then the full, 15-member 5th Circuit decided to hear the case, which included testimony that Hispanics were twice as likely and blacks three times more likely than whites to lack an acceptable ID under the law. That set up Wednesday's ruling, in which the full Fifth Circuit rejected the notion that the law was like a poll tax, but upheld the previous decision that its effect was nonetheless discriminatory. It also included suggestions that the law perhaps intended to discriminate meaning future cases could put Voting Rights Act preclearance back on the table for Texas. __ Q: Is Texas' law unique? A: More than 30 states have some form of voter ID law. Of those, nine have strict limitations on what forms of identification are valid. But Texas is considered the strictest such law, since it spells out just seven forms of acceptable identification to vote. A concealed handgun license is valid, college IDs are not. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) Donald Trump's push for a border wall is not a new idea. The U.S.-Mexico border is already lined with intermittent miles of barriers. In some places, a tall fence ascends desert hills. In others, sturdy wire mesh or metal pillars end suddenly. The pieces come from different moments in history when the U.S. government wanted stronger barriers to halt unwanted immigration, drug trafficking, Prohibition-era bootleggers and even meandering cattle. When Trump formally accepts the GOP nomination for president on Thursday, the billionaire will likely repeat his promise to build a single wall to stem illegal immigration and drug smuggling. Historians say that idea has been pursued for a century with spotty results due to changing politics and technologies and pressure to divert enforcement attention elsewhere. Here's a look at the history of U.S.-Mexico border barriers. ___ BIRTH OF A WALL The U.S. began constructing pieces of a wall between U.S. territory and Mexico during World War I, according to Kelly Lytle Hernandez, a University of California, Los Angeles history professor and author of "Migra!: A History of the U.S. Border Patrol." Ironically, there were no restrictions on Mexican immigration at the time because U.S. growers wanted a steady stream of agricultural workers. Mounted watchmen who patrolled from El Paso, Texas, to California were largely on the lookout for Chinese immigrants trying to illegally enter the U.S. Pressure to build a wall came and went after Congress created the U.S. Border Patrol in 1924. Some fences and tin walls that had been built were abandoned or neglected until voters demanded new barriers. Meanwhile, many illegal crossers dug tunnels to dodge the walls and keep out of sight. "As the walls got higher, the tunnels got deeper," Hernandez said. "The walls served as psychological solutions that didn't work." ___ RISING UP Entering the U.S. became more restricted as the U.S. struggled to recover from the Great Depression. A decade later, Organ Pipe National Monument in Arizona and other national parks along the border called for fencing to keep Mexican cattle and other livestock from overgrazing in protected areas. The push for a wall got new life under President Richard Nixon with Operation Intercept an effort to halt the flow of illegal drugs from Mexico. Later, when the North American Free Trade Agreement hurt the agricultural economy in Mexico in the 1990s, millions of migrants came to the U.S. illegally, prompting an expansion of border fences in urban areas such as San Diego and El Paso. That forced many migrants to try dangerous desert crossings into Arizona. After the Sept. 11 terror attack, President George W. Bush signed the Secure Fence Act of 2006 authorizing the construction of 850 miles of border fencing. It also called for more vehicle barriers, checkpoints and lighting to help the Border Patrol spot crossers. In 2011, President Barack Obama declared fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border was "now basically complete" a claim rejected by many critics. ___ THE WALL TODAY Current barriers from the Pacific Ocean to the Rio Grande range from vehicle checkpoints made of steel beams to tin walls that can be easily climbed. In large cities such as El Paso, motorists can drive next to a barrier. Some stretches feature murals honoring female migrants who have disappeared or small shrines dedicated to La Virgen de Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico and Mexican Americans. The walls have been the scene of cross-border volleyball games and bilingual poetry competitions known as slams. Priests hold Mass and give Communion through the walls. Tourists sometimes go off-road to visit spots where barriers end to take selfies on both sides of the border. Meanwhile, the mounted watchmen of a century ago have been replaced by border patrol vehicles and infrared cameras. Hernandez said building a continuous wall would be a massive undertaking with uncertain results. "There are always planes," she said. "There will always be other ways to get across." AUSTIN, Texas (AP) A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that Texas' strict voter ID law violates the Voting Rights Act and ordered changes before the November election. The ruling from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals instructs a lower court to make changes that fix the "discriminatory effect" of the 2011 law, but to do so in a way that disrupts this year's election season as little as possible. President Barack Obama's administration took the unusual step of deploying the weight of the U.S. Justice Department into the case when it challenged the law, which requires Texas residents to show one of seven forms of approved identification. The state and other supporters say the Texas law prevents fraud. Opponents say it discriminates by requiring forms of ID that are more difficult to obtain for low-income, African-American and Latino voters. "We are extremely pleased with this outcome. This law will no longer prevent eligible voters from casting a ballot this November," attorney Gerry Herbert, a member of the legal team that challenged the law, said following Wednesday's ruling. The Texas Democratic Party also immediately celebrated, declaring that "the most restrictive and discriminatory Republican voter ID law in country has been struck down." The New Orleans-based 5th Circuit agreed to rehear the issue after a three-judge panel ruled last year that the law violated the Voting Rights Act. Lawyers for Texas have argued that the state makes free IDs easy to obtain. They said any inconveniences or costs involved in getting one do not substantially burden the right to vote, and that the Justice Department and other plaintiffs had failed to prove that the law resulted in denying anyone the right to vote. Opponents countered in briefs that trial testimony indicated various bureaucratic and economic burdens associated with the law for instance, the difficulty in finding and purchasing a proper birth certificate to obtain an ID. A brief filed by the American Civil Liberties Union cited testimony in other voter ID states indicating numerous difficulties faced by people, including burdensome travel and expenses to get required documentation to obtain IDs. Texas doesn't recognize university IDs from college students, but it does accept concealed handgun licenses as proof of identity. Despite being struck down by a federal district judge in 2014, the law has been enforced in recent elections. The decision came so close to Election Day that the 5th Circuit panel allowed it to be enforced that year to avoid voter confusion. In April, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an emergency appeal to stop Texas from enforcing the law pending the current appeal. But the court said it could revisit the issue as the November elections approach. Elizabeth Conley HOUSTON (AP) Houston's mayor is set to release video footage from a police shooting in which officers killed a black man earlier this month. Mayor Sylvester Turner says it's part of an effort to preserve community safety in the wake of recent shootings of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. If you didnt know any better, you would think Donald Trump thrives on dysfunction. How else do you explain that he allowed Ted Cruz to speak at the Republican National Convention, cause the pandemonium he did by not endorsing the nominee and take away from what should have been the night America became more familiar with Mike Pence? On Wednesday, Midland Republicans saw a vice presidential candidate that they could identify with; his selection is Donald Trumps best decision of the campaign, so far. Pence is a solid conservative with values West Texans can appreciate. Hes a family man, a God-fearing man and proven executive. Hes interested in action, not talk and certainly not the spotlight. Instead, on Wednesday night Midlanders, conservatives and Republicans were left talking about the junior senator from Texas and the figurative middle finger he extended to Trump, Republicans at the convention and the millions watching on TV. It was like conservative commentator Joe Scarborough tweeted, Ted Cruz said Dont stay home in November. Cruz should have stayed home tonight. Hes right. After all, who gets booed at a political convention? If Cruz wasnt set to participate in the Trump pep rally, he shouldnt have accepted a speaking slot. That would have been the principled thing to do. We would have understood. Trump was out of line in his attacks on Cruzs wife and father. Some believe Cruz was setting himself up for a run for president in 2020, like he was the Ronald Reagan of the 21st century. Well, he can forget that. Cruz has damaged his brand to the point where there are Midlanders and Texans ready to replace him in the U.S. Senate. He comes up for re-election in 2018. We wont prognosticate on that except to say Cruz has represented the state of Texas well in the Senate so far, and we expect his next two years to dictate his worthiness better than Wednesdays regrettable speech. And who do Republicans have to replace him? Rick Perry? #NeverCruz Republicans will have to do better than that. As for Trump, we are dumbfounded. He knew what Cruz was going to say before he took the stage. He knew there wasnt going to be an endorsement. He had to know the reaction to follow would take away from Pence. Was he looking to embarrass Cruz? Was he looking to diminish Pence? Was he looking for another day of the circus? Was he hoping for a setting that required Trump to come in on his white horse and save the day? Trump mastered the media message during the primaries, so maybe this is part of some elaborate plan that will help him achieve the bounce of all bounces coming from the convention process. Can this be an indication of the type of executive he would be should he win in November? Kevin Levrone - The Night He Nearly Beat Dorian Yates Written by Peter McGough 21 July 2016 Kevin Levrone - The Night He Nearly Beat Dorian Yates As Kevin Levrone prepares for Olympia action after a 13-year absence with Phil Heath his target, its timely to look back and review the closest he ever came to toppling an Olympia champion. Dateline: Saturday, September 17, 1994: Duisburg, Germany Future historians may recall that his contemporaries never had a better chance to beat Dorian Yates than on this cold, wet and windy September night in Germany. It was a week after Yates nabbed his third Sandow, and the previous night he had won the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. But all was not well with the reigning Mr. Olympia as for a week he had been battling the ravages of a virulent bug. He had contracted to do the first three legs (Spain, Germany, England) of that years six-contest Euro tour but he contacted IFBB Executive Assistant Rafael Santonja to say hed been waylaid by a serious stomach bug and wanted to withdraw from the events. All Santonjas advertising had zoned in on highlighting the presence of the man who was expected to reign in Spain. The IFBBs top honcho in Europe insisted, Even if you only guest pose you must appear onstage. Having not been able to eat much for several days by the time he arrived in Spain he was seven pounds lighter than the 260 pounds he had been on Olympia day and was unable to carb up.By the time the prejudging for the German Grand Prix began the next day, Yates weighed 249 pounds and his musculature appeared even flatter than at the previous nights Spanish adventure. He lacked his trademark fullness and in reality he was doing the unthinkable: Taking on the best bodybuilders in the world in a depleted and non-carbed up condition. Kevin Levrone, the runner-up in Spain, was taking a different approach. After arriving in Duisburg, he spent a couple of restful hours hanging out at the hotel restaurant, where he devoured five plates of boiled potatoes. A major reason he was now five pounds heavier than his 240 pound third place showing at the Olympia. Paul Dillett, who had been third twenty-four hours earlier, had receded a little from his form of the previous night. In fact, he had caught some sort of bug (not the Yates strain) that would later hit other members of the touring party Another walking, or hobbling, wounded was Milos Sarcev, who had curiously damaged his right ankle when completing a rear double bicep the previous evening in Madrid. At the German Grand Prix, his swollen joint was strapped up. SHADOWING THE SHADOW At the prejudging Yates beat Levrone by four points in the symmetry round and then by only a single point in the muscularity round. That the latter round was close was perhaps proved by the positioning during the only comparison they were involved in: Levrone was in the center with Yates to his right and Dillett to his left. The leader is usually accorded the center position. In the evening Levrone took the posing round by three points -- the first round that Yates had lost since becoming Mr. Olympia. Going into the posedown, Yates led by a precious two points. He was on the ropes, his number one status in serious jeopardy. What months ago had been thought of as a whirlwind 48-hour whistle-stop tour around Europe for the Brit during which the formality of picking up $45,000 would be completed had now evolved into a dogfight to retain his dominance of pro bodybuilding. Yates was suffering, although he was too much of a warrior to let anyone see it. In an age when it is common to see bodybuilders going through the histrionics of fatigue on stage (almost as if the message is, "Look at me, I'm exhausted and ill, so I must be in shape!) the German crowd would have been amazed to learn that Mr. Olympia was a sick as the proverbial dog and that he was experiencing intermittent bouts of light-headedness and nausea. Even backstage in the dressing room he shared with David Dearth, Porter Cottrell, Paul Dillett and Samir Bannout, Yates showed no outward signs of discomfort and traded pleasantries and banter with his betrunked associates. But if one had eavesdropped on a private exchange between him and wife Debbie, you would have heard his spouse make the promise "I'm never going to let you go through anything like this again. KEVINS HEAVEN If Yates was in distress, Levrone was having a blast. Backstage, he joked with one and all. In Nat King Cole tones he crooned a Garth Brooks hit into this reporter's tape recorder Looking back on the memories of the dance we shared neath the stars above. If I'd only known how the king would fall, who's to say, you know, Peter might tape it all Now who is this? Who's this? He concluded as he broke into an inspired impersonation of Samir Bannout. As other competitors went through their posing routines, Levrone would mimic every move. He decided to have some real fun with German wunderkind Roland Cziurlok, the overlooked sensation (he was 18th) of the 94 Olympia, just before he went on stage. As Cziurlok waited to pose before his home crowd, Levrone pointed out that the blonde German wasn't wearing a number. He offered the erroneous advice, "Look this ain't like the amateurs, you know. It's very important to wear your number for the closing round or they'll knock points off. With Roland looking slightly perplexed, and having abandoned his number somewhere in the vast backstage area, Levrone proffered his number 13, and said helpfully, Here take mine. The rookie burst into laughter and uttered a German expletive, which may or may not have translated into, Ooh you are a little scamp, Kevin! The German nation has a reputation for preferring the gifts of power over those of finesse and subtlety, but those preferences weren't exemplified by the 2000 fans that attended the 1994 German Grand Prix. Sure they went crazy for the raw approach to posing as displayed by Yates and Levrone, but they reserved their warmest ovations for the intricate and more graceful exhibitions served up by Mauro Sarni and Milos Sarcev. MOMENT OF TRUTH Word of the close scores between Levrone and Yates drifted into the dressing rooms. This begged the question, having won the posing round, would Levrone have the momentum to cause a sensation by defeating the reigning Mr. Olympia? The only then precedent for such an occurrence is when Arnold Schwarzenegger defeated the then reigning king of the sport, Sergio Oliva, at the 1970 Mr. World you a few weeks prior to beating Sergio at that year's Mr. Olympia contest. (In 2003 Gunter Schlierkamp replicated that feat by beating rening Olympia champ Ronnie Coleman at the Show of Strength.) Alerted to the news, Yates was surprised, but he was also galvanized into action. He hadnt eaten for more than 24 hours, but now, against the strong advice of his churning stomach, he ate a chocolate bar, and with the sugar introduced into his system such are the fine lines of physical balances that exist in modern bodybuilding his musculature filled out a little. His thigh sweep, in particular, seemed to improve. A concerned Yates is not an appetizing prospect for any adversary, and he went out on stage to stamp his authority. In truth the posedown was a knock down drag out affair. Having won this contest in 1993, Levrone had the firm support of the German crowd. Some screamed out in English Kevin, you are the champion. You are the champion." Perhaps sensing blood, Levrone began the free for all section of the post down by going pose for pose with Yates a tactical mistake. Yates, of course, hit his signature and best shots a sequence that was not to Levrones's advantage. Plus, the 94 Mr. O, now a little more filled out than earlier in the contest, was ready for the onslaught and prepared to go to the limit. Consequently, Yates unveiled the most animated and energetic posedown performance of his career. He played to the crowd, almost asking them what pose they wish to see, Levrone, perhaps realizing the hunt was over contented himself by going head-to-head, literally (the duo made forehead contact as they played out their most muscular ) with Paul Dillett. . FINALLY! For his posedown pains, Yates was rewarded with straight firsts. On being announced the winner, Dorian in a rare display of unleashed emotion punched the air. So what physical weapons did Yates recruit in order to assert his number one status? Devoid of 11 crucial pounds of mass and carbed up fullness, his main weapons were shape (his waist was tiny) and proportion. In short his symmetry, a commodity history's distractors constantly chided him for not possessing, saw him through to victory. Afterward, Yates spoke of the motivation that spurred his spirited posedown exploits: "Having heard the result might be close, I went out to show everyone who the boss was! Twenty-four hours later the boss took top spot at the English Grand Prix and then immediately returned to his Birmingham enclave and kitted out in his Winnie-the-Pooh pajamas and clutching his special edition Willy Wonka teddy bear took refuge in his home-sweet-home bed. DISCUSS THIS ARTICLE ON THE MD FORUM READ MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS IN THE MCGOUGH REPORT We have independently selected these offers and products because we love them and we think you might like them at these prices. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may earn a commission if you buy something through our links. Items are Some government officials and politicians are ... Moving Antique Automation Equipment From Rocca Ranch View Photos Sonora, CA Organizers of a museum project planned for Jamestowns Rocca Park say site work may begin in early August, pending supervisors final approval. That should come Aug. 2, according to museum project manager Jim Gormely, when the item comes up on the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors agenda. Gormely confides that although the idea for a Jamestown museum has been bandied about for years, Promotions Club members got serious about it early this year. So, back in March, he put a plan and cost estimate together and began making presentations to the countys historic preservation review commission. He adds that the supervisors have already approved the nuts and bolts of the project. Eyeing An Opening In Early 2017 All the engineeringdrawingslandscape planning is complete and the county building department is ready to issue permits after that supervisors meeting, Gormely grins wryly. The site prep work, which includes laying a concrete pad, is expected to get underway perhaps later that week. He estimates the $70,000 project will take five months, which means that a formal dedication may come as soon as early 2017. The new Jamestown Museum, which will be tucked into Rocca Park off Main Street, to the left of the gazebo, will resemble a historic and rather intriguing blacksmith building and machine shop formerly located on Rocca Ranch. By donating the building components and contents, Rocca Ranch descendant and owner John Viglienzoni is also giving the museum a nifty design theme, according to Gormely. Back in the day, as Gormely points out, the outbuilding was a draw for ranchers from around the region, who made use of equipment and a set-up that, at the time, were considered extraordinary; far beyond what anyone else had. Interestingly enough, he shares, original wood and components from the structure will be incorporated into the construction of the new building. Even more noteworthy, the circa 1870 innards of the Rocca Ranch building, including early automated machinery and a gasoline engine now being restored, will be reassembled inside to serve as a core attraction. Re-animating An Antique Attraction A retired electrical project engineer, Joe Sparagna developed the building plans for the 480 square-foot museum as well as the mechanical concept of how the original shop worked so it can be re-implemented. We are going to make everything work that we can but there are a lot of restrictions on using gas engines inside, so we may have to work around that, he explains. (For renderings of these and other plans and images shared by the organizers of the reclamation effort, click into the slideshow in the left image box.) We will make it look like the Rocca Blacksmith Shop that was automated back in the 1870s in one part of the museum and we have all the original equipment, Sparagna enthuses. Along with the equipment, the museum will feature a good bit of historic information, artifacts and pictures highlighting agriculture, gold mining, transportation and tribal elements. Other locals intimately involved with the museum effort include Brian Kermeen, who provided the site design, Steve Willy, owner of the National Hotel, who is helping marshal volunteers, and Mick Grimes, who is helping spearhead the fundraising effort. Besides welcome cash donations, the organizers continue to line up in-kind donations of materials and labor. I think, once the public hears about it just like on the [Rocca Park] Gazebo Project, once they started hearing about it they started showing up to say how can I help it will be the same thing, Gormely says assuredly, albeit with a hint of hope. Folks interested in lending a hand may give him a call at 532-6515. Sacramento, CA Governor Jerry Browns contested water tunnel proposal flows over another hurdle Thursday after a California Supreme Court ruling. The $15.7 billion plan involves building two giant water tunnels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. At issue was the argument by area farmers that the state Department of Water Resources (DWR) should have to compensate property owners in order to conduct preliminary tests for the project, claiming the surveys would be lengthy and invasive. However, the court agreed with the DWRs contention that the tests would not significantly interfere with or damage the land. The court ruled that the state would only be required to pay landowners if those things actually happened while conducting the tests. Attorneys representing some of the property owners called the ruling somewhat of a victory as it achieved a 6-year delay in gathering information the DWR stressed was essential for engineering and planning of the tunnel project. But add that it fell short of stopping governmental overreach in the future. Attorney Tom Keeling states, We had argued for a result that would apply existing law to balance the needs of government and the rights of landowners. The Supreme Courts new decision effectively changes California law, in our view. Although it did reform the pre-condemnation entry statute to provide the right to a jury trial within that proceeding, the decision is likely to make landowners in this State more vulnerable to aggressive tactics such as those the DWR tried to use against Delta landowners. Ten train services from Hongqiao Railway Station cancelled due to rainstorms in N. China From:Shanghai Daily | 2016-07-21 14:04 TEN train services scheduled to departure from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station on Thursday were cancelled due to the heavy rainstorms in northern China recently, the city's railway authority said. The suspended trains were scheduled to head for cities including Changchun of Jilin Province, Dalian and Shenyang of Liaoning Province. Torrential rain in north China's Hebei Province since Wednesday morning has left 14 dead and 72 others missing, according to the provincial civil affairs bureau on Thursday. More than 1.99 million people in 11 cities in Hebei reported rain-triggered disasters. About 123,000 people were evacuated over safety concerns. Update: OByrnes Ferry Road is back open. Update at 5:25pm: CAL Fire reports that the forward rate of spread has been stopped on the Baker Fire in Copperopolis. The fire is 60 acres and 40% contained. OByrnes Ferry Road remains closed from Reeds Turnpike to Highway 4. CAL Fire reports it is due to heavy fire equipment needing to move through the area. Many of the air resources are now being released from the incident. The cause remains under investigation. You can view video of the fire taken by Tori James by clicking on the video box in the upper left hand corner. A special thanks to community news partners Denise Ecroyd, Tonya Adams, Jeri Wagner and CAL Fire for submitting photos. Pictures can be emailed to news@clarkebroadcasting.com. Update at 4:50pm: A stretch of Obyrnes Ferry Road is closed in Copperopolis due to the Baker Fire. CAL Fire spokesperson Lindy Shoff reports the closure is from Reeds Turnpike to Highway 4. The stretch is approximately 1/2 mile. You will need to find an alternate route. CAL Fire reports the fire remains around 40 acres in size and no homes or structures are considered in danger at this time. Update at 4:17pm: The Baker Fire in Copperopolis is up to 40 acres, according to CAL Fire. There remains no evacuations, and no threat to any structures. Resources are continuing to ramp up. There are now 19 engines assigned, one dozer, seven hand crews, air attack, two tankers, two helicopters and four water tenders. Update at 3:55pm: CAL Fire reports that no homes resulting from the vegetation fire in Copperopolis are immediately threatened and there are no evacuations. There are nine engines assigned, one dozer, five hand crews, air attack, a helicopter, two water tenders and several overhead personnel. Additional resources have been ordered. What sparked the fire is under investigation. The fire is moving towards Copper Mountain and is estimated to be 20-30 acres. CAL Fire has named the incident the Baker Fire. Original story posted at 3:42pm: Copperopolis, CA Firefighters and Columbia air resources are heading to a vegetation fire in Copperopolis. The flames broke out in the 450 block of Baker Street near OByrnes Ferry Road south of Highway 4. Cal Fire reports 20 to 30 acres of grass are burning moving towards Copper Mountain. Spokesperson Lindy Shoff indicates that nine engines, a dozer, one water tender and two hand crews are enroute with air attack and a helicopter in the skies. We will bring you more details as soon as they come into the news center. Some security guards at several hospitals in Brevard County will now carry a firearm after a patient and employee were shot dead at Parrish Medical Center this past weekend. Health First hospital group in Brevard to arm some security guards Parrish Medical Center was site of fatal shooting days ago Parrish is not a member of Health First but both operate in Brevard Starting Thursday, select officers officers at Brevard's largest hospital system, Health First, who have completed the required Florida Department of Licensing Firearms training private security officers will carry a firearm as well as a baton. The annual certification will also allow the selected officers to carry a stun gun. They also must pass the same testing that all Florida law enforcement officers must complete and will be required to carry and maintain certifications and licenses, Health First said in a statement. Health First operates Holmes Regional Medical Center, Cape Canaveral Hospital, Palm Bay Hospital and Viera Hospital. It contracts the company G4S for its security services. Other security measures being implemented by Health First include: Enhanced detection devices at high-volume hospital entrances Random bag checks for everyone Expanded security personnel resources Parrish Medical Center is not part of the Health First group. In a statement, Parrish said that in addition to an ongoing investigation by the Titusville Police Department, PMC is conducting its own review of the shooting and "is working with a security consultant." The hospital is adding more security officers in the emergency department waiting area and main entrance, it said. Overnight entry to the hospital will be through locked doors and will require a security check with ID, the Parrish statement said. Early Sunday morning, a gunman whom police identified as Dave Owens, 29, entered Parrish Medical Center and shot and killed hospital employee Carrie Rouzer, 36, and 88-year-old Cynthia Zingsheim, a patient. As one of our fellow Brevard health systems underwent a tragic event, we are reminded of how important our security processes and procedures are to maintaining the safety for ourselves, our patients and visitors. Our hearts and prayers go out to the care partners and families impacted by the incident at Parrish Medical Center, said Stuart Mitchell, executive vice president and chief operations officer of Health First. US sues to seize $1 bln in assets tied to Malaysian state fund 2016-07-21 12:42 US Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announces the filing of civil forfeiture complaints seeking the forfeiture and recovery of more than $1 billion in assets associated with an international conspiracy to launder funds misappropriated from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB in Washington July 20, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] WASHINGTON - US prosecutors sued on Wednesday to seize more than $1 billion in assets they said were tied to money stolen from the Malaysian state development fund, which was overseen by the prime minister, and used to finance "The Wolf of Wall Street" film and to buy property and works of art. Civil lawsuits filed in federal court did not name Malaysian premier Najib Razak, referring instead to "Malaysian Official 1." Some of the allegations against this official are the same as those in a Malaysian investigation over a $681 million transfer to his personal bank account. The US Department of Justice said $681 million from a 2013 bond sale by sovereign wealth fund 1MDB was transferred to the account of "Malaysian Official 1." He is described in court papers as "a high-ranking official in the Malaysian government who also held a position of authority with 1MDB." A source familiar with the investigation confirmed that "Malaysian Official 1" is Najib. A spokesman for the prime minister said in a statement that 1MDB has been the subject of multiple inquiries in Malaysia. "The Attorney General found that no crime was committed. 1MDB is still the subject of an investigation by the Royal Malaysia Police," the statement said. The Malaysian government will cooperate fully with any lawful investigations, it said. Najib has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The investigation is the largest set of cases brought by the US Department of Justice's Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, which seeks the forfeiture of the proceeds of foreign corruption. The previous largest case in February sought to seize $850 million. 1MDB, which Najib founded in 2009 shortly after he came to office, is being investigated for money laundering in at least six countries, including the United States, Singapore and Switzerland. 1MDB said in a statement that "it is not a party to the civil suit, does not have any assets in the United States of America, nor has it benefited from the various transactions described in the civil suit." The fund said it has not been contacted by the Justice Department or any other foreign agency on the matter. The Plainview Herald published a photo of Cole Rinne and the bucking horse, High Country, in its July 12 edition following the 72nd Bar-None Roughstock Rodeo. The photo showed Rinne lying face down on the ground while the bronc stomped a hoof on the teenager's back. But it didn't take long for Cole's Grandma to call the Herald and let them know there was a mistake. The name under the photo was wrong and she wanted it known that it was her grandson who was on the front page. On the sweltering night of July 9, the Bar None Rodeo was in full swing. The smell of dirt and excitement filled the air. The ride started out like any other. Rinne had set himself down on the Big 3 Lazy S bucking horse dubbed High Country. He sat low in the saddle and pulled his hack rein up. As he nodded his head and marked his horse out, he was on top of the world - until he wasn't. To most people, eight seconds is just a specified amount of time. In the world of rodeo, you will get a totally different reaction. Eight seconds is a way of life. A mantra. So many country songs have been written and dedicated to the infamous and endless eight seconds. Ask any rough stock cowboy what his definition is of eight seconds and he will tell you that eight second is another word for eternity. It is the thrill of the ride that keeps cowboys like Rinne driven to continue the chase. Rinne was born to Michael and Tammy Rinne with a rare gene. Cole was born with the cowboy way of life embedded in his DNA. Since birth, his life has been filled with love, support and horses. In his short 17 years he has trained many horses and proven himself to be the real deal. He has lived in Hale Center, the state of New Mexico, and now resides in the small West Texas town of Tulia. It was when he was a young cowboy in New Mexico that he started his rodeo career. Calf roping is a very popular sport in that part of the country and Rinne was good at it. It wasn't until a friend talked him into trying out the rough stock side of the sport that he changed his mind on his sport of choice. At just 14, he was hooked. Fast forward three years, and many broncs in between, and you will find Rinne at the Bar-None arena on the back of High Country hanging on and bearing down. After the first couple of jumps, Rinne knew he was in trouble. "The horse could dang sure buck," Rinne said when asked what happened with this ride. Just as soon as Cole hit the ground, 'ole High Country's front legs were right on top of his back. Miraculously, Cole stood and walked out of the arena that night, not yet aware that his L1 vertebrae was broken. When asked what his definition of a cowboy is, Rinne didn't hesitate before saying, "A cowboy is an all-around good guy, he won't have any quit in him." As Rinne said those words, I remembered how he had walked out of the arena that night. Not an ounce of quit in the young man. Rinne's doctor informed him of the injury and said he would have to take four to six weeks to rest and heal. As Rinne takes the next few weeks off to recuperate, his mind will have plenty of time to reflect and dream about his goals and the next rodeo. There are two things he already knows for sure: Rodeo is life and Grandma will always have your back. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Maybe someone should fib to the As when its the finale of a series, pretend the series is extended for an extra day. Oakland is simply not thriving in finales. Openers, yes: The As have won the first game in 10 of their past 11 series. When bidding au revoir to an opponent, though, the numbers are flipped: Oakland has flopped in 10 of the past 11 series-enders, including a 7-0 loss to the Astros on Wednesday at the Coliseum. Thats funky, Oakland catcher Stephen Vogt said of the teams troubles with finales. We had a similar feel last year; get-away days we had trouble with. Nevertheless, the As are on something of an upswing lately, winning six of their past 10 games and taking each of the first two series after the All-Star break. As long as were winning the first two, well take it, manager Bob Melvin said. I dont know whether or not we were flat; I think it was more (Doug) Fister than anything else. Oakland had a chance to get back to a single digit under .500 on Wednesday, but rookie starter Daniel Mengden had some early stumbles while Fister, the Astros starter, was rock solid. He allowed four hits and two walks in seven innings. Fisters success against Oakland is nothing new: He has faced the As four times this season and has given up 18 hits and three runs in 272/3 innings, an ERA of 0.98. Thats the best weve ever seen him, all his stuff was moving a lot, staying away from the middle of the plate, Vogt said. All you really need to know about the sleepy affair for Oakland: The As didnt get a runner past second base, and Oakland pitchers walked eight batters. The final score could have been much worse, because Houston was 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position. Houston scored a run in the first on a groundout by Luis Valbuena and added two more in the second when George Springer doubled in Jason Castro and Mengden walked Carlos Correa with the bases loaded. Correa, who homered off Mengden in Houston just before the break, drew three walks from Mengden on Wednesday. In Houston, it was just one bad pitch. I wasnt too worried about him, Mengden said. I was just trying to throw my best pitch in the spot I was trying to execute. Mengden went five innings and allowed five hits, walked five (his most with Oakland) and struck out five; hes 1-5 in his eight big-league starts with a 5.52 ERA. I thought at times he looked very good, just kind of had issues with his command, having a hard time getting any kind of rhythm going, Vogt said. He battled to hold them to three runs; they made him throw a lot of pitches. They took a lot more pitches than that lineup normally does. Daniel Coulombe chipped in two scoreless innings for the As after 11/3 scoreless innings the night before, but lefty Patrick Schuster gave up two runs in the eighth on a two-out, bases loaded bloop by Correa. The Astros scored two more in the ninth on Castros RBI triple and Springers RBI double. Houston second baseman Jose Altuve had two hits and two walks and the major leagues batting leader was 8-for-12 in the series. He has hit in 19 consecutive road games, batting .519 over that span. He absolutely demolished us this series, Vogt said. Hes got a magic wand and theres no way to get him out. He has to get himself out. Thats a dangerous hitter to have to play against. Its why hes one of the best if not the best hitter in the big leagues. Oakland has made errors in a season-high seven games in a row. Susan Slusser is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sslusser@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @susanslusser First international opera film exhibition opens From:chinadaily.com.cn | 2016-07-21 12:17 3D-version The White-haired Girl showed up at the NCPA International Opera Film Exhibition [Photo/chncpa.org] The National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) International Opera Film Exhibition opened in Beijing on July 15. It selected 13 excellent opera films from the most renowned six theatres in the world to be released in eight first-tier Chinese cities next month. It is not only the first international opera film exhibition held in China, but also the first time Chinas opera films have been displayed on a global platform. The White-haired Girl in 3D, created by Chinas Ministry of Culture, was displayed as the opening film. It is the beginning of Chinas national opera production, which was adapted and produced into a 3D version in 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of the first Yan'an performance. The film's music is familiar to audiences, while its application of high technology creates a modern atmosphere. As the joint hosts, the Art Department of China's Ministry of Culture and the NCPA spent a year preparing for the international exhibition. It invited the China Opera and Dance Theatre, the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House, the Paris Royal Opera and the Mariinsky Theatre as co-sponsors, showing 13 films from home and abroad and spreading Chinese opera films overseas, which are all classical and highly-qualified. Among them, five were produced and commissioned by China. In addition to The White-haired Girl in 3D, Rickshaw Boy, Aida, Nabucco and Samson et Dalila will soon be showed. Rickshaw Boy, adapted from Chinese well-known modern writer Lao Shes literary work of the same name and composed by Guo Wenjing, appealed to considerable international attention and earned an impressive four stars in the Financial Times. In 2015, this opera gave tour performances in five cities in Italy, causing a fever in Chinese culture. It has become the first Chinese opera film broadcast on Italian national TV. NCPA production Nabucco will be showed at the NCPA International Opera Film Exhibition. [Photo/chncpa.org] The eight foreign opera films selected from international opera theatres are completely different in style. The Metropolitans Carmen, La Boheme and Don Pasquale manifest the top opera film companies' professional eminency; the Royal Opera Houses La Traviata, Tosca and Don Giovanni are all regarded as worldwide classic operas; the Paris Royal Operas Les Contes d'Hoffmann is filled with French beautiful rhythm and romantic imagination; while the Mariinsky Theatre's Iolanta, the last opera of Tchaikovsky, is showing in China for the first time. From July 18, the selected films are to be released 214 times at cinemas in eight first-tier cities in China: Beijing, Jinan, Dalian, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Chengdu and Shenzhen. The Broadway has offered various ways to set-stamp purchase, which allows the audience to watch opera films at an affordable price of 40 yuan to 100 yuan. It has become a hot tendency to watch opera films at the cinema in recent years. In 2006, the Metropolitan's opera first launched its program "Live broadcast of high-definition opera films', followed and imitated by Royal Opera House and Moscow Grand Theatre. Opera films have undoubtedly become an important way to link the theatre with its audience and to enlarge market influence. The Paris Royal Operas Les Contes d'Hoffmann. [Photo/chncpa.org] NCPA production Rickshaw Boy will be showed at the NCPA International Opera Film Exhibition [Photo/chncpa.org] Watch out, Apple The Apple Watch has taken a licking; can it keep on ticking? International Data Corp. reports that in the second quarter, the worlds smart watch market had an unprecedented 32 percent decline from the same period last year, mostly because Apple Watch sales plummeted 55 percent. IDC points out that Apple is still by far the market leader with a 47 percent share, and the comparison is with the first quarter that Apple Watches became available and were hot sellers. But Apple was the only vendor in the top five to have sales decline. Pandora jumps briefly Shares of Oaklands Pandora Media rose as much as 10 percent Thursday after the Wall Street Journal reported that Liberty Media floated an offer to buy Pandora for roughly $15 per share, citing anonymous sources, and that Pandora rejected the bid. But then Pandora reported its earnings, saying that active listeners fell. The stock ended up down 3 percent for the day, then fell more in after-hours trading. Tesla investors yawn Elon Musks master plan for Tesla Motors, which includes self-driving buses and huge trucks, didnt even leave investors semi-impressed Thursday. The Palo Alto companys stock fell more than 3 percent Thursday, the day after Musk announced his plan, which also includes the idea of helping owners rent out their Teslas, as well as operating a fleet of self-driving cars that could be hailed for rides. The Daily Briefing is compiled from San Francisco Chronicle staff and news services. See more items and links at www.sfgate.com. Twitter: @techbriefing This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate For the first time, a Bay Area county has banned hydraulic fracturing. Even though no one fracks there. The Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to ban the controversial oil and gas extraction technique, which has touched off fierce political fights across the state and country. And yet, the company that operates Alameda Countys only active oil field, just east of Livermore, does not use fracking, according to the company and a website that tracks fracked wells nationwide. Nor did the business, E&B Natural Resources of Bakersfield, have plans to frack there, according to its executives. Still, county residents concerned that hydraulic fracturing could taint groundwater pushed for a ban anyway. With Gov. Jerry Brown opposed to a statewide moratorium or ban, environmentalists have focused their efforts on individual counties, winning bans in five so far. Were so excited about this, said Karen White, a Union City resident with the group Alameda County Against Fracking. Of course we want to see this on a statewide basis. But at this point, we have to do it on a county-by-county basis. So this is a stepping-stone. Monterey County residents will vote on a ban in November. The counties of Butte, Mendocino, San Benito and Santa Cruz have already approved fracking bans. The vast majority of hydraulic fracturing in California, however, takes place in Kern County, the center of the states oil industry. County officials there have expressed no interest in a fracking ban. Fracking employs a pressurized mix of water, sand and chemicals to crack underground rocks, allowing oil or natural gas to flow to the surface. Its widespread use, combined with horizontal drilling, touched off a boom in U.S. oil and gas production and helped cut petroleum prices. But concerns about its potential impact on water supplies have dogged the practice for years. Alameda County may seem like an odd battleground for the fight. Its only active field, the Livermore Oil Field, lies southwest of the Altamont Pass. E&B operates just six active wells there, producing a total of roughly 30 barrels of oil per day. Older, plugged wells are scattered nearby. Last year, E&B reported finding a leak beneath an unused storage tank. The company ended up paying a $10,912 fine. E&B opposed the fracking ban, in part, because the countys initial proposal would have barred any use of acid in the wells. Although acid can be combined with fracking or used on its own to etch pathways for oil in the rocks, oil companies periodically use small amounts to clean debris and scale from their wells. They consider it an essential part of regular maintenance. The ban adopted by the Board of Supervisors blocks the use of acid for stimulating oil production but allows it for maintenance. We can work with this ordinance, said Amy Roth, E&Bs director of public and government affairs. White said the ban will ensure that E&B cannot frack the Livermore field in the future. It will also stop anyone from using fracking to open up oil supplies that may still be undiscovered within the county, she said. Theres always a chance someone will find more potential (oil) and frack to get it, she said. David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dbaker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DavidBakerSF Courtesy photo A Texas Biomedical Research Institute scientist in San Antonio working to develop an HIV vaccine has been awarded a $23 million grant for the project. The five-year project, involving investigators from multiple institutions in the United States and Europe, aims to establish a vaccine that can mount multiple defenses against HIV in a patients mucosa, blood and tissue. The effort is being led by principal investigator Ruth Ruprecht, a scientist and director of the Texas Biomed AIDS Research Program. An anonymous man called the San Francisco Police Department twice over two days, offering a $15,000 reward to anyone who kills a police officer, authorities said Thursday. The first call was made to Ingleside Station around 9:45 p.m Wednesday, said Officer Giselle Talkoff, a Police Department spokeswoman. A male voice said he would give $15,000 to whoever killed an officer. He did not mention a motive or give any information about himself, Talkoff said. Thursday, a police dispatcher received a call around 5:30 a.m. offering the same amount to the first person to kill an officer. Police believe the caller was the same man, Talkoff said. Investigators were working to trace the call. Thursday morning, Ingleside Station hosted a scheduled Coffee With a Cop event at the Starbucks at 675 Portola Drive. Officers were advised to be aware of their surroundings, but the gathering went off without a hitch, Talkoff said. We periodically get threats, so its nothing new to us, she said. We just think, in light of the current situation around the country and around the world, its brought it a little bit more to the forefront. Earlier this week, a man was arrested after making a racist threat against acting San Francisco Police Chief Toney Chaplin on Twitter. Donald Eric Hoganson, 60, was booked into San Francisco County Jail on Wednesday on charges of resistance to an executive officer and a hate crime, according to jail records. Hoganson was suspected of running the @BethesdaSavior Twitter account, which tweeted a photo of Chaplin beside a guillotine and a sign that read, White Trade Only. The tweet included the message, Let us behead this black man, please! The account, named LambofGod, also posts images of swastikas and lynchings. Hoganson is reportedly schizophrenic, and was indicted in 2002 after allegedly threatening to kill an FBI agent outside the Sacramento office, according to court records. The charges were later dismissed. Authorities detained Hoganson at his home on the 2600 block of Ortega Street on Monday, police said. He was being held on $90,000 bail. In Santa Cruz, City Councilwoman Richelle Noroyan reported Tuesday that threatening graffiti that read, Kill Cops Not Trees, was circulating around the city. Chronicle staff writer Vivian Ho contributed to this report. Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno With Star Trek Beyond, the rebooted Star Trek franchise, which features the original crew of the Enterprise, settles into routine sequel territory. This isnt terrible news, and it may have been inevitable, but its something of a letdown all the same. There has never been a bad movie featuring Capt. Kirk and the gang, but Star Trek Beyond belongs with Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989) and Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) among the weaker entries. There are bright, busy Star Trek movies, full of wit and interest, and then there are Star Trek movies like this one, that are subdued and dark, as if imbued with the monotony of being stuck on a space ship for five long years. Star Trek Beyond has an odd lethargy from the beginning. When we meet up with Kirk (Chris Pine), hes talking into his captains log about the psychological oppression of going far into the uncharted universe. Theres a sense of endless pointlessness, dislocation and loneliness. This is an odd start, but its almost promising in that it indicates something different, perhaps a movie-length philosophical rumination on space travel. But then comes the inevitable shift, and the Enterprise finds itself drawn into a space battle just outside the known universe. An evil, monstrous-looking creature has lured them into a trap. He wants to hold them prisoner on a rocky, barren planet, and, almost as a sideline, he wants to demolish a nearby Federation colony. Krall (thats Idris Elba underneath all that makeup) neither sings nor plays the piano. He just dislikes civilization and wants to destroy it on principle. More Information Star Trek Beyond ** Quick take: Changing of the guard didn't help the franchise See More Collapse So this is a bleak entry. Unlike its two predecessors in the rebooted series, Star Trek Beyond wasnt directed by J.J. Abrams, who was too busy lending his sparkle to Star Wars 7. Instead it was directed by Justin Lin, best known for his films in the Fast & Furious series. Nor was it written by the team of Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, who brought out the series humor in the previous two installments. Rather it was written by Simon Pegg, who plays Scotty, and Doug Jung (Confidence). This is the B-team, and it shows. At least, this B-team understands what people love about the series, even if they cant fully capitalize on it. Its the characters - or, specifically, the characters and their interrelationships. Kirk, Spock and McCoy, and to a lesser extent Scotty, Sulu, Uhura and Chekov, have become permanent archetypes, so familiar in their idiosyncrasies that all they have to do is act like themselves and the audience feels the pleasure of recognition. Whats more, in this new series, there is a kind of double pleasure, in that Chris Pine is not only giving us Kirk, but hes evoking William Shatner. Zachary Quinto is not just Spock, but Leonard Nimoy, and Karl Urban is not just McCoy but DeForest Kelly, too. So in Star Trek Beyond we can appreciate the breezy self-assurance of Pine, as he talks with McCoy, clearly his favorite colleague, and reaches across the species divide to connect with Spock, the colleague he most respects. The movie finds opportunities for McCoy and Spock to clash and bond (they are like oil and water) and for McCoy to say, I am a doctor! just as hes being recruited for something that has nothing to do with medicine. Indeed, Urbans amping up of McCoys irascibility is the source for most of the new installments humor. I do wish, though, that Pine would remember that the key to imitating Shatner is to emphasize the wrong word in a sentence. Thus, We come in peace should must spoken as We come IN . . . peace. Lin, who is at home in action movies, gives us too much action in a number of colorless battle sequences, although one, in which Krall and Kirk go at it within a light-gravity environment, is at least different. Still, Krall is a washout as a villain, in that he has little reason for his villainy and not much that he wants to accomplish with it. Instead, he just talks and talks about how he finds the spectacle of a civil society repulsive, as an affront to his values, and that he wants to destroy it. As such, hes like someone you might read about in the newspaper, but considerably less scary. Running time: 120 minutes MPAA rating: PG-13 (sci-fi violence) Rankin, in West Texas, is taking a page out of Marfa's quirky art book with its latest installment: a barn with a mural of two famous cowboys - Augustus "Gus" McCrae and Woodrow F. Call from "Lonesome Dove" using a selfie stick. Mayor Brandon Brown said in a phone interview with mySA.com that he contracted Matthew Tumlinson from San Antonio to paint the side of his shop at 111 Main Street as part of an ongoing beautification process in the town of about 800 people. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate San Antonio is the 138th safest city for driving amongst 200 of the biggest cities in the country, according to Allstate's 12th annual America's Best Drivers Report. RELATED: Videos capture massive train collision in Texas Panhandle that left 3 presumed dead Allstate was able to determine their list by using the property damage frequency of Allstate insured drivers from 2013-2014, according to the report. And with the way some San Antonians drive, traffic accidents are nothing new to the Alamo City. Click through the slideshow to view 10 types of bad drivers you'll see in San Antonio. Allstate says the report is made "solely to boost the country's discussion about safe driving and to increase awareness of the importance of being safe and attentive behind the wheel," according to the release. Last year, San Antonio was the 137th safest. RELATED: Texas Home Depot patron teaches driver of double-parked vehicle hilarious lesson Brownsville, Texas was ranked number one in the country for having the best drivers because the average driver experiences an auto collision every 14.6 years. The average San Antonio driver experiences a collision ever 8.4 years compared to the national average of 10 years, according to the release. RELATED: Photo showing worst parking job in Texas at Canyon Lake high school goes viral on Reddit San Antonio also ranks 140th safest for driving when rain or snow are present, according to the report. kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate CLEVELAND A day after formally installing Donald Trump as the GOP nominee, the Republican National Convention did its best to knit itself back together after one of the most knockdown primary fights in modern American political history. It was a mixed success. "After a long and spirited primary, the time for fighting each other is over," said U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, who appeared in a pre-taped video to endorse the man who dubbed him "Little Mario" just months ago. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, appearing in person, walked out to resounding applause, and congratulated Trump on winning the nomination. Unlike Rubio, he did not explicitly call for the election of the man who dubbed him "Lyin' Ted" for most of the winter and spring a candidate whose nomination Cruz in March had suggested would be "a train wreck" that would hand the White House to Democrat Hillary Clinton. Instead, Cruz offered emotional praise for law enforcement, and hit Clinton as someone who believes "government should make every choice in your life." "To those listening: Please don't stay home in November," he said. " ... Vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution." That sentence, which seemed to walk right up to an endorsement and then back away, prompted many in the New York delegation placed by the native-son candidate directly in front of the podium to express their displeasure with chants of "We want Trump!" and "Endorse him!" Others shouted reminders that Cruz had signed a pledge to support the party's eventual nominee. More Information Convention Digest "A convention is not only serious business ... you've gotta have some fun, as well," said state Sen. John DeFrancisco, who took his place in Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday night rocking the sort of blood-red snap-brim fedora that you might see in a film in which the devil appears in the form of a used-car salesman. DeFrancisco said his wife vetoed a suit that, in his vivid description, would have made the hat seem like something out of "Downton Abbey." The large and diverse law enforcement presence in Cleveland includes officers and troopers on loan from as far away as Texas, including a detail on horseback from Fort Worth. Late Tuesday night, a phalanx of cops on bikes wearing headlamps circled the central square next to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Visit the Capitol Confidential blog for reports from the final day of the Republican National Convention, and listen to the "New York Now" ConventionCast for analysis from TU state editor Casey Seiler, Karen DeWitt of New York State Public Radio, Mike Gormley of Newsday and Larry Levy of Hofstra University. See More Collapse "I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation," Cruz said with a tight smile an ad lib that only seemed to egg its members to greater vituperation. (Cruz failed to win a single delegate in the state's April primary.) As the Texan attempted to return to his text, the chants of "Trump! Trump!" from all over Quicken Loans Arena drowned him out. Cruz wrapped up and left the stage to a deafening chorus of boos. "New York blasted him," said assemblyman and delegate Steve McLaughlin, R- Schaghticoke. Earlier in the evening's program of speakers, conservative pundit Laura Ingraham's remarks included a challenge to "all of you boys with wounded feelings and bruised egos ... you must honor your pledge to support Donald Trump." It was a clear shot at the many former GOP candidates who failed to make the trip to the convention, including Jeb Bush, George Pataki, Carly Fiorina, Lindsay Graham and most galling considering the venue Ohio Gov. John Kasich. The most high-profile speech of penultimate night of the RNC came last, as Indiana Gov. Mike Pence introduced himself to a national audience less than a week after being tapped as Trump's vice presidential nominee. In his upbeat speech, Pence said the party had "nominated a man for president who never quits, never backs down, a fighter. ... He's his own man distinctly American." "Let's resolve right now that Hillary Clinton will never become President of the United States of America," he said, charging that Democrats were offering voters tired options. "It's not the best we can do it's just the best they can do," said Pence, who showed a solid, disciplined oratorical style that stood in direct contrast to Trump's far more freewheeling stage manner. After Pence was done, Trump walked out to shake his running mate's hand, but did not speak. Earlier in the day, Trump returned to Cleveland with characteristic spectacle before a penned-up media horde that had been called to grassy field next to Great Lakes Science Center. As the music playing over the speakers (a mix that ranged from the Three Tenors to Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Born on the Bayou") rose in volume, Trump's jet swept along the lakefront. Twenty minutes later after Pence arrived by motorcade with Trump's children and other relatives a Trump-branded helicopter circled FirstEnergy Stadium and swooped in for a landing, and the candidate emerged. "We're going to win Ohio we're going to win it all," Trump said in brief comments before shaking hands with supporters at the barricade and departing. "It was great theater, and it's what we've come to expect from this very outgoing New Yorker," said convention attendee John Canning of Long Island. At roughly the same time, the campaign was trying to put one controversy to bed as another was blooming. After two days of often contradictory explanations from the campaign, Trump employee Meredith McIver admitted in a statement that she was the one who inadvertently dropped in chunks of a 2008 speech by Michelle Obama into the text of the remarks offered Monday night by the candidate's wife, Melania Trump. "I apologize for the confusion and hysteria my mistake has caused," McIver said. Also Wednesday, the New York Times posted a story by Robert Draper on Trump's VP-selection process that reported his son, Donald Jr., called a Kasich adviser in May and asked if the governor was interested in being Trump's running mate, with the promise of being put in charge of both foreign and domestic policy. What would President Trump be doing, then? "Making America great again," the candidate's son said, according to Draper's reporting. In a statement to CNN, the younger Trump denied any overtures were made to Kasich. "What am I," he asked, "a meathead?" Especially because of the often rocky first three days of the convention, Trump's convention-capping speech on Thursday evening will be the most important of his political career, although that career has lasted less than a year. Westchester County Executive and 2014 gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino, who noted that both Trump and Clinton have homes within his county, said he'd like to see Trump acknowledge that some of his rhetoric on the campaign trail might have gone too far. "There are some words I would never have used, and (Trump) used them," Astorino said, in answer to a question about Trump's early remarks about Mexico sending criminals and rapists across the nation's southern border. " ... Part of the thing I'd like to hear him say on Thursday night is to admit that maybe he made some mistakes along the way." It was noted that this is not something Trump is known for. "Look, I think we're pivoting now," Astorino said. "You know, Thursday night, he's got to look directly into the cameras, talk to every American watching and let them feel comfortable with a President Trump and where he would take us. ... Everything that's happened in the past? That's part of campaigns." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The New York News Publishers Association honored Times Union staff members with 10 awards in its 2015 Awards for Excellence. Investigative reporting: A danger that lurks below, Brendan J. Lyons Editorial writing: America's gun conversation, Jay Jochnowitz Feature writing: Mom sure could use a date, Jennifer Gish Sports writing: Thomas battled to the end, Pete lorizzo Column writing: Columns (Icy response to frozen pipes, A shrine for a man who was hardly a hero, Dying with grace, as he helped others do) wby Chris Churchill State government coverage: Dark money (Glenwood's stealth state clout, Labor's largess loophole, Donors still out for clout, Lower grades get the grants, Straight outta Muncie) Casey Seiler and Chris Bragg Page design/presentation: Spirit guide, Tyswan Stewart Online photo gallery: Icebreaker, Paul Buckowski Online blog: Capitol Confidential, Casey Seiler Sports supplement: Travers, staff One prize is awarded in each category. The Times Union competed in the 50,000-75,000 circulation class. The awards were announced Wednesday at a banquet at The State Room in Albany. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WESTPORTEd Baer recalls broadcasting from a stadium of screaming fans so loud that he could barely hear the Beatles playing during the bands 1965 show at Shea Stadium. The disc jockey and radio personality as well as longtime Westport resident broadcast as part of New York radio station WMCAs Good Guys. Five decades later, his grandson Kyle Baer spent a summer night in a tent with friends in Denmark to score a front row spot to see Paul McCartney and meet the Beatle. Eds connection to music goes back through his roughly 60 years working in radio, and now his three grandsons have created a small business to sell the collection of records he amassed over his career. Westport Records opened as an online record vendor last month, offering records from the collection of about 6,000. The offerings, also being sold on online music marketplace Discogs, range from small $8 promos to a $1,500 unopened mint condition Elvis Presley record. Weve got everything from the Beatles to Bing Crosby to the Rolling Stones to Jimi Hendrix, Kyle said. And lots of Sinatra. The collection is largely made up of records sent to Ed in the hopes that he would play them on the radio, meaning many are special pressings or promos only sent to stations. The records are largely in good condition because radio play required only one spin, Kyle said. After the first play, stations recorded the songs to replay on the air. Kyle, a rising sophomore and engineering major at Duke University, began the business with his two younger brothers, Ryan and Trevor Baer. Like their father and grandfather, the three brothers were raised in Westport. Kyle and Ryan are both Staples High School alumni like their grandfather. The brothers are working with their father and grandfather to run every step of the business, from cataloguing, valuing and listing records online to packing and shipping orders. More Information Featured artists Allan Sherman Aretha Franklin Barbra Streisand The Beach Boys The Beatles Billy Joel Bob Dylan Bob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans Bob Hudson & Ron Landry Bobby (Boris) Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers Carl Reiner & Mel Brooks Chicago Creedence Clearwater Revival Dick Gregory Don McLean The Doors Elton John Elvis Presley Fleetwood Mac George Carlin The Jackson 5ive James Taylor Janis Joplin Jimi Hendrix John F. Kennedy Johnny Cash Jonathan Winters Jose Jimenez Kansas Led Zeppelin Lenny Bruce Manfred Mann Michael Jackson Mike Nichols & Elaine May Moms Mabley The Monkeys Otis Redding Ray Stevens The Rolling Stones Santana Simon & Garfunkel Stephen Stills Stevie Wonder The Strangeloves Talking Heads The Teddy Bears Tom Lehrer Tony Bennett Toto The Who See More Collapse When the question of what to do with Eds records arose, Kyle decided to learn more about the collection and found it was well kept, with a number of valuable records, he said. Through the process, he has learned the technical details of record valuation and his interest in vinyls has grown. Before Westport Records, Kyle had some background in music, playing drums through high school and starting an introduction to drumming clinic at after school programs in Fairfield and Norwalk. For his personal taste, he prefers 1960 to 1980s era rock. The popularity of the records and watching some sell for more than $100 after only a couple of days listed online have impressed Kyle. Im a little bit surprised by how much people will pay for a rare record, he said. Eds radio career got its start while he was studying at the University of Connecticut. Planning to major in marketing, he joined the campus radio station. One day in the studio, an announcer suggested Ed do a broadcasting audition in case news had to be broadcast and he was the only person around. By that afternoon, Ed was broadcasting the 4 p.m. news, he said. When his father fell ill, Ed transferred to the University of Bridgeport to be closer to home and help run Desis, his fathers stationary and general corner store in Westport. A customer at the store got him an interview at Bridgeport station WICC, where Ed would get his first music broadcast on Saturday nights. Ed stayed in radio from there on out - including volunteering for the radio station at Fort Dix while he was in the Army and a stretch at a radio station in California. He returned to Westport when his father died and began to work at New York City stations, which led to Eds time as one of the WMCA Good Guys in the 1960s and 1970s, he said. Ed also broadcast for 97 WYNY, WHN 1050, WCBSFM 101.1, 100.7 WHUD and Sirius Radio. Through his career, Ed met a number of the stars whose music Westport Records is now selling. On the wall of his home studio hang photos of Ed with Aretha Franklin and the Monkees, among others. One photo also captures Ed riding atop the shoulder blades of an elephant during a Ringling Brothers Circus. Along with his radio work, Ed had a stint picking race horses for the New York Post, he said. So far, Westport Records has made about $1,000 in revenue over the past month and seen orders from as far away as Greece and Japan. Kyle said he plans to keep the sales going for a continued period of time since the right collector for a specific record might take months or years to come along. The pace of orders has been increasing recently and daily orders have begun to come in, Kyle said. A Led Zeppelin II promotional LP recently sold to a buyer in Japan for $300 the same day that Kyle listed it. For Kyle, the venture has given him more time with family, a deeper connection to music and a chance to hear new stories about his grandfathers radio past. Its great, Kyle said. Hes always been a storyteller. LWeiss@hearstmediact.com; @LauraEWeiss16 To the Editor: Sen. Richard Blumenthals statement that criminal intent was legally required for a criminal prosecution of Hillary Clinton is absurd. Any lay person reading 18 U.S. Code Section 793 (f) could easily see that gross negligence is required for a criminal violation and not criminal intent. Hillarys wanton disregard and deliberate indifference to our national security constitutes gross negligence. Blumenthal needs to go back to law school and Hillary should go to jail. Angelo J. DeLeon Fairfield This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Joint Base Andrews Defense leaders at a counter-Islamic State meeting expressed concerns about what happens after the expected defeat of the militant group, and whether countries are ready to help stabilize and rebuild the war-torn cities, particularly in Iraq, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Wednesday. Carter also said that some nations have agreed to step up their contributions to the fight, as battles for the key cities of Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria loom. Defense and foreign leaders from more than 30 countries are in Washington for two days of meetings on the next steps to be taken in the fight to defeat the Islamic State group, which still maintains control of large sections of Iraq and Syria. Speaking to reporters after the first day's session wrapped up at Joint Base Andrews, Carter said a lot of the conversations were about identifying the needs for reconstruction after the battles are over. "The biggest strategic concern of this group of defense ministers was that the stabilization and governance effort will lag behind the military campaign," Carter said. "Making sure there's no such lag must be a significant strategic priority for us. We discussed it today and it will be an important focus of our conversation tomorrow at the State Department with our foreign ministry counterparts." British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon said more must be done to ensure that residents will be able and willing to return to the Iraqi cities. The coalition, said Fallon, must be sure it is "able to support the government of Iraq in the work that will be required the day after Mosul is eventually liberated." That includes efforts to get basic services turned back on and removing the threat of hidden bombs. He said "everything is booby-trapped," including the rubble, and the people won't have the confidence to return unless the explosives are cleared away. The gathering comes as Iraqi security forces, aided by the coalition, are preparing to encircle and eventually attempt to retake the key northern city of Mosul. The meeting of defense leaders lasted about two hours. This is the fourth time that Carter has convened an anti-Islamic State coalition meeting. Secretary of State John Kerry was hosting a separate conference at the State Department on Wednesday to try to raise at least $2 billion from donor nations to help Iraq as it takes territory from the Islamic State group. The money will go to humanitarian aid for displaced people, demining, immediate help to recently liberated communities and the people returning to them as well as medium-to long-term reconstruction and development assistance. The State Department said donors had pledged in excess of $2.1 billion, with the U.S. offering $310 million in new funds. The San Antonio Independent School District has chosen two former vocational shop buildings on the campus of Fox Tech High School as the location of the CAST Tech High School that will open in fall 2017. The new school will be an in-district charter that aims to prepare students for high-demand technology careers. It will be the first in a network of career-themed high schools that employers plan to establish in partnership with local school districts. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SAN ANTONIO Of the 13 high schools in the San Antonio Independent School District, seven had some of the worst SAT scores for the class of 2014 in the San Antonio area. According to data provided by the Texas Education Agency, the school with the lowest score within SAISD was Houston High School with a combined score of 1085 - making it the fourth worst in the region. Comparatively, the school with the worst average in 2014 in the region was Frank M. Tejeda Academy with a score of 964. RELATED: How the percentage of low income students affects SAT scores in San Antonio school districts Since March 2016, the SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600 with an optional essay scored separately, Zach Goldberg, senior director of media relations for The College Board, told MySA.com in an email Tuesday. But the class of 2014 was scored on a 2400 scale. The other SAISD schools on the list include: Lanier High School, Navarro Academy, Jefferson High School, Burbank High School, Brackenridge High School, Highlands High School and Edison High School. Only one SAISD school made it into the top 30 scores the Young Women's Leadership Academy had the 16th best average with a 1531 score. District officials said the academy is a "high performing school" that was deemed a National Blue Ribbon school last year, meaning it achieved high levels of performance. RELATED: Data finds correlation between the music you listen to and SAT scores Michelle Jimenez, assistant director of communications for the district, told MySA.com July 11 in a phone interview that since 2014, SAISD has launched an initiative geared toward helping students with the SAT. The district supplied students studying for the SAT a login to Khan Academy, an online study tool that can be accessed "any time, anywhere," last year, Jimenez said. She said the program tailors to the students based on their PSAT results. MySA.com took the averages of each high school's math, reading, and writing score to create this list. Click through the gallery to see where your school ranked. "We're continuing to work with students to improve their scores," she said, adding the online program can be used year-round giving students more access to study tools. And although no recent results have been made available to see how successful the use of Khan Academy has been, the district has one goal "increasing the percentage of students who perform at the college-ready level by 2020," Jimenez said. Khan Academy, which is partnered with the College Board, offers students interactive exercises, according to their site. RELATED: Average SAT and ACT scores for Texas high schools The second worst school for SAT scores was Southwest Academy which had an average of 1024. Region 20, a multiple-county administrative region for the TEA, includes the San Antonio metro area and for the class of 2013, the lowest scores came from campuses that serve lower income populations. kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 A man is accused of stabbing another man in the head and back at least five times in December on the North Side. Leandro Arias-Aparicio, 22, was booked on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon with bail set at $50,000 on June 15, according to Bexar County records. His arrest warrant affidavit, released on Tuesday at the Central Magistrates Office, reveals that a witness was with Aparicio and the 28-year-old man he is accused of stabbing on December 26 as the two were walking into the Wells Fargo bank at 4524 Fredericksburg Road. The three men were walking up to the bank so one of them could withdraw money to retrieve his vehicle that was impounded by the San Antonio Police Department. As they approached, the witness said he was looking down at his phone when he looked up to see Arias-Aparicio holding a knife and stabbing the man in his back and head. The witness told police he then pushed Arias-Aparicio, who ran toward a Super Target down the street. A woman nearby said she was a nurse and ran to the victim, telling him not to move before EMS arrived. The man was transported to University Hospital for treatment. Arias-Aparicio was later arrested on June 15 and was still in jail as of Tuesday evening, according to county records. jbeltran@express-news.net Twitter: @JBfromSA SAN ANTONIO Congressman Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, will having a speaking role at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, four years after he introduced his twin brother to the 2012 crowd in North Carolina. Housing Secretary Julian Castro will not have a speaking role at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, after White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough banned Cabinet secretaries from speaking to "send a signal about the primacy of the Obama Administration's responsibility to manage the government and serve the American people," White House Deputy Press Secretary Jennier Friedman told CNN. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A jury deliberated just 20 minutes Thursday to find Jose Gutierrez, 34, guilty of murder for shooting an acquaintance to death outside his house. After more testimony, it gave him a life sentence. Gutierrezs trial originally was set for Aug. 25, 2015, but he left the courthouse during jury selection, cut off his ankle monitor and fled. He was rearrested three weeks later. Authorities said he killed Raul Garcia, 31, and tried to burn his body, stopped only by a passing car. Garcias body was found wrapped in a gasoline-soaked blanket in Gutierrezs truck. If he had been successful, the family wouldnt even have had a body to bury, prosecutor Mari Janssen told the jury in closing arguments. Garcia was unarmed, witnesses said, when Gutierrez shot him three times on Aug. 30, 2013, including twice in the chest. Prosecutors did not outline a motive. Jose Gutierrez murdered Raul Garcia for no legally justifiable reason, prosecutor Joshua Somers said. Gutierrezs defense lawyer, Juan Aguilera, said the killer was one of the witnesses, Feliciano Rivera, 40, a friend of the defendant. Rivera had testified he saw the shooting and said Gutierrez then forced him at gunpoint to help get rid of the body. Janssen gestured toward Gutierrez as he yawned during her closing argument, saying it demonstrated his detachment from humanity and disregard for the value of human life. Anthony Rodriguez, a former gang intelligence officer in the Bexar County Sheriffs Office, testified during the sentencing phase of the trial Thursday that he had identified Gutierrez as a member of the Mexican Mafia when he was incarcerated for previous offenses. Questioning by Aguilera had brought testimony about a tattoo on Garcia that Rodriguez later said was similar to some he had seen on known gang members. kcarlson@express-news.net A small South Texas town is facing an unprecedented situation: the police chief and an officer two-thirds of the city's police force have been put on administrative leave with pay after a woman said she was propositioned to show her breasts and perform sexual acts in exchange for community service credit. Yorktown Police Chief Paul Campos, 58, was placed on leave July 16 and is under investigation for allegedly asking the 29-year-old woman to show him her breasts in June and agreeing to meet at a hotel for sex, both in exchange for community service credit, according to an search warrant affidavit obtained by the Victoria Advocate. RELATED: South Texas police chief fighting suspension after photo purportedly shows him smoking bong Lt. Vicente Flores, 51, was placed on administrative leave with pay July 18 after it was discovered he was present when the woman showed her breasts, which allegedly occurred June 6 at Yorktown City Hall in the police department office, Yorktown Mayor Rene Hernandez told MySA.com in a phone interview Thursday. The 29-year-old woman said she complied three times that day with Campos' request and was given 15 hours of community service credit, the Advocate reported July 16. According to the affidavit, she and Campos had made additional arrangements to meet at a hotel and participate in sexual acts for more community service credit. It is unclear whether that meeting occurred but the victim told police she made recordings of the incidents. RELATED: Police chief asked to resign after police violence remarks Hernandez said, at this time, Campos and Flores have not been charged or indicted by the DeWitt County District Attorney Michael Sheppard. The Yorktown Police Department consists of three full-time officers. With the suspension of two, the department has had to bring on a county deputy to help with the work load. The Advocate reported the remaining full-time police officer will patrol during the day and the deputy will work at night. Texas Ranger Bradley Freeman conducted a search warrant July 14 and confiscated video from city hall, Hernandez said. He said there are surveillance cameras in city hall and "they just wanted the video so they could proceed with their investigation." Hernandez could not disclose the victim's reason for being assigned community service or her name. RELATED: Police shoot autistic man's caretaker as he lies in street On Saturday, July 16, Hernandez called a special meeting with the city council to determine how to move forward with the situation. After a 30-minute executive session, the council and Hernandez made a motion to suspend Campos with pay. "(It was in the) best interest of the city that we needed to act," Hernandez said. "I'd rather leave it at that." Hernandez said this kind of situation has never happened in Yorktown before. He could not comment on whether he thought Campos, who has been police chief for nearly 17 years, was guilty of the accusations since the investigation is ongoing. After city officials were able to obtain and review a copy of the search warrant affidavit, Hernandez said they found new information that was previously unknownFlores was present during the alleged incidents. The mayor called a second special session Monday, July 18, where a motion was made to suspend Flores with pay until "city council further regarded the matter." Both were placed on suspension with pay, pending the outcome of the investigation, he said. RELATED: SAPD cops allegedly received bribes from San Antonio trucking company Texas Chrome Transport Inc. It is up to Sheppard if the case goes to a grand jury. kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SAN ANTONIO A man in his late 70s who shot and killed a would-be intruder Thursday morning on the Northwest Side is not expected to face charges at this time, police said. Troy Dell Wilson, 42, died at the scene from a gunshot wound to the chest, according to the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office. Authorities arrived at the 9700 block of Autumn Dew around 10 a.m. after the homeowner and his wife, who is in her late 60s, called police to report that a man was attempting to break into their home. RELATED: Naked intruder shot during break-in is ex-Stanford star, NFL'er SAPD spokesperson Douglas Greene said the elderly man pleaded with the attempted intruder to stop his efforts to get into the couple's home, but the man continued to force his way into the home, eventually breaking the door handle. That's when Greene said the homeowner fired his revolver at the door, striking the man, who is in his 40s, in the chest. RELATED: Woman fatally shoots intruder in her child's bedroom EMS attempted to save the would-be intruder's life, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, Greene said. SAPD found a vehicle near the scene believed to have belonged to the dead suspect and took the car into possession, Greene said. RELATED: Man hears noises, finds intruder in his hot tub As of Thursday afternoon, the dead suspect was not identified. It's not immediately clear whether the man has a state-issued handgun license, which is required to carry in public. Texans can purchase and own pistols without a state-issued license. Greene commended the elderly man on his response to the situation first calling police, informing authorities he had a gun in his home and then making attempts to stave the would-be intruder's attempts to enter his home. Staff writer Tyler White contributed to this report. MMedina@mySA.com Twitter: @MariahMedinaaa This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A former employee of the Texas Department of Public Safety in San Antonio was sentenced Thursday to 35 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $215,000 for taking bribes to issue drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants. Chief U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia issued the sentence to Linda Ann Perez, 47, who was a customer service representative at the drivers license office on South Gen. McMullen Drive. She pleaded guilty in November to using an interstate facility in illegal activity, and admitted that she issued roughly 150 drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants who paid $1,000 to $2,000 a pop. Her lawyer, Luis Vera Jr., said after Thursdays hearing that Perez might be able to shave time off her sentence with good time credit because she qualifies to enroll in a drug treatment program while in prison. She still has to pay back all that money, Vera said. According to prosecutors and court records, the bribes were generally delivered to her office counter in brown paper bags carrying food. DPS discovered the illegal activity in spring 2015 and referred it to Homeland Security Investigations, which worked with Texas Rangers on the case. Homeland Security officials have expressed concern about Perezs actions, saying the people who received the licenses were not vetted, and the officials surmised some could possibly do our country harm. Officials said a handful of the immigrants were tracked down, but others couldnt be because they might not have provided their real names. But Vera downplayed that, saying they were simply immigrants trying to work. Perez, who worked for DPS for eight years, told investigators that she first altered an expired license for $500 as a favor for an acquaintance. For the others, Perez falsely claimed in the states computer system that they were U.S. citizens. The scheme netted Perez conservatively $215,000 in bribes, her plea deal said. gcontreras@express-news.net Twitter: @gmaninfedland This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A jury found a San Antonio man guilty of capital murder Thursday in a drug deal that became a robbery and slaying. Dominique Green, 39, was sentenced to life in prison without parole, the first of four defendants charged in the death of Reynaldo Guerrero Jr., 33, to go to trial. Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty. Guerrero was found Dec. 3, 2014, shot three times in the upper back, with his hands bound by black zip ties, lying face down in the back of his Jeep Grand Cherokee. Multiple witnesses contradicted each other during the trial, while each denied they saw or knew for sure who pulled the trigger. A special prosecutor said that didnt matter because Green shared details of the crime with his girlfriend. The defense argued that prosecutors could produce no witness to the shooting, no weapon and no DNA or other physical evidence tying Green to the killing. In a tearful victim impact statement, Guerrero's cousin, Cindy Martinez, read from her cellphone a message that his sister, Jovita Williams, had written. Martinez said Guerrero was a best friend to his two older sisters. As a child of God, I know I have a responsibility to forgive you, Martinez read. I'm going to pray for you and your family You have no idea what you have done to us. After state District Judge Sid Harle sentenced Green, Martinez said the verdict helped the family and that though her cousin made some bad choices, he was a good guy. A prosecution witness, Barbara Castillo, had told jurors Wednesday that Green came and went several times from her house in the 300 block of Dorie Street on the East Side the night Guerrero was killed. She lived near another East Side house where, according to witnesses, the robbery took place. Castillo said Green brought back a cellphone and wallet she understood belonged to the robbery victim, containing a picture she later identified as Guerrero. She said Green borrowed her SUV for about an hour, and returned to tell her the robbery target had been taken to another location and killed saying someone else did it. On Thursday, Greens ex-girlfriend, Taniesha Willis, a defense witness, testified that Green, the father of her 2-year-old son, never left Castillos house and that she didnt see Green with the mans wallet or cellphone. She said another state witness, Michael Ramos, burst in and told Green, I've gotten into some trouble, asking Green for help and offering him some marijuana in exchange. Willis said Green became upset and told Ramos to leave. Ramos earlier testified he had seen Guerrero being held at gunpoint, a hood over his head, at the nearby house, but that he had left and only found out later Guerrero had been killed. Defense attorney Richard Langlois suggested Ramos was the triggerman. In closing arguments, special prosecutor Geoff Barr called Ramos unsavory, but after providing a different story early in the investigation because he felt threatened by Green, his later account was corroborated by other witnesses. Langlois said Ramos lied numerous times, facing a capital murder charge, before he testified to a grand jury and ended up being indicted for aggravated robbery instead. Hes a liar, a danger to society and a fabricator, Langlois said. lzavala@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate An avid fisherman, Graden Norman McVay, who died July 17 at 91, liked to stay close to water. After finishing his work day at what was then City Public Service, McVay would often head out to a nearby pond or stock tank to spend a few hours with his line in the water. He was in a very stressful job, his daughter Karen McVay Hunter said. He needed a lot of alone time. An employee of the utility company when both Braunig and Calaveras Lakes were built, McVay was especially involved with Braunig, helping to stock the lake with fish, which he later enjoyed catching. The youngest of six, McVay joined the Army after graduating from Brackenridge High School in the early 1940s, serving in the Pacific Theater, and exchanging letters with his future wife, whom he knew from church. Proposing in a letter, the couple married in 1946, soon after McVay returned from overseas. Starting his career with City Public Service, McVay quickly rose to a management position, running 100-man crews doing pipelines. He was a good people manager, his daughter said. Very fair; anybody who knew my dad would say. Leaving the utility in the late 1960s, McVay moved his wife and youngest daughter to Rockport, where they bought a small shrimp boat and operated a bait stand. It had been a dream that McVay had nurtured for years. More Information Graden Norman McVay Born: July 18, 1924, Cline Died: July 17, 2016, San Antonio Preceded by: Wife Jean McVay; parents Charles and Bammer Blackwell McVay; a grandson; three brothers and two sisters. Survived by: Daughters Karen McVay Hunter and son-in-law Mitch, and Pam S. Carleton and son-in-law Philip; three grandsons; and two great-grandchildren. Services: Visitation at 6 p.m. today, followed by funeral service at 7 p.m., both at Bethesda Christian Church, 2210 Basse Road. Graveside service at 1 p.m. Friday at Lamar Cemetery, 220 Hagy Drive, Rockport. See More Collapse This was going to be the rest of his lifes career, but the hurricane didnt respect his wishes, Hunter said, referring to Tropical Storm Candy, which hit the area in 1968. He decided not to go back and do that again. Accepting a position with Texas Parks and Wildlife at Goose Island State Park, McVay, who had often volunteered his time taking groups from Texas A&M University out on his boat to collect samples for water surveys and other research, continued to do so in his spare time. Dad was an environmentalist from the get-go, Hunter said. A down-to-earth, common-sense environmentalist, and he knew the bays like the back of his hand. Serving as president of Save Cedar Bayou, Inc., McVay worked to win a grant to finance the opening of Cedar Bayou, a natural fish pass connecting the Gulf of Mexico with Mesquite Bay, which was successful. After retiring from the state Department of Highways and Public Transportation, which had recruited him away from parks and wildlife, McVay decided to try out politics, and was elected as Precinct No. 4 commissioner for the Aransas County Navigation District in 1987. Continuing to fish until his death, McVay was a doer until almost his last breath, Hunter said. mheidbrink@express-news.net With precious little attention, the Republican Partys attitude toward international trade has officially shifted. Gone is the 2012 platforms strong endorsement of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and trade in general. Instead, the new platform reflects Donald Trumps more skeptical attitude toward trade deals (Trump has referred to the TPP as a rape of our country). I expected it to be contentious, and it wasnt, said a co-chair of the platform subcommittee on the economy. People all seemed to be going toward the same goal here, which is to get the candidate elected. A minor thing. Unless you are actually an economic conservative who cares anything about jobs and economic growth. A commitment to free trade is not an extraneous add-on to conservative economics; it is the application of conservative economics on a global scale. What Trump has proposed, according to GOP strategist Vin Weber, is to reverse a Republican stance taken since World War II and embrace the notion of a state-planned economy. In threatening a 35 percent tariff on many goods imported from Mexico and a 45 percent tariff on imports from China and by pledging to punish specific American businesses for behavior he doesnt approve of Trump is attempting to assume Hugo Chavez-like powers over global commerce. What would be the result? A massive tariff is the equivalent of a massive, regressive consumption tax. Prices would rise for just about everything especially the kind of products sold to working- and middle-class people at Home Depot and Walmart. Since about half of American imports are supplies used by firms to make other things, economic activity would slow. American jobs would be lost. And the imposition of high tariffs would almost certainly provoke a broader trade war, which is a proven and reliable method to cause a global recession. In the parlance of economics, this policy approach is bonkers. According to many economists, the prime culprit in the decline of manufacturing jobs is technology rather than global trade. And Trumps promise to reverse globalization through his awesome negotiating skills is magical thinking, distracting attention from actual policies that might help educate and train American workers for a 21st-century economy. Republican leaders at least those with ambitions in the age of Trump, such as Mike Pence and Newt Gingrich have been quick to shed decades of economic conviction. (Pence was a champion of the North American Free Trade Agreement in the 1990s, arguing the the right course is not to turn back the clock, to close our borders, but to recognize that trade means jobs.) And the current attitude of the party itself can best be described as supine. Some of the most basic conservative economic views, it seems, are expendable to get the candidate elected. This is the story of the Cleveland convention so far. Trump has pushed. Republicans have generally caved. Those who havent like a few on the convention rules committee have been crushed without even the pretense of magnanimity. The fate of those who come around to Trumps way of thinking is not much better. Trump used the announcement of Pence as his running mate as an opportunity to remind America that his pick had caved to establishment pressure and endorsed Ted Cruz during the primaries. It was as if Trump were saying that he knows what weak men are like, and enjoys seeing them finally crawl. Gov. Chris Christie has had his early loyalty to Trump rewarded with a handful of humiliation. Paul Ryan and Reince Priebus have been serially embarrassed in spite of their support. All these leaders have been miniaturized by their contact with Trump. Trump not only wants his former opponents to renounce past skepticism, but also to pay for it. Its almost in some ways, like, Im running against two parties, Trump explained last month. In Cleveland, one senior Republican official told me, Trump is still settling scores. His goal is not party unity, unless it is the unity of unconditional surrender. On some issues, like global trade, this has involved the surrender of principle, with hardly a yelp of protest. Meanwhile, Republicans are being asked to pretend that everything is normal, even as their leaders are being belittled and some defining Republican convictions abandoned. The balloons will drop as usual but on a different and diminished party. michaelgerson@washpost.com The suicides of three male inmates at the Bexar County Jail over a three-week period are again focusing the publics attention on the mental health needs of those in detention. Suicide is a leading cause of deaths in local lockups and is on the rise across the county, according to federal Bureau of Justice Statistics. The causes are many. Some behavioral experts attribute suicide to the shock of confinement, and a great many of the deaths can be linked to mental health issues. Part of the problem can be remedied by adopting policy and procedural changes. Bexar County made some significant changes to its prisoner intake policies in 2009 after the local jail recorded five suicides. Those measures remain in place, but obviously they are not fail-proof. Mental health screenings conducted after suspects are booked rely on the self-reporting of medical histories and medications. Sometimes red flags indicating that an inmate would benefit from a mental health evaluation crop up during an inmates initial interaction with jail staff, but not always. None of the three men who committed suicide by hanging themselves in recent weeks was under a mental health watch. Last year there were three suicides and 1,300 attempted suicides at the Bexar County Jail. There had been no suicides this year until the three, which occurred within weeks of each other. Jail officials say there have been 924 suicide attempts this year. On average, the county jail has a daily population of about 3,800 inmates. Most jail stays are for a few months at most. The majority of those incarcerated could not post bond and are awaiting trial, or are waiting to be transferred to the state prison system to serve their sentence. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death in Texas jails. Large urban counties, like Bexar County, are fortunate to have the financial resources to address the mental health needs of inmates within the facility. The jail has 129 medical employees, 25 of them concentrating on mental health. In addition, it has medical care units designated for patients diagnosed with mental health issues or considered at risk for suicide. There have been no formal complaints filed as a result of the recent jail deaths, but it is reassuring to see that the Commission on Jail Standards has made a site visit and is conducting an assessment of the situation. With the national jail suicide rate four times higher than in the general population, jail operating policies and procedures need to remain under constant review and evaluation. New England convenience store chains special delivery to local police departments is a gesture made both in admiration and support. DUXBURY, Mass. In appreciation of the work performed by local law enforcement, VERC Enterprises, a convenience store, Mobil/Gulf gasoline retailer and car wash operator in the New England region, recently sent fruit baskets to police departments in the 25 towns where it maintains stores. The idea came about when Leo Vercollone, VERC Enterprises president and a NACS board member, attended a recent industry study group in which he and seven other convenience store owners from across the country meet regularly to share best practices. Don Good, who runs a chain of 15 stores in Indiana named Good to Go, said he had sent flower baskets to local police departments in his area, Vercollone said. I talked to our team and we decided to send fruit baskets. The deliveries, Vercollone said, were a way to express admiration and support for area law enforcement, particularly in the aftermath of current tragic events nationwide. Delivered on July 15, the fruit baskets bore the message: We admire what you do and support you for your work in our community. This is just a small way of recognizing our police departments for all they do, Vercollone said. VERC Enterprises is blessed to operate within these communities, and we have a great degree of appreciation for what police do day in and day out. VERC Enterprises is an independent chain of convenience stores with locations throughout Eastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Three new flavor varieties tap into consumers desire for snacking on the go. KANSAS CITY, Mo. As the need for on-the-go snacks continues to increase, Hostess has introduced new Mini Muffins in three flavors, chocolate chip, blueberry and birthday cake, available on store shelves this month. The new recipe incorporates the nutritional benefit of 8 grams of whole grain per serving. In addition to being a good source of whole grain, Hostesss new Mini Muffins contain no high fructose corn syrup, no partially hydrogenated oil and 0 grams of transfat. The blueberry variety contains real fruit, and the chocolate chip flavor includes real chocolate. With the addition of whole grain to our Mini Muffins recipe, moms can give their kids a snack they love and also one they feel good about, said Becky Logan, senior brand manager at Hostess Brands. While theyre still a sweet indulgence, stocking your pantry with Mini Muffins has a nutritional upside as well. By Gareth Vaughan and Denise McNabb of www.interest.co.nz, and Richard Smith of Naked Capitalism. An earlier version of this post appeared at www.interest.co.nz New Zealand Foreign Trusts, to be radically reformed after the recently-announced wholesale adoption of the Shewan reports recommendations, are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the ethically challenged and outright criminal use of a range of New Zealand corporate entities overseas. Aside from trusts, New Zealand registered companies, financial service providers and building societies all feature too. Countries as diverse as Brazil, China, Malta, Latvia, Denmark, and the United States have felt their impact. Ponzi schemes, drugs, arms, tax scams and money laundering all feature alongside the simply bizarre. Usually the perpetrators are not New Zealanders. But New Zealanders have proven themselves willing to act as fronts for some very dodgy people offshore. Concern about the behaviour of NZ registered, but overseas operating companies ramped up after the activities of shell company SP Trading came to light in 2009. The aircraft was forced down while travelling over Thai airspace. When investigated in Bangkok it was found to contain 35 tonnes of North Korean weaponry including rocket-propelled grenades, missile and rocket launchers, missile tubes, surface to air missile launchers, spare parts and other heavy weapons to an estimated value of US$18 million. In the extensive publicity of the incident that followed there was considerable focus on the fact that the lessee of the plane was a New Zealand registered shell company [SP Trading]. This extract is taken from a High Court judgment from Justice Raynor Asher. The judgment blocked an attempt by Lu Zhang, the sole director of SP Trading whose day job was flipping burgers at Burger King, to be discharged without conviction having pleaded guilty to making 74 false statements under the Companies Act. (She was convicted and discharged without further penalty). The weapons on the plane were bound for Iran in contravention of United Nations sanctions. Since then, curious dubious, or outright criminal overseas activities of dodgy New Zealand companies, financial service providers, building societies and foreign trusts have remained in the news somewhere or other, almost unabated. The details Through the map below we have highlighted the activities of many of these entities, and the parts of the world where their activities have been felt, and in some cases where the perpetrators were located. It goes without saying that theses activities have not bolstered NZs international reputation. Hovering your mouse over the dots on the map will bring up headlines and links to stories. Weve mined our memories for a wide ranging smorgasbord. That said, there are undoubtedly others that could be here too, and were happy to take suggestions. Punching above our weight NZ is far from alone in having problems in the shadowy world of offshore finance. But the country, partly due to having a cheap and simple companies registration system, and being an easy place to do business, coupled with an international reputation for being among the least corrupt nations around, has proven ripe for exploitation. And Swiss cheese style regulatory holes dont help. For example, NZ foreign trusts. In a great example of the law of unintended consequences, when set up just right, NZ foreign trusts can escape tax everywhere. Then theres the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR). In another unintended consequence, this has enabled overseas companies to register as NZ entities and operate solely overseas. In many cases these entities have erroneously claimed to be regulated or licensed in NZ. Or regulators in offshore jurisdictions have assumed quite reasonably that they are actually regulated in NZ. As one overseas critic put it, the FSPR creates a scenario akin to handing out drivers licences to people who can go and drive anywhere in the world apart from in NZ. And if they cause carnage and crashes, its not your remit, you dont care. Then theres the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act (AML/CFT Act). The guidelines on the territorial scope of the AML/CFT Act state; An entity incorporated or formed in New Zealand, which carries on financial activities wholly outside New Zealand, will not be a reporting entity under the AML/CFT Act. The problem with this is the potential it opens up for regulatory arbitrage. Regulators in other jurisdictions, where a NZ registered financial service provider is operating, may presume that hailing from a well-regarded country like NZ the financial service provider is overseen for AML/CFT Act compliance in its apparent homeland. But unfortunately this often simply has not been the case. Then theres the issue of different regulators and different regulations for what amounts to overseeing the same entity. In 2014 the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) was given powers to deregister entities from the FSPR if it considers their registration creates a misleading impression about the extent that entity is regulated in NZ, or will damage the integrity or reputation of NZs financial markets. The FMA recently provided us with a list of 64 entities it has had deregistered from the FSPR since obtaining that power. Of those 64, 35 remain as NZ registered companies. Not fit to be an FSP, but fit to be a company This begs the question; if a company is deemed unfit to be on the FSPR, why it is deemed fit to remain a registered NZ company? Asked about this a Companies Office spokeswoman said; The two regimes have different purposes and are not linked to each other (although the two registers do interact in some circumstances). The purpose of the FSPR includes providing information on financial service providers that may provide financial services in NZ, whereas the purpose of the Companies Register is to provide information about companies incorporated in NZ and the identity of their directors and shareholders, she said. Changes made to the Companies Act in 2014, to help crack down on the misuse of NZs company registration regime, mean all new companies incorporated from May 1 last year need to: Provide date and place of birth of all directors (this is not publicly available). Have at least one director who lives in New Zealand; or lives in Australia and is also a director of an Australian incorporated company. Provide details of any ultimate holding company if applicable. This, according to the Companies Office, means theres an easily locatable and contactable point of contact who can be held liable for the company. Alas, thats what Lu Zhang was in the case of SP Trading. And she proved to be no more than a patsy. And we recently brought you the story of Fennas Finance. This NZ company was registered on May 20, 2015 (after the Companies Act changes took effect) and then helped a shadowy offshore entity use an ANZ bank account as a Ponzi scheme depository. Asked about whether any action was being taken, or considered, against Fennas Finance, the Companies Office spokeswoman said; The Companies Office is unable to comment on whether or not it is considering action against Fennas Finance Limited. In terms of NZ companies operating overseas, the Companies Office spokeswoman said; Where a NZ registered company is operating overseas, it will be subject to the laws of that jurisdiction. Again, this has often proven to simply not be the case: witness Euro Forex. Sophisticated international crooks are very adept at taking a slice of NZ, a pinch of the UK, and a dollop of somewhere else, and hey presto! A crooked investment scheme is ready for sale into Asia. Thus a great deal of cross border regulatory cooperation is required to combat this activity. From a NZ perspective, its not clear enough of this is happening. If it was, would, for example, John David Beckett, aka Lord Taylor of Warwick, have been able to be a director of Vivier and Company between September 3 and November 23, 2014? A member of Britains House of Lords, he was jailed in 2011 for false expense claims, and disbarred in 2012 for conduct discreditable to a barrister. Alarm bells should sound The FMA recently had to go to the Court of Appeal to enforce deregistration from the FSPR on Vivier. The Court of Appeal judgment notes that if a financial service provider like Vivier is not providing financial services in or from NZ, nor generating any associated financial activity in NZ, and cant demonstrate any intention of doing so, alarm bells should sound. Thats an attitude we like. With the Panama Papers having shone a spotlight on NZ foreign trusts, weve recently had an inquiry into their very limited disclosure rules. And just last week, the Government completed its review of NZs FSPR. In the FSPR review theres one question that should be seriously considered. The FSPR was established in part to help NZ meet its Financial Action Task Force (FATF) obligations before the AML/CFT Act took effect in 2013. FATF is an inter-governmental body established by the Group of Seven that sets international policies and standards on anti-money laundering and combating terrorist financing. So now the AML/CFT Act is in place, and most legitimate financial service providers must comply with some form of licensing obligation, does NZ even need a FSPR? Heres hoping some good decisions come out of both reviews. Further reading: this is the fourth article in a series about New Zealands role in the offshore finance world. Below are headlines from, and links to, the other articles in the series: New Zealand: the Worlds Tiniest Stock Exchange, a Big Ponzi Scheme, and Other Crazy Tales From John Keys Financial Services Hub New Zealand: Icon Sachs (Whatever That is), Fennas Finance, a Bank Account at an ANZ Napier Branch, a Conspiracy Theorist And a Ponzi Scheme New Zealand: Kea Street Cred and US$1Bn Promise Lures Kiwi to Front Very Peculiar Financial Service Providers Yves here. This is an informative, high-level overview of how the EU got to where it is now, its internal contradictions, and the prospects for resolving them. By Jayati Ghosh, Professor of Economics and Chairperson at the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Originally published in Frontline Even before the results of the UK referendum, the European Union was facing a crisis of popular legitimacy. The result, especially in England and Wales, was certainly driven by the fear of more immigration, irresponsibly whipped up by xenophobic right-wing leaders who now appear uncertain themselves of what to do with the outcome. But it was as much a cry of pain and protest from working communities that have been damaged and hollowed out by three decades of neoliberal economic policies. And this is why the concerns of greater popular resonance across other countries in the EU and the idea that this could simply be the first domino to fall are absolutely valid. So the bloc as a whole now faces an existential crisis of an entirely different order, and its survival hinges on how its rulers choose to confront it. A little history is in order first. The formation of the union itself, from its genesis in the Treaty of Rome in 1957, was as much a result of geopolitical pressure from the US as it was of the grand visions of those who led it. The six founding countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) built on the hope of the European Coal and Steel Community that was established in 1950, that greater economic relations would secure lasting peace and prosperity. Somewhat ironically, they were egged on by the United States, which in the post Second World War period not only provided huge amounts of Marshall Plan aid to western Europe, but urged the reduction of trade barriers between them to encourage more intra-regional economic activity and provide an effective counter to eastern Europe during the Cold War. Subsequent expansion of membership (the UK joined the EU in 1973, along with Ireland and Denmark, followed in the 1980s by Greece, Spain and Portugal, and then by Austria, Finland and Sweden in the 1990s and then some years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, a large intake of 12 central and eastern European countries in the 2000s, with the most recent member being Croatia in 2013) has brought the number of member countries in the EU to 28. Over the years, expansion has been accompanied by the push for ever greater union: the Maastricht Treaty in 1993 that laid down the ground rules for economic engagement and strengthened the institutional structure of the European Commission and the European Parliament; the creation of the Single Market of free movement of goods, services and people starting from 1994; the Treaty of Amsterdam that devolved some powers from national governments to the European Parliament, including legislating on immigration, adopting civil and criminal laws, and enacting the common foreign and security policy; and even a common currency, the euro, shared by a subgroup of 19 members from 1 January 1999. Some would say that it is remarkable that a continent with a fairly recent history of wars and extreme regional conflicts could have achieved such a combination of expansion and integration. There is no doubt that, from the start, this was a project of the political and corporate elite of Europe, and the voice of the people was not really taken into account. Yet in many ways it was also a visionary, even romantic, project that could only go as far as it has gone because, even as it increasingly furthered the goals of globalised finance and large corporations, it still contained the (inadequately utilised) potential for ensuring some citizens rights across the region. However, as the EU bureaucracy expanded and as the rules particularly the economic ones became ever more rigid and inflexible, with the forceful imposition of fiscal austerity measures in countries with deficits and even in countries where there was no real need to do so, the Commission itself and the entire process came to be seen as distant, tone-deaf to peoples concerns and impervious to genuine pleas for help and a degree of empathy. Germany, the undisputed leader of the bloc, epitomised this sense of rigid adherence to (often nonsensical and contradictory) rules. The lack of consistency in creating a monetary union without a genuine banking union or any solidarity with fiscal federalism has created years of economic depression in some countries and deflationary pressures across the Eurozone and most of the EU. Nowhere has this been more evident than in the tragic case of the Greek economy, but this is also true of other countries in the periphery that have been forced into austerity measures with little to show in terms of benefit for more than five years now. So in the expanding but unfinished project that is the European Union, corporate elites have basically achieved their goals and won as indeed they have been winning in pretty much every region of the world over the past three decades. The implicit project of aiding finance and other large private capital and dismantling the welfare state in these countries has moved ahead. The result has been not only economic stagnation and continued increases in inequality, but a breakdown of communities and a pervading sense of hopelessness among people across the region, who feel they are no longer able to control their own destiny. Low and receding employment prospects, precarious work contracts, flat or falling real wages, increasing insecurity in material life, reduced access or lower quality of essential public services such as health and education, less social protection, and a general sense of economic decline have become pervasive features, even though these are by and large still prosperous societies. All these are indeed not common only to Europe, but are felt in many other parts of the world as a result of economic policies favouring the rich and large capital, and suppressing the rights and aspirations of ordinary people on the grounds that there is no alternative. In this context, the EU decision to accept (relatively few, around a million) refugee migrants from war-torn regions of West Asia mostly tragic victims of instability in the region resulting from wars entered into by the governments of the US and the EU themselves was in some ways the final straw. In some countries like the UK, there was already resentment at the entry of EU citizens from eastern Europe, who were seen to be driving up house rents and lowering wages. But the possibility of particularly Muslim immigration that was cynically used by the Leave campaign in Britain is also a major element of the public response in many other countries like France and even Germany, where other people, rather than corporate capital, are seen as the threat. So the tragedy is that growing alienation of many people who have become the victims of financial globalisation has also left them unable to pick on their real enemy. Instead, the tendency has been to pick on others, who are equally or even more the victims, but can be isolated and made into scapegoats because of some apparent differences, particularly recent migrants fleeing either enormous physical threats or economic hardship. The vote in England and Wales both indicates and further strengthens an increasingly unpleasant right-wing surge across Europe, in which nationalism is little more than a fig leaf for open or suppressed racism and intolerance to ethnic/cultural differences. Of course, the alacrity with which other European leaders have said that the Leave vote in the UK must be respected is somewhat surprising. It is worth noting that the European Union so far has not been particularly responsive to the voice of popular will, typically forcing people to bend rather than the other way around, even when there have been significant democratic pressures within member countries against its mandates. Consider just a few examples. In Denmark, 51.7 per cent of voters wanted to reject the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, but the country was made to vote again until the treaty was passed by an even smaller majority. In 2002, the EU Constitution was rejected by 54.9 per cent of French voters and 61.5 per cent of Dutch voters, but these results were simply ignored and the Lisbon Treaty was put in place. In 2008, Ireland voted against the Lisbon Treaty by 53.8 per cent, but were made to vote again until a more satisfactory result was obtained. In 2015, 61.3 per cent of Greek voters an overwhelming majority voted against the austerity programme of the EU, but this too was rejected. At that time, the president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker even said, There can be no democratic choice against the European treaties. So what is so different about this British referendum? To begin with, it comes from a very important many would say crucial member of the Union, albeit one that has always had a rather difficult relationship with the body. In the EU, Britain has always been a bit of the tetchy uncle at the extended family gatherings, complaining about the facilities and the cacophony of the younger children present and grudging the occasional present he is expected to give. The country did not join the Eurozone (to its own great advantage) and has fussed about the payments it has to make as well as the regulations for labour and welfare that is has been forced to introduce. Governments in the UK have always contained Euro-skeptic voices, especially in the Conservative Party. But is nonetheless a large and important economy, with a significant geopolitical presence even if that is largely the legacy of history. Second, ignoring democratic expression at this point of time in Europe is fraught with greater risk. There is already a significant movement against immigration and against the EU, driven again by anger, despair and frustration at economic trends, that is growing across different member countries. If a clear result in this referendum is blatantly denied (despite the best intentions of those working to have a second referendum) or leads to a delayed and watered down response without Britain actually leaving the EU, this will fuel an even greater right-wing response and further strengthen this movement. Then the right-wing surge has the potential to become a veritable tsunami across Europe. Some of this is already evident in the open glee of far right nationalist forces in response to the UK referendum. The day after the result, Marine Le Pen of the anti-immigration National Front in France, who hopes to win the next Presidential election in 2017, wrote, The European Union has become a prison of peoples. Each of the 28 countries that constitute it has slowly lost its democratic prerogatives to commissions and councils with no popular mandate. Every nation in the union has had to apply laws it did not want for itself. Member nations no longer determine their own budgets. They are called upon to open their borders against their will. Countries in the eurozone face an even less enviable situation. In the name of ideology, different economies are forced to adopt the same currency, even if doing so bleeds them dry. Its a modern version of the Procrustean bed, and the people no longer have a say We have tried to deny the existence of sovereign nations. Its only natural that they would not allow being denied. In Italy, Prime Minister Renzi is under pressure because of implementation of neoliberal austerity policies, with the rise of Eurosceptic Five Star movement that recently won important mayoral elections in Rome and Turin. Yesterday the EU rejected his plan to provide public support for banks with large non-performing loans, and he may not survive a referendum in October on sweeping constitutional reforms. Ironically, far-right anti-EU movements are on the ascendant even in supposedly economically successful countries. Geert Wilders, leader of the anti-immigrant Party for Freedom in the Netherlands, tweeted, Hurray for the British! Now its our turn! In Germany, the Alternative for Germany began as an anti-euro party but is now more openly anti-immigrant and anti-Islam. It now has seats in eight of Germanys 16 state assemblies and is expected to win seats in the national Parliament the Bundestag in the elections next year. In Austria the candidate of right-wing Freedom Party almost won in the Presidential election, with just under 50 per cent of the vote. So which way will the European Union go now? The immediate response appears to be a closing of ranks and circling of the wagons, with strict terms applied to the UK as punishment and also deterrence to other would-be leavers. But stronger political union with much greater federal powers no longer seems to be on the table. Instead, there are also likely to be calls for greater flexibility, with respect to both economic policies and migration. Donald Tusk, the Polish President of the European Council, has already warned that that ordinary European citizens do not share the enthusiasm of some of their leaders for a utopia of Europe without nation states, a utopia of Europe without conflicting interests and ambitions, a utopia of Europe imposing its own values on the external world, a utopia of Euro-Asian unity. It is likely that there is much less political appetite for greater integration, for example in a banking union, and this will make other forms of economic union even less effective, especially in countries experiencing continued economic difficulties and consequent social unrest. The European Union as it exists today is unstable and probably unsustainable. But it will be tragic indeed if it collapses under the weight of its own contradictions only to yield to the petty and xenophobic forms of national neoliberalism that are currently the most forceful alternative to neoliberal economic integration. What Europe and the world require are more internationalist alternatives based on popular sovereignty, solidarity, the improvement of workers conditions and the rights of citizens. Sadly, at this time there are only very few voices making such demands. Mixing topology and spin (Nanowerk News) In the pursuit of material platforms for the next generation of electronics, scientists are studying new compounds such as topological insulators (TIs), which support protected electron states on the surfaces of crystals that silicon-based technologies cannot. Dramatic new physical phenomena are being realized by combining this field of TIs with the subfield of spin-based electronics known as spintronics. The success within spintronics of realizing important magnetic technologies such as the spin valve have increased the expectations that new results in TIs might have near-term applications. However, combining these two research threads has relied on shoehorning magnetism by forcing magnetic atoms to partially occupy elemental positions in TIs or by applying a conventional magnetic field. Realizing an integrated material that is both intrinsically magnetic and has a topological character has proven more challenging. Integrating correlation Recently a team of researchers based in the group of Joseph G. Checkelsky, assistant professor of physics at MIT, and collaborators at the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR), Carnegie Mellon University, and the Beijing Institute of Technology have experimentally demonstrated a hybrid material solution to this problem. They studied a compound of three elements, gadolinium, platinum and bismuth, known together as a ternary compound. At left: A single crystal compound of gadolinium, platinum, and bismuth made with naturally occurring elements. At right, a single crystal of this material made with isotopically enriched gadolinium for neutron scattering experiments. Both crystals are approximately 1 mm in size. In their compound, gadolinium supplies the magnetic order while the platinum-bismuth components support a topological electronic structure. These two components acting in concert make a correlated material that is more than the sum of its parts, showing quantum mechanical corrections to electrical properties at an unprecedented scale. Their results were reported in Nature Physics ("Large anomalous Hall effect in a half-Heusler antiferromagnet"). Proving this delicate interplay between the constituent elements of this compound required studying it from different perspectives. With experimental efforts led by research scientist Takehito Suzuki, the MIT group (including physics graduate student Aravind Devarakonda and physics undergraduate Yu-Ting Liu) synthesized single crystals and studied their electronic and magnetic properties. The team found these crystals at the same time were exotic magnets and exhibited signatures of electronic topology. The latter was observed through the so-called Berry phase corrections to electronic behavior, where they saw the largest such response reported to date in this type of magnet, which is known as an antiferromagnet. The Berry phase reflects the quantum mechanical nature of the charge-carrying electrons in metals and is influenced by magnetic order. They identified an antiferromagnetic transition temperature of 9.2 kelvins (-443 degrees Fahrenheit). At or below this temperature, magnetic moments of the gadolinium atoms align in an alternating pattern of spin up and spin down. Interestingly, for temperatures significantly higher than this they could observe remnants of this magnetic order in both magnetic and electronic properties, a possible hallmark of the underlying frustrated geometry of the crystal lattice. Viewed from many angles While these experiments were enticing, the team wanted to be sure that what they were observing originated from the topological properties that would connect this material to potentially ground-breaking types of future electronic devices. Experimentally, this involved work at national facilities including the NCNR, where Suzuki worked with Robin Chisnell PhD 14 and NIST Fellow Jeffrey W. Lynn. Using a triple axis spectrometer (BT-7), they studied the scattering of neutrons from carefully aligned single crystals in the low temperature antiferromagnetic phase including in different magnetic field conditions. These experiments provided the ability to map the behavior of the magnetic gadolinium spins to precisely know their orientation and response to temperature and magnetic field. In order to do these experiments, naturally occurring gadolinium could not be used due to its overwhelming neutron scattering cross-section, and the researchers used instead a costly isotope known as gadolinium -160. A: Crystal structure of a gadolinium (Gd), platinum (Pt), and bismuth (Bi) compound that is composed of [B] a magnetic gadolinium-face-centered cubic sublattice and [C] a platinum-bismouth zinc-blende sublattice. An MIT-led study found that these crystals at the same time were exotic magnets and exhibited signatures of electronic topology. In general, growing single crystals of these compounds is challenging because of their high melting temperature; the growth process known as a flux method requires high-temperature centrifuging to remove the crystals from a bath of liquid bismuth. Its a bit like growing rock candy sugar crystals, except that we use liquid bismuth instead of water, says Checkelsky. The process is well-known to solid state chemists, but can have a high failure rate. The team was able to obtain enough of the isotope for just two growth runs, both of which turned out to be successful. The subsequent experiments at NCNR were able to provide critical information about the gadolinium moments that shaped the teams understanding of their results. The team also made use of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) based in Tallahassee, Florida. There, the MIT team brought the crystals to measure their response to extreme magnetic conditions involving magnetic fields in excess of 30 T (among the largest DC fields available in the world). The extreme conditions available at the NHMFL also allowed the group to broadly map the electronic and magnetic properties of the crystals to complete the picture of the magnetic order. In particular, they were able to observe a previously unreported phase transition for the gadolinium spins near 25 T that appeared to finally break the antiferromagnetic state. The final aspect of the collaborative effort was with professors Di Xiao of Carnegie Mellon University and Wanxiang Feng of Beijing Institute of Technology, who provided first principles electronic structure calculations based on the experimental data taken at MIT, NCNR, and the NHMFL to determine the underlying electronic character of this new materials system. The authors combine high-quality crystal growth, transport measurements, neutron spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations to establish the magnetic ordering and its profound effect on electrical properties in a topological material, says Liang Fu, assistant professor of physics at MIT, who was not involved in this research. This seminal work reveals surprising quantum phenomena arising from the interplay between electron topology and correlation. This type of correlated topological phenomena is long sought after, but has been difficult to find in real materials. By identifying the right material, Joe Checkelsky's group and collaborators have found a new, promising platform for fundamental research and potential spintronics applications. New hybrid approach A service which we hope will not be needed but in reality will be called upon time and time again was officially launched at the weekend following months of preparation, training and commitment. Volunteers from the River Suir Suicide Patrol have been walking the banks of the Suir in Clonmel in the small hours of weekend mornings, midnight to 3/4am, in recent times; on the watch for those in a vulnerable position who could be in need of a word, a friendly face and a trained ear to bring back from the literal and metaphorical brink. Recognise, Respond, Prevent, are the watchwords of the patrol members who join similar groups in a handful of other towns and cities but whose example is likely to be followed by more in times to come. Its a huge commitment, as independent TD Seamus Healy put it at Saturdays launch, describing the patrol as something thats badly needed not just in Clonmel but elsewhere. Unfortunately, mental health services in the county are under-resourced, at best, and theres great credit due to each and every one of you volunteers who are taking on this job and are prepared to do it at all hours of the day and night. PRO Jacinta Mullins thanked everyone for their support, including members of the Red Cross and Order of Malta who attended, while chairperson June Looby dedicated the launch to the memory of Sophie Burke, for whom they helped search for three weeks before Sophies body was found near Carrick-on-Suir before Christmas. This is for you, and hopefully well save a few lives along the way. Paddy Cummins of C-SAW - Community Support Awareness Workers - was involved in training the volunteers and paid tribute to them for their time and commitment and dedication. At the beginning he urged them to take a step back to allow time to establish what was needed to set up the patrol on a proper footing and found them always very willing to progress and to learn. Now they have everything in place and theyve grown, personally, in confidence, he said. The service was blessed by parish priest of St Olivers, Fr Michael Hegarty, who said he hoped it wouldnt be needed but expected that it would, a sentiment echoed by borough mayor Cllr Andy Moloney. It might just be a case of walking along the riverbank and meeting someone and maybe all they want is a chat; that could be the difference between them staying on one side of the rails rather than the other. Other volunteers on the patrols committee include vice-chair Pamela Hallihan, secretary Anne Marie Scli, treasurer Patrick McGrath and equipment officer Eoin OFlaherty. Two county councillors who took part in a four-day renewable energy study tour to a Danish island have defended the value of their trip following criticism that it was a waste of taxpayers money. And Tipperary Co. Council has also defended the study tour taken by Cllrs John Hogan (FF) and Cllr Marie Murphy (FG) to Bornholm in the Baltic Sea between May 31 and June 2 which was funded by the local authority's training allowance for its elected members. Cllrs Murphy and Hogan have pointed out that the district heating scheme involving the heating of a town in Bornholm by a renewable energy plant fuelled by straw and woodchip was of particular interest as Tipperary Energy Agency is examing introducing this type of project. But Workers & Unemployed Action Group's Cllr Pat English and Sinn Fein Cllr David Dunne have described the trip as a waste of tax payers money and claimed the information their two colleagues learned on the tour could have been obtained via the Internet. Both were also critical of the Council's decision to send five councillors on a trip to Washington for a 1916 commemoration shortly before the Bornholm study tour. Cllr English said he had no problem with this trip if the two councillors had paid the cost themselves but to have it funded on the back of tax payers money was not fair. "Technically they could have done this online. You don't have to go out and see the thing," he added. Cllr Dunne condemned the study tour as a "junket" and said it was an "absolute disgrace" that the Council had funded the trip. "I think it's disgraceful when you can't get potholes filled, can't get roads fixed or even the general upkeep of areas. We need more ground staff to get on top of the work, he said. Cllr Marie Murphy, who also represented the Council on the recent trip to Washington, however, said the tour was very, very worthwhile and she had learned a lot from it and had gained a wider awareness of other forms of renewable energy apart from wind. Seeing how the district heating operation worked was particularly of interest to her as Tipperary Energy Agency were looking into it, "We are not going to learn about renewable energy and how other countries do it unless we get out and study. The trip to Bornholm was exactly that. We were in the classroom and had lectures. I was informing myself. How else are you going to learn anything? Cllr Hogan said the study tour was relevent as the Council is currently preparing a new Renewable Energy Strategy for the county and will be running a renewable energy conference at Gurteen Agricultural College on August 23. Rather than attending any other conferences or training, he had requested to use his training allowance for this trip, which he pointed out was subsidised by the EU and IDA. Twelve countries were represented on the study tour. He said the district heating scheme run in Bornholm heated a town of 600 houses similar in size to Templemore through a plant fuelled by straw. Local farmers had contracts to supply the plant with straw. He saw it as a most beneficial scheme for Tipperary. In a statement, Tipperary Co. Council said Cllrs Hogan and Murphy travelled in their capacity as representatives of the Council serving on the board of Tipperary Energy Agency Ltd. The study tour was highlighted by the Energy Agency CEO Paul Kenny as a learning opportunity for its local policy makers. The Council statement described Bornholm as a "unique test bed in Europe" for cities, regions and organisations to show how renewable energy has been embraced by its 40,000 plus inhabitants, supported by numerous European projects and partners from 18 countries. "Bornholm is one of the leading municipalities in Europe for having a wide ranging sustainable energy action plan that is implementing deep cuts to greenhouse gases by having a well thought out, widely accepted plan that focuses on all available sustainable energy opportunities. "Tipperary Co. Council in partnership with Tipperary Energy Agency is establishing a Sustainable Energy Action plan to 2020 and needs to ensure there is sufficient vision included to ensure they have stretching goals. "It is always important to see where the leaders are, and where they are going to ensure there is sufficient knowledge of the opportunities available," the statement continued. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is taking a victory lap this week as it celebrates its fifth anniversary, noting its accomplishments during the past five years, including collecting $11.7 billion in restitution for 27 million consumers. Yet the milestone also marks an important shift for the agency. Up until recently the CFPB has been largely focused on fulfilling the many responsibilities given to it by the Dodd-Frank Act, which created the agency. But with rulemakings governing qualified mortgages, mortgage disclosures, remittances and arbitration mostly behind it, the CFPB will begin wading further into uncharted waters where it has more flexibility over what to pursue. Those include finalizing rules governing payday lending and targeting additional areas like prepaid cards, overdraft fees and auto lending areas where action is not required by Dodd-Frank. "You could call the impact of the CFPB monumental it's huge," said Alan Kaplinsky, who leads Ballard Spahr's Consumer Financial Services Group. "They've done a lot in five years, but I'm not sure they should be popping the cork on the champagne bottles yet." Despite that freedom, however, the agency faces challenges ahead, both politically and legally. A federal appeals court is expected to rule soon on a case challenging the constitutionality of the CFPB and its single-director structure. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers continue to gun for the CFPB. More than 50 bills pending in Congress have sought to defund, change or somehow restrict the agency. CFPB Director Richard Cordray and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., highlighted the agency's accomplishments in a video and blog released to mark the agency's anniversary on July 21. "I think we've made a lot of change in how financial institutions treat consumers," Cordray said in the five-minute video. "They know that they have to comply with the law, that somebody is looking over their shoulder to make sure they do that, that somebody is standing on the side of people and making sure they're treated fairly." Warren, who first conceptualized the bureau, said the CFPB has given consumers "an ally in this fight." "The idea behind the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was to draw together all of those laws and to put them in one place and to say this agency has the tools to watch out for the American consumer, to level the playing field, and will be held responsible for doing that," Warren said. "There were a lot of consumer protection laws out there, but the problem is that there was nobody really to enforce them; they were spread among a bunch of different agencies and none of them had as their first job to watch out for America's consumers." Josh Rosner, a managing director at Graham Fisher & Co. Inc., agreed the bureau's exists primarily because of other financial regulators' failure to look out for the interests of consumers. "The perspective that gets lost is that the CFPB was a direct response to the failure of regulators that had the authority to protect consumers, but were more interested in protecting the business models of regulated institutions," Rosner said. Beyond promulgating rules, the CFPB has issued more than 120 enforcement actions against a wide range of companies, including credit card issuers, banks, payday lenders and debt collectors. Banks have paid roughly 65% of the more than $11 billion in relief that has gone to consumers. "The CFPB is probably overzealous in doing its job, but it's a job that other federal regulators had failed to do even though they had the authority to do," Rosner said. The CFPB has also come under attack for using enforcement actions as a substitute for issuing new rules or guidelines. Perhaps its biggest controversy involves PHH Corp., a mortgage lender that the agency accused of illegally taking kickbacks from mortgage insurers. PHH sued the bureau after Cordray reversed a $6 million disgorgement recommended by an administrative law judge and instead fined the company $109 million. The CFPB also has come under attack for claiming to be a "data driven" agency but using a methodology that overcounted potential discrimination by indirect auto lenders. "Problematic bureau data practices have undermined the effective use of data to serve as a check on arbitrary action by the bureau, weakened the contribution of information to the quality of policymaking, and undercut the role of data to prevent regulatory abuses," Wayne Abernathy, executive vice president for financial institutions policy and regulatory affairs at the American Bankers Association, said in congressional testimony. A federal appeals court has reversed a lower court decision that dismissed a lawsuit against Freddie Mac brought by a state pension fund. The Ohio Public Employees Retirement System sued Freddie Mac claiming the fund lost money when the government-sponsored enterprise's stock price plummeted when it revealed the full extent of its exposure to risky subprime loans. OPERS had purchased stock in Freddie Mac from August 2006 to November 2007. OPERS is the 14th largest retirement system in the country, with more than 920,000 members. The office of Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine handled the case. A spokeswoman for the attorney general's office said that it was "generally speaking pleased with the decision" and that the office is reviewing the court's opinion and will continue to pursue the case. Freddie Mac did not immediately return a request for comment. The pension fund initially filed a securities fraud class action suit against Freddie Mac in January 2008. The lower court dismissed OPERS' third amended complaint in 2013 on the grounds that the fund did not adequately establish loss causation. The order from the district court also denied the fund's motion for a fourth amended complaint. The decision from the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, written by Judge Jane Stranch, found that the pension fund had "sufficiently alleged loss causation" if the court were to take its allegations in the complaint as true. "We are not persuaded by Freddie Mac's argument that OPERS fails to 'plead facts sufficient to exclude more likely explanations for its alleged losses, such as the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression,'" Stranch wrote in the court's decision. "OPERS need only allege sufficient facts to support a plausible claim not the most likely at this stagewe conclude that it has done so." The study shows an increased risk of the condition, called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), after first-dose of the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine. Is it worth destroying the planet and our children's future for a quick buck? (NaturalNews) A giant oilfield located in the Indian reservation territories of Northwest New Mexico caused a major environmental disaster recently, after 36 oil and gas storage tanks caught fire, setting off a chain reaction of explosions that temporarily shut down a major highway and forced at least 55 residents living in the area to evacuate their homes.According to reports, the fires began in San Juan County at a fracking site owned and operated by Oklahoma-based WPX Energy , which was given permission by the Farmington Field Office of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to drill the land back in December. Drilling by WPX ceased several months later in May, and the Albuquerque-based news outletsays that WPX had only been producing oil at the site for one week before the fires occurred.The site of the disaster is located within the Mancos Shale deposit area, a geographical region of great interest for energy production due to its rich oil and gas reserves. Energy companies have been pushing to expand their operations within the region for some time now, and BLM's Farmington Field Office says it's already leased more than 90 percent of the land it oversees more than 1.6 million acres of public land to oil and gas companies like WPX.However, BLM did so, according to critics, without properly assessing the environmental impacts of these massive operations, and now local residents and the environment are paying the price. The six wells that WPX drilled are only about six months old, and not a single one of them was installed in accordance with a proper Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Resource Management Plan Amendment."The site that exploded is a brand new facility that consists of six wells drilled to shale formations that have never been adequately analyzed for impacts and safety concerns," Mike Eisenfeld, the energy and climate program manager at the San Juan Citizens Alliance, wrote in an email to"In a leap before looking scenario, the federal Bureau of Land Management in Farmington, New Mexico has allowed WPX to proceed with these shale facilities discounting the inherent danger that has now become clear with the explosion."Proponents of hydraulic fracturing insist that the collective reduction in energy costs is worth the risk of these types of disasters, which are becoming increasingly more common. But is it really in the best interests of our planet and our children's future to allow Big Energy to rape and pillage our earth for a quick buck in order to sell us "cheap" energy? The costs to our water alone , which is being polluted in almost every locale where fracking is taking place, are tremendous. People who live near fracking operations are also reporting health problems they believe are associated with the practice, which involves injecting water, sand and chemicals into underground rock in order to break it up and release fossil fuels.The human and environmental impacts of fracking are obscene, to say the least, with the average "frack" requiring upwards of 8 million gallons of water and up to 40,000 gallons of chemicals to be successful. And a single well can be fracked up to 20 times, which translates to 160,000,000 gallons of water and 800,000 gallons of chemicals being dumped."It seems like every month we see more wells here, and things are going to get worse if the drilling doesn't stop," warns Kendra Pinto, a counselor chapter outreach intern from WildEarth Guardians. "At this rate, what will be left here for our children? ... Enough is enough."Detoxification is essential, especially in today's highly-polluted world. Learn more about how to keep your body clean and nourished with Organic Clean Chlorella SL Cervical cancer vaccine causes adverse health reactions Growing concern surrounding HPV vaccine in U.S. (NaturalNews) News broke earlier this week that at least 64 women experiencing adverse health effects from cervical cancer vaccines , are filing damages lawsuits against the Japanese government and the drug makers who produced the vaccines in the first place.Filing in four different district courts, the Tokyo District Court, the Nagoya District Court, the Osaka District Court and the Fukuoka District Court, each victim is demanding 15 million yen.The average age of the women involved is 18 years old, with each receiving the vaccination between the ages of 11 and 16.Cervical cancer vaccines have been known to cause adverse health reactions, including nerve disorders and other alarming immune reactions.According to, "Cervical cancer vaccines were included in routine vaccination programs in April 2013." After hearing numerous reports of women suffering strange, harmful side effects as a result of receiving the vaccine, the Japanese government stopped recommending cervical cancer vaccines two months later.That changed in April of this year though, when the Japan Pediatric Society and other institutes recommended the issuance of the controversial vaccines, claiming "it is clear they are effective in preventing cervical cancer," as reported byMasumi Minaguchi, one of the lawyers representing the women filing the lawsuit, elaborated on his belief that the government and drug producers are responsible for the damages his clients have experienced. Claiming that the victims' symptoms include pain all over the body, Minaguchi told, "We aim to clarify the responsibilities of the government and the drugmakers through the lawsuits so that the victims can live without anxiety."This isn't the first time people have voiced their concerns about cervical cancer vaccines. Nevertheless, the HPV vaccine a method of treatment to prevent the contraction of the human papillomavirus, a known cause of the development of cervical cancer has been strongly recommended by doctors across the U.S.According to CBS News , "There's a growing concern that more parents are stopping their children from receiving the shots because of unwarranted safety concerns."Between 2008 and 2010, the number of parents who refused to give their children the HPV vaccine specifically because of safety concerns nearly quadrupled, from 4.5 percent to 16 percent."I'm not sure what has gone into that increase," Dr. Paul Darden, a pediatrician at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City said.Perhaps it was the 12,424 cases of adverse health reactions, resulting in 32 deaths, that were reported in June 2006, as a result of the 23 million doses that had been administered up to that date.Whatever it is, those suffering negative side effects associated with HPV vaccinations are not happy, and are seeking retribution. Anheuser-Busch InBev has entered into a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice, which clears the way for U.S. approval of its estimated US$104 billion merger with SABMiller plc. If approved by international regulatory bodies, the deal is expected to close in the second half of 2016 and would create the worlds largest beverage company with combined revenues of approximately $73.5 billion globally. AB InBev has obtained approval in 21 jurisdictions, including North America (United States and Canada); Asia-Pacific (Australia, India and South Korea); Africa (Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa); Europe (the EU, Albania, Moldova, Turkey and Ukraine); and Latin America (Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay). Approval in Ecuador is subject to certain conditions. Analysts have speculated that one in three beers sold globally would be owned by AB-InBev. This deal comes more than one year after the $54-billion monster acquisition of Kraft Foods Group by H.J. Heinz Company that formed the third-largest food and beverage company in North America and the fifth-largest in the world. With todays agreement, we have taken a significant step forward on the transaction, which will create the worlds first truly global brewer," said Carlos Brito, CEO of AB InBev. Our combination with SABMiller will bring more choice to more beer drinkersand extend the global reach of our iconic American brands, such as Budweiserin markets outside of the U.S." As part of the consent decree and consistent with AB InBevs approach to proactively address potential regulatory concerns, the company agreed to divest SABMillers U.S. interest in MillerCoors to Molson Coors. This divestiture, which was previously announced between AB InBev and Molson Coors, is conditioned on the successful closing of the combination of AB InBev with SABMiller. The terms of the consent decree formalize prior commitments the companys U.S. entity Anheuser-Busch has made including AB will not acquire a distributor if doing so would result in more than 10 percent of its annual volume being distributed through wholly-owned distributorships in the United States; and AB will not terminate any wholesalers as a result of the combination with SABMiller. In addition, certain aspects of the companys U.S. sales programs and policies will be reviewed and modified to conform to the consent decree. AB InBev is the leading global brewer and one of the worlds top five consumer products companies. The companys portfolio of more than 200 beer brands includes global brands Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois; international brands Becks, Leffe, and Hoegaarden; and local champions Bud Light, Skol, Brahma, Antarctica, Quilmes, Victoria, Modelo Especial, Michelob Ultra, Harbin, Sedrin, Klinskoye, Sibirskaya Korona, Chernigivske, Cass and Jupiler. AB InBev has approximately 150,000 employees based in 26 countries. In 2015, AB InBev rang up US$43.6 billion in revenues. SABMiller plc is the worlds second-largest brewing company and one of the worlds largest bottlers of Coca-Cola drinks. The company also produces a portfolio of wholly-owned soft drinks brands. SABMiller operates in more than 80 countries with approximately 70,000 employees. Its brand portfolio includes leading local brands such as Aguila (Colombia), Castle (South Africa), Miller Lite (USA), Snow (China), Victoria Bitter (Australia) and Tyskie (Poland) as well as global brands such as Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft and Grolsch. In the year ended March, 31, 2015, SABMiller sold 324 million hectolitres of lager, soft drinks and other alcoholic beverages, generating revenues of US$26.4 billion. Looking for more on ingredients trending in CPG beverages, factors driving product development, and developing an effective go-to-market strategy? Join us for the Sparking Beverage Innovation workshop on Wednesday Oct. 5, at SupplySide West 2016. A team from the University of Leicester and British Museum has reportedly found evidence of religious dialogue between the Native Americans and the Europeans. On the remote island of Mona, Caribbean, an uninhabited cave features Latin inscriptions along with Christograms. This 16th century Christian symbols would help scientists understand the origins of America's cultural identity. Beginning 2013, the team of researchers has been exploring Monda Island, found 40 miles west of Puerto Rico. Around 70 cave systems have been explored. One area has caught quite the attention of researchers due to the 16th-century European markings which included Christograms, Spanish and Latin quotes from the Bible. Cave number 18 reportedly has around 250 markings made on the ceilings and walls. These markings were made through the method called "finger fluting," which is a method used by indigenous people. Drawings were made using one or several fingers. One chamber in the cave also features two representations of the Calvary, which is comprised of three crosses. On the central cross, the word "Jesus" in Latin was written below it. "What we are seeing in this Caribbean cave is something different. This is not zealous missionaries coming with their burning crosses, they are people engaging with a new spiritual realm and we get individual responses in the cave and it is not automatically erasure, it is engagement," stated Jago Cooper, a curator from the British Museum. Cooper along with Alice Samson of the University of Leicester had led the research team. In a report by FOX News, a few quotes on the walls include "God made many things," "may God forgive you," and "And the Word was made flesh [and dwelt among us]". "This research reveals a new perspective on the personal encounter between indigenous populations and the first generations of Europeans in the Americas," stated Cooper in a statement, adding, "This is a unique site that helps us to understand the origins of cultural identity in the Americas, the start of a process that continues right up to the modern day." Mini figures honoring female astronauts and scientists of NASA were submitted to LEGO Ideas. According to the Women of NASA project submitted to LEGO Ideas, the figures intend to provide an educational building experience to help both young people and adults learn the history of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). "Women have played critical roles throughout the history of the U.S. space program, a.k.a. NASA or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration," the contestant who submitted the entry wrote on the Women of NASA Ideas page. "Yet in many cases, their contributions are unknown or under-appreciated - especially as women have historically struggled to gain acceptance in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)." The set includes these five notable female NASA pioneers: 1. Margaret Hamilton In the 1960s, computer scientist Margaret Hamilton worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) under a contract with NASA. She was responsible for developing the on-board flight software for the Apollo missions to the moon, as well as for popularizing the modern concept of software. 2. Katherine Johnson Johnson was a mathematician and a space scientist. As a NASA researcher, Johnson was known for calculating and verifying trajectories for the Mercury and Apollo programs, including the famed Apollo 11 mission, which was the first to land humans on the moon. 3. Sally Ride Ride was an astronaut, physicist and educator. In 1983, she became the first American woman in space. After retiring as a NASA astronaut, Ride founded an educational company that encouraged children to pursue the sciences. 4. Nancy Grace Roman Roman was an astronomer who became one of the first female executives at NASA. She is known to many as the "Mother of Hubble" for her role in planning the Hubble Space Telescope. Roman also helped developed NASA's astronomy research program. 5. Mae Jemison Jemison was an astronaut, physician and entrepreneur. She became the first African-American woman in space in 1992. After her career in NASA, Jemison founded a company that develops new technologies and influences students to pursue the sciences. The proposed LEGO set also includes a miniature Hubble Space Telescope and space shuttle, as well as a photo of the reams of code that landed astronauts on the moon in 1969. Hundreds of animals were auctioned off Saturday at California's Santa Barbara County Fair. Most will end up at a slaughterhouse. A lamb named Lily was meant to be one of those animals, but at the last minute, high school student Leslie Torres pulled her out of the auction, NBC affiliate KSBY reported. "I didn't want her to die, so when I got told there was a sanctuary that was interested in her, I pulled her out at the last minute," said Torres. Erika Satkoski has adopted Lily and will be giving her a new home. "Of all the animals here, it's sad that just one has been saved, but I think it's an important lesson to learn and I want to support and be behind this," Satkoski said. Read more from KSBY He was supposed to serve and protect, but a former San Mateo police officer was arrested from his Stockton home around 11:40 a.m. Thursday on suspicion of sexually assaulting women while on duty, officials said. According to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, the 22 charges against Noah White Winchester including kidnapping with intent to commit rape, rape, sexual penetration and oral copulation under color of authority, sexual battery, criminal threats, and forcible sex offenses span five victims. The alleged crimes occurred while 31-year-old Winchester was on duty between July 2, 2013 and Oct. 19, 2015, Wagstaffe said. In 2013, Winchester worked as a police officer for the Los Rios Community College District and his victims hail from Sacramento. In 2015, Winchester targeted San Mateo County residents while working as a police officer for the city of San Mateo, Wagstaffe said. Investigators have not found evidence of any incidents in 2014, Wagstaffe told NBC Bay Area. When asked why Winchester had been arrested so long after the initial alleged crimes, Wagstaffe replied that he was "not reported until [the] end of 2015." Winchester is being booked into San Joaquin County Jail on $3.1 million bail, Wagstaffe said, and is expected to be arraigned next week. Winchester doesn't yet have a lawyer, the district attorney said. The San Mateo Police Department said in a statement Thursday that Winchester had been put on "indefinite leave" when the district attorney's office began its investigation, at the behest of San Mateo and Burlingame police, last October. Winchester resigned amid the probe in February, officials said. "We are horrified by the news of the recent arrest of this former San Mateo and Los Rios Community College District Police Officer, and want to assure our community and our leaders that this neither reflects nor deflects the dedication to duty and selfless service that our men and women commit themselves to every day on every contact," the police department statement said. San Mateo police said that Winchester joined their department in early 2015, with prior law enforcement experience under his belt. "He was really a valued member of his patrol beat," San Mateo Police Chief Susan Manheimer said. He worked there for roughly 10 months, after passing extensive background checks, polygraph tests and more, Manheimer said. Winchester's career as a law enforcement officer ended Oct. 20 when a local woman came to the San Mateo police headquarters and said he raped her. Her allegations triggered the months-long investigation in which victims were discovered as far as Sacramento County, authorities said. "While we respect the now former officer's right to due process under the law and the presumption that he is innocent until proven guilty, we as a department cannot help but be appalled by the nature of these allegations," the department statement said. It continued: "These allegations, if proven true, are a disgrace and wholly disavowed by this department and this city." San Mateo resident Nahrain Gawronek agreed. "You expect more, so it is disappointing," she said. "I don't label myself strictly an anarchist or a socialist or let alone a libertarian or something like that..." says Jello Biafra, who seems fired up after returning from emceeing with Ministry in Cleveland while this week's Republican National Convention was brewing. Political satirist, maybe? "Well that, but I go issue by issue," says Biafra, the former Dead Kennedys front man and now front man of Jello Biafra and The Guantanamo School of Medicine, who are set to play at The Ritz Club in San Jose on Saturday, July 23. Biafra, who offers plenty of political observations on and off the stage, keeps his lyrics poignant, his interviews (I find) intense. "I can't boil down the political message into soundbites -- it depends on the song, it depends on the issue." he said. "I don't mind making blunt suggestions. That's kind of my stock and trade. "What really matters is the local elections. It matters who the mayor is. It matters who the board of supervisors are. That matters. School boards matter. We have to pay attention to these things and we of the western democracies are almost alone in having the privilege of the ballot initiative, the referendum. When people like us show up (to vote in local elections) we stand a better chance of getting better people into office, getting better laws passed, and taking our country and society back." Biafra adds you should "vote for who you believe in," reminding us we don't have to vote for the big two. So, if you're not voting this weekend and want to catch Jello Biafra and The Guantanamo School of Medicine, you can do so at The Ritz in San Jose. Dusted Angel and Noise Clinic are scheduled to open for the band in San Jose. Or, if you like, you can follow the band in Europe: 07/29/2016 Fest Pod Parou Vyskov, CZ 07/30/2016 Scheune Dresden, DE 07/31/2016 Faust Hannover, DE 08/02/2016 Knust Hamburg, DE 08/03/2016 SO36 Berlin, DE 08/04/2016 Batschkapp Frankfurt, DE 08/05/2016 Ruhrpott Rodeo Hunxe, DE 08/07/2016 Rebellion Fest Blackpool, UK 08/09/2016 Arena Vienna, AT 08/10/2016 Club Bogaloo Pfarrkirchen, DE 08/11/2016 Punk Rock Holiday Tolmin, SI 08/12/2016 Ieper Hardcore Fest Ypres, BE 08/14/2016 Universum Stuttgart, DE 08/16/2016 Palp Festival Martigny, CH 08/17/2016 Spazio Boss La Spezia, Italy 08/18/2016 Ninkasi Kao Lyon, FR 08/20/2016 Motocultor Festival St. Noiff, FR 08/21/2016 Petit Bain Paris, FR 08/22/2016 Melkweg Amsterdam, NL 08/24/2016 Gargarin 205 Athens, Greece Robert Wellington has been an NBC Bay Area staff photojournalist for over 16 years. An estimated 9,000 Pokemon Go players gathered late Wednesday in San Francisco in a hunt to "catch them all." An event page that was started on Facebook over two weeks ago has over 8.9K accepted RSVPs and 28,714 interested users for the so-called Pokemon Go crawl. The crawl started at 6 p.m. at Dolores Park, then moved over the Embarcadero spanning across the piers, according to the Facebook post. Here's a list of locations hosting special activities, food specials, dance parties, raffles and giveaways during the event: Special Activities The Razer Store located at the Westfield San Francisco Centre will have giveaways of their new Nabu Wearables, gaming hardware, logo patches, and iPhone 6 cases. The store will also be hosting an off-site costume contest. To win, post your picture on Instagram with your best gear and use the hashtag #pokecrawlsf and #Razer for a chance to win Nabu Wearable gear. SoMa StrEat Food Park will have food trucks and bars open with a reserved "barn" space just for Pokemon Go players. Raffles will be held throughout the night for all game users as well as a Pokemon themed dance party. The Myriad Market Hall will provide several charging stations for trainers losing battery life on their phones. Food Specials Antonik's BBQ will be serving $10 plates and sandwiches for all Pokemon Go trainers. The Myriad Market Hall will be hosting a variety of food deals based on the level and and Pokemon the player has caught. For those who are running out of battery on their cell phones can use one of their charging stations while they have a Pokemon themed drink with delicious food. Their deals include $10 Pokedelish bowls for level 10 and above and a free drink with a Pokedelish bowl for level 12 and above. The Myriad will also be giving away a free glass of champagne to players with a Snorlax, $6 Bloody Mary or Mimosa to trainers with an Aerodactyl and those in team Valor can get a Chai Latte (hot or iced) for $4. Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream will be at one of the start locations handing out free ice-cream to Pokemon game users. Special Pokemon Go Crawler deals Lyft is offering a 20% off code to and from Dolores Park, StrEat Food Park, The Myriad, 18th and Mission and Harry Bridges Plaza. Simply use the code "SFOPOKEGO" to get a discounted ride from 5 p.m. - 2 p.m. If you want to be prepared on battery life throughout the night, Ravpower has a special deal for trainers to get $4 off one of their portable chargers, make sure to use the code"PokemonG" The Omni team will be in various locations on the suggested route giving away iTunes gift cards for all "Pokemon in-app purchases. Make sure to download the app and use the referral code "CATCHEMALL" to receive Pokecoins. The Omni ambassadors will be wearing all red Omni gear. A map has been posted to the Facebook event to guide Pokemon trainers on suggested routes to take during the nights activities. The SF Police department has tweeted an image of a few safety tips to use throughout the night to keep the event fun.[[387688811, C]] The creator of the event, Sara Witsch also asked all attendees to be respectful, Lets all be considerate to the city allowing us to wander through its streets looking for invisible creatures. All in all, have fun and catch em all! said Witsch on the Facebook event.[[387718231, C]] [[387718011, C]] The woman who was sexually assaulted by a former Stanford University swimmer last January fielded a barrage of personal questions in court that dissected much of her private life, according to newly released trial transcripts. Questions touched on her drinking and partying habits, height, weight, relationship status, and even what she ate the night of the attack, according to the documents, which shed light on the cross examination at the hands of prosecutor Alaleh Kianerci and Brocks attorney, Mike Armstrong. The victim, identified only as Jane Doe, described it as "traumatizing" in a letter that was read in court and quickly went viral. "Instead of taking time to heal, I was taking time to recall the night in excruciating detail, in order to prepare for the attorneys questions that would be invasive, aggressive, and designed to steer me off course, to contradict myself, my sister, phrased in ways to manipulate my answers," she wrote. " ... This was a game of strategy, as if I could be tricked out of my own worth." Santa Clara County Judge Aaron Persky in June sentenced Brock Turner, 20, to six months in jail after a jury convicted him of sexually assaulting the 23-year-old Palo Alto woman who had passed out outside a campus fraternity house. The six-month sentence led to the judge becoming the target of a recall effort amid a national outcry from many who viewed the jail term as too lenient. Persky also ordered Turner to register as a sex offender for life, attend drug and alcohol counseling, and to submit to random drug and alcohol tests. The documents released Tuesday are from a March 21, 2016, hearing, when Jane Doe gave a detailed account of the events she could remember from the night of January 17, 2015. "At the beginning of your testimony on Friday, you gave us your height and weight. Were those numbers that you gave us what your height and weight was on January 17th of 2015?" Armstrong said at the start of his cross-examination. "Estimating, yes," Jane Doe said. Armstrong pressed the issue, inquiring again if "nothing is radically different" with her body. "No," she answered. During the trial, Jane Doe, who was 22 years old at the time of the sexual assault and not a student of Stanford University, was asked about her education, employment, friends, familiarity with campus Greek life, and new, but "very stable and very exciting" relationship. She also revealed that her dinner the night of the ill-fated Kappa Alpha fraternity party consisted of "stir-fry and broccoli." Jane Doe also said she drank "four shots of whiskey and one glass of champagne" and "was starting to feel buzzed and more silly and loose, peaceful" by the time she reached the Jan. 17 party, where she recalled consuming a "free pour" of vodka as well as beer. In response to her testimony, Armstrong asked if she intentionally downed the red Solo cup of vodka. "You drank it all down at once, right?" he asked. "Yes," Jane Doe responded. "Like, chugged it," he continued. "And that was a decision you made, right?" Armstrong also harkened back to Jane Does time as a student, asking, "And you did a lot of partying in college, right?" Although Jane Doe defended herself by saying she would not call herself a "party animal," Armstrong said: "Well, you did tell the police when you were interviewed that you did a lot of partying there too, right?" "I'm a social person," she replied, admitting also that she had suffered from "blackouts" after imbibing too much alcohol in the past. In the emotional letter that was later read aloud in Congress, Jane Doe described being "pummeled with narrowed, pointed questions." She wrote: "The sexual assault had been so clear, but instead, here I was at the trial, answering question like: How old are you? How much do you weigh? What did you eat that day? Well what did you have for dinner? Who made dinner? Did you drink with dinner? No, not even water? When did you drink? How much did you drink?" In court, Jane Doe told Kianerci that she no recollection of events after about midnight on Jan. 18 and outlined her treatment at a hospital in San Jose later that morning. When she woke up, Jane Doe saw dried blood and bandages on her hands and elbows, but, when she was told she may have been sexually assaulted, her initial reaction was: "You have the wrong person. I thought they must be confused. I thought, 'I just want to find my sister and go home.'" A few minutes later, though, Jane Doe who underwent HIV testing and was given shots to protect her from sexually transmitted diseases realized hospital and law enforcement officials werent mistaken. " I went to pull down my underwear, and my underwear was gone. That is when it hit me that what the deputy had been talking about was real. And I was suddenly very scared," she said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A notorious flag-burner, who set an American flag on fire outside the Dallas Republican National Convention in 1984, was among several demonstrators arrested Wednesday in the most turbulent protest since the four-day event in Cleveland began. Joey Gregory Johnson was tackled by "several police officers" after successfully setting an American flag on fire, according to a statement from the Revolutionary Communist Party. "American lives are not more important than other people's lives, announced Johnson before burning the American flag. According to the political group of which Johnson is member Donald Trump's message of America first is "a fascist message of control over the people of the world, waging unending war to exploit people all over the planet." Johnson was charged and convicted with the desecration of a venerated object after the Dallas RNC incident. In Texas v. Johnson, the Supreme Court determined that Johnsons actions were symbolic speech protected by his First Amendment rights, invalidating prohibitions on desecrating the American flag. Video posted on social media appeared to show a law enforcement official spraying something into the surging crowd after skirmishes broke out over the flag-burning protest. Cleveland Chief of Police Calvin Williams told NBC News that no pepper spray was in Wednesday's demonstrations. The chaos prevented members of the media and others from getting into the arena for the evening's proceedings. Williams said 17 people were arrested, including two for felonies of assaulting an officer. Police said two officers were assaulted and suffered minor injuries. One officer was seen bleeding from his elbow. One man who was in handcuffs stood in the street with his shirt pulled above his shoulders. A woman in a torn shirt also was led away in handcuffs. Carl Dix, a representative of Revolutionary Communist Party, said the group organized the burning of the American flag as a "political statement about the crimes of the American empire. There's nothing great about America." The skirmish erupted just outside an entrance to the arena and near a row of popular restaurants where a couple of cable news networks had set up their operations for the convention. Officers, some wearing riot helmets, yelled at the crowd to move back as members of the flag-burning group locked arms amid chants of "It's time, it's time for a revolution." Pushing and shoving broke out, and police began pinning people to the ground. Police Chief Calvin Williams was among a dozen officers pushing people away. He later pulled aside a man with a bandanna over his face and told him he needed to check his backpack. Firefighters extinguished the flag and took it away. Earlier in the day, blocks away from the arena, a right-wing religious group lifted a banner reading "Jesus is angry with you sinners," while kissing lesbians mocked their message, helping turn Cleveland's Public Square into part-carnival, part-debate floor. The expansive square was a free-flowing mix of ideas and beliefs along with colorful characters pounding on bongos and wailing on a sousaphone. The day's demonstrations started with a few dozen people holding banners printed with a red-brick design and forming a human wall to mock Donald Trump's plan to seal off the Mexican border. "We want to wall off the hate of Trump," said Tim Chavez, of Columbus. A half-dozen Trump supporters defended the GOP nominee from attacks by immigration activists. Police officers used bicycles and their bodies to separate those with opposing views. Jesse Gonzalez, of Lakewood, a Cleveland suburb, carried a rifle on Public Square while wearing a camouflage-style "Make America Great Again" hat. "I'm out here to illustrate that not all gun owners, if any or very few, are irresponsible or uneducated," he said. The city's police chief said he spent three hours Tuesday evening riding with bicycle officers on patrol and that he waded into one confrontation because he's "still a police officer." Williams said he plans to show up wherever there are "issues" during the convention. As of Tuesday evening, police said five people had been arrested since the start of the convention. That includes one person accused of trying to steal a state trooper's gas mask and three people charged with climbing flagpoles at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and hanging an anti-Trump banner. A Donald Trump adviser and New Hampshire state lawmaker says he's standing by his controversial comments calling for Hillary Clinton to be shot by a firing squad for treason. State Rep. Al Baldasaro, who served as a Marine and advises the Republican presidential nominee on veterans' issues, said in an interview with NBC News Wednesday that he's standing by the comments he made earlier on the Jeff Kuhner Show on WRKO. He said the presumptive Democratic nominee's use of a private email server, for which Clinton won't face charges following an FBI investigation, should be considered treason. "As far as I'm concerned, the laws of the land on treason could be a firing squad if she's found guilty," Bladasaro said. "I stand by it because treason is treason. When you take information on a service, that's a non-classified server, classified info, and you've got names of American CIA, Secret Service, ambassadors or whatever and you're sharing that out there, you're giving the enemy information," he told NBC News. Asked to respond to Baldasaro's comments, Trump aide Hope Hicks told NBC News, "No, of course Mr. Trump does not feel this way." The U.S. Secret Service is aware of Baldasaro's comments, a representative said. Baldasaro also on Wednesday dismissed suggestions that his comments were too controversial, arguing that Republicans needed to be tougher critics of Clinton. "We have to stop being nice. We gotta start putting America first. We have to protect our country first no one is above the law," he said. Veterans groups are already calling for Trump to cut ties with Baldasaro. "There is no room in this debate for those calling for the murder of Hillary Clinton. If Trump cannot get a hold of his out-of-control mob that is growing increasingly unhinged, he should drop out," Jon Soltz, an Iraq War veteran and chairman of VoteVets.org, said in a statement. Donald Trump, Jr. took to the Republican National Convention stage Tuesday night and honed in on Hillary Clinton, calling out the Democratic contender for overreaching on gun rights and the Second Amendment. She says shed issue executive orders to take away Americans guns, he told the crowd in Cleveland. That claim is partly true. Clintons gun control platform says she wouldnt hesitate to use administrative action, but only if Congress fails to pass a law requiring background checks on all gun sales, private and registered. Just look at how effective those laws have been in inner city Chicago, a city with the toughest gun laws in our nation where 70 people were murdered last month alone, Donald Trump, Jr. continued. This statement is largely true. Gun violence is ravaging the streets of Chicago, and there were 70 homicides in June alone, according to the Chicago Tribune. It should be mentioned, however, that four of those deaths did not involve guns. Another focus of Tuesday night was the Constitution. House Speaker Paul Ryan accused President Obama of overstepping the law of the land. The result is a record of discarded promises, empty gestures, phony strawman arguments, reforms put off forever, shady power plays like the one that gave us Obamacare, and constitutional limits brushed off as nothing, he said in reference to the Obama administration. It turns out those concerns are the same ones Ryan expressed about his own partys nominee. In May, Ryan spoke to CNNs Jake Tapper about these concerns. Does he share our values and our principles on limited government, the proper role of the executive, adherence to the Constitution? he said of Trump. There are a lot of questions that conservatives, I think, are going to want answers to, myself included. In his speech last night, Ryan also blamed the president for dividing America by pitting groups against each other. Americans need to see beyond class and ethnicity, Ryan said. Perhaps the greatest criticisms against Donald Trump in his campaign for president are his inflammatory statements about Muslims and Mexicans. Donald Trump said he never asked John Kasich to be his running mate after the Trump team reportedly reached out to the Ohio governors staff with the job offer. According to a New York Times report, a Kasich senior adviser said it was Trumps eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who made the offer in May, a few weeks after Kasich suspended his campaign for the Republican nomination. But after arriving in Cleveland Wednesday afternoon, the elder Trump distanced himself from the report, tweeting: John Kasich was never asked by me to be V.P. Just arrived in Cleveland - will be a great two days!" John Kasich was never asked by me to be V.P. Just arrived in Cleveland - will be a great two days! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 20, 2016 The New York Times said Donald Jr. told the staffer that as the most powerful vice president in history, Kasich would be responsible for domestic and foreign policy, leaving Trump with the task of making America great again. Trump said he would consider the Ohio governor for the vice presidency on May 4, the same day Kasich dropped out of the race for the Republican nomination. Last week, Trump said it was Indiana Gov. Mike Pence that was his first choice, among a short-list that included former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. [NATL] Scenes From the GOP Convention in Cleveland With 18 electoral votes, Ohio has been carried by every winning presidential candidate since 1964, which makes Ohio a key battleground. That makes Kasichs support for the partys nominee even more important. Kasich is still refusing to endorse Trump. In an interview with NBC News Monday, he said Trump would "have to change everything that he says" for him to agree to speak at the convention. "We can't be attacking Muslims and Hispanics, and trying to shut down trade, and not caring about the debt," Kasich told NBC News' Lester Holt. "Those are all problems for me." Kasich said he didn't see eye-to-eye with the Republican Party's nominee. Las autoridades de Corpus Christi han implementado un refugio de mascotas desplazadas por Harvey. "I don't hold any personal animus towards Donald Trump," Kasich said. "We just are two companies that have different values, different directions, and different philosophies." Kasich arrived in Cleveland Tuesday and avoided the convention altogether. Instead, he headlined a state party reception at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, about a mile from the Quicken Loans Arena. "The message for me was never about rhetoric," Kasich told a crowd of about 2,000. "There's no way I would enter a race for president just to win an election." During a delegation breakfast Wednesday, House Speaker Paul Ryan urged Ohio delegates loyal to Kasich to put their support behind Trump. Kasichs refusal to back Trump and attend has angered top Trump staff and Republican faithful. "Ain't Your Mama" singer puts her abs on display "He is making a big mistake. He is looking at something that is not going to happen. He is hurting his state, Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort told MSNBCs Morning Joe Monday. He is embarrassing his state, frankly." Manafort continued to dig into Kasich Monday, telling Bloomberg News: Will John Kasich finally grow up? Maybe. If he does, we'll welcome him." The Associated Press contributed to this report. A member of the Illinois delegation at this weeks Republican National Convention had her credentials pulled Wednesday after allegedly posting racially charged comments to Facebook earlier this week. Lori Gayne admitted to party officials that she made the incendiary post during the convention using a different name, the Chicago Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet reported. The post has since been deleted. Our brave snipers just waiting for some n- to try something, Gayne posted to Facebook, using an abbreviation for the racial slur. "Love them." Gayne, who has been posting questionable comments for months under the Twitter handle "whitepride," was elected a Trump delegate in the March Illinois Republican primary. Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider condemned Gaynes comments after revoking her credentials Wednesday afternoon. She had the credentials to be a Trump delegate, Schneider told NBC Chicago. She came to the convention, then we saw that Facebook post. Its repugnant. Theres no place for that rhetoric or threat of violence in the Illinois Republican Party, Schneider added. According to the Sun-Times, Gayne issued an apology Wednesday, conceding that her statements were ignorant and intolerant, and they cannot be justified. The Illinois Republican Party is now facing questions about their vetting process, particularly why they didnt know about Gaynes Twitter account. Our staff didnt know who she was until she showed up here in Cleveland, Schneider said. Gayne did not respond to NBC Chicagos request for comment on this story. Attention now shifts to presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps keynote convention speech Thursday, where the billionaire is expected to accept his partys nomination. An Oscar-winning filmmaker has asked a judge to prevent the military from forcing him to turn over interviews with Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, adding Hollywood intrigue to the soldier's prosecution on desertion accusations. Attorneys for screenwriter Mark Boal filed a complaint Wednesday in a California federal court seeking to block a subpoena from North Carolina-based military prosecutors. The complaint says the prosecutors intend to issue their demand on Friday for 25 hours of audio recordings of Boal and Bergdahl. Boal won two Academy Awards in 2009 as producer and screenwriter for the Iraq war drama "The Hurt Locker." He interviewed Bergdahl starting in 2014 as research for a possible film project, and excerpts of their discussions formed the basis for the second season of the "Serial" podcast. Bergdahl faces charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy after walking off his post in Afghanistan in 2009 and winding up in enemy captivity for five years. The latter charge is relatively rare and carries a punishment of up to life in prison. Lawyers for Boal argue that the recordings are covered by a legal principle known as the reporter's privilege, a journalist's right to maintain the confidentiality of sources and other information. Boal is a longtime reporter who covered the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Boal's complaint says the interview recordings reference confidential sources and include other unpublished material that Boal may use in a future documentary, feature film or nonfiction book. "The Subpoena would invade Boal's right to gather and publish newsworthy material," the complaint states. A draft of the subpoena by Army Maj. Justin Oshana, a prosecutor on Bergdahl's case, demands the complete, unedited audio recordings of the conversations between Bergdahl and Boal. Failure to cooperate could lead to fines or imprisonment. Asked for comment on Boal's legal filing, Army spokesman Paul Boyce said the military is focused on ensuring "fairness and impartiality" in the high-profile case against Bergdahl. The disagreement over access to Boal's audio recordings represents the latest fight over information in the Bergdahl case. Bergdahl's defense attorneys recently won access to emails about the case sent and received by top Army commanders, and there have been disputes about access to classified documents. The trial is scheduled to begin in February 2017. Colby Vokey, an attorney for Boal and retired U.S. Marine Corps prosecutor, said military and law enforcement officials have already spent hundreds of hours doing their own interviews with Bergdahl after his release from captivity. The Obama administration was criticized by Republicans for swapping Guantanamo Bay detainees for Bergdahl. "They have had every opportunity in the world to ask this stuff and now they want confidential material that a reporter has gathered. It's ridiculous," he said. When the second season of "Serial" debuted in late 2015, excerpts of Boal's interviews gave the public its first glimpse of Bergdahl's reasoning for walking away from a remote observation post in Afghanistan. The soldier, who's from Hailey, Idaho, told Boal that he intended to create a crisis that would catch the attention of top commanders so that he could voice concerns about how leadership decisions were affecting him and his comrades. Firefighters were battling an extra-alarm fire in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood Wednesday. The blaze broke out in the 2000 block of West 21st Place late in the afternoon and was upgraded to a 3-alarm blaze just after 5 p.m. Fire officials called five ambulances to the scene, but no injuries were reported as of 5:15 p.m. At least 18 people were displaced in blaze. Check back for details on this developing story. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy bypassed security at a Connecticut airport while carrying his son's backpack in November, drawing objections from some airport officials, a newspaper reported Thursday. The events at Bradley International Airport on the day after Thanksgiving were reported by the Hartford Courant, which obtained airport security camera footage showing the Democratic governor carrying the backpack through a private corridor to a departure gate. Malloy and his wife, Cathy, were seeing their 23-year-old son, Samuel, off for a flight to Los Angeles after a holiday visit. While Samuel Malloy went through a federal security checkpoint, the governor is seen on video footage carrying his son's backpack on his shoulder while being escorted by his security detail through the nonpublic corridor. Malloy apologized in an interview with the Courant and said he and his family "were running a little behind" that day. "It was kind of an absent-minded mistake," Malloy said. "And I am sorry. You know, to cause anybody consternation is not what I was trying to do. I was just trying to see my son off with his mother." A spokesman for Gov. Malloy's office told NBC Connecticut the incident was a "mistake" and insisted "it has never happened before and will never happen again." "Mistakes happen. Thats what this was: a mistake," Devon Puglia said in a statement. "It was a momentary error that was a product of constant traveling to, from, and across the state, and a product of the Governors wanting to see his son off at the airport as a father. While this was a simple mistake borne out of a parent carrying luggage for his son, it should not have happened. The Courant also reported that it obtained emails written by at least one airport official to other airport officials that said what the governor did was "a violation" of security rules and "this Governor is not above any law." The Transportation Security Administration, which is in charge of airport security, found no violations during a review of the events and determined the backpack was not a threat, according to a TSA spokesman. Malloy said if he had to do it over, he would have his son take his backpack through security. For the past year, Malloy has made a push to increase tourism in the state and spend more money on transportation overall. In January, the governor and the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) debuted Bradley International Airport's first non-stop flight to Los Angeles. That same month, he proposed a 30-year $100 billion transportation overhaul to improve the state's roads, bridges and railroads. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is doubling down on his decision not to endorse Donald Trump. "Mr. Cruz came here to stick his finger in Donald Trump's eye, and he did it very effectively," said U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, a Dallas Republican, who was clearly frustrated Thursday morning. Cruz honored his commitment to speak to the Texas delegation Thursday, but it may not have been the reception he expected, after telling voters to vote their conscience and getting booed during his speech at the Republican National Convention the night before. After opening remarks, Cruz opened up the floor to questions from the Lone Star State delegates. Wichita Falls delegate Stephen Garner asked if Cruz would vote for Trump. Cruz did not say whether he would, only saying he would not vote for Hillary Clinton. Garner, a Cruz loyalist, was visibly shaken by the splintering of the Texas delegation. "We came in the room this morning wanting to be a united front, wanting to be the Texas that so many people look to, and the room was divided. You could see that there," said Garner. Many in attendance were unsettled, as some people sat and some stood. Some delegates held out hope Cruz would take this opportunity to get in line with the Republican Party. "We have delegates that are fighting and arguing with each other. This is not about delegates and Republicans fighting each other. We have a common goal, and that is to defeat Hillary and get Trump elected. This did not help," said Plano delegate Jody Rushton. But Cruz supporters said Thursday the Texas senator stayed true to his feelings, and didn't give into the heat to endorse. "I think he did the courageous thing. There are not many office holders in the country who would have stood on the stage, who would have taken the heat and answered the questions, and I am so proud of him," said delegate Sondra Ziegler. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) spoke to his supporters at a public event Wednesday in Cleveland before he is due to address the Republican National Convention in primetime. People close to Cruz said Cruz is unlikely to endorse Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, though it is not impossible. Some Cruz supporters waited more than two hours to get in to see the Texas senator on Wednesday morning. "I have to face a reality the party went a different way. I am here to say thank you," said Sheridan King, a supporter from Texas. Cruz never mentioned Trump in his speech. But there was a moment even the most skilled political adviser could not have scripted. Cruz said, "Our party has a nominee," and the crowd started booing. And at that exact moment, the Trump plane flew overhead. Cruz quickly got serious after that, but did not endorse Trump. "There is a lot of talk about unity. I want to see unity, and the way to see unity is to unite behind shared principles," said Cruz. The Texas delegation strongly backed Cruz in his race for president. "I believe that, yes, he should [endorse Trump] for one particular objective, and that is to beat Hillary," said Ken Cope, a delegate from Midlothian. Not all of Cruz's supporters are ready to support Trump, and some stayed home rather than travel to Cleveland. "Once it became clear that Sen. Cruz wasn't going to be the nominee and there wasn't going to be a floor fight, or at least it didn't look like there was going to be one, I decided to pass and let others take my place," said Texas Rep. Matt Krause, R-District 93. "It's a different convention. We haven't seen a lot of unity yet. I think by Thursday, hoping to see that unification," Krause said. NBC 5's Noelle Walker contributed to this report. Roger Ailes is out as chief executive at Fox News Channel, his career at the network he built from scratch and ran with an iron hand for nearly 20 years over with stunning swiftness following allegations that he forced out a former anchor after she spurned his sexual advances. Network parent 21st Century Fox said that Rupert Murdoch, the company's executive chairman, would run Fox News and its sister Fox Business Network, which Ailes had also led, until a successor could be found. Murdoch and 21st Century Fox did not address the widening scandal in the statement on the resignation but lauded Ailes for his contributions. Ailes did not comment in the statement, and no details were given on a settlement agreement. "I am personally committed to ensuring that Fox News remains a distinctive, powerful voice," Murdoch said. "Our nation needs a robust Fox News to resonate from every corner of the country." Cutting short a vacation, the 85-year-old Murdoch addressed Fox News employees in New York on Thursday. Details were not given on the settlement agreement for a contract that was supposed to run through 2018, but Ailes is expected to get a payment of at least $40 million. Ailes will have no formal role in the company, but is expected to serve as an informal adviser to Murdoch, said a person familiar with the agreement who spoke on condition of anonymity because it is a personnel matter. Fox is heading into a general election campaign in its customary spot at the top of the ratings, but without the man who sets its editorial tone every day. The announcement came on the day Donald Trump is to accept the GOP nomination for president, a speech likely to be watched by more people on Fox than any other network. The blustery, 76-year-old media executive built a network that both transformed the news business and changed the political conversation. Fox News Channel provided a television home to conservatives who had felt left out of the media, and played a part in advancing a rough-and-tumble style of politics that left many concerned that it was impossible to get things done in government. Ailes' downfall began with the July 6 filing of a lawsuit by Gretchen Carlson, who charged that he sabotaged her career because she refused his suggestions for sex and had complained about a pervasive atmosphere of sexual harassment at Fox. Ailes has denied the charges, but 21st Century Fox hired a law firm to investigate. In a statement, Carlson's attorneys credited Carlson's "extraordinary courage" with causing "a seismic shift in the media world." Several Fox employees jumped to Ailes' defense, but notably not Megyn Kelly, one of Fox's top personalities. In rapid succession, it was reported that Kelly was among other women who had told investigators about harassment again denied by Ailes and that corporate heads Rupert Murdoch and his sons, James and Lachlan, determined that Ailes had to go. The company has no plans to make results of its investigation public. Within two weeks of the court filing, Carlson's lawyers also said more than 20 women had contacted the firm with stories of alleged harassment by Ailes either against themselves or someone they knew. Two came forward publicly. Before the charges, Fox's sheer success had insulated Ailes despite some previous scrapes with the Murdoch sons over who he would report to. Fox News Channel is the parent company's single most important property, said Pivotal Research Group analyst Brian Wieser, with some estimates that it accounted for nearly a quarter of the company's profits. Ailes was a prominent Republican media consultant who later ran CNBC before Murdoch asked him to create a cable news network to compete with CNN at the same time MSNBC was starting. Ailes' slogans, "fair and balanced" and "we report, you decide," appealed to an audience that believed mainstream outlets didn't live up to those promises. "He was ahead of his time in recognizing that dividing, not uniting, an audience would be the key to commercial success in the 21st Century cable news business," said Matt Sienkiewicz, communications professor at Boston College. Ailes blew apart the notion that public affairs programming should target a broad audience with civil debates, he said. Ailes hired a combative broadcast journeyman in Bill O'Reilly and turned him into the star of an opinionated prime-time lineup. He directed news coverage and emphasized issues like the so-called "war on Christmas" or the Benghazi investigation that otherwise got little attention. Republican politicians considered Fox the first stop for reaching their intended audience, and they learned to talk tough. "We're not going to be defensive about anything," Ailes said at the network's launch. "It is always difficult to create a channel or a publication from the ground up and against seemingly entrenched monopolies," Murdoch said on Thursday. "(Ailes') grasp of policy and his ability to make profoundly important issues accessible to a broader audience stand in stark contrast to the self-serving elitism that characterizes far too much of the media." He was also a showman. Fox had flashier graphics, brighter colors and a vitality its staid rivals lacked. The daytime show "Outnumbered" is a classic Ailes concept: four women in dresses, their legs prominently displayed, debating issues with a single male panelist. In 2011, Ailes told The Associated Press that he hired Sarah Palin as an analyst a decision that later gave him headaches "because she was hot and got ratings." Ailes demanded and usually received loyalty from a team that knew there could be hell to pay otherwise. When Paula Zahn left Fox for a job at CNN, Ailes retaliated by saying that a dead raccoon could have done her show and gotten the same ratings. Critics scoffed at Ailes' promise that he'd lift Fox to first place. By 2002, he did, and Fox hasn't looked back. Ailes groomed no obvious successors, and has been so identified with the brand that many have a hard time envisioning the network without him. Will his successor lack Ailes' political instincts, or tone down aggressive opinion? That could make Fox more broadly palatable, but also risks alienating the audience that has grown to love Fox and made it such a success. Murdoch said Fox managers Bill Shine, Jay Wallace and Mark Kranz will assist him in day-to-day management of the network. Long-term, CBS News President David Rhodes is well-regarded and worked at Fox in the past. The Murdoch sons may also seek to make a statement by reaching outside the current Fox News culture. "Whoever invented the Coca-Cola formula has long since passed this Earth, but the brand keeps selling because people like the taste," said Mark Feldstein, a journalism professor at the University of Maryland. "I think that's how it's going to be with Roger Ailes. He invented this winning formula and all you have to do is not mess with it too much and it will continue to mint money for you." While ratings are soaring in an election year, a newly aggressive CNN is making inroads among younger viewers that advertisers seek. Fox faces the challenge of trying to inject youth into an audience that is among the oldest in television, and viewership is expected to inevitably fall without the excitement of a campaign. The network has also been remarkably stable, with personalities bonded from loyalty to Ailes. O'Reilly has recently mused about retirement, and he and Sean Hannity reportedly have contract provisions that would allow them to leave if Ailes does. Kelly's contract ends later this year and it would be a huge blow to the network if she left. AP Television Writers Frazier Moore in New York and Lynn Elber in Los Angeles and Business Writer Tali Arbel in New York contributed to this report. If you're a preservation-minded supporter of early Los Angeles abodes, especially those tied to monumental figures in our city's story (and, indeed, the world at large), you can get pretty chuffed when the word "demolished" is replaced with an interesting alternative. That's just what's happening with the Los Feliz bungalow that once belonged to the aunt and uncle of Walt Disney. Word that the 1914 house would be demolished spread through the conservation community in recent days, and talk of designating it an Historic Cultural Monument soon flowered, reports LA Magazine. The magazine also revealed that the house's new owners purchased it without knowing its Disney-important history, a history that involves a young Walter Elias Disney and his course-changing stay in LA nearly a century ago (July 1923, to be specific). Many an aspiring creative person lands on a relative's Southern California couch, and Mr. Disney did, too, long ago. This was the home that held that proverbial couch, and served as a work space for the animator, and Disney fans are eager to see it remain intact, as are preservation-minded advocates and Councilmember David Ryu, too, per the magazine. Will that mean an historic designation for the house? Or something more Disney-iconic than that: A full-on move? None other than those hardworking champions of local artifacts, the folks at the Valley Relics Museum, have stepped in to see about possibly transporting the solidly built building. "If the Valley Relics Museum, as a last resort, was willing to move and preserve the original Disney house, what would you say?" asked a Facebook post on the museum's page. "Disney-iconic," as a way to describe such a move, isn't too fanciful. Consider that a number of notable Disney-related pieces have made major moves over the years. For one? Ponder the nice fate of Walt's Barn, which once sat near his Holmby Hills house and now resides in Griffith Park. And think of the giant letters spelling "CALIFORNIA," the ones that used to stand before the entrance to Disney California Adventure and now live on at Sacramento's Cal Expo. And remember the Maleficent dragon head, the one retired from the Disneyland Main Street Electrical Light Parade, rolling down the Golden State Freeway back in 2012, on its way to an exhibit at the Reagan Library? Clearly moving major Disney artifacts around, from place to place, is part of the larger Disney magic. If that includes the first place the visionary stayed in LA, a sizable bungalow, well... clearly some waving of a wand, fairy godmother-style, will have worked for the fans who want to see the bungalow live on. Police have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with a series of sexual assaults on the Westside, officials said Wednesday. Pablo Carlos Pineda is believed responsible for four attacks that began earlier this year, including one in which he allegedly used a brick to beat a victim, Santa Monica Police Lt. Saul Rodriguez said. The sexual assaults took place in Santa Monica on Jan. 13 and Feb. 5, and in West Los Angeles on July 2. Pineda is also linked to a "violent attack" in Beverly Hills on April 5 in which a victim fought back, police said. An investigation involving the FBI and forensic evidence led authorities to Pineda, police said. He was arrested Tuesday in the MacArthur Park area of Los Angeles. Pineda faces charges, including forcible rape and assault by means producing great bodily injury, for the Santa Monica assaults, Rodriguez said, with more possible charges for the other attacks. Pineda was being held on $385,000 bail. Police continued their search for another man who sexually assaulted a woman in West Los Angeles on July 4. Investigators believed he was responsible for the July 2 attack, but later linked Pineda to the crime. More than 7,000 handguns, rifles and other weapons were destroyed Thursday as part of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's 23rd annual Gun Melt event, authorities said. The sheriff's department and other police agencies confiscated 7,044 firearms that will be melted and recycled into steel rebar for use in constructing freeways, bridges, roads and buildings across California, authorities said. Sheriff Jim McDonnell joined other law enforcement officials at the annual event Thursday morning at the Gerdau Steel Mill in Rancho Cucamonga, where more than 180,000 firearms have been destroyed over the past 23 years. This year's event marked the largest gun melt since the program's inception more than two decades ago, according to authorities. The weapons include handguns, rifles and automatic weapons collected in criminal investigations, probation seizures and guns turned in by citizens at collection events. Thursday's gun melt came less than a month after Gerdau recycled another 2,100 pounds of confiscated guns from the Hemet Police Department. Last year, Gerdau held 40 gun melts with law enforcement agencies in Southern California and melted approximately 20,000 weapons and other confiscated items, according to authorities. A sickly, emaciated puppy was so excited to receive attention when animal control officers came to rescue him that he collapsed from exertion as he furiously wagged his tail, according to his rescuers in New Jersey. The officers in Paterson were responding to a report of a starved puppy being kept outside in the heat with no food or water, according to animal rescue group Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge. The puppy "collapsed from the exertion and excitement of greeting a visitor, having been alone for days," the rescue group said in a fundraising page set up for the pup. One of the officers took him off his chain and brought him into the home, where he staggered over to the toilet and lapped up all the water before she could stop him, all the time wagging his tail and falling over. "The puppy's tail never stopped wagging -- he was so excited to finally have human contact and kind touch," the rescue group said. The owners admitted to animal control officers the pup hadn't eaten in days. The puppy was taken to Oradell Animal Hospital, where rescue group workers met the animal control officers. "When they arrived and unwrapped him, he began wiggling again," the rescue group said. "He was so happy, his tail wagging furiously -- all the while, the rescuers were in tears as he tipped over and over again from weakness, his skin flaked to the floor and his little heartbeat seemed to shine right through his paper-thin skin." The puppy -- named Pax by his rescuers, because he seemed to have finally found his peace -- is receiving IV treatment in the hospital for the next several days until he is stabilized. "We can't wait to give him all of the attention, love and care that he has so desperately been craving," said the rescue group. A GoFundMe page set up for the puppy had raised over $5,000 by Thursday afternoon. It's not clear if the owners of the dog are facing charges. A message was left with Paterson police. Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is standing by his friend and mentor who pleaded guilty to a bribery scheme involving the powerful transportation agency Christie appointed him to lead. Christie said Wednesday that David Samson, who acknowledged using his position to pressure United Airlines to reinstate a flight that benefited him, is an "extraordinary person" and is "my friend and always will be." Christie made his remarks in Cleveland, where he's supporting presidential nominee Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention. Samson is a former New Jersey attorney general who headed Christie's transition team. Christie appointed him chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which runs area bridges, tunnels and transit hubs, in 2011. Samson admitted last week that he pressured United to reinstate a weekend flight between Newark, New Jersey, and South Carolina, near his second home. His sentencing is scheduled for October. The Chicago-based airline, a division of United Continental Holdings Inc., ended the money-losing flight shortly after Samson resigned in early 2014. Christie told reporters on Wednesday that Samson "obviously had a lapse in judgment." "I've made mistakes in my life, and I'm sure that everyone standing in this group has made mistakes in theirs, and I would hope that we don't judge the totality of somebody's life in one lapse of judgment," he said. His comments came hours after his impassioned speech Tuesday night, when he denounced presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton for matters including a federal investigation into her use of a private email server while she was U.S. secretary of state. Christie on Wednesday also defended former United lobbyist Jamie Fox, whom he named the state's transportation commissioner in 2014. Fox was charged by federal prosecutors last week with conspiracy to commit bribery and has vowed to fight the charge. Christie called Fox "a very worthwhile and worthy public servant" who "has been convicted of absolutely nothing." United agreed to pay a $2.25 million penalty for its role in the scheme. Samson was head of the Port Authority in the fall of 2013, when access lanes to the George Washington Bridge were closed without warning, causing massive traffic jams in Fort Lee, New Jersey. A federal indictment unsealed last year alleged Christie's former deputy chief of staff and another Christie appointee to the Port Authority orchestrated the gridlock to punish the town's Democratic mayor for not endorsing Christie. They're scheduled for trial in November. A second Christie associate at the Port Authority has pleaded guilty. Neither Samson nor Christie was charged in that case. Hospitals and medical centers in four border regions including San Diego are being warned U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents have no authority to compel staff to perform body cavity searches on detainees. The American Civil Liberties Union has sent letters to hospitals following a $475,000 settlement for a New Mexico woman who accused agents of forcing her to undergo body cavity probes and then was charged for the exam. The woman, a 54-year-old U.S. citizen, was "brutally" searched by agents in December 2012 after a drug-sniffing dog jumped on her at an El Paso checkpoint, according to a 2013 lawsuit. The woman, who was not named, was returning from a visit with a recently deported family friend in Cuidad Juarez, Mexico. Agents strip-searched her and did cavity searches but found no evidence of drugs, court documents said. The woman was transported in handcuffs to the University Medical Center of El Paso, where she was subjected to an observed bowel movement, a CT scan as well as rectal and vaginal exams without a warrant, the lawsuit said. No drugs were found on the woman despite six hours of intrusive searches, the ACLU said. Among the recommendations suggested to hospitals in the region, that no CBP employee "compel, cajole, or otherwise pressure" detainees into having any exams or tests done. Medical staff should demand to see a warrant, the letter states. In the El Paso case, the hospital charged the woman $5,000 for the tests, her attorney said. University Medical Center settled with the woman for $1.1 million in 2014. The four ACLU affiliates at the U.S.-Mexico border sent letters Thursday to 40 health care providers that cover 110 facilities detailing the rights and responsibilities of hospital personnel when confronted by federal agents who request body cavity searches. See an example of the letter here. Local facilities named by the ACLU include four UC San Diego Health Scripps Health facilities, four Sharp HealthCare centers, Kaiser Permanentes Zion Medical Center, two Palomar Health centers, Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside and Paradise Valley Hospital in National City. CBP officers are expected to "conduct their duties in a professional manner and to treat each traveler with dignity and respect," according to the agency's website. The website says agents "use diverse factors to refer individuals for targeted examinations." Customs and Border Protection officials were looking over the settlement agreement, spokesman Carlos Diaz said. "While we are pleased to have obtained justice for our client, this is really a victory for residents of border communities, who shouldn't have to fear interactions with the thousands of border agents in their midst," said Rebecca Robertson, ACLU of Texas legal and policy director. The settlement in the case, which drew national attention three years ago, also will require new training for hundreds of customs officers, American Civil Liberties Union affiliates in Texas and New Mexico said. A San Diego man suspected in the mysterious slayings of two brothers and a young woman which began with a shooting on Christmas Eve 2013 in the parking lot of a mall will stand trial next year, a judge ruled Tuesday. The trial of Carlo Mercado, 31, is set to begin April 3, 2017. Mercado is accused of killing brothers Salvatore Sal Belvedere, 22, and Gianni Belvedere, 24, and Giannis fiancee, Ilona Flint, 22. In February 2016, he pleaded not guilty to the murders. At that time, San Diego County Deputy District Attorney Brian Erickson said the District Attorneys office would seek the death penalty if Mercados trial moved forward and if he is convicted. Over the past two-and-a-half years the triple homicide case has seen many twists and turns. Prosecutors have said it does not appear Mercado was in way connected to the victims and that the killings are believed to have been random, or perhaps the result of some type of road rage incident. The killings do not appear to have been a hit, as has been speculated, prosecutors said in February. Still, the motive for the slayings remains shrouded in mystery. Several months ago, Mercados defense attorney Gary Gibson said he was disappointed with the DAs decision to pursue the death penalty in this case given Mercados history of mental illness. Gibson said his client is a deeply damaged individual with significant mental health issues. However, Erickson argued Mercados mental state is directly linked to the case, which includes depression based on his situation. Gibson said the case will be difficult to prove at trial because prosecutors are struggling to pin down a motive. On Dec. 24, 2013 Flint and Sal were found critically shot inside their car parked outside a Macys department store at Westfield Mission Valley mall in San Diegos Mission Valley area. Flint, who called 911 to report the shooting and their location, died at the scene. Sal was hospitalized and died a few days later. Flints fiance and Sals brother, Gianni, went missing around the same time of the Christmas Eve killings. On Jan. 17, 2014 police found Giannis badly decomposed body stuffed into the trunk of his own car parked at a shopping center in Riverside, California, more than 100 miles away from San Diego. He, too, had been shot to death. For six months, police reported no breaks in the baffling triple homicide case. On June 20, 2014 the San Diego Police Department confirmed officers had arrested Mercado as the suspect in the three slayings. Mercado pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder. At a pretrial in early September 2014, DNA evidence emerged linking Mercado to Giannis car and the bloody Riverside crime scene, while ballistics evidence linked a gun registered in Mercados name to the deadly shootings of Flint, Sal and Gianni. Prosecutors also presented evidence found on Mercado's phone and computers. Also in early September 2014, search warrants obtained by NBC 7 revealed the exhaustive investigation into the triple homicide case, but no clear motive for the killings. In December 2014 the families of the three victims filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Westfield, LLC, accusing the Mission Valley mall of negligence in the deaths of Flint and the Belvedere brothers, claiming the mall failed to provide sufficient lighting and monitoring security cameras in the area to keep patrons safe. That lawsuit also listed Mercado as a defendant, accusing him of malice and oppression in the killings. On Nov. 3, 2014 a San Diego judge ruled Mercado was not competent to stand trial in the triple killings, and ordered he be treated at Patton State Hospital for three years until he was found competent to assist in his own defense. That ruling came after reports submitted by two psychiatrists and one psychologist diagnosed Mercado as schizophrenic, psychotic and suffering from catatonic depression, Mercados attorney said at the time. In September 2015, Mercado was returned to San Diego Central Jail after evaluators from Patton State Hospital found him competent to stand trial. The defense then requested a competency trial for Mercado. On Dec. 14, 2015 a judge ruled Mercado was competent to stand trial. Prior to his trial, Mercado is scheduled to appear in court this October for a status conference, a judge said Tuesday. A 22-year-old man was punched, kicked and stabbed four times Monday evening in the parking lot of a public library in Linda Vista, the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) confirmed. According to investigators, the victim was walking with a friend in the 2100 block of Ulric Street near Linda Vista Library just after 6 p.m. when they were approached by three men. Police said the men and the victim began arguing and the confrontation turned violent. The victim was beaten and stabbed several times. His friend was not injured in the attack. The suspects then got into a green- four-door Honda Accord with chrome rims and fled the scene in a northbound direction. The description of the suspects is limited but police said two of the men were described as bald. One was wearing a tank top and shorts while the other wore a white T-shirt and shorts. The investigation is ongoing, with police trying to determine if the incident is gang-related. More victims have come forward in a series of attacks on homeless in San Diego, San Diego police said. The attacks have left three men dead and two critically injured. Homicide Captain Dave Nisleit said police are investigating reports from more victims who have come forward this week reporting Guerrero attacked them. He did not say how many victims, but said it could take days or weeks before any additional charges are filed. Jon David Guerrero, 39, of San Diego, is charged with three counts of first degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. He is also facing a special circumstance that more than one murder was committed in a series, a charge that could carry the death penalty. He has not entered a plea to charges. At a very brief court proceeding Wednesday, Guerrero's public defender asked for a two-week continuance to the arraignment, saying he was not ready to proceed. The killing spree has put San Diego residents on high alert, since the deadly series of attacks began June 3, as Guerrero was accused of targeting his vulnerable victims as they slept. Wednesday, a man told NBC 7 San Diego he is positive Guerrero attacked him in Hillcrest Canyon on July 7. Phillip Petrina says the man broke his hand, his eye socket, and did severe damage to the back of his skull. "The sun was rising and I just crashed hard," Petrina said. "The next thing I know this dude is standing over me, smashes a rock right on my hand. With every action, there's a reaction, I just got up and started socking him." Petrina says he managed to crawl his way up the ravine to a sidewalk where he was discovered by someone going to work. He said he was dipping in and out of consciousness but heard and saw paramedics looking down the street pointing and saying they thought they saw Petrina's assailant. "You don't forget something like that," Petrina said. "When you're in adrenaline-style survival mode with someone throwing rocks on you while you sleep." The dramatic homicide investigation into the series of killings began July 3, when police found the badly burned body of 53-year-old Angelo de Nardo near train tracks in Bay Ho. Investigators say they believe the homeless man died before he was set on fire. Police released surveillance video of a man seen in a convenience store buying gasoline and a gas can minutes before De Nardo's body was discovered. The man wore a distinctive green Mao-style hat, like the one Guerrero was wearing at his arrest. On July 4, two homeless men were discovered attacked within an hour of each other in Bay Ho and Ocean Beach in the early hours of morning around 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. They both suffered severe trauma to the upper body. 61-year-old Manuel Mason remains in critical condition. 41-year-old Shawn Longley died from the vicious assault. Deputy District Attorney Makenzie Harvey said Tuesday at Guerrero's scheduled arraignment that Mason had made modest improvements and will be able to testify. On July 6, 23-year-old Derek Vahidy was found attacked and lit on fire in Pantoja Park near State and G Streets. He later died in the hospital. A witness told NBC7 he heard a series of four or five loud bangs before seeing a man run up and spray something on Vahidy then light him on fire. "I can't get it out of my mind seeing that guy put the other guy on fire. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it," said the witness who lives nearby the spot where Vahidy was killed. The witness said a Good Samaritan rushed in to remove the burning towel from Vahidy's head as he lay moaning in pain. The Good Samaritan told NBC7 what the killer did to Vahidy was "seriously [expletive] up" and described it as "more violent than Bagdad." The day Petrina gave for his attack was one day after Vahidy was found fatally injured, July 7. No other attacks on the homeless possibly connected to the series were reported that day. How long should your furniture last? In the case of Della and Joseph Scata, they expected their new recliner to last at least ten years. They even bought an additional insurance plan to make sure it would last that long. After two years though, it started coming apart. The Scatas bought a bonded leather chair from Jeromes Furniture in San Marcos. At the time of the sale, they paid extra for a furniture insurance plan offered through a company named Guardsman. When the leather began to peel, Joseph thought he was covered. The store told me to call the insurance company, Joseph said. I called and got a letter back that it [recliner] wasnt covered. What insurance did I buy, I dont know! The Scata's asked Guardsman, the insurance provider, to fix it but the company said it was not covered in their furniture insurance policy. The policy states 'cracking and peeling of leather' are excluded from the protection plan. Fearing the worst, the Scatas reached out to NBC 7 Responds to see if there was a resolution. Although the recliner was not covered by Guardsman, Jeromes Furniture issued the Scatas a full refund of $553.97 and donated $300 of Jeromes Furniture credit to a non-profit of the couples choice. The Scatas chose the Alpha Project out of Vista, a group that focuses on helping the homeless. For the full story of the Scatas watch the video above. When you purchase a piece of furniture or appliance that comes with insurance or a warranty plan, always know whats covered prior to paying extra. Do your research and make sure to ask whether or not the furniture or appliance youre buying already comes with a manufacturer warranty. In some cases, the manufacturers warranty may cover the major items you fear might happen to your product. The Federal Trade Commission offers these tips and questions to consider when debating whether or not to pay extra for a warranty: How long does the warranty last? Who do you contact to get warranty service? What will the company do if the product fails? What parts and repair problems are covered? Does the warranty cover "consequential damages?" Are there any conditions or limitations on the warranty? To read more about what the Federal Trade Commission says about warranties, click here Bonded leather furniture has been under the microscope of consumer affairs organizations because the type of leather has both pros and cons associated with it, they say. When shopping for your next piece of furniture, remember to ask whether or not its made of bonded or genuine leather. Genuine leather is made from entire hides from an animal whereas bonded leather is not. Its made up of pieces of skins that are combined together to make a leather-like material. In a majority of cases the choice between genuine or bonded leather comes down to price. Bonded leather is usually more affordable than genuine leather. The Leather Industries of America trade group has accused some retailers of misleading consumers by not disclosing what makes up bonded leather. The trade group also says most bonded leather comes from China and is subject to few U.S. rules. It recommends that if youre looking at buying a piece of bonded leather furniture, figure out what the percentage of leather vs non-leather substances used to make it. According to federal guidelines, bonded leather products must disclose the percentage and often do with a label stamped or attached to the product. There is no minimum amount of leather required but some industry experts say bonded leather should have somewhere between 15-20% genuine leather scraps. A 51-year-old San Diego man has died of complications from chickenpox, San Diego County health officials reported on Wednesday. The man died July 15. He had underlying medical conditions and became sick after being exposed to a person with shingles, which health officials say is caused by the same virus that can lead to chickenpox. Shingles is a painful rash that can emerge in people who have had chickenpox. The last reported death of chickenpox in San Diego came in 2012, when an out-of-town child died in a hospital of the disease, health officials said. Dr. Wilma Wooten, San Diego's county public health officer, recommends that all children get two doses of the chickenpox vaccine and adults over 60 get the shingles vaccine. For information on chickenpox, shingles and immunizations, you can call the San Diego Health and Human Services Agency at 866-358-2966 or go here. A shooting in San Diego's East County was sparked by road rage, according to San Diego County Sheriff's Deputies. Shots were fired from one vehicle to another near Jamacha Road and Hilton Head Place at 2:20 a.m., according to a 911 call. Deputies arrived soon after and found a victim. However, the suspects had fled the area. Witnesses described the suspect vehicle as either a white SUV and or a black sedan, deputies said. There were no injuries reported in this incident and the investigation is continuing. Undercutting calls for Republican unity, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz stubbornly refused to endorse Donald Trump Wednesday night as he addressed the GOP convention, igniting thunderous boos from furious delegates as he encouraged Americans to simply "vote your conscience" in November. In a surreal moment, Trump unexpectedly walked into the arena just as Cruz was wrapping up his remarks. Delegates chanted Trump's name and implored Cruz to voice his support for the businessman, to no avail. "Vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution," Cruz said. While he backed some of Trump's policy proposals, including building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, he mentioned the GOP nominee by name only once. Cruz's defiance ripped open party divisions anew, on the summer's biggest political stage. Trump allies were infuriated, including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who said Cruz's decision was "totally selfish." The remarkable moment upended what was shaping up to be the convention's most successful night, and overshadowed Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's national convention debut as Trump's running mate. "You have nominated a man for president who never quits," Pence said. "Until now, he's had to do it all by himself against all odds, but this week, with this united party, he's got backup." Trump joined Pence on stage, applauding his new political partner and humorously leaning in to nearly give him a kiss on the cheek. The campaign had hoped Pence's address would quiet Republican doubts about Trump. Unlike the celebrity businessman, Pence is an experienced politician, favorite of conservatives and ally of party leaders. But Cruz's appearance left the arena unsettled for the night's closing speakers. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich tried to quiet the anger as he took the stage, going off script to try to explain away the senator's lack of support for the nominee. "Ted Cruz said you can vote your conscience for anyone who will uphold the Constitution," he said. "In this election there is only one candidate who will uphold the Constitution." Cruz told Trump in a phone conversation two days ago that he would not endorse him during his speech, according to Cruz aide Jason Johnson. Still, Trump's campaign invited Cruz to speak in a headliner role, no less. That decision was sure to spark a new round of second guessing about the campaign's management of the convention and preparedness for a bruising general election against Democrat Hillary Clinton. In a late night tweet, Trump said he had seen Cruz's speech two hours before he took the stage but let him speak anyway. "No big deal!" Trump wrote Clinton's campaign, seeking to take advantage of the GOP divisions, echoed Cruz on Twitter, writing, "Vote your conscience" and linking to her website. Trump did get a boost from Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, one of the 16 Republicans whose White House dreams were vanquished during the primary. Still, Walker suggested he was driven as much by a desire to keep Clinton out of the White House as admiration for his party's nominee. "Let me be clear: a vote for anyone other than Donald Trump in November is a vote for Hillary Clinton," Walker said. After two nights of mostly low-energy speeches, the crowd packed into the arena was noticeably more energetic Wednesday night, dancing in the aisles and waving signs reading, "America Deserves Better Than Hillary." Lynne Patton, a longtime Trump employee, spoke movingly about the businessman's strong family. Patton, who is black, said she was proud to support Trump "not just in spite of the color of my skin, but in fact because of the color of my skin." Trump's campaign had hoped that by the convention's end, voters would look past the gathering's rough start, including the plagiarism charge involving Melania Trump's opening address. After 36 hours of denials, the campaign moved to put the matter to rest Wednesday, releasing a statement from a speechwriter who took blame for including lines from a Michelle Obama speech in the remarks. Trump and Cruz have had a complicated relationship throughout the presidential campaign. Cruz first allied himself with the businessman, banking that Trump's campaign would collapse and he would be able to scoop up his supporters. But as Trump rattled off primary wins, tensions rose between the candidates. Trump sparked rumors about Cruz's wife and father. Cruz criticized Trump as a "pathological liar" and "utterly amoral." Trump began calling Cruz "Lyin' Ted" at every opportunity. Cruz arrived in Cleveland with an eye on his own political future, holding a rally with hundreds of supporters who greeted him with chants of "2020" suggesting his backers have no interest in seeing Trump become a two-term president. In his convention address, Cruz spoke at length about the recent stretch of violence across the country. He urged Americans to fight for the families of five police officers killed in Dallas, as well as the family of Alton Sterling, a black man killed by police in Louisiana. Republicans kept up their harsh attacks on Clinton, painting an apocalyptic vision of America if she should win and aggressively challenged her character. While Clinton has been a target of GOP ire for decades, the harshness of the attacks has been striking. For a third straight night, the crowd repeatedly chanted, "Lock her up." Though anti-Clinton sentiment is an easy way to bring Republicans together, the negativity crossed the line for some in the party. "Certainly races can be won based on focusing on the opponent," said Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee. "But I think we're at a place in our country's evolution where it's particularly important now, with all that's happened and the concerns that people have, for a positive vision to be laid out." Trump's family also kept up their efforts to rebrand the brash candidate as a warm husband and father. Eric Trump, the candidate's 32-year-old son, took the stage near the evening's end, praising his father as other family members had earlier in the week. "Vote for the one candidate who does not need this job," he said. AP writers Jonathan Lemire, Kathleen Hennessey and Steve Peoples in Cleveland, Barbara Rodriguez in Des Moines, Iowa, John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas, and Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report. A dog from the Alexandria Police Department will be getting body armor thanks to a charity donation. Czekaj (pronounced Check-aye), a six-year-old K9, will be receiving a ballistic and stab-protective vest. He's been helping Alexandria Police for the past four years. "Dogs are in just as must danger as the officers," Alexandria Police spokeswoman Crystal Nosal said. "It's important that they're safe too." Costs for dogs' protective vests can be as high as $800. The donation for Czekaj's vest came from Vested Interest in K9s, a charity devoted to providing protective vests to dogs in law enforcement. The vest is sponsored by the Alexandria Police Foundation and Pamela Verick of Alexandria. Czekaj's vest will be embroidered with the phrase "In honor of the Alexandria Police Citizens Academy." He will be the Alexandria Police Department's sixth dog to receive a vest -- K9s Change, Gage, XigXag, Trajan and Zara received vests in February. With the extreme heat of summer, armor for a dog can sometimes be dangerous. In Arlington, Texas, a dog recently died after becoming overheated while wearing a protective vest. However, Alexandria Police said they are prepared to handle possible problems. "Handlers are always with the dogs and all of the cars always have A/C," Nosal said. "We're prepared to deal with any issues." A kayaker born and raised in Maryland will compete in the Olympics this summer. Ashley Nee, 28, now lives in Bethesda but grew up near the Potomac River. She said that as a child she was afraid of kayaking. After being forced into it by a friend, she discovered a dream. Slowly I worked my way up, Nee said, And Ive been out here every weekend and several times a week. She also found a community of kayakers, which became a motivation for her to realize her goal of competing at the Olympics, she said. It was a heated battle in Charlotte and Oklahoma, but I gave it my all, and I fought for every stroke, she said, I just couldnt be more excited. Nee qualified for the Beijing Olympics in 2008, but was unable to attend after sustaining a dislocated shoulder. After years of grueling training, Nee has qualified for the Olympics. In a few weeks, she will head to Rio de Janeiro, where she will continue to fight to bring home the gold. The road worker who was struck along the Baltimore-Washington Parkway earlier this week has died, police say. Joseph Benjamin Edmonds, 72, was using a lawn tractor Tuesday afternoon when he was hit by a car near Route 410 in Riverdale, Maryland, U.S. Park Police said Thursday. Edmonds was rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died. Edmonds, of Annandale, Virginia, was an employee of Davey Commercial Landscape Service, a contractor for the National Park Service, police said. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, police said Thursday. Officials confirm a Cambridge, Massachusetts, police officer is on unpaid administrative leave after being arrested on a disorderly conduct charge in Revere more than a week ago. Cambridge police confirm Officer Jonathan Vicente, 25, was arrested by Revere police on July 10 for disorderly conduct outside the Volare Restaurant on Broadway. Vicente was allegedly involved in an assault where he held the victim as another suspect kicked and punched the victim's face, according to the Revere police report. When police confronted Vincente, he was reportedly intoxicated and injured. He was arraigned on one count of disorderly conduct and released the next day. In a statement, Cambridge police said, "In the interim, Vincente has been placed on unpaid administrative leave from the Cambridge Police department, where he has served as a patrol officer since 2015." The Cambridge police commissioner said the department was cooperating with Revere police in their investigation, and are taking the allegations seriously. The victim in the case did identify Vincente as the person holding him down, but so far no charges have been filed. The assault is still under investigation. Democratic Attorney General Maura Healey is warning gun dealers and manufacturers in Massachusetts against selling banned assault weapons, including what she described as copycat weapons. Healey said Wednesday her office is stepping up enforcement of the state's assault weapons ban in the wake of the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, last month. Healey says the enforcement notice sent to gun sellers and manufacturers clarifies what constitutes a "copy" or "duplicate" weapon under the state's assault weapons ban, including copies of the Colt AR-15 and the Kalashnikov AK-47. Despite the law, Healey says an estimated 10,000 copycat assault weapons were sold in Massachusetts last year. Healey says the gun industry has openly defied the law and her office has a moral and legal responsibility to enforce it. A 26-year-old man has been arrested Monday in connection with an armed breaking in a home in Arlington, Massachusetts, police said. Joseph Dealmeida of Arlington is charged with armed assault, breaking and entering, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Police responded to a call at 11:52 a.m. that a woman is being assaulted by a man with a knife. A witness who was nearby restrained Dealmeida before police arrived. The victim was not injured. It may seem like an unlikely place for it, but amidst all the political theater, love is in the air at the Republican National Convention. Chris Sheldon is a Massachusetts delegate and his now-fiancee, Lacey McGreevy, is with the Rhode Island delegation. The two Donald Trump supporters originally met when they were running for delegate and immediately felt a connection. So, Chris decided the RNC was the perfect place to pop the question. The last couple months have gone great for us, and I thought it made a lot of sense for us to get engaged at the convention, Sheldon said. It sounds so dumb, so cliche, but when you know, you know. And Ive heard it from people all the time. Its just, I know, McGreevy said. "I literally knew from the first second I kissed him. I was like, Im going to be with him for the rest of my life. Sheldon had originally planned to propose to McGreevy Thursday night, but she discovered the ring inside a FedEx box on Tuesday. The two went to a benefit concert with Big & Rich that same day, where the country music duo serenaded them with one of their hit songs. The couple is planning for a fall wedding. A New Hampshire police chief is looking to identify women who were secretly recorded changing clothes in a Target Corp. store dressing room in Bedford. Zachery Bishop, of Raymond, was arrested last month and charged with violation of privacy. Police said he was accused of recording juvenile girls in the store dressing room. On Wednesday, Bedford Police Chief John Bryfonski put out a news release asking female shoppers to come forward if they used the dressing room on June 13 from 11 a.m. ro 12 p.m. and June 22 from 8 to 9 p.m. The 22-year-old Bishop, who is out on bail, is scheduled for trial on Aug. 9. A message seeking comment was left with his attorney. In the light of recent terrorist atrocities, regular columnist Philip Young believes that all human beings have a choice whether to use our lives to bless or to curse others. All our actions have consequences. If you choose to make your actions a curse then you can be sure that the curse will have dramatic repercussions on the world around you. As we reflect on the horrific event in Nice where Mohamed Lahouaief-Bouhlel used a lorry as a weapon to target so many innocent people, then we can see how much devastation just one person can cause. His actions have brought a curse on many families and changed their lives forever. We offer them our love and compassion and find it difficult to imagine just how much they are suffering. Bereavement for some and coming to terms with ghastly injuries for others. The consequences are many and long term. It has left France in mourning and reeling from a third terrorist attack, and the rest of the whole world feeling a lot less safe. Add to this event some of the other terrible events of the last few weeks and we are all left feeling shocked and wary as to who or what might be next. Bombings in Baghdad, war in Syria, racial tension in the USA and incidents in our own country, the murder of Jo Cox MP, and the unrest in Turkey - the list could go on. All these events are bringing a curse on people. They are all instances of people using their free will to curse others. How do we respond? Well we have the wonderful example of Brendan Cox after the murder of his wife. He said, I and Jos friends are going to work every moment of our lives to love and nurture our kids and to fight against the hate that killed Jo. He has chosen to bless rather than curse. Jesus too wants us to choose the way of blessing. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God he says in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5.9). In the same sermon he also says, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5.44) I believe this teaching of Jesus to be central to all that he was about, but I also believe that more of us need to urgently ask ourselves, Are we following Jesus in this his central teaching? It is so much easier to curse those who are a curse to us, but this never will change anything. The vicious circle of cursing one another will just spiral out of control. Look at the world around you and you will see that violence is giving birth to more violence and we are in danger of losing control. As a matter of urgency we have to find a better way than fighting violence with yet more violence, otherwise it will just keep on getting worse. You only have to look at the consequences of going to war in Iraq to see that by entering into an unnecessary war we have created a much more unstable Iraq where violence has become the norm. It is time to seek a better way. Jesus has provided a way out of hell on earth, which is to love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you. Never underestimate the power of love and blessing. It is more powerful than bombs and violence, which are impotent when it comes to changing anything into a better situation. Lets just think this through a little bit, as at first it sounds too simple to be true! Imagine you are in Iraq or Syria and a bomb has just blown up your wife and children. This is a curse and there can be no other word for it. It has ruined your life. The buildings around you are in ruins and the people you love and care for are dead. You feel angry and are left with thoughts of revenge churning around in your heart. How is this going to help things change for the better? Imagine a different world. You have no electricity or running water in your house and along comes someone to help you and your community to connect up. It could be a government official or it could be a foreign government or agency like Water Aid. Your life is radically changed for the better. You feel blessed and you feel like dancing and singing. You want others to have the same as you and so you offer to work for the water company. We must not delude ourselves. We can make a choice to follow the way of love or the way of hate. Dropping bombs and defending ourselves with nuclear weapons is a choice we make as a country and as a world. Dont blame the politicians or leave it to them to make these decisions on your behalf. Challenge the politicians to act out of love and not out of fear and hate. You can choose to bless and not to curse in all the decisions of your life. To choose a way that is a positive reinforcing circle of love and creativity. The exact opposite of a vicious circle of fear, hate and violence. If you choose this way do not underestimate the power you are plugging into. By choosing the way of blessing and love you are connecting with God who is the source of all blessing and love. God is Almighty and All Powerful and so you are choosing to align yourself with the most powerful, beautiful, kind and loving force in the universe!! Choose to bless and watch the world change around you! The image above is courtesy of https://pixabay.com Philip is an Anglican, Quaker, and a member of the Third Order of Franciscans. He moved to Felixstowe last year. Until July 2014 he was the Diocesan Environmental Officer for the Norwich Diocese. He is now a freelance writer on spiritual and political matters. He is available to run Quiet Days, give talks, presentations or to preach and can be contacted at philipyoung@btinternet.com The views carried here are those of the author, not of Network Norfolk, and are intended to stimulate constructive debate between website users. We welcome your thoughts and comments, posted below, upon the ideas expressed here. An urgent call to 911 from the front desk of an Anchorage, Alaska, hotel was routed to Ontario. Local police authorities blamed it on VoIP telephony services. While VoIP does play a role in the issue, the core problem stems from improper provisioning of the phone service and is something that has happened before, when calls to 911 were routed to Northern 911, an Ontario company. This specialized, privately operated 911 center functions as a "PSAP of last resort," taking calls meant for 911 that otherwise cannot be routed correctly, intercepting them manually. After determining the location of the incident, calls are then extended over trunks to administrative lines. While calls ultimately get to where a person can answer them, significant delays can be experienced, which is what happened when an eighth-grade student in Delano, California, collapsed during gym class. Northern 911 transferred the call to Delano Police, but the Kern County Fire Department was the agency responsible for sending the ambulance. Unfortunately, that student died before first responders made it to the scene. What are these 911 centers of last resort? These unique 911 centers provide manual 911 coverage when VoIP-based telephony networks are unable to route a 911 call. In the case of the Anchorage, Alaska, call, the reason for the routing failure was not immediately known. However, based on facts, one can make several assumptions. With the 911 network routing traffic based on Caller ID, quite often failures are attributable to incorrect programming in the originating Multi-Line Telephone System (MLTS). The other primary reason for routing failures is when the MLTS installer fails to provision the routing tables in the VoIP network. These incidents serve as a stark reminder that E911 cannot be taken for granted, especially when about an MLTS. KTUU TV reporter Mallory Peebles reported that the front desk clerk of a Best Western Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska, made a 911 call for a medical emergency. A dispatcher answered that call, but then inexplicably placed the hotel on hold for a period. Having concern for the person needing help, but not wanting to hang up, the hotel clerk summoned a passerby to place another call to 911 from their cell phone. This time, officers quickly arrived on the scene, only to discover the front desk clerk still on hold with who he thought was the local 911 center. Police officers found the call that was on hold had somehow gone to Ontario and was answered by operators at Northern 911, nearly 2,500 miles away. (C) 2016 Google, Inc. VoIP 911 calls from Anchorage Alaska sent to a 911 call center 2,500 miles away in Ontario Apparently, the problem doesnt end there. Anchorage Police reports that a similar situation also occurred at the local Clarion Hotel. How does a call to 911 ended up at an emergency center that is nearly 2,500 miles away? More important, what happens to it once it gets there? The culprit behind this is a VoIP-based Internet Telephone 911 service that is often not well understood. The service is commonly referred to as Hosted 911, or a VoIP Positioning Center (VPC) Service. Why we need VPC 911 providers The 911 network is very localized and counts on the existence of local trunks into the nearly 6,000 individual 911 centers. That way 911 can be routed to the center that is local to the physical trunk used to place the call. The mobility offered by many modern telecommunications platforms can create problems for E911. Networks can no longer rely on yesterdays legacy protocols used to report location, or even reach the proper 911 Public Safety Answer Point (PSAP) as SIP trunks allow customers to flatten and consolidate. So, the logical question becomes, "How can E911 work?" Mark J. Fletcher, ENP Hosted E911 in a flattened data-center VoIP model The VPC was developed to solve this problem. VPCs provide what's commonly referred to as an umbrella network that can sit on top of the regionalized 911 system networks and provide a national footprint. VoIP providers can use the VPCs to reach nearly any local 911 service area without having to manage network connectivity to all 6,000 PSAPs in the country. 911 traffic in the VPC network is handed off to the VPC carrier for call handling. In turn, the VPC maintains a national database of PSAP routing logic applied to the call in near real time. The VPC is a quick and easy fix and is popular in any environment where 911 complexity is perceived to be present. Unfortunately, IT administrators rarely understand the network behind the VPC and the potential baggage that comes along with the solution. A common term used in IT is "garbage in, garbage out," and the same is true with hosted 911. While it is relatively easy to send any call into the hosted E911 environment, the national database of numbers is still a requirement and must be correct for the call to complete. If a call is presented but the network cannot route the call due to a database error, the call must be connected someplace. This is where the name "default routing," or "PSAP of last resort" comes into play. Should this happen, and the call goes to a specialized Emergency Call Response Center (ECRC) like Northern 911, there is no location information due to the routing error. The ECRC must verbally query the caller for their location. If the caller is unable to communicate that for any reason or is unaware of their situation, no one can help. Obviously, that would be a rough day for everyone, and it is something that needs consideration when relying on this type of solution. If the caller can speak and does know their location, the ECRC operator can manually transfer the call to where they believe the correct PSAP is located. Unfortunately, we are not out of the woods yet. We still have a few issues to resolve. First and foremost, the PSAP that is determined to be responsible for the call is a best guess judgment call by the ECRC operator. Again, the call came to them because the network was unable to locate the caller. If they have to manually transfer a call, it is often done to administrative lines and not the specialized 911 trunks. Because of this, it may not reach an emergency call taker right awayor at allcausing even further delay. As an IT administrator, E911 is a topic that you need to understand. The ramifications are severe, and the implications could be irreversible. Taking the easy way out may lead you down a path you very well may regret. Lately, reviewing Android phones has become difficultdifficult because the quality of the phones has become so consistently good. Android reached parity with iOS with the Kitkat release. Since then the component quality spiked upwards, delivering clear and colorful screens, smooth performance and long battery life at decreasing price points. It leaves the reviewer with little to nitpick over other than the cameras. And recently, the difference in camera quality in all but the economy-tier improved dramatically. The Moto Z Droid and the Moto Z Force change this with Moto Mods, an ingenious way to add hardware features. Management at One Infinite Loop must be wondering how Apples designers were caught asleep at the innovation switch. The Z Droid and the Z Force are flagship top-tier phones, but the place to start is with Moto Mods because the high expectations for flagship phones from companies like Motorola, Samsung and HTC are rarely unmet. But Moto Mods is a real differentiator in the top-tier, hard-to-differentiate flagship category. Motorola engineered lightweight add-on hardware modules: an LCD projector, boom box speakers and a 2,200 mAh battery that adds 22 hours of battery capacity. Motorola promised that the Moto Mods would operate with new phones released in the future. I demonstrated the Moto Mods to a group of virtual reality and mobile professionals. All were impressed, especially with the Insta-Share projector, and at the same time they were disappointed because Moto Mods wont work with their Apple, Samsung and HTC phones. The Motorola-designed modules add unique functionality that Motorola expects third-party consumer electronics companies to extend into new application-specific Moto Mods to create an ecosystem. If a vibrant ecosystem emerges, Motorola will have achieved an engineering coup in the mobile industry. Later this summer, Motorola plans to open up Moto Mods to third-party developers with the release of designs and software called the Moto Mods Development Kit (MDK.) Using a magnetic to attach these modules simplifies connecting them with a snap. Magnets are a better alternative than mechanical fasteners that can wear and break. Human interaction with Moto Mods explains the merits in this video: Moto Mods available Insta-Share projector: Less than a half-inch thick and weighing 4.5 ounces, the Insta-Share projector turns a Moto Z into a projector. The chart below compares the Insta-Share to the Asus S1, one of the popular and highly ranked portable projectors sold by Amazon. Few compromises were made in achieving Insta-Shares small form factor. Steven Max Patterson JBL SoundBoost Speaker: Many flagship phones have high-quality dual speakers built in (one at the top and another at the bottom), reproducing fairly good sound quality using algorithms from Beats By Dre, Dolby and JBL. But the small and dense phone form factor is a compromise to faithful reproduction of recorded music. In the confined space of a phone enclosure, speaker drivers have to be smaller and less powerful to produce less heat, and smaller speaker drivers and smaller speakers cant produce the same frequency ranges, especially bass. Most smartphone speakers operate at about 0.5 watts, and the SoundBoost speakers operate at 3 watts each. The SoundBoost module wont compete with a 100-watt stereo or please a large dancing crowd, but it produces quality sound without the tininess from a smartphones limited low-frequency response. SoundBoost speakers will please a small group with music or provide rich sound without earphones while watching a video. Incipio Offgrid power pack: The snap-on battery adds 2,220 mAh of power to the Moto Z Droids 2,600-mAh and the Forces 3,500-mAh battery. The 0.25-in. thickness added by the battery is barely noticeable when attached to the backs of the Droid and Force. The simplicity of the magnetized snap-on connection makes adding a battery more convenient than opening the phone and swapping the battery or stopping to use the Moto Z quick-charge feature that charges the phones battery to 50 percent in 20 minutes. Motorola claims the Power Pack will add up to 22 hours of operation. While connected to the Moto Z, the battery can be recharged using a wireless charger or while the phone is connected to a Type C USB charger, or when disconnected on a wireless charger. When powering the phone, the power pack continually charges the phone's battery as it discharges, keeping the battery fully charged until the power pack is drained. Moto Z Force camera: The 21-megapixel rear camera produces excellent indoor and outdoor photos. Images taken with the Z Force camera and the Nexus 6p camera are compared below. The Nexus 6P rear camera was chosen because it was widely reviewed and highly ranked. The Nexus 6P with a 12.3MP image sensor and large 1.55-micron pixels that capture more light per pixel is a different design. The two cameras have different settings, making an exact comparison impossible. Z Force also has optical image stabilization (OIS); the Nexus 6P doesnt. Both have High Dynamic Range (HDR). The photos were shot at the highest resolution available for each phone; the Z Force was set at 21MP and the Nexus 6P at 12.2MP. Camera reviewer DxOMark gave the Z Force a top score of 87, just behind the HTC 10 and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. The Nexus 6P ranks 84 on the index, along with the Apple iPhone 6s Plus and the Samsung Galaxy 6S Edge. The Moto Z Force landscape image below is warmer. Ignoring this, the depth of field of both images is very good. The high-resolution image sensor produced a well-balanced and high-contrast exposure, delivering more detail. Steven Max Patterson Moto Z Forces 22MP camera caught more light, producing a warmer image, exposing more detail than the Nexus 6P. Steven Max Patterson Same scene using the Nexus 6P The Moto Z is a smartphone, too As anticipated nothing unexpected turned up in reviewing the Z Force and the Z Droid smartphones. The build quality is top-notch. The components are exceptional. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor with up to 2.2GHz quad-core CPU with an Adreno 530 GPU running Android Marshmallow, operation is smooth and fast. The screen is a 1440p Quad HD AMOLED display (2560x1440) at 535 ppi protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. It comes with 4GB RAM and optionally 32GB or 64GB of ROM. In addition to internal memory, it has a MicroSD slot that can take a 128GB ROM card today and, when the memory manufacturers deliver it, up to a 2TB card. With a glass and aluminum construction, in black with protective trim, the Moto Z is thoughtfully designed but doesnt standout compared to many flagship phones, like the Nexus 6P. Colorful shells can be added to personalize the back of the phone. The Moto Zs tested are Verizon-specific models, though it seems like later year this year a new Moto Z will be sold by Motorola through its Motomaker ecommerce site that lets consumers configure more colors and design options. Moto Z Force vs. the Moto Z Droid These two phones differ on just a couple of points. Most noticeably, Moto Z Force is guaranteed to be shatterproof like the Turbo 2. Though this quality wasnt tested, the Turbo 2 was dropped on brick and cement without damage. The Moto Z Droid isnt guaranteed to be shatterproof. The Z Force has the 22MP, while the Z Droid has 13MP. The Z Force has a larger battery and charges more quickly. Both can be used with Moto Mods. Given the $100 difference in price, the Z Force seems a better choice, especially for the consumer who is prone to dropping phones. Pricing and availability Moto Z Droid: $624 Moto Z Force: $720 Insta-Share projector: $299 Sound Booster Speakers: $89 Incipio Battery Pack: $59.99 to $89.99 branded by TUMI and Kate Spade New York. Availability: Pre-order now from Verizon and available July 28 Over 11,000 people have signed a petition asking Apple not to deploy technology that would allow third parties like the police to use it to disable cameras on user phones under certain circumstances. Apple got a patent for this infrared technology in June and bagging a patent does not necessarily mean that the company is going to use the technology in its new devices. But there is considerable anxiety that the technology that appears designed to prevent people from recording copyrighted and prohibited material could also be used by the police to remotely disable cameras that could be recording misconduct by law enforcement. "The release of this technology would have huge implications, including the censoring of political dissidents, activists, and citizens who are recording police brutality," according to the petition. Phone cameras have recorded a number of alleged infractions by the authorities, including the fatal shooting by the police of Philando Castile in Minnesota recently, which was live-streamed by his girlfriend on Facebook. In some embodiments, infrared data can be received and an electronic device can modify a device operation based on the infrared data. For example, an electronic device can disable a function of the device based on received infrared data. In some embodiments, a transmitter can be located in areas where capturing pictures and videos is prohibited (e.g., a concert or a classified facility) and the transmitters can generate infrared signals with encoded data that includes commands temporarily disabling recording functions, according to the Apple patent. U.S. patent no. 9,380,225, titled Systems and methods for receiving infrared data with a camera designed to detect images based on visible light, was awarded to Apple on June 28 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. Civil liberties groups like the American Civil Liberties Union are critical of the implications of the deployment of the technology. While the technology is being promoted as a tool to prevent the filming of copyrighted material, we think it has the potential to undermine efforts to hold law enforcement accountable, wrote Nicole Ozer, technology and civil liberties policy director for the ACLU of California, in a blog post this month. With law enforcement's recent focus on circumventing user protections in Apple products, it would be prudent for Apple and any other companies to strongly consider the civil rights impact before moving forward with this technology, Ozer added, referring to recent court disputes where the company was asked by the government to provide assistance in accessing data on certain locked iPhones. Apple could not be immediately reached for comment on the petition, which is aiming at 12,000 signatures. Eleven months ago, Microsoft introduced its Windows Bridge for iOS, otherwise known as Project Islandwood. It is an open source tool to port iOS apps to Windows freely available on GitHub. Since then, the project has experienced considerable downloads and Microsoft has made quite a bit of changes. All of this is documented in the Windows blog. According to the company, developers have been requesting complete API coverage of Microsoft's UIKit implementation. UIKit is a set of 30 modular interface components used in iOS's Cocoa Touch, among other platforms, and it's difficult to modify UIKit because that would mean modifying hundreds of classes. Plus, Windows has the same functionality through XAML on Windows, so it would essentially be reinventing the wheel. However, Microsoft decided to create a clear method to migrate UIKit-based UIs to XAML. As a result, Project Islandwood gains the following improvements: Faster bring up of iOS controls, so more of UIKit is available to you An improved touch-input model for more performant event handling Much improved support for accessibility and localization Better test automation, resulting in more stable and high-quality controls Much improved integration with and leveraging of Windows UI framework, XAML Microsoft also outlined what's next for Project Islandwood, stating that it continues to preserve the UIKit functionality as much as possible. For example, a programmer may use UIButton, but it would call Microsoft's implementation and not Apple's. "This approach offers a number of advantages. For one, it greatly reduces the amount of work it takes to bring up on Windows the UIKit classes iOS developers depend on. For another, it dramatically increases what the bridge is able to offer in terms of accessibility and localization, not to mention performance, stability, and polish. Lastly, the new approach allows us to take advantage of test automation designed for XAML, which will help to raise the quality bar of our UI frameworks and prevent regressions," the company said in the blog. Microsoft acknowledges that perfect recreations of all of UIKit's functionality are no longer possible, but the company will try to map as much of UIKit's functionality to the corresponding XAML features as possible. For instance, Microsoft removed its implementation of UITextField, which was designed to mimic iOSs UITextField as closely as possible even though it was incomplete, and replaced it with a version of XAMLs TextBox class that was wrapped in UITextFields APIs. "By plumbing UITextFields methods and properties through to their respective counterparts in XAMLs TextBox, we were able to preserve virtually all of the UITextField functionality using an existing XAML control," Microsoft wrote. As part of the update, Microsoft is introducing a new tool called "Xib2Xaml," which will convert Storyboard and XIB files created in Xcode's Interface Builder into Windows-compatible XAML files so that they can be directly edited in Visual Studio. In the past, making changes to your XIBs and Storyboards meant going back to Xcode on a Mac and running through the whole bridge workflow again, since there was no native support for editing XIBs in Visual Studio. The new Xib2Xaml tool now makes XIB editing in VS possible. Urgent plea for help with Norwegian trip as exchange rate knocks 850 off group's hard-earned savings TWO Newbury Scout groups have been left reeling after experiencing the financial repercussion of Brexit. The 2nd Newbury Scout Group, which had teamed up with 1st Wash Common group, has seen its hard-earned savings lose value after the pound dropped to record levels following the UK vote to leave the EU. Now the groups have had to find emergency funds for their trip to Norway, which they leave for next Wednesday. They had raised around 3,000 for 26 Scouts and seven leaders, with the youngsters contributing most of the funding themselves. Scout leader at 2nd Newbury, Lara Desroche, said: We were going well. We were on budget and then they said we are pulling out of Europe and we lost 650 overnight. Accommodation costs soared while the exchange rate for the Norwegian krone dropped from 12.25 to 10.80. Mrs Desroche said that around 850 had been lost in exchanging the money. It was just shocking. Its just heartbreaking when you have worked so hard. You cant account for us pulling out of the EU, she said. Its not something in your thought process. It has stabilised a bit now that a new Prime Minister is in place. If we had gone at Easter, then we would have been fine. The Scouts have managed to recover some funds thanks to Newbury Round Table but Mrs Deroche said that the trip is about 500 short. She added that many of the Scouts attended St Bartholomews School, where pupils voted to remain in the EU in their own referendum. They now know its affected them. They are the young people who are growing up today and its personally affecting them. Mrs Desroche said she thought that the UK would not vote to leave and that many people had been focusing on the wider impact of Brexit. I just hadnt considered the implications, she said. I certainly wasnt thinking about our summer camp when they were talking about referendums. If you would like to help the Brexit-stricken Scouts email 2ndnewburyscouts@gmail.com or visit https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/2ndnewburyscoutgroup Spare Change: Hard-working farmer Louis Escobar was one of a kind Louie performed the kind of job most try to avoid. And he did it with little, if any, complaint. The UKs leading bowel cancer research charity, Bowel Cancer UK, is holding two Colorectal Cancer Study Days, to provide healthcare professionals with an essential update in prevention, screening, early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer. The two events, which are free to attend, will be held at the Hilton Gateshead in Newcastle on 6 October and the All Nations Centre in Cardiff on 9 November 2016. The speakers at both events will include a number of leading medical experts. In Newcastle on 6 October, Professor Stephen Halloran will provide an update on the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme and the role of Bowel Scope and the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). Professor Halloran is a member of the UK Bowel Cancer Screening Advisory Committee and advisor on population-based colorectal cancer screening to many international government health organisations. He developed and directed the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) Southern Hub from its inception in 2006 until his retirement in March 2015. Other presentations will include advances in chemotherapy, liver resection for metastases and genetic conditions and management of people at higher risk of colorectal cancer. Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today At the Bowel Cancer UK Cardiff Study Day, Hayley Heard, who is Head of Programme at Bowel Screening Wales, will provide an update on the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. Other speakers will include Karen Bailey, Principal Genetic Counsellor, All Wales Medical Genetics Service, Stephen Fenwick, Consultant Hepatobiliary and General Surgeon, Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool and Tim Iveson, Consultant Medical Oncologist, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. Ingrid Spickett, Head of Health Information for Bowel Cancer UK, said: The Study Days which we have run in recent years have gained an excellent reputation among healthcare professionals and were delighted to offer them again this year. As the leading bowel cancer research charity, a key part of our work is providing expert information and training about bowel cancer. Featuring a programme of renowned expert speakers, the Study Days aim to provide attendees with an update on colorectal cancer which will inform and influence their day-to-day practice and future perspective of the disease. Colorectal or bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK with 16,200 people dying from the disease every year. However, bowel cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. Nearly everyone diagnosed at the earliest stage will survive bowel cancer. However, this drops significantly as the disease develops. UK policy makers must act against excessive energy drinks consumption by children and young people, argues a new report published by the Food Research Collaboration, an initiative of the Centre for Food Policy (City University London). The paper, written by Dr Shelina Visram (Durham University) and Kawther Hashem (Action on Sugar, and Queen Mary University of London), reviews the worldwide evidence on energy drinks and their impact on health, and suggests possible measures for local and national authorities in the UK. As outlined in the report, one survey involving 16 European countries including the UK shows that 68 per cent of adolescents (ages 11 to 18) and 18 per cent of children (age 10 and under) consume energy drinks, with 11 per cent of adolescents and 12 per cent of children drinking at least 1 litre in a single session. European studies quoted in the paper link energy drink consumption to health complaints such as headaches, stomach aches and sleeping problems, while emergency department visits associated with energy drink consumption in the USA doubled between 2007 and 2011. Consumption of energy drinks is also associated with risky behaviours such as binge drinking and drug use, according to data cited in the paper. The UK government has already announced a tax on sugary beverages as a step towards tackling childhood obesity, but energy drinks usually contain high amounts of both sugar and caffeine. As the report points out, more research is required on how these ingredients interact with each other and with other stimulants present in energy drinks, such as taurine and guarana. A single can of popular brands on the market can contain around 160mg of caffeine, while the European Food Safety Authority recommends an intake of no more than 105mg caffeine per day for an average 11-year-old. The authors of the briefing paper propose legislation against the sale of energy drinks to under-16s and a ban on marketing targeted at children. Other potential steps include in-school interventions and the implementation of shared strategies on energy drinks and children by local and health authorities. Other facts and figures from the report: Sales of energy drinks in the UK increased by 155% between 2006 and 2014, from 235 to 600 million litres Some brands on the market can contain 20 teaspoons of sugar per 500ml can Energy drinks account for 13% of caffeine exposure in adolescents and 43% in children 53% of adolescent energy drink consumers reported co-consumption with alcohol Adolescents in the UK consumed 3. 1 litres of energy drinks per month on average, compared to 2 litres/ per month for the other European countries surveyed in a cited EFSA study. Dr Shelina Visram, Lecturer in public policy and health at Durham University, said: "Youth energy drink consumption is a growing public health concern due to the high caffeine and sugar contents of these drinks. More research is needed to understand the short- and long-term effects in terms of health, wellbeing and educational outcomes. However, the available evidence indicates that these drinks are associated with a range of health complaints and risky behaviours in school-age children. Action is needed by local and national government to restrict the sale and marketing of these drinks to young people." Kawther Hashem, Registered nutritionist and researcher at Action on Sugar based at Queen Mary University of London, said: "Children and teenagers are being deceived into drinking large cans of energy drinks, thinking they are going to improve their performance at school, during sports, or even on a night out. In reality it is more likely increasing their risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes and dental caries, which will have lifelong implications on their health. The government needs to set strict limits on added sugars in these products and ban the sale to children under 16 because of their high caffeine, calorie and sugar content." Professor Corinna Hawkes, Director of the Centre for Food Policy at City University London and Chair of the Food Research Collaboration, said: "It's about time the British public had more information about the health effects of energy drinks. The evidence presented in this paper should make policy makers sit up and pay more attention to the rapidly rising consumption of energy drinks in the UK, especially among young people." The Lomonosov Moscow State University researchers in collaboration with their German colleagues have succeeded in proving that silicon nanoparticles can be applied to diagnose and cure cancer. For the first time the ability of particles to penetrate into the diseased cells effectively and dissolve completely after delivering the drug was shown. The details of the research are presented in the article published in the latest issue of Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine. http://dx. doi. org/ 10. 1016/ j. nano. 2016. 04. 004 The scientific direction of the team is called theranostics. This term means a combined 'therapy' and 'diagnostics', denoting the process of simultaneous detection and treatment of the disease. One of its applications is spotting a range of oncologic diseases with the help of nanoparticles filled with medicine for their targeted delivery into a cancer cell. Nowadays a lot of such nanoparticles do not meet the requirement of biocompatibility. According to one of the researchers, Liubov Osminkina (senior research fellow, Physics Department of Lomonosov Moscow State University), some of the nanoparticles can act quickly, deliver the drug accurately, cure a number of diseases, but months later a patient may suffer from liver, kidney, lung pains, or even headache. 'The reason is that gold, silver, titanium oxide, cadmium selenide and a plenty of other nanoparticles are almost not excreted,' Liubov Osminkina explains. 'When nanoparticles reach the bloodstream, they can get stuck in internal organs and after a while they begin to harm the organism due to prolonged toxic effects.' Searching not only biocompatible, but also bio-degradable transportation for a targeted drug delivery scientists noticed porous silicon. Its nano-particles would certainly do no harm, rather may help the organism, as the result of their dissolution is silicic acid, vital for bones and connective tissues. These nanoparticles were Liubov Osminkina's main concern when she received the DAAD-MSU "Vladimir Vernadsky" grant in 2013 (a joint program for research by Moscow State University and the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD) for synthesizing photoluminescent nanoparticles of porous silicon nanowires for theranostics. She went to Jena, the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology one of the main scientific directions of which is biophotonics -- the use of optical techniques for studying living systems. The particular attention of a young employee of Moscow State University was focused on the Raman micro-spectroscopy. The Raman spectroscopy is based on the aptitude of molecules to a so-called inelastic scattering of monochromatic light that is accompanied by a change of their internal state and thus a change of the frequency response of the emitted photons. This type of spectroscopy distinguishes the relative simplicity and the abundance of the information obtained -- enough to illuminate a material with a laser and analyze the spectrum of the radiation. Raman micro-spectroscopy was used at the Institute of Photonic Technology, among many other optical methods. With its help, scientists scanned the contents of a living cell and comparing the spectra obtained lined up a picture of what and where is located inside the cell. 'That's when I came up with an idea to conduct a study of nanoparticle biodegradation using Raman micro-spectroscopy,' the scientist says. 'This technique makes possible not only to locate the nanoparticles in the cell (the signals from the silicon and cell components have different frequencies), but also to watch the process of their disintegration. The latter was possible because, as already known, the Raman spectrum of silicon nanoparticles depends on their size - the smaller they are, the broader the spectrum becomes, shifting to lower frequencies' Upon successful completion of the grant study, Osminkina won another DAAD-MSU grant which was for the implementation of her new ideas -- and she went to Jena again. The essence of Osminkina and her colleagues' new study came to the fact that the breast cancer cells were incubated with silicon nanoparticles of the 100 nm in size, and then, in particular, with the Raman micro-spectrometer, scientists have observed what happens in the cells during different periods of time from 5 hours to 13 days. Taking into account Raman spectrum and the reconstructed images of these particles and the cells they saw how during the first 5-9 hours nanoparticles localize on the cell membranes and penetrate into the cell during the next day and then begin to biodegrade, as evidenced by a decrease in signal amplitude, spectral broadening and the appearance of the peak of the amorphous silicon phase. It was shown that on the 13th day the nanoparticles dissolve completely and the signal disappears. "Thus, for the first time we have shown that porous silicon nanoparticles could be completely harmless theranostics agents for many types of cancer. They do not only easily penetrate into the diseased cell, but when filled with drug, can emit it during their dissolving. I believe that the results of our work are of great importance in the long term as the basis for creating drugs based on biocompatible and biodegradable silicon nanoparticles,' Lubov Osminkina says. Several studies presented today in an official press conference at the 21st International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016) in Durban provided new insights on the use of PrEP among a broad range of populations. One study provided new national estimates of PrEP use in the U.S. by geography and other demographics, another found the near elimination of HIV transmission risk among serodiscordant heterosexual couples using both PrEP and antiretroviral treatment, and two additional studies examined PrEP use among adolescents in both southern Africa and the U.S. Just as the 2000 International AIDS Conference in Durban ushered in a global movement to bring life-saving HIV treatment to the developing world, I am confident well look back at this conference as the dawn of the global PrEP era, said Linda-Gail Bekker, President-elect of the International AIDS Society and Principal Investigator at the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre. A primary focus of this conference is moving science into practice, and nowhere is that need more urgent than for PrEP. Research featured in the briefing included: Increased PrEP use among U.S. adults: A nationally representative study assessing PrEP use in the U.S. found that 49,469 adults received a Truvada prescription for PrEP from January 2013 to December 2015, and that the number of prescriptions increased nationally over time: 3,746 in 2013; 14,756 in 2014; and 30,967 in 2015. Scott McCallister of Gilead Sciences, Inc., the manufacturer of Truvada, presented the study, which included de-identified data from 82% of retail pharmacies on adults who received a Truvada prescription. Study results also showed that the four states with the highest number of new HIV cases in the U.S. (California, New York, Texas, and Florida) accounted for 43% of PrEP starts. From 2014 to 2015, PrEP starts increased in the South and Northeast, and decreased in the Midwest and West. The vast majority of PrEP prescriptions were for males (87.5%), and the mean age was 37.4 years, with 11.5% under age 25. Compared to HIV-positive individuals, those receiving PrEP were about three times less likely to be female (95% CI 3.0-3.2) and twice as likely to be under age 25 (95% CI 1.93-2.05). Despite positive trends in utilization, authors conclude that PrEP use must increase to ensure that lifetime HIV risk decreases in areas of high prevalence in the U.S. [Summary based on submitted abstract; updated data may be presented on site.] Abstract: Truvada (TVD) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) utilization in the United States: (2013-2015) Session: Latebreaker Session (Session Room 6, Tuesday 19 July 13:00-14:00 SAST) Combination of PrEP and ART leads to near elimination of HIV transmission among serodiscordant couples: Final results from the Partners Demonstration Project, an open-label PrEP and ART delivery study that enrolled treatment-naive, high-risk, heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples from Kenya and Uganda, found that integrated use of PrEP and ART nearly eliminated HIV transmission within these couples. Of 1,013 couples enrolled, 67% had an HIV-positive female partner; median age was 29. Among a randomly selected sample of HIV-negative partners receiving PrEP, tenofovir was detected in 82% of plasma samples (483/587 visits). Treatment was initiated by 92% of HIV-positive partners by 24 months, and viral suppression (<400 copies/mL) was achieved in 90%. As of January 2016, scientific models predicted that 63 incident HIV infections would be expected (incidence rate 5.1 per 100 person years, 95% CI 3.9-6.4). However, Jared Baeten of the University of Washington reported that only 5 incident infections had actually been observed (incidence rate 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.7), for a sustained HIV relative risk reduction of 94% (95% CI 85-98, p<0.001). The results show near elimination of HIV risk among a high-risk cohort. [Summary based on submitted abstract; updated data may be presented on site.] Abstract: Integrated delivery of PrEP and ART results in sustained near elimination of HIV transmission in African HIV serodiscordant couples: final results from the Partners Demonstration Project Session: Making PrEP Real for Those Who Need It Most: Optimization Strategies (Session Room 1, Wednesday 20 July 11:00-12:30 SAST) Closer look at PrEP use among adolescents at risk: Plus Pills is the first southern African open-label study to explore the acceptability, safety, and use of oral PrEP among HIV-negative adolescents (ages 15-19 years). Study participants (n=148; 98 female and 50 male) enrolled in two sites, Cape Town and Soweto. Median age of study participants was 18 and median age at sexual debut was 15. Participants were required to take PrEP daily for the first 12 weeks of the study, but could opt out at the 12-week mark and at each 3-month interval thereafter. At enrolment, participants reported an average of 1.5 weekly sex acts, 30% had two or more partners in the past 12 months, 43% reported infrequent condom use, and 38% tested positive for sexually transmitted infections. Lead author Katherine Gill of the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre discussed the study results, which found no HIV incident infections. At 12 weeks, 72% reported good adherence (>6 pills/week) and 76% had tenofovir plasma levels (>40 ng/ml). At the 12-week mark, 15% of participants chose to opt out. According to study authors, results showed that early adherence was reasonable among a high-risk adolescent population. [Summary based on submitted abstract; updated data may be presented on site.] Abstract: An analysis of baseline and early data from the Plus Pills study: an open-label trial of pre-exposure prophylaxis for South African adolescents Session: Poster Exhibition (Upper Level, Tuesday 19 July 12:30-14:30 SAST) A separate open-label study looked at PrEP use among gay and bisexual male adolescents (ages 15-17) in six U.S. cities. While Truvada is not currently licensed for PrEP among individuals under age 18, participants were permitted to autonomously consent to the study. Between August 2013 and September 2014, ATN 113 (Project PrEPare) enrolled 78 individuals (mean age=16.5; 33.3% mixed race, 29.5% black, 20.5% Latino). Sybil Hosek of the Stroger Hospital of Cook County Health and Hospitals System presented the study results. Incident sexually transmitted infections were diagnosed in 12.3% of participants at week 24 and 10.6% at week 48. The HIV seroconversion rate per 100 person-years was 6.41 (95% CI: 4.90-25.87). The majority of participants reported condomless sex throughout the study; no significant associations were found between condomless sex and adherence. While the majority of participants achieved protective drug levels during monthly visits, the study found that adherence decreased with quarterly visits. [Summary based on submitted abstract; updated data may be presented on site.] Drought and extreme temperatures continue to challenge policymakers in California and globally who grapple with managing limited water resources. Missing from these discussions, however, is the potential impact of drought on public health and how water policy might assuage or exacerbate such impacts, should they exist. Researchers at the University of California, Riverside School of Public Policy have been awarded $284,680 by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Evidence for Action Program to determine whether drought and adverse weather conditions cause health problems, and whether water policy affects the link between extreme temperatures and health. The research will focus on California, but is relevant to many regions of the United States and the world that also suffer from drought, aridity, and water scarcity. "When drought strikes, water policy often dictates where and to what degree water supply deliveries are curtailed. Water policymakers seek and regularly receive evidence that is relevant to diverse sectors including agriculture, the environment and municipal needs, but rarely health," explained Kurt Schwabe, professor of environmental economics and policy and principal investigator on the project. "One reason for this neglect is that policymakers have not had evidence for action about the connections among drought and extreme temperature, water policy and health." Studies investigating the impacts of adverse weather events are sparse and have focused primarily on populations in developing countries, he added. Should those impacts exist in California, that information should be made available to California policymakers. Co-principal investigators on the project are Bruce Link, distinguished professor of public policy and sociology, and Mindy Marks, formerly a UCR professor of public policy and economics who now is a professor of economics at Northeastern University. Also part of the research team is M. Kate Choi, a UCR alumna and adjunct professor at the Keck Graduate Institute at The Claremont Colleges. Schwabe is known globally for his research on economic issues associated with water use, agricultural production, urban water conservation, ecosystem services, and environmental regulation. The two-year project, "Overlooked Health Implications of Water Policy during Drought and Extreme Temperature Events," will focus on the possible impact of drought-influenced water-delivery on the health of residents in California's poorest regions. The research is supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Evidence for Action Program (grant #73736). The grant program supports "rigorously designed research that yields convincing findings regarding the population health, well-being, and equity impacts of specific policies, programs or partnerships,' according to the program's Call for Proposals. Schwabe said the team will use 20 years of health data gathered by the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development and California Health Interview Surveys, as well as county-level water-policy measures and drought indices, to develop a unique data set that will allow a rigorous assessment of health impacts of restricted water deliveries. Among the health measures to be studied are: self-rated health, emotional distress, binge drinking, infant birth weight and mortality, and the possible disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. The health consequences of natural and manmade disasters have been extensively studied for decades, Schwabe said. "Evidence documents that when these calamities strike, population health suffers. We will study drought as a 'slow' disaster that, while less dramatic in its onset, might have equally potent effects on population health. It represents a critically important but understudied form of disaster." One of the most widely publicized economic impacts of California's drought and extreme temperature for 2015 is that agriculture experienced losses that led to a statewide economic loss of approximately $2.7 billion and approximately 10,000 seasonal jobs, the policy researcher noted. "These statewide economic estimates may inadequately capture the overall impacts of adverse weather events by overlooking the related health effects that likely fall upon very vulnerable communities within the poorest regions of California," he said. "The impacts of drought and extreme temperature on these communities, often disproportionately immigrant and Hispanic, can be severe. The stress, anxiety, and reduced income and job losses that occur within these communities likely result in health effects." Knowing the social patterning of health consequences is key not only for directing water policy so as to minimize the harm adverse weather events create, but also for social policies that influence housing, jobs, schools, and the availability of nutritious food to those most deeply affected, Schwabe added. "Our objective is to open the possibility for a new era of water policy that considers the health consequences of drought and extreme temperatures alongside other impacts in their development of wise and equitable plans for the distribution of scarce water resources and associated investments," he said. New York/London: An India link has emerged in the alleged $3.5-billion forex trading fraud case at British banking giant HSBC, where two senior executives have been accused of doing 'front-running' by cheating a client that was selling part-stake in an Indian subsidiary. The duo has been charged in the US of "conspiracy to commit wire fraud" while the client in question has been identified in media reports as Cairn Energy, which had sold an ownership stake in its Indian subsidiary Cairn India for $3.5 billion in 2010 and wanted to convert it into sterling to distribute cash to shareholders. Cairn had selected HSBC to conduct the forex conversion transaction from amongst ten banks it had asked to bid for the right while asking them to sign a 'confidentiality agreement' regarding the information about the transaction. One of the two persons, HSBC Bank's head of forex cash trading Mark Johnson, was arrested on Tuesday night at New York airport but was released on a $1 million bail amount on Wednesday. Johnson has been charged for trading ahead of his client to make millions of dollars, while similar charges have been levelled on Stuart Scott, who formerly served as HSBC's head of forex cash trading for Europe, Middle East and Africa but left the bank in December 2014. The US Department of Justice said in a statement that the two have been charged with conspiring to defraud a client of HSBC through a scheme commonly referred to as 'front running' -- a practice in which traders fraudulently conduct trades with advance information about an impending deal. While the Department did not disclose the name of the client, the British media reports identified it as Cairn Energy, which had indeed sold a majority stake in its Indian subsidiary to Vedanta Resources and was to distribute $3.5 billion worth sale proceeds among its shareholders. As per the court documents made public by the Department, "In approximately 2010, the victim company entered into an agreement with another company to sell part of its ownership interest in an Indian subsidiary for approximately $3.5 billion. "Execution of the sale was dependent upon regulatory approval in India. If the sale was approved, the victim company planned to convert approximately $3.5 billion in sale proceeds into Sterling, which it intended to distribute to its shareholders." HSBC was later mandated by Cairn for carrying out the foreign exchange transaction and also signed a confidentiality pact, but the duo conspired to buy sterling "in advance of the transaction, knowing that the transaction would cause the price of sterling to increase, thereby generating substantial trading profits for HSBC and the defendants". In the market parlance, this practice is called 'front running' and is against the market regulations. The two have also been charged of executing the purchase transactions in such a manner as to "cause the price of sterling to spike" at the expense of the 'victim company', which was later sold sterling at the higher price. It is not everyday that one sees fashion jewelry inspired by mute creatures. But when such fashion comes up, it truly is mind blowing. The Voice of Stray Dogs (VoSD), one of the most humane organizations that rescues, treats and rehabilitates stray dogs in the country, has ignited the creative genius of Divya Thomas, a jewelry designer residing in the US, to create pieces dedicated to some of the most amazing dogs rescued by VoSD.Thomas, who designs one of a kind pieces that fuse tradition and innovation under the name 'KarmaSuthra', is greatly motivated by Rakesh Shukla, the man behind VOSD. Shukla has saved more than 5200 dogs in 2 years with more than 600 dogs under his permanent care, one of the reasons why she came onboard to support Shuklas noble work.The pieces of jewelry, designed and named after particular canines at VoSD, tell their tales beautifully; the first two pieces are called Husna and Haider. Thomas explains, Husna in Urdu means belle or beautiful girl.The black beads represent her color, the pearls her tears, the red crystal her blood, the white turquoise her teeth and the smoky topaz her searing eyes. The silver brings them all together in a new life from tears to strength, life and hope!Haider stands for the lion - the brown represents the unrefined street dog that he is, the coral is the blood he spilled and the hurt he bore, the crystals his tears and the massive crescent - a key Native American symbol - stands as a bold focal point, signifying rebirth and joy. And the claw? Well, he is a lion after all!Another piece, dedicated to Sandy the doll-faced Apso, is a stunner. Sandy had been found abandoned in bad shape - his legs wouldn't hold him up, he'd collapse under his own weight with his legs splayed out. He also had dry eye with ulcerations from an eye infection. He was a bit of a scaredy-cat and lived in Shukla's office with a feisty little Shih-tzu called Andy, and they were inseparable till he passed away.Sandys piece is crafted of pearl and crystal to reflect his softly shaggy fur. Smoky topaz beads reflect his button-brown eyes. The sparkly zircon flower is a touch of whimsy that underlines his happiness at being rescued, and living among friends. To wear it is to be embraced by soft optimism and a belief that even bad things can end well, quips Thomas.The cruelty met by these animals is in dark contrast to the beautiful necklaces named after them. Anoo the pretty boxer with the cropped ears was a breeder reject, with hairless patches, infected skin, oozing eyes and bad liver. After a fortnight of treatment, her external wounds healed and her hair began to grow back. She moved to the VOSD Sanctuary to begin a life of freedom and comfort among friends. Strays like Rani, a hit-and-run victim with a crushed pelvis and Buddhi Kachru with severe mange, have pieces dedicated to them as well.The sale proceeds of these products go to VoSD and Thomas plans to continue making inspired jewelry for this cause. "When one buys any of these pieces, they buy more than a necklace. These pieces make hope, revival and an indomitable spirit a part of you!" she says. Four women bikers - Dr Sarika Mehta, Ar Yugma Desai, Durriya Tapia and Khyati Desai - created history after completing a 10,000km journey covering 10 South East Asia nations in just 39 days.The group 'Biking Queens' took up the task to promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative in several countries, including Thailand, Nepal, Laos, Vietnam, Bhutan, Myanmar, Singapore, Cambodia and Malaysia.Sarika Mehta, founder of Biking Queens was quoted telling Hindustan Times, It feels great to have completed the journey. Motorbikes are considered masculine symbols. We want to break that stereotype and tell the world that women are equally empowered and capable. People think that women cant do this or that but we want to come out of that zone so we decided to choose a bike to spread awareness".The four bikers set off on their mission from Kathmandu on June 6, 2016 and took up issues like female infanticide, gender inequality, education for girls and women empowerment with people they met on their travel."PM Modi gave us the responsibility to spread his message in May and we feel very happy and honoured to have done it successfully," told Durriya Tapia to India Today.It was a proud moment for the team of bikers when Prime Minister Modi met the four members after they successfully completed their journey.The Biking Queens hold a Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records for being the first women bikers to cover 10 nations.Formed in August, 2015, the Biking Queens have a simple motive, to build a beautiful community of female bike riders who work for society welfare. They provide training women who are passionate about bike riding and to those who want to work for a social cause. The attack on Dalits for allegedly killing a cow in Gujarat has triggered large scale protests across the state. The Centre has also flagged the "anomaly and sudden increase" in crimes against people belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) in Gujarat and Chhattisgarh and sought details from the local administration. Gujarat and Chhattigarah have reported the highest crime rate of 163.30% (6,655 cases) and 91.90% (3,008 cases) against members of SC community during the last year. Cases Of Atrocities On Dalits - May 14, 2016: A caste Hindu hacked to death a Dalit woman after her brother married and eloped with his daughter, in Tirunelveli. - May 2, 2016: A 30-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly raped and brutally murdered in Thiruvananthapuram. - March 13, 2016: A 22-yr-old Dalit boy was killed in Tirupur (TN) allegedly for marrying a woman from the politically and socially dominant Thevar community, Kausalya. - November 2015: Around 100 children left a school in Kolar in Karnataka, refusing to eat the food dished out by a Dalit cook. - October 21, 2015: Dalit house in Haryana Ballabhgarh set afire, 2 kids burnt to death. - October 5, 2015: A 90-year-old Dalit man died after he was brutally attacked with an axe and set on fire for trying to enter a temple at Hamirpur in UP. - October 4, 2015: A Dalit student was thrashed by his teacher in Jodhpur for touching the mid-day meal plates. - March 2015: 17-year-old Dalit girl in Rajasthans Bikaner district was raped and murdered by her PT teacher in college. Reminding the house the it was not the first time that these guns were used, Singh said that in 2010 pellet guns had killed 6 and injured 98, with five suffering complete blindness, Singh added. We all feel sad over the lives lost and those injured," Singh said but added that "barbarism" can have no place in the society, citing incidents where some people had celebrated when some security personnel were killed. : Home minister Rajnath Singh announced on Thursday that an expert committee will look for alternatives to pellet guns in conflict areas and a report will be submitted in two months.The minister made this announcement during his reply on Kashmir in Lok Sabha after members criticised the use of pellet guns during the unrest in the valley.One civilian lost his life and 53 others suffered eye injuries owing to the use of pellet guns in the past 12 days of unrest following the death of militant Burhan Wani who was killed by the police forces.He also reached out to other political parties, saying the government alone cannot solve problems in Kashmir and all parties would have to work together.On Monday, the Home minister had told the house that security forces have been given instructions by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use maximum restraint while handling civilian protests.'Water cannon and tear gas shells should be the primary weapons against civilians,' Singh had said during the address.A poetic Rajnath Singh in his efforts to provide a healing touch to kashmir quoted Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said, the solution to kashmir problem has to be on the principles of Kashmiriyat, Jamuriyat (democracy) and Insaniyat (humanity)."Haiwaniyat (Beastiality) has no place," Singh said.Attacking Pakistan for celebrating black day on the death of Burhan wani, Rajnath Singh said Wani was a terrorist and there is no truth in allegations of his extra judicial killing.Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter in Anantnag on July 8 after an Intel intercept lead security forces to his hideout. New Delhi: India has been saved of a "horrible insult" at the Nuclear Suppliers Group as it could have been much worse than what happened there, Congress on Wednesday said. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj claiming that India will be able to convince China on the issue, underlines the failure since there is "admission of failure" on her part. He also said his party would support the government if it does hard diplomacy and not credit everything to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I think India has been saved of a horrible insult, it could have been much worse," he said, adding that India should have gone to NSG with 100 per cent plus preparation. "She (Swaraj) told that government will be able to convince China. On the contrary, I think what you have quoted which is very important underlines the failure -- there is an admission of failure," he said. Singhvi also said, "We will support the government if it does hard diplomacy, we will be the happiest, but if the object is to say just before the PM reaches there, he has achieved this, then it will never work." He said the object has to be hard-nosed, ground leveled diplomacy and "not to project the PM as the ultimate magical button". "First and foremost, it is moot question whether without 105 per cent preparation; we should have at all sought NSG membership at this stage. That is a larger debate that we had earlier. Non-formal membership has caused us no prejudice with the kind of effective diplomacy done by the Manmohan Singh government. I certainly agree that we should be member of the NSG but only after 100 plus per cent preparations," he said. He said if India is now trying to convince China on the issue, it is like "you are not trying to close the stable doors after the horses are bolted". Singhvi said India should have done this homework well before it applied for NSG. "That is the meaning of quiet diplomacy not event management, not optics," he said, asking what about the other countries which are more friendly to you than China that never gave the "unqualified and unambiguous approval" and were having "ifs and buts". New Delhi: India's membership continues to be under consideration of the NSG and government was engaging with all members of the 48-nation grouping for an early decision on country's application, Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh said on Thursday. Noting that the recent Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) Plenary meeting in Seoul (June 23-24) concluded without a decision on India's membership, Singh said the broad sentiment within the NSG was to take this matter forward. At the Plenary, China and some other countries had opposed entry of a non-NPT signatory into NSG. Replying to a written question in Rajya Sabha, the minister also said that engagement was stepped up with China before the Seoul NSG Plenary. "India's membership continues to be under consideration of the NSG. The merits of India's candidature have been recognised by a majority of the NSG members, including in formal bilateral Joint Statements. It is for the NSG to judge the merits of other candidates," Singh said. He said government continues its engagement with the NSG participating government including China on the issue of India's membership of the NSG. "India's membership has been supported by a large and diverse number of NSG members, including the US, France, UK, Russia, Canada, Australia, Germany, Netherlands and Japan. It is natural for India to move ahead on this issue by working with as broad a group of supporters as possible," Singh added. Department of Atomic Energy has been actively associated with government's efforts on India's membership bid, he said. New Delhi: India's progress is linked to that of all its neighbours, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday as he along with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina inaugurated Petrapole-Benapole land port which will serve as a key trade route between the two countries. Addressing via video conferencing the event which was also joined by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he said Integrated Check Post (ICP) will serve to foster more economic integration and connectivity between India and Bangladesh. Underlining that economic development and connectivity are very closely linked to each other, Modi said, "India's progress is linked to progress of all its neighbours." He said inauguration of the "biggest land port in South Asia" is a "very important milestone" in the relations between India and Bangladesh. "Both India and Bangladesh have not only ventured on the path of development but are also marching together," he said. Petrapole-Benapole is a key land border crossing for India-Bangladesh trade, with over 50 per cent of bilateral trade passing through it. Petrapole ICP will provide better facilities for effective and efficient discharge of functions such as security, immigration, customs. It will also provide support facilities for smooth cross-border movement of people, goods and transport. Modi noted that every year 15 lakh people and one-and-a-half lakh trucks cross this border point. At the outset, he conveyed his deep condolences to Hasina over the loss of lives in the recent attacks and told her that India is with her in the fight against terror. "In the fight against terrorism, do not consider yourself alone. India's full support is with you," he said. "It's a matter of pain for me as well as for people of my country that there were two terror incidents in Dhaka and Kishoregunj during the holy month of Ramadan. It's a sad moment when temples and their priests as also civilians were subjected to inhumane torture," he said. Modi also thanked Mamata for joining the programme and appreciated her role in improving India-Bangladesh ties. Here are some important reports from the biggest newspapers of India: 1.Fight against wildlife trade gets a boost The fight against the multi-billion dollar illegal wildlife trade in South Asia got a major boost earlier this month with Nepal approving the statutes of the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN). India has already joined the network, reports The Hindustan Times. SAWEN is a regional network of eight countries in South Asia comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka which aims to set up a regional inter-governmental body to combat wildlife crime. 2. Centre-Congress GST Talks Stay Inconclusive Consensus eluded negotiations between representatives of the government and Congress on the goods and services tax bill during another round of talks that took place late on Wednesday evening, according to a source, reports The Economic Times. The latest round of talks was attended by finance minister Arun Jaitley and parliamentary minister Ananth Kumar from the government and Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma and P Chidambaram, it is learnt. 3. Separatists ask MLAs to Abandon Mehbooba As the unrest continues in Kashmir for 12 days now, separatists on Wednesday asked all the members of J&K assembly to abandon chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and join the `people's resistance movement'. A report in The Economic Times said J&K chief minister is convening all party meeting on July 21 to discuss the protests and the general security situation in the Valley , which the Omar Abdullah-led largest opposition party , National Conference, has decided to boycott. 4. Don't mix pills with juice: Medical body The next time you pop a pill and wash it down with juice, think again. Mixing juice, particularly of citrus fruits, with drugs makes the medicine less effective, the Indian Medical Association has warned, reports Durgesh Nandan Jha. In a recent advisory , the medical body says juices affect the absorption of drugs, particularly those prescribed for chronic conditions such as hypertension or heart disease. One should have these pills only with water, reports The Times Of India. 5. A.P. set to be countrys nuclear power hub Weeks after the government announced that U.S. company Westinghouses Nuclear Power Project (NPP), planned in Gujarats Mithi Virdi, is being moved to Andhra Pradesh, sources confirmed to The Hindu that Russian-owned Rosatom will build its next phase of six reactors in Andhra Pradesh as well, reports The Hindu. With other States like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Maharashtra facing local protests over NPPs, the government is now pinning its mega-plans for generating the clean energy on coastal Andhra Pradesh. 6. FMCG firms, eateries might regain pricing power Processed food companies and restaurant chains are likely to regain pricing power this year as urban demand revives on the Seventh Pay Commission payout and rural demand picks up with a better monsoon outlook, reports The Business Standard. Hindustan Unilever (HUL), Britannia, Nestle and McDonald's have already started hiking prices gingerly and analysts expect the process to gather steam in the second half of the financial year. These companies have had to postpone price hikes for almost all of 2015 because of weak demand. 7.Can't find 1,684 kids, govt tells high court The state government on Wednesday informed the Gujarat high court that taking into account figures since January 2013, 1,684 kids remain missing in the state, reports The Times Of India. The state government admitted that 7,778 children were kidnapped in Gujarat since January 2013. Of them, 6,359 children have been traced.There are 1,419 kidnapped children, who have not been traced till date.The government also said that apart from kidnapping cases, there were 265 kids who are missing. In this category , 3,701 children went missing and of them 3,436 have been found. 8.Amid row over will, Jayadev says Aishwarya `not my son' On the third day of his testimony in the Bombay high court, late Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's second-born son Jayadev , who has challenged the validity of his father's 2011 will, stunned the courtroom by saying, for the first time, that Aishwarya is not my son. Aishwarya (20), till date, was known as the younger son of Jayadev and his exwife Smita Thackeray. The court proceedings turned in-camera after that, reports The Times of India. Jayadev is embroiled in a bitter battle with younger brother Uddhav over the bequests made by their father, who passed away in November 2012. In the will, Thackeray bequeathed almost all his assets, including a major portion of his landmark bungalow in Bandra (East), Matoshree, to Uddhav, also his political heir, but almost nothing to the other surviving son, Jayadev. 9.Attack Neo-Illiberalism to Herald True Liberalisation Raise a toast to the economic reforms that have transformed India over 25 years. India has gone from being the world's big gest beggar for foreign aid to be ing hailed as a potential superpo wer. From being an irrelevant Third Worlder it has become the only credible Asian check on China in the 21st century, reports The Economic Times. India used to be a leader of the G77 group of developing count ries. But is now a member of G20, the biggest global powers. From being economically irrelevant it has become the fastest-growing major economy in the world. 10.Jet Airways to unbundle fares next month Jet Airways is unbundling its fares, to allow customers to opt for paying less in lieu of benefits such as lounge access or bonus miles. The product, Fare Choices, will be launched on August 17 reports The Business Standard. It will allow customers to choose from eight fare slabs. The higher levels will guarantee bonus miles, lounge access, seat upgrade options, priority check-in and waivers in cancellation and date change fees. All passengers will be entitled to free meals and baggage allowance, irrespective of fare selection. The airline would not comment on pricing. Globally, Air Canada, United, American Airlines, Air New Zealand and Etihad have launched similar fare products, allowing customers to choose their best option. New Delhi: Arrested Technology consultant Pritin Sanyal - who is under the scanner of I-T Department - impersonated Nripendra Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources in the government said on Thursday. He was arrested by the Delhi police and further investigation is going on. It was learnt that Sanyal's house was raided several times between June and July by the I-T department in New Delhi, NCR, Kolkata and Lucknow. In one of the raids on June 2, a Russian girl (22) was rescued from Sanyal's house at up-market Safdarjung Enclave residence. Scared with the raid, the girl slashed her wrist, prompting the tax officials to lodge a police complaint and inform the Russian Embassy. Later, she left the country. "Sanyal had taken her (Russian girl) passport in possession. When we searched the house, she slit her wrist with a knife," I-T department sources said. During investigations, I-T sleuths found that Sanyal was impersonating Mishra to get his job done in the ministries. His cell phone was seized during the raid and the I-T officials are trying to retrieve the call details to get more leads. Sanyal had taken a SIM card in the name of his servant (reportedly saved as Nripendra Mishra) and used to show messages to senior government officials to prove that the text messages are from Mishra. Sanyal owns 14 properties in India and the officials are trying to find out whether black money has been used to purchase these properties or not. Sources revealed that he also used to claim himself as RSS ideologue. He used to be in touch with senior government officials in powerful positions including CBDT Chairman Atulesh Jindal, police sources said. New Delhi: BJP and Congress on Thursday joined hands to demand derecognition of Aam Aadmi Party by the Election Commission over using the image of the Golden Temple on its youth manifesto and the recent case of suicide of by its woman activist over an alleged case of sexual exploitation. Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi referred to the suicide case in Delhi and said the case filed earlier by the victim relating to outraging of modesty by an AAP activist should now be treated as abetment to suicide and action taken against top AAP leaders including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. She also demanded derecognition of AAP by the EC. A similar demand was made by Congress MPs Ravneet Singh Bittu and Santok Singh Chaudhary. Chaudhary alleged that an AAP legislator has been named in a case of alleged desecration of Koran, while Bittu claimed that using the picture of the Golden Temple on its youth manifesto had hurt the feelings of Sikhs in Punjab. Both also sought derecognition of AAP. The issue of BJP leader Dayashankar Singh, now expelled from the party, using inappropriate words against BSP supremo Mayawati was raised by Congress chief whip Jyotiraditya Scindia. Maintaining that atrocities against dalits across the country were growing, he said the use of derogatory words against Mayawati showed that despite government claims of following Dr Ambedkar, "the BJP wants a Dalit Mukt Bharat." Several Congress MPs also associated with Scindia. Intervening in the matter, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the party has taken action against the BJP leader and also condemned the incident in strongest words. The Congress members, however, insisted on the BJP taking police action against Singh, to which Kumar said it was upon the state government to do so. BJP members also raised the issue of suicide by two Dy SPs in Karnataka due to alleged pressure from the ministers. Former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa said the Karnataka government did not want honest officers and demanded a CBI inquiry into the matter. Ashwini Kumar Choubey (BJP) claimed anti-national slogans were raised at a rally in Patna which supported controversial preacher Zakir Naik and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi. TDP MPs raised the issue of granting special status to Andhra Pradesh, as the state had lost out revenue to Telangana due to its bifurcation. RJD MP Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav also made a similar demand for Bihar. P Karunkaran (CPI-M) demanded withdrawal of 100% FDI in the defence sector. The Bahujan Samaj Party has called off its massive protest against expelled Bharatiya Janata Party leader Dayashankar Singh over his 'prostitute' remark against their party chief Mayawati. Thousands of BSP workers protested against Singh in Lucknow for comparing Mayawati to a prostitute. Angry BSP workers protested in front of the Ambedkar statue at Hazratganj in Lucknow demanding Singh's arrest for the derogatory remarks. Party workers also broke police barricades and shouted slogans against the BJP while burning Singh's effigies. The Uttar Pradesh Police raided Singh's residence in Lucknow but he was not traceable. He is likely to surrender before the court, sources said. Demanding Singh's arrest, BSP MP Satish Mishra said, "We demand Dayashankar Singh should be arrested and sent to jail which is the right place for him. This is not right when they say that now they are sorry. This matter does not end by saying sorry. Till the time he isn't arrested and legal investigation doesn't take place, this matter won't end." The prostitute remark against Mayawati by a BJP leader has backfired on the Centre and has handed BSP a fresh political agenda in Uttar Pradesh ahead of polls in early 2017. In derogatory remarks against Mayawati on Wednesday, Singh had said, "Mayawati is breaking the dream of Kanshi Ram into pieces. Mayawati is selling tickets like a prostitute." "Mayawati gives tickets for Rs 1 crore and if there is someone who can give Rs 2 crore than she sells it for Rs 2 crore within an hour. If someone is ready to give Rs 3 crore by the evening, she gives the ticket to him. She is even worse than a prostitute," he said. Asking Mayawati not to politicise the issue, Union Minister Uma Bharti said, "The BJP has taken action against Dayashankar. I would request Mayawati and other political parties not to politicise the issue for votes because of this attention from the main isssue will be diverted. We have taken action but we hope politics stops around this issue. BSP is now politicising it and diluting the issue. They are now doing politics." There were protests inside the Madhya Pradesh Assembly in Bhopal. In the national capital there was protest near the Jantar Mantar. A day after BJP Vice-President Dayashankar Singh's offensive remarks against BSP chief Mayawati caused a furore across the state and in Parliament, the BJP surely needs to do a lot more to keep the motor mouths of their party in check. A viral video that showed Dalit youths being beaten up by vigilantes for skinning a dead cow in Gujarat was already making the BJP look like a party against the poor and the down-trodden. Dayashankar's comments have only added to their woes and with Uttar Pradesh elections round the corner the party indeed has much to worry. "Mayawati gives tickets for Rs 1 crore and if there is someone who can give Rs 2 crore than she sells it for Rs 2 crore within an hour. If someone is ready to give Rs 3 crore by the evening, she gives the ticket to him. She is even worse than a prostitute," Dayashankar had said on Wednesday. However, this was not first instance when a BJP representative made an objectionable remark referring to the Dalits. 1) In September 2015, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's comments on reservation policy had also sparked severe criticism. "If we would have implemented this policy as envisaged by the Constitution makers instead of doing politics over it, then present situation would not have arrived. Since inception it has been politicised," Bhagwat had said. The party machinery went into damage control and said that the party supports the reservation for everyone who benefits from it currently. But Minister of State, General VK Singh's remarks a month later dealt a serious blow to the party's ambitions in Bihar and send it running for cover. 2) In October 2015, during the run up to Bihar Election, Singh remarked, "If somebody throws a stone at a dog, then the government is responsible. It is not like that." 3) Months later, the BJP's inefficient handling of Dalit scholar Rohita Vemula's suicide had further alienated the community turning it into a national issue, much to the disappointment of the ruling party. 4) In February 2016, while speaking in the Parliament, then HRD Minister, Smriti Irani had linked 'Mahishasur Martyrdom Day" to the JNU row. Not only did this reference meet with sharp condemnation in the Parliament but also disappointed various tribal communities who treat Mahishasur as a venerated figure. The Una incident and the way the Gujarat government dilly-dallied over it has brought the Dalits out on the streets. On Thursday, Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh came to a standstill after dalit groups blocked major junctions and caused traffic snarls over Dayashankar's remarks. The question everyone is asking is : With Mayawati getting a fresh lease of life, has Dayashankar's foot in the mouth cost BJP its most important state? Panaji: Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal will again visit Goa in the first week of August during which he is expected to meet a cross section of society including farmers. "Kejriwal will be in Goa during the first week of August. This would be his third visit to the state," Goa AAP spokesperson Rupesh Shinkre said on Thursday. During the visit, Kejriwal is expected to meet women's groups, people affected with the iron ore mining activity, farmers and agriculturists, he said. "We might also arrange one more interaction with the youth during his Goa visit. The modalities are being finalised," Shinkre said. AAP has announced that they will contest all the 40 seats in the Goa Assembly elections next year. Kejriwal had addressed a public rally in Goa on May 23 this year, during which he criticised both BJP and Congress and accused them of being hand in glove with each other. During his second visit on June 28, he had interacted with fishermen, representatives of small and medium hotels and the youth. Thousands of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) workers on Thursday stepped up protests against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dayashankar Singh in Lucknow for comparing their party chief Mayawati to a prostitute.Angry BSP workers protested in front of the Ambedkar statue at Hazratganj in Lucknow demanding Singh's arrest for the derogatory remarks. Party workers also broke police barricades and shouted slogans against the BJP while burning Singh's effigies.The Uttar Pradesh Police also raided the residence of Singh but he is not traceable.In derogatory remarks against Mayawati on Wednesday, Singh had said, "Mayawati is breaking the dream of Kanshi Ram into pieces. Mayawati is selling tickets like a prostitute.""Mayawati gives tickets for Rs 1 crore and if there is someone who can give Rs 2 crore than she sells it for Rs 2 crore within an hour. If someone is ready to give Rs 3 crore by the evening, she gives the ticket to him. She is even worse than a prostitute," he said.Singh's remarks drew severe flak from members in Parliament, including women MPs. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson PJ Kurien said that the House wants the government to ensure that stringent action is taken against the BJP leader as per law for his "unforgivable" comments.In the Rajya Sabha Leader of the House, Arun Jaitley, got up to express regret, saying the remarks were highly condemnable but Mayawati was not convinced and demanded that Singh's expulsion from the party and strong action taken against him.Asking BSP not to politicise the issue, BJP state president Keshav Prasad Maurya said, "His remark was wrong. He was sacked from the party. This issue should stop here. Police will do what is needed. BSP should not make it a political issue. It is not required. They will not get any benefit from it."BSP had filed a police complaint seeking an FIR against Singh under the SC/ST Act for his derogatory comments against Mayawati. BSP leaders, led by Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Naseemuddin Siddiqui, had submitted the complaint at the Hazratganj Kotwali.The complaint, which was lodged by national secretary of BSP Mewalal Gautam, had alleged that Singh's remarks in Mau have hurt the feelings of BSP workers and the Dalit community across the country and were aimed at provoking them.The BJP on Wednesday night expelled Singh from the party as it sought to buffer it against the fallout of his derogatory remarks against the BSP chief.Maurya had sacked him from the party, hours after he announced that Singh had been relieved from all organisational responsibilities. Expulsion from the party will remain in force for six years in line with the party's rules, BJP leaders said. BSP president Mayawati is trying to script another comeback ahead of polls in Uttar Pradesh elections, this time using the parliamentary platform to wriggle out of a corner. The BSP supremo was first off the blocks this Monsoon session when she launched a scathing attack to sting the BJP where it hurts the most- the barbaric flogging of Dalit youths in PM Narendra Modi's home state Gujarat. She was quick to follow it up with a powerful oratorical performance in Rajya Sabha on the derogatory remarks made by a UP BJP functionary against her. In exact 72 hours, Mayawati had turned the tables on the BJP, which along with its ideological mentor, had launched a pincer outreach to wean away BSP's core vote bank in UP. That's vintage Mayawati for you. Cornered and under pressure, she comes into her own. In the past, she has encountered worse situations- some even life-threatening- to consolidate her position within her core constituency. Rewind to 1995 when Mayawati, all of 39 years, stood firm against the hordes of Samajwadi Party workers attempting to break into her room at the VIP guesthouse he in Lucknow. Within twenty-four hours, she replaced Mulayam Singh Yadav to take oath as the youngest CM of the state with BJP support. Mayawati since then has been at the helm of the state three more times. In fact it is not the first time the BSP supremo has had to face invectives and slur - both from adversaries and friend-turned-foes. In December 1995, a Hindi national daily published an interview of a close aide of Kanshi Ram, Dinanath Bhaskar, who had fallen foul of the BSP founder. Bhaskars startling allegations created a huge furore in the national politics. Kanshi Ram called for a massive party rally at the historic Beghum Hazrat Mahal Park in Lucknow. At the end of the meeting, he took the district administration completely by surprise by asking BSP workers to follow him to the newspaper office. The pied piper led the massive crowd to the publishing house in the heart of the state capital challenging the newspaper to prove the allegations. The district administration was at its wits end to control a situation that could have turned ugly within no time. The tension was finally defused with the intervention of the then district magistrate. But Kanshi Ram had made a point, and made it forcefully. Whenever Mayawati has spoken in this first week of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, her interventions have been structured and measured to send a strong message to her core constituency. First, she has used the opportunity to settle the dalit ki beti vs daulat ki beti debate. All the recent BSP deserters, including Swami Prasad Maurya, have left the party accusing Mayawati of putting a price tag on party nominations for assembly polls. Secondly- and perhaps more significantly- her speech in the the Rajya Sabha on Thursday was aimed to send a subtle message to Dalits and Muslims to come together in UP. The two communities, are at the receiving end of this drive of the cow protection vigilantes in Gujarat and outside. The recent developments have come as a huge setback for the BJP which has been trying to script its Dalit outreach in tandem with the RSS over the last six months. As part of a larger strategy, the ideological fountainhead of the BJP has been running a campaign aimed at bringing about social harmony in the villages. At another level, the recent political appointments made by the BJP had been aimed at weaning away a section of the Dalit and OBC votes to engineer a broader caste mobilisation. In one week - even less than that - Mayawati has smashed all that, leaving the BJP scrambling to resurrect its narrative in UP. Narendra Modi government is in the cross-hairs of the Opposition in Parliament over recent attack on Dalits in Gujarats Una district. The discussion on atrocities against Dalits is scheduled at 2 PM in the Upper House. The notice for the debate was given by BSP chief Mayawati and TMCs Derek OBrien. On Wednesday, the issue reverberated in Lok Sabha with opposition demanding a parliamentary committee probe which was turned down by the Centre. Opposition members took exception to Home minister Rajnath Singhs praise for the Gujarat governments handling of the issue. Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here. New Delhi: Speculation is rife over whether Congress president Sonia Gandhi's daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will campaign for the party in Uttar Pradesh or not. She is likely to campaign aggressively for the Congress party during the Uttar Pradesh elections scheduled in early 2017. Till now Priyanka has never campaigned outside the family bastions of Amethi and Rae Bareli. She had recently attended a party meeting over the state elections held at the Congress UP incharge Ghulam Nabi Azad's residence in Delhi. She was also present at the strategy meeting at Sonia's residence 10 Janpath. The Congress has so far remained tight-lipped on Priyanka's role in the campaigning in the poll-bound state. "When something is decided, you will hear about it," party spokesman Manish Tewari said adding that the media should "hold the horses" on the matter. Hinting at a larger role for Priyanka, UP Congress chief Raj Babbar said that she will continue to guide party workers in future. "Priyanka has time and again given hope and inspiration to us. I hope in the coming days she will continue to guide and encourage us," Babbar had said. Party's UP chief ministerial candidate Sheila Dikshit, too, lauded the leadership qualities of Priyanka and party vice president Rahul Gandhi. An Indian-American donor from Chicago will donate a whopping USD 898,000 to Donald Trump'spresidential campaign, making him one of the biggest financial backers to the Republican nominee. Chicago-based Shalabh "Shalli" Kumar wired USD 449,400 to the Trump Victory Fund on Saturday afternoon, The Hill reported.This is the maximum one can donate to the Trumpcampaign. His wife will send another equal amount to the Trump Victory fund thus becoming "double max" totaling USD 898,800. Early this year, Kumar founded the Republican Hindu Coalition. He yesterday hosted a breakfast reception for Newt Gingrich, the former Speaker of the US House of Representatives and a close aide of Trump. Kumar also met Trump on Saturday. "That's just a start. That's the seed money," Kumar said. Kumar praised Trump for his policies on Pakistan and his views on Muslim profiling. "He has to do whatever [it takes] and he is the strongest that has come about in the last 45 years. The U.S. Secret Service is aware of this matter and will conduct the appropriate investigation," said Shawn L. Holtzclaw, a spokesman for the Secret Service. Hillary Clinton's campaign communications director also responded strongly to the matter. The US Secret Service has launched an investigation on an informal adviser to Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump after he called for Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's execution.Al Baldasaro, a New Hampshire state representative, on Tuesday, told radio host Jeff Kuhner that Clinton "should be put in the firing line and shot for treason."Baldasaro, who serves as an informal adviser to Trump on veterans issues, has been one of Trump's most prominent supporters n the campaign trail, frequently introducing the candidate at events in New Hampshire.Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks told CNN, "The campaign does not agree with those statements."She declined to characterize Baldasaro's role with the campaign or whether he would continue to travel with Trump on any future occasion."Donald Trump's overtaking of the Republican Party and his constant escalation of outrageous rhetoric is in danger of mainstreaming the kind of hatred that has long been relegated to the fringes of American politics where it belongs," Jennifer Palmieri said.Arkansas Senator, Tom Cotton, while talking to CNN on Wednesday objected to Baldasaro's comments."That's not keeping with the best traditions of American politics. We have opponents. We have adversaries. We don't have enemies in American politics so I can't agree with that kind of rhetoric," Cotton, a former U.S. army infantry officer, told CNN. Ankara: Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday declared a three-month state of emergency following a botched coup attempt, declaring he would rid the military of the "virus" of subversion and giving the government sweeping powers to expand a crackdown that has already included mass arrests and the closure of hundreds of schools. Erdogan, who was accused of autocratic conduct before the insurrection, said the measure would counter threats to Turkish democracy. Possibly anticipating investor jitters, Erdogan criticised Standard & Poor's for downgrading its credit rating for Turkey deeper into "junk" status and said the country would remain financially disciplined. The president did not announce details, but the security measure could facilitate longer detentions for many of the nearly 10,000 people who have been rounded up since loyalist security forces and protesters quashed the rebellion that started Friday night and was over by Saturday. "This measure is in no way against democracy, the law and freedoms," Erdogan said in a national televised address after a meeting with Cabinet ministers and security advisers. The state of emergency announcement needs to be published in a state gazette and lawmakers have to approve it for it to take effect, according to analysts. Turkey imposed emergency rule in the southeast of Turkey in 1987, allowing officials to set curfews, issue search and arrest warrants and restrict gatherings as the security forces fought Kurdish rebels. The emergency rule was gradually lifted by 2002. The president suggested military purges would continue. "As the commander in chief, I will also attend to it so that all the viruses within the armed forces will be cleansed," Erdogan said. In an apparent attempt to calm fears that the military's powers will be increased, the president said the military will be under the government-appointed governors' command and work closely with the regional governors. The pro-government death toll in the botched coup was 246. At least 24 coup plotters were also killed. Turkey also said it would close more than 600 private schools and dormitories following the attempted coup, spurring fears that the state's move against perceived enemies is undermining key institutions in the country. Erdogan's government said it has fired nearly 22,000 education ministry workers, mostly teachers, taken steps to revoke the licenses of 21,000 other teachers at private schools and sacked or detained half a dozen university presidents in a campaign to root out alleged supporters of a U.S.-based Muslim cleric blamed for the failed insurrection. The targeting of education ties in with Erdogan's belief that the cleric, Fethullah Gulen, whose followers run a network of schools worldwide, seeks to infiltrate the Turkish education system and other institutions in order to bend the country to his will. The cleric's movement, which espouses moderation and multi-faith harmony, says it is a scapegoat. While Erdogan is seeking to consolidate the power of his elected government after the rebellion, his crackdown could further polarise a country that once enjoyed a reputation for relative stability in the turbulent Middle East region. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the military, courts and other institutions being purged. "The fact that so many judges have been detained, never mind the workload at the courthouses, will render them inoperable," said Vildan Yirmibesoglu, a human rights lawyer. The education ministry said it decided to close 626 private schools and other establishments under investigation for "crimes against the constitutional order and the running of that order," the state-run Anadolu news agency reported. The agency said the schools are linked to Gulen, a former ally of Erdogan who lives in Pennsylvania and has denied accusations that he engineered the coup attempt. Turkey has demanded Gulen's extradition from the United States. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says Turkey must provide hard evidence that Gulen was behind the foiled coup, and that mere allegations of wrongdoing wouldn't suffice. The two allies cooperate in the US-led war against the Islamic State group, with American military planes flying missions from Turkey's Incirlik air base into neighboring Iraq and Syria. Turkey's domestic situation is increasingly a concern as the crackdown widens. Huseyin Ozev, an education union leader in Istanbul, said state education workers who were reported to have been fired had not received notices and that employees were "waiting at home or on vacation, anxiously," to see if they had lost their jobs. The fight against coup plotters "should not be turned into a witch hunt," Ozev said. In other moves, Turkey demanded the resignations of 1,577 university deans and halted foreign assignments for state-employed academics. A total of 50,000 civil service employees have been fired in the purges, which have reached Turkey's national intelligence service and the prime minister's office. The government has also revoked the press credentials of 34 journalists because of alleged ties to Gulen's movement, Turkish media reported. Authorities have rounded up about 9,000 people - including 115 generals, 350 officers, 4,800 other military personnel and 60 military high school students - for alleged involvement in the coup attempt. Turkey's defense ministry has also sacked at least 262 military court judges and prosecutors, according to Turkish media reports. Saban Ceylan, a taxi driver in Istanbul, said he expected his income to drop because of the state of emergency. "Nothing is going to happen if I don't take money home during three months," Ceylan said. In a reference to the coup plotters, he said: "I just want this country to be rescued from those dishonorable people." CLEVELAND Donald Trump supporters taunted Sen. Ted Cruzs wife as she made her way out of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night after her husband declined to endorse Trump during his primetime speech. Trump supporters yelled Goldman Sachs! as Heidi Cruz, who works at the investment firm, was escorted away from her seat by former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and others. Cuccinelli, who worked with the Cruz campaign, was visibly angry over the yelling at Heidi Cruz. Standing with colleagues behind the Virginia delegation, he listed ways in which Trump had insulted the Cruz family during the presidential primaries, including linking Ted Cruzs father, Rafael Cruz, to the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Bad idea, Cuccinelli said when asked about the booing for Cruzs speech. Unity, Trump style. Cuccinelli stood next to Heidi Cruz and applauded as the Texas senator finished his speech. Trump supporters seated nearby yelled out Lyin Ted! and Go home! State Sen. Richard H. Black, R-Loudoun, said Cruz in some ways brought the reaction on himself by not doing the one thing people expected from him. You could tell from the reaction of the crowd there was deep disappointment among people that Ted Cruz did not do what he shouldve done, said Black, a convention delegate who formerly served as co-chairman of Cruzs Virginia campaign. Most of Virginias congressional representatives have stayed away from the convention, but Rep. Robert Hurt, R-5th, was on the convention floor for Cruzs speech. Hurt, who is not running for re-election this year and has said he supports Trump as the nominee, called the nationally televised display of party division disappointing. The election, he said, is a binary choice. Anybody who looks at it any other way is playing games, Hurt said. Why Marvel Comics' Daredevil: Born Again may be difficult to adapt to the MCU Frank Miller's original comic book storyline will likely see significant changes for Marvel Studios Disney Plus version 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. WHO KILLED HITMAN? It was originally thought that Thomas Hamza Sharpe - one of a group of gunmen who opened fire at Alexis and Kevin Escayg - was himself shot dead by Alexis during an exchange of gunfire. However, with this new revelation following the ballistics test, police investigating the triple murder are now left with a niggling question - who killed hitman Sharpe. Police sources told Newsday yesterday that investigators believe that someone close to Alexis, who was inside a nearby grocery owned by Alexis, ran out when the shooting started and used an illegal firearm to shoot at the gunmen who by this time, were riddling the bodies of Alexis and Escayg with bullets. Hamza was shot dead while his accomplices sped off in two cars. What is also of great concern to lawmen is the fact that the weapon used by Hamza, which based on the bullets retrieved from Alexis and Escaygs bodies is believed to be a high-powered assault rifle and the weapon used by Alexis associate to kill Hamza, were not found at the scene and remain unaccounted for. Police believe Alexis associate is in possession of both weapons. Sources said that dozens of spent shells of 5.56 and 9 mm calibre were recovered at the scene. The 5.56 shells were fired from assault rifles believed to be the AR 15. Both Alexis and Escayg were killed by weapons firing the 5.56 calibre bullet while Hamza was killed by 9 mm bullets. The latter was shot seven times - three to the back of his head and four about his lower body. Police sources said that as part of the ballistics test, swabs were taken of the hands of Alexis and Hamza, which showed gunshot residue on the latters hands but none on Alexis hand. Police sources said they are yet to confirm whether surveillance cameras at the car wash owned by Alexis were removed by persons close to him before the arrival of the police. Police believe if the cameras were removed and are in the hands of persons, the footage will be used to identify the killers so that murderous revenge could be sought. Intelligence sources said yesterday that telephone conversations were recorded of the killers who allegedly stole a vehicle early last Friday from Woodbrook and used this vehicle to go to Alexis business place to kill him. The car was found abandoned at Myers Lane in Enterprise, Chaguanas. Newsday was told that Alexis knew he was a man marked for death and kept an illegal firearm at his business places. Police sources said they are not taking any chances with respect to law and order in the Enterprise area as it is strongly believed there will be reprisal attacks. One of Alexis close associates said that the slain businessman was never without personal protection. I believe he did not have time to fetch his weapon because he wanted to protect his granddaughter and this gave the killers enough time to shoot him down. I can assure you that if his granddaughter was not there, Robo would have gone down fighting, said the associate who contacted Newsday yesterday. The associate claimed that Alexis used his money to assist some poor persons but at the end of the day, making money and living a certain lifestyle was what Alexis was all bout. The associate said that reports that Escayg was merely a customer who came to either have his car washed or to go to Alexis grocery were false and claimed that both men were business partners. Police sources said yesterday that a close relative of Alexis was questioned in connection with the missing weapons but. Investigations are continuing. Son evicts dad, mom, sister from house Parents must set better examples to their children, Seepersad told the father, Dennis Lall, 65, his son Akash and his (Akashs) wife Sophia, at the San Fernando High Court, as the judge ratified a Consent Order which gives the father, mother and daughter until September 14 to leave their house. By then, son Akash, 40, who lives upstairs with his wife and three children, will have complete access to the entire house situated at Mandingo Road, Princes Town. The father, mother and daughter must also remove their garbage bin from in front the house and even relocate their post box, according to the Order which they have agreed to with their son and his wife. Akash and wife Sophia, 38, sued dad Dennis, mom Judy, 58, and daughter Melissa, 30, who is also Akashs sister, for possession of the house which comprises two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room and toilet and bath upstairs. But Dennis lives downstairs with Judy and Melissa. However, Akash has claimed possession of that downstairs one-bedroom, storeroom, dining room, toilet and bath; porch and garage as well. Akash claimed that while his father and mother are joint tenants of the two lots of land on which the house stands, he, in 2013, had acquired a joint tenancy. He constructed the upstairs and downstairs at a cost of $350,000. He stated, however, that he allowed his father and mother to occupy the downstairs, out of his love and affection for them. But Akash claimed that from 2013, his father, mother and sister began harassing him and his wife and their three children. In fact, Akash claimed that they often threatened to evict him and his family from the house. He sought a Protection Order against his father, mother and sister, in the Princes Town Magistrates Court. Citing the harassment as unbearable, Akash stated that the only way he and his wife and children could have peace, is if his parents and sister left the property. In response, Dennis filed an affidavit in which he claimed that his daughter was struck with a hammer and the family furniture, tools and electrical appliances, were thrown out of the downstairs where they lived. When the case came up before Seepersad yesterday, Akash, his wife and Dennis were in court. Judy and Melissa did not attend. Attorneys Stephen Boodram and Jeevan Andrew Rampersad appeared for Akash and Sophia, while attorney Ravi Dominique Bunsee appeared for Dennis. The attorneys told Seepersad that the Akash, his wife, and Dennis had agreed to a settlement, thereby bringing to an end their years of bickering, especially in the presence of Akashs three children. They are to disconnect all utilities to their downstairs apartment by paying all WASA and TTEC bills by September 21. Akashs parents and sister must also remove their water tanks. They are to remove their mail box from the front wall of the house by September 15, and even provide their own garbage bin. In ratifying the Order, Seepersad told the family members that it was heart-rending that a father and son must speak to each other, only by the intervention of judges and attorneys. When a father and son cannot sort out their domestic disputes amicably, it shows a lack of respect, Seepersad said. You both have children of your own. Children learn from how elders behave. You have to learn how to resolve your disputes, not at all times only by the intervention of judges and lawyers. The order also mandates the father, his wife and daughter, to cease from harassing Akash and his wife, Sophia, or threatening them. And in vacating his home, the parents and sister are also ordered not to destroy fruit trees or other plants Scolding both sides for their inability to mend their differences, Seepersad warned, This court is not prepared to tolerate any breach by either party, or you may have to walk with your toothbrush and toothpaste. Imam urges: Be good Muslims Hamza, 33, was killed during an exchange of gunfire with Central businessman Selwyn Robocop Alexis on Sunday. Mohameds pleas echoed those of other religious leaders who have also called for peace and an end to the violence in the wake of Sundays killings. In Islam we are taught that if you take the life of an innocent person, in the eyes of the Creator it would be as if you have killed all of mankind. When people enter Islam and do crazy things everyone in that faith suffers, because their actions causes fear and misconception to take root in our society. It is time that we start practising the true form of Islam, do not be carried away with what others tell you about Islam, you must do your own research and find the truth. It is the only way. Muslims must be witnesses for one another, we must be examples to both our Muslim and our non-Muslim brothers. Islam is not by the kind of clothes you have on it is by your practice it is in you hearts. My advice to you is not to do anything rash, learn the proper teachings of Islam, do not take the laws into your own hands, if you have a dispute with someone, take your issue to the authorities of the land, the police, please do not take the law into your own hands it is not accepted in Islam. Mohamed said the actions of a few misled individuals should not define an entire faith, and called on mourners to break the negative stereotype of Islam and Muslims citing that such actions place a negative stigma on all followers which causes harm to the entire faith. Mohamed told Newsday following the service, I would just like to encourage everyone to try and understand the true teachings of Islam. Islam is about living with others in peace. Following the service at the Mosque, mourners filled the narrow street just outside to catch a final glimpse of Sharpe before he was carried off to be buried. Sharpe, like Alexis on Tuesday was laid to rest at the Munroe Road Public Cemetery in Cunupia. During the burial ceremony a Ministry of National Security helicopter hovered overhead as several young men, sporting traditional Islamic garb and head wraps were seen keeping a close vigil on proceedings and heavily armed officers of the Central Division maintained a visible presence in the area. Sharpe, a resident of Walters Lane, was gunned down in the incident last Sunday in which Alexis and Kevin Escayg were gunned down at Alexis car wash business in Enterprise. Escaygs five-yearold son was also shot and remains warded at hospital US: We See No Signs Putin Will Use Dirty Bomb (Newser) A British couple have received what may be the best wedding gift imaginable: a cancer-free diagnosis. ABC News reports Mike Brandon was diagnosed with leukemia in 2014, only a month after proposing to his wife Kate. A bone marrow transplant sent the leukemia into remission, but it came back last year. Mike's acute lymphoblastic leukemia required experimental CAR T-Cell therapy, according to the Huffington Post. The treatment modifies a person's T-cells to target the cancer cells. The couple raised nearly $600,000 to travel to the US for treatment, which Mike started at the University of Pennsylvania Health System shortly after marrying Kate. We were told that it was time to plan our last days together, but Kate point blank refused, Mike says on their fundraising Facebook page. The experimental treatment wasn't easy. Mike suffered what ABC calls "severe side effects." He got pneumonia and required 20 bone marrow biopsies and half a dozen infusions of stem cells. But it appears to have been worth it. Prior to starting the therapy, Mikes bone marrow was almost completely made up of leukemia cells, Kate writes on Facebook. Twenty-eight days later there were none. Kate calls it a "huge relief" but says she knows "we still have quite some distance to go in our journey." (A family decided to let their toddler die of leukemia; it saved him.) (Newser) In an incident as relatively rare as it is relentlessly horrific, a 24-year-old man is dead following an "honor killing" Tuesday in Pakistan, CNN reports. Married man Allah Ditta was having an affair with a married woman. According to Daily Pakistan, the unnamed woman had previously tried to elope with Ditta, but village elders forced her back to her husband. Ditta was on his way to see the woman when he was attacked by five men. Police say the men stabbed Ditta multiple times, cut off his lips, nose, and arms, and took the pieces with them. Ditta died hours later at the hospital. Police believe two of the attackers were relatives of the woman, and raids were undertaken to apprehend them, Pakistan Today reports. Honor killings are a terrifying reality for young Pakistani women accused of disgracing their family, but it's rare for men to be targeted. The Human Rights Commission found that 115 men and 605 women were the victims of honor killings in 2011. This year, there've been more than 1,000 honor killings; only 88 victims were men. Ditta's death came just days after 25-year-old Pakistani social media star Qandeel Baloch was allegedly strangled by her brother because she didn't "stay home and follow traditions." (Read more honor killings stories.) (Newser) The hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness characteristic of menopause may no longer also signal the end of a woman's fertility thanks to a blood treatment used to heal wounds. Presenting their findings at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology annual meeting in Helsinki, Finland, this month, researchers in Greece said they were able to reverse menopause in roughly 30 women, including one who entered menopause at 40 but five years later menstruated again, reports New Scientist. The team has collected three eggs from her and, using her husband's sperm, fertilized two into embryos that they plan to implant into her uterus. Still, an outside researcher says, the development "opens up ethical questions over what the upper age limit of mothers should be." The team reports that roughly 1% of women become infertile before they turn 40 thanks to certain medical conditions and cancer treatments. "It offers a window of hope that menopausal women will be able to get pregnant using their own genetic material," says gynecologist Konstantinos Sfakianoudis. The team injected a woman's ovaries with a platelet-rich plasmaor PRP, which is made with a person's own blood to trigger tissue and blood vessel growth and has been used by the likes of Tiger Woods to speed healing from soft-tssue injuries, notes Forbesto effectively rejuvenate them and trigger menstrual cycles. They're not yet sure exactly how it works, but they've managed to fertilize eggs from nearly all of the 30 women they studied, who are between 45 and 49 and want to have children. In related news, a meta analysis published in JAMA found that some "natural" remedies, though not Chinese "medicinal" herbs, may slightly improve certain symptoms of menopause. (Heard of snowflake moms?) (Newser) Cleveland police say about a dozen people have been taken into custody and will be arrested following a chaotic protest near the arena housing the Republican National Convention, the AP reports. Lt. Michael Butler of the Cleveland Police Department said Wednesday that charges were pending for between 10 and 16 people. The arrests happened as a protest group tried to burn a flag near Quicken Loans Arena. Police said two officers suffered minor injuries after being assaulted during the flag burning. Police issued a dispersal order for everyone, including reporters. The protests briefly made it difficult for convention delegates and reporters to enter the arena. Carl Dix of the Revolutionary Communist Party, which organized the flag burning, said the group hoped to conduct the event as a political statement quickly before police came. Police said the flag was extinguished and taken away. Police used pepper spray on the crowd as the flag burning group locked arms. The incident was the most chaotic protest to hit the convention so far. (Read more Republican National Convention stories.) (Newser) The "Most Interesting Man in the World" is having a rough year. First Jonathan Goldsmith learned Dos Equis would be replacing him as spokesman with a younger actor. Now the 77-year-old has been ordered to pay almost $60,000 in an ongoing lawsuit, reports My News LA. William Klein and talent agency Jordan Lee Inc. sued Goldsmith last October, claiming that in November 2014 he stopped paying the company 10% of his earnings$2 million in 2015 and 2016, reports the Los Angeles Timesas agreed upon in a 2002 contract. So Goldsmith filed a countersuit in February, which the Hollywood Reporter took a look at: He claimed Klein and the agency played no role in his Dos Equis deal, which he says he renegotiated in 2012and he alleges they stepped in it by disclosing that deal's terms in violation of its confidentiality clause, thereby damaging his relationship with Dos Equis. But a judge dismissed Goldsmith's countersuit in May, and last week ordered him to pay $59,000 in legal fees. "The only thing interesting about this guy is how he could have created the worst legal strategy possible," says one of Klein's lawyers. The larger issue of whether Goldsmith reneged on his contract remains in legal limbo. In the meantime, he's focused on "finding a more interesting next gig," per Fast Company. He's already helped raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, canine cancer research, and drug dogs to combat a heroin epidemic. "So many people just take up space, just live that quiet life of desperation," he says. "That's a pretty f---ing boring way to live. Make a difference, leave something behind." (Another thing he has done: hunt land mines.) (Newser) It didn't take a Pikachu poking his head up at the Kaaba for Saudi religious authorities to denounce Pokemon. The country's top religious authority has renewed a 2001 ban on the "un-Islamic" game, though it made no mention of the Pokemon Go augmented-reality game currently conquering the world, reports Reuters. Instead, the General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Religious Scholars repeated its objections to the Pokemon card game, including its resemblance to gambling, suggestions of polytheism and evolution, and symbols taken from Christianity, Shinto, Freemasonry, and "global Zionism." Pokemon Go hasn't officially been released in the kingdom, but it has been downloaded there many times and clerics say they reviewed their fatwa after receiving many questions about Pokemon, AFP reports. (These Pokemon Go players ended up falling off a cliff.) (Newser) "You just hear these booms, they're very low, you know, you almost feel them." That's how one resident of Sonora, Calif., describes a resounding noise heard in the mountain town every summer weekday between 11am and 2pm, per the Inquisitr. What's going on? Well, no one seems to know for sure. Perhaps the ghosts of long-lost miners are still at work in the town, once a hub of the California gold rush, though some suspect aliens are simply alerting residents that it's time to break for lunch, reports ABC10. Others put the noise down to bombs and grenades. Local geologist Glen White suspects the sounds are coming from an Army depot, where old munitions are regularly detonated in the same hours that residents hear the booms. But it's more than a hundred miles away in Nevada. An officer at the depot in Hawthorne doubts whether the explosions can be heard from such a distance. "It doesn't feel right that what we're doing here would be heard 200 miles away when there's a mountain range in between us," he tells ABC News. "My office is 27 miles from where they detonate the old munitions, I only hear it here maybe one time a month, and just barely." White admits it's odd that "people fairly close to the source of the energy, the explosions, aren't hearing it," but he says that doesn't disprove his theory. In fact, he says the detonations can also be heard 75 miles north of Sonora in Placerville, Calif. "I can't explain all the physics involved, but the atmosphere is bouncing in response to the energy and it's reflecting and bouncing [the sound] back down," he says. (This town is plagued by a mysterious hum.) (Newser) Roughly 15 months ago, Malaysia, China, and Australia decided that if they couldn't find the wreckage of Flight MH370 in the designated search areaa portion of the southern Indian Ocean the size of Greece, reports Reutersthat that would basically be it: no expansion of the area unless concrete evidence indicated they should do so. Nothing has been found since that April 2015 decision, but there is a new theory, from the search team led by Dutch engineering group Fugro. Project director Paul Kennedy tells Reuters it's possible the plane, which vanished while traveling from Beijing from Kuala Lumpur with 239 board, was manned at the very end. That would change its trajectory, with the plane not diving but glidingfor a distance as long as 120 miles, says Kennedyinto the water after its fuel had run out. The working theory has been that there was no one at the wheel during its final descent, and Reuters identifies Kennedy's comments as the first time officials involved in the search have suggested otherwise. Bloomberg reports Malaysia, China, and Australia are meeting Thursday to discuss the status of the search, which has thus far covered more than 90% of the designated search area. Getting behind the new theory "could mean combing an area almost as big as California for the best part of a decade," explains Bloomberg. As for the possibility the searchers just missed the plane's wreckage, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau said in an email the search has been so precise even lumps of coal on the ocean floor have been identified. (Read more MH370 stories.) (Newser) South African prosecutors announced their intention to appeal against Oscar Pistorius' six-year jail sentence for murder on Thursday, calling it "shockingly" lenient and a decision that could bring the country's justice system into "disrepute," the AP reports. The announcement prolongs the 3.5-year legal saga of Pistorius, the once-acclaimed double-amputee runner who fatally shot girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his home in 2013. The National Prosecuting Authority said it would file its appeal papers on Thursday, the day of the deadline. Pistorius, 29, was sentenced to six years in prison on July 6, a sentence much shorter than the prescribed minimum of 15 years for murder in South Africa; he could be released on parole after three years. "We respectfully submit that the sentence of six years imprisonment, in all the circumstances, is disproportionate to the crime of murder committed," the prosecuting authority said in a statement. Steenkamp's parents, Barry and June, said in a statement Thursday that they "have always fully supported [chief prosecutor] Gerrie Nel and his team's fight for justice for Reeva" but that they had "no input in the decision of the state to appeal." Pistorius had previously served one year in prison for manslaughter for shooting the 29-year-old Steenkamp, a conviction that was upgraded to murder after an earlier prosecution appeal, leading to a new sentencing. Prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence for Pistorius, but Judge Thokozile Masipa said there were compelling circumstances to give him a lesser sentence (South African judges can deviate from minimum sentences if there are exceptional circumstances). Now prosecutors must first ask Masipa for permission to appeal her decision. If permission is granted, the appeal could go to South Africa's Supreme Court, where prosecutors in Pistorius' case have previously been successful. (Read more Oscar Pistorius stories.) (Newser) Venezuela is in dire straits, and plenty of stories catalog how the nation's political crisis is setting off a humanitarian crisis as well. (Like so.) But for a more personal look, check out the diary kept by reporter Fabiola Zerpa at Bloomberg as she remains on a constant hunt for food and other necessities for herself, her two kids (ages 8 and 10), and her husband, Isaac. The first entry on June 9 notes that Venezuelan adults are assigned two days a week to shop for regulated staples at government-set prices based on their national ID numbers. Hers are Thursday and Sunday, though "Sundays are useless" because stores pretty much gave up selling goods on the weekend a while ago and Thursdays "are only marginally more useful" given the hours-long wait at supermarkets with no guarantee of finding anything. After doing a drive-by and determining the lines were prohibitively long, she doesn't even try that day. Five days later, she does manage to buy vegetables, but meat is nowhere to be found. "And I pay about twice as much as I had just five months earlier." On June 25 she heads to a farmers' market, "a luxury I know that millions of Venezuelans can't afford" (the free-market pricing is illegal but flies all the same). "After spending an hour picking out fruit, vegetables and meat, I get in line to pay, (but) the Internet system that links the debit-card scanner to the banking sector crashes. ... A half-hour goes by. There are now 30 of us waiting to pay. ... A couple of elderly men give up. They put down their grocery bags and walk off. A few minutes later, I join them." She gives up once more on July 7again her day for staplesthis time after waiting a couple hours in line, never even making it inside her local supermarket. Click to read the full piece. (Read more Venezuela stories.) (Newser) A 113-year-old New Jersey woman is the new holder of the title of oldest American, the AP reports. Adele Dunlap became the country's oldest person earlier this month following the death of Goldie Michelson of Worcester, Mass., per the Record. She's also the 10th oldest person in the world, according to the Los Angeles-based Gerontology Research Group, which tracks supercentenarians (people 110 or older). Dunlap lives at the Country Arch Care Center in Pittstown, where she first arrived just shy of her 100th birthday. Asked how it feels to be the oldest American, she tells the newspaper, "I don't feel any different." Asked what it means to be an American, she says, "Well, I've never been anything else." Dunlap taught school before marrying and settling down to raise the couple's three children. Her husband worked for an insurance company and died in 1963. She doesn't give an explanation for her longevity, and her 86-year-old son, Earl, is also at a loss to credit any particular thing for his mother's long life. "It's hard to say," he says. "She never went out jogging or anything like that. She's not really thin, but she never weighed more than 140 pounds. She smoked, and when my father had his first heart attack, they both stopped. I think she ate anything she wanted." Despite the fact she was born Dec. 12, 1902, in Newark, she often gives a younger age when asked how old she is. "Last year, when we were telling her it was her 113th birthday, she said, 'No, no, no, I'm only 102,'" recalls Susan Dempster, the care center's activities director. Dempster says Dunlap is a passive participant in daily activities and socializes minimally, but she looks forward to when the Girl Scouts come to sing Christmas carols. (An Italian woman is the world's oldest person at 116.) (Newser) Children in war-torn Syria are holding pictures of Pokemon in the hopes the rest of the world, currently obsessing over Pokemon Go, will take notice, the Independent reports. According to Vocativ, photos of the children started circulating online Wednesday, the same day airstrikes in the city of Idlib killed more than 50 people. In addition to pictures of Pokemon, the children's signs bear messages like "I am here, come save me" along with their location. Most of the children appear to be near Idlib and another city, Hama, the Guardian reports. Those cities have seen years of fighting between the Syrian government and opposition forces. I never imagined we would like to become a game in order to gain the worlds attention, Vocativ quotes a Twitter account called Children of Syria. The photos originally appeared on a Facebook page belonging to the Revolutionary Forces of Syria, and they bear that opposition group's logo. They have also been circulated by other groups connected to the opposition against Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. It's possible they are simply meant as propaganda. If that's the case, they are effective attention-getters. The world is buzzing with this game, Vocativ quotes a Syrian artist who is also using Pokemon Go to draw attention to Syria. They are looking for the Pokemon, but the Syrian people are looking for how to live right now. Syria's children are in a desperate situation. UNICEF says 35,000 children are trapped in the city of Manbij alone and dozens more have been killed there in recent weeks. (Read more Syria stories.) Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Washington: An in-house Trump staff speechwriter today apologised for using First Lady Michelle Obamas quotes in a speech delivered by Melania Trump at the Republican National Convention and offered her resignation. In working with Melania Trump on her recent First Lady speech, we discussed many people who inspired her and messages she wants to share with the American people, the staffer, Meredith McIver, said in a statement issued by the Trump Campaign. McIver said Melania had always liked Michelle Obama and over the phone, she read some passages from Michelles speech as examples of what she wanted to tell the convention. I wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing in the draft that ultimately became the final speech. I did not check Mrs Obamas speeches. This was my mistake, and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused. No harm was meant, she said. I apologise for the confusion and hysteria my mistake has caused, Today. More than ever, I am honoured to work for such a great family, she said. However, her resignation was rejected by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Yesterday, I offered my resignation to Trump and the Trump family, but they rejected it. Trump told me that people make innocent mistakes and that we learn and grow from these experiences, McIver said. I personally admire the way Trump has handles this situation and I am grateful for his understanding, McIver said. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Una: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday visited Una district in Gujarat to meet victims, who were thrashed brutally for allegedly killing a cow. It is expected that after CM Anandiben Patel and Rahul Gandhi, Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal will also pay a visit to Una soon. Some men claiming themselves as 'Gau Rakshak' thrashed seven Dalit youths alleging that they had killed a cow which they were skinning. The victims claimed that they were skinning already dead cow. Video of the incident went viral on the social media and huge protests were registered across the state. Home Minister Rajnath Singh also condemned the attack and said accused have been taken into the police custody. In a latest development, seven more youths attempted suicide with violence and arson spreading to various places in the state. The incidents of suicide bid were reported from districts of Rajkot, Porbandar, Botad and Gir-Somnath. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The BJP-led government is likely to come under sharp protests from BSP and Congress over issues surrounding former BJP leader Dayashankars remark against BSP leader Mayawati and continued Kashmir unrest. Both the houses of the parliament were rocked yesterday by Una Dalit incident, which is also likely to remain top issue today. BSP is set to demand arrest of UP leader Dayashankar over his derogatory remark against its party supremo Mayawati. Dayashankar had called the former UP chief minister a sex-worker. He apologised for his remark yesterday and was expelled from BJP later in the day. BSP workers today took out protest rallies in Lucknow to demand for his arrest. The Una-Dalit incident will continue to cause uproar in the house, even as an army of political leaders are slated to visit the families of the victims. Seven members of Dalit community were thrashed inhumanely for allegedly lynching a dead cow in Una a few days ago. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will also visit the victim families today. In Kashmir unrest, BJP-led government continues to remain under fire for its alleged mishandling of the situation. In Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti will convene an all-party meet to discuss law and order situation in the Valley. Meanwhile, the government will try to introduce amendments to the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) (Amendment) Bill, 2015 in Parliament. The amendment empowers the government to confiscate benami property by following due procedure, by therefore promotes equity across all citizens. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Lucknow: Furious over remarks against Mayawati by Dayashankar Singh, who has been expelled by BJP, BSP leaders landed on roads and staged a protest in Lucknow. Demanding arrest of the expelled BJP leader effigies were burnt amid slogans against him. The protest, which was majorly seen at main Hazratganj crossings, has come to an end. A large number of party workers had gathered across the area to demand action against Dayashankar Singh. Watch protest video: WATCH: Mayawati slur: Massive protest by BSP in Lucknow's Hazratganj against Dayashankar Singh.https://t.co/42HZ0CWzds ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 21, 2016 A FIR has also been registered against him for his derogatory remark over BSP supremo Mayawati. Superintendent of Police Shivram Yadav said a FIR has been lodged under the SC/ST act and they will investigate the matter now. On Wednesday, an uproar in Parliament was also registered after Mayawati demanded arrest of Dayashankar Singh. She thanked Arun Jaitley and other BJP leaders for showing support to her. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a three-month state of emergency after Turkey faced a failed coup attempt by the army. He has accused followers of his arch-enemy, US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, of being behind the coup, which has led to a wave of some 50,000 arrests and sackings of suspected conspirators. The state of emergency was needed in order to remove swiftly all the elements of the terrorist organisation involved in the coup attempt, Erdogan said at the presidential palace in Ankara. Although the special measure vastly increases state security powers, Erdogan vowed there would be no compromise on democracy. The announcement followed long meetings of Turkeys national security council and cabinet chaired by Erdogan at the presidential palace. A state of emergency gives the government extra powers to restrict freedom of movement, said an official, adding that it would not restrict financial or commercial activities as international law sets limits of restrictions. Turkey in 2002 lifted its last state of emergency, which had been imposed in provinces in the southeast for the fight against Kurdish militants in 1987. Article 120 of the constitution allows a state of emergency to be imposed at a time of serious deterioration of public order because of acts of violence. Global concern has grown as Turkish authorities have arrested or fired troops, police, judges, teachers and other civil servants in the aftermath of Fridays failed bid to seize power by rebel troops. Earlier the Turkish leader lashed out at critics of the sweeping purge, telling Frances Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayraultwho had warned Erdogan not to use the failed coup as a blank cheque to silence his opponentsto mind his own business. Does he have the authority to make these declarations about my person? No, he does not. If he wants a lesson in democracy, he can very easily get a lesson in democracy from us, Erdogan said on al-Jazeera. Earlier yesterday US Secretary of State John Kerry, flanked by allied foreign ministers, said that while we condemn this coup, it was important that the response to it fully respects that democracy that we are supporting. And German Chancellor Angela Merkels spokesman, in more direct comments, said that in Turkey nearly every day we are seeing new measures that flout the rule of law and that disregard the principle of proportionality. Erdogan in the Al-Jazeera interview insisted that the arrests and suspensions had been carried out within the law, adding that of course that does not mean we have come to the end of it. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Aamir Khan is in no mood to leave any stone unturned for his upcoming movie Dangal. As per latest buzz, the actor will be rapping for a special song in the film. Well, this is not the first time he will be lending his voice for a song, earlier we had heard him in Ghulam. This time he gives a bit of twist and turns into a rapper for a special song of Dangal, which is a biopic on real life wrestler Mahavir Phogat. There are also reports that suggest that the star is prepping himself up for the song. Aamir has been attending several sessions with music director Pritam and lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya who have composed and written the song respectively. Dangal is slated to hit the silver screens on December 23, 2016. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Deepika Padukone has refuted reports of her impending marriage to rumoured beau Ranveer Singh, saying she has no plans to tie the knot anytime soon. The duo has been plagued with wedding rumours for the last one month, with reports also suggesting that the Bajirao Mastani co-stars are already engaged. Deepika, 30, who was the showstopper at ace designer Manish Malhotras couture show here, took the opportunity to set the record straight about her personal life. I think this is the right opportunity to clarify for everyone, there is no such plan (to get married). I am not pregnant, I am not having a baby, I am not engaged. I am not married and I am not planning to get married any time soon, the actress told reporters. Deepika closed Malhotras Persia-inspired collection here last night and looked resplendent in a red and gold heavily embroidered lehenga-blouse set. When asked about who she considers as her style icon, the actress said, My mother is my fashion icon. She has had a very strong influence on me. She is always dressed very elegantly yet it is simple. I also love her colour palette. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. United Nations: The UN Security Council holds its first informal poll today on the dozen candidates competing to succeed Ban Ki-moon as secretary-general on January 1. The 15 council members have decided to keep the vote secret a sharp contrast to the informal straw polls 10 years ago which were made public and led to Bans election to the worlds top diplomatic post. Japans UN Ambassador Koro Bessho, who holds the rotating council presidency, reiterated Wednesday that he would only be confirming that the poll was held behind closed doors. According to the UN Charter, the secretary-general is chosen by the 193-member General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. In practice, this has meant that the councils five permanent members the US, Russia, China, Britain and France have veto power over the candidates. By tradition, the job of secretary-general has rotated among regions and Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe have all held the top post. East European nations, including Russia, argue that they have never had a secretary-general and it is their turn. There has also never been a woman secretary-general and a group of 56 nations are campaigning for the first female UN chief. The 12 candidates include six men and six women eight from Eastern Europe, two from Latin America, one from Western Europe and one from the Asia-Pacific region. For the first time this year the General Assembly held two-hour webcast hearings where candidates made their case to be the next secretary-general and answered questions from U.N. member states. For the first time, each candidate has also met informally with Security Council members behind closed doors for an hour, Japans Bessho said. Britains UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said yesterday that the added transparency and all the other improvements in the process that the UK and others have advocated have increased the chances of the UN having a stronger next secretary-general than it otherwise would have had. According to council diplomats, the 15 council members will receive ballots for each of the 12 candidates with three choices: encourage, discourage and no opinion. The result for each candidate will be conveyed to the ambassador from the candidates country, who will also be told the highest and lowest votes, with no names, the diplomats said. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Supreme Court has sought a response from Centre and Maharashtra government over a plea filed by rape victim challenging provisions of abortion law which prohibits termination of pregnancy after 20 weeks even if there is a fatal risk to the mother and the foetus. A bench headed by Justice J S Khehar issued notice for tomorrow and asked the petitioner to serve it today itself through the Attorney General's office. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves appearing for the woman said that constitutionality of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 is being challenged in the plea as it puts a ceiling of 20 weeks for an abortion. The bench also comprising Kurian Joseph and Justice Arun Misra said that it will seek the report of medical board on the condition of the woman. The fresh petition filed by a woman, who alleged that she was raped by her ex-fiance on the false promise of marriage and became pregnant, sought a direction to quash section 3 (2)(b) of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 to the extent that it puts a ceiling of 20 weeks for an abortion as it is ultra vires to Article 14 and 21 of the Constitution. The petition contended that the ceiling is unreasonable, arbitrary, harsh, discriminatory and violative of the right to life and equality. It also sought an order for the Centre to provide necessary directions to hospitals for setting up an expert panel of doctors to assess the pregnancy and offer medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) at least to those women and girls who are survivors of sexual violence and have passed the period of 20 weeks. The woman, who is in 24th week of pregnancy, said she belongs to a poor background and her physical and mental health have been put to risk due to the 20 weeks limit for abortion as her foetus suffers from anencephaly (a serious birth defect in which a baby is born without parts of the brain and skull) but doctors have refused to abort it. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: With the help of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, the first search for atmosphere around the earth- sized planets, beyond our solar system, was conducted by astronomers. They found two potentially habitable exoplanets that is located about 40 light-years away. They discovered that the exoplanets TRAPPIST-1b and TRAPPIST-1c, are unlikely to have puffy, hydrogen-dominated atmospheres usually found on gaseous worlds. "The lack of a smothering hydrogen-helium envelope increases the chances for habitability on these planets," said Nikole Lewis of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in the US. "If they had a significant hydrogen-helium envelope, there is no chance that either one of them could potentially support life because the dense atmosphere would act like a greenhouse," said Lewis. The planets orbit a red dwarf star at least 500 million years old, in the constellation of Aquarius. TRAPPIST-1b completes a circuit around its red dwarf star in 1.5 days and TRAPPIST-1c in 2.4 days. The planets are between 20 and 100 times closer to their star than Earth is tothe Sun. Since their star is so much fainter than our Sun, researchers think that at least one of the planets, TRAPPIST-1c, may be within the star's habitable zone, where moderate temperatures could allow for liquid water to pool. Astronomers took advantage of a rare simultaneous transit on May 4, when both planets crossed the face of their star within minutes of each other, to measure starlight as it filtered through any existing atmosphere. This double-transit, which occurs only every two years, provided a combined signal that offered simultaneous indicators of the atmospheric characters of the planets. Julien de Wit of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology led a team of scientists to observe the planets in near-infrared light using Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3. They used spectroscopy to decode the light and unveil clues to the chemical makeup of an atmosphere. While the content of the atmospheres is unknown and will have to await further observations, the low concentration of hydrogen and helium has scientists excited about the implications. "These initial Hubble observations are a promising first step in learning more about these nearby worlds, whether they could be rocky like Earth, and whether they could sustain life," said Geoff Yoder, from NASA's Science MissionDirectorate in Washington. "With more data, we could perhaps detect methane or see water features in the atmospheres, which would give us estimates of the depth of the atmospheres," said Hannah Wakeford, from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre in the US. The findings appear in the journal Nature. For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The government today gave its nod to the establishment of a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, a move which aims at providing super-specialty health care to people of the state and creating a large pool of doctors. The Union Cabinet approved the setting up of AIIMS under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) at an estimated cost of Rs 1,011 crore. The establishment of new AIIMS will serve the dual purpose of providing super-specialty health care to the population while creating a large pool of doctors and health workers that can be available for primary and secondary level facilities being created under National Health Mission (NHM). This institute will also conduct research on prevalent regional diseases and other health issues and provide for better control and cure of such diseases, an official statement said. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the setting up of the hospital which will have a capacity of 750 beds and also include emergency or trauma and AYUSH sections. There will be an administration block, AYUSH block, auditorium, night shelter, hostels and residential facilities. The cost estimate of Rs 1,011 crore does not include recurring costswages and salaries and operation and maintenance expenses. This recurring expenditure will be met by the respective new AIIMS from their annual budgets through grant-in-aid to them from Plan Budget Head of PMSSY of the Health Ministry, the statement said. The setting up of AIIMS under PMSSY aims at correcting the regional imbalances in availability of affordable and reliable tertiary level healthcare in the country and to augment facilities for quality medical education in under-served or backward states. Under this scheme, similar health facilities have been established in Bhubaneshwar, Bhopal, Raipur, Jodhpur, Rishikesh and Patna while work on AIIMS, Rae Bareli is in progress. Three new AIIMS at Nagpur (Maharashtra), Kalyani (West Bengal) and Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh) have been sanctioned last year. Residents of 14 districts of Eastern UP and five districts of Western Bihar will be benefited by the establishment of new AIIMS. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Central Police Organization (CPO) SI/ ASI Re-examination was successfully conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) in the month of June 2016, for aspirants who had written the the afternoon session exam on 20th March. Aspirants who had appeared for the SSC CPO Paper I Re- examination, your wait for results is over because SSC has declared CPO Re-Exam Results on 20th July 2016. Aspirants can check the results by visiting the official website of Staff Selection Commission- ssc.nic.in In Pics: SSC CPO Results 2016 For SI ASI Paper 1 Re-Exam announced at ssc.nic.in Steps to check SSC CPO results 2016: 1. Go to the official website- ssc.nic.in 2. Click on the link for Recruitment of Sub-Inspectors in Delhi Police, CAPFs and Assistant Sub-Inspectors in CISF Examination, 2016- Result of Paper-I 3. Click on the link for results shown on the top of the page (separate for men and women candidates) The list of aspirants who have qualified in Paper-1 (roll number-wise) will appear on the screen. The aspirants who have qualified in Paper-I will be called for a Physical Endurance Test (PET)/ Medical examination. Only the aspirants who will clear this will be allowed to appear in Paper-II.Paper-II will be tentatively that will be held in November-December, 2016, PET and medical examination are also expected to begin in August. More about SSC CPO SI/ ASI Re-Exam Results 2016: Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is an organization under Government of India. They are responsible for the recruitment of the staff for various posts in the various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India and in Subordinate Offices. SSC conducts various recruitment examinations for filling up the vacancies in various departments. SSC also conducts CHSL, CGL, CPO examinations every year. In the year 2016, SSC has released CPO notification and the candidates who had appeared for the Re-exam can check the results from - ssc.nic.in Note: Please stay updated with the official websites of the Regional Offices of the Commission for issuance of admission certificate. For more details, visit the SSC website- ssc.nic.in For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said a panel will be formed to review pallet gun use for crowd control. Only non-lethal weapons should be used to tackle crowds during protests. And its not the first time pellet guns were used... We will form a committee to see if there are non-lethal ways to control the crowd, Rajnath Singh says in LS. This comes after a wide criticism of use of pallet guns. Pellets, which are loaded with lead, are said to be the main cause of injuries, including some of the fatal ones. In 2010, more than 100 civilians were injured during use of pellet guns on stone pellets. Mohammed Ashraf, a retired IAS officer from Kashmir, has started an online petition against use of pellets. "The use of pellet guns for controlling crowds is banned all over the world. It is most essential to order immediate stoppage of these in Kashmir," he said. His petition on change.org started 5-days back has drawn support of more than 10,000 people. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh today warned Pakistan against fomenting trouble in the Kashmir valley. "Chingari se khel bura hota hai," he said. (Don't start the fire. You might end up getting hurt) Without mincing words the home minister blamed Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism. "If there is terrorism in India, then it is Pakistan sponsored," he said while replying to a discussion on Kashmir unrest in the Lok Sabha. "Pakistan has no right to interfere in India's internal affairs," the home minister said referring to the "black day" observed by Pakistan on the killing of Hizbul Mujahedin terrorist in Kashmir recently. He said Pakistan was trying to deflect attention from its own failures to keep sectarian conflicts under check. Stressing that kashmir is an integral part of India, Rajnath Singh cautioned Pakistan against playing with India's emotions. "Unity in diversity has always been our strength" he said. replying to a discussion on Kashmir unrest in the Lok Sabha. He exhorted political parties to collectively find a solution to the Kashmir problem. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday said that the action taken by BJP against Dayashankar Singh for his derogatory remarks were not enough. Hundreds of BSP workers took to the streets of Lucknow to protest against Dayashankar Singh and demanded his arrest. "To the backward classes, I am like a Devi (Goddess). They are angry. If the BJP had filed an FIR against Dayashankar they may have been able to win me over, but removing him from the party is just a formality," said Mayawati in Delhi. In a swift action following outrage over Dayashankar Singhs controversial remarks, the BJP had on Wednesday expelled him. The BSP has filed a case against Dayashankar Singh under laws including atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Tribes, insulting the modesty of a woman and promoting enmity. The police is chasing him and has also questioned his brother about his whereabouts. Many opposition parties including Congress are also demanding Dayashankars arrest. "If Mayawatiji is attacked again, we will stand with her again. But if she wants to use this in the elections then she should forget about it," BJP leader Uma Bharti said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail corridor would be completed in six years and its fare will be less than airfare, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said. Maintaining that the ambitious project is doable, Prabhu said in Lok Sabha during Question Hour that the high-speed train project would be cost-effective. The high speed bullet train is expected to cover 508 km between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in about two hours, running at a maximum speed of 350 kmph and operating speed of 320 kmph. At present, Duronto Express takes about seven hours to cover the distance between the two financial centres. When it was pointed out that huge funds has been given for the project which might hamper those in other parts of the country, Prabhu said there was no regional bias. Every state has got more than double than earlier. The high speed rail project has been sanctioned with technical and financial assistance from the government of Japan and the joint feasibility study of the project has already been done by Japanese International Agency. Estimated to cost about Rs 97,636 crore, 81 per cent of the funding for the 508 km long Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail corridor project will come in form of a loan from Japan. The project cost includes possible cost escalation, interest during construction and import duties. The project is being funded by Japan with a soft loan for 50 years at 0.1 per cent annual interest with 15 years moratorium. Rolling stock and other equipment like signalling and power system will be imported from Japan as per the loan agreement. Railways has spelt out its policy with regard to running of high speed and semi-high speed trains by identification of potential routes for both kinds of train services. Prabhu said feasibility studies for other high speed corridors have been awarded to various railway companies. Delhi-Mumbai high speed corridor has been awarded to the consortium of the Third Railway Survey and Design Institute Group Corporation (Chinese consultant) and Lahmeyer International from India. Feasibility study of high speed corridors on Mumbai-Chennai, Delhi-Kolkata, Delhi-Nagpur and Mumbai-Nagpur have also been awarded to diffent global consultants. Prabhu said railways have identified nine corridors for feasibility of semi-high speed rail. The semi-high speed routes are Delhi-Chandigarh, Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysore, Delhi-Kanpur, Nagpur-Bilaspur, Mumbai-Goa, Mumbai-Ahmedabad, Chennai-Hyderabad and Nagpur-Secunderabd. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Kolkata: Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee will be visiting Tripura on August 9 to strengthen the party in the north east state, where it has emerged as the main opposition party. I will visit Tripura on August 9. In coming days we will form the next government in Tripura, she told TMCs Martyrs Day rally here. In a setback to Opposition Congress in Tripura, its six dissident MLAs had joined TMC last month making it the main Opposition party in the Left-ruled state. Sudip Ray Barman, who led the Congress dissidents, too was present at the rally. We will follow the ideals of Mamata Banerjee to oust the Left regime of Tripura. We are confident that we will be able to do so in the next Assembly polls. People in Tripura are fed up with the Left rule there. The Left Front in Tripura will have the same fate as the Left Front in West Bengal faced in 2011, he said. Burman, the former leader of opposition, had been elected leader of the TMC legislature group. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today cautioned Trinamool Congress party workers to stay away from greed and corruption as these adversely affect the image of the party. The biggest work of a political worker is to attain credibility of masses. If you dont have credibility as an individual you dont have the right to be in politics, she told her partys Martyrs Day rally here. For me the true party worker is that person who carries the party flag and says Trinamool Congress Zindabad. People keep a close watch on what a party worker does in their respective booth areas, she said. Meanwhile, Congress MLA Tushar Kanti Bhattacharya from Bishnupur assembly constituency and CPI(M) MLA Dipali Biswas from Gajole joined TMC at the rally. Councillors of several other municipalities too joined TMC. Banerjee said the whole party is blamed for the wrong deeds of few people and cautioned a section of party workers to stay away from infighting. There may be 400 blocks and out of that party workers of two blocks may be tainted. But for these two blocks the entire 398 blocks cant be blamed. I would request you all to lead a simple life. If you try to lead an extraordinary life, you tend to fall in the trap of greed and corruption. You all should stay away from it, she said. You should stay away from infighting and quarrelling. Instead of serving your own interests you should serve the interests of the party. All of you have to follow the guidelines of the party. I will not allow any kind of work which goes against the people, she said. Banerjees comment comes in the backdrop of the arrest of a TMC councillor of Salt Lake earlier this month on charges of extortion and for being involved in the business of syndicate. Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee told the rally Those who deviate from party line should stay away. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Bit's Pilani has announced the result of BITSAT (Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test) iteration III. All the aspirants who have appeared for the admission test can check their scores on the official website- bitsadmission.com The exam was conducted by BITSAT from May 14 to May 28, 2016, granting admissions to various first degree programs. The test was held at its campuses located in Hyderabad, Goa and Pilani. The results for the first iteration were announced on July I, iteration II were announced on July 12 and results of iteration IV is expected to be announced on July 31 by 5pm. Results of BITSAT- 2016 can be checked by following the steps below: - Log on to the official website- bitsadmission.com - Click on 'BITSAT-2016 Scores - Enter the respective application number and password - Click on the proceed button - Results will be displayed on the screen - Download the same and take a printout for future purposes The aspirants who have appeared for BITSAT 2016, will be eligible only if the aspirant gets required marks in physics, chemistry and mathematics in their class 12 examination. Failing students will not be allowed to appear for the second time in the same year. Know more about BIT's: Birla Institute of Technology and Science also known as BIT's Pilani is one of the India's leading institute for higher education and also a deemed university. Pilani offers degree programmes in engineering, sciences, technology, pharamacy, management and humanities. Fore more information and details, aspirants can check the official website- bitsadmission.com For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: India on Thursday lashed out at Pakistan for inciting and supporting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and instead asked it to vacate its illegal occupation of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). In a sharp reaction over anti-India rallies being held in Pakistan and other statements emanating from there over the situation in Kashmir, External Affairs Ministry said India strongly condemns encouragement and support to UN-designated terrorists and their activities from Pakistan. Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup also said that in view of the threats of marches and protests at the High Commission of India in Islamabad, Pakistan should ensure full safety and security of Indian officials and their families there. We have seen reports about rallies, events and statements related to J&K in Pakistan and POK over the last two days. We have also noted that the events were led by UN-designated terrorists, who had in the past protested the elimination of dreaded terrorists including Osama bin Laden and Taliban leader Akhtar Mansour in Pakistan. India strongly condemns the encouragement and support which such terrorists and their activities receive from Pakistans state. We once again ask Pakistan to stop inciting and supporting violence and terrorism in any part of our country and refrain from its deplorable meddling in our internal affairs in any manner, the Spokesperson said. Asserting that the observance of Kashmirs Accession to Pakistan Day exposes Pakistans longing for the territory of J&K, Swarup said,India demands that Pakistan must fulfil the obligation to vacate its illegal occupation of POK. India also asked Pakistan to stop misleading the international community and Kashmiris through meaningless exercises such as the so-called elections today in POK which Pakistan ironically calls Azad (free). At least 43 people have died and more than 3,000 have been injured in the violence that erupted in Kashmir after the killing of 22-year-old terrorist Burhan Wani by security forces on July 8. India has accused Pakistan of not only pushing in terrorists but also fanning discontent within the Valley by providing support to terrorist outfits in fomenting the recent trouble in Kashmir. Pakistan used Wanis killing to needle India at the United Nations and issued statements where it accused India of atrocities in Kashmir. Pakistan also observed Black Day on July 19 to express solidarity with the people of the Valley over the killing of Wani. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Gurgaon: The Haryana government today banned 15-year-old petrol and 10-year-old diesel vehicles from roads within NCR limits. This will apply to vehicles registered in cities falling under the territorial jurisdiction of National Capital Region (NCR) such as Gurgaon, Faridabad, Sonepat and Jhajjar which cause significant air pollution, said state Transport Minister Krishan Lal Panwar. I have issued the order and directed the authorities concerned for effective implementation of it, banning 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles in these four cities, said the minister, adding that the state government wants to curb air pollution in such a way that it does not affect the national capital. Gurgaon, Faridabad, Sonepat and Jhajjar cities have over 20 lakh registered vehicles. According to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) reports, Delhi occupies the 11th position on the list of most polluted cities in the world. The situation is particularly bad in NCR where recent pollution levels have been reported to be much higher than the acceptable limits on most days of the year, sometimes as high as 35 times the normal level. Also read: NGT directs RTO to de-register diesel vehicles over 10 years old in Delhi NGT directs RTO to de-register diesel vehicles over 10 years old in Delhi For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. South Korea has never provided lethal weapons to Ukraine, President Yoon Suk-yeol said Friday, after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of negative consequences for the two co... South Korea will continue to look into suspicious real estate transactions by foreigners as a recent investigation found increasing illegalities involving foreigners' home purchase... South Korea's new COVID-19 cases stayed below 40,000 for the second straight day Friday amid lingering concerns over resurgence woes. The country reported 35,924 new COVID-19 in... A nuclear attack by North Korea against the U.S. or its allies will result in the end of the country's regime, the U.S. Department of Defense said Thursday. In its National Defe... This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Instagram is providing a look into the Hamptons rager that reportedly resulted in an Airbnb rental home littered with "used condoms" and awash in alcohol last weekend, prompting a pending $1 million lawsuit. The New York Post's Page Six reported Brett Barna, a 31-year-old hedge fund manager, is about to be sued by the owner of a 9-bedroom Airbnb rental, touted as a $20 million, 'true masterpiece' of the Hamptons. The home was allegedly rented and wrecked by Barna and his throngs of Champagne-spraying revelers during a raucous, "Wolf of Wall Street"-style shindig on July 3. RELATED: Lake Travis boat parties flood social media as 2016 summer revelers take over Barna worked as a portfolio manager at Louis Bacon's Moore Capital Management, according to Page Six. The anonymous home owner said Barna name-dropped his position and ties to Bacon when moving through the process of acquiring the $27,000 rental to host #Sprayathon, an all-day bacchanal supposedly benefiting charity, with a live playlist by rapper Ace Hood, the site reported. The owner claims he was under the assumption that the party would be for 50 people, because that's what Barna promised under their rental agreement. "He said there would be 50 people at the event and it was for animal rescue," the owner said in the Page Six interview. "But the only animals there were the people, a thousand of them." A source told the site #Sprayathon raised $10,000 for Last Chance Animal Rescue and that cleaners were contracted to leave the house in "good condition." RELATED: The rich kids of Instagram take Spring Break 2016 The owner painted a contrasting scene in his conversation with Page Six. "They drowned themselves in Champagne, they had midgets they threw in the pool, they broke into the house, trashed the furniture, art was stolen, we found used condoms," the owner said. "So many people were there that the concrete around the pool crumbled and fell into the water. It was like 'Jersey Shore" meets a frat party." He continued, saying he is waiting to serve Barna with a "massive lawsuit." The party boy has a reputation of hosting problematic functions. According to the site, last year's #Sprayathon resulted in a brush fire started by party goers at the home of actor Kevin Sorbo. On Thursday, CNBC reported Barna was fired by Moore Capital Management for his wild weekend escapades. RELATED: San Antonio native, Los Angeles Laker Jordan Clarkson 'casually dating' Kendall Jenner "Mr. [Brett] Barna's personal judgement was inconsistent with the firm's values," the company said in a statement to the site. "He is no longer employed by Moore Capital Management." "Brett was last seen on Sunday chugging Champagne with two midgets," the homeowner told Page Six. Click through the gallery above for a peek into the debauchery that got Barna fired and at the center of a possible lawsuit. mmendoza@mysa.com Twitter: @MaddySkye DANBURY A former civil rights activist has been charged in South Dakota with murdering a Danbury woman he once represented in disputes with local housing officials. Brian Duncan, 60, who has long been a person of interest in the Nov. 4 slaying of Helen Wright, also 60, was charged with second-degree murder, according to police in Rapid City. He was arrested in San Marcos, Texas, and now faces a potential life sentence. Duncan, who had been sharing a room with Wright at the Western Thrifty Inn in Rapid City, was sought for questioning last fall, shortly after she was found dead in the room. Authorities said she had been assaulted, but gave no details. Duncan and Wright met in Danbury about seven years ago, when Duncan approached members of the Danbury Housing Authority, describing himself as a civil rights advocate and investigator. Duncan helped Wright, who had an ongoing rent dispute with the authority, in filing complaints with local and federal agencies. Wright, who had suffered a heart attack earlier and used a walker and crutch to get around, told the News-Times in 2009 that she had received a series of eviction letters after putting her rent in an escrow account during a dispute over a mold problem in her apartment. Wright and Duncan met with senior federal housing officials and with U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, then serving as the state attorney general. Blumenthal vowed to investigate claims made by Wright and several other tenants, but found the majority of those claims unfounded. Mayor Mark Boughton said Thursday he wasnt surprised that Duncan has been charged with the murder. He noted in the past that Duncan had moved in with Wright and convinced her he was going to advocate for her. He had a history of acting erratically, Boughton said. The real tragedy is what happened to Wright. Duncan is being held on a $750,000 bond. dperrefort@newstimes.com / Tyler Sizemore NEW MILFORD - Two veterans will be presented with quilts of valor that were sewn by the Quilters of New Milford, according to a release. U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty will present the honor quilts to veterans Mike Zacchea and Robert Madorran during a 10:30 a.m. presentation on Friday, the release said. A New Milford man already charged with a felony in Connecticut added a new felony charge to his list in New York Monday. Michael A. Lalli, 54, was charged by New York state police in Stormville, NY for DWI after he sped on the Taconic State Parkway with a blood-alcohol content of 0.13 percent, a state police press release said. EDMONTON, July 21, 2016 /CNW/ - More Alberta students than ever before will be working as part of the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program this year, thanks to unprecedented interest shown by employers and students across the province, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, announced today at the Family Futures Resource Network. Minister Sohi, on behalf of the Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, announced that in the constituency of Edmonton Mill Woods, a total of 127 summer jobs were approved for an investment of $451,050. Across all Edmonton constituencies, a total of 1,858 summer jobs were approved for an investment of $6.3 million in funding, an increase of 99 percent from the 934 jobs created in 2015. Employers in Alberta have received approval to hire 6,370 students this summer across 34 constituencies. That is up 135 percent from the 2,705 student jobs approved through the program last year in 28 constituencies before the boundary changes were enacted for the 2015 election. The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister, announced in June that more than 77,000 jobs were approved for funding for students across Canada through the CSJ program. That number is more than double last year's 34,000 and roughly 7,000 more than originally anticipated when the Government announced a boost to the funding in the federal budget earlier this year. Supporting youth employment opportunities is part of the Government of Canada's approach to help the middle class and Canadians seeking to join it. Quotes "More young students across the country are working and will get the opportunity to earn income and build friendships while learning new skills this summer. Canada Summer Jobs is an opportunity for students to prepare for their future and save for school." The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour "The Canada Summer Jobs program works. It will help so many young students across the province by providing them with a job for the summer. The number of jobs approved for funding this year proves it." The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities "Family Futures is extremely excited to be participating in the Canada Summer Jobs program. We have several students working with us this summer from various education streams: nursing; early childhood development; human ecology; and education. This program allows us to provide valuable, hands-on, frontline experience for students, while channeling these resources directly back into the community via our programs and services; specifically, our curriculum-based summer camps." Shari-Lynne Gidyk, Executive Director, Family Futures Resource Network Quick Facts Across Alberta this summer: $21.2 million in funding has been approved, an increase of $9.7 million from last summer. For the small business sector, a total of 1,444 jobs have been approved for funding compared to 221 in 2015, an increase of 553 percent. In the public sector, a total of 786 jobs have been approved for funding in compared to 367 in 2015, an increase of 114 percent. For the not-for-profit sector, a total of 4,140 jobs have been approved for funding compared to 2,117 in 2015, an increase of 96 percent. this summer: Budget 2016 increased funding for the Canada Summer Jobs program by $339 million over three years, beginning in 201617. Associated Link Budget 2016 Related Product Backgrounder Follow us on Twitter SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada For further information: John O'Leary, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. MaryAnn Mihychuk, P.C., M.P., Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, 819-654-5611; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected] Highlights: Test results exceed expectations in terms of flight time and payload carry Our business is building Canada's first 'railway in the sky' on a 'depot to depot model' first 'railway in the sky' on a 'depot to depot model' In active discussions with large Canadian multinationals as well as government organizations TORONTO, July 21, 2016 /CNW/ - Drone Delivery Canada (DDC or the Company) CSE FLT, is pleased to report positive results from its initial commercial testing on its next generation drone logistics platform 4.0 which delivered positive results from test flights which occurred in Waterloo, ON with its Canadian university research partners. Both flight times and payload carry exceeded initial expectations primarily as a result of development work which occurred at the Vaughan DDC lab over the past nine months. "We are very pleased with first results that exceeded expectations in terms of flight time and its payload carry. Today you cannot simply buy a drone for delivery purposes like you can for photography, so we are collaborating with Canada's best in breed to develop our own. There are many benefits to this; for instance, we will own all of the intellectual property and then simply outsource the manufacturing. Our business is to build Canada's first 'railway in the sky' on our 'depot to depot model' which is different to other concepts south of the border", commented Tony Di Benedetto, CEO of Drone Delivery Canada. "The fundamental need for drone delivery in remote parts of Canada where access is difficult is overwhelming. When considering Canada's basic geography, our approach simply works and makes a lot of sense. We are pleased with our technical progress to date and very pleased with the commercial interest we are receiving which occurs almost daily." DDC has further expanded its staffing, adding experienced UAV pilots and mission control staff to its technical testing teams. DDC will utilize data from its testing efforts to provide key inputs to its various partners including the Canadian government and corporate partners as it moves closer towards commercialization. At present, DDC is in active discussions with many large Canadian multinationals as well as government organizations which DDC is seeking to form partnerships with as it looks to commercialize its bourgeoning technology. DDC will add additional sites later this year for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) testing. BVLOS testing sites will be located across Canada, working with the Canadian federal government as DDC moves forward to obtain its operator status. For more information, please visit www.dronedeliverycanada.com About Drone Delivery Canada Drone Delivery Canada is a drone technology company based out of Vaughan, Ontario focused on the design, development and implementation of a commercial drone logistics platform for government and corporate organizations. Drone Delivery Canada Corp. is a publicly listed company trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol FLT. SOURCE Drone Delivery Canada For further information: Richard Buzbuzian, President, Telephone: (416) 361-6167, Email: [email protected]; Bill Mitoulas, Investor Relations, Telephone: (416) 837-7147, Email: [email protected] All units of measure are in metric tonnes unless otherwise indicated. TORONTO, July 21, 2016 /CNW/ - Enirgi Group Corporation ("Enirgi Group"), a global diversified industrial and specialty chemicals company, and Lithium S Corporation ("Lithium S"), a company engaged in the acquisition and exploration of greenfield lithium brines in Northern Argentina, announced today that they have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the "MOU") with respect to a strategic collaboration on the exploration and development of lithium projects in Northern Argentina. Highlights of the MOU Enirgi Group and Lithium S will combine their portfolio of mining properties and exploration permits (the "Properties") to enable the collaboration of the exploration of lithium projects in Northern Argentina (excluding Salar del Rincon Properties). Enirgi Group will take an equity stake in Lithium S, following a successful Lithium S capital raise. Lithium S will enter into a Management Services Agreement ("MSA") with Enirgi Group for the provision of certain management and operational support. Lithium S will enter into a Technical Support Agreement to support the exploration of the Properties and to study the feasibility of future lithium operations on the Properties by utilizing Enirgi Group's proprietary Direct Extraction Process Technology (the "DEP Technology"). Enirgi Group, having recently announced its strategy to create a global lithium business and positive results of its Definitive Feasibility Study (the "DFS") for its planned 50,000 tonne per annum lithium carbonate processing plant at its Salar del Rincon project located in the province of Salta, Argentina (the "Rincon Project"), is pursuing its longer-term plan to increase its production capacity by scaling the Rincon Project into a larger Regional Processing Facility ("RPF") that will utilize Enirgi Group's game-changing DEP Technology for the development of the Salar del Rincon and other lithium brine salars. "The proposed collaboration with Lithium S will accelerate Enirgi Group's previously announced global lithium strategy," noted Mr. Wayne Richardson, President & CEO of Enirgi Group. "Not only will it expedite the development of Enirgi Group's non-Rincon mining concessions in Argentina, it will also allow for the study and commercialization of Enirgi Group's Direct Extraction Process Technology to lithium brines in other salars held by Lithium S. We believe that this relationship could provide the necessary exploration program to expand our Rincon Project into a larger regional processing facility in the future." Strategic Plan of Cooperation Pursuant to the terms of the MOU, Enirgi Group has agreed in principle to assign its non-Rincon Properties into Lithium S in exchange for an equity stake in Lithium S following a successful Lithium S capital raise (the "Transaction"). Lithium S has entered into option agreements on a number of mining properties and exploration permits located on lithium brine deposits in Northern Argentina. Lithium S and Enirgi Group plan to enter into a MSA, pursuant to which Enirgi Group will provide certain management and operational services to Lithium S through an experienced in-country team, inclusive of geologists specialized in lithium exploration and development in Argentina as well as local legal and administrative services. The team will operate out of Enirgi Group's existing office in Salta, Argentina. Following the completion of the Transaction, the Chairman of Lithium S shall be Wayne Richardson, Enirgi Group's President and CEO. Directors will also include the Honourable J. Trevor Eyton, Stephen Dattels and Juan Carlos Grosso, Lithium S's Argentine representative. Strategic focus and Application of the DEP Technology Enirgi Group and Lithium S's immediate strategic focus will be on the rapid exploration and development of its Salars that have the potential to economically supply lithium brine to the expanded RPF. Enirgi Group expects to undertake programs to analyse the feasibility of applying its DEP Technology for the purpose of developing the Properties, which may include concentrating the brines on the various exploration properties for the purpose of serving as additional feed to the RPF. Upon recovery of the lithium, the brine will be recycled back into the Salars, which minimizes the impact on the environment. The DEP Technology has demonstrated recoveries in the range of 75%-85% range with brine sourced from the Rincon Project, which is well above the industry norms. Enirgi Group's Chemical Division and Innovation Division are working on strategies to leverage the application of the DEP Technology to other lithium brine resources in the region. This may allow brines that were once deemed 'difficult to process' or uneconomical to become economically viable with the application of the DEP Technology. About Enirgi Group Corporation Enirgi Group is a privately held specialty chemicals and diversified industrial company with six unique divisions that own and operate a portfolio of high-quality assets and operations located around the world. Enirgi Group's Chemicals Division is advancing the development of Enirgi Group's lithium project located in the province of Salta, Argentina. Enirgi Group is focused on developing innovative technologies to sustainably progress a number of development projects around the globe with the goal of becoming a leading low-cost, high quality producer of specialty chemicals and energy storage solutions. Enirgi Group is wholly-owned by The Sentient Group of Global Resources Funds. The Sentient Group Limited is an independent private equity investment firm specializing in the global resources industry with over $2.7 billion of assets under management in metal, mineral and energy assets across the globe. About Lithium S Corporation Lithium S is a privately owned minerals exploration company which is focused on lithium brines in Argentina. The Company was co-founded by Stephen Dattels and Michael Beck, who are well known mining financiers having developed many successful mining projects internationally. Enirgi Group and Lithium S are privately held companies and are not reporting issuers under Canadian securities laws. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward looking statements This news release contains forward-looking statements about Enirgi Group Corporation, Lithium S Corporation, their proposed plan of strategic cooperation and their respective businesses. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are based on certain assumptions relating, but not limited to: the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements representing the terms of the MOU, the acquisition of mineral properties in Argentina by Lithium S, the sale of Enirgi Group's mineral properties to Lithium S, future capital raising by Lithium S, the future management of Lithium S, timing for commencement of construction and production from the Rincon Project, receipt of necessary funding and permitting for the Rincon Project, the successful commercialization of Enirgi Group's DEP Technology, the expansion of the Rincon Project into a Regional Processing Facility, the application of the DEP Technology to other lithium salars owned by Lithium S, the ability of Enirgi Group to meet any amount of future lithium demand from its production and global lithium demand and consumption. Enirgi Group and Lithium S consider these assumptions to be reasonable, based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. The forward-looking statements in this news release are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by forward looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, without limitation, risks related to uncertainty surrounding necessary capital raising by Lithium S; uncertainties relating to the acquisition of mining and exploration claims in Argentina, risks related to uncertainty in the demand for lithium and pricing assumptions; uncertainties related to raising sufficient financing to fund projects in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; changes in planned work resulting from logistical, technical or other factors; the possibility that results of work will not fulfill expectations and realize the perceived potential of the Lithium S or Enirgi Group's properties; uncertainties involved in the estimation of lithium reserves and resources; the possibility that required permits may not be obtained on a timely manner or at all; the possibility that capital and operating costs may be higher than currently estimated and may preclude commercial development or render operations uneconomic; the possibility that the estimated recovery rates may not be achieved; risk of accidents, equipment breakdowns and labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in the work program; and risks related to projected project economics, recovery rates, and estimated NPV and anticipated IRR and other factors. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions and expectations of Enirgi Group and Lithium S's management at the time they are made, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the companies do not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements if those beliefs, opinions or expectations, or other circumstances, should change. SOURCE Enirgi Group Corporation For further information: Enirgi Group Corporation, Jessica Helm, VP Corporate Communications, 1 Adelaide Street East, Suite 3001, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5C 2V9, P | + 1 416 956 5122 E | [email protected] W | enirgi.com; Lithium S Corporation, Ian Burns, 27 Reid Street, Hamilton HM NX, Bermuda, P | + 44 1 295 1820 E | [email protected] MONTREAL, July 21, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec has announced a $59.5-million term-loan financing in the New Richmond wind farm in Gaspesie, operated by TransAlta Renewables Inc. The New Richmond wind farm has a capacity of 67.8 megawatts generated by 33 wind turbines. In operation since March 2013, the wind farm is located in three different municipalities on the Gaspesie PeninsulaNew Richmond, Saint-Alphonse and Caplan. The output is sold to Hydro-Quebec under a 20-year power purchase agreement. "La Caisse, who already has number of wind power projects in its portfolio, both here and abroad, contributes today to another important renewable energy project for Quebec," said Marc Cormier, Executive Vice-President, Fixed Income at la Caisse. "This financing will provide our clients with stable long-term returns in a promising sector." La Caisse is one of the largest private investors in North America's wind power sector. In Quebec it has financed three wind farm projects: Parc des Moulins (Chaudieres-Appalaches), Vents du Kempt (Bas-Saint-Laurent) and the construction of the Parc eolien de la Seigneurie de Beaupre (Capitale-Nationale). La Caisse also has a major interest in Invenergy and its portfolio of wind farms across Canada and the U.S., whose generation capacity exceeds 5,000 MW. Globally, la Caisse is also a major shareholder in London Array, the largest offshore wind farm in the world. ABOUT CAISSE DE DEPOT ET PLACEMENT DU QUEBEC Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ) is a long-term institutional investor that manages funds primarily for public and parapublic pension and insurance plans. As at December 31, 2015, it held $248.0 billion in net assets. As one of Canada's leading institutional fund managers, CDPQ invests globally in major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure and real estate. For more information, visit cdpq.com, follow us on Twitter @LaCDPQ or consult our Facebook or LinkedIn pages. SOURCE Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec For further information: JEAN-BENOIT HOUDE, Senior Advisor, Media Relations, +1 514 847 2571, [email protected] MONTREAL, July 21, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The issue of the July 18 arrest of two Air Transat pilots in Glasgow is a complex one, and because the matter is the subject of judicial proceedings in Scotland, the airline will not comment at this point. Both pilots, who are personally facing charges, have received an administrative suspension for the duration of the carrier's internal investigation. Air Transat reiterates that the safety of its passengers and crew is the number one priority for the carrier. "Canadian and European rules and regulations that we are subject to regarding alcohol consumption are very strict. Our own internal rules are even more stringent, and we do not tolerate any failure to comply. We have always taken, and we will continue to take, all necessary measures to ensure those rules are followed to the letter, and we are counting on the flawless cooperation of all our personnel in that respect," stated Jean-Francois Lemay, President and General Manager, Air Transat. He added: "We will be compensating all passengers on this flight pursuant to the applicable European regulations." About Air Transat Air Transat is Canada's leading holiday travel airline. Every year, it carries some 3 million passengers to nearly 60 destinations in 30 countries aboard its fleet of Boeing narrow-body and Airbus wide-body jets. The company employs more than 2,500 people. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., an integrated international tour operator with more than 60 destination countries and that distributes products in over 50 countries. Air Transat was named Best North American Leisure Airline at the Skytrax annual World Airline Awards, held in July 2016. SOURCE Transat A.T. Inc. For further information: Source : Air Transat, airtransat.com; Media : Pierre Tessier, 514 987-1616, ext. 4662, [email protected] BURLINGTON, ON, July 21, 2016 /CNW/ - On Tuesday, July 19, UPS Canada welcomed MySafeWork and MP Pam Damoff to celebrate and raise awareness for safety in the workplace by hosting a "Jersey of Courage" event. MySafeWork visits organizations and institutions who continue to place safety as a top priority for its employees and workplace. UPS Canada employees participated by autographing their name on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's "Jersey of Courage," which will be returned to the Prime Minister in 2017. Each signature represents a commitment to making Canada the world's safest place to work. From left to right: Rob Ellis, president, MySafeWork, Justin Rourke, warehouse associate, UPS Canada, Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament, Oakville North-Burlington, Carolyn Mueller, manager of operations, UPS Canada and Cristina Falcone, vice-president of public affairs, UPS Canada. SOURCE UPS Canada Ltd. Image with caption: "On Tuesday, July 19, UPS Canada welcomed MySafeWork and MP Pam Damoff to celebrate and raise awareness for safety in the workplace by hosting a Jersey of Courage event. MySafeWork visits organizations and institutions who continue to place safety as a top priority for its employees and workplace. UPS Canada employees participated by autographing their name on Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Jersey of Courage," which will be returned to the Prime Minister in 2017. Each signature represents a commitment to making Canada the worlds safest place to work. From left to right: Rob Ellis, president, MySafeWork, Justin Rourke, warehouse associate, UPS Canada, Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament, Oakville North-Burlington, Carolyn Mueller, manager of operations, UPS Canada and Cristina Falcone, vice-president of public affairs, UPS Canada. (CNW Group/UPS Canada Ltd.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160721_C6715_PHOTO_EN_739635.jpg For further information: Julie Ibrahim, [email protected], 905 676 1708 VANCOUVER, July 21, 2016 /CNW/ - Wealth Minerals Ltd. (the "Company" or "Wealth") - (TSXV: WML; OTCQB: WMLLF; SSE: WMLCL; Frankfurt: EJZ), announces that its Chilean subsidiary has entered into a formal option agreement giving it the right to acquire a 100% royalty-free interest in the Pujsa 1 to 7 exploration concessions located in the Pujsa Salar (the "Property"), Region II, northern Chile (see NR16-14, June 16, 2016). The Company also provides a corporate update regarding the proposed acquisition of Li3 Energy, as announced February 1, 2016. Pujsa Salar The concessions comprising the Property cover an area of approximately 1,600 hectares located 83km from the town of San Pedro de Atacama. Access to the Property is via Route 27, a highway located to the north of the claim block, and then south by gravel road to the Property. Wealth Chile and the property owner have now executed the formal option agreement, which has been submitted for registration with the Mining Registry of Calama. The initial USD 200,000 payment was made upon the execution of the formal documents. The remaining payments are as follows: Date Payment December 13, 2017 USD 50,000 June 13, 2018 USD 750,000 June 13, 2019 USD 800,000 June 13, 2020 USD 850,000 The transaction was accepted for filing by the TSX Venture Exchange on June 24, 2016. Wealth is now in the process of formulating an initial program of work consisting of prospecting and sampling to determine the existence, nature, extent and distribution of lithium at the Property. Wealth continues to have active and ongoing discussions with respect to the acquisition of interests in a number of prospective salars in Chile, as well as discussions with a number of potential industry partners. Update on Li3 Energy Transaction Wealth's team continues to conduct due diligence on Li3 Energy and its underlying assets and continues to be in close dialog with Li3 Energy's management. The recently announced transaction between Li3's local Chilean partner, Minera Salar Blanco, and an Australian company contemplates the addition of a new partner on the operating side of the Salar de Maricunga project and a much-needed cash injection to move the project forward. A transaction of this type was expected and while it does not impact the LOI between Li3 and Wealth, it does effect the interest of Li3 in that project. As a result, Wealth will now be conducting a review of the terms of the proposed transaction and evaluating its effect on the initially proposed terms of the transaction with Li3. About Wealth Minerals Ltd. Wealth is a mineral resource company with interests in Canada, Mexico, Peru and Chile. The Company's main focus is the acquisition of lithium projects in South America. To date the company has positioned itself to develop the Calientes, Pujsa and Maricunga Salars in Chile. Lithium market dynamics and a rapidly increasing metal price are the result of profound structural issues with the industry meeting anticipated future demand. Wealth is positioning itself to be a major beneficiary of this future mismatch of supply and demand. The Company also maintains and continues to evaluate a portfolio of precious and base metal exploration-stage projects. For further details on the Company readers are referred to the Company's web site (www.wealthminerals.com) and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of WEALTH MINERALS LTD. "Tim McCutcheon" Tim McCutcheon President 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 press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and US securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated content, commencement, timing and cost of exploration programs, anticipated exploration program results, statements regarding the proposed acquisition by the Company of Li3 and the shares of Li3, and thereby an interest in the Maricunga Lithium Project; the proposed execution and delivery of the required formal documentation in connection with the acquisition of Li3; the completion of the acquisition of Li3, either as presently proposed or at all, by the Company; the planned completion of a test work program at the Maricunga Lithium Project; the Company's expectation that it will be able to enter into agreements to acquire interests in additional mineral projects, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities, the state of the commodity markets generally, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, variations in the market price of any mineral products the Company may produce or plan to produce, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including TSXV acceptance, for its planned activities, the inability of the Company to produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's latest interim Management Discussion and Analysis and filed with certain securities commissions in Canada. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties. SOURCE Wealth Minerals Limited For further information: Tim McCutcheon or Marla Ritchie, Phone: 604-331-0096 Ext. 3886 or 604-638-3886, E-mail: [email protected] The Registrar, Nigerian Turkish Nile University, Ismail Asan, has said 11 Nigerians bagged first class honours at the institution in the... The Registrar, Nigerian Turkish Nile University, Ismail Asan, has said 11 Nigerians bagged first class honours at the institution in the 2015/2016 academic year.Asan said this at the fourth convocation ceremony of the institution held recently on its campus in Abuja.According to him, Udeme Eno-Nta, who studied Computer Science, made a CGPA of 4.91 to emerge as the NTNU best graduating student for the 2015/2016 academic year.While Aneesa Salah of the Department of Electrical and Electronics with a CGPA of 4.87 emerged as the second-best graduating student, Olabanji Opeyemi of the Department of Computer Science came third with a CGPA of 4.83.Asan said a total of 124 students graduated from the school in 2015/2016 academic year, out of which 68 made Second Class upper degrees, 41 had Second Class lower degrees, while five students had third Class degrees.The turnover of graduands from the University has justified our vision and mission statement of producing quality graduates who shall be full of knowledge, skills, and experience to contribute to technological and economic development, the Vice-Chancellor of the NTNU, Prof. Sert Husenyi, said.The NTNU, which has received full accreditation from the Nigerian University Commission, has positioned itself as an excellent alternative to studying abroad.We have outstanding teaching across the board, and we also support Nigerian home values, and we encourage the elite to send their children to our school instead of abroad where they come back with strange ways, Prof. Husenyi added. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has raised the alarm that the the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Governor A... The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has raised the alarm that the the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Governor Adams Oshiomhole was working on a plan to rig the September 10 governorship election in the state, calling on government institutions and security agencies to beware and not work with the APC in subverting the will of the Edo people.At campaign rally for the partys governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, in Uzebba, Owan West Local Government Area, the party also challenged Oshiomhole to tell Edo people how much a company, Afrinvest, owned by the APC governorship candidate, Godwin Obaseki, has invested in the the Edo University, Iyamho (EUI).State chairman of the PDP, Dan Orbih, who made the remark, said Governor Oshiomhole has boasted that he was working on a plan to perfect the rigging of the election in conjunction with INEC officials, police, army and other security agencies.He said it was morally wrong for Oshiomhole to use unappropriated funds to build the EUI in his hometown, accusing the governor of spending over N18 billion in the university, and was planning to hand over power Obaseki.He said, President Buhari has never intervened in any election before now, so we hope Edo State will not be an exception. Nobody can use INEC, police, army or EFCC to rig the PDP out.I want to tell Oshiomhole that Edo people are prepared to behave the way the civilian population in Turkey behaved when the soldiers marched against them. We will resist any attempt to subvert the will of the Edo people; we stand on a very solid ground knowing fully well that Oshiomhole has failed Edo people.Also speaking, Ize-Iyamu described as sheer wickedness the total neglect of Owan people politically and economically by the government of Oshiomhole and promised to focus his attention on proper development of the locality if he gets elected.He promised that a PDP government will tar the Uzebba and Okpujie township roads which he said have been abandoned, just as he promised to employ more teachers in the schools in the locality. A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday ordered the release of an ally of Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti ... A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday ordered the release of an ally of Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, Abiodun Agbele, who has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission since June 27.Agbele was arrested by the EFCC in Lagos on June 27 and has since been detained for his roles in the handling of over N1.2bn on behalf of Fayose during the Ekiti State governorship election in 2014.Justice Olukayode Adeniyi in a ruling on the suspects bail application, declared the continued detention of the suspect since then without being charged to court and without the backing of any competent remand order amounted to a gross violation of his right.The judge held that the order of remand obtained by the EFCC from a Magistrates Court in Ogba, Lagos, on June 30, 2016, to keep the suspect in custody for 14 days, had dissolved upon transferring him (Agbele) to Abuja on July 1.Justice Adeniyi ruled that the remand order issued by Magistrates Court in Lagos was no longer binding immediately Agbele was transferred to Abuja which was outside the jurisdiction of the Lagos court.Though the judge ruled that he lacked territorial jurisdiction to determine whether or not the EFCC breached the suspects rights in Lagos before he was transferred to Abuja, Justice Adeniyi held that there was no legal justification for the detention of the suspect between July 1 and July 13, when the suspect served his fundamental human rights suit on the anti-graft commission. A Kano Magistrates Court on Wednesday denied bail to the five men who allegedly killed 74-year-old Mrs Bridget Agbahime in Kano on June... A Kano Magistrates Court on Wednesday denied bail to the five men who allegedly killed 74-year-old Mrs Bridget Agbahime in Kano on June 2. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Agbahime was murdered at Kofar Wambai Market, Kano, over alleged blasphemy.The accused persons: Dauda Ahmed, Abdulmumeen Mustafa, Zubairu Abubakar, Abdullahi Abubakar and Musa Abdullahi, were charged with inciting, disturbance, culpable homicide, joint act and mischief. The presiding judge, Chief Magistrate Muhammad Jibril, in his ruling said the court, under Section 361 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, had the discretion to hear the bail application. But it has no power to grant the accused persons bail, he said. Though, no material evidence to give the court, first information report is simply information.It shows the jurisdiction of a court to admit an accused person to bail, only when there is no evidence to prove the accused person committed an offence. He said that the court had no power to grant the five suspects bail, though the court is convinced that investigation had been completed in the case diary sent to the State Ministry of Justice for legal advice. Jibril, therefore, ordered the five suspects to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case to Aug.18, for further mention.However, Gambo Abdulsalam, the Defence Counsel for all the suspects, told the court that he would forward the bail application ruling to the High Court, Kano. He said this was to enable him seek for their bail, since the court has the right to grant them bail.Earlier, Prosecutor Ekwe Sunday had opposed the bail application in view of the gravity of the offence. He said that the suspects committed a capital offence in nature. The prosecutor, therefore, urged the court not to grant the suspects bail because of the sensitive nature of the case. Gov. Ayo Fayose has approved the donation of 100,000 hectares of land to investors, who are willing to embark on farming to improve agric... Gov. Ayo Fayose has approved the donation of 100,000 hectares of land to investors, who are willing to embark on farming to improve agricultural production in Ekiti.The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Kehinde Odebunmi, stated this on Wednesday while addressing participants at the ongoing 2016 Agric. Summit, holding in Ado Ekiti.The commissioner said the government was ready to offer incentives to individuals and corporate bodies willing to invest in farming and other farm-based commercial activities in any part of the state. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the governor had allocated another 10,000 hectares of land to members of the state chapter of Cassava Growers Association of Nigeria for ethanol production.Odebunmi explained that the incentives were to create agribusiness and investment-friendly environment, capable of revolutionising agriculture as a big-time revenue earner in the state.He enjoined the people of the state to embrace farming by cultivating lands in their neighbourhoods or farmsteads to plant stable food crops.The commissioner said such efforts were capable of becoming something tangible in the long run, as the state strives to overcome its current economic problems. Agriculture remains the only sure way to get the country out of its economic woes, he said. The commissioner explained that the summit was in line with the efforts of the state government to reposition the states economy. (NAN) A member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Adewale Oluwatayo, is dead. Although Late Oluwatayo last attended the plenary at the Nation... A member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Adewale Oluwatayo, is dead. Although Late Oluwatayo last attended the plenary at the National Assembly on Wednesday, he however died in Abuja later same day but the news of his death got to the National Assembly on Thursday.Late Adewale Oluwatayo represented Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency of Lagos State. He was the Chairman, Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government between 2004 and 2007 before serving as a Special Adviser on Education to Lagos State Government from 2009 to 2011. Findings indicated that though the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, had been briefed on the incident, he did not announce it on the floor to members because the family of the late lawmaker had not been informed. However, in a condolence message soon after the House rose, Dogara consoled with the family.The condolence message expressed shock over the death of the lawmaker. The late Hon. Elijah died when his services to the nation were most needed. We mourn our fallen colleague as one who gave his best in service to God and humanity.He was a committed and hard working member, who championed the cause of his people. Our hearts go out to his immediate family, the people of Ifako/Ijaiye Federal Constituency and Lagos state over this great loss. I pray God Almighty to give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. We will surely miss him in the Green Chamber, the message, which was signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Turaki Hassan, read. Femi Fani-Kayode, spokesman of the presidential campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says he got N800 million, being 10 per cen... Femi Fani-Kayode, spokesman of the presidential campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says he got N800 million, being 10 per cent of his demands, for running the campaign of former President Goodluck Jonathan.Faulting the charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Fani-Kayode said he has no regrets working for Jonathan.He said from the day his party lost the election, he knew that there would be problems, but he refused to flee the country because he had not done anything wrong.Our director of finance sent money out to the various directors, including me from our own private company account for us to run our operations, he told Channels Television.I was given only 10% of what I needed (very small) about 800 million naira to run a campaign for three months and we utilised that money.I have done absolutely nothing wrong and neither has any of my co-accused. I saw this coming the day we lost elections and it was announced that the other side had won.I refused to leave the country just as I refused to leave the country in 2008 when I was accused of things then.I have absolutely no doubt that in the end of this particular exercise I will be declared innocent by the court simply because it is very obvious that this is a politically motivated allegation. Ibrahim Idris, acting inspector-general of police (IG), has ordered the arrest of the killers of Lazarus Agaie, the traditional ruler of B... Ibrahim Idris, acting inspector-general of police (IG), has ordered the arrest of the killers of Lazarus Agaie, the traditional ruler of Bokkos in Plateau state.According to Don Awunah, spokesman of the police, Idris has directed Joshack Habilla, deputy-inspector-general of police (DIG) operations, to proceed to Plateau to lead the task.Awunah disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.The statement said Idris ordered that those behind the gruesome murder of the monarch should be fished out in record time.It quoted Idris as saying it is pathetic to see the life of any Nigerian, irrespective of his or her status, snuffed out by any criminal gang in whatever name.The I-G said the death of the monarch, his family and orderly, were particularly painful, but more painful when people took to reprisal attacks, the statement read.He, therefore, advised the aggrieved to be patient with the Police in their investigation into the murder of the monarch.He said the Police would leave no stone unturned in arresting the culprits, but needed the collaboration of everyone with useful information.Agaie was murdered alongside his wife, son and police orderly. Bukola Saraki, senate president, has expressed his commitment to the ruling All Progressives Congress and the administration of President ... Bukola Saraki, senate president, has expressed his commitment to the ruling All Progressives Congress and the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.Bamikole Omishore, special assistant to the senate president, said this in a statement released on Thursday.The statement is coming days after Saraki reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC during the 10th Abuja Housing Show.Omishore noted that Sarakis attendance at an event of the Peoples Democratic Party caucus on Wednesday was in official capacity.The attention of the Senate Presidents Media Team has been drawn to a false publication that is making the rounds on social media that Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki has defected from the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). This fabrication is entirely untrue as the Senate President stands committed to the APC; a party that he helped midwife and worked for its victory in the 2015 elections.In his official capacity as Senate President and chairman, National Assembly, he attended the end of session event of the PDP caucus yesterday evening and spent only 30 minutes before leaving the members to continue with the event.The Senate President would like to assure every Nigerian that he is committed to the APC-led government and appreciates the confidence reposed in him and the APC during the 2015 General Elections. The representative of Lagos-Central Senatorial District in the Senate, Oluremi Tinubu, has said as a Christian she has forgiven her Kogi... The representative of Lagos-Central Senatorial District in the Senate, Oluremi Tinubu, has said as a Christian she has forgiven her Kogi-West counterpart, Senator Dino Melaye.But she added that she would not be intimidated by anybody.Tinubu said this on Wednesday when a delegation of the Lagos State House of Assembly members from Lagos-Central and members of the All Progressives Congress caucus in the Senate as well as some party leaders paid her a solidarity visit at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, on Wednesday.The Lagos-Central caucus was led by Senator Muniru Muse, while the National Assembly caucus was led by Senator Gbenga Ashafa.Tinubu had accused Melaye of assaulting her verbally during an executive session of the Senate last week Tuesday.Melaye, who denied the allegation, had also made counter-claims that the female lawmaker also assaulted him verbally.Tinubu said when she started to think about all that transpired in the Senate for some days on Wednesday, she shed tears for the first time on her encounter with Melaye.She said, When the Senate President invited me yesterday (Tuesday) and I gave my word. You can see the channel I have taken in the aftermath of the event. I reported to the IGP; I wrote to him also, after I waited for one week. When it happened, it was him I went to. I waited for one week and nothing was done. I also wrote to the party (the APC) chairman.I met with the Senate leadership yesterday (Tuesday) after one week; I met with him (Senate President Bukola Saraki) yesterday. And as a Christian, I said I had already forgiven him (Melaye) for the way I was treated. But the point is that what people dont realise is that I am a very reserved person.After I gave my word to him (Saraki) yesterday, I told myself that at 55 I am not a wimp of anybody.I witnessed the Sani Abacha regime and I know what I saw and why I am committed to this cause. But now, my hands are tied to say I forgive people. I am a Christian; when I give my word, I must abide by it. But I am not scared to follow this through.I am not championing a cause for women. I am only standing in my space and if my space is encroached upon, I have to fight back. Rosa Parks wasnt an activist; she just decided to sit in her space and not give up her space to anybody in a bus. And that sent a message.I want to use this opportunity to thank all Nigerian women who rose up; the women rights groups who are calling, conducting press conferences and doing a lot of things.The senator also denied sponsoring women groups to protest on her behalf against Melaye. She stated that she had given her best to her constituency in the past five years and that inspired the protests that had trailed the verbal assault on her.I didnt give anybody anything; I dont even have N80m in my personal salary account in the Senate. And I dont think if I have any other savings I want to use it to mobilise women to protest. What about the investments we have put into politics? How much has that done for this country? Tinubu said.Earlier on Tuesday, hundreds of women from various groups had besieged the main gate of the National Assembly Complex, asking the leadership of the federal legislature to act on the matter.The Woman Leader of the APC in South-West, Mrs. Kemi Nelson, stated that the assault on Tinubu was not only on the lawmaker alone but an insult to the women fold.She argued that the protests were not all about Tinubu but in the general interest of women, more of whom, Nelson said, were now becoming victims of abuses and assault.She said, Enough is enough of such assault from Melaye to any woman in the society and the Senate must take a disciplinary action against him. This is impunity and it has to be stopped. We must be accorded out rights.Earlier, some members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday besieged the National Secretariat of the APC to protest against Melaye.The protesters including Desmond Elliot were led by the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Wasiu Sani.They said they were at the party headquarters to register their displeasure over Melayes alleged verbal assault on Mrs. Tinubu.They also alleged that there appeared to be a conspiracy of silence by the leadership of the Senate over the incident, noting that as loyal party members, they could not fold their hands and watch the partys cherished values of loyalty and respect for leaders being denigrated.Sani, who later addressed newsmen after the closed door meeting with the partys National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said, We are here to pay solidarity visit to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, that we condemn the act, she should not be intimidated and she should not yield to verbal assault.In response to allegations that the protest was sponsored, the lawmaker said, nobody sponsored them as we are buoyant enough to sponsor ourselves.He also commented on allegations that Mrs. Tinubu was fond of causing trouble in the Senate.The deputy speaker said, For us, these are mere allegations. They are unproven. Manchester United are said to have agreed a fee for the signing of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, with the possible world record transfe... French daily L'Equipe report that two key agreements were made when representatives from the two sides met on Wednesday - Juventus agreeing in principle that Pogba be allowed to leave, and United coming to an agreement on a fee which could reach as high as 120m.Presently, Gareth Bale is still the most expensive signing of all time following his 85m move from Tottenham to Real Madrid in 2013, but United are set to place a nine-figure offer comprised of money up front, plus add-ons.Pogba and agent Raiola are reported to be due a 20 per cent bonus from the transfer fee after reaching an agreement with Juventus in their last set of negotiations with the club, and the 23-year-old himself has looked to speed up the moving process after telling Juve of his desire to move on.The midfielder joined Juventus in 2012 on a free transfer from United after not being given enough match time in the first team, but has developed into one of the world's finest in his position since joining the Turin giants.Asked if he'd return to Old Trafford during an interview in the United States last week, Pogba smiled and replied: "I don't know. We'll see, we'll see. For the moment I'm at Juve and I'm happy. I dont know where I want to go."United have already added Eric Bailly, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to their squad, with Mourinho keen to get his major business tied up as quickly as possible. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday commissioned a newly reconstructed Police Station in Ikosi-Isheri area of the Stat... Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday commissioned a newly reconstructed Police Station in Ikosi-Isheri area of the State, just as he said that every the investment made towards the protection of lives and properties of the citizens of the State is worthwhile regardless of the resources spent in achieving such feat.Ambode, who said that the construction and delivery of a modern Police Station in Isheri was very central and conspicuously positioned, added that the importance attached to security of lives and properties in the State since he assumed office was informed by the belief that business activities could only thrive in a safe and secured environment.We believe that the continued prosperity of our State can only be achieved under a well-secured and peaceful environment, hence our strong financial investment on security architecture, modern equipment, vehicles and welfare to enhance the fighting capacities of our security agencies, Ambode said.The Governor, represented at the event by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Seye Oladejo, also underscored the importance of adequately policing Isheri being a border town to Lagos and the need to redouble efforts by men of the force to make sure that the peace and orderliness presently being enjoyed in the area is not threatened in any form.The government and the people of Lagos State can attest to the resounding successes that officers and men of the security agencies have recorded in the quest and determination to secure our lives, the Governor said.The Governor however sought for increased vigilance from residents of the State while also urging security officers to re-double their efforts in nipping in the bud the antics of kidnappers, abductors, cultists, gangsters and other crimes that are rearing up again in recent times.On his part, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, who was represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Area H, Aliyu Garba , promised to ensure that the Police Station is well manned and positioned to provide improved security service delivery and maintain law and order.With this great achievement, I can authoritatively state that Isheri Police Division Headquarters is ready and determined to fight back those that seek to breach the peace within its environs The Commissioner of Police added.Owoseni appreciated the community/state collaboration and contribution of the Community Development Areas, CDAs as well as the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC for initiating the commencement of the construction of the Police Station before the intervention of the State Government.Also speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Sole Administrator of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Aremo Adewale Abdul, appreciated the gesture of the State Government and assured that the Council will do all within its resources to maintain the facility.The traditional ruler of Isheri- Ikosi area, Albert Olubankole, lauded the support of the State Government to the community, asserting that his domain had since ceased to be haven for criminals since the police station became operational.The monarch warned residents of the area to desist from perpetrating unscrupulous acts that may pitch them against law. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said it arrested 21 suspected drug traffickers at the Seme border in the last six m... The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said it arrested 21 suspected drug traffickers at the Seme border in the last six months.It said it seized 28.572million CFA and N7.5million from them.The suspects, it said, include eight females and 13 males, three of whom are foreigners a Ghanaian and two Niger Republic citizens.Eight suspects have been tried at the Federal High Court and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment, NDLEA said.Its Seme Commander, Mr. Odotong Essien, said the agency seized 1,457.867 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, otherwise known as Indian hemp, weighing 1.457 tonnes, valued at over N100million.Essien, who briefed newsmen at the Commands headquarters at Ibereko, Badagry, Lagos State on the agencys activities in the last six months, said NDLEA has adopted new strategies in its war against illicit drug traffickers.No fewer than 13 drug dependent persons were counseled during a public enlightenment programs on the dangers of abuse and trafficking, Essien said.We have modified some of our strategies by blocking the waterways in partnership with the marine unit of the Nigeria Customs Service and the marine police, as well as many track routes, which has paid off tremendously.The inter-agency cooperation and synergy at the Seme Border, especially with Seme Command of Nigerian Customs and the police has helped. All this was made possible through the officers commitment and leadership of our amiable Chairman, Col. Muhammed Mustapha Abdallah (rtd), Essien said. The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Abdulaziz Yari, on Wednesday night said the governors received presentation on their... The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Abdulaziz Yari, on Wednesday night said the governors received presentation on their vacation programme slated for Germany.Speaking to State House correspondents at the end of the NGF meeting, the Zamfara governor said they were briefed on trip by the Germany Ambassador to Nigeria.Yari said the governors were also briefed by South African Vodacom on health, agriculture and other areas of partnership.He said: As usual before any National Economic Council (NEC) meeting we used to sit down and look at what the agenda is going to look like for the meeting. So we deliberated on that and we also received some presentations from the Germany Ambassador on our trip to Germany for vocation programme as well as the South African Vodacom.They also made presentations to us in the area we are going to partner such as health and agriculture.Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, said: It was quite an extensive presentation, especially on the health sector.In due course, they will provide us more information on how we can benefit from it, he stated. The family of a teenager in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has accused a police inspector attached to Mkpat Enin Di... The family of a teenager in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has accused a police inspector attached to Mkpat Enin Division of defiling its 15-year-old daughter at gunpoint.The teenager and her family made the allegation when they visitedoffice in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.The minor said she was returning from African Church, Ikot Abasi-Akpan, last Thursday when policemen accosted her.She alleged that the inspector pointed a gun at her, saying if she did not allow him to touch her, he would shoot her.The SS1 pupil alleged that the inspector took her to a dark area and fondled her.She said the inspector ordered her to undress, pointing a gun at her.Her words: After forcing me to remove my clothes, he ordered me to lie down and open my legs. He then made love to me. He threatened to shoot me if I shout.I was in pains. When he noticed that blood was coming out of my private part, he took me into a vehicle and drove to the station. He detained me from Thursday till Saturday. It was my uncle, Dr. Stephen Ime, who came from Abuja to bail me with N10,000.The victim said her mother left her father when she was a toddler and she did not know her whereabouts.She said her father became paralysed after falling from a palm tree, adding: My uncle is our breadwinner.Ime said he was shocked when his niece accused the inspector of defiling her because he is a prosecutor.He alleged that the suspects colleagues at the police headquarters in Ikot Akpanabia said he was reckless with women.Ime said: We need justice. If a police inspector could point a gun at a 15-year-old girl before defiling her, it means he is not fit to be a police officer. Policemen are supposed to protect life and property.He is also fraudulent. He kept the girl in custody for three days and had the effrontery to collect N10,000 as bail. We call for his dismissal so that he can be prosecuted.An artisan, Mr. Ndifreke Ibuotenang, was allegedly brutalised last Thursday by the policemen.The 28-year-old victim said he was returning home about 9 pm when policemen accosted him and beat him up, adding that his eyes became red and swollen.He was reportedly released after paying N10,000.Police Commissioner Murtala Mani confirmed the incident.However, he did not tell our reporter if the police had begun investigation.Mani simply said: Yes, I am fully aware of the incident. The Archbishop of the Anglican Communion, Enugu Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma, has warned that President Muhammadu ... The Archbishop of the Anglican Communion, Enugu Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma, has warned that President Muhammadu Buharis style of governance may lead to the collapse of democracy in the country.The bishop, who said the President was acting like a military democrat, warned that the Buhari government might not last.Chukwuma spoke in an interview with our correspondent in Enugu.He noted that majority of Nigerians were not happy with the nature of the appointments being made by the President.Chukwuma noted that the conflict between the Presidency and the National Assembly was overheating the polity.The clergyman expressed concerns that the Federal Government had not taken any decisive action to address the menace posed by armed herdsmen in several parts of the country.Chukwuma observed that the current state of affairs in the polity did not augur well for democracy in the country.He said, Mr. President should know that he is the President of Nigeria, he should know that he is a civilian democrat, not a military democrat.He is operating a military democracy, and he is also exhibiting Islamic political militancy, that is what he is exhibiting.This will not augur well for this democracy, it may affect the democracy and it will crash. He should understand that this is not the way to get Nigeria united in a democracy. Scarcity of aviation fuel known as Jet A1, has affected the operations of some airlines at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja le... Scarcity of aviation fuel known as Jet A1, has affected the operations of some airlines at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja leading to cancellation of flights.Several domestic flights had been cancelled since the beginning of the week nationwide as a result of the inability of airlines to get the product. An official at the airport, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the situation was getting worse by the day. He added that the situation had drastically reduced the flow of traffic at the airport in the last few days.Mr Abudulahi Saroke, Deputy Station Manager, Azman Airlines, said that the scarcity led to cancellation the airlines flight to Yola on Wednesday. Saroke said that the cost of the fuel had skyrocketed to N190 per litre from the official price of N115, adding that Sahara had been the only supplier of the product since Tuesday.He said that domestic carriers were the worst hit by the scarcity; as international airlines pay for their fuel ahead of time and also have opportunity to get it from other countries. Saroke said that some foreign airlines buy aviation fuel from neighbouring Ghana and are not so much affected by the scarcity. We have cancelled our flight to Yola for today and many other airlines have also cancelled many flights too.This has greatly affected our operations nationwide and we dont even know if the solution is underway, he added. The station manager said that the situation had affected the cost of tickets, as domestic airlines had been forced to hike the price of their tickets to stay afloat during the period of scarcity.The least amount you can pay for ticket to board Azman flight is N29, 000 for economy class; other airlines charge between N24,000 to N33,000 on busy days like Thursdays and Fridays. An air traveler, Mr Joshua idika, said that the scarcity was uncalled for considering the fact that the Federal Government had allowed importers to sell their products at deregulated price.Idika said that his flight to Port Harcourt was cancelled on Tuesday, adding that he had been waiting for some hours to see if it would be possible for him to travel later in the day. He called on the government and the aviation authorities to liaise with the marketers to find lasting solution to the crisis.This problem is really affecting many things especially businesses because, there is hike in air fare and we are also suffering from delays and cancellations, Idiaka said. The Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, on Wednesday said the military had defeated the Boko Haram fighters in ... The Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, on Wednesday said the military had defeated the Boko Haram fighters in the North-East.Dambazau disclosed this in Port Harcourt at a two-day seminar with the theme: Media Engagement in Crises Situation for Military, Security and Response Agencies, partly organised by the Centre for Crisis Communication.He said that the Federal Government was now focused on rebuilding and relocating the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their respective communities and homes. The war in the North-East with the Boko Haram has been fought and won as the Boko Haram elements have been routed, degraded and are being decimated.The task before us is winning the peace, as the victims are gradually returning to their homes, while government is rebuilding, reconciling, and rehabilitating the victims. We are also in the phase where crisis management and communication become indispensable to build confidence and consensus among the people, he said.Represented by Mr Willy Bassey, a Director in the Ministry, the minister said that government was now focused on partnering with the media to ensure that information was properly managed. He said the country was currently faced with security challenges in form of cattle rustling, pastoralists and farmers clashes, militancy, kidnapping, cultism and secession agitations which required effective media management.According to him, if information is not properly managed by the media, it could create a gulf between the people and government which would lead to undesirable outcomes and possibly engender crises. The media as a watchdog of the society is duty-bound to report the truth and balanced report while avoiding sensationalism, half truth, embellishment, misinformation, falsehood and blackmail. Journalists should ensure internal cohesion, unity and harmony rather than fanning disunity, ethnic and religious disharmony, panic and fear as is being experienced in the Social Media, he said.Dambazau said the ministry was currently formulating and implementing new policies to boost operations of five security outfits under the ministry. Earlier, retired Air Commodore Yusuf Anas , the Secretary, Centre for Crises Communication, said the seminar was aimed at bridging the gap in communication between the people, government and the media.Anas said the seminar would brainstorm and proffer solutions to the existing communication gaps with the hope of mobilising stakeholders to promote effective communication management in the country. Participants who attended the programme included information officers from the Defence Headquarters, Army, Navy, Air Force, the Police and Department of State Services (DSS).Others are: the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Prisons Service, National Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), among others. Tragedy strikes as a tour bus carrying 26 tourists from China crashes, bursting into flames in Taiwan, killing everyone on board. Tragedy strikes as a tour bus carrying 26 tourists from China crashes, bursting into flames in Taiwan, killing everyone on board.The accident reportedly took place along the No. 2 national highway in Taoyuan county, where the island's international airport is located, yesterday, July 19, 2016.The county fire and rescue service disclosed in a statement that, 24 of the tourists on board the bus were visitors from China's Liaoning province who were scheduled to return home on Tuesday afternoon.The other victims were the driver and a tour guide, who were Tiawan indegenes.Taiwan's China Times reports that nobody had been able to make it off the bus, adding that most of the bodies where burnt beyond recognition.So far, there has been no official statement on the cause of the fire, although Taiwan's official Central News Agency and other local stations report that the bus had burst into flames after spinning out of control and smashing into the guard rail on the highway. A Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted bail to Abiodun Agbele, an aide to the Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose. A Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted bail to Abiodun Agbele, an aide to the Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose.Mr. Agbele was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on July 1 on allegations of fraud.The EFCC said Mr. Agbele received huge public funds from a former defence minister, Musiliu Obanikoro, and delivered same to Mr. Fayose.The judge, Olukayode Fadeniyi, declared that the failure of the EFCC to charge Mr. Agbele to court, since his arrest, amounted to an abuse of his fundamental rights.He ordered the commission to pay a compensation of N5 million to Mr. Agbele.The court also ruled that Mr. Agbele be admitted to bail with a bond of N50 million and a surety not below the cadre of a director in the civil service.Alternatively, Mr. Agbele is required to provide a surety who is a responsible Nigerian citizen, with landed property in any part of Abuja.The surety shall depose an affidavit of means, the court also ruled.Mr. Fadeniyi also ordered Mr. Agbele to submit his international passport at the commission. A Trump staffer apologized Wednesday for using remarks by Michelle Obama in a speech delivered by Melania Trump at the Republican Nationa... A Trump staffer apologized Wednesday for using remarks by Michelle Obama in a speech delivered by Melania Trump at the Republican National Convention that ignited a deeply embarrassing plagiarism row.The speech from the ex-model, watched by millions on television on Monday night, amounted to a nightmarish start for the convention and subjected her husbands presidential campaign to withering scrutiny.Melania Trump had always liked the Democratic first lady and had read me some passages from Mrs Obamas speech as examples of what she wanted to tell the convention, said staffer Meredith McIver.I wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing in the draft that ultimately became the final speech. I did not check Mrs Obamas speeches. This was my mistake, and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused, she said in a statement released by the Trump campaign. No harm was meant. McIver said Trump had refused to accept her resignation, saying that people make innocent mistakes, according to her statement. I apologize for the confusion and hysteria my mistake has caused, said McIver, who was identified as an in-house staff writer from the Trump Organization.I personally admire the way Mr Trump has handled this situation and I am grateful for his understanding. Trump took to Twitter Wednesday to comment on the swirling controversy, saying: Good news is Melanias speech got more publicity than any in the history of politics especially if you believe that all press is good press! He also took a swipe at the media, which he has repeatedly alleged is biased against him and favors Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, who herself has recently been mired in an email scandal.The media is spending more time doing a forensic analysis of Melanias speech than the FBI spent on Hillarys emails, he wrote. Michelle Obama, a Harvard-educated lawyer, has high approval ratings across the country and in Melanias home city has been embraced in New York fashion circles for her sense of style and elegance.With millions watching on television, the Slovenia-born former model delivered an eloquent and seemingly heartfelt defense of her husband. Donald is, and always has been, an amazing leader, said the 46-year-old.Now, he will go to work for you. Despite the unmistakable similarities to remarks given by Michelle Obama at the 2008 Democratic convention, the Trump campaign initially denied any wrongdoing, then made a tacit admission before attempting to insulate Melania, adding to a picture of a campaign in chaos. But at the convention itself, many Republicans were unperturbed, with delegates and party members praising Melania for her grace and poise in delivering a speech in what is thought to be her fifth language. President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration is talking to Niger Delta militants through oil companies and law enforcement agencies... President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration is talking to Niger Delta militants through oil companies and law enforcement agencies to find a lasting solution to insecurity in the region.This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the president on Thursday.Buhari spoke at a farewell audience with Mr Michael Zinner, the outgoing Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria at the State House, Abuja.He said his administration was studying the instruments of the amnesty programme inherited from the previous administration with a view to carrying out commitments made that were undelivered.We understand their feelings. We are studying the instruments.We have to secure the environment, otherwise investment will not come. We will do our best for the country, he affirmed.He expressed appreciation to the government of Germany for its continuing support to Nigeria in the efforts to tackle insecurity and the ongoing rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced citizens in crisis areas in the North-Eastern parts of the country.The president also thanked Nigerias neighbours for their firm and unflinching support in the war against terror.The outgoing German Ambassador noted that bilateral relations between Nigeria and Germany had improved very much in the last 12 months of this administration.He expressed the readiness of Germany to assist Nigeria in the rehabilitation process in the North-East to help displaced persons return to their villages.He also expressed the eagerness of German businesses to invest in the country, now that conditions for investment have been put in place.Zinner reiterated the standing invitation of Chancellor Angela Merkel to Buhari to visit Germany. The Federal Government on Wednesday admitted that it is aware of serious shortage of foods in many families in the country. The Min... The Federal Government on Wednesday admitted that it is aware of serious shortage of foods in many families in the country.The Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Chief Audu Ogbeh, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of a meeting of the Federal Executive Council presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.Ogbeh was joined at the briefing by the Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.The minister said it was heartwarming that despite the food shortage, the situation in the country was still not close to that of Venezuela that can no longer feed its people.He said the present administration was working hard to address the food shortage.He gave an assurance that in the next one-and-half years, Nigeria would be self-sufficient in grains like rice, beans and others.To this end, he said the council approved the Agriculture Promotion Policy 2016-2020 tagged The Green Alternative.He said the 129-page detailed document outlines the governments policies and objectives to see agriculture as the best alternative in the administrations quest to diversify the economy.He said, We are fully aware that there is a major concern in the country for food self-sufficiency in the country and that there is crisis in many families as a result of serious shortage of food.But we are working hard and thank God that ours has not become as bad as one South American country, which was also a major oil producing country. By that I mean Venezuela which situation is definitely a 100 times worst than ours.But the point is that where we believe that in a short while, maybe in another one year and half in the maximum, we should be reasonably self-sufficient in grains like rice, maize and beans.We may not achieve everything in wheat but we will be very close to our targets. Other things are also there in the roadmap. And that is what council endorsed this afternoon. Former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Nuhu Ribadu yesterday said seizure of assets of looters is an integral pa... Former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Nuhu Ribadu yesterday said seizure of assets of looters is an integral part of the war against corruption.He also said President Muhammadu Buhari has the political will to allow the war to be fought without interference and the eagerness to support it in whatever way possible.Ribadu said the nation has recorded unprecedented recoveries and high profile cases under EFCC chairman Ibrahim Magu.He said his own era as the chairman of the anti-graft agency had returned to the EFCC.But he expressed concern that some lawyers took advantage of the probe of the $180m Halliburton scam to milk the nation dry.Ribadu made the submissions in a paper at the National Stakeholders Workshop on Recovery and Management of Recovered Assets, organised by the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat.He said international cooperation and linkages helped the EFCC in successfully tracing and recovering assets of former governors Joshua Dariye, DSP Alamieyeseigha and James Ibori and Mr. Emmanuel Nwude.PACAC Chairman, Prof Itsay Sagay (SAN) said if Ribadu had not been removed, maybe corruption would not have become so endemic.He said developing strategies for recovery of stolen assets would act as a deterrent to looters.Seizure of assets is more painful to them than imprisonment, Sagay said.Ribadu denied allegations that he was part of those who allegedly re-looted recovered assets, including N1trillion, and expressed surprise that it was a subject of Senate investigation.He said: Considering the care we took in handling whatever was in our custody, I find it baffling and disheartening when I hear people make insinuations about how we handled recovered assets.It is a most unfair remark but certainly not totally surprising as the fight against corruption is essentially a thankless job, especially in our climes.That was why I was telling Prof Sagay: dont bother sir, people will abuse you; dont say anything. This is the job.We are hurting people; we are taking things from those who took things and we denied them chance to make use of them and enjoy with their family.Im still paying dearly. In my own madness, I decided to go into politics and I am still paying for it. But I am not bothered. Ill continue fighting till my last breath. If Im given the opportunity Ill do it again.Ribadu went on: Asset forfeiture is an integral component of the anti-corruption work as it serves many purposes within the framework.First, it serves as restitution in the sense that what was ill-gotten is returned to the right owner(s). It also functions as deterrence to others as those who illegally enrich themselves get stripped of that wealth overnight.Similarly, through proceeds of final assets forfeiture, government can make extra money that can be channelled to projects that would enable growth and development of the state.As a specialised element of the anti-corruption process, asset recovery requires professional and dedicated people, comprising investigators, prosecutors and managers to handle it jointly for effectiveness and to derive the maximum benefits.A point therefore has to be made on the importance of diligent investigation to successful and fruitful asset recovery and management.Whatever success that is made of forfeiture or recoveries depends on the thoroughness of investigation and diligence of prosecution and ability of investigators to trace whatever is traceable and recoverable. The success of asset forfeiture begins with the investigation.Surprisingly, however, in spite of the lack of adequate legal guidance and other limitations, Nigeria is perhaps the most successful country in terms of asset recoveries from foreign lands. Over time, a lot of money has been successfully returned to us in assets laundered in several countries.Ribadu expressed concern that some lawyers took advantage of the probe of the $180m Halliburton scam to milk the nation dry.He said: Contrary to such insinuations about self-enrichment, it was some people, not us or even the government, that made money from some of those cases.A case in point is the Halliburton investigation where after we had done the bulk of the work, it was turned into a milking cow for some senior lawyers who made millions of dollars out of it.The ex-EFCC chairman said President Muhammadu Buhari has a rare political will to fight corruption.He also said EFCC chairman Magu and his team have made unprecedented recoveries in the history of Nigeria.He pleaded with Nigerians to support Buharis anti-graft war.He said: For me, this period is an important episode for this work, being a time that we have the most vital tool needed in this war, namely political will. I see in the present leadership, specifically the president, the will to allow the war to be fought without interference and the eagerness to support it in whatever way possible. These two points are important prerequisite in winning the anti-corruption war.We are also lucky to have a set of people that are very passionate and committed to be in charge of the process. Added to this, we have a plethora of practitioners, intellectuals, activists and the media that are keen and supportive of the campaign.PACAC Executive Secretary Prof Bolaji Owasanoye said between $20billion and $40billion is stolen annually from developing countries.According to him, seizure is important to the asset recovery process as it ensures the blockage or preservation of assets.Director, Rule of Law Division, Commonwealth Secretariat, Katalaina Sapolu, said the international community and the Commonwealth would support the Buhari administrations bid to recover stolen funds.We do not think that there has been, in many jurisdictions, a really settled view on the approach, because it requires development of policy and establishment of relevant institutional frameworks, Ms Sapolu said.According to her, the outcome of the three-day workshop would help in the formulation of such policies. FORT LEE -- Police on Friday arrested an alleged fugitive from charges in Maine who had been on the run in Bergen County for three years. Robert Howarth, 62, of Bradford, Mass. (Fort Lee Police) Fort Lee Police stopped Robert J. Howarth, 62, while he was driving on Horizon Road. Howarth, of Bradford, Mass., identified himself as "Bob Lee" and "Robert Lee," Fort Lee Police said in a press release. An investigation revealed his real name. Howarth was trying to hide his identity because the Maine Attorney General has filed a warrant for his arrest on charges of theft by deception and securities violations, police said. Howarth has lived in the Bergen County area for the past three years, police said. He was charged with obstruction the administration of justice and hindering apprehension. Haworth was sent to Bergen County Jail pending extradition to Maine. A jury in York County, Maine, indicted Howarth in 2015 on multiple charges of securities fraud and theft by deception, the Portland Press Herald reported. Police had lost track of him at the time of the indictment. Howarth allegedly came to Belfast, Maine, in 2009 claiming to be a successful businessman selling clothes overseas. He bilked investors out of about $500,000, Maine officials said. Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. NEWARK -- A 33-year-old New York man who arranged to have cocaine mailed to New Jersey from Puerto Rico faces up to 20 years in prison. Ramis Esteves was arrested in Bergen County in March 2015 when he took delivery of two kilogram of cocaine, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a news release. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute cocaine on Wednesday in federal court in Newark. Esteves also faces a $1 million fine when he is sentenced Nov. 29. His co-conspirator, Sasha Melendez, 37, of Bergenfield pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine in June. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Fox News CEO Roger Ailes on Thursday stepped down from his position, according to Fox parent company 21st Century Fox. Ailes, who owns homes in Cresskill and Garrison, N.Y. is the subject of a lawsuit filed in Bergen County by former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson. Carlson was released from her contract last month, claiming in court papers that Ailes sexually harassed her and then fired her when she refused his advances. "Roger Ailes, chairman and CEO of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network, and Chairman of Fox Television Stations, has resigned from his role effective immediately," the company announced in a news release. Rupert Murdoch will assume the role of Chairman and acting CEO of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network. "Roger Ailes has made a remarkable contribution to our company and our country," Murdoch said in a statement. "Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organization and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years." In her July 6 lawsuit, Carlson claims Ailes made "sexual and/or sexist comments" and made "sexual advances by various means." She claims Ailes suggested they have sex together, and called her a "man-hater" who should "get along with the boys." In statements released through publicists, Ailes has steadfastly denied the allegations. After Carlson's lawsuit was filed, Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly reportedly told lawyers for 21st Century Fox that Ailes made unwanted sexual advances toward her about 10 years ago. Kelly's statements were allegedly made during a probe of the executive. At least 20 women have come forward to accuse Ailes of sexual harassment, according to published reports. On Wednesday, Breitbart.com reported all of Fox News' primetime lineup would be willing to walk out of the network with Ailes if he was pushed out. If the sexual-harassment allegations are true, the Fox News chairman comes close to being the perfect villain. https://t.co/gmQ65mjDHG The New Yorker (@NewYorker) July 20, 2016 Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. CAMDEN -- A Philadelphia man who had pleaded guilty to using a straw buyer to purchase guns that he resold in the Camden area was sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison Thursday. Michael Wayne Lee, 35, was sentenced to 135 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Renee M. Bumb in Camden federal court. Lee pleaded guilty in 2014 to conspiring to deal firearms without a license and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to a court record charging him, Lee in June and July, 2012, had Rosselyn M. DeJesus, 29, of Philadelphia buy pistols five times from area gun shops, which she transferred to Lee. Lee then resold them, it said. Another co-conspirator, Ammie Steward, 41, of Pennsauken, sold two of the weapons purchased from Lee to a witness cooperating with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, it said. Besides his prison sentence, Lee also will serve three years of supervised release, said the office of U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman. DeJesus pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deal firearms without a license and was sentenced to a year in prison on Oct. 20, Fishman's office said. Steward previously pleaded guilty to dealing firearms without a license and possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. He is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 23, it said. A fourth person, Wendell L. Ford, 43, of Camden, also was charged in the case with conspiracy to deal firearms without a license. His case is pending, Fishman's office said. Tim Darragh may be reached at tdarragh@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @timdarragh. Find NJ.com on Facebook. VINELAND -- There will be 370 employees out of work when General Mills closes up shop at its Progresso factory in Cumberland County -- a county already plagued by some of the highest poverty and unemployment rates in the state. Workers were informed of the sudden decision -- part of a restructuring that will also shutter plants in Ohio, Brazil and China -- when they showed up Thursday morning and were sent home for the weekend. The plant, which has roots in Vineland dating back to 1942, is expected to permanently close by 2018, according to owner General Mills, however the company said in a statement that the decision is pending negotiations with the union. "It's going to have a devastating effect on Cumberland County, which is already economically depressed," UFCW Local 152 President Brian String said. "It has not recovered form the recession and has one of the highest jobless rates." As of 2015 U.S. Census statistics, Cumberland County had the third-highest unemployment rate in New Jersey at 9.1 percent, topped only by Atlantic and Cape May counties. Nearly 20 percent of the county population lives in poverty, the highest percentage in the state. "That's devastating," said state Senate President Stephen Sweeney. "Progresso really started there. And that's not an area of the state that can afford to lose jobs. It's the poorest county in the state of New Jersey. And jobs are scarce to start with, so it's heartbreaking to hear that and just to realize what it's going to do to the families down there." The first Progresso factory opened up in Vineland in 1942 and the city has been home to the current soup-making facility on Southeast Boulevard since 1970. In a recent commercial campaign, the Garden State's city of Vineland was highlighted as a producer of Progresso soups. General Mills said it plans to transfer production to other facilities in North America. Local and state officials were shocked to hear the news on Thursday. State Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1) said he intends to sit down with General Mills officials and work with the Cumberland County Board of Chosen Freeholders to see if there is a way to save the jobs. He also plans on reaching out to Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno. "I'm certainly going to do everything I can to help," Van Drew said. "N.J. is a destination for food manufacturing and we are confident we can fill this state of the art plant," Guadagno said. "The state is in the process of working with Cumberland County and will offer support to General Mills employees." U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo took to Twitter, offering condolences to workers and stating his support to appeal the decision. Blindsided by news of @GeneralMills closing plant in Vineland. Long-standing partnership abruptly ended. Saddened for workers & families Frank LoBiondo (@FrankLoBiondoNJ) July 21, 2016 "Everybody will do everything in their power to keep that plant open and running and we hope General Mills changes their mind," String said. According to its filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, General Mills expects to spend $18 million in severance expenses. Officials are going to attempt to keep Progresso in South Jersey but, if they are unable to do so, according to Cumberland County Freeholder Director Joe Derella, they will see about attracting a new business to the Vineland location. Don E. Woods may be reached at dwoods@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @donewoods1. Find NJ.com on Facebook. NEW BRUNSWICK -- Rutgers University on Wednesday announced what school officials called a "modest but necessary" increase in tuition and fees. The 1.7 percent hike is the lowest for Rutgers in five years, but it will still leave students digging deeper into their pockets to pay for college. With room and board included, the average in-state undergraduate student living on campus in New Brunswick will pay $26,632, or $447 more than last year. Here's what else students should know about the 2016-17 tuition hike: Undergraduate tuition and fees Rutgers' tuition and fees vary by campus and school, so there are dozens of rates. The university releases an average tuition and fee rate for the typical student on each campus. At Rutgers-New Brunswick, the average in-state undergraduate will pay $14,372 in annual tuition and fees, or about $241 more. Students at Rutgers-Newark will also see a 1.7 percent increase in tuition and fees. The cost will rise to $13,829 for the average undergraduate, about $232 more than last year. For Rutgers-Camden students, the cost will rise 1.7 percent as well. The average undergraduate will pay $14,238, an increase of $238. Room and board Like tuition and fees, room and board rates will rise 1.7 percent for the typical student living on the New Brunswick campus. An average student will pay about $7,490 for a double occupancy dorm room and $4,770 for a typical meal plan. That totals to $12,260 for room and board. Out-of-state students Rutgers is also raising tuition and fees by 1.7 percent for its out-of-state students. An out-of-state student in the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers-New Brunswick will pay $27,059 in tuition and $2,643 in mandatory fees for a total of $29,702, an increase of $495. Part-time students On the New Brunswick campus, part-time undergraduates from New Jersey will pay between $367 and $415 per credit, depending on their school. Most classes are three credits. Part-time students will also be charged between $619 and $788 in annual fees. Graduate students Graduate students from New Jersey will pay between $689 and $964 per credit for programs on the New Brunswick campus, including education, the arts, communications and social work. Annual fees for full-time students will range from $1,776 to $2,411. Law school The Rutgers School of Law will charge $24,067 in tuition for in-state students, plus $2,622 in annual fees. Medical school New Jersey Medical School in Newark will charge new in-state students $39,288 in tuition and $2,590 in fees. Robert Wood Johnson Medical School on the New Brunswick-Piscataway campus will charge incoming students $39,288 in tuition and $1,770 in fees. Financial aid To help offset the rising tuition and fees, Rutgers will dedicate an additional $500,000 to it Rutgers Assistance Grant program. Increases and state and federal grants will also help combat the rising costs, according to the university. NJ Advance Media reporter Kelly Heyboer contributed to this report Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook. At 66, Bruce is still Boss of the box office. Springsteen's sprawling "The River" tour is so far the highest-grossing live music show of 2016, Billboard reports, drawing 1.1 million fans and selling more than $135 million in revenue. The show, which kicked off in January, rocked Prudential Center Jan. 31 and soon returns to MetLife Stadium for three nights -- Aug. 23, 25 and 30 -- also boasts the single largest "Boxscore" this year, taking in more than $19 million over two nights at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland. The May shows drew more than 160,000 fans, who came to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Bruce's iconic 1980 double-album. While he's loosened up the European setlist's Springsteen and The E Street Band played all 20 tracks off "The River" in sequence during the U.S. winter dates, as well as an hour-long encore of other hits and deep cuts. The August shows are not expected to take on "The River" in its entirety. Billboard's report centered around an interview with longtime Boss manager Jon Landau, who also provided some details on Springsteen's next album. Landau confirmed it would be a solo album, but not solely acoustic -- he described it as "expansive" and "very, very rich." The LP, which would be the 19th in Springsteen's official studio discography, is due out in 2017. "The River" tour has made headlines throughout 2016, from its immediate selling out, to Bruce's tributes to fallen icons David Bowie and Prince. But in April, the media storm grew strongest, as Springsteen cancelled a Greensboro, N.C. concert in protest of the state's stance on bathroom use for the transgender community. "Some things are more important than a rock show," he wrote in a statement. Bobby Olivier may be reached at bolivier@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobbyOlivier and Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook. NEWARK -- The new United Services Organizations lounge at Newark Liberty International airport will be a "respite" for New Jersey's nearly 9,000 military personnel and their families, said Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno. At a ribbon cutting on Thursday afternoon on the second floor of Terminal B, where the 2,000 square-foot lounge is located, Guadagno said she will try out the space tomorrow at 9 p.m. as she readies to visit her son, an active duty Air Force member stationed in Oklahoma. When military personnel are away from their families, the separation can be hard, Guadagno said, but having a common area for active duty members to congregate while traveling is a help -- and it brings some comfort to her, as the mother of a child in the military. "That family is the USO," Guadagno said. The cost of the lounge was sponsored by Prudential, Johnson & Johnson, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Turner Construction, Gensler Architecture, and the Wawa Foundation, said Brian Whiting, president and chief executive officer of USO of Metropolitan New York. Prudential donated $1 million to build the lounge, and Johnson & Johnson poured in more than $250,000, Whiting said. He was unable to provide an exact total cost of the lounge. The doors to the lounge were pulled open after the ribbon cutting, revealing a high-ceilinged space with ample windows. A counter space occupied the immediate entrance to the lounge, with red, white, and blue cakes -- donated by Wawa -- sitting on the surface. Tables and chairs sat on the the other side of the counter. In the corner of the room, a kid's nook was set up, with bean bags and toys. In a separate room of the lounge, a series of Apple desktop computers were powered and ready to use. The lounge took about 16 months to build, and was constructed by help from volunteers, Whiting said. Prudential, which donated a substantial amount of money to the project, also had employees volunteer to help with construction and interior set-up, Whiting said. John Strangfeld, chairman, chief executive officer, and president of Prudential Financial, an international company with its headquarters in Newark, said the decision to back the USO lounge was a "triple-header." The company's tie to Newark as its home base made supporting the lounge a fairly obvious decision, he said. "Our people are doers, not spectators," Strangfeld said. J.D. Crouch II, president and chief executive officer of United Service Organizations, said the new lounge will be a welcome addition to one of the busiest airports in the world. Separation is a central challenge of military life, said Crouch, former deputy national security adviser under the second Bush administration. "This is a little taste of home," Crouch said. Donald Payne Jr. (D-Essex), sat in the first row of the event, next to Guadagno, as a representative for the 10th District, where the airport is located. "I am indebted to the men and women in uniform," Payne said. There are 48 USO lounges in the United States situated in major airports, with the rest of the lounges located on and around military bases. Katie Park may be reached at kpark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kathspark. Find NJ.com on Facebook. NEWARK -- In the hopes of reducing crime in the city's South and West Wards, officials are turning to nontraditional leaders to bring change. During a press conference Thursday afternoon at City Hall, Mayor Ras Baraka said he hopes to continue expanding a small pilot program brought to the city last year by Aqeela Sherrills, who in the early 1990s helped arrange a peace treaty between the Bloods and the Crips, prominent rival gangs. The program is a simple concept, really: As of now, nine community members in the South Ward and eight in the West Ward work as "mediators and interrupters" to reduce crime before violence occurs, Sherrills said. The 17 people are expected to build relationships with their area's youth and assure families crime victims know about resources available to them. The city is calling the group the "Newark Community Street Team," and Sherrills is its director. Traditionally, "we deploy police officers, but not therapists or social workers" who are trained in assisting those who have experienced "deep rooted trauma," Sherrills said. This program works differently. Sherrills said members of the street team are on call 24 hours a day and aid in preventing criminal retaliation. They meet with the Safer Newark Council to identify "hot spots," or areas that see more crime, such as shootings, robberies and assaults. Jessica "Jayda" Jacques, a 32-year-old who mentors youth in the city's South Ward, described the group of workers as "interventionists and activists," who are well respected within their communities. She said the workers help young students get to and from school through "safe passages," walking with them to prevent robberies and other potential danger. The workers frequently carry bus cards in case kids need a ride home and money in case they don't have food. "These kids don't want to rob," she said during an interview before the press conference. "They don't have money and they have empty refrigerators, so they steal so they can eat at night." She said she starts working the passage at University High School on Clinton Place about 9 a.m., spends time with various clients throughout the day and is back at the school from about 2 to 4 p.m. "The kids see us and know us," she said, adding that the group worked with more than 50 youths last year. "And ultimately we become family." Jacques, who worked with documentary star Darel "Creep" Evans to help at-risk youth before his shooting death in December 2015, pleaded for others to follow in the workers' footsteps to bring the city together -- whether it be city officials, police or those from rival gangs. "We used our relationship to bring the gangs together," Jacques, a known Blood, said of Evans, a former Crip who was featured in the 2009 Sundance documentary series "Brick City," about gang life in Newark. "My kids don't have a dad right now because of this violence," Jacques said of her 7-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son. The workers are paid $15 an hour and generally log 25 hours a week, said Sherrills, whose 18-year-old son Terrell was fatally shot in 2004 when a stranger "mistook the young man's Mickey Mouse sweater for representing gang colors," according to his Californians for Safety and Justice profile. The Victoria Foundation and Prudential Financial are the program's primary donors, Sherrills said. He said he is glad the companies took risks in investing in the program. "With all that is happening across the country, it is easy for us to direct more resources towards law enforcement, but it takes someone to have really significant insight to understand that we can't arrest our way out of this problem," Sherrills, who lives in Watts, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, said. "We have to have a joint strategy that engages residents -- especially if you want it to be sustainable -- that it engages residents as well as law enforcement." Baraka said the social workers are resourceful in reducing crime, considering about 60 percent of the city's violent crimes stem from personal disputes. "If there (are) personal disputes, there has to be a group of people that get between the personal disputes and begin to mediate or interrupt the type of conflicts that are going on in our communities," he said, noting that just four percent of the city's population commits more than a majority of its violent crime. "This is an incredible program ... and I believe it will be successful." The growth of this program comes after several initiatives aimed at involving the public in reducing violence, including the Baraka administration's announcement last month it would be tapping civilians to assist the police department in monitoring the city's surveillance cameras. As for Jacques, she said the group can "literally" decrease the crime rate by helping youth get jobs and placing drug addicts in treatment programs, among other grassroots initiatives. "It's not a game," she said. "It's not Monopoly, it's not Uno -- it is real. We can do it." Luke Nozicka may be reached at lnozicka@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @lukenozicka. Find NJ.com on Facebook. When the check arrives after an evening out at a nice restaurant, the price of drinks may rival the cost of food for those who enjoyed a few alcoholic beverages with their meal. But sipping on a glass or two (or three) of wine at the dinner table isn't going to pad the tab for diners who pick an establishment that allows patrons to bring their own drink of choice. Dozens of upscale restaurants throughout New Jersey are BYOB, offering plenty of opportunity for residents from Sussex to Cape May counties to be their own bartender at dinner. Here are 23 options to consider the next time you're making dinner reservations. Got a favorite spot we didn't include? Let us know about it in the comments. Anthony David's: Potato gnocchi with gulf shrimp, wild mushrooms, roasted corn and thyme and lamb braciole with gorgonzola-pistachio risotto are among the dinner options at this Hoboken restaurant serving "Italian classics and new creations." Find it at 953 Bloomfield Street in Hoboken. Call (201) 222-8399 for reservations. Belford Bistro: The New American cuisine coming out of the kitchen of this Monmouth County restaurant includes entrees like jumbo lump crab cake with broccoli, peas, leeks, whipped potatoes and celeriac remoulade. Find it at 870 Main Street in Belford. Call (732) 495-8151 for reservations. A photo posted by Belford Bistro (@belfordbistro) on Jun 5, 2016 at 7:23pm PDT The Blue Bottle Cafe: Chef Aaron Philipson has described his cuisine as New American with a lot of French influence, as well as hints of South American and Asian cooking. Try toasted semolina cakes with braised wild boar ragout and savory cream to start. Find it at 101 East Broad Street in Hopewell. Call (609) 333-1710 for reservations. Brian's: Chef Brian Held serves up a three-course prix fixe menu in a restaurant described as a "cozy, unpretentious BYO." Find it at 9 Klines Court in Lambertville. Call (609) 460-4148 for reservations. Cafe Matisse: Serving dinner six days a week in a former horse and buggy firehouse, this Rutherford establishment offers a chef's grazing menu in three, four or five courses. Find it at 167 Park Avenue in Rutherford. Call (201) 935-2995 for reservations. Cafe Panache: At a restaurant where the chef "believes in freshness and simplicity of food," the entrees include crispy yellow fin tuna with puffed basmati rice and wasabi sake and filet mignon ravioli with maitake mushrooms and truffle butter. Find it at 130 East Main Street in Ramsey. Call (201) 934-0030 for reservations. Common Lot: Dine on contemporary cuisine prepared with local and seasonal ingredients at a restaurant launched by a young couple this spring, with dishes that include a whole sous vide lobster with tarragon and pea puree, pickled asparagus and grilled endive salad. Find it at 27 Main Street in Millburn. Call (973) 467-0494 for reservations. The Diving Horse: This seafood-focused restaurant at the Jersey Shore serves up main dishes like New Jersey fluke with asparagus and wild mushroom broth and Barnegat Light scallops with English peas, leeks and lobster sauce. Find it at 2109 Dune Drive in Avalon. Call (609) 368-5000 for reservations. Drew's Bayshore Bistro: Serving a menu that is inspired by cajun cooking, this Keyport establishment offers up a variety of seasonal dishes and bistro fare, including the popular voodoo shrimp. Find it at 25 Church Street in Keyport. Call (732) 739-9219 for reservations. Fascino: The food coming out of chef Ryan DePersio's kitchen has been described as "humble and rustic, but also refined, delicate, sophisticated." Find it at 331 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Call (973) 233-0350 for reservations. Fuji: This modern Japanese restaurant in Camden County serves up sushi and sashimi, as well as entrees such as panko crusted crab cakes with cocktail and horseradish mustard dipping sauces and pan seared Chilean sea bass with garlic sauce. Find it at 116 Kings Highway East in Haddonfield. Call (856) 354-8200 for reservations. Khloe Bistrot: Choose from entrees like merlot braised lamb shank with pureed yams and chardonnay scented pei mussels and frites at this French eatery in Fort Lee. Find it at 200 Main Street in Fort Lee. Call (201) 461-9700 for reservations. Luke Palladino: This seasonal Italian restaurant serves up pasta, fish and meat dishes that include pork rib ragu with rigatoni pasta, tomato, basil and shaved pecorino pepato and seared scallops with potato alla chiusa, ricci burro fuso and pickled beech mushrooms. Find it at 199 New Road, Central Square, in Linwood. Call (609) 926-3030 for reservations. Oliver a Bistro: Dinner at this Bordentown BYOB can include crispy fried soft shell crabs with oven dried tomato, asparagus and shiitake mushroom ragout over linguine in a chevre cream sauce or spicy butter poached shrimp with cheddar grits and garlicky spinach. Find it at 218 Farnsworth Avenue in Bordentown. Call (609) 298-7177 for reservations. Peter Shields Inn: Order up traditional and contemporary seasonal dishes in the five dining rooms or front porch of a 1907 Georgian Revival mansion across the street from the beach. Find it at 1301 Beach Avenue in Cape May. Call (609) 884-9090 for reservations. The Poached Pear Bistro: This Jersey Shore restaurants declares its "mission is to offer familiar dishes presented in innovative ways." Among the main offerings: apple cider brined pork chop with red cabbage marmalade, crispy spaetzle, caramelized apples and bourbon cider reduction. Find it at 816 Arnold Avenue in Point Pleasant Beach. Call (732) 701-1700 for reservations. Restaurant Lorena's: Named by OpenTable as one of the 100 best restaurants in the U.S. in 2015, this French eatery offers diners main courses such as Scottish salmon with spring ramps, fingerlings, radish and chive creme. Find it at 168 Maplewood Avenue in Maplewood. Call (973) 763-4460 for reservations. The Saddle River Inn: A contemporary French restaurant housed in an 18th-century barn that serves up seasonal dishes, including tuna carpaccio with avocado, lemon, sesame and jalapeno and duck breast with fava beans, miso, crispy rice cake and spicy peanut sauce. Find it at 2 Barnstable Court in Saddle River. Call (201) 825-4016 for reservations. St. Eve's: Choose from a variety of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, as well as house-made pastas, on the menu of this Bergen County restaurant that aims to use organic and locally-sourced ingredients. Find it at 611 North Maple Avenue in Ho-Ho-Kus. Call (201) 857-4717 for reservations. Tisha's Fine Dining: Dine on entrees that include curry scallops risotto and roasted pepper raviolis in historic Cape May at this BYO restaurant that also offers a selection of bottles from Cape May Winery. Find it at 322 Washington Street Mall in Cape May. Call (609) 884-9119 for reservations. Turtle + the Wolf: Chef Lauren Hirschberg, the former director of culinary operations for star chef Tom Colicchio's restaurants, crafts dishes such as white clam lasagna with basil pesto and sea urchin salaison. Find it at 622 Valley Road in Upper Montclair. Call (973) 783-9800 for reservations. Village Green: Order a la carte or sample a tasting menu at this New American restaurant, which serves up dishes like parmigiano crusted grouper with Mediterranean orzo, asparagus and warm red pepper vinaigrette. Find it at 36 Prospect Street in Ridgewood. Call (201) 445-2914 for reservations. Zeppoli: This 35-seat establishment, which serves up cuisine inspired by Sicilian cooking, was named as one of the 20 best Italian restaurants in the country by Time Out. Find it at 618 Collings Avenue in Collingswood. Call (856) 854-2670 for reservations. Erin O'Neill may be reached at eoneill@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LedgerErin. Find NJ.com on Facebook. JERSEY CITY -- Investigators spread out across a West Side neighborhood this morning following the fatal shooting of man hours earlier. The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office confirmed the deadly shooting "early this morning" on Clinton Avenue between Kennedy Boulevard and West Side Avenue, but did not provide any other details on the incident. Shortly after 9 a.m., two men were sitting outside of a home near where the shooting occurred, wiping tears from their eyes. "He was a good dude," one of the men said while holding a cigarette before covering his face with his hands. The men did not comment any further on the shooting. Freelance photographer Joe Shine said the victim's body was found early this morning on the sidewalk, about halfway up the block. Near Kennedy Boulevard, Muniram Pokhai was leaving his home for work and said it was his girlfriend who told him about the fatal shooting. Pokhai, who said he has lived in Jersey City for about 25 years, described the neighborhood as being a close knit community where residents often congregate outside. "It's a little drug infested, but it's quiet," he said. He often walks through the neighborhood late at night but said he doesn't worry about his safety, though his girlfriend told him to be careful while walking down the street today. "People do their thing in the area, that's what I see," he said. According to police radio transmissions, the shooting was reported at around 2 a.m. Investigators from the HCPO were canvassing the area this morning, knocking on residents' doors and identifying surveillance cameras that may have recorded the shooting. The HCPO is expected to release a statement on the shooting later today. Marie Lopez, who said she visits the neighborhood every once in a while, she hasn't heard of "nobody getting killed" on the block. "I don't like it," she said. "I stay to myself. I don't bother nobody, nobody bothers me." When asked if he was concerned about this morning's fatal shooting, a resident who declined to provide his name said he wasn't worried. "I'm not worried about no one," the man said. "I'll be all right." UPDATE: 'He was a good dude: Neighborhood reacts to fatal shooting _____________________________________________________________ JERSEY CITY -- A man was fatally shot early this morning on the city's West Side, officials said. The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office confirmed a man was killed on Clinton Avenue between Kennedy Boulevard and West Side Avenue. Unconfirmed reports from a police scanner indicated the man was pronounced dead at the scene with a gunshot wound to his head shortly after 2 a.m. The HCPO has not yet released any additional detail on the shooting. If ruled a homicide, this morning's fatal shooting would be Hudson County's 13th of the year and first since the mid-year mark. JERSEY CITY -- The man fatally shot early this morning on Clinton Avenue has been identified as a 28-year-old city resident, the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office announced. At about 2:45 a.m., Javon Murray was shot once in the upper body between Kennedy Boulevard and West Side Avenue. He was pronounced dead at the scene about five minutes later, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said in a release. Hudson County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Ray Worrall confirmed the shooting has been classified as a homicide -- the county's 13th this year. Unconfirmed reports from police radio transmissions indicated Murray was shot in the head, while freelance photographer Joe Shine -- who was at the scene early this morning -- said Murray's body was found on the sidewalk, about halfway up the block. A man sitting outside of a home on Clinton Avenue this morning said Murray was "a good dude," as he wiped tears from his eyes. Authorities have not arrested anyone in connection with this morning's shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip on the prosecutor's website. All information is kept confidential. fulop-ciatterelli.jpg Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, of Somerville, right, is taking aim at Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop over state aid to Jersey City's schools. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal (Jersey Journal file photo) A Republican lawmaker from Somerset County is again taking aim at Mayor Steve Fulop, saying the mayor's recent boast about the city's tax rate demonstrates the need for school funding reform statewide. At issue is an email Fulop's campaign sent to supporters yesterday about the 2016 city budget, which comes for the third year in a row with no municipal tax increase. Flat taxes are proof the Fulop administration can "make government work well," the Democratic mayor said in the email. Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, R-Somerville, in a statement this afternoon linked Fulop's crowing about the city budget to the heavy subsidies Jersey City's public schools receive from state taxpayers. The school district in 2016-17 will receive $420 million in state aid for its $673 million annual budget, a fact that irks Republican and even some suburban Democratic lawmakers statewide. "The mayor's boasts, which only add insult to injury to taxpayers across the state, call attention to just how terribly flawed and blatantly unfair the current distribution of state school aid is," Ciattarelli said. "And it is exactly the reason we desperately need school funding reforms that are fair to taxpayers across the state." City spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said Ciattrelli should "do his homework and look in the mirror. "Jersey City schools have been under state control for the last 30 years of which he has been part of the Trenton establishment," Morrill said. The state took control of the district in 1989, and awarded back some local control in 2007. Last year, the state said the district may win back full local control this year. Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, and Senate President Stephen Sweeney, a Democrat, have both said they want to change the distribution of state aid to schools across New Jersey. Like Fulop, Sweeney is expected to seek the Democratic nomination for governor next year. Christie's plan calls for each pupil to receive the same amount of funding, eliminating the extra aid given to districts like Jersey City's with low-income students and students learning to speak English. Sweeney wants a commission to review state school funding and then recommend whether some districts should lose state aid. A group of urban mayors joined with Sweeney in Trenton today to blast Christie's plan. Fulop was not in attendance. Morrill said he was not invited. Ciattarelli called out Fulop last year on the city's tax abatement policy. Both men are considered possible gubernatorial candidates next year. Ciatterelli's name popped up in the recent breach-of-contract case filed by a West New York firm that sued after Fulop canceled the citywide property revaluation the firm had been hired to oversee. Lawyers for Jersey City asked the judge overseeing pre-trial motions in that case that he should step down because his comments during a ruling that did not favor the city mirrored Ciattarelli's public statements about the state aid Jersey City's schools receive. The judge denied that request. Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. 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. Opening to benefit supply side reform Updated: 2016-07-21 07:46 By Du Xiaoying and Lyu Chang(China Daily) China's latest easing of its rules for foreign investment, a move toward a more open market policy, will bring in heated competition, but will not put too much pressure on local manufacturers, industry insiders said. The State Council said on Tuesday it will temporarily allow foreign manufacturers to establish wholly owned companies in several key industries, including motorcycles, batteries, steel and high-speed train facilities and equipment in China's free-trade zones in Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangdong and Fujian. "It will promote healthy competition, and benefit supply-side structural reform," said Zhao Zhongxiu, vice-president of the University of International Business and Economics. China boasts a huge market, said the professor, adding that the move may result in better products to meet high-end domestic demand. Meanwhile, it will help further enhance China's manufacturing standards. Tianneng Group, China's largest battery manufacturer, said that the move will not affect its business as it has developed full and mature production lines and technological innovation in lithium battery. Zhang Shuquan, president of Shenzhen BAK Battery Co Ltd, a company with core business in lithium batteries and electric vehicles, said Chinese new-energy battery companies need to upgrade their business in the short term, as there will be more foreign investment in the sector in the coming years. "The amended rules governing foreign investment in the motorcycle and battery sectors will definitely have an impact on domestic players, which may help accelerate technological upgrading," Zhang said. Zeng Zhiling, managing director of LMC Automotive Consulting Co Ltd, said China's motorcycle industry will not be greatly affected by the move, as the country is already a major producer of motorcycles. And the purchase and use restrictions in many big cities will also limit the auto sales. As for batteries, Zeng said the most important point is not manufacturing, but entering the catalog of subsidies. Both electric carmakers and battery makers can only get subsidies from the government after entering the catalog. Qiu Quanlin in Guangzhou contributed to this story. 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. Accusations fly as Vanke battle hots up Updated: 2016-07-21 07:50 By Hu Yuanyuan and Jing Shuiyu(China Daily) Wang Shi, chairman of China Vanke Co, attends the SEE Foundation World Water Day Forum at Guangzhou Tower in Guangzhou, China, March 22, 2016 .[Photo/VCG] Real estate giant urges watchdogs to investigate asset management plans of Baoneng Group Real estate giant China Vanke Co Ltd is accusing its largest shareholder Baoneng Group of illegal acts and insufficient disclosure of stock ownership moves, warning of an upsurge in the battle for control of the company. Vanke has asked the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange to probe into the asset management plans, or AMPs, of Shenzhen Jushenghua Co Ltd, an arm of Baoneng Group, on Monday for alleged illegal acts and insufficient disclosure, according to the filing released by the Shenzhen-based developer. If the accusation is true, Vanke's stock price will continue to be under pressure, said Jeffrey Gao, head of Nomura China Property Equity Research. However, it is difficult to predict the result, because the lawyers need time to investigate the contracts of AMPs, a term referring to a type of shadow-banking arrangement to purchase stock in China, to find the ultimate beneficiaries, said a lawyer who declined to be named. The source said that this is "more than a legal issue". "Since last year we have seen the invisible power of the two sides, and even among the regulators. This time it is likely to be an effective mechanism for the nation's watchdogs to accelerate the transformation pace, namely the CSRC, the China Banking Regulatory Commission and the China Insurance Regulatory Commission," he added. Baoneng holds a 25.4 percent stake in Vanke via nine asset-management plans in an attempted "takeover", according to the letter filed by Vanke. The biggest property developer said that Jushenghua has no legal rights to finance through these vehicles, which came under regulatory scrutiny last year, alleging that they are not eligible for being registered as shareholders under the country's laws. It is estimated that Baoneng used 43 billion yuan ($6.4 billion) to buy Vanke's stakes, among which nearly 60 percent was borrowed from six banks through AMPs, wrote JPMorgan Chase & Co analysts led by Katherine Lei in a July 12 note. Six out of nine AMPs are sitting on floating losses. If Baoneng were unable to finance to add more cash to them, the positions of such products with high leverage may be compulsorily closed, said an investment manager working at a State-owned investment corporation, who declined to be named. "Obviously Vanke wants to force out its opponent," he said. "If Baoneng Group has acted improperly and fails to finance, then 'game over': the funds will be liquidated. State-owned enterprises and regulators who are involved in the tussle will see personnel changes, and Vanke's head Wang Shi is likely to step aside. " US sets preliminary dumping rates on China's large residential washing machines Updated: 2016-07-21 10:12 (Xinhua) WASHINGTON - The US Commerce Department on Wednesday announced its preliminary affirmative determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation against imports of large residential washing machines from China, signaling that it may pose punitive duties on the products. The department said that such products from China had been sold in the United States at dumping margins of 49.88 percent to 111.09 percent. As a result of the preliminary affirmative determinations, Commerce will instruct US Customs and Border Protection to require cash deposits based on these preliminary rates. The Commerce launched AD investigations against imports of such products from China in January 2016, in response to a request from Whirlpool Corporation based in the state of Michigan, the department said in a statement. The department is scheduled to make its final determinations in December this year, unless the statutory deadline is extended. Punitive duties would be imposed after both the Commerce Department and the US International Trade Commission (USITC) make affirmative final rulings. The USITC is scheduled to make its final determination in January 2017. Imports of these products from China were estimated at about $899.4 million in 2014, according to US official data. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has kept urging Washington to abide by its commitment against protectionism and help maintain a free, open and just international trade environment. Description A beachfront stroll down the Jones Beach Boardwalk will take place on Thursday evening July 21st at 6 p.m., hosted by the Long Island Health Collaborative. There is no event fee, parking fee, or registration. The Sunset Stroll will highlight walking as a simple and easy way to include exercise and healthy habits in a busy lifestyle. Guests at the stroll include New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard A. Zucker. The Collaborative is focused on helping community members to better manage and prevent chronic diseases. They are hosting the Sunset Stroll to promote walking as an easily achievable exercise. The Collaborative sponsors an interactive online portal called, Are You Ready, Feet?, which can be used by people of all ages to track physical activity and progress. There is mounting scientific evidence that walking at any pace improves physical and mental health, says Janine Logan, director of the Long Island Health Collaborative. This is the Collaboratives third walking event, and we plan to keep hosting walks, hikes, and other activities that promote walking. And with our Are You Ready, Feet? online portal, we can reward Long Islanders for making these healthy choices and incentivize others to do the same. The Are You Ready, Feet? portal is an interactive dashboard that lets users track their physical activity via minutes moved, miles traveled, or steps walked. Users can receive trophies for their accomplishments, watch as their dashboard maps a journey across Long Island, share on social media, and be entered to win health and wellness prizes every time they log activity. Participants at the July Sunset Stroll will be given the opportunity to sign up for Are You Ready, Feet? and log the evenings steps as their first activity. The Collaborative will meet at Jones Beach, at the west end of Field 4 on Thursday July 21st at 6 p.m., rain or shine. Remarks from Dr. Zucker and representatives from both Nassau and Suffolk County departments of health will be followed by a mile and a half stroll down the Jones Beach Boardwalk. Participants are encouraged to bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water. National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on. A 50-year-old Richton Park man faces eight attempted murder charges in connection with the shooting of two recently re-elected union officials outside the United Auto Workers Local 551 hall in Hegewisch in early June. Cook County states attorneys officials say William Cowart, of the 22400 block of Riverside Drive, was indicted on a dozen different felony charges, including attempted murder, aggravated battery and aggravated discharge of a firearm. Cowart has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Police said Cowart, whos pictured in his mugshot wearing a UAW Local 551 shirt, shot two high-ranking officials in the legs before fleeing the scene. Jeff Bacon and Aaron Hammer Straker, who had both just been re-elected to the bargaining unit that night, identified themselves on social media as the victims of the shooting. They both serve in UAW Local 551, which represents more than 4,200 auto workers at Fords Chicago Assembly Plant on 126th Street and Torrence Avenue in Hegewisch. Prosecutors charged Cowart with eight felony counts of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated battery/discharge firearm and two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm. If convicted and sentenced to consecutive terms, he could potentially face hundreds of years in prison. Cowart will next appear in court Aug. 25 in Chicago. HAMMOND Gary Patrolman Brandon D. Henderson is on unpaid administrative leave after he was arrested in a domestic violence incident. Henderson, of Hammond, was charged Monday with kidnapping, battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, intimidation, interference with the reporting of a crime and criminal mischief. He was released Tuesday from Lake County Jail after posting a $40,000 surety bond, according to court records. Gary Police Department Lt. Dawn Westerfield said Henderson has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the case. He has been with the department since November 2013. A probable cause affidavit lists Hendersons birth date as July 21, 1995, making him 21. However, Lake County court records available online list him as being 25 with a date of birth of Sept. 13, 1990. Westerfield said she could not clarify the age discrepancy late Wednesday night, but added an individual must be 21 to join the police force. Hendersons girlfriend, who is a Hammond police officer, told detectives that she agreed to meet him Sunday in Hammond to discuss their relationship. She had previously told him she wanted to end the relationship. When the two met, they began arguing with Henderson at one point punching her in the face, according to the affidavit. He is also accused of taking her keys and phone. Henderson drove off in his car, but he later returned and threatened to shoot the woman and her brother, according to the affidavit. The woman agreed to sit in Hendersons car after she saw he was approaching his trunk. According to the affidavit, Henderson typically keeps an assault rifle in his car. Once the woman was inside the car, Henderson drove away and then punched the woman when she tried to open the car door, the affidavit states. He drove them to his home, and he later took her home. According to the affidavit, Henderson admitted to hitting his girlfriend and taking her belongings, but he told detectives that he didnt confine her. His initial hearing is scheduled for Aug. 3. CROWN POINT A Gary man was sentenced Thursday to a year in jail after a jury found him guilty last week of attempted dealing in marijuana. Shelton T. Curtis, 23, originally had faced two charges of murder. One of the charges was dismissed by the state. He was acquitted last week by a Lake County jury of the second murder charge. Lake Criminal Court Judge Salvador Vasquez sentenced Curtis to a year in jail on the charge he was found guilty of attempted dealing in marijuana, a Class A misdemeanor. It was determined Curtis already had served the sentence because of how much time he had spent in jail while the case was pending. He received credit for 207 days. Under Indiana law, the maximum amount of time a person can receive for a Class A misdemeanor is a year in jail. Vasquez ordered Curtis to pay the court costs associated with the case. Curtis told Vasquez he could come up with the money in less than three weeks. The charge stems from an Aug. 6, 2015, shooting that left two men dead. Curtis had arranged to sell an ounce of marijuana to Raymond Washington-Whitehead and James Powell. When the men arrived at the 1100 block of Lane Street in Gary where Curtis rented a room, prosecutors said there was a dispute about the marijuana. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Michael Toth told jurors Washington-Whitehead pulled out a gun and pointed it at Curtis. That led to a tussle between the two men. Curtis testified at trial Washington-Whitehead slammed him to the ground. Curtis then pulled out his gun and started shooting. Washington-Whitehead, 17, of Merrillville, was shot in the chest and died at the scene. Powell, 18, of Gary, was shot nine times and died just outside the home. Defense attorney R. Brian Woodward argued during the trial that Washington-Whitehead and Powell never intended to buy marijuana from Curtis. Instead, they had planned to rob his client at gunpoint. HOBART A Merrillville woman is accused of causing three crashes last summer that left one person dead, according to court records. Betty J. Brown, 64, was charged Tuesday with reckless homicide, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury, two counts of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in bodily injury, three counts of reckless driving and two counts of leaving the scene of an accident. A warrant was issued for her arrest. About 7:15 p.m. June 30, 2015, Brown was driving a Toyota Rav4 near the 4500 block of West 61st Avenue in Hobart when she hit a red Lincoln Continental. Chester Maclin, the driver of the Continental, told police he was driving along 61st Avenue when it felt like something had fallen out of the sky, according to the affidavit. Maclin said Brown continued driving after she crashed into his car. Witnesses told police Browns vehicle was seen traveling at a high rate of speed east on 61st Avenue when Brown drove past a red light, according to the affidavit. Witnesses told police that Browns vehicle hit a silver SUV that had entered the intersection of 61st Avenue and Colorado Street, according to the affidavit. The impact of the crash caused the silver SUV to roll over with the drivers side of the vehicle on the pavement. The driver of the silver SUV, Kathern Stafford, 53, of Lake Station, died at the scene. Brown kept driving after the second crash and skidded toward a blue Subaru that had been traveling on 61st Avenue. The driver of the Subaru, Larry Hlista, told police that Browns vehicle hit his passenger side front fender, according to the affidavit. When Hobart police arrived at the scene, Browns vehicle was partially on the curb and the engine was on fire, according to the affidavit. Brown was conscious after the crashes, but she reported that she was in pain. She was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Witnesses told police that it appeared Brown was trying to catch up to a black SUV that was also traveling at a high rate of speed. CHICAGO The Chicago mother thought she knew when it was safe to take her children outside, that she could protect them by sizing up and avoiding the people whom trouble seemed to follow. Then a bullet fired from a gun that D'Antignay Brashear never saw pierced the cheek of her 4-year-old son, Kavan Collins. It fractured the boy's jaw and shattered some teeth before it went out his other cheek, all while he held his mother's hand. "He was with his mother, and it wasn't like I was doing something wrong, having him out after hours," said Brashear, a 21-year-old single mother of two, referring to the shooting that happened before sundown June 28 on Chicago's South Side. "I thought he was safe." Kavan is part of a growing roster of children who have been shot in the city this year amid a spike in killings and shootings. More than 330 killings have occurred in the city. So far, no child has died from the gunfire that's often connected to gangs. Children have been struck while doing normal kid things like playing with sparklers, drawing on the sidewalk or holding a mother's hand. Statistics that The Associated Press requested from the Police Department show children ages 10 to 17, who make up more than 260 of the victims so far this year, are at greater risk than those younger than 10. But police records through the end of June showed 15 children younger than 10 had been shot, which is seven more young shooting victims than the same span last year. Four more young children have been shot since the start of July, including a 6-year-old girl who was sitting on a porch Tuesday with her mother and grandmother when a bullet one of more than 40 fired a block away struck her in the stomach. Police are trying to determine if the gunfire that struck Tacarra Morgan in the West Englewood neighborhood on the South Side was an exchange between people inside a caravan of cars and a group of men on the street. They say another possibility is that someone in one of the vehicles sprayed the area with a high-capacity assault weapon. Tacarra's condition was upgraded from critical to serious, a hospital official said Wednesday. The shootings, mostly in neighborhoods on the South and West sides, underline what the residents already knew: It's a dangerous time for the city's children as well. But since the recent shootings of young victims haven't been deadly, they have received little attention outside Chicago. The children haven't become national symbols of the city's violence like 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee, who was lured into an alley last November with the promise of a juice box and shot to death, allegedly by gang members out to punish his father. Other children besides Kavan have been struck by gunfire while doing nothing other than being kids, leaving their families to wonder if there's anything they can do to protect them. The victims include: Six-year-old Jaylene Bermeo, who was drawing with sidewalk chalk on the evening of June 6 in the Logan Square neighborhood on the city's northwest side when she was shot in the back. The bullet punctured her lung and lodged near her heart. Police say a 17-year-old boy accidentally shot the girl when he opened fire on rival gang members as he drove down the block. Three-year-old Devon Quinn, who was with his dad on Father's Day in a car in the Woodlawn neighborhood on the South Side when someone pulled up and fired at least 10 shots at the vehicle. Prosecutors say the gunman was a gang member who opened fire in a rival gang's territory to pay tribute to a dead member of his own gang. At a court hearing, prosecutors said the boy was left paralyzed from the chest down and that he will never be able to move his limbs or even breathe on his own. Five-year-old Taniyah Williams and her 8-year-old cousin, Corey Bondurant, who were playing with sparklers on the evening of July 4 in the West Englewood neighborhood on the South Side when someone sprayed the area with bullets. Taniyah was struck in the leg, as were a 19-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man. After the commotion, relatives discovered that 8-year-old Corey was also shot in the leg. Since her son Kavan was wounded, Brashear struggles with how to talk to him about the shooting, even as she continues taking him to doctor appointments and trying to determine what can be done about his facial scars. "I don't know how to explain it to him," she said of the boy who has been afraid to fall asleep since the incident and experiences nightmares when he does. "How do you tell a kid, 'Oh, you got shot.'" VALPARAISO Prosecutors were preparing charges Thursday against a 26-year-old Michigan man accused of breaking into the Porter County Courthouse and vandalizing the inside of the five-story building. County police, in the meantime, released a booking photo of Kristopher Newcomb, of Battle Creek. Newcomb, who is believed to be suffering from a mental illness, initially was uncooperative with the booking process after being taken into custody Wednesday morning. He was found asleep on the floor of the courthouse by an employee of the adult probation department, who had reported early to work. Newcomb, who faces counts of burglary, theft, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief, tested positive for alcohol consumption, which is believed to be a contributing factor, said Porter County Sheriff Dave Reynolds. It appears he broke into the building through a ground level boiler room window on the south side of the building sometime between the last person leaving at 10 p.m. Tuesday and the employee arriving sometime before 5:45 a.m. Wednesday, said Matthew Stechly, county facilities director. Much of the damage was focused on the upper floors of the building at 16 Lincolnway, including the offices of Porter Circuit Court Judge Mary Harper and the victims assistance unit. Valparaiso police estimated the damages at $12,000. While the building is equipped with security cameras and a security crew during business hours, there is no alarm to draw attention to break-ins, said Porter County Commissioner Laura Blaney, D-South. We are continually working to improve our facilities and this incident clearly illustrates a need we need to look at, she said. WHITING Witnesses told police someone jumped from a speeding car and ran off early Thursday just before the car plunged into the water at the end of the Whihala Beach boat launch, an official said. Whiting firefighters responded to the boat launch about 12:30 a.m. after a passer-by reported seeing a car in Lake Michigan, Fire Chief Gus Danielides said. Firefighters could see the top of the car just under the surface of the water, he said. Were doing a rescue. Were thinking somebody is in the car, he said. It appeared the car went down the boat launch into the water and likely was stopped by the sand at the end of the concrete pad, he said. Witnesses told police someone jumped from the passenger side just before the car went into the water and they didnt see anyone else in the car, Police Chief Stephen Miller said. Two divers with underwater flashlights found the windows down and no one inside, Danielides said. A tow truck was called, and the car was pulled out within an hour. Miller said the son of the cars owner and another person arrived at the Whiting Police Department on Wednesday to retrieve the car, but they gave conflicting information. Neither had a valid drivers license, so they werent permitted to take the car, he said. The son was arrested on a warrant in an unrelated Hammond case, he said. The Hammond Fire Department assisted at the boat launch ramp, Danielides said. MICHIGAN CITY Political commentator Chris Matthews will be invited back to Michigan City for a second look after giving his TV network viewers visions of a declining place with little left except empty storefronts. Ive calmed down a bit since then, said Michigan City Councilwoman Candice Silvas, who described herself as angry after hearing what she said was a bad rap from the popular host of MSNBCs Hardball. Matthews was talking about a speech Indiana Gov. Mike Pence gave Saturday after becoming the running mate of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and the job gains in the state claimed by Pence. A skeptical Matthews said, And he was talking about his own state of Indiana. If you go to places like Michigan City down at the bottom of Michigan, Lake Michigan there, you see cities with nothing left, but maybe a Blockbuster thats probably gone now. Maybe a diner is still there. Theyve been hollowed out. His viewpoint could have been drawn by a visit Matthews made to Michigan City in 2001 as a guest speaker. There is some truth to his description of the city from when he was here, but apparently he hasnt returned to see the noticeable changes particularly with the once deserted downtown well on its way to coming back, officials said. I dont put much stock on what he says because its all nonsense. Were way, way better than what hes saying. Weve made so many accomplishments in the past five or 10 years, said Councilman Tim Bietry, a former president of the Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce. Bietry said growth in tourism and the arts has also been a significant factor in the community becoming healthier, and manufacturing, although not what it was in its heyday, is holding its own with existing firms experiencing growth. He also pointed to the beautification of U.S. 35 and plans for further redevelopment near Blue Chip Casino and the lakefront as other examples of the citys awakening. Bietry said theres still a ways to go, but investors continue to show interest in the city, and other building blocks of the economy in key positions are still working. Im excited about Michigan City, and Im not excited about Chris Matthews, he said. Councilman Chris Schwanke agrees. Its done a 180-degree back flip and were on the rise. Were not a hollowed out shell, Schwanke said. Matthews has used Michigan City as an example of small town devastation on other occasions, including most recently in 2015. Its just unfortunate because thats not a true picture of what Michigan City is and it paints a bad picture, which we dont deserve, Schwanke said. Silvas said a letter is being prepared to invite Matthews back so he can update his viewpoint of the community. An apology is not being sought, but if he were to give one, It would be nice. Were very proud of the progress Michigan City has made, Silvas said. VALPARAISO The owners of the local nursing home operating under the name of Aperion Care are being called in by the county to defend their tax exemption. The Porter County Tax Assessment Board of Appeals agreed this week to review the exemption after it was learned the not-for-profit Porter County Council of Church Women Inc. is leasing two buildings to Aperion Care, a for-profit company, said Porter County Assessor Jon Snyder. The board also received information that the Council of Church Women may no longer even be in business, he said. Valparaiso-based attorney Ethan Lowe said the Council of Church Women, also known as Whispering Pines, had no comment at this time. The nursing home is at 3301 N. Calumet Ave., which also is the address listed in county tax records for the Porter County Council of Church Women. The property involves two two-story buildings at approximately 40,000-square-foot each, according to county tax records. They were last assessed in 2015 at a total of $2,668,000. There is approximately $70,000 in annual tax revenue at stake, Snyder said. The review of the propertys tax exemption was triggered in part by the April decision by the tax assessment board of appeals to pull the tax exemptions of the nearby Pines Village Retirement Communities. The operators of Pines Village have since appealed, challenging the boards finding that there was insufficient evidence to support the charitable exemption on the 82 lots. The facility received the tax break shortly after incorporating in 1984. The review is also part of a larger, ongoing effort by Snyder and the tax assessment board to verify tax exemptions for various entities around the county. The list has so far included a church, a union hall, the retirement community and local chambers of commerce. Ambulance garages being leased from the county by Porter Regional Hospital also were placed back on the tax rolls a year ago. GRIFFITH The path to leaving Calumet Township will run through Central Park next week as residents sign the petition for a referendum on joining another township. The signing is at at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the park. Our goal is to get a quick turnaround on the signatures, said Council President Rick Ryfa, R-3rd. About 1,000 signatures are needed for the petition to be forwarded to the Lake County Election Board, which has the power to approve the referendum. To authorize the petition, the town needs 30 percent of the number of Griffith residents who voted in the latest Indiana secretary of state election in 2014, Ryfa said. The signing event will be run by Griffith residents Liz Goral and Laura Gaby. Ryfa said Goral, who sits on the Safety Commission, has worked on the township secession effort since it began in 2007. Gaby is the widow of the late councilman, Glen Gaby, R-1. Clerk-Treasurer George Jerome said the petition must bear the signatures of registered Griffith residents in their own hand. With potential uncertainty on each individual signature, the council said it hopes to amass about 2,500 signatures to ensure enough valid ones. We will immediately get them certified by Jerome, Ryfa said. If the referendum takes place, it would require two-thirds of the vote to leave the township, Ryfa said. The vote would be exclusively among Griffith residents and would take place in September or October, if not sooner, Ryfa said. In other business, a roomful of residents were joined by nine uniformed Griffith police officers who stood for the Pledge of Allegiance in support of the nine officers slain around the country over the past two weeks. Offering words of respect were Ryfa and Police Chief Gregory Mance. The name of each murder victim was read aloud by Councilman Jim Marker, R-1st; a special prayer was offered by the Rev. Theodore Mens, pastor of St. Mary parish. Anyone with a loved one who is struggling with addiction can attend a training session Saturday in Lake Station on how to administer the opioid-overdose reversal drug naloxone. Overdose Lifeline, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit, will offer the training from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the fire station at 3107 E. 35th Ave., founder Justin Phillips said. The Lake Station Fire Department also will be hosting an open house from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at another fire station at 1876 Fairview Ave. Phillips lost her 20-year-old son, Aaron, in 2013 to an overdose and helped lead a push for Aarons law. The Indiana State Department of Health issued a standing order effective July 1 allowing pharmacies to dispense naloxone to anyone without a prescription. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a drug that reverses the effects of heroin and opioid-derived prescription drugs such as Vicodin, Oxycontin, Percocet and morphine. It cannot help in overdoses involving benzodiazepines, a class of psychoactive drugs that includes Xanax. Lake County Coroner Merrilee Frey said she recently purchased naloxone at two Region pharmacies in an effort to promote awareness of the law. In both cases, the kits came with detailed instructions, she said. Phillips said her organization offers the training so people are prepared in case of emergencies. From our standpoint, its important for the individual to become comfortable with how to use it, she said. Trainees will go through demonstrations, so they can develop some muscle memory, she said. When people have to use naloxone, its a crisis, and someones life is on the line, Phillips said. We want them to be able to do as much as possible from memory without having to read instructions. The training also will include information about the dangers of opioids, the magnitude of the opioid epidemic, and the signs and symptoms of an overdose. It will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. We hope to be reaching families and caregivers, people who have a loved one that theyre concerned about, Phillips said. The nonprofit will gather some demographic data, but doesnt ask a lot of questions, she said. For more information about Overdose Lifeline or purchasing naloxone, go to Overdose-lifeline.org. MICHIGAN CITY Traffic has picked up through Michigan Citys downtown now that two former one-way streets have gone to two-way travel. Things havent been totally rosy, though, with longer backups, especially when the Franklin Street drawbridge is up. There used to be two northbound lanes going to the bridge from U.S 12, but now with traffic flowing both ways theres just one northbound lane, sometimes creating a line of traffic, particularly for major lakefront events, several blocks long. Before, you could double stack. Now its single file so you got a longer line, said Kyle Flanigan, manager of Flanigan Tire at 130 W. 6th St. Flanigan said he cant really tell if hes had any increase in business since the change but feels getting around the north end in some ways has become easier. Its been several weeks since Pine and Washington streets to the east and west of Franklin Street were changed to two-way travel. The idea is to generate more traffic to the lakefront by making it less confusing to get there from Interstate 94 and entice people to check out the Uptown Arts District in downtown. Bicycle lanes also were added, but so were stop signs requiring drivers to stop at each intersection from 11th Street to 4th Street. When the traffic light at 8th Street is red, its not unusual to see vehicles during busy times backed up one or two blocks. City Controller Richard Murphy said its possible a stop sign could be taken down, along with some other tweaking to improve the situation, but congestion is good for a downtown and more vehicles seem to be venturing through. Downtowns are back in a big way and we want to do the things that make a downtown successful, Murphy said. City Councilman Chris Schwanke said it might take a couple of years to know if the change is accomplishing the goal, but he sees positives in how traffic on the north end flows. He said its fun, especially for longtime residents used to going down the two streets in a certain direction. Its kind of unique to move southbound on Pine Street and northbound on Washington Street. Its just going to take a little bit of time to get used to how traffic flows down there, Schwanke said. The sweltering heat and sunshine of Wednesday morning were the perfect backdrop for the Dunes-Kankakee trail dedication ceremony at the Indiana Dunes Visitors Center. Today is a long time coming, said Lorelei Wiemer of Indiana Dunes Tourism. The Dunes-Kankakee Trail began eight years ago and the north-south portion from the Indiana Dunes Visitors Center to the Indiana Dunes State Park was finished in April. The trail was funded through grants from the federal government. This money did not come from some place magical, it came from each one of our pockets, said U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, at the morning ceremony. The Regional Development Authority helped fund the town of Porters portion of the project. Its about feeling good where you live, said Bill Hanna, president and CEO of the Northwest Indiana RDA. The 3-mile trail allows people to walk or bike to the beach with a $2 gate fee. It is being used. It is being loved, said Brandt Baughman, Indiana Dunes State Park property manager. The trail also is accessible from the South Shore Lines Dune Park station, so people can get off a train and walk or bike to the beach. Michael Noland with the South Shore Line hopes that the new trails will bring more tourism from Chicago into the Region. Theyll find out the great secret that is Northwest Indiana, Noland said. We are now in the golden age of trail development, said Mitch Barloga of the Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission. The goal for the Dunes-Kankakee Trail is to stretch from the dunes to the Kankakee River. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Superintendent Paul Labovitz said he hopes that one day there will be trails that stretch not only across Indiana but the whole country. This is exactly the kind of worthwhile investments that we need to continue to make in Northwest Indiana, Visclosky said. If you would like to bike the trails, you can rent bikes from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Thursday to Monday. The city's business leaders on Wednesday received a sobering briefing about the threat of terrorism. The NYPD says there is no specific threat, but that they are ready to respond. NY1's Dean Meminger filed the following report. Showing videos made by terrorists across the world, the NYPD told business and political leaders this is the reality we live in. An increasing number of people, they say, are following the message of the Islamic State terror group. "Use what you have, don't seek any advice or verdict," said John Miller, the NYPD's deputy commissioner for counterterrorism. "You don't have to find us and say, 'This is our plan. Do we approve it?' You just have to figure out what your capabilities are and act on them." Speaking at the Association for a Better New York, the NYPD's head of Intelligence and Counterterrorism said the Islamic State group is successful with recruitment videos. But individuals on their own are also using social media to spread messages of violence as quickly as possible, a technique police say is called "Dying Live." "Somehow stream that video, record it live, keep it live, get it out and claim responsibility for ISIS live during the incident," Miller said. Police say those not affiliated with terror groups are also using social media. They pointed to the those who assassinated officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge. That is a reality that NYPD officers have to think about every day. "One officer should always be scanning, while the other officer is writing the report, conducting the business. So it is a matter of constant reminders to our officers to be vigilant. It is the world we live in, unfortunately," said Police Commissioner William Bratton. The NYPD says it is ready to swiftly respond to any attack in the city, whether against police or citizens. "No matter what happens in the United States, we took an oath to protect the people of the city," said NYPD Chief of Department James O'Neill. "People are still going to call 911, people are still going to call 311, and we have to do our jobs." With about 2,000 officers specifically trained to battle terrorism, the NYPD says people and the police should feel safe. Two tourists are singing the praises of a good Samaritan after thousands of dollars were recovered on the subway. Police say a pair of friends had recently arrived from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and lost a purse while riding the E train on Tuesday. It contained more than $3,000, a passport, credit cards and their only cell phone. A good Samaritan found the purse underneath a seat and turned it over to 1 Police Plaza, where Lieutenant Steve Kaminski began the hunt for its owner. He started cold calling some of Milagros De Vedias recent contacts on her cell phone. "I got a women on the phone, I heard some kids crying in the background," Lt. Kaminski said. "And to my luck, it was Milagros sister in Argentina. I explained to her who I was and my address and location. And if she had any way to reach out to her." "When they got off the train, they noticed, oh my God, my bag, I left it on the train, they ran back down, but the train had gone. The pair never thought they'd get their belongings back and say they're thankful for the good Samaritan. NY1 VIDEO: Police are searching for the person responsible for a string of bank robberies in Manhattan. The latest target was an HSBC Bank on Third Avenue. NY1's Lori Chung has the latest. Anyone with information on the case should contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com An unusual sight along the Staten Island waterfront. A historic 19th Century sailing ship, the largest of its kind. NY1's Ruschell Boone tells us what it's doing there, and where it's heading. "What you're seeing right now is a work in progress," said Captain Jonathan Boulware, with the South Street Seaport Museum. "It's like the final end of a project and all of this in the next couple of months is suddenly going to come together." It hasn't always been smooth sailing for this ship, but after more than a year of restoration, the Wavertree is almost back to its full glory as the largest iron sailing vessel afloat. The 13 million dollar city-funded project to overhaul it from bow to stern is almost complete. "All that you see in the rigging, the paint being done and the main deck being totally replaced that's a fraction of the work actually," said Captain Boulware. "A lot of the work was done in the lower hold down below the water line. A lot of keeping a ship preserved is keeping the water from coming in." The Wavertree was built in England in 1885. It ended up permanently docked in lower Manhattan at the South Street Seaport Museum in the 1960's. She was rescued from certain death in South America where she was being used as a kind of floating warehouse. She has been converted after her masts were knocked down trying to round Cape Horn in 1910 so she spent many decades in South America. When she came to the museum she was the beneficiary of a lot of slow restoration efforts over a period of decades. But over time the ship began deteriorate again. Visitors were no longer to board it, but that will change once it's back at the Seaport Museum. People will learn everything about the ship and its upkeep along with the history of the seaport and ships like these. "These are the ships that brought immigrants to New York so it's an immigrant story," said Captain Boulware. "This is the ship that built New York so it's a financial story. The culture that came from countries all over the world and the 19th century came aboard ships like this." Adding to Wavertree's story will be its journey across the harbor to the Seaport when the overhaul is completed this fall. Pay tribute to the director Garry Marshall, who died on Tuesday, with Pretty Woman, the jewel in his crown. Donald J. Trump, meanwhile, is to accept the Republican presidential nomination. And Valery Gergiev conducts the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America. Whats on TV PRETTY WOMAN (1990) 8 p.m. on AMC; also on Amazon and iTunes. A corporate raider (Richard Gere) becomes Prince Charming to a Hollywood hooker (Julia Roberts) with a heart of gold in this Cinderella tale from Garry Marshall, who died on Tuesday at 81. I like to do very romantic, sentimental type of work, Mr. Marshall told The New York Times as the film was being released. Warren E. Buffett quietly walked through the lobby of JPMorgan Chases headquarters on Park Avenue in Manhattan last summer and was ushered up to the 49th floor by a security guard, trying to avoid drawing too much attention. Laurence D. Fink, chairman of BlackRock, the worlds largest money manager with more than $4 trillion soon was also escorted upstairs. Abby Johnson, the chief executive of Fidelity (which invests more than $2 trillion), and Frederick William McNabb III, chief of Vanguard ($3 trillion), were also shepherded to the elevator. In all, the parade included about a dozen chief executives of investment firms T. Rowe Price, State Street plus the head of a public pension fund and an activist investor. All had arrived for a meeting that they were told they would absolutely have to keep secret. When they reached the 49th floor, they were met by JPMorgan Chases chief executive, Jamie Dimon. The agenda shaped over many conversations Mr. Dimon had had with his friend, Mr. Buffett was to discuss the sorry state of publicly traded companies: too little trust and connection between shareholders and management, too many rules imposed by so-called governance experts and too many idiosyncratic accounting guidelines. As a result, much of the smart money in the United States is going and staying private, creating more companies that have less public accountability and transparency. Over a series of meetings, conference calls and email exchanges that later included the chiefs of General Motors, General Electric and Verizon, among others, the group discussed a series of corporate governance principles that the participants could all agree on: Topics included compensation for chief executives and board members (more payment in stock, less cash) and earnings guidance (the group is generally not a fan). Along the way, at least two major investors, Fidelity and Wellington Management, dropped out, refusing to sign the list of principles. In a setback for victims of attacks linked to Iran, a federal appeals court in New York on Wednesday threw out a lower-court ruling that had upheld the governments move to seize a landmark Manhattan building on charges that it was a front for Iran. The court, in a separate decision, also reversed a ruling that could have allowed people with relatives killed in terrorist attacks tied to Iran to collect proceeds from the sale of the property, at 650 Fifth Avenue near Rockefeller Center. The decisions, by a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, sent the cases back to a district court judge for further proceedings. The office tower is the largest single asset seized by the Justice Department as a result of charges that its owners acted on behalf of the Iranian government in violation of economic sanctions against Iran and also engaged in money laundering. Estimates of its value, depending on the strength of the real estate market, have ranged from $800 million to $1 billion. Executives at 21st Century Fox decided to end the tenure of Roger Ailes after lawyers they hired to investigate an allegation of sexual harassment against him took statements from at least six other women who described inappropriate behavior from Mr. Ailes, two people briefed on the inquiry said Wednesday. One of the people said that the details of the allegations, while unverified, were troubling enough that they left 21st Century Fox little choice but to force an end to Mr. Ailess reign as chairman and chief executive of Fox News, given the potential liability they presented to the company both legally and in terms of its own corporate culture. The people with knowledge of the state of discussions over Mr. Ailess exit agreement said both sides were working toward an accommodation that would recognize Mr. Ailess service to the company as the founder and leader of Fox News, which sits atop the cable news ratings and is a major profit engine for 21st Century Fox. The agreement could also include a provision for him to continue with Fox as a consultant. But given the personalities and complications involved, the situation was fluid enough that no accommodation had been reached by Wednesday night. Bad news for men popped up in news media all over the country this week, based on a study from Northwestern University reporting that cases of advanced, aggressive prostate cancer had risen sharply from 2004 to 2013. Newsweek, NBC, CBS, Fox News and United Press International were among the organizations that covered the study. The reports suggested that recent medical advice against routine screening might be to blame for the apparent increase in advanced cases, by leading to delays in diagnosis until the cancer reached a late stage. Another factor cited was the possibility that prostate cancer had somehow become more aggressive. But the frightening news appears to be a false alarm the product of a study questioned by other researchers but promoted with an incendiary news release and initially reported by some news media with little or no analysis from outside experts. The claim of an increase in advanced cases does not hold up, according to the American Cancer Society, which posted a statement on its website challenging the findings. The main concern is that the studys methods do not pass muster with statistics experts, so the increase may not be real. What The Times did have was a formidable news research desk, under the direction of Linda Amster. As the convention approached, she and her colleagues were instructed to report regularly what was happening among the uncommitted delegates, including 79-year-old Eliza Sprinkle of Bristol, Va., on the Tennessee state line. Image Linda Amster, the director of The Timess news research desk, in 1971. Credit... Renato Perez/The New York Times "We were given names and phone numbers of all of them but no instruction about format, et cetera, said Ms. Amster, who is now retired. So, in those innocent times, we simply divided the names, then picked up the phone and talked with the delegates. No written questionnaires, no guidelines just informal chats that became frequent and more friendly as time went on. There were even delegates who volunteered to call us when they were ready to announce their decisions. The strategy worked, she said. We got results that were equal, or better, than polls taken by other media outlets. Information did not flow in just one direction. A Times researcher cautioned LaDemma Zuback of Anchorage, Alaska, that she would find Kansas City quite a lot hotter in mid-August than her hometown. Grateful for the tip, Mrs. Zuback loaded up on warm weather clothes before heading off to the Lower 48. Widowed and disabled after a lifetime of New York factory work, including decades making baby dolls with glue that proved to be toxic, Alejandra Negron depends on a little help for nearly every step she takes. For years, she has had just enough help to stay safely in her own tidy one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, despite pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, arthritis and a heart condition. Medicaid, the state and federal health care program for the poor, covers the cost of a home-care aide during the day, and Ms. Negrons two daughters and a granddaughter take turns staying over at night and on weekends, despite their own jobs and family obligations. But last winter, that carefully stitched web of caregiving was abruptly torn apart by a call from Senior Health Partners of Healthfirst, a managed care insurance company that has been one of the beneficiaries of Medicaids overhaul of long-term care for disabled and aged people in New York. The company informed Ms. Negron that her home care was immediately being cut to 25 hours a week from 50, and her aide, the mother of a 7-year-old, was rescheduled to work from Thursday through the weekend, not Monday to Friday. I panicked, Ms. Negrons daughter Carmen Hernandez said, recalling the scene she found at her mothers apartment that day. The aide was in tears, and Ms. Negron, 72, was petrified that she would have to go to a nursing home. My mother said, If you put me in a home, Im going to commit suicide. The blueprint for New York States lofty clean-energy goals relies on the technologies of the future: The state, officials have promised, will draw half of its electricity from renewable and clean energy sources like wind and solar power by 2030. But as the plan takes shape at the states Public Service Commission, talk of still-young technologies has been overshadowed by something of a throwback: the states aging nuclear power plants. The commission is considering a proposal that makes the states three upstate nuclear plants important parts of its efforts to wean itself off fossil fuels, offering nearly $1 billion in ratepayer-financed subsidies over the next two years to save plants battered by rising costs and competition from cheap natural gas. The subsidy is likely to grow into the multibillion-dollar range over the 12-year period proposed by the state, a sum that has caused watchdogs to question whether the state is about to approve a major industry bailout with minimal public scrutiny even though it is the publics utility bills that will grow. As we take a step back and contemplate the actuality of Donald J. Trumps nomination as the Republican candidate for president, one aspect of the situation stands out. Virtually the entire political class, Republicans and Democrats, knows Trumps liabilities in extraordinary detail. The constitutional structure of American government forces politicians, no matter what their motives, to feel constrained to say and do the right thing according to the Constitution whether or not they are sincere, Jeffrey Tulis, a professor of history at the University of Texas, wrote me. But Trump, according to Tulis, is unique in that no other previous major party presidential candidate has felt so unconstrained by these constitutional norms. In fact, the separation of powers under the Constitution was explicitly designed to prevent the usurpation of power by a political leader appealing to popular passions and prejudices. If the framers saw anything coming, it was exactly this: a demagogue in the true sense of the term, someone with a privileged background pretending to be a man of the people, channeling their grievances. In other words, a Trump-like candidate. While Trump family values may not be particularly honorable, they are perversely traditional. Melania Trump told the R.N.C. audience that Donald is intensely loyal to family, a claim belied by his own marital history she is wife No. 3, and No. 2 was the woman with whom he cheated on No 1. Mr. Trump has children with three different women; he blames giving his wife too much responsibility in his business for his first divorce, and his wifes wanting him to spend too much time at home with her and their daughter for his second. The qualities Mr. Trump seeks in his romantic partners are remarkably retro. Melania Trump is a former model with her own QVC jewelry line and skin care brand who emphasizes that her role as a mother comes before all else; Mr. Trump has spoken disparagingly of working women, does little in the way of child care, and expects women to be more aesthetically appealing than intellectually substantive. We know our roles, his wife has said. I didnt want him to change the diapers or put Barron to bed. Mr. Trump agrees: I wont do anything to take care of the children, he told Howard Stern in 2005. Ill supply funds and shell take care of the kids. By contrast, Mr. Trump took out a campaign ad featuring Ivanka, and said of her: I am so proud of Ivanka. She is a terrific person, a devoted mother and an exceptional entrepreneur. It can feel unfair to criticize political spouses, who are often dragged into the spotlight only because of whom they married. Mr. Trump, though, is running for office, making his treatment of women personal and political as relevant as his treatment of his employees or business partners. The distinctions between the Clinton marriage and the Trumps reflect an uncomfortable evolution also happening in homes across the United States. In the past half-century, American women have undergone a transformation in roles, and married couples now look a lot more like the Clintons or Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner than whatever traditional view of women and home life that Mr. Trump holds: Most women work outside the home full time, and men increasingly marry women who are their educational and professional equals. But the public remains deeply ambivalent about these shifts. Today, 40 percent of women are their familys primary breadwinners, and nearly 80 percent of Americans agree that women should not return to traditional roles in society. A third still say its best for small children if Mom doesnt work at all. The Republican Party has particularly struggled to accept this new model, and still pushes back on womens progress by opposing policies that would help women work and plan their families: things like federally funded child care, paid parental leave and access to birth control. Ivanka Trumps speech on Thursday was closer to a laundry list of the very policies Democrats have promoted and Republicans have tried to block. But no matter; the N.R.A. has decided, according to Chris W. Cox, the organizations chief lobbyist, that Judge Garland does not support the Second Amendment and that he would provide a fifth Supreme Court vote to overturn District of Columbia v. Heller, the 2008 decision that interpreted the Second Amendment as protecting an individual right to keep a handgun at home for self-defense. (A Supreme Court shaped by a President Hillary Clintons appointments was the focus of Mr. Coxs fear-mongering speech at the Republican convention on Tuesday night. Your right to own a firearm is gone under a Clinton administration, he warned the delegates.) Heller was a 5-to-4 decision with a majority opinion by Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in February. It marked the first time the Supreme Court had recognized an individual right under the Second Amendment and, as Professor Adam Winkler of the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law observed in a smart Atlantic piece earlier this summer, it thus lifted the gun issue out of the purely legislative domain and made it unambiguously a constitutional issue, which means the justices, not elected lawmakers, have the final say. This may well account for the N.R.A.s increased focus on judicial nominations although the first time the N.R.A. opposed a judicial nominee was in 1979, when it tried and failed to stop the confirmation of Abner Mikva, the former White House counsel who died this month, to the D.C. Circuit. Would Judge Garland or another Democratic Supreme Court nominee provide the fifth vote to overturn Heller? Both before and after Justice Scalias death, the Supreme Court avoided taking up any new gun cases that might shed light on how broad an individual right Heller actually protects. The decision exists as both symbol and substance: powerful as a symbol of the pro-gun movements victory, but considerably cloudier and more limited as a judicial precedent. Lower courts have been interpreting it narrowly. The decision last month by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, upholding Californias law restricting the right to carry a concealed weapon, provides the most significant example. The court ruled that the right of a member of the general public to carry a concealed firearm in public is not, and never has been, protected by the Second Amendment. Judge William A. Fletchers majority opinion stressed the limits the Heller decision had set. The court in Heller was careful to limit the scope of its holding, he noted, and he quoted Justice Scalias own language: Like most rights, the right secured by the Second Amendment is not unlimited. From Blackstone through the 19th-century cases, commentators and courts routinely explained that the right was not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose. For example, the majority of the 19th-century courts to consider the question held that prohibitions on carrying concealed weapons were lawful under the Second Amendment or state analogues. Thats not the language from Heller that the gun lobby likes to quote. But its language that a more progressive court can most likely live with. If it becomes clear over time that all Heller means is a handgun at home, the N.R.A. will surely be back for more. Once again, the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is convulsed in lethal violence pitting stone-throwing youths against armed police officers and security forces. The unrest is a major setback for peace in the long-troubled region claimed by both India and Pakistan, where an insurgency movement peaked in the 1990s, then waned, but never completely disappeared. The trigger was the killing on July 8 by Indian security forces of Burhan Muzaffar Wani, a charismatic, 22-year-old separatist who wanted an independent Kashmir and had built up a following on social media among disaffected Indian Kashmiri youth. Since Mr. Wanis death, some 40 people have been killed, including one police officer, during confrontations between protesters and security forces. Thousands have been injured, many by pellet guns wielded by the police and security forces as a crude form of crowd control. Kashmirs hospitals are overwhelmed, and more than 100 people, mostly young, are threatened with blindness by pellets lodged in their eyes. Meanwhile, many Kashmiris are living in a state of siege, under a strict curfew with access to basic communication including cellular, landline and internet services cut off by authorities. On Saturday, police raided newspaper offices in Kashmir, and state authorities banned publication for three days, a measure that is profoundly troubling in democratic India. A major cause of the uprising is the resentment among Kashmiri youths who have come of age under an Indian security apparatus that acts against civilians with impunity. Kashmir is subject to Indias Armed Forces Special Powers Act, or Afspa, which grants the military wide powers to arrest, shoot to kill, occupy or destroy property. The result is a culture of brutal disdain for the local population. CLEVELAND So far, the Republican National Convention in Cleveland has been a slapdash spectacle of the absurd, with processions of B-list politicians and Z-list celebrities jockeying for the title of biggest embarrassment. Tuesday was supposed to follow the theme of Make America Work Again something President Obama has already done to a large degree, for the record but instead of presenting work programs, policies or proposals, the convention got the vice-presidential also-ran Chris Christie to conduct a Salem witch trial against Hillary Clinton. Meanwhile, Ben Carson, the retired brain surgeon with permanent brain freeze, tried to link Clinton to Lucifer. Oh, to what depths has the Grand Old Party descended? But the first day, the one themed Make America Safe Again, was perhaps the most egregious. Again there was a prosecution of Clinton and also Obama more than a promotion of the already too self-promoting standard-bearer. It was an unending stream of fear, outrage and escalating agitation, as if the speakers were tossing chum to sharks. Rather than an expansive vision, they delivered restrictive insecurity. It was philosophically small. A New Hampshire delegate who is also a well-known Trump adviser on veterans affairs upped the ante, telling a radio interviewer that Clinton should be shot for treason. State Representative Al Baldasaro is what is known as a colorful politician. There is one in every legislature, where colorful is a synonym for stark raving nuts but still repeatedly elected. The leader of New Hampshires Republican Party called on Baldasaro to take it back, but being a Trumpite means never having to say youre sorry. Refusal to apologize is definitely one of the overarching themes of the Cleveland experience. Wed still be debating the Melanias Cribbed Quotes crisis if a hitherto unknown Trump employee hadnt finally taken responsibility. (On the plus side, a day and a half of stonewalling gave us the opportunity to hear the Republican spokesman dismiss the whole affair with a quote from Twilight Sparkle in My Little Pony.) But about Mike Pence. His speech is destined to be totally forgotten in the Cruzmania. But he did a grand job of returning the auditorium to the early-evening theme of sleepiness. Every single one of the Trump children turns out to be a more exciting speaker than the prospective vice-president. Tiffanys story about how Donald wrote notes on her report cards suddenly took on new and compelling dimensions. Even Pence, however, drew a Lock her up! chant from the floor. Its what theyve got. In case you missed it, Pence promised that his new partner would solve all of our problems, from ISIS to the national debt. There was no explanation of how Trump whose current tax-cutting plan would send the debt soaring like a grand new skyscraper was going to manage that. This is definitely not a convention that sweats the details. So far the most interesting look at the Pence-Trump relationship came on 60 Minutes, when Lesley Stahl asked Pence if he thought that as vice president hed ever be able to go to his boss and say that hed crossed the line and needed to apologize. Pence stammered desperately until Trump broke in and said: Absolutely. I might not apologize. I might not do that. But I would absolutely want him to come in. Bloomington, Ind. IM the mayor of a small Midwestern city and Im at my wits end about guns. My first job is to help keep my city safe, but two recent events showed me the limits of what I can do. Item 1: On a beautiful day this summer, our public swimming pool was full of kids taking lessons and their families enjoying the sun. A man arrived and walked around the pool, with a handgun visible on his hip. He was not a law enforcement officer in uniform. Just a parent, it seemed, unknown to most there, walking around the pool, packing a pistol. No one had any idea if it was loaded or not. You can imagine the stress and worry this led to, with the memories of Orlando (and San Bernardino and Charleston and Newtown and on and on) fresh in peoples minds. Item 2: For our annual Fourth of July parade downtown, the sidewalks and streets were packed with thousands of children, parents, students, retirees all in their patriotic finest. A float rolled by featuring armed men from a private firearms training center with military-style machine guns held at the ready, ammunition belts attached, atop a pickup truck. The celebration took a nervous-making turn. Mr. Samsons guilty plea is part of the bizarre saga that began when at least one of Mr. Christies associates forced the closing of lanes to the George Washington Bridge three years ago. The traffic nightmare that resulted was designed as political revenge against a local mayor who failed to endorse Mr. Christie for re-election. Mr. Samson was not charged with conspiring to create the gridlock, but another Christie associate has pleaded guilty in the bridge scandal and others are awaiting trial. The Samson case and the bridge fiasco should have made it absolutely clear that the Port Authority which is controlled jointly by the governors of New York and New Jersey needs permanent reform. Its commissioners have voted on a series of useful changes, like consolidating the two top administrative posts, enacting a new code of conduct and creating the position of chief ethics officer, but those reforms could be eroded or even undone by future governors of the two states. Any permanent changes to the Port Authoritys structure and rules must be approved with exactly the same language by the legislatures of both states and both governors. New York passed a law to reform the authority last year. The measure would streamline the authoritys top management; require more public notice about hearings and fare or toll increases; demand that commissioners act in the interest of the public, not themselves or their political patrons; and mandate that the top executive be chosen for management skills, not political clout. But when the New York legislation went to Trenton, New Jersey lawmakers decided to alter it. That was a mistake, and Mr. Christie rightly vetoed those changes. The unaltered New York law now sits before the New Jersey Legislature, ready for approval. Surely, with a former top executive like Mr. Samson convicted of bribery, lawmakers have no excuse for not acting as soon as possible. The unrelenting whiteness of the Republican National Convention perhaps the whitest in 100 years is stunning in itself. Donald Trump has tried to mask its segregationist flavor by strategically featuring African-American speakers to colorize the hall and validate the pronouncements of white speakers like Rudolph Giuliani, the former New York mayor, who have ceaselessly lectured black people on criminality. Among these was David Clarke Jr., the Milwaukee County sheriff, who denounced the Black Lives Matter campaign and applauded the acquittal of a Baltimore police officer charged in the death of Freddie Gray. But after the lights go down in Cleveland, when the yelling subsides, the balloons go limp and the delegates go home, the party will be alone with its message and its nominee. What next? Why, minority outreach, of course. Donald Trumps going to be doing a Hispanic engagement tour coming up soon, said the party chairman, Reince Priebus. CLEVELAND The arena here at the Republican National Convention echoes with applause for Donald Trump, but the cacophony and extravagant stage effects cant conceal the chaos in the G.O.P. and in the Trump campaign. Republican senators suddenly are busy fishing, mowing the lawn or hiking the Grand Canyon; conservative celebrities mostly sent regrets. This vacuum reflects the horror that many leading conservatives feel for their new nominee. Pundits like me are gnashing our teeth as Trump receives the presidential nomination of the party of Lincoln, but, frankly speaking, we dont have much credibility in Cleveland since many of us arent all that likely to support a Republican nominee in any case. So instead of again inflicting on you my views of the danger of Trump, let me share what some influential conservatives said about him during the course of the campaign. (Some have since tempered their public sentiments.) The French filmmaker Jean-Pierre Marois whiled away the wee hours of his youth watching bands like Depeche Mode and Simple Minds at Les Bains Douches the 80s- and 90s-era night-life Mecca on the site of a 19th-century spa in the Marais, best known for its mosaic-tile pool and checkerboard dance floor designed by a then-unknown Philippe Starck. Marois stepped in to save the Haussmannian building when it closed in 2010 on the verge of collapse, and more recently reinvented it as a high-style hotel inspired by the bathhouse-turned-nightclubs hedonistic past. The 39 upstairs rooms, designed by Tristan Auer of the Hotel de Crillon, feature velvet sofas like the one in Andy Warhols Factory, bars with vintage crystal glassware and Carrara marble bathrooms that have built-in overhead speakers and the hotels own incense-patchouli-and-leather-scented candles. (We wanted something urban and night-oriented, and to get a sense of history, Marois says.) With its replica pool and forthcoming hammam, the club is now confined to the basement, but theres still music most nights until dawn (often live, from the likes of Hot Chip or Frances emerging electro-pop group Jabberwocky), and the 60-something bouncer, Marie-Line, is as intimidating as she was back in the day. Meanwhile, Starcks iconic dance floor has been restored in the restaurant, where D.J.s spin Italo-disco between red-lacquered walls installed by Hermes boutique designer Denis Montel, and breakfast is served until 3 p.m. From $527 a night. Update: This article has been revised to include a response from the Vatican that was received after the articles initial publication. The Vaticans former ambassador to the United States quashed an independent investigation in 2014 into sexual and possible criminal misconduct by Archbishop John C. Nienstedt of St. Paul and Minneapolis and ordered church officials to destroy a letter they wrote to him protesting the decision, according to a memo made public on Wednesday. The detailed memo was written by an outraged priest, the Rev. Dan Griffith, who was working in the top ranks of the archdiocese and was the liaison to the lawyers conducting the inquiry. He wrote that the ambassadors order to call off the investigation and destroy evidence amounted to a good old fashioned cover-up to preserve power and avoid scandal. The document offers a grave indictment of the conduct of the Vaticans ambassador, and will probably put pressure on Pope Francis to discipline him and Archbishop Nienstedt. The former ambassador, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, served as Pope Francis representative to the church until he retired in April. [02:09 - 02:29] The choice we make in 1968 will determine not only the future of America but the future of peace and freedom in the world for the last third of the Twentieth Century. ALEX SOT: The conditions in the country are really different than they were in 1968, but where the parallels arise are you have this presidential candidate drumming home these themes about social disorder, of the United States as a country under attack, at home and abroad. [02:30 - 03:04] As we look at America, we see cities enveloped in smoke and flame. We hear sirens in the night. 9:25 David Clarke Jr. I want to talk with you about something important, indeed, a concept that five law enforcement officers were murdered and nine more were wounded for earlier this month in Dallas, and for which three more were murdered yesterday in Baton Rouge: that is the importance of Making America Safe Again We see Americans dying on distant battlefields abroad. We see Americans hating each other; fighting each other; killing each other at home. 9:16PM: MCCAUL: We need to end sanctuary cities...keep dangerous people out of our country...and SECURE our borders. And as we see and hear these things, millions of Americans cry out in anguish. Did we come all this way for this? ALEX SOT: Part of the reason this is at the forefronts of peoples minds is just whats been in the news lately. That you have seen the killings of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, that youve seen violence in a number of cities. What Trump identified at the very beginning of this campaign was this hunger within the Republican base for almost a strongman figure. [05:01 - 05:12] America is in trouble today not because her people have failed but because her leaders have failed. And what America needs are leaders to match the greatness of her people. 9:17PM MCCAUL: This did not happen by accident, it happened by design. It is the work of Barack Obama... and the architect of his failed foreign policy, Hillary Clinton. 9:48 TOM COTTON: Our warriors and their families dont ask for much. But there are a few things wed like. A commander-in-chief who speaks of winning wars and not merely ending wars, calls the enemy by its name, and draws red lines carefully, but enforces them ruthlessly. [08:49 - 09:09] For five years hardly a day has gone by when we havent read or heard a report of the American flag being spit on; an embassy being stoned; a library being burned; or an ambassador being insulted some place in the world. And each incident reduced respect for the United States until the ultimate insult inevitably occurred. 9:48 TOM COTTON: Our warriors and their families dont ask for much. But there are a few things wed like. A commander-in-chief who speaks of winning wars and not merely ending wars, calls the enemy by its name, and draws red lines carefully, but enforces them ruthlessly. ALEX SOT: Trump has said in a recent interview that he sees nixon as someone who understood some fundamental things about the country. That people were looking for order in the midst of disorder. 10:10 GUILIANI: In the last seven months, there have been five major Islamic extremist terrorists attacks on us and our allies. We must not be afraid to define our enemy; It is Islamic extremist terrorism. [13:25 - 14:00] We shall re-establish freedom from fear in America so that America can take the lead in re-establishing freedom from fear in the world. And to those who say that law and order is the code word for racism, there and here is a reply: Our goal is justice for every American. 9:26pm David Clarke Jr. I see this every day, at street level where many Americans increasingly have an uneasiness about the ability of their families to live safely in these troubling times. This transcends race, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, and lifestyle. [09:35 - 09:58] America is a great nation. And it is time we started to act like a great nation around the world. MICHAEL FLYNN And, with Donald Trump in the White House, WE...WILL...MAKE...AMERICA... GREAT... AGAIN! CLEVELAND Republicans here have not quite settled on a consistent affirmative message of support for Donald J. Trump. They have not given much promotion to the top policy priorities of a prospective Trump administration. They do not even agree, necessarily, on their candidates fitness to be president. But from the nosebleed seats of the convention hall to cozy delegate luncheons to the scorching addresses of the partys prime-time speaking lineup, the refrain of the week has been clear: Lock her up! In a striking signal that a wishful, longstanding motif of conservative television and talk radio the prospective jailing of Hillary Clinton has firmly arrived in the Republican mainstream, leaders and attendees alike have identified the theme as perhaps the most reliable source of unity for a party still grappling with Mr. Trumps ascent. CLEVELAND It was just after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, a coveted time slot at any political convention. But at the Quicken Loans Arena here, there were rows and rows of empty seats as Kimberlin Brown, a soap opera actress and California avocado farmer, struggled to talk over the chatter of delegates heading for the exits. The session was supposed to last until 11 p.m.; the gavel fell at 10:58. Donald J. Trump came here promising a nominating convention bursting with glitz, energy, celebrity and the highest of show business production values. Instead, at least for the first two nights, Mr. Trump struggled to stage the biggest show of his political career: his own convention. The party gathering, after an unusually contentious primary season, has been marked by a noticeable absence of energy and swaths of empty seats. The audience, whose attention often seems elsewhere, responded to a historic moment when Mr. Trumps son Donald Jr. cast the votes that made his father the Republican presidential nominee with modest applause. Chants of Trump-Trump-Trump rose in one section of the floor, only to fade away. The crowd seemed to come alive only when the subject was not Mr. Trump but Hillary Clinton, the likely Democratic nominee. Lock her up, lock her up, lock her up! the crowd chanted lustily as Chris Christie, the New Jersey governor whom Mr. Trump defeated for the nomination, offered an indictment of Mrs. Clinton. CLEVELAND The Republican convention erupted into tumult on Wednesday night as the bitter primary battle between Donald J. Trump and Senator Ted Cruz reignited unexpectedly, crushing hopes that the party could project unity. In the most electric moment of the convention, boos and jeers broke out as it became clear that Mr. Cruz in a prime-time address from center stage was not going to endorse Mr. Trump. It was a pointed snub on the eve of Mr. Trumps formal acceptance speech. As hundreds of delegates chanted Vote for Trump! and Say it! Mr. Cruz tried to dismiss the outburst as enthusiasm of the New York delegation only to have Mr. Trump himself suddenly appear in the back of the convention hall. Virtually every head in the room seemed to turn from Mr. Cruz to Mr. Trump, who was stone-faced and clearly angry as he egged on delegates by pumping his fist. Mr. Cruz was all but drowned out as he asked for Gods blessing on the country and left the stage, while security personnel escorted his wife, Heidi, out of the hall. One delegate yelled Goldman Sachs! at her a reference to the company that has employed her, a job that Mr. Trump attacked during the primaries. A short while later, Mr. Cruz faced insults as he made his way down a corridor one woman yelled Traitor! When he tried to enter the convention suite of the Las Vegas casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, he was turned away. As Hillary Clinton prepares to make her choice for a vice-presidential candidate, Bill Clinton has privately expressed his support for Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, according to three Democrats briefed on the conversations with the former president this week. Mr. Clinton believes that Mr. Kaine, 58, a former governor and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has the domestic and national security resume that both appeals to voters and makes him prepared for the presidency. In an interview with Charlie Rose of PBS on Monday, Mrs. Clinton said she was afflicted with the responsibility gene and would value experience and preparedness over any other calculations in choosing a No. 2. In recent days, Mrs. Clinton narrowed down her pick, and she is likely to appear with her running mate Saturday at a rally in Florida, though she could announce her choice in advance of the campaign event in a text to supporters. BAMAKO, Mali Mali extended a state of emergency for 10 days on Wednesday, after a spate of attacks by armed groups killed dozens and destabilized the vast desert country. The governments council of ministers also declared a three-day period of mourning for the 17 soldiers killed in an attack on an army base on Tuesday that was suspected to have been carried out by Islamic extremists. Mali originally declared a state of emergency in November, and it was extended in April by three months. Despite the actions of the state, the terrorist threat persists, the council of ministers said in a statement, as is evidenced by the recent attacks against the armed and security forces of Mali. HONG KONG Three leaders of Hong Kongs huge student-led demonstrations in 2014 were found guilty on Thursday of charges stemming from their roles in events that set off 79 days of defiant street protests for freer elections in the self-governing Chinese territory. Joshua Wong, 19, the bespectacled public face of the demonstrations, was found guilty of unlawful assembly, as was a fellow student leader, Alex Chow, 25. Nathan Law, 23, who is seeking to win a seat in Hong Kongs legislature in the September elections, was found guilty of inciting people to take part in the assembly, a charge on which Mr. Wong was acquitted. The judge, June Cheung, released the three men on bail until their sentencing, which is set for Aug. 15. They face a maximum of two years in prison, although the ultimate punishment may be considerably lighter; the judge is seeking a report from probation officers on whether community service might be a suitable alternative. During their phone call on the same day, administration officials said, Mr. Obama urged Mr. Erdogan to stay focused on the threat from the Islamic State. I think we dont need to remind Turkey of that, Brett H. McGurk, the presidents special envoy to the coalition against the Islamic State, told reporters. They just suffered terrible attacks at Istanbul airport only a couple weeks ago with a number of suicide bombers. Mr. Erdogan, however, is more likely to be consumed by threats from Kurdish separatists and from supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the Muslim cleric living in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, whom Mr. Erdogan has accused of fomenting the coup. During their phone call, the Turkish president urged Mr. Obama to hand over Mr. Gulen, and his government has submitted the paperwork to begin a formal request for his extradition. The White House has declined to comment on the merits of the arguments made by the Turkish government that he should be returned to Turkey. But extraditing the cleric, officials said, is a lengthy, complex process that involves an assessment by the Justice Department, followed by a ruling by a federal judge. Mr. Obama, they said, has nothing to do with it. Mr. Obama and Mr. Erdogan have weathered previous disagreements. At a summit meeting in Toronto in 2010, the two had a fiery, two-hour exchange over Turkeys decision to vote against imposing sanctions on Iran in the United Nations Security Council. Mr. Erdogan was still bruised by the White Houses spurning of a diplomatic effort by Turkey and Brazil to broker a deal with Iran over its nuclear program. Administration officials acknowledged that they were partly to blame for sending the Turks a poorly worded letter that could have been interpreted as endorsing the diplomatic initiative. It was the first major jolt in a relationship that had begun on an auspicious note in 2009, when Mr. Obama chose Turkey as the first Muslim country he visited as president. Im trying to make a statement about the importance of Turkey, he said at the time. Turkey and the United States could build a model partnership, he added. Mr. Obama believed that Mr. Erdogan, who had risen in politics as a reformer, was going to show that you could be democratic and Islamist at the same time, Mr. Gordon said. He had a lot of faith in Erdogan; he invested in the relationship. Mr. Erdogan, analysts said, had a similar faith in Mr. Obama. He viewed him as a different kind of American leader, one who would not prize relations with Israel and Saudi Arabia above all other countries in the region. Mr. Erdogan was also eager to flex Turkeys muscles, and Mr. Obama seemed receptive. In 2011, the president spoke more frequently with Mr. Erdogan than with any other foreign leader except Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain. JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. Officials from the United States and its allies in the fight against the Islamic State hammered out details on Wednesday about how to stabilize and govern the cities of Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria the last big strongholds held by the extremist Sunni militancy in the event that Iraqi and Syrian fighters retake the cities in the coming months. But even as the officials were mapping out the day-after scenarios, they faced a bigger question, particularly in the aftermath of an attempted coup in Turkey and an attack the Islamic State says it inspired in France: Is the United States-led coalition winning the battle but losing the larger war? ISIS has suffered from significant setbacks on the ground, in Ramadi, Hit, Falluja, Qaiyara and Manbij, the French defense minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, told the group of officials at Joint Base Andrews, Md., using another name for the Islamic State, also known as ISIL. However, we are aware that the fight will not stop in Iraq or Syria. In fact, the officials at the meeting said they were looking for ways to diminish the Islamic States reach around the world, particularly the ideology that many say has driven an increase in terrorist attacks in Europe, West Africa and the United States. Truman Capote, stern-faced, looks down from the spiral staircase of his sprawling home in Brooklyn Heights. Three women one framed by her furs sit by the glow of a window at the Hotel Bossert, once known as the Waldorf Astoria of Brooklyn. A dignified W. E. B. Du Bois poses in his house at 31 Grace Court, near the Brooklyn Bridge. All of these portraits and more were taken in 1958 by the commercial and fine-art photographer David Attie while he was on assignment for Holiday magazine. They spent decades boxed away and never published and, in many cases, his negatives were only recently printed. It took years of a sons sleuthing to unearth his fathers long-forgotten work, but now 40 of these images have made their way to the Brooklyn Historical Society in the exhibition Truman Capotes Brooklyn: The Lost Photographs of David Attie, on view through next July. LONDON Patti Smith, Ben Whishaw, Ralph Fiennes and the novelist Colm Toibin are among the artists who will read from Oscar Wildes De Profundis, in the prison in which he wrote it. The artists will appear this fall as part of Inside Artists and Writers in Reading Prison, an exhibition and reading series organized by the immersive art group Artangel, in the prison in Reading, England, where Wilde served a sentence in the 1890s. He was convicted of gross indecency because of his homosexuality. During his time there he wrote De Profundis, a lengthy meditation on his spirituality and his relationship with his lover Lord Alfred Douglas. Image Ralph Fiennes, also part of the project slated for a prison in Reading, England. Credit... Jesse Dittmar for The New York Times Newly commissioned art by Steve McQueen, Marlene Dumas, Wolfgang Tillmans and others, inspired by the prison, will be part of Inside. New letters about lovers kept apart by public authorities, by writers including Anne Carson and Jeanette Winterson, will also be on view at sites around the prison. HONG KONG The authorities in Singapore said on Thursday that they had identified significant lapses in anti-money laundering controls at three banks tied to a global investigation into money from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund. A joint announcement by Singapores central bank, the city-states police force and the attorney generals office cited the local branches of the banks the local lender DBS Bank, Standard Chartered and UBS for lapses and weaknesses in controls. The findings by Singapore came a day after the United States Justice Department said it had frozen properties and other assets worth more than $1 billion that had been acquired with money stolen from the Malaysian fund called 1Malaysia Development Berhad, or 1MDB by people close to Malaysias embattled prime minister, Najib Razak. As part of the American case, Swiss authorities are seizing several paintings, including one by Vincent van Gogh and two by Claude Monet. The Federal Office of Justice in Switzerland would not elaborate further, saying the operation was continuing. The Singapore authorities opened their own investigation into 1MDB-related flows of money last year. On Thursday, the authorities said they had seized 240 million Singapore dollars, or $177 million, worth of bank accounts and properties. About half of that belonged to the financier Jho Low and his immediate family, according to the statement from Singapore. Mr. Low is a friend of Mr. Najibs stepson and was named Wednesday in the Justice Department order, though he was not charged. The failure of its competitors to capitalize on its problems may provide some hope to Chipotle, whose business has been battered by food safety issues. On Thursday, Chipotle announced that its sales in stores open at least a year had tumbled 23.6 percent, compared with the same period last year. It was the third consecutive quarter that the companys same-store sales had dropped. Profits for the quarter that ended June 30 were $25.6 million, down from $140.2 million in the same period a year ago, when Chipotle had its first food safety problem. Between June 2015 and March, more than 300 people got sick after eating in a Chipotle restaurant, the majority from norovirus contamination at stores in Simi Valley, Calif., and in Boston. More than 100 people in other states were sickened by strains of E. coli and salmonella. The company has said that it expects it will take 18 months to two years for sales to recover. But competitors do not appear to be gaining much advantage. This month, the parent of Taco Bell said same-store sales at the chain fell 1 percent in the most recent quarter, in part because it was up against particularly strong sales in the same period a year ago and in part because of a declining number of transactions. We expect more out of Taco Bell, given the strength of this brand, Greg Creed, chief executive of Yum Brands, the parent company, told analysts. There is a fundamental question people have to ask themselves, Mr. Holder responded. Do you actually think that if we could have brought these cases, we would not have? Thats the party line, of course. He then added that Preet Bharara, the United States attorney in the Southern District of New York, and Loretta Lynch, Mr. Holders successor as attorney general and a former federal prosecutor in Brooklyn, would have brought cases against Wall Street if they could have. They didnt, he said, because we have a responsibility in the Justice Department to only bring those cases where we think we have a better than 50 percent chance of winning, and if you look at the different ways in which decision-making was made in these financial institutions, we simply didnt have the ability to point to specific individuals to say that person was responsible for this specific action. We simply did not have the proof. If we could have made these cases, we certainly would have brought them. He said that he, too, was frustrated by the lack of prosecutions of individual wrongdoing, but he did seem to take pride in the record-breaking amount of money collected from the banks in the form of civil penalties. But forcing big banks to hand over their shareholders money in exchange for burying forever the evidence of wrongdoing is not nearly the same as holding people accountable for their behavior. Leaving aside for the moment the long list of Wall Street whistle-blowers among them Richard M. Bowen III at Citigroup, Alayne Fleischmann at JPMorgan Chase, Michael Winston at Countrywide Financial and Peter Sivere at Barclays Capital who tried to interest law enforcement officials in what they had witnessed at their companies (instead, each of them was fired), there may be another reason the Justice Department has proved to be less than vigilant in its sworn duty to prosecute Wall Street wrongdoing. It has more to do with legal arcana than with a supposed lack of evidence: The Justice Department was afraid that it was misapplying the law the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989, known as Firrea used to force Wall Street into financial settlements. That law gives the government wide latitude to bring civil fraud cases against federally insured depository institutions and has lower burdens of proof than those found in criminal business fraud statutes. Importantly, it also has a 10-year statute of limitations, allowing the government more time to bring a case, or to threaten to bring a case. And since the investigations into Wall Street wrongdoing got such a late start they really got going in 2012, about four years after the start of the crisis the 10-year statute of limitations proved to be an effective weapon to get the big banks to settle. Bank after bank capitulated. HONG KONG A Japanese manufacturer of mining equipment will spend nearly $3 billion to buy an American equipment maker as they contend with a global mining slump. The manufacturer, Komatsu, based in Tokyo, will buy Joy Global, an equipment maker based in Wisconsin, for $28.30 per share, or about $2.9 billion. Komatsu acknowledged the demand for mining equipment had declined dramatically, a result of sluggish global economic growth and a commodities glut. But the company said in a news release that it expected population growth and urbanization to drive demand in the long term. Komatsu said that Joy Global will add to its ability to offer large loading equipment and equipment for mining underground. In terms of mining techniques, economic rationale will call for use of larger equipment in surface mining as well as further development of underground mining, the company said. Point72s London office now has 23 employees primarily portfolio managers and analysts and the firm has said it could expand to 50 to 70 people over time. At the beginning of the year, it had just a half-dozen workers. It could add another half-dozen employees in London by the end of the year or early next year. Simon Head, the head of the financial services practice at the recruitment firm Pure Search in London, said that it was not a particularly buoyant year for hiring in the financial services sector, but that he had not seen financial firms instituting broad hiring freezes since the Brexit referendum. Asset managers who had plans to increase the size of their businesses in London, similar to Point72, are moving ahead with their projects on the basis that this is a long-term business, Mr. Head said. Oliver Rolfe, the founder and managing director of the executive search firm Spartan Partnership in London, said that the largest global banks had postponed hiring plans and might cut jobs later this year, while smaller firms might wait until fall before moving forward with new hires. Companies, in general, are acting slowly and cautiously in this environment, he said. If there are special talent available that a company could hire, that hire will still happen, Mr. Rolfe said. The difficulty now is the quality that is required to make the hires happen is far, far higher than it would be maybe two months ago. If youre making the very best hire, even in the worst market, youre still helping the business. Point72s predecessor company, SAC Capital, pleaded guilty to insider trading charges in 2013 and paid a $1.8 billion penalty, which required it to return the money it managed for outside investors. It closed offices around the world, including in London, that year. Mr. Cohen renamed the firm and reopened it as a family office. In an agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission earlier this year, he cannot manage outside money for two years. After the name change, the company found that potential candidates particularly those with science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills were not as aware of the firm or its philosophy. A senior Lazard banker who previously had helped lead the Obama administrations auto task force is leaving the investment bank. The banker, Ron Bloom, has left to join Brookfield Asset Management as a vice chairman and a managing partner of the real estate investment firm, according to a note that he sent to contacts on Thursday. His last day was last Friday. Mr. Bloom was most recently a vice chairman of United States investment banking at Lazard, having advised the United States Postal Service and Detroit retirees during the citys bankruptcy. But he is perhaps best known for his work at the White House helping shepherd General Motors and Chrysler through their government-sponsored bankruptcies. When the carmakers successfully exited Chapter 11, he moved on to a broader role as an assistant to the president for manufacturing policy. But after what seems an exhaustive review of a now voluminous record of transcripts, exhibits and other evidence from multiple official inquiries, Professor Ball concludes there is no evidence that the decision-makers examined the adequacy of Lehmans collateral, or that legal barriers deterred them from assisting the firm. Rather, the decision to let Lehman fail reflected a mixture of politics Mr. Paulson famously said he didnt want to go down in history as Mr. Bailout, and the Bush administration had come under fierce criticism for rescuing Bear Stearns and the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac economic policy driven by managing moral hazard, and a misguided sense that investors had anticipated a Lehman failure and the consequences would be manageable. Its out of the mainstream of what most academics do, David Romer, a professor of economics at the University of California, Berkeley, told me this week about Professor Balls paper. (Professor Romer read and commented on an early draft.) Its likely to offend some people and be controversial. But with respect to the specific questions he asks did the Fed have the legal authority to lend and was it forced to shut Lehman down I find his answers pretty compelling. Professor Ball has an impressive roster of mainstream economics credentials: He has a Ph.D. in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, taught at Harvard and Princeton, is a visiting scholar at the International Monetary Fund and is a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Larry Balls carefully researched work is incredibly important for drawing the proper lessons from the 2008 crisis, said Athanasios Orphanides, an economics professor and expert on central banking at M.I.T.s Sloan School of Management. I did speak to several people who remain unpersuaded (none willing to be identified), and its fair to say no one paper will ever fully resolve this debate. Several said that, however impressive in the abstract, Professor Balls analysis was missing a real-world perspective, which was that almost no one believed at the time that Lehman was solvent and virtually nothing short of a politically untenable federal takeover of Lehman would have staved off a run. Defenders of the theory that Lehman was deeply insolvent also point to the fact that Lehmans creditors ended up suffering tens of billions of dollars of losses in the bankruptcy. None of the principals themselves have budged from their oft-stated positions that the Feds hands were tied. Mr. Paulson said he stood by earlier comments he gave me: We were united in our determination to do all we can to prevent a systemically important institution from going down. He added, Although it was Ben and Tims decision to make, I shared their view that Lehman was insolvent and I know the marketplace did. DETROIT Despite federal safety investigations of Teslas self-driving cars, the companys chief executive, Elon Musk, is hardly backing off on his grand plans for autonomous vehicles. In a blog post late Wednesday, Mr. Musk updated Teslas master plan with a pledge to expand beyond electric cars into battery-powered pickups, semitrucks and buses, and to equip them with advanced self-driving systems. He made no mention of the fatal May 7 accident involving a Tesla Model S with its Autopilot system engaged, or of the federal scrutiny of the technology. A criticism of that system has been that, despite its name, its collision-avoidance abilities depend on the human drivers being ready to immediately retake control of the vehicle in a crisis. In his blog post, Mr. Musk indicated that the eventual focus would be on vehicles that fully drive themselves. And he doubled down on promises to improve Teslas autonomous driving systems, as part of a major expansion of its product line. Family and fascism march in lock step in The Childhood of a Leader. A visually sumptuous, slow-boil freakout set in France in the aftermath of World War I, it hinges on an unruly boy, Prescott (Tom Sweet), who goes to battle with his authoritarian parents as his American father (Liam Cunningham) is helping negotiate the peace terms with Germany. Having arrived as part of President Woodrow Wilsons political retinue, the unnamed father has moved into a sprawling, dilapidated farmhouse. There, he and his European wife (also nameless, and played by Berenice Bejo) settle into their own uneasy peace, one increasingly disturbed by their eccentric son. In his landmark study The Mass Psychology of Fascism, Wilhelm Reich does what the poet Philip Larkin and quite a few others do: he blames mom and dad. It is the family, Reich argues, that is the factory in which the states structure and ideology are molded. Reichs book was published in 1933, the year that Adolf Hitler assumed power in Germany. Given the ideas swirling in The Childhood of a Leader, it wouldnt be a surprise if its young director, Brady Corbet, had dipped into Reichs book while conceiving the movie, which takes its title and some ideas from a 1939 story by Jean-Paul Sartre. (Mr. Corbet shares screenwriting credit with Mona Fastvold.) After a sensational, direct opener a quick-sketch newsreel history lesson set to Scott Walkers powerhouse score The Childhood of a Leader settles into smudgy mystery and ominous foreboding. An American actor whose credits include the television show 24, Mr. Corbet has in recent years appeared in a number of high-profile European art movies. He also had a role in Funny Games, Michael Hanekes 2007 English-language remake of his art-house shocker. Mr. Hanekes influence and particularly his film The White Ribbon a study of patriarchal domination set in German just before World War I is evident in The Childhood of a Leader. Mr. Corbet also seems to have spent some time perusing the work of the Russian director Alexander Sokurov, specifically his tetralogy of power, which concluded with an adaptation of Faust. Certainly, the crepuscular beauty of The Childhood of a Leader evokes Mr. Sokurovs expressionistic style in his tetralogy, with its visual intimacy, softness and somewhat queasy hues. Working with the cinematographer Lol Crawley, Mr. Corbet goes for a more straightforward look with a dark palette characterized by bottomless blacks that make the occasional sun-kissed images as in the shot of a womans nipple peeping through a luminous white blouse all the more striking. The new movie by the conservative author and pundit Dinesh DSouza, Hillarys America, directed and written with Bruce Schooley, opens with an animated montage of a map of the United States going up in flames in various spots. A close-up image of Hillary Clinton caps the scene. The film then recounts Mr. DSouzas own guilty plea to violating federal campaign finance laws. He was set up, he insists. If you make a film criticizing the most powerful man in the world, he says, referring to his 2012 documentary, 2016: Obamas America, expect the empire to strike back. What if the goal of the Democratic Party is to steal the most valuable thing the world has ever produced? Mr. DSouza muses from a halfway house where hes staying as part of the plea deal. In this scene, a dramatic re-enactment, he watches Ms. Clinton announce her campaign for president. What if their plan is to steal America? On these words, Mr. DSouzas eyes shift from the ceiling-mounted TV display to stare straight into the camera. Its very Dramatic Chipmunk. Once the heros journey theme is established, its on to about an hours worth of the Democratic Party was the party of slavery material. This content, and more (including a young actress playing Ms. Clinton as a practically lunatic student radical), will be familiar to anyone whos examined a right-wing website. When Mr. DSouza describes the effects of Andrew Jacksons Indian Removal Act, he intones, It was a trail of tears, as if he has just come up with the phrase. This is typical of his method. According to a certain interpretation of the auteur theory, a films value derives from the extent to which it communicates the personality and character of its director. Judged by that standard alone, I suppose Hillarys America is some kind of masterpiece. One of the strengths of Hooligan Sparrow is that it makes those stakes real, visceral and urgent, partly by laying bare just how difficult it can be to make a documentary like this. Its the debut feature of Nanfu Wang, who inserts herself into the fray early in a short, tense scene in which while facing the camera alone in a room she nervously explains that the police are about to question her about her recent activities. The scene, with its unease and suggestive violence, doesnt draw you in; it yanks you, a canny strategy that instantly puts the viewer on Ms. Wangs side and turns the presumably (or at least relatively) disinterested audience into a kind of collaborator. Hooligan Sparrow, which Ms. Wang also shot and skillfully edited, has the pulse of a mainstream thriller but without the pacifying polish and tidiness. (One of its executive producers, Alison Klayman, directed Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry.) It drops into Ms. Yes life in 2013, around the time she and a small group of other, mostly female activists were protesting the light sentence given to some convicted male sex offenders for abusing six schoolgirls. Its a righteous, dangerous protest that becomes an emblem of conscience. In time, it also leads to unanswered questions and some startling, hair-raising moments, as well as the indelible sight of Ms. Ye on a dusty road with her daughter, her passion and the belongings that Ai Weiwei made famous. Hooligan Sparrow is not rated. It is in English and Mandarin, with English subtitles. Running time: 1 hour 23 minutes. The only genuine moments of peace in the searing documentary The Seventh Fire come at the very beginning: lyrical shots of headlights moving forward on a long stretch of road at daybreak. After that, the director, Jack Pettibone Riccobono, practically grabs viewers by the backs of their necks and shows them the bleak lives of two residents of Pine Point, an Ojibwe village in northern Minnesota on the White Earth Indian Reservation. Rob Brown, a onetime gang leader, proudly shows the camera what he calls his criminal organization chest tattoo, and the diluted dope he cooks up. Mr. Brown cuts the hair of his quasi-protege Kevin, a teenager content to do small-time drug dealing until he can graduate to something bigger Kevin has a Scarface poster hanging in his house. Hes a little unsure just how much he wants a criminal life, though, and hes estranged from his father, a recovering alcoholic who catches leeches to sell for bait. When Mr. Brown learns he has to return to prison, he organizes a farewell blowout. In one scene, Kevin is shown dealing, and using, with white teenagers from a neighboring town. The movie provides startling, detailed looks at the wrecks drug addicts become. Mr. Browns binge during the party begins with wide-eyed excitement, but sputters to a close when hes a heavy-lidded, barely coherent mess. In the end, he has no clue how to clean up his psychic and physical wreckage. The betrayal of Native Americans by larger forces looms over this powerful movie without ever being explicitly discussed. Fritz Koenigs Sphere for Plaza Fountain, once the sculptural centerpiece of the World Trade Center, will be reinstalled there this year, returning a visceral symbol of death and rebirth to an understated and all but sanitized landscape. The 27-foot-high bronze Sphere will no longer rest on the exact spot it occupied on Sept. 11, 2001, when the twin towers crashed to earth around it. What was once the center of the Austin J. Tobin Plaza, where it stood, would now be in the middle of a restored Greenwich Street. Instead, under a resolution approved on Thursday by the board of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the 25-ton piece will be transported from the Battery, hoisted up into the new elevated Liberty Park and set down near the St. Nicholas National Shrine, which is under construction. I recommend that we bring the Koenig Sphere home, said Patrick J. Foye, the executive director of the Port Authority, describing the plan to the commissioners. They approved the move unanimously. The Utica City School District has settled a lawsuit filed by New York State accusing it of discriminatory enrollment practices that worked against refugee children. The lawsuit, which was filed in November by the state attorney general, Eric T. Schneiderman, claimed that immigrant students in Utica, in central New York, had been funneled into substandard alternative programs rather than being enrolled in the districts only public high school, because of their advanced ages and shaky English skills. Under a consent decree that was signed on Wednesday and announced on Thursday by Mr. Schneidermans office, the district would be required to create new enrollment policies and hire an internal and external monitor to ensure compliance with federal and state laws. The settlement would also require that the district offer compensatory schooling for students who were denied or delayed, and raise the standards of any future alternative programs offered by the district. Full and equal access to education is not only a legal right, it is the very foundation of the American dream, Mr. Schneiderman said in a statement. School districts should not place unnecessary barriers in the way of students seeking enrollment. To the Editor: Re A Most Extreme Republican Platform (editorial, July 19): Given the trajectory of the Republican Party over the last two decades, culminating in the nomination of Donald Trump for president, it comes as little surprise that the party platform is the most extreme it has ever been. From my foreign policy role in the Senate, I want to call attention to the Republican Partys apparently new position that the United States should not provide military assistance to Ukraine, as alluded to in its platform. There is broad, bipartisan support for standing steadfast with Ukraine through political, economic and military support after Russias invasion two years ago. Russias aggression violated international law, robbed Ukraine of its sovereign territory, and killed and wounded thousands of people. Mr. Trump speaks glowingly of President Vladimir V. Putin and underestimates the damage done by Russia in Eastern Europe. It is also worth pointing out that Paul Manafort, the Trump campaign chairman, served as a consultant for Viktor F. Yanukovich, the ousted president of Ukraine, who now lives in exile in Russia. To the Editor: In Dont Confuse Veterans and Violence (Op-Ed, July 19), Phil Klay takes issue with a column I wrote noting that military veterans account for a disproportionate number of mass shooters. But the facts speak for themselves. Veterans account for 13 percent of the adult population, but more than a third of the adult perpetrators of the 43 worst mass killings since 1984 had been in the United States military. It is clear that, in the etiology of mass killings, military service is an important risk factor. And the numbers for suicide are even worse: A recent study in Annals of Epidemiology found that military veterans kill themselves at a 50 percent higher rate than their civilian counterparts. In my column I suggested that we need to take better care of our veterans and that we need research to illuminate the connection between former military service and mass murder for the few who snap. I hope that Mr. Klay, who served in the military, and I, who did not, can agree on this. CAMBRIDGE, Mass. The former National Security Agency contractor Edward J. Snowden said Thursday that he planned to help develop a modified version of Apples iPhone for journalists who are concerned that they may be the target of government surveillance. The announcement was made during a one-day conference on Forbidden Research held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technologys Media Lab. Mr. Snowden, who spoke via a video connection from Russia, where he is living in exile, said he was working with Andrew Huang, a computer hacker known as Bunnie who studied electrical engineering at M.I.T., to see if it would be possible to modify a smartphone to alert journalists working in dangerous environments to electronic surveillance. Mr. Snowden, who is a board member of a nonprofit group called the Freedom of the Press Foundation, said he was concerned that cellphones and smartphones serve as tracking devices that automatically create electronic dossiers that give third parties, including governments, detailed information on location. A discussion group on Facebook called Texas Pew Pew Pew Show & Tell warned its users that it was intended to host conversations about anything that goes pew pew pew, but not to facilitate the sale or trade of firearms. The same note asked participants to be smart and to take it to PM, a reference to private messages. If you dont get the hint, I cant help stupid, the note said. Though the message did not explicitly tell users to talk about the sale of guns only on a private channel, those who monitor such posts said it was one of many ways that users of Facebook, the worlds largest social network, have tried to circumvent its ban on private gun sales announced in January. Mike Monteiro, a web designer from San Francisco, helped start a campaign to monitor Facebook and report violations to get gun sales removed. Mr. Monteiro, 48, said he felt compelled to act after a gunman killed 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., in June in the countrys worst mass shooting. Many new technologies are born with a bang: Virtual reality headsets! Renewable rockets! And old ones often die with a whimper. So it is for the videocassette recorder, or VCR. The last-known company still manufacturing the technology, the Funai Corporation of Japan, said in a statement Thursday that it would stop making VCRs at the end of this month, mainly because of difficulty acquiring parts. The Japanese newspaper Nikkei reported on the impending demise earlier this month. The news represented the death rattle of a technology that was considered revolutionary when it was introduced in the 1950s. It took several decades for VCRs to make their way into consumers homes, but in its heyday it was ubiquitous and dominant. According to the company which said in the statement, We are the last manufacturer of VCRs in all of the world 750,000 units were sold worldwide in 2015, down from millions decades earlier. Come From Away, a small and unusual Canadian musical about a remote communitys heartwarming response to Sept. 11, will make its Broadway bow in February. The show is based on events in Gander, Newfoundland, when 38 planes carrying 6,579 people were forced to land there because of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. The musical explores the response of Gander residents, and their developing relationships with the deeply unsettled passengers. The long-gestating show has had several productions, and won critical praise last year at the La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle Repertory Theater. It has been revised along the way, and is scheduled to play later this year at Fords Theater in Washington and at the Royal Alexandra Theater in Toronto. The show is written by a Toronto couple, Irene Sankoff and David Hein, who are making their Broadway debut. The director is Christopher Ashley (Memphis), and the ensemble cast of 12 includes Chad Kimball (Memphis) and Jenn Colella (If/Then). The producers, Junkyard Dog Productions, said they have been promised a Shubert theater, but did not specify which one. Ted Cruz is no stranger to the theater: In seventh grade, he played Rolfe in The Sound of Music; in law school, he was the Rev. Samuel Parris in The Crucible; and in the Senate, he declaimed from Henry V to pass time during a filibuster. But his quietly incendiary speech Wednesday night to the Republican National Convention a paean to freedom in which he conspicuously ignored calls from the crowd to endorse Donald Trump has the theater world seeing him in another role: Marc Antony. In Cleveland, of course, Mr. Cruz accepted an invitation from Mr. Trump to speak at the nominating convention but then surprised the crowd and upended the night by withholding his support. In ancient Rome, at least as described by Shakespeare in Julius Caesar, Antony accepts an invitation from Brutus to speak at Caesars funeral, but then undermines Brutus with a speech that superficially praises Brutus but is understood by listeners to do the reverse. WASHINGTON A coalition of black racial-justice organizations started a series of coordinated demonstrations in more than a dozen cities across the United States on Thursday to protest police shootings. One of the earliest to kick off the Movement for Black Lives demonstrations was in Washington, where a small, mostly white, crowd stood near the entrance of the Office of Police Complaints holding signs printed with Black Lives Matter and Stop Killing Black People. Most came to the protest with Showing Up for Racial Justice, an organization that encourages white people to rally around social justice causes, especially those related to race in America. The white protesters would not speak on the record, saying they did not want white voices to drown out the concerns of the black activists they aimed to support. One organizer from another group, the Stop Police Terror Project, thanked the crowd for coming out. We have to move beyond being allies to being comrades in this struggle, Sean Blackmon said into a megaphone aimed at the crowd of protesters. The police are an institution that investigates itself and finds itself not guilty as a matter of habit. A black man said the police in North Miami, Fla., shot him on Monday as he tried to help a patient with autism who had run away from the group home where he works. The man, Charles Kinsey, 47, who identified himself as a caretaker of the patient, was on a city street with the patient when officers arrived, a lawyer for Mr. Kinsey said. When the officers drew their weapons, Mr. Kinsey told them there was no need for firearms, lay down in the middle of the street and tried to explain what had happened, the lawyer said. The video shows him trying to calm the patient, urging him to sit and to lie down. All he has is a toy truck a toy truck, Mr. Kinsey said, according to video obtained by the Miami television station WSVN. I am a behavior therapist at a group home, he added. CLEVELAND Tiffany! Tiffany! a middle-aged Republican delegate yelled to Donald J. Trumps 22-year-old daughter on the floor of the Republican National Convention Wednesday night. You were amazing last night, he said of her speech. She smiled, cocked her head gratefully and thanked him. On the streets outside the convention, a young woman approached Ivanka Trump, Mr. Trumps 34-year-old daughter, to ask for a selfie with her, which the woman instantly posted on Instagram. Week. Just. Made, the woman enthused in a caption under the photograph. And on the floor of the Quicken Loans Arena, a man playfully asked Eric Trump, Mr. Trumps 32-year-old son, for a bottle of his familys wine. Thats what everyone needs, Mr. Trump replied playfully. More wine. Donald J. Trump may be the nominee, but here in Cleveland, his children are the attraction. Amid a sometimes chaotic convention punctuated by a delegate rebellion and plagiarism in the speech by the candidates wife they are redefining the traditional role of a candidates children and emerging as celebrities in their own right. CLEVELAND Donald J. Trump told donors at a private meeting on Thursday that an endorsement from Senator Ted Cruz doesnt mean anything to him and noted that his former opponent was run out of the convention hall on Wednesday night after being booed during his speech. According to a Politico report, Mr. Trump also had some harsh words for Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, another former rival who has not endorsed him, saying, If I got beaten as bad as Kasich got beaten by me, I wouldnt support him either. The remarks came on the final day of the Republican National Convention and hours before Mr. Trump was due to accept the partys nomination. The gathering has been marked by intraparty fighting, which came to a head on Wednesday night when Mr. Cruz was heckled and shunned during his address for not endorsing Mr. Trump despite signing a pledge last year to support the eventual nominee. Mr. Trump mocked the pledge at the meeting, according to Politico, saying that he believed he could have defeated his Republican rivals if he ran as an independent, citing Reince Priebus, the chairman of the Republican National Committee. The confrontations highlighted Mr. Obamas struggle to respond to the Black Lives Matter movement, a diffuse group unlike established civil rights organizations that have deep relationships at the White House and on Capitol Hill. Mr. Obama first invited Black Lives Matter activists to the White House in 2014 after unrest in Ferguson, Mo., following the killing of an unarmed black man, Michael Brown, by a white police officer. White House officials said at the time that the activists had grievances but few constructive suggestions. Mr. Obama has prodded them to focus on solutions. The goal of protest isnt just to protest for the sake of protesting, he said at last weeks town-hall-style meeting. The goal of protest is to then get the attention of decision-makers and sit down and say, Heres what we would like to see, and have a negotiation, which over time can actually lead to improvements in the system. The president, his advisers say, identifies with the protesters cause a former community organizer, he spoke at last weeks meeting about his experiences of being discriminated against by police officers and others but as the person who appoints the nations top law enforcement official, he is equally sensitive to police concerns. His empathy isnt only with the movement, its also with the enormous challenge that law enforcement officers have, said Valerie Jarrett, Mr. Obamas senior adviser. He can feel both perspectives because he is of both perspectives. In his meeting with Mr. Mckesson at the White House last week a four-hour session that included activists and law enforcement and elected officials Mr. Obama said, according to accounts from several in attendance, that it would not be appropriate for him to visit Ferguson or other cities where police killings of black men have occurred. Visits with the families in those places, he said, could be seen as siding with them in open investigations. The president thanked Mr. Mckesson pointedly for what he called a long to-do list, and he added that his willingness to take hours out of his packed schedule should indicate his seriousness about addressing problems of race and policing. Donald J. Trump and Hillary Clinton are deadlocked in Ohio, according to a new poll that shows the crucial state very much in play as Mr. Trump prepares to accept the Republican Partys presidential nomination in Cleveland on Thursday night. A new survey from Suffolk University finds that Mr. Trump and Mrs. Clinton each have the support of 44 percent of likely voters, with 11 percent still undecided. When third-party candidates such as Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Party nominee, and the Green Partys Jill Stein are included, Mrs. Clinton holds a four-point lead. Its absolutely up for grabs, said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. CLEVELAND Peter Thiel, the Silicon Valley entrepreneur, declared I am proud to be gay in a speech on Thursday night, making him the first person believed to utter those words from the stage of a Republican National Convention. Mr. Thiels remarks came about an hour before Mr. Trump spoke, one of the most coveted slots of the week. And he helped cap a convention that began with Republicans ratifying what supporters and opponents alike described as their most socially conservative platform ever. Mr. Thiel is a libertarian who has been drawn to Mr. Trump by a shared belief that America is involved in too many interventions overseas, but his involvement in Republican politics and his embrace of Mr. Trump has made him something of an outlier in Silicon Valley. His sexuality, and his willingness to embrace it publicly in front of such a large audience, makes him even more of an outlier for a Republican convention. THE RIOTS THAT SO MANY PEOPLE EXPECTED TO COME WITH DONALD TRUMPS CORONATION IN CLEVELAND DIDNT MATERIALIZE. INSTEAD THE ATMOSPHERE HAS BEEN ... CALM. LOTS OF POLICE CAME FROM OUT OF STATE TO HELP WITH SECURITY. COMMANDER MICHAEL EVELETH, AUSTIN PD We were very nervous about coming. Our friends and family were very nervous about us coming. But since coming, all we have seen is appreciation, people thanking us, shaking our hands. Protests have been peaceful. // Its nothing like we expected. Cleveland as a city did an excellent job preparing for this. It is unprecedented to have this many officers in one place. // I have heard a solid number over 3000, and up to 5000. WITH $50 MILLION IN FEDERAL SECURITY SPENDING, THE CITY DEPLOYED THOUSANDS OF POLICE FROM DOZENS OF DEPARTMENTS AROUND THE COUNTRY, FROM CALIFORNIA TO FLORIDA, DELAWARE TO KANSAS, EVEN A MOUNTED POLICE UNIT FROM FORT WORTH. SGT. MIKE CAGLE, FORT WORTH PD The citizens of Cleveland have been completely opposite of every rumor I heard. Theyve been great, very welcoming. FOR THE MOST PART, THE PUBLIC HAS EMBRACED THEM. THERES BEEN LITTLE VIOLENCE AND FEW ARRESTS, ONLY 24 COMPARED TO HUNDREDS OF CONVENTION-RELATED ARRESTS IN SOME PAST CONVENTIONS. MOST OF THE TWO DOZEN ARRESTS CAME DURING A FLAG-BURNING INCIDENT ON WEDNESDAY. SHAWN WITTE The cops snatched me up and searched my bag, stopped me for a minute and questioned me. But they realized that I love my country. Im here to defend the flag, not to hurt it. SO WHAT HAPPENED? ONE THING IS CLEAR: THERE WERE FEWER PROTESTERS THAN MANY EXPECTED, AND POLICE WAY OUTNUMBERED PROTESTERS, AND AT POINTS CIRCLED AND OVERWHELMED THEM. SWAT OFFICER One guy said, just go home, because we feel like rats in a cage. We cant move around anywhere. I get it. But were here to make sure everything stays good. FEDERAL AGENT Have there been any problems? Its kind of the egg or the chicken thing. As long as its working, why question it, right. FEDERAL AGENTS TRACKED PROTEST GROUPS BEFORE THE CONVENTION, AND OFFICERS HERE EFFECTIVELY CORRALLED RIVAL PROTEST GROUPS WITH BARRICADES AND SCORES OF NEW BICYCLES. EVELETH They had a big crowd, and they separated everybody so that everybody could express their first amendment rights, but that they werent in a position where they could get physical with each other. They could keep the peace ... just by keeping everybody a safe distance from each other. IN GENERAL, THE MOOD OUTSIDE THE CONVENTION WAS SUNNY, MORE LIKE A DAY IN THE PARK COMPARED TO WHAT MANY EXPECTED, 1968 IN CHICAGO. CLEVELAND Senator Ted Cruz of Texas did not come here this week to unite Republicans around their presidential nominee, Donald J. Trump. Armed with his usual arsenal of florid oratory, self-regard and blunt force, he came instead to rally them, someday, around Ted Cruz. He failed, at least for the moment. And in the process, he managed to do the unthinkable make Mr. Trump look like a victim. Determined to be more than just another speaker and looking beyond the November election, Mr. Cruz worked with aides for weeks to fashion a speech that they hoped would define him beyond his failed 2016 quest for the White House and advance his image beyond Tea Party upstart to a modern version of his idol, Ronald Reagan. He offered lofty paeans on Wednesday to an America that included gays and atheists and where heroism was displayed not just by service members fighting terrorism on the front lines but also by the forgiving families of those killed last year at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C. He spoke to a broader audience of Americans that many have accused Republicans of ignoring. About 60 percent of voters said trade with other countries caused job losses in the United States, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll. Mr. Trump has a slight edge over Mrs. Clinton on the question of who voters consider better poised to tackle the trade issue. Putting Mr. Kaine on the ticket could be disastrous for our efforts to defeat Donald Trump in the fall because of his support of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, said Charles Chamberlain, executive director of Democracy for America, a liberal political action committee. Mr. Kaine, the son of a welder who owned a small metalworking shop in a Kansas City suburb, could help Mrs. Clinton attract white male voters and independents. Those voters may prove more critical to her chances in November than the young liberal voters who backed Mr. Sanders in the primaries. As governor of Virginia, Mr. Kaine appealed to both Democrats in urban pockets and independents in rural areas, and established a reputation as a pragmatic consensus builder. Hed appeal to people in the Midwest because thats his roots, said Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond. And Mr. Tobias said Virginians across political lines considered him a thoroughly decent and honest person. MONTECITO, Calif. Even as she mourned the death of her 29-year-old husband from a rare genetic disorder, Sarah Robertson was comforted by knowing that six vials of his sperm were safely stored at the Reproductive Fertility Center in Tank B, Canister 5, Cane G, Position 6, Color Blue waiting until she was ready to have the baby they had both longed for. But 10 years later, when she was ready to use the sperm from her husband, Aaron, she got devastating news. All six vials were missing. Id been completely focused on having something of Aarons live on, and now there was nothing, said Ms. Robertson in an interview at her in-laws home in Montecito. Now she and her in-laws are suing the Los Angeles clinic, and its owner, Dr. Peyman Saadat, accusing them of negligence, fraud, breach of contract and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The suit, filed in May, also says the clinic misappropriated Mr. Robertsons sperm which had a 50 percent chance of carrying Marfan syndrome, the disorder that killed him and used it to supply other patients who would not know to undergo testing to ensure their babies did not inherit the disorder. When a Viking ship, meticulously recreated in Norway, crossed the Atlantic last month, the feat captivated history buffs in the United States. They could hardly wait to get a look at the vessel, which was scheduled to visit a series of ship festivals along the Great Lakes this summer. But as the ship, called the Draken Harald Harfagre, glided into American waters this month, it collided with an unexpected foe: modern-day safety regulations. After making stops at Canadian ports, the Drakens crew was told by Coast Guard officials last week that if it wanted to sail through the Great Lakes, it had to hire a certified pilot, paid at an hourly rate that would amount to about $400,000 by the trips end. If unable to pay, the vessel would be forced to turn back. The crew has been devastated, Woody Wiest, a watch leader on the Draken, said at the time. Many of the team are volunteers, he added. They changed their lives to be on the ship. JOHANNESBURG South African prosecutors said on Thursday that they would seek a longer prison term for Oscar Pistorius, the double-amputee sprinter convicted of murdering his girlfriend, harshly criticizing a six-year sentence handed down two weeks ago as shockingly too lenient. The National Prosecuting Authority said it would seek to appeal the ruling by Judge Thokozile Matilda Masipa of the High Court in Pretoria, who cited mitigating factors in giving Mr. Pistorius a sentence far shorter than the 15-year minimum sought by prosecutors. Her ruling also surprised most South African legal experts, who had predicted that Mr. Pistorius would be given at least 10 years in prison. South African law calls for Judge Masipa to now decide whether to allow prosecutors to appeal her ruling at the Supreme Court of Appeal. If she refuses, prosecutors can then directly petition the appeals court. BEIJING Bai Hua, the director of a support network based in Beijing for people with H.I.V./AIDS, said he began receiving the messages about two weeks ago. Hundreds of people with H.I.V. across China were reporting that they were being called by someone who claimed to be from the government and had access to their medical records and other personal information. According to Mr. Bai, one man, who lives in Huangshan, in Anhui Province, said that he received a call last week. The caller, who knew the mans name and the details of the case, said that he was with the citys Center for Disease Control and Prevention and that under a new policy, the man could receive a subsidy of 4,680 renminbi, or about $700, for drugs and treatment. The caller left a number the man could call for more information. The man wrote down the number but grew suspicious because the area code was for a different province. He messaged the Beijing support network, BHL China League, and discovered that he was not the only one to receive such a call. Mr. Bai said that, as of Wednesday night, more than 490 people with H.I.V. had reported being contacted. Several were told that to receive the subsidy, they needed to pay a service fee by online or A.T.M. transfer. So far, Mr. Bai said, he has been told of 11 who were cheated out of sums ranging from $100 to $10,000 each, for a total of more than $18,000. Some, suspecting fraud, said they challenged the callers, only to be told that their medical records would be made public if they did not pay. The question that Mr. Bai and others are now asking is, How did these fraudsters gain access to what is supposed to be confidential medical data? And what might they do with that information? The broadcasts come amid concerns about the North, which has raised tension with the United States and its allies by conducting a series of missile tests and has issued bold claims of advances in its quest for a nuclear-tipped long-range missile. North Korea has reacted strongly to a plan by the United States to deploy an advanced missile defense system in the South. This week, it fired three ballistic missiles, saying that they were used in simulated tests to detonate nuclear warheads over seaports and airfields in the South, where American reinforcements are supposed to arrive in the event of a war. The tests defied a new round of sanctions that the United Nations Security Council imposed against the North after a nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch in February. Jeong Joon-hee, a government spokesman for South Korea, has called the resumption of the broadcasts seriously regrettable but declined to comment on any motives. The North should abandon its old ways, he said. South Korea itself has resorted to old-school propaganda in recent years, resuming loudspeaker and radio broadcasts into the North and juicing them up with synthesized Korean music known as K-pop. Some analysts said the Norths use of a bygone encryption tool was rekindling old fear among South Koreans of an escalation in psychological warfare. North Korea stopped sending out such coded messages by shortwave radio after the Koreas held a summit meeting in 2000, agreeing to de-escalate the Cold War-era intrigue on the divided peninsula. Since then, the North is believed to have adopted more sophisticated methods of communication. When the Souths intelligence service announced the capture of a spy ring in 2011, it said that the officers contacted the North through steganography, a technique for encrypting a message into a text, image or video file delivered online. SYDNEY, Australia A man was in serious condition Thursday night and receiving hospital treatment after setting himself aflame before trying to drive his car, laden with a fire accelerant, into a police station parking garage in the western suburb of Merrylands, police officials here said. The man, who has not been identified, was parked in the driveway to the basement garage around 7 p.m., the assistant police commissioner, Denis Clifford, said at a news conference. He added that the police were trying to establish the mans identity, and that there was no indication that he had any link to terrorists. No member of the public or the police was hurt. An investigation was still underway, and no charges had been filed as of Thursday night. Theres nothing to indicate this is in any way related to terrorism, Mr. Clifford said. We will keep an open mind, but we are not leaning that way at this stage. PARIS Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, who killed 84 people in a terrorist attack in Nice, France, last week, planned his assault over several months and got help from at least five people, the Paris prosecutor said on Thursday. However, although the Islamic State called the attacker one of its soldiers, there is as yet no evidence that he or the suspected accomplices had any direct contact with the terrorist network, the prosecutor, Francois Molins, who handles terrorism investigations in France, said at a news conference in Paris. Mr. Lahouaiej Bouhlel, a 31-year-old Tunisian who lived in Nice, drove a cargo truck through crowds that had gathered on the citys waterfront promenade to watch the Bastille Day fireworks on July 14. He also fired an automatic pistol at the police, before they shot and killed him. As Russia has grown more assertive in recent years, in part to compensate for its weakness relative to the West, much of the friction between it and NATO has played out along the Russian-Baltic borders. The dynamics in the region have been governed by the alliances pledge to defend the Baltic nations if they are attacked, a threat meant to be so serious that it prevents war from ever occurring. That pledge is an important pillar of stability in a region where, in a highly unlikely but plausible worst case, a conflict could escalate to war between nuclear powers. Mr. Trumps comments suggested that under his leadership, that guarantee would no longer be guaranteed that the pillar might not stand if he believed the Baltic nations had not fulfilled their obligations to us. How realistic is the hypothetical? The premise of the question posed to Mr. Trump, a Russian attack on the Baltics, might seem outlandish. And indeed, no one seriously thinks that Russian tanks are going to pour into Latvia any time soon. Rather, there are two scenarios that worry analysts and policy makers. One is a Russian provocation meant to test NATOs promise to the Baltics, with the aim of unraveling that commitment while avoiding outright war. The other is that some unforeseen accident or miscalculation along the border, if it came at a time of high tension, could be misconstrued as an act of war, setting off a rapid mutual escalation that could lead to unwanted conflict. The odds of either scenario are low, but the stakes are potentially catastrophic. The first could erode or outright end the European defense unity that grew out of the ashes of World War II, and would leave Eastern Europe once again vulnerable to Russia. The second could mean war among nuclear powers. LONDON Donald J. Trumps statement that the United States might not come to the defense of NATO allies that do not foot their share of the bill fueled anxiety on Thursday in a Europe that is already deeply unsettled about Russias assertive posture, Britains decision to withdraw from the European Union and the rise of inward-looking populist and nationalist parties. In an interview with The New York Times, Mr. Trump suggested that if elected president he would use a countrys level of military spending as a factor in deciding whether the United States would honor its commitment to defend any member nation that comes under attack. While President Obama and other American officials have also pressed European countries in recent years to increase military spending in line with their commitments to NATO, Mr. Trump more explicitly linked financial considerations to the strategic response he would order as president in the event of an attack by Russia. His comments left some European officials concerned that the United States under Mr. Trump would edge away from the security guarantees that Washington has provided to the Continent since World War II. But they also stoked the debate over cost sharing after years in which Europe had been slow to meet its commitments on military spending. Jens Stoltenberg, NATOs secretary general and a former prime minister of Norway, said that he will not interfere in the U.S. election campaign, but made clear that he was alarmed by Mr. Trumps remarks. SKOPJE, Macedonia The four largest political parties in Macedonia have agreed in principle to early elections under a deal brokered by the European Union and the United States intended to resolve a political crisis that has consumed the tiny Balkan nation. Macedonia, which became independent in 1991 as part of the breakup of the former Yugoslavia, has most recently been in the news for its harsh treatment of migrants passing through from Greece to reach central and western Europe. But the country, which has about 2.1 million people, has been agitated by a wiretapping scandal that emerged early last year. The scandal revealed widespread fraud in the electoral system, government manipulation of the media and the judiciary and improper surveillance of as many as 20,000 people, including journalists, judges, foreign ambassadors and activists. Under an agreement reached a year ago, the leaders of the four parties decided to allow a special prosecutor to investigate the wiretapping and, if necessary, bring criminal charges. But President Gjorge Ivanov threatened to scuttle that agreement in April by issuing a blanket pardon to anyone involved in the scandal. Thousands of protesters poured into the streets of Skopje, the capital, and other cities. MOSCOW A report by two leading human rights groups released on Thursday accuses Ukraines Western-backed security services of practicing abuse and torture in a manner similar to that of the rebel groups they are fighting. In the report about disappearances and torture in the Ukraine war, titled You Dont Exist, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International document harrowing abuse by both sides, including waterboarding and the use of electrical shocks. Ukraine has been battling Russian-backed separatists in the countrys east since 2014, with fighting grinding on despite a cease-fire. This week, seven Ukrainian soldiers died in a single day of fighting. The front line zigzags through several towns, so that worries about spies and surreptitious artillery spotters among the civilian population run high in the armies of both sides, and abuse follows, the report said. JERUSALEM Israels ultranationalist defense minister, Avigdor Lieberman, managed to offend both Palestinians and free-speech advocates on Thursday, comparing the Palestinians national poet to Adolf Hitler and threatening the independence of Israels Army Radio station. The controversy erupted after Army Radio, which has been under pressure from right-wing politicians to broadcast more patriotic programming, aired a show about the poetry of Mahmoud Darwish, a revered figure among Palestinians whose work is a staple of school curriculums and is showcased at a signature museum in the West Bank city of Ramallah. The Defense Ministry issued a statement on Thursday saying that Mr. Lieberman had excoriated the commander of the radio station over the show. The statement said that according to this same logic, it would be possible to glorify during a broadcast the literary marvels of Mein Kampf, Hitlers autobiography. Months after Israels conservative culture minister raised hackles by trying to adjust Army Radios playlist, Mr. Lieberman recently assigned a Defense Ministry official to make recommendations on whether the station should continue to operate. The left-leaning Israeli news organization Haaretz reported that Israels attorney general had phoned Mr. Lieberman on Wednesday night to remind him he has no authority to intervene in Army Radios programming. Mr. Lieberman apparently took issue with the inclusion of Mr. Darwishs work in a series on formative Israeli texts, and he told the commander, according to the ministrys statement, that the military stations mission is to strengthen social solidarity and not to widen rifts, and certainly not to hurt public sensitivities. Islamic State fighters holed up in one of the militant groups last major strongholds in northern Syria have 48 hours to leave the city, according to an ultimatum issued by the local military council of the United States-supported Syria Democratic Forces. The two-day window opened after the main Syrian exile opposition group called on the coalition to halt its bombing of militant positions near the city of Manbij after dozens of civilians were reported killed this week in airstrikes by the United States-led coalition. The Syrian Observatory of Human Rights, based in Britain, has reported that more than 100 civilians have died in airstrikes in the area since late May, when militias supported by the United States and its coalition partners in Syria began an offensive to seize Manbij from the Islamic State, also known as ISIS and ISIL. On Tuesday, the observatory reported that airstrikes north of Manbij killed at least 56 civilians, including 11 children. A day before, 21 people were killed in raids in the area also believed to have been conducted by coalition aircraft in Manbij. Last Saturday in Water Mill, N.Y., a pair of fund-raisers brought a more diverse crowd to the East End. At the Hamptons Tea Dance, gay men in tight polo shirts took selfies with Edie Windsor, 87, the same-sex marriage plaintiff. Funds benefited three L.G.B.T. nonprofits. Nearby, Russell and Danny Simmons hosted their annual benefit for the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. Leaders like Suzanne de Passe, Debra Lee and Soledad OBrien were honored by Gayle King, the M.C. for the proceedings. The names of the most venerable and beloved mixed drinks the Old-Fashioned, the Manhattan, the martini are so deeply familiar to bartenders and our patrons, and spoken so often, that we seldom give much thought to their origins. We puzzle more over certain drinks of more recent vintage, the ones that many of us associate with the 1970s and 80s and are embarrassed to utter, and others find so hilarious they just cant say them often enough. Ive never had an intense yearning for a drink made up of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry juice, but out of professional interest, of course Ive had to make, and try, a Sex on the Beach more than once. If thats what a customer wants, thats what he or she will get. My mother was so amused by drinks with risque names that shed make a great production of ordering them especially, Im pretty sure, in my presence. And although the memory of the first time she visited me at a bar where I worked one summer and loudly called for a Slippery Nipple in front of my boss, my co-workers, my regulars still stings a little, Ive long since lightened up about such things. What I havent lightened up about is the difficult art of inventing names for cocktails. Nearly every time I think Ive come up with something new and memorable, I peek in the indexes of my cocktail books or head to Google and discover that its already taken. I try to strike a balance: something dignified, but not too serious. Something distinctive, but not too off-puttingly weird. The Bitter Darling (a rye-based cocktail with clementine juice and a good lashing of bitters) and La Puesta del Sol (a Spanish-inflected aperitif) are two of my favorite coinages. Straightforward stuff. But some braver creators of drink names seem instead to say: dignified, shmignified. Jill Dobias, of the restaurant Joe and Misses Doe in Manhattans East Village, is a madcap master of mixed drinks and their names. She has one named after a guy who made a reservation at the restaurant for a Saturday night and never showed up. She has a tribute to our commander in chief called the Hot Obama. She has a variation on a screwdriver whose name I really cant go into here. Except for her years in college and graduate school, Patrice Fenton always lived in Brooklyn. After receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, she taught at a middle school in Fort Greene. She was living nearby in a two-bedroom rental with her son, Jair, when she met Raid Bey four years ago. He was a barber who worked at the salon where she got her hair cut. Originally from Trinidad, he was renting a one-bedroom in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Soon after they met, Ms. Fenton, a graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia, decided to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Miami. So the three of them moved there, most recently occupying a two-bedroom in a large apartment house for $925 a month. Last December, the family, which now included a daughter, Haile Masani, came home for the holidays. Ms. Fenton, her coursework done, accepted another job at the school where she had worked, Fort Greene Preparatory Academy. While they apartment-hunted, they stayed with Ms. Fentons parents in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Knowing they were priced out of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, they didnt even bother hunting there. Their neighborhood would be nearby either Crown Heights or Bedford-Stuyvesant. Though New York theater has always had a soft spot for Southern eccentrics (paging Tennessee Williams!), the singular, vernacular lyricism of Eudora Welty has seldom been translated to the stage. This year, however, is allowing Welty her curtain calls. Following the Roundabout Theaters recent, exuberant revival of the musical The Robber Bridegroom, based on a Welty fairy tale, comes Eudora Welty Mississippi Stories, opening Thursday, July 28, at the Studio Theater at Theater Row. Presented by Summoners Ensemble Theater in association with the Memphis-based Voices of the South Theater Company, this diptych is based on two of Weltys best-known works, the short story Why I Live at the P.O. and the memoir One Writers Beginnings. Directed by Gloria Baxter, a cast of two will be summoning such classic Welty creations as Sister, Stella-Rondo and Papa Daddy (from P.O.), as well as Welty herself. (Through Aug. 7, theatrerow.org.) But the Columbus of five decades ago has stuck with Mr. Pence, shaping him in ways large and small. His deeply conservative views on social issues from abortion to gay rights were crystallized by his faith-centered childhood and his later conversion to evangelical Christianity. But they also hark back to a Columbus of a less complicated era, where The Republics list of divorce filings and dismissals was perhaps its best-read feature and the police patrolled for teenagers breaking the 11 p.m. curfew. It was a time when the towns minuscule African-American population was cloistered on the poor east side of town and drank at a bar called the Plantation. Abortion and homosexuality were both scandal and mortal sin. Elsewhere in America, there were race riots, war protests, free love and bra burnings. Columbuss 26,500 citizens mostly clucked their tongues and went about their business. I dont remember how many churches there were, but there was one on every street, Fred Armstrong, Columbuss mayor for four terms, from 1996 to 2011, said in an interview. It was just a family-oriented, religious, conservative community, very patriotic. It was a lot different than what it is today, he added. This was where Edward and Nancy Pence, Chicago children of a stockyards worker and a bus driver, settled in 1959, in a modest starter house on Columbuss north side. Early on, Mike Pence has said, he shared a bed with two of his three brothers later, there also were two sisters but that did not last. Edward Pence rose at Kiel Brothers Oil, which ran a chain of 200 gas-and-convenience stores called Tobacco Road. The family moved to a big new split-level in one of the citys better neighborhoods, and the parents plunged into church and social activities. Our No. 2 bottle, the 2013 Redoma Tinto from Niepoort, was another field blend from old-vine vineyards. It was spicy and complex, with a barely detectable note of oak that seemed well integrated. This, too, was one of the more expensive bottles at $48. By contrast, our No. 3 wine, the 2013 Esporao Assobio, was our best value at just $15. It was spicy and smoky with aromas and flavors of dark fruit and wildflowers. Next was the exotic, earthy 2012 Passadouro Touriga Franca, one of only a few varietal wines in our tasting along with the fresh, lightly tannic 2012 Touriga nacional from Delaforce, our No. 6 bottle. One of the more unusual wines in the tasting was No. 5, the 2012 Quinta do Infantado, another field blend. Unlike many of the other bottles, this seemed to have been produced with minimum input from the winemaker. It was simple yet delicious, juicy, fruity and floral, the kind of wine you want to knock back when you are thirsty. I personally would love to find more wines like this from the Douro. Portuguese reds are often cited as great values, but we found the less expensive wines to be inconsistent. Eleven of our 20 bottles were $20 or under, but only five of these bottles made our top 10. Thats actually not bad when you consider that of the nine bottles that cost more than $20, only five made it. If a cheap bottle disappoints you, no loss, but its harder to justify a $45 miss. You probably wont go wrong if you like modern wines that taste primarily of fruit and oak. If you do fall into that category, you can find a lot to like here at prices considerably less than, say, Napa Valley cabernet sauvignons or super Tuscans. DBS, UBS and Standard Chartered have become embroiled in the scandal surrounding 1MDB, with Singapore's central bank saying it had found lapses and weaknesses related to the beleaguered Malaysian wealth fund. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said on Thursday that it found "lapses and weaknesses" in anti-money-laundering controls at the banks' Singapore operations and that it would be taking actions against them. The preliminary investigation found "extensive layers of transactions and subterfuge aimed at disguising the nature of certain activities and fund flows," with shell companies in various jurisdictions used to conceal the funds' true beneficiaries. In May, the MAS also completed a related investigation of BSI Singapore , which resulted in a decision to shut down that private bank, calling it at the time "the worst case of control lapses and gross misconduct that we have seen in the Singapore financial sector." The MAS said the deficiencies at the three banks were related to lapses in specific processes and by individual officers, which would be met by "firm regulatory action," but the central bank added that the inspections didn't find pervasive weakness or staff misconduct, unlike at BSI Bank. UBS said that it self-reported the suspicious transactions and was working with regulators on the matter. Standard Chartered said it took financial crime compliance very seriously and that it reported the suspicious transactions when it discovered them. It added that the bank has strengthened its money-laundering controls. DBS said "egregious financial crime is highly sophisticated and intentionally designed to evade systems and controls," and added that it had previously voluntarily reported some questionable activities to authorities. The Singapore-based bank said it took its anti-money-laundering obligations seriously and would continue to cooperate with regulators and law enforcement. CNBC has contacted Prime Minister Najib Razak's office and 1MDB for fresh comment. Najib previously chaired 1MDB's advisory board during the period when funds allegedly went missing. Story continues The Singapore announcement thickens the plot of the long-running scandal over billions of dollars missing from the Malaysia state fund 1MDB, coming a day after U.S. authorities moved to seize assets tied to the beleaguered fund, including funds related to the film "The Wolf of Wall Street." In the course of Singapore's investigations, bank accounts belonging to various individuals were seized and dealings in properties belonging to some of these individuals have been curtailed, the MAS said. The assets amount in total to S$240 million ($176.82 million), with about S$120 million of that total belonging Low Taek Jho and his immediate family, it said. Low has been a friend of Najib's family, particularly Najib's stepson, Riza Aziz, who was named in the U.S. complaint. In the U.S., prosecutors said they were seeking to seize more than $1 billion of assets tied to an international conspiracy to launder funds funneled away from 1MDB, marking the biggest action ever taken under the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative. In a statement, the Department of Justice said officials at 1MDB, their relatives and other associates diverted more than $3.5 billion from the state funds and laundered it through complex transactions and shell companies with bank accounts in Singapore, Switzerland, Luxembourg and the U.S. The assets the DOJ said were purchased with the laundered funds included high-end real estate and hotels in New York and Los Angeles, a $35 million jet aircraft, artwork by Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet, a stake in EMI Music publishing rights and production of the 2013 film "The Wolf of Wall Street," which ironically was not only about a corrupt stockbroker, but also was banned from playing in Malaysia for being too risque. The film's producer, Red Granite Pictures, was co-founded by Najib's stepson Riza Aziz. Red Granite said in a statement Thursday that to its knowledge, "none of the funding it received four years ago was in any way illegitimate and there is nothing in today's civil lawsuit claiming that Red Granite knew otherwise." "Red Granite continues to cooperate fully with all inquiries and is confident that when the facts come out, it will be clear that Riza Aziz and Red Granite did nothing wrong. Red Granite does not expect the lawsuit which is limited to future proceeds generated by a single film, and which was not filed against Red Granite or any of its employees to impact its day to day operations," the statement said. Riza was named as a "relevant individual" in the complaint, but Najib wasn't named. However, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing a person with direct knowledge of the investigation, that the complaint's 32 references to "Malaysian Official 1," who allegedly received hundreds of millions from 1MDB, were to Najib. After the Singapore announcement, Malaysia's attorney general said that there was no evidence from any law enforcement agency in various jurisdictions showing that funds were appropriated from 1MDB, according to wire reports. The Malaysian attorney general added that there haven't been any criminal charges against any individuals for misappropriating funds from 1MDB, the reports said. Within Singapore, two individuals have been charged with various offenses in cases likely related to 1MDB and several others were still being investigated, the MAS statement said. Switzerland's Financial Market Supervisory Authority (Finma) said on Thursday that it was conducting four other enforcement proceedings in relation to 1MDB, in addition to the one it concluded against BSI Bank. It declined to name the banks until the investigations were concluded. In an April statement, Finma CEO Mark Branson said that the evidence in the 1MDB "points to clear cases of corruption." Prior to the Singapore authorities' announcement, the Malaysian Prime Minister's Office said in a statement on Thursday that the government would fully cooperate with any lawful investigation of Malaysian companies and citizens, but it noted that the country's attorney general had found no crime was committed. "As the Prime Minister has always maintained, if any wrongdoing is proven, the law will be enforced without exception," the statement said. In the wake of the Singapore and U.S. announcements, further plot twists in the 1MDB saga may be on the cards, analysts said. "Now that the U.S. has come out in the open and accused those individuals involved in the laundering of this money, you will see governments around the world, especially countries like the U.K., and Switzerland and Singapore, step up their investigations.and they will connect the activities with the U.S. government," James Chin, director of the Asia Institute at the University of Tasmania, told CNBC's "Capital Connection." Chin focuses on Southeast Asian governance issues. But analysts still don't expect the latest developments to dislodge the grip of Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak from power. "Domestically in Malaysia, the political impact will still be quite minimal," Oh Ei Sun, who was political secretary to Malaysia's Prime Minister's Office from 2009-11, told CNBC. For one, the Malaysian government's inordinate control over the media means many Malaysians won't even hear about the asset seizures in the U.S. "The mainstream media are not even printing this today and then you don't see it in various news bulletins," said Oh, who is currently an adjunct senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. "Unless they really go online, they're hard-pressed to get information about this development." Indeed, the website Malaysian Insider, owned by The Edge Media Group, was shut down earlier this year after the government blocked access to it over its reporting on 1MDB and two of The Edge's other publications were suspended for several months last year. Concerns about the implications of the prime minister's ties to a multi-country criminal investigation aren't likely to dent Najib's ability to rule, analysts said. "In Malaysia, moral authorities, or in general moral obligations, is definitely not a prerequisite in politics," Oh said. "What you have to do in Malaysian politics very often is distribution of resources. For example, how to make sure your supporters will get amply compensated," he said, noting that as long as that's done, "you can still hold on to power for a very long time to come." The Asia Institute's Chin agreed that Najib was likely to keep his hold on power for now. "Unless the prime minister is named directly in one of these charge sheets it will be quite easy for him to deny that he's the recipient of this money," Chin said, noting that global investigators may have faced difficulties getting documentation from Malaysia's central bank. Another problem has prevented political change in Malaysia: fatigue. Despite more than 18 months of 1MDB-related revelations, "people are unable to do anything about it ," Oh said. "This sort of inability to affect change really gets into people's mind and thereby people are sort of desensitized." But the Asia Institute's Chin does expect the political situation to change eventually. "Ultimately, it will unseat him. The issue is the timing," Chin said, noting that Najib's political enemies within his own party have left to form an opposition alliance and it will take time to develop. That means Najib isn't likely to step down in the near future. For its part, 1MDB said in a statement Thursday, prior to the Singapore announcement, that it wasn't a party to the U.S. civil suit, didn't have any assets in the U.S. and didn't benefit from the transactions described in the U.S. complaint. It added that it wasn't contacted by the U.S. authorities in relation to the investigation, but it stood ready to cooperate with any foreign lawful authority. Singapore authorities also said on Thursday that they found "substantial breaches" of money-laundering regulations at Falcon Private Bank's Singapore branch. That included a failure to assess irregularities in customers' accounts and a failure to file suspicious transaction reports. The MAS said the investigation of Falcon PBS was continuing as some key client relationships were handled from the bank's head office in Switzerland. Falcon PBS is owned by Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund International Petroleum Investment Co., or IPIC. Earlier this year, IPIC and its subsidiary Aabar Investments PJS, said that they never received $3.5 billion in payments from 1MDB, which were related to a guarantee for a bond that was placed by Goldman Sachs. Instead, the payments appear to have been sent to a nearly identically named firm registered in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Aabar Investments PJS Ltd. and Swiss authorities said at the time they believed the funds flowed in part to "a company related to the motion picture industry." IPIC and 1MDB reportedly have entered arbitration to resolve the disputed payment. Falcon Private Bank said that it remains in full cooperation with authorities and that it will comment further when investigations are complete. Questions about movement of funds from 1MDB gained attention around a year ago, when the Wall Street Journal reported that in 2013 nearly $700 million had flowed from the fund to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak's personal bank account. Najib has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and, under pressure from the outcry caused by the WSJ report, said the funds were a private donation from a Middle Eastern country he declined to name. He has denied benefiting personally from any of the funds. In January, Malaysia's Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali said that Saudi Arabia's royal family gave Najib a $681 million gift, of which Apandi said about $600 million was later returned. Apandi said that no criminal offense had been committed. But globally, investigations into 1MDB in locales as varied as U.S., Switzerland, Singapore and the Seychelles have continued. In addition to 1MDB funds allegedly flowing into the film production company founded by Najib's stepson Riza, the WSJ has also reported tha Riza used at least $50 million from 1MDB to purchase luxury properties in London, Los Angeles and New York. Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. By CNBC.Com's Leslie Shaffer; Follow her on Twitter @LeslieShaffer1 More From CNBC With a mayor who loves his beer and a City Council willing to remove regulatory hurdles, Anaheim has tapped into the popular craft beer scene, opening more breweries in two years than any other Orange County community. Some of the top brewing talent has set up headquarters in town, earning the city a reputation as a rising Southern California craft beer destination. They are creating world-class beer in Anaheim, said Nicholas Gingold, author of California BrewMasters, a book that delves into the states iconic brewers. Noble Ale Works just won best small brewery in the World Beer Festival, the Bruery Terreux is well-respected. Theres a growing beer tourism scene. Mayor Tom Tait saw how the craft brewing industry enhanced the image of Portland, Ore., Denver and San Diego and said he wanted to tap into that business opportunity and the camaraderie in the community it creates. But he knew the city could stymie beer craftsmen and artisans whose dreams, he said, easily get squashed if a city has a complex or costly process for opening. He made it one of his initiatives to revamp City Halls permitting process. I thought no one has taken that space in the Southern California basin so why dont we take it? Tait said. I like what it does to a community. It brings people together, creates a social network and social infrastructure. Brew City is what the mayor envisions: A place Southern Californians pour into for craft beer events and brewery tours. What the wine industry did for Napa, craft breweries can do for Anaheim, Tait said. This is something that goes back to our founding fathers. In the mid-1800s, German settlers who werent finding the American Dream in San Francisco pooled their meager savings to buy land in what was then the Santa Ana region with ambitious plans for the largest vineyard in the world. But grapevines take time to mature. Meanwhile, those early Anaheim settlers opened breweries, waiting and drinking while their vineyards grew, said Greg Gerovac, co-owner of the Anaheim Brewery and a member of the Anaheim Historical Society. Theres an old saying in the industry, It takes a lot of good beer to make good wine, said Gerovac, who named his brewery after one of the first that opened in 1870. Beer is such an important part of these Germans lives. There were at least three breweries in downtown. A flood and grapevine disease doomed the citys flourishing wine industry in the late 1800s. Prohibition decimated the breweries in the 1920s. Though America was drinking again, only a few breweries were open in Anaheim when the mayor announced his initiative in 2014. Today, 10 are operating, with more in the works. Its a vibrant and exciting brewing culture here, said Victor Novak, brewmaster at Golden Road Brewing, a successful Los Angeles brewery that recently opened a tasting room across from Angel Stadium. Were all friends. We all help each other out. New Era of Beer Anaheims initiative to lure brew makers isnt just the mayors attempt to attract a trendy new business. Breweries helps fill industrial spaces and bring in more small businesses, jobs and taxes, said Tom McCormick, executive director of the nonprofit California Craft Brewers Guild. Golden Road opened in a former door and window factory. Unsung Brewing Co. is opening in the Packing Districts Make Building, once a marmalade factory and later a radiator shop. A much larger trend is also at work, highlighting consumers changing tastes in food and drinks. Specialty and local stores are in. People are shying away from food and beverages made by large corporations. They want to know where their food and beer comes from and have different selections, McCormick said I remember in the 1980s people were calling it a fad, McCormick said of craft beer. They all said this was a flash in the pan. But, 30-plus years later, its still here. This is the new era of beer in America. Craft brewing is 12 percent or $22 billion of total beer sales in the nation and has been steadily growing the past several years. More than 1,800 breweries have opened nationwide since 2012, according to the Brewers Association. McCormick said California has the most breweries in the nation, with 700, and that Anaheim is the latest city seeing an uptick of brewery openings. They are everywhere, McCormick said. In little towns from the Sierra foothills, Eureka, Kernville, Modesto, Stockton to San Diego. These are really the perfect small business, he said. These small breweries treat their employees very well, are clean and bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. Why Anaheim? With the tens of millions of tourists brought in by Disneyland, the Convention Center, the Angels and the Ducks, along with the citys large population, Anaheim is ideal as a craft beer destination, said Mike Crea, owner and brewmaster of Unsung Brewing, slated to open in August. Crea said this second location for Unsung Brewing will offer a tasting room that Tustin wouldnt allow. The mayor has made it very welcoming for us to come here, Crea said. Tait makes the rounds of brewing blogs and beer festivals, heralding Anaheims welcome mat for brewers. Two city employees help brewers with the permitting process. Except for the largest tasting rooms, the city has eliminated the need for a conditional use permit, cutting out the time it takes to notify the surrounding property owners and stand in front of the Planning Commission. Tait lobbied county officials to have the states Department of Public Health, not the countys environmental health division, oversee the opening process. The county treats breweries as restaurants and inspections can take up to three months. Novak said a large facility available near Angel Stadium and the citys streamlined process made it easier for Golden Road to open last November. Patrick Rue, founder of Bruery Terreux and president of the Orange County Brewers Guild, chose an industrial lot in the eastern part of Anaheim to open a sour beer tasting room and brewing facility. A lot of cities dont understand what we do, so we have to jump through a lot of hoops to open, he said. Anaheim is really supportive of having brewers. The planning officials cared about what we were doing. Gerovac opened Anaheim Brewery in 2011 before the mayors changes, a process he said took a lot longer than what he is seeing newcomers go through. This is an important part of Anaheim, Gerovac said. This is community space in the vein of the old breweries, tap rooms and saloons of old Anaheim where people came in, met, and had conversations No one goes to Napa just to go to one winery, he said. Were all fans of each others beers. We are more colleagues than competitors. Contact the writer: 714-796-2443 or jpimentel@ocregister.com A man suspected of robbing a Fountain Valley bank and causing bomb scare was arrested Wednesday at a Santa Ana motel. Detectives and FBI agents arrested Scott Martin Richetts, 50, of Santa Ana on suspicion of bank robbery, making a bomb threat and a probation violation, according to the Fountain Valley Police Department. Police allege that shortly after 3:45 p.m. on Monday, Richetts walked into a Bank of America branch at 16192 Harbor Blvd., grabbed a tellers hand and demanded money. The teller handed over about $500, police said. As the robber fled, authorities said he told the teller that he had a bomb in his backpack, which he left behind. Members of the Orange County Sheriffs Department bomb squad inspected the backpack, but no explosives were found. Police say a tip led them to identify Richetts as the suspected robber. They tracked him down to a Santa Ana motel and took him into custody as he exited a room Wednesday morning. His bail was set at $50,000. Contact the writer: semery@ocregister.com FULLERTON The family of a 19-year-old man who died after being shot by at least one undercover California Highway Patrol officer in Fullerton has filed a claim against the law enforcement agency. The claim, filed Tuesday, says the officers were unjustified when they shot at a red Chevrolet Silverado driven by Pedro Villanueva on July 3, killing the Pacoima resident and injuring a friend, Francisco Orozco, who was in the passenger seat. The claim did not specify how much money the family wants for damages. Submitting a claim is a legal requirement before a lawsuit can be filed against a public agency. But the claim and an eventual lawsuit could also help change a CHP policy that allows officers to shoot at vehicles they perceive as being used as deadly weapons, said Paul Kiesel, the attorney representing Villanuevas family. One of the goals, Kiesel said in an interview Wednesday, is to change the policy so officers arent firing at a vehicle when the occupants of the vehicle pose no threat. CHP officials did not return calls for comment. The night Villanueva died, he and Orozco were in Santa Fe Springs hanging out at a so-called sideshow, where mostly young people get together in a parking lot to check out one anothers cars and perform doughnuts, or burnouts. CHP officers were conducting an undercover operation that night targeting street racers, the claim says. For unknown reasons, when Villanueva and Orozco left the sideshow, the undercover officers followed them in a black, unmarked car. The two friends got lost on side streets, Kiesel said, and ended up in a residential neighborhood. After coming to a dead end, Villanueva made a U-turn just before 11 p.m. July 3. According to police, officers tried to stop the truck but it U-turned and drove directly into the path of the officers, prompting the shooting. They never once used a siren, a loud speaker or provided any warning whatsoever before they started shooting, Orozco said in a statement. They never identified themselves as law enforcement until after they stopped shooting. In the claim, Kiesel, who filed it on behalf of Villanuevas parents, said that Villanueva and Orozco had no way of knowing they were being followed by law enforcement. Villanueva was driving through the neighborhood at 2 to 4 mph when the shooting first occurred, the attorney said. Its literally unexplainable why these two teenagers were shot, he said. There is no rational explanation. Kiesel on Tuesday also filed a claim on behalf of Orozco, 18, who recently had surgery on his elbow and is in a cast. The Orange County District Attorneys Office is investigating whether criminal charges should be filed against the officers, which is standard practice in officer-involved shootings. The mom is visibly distraught, the lawyer said. This was a nice boy, a good kid. This is the last thing they would expect to happen. Contact the writer: 714-796-6979 or chaire@ocregister.com WASHINGTON The rush to indict Hillary Clinton and the Obama administration from the stage of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night produced exaggerations and partial truths. A look at some of the claims and how they compare with the facts: INDIANA GOV. MIKE PENCE, Trumps choice for vice president: It was Hillary Clinton who left Americans in harms way in Benghazi and after four Americans fell, said: What difference, at this point, does it make? TEXAS SEN. TED CRUZ: Theirs is the party that responds to the death of Americans at Benghazi by asking, What difference does it make? THE FACTS: He was talking about Clinton, but at no point has she said or even implied that it makes no difference whether Americans died in the Benghazi attacks. Clintons well-known quote came at a January 2013 Senate hearing when she was pressed about the motive for the attack that killed four Americans, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens. Her point was that it was less important to understand the reason for the attack than in knowing what to do about it. Republicans have persistently criticized the Obama administration for initially and wrongly blaming the attack on an anti-U.S. protest. Clinton fuller remarks on that subject from the hearing: With all due respect, the fact is we had four dead Americans. Was it because of a protest or was it because of guys out for a walk one night who decided that theyd they go kill some Americans? What difference at this point does it make? It is our job to figure out what happened and do everything we can to prevent it from ever happening again, senator. She went on: It is, from my perspective, less important today looking backwards as to why these militants decided they did it than to find them and bring them to justice, and then maybe well figure out what was going on in the meantime. Whether Clinton as secretary of state acted properly in that crisis is a matter of enduring debate. But she was not, as Cruz suggested, cold about the fact that Americans died. NEWT GINGRICH, former House speaker: Iran the worlds leading sponsor of terrorism is close to having nuclear weapons. THE FACTS: Its not as close at it had been before a nuclear pact completed a year ago between Iran and world powers. The deal suspends oil, trade and financial sanctions in return for Iran rolling back its nuclear program. Before the deal, Iran was just a few months away from having enough weapons-grade uranium to build 10 to 12 nuclear weapons, according to the U.S. government. Now, if Iran were to race toward an atomic weapon, the Obama administration and most independent experts say it would need at least a year, which they say would be enough time to discover the effort and intervene. GINGRICH: So when you hear about Hillarys dishonesty, or the emails, or taking millions from the Saudis and other Middle Eastern dictatorships remember, this is not about politics. THE FACTS: Clinton was not personally paid for making any speeches in Saudi Arabia or other Mideast nations. Instead, it was the Clinton Foundation, the family charity that she briefly headed after leaving the State Department, that received millions in donations from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and several other Mideast nations. Most of those donations were made before she took a leadership role in the charity after stepping down as secretary of state in 2013. Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, was personally paid $300,000 each for speeches to two companies in Saudi Arabia and $600,000 for a speech sponsored by a UAE government initiative. CRUZ: There is a better vision for our future: A return to freedom. On health care, your freedom to choose your own doctor, without Obamacare. THE FACTS: Without Obamacare or some replacement, millions of people would lose health insurance, which could make it tough for them to choose a doctor. About 20 million people have gained health insurance since the law passed, and experts attribute most of that to the law. GINGRICH: The terrorism danger to the United States is even worse than September 11th, when 19 hijackers murdered almost 3,000 Americans. THE FACTS: Such an assertion fits the GOP conventions theme of raising fears about the nations current political leadership, but its a stretch to say the danger has escalated since the 9/11 attacks. Terrorist groups such as the Islamic State have exploited social media to promote sudden and frightening acts of violence, and some mass killers in the last year have publicly espoused radical ideology. But in the last 15 years the nation has spent massively on new security systems. The FBI has reinvented itself into a terrorism-fighting agency, securing surveillance powers that have diminished the likelihood of a coordinated attack in multiple cities. The FBI says its tracking roughly 1,000 people it views as having terrorist aspirations. And airline security measures have made it much tougher to hijack planes. FLORIDA GOV. RICK SCOTT: Weve allowed our military to decay, and we project weakness on the international stage. THE FACTS: The U.S. continues to have the most powerful military in the world. Although defense spending has declined with the end of the war in Iraq and the drawdown of NATO forces in Afghanistan, in 2015 the United States still spent nearly $600 billion on its armed forces more than the spending by the next seven biggest-spending nations combined. China, the second-biggest spender, has a defense budget less than a third of the Pentagons. Associated Press writers Stephen Braun, Deb Riechmann, Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar and Eric Tucker contributed to this report. Alameda County on Tuesday became the first Bay Area county to ban fracking. A coalition of environmental groups had worked for more than two years to persuade county leaders to ban fracking and other high intensity oil recovery practices to protect against pollution of local groundwater. The Board of Supervisors approved the ban 5-0. Fracking uses pressurized water and chemicals to fracture tight underground formations to get at petroleum. While no companies frack in Alameda County, groups such as Food and Water Watch, the Sierra Club and others say they want to prevent the practice from taking hold in Livermore Valley where it could threaten wine grape vineyards and tourism. About 20 people waited for more than four hours through a Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday to voice their support for a ban. Its the only way to protect our environment from the destructive effects of fracking, said Kiana Tsao of the Sierra Club. Alameda County is a community, not just a commodity for the oil industry. Some property owners and representatives of drilling rights owners oppose a ban, arguing a ban amounts to an illegal taking of their property rights. The only oil driller in Alameda County E&B Natural Resources in Livermore has said it could live with the proposed ban after it was modified earlier this year to soften sections the company said could disrupt its 30-barrel-a-day operation. Amy Roth, a spokeswoman for E&B, said Tuesday her company has not fracked at the site. Alameda Countys ordinance is part of a grass-roots strategy by environmentalists to seek bans one county at a time after Gov. Jerry Brown said he opposes a statewide fracking ban in oil-rich California. Environmentalists also are working on drawing up a ban in Santa Clara County. Voters in Monterey County the states fourth largest oil producing county will vote on a fracking ban on the November ballot. Santa Cruz and San Benito counties already have fracking bans. PARIS Frances government pushed through Parliament a controversial overhaul of the countrys labor law on Wednesday, the last step of a lengthy legislative process that has split President Francois Hollandes Socialist Party less than a year before presidential and legislative elections. The law, which eases rules for firing, hiring and setting work hours, has been one of the most hotly debated measures of Hollandes term, which began in 2012. For months, angry protesters took to the streets of Paris and other cities for occasionally violent demonstrations against the proposal. Recent polls show that 70 percent of the public opposes the overhaul. Its proponents say it is essential to reduce stubbornly high unemployment and to make the economy more competitive. France is still reeling from last weeks terrorist attack in Nice, which turned attention away from action on the labor measure. The government pushed the bill through the National Assembly, Parliaments lower house, without a vote, because opposition from rebel Socialist lawmakers meant it did not have a clear majority. It was the third time the government had bypassed lawmakers to advance the law, by invoking a special constitutional provision. That provision allows lawmakers to protest by filing a no-confidence motion in the government within 24 hours, but the measure is expected to pass officially on Thursday afternoon. It was not the only economic measure adopted through the constitutional provision, which is supposed to be used sparingly: Last year, it was used to adopt measures that opened up certain professions to competition and allowed stores in major tourist areas to open on Sundays. Opponents of the labor law overhaul argue that it weakens hard-won worker protections and dispute the notion that it will help jump-start economic growth. Although the government watered down some of the measures removing, for instance, a mechanism to cap payouts to dismissed workers it never backed down to pressure from those who wanted the bill scrapped entirely. The Sound of Music is one of Rodgers & Hammersteins most revered shows, and its heroes, the Von Trapp family, face real dangers not present in the duos other musicals. Its also one of the most sentimental, though you wouldnt know it from watching the first act of the newest North American production, at Segerstrom Center for the Arts through the end of this month. Tony Award-winning director Jack OBrien keeps the tone less mawkish, more lightly humorous, from the opening, when Maria (Kerstin Anderson) sings the soaring title song, through the end of Act One, when the Mother Abbess (Melody Betts) advises Maria, in song, to Climb Evry Mountain. Of course, at some point, the material in the Howard Lindsay-Russel Crouse book must be taken seriously. That point is near the top of Act Two, when Elsa (Teri Hansen) and Max (Merwin Foard) sing No Way to Stop It. Theyre warning Captain Von Trapp (Ben Davis) that now that Germany has annexed his beloved Austria, the Nazis will be in charge. Unlike the first half, Act Two is a lot less about music and a lot more about hard personal choices dictated by harsh political realities. The ugly truths drive Elsa and Von Trapp apart, opening the door for his love for Maria to surface, and the threats posed by Nazi forces only solidify the new Von Trapp family, with Maria as wife and mom. OBrien and company certainly dont disappoint, and what befalls the family is tense and dramatic, driving them to plot their escape over the mountains Maria has always loved. Anderson brings a wholesome, fresh-scrubbed look to Maria, though her gestures and body language often are a little too contemporary. Shes a pure, dignified soul, wild only in the context of Nonnberg Abbey or Captain Von Trapps inbred naval discipline. Anderson also shows Marias impish side, her pluck born of her love for singing, a talent she cant repress. Davis creates a fine contrast, his brittle Von Trapp a young-looking widower hardened and turned joyless by life, but also with reserves of inner strength that emerge gradually. Davis and Anderson have many lovely moments together, making it clear their characters worship the children. Von Trapps efforts to make up for lost time with his kids is heartwarming, and OBriens seven young actors live up to their roles, adorable and funny at the right moments. Especially good is Paige Silvester, her Liesl an ingenuous teen on the cusp of becoming a young lady. Anderson and Silvester create a palpable bond as Liesl quickly realizes she has an ally in the often cheeky Maria. Teri Hansens Elsa is elegant, but also matronly, which is to the roles detriment. More on the money is Foards Max, devoted to minimal exertion and bent on surviving by going whichever way the wind is blowing. Both deliver fine, operatic vocals. Dan Tracys Rolf is almost nonchalant with Liesl and edges toward being a teen punk or, in Von Trapps word for the Nazis, a swine. Betts Mother Abbess dispenses loving wisdom to Maria, and Brent Schindele is memorable in the small role of the despicably nasty, unyielding local head of the Nazi party. The shows focal musical numbers are direct extensions of the productions often unusual characterizations for example, Tracy and Silvesters rendition of Sixteen Going on Seventeen is more 2010s knowing than 30s (or 50s) sweet. Despite this, every key song My Favorite Things, The Lonely Goatherd, So Long, Farewell, Edelweiss is endearing, creating an instant emotional glow. Danny Meffords choreography plays a huge role here. Every move feels right, and the dance scenes are smoothly integrated into the storys action. The leads vocal skills are nearly flawless. Andersons singing has an unadorned, no-frills purity, avoiding any cliched musical theater sound. Davis baritone is absolutely stunning. The Sound of Music is joyous, humorous, stirring and always endearing terms that apply to the staging on hand in Costa Mesa. Contact the writer: emarchesewriter@gmail.com The elephant in the room at this mornings California delegation breakfast was, of course, Sen. Ted Cruzs refusal on the convention podium last night to endorse his partys nominee, Donald Trump. Cruz was roundly booed when it became clear he wasnt announcing his support for Trump. While analysts are trying to figure out whether Cruzs reservations are shared by significant numbers of Republican voters, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, pushed the case that Cruz represents an inconsequential minority. He was about the only one in the room that didnt know that this was the party of unity, Issa said while signing his new book, Watchdog, during the breakfast. Issa returned to that theme when he took the stage to address the state delegation a few minutes later. Last night, we made it clear to those who are not on the train that we are not stopping until we get to the station in November, said Issa, best known for his attacks on the Obama Administration while chairman of the House Oversight Committee. California delegates also heard this morning from a rising GOP star, first-term Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, who spoke at the convention on Monday. The 39-year old is a Harvard-educated lawyer who took a break from his profession to be an Army platoon leader in Afghanistan and Iraq. He made no direct references to Cruz, focusing instead on what it will take to beat Hillary Clinton. Its going to be a close election we know that, he said. Weve heard a lot about unity, but its not enough. We have to appeal to the independents and the moderate Democrats who disaffected and disappointed by eight years of Barack Obamas failures. ANAHEIM Melissa Ybarra Gonzalez reached for an impulse buy Wednesday morning while waiting in checkout line No. 7 at Northgate Gonzalez. Unlike the other lanes, there were no freshly made Mexican pastries, gummy candies or sodas. Her choices included bananas, cashews, baked green peas and Kind bars. She grabbed a cold bottle of Fiji water from Northgates first healthy checkout aisle in Orange County. Its hot and I could use something to quench my thirst, said Gonzalez, 31, of La Jolla. On Wednesday, Northgate Gonzalez Markets opened its 14th Orange County store, on Lincoln Avenue in Anaheim, and debuted a mostly sugar-free checkout lane after testing the concept at a store in South Los Angeles since May. The company plans to spread the program to all 41 of its Southern California stores. The healthy checkout aisle is advertised by a large bilingual sign overhead and smaller displays that say, Botanas Saludables/Healthier Snacks. Shoppers can reach into a basket for a fresh nectarine or apple or pick up single servings of oatmeal, vegetarian jerky and multigrain crackers made by Bimbo, the Mexican bakery company. Beverages include almond milk and coconut water. The aisle does include some indulgences, such as premium organic chocolate. Our message is healthier your way, said Teresa Blanco, Northgates wellness manager. You gotta start with making small choices in life. Some consumer health advocates have said that with an average 3 1/2- to five-minute wait in a grocery store line, shoppers are particularly susceptible to buying what they see, whether because of pleas from their kids or because of the decision fatigue that sets in after shopping from a list. Retailers ranging from Wal-Mart to Aldi have begun offering healthier choices at checkout. For Northgate, the change is driven by the health needs of its Latino customer base. In Orange County, diabetes is the fifth-leading cause of death among Latinos and only 56 percent of Latino ninth-graders have a healthy body weight, according to a 2014 report by the countys Health Care Agency. Miguel Gonzalez, co-CEO of Northgate, said the revamped aisle was the first thing he checked before a Tuesday night reception to celebrate the new store. We need to provide an option for our customers thats not only candy, he said. Were trying to make it really easy for them and not overcharge them. Omar Osornio, director of business development at CareMore, a Cerritos-based Medicare Advantage plan, works with Northgate to put on healthy cooking demonstrations. He said lack of access to nutritional food is a barrier to health, particularly for low-income Latino seniors. You can provide excellent health care but then what they do at home really hurts them because they dont have the means, he said. The tortillas are bad. The lard is bad. All the fried stuff. Osornio said he was glad to see the variety of choices in the new aisle. A lot of the items there I buy for my kids, but I only find them at Trader Joes or Sprouts, Osornio said. I was disappointed that it was just one cashier, but its a start. Although customers shopping Wednesday said they ended up in the healthy checkout aisle because it had the shortest wait, they praised the idea. Its very good for health to include fruits, vegetables and water, said Rosa Vargas, 49, of Anaheim. Contact the writer: cperkes@ocregister.com 714-796-3686 At first glance, the giant art installation thats part of this years OC Fair looks like a bunch of videos of a bunch of strangers. Then you realize its video of the people standing around you. We Are One is a giant cube-shaped art project in the center of the Visual Arts building. Judging by the giggles of delight from kids and adults alike, the evolving artwork is a hit with fairgoers. Visitors step inside the big cube and have a short video made of them. Then they step back out and see their faces projected larger than life on the angled panels of the cube. Its been insane, said John Mastri of the reactions to his project. Obviously, kids love it, but I would say adults love it just as much. Its kind of like a living sculpture. Mastri, of Costa Mesa, works in projection mapping, in which images are projected onto a surface. But unlike with a flat movie screen, projection mapping involves non-flat or angled surfaces. The touch screen in We Are One is simple, and kids can choose an option that lowers the camera to their height. A short video is recorded, then projected on the outside. The result is a patchwork quilt of people making goofy faces, smiling, laughing, kissing. I think it really does bring people together when people experience something new at the same time, Mastri said. They gather around and the excitement grows and grows. You might have seen Mastris work before. He designed an interactive touchscreen soda machine for Coca-Cola that traveled to the Beijing Olymipics before making it back to Orange County at the Outlets at Orange. He did a guerrilla-style projection mapping project in Costa Mesa last Christmas at the corner of West 17th Street and Superior Avenue. People sending selfies using the hashtag #christamesa could see their photos projected against a building and morphed into an ornament on a three-story Christmas tree projection. The artist part of me wants to do something more human and more relatable, he said. Its one thing to have something to look at, but its a different thing to have something to be a part of. It also fits perfectly with the fairs 2016 theme: Put Your Fair Face On. Were participating in performance art, said Lisa Mansour of Chino, after she and her daughter Sarah emerged from We Are One. (Its a) short amount of time, and you take a picture of yourself acting silly and everybody gets their, what, five seconds of fame, she said. First of all, (people) are like, What is it? said Stephen Anderson, Visual Arts coordinator for this years fair. Then, they just love it. Plus, it just, too, with all the politics and stuff thats going on in the world, its just kind of a nice thing, he added. You can see all ages, culture, ethnicities, everybody on there kind of are in this one grid. Contact the writer: aboessenkool@ocregister.com FULLERTON Trial began Thursday for a Santa Ana man accused of chasing down and stabbing a homeless man to death over a $50 debt and then fleeing to Mexico to avoid prosecution. Jurors must decide whether Mario Alberto Rodriguez murdered 26-year-old Paul Anthony Garcia over the unpaid debt during a March 9, 2013 confrontation, or whether Rodriguez, 26, was acting in self-defense, attorneys said during opening statements in a Fullerton courtroom. It was all about the money, Deputy District Attorney Jim Mendelson told jurors while making his case that Rodriguez was responsible for Garcias death. Defendant Rodriguez stabbed a human being in the heart, fatally wounding him, and it was about money. Lee Gabriel, Rodriguezs attorney, told the jury while his client was angry about the debt, it was Garcia who first pulled out a weapon. When Mr. Garcia takes out a knife, Mr. Rodriguez is entitled to defend himself, Gabriel said. Garcia, a transient who frequented the Santa Ana neighborhood where Rodriguez and his family lived, had sold Rodriguez an EBT card the homeless man said had $200 remaining, but had actually been cashed out, Gabriel said. On the day of the confrontation, Rodriguez, his father and his sisters boyfriend, were standing outside their home in the 200 block of St. Andrew Place shortly after noon when they saw Garcia walk by. Mendelson told jurors that upon seeing Garcia, the elder Rodriguez said to his son, there goes the guy who owes you money, at which point Garcia began running away. Security cameras show Garcia running through a bank parking lot and across busy South Main Street, dodging cars as the three men chased after him. They ran into El Chile Picante, where employees reported seeing Mario Rodriguez try to pull Garcia out of a booth, before being told to take it outside. Garcia left the restaurant, with surveillance footage showing him being chased by Rodriguez back across Main Street and into a fenced-in parking lot behind a tax business. Employees reported seeing the two men argue and Rodriguez strike Garcia, but the actual stabbing apparently took place out of their view, attorneys said. Garcia left the parking lot and crossed back over Main Street before collapsing outside of a Zumba studio. The three men left before authorities arrived. Paramedics took Garcia to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead from a single stab wound to the heart. After the confrontation, Rodriguez left for Mexico, then returned several days later. By that time, police had released a surveillance photo of Rodriguez and Garcia from inside of the restaurant. Mendelson said the release of the photo to the media resulted in Rodriguez and his family leaving Santa Ana for good, traveling back to Mexico. Shortly after the incident, the sisters boyfriend, Pablo Sanchez, turned himself in to police and was arrested on suspicion of being an accessory after the fact. He has agreed to testify against Rodriguez in exchange for reduced charges. Mario Rodriguez and his father, Rigoberto, were arrested in Mexico in June 2013. Mario Rodriguez was extradited to the United States while Rigoberto Rodriguez, a Mexican national, remained in Mexico. If convicted, Mario Rodriguez faces the prospect of life in prison. The trial will continue through next week in the Fullerton courtroom of Orange County Superior Court Judge Michael A. Leversen. Contact the writer: semery@ocregister.com Your arms feel like noodles, your hair and skin are salty, the morning surf session has your stomach growling and youre ready to chow down. Or maybe youve never braved the waves, but with the U.S. Open of Surfing gearing up Saturday July 23 through July 31 in Huntington Beach youre feeling the vibe. You want to know the hot spots and maybe even get up close to pro surfers hanging out downtown. In Surf City, theres no shortage of surf grinds: some are long-standing fixtures where surfers have been gathering for decades, others are new favorites quickly gaining traction as go-to spots. Related: Our picks on where to eat and drink in Huntington Beach during the surf event Here are places to find tasty grub geared to surfers appetites. Some are some owned and operated by wave riders themselves. Wahoos Fish Taco Back in the 80s, when Wing Lam began hatching a plan to open a casual restaurant that catered to surfers like himself, there were two places adventurers traveled in search of epic waves: Baja and Hawaii. The then 27-year-old drew inspiration from those destinations, creating a hybrid menu with items similar to the lunch plates found in Hawaii, plus a south-of-the border spin on tacos and other Mexican fare. In 1988, when the first Wahoos opened in Costa Mesa, he was a trailblazer, marketing to the surf crowd. Its a place for them to hang out, they dont have to get dressed up, their hair is still wet and they are in the flip-flops, said Lam, now 55. And its healthy. He opened up the downtown Huntington restaurant in 1992. Now there are more than 60 locations in seven states and one in Tokyo. Lam, who can be found out in the water off West Newport, where he lives, has a simple favorite after his surf sessions. What to eat: Taco combos are $4.49-$7.99. Where: 120 Main St.; 714-536-2050, wahoos.com North Shore Poke Co. Seal Beach surfer Shawn Gole fell in love with Hawaii during his four-year stint with the Coast Guard, and when he returned to his home in Orange County a few years ago, he had a vision for a new kind of restaurant focusing solely on poke. Since Gole opened Huntingtons North Shore Poke Co. in 2012, theres been a poke explosion around O.C. but he was the first to focus on the marinated raw fish. The cool, seasoned cubes of raw ahi tuna at North Shore Poke Co. are a favorite for pro surfer Dane Gudauskas, who will be a commentator for the event while his two brothers compete. Thats my favorite little gem, he said of the small, casual poke shop. I think its just super light, refreshing. Its power food that keeps you rocking for the rest of the day. Gole found inspiration from his days in Hawaii to name menu items. The poke plate Pipeline, named after the bombing break Banzai Pipeline on Oahus North Shore, has a light, tangy marinade and is topped with sesame seeds and green onions. The Waimea, also a world-famous break on the North Shore, is slathered with a creamy mayo-based sauce. Every memory you have of Hawaii is amazing, and any time you can get the island flow in your day, it makes you feel good, Gudauskas said. Gole has validation that his poke is authentic, even from the toughest critics from the islands who were judges at the annual I Love Poke challenge last year in Huntington Beach. He took home first prize after going up against other well-known poke makers around Orange County. What to eat: Poke bowls are $8.99-$10.99. Where: 214 Fifth St.; 714-465-9011, northshorepokeco.com Sessions West Coast Deli When Sessions West Coast Deli chef Max Schlutz gets out of the water whether its after surfing in West Newport or bodysurfing the Wedge his favorite nosh is El Cubano, a hefty roasted pork sandwich with smoked ham, Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, onions and other fixings piled high. It makes the whole trek in the water worth it for me, he said of the sandwich from his shops menu. If you take the time to get in the water and you put out the effort and burn the calories, you get to reward yourself. When Sessions opened in Newport Beach, it was the vision of three surfers Schlutz, Matt Meddock and Beckham Thomas to open a community-based restaurant to satisfy the hunger of patrons with an active, action-sports lifestyle. I think the more you pay homage to where youre from, theyll support you, Schlutz said of the local surfers, snowboarders and skaters who frequent the shop, which opened a second location in downtown Huntington Beach during last years U.S. Open of Surfing. On the menu: There are plenty of menu items that honor the action-sports world. Theres the most popular, the Summer Zephyr, named after the gritty crew of Dogtown and Z-Boys from the 70s who brought an edgy surf style to skating. The sandwich is a take on a Caprese, with marinated tomato, baby arugula, mozzarella, basil aioli and pickled red onion, a vegetarian treat that can be made meaty by adding turkey or chicken. The Pirate Coast creation is a white albacore tuna sandwich with a jalpeno dill dressing, a modified recipe from Schlutzs grandmother and named after a stand-up paddleboard company based in Newport Harbor. The most popular salad is the Wedge Legend, a bumped-up version of a classic salad. The Sessions version has both bacon and chicken but with an added tang from goat cheese topping and a horseradish dressing tempered with balsamic vinager. It packs a punch just like the world-famous Wedge in Newport. Secret menu: Theres a secret menu item called Geno, named after bodysurfer Gene Peterson, who died after an accident while surfing the Wedge. Schlutz consulted with his family to find out his favorite sandwich: turkey, bacon and avocado. So Schlutz made a version that has bacon jam and habanero sauce, topped with guacamole and cherry peppers, served on a French roll. Breakfast: In January, Sessions launched an extended breakfast menu for the dawn patrollers (early morning surfers). The No. 1 seller is the Wake and Bake: smoked bacon or breakfast sausage, jalapeno jack cheese, scrambled eggs, cilantro cream cheese spread, jalapeno and homemade guacamole. What to eat: Sandwiches are $7-$12. Where: 414 Pacific Coast Highway; 714-594-3899, sessionswcd.com Dukes This restaurant is named after Hawaiian surf legend and Olympic swimming champion Duke Kahanamoku, who helped popularize surfing in Southern California. The location doesnt get any better, with a view of the pier and ocean. Inside, the setting is filled with tiki and Hawaiian decor. Youll find island-style offerings like crab and macadamia nut wontons or Tahitian shrimp on the appetizer menu, and the restaurant is known for its seafood dishes like the grilled island-style fish, made with guava pineapple relish and served with bok choy stir fry and rice. For something a bit more casual, Dukes offers Baja fresh fish tacos, grilled or beer-battered. Show up on a Sunday morning, and you can get a brunch that includes live Hawaiian music, and grab a lei for sale as a souvenir. Dukes is a bit more upscale than many of the other surf-inspired spots around town, but an option for a night out after a long day at the U.S. Open of Surfing. Brunch mega-buffet on weekends, too. Lunch: $8-$17. Sunday brunch: $29 adults, $12 kids. Dinner entrees: $19.99-$44. Where: 317 Pacific Coast Highway; 714-374-6446, dukeshuntington.com Sugar Shack Four generations have waited on longtime Huntington Beach surfers at the Sugar Shack Cafe. The small eatery was started by Pat and Mary Williams in 1967, who passed on the business to daughter Michele Turner, who now has her three children helping out. You might even see some of her grandkids helping salty surfers get their fix after a morning of catching waves near the pier. Two of her children, Ryan and Timmy, are well-known in the surfing community and are being honored this year during the U.S. Open of Surfing: Ryan at the Surfers Hall of Fame in front of Huntington Surf and Sport, and Timmy across the street at the Surfing Walk of Fame in front of Jacks Surfboards. While there are few catchy surf names to the hometown breakfast offerings, the Turners know how to fill the bellies of famished surfers with classics like egg combo plates or hefty three-egg omelets. Micheles Special is a healthful combo with grilled chicken breast and three egg whites, scrambled with bell peppers and tomatoes. Michele Turner said the surf crowd started gathering there in the 60s. Surf announcer Rick Rockin Fig Fignetti, who owns a surf shop down the street, has been eating at Sugar Shack for decades. I love the food, but its the people who work there, too, he said. Its full of aloha there. After surfing chilly water, Fignetti likes to warm up with the Surf, coffee mixed with cocoa. And to fuel up, he usually orders the breakfast special of eggs and bacon, switching out pancakes for french toast. Adorning the walls are photos and autographs of well-known surfers, and Fignetti has even run into 11-time world champ Kelly Slater at the Shack. The place has a killer vibe, all the surfers want to hang out there, he said. When Micheles son Ryan returns from months-long surf trips, his favorite is the Eggs Benedict. While Sugar Shack is best known for its breakfast, they also serve lunch and have a variety of hearty sandwiches and burgers. What to eat: Breakfast entrees are $5.35-$10.99. Where: 213 Main St.; 714-536-0355, hbsugarshack.com Contact the writer: lconnelly@ocregister.com When Diane Young hits the water in her sequined suit next month, the 69-year-old will be praying she can execute her stunts with the finesse thats been a hallmark of the Aquadettes synchronized swim team. Young is one of the newest swimmers on a team of women ages 60 to 90 whose underwater spins and swirls have delighted audiences in Laguna Woods Village for more than 50 years. Last year, with not enough swimmers and the team drowning in debt, the annual show known as the Aqua Follies had to be canceled. This year the Aquadettes are back, boasting four new swimmers and a bottom line that will keep the team afloat for another season. We wanted to build up our membership, and we did, team captain Valerie Link, 62, said. Were really excited to get some new people. Membership has increased to 10 swimmers, and Link said two more want to join the team after the show. Costs are lower too, thanks to an agreement with the communitys management company. They set the cost at a certain rate, and were hoping that can stay as is, Link said. Theyve been very fair. Past expenses have included pool rental, hiring lifeguards, putting up risers, lighting and drapes for the shows. The cost to produce the show is about $8,000, Link said. Longtime Aquadettes fan Dee Dee Sandlin, 60, of Laguna Niguel said shes looking forward to seeing the show again after last years hiatus. Im actually a swimmer myself, but nothing like what they do, Sandlin said. Im just blown away by the costumes, the choreography. Everything just comes together, and I really enjoy it. The Aquadettes was established in 1965 by lifeguards and some residents who decided to put on a show in the community swimming pool. They selected some of their favorite music, to which they choreographed water routines. Today, membership is open to Laguna Woods Village residents who can swim the forward crawl, backstroke, sidestroke and breaststroke. The team has been featured on such TV news shows as Hour Magazine, Two on the Town and Good Morning America. In 2011, the Sundance Film Festival showed a short documentary about the Aquadettes. The shows annual three-night run typically draws more than 1,000 paying customers. For the first time in 40 years, the team has increased the admission price from $5 to $7. It was time, Link said. Young, one of the new swimmers, attended the Aqua Follies in 2014 as a spectator and was hooked. The stunts are challenging, she said especially the porpoise, which requires the swimmers to tuck their heads, lift their legs vertical, go straight down and jackknife up. I nail it off and on. I would love to be consistent with it but I havent quite gotten to that point, Young said. Practices can be grueling. Although these graceful aqua ballerinas make the routines look easy, they have been perfecting their moves for nearly a year, up to 12 hours a week. But most agree the benefits outweigh the challenges. Jeanne Allen, 75, said swimming with the Aquadettes has helped relieve her arthritis and back pain. I swim for an hour and Im four hours pain-free. On show nights when the lights go on and the music starts, aches and pains and senior moments are set aside for 90 minutes. When your grandkids can say Hey, thats my grandma, that makes you feel that you can accomplish anything at any age, Allen said. Contact the writer: 949-837-5200 or jkarmarkar@ocregister.com The controversy over Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs criticism of Donald Trump obscured the underlying reality: Donald Trump is a greater threat to the rule of law than any political candidate that I have seen in my lifetime. I, too, was disturbed by Ginsburg and Trump trading insults last week. Ginsburg said that she is frightened by a country with Trump as president and called Trump a faker. Trump responded by tweeting, Justice Ginsburg of the U.S. Supreme Court has embarrassed all by making very dumb political statements about me. Her mind is shot resign! Justice Ginsburg was excoriated in the press for speaking about a political candidate. She then issued a contrite statement saying that her remarks were ill-advised and declaring: Judges should avoid commenting on a candidate for public office. In the future I will be more circumspect.. But why did she speak in the first place? I think it is likely because she perceives Donald Trump as a unique threat to our legal system. And she is right. I confess I do not understand Donald Trumps appeal. He seems totally unqualified for the presidency; unlike virtually every president in history, he has never served in government office in any capacity. I worry that his meanness and nastiness is changing the very nature of acceptable discourse. In May, when I had the honor of delivering the commencement address at Irvine Valley College, I felt the need to remind the students of the importance of being nice, a message that in a different time would seem more appropriate for a preschool than a college graduation. I cannot imagine how people would want Donald Trump handling delicate diplomacy with foreign countries. But what troubles me most as a lawyer and a law professor is Trumps stunning lack of knowledge about and disregard for our legal system. When a federal judge in San Diego ruled against Trump University, Trump said that Judge Gonzalo Curiel had an absolute conflict in presiding over the litigation given that he was of Mexican heritage and a member of a Latino lawyers association. Trump declared, Im building a wall. Its an inherent conflict of interest. Trump is simply wrong about the law. A judges ethnic background never is a basis for finding a conflict of interest or requiring disqualification. Trump says that he wants the country to resume torturing prisoners, including, he says, a hell of a lot worse than waterboarding. He says that we should not only go after terrorists, but kill their families. U.S. law and international treaties, which our country has signed, prohibit torture and intentional killing of innocent people. The latter is terrorism. Trump has shown disdain for the Constitutions most basic values. Trump has said that he would bar Muslims from entering the country. This would violate the Constitutions guarantees of equal protection and religious freedom. Under the Constitution, never can a persons dangerousness be presumed because of his or her religion or ethnicity. In February, he said, Im going to open up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money. He declared, Were going to open up those libel laws. So when The New York Times writes a hit piece which is a total disgrace or when The Washington Post, which is there for other reasons, writes a hit piece, we can sue them and win money instead of having no chance of winning because theyre totally protected. Trump apparently does not know that libel laws are state law, not federal law. More importantly, as president he cannot change the First Amendment limits on recovery for defamation that the Supreme Court has imposed for over 50 years. These are just a few of the examples where Trump has shown a lack of understanding and disdain for the legal system. His campaign has used openly racist and anti-Semitic appeals. Just days before Justice Ginsburg made her statements, Trumps campaign ran an ad criticizing Hillary Clinton for greed that had a six-pointed Star of David over $100 bills. It is impossible to see the presence of the Jewish star as anything other than an allusion to the offensive association of Jews and money. I understand why Justice Ginsburg spoke out. She is 83 years old and she has seen what has happened in the world when people remained silent and let demagogues who profess extreme nationalism and disdain for the rule of law come to power. I think it is better that justices and judges not express their views about political candidates. But there is a reason she did so, and that must not be obscured by the debate over her behavior: Donald Trumps views on the law and the legal system are truly frightening. Erwin Chemerinsky is dean of the UC Irvine School of Law. Autism Speaks, a 501c/3 non-profit with revenues of $57.5M in 2014, has extensive materials on possible causes of the skyrocketing syndrome but Wi-Fi and other sources of radiation are not listed. The website of the non-profit provides links to organizations researching causes of what is referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder but does not present its own explanation. It refers to the 10,000 Genomes Program that will use Google Cloud to accelerate advances in autism diagnosis, subtyping and treatment. AS headquarters are at 1 E. 33rd st., six blocks from O'Dwyer offices. AS also has offices in about 20 cities. Angela Geiger Angela Geiger, formerly chief strategy officer for the Alzheimers Assn., joined Autism Speaks in February as president and CEO. She succeeded Elizabeth Feld who had total remuneration of $415,065 in the year to Dec. 31, 2014. Geiger was previously with the American Cancer Society for eight years and has a B.A. and M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-New York) has told the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that she believes the dozen or more vaccinations given to children are a cause of autism. Rep. Dan Barton (R-Ind.) told the same hearing that the explosion of autism from one in 10,000 to one in 68, as tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is worse than an epidemic, an absolute disaster. Vaccines Not a Cause Says AS The Autism website says, Vaccines do not cause autism. It cites research on this over the past two decades. CDC, in a reply to this website, said there are many causes of the autism explosion and it is not specifically looking at different sources of radiation as a possible cause. Radiation healthcare advocate Cindy Sage has provided a link to a 40,000-word essay that explores the physiology involved in pulsed radiation and the human body. Just a few decades ago, EMF/RFR exposures were not present in the environment at todays levels, it notes. Levels have increased several thousand-fold or more in the past two decades from wireless technology alone; with unplanned side effects from pulsed RFR that is a newly classified Group 2B possible human carcinogen. Six Billion Have Cellophones Nearly six billion people globally own wireless phones. Many millions are exposed to wireless exposures from use of wireless devices and wireless antenna facilities. For this as well as for physiological reasons, allostatic loading as a viable concept for the study of ASCs should reasonably address EMF/RFR as one of the exposures of relevance to the overall stress load, since it is now a chronic and unremitting exposure in daily life at environmentally relevant levels shown to cause bioeffects from preconception and pregnancy through infancy, childhood and the whole life-course. C.J. Volpe is chief of media strategy and Aurelia Grayson is senior director of media strategy. Michael Rosen, who was executive VP, strategic communications, has left the organization. He package totaled $276,871 in 2014.Two days of attempts to reach any staffers at Autism Speaks by phone or email have been unsuccessful as of press time. Health advocate Sue McCully has posted on Facebook that autism may have many causes but it is irresponsible and unethical for the powers that be to ignore pulsed radiation as a cause. Loading... OilVoice will be with you shortly... Depraved Heart, Pt. 2: Inside The Courtroom At Lt. Brian Rices Acquittal In The Death Of Freddie Gray Ericka Blount Danois Yesterday, July 18th, in a crowded courtroom in Baltimore City, Officer Edward Nero and Officer Caesar Goodson exchanged smiles as they sat in the front row squeezed together between their lawyers. Both Nero and Goodson have already been acquitted in a bench trial by Judge Barry Williams in trials relating to the death of Freddie Gray. Now, you can add Lieutenant Brian Rices name to the list as he became the third officer out of six that has been acquitted. Rice, 42, was the highest ranking officer of those charged in the death of Freddie Gray. Charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office, the crux of the case boiled down to whether the decision not to seat belt Gray was a criminal violation and what was the state of mind of Rice when he made the decision not to do so. Was the decision to not seat belt Gray an indication that he had the intent to harm him? This crime was a crime of omission, rather than commission, said University of Baltimore law professor David Jaros. It is a very hard case to convict on. During closing arguments, the prosecution argued that Rice showed a reckless disregard for Grays life by throwing him into the transport wagon face down, shackled and handcuffed onto a dirty floor and failed to seat belt him. Professor Janice Bledsoe argued that as a commanding officer that had been on the force for 18 years, Rice understood policy. According to police general orders, officers are required to seatbelt detainees, although there is room for discretion based on safety issues. Five days before Freddie Grays arrest, any discretion for seat belting detainees was removed in an update on the policy. It was up to the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that not only did Rice know about the revised policy, but that he intentionally disregarded it with the intent to harm Gray. The defense argued that Rice had discretion on whether to seat belt Gray, because there was a growing crowd surrounding the van that appeared to be threatening. Brandon Ross, a friend of Grays who recorded the arrest on his cell phone, painted a picture of Rice as hostile to the community asking questions about Grays detaining. I need a supervisor, this aint right, Ross testified that he told Officer Porter who then directed him to Rice. Excuse my language, but Officer Rice was being a jerk, Ross said in court, testifying that Rice threatened to take him and take him to jail if he didnt go home. With video evidence provided to the courts, which included cell phone and CCTV footage, the prosecution showed that the crowd was sparse. Bledsoe argued that there were five police officers on the scene who could have aided Rice if he was having trouble attaching Grays seat belt. The prosecution painted Rice as an officer who was escalating tensions with onlookers, rather than de-escalating the situation during Grays arrest by threatening those in the community with arrest and jail time. The prosecution wasnt allowed to argue that civil suits relating to rough rides have cost taxpayers millions of dollars in settlements for passengers who were not in seat belts, without having a witness that could testify that they had warned the police department that not seat belting passengers was becoming a liability. Flashback to last October, the city of Baltimore paid $95,000 to settle a federal lawsuit filed by a John Hopkins University librarian who alleged she was subjected to a rough ride in 2012. The librarian said police didnt buckle her in before maniacally driving around after her arrest at a party on charges that were later dropped. At least three citizens have been paralyzed from rides in police transport vans with one person ending up as a quadriplegic. Ultimately, Judge Barry Williams ruled that Rice had discretion in seat belting because of the growing crowd that could have been seen as threatening from Rices point of view. Without culpability in terms of seat belting Gray, Williams ruled in favor of Rice, citing that he was not guilty on all three counts. The judge did a good analysis of the case according to the law, said Kevin W. Parson, who has followed the case since its inception. There is a difference between a civil case and a criminal case in terms of the burden of proof. Attorney J. Wyndal Gordon, who has also followed the case, was not surprised by the verdict. The evidence is not there. Prosecutors have to rely on police to prosecute [the] police. You have hostile witnesses. With the Law Enforcement Bill of Rights officers have 10 days to obtain counsel and come up with a story before they are [even] interrogated. This is why there are problems with police accountability. Ericka Blount is a journalist, professor and author from Baltimore, Maryland. Her book Love, Peace and Soul: Behind the Scenes of Soul Train is available on Amazon. Please follow her (and us!) on Twitter @ErickaBlount. paul manafort chris cuomo Donald Trump's campaign chair continued to deny on Tuesday that the campaign made a mistake when Melania Trump delivered a speech that overtly resembled several sections of first lady Michelle Obama's 2008 Democratic National Convention address. In an interview on CNN's "New Day," host Chris Cuomo repeatedly pushed Trump Campaign Chair Paul Manafort to acknowledge that parts of Melania Trump's speech at the Republican National Convention on Monday were plagiarized. "It's as plain as day to look at them side by side. Will you acknowledge that, and then move on?" Cuomo said. Manafort insisted that the speech was "very effective," and said that accusations of plagiarism were "not meaningful at all." "The speech that Melania Trump gave is a speech that was very personal to her. It was a speech that talked about her love of her country, how she emigrated here, the opportunities that America gave to her as she came here, and she talked about meeting a man named Donald Trump," Manafort said. Cuomo didn't let the question go, asking Manafort why he would not acknowledge that parts of the speech were lifted from Obama's 2008 address. "I can't move on because you keep lying about it, so I can't move on from it, because I have to talk about what is true," Cuomo said. "Chris, I'm not lying about anything. I'm not lying about anything, Chris," Manafort said. "You are denying by failing to acknowledge something that's also true: Some of those words came from Michelle Obama's speech in 2008. All kinds of experts and anyone with eyes can see that. You keep ignoring it, and I don't understand why. I don't understand why you keep making this an issue," Cuomo said. When Manafort said he "didn't have to agree" that sections of the speech were plagiarized, the CNN anchor cut in. "Paul, I'm not here to beat you over the head with that. I thought you came here to own something that's small and move on to all these other great things that are going on at this convention," Cuomo said. Story continues Since a Twitter user noticed the similarities between Obama and Trump's speeches on Monday, the campaign has attempted to brush off criticisms that the speech was plagiarized. Manafort told CBS on Tuesday that that over 50 words that were in both speeches were potentially the result of "subconscious" copying. "We're talking about compassion, love of family, respect these are not words that belong to the Obama family," Manafort told CBS. Watch several clips below, via CNN: Donald Trump campaign chair @PaulManafort: Plagiarism controversy "is not meaningful at all...that's the final word" https://t.co/iYc521jZwf New Day (@NewDay) July 20, 2016 Trump campaign chair @PaulManafort refuses to acknowledge parts of Melania Trump's speech came from Michelle Obama's https://t.co/PiHb8Zkk4X New Day (@NewDay) July 20, 2016 NOW WATCH: 'My Little Pony': How Republicans are disputing claims that Melania Trump's RNC speech was plagiarized More From Business Insider This is how an 11-year-old girl named Lolo spent her snow day. She wore her Taylor Swift T-shirt instead of Catholic-school plaid. She drank hot cocoa by the fireplace. Then she donned her coat and snow pants and ran outside. She tackled her big brother and squealed when he face-planted her in the snow. She threw snow back. She ignored her mother's warnings about her fragile arms and flopped face-first in a black inner tube. She sailed down her front yard with beautiful abandon. Her hat was gone, somewhere. At this 8-degree moment, she didn't seem to care. I like her pink cheeks, Lolo's mother, LesLee Hacker, said. It's so nice to see them pink. This was a far different snow day than last year. On that snow day, Lolo's cheeks were pale. The only pink was the hat she wore to keep her bald head warm. For so much of that nightmarish year, Lauren Lolo Hacker spent life apart from the rest of the world. Diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, Lolo practically lived at Children's Hospital. She would spend weeks on the sixth floor fighting for her life and then, if her white blood cell count was high enough, got to go home for brief stays. Then it was back to the sixth floor, back to more heavy-duty chemotherapy too sick to delight in the spontaneity of a snow day. You might recall that last year, her classmates at St. Margaret Mary brought a snow day to her. On Jan. 31, 2013, they bundled up, decorated signs that said Go Lolo go! and made snow angels on the Children's Hospital lawn while Lauren watched from a sixth-floor window. That day, she'd been too sick to see them up close, but the hospital let 32 fifth-graders enter the lobby. Lolo, in her pink hat and mask, clutching an IV pole, got to wave at them from the balcony. What happened after that snow day was months of touch-and-go. A spinal tap. More chemotherapy. More reactions to the chemo. She was septic and went into shock. Her intestines and rectum disintegrated. She'd get so sick that her parents LesLee, who quit her job as a teacher, and Phil, a retired Air Force major who holds a civilian position at Offutt Air Force Base were sure they were going to lose her. She was so sick she couldn't tolerate light or heat or noise. She was so sick, LesLee recalled, she wouldn't lift her head. She wouldn't eat. But then, after that fifth and final round of chemo, she slowly got better. Lolo asked her dad to open the blinds. She asked a hospital staffer to paint her nails. On June 4, Lauren got to leave Room 607 and Children's Hospital. For good. At least for now. The Hackers held a big party. They took a family cruise to Alaska. They focused on living in the moment and putting life's inconveniences into perspective. You restructure your life, LesLee said. You look at everything differently. Lolo returned to St. Margaret Mary in the fall. She is in sixth grade. She returned to sports. On Dec. 4, she fell backward at volleyball practice and broke both arms. Bad luck, LesLee Hacker said, not cancer. I'm not going to be sad about this, Lolo had told the emergency room doctor. I thought, 'You go, girl,' her mother said. We came home and she was doing good. And then that night the pain hit. She couldn't get comfortable. The next morning she couldn't go to school because she couldn't get dressed. She couldn't move her fingers. It all came crashing down. But Lolo soldiered on. She returned to her volleyball team, although she can't start hitting the ball until Valentine's Day. The Hackers must still be vigilant about the possibility of recurrence, given the type of cancer Lolo had acute myelocytic leukemia, subtype monoblastic. Every month for the next five years, Lolo will have to have her blood drawn. The blood test was also on Lolo's snow day agenda Wednesday. But first, she lounged bare-armed around the house and scooped up fluffy pooch Maddie. Her parish priest, Rev. James Weeder, stopped by. He had visited Lolo in the hospital nearly every day last year. He'd bring her lunch. He'd say prayers. The Hackers are not from Omaha and have no extended family here. Weeder, 37, has been like an uncle. Wednesday, the priest showed up in his black clerics and cowboy boots, bringing an inner tube. Lolo got her winter clothes on in a flash. She was out the door just as quick. A little later, pink-cheeked Lolo ran up to her mother and asked if she could take a running jump onto that inner tube. Do you have your splints on? LesLee asked. No, Lolo said. But before her mother could say anything, Lolo smiled impishly. She took a running leap. She stretched her arms out like wings. And Lolo flew. They prayed, they sang, they held their glowsticks aloft on the lawn outside a sick girls hospital room Wednesday night. Some 260 people had come to Childrens Hospital & Medical Center to pray the rosary and send warm wishes up to Room 607, where for the second time in her young life, Lauren LoLo Hacker was fighting to stay alive. It was a scene reminiscent of a moment 3 years ago when Laurens then-fifth-grade classmates at St. Margaret Mary Catholic School spent a frozen snow day in this same courtyard, making snow angels. Lauren had watched from her sixth-floor room and then trekked down to the hospital atrium landing where, IV pole in tow and wearing a mask and hat, she waved to her friends. Below, in dripping coats and somber faces, they waved back. This group of children-turned-teenagers and their families and fellow church members have had a front-row seat to Laurens cancer roller coaster. Laurens mother, LesLee, posted almost real-time updates in scientific detail on social media. News stories were done about above-and-beyond efforts to buoy Laurens spirits including a bedside visit from Taylor Swift. And when Lauren got better, she became a public face of blood drives and pediatric cancer awareness. Her nickname, LoLo, became a rallying cry as her community responded with posters and messages that said, Go, LoLo, Go! Laurens classmates had been there from the beginning, when what appeared to be just the flu before Christmas in 2012 was really a monster called acute myelocytic leukemia. This is a form of cancer that has a high fatality rate in adults. Treating it in children is trickier because there is comparatively little research, funding for research or awareness. Yet Lauren did get better. She left the hospital in June 2013. Her strawberry-blond hair grew long. She played volleyball and went sledding. When a baby giraffe was born at the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Laurens classmates lobbied hard for the giraffes name LoLo. Lauren sailed through sixth grade, seventh grade and most of eighth grade. But her mom didnt like a spot she saw on Laurens left calf. It had a tinge of blue and grew from being the size of a pea to a nickel. It looked like a bug bite that hadnt healed. A doctors call confirmed it in March, the night of Laurens 14th birthday party. Lauren returned to Childrens Hospital on April 13. She missed her eighth-grade graduation. As she went through more rounds of very strong chemotherapy, Lauren again got very, very sick. The chemo wiped out her immune system, making something as innocuous-seeming as tooth-brushing a hazard. Recently, after brushing her teeth, Laurens gums bled. Then her jaw swelled with infection. She was in terrible pain. Sepsis wracked her body, and just a couple of weeks ago, Laurens situation was dire. Even now, shes not out of the woods. LesLee, who hasnt left Childrens in weeks, said she and husband Phil just want to get Lauren through this round of chemo, which could end in a week or two, depending on Laurens condition. Shes not safe right now, LesLee said. If we can get her through the next week, week and a half ... Her voice trailed off. Sitting there, watching her suffer like this, it is, it is, torture, LesLee said. Youre so helpless. LesLee said the Hacker family is living day to day, but Lauren has her sights set on the future. She intends to begin high school on time at Marian and doesnt want to miss THAT. She doesnt always like being the focus and wants people to pray and think of other sick children at the hospital. Still, community support lifts up the Hacker family. LesLee posts Go, LoLo, Go signs on her blog that friends and strangers alike have photographed all over the world. There are 14 pages of photographs of people holding homemade signs on beaches and before monuments everywhere from Alaska to South Africa. Go, LoLo, Go is also a rallying cry for a nonprofit LesLee said shes launching called LoLos Angels. She wants to steer donations toward AML research. The slogan has had another result. Its brought us together, said Meg Filipi, a parishioner who helped organize the vigil Wednesday. Its made the kids more aware. That was more than apparent on the hospital lawn Wednesday night. The official count was 263 people. They included friends, like Laurens classmates Kiley Root, Lucy OBrien and Emma Garriott, who remembered with crystal clarity that snow day in 2013 and that day in April when they learned the news that Laurens cancer had come back. Everyone was crying, said Emma. The crowd included Laurens priest, her preschool and grade school teachers and the school janitor. Rep. Brad Ashford also was there, saying that Laurens story just grabbed me. Ashford said he was arranging for Vice President Joe Biden to call Lauren on Thursday. Biden is leading an effort to eradicate cancer. And Ashford said he would push for more funding for research on Laurens kind of cancer. But also praying were a pair of strangers. Joel Diaz, a 21-year-old paramedic student, and Hector Ramirez, a 22-year-old aspiring history and Spanish teacher, came because they heard about Lauren and wanted to pray for her. Shes going through some tough times, said Ramirez. Its the least I can do. The rosary concluded with a song, This Little Light of Mine. Voices filled the air and people raised their glow sticks toward the sixth floor. But there was another, powerful light shining in the Omaha sky. A big, round full moon. Look, said someone in the crowd, pointing up. Thats incredible. Jene Pierson, a key member of the research group that helped revolutionize lymphoma care in Nebraska, died July 1 in Glendale, Arizona, after a battle with colon cancer. She was 75. Piersons 40-year career at the University of Nebraska Medical Center began after she earned a degree in medical technology from Clarkson College in 1962. She later earned a medical technology degree from UNMC in 1972. After working as a medical technologist at UNMC and training others, Pierson became the first coordinator of the lymphoma study group when it was launched in the early 1980s at UNMC. She was responsible for management of the groups research data. The group collaborated with oncologists and pathologists throughout Nebraska and eastern Iowa to accumulate data on patients with lymphoma. The systems she put in place to collect and monitor data led to one of the most productive research efforts at UNMC, said Dr. James Armitage, a UNMC oncologist who is considered a leading expert on lymphoma. She was a friend who had a lasting impact on our organization, Armitage said. Pierson later went on to lead the Cancer Clinical Trials Office at UNMC. She was a co-author of more than 100 research articles and abstracts for scientific journals. She also helped provide training on how to conduct research to visiting oncology fellows coming through UNMC. Jene was an invaluable member of our lymphoma research group for many years and, by her work, she has contributed to the knowledge that we have today that has optimized the therapy for patients with lymphoma, said Dr. Julie Vose, professor and chief of the UNMC division of hematology and oncology. Pierson retired in 1999 but returned a year later as a research consultant for Dr. Elizabeth Reed, another UNMC oncologist. She assisted Reed until 2008. Jene was fun and smart and ahead of her time in her approaches to data collection and the use of data registries for research, Reed said. Pierson retired to Arizona in 2009 to be near her sons family. A supporter of the arts and literacy, Pierson read more than 20,000 pages a year and was active in book and craft clubs. She was an accomplished cook and enjoyed woodworking and cabinet building. After her first marriage ended in divorce, Pierson raised her two children alone. In 1984 Pierson married William Pierson, who died in 2008. She is survived by her children, Mark Fritz of Peoria, Arizona, and Katherine Fritz-Kazantsev of Boulder, Colorado; four grandchildren; and her sister, Arlene Buckner of Louisville, Kentucky. A memorial service was held in Sun City, Arizona, on Saturday. The family will return to Omaha for a service at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at Graceland Park Cemetery. A reception will follow at 2 p.m. at UNMC in the Linder Reading Room on the second floor of the Sorrell Center. A shorter course of antibiotics usually suffices for patients who suffer hospital-acquired pneumonia, a set of new guidelines says. Dr. Andre Kalil, a physician at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and co-chairman of the international panel that produced the guidelines, said that for years, doctors treated hospital-acquired and ventilator-acquired pneumonias with antibiotics for two to three weeks. Kalil and a panel of about 20 other physicians and scientists have determined that the course of antibiotics for those infections can be seven days or less and remain effective in most cases. You expose the patient to much less unnecessary antibiotics, Kalil said this week in an interview. He was referring to a growing concern about antibiotic overuse leading to resistance among bacteria. Giving a patient only the necessary amount of medication decreases the potential for the development of antibiotic resistance, said Paul Fey, professor of pathology and microbiology at UNMC. Fey also was on the panel. The recommendations also indicate worry over clostridium difficile, a disease involving bouts with diarrhea after antibiotics have cleared the patients gut of many bacteria and opened a path for a bad bug. The disease can be life-threatening. The guidelines also display a desire to avoid unnecessary expenditures on antibiotics. The extensive guidelines are covered this month in about 150 pages in the online version of the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. Other panelists were from Harvard, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Michigan, institutions in Canada and Australia, and other universities. Kalil is professor of medicine in the infectious diseases division and director of the transplant infectious diseases program at UNMC. The recommendations were released by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Thoracic Society. Several other medical organizations have endorsed the guidelines. Hospital-acquired pneumonia, Kalil said, may be contracted from exposure to airborne germs and from contact with other people and devices. Ventilator-acquired pneumonia is suffered when the patient is exposed to bacteria and infected during mechanical ventilation, which involves placing a tube in the mouth and into the lungs. Such ventilation is necessary for some extremely ill patients and during many surgeries. Among other guidelines, the report says hospitals should keep antibiograms. These are databases that indicate which bacteria exist in a hospital and which antibiotics appear to be most effective against them. One hospitals bacteria profile can differ from that of another hospital in the same community. Fey said most large hospitals have antibiograms. The problem is that some antibiograms dont dig deep enough, he said. Individual hospital units, such as intensive care units, should have their own antibiograms, he said. A dream vacation to Disney World in Florida last month turned into a nightmare for Matthew and Melissa Graves of Nebraska, when their 2-year-old son, Lane, was killed by an alligator at a Disney resort. The couple just issued a statement saying they are broken by the loss of their son, but dont plan on suing Disney. Melissa and I are broken, Matt Graves writes. As each day passes, the pain gets worse For now, we continue to ask for privacy as we focus on our family. Lane Graves was wading in ankle-deep water at the Seven Seas Lagoon at Disneys Grand Floridian Resort on June 14 when an alligator snatched him and dragged him into deeper water, where its believed he drowned, The Washington Post reports. Although the resort did have signage telling visitors not to swim in the lagoon, the signs didnt include warnings about alligators. The signage was changed after the accident. The Graves were relaxing on the white-sand beach surrounding the man-made lagoon with Lane and their 4-year-old daughter before the tragedy occurred. Lanes body was found on June 15 after an extensive search. The Graves started a foundation in their sons name the Lane Thomas Foundation shortly after his death. In their statement released Wednesday morning, Matthew and Melissa Graves said: In addition to our foundation, we will solely be focused on the future health of our family and will not be pursuing a lawsuit against Disney. George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort, issued the following statement to the Post: In the wake of this tragic accident we continue to provide ongoing support for the family, which includes honoring their request for privacy. What do you think of the Graves familys decision not to sue Disney? Share your comments below or on our Facebook page. This article was originally published on MoneyTalksNews.com as 'Couple Whose Toddler Was Killed by Alligator Decline to Sue'. More from Money Talks News Shareholders for agriculture and chemicals companies DuPont and Dow Chemical have approved their merger. After its complete, the century-old companies plan to break into three parts. The companies held meetings where shareholders voted on the deal. Both Dow and DuPont were pushed by activist investors to break up or find other ways to revitalize their businesses, agreeing in December to merge in an all-stock deal valued at about $62 billion. They expect the combination to be official by the end of 2016, but regulators will still have to approve it. Morgan Stanley sees drop in profits but tops forecasts Morgan Stanleys profits fell 14 percent in the second quarter, the bank said Wednesday, reflecting difficulties investment banks have had due to market volatility before and after Britains vote last month to leave the European Union. The investment bank reported a second-quarter profit of $1.42 billion before dividends to preferred shareholders, or 75 cents per share, down from $1.67 billion, or 79 cents a share, from the same period a year ago. That was well above the 59 cents per share analysts were looking for, according to FactSet. Canadian Pacific finalizes leadership succession plan Canadian Pacific has finalized its plan to replace Chief Executive Hunter Harrison when he retires from the railroad next summer. The Calgary, Alberta-based railroad said Wednesday that it had reached agreements to promote President and Chief Operating Officer Keith Creel to CEO and retain Harrison as a consultant for three years after he retires. Harrison and Creel led Canadian Pacifics unsuccessful effort over the past year to acquire the Norfolk Southern railroad. The 71-year-old Harrison came out of retirement to lead Canadian Pacific in 2012. Listeria worries prompt recall of hot dogs, corn dogs More than 372,000 pounds of hot dogs and corn dogs made earlier this month are being recalled over concerns of listeria contamination. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Altus, Oklahoma-based Bar-S Foods is recalling five chicken and pork products that could potentially be contaminated with listeria. The recalled items include Bar-S bun-length and classic franks made with chicken and pork, Bar-S classic corn dogs and Signature Pick 5 corn dogs. They were made between July 10 and 13. It has been a weapon of mass destruction across the U.S. The AR-15 semiautomatic rifle, or a variation of it, has been used to mow down dozens of innocents in San Bernardino, California; Orlando, Florida; and Newtown, Connecticut. And its no stranger to multiple slayings in Omaha, as a trial this week shows. The rifle used for hunting humans as prosecutors have put it will make an appearance in a Douglas County District Courtroom in the murder trial of Harold Baker. Prosecutors allege that Baker, then 20, pointed the long rifle at a car carrying four men in December 2014 ripping off a hail of more than 30 bullets that shattered windows and tore apart the sedan. The mob-movie-like hit at an apartment complex at 3025 Meredith Ave. left two men dead: Jermaine Richey, 29, who slumped over the steering wheel, and Derek Johnson, 27, who tried to run from the car but collapsed four steps later. Remarkably, two backseat passengers survived. Demitrion Washington, 24, suffered a graze to the back of his head and ran for help to the Burger King near 30th Street and Ames Avenue, about a block away. Lamar A. Nedd, 39, slid onto the backseat floorboard and was not hit. High-powered weapons are not foreign to Omaha streets. A rifle killed 5-year-old Payton Benson in January 2015, just a few weeks after Richey and Johnson were killed. And a 19-year-old gunman used a semiautomatic rifle to kill eight people on Dec. 5, 2007, at Von Maur in Omaha. In this case, the rifle or the gunmans inability to get rid of it could be pivotal. Prosecutor Jeff Lux told jurors Wednesday that surveillance video captured the shooter approaching the vehicle, raising the rifle and ripping apart the car. The video also showed the shooter wearing a distinctive blue Memphis Chicks jacket and an Iowa Western Community College stocking cap. Three weeks after the slaying, on Jan. 12, 2015, a woman called 911, saying that her ex-boyfriend, Baker, had fired shots at her house near 63rd Street and Lafayette Avenue. Police found 15 shell casings that appeared to match the 30 .223-caliber casings that had been found at the scene of the Dec. 21, 2014, homicides. Detectives obtained a search warrant and searched a house where Baker reportedly had been staying. In the house, Lux said, detectives found the Memphis Chicks jacket. They then found an AR-15 rifle. Ballistic tests showed that the rifle was the same one that fired the shots in the parking lot of the apartment complex. They arrested Baker. Wednesday, his attorney, Douglas County Public Defender Tom Riley, urged jurors not to jump to conclusions. Police dont have anyone identifying Baker as the shooter. He suggested that an alleged accomplice fired the shots. One thing that wasnt mentioned Wednesday: a motive. Police have alleged that the four victims were at the apartment complex to sell PCP-laced cigarettes to a woman. Richeys family disputed that, saying Richey was on his way to work at Omaha Steaks and had given his friends a ride. They described Richey as a big man with a big heart who would help out anybody. Whatever the reason for their stop at the apartment complex, the four men went inside. Soon after, investigators say, Baker and an alleged accomplice could be seen trailing the four men as they left the building. The video shows the four friends getting into Richeys car. A gunman then pulls a rifle from his coat and riddles the car, Lux said. Two women who testified Wednesday didnt need a video to replay the moment. Lasonya Flowers had settled in to take a nap at her apartment, shortly before 5 p.m. I was in a deep sleep, she testified Wednesday. But when I heard the gunfire, it sounded like it was in my living room. It was rattling my window. I slid from my bed down onto the floor, grabbed my phone and called 911. Flowers said she peeked out the window to see the driver slumped over the steering wheel. She then saw the passenger dash from the passenger side, take four steps and collapse dead in the parking lot. She waited for the shots to stop, then went outside. I tiptoed up (to the car) to see if they were breathing or any signs that they were living, she said. It was then that she realized the two men were all but dead. Richey survived on life support for two weeks but never regained consciousness. Tangene Secret was a floor above Flowers, waiting for a friend, when she heard the rapid-fire fusillade. As she described what she saw, Richeys mother, Darlene Richey Sherman, broke down and rushed out of the courtroom. It took me a minute because I couldnt believe what I was hearing, Secret said. I looked down and I (saw) the driver slump over. I thought, Am I seeing what I think Im seeing? Contact the writer: 402-444-1275, todd.cooper@owh.com MADISON, Neb. A woman accused of kidnapping her newborn son from a hospital earlier this month made her second appearance in county court Tuesday afternoon. Lacee Tuttle, 34, of Pierce appeared with her attorney, Madison County Public Defender Matthew Headley, before Judge Michael Long. On Tuesday, Tuttle waived her right to a preliminary hearing, and Long bound her case over to the district court for arraignment on Aug. 19. Long continued Tuttles current bail of $200,000. Tuttle would have to pay 10 percent, or $20,000, to be released from jail. Tuttle, who is being held in the Madison County Jail, is alleged to have kidnapped her then-2-day-old son, Bentley, from Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk on July 10. Bentley previously had been removed from Tuttles custody and placed in the care of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for safety concerns. An Amber Alert went into effect when Tuttle and the baby went missing. Hours after the alert was issued, the baby was placed back into the care of DHHS, and Tuttle was arrested in Pierce. In a July 12 court appearance, Tuttle was charged with felony kidnapping, a Class 1A felony that carries a sentence of life imprisonment. Last week, Madison County Attorney Joe Smith said that once he has all of the police reports regarding the alleged kidnapping, hell review the charges against Tuttle. I believe other charges may fit the statute, Smith said last week. A Nebraska City teen who pleaded guilty to fatally striking a woman with a pickup truck was sentenced Wednesday to 50 to 80 years in prison. Shyanne Parrott, now 18, ran over 20-year-old Amber Shipley in September 2015 outside the Nebraska City library, killing her. Parrott pleaded guilty to an amended second-degree murder charge on July 6. She will receive credit for 311 days served and could be eligible for parole after 25 years, according to the good-time law. Otoe County Attorney David Partsch had said Parrott and Shipley were involved in a verbal confrontation at the library. Parrott left in her fathers pickup truck and saw Shipley standing outside waiting for a friend. Parrott drove past Shipley, who threw her coat and walked confrontationally toward the truck, Partsch said. Parrott turned around and struck Shipley head on, dragging her underneath the truck. Shipley died nine days later of blunt force head trauma. Parrotts attorney, Jerry Sena of Omaha, had called the incident a sudden impulse that lasted 60 seconds. Contact the writer: 402-444-1068, alia.conley@owh.com This is how some Omaha fifth-graders spent their snow day. They made some signs. They bundled up. They rode down Dodge Street. And when they piled out of minivans and SUVs, they ran onto the front lawn of Children's Hospital & Medical Center. Into the snow. They plopped onto their backs, eyes on the sixth-floor hospital room of their classmate Lauren. Then they furiously whipped their arms up and down and their legs back and forth in an effort to will Lauren Hacker back to her seat in Miss Johns' classroom at St. Margaret Mary Catholic School. They spread their angel wings in the snow and sent their angel thoughts up to where Lauren stood, watching. Lauren Lolo to her friends was just a regular kid until one December day. On Dec. 12, she became a kid with cancer: acute myelocytic leukemia, subtype monoblastic. Translated, this is a fast-growing cancer that starts inside bone marrow. It is more common in adults than children, more common in males than females. Lauren had fainted in school last November. She had been out sick with what her mom thought was the flu in early December. When Lauren's fever was 103 for the fourth straight day, when the volleyball player with long hair the color of strawberry honey didn't feel like getting up, tests were run. LesLee Hacker was teaching a science lesson at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic School when her phone rang. A former colleague at Children's was on the line. LesLee, who holds a master's degree in pathology and who had spent 18 years looking at the lab work of very sick kids, knew the news would be bad. And it was. She declined a ride to Children's, driving alone instead. She screamed all the way there. The hours blurred into days and weeks. Better hours and worse ones. Better days and terrible ones. Lauren started a massive 10-day dose of chemo, administered in part through a spinal tube. She has endured six spinal taps and a machine to push oxygen into her lungs. Twice, in what is a painful procedure, hospital staff have pushed a large needle into her hipbone to extract bone marrow. Her fever shot up to 105. She got pneumonia. A young parish priest administered the sacramental Anointing of the Sick and has come every day to visit. LesLee stopped wearing a watch; time didn't seem relevant. She quit her job. She practically moved into Lauren's hospital room, sleeping there every night on a cot. Her husband, Phil, a retired Air Force major who works as a civilian at Offutt Air Force Base, ran things at home. Each night he visits the hospital with their son, 13-year-old Jonathan, an eighth-grader at St. Margaret Mary. Jonathan can make Lauren laugh. Like the time he made the floppy giraffe hanging above Lauren's bed dance. Giraffes are Lauren's thing, and Jonathan placed Ginger, a 4-foot-tall stuffed one, at the right side of Lauren's bed to guard against the phlebotomists. Lauren Hacker, in her fluffy heart bathrobe and pink knit hat, undergoes chemotherapy at Children's Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha. ERIN GRACE/THE WORLD-HERALD The family spent a quiet Christmas at Children's. Because of the risk of infection, visitors have been limited to family and a few of her friends, who must wear masks. These have included Lauren's hairstylist, who cut Lauren's long locks when her beautiful hair matted and fell out in clumps two weeks after chemo started. Combing it hurt. Just cut it off, Lauren had said. She went home briefly in January, wearing her IV fluids in a backpack. St. Margaret Mary's parish has rallied around the family. Meals. Rosaries. Cards. Twice-weekly treats for the floor staff. A coming blood drive. LesLee Hacker has kept a near-daily journal on the nonprofit blog site CaringBridge. Pat Johns, Lauren's teacher, kept a stuffed monkey on Lauren's chair, a whimsical placeholder. Lauren has been able to visit Room 212 via Skype. The hardest thing for Lauren is not to be connected, LesLee said. This isolation is overpowering. What happened Wednesday was a bit spontaneous. The unexpected snow day thrilled nearly every kid in town. But not Lauren. A snow day, with sledding and hot cocoa and cold cheeks, would be yet another thing she was missing. Nurses had prodded Lauren to sign up for Make-A-Wish, the gift-giving foundation for sick kids. But the 10-year-old just wanted to get back to normal. See her friends. Go to school. Get better and quit throwing up applesauce. Lose the IV cart. No foundation can make that wish come true. But one of the fifth-grade moms, Kim Root, had an idea. She checked with LesLee, who loved it. Kim shared it with other moms, who shared it with their children. The kids made posters that said things like Go Lauren! and Lolo, go! and gladly took their snow day to a patch of ground fronting West Dodge Road east of 84th Street. At 4 p.m., LesLee told Lauren to look out her window. There was Kiley Root in her frog hat. There was Annie Compton. There were J.J. and Owen, Lucy, Barrett and Callie. Moira, Meredith, Ethan and John. Stephen, Raymond, Emma and the other Lauren. And 17 others. Lauren looked at her mother. FROM THE NOTEBOOK Columnists Michael Kelly, Erin Grace and Matthew Hansen write about people, places and events around Omaha in their new blog, From the Notebook. It's your class, LesLee said. She helped Lauren stand on her cot so she could see and wave. Lauren laughed. She beamed. The kids were throwing snowballs. They were jumping up and down and waving their signs. They were dancing Gangnam Style. They had painted a message in blue on the snow: Lolo's Angels. Eventually, the band of fifth-graders paraded inside. They donned masks. They stood still as statues. And they looked up at the second-floor atrium balcony and waved. There was Lolo in her fluffy heart bathrobe, purple slippers and pink knit hat. She carried an IV pole. There was her mother, LesLee, eyes filled with tears. Three girls were chosen to give Lauren the homemade signs, together with another 4-foot giraffe. It's still Lolo, LesLee told the somber-faced girls. So ... have you been able to eat the gum balls yet, Lauren? asked a girl named Annie. It's not as fun seeing a stuffed monkey in your chair, said a girl named Meredith. A third girl smiled. It's really fun to see her, said the girl named Hope. Contact the writer: erin.grace@owh.com LINCOLN Starting today, more Nebraskans will be eligible for handicapped parking permits. The law passed during the 2016 legislative session allows people who cant walk 200 feet without stopping to qualify for handicapped parking permits. Previously, the permits for designated spaces were available to people who were unable to travel more than 200 feet without the use of a wheelchair, crutch, walker or other assisted device. The law is a common-sense policy change that will help people who are most affected, said Bellevue State Sen. Sue Crawford, who sponsored the legislation. It emerged from discussions with people who use the handicapped spaces and their advocates, she said. Were hoping that this opens up the handicap parking space as a way for people to be more mobile and for people to get to work, get to church, do their shopping, and do the things they need to do for their families and themselves, Crawford said. Several other laws go into effect today. Among them: Meatpackers can contract with farmers to raise company-owned hogs to the packers specifications under a law sponsored by Sen. Ken Schilz of Ogallala. Nebraska was the last state with a ban on meatpacker ownership of livestock. Prompted by an incident involving Cambridge students at a summer wrestling camp, hazing charges can apply to children still in high school and younger. Indecent exposure and lewd caressing of the body are included in the laws definition of hazing. Sen. Dan Hughes of Venango sponsored the legislation. Dependents of U.S. military veterans who died or were disabled during their service can apply directly to the State Department of Veterans Affairs for tuition and fee waivers under a law sponsored by Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte. Such waivers are available to the children, stepchildren and spouses attending public colleges and universities. Nebraska National Guard members living in other states can qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities, and National Guard units elsewhere can qualify for the same job protections as people serving in the Nebraska National Guard. The laws were sponsored by Sen. Dan Watermeier of Syracuse and Crawford of Bellevue, respectively. Open adoptions are recognized in state law and allow for communication and contact between adoptive parents and birth parents after a child is placed in private and agency adoptions. Watermeier sponsored the legislation. Employers cant force or ask employees or job applicants to hand over social media passwords or access to social media accounts. The law, sponsored by Sen. Tyson Larson of ONeill, also stipulates that employers cant require employees to add anyone, including his or her employer, as a friend on social media such as Facebook. The number of applications needed to create a new specialty plate is 250, down from 500. The law sponsored by Sen. John Murante of Gretna was amended into the annual transportation omnibus package. It also creates breast cancer awareness license plates, though they arent available until January. The cancer plates portion was sponsored by Lincoln Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks. A law sponsored by Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha requires grand juries to issue a report of their findings if they do not recommend criminal charges in cases where people are killed by police. The law would kick in if the grand jury decided there was no criminal wrongdoing on the part of law enforcement or corrections officials. Legal services fees charged on every county, district and juvenile court case increase by $1 under the legislation sponsored by Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln. The fees will rise to $6.25 per case, providing $355,000 annually to legal services for low-income Nebraskans. Contact the writer: 402-473-9581, emily.nohr@owh.com LINCOLN Leaders of six major farm organizations have joined forces to declare property tax reform, not constitutional protection for a right to farm, as the key priority for keeping Nebraska agriculture strong. The Nebraska Ag Leaders Working Group released a statement Wednesday saying that any effort to enact right-to-farm protections should be done in state law, not the state constitution. The group also said that other issues are more important to the viability and growth of agriculture. We are united in our belief that protecting our members interests and the future of agriculture isnt about a single ballot measure or initiative, said Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president. He said the joint statement was the product of considerable research and discussion among the six groups in recent weeks. The statement represents a change of heart for most of them and a major hurdle for future efforts to enact a right-to-farm proposal. During the recent legislative session, four of the six backed a right-to-farm measure introduced by State Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell. The four were the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Pork Producers Association and Nebraska Soybean Association. The Farm Bureau took a neutral position, but raised several questions about the measures potential effects. Legislative Resolution 378CA made it out of committee but faced a filibuster and was tabled for the year. On Wednesday, Kuehn said he plans to keep pushing for a constitutional amendment despite the six groups lack of support. He said it could take several years and several versions of a right-to-farm proposal to get something passed. But he argued that a state law would not offer enough protection because it could be changed by the next Legislature. We will work through the process of what seems best, Kuehn said. A spokesman for Gov. Pete Ricketts, who had backed the right-to-farm proposal this year, offered a more noncommittal response to the ag leaders statement. Gov. Ricketts continues to support agriculture as an industry against outside extremist groups that oppose animal agriculture and spread misinformation about ag technology, said Taylor Gage, while adding that the governor has heard about the priority of property tax relief. John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union, which is sometimes at odds with those involved in the new working group, praised their new statement. He said the Nebraska Farmers Union had opposed Kuehns right-to-farm measure and, like other ag groups, considers property tax reform its top priority. These are the guys who are usually on the opposite side of us on all the corporate farming issues, he said. I am very pleased they have taken what we believe is an appropriate position. Nelson said the new working group represents a new venture by the six organizations, which have often worked together but never developed joint policy positions. He said a couple of major concerns led to their position on right-to-farm protection. First, ag leaders from states that have passed or considered right-to-farm protections urged extreme caution with such measures, he said. They warned that constitutional amendments must be worded carefully to avoid unintended consequences, which are difficult to correct. All the way across the board, we were cautioned to go slow on the issue, Nelson said. Right-to-farm measures passed in North Dakota in 2012 and Missouri in 2014. Voters will weigh in on a measure in Oklahoma in November. Secondly, he said, the Nebraska leaders concluded that other issues are more pressing for farmers, ranchers and livestock feeders, and attempting to pass right-to-farm protection would take away from efforts to address those concerns. Our efforts are targeted to immediate challenges, such as making sure high property tax burdens arent the reason families are pushed out of agriculture, Nelson said. Barb Cooksley, president of Nebraska Cattlemen, said other concerns include access to new technology and biotechnology, sound regulations and better communication with customers. According to their statement, the ag leaders goal will be to work together in addressing those concerns, along with opposing anti-agriculture and non-scientific legislative, regulatory and public relations agendas intended to impose unsubstantiated animal rights, environment or social codes on agriculture and agri-business. Contact the writer: 402-473-9583, martha.stoddard@owh.com Pollster Frank Luntz brought his unique mix of statistics and political schtick to Iowas delegates at the Republican National Convention delegation. His Thursday presentation kicked off with an extended string of one-liners aimed at Democrats. "Bernie Sanders is so old it takes him an hour and a half to watch 60 Minutes." "I polled a thousand women and I asked them: Would you have relations with Bill Clinton if you could? Twenty-one percent said never again." On the more serious side, Luntz told the delegation that Republicans are losing the presidential race at least right now. "If the election were held today, Hillary Clinton wins," he said. "You need to understand this." Luntz offered some advice on how to turn that around, with hard work and the right messaging. He suggested in particular that Donald Trump should capitalize on the perception that he is best suited to cut government waste, fraud and abuse in Washington. "Thats what they hate about Washington, about government: the idea that their hard-earned tax dollars are wasted," he said. Joseph Morton * * * Midlanders Rock the Vote Elvis Presleys jacket and Mick Jaggers stage costume were the highlights of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts. "I was looking for the Moody Blues but apparently they havent been accepted yet," Ricketts said. Nebraska and Iowa delegates to the Republican National Convention mingled with those from other states during a luncheon at the museum Thursday. The venue is one of the premier tourist attractions in Cleveland and has been a popular site for receptions and events this week. Ricketts said his own listening habits skew to the 1980s: 38 Special, Phil Collins, Journey, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and Billy Joel. The delegates strolled through the museum perusing exhibits that honor musicians from Michael Jackson to the Beastie Boys, from Jimi Hendrix to Steve Miller. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, arrived at the museum saying he was most looking forward to seeing Elvis. "Hes still the King, isnt he?" the congressman quipped. And whats on Kings own playlist? "Talk radio." Joseph Morton * * * Iowa GOP chairman Jeff Kaufmann said Ted Cruz had the audience eating out of his hand for three quarters of his speech Wednesday. But Kaufmann said the Texas senator must have received bad advice on his decision not to say more about the issues on which he agrees with presidential nominee Donald Trump. "I think he lost a golden opportunity," he said. "You dont get many of those moments when you can vault almost immediately to being a leader of the entire party. He had that opportunity." Steve Scheffler, Iowas Republican national committeeman, said he was disappointed in Cruz, who refused to endorse Trump and was booed by the convention crowd. "I remember the 1976 duel between Reagan and Ford, and Reagan did what he needed to do by endorsing Gerald Ford, and I think (Cruz) should have done likewise," Scheffler said. Iowa alternate delegate Chelle Adkins echoed the sentiment. "I think he should have been very clear about endorsing," Adkins said. "Because he signed a pledge and he should be a man of his word. Its so rare for people to do what they promise that theyre going to do in politics, and it would have really stood out if he had done that. Just be a man of your word." Joseph Morton * * * * * Gov. Ricketts gets upstaged by Mike Pence, but hes fine with it Ricketts was set to be the keynote speaker Thursday morning at the Indiana delegations breakfast. When he arrived, however, he had to wait to speak. Thats because new GOP rock star Mike Pence was in the house. Pence is the governor of Indiana and this week became Donald Trumps running mate. He delivered a prime-time speech Wednesday night, and Thursday morning was his first time back to visit with his home-state delegation. Ricketts had no problem ceding the floor to Pence. He spoke afterward. Robynn Tysver * * * * * King of 'Duck Dynasty' family briefly meets with Nebraska delegation "Corn Country." Those were the first two words out of Phil Robertsons mouth Thursday morning when he met with the Nebraska delegation. Robertson is the patriarch of the "Duck Dynasty" clan on TV and a noted social conservative. "Ive been on that Platte River hunting ducks," Robertson recalled. "It was fun." Robertson spoke a little bit before posing for a picture with the delegation. His basic theme was that sin has been stripped out of the nations dialogue. "Nobody talks about sin anymore, but I will," said Robertson. "Everybody who sins breaks the law. In fact, sin is lawlessness." Robynn Tysver * * * * * Ricketts says Ted Cruz needs to get in line behind Trump Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts says Ted Cruz needs to follow political protocol and get behind Donald Trumps campaign. Ricketts, who is with the Nebraska delegation Thursday, noted that his Republican rivals endorsed his candidacy after a bitter gubernatorial primary in 2014 and Cruz needs to do the same. He also said he believes Cruz missed the boat Wednesday night. "He had a great opportunity to tell people why the Trump/Pence ticket is the choice for America," Ricketts said. Ricketts own journey to backing Trump was not a straight line. He had stayed officially neutral for months, although his parents Joe and Marlene Ricketts were the main backers of an anti-Trump super PAC. As the GOP presidential field narrowed, Ricketts had been expected to endorse Cruz. But when Cruz dropped out just before the Nebraska primary in May, Ricketts then got behind Trump. Robynn Tysver * * * * * Nebraskans disappointed with Cruz even those who backed him Its hard to find a Ted Cruz supporter in Cleveland after his finger-in-Trumps-eye speech Wednesday night. Not even one of Cruzs biggest supporters in Nebraska was backing his performance. Nebraska Treasurer Don Stenberg, who was state chairman for Cruz, says he was "disappointed." "Its clear he (Cruz) doesnt want Hillary Clinton to be our next president and the only way to accomplish that is to vote for Donald Trump," said Stenberg. Robynn Tysver * * * * * Trump knew Ted Cruzs speech would 'backfire,' Nebraska GOP leader says J.L. Spray, the national committeeman for Nebraska, says Ted Cruz controversial speech was inevitable. He also believes Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump knew what would happen when he allowed his former rival to take the stage Wednesday evening and he purposely let it happen. Spray says Cruz and his supporters had been throwing wrench after wrench into this GOP convention in a bid to free the delegates and allow Cruz to be nominated on the floor. They failed. On Wednesday, Cruz made his last final protest by refusing to endorse Trump during his speech. "It was a blood-letting that had to happen," said Spray. "They (Cruz supporters) just wouldnt go away. It just wouldnt go away any other way, until it was lanced." Spray believes that Trump knew Cruzs speech would "backfire." And he also thinks that Cruzs supporters in the arena were dumbfounded by the boos and and shouts of "endorse Trump" that greeted the Texas senator. "They got to have their moment, and then they got to see why the rest of us didnt agree with them," said Spray. Spray was a member of the GOP rules committee that earlier rejected an attempt by Cruz supporters to change the rules and allow delegates to "vote their conscience." Robynn Tysver Its no longer news when Iowa U.S. Rep. Steve King says something inflammatory. In 2013, King insulted Latinos. For every illegal immigrant valedictorian celebrated by the political left, he said, another 100 have calves the size of cantaloupes because theyre hauling 75 pounds of marijuana across the desert. This year, King insulted African-Americans, saying President Barack Obama and the Black Lives Matter movement share blame in the recent deaths of police officers. He also displayed a small Confederate flag in his congressional office. His comments Monday on an MSNBC panel insulted the intelligence of all Americans. Kings comments came in response to Esquire magazine panelist Charlie Pierces overly broad attacks on the Republican Party as pandering to white peoples fears. King said, This old white people business does get a little tired, Charlie. Id ask you to go back through history and figure out, where are these contributions that have been made by these other categories of people that youre talking about, where did any other subgroup of people contribute more to civilization? Than white people? MSNBC host Chris Hayes asked. King replied: Than Western civilization itself thats rooted in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and the United States of America, and every place where the footprint of Christianity settled the world. Thats all of Western civilization. Even the most generous reading of Kings comments ignores the historical truth that every society builds on the backs of those before it. Western civilization and Christendom have contributed mightily to the advance of mankind. From the Greeks through the American experiment, accomplishments abound, from democratic philosophical ideals to online commerce. But youre able to read this because Mesopotamians, in what later became Iraq and Syria, devised a written language. Many of the financial instruments we use in business and banking systems date back to Chinese, Indian and Assyrian innovations. The building blocks of modern mathematics arose from the Congo and Egypt. Astronomy was developed in the Middle East. A 24,800-mile precursor to our modern highway systems was cut by Incan hands through the Andes Mountains of South America. In our world, no culture holds the monopoly on contributions to civilization. King once said, The argument that diversity is our strength has really never been backed up by logic. Logic, like history, proves him wrong. How can anyone ever explain this to Mason? Hes only 4 months old, so that moment still lies years in the future. Still, at some point, too soon, he will ask the inevitable questions, and someone will have to tell him how his dad was shot to death for being a police officer in Baton Rouge. Montrell Jackson was not the only officer who was killed Sunday, nor the only one who left a child behind. Officer Matthew Gerald and Sheriffs Deputy Brad Garafolo also had kids. And its likely that in killing five police officers earlier this month, a sniper in Dallas robbed multiple children of their fathers, too. So there are a lot of people having painful discussions with a lot of kids just now. But Masons father was the only one of these eight dead cops with the maddening and paradoxical distinction of being an African-American man killed in protest of police violence against African-Americans. He left a Facebook post that gave a glimpse into how frustrating it was, living on both sides of that line being both black and a cop and therefore, doubly distrusted. I swear to God, he wrote, I love this city but I wonder if this city loves me. In uniform I get nasty hateful looks and out of uniform some consider me a threat. Please, he pleaded, dont let hate infect your heart. Nine days later, he was dead. Counting two New York City policemen murdered in 2014, this makes at least 10 cops randomly killed in the last two years by people ostensibly fighting police brutality. But those madmen could hardly be bigger traitors to that cause. One is reminded of something Martin Luther King said the night before his assassination, when he explained the problem with a little violence. Namely, it changes the discussion, makes itself the focus. King had been protesting on behalf of striking sanitation workers in Memphis when unruly young people turned his march into a riot. Now . . . weve got to march again, he said, in order to put the issue where it is supposed to be. These cop killers leave us a similar dilemma. Instead of discussing the violence of police, we are now required to discuss violence against police and to say the obvious: These killers serve no cause, nor does any cause justify what they did. They are just punk cowards with guns who have changed the subject, thereby giving aid and comfort to those who would rather not confront the issue. But if we dont, then what? One often hears men like Rudy Giuliani and Bill OReilly express contempt for the Black Lives Matter movement of protest and civil disobedience; one is less likely to hear either of them specify what other means of protest they would suggest for people whose concerns about racially biased and extralegal policing have been otherwise ignored for decades by government and media. If not Black Lives Matter, then what? Patient silence? Acceptance of the status quo? That isnt going to happen, and the sooner the nation understands this, the sooner it moves forward. Sadly, that move, whenever it comes, will be too late for Mason and dozens of others left newly fatherless, sonless, brotherless, husbandless and bereft. Still, we have to move. The alternative is to remain stuck in this place of incoherence, fear, racial resentment . . . and rage. Always rage. But rage doesnt think, rage doesnt love, rage doesnt build, rage doesnt care. Rage only rends and destroys. We have to be better than that. We have no choice but to be better than that. We owe it to Mason to be better than that. He deserves a country better than this mad one in which his father died and life is poured out like water. Jocelyn Jackson, Montrells sister, put it best in an interview with the Washington Post. Its getting to the point where no lives matter, she said. Difficult to assess Brexit impact on India: Govt Business oi-PTI New Delhi, July 21: It is difficult to immediately assess the impact of 'Brexit' on India and Indian community in Britain, the government told the Parliament on Wednesday. Replying to a question on the issue, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said in Lok Sabha Indian High Commission in London was in the process of evaluating "implications" of 'Brexit' on the Indian community. Post-Brexit EU downgrades economic outlook for Britain & rest of bloc The relationship between Britain and EU is yet to evolve and until such time, it is hard to assess the impact the country's exit from the bloc on India and Indian community, Singh said. Earlier this month, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said India and the UK were exploring the possibility of a free trade agreement following the Britain's decision to exit from the European Union. Replying to a separate question, Singh, referring to media reports, said there was a rise in number of "racist incidents and hate crimes" in the week following the referendum on Brexit on June 26. He, however, said there has been no recorded incident of racist attack targeting Indians there. To a question on India's aid to Nepal, he said development assistance extended to that country in 2014-15 was Rs 420 crore while it was Rs 300 crore in 2015-16. "The disbursement of actual aid to Nepal depends on utilisation of the available amount and progress achieved in numerous projects under implementation with India's assistance in Nepal," he said adding four lines of credit totalling USD 1.65 billion have been extended to Nepal so far. Replying to another question, Singh said government is in the process of closing the Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojna while strengthening other measures including insurance scheme Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojna for overseas Indian workers. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, July 21, 2016, 10:26 [IST] Two-minute scene of 'Kabali' leaked Chennai oi-IANS By Ians English Chennai, July 21: The two-minute introduction scene of Rajinikanth-starrer Tamil action-drama "Kabali", which is slated for worldwide release on Friday, has leaked online. According to a source, the leak might have happened from the Gulf. "The leaked clip features Arabic subtitles too. Hence, it must have originated from the Gulf. The team is trying to find the source of the leak," a source told IANS. The two-minute scene features Rajinikanth exiting from a prison. Meanwhile, superstar Rajinikanth along with his daughter Aishwarya watched the special screening of the film in Virginia (US) on Wednesday. Directed by Pa. Ranjith, the film features Rajinikanth as a don fighting for Tamils in Malaysia. Meanwhile, several companies in Chennai and Bengaluru have declared holidays on July 22 for the release of the film. Bangalore-based Opus Waterproofing and Chennai-based Fyndus India Pvt Ltd have hit the headlines with their consideration towards Thalaiva fans. However, Fyndus went a step ahead in providing free tickets for a chosen few to contain piracy. An employee from Opus said, "This was an internal company circulation which was sent out on Sunday. I could feel the eagerness in my employees, so instead of dealing with mass bunks and mobile switch offs, I came up with the idea of declaring a holiday on July 22 and be a part of the celebration. It would also serve as a motivation to my employees. Like Diwali bonus, we treated them to Kabali bonus." Twitter went abuzz with the employees of these companies, thanking them for their consideration while others get amused. A Company in Colombo, Sri Lanka declares holiday on account of Super Star's #Kabali release. #Magizhchi pic.twitter.com/PbjP6YhFdf SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) July 20, 2016 #Kabali fever strikes in Mumbai too !! This is the office of #FoxStarIndia !! pic.twitter.com/gU5tsvIKKk SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) July 20, 2016 (Agencies) Andhra vs Telangana: Krishna river water sharing triggers differences yet again Hyderabad oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Hyderabad, July 21: The never ending differences between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over Krishna river water sharing took a toll over the proceedings of Krishna River Management Board meeting. While AP sought release of water from the Nagarjunasagar dam for the Krishna Pushkaralu and drinking water needs, Telangana objected citing its own drinking water needs. Even as the argument did not reach a consensus, the meeting was called off abruptly by Board member-secretary Sameer Chatterjee. Placing its argument before the Board, the engineer-in-chief from Telangana stated that the dam had already reached its dead storage level and that the state needs to utilise the 3 tmc ft to supply water to Hyderabad. The Engineers from the AP side argued that Telangana can release water from the right bank canal to meet its drinking water needs. Telangana said that this was not possible as the water levels were low and there was no inflow from upstream Karnataka. The argument was finally ended abruptly after it was decided that a secretary-level meeting with both the states would be held. Till now, the Telangan government has been arguing that it will be utilising its genuine share in Krishna water and will henceforth use water from Nettempad, Koilsagar and Bheema projects to meet drinking water needs in Mahbubnagar. OneIndia News Sikkim CM urges Civil Aviation Minister to make the Pakyong Airport functional at the earliest Don't want anyone working in Air India to lose job: Aviation minister Parliamentary panel for cap on air fares, minister says move will backfire Airlines reluctant to fly to many airports: Minister Raju India oi-PTI New Delhi, Jul 21 Airlines are reluctant to fly to many airports despite providing adequate infrastructure there, even as 32 airports have remained non-functional, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said today. "Airlines are like a horse. We can take them to the water but can't force them to drink," he said in Lok Sabha replying to demands for regular air connectivity to Mysore and some other places. Raju said even though adequate infrastructure is in place, airlines are not flying to many airports in the country. There are 32 airports, under the Airports Authority of India, which are non-functional. "Our constant effort is to increase the number of airports and regional connectivity," he said during Question Hour. Replying another question, the Minister said Civil Aviation Ministry has granted in-principle approval to 15 new airports including Mopa in Goa, Navi Mumbai, Shirdi and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Hasan and Shimoga in Karnataka, Kannur in Kerala, Durgapur in West Bengal, Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh and Pakyong in Sikkim. PTI 'Attacks on Africans were not racial or premeditated' India oi-PTI New Delhi, Jul 21: Recent attacks on African nationals were neither racial nor premeditated acts against a particular community but spontaneous criminal attacks by anti-social elements, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj informed the Rajya Sabha today. To ensure safety of Africans and avoid repetition of such instances, the government is trying to accommodate in campus hostels the African students who are studying in India on scholarships since such attacks have taken place outside campuses, she added. "The recent attacks on African nationals in Delhi and outside were not any kind of racial attacks," she said while replying to questions about the incidents including the killing of Congo national Oliver in the national capital. "These were not premeditated acts against a particular community. These were spontaneous criminal attacks perpetrated by anti-social and criminal elements," she said. She said the Government of India is giving a number of scholarships to African students for studying here and will now work with campuses to provide them accommodation within campuses too. To help prevent the recurrence of any such attacks, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh will hold meetings with African community in major metropolitan cities where they reside and he will be accompanied by Secretary (Ecnomic Relations) and police commissioners of these cities. "A sensitisation campaign is also being carried out," she said, adding, "I have written to seven states which have more presence of African nationals to do sensitisation on pattern of that done in Delhi to avoid recurrence of such incidents." She said as a backlash of the killing of a Congo national in Delhi in May this year, there were few incidents of attacks against Indians in Kinshasa, the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in which some Indians sustained minor injuries. After this, the Indian Embassy in Kinshasa raised the issue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of DRC and sought police protection from the local government there for securing their life and property. "An advisory was also issued to all Indian nationals assuring them of all assistance," she said, adding that there were no serious injuries on Indians there. "A monitoring mechanism has been established under the States Division of the Ministry to obtain feedback on various previous cases in coordination with respective state government," she said. PTI Cabinet approves infusion of Rs 1,500 crore in IREDA: Here are the Highlights Cabinet approves incorporation of Sagarmala Development company under Companies Act India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, July 20 The Cabinet on Wednesday approved the incorporation of Sagarmala Development Company (SDC) under the companies Act 2013, and said that it will be under the administrative control of the Shipping ministry. The cabinet also said that the implementation of the identified projects will be taken up by the relevant ports, State Governments, Maritime Boards, Central Ministries, mainly through private or the Public Private Partnership mode. The cabinet also said that the SDC will also work as the nodal agency for coordination and monitoring of all the currently identified projects as well as other projects emerging from the master plans or other sources. The Sagarmala Programme was launched with the approval of the Union Cabinet on March 25th 2015, with a view to achieve the broad objective of promoting port-led economic development in India. In order to harness India's 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways, and strategic location on key international maritime trade routes, the Government has embarked on the ambitious Sagarmala Programme which was approved by the Cabinet. The cabinet also said that as part of the coastal community development objective of the Sagarmala Programme, the Shipping ministry is taking up a number of initiatives, including the coastal community skill projects and projects for development of marine fisheries sector. "Skill development projects taken up' include coastal district skill gap analysis study/ cutting-edge skill training in the ports and maritime sector, safety training in ship-breaking and repair sector, coastal districts skill training as part of Deen Dayl Upadhyaya Grarneen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) and marine fishermen skill development projects," said the official statement. According to the cabinet decision, the ministry of Shipping, in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, will part-fund select fishing harbour projects under the Sagarmala Programme. "While identifying the projects, priority will be given to those projects which are nearing completion. The Shipping ministry is also preparing a coastal community development scheme, in convergence with the existing Central/State Government schemes," said the statement. "One of the important roles assigned to SDC is to manage the coastal community development scheme and fund coastal community development projects identified under the Sagarmala Programme. The projects considered would be specific time-bound local interventions and innovative in nature," added the statement. IANS DySP Ganapathy case: Did a senior cop try to stop FIR against George? India oi-Shreyas By H S Shreyas Bengaluru, July 21: K.J. George resigned as a minister in Karnataka's Siddaramaiah government on July 19 after a court ordered that an FIR be registered against him in the DySP M.K. Ganapathy suicide case. The deceased cop had alleged that George and two IPS officers had harassed him. But top sources in the state Home department have told OneIndia that there was an attempt to stop the filing of the FIR against George. The sources alleged that a senior cop, on hearing news of the court order, "was quick to call up Madikeri SP Rajendra Kumar". They added that he did so at the behest of his political bosses. The senior cop allegedly told the Madikeri SP to instruct the sub-inspector of Madikeri City Police Station not to file the FIR against George despite the court order. The sources said, the senior cop's order was "unofficial, but it was stern". The Madikeri SP is said to have relayed the senior cop's order to sub-inspector Bharath. But Bharath, the sources said, was nervous about not carrying out court directions. Caught between court and his superior officer's orders, he called up a few officers to ask them how he should proceed in the matter. One such officer told OneIndia, "Bharath called me on June 19 soon after the court pronounced the order. He said he had gotten instructions from the top not to register the FIR against George. I told him if he didn't file the FIR, the court would pull him up for contempt and advised him to tell the SP that he could not risk that". By that time, however, there was so much media attention on the court order that even the senior cop decided to lay off. The FIR was filed and George resigned. Interestingly, amidst all this drama, BJP leaders in Bengaluru got wind of the attempt to scuttle the FIR and instructed partymen in Madikeri to stage a protest outside the Madikeri City Police Station. Local BJP leaders and pro-Hindutva activists staged the demonstration demanding that the FIR against George be filed immediately. OneIndia News. A dream, a call and some courage: How a 15-year-old stopped her marriage Former Bengal CM Jyoti Basu's man friday for 3 decades passes away India oi-IANS By Ians English Kolkata, July 21: Late Marxist patriarch and former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu's confidential assistant for three decades, Joy Krishna Ghosh, passed away at a city hospital on Wednesday. Ghosh, 69, was battling lung cancer for the past five years. A host of Marxist leaders paid their last respects to Ghosh at the hospital while Left Front Chairman Biman Bose and Communist Party of India-Marxist state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra condoled his death. Ghosh had been associated with Jyoti Basu since 1977, the year he became the Chief Minister, and remained his closest aide till the nonagenarian leader slipped into a coma in hospital where he died on January 17, 2010. Basu had handpicked Ghosh as his confidential assistant. He exerted colossal clout in the corridors of power in West Bengal and finalised Basu's appointments. He communicated between the Chief Minister's Office and the CPI-M state headquarters at Alimuddin Street. After Basu stepped down as the Chief Minister, Ghosh was officially designated his personal assistant for life. IANS For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, July 21, 2016, 14:55 [IST] Govt "blocking" Judges' appointments: Cong India oi-PTI New Delhi, Jul 21: Congress leader Anand Sharma today alleged that the government was blocking the appointment of judges as it was "very angry" after the Supreme Court's decision in the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), a charge strongly refuted by the Centre. Elaborating on the vacancies of judges in several high courts across the country, Sharma said "for the last one year, the collegium, the CJI, they have made recommendations to the government, but after the NJAC judgment, the government seems to be very angry and on path of confrontation with the collegium of the Supreme Court." The Supreme Court had in October last year declared as unconstitutional the law brought by the government to replace the over two-decade-old collegium system of judges appointing judges in the higher judiciary and quashed the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act. "Therefore, the attempt of this government is to block appointments and force a situation where the memorandum of procedure of appointments (MoP) as proposed by collegium of Supreme Court is diluted so that people owing allegiance to particular ideology, people having certain leanings, will get accommodated", the Congress leader alleged during Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha. The situation, he claimed, was so serious that the Chief Justice of India T S Thakur broke down in front of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and "months have passed but the Prime Minister is unmoved". "PM has not taken any action, nor his government. His government has to address this issue and explain why it is blocking names which have been recommended by High Court and Supreme Court collegiums, and when will these vacancies be filled so that poor people can get justice," Sharma said. Refuting the charges, former Law Minister Sadananda Gowda said "the matter raised by Anand Sharma is far away from the truth. After NJAC verdict, the government itself went to the CJI. I myself went to the CJI. I said that the new MoP will take some time for finalisation... "So we said that there is a huge pendency across the country... We said the appointments can be proceeded as per the earlier MoP." Gowda, who has now been shifted to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, said he had himself written a letter to CJI, and on that basis, the appointments started. "Last year, 31 new appointments have been made to High Courts. This year from January to April, 51 appointments have been done and 87 ad hoc Judges have been appointed," he said. PTI I only wanted them to understand us, says Kashmiri who was beaten up in Delhi India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, July 21: Aamir Amin, a 24-year-old Kashmiri man working in Gurgaon, hopes his parents in south Kashmir don't ever come to know about his police detention and his being attacked by a group of locals for "merely carrying placards" with messages seeking "justice" and "peace" in the valley. Hoping his elderly parents in Shopian and his three sisters do not get to know that he spent a day in detention at a Dwarka police station last week, Amin also wonders -- "If they (people in India) call us their integral part, then why is there so much discrimination against us?" The attack on him occurred on July 17, when Amin was at a bus stop in Dwarka's Sector 9. He was holding placards that read "Stop innocent killings", "I am from burning Kashmir". This attracted stares from a few men. "Soon around 15-20 youths gathered around me and began calling me a terrorist. They questioned me, I answered their queries, but they refused to listen," Amin told IANS. "I wanted them to know about Kashmir. I asked them to think on humanitarian lines as I read that even children weren't spared (during the unrest in the valley)," he said. "After I realised that they won't understand, I stopped explaining. One of them called the police, and said 'we have found a terrorist who is a Burhan Wani supporter'," Amin said. The July 8 killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani in Anantnag triggered violent protests across Kashmir Valley with over 40 people killed in clashes with security forces. "I did nothing that was against the government or the Constitution of India. I was beaten ruthlessly and all my credit and debit cards were broken. They even snatched my mobile phone," said Amin, who works with a BPO in Gurgaon. "I only tried to make the people understand what we (Kashmiris) are going through," he added. When he was under detention, Amin said he despaired of ever coming out of the "trap". Amin came to Delhi in January after registering with the central government's Udaan scheme, a Special Industry Initiative (SII) implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and funded by the Union Home Ministry. He was given a training for a few months, after which he got the BPO job. Injured civilian dies, no fresh violence in Kashmir Valley Amin says he last spoke with his mother on the Eid day (July 7). "I have no news about them. I do not know if they are fine. I just wish they are not worried about me." Due to the curfew in the Kashmir Valley, the internet blockade and ban on mobile services, Amin has not been able to contact his family in the restive valley. He said he also fears for his safety in Delhi now after people at his office came to know of his detention at a police station. The police too visited his office to verify his antecedents. "I am not a terrorist, I tell them. Not everyone understands, but there are people who sympathise with us. And definitely the threat will remain now," he added. IANS For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, July 21, 2016, 10:52 [IST] Incidents against Africans not racial: Sushma Swaraj India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, July 21 The government on Thursday said the recent incidents of violence against Africans in the country were not racial in nature and that it is taking steps to ensure the safety of African students in India. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha, also said there should not be any racial discrimination in India. "There should not be any racial discrimination in India," Sushma Swaraj said. Speaking on the killing of Congolese national Masonda Ketada Olivier in Vasant Kunj of Delhi in May, the minister said: "The Congolese national was not killed due to racism. CCTV footage is a proof that he was being beaten by some anti-social elements and the people around were trying to save him." "Those who were beating him, also hit those who were trying to save Olivier," she said. Referring to the assault of 23-year-old Nigerian student Kazeem in Hyderabad in May, the minister said: "Second incident was with a Nigerian national in a parking lot. I want to assure the House the incidents with African nationals in the last few days, none of them was a racial incident." According to reports, the Nigerian student was beaten up over a dispute on parking. On measures to check violence against African students, the minister said the government is trying that students get colleges with hostel accommodation within the campus as one of the measures to ensure that such incidents do not happen in future. "We want to take steps and ensure these incidents are not repeated," she added. Shushma Swaraj also said the Heads of Missions from African countries had initially asked the government to postpone the Africa Day function following a string of assault incidents, but the minister, and her junior minister V.K. Singh assured them that speedy action will be taken against the culprits. Asked about retaliation in African countries against Indians, Sushma Swaraj said the incidents had only taken place in Congo's capital Kinshasa where there was stone pelting on some Indian owned shops. "I want to tell them (members) our embassy raised the issue with their foreign ministry and we asked them to give police protection to our citizens," said Sushma Swaraj. She added that the engagement with African countries under the Narendra Modi led government has been unprecedented. "Under this government engagement with Africa has increased," she said. IANS Cyclone Sitrang: Odisha, Bengal brace for cyclonic storm likely to form by Oct 23 Kandhamal firing: NCSC to discuss issue in Delhi today India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer New Delhi, July 21: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) called a meeting on Thursday here to discuss the Kandhmal firing which claimed lives of five people. Odisha Home secretary Asit Tripathy, DGP KB Singh and SC/ST secretary Surendra Kumar have been invited to attend the meeting, reported the Odisha TV. National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) chairman Dr PL Punia visited the Gumudumaha village and met kin of the victims who were killed during anti-Maoist operation on July 8. Punia promised actions against those involved in the incident. Five villagers, including three women and a child, were killed during the anti-Maoists operation by Special Operation Group (SOG) personnel at Malapanga forest in Kandhamal district. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had directed an SIT Team of State Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) to probe the incident. Odisha: Officials did not allow us to meet victims: villagers to SIT A seven member SIT team led by ADG, Human Rights Protection Cell, Mahendra Pratap, reached the village ten days after the incident. Villagers were questioned on the details of the incident like, how and when they had gone to Baliguda for receiving their MGNREGS dues, when the firing occurred, whether it was a cross firing or one sided and how and when the injured were taken from the spot for treatment. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, July 21, 2016, 13:39 [IST] Kolkata braces for Mamata Banerjee's mega rally on July 21 India oi-IANS By Ians English Kolkata, July 21: With lakhs of people expected to converge for the Trinamool Congress mega rally on Thursday, the metropolis is bracing up for the event. This will be ruling party supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's first major public event after retaining power in West Bengal for the second successive term. Observed as Martyrs' Day in remembrance of the 13 youth killed in police firing on July 21, 1993, the event is likely to be used by Banerjee as a public thanksgiving for the thumping majority her party received in the assembly polls. Banerjee, who has been cracking the whip against party infighting as well as the rise of illegal syndicates, is also expected to give a stern message to her partymen. Following the Chief Minister's instructions, the state administration has cracked down on criminals in the past few days and taken into custody over 7,000 people from across the state. Among those arrested are two TMC men, including Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation's influential member Anindya Chatterjee, accused of extortion. Trinamool General Secretary Mukul Roy said the event will see Banerjee simultaneously play the twin role of a chief minister and party chief. "On one hand, the message would be for the state's people from the government while on the other hand she (Mamata) will address the party workers," said Roy. The mega rally is all set to choke the city even as police have made elaborate arrangements, including installation of Closed-Circuit Televisions at strategic locations and deployment of several thousand police personnel across the city. While nearly 3,000 personnel will be deployed around the grand stage erected in front of the Victoria House at Esplanade, several Radio Flying Squads and Heavy Radio Flying Squads and at least a dozen ambulances will be on standby, said a police officer. Bomb disposal and dog squads will also be deployed. As is usual in Banerjee's programmes now, a bevy of Bengali filmstars, including the likes of reigning superstar and party MP Dev, will add glamour to the event. With the event likely to witness a stream of processions that will throw traffic out of gear, several schools have announced a holiday while daily commuters may face a harrowing time since most of the buses are expected to ferry Trinamool supporters to the venue and back. IANS For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, July 21, 2016, 14:32 [IST] Man turns approver after being held twice in ISIS India case India oi-Vicky New Delhi, July 21: The National Investigating Agency (NIA) earlier this week filed a chargesheet against several people in an ISIS related case. Out of the 18 the NIA investigated, two persons were granted pardon by the court after they turned approvers. The two who were granted pardon are Mohammad Abdul Ahad from Bengaluru and 19 year-old Ashik Ahmed from West Bengal. NIA finds links between alleged ISIS operatives and Naxals An approver is an individual who aids the investigation after confessing to the charges levelled against him. It is the discretion of the court to grant such people pardon. Ahad's case is however a strange one. He was apprehended for the second time in an ISIS related case. The approver who was apprehended twice Mohammad Abdul Ahad is the same person who, along with his family, had been detained by the Turkish authorities. The 48 year-old green card holder had gone to Turkey in 2014 alongwith his family and had attempted to enter Turkey when they were apprehended. They were in custody for 23 days before being deported to India. After his return, Ahad got in touch with some ISIS sympathisers. According to the NIA, he was inducted into the Indian arm of the ISIS which was known as the Junood-ul-Khilafa-Fil Hind, following which he stayed in touch with the sympathisers. The motive of this outfit of which Ahad was part of was to establish the Caliphate in India. The NIA had carried out a nationwide crack down and arrested several people in December 2015. Further investigations led to the arrest of Ahad in January this year. ISIS operatives in India held 5 out of 9 meetings in Karnataka Ahad, originally hailing from Bengaluru in Karnataka, had a master's degree in computer science from a university in California through a correspondence course. After working in the US for a decade he was given a green card. Ashik Ahmed is the second approver in the case. Hailing from Hooghly district in West Bengal, the allegation against him was that he helped the ISIS set up modules in the state. Further the NIA also stated that he had helped the other members of the module touch base with arms suppliers from Bangladesh. Intelligence agencies keep a close watch NIA and Intelligence Bureau officials point out that even if people are pardoned or let off after counselling a close watch will be kept on them. They would always be on the radar. Officials in India have very often counselled the youth who attempt to join the ISIS and let them off. However, in the aftermath of the Paris attack, there is a general sense of alert on all such people. In Paris it had been found that one of the accused was a part of an ISIS camp in Syria. He had returned to France and staged the attack in Paris. IB officials tell OneIndia that there is a close watch on persons who have been counselled. Even in the case of the returnees, there is very high surveillance. It has been found in several cases that returnees pretend to be on the right path so that when the heat is off them, they can strike. "We are not taking any such chances," the officer said. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, July 21, 2016, 12:17 [IST] MHA asks Delhi govt to withdraw order suspending CM's secy India oi-PTI New Delhi, Jul 21: Facing the odd situation of an IAS officer being suspended by two authorities, the Union Home Ministry has asked the Delhi government to withdraw its order suspending Rajender Kumar, principal secretary to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, saying it has no power to do it. The Home Ministry, however, made it clear that its own order suspending the 1989 batch IAS officer will continue. Kumar was arrested by the CBI on July 4 in an alleged corruption case and subsequently the Home Ministry has issued a deemed suspension order as he was in police custody for more than 48 hours. The Delhi government has also issued deemed suspension order under the signature of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. A Home Ministry official said there is no enabling provision under the Service Law Jurisprudence for existence of two suspension orders for one and the same cause of action. "The existence of two suspension orders is likely to be used by the delinquent officer to his advantage in any litigation or proceedings that might ensue. "Therefore, the Delhi government has been advised to withdraw the suspension order issued by the Chief Minister in respect of Rajender Kumar," the official said adding "the MHA suspension order will continue". The Home Ministry is the disciplinary authority in respect of IAS and IPS officers belonging to Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre. "Therefore, the Home Ministry can only place officers of AGMUT cadre under suspension. The Delhi government, being a Union Territory, does not have jurisdiction to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the officers of AGMUT cadre," the officer said. PTI Delhi-NCR likely to choke in the coming days 'Red light on, gaadi off' postponed as LG hasn't given nod: Delhi Minister Be prepared Manish, Modi Ji will send CBI against you: Kejriwal takes a swipe at Modi govt India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer New Delhi, July 21: Taking a dig at Modi Government, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday warned his deputy Manish Sisodia to 'be prepared' against CBI actions. Kejriwal's comment came to fore following after the inauguration of new building of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College by Delhi's deputy Chief Minister Sisodia. Taking to micro-blogging website, Kejriwal cautioned Sisodia about CBI probe in the matter. "Manish, be prepared. Modi ji will either send CBI against you or declare that u did not have power to construct it (the college building)", Kejriwal tweeted. Manish, be prepared. Modi ji will either send CBI against u or declare that u did not have power to construct it https://t.co/oOEZBkYBDi Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 20, 2016 Earlier, Manish Sisodia inaugurated a newly constructed college building in Dwarka's Sector 4. Speaking on this occassion, Sisodia also heaped praises on PWD engineers for constructing a remarkable building. "They (Centre) kept troubling us, we kept working. The newly constructed building is indeed splendid. Congratulations to the PWD engineers," Sisodia said. He said that every year over 2.5 lakh students pass out from Class 12 but of them only 1.25 lakh could get admission in higher and technical education colleges of Delhi University, IP University and others. "I appeal the DU vice chancellor and the college principals to come to us with a plan of higher and technical education for the rest 1.25 lakh students, we will provide you all the resources needed," Sisodia said. OneIndia News 5-year-old dies after being attacked by pack of dogs in MP MP: Minister holds ghosts responsible for farmer suicides India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Bhopal, July 21: In a bizarre reply on farmers suicide, the Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhupendra Singh held ghosts responsible for farmer deaths in the state. "Bhoot, pret, upari saya" (apparitions), not crop loss, were forcing farmers to take the extreme step, said Singh while replying to a question on farmer suicides at Sehore district in the Assembly on Wednesday. Congress MLA Shailendra Patel who raised the question was shocked to hear this from minister. His remarks resulted into uproar in the assembly. Congress has sought clarification on whether the government believed in superstition. Onus on states to implement Centre's pro-farmer schemes: Radha Mohan Singh "In some rural pockets, a ritual prevails wherein people are freed of influence of spirits," Singh said, clarifying his remarks. Some of the 418 farmers committed suicide in Sehore district in the last three years. Sehore is the home district of chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, reported the Times of India. OneIndia News Chandrababu Naidu says he is fighting with Centre for special status every day India oi-PTI Vijayawada, July 20: Saying that he was at the "receiving end", Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu tonight said he was sad that the Centre was still not acting favourably towards Andhra Pradesh. Asked if he was confident or hopeful that the Centre would grant special category status to AP, he said, "I wish it comes. I am trying and fighting continuously. Simultaneously, I am doing what I am supposed to do to develop the state." "I am fighting everyday with them....The Centre is not doing what is incorporated in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act-2014," Chandrababu said at a press conference here. The Congress was trying to politicise the issue, he said. He was replying to the question if the Telugu Desam Party would vote for a private member's bill moved by Congress MP K V P Ramachandra Rao seeking special category status for AP. "Is not the Congress to be blamed for the current situation? Why is it playing a game now without incorporating the special category status provision in the (Reorganisation) Act," Chandrababu asked, adding "has a private member's bill ever become an act in the history?". The CM, however, hastened to add that TDP MPs would do the needful (on the bill coming up for vote on July 22). As to why the Centre was not even responding to the resolution passed by the AP Assembly seeking a special status, Naidu said, "You ask the Government of India." PTI Noida-based company denies maternity leave to pregnant employee; asks her to resign India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Noida, July 21: At a time when the Indian government is making efforts to make the journey of pregnant working women, a smooth one, a Noida-based private company meted out a shocking treatment to one of its pregnant employee. The incident happened with one Radhika Gupta, a 28-year-female employed with Radius Synergies Pvt. Ltd, from last two years. The company is located in Sec-63, Noida. Due to certain pregnancy complications, she asked her company to grant her maternity leave before the expected delivery date. [26-week maternity leave for women employees soon in private sector] The company, instead of understanding her health problems, forced her to resign immediately. On July 4 this year, Radhika sent an email to the company's Director saying: "Dear Sir, As you are aware that my doctor has advised me complete bed rest due to some medical complications in my pregnancy, so I would like to apply for my medical leaves till my maternity leaves start i.e. from 1st September, 2016. During this period, I will be available over the phone as well as on emails for important official work so that work does not get hampered. Attached herewith are supporting medical documents from my consulting doctor. Regards, Radhika Gupta" Radhika was working as an Assistant Manager- HR in the company and was directly reporting to the Director. She joined the company in May 2014. She said that she had informed verbally about her maternity leave plans but when the time came, she was denied to take leaves. [Paid maternity leave can lead to better infant health] She was told that her company cannot afford an employee on leave for a long time. Then, she was sent a mail of "termination from service" and to respond it within 45 minutes. Radhika, who was left with no choice, wrote a letter to the Ministry of Women and Child Development and to the PMO, where she narrated her ordeal. The WCD Ministry is investigating the matter. The state commission for women in Uttar Pradesh has also taken up the sensitive matter. While talking to Topyaps, Radhika said that she requested to shift her base in office from second floor to ground floor for her convenience, but it was also denied. He husband also complained that due to office stress, Radhika's blood pressure dropped to a low and she had to be admitted in a hospital. Under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, an employee is entitled to 12 weeks maternity leave. Under section 21 of the Act, if an employer doesn't do so, he is punishable with imprisonment. OneIndia News Passenger woes to end, BMTC set to launch smart cards in Sept India oi-Shreyas Bengaluru, July 21: If you don't have change, please leave the bus- sounds familiar? Well, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has come to the rescue of passengers who are often forced out by ticket collectors for want of small change. BMTC is planning to introduce smart cards for passengers making their commute cashless and thereby hoping that it will put an end to this problem. BMTC is all set to launch smart cards this will materialise by the end of September. No change? Avoid boarding BMTC or face ouster If you hope to get change for Rs 100 and Rs 500 in one of the prominent public transport systems in Asia, BMTC at present, you will certainly land in trouble. Either you will be 'ordered ' by the Ticket Collector (TC) to get out of the bus or you will be at the receiving end of abuses hurled at you until he manages to collect change. Ramashish, a daily commuter who travels from Vishwanatha Nagenahalli to Shivajinagar (bus number 415) via BMTC was twice asked by the TC to alight from the bus for not carrying Rs 50 or Rs 20 notes. He was carrying Rs 100 and Rs 500 notes in the morning hours. Ramashish who hails from Uttar Pradesh and who works as carpenter recalls: "That day before boarding the bus I tried to collect change for Rs 100 but no shopkeepers in the vicinity of Vishwanatha Nagenahalli could help me as they had just started business. It was 8.30am in the morning." Ramashish, who was new to Bengaluru then says he hoped to get change in the bus as at that time many boarded the bus. The bus fair is Rs 19 from Vishwanatha Nagenahalli to Shivajinagar. "I boarded the bus and sat behind ." The TC who approached Ramashish, was furious after he saw him take out a Rs 100 note from his pocket. "The TC told me to give change. I said I did not have any change and asked him to take the money and give me the change later when I get down at Shivajinagar. The TC used words in Kannada which I did not understand. Then he told in Hindi to get out of the bus. When I objected he raised his voice and ordered me to leave the bus," Ramashish lamented. Rajendra, a techie in the city has a similar incident to narrate. He boarded the bus at Indian Express circle to travel to Richmond. "I was holding Rs 500 note as soon as I got into the bus. I thought I can get change. But a lady TC said if you have change you can travel or else get down and board another bus. I got down and went in search of change," he said. Out of 15 people, OneIndia spoke to 9 people complained that TCs often force passenger out of the bus for the same reason. Other 6 said they have seen bus conductors throwing people out. OneIndia spoke to a TC who does not wish to be identified and said "See if we do not have change, we cannot go in search for the same in the midst of our duty. Most of the time we see to it that we collect change from passengers to give to those who buy ticket." He, however, added that, when not in a position to offer change they do ask passengers to leave the bus but with polite tone. Smart card will end this trend Managing Director of BMTC, Dr Ekroop Caur speaking to OneIndia said introduction of smart cards and going cashless will put an end to this trend. "The BMTC is all set to launch smart cards and this will materialise by the end of September," Caur added. When asked about the present problem faced by passengers, she said passengers can complain to the authorities. "There is 24/7 toll free helpline, then there is Twitter, Facebook. Aggrieved parties can raise complaints here," she said. Responding to the 'rude behaviour' of TCs and the 'forceful ouster' of passengers from the bus, she said: "There are practical problems in carrying change. You can talk about rights of passengers to travel uninterrupted in the BMTC. But at the same time one needs to understand the problems faced by TCs as well. Taking the exact currency is always a good option." OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, July 21, 2016, 14:31 [IST] PDP blames actions since 1948 for Kashmiris' loss of faith in democracy India oi-PTI New Delhi, Jul 21: PDP, the ruling party of Jammu and Kashmir rejected the contention that the unrest in the state is because of its alliance with BJP and blamed the actions by Congress and National Conference since 1948 for the loss of trust in democracy among the people of the valley. In a strong and emotional speech in the Lok Sabha during discussion on Kashmir situation, senior PDP leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig said the government of India should use its moral authority to resolve the problems of the state rather than using military authority. Slamming Pakistan for its interference in Kashmir, he said people of the valley are being "misguided" and expressed faith in the Modi government, saying "if you can't do it (resolve the problems), who can do it?" He wondered whether Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani, whose killing in an encounter with security forces has triggered the unrest, could have been arrested instead of being gunned down. In this context, the former Minister of Jammu and Kashmir cited examples of how some militants had earlier given up the gun and contested elections to join the mainstream. Rejecting allegations by critics like Congress that the current unrest is due to PDP joining hands with BJP to form government, Baig said, "nobody can accuse them (BJP) of being traitors". Seeking to turn tables on opponents, he went back into history and clearly blamed Congress and National Conference, without naming them, for repeated controversial actions since 1948 when Prajapati Parishad was not allowed to contest polls. Curfew, separatist shutdown enters 13th day in Kashmir He said Kashmiris lost faith in democracy due to actions like installing "un-elected governments" and dismissing elected governments since 1948 besides rigging elections. He said the rigging of 1987 polls, allegedly by National Conference-Congress combine, was the "deepest cut" to the faith of Kashmiris in democracy as these elections had been contested even by those who did not believe in the Indian Constitution but wanted to repose trust in the poll process. In this regard, he gave the example of the chief of militant group Hizbul Mujahideen, whose original name is Mohd Yusuf Shah, contesting the elections which were "rigged". Baig said Yasin Malik, now the JKLF chief, was Shah's polling agent and was "tortured" by police after National Conference-Congress came to power following 1987 elections. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, July 21, 2016, 10:21 [IST] Accession Day: Valley lights up on this day when J&K became part of India Poor stone-pelters, rich, Kashmiri separatist leaders India oi-Vicky By Vicky Kashmiri separatist leaders are quick to give clarion calls to the state's youth to pelt stones and take up arms against the Indian establishment. Except, that call is not for their own sons and daughters, for whom, in most cases, they have fixed comfortable lives -- well away from the cauldron they have created in Kashmir -- in India, Pakistan, London and elsewhere. As OneIndia reported recently, while Kashmir was burning, separatist Asiya Andrabi's son was chilling out with friends in Malaysia. She's not the only separatist leader who preys on gullible youth in Kashmir, and now even on migrant Bihari youth, for their political ends, while building cosy lives for their families. [Separatists have taken Kashmir back to Stone Age] The likes of Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani or Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front chief Yasin Malik are no different, either. A Valley of Hypocrites The 86-year-old Geelani's elder son Nayeem and daughter in law, for instance, are doctors in Rawalpindi, Pakistan; his second son Zahoor lives in New Delhi, daughter Farhat is a teacher in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and grandson Izhaar is a crew member with a private airliner in India. Why are none of them fighting Geelani's fight? Recently, when Geelani was desperate to go to Saudi Arabia but had problems renewing his passport, the man who professes undying love for Pakistan filled in his nationality as 'Indian' without batting an eyelid. A mere matter of convenience, perhaps. Yasin Malik, married to risque Pakistani artist Mushaal who specialises in painting "raw beauty of the feminine mystique", has a daughter, Raziyah Sultana, who is too young to be fighting her father's fight. Time will tell if she ever does, but given Malik's record of hypocrisy, it is unlikely. During the 2014 floods in Kashmir, the Indian Army rescued Malik, only to be then abused by him when he staged a public drama on television throwing away aid material and challenging the Indian Army. Do "innocent victims"behave like this? Killing your own-A J&K state policeman at the receiving end of mob fury pic.twitter.com/RM1wCBlfbB Madhu Kishwar (@madhukishwar) July 20, 2016 Trade Route to ISI Money That's not all. These separatist leaders rake in huge monies, mostly from Pakistan's ISI. Their job, in return, is to keep the Valley on the boil and thwart Indian attempts to resolve the Kashmir problem with Kashmiris. In 2011, a Hawala operative called Hira Lal was arrested by Indian authorities. Picked up from a hotel in Srinagar, Hira Lal told interrogators that he had been tasked with handing over funds to the separatists and he had passed on Rs. 3 crore to the Lone brothers. Investigations revealed that Hira Lal was passing on fake currency, too, that was to be used to keep the separatist movement going. The money had come from the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. What better way than to 'fund' a fake movement with fake currency! The investigating agency also found that the ISI had hired businessmen in Punjab to move hawala money into Kashmir, monies that were used to finance the Lashkar-e-Taiba. These businessmen were getting money from across the border in the guise of trade along the Line of Control. Between 2009 and 2011, when such money moved in freely via hawala channels, Pakistan pushed in some Rs. 340 crore, paid off to separatists and the LeT, an Enforcement Directorate probe found. Rupees, Riyals, Dollars and Pounds The Home Ministry report, based on reports from multiple agencies, is a startling read. The report names 50 persons for misusing the LoC trade route to move hawala money. These persons collectively sent out money to the tune of Rs 80 lakh in one installment. In another installment, some Rs. 31 lakh was handed over to a Hizbul Mujahideen operative in the Valley. The agencies have questioned over 90 people in these cases and have found that money was also being channelized through Saudi Arabia and Europe to fund the separatists. A raid yielded Rs. 1.4 crore, 75,000 Saudi Riyals, and some 4,500 Pounds from two places. In 2012, 10 persons were arrested and Rs 9.9 lakh was recovered from them, once again money that was enroute to the separatists. Those arrested included members of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Kashmir Mass Movement, People's Conference, Democratic Freedom Party, JKLF and Islamic Students Front. Members of terrorist groups Hizbul, Lashkar, Al-Umer, Tehreek-e-Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammad were also part of the gang that was arrested for circulating money in the Valley. The strongest case that was made out by the agencies was against Geelani, who has been getting these funds since at least 1996. As per the report, he has got funds from various channels amounting to nearly Rs. 20 crore from Saudi Arabia and Rs. 10 crore from the Kashmir American Council respectively. The investigation showed that he had been channeling money to Hizbul, a fact corroborated by his aide Ghulam Mohammad Bhat. Bhat, who was questioned by the agencies in 2011, revealed that Pakistan had sent in at least Rs 4.5 crore to be paid to create problems in the Valley between 2008 and 2011. Yasin Malik was named as far back as 2002 by a woman called Shazia Begum, who was picked up by Indian agencies while she was on her way to hand over $10,000 to him. During the investigation, it was found that this was one part of a large sum that was being transferred to Malik. He is alleged to have collected some $300,000 from ISI sponsored NGOs in America soon after making a fund-collection trip to the US in 2001. Woman, her two children mowed down by train; Suicide not ruled out 'Rajasthan amongst leading states in ease of doing business' India oi-PTI Jaipur, Jul 21: Human errors have been responsible for majority of accidents in the oil and gas industry, experts today said, stressing on improving safety and security measures to minimise such incidents. "Human errors have been a major contributing factor in case of mishappenings in the oil and gas sector. Ignorance, negligence, carelessness and dereliction of duty besides equipment failure have led to incidents and they must be checked," Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), M K Surana said. "We should learn from mistakes of the past and should not repeat them," he said at the inaugural session of a two-day conference on excellence in Hydrocarbon safety 'PetroSafe-2016' here. Shailendra Singh, Joint Secretary of the department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Minister of Commerce and Industry, said Rajasthan has vast opportunities in oil and gas exploration and a good environment for doing business. "Rajasthan is among the leading states in ease of doing business and has carried out labour reforms. The ranking of the state would improve in the years to come," Singh said. Chief Controller of Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO), S Kamal said PESO has introduced auto- renewal of licenses of petrol pump, petroleum transportation, LPG godowns and filling plants and the facility will be offered for other premises as well in next three months. "It is the first of its kind initiative which will save time of the stakeholders and PESO as well," he said. PESO, the regulatory body for hydrocarbon safety, is holding the conference in collaboration with consortium of oil companies and national safety council. PTI Karl-Josef Hildenbrand | AFP | Getty Images. European technology start-ups are set to raise record amounts of money in 2016 and U.S. venture capitalists are involved more than ever. European venture capital (VC) funds raised a record amount of money in the first half of 2016, but the amount of capital being invested in technology start-ups in the region has plummeted, with deals in the U.K. and Ireland hitting a five-year low amid uncertainty surrounding Brexit, new data on Thursday showed. Investors in Europe raised 6.6 billion euros ($7.28 billion) across 34 VC-focused funds, a 63 percent year-on-year increase, and the highest amount in a six month period on record, according to Pitchbook, a data and research firm that looks at the VC and private equity markets. Despite the surge in funds raised, investors appeared cautious to put the money to work. Total capital invested in European start-ups plunged 27 percent year-on-year to 5.42 billion euros in the first-half of 2016 across 1,279 deals - the smallest amount in terms of euro size since the second half of 2011. "Across the continent, deal flow fell again attributable to continued trepidation at economic growth and political turmoil, of which Brexit was a considerable part," Garrett Black, senior analyst at Pitchbook, told CNBC by email. Early-stage start-ups have been feeling the pressure in particular. There were just 346 first financings in the first half of the year, the lowest amount since the second half of 2008. But late-stage European companies are also suffering with only 193 funding rounds for these companies in the six months to the end of June, a 35 percent year-over-year decline. Much of the uncertainty around the U.K.'s vote to leave the European Union, and the broader macroeconomic environment in Europe, is behind the fall. This has led to venture capitalists being a bit more picky with their deal choices. "For many startups, financings that are in the works now will include planning for any potential fallout or at least building in flexibility depending on how certain negotiations of the U.K.'s exit go. Some deals simply may not get done, but the timeline for Brexit is protracted and its effects uncertain enough that VCs will still fund what they deem worthwhile opportunities," Black said. Story continues Of the 5.4 billion euros of funding for start-ups in the first half, 2.1 billion euros or 39 percent, went to U.K.-based companies. This is around three times the amount of capital pumped into German start-ups, which received 765 million euros, and nearly 4 times the level invested in France. The U.K. has established itself as a leading technology start-up market in Europe, particularly in the fintech or financial technology space and a number of British firms have secured funding this year. But while Britain remains the biggest receiver of European VC capital, financings in the U.K. and Ireland in the second quarter fell to levels not seen since the middle of 2011, and the region's share of overall VC activity declined to the lowest level in five years, Pitchbook said. Meanwhile, deals in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Nordic region grew between the first quarter and the second quarter. The trend for the rest of the year could be continued investment in the U.K. in favor of more stable countries. So far this year, VC-backed exits either a merger, acquisition or initial public offering (IPO) have totaled 7.1 billion euros in the first half of the year with a total of 166 deals. This is compared to 12.1 billion euros in the whole of 2015 and 475 deals. Notable deals this year include Microsoft's $250 million acquisition of U.K. artificial intelligence firm Swiftkey, and Twitter's purchase of Magic Pony . But Pitchbook predicts that while overall activity in terms of the number of exits might be similar similar to 2013's level of 359, total value is unlikely to remain as strong as it was in the first half of this year. "Favorable exchange rates could render M&A of British companies more attractive, while ongoing economic weakness continues to motivate many European corporates to tighten their belts by acquiring new product lines and teams, which could end up as cheaper than significant R&D spending," Pitchbook's report said. "Costlier targets, however will be harder to justify, so although acquisitions of VC-backed companies may continue at a clip similar to that of 2013 or 2012, total value is unlikely to remain as strong as it was in 1H 2016." More From CNBC Mamata Banerjee to reshuffle West Bengal Cabinet today | All you need to know TMC welcomes Nitish's decision to ditch BJP, says \"no political party in NDA is safe\" A new Trinamool Congress in six months? What we know Recruitment of primary teachers under TMC regime in Bengal on radar of agencies TMC will form the next govt in Tripura: Mamata Banerjee India oi-PTI Kolkata, July 21: Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee will be visiting Tripura on August 9 to strengthen the party in the north east state, where it has emerged as the main opposition party. "I will visit Tripura on August 9. In coming days we will form the next government in Tripura," she told TMC's Martyrs Day rally here. In a setback to Opposition Congress in Tripura, its six dissident MLAs had joined TMC last month making it the main Opposition party in the Left-ruled state. Sudip Ray Barman, who led the Congress dissidents, too was present at the rally. "We will follow the ideals of Mamata Banerjee to oust the Left regime of Tripura. We are confident that we will be able to do so in the next Assembly polls. People in Tripura are fed up with the Left rule there. The Left Front in Tripura will have the same fate as the Left Front in West Bengal faced in 2011," he said. Burman, the former leader of opposition, had been elected leader of the TMC legislature group. PTI Should Kashmir be given to Pakistan: Row erupts after this question appears in MP civil service exam Unwise to tamper with AFSPA now: Former R&AW officer India oi-Vicky Bengaluru, July 21: There has been a renewed cry being made in the aftermath of the Kashmir violence to repeal the Armed Forces Special Protection Act or AFSPA. Complaints that the AFSPA allows for the greater intervention of the Centre have been made several times. The AFSPA gives elevated protection to the armed forces. The act came into force for the first time as the Assam and Manipur Special Powers Act in 1958. Following amendments in 1972 and 1987, it was made applicable to all North Eastern States and later in 1990 it was introduced in Jammu and Kashmir. Curfew, separatist shutdown enters 13th day in Kashmir Today with the violence in Kashmir escalating, several people and the separatists in particular have made calls for repealing the act. Should the act be repealed? OneIndia spoke to former Research and Analysis Wing officer, V Balachandran who says that we do need the AFSPA, but if excesses are reported then the authority should hold immediate enquiries. Why AFSPA cannot be repealed? There have been complaints that AFSPA allows for a greater intervention by the Centre. Balachandran however, points out the armed forces are not just worried about vexatious prosecution, but there is a moral angle to the same too. "The armed forces are called out only as a last resort when the civil machinery, including the use of paramilitary forces, fails. This is the final punch to save our society from regional violence caused by home grown insurgents or those ignited from abroad. If the Indian Army fails, our democracy fails, and India could become a 'failed state,' giving birth to 'war-lordism," says the the former R&AW officer. Balachandran also says that army officers are expected to conduct operations with anonymity. If there is no protection given to them and they are dragged to court their anonymity will be compromised. "This is bound to risk their morale in risky operations. Remember, morale is the bedrock of the armed forces," he further adds. There should be 'plebiscite' in Kashmir, says Scindia With terrorists infiltrating the Valley and hurling grenades while standing behind stone pelters, it would not be wise to repeal this act. Check and Balance Balachandran says that we need AFSPA that gives an elevated protection to our armed forces. However, we also need a stipulation that when there are excesses a competent authority should make or hold immediate enquiries,' he says. The armed forces should also not be allowed to hold any person in custody beyond a specific period. "In addition, the current practice of an entire state being covered by AFSPA must be done away with, limiting its application to only the necessary parts of a state, as recommended by former Home Minister P. Chidambaram and the Punchhi Commission, which proposed localised emergency provisions," Balachandran adds. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, July 21, 2016, 12:52 [IST] Dhaka attack: Emir of JMB South Muhammad Tanvir arrested in Bangladesh International oi-Vicky Dhaka, July 21: A top operative of the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen, Bangladesh or the JMB has been arrested along with three others in connection with the attack on a cafe in Dhaka. Mahudul Hasan Tanvir, the Emir of the Southern Region of the JMB was arrested from his hideout at Gazipur's Tongi area on Thursday morning by the Rapid Action Battalion. Dhaka attack: Sole Japanese survivor hid in cafe's garden The arrests are part of the ongoing investigations into the Dhaka cafe attack in which 22 people were killed. Bangladeshi investigators have maintained that the attack was carried out by JMB although ISIS claimed responsibility for the same. The other people who were arrested are Ashiqul Akbar Abesh, Najmus Shakib and Rahmatullah Shuvo. The names of these people had cropped up during the investigation and it had been found that they had played an active role in plotting and executing the attack. Coordinating with the intelligence agencies a pre-dawn operation was launched. It was found that these people were also planning on carrying out a sabotage operation. During the raid the police found eight bombs, bomb making material, jihadi literature, a pistol, eight machetes and 100 rounds of ammunition. RAB's media wing Director Mufti Mahmud Khan said a huge quantity of weapons, ammunition and bomb-making material have been recovered from the house. Khan added that the RAB swung into action after receiving a tip-off that the four were present in a building. Bangladesh terror: Moving beyond secularism-vs-religion debate Khan said: "These four had taken shelter in the house before Eid during Ramadan and that the house was used for training JMB recruits." Further it was also found that the hideout was being used to plan attacks. The name of Tanvir has been doing the rounds for sometime now. Bangladesh had also shared information with Indian agencies about this person. A dossier is also being prepared by Bangladesh and will be shared with India. The dossier will contain the name of at least 100 operatives of the JMB out of which some are suspected to be hiding in India. In this list, the name of Muhammad Suleiman who is said to be a key player in the Dhaka attack is also mentioned. Bangladesh had said that after planning the attack, he had slipped into India seven months back. India had found that Suleiman had met with an ISIS operative by the name Abu Musa Bangali. OneIndia News Trump lashes out at Hillary on Twitter after her acceptance speech Eighteen protesters arrested at Republican Convention venue in Ohio International oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Cleveland, July 21: The Cleveland Police on Wednesday (July 21) arrested 18 protesters following a scuffle after the demonstrators tried to burn an American flag near the entrance of Quicken Loans Arena, the venue where Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, was formalised as the presidential candidate. [GOP Convention turns ugly as Ted Cruz faces insults for not endorsing Trump] Two of those arrested were charged with an assault on an officer after he and his colleagues tried to confiscate the flag, the local police chief Calvin Williams told the media. [Trump nominated as presidential candidate] The others arrested were accused of inciting violence near the arena, the police added. The Wednesday arrests were the biggest seen during the four-day convention, which concludes on Thursday, as the total number of arrested went up to 23, official sources said. A group called the Revolution Club had warned of trying to burn the flag to protest against US policies, especially military intervention abroad, said a Reuters report. The police, however, also faced criticism over their action. The Amnesty International said later on Wednesday that exit routes were blocked by the police and it caused much inconvenience to people with disabilities. It said the police's dispersal order was not properly audible, the CNN reported. The Ohio chapter of the National Lawyers Guild was criticised the police action, expressing concern about the arrests and employing police action against peaceful protesters. Oneindia News Godavari Says.. Hey Kabali !!! International oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Washington, July 21: Biggest South Indian Film coupled with the Best South Indian Food. The rapidly expanding South Indian cuisine restaurant chain in the US, Godavari is all set to promote the biggest South Indian film, "Kabali". The mega movie, starring none other than the Super Star himself, Rajnikanth can now be thoroughly enjoyed by viewing it across 15 Screens in the New England region and the state of Delaware, making it the biggest Indian releases of the year. Speaking on the association, TEAM Godavari said; "We are more than excited to be promoting our very own Indian movie, "Kabali" here in America. We are sure to witness tremendous success through this tie-up, as the movie and most importantly Rajnikanth has a huge craze among the large number of Indians living out here." Godavari is releasing Kabali in the States of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine and Delaware are all geared up to screen this most awaited Indian film. Adding another record to its endless list, the blockbuster movie which is sure to be a super-duper hit, is the first Indian film to be released in the state of Maine. The premier shows will hit screens on the 21st of July at 11:45 AM in Tamil and Telugu. Kabali is also setting up a new record for being played with 45 premier shows in Tamil and 26 Premier shows in Telugu in all the above states. Fans of the most celebrated actor in India have just got even luckier as authentic Indian food will be served at the Apple Cinemas in Boston. One can relish a wide array of mouth-watering Indian delicacies, whilst cheering aloud for their most favorite and stylish actor. Godavari restaurant continues to increase its visibility across the country, as the restaurant will open in newer locations like Morrisville (NC) by this month end, followed by Hartford (CT), Framingham (MA), Cumberland (RI) and many more in the next month. "Godavari Productions" would be its new venture into the film industry by supporting short films and encouraging young talent to showcase their creativity to the fullest through their upcoming project. Get Ready to Say "Kabali Raa" with Godavari @ any of these Theaters in New England Region & Delaware!!!! OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, July 21, 2016, 17:31 [IST] NASA's new water-scouting CubeSat is all set to find ice on the Moon NASA working to repair fuel leak on moon rocket and plans to launch Artemis mission later this month Harvest moon 2022: Why was it farmers' pet and where to watch it It's 47 years since man conquered the moon International oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Washington, July 21: July 20, 2016, marked the 47th anniversary of the mankind's giant leap as it was on this date in 1969 when Nasa astronauts had first landed on the moon. [Form moon to Mars, Armstrong will be there always] The trio of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins blasted off from Earth on a huge Saturn V rocket on July 16, 1969, and it reached the destination four days later. The Eagle module which landed on the surface had Armstrong and Aldrin inside while Collins stayed behind in the orbiting Columbia craft. It was Armstrong who had touched the moon's surface first even as millions back home watched with excitement. Armstrong's one-liner "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" is a famous one now. Aldrin was the second to touch the moon's surface. The astronauts, who had opened a new chapter in the progress of mankind, returned home after planting an American flag and a plaque reading "We came in peace for all mankind" back in the moon. Mike was the funny one of our #Apollo11 crew. Orbiting the moon alone. He was critical to the success of the mission pic.twitter.com/jel9L3KHLz Buzz Aldrin (@TheRealBuzz) July 21, 2016 My first words when I stepped onto the talcum like lunar dust were "Magnificent Desolation". #Apollo11 pic.twitter.com/jSEtMUPkIu Buzz Aldrin (@TheRealBuzz) July 21, 2016 The visor photo #NeilArmstrong took of me on the moon was very spontaneous. He said "stop right there". #Apollo11 pic.twitter.com/YLr0ND5inp Buzz Aldrin (@TheRealBuzz) July 21, 2016 On Wednesday, Aldrin posted a short clip of the Eagle's landing followed by Armstrong saying "the Eagle has landed" and also a GIF of the ship that orbited around the moon. Armstrong said the moon's surface is very, very fine-grained, almost like powder Aldrin, 86 now, also appeared on a Facebook Live event later in the day to commemorate the historic event. Only 12 people have walked on the moon so far. Armstrong passed away in 2012 at the age of 82. Collins is 85-year-old now. July 20, 2016, also marked 40th anniversary of Viking 1's landing on Mars July 20 is also an important date in the history of man's space adventure because it was on the same day in 1976 when Viking 1 lander had touched the surface of Mars. While Viking 1 and 2 were launched from the Earth in 1975. Viking 1 landed on the Red Planet on July 20, 1976, as the first American craft and it sent back pictures, analysis and information on the planet till November 1982. "That's one small step for man. One giant leap for mankind." #Apollo11. It's time for the next giant leap. #GYATM pic.twitter.com/hB9TGgD11U Buzz Aldrin (@TheRealBuzz) July 20, 2016 Oneindia News Khaleda Zia's son sentenced to 7 years for money laundering International oi-PTI Dhaka, July 21: The 'fugitive' eldest son of Bangladesh's opposition leader and former prime minister Khaleda Zia was today sentenced to seven years in prison by a court here for laundering nearly USD 2.5 million, overturning a lower court's decision to acquit him in the high-profile graft case. [Dhaka attack: Emir of JMB South Muhammad Tanvir arrested in Bangladesh] Tarique Rahman, 48, who is senior vice president of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sentenced by the two-member bench of the High Court for siphoning off the money to Singapore between 2003 and 2007 when the party-led four-party righting alliance government was in power. "He (Rahman) has been tried in absentia as he did not appear despite being summoned...the court earlier declared him fugitive" a court official told reporters after the verdict. Rahman, who has been living in London since 2007, was charged under Money Laundering Act. The court also slapped Taka 200 million fine on him. In a surprise verdict, a Dhaka court on November 17, 2013, had acquitted Rahman of the graft charge but handed down seven years of imprisonment and fined Taka 400 million to his friend and business partner Giasuddin Al Mamun in the same case. The High Court, however, upheld Mamun's jail term but lowered the amount of fine to Taka 200 million, an equal amount of penalty slapped on Rahman. The BNP had earlier rejoiced the lower court's verdict but the judge of the court, who retired within few days after the verdict came under the scanner of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), reportedly left the country soon after. According to one of the pending charges, Rahman allegedly masterminded a fatal grenade attack in 2004 on a rally of the then main opposition and now ruling Awami League killing 24 people. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina narrowly escaped the assault but with permanent hearing impairment. Bangladesh earlier formally asked London to extradite Rahman to face justice. It is unclear if Rahman has sought an asylum in the UK as the British authorities earlier declined to make any public statement on the issue calling it a "personal matter of an individual". The Anti-Corruption Commission brought the money laundering charge against Rahman during the past military- backed interim government which spearheaded a massive anti-graft campaign under the State of Emergency from 2006 to 2008 when Rahman was put behind the bar. He was allowed to take an overseas tour for medical treatment under a Supreme Court order but he preferred to stay back in London as the subsequent general election installed Awami League to power with three fourths majority. NSA President Erdogan declares 3-month emergency in Turkey International oi-PTI Ankara, July 21: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a three-month state of emergency, vowing to hunt down the "terrorist" group behind last week's bloody coup attempt. He has accused followers of his arch-enemy, US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, of being behind the coup, which has led to a wave of some 50,000 arrests and sackings of suspected conspirators. [Turkey blocks WikiLeaks after it exposes lakhs of emails of ruling party] Read more stories related to Turkey's failed coup attempt 2016 The state of emergency was needed "in order to remove swiftly all the elements of the terrorist organisation involved in the coup attempt," Erdogan said at the presidential palace in Ankara. Although the special measure vastly increases state security powers, Erdogan vowed there would be "no compromise on democracy". The announcement followed long meetings of Turkey's national security council and cabinet chaired by Erdogan at the presidential palace. A state of emergency gives the government extra powers to restrict freedom of movement, said an official, adding that it would not restrict financial or commercial activities as "international law sets limits of restrictions". [Post coup attempt, Turkey suspends over 15,000 education officials] Turkey had last seen emergency in 2002 Turkey in 2002 lifted its last state of emergency, which had been imposed in provinces in the southeast for the fight against Kurdish militants in 1987. Article 120 of the constitution allows a state of emergency to be imposed "at a time of serious deterioration of public order because of acts of violence." Global concern has grown as Turkish authorities have arrested or fired troops, police, judges, teachers and other civil servants in the aftermath of Friday's failed bid to seize power by rebel troops. Earlier the Turkish leader lashed out at critics of the sweeping purge, telling France's Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault -- who had warned Erdogan not to use the failed coup as a "blank cheque" to silence his opponents -- to "mind his own business". "Does he have the authority to make these declarations about my person? No, he does not. If he wants a lesson in democracy, he can very easily get a lesson in democracy from us," Erdogan said on al-Jazeera. Earlier yesterday US Secretary of State John Kerry, flanked by allied foreign ministers, said that while "we condemn this coup", it was important that the response to it "fully respects that democracy that we are supporting". German chancellor slams Turkey's "flout of law" German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman, in more direct comments, said that in Turkey "nearly every day we are seeing new measures that flout the rule of law and that disregard the principle of proportionality". Erdogan in the Al-Jazeera interview insisted that the arrests and suspensions had been carried out "within the law", adding that "of course that does not mean we have come to the end of it". AFP 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 Alert Bihar chief secy foils bid to withdraw money from his bank account Two held in Bihar for 'hoisting' Pakistan flag Patna oi-IANS By Ians English Patna, July 21: Two people, including a woman, were arrested in Bihar's Nalanda district on Thursday on charge of hoisting a Pakistan flag, police said. Raids were on to arrest one more person in this connection. The Pakistan flag was found hoisted on top of a building in Kharadi mohalla of Bihar Sharif, the headquarters of Nalanda district. Nalanda is the home district of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. "We have arrested two people after registered an FIR against three accused named in connection with the hoisting of a Pakistan flag in Bihar Sharif," Superintendent of Police Kumar Ashish said. Police have interrogated Sabana Anwar and her close relative Saukat Anwar after the incident. Third accused Naushad Anwar was absconding, the police officer said. He said a probe into the matter by senior police officials had been ordered. "It is a serious matter and I have ordered a probe into it," Ashish said. Ashish and Deputy Inspector General (Patna zone) N.H. Khan confirmed that the hoisted flag was of Pakistan. Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies condemned the incident and demanded strict action against the culprits. Leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly Prem Kumar, a BJP legislator, condemned the incident and blamed the Nitish Kumar government. On Saturday, police in Patna arrested Mohammad Taufique in connection with the shouting of pro-Pakistan slogan during a march here a day earlier. Raids were on to arrest more accused in the case, police said. An FIR regarding the incident was lodged at the Pirbahore police station here. According to police officials, the march was held under the banner of Popular Front of India in support of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi here. "Some people in the march shouted pro-Pakistan slogans, the first time such a thing has happened in Patna," a police official said. IANS 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. autoevolution 27 Oct 2022 There's something about taking a Ford, Chrysler, or GM chassis and swapping it with an engine from a competitor's car that appeals.. Torquay Herald Express 26 Oct 2022 Securing this contract means that its Torpedo Launcher Systems are in service across the entire UK Type 23 Royal Navy Class FOCUS GULF (PNG) Incorporated, a Community Based Monitoring group from the Gulf Province has raised calls on the three members from the province to unite before the Vote of No Confidence. In a media conference in Port Moresby the Chairlady of the MasoOakiva-Rakasaid the three MPs from the province must set aside their personal differences and unite in the best interest of the people of Gulf Province on the eve of the Vote of No Confidence in the Government of Prime Minister Peter ONeill. We appeal to Governor HavilaKavo, Mark Maipakai member for Kikori and Richard Mendani Member for Kerema to put aside differences and make a bold decision on the floor of parliament, regardless of party affiliations, political interest and all the inducements being offered through political horse-trading that is taking place, said MasoRaka. Gulf Province is by far the least developed province in the country and they called on their leaders to be determined to make a big statement on the floor of parliament on leadership which was lacking in the past which has cost many lives of people back in the province. As we speak, a family is mourning a loved one they have lost while travelling by banana boats at sea. In the mountains, women are giving birth in the bushes because of lack of health services Raka said.Education Infrastructures around the province have deteriorated to the point there are very few graduates from high school making it to universities and further studies making this as one of the worst performing governments in the history of this country. Schools are closed because there are no teachers, not houses, no classrooms and teachers are often running after their salaries in Port Moresby because they cannot access banking services in the province which must be a turning point for the province. Up in the higher remote mountainous areas of Kotidanga and Kaintiba aid posts are closed because of no medicine due to closure of airstrips no access to road and medical orderlies are living like ordinary villages because of lack of health supplies or because of fortnightly pay issues and there are no roads. Project funds are misused by corrupt bureaucrats in Waigani and the breakdown of basic services in the province. Patron of the group Jim Taparu also reiterated calls for the three members to change for the better. Gulf province is one of the least developed provinces, yet we are rich in natural resources. Over the years through many successive governments, we have seen very little impact from the harvest of our resources our forest timber, our fisheries and marine resources. Currently we are fighting a David and Goliath battle in pushing our agenda for the second LNG harvest from our Elk and Antelope fields to be processed and exported out of Gulf Province, said Taparu Focus Gulf PNG incorporated feel the responsibility to rise up and speak for our people everywhere but most importantly for the majority of our people back at home. Taparu said the key message was for the three leaders to unite and be neutral to make the change for the better. In their closing remarks called on the incoming government to consider Governor Kavoas a senior member of the PNC party to be considered one of the ministerial portfolio as a third term politician considering the second LNG be built in his province to see the second LNG project set up in Gulf province with spin off benefits for the resource owners in the province. The final call to the three MPs please make a bold stand now and make a united move Leading razor company Gillette (PG) is officially on the defense. Unilever (UN), the Anglo-Dutch consumer goods company, announced it would acquire hot startup Dollar Shave Club for a reported $1 billion on Wednesday. The monthly razor subscription service started in 2011, and CEO Michael Dubin made a splash with his YouTube video, modestly called Our Blades are F***ing Great. The video has garnered 22.9 million views. Offering three distinct razors the Humble Twin at $1, The 4X at $6 and The Executive at $9 Dollar Shave Clubs model is simple. Choose a blade and get it delivered once a month (bimonthly if you dont need to shave so frequently). With fewer than 5% of American men currently part of an online shave club, theres significant upward potential in the $8.5 billion US market for mens grooming products. Even within the smaller space, Dollar Shave Club has been the original and the incumbent with 3.2 million subscribers. Harrys another subscription and a la carte razor service has also gained significant momentum (likely because co-founder Jeff Raider is also a co-founder of Warby Parker) and has 2 million users. This momentum may be making the industry leader Gillette a little nervous. To be sure, Gillette is one of the most profitable businesses for Procter & Gamble, which acquired it for $54 billion in 2004. According to its 2015 annual report, Gillette has 65% market share in the global blades and razors market. But its stronghold on the market has deteriorated materially. P&G announced that grooming net sales decreased 7% to $7.4 billion in 2015. Much of that decrease is precisely because of the momentum that upstarts have seen. Dollar Shave Club and Harrys both employ a direct-to-consumer subscription strategy thats become trendy over the past few years (e.g. Blue Apron for food, Birchbox for beauty, and Stitchfix for clothing, to name a few). In order to remain competitive, Gillette even launched its own subscription service Gillette Shave Club in 2014. The company has the search engine optimization comp-nent down pat. When searching shave club, Gillette is the first advertisement available. The key here, however, is that companies like Dollar Shave Club are using their cheeky branding, clean design and youthful vibe to target audiences through social media. Story continues Dollar Shave Club, in particular, has dominated the digital realm. The company posts clever, cutesy images frequently, and its Instagram account has 58,300 followers and was posted on just 19 hours prior to this writing. The startup has 2.8 million likes on its Facebook page. Gillette, meanwhile, has 2.1 million likes on Facebook and hasnt posted on its Instagram account (which has 9,232 followers) in over a year. Dollar Shave Club also appears as a clear winner for the digital natives, a.k.a. pre-pubescent youth who are freshly entering the grooming market. And despite Dollar Shave Club seeming like a masculine brand, the blade is gender-neutral. Dollar Shave Club says the women in the Club love the 4X and the Executive these could be more affordable, trendy alternatives to the Venus or the Schick (EPC). And Gillette has taken legal action with its upstart competition. In December, the company filed a lawsuit against Dollar Shave Club, claiming that it has been violating intellectual property by selling razors using patented technology that supposedly reduces wear and tear on blades. Dollar Shave filed a countersuit denying the allegations and said its not intimidated by Gillettes attempt to thwart competition. The lawsuit is still pending. Calling Dollar Shave Club innovative and disruptive, Unilever North Americas President Kees Kruythoff acknowledged that Dollar Shave Clubs primary appeal is its incredibly deep connections to its diverse and highly engaged consumers. And with Dubin remaining at the helm as CEO, he can infuse his spunk and witty touch that hatched this brand in the first place. Though $1 billion may seem like a steep sum to acquire a little over 3 million shavers, lets not forget Facebooks $1 billion bet on Instagram. The photo-sharing social network is now, undeniably, its bright spot. Starting with 30 million users in 2012, Instagram now has half a billion monthly active users, 300 of whom use the service daily. There is massive opportunity for Unilever to leverage its global presence to catapult Dollar Shave Club to millions more. Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Learn more Matthew Rossi Benedicte Gravrand, Opalesque London for New Managers: SJL Capital LLC, an investment advisory firm based in California, has launched its maiden fund, the SJL MarketDNA Hedge Fund LP. The fund, which began trading on 15th May, employs a US equity long/short strategy with a proprietary quant algorithm called MarketDNA. Matthew Rossi, the portfolio manager and the managing partner of SJL Capital, told Opalesque he created the algorithm 20 years ago, and it took him 10 years to get it to provide the results he wanted. In 2006, when he saw the MarketDNA algorithm was accurate, he created an independent investment research company, SJL Capital, and sold the algorithm to other hedge funds. After ten years of doing that, he decided to run a hedge fund himself, using his very own product. So SJL Capital was relaunched this year as a registered investment advisory firm. There are still some funds using the algorithm, but, "I wouldnt call them "competitors" because what we use the algorithm for encompasses all the equity picks," he says. "The guys that purchased it from me were sector-specific, such as healthcare or technology." "The whole process is about 90% software-driven and 10% analysis, the part to the algorithm that requires minimal work," he expains. "So its a hybrid-type algo. The manual part is real-time, looking a...................... To view our full article Click here Komfie Manalo, Opalesque Asia: Platinum Partners, the hedge fund in the middle of a New York City municipal union kickback investigation, is reported to be liquidating two of its funds, the New York Post reported. It was initially speculated that Platinum Partners is planning to liquidate only one of its funds after the hedge fund was involved in the alleged payout of $60,000 to New York Citys Corrections Officers Benevolent Association (COBA) president Norman Seabrook in return for a $20m investment from the union. As probe into the issue deepened, Platinum issued a letter to investors on Wednesday indicating that it has hired a former criminal prosecutor to liquidate two funds. The letter stated that it has hired Bart M. Schwartz, the former Manhattan U.S. Attorneys criminal prosecution division. Schwartz was taken on board to "achieve an orderly liquidation and protect investors interests in the funds," the Platinum letter said. FBI raided Platinum Partners office In late June, joint operatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service raided the office of Platinum Partners in connection with the alleged kickback scandal. Prior to the raid, Platinum announced it wo...................... To view our full article Click here Benedicte Gravrand, Opalesque London: Precious metals such gold, silver, platinum and palladium, have not exactly shined in the past few years, but have started to experience recoveries so far this year. And the few funds out there investing in precious metals related equities are reaping the profits. Windermere Capitals mining fund returned 93% in the second quarter of this year, and is up 122% YTD. Blackrocks World Mining Fund A2 is recovering with a YTD return of 55%. Sprott Asset Managements Gold & Precious Minerals Fund is up 97% YTD and its Hedge Fund L.P. II up 84%. Meanwhile, the Gold & Silver Index (XAU) was up a staggering 21% in June, which brings the gain for the quarter to 40%, and 115% YTD. "One gets a sense that there is more to come as continued uncertainty looms on the horizon and the generalist funds remain under invested in this sector," Windermere's monthly report comments. Windermere Capitals Breakaway Strategic Resource Fund is a long-biased fund focused on making strategic investments in precious, base and strategic metals. Launched in late 2009, its early years were very rewarding but not so much between 2012 and 2015. But this years performance so far has resulted in a 186% return since inception. Windermere Capital managing director Chris Wright told Opalesque that...................... To view our full article Click here Reprinted from Consortium News Forensic experts are challenging an amateur report -- touted in The New York Times -- that claimed Russia faked satellite imagery of Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile batteries in eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014, the day that Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot out of the sky killing 298 people. In a Twitter exchange , Dr. Neal Krawetz, founder of the FotoForensics digital image analytical tool, wrote: "'Bad analysis' is an understatement. This 'report' is outright fraud." Another computer imaging expert, Masami Kuramoto, wrote, "This is either amateur hour or supposed to deceive audiences without tech background," to which Krawetz responded: "Why 'or'? Amateur hour AND deceptive." On Saturday, The New York Times, which usually disdains Internet reports even from qualified experts, chose to highlight the report by arms control researchers at armscontrolwonk.com who appear to have little expertise in the field of forensic photographic analysis. The Times article suggested that the Russians were falsely claiming that the Ukrainian military had Buk missile systems in eastern Ukraine on the day that MH-17 was shot down. But the presence of Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile batteries in the area has been confirmed by Western intelligence, including a report issued last October on the findings of the Dutch intelligence agency which had access to NATO's satellite and other data collection. Indeed, the Netherlands' Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) concluded that the only anti-aircraft weapons in eastern Ukraine capable of bringing down MH-17 at 33,000 feet belonged to the Ukrainian government, not the ethnic Russian rebels. MIVD made that assessment in the context of explaining why commercial aircraft continued to fly over the eastern Ukrainian battle zone in summer 2014. (The MH-17 flight had originated in Amsterdam and carried many Dutch citizens, explaining why the Netherlands took the lead in the investigation.) MIVD said that based on "state secret" information, it was known that Ukraine possessed some older but "powerful anti-aircraft systems" and "a number of these systems were located in the eastern part of the country." MIVD added that the rebels lacked that capacity: "Prior to the crash, the MIVD knew that, in addition to light aircraft artillery, the Separatists also possessed short-range portable air defence systems (man-portable air-defence systems; MANPADS) and that they possibly possessed short-range vehicle-borne air-defence systems. Both types of systems are considered surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). Due to their limited range they do not constitute a danger to civil aviation at cruising altitude." I know that I have cited this section of the Dutch report before but I repeat it because The New York Times, The Washington Post and other leading U.S. news organizations have ignored these findings, presumably because they don't advance the desired propaganda theme blaming the Russians for the tragedy. In other words, the Times, the Post and the rest of the mainstream U.S. media want the Russians to be guilty, so they exclude from their articles evidence that suggests that some element of the Ukrainian military might have fired the fateful missile. Such "group think" is, of course, the same journalistic malfeasance that led to the false reporting about Iraq's WMD. Doubts, even expressed by experts, were systematically filtered out then and the same now. Dishonest Journalism Further, it is dishonest journalism to ignore a credible government report that bears directly on an important issue, especially while running dubious Internet analyses and accepting propaganda claims from self-interested U.S. officials seeking to make the case against Russia. For instance, the Dutch report contradicted The Washington Post's early reporting on MH-17. On July 20, 2014, just three days after the crash, the Post published an article with the title " Russia Supplied Missile Launchers to Separatists, U.S. Official Says ." Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Reprinted from Smirking Chimp Tax the rich (Image by torbakhopper) Details DMCA It's been nearly eight years since the 2008 global recession devastated the budgets of state and local governments across the country -- and our lawmakers have explored every possible way to raise money except for raising taxes on corporations and our richest citizens. One way that states have raised revenue without raising taxes on the rich is to have police write enough citations and tickets to make up for budget shortfalls. In Ferguson Missouri for instance, where Mike Brown was shot to death in the middle of the road two years ago, the Ferguson Police Department's "target" revenue accounted for 20% of the city's operating budget. That's one out of every five dollars that the city wants to come from tickets for misdemeanors like jaywalking, speeding, or simply being parked on the wrong block at the wrong time of day. The Justice Department also highlighted the inherent racism in this system, because 85% of the people stopped for traffic stops in Ferguson between 2013 and 2015 were African-Americans, even though only 67% of the residents are black. Moreover, there's no doubt that these fines disproportionately fall on the poorest Americans, and when those poor Americans are unable to pay because they simply don't have the money, the fines often double, and when they still can't pay, taxpayers end up footing the bill to put the person in jail. And after all, the privilege of challenging a ticket in court only goes to people with enough money in the bank that they can afford to take time off of work to spend a day in court. When the Justice Department investigated the Ferguson Missouri Police Department, they found that the need to ticket people to raise money for the city budget "compromised the institutional character of Ferguson's police department, contributing to a pattern of unconstitutional policing..." In other words, using "taxation by citation" to fill in budget gaps creates a perverse incentive for police officers to spend more of their time unconstitutionally harassing citizens to raise revenue than they do actually keeping the public safe. But it's not just policing, even the way we pay for our schools is set up to disproportionately hurt America's poorest families. According to a report called "The Property Tax-School Funding Dilemma" by the Lincoln Institute, nearly half of all property taxes are used for public elementary and secondary schools. The fact that we fund our schools using property taxes means that we create a clear difference between the public educations afforded to the nation's wealthiest kids in Loudoun County Virginia, where the median household income is $118,000, and the public educations afforded to our nation's poorest kids in Wheeler County Georgia where the median household income is only $16,000. It creates an unavoidable and untenable situation where inequality leads to more inequality and then compounds over generations, even within a single city like Chicago. NPR recently reported that the Chicago Ridge School District in Illinois spent just under $10,000 per child, as opposed to the Rondout District 72 in Chicago's wealthy suburbs where the school can spend nearly $30,000 per child, nearly three times more! Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Reprinted from Paul Craig Roberts Website James Jesus Angleton, head of CIA counterintelligence for three decades, long ago explained to me that intelligence services create stories inside stories, each with its carefully constructed trail of evidence, in order to create false trails as diversions. Such painstaking work can serve a variety of purposes. It can be used to embarrass or discredit an innocent person or organization that has an unhelpful position on an important issue and is in the way of an agenda. It can be used as a red herring to draw attention away from a failing explanation of an event by producing an alternative false explanation. I forget what Angleton called them, but the strategy is to have within a false story other stories that are there but withheld because of "national security" or "politically sensitive issues" or some such. Then if the official story gets into trouble, the backup story can be released in order to deflect attention into a new false story or to support the original story. Angleton said that intelligence services protect their necessary misdeeds by burying the misdeed in competing explanations. Watching the expert craftsmanship of the "Saudis did 9/11" story, I have been wondering if the Saudi story is what Angleton described as a story within a story. The official 9/11 story has taken too many hits to remain standing. The collapse of Building 7, which, if memory serves, was not mentioned at all in the 9/11 Commission Report, has been proven to have been a controlled demolition. Building 7 collapsed at free-fall acceleration, which can only be achieved with controlled demolition. Over 100 firemen, policemen, and building maintenance personnel who were inside the two towers prior to their collapse report hearing and experiencing multiple explosions. According to William Rodriguez, a maintenance employee in the north tower, there were explosions in the sub-basements of the tower prior to the time airplanes are said to have hit the towers. An international team of scientists found in the dust of the towers both reacted and unreacted residues of explosives and substances capable of instantly producing the extreme temperatures that cut steel. A large number of pilots, both commercial and military, have questioned the ability of alleged hijackers with substandard flight skills to conduct the maneuvers required by the flight paths. 2,500 architects and engineers have called for an independent investigation of the failure of the towers that were certified to be capable of withstanding a hit by airplanes. The revelation that the 9/11 attack was financed by the Saudi government has the effect of bolstering the sagging official story while simultaneously satisfying the growing recognition that something is wrong with the official story. Commentators and media are treating the story of Saudi financing of 9/11 as a major revelation that damns the Bush regime, but the revelation not only leaves in place but also strengthens the official story that Osama bin Laden carried out the attack with precisely the hijackers identified in the original story. The Bush regime is damned merely for protecting its Saudi friends and withholding evidence of Saudi financing. The evidence of Saudi financing is what restores the credibility of the original story. Nothing changes in the story of the collapse of the three WTC buildings, the attack on the Pentagon, and the crashed airliner in Pennsylvania. American anger is now directed at the Saudis for financing the successful attacks. To hype the Saudi story is to support the official story. A number of commentators who are usually suspicious of government are practically jumping up and down for joy that now they have something to pin on Bush. They haven't noticed that what they are pinning on him supports the official 9/11 story. Moreover, they have not explained why the Saudi government would finance an attack on the country that protects it. Saudi Arabia is a long-time partner. They accept pieces of paper for their oil and then use the paper to finance the US Treasury's debt and to purchase US weapons systems, purchases that lead to larger weapons sales, thus spreading R&D costs over larger volume. What do the Saudis have to gain from embarrassing the US by demonstrating the total failure of US national security? Really, if a few hijackers can outfox the NSA, the CIA, and the national security state, we clearly aren't getting our money's worth and are giving up our civil liberties for nothing. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Reprinted from Dispatches From The Edge "Today, the danger of some sort of a nuclear catastrophe is greater than it was during the Cold War and most people are blissfully unaware of this danger." --William J. Perry U.S. Sec. Of Defense (1994-97) William Perry has been an inside player in the business of nuclear weapons for over 60 years and his book, "My Journey at the Nuclear Brink," is a sober read. It is also a powerful counterpoint to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) current European strategy that envisions nuclear weapons as a deterrent to war: "Their [nuclear weapons] role is to prevent major war, not to wage wars," argues the Alliance's magazine, NATO Review. But, as Perry points out, it is only by chance that the world has avoided a nuclear war -- sometimes by nothing more than dumb luck -- and, rather than enhancing our security, nukes "now endanger it." The 1962 Cuban missile crisis is generally represented as a dangerous standoff resolved by sober diplomacy. In fact, it was a single man -- Russian submarine commander Vasili Arkhipov -- who countermanded orders to launch a nuclear torpedo at an American destroyer that could have set off a full-scale nuclear exchange between the USSR and the U.S. There were numerous other incidents that brought the world to the brink. On a quiet morning in November 1979, a NORAD computer reported a full-scale Russian sneak attack with land and sea-based missiles, which led to scrambling U.S. bombers and alerting U.S. missile silos to prepare to launch. There was no attack, just an errant test tape. Lest anyone think the Nov. 9 incident was an anomaly, a little more than six months later NORAD computers announced that Soviet submarines had launched 220 missiles at the U.S. -- this time the cause was a defective chip that cost 49 cents -- again resulting in scrambling interceptors and putting the silos on alert. But don't these examples prove that accidental nuclear war is unlikely? That conclusion is a dangerous illusion, argues Perry, because the price of being mistaken is so high and because the world is a more dangerous place than it was in 1980. It is 71 years since atomic bombs destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and humanity's memory of those events has dimmed. But even were the entire world to read John Hersey's Hiroshima, it would have little idea of what we face today. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Reprinted from Alon Ben-Meir Blog Even before the failed military coup, Turkey's President Erdogan governed like a dictator who had the last word on all state matters. The botched coup was nothing but, as he put it, "a gift from God" to purge what is left of Turkey's democracy and cleanse the army and judiciary in order to ensure the total subordination of all institutions to his whims. For Erdogan, being elected was akin to being granted a license to trample and dismantle all democratic tenets to consolidate his powers and promote his Islamic agenda. As a shrewd and highly skilled politician, Erdogan painted the coup as an assault on democracy, which was supported by a chorus of Western powers, knowing full well that Turkey under Erdogan is anything but a democracy. His staying power, however, is attributed to his uncanny ability to appeal to the underclass and his success in delivering the "goods" that nearly half of the population was in dire need of, including access to health care, improved infrastructure, job opportunities, and the promotion of Islamic values (in a manner that was unacceptable in the past) with which ordinary Turks could identify. The nearly 50 percent of the population who benefited directly from these reforms and became ardent supporters of Erdogan were not concerned about the trampling of democratic rule, even though he has systematically robbed them of any rights that a democracy provides. Nevertheless, tens of thousands heeded his call to go out to the streets to confront the military, and did so at grave risk to their lives. In fact, one of the main reasons behind the coup was to stop Erdogan from completely destroying Turkey's remaining secular and democratic pillars, which were established by Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1923. Ataturk sought to establish a Western-style secular democracy and made the military the custodian of Turkey's constitution. The armed forces exercised that prerogative four times before to prevent the country from sliding into disorder. The first coup, in 1960, led to the overthrow and execution of Prime Minister Adnan Menderes due to his increasing Islamization of the country; the fourth coup in 1997 ended with the forced resignation and banishment from politics of Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan, also because of his degradation of secular principles of the country. While affecting regime change through a military coup is certainly not the preferred method, given how Erdogan gradually and successfully pillaged the country of all its democratic substance, a segment of the military felt it had little choice but to stage a coup to change the perilous path that Erdogan is pursuing. This entire tragic episode could have been prevented had Western powers, led by the US, been more vociferous in condemning the unruly way in which Erdogan exercised his power, especially in the past several years; instead, they kept emphasizing Turkey's strategic importance, which Erdogan fully exploited to his advantage. Turkey's role in hosting nearly 2.5 million Syrian refugees and its ability to either stem the flow, or open up the gates to allow refugees to flood European cities further strengthened Erdogan's hand. He successfully exploited the EU's deep concerns over the refugee crisis by making a deal that provides Turkey several major benefits that outweighed its obligations. The keystone of the deal is that migrants crossing from Turkey into Greece will be sent back, and for each Syrian returned to Turkey, a Syrian refugee will be resettled in the EU. In return, Turkish nationals would have access to the Schengen passport-free zone while the EU fast-tracked the allocation of 6bn ($6.6 billion) in aid to Turkey to help migrants, and to "energize" Ankara's bid to join the EU. Although thus far the EU resisted Erdogan's threat to cancel the deal if it were to renege on its agreement on visa-free entry due to his post-coup threat to restore the death penalty, Erdogan remained defiant, believing that he can bully the West with impunity. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). FOURMIDABLE Designated as Management Company of 259-unit multi-family property in Auburn Hills, Michigan www.fourmidable.com FOURMIDABLE, a national real estate management and brokerage company, has been designated as the managing agent for the Bloomfield Square Apartments located along South Boulevard in Auburn Hills, Michigan.Bloomfield Loop Square, LLC, which purchased the property, will be working with FOURMIDABLE on improving the quality of product and service that is offered to the current and future residents of the 28-building property. Planned enhancements include a state-of-the-art fitness center in the clubhouse as well as improvements to the buildings hallways and common areas. Additional upgrades and improvements to the apartment units are planned as well."We are pleased to continue our ongoing partnership with our client and look forward to a successful and long-term business relationship," said FOURMIDABLE President Michael Schocker. "FOURMIDABLE is proud to be a partner with an owner that sees the value and potential of investing in the Michigan real estate market."Rental rates for the apartments range from $850 to $905. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. The leasing office at Bloomfield Square can be reached at 248.852.4388 and additional information can be found at Fourmidable.com.About FOURMIDABLEFOURMIDABLE is a national real estate management and brokerage company that specializes in managing, marketing and leasing market rate, tax credit, senior and family government assisted, public housing and rural development apartment communities. Founded in 1975, FOURMIDABLE currently manages 84 communities in eight states, with more than 8,280 units under management. FOURMIDABLE is a member of the elite AMO (Accredited Management Organization) and is an approved management firm for HUD, MSHDA and other State Agencies. Additionally, FOURMIDABLE affiliated companies offer support for property management companies and owners, including agility-pm, a provider of back office accounting, HR, IT and compliance support; eCrosstown, a provider of free WiFi amenity services to apartment residents; ePhonz, a specialized telephone product for apartment management companies and Geeked Apartments, which provides smart devices to each residents apartment.For more information, please call 248-593-4634 or visitSue VoylesLogos CommunicationsPO Box 871346Canton, MI734-667-2005 PCA Masters A Leading Technology-Centric Courier Service in Singapore http://www.pcamasters.com/ Pcamasters is a reputed courier company in Singapore that specializes in offering the most technology-centric services to its clientele. The company has been known to be one of the leading courier companies in Singapore, having climbed the charts of popularity speedily since its inception. The highlight of this leading courier company lies in its competency to leverage technology to benefit its customers with precision. PCA Masters has churned all its operations taking basis to the economies of scale and processes that assists its wide-spectrum of clientele to garner its services with speed, convenience and utmost reliability. The company had made rather humble beginnings in 2015, but has now risen to be one of the most recognized courier companies in Singapore. Its administration staff is well known to cater to all the requirements of its clients with the utmost flair and finesse.Pcamasters has been consistently investing back a significant amount of its profits in furthering better logistic solutions for its customers. All clients can thus be guaranteed with the most reliable service offerings, in partnering with it for delivering their parcels in Singapore. This reputed company has a full-fledged website that has abundant information on it to render clarity to all its customers queries. Customers looking for a prompt and convenient solution in having their parcel delivered safely and conveniently can trust this courier company without a doubt. Prospective customers can look into PCA Masters for seeking a formidable solution in courier delivery. Its website has provided good amount of information to the clients, to help them in making informed decision.With assistance from PCA Masters, clients can get the most affordable delivery services to render them with reliability and trust to have their all the documents and parcels delivered to their preferred safely. Many clients have used its urgent class services for having all their parcel and documents delivered within a mere span of one or two hours. Besides the serves being reasonably priced and result-oriented in form and effect, its delivery service offerings are unique and exceptionally top cadre. Its same-day and next-day deliveries extend from Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 10pm, Saturdays 9am to 6pm. Its courier staff and deliverymen are specially trained in handling all types of documents and parcels, to deliver all parcels in perfect, original conditions to customers recipients. The company has implemented advanced technology to help its clients to keep track of all their deliveries.PCA Masters also has a unique feature embedded in its service offering via photo evidence of the signed consignment note straightaway upon delivery. Its domestic courier service comprises of well articulated Ad hoc collections and deliveries, outline business goods restocking & logistics as well as E-commerce goods logistics. As such, this recognized Courier Company in Singapore has always stood out tall as accountable and trustworthy, attributes that are immensely important for honoring all commercial transactions. It is for this reason that this esteemed Singapore based courier company attracts wide-spectrum of international and domestic clients. Visitin case of any further queries.Pcamasters is a reliable courier service company in Singapore that has risen in popularity through its precision-centric offerings to individuals and business clienteles. The company offers reasonably priced services comprising of same day delivery. Its website is full-fledged with abundant information to render clients make informed decision.Contact :22 Sin Ming Lane,#06-76 Midview City,Singapore 573969Phone :+6566815781 B.U.D.C. B.V Netherlands entering India with Food Security Fund B.U.D.C B.V Netherlands enters Indian market with Food Security Fund & Smart City Fund Food is alongside energy and water, one of the biggest challenges that face urbanization. Securing food for growing urban areas has to go hand in hand with the empowerment of farmers in rural areas. In modern days, the way we consume food has also changed. The original concept of the crops from the farms being sold at markets in the city still exists. The food market in India is however increasingly shifting towards processing of food to completely packaged ready to eat food.Behind this shift is an enormous industry, a lot of cutting edge innovation and value creation which benefits all in the value chain.BUDC has created a development strategy for Mega Food Parks (MFPs) in which we connect various chains: logistical chain and supply demand chain. Besides the value chain approach, we look at the development process as a network. The design and creation of this network also means creating an ecosystem. This comprises of various organizations that work together in some form or the other and add value in the various chains. The core of the ecosystem comprises of companies engaging in food processing and agricultural technology. Besides these companies the ecosystem comprises of R&D companies, educational institutes, specialized lab facilities, shared service center, startups/incubators, skill development institutions hotels and residential units etc.Sustainability is an integral part of all developments of BUDC. Hence, the park will have a (near to) zero carbon footprint. This will be achieved by generating renewable energy within the park premises and also introducing waste to value and waste to energy solutions.The Dutch have a very advanced technology and business climate in agro and food processing. The Dutch are the second largest exporters of agro products in the world. A part of these exports are however derived by produce elsewhere in the world, but under the management of Dutch companies. BUDC plans to airlift some of these companies to the MFP and also look for Indian counterparts for joint operations in various fields. These kinds of cooperations will give both parties in The Netherlands and India to commonly develop intellectual property (IP) and at the same time tap into the export markets.The proposed ecosystem is designed from the philosophy of cradle to cradle and hence reducing the carbon footprint and maximizing the use of raw material and minimizing wastage. We thus create a unique eco-friendly park. The kind of companies that we want to bring into the MFP are more than just food processors. They also do a lot of on and offsite research and development, including seed improvement and seed development which in turn allows better crops. Our own knowledge center will play an important role in dissemination of knowledge which farmers can use to considerably increase their yield of crops, use lesser resources like water and transition into organic farming. These measures will empower the farmers. An extension of the knowledge center is the creation of the Producer-Processor Cooperative. This ensures that the farmers, as producers, are an integral part of the cooperative and hence profit from the upstream value creation and therefore have a higher income. The expected direct and indirect employment is expected to be around 30,000 persons.The MFP will have the following core featuresDry and cold storagePulping and juicer unitsFood processingDryersWashing/ grading/ sorting and packing unitsBesides these core features, the MFP will have various shared service centers, which will include:Food testing labsR&D labsConference and training facilitiesThe MFP will also feature residential units, shopping and medical facilities.BUDC B.V Netherlands was incorporated to facilitate and contribute to the ambitions and challenges that face the current Indian cities. BUDC brings together capital, knowledge and an international network of businesses to provide integrated solutions to urban transformations. It is our belief that we can bring the excellent practices and expertise in specialized fields, in which The Netherlands has built an international reputation, to the urban challenges that India faces.BUDC's approach distinguishes itself by being a very integrated approach in planning and managing cities. It is participatory, well balanced in weighing various interests in a city, looking at facilitating economic growth and at the same time minimizing negative environmental impact, designing multimodal transportation systems, traffic management and so forth.The company has organized an interdisciplinary consortium that is highly specialized in particular fields to create innovative solutions to the specific demands of a city and also execute them.After extensive understanding of the Indian market, meeting stakeholders at the National & State government level it was decided that B.U.D.C B.V Netherlands would form an Indian entity (BUDC India P Limited), plan-establish-fund Mega Food parks & Industrial parks that are smart & with a cogent economic model. BUDC BV was incorporated by Drs Ryan Tewari & Manish Dixit 2 leading Dutch financial experts & PIO's along with Joseph Sam a multi faceted International professional with the expertise in finance, management & project execution.BUDC B.V.Crown Business Centre,Planetenweg 5, 2132 HNHaarlemmermeer, Netherlands CW Associates CPA's Hawaii: 5 tips for implementing FASBs credit loss standard Revenue recognition and lease accounting standards have had a big impact on financial institutions. But new standards on reporting expected credit losses may be even more significant for banks.This is much more related to a banks core business, said Reza Van Roosmalen, a KPMG LLP managing director. Its the biggest accounting change I think that banks have been subject to in a long time.FASBs expected credit loss standard, which was issued in June, changes the reporting requirements from an incurred-loss to an expected-loss approach and addresses concerns about financial instruments accounting resulting from the financial crisis that began in 2007.The International Accounting Standards Board also moved from incurred-loss to expected-loss accounting with the issuance of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, in 2014, although its impairment model differs from FASBs current expected credit loss (CECL) approach.The FASB standard was intended to align accounting with the economics of lending by requiring the immediate recording of the full amount of credit losses that are expected. As a result, experts say the credit risk group and the accounting group will need to work closely together to comply with the standard.Theres going to be a need for education from accounting to the rest of the business partners, said Jonathan Prejean, a Deloitte & Touche LLP managing director. Obviously, the credit risk function is going to be involved, and your forecasting and your planning, and even the lines of business and how they write their business.5 considerationsHere are five things experts say preparers may want to consider as they begin to implement FASBs expected credit loss standard:The standard is not just for banks. Financial institutions and their accounting for their loan portfolios will be affected the most by the standard. But it also applies to other organizations.Lease receivables, trade receivables, and held-to-maturity debt securities are among the other assets organizations may hold that are within the scope of the standard.This is not just a banking standard, and its not just loans, said Jonathan Howard, a partner in the Deloitte & Touche LLP national office. It applies to all entities that have assets that represent the right to receive cash that they carry at amortized cost.Find the data gaps. Because the implementation date is a few years away for the FASB standard (2020 for public companies), Prejean said, companies have time to collect the data they needif they dont already have it.The issuance of the standard gives them the ability to move forward with an implementation plan, and a big part of that plan will be finding gaps where they dont have data they will need to perform the accounting required by the standard.They can start pulling that data and making sure they have it, and make sure theyre collecting it if they have the ability to collect it, Prejean said. If they dont, make sure they can find a way to get it, and then make sure that its appropriate for financial reporting.This includes making sure the appropriate controls are in place around the data.Use previous work. Banks may be able to take advantage of their work from previous compliance exercises as they implement FASBs credit loss standard.Its important for banks to think about how they could approach the standard in the most efficient and scalable way, and look for similarities and synergies and maybe even corroborate some of the data and modeling as far as they can with existing models, Van Roosmalen said.Multinational organizations that have been implementing IFRS 9 may use that work to their advantage as they implement the FASB standard. Banks that have undergone stress-testing exercises may be able to expand the scope of that work to assist with the accounting implementation.Remember disclosures. Figuring out how to collaborate with the credit risk function, evaluate your existing credit risk model, and select the appropriate risk model for your loan portfolio will be a big part of implementation.While focusing on those issues is important, preparers shouldnt lose sight of the enhanced disclosures and the data that will be needed to fulfill the disclosure requirements.Dont delay. Gathering data may be a challenge, but Howard said getting a quick start and figuring out what data are needed will help organizations make a smooth transition.Im not saying everybody needs to go do a dry run today, he said. But youve got time. So I think people need to start thinking about how they are going to apply the standard so they can set up the processes to go about collecting that data, capturing that data, so that might ease your transition.CW Associates, CPAs, provides big firm expertise from a local firm platform. With a professional staff of over 40 accountants, including five partners, our firm was ranked as the 8th largest CPA firm in Hawaii in the 2015 and 2016 Pacific Business News Book of Lists and was recently awarded the 2014 Business Leadership Hawaii Award as the Best in Small Business category by the Pacific Business News We were also selected by Hawaii Business Magazine as one of the Best Places to Work in the small business category for 2 consecutive years. All of our partners and many of our professional staff are licensed certified public accountants with Masters degrees in business administration or accounting who have experience with an international accounting firm. In addition, our hands-on approach and low partner-to-staff ratio assure you that you will have direct contact with experienced certified public accountants.700 Bishop Street, Suite 1040 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Global Market Trends, Emerging Growth and Forecast By 2023 http://www.mrrse.com/enhanced-oil-recovery-market http://www.mrrse.com/sample/300 The Global Enhanced Oil Recovery industry. The report segments the market on the basis of technology and region and also provides the forecasts and estimates for each technology. The report also analyses the demand and supply characteristics of the market by providing a detailed forecast and analysis of volume and revenue for the period 2013 to 2023.Read Complete Report @Enhanced Oil Recovery method mainly uses three technologies including Thermal injection, Gas injection and Chemical injection.Thermal injection technology is mostly used for the extraction of heavy viscous crude oil. Thermal energy is injected into the reservoir for increasing the temperature and reducing the viscosity of crude oil. Steam injection and in-situ combustion are common using methods for thermal injection. Widely used steam injection methods are steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) and steam flooding. Steam injection method is mostly used in oil sands with some ongoing projects in Canada, California and Indonesia. SAGD method is mostly used in heavy oil sands of Alberta region. Steam flooding method is used for light oil reservoirs that has a depth of less than 3,000 feet. In-situ method is mostly used on heavy oil sandstone reservoirs.Countries such as Canada and Romania, have some ongoing projects using In-situ combustion process. The gas injection method is applicable for light oil reservoirs. It specially uses CO2 on carbonate and sandstone fields. Gas injection technology is expected to increase for two reasons including disposal of greenhouse gas and increase in oil recovery. Other gases such as hydrogen and nitrogen are also used for oil recovery but to a limited extent. The CO2. Chemical EOR method uses alkali, polymer and surfactant solutions to increase oil recoveries. Objective of chemical EOR method is to reduce the interfacial tension between water and oil through the use of surfactant solutions and to control the mobility by adding polymers. Commonly used polymer in chemical EOR method is Hydrolyzed polyacrylamide. Major chemical EOR projects are operational in countries such as India, Canada and Brazil. Thermal EOR is suitable for heavy oil extraction. Maximum oil reserves have heavy oil hence; thermal injection EOR technology dominates the global EOR market. However, with advancements in technology gas injection and chemical injection EOR technologies are rising at a remarkable rate. Gas injection technology serves a dual purpose: disposal of greenhouse gas and extraction of crude oil from the reservoirs. CO2 released into the atmosphere through power generation and industrial sector, is utilized in gas injection technology to extract crude oil. Thus the huge amount of CO2 is captured for EOR technologies which may pollute the environment. With the upcoming chemical EOR projects in countries, share of chemical EOR technology is going to increase in the coming years.Get a Free Sample Copy of the Report @Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World (RoW) are the major geographic areas covered in this report. Each geographical region has been segmented further on the basis of the technology, and volume forecasts and estimates for each segment have been provided for the period 2013 to 2023.The report also provides a thorough analysis and revenue of companies such as Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, BP Plc, Cenovus Energy Inc, Chevron Corporation, ExxonMobil Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell Plc and Statoil ASA among others. The report also provides key players involved in SSG systems such as Hammon Deltak Inc, Nooter/Eriksen, Premier Energy Inc, Vogt Power and EN-FAB among others. The report provides a detailed analysis of the various factors influencing the enhanced oil recovery industry with the help of Porters five force analysis. The analysis also helps to understand the degree of competition in the market. The report also analyses the value chain and the various drivers and restraints of the enhanced oil recovery market.Enhanced Oil Recovery Market: Technological AnalysisThermalGasChemicalEnhanced Oil Recovery Market: Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeAsia PacificRest of the World (RoW)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.Mr.Nachiket GhumareCorporate OfficeState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.com Laparoscopy Devices Market to reach an estimated value of USD 12.3 billion by 2019 http://www.mrrse.com/laparoscopic-devices-market http://www.mrrse.com/sample/1202 Laparoscopy is a form of minimally invasive endoscopy surgery of abdominal cavity. Minimally invasive (MIS) are preferred over open surgeries because of their obvious merits such as lesser blood loss, scar free surgery, quick recovery and reduced hospital stay. This is the major factor driving the demand for laparoscopy devices market. Laparoscopy devices market report has been segmented on the basis of equipment, applications, and geography. A detailed analysis of factors such as market size, revenue generated, and growth prospects of each segment are included in this report. This report also includes the market trends, recent developments, and a key market player analysis.Read Complete Report @The market for laparoscopy devices has been segmented on the basis of equipment into laparoscopes, irrigation systems, insufflation devices, trocars, sample retrieval bags, wound protectors, internal closure devices, gastric bands, hand-assist devices, and energy systems. Energy systems segment accounted for largest share in the laparoscopy devices market. From application point of view, the market for general surgeries is studies considering procedures including cholecystectomies, hernia repairs, appendectomies, and antireflux surgeries. The bariatric surgery market considers procedures such as gastric banding, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomies, while urological surgery market considers prostatectomies, and nephrectomies. Increasing prevalence of cancer is expected to fuel the laparoscopy devices market anticipating increased biopsy and tumor ectomy procedures. Higher obesity rate, aging population and increasing infectious diseases also contribute majorly to laparoscopy devices market.Laparoscopy devices market report gives a complete market analysis including Porters five force analysis. A comprehensive competitive analysis presenting market share of key players in the endoscopy devices market has also been included. Laparoscopy devices market attractive analysis which is based on factors such as current stage of life cycle, market size, customer base, market competition, and annual growth rate is provided for equipment as well as application segment. Report also identifies significant drivers and restraints for the endoscopy devices market. Furthermore lucrative opportunities identified after in-depth market study have also been described in the report. The endoscopy devices market report also suggests relevant recommendations for strategy formulation in the competitive laparoscopy devices market.The global market is segmented on the basis of five major geographical regions namely North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World (RoW). The market for these geographies has been further segmented according to laparoscopy equipment, which include laparoscopes, irrigation systems, insufflation devices, trocars, sample retrieval bags, wound protectors, internal closure devices, gastric bands, hand-assist devices, and energy systems. A competitive landscape mapping ten key players and their respective market share in the year 2012 is provided in the report. These key players include Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Olympus, Covidien, Boston Scientific, Karl Storz, Cook Medical, FUJIFILM, Richard Wolf, Smith & Nephew, and Stryker. Detailed profile of these companies is also included in the report which provides details such as company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies and recent developments.Get a Free Sample Copy of the Report @The research methodology was based on primary as well as secondary research. Interviews and discussions with a wide range of key industry participants and opinion leaders revealed real time market scenario. This primary research represented the bulk of the research efforts, which was further supplemented by extensive secondary research. A review of key players product literature, annual reports, and press releases supports the market forecast analysis. The analysis is also supported by a detailed event impact analysis which details key historic as well as anticipated events such as product launches, updates from regulatory agencies, product recalls, mergers and acquisitions, and other events affecting market dynamics. The 83 pages laparoscopy devices market reports described various market dynamics in 28 figures and charts and 11 tables.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.Mr.Nachiket GhumareCorporate OfficeState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.com Thermal Imaging Market Research Study For Forecast 2019, Challenges, Demand, Woldwide Overview http://www.mrrse.com/thermal-imaging-market http://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/602 http://www.mrrse.com/sample/602 The global market for thermal imaging continues to grow owing to the increasing adoption of thermal imaging devices in new applications. Thermal imaging cameras are being increasingly used in emerging applications such as manufacturing process monitoring and maintenance and for commercial security purpose. In addition, increasing investment by governments of countries such as UK, China, India and Japan on up gradation of weapons and battle equipment is driving the growth of thermal imaging market.Read Complete Report @This report analyzes the thermal imaging market on a global basis, with further breakdown into various sub-segments. It provides thorough analysis and forecast of the global thermal imaging market, based on its applications, end-users and geography for the period from 2013 to 2019. The market overview section of the report demonstrates the market dynamics and trends such as the drivers, restraints and opportunities that influence the current nature and future status of this field. Impact factors such as market attractiveness and Porters five forces analysis have also been explained in the market overview section of the report, in order to give a thorough analysis of the overall competitive scenario in the global thermal imaging market. Moreover, the report gives better understanding of the market with the help of insights on the different levels of value chain.The study emphasizes advancement in thermal imaging technology as it has immense influence on the decision making process in almost all socioeconomic and business aspects. Furthermore, the report provides a detailed analysis of the global thermal imaging market along with the market forecast in terms of revenue growth (USD million) for all segments from 2013 to 2019.Inquiry on this report @The global thermal imaging market is categorized on the basis of various applications and end-users. The application segment includes surveillance and security, maintenance and monitoring, traffic monitoring, healthcare, automobiles, research and development, and others (firefighting and personal Vision), while end-users segment can be classified into four major categories namely, defense and military, industrial, commercial and residential sector. A detailed market analysis and forecast for these segments has been provided in this study, in terms of market revenue (USD million) for the period 2011 to 2019. The market revenue has been forecast for the period 2013 to 2019, considering 2012 as the base year.In terms of geographical distribution, the global thermal imaging market has been classified into four regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). This section includes market revenue (2011 2019) and forecast (2013 2019) for the application and end-user markets in each regional market, in terms of USD million. The study further offers recommendations and highlights of the market, which would be useful for the present and new market players to sustain and grow in the global thermal imaging market.Apart from the detailed sub-segment analysis as illustrated through the below given table, this report also provides company profiles of the key market players. The competitive profiling of these players includes company and financial overview, business strategies adopted by them, and their recent developments which can help in assessing competition in the market. Some of the major companies included in this report are FLIR Systems Inc., DRS Technologies Inc., Axis Communications AB, L-3 Communications Holdings Inc., BAE systems Inc., Raytheon Company and Danaher Corporation among others.Get a Free Sample Copy of the Report @Market Segmentation of Global Thermal Imaging Market:Thermal Imaging Market, by Applications:Surveillance and securityMaintenance and monitoringTraffic monitoringHealthcareAutomobileResearch and developmentOthers (firefighting and personal vision)Thermal Imaging Market, by End-users:Defense and military sectorIndustrial sectorCommercial sectorResidential sectorThermal Imaging Market, by Geography:North AmericaEuropeAsia PacificRoW (Latin America, Middle East and Africa)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.Mr.Nachiket GhumareCorporate OfficeState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.com Global Air Quality Monitoring Devices Market 2016 Capacity, Production, Price, Revenue, Supply, Import, Consumption and Export 2024 http://goo.gl/JX6LQf http://goo.gl/nEkU54 A market study based on the "Air Quality Monitoring Devices Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of QY Market research, is titled Global Air Quality Monitoring Devices Market 2016. The research report analyzes the historical as well as present performance of the global Air Quality Monitoring Devices market, and makes predictions on the future status of Air Quality Monitoring Devices market on the basis of this analysis.The report studies the market for Air Quality Monitoring Devices across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Air Quality Monitoring Devices market & dynamics of demand and supply of Air Quality Monitoring Devices into consideration.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :The 'Air Quality Monitoring Devices'research study covers each and every aspect of the Air Quality Monitoring Devices market globally, which starts from the definition of the Air Quality Monitoring Devices market and develops towards Air Quality Monitoring Devices market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Air Quality Monitoring Devices market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Air Quality Monitoring Devices market. The geographical segmentation of the Air Quality Monitoring Devices market has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Air Quality Monitoring Devices is determined by evaluating the various market participants, production capacity, Air Quality Monitoring Devices market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Air Quality Monitoring Devices market worldwide.Read More Research with TOC :The global Air Quality Monitoring Devices market 2016 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Air Quality Monitoring Devices production volume, data regarding demand and Air Quality Monitoring Devices 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 Air Quality Monitoring Devices across the globe.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 JohnDeerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Web: QY Market ResearchEmail: sales@qymarketresearch.com Laser Coders Market - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=9605 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Innovation in coding technology continues to become more computerized and integrated into the production line. Laser coding is mostly used to differentiate products and mark them accordingly. Laser coding functions by removal of surface coating from the packaging or product; this results in permanent changes in the surface of the product. Laser coding is a non-contact printing method and ensures quality marking. In laser technology, the galvanometer enables laser coding and making mark on moving or static products. Laser coding can be done on various materials such as glass, paper, foils, plastic, cardboard, coated metals, etc. Laser coding does not contain any inks or chemicals; it is cost-efficient and a low maintenance and eco-friendly method for marking the product. The laser coder software allows users to do barcoding, change and delete text easily, add graphics, etc. The substitutes for laser coders are continuous inkjets and thermal inkjets. In packaging, laser coding is usually used for marking serial or batch number, expiry dates, etc. Laser coding is done in the end after the production process. The laser coder is used for marking various materials in the packaging industry, such as paper, cardboard, and polymers.The major laser coding types are CO2 lasers, fiber lasers, and vanadate lasers. CO2 lasers include carbon dioxide gas mixture, and are mostly applied on non-metallic materials and on most plastics. They are suited for wood, glass, textiles, foils & films, stone, acrylic, paper, plastics and leather. Fiber lasers are solid state lasers; they are used for contrasting plastic marking and metal marking. They are suited for coated metals, metals, and plastics. Vanadate lasers (Crystal laser) can emit 3 different wavelengths and are suited for ceramics (to some extent), metals, plastics, and coated metals. Domino Laser GmbH is the largest international producer of laser coders; the company has presence in the U.S., Europe, North America, and China.Get Free Sample Report Copy at :The global laser coders market is segmented based on product type, application, and geography. By product type, the global laser coder market is segmented into CO2 lasers, fiber lasers, Nd:YAG flash lamp (solid state), Nd:YAG diode pumped, and vanadate lasers. By end user, the global laser coder market is segmented into food and beverages, cosmetics, personal and home care, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, tobacco, automotive and aerospace, building materials, chemicals, commercial printing and addressing, electrical components and electronics, and wire, cable and pipe.The growth opportunities for players in the laser coders market growth lie in bringing innovation in terms of the faster execution of coding and that too on a wider range of products, and in producing products that are cost effective and occupy less space. There is an increasing need for high quality marking with improved traceability being witnessed across the globe, which in turn is expected to drive growth of the laser coder market over the forecast period. However, advances in coding and marking applications are still limited and the capital cost incurred on the same is high, in turn acting as restraints for the market growth. Consumables and maintenance costs are low in case of laser coders, which are among the major factors expected to further drive growth of the laser coder market over the forecast period. Meanwhile, the FDA is increasingly demanding permanent identifying mark solutions from the manufacturers in view of improving the product traceability, thereby creating further growth opportunity for the players operating in the market.By geography, the global laser coder market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America. There have been significant new developments being witnessed in the global laser coders market over the last few years in view of the increasing demand for high speed and reliability. Currently, China dominates the global laser coders market due to the presence of an innovative, cost efficient, environment friendly, and high efficient supply chain in the country. Most of the key market players are based out of China. The laser coder market in North America and Europe is also expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period due to increasing demand for laser coders in packaging industries in these regions.Some of the key players in the global laser coding market are Domino Printing Sciences PLC, Linx Printing Technologies, Telesis Technologies, Inc, Matthews Marking Systems, MACSA ID S.A., Markem-Imaje - a Dover Company, Videojet Technologies, Inc., Trotec Laser, Inc., and Liquid Packaging Solutions, Inc.About TMRTMR 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.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Patient Engagement Solutions Market Research- Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends And Forecast 2015 - 2023 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/556761 Patient engagement solutions are designed to obtain improved health outcomes of patients by including advanced IT services and electronic devices in their medical regimen. These solutions engage patients in their healthcare decision-making process and this results in better and healthier healthcare outcomes. In order to deliver quality healthcare services and mitigate rising healthcare costs, patient engagement solutions are backed by hospitals and healthcare organizations along with healthcare payers. The need of patient engagement solutions is to build up the relationship between healthcare providers and patients to promote active participation toward self-care and strengthen the decision-making process individually and collectively.Patient engagement solutions provide services such as medication/appointment reminders, lab reports, and healthcare tips. This helps patients reduce risks to their health and re-admission to the hospitals. Furthermore, these services reduce the financial pressure from healthcare payers and provide valuable medical feedback related to medicines to the pharmaceutical companies.This research study, entitled Patient Engagement Solutions Market Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2015 2023, provides strategic analysis of the global patient engagement solutions market, along with the market growth (size in US$ Bn*) forecast for the period from 2015 to 2023. The report includes an in-depth analysis of the market drivers, restraints, and industry trends. It also highlights the significant growth opportunities for patient engagement solutions in the next few years.Get Sample Copy Of This Report:The research report provides a comprehensive assessment of stakeholder strategies, and the imperatives for succeeding in the patient engagement solutions market. The report includes competitive analysis of various market segments based on delivery mode and end-users of patient engagement solutions, and in-depth cross-sectional scrutiny across different geographical segments of the patient engagement solutions market. In order to aid in strategic decision-making, the report also includes the winning strategies adopted by key players operating in the patient engagement solutions market. The report segregates the patient engagement solutions market based on different geographies into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.For detailed understanding of the patient engagement solutions market, all these segments have also been estimated in terms of revenue (US$ Bn) for the geographies mentioned above. The market research study analyzes the patient engagement solutions market worldwide, and provides historical revenue estimates in terms of US$ Bn for the years 2013 and 2014, along with the market forecast for the period from 2015 to 2023. Market forecasts have been analyzed considering the impact of various economic, political, social, legal, and technological factors influencing market growth.The patient engagement solutions market is segmented as follows:Patient Engagement Solutions Market, by Delivery ModeSelf-hostedSoftware as a Service (SaaS)Application Managed ServicesPatient Engagement Solutions Market, by End-usersHospitals & ProvidersHealthcare PayersPharmaceutical CompaniesPatient Engagement Solutions Market by GeographyNorth AmericaThe U.S.Rest of North AmericaEuropeEU7CISRest of EuropeAsia-Pacific (APAC)JapanChinaAustralasiaRest of APACMiddle East and Africa (MEA)GCC CountriesNorth AfricaSouth AfricaRest of MEALatin AmericaBrazilRest of Latin AmericaMarketresearchreports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. Marketresearchreports.biz services are especially designed to save time and money of our clients.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Global Nanolithography Equipment Market 2016-2020 Technological Innovations, Revenue Cycle, Opportunities and Challenges Report http://www.researchmoz.us/global-nanolithography-equipment-market-2016-2020-report.html http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=756231 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=756231 http://www.researchmoz.us/ Global Nanolithography Equipment Market 2016-2020 Size and Share Published in 2016-07-12 Available for US$ 2500 at Researchmoz.usDescriptionFull Report #@#Nanolithography is the art and science of using lithographic techniques like photolithography, nanoimprint lithography, X-ray lithography, and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography to produce nanostructures and devices.Nanolithography equipment is used to print complex nanometer-scale circuit patterns onto silicon wafers. This printing process is one of the most critical and expensive steps in wafer fabrication. The focus of the semiconductor industry is, therefore, toward the development of cost-efficient enhancements to production technology. The cost involved in R&D and in the development of new nanolithography equipment is very high. Thus, the nanolithography equipment industry is characterized by the presence of only a few primary suppliers holding the majority of the market.Technavios analysts forecast the global nanolithography equipment market to grow at a CAGR of 0.16% during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global nanolithography equipment market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, Technavio considers the revenue generated from the sales of nanolithography equipment to the several end-user segments including foundries, memory manufacturers, integrated device manufacturers (IDMs). The report does not include the after-sales services of nanolithography equipment and sales of components used in the manufacture of nanolithography systems.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEADownload Sample of this Report at:Technavio's report, Global Nanolithography Equipment Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsASMLCanon U.S.A.LeicaRaithSUSS MicroTecOther prominent vendorsRolithNanoink Optical AssociatesNanonics ImagingJC Nabity Lithography SystemsNIL TechnologyMarket driverEmergence of advanced consumer productsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeRise in cost of lithography functionsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendRising trend of miniaturization of devicesFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?You can request one free hour of our analysts time when you purchase this market report. Details are provided within the report.Make an Enquiry:Table of ContentPART 01: Executive summaryHighlightsPART 02: Scope of the reportBase yearMarket coverageDefinitionMarket size calculationGeographical segmentationVendor segmentationCommon currency conversion ratesTop-vendor offeringsPART 03: Market research methodologyResearch methodologyEconomic indicatorsPART 04: IntroductionKey market highlightsAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives.Contact Us:ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare, +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948sales@researchmoz.us Wafer Level Package Dielectrics Market - Global Industry Analysis, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=9551 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Wafer Level Package (WLP) is a type of packaging used in the semiconductor industry for the packaging of Integrated Circuits (ICs) as it is very fragile in nature and highly susceptible to contamination, which can lead to improper working of the IC. WLP finds application in the ICs used in portable consumer electronic devices; for instance, smart phones. Increasing consumer demand for technologically advanced mobile devices that are capable of performing an array of functions in a single small-end product is a major factor propelling demand for wafer level packaging technology as compared to the conventional mode of packaging in case of semiconductors, thus boosting growth of the market for wafer level package dielectrics further. Comparatively, the low cost associated with the wafer level packaging as compared to the conventional packaging technology used in case of semiconductor packaging is also a major factor expected to boost growth of the market for wafer level package dielectrics over the forecast period.The wafer level package dielectrics market is expected to expand at a healthy CAGR over the forecast period, and the major driving factor responsible for growth of the wafer level package dielectrics market is the rising demand for compact electronic devices with high performance and cost effective packaging in the semiconductor packaging industry. In case of conventional packaging, such as die level packaging, with the variation in size of the ICs, the cost of packaging becomes more as compared to the production cost of the ICs. On the contrary, wafer level packaging is much more cost-efficient as compared to the conventional packaging or the production cost of the ICs. The technological advancements in IC design & production are also, to an extent, propelling growth of the wafer level package dielectrics market currently. The wafer level packaging technology has certain perks over the traditional packaging technology, such as minimized electricity consumption and long battery life in case of mobile phones, and its compactness helps manufacturers design and develop ultra-thin mobile phones. However, fluctuations in some of the physical properties of the technology, such as the coefficient of thermal expansion of the materials of wafer with respect to the material of ICs, are considered as a drawback of the wafer packaging technology, which in turn might restraint growth of the market for wafer level package dielectrics.Get Free Sample Report Copy at :The global wafer level package dielectrics market is segmented on the basis of type of wafer level packaging, application, and region. On the basis of type, the global market for wafer level package dielectrics is segmented into FOWLP (Fan-Out Wafer Level Package), FIWLP (Fan-in Wafer Level Package), FIWLCSP (Fan-in Wafer Level Chip Scale Package), flip chip, and 3DFOWLP. On the basis of applications, the global market for wafer level package is segmented into consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, defense, and healthcare.On the basis of geography, the global rigid plastic packaging market is segmented into seven key regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and the Middle East & Africa. Among the aforementioned regions, the Asia-Pacific market is projected to grow at a promising CAGR, which is attributed to the increase in demand for smart phones globally. For instance, recently, India become the second largest user of smart phones globally, beating the U.S. This is turn is expected to drive growth of the wafer level package dielectrics market in the country. Moreover, the presence of leading semiconductor manufacturers, such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, among others, is expected to have a positive effect on growth of the wafer level package dielectrics market in APEJ over the forecast period.Some of the major players identified in the global wafer level package dielectrics market include ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC., STATS ChipPAC Ltd., IQE PLC, Amkor Technology Inc., TriQuint Semiconductor Inc., Deca Technologies, KLA-Tencor Corporation, Siliconware Precision Industries Co. Ltd., China Wafer Level CSP Co. Ltd., and Jiangsu Changjiang Electronics Technology Co. Ltd.About TMRTMR 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.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Transit Packaging Market - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=9317 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Packaging is an inevitable part of manufacturing industry. The growing global commerce is forcing manufacturers and packers to transport the goods at distant areas facing environmental and physical challenges. Hence, globally safe transportation of goods and materials is anticipated to be one of the major challenges for manufactures. The transit packaging industry hence helps manufacturers and packers by providing resilient, attractive and cost effective solutions for their transportation needs.The growing commerce and rapid addition of new product segments to be transported are anticipated to be the major drivers for the global transit packaging market. One of the major contributor to the global transit packaging market is anticipated to be the food and beverages market. Changing lifestyle preference and rapid urbanization is estimated to be the drivers to the transit packaging market. The growing demand of electrical and electronics equipments is pushing manufacturers to ship their products across the globe safely which expected to drive the transit packaging market. Safe handling and prompt delivery at crucial environmental and geographical conditions is forcing manufactures to take additional measures for packaging and transportation which is expected to drive the global transit packaging market. Increasing automation and use of technology in supply chain practices is pushing manufactures for better packaging to ensure safe handling which is anticipated to drive the global transit packaging market.The regulations for packaging in some countries is anticipated to restrain the growth of the global transit packaging market in which manufacturers are minimizing the packaging. The sluggish growth in manufacturing sector is also anticipated to restrain the growth of global transit packaging market.Get Free Sample Report Copy at :The opportunity for the global transit packaging market lies in developing durable and cost efficient packaging solution for diverse range of applications. Global transit packaging market can get benefitted through providing innovative solutions for new product segments. Global transit packaging market is anticipated to have huge growth opportunities in manufacturing multi use and easily recyclable products.The global transit packaging market is segmented on the basis of type, application, end use and region.On the basis of type the global transit packaging market is segmented by cases and protective packaging. The protective packaging segment is further classified as foams, pads, inserts fitments and others. On the basis of application the global transit packaging market is segmented into retail packaging, industrial packaging, consumer packaging, commercial packaging and others. On the basis of end-use the global transit packaging market is segmented by Food and Beverages Packaging, Electrical and electronics packaging, Consumer goods packaging, Furniture packaging, Industrial equipments packaging and others.On the basis of geography the global transit packaging market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Latin America. Asia pacific is anticipated to be the major contributor both in terms of value and volume. Japan, China and Japan due to its growing industrial and commercial manufacturing practices is anticipated to be the major contributor of the global transit packaging market. Followed by Asia Pacific, North America is anticipated to be the major contributor of the global transit packaging market. Europe is also seen as a major market for the global transit packaging market followed by North America. The growth in Middle East and Africa is anticipated to be growing steadily over the forecasted period.Some of the key participant of the global transit packaging market are Pratt Industries, Inc., Mondi , Smurfit Kappa Group, Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (publ), Greif, Inc., Sonoco Products Company, Packaging Corporation of America, BillerudKorsnas AB, ZOTEFOAMS INC and others.About TMRTMR 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.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: World Air Cargo Security and Screening Systems Market : Dynamics, Segments, Size and Demand to 2015 to 2021, PRM Report http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3651 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3651 Aviation security has been one of the key concerns in the aviation industry. The need for air cargo security and screening systems has become even more pronounced after the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. The customary security and screening practice in this area include physical inspection and canine methods (detection through trained dogs) which are not error-free. The new technologies in this area reduce the potential threats from terrorist activities and ensure safety by tracking explosives inside the air cargo. The air cargo industry and international and national regulatory authorities have been continuously making efforts to increase the screening levels of the air cargos with minimum of shipping hindrance through known shipper programs. These programs allow known shippers to screen their own cargo and check that they adhere to a common set of standards.The enhanced security programs carry certain limitations in the form of large size of the industry and high costs incurring in the enhancements. However, the dire need to increased security has been compelling the industry to include air cargo security and screening systems. The expansion of these security measures across the supply chain lays significant business opportunities for the manufacturers of air cargo and security and screening systems. The screening process in the air cargo and screening systems include screening systems based on x-ray, explosives trace detection (ETD) and explosives detection systems (EDS) technologies. The air cargo security and screening systems based on x-ray screens the entire shipment swiftly and accurately.Thinking about report: Please observe the beneath the hyperlinks to satisfy your necessities; Request for the Report sample :X-ray based screening produces high penetration of detection in products ranging from meats, fish, paper, liquid and metals. ETD is the most popular technology used by the aviation industry and freight forwarders for screening air cargo. In this technology, samples of particles are collected from the pieces of cargo being screened which are then screened for traces of explosives or vapors which explosives may release. ETDs are relatively cheaper than its counterpart technologies are cost about USD 10,000. For screening efficiency with ETDs, the cargo needs to be divided into smallest packaging components. EDS system consists of an apparatus which examines the physical characteristics of an object; and a software component that processes the images and data to analyze the mass and density of that object. In EDS a rotating-ray source is used to take large numbers of images in order to give a visual presentation of the objects contained in the examined piece. EDS are costlier than its counterparts and its maintenance charges are also high, however, its automated nature makes its less-labor intensive. With the scarcity of skilled labor, EDS is expected to be a fast growing segment of air cargo security and screening systems market.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Among the regions, North America dominated the global air cargo security and screening systems in 2013 followed by Europe. The dominance of North America is due to its large aviation industry and increasing industrialization and trade. Asia Pacific is also witnessing high growth due to increase in trade activities and industrialization in the region. The key companies in air cargo security and screening systems include American Science and Engineering, L-3 Security Detection Systems, Morpho Detection Rockwell Collins, Rapiscan Systems, 3DX-RAY, Armstrong Monitoring, Astrophysics, AUTOCLEAR, CEIA, Gilardoni, Nuctech and Smiths Detection.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com World PXI Market : Opportunities and Forecasts to 2020, PRM Report http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3431 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3431 Peripheral component interconnect (PCI) extensions for Instrumentation (PXI) is an open modular standard in the automated test and measurement. It offers high measurement speed, small footprint, and low power consumption compare to traditional test and measurement technique such as rack-and-stack test systems. The various application market of PXI technology include, wireless technology, aerospace, defense and consumer electronics industries.On the basis of the various end user applications, the global PXI market can be segmented in five different classes namely, wireless communication or RF, aerospace, defense, consumer electronics and other. Wireless communication segment holds the majority of market share and still showing promising growth aspects in coming years. PXI module is very popular in wireless communications technology particularly in PXI-based platforms to assist complex and challenging test requirements for radio frequency (RF) in wireless communication. The massive growth in the field of wireless communication particularly in Asia Pacific region has kept the growth rate of PXI market high over the years.Thinking about report: Please observe the beneath the hyperlinks to satisfy your necessities; Request for the Report sample:PXI testing is more precise and accurate compare to other traditional test and measurement technology. Additionally PXI software and hardware suppliers are also designing their equipments with in-built feasibility for new testing methods which offers easy switching option to engineers. Moreover shifting of traditional box test and measurement technology towards more advanced and accurate technology is driving the global PXI market.PXI is relatively new test and measurement technology. It requires proper skill and training which is not well known to the older generation of engineers and hence acting as a challenge for the overall adoption of the PXI market. However the effect of this is expected to minimize in upcoming years especially with new generation of engineers with more skill on computer based tools and technique.Global PXI market is expected to get new growth opportunities from some of the technologically transforming sectors such as aerospace, and aeronautics, defense research and advanced wireless equipment integration in the industrial and consumer electronics industries.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:North America is the largest market of PXI, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is the fasted growing PXI market attributed the growing wireless communication industry and increased defence and aerospace research budget by the government in this region.Some of the leading companies operating in global PXI market include, ADLINK, Aeroflex, Keysight, LitePoint, ZTEC Instruments, Marvin Test Solutions, Modular Methods, National Instruments, Pickering Interfaces, Teradyne, and VTI Instruments.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com World Wearable Computing Devices Market : Analysis, Trends, Forecast 2020, PMR report http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3391 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3391 Wearable computing devices are computer-based devices which are worn by a user. It includes clothes, glasses, watches and shoes. These wearable computing devices are used to take and view pictures and video. They are also capable to read text messages and emails and responds to voice commands. These devices also play a pivotal role in heart rate monitoring and logic calculation.The global wearable computing devices market is categorized based on various consumer and non-consumer applications. The consumer application segment is further sub-segmented into activity trackers, smart glasses, wearable cameras, smart clothing, smart watches and gaming devices. The non-consumer application segment is divided healthcare, industrial and defense.Thinking about report: Please observe the beneath the hyperlinks to satisfy your necessities; Request for the Report sample :In terms of geographic, North America and Europe dominates the global wearable computing devices market due to increased awareness among people towards these devices. Raised awareness among people towards wearable computing technology has increased the adoption rate of these devices in the region. The U.S. represents the largest market for wearable computing devices followed by Canada in North America. In Europe, France, Germany, Spain and the U.K. holds major share of wearable computing devices market. However, Asia is expected to show high growth rates in the next five years in global wearable computing devices market. China and India are expected to be the fastest growing wearable computing devices markets in Asia.In recent time, advanced features of these devices is key driver for the global wearable computing devices market. Advanced features, such as light weight and data monitoring applications attract end users to adopt wearable computing devices. In addition, technological advancements in material sciences and information technology have also fueled the growth of global wearable computing devices market. However, high cost of wearable devices and privacy concerns are some of the major restraints for the global wearable computing devices market. In addition, less battery back-up of these devices also obstructs the growth of global wearable computing devices market.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Some of the major companies operating in the global wearable computing devices market are Contour, GoPro, NanoSonic, Weartech, Textronics, Himax Technology, Invensense Inc., CSR plc., Zephyr Technology Corporation, Smart Life Technology Co., Ltd., Silicon Micro Display, AiQ Smart Clothing Inc., Apple Inc., Ascension Technology Corporation, Carl Zeiss Inc., Casio Computer Company Ltd., GE Healthcare, Medtronic Inc., Siemens Healthcare and Samsung Electronics.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Performance Testing Services India Texas (USA), Canada (Toronto) & India (Business Network)A good performance testing service provider for India should help CXOs detect, determine and verify the speed, stability and reliability of the system delivering a bug free software by the end of the process.Enhanced TAT & End to end testing process :-The performance testing methodology should help inspect, determine, validate various features of the system, such as scalability, speed, stability, reliability and resource usage with advanced technologies and customized tools to optimize substantial decrease in the turn-around-time. Performance testing runs with tools such as, Loadrunner, Microsoft VSTS, JMeter. With a ready AWS server account, performance testing is carried on via load & stress testing, along with analysis of server side monitoring, database side monitoring and code. Performance testing entails an end to end testing process which includes monitoring parameters during test execution and analysis of parameters post-test execution.Using a blend of robust testing tools and tactical practices, Suma Softs Performance testing service India will ensure a bug free software. With a certificate of ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System and ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System, Suma Soft is provides companies with advanced Performance testing services.Suma Soft specializes in delivering efficient performance testing services in India that solve performance defects and are designed to meet demands at any stage of the software development life cycle.Suma Soft Private Limited, SumaCenter, 2nd Floor, Opposite Himali Society. Erandawane,Pune, Maharashtra 411004India New Veterinarian Joins DPC Veterinary Hospital in Davie http://dpcvet.com http://www.dpcvet.com/ (Davie, FL) July 21, 2016DPC Veterinary Hospital Welcomes Dr. Duke to their ClinicThe veterinarians and staff all are pleased to announce that Dr. Jessica Dukehas joined the clinic and in July of 2016 will begin seeing patients at the Davie,FL office located at 6991 Stirling Road.We are excited to welcome Dr. Duke to our clinic, said Nancy Abecassis cohospital director at DPC. She brings enthusiasm, poise and a kind, gentle nature with her to DPC.Dr. Jessica Duke is native of Colorado. After finishing her BS in BiologicalSciences at Colorado State University she travelled to St. Kitts to obtain herveterinary degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Aftercompleting her clinical year at Colorado State University Dr. Duke moved toMiami and worked for two years at Banfield Pet Hospital before joining DPC.About DPC Veterinary HospitalDPC is a full-service veterinary clinic in Davie, Florida. Since their establishmentin 2001 they have placed the care, diagnosis and treatment of pets as theirprimary concern. They offer a comprehensive and compassionate approachwhen treating patients. Their pledge is to provide the highest quality of veterinary care at an affordable price. One of their main goals has always been to make a huge dent in pet overpopulation. DPC has spayed and neutered thousands of animals to date. If you are looking to establish a relationship with a caring veterinary hospital in your local community please stop by and see them soon.For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact (954) 989-9879 or visitDPC is a full-service veterinary clinic in Davie, Florida. Since our establishment in 2001 we have placed the care, diagnosis and treatment of your pet as our primary concern. We offer a comprehensive and compassionate approach when treating our patients. Our pledge is to provide the highest quality of veterinary care at an affordable price.Nancy AbecassisDPC Veterinary Hospital6991 Stirling RoadDavie FL, 33314(954) 989-9879 Global Laser Marking Machine Industry 2016 Market Size Share Growth Forecast Research and Development Laser Marking Machine http://goo.gl/3GNlFM http://goo.gl/ZfRdgn Global Laser Marking Machine Industry 2016 Market Size Share Growth Forecast Research and DevelopmentThe Global Laser Marking Machine Industry report gives a comprehensive account of the Global Laser Marking Machine market. Details such as the size, key players, segmentation, SWOT analysis, most influential trends, and business environment of the market are mentioned in this report. Furthermore, this report features tables and figures that render a clear perspective of the Laser Marking Machine market. The report features an up-to-date data on key companies product details, revenue figures, and sales. Furthermore, the details also gives the Global Laser Marking Machine market revenue and its forecasts. The business model strategies of the key firms in the Laser Marking Machine market are also included. Key strengths, weaknesses, and threats shaping the leading players in the market have also been included in this research report.The report gives a detailed overview of the key segments in the market. The fastest and slowest growing market segments are covered in this report. The key emerging opportunities of the fastest growing Global Laser Marking Machine market segments are also covered in this report. Each segments and sub-segments market size, share, and forecast are available in this report. Additionally, the region-wise segmentation and the trends driving the leading geographical region and the emerging region has been presented in this report.Get Complete Report with TOC :The study on the Global Laser Marking Machine market also features a history of the tactical mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships activity in the market. Valuable recommendations by senior analysts about investing strategically in research and development can help new entrants or established players penetrate the emerging sectors in the Laser Marking Machine market. Investors will gain a clear insight on the dominant players in this industry and their future forecasts. Furthermore, readers will get a clear perspective on the high demand and the unmet needs of consumers that will enhance the growth of this market.Table of ContentChapter One Laser Marking Machine Industry Overview1.1 Laser Marking Machine Definition1.1.1 Laser Marking Machine Definition1.1.2 Product Specifications1.2 Laser Marking Machine Classification1.3 Laser Marking Machine Application Field1.4 Laser Marking Machine Industry Chain Structure1.5 Laser Marking Machine Industry Regional Overview1.6 Laser Marking Machine Industry Policy Analysis1.7 Laser Marking Machine Industry Related Companies Contact InformationGet Sample Copy of Report @About Us:QYResearch Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. QYResearch Group also carries the capability to assist you with your customized market research requirements including in-depth market surveys, primary interviews, competitive landscaping, and company profiles. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics. QYResearch Group is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651 ASEAN Cosmetic Chemicals Market To Increase at Steady Growth Rate http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-as-31 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-as-31 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/asean-cosmetic-chemicals-market www.futuremarketinsights.com The growing beauty products market has been increasing the demand for value-enriched cosmetics. The market is flooded with various cosmetic chemicals. Cosmetic chemicals are the basic ingredients found in cosmetic products including soap, shampoo, lipstick, mascara, deodorants and other beauty products (excluding the products listed under therapeutic goods). At present, various cosmetic business enterprises use more than 5000 different chemical compositions to offer selected cosmetic products. Based on its end use applications, cosmetic chemical have been further divided into surfactants, emollients, conditioning polymers, and UV absorbers. These chemical-based products contain preservatives which hinder microbial growth and thereby offer longer shell life to the cosmetics. In addition, these chemicals contain a variety of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, herbs, hormones, and fragrances. This vast range of cosmetic chemicals allows business cosmetics to deliver different types of cosmetics in the market, thereby offering a vibrant market to cosmetic industries.Their use is widely found in personal care products. A wide range of applications ranging from anti-ageing cream to shampoo is driving the cosmetic chemical market to its zenith. Companies these days are focusing on organic grade cosmetic chemicals as they are considered to be a healthier option when compared to commodity surfactants and petroleum oils. The cosmetic chemicals market has been segmented into skin care products, make up products, hair care products and fragrance products. Among all its market segments, cleaning agents and foaming agents are the enduse applications that account for the largest percentage of the market. Skin care products accounted for 31% of global cosmetic market in year 2013. Though cosmetic chemicals offer many options to formulate cosmetics depending on different skin types, the market is shifting towards natural surfactants primarily because of the rising safety concerns of sulfate-based surfactants.Request Free Report Sample@Globally, North America is the largest market for cosmetic product consumption. It accounted for 21.2% of global market share in 2012. USA with US$ 54.89 billion in 2012 is the biggest cosmetic market. However, with the rising dominance of non-western beauty culture in Eastern region, the market share is set to shift towards ASEAN region. Ethnic and cultural diversity in APAC, and particularly in ASEAN region,are driving the cosmetics market vertically upwards. Growing consumer class in ASEAN region from 67 million population to 125 million population by 2025 will offer a lucrative market for various business cosmetic business channels. A large consumer base, ample natural resources, availability of cheap labor and easing of policies such as FDI by government, are the main driving factors for the cosmetic chemicals market in ASEAN markets.In the ASEAN region, the cosmetic market has been witnessing a double digit growth every 5 years. GDP at the constant price shows a vertically upwards trend in these regions. The rise in the middle class population in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Philippines is the major driving factor for the growth of this sector, while in Malaysia and Singapore, wealthy segments contribute largely to it. Skin care products are set to witness exponential growth in the ASEAN market, thereby offering lucrative business opportunities in the cosmetic chemicals market.Request For TOC@There is a flood of suppliers in cosmetic chemicals which results in a fragmented market. However, the demand for premium personal care products has led to consolidation of the market, thus leading to high competitiveness among the dominant players in this market. The prominent players of cosmetic chemicals market include Dow Chemical Company, BASF SE, Bayer AG, Givaudan SA, Merck KGaA, Shell Chemical and Berkshire Hathaway Inc.With the new emerging markets such as ASEAN, BRIC, and MEA, the future seems optimistic for cosmetic chemicals companies. Together, these regions offer a large market owing to the high population of youth in the age group of 15-39 years. Though the market seems promising in the long run, companies have to spend lump sum amounts on R&D to comply with the governments regulatory demands.Browse Full Report@Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - July 21, 2016) - According to data suggesting that 86 percent of potential customers will think twice about buying a product from a company with unfavorable feedback, leading PR and reputation management firm, ICMediaDirect reveals that negative reviews can have a direct financial effect on businesses. With another survey showing that 9 out of 10 people say they take online reviews 'very seriously,' the agency has responded by providing advice on how companies can recover after receiving negative feedback online. See your Online Reputation Report now, by visiting http://www.icmediadirect.com. Having enhanced the brand image of Fortune 500 companies, celebrities, politicians, and athletes, ICMediaDirect has built an outstanding track record in efficient reputation control. The agency uses a clear strategy for diminishing the unwanted impact of criticism. First, determine if a comment is legitimate. Some information spread online is created by competing brands. The best course of action for this scenario is to request to have the review removed citing its unlikely authenticity. Next, find out if a review is opinion based. In this case, a company has a powerful opportunity to share factual, positive information about themselves, while also diluting the effect of the review. When a customer has left factual, yet negative feedback, then it is time to respond fully and genuinely. The agency recommends a dynamic approach, combining an apology with a proactive solution to a client's problem. With respect to difficult situations with existence of significant interaction online, ICMediaDirect advises addressing the complaint offline where possible by asking for the customer's details or requesting to contact them privately. Experts at the firm have noted that this can reduce the impact of any further mistakes and the pressure on the business manager dealing with the complaints. ICMediaDirect is a full-service public relations and content marketing agency, specializing in online reputation management. Its extensive experience with successful recovery from negative online reviews has helped companies and individuals project a positive image and build an efficient message with a strong impact on their audience. In 2015, the agency published a game-changing handbook on Google brand repair and has been awarded the New York Excellence Award by the SBIEC for two consecutive years. ICMediaDirect regularly attends well-known industry conferences including Affiliate Summit, ad:tech, and LeadsCon, where it shares its expertise and techniques with businesses from all over the world. To see your Online Reputation Report, visit http://www.icmediadirect.com. ICMediaDirect - PR and Marketing News: http://icmediadirectnews.com Reputation-Control.com -- 100% Reputation Control: http://www.reputation-control.com ICMD -- Reputation Management -- ICMediaDirect To Attend Affiliate Summit East 2016: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/icmd-reputation-management-icmediadirect-attend-060946916.html Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/7/21/11G107506/Images/ICMediaDirect_-_Reputation_Management_-_IC_Media_D-0774b24ebaeaa4cf9fb25a07fa688408.jpg Embedded Video Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3QHOeY8qAM Conveyor Systems Market Analysis, Trends, Forecast, 2014-2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-48 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-48 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/global-conveyor-systems-market www.futuremarketinsights.com Automation in every industrial segment has become an integral part of industrial operations. Conveyor systems are mechanically-operated material handling equipment, which are used to transport material within premises. They provide a quick and effective transportation solution with a high degree of safety. Therefore, due to effectiveness of conveyance, a considerable amount of cycle time is reduced in the industrial process. The same factor helps in reducing the errors in handling manual material. Early commercialisation of the conveyor system took place for transportation of heavy materials in the industrial sector.On the basis of their end user applications, conveyor systems can broadly be categorised as automotive, airport, retail, mail logistics,and food and beverage.Assembly line, body shop, paint shop and few others are key application areas of conveyor systemsin the automotive sector. Nevertheless, the retail sector utilises these systems for distribution and warehousing, sorting, cross-docking, and distribution. Conveyor systems are an integral part of airport facilities for baggagehandling. Usage of the conveyer system in airport facilities is likely to increase due to growing air traffic across the globe, and the development of new airport locations. Moreover, the growing demand for food and beverage is propelling the adoption of conveyor systems to boost production rates.Request Free Report Sample@On the basis of their design modification, conveyor systems can be categorized as roller conveyor, belt conveyor, crescent conveyor, palletconveyor, overhead conveyor and others.In order to meet the needs and demands of customers, manufacturers provide highly customized products.Growing demand for cost-effective material handling systems and increasing automation in the industrial sector are two of the major driving factors of global conveyor systems market. It is expected that, global conveyor systems market will witness a steady CAGR of around 3%-4% for the period of 2014-2020. The developing automotive, retail, and food and beverage industriesare also likely to fuel the growth inAsia-Pacificconveyor systems market. Europe is dominating the overall conveyor systems market at present and has a large conveyor system supply network with broad distribution channel. Nevertheless, Europe is likely to hold its dominance over the global conveyor systems marketat the end of forecast period. Latin America region is expected to be the fastest growing conveyor systems marketespecially in the emerging economies such as Mexico and Brazil where the industrial sector is booming. Increasedsophistication of conveyor system along with advanced technology are major trends in this market.Request For TOC@A few of the most prominent market players in global conveyor systems market areDaifuku, Dematic Group, Emerson Electric, Siemens AG, Allied Conveyor Systems, Caterpillar, Dorner Conveyors, Dynamic Conveyors, Fives Group, FMC technologies, Interroll and Intelligrated. One of the key market strategies is the development of patented products with high customisations. In addition, acquisitions and strategic alliances to share technologies, can be seen in the market.Browse Full Report@Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Market Size of Gas Leak Detectors, Forecast Report 2014-2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-67 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-67 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/global-gas-leak-detectors-market www.futuremarketinsights.com A gas leak detector is a piece of equipment or a device that senses and detects the existence of gases in a particular area. These devices are used as a part of safety systems installed in factories, homes and commercial complexes. A gas leak detector system detects the gas leaked and generates a signal to take proper action. Industrially, gas detector systems are fitted with a sound alarm to evacuate the area in case of toxic gas leakage. The popularity of such devices is growing due to the influx of new chemical facilities across the world. Further, the growing gas storage facility network across the globe has deployed a significant number of gas leak detectors for safety systems.Due to their design modifications, gas detectors are broadly categorised on the basis of technology as electrochemical, infrared imaging, infrared point, ultrasonic, semiconductor and holographic. On the basis of product type, the global gas detectors market is bifurcated into portable gas detectors and fixed gas detectors.Portable gas detectors are widely used in lab application whereas fixed detectors find their maximum application in gas extraction and processing fields. Fixed gas detectors can also be used for residential applications such as using itin a bedroom. Further, industrial fixed type gas detector application includes SCADA monitoring.Request Free Report Sample@Gas detectors are used in applications such as gas turbines, building and construction, health care, food and beverages, water treatment, oil and gas refineries, chemical plants, underground gas storage facilities, and others. The segments for refineries and chemical plants applications dominate the global market at present. Nevertheless, gas detectors are widely used in underground gas storage. The growing gas supply network is spurring the demand in this segment.One of the major driving factors for gas leak detectors market is the ever growing oil & gas industry. The increasing number of gas field explorations and widening gas supply network has been fuelling the demand for gas leak detectors. In addition, active government organizations have been imposing safety regulations on the industries. This, in turn, has propelled the demand for gas leak detectors. Further, Asia Pacific is likely to lead the league in terms of growth of the industrial sector, mining sector, medicine and healthcare sector, and construction sector. This is likely to create opportunities for the growth of theglobal gas leak detectors market. However, the market is facing strong competition due to the influx of new players in the market and frequent product launches.Multi-gas detector coupled with an analyzer system is one of the emerging trends in the global leaked gas detector market. This kind of detector is gaining popularity due to its compact designs and better features as compared to conventional gas leak detectors. It is expected that the after sales market is likely to develop further in future and a number of market participants will enter this segment. It is also expected that the gas leak detector manufacturers will expand their business to aftermarket sales through forward integration and strategic alliances.Request For TOC@A number of product launches can be seen in the global gas leak detectors market. For instance, market participants such as Scott Safety, GE and RAE Systems recently launched a few new gas leak detectors. The global gas leak detectors market has also been witnessing strategic alliances such as that between Cbiss and Old Man Partner. To expand the business globally, a number of gas leaked detectors manufacturers have acquired other companies such as the acquisition of Edinburgh Instruments Ltd by Techcomp Group Ltd., the acquisition of RAE Systems by Honeywell International Inc. and the acquisition ofGroveley Detection Ltd by Emerson.Some of the prominent players in global gas leak detectors market are City Technology Ltd., Honeywell International Inc., Mine Safety Appliances Co., Dragerwerk AG & Co., KGAA, Testo AG, ABB Ltd, Industrial Scientific Corporation, California Analytical Instruments Inc., Figaro Engineering Inc., Yokogawa Electric Corporation, Hitech Instruments Ltd, Ametek Inc., Emerson Electric Co.,Halma Plc, Trolex Ltd,GE Measurement & Control, Gasmet Technologies OY, Enerac Inc., Xtralis Pty. Ltd, Horiba Ltd and others.Browse Full Report@Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Market Intelligence Report Latin America Mining Equipments, 2014-2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-la-68 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-la-68 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/latin-america-mining-equipments-market www.futuremarketinsights.com The mining industry is expected to witness growth with a single digit CAGR over the next six years on account of the further expanding demand for metal and mineral commodities. Latin America accounted for about 8% of the global mining equipment demand in 2013 and its contribution towards global mining equipment sales was registered at 15% for the same year. The region serves as the prime destination for mining exploration and investment at a global level.The key reason which has accelerated the growth of the Latin American mining equipment market is the enhanced demand for the consumption of natural resources. Presently, the region produces about 45% of the global copper, 21% of the global zinc, 50% of the global silver and 26% of the global molybdenumproduction. In addition, foreign investment, especially from China, US, Canada and Australia, plays a significant role in the growth of the Latin American mining equipment market. Further, other operations such as the Panama Stock Operation (PSO), CSR activities, and introduction of next generation mining equipment such as Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) also serve as driving factors for the growth of the mining equipment market in Latin America. Among these, CSR activities primarily focus on rehabilitation and support programmes, promotion of healthy lifestyle and awareness programmes for the adoption of green technology. However, in the past few years, the mining industry and hence the mining equipment industry has been facing an economic crisis on account of the requirement for budget allocation in the maintenance of the mining industry and equipment, etc. Illegal mining operations at some locations and the risk associated with the mining industry serve as further constraints for the Latin American mining equipment industry.Surging demand and abundant availability of natural resources(including the worlds top three metal and mineral reserves of copper, zinc and silver rapid technological advancement, modernization of mining plants, stable legislations with a motivating legal environment, and the efficient budget allocation with aftermarket revenue generation will serve as opportunities for the development of the Latin America mining equipment market.Request Free Report Sample@Market segmentation of Latin American mining equipment can be done on the basis of equipment, application and countries. On the basis of equipment, the Latin American mining equipment market includes mineral processing equipment, surface mining equipment, underground mining equipment, mining drills and breakers, crushing and screening equipment, etc. On the basis of applications, the Latin American mining equipment market segmentation includes metal ore mining, coal mining and mineral mining. Chile, being the largest producer of copper, serves as a lucrative market for copper-based mining equipment. Colombia is an active exporter,and is the first Latin American coal-producing country alongwith the production of metals such as gold, silver and platinum and hence is the opportunistic market for the associated mining equipment market. On the basis of countries, the Latin American mining equipment market includes Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia and Venezuela. Chile is known for the adoption and introduction of advanced technologies such as autonomous haulage system. Peru is the reserve of key minerals and has been witnessing a surging demand for copper and hence the expansion of the associated mining equipment market. Brazil has an integrated approach for the production and sale of mining equipment. Panama has an active stock operation (PSO) for the support of the mining industry. In line with the positive future of the Latin American mining equipment industry, Peru and Chile are expected to receive double digit foreign investment in $ Bn in the next six years.Request For TOC@Some of the prominent players of the global mining equipment market include Sandvik AB, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Komatsu Limited, Atlas Copco Ab Joy Global Inc. Breaker Technology, Astec Industries, Bucyrus International, Caterpillar Incorporated, China Coal Energy Company Limited, Tecpalsa, Tecmap, Tiesa and Igaretta. Among these, Komatsu Limited in the whole of Latin America, Tecpalsa in Colombia, Tecmap and Tiesa in Panama and Igaretta in Argentina are active players in the Latin American mining equipment market.Browse Full Report@Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Compact Power Equipment Rental Market Segments and Key Trends 2014-2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-116 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-116 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/global-compact-power-equipment-rental-market www.futuremarketinsights.com Compact power equipment includes all tools required for lighter construction jobs. The equipment is small in size and used in developing products with more ease and convenience. These compact power tools are of several types, such as engine-driven power tools, electric power tools and pneumatic power tools. They are used for various operations, such as drilling, polishing, woodwork routing and screw driving.Compact tools are primarily used for construction related jobs. These tools are used at construction sites for activities like drilling, hammering, cutting, grinding, washing and blowing of the equipments. Compact power tools are light-weighted, small in size, easy to handle and transport. However, they are more complex to handle than the commonly used hand tools, requires skilled labour, and regular maintenance to avoid tool wear.Global compact power tools rental market is expected to grow at a steady rate, as the demand for power tools are on the rise in developing countries. Drivers responsible for the growth of power tools rental market include an increasing demand for fast accomplishment of projects and increasing infrastructural development activities at developing regions like Asia, where construction companies rent the tools from power tool companies as they cannot afford to invest in power equipment. The challenges ahead include continuous maintenance and high cost of equipment. Many a time, clients who borrow equipment from companies, damage the tools, which is also a major concern for the power tool rental market.Request Free Report Sample@Segmentation of compact power tools market is done on the basis of types and geography. Compact tools are of various types like electric power tools, engine-driven power tools and pneumatic power tools. Wherein electric power tool includes cordless tools, drilling & demolition, screw-fastening tools, direct fastening tools, cutting/sawing/grinding tools, dust extractors, glue and heat guns, high pressure washers and blowers . Key geographic segments for compact power tools market include North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and EMEA (Europe, the Middle East & Africa) region. Asia-Pacific is the most prominent region for compact power tools companies owing to increasing construction and infrastructural development activities in countries like India, Japan and China.Key trends in compact power tools market are an increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers as Chinese vendors are penetrating this market with their tools with competitive prices as compared to other vendors.Request For TOC@Of the many players in the compact power tools market, Makita Corporation, Bosch, Stanley Black & Decker and Techtronic Industries are the dominant leaders. Other important players include Hilti Group, Panasonic Corporation, Emerson Electric Company, Snap-on Inc., etc. Mergers & acquisitions of key players provide opportunity to expand their product portfolio. In North America, Bosch acquired SPX Corporations Service Solution business which manufactures, develops and sells service equipment and repairs workshop accessories. In Europe, Techtronic Industries acquired Ryobis power tools business and Royal Appliance Manufacturing Company, a market leader in North America which develops, markets and assembles cleaning appliances such as vacuum cleaners for domestic as well as commercial use. Emerson Electronics decided to focus on acquisitions and divestitures in order to increase investment in technology and also have a strong focus to acquire the market in developing countries. This is also because of decreasing demands of their products in Europe and market saturation in the U.S. and China.The future of compact power equipment is very attractive due to an ever-increasing demand for compact power tools. Due to saturation of developed markets like Europe, the U.S. and China, players in this market are now moving their focus towards developing or emerging nations.Browse Full Report@Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: New Research Report on GCC Algae Biofuel Prospects Market, 2014-2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gc-176 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gc-176 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/gcc-algae-biofuel-prospects-market www.futuremarketinsights.com Algae was first discovered as a fuel alternative in 1978 under the leadership of US president Jimmy Carter at a time when fuel prices were high, demand was high, and supply was low and depleting at the same time, the costs of exploring fuel fields and carrying out oil refining procedures were exorbitantly high and continued to skyrocket. Algae biofuel is an alternative fossil fuel that uses algae to generate Biodiesel, Biobutanol, Bio gasoline, methane, ethanol, hydrogen derived renewable fuel and jet fuel. Half of algaes composition by weight is a lipid oil. This has been targeted to convert it into bio diesel that will burn more efficiently than the conventional petroleum.A new concept of alga culture has come up to produce bio fuels. Algae costs more per unit than other bio fuel crops but is claimed to yield 10 to 100 times more fuel per unit area. In 2014, the prices of oil were between US $ 56 to US $ 120 per barrel. The cost of producing micro algal biomass in 2014 was US $ 2.95/kg through photo bioreactors. If the annual biomass production capacity is increased to 1000 tons then the cost will reduce to US $ 1.5/kg for a litre of crude oil. The extraction of biofuels from algae is largely dependent on organic solvents such as benzene. The companies that are working on innovating algal biofuel technology are Algenol Biofuels Inc., Blue Marble Productions, Solazyme Inc., Sapphire Energy Inc., Diversified Technologies Inc., Origin Oils Inc., Proviron Industries nv, Oilgae and Genifuel Corporation.Request Free Report Sample@Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is estimated to achieve 1.6% of the world GDP according to the World Bank. The GCC crude oil production in 2020 is forecasted to be approximately 24 million barrel/day. Although GCC countries are the leaders in fossil fuel production, but are taking initiatives for large scale production of renewable sources of energy.Algae biofuels presents a great opportunity to compensate the environmental impact of the oil and gas industries in the GCC. GCC has a wide coastline that stretches across its countries and is ideal for algae production. The carbon dioxide emissions from oil and power refineries can be effectively utilized and the climate is also favourable for algae cultivation. The waste water treatment plants are also a vital source of algae. Bio fuel is likely to be an addition to the energy mix of GCC countries in the foreseeable future, rather than a competitor to petroleum based oil. This scenario in GCC will be a reality in the long run if the technology required for it, for instance, photo bioreactors becomes a feasible option.Request For TOC@The US Government strongly backs the research on bio fuels and is pledged to invest US $ 24 million to commercialize algae based biofuels. Several Governments now have started funding initiatives to make biofuel commercially available for satisfying the future wants of the world and it will impact GCC positively. The world needs a new form of fuel that is clean, sustainable, environment friendly, renewable and cheap. Bio fuels is likely to be a success story and an economically accessible alternative that will save it from the energy crisis.Browse Full Report@Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Wood Coatings Market Analysis, Trends, Forecast, 2014-2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-144 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-144 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/global-wood-coatings-market www.futuremarketinsights.com Wood coatings refer to the process of refining or protecting a wooden surface, especially in the production of furniture. Wood coating applications include: interior wood, small furniture, panels, tables, cupboards, chairs, office furniture, kitchen furniture, doors and staircases among others. There are generally three types of wood coating: evaporative, reactive and coalescing. Wood coating starts with sanding either by hand or scraping. Imperfections or nail holes on the surface may be filled using wood filler. Often, the wood's color is changed by staining, bleaching, or any other techniques. Once the wood surface is prepared and stained, the coating is applied. It usually consists of several coats of shellac, drying oil, paint, wax or lacquer. Finally, the surface may be polished using wool, steel, rotten stone or other materials, depending on the shine desired. In addition, a final coat of wax is applied over the finish to add a degree of protection.Furniture, decking, and siding are the three largest applications in value terms. However, smaller doors, windows and cabinet applications are expected to achieve faster growth in the near future. Paint is the dominant wood protection product used on siding, windows and doors, but stains and sealers are more widely utilized on cabinets, decks, furniture, and flooring. Residential end-user is the largest market for wood protection products, driven by maintenance demand for items such as fences, siding and decks. Non-residential and non-building uses account for a much smaller market for wood protection products.Request Free Report Sample@The growth in the housing market is the primary driver for the wood coatings market. Homeowners are investing more in the upkeep of their decks, fences, floors and siding. A well maintained home adds value of the home and saves money in the long term. In addition, stringent regulations, rising competition, growth in unique formulations and new product developments are some of the factors stimulating the growth of wood coatings market. However, availability of cheaper and quality substitutes, such as wood composites and plastic wood could hamper the growth of this market. These alternative are often more durable and require less maintenance as compared to wood products. Although substitutes are available, wood is a primary choice for commercial and residential purposes due to wide availably in the market. Wood coatings account for the majority of the wood protection demand with paints and stains holding the largest shares. In contrast, preservatives, which are applied to lumber by the wood treatment companies, account for smaller portion of wood protection demand.Asia Pacific is currently the largest market for wood coatings, followed by Europe, North America and Rest of the world (RoW). Sustained demand from the developed markets and burgeoning demand from emerging economies will continue to drive the wood coating market. The industry is witnessing a major shift of key market players from Europe and the U.S. to the emerging economies of Asia Pacific, comprising of China and India.Request For TOC@Some of the key players in this market are Akzo Nobel Coatings nv (Netherlands), PPG Industries Inc. (U.S.), Sherwin-Williams Co. (U.S.), DuPont Coatings and Color Technologies Group (U.S.), ICI Paints (UK), BASF Coatings AG (Germany), Valspar Corp. (U.S.), Nippon Paint Co. Ltd. (Japan), Dow Coating Materials (U.S.) and Kansai Paint Co. Ltd. (Japan) among others. Dow Coating Materials has launched two new acrylic binders for the wood coatings: EXP-4414 and EXP-77. According to the company, the new binders offer improved block, print and dirt pickup resistance and improved hardness development when applied to wood.Browse Full Report@Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Market Size of Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) Composites, Forecast Report 2014-2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-167 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-167 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/global-glass-fiber-reinforced-plastic-composites-market www.futuremarketinsights.com Glass fiber is a lightweight and durable fiber produced from very fine fibers of glass. As compared to carbon fibers, glass fibers exhibit low brittleness and the fibers of glass used for their production are more cost effective. Moreover, as compared to metals, the glass fibers are possess better properties, both strength wise and weight wise. Furthermore, the glass fibers can be smoothly formed using different molding techniques. Glass fibers are widely used as an important raw material for producing distinct types of composite materials. Manufacturing of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites, the largest class of composite materials, is the most important application of glass fibers and almost 90% of the reinforcements used in the composites industry are glass fibers. GFRP composites are extensively used in a diverse range of industries including wind energy, construction, automotive, aerospace, piping and anti-corrosive industrial equipments. The growing demand for GFRP composites from transportation and construction industries is anticipated to drive the global glass fiber and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites market in the next six years.Request Free Report Sample@Asia Pacific and North America are the largest producers and consumers of glass fiber and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites. Both these regions together account for more than 50% of the global market for glass fiber and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites. The infrastructure development and growing construction industry in emerging economies such as China and India is anticipated to drive the demand for glass fiber and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites in Asia Pacific in the next six years. The North American market for glass fiber and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites is primarily driven by the growing demand from construction, automotive, aerospace, wind energy and defense industries in the U.S.Apart from glass fibers, thermoset resin is a very important raw material used for the production of GFRP composites. Polyester, a cost effective and uncomplicated material, is the dominant thermoset resin used in the manufacturing of GFRP composites. Polyester thermoset resins are vastly used in producing composite materials marine, piping and building and construction applications. In addition to glass fibers and resins, some typical materials are used as fillers are used in the production of composite materials for improving the physical properties of composite materials. The manufacturers of glass fiber and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites are conducting extensive research and development activities for identifying the best range of raw materials that can be use for the production of optimum quality composite materials. Nowadays, thermoplastic resin is growingly used as a raw material in place of thermoset resin in the production GFRP composites. The use of thermoplastic resins as a raw material ultimately reduces the time and cost required to manufacture GFRP composites. Moreover, the thermoplastic resins offer higher impact strength and better surface finish to the composite materials. Furthermore, thermoplastic resins can be easily molded and can be recycled. The use of such innovative raw materials improves the quality of GFRP composites and therefore, drives the demand for GFRP composites in distinct industrial applications.Request For TOC@Some of the major companies operating in the global glass fiber and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites market are Johns Manville, BGF Industries, Asahi Glass Company Limited, Advanced Glassfiber Yarns LLC, Chomarat Group, Jushi Group Co. Ltd., Taishan Fiberglass Inc., Owens Corning, PPG Industries Inc., Binani 3B-The Fibreglass Company, Saertex Group, Chongqing Polycomp International Corp., Saint-Gobain Vetrotex, Nitto Boseki Co. Ltd. and Nippon Sheet Glass Co. Ltd.Browse Full Report@Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Fieldscale Develops More Simulation Tools and Raises a Seed Round of 550K Fieldscale www.fieldscale.com http://theopenfund.com Innovative software solutions for the hardware design industryThessaloniki, July 20, 2016 / Fieldscale, a technology startup developing simulation software for electrical analysis, announced today the closing of 550K in seed round funding. The company plans to use the funding to market their new touchscreen design software and scale its design and simulation tools for additional industrial applications, such as electric motors, capacitors and more. Existing investor Openfund led the seed financing with participation from PJ Tech Catalyst and angel investor Panagiotis Chatzakos.Fieldscale develops special software tools that automate the most demanding parts of the product design process, providing the manufacturing companies with valuable predictions of the products behavior prior to its physical production. This prediction process, also known as simulation, allows the designer to better understand and optimize the product, in dozens or even hundreds of iterations. Fieldscales innovative interface empowers more engineers to use simulation, while their cutting-edge algorithms produce accurate results 10X faster than typical commercial software.Yiorgos Bontzios and George Bouzianas have put together a strong team and a ground-breaking product that already enjoys enthusiastic reception from some of the top firms in the industry; our decision to follow up and lead their seed round was a no brainer. added George Tziralis, Openfund partner.We decided to invest in Fieldscale because we saw a strong and dedicated team there; a team that develops innovative simulation software tools that large companies in demanding markets such as automotive and touchscreen are willing to integrate into their product design processes to make them faster, more accurate and efficient. said Nikos Antoniou, partner in PJ Tech Catalyst who is joining Fieldscales board of directors.Fieldscale recently announced the release of their new product Sense, the first design and analysis tool, exclusively for touchscreens. We aim to make simulation accessible to all hardware companies, so we put our efforts in creating powerful tools with a clean interface. said Yiorgos Bontzios, CEO and Co-founder of Fieldscale. Sense is the first of a series of specialized simulation tools that will reduce design costs and time-to-market for a variety of electric products.The company is also excited to welcome on its board of directors James Hogan, a legendary figure in the electronics space. Jim has been a pioneer in the industry since its inception and will help Fieldscale in its quest to move things a bit further. In the context of his appointment, James Hogan stated: Im looking for companies that bring disruptive technology to markets that are struggling to solve difficult design challenges. Fieldscale delivers a strong focus on the exceptional core solvers: robust, dependent, accurate and lightning fast due to the BEM implementation and parallelism etc. In addition, the ability of Sense to be customized for the application of choice such as touchscreen is another element of advantage, especially its adaptive mesh capability. It is my pleasure to be working with this exceptional team.About Fieldscale PCFieldscale offers state-of-the-art simulation software for electric design and analysis, built from the ground-up to support the constantly growing demands of engineers for accuracy and efficiency. Its cutting-edge algorithms are integrated within a simple, intuitive user environment to support the effortless design of great products. Fieldscale solvers expand the boundaries of electric simulation as we know them today. Find out more atAbout OpenfundOpenfund, a seed capital fund based in Athens, Greece, partners with entrepreneurs working on pioneering products to enable the creation and growth of successful technology companies.For more information about Openfund, visit:About PJ Tech CatalystEstablished in 2012, the PJ Tech Catalyst Fund is a venture capital fund that invests in seed stage startup companies with a focus on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and supports the development of entrepreneurship in Greece. Besides venture capital, PJ Tech Catalyst provides start-up teams that it invests in with assistance in all stages of their value creation journey.For more information visit: http://www.pjtechcatalyst.com/N. Plastira 45, Harilaou 54250, Thessaloniki, GreeceMedia ContactsFieldscale PCVasso Kalaitzidou+30 2310 947484vasso@fieldscale.com Corrugated Boxes Market Segments and Key Trends 2014-2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-302 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-302 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/corrugated-boxes-market www.futuremarketinsights.com Corrugated boxes are boxes where a wavy layer of cardboard, also known as fluting, is sandwiched between two thin outer layers. Corrugated boxes are available in various shapes and sizes and are extensively used in the packaging of various goods such as foods, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, hazardous chemicals and other materials. These boxes are the preferred means of packaging as they posses high durability, light-weightiness, high strength, appealing aesthetic value, cost effectiveness and recyclability. Corrugated boxes are majorly used for shipping of goods.Rapid industrialization, particularly in emerging economies such as China, Brazil and India, is expected to increase trade activities in this region, thus, subsequently driving the demand for corrugated boxes market. In addition, growth of the electronics and automotive sectors is expected to boost the growth of the corrugated boxes market over the next few years, as these boxes provide protection to the various delicate parts of these equipments. Furthermore, innovation in design of corrugated boxes has led to its increased demand in packaging of various foods & beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, thus boosting the growth of the corrugated boxes market. The growth of these sectors is expected to fuel the demand for corrugated boxes market over the next few years. However, the economic turndown in 2008 2009, which led to a lowering in trade activities, impacted the corrugated boxes market adversely. Slow economic recovery and trade activities in several nations are expected to restraint the growth of the corrugated boxes market. Moreover, increasing price of corrugated boxes is expected to be another vital factor hampering the growth of the corrugated boxes market over the next few years. Growing concept for corrugated boxes as a point-of-sale display is expected to open opportunities for the growth of the corrugated boxes market.Request Free Report Sample@Foods & beverages was the largest end-use segment of the market. However, personal care products, household care products, electronics and chemicals are expected to show a significant growth in demand for corrugated boxes over the next six years.U.S. had the largest for corrugated boxes market; however, China is expected to surpass the U.S. within the forecast period making Asia Pacific the largest corrugated boxes market. On a regional level, Asia Pacific was the largest market and the trend is expected to continue over the next few years, owing to the high prevalence of industrial activities.Request For TOC@DS Smith plc, International Paper, MeadWestvaco Corporation, Mondi Group, Nampak Limited, Nine Dragons Paper, Packaging Corporation of America, Smurfit Kappa Group and VPK Packaging Group are some of the key players present in the global corrugated boxes market.Browse Full Report@Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Mi Rancho Signs to Provide Organic Tortillas to Sun Basket http://www.mirancho.com http://www.sunbasket.com http://www.mirancho.com Mi Rancho's Commitment to Organic Corn Products and Non-GMO Food Sources Ideally Suited for Sun Basket's Healthy, Farm-to-Table Meals Delivered To Your Door.San Leandro, CA, USA -- Mi Rancho (), a Bay Area food innovator in the production and global distribution of tortillas and Mexican foods, has announced that Sun Basket, purveyors of fresh, farm-to-table dishes you can prepare at home, has committed to exclusively use Mi Rancho's tortillas for its organic meals.Mi Rancho and Sun Basket share a commitment to producing fresh, flavorful products using organic ingredients from non-GMO food sources. Sun Basket prepares meals to cook at home using hand-selected, seasonal ingredients from Pacific Coast farms. Farmers are carefully chosen to provide organic, non-GMO produce and sustainably farmed foods, including grass-fed, antibiotic free meats and sustainable seafood. In addition to organic and non-GMO recipes, Sun Basket offers Paleo, Gluten-Free and Vegetarian meal options. Mi Rancho's organic tortillas fit well with Sun Basket's commitment to using only organic products."Mi Rancho's are my daughter's favorite tortilla! I love their quality, flavor, and their commitment to organics and the Non-GMO Project," said Executive Chef Justine Kelly of Sun Basket."Sun Basket understands the value of using traditional methods to make our stone-ground, organic tortillas," said Fernando Alvear, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Mi Rancho. "We share their passion for sustainable organic farming and delivering fresh, tasty products free of GMOs and glutens. We are delighted that Sun Basket has decided to exclusively use our organic tortillas in their meals."Mi Rancho offers a complete line of organic tortillas made with organic corn, organic whole wheat, and organic ancient grains including flax and quinoa. Mi Rancho has been a family owned business for three generations and the Berber family has a passion for using authentic techniques and artisan bakers to produce fresh, delicious tortillas. As part of that commitment, Mi Rancho uses only the finest ingredients so customers can count on a delicious, high-quality product in every package.About Sun BasketSun Basket is a healthy meal kit service that delivers fresh organic ingredients and delicious, easy-to-make recipes. Sun Basket makes it easy to cook healthy, with Paleo, Gluten-Free and Vegetarian options, plus breakfast. Get 3 recipes per week for 2 or 4 people, with sustainably sourced, pre-measured ingredients delivered to your door in recyclable packaging. Sun Basket's delicious nutritionist-approved recipes are created by Executive Chef Justine Kelly, former head chef at James Beard's award-winning restaurant, The Slanted Door in San Francisco. For more information, visit Sun Basket on the web atAbout Mi RanchoMi Rancho is an innovator in the specialty foods market specializing in tortillas and Mexican food products. Founded as a family-run Mexican bakery and grocery store in Oakland in 1939, Mi Rancho started to expand in the 1950s, providing tortillas to local restaurants. Today the company remains family owned and operated by the third generation of the Berber family, with plans of succession to the fourth generation currently working within the company. Mi Rancho produces 4.5 million tortillas each day or 1.3 billion tortillas each year, serving various segments including food service, retail, industrial, and international. Despite Mi Rancho's growth, the company is still operated with a passion for excellence and a commitment to produce the best quality tortillas made from local California ingredients.For more information, visit Mi Rancho on the web atContact:Tom Woolf, Director of PRGumas Advertising99 Shotwell StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103-3625415-621-7575twoolf@gumas.com Global CFB Boilers Market expected to witness significant expansion over coming years owing to growing concern over strict adherence to toxic standards and policies. http://www.marketintelreports.com/report/9DIME2768/global-cfb-boiler-industry-2016-market-research-report http://www.marketintelreports.com/pdfdownload.php?id=9DIME2768 www.marketintelreports.com Report Brief:Global CFB Boiler Industry 2016 Market Research Report was a professional and depth research report on Global CFB Boiler industry that you would know the world's major regional market conditions of CFB Boiler industry, the main region including North American, Europe and Asia etc, and the main country including United States ,Germany ,Japan and China etc.The report firstly introduced CFB Boiler basic information including CFB Boiler definition, classification, application and industry chain overview; CFB Boiler industry policy and plan, CFB Boiler product specification, manufacturing process, cost structure etc. Then we deeply analyzed the world's main region market conditions that including the product price, profit, capacity, production, capacity utilization, supply, demand and industry growth rate etc.Browse Global CFB Boiler Industry 2016 Market Research ReportMarket Overview:Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFD) is a process of providing boilers and power plants maximum flexibility in burning variety of fuels. The CFB boilers market has seen a significant growth over the past three years due to increased need for power. Additionally, companies are using CFB boilers to adhere stringent government regulations pertaining to gas emission which is also a driving factor.Global circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers market has experienced a steady growth over recent years and is expected to witness significant expansion over coming years owing to growing concern over strict adherence to toxic standards and policies. Increased population coupled with volatile prices of oil & gas is expected to steer forward the path for thermal power production facilities. Conventional boiler designs lack the flexibility to meet wide range of industry requirements.Surging demand for cost efficient and cleaner combustion technology coupled with stringent environmental regulations, has urged the organizations to look for energy efficient ways of power generation. Various initiatives are taken to address these issues and find eco-friendly fuel combustion technologies. Owing to the minimal capital costs involved in the setup and operation of CFB boilers, this technology has witnessed an increased significance primarily in power generation.Geographic Analysis:Regionally, the market study segments the global CFB boilers market into North America, Europe, South East Asia, India, China, Japan and Australia, and the Rest of the World. Among these, South East Asia, India, China, Japan, and Australia have jointly held the leading position in the worldwide market for CFB boilers at present. The rising demand for energy in this region is the key factor driving the remarkable growth of this market in these regions, states the study.Europe is the second largest regional market for CFB boilers across the world and is expected to retain its position over the forecast period. The North America CFB boilers market, however, is likely to show moderate growth, whereas the Rest of the World is projected to gain impetus in the forthcoming years on account of the rising concerns of people about environmental issues, states the study.Regions covered: Americas Europe Asia ROWKey Players Analysis:Major companies operating in global circulating fluidized bed boiler industry include Alfa Laval, Alstom, Bharat Heavy Electricals, Foster Wheeler, Formosa Heavy Industries, Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Rafako SA, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Thermax. ThyssenKrupp Industries is focused on design and manufacturing of boilers catering to demand of key industry players in power generation industry.Key questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be? What are the key market trends? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in this market space? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?The study includes the demand of this market on a global and regional level for a six year period 2015 to 2020, both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Sample Brochure of Report @About us:MarketIntelReports (MIR) aim to empower our clients to successfully manage and outperform in their business decisions, we do this by providing Premium Market Intelligence, Strategic Insights and Databases from a range of Global Publishers.A group of industry veterans who are well experienced in reputed international consulting firms after identifying the sourcing needs of MNCs for market intelligence, have together started this business savior MarketIntelReports.Contact us:Sales ManagerMayur S.2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400,Wilmington,Delaware,19808United Statessales@marketintelreports.comTelephone: 1-302-261-5343 Research report covers the Chromatography Instrumentation Market share and Growth, 2015-2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-383 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-383 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/chromatography-instrumentation-market www.futuremarketinsights.com Chromatography is the most essential and well known separation technique which is extensively used across various industries. Chromatography is referred to as a technique that is used for the purification of biomolecules in which the components that are to be separated are distributed between two phases. Among these two phases, one is stationary phase and other is a mobile phase. All types of chromatography systems work on the same principle i.e., separation of sample mixture into stationary phase (solid or liquid supported on solid) and mobile phase (liquid or gas). Over the years chromatography technique and its instrument are being used in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies for the development of pure drug molecule. The instruments that are utilized in the chromatography have benefitted the researches due to their ability to separate, analyze and purify a molecule in an efficient and effective manner. These chromatography instrumentation techniques are used in various application areas such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food production, diagnostics, genetic engineering, drug discovery and water analysis.The global market for chromatography instrumentation can be segmented as follows:By systemGas chromatography systemLiquid chromatography systemHigh pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)Ultra high pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC)Low pressure liquid chromatography (LPLC)OthersIon-exchange chromatographyAffinity chromatographySuper critical fluid chromatographyColumn chromatographyThin layer chromatographyRequest Free Report Sample@By consumables and instrumentsColumnsSyringe filtersVialsTubingsDetectorsAutosamplersPumpsFraction collectorsOthersBy end usersBiotechnology and pharmaceuticals industriesHospitals and research laboratoriesAgriculture and food industriesOthers (cosmetic industries, environmental agencies and nutraceutical companies)The market for chromatography instrumentation holds an immense potential due to increasing number of biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Rising government investments for research purpose, expansion of chromatography companies in the Asian region and increasing collaborations among the existing players in the market are some of the other propelling factors for this market. The chromatography instrumentation market is also witnessing huge advancements in the design of column which is consequently raising the demand for development of better analytical resins and reagents. Additionally, emergence of green chromatography, usage of nanomaterial in chromatography and increasing usage of chromatography instrument for monoclonal antibody purification are some of the other opportunities that are fuelling the growth of this market. However, high cost of the chromatography systems and economic slowdown across the globe has resulted in decreased sales of chromatography systems. In addition need of skilled personnel for operates chromatography instrument is a factor which might restrict its demand in the global chromatography instrumentation market.Request For TOC@Geographically, North America accounts for the largest share of the chromatography instrumentation market followed by the European region. The dominance of these regions in this market is seen due to growing government investments and funding for research. Further, augmented research and development activities of drugs and biologics and increasing number of conferences on chromatography are some of the key drivers of this industry. However, in the near future the U.S market is expected to decline its market share owing to the market maturity. Asia-Pacific region is expected to show healthy growth in the near future due to expansion of chromatography companies in the regions of India, China, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam. Additionally, several major pharmaceutical companies are also increasingly outsourcing their drug and development services especially in the Asian region which is indentified as another major driver that is augmenting the demand of chromatography reagents in this region.Major players operating in this market includes Agilent Technologies, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Bio-Rad Laboratories, GE Healthcare, Life Technologies Corporation, Pall Corporation, Regis Technologies, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, Waters Corporation, Helena Laboratories, Phenomenex, Inc. WWR International, Tosoh Corporation and others.Browse Full Report@Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Flexible Packaging Market is worth more than US$100 billion www.knowledge-sourcing.com/products/flexible-packaging-market-forecasts-from-2016-to-2021 Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence announces the publication of its new report on Global Flexible Packaging Market by Packaging Material (Paper, Aluminium Foil, BOPP Film, Polyethylene Film, Polyethylene Terephthalate), Application (Food, Beverage, Cosmetics and Toiletries, Pharmaceutical and Healthcare among others), and Geography. Global Flexible Packaging Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.85% over the forecast period to be worth more than US$ 128.17 billion by the end of 2021. This growth is attributed to various factors such as rapid urbanization, hectic work life among others. Changes in consumer preferences for easy-to-use and carry, packaged food and beverages will also fuel market growth. However, the growth of the industry will be restrained by environmental sustainability issues and government regulations over the forecast period.Asia Pacific to lead the market growth:Growing health awareness among consumers, especially in emerging economies like China and India, will boost the demand for innovative packaging solutions. Moreover, factors such as rising disposable income, improving standards of living, and population growth will augment the demand for flexible packaging solutions in the region over the next six years.This report profiles some of the most promising players in the Flexible Packaging Market which include Amcor, Bemis, Mondi, Sonoco, Wipak Group, Ball Corporation, WestRock, Innovia Films, Sealed Air, and Printpack.Purchase complete report or request sample:Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence is a market research and consulting firm based out of India. Driven by industry experts, the company provides syndicated reports, custom research and consulting services. Our proprietary data analytics model blended with quality primary and secondary research data assists in generating quality reports providing crucial insights to managers and decision makers. The services offered by us help companies to gain required competitive edge. Our expertise across 10 industries such as ICT, Chemicals, Semiconductors, Packaging, Healthcare among others caters to diverse client needs.Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence LLPH-38, Sector 63 NOIDA, U.P., IndiaPhone: +1-866-714-4587 zedascargo mobilises rail logistics zedascargo mobile solution for smartphones and tablets www.zedas.com http://railfreightsoftware.zedas.com/ ZEDAS GmbH is demonstrating at InnoTrans 2016, how the potential offered by the digital world can be availed of by rail logistics.The use of mobile solutions for smartphones and tablets offers added value for business processes within rail logistics. The applications make it possible for locomotive drivers, wagon technicians and inspectors at any location to access selected information and to then use this information for the tasks that their jobs involve. The use of these applications reduces the number of complex consultation meetings required, as well as the keeping of records and automatically delivers exact data for the invoicing of services provided.ZEDAS GmbH a pioneer of mobile applications for rail logistics - supports making use of the chances offered by new technologies. zedascargo is an integrated browser-based solution for rail freight transport, that can be used on all established device platforms (Apple iOS, Google Android, Microsoft Windows). Using the software is intuitive and automatically adjusts to the respective type of device. The integrated offline functionality makes autarkic working possible without a permanent data connection being required.Typical applications: Employee information (e.g. work schedule) Documentation of actual times and particularities Processing of freight and vehicle data Preparing and checking trains Documentation of damaged carriages including recording facts of the incident Documentation of switching moves Recording of specific operating dataIt is in this way that the software slims down and optimises the logistics processes and accelerates the company's digitalisation. At the InnoTrans 2016 in Berlin, the further developments will be presented: ZEDAS GmbH will present itself at the City Cube, stand B/201.ZEDAS GmbH develops software products for the logistics management of rail transport and for the asset management of vehicle fleets and technical asset management. Standard software products are zedascargo and zedasasset. The introduction and implementation of software developed in-house are our key services. We provide a 24 hour service with our solutions. ZEDAS customers are rail and transport companies and industrial companies. They include the freight transport, mining, oil, gas, chemistry, production engineering and renewable energy sectors.Ulrike GollaschMarketingZEDAS GmbHA.-Hennecke-Str. 3701968 SenftenbergGermanyTel.: +49 (3573) 7075-18E-Mail: ugollasch@zedas.com SPOOKY, SCARY SPOOKY, SCARY Neighborhoods in Orchard Park are more than ready for Halloween. In the top photo, at a house at the corner of Orchard Hill Drive and Briar Hill... Bremer finds seven residential lots storing items on town property Thanks to a new property-line shot by the Engineering Department, Building Inspector Steve Bremer was able to identify seven residential lots near Highmark Stadium that were placing all sorts of... Highway Department receiving number of calls on dying ash trees Highway Superintendent Andrew Slotman warned in the spring that the ash tree population in Orchard Park would soon dwindle to zero due to the presence of the emerald ash borer.... A 21-year-old Beaverton man accused of murder last month is now facing allegations of raping a minor multiple times, according to court records filed Wednesday. Roger Emir Gastelum-Medina was arrested June 21 on accusations of killing Yusuf Sharif in Aloha the day before. Gastelum-Medina was charged with murder, unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm in the case. A grand jury indicted him on identical charges, plus five counts of third-degree rape, five counts of second-degree sex abuse and a single count of delivery of methamphetamine to a minor. The rapes and sexual abuse are alleged to have occurred between March and June 2016, according to the indictment, which was filed Wednesday in Washington County Circuit Court. Gastelum-Medina is being held in the Washington County Jail. Deputies found Sharif, a 21-year-old Beaverton man, in the street with at least one gunshot wound on June 20. Sharif had been walking on Southwest Blanton Street near 167th Avenue when Gastelum-Medina pulled up next to him in a car to confront him "about an issue," said Sgt. Bob Ray, a Washington County Sheriff's Office spokesman. At some point, Ray said, Gastelum-Medina shot Sharif with a handgun and left the area. Gastelum-Medina has an August 2015 conviction for possessing methamphetamine, court records show. He was found in violation of his probation from that case in May, according to the records. -- Jim Ryan jryan@oregonian.com 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015 Rebecca Woolington of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report. Welcome to Best Bets, a weekly column in which The Oregonian's arts desk separates the wheat from the chaff of upcoming theater, classical music and dance performances and visual arts events. Here are our picks for July 22-28. "A Kaleidoscope of Color: American Indian Trade Blankets" Woolen trade blankets from the likes of Pendleton Woolen Mills and Oregon City Woolen Mills have been prized family heirlooms for generations. Now Maryhill Museum of Art presents an opportunity to see nearly two dozen pre-1930 trade blankets from American manufacturers. The blankets, which have been in private collections, come in every color of the rainbow and sport vibrant geometric patterns. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily through Nov. 15, Maryhill Museum of Art, 35 Maryhill Museum Drive, Goldendale, Washington. $3-$9, maryhillmuseum.org or 509-773-3733. "Cool Moves, Bro" 11: Dance Co., a millennial-oriented troupe fusing classical dance and street and club styles, has in "Cool Moves, Bro" created what it calls "a satirical mashup of contemporary dance, high fashion aesthetics, and low-brow pop culture." With contributions from choreographers Ching-Ching Wong, William Jay and Emma Portner, this is an hour that promises to be anything but the same old moves. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 1:30 and 4 p.m. Sunday, through July 31, CoHo Productions, 2257 N.W. Raleigh St. $20-$50, 11dance.co. ArtSplash The City of Tualatin celebrates Northwest artists with its 21st annual ArtSplash Art Show and Sale. The juried show features 45 artists working in jewelry, photography, painting, wood, textiles, ceramics, sculpture, glass and more. The three-day event also includes food carts, kids' art activities, concerts and a family-friendly movie. Friday through Sunday, July 22-24, Tualatin Lake of the Commons, 8325 S.W. Nyberg St. Free, tualatinoregon.gov. Josh Kline, Portland Art Museum Josh Kline is unapologetic about using art for sociopolitical commentary: In a program last year at New York's Whitney Museum of Art, he presented "Cost of Living (Aleyda)," a sculptural assemblage of a hotel housekeeper's cleaning supplies cart. His new show, "Freedom," focuses on politicians, protests and surveillance. The artist will be in town to discuss his work with curator Sara Krajewski. Lecture, 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 22; on view, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, through Nov. 13, Portland Art Museum, 1219 S.W. Park Ave. Lecture and exhibit: $17-$20, free for children 17 and younger, portlandartmuseum.org or 503-226-2811. "The Book of Grace" CoHo and Profile Theatre are presenting this staged reading of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks' portrait of a deeply divided biracial family in south Texas. The play is the final installment in Profile's "In Dialogue" series. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, CoHo Theater, 2257 N.W. Raleigh St. Free, tickets required, cohoproductions.org or 503-220-2646. Vancouver Symphony Orchestra This is your one chance for the next few months to catch the orchestra; its 2016-17 season doesn't start until Oct. 1. The concert is part of the city of Vancouver's Six to Sunset series. 6 p.m. Thursday, July 28, Esther Short Park, 415 W. Sixth St, Vancouver. Free, vancouversymphony.org. Reed Clarke, Guardino Gallery With Reed Clarke's background in counseling psychology, it's not surprising that he's drawn to portraiture. The painter and printmaker has a new exhibit of his explorations of faces and figures at notable narrative moments. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, July 28-Aug. 23, Guardino Gallery, 2939 N.E. Alberta St. Free, guardinogallery.com. If you would like your event to be considered for inclusion in Best Bets, email the details to fineartsbestbets@oregonian.com. Find more arts coverage at oregonlive.com/art. By Luke Hammill and Jeff Manning A Portland building inspector is under investigation after she admitted selling engineering software to contractors on buildings she helped approve, including the controversial Yard project at the Burnside Bridgehead. The Oregon Building Codes Division hopes to revoke the license of Marcia Karr, an inspector with Portland's Bureau of Development Services. The state has also proposed fining her $6,000. The city, too, has opened an internal investigation. Karr told The Oregonian/OregonLive her bosses at the bureau knew what she was doing. The inquiry raises more questions about whether the Yard meets Oregon's energy code and has prompted new statewide conflict-of-interest rules that many in the building industry have vehemently opposed. In at least two cases, the state claims, Karr recommended for approval projects in which the building architect used her "Engineer in a Pocket" software to make certain energy calculations. She also used her city email address to send out promotional materials for Engineer in a Pocket, according to emails collected by the state. Karr has 20 days to request a hearing on the matter. Karr, who works three days a week at the bureau as a mechanical and energy codes plan reviewer, told The Oregonian/OregonLive that she's done nothing wrong. She said she developed the Engineer in a Pocket software tool, which helps contractors calculate long-term savings from installing various energy-efficient systems, on nights and weekends. "I invested thousands of dollars and years of my time developing this tool," Karr said. "I sold it for $300, pocket change. It was a win-win. But now, all of a sudden, I'm unethical?" Portland Commissioner Dan Saltzman, who oversees the development bureau, declined comment on the state investigation through his chief of staff, citing the ongoing internal probe. Karr said she sold the software to five customers. The best known of them helped build the Yard, a 21-story mixed-use apartment tower at the east side of the Burnside Bridge. Karr was part of an effort to add additional windows to the building while still maintaining compliance with state energy code after revelations emerged that the Yard differed significantly from schematics approved by the city's design commission. The bureau acknowledged in January that between the design panel's approval of the project in 2013 and the issuance of a building permit nearly two years later, Portland-based Skylab Architecture made changes to the plan that should have triggered either revisions to the design or a reset of the land-use review process. The city didn't catch the changes - Skylab never brought them to the development bureau's attention - and approved the building permit anyway. The flub resulted in a significantly darker building that had about 30 percent fewer clear window panels than the originally approved version, according to city emails. (Skylab contended the total reduction in window area was closer to 10 percent.) Skylab said it had reduced the number of windows to meet Oregon's energy code. Once the issue became public, negotiations between Skylab and the city ensued about how to bring the building into design compliance, who would pay and whether, with the addition of new windows, it would still comply with the state energy code. During those talks, according to testimony collected during the state investigation, bureau plan review manager Terry Whitehill suggested that city staff meet with Skylab employees in person to solve the problem. Karr attended the meeting on city time, along with bureau land-use planner Staci Monroe and Thomas Ng, another bureau staffer. "There was a thought that we needed to partner with Skylab to find a solution as opposed to put all the onus on them," Monroe told a state investigator. "It was the city's mistake in the first place." Karr testified that there were "a lot of politics" involved and that the bureau "bent over backward." As Monroe remembers, Karr presented the Skylab architects with two choices to demonstrate the building complied with the energy code: A "whole building analysis" that could cost as much as $30,000 or the $500 (and much faster) Engineer in a Pocket. Brent Grubb and Jeff Kovel, of Skylab, chose the cheaper, quicker alternative. Karr did not disclose her affiliation as a co-owner of the product, the state found. Karr said she offered other software products, too, but other attendees interviewed by the state disputed that claim, saying she mentioned only Engineer in a Pocket. Monroe told a state investigator she'd never heard of Engineer in a Pocket before that meeting and found out about Karr's affiliation only after being told weeks later by Skylab officials, who had searched it on the Internet and found Karr's name. Monroe then alerted her and Karr's boss, Whitehill, who said he would be "speaking to" Karr, Monroe told the state. Kovel said it seemed "odd" to be offered Engineer in a Pocket, which he had never heard of, only to find out later that it was Karr's product. He and his colleagues brought their concerns to the city, he said in a phone interview. "The answer was, they were comfortable with it," Kovel said. Karr told The Oregonian/OregonLive that Whitehill had been aware of her affiliation with Engineer in a Pocket but said she could not remember who originally had the idea to propose it to Skylab's subcontractor, American Heating. The bureau declined comment on whether Whitehill told Karr to offer Engineer in a Pocket to Skylab, saying through a spokesman that the question was part of the internal probe. After the meeting with Skylab, Karr taught employees of American Heating how to use the software, according to the state probe. Once the subcontractor completed the Engineer in a Pocket analysis, Karr, in her capacity as a bureau inspector, recommended approval of the findings, the state found, and the bureau did accept them. The software demonstrated that the energy saved through Yard's sophisticated mechanical system would offset the energy lost through additional windows. Karr told state investigators that Whitehill knew she was meeting with American Heating. Eventually, the city and Skylab reached a tentative agreement to add 67 windows to the tower, with builder Key Development saying the city would pay for most of the cost through fee refunds. The city said the amount to be refunded is still under review. Karr said in a phone interview that Engineer in a Pocket was never intended for architects to demonstrate compliance with state energy code but rather to help contractors convince their customers to use more energy-efficient equipment, saving money and lessening pollution in the long run. But she stands by the Yard findings, claiming they are more conservative than the more exhaustive and expensive whole-building analysis. Andrea Simmons, enforcement manager with the state Building Codes Division, said she doesn't know whether Engineer in a Pocket is rigorous enough to meet Oregon's building and energy standards. "We haven't done the analysis," she said. The city is also looking into that question. Some Portland-area contractors are big fans of Karr. "She's one of the few people who really work hard to help you get a permit, as opposed to finding a reason to not grant you a permit," said Clint Latimer, of Oregon Heating and Air Conditioning. "She had this software product. She's virtually giving it away. She didn't try to use any leverage to sell this software product. That's complete and utter crap." The investigation has prompted the Building Codes Division to impose new conflict-of-interest standards over the furious objections of inspectors across the state - including the city Bureau of Development Services, which testified through a letter from Whitehill against the new rules while the investigation was still ongoing. The new rules say Oregon inspectors who work for municipalities "may not get paid to perform or manage work regulated by the state building code for a company engaged in construction or property development." Included in that category are inspectors involved in "selling products or services that design, test, or audit buildings...regulated by the state building code." The rules went into effect July 1. In his opposition letter to the state, Whitehill wrote that the new provisions "may limit the city's ability to hire and retain qualified people" and noted Portland already has its own code of ethics and ability to investigate potential conflicts of interest. "Most local jurisdictions cannot compete with the private sector in terms of salaries," Whitehill wrote. "Allowing employees to supplement their incomes with private sector work outside of the jurisdiction where they work helps all local jurisdictions hire and retain skilled workers." Key Development President Jeff Pickhardt did not return a phone call seeking comment. -- Luke Hammill and Jeff Manning lhammill@oregonian.com 503-294-4029 @lucashammill jmanning@oregonian.com 503-294-7606 @JeffmanningOre London Mule_2.jpg The London Mule is one of a half dozen mules being served at Red Star Tavern. (Red Star Tavern) Ever wonder what bar patrons are sipping in those gleaming copper mugs? The answer is most likely a Moscow Mule or some variation of the cocktail, which celebrates 75 years this year. "I feel like this is another lost cocktail that has been resurrected by the craft bartending scene," says Brandon Lockman, head bartender at downtown Portland's Red Star Tavern. "It's always been around, but the new wave of bartenders has made it great again. Fresh-squeezed juices and quality ginger beer make it simple and refreshing -- and, let's be honest, everybody wants to look cool holding that copper mug." Lockman is celebrating the drink's anniversary with a special menu of six Mules, one that's classic -- just vodka, lime and ginger beer -- and five twists on the light, refreshing summer drink. Meanwhile, half a continent away in New Orleans, the organizers of the Tales of the Cocktail are doing their own anniversary tribute at the conference, which kicked off Tuesday and runs through Sunday. Tales, which draws bar industry professionals from around the globe to the Big Easy each summer, held a contest to reimagine the Moscow Mule. The rules: The drink must include a base spirit, some form of ginger and effervescence. Judges sampled hundreds of entries from around the world and picked the version served up by Portland's own Angel Teta, bar manager of Ataula, the Spanish and Catalan restaurant in Northwest Portland. Teta's El Burro Catalan features sherry -- a favorite ingredient at Ataula -- along with Absolut Elyx vodka, cane syrup, lemon juice, Angostura bitters, Fever Tree ginger beer and Northwest cranberry juice. It will be served at several New Orleans bars as part of the Tales celebration. "Every fine drinking establishment needs a Moscow Mule these days, be it a dive or a proper restaurant bar," Teta said in a news release. "I found that adding sherry dried the ginger beer out quite nicely and added a slight salinity that makes you want to snack on something. ... The cranberry I use is Starvation Alley Farms, a 100 percent organic fresh pressed cranberry that has such a vibrant flavor, it makes for a fantastic mule variation with an time-tested classic flavor pairing." The mule, also called a buck after group of classic drinks that feature spirits, citrus and ginger beer, traces its origins back to 1941, in a collaboration between John G. Martin, who was distributing Smirnoff vodka in the U.S., and Jack Morgan, owner of Los Angeles' Cock 'n Bull restaurant and the associated line of ginger beer. With both looking to increase the popularity of their products, they put them together for a natural pairing, creating a winner that helped propel vodka to America's favorite spirit. The drink has also invited playful twists over the years. "I just wanted to add to the variety of mule variations that guests can choose from," Lockman says. "You can use just about any spirit in this cocktail, so it's not hard." Right now that means you can order a London Mule with gin and Earl Grey tea; Lilly's Coy Mule, with cucumber-infused Tito's vodka and passion fruit; a Kentucky Mule with whiskey; a Paloma Mule with tequila and grapefruit; and a Dark 'N Stormy, his version of the classic Caribbean concoction of aged rum, lime and ginger beer that has always been a close cousin to the mule. "Our mule menu will be constantly changing," he says. "When we come up with something new we'll swap it in accordingly." ___________ El Burro Catalan 1 3/4 ounces Absolut Elyx 3/4 ounce Cigarrera Manzanilla Sherry 1/4 ounce Starvation Alley Fresh Pressed Cranberry 1/4 ounce natural cane syrup 1/4 ounce lemon juice 2 dashes Angostura Bitters 1 3/4 ounces Fever Tree Ginger Beer Fresh cranberries, for garnish Shake ingredients together except Fever Tree, double strain into copper mug, add ginger beer, and top with pebble ice. Add two shorty straws and garnish with expressed and manicured lemon peel wrapped around four skewered dried cranberries, and two short skinny stir straws. -- Angel Teta's winning Tales of the Cocktail entry London Mule 1 1/2 ounce London Dry Gin 3/4 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice 1/2 ounce Earl Grey and rosemary syrup (simple syrup that's been flavored with fresh rosemary and Earl Grey tea to taste) Fever Tree ginger beer Combine first three ingredients in Moscow Mule mug with ice and top with ginger beer to fill. -- Brandon Lockman, Red Star Tavern _________________ Spirited Awards Speaking of Tales of the Cocktail, each year the best of the bar world competes for the Spirited Awards, which are handed out in national and international categories. Portland has some nominees who will find out Saturday night whether they're taking home the prize. Jeffrey Morgenthaler is well-represented, short-listed in the American bartender of the year category for his work at Clyde Common, as well as for best cocktail and spirits writer award. Pepe le Moko, Clyde Common's younger sibling bar at downtown's Ace Hotel, is up for best American hotel bar. Meanwhile, those who have seen the vast selection of bottles at Multnomah Whiskey Library won't be shocked that bar is up for World's Best Spirits Selection. -- Colin Powers school board.jpg 1 / 18 July 20, 2016 - The Portland Public School Board meets to consider the search criteria for an interim superintendent. Bethany Barnes/The Oregonian Portland school board members are scrambling to find an interim superintendent during a time of mounting district scrutiny. Still reeling from Portland Public Schools Superintendent Carole Smith's abrupt Monday resignation, the board voted Wednesday night on a plan to find her temporary replacement. Smith's bombshell announcement came minutes after the district released a scathing report detailing how Portland Public Schools bungled testing water for lead, didn't fix problems officials did find, and failed to properly alert the public. Board members and parents remarked that, in light of the recent scandal, they want someone who can foster positive change in the district. Candidates have have two weeks to apply. The board hopes to introduce the public to finalists by Aug. 10 and vote on the new leader by Aug. 11. The board's resolution allows for the chairman to alter that timeline. It's a rush job for a tall order. Among the board's many must haves are 10 years of direct experience in education, five years of executive-level experience directing operations, demonstrated fiscal responsibility and operational oversight, political savvy, a willingness to learn the culture of Portland Public Schools, and a commitment to equity. Ideally, the board would also like the next leader to have a doctorate. "God is probably not going to apply," noted School Board Member Steve Buel. "I don't think that we are going to get a candidate that is going to fit all of these as musts." Portland Association of Teachers President Suzanne Cohen said, in the brief window she had to seek input from teachers, the reaction was positive. In particular, teachers were pleased to see a focus on equity listed among the priorities, she said. One concern she heard is that while teachers want change, they want the board to be mindful that not all change is good change. Teachers are fearful of a leader who has the luxury of making changes without having to actually live with those changes, she said. School Board Member Mike Rosen complained that he'd only had a few hours to look at the resolution, making it impossible for him to seek community input. He also felt the criteria should have specifically addressed the district's challenges. Rosen cast the lone no vote. He cited the hastiness of the resolution as his reason. -- Bethany Barnes July 19 (Reuters) - Mattel Inc said on Tuesday that it had won the rights to make toys based on "Jurassic World" films from July next year. The announcement comes a day after smaller rival Hasbro Inc , which held the license, said it did not renew its contract with Comcast Corp's NBCUniversal as they could not agree on terms. Under the terms of the deal with NBCUniversal, Mattel will design, produce and sell a wide variety of toys and consumer products based on the franchise. (Reporting by Subrat Patnaik in Bengaluru; Editing by Kirti Pandey) Friday 22 July 2016 11:07am Professor Lisa Matisoo-Smith, an internationally renowned biological anthropologist who pioneered the use of evolutionary genetics to trace Pacific migrations, is the latest recipient of the Distinguished Research Medal, the University of Otagos highest distinction. The University awards the medal for outstanding scholarly achievement, including the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge, the development of innovative technology, or the development of concepts that lead to significant advances.Announcing the honour, Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said that Professor Matisoo-Smith is a richly deserving recipient of the medal. Lisa Matisoo-Smith is a greatly respected international scholar who has reshaped our understanding of the last great human migration into the Pacific. She is also a great communicator who has engaged and motivated the public about her science in a way few others working in New Zealand have achieved. Professor Matisoo-Smith joined the Universitys Department of Anatomy in 2009. Her research mainly focuses on using genetic evidence to track human migration and settlement of the Pacific and the resulting impact of that settlement on Pacific environments. She is internationally recognised in her field for her use of leading-edge molecular biology techniques to uncover hidden histories held in both ancient and modern DNA. One of her key contributions has involved introducing the approach of gathering and analysing DNA from animals (such as dogs and rats) transported by settlers in the Pacific to trace human origins and migration patterns. Professor Matisoo-Smith has published three books, 17 book chapters and 75 papers in leading journals, including eight in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, two in Science and two in Nature. She has supervised and mentored a large number of students, several of whom are now leading early-career researchers both in New Zealand and abroad. In 2009 she was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. In 2013 she was honoured with Fellowship of the Royal Society of New Zealand and in that same year she received a prestigious James Cook Research Fellowship from the Society for her public engagement genetic science project Africa to Aotearoa. Such efforts to work with communities in New Zealand and overseas and involve them in her research, and in science through education, have been and continue to be central to her research activity and philosophy. For example, Professor Matisoo-Smith and her research group have worked closely with the Rangitane o Wairau iwi to carry out the first analysis of ancient mitochondrial human genomes from the Pacific. The individuals studied were from the archaeological site of Wairau Bar, thought to have been the one of the first places settled in New Zealand. Her work identified a surprisingly large number of mitochondrial types in the settlers, suggesting a larger founding population than previously thought and a more complex colonisation. She is the principal investigator for the Oceania/Pacific region in the National Geographic Genographic project, a multiyear research initiative that is gathering and analysing genetic data in collaboration with indigenous and traditional peoples around the world. Professor Matisoo-Smith says that while being shocked, yet thrilled, to receive this honour, she feels a bit awkward being singled out as an individual researcher since all of her work is collaborative and cross-disciplinary. I work closely with colleagues in Archaeology and Anthropology and several other departments, in addition to with my collaborators and postgrad students in the Department of Anatomy. Perhaps most importantly, the engagement with and by communities across New Zealand and the Pacific is essential to the research. So, I will accept that my receiving this medal is a big thumbs up to multidisciplinary research that engages with and is relevant to the general public, and I share it with my many collaborators and students. I thank the Department of Anatomy and the University for creating such a supportive and stimulating environment in which to work. The Distinguished Research Medal will be presented to Professor Matisoo-Smith when she delivers a public lecture in October. For more information, contact Professor Lisa Matisoo-Smith Professor of Biological Anthropology Department of Anatomy University of Otago Tel 64 3 479 6827 Email lisa.matisoo-smith@otago.ac.nz * Monsanto says Bayer's latest bid financially inadequate * Says open to continuing talks with Bayer, other parties * Monsanto shares rise 0.3 pct; Bayer off 1.2 pct (Adds Bayer statement, updates shares) By Greg Roumeliotis and Ludwig Burger July 19 (Reuters) - U.S. seed company Monsanto Co turned down a sweetened $64 billion acquisition offer from Bayer AG, but said it was open to further talks with the German healthcare and chemicals group as well as other parties. The widely expected rejection puts pressure on Bayer to sweeten its offer once again, at least enough to get access to Monsanto's books. The two companies have been in negotiations about a potential confidentiality agreement, Reuters reported on Monday. Monsanto said on Tuesday its board unanimously viewed Bayer's latest bid as "financially inadequate and insufficient to ensure deal certainty." "Monsanto remains open to continued and constructive conversations with Bayer and other parties to assess whether a transaction that the board believes is in the best interest of Monsanto share owners can be realized," the company said. Bayer said it was disappointed with Monsanto's decision to reject its latest offer but was looking forward to continued dialogue with Monsanto under an appropriate confidentiality agreement that would allow access to additional information. Access to confidential information has been a major sticking point in Bayer's negotiations with Monsanto ever since the German company offered to acquire Monsanto in May. Bayer disclosed Thursday that it had increased its bid by $3 per share. Its latest $125-per-share offer is the largest all-cash bid on record. Bayer also offered a $1.5 billion reverse antitrust breakup fee, equivalent to about 2.3 percent of the deal's value. By comparison, the breakup fee ChemChina offered to acquire Swiss peer Syngenta should the deal not go through is $3 billion, representing 7 percent of the $43 billion transaction value. Story continues Monsanto would like Bayer to sweeten its offer further, including increasing the breakup fee, before providing Bayer access to financial information, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified discussing private discussions. Monsanto's shares were up 0.35 percent to $106.81, while Bayer shares were down 1.2 percent at 91.87 euros. Bayer argued last week that it had comprehensively addressed Monsanto's questions about financing and regulatory matters and said it was prepared to make certain commitments to regulators, if required, to complete a deal. INVESTOR CONCERNS BAYER MAY OVERPAY Henderson Global Investors, an investor in Bayer, has called for a vote on the proposed takeover of Monsanto, which it said threatened the long-term strength of the German company. Some other Bayer investors have also expressed concerns the company may overpay to secure a deal. Monsanto Chief Executive Hugh Grant said last month that his company was in talks with Bayer and other companies in its sector about "alternative strategic options." He did not name the other companies, but Reuters has previously reported that Monsanto had discussed a business combination with BASF SE . The seeds and agrochemicals industry has been jolted by several large deals in the past year as low crop prices and belt-tightening by farmers pressured earnings. Syngenta AG, which Monsanto tried to buy last year, agreed in February to be acquired by ChemChina for $43 billion. Dow Chemical Co and DuPont struck a $130 billion mega-merger late last year. Monsanto said last month net income tumbled more than 37 percent to $717 million in the quarter ended on May 31. It cited a global glut of generic glyphosate, the active ingredient in its Roundup herbicide, and delays in securing European Union import approval for its next-generation biotech soybeans. (Reporting by Greg Roumeliotis in New York, Ludwig Berger in Frankfurt and Swetha Gopinath and Amrutha Gayathri in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Matthias Inverardi in Duesseldorf; Editing by Phil Berlowitz and Cynthia Osterman) Like most grocery stores, Trader Joe's offers free samples. But not every store allows its employees to tear open a bag of kale chips if a customer wants to try them. It's just one of the fun secrets that make the California-based store unique. RELATED: 17 shopping secrets that save time and money at Trader Joe's The 38th Annual Salt River Bluegrass Festival is returning to its pastoral rural home at Salt River Acres campground in Oil City. The campground usual choir of bullfrogs and whippoorwills will be replaced by the strumming of guitars, banjos, mandolins and plenty of bluegrass. The annual event will open the gates to host the bluegrass festival July 28-30. Early camping is available beginning July 22. Performing artists this year include; The New Balance, Bluegrass 101, Kickin Grass, Purdy River, Almost Famous, The Farm Hand Quartet, Guitar~Banjo Band, Borrowed Tyme, Blue Mafia, and Crossing Jordan. The festival hosts talent from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Iowa, and Tennessee along with local artists, Family Tradition and The Ladies in Black. Midland County voters will be asked to renew up to 1 mill for roads after the Midland County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the request be placed on the Nov. 8 ballot. I did talk with (the Midland) City Council in January during our planning retreat and they were very supportive of it, City of Midland Engineer Brian McManus said. I explained to them we are getting all our maintenance work done with these road millages. This would be keeping our assets from deteriorating. Streets are an asset, they need to be protected. Currently, county residents have approved two separate road millages, each for up to 1 mill. The first was renewed in 2012 by a 67.9 to 32.1 percent margin. This millage was first enacted during the early 1970s and is the millage voters will be asked to renew in November. If passed, the millage would run from 2017 to 2020 for the purpose of continuing constructing, maintaining, repairing and improving highway, road, street and bridge systems in Midland County, including the cities of Midland and Coleman, and the village of Sanford. If fully levied, the millage is estimated to raise $3,441,710 in the first year with the city receiving about 60 percent and the county taking the remaining 40 percent. One mill is equal to one dollar for every $1,000 of taxable valuation. The other 1-mill road millage voters approved in 2014 by a 59-41 percent margin. This millage runs through 2018, when the electorate will probably be asked for a renewal. At this point, because of cost increases, we need the two separate millages, McManus said. We need just to maintain that curve flat. Were not getting ahead, were not handling widenings of Eastman Avenue or Eastman Avenue congestion problems or any of those kind of projects. Should voters reject the 1-mill measure this November, it would leave the city of Midland with a gap of between $1.7 million and $2 million, McManus said. When the city began its asset management on streets, 15 years ago, we picked a number and said, this is where we are at today, we actually have a pretty good system, McManus said. Lets put the expenditures in to keep it at a level curve. Were not going to raise the bar way up and make it a 100 percent perfect system. That is just maintaining where it is at today. The millage request as voters will see on the ballot: Shall the County of Midland, Michigan (hereafter County) renew the previously voted increase in the limitation on the total amount of general ad valorem taxes which may be imposed for all purposes upon all taxable real and personal property in Midland County, as provided in Article 9, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, as amended, which last resulted in a levy of 1.0 Mill ($1.00 per $1,000.00) of taxable valuation of such property as finally equalized, for a levy of up to 1.0 Mill of taxable valuation in 2017 through 2020, both inclusive, apportioned according to the statutory formula found in to Act 133, Public Acts of Michigan, 1968, for the purpose of continuing constructing, maintaining, repairing and improving highway, road, street and bridge systems in the County, including the Cities of Midland and Coleman, and the Village of Sanford, which if fully levied, is estimated to raise $3,441,710 in the first year? Lt. Gen. John Dolan, U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, visited Kadena Air Base, Japan June 27-28, 2016. The main focus of his visit was to express the importance of the Status of Forces Agreement, the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the governments of the United States of America and Japan, while also laying out what they clearly state and how it affects members of the U.S. Forces in Japan. These are unprecedented times here on Okinawa and in Japan, Dolan said, referring to the recent incidents of U.S. personnel misbehavior. What happened was truly awful and the effects are being felt Japan-wide, so its vital to ensure everyone the military members, dependents, civilians and contractors are aware of how the SOFA affects them specifically. While SOFA status has been granted to members of the U.S. armed forces, that does not mean there are no rules or consequences for unprofessional or criminal actions. The SOFA affords privileges that come with important responsibilities, continued Dolan. Its vital for everyone to be familiar with their rights and responsibilities under the SOFA. You are required to follow the laws of Japan. Under the SOFA, members of the U.S. armed forces, the civilian component and their dependents are subject to the laws and regulations of Japan. Basically, with SOFA status, if you commit a crime in Japan, you can be prosecuted by Japanese authorities, Dolan said. You are also subject to the entire range of administrative and disciplinary measures available under U.S. law and regulations. According to the SOFA, the Government of Japan has jurisdiction over those who commit offenses within the territory of Japan and they are punishable by the laws of Japan. Its the duty of the members of the U.S. armed forces, the civilian component and their dependents to respect the laws of Japan and understand that all acts of misconduct are unacceptable. One careless act of indiscipline by any U.S. citizen will have strategic implications for the security of our Nation and its Alliance with Japan, said Chief Master Sgt. Terrence Greene, U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force command chief master sergeant. Misconduct while stationed in or visiting Japan has serious implications for our relationships with our Japanese hosts, and can cause irreparable damage to the Alliance. For members violating the UCMJ but not Japanese law, the U.S. military will have jurisdiction over that individual. Individuals accused of a crime who are in U.S. military custody, will remain there until charged by the government of Japan. However, both the United States and Japan will assist each other in investigations of crimes and collection of evidence. In effect, the SOFA enables the United States forces to fulfill its treaty obligations to defend Japan, and maintain peace and stability in the region. Your SOFA status includes the responsibility to serve as ambassadors of the U.S. to Japan, said Dolan. Your behavior, good and bad, reflects on you, your family, the U.S. military, and the United States of America. We all have a responsibility to represent our Nation in a positive way, and I expect you to fully understand your obligations as a member of our team, stated Dolan. BLOOMINGTON A father and son from Chicago face criminal charges related to the alleged sexual assault of a student in an Illinois State University residence hall during a gathering of incoming students on campus for orientation. Shawn Childs Jr., 19, is charged with four counts of criminal sexual assault of a woman who also was on campus for orientation, which ISU calls Preview. His father, Shawn Childs Sr., is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver for allegedly selling ecstasy to an unidentified person who allegedly put the drug in the woman's soda during the alleged incident that happened between 10 and 11 p.m. Tuesday at Hewett Hall. According to a statement read Thursday in McLean County Circuit Court by First Assistant State's Attorney Adam Ghrist, the father and son came into the residence hall with other students who were on campus to learn more about the university ahead of the start of classes in August. The group was together in one of the dorm rooms, where students were staying during the two-day Preview that ended Thursday. The elder Childs offered to go out and purchase alcohol for the students who were minors, and returned with alcohol from a nearby store, said Ghrist. The alleged victim told police she saw a male put a pill in her soda that she then drank. The alleged victim, whose hometown was not disclosed, left the gathering and returned to her room after she felt ill. She told police she was sexually assaulted by Shawn Childs Jr. who followed her into the room. In her description of the assault, the woman said the suspect raped her twice and barred her from leaving the room, Ghrist said in court. She reported the alleged attack the following morning. The prosecutor added that Childs Jr. admitted to police that the victim was "messed up" when the incident occurred. ISU Chief of Staff Jay Groves said the incident "has nothing to do with mischief and everything to do with terrible criminal behavior on the part of adults." Preview "is a 50-year-old orientation program at ISU that has been wildly successful for freshmen and their families," added Groves and has never been marred by criminal activity. Parents who attend the event stay on separate floors of Hewett Hall from their children, said Groves. Preview gives incoming students the chance to meet with academic advisors, register for classes, and meet other students, faculty and staff. The father and son were arrested Wednesday at Uptown Station as they were getting ready to board a train back to Chicago. Childs Sr. had 22 ecstasy pills in his pocket when he was arrested, said Ghrist. Childs Jr. was released after posting $10,035; his father remains in custody in lieu of $20,035. The son has no prior criminal record, but his father has previous convictions for attempted murder, domestic battery and unlawful use of weapon, according to Ghrist. A July 29 arraignment is scheduled for both men. NORMAL Heartland Community College has seen an improvement in college readiness among its new students by working closely with high schools to address shortcomings before students start college. When students have to take remedial or developmental courses, it can delay obtaining a certificate or degree because they do not receive college credit for developmental courses. Nationwide, about 75 percent of students entering two-year colleges need help in math, English or both, Rick Pearce, Heartland's vice president for learning and student success, told the board this week. At Heartland, the percentage is lower than the national average and improving, he said. In 2012, for example, 43.4 percent of new students needed to be placed in a developmental math class. By 2016, that percentage dropped to 37.4 percent, Pearce reported. Heartland officials attribute that improvement, in part, to a close working relationship with high schools whose students attend Heartland. Through Heartland's College Now program, students are able to take classes for college credit while still in high school. The courses are taught by high school teachers, which gives them better insight into what is required for college-level courses, said Pearce. Having high school teachers teaching the College Now classes has been a game changer, Pearce said. Not only has it made high school teachers more aware of how the high school curriculum does or doesn't fit into the college curriculum, it also has improved communication between high school teachers and Heartland's faculty, said Sarah Diel-Hunt, Heartland's associate vice president of academic affairs. Diel-Hunt said working closely with the high schools to address deficiencies is much better than waiting until they hit our doorstep. Heartland board member Don Gibb, a former secondary school teacher, said he is happy to see the college working with high school teachers, providing more buy-in to the process. Gibb said, too often in the past, colleges blamed high schools when students arrived unprepared for college and high schools blamed elementary schools. Another approach used by Heartland is to have students needing help enroll in both a developmental class and a college-level class at the same time. The Illinois Community College Board reports that nearly half of the state's 48 community colleges use this approach for English, math or reading. This allows students to get targeted help to improve their understanding and learning of the college-level material without feeling segregated, the state board reported. Statewide, the number of students enrolled in at least one developmental course has dropped by almost 24 percent in the last five years, according to the ICCB. CLEVELAND Jim Fisher of Hudson and Chris Gramm of Bloomington went to this week's Republican National Convention hoping to support Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, and they weren't disappointed. After Cruz drew criticism for a Wednesday night speech in which he didn't endorse presidential nominee Donald Trump, the McLean County men who were elected as presidential delegates for Cruz leaped to his defense in interviews with news outlets on scene and with The Pantagraph. Both men spoke to The Pantagraph before Trump's speech Thursday night. Fisher, who left a meeting of the Illinois delegation Thursday morning after a party official said the party was united behind Trump, said Cruz's non-endorsement "made me proud to have been a delegate for Ted Cruz." At the end (of the speech), he said to vote your conscience, and for the life of me I dont understand why that would upset the Trump people the way it did," Gramm said. "Unless they had no conscience. Both men voted for Cruz on Tuesday when Trump was elected the nominee, and they spent Wednesday afternoon at an event at which Cruz thanked his delegates for their work. It was really touching when we got in and Rafael, Teds dad, was greeting everyone. We spent a tiny amount of time together on the campaign, and he recognized me, Gramm said. Gramm said he appreciated that Cruz took more than an hour after addressing the crowd to speak to individuals and sign autographs. Cruz signed Gramm's pass for the third day of the convention. "Ted received the longest ovation of anyone this entire week," said Fisher of Cruz's Wednesday speech. Other highlights for Fisher and Gramm were speeches from former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and vice presidential nominee Indiana Gov. Mike Pence. Both were interviewed by the Chicago Sun-Times about Cruz on Thursday, and Gramm became a face of the anti-Trump delegation after appearing on the front page of an early edition of The New York Times on Tuesday. Fisher said he looked forward to coming home Friday. "It seems like I've been here a month. We're having 28-hour days here, for crying out loud," he said. "I'm going to sleep for 36 hours." Gramm said the pleasure was worth the pain. I am thankful the voters have given me the chance to have this opportunity. Its been the time of my life, Gramm said. Matt Smith is rumored to return on BBC's popular sci-fi favorite "Doctor Who." Former Time Lord, who played "Doctor Who" on its 11th incarnation is said to come back after Peter Capaldi finishes his role. According to Steven Moffat, Matt Smith misses the show and that he wishes that he did not leave in the first place. This, however, created further speculations that Math Smith would come back and just continue where he left off. The 32-year old Smith, however, denied that he would be returning to "Doctor Who" although he had recently spoken his regrets about leaving the show. Steven Moffat even described his move as a difficult time. "Matt, who was a friend and ally was leaving," Moffat said. "I couldn't get him to stay. It felt like everything was blowing up around me." "Doctor Who" No 11, however, confirmed in a live blog for The Guardian that he is not coming back as "Doctor Who." "No it's not true," Smith said. "I miss everything, I miss Steven, I miss Karen, I miss Arthur, I miss Jenna, I miss time travelling. And I miss my friends in Cardiff." "But onward goes the march, It's Peter's Tardis now," Smith continued. "And I love what he does. So I watch as a fan." According to Wales Online, if Matt Smith agrees to come back to "Doctor Who," he would be the first of all the 12 Doctors to experience a second regeneration since the show first came in 1963. Peter Capaldi who is filming now in South Wales is also reported to leave the show after "Doctor Who'" release in 2017. While Math Smith will not come back in "Doctor Who," he did, however, indicated that there may be some changes within the show. "I think a Lady Doctor could be close," Smith said. "And would be fun." The case of a Winnipeg woman accused of hiding remains of six babies and having an affair has offered more details about the matter. Her husband and a former friend took the stand on Tuesday. The Star reported that the woman in question, Andrea Giesbrecht, has been secretly meeting with her boyfriend while she was married for a number of years. The extramarital affair reportedly led to pregnancies said the former friend, Lyn Burdett, who took the stand on Tuesday. The pregnancies were concealed by Giesbrecht and used a storage locker to hide the remains of the infants. The mother-of-two faces six counts of concealing bodies. Each charge carries a maximum of two years in prison. Burdett continued to reveal that 42-year-old Giesbrecht was seeing a boyfriend for a few years 10 years ago and in one occasion, she used Burdett in order to spend the weekend with the boyfriend. Burdett noted that Giesbrecht told her husband she was going to Mahnomen, Minnesota with Burdett but the truth was she was only going to her boyfriend's house. The former friend of Giesbrecht was asked if she felt bad about helping the suspect to find a way to be with her boyfriend but Burdett said no as the suspect reportedly said many bad things about her husband, Jeremy. This testimony was the first ever mention that there was marital strife between Giesbrecht and her husband. The husband of Giesbrecht took the stand on Wednesday and said that he never noticed his wife being pregnant regarding the six infants' remains found but he did know that she was pregnant with their first son. Giesbrecht and Jeremy have two children together. He did acknowledge that their relationship was on and off for many years and that they are still married now. As per an obstetrics and gynecology expert, Giesbrecht was pregnant 18 times from the ages of 20 to 38. A witness named Gayle Martens testified in court saying that Giesbrecht did have nine legally induced abortions and one unspecified abortion between 20 and 37 years old. Jeremy said that he was aware of the abortions but was not aware of the other pregnancies. He also said that he had vasectomy in 2011 but it was never confirmed if it was successful as he never went in for follow-up appointment. It was also found out that Jeremy was the biological father of the remains found inside the storage locker. Giesbrecht was arrested in October 2014 after the remains were found inside a Winnipeg U-Haul storage locker she rented. It was not clear how long the remains were there but most were decayed. Also, it was found out that the infants were either near full term or at full term and were most likely born alive. The parents of Lane Graves, the two-year-old boy who was killed by an alligator at Disney World in Orlando, Florida in June, have revealed that they won't file a lawsuit against Disney. Matt Graves and his wife Melissa, however, said that they are still struggling with the sudden loss of their son. In a statement released on Wednesday, July 20, Matt said he and his wife "are broken" over Lane's death. But they will solely focus on "the future health" of their family instead of filing a legal action against Disney, People reported. Keeping Lane's Spirit Alive The Graves couple from Nebraska said "the pain gets worse" every day and that they will "forever struggle to comprehend" why the tragedy happened to their young son. Nevertheless, the two are grateful for the support, sympathy, and sentiments they have received from people all over the world. Despite their struggle, the Graves couple aims to keep Lane's spirit alive through the Lane Thomas Foundation. As per People's report, the two added, "It is our hope that through the foundation we will be able to share with others the unimaginable love Lane etched in our hearts. For now, we continue to ask for privacy as we focus on our family." George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort, said in a statement released to People that they will continue giving support to the Graves family, and that includes honoring the Graves couple's wish for privacy during this trying time. This statement echoes their initial statement, where Disney extended their condolences and offered any assistance that the Graves family might need. Details Of The Case Lane was wading along the Seven Seas Lagoon's edge at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on Tuesday, June 14 when he was snatched by an alligator. His intact body was recovered by authorities after a 16-hour search, lying six feet underwater about 15 yards from the shore, CNN reported. Lane's father unsuccessfully tried to fight off the alligator and suffered lacerations. Earlier this month, Capt. Tom Wellons of the Reedy Creek Fire Department revealed that Matt Graves fought a second alligator while he was trying to free Lane from the jaws of the first beast, The Orlando Sentinel reported. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said they are "confident" that they killed the alligator responsible for Lane's death via euthanasia, Fox News reported. Trappers also said they "humanely removed" six alligators from the area. Disney put up fences around the lake and other lakefront resorts three days after the tragedy. They also erected signs warning visitors of alligators and snakes in the area. There are more teenagers in the United States that are diagnosed with diabetes than previously reported, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study looked into the prevalence of diabetes, the percentage of those unaware that they had it and the prevalence of prediabetes in American adolescents. "The estimates are higher than previously reported; 1 study found diagnosed diabetes in 0.34 percent of participants aged 10 to 19 years," according to the authors of the study, as per EurekAlert. The current study found that the prevalence of diabetes among teenagers in the United States was 0.8 percent. Diabetes may affect more teens in the U.S. than expected https://t.co/28mKHAGXJ7 pic.twitter.com/NCkRytW5s6 Medical News Today (@mnt) July 19, 2016 Diabetes Statistics Among Teenagers Medical News Today reported that there were 2,606 teenagers that were part of the diabetes study. Among these, 62 teenagers had been diagnosed with diabetes, 20 teenagers were undiagnosed, while 512 teenagers had prediabetes. The report said that this condition occurs when someone has high blood glucose levels but not high enough to have diabetes. The researchers found that 29 percent of diabetes of the teenagers in the study were undiagnosed. Additionally, 18 percent of the teenagers in the study had prediabetes. This condition was more common in male teenagers than female teenagers. Diabetes In Young People "These findings are important because diabetes in youth is associated with early onset of risk factors and complications," said lead researcher Andy Menke, as per Health Day News posted in Web MD. Menke is from Social & Scientific Systems in Silver Spring, Maryland. Dr. Joel Zonszein, director of the Clinical Diabetes Center at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City, was quoted as saying that the incidence of diabetes found was "alarming" because it should be close to zero. Zonszein added that it was "disturbing" that various studies reveal a high incidence and prevalence of both prediabetes and diabetes in young people. The ball is rolling for "Criminal Minds" Season 12. According to reports, the "Criminal Minds" cast are spotted filming in Newhall. Learn the details here. Cast Starts Filming 'Criminal Minds' Season 12 Movie News Guide reported that the "Criminal Minds" cast including Matthew Grey Gubler and Adam Rodriguez were spotted in Newhall, Iowa filming for the series' new season. The cast and crew were reportedly on location and had been shooting in as early as 5 a.m. Per the report, the filming of "Criminal Minds" Season 12 in the said location caused a bit of traffic. However, at the time, there is little to no detail as to what the episode will be all about. Adam Rodriguez Starts Filming As The New BAU In 'Criminal Minds' Season 12 Shemar Moore left "Criminal Minds" last season and his departure left a huge hole in the series. Parent Herald previously reported that Erica Messer was planning to add a new cast to replace Moore because she didn't want a shrinking cast. The new BAU member in "Criminal Minds" Season 12 is Adam Rodriguez and per Cartermatt , he has already started with his new role. Rodriguez is regular in CBS shows and the actor is the ideal man to join the FBI team of criminal profilers. Per the report, the "Runner" star is a versatile actor because he has played a variety of different characters. Meanwhile, Parent Herald reported that Shemar Moore attended the first table read for "Criminal Minds" Season 12. His attendance at the said event triggered the report that the actor is returning in the series. Furthermore, Messer teased before that Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) can always count on Morgan. Are you happy that Adam Rodriguez is joining the BAU team in "Criminal Minds" Season 12? What do you expect from him in the new season? Do you want Shemar Moore to return to "Criminal Minds?" Share your thoughts in the comment section below. "Criminal Minds" Season 12 premieres on Sept. 28, 2016. It has been over a year since Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner announced their amicable split. Despite their controversial breakup, the A-list couple continues to co-parent their three children and is subjected to reports of divorce and second chances. According to recent reports, the "Daredevil" stars have already decided to give their marriage another chance. Ben Affleck And Jennifer Garner Still In Love With Each Other Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's marriage is reportedly on trouble years before they announced their split. Things get even messier when they broke up after the "BVS" star is linked to their nanny, Christine Ouzounian. However, after a year of split, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck realized that things are more difficult when they are apart. "The Jen and Ben divorce is on hold for now. As soon as it became real they both freaked out and couldn't seem to spend any time apart," one source told Hollywood Life. The Jennifer Garner-Ben Affleck reconciliation is not easy but both stars are willing to work together. "It hasn't been all smooth sailing but they decided the love each other enough to try again. And obviously they are both willing to do anything for their kids," added the source. Jennifer Garner's Dad Confirms Reconciliation Parent Herald previously reported that the "Alias" star's dad has confirmed Jen and Ben's reconciliation. Bill Garner is very proud of how his daughter handled her stressful split with Ben Affleck and hinted that the pair is good. "I would prefer not to comment on her plans. Any news will come from her and not from us," he told Radar Online. "They do well, and we think that their heads are screwed on pretty well," he added. Do you support the Jennifer Garner-Ben Affleck reconciliation? If not, why? Will their second chance to forever work this time? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. LAGOS, July 21 (Reuters) - Nigeria raised a total of 204.9 billion naira in treasury bills on Thursday with maturities ranging from three months to one year at higher yields, fixed income dealers said. The central bank sold 36.7 billion naira of the 3-month treasury bills at 14.14 percent, compared with 9.98 percent at the July 8 auction, and 39.1 billion naira worth of the 6-month bill at 15.48 percent, against 12.24 percent previously. The bank sold 129 billion naira worth of the one-year paper at 16.48 percent, up from 14.99 at the last auction. The bank had wanted to raise 127.9 billion naira though demand stood at 392.38 billion naira. Bid rates were as low as 9.5 percent and as high as 21 percent. Africa's biggest economy issues treasury bills as part of its measures to finance the government budget deficit and also to help manage liquidity in the banking system. (Reporting by Chijioke Ohuocha; editing by Mark Heinrich) "MasterChef Australia" 2016's major spoiler is here! It seems that Matt Sinclair has won the title after all. The home cook Trent Harvey might have led people to believe that Matt won the competition when he said that he believes Matt Sinclair will win the competition. Recently, there was a party in which all the celebrity judges and the previous title winners were present. And guess who else was in the part! No prizes for guessing Matt Sinclair's name! And why exactly was he a part of the part? The speculations fire went ablaze after this, reported Australia Network News. Also, during the recent Regional Flavours Launch in Brisbane, Matt Sinclair was the only person from amongst the people who contested in the current season of "MasterChef Australia," who attended the launch, reported Daily Mail. Also, Harvey has stated that is bets on the fact that Sinclair will win the title. Harvey was eliminated from "MasterChef Australia" after he failed to replicate pastry chef Christy Tania's cake called Mistique, which was quite complicated. Matt's Instagram account saw two photos of the event. He was posing with He posted on his Instagram account two photos at the event. In one image, he was seen standing next to Georgia Barnes who was the runner-up. This tweaked suspicions and one of his followers wrote a comment in which he asked Matt is he was a winner! Matt was also seen posing with celebrity chef Miguel Maestre. He was standing along with the chef and a Ten News reporter behind a demonstration bench in a kitchen. Now, that added fuel to the speculations. After these pictures were posted, another Instagram user pointed out the fact that the whole series was pre-recorded. The events that Matt attended happened more recently. This means that Matt could really be the winner of "MasterChef Australia" 2016. Matt Sinclair carefully captioned his snaps as "on our production break," but the other contestants have been posting only throwback photos from California. MasterChef Australia 2016 Winner Is Matt Sinclair? Joins Celebrity Chefs' Party! https://t.co/XkGN6R7vzw AustraliaNetworkNews (@AuNetworkNews) July 20, 2016 The upcoming "MasterChef Australia" Season 8 episode will see the contestants asked to replicate one of the signature dishes of Lake House. The restaurant's executive chef and co-owner Alla Wolf-Tasker watches them. More to this story will be revealed on "MasterChef Australia" Season 8 which is telecasted every Sunday to Thursday at 7:30 pm on Channel Ten. Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson's passionate times together are not done yet as the two were captured sharing intimate kisses. The two went to France to shoot their honeymoon scenes for "Fifty Shades Darker" and the most intense parts for "Fifty Shades Freed" with wife Amelia Warner watching on set. According to the Daily Mail, Dornan and Johnson who are playing Anastacia Steele and Christian Grey, threw themselves on each other like so hard like the passion can really be seen during their takes. The steam between the two is undeniable as they lock lips for "Fifty Shades Darker." Jamie Dornan's wife Amelia Warner also joined them on set while they were also filming the honeymoon scene of Christian Grey and Anastacia Steele for "Fifty Shades Darker." The crew shot a half-naked Dakota Johnson with Jamie Dornan while Amelia Warner was just a couple of walks away from them. After filming "Fifty Shades Darker," Amelia Warner and Jamie Dornan went for a swim with Dakota Johnson joining them. Johnson and Warner seemed relax while Dornan was in the middle. "Fifty Shades Darker" in Nice, France After they wrapped up filming "Fifty Shades Darker" in Canada, the crew continued filming the next set for "Fifty Shades Freed" in Nice, France where an unfortunate event killed 84 people including 10 children. Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel drove his truck and crushed people, after which, he went down from his vehicle and gun down people. Dana Brunetti, producer of "Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed" reassured fans that everyone is safe and that they are alright. Brunetti also thank the fans of "Fifty Shades" for the messages and concerns the crew received. I can't believe filming has wrapped! Where have the past few months gone? #FiftyShadesDarker #FiftyShadesFreed pic.twitter.com/KSb2gNDYu2 Jamie Dornan UK (@JamieDornanUK) July 20, 2016 'Fifty Shades Darker' Already Done "Fifty Shades" author E.L. James Tweeted early Wednesday morning that "Fifty Shades Darker" is officially done. The second movie will tell about the struggles of Christian Grey and how Anastacia needs to confront the envy and jealousy of Christian Grey's past women. 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 Apple's iPhone 6 line up that included its first phablet broke all iPhone sales records by selling over 74 million units for the 2014 holiday quarter. According to a new report out of China today, there's positive news on Apple's iPhone 7 ramp up that aims to equal or surpass that record. The report noted that "The Economic Daily News reported that Apple has started mass production of the iPhone 7, and some companies were hiring staff as they prepared to assemble the newest model. The United Daily News reported that Apple has asked its suppliers to produce 72 million to 78 million iPhone 7 units by the end of this year," and anything over 74,500 would set a new record for Apple. The report further noted that "The figure marks the highest yield target in the past two years, and far surpasses the predictions of Wall Street analysts, reflecting Apple's confidence that sales of its new model will beat expectations." There seems to be a high expectation for their dual lens camera feature driving sales. Yet there's always a naysayer in the crowd and this time it's Jason Low, tech industry expert at Canalys who says he's not so sure the iPhone 7 will meet this lofty goal. He specifically noted that "As the iPhone 7 has not yet been released, we don't know whether Apple has made some revolutionary changes in design and added new functions. So we couldn't decide whether it could boost sales and have a more positive impact on its suppliers." That view is supported by a new Quartz online poll that only recorded 9.3% of U.S. iPhone users are planning to upgrade to the iPhone 7. However, the poll also noted that the percentage could take a dramatic leap to 25.2% if Apple surprises the market with an all-new design. Rumors to date suggest that no such design is in the cards. Yet in the end, if Apple is really as confident in the iPhone 7 as is being reported today, then perhaps there are more surprises in store for the iPhone 7 than most expect. Wouldn't that be a pleasant surprise? With so many vultures flying over Apple's head of late, all preparing to write Apple's obituary this fall, a big surprise would be exactly what the doctor ordered. About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Yesterday Jiryu Mark Rutschman-Byler, who with his brother Hondo Dave Rutschman, maintains the wonderful blog No Zen in the West posted a reflection on bias that I commend to anyone interested in the questions associated with the spiritual life, meaning, purpose, direction. That stuff. Jiryu takes a head on run at a pretty common Zen trope seeing things as they are. It is a rare Zen teacher who avoids it. Certainly it is part of my bag of tricks. Jiryu makes a flat out statement, no, no. No such thing. He briefly draws on the classical Buddhist understanding of the mind, and particularly the manas, the thinking function. As Jiryu points out This deep mind, always hidden, functions constantly to divide. Diligently and patiently, carefully and thoroughly, without missing a beat or even a sliver of opportunity, it divides me and you, subject and object, grasper and grasped. All day and all night, manas cuts. By the time we are conscious of a world, or even a moment of color, a sound, a flash that world is already divided. So, unless someone has attainted to the fullness of Buddhahood, and by that he means as defined as having cleared all hint of dust and clinging, it just isnt possible to see anything clearly. We are all, to cite another religious tradition, seeing through a glass darkly. The psychotherapist and Zen teacher Barry Magid concurs. Yes as they are is as they are as seen by me here and now there is no view from nowhere, no view from nobody no Gods eye view. We cannot eliminate subjectivity only acknowledge it. After calling us to some common sense about this, Jiryu basically calls us to a little humility. Not a bad thing. Actually, when confronting the great matter, anything else is something past foolish. I think he speaks truth. And, not but, not however, and, as I read his article, what it triggered for me was a koan. In the Harada Yasutani koan curriculum it usually goes, Why are perfectly realized saints and bodhisattvas attached to the vermillion thread? Another phrasing, and how I tend to prefer to present it, goes Songyuan asked, Why cant clear-eyed Bodhisattvas sever the red thread? Ive also seen a longer form presentation which unpacks the question a bit for us. Master Songyuan addressed the assembly and said, In order to realize the Way with perfect clarity, there is one essential point you must penetrate and not avoid: the red thread of passions that cannot be severed. Few really face this problem, and it is not at all easy to settle. Face it directly without hesitation, for how else can liberation come? Songyuan Chongyue, who lived through much of the twelfth century and almost a decade into the thirteenth, liked to rub our noses in things. In the Wumenguan collection, the Gateless Gate, he is recorded asking Why is it that a person of great strength cannot lift her leg? Perhaps we can see how it is that he would be a direct lineage ancestor to Hakuin Ekaku. Now the red thread, or the vermillion thread, is the current of blood, the tie of generations. It is about the messiness of life, and about life itself. Most commentaries on it dwell more on the fact it is one of only two cases in the vast koan literature to dwell in any degree, even implicitly with sexuality. And, thats a worthy point. But, theres something else here, as well. I find it something directly relevant to Jiryus reflection. It points us to our conditioned existences, the fact we are composed of multiplicity of events coming together in a great shuffle of the deck into a moment. And in the next moment theres a new shuffling of the deck and something new occurs. Its all unstable. And, even more important, that fragile moment is itself insubstantial. Not so much a noun as a verb. We can call it a moment. And within that moment there is little more than uncertainty. Uncertainty is the nature of that what is were being called to notice. Humility rises within this realization as naturally as an exhalation follows and inhalation. And. Theres another Zen trope. See the tail and know the snake. That is the whole is known, and can only be known in the particular, in any given particular, dark glass, conditioned reality, slicing and dicing mind, passing moment. So, that moment we find as we attend is it. Yes, it is mediated and incomplete. But, there is nothing that is not mediated. Nothing is complete. That is the it we find. And in addition to the things we are, our words, and our ideas fall into the same place. None are true. But, also, none are false. We are called by our way into noticing, then noticing, then noticing. We present ourselves and the universe presents. It turns out the slicing and dicing mind is itself it. Like every other blessed moment. That little corner of it which is like through a glass darkly, that little corner of it which is like an unexpected gift from an unknown source. And thats a really important point here. Nothing is earned. We dont analyze our way to it. It comes more like a gift. It comes to us. Like a childs kiss. Like grace. Someone in fact called it amazing grace. Works for me. To encounter this moment should birth humility. And, along with that, gratitude. Of course humility. Of course gratitude. To add just one more line from the Zen tradition. Even the Buddha is still practicing. Gratefully. Humbly. Thats the just this we need to see. The big lie of every government is this: we can make you safe and happy. Governments should stop promising this, because they cant deliver. America, powerful as it is, cannot keep its promises to make us safe and happy. Only God can do that. The primary means through which God has chosen to do that is through each other. You want to know how to secure the future? Try this: Love with sincerity. Hate what is evil and cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor other people above yourselves. Dont lack in your most basic commitment to be good news to the people around you. Let your passion for serving the Lord burn bright through your life. Be joyful in hope. Be patient in affliction. Be faithful in prayer. Share your wealth and material possessions with the people who are struggling with poverty or lack. Show hospitality by welcoming those who are not like you into your home. Bless those who persecute you; bless them and do not curse them. Rejoice with anyone who is willing to rejoice with you no matter how different they are; mourn with those who are in mourning, nobody should have to cry alone. Live in harmony with your neighbors. Do not be proud. Your ego is toxic. Be ready at all times to associate with people of low position. In other words, do not be so conceited that you cant be a friend to the poor. In your relationships with other people you are going to get rogered every now and then. But do not repay evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. As far as it depends upon you and is in your control, live at peace with everyone. DO NOT TAKE REVENGE, dear friends. Let God to the revenging God has already told you thats his territory, not yours. If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If your enemy is thirsty, give him something to drink. If he wont love you back, then his anger will burn him alive and its not your problem anymore. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Thats my own paraphrase of Romans 12:9-21 (the Bible will do it almost every time). I cant help thinking that if Christians in our society would give half as much attention to the above directive from our founding document as we do to the culture wars and politics, the world would be a very different place, and a whole lot safer. America, powerful as it is, cannot make us safe, and it cannot make us happy. Every great teacher, including Jesus and Paul, said that the path to safety and happiness is, well, unconventional humility, patience, and enemy love. So heres my pastoral advice: Bless those who persecute you, America. Bless them and do not curse them. Feed your enemies. Do not take revenge. Be patient in affliction. Be joyful in hope. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good Yeah, it sounds crazy, I know. But our current approach is not working. Maybe its time for a change. One last thing over the coming months, while pundits & politicians try and tear or society apart, the most powerful thing you could do is to print the above passage out & stick it to your bathroom mirror, your cars dashboard, your computer screen, your kitchen window, or anyplace where youll see it everyday. Read it over and over. Remember that the way up is down Remember that hate is strong, but love is stronger. On Sunday July 10, 2016, in response to the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile members of law enforcement, about 5,000 people shutdown traffic on the Hernando-Desoto Bridge. After coming down from the bridge, they proceeded to march through downtown Memphis. Here is my reflection on that evening. I was tired. I had been up since two in the morning to catch a 5:15am flight back to Memphis. Once in Memphis, I followed through on all of my obligations I had planned that day. Once I completed those, which ran well into the evening, I looked forward to having dinner and going to bed early. However, after receiving several calls and checking my social media feeds, I realized something was happening in Memphis. Activists and protesters shut down the Hernando-Desoto (I-40) Bridge and chants of Black Lives Matter echoed everywhere. When I finally arrived home, I knew I could not stay. As I watched news reports of the protest, there was no way I could have stayed home. I was tired; I was hungry; but I needed to be there. When I finally arrived, many of the protesters were coming down from the bridge and preparing to march throughout downtown. The people were organized and energized and the energy exhibited by these young people somehow energized me. No longer did I think about my early flight. No longer did I think about all I had to do that day. No longer was I feeling tired and somehow my hunger pains left me. What I witnessed and what I was a part of was a historic day in Memphis. Not since the marches of the 1960s have these many people protested and march downtown for civil rights in Memphis. With an estimated 4-5000 plus protesters, many having nothing but a body, voice and a sign, they found strength in the past; along with unity, mission and purpose in the present; to join with thousands of others around the country to march against injustices happening to black bodies all over the country. However, the Memphis protest did differ in some aspects than the other protests around the country. First, we did not have the arrests and police intimidation that fellow protesters had in Baton Rouge. The community, still grieving over the killing of Alton Sterling, who an officer shot four times in the chest as he laid flat on his back, had to put up with a militarized police force that prompted one protester to tweet, This is not Baghdad, its #BatonRouge. Activist DeRay McKesson, who eventually was one of the ones arrested in the Baton Rouge action, tweeted prophetically before his arrest If anything happens tonight, it was caused by the police. Thankfully, Memphis did not get to that point. What was so shocking to some was that many thought with those many people, surely something would have gotten out of hand. Surely, someone would have let their frustrations get the best of them and chaos would have reign supreme. Memphis did not turn violent but it could have. Like Baton Rouge, Memphis police came in riot gear, hands on weapons, a phalanx of officers, and the infamous Blue Crush Truck ready to smash any and everything in its way. However, due to the leadership of both the protesters and Interim Police Director Michael Rallings, the Memphis Police department did not escalate tensions and protesters stayed with their plan of action. For his part, interim Director Rallings told officers to stand down and allow protesters to march. There were to be no arrests, no agitation, and no abuse from police as long as protesters marched. As for the protesters, while not wanting this to be another Selma did not initially want to come off the bridge. However, after getting assurances from the director that the police would stand downand getting that confirmation from Director Rallings in a text message, protesters locked up and came down the bridge. Secondly, it was not lost on many of the protesters that this direct social action came as we approach the one-year anniversary of the death of Darrius Stewart. On July 17, 2015, then officer Connor Schilling shot Stewart in front of one of the largest churches in Memphis. Stewart would die the next day. At the beginning, the response was immediate. We held vigils, rallies, protests and marches. At the time of the first vigil in response to the death of Stewart, and standing in a crowd of about 200 people, I believed at that time, a serious movement was taking place right here in Memphis. About that moment, I wrote: I felt a movement taking place. A movement joining up with others who have been on the ground fighting for justice. A movement with high levels of social media activity; a movement where young people are finding their place in social justice activism; a movement thats both new and old at the same time; a movement right here in Memphis. Needless to say, I was disappointed. After the death of Darrius Stewart, after an investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and promises of transparency; after the Grand Jurys decision not to indict Schilling; and even after Schilling retired from the force for post-traumatic stress disorder and received lifetime disability payments from the City of Memphis; through it all, we still continued to protest and march. But those protests did not have the same feel, flavor, or force as the original vigil had when I was so hopeful. In my frustration, I wondered aloud, Do We Even Care? It seemed as if many of us did not care while others just resigned themselves to believe that change would not come. But something happened Sunday night. Sunday night, folks were upset and frustrated. Sunday Folks were tired of seeing black bodies laid out on hot pavements riddled with bullets. On what many consider a sacred and holy day, folks of all colors, ethnicities, and orientations; filled with righteous indignation, instead of shooting or destroying propertythey took to a bridge and resurrected the movement here in Memphis, Tennessee. Little did I know that it would take almost a year since the death of Stewart and according to killedbypolice.net the deaths of 1,169 other citizens at the hands of police for the movement in Memphis I had envisioned to materialize. As a good friend told me, Andre, just give it time. So I did and now I truly believe that our time is now. Regardless of what happens after this, Memphis will never be the same. Andre E. Johnson is the Founder and Managing Editor of R3 Donate to the Work of R3 Iran planning return to debt markets 07/21/16 Source: Press TV Iran says it is planning a return to the international debt markets in an effort which could help it rebuild public finances that have been battered by a plunge in oil prices. Ali Tayyeb-Nia, Iran's economy minister, has been quoted as saying that the country's return to debt markets - a move that will occur for the first time since 2002 - will be marked by issuing bonds and various Iranian debt securities. However, he did not elaborate on the potential size and the timing of the possible sale. "It's natural that when a car that has stalled and wants to start moving, at first it will come under more strain and will need a higher driving force, after that it will move with more ease," Tayyeb-Nia told Bloomberg. "Right now, the groundwork for issuing bonds and various Iranian debt securities in international markets exists," he added. The Iranian minister further emphasized that that he expects Iran to secure a credit rating in the "near future," a step that could help attract bond investors. Iranian officials are "negotiating with all the rating agencies," he added. Iran last issued international debt in July 2002, according to the International Monetary Fund. Officials from Fitch Ratings visited the country in June to make an initial assessment of the economy, Akbar Komijani, a deputy central bank governor, said in an interview with Bloomberg on June 30. The company said in March it was in discussions with the Islamic Republic but declined to elaborate. Fitch withdrew its B+ sovereign rating, the fourth-highest junk grade, for Iran in 2008 following the maturity and full repayment of its last sovereign Eurobond that year. Moody's withdrew its B2 rating on Iran in 2002, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Tayyeb-Nia further emphasized that the government of President Hassan Rouhani had already seen serious signs of progress in the country's economic performance. "We are seeing the positive effects of sanctions removal on the economy," he said. Nevertheless, he suggested that, just as the application of sanctions on Iran took time, a full economic recovery will also be gradual. Iranian American Candidate Campaigns for Minority Rights 07/21/16 Source: NIAC Action First-generation Iranian American, Ahsha Safai is no stranger to fighting against discriminatory policies targeting marginalized minority communities. The candidate for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors District 11 boasts a long track record of passionately advocating for underrepresented populations - not just the Iranian American community, but families from a wide range of ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds, particularly in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Ahsha Safai, candidate for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors District 11 www.ahshaforsupervisor.com This advocacy forms the crux of his campaign. Safai hopes to secure equal access to affordable preschool, afterschool programs and childcare, and explore how people throughout the school district can collaborate more and ensure that housing is targeted towards families. Through it all, Safai wants to motivate his community to become engaged and interested in politics. I want to get more Iranian Americans active in the local political process and involved in local politics in general. For a long time, Iranians have shied away from being involved in politics and ignored the political process, Safai said. Safais dedicated career in public service began years ago, as an intern working for a city councilor in his hometown of Cambridge, MA and later on for Governor Michael Dukakis. He went on to work at the White House, during President Bill Clintons administration. Safai then headed back to graduate school at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he studied city planning. His urban planning background would later prove integral to his career, as he began his own small business in 2008. Ultimately, Safai would end up in San Francisco, involved at the local level for 15 years. He worked with the San Francisco Housing Authority and on Gavin Newsoms campaign for mayor, focusing on community development and neighborhood revitalization and collaborating with local nonprofits and the Iranian-American community. When I worked with Gavin Newsom, I reached out to some Iranian-American organizations, Safai said. We were able to organize our first Norooz at City Hall and did that for multiple years. Since coming to San Francisco, Safai has engaged extensively with Bay Area Iranian-Americans, from the San Francisco Iranian-American Chamber of Commerce to the Iranian Scholarship Foundation, whose efforts he has supported. He points to organizations like Bay Area Iranian-American Democrats, Pars Foundation, and NIAC that have helped involve more Iranian Americans in politics over the last decade. More and more people have been engaged in the political process; we have people running for political office, he said proudly. Safai is one of those Iranian-American individuals, but certainly not the only one. Marjan Philhour, an Iranian Filipino American with a similarly extensive background in public service, is also vying for a spot on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in District 1. She has tirelessly advocated for families and small businesses, shaping her campaign for the past year and a half with their interests in mind. Safais District 11 campaign is his second - he ran in 2008 and came just two percentage points short. He then began his own consulting business, using his urban planning background to work with different labor unions throughout the area. He has spent the past eight years working with the Janitors and Teamsters unions. Safai credits a campaign staff and administration whose diversity is reflective of the Excelsior neighborhood, where he currently lives with his family. It is this particular family-friendly, diverse neighborhood setting that has shaped his platform for the upcoming election. One of the things that is really important to me is to have someone on the board that is going to be a strong voice for families. They always say that San Francisco is not a family-friendly city. One of the things that has been missing is someone whos going to champion those issues ... a working parent that can confront these challenges, Safai said. Excelsior District is one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in all of San Francisco, starting out as one comprised of Italian and Irish Americans but growing to include people from a variety of ethnicities, including Latinos, Filipinos, Chinese Americans, and African Americans. Safai views this diversity as a major advantage. This is the fifth of many profiles in a series highlighting civically engaged Iranian Americans, as part of NIAC Actions Beshkan the Vote campaign. 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 Over 11,000 people have signed a petition asking Apple not to deploy technology that would allow third parties like the police to use it to disable cameras on user phones under certain circumstances. Apple got a patent for this infrared technology in June and bagging a patent does not necessarily mean that the company is going to use the technology in its new devices. But there is considerable anxiety that the technology that appears designed to prevent people from recording copyrighted and prohibited material could also be used by the police to remotely disable cameras that could be recording misconduct by law enforcement. The release of this technology would have huge implications, including the censoring of political dissidents, activists, and citizens who are recording police brutality, according to the petition. Phone cameras have recorded a number of alleged infractions by the authorities, including the fatal shooting by the police of Philando Castile in Minnesota recently, which was live-streamed by his girlfriend on Facebook. In some embodiments, infrared data can be received and an electronic device can modify a device operation based on the infrared data. For example, an electronic device can disable a function of the device based on received infrared data. In some embodiments, a transmitter can be located in areas where capturing pictures and videos is prohibited (e.g., a concert or a classified facility) and the transmitters can generate infrared signals with encoded data that includes commands temporarily disabling recording functions, according to the Apple patent. U.S. patent no. 9,380,225, titled Systems and methods for receiving infrared data with a camera designed to detect images based on visible light, was awarded to Apple on June 28 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. Civil liberties groups like the American Civil Liberties Union are critical of the implications of the deployment of the technology. While the technology is being promoted as a tool to prevent the filming of copyrighted material, we think it has the potential to undermine efforts to hold law enforcement accountable, wrote Nicole Ozer, technology and civil liberties policy director for the ACLU of California, in a blog post this month. With law enforcements recent focus on circumventing user protections in Apple products, it would be prudent for Apple and any other companies to strongly consider the civil rights impact before moving forward with this technology, Ozer added, referring to recent court disputes where the company was asked by the government to provide assistance in accessing data on certain locked iPhones. Apple could not be immediately reached for comment on the petition, which is aiming at 12,000 signatures. Hewlett Packard Enterprise plans to refresh its Itanium server range around the middle of next year, employing Intels long-promised Kittson successor to the current Itanium 9500 series (Poulson) chips. News of the server update plans comes from Ken Surplice, category manager for mission-critical solutions at HPEs EMEA server division. Surplice told Dutch website Computable that the company is on schedule to refresh its Integrity servers for HP-UX and OpenVMS with Intels upcoming Kittson Itanium processors in 2017, and that the servers should be with customers mid-year. HPE representatives contacted Thursday confirmed the 2017 target. The question, though, is why HPE would bother, given that it is working on putting its HP-UX flavor of Unix on x86, and that OpenVMS, another big reason for owning Itanium hardware, will be ported to x86 by 2018. One good reason for upgrading to Kittson is cost control, Surplice told IDG News Service via email. Every customer is looking to manage and control their costs. Enhanced server performance means fewer cores are required, meaning fewer licenses are required, he wrote. One major software company that charges per core for its software licenses is Oracle. The company has been locked in a legal battle with HPE over its 2011 decision to break an agreement to port its software to Itanium. Last month, a court ordered Oracle to pay HPE US$3 billion in damages. Oracle is appealing. HPE will continue to develop and maintain its Itanium products because another generation of servers will provide customers the continuity that we have promised in our roadmaps, he said. Many customers continue to get great use from their HP-UX and OpenVMS applications running on Integrity servers powered by Itanium. The company has previously committed to building versions of its Integrity and Superdome servers with the Kittson chips when they become available. Intels development of the Itanium platform has slowed to a crawl, though, with HPE the last significant customer still buying the processors. The chip company has been working on the Kittson update since at least 2011. The following year it said the chips would be socket-compatible with its Xeon processors and built with an advanced manufacturing process, providing a clear upgrade path for errant Itanium users to return to the x86 fold. Just three months later, though, it signaled that Kittson will probably be the last in the Itanium line, saying it will be built with the now-aging 32nm production process, and will remain pin-compatible with previous Itanium generations. That at least leaves open the possibility that Itanium users will be able to follow Surplices suggestion and reduce their software licensing costs with minimal hardware changes. HPE has Itanium servers on its roadmap until 2025, and has promised to support its flavor of Unix, HP-UX, through that date. That would be an eternity in any other part of the IT industry, but Itanium is popular for running legacy workloads in the banking industry, where legacies can last a long time. OpenVMS, the other significant OS running on Itanium, is itself something of a legacy. Developed by DEC as VMS for use on its Vax minicomputers in 1977, it acquired the name OpenVMS when DEC ported it to its Alpha workstation chips. After Compaq bought DEC it began porting OpenVMS to Itanium, just in time to be swallowed by Hewlett-Packard. HP later spat out OpenVMS, handing responsibility for its future development to VMS Software. VMS Software has laid out a roadmap for future development of OpenVMS, now in version 8.4.2. The company is working on a port of the next major version, OpenVMS 9, to Intels 64-bit x86 architecture, and expects to have that ready in 2018. HPE, meanwhile, is looking for ways for HP-UX to coexist with x86 systems. The company is looking at how HP-UX can be provisioned by OpenStack and HPE Helion, representatives said Thursday. Another technique it is discussing with HP-UX customers is putting their workloads in Linux containers. The company is not ready to sell such solutions, although it will show them if you ask: Today we do not have customer materials ready to distribute on these topics. We have been busy working on the engineering and are now ready to expose this to interested customers, Surplice said Thursday. National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden has come up with a concept iPhone case that could prevent the government from finding your location. Smartphones, while incredibly useful, are also the perfect tracking device, Snowden wrote in a co-authored paper that covers his research. Governments can monitor a users location through the radio signals from the phone and this can put journalists, activists, and rights workers in danger, he warned. On Thursday, Snowden and hacker Andrew Huang presented a possible solution. Its called the introspection engine, and its designed to alert the user if and when the phones radio signals are turned on. That may sound trivial. Smartphones generally come with an airplane mode that can turn off a phones cellular and Wi-Fi connections. But even that can be misleading, Snowden warned. The GPS, for instance, will still remain active on some handsets, like the iPhone. In the worst-case scenario, malware could also infect the handset to secretly send radio transmissions, he added. Snowdens solution is designed to detect any errant phone signals when the handset is switched into airplane mode. His concept functions like a battery case that can attach to an iPhone, but it also wires into the handsets SIM card slot. A small computer in the case will then detect the handsets radio transmissions. Any unusual activity can trigger an alarm. A small display embedded on the case can also show updates. To guarantee that no signals are sent out, the case could also built with a kill switch that disconnects power to the phone. Snowden said that he designed the technology to help protect reporters working in dangerous situations. Unfortunately, journalists can be betrayed by their own tools, he added. That may have happened in 2012, when U.S. reporter Marie Colvin was killed while covering the Syrian civil war. A lawsuit alleges that the Syrian government assassinated her by tracking Colvins satellite phone communications to find her location. Snowdens introspection engine, however, is still just a concept. He hopes to develop a prototype over the coming year. The technology will be open source and is meant to easily be applied to other phone models. He and Huang, who authored a book on hacking the Xbox, presented their paper on Thursday at the MIT Media Lab, with Snowden speaking on video from Russia. For more than a generation, opportunistic California politicians have barraged voters with woeful tales about how the most productive, inventive, wealthy and enterprising Californians are leaving this state in droves to avoid high taxes and excessive government regulation. These stories, used successfully by the likes of Pete Wilson and Arnold Schwarzenegger while running for governor, and unsuccessfully by failed candidates from Bill Simon to Meg Whitman and Neel Kashkari, tell of rich Californians seeking greener pastures in more laissez faire states like Texas and Idaho. Theres only one problem with those stories: They dont match the facts, even though they are often purveyed by folks with a financial stake in the fables, some of them business relocation experts. Its not just that California has outpaced the rest of America economically for most of the last 20 years. Its not merely that innovative businesses and venture capital investments here are the largest and most successful in the world. Its not only that coastal California real estate, property in the states most populous areas, brings more cash than comparable real estate anywhere else in America except Manhattan, but also that there are plenty of buyers around with the cash to pay seemingly outrageous prices. Its also that truth matters little anymore. That especially holds when some numbers appear to back up the untruth. In terms of people leaving California, there is such a number: California had a net population outflow to other states of 625,000 residents between 2007 and 2014. Newborn children and immigrants more than made up for that loss, so dont expect the state to lose congressional or Electoral College clout after the next Census in 2020. But the majority of those departing are not the extremely prosperous residents about whom we so often hear from folks described by Gov. Jerry Brown as California declinists. Rather, of those who left during the latest years for which statistics exist, the vast majority earned less than $30,000 per year. A net total of 469,000 of those leaving possessed no college degree. Given the prevailing levels of rents and home prices in California, its easy to see their financial motive in leaving for far lower-priced states like Texas, Nevada, Oregon and Arizona. But as lower-income residents left, there was a net increase of 52,700 residents from other states making more than $50,000 per year who do have at least a bachelors degree. The figures come from a Beacon Economics study released this spring. The upshot is that, while its true that a few big businesses have shifted their national headquarters out of California primarily because its far cheaper for them to expand their facilities in states with lower land prices, most of this state has not suffered much. New businesses arise and succeed here faster and in larger quantities than anywhere except perhaps Israel, also a center of high-tech innovation. Land values remain the primary reason for businesses shifting headquarters or expansion outside California. Its difficult to attract and retain workers here with salaries under $50,000, because of housing prices. Said one executive, I pay some of my people with masters degrees $70,000 and $80,000 a year and they still have no hope of buying a house anywhere near Silicon Valley. That reality explains a lot of the corporate expansion to cheaper states. So does the price of raw land for expansion in places like Las Vegas, Boise or Tucson, where empty desert abuts directly on city limits. That situation is rare in California, but it makes large tracts of land elsewhere available at very low prices. The bottom line: Yes, this state has lost some population to other states, but for the most part it has not been the most creative, wealthiest and entrepreneurial Californians who left. Which means that doomsaying politicians and urban experts who say the out-migration numbers spell impending disaster are mostly blowing self-serving smoke. A rift opened this week within the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department when upper management ordered firefighters at a Moreno Valley station to remove a pro-law enforcement flag from one of the engines. Firefighter Eric Hille, who works out of Sunnymead Ranch Station 48, penned a Facebook post Tuesday afternoon decrying the decision for restricting his ability to show support for police. By about the same time Wednesday, the post had been shared by more than 700 people and featured in a blog by conservative radio host Todd Starnes. Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department Chief John Hawkins, in a written statement issued Tuesday, said management ordered the flag be taken down Monday because it did not fit the departments standards, and because it could put the firefighters at risk of extremists targeting the fire engine and could prevent people from being able to see the warning lights on the back of the engine. If no standard exists, then any size, shape or content flag could be flown, Hawkins said. The flag, instead of the typical red-white and blue, was black and white except for a blue stripe through the middle the thin blue line commonly used to commemorate fallen police officers. Firefighters at the station also placed a blue-line decal on the side of the engine. Regarding the design of the flag, Hawkins said, the type of flag while strongly supporting our (law enforcement) family could increase tension or cause a negative response within the community. Hille, in the Facebook post, said the purpose of flying the flag was to honor the three police officers who were killed Sunday in Baton Rouge and the five officers killed July 7 in Dallas. Hille did not respond to requests to be interviewed Tuesday or Wednesday. I find it heartbreaking that we are not allowed to show our support for our brothers and sisters in blue in the event of the recent tragedies of all the Police Officers that have been killed in the line of duty, Hille wrote. We cant shroud our badges or even lower our station flags to half-staff. Hille said Cal Fire officials also requested he delete pictures of the flag from social media. Hille refused to comply. ADVOCATES, OPPONENTS Cal Fire managements order has garnered both support and criticism some of it strong. A Press-Enterprise online poll that asked should firefighters be able to keep the blue line police flag on the engine had more than 1,500 responses by 7 p.m. Wednesday. About 89 percent of respondents said yes and 10 percent said no, with about 1 percent having no opinion. Former North Las Vegas Fire Department Assistant Chief Timothy Sendelbach, who is now the editor in chief of firefighter trade magazine Firehouse, said he thinks Cal Fire administrators made the right decision. We all want to be patriotic and supportive, and certainly supportive of our law enforcement brothers and sisters, Sendelbach said in a phone interview Wednesday. But I think the best way to do that in this situation is through our actions: being there when they call for us and likewise. A similar controversy erupted after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorism attack, when firefighters throughout the country started flying unmodified American flags on the back of their engines, Sendelbach said. Some saw it as disrespectful for the flag to be behind the engine rather than in front, and often times it would get tarnished during fire responses. Austin Green, spokesman for Thin Blue Line USA the company that makes the flags said via email that the company supports the firefighters freedom of expression in flying the flag, though it understands Cal Fire managements concern. The flag honors the valor of police officers across the country, Green said. This flag is a perfect way to support law enforcement officers everywhere. ACHING HEARTS Hawkins, in his statement issued Tuesday, said some posts he has seen on social media suggested the departments upper management doesnt support law enforcement. He described those posts as venomous. It is beyond belief to suggest management isnt acutely aware of or sensitive to the attacks on our (police) brothers and sisters, Hawkins said. But turning against us truly saddens me. Hawkins said all levels of management support law enforcement. Our hearts ache just as yours do for members of our public safety family who are under attack, Hawkins said. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have suffered the ultimate loss and to all who stand on that line daily on our behalf. Contact the writer: 951-368-9284, atadayon@pressenterprise.com, @PE_alitadayon RELATED Firefighters ordered to remove blue line police flag from engine POLL: Should firefighters be able to keep the blue line police flag on the engine? Inland law enforcement agencies decry violence, focus on safety Can bad dancing help cops connect with community? A motorcyclist who crashed into a parked car in the early-morning hours of Saturday, July 16, died days later at a Riverside hospital. Christopher Hjorth, 33, of Santa Ana was riding his motorcycle in the area of Felspar Street and Limonite Avenue about 1:45 a.m. when he struck a parked car and was critically injured, according to Deputy Mike Vasquez and a news release from the Riverside County Coroners Office. Hjorth was taken to Riverside Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead about 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Vasquez said the accident was still under investigation on Thursday, and it still isnt clear whether drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash. San Bernardino County Democratic Party Chairman Chris Robles has been asked to offer observations on the Republican National Convention. We will present GOP comment as well when the Democrats hold their convention. Robles thoughts: Ive known since 1992, the Republican Party doesnt like Hillary Clinton. After the last two full days of endless attacks I really get it they viciously hate Hillary Clinton. If thats the message they wanted to deliver, we get it. But if public safety and jobs were the real intended messages for the last 48 hours, someone seriously messed up. Or maybe not. This is the Donald Trump campaign, and like everything he touches, it walks and talks like him. Were seeing the inner workings of his mind manifesting in a reality show masquerading as a presidential campaign. Only one person is accountable for the campaigns message, delivery, and demeanor Donald Trump. So Im left with the conclusion this is it and there isnt any more. San Bernardino and the Inland Empire deserve to know the plan to train and educate our workforce for good paying jobs. How we will retain our college graduates in the region so they dont keep leaving for jobs elsewhere? Whats the plan to improve public transportation so were not spending hours on the freeways? How will you grow the middle class, support public education, and what are you going to do about military grade weapons on our streets? The bashing is backfiring. People are turned off by the negativity and hatred. Americans want and deserve real solutions to the issues we face today. Substance will trump rhetoric. The Republican Party of the past had ideas and plans and Democrats are eager to debate those and offer our own. So I have a question for the GOP, will you make our two party system great again? The investigation into a drowning in Lake Elsinore on Monday, July 18, is being investigated as an accident, a Riverside County sheriffs deputy says. Eugene Aldapa, 48, was out boating with three other people on the lake when a group of them went went into the water, said Deputy Mike Vasquez. It wasnt clear why they went in, but the others were able to get out while Aldapa was not. Vasquez said he wasnt wearing a life vest. Sheriffs deputies were called about 6 p.m. to the lake because the boat was reported to them as being in distress about 200 yards from the La Laguna boat launch, Vasquez said. Deputies spent hours searching for the missing man, but suspended the search at nightfall and continued Tuesday morning. Aldapa was found and pronounced dead about 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, according to a news release from the Riverside County Coroners Office. No foul play is suspected in the Riverside mans death, Vasquez said, and the incident is being investigated as an accident. The department recommends wearing flotation devices while boating regardless of whether a person can swim. The knock at Carlos David Martin Ojedas home finally came, minutes after sunrise. Ojeda, a 46-year-old undocumented immigrant and convicted sex offender who spent two years in prison, opened the door of his mobile home in Chino at 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, and found a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer on the porch. As other officers watched with rifles at the ready, Ojeda was handcuffed and placed in a black SUV. The process of returning Ojeda to Mexico had begun. I think he knew that at some point hed get caught, said David Marin, deputy Los Angeles field office director for ICEs Enforcement and Removal Operations. The arrest was one of 112 in a four-day period across San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, during a special operation in which ICE sought to call attention to its mission by rounding up some of what it considered the most serious offenders. They included a 64-year-old Mexican man arrested in unincorporated Riverside County near Hemet who was convicted in 1996 of attempting to murder a peace officer. A little more than half had felony convictions for serious or violent offenses, such as child sex crimes, weapons violations and assault. The others had convictions for serious or multiple misdemeanors. For me, what we do, it definitely makes a difference, Marin said. The arrestees with existing deportation orders or who re-entered the U.S. illegally could be removed immediately, ICE said in a news release. The others are in ICE custody awaiting a hearing before an immigration judge. These fugitives came to ICEs attention in a variety of ways. When someone is arrested by a local police department, his or her information is compared against FBI and federal Department of Justice databases. ICE also receives leads from a national fugitive operations support center clearinghouse and other law enforcement databases, ICE spokeswoman Virginia Kice said. Ojeda was convicted in 2014 of lewd and lascivious acts on a girl under age 14 and served about two years of a four-year sentence. (Inmates in Californias crowded prisons generally serve about half the time theyre sentenced to, if they behave.) If Ojeda does not object to his deportation when he sees an immigration judge in about 10 days, he could be on a bus from the detention center in Adelanto to Mexico shortly afterward. If he asks for and is granted bail, Ojeda could remain in the U.S. for three to four more years before his case resolved. My greatest fear, and what keeps me up at night other than keeping these officers safe, is that we will not be able to get to these individuals in time, Marin said. Is that person going to commit some other crime? Like many aspects of immigration and deportation, its complicated. WHO IS TARGETED? In November 2014, President Barack Obama, under pressure from critics who said immigration policy was tearing apart mixed families of legal and illegal residents, refocused deportation efforts. The new stated targets would include undocumented immigrants with convictions for endangering national security, murder, rape, sexual abuse of a minor, trafficking in drugs or weapons, three or more misdemeanors or one serious misdemeanor such as drunken driving. Ojeda has one of those mixed families. His wife appeared at the door with him, but agents did not ask about her immigration status, Marin said. Ojeda has three children, ages 21, 19 and 12, who are U.S. citizens. That meant, Marin said, Ojeda had likely been in the U.S. for at least two decades. One of the tough things we have to do is handcuff Dad because of the impression it leaves on the children, Marin said, noting that officers prefer to arrest suspects outside homes, as was the case with Ojeda. IMMIGRATION DEBATE Luz Gallegos is community programs director for TODEC Legal Center in Perris, which advocates for immigrant communities. Her organization seeks a balance in immigration policy that will protect families. Were in favor of keeping our country safe, and we understand about people with certain crimes, but what worries us is when (immigration officers) go after certain people when there are family members that are mixed-status family members, Gallegos said. The kids are the ones that get impacted. That is why we keep on advocating for a solution to our immigration system that is long overdue. Moreno Valley resident Sabine Durden takes a harder line on the issue. Her son, Dominic, was killed in a 2012 traffic collision caused by an undocumented immigrant who was still in the country despite convictions for DUI and robbery. Juan Zacarias Tzun, a Guatemalan national, was eventually deported after being convicted of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in the crash. Durden said she agrees 1,000 percent with the ICE arrests. They are saving American lives. But it shouldnt stop there, because being here illegally is still against the law, Durden said Wednesday from Cleveland, where she pressed for stricter enforcement of immigration laws in a speech Monday at the Republican National Convention. Marin acknowledged that officers are keenly aware of the split opinion on immigration policy but remain focused on their jobs. Regardless of the larger debate, this office is contributing by getting these people out of these communities, he said. A TYPICAL ARREST Arrests happen just about every day, Marin said. Some take place after a day or two of surveillance. For the more serious offenders, such as Ojeda, reconnaissance can last a couple of weeks to determine when the person comes and goes and whether he is likely to be armed. Ojedas was typical. Officers including Marin staked out his home in unmarked vehicles starting about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday. Two people who left in separate cars were pulled over and questioned, and it was determined that Ojeda was home. So officers waited in the dark, hoping hed emerge. When he didnt, an officer knocked on Ojedas door at 6 a.m. Ojeda identified himself, and he was arrested without incident. Officers let him put on shoes and grab a jacket for the ride to the Homeland Security Investigations office in San Bernardino, where Ojeda was fingerprinted and allowed to make phone calls to family or the Mexican consulate. BARRIERS TO DEPORTATION Apprehending a person who is already in custody can be difficult. ICE officers, when their deportation targets were refocused in 2014, were ordered to cease requesting that jails and other detention facilities hold a person for 48 hours after their anticipated release if ICE wants to pick them up. Now, officers ask only to be notified before a person is released. In San Bernardino County, sheriffs Cpl. Ruben Perez said, no one there actually picks up a phone and dials ICE unless theres a warrant for the persons arrest. Instead, the arrestees fingerprints and the nature of the charges are electronically delivered to federal authorities. Its up to them, then, to anticipate when the person will be released. In Riverside County, Assistant Sheriff Jerry Gutierrez said, deputies will give ICE about two hours notice by telephone. If ICE cant get there in time, the person is released. A lot of law enforcement agencies wont event notify us, including the Los Angeles Police Department, Marin added. We cant be at every single jail waiting for someone to be released. When a suspect is arrested, he or she has the right to deportation and bail hearings and appeals of a judges final decision. An additional hurdle is that most countries require the deportee to have travel documents. About two dozen nations, which ICE described in congressional testimony as recalcitrant, drag their feet in providing the documents or fail to offer them at all. In the past three years, according to ICE statistics, more than 87,000 undocumented immigrants in ICE custody have had to be released back into the U.S. because they lacked the proper papers. Sadly, ICE records indicate a number of these aliens have gone on to commit additional crimes while in the United States, ICE Deputy Director Daniel Ragsdale told the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee this month. Contact the writer: brokos@pressenterprise.com or 951-368-9569 RELATED Parents of those killed by undocumented immigrants speak out Thirty high school students from Riverside jumped and gasped with surprise Tuesday, July 19, as police Detective Aaron Brandt of the Riverside Police Departments Technical Services Unit set off a shock tube used to remotely function tools. The loud pop and bright flash of the blast astounded the students, though Brandt and co-presenter Detective Theresa Sivula have used the device regularly in a variety of different situations including disarming explosives. The students were the first of two groups to participate in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in Law Enforcement and Public Safety program put on by the Riverside Police Department and Riverside electronics manufacturer Bourns, Inc. The purpose of the weeklong program the first of its kind in Riverside is to show students the technology used by local public safety agencies and to foster their interests in pursuing public safety or law enforcement careers, said Bourns, Inc. chairman and chief executive Gordon Bourns. We would like to have the students know that there are some fantastic careers in public safety. Bourns said. Most of the students in the first session attended John W. North High School, though some attended other Riverside Unified School District high schools, Riverside Police Lt. Christian Dinco said. Many of the students were entering their senior year, and were already interested in pursuing law enforcement careers. Alex Flores, 18, said seeing some of the day-to-day operations at the Riverside Police Department perked his interest. They have shown us a lot of their everyday stuff, Flores said. Its been really fun. The program kicked off Monday at the Bourns, Inc Technology Center with a keynote address from Chief Sergio Diaz and a Jaws of Life demonstration by the Riverside Fire Department. Other presentations in the first three days of the program cover crime scene investigations, computer forensics, police equipment, recovering information from digital devices, constructing and coding robots, analyzing fingerprints and blood samples, and more. Theres been a lot of hands-on stuff, which gives us a good chance to learn new experiences, said 16-year-old North High senior Anguire Arias. Its a lot better than just sitting in front of a teacher. Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey, who spoke to the students briefly Tuesday afternoon, believes the program is a good way of bridging the gap between police and the public. Its a great collaborative effort that enhances faith in police and educates students about what they do, Bailey said. During the last two days of the program, the students get to choose an elective course from among these topics: constructing and coding a robot; developing a mobile app that would assist in an emergency situation; analyzing forensics, or developing a website for a law enforcement or public safety agency. They will also break into six teams of five and develop their own projects technology that would assist Riverside public safety workers. On Friday, the last day of the program, they will present the projects to a panel of judges. Dinco said cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place teams. Though all of the students will leave the program with STEM LEAPS certificates, Bourns hopes that at least some of them will leave with heightened goals of going to college to pursue careers in public safety. Contact the writer: 951-368-9284, atadayon@pressenterprise.com, @PE_alitadayon Aedes aegypti, mosquitoes that can transmit potentially deadly diseases such as Zika, have been found near Village Grove Lake in Corona. Its the first time they have been found in western Riverside County since last summer, when members of the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District found samples in Riverside, spokesman William Van Dyke said. The mosquitoes can transmit several viruses, including yellow fever, dengue and chikungunya. Van Dyke said the Corona samples collected Tuesday have not tested positive for any of them. Vector control specialists have eradicated the three sources they found in Corona. On Monday vector workers will talk to residents door-to-door near Border Avenue and Camelot Drive to discuss risks and precautions. Information: 951-340-9792. Contact the writer: 951-368-9644, poneill@pressenterprise.com, @PE_PatrickO The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana, has called on various Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to as a matter of urgency reduce prices of petroleum products. The Chamber in a statement said, pump prices remain largely unchanged from the previous pricing window figures, at a time when world market prices have seen a slump from $49/barrel to the current $44/barrel region. It further stated that, although petroleum consumers expect prices to go down to commensurate movements on the world market, the various OMCs have refused to effect the reduction. Petroleum consumers in Ghana expect prices to go down to commensurate movements on the world markets but the various oil marketing companies (OMCS) with the exception of a few who have adjusted downwards by a few points, a majority of these omcs seem to have turned a deaf ear to doing the needful as far as reducing pump prices is concerned and are still charging very high prices at the pumps. World market indexes continue to hover around $45/barrel as of this day and time representing over 7% since the last decreases in the early part of the month when the world market indexes were trading around $49/ barrel. The phenomenon where consumers continue to be shortchanged when the time comes for reductions in pump prices is clearly becoming institutionalized and must be checked forthwith, it added. Petroleum consumers demand tax cuts The Chamber in April this year, made similar calls for government to reduce the 17.5 % taxes imposed on petroleum products which took effect in January this year. The Chamber contended that, the continuous imposition of the taxes will adversely affect Ghanaians. The chamber is unhappy at all with the 17.5% special petroleum tax; it looks as though the biggest challenge for most of these petroleum service providers currently is this tax component. If they were buying a barrel for 40 dollars and they are paying 17.5%, that will definitely be lower compared to when the prices of crude increases to 46 dollars a barrel. When that happens, they are forced to pass on that to the Ghanaian consumers which is what we are expecting to see on May 1st, Executive Secretary of the Chamber, Duncan Amoah earlier told Citi Business News. 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 Otumfuo Osei Tutu ll, the Asantehene, has registered his displeasure over the issuance of excess licenses to micro-finance institutions by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) at the expense of the growth of such micro and small scale enterprises. He said, much as the development was a blessing, in terms of its potential to offer financial support to micro and small enterprises, it had the unwholesome potential to cripple such micro and small enterprises through the mismanagement of their savings, or worse still, through the fraudulent misapplication and patent theft of customers savings. The Asantehene raised this concern in an address delivered on his behalf by Nana Kwaku Amponsah Sarkodie ll, Sewuahene, at the 13th Ashanti Financial Services Excellence Award, organized by Top Brass Ghana, under the auspices of Manhyia Palace. He noted that with the rapid and acute growth of the micro finance sector over the last five years, the BoG has granted financial licenses to well over 400 micro finance institutions. Otumfuor noted that well publicised and recent happenings and developments in the micro-finance industry were the source of his concern and therefore urged the Bank of Ghana to institute effective and stringent supervision of the fledgling micro-finance sector to ensure efficiently and sanity in its operations to safeguard the investments of their customers. He stated that the foreign exchange regime introduced by the BoG in 2014, initially raised hopes of success, but in the end proved ineffective and failed to achieve the expected objective of stabilizing the Cedi. Source: The Chronicle 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 United Nations has predicted challenges of water, will influence the third world war. Even though nature has abundantly blessed us with the resource, poor policy implementation and outright disregard for laws have combined, to deprive many on the continent of potable water. Again, there is massive pollution of water bodies, and degradation of the environment through mining among other counter- productive practices, questioning the willingness of policy makers, parliamentarians and citizens in general, to protect water resources for generations yet unborn. The 6th Africa water week currently underway in Tanzania, is organized by the African ministers on water in conjunction with the Africa union commission. This Africa water week, has regrettably become an annual gathering of technocrats, who meet to repeat themselves in speeches without action. The conference is aimed at providing a platform at the highest political level for solutions to challenges affecting water protection and distribution. This is the 6th conference, and there appears no solution in sight to water production and distribution challenges. The difficulties keep rising as the years roll by, instead of a decline as these ministers meet and promise to do each year. The conference brings together partners. But what sort of partnership do we forge when it appears we do not have our own values.? The conference attracts over one thousand participants annually. Can anyone imagine the cost in hotel accommodation, airfares, and food? Who benefits from these? Our partners? Somehow, Africas Scientific community, intellectuals, private sector, civil society, and the media do not appear ready to stand up for the protection of water bodies. It is about time we abandoned the talk shops and acted, or walk the talk, as the saying goes. If we have more good examples, the rules will be few. The theme is :setting the platform for implementing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) on water security and sanitation Panelists will discuss: 1. Achieving universal and equitable access to water and sanitation for all. 2. Water security for sustainable development. 3. Productive wastewater management and sustainable water quality. 4. Financing the implementation of the 6th SDG, which is on water. Source: Nana Dwomoh Sarpong 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 Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has said Ghana would continue to cherish its friendship with India as the existing bilateral relations keeps expanding. He said prior to Ghanas independence, India provided tremendous support in various sectors, and that both countries shared similar principles within the non-alignment paradigm and non-interference in the affairs of other countries. Vice President Amissah-Arthur made the statement when the outgoing India High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Shri Jeeva Sagar paid a farewell call on him at his office at the Flagstaff House. Mr Sagar, who assumed duty in 2013 as the India High Commissioner to Ghana, came to bid farewell at the end of his three year duty-tour of the country. Vice President Amissah-Arthur commended Mr Sagar for deepening the levels of economic relations between the two countries. He said trade between Ghana and India has expanded enormously as well as Indian investments in agriculture, sugar among others. Mr Sagar, on his part, stressed the need for Ghana and India to maintain the existing cordial relations for the mutual benefit of their people. He said the amount of goodwill between the peoples of the two nations despite the geographical distance is something that they would continue to cherish. He said the way the Ghanaian people have accepted the Indian diaspora speaks for itself as it portrays the existing relations. Mr Sagar said the recent state visit by the Indian President to Ghana highlights the deepening ties between the two nations, adding that this has fostered several partnerships between Ghanaian and Indian businesses. He said during the visit of the Indian President, the two governments agreed to increase bilateral trade from $3billion to $5billion. Mr Sagar was also grateful to Vice President Amissah-Arthur for advising various Indian Trade Missions to Ghana to sit with their Ghanaian counterparts to identify areas where they can complement each other and enhance the trade. He said recent Indian investments made in Ghana is over $1billion and is in diverse sectors of the economy. He said people to people contact and capacity building contribution has also been expanding citing for example the intention of the Indian government to support the Kofi Annan ICT Centre with additional $1million grant. 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 Liberia has expressed its gratitude to Ghana for its varied support towards returning the country to normalcy. The support come from medical, military and governance during and after Liberias period of instability due to civil war. Liberias Minister of National Defence, Mr Brownie Samukai, expressed the gratitude on behalf of Liberia when he paid a courtesy call on his Ghanaian counterpart, Dr Benjamin Kunbour in Accra. The meeting was also a platform to learn from the experiences of both countries for mutual benefits. Mr Samukai said he had come to express his countrys gratitude to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), successive governments of Ghana and all Ghanaians for their support throughout the years, especially during the conflicts in 1990 and most recently during the 2014 Ebola crisis in the country. Security responsibilities handed over to Liberia Mr Samukai said the United Nations (UN) Mission in Liberia, after 13 years of service in which Ghana was fully represented, in July 2016 handed over security responsibilities officially to the Liberian government as a sign that Liberia was prepared to undertake its own duties and future challenges. Since the restructuring of the Armed Forces of Liberia in 2006, the GAF had played a very pivotal role in contributing to the training, the mentorship, the development and the institutionalisation of the professional nature of what the Armed Forces of Liberia have become today. And we want to thank Ghana for its support through the UN mission over the years, he said. Mr Samukai said a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the armed forces of both countries had given most Liberian soldiers the opportunity to attend military institutions in Ghana and benefited from the training, the networking and the relationship established to enhance the growth of Liberias new military. All of these we greatly appreciate and have come to say thank you very much and show our full appreciation for the sacrifices and time in helping our dear country, he said. Ghana assures Liberia of continued support For his part, Dr Kunbour assured Liberia of Ghanas support at all times. He recounted that the relationship between both countries, saying they dated back to the pre-colonial period. It is, therefore, not by accident that when Liberia ran into the challenges it had, Ghana was compelled under all circumstances to help restore lasting peace to Liberia, he said. He said participating in the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), in collaboration with Nigeria, Sierra Leone and The Gambia mandated them to maintain law and peace, protect life and property in Liberia was a pragmatic brave intervention taken by Ghana to help restore normalcy to Liberia. He said beyond the role Ghana played in ECOMOG, it had continued to maintain its presence in Liberia to offer more support. We cannot say we want to leave Liberia in terms of our military and medical support, but being there is also wishing them instability. Yes, we will draw down but we will always be available to provide the needed support as required, Dr Kunbour said. Source: Daily Graphic 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 Government of Ghana has resolved to pay an "abated allowance" to aggrieved nursing students in the country. Minister of Health, Alex Segbefia has released a statement indicating that the payment of the allowance is to support the students. "The payment which will amount to about GHC 150 a month is aimed at supporting 34,500 students who are currently pursuing various levels of health professional training across the country." A Technical Committee set up by the President to review the issue of nursing students' allowances has recommended the payment of an abated allowance with a possibility to migrate them onto the Students Loan Scheme.The payment which will amount to about GHC 150 a month is aimed at supporting 34,500 students who are currently pursuing various levels of health professional training across the country.The payment amount would serve as a bridging mechanism pending the amendment of the Students Loan Trust Act, to enable students in non-tertiary Health Training Institutions access loans to support their education.Further information will be available at the Health Training Institutions Secretariat.Alex Segbefia(Minister of Health) Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi /Peacefmonline.com/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 The European Union (EU) has given Ghana 11.9 million Euros in a bid to support decentralization in the country. The amount, equivalent to GHC 52 million is the fourth installment of a projected total amount of GHC 198.3 million [45 million Euros] was given towards the implementation of the National Decentralization Action Plan 2015-2019. According to a statement from the EU, the funds were released to the government of Ghana after the initial payments had translated into positive developments in the country in terms of decentralization. The new payment of 11.9 million Euros was disbursed following the good results of decentralisation process monitored in the past 12 months. Key achievements include measures taken in favour of better dedicated staff at the District level, to strengthen local level capacity to participate in planning and budgeting, to have timely disbursement of funds from the District Assemblies Common Fund to the Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and the improvement of the functioning of the feeder roads system, the statement said. The EU ambassador to Ghana, William Hanna, said: The European Union is working with Ghana to ensure that more citizens get better services at local level such as feeder roads or social protection. We aim to strengthen local authorities to play their role in better accountability, transparency and service delivery. The Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies are crucial partners of central government, who should both implement and add to national development efforts. The Decentralization reform in Ghana is making headway, and thats why we are backing it with financial support, along with other development partners. Below is the EUs full statement Ghana receives 11.9 million Euros (GHC 52 million) from the European Union to support decentralisation The European Union (EU) has this month paid 11.9 million Euros (GHC 52 million) to support decentralization in Ghana. The grant supports the decentralization reform process of the country that aims to improve service delivery at the district level. In the framework of the European Unions Financing Agreement with Ghana, the amount of 11.9 million Euros, equivalent to more than GHC 52.4 million has been released to the treasury to support the implementation of the National Decentralisation Action Plan 2015-2019. This is the fourth instalment of a programme amounting to a total of 45 million Euros or GHC 198.3 million. The new payment of 11.9 million Euros was disbursed following the good results of decentralisation process monitored in the past 12 months. Key achievements include measures taken in favour of better dedicated staff at the District level, to strengthen local level capacity to participate in planning and budgeting, to have timely disbursement of funds from the District Assemblies Common Fund to the Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and the improvement of the functioning of the feeder roads system. On the occasion of the disbursement, William Hanna, Ambassador of the European Union said: The European Union is working with Ghana to ensure that more citizens get better services at local level such as feeder roads or social protection. We aim to strengthen local authorities to play their role in better accountability, transparency and service delivery. The Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies are crucial partners of central government, who should both implement and add to national development efforts. The Decentralization reform in Ghana is making headway, and thats why we are backing it with financial support, along with other development partners. 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 Dansoman police are currently having a 38-year-old man in their custody for allegedly beating his wife to death at Dansoman, a suburb of Accra. The 48-year-old woman, who was a trader at the Dansoman market Beatrice Ama Osaah popularly known as Ama Osah reportedly died on arrival at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital at dawn yesterday when she was rushed to the health facility for medical care. The husband, Samson Kwabena Ohene, who is also a trader, is assisting the police in investigation. An eyewitness said even though the two love birds were not legally married, they had been co-habiting for almost 10 years and have two children. Samson Kwabena Ohene, residents claimed, had constantly abused his wife at the least provocation. Even last Monday, July 18, 2016, Kwabena Ohene beat up the wife for switching off their ceiling fan, the resident stated on condition of anonymity. When the paper contacted 18-year-old Mary Nti, who is the deceased persons niece and had been staying with the lovers and their two children in their single room apartment at the Dansoman beach area, she said Ohene had constantly assaulted the woman. She said in the evening of Monday, July 18, 2016, at about 7pm, her aunty, who claimed she was not feeling well, was lying in bed while man sat at another end of the room reading newspapers. She said the woman called her to put off the fan because she was felling cold. Mary said immediately she put off the fan, Mr Ohene subjected her to some beatings and when her aunty intervened, she was also attacked. Mr Ohene collected a plastic chair my aunty was holding and used it in beating her up, she asserted. She said it was the landlord who finally came in to rescue the woman from the hands of the man. Mary continued that the following Tuesday, she saw her aunty limping because of the beatings. According to her, that Tuesday evening, the womans condition deteriorated and when we rushed her to the Dansoman Polyclinic for treatment, she was referred to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for proper medical care where she died at dawn that Wednesday on arrival. She continued that it was some friends and family members who later heard of the abuse and the death and reported the case to the police, leading to the arrest of Kwabena Ohene. When contacted, ASP Effia Tenge, the Accra Regional Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the death but added that they had provisionally charged the suspect for murder. We are waiting for the autopsy report to be out before we can go ahead with any further charge; but for now, the police cannot establish that it was the abuse that caused her death. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Even before President John Dramani Mahama accepts the resignation letter of the beleaguered Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of Kumasi, Hon Kojo Bonsu, names of his possible replacement have started popping up. According to our sources the one in close lead is the son of the former Mayor of the city in the Rawlings regime, Hon Nana Akwasi Agyemang. Mr. Atta Poku Agyemang is said to be the one tipped to replace Hon. Kojo Bonsu. Even though Mr. Poku Agyemang has been tight- lipped over his supposed appointment by President Mahama, sources close to Manhyia said it will not be a surprise should he be finally appointed to head the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA). The source said this is largely due to the fact that he is the son of Nana Akwasi Agyemang and also being a royal he understands the culture and traditions of the Kumasi traditional Council. It would be recalled that members of the Asanteman Council while calling for the dismissal of Mr. Kojo Bonsu mentioned among others that they needed someone who is well versed in the Asante culture and norms and would revere the Golden Stool as all men are supposed to do. Mr. Poku Agyeman who has been with the Urban Roads Department in the Ashanti Region and has risen through the ranks to the position of Metropolitan Director. According to sources within the Ashanti regional National Democratic Congress (NDC) Mr. Poku Agyemang stands tall among all the people lobbying for the KMA position. Even when the President was here, they (President and Mr. Atta Poku) spoke for a long time even though I cant say what exactly they were discussing, I am sure an introduction had been made and they were discussing the way forward, our source told this reporter. Meanwhile other names likely to be appointed include the former Regional Minster and current Managing Director of State Housing Corporation Mr. Samuel Sarpong, former Regional Minister Mr. Peter Anerfi Mensah. In the case of Mr. Sarpong , the source said he could have been in the lead since he once held the position but the President wants him to execute some projects for him in Kumasi. But for Mr. Anerfi, the source said, he is too soft for a position like KMA Mayor and will not even make the shortlist. Source: Today Newspaper 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 Ms Nehza Alaoui M. Hammdi, Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Morocco, has urged African countries to speak up about climate change and not be forced to choose between development and preservation of the environment. She said Africa and other developing countries are the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change as its economy is mostly based on rainfall-dependent agriculture, and thus should have a say in the debate on issues of climate change. Ms Hammdi stated this at the opening of the 5th Climate Change and Population Conference (CCOP-Ghana) on Africa organised by the Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS) of the University of Ghana, and the IDRC of Canada. She noted that the region is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, which are not just climate challenges but more importantly involves development challenges. Africa should have a say in the global debate. It should neither keep quiet nor allow itself to be dictated to, let alone to be forced to choose between development and the preservation of the environment, she stated. Ms Hammdi said according to a report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the African continent is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to factors like poverty, inequitable land distribution and over dependence on agriculture without irrigation. This could worsen current trends, affecting areas such as electricity production, industrial productivity, public health, water supply and sanitation systems, among others. She also noted that agriculture, which is the main economic activity and foreign exchange earners on the African continent, is most vulnerable to climate change, especially as most of the countries suffering from water stress are in Africa. The climate change effect is the ultimate injustice suffered by the most vulnerable. The consequences of climate change are affecting developing countries as much as, if not more than developed countries and in this regard Africa deserves special attention. She said the Kingdom of Morocco is committed to south-south cooperation to address environment and climate change issues and would celebrate such cooperation at the 22nd Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22) to be hosted by Morocco in Marrakesh. Professor Ernest Aryeetey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana and Chairman for the opening of the three-day conference on the theme: Building Bridges, Research into-use, said the University is very interested in Climate Change thus the establishment of the RIPS to bring together different groups of academics with interest in climate change. He noted that the creation of the Centre of Excellence on Climate Change Adaptation is in recognition of the fact that there is a fairly large number of people interested in the subject. Prof Aryeetey said the working group is also to give the African Researcher a voice in discussion on climate change, which is lacking on the global stage. He said it would be easier to make African voice louder if African researchers come together as a group to influence discussion. He said an African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) was recently created to provide an opportunity for increased research by the 16 strongest universities in Africa including the University of Ghana. He urged participants at the conference to show interest in and take advantage of such Alliances. It is my hope that the work you are doing through this conference will feed into the work of ARUA because it will be the largest collection of serious African researchers, he noted. Dr Delali Dovie, Chair of the Local Organising Committee of the CCOP-Ghana said the conference had over years provided an alternative for scientist in Africa to participate in an international conferences and had greatly impacted on participants; producing various projects which are being implemented. He also expressed the need for science and research into climate change that is focused on Africa in order to better strategise for addressing climate change issues in African countries. 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 Afriwave Telecom, Ghanas licensed Interconnect Clearing House (ICH), has participated in a recent international symposium on telecommunication regulations organized by the National Communications Authority (NCA), to discuss issues pertaining to the development of the countrys telecom industry. The two-day symposium which took place on July 18-19, 2016 was also to allow participants furnish and upgrade themselves with information on the telecom sector, as well as share ideas on how to improve the work of regulators in the communications sector. It was on the theme, The role of regulations in ICT development. The Director of Corporate Affairs at Afriwave, Mr. Donald Gwira, stated that the key objective for the companys participation in the symposium was to contribute to the discussions of improving the telecoms industry, which aligned with the deliverables of the ICH. We will take on board Key Learnings from the discussions and apply them appropriately for the growth of the industry he added. Some of the topics discussed included the Future of Telecommunication in Africa, Infrastructure Sharing, Improving Rural Communications, Strategies and Regulatory Interventions, Data Uptake and Over The Top (OTT) services, as well as Digitalization. The symposium brought together telecom industry regulators from Africa and beyond. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Akin to the well-known maxim a prophet is without honor in his own home, President John Dramani Mahamas transformational agenda has caught the attention of some Nigerians who are heaping tons of praises on him even though some Ghanaians still downplay his unmatched success story. The cross-border Mahama admirers say, even though he was elected president at a time the country and the world was in extreme difficulties, he has managed to surmount most of the pressing challenges facing his native Ghana,resulting in very laudable accomplishments. Whilst they know they are without voting rights in Ghana, nevertheless, they are endorsing hissecond term presidential bid. They believe he will lead Ghana into the dreamland if given another opportunity to continue hisagenda of transformation. One of those propagating the good works ofPresidentJohn Mahama and leading media campaign in furtherance of the Ghanaian Presidents reelection bid is no mean a person than one-time Nigeria presidential aspirant and media mogul, Chief Dele Momodu. Supporting the Nigeria media guru inpropagating president Mahamas good works internationally is hostess of one of Nigerias popular satirical shows on Television, AdeolaFayehun. The celebrated Nigeria TV hostess gave thumbs up to President Mahamas impressive achievements,especiallyin the area of infrastructure over the last three and half years. Drawing a comparison between Ghana and her native Nigeria on her widely watched program, Keeping It Real with Adeola, Miss Fayehun showcased some of the unprecedented achievements of the young Ghanaianleader she told her audience she wished were replicated in her home country, Nigeria. The fancy hostess at a point during the show was visibly seen emotional and overwhelmed by the unparalleled achievements when she wondered how the president could in a space of three and a half years take Ghana to such higher heights. Chief Dele Momodu, who is also Chief Executive Officer of the popular international Ovation Magazine,on his part, has been relentless in his effort to sell the good works of the West African nations president using social media to, among other reasons, convince majority of Ghanaians to give the president another term in office. In spite of harsh criticisms from some section of Ghanaiansbelieved to be opposition elements who sarcastically say, he is even out-performing the presidents CommunicationsMinister, the wealthy Nigerian businessmans twitter handle has of late been flooded with magnificent projects executed by the Mahama administration. To further prove his admiration for president Mahama, the latest edition of Chief Dele Momodus Ovation Magazine has been dedicated to telling the success story of the Ghanaian president to the rest of the world. In recent interviews with some media houses in Ghana, Chief Dele Momodu did not shy away from openly praising the Ghanaian president. He was quoted in the Ghanaian media to have said I go through the airport and I see a lot of things, I think what the government of Ghana needs to do is to publicize its activities more, because anytime I pass through the airport [Kotoka International Airport], I see the changes going on there. I travel for two, three weeks, and come back, and I notice something new at the airport. You have new elevators, you have escalators, you have conveyor belts, and even now you have automated immigration services and all that For me, we should not dismiss it. Yes, no government is perfect, but definitely, something is going on in Ghana. Ghana is a destination for a lot of investors, people are coming in, tourists are pouring in, hotels that I have not even seen in Nigeria are springing up here, Ghana has two or three of the biggest hotels that you can find in Africa today, there must be something happening in Ghana, but what happens anywhere is that a prophet is not likely to be recognized in his own home, the philanthropist added. President Mahama has come at a very difficult period, the world is in turmoil, its not just Ghana, I tell my Ghanaian friends all the time when they complain that, you see, let us thank God for little mercies. It could be worse, but I see a lot of activities going on. I just listened to the mayor, some minutes ago, talk about what they are doing in Tema, they wouldnt be doing that if you dont have someone at the top, who is able to inspire those under him. Yes there is so much work still to be done here, but I think President Mahama has put in his best and he should be encouraged and lets see what happens thereafter. Asked if he could compare the president of his country, MuhamaduBuhari, whom he described as a man of integrity and Jesus Christ without disciples, to president Mahama, Chief Dele Momodu, said You cant compare the two because the two countries are different. Ghana is a much smaller country. You dont have the resources of Nigeria, so, if you see a man, who is able to manage such small resources, [he deserves some commendation]. Source: The Al-Hajj 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 Truth Forum an offshoot of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has described the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) as a legacy of shame alleging that a total of GHC 300 million Ghana cedis that was allocated to SADA under the Mahama administration has gone waste. It is instructive to note that in all his rounds in the five (5) SADA regions during the just ended Accounting to the People Tour, no mention was ever made of SADA, its supposed legacy as of now and what the future holds for it. The pressing question is why the President seems to have totally abandoned this Pet Project of his and why he is no longer bold to even name it and account to the Northern people on how well they have managed SADA and bridged the gap between the North and South as they originally promised, Speaking at a press briefing at Wa in the Upper West Region yesterday, the Deputy Communication Director of the NP, Mr. Anthony Karbo, who double as the leader of Truth Forum stressed that the Presidents unwillingness to touch the SADA, subject these days is an admission of his failure and the legacy of shame he is leaving with regards to Northern development and the many promises he made to the people of the three Northern regions especially in 2012 when he led the onslaught to tell Northerners that with a Northern President, the North would see the deserved commitment and attention for development. According to him, in the 2012 Manifesto of the NDC, 260 million Ghana cedis was allocated to SADA, instead of a promised 600 million Ghana cedis. According to the 2013 and the 2014 Budgets, 20 million Ghana cedis was allocated to SADA per year while there was virtually no mention of SADA in the 2015 and 2016 Budgets. The Deputy Communication Director pointed out that in various Audit reports revealed the amazing levels and shameless schemes with which these resources from SADA were stolen by men close to the president. Some officials of SADA were involved in corrupt deals notably the use of over GHc 250,000 on unapproved and wasteful trips to Birmingham, Berlin and Istanbul. The payment of GH620,000 for the services of consultants. Indeed, the initial Audit Report put this amount at over GHC 1million Ghana cedis The four are Dr. Charles Jebuni as Chief Technical Advisor who took a total of GH437,206.00 in a period of 22 months (GH19,873.00 monthly); Salifu Mahama as Engineer for Housing, took a total of GH96,000.00 for 16 months (GH6,000.00 monthly); and Kennedy S. Mohammed, Resource Mobilization, collected a total of GH75,000.00 for 10 months (GH7,500.00 monthly), Karbo mentioned. Below is the full statement; THE SADA NIGHTMARE PRESIDENT MAHAMAS LEGACY OF SHAME Statement read by Anthony Karbo for Truth Forum at Wa, Upper West We called you here today to discuss and evaluate the Northern Developmental Agenda and how far we have come eight years since our people were promised a Special Development vehicle which would ultimately lead to rapid economic development, poverty reduction and social progress! Ladies and Gentlemen, it is also four (4) years since our people were told that we needed a Northern President, because with a brother as President, our troubles were over, the shameful poverty that confronts the vast majority of our people, would be over and that it is a Northern President who can bring to bear, the commitment needed to develop the North and create the opportunities needed for prosperity and wealth. Why the NDA or SADA ? Ladies and Gentlemen, by 2008, there was a general consensus nationally that the north had become generally underdeveloped compared to other parts of the country with a high incidence of poverty. The Northern agitation which began in the 1940s and 50s, even before Ghana became independent was championed by stalwarts of the then Northern Peoples Party who believed that our people needed special interventions to catch up with Southern Ghana, seemed to have finally been accepted nationally as true. The New Patriotic Party (NPP), whose antecedents includes the Northern Peoples Party and our flag bearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, who fully agreed with the principles and the agitations initiated by the likes of Chief S.D. Dombo, Mumuni Bawumia, Jato Kaleo etc. took on the Northern Challenge and pledged to create this special vehicle the Northern Development Authority (NDA) to spearhead an aggressive programme of action to immediately bridge the developmental gap between the North and the South and to create the necessary opportunities for production in the North, create prosperity and jobs for our people. For this programme, the NPP pledged a billion dollars in all, to create the necessary impact desired. Despite initially ridiculing the pledge of the NPP and Nana Akufo-Addo to establish a Northern Development Programme, the NDC, led mainly by its then Vice-Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama, also bought into the idea and eventually promised setting up a similar programme. We quote from the NDC 2008 Manifesto DEVELOPING THE NORTH SAVANNAH ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (SADA) And this is what the NDC said to justify the setting up of the SADA (even though as earlier mentioned, they ridiculed it) All data from every credible institution or source speak about the desperate condition of the north. Available data reveal that 9 out of every 10; 8 out of every 10; and 7 out of every 10 people are classified as poor in the Upper West, Upper East and Northern Regions respectively. It is the considered opinion of the NDC that this grave manifestation of poverty in the Savannah Belt comprising the three regions and the northern parts of the Brong Ahafo and Volta Regions is caused by historical, ecological and political reasons. An NDC Government shall therefore take immediate and urgent steps to bridge the development gap between the North and South as follows: Set up a Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) to be directly under the President, with a vision and mandate to accelerate the socio-economic development of the Savannah Belt through strategic investment in human capital and the harnessing of its resources; Commission the development of a Master Plan for Northern Ghanas Development, based on the harnessing of the development potential of the Savannah areas of Ghana. The plan will focus on accelerated development by supporting infrastructure and utilities to tap and mobilise the full economic potential of the Area for the benefit of the people; Establish a Special Development Fund for SADA to be sourced from the Consolidated Fund, Multi-donor Agencies; Bilateral and Multilateral, Development Finance Institutions; private sector capital, notably from local and international Banks as well as investors in the Savannah economy. The initial start-up contribution to this fund shall be 200 million GH, with annual contributions from Government of 100 million each year for 20 years. Once established, the Government of Ghana will lead a Donor Conference on Northern Ghana, with the aim of raising an additional $ 200 million from Ghanas Development Partners and the Private sector, in order to assure the new Authority a firm and financial solid foundation. Per the Manifesto promise of the NDC itself, SADA should have had at least a billion cedis allocated to it by now in addition to other funds that was to be sourced from Development Partners and the Private Sector. How Much Has Been Allocated? According to the 2012 Manifesto of the NDC, 260 million Ghana cedis had been allocated to SADA by 2012, instead of a promised 600 million Ghana cedis. According to the 2013 and the 2014 Budgets, 20 million Ghana cedis was allocated to SADA per year while there was virtually no mention of SADA in the 2015 and 2016 Budgets. This means that a total of GHC 300 million Ghana cedis has been allocated to the SADA Programme, as compared to a promised 1billion Ghana cedis. This means that the NDC government has only delivered at most 30% of what it promised the people of the North but ladies and gentlemen, the critical question to ask is, how even these meagre amounts compared to what was promised, has been utilised. How Has The Money Been Utilised? Indeed ladies and gentlemen, the record is even worse when John Mahama government, from 2012 is isolated, the record is even pathetic! Not only has the government of John Mahama per their own records allocated only GHC 40 million out of a promised GHC 400 million cedis they should have allocated per their own manifesto promise in 2008, but they have also supervised and led the wanton thievery of these resources which were allocated in the name of Northern development. Among others these resources which were released to ostensibly help the Northern poor and uplift them from suffocating poverty, was virtually pilfered into private accounts and pockets and into buildings and cars for the President, his friends and family while the ordinary man and woman of the North have been left poorer and more deprived. Various Audit reports have revealed the amazing levels and shameless schemes with which these resources were stolen by men close to the Northern President. A few examples will have to be mentioned. Some officials of SADA were involved in corrupt deals notably the use of over GHc 250,000 on unapproved and wasteful trips to Birmingham, Berlin and Istanbul. The payment of GHc 620,000 for the services of consultants. Indeed, the initial Audit Report put this amount at over GHC 1million Ghana cedis The four are Dr. Charles Jebuni as Chief Technical Advisor who took a total of GH437,206.00 in a period of 22 months (GH19,873.00 monthly); Salifu Mahama as Engineer for Housing, took a total of GH96,000.00 for 16 months (GH6,000.00 monthly); and Kennedy S. Mohammed, Resource Mobilization, collected a total of GH75,000.00 for 10 months (GH7,500.00 monthly). In the 2012 farming season, SADA supplied 714 bags of hybrid seeds to two service providers at a time the farming season was over. Because of this, SADA lost over GH320,000. The biggest of all these wastages was the sinking of GHC48 million into Guinea Fowl rearing and Tree Planting projects. For the rest of the resources that the NDC claims to have invested, all one can say is that, for whatever reason, it has not trickled down into improving on the lives of our people. Our people are now suffering more than ever, jobless more than ever, and hungrier and thirstier more than ever. Ladies and Gentlemen, one can only assume that in similar fashion, the rest of the GHC 300 million apparently allocated were all embezzled or craftily wasted. We call on the President and the government to immediately release a full breakdown of the 300 million Ghana cedis allocated and when it was released as well as what it was used on. 8 Years of No Show & Corruption at the expense of the Poor Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, the cumulative effect of the lack of a comprehensive vision and game plan for our people, the thievery and the lack of commitment to the North and the people has meant that the last 8 years has virtually been 8 wasted years for the North as development has stalled and poverty is on the rise. The only thing the people of the North have witnessed is obscene corruption at their expense and by people we consider our own. To worsen matters, the government of John Mahama either deliberately or through its sheer incompetence, have either abolished or weakened many of the social intervention schemes that provided great relief to our people. The current poor state of the National Health Insurance Scheme and the virtual return of the Cash & Carry System have led to increased suffering and in some cases avoidable deaths of our people! Many are no longer able to afford healthcare as they were some years back when the NHIS was fully functional and meeting the needs of the poor. Ladies and Gentlemen, one of the saddest cases is the issue of the anti-snake serum, which has been taken off the drug list by the NHIS, in an environment where snake bites are very common, especially during the farming season, this decision and action can at best be described as wicked! Our already poor and suffering people would have to cough up huge monies to secure treatment or face death. Again, nowhere is the cancellation of the all-important Teacher and Nursing Trainee Allowances having a toll than in the North. Northerners who hitherto relied on these allowances as vital support pillars to gain training to become Teachers and Nurses, have now been denied this pillar and have no choice but to remain out of these Teacher and Nursing trainee institutions as the cost of pursuing training today has been totally priced out of the reach of the poor. No mention of SADA by JDM & No Commitment to Recover Monies Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, it is instructive to note that in all his rounds in the five (5) SADA regions during the just ended Accounting to the People Tour, no mention was ever made of SADA, its supposed legacy as of now and what the future holds for it. The pressing question is why the President seems to have totally abandoned this Pet Project of his and why he is no longer bold to even name it and account to the Northern people on how well they have managed SADA and bridged the gap between the North and South as they originally promised. Clearly, the Presidents unwillingness to touch the SADA, subject these days is an admission of his failure and the legacy of shame he is leaving with regards to Northern development and the many promises he made to the people of the North especially in 2012 when he led the onslaught to tell Northerners that with a Northern President, the North would see the deserved commitment and attention for development. Perhaps the area where the President has shown a total lack of commitment to the issues of the North and SADA, is with regards to retrieving the monies pilfered in the name of SADA. So far, virtually no action has been taken to retrieve these monies and to properly invest them for the people of the North and no action instituted to prosecute perpetrators of the thievery which occurred to set a precedent for future handlers of such schemes. Years after the rot in SADA was exposed, it can be concluded that those who enriched themselves with SADA funds have gotten away with their crimes and loot. It is clear that with few months to the election, nothing will be done and obviously, the people of the North can only expect action on this score under a new administration since it is clear that whatever happened was from the President and people too close or to dear to the President for him to take any action. Donors Have Abandoned Programme Ladies and Gentlemen, what the Northern President and his henchmen have done to the North, will obviously have long term effects on the quest for Northern development and transformation. Thanks to the obscene mismanagement of SADA and totally failed legacy of the Northern President, many Ghanaians including even Northerners, view with scepticism any push for special resources for Northern development as they feel that such resources like the ones that have already been committed, would end up in individual pockets and on wasteful and reckless ventures. Already, donors who showed a great deal of interest in SADA in its early days, have all abandoned the programme and unwilling to commit any form of resources to it. The ordinary Northerner through no fault of his or hers will have to bear the consequences of the actions and crimes of people in Authority. Felling of Rosewood tree Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, one of the biggest unexposed issues confronting the North today has to do with the ongoing reckless destruction of the Northern ecology with direct supervision of the current government. These actions if not checked immediately will lead to permanent and irreversible damages to the environment and the climate of the North which will can only lead to more suffering, drought and harsh weather cycles. Aside failing woefully to bring the needed development to the North, the NDC John Dramani Mahama administration is also strenuously trying to destroy the ecology of the North just because it would serve their selfish interests and the interests of businesses they have set up or those that belong to cronies and people willing to cut deals with them. As we speak, the government through its Minister of Lands and Forestry has regrettably authorised the felling of Rosewood trees in all the three Northern Regions and this is being done at an obscene speed and without any scheme to replace these trees or to tap these resources sustainably despite the obvious risks such dangerous actions pose to the generality of the millions in the North and Ghana as a whole. As we speak, as many as thirteen (13) companies have been authorised by the government to recklessly engage in an unprecedented deforestation exercise of the North. Thirteen Companies. These Companies include Trans Atlantic Resources Limited, GL Interlink Limited, Riyaad Farm and Wood Limited, Dero Limited, Kofi Vinyo and Company Limited, Jowak Limited, Time Concept Limited, Doakyewaa Enterprise Limited, Adu-Tutu and Sons Limited, Savanna Investment (GH) Limited and Brasoma Company Limited. Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, why would the government of John Dramani Mahama, deliberately throw all caution to the wind and endanger the very lives and livelihoods of the people of our people6 for self-enrichment purposes? Is all they care about money, even if the obscene quest for it endangers the lives of our people? Most shocking is the fact that this government found it prudent to invest GHC 32 million in an afforestation programme for the North barely years ago, but is currently also engaged in the massive deforestation of the North even after the programme to grow trees in the North failed woefully. It is clear that this government has only one guiding principle. Whether it is in the decision on growing trees or cutting trees, there is only one common factor that runs through such decisions how much money the President and his cronies will make from such deals. Why would this government in its SADA policy document indicate that the vision for the Savanna Areas is a forested and green north, admit that climate change is altering the farming cycle of the people of the North and leading to sharp falls in harvests but then go ahead to cut down thousands of existent trees for sale? Ladies and Gentlemen, it would interest you to know the high prices of these woods. It is then that you will understand the rush of people in this government to rid the North of all these trees despite the obvious risks and without any attempt to protect the ecology of the North or even replace these trees. Per the current world market prices, one square metre of these woods cost as much as 50,000 dollars. This is why all over the world especially in places like Thailand, people have gone to all extents, including bloodshed, to fell these trees and sell them. At this point, ladies and gentlemen, one wonders how more reckless John Mahama and his NDC can be. It must be also stated that all the millions of dollars being made out of felling these trees is going into the pockets and bank accounts of persons in government and their cronies and that nothing is being invested back in the north. We wish to call on the Mahama administration to immediately end the ongoing destruction of our ecology and to immediately come clean on the issue of the Rosewood tree. What influenced the regrettable decision to cut these trees, why the government decided not to take any action to replace these trees or conserve the ecology of the North even after taking this regrettable decision and how much has been accrued to these Companies from these trees. We will also like to know the process of selection that went into picking these 13 Companies to fell these trees and what consultations went into these decisions. Conclusion In ending, ladies and gentlemen, it is clear that the current government has orchestrated and supervised a legacy of shame in the North. They have failed to live by their promises, failed to meet the expectations of the people of the North and failed to even meet up to the standards other governments set in the area of bringing development and relief to our people. What John Mahama and his NDC government have achieved is ensuring that cronies of the government enrich themselves obscenely in the name of Northern Development and the destruction of the Northern Brand and even environment. And there appears no end in sight to this legacy of shame and the nightmare the people of the North are seeing today. We say enough is enough. Source: New Crusading Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The signs were clearly on the wall. But none truly believed it was going to be possible. On Thursday, July 21st, the Minority in Parliament, for once, had its way after it had earlier signaled it would not support a Bill which was meant to amend the country's day of going to the polls. The highly-anticipated historic change in Ghana's election date failed to materialize when Parliament rejected amendments to move the date forward from December to November. This follows the inability of the House to garner the needed votes to effect the historic change. Parliament needed at least 184 YES votes for the two thirds majority in support of the amendment before it could have gone ahead to effect the date change. Peacefm's Parliamentary Correspondent, Emmanuel Akorli reports that after a secret ballot was held, the Speaker, Rt Hon Doe Adjaho announced that the august House was unable to obtain the 184 needed to pass the bill. "Out of the 220 members of parliament, 125 Members of the Parliament voted for the November 7 date, whiles 95 voted against it," he indicated. Prior to the secret ballot - which was called for by the Speaker acting according to provisions under Article 104 clause 4 and Standing Order 110 - a lively debate on the floor of the House by both sides arguing for and against the November 7th date took precedence. The Article required that voting should be by secret ballot in relation to matters of election or removal from office. Why date change? Unlike the presidential elections which the Constitution does not stipulate the period within which a new President should be elected before the expiration of the tenure of office of a sitting President, the Constitution mandates that Parliamentary elections should be organised within 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of current members. Article 112 (4) of the Constitution states that, a general election of members of Parliament shall be held within thirty (30) days before the expiration of the period specified in clause (1) of that article; and a session of Parliament shall be appointed to commence within fourteen (14) days after the expiration of that period. The swearing-in of new members of Parliament in Ghana is usually on January 7. This means that before the EC can move the elections to November 7 from the usual December 7, giving it 60 clear days before the expiration of the tenure of office of the present Parliamentarians, the Constitution ought to be amended. Ghana organises both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections concurrently. In deciding to move the elections from the usual December 7 to November 7, the EC considered making room to be able to organise a run-off in case no candidate is able to secure the 50 per cent plus-one vote required for a first round victory and also to add more days for preparation for a handover on January 7. A run-off is normally organised 21-days after December 7 on December 28 as stipulated by law. 1992 separate elections Ghanas first presidential and parliamentary elections in 1992 were held on separate days in November and December respectively. Following a boycott of the December 1992 Parliamentary election by the main opposition party, the New Patriotic Party, due to allegations of malpractices in the presidential election, a decision was taken to hold both elections on the same day to be able to prevent a another boycott in future. The move was also to help cut down cost. Since there was no law preventing the change of date in holding the presidential election, that one was moved from November 7 to December 7, same day for the parliamentary one. The 1996 presidential and parliamentary elections and subsequent elections have since been held on December 7 but there have been arguments that the process does not make room for the organisation of a run-off and the subsequent transition on January 7. Hence, the Electoral Reform Committee was established on January 23, 2015, to propose reforms to the countrys electoral system. The committee comprised representatives of the EC. When the committee opened its doors for people to send proposals for electoral reforms, it was suggested that the election date should be changed. Source: Peacefmonline.com/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 bunch of you guys are probably packing your stuff and getting amped to roadtrip to Byron Bay for Splendour in the Grass this weekend. Youve probably also heard the news that cops are crackin down hard on drugs confirming that they will rip up SITG tickets of festivalgoers found with drugs both inside and outside the festival precinct: Fetstivalgoers caught with drugs at Splendour in the Grass may as well throw $375 down the drain, with police warning tickets will be ripped up. Police say they will be out in force over the three-day annual music event at Byron Bay. Tweed-Byron local area command crime manager, Detective Inspector Brendon Cullen, said police would be working around the clock. There will be a highly visible police presence throughout the whole festival, both within the festival precinct and outside, he said. The clip was played a few times on Triple J over the past few days too, no doubt dampening the spirits of the very narrow section of the Splendour audience who are also champion munters. Gnarly. But a few people have raised a question can cops do that? They argue that its stated in the terms and conditions of the ticket. The relevant sections of the terms and conditions, listed on Splendours website, are as follows: 20. Possession, sale or use of illegal drugs or illicit substances is strictly prohibited. Any persons found with them in their possession will be removed from the campground and will be the subject of police action. 21. The Organiser reserves the right to refuse a ticketholder admission to the campgrounds or to evict that person from the campground if they are affected by alcohol or drugs, or act in contravention of any of these Terms and Conditions. Obviously that doesnt specifically mandate the destruction of tickets, especially if its outside the precinct. But it might not be that simple. We spoke to criminal defence lawyer Andrew Tiedt of Armstrong Legal about the extent of police powers in this regard. The police cannot for shits and giggles destroy your property, Tiedt says. But there may be a special arrangement with the organisers which the NSW Police are more than happy to execute. Basically, those two sections in the T&Cs are very, very broadly stated and if the police are merely acting on Splendours behalf to confiscate tickets from punters who violate the provisions of the T&Cs. So, long story short: if ya get caught with pingers around the festy precinct, you prob wont be seeing Flume. Sozaboutit. Photo: Getty Images. If I were anyone involved with that horrendously botched 60 Minutes child abduction farce in Lebanon, Id commence shatting my own dacks right about now. When Tara Brown and her crew somehow managed to weasel their way out of a Lebanese prison back in April, following a botched and utterly disastrous child rescue attempt that threatened to spark an international incident, almost saw Australian journalists handed multiple-decade jail terms, and cost Channel Nine an utter shitload of cash to sort out, what the dominating line of discussion at the time kind of glossed over was the fact that not everyone from that operation was lucky enough to be released. Former Australian-British soldier Adam Whittington was also among those assisting in the botched operation, and since Brown and her crew walked free, he has been sitting in a Beirut prison cell. Now, some 100-odd days after the whole fiasco began, Whittington has finally been able to secure his own release, and has walked free from that same Lebanese jail that at one point held the whole gang. Whittington and his supporters managed to secure bail for the ex-army vet, and he is now expected to fly to Sweden to be reunited with his wife and young family. Worryingly for Channel Nine though, it would appear Whittington is preparing to speak on his ordeal, and the treatment he received from 60 Minutes throughout this whole process. In a statement issued through his legal team, Whittington first thanked his supporters and lawyers, before asserting that not only will justice be done, but that the truth is coming soon. For 2 days now I have been free but I am not home with my family. I want to thank all those who have helped and assisted in my release and soon that of my colleagues. Thank you to my legal team and the British and Australian embassies for their consular assistance. I have and still am confident that justice will prevail with the assistance of Lebanese independent judges. At the moment the most important thing is to get home with my family especially my two boys who believe their dad is never coming home. I ask that you kindly respect the privacy of my family during this period as they will not be making anymore comments to the media. The truth is coming very soon. Yikes. If that dont set a few knees aquiver in the 60 Minutes offices, nothing will. Source: The Guardian. Photo: Diego Ibarra Sanchez/Getty. FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT! a group of people on a Jetstar flight yesterday. (Thats what we imagine they were yelling, anyway.) Jetstar flight JQ27 was headed from Sydney to Phuket, but apparently a group starting getting pretty rowdy and became extremely disruptive. SMH are reporting that a wild fight occurred while in the air, which forced the plane to have to divert and land to drop the ruddy troublemakers off in Bali. The apparently repeatedly refused requests from the crew to calm down, previous to their removal from the aircraft. In a statement from Jetstar today, the company said that other customers thanked the crew for choosing to eject the aggressive group: The captain decided to divert the flight to Bali, where Indonesian police took the disruptive passengers off the aircraft. We take safety and security seriously and we dont tolerate disruptive behaviour by passengers on our flights. The other customers on board supported the decision to offload the group in Bali, and thanked the crew. After removing the group, the flight continued on to Phuket, arriving more than 2 hours after it was scheduled. A spokesperson for Jetstar said that the actions of the group of six who caused the forced landing now rested in the hands of the Indonesian government, and that the airline would make no further statements on the incident. We imagine the entire incident looked pretty much exactly like this: Source: SMH. Photo: Bridesmaids. A man is in custody after ramming a car containing accelerant into the underground car park of Sydneys Merrylands Police Station. The man, believed to be in his 60s, was apprehended by police officers at gunpoint around 8pm after allegedly attempting to light himself and the car on fire. He suffered burns during the incident, but no officers nor members of the public were injured. The man was taken to a burns unit for treatment in what has been described as a serious condition. Police and other emergency crews continue to patrol the scene, while Rescue and Bomb Disposal officers are investigating the vehicle. The area around the station on Memorial Avenue remains cordoned off. Fairfax reports a police source said the station was targeted specifically. Police source says Merrylands incident was a very deliberate attack on that police station. pic.twitter.com/y6WrPaE6nu Nick Ralston (@NickDRalston) July 21, 2016 Man involved in Merrylands incident known to police but not believed to have had any known links to a terrorist org, police source says. Nick Ralston (@NickDRalston) July 21, 2016 Despite an earlier report from ABCs Siobhan Fogarty, citing a police source who said the event was a failed terror attack, Assistant Commissioner Dennis Clifford told the media there is nothing to indicate tonights incident was related to terrorism. However, Clifford said all lines of enquiry were still open. In a written statement, NSW Police said the circumstances regarding the incident are in the early stages of being confirmed. Well update this story as it develops. Source: ABC / Sydney Morning Herald / NSW Police. Photo: @siscochile / Twitter. An unnamed Miami police officer is being investigated after shooting a black man who was unarmed, compliant, and laying down on the ground with his hands up. Police say they were responding to reports of a man walking around with a gun, threatening to commit suicide. However, no gun was recovered from the incident. Thankfully, 46-year-old Charles Kinsey was not seriously hurt in the shooting, but gained an injury to his leg. The officer fired at him three times. He is a behavioural therapist, and was attempting to help an autistic patient who had become disoriented and wandered away from the mental health facility where Kinsey worked. Phone footage shows Kinsey laying on the ground with his hands in the air, attempting to tell police that both he and the patient are unarmed. He complies fully with police orders. (Note: the shooting is not captured in the video, for those concerned about graphic content): Video of an unarmed Charles Kinsey trying to help autistic client just b4 he is shot by @NorthMiamiPD @WPLGLocal10 pic.twitter.com/1Nt9v1nFtZ Todd Tongen (@toddtongen) July 20, 2016 Kinsey, who has done an interview with WSVN-Channel 7 from his hospital bed, said that the police officer couldnt even answer why he chose to fire his weapon: I am asking the officer, I said, sir, please dont shoot me. Please, do not shoot me, he said. It was like a mosquito bite, and when it hit me, Im like, I still got my hands in the air. And I said, no I just got shot and Im saying, sir, why did you shoot me? and his words to me, he said, I dont know. #charleskinsey An unarmed therapist helping an Autistic patient was shot by police!He was unarmed & had hands up! pic.twitter.com/MCAAZSUXuA Uldouz (@Uldouz) July 21, 2016 In a an official statement, police chief Gary Eugene said that the officer in question has been placed on administrative leave. He told press that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement would be conducting an investigation into the incident at his request: There are many questions about what happened on Monday night. I assure you we will get all the answers. Source: WSVN-Channel 7 / ABC. Photo: Twitter. If your job title contains the terms social media, brand, community, campaign or promotion, this story, right here, is for you. Hell, we can even distill it into one sentence: dont ever give the general public the opportunity to put their words on your page. Youd think the smouldering wrecks that are Mountain Dews infamous Fapple campaign or the heinously racist-enabling New England Patriots Twitter fiasco would have stopped McDonalds New Zealand from embarking on their Create Your Taste promo. Well, after the internet discovered they had the ability to create their own burgs online and display them in a veritable rogues gallery the results were utterly predictable. Mickey Ds has since shut that shit down, but not before the folks over at NeoGaf forums snapped some screenshots: (Its Cruz, but okay m8) Not included: some of the more, uh, racist Hitler-worshipping burgers. Excluding the tendency of some submissions to simply be boorishly racist for imaginary internet cred, McDonalds oughta actually take heed of these burgs. Lord knows theyd have people lining up out the door to order a rare Pepe. Source and photo: Dorkly / Neogaf. Bi-sexual, bi-racial, fine bi-me. THE OPEN PROJECT a Pedestrian x Smirnoff Collaboration aspires to start a conversation ranging from newsy pieces to deeper-divers about the issues worth talking about over the next 12 months. Why? Cause lifes better when were open to new ideas, opportunities n experiences. To find out more, head HERE. Preparing for Splendour In The Grass can be a panic-inducing affair, especially for the uninitiated. Splendours, yknow, a festival the whole point is to escape the mundane nine-to-five structure of your life ATM and be your most ~whimsical~ self for three-odd days. While throwing all organisation to the wind / living in the moment might seem like the best way to tackle SITG, our recommendation is to do a tiny bit of pre-planning. Dont consider yourself all that ace at mapping out your existence / events? Fret not, hedonistic festival punters, for our veteran pals have done us a solid kindly sharing the love by passing on their Splendour knowledge, so youll be able to survive the weekend. P.TV & SMIRNOFFS GUIDE TO SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2016 WEATHER As mentioned, were still a few days out, so the report below is subject to change. Our advice is to pack for all eventualities, because the Festival Gods as Splendour veterans will agree do enjoy quite literally raining on your parade. However, its looking like YALL ARE IN LUCK. (MOSTLY) SUNSHINE ALL DAY, ERRYDAY. Photo: Weatherzone. THE ESSENTIALS Above all else, the two most important things youll need for SITG are YOUR ID + YOUR TICKET. Without these, youre fucked. If youre 18+, theyll only accept the following forms of Identification: CURRENT VALID AUSTRALIAN DRIVERS LICENSE (WITH PHOTO) CURRENT PASSPORT GOVERNMENT ISSUED PROOF OF AGE CARD VICTORIAN KEYPASS INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE (MUST CONTAIN A PHOTOGRAPH) If youre under 18 (you go, Glen Coco), head over HERE to see what ID you can use. Youll also need a ton of the Festival Swiss Army Knife AKA the humble garbage bag. Photo: Multix. If need be, you can use em as a raincoat, makeshift gumboots or whatever else that brilliant brain of yours can think of. Although a garbage bag or 20 will have you covered, its probably best to have a solid pair of gumboots / a waterproof poncho on your person. Other essentials include: Cash Tissues Moist face wipes Surplus socks Plenty of undies (accidents happen) Lip balm Moisturiser to remain moist / sexy Dry shampoo Hand sanitiser Cheap sunnies (cause lets face it, youll lose your expeno ones) Thongs (to avoid public shower goodies) 3 x rolls of toilet paper Portable phone charger TIMETABLE Unless youve been #Blessed with photographic memory, youll be needing access to a timetable to see when / where your favourite acts are playing. The aforementioned portable phone charger will be your best mate in terms of giving you access to this bad boy: The Splendour In The Grass app will give you access to set times right on your phone. Traditionally we wouldve said keep your mobiles at home, but lets face it, if you go to SITG and dont take a couple of Grams, did it even happen? This years version includes a nifty day planner thatll let you roughly map out your day/s, if scheduling isnt your forte. You can download the app HERE. Worst case scenario, take a screenshot of SITGs set times right here: TRAFFIC The Queensland Transport Info Line (131 940) will have updated traffic reports dedicated to the festival area for those of you whore driving, and will carry similar information on their web site (which you can suss HERE). If you want your traffic info served with a side of bangers, then tune into triple j radio (89.5 FM) to hear listeners road trip reports. Now that youve got the basics down, head on over to SITGs website HERE to further educate yoself. HAVE FUN, YALL Photo: James Ambrose / James Ambrose Photography. Cars are seen inside the General Motors Corp world headquarters in Detroit Cars are seen on display inside the General Motors Corp world headquarters in downtown in Detroit, May 28, 2009. REUTERS/Mark Blinch/File Photo By Edward Taylor and Bernie Woodall FRANKFURT/DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors said it was considering cost cuts in Europe to offset up to $400 million (302.8 million) of potential headwinds triggered by Britain's Brexit vote, calling into question the carmaker's ability to return Opel and Vauxhall to a full-year profit. The carmaker has pledged to make its European operations profitable by 2016 but GM (GM.N) on Thursday warned the vote to leave the EU had weakened the pound, impacting Opel's business. "We are facing strong headwinds at the moment, particularly in our largest market - the United Kingdom. The Brexit decision is not a good omen. Therefore the second half of this year is going to be anything but easy," Opel Chief Executive Karl-Thomas Neumann said in a video posted on his Twitter account. GM Europe has not been profitable on a full-year basis since 1999. In the second quarter, GM Europe reported adjusted Earnings Before Interest and Taxes of $0.1 billon, its first profitable quarter since 2011. GM stuck to its full-year goal, but Evercore analyst George Galliers said it is now "in the balance," adding that GM has some scope to compensate for unfavourable currency swings by raising prices in Britain. GM described Brexit as "a speed bump" and GM Chief Financial Officer Chuck Stevens said for Europe "everything is on the table" in terms of options to mitigate additional costs brought on by Britain's decision. "The result of the vote has adversely impacted the British pound, and the uncertainty has put a strain on the UK auto industry. If current post-referendum market conditions are sustained throughout the remainder of 2016, we believe it could have an impact of up to $400 million to the second half of 2016," Stevens said on Thursday. Stevens said the company would now look at "any avenue" to mitigate adverse effects, whether this be cuts, changing the model mix or even changing car manufacturing locations. "Very early days, I would suggest everything is on the table as we see how this plays out," Stevens said. Story continues GM's pan-European supply chain has been impacted by the deterioration of the British pound against the euro. Forecasters at LMC Automotive in a report last week said GM was the most likely automaker to cease production in Britain if costs rise at its plants in England. LMC said the shuttering of the Ellesmere Port plant would likely happen in 2021 when the new version of the Vauxhall Astra is planned. The Astra has been built there for 37 years. The Astra, and the Opel Sports Tourer, both built at Ellesmere Port, source their engines from factories in continental Europe. The weaker pound against the euro has made imports of components from continental Europe more expensive. GM also has a factory in Luton, England where the Vivaro van is made. It also has factories in Zaragoza in Spain, Ruesselsheim and Eisenach in Germany, and Gliwice in Poland. By contrast, Daimler (DAIGn.DE) Chief Executive Dieter Zetsche on Thursday said the maker of luxury cars and trucks did not expect Britain's decision to leave the European Union to have any impact on demand. (Additional reporting Joe White in Detroit; Editing by Harro ten Wolde and David Evans) In this Monday, July 18, 2016 photo, a girl walks past stuffed toys of Pokemon characters displayed on the shelves for sale during a Pokemon festival in Tokyo. "Pokemon Go," a compulsive smartphone game has not been made available to the Japanese public yet as of Wednesday, July 20, 2016, as a rumor circulated on the internet that it would come out on that day. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) The Petersburg Borough Assembly unanimously passed three ordinances in their final reading dealing with marijuana at its meeting Monday. One prohibited the smoking of marijuana at a properly licensed marijuana retail establishment and one added fines for violating marijuana regulations. The other ordinance added marijuana regulations to the Municipal Code, now that marijuana is legal in Alaska and the borough, even though an opt-out vote will take place this fall. This ordinance, and I think it is a very carefully crafted and thoughtful ordinance, makes it a point to regulate very strictly commercial sales of marijuana in Petersburg, assembly member Jeigh Stanton Gregor said. By choosing to opt outif thats what we so choose to do, we will by default if we choose to opt out by saying we dont want to regulate thiswe are supporting the financial interests of illegal drug dealers. The assembly also held its first reading of an ordinance brought forth by a citizens initiative petition that recently gathered 434 signatures. The ordinance will decide when an opt-out vote will be held in Petersburg. The vote will ask whether or not marijuana retail establishments, cultivation, product manufacturing and testing, should be allowed in the borough. The matter will go on a ballot if the ordinance passes or not. However, if adopted the question would be placed on the municipal election ballot on Oct. 4, and there would be no need for a special election. Assembly members overwhelmingly stated they were in favor of making sure the vote happened during the regular election to save the borough and its residents the cost of a special election, which could cost as much as $10,000. Assembly member Bob Lynn said he favored proposing the question on the regular election ballot, but his opinion on the matter of regulating marijuana, rather than opting out, has not changed. Lynn mentioned being of the same opinion as assembly member Stanton Gregor. Marijuana is quite available in Petersburg, it always has been, when my kids went to school in the 80s, it hasnt changed, Lynn said. All were doing now is bringing it above board. Nancy Strand was also in agreement with Stanton Gregor, who earlier in the meeting took the opportunity to clarify the fact that marijuana is legal in Alaska, therefore will still be legal locally even if Petersburg opts out. Strand said she would be voting to avoid a special election, and shes still in favor of regulating marijuana opposed to opting out. Stanton Gregor said it wouldnt be fair to make the people of Petersburg pay for a special election. He commended borough clerks Debra Thompson and Mindy Swihart for working so hard to make it possible for the citizens initiative to be placed on the Oct. 4 ballot. Assembly member Eric Castro said it would be grossly fiscally irresponsible to have a special election, and he stated his feelings on the issue of regulating marijuana opposed to allowing a black market for marijuana. Commercial sale of marijuana in town has a great opportunity to increase revenue to our community, he said. With potential revenues initially beginning anywhere between $40,000 and $80,000 a year, and it could potentially be higher than that. Cindi Lagoudakis, attending the meeting telephonically, echoed the sentiments of her fellow assembly members in regards to marijuana regulation and taxation. She also desired to save the borough money by avoiding a special election. Kurt Wohlhueter, also attended the meeting by phone, and said he too would be voting to pass the ordinance and place the question on the municipal election ballot. However, he was the only member of the assembly that did not say his reasoning was saving the borough money. There was no public comment concerning the citizens initiative or marijuana at the meeting. The second and third readings of the ordinance for placing the opt-out option on a ballot will take place Aug. 1 and Aug. 15. Over 80 people attended a picnic celebration to recognize the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act held at the Three Lakes Shelter last Friday. The Petersburg Ranger District held a local celebration to recognize the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act last week and over 80 people attended the event. The celebration took place on Friday in the form of a picnic at the Three Lakes Shelter out the road. U.S. Forest Service employees treated guests to interpretive hikes and grilled hot dogs for lunch. Joni Johnson, a USFS botanist and ecologist provided plant identification walks and taught some youngsters how to age a tree by conducting a tree coring. Linda Slaght, Petersburg's Public Services staff officer, even educated kids on how to safely catch dragonflies to study them. "Which is not an easy thing to do. If you've ever seen them flying around, they are pretty quick," Slaght said laughing. "It was fun to watch them being absorbed in the activity." Gina Esposito, an archaeologist with the U.S. Forest Service in Petersburg, said the shelter made a good place to host the event because it is easily accessible by road, offers a relatively short hike and its history. "The setting is very beautiful, and there is plenty for folks to do," she said. "Our goal was to see people connecting with the outdoors, and each other, while learning a little of our local history." Esposito said the shelter was originally built in 1938 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a work relief program created as part of President Roosevelt's New Deal. This meant the shelter was eligible for listing to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2006, the USFS did a historic restoration of the shelter after noticing the wear and tear of 70 years of use had begun to take a toll on the structure. This led to a historic restoration effort on the site. A recently built sign at the shelter explains its historic significance, and the hope is it will add to the experience visitors have at the site. It might also encourage visitors to take care of the shelter, because they know the significance of its long history, Esposito said. Many of the visitors for the picnic celebration were local residents, and for many of them it was their first time seeing the shelter. A few visitors hailed from Idaho and Colorado, and Esposito said she was thoroughly pleased with the turnout. "I'm really happy with how it went. It was just what I was hoping for," she said. "My favorite visitor was an older gentleman who was last there in the 1960s. He had hiked in from Ideal Cove before the roads were built." Part of the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act in Alaska, is developing a website highlighting "49 Sites in the 49th State." The Three Lakes Shelter was chosen to be part of the group. Second Hand Drugs shuns mainstream with 'regressive rock' Michigan band Second Hand Drugs aims to make a splash by doing things its own do-it-yourself, back-to-the-future way from the regressive rock it creates to the way it markets and distributes its Allowing Venezuela into Mercosur was Rousseff's great mistake, says Brazil's foreign minister Mercosur under Lula, Rousseff and the Kirchner couple in Argentina became a highly ideological group distanced from its original purpose of promoting trade CARACAS Petroleumworld.com 07 21 2016 Brazil committed a great mistake on supporting Venezuela to the Mercosur trade agreement back in 2012, and the country must be impeded from taking over the pro-tempore presidency of the group until it complies with all the requisites to be a full member, said Brazil's foreign minister Jose Serra. The minister who is an influential member of interim president Michel Temer cabinet and is a potential presidential candidate for 2018, has in these two months strongly steered Brazil's foreign policy away from regional alliances and left leaning governments such was the mark of the Workers Party under presidents Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff. Serra described the policies of Lula and suspended Rousseff as populist, away from the real interests of Brazil. They negotiated against the real international interests of the country, and that can only be described as international populism underlined Serra, who was twice presidential candidate and has held several ministerial posts in previous governments before the Workers Party reached office in 2002. Rousseff has been suspended from office since last May and replaced by interim president Temer until the Senate takes a final vote on her impeachment process for alleged cosmetic accountancy of government accounts. Serra pointed out that Rousseff committed a major political error for Brazil's interests when it supported the incorporation of Venezuela to Mercosur, the trade agreement which under Lula, Rousseff and the Kirchner couple in Argentina turned into a highly ideological group ever so distanced from its original purpose of promoting trade, business and investment. Brazil with the support from Paraguay have asked to postpone handing the Mercosur chair to Venezuela until it complies with full member responsibilities and commitment promises, despite the fact the rotation should take place this month. Second-quarter earnings season has kicked into high gear this week as more than 90 S&P 500 companies release their results. With the Dow at an all-time high, all eyes are on corporate earnings and whether or not results will help the market continue its upward momentum. Profits at S&P 500 companies are now expected to drop by 4.3%, less than the 4.5% fall previously estimated by Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters senior research analyst Sri Raman told Yahoo Finances Seana Smith in the video above that this could be the fourth consecutive quarter where earnings have shrunk. Raman has a proven track record with picking specific stocks that beat earnings estimates and those that miss. His team was right on 80% of their picks during the first quarter. How does he do it? Each quarter, Raman and his StarMine team use the Eikon Screener to determine companies that will beat and those that will miss. Their findings are based on SmartEstimate and Predicted Surprise data. Raman shared two negative surprise earnings picks and two positive surprise earnings picks with Yahoo Finance. Ramans two negative surprise earnings picks: Tesla (TSLA) Tesla is in the middle of a negative news cycle, said Raman. Its autopilot has come under scrutiny One of their biggest issues right now is production. Theyre not able to produce as much as theyd like to and thats because they havent had the experience in the auto industry. Viacom (VIAB) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was not as big of a hit as they were expecting. To a broader point, look at Comedy Central. Just a year ago, it had Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. Theyre big stars. They both left and now Comedy Central is left with not as many younger viewers watching. Weve seen ad revenues go down sequentially. Ramans two positive surprise earnings picks: Amazon (AMZN) Revenues have increased by more than 20% year-over-year in the last three quarters. Were seeing so many people go online to make their purchases. Its Prime Day was a huge hit. It was a glorified clearance sale, but they positioned it in such a way that so many people were getting Amazon Prime to get those deals Another thing to look at is Amazon Prime video, which is starting to pick up steam. Boeing (BA) We expect Boeing to beat analyst estimates because were seeing revenue growth, said Raman. During the Farnborough air show, we noticed that they raised their expectations for the next 20 years by 4%. Look at all the turmoil around the world with the Middle East and what happened in Turkey. It wouldnt be surprising to see defense budgets go up in those areas. This would benefit Boeing. A woman takes a picture in front of a Motorola logo before the worldwide presentation of the Moto G mobile phone in Sao Paulo November 13, 2013. REUTERS/Nacho Doce By Andrew Chung NEW YORK (Reuters) - Patent holding company Intellectual Ventures' second crack at holding Motorola Mobility liable for using its technology without permission partially succeeded on Wednesday after a U.S. jury in Delaware found Motorola infringed a patent on multimedia text messaging. The jury, which deliberated for about a day and a half, cleared Motorola on a second patent related to wireless bandwidth, which it said was invalid. Damages are to be determined later. It was the second time the two companies faced off in court. The first round, in February 2014, ended in mistrial after jurors could not agree on a verdict. Another trial between the two, involving a single Intellectual Ventures patent related to detachable computer devices, is scheduled to begin Thursday. We are encouraged by todays verdict, said Melissa Finocchio, IVs chief litigation counsel. As we look ahead to the next trial, we remain committed to defending inventor rights and protecting the interests of our investors and customers. Motorola declined to comment. China's Lenovo Group acquired the Motorola handset division from Google Inc (GOOGL.O) in October. Founded in 2000, Bellevue, Wash.-based Intellectual Ventures is one of the largest intellectual property owners in the world, with more than 70,000 patents and patent applications to its name. It only recently began suing companies in addition to its longtime strategy of licensing its wide array of patents. It sued Motorola in 2011, alleging that several of Motorola's mobile devices infringed its patents. Intellectual Ventures and other companies like it have been accused by some in the technology industry of burdening innovation by using the patents they buy to pursue lawsuits instead of building products. Such companies are a central focus of renewed Congressional efforts at patent reform, aimed at curbing litigation. Intellectual Ventures argues that unlike some of the firms denounced as "patent trolls" it does not file frivolous lawsuits. Story continues In February, Intellectual Ventures won a $17 million patent verdict against security software maker Symantec Corp (SYMC.O), strengthening its track record in court. The case is Intellectual Ventures I Llc et al. v. Motorola Mobility Llc, No. 11-cv-908, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. (Reporting by Andrew Chung; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Chris Reese) - By Holly LaFon Investment Style: Multi-Cap Value Co-Portfolio Managers: Wally Weitz, CFA & Brad Hinton, CFA The Partners Value Fund's Institutional Class returned -0.97% in the second calendar quarter, compared to +2.46% for the S&P 500 and +2.63% for the Russell 3000. For the calendar year to date, the Partners Value Fund's Institutional Class returned +0.77%, compared to +3.84% for the S&P 500 and +3.62% for the Russell 3000. Calendar Year Contributors Range Resources (RRC) is an independent producer of natural gas and natural gas liquids based in Fort Worth, Texas. Following a difficult 2015, Range shares rallied from depressed levels, thanks to the successful completion of non- core asset sales, long-term debt reduction and an improving natural gas outlook. In a surprise move, Range announced its intention to acquire natural gas producer Memorial Resources (MRD) in mid-May in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $4.4 billion. Unlike many exploration & production (E&P) companies, Range has been extremely protective of its equity over the years and has generally not been acquisitive in the recent past. The Memorial purchase accomplishes a number of important objectives for Range, including further de-leveraging the company's balance sheet as well as geographic diversity via an asset with an attractive return profile. While we remain favorably inclined toward the transaction, we took the opportunity to lighten our position in the low-$40s during the quarter as Range's discount to our estimate of value narrowed. Liberty Broadband holds a 17% ownership interest (25% aggregate voting power) in Charter Communications in addition to a minority equity interest in Time Warner Cable. Charter Communications is the fourth-largest cable operator in the U.S. and provides advanced video, high-speed internet, and telephone service to residential and business customers. In the second calendar quarter, "New Charter" was formed with a merger between Charter, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks. Furthermore, at the time of the merger announcement (a year and one-half ago), Liberty Broadband agreed to invest $5 billion into "New Charter" at a fixed price ($195 per share) that proved to be a material discount to Charter's market price at the time of closing ($225 per share), thus giving Liberty Broadband shareholders an immediate unrealized gain. Our investment in Liberty Broadband represents additional upside to our business value estimate for Charter on a stand-alone basis. Story continues Berkshire Hathaway is a conglomerate holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of business activities. Berkshire shares were helped by the closing of the Precision Castparts acquisition (in the first calendar quarter), improved operating performance at its Burlington Northern railroad subsidiary and the potential of further capital allocation opportunities. Additionally, Berkshire shares were helped by the diversification represented by the underlying businesses and continued momentum resulting from management's general optimism about the company's long-term prospects. Calendar Year Detractors Liberty Global (LBTYA) is the largest international cable company, with operations in 14 countries providing video, broadband Internet, fixed-line telephone and mobile services to its customers. Shares fell in the first calendar quarter after an influential Wall Street analyst downgraded his outlook for the stock, principally due to concerns over continued competitive struggles in Holland. Since that time, Liberty announced it would move its Dutch operations into a 50/50 joint venture with Vodafone, allowing Liberty Global to combine its strong cable and broadband businesses with Vodafone's mobile offering to create a more competitive, "converged" offering. Share prices declined in the second calendar quarter due to Brexit. The pound fell roughly 10% versus the U.S. dollar on the news. Without any rebound this will depress Liberty Global's future earnings, regardless of underlying fundamentals, as its largest operation is in the United Kingdom and represents roughly 38% of its cash flow generation. Management has already turned its attention to reducing indirect costs, better integrating its various operations, leveraging its scale and operating more efficiently. We remain confident of continued growth for Liberty Global's cable offerings and management's abilities to deliver operationally. Endo International (ENDP) is a specialty healthcare company engaged in developing, manufacturing, marketing and distributing branded pharmaceutical and generic products and medical devices. Endo experienced significantly worse than anticipated erosion at Qualitest, its legacy generic drug platform. Simply put, our analysis of the company's competitive positioning in controlled substance generics was wrong. The competitive environment changed quickly and we were slow to recognize it. After conversations with management and a couple of the larger drug buying consortiums, we could not gain comfort in the durability of Endo's now lower earnings base. The company's balance sheet and potential legal obligations (liabilities relating to the company's legacy vaginal mesh products) leave less room for error given growth challenges on the branded side of Endo's business. Given the erosion in our investment thesis, questions about management's ability to identify and navigate risk, and a growing list of unknowns surrounding the business, we elected to close our position and refocus our capital in more attractive opportunities. Calendar Year Detractors (Continued) Allergan (AGN) is a global specialty pharmaceutical company focusing on the development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of generic, brand name, biosimilar and over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical products. The dissolution of Allergan's merger with Pfizer in April, delays in gaining Federal Trade Commission approval for the sale of its global generics business to TEVA and broader industry concern around prescription drug prices combined to push Allergan's stock down by 26% during the first half of the calendar year. As we wrote in January, we like the stand- alone Allergan business without the generics business and believe the $ 40 billion sale to TEVA should soon close. There are a number of signs that growth in Allergan's aesthetics franchise is accelerating, and the company's key product launches - VIBERZI, VRAYLAR and KYBELLA - appear to be off to healthy starts. The combination of healthy organic growth, debt reduction and meaningful share repurchases should drive per share value creation over our investment horizon. We substantially increased the Fund's Allergan position during the second quarter at attractive discounts to our business value estimate. Quarterly Detractors Endo International - Please see the Calendar Year synopsis for quarterly contribution details. Liberty Global - Please see the Calendar Year synopsis for quarterly contribution details. Fossil Group (FOSL) is the fourth-largest producer of watches and the largest licenser of watches and jewelry globally. Following a strong first quarter earnings report, Fossil reported disappointing results in the second quarter due to a tough consumer environment and weakness in the wholesale channel in North America and Europe. The main drivers of the wholesale channel weakness were weak foot traffic, inventory destocking and continued moderation at their largest licensed brand, Michael Kors. This difficult environment led management to cut guidance for the full year. The retail channel and Fossil's owned brands continued to outperform, with Skagen growing double-digits and the Fossil brand posting growth in a difficult environment. Despite low visibility over the next several quarters, we expect a rebound in 2017 led by a large pipeline of product introductions, including wearables launches across 10 brands. Furthermore, investments in brand building and omni-channel initiatives should also benefit 2017 results. Quarterly Contributors Range Resources - Please see the Calendar Year synopsis for quarterly contribution details. Laboratory Corp. of America (LH) is a healthcare diagnostics company providing comprehensive clinical laboratory services to medical professionals and end-to-end drug development support to pharmaceutical manufacturers. LabCorp reported stronger than expected organic growth during the first quarter in both its diagnostics and drug development segments and raised its financial forecast for the full year. Covance, its drug development segment, has demonstrated improving operating momentum the past three quarters, with strength across each of its primary end markets (pre-clinical, central lab, late stage). Finally, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS') highly anticipated Final Rule on changes to the Medicare Clinical Lab Fee Schedule in mid-June included two positives for the lab industry - a delay in implementation until 2018 and the inclusion of higher cost outpatient hospital labs, which is a piece that will determine future reimbursement levels. While final details won't be known for some time, we anticipate these reimbursement changes will have a very modest impact on LabCorp's future earnings power. TransDigm Group is a designer, producer and supplier of engineered aircraft components for use on commercial and military aircraft. TransDigm's shares moved higher during the second calendar quarter on better than expected results in the company's commercial aftermarket business, the acquisition of Data Device Corporation and the raising of additional debt capital, which may signal the possibility of future mergers & acquisitions or a special dividend. Moreover, TransDigm's investor meeting in late-June provided additional information regarding the strength and durability of the company's business model and strategy for the foreseeable future. New Holdings No new equity holdings were added in the second quarter of 2016. Eliminated Holdings Liberty Braves - During the second quarter, Liberty Media recapitalized into three tracking stocks. As a modest piece of the overall value of Liberty Media, the tracker associated with the Atlanta Braves and the related real estate development represented a very small position in the portfolio after the recapitalization, and we elected to exit our holdings. Endo International plc - Please see Calendar Year synopsis for details of the Fund's sale rationale. Brown & Brown - We sold Brown & Brown at a gain as the stock approached our revised estimate of business value. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and the principal value of an investment in any of the Funds will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Average annual total returns for the Fund's Institutional and Investor Class for the one, five and ten year periods ended June 30, 2016 were -7.94%, 7.83%, 5.54% and -8.11%, 7.75%, 5.50%; respectively. The returns above assume reinvestment of dividends and redemption at the end of each period, and reflect the deduction of annual operating expenses, which as stated in the most recent Prospectus are 1.05% (gross) and 1.18% of the Fund's Institutional Class and Investor net assets, respectively. The returns above also include fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no waivers or reimbursements. The investment adviser has agreed in writing to waive its fees and reimburse certain expenses (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage costs, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) to limit the total annual fund operating expenses for Institutional Class shares and Investor Class shares to 0.99% and 1.18%, respectively, of each Class's average daily net assets through July 31, 2016. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained at www.weitzinvestments.com/funds_and_performance/fund_performance.fs. Investors should consider carefully the investment objectives, risks and charges and expenses of the Funds before investing. The Fund's Prospectus contains this and other information about the Funds and should be read carefully before investing. The Prospectus is available from Weitz Investment Management, weitzinvestments.com. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Europes farm leaders have rejected European Commission (EC) plans to phase out the production of conventional biofuels from EU arable crops after 2020, citing the importance of animal feed by-products as one of the key reasons for their dislike of the new strategy. Conventional biofuels produced from EU arable crops not only provide the EU with environmentally-friendly transport fuels to decarbonise road transport in an inexpensive way but also ensure food security and balance within EU agricultural markets, said Copa & Cogeca secretary-general, Pekka Pesonen. They also boost animal feed supplies as only a fraction of the crop is used to produce biodiesel or bioethanol with the rest being available as a protein-rich by-product used for animal feed. This is crucial for livestock producers especially in the current crisis. The Copa & Cogeca rejection of the 2020 move came after the launch this week of a new European strategy for low-emission mobility in which the EC proposed the progressive elimination of conventional biofuels after 2020, to be replaced by more advanced biofuels. Copa & Cogeca argued, however, that both types of biofuel will be crucial in the future if the EU is to achieve a sustainable, low carbon economy, with the potential loss of vital animal feed supplies adding a double negative to the ECs approach. Get Our E-Newsletter - Pig World's best stories in your in-box twice a week See e-newsletter example Will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy Prosecuter Jerome Gorman says the two men being held in connection to the fatal shooting are Jamaal Lewis and Daqon Sipple. Lewis faces a murder charge.(Kansas City (KS) PD) Wyandotte County (KS) District Attorney Jerome Gorman announced the alleged killer of veteran police captain Robert Melton will face capital murder charges. Capt. Robert D. Melton was shot to death Tuesday while investigating a drive-by shooting. Police have said they don't believe his death was a planned ambush. Two suspects were arrested the same day. Gorman said the two men being held in connection to the fatal shooting are Jamaal Lewis and Daqon Sipple. Police say they are not looking for any other suspects at this time. Lewis has been charged with capital murder of a police officer and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He is being held on a $10,000,000 bond, KCTV 5 reports. Sipple, the alleged accomplice, has been charged with aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. Sipple's bond has been set at $100,000. Gorman says Lewis fired shots directly at Melton. Sipple was arrested 19 minutes before Melton was shot, which is why no capital murder charges were filed against him. East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Deputy was critically wounded in Sunday's attack on Baton Rouge-area law enforcement. (Photo: East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office) A sheriffs deputy who has been unconscious since being shot by the Baton Rouge cop killer on Sunday squeezed the hand of a family member when she told him: We need you. Nicholas Tullier, 41, responded when given the message by his family who have not left his bedside since he was shot in the stomach and the back of the head on Sunday morning. Tullier, a father of two teenage boys, is in very, very critical condition and doctors are using a ventilator to keep him breathing. Relative Carol McManus told Daily Mail Online that the family needs prayers more than anything. She said: All of his close family are at the hospital and they are not leaving him. They were telling him: I need you when he squeezed their hand. He's still with us, he can hear us. Tullier, an East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Deputy, was one of three law enforcement officers who were wounded by 29-year-old Gavin Long during an attack in the Louisiana capital, which also left three officers dead. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced Wednesday that she will enforce a ban on the sale of what she called "copycat" assault-style weapons, effective immediately. "Gun manufacturers have manufactured these weapons as legal versions of prohibited guns," Healey said. "These weapons are illegal. They are copies or duplicates of banned weapons, and they cannot be bought or sold in Massachusetts." "The gun industry doesn't get to decide what's compliant (with state law)," Healey said. "We do." Gun owners, however, said they had no notice of Healey's interpretation of the law and were still unsure of what would be included. Advocates for the gun industry warn that Healey's ban is likely to face a legal challenge. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Most people who have followed Donald Trump closely over the past year recognize that the man hasnt really been taking his presidential campaign too seriously. To the spray-tanned buffoon, this has clearly been an ego-driven attempt to seize the spotlight. However, Trump mistakenly underestimated the appeal of his hollow, hateful message, especially for resentful white voters. After sweeping through primary season with his substance-free message, hes now officially the Republican nominee for president. But dont let that fool you: Trump still isnt all that interested in being president. As we reported earlier, a story in Wednesdays New York Times Magazine details what Trump expects his possible VP to be in charge of. According to the report, Trump wants his veep to oversee domestic and foreign policy. While the potential vice president does Trumps job, the man at the top would be focused on Making America Great, the magazine reported. All of this speaks to the larger and undeniable reality that Donald Trump simply doesnt want to have actual governing responsibilities; instead, he wants to win what he views as a big game. Earlier this month, he alluded to the same thing, according to another Times report: Presented in a recent interview with a scenario, floating around the political ether, in which the presumptive Republican nominee proves all the naysayers wrong, beats Hillary Clinton and wins the presidency, only to forgo the office as the ultimate walk-off winner, Mr. Trump flashed a mischievous smile. Ill let you know how I feel about it after it happens, he said minutes before leaving his Trump Tower office to fly to a campaign rally in New Hampshire. Donald Trump repeatedly proves that he only jumped into the presidential race to get attention and make the headlines. He spews hatred and makes outlandish remarks on a near-daily basis because he knows itll help him make the news. He knows all of his policy proposals to the extent that they can be considered proposals are unworkable and borderline insane, but his goal isnt to make sense or offer serious solutions; its to enrich himself. Heck, hes practically profiting from his presidential run. Trump may occasionally slip up and reveal to the world he doesnt really want to be the leader of the free world, but those of us who have been listening to him speak and watching him conduct himself for the past year already know the truth. Trumps presidential campaign is a monumental con job. If you think hes in this race for anything but himself, then Ive got a giant bridge to sell you. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Donald Trump is trying to intimidate yet another person from speaking their truth about him. This one is his ghostwriter, Tony Schwartz, who said that if Trump got elected it would be the end of civilization. No wonder Trump wants to silence him. MSNBC reported that Trump sent a cease and desist letter to Schwartz: JUST IN: Trump organization sent cease and desist letter to "Art of the Deal" ghostwriter #Decision2016 https://t.co/AqlqgiP22c MSNBC (@MSNBC) July 21, 2016 Trump is demanding that Schwartz return all of the royalties hes received since the 1987 Art of the Deal was published. Speaking to Rachel Maddow on MSNBC, Schwartz said, Its nuts and completely indicative of who he is. Theres no basis in anything legal. I suspect that Donald Trump called up his chief legal person and said, go after that guy and do whatever you have to do. Schwartz said he wrote every word of the book, and If he (Trump) could lie about that, he could lie about anything. Jane Mayer originally reported in New York Magazine on Schwartzs deep regret for helping, he feels falsely, portray Trump as a successful businessman. Donald Trump is trying to silence another person who is trying to warn the country, and indeed the world, that Donald Trump should not be anywhere near the White House. Trump would be better served to pay attention to his epic debacle of a convention rather than searching out people to intimidate into shutting up about their experiences with him. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Sen. Ted Cruz took the stage at the Republican convention in Cleveland and promptly stabbed Donald Trump in the back while making it clear that he is running for president again in 2020. Cruz congratulated Trump on winning the nomination and said he wanted to see the partys conservative principles in the White House. The Texas Senator immediately pivoted to talk about the Dallas police shootings. Yep, Ted Cruz buried Trump and launched into a 2020 campaign speech about terrorism. But as Cruz was speaking the cameras cut away from him to show Donald Trump entering the convention hall. It became clear early on in his speech that Sen. Cruz was out to knife Donald Trump in the back. Ted Cruz rambled on about the Republican vision for the future, which was really Ted Cruzs vision for the future. Cruz eventually got around to saying that there is a better vision for the future. Cruz called it a return to freedom. He rambled on about Hillary Clinton and President Obama, but one name was missing in his speech. Cruz conspicuously avoided mentioning Donald Trumps name. Sen. Cruz went on a riff about freedom, and it was clear that his convention speech was really a stump speech. Cruz mentioned Clintons name more than Trumps in his remarks. Cruz endorsed Trumps wall without mentioning Trumps name. Cruz said that we should cast aside leaders who hate and endorse love. Ted Cruz told Republicans not to stay home, and to vote their conscience, but he didnt endorse Trump. Some in the crowd started chanting endorse Trump. Cruz responded, I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation. The Trump supporters in the crowd jeered him, and delivered more chants of endorse Trump. Cruz didnt endorse Trump, and was booed off the stage. Ted Cruz just launched his 2020 campaign by stabbing Donald Trump in the back. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Donald Trumps running mate is set to address the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night, likely hoping to define himself as the responsible adult of this years GOP ticket. His speech will essentially boil down to this: Dont worry about Trump; Ill be there to keep him in check. Sure, standing next to Trump could make the most deranged individual look level-headed, but Pence is as extreme as they come. Here are some handy quotes to keep in mind as Trumps new running mate introduces himself to the country tonight: Abortion rights: During Mike Pences 10+ years as a United States congressman, he did his best to go after womens rights. He even said, I long for the day that Roe v. Wade is sent to the ash heap of history. Women in the military: The military should be dudes-only; at least thats what Trumps running mate believes. He once said, Many young women find many young men to be attractive sexually. Put them together, in close quarters, for long periods of time, and things will get interesting Moral of the story: women in military, bad idea. Global warming: Upwards of 95 percent of scientists agree that the climate is changing and that humans are likely the cause of it hardly a mixed opinion. Pence, though, seems to disagree, once saying, I think the science is very mixed on the subject of global warming. Nope, its not. Smoking cigarettes: Time for a quick reality check, Pence once said about smoking. Despite the hysteria from the political class and the media, smoking doesnt kill. Of course, this should come as no surprise from a guy who voted against the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009. Planned Parenthood: If Planned Parenthood wants to be involved in providing counseling services and HIV testing, they ought not be in the business of providing abortions, Pence said in 2011. As long as they aspire to do that, Ill be after them. Of course, Planned Parenthood cannot legally use federal dollars to provide abortion services, and abortions only make up 3 percent of all services they provide. Still, the Indiana governor has made it his mission to destroy a health care provider that gives care to millions of Americans each year. Gay rights: Pence once said that gay couples will bring about societal collapse. He is likely most remembered for signing into law a religious liberty measure that would allow businesses to discriminate against the LGBT community. U.S. History: Republicans, from George Washington to George W. Bush just have better ideas. While we can spend an infinite amount of time debating the (in)effectiveness of Republican policies, it cannot possibly be argued that George Washington was a Republican. In fact, the nations first president warned against political parties in general. As Mike Pence introduces himself to the country on Wednesday night, its important we dont lose sight of what he really is: a right-wing extremist that has no business being Vice President of the United State. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print In a cross between a demented Family Feud episode and a convention speech, Gov. Scott Walker showed why he would never be President Of The United States. Walker was introduced, and he ran on stage with his microphone and spewed out dozens of Republican talking points including the classic liberal Washington insiders created all of our problems. Walker jumped on the usual applause line of Hillary Clinton going to prison. Gov. Walker set a really low bar by saying that any of the Republicans would be better than Clinton and that a vote for anybody but Trump will be a vote for Hillary Clinton. Scott Walker said that he talked to Trump, and what the plague upon Wisconsin tried to sell as a conversation was really Trump telling him what to say. A man who isnt fit to be Governor of Wisconsin stood onstage and told America that Hillary Clinton is unfit for the White House. Walker claimed that every place with a Republican governor is a utopia, and then lied about his record in Wisconsin. It was easy to see Walkers play. Scott Walker isnt going to burn bridges with the 2016 nominee because he is planning to run again in 2020. Scott Walker cut a 2020 campaign ad and kept living off of the recall election that he survived. Scott Walker threw his hat into the ring for 2020, but his campaign will be dead before it even starts. Scott Walker is still the same delusional college dropout who will never be president. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print *The following is an opinion column by R Muse * While most of the politically-inclined population is mesmerized and entertained by the conservative clown carnival in Cleveland, there was actually some exceptionally good news for voters in Wisconsin and Texas. Of course, the good news isnt nearly as sexy and captivating as the RNCs convention going into an important general election, but it doesnt have to be because it will certainly impact that important election. It also deals a blow to the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and the Koch Republican attempts to disenfranchise voters and further erode democracy in America. On Tuesday two separate courts blocked to separate voter suppression laws in Texas and Wisconsin and likely put a damper on Republicans who are having a rip-roaring celebration in Cleveland over the partys reality show nominee for the presidency. First, a federal judge in Milwaukee blocked an ALEC-created law that requires voters to present a photo identification card before they can participate in the democratic process this November. The U.S. District Court Judge Lynn Adelmans ruling allows any voter without a photo ID to cast a ballot so long as they sign an affidavit attesting their identity. If a voter doesnt have an official identification, they will simply list or cite a reason they were unable to obtain an official document such as a birth certificate, work schedule, disability or illness. Judge Adelman used a 44-page ruling to say there are thousands of qualified Wisconsin voters who lack a license to vote identification, and remarked it would be impossible or nearly impossible for most to obtain the official voter ID card required under the ALEC-written Wisconsin law. Adelman wrote, Although most voters in Wisconsin either possess qualifying ID or can easily obtain one, a safety net is needed for those voters who cannot obtain qualifying ID with reasonable effort. An ACLU Voting Rights Project lawyer who assisted in the lawsuit to allow democracy to work as planned, Sean Young, called the ruling a major win. This ruling is a strong rebuke of the states efforts to limit access to the ballot box. It means that a failsafe will be in place in November for voters who have had difficulty obtaining ID. As that ruling was being revealed, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued its own ruling striking down Texas voter ID law because it discriminates against minorities; the only reason Republicans passed the law in the first place. The Fifth Circuits ruling, like the one in Wisconsin, barely met a deadline imposed by the U.S. Supreme Court set (July 20) to allow a lower court to propose changes to the unconstitutional Texas voter ID law. The Judge writing for the majority opinion, Judge Catharina Haynes wrote: We conclude that the district court did not clearly err in determining that SB 14 has a discriminatory effect on minorities voting rights in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. As discussed below, we remand for a consideration of the appropriate remedy in light of the impending general election. In sum, the district courts immediate responsibility is to ensure the implementation of an interim remedy for SB 14s discriminatory effect that disrupts voter identification rules for the 2016 election season as little as possible, yet eliminates the Section 2 discriminatory effect violation. The Appellate Court completely agreed with the earlier District Court Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos that the Texas version of the Koch-ALEC law (SB 14) has a discriminatory impact on minority voter turnout, which was the purpose of the anti-democracy law in the first place; exactly like the Wisconsin version of the ALEC law it affected African American and Latino votes who typically support Democratic candidates. At least a few Americans were able to tear themselves away from the Cleveland clown show long enough to celebrate a victory for democracy, albeit only a two-state victory. U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch released a statement Wednesday morning saying she was pleased with the Fifth Circuit ruling. Ms. Lynch said, This decision affirms our position that Texass highly restrictive voter ID law abridges the right to vote on account of race or color and orders appropriate relief before yet another election passes. It is true that both courts rulings will impact the general election, at least in Wisconsin and Texas. In fact, in Wisconsin the ALEC vote suppression law affected a whopping 9 percent of the voting populace and the more stringent Texas law impacted Democratic voter turnout in the recent primary by 50 percent. There is no doubt whatsoever that both Texas and Wisconsin Republicans are proud of their anti-democracy handiwork and would be thrilled if their ALEC laws would completely ban all voters likely to vote for Democrats, something that the Fifth Circuit Court and U.S. District Court in Milwaukee delayed at least until after the November general election. Republicans are not about to stop restricting minorities from voting and although the two important rulings will put a temporary halt to vote suppression for the November election, the fight to preserve democracy is far from over; fascists and theocrats detest democracy. It is important to remember that it is the Koch brothers ALEC that pushes and writes these anti-democratic laws for Republicans to enact as legislation. Some Americans may recall that it was ALEC members that blatantly refused to sign a pledge supporting democracy a little over two years ago, and Republicans have religiously supported ALECs anti-democracy agenda since 2010. Americans havent had much to celebrate lately due to the rise of fascism, theocracy, and bigotry in conservative ranks, but on Tuesday two separate federal courts dealt a blow to those fascist theocrats and affirmed that in Wisconsin and Texas, minorities, the elderly, the disabled, and students will be able to participate in a vanishing feature once hailed as a defining trait of what it means to be American: the ability for every citizen to cast a vote. Its not exciting like watching the fascists and bigots in Cleveland, but it is damn good news for democracy in Texas and Wisconsin and that should at least be worth a mention from main stream media on the nightly news. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print A new poll shows that not even having the Republican convention in Cleveland can get Donald Trump a lead over Hillary Clinton in Ohio. According to the latest Suffolk University Poll of Ohio: As Donald Trump and the Republican delegates prepare to close out their party convention in Cleveland, a new Suffolk University poll of Ohio voters shows the race a dead heat in the Buckeye State, with Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump tied at 44 percent and 11 percent undecided. . In a four-way scenario, with Green Party nominee Jill Stein and Libertarian Gary Johnson added into the mix, Clinton edges Trump 43 percent to 39 percent in Ohio, with Johnson getting 5 percent, Stein 1 percent and 12 percent undecided. . When asked, 57 percent of Ohio voters said they dont agree with Trumps allegation that the rise of ISIS and the recent terrorist attacks in the United States and abroad are due to weak leadership from former Secretary of State Clinton and President Obama. . Fifty-five percent of Ohio voters support Clintons proposed ban on assault weapons, while 40 percent are opposed, and 4 percent undecided. The tie, while the Republican convention is going on, suggests that Trump is not going to get a big enough bounce to overtake Clinton in Ohio. The partys convention is usually one of the high points of a nominees campaign regarding polling, but Trump remains stuck at his same 42%-44%. Trumps inability to gain real momentum in the state where the convention is being held suggests that Republicans have chosen a weak nominee with little upside for growth. Trump isnt any closer to breaking the 50% threshold in Ohio than he was before the convention. The lack of support from the states governor, John Kasich isnt helping Trump. The fact that Ohio voters oppose Trumps views on Muslims and support Clintons proposed ban on assault weapons are both red flags for the GOP. Donald Trumps convention is looking like a dud, as even with Republicans gathered in Cleveland, Hillary Clinton is hanging in there in the Buckeye State. 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. A family-owned Wabasha real estate firm recently joined a national franchise. Jewson Realty, a top real estate business, announced this week it has joined the Morris Plains, N.J.-based franchise, Weichert Real Estate Affiliates. The office is now called Weichert Realtors - Jewson Properties. Jay Jewson remains the owner of the seven-agent office. Jewson was founded in 1989 by Bill Jewson, Jay's father. The elder Jewson sold the business to his son and his wife, Bree Jewson, in 2014. Making the jump to a national franchise didn't interest him at first, Jay Jewson said in the announcement of the change. "I was skeptical. I was looking for reasons not to go with Weichert. After meeting with Martin Rueter(Weichert president) and the leadership staff in New Jersey, and a few other Weichert owners, I couldn't find a single reason not to," he wrote in the release. ADVERTISEMENT Becoming an independently owned franchise office gives the Jewsons access to Weichert's business tools and marketing support as well as staff training, according to the statement. "The resources Weichert provides not only help us offer our clients the best real estate service in the region, it gives us a solid platform to grow the business and expand into new markets," stated Bree Jewson, who manages the Wabasha office. "We also plan to talk with other Weichert owners that have had success as a franchisee to learn what works best for them so we can develop a similar plan for our office." -- Jeff Kiger The Rochester area is a great place to spend the summer for the most part, but for stargazing it's too bad that we don't live a little farther south. If we did, we could really enjoy the splendor of the great summer constellation Scorpius the Scorpion. It really looks like a scorpion, not that we have many around here to compare it with, and that's a good thing. The celestial scorpion won't bite us, but from our latitude it looks like its tail and stinger are partially bit off! This time of summer, Scorpius is at its highest point in the southern sky as evening begins, but unfortunately that's not all that high. The scorpion takes a low southern track as it crawls west through the night. Much of the stinger barely makes it above the horizon. In fact, unless you have a really low, flat, treeless southern horizon, you have no chance of seeing Scorpius's stinger. If you view the constellation from someplace like a farm field or a hilltop, you'll have a much better view of the business end of the celestial scorpion. You'll know you're seeing the stinger because it's made up of two moderately bright stars close together, like cat's eyes. The brightest star in Scorpius is Antares, positioned at the heart of the scorpion. Appropriately, it has a dark red ruddy hue to it, but not because it's pumping blood to the beast's extremities. Actually it's what astronomers call a super red giant star, and that's what this behemoth star truly is. Our sun is a pipsqueak compared to Antares. The sun's diameter is less than a million miles across, but Antares spans a diameter of nearly 700 million miles! If you kicked the sun out of the center of our solar system and replaced it with Antares, the planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars would be living inside Antares. ADVERTISEMENT While it's one of the brighter stars in our night sky, it could be a lot brighter if it wasn't so far away. Taking a trip to Antares would require a journey of more than 3,500 trillion miles. Red cool Antares's reddish color is due to it being a relatively cooler star. Star colors are like the light in a fire. Red flames are relatively cooler than blue flames. Our own sun is considered a yellowish-white star with the temperature of its outer layer, called the photosphere, at a little more than 10,000 degrees. Antares is cooler, at just under 6,000 degrees. As bright and ruddy as Antares is, there's a much brighter red "star" in Scorpius's backyard. Mars was at its closest approach to Earth last May when it was just under 47 million miles away. It's still fairly close, at 63 million miles, as Earth and Mars gradually drift farther away from each other in their respective orbits around the sun. As you can see in the diagrams, it looks like the celestial scorpion is chasing Mars, and over the next several weeks, it will overtake the red planet. Actually what's happening is that Mars is moving east among the background of stars because of its orbit. In early August, Scorpius appears to "eat" Mars. When that happens, Mars and Antares will draw closer and closer to each other. The name Antares is Greek and translates to English as "rival of Mars." You'll be able to see why. Saturnalia Scorpius is also playing host this summer to my favorite planet to view through a telescope, magnificent Saturn. I never get tired of viewing this planet with its ring system and tiny little moons. What I love even more is introducing Saturn to folks at my star parties and classes through the telescope. I never get sick of hearing all the oohs and ahhs! Saturn appears to be riding on the back of the Scorpion, and because of its much slower orbital speed, it won't move all that much within the constellation. So the bottom line is that Saturn, Mars, and Antares will be in a really tight celestial hug in mid-to-late August. It's too bad that this will occur so close to the horizon, but it will still be eye-catching. ADVERTISEMENT If you happen to be taking a summer vacation anywhere in the southern half of the U.S. in August, definitely keep this great constellation and celestial hugging in mind, as the show will be easier to see higher in the sky! PRESTON A Rushford man who was charged in March with domestic assault and disorderly conduct has been charged again after he allegedly threatened several people with a knife. Ibraheem Farah Hamza Khalifa, 30, made his initial appearance Wednesday in Fillmore County District Court, where he faces one count each of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and terroristic threats, both felonies, and one count of misdemeanor domestic assault. He remains in custody in lieu of $20,000 conditional bail and is due back in court Aug. 1. The latest case began Saturday, when a woman went to the Rushford Police Department and reported Khalifa made a throat-cutting gesture at her and her daughter, and displayed a knife. She was talking to Khalifa on the phone while there, the complaint says, and said Khalifa told her he would kill her and himself, and everyone in the house. The woman was afraid to go home, court documents say, because Khalifa was there. According to the report, she told the officer she'd "end up dead if (Khalifa) came back." ADVERTISEMENT Two other adults who were present at the time of the alleged threats reported the same words and actions. As the woman gave her statement, Khalifa reportedly sent her a video of him cutting himself with a knife. Law enforcement officers responded to the woman's home, where one of them saw Khalifa in the back yard. The officer, who was Khalifa's neighbor, called out to him; Khalifa recognized the officer and called him by name. Khalifa cooperated with the officer's commands, was handcuffed and taken into custody. The reports indicate officers smelled alcohol; Khalifa's preliminary breath test indicated a reading of .12. A wound to the inside of his elbow was treated at the scene, and Khalifa was taken to a Rochester hospital. En route, he allegedly told an officer he should be able to kill himself if he wants to, and also praised the man who shot and killed the Dallas police officers. Khalifa was sentenced in May to 30 days in jail, stayed for a year, after pleading guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct. In exchange for the plea, the domestic assault charge was dismissed. RED WING The case of the driver racing across wet cement is beginning to solidify. Goodhue County Sheriff Scott McNurlin said reports are starting to come into the sheriff's office of a car taken to a mechanic with damage consistent with driving through wet cement. On July 1, a white Ford Focus drove through a construction zone on Goodhue County Road 6, damaging recently poured concrete. The car and its driver caused extensive damage to the resurfacing project along the road that heads north of Zumbrota toward Minnesota Highway 19, just southwest of Red Wing, according to the Goodhue County Sheriff's Office. "What we've heard, but we haven't verified, is a vehicle brought into an auto body shop with cement," McNurlin said. "We're trying to find out if there's any truth in that. We're trying to get out there to our southeast Minnesota region to any body shop, if there's a car that was brought in with that kind of problem." The rumor, he said, indicated the car was having brake problems because of the cement that was thrown up under the car. If anyone, particularly any auto body shops or mechanics, know of such a vehicle, McNurlin asked them to please call the Goodhue County Sheriff's Office at 651-385-3155. ADVERTISEMENT MANTORVILLE The man accused of ramming two law enforcement vehicles in an attempt to avoid arrest injuring an officer in the process has been sent to prison. Larry Robert Wenthold, 37, who listed a South Dakota address, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Dodge County District Court to second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and was immediately sentenced to 52 months in prison. In exchange for the plea, additional counts of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle and being a fugitive from justice from another state, were dismissed. All are felonies. Wenthold was arrested April 27 in Hayfield, where officers with multiple law enforcement agencies had met to take Wenthold into custody on an outstanding warrant out of South Dakota. He was wanted for failing to register as a sex offender, but has a long history of violent crime, said Olmsted County Sheriff's Capt. Scott Behrns. ADVERTISEMENT In addition to a history of assault and weapons possession, Wenthold had recently made threats against law enforcement claiming he "wouldn't be arrested without a fight," said Dodge County Sheriff Scott Rose. The incident began about 3:50 p.m., as members of law enforcement watched what they believed to be Wenthold's car parked in the parking lot of a Hayfield bank. An officer in an unmarked squad car was parked in the same lot when he saw a man walking toward the vehicle. The officer pulled closer to identify the man, the complaint says; when the officer pulled behind the car, it began to back up. The officer honked his horn, and the car pulled back into the parking space. Another officer pulled his squad car in front of the suspect vehicle to block it in. Instead, the driver later identified as Wenthold backed into the passenger side of the unmarked squad, pulled forward and rammed the squad parked in front of him, then reversed and rammed the unmarked squad a second time. That officer got out of his vehicle and drew his gun; as he did, he heard tires squealing and someone yelling, "stop, police, stop." As the officer turned, he saw Wenthold's car backing toward an Olmsted County investigator who was not in his vehicle and trying to dodge Wenthold. The officer outside his car then heard "what he thought was a firearm" discharging, court documents say, and saw the investigator on the ground. It appeared he'd had been struck by Wenthold's car. Wenthold left the bank parking lot and slammed into the apartment building across the street, ending up halfway through the building before coming to a stop. ADVERTISEMENT Wenthold ran from the car and jumped a fence where a U.S. Marshal was standing with his weapon drawn and made the arrest at gunpoint. The investigator suffered minor injuries; he was taken to a Rochester hospital, where he was treated and released. Dodge County Emergency Management assisted the displaced residents of the apartment building, which sustained significant structural damage. None of the residents was injured. Wednesday's sentencing included a restitution order in the amount of $5,254.42. A Stewartville man was sentenced Monday to 90 days in jail, stayed for a year, and ordered to complete a program for men who use prostituted women after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor prostitution charge. Gilbert Edward Gage, 54, was also placed on probation for a year and fined $1,085. Gage was charged in February in Olmsted County District Court following an undercover operation targeting sex trafficking in Rochester. On Jan. 13, an officer posted an advertisement in an online website that contains a section for adult services. Members of the street crimes unit often monitor the site and place false ads to target people involved in prostitution, or respond to ads placed by others. Gage called the phone number that accompanied the ad, the criminal complaint says, and asked what the prices were. He agreed to the price quoted and other terms, and arranged to meet the "escort" at a Rochester motel. ADVERTISEMENT He was arrested after knocking on the door at the motel; Gage was carrying the agreed-upon amount of cash, court documents say. WINONA A former Winona County detention deputy accused of stealing nude and nearly nude photos from jail detainees' phones then using them to blackmail the women pictured made his initial appearance Wednesday in Winona County District Court. Ryan Philip Brown, 31, was charged in May with three counts of stalking and two counts of misconduct of a public officer, all gross misdemeanors, as well as two counts of misdemeanor theft of computer data. He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court Sept. 21. The investigation began Dec. 2, when a man who had been detained at the Winona jail the night before contacted law enforcement. The man's cell phone was turned over to jail staff specifically, Brown until he was able to post bond a couple of hours later. ADVERTISEMENT During the early morning hours of Dec. 2, the man's girlfriend began receiving Facebook messages from someone identified as "Roger Beckman." In the messages, Beckman told the victim he had naked picture and videos of her, and demanded more. He told the woman if he didn't get more photos, he'd release the videos to her friends and to a revenge-porn website. The former detainee checked his phone and found the last message sent from his Facebook Messenger app was sent to Roger Beckman, and had the photos and videos of his girlfriend attached. The messages had been sent at 8:50 p.m. and 9:02 p.m. the night before, while the man was at the jail. The only Internet access in the jail is password protected and not available for use by the general public, the complaint against Brown says. Video of the jail booking area from early Dec. 2 shows Brown using an electronic tablet within two minutes of the time the messages were sent to the woman, court documents say. After initially denying any involvement, Brown allegedly admitted he'd taken the photos using the Roger Beckman account, and said he'd never done anything like that before. The next day, the investigator on the Brown case learned from a Goodview police officer that she'd also received a complaint about Roger Beckman, who was reportedly sending harassing messages to a Goodview woman. The messages were similar in content to the first victim's, and included photos of the woman in her underwear. The second victim blocked Beckman after the first message, but he'd apparently created a second account with the same name. The first profile claimed a California address; the second said he was in Lewiston. ADVERTISEMENT The woman's boyfriend messaged Beckman; he allegedly responded that if the boyfriend didn't want others to see the photos, the woman should message him back. Once again, the boyfriend had been in the Winona County Jail for about an hour before the woman received the first message from Beckman. Another deputy had booked him in, but Brown was working that night. Brown reportedly admitted taking those photos from the boyfriend's phone at the jail, and said he'd made up the name Roger Beckman. A forensic examination of Brown's electronic tablet revealed photos of the couple he'd messaged in December, and that the user of the tablet had visited the Facebook Messenger pages of them both. The day the story broke in the media, a third woman contacted law enforcement to report that she, too, had received messages from Roger Beckman, attaching nude photos of her and threatening to post them online unless she sent more. She hadn't opened the messages when she received them in January 2014, but did so after reading the newspaper story. The woman acknowledged sending the photos to more than one person, but that she hadn't sent them to anyone named Roger Beckman. Brown is no longer employed by the Winona County Sheriff's Office. AUSTIN An Austin woman made her first appearance Thursday in Mower County District Court, where she's been accused of stealing more than $4,000 from a relative. Shelley Lynn Hernandez, 31, faces one count of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, a felony. Her next court date has been set for Feb. 4. The investigation began in August, when a woman told police she believed Hernandez was swindling another woman. Hernandez had taken financial advantage of the victim before, the criminal complaint says. Hernandez told a detective she was "really behind on bills" and spent the woman's money on her own car payments, her own cellphone and food for her own family, court documents say. She allegedly admitted she knew of the victim's cognitive disabilities and knew what she was doing was wrong. The reports say Hernandez once used the victim's income tax refund to take a trip to Mexico. ADVERTISEMENT The woman told investigators she felt pressured and guilty if she refused Hernandez's requests for money, the complaint says, but didn't feel threatened by her. Bank records indicate Hernandez took $4,453.47 from the victim since March 2014. Two convicted of distributing misbranded medical devices LAKE ELMO Two former executives of a California-based medical device company have been convicted in a Massachusetts court of distributing adulterated and misbranded medical devices. U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz said Wednesday that 47-year-old William Facteau, of Altherton, Calif., and 49-year-old Patrick Fabian, of Lake Elmo, Minn., were convicted by a jury after a six-week trial of 10 counts of introducing adulterated and misbranded medical devices into interstate commerce. Facteau was the chief executive officer and Fabian the vice president of sales at Acclarent, Inc., based in Menlo Park. Prosecutors say the men launched the use of a medical device known as the Stratus as a steroid delivery device although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had not approved this use. ADVERTISEMENT The jury acquitted Facteau and Fabian on 14 felony counts of fraud. Associated Press Police arrest 2nd man in boy's shooting death MINNEAPOLIS Minneapolis police have arrested a second man in the drive-by shooting death of a 2-year-old boy earlier this month. Police say the 31-year-old man was booked into Hennepin County Jail on Wednesday. The man has not been charged. Le-Vonte King Jason Jones was shot in the chest while he sat in his father's van on July 8. His father, 25-year-old Melvonte Peterson of Brooklyn Center, was jailed Friday the day of his son's funeral on charges of illegally having a firearm and drive-by shooting. Authorities say Peterson returned fire at a black Chevrolet Impala after its driver pulled next to Peterson's van in north Minneapolis and fired shots. The driver of the Impala fired the two initial shots, killing Le-Vonte and grazing his 15-month-old sister in the leg. Associated Press Man charged in alleged Bakken RV park fraud ADVERTISEMENT MINNEAPOLIS Federal prosecutors allege a Minnesota man stole more than $2 million from investors hoping to make money off North Dakota's oil boom. Fifty-year-old Ronald David Johnson of Corcoran is charged with five counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. According to court documents, Johnson came up with an investment idea to house oil workers in the Bakken in North Dakota and Montana. The idea would allow oil workers to park their recreational vehicles in warehouses and share laundry and vending machines. The indictment alleges Johnson fraudulently solicited $2.1 million from four investors. Instead of using the money for RV parks, Johnson allegedly used more than $1.8 million to fund his cattle farm, take vacations and purchase a 17-acre island. Defense attorney James Becker had no comment Wednesday. Associated Press KASSON The removal of a Kasson park shelter without city council approval has created a rift among council members and drawn the attention of the state auditor. City Administrator Theresa Coleman said that the Minnesota State Auditor's Office asked about the park shelter on June 10 after receiving a report from citizens. The state also notified Coleman that she was obligated to report any misuse of city property. "The call I got from the auditor's office was just to find out what the situation was," Coleman said, "and at the time, I just referred her to the June 8 meeting." M inutes from the June 8 meeting showed that Council Member Dan Eggler questioned why the park shelter was declared surplus and why it didn't go through proper state procedures for surplus items. Was protocol followed? ADVERTISEMENT The structure was removed by a private resident with permission from Mayor Steve Johnson. Council Member Coy Borgstrom defended the decision and said that the removal helped save Kasson approximately $1,000 in demolition costs. Eggler emphasized that he wasn't opposed to saving the taxpayers money, but he wanted to make sure that decisions were made by the entire council, and that proper protocol was being followed by city officials. "We need to make decisions based on a whole," he said. "We approved to dispose of it, and later, it was given away without council approval." The park shelter was returned and now sits at the Public Works Department's facilities. There is no timeline for when the structure will be demolished. Coleman said that since the shelter was already approved to be destroyed, the item doesn't need to be voted on again. The legality of allowing a private citizen to take the park shelter as opposed to offering it for sale by public auction or bid was answered in a letter from the city attorney. "Since the park shelter roof was deemed to be scrap," the letter reads, "it was therefore not subject to the statutory requirement of Minnesota Statute that the sale of city property be done by public auction or bid." Council Member Doug Buck said that he believed that Eggler was perpetuating the situation and alleged that Eggler submitted the report to the state auditor's office. However, Eggler denied sending any report to the state auditor's office. ADVERTISEMENT "I did not send an inquiry to the state auditor's office," he said. "Three or more constituents asked me if there was a form to fill out, and I said, 'Sure, the state auditor's office.' No, I did not personally send one." Accusations fly On July 5, the Post-Bulletin was forwarded an email that Buck apparently sent to Eggler regarding his criticisms of Johnson and Borgstrom during the June 8 meeting. "This latest fiasco you personally created just shows another example of what you bring to the table for the city," the email reads. "You're (sic) 'fabrication from deemed scrap to surplus.' All of this because of your personal feelings against the three newest members of office." The email demanded that Eggler apologize to Johnson and Borgstrom. "You owe an apology to Mayor Johnson for the latest horrible attack on him, your attack on Councilman Borgstrom from our council meeting (on) June 8 and to our constituents for the false information you babbled on with," the email reads. Buck confirmed that he sent the email to Eggler, and that he stood by what he wrote. "There is no story," he said. "It's an open-shut case. (Eggler) put out a bunch of false statements." ADVERTISEMENT When asked about the email, Eggler said he hadn't responded to it because he was unsure how to react to Buck's statements. "I don't see how I owe an apology for wanting to follow the proper procedure in our city by doing my job that I was elected for as an official," he said. "I'm all about saving money, but we as a council have to follow the procedures. Otherwise it looks to the public that we do what we want, when we want. That's not how government should be." The city of Rochester is looking for volunteers to help plant and care for trees. The city has received a grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to plant more trees, but help is needed to water, prune and monitor their health. In this two-year project, the community will have set planting events. Volunteers will be needed during the day to help plant, mulch and water the trees. In addition, citizens can become tree stewards. Tree stewards are responsible for maintaining the newly planted trees and ensuring their future survival. As a tree steward, you will learn how to prune, plant and monitor the health of newly planted trees. Tree steward training is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Quarry Hill Nature Center and from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 29 at a location to be determined. Other upcoming events include pruning training from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 29, and a tree planting event on Oct.15. Locations on both events are yet to be announced. ADVERTISEMENT To register for an event, visit the Minnesota Tree Source's website at www.mntreesource.com/rochester-mn.html. Three weeks ago, Jane Peterson and hundreds of her food service colleagues at Mayo Clinic sat down for a mandatory meeting that left their heads spinning. The Stewartville resident says there has been no additional communication from Mayo since that day, leaving more questions than answers. "Basically, they said we were good workers and they valued us, but they were subcontracting us out, and we would no longer be Mayo employees," Peterson said. "All of us, we felt betrayed. It's people who have worked for Mayo for 10, 15, 40 years. It was a state of shock. It still is." On June 30, Mayo announced tentative plans to switch its food service vendor from Sodexo to Morrison. The announcement prompted an immediate backlash from the union because the plan also involves migrating food service employees off of Mayo's payroll and benefits package, while subcontracting them out through Morrison. The union representing the impacted workers, SEIU, called the move unprecedented in Minnesota health care. SEIU expressed "outrage" and has vowed to fight it "every step of the way." "(Our current employees) have more than 5,000 years of service to patients and Mayo, and people are very upset that their dedication is being repaid in this fashion so Mayo can make more money," SEIU said Tuesday. ADVERTISEMENT SEIU previously characterized Mayo's decision to move from a management company to subcontracting out its food service department as a "race to the bottom" at the same time it's receiving tens of millions in public funding for Destination Medical Center. Mayo rejects that criticism. "Mayo Clinic is a non-profit that reinvests in our mission of patient care, education and research," Mayo Clinic said in a statement this morning through spokeswoman Kelley Luckstein. "No DMC public funds go to Mayo Clinic. The DMC website outlines where the public investments are being used." About 600 employees across Minnesota will be affected by Mayo's transition plans over the next 12-18 months, including roughly 350 in Rochester and others in Austin, Albert Lea, Mankato and Fairmont, according to SEIU. Mayo says they will all be offered jobs with Morrison at the same salary through a phased transition over the next 12 to 18 months. Additionally, Mayo says new information will be shared with staff through updated FAQ and meetings. Peterson, who is in her eighth year as an overnight cook, said some coworkers have already taken different jobs due to the lingering uncertainly that "makes us feely empty." Others have opted for a different track. SEIU says that nearly all of the affected food service employees have signed a petition asking Mayo to reconsider the change. Hundreds of additional Mayo employees have also signed a second petition in support of the food service department, according to SEIU. The union has also paid for two full-page ads in recent Post-Bulletin editions. The ads accuse Mayo of "prioritizing profits over employees and their families." SEIU is asking community members to sign a public petition backing their cause. ADVERTISEMENT "When you work for such a big company, I felt secure and part of the family," said Peterson, who signed the petition. "Not knowing if I'm going to see them again, it hurts." Additionally, SEIU says it demanded a meeting with Mayo to collective bargain for the food service employees. While the union is likely to remain in place after the migration, the SEIU says many issues remain up in the air such as parking privileges, access to the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center and what happens to employees currently out on medical leaves of absence, among other things. "Mayo has communicated with and is ready to meet with all applicable unions in hopes of reaching agreements acceptable to all parties," Luckstein wrote as Mayo's response. "Some of those meetings have already begun. RED WING Goodhue County Sheriff Scott McNurlin said two county deputies have been put on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into alleged misconduct. "We did receive a complaint of alleged misconduct," McNurlin said. The case is being investigated by the Rice County Sheriff's Office. Because of the ongoing investigation, McNurlin said he could not comment on the nature of the case. All employees of the sheriff's office are deputized, McNurlin said, indicating the employees could be from any branch of the department, not just patrol deputies. RED WING Darrell Johnson said his rights are being violated, and he is ready to take the Red Wing Housing and Redevelopment Authority to court to prove it. At the June 14 meeting of the HRA, Johnson stepped up during the public comments section of the proceedings and outlined a litany of violations against the HRA and the staff at Jordan Towers, where he lives. Johnson's complaints range from accounting practices at the apartment complex to privacy violations of tenants. To remedy the situation, Johnson said he has prepared a class-action lawsuit agains the HRA on behalf of the residents of Jordan Towers. That lawsuit has yet to be filed in district court. Johnson said a deposit made to the building management has simply disappeared from the record, making that deposit seem more like a fine. He also said he has been unable to get written records for paid cable service. "I've been trying to get proper records for the cable service without any success for three years," he said. He made similar complaints last year, adding that the HRA was violating the consumer bill of rights. "Nothing has been done by the HRA since then to remedy the situation." ADVERTISEMENT Those records, though, are readily available, said HRA Executive Director Randal Hemmerlin. "Anyone who wants a receipt can come in and get one," he said. The HRA offers a limited cable and internet package through a dish system at $25 a month for each service. However, residents can also purchase those services through other providers such as Charter or Qwest at their own cost. "We're not forcing anyone in our towers to get our service." Hemmerlin said due to privacy restrictions, it can be difficult to talk about specific charges made against the HRA, but some of the charges made by Johnson at the HRA meeting have are actually processes the HRA follows for health and safety reasons. A good example, he said, is Johnson's claim that a representative of building management entered an apartment and told a resident she had too much food in her refrigerator. Sometimes tenants overstock their refrigerators to the point the door won't close, making the appliance run nonstop. "We do do housekeeping inspections," he said. "That's a normal process." Often, residents come from homes of 1,500 square feet or larger, then try to fit their old lives into an apartment of less than 600 square feet. "Some tenants start to liquidate to live comfortably," he said. "Some tenants have trouble with some of their housekeeping issues. Pretty soon you end up with a lot of clutter a lot of unsafe living conditions." Helping tenants transition to apartment living and perhaps living alone for the first time is part of what the HRA does for residents. ADVERTISEMENT "We take more of an approach of how we can make that tenant successful," he said. "We work with them and social services." That hasn't stopped Johnson for asking for the removal of the current management at Jordan Towers. "We're forced to live in a culture of fear and intimidation when we're asked to report on our neighbors," he said. City Council Member Lisa Bayley, who is the council liaison to the HRA, said the city council has confidence that the HRA board and directors are properly following up with staff at Jordan Towers. "As it's HRA and city-owned property, we're going to take allegations of misconduct seriously," she said. "I have confidence they are doing that." Hemmerlin said the HRA is monitoring activity at Jordan Towers to make sure no one's rights are violated. According to U.S. Housing and Urban Development rules, a landlord must give 48-hour notice before entering a tenant's dwelling. However, if there is a reasonable cause, the landlord can enter right away. One reason for entry is the building's non-smoking policy. "There are 210 to 220 people living at Jordan Towers," he said. "If one person is smoking, there are about 10 people who know about it. We don't encourage them to snitch." ADVERTISEMENT Building management gives warnings to violators before any discussion of eviction for rules violations. "They know all these rules," he said. "But there are people who test us." MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) Erik Runquist saw it for a moment, then it was gone. Walking a tract of Nature Conservancy-owned prairie outside Moorhead, Runquist caught a glimpse of a Dakota skipper, a thumbnail-sized, orange and brown butterfly, Minnesota Public Radio News (http://bit.ly/2ajjPkm ) reported. It perched atop a coneflower before disappearing into the prairie grass. "Skippers are evasive. You may get only a few seconds to be able to find it before it zips off the coneflower, especially if it's a windy day," said Runquist, the Minnesota Zoo's butterfly conservation biologist. "Once they get in flight, it's almost impossible to find them again." Fifteen years ago or so, it wasn't so hard to spot a Dakota skipper in Minnesota. But something's changed. Butterflies that once numbered in the millions have virtually disappeared from Upper Midwest prairies. Another once-abundant butterfly, the Poweshiek skipperling, has also vanished in that time. There hasn't been a sighting here since 2008. It's on the federal endangered species list. ADVERTISEMENT Runquist and other scientists aren't sure what's happening, but they worry the butterflies' disappearance is an ecological warning shot, a sign of a larger environmental problem on the prairie. "Butterflies are tremendously sensitive to small changes in environmental conditions," he said. "They've alerted our attention that, yeah, there are probably some pretty significant problems on our prairies that we weren't necessarily tuned to." Prairie butterfly populations naturally declined as Minnesota prairies were turned to farmland over the past century, but their dramatic decline in the past 20 years has scientists puzzled. "We don't have a cadaver to do post-mortem on," said Robert Dana, a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources entomologist who searches for Poweshiek skipperlings and Dakota skippers at sites across the state every year. Prairie butterflies began to disappear rapidly in the early 2000s, despite efforts to preserve and restore prairies, he said. "It's very disconcerting to discover that after saving so many prairies, we are not yet on secure ground with the insects." It doesn't help that Poweshiek skipperlings and Dakota skippers spend their lives in an area the size of a Walmart parking lot bad weather at the wrong time in a the butterfly life cycle can wreak havoc on local populations. Dana, though, says there's a long list of potential reasons the butterflies are in trouble. Fragmented prairie habitat, invasive predators like the multicolored Asian lady beetle, climate change, and pesticides are a few of the possibilities. ADVERTISEMENT Scientists are monitoring several prairie locations for pesticide contamination. They are also trying to get a better idea what prairie habitat gives the butterflies the best chance of survival. Runquist has a federal permit to capture female butterflies. He keeps them in paper cups lined with grass for a couple of days while they lay eggs. He then returns them to the prairie. Harvesting the eggs is part of an ambitious plan to save these once abundant species. "No other organization or agency in the world is rearing and breeding Dakota skippers or Poweshiek skipperlings," said Runquist. The Minnesota Zoo now has about 300 Dakota skippers bred in captivity. Runquist hopes that number will double by next year. The plan is to release some butterflies into the wild next summer to boost breeding populations. The zoo plans to do the same with the endangered Poweshiek skipperling, although there's no guarantee of success. In the wild, only about 3 percent of butterfly eggs survive to adulthood. The zoo has raised the survival rate to nearly 30 percent. But if something on the prairie is killing the butterflies, the captive bred butterflies might not survive. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last year designated about 19,900 acres of critical habitat in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota for the threatened Dakota skipper, and about 25,900 acres in Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin for the endangered Poweshiek skipperling. The prairie problems, however, might be bigger than two butterflies. ADVERTISEMENT The DNR is now monitoring 13 prairie insect species, and it appears nearly all are in decline, as are many bird species that feed on them, Dana said. "If we are indeed depopulating these prairies of their insect fauna, that's going to have consequences for the grassland birds that use these habitats," he said. "It is a big deal."